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...
Average time to buy a home takes longer than five months
The average time taken to buy a home and have the keys in hand takes more than five months, according to research from Smoove’s Home Movers Report. Within the last six months, the average time taken to complete the home purchasing process stands at 153 days. By...
What are the options for renegotiating an offer after a survey?
For most people, buying a house is their most significant financial decision. It's natural to worry about making the right decision when you're spending so much on a property. It is worthwhile for any prospective buyer to invest in a building survey. Viewings may not...
House Price Index – October 2022
Some new movers pause while agreed deals rush to complete The average price of property coming to the market rises by 0.9% (+£3,398) in the month to a new record of £371,158 - This 0.9% rise is a softening from the five-year average rise in October of 1.2% - There is...
What is a property valuation survey?
Surveys and valuations are essential components of the homebuying process. You can use them to determine the value of a particular property or to gain insight into its overall condition. You'll need a house valuation survey if you're taking out a mortgage to buy a new...
Meet The Team: Gregg Cave
We are proud to have Gregg on our team here at Carpenter Surveyors as a trainee surveyor. Welcome to his employee spotlight. How would you summarise what you do at Carpenter Surveyors? My role here is trainee surveyor. I am currently working on a number of...
What happens after your offer has been accepted?
After your offer has been accepted, there's a lot to do, including hiring a conveyancer and planning your move. Here's where the real work begins! When your house offer is accepted, it brings so much excitement and relief to you as a buyer. The day you've been waiting...
What is included in each property survey?
Whenever you purchase a new home, you should have a qualified surveyor inspect the property. Even when the property appears to be in good condition and has been built to a high specification. Although surveys are not legally required in the UK, every conveyancer will...
Tax cuts, tax reforms, and investment zones: Industry responds to mini-budget
In a budget described by JLL UK chief executive Stephanie Hyde as anything but mini for real estate, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng promised the government would introduce a planning and infrastructure bill to reform and “unpick the complex patchwork of planning...
A rate increase of 2.25% by the Bank of England is the highest rate in 14 years
Since the Coronavirus pandemic two years ago, the bank has raised the rate seven consecutive times. Someone with a £200,000 mortgage will have to pay an additional £50 a month in repayments. There are approximately 850,000 people with tracker mortgages and 1.1...