Why can’t I sell my house?

If you find yourself in the unenviable position of being unable to sell your home, fear not – as there are always steps you can take to maximise your chances of a successful sale.

Selling a house is often described by those who have been through the process as a complete and utter nightmare. However, many of these people do not view the actual ‘sale’ as the greatest source of stress – that special award goes to the strain of praying that the timing of your sale, the timing of your purchase, and completion of the relevant paperwork are all completed within a reasonable time frame.

For a surprisingly large number of vendors, a planned purchase often falls through as a result of a failure to sell their own house, with a prospective buyer letting them down at the last moment. If you’re in this position, you may be asking yourself “Why is my house not selling?” Luckily, in this blog we’ll be looking at some of the most commonly cited reasons.

Why won’t my house sell?

There are a wealth of motives for a buyer to pull out of a sale – however it is important to note that being able to address these issues is not always within your control.

Bad presentation

Have you ever looked, and we mean really looked at your house? Have you ever stood back and put yourself in the shoes of a prospective buyer who’s trying to work out how much your house is worth to them? It’s often easy, as a homeowner, to ignore the lack of varnish on the window frames, or the bad paintwork on the lower half of the front door – but as a buyer, these things stick out like a sore thumb. For many individuals who are in the market to buy, cluttered window sills, a front yard or garden that is overrun by weeds, or even uneven paving can severely limit the likelihood of a viewing becoming a purchase.

Overpricing

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that buying a house guarantees a higher return upon its sale. The market itself can fluctuate in strength depending on the political landscape, area re-development or even time of year, and consequently, many owners end up asking themselves “why won’t my house sell?” even though they have placed their home on the market at a price 20% higher than a comparable property nearby. Most owners should expect to be low-balled with initial offers, and so a slightly higher asking price can be acceptable – but outlandish figures are guaranteed to deter buyers.

Location

Those who have owned their homes for a long time may realise that local amenities and services that were once available nearby are no longer there. Alternatively, maybe the area within which the house is situated is no longer a great choice for locals due to a lack of nearby jobs. As mentioned earlier, the political landscape can transform the attractiveness of any given region in a relatively short length of time. As a result, the reasons that led to you originally buying the house may no longer be valid for potential buyers.

Anti-social behaviour and crime

Do you live in a deprived area where crime is on the rise? Have you, in the past, had to deal with difficult neighbours? While many buyers forget to check crime statistics, they will often check with their agent and other nearby residents regarding day-to-day experiences on your street and whether or not there are any reasons to avoid a purchase. And unfortunately, even the odd disgruntled neighbour will be enough to put them off.

So, what can I do if I’m struggling to sell my house?

Luckily, some of the aforementioned issues can be easily rectified with little effort. In terms of presentation, a pot of paint and varnish from the local DIY store are a great investment to really make your home stand out from the crowd. You could also invest in a new front door to gain a buyer’s attention, as well as use weed killer on your garden or yard. Many sellers even hire power-washers to remove the build up of carbon that often leaves the outer walls of their homes looking shabby and undesirable. In short, a little effort goes a long way to encourage a sale.

If you do need to sell your house fast, it may be worth taking a small hit financially to ensure a sale in reasonable time. You can, of course, leave your home on the market for months, but the longer it stays on the market the more questions prospective buyers will have – and in all likelihood, an agent will advise you to lower your asking price after a certain length of time regardless. Getting the asking price right is an important part of encouraging a quick sale, so consider employing a surveyor to carry out a quick valuation of the property.

Unfortunately, when it comes to location or crime, there is little that you, as a seller, can do to increase the likelihood of a sale. If there are nearby amenities or services that are not immediately obvious to those who are not local, it can be worth writing a pamphlet containing any relevant information for anyone who comes for a viewing. Even better, realise that many prospective buyers will have different priorities to you, and that your worries about the distance to local services may not be an issue to them.

If you are aware of an increasing level of crime in your area, you can always appeal to your local council to have a greater police presence in an effort to reduce the frequency of offences nearby. You can also apply to the council to have graffiti removed, as well as damage to public property such as pavements and road signs fixed. Many residents in undesirable areas even form Neighbourhood Watch schemes – investing in CCTV cameras and community spirit to keep wrongdoers away.

Of course, sometimes you can be left screaming “Why is my house not selling?!” after months of exasperation due to viewings that never lead to an offer. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t sell. Luckily, there are property buying companies such as National Homebuyers who will buy your home for cash regardless of location or situation – and with most sales completed from start to finish in as little as seven days, you can savour the chance to finally move on with your life.

Can’t sell your home? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or 

 to find out how much you could get for your property.

Rental rates continue to rise as cheap housing remains unaffordable

As rising house prices continue to prevent younger, less wealthy buyers from purchasing, landlords have been capitalising on the situation by acquiring cheaper homes and enjoying consistently rising rental rates.

One of the greatest difficulties experienced by prospective buyers in rented accommodation is the ability to raise the necessary deposit for a mortgage. Unfortunately, thanks to the ever-increasing margin between rising house prices and low wage increases, the finances of many new buyers fail to measure up – and with rising rental fees, they often find themselves trapped in rented accommodation for much longer than expected.

The resulting state of affairs has left potential first-time buyers with no choice but to compete with wealthier landlords and those further up on the property ladder in an effort to secure a ready-built starter home.

During a sale, a vender always intends to make a profit on their house, and consequently there is very little first-time buyers can do to encourage them to accept a lower offer – even if they need to sell their house fast. To salve the situation, the government has made numerous promises to increase the number of new build estates with a pre-determined number of units to be sold as ‘affordable housing’. However, thanks to a weakened economy, the falling value of the pound sterling as well as a shortage of capital, the government have so far failed to live up to their word.

For investors, the rental market is a blessing in its current form. Despite the fact that more homes are available for purchase, the inability of first-time buyers to successfully apply for a mortgage allows landlords to snap up a large amount of available housing – housing which is then renovated before being let to those who had previously hoped to buy.

“Some experts believed the supply of rental properties would fall this year due to economic and political concerns,” said Allison Thompson, managing director at Leaders.

“But this has certainly proved not to be the case. In fact, supply is growing in all regions across the country and high tenant demand for all types of properties means rental prices are also on the up, providing landlords with a golden opportunity to benefit from more people looking for rented accommodation and a booming market that allows them to enjoy a significant return on investment.”

Sadly, government efforts to slow down the house price increases that are preventing a large percentage of the population from gaining a foothold on the property ladder have, so far, failed to provide any form of relief for those stuck in the rental trap, and landlords continue to turn a substantial profit.

However, it isn’t just first-time buyers that are losing out, as vendors across the country are finding it progressively harder to find a buyer for their house and, as a result, end up waiting for months for a reasonable offer that never materialises before lowering their asking price in order to encourage a sale.

Worried that your home won’t sell? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

How to sell your house without an estate agent

Selling a house can be a stressful experience. Even so, more and more sellers are choosing to decline the use of an agent in favour of more profitable options.

For the majority of people looking to sell their house fast, the use of an estate agent seems like a great idea. While agents do take a cut of the profits, many sellers prefer to avoid the stress of self-marketing and will happily pay to avoid the headaches.

However, with the advent of numerous online property portals; the increased ability to reach a wider audience of potential buyers through social media; and the ability to cut down on expenses – as a seller, you may find yourself wondering whether it’s possible to learn how to sell your house without an agent.

It is, however, important to realise that in most cases, managing your own sale requires a great deal of time and devotion, as well as being ‘available’ 24/7 to take calls regarding offers and general enquiries.

In this blog, we will be looking at the most popular methods you could employ when setting out to discover how to sell your house yourself.

Make your house sellable

As with all planned property transactions, a buyer is less likely to buy if they view a house that is unkempt and messy. When you use an estate agent, you can often gain pointers from their sales specialists with regard to making your house marketable. When you decide to shoulder the responsibility yourself however, you need to make the judgement calls on your own. Luckily, there are a huge number of internet-based resources that can help you bring your house up to showroom quality.

Once your house is in tip-top shape, consider employing the services of a professional photographer to take the marketing pictures. Photos taken by amateurs often stand out a mile in listings by making your home look ‘cheap’ and claustrophobic – whereas a professional, by comparison, can make your home look open, palatial and desirable.

How to sell your house yourself

No matter which method you choose, it’s always important to learn the value of your home. Set the asking price too low, and you risk losing a vast amount of your investment – set the asking price too high, and you risk deterring potential buyers and finding yourself waiting a long time for the possibility of a sale.

In these situations, it’s always a great idea to employ an RICS-accredited surveyor to carry out a valuation. With a much lower price than a homebuyer’s report, a valuation is an important step in finding out how to sell your house without an agent.

Choosing the right path

Many vendors choose to employ the services of auction houses in an effort to sell fast. However, it’s important to remember that most buyers at auctions are there because they’re looking for a bargain. While unusual homes and derelict houses at the lower end of the scale tend to make the seller (and auctioneer) a lot of money, an average standard house is liable to perform less well during the bidding process.

Even if you set your reserve price at the price point advised by your surveyor, many auctioneers will forgo the chance of including your home in their auction if they feel the price won’t entice enough potential buyers. It’s also worth remembering that auctioneers make a great deal of money in commission from both the seller and the buyer if the property sells – and even if your house does not sell during the auction, you would still liable for the attached administration fees.

Luckily, there are alternatives. Online property portals such as Purplebricks or Tepilo offer you the chance to sell your home through their websites at a fixed fee, rather than a percentage-based fee with an agent. However, as with many great offers, there are strings attached.

