Property Market
First-time buyers demand an end to gazumping
Over 73% of first-time buyers believe that once an offer has been accepted on a property it should be made legally binding, according to a survey conducted by property portal What House?
Edinburgh leads property price growth in Scotland
Properties in Edinburgh have experienced the largest gain in prices per square metre over the past ten years, according to a new analysis of Scottish cities by Bank of Scotland.
Brighton leads property price growth
Properties in Brighton have experienced the largest gain in prices per square metre over the past ten years, according to new analysis of 62 cities in the UK by Halifax Estate Agents.
Mum and Dad becoming more like a real bank
Almost four in ten (39%) graduates would not be able to get on the housing ladder without their parents helping them fund a deposit according to new research from Scottish Widows Bank.
Debut coming to the rescue of Key Workers
With the latest research declaring that key workers are unable to afford to buy a home in 70% of towns across Great Britain, the shortage of affordable homes for this important group of buyers is now more in the spotlight than ever.
Changing face of landlords
Findings from The Money Centre's research show the stereotypical landlord is evolving. They are now younger and planning for their future. Female landlords are equal in numbers to the men and more and more landlords are entering buy-to-let by accident.
The true cost of energy efficiency certificates
The likely savings predicted by the introduction of Energy Efficiency Certificates that form the central plank of the looming Home Information Packs due to start on 1st June will be far less than predicted. The largest of the Property Aggregators, calculates that the payback for the production of the EPC documents could be as much a five years.
Declining confidence in HIPs
Conveyancers are reporting a substantial and growing loss of confidence in the new Home Information Packs (HIPs), according to research by Severn Trent Searches, which has tracked changes in opinion over the past year.
Homebuyers advised to insist on environmental survey
The lack of a required environmental search within the new HIPs could lead to further delays in the homebuying process that the HIP was designed to improve, cautions James Sherwood-Rogers, Managing Director of Landmark Legal and Financial.
Chesterton Head of New Homes comments on HIPs
Julian Sedgwick, Director and Head of New Homes at Chesterton Global, comments: “The new homes market has effectively been producing the equivalent of HIPs for many years, so the new incarnation will require little or no extra work on the part of developers and I think it will have the effect of strengthening the sales process.
Squeaky-voiced actress played major part in property success
Moving home every year for four years was one of the most challenging roles ever faced by actress Sandra Dickinson, she has told a property TV programme.
Going green at home eco tips
With Mr Brown persuading us all to think green the organisers of the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, taking place at the SECC, Glasgow on 12 & 13 May, have produced their own top tips for a greener, more eco-friendly home.
Making a new move can help save money & the environment
Energy-efficient homes are all the rage, helping to save the environment through greener lifestyle choices. Choosing a new home can have many environmental consequences. For example, the location determines whether work, shops and schools are a car-drive away, or within walking distance.
Minister pledges support for low energy rated homes
Most first-time buyers purchasing a home with a 'E, F or G' energy rating could benefit from grants to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Hamptons to offer free Home Information Packs
Hamptons International, international residential agents, and a subsidiary of Emaar properties have announced it will offer clients Home Information Packs (HIPs) for free, following their June implementation date. This move makes Hamptons the first major residential agent to announce such a strategy.