Top tips to secure your new home
21 October 2011
The latest crime figures from the Home Office show a 14% increase in domestic burglary levels between 2010 and 2011.
This indicates a real need for homebuyers out there to assess the security measures in their new property as soon as possible after moving in.
Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the NAEA, said: "This isn't about living in fear but about adopting a practical, common sense approach to safety. Taking simple steps when you get the keys to your new home can help to protect both people and property."
So here is some advice for homeowners:
- Look at lighting: Install motion-sensitive lighting fixtures at access points like above front doors and garage doors, overlooking gate entrances and in back gardens.
- Fitting timers to lighting indoors can also be a simple and effective deterrent to would-be intruders by giving the impression of activity when you are out.
- Think about codes: Familiarise yourself with how the alarm works on your new property and make sure you set a new passcode. If you rely on sensors around the home, check the batteries on a regular basis.
- Mark valuable belongings using a UV pen or by engraving - this is an easy and discreet way to identify your items if stolen and recovered. But, don't forget to change the postcode each time you move!
- Avoid letterbox theft: As vehicle security becomes more sophisticated, thieves are turning to letterbox theft to obtain car keys. Poles are often used to hook keys from hallway entrances proving a costly experience for the homeowner, so keep valuables well away from the front door.
- Be a good neighbour: People power is still an essential part of crime prevention. Join your local Neighbourhood Watch group or if there isn't one, consider setting one up in liaison with your local police constabulary.
- Don't get caught out online: It's natural to want to tell your friends and family about your new home. But take care if communicating this information online. Opportunist thieves are increasingly turning Facebook and Twitter to target unsuspecting victims so ensure status updates don't give away valuable information about your property, like your address, or photos that make the location of your home identifiable.
Scotland's youngest house buyers in Midlothian
11 October 2011
Midlothian has Scotland's youngest home buyers with an average age of 27, according to latest research from Bank of Scotland.
Unlike in England and Wales where there is almost a decade's difference between the youngest and oldest first-time buyers, in Scotland there is relatively little variation across the country in the average age of first-time buyers, with the oldest at 30.
The average for Scotland as a whole is 28, one year below the UK average.
The youngest home buyers in Scotland are in Midlothian, according to new research.
Those buying properties in the area had an average age of 27 in the year to June 2011, the Bank of Scotland study found.
Other areas with young buyers include Clackmannanshire, Fife, North Lanarkshire and Aberdeen, where the average age is 28.
Researchers said that house prices tend to be relatively low in areas with the youngest first-time buyers.
However, there is relatively little variation across Scotland in the average age of first-time buyers, with the oldest at 30.
Bank of Scotland housing economist Nitesh Patel said: "The variation in age between the youngest and oldest first buyers in Scotland is relatively low, just three years compared to almost a decade seen in England and Wales.
"In many cases this is due to house prices being typically lower both in absolute terms and in relation to earnings, helping to limit the size of the deposit needed and the time needed to build one up."
Britons blow thousands trying to copy TV property shows
22 September 2011
A new study from esure, has found that Brits spend almost five hours a week improving their homes, amounting to more than a year and a half spent over the average lifetime!
Britons have been found to be envious of properties featured on reality television programmes such as Grand Designs and MTV Cribs! Not too sure I’d want my home decorated like Snoop Doggs, but a wardrobe like Mariah Careys does sound appealing!
An average of £1171 and 11 days a year is spent sprucing up our homes, with £529 on non-functional decorations such a soft furnishings, to keep up with the latest domestic trends. A further £404 in a lifetime is spent on items they will never use for fear of ruining them, such as expensive crockery, silverware and bed linen.
A third of those polled said that programmes such as Location, Location, Location had inspired them to put more effort into the appearance of their homes and influenced how they decorate. Over a third also said that watching these type of programmes made them aspire to live in a better home, and nearly one in seven admitted that voyeuristic peeks inside celebrity homes made them covet more expensive, luxurious items such as designer fabrics, elaborate furnishings and even Jacuzzis (so practical for the UK!).
5% of brits claim that they are so obsessed with keeping their residence spic-and-span that they no longer invite friends or relatives over, for fear they might cause a spillage; ironic as they are motivated by a desire to show off their homes… Furthermore, almost one in ten admit they cannot enjoy themselves properly when entertaining guests because they are so worried about potential damages and spillages.
Meanwhile 7% confess to covering carpets and upholstery with protective sheets when entertaining to keep their home as pristine as possible (sexy eh!). One in 20 would even go as far to say that they have banned red wine in their home and 15% say that they have never held a party in their home, despite enjoying attending the house parties of others. A fifth of Britons polled said that they had overly house-proud friends and almost a quarter admitted they were too scared and anxious to touch or use something. Some 6% even admitted to turning down invites to friends' perfect "show homes" for fear of causing damage or spilling on light-coloured carpets. And 8% of Brits confess that they have broken an item or spilt something at a friends' home at least once, but have not confessed to doing so – something which I think is actually a much higher percentage, but those polled didn’t want to admit; we’re all guilty of spilling the odd bit of wine, or dropping a bit of hummus on the carpet eh?!
Nikki Sellers, Head of home insurance at esure, said: "The rise in popularity of television shows featuring showcase desirable homes has given rise to a new breed of homeowner driven to create a beautiful abode but almost too scared to enjoy it. "While pleasing on the eye, a house that resembles a show home is not the most practical place to live. Accidents do happen so it's important for homeowners to ensure that they have adequate home and contents insurance so that you are fully protected if anything unfortunate does happen."
So, are you guilty of any of the above? I know I’m certainly in the ‘not admitting to dropping something on a friends carpet’ statistic… Come on, fess up people…
Antiques, gold and rare objects hoarded in homes
20 September 2011
Britons are filling their homes with valuable old, rare and unusual possessions as recession continues to bite.
The findings, which come from Moneysupermarker.com Monitor, has analysed almost three million home insurance quotes between June 2010 and May 2011 shows that British households on average are currently insuring:
- Over £3500 of gold items (a 10% increase on last year);
- Coin and medal collections worth over £4400 each;
- Stamp collections worth a staggering £6138;
- Paintings and works of art worth £4209;
- Furs worth £2819; and
- Nearly £3500 of antiques.
Interestingly, Brits are also insuring on average £3619 of "curios" which are rare and intriguing objects which they 
keep in the home.
This 'hoarding' is an interesting phenomenon seemingly borne out of our current difficult economic times. Perhaps many are shunning more traditional savings routes, buying gold and antiques rather stashing their money in the bank. It seems we are all looking at our possessions and scrutinising their proper value, keeping and insuring things that we may have thrown away or sold.
