Blog

From 1 April 2018 households now need to pay if they need to take any DIY waste to their local tip. Previously households were permitted to take small amounts of DIY waste to any of the tips in Norfolk free of charge. This amounted to one large item or up to 80 litres of waste per household. However, Norfolk County Council is now looking to reduce costs, and by introducing this charge will make a saving...

"A relatively new problem has begun to crop up when selling homes that have a septic tank" says Anthony Burn, Branch Manager of Watsons Holt. "Recent property sales have been delayed so that drainage systems can be assessed by a competent drainage contractor who then applies through the environment agency for a “consent to discharge” if the system is draining to a ditch or stream etc. This has led in...

2018 marks the 150th anniversary of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). To celebrate this milestone, RICS have launched two initiatives that highlight the achievements of the surveying profession and demonstrate its importance to society, both in the past and in the future. The RICS Pride in the Profession initiative showcases the significant and positive impact surveyors have made to...

What do I need to do to get a mortgage? Are you looking to buy your new home? Is your current mortgage deal coming to an end? Arranging a new mortgage can be a complex and time-consuming process. Finding a mortgage lender that is willing to accept you and your individual circumstances may not be simple; the mortgage market is very large and lenders are more numerous and varied than you might think. Hoyl...

We all lead such busy lives these days, so it’s easy to see why online property auctions are becoming more popular than ever. After all, bidding and ‘winning’ a house in this way means you can buy a property without even having to leave the comfort of your favourite chair. So, why online? Auctioning online offers a convenient and fast way of buying and selling property; and you still experience all...

In this Property Market Overview, Ian Harris MNAEA MARLA, Associate & Branch Manager of Watsons Norwich takes a close look at the NR4 postcode. The market in NR4 is one of the most vibrant in Norwich with buyers attracted by the excellent reputation of the area but also the practical benefits of the area, which includes ease of access to Norwich city and the southern bypass, “good” OFSTED rated...

Renovating your property can be extremely rewarding. Before taking the plunge and purchasing, you need to make sure you understand the work which will be involved. It is important not to just rely on a mortgage valuation, which does not look in detail at the condition of the building. A mortgage survey focuses on the value of the property. This is to ensure the lender would be able to recoup their money,...

Perhaps you’ve inherited a house requiring some improvement, you simply need to sell a house quickly to relinquish funds or you have legal obligations to demonstrate you have achieved best price. Equally the property maybe very unusual or considerable competition is expected. It might be an ugly duckling or have that ‘chocolate box’ appeal, either way, auction could be the most practical route. So...

Part of the discussion your estate agent should be having with you when appraising your property for sale will be the best method of sale.  Private treaty is by far the most common and involves the estate agent negotiating a price between the seller and buyer until an acceptable agreement is reached subject to contract.  The asking price is often a set figure and there will be an expectation this is the...

The Government announced on Sunday (8 April) a series of new measures which aims to drive up standards and bring an end to rogue managing agents.  Representatives from across the property sectors have reacted enthusiastically to the new proposals to professionalise the industry and introduce comprehensive reforms to simplify the buying and selling process. Housing Secretary, Sajid Javid MP announced that...