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...
A buy-to-let landlord’s guide to the rental market in 2023
What can buy-to-let landlords expect from the rental market in 2023 after another year of highs and lows? Here are our predictions, from rising demand to high mortgage rates to rental reforms and landlord licensing. Are buy-to-let landlords planning to purchase or...
How much value would a loft conversion add to your property?
If we are unable to build sideways, maybe we should build upwards? Homeowners in Britain are increasingly thinking that way. Large lateral extensions to a property can sometimes be impractical or unlikely to receive planning permission in crowded urban areas. In...
The top five urban regeneration hotspots for investment
Investing in an area that is being redeveloped is a wise investment. Discover which major cities are undergoing multi-million pound investment projects right now. For investors and homebuyers, regeneration areas can be a good bet as the housing market slows. According...
A broader range of housing choices are now available to buyers
The number of homes on the market in the UK has increased recently. Stocks are rebuilding because they are no longer selling like hotcakes as they were during the pandemic. Buyers now have more choices when it comes to finding a new home. In the average estate agent...
Carpenter Surveyors attend Avery & Co Annual CPD Conference 2022
On Thursday 17th November 2022, Carpenter Surveyors joined the Avery & Co Annual CPD Conference 2022. The event sponsored by Surventrix and Sava in association with Merseyside & Cheshire Blood Bikes was held at The Yacht Club in Liverpool Marina. The...
Investing in Buy-to-Let Properties in Solihull
In the West Midlands, Solihull is often referred to as a 'town in the country' and is often described as offering both a city and a country lifestyle. Does that mean Solihull is also an ideal location for property investors? What are the benefits of investing in...
How much stamp duty tax will you pay when buying a home?
Stamp duty is one of the costs to consider when moving home. When you purchase a home, you are required to pay this tax to the government. The amount of stamp duty home-buyers will have to pay in England and Northern Ireland was lowered in September. Changes were made...
House prices in the UK: the latest figures
Here you can find out which areas have the most expensive or cheapest houses or which ones have increased the most in the last year. Across all UK markets, buyer demand has dropped by a third since the mini budget. However, 2022 was a good year for property, with...
Should you get a survey on a new build property?
Upon accepting an offer on a property, you should arrange a survey of the property. Unless you live in Scotland, where the vendor must provide a home buyer's report before the property is listed. Depending on the type of survey you require, you can find qualified...