Helping Innovate Property (HIP) – Blog, Housing Market News and Articles

The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 sets out the rules relating to the development of land, that is to say any additions, alterations or changes of use. Such works will often require an application for planning permission to be made to the local authority.

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Property snagging is a term that may not be familiar to many prospective homebuyers, yet it is a critical step in ensuring the quality and safety of a new home. In the UK, where the housing market continues to evolve and new build homes are becoming increasingly popular, understanding the importance and process of property snagging is essential. This blog post delves into what property snagging entails, why it is important, and how homebuyers can effectively manage this process to safeguard their investment.

Buying a new build property is an exciting prospect, offering the opportunity to own a home with modern designs, advanced technology, and minimal initial maintenance requirements. However, the process is not without its complexities and potential pitfalls. Prospective buyers need to be diligent and informed to ensure their investment is sound. This blog post outlines key considerations and cautions for anyone looking to purchase a new build property in the UK.

Conveyancing is a critical aspect of the property transaction process, involving the legal transfer of property ownership from one person to another. Despite its necessity, many individuals find the conveyancing process to be time-consuming and fraught with delays. This blog post aims to explore the reasons behind the lengthy duration of conveyancing in the UK, shedding light on the various factors that contribute to the extended timelines often experienced.

The property market is a cornerstone of the global economy, and its fluctuations have far-reaching implications for individuals, businesses, and governments. As we move through the 21st century, the landscape of the property market is set to undergo significant transformations driven by economic shifts, technological advancements, demographic changes, and evolving societal preferences. Understanding these future trends is crucial for stakeholders ranging from homebuyers and investors to policymakers and urban planners. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the anticipated future of the property market, highlighting key trends and factors that will shape its evolution.

General elections in the United Kingdom are significant events that shape the economic, political, and social landscape of the country. One area that is particularly sensitive to the outcomes of such elections is the property market. The interplay between government policies, economic confidence, and market dynamics can lead to various shifts in property values, transaction volumes, and investor sentiment. This blog post will delve into the various ways general elections influence the UK property market, exploring historical trends, potential policy changes, and the implications for different market segments.

There may be some instances whilst you are living in your home that you want to know the boundaries of your property. You may be looking into an extension on your home or you may have some extravagant landscape gardening in mind. It is important that you understand the rules behind property boundaries in the UK to avoid any property boundary disputes.

In part 2 of our property conveyancing guide we look at what is involved in the closing stages of the home buying and selling process. You may wish to read Part 1 of the Property Conveyancing Guide here.

Signing the contract

Once your lawyer is satisfied that all of his enquiries have been dealt with; he has seen satisfactory search results and he is in possession of his copy of the formal offer of mortgage you will be invited to sign the contract and various other papers. This will either be in person or through the post. You should also receive a report, often called a “property report” at this stage which will set out any salient points arising from the searches and enquiries.

What is “conveyancing”? – Simply, it is the legal process of transferring ownership of land and property.

Instructing a lawyer

Once you have decided on a property, made an offer and had that offer accepted it’s time to instruct a lawyer. This can be either a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. You should try not to pay over the odds for property conveyancing work. When obtaining a quote you should be given a fixed fee but ask for a list of any additional fees charged for different aspects of the transaction.

Some firms might charge an extra fee for completing the SDLT1 form for example, even though this will not need to be done in every case. These additional fees can really push up the final bill. An average bill for professional fees only (i.e not including addtional search fees, land registry fees etc) would probably be around £300-£400 at the moment.

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With a brand-new majority government, the Conservative Party now has the mandate to carry out some sweeping reforms and this could well include an overhaul of stamp duty.

A transfer of equity is a transaction where legal ownership of a property changes hands but at least one of the original owners remains on the title. For example where a couple transfer it into the sole name of one or other of them or a person is added to the title.

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