UK property blog by National Homebuyers

Selling a property in probate?

27 May, 2022

A probate process needs to be completed before you can inherit a house and subsequently sell it. The process of probate proves your ownership and gives you legal rights to make decisions on the property. There are more complications when selling around the probate process and it may seem very daunting. Secure the House Insure […]

Selling a property after a break-up?

Some of our clients are young couples who could afford their mortgage costs when it was just them, but now they’ve started a family and the cost of taking care of their child has stretched their finances. Other couples have bought together but have broken up since. There are many ways to settle the large […]

Buying a house for your child to rent

7 April, 2022

It’s never been trickier for young people to invest in their first home. Recent growth in first-time buyers has come with an average £53,935 deposit and an age of 32, according to recent figures from Halifax. So, if you’re a parent, have you considered buying a house for your child to rent?  Around one third […]

What is a maisonette?

When you’re buying or selling a home, it’s easy to get tripped up by seemingly common words and phrases. Especially if the meaning is changed in different countries. So what is a maisonette? And how is it different from a house or flat? They’re most often found in larger cities, including London. And can vary […]

Can you sell a house without a gas safety certificate?

If buying a house is largely about location, it can feel that selling is mainly documentation. But while some is required by law, other paperwork will just help you to get a better price. So, can you sell a house without a gas safety certificate? And what about a boiler certificate?   What’s a gas […]

What are Title Deeds, and why are they important?

6 December, 2021

They’re always referenced whenever people talk about buying or selling a house. But what are title deeds, and why are they important? And when was the last time you checked the deeds for your own property? Estate agents and other professionals in the homebuying process will often assume you know and understand all of the […]

How much will solicitor’s fees cost when selling your house?

Whether you’re setting out the expected price for a property listing, or considering which offer to accept, it’s important to understand all of the costs involved. Or you might find yourself walking away with substantially less than you expected. So how much will solicitor’s fees cost when selling your house? There’s no legal requirement to […]

How long are you liable after selling your house?

You might imagine that when you’ve sold your property, it’s the end of the process. And from that point on, any problems will be the responsibility of the new owner. But that’s not always the case, so how long are you liable after selling your house? And can you avoid any problems cropping up years […]

How soon can you sell a house after buying it?

9 November, 2021

Whether you’re planning to renovate and flip a property, your situation has changed due to unemployment or divorce, or you’ve changed your mind after completion for any reason, you’ll want to know how soon can you sell a house after buying it. For UK home buyers, the answer will vary depending on how you made […]

What’s happened to house prices after Brexit?

Whatever your political views on the five years since the UK Referendum, it’s important to understand what’s happened to house prices after Brexit whether you’re considering buying or selling a property. But planning for the future has been made much harder due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The switch to working from home […]

How long do homebuyer’s reports and house surveys take to complete?

11 October, 2021

If you’re buying a house then a homebuyer’s report or house survey is a valuable part of the process, as it could reveal serious issues with the property. It’s important to know how long homebuyer’s reports and house surveys take to complete, as you need to know the findings before contracts are exchanged. After receiving […]

Can you get a mortgage as a student?

If you’re in higher education and looking to invest in your future, buying a property might be a good option. Especially if you’re already tired of rental accommodation. But can you get a mortgage as a student? The short answer is that’s it’s possible, although the criteria to meet will be more difficult than for […]

How to check for Restrictive Covenants on your property

Whether you own a property or are thinking about buying a new home, it’s important to know if you’ll face any rules or restrictions when it comes to alterations, usage, or even having pets or a washing line. And while some obligations might not impact you or prove more than a minor inconvenience, others can […]

Selling a house after the death of parent

2 September, 2021

The loss of a family member is never easy, whatever the circumstances. The grief from a bereavement can make practical issues, such as selling a house after the death of a parent, even more stressful and daunting. Especially if it’s the childhood home, or if there are multiple beneficiaries from any will. Selling the property […]

What do I have to disclose when selling a house?

Attracting offers for your property can be time-consuming and stressful. Advertising your home, preparing everything for viewings, and answering questions from potential buyers can be challenging. And you will probably wonder exactly what do I have to disclose when selling a house? Buyers have always carried the most responsibility for making sure they’re investing in […]

What is Chancel Repair Liability?

If you’re buying or selling a house, it’s important to understand the specialist words and phrases involved. Especially when a relatively obscure law from the 16th Century could mean you’re liable for huge bills due to the location of your property. So, what is chancel repair liability, and how could it affect you? More than […]

Selling your house with problem neighbours

29 July, 2021

Structural repairs or home improvements are often a good idea if you’re preparing your home for a quick sale. But some issues can be a lot more complicated, especially when they involve third parties. So how do you go about selling your house with problem neighbours? Disputes and issues with the people next door are […]

The best questions to ask when you’re viewing a house

There are a lot of things to remember during the home buying process, especially when the property market is moving quickly. It’s very easy to get distracted by imagining yourself in a new place and forgetting to enquire about all the details. So, here’s a helpful list of the best questions to ask when you’re […]

How to stop the repossession of your home

The fear of losing your house is understandable if you’re experiencing financial difficulties. But it’s important to realise there are steps you can take at any stage to get things back under control, including how to stop the repossession of your home. When you’re struggling with mounting debts and being chased for payments, it can […]

When was my house built?

21 June, 2021

If you’re buying or selling a property, taking out building insurance or just curious, most people will ask “When was my house built”. Knowing the age of your home can also reveal interesting historical information, useful construction details, and whether it’s likely to increase or depreciate in value. Typically houses under 50 years old would […]

How to sell your house fast

16 April, 2021

If you want to seize a great deal on a new property, or if your circumstances change suddenly, you may be wondering ‘How do I sell my house fast?’. Before you rush to the estate agents in a panic, our guide will help you to value and sell your home quickly. And to still get […]

Reasons Selling to a Cash House Buyer May Be Right for You

4 March, 2021

Selling to cash house buyers may not be for everyone, but for certain groups, it can be a life-saver – especially when you are in a difficult financial situation such as debt. While many people who use the traditional approach of using high-street agents may turn their nose up at the prospect, for others, it […]

How To Avoid “We Buy Houses For Cash” Scams

Selling a house, for many, is not an experience that they would like to go through again any time in hurry. From choosing an agent, to the horrendous waiting for potential buyers to show interest – selling a house is often a nightmare from start to finish. Of course, anyone who works in the industry […]

What Is a Property Cash Buyer?

5 February, 2021

For younger generations at least, the mere thought of owning a home at some point in their lives feels like an unattainable dream thanks to the constantly widening gulf behind house prices and wages – especially when it comes to raising enough money for a deposit. It’s somewhat shocking, then, for young people to learn […]

All You Need To Know, For A Fast House Sale

So, you’ve decided you would like to or need to move house. While this should be an exciting time for anyone, it usually leads to a not insignificant amount of stress and sleepless nights. For some sellers, they can strike it lucky and receive an offer within a week of placing the home on the […]

Things to Watch When Selling a House for Cash

6 January, 2021

Whether you are selling to a house-buying company or a private buyer for cash, it can be easy to get carried away with the thought of making a decent profit in a short space of time. However, it’s important to stay grounded when the opportunity presents itself and keep an eye out for red flags that […]

Tips For Selling Your House Fast And At The Best Possible Price

Selling a house is an experience that many homeowners consider a necessary evil if they wish to upsize or downsize. Whether the stress comes from trying to find a decent agent, staying optimistic about viewings, or simply waiting for a buyer to make an offer – the house selling process is not one for the […]

Should I Use A Quick-Property-Sale Company To Sell My House?

3 December, 2020

Selling a house in today’s world is not the easiest task. If you were to look back to merely the mid-nineties, the cost of reasonable housing was easily within reach of the less wealthy when studied alongside wage levels. Since those days, however, property prices have increased dramatically – placing them far out of reach […]

Tricks to Sell Your Home Faster During The COVID-19 Pandemic

If, at the beginning of 2020 you were thinking about selling your home you’d be forgiven for approaching the situation in the traditional, standard fashion. However, 2020 has been anything except a standard year. Between the rapidly approaching Brexit deadline, continued austerity measures and the emergence of COVID-19, 2020 will likely go down in history […]

Should You Use A Property Buying Company To Speed Up Your House Sale?

2 September, 2020

For many first-time homeowners, the stress of securing a house is enough to make you never want to experience the mortgage and purchasing process ever again – especially in an age where the ability to buy a first home is harder than it has ever been. It isn’t just first-time buyers, however, who can empathise […]

How to Sell my Home Quickly & for the Highest Possible Price?

Those who wish to sell their homes, wish to make a profit. While many will try to pretend that they are flexible, in truth it is very hard for somebody who has worked for many years in order to buy a property to let it go without making every effort to achieve the highest sale […]

How to Make Your Home More Valuable and Sell Faster

6 August, 2020

It’s fair to say that for the majority of people, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, with so many similar styles of houses across the country, it can be hard to make yours stand out from the crowd. So how do you make your home more valuable, and ultimately sell faster? Be […]

Avoid These Mistakes When Selling Your Home

Putting a house on the market is hardly the easiest task in the world but luckily you can make life a little less stressful for yourself if you are able to avoid these mistakes when selling your home. Avoid Overpricing It’s extremely easy for a potential buyer to see whether or not you have inflated […]

Options To Avoid Repossession Of Your Home

3 June, 2020

Whilst owning a home is a fantastic achievement, if you are unable to continue paying the monthly mortgage fees you could end up facing the prospect of your lender repossessing your home. In this article, we will look at the best ways to avoid repossession of your home should you find yourself in such a […]

How to sell a house during the COVID-19 Lockdown

18 May, 2020

After over a decade of uncertainty stemming from the financial crisis in 2007, the property market was slowly beginning to show signs of recovery at the start of 2020. During February, not only were mortgage approval levels at record highs, but there had been over 70,000 sale completions1 – with many more buyers applying for […]

How Has COVID-19 Affected The Property Market?

After slowly bouncing back from the trauma that was the financial crisis, many industry professionals were looking forward to a new decade filled with optimism and a housing market that would, over time become resilient again. Unfortunately, few would have guessed how the start of 2020 would have panned out with the outbreak of the […]

How to sell your house without an estate agent

11 February, 2020

As anyone who has ever sold a home can testify, the house-selling process for can become ridiculously stressful thanks to the endless viewing schedule, the need to keep your home in showroom condition, and the need to constantly chase your estate agent for updates. But why do we become so dependent on estate agents? In […]

How does selling a house with a mortgage work?

15 December, 2019

How does selling a house with a mortgage work? For those who are lucky enough to be on the property ladder, as time passes, they may find themselves needing more space than is offered by their current home. So how does selling a house with a mortgage work? Can you sell a house when you […]

How to sell your house when separating or divorced?

30 November, 2019

How to sell your house when separating or divorced? Being in a committed long-term relationship offers a range of benefits, especially when you can combine your incomes to buy a home together. Sadly, however, these relationships don’t always last. So how do you go about selling your home when you are separating or divorcing? Do […]

What are the costs of selling a home?

10 November, 2019

What are the costs of selling a home?   For those who have little experience in selling a house, learning about the additional costs that are often associated with the process can turn the situation into a cost-prohibitive nightmare. But what are the costs of selling a home? What costs are involved with selling a […]

How To Sell A House In A Slow Market

31 October, 2019

How To Sell A House In A Slow Market Selling a house often involves bowing to the power of the influences that affect the property market. There are, however, certain things that you can do to learn how to sell a house in a slow market. How does a slow market affect house sales? The […]

When is the best time to sell a house?

18 October, 2019

When is the best time to sell a house? Selling a home has long been known to be one of the most stressful experiences you can go through. However, with a little bit of research, it is possible to increase the saleability of your home and make life a little easier. What time of year […]

How to sell your house in winter?

28 September, 2019

While many property professionals prefer to advise their customers not to aim for a winter house sale, many vendors find that it is unavoidable for a variety of reasons. Luckily, the chances of selling a house in winter aren’t low as many people believe. When is the best time of year to sell a house? […]

What Does a Recession Mean for House Prices?

15 September, 2019

With rumours growing over recent months surrounding the possibility of another severe recession taking place sometime in the near future, many homeowners are asking how this could affect the value of their home. What is a recession? If you have lived through the eighties, nineties and noughties – it’s more than likely that you will […]

How To Sell Your Home At Auction

5 September, 2019

There have never been more options open to the prospective property seller than there are now. From fast cash buyers to part-exchange and traditional estate agent sales, the choice is yours – so why do some favour the age-old process of property auctions, and what exactly does it involve? Why Sell At Auction? Offering a […]

How Brexit Has Made Homeowners Turn to Quick House Sales

10 July, 2019

After three years of political back-and-forth, misinformation and numerous allegations of corruption, the UK is due to leave the EU on October 31. However, amid all the confusion and turmoil, it appears that homeowners are likely to be bearing the brunt of the economic damage for years to come. What exactly is Brexit? Brexit. A […]

Prominent estate agent gives profit warning

3 May, 2019

Shareholders have found themselves reeling from an announcement that Countrywide – the country’s largest estate agent – is due to miss its projected targets for Q1 2019 by up to £5m. With large numbers of estate agents closing their doors every month due to a slowing economy, Brexit anxiety and a lacklustre property market, it […]

Market flooded as landlords decide to sell

30 April, 2019

As buy-to-let mortgages become less and less affordable, large numbers of landlords are choosing to leave the sector and sell their properties – and this influx of sellable low-price homes are driving down prices for vendors across the country. For many years, being a landlord has been a profitable occupation, with rental payments easily exceeding […]

More House Sales Affected By Crime

17 April, 2019

New research claims that more than 29,000 house sales fall-through every year due to fears over local criminal activity. For as long as properties have been bought and sold, buyers who have the option will always state their preference to live in a low-crime area. This is obviously unsurprising considering many purchases are made by […]

How Will Brexit Affect House Prices In The UK?

14 April, 2019

As the UK passes the original deadline for Brexit, many industries continue to be affected by the ongoing confusion regarding the state of the markets if the country leaves the European Union. But how will Brexit affect house prices in the UK? How does Brexit affect the property market? The property market is heavily tied-in […]

UK Property Construction At Lowest Point For 12 months

21 March, 2019

With only ten days to go before the UK leaves the EU without a deal, levels of house-building throughout the country have fallen to their lowest levels in over a year as construction companies opt to delay the start of projects. When David Cameron attempted to silence the Eurosceptics within Parliament in 2016 with a […]

Are buy-to-let properties a good investment?

14 March, 2019

For many years, landlords have reaped the rewards of property investment – but are the same opportunities for profit available to those looking to start a buy-to-let investment today? How do buy to let properties work? The buy-to-let system allows an investor to purchase a property with the sole intent of profiting from a tenant […]

Sellers Despair As Market Favours Buyers

8 March, 2019

The property market has grown in favour of buyers in recent months as house price growth continues to be stifled by a lack of confidence over the UK’s economy in light of Brexit. As the UK gets closer to springtime, vendors who are looking to sell their house fast are often preparing their home for […]

Fears Grow As Sales Expected To Plummet

27 February, 2019

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors have recently released the results of a survey conducted amongst its members in regard to the future of the property industry, and the results are not encouraging. When valuing homes, surveyors have to take many factors into consideration when they provide what they consider to be accurate sold house […]

Estate Agencies Taking Advantage of Desperate Sellers

19 February, 2019

Due to falling profits, greedy estate agents have been charging desperate fees as high as £7,000 to sell their homes. Sometimes, a homeowner needs to sell their home fast, and if the need to secure a sale overrides the need to profit from the home in question, they can inadvertently open themselves up to a […]

Who Pays Stamp Duty When You Sell A Property?

