FIRST TIME BUYERS

Should you negotiate when buying a property?
When should you negotiate on a property price?

The property market for first-time buyers
Are you looking to buy your first home? You may be concerned about talk of rising interest rates and the forthcoming increased cost of living. Here’s an update on the market for first-time buyers. If you look online for bad news, you can usually find it. Last...

Can you get a mortgage when you have existing debts?
Will a personal loan reduce your chances of getting a mortgage? And should you pay it off if you can before you apply to a lender? Read on to find out more about how any debt is likely to affect your mortgage application… Should you pay off a loan before getting a...

Finding the right area to live in
You want to move, and you fancy a change of scenery, but how can you be sure you’ll choose the right area for you? Christina Neal suggests some key things to consider if you’re planning to relocate. I lived in Surrey for 17 years, then moved away in 2017 when I met my...

Is buying cheaper than renting?
Private rental costs have increased in the past year, but so have house prices. Will you pay more or save money if you take out your first mortgage? Find out more… If you’re hoping to join the property ladder, you may be wondering how the cost of your mortgage is...

6 ways to get the best deal on your mortgage
A mortgage is likely to be the biggest financial commitment of your life, so getting the right loan is key and could save you a considerable sum in the long run. Here’s how to ensure you get the most competitive rate for you… Tip 1: Make sure your credit history is...

More home buyers than properties
House price growth continues and there are more buyers than properties, so the market remains very competitive, with multiple buyers competing over one property. Property website Zoopla states that the annual rate of UK house price growth is currently at 6.9 per cent...

More options for first-time buyers
The market for first-time buyers has improved, with more products available now than a year ago. Here’s what you need to know… First-time buyers had a tough time last year. When the property market reopened after the first lockdown, pent-up demand led to a vast number...

What’s the property market like for first-time buyers?
Last year was tough for first-time buyers, with some lenders removing mortgage loans for those with smaller deposits. The market has certainly improved for anyone looking to buy for the first time, but is now the right time for you to become a homeowner? First-time...

Getting a mortgage after being furloughed
Have you recently returned to work after being on furlough? If so, what does this mean for your chances of getting a mortgage? It is estimated that there are around 1.9 million people in the UK currently on furlough, which has gone down from 5.1 million in January....