Your latest newsletter from David Doyle

How has Brexit created opportunity in the market?

Data released from Rightmove has shown that agreed house sales last month rose 6.1% from the same point last year, with every single region showing improvement. Considering the current climate of Brexit, could this upsurge in the property market actually be attributed to the relative political instability, rather than in spite of it?

It’s been another period of gigantic upheaval in British politics in regard to Brexit, but months of uncertainty have seemingly encouraged a spike in activity in a rush to beat the currently unstable deadline of October 31st. Buyers and sellers are therefore making something of a concerted effort to complete their property transactions within the next quarter.

Supporting this microcosm of activity in the market is the number of UK mortgage approvals which have also risen significantly. Approvals for house purchases rose to their highest level for two and a half years in July, with Howard Archer, chief economic adviser to the EY ITEM Club, stating that: “It is possible that mortgage activity is being lifted by some people looking to complete their house purchases before Brexit occurs on 31 October, given the major uncertainties surrounding the UK successfully leaving the EU with a deal.”

Speaking prior to recent developments in the House of Commons, CEO of reallymoving Rob Houghton says: “The outlook for the property market over the next three months is remarkably positive, considering the current political and economic context. The recent election of a new Prime Minister who is committed to leaving the EU on Halloween even if a deal isn’t reached could mean clouds are gathering on the horizon, but any impact on prices in the short term is likely to be mitigated by the urgency of home movers to complete deals in the next three months.”

The Hemel Triathlon is coming on Sunday 29th September

Join us on Sunday 29 September for the Hemel Hempstead Triathlon. Gear up for swimming, bike riding and a 5km run!

Click here to read The Hemel Triathlon is coming on Sunday 29th September.

The Hertfordshire Wedding Fair

The Hertfordshire Wedding Fair, St Albans is Hertfordshire's premier wedding fair and is the county's oldest county wide wedding fair.

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Property performance over the last decade

Now that we are in 2020, looking back at the previous decade can help to shine a light on what we are to expect next in the property market. New research from Proportunity – a new equity loan startup firm – has shone a light on which properties have increased the most in value from 2010 to 2020.

Surprisingly, terraced properties have seen the greatest rate of growth nationally – with an average growth of 3.05%, compared to 2.9%, 2.35% and 2.33% for semi-detached, flats and detached properties respectively.

London has seen the highest rate of growth with the region’s averages outperforming most other parts of the country, with terraced properties in the capital of the country proving to be an outstanding investment decision. In the year 2000, the average price for a terraced property stood at £127,833 in London, however by the end of 2019 this had risen to £499,178 – a startling 290% increase.

“The 2010s were marked by the after-effects of the financial crisis, and then by Brexit uncertainty,” Vadim Toader, founder and chief executive officer of Proportunity, says:

“Despite these headwinds, we have largely seen growth across the board, but the clear winner is terraced housing – or more specifically, terraced homes in London – with buyers likely attracted to their historic characteristics and charm, as well as their limited supply, compared to new builds.”

If you are considering investing into a property this year, then there are three key aspects to keep in mind in order to be successful;

1) Plan for success; know exactly who your audience will be when you let the property out, or sell it on.

2) Gain a mortgage in principle; this will enable you to move quickly as investment properties will often have heightened levels of competition around them.

3) Work with a good estate agent; a reputable agent will be able to advise you on everything from the right area to invest in, to the potential yields you will be able to reap.

Region Name	flat CAGR 2010-2019	terr CAGR 2010-2019	semi CAGR 2010-2019	detached CAGR 2010-2019
East Midlands	0.74%	1.78%	2.11%	2.25%
East of England	2.62%	3.47%	3.59%	3.07%
London	4.93%	5.07%	4.33%	3.06%
North East	-0.50%	0.08%	0.47%	0.67%
North West	-0.04%	1.07%	1.43%	1.21%
South East	2.49%	3.40%	3.41%	2.84%
South West	1.34%	2.19%	2.35%	2.18%
Wales	0.50%	0.90%	1.01%	1.20%
West Midlands	0.65%	1.52%	1.96%	1.91%
Yorkshire and The Humber	-0.12%	0.91%	1.30%	1.32%
England and Wales	2.35%	3.05%	2.90%	2.33%

Saving for a house deposit

For most of us, the most expensive thing that we ever purchase will be a property, and the prospect of saving for that all-important deposit can be rather daunting. However, the key to saving for that lump sum is simply good financial preparation and making a few changes to your outgoings which should reap big rewards. Take a look through our handy hints and tips and you’ll be in that new home in no time.

