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Published: 16 November 2021

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Making an offer on a house is an exciting but potentially daunting prospect, especially if it’s your first home.

We often get asked, “how do I make an offer on a house?” So, our handy guide will help take you through the process to give you the best possible chance of landing your perfect property.

●     Work Out How Much You Can Afford To Spend

It’s surprising how many buyers begin viewing properties and then make offers based on vague assumptions of what their budget is.

Before you even begin any viewing, it’s important to find out exactly how much you can afford to pay for a property, whether it’s money you have in the bank, or with a mortgage.

Getting a mortgage in principle (decision in principle or DIP) before making any offers can increase your chances of having an offer accepted and being seen as a serious buyer, so it’s worth speaking to a mortgage advisor before you start any viewings.

●     Research The Area

Knowing how much to offer and how much to reveal to the seller can be a real minefield. On the one hand, you don’t want to pay over the odds, but on the other, you don’t want to make an offer so far under the asking price that they don’t even want to begin negotiating with you.

Take a look at how much other properties in the area have sold for recently and use these as a guide when making your offer.

Preparation is key when it comes to making a fair offer that the seller will be willing to consider.

●     Don’t Show Your Hand Too Early

When viewing a property it’s usually a good idea to downplay your excitement even if you’ve found your dream property. If the seller realises how much you’ve fallen in love with the place, it can severely weaken your bargaining position as they’ll think you’ll pay whatever it takes to get it!

Show you’re interested by asking lots of valid questions but don’t fall into the trap of saying how much you really love the house.

Next Steps: Making An Offer

Once you’ve researched the area, worked out your definite budget and found a property, it’s time to make your offer.

• Call the sellers estate agent and tell them the offer verbally. They are obliged to inform the seller, regardless of what your offer is.
• Follow up with an offer in writing. An email should be sufficient, and this will help to avoid any confusion or arguments further down the line.
• Emphasise what makes you an ideal buyer. For example, first-time buyers are often attractive to sellers as they come chain-free, while cash buyers are probably the most sought after as they’re likely to be able to complete in the quickest time.

• Remember, most sellers are looking to move fairly quickly, so anything that can help speed the process up is likely to put you in a stronger position.
• If you don’t have any ‘USPs’ then maybe detail why you want to buy the property. It may be for emotional reasons, or because you have grand plans for raising a family there. It won’t necessarily make a difference, but if it comes down to you and one other buyer then it might just swing it in your favour.
• Prepare to negotiate. Once you’ve made your offer it’s likely that the seller will come back with a counter-offer. All of this is conducted via the estate agent who is working on behalf of the seller.

How Much Should I Offer?

There’s no set rule on this as every transaction is different. If you know there’s been a lot of interest in the property then you’re likely to have to pay the full asking price, possibly a little more.

However, if the property’s been on sale for a number of months and has already been reduced in price then you may be able to knock the seller down on price.

This is where your research will come in handy. Try to figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are in the negotiation. This is another reason why it’s a good idea to look at properties that are slightly below your budget, so you’ll have a little more room for manoeuvre.

Another point to consider when it comes to your strengths is to work out what makes you a good buyer. If it’s your first property and you already have a mortgage in principle agreed, or if you’re a cash buyer, then these can put you in a very strong position to negotiate a discount as you should be able to move quickly.

Whatever you do though, make sure your offer is realistic, and don’t try to lowball the seller!

Warren Powell-Richards are your local property experts.

Call us or email to find out how we can help you.

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Published: 12 November 2021

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Moving house in soon? First and foremost, congratulations are in order!

Now that you’ve found a new home, it’s time to start thinking about the actual moving process itself. And a major part of that is the dreaded ‘p’ word…. Yes, packing!

Start by taking a few deep breaths. We don’t want you roaming from room to room with no idea where to get started, so our essential packing tips will help make the process a lot easier and a lot less overwhelming for you.

1. Prepare a bag of essentials for the first week

Although some people do this just for their first night in their new house, we recommend packing a bag with all the essentials you’ll need for the first week. Trust us, the unpacking process can be even slower than the packing process because you have to decide where everything will go!

Give yourself a little time to settle in and save the hassle of having to wade through all your cardboard boxes for your toiletries. Pack a separate bag for everything you’ll need for the first week in your new home.

2. Move chests of drawers as they are by wrapping them with cling film

Yes, you did read that right. This is a top tip! You can easily save yourself the trouble of removing and packing away every small item from your drawers, only to have to put it right back once you’re in your new place. Simply wrap cling film tightly around any chests of drawers so that your removal company can shift them as is.

Unwrap at the other end, and you have all your items exactly where you want them. Easy!

3. Create makeshift handles in cardboard boxes

Want to make moving day itself a little easier? Then it’s time to get creative. Whether you’re using a professional removal firm or not, those heavy cardboard boxes will be a lot easier to move with handles. It’s easily done; just cut small triangles into the side panels and lift your boxes with a lot more ease.

