Category: Buying a house
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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…
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What solicitor fees can you expect when buying a house?
Buying a home can be exciting but also confusing, especially when it comes to solicitor fees. These are the costs of hiring a legal expert, called a conveyancer or solicitor, to help you with all the paperwork and legal checks. Emma Shahmoradian, an experienced conveyancer and partner at national firm Taylor Rose, explains the costs…
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9 things I wish I’d known before buying a listed building
I’ve lived in a number of different homes now, but I’ve chosen each for practical reasons – with one exception. The home I chose with my heart rather than my head was a grade II listed cottage in need of renovation. It still had plenty of the usual benefits of buying a house like a…
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Buying a house without building regulations
The building regulations apply to many home projects from fitting new windows to extending, but when you’re thinking of purchasing a property you might find that the seller went ahead with them without obtaining building regulations approval. Its lack might come to light during the work your conveyancer undertakes when you’re buying a house. Alternatively,…