Many property portals require you to use their services for valuations – services that have, on many occasions, required additional fees. There have also been numerous complaints against Purplebricks that have been upheld by the advertising watchdog regarding misleading marketing claims. For example, the obscuration of the fact that the fixed fee itself is payable whether or not your house manages to sell, and their 2016 claim to save a vendor an average of £4,158 in fees versus standard estate agents, which was heavily criticised due to the fact that the claim was based on commission figures published five years previously.

Ultimately, any company that is willing to help you sell your house is doing so with the aim of making a profit – and so it is up to the client to read the small print before deciding to sign on the dotted line.

Cheaper alternatives?

If you wish to find out how to sell your house yourself without having to deal with additional commission fees, there are better options, and these are house buying companies.

Companies such as National Homebuyers offer you the chance to sell your home in as little as seven days – great for those who need to move house fast due to a change in personal circumstances. With a small upfront fee that is refunded upon completion of the sale, National Homebuyers will buy any house for cash, regardless of condition or location for a competitive price – even offering the seller additional financial support to cover any legal fees associated with the sale.

With an ever-increasing number of satisfied customers, why not make an enquiry and see how easy the house selling process can be?

Prefer to avoid estate agents? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

Lengthier mortgage terms on the rise for potential buyers

As properties become less affordable for prospective buyers, the number of applications for 35-year mortgages are increasing dramatically.

For many first-time buyers in today’s housing market, the ability to secure a mortgage by raising the necessary funds for a deposit is considered a major triumph. However, with ever-increasing prices, the crowning achievement of becoming a homeowner is slowly turning into a pyrrhic victory.

For decades, the longest mortgage term for the majority of buyers stood at 25 years, with many new owners opting for even shorter terms. For those in low paying jobs, however, certain banks began offering potential purchasers the option of a 35-year mortgage in an effort to encourage borrowing and further their profits.

As late as 2006, the percentage of mortgages with 35-year terms still stood at a minimal 13.8%. But by 2016, that number had sky-rocketed to a shocking 30% according to new figures released by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Freedom of Information Act,

Experts within the industry believe that this research reinforces the idea that home ownership is becoming an increasingly exclusive club. And even those who are able to buy are finding themselves at a marked financial disadvantage compared to those who bought a decade previously.

The issue is not just isolated to first-time buyers either. More than seven in ten mortgage brokers have disclosed that there has been a stark increase in demand for 35-year loans in recent years.

On average, the percentage of all mortgages with a 35-year term across the country reached 13.5% in 2016, an increase of 9.7% since 2006.

“The majority of brokers (62%) and lenders (68%) agree that longer term mortgages are an essential option for aspiring homeowners and would argue that this is a response to reality and remains responsible lending,” said Peter Williams, executive director of the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association.

“However, this in no way lets the government off the hook in needing to act swiftly to address the housing crisis.”

Due to a lack of new-build homes, high purchase prices and minimal wage growth, these figures suggest that the housing market could ultimately reach a point in the future where it is inaccessible to potential first-time buyers.

This is also bad news for any current homeowners who are looking to sell their house fast, as any reduction in the number of new buyers entering the market limits the likelihood of an efficient sale within a reasonable timeframe, and this subsequent lack of activity could conceivably lead to a weakened economy.

Need to sell? Fast? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

How to sell your house quickly

So, you’ve decided to sell. But what steps can you take to ensure that you find a buyer within a reasonable time-frame?

Moving home is hardly the most stress-free experience for the majority of us. Once the initial excitement of deciding to sell and move on has died down, we’re left with the task of ensuring that we gain offers similar to our asking price.

Once the property is on the market, the first week or so can be a little exciting as you wait for that first viewing to get booked. Once you get to the third or fourth week without hearing anything from your agent, however, the insecurities can begin to set in.

You may even begin to ask yourself if the agent is pulling their weight with regard to the sale – or maybe it’s the house itself? As time passes, the stress begins to occupy every waking moment as you edge ever further towards the day when you consider dropping the asking price to encourage buyers and ask yourself “Could I have done more earlier on to ensure that I sell my house fast?”

And for many vendors, the answer is a simple ‘yes’. Luckily, you don’t necessarily need a degree in marketing to help the odds play out in your favour.

In order to sell your house fast, it’s often worth harking back to the perspective you personally held when you bought your own home. For many people, despite the scale of the potential purchase, the decision to buy is often made within an hour of viewing a house – so what can you do to maximise your home’s desirability to a buyer?

Choose your season

For those who wish to know how to sell a house fast, it’s worth biding your time until the majority of buyers are looking. So, when is it best to place your home on the market?

During the winter, the shorter days and poor weather can make any house look a little dreary, and there are few vendors or buyers looking to sell over the Xmas period. During summer, a large number of parents are busy looking after their children while they’re off school, and many people are busy planning a getaway to sunny locations abroad.

Traditionally, the best times to sell are during either spring or autumn. The kids are in school, and there’s still enough sunlight to flaunt the attractive external aspects of your home and garden – but more importantly, these are the seasons during which the bulk of potential buyers are active.

Clean and declutter

No matter how you decorate your home while you live there, remember that when you are selling, you are advertising. Knowing how to sell your house quickly comes down to helping potential buyers feel comfortable with the thought of living there.

A house which is unkempt or full of clutter will barely gain a second’s thought from the majority of buyers – especially when they most likely have several other properties to view that week.

It is also worth remembering that applying a little elbow grease around the property can’t hurt either:

• Have the windows been cleaned recently?
• Could the front door benefit from a quick re-varnishing?
• Are there walls inside that could enjoy a fresh lick of paint to make them look their best?
• Have you weeded the garden and driveway for their arrival?

Nobody expects you to pull off a TV-style makeover, but a little effort goes a long way.

Use natural light

During viewings, make sure that you keep curtains drawn back, blinds rolled up, and that they are scheduled when the sun is out. Natural light helps a house feel more spacious and airy and you should use it to your advantage.

Maintain showroom quality

It’s not easy to keep your house looking perfect 24/7, even when you’re trying to sell – but it is important to try. Cleaning as you go is a great way to avoid being caught off-guard by a surprise viewing on short-notice – and learning how to deal with surprise appointments is a great way to learn how to sell a house fast.

Promote your neighbourhood

When we purchase a home, we usually have to factor in the additional benefits its location presents. Sometimes we buy because of its proximity to local amenities such as shops and leisure facilities, other times it’s because it happens to be in the same district as a renowned local school.

Whatever your reasons were for originally purchasing your house, make sure that you pass on this information to your agent, or through a welcome pack for potential buyers to read while they come for a viewing, reminding them that the services on your doorstep are part of what makes your home such as bargain.

Be prepared to say goodbye to certain appliances

Sometimes we love to indulge ourselves with a few fitted appliances in either our bathrooms or kitchens that really make living in our homes a joy. When we move, however, it can be quite tempting to bring that luxurious gas fire, expensive oven or fridge/freezer with us.

Nevertheless, if those appliances are a focal point of the décor in your home, most buyers would assume that they are included in the asking price – learning to let go of some of your favourite purchases is an important part of learning how to sell your house quickly.

Know when it’s time to reduce your price

You could have the perfect home, the perfect location, and the perfect time of year – but sometimes, luck just isn’t on your side. Knowing when to lower the price of your home is an important part of the house-selling process – and if approached with a strategic mindset, can really help encourage buyers.

Therefore, before you place your home on the market make a decision at which point you would consider lowering the price, and also by how much.

While we all aim to achieve our original asking price, it’s important to temper expectations with reality, and don’t forget, it’s better to lower the price earlier before the home has been on the market so long that buyers begin to question its saleability.

Gain additional planning permission

Does your home offer a number of opportunities for extending? If done correctly, adding an extension to a home is usually a sure-fire way to guarantee a greater return on your investment.

Sadly, many of us do not necessarily have the financial reserves for extending our homes – but the people who are considering buying your home, however, may have deeper pockets. Take advantage of this by gaining planning permission for any possible extensions and make sure that you notify any interested parties to make buying your home seem an even more attractive proposition.

Are there any tips and tricks that can be used to sell my house fast?”

Most people try to be as objective as possible during viewings – tallying the number of rooms needed, checking for ample storage space, as well as deciding whether or not the garden is big enough.

What many viewers don’t realise is that it’s often the subjective, subliminal side of their minds that help them settle on a potential purchase. So why not try the following?

• Don’t let an amateur take photographs of your home. The photos are the first thing a buyer will see at the agents, and great photos can make your small family home look palatial.
• Turn on the central heating 2-3 hours before they arrive – warmth can easily sway a buyer’s opinion in your favour.
• Spray a little furniture polish on the radiators while they’re heating up – the scent often evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort.
• A bowl of fresh fruit, or a pot of freshly brewed coffee on display can easily encourage a buyer to see your house as a home.
• Clear drains using caustic soda to eliminate any smells from bathrooms and kitchens that may otherwise deter those looking to buy.
• Try to use a combination of secondary lighting such as floor lamps as opposed to a single fixed ceiling light to prevent the rooms from feeling too sterile.
• Add a few plants in and around communal areas. A bit of nature can add a little variation to your standard décor.

Of course, you can make all the effort in the world to make your home look beautiful, but it’s all for nothing unless you have a good agent – so ask around and make sure you find the right one for you.

If you do need to sell your house fast and would prefer not to deal with estate agents, however, remember that you can always use property buying companies who will buy any home, regardless of location or condition, at a competitive price.

