When purchasing the perfect property for you to call home in the UK, there is such a wide variety available in the housing market to choose from. In the UK, the government is attempting to reach a goal of 300,000 new homes built per year to keep up with the high demand and increase in population. * Some people prefer the character of an old building, while others crave a new blank canvas.

When buying your perfect property, new builds and old builds will both be available, so we are here to compare the two and decide which home suits you.

What’s the difference between a new build and an old build?
When purchasing a home, you must compare the different types of properties. Whether you would prefer a one-bed apartment in a city or a four-bed house in the country, you need to decide which home best suits your lifestyle. This is the same when it comes to choosing a new-build or an old-build property. A newly built property has never been lived in before and is sometimes designed particularly to what you desire. An old building is a property with lots of character, history, nd several previous owners. So, there are extreme differences between an old-build and a new-build home. Do you want a move-in-ready home or a potential property adventure?

What are the positives of purchasing a new build property?
When buying a new home, it is most likely that you will buy the property before it has even been built. This allows you to add certain personalisation’s to the home, like the room layout, light and power placements. It is most likely to be a more energy-efficient home, as newly built homes must meet certain requirements. This means the home's EPC rating will be excellent when you want to sell or rent out your property. Another benefit of a new build is that it never has a chain of properties attached to it, decreasing the chances of your move falling through. It is known that when buying a new home, you have more access to better mortgages and shared ownership options. This increases your chances of owning a property earlier than the average first-time buyer.

What are the negatives of buying a new build property?
A new build isn’t always the best choice for every home buyer, and they can be made more accessible for first-time buyers. New builds aren’t always built on the timeline you planned, creating delays in your moving timeline. New builds aren’t for everyone, but they create the perfect, comfortable step on your property ladder. When buying a new build, you are the first owner, however you may less have less scope to carry out home improvements. There is normally no community built yet, and there is no previous seller to tell you how amazing it is to live at that location.

What are the positives of buying an old build property?
When purchasing an older period home, there are many benefits that come with the purchase. The homes normally have larger square footage, with bigger rooms creating more space. They are well structured, built with thicker walls, and surrounded by more land. Older properties hold valuable character and history, which cannot compete with a new build. You can easily add value to these properties by renovating and redecorating, creating a modern twist. Old build properties will only increase in value over the years unless they are poorly looked after.

What are the negatives of buying an old build property?
When buying an old building, you normally get tangled within a long chain of properties. This is because for people to afford to buy their next home, they must ensure their past property is sold, creating this chain of properties. Old builds normally need constant maintenance and renovation when purchased, but these are spotted quite easily in an old build and normally bought as an exciting project. These homes will have lower EPC ratings as they weren’t built with high energy efficiency, but they can always be improved in the future.

What’s the difference in price between an old build and a new build?
When purchasing between an old build and a new build, there is not much of a price difference. The price is slightly higher for a new build, only because it has never been lived in before. An old build costs less, but you will most likely need to redecorate and renovate parts of the property.

 

Council tax bands are used in the United Kingdom to determine how much each household should pay in council tax. Paying your council tax bill is a legal obligation for residents in the United Kingdom, and failure to pay can result in serious consequences. Therefore, it is crucial for every homeowner and tenant to understand the calculation of council tax and the role of council tax bands. Let’s take a look at what council tax is, how it is calculated, and how to pay it.

What are council tax bands?
Council tax bands are categories used to assess the value of residential properties for the purpose of levying council tax. Each property is assigned to one of these bands, ranging from Band A (the lowest value) to Band H (the highest value). Your council tax band is determined by the market value of your property on a specific date. In England, it is based on what the value of your property was on April 1, 1991.

What is council tax used for?
Council tax revenue funds a wide range of public services and infrastructure that benefit residents in the area. Some of the key areas where council tax funds are typically allocated include:

• Local government services
• Education
• Social care
• Waste collection and recycling
• Transportation
• Public safety
• Parks and leisure facilities
• Housing services
• Emergency services

Different council tax bands and their costs
Here are the council tax ranges for England based on your property value*:

A: Up to £40,000
B: £40,000 - £52,000
C: £52,000 - £68,000
D: £68,000 - £88,000
E: £88,000 - £120,000
F: £120,000 - £160,000
G: £160,000 - £320,000
H: More than £320,000

Factors that affect council tax bands
When assigning a property to a council tax band in the United Kingdom, several factors are taken into consideration to determine its assessed value. One of these factors is the location of a property, as those situated in areas with higher property values or better amenities may be assigned to higher bands.