13 February, 2019

Stamp duty is a tax on the sale of a property in order to cover the cost of processing the necessary documents during a sale. But who pays stamp duty when you sell a property? When Do You Pay Stamp Duty? There are a standard set of rules within the UK determining when, where and […]

House Prices Hit New Low

6 February, 2019

With the Brexit deadline looming, the property market is continuing its downward trend as buyers continue to gain the upper-hand over sellers. Industry experts are warning those that are hoping to sell their house fast to prepare themselves for lower-than-expected offers after the latest House Price Index was published by Nationwide this month. The press […]

House-building projects at risk due to new immigration policies

29 January, 2019

As the Brexit deadline looms, the UK housebuilding industry is facing an uphill battle as a result of proposals for new policies that could limit the influx of low-skilled EU workers. For those who work within the construction industry, it is common knowledge that the workforce is made up from workers originating from a number […]

How Universal Credit is fuelling the UK housing crisis

24 January, 2019

As Universal Credit continues to bring misery into the lives of many people who are unable to work, industry experts are realising that its implementation is forcing cash-strapped councils to abandon plans for new-build homes. When Iain Duncan Smith introduced the idea of Universal Credit almost ten years ago, the idea was to simplify and […]

Market Stalls As First-Time Buyer Sales Fall

19 January, 2019

Just before the new year, Haart – the UK’s largest independent lettings and estate agent – released data related to the final quarter of 2018 – and the news isn’t great for the property industry. When the government cut stamp duty for first-time buyers in 2017, the government assumed that this would spur an influx […]

How to value your house

9 January, 2019

There are many factors that can affect the value of your home – some of which could surprise you.  So how do you accurately value your home? How much is your house worth? While many homeowners feel as if they can gauge the true value of their home, more often than not, there will always […]

Shock as rental costs increase by 345% in 18 years

3 January, 2019

For many Brits today, the dream of owning a home continues to slip away as their income is eaten up by every-rising rental rates while the houses they dream of buying become increasingly unaffordable as values continue to rise. In days gone by, renting instead of purchasing a home had a number of benefits, including […]

Sellers in shock as asking prices fall to new lows

28 December, 2018

As fears regarding Brexit continue to affect the housing market, sellers are finding themselves having to continually reduce their asking prices in order to entice buyers – leading to the weakest market growth since 2010. Whether you need to sell your house fast, or are happy to wait until the right offer comes along, all […]

Brexit warning: expect lower sales and housing values into 2019

19 December, 2018

With only 100 days until the deadline for Brexit expires, a new report by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) warns sellers and agents alike to prepare for a difficult market throughout 2019. In a survey carried out in November this year, surveyors from across the UK are extremely pessimistic regarding the future of […]

How to avoid repossession of your home

16 December, 2018

While many consider it a personal dream to own a home, the dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if you are unable to keep up with the repayments. In this article, we’re going to look at the repossession process,  and how to avoid it. How does a house repossession work? The term ‘house repossession’ […]

Housing market crash as Brexit hits home

5 December, 2018

After a tumultuous few weeks of negotiations, the reality of Brexit and how it will affect the UK economy if we leave the EU without a deal has led to the worst sales slump in the housing market since 2012. When the Brexit referendum was announced, many saw it as an attempt by then PM […]

The rental trap: 72% say that lottery win is the only way out

28 November, 2018

A think tank has carried out a survey across England and Wales to mark the launch of the Affordable Housing Commission, the results of which have painted a depressing picture of the UK’s housing crisis. Chaired by Lord best, the Affordable Housing Commission has been established to find solutions to the problems endured by members […]

Northern House Prices Predicted To Soar

20 November, 2018

After years of price rises fuelling the southern property market, the introduction of new lending rules combined with more attractive northern propositions are due to turn the North-South divide upside down, according to Savills. In a shocking new forecast released by real estate advisor Savills, homes in the north are expected to see their values […]

The secrets behind how to sell a property successfully

14 November, 2018

Selling a house is never a stress-free experience but being prepared can help you to complete a sale as efficiently as possible. While many homeowners love the idea of moving to a nice new property, the move itself is often hindered by the sale of their current home. So how do you ensure that the […]

Shock As Mortgage Approvals Down By Ten Per Cent

8 November, 2018

New figures published by UK Finance have painted a worrying picture for the future of the housing market, as mortgage approvals continue to fall. In September this year, the number of mortgages successfully applied for fell by 10.1% versus 12 months ago. As fears over a no-deal Brexit loom, approvals have now fallen for three […]

Crisis As New Mortgage Deposits Unaffordable For First Time Buyers

1 November, 2018

As rental fees continue to rise, the additional costs to tenants is forcing those who may once have been prospective buyers to put their lives on hold as they struggle to find the money for a mortgage deposit. The issues facing those living in rented accommodation across the UK have been well documented in recent […]

The Top Ten Worst Places To Sell a Home In The UK

24 October, 2018

No matter the quality or condition of a home, if it is located in an area that offers little in terms of services or personal safety then the vendor will always find themselves consistently lowering their asking price in desperation to complete a sale. If you’re browsing through listings on an online portal such as […]

We are about to face the worst recession in almost 100 years

17 October, 2018

As consumer spending continues to slow, financial analysts predict that the upcoming global recession could lead to a downturn in the UK economy on par with the Great Depression. Since the mid-1950s, recessions have brought the UK economy to its knees with staggering regularity. Regardless of their cause, these recessions have forced thousands of ordinary […]

The Secret To The Best Time To Sell Your Home

11 October, 2018

Finding the best time to sell a property is not always easy in the UK thanks to our inconsistent weather and the complexities associated with the house-selling process. Luckily, in this blog we’re going to discuss the best time to sell your house, and how to use this information to ensure a high value sale. […]

Leasehold property owners just can’t sell…

3 October, 2018

As the dark truth behind leasehold properties continues to be exposed through lawsuits and government initiatives, homeowners lacking freehold status are finding out that their property is impossible to sell. The house buying process is extremely stressful for the majority of people – and in the midst of all the stress, it can be easy […]

The insider secrets that can lower the value of your home

26 September, 2018

In this blog, we’re going to look at the more unusual factors that influence the saleability of your house, and what you can do to ensure you get the best price possible. If you’re looking to sell your house fast, it can be surprising how even the smallest things affect the value of your home, […]

Panic as house prices crash at fastest rate for years

19 September, 2018

As the UK edges towards the deadline for striking a deal with Brussels regarding it’s exit from the EU, Nationwide has issued a stark warning for the future of the nation’s housing market. At the beginning of the month, the Office for National Statistics determined that house prices were falling at their fastest rate since […]

How to sell a property online

13 September, 2018

Not happy with your local agent? In this blog, we’re going to look at the best ways to sell your home online. Where to sell a property online As technology progresses, the traditional method of buying and selling property via a high street estate agent is slowly disappearing. In the last five years alone, almost […]

‘No fault’ evictions are to blame for rising levels of homelessness

6 September, 2018

As landlords take advantage of ‘no fault’ clauses in rental agreements, tenants are finding themselves priced out of their homes when their rental term comes to an end. It’s no secret that rising rental rates have been a big factor in preventing tenants from saving up for a deposit to buy their own house. Over […]

Older individuals are now choosing to rent in their retirement

29 August, 2018

A rising number of retired Brits are finding that due to the increasing price of property across the UK, it makes more sense for them to rent luxury retirement apartments instead of buying them. When the media discusses the idea of ‘Generation Rent’, it often conjures up images of millennials and members of ‘Generation Z’ […]

Is this the end for high street estate agents?

23 August, 2018

Estate agents appear to be the latest victim of the modern high street as consumers move to online competitors. The face of the UK high street has undergone a dramatic change over the last 15 years as a result of increased internet-based competition and lofty overheads. In many town centres, it’s hard to ignore the […]

Fresh nightmare for sellers as the ONS releases its latest affordability figures

16 August, 2018

The latest statistics regarding the affordability of a home for a first-time buyer in the UK highlight the growing gap between house prices and wages. To highlight the difference between average sold house prices and average wages, the Office of National Statistics has, for many years now, used the “affordability ratio” to illustrate the state […]

Can a landlord sell a house during a lease? and What are my rights if this happens?

9 August, 2018

The sale of a rented home can easily become a confusing affair, so it’s always important to understand the legal rights of both the tenant and landlord. So, you’ve just found out that your landlord wants to sell the house you’re renting. While there’s no reason to panic, it’s always useful to know the status […]

New report details the worrying state of the UK housing market

31 July, 2018

A new report has provided more evidence that the housing market is stagnant and experts within the industry believe that there is little chance of recovery in the near future. Newly released data from HMRC has shown that house sale completions were down by 5.7% in June versus the previous year. Even more worrying is […]

Owning is now cheaper than renting everywhere in the UK

25 July, 2018

New market research by Santander Mortgages has found that there is now no part of the country where it is cheaper to rent than own. It is a sad state of affairs when society presents a glass ceiling to those who find themselves stuck in the rent cycle. For many Brits, purchasing a home of […]

Estate agent group Countrywide on the brink of collapse

19 July, 2018

As industry woes continue for large numbers of estate agents, the UK’s largest agency group Countrywide have seen their shares fall to an all-time low. Just over a decade ago prior to the economic downturn, estate agents across the country found themselves in a constant state of elation as sub-prime mortgages saw large numbers of […]

Single first-time buyers need a decade of savings to fund a deposit

3 July, 2018

A new report has found that single first-time buyers need to save for over ten years to finance a deposit for a mortgage, making it harder for sellers in starter homes to find a buyer. In recent years, it has become clear to both vendors and estate agents that finding a buyer for a starter […]

Third of homeowners would not be able to afford their own home today

26 June, 2018

A new survey has found that a third of British homeowners would be unable to afford their home if they had to re-purchase it today thanks to record value increases. We often hear about the ever-widening gulf between wages and sold house prices, yet the quantitative data provided rarely illustrates the points in a fashion […]

UK lending continues to increase thanks to ‘bank of mum and dad’

19 June, 2018

Lending has continued to increase year on year, but closer scrutiny reveals that this rise may not be the result of a stronger market. New data released by the trade association UK Finance has shown that there was an 13% increase in lending during April compared to the year before. Whilst this may appear to […]

When is the best time to sell your house in the UK?

13 June, 2018

Selling a house in today’s market can be a nightmare – but knowing the best time to sell can save you a lot of hassle. If you need to move house for the sake of work, or simply to be closer to family, you’re probably crossing your fingers and hoping to sell your home fast. […]

UK housing market continues to weaken

7 June, 2018

A new blog report by the Office of National Statistics has delivered further bad news regarding the state of the UK property market as a result of various legislative changes and Brexit insecurity. The property market has continued its woeful performance this month with news that house price growth in the capital has hit its […]

Councils under fire for banking unspent public funds

30 May, 2018

A number of councils across the UK have found themselves at the centre of a fresh scandal thanks to the discovery of large amounts of public cash meant for spending on infrastructure residing untouched in their bank accounts. When the Town & Country Planning Act came into force in 1990, there was a minor piece […]

Millennials facing a lifetime of rent

24 May, 2018

As the gap between house prices and wage increases continues to grow, new research predicts that a growing number of millennials will be renting for the rest of their lives. If you were to ask the average person on the street what they hope to achieve in life before they turn 40, more often than […]

Government vows to keep rogue estate agents in check

16 May, 2018

In an effort to keep rogue estate agents in check, the government is proposing legislation for all businesses to require a professional qualification, while simultaneously introducing guidelines that could help the house-buying process become more transparent. As of 2018, there are currently over 20,000 estate agents operating in the UK. This is somewhat unsurprising considering […]

How to sell a house online

10 May, 2018

In times gone by, the methods by which an individual could sell their home were extremely limited. However, thanks to the rise of the internet and e-commerce, vendors have a multitude of options available to them. Thanks to numerous headlines regarding the underhanded business practices of a small number of individuals, the reputation of high […]

RICS warns of reduced demand for housing in 2018

2 May, 2018

With lower levels of borrowing, combined with reduced activity within the property market, sellers are being warned that the days of high asking prices may be numbered. As the UK heads towards what is usually considered a period of heightened activity within the property market, vendors who are looking for a fast house sale are […]

Vendors cutting asking prices to encourage sales

25 April, 2018

With agencies across the country encouraging sellers to make repeated cuts to their asking prices in the hopes of achieving a sale, a growing number of vendors are choosing less traditional routes to find a buyer. Selling a house is long and complicated process for any owner – but there is always an underlying feeling […]

Foreign buyers having a marked effect on UK home ownership levels

18 April, 2018

As a result of increased foreign investment in the UK property market over the last 20 years, house values have risen considerably and prevented younger Brits from being able to buy a house themselves. Buying a home in the UK is not an easy task for those in the younger generations, with house prices increasing […]

How to sell a house fast

11 April, 2018

Selling a house is an experience that many homeowners consider a necessary evil if they wish to upsize or downsize. Whether the stress comes from trying to find a decent agent, staying optimistic about viewings, or simply waiting for a buyer to make an offer – the house selling process is not one for the […]

London house prices continue to plummet

4 April, 2018

In the wake of the Brexit referendum, the apprehension felt by the majority of Londoners regarding the decision to leave the European Union appears to be well founded based on new data released by Hometrack. While many other of areas of the UK have, so far, managed to escape the negative outcomes that so many […]

High street agents losing out to online rivals

27 March, 2018

As the business world continues to move away from traditional shopfronts, high street agents are slowly realising that the future may not be as promising as once hoped. For decades, high street estate agents have enjoyed a bountiful supply of potential home buyers coming through their doors on a daily basis, but their dominance over […]

House values continue to plummet amid Brexit fears

22 March, 2018

New market research from Halifax has shown that the continuing uncertainty surrounding the UK’s relationship with the EU is having a worrying effect on London house prices. If you’re one of the many homeowners within the UK looking to sell your house fast, you may be asking yourself “how much are properties in my area?” […]

How much are estate agent fees?

14 March, 2018

If you’re looking to sell your house fast, there’s a good chance that you’ll be on the lookout for an online or high-street estate agent. However, with so many agents around the UK, it can often be hard to find one that you can trust to sell your house successfully with an offer as close […]

House price growth ‘locking out’ middle earners

8 March, 2018

With home-ownership becoming an increasingly exclusive club, a new study has found that even those lucky enough to be considered middle-earners are being locked out of the housing market. The last 20 years have seen a consistent growth in house prices, while average wages have only increased at a seventh of the rate in the […]

Thousands to lose mortgage support benefit from April 2018

28 February, 2018

As a result of continued efforts by the government to reduce the national debt, many are finding that it is those living in low-income households who are bearing the brunt of the austerity measures. Since 1948, those who own a house but struggle to keep up with their mortgage payments have always had a lifeline […]

Mortgage sales continue to drop throughout UK

21 February, 2018

A new report from Equifax Touchstone has left many industry leaders on edge after finding that mortgage sales dropped by 38% from November to December. After a tumultuous year for the property industry, the final month delivered news that many within the industry would have preferred to avoid. While December is expected to usher in […]

Can you sell a house with asbestos in the UK?

14 February, 2018

Across the country, there are a number of older properties that still contain the toxic material, and its presence can often deter potential buyers for good reason. So how do you sell a house that contains asbestos? Asbestos is a silicate mineral has been mined for over four thousand years around the world. With a […]

Estate agents pressuring buyers to use overpriced in-house services

7 February, 2018

A new report has shown that one in four buyers felt obliged to use an estate agent’s in-house services over personally-sourced independent alternatives. Individuals who browse the market with the intention of buying often forget about the additional costs associated with a purchase. From conveyancing and mortgage brokerage, to various utility and property searches, it […]

Vendors cutting prices to encourage sales

30 January, 2018

As insecurity regarding the outcome of the UK’s planned exit from EU continues, vendors are slashing their prices to increase the likelihood of a sale. Vendors across the country are slashing their asking prices in an effort to sell their homes fast, as fears grow that once Article 50 has been finalised, the value of […]

Selling a hoarder’s home

24 January, 2018

While many people enjoy tuning into reality television shows that expose the nightmarish conditions within which many hoarders live, the reality behind the ratings push is often much more morbid. Many of us know, or have known an individual who lives in a hoarder house, and are more than aware that the problem has its […]

First time buyer deposits to rise to £81k within a decade

17 January, 2018

Analysts believe that owning a home is becoming an increasingly exclusive club as the amount needed for a deposit continues to rise, despite government promises to the contrary. For younger generations, the dream of owning a house of their own has faded greatly over the last 20 years. Since the turn of the millennium, house […]

How to sell a house that needs work done

10 January, 2018

For those who need to sell their house fast but don’t have the time to renovate, finding a buyer willing to pay a decent sum is hard work – so how do you maximise your profit? Many individuals purchase a home with the hopes that, over time, they can renovate it. However, by the time […]

Estate agents warned over false advertising

4 January, 2018

Estate agents across the country are finding themselves at the mercy of both the ACA and CAP for not disclosing additional fees to clients as well as inaccurately describing their listed properties. Estate agents have long suffered from the stigma of dishonesty. Whether or not this stigma is deserved en masse remains to be proven, […]

Mortgage applications affected by Universal Credit scheme

27 December, 2017

The beleaguered Tory-led benefits scheme known as Universal Credit is again under fire as reports surface that claimants are unable to use their income from benefits as proof of earnings during the house-buying process. When Tory MP Iain Duncan Smith pushed for a revamp of the country’s benefits system in 2011, many of those already […]

Fears rise over the future of the market as mortgage approvals fall

20 December, 2017

According to the trading body UK Finance, mortgage approvals across the UK have hit their lowest level in 13 months – sparking fears that the housing market could be headed for a sharp decline. In his Autumn Budget, the chancellor stated that the Tory-led government would be taking steps to encourage new buyers to join […]

Why can’t I sell my house?

13 December, 2017

If you find yourself in the unenviable position of being unable to sell your home, fear not – as there are always steps you can take to maximise your chances of a successful sale. Selling a house is often described by those who have been through the process as a complete and utter nightmare. However, […]

Autumn Budget 2017: how will it affect the property industry?