Looking to sell your home? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

Bank of mum and dad now covering rent payments

As the affordability of buying a house continues to decrease, new research has shown that younger people are now finding it just as hard to afford rental payments without parental aid.

For years now, parents have been helping their offspring to gain a foothold on the property ladder by helping to pay for the necessary deposit. As a result, the government has come under fire numerous times from both younger generations who would relish the opportunity to buy houses without additional help, and from older generations who find themselves having to work for longer in order to help their children afford the aforementioned down-payment.

However, while many within the property industry have been waiting for wages to go up in order for housing to become more affordable, new figures released by Legal & General have shown that the situation has become even worse – with parental donations now extending to covering their children’s rent.

For those who are still wondering whether they will ever be able to afford a home, the mere fact that it is 2017 and a large number of young people are having to borrow from their parents just to keep a roof over their head must feel nothing short of devastating.

This year alone, the bank of mum and dad have been responsible for £2.3 billion worth of rent payments across the UK, and when this is combined with £6.5 billion they are paying towards their children’s deposits and mortgage repayments, it certainly begs the question, how much worse can it get?

Even for young homeowners who are already on the property ladder, worries are being compounded by the possibility of negative equity if their worst fears are realised once Brexit is completed – making many question the intrinsic value of their house.

“The lack of affordable housing, low wage growth relative to inflation and burdens of student debt mean that many kids can’t even rent somewhere without significant contributions from their family,” said Dan Batterton, a fund manager at Legal & General.

“Parents want to help their kids get on in life, and the bank of mum and dad is a testament to their generosity.”

The greatest issue for the majority of the public is the knock-on effect from this research, as established homeowners who need to sell their house fast are finding that without a vast reduction in their asking prices, they are unable to sell in the desired short time-frame due to a lack of buyers.

With millennials paying on average over £44,000 more in rent by the age of 30 than those in the baby boomer generation, for those looking to escape the rent-trap the light at the end of the tunnel is getting dimmer by the day.

Failing to attract buyers? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

Who pays the commission when you sell a house?

When property changes hands, it’s not always straightforward how the associated fees are calculated – and to whom they are paid. The situation is made even worse when you realise that different methods of selling a home demand different types of fees, so it can often feel like a figurative minefield.

No matter which process you choose when you decide to move house, the individuals who take care of the marketing, conveyancing and orchestration of the sale will require payment. Some of these fees will be paid by the buyer, while others are handled by the vendors.

In this blog, we will examine the most common methods used to sell, and find out who pays the commission when you actually sell a house.

Estate agents

An estate agent’s job is to make your home appear as saleable as possible. They are also responsible for ensuring that your home is viewed by the target market. Once a sale has been completed, payment for their services is due – but who pays the estate agent?

In nearly all cases, it is the responsibility of the buyer to pay for conveyancing, solicitor fees, Land Registry searches and valuation fees. The commission earnt by the estate agent, however, is paid by the seller. But exactly how much is an estate agent’s commission?

Although there are occasional variations from agent to agent, the standard fee would account for between 0.75% and 3.00% of the final sale price (plus VAT). Due to the difference in value between houses, a percentage-based fee ensures cheaper houses enjoy cheaper commission fees, and vice versa.

Auction houses

For auction houses, the situation tends to be a little more complex – so who pays the commission when you sell a house through an auctioneer?

Firms who run property auctions find their line of work to be a lot more lucrative than an estate agents’, as both the buyer and the seller have a commission fee to pay.

For buyers, the standard commission rate lies around 10% of the final selling price. For vendors, however, this fee can range from as little as 8%, all the way up to 30% – and it’s important to remember that VAT will also be added to these premiums.

Online portals

With fierce levels of competition, many online companies such as Purplebricks or eMoov have often vied for business through the use of flat-rate commissions, no matter the size or location of the house in question. While this may be great news for those with more expensive homes, those vendors on the lower end of the scale may find the marketing a little less attractive. For these reasons, it’s often a great idea to find out how much your home is worth before choosing the best method for selling.

House-buying companies

For many vendors, the need to sell fast is essential. This can be due to a change in home life circumstances, or simply due to a job in a new location. Luckily, most house-buying companies adapt the motto ‘we guarantee to buy any home’, and as a result, will be happy to offer competitive offers for your house regardless of location or circumstance – often with zero fees.

Prefer to avoid costly estate agency fees? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

First homes becoming a distant dream for younger generations

The recent English Housing Survey carried out by the UK government has painted a truly depressing picture for prospective house buyers across the country, as the true scale of rising property prices is revealed.

As younger generations slowly begin to increase their proportion of the UK population, we have begun to see more and more stories regarding the difficult task of securing a first home.

For the last 15 years, many older generations have been quick to designate young people as ‘lazy’ and ‘unwilling to put in the work’ for their inability to afford a property. However, as a growing number of millennials reach the age at which it was once customary to look for a house of their own, reality has started to rear its ugly head.

Once upon a time, buying a home as a single person in their early twenties on an average salary was almost considered a rite of passage. With high wages and low property values, an easily affordable two-bed ‘starter’ home helped first-time buyers to find their feet in an increasingly fast-paced world and help their wealth grow.

Flash-forward a generation, and that same single person on an average salary could not even conceive of such a purchase. In fact, the recent survey carried out on behalf of the government has found that most first-time buyers are in their mid-thirties, and 74% of those individuals have only managed to raise the necessary deposit if they are in a couple and are able to combine their incomes.

In the late 90s, there were on average 922,000 first-time purchases per year – today, that number lies around 675,000. Furthermore, the number of first-time buyers aged 16-24 has dropped by more than half. For older homeowners who need to sell their house fast, this is bad news, as fewer potential buyers are able to enter the market place.

Pulling the trigger?

Of course, with a country currently facing a long period of uncertainty due to the falling value of the pound along with an unclear path through the triggering of Article 50, many younger people are weary of purchasing a home in the next few years due to the off-chance that they will find themselves in negative equity if fears regarding the failing state of the economy continue to be realised.

For the average young person, unless they have managed to find themselves working in a field that pays high wages, the future remains bleak as it becomes clearer that upward social mobility is becoming increasingly unlikely, and taxes continue to be directed towards supporting the pensions of those generations who enjoyed the post-WW2 economic boom.

As always, the answer lies in the construction of more freehold new-build estates, and an economic revolution that provides the opportunity for higher wage growth, not just in the capital but across the whole of the UK.

“Today’s English Housing Survey is a stark reminder of our national housing crisis,” said Debbie Larner from the Chartered Institute of Housing.

“’Affordable housing is increasingly out of reach for millions of people all over the country.”

Can’t find a buyer? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

Mortgage approvals fall to nine-month low

Mortgage approval figures have fallen for the ninth month in a row, as inflation, rising house prices and wage stagnation continue to blight the housing industry.

Many within the housing industry are at odds with one another with regards to the new figures released by the UK trade body UK Finance.

The report has detailed that as of June, gross mortgage borrowing has continued to rise – 6% higher than the same time in 2016 – but the number of mortgage approvals have slipped for the ninth month in a row.

With low interest rates, mortgage providers are currently offering excellent deals on fixed-rate deals, and these packages have been designed to tempt potential homebuyers into pulling the trigger while the market seems buoyant.

However, the stark difference between the increase in total mortgage borrowing and decrease in mortgage approvals have given experts much cause for concern.

Representatives from various lenders have been quick to thank the ‘resilient’ housing market for the increase in money borrowed. They are, however, failing to realise the dangers of a reduction in the number of transactions and what this could mean for the industry in the future.

The economic squeeze

With the outcome of Brexit hanging over the heads of the British population, combined with the high rates of inflation reducing the value of the pound, it seems that for now at least, UK consumers are choosing to bide their time when it comes to large purchases such as homes and cars.

“The fundamentals for house buyers are likely to remain weak over the coming months with consumers’ purchasing power continuing to be squeezed by inflation running higher than earnings growth,” said Howard Archer, chief economic advisor for EY Item Club.

“It is also very possible that the labour market will increasingly falter despite its current resilience.”

Moreover, it’s not just the total mortgage borrowing rates that have increased, as credit card borrowing has also increased by 5.5% over the past year.

These divisive figures make it clear from a macro perspective that a large proportion of the British public are being forced to borrow money for purchases that just ten years ago could be afforded through everyday savings.

But what about those who wish to sell their house fast?

In the near future at least, current homeowners are finding themselves having to stay-put unless the move is unavoidable.

With falling levels of mortgage approvals and ever-increasing house prices in a world where wages are failing to match up, those who need to sell may have to prepare themselves for a long wait as the pool of available buyers continues to dry up.

Need a quick house sale? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

When is the best time to sell a home?

As many property professionals can testify, the housing market can be volatile – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you could take to maximise your chances of a quick house sale.

The period between the day you place your home on the market and the day you finally sell can be a nightmare. Sellers often find that the daily regime of keeping the property at ‘showroom’ levels of cleanliness can drive them mad – and that’s without the ritual of waiting by the phone after a viewing for that all-important call.

If you are looking to sell, surely then, it would make sense to try and reduce the length of that time period and sell your house fast. Luckily, those who have spent any length of time in the industry will soon learn when to sell a home with regards to seasons – and the differences can be staggering.

When’s the worst time to sell a property?