The size and type of the property, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and overall floor space, are also taken into consideration. Larger properties, or those with additional features, such as garages or outbuildings, may be assigned to higher bands.

Additionally, the age and condition of the property can influence its assessed value. Older properties or those in need of significant repairs are typically assigned to lower bands, while newer or well-maintained properties may be assigned to higher bands. Any alterations or improvements made to the property since the valuation date may impact its assessed value and council tax band. Whether the property is used residentially or commercially may also increase its tax band.

Council tax for newer properties
Council tax on newer properties in the United Kingdom is calculated in a manner similar to that of older properties, but with some differences in the assessment process. For newer properties, the valuation date used to determine the council tax band is typically the date of completion. In some cases, comparable properties in the area may be considered to establish an appropriate valuation.

The quality of construction materials and finishes used in newer properties may contribute to their higher assessed value compared to older properties. Features such as high-quality fixtures, fittings, and construction techniques can impact the property's valuation. Properties built by reputable developers known for constructing high-quality homes in desirable locations may command higher market values, affecting their council tax bands.

Paying your council tax bill
Most people pay their council tax in 10 instalments over a 12-month period; however you can pay in fewer instalments or even in one annual lump sum if you wish. There are several ways to pay your council tax, including via direct debit, online payment, or telephone payment. If you prefer to pay by post, you can send a cheque payable to your local council along with the payment slip from your council tax bill. However you pay, make sure you allow enough time for the payment to reach the council before the due date.

There are severe consequences for failing to pay your council tax bill. Your local council may impose additional charges or penalties for late payment, and these charges can accumulate over time, increasing the amount you owe. If you continue to refuse or neglect to pay your council tax, the council may eventually apply for a committal warrant, leading to imprisonment in extreme cases.

If you are struggling to pay your council tax bill, you should openly communicate this with your local council. They may be able to offer support or assistance, such as setting up a payment plan based on your financial circumstances.

 

When diving deep into the world of property, it can sometimes feel hard to resurface. Constantly making payments month after month can become exhausting and may seem never-ending, but paying off your mortgage can truly be accomplished quicker than you assume.

We are here to shine a light on your mortgage this summer with simple tips on how you can accelerate your mortgage.

The benefits of accelerating your mortgage
Accelerating your mortgage may finally give you freedom from your monthly payments sooner than you expected. There are numerous benefits to accelerating your mortgage deal which could save you money in the long term.

A mortgage usually lasts around 25–40 years, depending on how much your home deposit was and what you are willing to pay back per month. So, the longer you stretch your mortgage term, the cheaper your monthly repayments will be but the longer you will be paying back your mortgage. We recommend overpaying on your monthly repayments to shorten your mortgage loan term.

Reduce your interest rates
By overpaying your mortgage, you are far better off in the long run as you save on your interest rates and shorten your overall loan term. The interest is added onto your mortgage loan daily, so by paying more quickly you reduce the amount of interest added. Once you finally pay off your mortgage, you will also receive access to better mortgage deals in the future with other properties, as you have proven reliable for repayments.

How does it work?
Accelerating your mortgage occurs by overpaying on your monthly repayments or by performing weekly repayments rather than monthly. Before accelerating your mortgage, you need to check with your lender about the terms of your mortgage agreement and make them aware of what you are doing. This is because your lender could easily mistake your overpayments for reducing your next monthly repayment, when in fact you want to reduce your overall term.

If you are on a fixed-rate mortgage, it is harder to achieve acceleration as you are typically only able to overpay by 10%.* Sometimes it can be better to remortgage your home to escape a fixed-rate mortgage and get a variable-rate mortgage. This allows you to overpay your mortgage without any early repayment charges. By paying more each time or by paying weekly, you reduce your outstanding mortgage quicker, resulting in a faster decrease in the amount owed on your mortgage.

Is it worth it?
If you were to overpay your mortgage by just £100 a month for a year, it would allow you to take off nearly 3 years of mortgage repayments. This is all due to the interest charge added to each payment, as mortgage interest is calculated daily.

It is worth paying that little more or changing your mortgage payments to weekly, as this leads to less overall interest accumulating on your remaining balance as you are paying off your loan quicker, reducing the term of the mortgage. Weekly repayments are where you change to paying the monthly agreed amount weekly, split into four payments a month rather than one. This will lead to 52 payments a year rather than 12, allowing you to achieve financial freedom sooner.