Also, with the price of gold hitting close to a staggering high of USD $1900 an ounce, it's interesting that many homes in Britain are holding onto their gold, rather than selling it for cash as many have done in the past.
The era of ‘Rule Britannia' is alive and well but whether people have inherited valuable heirlooms, or have scoured shops and markets to unearth valuable retro treasures, it's crucial to understand how underestimating the overall value of home contents could leave you underinsured and severely out of pocket,
Data from the MoneySupermarket Monitor reveals the most frequently insured individual items by homeowners, in Spring 2011, are laptops (42%), bicycles (22%), and jewellery (19%), and also reveals the average value of "specified items" on people's home insurance policies stood at £2799 in Spring 2011 (compared to £4288 in the Channel Islands, £3682 in Greater London, and £3118 in the South East).
The MoneySupermarket.com monitor also found that:
- Buildings and contents insurance decreased in price by 0.4% from June 2010 to May 2011 with the average annual premium now at £152.44;
- Homeowners in Jersey have seen the biggest decrease to the cost of their home insurance premiums;
- Claims made on buildings insurance are dominated by "escape of water", while "theft" and "vandalism" dominate claims made on contents cover.
So, what are you keeping hold of? If you have any thoughts or interesting objects in your home, we'd love to hear about it!
Top Money-Saving Tips For Winter...
12 September 2011
Looking to save some money this winter? Well, who isn’t? Here’s some top tips on how you can save energy and money during the upcoming winter months; although it’s starting to feel like its already here!
- Check your loft insulation is thick enough and in good condition. A depth of 11 inches is recommended. Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double-glazing can all help protect your home and save money on heating bills. You may be eligible for a grant to help with this work.
- Bleed radiators to get rid of any air inside which may lead to increased bills if the water can’t heat up effectively.
- Turning the room thermostat down by just one degree can save around £30 a year.
- Use energy efficient light bulbs that use less energy and last up to 10 times longer than standard bulbs.
- Turn off household appliances such as microwaves, TVs, videos, music systems, and computers when not in use, as they continue to use energy when they are left on standby.
- Defrost your fridge frequently and check the door seals.
- In summer, dry your clothes outside rather than using a tumble dryer. But if you do need to dry your clothes indoors, use a clothes rail instead of a radiator as this stops the heat from reaching the rest of the room.
- If you live in a hard water area, limescale can affect the efficiency of your kettle. Look out for a build-up of limescale in your kettle and treat with vinegar or descaling solutions.
- Consider turning the thermostat on your hot water tank down to 60 degrees centigrade, which is a comfortable temperature for most people and will save on your heating costs.
- If you have a standard shower it will use around 40% of the water required for a bath.
- And last but not least - wrap up warm! The more layers you wear, the warmer you'll be (it's not rocket science!). So instead of turning the fire on, why not go put a cosy jumper on instead.
If you have any top-tips, why not tell us about it, and we can share with everybody!
School catchment areas seen a priority by homebuyers...
09 September 2011
Moving into the catchment area of a good school is becoming more and more important for homebuyers, according to a new report.
People looking to move to the catchment area for their preferred school for September 2012 should think about putting their property on the market now; Advice from Independent Estate Agents, on the back of a study carried out by Santander Mortgages.
If you have a preferred school, moving into a home in the catchment area before Christmas, could be the key to securing your child a place. School catchment areas have always been an important issue for homebuyers, but it seems they are becoming more of a priority for many parents. With primary school applications for 2012 admissions just a few short months away, now is a perfect time to move into the catchment area and get your family settled before the process begins.
The findings of the study reveal that 37% of people with a child under the age of 10, placed securing a home and school of their choice as a top priority when moving – in fact, they would be willing to pay an extra £12,141 to do so!
People planning a move in general would be willing to pay an extra £5,663 on average to be able to set up home in a good catchment area.
Finding the right place to buy a home is key and you need to factor in your plans for the future. Once you have found the area you want to buy a home in, its worth checking out the local schools, hospitals etc, as you need to feel confident and happy with the local services around you.
Property and good manners - The Great British legacy
08 September 2011
Property and money are the assets that Britons most want to pass down to their children, at 59% and 58% respectively, according to a new report from protection and retirement specialist LV=.
More than 40% of people would like to leave their children their engagement and wedding 
rings, making them the third most common item to bequeath.
Although just 3% of Brits say that they are not planning to leave anything to their family, a quarter of people say they do not expect to receive any financial inheritance at all. In fact, research shows that less than half are banking on receiving an inheritance to help bolster their finances.
Across the UK, Brits in the North East are the most likely to rely on a form of inheritance (55%) to boost their finances, whereas those in Northern Ireland are the least likely to rely on an inheritance (34%).
Of those Brits who expect to receive an inheritance, the most common planned uses (6%) are retirement funding and as a boost to a savings pot (6%); with a further 5% saying they will use any inheritance to pay off their existing debts and loans.
As well as financial assets, the new report also looks at the qualities and skills that Brits would like to pass on to their children and other family members. The research finds that good manners (85%), good behaviour (82%) and good values (82%) are the traits that Brits would most like their family to inherit, with good values proving to be the characteristic most would like to be remembered for (32%).
These attributes are also the ones that Brits most believe were passed onto them by their parents, grandparent or family. Money management skills were listed as the fifth most important attribute to pass on to family members.
John Perks, LV= Managing Director, Retirement Solutions said: "This research highlights a disparity between the number of Brits who are planning to leave some kind of financial asset behind for their family and those who believe there will anything left for them to inherit - this suggests that many may be pleasantly surprised.
"However, it is quite worrying to see that of those who are relying on an inheritance, one of the main reasons cited is the funding of their retirement. Given that we are all living longer, relying on an inheritance to fund your retirement is a rather risky strategy. In order to ensure a comfortable retirement, it is essential that people start saving as soon as possible.
"If people do want to leave an inheritance for their family, it is important to seek expert advice on the relevant financial products that can help, and make a will as early as possible so that their intentions for their assets will be followed."
First-time buyer numbers up; average deposit drops to 20%
31 August 2011
Fantastic news; The number of first-time buyers getting onto the housing ladder jumped 24% year-on-year in June, with new home-owners paying out an average deposit of 20%, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).
Latest figures showed that first-time buyer deposits are down on the high of 25% seen throughout 2009, but twice that of the historic norm of 10%, although the CML admits its calculations may include up to 20% of market returnees.
