Property
House prices peak at Shakira's hip level
Filed under: Property, House and Home
Pint-sized Colombian warbler Shakira, partnered by Wyclef Jean, dominated the charts in summer of 2006 with Hips Don't Lie as she topped the pops for five non-consecutive weeks.If you can remember back that far, which even I can, then that is when average house prices last achieved the same level at which they currently sit. And while that slice of Latino rubbish plays on a loop in your head, I can also tell you that June's Land Registry data revealed the average price of a property in England and Wales stood at £166,072 in June, which is 8.4% higher than a year ago.
Stop: when not to buy a house
Filed under: Mortgages, Property, House and Home, Insurance
If you've ever purchased property, you'll know that it is an incredibly emotional experience. We tend to get attached to houses for aesthetic reasons like a beautiful period features or a cool kitchen, and it's easy to overlook the really important issues like the structure and condition of the house.But the are some warning signs to look out for when viewing a property, that signal you should walk away or put your haggling hat on for some serious negotiation.
No-one wants to live in London
Filed under: Financial Crisis, Property
People are leaving London in droves in search of more affordable accommodation elsewhere, new research shows. Northern towns are also getting depopulated, with the region set to be hit hard by looming job losses in the public sector.So where are people moving to?
How one family followed their dreams and got out of the city
Filed under: Property, House and Home, Families
Many city-based families dream of quitting the rat race for the wide open spaces, better schools and slower pace of life found in the British countryside.
But while you may be able to get more home for your money further afield, some aspects of life outside the city – such as commuting costs - may prove more expensive. We spoke to one family who followed their rural dreams to find out what impact moving has had on their finances.
Renters more vulnerable to money problems
Filed under: Property, House and Home
The new Financial Services Authority proposals announced last week provide support for borrowers, but what about tenants?Renters are equally at risk of over-stretching themselves financially, according to payment protection provider, British Insurance, but are far less likely to get help.
House prices fall. Should we panic or celebrate?
Filed under: Property
All the talk has been of a 'slowdown' and a 'flattening' of house prices. The last round of figures showed house price growth slowing to a crawl, and the gurus said they would stay at roughly this level for a good few months. However, the latest figures show that the average cost of a home is now falling.So how bad will things get, and is this really so bad at all?
Could you be sued for fibbing to a homebuyer?
Filed under: Property
There are some questions we all learn to answer when we're moving house. 'Why are you moving?' is to be met with vague answers about wanting to be closer to family or work, rather than admitting you hate the neighbours and the cramped master bedroom. But after one couple ended up in court after not revealing something the new owners felt was vital to the purchase, it begs the question of just how dangerous these fibs are.
Is it better to rent or buy in your area?
Filed under: Property
The rental versus buying calculation has swung wildly in the direction of buying since interest rates have been dragging along the floor. Indeed a recent study by Zoopla has revealed that this is the case in 74% of areas in the UK. However, this still means that for one in four, it's still better to rent. The calculations stack up completely differently in different parts of the country.So what's the deal in your area?
Londoners pay hefty premium to live close to a station
Filed under: Property
If you want to buy a home in London and don't mind living some distance from a tube or train station, you could save a stack of money.It turns out Londoners pay a £20,300 premium, or 7% more, for a property that is 500m from the nearest station, compared with a similar property 1,500m from the station. Average house prices are highest around the Circle line, according to research from Nationwide.
House price growth could be wiped out by year end
Filed under: Property
With the constant barrage of house price reports it's hard to keep track of exactly what is happening throughout the UK, but if the latest one is anything to go by, prices now look set to fall.New sellers have dropped asking prices in July for the first time this year, as properties continue to flood the market, which means the gains made in the first half of 2010 could be wiped out by the end of the year.