What happens when I pay off my mortgage?
When you have finally paid off your mortgage sooner than you knew was possible, you will have a new sense of pride. You will now outright own your property and feel proud while noticing extra disposable cash each month.

Accelerating your mortgage can make a huge difference in your overall financial freedom throughout your life. By overpaying or making more frequent payments, it can take away a large amount of interest added to your owed amount. Speak to your lender to discover your options and see how you could gain financial freedom this summer.

 

The spring 2024 market is running serenely and more smoothly than this time last year, thanks to a more stable market. So, if you decide to move, the question has to be asked; Could it be your easiest move ever?

Homemovers are moving the market forwards
This time of year is always busy and 2024 is not disappointing. In fact, the UK property market is moving forward at a better pace than many anticipated. It’s a case of the more, the merrier. When buyers find a new home for sale that they like, it’s another transaction to add to the tally and when their old home is bought by another buyer, this multiplier effect carries on right down the chain. This drives the entire market forward, bringing more buyers to your door and more choices of homes to your inbox.

The market has a lot going for it
You could be forgiven for missing the many opportunities that 2024 has to offer homemovers, thanks to the naysayers in the press and social media. But the facts speak for themselves: stamp duty is favourable at 0% for your first £250,000.* Mortgage rates are improving and, in a historical context, are very favourable, and equity levels are strong, yet house prices are at reasonable and affordable levels. Then there is the standard of properties themselves, which have received a lot of love and attention due to the home improvement frenzy that still continues.

Sales agreed are increasing
In March, sales agreed were 13% higher than the previous year.** Homes are appearing on the market well-prepared by their eager-to-move owners. Gleaning lots of tips and hints on preparing their homes for sale and benefiting from years of hard work and renovations, as well as paying off the mortgage as the value of their properties increases, means equity levels are good. It’s perfect moving weather for packing up and making a fresh start and this is also true when you are viewing properties.

Buyer demand is growing ever stronger
In March, buyer demand was 8% above the same time last year,** due to slowing inflation, and increasing wage levels. The UK property market is a rich and textured place. Demand is increasing on all fronts, from first-time buyers taking advantage of up to 0% stamp duty up to £425,000,* and the 5% deposit Mortgage Guarantee Scheme to cash buyers, and home movers at the higher end of the market. Each property has its own personality yet can be adapted to suit yours. From stunning eco-homes to listed properties, homes often choose their owners.

Agents are making moving easier
The old saying that moving home is one of the most stressful things you can do is losing some of its street credit. Moving does not have to be stressful, but it can be, if the agent you choose is not up to scratch. Good agents attract good vendors, nice properties, offer great listings and can recommend other property professionals that will make the entire process run smoothly. Sometimes it’s being prepared for the unexpected. If a sale falls through, a good agent’s database of buyers will quickly get your sale moving again.

gov.UK*

Rightmove **

 

One of the joys of owning property is the doors of opportunity it can open. Even if you have no intention of renting out your property, there are lots of things you can do to make a bit of money from it. So here are a few ideas to inspire you.

Get a lodger
Taking in a lodger is a quick way to get some extra cash to pay those bills. The first £7,500 you make will be tax-free thanks to the government’s Rent a Room scheme. Interestingly, you do not have to be a homeowner to take advantage of this scheme, but the room must be furnished. It’s important to inform your home insurance provider, just in case. Doing this can work because it may offer a lot of flexibility for you and any potential lodgers.

Rent out office spaces, outbuildings, or your driveway
Depending on the size of your location and how much extra income you are interested in earning, this will help determine what you are going to do. If you have large outbuildings, you have more options to rent out, without anyone entering your home. Whether they rent storage space, office space, a garage, or a workshop, it’s important to make sure the facility is well-maintained and compliant. If your home is at the edge of a big city and near a train line, it could be ideal for renting out your driveway.

Let your property
Letting your property is a great way to build a secure and prosperous financial future. Using a letting agent makes the process a lot smoother with a lot less effort. You can choose which level of managed service you like. For example, you may take care of maintenance yourself while your letting agent collects rent and finds referenced tenants. You may prefer a round-the-clock maintenance service for your property with a fully managed package. Whether you make a profit on the cost of your mortgage or not does not minimise your long-term return on investment.

