Are These Mortgage Myths Stopping You from Buying a Home?

Think you can’t afford to get on the property ladder? Well, think again. Thanks to changes in the mortgage market, the reality may be very different.

Many aspiring first-time buyers (FTBs) have the wrong idea when it comes to mortgages, new research has found.

A study by mortgage brokers Alexander Hall says many would-be FTBs don’t realise just how much the mortgage landscape has improved in the past 12 months.

As a result, they mistakenly assume they’re locked out of owning a home.

The … Continue Reading…

What First-Time Buyers Really Want

First-time buyers have always been key drivers of the housing market. Their choices don’t just shape the property landscape today – they also hint at where things might head tomorrow.

New research from Barclays has shed light on what’s driving the decisions of different generations as they become homeowners for the first time.

And the results show that while affordability remains a universal challenge, what first-time buyers (FTBs) want in a home changes noticeably with age.

Gen Z: Forever homes with work-ready spaces

For … Continue Reading…

Should You Make a Cheeky Offer? Some Thoughts Buyers Might Find Interesting

If you’ve seen a property that you like, then you might be considering making a cheeky offer on it. Before you do, here’s what you need to know.

What exactly is a cheeky offer?

There’s no hard-and-fast definition.

Some people might consider it an offer that is significantly below the asking price.

If the listing specifies ‘offers over’ a particular price, then it might be a figure that is significantly less than that.

Do cheeky offers work?

It depends.

The seller’s decision will be heavily influenced by … Continue Reading…

Should You Improve Your Home Before Selling?

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 borrowing and renovation costs.

It says buyers now prioritise the quality and finish of a … Continue Reading…

Bank of England Reveals Latest Interest Rate Decision

Bank of England Reveals Latest Interest Rate Decision

The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to hold the base rate at 4%.

The announcement earlier today was in line with financial market expectations.

The steady-as-she-goes approach comes after new figures released yesterday showed inflation remains unchanged at 3.8% (above the Bank’s target of 2%).

The BoE is obviously keen to get on top of this sticky inflation, hence the decision to hold rates rather than drop them.

In a statement, it said: “The [Monetary Policy] … Continue Reading…

The Biggest First-Time Buyer Blunders – and How to Avoid Them

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 a concrete idea of their budget.

They either waste time looking at properties that are out of their reach or … Continue Reading…

Retirement Apartments: What Buyers and Their Families Should Consider

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. They’re built specially to cater for older people – typically 55+ or 60+ and are sometimes known as senior living properties.

A big attraction … Continue Reading…

Looking for a Green Home? Here’s What You Must Know

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 photovoltaic panels, battery storage and maybe a heat pump or biomass boiler for heating.

Other features of a … Continue Reading…

What to Consider Before You Invest in a Garden Room

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 structural constraints), creating a shed room in the garden can be the answer.

A garden room, also known … Continue Reading…

Don’t Fall for It! Why Overvaluing a Property Can Spell Disaster

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 doesn’t mean you’re immune to falling for an overvaluation.

There’s something about the emotional … Continue Reading…