buying as a couple

Ipswich has been revealed as an up-and-coming location for first-time buyers in the Halifax report (October of 2023). With an average first-time buyer purchase price of £249,338, this means buyers are paying -25% less than the regional average (e.g. NW, East Midlands, Scotland, Wales etc.). So, what are the qualities that make Ipswich so attractive, and a place young people gravitate towards? It’s stated in the Halifax report that the number one priority for first-time buyers is affordability. Maintaining a price less than the regional average naturally increases demand from buyers as they feel their money is going towards [...]

Are you considering putting your home on the market? Spring might just be the perfect time to do so! As the weather warms up and nature bursts into bloom, here are five compelling reasons why listing your home for sale in spring could be a fantastic decision: Ideal Weather: Spring brings with it mild temperatures and longer days, providing the ideal backdrop for showcasing your home. With sunshine casting a warm glow on your property, potential buyers will be able to appreciate your home's exterior and landscaping in its best light. Kerb Appeal Blooms: One of the undeniable charms [...]

The proposal of stamp duty cuts by the government has created considerable debate among experts, leaving many home buyers and sellers giving thought to the potential implications. While opinions may vary, it's evident that grasping the outcomes of these cuts is vital for anyone contemplating a property transaction in the near future. If implemented, stamp duty cuts could offer home buyers a chance for savings on their property purchases. By reducing the upfront costs associated with buying a home, these cuts would effectively lower the barrier to entry into the housing market, potentially making homeownership more accessible for many [...]

The demand for home ownership in the housing market has been on the rise, offering an alternative path to homeownership for many individuals. Recognising the need for better-informed decisions in this complex process is a significant development that has taken place with the establishment of the New Shared Ownership Council. This council aims to empower people seeking shared ownership, ensuring they have the knowledge needed to navigate this unique homeownership opportunity. In this blog post, we will delve into the role of the New Shared Ownership Council and how it contributes to a more informed homebuying experience, we will [...]

Mortgages can be difficult to understand, but for home buyers knowing the difference between the various options available is crucial. Currently, the government is deciding whether to support 99% LTV mortgages to better be able to help first-time buyers to be able to buy property by only needing to put down a 1% deposit. In this blog, we cover everything you need to know about 99% mortgages and how they work. What is a 99% LTV mortgage? A 99% LTV mortgage works by a lender offering you a loan which is worth 99% of the sale price of your [...]

What Is a Property Chain? A property chain is a series of interconnected property sales that need to happen simultaneously. For instance, when you're buying a house from someone who, in turn, is buying a new house, and so on, you're part of a property chain. As a homebuyer, it's highly likely that you'll find yourself involved in a chain. There may be people both above and below you in the chain, and their property transactions can impact your own. The longer the property chain, the greater the chances of something going wrong and causing a link in the [...]

As we end quarter 2 of 2023 and reach halfway through the financial year, I thought it would be a good time to review the housing market over the first half of the year and look at the remainder of 2023/2024. It is no secret that people are continuing to feel the pinch with the cost-of-living crisis continuing to rumble on and 14 successive interest rate rises taking their toll on everybody’s pocket. But on Thursday, for the first time since December 2021, the Bank of England decided not to increase interest rates. This followed news that inflation fell [...]

Buyer affordability is on the upswing as mortgage rates decline and property prices dip, according to the latest data from Rightmove, offering a positive outlook. Rightmove's data reveals that the average five-year fixed mortgage rate has dropped to 5.81%, down from 6.08% just three weeks ago, signalling an encouraging trend. Moreover, housing prices are also experiencing a decrease, with the average asking price for new sellers dropping by 1.9% (-£7,012) this month to £364,895. This is the most significant August decline since 2018, as sellers in the summer season aim to entice buyers amid concerns about holidays, inflation, and [...]

Purchasing a property is a significant task that requires thorough research to avoid future challenges. One of the essential tasks before buying a house is conducting a Home Buyer Survey. A Home Buyer Survey involves a detailed inspection of the property's physical condition by expert surveyors. They identify any minor structural issues that need attention and provide a comprehensive report with detailed commentary on every aspect of the property. Why Should You Get a Home Buyer Survey? Conducting a house survey before purchasing a property is highly recommended to avoid such as unexpected maintenance work. It gives you a [...]