Home improvements
As you pay off your mortgage and your home increases in value over the years, it’s earning money. You can accelerate this by improving it. Fitting a new kitchen can add up to 15%*** to the value of your home. A new bathroom may add 3%-5%.*** Simple things can also make a difference. Decorating, improving lighting, and the energy efficiency of your home are also effective ways to add value. Fitting solar panels, and selling excess energy back to your local electricity board, is another canny way to make a few extra pounds from your home.

Sell up; the market will help your home pay for itself
With the UK property market performing well, you could move and make a profit. In January 2005, the average house price in the UK stood at £150,633, in June 2023, it increased to £287,546.* Figures released in March, by Rightmove, suggest the average price of newly marketed properties was £368,118.** You could cash in on this equity to move, improve, or buy a second investment property. According to Zoopla, average sellers in the UK made £74,000 profit in 2023.*** With lowering interest rates and homemovers returning to the market in large numbers, the outlook remains positive.

 

 

 

 

A buyer’s market but still your moment
With a noticeable increase in available properties this summer, buyers are enjoying more choice than they’ve had in months. From charming cottages to modern townhouses, there’s something for every taste and budget. But for sellers, this abundance can make standing out feel like a tall order. The good news? It doesn’t take dramatic measures to make a property unforgettable; it just takes the right moves.

First impressions, lasting impact
Buyers begin their journey online, and within seconds, your listing is being judged. Professional photographs are no longer a luxury - they’re your first line of attraction. Show off bright, airy spaces, tidy gardens, and welcoming entrances. Your description should go beyond the basics: instead of “three-bedroom semi,” try “sun-filled family home with garden views and weekend potential.” Create a mood, not just a list.

Elevate your presentation
In a market with more choice, details matter. Small investments in fresh paint, decluttering, or dressing a spare room as a home office can lift a property from forgettable to desirable. A clean, cared-for home tells buyers that you’ve looked after the space - making it easier for them to imagine living there.

Sell the lifestyle, not just the layout
Today’s buyers are not just buying walls and windows, they’re investing in a lifestyle. Think beyond the floorplan: Is there a sunny corner perfect for morning coffee? A kitchen island where homework and dinner happen together? A garden that comes alive with evening BBQs? These touches tell the story of a home, not just a house.

Target your audience with purpose
Who is most likely to fall in love with your home? Young professionals, growing families, retirees? Once you know, tailor your presentation and marketing to them. Highlight school catchment areas, nearby transport links, or low-maintenance features, depending on who you’re trying to reach.

Be flexible, be remembered
In a market where buyers have options, being easy to work with goes a long way. Quick responses, flexible viewing times, and openness to discussion make a strong impression. The buyer who remembers your home for the right reasons is more likely to come back with an offer.

Making choice work for you
Yes, buyers have more options - but that doesn't mean your property can’t be the one they choose. With a thoughtful strategy and attention to the details that matter, you can make your home the standout story in a sea of listings.

Showcase your home with standout appeal

Why Chain Collapses Happen

The transition from autumn to early winter often brings a flurry of property activity, as buyers aim to complete before the year ends. But increased demand can sometimes lead to chain collapses. Delays in mortgage approvals, buyers withdrawing, or complications in linked transactions are common reasons. Being aware of potential pitfalls can help you plan and stay in control.

Managing Your Chain Effectively

Communication is key. Keep in regular contact with your solicitor, estate agent, and other buyers in the chain. Clear timelines, realistic expectations, and updates on any potential delays can prevent small hiccups from becoming major issues. Seasonal factors like shorter daylight hours affecting surveys or early holiday closures should also be factored into your planning.

Having Backup Buyers

A safety net of backup buyers can save time and stress. If your main buyer pulls out, having someone ready to step in keeps the sale moving. Your estate agent can maintain interest in your property throughout the early winter months, ensuring you aren’t left stuck in a collapsed chain.

Legal Protections for Vendors

Your solicitor can guide you on contract clauses to protect your interests if a buyer withdraws. Provisions covering deposits, completion dates, and penalties can reduce your exposure to financial loss. Knowing your legal rights gives you confidence when navigating the seasonal property market.

Completion Insurance

For longer chains, completion guarantee is a valuable tool. It provides financial protection if the chain collapses after contracts are exchanged but before completion. While it doesn’t prevent delays, it offers peace of mind during the unpredictable autumn-to-winter transition.

Want to safeguard your sale this early winter?