Speak to an expert
If you have made the decision that you are ready to buy a property, then an excellent first point-of-call would be to speak to an expert, be that a financial planner, mortgage advisor or a savings expert in your bank. It is important to get a detailed overview of your personal finances and speaking to an industry expert will provide you with tailored advice which suits your lifestyle, as well as being given some proven strategies to help you to save. Whether you’re a saver or a spender, it is important to get in to the right mindset to save and starting the process by speaking to an expert is a sensible first step.

Make a move
With the cost of renting often leaving many with little money to save for a deposit, making a temporary move can be a key factor in achieving a sufficient deposit. More and more people are moving back in with their parents for a period of 6 to 12 months; often paying no rent and economising through saving on laundry and food costs. If living with your parents is a truly unbearable prospect, then finding a lodger to live with you will also aid you in that all-important quest for a deposit.

Know your options
Did you know that you could buy a property with just a 5% deposit? Knowing what schemes and grants are out there will most certainly help you to achieve a house deposit. The Help-to-Buy shared equity scheme allows you to purchase a home with as little as 5% deposit and the government or developer (this is available for new homes only) lends you the rest of the deposit. Shared ownership schemes involve purchasing part of a property and then renting the rest, and although you would still need a deposit to get a mortgage for the part of the property you are buying, the deposit would be considerably lower; for example, to get a 90% mortgage on a 50% share of a £150,00 property, you would need only £7,500 for the deposit.

Make your savings work harder
Naturally, any changes you make will have one similar goal – to help you in saving more money more quickly and making these savings work for you should be a top priority. Open an ISA and use your yearly cash allowance so you don’t pay unnecessary tax. If you don’t already have one, open a savings account and save what you can, even if you think the amounts you are saving are inconsequential, they will soon amount to a worthwhile value. Shop around and see which bank offers the best interest rate on your savings, don’t just take one out with your current banking provider as finding a good interest rate could go a big way to helping you reach your goal faster.

Saving for a deposit can seem like a tall order, so making some sound financial decisions will be the key in to being approved for a mortgage and taking a step on to the property market. Get yourself into the right mindset where you are aware of why you are making some financial changes, remember that they are all short-term, and you’ll see those savings growing faster than you could have ever hoped.

How to set achievable goals with your home

Setting New Year’s resolutions is a long-lived tradition, however, this year is set to be slightly different.

Due to the pandemic, goals – such as travelling the world – will have to be put on hold due to restrictions.

As a result, many people are looking for achievable goals and challenges closer to home, and renovating your property is just one area of our lives we have the power to transform in 2021.

Here's how you can get started with your renovations...

Make a schedule

Before you get ahead of yourself and want to change everything in your house right away, take a step back and create a plan you can stick to.

This will ensure you don’t take up too much time focusing on everything at once, allowing you to remain stress-free and organised.

Create a budget that doesn’t pinch every penny

Everyone loves to save money where possible, however, if your budget is too stringent, this could cause your goals to fall short.

When renovating, you want to aim for the grand picture in your head as much as possible, and penny-pinching won’t help at all.

Take the time to carefully save so you don't find yourself struggling unnecessarily, and focus on the little things that can be changed without too much expense.

Have goals that are measurable

When starting a project, it is natural to want to see immediate results.

Depending on just how much work is required, you might want to consider planning out key milestones that will signal when the next phase of development has been reached.

That way, you won't lose heart from any potential setbacks or delays.