Home movers took out a mortgage worth 70% of their property's value for the second month and 89% of first-time buyers avoided Stamp Duty by buying homes worth less than £250,000.
There were 18,100 loans to first-time buyers, worth £2.2bn in June, equivalent to the most recent peak in August last year, whereas home movers took out 28,600 loans, worth £4.6bn, down on the previous year's figures of 32,800 loans worth £5.3bn.
Lending also rose for house purchase quarter-on-quarter, with 122,000 loans for house purchase in Q2, worth £17.6bn, up from 97,200, worth £14.1bn, in the first
quarter.
Whilst there are clearly financial uncertainties, it is encouraging to see more first-time buyers surfacing. Recent increases in Bank of England approvals figures also show that more completions are expected in September, so the encouraging numbers should persist for a while.
The spike in first-time buyer mortgage loans in June may have reflected the rise in higher loan-to-value deals and more favorable criteria from lenders, something which is still going on, and we are seeing more and more affordable rates on coming to market for first-time buyers weekly. Our sister company, Assetz Finance, have a great range of mortgage deals, ideal for first-time buyers. For more information, click here.
It seems sellers are increasingly accepting that they have to lower their asking prices if they want to find a buyer, while buyers understand that they cannot go in with unrealistic offers.
Top Tips During Summer Months To Secure Your Home...
19 August 2011
There are few things finer than relaxing in your garden with a glass of something cool whilst the sun is shining down. But this is the ideal time to take stock of what’s going on both in your garden and indoors. Here are some things to look out for during the summer (when it arrives!) months, which, if tackled now, mean you are your property, will be secure.
These helpful tips will help you save time and money; so watch out, you never know what’s about!
- As the summer progresses, wasps become more of a nuisance. Keep them away from your food with citronella candles, and keep an eye out for nests – you’re likely to find them in the eaves of your house, or in wooden window frames. If you do find a nest, do not attempt to deal with it yourself but call in the experts.
- Wooden garden furniture needs looking after year round, but especially so in long dry spells which will make varnish peel and bleach the wood. Treat your furniture with teak or linseed oil on a regular basis and it will look good all year long.
- Decking, whilst durable and good-looking, also needs its beauty treatment. Scrub it down with a specialist cleaning product and rinse well. Then, just as with furniture, apply a light coat of suitable oil. This will help your decking resist wear and tear and looking like new.
- Weeds proliferate in summer months. Keep paths and gravelled areas clear with a fortnightly dose of a weed clearing preparation.
- With energy prices rocketing, check the hot water settings on your boiler. You will probably find that you can cut down the hours the boiler runs by at least 50%.
- It’s at this time of year that you may notice your external paintwork is looking a bit tired. Get a reputable decorator round to give you a quote – and get the job done before the autumn!
- Is your roof going to stand up to the winter? Call in an expert and get some advice.
- If your house isn’t already properly insulated, now’s the time to contact your local authority and see what grants are available for this vital home improvement.
- Go through every place where your clothes are stored and check for moths. If you find any evidence at all, remove every piece of clothing from that location and either wash or have them dry-cleaned.
- Clear out the loft! If you haven’t used things in there since this time last year, it’s time for them to go.
If you have any helpful hints to add to this list, let us know!
Top tips for homeowners struggling to keep up mortgage payments...
11 August 2011
National charity Citizens Advice has produced a series of top tips for homeowners struggling to keep up mortgage payments.
This advice is based on its experience helping people deal with more than 100,000 mortgage and secured loan arrears, and stopping 5000 people becoming homeless over the past 12 months.
Chief Executive, Gillian Guy said: "With the cost of living going up daily and incomes lagging badly behind, mortgage lenders and the Government must focus on helping people stay in their homes. Repossession is a terrifying prospect and should always be the last resort."
She reminded anyone struggling to meet their mortgage repayments that they can get free, independent advice from their local CAB.
"You have a greater chance of staying in your home if you seek advice and take action as soon as you think you're having problems," she said.
Top tips if you start to fall behind on your mortgage:
- Make mortgage payments top priority - you could lose your home if you fall behind with payments.
- Let your mortgage lender know if you're having problems - don't just stop paying or miss payments. Your lender should treat you fairly and sympathetically and be willing to negotiate affordable repayment arrangements with you. If they know you are doing your best to stop the debt growing they are more likely to allow you more time to sort the problem out.
- Get free, independent advice as soon as you realise there's a problem. Don't wait until you're threatened with court action by your lender. Contact your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau (for contact details, and for more detailed information about dealing with mortgage arrears, go to the CAB website www.adviceguide.org.uk; or try National Debtline (0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk or Shelter (0808 800 4444 www.shelter.org.uk).
- You may be able to cut down your monthly mortgage costs. For example, your lender may agree to reduce your monthly interest payments, increase the term of the mortgage to give you more time to pay, or allow you to make interest-only payments for a while.
- Check for any mortgage payment protection insurance you may have if you suddenly lose your job or are unable to work because of illness or injury.
- Get advice on benefits, tax credits and other help you may be entitled to if you are struggling. A CAB adviser can check if you are missing out on additional income and help you make a claim.
- Don't ignore court papers and court hearings. If you are notified that your lender is seeking possession through the courts, it doesn't mean you've already lost your home. Don't be intimidated by your lender into believing there's no point attending the court hearing. Do go to court, but get advice first if you can. Otherwise look out for an advice desk at the county court run by a free independent advice service such as the CAB or Shelter. Getting advice - even at this stage - will give you a much better chance of saving your home.
- Find out if you qualify for Government help. If you are facing repossession, the Government's mortgage rescue scheme (MRS) may allow you to sell your house but continue to live in it and pay rent. Ask your local council for details. If you've lost your job and are claiming benefits, you may be able to get help towards paying your mortgage interest.
Affordability for first-time buyers...
10 August 2011
The proportion of towns and cities across the UK that are affordable for first-time buyers has risen to its highest level since 2003, according to the latest Halifax First-Time Buyer Review.
The average house price paid by a first-time buyer in June 2011 was affordable for someone on average earnings in 48% of all local authority districts (LADs). This is the highest proportion of housing affordable for first-time buyers in eight years.
Some 80% of all LADs in the North of the UK are affordable for first-time buyers: ten times the proportion of affordable areas in the South (8%).
The North East is the only UK region where all LADs are affordable for first-time buyers. In contrast, London is the only region with no affordable areas for first-time buyers on average earnings.
Halifax estimates that there were around 86,000 first-time buyers in the first half of 2011.