Speak to us today for expert advice and ensure your property journey keeps moving smoothly

Why Conveyancing Can Slow Down in November

As the days shorten, and the weather becomes unpredictable, conveyancing delays often increase. Solicitors may face heavier workloads before the festive season, banks might slow down mortgage processing, and searches can take longer due to seasonal staffing issues. Understanding why delays happen helps you plan effectively and avoid last-minute stress.

Choosing the Right Solicitor

Selecting an experienced solicitor is crucial. Look for someone familiar with local property markets and winter-specific challenges, such as late property searches or document verification delays. Regular updates from your solicitor will help you anticipate and respond to delays rather than react to them.

Monitoring the Process

Stay proactive throughout the conveyancing process. Request updates on key milestones like local authority searches, mortgage offers, and contract exchanges. Early identification of issues like missing documentation or delays in responses can prevent a small hiccup from turning into a full-blown hold-up.

Managing Deadlines

Set realistic timelines with built-in buffers for potential delays. Early November is still manageable but avoid assuming that standard completion periods will apply during the seasonal transition. Being flexible allows you to adjust without risking penalties or stress.

Backup Plans

Even with careful planning, delays can happen. Have contingency options in place, such as temporary accommodation arrangements, short-term bridging finance, or clear agreements with buyers and sellers about revised completion dates. Being prepared keeps all parties calm and confident.

Stay ahead of conveyancing delays by planning carefully and seeking professional guidance early.

Understanding Why

Mortgage applications can be declined for a variety of reasons: credit history, insufficient income documentation, or high existing debt. Early winter can make timing even more sensitive, as lenders may have fewer staff during seasonal holidays or slower processing times. Identifying the exact reason for refusal is the first step to finding a solution.

Repairing Credit and Improving Your Profile

If credit issues are the cause, take targeted action. Pay down outstanding debts, correct any errors on your credit report, and avoid new financial commitments. Even small improvements can make a difference to lenders’ decisions. Documenting these changes helps demonstrate your commitment and financial responsibility.

Exploring Alternative Lenders

Not all lenders have the same criteria. Specialist or smaller lenders may offer options when mainstream banks decline. Early engagement with mortgage brokers can highlight suitable alternatives and speed up approval. Remember, timing is crucial - starting this process promptly prevents unnecessary delays in your purchase.

Deposit Bridging and Short-Term Solutions

In some cases, a larger deposit or bridging finance can address lender concerns. This can buy time to repair credit or restructure finances, keeping your purchase on track. Ensure you fully understand the risks and costs involved and get professional advice before proceeding.

Managing Timing Considerations

Autumn can be challenging for property completion due to shorter working days, and early winter weather. Factor in extra time for reapplication, document gathering, and lender processing. Clear communication with your solicitor and estate agent ensures your chain remains intact while you recover from a declined mortgage.

Turn a mortgage decline into a win - seek practical recovery strategies this November.

Navigating the Changing Market

As autumn leaves give way to the first hints of winter, first-time buyers are feeling the pinch. With Help to Buy coming to an end, it’s easy to feel like the ladder to your first home has been pulled away. But fear not - there are still plenty of ways to step onto the property ladder without losing your cool.

Government Schemes and Fresh Options

While Help to Buy has been the star of the show, replacement schemes are now taking the spotlight. Shared ownership, regional deposit schemes, and equity loans can still give you a head start. The trick is knowing what’s available in your area - a little research now can save a lot of stress later.

Smart Deposit Strategies

If government assistance isn’t your path, get creative with your deposit. High-interest savings, targeted deposit accounts, or even a systematic monthly plan can help you reach your target faster than you might think. Even small, consistent contributions can make a noticeable difference over a few months.

Family Support: A Helping Hand

Many first-time buyers find that family support can make all the difference. Gifts, loans, or acting as a guarantor can give your finances a boost. Just remember - clear communication and proper legal documentation are key to keeping things friendly and stress-free.

Alternative Routes onto the Ladder

Not ready to dive into a full mortgage? Options like rent-to-buy schemes or co-purchasing with friends or family can be practical stepping stones. These approaches allow you to start building equity while still managing risk, giving you flexibility and breathing space in a competitive market.

The end of Help to Buy isn’t the end of the road. With a little planning, creativity, and insight, winter can still be the season you secure your first home. It’s all about knowing your options and making them work for you.

Take the first step - talk to our expert today.