Ensure you can’t forget your resolutions

Plaster reminders of tasks you need to complete all over your home, meaning you can’t miss or avoid them.

Whether it’s a big A3 poster or a post-it note on the computer, this will keep your goals fresh in your mind.

For more property ideas or inspiration, talk to our team today about the renovations that add real value to your home.

Reduce your energy bills with these money-saving tips

The cost of living crisis has strained the budgets of most UK households, largely due to an alarming increase in energy prices. If your home isn’t energy efficient, it’s likely your bills have given you cause for concern in the past months.

Autumn and winter are fast approaching. So, whether you intend to stay put or move soon, the cost-cutting solutions below could be worth their weight in gold.

Knowledge is power

Energy bills can be confusing, so it’s worth ringing your provider to discuss anything unexpected, check the tariff you’re on, and go through your payment options. You may also be able to set up email reminders to prompt you to submit regular meter readings to avoid being charged for what you haven’t used.

Check your entitlement to financial help

The Warm Home Discount Scheme and Winter Fuel Payment can help pensioners and those on a low income pay their fuel bills. You can also claim tax relief if your job requires you to work from home, because you live far away from your office, or your employer doesn’t have one.

You also qualify for a 25% council tax discount if you’re the only adult living in your home. As well as this, certain households can apply for insulation, and heat pump grants, or funding for improvements under the Energy Company Obligation scheme.

Prevent heat leakages

An easy way to save money is by sealing any draughty spots around windows and doors. Think about installing double glazing and blocking up unused chimneys and vents. Increasing the insulation in the walls and loft will prevent heat from escaping too.

Avoid energy vampires

According to British Gas, leaving your devices plugged in unnecessarily and forgetting to switch off sockets when not in use can cost almost £150 a year. Consider installing heating controls and smart plugs to help you manage your usage at the touch of a button. Inefficient bulbs can also burn through your budget – so choose low-energy LEDs.

Check your boiler and radiators

Bleeding your radiators and installing thermostatic valves can prevent cold spots and air pockets, increasing the efficiency of your heating system. Likewise, if your boiler is running at too high a temperature or the pressure is off, you could be losing money. If in doubt, invite an expert to check your boiler’s settings and keep it regularly serviced.

If you’d like to know how improving your home's energy efficiency could increase its value, contact us today.

What happens after your offer has been accepted?

You’ve found the house of your dreams, and your offer has been accepted. You’re itching to start your new life, but the process is turning into a marathon rather than a sprint. At this point, many buyers feel mystified. What’s the hold-up?

The first hurdle is the pre-contact stage. This can take anywhere between 1–3 months. During this time, your mortgage lender will carry out their own checks to make sure they can turn your Agreement in Principal into a concrete offer.

After this, the relevant contracts will be drawn up with the help of the seller, their conveyancer, and the Land Registry. Filling out forms incorrectly, or not having the right documents on hand can delay this process, so make sure you have your ducks in a row.

Once the contracts are ready, your conveyancer should organise a survey of the property. Delays may arise if any problems crop up, but there are ways around this, and being prepared is always the way forward!

Now it’s time to exchange contracts. At this point, you can agree on a completion date. This may take up to several weeks if you need time to access the money from your lender and sign any further documentation relating to the transfer. If you’re in a chain, you may also have to wait until the seller can leave.

With a move-in date on the horizon, you’ll have to sort your building insurance to protect your new home from the day you arrive. Where necessary, you must pay Stamp Duty tax, and you’ll need to notify the Land Registry to confirm your ownership, and ensure your conveyancer gives you the title deeds. Tying up these loose ends can take two weeks.

Overall, it takes six months on average to go from an accepted offer, to picking up the keys to your new home.

Having the right professionals on your side can make all the difference. When you buy or sell with us, our team can help you every step of the way. We offer advice, and work closely with you to ensure your transaction is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Visit our website to learn more about how we can help, or contact our team today.

Sun City Outdoor Festival

The Award-Winning Sun City rises again and will be shining on September 24th 2022 for the Sun City Outdoor Festival...

