The number of homes the UK builds each year is projected to drop from 260,000 to 215,000 by 2026–27 — a 17% slide in just a few years. That means fewer new properties hitting the market, and fewer open houses for buyers to walk through. At the same time, mortgage rates have climbed, with the average two-year fixed rate sitting
More than half of UK first-time buyers now receive financial help from family members to buy a home. Savills research found that 53 per cent of first-time buyers get support through gifts, loans or inheritance, with the total value of family assistance reaching £11 billion in 2025. That figure has turned what was once a casual phrase — the Bank
You offer £285,000 on a flat listed at £270,000, win the bidding war, and the mortgage valuation comes back at £268,000. The lender will only lend against that lower figure, not what you agreed to pay. That £17,000 gap has to come from your own pocket — on top of your deposit. This is the mechanism that turns a bidding
The average first-time buyer in the UK takes 18 to 22 weeks from accepted offer to getting the keys. That’s roughly five months of waiting, chasing, and hoping nothing falls through. But the real timeline depends on three things that most guides gloss over: how much deposit you actually need in your region, the stack of costs that sits on
Buy a home 5 miles further from work and you could save £50,000 on the purchase price. That sounds like a clear win. But the monthly mortgage saving on that £50,000 — roughly £200 — can be almost entirely eaten up by the extra travel cost. For a typical Manchester commuter, adding 5 miles each way means around £150 a
Between 2021 and 2024, the share of UK buyers applying for mortgages jointly rose from 49% to 53% — and in London, where the average first-time buyer price sits at £472,000, that shift is less a choice than a necessity. When a solo buyer needs a deposit north of £120,000 and a house-price-to-earnings ratio above 12 times salary, pooling resources
Okay, let’s dive into this whole downsizing thing that seems to be on a lot of people’s minds these days in the UK. It’s interesting how the landscape of homeownership is shifting, and it’s not just about having more space anymore. It looks like a pretty significant chunk of UK homeowners are seriously thinking about trading in their larger homes
When you’re thinking about buying a house in the UK, it’s really easy to get caught up in the asking price. That number on the listing, the one you see in big, bold letters, feels like the main event, doesn’t it? But here’s the thing, and you’d be surprised how often people overlook this: that price is just the starting
So, everyone’s wondering if now is the right moment to jump into the UK property market. It’s a big question, and honestly, there are a lot of different angles to consider. Some people are getting excited about potential opportunities, while others are a bit more cautious, which is totally understandable when you’re talking about buying a home or making an
When you’re getting ready to buy your first home in the UK, thinking about where to put down roots is a pretty big deal. There’s a lot to juggle, and one of the things that often comes up is what the local council is involved with, particularly when it comes to things like council tax. It’s not just about the
Planning home improvements for 2025? You’re certainly not alone. A lot of people in the UK are looking at sprucing up their homes, with kitchens and interior decorating topping the list of what folks want to tackle. It’s pretty interesting to see what’s driving these decisions and, more importantly, whether people are rolling up their sleeves to do it themselves
Getting a mortgage in the UK can feel like wandering through a maze. There are so many lenders, different types of mortgages, and confusing terms. But don’t worry! This guide will help you understand the process, explore your options, and find the best mortgage deal for your situation. It’s all about knowing what’s out there and being prepared. Understanding Mortgages:
