Help to Buy valuations required as UK Government extends mortgage terms
As of September 2019, Help to Buy homeowners in England will be able to take out mortgages over terms of up to 35 years. This is great news for existing Help to Buy users. These homeowners may now find it easier to remortgage, which in turn can help them avoid
3 Signs Of Bats In Your Property: What You Need to Watch Out For
Bats rarely cause problems and can coexist with homeowners without any problems, often going unnoticed. But if you are concerned about bats in your home, these are the signs you can look out for to identify whether bats are living in your property. Bats in the UK The UK
Mining and Property Subsidence – Does Your Home Sit on a Coalfield?
With nearly one third of UK properties sitting above coalfields, subsidence resulting from past mining activity can be a cause for concern. Ground movement resulting from unstable mines and tunnels can lead to insecure foundations, resulting in subsidence and costly repairs. With two-thirds of mines and mine entries not documented,
Wet Rot – Causes, Identification & Solution
What is Wet Rot? Wet rot is the natural decay of timber due to high moisture levels. It occurs in timber with a moisture content of around 30%-50%, in contrast to dry rot that occurs in timbers with a lower moisture content of around 20%. Wet rot is caused by
Dry Rot – Causes, Identification & Solution
What is Dry Rot? Dry rot is a type of fungal timber decay known as Serpula Lacrymans. It occurs when wood becomes too wet with a moisture content of over 20% and the wood-destroying fungus attacks the timber. Dry rot is the most serious form of fungal decay. Dry rot
How To Negotiate House Price After A Property Survey
If your property report uncovers issues you can use these findings to negotiate the price of your property to better reflect its value. Here’s how.
5 Ways To Make Your Home Safe From Fire
There are 50,000 house fires in UK homes every year in which around 500 people die and 11,000 are injured. House fires devastate properties and lives, so it is incredibly important to be prepared. Fire Alarm Around 90 deaths a year are due to a lack of working smoke
Common Issues Uncovered by Property Surveys
This article will highlight some of the most common issues found on property surveys and the implications for homebuyers. We also outline the next steps your surveyor will recommend to rectify any defects so that you know what you can expect to find on your report. Asbestos Asbestos can
How To Prepare Your Home For A Property Survey
Before your property survey is carried out, it’s worth getting an idea of what a surveyor will look for. There are a few things you can do to prepare your home that will protect your belongings and make it easier for the surveyor. Clear Away Clutter You should clear
What is a Specific Defect Survey?
A specific defect survey is an inspection of a building’s structural problems. The survey further inspects a specific issue with the building’s structure.