Category: Buying a house
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Where to buy land — 10 places to look for a plot for a self-build home
If you’re planning to buy a house, where you should look for likely properties is evident. Where to buy land when you want to build your own home, however, probably isn’t as apparent. Get savvy about the places to look, though, and you’ll discover that some of the places to buy land cross over with…
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From buyer beware to seller beware? Landmark £32.5m moth mansion case shakes up property law
A game-changing High Court ruling has shaken up the property market, altering the long-standing “buyer beware” rule and setting new expectations for sellers. In the case of Iya Patarkatsishvili and Dr Yevhen Hunyak versus property developer William Woodward-Fisher, the court ruled that sellers must provide complete and truthful information about known defects. This case, involving…
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How to take over utilities when you’re moving house
Knowing how to take over utilities when you’re moving house will make the process smoother. The utility companies you had accounts with at your previous property know you are no longer responsible for the bills there and the suppliers at your new home can transfer the accounts into your name. Organising the takeover of utilities…
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This is the minimum amount of money you need to buy a house
Before you start looking at homes to purchase, it’s important to understand the minimum amount of money you need to buy a house. Without this information, you can end up wasting time viewing properties that don’t match up with your budget. The cost of buying a house is made up of a number of elements.…
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Can you get a mortgage for land without planning permission?
Land without planning permission can often be more affordable than a plot with consent to build but if you need to borrow to purchase it, you might wonder if getting a mortgage for land without planning permission is achievable. There’s a wide choice of lenders available if you’re looking for a mortgage when you’re buying…
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Are mortgage rates going down?
The Bank of England (BoE) has cut the base rate to 4.5%, marking its third reduction in six months. This comes as inflation cools but remains above target. For those wondering “Are mortgage rates going down?”, the answer is yes – but slowly. The average two-year fixed mortgage now sits at 5.89%, while a five-year…
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Buying a house with a private water supply? What you need to know
Buying a house with a private water supply could seem to be a shrewd move – especially if you’re currently in a home with a water meter. But there’s plenty you should know before committing to a home like this to ensure it’s the right buy. Encountering private water supplies when you’re buying a house…
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What you should know before buying a house in a flood risk area
Some 6.3 million homes in England are located in areas at risk of flooding, according to Environment Agency data published in December 2024. And with the number of properties under threat growing UK wide, there’s plenty you should know before buying a home in a flood risk area. A warmer atmosphere along with factors such…
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Why buying a house without a survey isn’t a good idea
Homebuying without a survey could be an appealing idea. It would save money in a process where the costs that come on top of the purchase price of the home itself mount up. And it’s not just the fee for a survey when you’re buying a house that can make you think twice. With housebuying…
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What to check if you’re buying a house with oil central heating
Around 5 per cent of homes in the UK are heated by oil, according to data from the most recent census. It’s mostly used where mains gas is less available so if you’re viewing homes in an area like this, it pays to know what to check if you’re buying a house with oil central…