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What are the key selling points of a home in 2022?

If you’re wondering how valuable your home is, knowing its most desirable assets is a good place to start. Estate agents know exactly which features are hot on the market right now, which is why they are highlighted in listings to make sure the property is easily spotted by suitable buyers.

Data from Rightmove suggests which features buyers are looking for in today’s market, by ranking the most popular ‘key words’ highlighted by estate agents to sell houses. Due to a change in working patterns, there has been a clear move towards garden offices, orangeries, summer houses, underfloor heating, bi-fold doors and open-plan rooms. If your house has any of these features to offer, your home could be extremely appealing to buyers in today’s market.

Take a look at the features that are highlighted to attract the most potential buyers in 2022.

Garden office

Working from home has become a new way of life, and this has caused many people to move entirely in search of better office space.

Advertising a spare room which is suitable for a home office with good ventilation, accessible outlets to plug in a computer setup and ample space for a desk will make your home extremely attractive to many buyers. The proportion of listings that mention garden offices, were found to be 11 times higher than a decade ago. That’s an increase of 1,046%!

Bi-fold doors

Rightmove reported a huge rise in demand for bi-fold doors, with a 589% increase in popularity compared to 10 years ago. The post-pandemic need for space is thought to be the driving force behind this feature becoming so sought-after, as this enables people to extend and diversify their living space.

Orangeries and summer houses

What sets orangeries apart from conservatories, is the bricks in place of glass. The name originates from where fruit trees were stored during the winter months, so that should tell you how cosy and warm these home extensions are. The number of property listings mentioning summer houses has also seen an increase, whereas greenhouses seem to have declined in popularity. Smaller windows allow for a more functional and dynamic space, allowing scope for multiple uses such as home offices, living rooms, and dining space.

Underfloor heating

Listings that feature underfloor heating jumped by 114%, as buyers search for more energy-efficient solutions to warm up the house.

Underfloor heating is a cleaner, smarter way to heat a home. Using radiant heat technology, under-floor heating gently warms people and objects in the room directly, from the ground up.

Open plan living

Open floor plans remain popular among families and busy households due to their better traffic flow and multifunctional spaces. The wide-open space is most desirable for those with larger families as the layout offers a grand communal area. Consider removing a wall that separates your kitchen from your dining room, and your listing will become more attractive to buyers looking for a family home.

Looking for advice on how you can improve your property before selling? Contact us today.

What to consider when moving house before Christmas

Moving home can often be a stressful process for sellers, but there are plenty of ways to make things run as smooth as possible. Timing sits somewhere at the top of the list, as the property market changes on a monthly basis, and demand fluctuate with it.

Get the property ready for marketing

Once you have decided to market your existing property, you will need to make sure it is photo-ready and looking its best for potential buyers.

Those looking to move in time for Christmas will want to be able to envision cosying up around the fireplace or sitting at the dinner table with family. So, make sure you can present your home to buyers as a fresh canvas by decluttering, deep cleaning and making the place feel brand new.

Choose the right selling agent for you

If you want to achieve the best price for your property, you need to find the best agent to sell it. Make sure you take extra care when making your final decision on the right agent and take the time to get to know them. A good estate agent will do the difficult work for you and take care of any nitty gritty complications which could slow you down. They will also accurately value your home and advertise it effectively and efficiently.

Arrange a valuation on your property early

Get this done as soon as the possibility of a future move crosses your mind, as it will allow you time to make any upgrades or adjustments to your property. It will also save you time later when you’re ready to sell, and will give you a good idea early about the scope of your budget for your new home.

Set the right asking price

Setting the wrong price - whether too high or too low - means you could miss out on suitable buyers willing to make fair and sensible offers. The best way to speed up your selling process is to set the right asking price for what your home offers, so you can reach as many potential buyers as possible and have a number of fitting applicants to choose from.