Despite the differences between us all, most members of society tend to have similar routines throughout the year – and as a result, it’s clear there are times when you should avoid trying to sell:

• Parents tend to be busiest during summer and Christmas thanks to the horror of having the kids at home 24/7, and they can’t imagine dealing with the stress of looking for a new home.
• Many workers aged 18-45 tend to go on holiday during the summer – and with the steadily rising prices, it’s unlikely they will have too much spare cash at that time of year even when they get back.
• During the darker months, a house can lose its ability to impress potential buyers, yet this is academic as most potential house buyers would prefer to avoid house-hunting whilst it’s cold out anyhow.

So, when is the best time to sell a home?

We know from the above reasons that it’s best to avoid both summer and winter – but what are the advantages of putting your home on the market during spring?

• The longer days allow more potential buyers to view your home in all its glory without rushing.
• The newly blossoming trees and flowering shrubbery in your garden can be a big pull for many buyers.
• Parents whose children are coming up to school age will always aim to move into their preferred school district ahead of time, and before the kids break up for summer.
• You can always guarantee that more people will be browsing the property market during spring.

Another great time to sell is autumn. It may not be spring, but the browns and reds on the trees always offer romanticised imagery for those people looking for a place to call home. By the time autumn comes around, the excitement of summer has faded, and there’s still plenty of time before Christmas so many buyers will be looking to make an offer and complete before the end of the year.

Why is it important to learn when to sell a property?

In a word, stagnation. If you place your home on the market in mid-November, you may still be looking for a buyer by the time February arrives – and this often makes buyers question why the house has been on the market for so long.

Does it have structural issues? Are the owners a nightmare to deal with? Is it overvalued? It doesn’t take much to scare off buyers, and nobody wants to buy a house that won’t sell.

Luckily, the seasonal differences in the housing market do not vary between regions, so you should be able to sell within 4-6 weeks during the stronger months – so there is little to no reason to take a chance at other times.

Is your house failing to sell? Even during the busy months? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

Number of hopeful first-time buyers living with parents is on the rise

With no other option, potential buyers from younger generations have found themselves having to move back into their parents’ homes to generate the necessary income for a deposit.

There’s no doubt in the current economic climate that it’s tough for those looking to buy their first home. With high prices and low wages, it can sometimes feel like you’re standing at the bottom of a towering mountain with little hope of ever reaching the summit.

The obvious response to this situation for potential buyers is to limit their expenses, and according to new research by Aldermore Bank, many are opting to move back in with their parents to save the necessary cash.

With figures from 2016 showing that 25% of all purchases by UK home buyers now involve the bank of mum and dad to some extent (pumping some £5 billion into the market), it’s clear that young generations are still desperate for help.

The greatest issue, however, is that returning to live with one another once again now that all members of the household are adults means that both parties have to deal with a negative fallout from both a financial and emotional standpoint, and therein lies the problem.

For the children, now adults, having to move back into their parent’s homes has left them experiencing feelings of failure and self-resentment, while their parents have to deal with increasing demands on their household budget, and an inability to enjoy their later years the way they had planned.

Many families have found that the new living arrangements have created a decline in life satisfaction and a damaged emotional bond between parent and child.

The extra costs alone add up to an average of £4,996 for mum and dad per year, and this is hampering their ability to realistically save enough for their pension in later life.

“Our report reveals just how difficult this can be to navigate, with a real impact not just on parent’s finances but also on the relationship with their children and their own ability to save,” said Charles McDowell, commercial director for mortgages at Aldermore.

“Furthermore, as parents are less able to save for their retirement, more people will require help to unlock the value held within their property in later life. This is an intergenerational problem that goes beyond the simple view of the Bank of Mum and Dad.”

Industry experts believe that without a substantial investment into the housing industry for new-builds or the appointment of a new housing minister who truly understands the scale of the problem, the crisis will not only affect younger generations, but also those who are looking to sell their house fast in order to downsize during old age.

Worried about being able to sell? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

London Property Slowdown Effects Estate Agents Profits

London’s property slowdown is having a detrimental effect on London estate agent Foxtons. Their revenue from selling houses has almost halved in the final quarter of 2016. Foxtons has announced that in the final quarter of last year they achieved a revenue of only £26m. This figure is down a quarter in the same period of 2015.

For the whole of 2016 Foxtons revenues were recorded to be £133m. This is an 11% drop from their achieved revenue in the year before.

But it’s not just the property slowdown in London that has caused this fall in revenue, all UK estate agents are feeling the strain following uncertainty caused by the EU referendum and higher stamp duty rates.

The chief executive, Nic Budden, says this may just be the start of a difficult year. Here is his statement to shareholders:

“Despite a challenging year across the residential property markets, we have continued to make good progress in respect of our strategic initiatives, including building our presence in the private rental sector and new homes, and leveraging our technology using data analytics and digital marketing to enhance our customer proposition.

“We also opened seven new branches in 2016 and a further two branches in outer London are due to open in Q1 2017.

“Looking ahead, we expect trading conditions to remain challenging in 2017. Should current levels of sales activity continue in the short term, it is likely that 2017 volumes will be below those in 2016. Our balanced business model provides resilience against sales market cycles and we have a strong balance sheet with no debt.

“Our high-touch approach to customer service continues to be a key differentiator and as the most recognised residential brand in London, we are uniquely positioned to manage through the market uncertainties and take advantage of any change in conditions.”

National Homebuyers – We Buy Any House

National Homebuyers are a UK based property buyer who really do buy any house or property! In fact, we will buy anything, absolutely anything! Whether it is a house, flat or bungalow we will buy it!

If you are looking for a fast house sale then we are here to help you. Our team of property experts are always on hand to share their expertise with you and help you achieve your aim of selling your house fast in a time scale that suits you, and not us. So if you want a we guarantee to buy any home service, then give us a call on 08000 443 911.

Get your no obligation cash offer now by using the Get Offer on the right-hand side of this page and take the hassle out of selling your home!

National Cash Buyers Broaden Their House Search

In the latest Market Insight from Hamptons International, they have shown that UK cash buyers are now starting to broaden their horizons when it comes to buying a house.

The report shows that there were 92,845 cash only house transactions in the UK in the third quarter of 2016. This figure is a 5% fall compared with the same period last year.

This seems to be part of a consistent trend in the reduction of national cash buyers in the market since 2014.

This decline in the reduction of cash buyers seems to be the highest in the most expensive areas of the UK. Broken down into regions, the report shows that in the South East, the number of cash buyers fell by 13% compared with 2015: in the East, it fell by 11% and in London by 9%.

In the past national cash buyers would generally buy property in and around the UK region they currently lived in. However, this report shows that in 2016 Cash buyers are broadening their horizons on their search for a home. Back in 2013 83% of national cash buyers bought in the same region they came from, but in 2016 this figure has fallen by 5% to 78%.
London cash buyers have now set their sights further afield in the search for debt-free homes.

The South West has seen an increase in the proportion of London cash buyers buying there. In 2013, only 7% of London cash buyers bought a home there but this has now grown to 10% in 2016. Similarly, only 2% of London cash buyers bought a home in the North in 2010 but this has now grown to 8%. South East national cash buyers also show a similar trend.

Here is the full Market Insight from Hamptons International

Selling at Christmas – the best or worst time to market property?

The Christmas period has long been associated with a lack of activity within the property market – but an increasing number of potential buyers are spending the festive season house-hunting online. Wait for the new year and you could be missing out on some great opportunities.

In the last 15 years, there has been a huge increase in the use of websites that allow buyers to preview properties from a variety of estate agents. For many, this increased accessibility has made the stress so often associated with house-hunting a thing of the past – and these property websites aren’t just making the process of searching easier, but also changing the way we go about it.

For years, the Christmas period has been linked to a slowdown in the buying and selling process, with professionals advising sellers to wait until the new year to put their home up for sale. But new figures from leading property website Rightmove have indicated that the festive season is fast becoming one of the busiest periods for online viewings by UK home buyers.

With 14 million views alone on Christmas day in 2014 and a further 25 million on Boxing Day, there are those clearly less interested in the festivities, and more interested in getting ahead of the game. After all, there are few opportunities throughout the year when one can enjoy a prolonged break from work, sit down with a glass of wine at midday and browse everything the property market has to offer from the comfort of an armchair.

So, how can you make the Christmas period work for you? With increased online activity comes increased competition, so use the countdown to Christmas to get your house in top physical condition and ensure any photos used to advertise your property are handled by a professional who knows how to get the best out of your home’s aesthetics – and for external shots, don’t forget to rake the leaves from the garden and take advantage of the picturesque wintry light.

Plus, if time is a factor and you’re looking to sell your house fast, professional property buying companies such as National Homebuyers can help you move things along and get you a cash offer in place before the New Year.

If your looking for a sale house fast company then get n contact with National Homebuyers for advice, as we guarantee to buy any home. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

What does Trump’s election victory mean for the UK housing market?

As anti-Trump rallies are held across the US in reaction to the stunning result of the presidential election, UK economists and property selling experts find themselves experiencing a feeling of unease about the future of British markets.
To state that Donald Trump’s victory against Hillary Clinton was a shock may well be the understatement of the century. As the UK celebrates losing the crown of the most controversial vote of the year to the US, it leaves us pondering the knock-on effects of the contentious billionaire becoming the most powerful man on earth.

For the housing market in the UK, it seems to be a case of sitting, biting our nails and hoping that the cards fall in our favour. Those looking to sell their homes fast may find themselves looking towards property buying companies in an effort to strike before they lose too much of their house’s value.

Trump’s win was seen by many as the ultimate anti-establishment vote against a deeply unpopular politician. Clinton is viewed by a large percentage of the population as untrustworthy; and a symbol of all that is wrong with the culture on Capitol Hill.