6 December, 2017

With the continuing housing crisis casting a shadow over Hammond’s Budget – the chancellor hopes to alleviate the fears held by many prospective home buyers. Philip Hammond, the current Chancellor of the Exchequer laid out his plans on November 22nd to aid the struggling property industry via a series of radical changes to the rules […]

Rental rates continue to rise as cheap housing remains unaffordable

29 November, 2017

As rising house prices continue to prevent younger, less wealthy buyers from purchasing, landlords have been capitalising on the situation by acquiring cheaper homes and enjoying consistently rising rental rates. One of the greatest difficulties experienced by prospective buyers in rented accommodation is the ability to raise the necessary deposit for a mortgage. Unfortunately, thanks […]

Retired sellers hoping to downsize unable to find younger buyers

22 November, 2017

As the cost of living for younger generations continues to grow, older homeowners who need to downsize are finding themselves unable to find a buyer with the necessary financial resources. For many millennials, hearing the constant tirade from older generations about how they complain too much and “don’t know the meaning of a hard day’s […]

UK housing market appears to stall amid increase in interest rates

15 November, 2017

With the decision made to increase interest rates, buyers and sellers appear unlikely to enjoy the continuing financial respite necessary for the housing market to recover. Despite the fact that the economic crisis occurred over ten years ago, as a nation, we are still feeling the aftershocks. With the economy beginning to stall in 2007, […]

How to sell your house without an estate agent

8 November, 2017

Selling a house can be a stressful experience. Even so, more and more sellers are choosing to decline the use of an agent in favour of more profitable options. For the majority of people looking to sell their house fast, the use of an estate agent seems like a great idea. While agents do take […]

House Prices Set to Fall as Consumer Confidence Nosedives

1 November, 2017

With growing public concern that house prices could fall in the near future, vendors who need to sell are finding themselves between a rock and a hard place. The latest figures released by Halifax from their house price optimism index have painted a worrying picture for those who are looking to sell their house fast. […]

Lengthier mortgage terms on the rise for potential buyers

25 October, 2017

As properties become less affordable for prospective buyers, the number of applications for 35-year mortgages are increasing dramatically. For many first-time buyers in today’s housing market, the ability to secure a mortgage by raising the necessary funds for a deposit is considered a major triumph. However, with ever-increasing prices, the crowning achievement of becoming a […]

Vendors opting to remortgage rather than sell

18 October, 2017

With interest rates increasing, vendors are choosing to remortgage their homes as opposed to selling – causing a slump in the number of homes being bought and sold. In the wake of the financial crisis of 2007, homeowners have enjoyed low monthly repayments thanks to reduced interest rates. However, with fears growing that the market […]

How to sell your house quickly

11 October, 2017

So, you’ve decided to sell. But what steps can you take to ensure that you find a buyer within a reasonable time-frame? Moving home is hardly the most stress-free experience for the majority of us. Once the initial excitement of deciding to sell and move on has died down, we’re left with the task of […]

Falling asking prices spark panic among vendors

4 October, 2017

The postcode lottery continues for many homeowners thinking about selling in the near future as asking prices across the country take a further hit. New figures released by online property giant Rightmove have painted a worrying picture for those who need to sell their house fast as the expected autumn spike in prices has failed […]

Bank of mum and dad now covering rent payments

27 September, 2017

As the affordability of buying a house continues to decrease, new research has shown that younger people are now finding it just as hard to afford rental payments without parental aid. For years now, parents have been helping their offspring to gain a foothold on the property ladder by helping to pay for the necessary […]

Increasing average house prices spell trouble for less desirable areas

20 September, 2017

As younger generations urge the government to find a way to lower house prices, research by the online estate agent eMoov has shown that the affordability gap between wages and property is continuing to widen. The postcode lottery that is the property market has maintained its grip on whether or not potential buyers can afford […]

Who pays the commission when you sell a house?

12 September, 2017

When property changes hands, it’s not always straightforward how the associated fees are calculated – and to whom they are paid. The situation is made even worse when you realise that different methods of selling a home demand different types of fees, so it can often feel like a figurative minefield. No matter which process […]

ACA finds more online estate agencies’ claims to be dishonest

6 September, 2017

In a further blow to the reputation of the online estate agency industry, the advertising watchdog has cast its critical eye towards market leaders Purplebricks and Housesimple, for making misleading claims regarding their services. As more house sellers find themselves moving towards online as opposed to high street estate agencies in a bid to save […]

First homes becoming a distant dream for younger generations

30 August, 2017

The recent English Housing Survey carried out by the UK government has painted a truly depressing picture for prospective house buyers across the country, as the true scale of rising property prices is revealed. As younger generations slowly begin to increase their proportion of the UK population, we have begun to see more and more […]

Mortgage approvals fall to nine-month low

23 August, 2017

Mortgage approval figures have fallen for the ninth month in a row, as inflation, rising house prices and wage stagnation continue to blight the housing industry. Many within the housing industry are at odds with one another with regards to the new figures released by the UK trade body UK Finance. The report has detailed […]

Estate agent’s profits slashed as economy woes continue

16 August, 2017

A new study by accounting firm Moore Stephens has found that one in five estate agencies in the UK are feeling the strain of a weakening economy, as industry leaders Countrywide and Foxtons also see profits slump. Almost 14 months on from the Brexit referendum, and it appears that many of the fears voiced by […]

When is the best time to sell a home?

9 August, 2017

As many property professionals can testify, the housing market can be volatile – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you could take to maximise your chances of a quick house sale. The period between the day you place your home on the market and the day you finally sell can be a nightmare. Sellers […]

Leaseholds to be banned on new-build homes

2 August, 2017

With outdated laws still being used to unfairly profit from homeowners who pay ground rent, the government is taking action to prevent new developments from being classified as leasehold. In the days of feudal law, land ownership dictated power. Those who wished to make a living from the land but lacked the necessary resources to […]

Number of hopeful first-time buyers living with parents is on the rise

26 July, 2017

With no other option, potential buyers from younger generations have found themselves having to move back into their parents’ homes to generate the necessary income for a deposit. There’s no doubt in the current economic climate that it’s tough for those looking to buy their first home. With high prices and low wages, it can […]

Number of house sales continues to fall

19 July, 2017

While the country continues its trajectory through turbulent times – with the Brexit negotiations, the surge of the Labour party and a lack of new-build homes – the total number of houses sold is continuing to fall year-on-year. It’s been a decade since the last major financial crisis in living memory, and according to recent […]

How to sell a house at an auction

12 July, 2017

When a seller is faced with several different options to sell their house, they often find the prospect of using an auctioneers quiet tempting. But how do auction houses work? And are they worth your time and trouble? How confident are you that your house is a purchaser’s dream? Do you like to gamble? Are […]

Number of tenants on the rise – so does that mean fewer buyers?

5 July, 2017

New research by a prominent estate agent has found that the number of households having to rent rather than own is set to rise by over 20 per cent over the next five years. In days gone by, choosing to rent a property over buying a home was a preference for many for a variety […]

First-time buyers’ hopes of purchasing a home are slipping away

28 June, 2017

Younger buyers are losing out on gaining a foothold on the property ladder due to a lack of protection from unsuccessful purchases and ever-rising costs associated with moving home – which, of course, is also bad news for sellers. For many young people, owning a house can seem little more than a pipe dream, given […]

Changes to landlord tax affecting UK property owners

21 June, 2017

  Due to financial relief changes by the Tory government that came into force in April, landlords are finding themselves having to pay up to three times more taxes than before. For many years, many government officials have blamed the wealth of landlords for buying up cheap homes and thereby preventing prospective first-time buyers from […]

How long does it take to complete a house sale after an accepted offer?

13 June, 2017

Whether you’re buying or selling, the length of time it can take to finalise a sale can vary wildly no matter who you are. So, what are the key influences for speed in the house-buying process? Often, when you’re looking to buy or sell a house, it can feel as if you are out in […]

GE2017: A hung parliament and the future of the UK economy

9 June, 2017

A shocking General Election result with the highest youth turnout in recent history appears to have thrown the Tory party into panic. But how will a hung parliament and the ensuing drama affect the rest of us – and especially our housing? The young British voting public could be forgiven for becoming numb to the […]

GE2017: What’s the future of the housing crisis?

7 June, 2017

  With a narrow Tory win on the cards and repeated U-turns over housing plans, some industry experts are concerned about how the UK will cope with a further five years of Conservative rule. When Theresa May called for a snap election in April, it was widely viewed as a strategic act of capitalising upon […]

How long do you take before deciding upon a house?

31 May, 2017

While buying a house is considered to be one of the most important decisions a person can make, a new survey has shown that most of us take more time to choose a new television. The online property portal Zoopla has released the results of a survey illustrating the length of time average Brits take […]

The increasing influence of the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’

24 May, 2017

  As house prices rise, and first-time buyers find it harder to gather the necessary resources for a deposit, a new report has said that parents are now the 10th largest UK mortgage lender in the country. The latest figures from insurer Legal and General have suggested that parents will lend a total of £6.5bn […]

Housebuilding firms accused of purposefully inflating prices

17 May, 2017

  With a monopoly over the housebuilding market, larger firms have been accused by MPs of ‘landbanking’ in an effort to keep prices high. With a quarter of all new-build homes in the UK in 2015 built by just three companies, MPs believe that the dominance of Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey and Barratt may be fuelling […]

How to sell a house privately

10 May, 2017

  Looking to move home without breaking the bank? With a plethora of options available to vendors to find potential buyers, you may be wondering how easy it is to sell a house without an agent. So how easy is it to sell a house on your own? The ease with which a seller can […]

First-time buyers face further woes

3 May, 2017

  As new-build housing continues to fall behind government targets, first-time buyers are facing additional issues as a result of foreign investment competition. The difficulties involved in the house buying process for first-time buyers have been well established due to the ever-widening gap between house prices and wages. In an effort to remedy the disparity, […]

Are the self-employed facing an uphill battle to secure a mortgage?

26 April, 2017

Despite many countries rewarding those in self-employment, the UK appears to be stuck in the past with regard to aiding those financially who choose to be self-sufficient. Between 2008 and 2015, the number of people who chose to be self-employed had risen from 3.8 million, to 4.6 million. While the government triumphed the news as […]

How will the UK General Election and French election affect the housing market?

19 April, 2017

Property professionals are currently holding their breath regarding the future of the UK economy, thanks to the dramatic calling of a snap election by PM Theresa May and the impending result of the French election, along with its implications for the EU. The two standout events of 2016 that shocked the world of politics are […]

How long to sell a house?

12 April, 2017

The excitement we all feel when we decide to move to a new home is self-evident, but it’s also a situation that’s fraught with trepidation, due to apprehension over placing our own home on the market. So, exactly how long can it take to sell a house? Moving house is known to be one of […]

Worries over Brexit and the shortfall in planned new-builds

5 April, 2017

While many pro-Brexit campaigners are heralding the move by Theresa May to trigger Article 50, the more apprehensive pro-remain supporters are worried about the effect of lower immigration levels on the UK housing industry. Experts believe the number of homes planned to be constructed across the country is woefully inadequate for the growing population, despite […]

What is my house worth?

29 March, 2017

It’s not always easy to keep track of the fluctuations within the property market that affect the value of your home. But if you’re thinking of selling, you’ll most likely find yourself asking “exactly what is my house worth?”. Of course, the answer you receive is not always the one you want to hear. So […]

Movers and shakers: The geographical lottery of house values

22 March, 2017

With a difficult year behind us, new research by eMoov has uncovered the areas of the UK where house prices have been affected the worst. No matter who you are, it’s pretty clear that 2016 wasn’t the greatest year for the property industry. Despite exhibiting a relatively strong performance, the market – and by proxy, […]

Estate agents found to be inflating asking prices to lure in vendors

15 March, 2017

A new study has found that vendors using estate agents are often having to reduce their asking prices as well as suffer an extended period on the market due to ‘greedy’ businessmen who quote unrealistic figures. Estate agents, in an effort to secure new clients, have been overvaluing properties before placing them on the market […]

Is fear of Brexit having a negative effect on house prices?

8 March, 2017

Areas of the UK where the population voted more strongly to leave the EU are enjoying faster house price growth than their ‘pro-remain’ counterparts – causing many homeowners to ask “how much is my house worth?” in the light of ongoing Brexit discussions. Recent research analysis by the HomeOwners Alliance has found that homeowners in […]

Market confidence drops as homes take longer to sell

1 March, 2017

A new study has suggested that a slowdown in the housing market is on its way, as economic uncertainty and a lack of consumer confidence predict an 11 per cent decline in transactions. According to new research by The Times, experts within the property industry believe that market stagnation could lie ahead, as many vendors […]

The regional division of negative equity in property

22 February, 2017

Almost ten years has passed since the recession – and it seems that homeowners in the north, particularly those who bought with interest-only mortgages, are facing a difficult future. In 2009, the financial crisis saw the value of homes come crashing down. Prior to the crisis, prices had skyrocketed – leading many to believe that […]

Further price hikes expected for renters over the next five years

15 February, 2017

According to a new survey by the RICS, rental fees across the country are expected to rise faster than house prices by 2021. The new survey, commissioned by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, is yet another nail in the coffin for the dreams of those who hope to buy, but are unable to gather […]

Estate agents seeking ‘pre-contract deposits’ from buyers

8 February, 2017

Various estate agencies have come under fire for demanding additional fees from buyers to demonstrate their commitment to purchasing a property. While in theory this may seem like a good way to ensure a buyer doesn’t back out of the purchase at the last second; in reality, there have been horrified reactions. It seems that […]

Manipulation of freehold land affecting leasehold sales

1 February, 2017

Developers who build leasehold properties are selling the freehold to third party agents in order to make further profits – at the expense of the leaseholder. Many potential first-time buyers in the UK find it easy to ignore the difference between freehold and leasehold properties. And why not? Many leasehold homes enjoy a lease of […]

Does London property face a stagnant future?

25 January, 2017

Between Brexit, the HS2 rail link and an ever-widening margin between property values and wages, affordable properties in the capital are a rarity – and times are getting tough for sellers. For decades, the London market has been a sound investment for potential homeowners, with phenomenal year-on-year value increases and high-paying jobs aplenty. Nevertheless, prior […]

House prices continue to rise despite Brexit fears

18 January, 2017

The future looks rosy for some homeowners across the country, as house prices skyrocket due to property shortages, a low numbers of new-builds and low interest rates. But what about those in less popular locations? Fortunately, property buying companies like National Homebuyers are keener than ever to help achieve fast sales for everyone. It’s been […]

UK’s Plans A Truly Global Britain Via Brexit

The UK prime minister Theresa May has now outlined her a 12-point plan for leaving the European Union (EU), or the Plan for Britain, as she has called it. In her speech to diplomats at London’s Lancaster House, Theresa May for the first time revealed some key details about her approach to negotiations with the […]

Failure to innovate: Why traditional estate agencies are dying

11 January, 2017

For centuries, estate agencies have existed in one form or another – but in an increasingly digital world, more and more house selling professionals are finding themselves superfluous to requirements in the housing market. A mere 25 years ago, if you needed to sell your home, it would be unthinkable to go anywhere other than […]

London Property Slowdown Effects Estate Agents Profits

London’s property slowdown is having a detrimental effect on London estate agent Foxtons. Their revenue from selling houses has almost halved in the final quarter of 2016. Foxtons has announced that in the final quarter of last year they achieved a revenue of only £26m. This figure is down a quarter in the same period […]

Southern rail strikes hit house prices

10 January, 2017

Commuters are getting hit twofold by the ongoing Southern rail dispute. Not only are the recent rail strikes disrupting their journeys but now the strikes are actually having an effect on the value of their properties as well. According to eMoov, an online estate agent, house prices are growing slower around stations on Southern Rail […]

Why Do People Use Quick House Sale Companies?

There are numerous reasons as to why do people use quick house sale companies. These can include circumstances such as through divorce, retirement or the need to relocate. Perhaps they need to sell your property quick because you are close to losing your house due to financial difficulties. Or you might have inherited a property […]

How will 2017 shape up for the housing market?

3 January, 2017

With a dramatic 12 months of turmoil within the industry finally over, can vendors and their prospective buyers afford to be optimistic for 2017? For the majority of people who hoped for a fast house sale in 2016, the year itself seemed to go from bad to worse, as uncertainty regarding the future of the […]

Looking back: The property market in 2016

28 December, 2016

With 2017 just around the corner, we take a brief look at the events that have affected the housing market and shaped one of the most eventful years in recent history. For many, 2016 is a year they would rather forget. With an inconceivable number of well-loved celebrities passing on, the UK voting to leave […]

Selling before Christmas – the best gift you can ask for

21 December, 2016

With the year drawing to a close, many hold off putting their house on the market – but if you do it right, it’s easy to stand out in the Christmas crowd. The property market is known to slow down in the run-up to Christmas, as the public turns its attention towards family gatherings, purchasing […]

UK house price growth will slow to 3% in 2017

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) housing forecast for 2017 predicts that house prices in the UK will see an average increase of 3% over the course of next year as the number of transactions stabilises. A year ago, the RICS predicted price rises of 6% and official figures are on track to meet […]

Badly planned new-build locations hindering industry progress

16 December, 2016

As fears continue to mount over the government’s ability to provide the necessary housing for a growing population, a new study has provided some insight as to why this issue is failing to be tackled in a practical manner. For many within the property industry, a key focus of 2016 has been the lack of […]

The Most Disgusting Properties in the UK

13 December, 2016

When you think of the most disgusting home ever then you would be forgiven for believing that this would be the forte of university students. Those people who have been to university will accept that this is actually something of an undeniable truth. A quick visit to a student property will present you with a […]

Are help-to-buy schemes harming the property market?

