What is the average deposit for first-time buyers in 2023?
In the UK, first-time buyers save between £26,400 and £144,500 on a home purchase. Learn how much people save for a home in different areas of the country. First-time buyers in the UK are expected to pay an average deposit of £34,500 for a £240,000 home in 2023. The...
You and your finances: What you need to know about interest rates
In an effort to slow the price rise, the Bank of England has raised interest rates for a 12th consecutive time. During the meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee, the Bank rate was raised to 4.5% from 4.25%. It will cause further pain to some homeowners, but it...
When you should, and shouldn’t worry about asbestos in your home
What is asbestos? The mineral asbestos is found in rocks as a natural component. The strength, flexibility, and fire resistance of this material made it an ideal building material. The majority of asbestos was used in the construction industry. It is possible that...
Helping you choose the right survey
Why do you need an RICS Home Survey? Because forewarned is forearmed. Choosing the right survey will help highlight any serious problems and advise you of the specific risks before you commit to the process of buying or selling a property. RICS has three different...
If Woodworm Is Found During a Property Survey, What Should I Do?
The presence of woodworm on your property shouldn't affect your decision to purchase. The problem can be treated, and unless it's severe, it won't damage the structure. Negotiations can also be opened with the seller before contracts are exchanged. The woodworm is not...
First-time buyers face record prices as sales recover
The average price of property coming to market rises by just 0.2% (+£890) this month, lower than the average of 1.2% at this time of year, as new sellers heed their agents’ advice to price cautiously and tempt Spring buyers Despite the economic headwinds,...
Do you plan to sell in 2023? There’s good news in the property market.
You are in demand if you are looking to sell a home that represents good value. At this time, buyers are looking for homes that offer more value for their money. There has been a 16% increase in demand for homes since spring 2019 and the highest level since October...
Carpenter Surveyors welcome Ryan Oakes to the team
Carpenter Surveyors is delighted to welcome Ryan Oakes to Carpenter Surveyors, which further extends our coverage across Leicestershire. Ryan is an AssocRICS Chartered Surveyor based in Burbage, and further strengthens the firm with his extensive knowledge of...
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
Your home's energy efficiency can be determined by those three letters. Learn all about EPCs and how to obtain one. How does an EPC rating work? The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures the energy efficiency of your home. With an A rating, your home receives...
Energy bill support extended in the Spring Budget 2023
A three-month extension of government funding to help people manage higher energy bills was announced in the Spring Budget by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. A temporary measure called the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) caps energy bills for typical households at around £2,500...
Many more mortgage deals are available as the market continues to expand
What you need to know The mortgage market continues to stabilise, with mortgage rates falling and product choices increasing It's the first time in over a year that the number of available products has surpassed 4,000. Fixed rate products for those with 40% down are...
Energy-efficient homes are holding their value
Homes with high energy efficiency ratings are proving to be more appealing to potential buyers. Currently, energy-efficient homes are outperforming other properties. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, six out of ten estate agents say homes with...
Why should you get a home survey?
Nothing is flawless about a house. A property that has been meticulously maintained will still have a few imperfections. There's no doubt you could make an impromptu list of the things you know should be repaired in your current home. The same is true for the property...
Average asking prices have seen the biggest rise in three years
As movers plan for 2023, average asking prices have seen the biggest rise in three years. We can see what's happening in the housing market right now thanks to the Rightmove House Price Index, which contains the most up-to-date monthly data on asking prices in...
Frozen pipes: what to do and how to prevent them
It is possible to prevent frozen pipes as temperatures plummet with simple preparation. What causes frozen pipes to burst? As water freezes, it expands inside the pipe, creating pressure. There are a number of factors that determine whether the pipe is strong enough...
Transparency is enhanced by new rules for property listings
The devil is in the details when it comes to finding a home. When you're buying, renting, or selling a home, here's what you need to know about the new material information rules. You might have noticed that property listings today are more detailed than ever. This is...
Helping You Choose The Right Survey
Why do you need an RICS Home Survey? The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has three different levels of survey. These can only be conducted by an RICS qualified surveyor (AssocRICS, MRICS, or FRICS) with the appropriate surveying experience. A survey is...
The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme has been extended to the end of 2023
95% mortgages will now remain widely available through a government-backed scheme until December 2023. To help more people with a 5% deposit buy a home, the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme has been extended by one year. It was originally scheduled to end in 2022, but will...