First-time byers put down an average deposit of £27,719 in the first half of 2011, equivalent to 21% of the property price. There are more products for buyers with smaller deposits are being made available weekly and this is partly reflected in an 8% fall in the average deposit from £30,251 since the same period in 2010.
Halifax's recent Generation Rent report revealed that many potential first-time buyers have given up on the possibility of getting on the housing ladder. While 77% of non-homeowners still aspire to own their own home, 46% believe that Britain is becoming a nation of renters because of the obstacles facing first-time buyers. Some 55% believe first-time buyers are too scared of being turned down to apply.
Suren Thiru, housing economist at Halifax, said: "It is encouraging that housing affordability for first-time buyers in general has improved significantly over recent years, as a consequence of the marked falls in both house prices and interest rates since 2007. However, there is a distinct North-South divide within this improvement as the majority of affordable areas are in the North."
Would you consider moving to an area with greater affordability, to get on the property ladder? Let us know your thoughts!
Olympics Opportunity; Fancy Renting A Room...?
29 July 2011
The one-year countdown began this week for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.
It is an exciting time for London and there will be around 10million visitors across the 19-day programme to see the Games. They all need somewhere to stay and here lies a chance for homeowners to cash in on renting out their properties over the Olympics. I wrote about the renting opportunity in London when the Royal Wedding took place, and thousands of Londoners cashed in on letting tourists stay in their homes for the big day.
Homeowners should be mindful that they rent their properties out correctly and follow the regulations when renting out their home for London 2012; So the National Landlords Association (NLA) has issued its top ten tips for inexperienced landlords hoping to let out their homes. It warns that those who don't follow the guidelines or rent them out properly could find themselves out of pocket or breaking the law.
To help you stay out of trouble and get the most from renting out your home, here's some advice from the NLA:
1) Ensure the accommodation is properly furnished and includes beds, sheets, towels and appliances – a Wi-Fi connection will be an advantage
2) Keep the property to a high standard, tenants visiting during the Olympics will expect good quality accommodation
3) Check the terms and conditions if using a letting agency to find a tenant; typically, they charge a commission of up to 25%
4) Use a letting agent that is registered with a professional body such as the UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) or the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA)
5) Issue a contract for a Holiday Let or Licence. This can be downloaded from a reputable service that supplies legal forms such as www.oyezforms.co.uk
6) Be aware that this type of tenancy contract does not fall within the legislation requiring a tenancy deposit to be protected in a government-authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme
7) Take an inventory detailing the contents of the property
8) Ensure that rent for the whole tenancy is obtained upfront
9) Supply enough sets of keys for the number of people renting the property
10) Provide information about the area, such as maps, an events calendar and transport advice.
If you follow the above guidelines, it will ensure a successful experience for you, the landlord, and the tenant as they visit London to enjoy the 2012 Olympics! If you decided to rent your home during the Royal Wedding, or are thinking about doing so for the Olympics, let us know how you get on!
Affordable Mortgages - Horay!
22 July 2011
First-time buyers and home-buyers with smaller deposits are enjoying the first signs of recovery in the UK mortgage market, with the number of mortgage
products available for those with a 10% deposit rising to the highest levels since November 2008.There are now over 300 mortgage products at 90% loan to value, an increase of 17% since June this year. The last time there were was over 300 products available was in November 2008, when Bank of England base rate was at 4.5% and the impact of credit crunch began to have a major impact on mortgage lending.
As well as an increase in the number of mortgage products available, the average rate on 90% mortgages has also begun to fall. The average rate on fixed-rate mortgages has dropped 0.53% in the past year and has dropped 0.17 since last month.
It’s encouraging to see an increase in the number of 90% and 95% mortgages, and it has been difficult for first-time buyers to obtain a mortgage, without a hefty deposit previously. This movement in the market should show first-time buyers that affordable products are starting to re-appear, and getting on the property ladder is becoming more and more doable.
It’s also fantastic to see that things in the mortgage world are moving in the right direction, and this new progression in the market should help make it easier for first-time buyers to take that first step onto the property ladder.
Energy-Efficient Living...
21 July 2011
First-time buyers can often be quite taken back when they move into their first home, and are faced with high energy bills, especially if you are making the transaction from an apartment, to a house, with a whole lot more rooms to heat.
If you have bought or are looking to buy a newly-built first home, then chances are that you will be benefiting from energy efficient features that help keep your bills down, with things such as double-glazing, condensing boilers and solar panels.
For those who are looking/living in an older house, some of the above options may not feature throughout your home, but there are many ways that you can reduce energy consumption, saving you money, as we all know, the price on energy is on the increase…
Here are some top tips for helping you keep your energy bills to a minimum…
- Don't leave electrical appliances on standby: televisions, stereos, computers and other items use electricity in standby mode, in some cases nearly half of what is used when actually in use.
- Upgrade your boiler: consider a modern condensing boiler; all new homes come with this type fitted as standard as they are substantially more efficient.
- Regulate the use of your boiler: by using the timer and turning the thermostat down by just one degree, you can increase efficiency and gain substantial energy savings across the year.
- Don't forget to insulate: more than half the heat lost in an uninsulated home escapes through the walls or the roof. New homes have 270mm of insulation, so check that your home meets this modern standard. Loft insulation is effective for at least 40 years, and will pay for itself over and over again in that time.
- Use the fitted thermostat on radiators: these supplement the main boiler thermostat, and can also be installed on most older radiators by a competent plumber, helping to reduce excess heat in individual rooms.
- Unplug gadgets: some of the largest energy consumers in the home are often the most easily overlooked; chargers for phones and other gadgets use a lot of electricity when plugged in, even if the device isn't connected.
- Switch your energy supplier: in a competitive marketplace there are loads of deals on offer from the various gas and electricity suppliers that can give substantial savings over the course of a year - and consider switching to a green energy supplier if the environment is important to you.
- Check out appliance energy ratings: A-rated white goods such as washing machines and fridges use less energy and can save money over time.
- Change your washing habits: tumble dryers use a lot of electricity, so avoid where possible and run your washing machine on 30 degree cycles.
Simple housekeeping on energy consumption habits can have a significant impact on reducing your bills - and improve the environment!
As A First-Time Buyer Do I Pay Stamp Duty...?
19 July 2011
What is Stamp Duty? Do I still have to pay it as a first-time buyer? 
Stamp Duty is a tax the Government charge when homeowners buy a property. It is a percentage paid on the purchase of a home or non-residential property.
