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 […]
Category archives: Mortgages & General Property News
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 […]
Boost the value of your home
Homeowners have benefited from double-digit house price growth in the last few months and many people are looking to boost the value of their home even further. Whether you’re planning extensive renovations or finishing touches, it’s important to understand which projects will add the most value. Aim high Loft conversions can add valuable space to […]
Mortgage process a mystery to many young adults
It is not only prohibitive house prices and stringent affordability criteria that are making it hard for young people to get on the property ladder. A new survey has revealed that the mortgage process is poorly understood by more than half of all young adults. In the survey1, 52% of 18 to 34-year-olds rated their […]
Humble mortgage overpayments add up
A boost in UK savings as a result of reduced expenditure on travel and leisure during lockdown could be the key to cutting thousands in interest and months from the terms of mortgages, according to research1. With Bank of England figures suggesting Brits saved an extra £200bn during lockdown, overpaying on your mortgage could prove […]
Home Finance – In the news
Rising interest in equity release More than half of homeowners are interested in releasing equity from their property in later life1, with the majority aiming to boost pension income and savings or pay for care. The amount of equity available for release in British homes has also reached a record high of £730bn2, with the […]