Can I buy a house with a lifetime mortgage?
In the UK, a lifetime mortgage is a form of equity release where you borrow against your home and usually do not repay the loan until you die or move permanently into long term care, with interest that may roll up over time if you do not make payments. The biggest decision drivers for this […]
How long does a house valuation take?
For most UK homeowners, the question how long does a house valuation take is really two questions: how long the appointment lasts, and how long it takes to receive a usable valuation and get the home ready for market. A typical in person estate agent valuation in the UK is usually around 30 to 60 minutes, although […]
Who arranges survey when buying a house
Short answer who arranges the survey Buying a home is exciting, but it can also be stressful because you are committing a significant amount of money. One of the most common questions we hear from buyers is simple. Who arranges the survey when buying a house? This guide explains who does what, when to book your survey, […]
Ways to Increase Your Home’s Sale Price Before You List
This guide is written for UK home sellers who want practical, evidence based ways to increase home sale price before listing, without wasting money on improvements that do not pay back. It is also written from the perspective of experienced local agents who see what buyers respond to in real viewings, not just in theory. […]
Do I Pay Stamp Duty When Selling a House?
When selling your house, one of the common questions is: do you, as the seller, have to pay Stamp Duty? In England Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax on property purchases; meaning it’s paid by the buyer, not the seller. The good news is that sellers do not pay Stamp Duty when selling a […]
What Does ‘Under Offer’ Mean on a House?
If you’re searching for a home in the UK, you may come across listings labeled “Under Offer.” It’s a common term on estate agent boards and property websites, but what does under offer actually mean on a house? In plain English, “under offer” means the seller has received an offer from a buyer and has […]
When Do You Pay the Deposit on a House?
When buying a house, at what point do you actually hand over the deposit? This is a common question for homebuyers, especially first time buyers. In the UK, you typically pay your house deposit at the point of exchanging contracts and not when your offer is first accepted. Exchange of contracts usually happens before completion (moving day), […]
How long does it takes to buy a house with no chain?
Buying a house can be a complex and time consuming process, especially when multiple transactions are linked together. If you’re fortunate enough to buy with no chain involved, the timeline from offer to completion can be much faster and more straightforward. What Does Buying a House With No Chain Mean? In UK property terms, a […]
Renters Rights Act Explained: What Landlords Need to Know
The Renters Rights Act 2025 represents the biggest shake-up to England’s rental market in over 30 years. If you’re a landlord, these changes will affect you directly from 1 May 2026. Many landlords find the legislation confusing and are uncertain about what they need to do. We’ve broken down exactly what it means and how […]
What is a Maisonette? Types, Costs & Buying Guide
If you’ve been browsing property listings, you’ve probably come across homes described as “maisonettes” and wondered what makes them different from regular flats or houses. A maisonette is a self-contained property spread across two floors with its own private entrance. It essentially offers a “little house” feel within a larger building. The word comes from […]