Book surveyors as soon as possible

Once you’ve found the right property for you, it’s advisable to ensure that you get a decent survey before you fully commit to the new home. This way you can avoid any unpleasant (and costly) surprises after you move in. A surveyor will be able to spot any issues with the property - so you won’t have to later.

Don’t forget the final details

In the excitement of a move, it’s easy to forget the small details. Ensure you tie up any loose ends such as informing utility companies that you’re moving, and having your mail forwarded to your new address – just in time for Christmas cards!

Have you considered selling with us? Visit our website to find out what we offer.

Stricter smoke alarm laws are here – Are you ready?

Since October 1st, 2022, the laws around the requirement for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rental properties have changed. If you haven’t already made sure you’re meeting all the necessary requirements, we have prepared a comprehensive guide for landlords, so you can get caught up with the new changes.

Where do the rules apply?

According to GOV.uk, the new regulations apply to all homes rented by private landlords, or registered providers of social housing, unless excluded.

Tenancies exempt from the regulations include:

Shared accommodation with a landlord or landlord’s family
Long leases
Student halls of residence
Hotels and refuges
Care homes
Hospitals and hospices
Low-cost ownership homes
Other accommodation relating to health care provision

Smoke alarms

Since 2015, all private rental homes are required to have at least one working smoke alarm on each storey where there is a room used as living accommodation. The only change to this area of the legislation is that it will now also apply to all social rented homes.

Carbon monoxide alarms

Carbon monoxide alarms are required to be installed in all rooms of a private rented property where there are any fixed combustion appliances such as gas or oil-fired boilers, except for gas cookers. The smoke alarm must be fitted and in working order at the start of each new tenancy.

How to test if your alarms are in proper working order

You will need to make sure your alarms have been tested and are in working order at the start of each new tenancy. It is as simple as pressing the test button until the alarm sounds, and you should also advise your tenants to do the same regularly. If a tenant reports an alarm is not working during the tenancy and it is found not to be, their agent or landlord is then legally obliged to repair or replace it as soon as reasonably possible. As for battery-operated alarms, it is the tenant’s responsibility to check and, where possible, replace the batteries themselves. If tenants are unable to do so, they should then report this to their landlord.

If the alarm is not working

As stated above, a faulty or broken alarm must be attended to by the landlord as soon as reasonably possible. If action is not taken, the local authority may issue a remedial notice to enforce the repayment or repair, and the agent or landlord must take specified action within 21 days. If the landlord or agent disagrees to the terms, they may make written representations which will suspend the notice for one week. The local authority will need to respond with their final decision in writing within those seven days, or the notice will be automatically withdrawn.

Enforcement for incompliance

Although local authority landlords cannot take enforcement action against themselves in respect of their own stock, they will be expected to ensure their housing is safe and they will be subject to these legislative requirements. Like public authorities, local authorities can be challenged by way of judicial review.

Local authority landlords are obliged to comply with the regulatory regime overseen by the Regulator of Social Housing.

How you can prove you tested your alarms at the start of a tenancy

Make sure you keep a record of when alarms are tested, as the landlord is obligated to do so. The local housing authority must decide whether the evidence provided, proves that the landlord has met the requirements of the regulations.

The most straight-forward procedure, while going through inventory on the first day of the tenancy, is to have the tenant sign the inventory to record that the required alarms have been tested by the landlord and the tenant is satisfied that they are in working order.

We can help you remain compliant. Get in touch to discuss our management packages today.

Housing stock levels hit a 12-month high

The ongoing imbalance between supply and demand could finally be seeing some leverage on the other side, with stock levels beginning to rise in the wake of a 3-year long slum. Despite obvious economic headwinds, consumer confidence in buying and selling property evidently remains robust, and the market has yet to see its predicted slowdown.

Buyers will be pleased to hear that the horizons on the market are expanding, with supply seeing a steady increase of 5% since January, which is the positive news many home hunters have been waiting for.

The latest OnTheMarket Property Sentiment Index, which reflects property market activity in July, has been released. It reveals that housing stock has reached its highest level in a year due to the return of a seasonally driven housing market.

