National Homebuyers' Week

For all you potential property purchasers out there, I've produced an essential 'mini' homebuyers' guide for National Homebuyers' Week.

This essential guide includes information on mortgages, surveys, removals/storage, buyers' research, legal steps, plus checklists.

Download your FREE essential 'Mini' Homebuyers' Guide here!

Will preliminary contracts when buying and selling a home work?

House Contracts

Currently, according to a government survey, around 31% of house transactions fall through after offers have been accepted. The effect of the credit crunch and recession on the property market is that holding sales together has proved harder than ever before.

Buyers and sellers are both losing confidence and pulling out of deals, or people are finding they have been approved for a mortgage in principle, and then the lender has pulled the mortgage. Some people are trying their luck at making offers, then trying to reduce them prior to exchange. READ ON to find out what Kate thinks of 'prelim contracts'!

Buying to Let Advice

Kate Faulkner is teaming up with Paul Shamplina of Landlord Action for a one day Seminar on the Possibilities and Pitfalls of Buy to Let. The one day event takes place on 21st April in London (limited places). So, if you're thinking of buying to let or investing in property, or already have started in buy to let, this is a MUST ATTEND event - miss it and it could cost you dearly! BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW!

2011 Budget - Housing

Not particularly an exciting budget day for home owners, buyers, sellers or renters, but that’s to be expected when we are in a recession and budgets are being cut! There is some good news though! - READ MORE. Kate Faulkner’s comments on Housing for the Budget

Landlords – Seven Ways to Minimise Your Property Taxes

Rented Property Tax

Minimising taxes is one of the easiest ways to boost your property profits. Here are seven tips to help you reduce your taxes - READ MORE

Are New Build Properties a Good Buy?

Despite a good month for developers in November, December showed a real slowdown in activity. Prices fell slightly, but not significantly and buyers are definitely holding back. So, are new build properties a good buy? What's going to happen to new property prices during 2011?

Are New Build Properties a Good Buy?

READ MORE for new homes prices and statistics

How to Buy a Flat

Buying a flat as opposed to a house is different. There are various reasons why buying a flat is different to buying a house. These are typically because you buy a flat under a ‘leasehold’ agreement. A leasehold agreement essentially means that you buy the flat, but have to abide by the freeholder's rules and regulations, which include clauses on how costs for maintenance and repairs as well as insurance are applicable if you become the owner.

READ ON to find out the key differences between buying a house and flat and essential checks you need to make before purchase!