With the government implementing a number of proposals over recent years to incentivise property sales for first-time buyers, a top economist is alleging that these schemes are doing more harm than good. Over the last few years the government has introduced a range of policies, with the aim of helping those experiencing financial hardship to […]

Housing crisis creating more poverty-stricken families

8 December, 2016

As the government continues failing to act on the housing crisis, more and more working families are facing poverty, despite an economy that has continued to grow since 2010. It’s hard to believe sometimes that the UK, with its vast wealth and international influence, is facing a growing poverty crisis. With recent news of a […]

Outlook for Scotland’s property market gets bleaker

6 December, 2016

After 18 months, the effectiveness of the LBTT scheme implemented by Hollyrood in April 2015 has started to come into question, with industry professionals warning that 2017 could bring suffering as a result. The changes to UK stamp duty made by George Osborne earlier in 2016 have been well documented in the media; and criticised […]

The Only Way is Essex – Brentwood Becomes The UK’s Top Property Hotspot

5 December, 2016

Brentwood has become the UK’s newest property hotspot. This town located in the county of Essex has a population of 49,463 and is most famous for the TV program The Only Way Is Essex. According to new research by buying agents Garrington Property Finders, using Land Registry data, house prices in Brentwood have risen 16% […]

Campaigners push for zero-carbon housing policy to be reinstated

2 December, 2016

With awareness on the increase about carbon-neutral housing, the government is being urged to reintroduce the policy which aimed to ensure all new-build homes are as efficient as common technology will allow. It’s not unusual for politicians to be voted into power based on promises they never intended to keep, and thereafter be hated by […]

Broadband speed is a growing concern for vendors

29 November, 2016

As we move to online streaming from traditional broadcasting and favour online shopping over supermarkets, a fast broadband connection has become an important feature for potential homeowners – and therefore those wanting to sell to them. For decades, the term ‘location, location, location’ has been a key consideration for potential home buyers perusing properties on […]

New ban on letting agents charging fees to tenants

25 November, 2016

In his Autumn statement, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond announced a ban on letting agents charging fees to tenants. Letting fees – which are already banned in Scotland – are supposed to cover a range of administration, including reference, credit, and immigration checks. Mr. Hammond said shifting the cost to landlords will […]

Remote Island with its own Napoleonic fort up for sale

A remote 19th Century Napoleonic fort off the Pembrokeshire coast in the UK has come onto the market for offer over £550,000 . This fort was originally built between 1852 and 1854 as one of three sea defences to protect Pembroke Dock from the French and was a hotel in the 1980s and 90s. The […]

As letting fees are finally banned, is this good news for the industry?

24 November, 2016

Letting fees have always been unpopular, but as the new Chancellor announces that he is planning to have them banned, property selling experts wonder whether this is actually good news or bad news for those stuck in the rent trap. The housing market can often seem unfair to those looking to buy their first house. […]

Property Lease Expiring Soon?

21 November, 2016

Why a Short Lease Could Prevent you from Selling Your House and Cost You More Money in the Long Run There are 1.43 million leasehold properties in the UK and many of their owners are unaware of the financial implications of their property’s shortening lease. Not a lot of people realise that a property’s value […]

Are the Tories failing the UK housing market?

22 November, 2016

As housing costs rise for both renters and owners, some quarters are seeing a growing level of hostility towards the Tory-led government, as those on lower incomes find themselves priced out of the housing market. In the 1950s, under post-war austerity measures and a towering debt that was 200% of the GDP, Tory PM Harold […]

Estate agents inflate prices to win business, according to new report

17 November, 2016

As competition rises between estate agents, inaccurate valuations are being used to increase business at the expense of vendors, forcing them to reduce their asking prices in order to sell. To put your house on the market is a big decision – and one that many understandably dread. It’s a gauntlet of hard selling, paperwork […]

Selling a House With Problem Neighbours: How to Sell Despite Your Problem Neighbours

How Neighbours From Hell Can Affect Your Property Value It is an unfortunate fact of life that sometimes we find ourselves living near to people who we find to be particularly unpleasant. Whether they live next door, above or below you; selling a house with problem neighbours can make your life a misery. This can […]

Top Tips For Renovating Property: Maintenance And Refurbishment

16 November, 2016

Property maintenance and refurbishment can be a risky business, especially in the current housing market. House prices have not bounced back to pre-2007 levels and properties need to be refurbished to a high standard in order to achieve a sale in a realistic time period.   Here are our top tips for property maintenance and refurbishment […]

Who Is Liable For Property Damage Between Exchange And Completion?

15 November, 2016

Property damage is anyone’s worst nightmare, especially so close to Christmas. For those that are in the process of purchasing a property and have already exchanged contracts it is an extra concern as they do not legally own the property yet, but cannot pull out of the sale either. Once contracts are exchanged for the […]

London property market may benefit as Trump wins US election

As international markets acclimatise to the news that the former Apprentice reality star is to become the next US President, London-based estate agents are seeing an opportunity for foreign investment. When the votes came in almost a week ago declaring Donald Trump as the new President of the United States, the Canadian immigration and citizenship […]

What does Trump’s election victory mean for the UK housing market?

10 November, 2016

As anti-Trump rallies are held across the US in reaction to the stunning result of the presidential election, UK economists and property selling experts find themselves experiencing a feeling of unease about the future of British markets. To state that Donald Trump’s victory against Hillary Clinton was a shock may well be the understatement of […]

Rent payments set to skyrocket over next five years

8 November, 2016

As the uncertainty of Brexit continues, expert forecasts indicate that the next five years will see a large disparity between house prices rises and rental payments, potentially slowing the UK housing market. Over the last 15 years, the growing margin between the monthly payments made by those who rent versus those who repay mortgages has […]

House price inflation hits lowest growth level

7 November, 2016

According to the latest Halifax House Price Index UK house price inflation is currently at its lowest yearly growth rate since July 2013 (4.6%). House prices in the three months to October were 5.2%, which compared to the 5.8% it was in September this year continues to show the downward trend which has occurred over […]

Renting costs more than buying in two thirds of UK cities

3 November, 2016

As the number of people stuck in the rent cycle continues to rise, a new survey has found that with the necessary deposit, buying a house is cheaper than renting in 60% of UK cities. It seems a bit of a no-brainer – why waste money on rent if that same money could help you […]

‘Hard Brexit’ blamed for rising prices and stagnant market

1 November, 2016

With a ‘hard Brexit’ on the cards, the construction industry is facing a shortage of workers, pushing up house prices and making them unaffordable for potential buyers – according to a new study. As Theresa May begins to negotiate the UK’s exit from the European Union, fears are growing regarding the effect of a ‘hard […]

Report says 40% of UK homes are not up to scratch

27 October, 2016

A leading UK charity has found that almost half of all properties across the country fail to provide an acceptable standard of living for its inhabitants – which is surely a situation that needs to change. The housing charity Shelter has found that 43% of all dwellings in the UK fail to meet the criteria […]

Property sales slowing due to lack of new builds

25 October, 2016

With a reduction in new homes being built, house prices are shooting up – and as older generations lose interest in downsizing, first-time buyers are finding themselves unable to afford a home. Despite previous government efforts to increase the number of new homes being built across the country, the scheme is still falling way behind […]

New lettings overtake sales for the first time in over 80 years

21 October, 2016

As the uncertainty over the state of the UK property market continues, new research indicates that 2017 could see a greater number of new lets than sales. Across the country, 2016 has been a strange year for the property market. With the stamp duty hike early on, followed by the Brexit vote in June, property […]

Resident Evil? How to Sell a Haunted House

19 October, 2016

Halloween is very nearly upon us. The pumpkins, fancy dress parties, and trick or treaters knocking on your door expecting sweets. Whether you believe in the concept of Halloween or not, this time of year always gets everyone talking about the supernatural, the possibilities ghosts, and haunted houses. Do you think your home might be […]

Estate agents told to ‘raise standards’ after new TPO report

18 October, 2016

With an ever-increasing number of registered offices, complaints have skyrocketed against devious estate agents who are failing to follow The Property Ombudsman’s code of conduct – and there’s now immense pressure for change. At the beginning of 2016, Ipsos MORI released its survey of the most trusted professions in the UK – a survey that […]

Fracking sites affect buyer interest in surrounding homes

13 October, 2016

As fossil fuel companies are given the green light to drill for shale gas around the UK, a new survey has found that a large percentage of potential buyers would rule out purchasing a home near fracking sites. With a huge push towards renewable energy in full swing throughout the developed world, oil and gas […]

‘Accidental’ landlords are hoarding homes

11 October, 2016

Older homeowners are find themselves ‘hoarding’ previous residences to let out, largely due to huge price increases during the housing boom. When people hear the word ‘hoarding’, they often get an image in their head of an elderly person who refuses to throw anything away and move on with their lives. And now, the London […]

Decisive report illustrates the struggle for early-1980s millennials

7 October, 2016

Thanks to the ever-increasing gap between wages and housing costs, those born in the early 1980s have been proven to be at a severe disadvantage with regard to buying a home and ultimately retiring with a comfortable pension. While certain members of the older generations still maintain the notion that millennials are lazy, and their […]

‘Portal juggling’ banned by The Property Ombudsman

4 October, 2016

Industry regulators are cracking down on devious estate agents who manipulate the house-buying public through online property portals, as new codes of conduct are introduced. While the prevalence of online portals for selling homes has made it easier for potential buyers to find their dream homes – as well as making it easier for estate […]

Scotland’s home rental nightmare

29 September, 2016

Since the establishment of a Scottish government in 1999, the number of people living in rented accommodation has tripled – limiting the number of potential home buyers. After years of campaigning for an independent government, Scotland finally established its own parliament in 1999 in Hollyrood, Edinburgh. The move was originally seen as a way for […]

People could save £450,000 (60%) on the average cost of a house by simply moving out of London

28 September, 2016

According to research by Lloyds bank, people working in London could save themselves almost £450,000 or 60% on the cost of a house if they chose to live outside of the city and commute into London every day. The study shows that average house prices drop by 60% from £741,919 in central London to £294,903 […]

Is the end of the London property bubble nigh?

22 September, 2016

As forecasts for the capital’s property prices over the next two years appear bleak, will vendors find themselves with unmarketable property due to a lack of interest? While the capital has always been considered an area of prime real estate, its exponential growth over the last 50 years has gone beyond what many in the […]

High loan-to-value mortgages dry up for first-time buyers

20 September, 2016

With the number of low-deposit mortgages available to first-time buyers dwindling, analysts fear the knock-on effect will cause a slowdown in the property market. In the wake of the Brexit vote, lenders have been seemingly optimistic regarding the health of the UK’s housing market. With low mortgage rates, lenders are reporting an increase in borrowing […]

Food or shelter? The housing crisis in the UK

15 September, 2016

With ever-rising living costs, more and more families are finding themselves making unhealthy and potentially damaging cutbacks in their lives to keep a roof over their heads. We often read stories about families who struggle to make ends meet, from single mothers striving to provide for their children, to working class couples from a deprived […]

Are estate agents falsely advertising your home?

13 September, 2016

Estate agents throughout the UK are failing to comply with the Housing Act by advertising homes as having multiple bedrooms, even if some are unfit for purpose – which can lead to legal action. In 1985, the Housing Act was introduced to avoid properties becoming overcrowded, as well as ensuring that properties bought and sold […]

The legacy of George Osborne – gone but hard to forget

8 September, 2016

With the blame for the downturn in high-end property sales being placed firmly on the shoulders of the Brexit vote, many are starting to point towards Osborne’s tax increases as the root of the problem. In the wake of the recent slowdown in the high-end property market, many property selling experts originally believed much of […]

House-buying ‘anxiety’ at highest level for 40 years

6 September, 2016

With an increasing number of factors affecting the housing market, anxiety levels are beginning to affect the industry’s buoyancy. The Ipsos Mori Issues Index is used to track the public’s feedback regarding important societal factors and their link to stress – and, this month, housing has risen to the fifth most stressful issue facing the […]

When ‘help to buy’ is no help at all

1 September, 2016

New details have emerged which undermine the benefits of the once-celebrated Help To Buy ISAs, revealing limits around how the government pay-out can be used. When Help To Buy ISAs were introduced by the former Chancellor George Osborne in December 2015, for many first-time buyers they were a blessing. The ability to have the government […]

London vendors begin to ‘panic sell’ as housing inflation slows

30 August, 2016

While the wider UK property market appears to be holding steady since the Brexit vote, London is facing a free fall. More than two months have passed since the UK voted to leave the EU and, so far, the fallout has not been as much of a disaster in the financial and property markets as […]

Is Manchester the new London?

25 August, 2016

As companies and young professionals turn away from the capital and head towards Manchester, the large northern city is seeing the creation of its own property bubble. For years now, the media has been awash with stories discussing the rise of house prices in London and how more and more people are forced to commute […]

First-time buyer numbers dipping as deposits become unaffordable

23 August, 2016

With interest rates cut to historically low levels, first time buyers are seeing their attempts to save for a deposit being stymied while their potential mortgage rates are increased, preventing many from buying a house. When the Bank of England cut interest rates this summer in order to make lending cheaper, it was hoped that […]

Escaping bad neighbours can be a costly process

19 August, 2016

We’re always told to ensure our own house is in excellent condition if we’re looking to sell, but some aspects out of our control can affect the value of our homes, too – and one of those is having a bad neighbour. Everyone remembers hearing about that ‘bad neighbour’ growing up… the one that your […]

Post-Brexit effects should be more certain by September

16 August, 2016

With an unsure future, experts look to a leading estate agency’s research to gain a better outlook for the country’s housing market. For almost two months, property selling experts have been trying to estimate the knock-on effects from the EU referendum at the end of June. Many have postulated that the likely outcome will be […]

On the edge of homelessness in a difficult job market

11 August, 2016

With the cost of living and raising a child steadily increasing every year, many low-income families are finding themselves less than a month away from ruin. For most people, living from pay cheque to pay cheque is a way of life. They’re simply covering the costs of living, with maybe a little left over to […]

More research showing slowdown in house price growth

9 August, 2016

With the housing market showing signs of a slowdown, misery is being compounded by new research showing a drop of 1% in house prices since the Brexit vote. Figures released by Halifax, one of the nation’s biggest lenders, have shown a drop in property values of 1% during the month of July. While it claims […]

Bank of England cuts interest rates

5 August, 2016

On the 4th August, in the face of a potential UK recession fuelled by the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the Bank of England has decided to cut interest rates from 0.5% to 0.25%. This move is a record low and the first interest cut since 2009 and it may not stop there, the Bank of England […]

The generational wealth gap hits home

4 August, 2016

Sixty years ago, a young family of four were able to own a house and support themselves comfortably on a single income without breaking the bank – a far cry from the situation facing today’s potential homeowners. Nothing can gain a greater negative reaction from a millennial than telling them one of two things: either […]

Decline in buyer interest signals slump for housing market

2 August, 2016

With an eventful 2016 now entering its third quarter, confidence in the property market is slowly decreasing – and with an unclear future ahead, those looking to sell are finding themselves in an increasingly tenuous position. As 2016 continues to fuel uncertainty across the housing markets thanks to the stamp duty hike and the Brexit […]

What turns off a potential house buyer?

28 July, 2016

A new survey from Harron Homes has uncovered the greatest factors that prevent buyers from going ahead with a purchase – and they’re surprisingly common. For most of us, selling a house is about maintaining a certain showroom quality for our homes at the off-chance a potential buyer shows up at short notice. It’s also […]

House Sellers Are Struggling With Brexit’s Doom And Gloom

27 July, 2016

The property market is an uncertain, tumultuous place following the UK public’s vote to leave the European Union, says property company National Homebuyers. The UK business, which offers cash to homeowners wanting to sell property fast, has heard from both sellers and estate agents that it has quickly become more of a struggle to find […]

Could rental hikes reduce the number of potential buyers?