4. Use wheeled suitcases to transport heavier items

If you’ve got a suitcase or two with wheels stashed away in storage, now’s the time to make use of them. Simply pack away any heavier items such as books and bulky sports equipment into your wheeled suitcases, and you can easily transport them to your new place. It saves you having to lug them over in weighty boxes that might even break from the weight!

5. Pack jewellery and smaller items in egg cartons

When it comes to packing for your house move, you may eventually find that your smaller items are more of a hassle to pack than bulkier pieces. For instance, jewellery. Luckily, there’s a tried-and-tested packing trick that works well for the smaller stuff, and that comes in the form of egg cartons!

Start to save egg cartons in the weeks leading up to your move and use the compartments within to store any small items such as necklaces and earrings. It keeps them safe and separate rather than all jumbled up in one big bag.

Secure the egg cartons with your trusty old cling film.

6. Use colour-coded labels for your cardboard boxes

While most people label their boxes for a house move, your process could be helped by taking your label game up a notch. Simply colour code your labels by room (the room you want your box moved into) so that you and your moving team can easily spot these on the big day. It’s a visual trick that makes it easy to avoid confusion or boxes ending up in the wrong room.

Oh, and make sure to pop those labels onto each side of the box. It’ll be worth the effort when everything ends up in the right place.

7. Cover any hanging clothes with bin bags to move as they are

Let’s face it, folding everything in our wardrobe can be a bit of pain. If, like us, you don’t have perfect Marie Kondo folding skills, then consider this simple packing idea. Take any hanging clothes to your new place on their hangers. Simply cover them with bin bags while they’re still on the hangers and move them to your new home without any dirt or dust getting on them.

Remove the bags at the other end to hang, and you’ve got your new wardrobe in a good place before you know it!

Let us help you find your next home

Now that you’re well-equipped with all the essential packing tips and tricks you need for a move let us help you find somewhere special to move into. At Warren Powell-Richards we have years of property experience. Give us a call to chat through what you’re looking for and we’ll be delighted to help.

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Published: 09 November 2021

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Buying a property can be a lengthy process simply because the process involves many factors. One of those factors is the time it takes to get a mortgage.

There’s no hard and fast rule as to how long it will take, but as a general rule of thumb you can expect to wait around 18 to 40 days after submitting your mortgage application before receiving a formal mortgage offer.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Mortgage in Principle?

You can get a mortgage in principle in a matter of minutes, and this will allow you to start viewing properties within your budget and put in an offer on a property.

It’s important to note that a mortgage in principle shouldn’t be taken as gospel, and there are no guarantees that you’ll be offered that mortgage when it comes to the full application.

However, it does give you a good indication of what you should be able to borrow based on some general information you provide.

The mortgage in principle can be obtained so quickly because it doesn’t look into your finances in great detail, just a rough overview. That’s why, until you have your formal mortgage offer, you cannot fully rely on the mortgage in principle, as a formal mortgage offer will dig much deeper into your finances.

How Can I Speed the Mortgage Process up?

The key to getting your mortgage offer in a timely fashion is preparation. Lenders will need lots of information from you and will require evidence to support your application.

Typically, this will include:

• Valid ID to prove your identity. A passport is ideal.
• Proof of address. A utility bill or council tax bill is sufficient.
• 3 months of bank statements. This is so lenders can assess your spending habits and get a clearer picture of how much you can afford to pay each month.
• 3 to 6 months of payslips. This is to prove your monthly income and factor in any contractual overtime or bonuses too. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to show your accounts and tax returns.
• Proof of your deposit. A bank statement showing the funds in your account will be needed, and if any of the money has been gifted you may need a letter from the person who has gifted it.
• Details of the property you are buying.
• Details of the estate agent you are buying the property through.
• Details of your solicitor or conveyancer who will be handling the transaction.

What Can Slow the Mortgage Application Down?

If you’re unable to provide any of the information required in a timely manner, then this can be a big factor in slowing your mortgage application down. Therefore, before you even start the process it’s wise to have as much of this information to hand as possible.

Also, your credit history can play a part in how quickly the process is completed. Generally speaking, the more complex your history, the longer the mortgage process will take.

What Happens After the Mortgage Application has Been Submitted?

The lender will arrange to have a property valuation carried out. This is simply to determine if the price of the property is fair and if it’s suitable for a mortgage.

It’s important not to confuse the lender’s property valuation with a survey, which is something that is carried out separately and paid for by you, as the buyer.

Most lenders will require a survey to be carried out as a condition of offering a mortgage. You can pay for a full buildings survey or a homebuyer’s report.

The homebuyer’s report looks at the property in more detail than the lender’s valuation and takes into account any current and potential issues with the property. If the report is satisfactory then it’s likely that a lender will approve a mortgage application without the need for a full buildings survey.