Some welcome news was announced last year though for first-time buyers, that a two-year Stamp Duty ‘holiday’ for properties valued up to £250,000 would take place. This rule only applies strictly to those who have never previously owned a home, and all other home-buyers will have to continue to pay tax.
The Stamp Duty break ends on 25th March 2012, where there after, first-time buyers will pay the same amount of Stamp Duty as everybody else.
For those who aren’t first-time buyers, the Stamp Duty thresholds are for properties valued at:
- up to £125,000 - 0%,
- £125,000-£250,000 - 1%
- £250,000-£500,000 - 3%
- £500,000 and over - 4%
- £1million and over - 5%
The rates for disadvantaged areas are the same, except the 1% rate starts at £150,000.
Unfortunately, if you have never owned a property before, but your partner has, you will not qualify for the £250,000 Stamp Duty break. The treasury states that if you are buying with a partner, both of you have to have never owned a property before.
So to summarise, first-time buyers of residential property can apply for Stamp Duty relief, if all of the following apply:
- You complete on the property on or after 25th March 2010 and before 25th March 2012
- The property valued at £250,000 or less
- You intend to live in the property and it will be your only or main home
- You have not previously owned property or land either in the UK or anywhere else in the world - including property bought with anyone else
95% Rent-To-Buy Mortgage Launched...
06 July 2011
Saffron Building Society has today announced the launch of a new 95% mortgage for first time buyers who have been renting for 12 months or more.
The ‘Rent to Buy’ Mortgage will use the prospective buyer’s rental payment history as evidence of their ability to afford an equivalent monthly mortgage payment and will combine this assessment with the standard credit history checks.
The new rates could offer hope to tenants who currently find themselves shut out of the property market due to high prices, tight lending, meager savings rates and squeezed household budgets.
Recent figures from Zoopla.co.uk revealed that a tenant in a typical first-time buyer property would currently be paying almost 10% more per month than if they bought the same home with a 5% interest-only mortgage!
Recent research shows that one in five (21%) of those currently renting privately would like to take a fixed rate mortgage as they believe rates will rise soon compared to only 9% who would like to take a tracker or standard variable rate mortgage.
John Eastgate, Saffron said: “We know that there are many potential first time borrowers who are capable of supporting a mortgage as they have been paying these amounts already in rent.”
“Some prospective first time buyers also face the barrier of developing a credit history to pass the automated credit scoring processes used by some lenders. Our manual underwriting looks at each case individually to assess the affordability of the mortgage for the applicant, making it highly suitable for first time buyers.”
Great news for the first-time buyer market, a really positive movement for all those wanting to get on the property ladder, and alas, some positivity! It's certainly promising to see lenders offering new and innovative ways to help first-timers on to the property market.
A man's house really is his castle...
01 July 2011
Boastful Brits have been showing off their home improvements that have added value to their property according to new research.
Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank have found that one in ten homeowners are throwing dinner parties just to show off their new DIY improvements.
One in six house proud Brits have also admitted to inviting over loved ones just to view the new look.
The survey found that 104,000 adults have been rounding up friends and family to show off a new hot tub or steam room at their property, however only one in four would show off a new nursery.
It seems that everyone is getting a look in as one in ten admit to inviting colleagues over for dinner to see their new home improvements. A further one in 20 bragging Brits have played host to people they’ve only met at the gym or on holiday.
Some are going to extreme lengths to impress guests as a fifth of those surveyed admit to making home improvements in preparation for a dinner party such as redecorating or buying accessories. A third would hide embarrassing photos and items.
Most popular home improvements that homeowners show off at a dinner party according to the survey:
- Garden makeover - 15.7%
- New kitchen - 14.45%
- New bathroom - 13.5%
- Conservatory - 8%
- Loft conversion - 5%
- Baby's nursery - 4.7%
- Swimming pool, steam room or hot tub - 4.4%
If you’re thinking about buying a hot tub or making some small home improvements it can all add value to your property. It’s great to see that homeowners are thinking about adding value in order to take the next step on the property ladder.
Ladies First...
24 June 2011
The saying ‘Ladies first’ also applies to the property market according to new research by Post Office Mortgages.
The new generation of 'FABs' (female and buying) are on average a year younger than prospective male buyers when it comes to getting a foot on the property ladder.
The new research indicates that 28% of young women, as opposed to 20% of young men, want to invest in their first property in the near future.
When asked what they would sacrifice to get onto the property ladder, 37% of women said they were most happy to forego being in a trendy area.
However, security of the area where the property is located was the factor women were least likely to compromise on - just 17% say they would settle for an area they don’t feel as safe in.
31% Men said they were more willing to sacrifice outside space and being in a family area to get their foot on the ladder than women.
50% of women vs 33% of men, said it is important to invest in their own home for the sake of financial security; women certainly have money on their minds when it comes to playing the property game! 50% of women also said that mortgage repayments are a better use of money than renting.
Post Office Mortgages concluded that the research shows female first-time buyers are happy to compromise on the more superficial aspects of property ownership because they see buying a home as a financial investment in their future.
One in 10 UK homeowners now has a lodger in their home...
23 June 2011
Buying a home is not only a milestone in your life, but it can also be a great way to make some extra money.
New research from Santander Mortgages has found that the "Rent-A-Room" entrepreneurs collectively accumulate more than £3.9billion per year in rental payments - an average of £182 per month.
The research shows that there is currently a potential £52billion of rental income to be made in the UK from renting out spare rooms!
As well as the 1 in 10 people who rent out a room in their home, there are a further 3.7million homeowners who are/have considered doing so.
35% of those who rent out a spare room, do so to a friend or family member, and a further 18% do so for additional income, to meet their out goings. 17% do so for extra money to supplement their disposable income.
14% of people in the South West, and 11% of those in the South East rent out a spare room. Brits living in the East Midlands are less enthusiastic about taking a lodger though, with only 4% renting out a spare room.
It is certainly interesting to see that so many Brits are showing such entrepreneurial spirit by renting out spare rooms in their homes.
Renting out a room in your home, if you have the capability, can make a real difference to how much money you have left at the end of the month. The income you receive from your lodger can help cover your monthly mortgage payments or bills, and the extra income will certainly be welcomed.
So if you are on the hunt for a property, bear in mind the potential to rent out a room; it could be a positive boost to your monthly income, and you could even make a great friend out of it!
Q&A: Should I buy a cheap house that needs work?
22 June 2011
Q: I am looking to buy my first property, which is a bargain price, but needs a lot of work doing. The work includes re-building throughout due to damp, rotten door and window frames that need replacing and asbestos found in the walls. The property is at a knock down price because of the terrible state it is in. Is it worth buying , or is it a lost cause?