The findings also suggest that there is no clear sign of political and economic uncertainty unsettling buyers or sellers.

Since February, there has been a consistent week-on-week increase in stock levels, with the highest level of available stock in July compared with any time during the 12 months prior.

It is also noteworthy, that stock levels were predicted to continue improving due to more potential buyers being on holiday, further diluting the pool of competitors.

Consumer confidence remains robust

Some 75% of active buyers in the UK were confident they would purchase a property within the next three months, while 80% of sellers expressed confidence in selling their property within the same period.

In July, only 4% of movers were concerned about securing a mortgage to fund the purchase of their next property, unchanged when compared to June 2022 (4%).

Speedy sales

The report revealed that 57% of properties were Sold Subject to Contract (SSTC) within 30 days of first being advertised for sale, compared with 56% in July 2021.

Unwavering buyer interest appeared to prevail through the pandemic, and despite the rising cost of living, sentiment remained unchanged in July 2022. The market is seeing more serious buyers committed to seeing the transactions through, giving sellers reliable applicants to choose from.

What does this mean for buyers?

A rise in stock after a lengthy drought can only prove positive for buyers waiting to make their move. Those who had been holding off in fear of rampant competition, surging prices, and tricky chain implications can now act with more confidence.

The law of supply says that a higher price will induce producers to supply a higher quantity to the market. Likewise, when supply is low, prices will rise as people scramble to buy up scarce resources. This is certainly true when it comes to the property market, and therefore, it’s best to time your purchase during spikes in supply.

What does this mean for sellers?

Increased buyer confidence and a more level market mean speedy and reliable sales for those selling their property. With stock gradually increasing, this offers a larger scope for buyers to take their time and choose a home that is right for them. Thus, opening the market to serious buyers who are committed and genuinely interested in properties they arrange viewings for, rather than making hasty and half-hearted decisions that could consequentially collapse at the last minute.

Thinking about selling? Book your valuation today.

*Information retrieved from YourMortgage

A basic guide to decorating

Flick through the pages of any magazine these days or scroll through the popular Pinterest app and you’re likely to see endless images of chic properties with timeless décor. For those of us that are blessed to be able to colour-match and accessorise effortlessly, this is an entirely attainable vision; however, for the rest of us who are a little more challenged in the decorating department, it can be tough to know where to start. Read through our basic guide to decorating and we will provide you with some guidelines which are sure to help you turn your home in to a real page-turner.

Start scheming
So, you have decided to revamp a room, you’re excited and you just want to get the paint brushes out but hold on…you need to take a moment and think about what you really want! Taking a moment or two to plan will help to ensure that the effort you’re going to is really worth it, and having an overall concept will hold all of the interior elements together. Ask yourself what you like and dislike about the room currently and how you want the room to feel - cool and trendy or warm and welcoming? These simple questions will help you to focus in on how you’d like the end result to be and using apps such as Pinterest or Instagram will help you to decide on overall concepts. Creating a mood board for the room will help to streamline your ideas and will serve as a reference throughout the entire decorating process.

Stay in neutral
It may seem like a safe or unimaginative option, but neutrals are timeless when it comes to decorating. When you have a neutral palette to work with, you can layer colours and textures on top of the basic colour scheme in order to achieve your desired look. With new trends popping up seemingly every other day, having a neutral colour scheme allows you to easily change the feel of your room simply by updating the accessories and soft furnishings. You can also add in vibrant pops of colour to lift your room when using a more neutral scheme, with accent pieces such as side tables and upholstery offering some interest in to your colour palette.

Softly, softly
Soft furnishings can put the va va voom in to your room! Having strong accent pieces, as well as coordinated soft furnishings such as curtains, throws, pillows and rugs create a more coherent and cohesive atmosphere in a room. Rotating which soft furnishings you have in your room seasonally works really well to make your room feel up-to-date and contemporary; for example, using a blue rug and pops of yellow during the longer winter months, or some glittery cushions for the festive period. These pops of colour and print will have the desired outcome of a tasteful and chic room.