Across America, low-paid workers are celebrating at the proposition of manufacturing jobs returning home, while the increased taxes on Chinese imports will urge consumers to buy US-made products. Sadly, however, with the increase in automation of low-paid jobs from factories and drivers, it is unlikely there will be any jobs left upon their return.

Furthermore, with Putin stating upon Trump’s victory that he is ready to fully reinstate diplomatic and trade ties with the US, the American public see this as a way to avert any future military action between the two super-powers. Yet many others believe this is the first step for the withdrawal of the US from both NATO and the United Nations, while allowing Russia to gain the support it needs to recover former Soviet states back from Europe.

For the GOP, the win means retaining a majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as another stab at the White House. For the DNC, however, the painful loss will not be forgotten easily – especially considering the imbalance of support shown for Hillary over the more progressive and popular candidate Bernie Sanders (a man whose approval rating is one of the highest in Congress). In hindsight, many believe that Sanders would have been a shoe-in for the presidency had he been the DNC’s priority, but the influence and power of the Clintons ensured that this would never happen.

But what about the UK? Global markets reacted with a sharp fall upon the election announcement, but this fall is expected to stabilise over time, much like Brexit. However, as Trump was a big supporter of the UK’s choice to leave the EU, it is entirely possible that stronger trade ties between the US and UK will develop. But then, as the majority of imports arrive from Eastern Asia, the benefits of any supposed deal are hard to gauge at this point.

The UK has historically been used as a ‘middle-man’ by both EU countries and the US, but with Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union, many believe that the America’s need for a ‘special relationship’ with Britain may not be a priority for Trump anymore.

The president-elect himself has called the deeply unpopular Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal a “rape of our country”, a sentiment echoed by many in the UK – but his emphasis on aiding American industry as opposed to strengthening ties with Western Europe could lead to a reduced level of globalisation, reducing business opportunities for the UK and thus impacting on all our markets, including housing.

There’s also the weak British pound and a lack of consumer confidence due to the Brexit referendum, as well as the potential change in international relations with China, the US; and the EU itself could go either way. So will we enjoy a commercial and industrial renaissance across the country? Or are we facing a depressive period devoid of economic growth? Only time will tell.

Worried about your home’s value after global changes? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

Is Manchester the new London?

As companies and young professionals turn away from the capital and head towards Manchester, the large northern city is seeing the creation of its own property bubble.
For years now, the media has been awash with stories discussing the rise of house prices in London and how more and more people are forced to commute to its centre from its periphery. We all know why – and that’s because of the growing gap between wages and property prices.

In these reports, London is often compared with northern cities such as Liverpool and Manchester where living costs are generally lower and the standard of life on a lower income is much higher… but something strange has started happening over the last decade. The percentage of home ownership in Manchester dropped from 72% in April 2003 to 58% in February 2016 – a staggering drop of 14%.

This situation has led to many property buying experts scratching their heads trying to figure out what is going on. According to Rightmove, the online property portal, the majority of sales for the previous year were not houses, but flats – with many buyers being young professionals who are forgoing the chance of having a family to focus on their careers. And with the 2011 census showing a decline of households based around families in the city, the need for a large house is unnecessary.

The interesting part is that most of the young professionals in Manchester are still renting properties due to its large graduate population, with a 14% increase in the number of renters since 2003. While this situation should ultimately lead to house prices dropping as demand plunges, Manchester may simply become the next London – due to its ever-increasing population – with foreign investors driving prices up even further.

Worryingly for those looking to move to Manchester, the aforementioned outcome is becoming increasingly likely, with large businesses foregoing the capital in favour of cheaper land and commercial property in the north. Examples include the BBC’s highly publicised move to Salford.

“Manchester city centre had a few thousand people living there a decade ago,” said Dave Power, chief executive of housing association One Manchester.

“That is now tens of thousands, mostly in private rented sector properties reflecting probably the younger population, which has joined Manchester through digital and business jobs.”

For those looking for a fast house sale in the city, options are looking decidedly grim. This is not an issue for vendors who are willing to wait to sell – but there are people who need to move urgently and are facing a huge loss just to sell their house. Luckily, there are property buying companies who buy any home for cash with exceptional customer service, to lend a helping hand.

Worried you’ll lose money on your home? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

Let our friendly sell house fast team guide you through our quick move now  fast house sale process for your city:

• Sell House Fast Manchester
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What does the EU vote mean for the property market?

Misquoted facts and propaganda have been a problem on both sides of the Brexit argument – but for those who own a home or are hoping to buy, which is the best choice?

Today (Thursday 23 June), millions of Brits go to the polls to vote on the issue of remaining in the EU. With both the ‘Remain’ and ‘Leave’ campaigns consistently accused of unsubstantiated claims, it’s often hard to know exactly what the effect an exit would be on UK homeowners and potential buyers.

The ‘Leave’ campaign states that freedom from Brussels will position the UK as a financial powerhouse with a high standard of living and a level of prosperity not seen since the days of the empire. And of course, these claims are rubbished by the ‘Remain’ campaign, with many believing that it will trigger a nationwide recession, dwarfing the economic downfall we suffered almost a decade ago. So who’s right and who’s wrong?

The biggest issue of Brexit is the lack of empirically valid unbiased data. Many Brits believe that the UK is the most important EU state, a statistic that is sadly far off base. In terms of contributions to the EU, we lie in fourth position behind France, Germany and Italy and as a result, the EU is far less dependent on us than we think. And whilst we do contribute heavily each year financially, the savings we would make by leaving are far too small to really aid the country when compared to our annual GDP. Those who wish to leave the EU, however, believe that the amount of money we would gain through long-term trade deals would help the UK increase funding for the NHS, property development and education.

The problem is that on both sides of the argument, many are voting on issues of contention such as immigration and the dream of being independent, while ignoring the more subtle issues that would impact UK property owners and investors long-term.

It is also important to take note of events outside of the capital, as much of the regeneration in the north of England stems from EU legislation and funding that has allowed for greater investment in more areas of the UK. So many ‘Remain’ campaigners believe that voting to leave the EU will simply lead to a reduction in funding for towns and cities outside of the south east.

‘Leave’ campaigners, on the other hand, take the view that thanks to the funding, these cities are prospering successfully already and will continue to do so, using events such as the BBC’s move to Manchester as proof.

For those in the property market, experts believe a vote for ‘Leave’ will lead to one of two scenarios. The first is that overseas buyers will fail to see the attraction of the purchasing in London thanks to recent changes in tax and will instead invest in other European cities, leaving the capital as a property ‘ghost town’ with prices nobody domestically can afford.

The other scenario is that the value of the pound sterling will fall so dramatically that interest rates will rise to a point that is untenable for most looking to buy a home, further dampening the market. Many UK property experts believe that prices could fall as far as 30% if the Brexit occurs, leaving vendors looking for a fast house sale in a precarious position.

Those who wish to leave, however, see the situation differently. Even with talks of a possible exit, house prices have continued to rise – so why would they not continue to do so, considering the property market is largely driven by consumer confidence? Moreover, since we entered the European Economic Community, the number of new homes being built has continued to fall, and with the new found wealth and improved economy we would enjoy, more houses would be developed and those looking to get on the property ladder would most definitely find it easier.

Unfortunately, the only way to find out whether the UK would benefit from its independence is by taking the plunge and voting ‘Leave’ – but if the negative forecasts regarding our financial security are correct, the decision will have already been made and there would be no going back – and therein lies the problem.

Remaining in the EU means we have a good idea of what the future holds, whereas leaving the EU is a gamble – and for those who have much to lose, such as homeowners, the risk may not be worth taking.

Hoping to sell your home quickly? Why not ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

National Homebuyers Customer Survey

National Homebuyers polled a series of customers who have recently contacted us for a quick cash offer for their property. The below infographic is a representation of this information we gathered from this customer poll.

Ever fancied owning a village? For a cool £20m, you can…

The village of West Heslerton, near Malton in North Yorkshire, has officially gone on sale to prospective buyers after over 150 years of family ownership.

When Eve Dawnay sadly passed away in 2010, the village that had been passed down from generation to generation for a century-and-a-half faced an unsure future. Eve inherited it from her father in the mid-1960s and managed to gain the respect of local people with her generously low rental prices. Those who lived alongside her remember her fondly, but many are fearful of the possibility of rising costs once new owners are found.

The village itself hosts 43 houses, a pub and restaurant, playing fields and a sports pavilion, along with the beautiful 21-bedroom West Heslerton Hall. A popular figure among locals since moving into a smaller four-bedroom house in the village centre, Ms Dawnay died without an heir and as a result the village was passed down to beneficiaries.

“Miss Dawnay was a wonderful lady,” said Tom Watson of Cundalls estate agency. “She was very kind and the property rents are, and have always been, very low.”

For many, the charm of the area has been its lack of modernisation over the last 50 years, but with potential investors showing an interest in its purchase, the likelihood of further development is a distinct possibility. With over 2000 acres of undeveloped countryside, residents are hoping that the incoming buyer will share Eve’s hopes and vision for the village, ensuring that local life can carry on untouched by the outside world and without the risk of rental prices being hiked.

The new owner(s) can expect an annual income of £388,000 from rent and agricultural subsidies, but that is likely to increase if further development is carried out. Eve’s sister Verena moved to London once she turned 18, but still considers being raised in West Heslerton a privilege and a blessing. However, she agrees that times have changed and understands that seeing new life breathed into the local community could benefit the residents further.

“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity – I just hope we can find the perfect buyer,” added Tom Watson.

