homeowner Archives - Choice Mortgages UK

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House?

16th January 2024

Like many of life’s big milestone moments, deciding to go ahead and buy a house can be exciting and nerve-wracking. Knowing when is the best time to buy is also tricky. If we lived in a perfect world, you’d time your purchase perfectly when property prices and mortgage rates were at their lowest. However, predicting when such conditions might occur isn’t easy.

Using data is a great way to make an informed decision in your buying process. As of December 2023, the Independent reported the average house price at £287,105, a slight increase from £282,305 in December 2022. Concurrently, the average two-year fixed mortgage rate fell below 6%, as reported by BBC News. In July, the rate reached a high of 6.86%.

Weighing up the pros and cons

Pros

Price discount: With the economy being a bit unpredictable, rising mortgage rates, and the ongoing cost of living challenges, there’s been a noticeable dip in the demand for home buying. This means property sales slow down, and with fewer offers on the table, buyers are able to leverage discounts from the initial asking prices.

Reduced fixed mortgage rates: As we’ve mentioned, fixed mortgage rates are more attractive now than in previous months, providing better value overall than discounted and tracked mortgages.

Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts, explains:

“The consecutive reductions to the overall average two- and five-year fixed mortgage rates will greatly relieve borrowers looking to refinance this year. The volatility surrounding mortgage rate pricing eased as the average mortgage shelf life rose from 17 days to 21 days, the highest figure recorded in over six months. There are big expectations for fixed mortgage rates to fall in the coming weeks, so some borrowers may choose to wait patiently for the right time to change their deal or buy their first home.” Visit Money Facts for more about mortgage deals on the rise and the decline in rates.

Cons

The danger of negative equity: The value of your property can determine negative equity. This could happen when property prices drop, you still need to complete the transaction, and you buy with a 5% or 10% deposit.

No more ‘Help to Buy’: Aimed at first-time buyers, the Help to Buy scheme no longer accepts new applications. Buyers who need a helping hand up onto the property ladder won’t have government assistance, although shared ownership schemes are still available.

Weighing up the pros and cons and borrowing rates will be your compass as you venture forward with your property purchase decisions.

Will house prices plummet this year?

Throughout 2024, house prices are expected to drop. Savills Estate Agent predicts a 3% fall in UK property prices before a recovery in 2025, but as we’ve learned, buying a property isn’t an exact science.

Also, the Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates around the middle of June 2024, following 14 consecutive hikes in a bid to combat inflation. This means mortgage rates could also fall this year, according to The Times, Money Mentor.

If this plays out, prospective buyers could find themselves in that ideal position of lower house prices coupled with lower mortgage rates.

Be guided by independent mortgage advice

When you’re ready to begin your home-buying journey, rest assured there is help at hand.

Choice Mortgages, is a mortgage and insurance broker focussing on exceptional customer service. We offer free, no-obligation consultations in person at our office or over the phone. We have access to all lenders and insurance providers, so you get the best product that suits your requirements. Our team of experienced advisors are ready to help with your queries, whether straightforward or complex, we can help.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home in the UK

20th November 2023

Deciding on buying a home is an exciting time, but it can be riddled with uncertainties, making the process time-consuming and complex. The UK’s average timeline for purchasing a property is about six months [link to: https://hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-buying/how-long-does-it-take-to-buy-or-sell-home/], and based on different factors; this can vary. Still, things like your financial situation, the type of property you’re investing in, and the seller’s circumstances can all impact your timeline.

We’ve broken the process down into steps to help provide a picture of what you can expect along the way.

Step 1: 24 hours – Application for a Decision in Principle

A Decision in Principle is your initial step in the home-buying process. It estimates how much you could borrow, giving you a clear idea of the budget for your property search. Most lenders offer the convenience of applying online, with many providing instant decisions, typically within 24 hours. This crucial step ensures that you start clearly understanding your financial boundaries.

Step 2: Varies – Search and make an offer on a home

The time it takes to find your ideal property can vary significantly, ranging from a few weeks to several months. It’s important to take your time during this phase, researching your preferred area thoroughly to make an informed decision. Once you’ve found a property, the following steps may differ between regions.

In England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, making an offer is typically done through an estate agent, who should provide information on the response time.

In Scotland, you’ll need to engage a solicitor to help you prepare a bid. Since a successful bid in Scotland can legally commit you to the purchase, it’s crucial to have a Decision in Principle and be ready to proceed with a mortgage application.

Step 3: Up to 2 weeks – formally applying for a mortgage

Once your offer is accepted, you can apply for a formal mortgage offer. We recommend your mortgage application is submitted as soon as possible, although there may be exceptions based on specific circumstances. Processing and receiving a formal mortgage offer can take approximately 4-6 weeks. To expedite this phase, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready for review. The application includes thorough checks of your finances and a mortgage valuation of the property you intend to buy carried out by the lender.

