In today’s market, getting a foot on the housing ladder is no easy task, but new research highlights just how rewarding home ownership can be. Research from the Equity Release Council (ERC)1 has found that someone buying a house today could save £326,214 in the next 30 years compared with people who rent throughout the […]
Category archives: Mortgages & General Property News
The top beauty spots for UK buyers
New research1 has revealed the UK’s top ten most sought-after beauty spots from the 46 areas of outstanding natural beauty across England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 40 national scenic areas across Scotland. Country living The Cotswolds leads the way, with houses in this area notching up over 8.5 million views on Zoopla in 2021. […]
The fine print of home insurance T&Cs
Few people enjoy reading the fine details of insurance terms and conditions. However, failing to do so can leave you with insufficient cover or, in the worst cases, the wrong type altogether. Cost, time or font? A fifth of UK adults admit to not checking the T&Cs before taking out insurance. The explanations are varied: […]
Have you been ‘catfished’ by a property?
Not all prospective homebuyers will be familiar with ‘catfishing’ – a term from the online dating world to describe a person who presents themselves differently online to how they are in person. But a lot of them have suffered the catfishing experience at property viewings. New word, familiar trend A recent survey1 of homebuyers suggested […]
How to minimise your risk of property chain collapse
Picture the scene: you’ve found your dream home, you’re almost ready to exchange contracts, and then you get the call… your buyer has pulled out. Domino effect Such unexpected events in the property chain can leave your own purchase in jeopardy. Many property transactions are interlinked in this way, with the decision of one buyer […]
Home Finance – In the news
FTBs go mad for BoMaD Half of all first-time buyer (FTB) transactions in 2021 involved support from the Bank of Mum & Dad (BoMaD)1, with £9.8bn of BoMaD loans helping 169,000 FTBs onto the housing ladder. Analysts suggest the trend towards higher parental contributions could be here to stay given that Help to Buy is set to be […]
What trends will dominate the housing market in 2022?
Last year house prices rose to new heights and the sales market was at its most active since 2007. Last year’s property boom was fuelled by a desire for more space, a mismatch in supply and demand, and the temporary Stamp Duty holiday. Looking ahead, what trends will dominate the housing market in 2022? Strong […]
Money for new homes in the Autumn Budget
The Autumn Budget included fresh spending pledges on housing from the Chancellor, with £1.8bn set aside to assist housing supply via land regeneration. Community focus The additional funds are aimed at delivering 160,000 new homes and will be divided into two parts: £300m for councils and combined authorities to help them unlock smaller brownfield sites […]
Annex army on the march
The words ‘Granny’ and ‘annex’ may go together like salt and pepper but converting existing outbuildings into residential space is no longer the preserve of those needing to home elderly parents. Lockdown syndrome The events of the past 18 months may have given annexes a new lease of life. Councils received approximately 9,000 planning applications […]
Switch from SVRs for better rates
Navigating the labyrinth of financial acronyms can leave even the savviest money managers with a headache. But if you are a mortgage holder, it might be time to become familiar with one important abbreviation: SVR or Standard Variable Rate. Ups and downs There’s a good chance you’ll be switched to an SVR when your existing […]