Wondering about the future of your own property, or fancy a swift lifestyle change? Ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property

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How will the 2016 Budget affect the property market?

George Osborne’s budget has left the future of the property market on shaky ground, with an emphasis on increasing transaction fees – forcing potential homebuyers to pay higher rents and spend longer saving for a deposit, despite the new Lifetime ISA scheme due in 2017.

In his eighth budget since the Conservative party came to power, George Osborne was under pressure to direct more funding into property development, after new research began to reveal the effects of his previous funding cuts. When the Tories came to power, one of their key commitments was to increase housing investments in an effort to keep the property market open to younger and less wealthy prospective UK homeowners.

Unfortunately, as of 2010, levels of home ownership have dropped sharply and Osborne has done little to address the situation. While 300,000 fewer first time buyers are entering the market versus previous years, the UK is also facing the slowest rate of new-build homes in almost a century – and as a result many are finding themselves stuck in the rent cycle. For many within the industry, this year’s budget needed to tackle the lack of investment head-on or risk a further demand on the government for housing benefit as rental prices soar to accommodate the increase in stamp duty proposed for April.

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So how did Osborne do? Well, many were hoping that the stamp duty increase would be discarded or at the very least postponed, but unfortunately the tax hike will still go ahead next month – and now also includes large-scale purchases for those buying over 15 properties simultaneously. This is bad news for landlords, with a recent survey showing that many plan to quit the sector, limiting the availability of rentable homes. This may drive up rental costs, which in turn will increase the time that prospective home owners will need to acquire the funds necessary for a deposit.

“This policy is misguided as in an attempt to reduce demand by some buyers,” said Lawrence Hall of Zoopla Property Group.“It ignores the fact that the private rental sector provides an essential service for millions of adults who are happy to rent, especially in their 20s and 30s. By hitting the rental sector with higher taxes and lower reliefs, the chancellor is making renting more expensive and getting on the ladder even harder for Generation Rent.”

Many are also worried about the effect this budget will have on foreign investment within the UK, driving them away to countries where transaction costs are lower – but more importantly, it paints a picture of a future where the number of those capable of buying a home will lessen, heavily impacting private sellers looking for a fast house sale.

Are you worried how the budget will affect your house sale? Why not avoid the stress and get a quick sale for cash? We buy any house – so call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

Pace of house prices slows to 6.7% in 2015

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) house prices in the UK rose by 6.7% in 2015. This shows a significant slowdown in UK house prices compared to the 9% rise reported by the ONS in 2014. This represents a fall in value of £18,000 compared to the average home in the UK which was valued at £288,000 at the end of the 2014.

The ONS reported that prices in 2015 increased fastest in Eastern England with a 9.7% increase with Scotland at the other end of the scale with a fell in house prices of 0.2% during 2015.

The breakdown of where house prices rose fastest in 2015 can be seen below:

Looking at other organisations that have made predictions relating to house prices in 2015, we can see that there has been a substantial variation here.

Halifax presented the highest prediction with their published figure of 9.5%, whereas Nationwide Building Society believed the figure was much lower, stating that UK house prices only increased by 4.5%. The ONS, who’s figures are regarded as the most reliable data on house prices, show that both of these predictions are way off the mark.

These figures are a positive sign for UK home-owners but experts are still warning that these increases far outstrips the 2% wage growth figure, meaning a continue housing crisis in the UK.

Jan Crosby, head of housing at accountants KPMG, who believes this crisis will only worsen if the supply of new homes in the UK isn’t increased,  told the Guardian newspaper:

“In 2005, the average price of a home was £186,000 – by 2015 it was £288,000. An increase of more than £100,000, or 55%, in just 10 years is concerning. In 2005, average annual earnings were £18,949 and by 2015 the ONS recorded them as £22,487. If we don’t see reform, in another 10 years the gap between house prices and earnings may have become truly impassable.”

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If you are looking to sell your house fast than we are here to help. Our team of property experts are always on hand to share their expertise with you and help you achieve your aim of selling your house fast in a time scale that suits you and not us. So if you want to sell your house fast than give us a call on 08000 443 911.

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Irish Home Repossessions Rose By 80% in 2015

Home repossessions in Ireland have rose by a massive 80% last year – with an extra 1,500 people declaring themselves homeless.

According to official figures from the Central Bank for the first three quarters of 2015, 564 homes were repossessed up until the end of September 2015. This is a huge increase in repossession compared to 2013 when 313 homes were repossessed in total.

Reacting to theses figures Pat Doyle, CEO of the Peter McVerry Trust has expressed his concern at this spiralling rate of house repossessions. He pointed out that it was Mortgage arrears that was the main reason for these repossessions.

Doyle commented that:

“The number of buy to let properties in arrears remains over 30,000 and we know financial institutions are evicting sitting tenants to secure vacant possession. Many of those tenants will have nowhere to go but into homeless services while the unit they once rented will likely sit empty for a long period of time until the banks see fit to put it on the market.”

With the overall homeless figure continuing to rise as well at the same time in Ireland this could be set to make the homeless figures even worse.

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UK exit from the EU could result in house prices dropping by 5%

Prime Minister David Cameron announced over the weekend that there will be a referendum in the UK to stay or leave the EU on 23 June 2016. Online estate agent eMoov has predicted that if the UK votes to leave the EU than house prices could potentially drop by 5% or more. They believe that it won’t necessarily be leaving the EU itself that could see house prices drop, but the air of uncertainty that will have a detrimental impact on the market.

Since the UK joined the EU in 1973, the average house price has increased by over 2,000%. However this new report by eMoov suggests that a “Brexit” (the term used to described the British exit from the EU) could mean that the average UK homeowner could see their property fall in value by more than £11,000.

In this survey eMoov polled over 1,000 UK homeowners and found 55% of those asked, believed leaving the EU would affect the value of their property. Just over a third (34%) think they could increase; while 21% think they could decrease.

Russell Quirk, Founder and CEO of eMoov.co.uk stated that

“An EU exit would cause a nervous ripple effect across the UK, with homeowners and potential buyers choosing to baton down the hatches and weather the potential uncertain economic storm, before committing to such a notable financial decision.”

He went on to say:

“Should the UK public vote to leave the EU, we believe it could have a detrimental knock on effect to the UK property market. We’ve been part of the EU for over 40 years now, so it’s understandable that such a momentous change will lead to uncertainty amongst the UK public, as to the resulting implications an exit will have on them. This air of uncertainty will lead to inaction amongst those looking to buy and sell and the resulting dwindle in demand, will always lead to a reduction in house prices.”

National Homebuyers – We Buy Any House

National Homebuyers will buy any house or property!

If you are looking to sell your house fast than we are here to help. Our team of property experts are always on hand to share their expertise with you and help you achieve your aim of selling your house fast in a time scale that suits you and not us. So if you want to sell your house fast than give us a call on 08000 443 911.

Get your no obligation instant cash offer now by using the Get Offer on the right hand side of this page.

Repossessions at the lowest they have been for a decade

According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders fewer than one in 1,000 mortgages ended in repossession in 2015. And, with fewer than 1 in 100 mortgages in any sort of arrears, at 0.92% the annual arrears rate is also at its lowest for more than a decade.

At 10,200, the total number of repossessions in 2015 was less than half the number in 2014 – down from 20,900. Caution is needed on the year-on-year comparison, because the timing of some possessions may have been affected by the aftermath of a court case which has been causing lenders to review their processes. However, it is likely that the underlying trend is still emphatically down.

CML economics

Beneath the headline figures, the CML quarterly data shows home-owner mortgage arrears running at 1.03% of all loans at the end of 2015, with buy-to-let at a lower rate of 0.31%, continuing the recent trend of a lower prevalence of arrears in the buy-to-let market.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders quarterly data clearly show repossessions are down, with around 1 repossession per 2,500 mortgages in the buy-to-let market in the fourth quarter of the year, compared with 1 in 5,000 in the home-owner market.

The number of mortgages in the most severe arrears was also showing signs of decreasing. By the end of 2015, 23,700 mortgages were in arrears of 10% or more of the mortgage balance, down from 24,200 at the end of 2014.

Source: CML economics

Commenting on the latest data, Council of Mortgage Lenders director general Paul Smee said:

Of course it is good news that the levels of mortgage arrears and repossessions remain low and falling. But, at the risk of sounding as if we are crying wolf, we would continue to urge all borrowers to plan ahead for a time when the interest rate environment may be less benevolent. Lenders do not wish to see borrowers who  are coping currently  falling into difficulty if and when rates do eventually rise.

National Homebuyers – Stop Repossession Immediately

No matter what stage of the home repossession process you find yourself
at National Homebuyers guarantee to buy your house – the location or the condition does not matter; we buy any house!

If you are concerned about legal fees then there is no need to worry. We understand anyone in this situation does not want to end up paying excessive legal fees and that is why we will even pay up to £1000 of your legal costs*.

To stop repossession apply now for a no-obligation offer to end the perils of repossession and see what the UK’s leading quick property purchase company can do for you now!

We buy any house, regardless of its condition. Contact us today for a fast, no obligation valuation of your home so we can help stop repossession of your home – Fast Cash Offer.

The biggest review into the housing market being launched

A review into the housing market has been launched, spearheaded by Pete Redfern, the chief executive of Britain’s third-biggest house builder Taylor Wimpey. The review, also being backed by John Healey MP, the UK shadow housing minister, aims to be an independent view into the housing market over the next 10 years.

This review will be the first of its kind since Dame Kate Barker, a business economist & former member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, reviewed the housing industry back in 2003.