26 July, 2016

With the impending clampdown on landlords and buy-to-let mortgages, rental costs are due to skyrocket despite the recent Brexit impact – making it even harder for renters to afford a deposit for a house. With the increase in stamp duty in April, many landlords were scrambling to complete on buy-to-let mortgages during the month of […]

Buyers tend to use their nose before their brain

21 July, 2016

New research has shown that potential buyers are missing out on bargains by losing enthusiasm for a property if it doesn’t seem pristine. When any of us visit a new home, one of the first things we always notice is the smell. Different people live in different ways and this can seriously affect a home’s […]

New-build sales soar as private sellers begin to worry

19 July, 2016

Two of the largest house builders in the country have claimed that their sales actually increased in the run up to the Brexit vote, while asking prices have been falling for private sellers. It was widely envisaged by industry professionals that all aspects of the property market would suffer if the UK voted to leave […]

Could ‘Pokemon Go’ Soon Help You Sell Your House

15 July, 2016

On 14th July 2106 “Pokemon Go”, a mobile game that has become a global phenomenon, was finally released in the UK and don’t we know it. You can’t look at your social media feed or news sources without being inundated with stories of Pokemon hunters and silly people playing the game while not being aware […]

Outrage at privatisation plans for Land Registry

14 July, 2016

With the nation currently focused on fallout from the Brexit vote, several controversial issues affecting homeowners are being considered by the government to reduce the national deficit. It can’t have been easy being George Osborne in 2016 as he’s slowly but surely managed to antagonise every demographic across the entire county while still maintaining his […]

London house prices could fall as much as 40%

12 July, 2016

In the aftermath of the Brexit vote, many homeowners in London are looking for a fast house sale before the value of their property plummets too far. With a slew of varying opinions hitting the headlines since the referendum, it is easy to see why those looking to sell their home are beginning to feel […]

The young are no longer alone in generation rent

7 July, 2016

As divorce rates soar and housing prices rise, an increasing number of over-50s are finding themselves stuck in rented accommodation with no way out. One of the most discussed subjects in relation to property is the difficulty in raising the necessary funds to purchase a house, and whenever the topic is debated it is almost […]

House purchases on ice as consumer confidence plummets

5 July, 2016

After the shocking result of the Brexit referendum, consumers are applying the brakes to all non-essential purchases – including homes – as uncertainty spreads across the country.

The quiet struggle of purchasing your second home

29 June, 2016

While buying a flat may seem like a great idea for getting a foot on the property ladder, many first-time owners who are looking to upgrade to a house are finding the experience harder than expected.

Brexit: How will the UK property market fare outside of the EU?

26 June, 2016

Now that the UK has voted to leave the EU, many are beginning to question the consequences for financial institutions, as well as the property market. So does Brexit spell doom for those looking to sell their homes? The Leave-vs-Remain debate has been one the most divisive issues in modern British political history, with campaigners […]

What does the EU vote mean for the property market?

23 June, 2016

Misquoted facts and propaganda have been a problem on both sides of the Brexit argument – but for those who own a home or are hoping to buy, which is the best choice?

London’s green belt facing threat from housing development

17 June, 2016

Despite promises made in 2012 to protect the green belt surrounding London, new plans to build new homes are being drawn up, threatening to turn areas of natural beauty into newly developed suburbs. The UK is one of the most densely populated countries on the planet. With a rising population and immigration from abroad, as […]

Buy-to-let is still an attractive investment

14 June, 2016

Despite the 3% stamp duty rise in April, experts say buy-to-let is still seen as an attractive investment by landlords, continuing to edge out potential private buyers regardless of government efforts.

Are the lessons of the past being ignored?

9 June, 2016

In an effort to boost house sales, Barclays has launched a 100% ‘Springboard mortgage’. It seems a great deal for first-time buyers – but is it simply a case of déja vu from the days before the recession? In the midst of the recession during the last decade, it slowly became clear that many product […]

Government hopes to sell 23,500 council homes

7 June, 2016

With a property market already filled with properties failing to sell, the planned mass-selling of high-value council homes by the government could make it harder for private sellers – while also depriving low-income families of the chance of affordable housing.

Another property crash looms as history begins to repeat itself

2 June, 2016

Despite the safeguards currently in place, many experts believe the property market is facing a second major recession within 10 years – and that major changes will be needed to ensure it doesn’t happen. “How do you persuade people to buy something today that they think will be cheaper tomorrow?” Industry professionals often appear in […]

Experts wonder if UK house prices have reached their limit

31 May, 2016

With the stamp duty rise past, and the looming Brexit vote ahead, the property industry is speculating about a drop in value for housing across the UK, as potential buyers hold back on purchasing a home. “The houses are there, but no one is buying” – that’s the growing consensus amongst UK property selling experts […]

Location, location, location… how in-demand is your area?

26 May, 2016

With better transport links and increased investment from large companies, Rightmove has seen a huge increase in searches for certain locations that offer all of the benefits of larger commercial cities, with none of the drawbacks. When moving house, it’s fair to say that many people look to purchase in the same area within which […]

Could Brexit lead to falling house prices?

24 May, 2016

In the face of a potential exit from the EU, estate agents believe that if ‘leave’ campaigners get their way, almost £26.5bn could be wiped off the UK property market by 2018. For many, the forthcoming vote on June 23rd regarding the UK’s possible exit from the European Union is an issue of immigration control […]

Can’t sell your home? You can always play dress-up…

19 May, 2016

Estate agents are always looking to gain maximum exposure for their listed properties, but one agent in East Yorkshire has gone the extra mile – using a panda costume and a willing vendor.

Gazumping may soon be a thing of the past

17 May, 2016

Plans to ensure both buyers and sellers enter legally binding agreements earlier in negotiations could benefit buyers hugely, but leave vendors in a less promising position.

A boost in bandwidth can mean a boost in value

13 May, 2016

For many buyers, the ability to connect to the internet at a reasonable speed is an increasingly important feature when searching for potential homes, even edging out more traditional needs.

UK Government plans to ban ‘Gazumping’

10 May, 2016

Gazumping in the UK housing market could become a thing of the past. The UK Government are considering banning “gazumping” by bringing forward the point at which the sale of a house becomes legal. Gazumping occurs when a property seller accepts an offer on their property from one potential buyer, but then accepts a higher […]

A sign of the times – first-time buyers and the 40-year mortgage

Due to the growing disparity between wage levels and property prices, many first-time buyers are forced to take out longer and longer mortgages to get on the property ladder. It was only 30 years ago that taking out a mortgage with a term of longer than 25 years drew gasps from the majority of homeowners. […]

A world where people put more thought into a holiday than a home

6 May, 2016

A recent poll has suggested that most people put more thought into buying holidays, clothing and planning dinner parties than they do purchasing a house – but that’s not as insane as it sounds. When you see your perfect home, it’s easy to make a snap judgement because, well, it just ‘feels right’. The house […]

‘The Bank of Mum and Dad’ is funding a quarter of all property purchases

3 May, 2016

Younger buyers are becoming increasingly dependent on their parents and relatives to help them buy a house – but the number of affluent parents capable of helping their offspring could start to decrease, as house prices continue to get higher. Over the last 20 years, the widening gap between the increase in wages and property […]

Criminal estate agents ‘weeded out’ by police

28 April, 2016

Two London-based estate agents have been sentenced for their part in a £2m-a-year operation which used empty rented homes as cannabis farms, without the knowledge of their owners.

Estate agents accused of ‘juggling’ properties on online portals

26 April, 2016

Some UK property agencies are under fire for repeatedly relisting unsold homes on portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla, in an effort to improve their reputation and hide information from potential buyers. The rise of property portals on the internet has been a blessing and a curse for many estate agents. Smaller agencies have been […]

Great Britain: A nation of renters

22 April, 2016

New figures suggest that as the gap between property prices and wage growth widens, first-time buyers will struggle to purchase a home even in 2020.

New figures suggest slowdown in housing market ahead of Brexit vote

19 April, 2016

With the upcoming referendum in June regarding the UK’s position within Europe, following on from buy-to-let stamp duty shockwaves, the housing market is facing its greatest slowdown in over a year according to new polls by RICS and Halifax.

Will OnTheMarket go OffTheMarket?

The feisty start-up is facing an early death within the industry, due to the growing discontent of clients and legal threats. Well-established companies Zoopla and Rightmove have enjoyed great success in the property industry, thanks to nationwide support from the majority of UK-based estate agents. Both companies have seen profits soar and slowly changed the […]

Buy-to-let mortgage rates slashed in effort to encourage potential landlords

13 April, 2016

As stamp duty rates increase, those with available capital are taking advantage of the price war between lenders offering low mortgage rates for buy-to-let fixed rate mortgages, giving landlords more reason to invest. When George Osborne introduced a hike in stamp duty for those looking to purchase a second home, many UK property buying experts […]

How much is my house worth?

11 April, 2016

Property is normally the most valuable possession you will buy and sell. Finding out how much your home is worth is easy thanks to a new online property value estimator tool. If you are planning on selling your house and you are looking for a more realistic price for your house based on other factors […]

National Homebuyers Customer Survey

8 April, 2016

National Homebuyers polled a series of customers who have recently contacted us for a quick cash offer for their property. The below infographic is a representation of this information we gathered from this customer poll.

Stamp duty rise comes into effect as estate agents’ phones fall silent

11 April, 2016

With the cost of stamp duty across the UK rising from 1 April, estate agents have enjoyed a record first quarter – but now that the deadline has passed, the market may be facing a slump. When George Osborne announced plans to increase stamp duty for those purchasing a second property through buy-to-let mortgages, many […]

Ever fancied owning a village? For a cool £20m, you can…

5 April, 2016

The village of West Heslerton, near Malton in North Yorkshire, has officially gone on sale to prospective buyers after over 150 years of family ownership. When Eve Dawnay sadly passed away in 2010, the village that had been passed down from generation to generation for a century-and-a-half faced an unsure future. Eve inherited it from […]

The worst places to have bought a house this century

7 April, 2016

As house prices soar in some places, newly released data from the Office for National Statistics has shown that other areas have failed to keep up with the UK average – and the lack of demand is set to impact property owners further in the future. When buying a house, we often don’t just see […]

Younger commuters struggle as capital costs spiral upwards

4 April, 2016

With increasing living costs and huge annual bills for commuting to and within London, younger workers and first-time buyers are finding themselves seeking residence and work elsewhere – but how affordable are property prices? London has always been regarded as the priciest area of the UK for home ownership and as prices increase, even commuters […]

Are dream houses earning more than buyers?

29 March, 2016

Gloom is spreading among many potential UK homebuyers who learn that their desired homes are earning more than they do, thanks to the ever-widening gap between wages and house prices.

Property ownership for millennials may be a pipe dream

The dreams of owning a house are slowly evaporating for prospective UK homebuyers, with younger generations facing a lifetime of instability thanks to increased prices, according to a recent study. A poll carried out by Ipsos MORI has found that 74% of those aged 25-34 believe it is harder for them to put down roots […]

How will the 2016 Budget affect the property market?

17 March, 2016

George Osborne’s budget has left the future of the property market on shaky ground, with an emphasis on increasing transaction fees – forcing potential homebuyers to pay higher rents and spend longer saving for a deposit, despite the new Lifetime ISA scheme due in 2017.

London’s property market finally starting to slow down

15 March, 2016

In London the median average salary is just £30,338 however if you wished to purchase a property in our country’s capital you will be looking at an average price tag of £522,000. House prices in London are almost actually three times the national average of £191,812. This also means that London’s house prices are more […]

House sales down 2% over 12 months – but prices continue to rise

16 March, 2016

A recent report from Hometrack’s UK Cities House Price index has shown a average slowdown of 2% in sales across the country, with several cities exhibiting a shocking 20% drop versus the previous year. Those looking to sell their home fast during 2016 are facing an uphill battle to find buyers in a difficult year […]

Brexit: A look at the impact on property prices

14 March, 2016

With an upcoming referendum deciding whether Britain will stay in the European Union or not, many sellers are looking for fast home sales to avoid the possibility of losing money.

Are mortgages excluding older buyers from the property market?

9 March, 2016

Over a third of mortgage brokers have reported a sharp rise in those over 40 being rejected for a mortgage, according to claims in a new report by Nottingham Building Society.

Pace of house prices slows to 6.7% in 2015

8 March, 2016

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) house prices in the UK rose by 6.7% in 2015. This shows a significant slowdown in UK house prices compared to the 9% rise reported by the ONS in 2014. This represents a fall in value of £18,000 compared to the average home in the UK which […]

Is London facing a mass exodus of homeowners?

4 March, 2016

Rising living costs and prohibitive transport prices are forcing young talent to rule out the capital as a prospective place to live and raise a family, eschewing the career benefits that the city offers. It’s no secret that many view property prices in London as extortionate, with homes costing up to 13 times the average […]

Britain’s largest estate agency sees huge decline in annual profits

1 March, 2016

Countrywide has announced a 40% drop in profits over the last year, which has been blamed on a market slowdown and increased competition from online rivals. Property selling experts are examining the future role of high street estate agents after Countrywide, the country’s largest agency, announced a 40% drop in profits during 2015 when compared […]

Hidden costs could affect your buyers

26 February, 2016

When attempting to purchase a property, people often base their offer on available funds – but unless they’ve got a little extra put away, the associated fees may present a stumbling block that details a sale. It’s a common situation which you’ll recognise if you’ve ever bought a house. You’ve scrambled around and gathered paperwork […]

Irish Home Repossessions Rose By 80% in 2015

23 February, 2016

Home repossessions in Ireland have rose by a massive 80% last year – with an extra 1,500 people declaring themselves homeless. According to official figures from the Central Bank for the first three quarters of 2015, 564 homes were repossessed up until the end of September 2015. This is a huge increase in repossession compared […]

Are house prices going up? Mixed forecasts and the market impact

New figures released by Santander forecast a huge increase in property prices across the country by 2030, while income levels fail to grow comparatively, causing worries for buyers and sellers alike.

UK exit from the EU could result in house prices dropping by 5%

22 February, 2016

Prime Minister David Cameron announced over the weekend that there will be a referendum in the UK to stay or leave the EU on 23 June 2016. Online estate agent eMoov has predicted that if the UK votes to leave the EU than house prices could potentially drop by 5% or more. They believe that […]

How long does it take to sell your home? The best and worst UK cities revealed

19 February, 2016

Recent statistics have shown a huge gap in the time taken for houses to sell in the north versus the south, with homes in London’s adjacent towns and cities enjoying much faster sales than those located in more northern, ex-industrial locations. Across the UK, there are many homeowners looking for a quick house sale. But […]

1 in 4 Properties will be Worth £1m+ by 2030

18 February, 2016

The number of UK properties worth at least £1 million is expected to more than triple between now and 2030, according to a new report from Santander Mortgages. This means that almost 1.6 million homes in UK will be worth at least £1 million in the next 14 years which equates to one in every […]

£50k rent bill uncovered by new research into house costs

16 February, 2016

According to figures released by the Association of Residential Lettings Agents, the average first-time buyer will have spent over £50,000 in rental fees before purchasing a home. As the average cost of living increases, the age at which a first-time buyer has saved enough for a deposit has risen from 23 in the 1960s to […]

Bomb Proof London Fort on River Thames on Sale for £500,000

10 February, 2016

In November this year an offer for a very unique building with an unforgettable address in London fell through. Now available to buy again No.1, The Thames (yes this is its real address) has come back onto the open market for £500,000. This property is a bomb proof fort situated in the Thames Estuary which […]

Factoring in the unexpected – what do buyers love and hate?

12 February, 2016

The house-selling process is a deeply unpleasant one at the best of times, especially maintaining a house that doubles as both a home and a showroom. But as we recently discussed, the likelihood of a sale often depends on wider factors. So, what matters most to a potential buyer? It’s not always obvious, as different […]

Repossessions at the lowest they have been for a decade

According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders fewer than one in 1,000 mortgages ended in repossession in 2015. And, with fewer than 1 in 100 mortgages in any sort of arrears, at 0.92% the annual arrears rate is also at its lowest for more than a decade. At 10,200, the total number of repossessions in […]

Lower-price-bracket housing demand could challenge first-time buyers in Scotland

9 February, 2016

The forthcoming hike in stamp duty in April, aimed at opening up the market to private house buyers, may have the opposite effect according to leading landlord and property organisations.

The biggest review into the housing market being launched

4 February, 2016

A review into the housing market has been launched, spearheaded by Pete Redfern, the chief executive of Britain’s third-biggest house builder Taylor Wimpey. The review, also being backed by John Healey MP, the UK shadow housing minister, aims to be an independent view into the housing market over the next 10 years. This review will […]

The greatest selling points of your home may be beyond your control

A recent study by conveyancers My Home Move has shed light on the qualities most sought after by UK property buyers – and despite your greatest efforts, there’s very little you can do to change them. We’ve all been there – maintaining your house to showroom quality at the off-chance you’ll get another viewing – after […]

Competition increases for UK property sellers as landlords flood the market

2 February, 2016

In an effort to avoid the forthcoming increase in stamp duty, landlords are collectively unburdening their portfolios from small homes – and the huge influx is likely to drive down prices. Those looking to sell their homes in early 2016 are facing increased competition as landlords are due to saturate the market looking for a […]

Are traditional estate agencies on the way out?

29 January, 2016

As online estate agents see a surge in client numbers, the traditional high street estate agent could be facing a bleak future, as those looking to sell their home fast pursue cheaper flat-rate fees over local knowledge and experience. Looking back at the last 20 years, the face of the British high street has undergone […]

Latest Testimonial From a Happy Customer

28 January, 2016

Finding it hard to trust your estate agent? You’re not alone

27 January, 2016

A new poll from Ipsos Mori has found public trust in estate agents to be at an all-time low, outranking only politicians and government ministers – with much of the disapproval coming from older generations.

