Buying a house with friends - Frequently Asked Questions
This week, we joined in with a Law Society Twitter discussion about buying a house with friends. If you weren’t able to join in #SolicitorChat, here are our answers to the questions. 1. How many people can become owners of a single property? What rights do they have? Up to four people. They…
The process of buying a new build home
New build properties are becoming increasingly popular among purchasers, particularly first-time buyers. When buying a new build property, the purchasers only see a show home. Based on that, then reserve a plot on which the developer will build the property, ready for occupation. It is therefore…
Short-term lets and AirBnB
It is becoming increasingly common for owners and occupants of flats in city centres to try to maximise the financial use of those flats by letting them out to short term guests via websites such as AirBnB. The money that can be made, coupled with the protections provided by AirBnB, are often…
Buying a leasehold property: Our top tips
Buying a leasehold property is quite different to buying a freehold property. There are a number of things to consider, so here are our top tips. Leasehold v Freehold Firstly, its important to understand what a leasehold property actually is. A leasehold property is a home that’s owned for a fixed…
Help to Buy equity loan scheme: A helping hand onto the property ladder
Are you thinking of getting a foot on the property ladder or wanting to ‘upgrade’ your present home? If so, the Government’s Help to Buy equity loan scheme may be just what you need to help achieve your dream home. Unfortunately, however, the Government has stated that intends to stop the scheme in…
Joint property ownership
Joint tenants v tenants in common When you buy a property with another person or people, you can either buy as ‘joint tenants’ or ‘tenants in common’. It is important to consider both options to decide which is the most suitable for your circumstances. Clients often ask us…
Help to buy ISAs - there's still time!
First Time Buyers have been able to save money towards their first home in a Help to Buy ISA since the Scheme began on 1 December 2015. The scheme provides a 25% bonus on savings; with the minimum bonus being £400 and the maximum being £3,000 depending on the balance saved in the ISA. From 30…
Help to buy schemes for first-time buyers
Buying a house is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime and we understand that it can be especially difficult when you are a first-time buyer. The government has set up various help to buy schemes to assist first-time buyers get their feet on the ladder. Let’s take a look at…
How to buy a house with just 5% deposit
The standard amount of deposit generally required to purchase a house is 10% of the purchase price. When you’re a first-time buyer, this can be a huge and daunting figure to even consider saving for. Under the Help to Buy Scheme, introduced by the Government in April 2013, home buyers can purchase…
Simplifying the conveyancing process
Buying or selling your home can be a stressful experience and, as solicitors, we want to make this as simple and straightforward process for you. However, the number of parties involved in the process can sometimes delay the process. From estate agents, two or more sets of solicitors, banks and…
