Jobs permitting, those looking to get on the property ladder may start flocking to Aberdeen, as a report has found it is the most affordable city to be a first-time buyer (FTB)1. Under the assumption that a FTB home has two bedrooms or fewer, the average asking price for a property in Aberdeen is £102,601. […]
Category archives: Mortgages & General Property News
Advice for first-time buyers
Getting a foot onto the property ladder has always presented challenges. Research suggests FTBs could currently be experiencing the most expensive conditions in 70 years1. Who is most affected? In the current property market, a successful first purchase often requires two high incomes plus financial support from family members. Therefore, those who are buying alone, […]
Landlords upping their EPC game
Research has found that some landlords are improving the energy performance of their properties even though it is no longer a potential legal requirement. Keen landlords Last year proposed regulations for all private rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of C were shelved. However, 37% of portfolio landlords are still upgrading their properties […]
Buying a new build – what to consider
Are you thinking of buying a new build? The good news is there are more regulations than ever that protect buyers of newly built homes. It can be difficult to keep up with these changes, so here’s what you need to know. Codes of conduct Most developers are signed up to a code which lays […]
Home Finance – In the news
Location, location, location Homeowners are willing to pay more for convenience, as a short walk to a town centre or high street could boost a home’s value by more than £80,0001. In England, homes that are close to a town are worth 27.6% more than the average property. Interestingly, proximity costs an extra 14.2% in […]
The motivations of equity release customers
According to a lifetime mortgage lender, one in five of their new equity release plans in Q1 were taken out by homeowners with properties worth over £550,0001. When asked why they were releasing equity, 22% of customers said they planned to spend the unlocked cash on improving their home. Less than 20% of borrowers wanted […]
Holidaying in peace – check your home insurance
Are you looking forward to a long holiday this summer? Don’t spoil the fun and relaxation; make sure you leave your home fully insured. Inform your insurance provider You may think that it doesn’t make a difference whether you go on holiday for two weeks, a month, or more. However, most insurers require you to […]
Get mortgage-ready this summer
Do you have hopes to buy? Whether you’re looking to get on, move up or down the ladder, your property dreams are possible with a little preparation. Here’s how you can get yourself mortgage-ready this summer. Check your credit score Lenders will inspect your credit report for evidence that you can meet the mortgage repayments. […]
Get the right house value with a survey
Nobody wants to pay too much for their home. During the home buying process, there are many causes of stress. Making sure you don’t overpay doesn’t need to be one. That’s because getting the right survey can give you peace of mind that you are paying a fair price. What is a survey? A survey […]
Most over 55s have no plans to downsize
Only one in seven non-retired homeowners over 55 plan to downsize after they stop working, a new study1 suggests. In a poll of 2,000 adults over the age of 55, half said they plan on staying in their current home after they retire. For those aged 71 to 75, the figure is 68%. No hassle, […]