Guide to how long the UK house buying process takes?

Are you wondering how long it takes to purchase a house in the UK? Well HSBC’s chief UK economist Liz Martins and her team have the answer! HSBC has recently produced a 6 step property transaction guide which shows the average house purchasing process and how long each stage takes on average. This handy guide to […]

Thought raising kids was tough? Property is harder, says research…

22 January, 2016

A recent poll carried out by Which? mortgage advisors has found the house buying-and-selling process to be more stressful than getting sacked, getting married, or even raising a child. For those who’ve been through the property mill before, the latest poll results are surely not too surprising. For those yet to experience the joys and […]

Top 10 Tips to Sell Your House Quickly

19 January, 2016

Here are some top 10 tips to help sell your house quickly: De-personalise your house De-clutter your house Make sure your home is extremely clean Finish all those unfinished DIY jobs that need doing Get rid of any nasty odours such as cigarette smoke or animal smells Make sure you go over your house with […]

Increasing house prices lead to slow-down in market

20 January, 2016

House prices in the UK have risen sharply in recent years, according to a new report from Halifax, leaving first-time buyers needing an ever-increasing deposit to gain a foothold on the property ladder. Despite efforts by the government to make it easier to purchase a first home, potential UK home buyers are finding themselves priced […]

The Only Way Is Up – Property Predictions For 2016

18 January, 2016

None of us know exactly what lies ahead, but experts always have their views; as do everyday people who like to keep a keen eye on their property prospects and wider finances. A recent survey has asked public opinion on a range of issues, including house prices and salaries – and most predictions involve increases. […]

Property Buyers Taking Only 53 Minutes To Buy A Home

14 January, 2016

Are you thinking of buying a property? Lets be realistic National Homebuyers know that buying a new home will probably be the biggest financial investment you’ll ever make due to the high purchase value of such an asset. So you would think that people would spend a lot of time contemplating and deciding on what […]

UK Regions Where Property Rents Rose Quickest During 2015

12 January, 2016

The HomeLet Rental Index report shows where rents saw the biggest rises in 2015. The report revealed that Brighton, Bristol, Edinburgh and Newcastle saw the biggest increases in rents throughout 2015. Highlights of the HomeLet Rental Index revealed that: When London is excluded, the average UK rental value was £739pcm – this is 4.9% higher than […]

Are rent increases pricing potential buyers out of the market?

Market analysts are forecasting a slowdown in the property market as a result of recent government legislation, as steadily increasing rent prices are expected to hamper efforts by potential buyers to raise the necessary funds to purchase a house. According to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), tougher taxes on buy-to-let properties will cause […]

How will house sales progress in 2016?

8 January, 2016

Looking ahead to another new year, many people are wondering how their lives will change over the next 12 months. Homeowners may decide that this is the year to move on and start afresh somewhere new – but will the market make it easy? House prices are still rapidly increasing beyond the reach of the […]

New housing and planning bill generates deep concerns

6 January, 2016

As the Conservative government’s housing and planning bill reaches Report Stage in Westminster today, numerous social commentators and property experts have expressed substantial worries about its potentially ‘disastrous’ impact on the UK’s housing market.

House prices will be up 50% and rents 25% by 2025

23 December, 2015

Rents are set to sky-rocket, and buying a house is getting further out of reach for many, according to the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) Housing 2025 report. Compiled with Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), the report predicts the state of the property market in ten years’ time, […]

How To Quickly Sell Your Home

Selling a home can be a time-consuming and stressful affair. Properties can languish on the market for months, sometimes years, with only occasional viewings and no offers. It can be particularly difficult for home-owners who are eager to move but must wait for their old home to sell, or those who are in financial difficulties. […]

How Long Will It Take To Sell Your Home?

21 December, 2015

One of the most common questions someone selling their home asks an estate agent is “how long will it take to sell my home?”   This type of question is an extremely hard one to answer in a market so full of variables. There are properties out there that sell within a few weeks and […]

Deal or No Deal? Buy Noel Edmonds House

With the festive period fast approaching it is almost time to celebrate Noel. But you could be celebrating another Noel too for the right money. OK, we could not resist the Christmas pun but recently it has come to our attention that Noel Edmonds, the English television presenter of Deal or No Deal, has put […]

Selling at Christmas – the best or worst time to market property?

18 December, 2016

The Christmas period has long been associated with a lack of activity within the property market – but an increasing number of potential buyers are spending the festive season house-hunting online. Wait for the new year and you could be missing out on some great opportunities. In the last 15 years, there has been a […]

5 tips for selling a home in winter

18 December, 2015

Selling a home in winter can be a bit challenging, but don’t worry as National Homebuyers have found this infographic which give 5 tips for selling a home in winter.   National Homebuyers – We Buy Any House National Homebuyers are a UK based property buyer who really do buy any house or property! In fact […]

Private House Sales UK: How Can I Achieve a Private House Sale?

17 December, 2015

Private house sales are becoming more and more popular for homeowners across the UK. Selling a house privately enables you to save a substantial amount of money by eliminating escalating estate agency fees. A private house sale also gives UK homeowners more control over the sale and negotiation process because they have direct contact with […]

New Help to Buy ISA aims to help first time buyers

15 December, 2015

How does a Help to Buy ISA work The Help to Buy Individual Savings Account (ISA) was unveiled by the UK Chancellor George Osborne in the government’s 2015 budget and was officially launched on 1st December 2015 Help to Buy ISAs are a new type of ISA designed to help first-time buyers save up a […]

First-time buyers priced out of London property market despite support

16 December, 2015

A recent analysis by Savills has shown that first-time buyers are unable to afford homes in London, even when assisted by government help-to-buy schemes – and still have to rely on higher levels of savings. In a city where typical house prices and wage levels are already 66% higher than the national average, the continued […]

Why is location so important for homes?

11 December, 2015

Property experts seem obsessed with location – but why is it so important? And what do buyers find most appealing? We’ve summed up a few of the main issues for you to consider. When buyers are seeking a property to buy, their requirements and preferences often depend on their current stage of life, as well […]

Most Estate Agents NOT Disclosing Neighbourhood Issues

9 December, 2015

It has been suggested that fewer then half of estate agents don’t ask property sellers any questions regarding potential neighbourhood issues they face. By knowing if a property has such issues as noise complaints or anti-social behaviour local to it is a vital piece of information estate agents should be passing onto potential buyers. It […]

First Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

8 December, 2015

For most of us, buying a home is a huge deal. After many years of working long and hard to save another money for a deposit to use for a house you are ready to go house hunting. Shopping for a new home is always exciting, exhausting but also a little bit scary because of […]

Lower levels of home ownership spell out difficult future for housing market

9 December, 2015

Years of increased regulation mean the UK now ranks fourth from bottom in Europe for home ownership – which could mean challenging times ahead for sellers, pressing them to explore alternative ways to sell their property. After a steady increase in home ownership towards the tail-end of the last century, the UK is now thought […]

House prices to rise by only 4% in 2016

4 December, 2015

Halifax, the UK mortgage lender, has announced today that UK house prices will rise by between 4% and 6% in 2016. This shows a slowing down of house prices compared to 2015 when the growth rate was around 10% which was a lot higher then expected. Halifax housing economist Martin Ellis said “House prices look […]

How to avoid terrible estate agents

As occupations go, estate agents don’t have a great reputation. This may be unfair to those who do their jobs properly – and they do exist. However, many vendors and buyers have found that there’s no smoke without fire… so if you’re selling your home, you should always take careful steps to avoid wasting time […]

UK Government Unveils Bold Plan to Tackle Housing Crisis

3 December, 2015

In an effort to tackle the “crisis of home ownership” in the UK property market, the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has pledged 7billion to tackle the chronic shortage of homes. The Chancellor has been quoted as saying: ‘And I am clear: in this Spending Review, we choose housing. Above all, we choose homes […]

Estate agents lose interest in slow-selling homes

2 December, 2015

If a property has been on the market for more than 14 days, estate agents are less likely to put effort into selling it. That’s according to a recent survey in which more than 2,000 sellers were polled about their experiences.

$17.5 million Apocalypse Bunker For Sale

30 November, 2015

National Homebuyers have recently come across this awesome doomsday shelter. So if you fear the out break of nuclear war or you want a place where you can survive the zombie apocalypse then why not put an offer in for this unique property. Harry Norman Realtors, a real estate firm in have listed this $17.5 […]

Does your house seem like a good deal for buyers?

27 November, 2015

How your property is advertised, how long it’s been on the market and its capacity for different lifestyles are all factors in how potential buyers may view your home, before they even think about viewing it. Though demand for houses is high, buyers always want to get good value for money – and there are […]

Council house sales mean more choice for buyers

25 November, 2015

Recent statistics show that sales of council homes under the right-to-buy scheme are now higher than they were before the recession, having doubled over the last two years. Figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government reveal that 12,304 council tenants bought their homes between 2014 and 2015, representing a big increase from only […]

Traditional estate agents no longer the automatic choice to sell homes

23 November, 2015

Many people are now keen to find easier and more cost-effective ways to sell their houses, meaning that the popularity of online estate agents is on the rise – along with other alternative routes. High street estate agents usually charge around 1.5% of the selling price plus VAT, but some charge up to 3.5% for […]

Jersey’s property prices at an all time high

19 November, 2015

It has been reported that house prices in Jersey have now recovered since they dropped due to the 2008 recession. Property prices in Jersey have now hit a seven-year high. The average price of a home in Jersey over the last three months was reported to be around £453,000. Houses in Jersey are now selling […]

Asking prices drop after agents fail to disclose issues

18 November, 2015

Sellers have been required to drop asking prices by an average of £7k in England and Wales when problems with noisy neighbours came to light – after their estate agents failed to notify buyers. Consumer Protection From Unfair Trading regulations stipulate that estate agents must report any negative matters which could affect a UK home […]

Purplebricks Value to Raise to £250m with New Stock Market Listing

13 November, 2015

Purplebricks, the online estate agency, has informed shareholders that it plans to list itself on the London Stock Exchange as early as next month. Sky News have discovered that Purplebricks have appointed Zeus Capital, an investment bank, to help them achieve this. Initial rumours taken from City institutions suggest there is a significant demand for […]

How antisocial neighbours can affect your house sale

If you have troublesome residents living next door or on your street, it can be so stressful that you decide to move elsewhere – but first you need to sell your home, and noisy or antisocial behaviour from neighbours can make this much harder. In some cases, a personal dispute between two particular neighbours might […]

Housing sales slump blamed on stamp duty changes

11 November, 2015

Following changes to stamp duty on house purchases, implemented by Chancellor George Osborne, critics have said that high-value sales have slowed and other sales have not been boosted. According to Land Registry figures, the number of properties sold to private UK property buyers in the seven months between December 2014 – when the changes were […]

Longer Travelling Times Blamed On Inflated House Prices

9 November, 2015

An analysis of unpublished data from the Office for National Statistics has shown that there has been an increase in the number of people travelling more then 2 hours to their jobs. The report showed that the number of people travelling more then two hours has risen from 1.7 million in 2004 to a whopping […]

What’s the right price for your home?

6 November, 2015

Property values are determined by lots of different factors – primarily the area you live in, the size of your home, its condition and its aesthetic appeal. But it’s also wise to consider convenience, complexity and how quickly you want to sell your house.     If your house has been on the market for a […]

Business Boom Will Fuel Surge In House Prices

5 November, 2015

As the UK economy starts to stabilise unemployment will fall and wages will start to see an increase over the next five years. The result of this will inevitably be that house prices will increase and a flurry of activity in home sales should occur. A new study on house price movement across the UK […]

Hilariously Bad Estate Agent Photographs

4 November, 2015

With so many property programs out there on television providing advice on how to sell your home you would think everyone nowadays would know the golden rules to selling their homes. Painting the walls magnolia, tidying away junk and displaying fresh flowers just a few of the tips that are suggested. But it still appears […]

Flying Homes Out The Door

3 November, 2015

Many property owners in the open market are hoping for a quick sale of their home but they find that their allocated local estate agents simply are not flying homes out the door as fast as they would like them too so they can sell their homes quickly. The property market in the UK is […]

Will London be inside a property bubble by 2017?

4 November, 2015

Some experts have warned that London is in danger of being enveloped by a housing ‘bubble’ by 2017 – meaning that the cost of buying or renting will be unaffordable for people who work there. While high property prices seem positive, they can often cause economic problems if they get out of control. For example, […]

Deposits And Other Mortgage Application Issues

30 October, 2015

The cash you get for your current home can have a big impact on the type of mortgage you can get for where you want to live next, especially if you don’t have access to other funds for a deposit. Whether you intend to rent or buy your next home, you’ll always need a deposit […]

Trick or Treat – The Best (and Worst) Places to Visit on Halloween

28 October, 2015

As millions of children and their parents set out into the cold to go trick or treating this Halloween, National Homebuyers, the UK’s leading property buyers, can reveal the best towns to do it in to get the best results and the most sweets. The Zoopla Trick or Treat Index ranks towns and cities across England […]

Nearly a million at risk from mortgage repayments timebomb

27 October, 2015

Hundreds of thousands of homeowners who opted for interest-only mortgages are facing a struggle to pay off what they owe before the loan term runs out, according to charity Citizens Advice. Approximately 934,000 people may have to sell their homes to avoid repossession by the bank if they are unable to afford repayments – and […]

How To Sell Your House Fast Infographic

26 October, 2015

  About National Homebuyers National Homebuyers is based in West Sussex and have been helping to solve the UK’s property problems for over 15 years. National Homebuyers is the UK’s leading property buyer, assisting thousands of people by offering a unique service and specialising in a quick and hassle free sale for your home. If […]

House improvements – are they worth it?

23 October, 2015

If you’re trying to sell your home, you may wonder whether you should do some substantial maintenance or development work to make it more attractive to buyers – but will you get a return on your investment? If your house has dated decor, an ancient central heating system or energy-draining old windows – among a […]

Rightmove listings error stops houses for sale being seen

20 October, 2015

Leading property search website Rightmove has transformed the way that people find and research homes for sale in recent times – but when mistakes are made, it can put sellers at a disadvantage, as homeowners in Bolton recently discovered. An automatic boundary on the website mistakenly classed several areas of the town of Blackrod as […]

If your house isn’t selling, it’s time to try something different

19 October, 2015

You may want to hold out for a high price for your home, but if your property has been on the market for a long time, it’s wise to take a fresh attitude to selling instead of being stuck in limbo. Houses that have been listed for sale for many months can struggle to appeal to […]

Lord Sugar recommends investing in property to make money

20 October, 2015

If you’re seeking a fresh start, a quick sale of your existing troublesome home could give you the cash to invest in something really worthwhile – like property with the potential to make money. And, according to Lord Sugar, sensible property development can be the key to long-term wealth. With popular television show The Apprentice […]

What’s putting buyers off your home?

9 October, 2015

If you’re struggling to sell your property, it’s important to know why – so then you can decide whether to make improvements or find an easier method of selling. We all have our particular tastes and preferences – and these are never more important than when deciding whether to buy a home. For some people, […]

Do you live in a property hotspot? The future top ten is revealed

30 September, 2015

Experts have revealed the ten most likely locations in the UK to be property hotspots over the next decade, with a multitude of benefits for buyers – but what about sellers? Financial publication This Is Money has consulted online estate agent HouseSimple, which has listed the following in its set-to-boom locations: Manchester (central), Rotherham in […]

Common complications when selling a home

25 September, 2015

Once you’ve accepted an offer for your home, it should be plain sailing to enjoy the proceeds of a sale and move on… but unfortunately the UK house-selling process is often slow and full of difficulties. It’s vital to be aware of these so you can try your best to avoid them. The biggest problem […]

Mixed fortunes for property owners as prices soar

22 September, 2015

House prices are breaking new records in affluent areas, but while this is good news for those with perfect properties, many sellers are facing challenges – especially with first-time buyers unable to afford high costs of purchase and maintenance.

UK first-time buyers not alone in struggle to afford homes

A global survey has revealed that house prices are making the market difficult for first-time home buyers in numerous nations, according to 79% of European respondents. The ING International Survey On Homes And Mortgages gathered responses from almost 15,000 people in 15 different countries, discovering that four out of every five Europeans feel it is […]

How surveys can affect house sales

If you accept an offer to buy your house, it’s common for your prospective buyer to organise a survey – but how can this affect your sale? House surveys are intended to reveal the condition of a residential property and inform your buyer of any problems that may cause them concern. As a seller, this can […]

Jeremy Corbyn’s victory: What does it mean for the housing market?

15 September, 2015

Business groups have expressed mixed reactions to Jeremy Corbyn’s election as the new leader of the Labour Party, with the Right to Buy scheme and infrastructure investment among topics discussed.  

All home buyers are different – so what are they looking for?

