Property Market
First time buyers finally find hope in the housing market
The proportion of first time buyers (FTBs) looking to put a foot on the property ladder more than doubled in the first two weeks of 2009, according to the NAEA.
Peace of mind?
Home may be where the heart is, but isn't always a place where we all feel safe and secure. With nearly half (43%) of Brits admitting they sometimes don't feel safe at home, the top worries include noisy streets (29%), unexpected visitors to the door (27%) and being alone at night (18%) according to a new report.
UK house prices up 1.9% in January
House prices increased by 1.9% in January, according to the latest Halifax House Price Index. This rise reverses December's 1.6% fall. Prices in the three months to January compared to the previous three months - a better indicator of the underlying trend - were 5.1% lower.
Does your home have the ‘wow’ factor?
Does your home benefit from an outstanding location, unique or quirky features, an interesting history or come with a stable or paddock attached? Maybe your converted windmill, stylish Victorian terrace, former railway cottage or even sprawling country farmhouse has the wow factor that would prompt – for all the right reasons - a sharp intake of breath from viewers.
100 per cent of your home for 75 per cent of the cost
Following the huge success of a scheme that allows customers to own 100 per cent of their new home, but pay just 75 per cent for it – Stamford Homes is expanding it across the region. The innovative cost-curbing 75/25 scheme allows the customer to reserve the home of their choice, and ensuring that legal completion is within a specified timescale, Stamford Homes will pay the remaining 25 per cent by means of an interest free loan, to be paid off in up to 10 years.
Stamford Homes to offer shared equity scheme
Stamford Homes is offering a shared equity scheme that will help homebuyers to own the home of their dreams at a price they can afford. A number of developments across the region are taking part in the scheme, and customers can register their interest now.
Stamford Homes expands 75/25 initiative
Following the huge success of a scheme that allows customers to own 100 per cent of their new home, but pay just 75 per cent for it – Stamford Homes is expanding it across the region.
Show offers opportunities to make the most of your home
Would-be renovators and self-builders should see 2009 as an excellent time to start a building project. The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, on at the NEC from 19 to 22 March can help you make the most of your home.
Prime London property prices fell 3.7% in January
Prime London residential prices fell 3.7% in January 2009, the second highest monthly decline on record, according to the Knight Frank Prime Central London Index.
Sales secured faster in an increasingly competitive market
Healthier levels of enquiries and viewings are leading to offers being made and accepted within a month of marketing a property, as buyers begin to vie for fewer and more competitively priced properties, says Cluttons.
First time buyers - how long should you wait?
Leading UK property search website FindaProperty.com notes that with affordability increasing, prices falling, and interest rates at an all-time low, a number of factors are coming into play that mean first-time buyers should seriously consider making their first property purchase in 2009.
Grand ideas from Grand Designs Live 2009
The No.1 consumer show for design, innovation and inspiration for your home returns to London once again, yes that’s right it’s Grand Designs Live, from the 25th April to 4th May, 2009.
Online assistance for North West house-hunters
Homebuyers in the North West can now benefit from further help in searching for their perfect home thanks to Miller Homes’ revamped website. The site – millerhomes.co.uk - has not only been given an aesthetic makeover, but has also been designed to make searching for a new home easier than ever.
A hassle free path to a new home
Looking for a new home but can’t sell your present one? Barratt could provide the answer with their latest part exchange offer to North East homebuyers. They’ll consider buying your old place, or sell it for you free of charge, and then give you a mortgage subsidy worth up to £340 every month until 2011.
SHIP welcomes OFT sale and rent back probe
Andrea Rozario, Director General, SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans), comments on the OFT's (Office of Fair Trading) decision to seek substantiation from sale and rent back firms over adverts: