What Is A Covenant?

A covenant is a term you might hear when discussing a property during the conveyancing process. Covenants are a form of legal obligation that is binding on the owner of a property and passes from owner to owner whenever the property is sold. They form part of the deeds of a property and are recorded at HM Land Registry.

A covenant is usually established by the builder or original owner of a property and seeks to ensure that certain things happen … Continue Reading…

Extensions

We are often invited to advise local homeowners on the expected “uplift” in the value of their property if they make certain alterations.

On the surface, it is logical to assume that an extension will add significant value to your property, and this is often the case. However, we would urge caution when justifying the cost of improvements versus the expected increase in value.

There is little point in improving your property unless it significantly increases its saleability. In other words, once … Continue Reading…

Stamp Duty Rates

Many clients often ask what the current rates of Stamp Duty are. Hopefully the following explanation will help clarify the confusion.

Stamp duty originated in the 17th century when duty stamps could be purchased and attached to a transactional document to prove that any tax due on the transaction had been paid. Today, tax relating to the purchase of land is known as “Stamp Duty”, or, more correctly Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

There has in the past been some confusion as … Continue Reading…

Preparing Your Garden

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and the state of your garden is will always make an impact. Not only will prospective buyers be walking around your garden, but it will often make up much of the view from within the property as well.

Gardens begin to grow vigorously at this time of year and if kept unchecked your property can appear unkempt. A little input now could pay dividends when it comes to the sale, so … Continue Reading…

July Market Comment

As British politics continues to be a bit of a bun fight, the great British homebuying public is taking a more pragmatic approach and appears to have disconnected from such trivialities, with buyer registrations nudging up by between 4% and 9% across the UK*. This year, the spring market appears to have overflowed into the summer, with no sign of any seasonal slowdown.

Although the summer holidays have yet to begin in earnest, anybody seriously looking to move house is unlikely … Continue Reading…