The Redfern Review will take a hard look at the causes of the recent decline in home-ownership. Labour claims that home ownership in the UK is now at its lowest level for nearly three decades.

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The review will specifically examine this apparent decline in home ownership throughout the UK and highlight the key problem areas fuelling the housing crisis, such as affordability for first-time buyers and housing supply and planning. The findings of this new housing review are expected to be at the core of Labour’s future housing policy.

Addressing delegates at Labour conference John Healey said

“Yet home ownership has fallen each and every year over the last five years.  Now at the lowest level for nearly three decades. And for those under 35, it’s down by over a fifth. George Osborne was right to describe this decline in home ownership as a ‘tragedy’. But it’s happening on his watch. It’s part of his party’s five years of failure,” he added.

Pete Redfern is calling on George Osborne to “rein in” the Help to Buy Scheme. He showed concern that the government’s plan to build more than 200,000 discounted houses for first-time buyers could be in doubt because of confusion about how the scheme would work. He also believes that the Government’s target to build a million homes by 2020 is unachievable and quality will be compromised if the industry does try to meet it.

Mr Redfern was quoted as saying

“It’s not to knock party policy but to question and challenge, and to say ‘this is working really well’, or ‘this isn’t working well but may do in the future’. It’s pointless having the review if you’re not willing to challenge policy.”

He then went on to say

“I have an ambition for a healthy and sustainable housing market that will give current and future generations the opportunity to own their own home. The continued structural decline in home ownership presents a long-term social and economic challenge and necessitates a considered review. This is not about party politics, it affects us all.”

National Homebuyers – We Buy Any House

National Homebuyers are UK property buyers who will buy any house or property!

If you are looking to sell your house fast than we are here to help. Our team of property experts are always on hand to share their expertise with you and help you achieve your aim of selling your house fast in a time scale that suits you. So if you want to sell your house fast than give us a call on 08000 443 911.

Get your no obligation cash offer instantly today by using the Get Offer on the right hand side of this page.

The Only Way Is Up – Property Predictions For 2016

None of us know exactly what lies ahead, but experts always have their views; as do everyday people who like to keep a keen eye on their property prospects and wider finances. A recent survey has asked public opinion on a range of issues, including house prices and salaries – and most predictions involve increases.

According to readers of financial website LoveMoney.com, several aspects of our economy could experience a rise in 2016. More than a fifth of survey respondents agreed with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) that house prices were likely to increase by 6% or more, while nearly half also agreed that they would go up, but probably only by up to 5%.

UK homeowners with tracker mortgages are always keen to keep an eye on the Bank Of England’s base rate, for which a rise has long been anticipated in recent times – and LoveMoney’s reader research revealed expectations of a small increase (0.75%) among 49% of people. However, 33% believe nothing will change.

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Meanwhile, 50% of people believe that inflation will increase by 1%; with incomes optimistically expected by nearly half of survey respondents to increase by 2%. If the latter materialises, it could be good news for those hoping to buy homes, who require proof of a good salary to obtain a mortgage – but will the changes come soon enough for home owners keen to achieve a quick house move?

Opinions on the stock market were more varied, with 33% believing there would be an increase of 5% or less, but other opinion divided between consistency (18%), a fall of 5% (17%), an increase of up to 10% (12%) and other potential changes.

If you’d like to improve your personal financial situation by selling your home, ask National Homebuyers for advice. We’ll buy any property and can help you sell your house quickly.

Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get.

National Homebuyers – We Buy Any House

National Homebuyers are UK property buyers who will buy any house or property!

If you are looking to sell your house fast then we are here to help. Our team of property experts are always on hand to share their expertise with you and help you achieve your aim of selling your house fast in a time scale that suits you and not us. So if you want a to sell your house fast  then give us a call on 08000 443 911.

Get your no obligation cash offer now by using the Get Offer on the right hand side of this page.

How will house sales progress in 2016?

Looking ahead to another new year, many people are wondering how their lives will change over the next 12 months. Homeowners may decide that this is the year to move on and start afresh somewhere new – but will the market make it easy?

House prices are still rapidly increasing beyond the reach of the average would-be buyer, but a leading index has suggested the rate of growth could be softening. Figures from mortgage lender Halifax, for example, revealed some easing in inflation in recent months.

“With house prices already high and growing much faster than wages, we expect price growth to slow markedly during 2016,” said Hansen Lu, a property economist at Capital Economics, quoted by The Week.

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This would be good news for UK property buyers – though many are still likely to struggle to afford deposits and obtain mortgages of the level required – but perhaps less promising for sellers. For lots of people, the stress of the house-selling process is eased by the promise of financial rewards; but if they are unlikely to attain the price they really want for their house, they may prefer to avoid the process altogether, even if it means not moving on to the new life they’ve planned.

Some of the ways to avoid the usual hassles of viewings, estate agents and worrying surveys include property auctions, or selling directly to a professional home-buying agency. This means the vendors can enjoy a quick house sale for cash and keep their stress levels lower, which is always a smart resolution at the start of a new year. After all, life is too short for hassle and worry.

Want to avoid stress in 2016 and still sell your house or flat? Ask National Homebuyers for advice, as we guarantee to buy any home. Call 08000 443 911 or request a call back to find out how much you could get for your property.

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Deal or No Deal? Buy Noel Edmonds House

With the festive period fast approaching it is almost time to celebrate Noel. But you could be celebrating another Noel too for the right money. OK, we could not resist the Christmas pun but recently it has come to our attention that Noel Edmonds, the English television presenter of Deal or No Deal, has put his country house in Bitton, Gloucestershire.

Named Fieldgrove House, Noel’s property is a grade II listed Georgian mansion which comes with 7 bedrooms and is situated on 15 acres of landscaped gardens, paddocks, ponds and even comes with its own lake.

The property comes complete with a gym, master bedroom suite with dressing room, games room, boot room and a larder. The house has 6 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms, and a separate 1 bedroom annex.

This exceptional and immaculate Georgian house with stunning scenery would make a great place to have a popular “house party”.

Right that’s the last of the Noel Edmonds puns, National Homebuyers will leave you in peace to view the property if you wish to buy it or simply be noisy like we was.

*Source of Photographs: Rightmove

National Homebuyers – We Buy Any House

National Homebuyers are a UK based property buyer who really do buy any house or property! In fact we will buy anything, absolutely anything! Whether it is a house, flat or bungalow we will buy it!

If you are looking for a fast house sale then we are here to help you. Our team of property experts are always on hand to share their expertise with you and help you achieve your aim of selling your house fast in a time scale that suits you and not us. So if you want a sell house fast service then give us a call on 08000 443 911.

Get your no obligation cash offer now by using the Get Offer on the right-hand side of this page and take the hassle out of selling your home!

$17.5 million Apocalypse Bunker For Sale

National Homebuyers have recently come across this awesome doomsday shelter. So if you fear the out break of nuclear war or you want a place where you can survive the zombie apocalypse then why not put an offer in for this unique property.

Harry Norman Realtors, a real estate firm in have listed this $17.5 million underground facility and bunker dubbed “The Facility” located in Southeast Georgia but the actual address hasn’t been disclosed. It is the only privately owned underground bunker of its kind in the United States.

The Facility was built in 1969 as an Army communications centre in case of a nuclear war with Russia but has now been fully renovated to government standards in 2012. The 8-hectare, 13.7m underground bunker is said to be able to withstand the deadliest of apocalypses. This is because the bunker has been built to withstand a 20 kiloton nuclear blast and has 3-ft thick walls. So those pesky zombies will struggle to force their way into your new home.

But if gore is your thing, then you can watch them trying to get in using your $138,000 CCTV security system powered by your own power plant backed up by a solar power system.

While you watch the world crumble outside, residents inside the shelter can live it up in apocalyptic bliss because the first floor of this facility hosts a common area “similar to a luxury hotel.” There are four luxury apartments that are totally self-contained and have two full bedrooms, a kitchen and dining area, a living room with TV and internet and a large bathroom. There are also staff bedrooms available.

Harry Norman state that “The Facility” is equipped with a full workshop, a separate business and conference centre and fully equipped medical room.” There is also a home theatre that seats 15, along with exercise and recreation rooms. This then allows you the privilege of seeing the end of the world out in style.

So if you want the best in security and comfort for your family and you have a spare $17.5 million then why not by this underground, impenetrable and undetectable apocalypse friendly home. This property is truly the ultimate luxury safe haven in an increasingly dangerous world.

In your face Zombie Apocalypse!

But what if the Apocalypse never happens? This might be an awesome property to own but if the world doesn’t get over run with zombies or attacked with a nuclear bomb, then this bunker might be a bit of an overkill as a home. Like many other property sellers on the market, the owners of this doomsday shelter may find it difficult to sell this property. If that is the case then property sellers nowadays turn to companies like National Homebuyers to buy their homes for cash. Whether their property is a standard three bedroom house in the suburbs or a secret apocalyptic anti-nuclear attack defence bunker, we will buy any property.

If you’re concerned that your property will struggle to sell easily on the open market, contact National Homebuyers for advice, as we buy any house for cash. Call 08000 443 911 or get an Offer on your property today.

National Homebuyers – We Buy Any House

National Homebuyers are a UK based property buyer who really do buy any house or property! In fact we will buy anything, absolutely anything! Whether it is a house, flat, bungalow, park home or doomsday bunker we will buy it!

If you are looking for a fast house sale then we are here to help you. Our team of property experts are always on hand to share their expertise with you and help you achieve your aim of selling your house fast in a time scale that suits you and not us.

