Category: Re-Mortgage
What to do if your property has asbestos
Many properties have asbestos present, in places such as walls, insulation, piping and garage roofs. It is no longer legal to use asbestos when constructing property and it cannot generally be removed by anyone without a licence. If you have asbestos at your property or you wish to buy a property where asbestos is present,...
A guide to radon for homebuyers
Homebuyers need to be aware of radon and the potential effects it could have, both in respect of health and in the investment you are making in your new property. Radon is a radioactive gas that is colourless, odourless and widespread across the country. It occurs because of the radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium...
More property information to be disclosed upfront in sales listings
A project implemented by the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team requires more material information to be provided when a property is listed for sale or rent. National Trading Standards wants the provision of material information to be compulsory when an agent enters details on a property portal or otherwise provides them to...
Flat ownership and the right to manage
If you own a flat, the freehold may be owned by the landlord. This means that the landlord will generally be responsible for carrying out tasks such as arranging for the common areas and the fabric of the property to be kept in good condition, arranging buildings insurance and organising contractors to carry out works....
Protecting ownership of your property from fraudsters
Property fraud continues to cause problems for homeowners, with scammers registering homes into their own names before selling them on. Once a property has been sold, the buyer generally obtains good legal title, leaving the original homeowner to make a legal claim for compensation. In a recent case, a vicar working away from home came...
Changes to EPC rules could be expensive for landlords
Energy Performance Certificates, or EPCs, give an energy performance rating for properties, with the most energy efficient properties being awarded an A rating while the least efficient are rated as a G. Current legislation requires landlords to achieve a minimum of an E rating in order to legally rent out a property. A new government...
Should you extend your home or move house?
As your needs change over time, you may find you wish you had more space or a different type of space at home. We take a look at whether it might work best to extend your existing accommodation or whether moving house would be a better option. If you have started working from home or...
Tax tips and information for landlords
Making a profit from being a landlord needs careful management. The income received from renting out property UK property will be subject to tax, meaning landlords will need to complete a self-assessment tax return. As well as income tax on the rental profits, landlords will also be required to pay capital gains tax on any...
Tips for first-time buyers who will be applying for a mortgage
Applying for a mortgage as a first-time buyer can be daunting, particularly when coupled with a fast-moving property market. We take a look at how to successfully deal with the mortgage aspect of taking on your first home. It is always recommended that you start looking at mortgage options before you find somewhere to buy....