Simplify
Don’t be scared to leave spaces empty in your room. Horror vacui, a fear of empty spaces, is evident in so much of today’s culture with a tendency to want to display all of our knick-knacks throughout our homes. When you have gone to the effort to stylishly decorate your room, don’t ruin the hard work by then adding in too many objects; instead, let your decorating do the talking for you. If you want to display some of your own items, then ensure to group them and use the rule of thirds; group three objects together in a display rather than two. Groupings of objects which vary in heights, shapes and textures but are related to one another are the most effective for displays; for example, grouping three candles which are different heights but are the same colour.

When renovating a room, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, which is frequently why we shy away from decorating. However, we would recommend taking your time, planning your renovations carefully with a budget and enjoying the process – updating your home will add value to your property, after all, as well as giving you a beautiful home to relax in after a tough day at work.

First time buyers' guide to making an offer

If you’re a first-time buyer and have begun the hunt for your first home, you may think that once you’ve found the right one you simply offer what they ask for; job done! However, when it comes to making an offer on a home, there’s a bit more work that should go into it than simply offering the price advertised.

You need to be confident when making an offer that you’re not going to be stung by an inflated asking price or take yourself out of the running by offering too low. To help you prepare, we’ve put together the following information to help you through this stage of the home buying process.

Get some advice
The first step and arguably most important step you need to take is speaking to an expert. If you’re a first-time buyer, then you probably don’t have a wealth of knowledge on how the market works and what you can and can’t afford. Get in touch with a mortgage advisor, get informed on how it all works and more importantly, find out what your price range is so when you do make a formal offer you can do so with confidence.

Research the local market
Once you know how much you’ll be able to spend, it’s time to get a better understanding of your local market. The more research the better. Take a look at what’s up for sale and find out what your budget will get you in each area.

Build a list of key features that your home will need, such as the number of bedrooms or a driveway. The chances of you moving into your dream property with your first move are somewhat slim; however, it’s important that you know what you’re looking for and how much it will cost you in each area.

It would be wise at this point to get in touch with a local estate agent. You can do as much research as possible, but a good local agent will always be a benefit as they will know the market like the back of their hand. This means that they can fill you in on what to expect from vendors and hopefully help you avoid any pitfalls.

Get out there and book some viewings
Now that you’ve done your research on what you want, what you can afford and what the market has to offer, it’s time to book some viewings and get out there. Things can move very quickly in the property market, so your previous work and research leading up to this point will come in handy as there’ll be no time wasted travelling to unsuitable areas or over-priced properties.

While viewing properties, be sure to check out the building's structure and not just its décor. Check for any damage such as cracks in walls or damp. Make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting into and have a good idea of the current state of the home as it can help form your offer.

When you find the right home, be ready to act!
If you’ve managed to find the right home, then it would be best to act quickly as there’s a good chance you’re not the only one eyeing up that house. If you’re ready to make an offer, consider a few things before doing so. How much do other similar properties go for in the area? Does the property need some repairs? Have house prices dropped slightly since the home was first put on the market? We’d all love to knock a few thousand off the asking price, but the seller isn’t going to make such a concession easily, so if your offer is lower than the asking price, you’ll need to demonstrate why.

The Final Steps
Now before you finally put your offer on the table, try and organise all the other pieces of the puzzle beforehand so you are ready to go as soon as it’s accepted. If you’re a first-time buyer then one of your major benefits is that you don’t have to organise selling your own home, but if you can organise such things as surveys and solicitors then it’ll make the process much smoother.

Puppet Theatre: Beastly Belle

Be charmed and surprised by a new twist on an old tale, inspired by the iconic era of 1920s and 30s cinema.

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The Serpent's Tale, hosted by Water Gardens

Join the wild and wonky May Queen to discover The Serpent's Tale - an original play on Saturday 28th September.

Click here to read The Serpent's Tale, hosted by Water Gardens.

Should you pay off your property's mortgage early?