A: The only way to be sure the ‘knock down price’ is genuine is to know what the cost of work is likely to be, and what the property will be worth thereafter. You need to ensure you obtain estimates for the various work that needs doing before you commit to a purchase.
You also need to find out why the previous owner is selling the property. Did they find a defect, which cannot be fixed? Have they found out something about the property, e.g. problem neighbours? It may be worth asking that the owner is present if possible when you view it, so you can ask questions.
Other issues are, that if the problems with the property are too severe, you may not be able to obtain a mortgage. If you do manage to acquire a mortgage on the property, the lender will regard certain repairs as ‘essential repairs’ which will be the subject of retention from the mortgage advance until the works are completed to a proper standard. If you come across any further problems whilst fixing the property up, it may also affect how much the lender is willing to give you.
Lenders are currently ‘risk averse’ and if you are seeking to buy a property in poor condition, you may first have to arrange private finance, and then seek a traditional mortgage once the work has been completed on the property.
Of course, if you do your homework, and ensure the work can all be done within your budget, buying a house that needs a large amount of work doing can be very rewarding. I would just warn you that it is not a simple process and it can take years to complete, so ensure you go into it, bearing in mind that the journey ahead may be a lengthy and costly one.
Now's the time to buy! Rent vs Buy
20 June 2011
New figures from Zoopla have concluded that renting is the more expensive option than buying in 8 out of 10 British cities...
The research looks at the current house prices and rental prices of two-bedroom flats around the country and assumes interest-only mortgage payments of 5% p.a. to provide a comparison to the cost of renting.
Milton Keynes tops the list of places where buying is much more attractive than renting, with the average rent exceeding the costs of a mortgage by a staggering 43%, leaving renters on average £2,964 per year worse off compared to home-owners.
Even in London, which has by far the highest property prices in the country, buying is still 16% more cost-effective than renting.
The relative cost of renting as opposed to buying has increased over the past 12 months as rents have risen and house prices and interest rates have remained flat. Almost 750,000 would-be first-time buyers have reluctantly ended up as renters over the past 3 years as a result of being unable to get a mortgage; something which is now more attainable day-by-day. With current house prices and interest rates where they are and with rents on the rise, for those who can get a mortgage, there has never have been a better time to buy!
First-time buyer demand pushes up housing activity
10 June 2011
Fantastic news today that housing market activity moved up a gear in May, following a steady April, with a notable uptake in first-time buyer activity.
In May, there were 26% more house-valuations conducted for first-time buyers compared to a year ago, with first-time buyers now making up 34% of all valuation activity.
The report, carried out by Connells Survery and Valuation, also showed that the number of home-movers was up by 11%, helping the rise in activity.
Housing market activity has resumed its slow and steady upward trajectory, driven by an upturn at the lower end of the market. Many first-time buyers have been encouraged to enter the market by the uptick in the number of higher LTV products available recently, which is great news.
Let’s hope the positivity continues, there’s nothing better to hear than first-time buyers increasingly getting their feet on the ladder!
Meal on Assetz - Prize Draw Winners Announced!
03 June 2011
Thanks to
all those who entered the prize draw to win a meal for 2 at top restaurant chain Browns. We held the prize draw at our First-Time Buyer Workshop in Manchester on Wednesday.
Thanks to all those who completed our first-time buyer survey online.
If you didn't get chance to complete the short survey, it is still active, and it would be fantastic if you could take a couple of minutes to complete it.
The survey results are invaluable and help us not only understand our audience, but help improve our service.
Congratulations to our winner, Rowan Jamieson, we hope you enjoy your meal!
First-Time Buyer Event, Take 2!
03 June 2011
Another fantastic first-time buyer event this week in Manchester at Grinch!
The night kicked off with an introduction to Assetz Homes, which gave guests an overview of the service we provide and how we can help first-time buyers.
We then had guest speaker, Miles Shipside from Rightmove, giving some interesting statistics on first-time buyers and the current housing market.
We then heard from Gary and Nick, the Ant and Dec of Mortgages, from Assetz Finance, about mortgage options available to first-time buyers. This section of the evening went down really well with the audience, and feedback from the event highlighted this as the most informative part. Gary and Nick were also available for one-to-ones after the presentations, and the guests snapped up the opportunity after the presentations.
Other speakers at the event included Solicitor Amanda Nelson, who gave an overview of the legal process of buying a house, Michael Sacks of Assetz who told the audience about his experience as first-time buyer earlier this year, and Ann Lever, Division Manager of Assetz Homes showcasing some hot properties we have.
Everybody I spoke to at the event had great comments, and we’re keen to hear when the next event would be held. It seems these types of informative workshops are exactly what first-time buyers are looking for.
Thanks to all those who came, and many thanks to our guest speakers at the event.
Watch this space for the date of our next event, and be sure to sign up!
Photos and videos of the event will be on the website shortly.
What Can I Afford?
26 May 2011
Before you can properly start your property search, you need to work out how much you can actually afford to spend. This is a crucial step as a first-time buyer, as it relates to both getting a mortgage in the first place, as well as determining what your on-going monthly repayments are going to be. Once you've got that sorted out, you can start to decide where you'd like to live and what kind of house you'd like to buy.
It’s a good idea to talk 
to lenders about mortgages as early as possible. Independent Financial Advisers are a great place to start. They will help work out your budget and know the market very well.
You need to work out what you can afford accurately, so that you are confident you will be able to keep up the monthly repayments on your mortgage.
You need to take account of all your monthly outgoings. Here are the key things you need to include in your calculation:
- your total income
- any credit commitments such as loans and credit cards
- household bills and living expenses
- your mortgage cost
Sound like hard work? We have put together a free budget planner, which includes everything you will need to take into account when looking at how much you can afford.
Remember, that fact that a lender will let you borrow it doesn't mean you can afford it. In other words, don't be tempted to base your ‘affordability' decision on the monthly cost of your mortgage alone.
Download your free budget planner today!
Positivity Please!
20 May 2011
Moneysupermarket.com has released research that the average Brit doesn’t think they will be able to buy their first property until the age of 38. This is sad news but isn’t a surprising given the constant bad press first-time buyers and mortgages receive.
But there is a lot of positivity out there, that doesn’t seem to get any coverage and we should be shouting it from the roof tops; for example, over the last year, the number of first-time buyer mortgages has risen by almost 200, offering some hope for those trying to get their foot on the ladder. There has also been a 47% increase in the number of mortgages available up to 90% Loan to Value, and the average interest rate has dropped by 2.43% since 2007!
