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 […]
Is Buy-to-Let Still Worth It?
The buy-to-let market has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years. From rising mortgage rates to stricter regulations and increased stamp duty, many landlords have questioned whether property investment still makes financial sense. But despite these headwinds, the buy-to-let market continues to show resilience, with rental yields reaching their highest levels in over […]
Should You Fix or Track Your Mortgage Rate?
Choosing between a fixed or tracker mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. With the Bank of England base rate currently at 4% and uncertainty about future rate movements, it’s a question we hear regularly from clients across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. The right choice depends on your personal […]
New-Build vs Older Home: Which Should You Buy?
Choosing between a brand-new home and an established property is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when buying. Both options have distinct advantages and challenges, and the right choice depends entirely on your priorities, budget, and long-term plans. After helping hundreds of buyers navigate this decision over the past three decades, we’ve seen how […]
How Does the Government Budget Affect the Housing Market – and What Should Buyers & Sellers Do?
With the Autumn Budget 2025 scheduled for 26 November, homeowners, buyers, and sellers across the UK are watching closely to see what Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce. Budget decisions have a direct impact on property transactions, mortgage affordability, and house prices, and this year’s announcement could bring significant changes to the housing market.The statistics are […]