Residential Property
Equity release – the questions we’re frequently asked
Figures from the Equity Release Council show that those aged over 55 are relying more than ever before on the wealth tied up in their houses. Whilst downsizing to a smaller property might be the answer for some, moving home can be a stressful and costly process, and there’s a widespread shortage ....
Continue reading Equity release – the questions we’re....
Setting up home with a partner – the legal advice couples need
Deciding to move in together is an exciting time. These days, many couples live together before they get married, or choose not to get married at all. However, one of the most important things to be aware of is that, contrary to public opinion, ‘common law marriage’ doesn’t actually exist i....
Continue reading Setting up home with a partner – the l....
Equity Release – the myths dispelled
Homeowners aged over 55 who purchased their property a few years ago are likely to find that it’s risen a lot in value. If they don’t want to downsize to release the cash, equity release is a way of giving them access to their money while they continue to live in their home. A growing....
Continue reading Equity Release – the myths dispelled....
Freeholders and lease extension – fulfilling your obligations whilst safeguarding your rights
Many leasehold properties were built in the housing booms of the last century, meaning that their leases are fast approaching the point where there is less than 80 years left to run. It’s at this point that these properties become more difficult to sell, and consequently freeholders can expect to ....
Continue reading Freeholders and lease extension – fulf....
How to avoid the pitfalls in lease extension
Nearly one in five of all properties in England is leasehold, with around 3 million flats and 1.4 million new-build houses being owned in this way. As many leasehold flats date from the building booms of the last century, their owners are becoming aware that it’s time to negotiate an extension,....
Continue reading How to avoid the pitfalls in lease exten....
Tips on selling your home in a slow market
The property market is showing signs of a slowdown. Property prices fell by -0.5% in August, according to Nationwide. This is the largest monthly drop since July 2012, and may be due to uncertainty as to how the Brexit negotiations will play out over the coming months. So, if you’re trying to sell....
Continue reading Tips on selling your home in a slow mark....
How shared ownership can be the staircase to owning a home
Shared ownership is now an established part of the UK’s housing landscape and accounts for an increasing proportion of new-build affordable housing. These schemes are basically a cross between buying and renting, and are mainly aimed at first-time buyers. They can offer a win-win situation for ....
Continue reading How shared ownership can be the staircas....
Why you need to get the best possible legal advice when buying your home
With Britain’s housing crisis never far from the news headlines, the government is looking at various ways to update and improve the house-buying process. As part of this initiative, the Department for Communities and Local Government recently held a consultation into ways the current procedures m....
Continue reading Why you need to get the best possible le....
Joint tenants or tenants in common? What you need to know
With property prices remaining high, buying a home with family members or friends can often be the only practical way of getting onto the property ladder. There are plenty of advantages. The deposit will be lower, as will the ongoing costs of ownership such as mortgage repayments, council tax and ut....
Continue reading Joint tenants or tenants in common? What....
Equity release – weighing up the pros and cons
Figures from the Equity Release Council show that those aged over 55 are relying more than ever before on the wealth tied up in their houses. Older people who bought their properties many years ago can often find themselves asset rich but cash poor, sometimes living on low incomes whilst living in v....
Continue reading Equity release – weighing up the pros ....
Government proposals to limit the sale of newbuild leasehold homes
When you’re looking to buy a property, it’s not uncommon nowadays to find not just flats but also new-build houses for sale on a leasehold basis. With leasehold properties, buyers can have the option to buy the freehold - the land the property stands on - at some point. Leasehold property owners....
Continue reading Government proposals to limit the sale o....
Luxury apartment in one of London’s finest and most expensive locations available to buy for less than £100,000 BUT there is a catch….
Would you like to live in one of London’s most exclusive locations and be able to count Nigella Lawson and the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson as one of your neighbours? Well now you can, as a property in the illustrious Belgravia area is being sold at auction with a guide price of just £90,000. ....
Continue reading Luxury apartment in one of London’s fi....
How long will it take to move?
This is a question we often get asked, especially by first-time buyers keen to move into their property and set up home. There is no hard and fast rule you can apply here, so no easy answer unfortunately. That’s because there are several key steps that you’ll need to go through before you get to....
Continue reading How long will it take to move?....
I’m looking for a property, and I see that flats are leasehold. What does this mean for me?
As you’ve noticed, flats are commonly owned on a leasehold basis, while houses are normally sold as freehold properties. In the UK, more than 2m people own leasehold properties. Many leases are granted on a 99-year basis, while some can run for as long as 999 years. If you buy a leasehold prope....
Continue reading I’m looking for a property, and I see ....
When should I tell the utility companies I’m moving house?
There’s an awful lot to think about when moving house, and most people end up compiling a very long ‘to do’ list. When it comes to dealing with the utility companies, like your energy supplier and your water company, here are a few hints and tips to ensure the move goes as smoothly as possibl....
Continue reading When should I tell the utility companies....
What is a covenant?
Moving house, as we all know, can be a very stressful time. Most people assume that once they've purchased a property they can relax as they are free to do what they like with it. They know they might need planning permission or building regulation approval from the local council before they do thin....
Continue reading What is a covenant?....
What happens on my moving day?
You'll remember this day, probably forever, especially if it's your first purchase. It will undoubtedly be a bit stressful, but what will keep you going is the thought that, if everything goes according to plan, by the end of the day you will have the keys to your new property. Just remember to have....
Continue reading What happens on my moving day?....
