Category: Buying a house
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What to do if you have a right of way over your building plot
If you have a right of way over your building plot, it is vital to understand the implications. While in some circumstances it could be ended, it might instead require you to change your self-build plans. If you’re buying a house, you can find out that there’s a right of way over the property, and…
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Financing a plot — expert advice for the start of a self-build project
In order to begin a self-build project, financing a plot on which to construct the home might be the first step. Unless you are able to build in the garden of your existing house or already own some land, buying a plot is where the process of obtaining a new home starts. Just as when…
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The ‘Best Places to Live’ in the UK in 2025 has been revealed
The Times’ “Best Places to Live” survey for 2025 has highlighted locations across the UK that excel in combining convenience, community, and natural beauty. From excellent schools to vibrant local cultures, these areas offer residents the best quality of life. If you’re thinking of buying a house, or building a home, these are supposed best…
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Soaring service charges leave flat owners struggling financially
For thousands of homeowners across the UK, the dream of owning a property is turning into a financial nightmare. Spiralling service charges, imposed by property management companies, leave many residents feeling trapped as they cannot afford rising fees and also meaning others cannot buy their homes. What was once an affordable way to get on…
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House that was ‘stolen’ and resold is finally returned to rightful owner after four years
A Luton reverend has finally regained ownership of his home after nearly four years of legal battles following a shocking case of property fraud. Mike Hall, a homeowner and clergyman, lost his house in 2021 when scammers stole his identity and unsuspecting homebuyers bought the home from the fraudsters. After a prolonged legal struggle, he…
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8 things to check when buying a house with a septic tank
Buying a house with a septic tank might seem like a infrequent concern, but if you’re looking to live in the countryside, it might become a very real possibility. Properties without mains drainage typically rely on a septic tank to deal with sewage and wastewater, although some may have an open cesspit. Between 300,000 and…
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How to find a custom-build plot — ways to optimise your search
If you like the idea of a rather more hands-off approach to building your own home compared to self building, it’s important to know how to find a custom-build plot in the area in which you want to live. With a level of developer involvement, custom build avoids some of the issues that have to…
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Stamp duty changes push 1 in 4 homebuyers out of the market
For thousands of hopeful homebuyers across the UK, the dream of owning a home is slipping further out of reach. As stamp duty reforms loom, many are racing against time to complete their purchases before a sudden tax hike makes homeownership even more unaffordable. With new thresholds set to take effect on April 1, experts…
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The end of leaseholds? Government pushes major housing reform
The Government has announced sweeping changes to homeownership, taking a step toward banning new leaseholds in England and Wales. The move, aimed at replacing the controversial system with commonhold ownership, promises to give homeowners greater control over their properties while addressing mounting complaints over spiraling service charges. These reforms could transform the way people manage…
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9 questions you should ask when you’re buying land to build on
The merits and downsides of a plot for a self build might seem apparent compared to those of a house, but there are questions you should ask when you’re buying land to build on. Neglect to find out everything you can about it and you can end up with a project that’s far more costly…