Articles
House prices increase swiftest in North West - compared to rest of UK
A year-on-year comparison shows that house prices in the North West have risen faster than any other UK region, official figures show.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that by July of this year, annual growth in the North West was at 5.6%.
Mortgages: debts versus deposits
You certainly need some money behind you to get on the property ladder in the 21st century and how much depends on which kind of scheme, property or even lender you use, not to mention the area you intend to buy in.
Self-employed mortgages versus mortgages for those employed by others
Getting a mortgage these days isn’t easy however, it generally runs smoother if you are employed as opposed to being self-employed.
If you work for someone else, a lender will most likely only need to see your last three months’ payslips to verify your income. Depending on bonuses, commission structure, and so on, some may require current and/or previous P60s and if the job or position is new or there has been a very recent pay rise, then a contract or letter from the employer may be requested.
Offset mortgages: how they work and who they work for
When considering finance for your home, there is a lot more to consider than simply deciding between a fixed or variable rate. Many lenders have been innovative over the years to appeal to client needs; one such option is an offset mortgage.
First-time buyer stamp duty relief
There are many costs involved in purchasing your own home and paying the government’s stamp duty land tax, usually abbreviated to ‘stamp duty’, has long been one of the highest; even taking the process out of reach for some.
