Sales

A fixer-upper or a home that has 'room for improvement' has long been attractive to buyers. But that could be changing. Let's explore if it's a good idea to get your home move-in ready before putting it on the market.   What buyers want may be changing   A new survey* says buyers are prioritising 'ready to go' properties – rather than homes requiring extensive work – due to higher...

If you're looking to get on the property ladder, here are some helpful home truths that could help you avoid a costly mistake. Stepping over the threshold into your first property is an exciting and memorable moment. However, first-time buyers (FTBs) can waste valuable time and money by making any of these common homebuying mistakes. Not doing your sums Many FTBs start property hunting without...

Downsizing into a purpose-built retirement apartment or flat is something that many older homeowners ponder. Here are some things to consider if you, or a friend or relative, are looking into buying in a retirement development.   What do retirement apartments offer?   Retirement apartments, which are part of a purpose-built retirement development, are found in many towns and cities now....

It’s good to be green. But here are some things to bear in mind if you’re considering buying a green home.   What exactly is a green home?   A green home is usually thought of as being a property that is very energy efficient, eco-friendly and sustainable.   A green home will have high levels of insulation, thermal efficiency and water efficiency. It is likely to have solar...

If you’re desperate for more space at home, could a room in the garden be the solution? Here’s what you need to consider first. With children increasingly living with their parents well into their twenties and thirties, many homeowners are yearning for more living space. The obvious answer to this quandary is to build an extension. But when this isn’t feasible (due to limited finances or...

Here are some home truths about property overvaluations that you must read if you're thinking about listing your property. If it's too good to be true…well, you know how the rest of the saying goes. In fact, you've probably used it when a friend or family member has asked you for financial or business advice. But even if you're usually the first to spot when something's not quite right, that...

The Government has recently announced a new mortgage guarantee scheme. Here we’ll explain how it works and what it might mean for the property market.   What is the new Mortgage Guarantee Scheme?   The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is an official scheme where the government backs mortgages that are larger than a bank or building society may be willing to offer.   In practical terms,...

Unattractive or poorly maintained neighbouring properties can slash the selling price of a home by an average of £42,880, according to Churchill Home Insurance.   The biggest value losers are rubbish in the front garden (a possible 30% loss), too many garden ornaments or statues (28%) and broken/boarded up windows (27%). Losses range from almost £89,000 in expensive places like London to £25,000...

While some people only move a few times in their lives, for others it’s a very different story. When it comes to moving home, how typical are you? Are you the restless type who ups sticks every few years? Or have you been settled in the same property for decades and have no intention of moving again, ever? To find out how you compare with the rest of the country, take a look at the results of...

New housing market data indicates that buyer interest is increasing, while prices remain resilient. Industry analysts had plenty of numbers to crunch last month, with the Bank of England and property portal Zoopla releasing insights on the state of the economy and housing market. Let’s look at what the figures mean for buyers and sellers. Mortgage approvals Perhaps the best news came from the...