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...

Easter is early this year, and in the lead up to the first major holiday period of the year, we have certainly had our fair share of inclement weather. Conventional wisdom is to wait for freedom from the bad weather and the optimism and daffodils of spring to put your house on the market. Finding a buyer in April or May also opens up the prospect of physically moving over the summer months, which appeals...

A number of my valuations recently have involved properties where the fixtures and fittings are showing their age, or the property is being sold by the family following the death of a relative.  Inevitably, but for the same reason the question of presentation and works to improve the saleability arise.  Equally good friends came to Norfolk for the weekend and whilst retirement is a few years off they...

Buying your first home is hard enough with finding the perfect place, saving for the deposit and all the associated costs. These things can really mount up and make it hard work for first time buyers. However, things are getting easier as the Government in the 2017 Autumn Statement has increased the stamp duty threshold for first time buyers. This means you can purchase a home up to £300,000 and not have...