Tag: house buying advice
Energy minister confirms landlords must meet new EPC minimum rating
The new Under Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, Miatta Fahnbulleh, has confirmed that the government intends to bring in a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C for landlords. Labour promised in their election manifesto that all privately rented properties will be required to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard by 2030...
Understanding Squatters’ Rights
A squatter may sometimes be able to claim ownership of property if certain conditions are met. Also referred to as adverse possession, squatting does not need to be occupation of a whole house, it could be of a small area of land, such as a parking area or part of a garden. If you are...
What to look out for when buying a coastal home
For many people, buying a coastal home and living by the sea would be a dream come true. But it pays to be aware of the implications of coast living and understand one or two potential drawbacks. We look at some of the points to take into consideration before taking the plunge. A seaside home...
Buying a repossessed property from a lender or receiver
As figures reveal a rise in repossessions in 2024, we look at the option of buying a repossessed property from a lender or a receiver. It is often the case that a repossessed property is cheaper than buying from owners. Lenders will be keen to realise their asset, pay off the mortgage and return the...
Two-thirds of first-time buyers are purchasing a property jointly
According to mortgage lender Halifax, nearly two-thirds of first-time buyers in 2023 did not buy their property in their sole name. The lender found that 63% of first-time buyer mortgage completions were in joint names. The average deposit put down was £53,414, which accounts for 19% of the purchase price. During a challenging financial year,...
Guide to buying a property as tenants in common
If you are buying a property jointly with someone else, you can either own it as joint tenants or as tenants in common. We look at why buying a property as tenants in common might be the right option and what you need to take into account when making your decision. When you buy a...
One-third of those moving house are downsizing
A new study has found that one-third of those selling up and moving to a new home are downsizing. For the majority, the reason behind the move is an empty nest. Park home buying company Quickmove Properties surveyed nearly 7,000 UK home sellers who had sold within the previous year, asking them whether the size...
Is Your Home Ready for a New Year Sale? The Complete Guide
As the new year unfolds, it’s a prime opportunity for homeowners to consider embarking on a journey of selling their properties and ushering in a fresh chapter in their lives. If you’re contemplating putting your house on the market, now is the perfect time to start preparing. A well-prepared home not only attracts potential buyers...
Buying a property with an absent freeholder
If you are buying or you already own a leasehold property and the freeholder is absent or cannot be identified, this can cause problems. We take a look at the situation and how to deal with the difficulties it can create. The freeholder, also referred to as the landlord, has a range of obligations in...