The full buildings survey is a more detailed survey of a property than the homebuyer’s report. It looks at structural safety, maintenance costs and repair costs. It’s more expensive than a homebuyer’s report and it may be carried out immediately or following a homebuyer’s report that has raised concerns.

Once the lender has received the survey(s) and is satisfied with them, they’ll be in a position to make a formal mortgage offer.

How Long Does It Take to Receive the Mortgage Offer?

Once the lender has completed their checks and is satisfied with the survey carried out, you can expect to receive a formal mortgage offer in as little as a few days, and no more than 2 to 3 weeks.

How Long Does a Mortgage Offer Last?

A mortgage offer will typically last for up to 6 months. Some lenders may put a completion deadline on the offer instead of a fixed time limit, but it’s dependent on the individual lender.

If the transaction isn’t completed in time, or you’re quickly approaching the deadline then you can contact the lender to try and get an extension on the offer to avoid starting the whole process again from scratch.

Warren Powell-Richards are your local property experts. Call us or email to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

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Published: 05 November 2021

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You might be wondering ‘why buy a rental property? After all, we’re in the midst of a global pandemic, and a trip to the shops is stressful enough!

However, all the findings suggest that now is a great time to invest in a rental home and enjoy the financial benefits of being a landlord that come with it.

After a long lockdown pause, the economy is slowing starting to open up. According to Nationwide, the average UK house price is £218,902, a 1.7% drop in the previous month. Therefore, it’s a great time to bag a bargain and invest in a buy-to-let property.

There are many benefits to owning property. Whether you’re toying with the idea of becoming a landlord or sold on the idea, here’s 10 good reasons to invest in a rental property right now.

1. It’s a tangible investment

It’s never too early (or late) to invest in the future. A rental property is appealing to many since it’s a tangible investment and one that’s relatively familiar and easy to understand. For many, it’s also a far more accessible investment, compared to bonds, stocks or shares that require some market skill and know-how.

2. It can be a money-spinner

Sure, house prices fluctuate, but as far as long-term investments go, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy a sizeable financial return. The latest figures reveal that landlords in England and Wales enjoyed £79,770 in capital gains in 2018. The findings also revealed that the vast majority (85 per cent) of landlords with a buy to let property for sale manage to sell it for more money than they originally paid for it.

3. Market for renting

From students to relocated-workers and families to couples, the rental market is vast and varied. It’s thought that one in five households in the UK is a rented home. With this in mind, it’s likely you will always find demand for your buy-to-let property.

4. Annual salary

Of course, one of the benefits of being a landlord is the annual salary that comes with it. This varies depending on the size, condition and location of your property. However, there’s much appeal, with the average landlord earning £15,000 a year in rent, before tax and deductions. For some, this could make the difference of being able to go part-time in their job or retire early. For others, it is an excellent way to top-up their salary. 

5. Guaranteed income

There’s no denying that there are certain stresses that come with owning a rental property. However, many will agree that the benefits of being a landlord far outweigh this. One of these benefits is some guarantee of a regular income. Most rental contracts are for six if not 12 months in duration. This offers landlords some peace of mind in terms of a regular monthly payment. Some might say, even more security than a full-time job offers.

6. Grow your portfolio

Many individuals who start with a buy-to-rent property find that it’s a viable business. This offers a foray into the real estate industry, growing your portfolio as you acquire more properties. This can be a great career choice, especially for those with an interest in the property market and business investments.

7. A second home

Some private landlords invest in a buy-to-let property as a future nest egg for themselves. Not just in terms of financial gain, but also as a retirement home. As part of your long-term strategy, you may decide to invest in a second home now to rent, that you later take off the market to live in yourself. You’ll also have the added benefit of knowing the property has been in good hands, in an area you’re already familiar with before moving.

8. There’s lots of support

Even if you’re new to the buy-to-let market, there’s plenty of support in the industry. This includes the Residential Landlords Association who represent and assist its members. From landlords coronavirus advice to lettings expertise, they’re a great resource. Plus, it’s relatively affordable, starting from £155 a year.

9. Support your family

One of the benefits of owning property is the opportunity to provide a secure rental to your family. If you have children at university, this will be an all-too-familiar scenario.

Many families turn to buy-to-let properties to ensure their children have a stable residence during their higher-education. This can still be rented out beyond their tenancy, making it a handy side-hustle if you like!

10. Expand your knowledge

Whether you already own a property, or you’re looking for a buy-to-let for the first time, you will undoubtedly expand your knowledge along the way, from learning the lingo to understanding lending rates, and regulations around being a responsible landlord. It’s a great chance to grow yourself in ways you might not have previously considered.

For no-obligation advice on buying a rental property please contact our expert property team at Warren Powell-Richards