And even better news, there are now even a number of 95% deals available, which is a massive difference from a year ago when the maximum was 80%...
The mortgage system is a minefield but with a good IFA and keeping well informed you can get through to home ownership. Getting your finances in order is the key to moving onto the property ladder - don't be deterred. If home ownership is what you want, there are ways and means, like most things in life. Get yourself an appointment with an IFA to advise you the best way to achieve your home buying goals!
We will be covering mortgage options in-depth at our First-Time Buyer Workshop on 1st June and you will have the chance to speak to our Independent Financial Advisers on an informal one-to-one basis- book your free place today!
Northern Charm - BBC Opens in Media City!
16 May 2011
With the first 150 employees at the new BBC starting work at MediaCity in Salford today, Assetz Homes, based in Stockport would like to offer them a warm northern welcome! The 
start of the working week, with the first of the BBC staff, marks the beginning of 36 weeks of intensive relocation from London.
While there has been a lot of positivity around the move up north, half of all BBC workers declined the opportunity to relocate to Manchester.
County Homesearch have challenged all those refusing to make the 180 mile trip up north by putting together the top 10 reasons media professionals should be making the move to Manchester, including:
Enviable life-style - Working in Salford offers a choice between living in the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Manchester, or in one of many picturesque towns and country villages in Cheshire, Lancashire or the Peak District.
Cheaper house prices - Property in Manchester is almost half the price of that in London, so you can get a lot more for your money. An apartment in Manchester City Centre will cost on average £168,000, while a similar property in Shepherds Bush, close to the BBC’s White City studios costs £311,349.
An excellent education - Manchester has some of the best state grammar and comprehensive schools in the UK.
World class sport - As well as being home to eight UK Premiership football teams, the North-West also hosts the European Sportcity Complex where sports fans can watch aquatics, cycling, athletics, golf, squash, tennis and more.
Excellent transport - The Government has earmarked £200m for the improvement of regional railways, part of which will go towards improving journeys in the Manchester area.
Northern charm - One of the most important living conditions is a friendly community – something that Manchester has in abundance. The famous Northern charm is not a myth; Northerners tend to be incredibly hospitable and people who move to Manchester rarely have problems fitting in or building new friendships.
It seems BBC workers do not realise that working in Salford means having the enviable choice between living in the centre of vibrant Manchester or in a picturesque market town or village nearby.
Some southerners have predetermined negative views of the North, often based on outdated stereotypes; for some Salford is synonymous with the paintings of LS Lowry and the terraces of Coronation Street. Much has changed. The truth is Manchester is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and exciting place to live, set to become the media hub of the UK. Furthermore, Salford itself is already on the up, with the MediaCityUK development where the BBC will be based being key to proposals to regenerate the wider area!
Searches for first-time buyer products are on the rise!
11 May 2011
New figures have revealed that ‘first-time buyers’ remained the most popular area for consumer mortgage advice in 2011. The number of searches for whole of market mortgage advisers who specialise in first time buyer advice has increased, suggesting a change in consumer outlook over the current mortgage and housing market.
We knew that – in fact we knew that last year 73% of first-time buyers took advice from an IFA before buying a property.
It is essential that first-time buyers are aware what ‘whole of market’ really means. It is self-explanatory and the reason you don’t often hear about it in banks and estate agents is because it generally isn’t on offer there.
Only an IFA can provide ‘whole of market’ view of the mortgage market. Banks and estate agents are generally tied to a couple of major lenders but most enquirers don’t know this is when this when they are asked to sit with the branch mortgage person.
So its all good, the first-time buyer is getting better advice, education and service. We at Assetz Homes can not recommend highly enough the need for getting the best advice; an IFA is essential to do this and to ask the question – you do cover the whole of market don’t you?
Lets hope the lenders take a view very soon to help them on the ladder with more reasonable deposits and lending criteria!
Property Portal Addiction!
05 May 2011
It appears that us Brits spend a lot of time on property websites. I read some fascinating 
figures today that 10million Brits spend an average of 17 hours a month on property websites. 62% of those confess to viewing properties well over their budget. I must admit, it is a guilty pleasure of mine, browsing mansions with swimming pools big enough to house Moby Dick!
A significant proportion of those who browse property sites aren’t actually planning to move. People are nosy and want an insight into other homes. For many people searching for their dream home is a pleasure; little girls play in Wendy houses, and dream of one day owning their own home; its aspirational. The main justifications (not that it needs to be justified!) for logging onto property sites are:
- 37%- searching for their dream property
- 18%- envy and curiosity
- 18%- to find design and decorative ideas
- 14%- to inspires them to work harder and save money
- 7%- to pass time
- 6%- other reason not stated (I think this one is people not wanting to admit they are simply being nosy!)
We do spend a great deal of our lives in our home and it’s easy to understand why so much effort is put into finding the perfect pad!
Royal Renting
27 April 2011
It’s been all we’ve heard about over the past 3 months, and on Friday William and Kate are finally tying the knot! Bunting at the ready? Champers chilled? Your home ready for
strangers to move in over the weekend? That’s right, Hundreds of Londoners are cashing in on the royal wedding by charging tourists to stay in their homes for the big day! It has been estimated that homeowners in the big smoke will rake in £100million from rental income over the coming weekend! Wow!
As many hotels double their prices over the weekend, renting somewhere seems a cheaper option for people wanting to be in the capital for the royal nuptials.
We hope your houses are left in tiptop condition to all those Londoners out there who are renting out this weekend. Enjoy the wedding and more importantly, enjoy the day off!!
Eggciting Easter hunt for the perfect property!
21 April 2011
The sun is shining and the traditional boom for house-hunting over the Easter period has begun.More people house-hunt in the summer months as they seek a better experience in the nicer weather.
Buying a house is probably the most important financial decision you will ever make, so its crucial you get it right! If you are one of the many out house-hunting this weekend, here’s some things to think about when viewing a property:
- Does the property suit your needs?
- Will your possessions fit?
- What state of repair is the property like?
- What is the neighbourhood like?
- What are the neighbours like?
Don’t rush into a viewing without having any idea about the property. Ensure you ask plenty of questions beforehand and obtain as much information as possible. This will save you wasting your time by turning up to the property only to find that it’s totally unsuitable.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the viewing! Prepare a list of questions before you go to the viewing incase you forget them whilst there. Don’t let the agent divert your questions, and don’t be afraid to ask 100 questions; It’s your money you’ll be parting with for the property, and you need to ensure its right.
