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First Time Buyer News

 

A Comprehensive Guide to Buying a Property 'Sight Unseen'

Sabrina Skerritt
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Owning a property is a significant milestone, and the process usually involves a great deal of planning and research. However, in some cases, you may consider purchasing a property without viewing it first. While we would always recommend inspecting the...

Cohabitation and your Legal Rights - What are the rules?

Sam Miles
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Cohabitation has become increasingly common, with more and more couples choosing to live together without getting married or entering into a civil partnership. However, it is essential to note that cohabiting couples do not have the same legal rights...

Is buying property at auction right for you?

Sabrina Skerritt
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Buying property at auction can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. However, knowing the legal implications, rules and regulations, and possible risks involved in such a purchase is essential. In this article, we will explore the key considerations...

Eight things to remember when Buying your House

Emma Gilliland
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Buying a house is one of the most significant investments that most people make in their lifetime. Buying a house can be daunting and complex whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced property investor. In addition to finding the perfect home,...

Do I need a survey when purchasing a property?

Genni Cooper
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When purchasing a property, it can be confusing to know whether a survey is needed, what type of survey is best and who is responsible for organising this.  Genni Cooper, Associate Solicitor in our Waterlooville Residential Conveyancing team, explains...

First Time Buyers are at a record high

Genni Cooper
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New statistics released from the First Time Buyers 2018 report, produced by Yorkshire Building Society, have highlighted a significant increase in the level of First Time Buyers (FTBs).  Genni Cooper, Residential Conveyancing Solicitor, here reviews...

How can I move home by Christmas?

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With Christmas only six weeks away, there are many of you who will be looking to move into your new home in time for the Christmas festivities.  To help you pick up those keys ready to put up your tree, decorate the house and cook your Christmas...

Buying a property for your child; know the rules around gifting

Jane Cox
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All parents hope that one day their children will own their own home but with rising house prices and inflation, parents are being called upon to either house their children while they save for the deposit or gift the deposit themselves.  Jane Cox,...

It's not doom and gloom for the housing market

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Recent comments made by Bank of England governor, Mark Carney, may have existing and future property owners, as well as landlords and developers, concerned about the future following Brexit.  Sarah Brooks, Partner and Head of Residential Conveyancing,...

Why do property transactions give rise to enhanced due diligence checks?

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Not a day goes by when we are not faced with news of identity theft or online fraud, and so it should be no surprise that if you are buying or selling a property, as your lawyers, we will ask you for several documents to confirm your identity and also query...

What do I need to consider with a short term lease of my property?

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In 2017, it was reported that over 80,000 British homeowners were trying to boost their income by advertising their properties on short term rental websites such as Airbnb.  With these numbers expected to rise to one third of homeowners by 2021, and...

Number of first time buyers hits ten year high

Emma Gilliland
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The property market continues to show signs of progress as figures from UK Finance show 2017 saw the highest number of first time buyers since 2006.  Emma Gilliland, Residential Conveyancer, here reviews the figures and explains why this is good news for the housing market as a whole.

Warner Goodman have come to Chandler's Ford

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Hampshire law firm, Warner Goodman LLP, are delighted to announce the opening of our new office in Chandler’s Ford; the fourth office for the firm.  The firm already have offices in Southampton, Portsmouth and Fareham, providing a full range of legal services for people in their business and personal lives. 

Good news for property market as 200,000 new homes to be built

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In yet another move to drive the housing market forward, last week Chancellor Philip Hammond and Housing Secretary Sajid Javid announced the investment of £866 million for local housing projects.  

Stamp Duty and Shared Ownership

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In November last year, Philip Hammond announced in his Budget the abolishment of Stamp Duty for first time buyers; but where does it leave those first time buyers looking to buy a property through shared ownership?  

Could you identify Japanese knotweed and save your property?

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Springtime is traditionally the busiest time for the property market, but with a knotty problem affecting more homes than ever, it’s worth doing some horticultural homework before you start, whether you’re buying or selling.

No stamp duty for first time buyers

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Chancellor Philip Hammond announced in his Budget yesterday that Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is to be abolished with immediate effect for first time buyers.  Sarah Brooks, Residential Property Partner, explains the practicalities of the move from the Chancellor and what happens next for first time buyers.

Southampton named as most affordable location for first time buyers

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A recent survey by HSBC revealed that UK millennials, ie those born between the early eighties and the mid-to-late nineties, are less likely than their counterparts in other countries to own a home.  But there lies hope, and it lies in Southampton! Post Office Money recently interviewed more than 1,000 people who have bought their first property in the last two years.  

The future for Stamp Duty Land Tax - could it be reduced?

Emma Gilliland
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The cost of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is being held responsible by many in the property sector as to why there may be hesitation when it comes to purchasing a property, particularly for first time buyers and those looking to downsize following retirement.  Emma Gilliland, Residential Conveyancer, reviews here why there are proposals for this to be reduced in the future and brought more in line with current market activity, and why it causes a barrier to the housing market.

Help to Buy Scheme extended to 2021

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The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has announced that the Help to Buy Scheme, which was launched in 2013, is to continue until at least 2021.  The news comes amid rumours that the scheme was to be scrapped, which led to shares in leading house builders falling earlier this month.  

More positive news for the Hampshire housing market

Paul Winslade
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The recently published Housing Price Index has shown more positive news for home owners across Hampshire.  Paul Winslade, Residential Property Partner, reveals the latest figures and what this means for the property market in the South.

Positive news for the property market as number of first time buyers continue to grow

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The housing market across the UK continues to stabilise since the uncertainty in 2016, as news comes from various sources showing that the number of first time buyers remains on the rise month on month, boosting the overall market for all home owners and potential buyers.  

Will new cashback mortgage help people buy a property?

John Blake
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A new cash back mortgage has been launched by Barclays Mortgages in an effort to assist more people onto the property ladder.  The Barclays Homebuyer Cashback Mortgage will give buyers either £1,250 or £2,500 to put towards the stamp duty costs on their new property.  John Blake, Residential Conveyancer, here reviews the mortgage and explains who could benefit most from it.