What is the time between the mortgage offer and completion?

Typically, you can expect the completion process to take around 12 weeks once your mortgage offer has been accepted. However, it’s important to note that each property transaction is unique, and the timeline may vary. Your journey to homeownership may take less or more time than the standard 12 weeks.

Step 4: 6 to 12 weeks – conveyancing

Appointing a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer is essential for handling the legal aspects of your property purchase. The conveyancing process may range from approximately six weeks to a few months, particularly if you become part of a property “chain”. A chain forms when multiple transactions need to happen and involve other buyers and sellers in the process.

Step 5: 2 to 3 weeks – property survey

Conducting a property survey is advisable to identify potential issues with the property. Surveyors provide a report within a couple of weeks of conducting their inspection, which generally takes a few hours. This survey differs from the mortgage valuation, which is typically for the lender’s use.

Sellers in Scotland would provide a Home Report containing an energy performance certificate, a survey and a property questionnaire, which a solicitor would then review.

Step 6: 1 to 4 weeks – contracts exchange to completion

Once you have your mortgage offer and your solicitor or licensed conveyancer is satisfied with the property’s search results, enquiries, and legal title, you’re all set to exchange contracts (the specific process differs in Scotland).

If you’re part of a property chain, all buyers and sellers involved must be prepared, which could cause delays.

You’ll provide your deposit upon exchanging contracts, and the agreement becomes legally binding. At this point, you’ll need to have buildings insurance in place. The completion date is agreed upon during this phase, often set approximately two weeks after the exchange, but it can be adjusted as needed. You’ll usually receive the keys to your new home on the completion date.

Moving forward with Choice Mortgages

At Choice Mortgages, we provide independent, professional guidance and advice tailored to specific requirements. Feel free to use our no-cost and no-obligation consultation by phone or in person at the office. Our team of experienced and friendly advisors can handle all of your queries. Whether they’re straightforward or more complex, we’re on hand and ready to help. Remember, your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

The benefits of buying a home over renting

21st March 2023

For many people in the UK, the decision to take the plunge and invest in owning property versus renting marks a significant milestone in their lives. Embarking on this journey can be complex and riddled with questions. However, with a little due diligence and the right help, it is possible to forge forwards confidently and mitigate some uncertainty along the way.

So, without further delay, let’s take a closer look at how even though renting may afford some flexibility and lower upfront costs, purchasing a home can provide many benefits that present this option as a wise, long-term investment.

The subject of equity?

One of the most compelling advantages of owning a home is that, over time, there is the potential to build equity. But what is equity – what does it mean exactly? Equity represents the difference between the current market value of a property and the remaining mortgage balance.

Through consistent mortgage payments and taking advantage of any property value appreciation, homeowners can steadily increase their equity position. Not only can this provide a valuable source of financial security for future years to come, but it may also establish a foundation for other investments, such as home improvements, saving for a child’s education, or even a second or third property investment at home or abroad.

Overall saving

In addition to building equity, owning a home can provide long-term cost savings. Although the initial costs of buying a property may be higher than renting, taking into account a deposit, and other expenses, homeownership can still be the more economical choice. Take fixed-rate mortgages, for example. This type of mortgage means that payments remain stable over time, unlike rent payments, which are likely to escalate annually.

Flexibility and stability

Another significant advantage of owning a home is the freedom it allows for changes and improvements to be made to the property. Unlike renters, who are generally restricted in their ability to alter their living space, homeowners have control over their property. They can make renovations, such as adding an extension, changing the flooring, or upgrading the kitchen, without seeking permission from a landlord. This degree of autonomy and control can be empowering and help homeowners establish a living space that truly reflects their personality and lifestyle.

Homeownership also provides stability and permanence, which can be invaluable for many people. Unlike renters, who may have to move frequently due to expiring leases or changing circumstances, such as landlords deciding to sell, homeowners can reside in their property for as long as they wish. This can be especially crucial for families who want to provide a stable environment for their children or individuals who want to put down roots in a community.

Final thoughts

Enlisting the assistance of a reputable mortgage and insurance broker, such as Choice Mortgages UK, can help you to easily navigate the home-buying process and provide valuable guidance throughout the journey. Their team of experts can assist you in evaluating your options and locating the right mortgage and insurance products to suit your particular circumstances.

This means that with their help, you can make informed decisions that provide long-term financial benefits to help you achieve your homeownership goals. Contact Choice Mortgages UK Limited or call 01780 480600 today for independent and trustworthy advice on your mortgage and insurance needs.

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