11 September, 2015

If you need to sell your house fast, you need to think about what kind of buyer is most likely to buy it – and what you can do to increase its appeal.   In recent years, buying and selling houses has become more difficult for lots of reasons, including increasing house prices and stricter […]

Land Registry confirms property sales are down

22 September, 2015

Figures from the Land Registry have shown that housing sales have fallen by 15% compared with the same period from 2014, matching the trend recently reported by HMRC. Cash sales, property auctions and mortgage-based purchases are included in the statistics, which were recorded in May this year. A total of 65,619 transactions took place, representing […]

Summer property sales fell by 4.4%, says HMRC

7 September, 2015

The housing market was tougher for sellers in July, according to a seasonal estimate by government body HMRC, after a spike in June following the general election. Despite demand from buyers, changes to stamp duty at the end of 2014 created a sticking point, particularly in London – with house purchases during 2015 slowing at […]

The Invisible £4.5 Million Underground London Home

24 August, 2015

Whilst houses costing several million pounds are not few and far between in London, at just 8 feet above ground level, this particular North London dwelling certainly has a novelty factor! The unusual design is the result of planning permission requiring that new home could only be built as high as the row of garages […]

New Property Tax Sends Scottish House Prices Down

23 July, 2015

Property prices in Scotland have started falling after a new tax was introduced that changes the way buyers pay duty when they buy houses. Figures released this week by the Edinburgh Solicitors’ Property Centre indicate that the average price of property in East Central Scotland fell by 0.5% between April and June 2015, compared to […]

National Homebuyers’ First Time Buyer £100,000 Challenge

What does £100,000 get first-time buyers in England? We keep on hearing that house prices in London and the South East continue to rise and that first-time buyers are having the rungs cut off the ladder each time they try to make the step up. We are also regularly informed that housing available to first-time buyers […]

I Don’t Believe it! Reverse Trend in House Prices: Rise in the North-East and Fall in London

22 July, 2015

The property portal, Rightmove has reported that there have been a sharp decrease in the number of properties being put up for sale, especially in the first-time buyer sector. According to Rightmove, house prices are rapidly rising in the North East of England and falling in the London borough Kensington and Chelsea. The average asking […]

Is This is the Most Bizarre Decorating Ever?

17 July, 2015

It is often claimed that different colours have varying psychological effects on an individual; some colours have been associated with increased happiness, heightened blood pressure and a feeling of calmness and serenity. It is believed that colours on the blue side of the colour spectrum are often identified as being cool colours; these are seen […]

London Property for Sale with Local Drug Dealers Living Nearby

14 July, 2015

A decent sized lounge, stunning garden and…handy local drug dealers just around the corner When you are browsing property to either buy or rent, what sort of features do you look for in the local area? Good schools? Decent transport links? Reliable drug dealers nearby? This may seem like something of a bad joke, thought […]

Buy-to-let could pose a threat to the UK economy

13 July, 2015

  As reported in the Daily Telegraph, the UK’s incredibly successful buy-to-let housing market could pose a real threat to financial stability, the Bank of England has warned. The Bank’s biannual Financial Stability Report warned that borrowers are finding it easier to obtain credit, and have potentially been putting themselves and the economy at risk […]

How will the recent changes to inheritance tax affect the housing market?

10 July, 2015

George Osborne has officially announced that the Government will scrap inheritance tax on homes worth more than £500,000 for those living alone and up to £1m for married couples. Osborne will raise the inheritance tax threshold from January 2017 to £500,000 from £325,000. According to the Daily Telegraph, this essentially means that a married couple […]

Is the budget about to drive up the cost of renting in the UK?

9 July, 2015

Landlord’s could see their profits reduced as the Chancellor targets the buy-to-let market As reported in the Daily Telegraph, landlords across the UK are set to see their profits decrease after George Osbourne announced in this week’s budget that he is reducing tax relief on privately rented homes, in an attempt to stop the economic […]

Prime Property Sales in Edinburgh hit by new land & buildings tax in Scotland

8 July, 2015

It is being reported on Property Wire that prime property prices in Edinburgh rose by only 0.4% between the months of April and June, which is the lowest quarterly price growth in two years. On an annual basis prices have risen by 3.4% which is down from the recent 5.7% high in June last year, […]

The Queen is getting £250,000 a year in rent payments

3 July, 2015

Last week we revealed the extent of the Queen’s annual income from her property portfolio and now it is being reported that she is renting out flats in St James’ Palace for the first time in history. As reported in the Daily Mail, the British monarchy has decided to rent out two luxury apartments in […]

UK Commercial Property Sales Sky Rocket

1 July, 2015

If you are looking to sell commercial property in the UK then there is finally a glimmer of light after a prolonged market slump, as reported on Propertywire. According to data released by HMRC, the number of commercial property transactions has increased by up to 24% from a low of 92,900 in 2008/2009, but it […]

House Prices Rise in Southern England

30 June, 2015

House prices in the UK have increased by an average of £11,500 over the last 12 months to May 2015 with seven cities in southern England significantly outperforming this level. As reported in Property Wire, the average house in a UK city now costs £189,400 with London more than doubling this figure at £425,700, according […]

Prime Property Market in London Begins to Slow Down

29 June, 2015

The demand for high-end properties in London has slowed down significantly as wealthy buyers balk at steep property prices and higher stamp duty rates for the most expensive homes. According to the Financial Times, the property market in London remains subdued despite the Conservative’s surprise victory in last month’s General Election, which was expected to […]

Should we be looking towards Berlin to solve the potential UK rental crisis?

26 June, 2015

  It has recently emerged that UK residents pay the highest level of rent in Europe; parting with 40% of their monthly wages to their landlords. This is a sharp contrast to Germany where renters spend only 25% of their wages to have a roof over their heads. The figures should not be a surprise […]

The Royals are Raking it in!

25 June, 2015

The Queen is set to receive a record income this year after Britain’s booming property market further increased profits at the Crown Estate, the property company owned by the monarch. The extensive estate, an independent commercial business created by an act of parliament, hands all of its earnings over to the Treasury, which then passes […]

Son or Daughter Knows Best

A recent Halifax Generation Rent Report has found a significant difference in opinions regarding the first-time buyer market between prospective first-time-buyers and their parents. As it currently stands 12% of parents believe it is ‘virtually impossible for first-time buyers to obtain a mortgage’. While 21% of prospective first-time buyers believe this to be the case. […]

UK tenants pay the most rent in Europe

The National Housing Federation has claimed that those renting in Britain pay a higher proportion of their wages towards rental costs compared to any other country in Europe. According to research conducted by the National Housing Federation, private tenants in the UK are paying higher levels of rent and spending a huge chunk of their […]

Public Spending Watchdog Questions Government Housing Claims

24 June, 2015

   The National Audit Office has called into question the Government’s claims that they had met their target and sold land for over 109, 000 new homes in the build up to the General Election. Claims by ministers that the government has sold off public land to developers for more than 100,000 starter homes and […]

Increased Demand for First Homes & Better Rates Make that Second Step Easier

22 June, 2015

There could finally be signs of good news, according to This is Money, the increased demand for first homes is making it easier for those who are looking to get onto that second step on the property ladder. The Lloyds Banking Group began recording the perils of going from a first home, usually a one […]

Young Professionals Flock to the South Coast

The sunny south coast of Britain is pulling in young professionals looking to buy property, new research has claimed. The sunny seaside town of Hove is now the country’s leading property hotspot for 25-44 year olds looking to buy houses, according to Property Wire. It is also claimed that neighbouring Brighton is now the fifth […]

House Haunted by a Poltergeist Listed on Rightmove

19 June, 2015

This is an ideal opportunity for those seeking a flatmate with a ‘difference’. Potential tenants will have to share this house in Liverpool with a poltergeist who has tormented previous inhabitants. The Liverpool Echo is reporting that a house has been listed on Rightmove despite the fact that it is currently being inhabited by a […]

Nice work if you can get it: Stamp Duty revenue soars by an extra £1.5 billion

16 June, 2015

Stamp duty revenue generated in England and Wales increased by an incredible £7.7 billion in the year to March – easily beating the 6.2 billion which was raised at the peak of the last housing boom in March 2008. In stark contrast, in the 12 months to March 1999, less than £1 billion was raised. […]

Now could be the perfect time to sell your home

15 June, 2015

It appears that the housing market has responded to last month’s surprise in the General Election. The Conservative’s victory appears to have stabilised the market. It is not all good news though with the need for more new-build homes becoming more and more pressing. According to Rightmove, house prices have increased by an average of […]

Scottish Property Market Bounces Back with Increase in Sales of Over £1M

10 June, 2015

The Scottish housing market is finally showing signs of bouncing back from the recession with the sale of homes worth over £1M rising by 70% in ten years.   The figures, released by the Registers of Scotland, also show that despite the recession in 2008, the final quarter of 2014-2015 saw the highest average house […]

Yorkshire is the cream of the crop

8 June, 2015

Yorkshire has taken London’s place as the nation’s property hotspot as supply and demand becomes an issue. The Yorkshire property market has taken London & the South East’s place at the top of the national property table. The latest figures released by the Land Registry, highlight the fact that the county’s house increases increased by […]

Can’t Sell Your Home: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your House

1. You have unrealistic demands As you are probably aware, once you’ve spent a prolonged period of time in your home, you will feel something of an emotional connection to it. This often leads to a loss of objectivity, causing you to have demands which can be difficult to meet, and ultimately, leaving you unable […]

Would You Sell Your Home For Free Pizza?

5 June, 2015

When Donna DeNicola’s son, Johnny Barnett, couldn’t find a house to buy near the family’s business, his mother came up with a novel idea!  A Portland mother has managed to find her son his first home after coming by offering potential sellers pizza for life as part of the payment! Donna DeNicola had long been […]

UK Interest Rates Kept at a Record Low

4 June, 2015

Cash Buyers at Record High

3 June, 2015

According to Nationwide nearly four out of ten houses were sold without a mortgage in the first quarter of this year. It is believed that there is something of a record high of those looking to sell houses for cash. Nationwide, the country’s second-biggest mortgage provider, have claimed that 38% of properties were sold to […]

9 Examples of Properties You’d Never Expect to Sell

4 June, 2015

It is always exciting, and ever so slightly enthralling, to find a property that is a little bit different when you are looking to buy a new home. It cannot be denied that the British love to feel that our humble abode has that unique quality to it. Whether you crave that chic, luxurious and […]

Are we Currently Floating Along in a Property Bubble?

26 May, 2015

The UK property market is continuing to grow in strength and is currently experiencing something of a boom, but how much longer can it last? It is a well-known fact that the UK property sector has a particular likeness to bubbles, with the market growing and growing before getting overheated and bursting. At the moment […]

The Perfect Time to Sell your Home? UK House Prices are on the Rise

20 May, 2015

If you are a UK homeowner looking for someone to buy your house then now could be the perfect time to sell your home. According to figures released by the Office of National Statistics, house prices rose across the whole of the UK by a huge 9.6% in the year to March 2015, up from […]

The Hoarder Next Door

19 May, 2015

I am sure that most of us are now aware of the Channel 4 programme about hoarders living next door. If, however, you are yet to see the programme, it focuses on those who are unable to dispose of items and instead store them in their home. This is, of course, leads to an extremely […]

Looking to Sell your House Fast? Give this a Try!

18 May, 2015

Buying or selling a new home is more often than not a roller coaster ride that can leave both buyers and sellers experiencing a range of emotions. If you have any experience of the property market, then you will be aware that there are a mixture of both positive and negative emotions involved but sadly […]

The Cost Of Christmas & The 2015 Housing Horizon

7 January, 2015

In amongst the melee of political rhetoric, rightly or wrongly I have been left with the general impression that the economy has been getting better. Mark Carney – Governor of the Bank of England – has even warned that interest rates will rise by at least 2% over the next couple of years which can […]

Unique & Unusual Christmas Gifts For The Home

17 December, 2014

So it’s that time of year again. Whilst I don’t want to be accused of dampening seasonal spirits, I for one find it quite stressful fulfilling the obligatory Christmas demand for presents. With lots of family and lots – well, at least a few – friends to buy for, it’s almost overwhelming trying to find […]

How Will The Stamp Duty Reforms Affect You?

10 December, 2014

For all those not yet on the property ladder, that first step has become an aspiration so out of reach it appears silly to even try and save for a deposit. The price seems to have been increasing faster than you can get to the next stop down the train line. Even if you have […]

What Is The Quickest Way To Sell A House?

3 December, 2014

Given that I am writing on the blog of a property purchasing company, you probably won’t be surprised that I’m telling you National Homebuyers, and other companies like it, offer the quickest way to sell a house. We just do. But, what are the factors that affect the speed with which a house sells? There […]

Rent Or Buy Property: That Is The Question

28 November, 2014

Just a couple of weeks ago National Homebuyers produced a blog post that highlighted a Chelsea garage, big enough for just one car, which sold for over half-a-million pounds in October this year.  After warnings from Europe and acknowledgements from our own Prime Minister, it is clear our housing crisis is a deepening and worrying […]

Are Property Auctions The Best Way To Sell Your House?

17 November, 2014

Auctions used to be for unique properties such as churches, lighthouses and farmyards, nowadays though, residential homes are becoming more common in this arena, but why? Although this is partly due to the popularity of TV programmes like ‘Homes Under The Hammer’, buyers attend for the same reason they always have – to bag a […]

Are Luxury London House Prices Falling?

3 November, 2014

The West End of London has long had a reputation for exorbitant wealth and opulence. A reputation that was substantiated last week by the sale of an 11ft by 7ft run-down car garage in Chelsea that was sold for £550,000. That’s more than double the UK average house price stipulated by Rightmove of £271,669. In […]

Bank of Mum and Dad in Crisis

2 October, 2014

A report, released by the charity Shelter, claims that more than six out of ten parents are unable to contribute towards a deposit that would allow their children to get on the property ladder. The report also shows that, of those parents who are able to offer their children a lump sum from the Bank of Mum and Dad, […]

Are Homeowners in Scotland Betting the House on Scottish Independence?

16 September, 2014

Panic stations as more and more economists warn of financial meltdown and a housing market crash in the event of Scottish independence. The date of the referendum on Scottish independence has been known for some time. However, until very recently, unless you were distinctly interested in politics you would be forgiven for not having known, […]

37% of Working Parents Ration Food to Meet Housing Costs

28 August, 2014

A new report shows that over a third of all working parents in the UK are scrimping on food costs in order to be able to afford spiralling housing costs and rising bills. A report issued by Shelter today shows that working parents are being further squeezed by rising housing costs and bills while wages […]

House Prices Drop at Record Rate

18 August, 2014

A new report shows that house prices have dropped at their fastest rate in at least a decade as the weather warms and the market cools. According to Rightmove national average house prices fell by 2.9% in the month to August. While the market generally slows down during the summer months, these latest figures represent […]

Is Now the Right Time to Sell Property?

28 August, 2014

A new report shows that the gap between supply and demand in the housing market is beginning to close. Is now the right time to sell property? According to the latest National Mortgage Market Monitor released by the estate agents Haart we are beginning to enter a buyers market, with less people looking to buy houses, […]

House Values Rise Again – But Only Just

31 July, 2014

A New report shows that, while house values have increased for the fifteenth month in a row, the rate of growth slowed dramatically in July, adding weight to the growing consensus that the housing market is cooling. A report released by Halifax today shows that average UK house values rose by just 0.1% in July. […]

House Prices Flatline as Market Begins to Cool

29 July, 2014

House Prices Flatline as Land Registry figures show prices remained unchanged in June, offering more evidence that the market may be beginning to slow down There was no change in average national house prices in June compared to May, according to the latest Land Registry statistics released yesterday. The annual increase in national house price […]

House Buyer Confidence Lowest in Years

28 July, 2014

House buyer confidence hit by high house prices and fears of interest rate rises A report released by Halifax today says most house buyers believe this is the worst time to buy a house in at least 3 years. The series only began in April 2011 so, according to this particular report, this is in […]

Wary House Buyers Slow Price Appreciation

25 July, 2014

House price growth slows as potential house buyers are put off by over inflated prices. A new report issued by Hometrack shows that house price appreciation has slowed to its lowest level since February 2013. House price inflation rose by just 0.1% between June and July, descending from the already low rate of 0.3% between May […]

Interest Rates and Household Debt

24 July, 2014

The National Obsession That Could Become A National Disaster A new report claims millions will be plunged into household debt peril by rising interest rates. Is the Bank of England being flippant with people’s futures? Britain is, famously, a nation of homeowners. Historical evidence has shown that we are obsessed with owning the house in […]

Top Ten Tips to Help You Sell Your House Fast

27 July, 2014

There are several things you can do in today’s housing market to give yourself a better chance of selling your home quickly.   You have probably heard a great deal in the news recently about how house prices are rising and the UK property market is booming. While this is most certainly true of London and […]

House Price Inflation Reached 10.5% in May

15 July, 2014

ONS figures show highest level of national house price appreciation in four years. Recent indications that the housing market is beginning to cool may be nothing more than a false dawn, according to the Office for National Statistics. Figures released by the ONS today show that national house price inflation went up by 0.6% in […]

Soaring House Prices Tempt Landlords to Evict More Tenants With No Rent Arrears

14 July, 2014

According to Citizens Advice Bureaux, ever increasing house prices are causing more and more landlords to seek greater income gains by evicting their current tenants, even those that represent ‘model renters’. The CAB report that a rising number of tenants who are fully up-to-date on their rent and who have had no complaints lodged against […]

Would Independence Affect Scottish House Prices?