New research from financial services firm Hargreaves Lansdown has shown that one in six of us who have purchased a property will either be over 65 by the time the mortgage is fully paid off, or the loan will never be fully paid off. The question stands, therefore, as to whether you should pay your mortgage off early or not?

As the average age of homeowners creeps upwards, and first-time buyers are entering the marketplace beyond 30 years old, the prospect of entering into retirement with a mortgage still to pay is going to be a reality for many. Research conducted by the Financial Conduct Authority supports this notion, with the FCA forecasting that 40% of first-time buyers in 2017 would still be repaying their home loans at 65.

First and foremost, do your sums to see whether you have anything to worry about in the first place. If you are going to be receiving a healthy pension anyway, then the prospect of continuing mortgage payments may not be anything to worry about. On the other hand, if you are going to be on a lower income than you’re currently accustomed to, then mortgage payments may well prove to be a stretch. If this is the case, here are a few options to help you pay that mortgage off sooner:

Overpay whilst you can
Speak with your mortgage provider to see when your prospective final payment is, and use this to incentivise yourself to pay early when you can afford it. Many mortgages will not charge you for overpaying, instead embracing the higher payments so double-check with your provider and overpay in order to bring forwards that final payment date.

Consider remortgaging
With interest rates at record-low levels, many borrowers are now considering remortgaging in order to obtain a more favourable mortgage. Eventually, you will be moved onto your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR) if you do not remortgage or move onto a different deal during your mortgage term. Avoid these less favourable mortgage rates which will extend your mortgage term, and you could slice years off your repayment schedule just by switching providers or plans.

Reduce your mortgage term
Rather than overpaying on your current mortgage plan, reassess your financial status to see what you can really afford now. You will most likely be in a different economic position now to when you first purchased your property, and potentially able to afford higher repayments. If this is the case, and you are likely to remain in a stable position for the foreseeable future, then reducing your term and increasing your monthly payments is a guaranteed way to pay off your mortgage more quickly.

Help to Buy - what are your options for purchasing a home?

If you’re a first-time buyer looking to purchase a property, then you’ll almost certainly be aware of the Help to Buy scheme and its success in helping people get onto the property ladder. What you may not be aware of is how the scheme works, and how it helps buyers to secure deposits for homes that would otherwise be out of their reach.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a rough guide to how Help to Buy works.

Can you get a sufficient deposit together?
Most standard mortgages require a deposit of at least 5% of the value of the home you want to purchase. If you are able to get the capital required, then you may not need to apply for any scheme.

Equity Loans
If your deposit doesn’t stretch that far, however, never fear! This is where Help to Buy comes in. If you have a 5% deposit, you can apply for an equity loan for purchasing new-build properties. The Government will lend you up to 20% of the property’s price, but you’ll have to start paying interest on that loan after five years.

For example, should you purchase a £200,000 house, you’d pay £10,000 (5%), get a mortgage for £150,000 (75%) and the Government would loan you the remaining £40,000 (20%).

ISAs
If you’re still saving for that all-important deposit, then a Help to Buy ISA is available to you, with the Government adding 25% on top of the value of your savings, with up to 2.6% interest tax-free. A word of caution; if you’re considering this option, then you would need to apply for your ISA prior to 30th November this year. Click here to learn more.

Shared Ownership
If you can’t stretch your finances to be able to afford the entirety of a mortgage, Shared Ownership provides you with the opportunity to buy a share of your home (between 25% and 75% of the property’s value) whilst paying rent on the remaining share. You can also buy bigger shares in the property once you’re able to, offering you flexibility for the future whilst owning a significant stake in the home you wanted.

Purchasing a home doesn’t have to be beyond any first-time buyer. Speak to our financial experts about your Help to Buy options and find out how you can finally buy the property of your dreams.

Tales From Beyond the Grave - performance workshop

Enjoy a spell-binding performance which brings local history to life this Saturday at Rectory Lane Cemetery.

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Just A Cappella Singing Group

Just A Cappella is a mixed voice group, who love singing in harmony together and are friendly and sociable.

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