If you are one of the lucky house-hunters this Easter weekend, good luck and I hope you found my suggestions useful! As always, if you need any other help, you know Assetz Homes are always here (although the chocolate may be a slight distraction this weekend!)
Happy Easter!
Assetz Homes and Rightmove!
15 April 2011
Fantastic news this week for Assetz Homes that Rightmove director, Miles Shipside, will be speaking at the next First-Time Buyers Event on Wednesday 1st June, held at Grinch Bar in Manchester city centre.
After the last events success, we are hoping for the next event to blow it out of the water!
Miles who will be representing Rightmove at the event, will be delivering a presentation on affordable property available and the recent trends he has seen in the first-time buyer market. Alongside Miles will be a range of other great guest speakers from the finance and property market, including The Nationwide.
It should make for an interesting and informative night!
As usual, everybody is welcome at the event and we encourage first-time buyers to bring family and friends along!
If you fancy joining myself and Miles at the event, don't forget to book your free place today!
You can't buy your friends but you can buy with them!
06 April 2011
The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has this week released some top tips for sharing the first big purchase of your life with friends, to help you avoid shared home ownership difficulties. Good advice is always welcomed.
It has been said a lot recently that first-time buyers are finding it easier to get on to the property ladder if they buy a home with friends or family.
Sharing the cost with friends or family is a great way for struggling first time buyers to own a home, but it needs to be acknowledged that buying a property is a business transaction and if this isn’t it can put strains on relationships.
Peter Bolton King, Chief Executive of the NAEA, said: "At a time when a lack of mortgage finance is hindering first-time buyers, opting to buy with a friend or relative can represent a sensible way of getting into the market.
"However, for anyone considering entering into a joint ownership I would stress the importance of a transparent, open relationship between all parties involved to ensure a smooth purchase and ownership process.”
A house is likely to be the biggest purchase of your lifetime, besides your Ferari of course, so it’s important to get it right from the start. Here are some of the points NAEA put together for those thinking of buying a house with friends or family:
• Consider the worst case scenario
One of the perks of buying with friends or family should be a high level of trust, but that shouldn’t be to the detriment of legalities. Consult lawyers about a co-ownership contract and agree in advance what will happen if one owner’s circumstances change.
• Get the right mortgage
There are mortgages that exist specifically for this type of purchase, so shop around for the best deal. By combining in this way it is possible to get a mortgage of higher value, due to the increase in income afforded by applying with a joint wage.
• Keep paperwork in order
Documents associated with the purchase should remain accessible to both parties. Any documents relating to the property or mortgage should also be in the names of each of the co-buyers.
• Count the pennies
Often a joint bank account is the best way to ensure that mortgage/utility payments are met promptly. If all parties have access to the account it also ensures that any financial transactions are handled transparently and are not the sole responsibility of one owner.
• Know who owns the sofa
To avoid disputes, drawing up an inventory of non-shared items at the start of the residential period can ensure that there is no confusion about which items belong to whom. This should also help if one owner decides to move out.
All of the pointers from NAEA are really valid and it’s crucial to think of such things when looking to buy a house with friends or family! Buying a home with your best mate will be exciting, but just take into consideration the above would be my advice. Better safe than no lolly!
Fall of first-time buyers expected in the year ahead...
06 April 2011
I read an interesting article this morning from the Rightmove First-Time Buyer Report 2011, stating that the proportion of first time buyers intending to buy over the year ahead has dropped below one in four.
The Rightmove First-Time Buyer Report found that mortgage challenges are the main factors suppressing first-time buyer levels, with more than 50% of those who took part in the report stating that their single biggest concern was mortgage-related.
With the constant bad press that first-time buyer market have to consume, are these statistics surprising? It may be the case that many of the 50% with mortgage-related concerns, are petrified that they will be rejected and turned down for a mortgage.
Rightmove are right to be concerned, as we all are, that lending is dulling first-time buyer appetites to enter the current market.
I am going to inject some confidence back into first-time buyers, by holding more first-time buyer workshops, and teaching them, step-by-step that buying a house is attainable, is affordable and within their reach!
Sucessful First-Time Buyer Event!
24 March 2011
The first Assetz Homes event hosted by Stuart Law took place in Manchester city centre last night and it was a great success! Many thanks to our guest speakers, from The Nationwide Building Society, King Sturge and TQ Solicitors, who all gave informative and interesting presentations on a wide range of topics relevant to first-time buyers.
The evening had a great feel and ambiance, our guests where amazed and educated with the information and mortgage availability in the market and how much easier it is to get on the property ladder, by taking one step at a time. Almost all the attendees have arranged a one-to-one meeting with Assetz Finance team and we have some exciting property viewings booked too!
Assetz Homes staff also turned up in fine form with fantastic presentations that kept theaudience engaged. The pizza was tasty, the wine was flowing and the hot topic of property and mortgages was keeping us all busy.
Feedback from all those who attended has been really positive! 100% of those who completed feedback forms said they found the event useful and they would not only attend another event but also recommended the event to others!
Thanks to Grinch for being great hosts, we even got the Manager interested and he stayed to watch the whole thing!
Finally we would like to thank all those who came to the event, despite the glorious sunshine, your attendance and feedback is greatly valued and we hope you found the event worthwhile! Watch this space for future events; we look forward to seeing you there!
Watch this space………...
A little bit about Assetz Homes
25 February 2011
Our unique service will deliver a vital new sales avenue to developers, assisting home buyers, and first-time-buyers in particular, in sourcing, financing and buying properties.
Using our existing contacts and reputation, Assetz will negotiate the best purchase prices and mortgage deals for home buyers. Registered users will receive advance notice of properties coming up for sale in their preferred areas and regular free workshops to learn about the latest mortgage finance, interest rates and insurance.
To help you get on the property ladder, Assetz will also provide independent regulated mortgage advice, free of charge, through our FSA-regulated broker Assetz Finance, including many exclusive finance deals with competitive interest rates and low deposit levels.
Stuart Law, managing director of Assetz, said the new business would “revolutionise the way developers and homebuyers interact”.
Welcome to Assetz Homes
25 February 2011
Welcome to Assetz Homes Blog!
Let me introduce myself, I’m Ann Lever, Divisional of Manager Assetz Homes.
Assetz Homes is a brand new service for all types of home-buyers, focusing on 3 main elements; Advice, Finance and Property!
We are here to provide you with all the information and guidance you will need when buying a home and will help you every step of the way!
Register
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