16 July, 2014

How is the housing market in Scotland reacting to the increasing imminence of the independence referendum and how would Scotland leaving the Union to affect Scottish house prices? In just over two months time, on 18 September, the historic referendum on whether to remain part of the United Kingdom will take place in Scotland. As the […]

House Prices and Risky Mortgages Up, But Demand is Beginning to Fall

10 July, 2014

The number of house buyers taking out high loan to value (LTV) mortgages hit a post-crisis peak last month according to figures released by e.surv, the largest chartered surveyor in the country. The amount of borrowers taking out mortgages with a deposit equivalent to 15% or less than the value of their property reached 10,898 last […]

Property Price Ambiguity is the Order of the Day

9 July, 2014

There is something of a mixed bag in terms of reporting on house prices today. Three separate figures have been released by Halifax and, while they all constitute part of the same overall report, each tells a slightly different story. The first criterion that has drawn a  significant amount of attention is the monthly house […]

House Prices Set to Rise 35% by 2020

In its latest economic outlook PwC, one of the Big Four accounting firms, has predicted that national house prices will rise by 35% over the next six years and that London house price will continue to grow exponentially, easily surpassing the half million pound mark this year. According to PwC house prices will rise by 8% […]

Hidden Costs to Homebuyers

7 July, 2014

Britain has long been a nation of homeowners. An Englishman’s house was considered his castle long before Edward coke enshrined it into law in 1628 and an Englishwoman’s home is no less so. Even given the fact that those below the age of forty are finding it increasingly difficult to get their foot on the […]

House Prices and Interest Rates Hit The Headlines Again

4 July, 2014

House prices and interest rates are in the news once more. Once again, house prices and interest rates are the main points of discussion in financial circles this week and, as usual, there seems to be precious little in terms of consensus amongst analysts in relation to these two subjects. House Prices A recently released […]

The Cost of Interest Rate Rises

16 June, 2014

During his annual Mansion House speech last week the Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney dropped heavy and thinly disguised hints that interest rates could be set to rise this year. Most market commentators, taking their lead from budget projections put forward by the central Bank, predicted rates would begin to rise early next […]

Economic Conundrum…Boom, Bust Or Both? Does Anyone Have Any Answers?

13 June, 2014

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) spoke out yesterday regarding their fears of another housing crash and the impact this would have on the economy. However, these warnings came on the same day that national indicators apparently signalled an imminent cooling in the UK housing market. The deputy managing director of the IMF, Min Zhu, said […]

Help to Buy Results Are In

9 June, 2014

The results of the first extremely detailed and comprehensive statistical study of the government’s Help to Buy scheme were released last week. The study investigated every area of both the market and the country connected to the Chancellor’s flagship housing initiative. Help to Buy has received mixed reviews since it was launched ahead of schedule in […]

House Crowding On The Rise

10 June, 2014

According to figures recently released by the Office for National Statistics there has been a 25% increase in the number of households into which six or more people are crammed. The figures, which apply to the ten years between the last two censuses (i.e. 2001 – 2011), show that the number of severely overcrowded households […]

Pressure on the Chancellor Increases Amidst Growing Fears of Housing Bubble

6 June, 2014

Average national house prices rose by 3.9% in May, the highest monthly increase since 2002, stoking the fire that is currently being lit under Chancellor George Osborne in an attempt to force him to tackle the threat the burgeoning housing bubble poses to the economy. The hike in house price inflation means the average cost […]

Most Help to Buy House Buyers Are Under 30

1 in 10 Households May Lose Their Home When Interest Rates Rise

4 June, 2014

A report issued by the Resolution Foundation last month has claimed that 1 in 10 mortgagors will be at risk of being unable to afford their repayments, and may lose their home when interest rates begin to rise. The independent think tank claims that 770,000 households fall into both high risk categories in danger of being […]

Ridiculously Priced Property Highlights Inherent Problems in London Housing Market

5 June, 2014

There are plenty of stories in the news at the moment about out of control house prices. This is especially true of property in London. Recently released Land Registry data shows that house prices in the capital rose by 4.2%, which equates to £17 645. That’s £588 a day! With prices so high and space […]

Europe Calls on UK Government to Build More Homes, Raise Council Tax on Expensive Houses & Reign in Help to Buy

3 June, 2014

As part of its annual scheme of providing economic recommendations to member states, the Commission of the European Union has advised the UK coalition government to review and subsequently revalue several council tax bands. The commission described the UK’s council tax system as regressive. Commissioners from what is essentially the executive body of Europe advised that: […]

Changes to Mortgage Application Restrictions Set to Dampen Property Market

27 May, 2014

Tough new rules are set to be introduced to mortgage lenders, which will make it even harder for first-time buyers to obtain a mortgage. The rules are designed to prevent lenders from giving mortgages to customers who can’t afford them and will require them to take into consideration all of their customers spending commitments, including […]

School Admissions Crisis: Parents Consider Moving After Missing Out On Primary School Places

23 May, 2014

Many parents have been left distraught after failing to secure a place for their child in their first-choice primary school. In fact, 40% of children missed out on their first choice of school, while a number of children did not even get one of their 6 choices and parents were left facing a school run to […]

Is Essex In A House Price Bubble?

House prices in Essex are rising at an alarming rate, according to a recent survey by Nationwide. House prices have increased by 25% over the last decade and are continuing to rise. Residents and those looking to move into the area see this is as a positive sign for the Essex housing market, but it […]

Help To Buy

2 June, 2014

There is a lot of coverage in the media about the government’s Help To Buy schemes, but it can be confusing as to what the schemes are currently available, what they entail and who is actually eligible. Here is our quick guide to Help To Buy! Help To Buy Mortgage Guarantee Scheme The government is backing […]

Budget 2014 – How will it affect the property market?

  This week the chancellor has announced the budget. It can be very confusing to decipher the budget and what it actually means, however there are a number of changes that are likely to boost the UK property market. The government has announced that in 2015-16 the annual tax-free allowance will increase to £10,500, meaning […]

UK House Prices Higher than Ever

According to a recent survey from the Office of National Statistics, UK house prices have hit their highest level since the house price index was first calculated in 1968. The survey found that the index stood at 185.8 in August of this year, rising from the previous peak of 185.5 when the index was last […]

Should You Buy Property In An Area That Has Been Hit By Flooding?

23 May, 2014

Britain seems to have spent most of this winter under water and although the waters are now receding there is an ongoing concern that the destructive effects of the floods will last a lot longer. Once the insurance claims have been filed and property restored to normality, there is the ongoing effect that the flooding […]

Help To Buy Lenders May Not Offer The Best Rates For Low-Deposit Mortgages

The government’s Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme allows lenders to offer higher loan-value loans by guaranteeing up to £12 billion of lending. Since its early introduction in October last year, more than 6,000 applicants have applied for mortgages through Help to Buy participating banks. However, it may be possible for buyers to secure a better […]

Predictions For The UK Property Market In 2014

There are many conflicting predictions for the property market it 2014. The consensus seems to be that house prices will continue to rise in London and the South-East, while the market in the rest of the country will remain fairly stagnant.  However, this is not the best news for house buyers. An increase in house […]

Lake District is UK’s Most Affordable Rural Area

6 December, 2013

New research released today has named an area in West Cumbria as the UK’s most affordable for buying rural property, whilst the Cotswold’s averages the most expensive house prices. The survey showed that in the district of Copeland in West Cumbria house prices are around 2.7 times average earnings. The area includes Sellafield and the […]

Help to Buy Government Backed Mortgages

2 June, 2014

The Government’s flagship Help to Buy Scheme is well underway, but is it really helping the people who need it the most? New research from the Resolution Foundation thinktank shows that low to middle-income families, across two thirds of the country, will not be able to benefit from the Help to Buy mortgage scheme as […]

Top Tips to Save On Energy Bills

23 May, 2014

This weekend the clocks go back, signalling the onset of winter and bringing with it the dreaded increase in fuel bills. Scottish Power is the latest of the ‘Big Six’ energy companies to announce a massive increase in energy prices, effective in December, which combined with Met Office predictions for a harsh winter will mean […]

Royal Mail IPO Boosts UK Economy

2 June, 2014

Royal Mail shares have rocketed by more than 38% at the start of conditional dealing on the stock exchange. Due to the over-subscription of the sale of Royal Mail shares, the government has limited the number of shares that individuals could purchase to £750, in favour of small investors. Those who applied for more than […]

House Prices May Be Rising But Can You Really Afford To Move?

27 May, 2014

The media is full of news that the UK housing market is improving; more houses are selling and house prices are now starting to increase in some regions, which is largely thanks to the government’s Help to Buy scheme. You may be tempted to upsize and move up the property ladder, but it is important not […]

Clean Your Way To A Quick House Sale

The beautiful weather much of the country has been experiencing lately has meant that many of Britain’s home owners have taken the opportunity to improve their homes. You would probably be surprised how much of a difference even small home improvements can help when you’re looking to sell your house fast. If you are trying […]

House Prices Are On The Rise, But Is This Good News For Everyone?

2 June, 2014

The UK housing market finally seems to be picking up after its standstill following the banking crisis; however market analysts fear another property bubble is developing and when it bursts it could mean another recession for the UK. The National Office for Statistics’ June House Price Index (HPI) has been hailed as a sign that the economy […]

‘Quick house sale’ firms face action by OFT

27 May, 2014

The Office of Fair Trading has announced that it will be investigating three ‘quick house sale’ companies that are allegedly using unfair practices that are leaving consumers thousands of pounds out of pocket. National Homebuyers can confirm that they are not one of the companies being investigated and enthusiastically welcome closer scrutiny for the industry. […]

Top Tips for selling your Property with a Baby

The Royal Baby has finally arrived and is settling into the royal nursery nicely! William and Kate are fortunate that they are unlikely to face the problem of running out of space as their family grows, but many families have the problem of needing to sell their property to accommodate a growing family, with the […]

The Bank of England signals the end of quantitative easing, causing fears of another crash

2 June, 2014

The government’s policy of quantitative easing (QE) over the last 5 years has had a positive influence on the country’s economy and helped the recovery of the UK property market. However, there are serious concerns from market analysts that the withdrawal of QE measures will cause another crash in the global economy. The US Federal […]

What is the most expensive house in London?

27 May, 2014

With prices in the multiple millions, most of us can only dream of living in the English capital city. But whether you’re imagining a big lottery win, or wishing away your daily commute, just what is the most expensive house in London? Property prices have soared for a number of reasons. There has always been […]

Which Home Improvements Add The Most Value?

With the bank holiday season upon us, many home owners are getting the DIY bug; even I pulled out a paint tin over the Easter bank holiday. Home improvements are not cheap and, depending on the size of the project, you may consider taking out a loan for the home improvements. You certainly aren’t alone; […]

Homebuy Direct – All There Is To Know

HomeBuy Direct Scheme UK – How does it work? What is the HomeBuy Direct Scheme? HomeBuy Direct is part of the HomeBuy UK Government initiative to help people who cannot afford to buy a home. There are various HomeBuy schemes, but the HomeBuy Direct scheme is an equity loan which helps people priced out of […]

Relocation Relocation: What To Consider When You Relocate

28 May, 2014

Whatever your reason for relocating and wherever you are moving to, there are a lot of things you will need to consider before taking the plunge. What are your reasons for relocating? You should be absolutely clear of your intentions for relocating before making such a big move. It sounds silly, but if you are […]

What To Consider When Buying A Second Property

2 June, 2014

Thinking About Buying A Second Home? There are many reasons why you might consider buying a second home. You might want a holiday house in the country, or you might want to invest your money in property, rather than investing with banks, an apparently appealing option given the current volatility of international markets. A rental property […]

How To Get On The Property Ladder: A First Time Buyers Guide

The media is full of doom and gloom for First Time Buyers and how mortgage companies require such hefty deposits that no-one is able to get on the property ladder, but don’t dismay; there are still options if you are looking to get on the property ladder without a large deposit for a house. Shared […]

Moving to a Retirement Home

There are a growing number of people who are not only downsizing to a smaller property in their later years, but are choosing to live in retirement communities. Many people do not want the stresses and worries of living alone in their later years, so they choose to move to a retirement community so they […]

What Happens When You Are In Mortgage Arrears?

Mortgage Arrears Definition If you cannot pay your mortgage repayments for 2 or more months, then you are considered to be in arrears. If you have missed payments on your mortgage, then you are certainly not alone; the FSA statistics on Mortgage Lending published in December 2012 show that there were 35,900 new cases of accounts […]

What To Consider When Moving House Due to Ill Health

People decide to move house for a number of different reasons. Unfortunately, a common motivation that affects many people is moving house due to ill health, whether it is because your illness means you can no longer work, or the property just does not suit your needs. There are several reasons why ill-health may mean […]

Division Of Property During Divorce

Divorce, or the break-down of a relationship, is one of the main reasons for people needing to sell property. Despite the recent drop in the divorce rate, nearly half of all new marriages are still doomed to end in divorce. The emotional fall-out of divorce is difficult enough, but when assets need to be divided […]

A Rough Guide To Inheriting Property

14 July, 2014

Losing a loved one is very difficult and it is made even harder by the confusing legal implications and paperwork involved when inheriting property. Here are a few pointers to be aware of when you inherit a property. Please note that this is not an advice guide, it is for general information only, and you […]

Selling Property In 2013

2 June, 2014

The festive season is behind us and the hangovers are slowly wearing off in the office, as New Year’s resolutions are being made (and broken) a large number of people will start looking for their dream home, but when is the best time of year for those selling property? It may not be the best […]

Should you sell your property during the Christmas season?

Tis the season to be jolly, but is it the season to sell? The holiday season is upon us and the team is feeling very festive, but at this time of year it gives rise to the age old debate; should you keep your property on the market over the festive season, or should you […]

UK ‘Mortgage Prisoners’ Are Moving To Solve Their Financial Problems

Many UK homeowners are moving because of financial reasons and choosing to live mortgage-free, whether they have enough equity to buy a smaller property or choose to live in rented accommodation. The worries of decreasing house prices, which Nationwide have reported in August to be 2.6% lower than the same time last year, and ever-increasing costs of […]

Downsizing Dominates And Slows Down The Property Market

Recent research shows that it is not just the older generation who are looking to downsize and live mortgage free, and this is having a detrimental effect on the UK property market… Traditionally, those looking to downsize are people in their late 50s or 60s who are nearing retirement age and are looking to supplement […]

Can’t sell my house is part of a larger problem

Can’t sell my house issues are not just affecting the UK, according to experts. Careful research has concluded that UK trends concerning home prices have been found across Europe. There is a lot more variation between different regions within the same country than between different countries. For example, London has seen similar price and sale trends […]

Capital gains tax avoidance measures not worth the trouble

Many individuals choose to invest in the property market with the idea of letting out a flat, house or other building; however, many have concerns about minimising or eliminating capital gain tax. This tax, which pertains to investment property, is quite important to keep in mind. Some individuals who buy a new property choose to […]

Sell your home online without being scammed

Your location in the world makes little difference to scammers. They can crop up anywhere. In Indiana there have been issues with a scam. Several real estate agents are hearing about a scam involving rentals. An individual went online to find a place to rent, but when she went to the office to get the […]

Investing in Northern Ireland Property

Northern Ireland property prices have dropped significantly in the last year. The average property price is now £132,000; this is a 10.3% drop since the last year. These figures have come from the Office of National Statistics, which found a definite divide across the UK in terms of proper values. The south is surviving a […]

National Cash Buyers Broaden Their House Search

6 January, 2017

In the latest Market Insight from Hamptons International, they have shown that UK cash buyers are now starting to broaden their horizons when it comes to buying a house. The report shows that there were 92,845 cash only house transactions in the UK in the third quarter of 2016. This figure is a 5% fall […]

The cost of a London property is 14 times average earnings

30 November, 2016

Hometrack, the property consultancy have recently published a survey that reveals that the average cost of a home in London is more than 14 times average earnings. In fact, the figures show that London house prices have risen 86% since 2009. The average house price in London is now £482,800 and the average annual wage […]

A growing exodus: Younger generations flee the capital

27 September, 2016

As other towns and cities across the UK begin to look more enticing, thanks to lower living costs, younger Londoners are starting to abandon the capital in favour of a better quality of life. No-one has ever doubted the financial clout that London exudes – and for those who own property and work there, the […]

Help-to-Buy ISAs only helping the ‘lucky few’, says charity

21 June, 2016

With increasing prices, the ISA scheme introduced by the government is failing to cover a vast amount of starter homes, due to a lack of availability and first-time buyers’ inability to raise necessary funds. When the UK government introduced their Help-to-Buy ISA in 2015, the aim was to ensure that first-time buyers would benefit from […]