Category: Purchase
Why do I need a drainage and water report?
For house and flat buyers, a drainage and water report is always recommended and it is also usually a requirement of the mortgage lender. We take a look at the information it provides. If you are buying a property, you will be advised to have a range of searches carried out, checking on a large...
Property market improves for buyers as sellers forced to cut £14,000 from prices
Following a period of high prices, the property market has cooled, leaving those wishing to sell having to cut their asking prices by an average of £14,100 to secure an offer, according to online property portal Zoopla. Zoopla’s House Price Index, released on 28 February 2023, found that house price inflation had dropped from 8.5%...
The effect of holiday letting on the property market
Short-term lets, such as those offered by Airbnb and other holiday lettings agencies, are increasingly affecting the property market, in particular in coastal and other popular tourist areas. Airbnb gives property owners the opportunity to let out their home or rental property to holiday makers and those looking for somewhere to stay in a city....
Research reveals which street names are most popular with buyers
New research into street names has found which type of road name is most popular with buyers and which streets are the priciest. Lucky homeowners living in a street ending with ‘Hill’ or ‘Garden’ have the highest average home prices, according to a study by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk. The research looked at trends...
What to check during a second property viewing
Your first viewing of a property will give you a general impression of the condition of the home, its location and the layout and size of the rooms and garden. At a second viewing, it is time to take an in-depth look to make sure there are no nasty surprises later on. After your first...
Tips for being successful with buy-to-let
If you are considering purchasing a property to rent to tenants, you need to take steps to ensure your investment gives you the return you need. We take a look at some tips to help you succeed. Buy-to-let is less popular than it has been in the past due to higher mortgage rates and a...
What you need to know before buying a listed building
Listed buildings are often very attractive and buying one can be tempting. But the rules surrounding what you can and can’t do are strict and you need to go into a purchase with your eyes open. We take a look at what listed building ownership entails. A listed building is included on the list of...
Buying your freehold
If you own a leasehold flat, together with the other homeowners in the building, you might be able to buy it. The difference between a freehold and a leasehold property When you buy a freehold home, you purchase the property, and the land it is built on outright. However, with a leasehold property, you have...
Energy-efficient homes hold their value better
Research carried out by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has found that despite a fall in the average UK house price towards the end of 2022, homes with energy efficiency measures appear to be keeping their value. RICS questioned a range of surveyors and estate agents to compile the report, finding that 61%...