Get your no obligation cash offer now by using the Get Offer form at the top of this page and take the hassle out of selling your home!

Are Luxury London House Prices Falling?

The West End of London has long had a reputation for exorbitant wealth and opulence. A reputation that was substantiated last week by the sale of an 11ft by 7ft run-down car garage in Chelsea that was sold for £550,000. That’s more than double the UK average house price stipulated by Rightmove of £271,669. In fact, a combination of a stronger pound against the dollar and increased office rental costs have recently seen London leap-frog Hong Kong to become the world’s most expensive city. The stronger pound and the threat of the mansion tax has also meant, however, that London’s premium properties have increased by only 3% this year compared to the 41% appreciation since the financial crash of 2008…

… So, is the luxury london property bubble about to burst? And what does that mean for the rest of us?

There has, after all, been compelling arguments that suggest that London’s luxury developments are responsible for saving the UK’s mainstream housing market. London is home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in the world and has more billionaires, 72, than any other city in the world, edging out New York and Moscow. The recent crisis in Ukraine, moreover, has seen even more Russian – and Ukrainian – capital flow into London amid fears of international sanctions.

The aforementioned increase in the strength of sterling and threat of a mansion tax, alongside a number of other economic and policy changes threaten to change the way business is conducted in the capital. To continue, this could potentially reduce the number of foreign investors in London as they seek out more fertile cities and emerging markets worldwide. There are economists and academics who believe London’s property market could unravel, but there are also those that believe domestic concerns in other countries could sustain or even increase the amount of money pouring into London, mostly from Asia. Either way, the UK housing market as a whole remains inextricably linked to events occurring in London so we will all be affected. How things will unfold is still unclear, only time will tell…

National Homebuyers – We Buy Any House

National Homebuyers are a UK based property buyer who really do buy any house or property! In fact we will buy anything, absolutely anything! Whether it is a house, flat or bungalow we will buy it!

If you are looking for a fast house sale then we are here to help you. Our team of property experts are always on hand to share their expertise with you and help you achieve you aim of selling your house fast in a time scale that suits you and not us. So if you want a sell house fast service then give us a call on 08000 443 911.

Get your no obligation cash offer now by using the Get Offer on the right hand side of this page and take the hassle out of selling your home!

Can’t sell my house is part of a larger problem

Can’t sell my house issues are not just affecting the UK, according to experts. Careful research has concluded that UK trends concerning home prices have been found across Europe.

There is a lot more variation between different regions within the same country than between different countries. For example, London has seen similar price and sale trends to Paris. Within the UK, however, the impact of can’t sell my house issues vary among different areas. For example, Cornwall and Scotland have had a better experience than many areas of the UK outside of London. While sellers should not get overly excited, this may be a bit of a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy economic forecast. Any news that may signal a possible change should be considered positive.

On the subject of can’t sell my house issues, however, sellers should remember that local issues impacting sales prices in different regions have not been studied intensively. This can make it a bit difficult for those selling property to determine whether they need to wait, make improvements to their houses to get a better value, or go ahead and try to sell anyway. One of the most important things that experts urge is to not seek an overly simplistic solution. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution to this particular problem, and sellers are advised to still be careful in their dealings.

If you are looking for a fast, hassle free way to sell your home, National Homebuyers can help. We are nationally reputed house buyers, we offer a quick house sale service that is both chain and hassle free. Unlike other companies that buy houses, we buy your house directly, allowing us to offer you an unrivalled service if you are looking to sell your house fast.

National Homebuyers – We Buy Any House

National Homebuyers are a UK based property buyer who really do buy any house or property! In fact we will buy anything, absolutely anything! Whether it is a house, flat or bungalow we will buy it!

If you are looking for a fast house sale then we are here to help you. Our team of property experts are always on hand to share their expertise with you and help you achieve you aim of selling your house fast in a time scale that suits you and not us. So if you want a sell house fast service then give us a call on 08000 443 911.

Get your no obligation cash offer now by using the Get Offer on the right hand side of this page and take the hassle out of selling your home!

UK ‘Mortgage Prisoners’ Are Moving To Solve Their Financial Problems

Many UK homeowners are moving because of financial reasons and choosing to live mortgage-free, whether they have enough equity to buy a smaller property or choose to live in rented accommodation. The worries of decreasing house prices, which Nationwide have reported in August to be 2.6% lower than the same time last year, and ever-increasing costs of living and maintenance mean that a significant number of homeowners are moving into rented accommodation to ease their financial stresses.

The FSA report (Mortgage Market Review) released towards the end of October 2012 states that 45% of homeowners (55% of first-time buyers) who took on a mortgage since 2005 have found themselves as ‘mortgage prisoners’. The tightening of lending restrictions after the credit crunch mean that these ‘mortgage prisoners’ will be unable to re-mortgage and will be forced to pay any increase in interest that the lenders choose to enforce. A large number of these homeowners are facing financial problems and those whose financial difficulties make them unable to keep up with their mortgage repayments will face repossession and a black mark on their credit history, unless they sell their property quickly and move into a lower value property or rented accommodation.

The FSA report has put forward new rules, which will come into effect in April 2014, which will protect those ‘mortgage prisoners’ and will ensure that the more sensible lending criteria that lenders are currently working to are built into the system to protect borrowers. This means that there are a lot of homeowners who took out a mortgage before the credit crunch, who will not be eligible for new lending in the new rules; those that can would be best to follow the lead of those that have been forced to move due to financial issues, and sell their property while they can to circumvent any future financial issues. If the current decline in house prices continues, many more ‘mortgage prisoners’ will find themselves in negative equity and will have no options open to them to avoid being repossessed.

If you find yourself needing to sell your house fast in order to alleviate financial difficulties, contacting a quick house sale company such as National Homebuyers may well be your best option. We buy your house directly, thus removing any risk offered by a complicated property chain and allowing us to offer a fast, hassle free service. We buy any house, regardless of its condition and irrespective of your circumstances or reason for selling. So if you are looking to sell property and wish to do so quickly, contact us today.

Selling Property In 2013

The festive season is behind us and the hangovers are slowly wearing off in the office, as New Year’s resolutions are being made (and broken) a large number of people will start looking for their dream home, but when is the best time of year for those selling property?

It may not be the best time of year for the property market, but the New Year always sees a boost in buyers looking for properties. The Christmas season is a very slow period for the property market, with a lot of Estates Agencies closing their offices, as there just aren’t the buyers around looking for properties in the festive season. Buyers tend to wait until the New Year to start seriously looking for properties, and there are a lot of people who use the New Year as an opportunity to reassess their situation and this may well include moving on to a new home!

The market also tends to gain momentum in the spring months, as the weather warms up and people can bear the thought of moving, so in March – July there are the most buyers looking for properties, which means more demand and higher prices!

The market will see a lull in the summer, whether people are on holiday or just trying to cope with having the children at home, they will start looking again in the autumn so September to November is the other good time to sell, but it will gradually slow down as winter sets in.

Having said this anytime can be the right time to sell as it is just a case of waiting for the right buyer. Property markets do vary around the country and it is important to keep an eye on the property market and make sure you are maximising your property’s potential. Fast purchase property companies like National Homebuyers are always buying properties, at any time of year, so if you do need to sell and can’t wait months for the market to pick up there is always a solution.

National Homebuyers – We Buy Any House

National Homebuyers are a UK based property buyer who really do buy any house or property! In fact we will buy anything, absolutely anything! Whether it is a house, flat or bungalow we will buy it!

If you are looking for a fast house sale then we are here to help you. Our team of property experts are always on hand to share their expertise with you and help you achieve you aim of selling your house fast in a time scale that suits you and not us. So if you want a sell house fast service then give us a call on 08000 443 911.

Get your no obligation cash offer now by using the Get Offer on the right hand side of this page and take the hassle out of selling your home!

Predictions For The UK Property Market In 2014

There are many conflicting predictions for the property market it 2014. The consensus seems to be that house prices will continue to rise in London and the South-East, while the market in the rest of the country will remain fairly stagnant.  However, this is not the best news for house buyers.

An increase in house prices sounds like it should be a good thing, but it is likely to cause another property bubble which will eventually burst, leaving the country in yet another economic crisis. The average house price is predicted to smash the 3% stamp duty threshold, which will make moving house unaffordable for the majority of UK families. Increasing house prices will also make it harder for first time buyers to get onto the property ladder. The country may soon find itself in the position that first time buyers are priced out of the market completely causing the whole property market to slow down. A stable property market relies on a market with a majority of first time buyers able to purchase properties, so that first-time homeowners are able to sell their property and upsize.

Overall, predictions for 2014 aren’t all bad, but home owners and first time buyers should be prepared that house prices could fall again before the property market stabilises. Market analysts have predicted that the property market will not reach pre-2007 conditions until 2020.

National Homebuyers – We Buy Any House

National Homebuyers are a UK based property buyer who really do buy any house or property! In fact we will buy anything, absolutely anything! Whether it is a house, flat or bungalow we will buy it!

If you are looking for a fast house sale then we are here to help you. Our team of property experts are always on hand to share their expertise with you and help you achieve you aim of selling your house fast in a time scale that suits you and not us. So if you want a sell house fast service then give us a call on 08000 443 911.

Get your no obligation cash offer now by using the Get Offer on the right hand side of this page and take the hassle out of selling your home!

Is Essex In A House Price Bubble?

House prices in Essex are rising at an alarming rate, according to a recent survey by Nationwide. House prices have increased by 25% over the last decade and are continuing to rise. Residents and those looking to move into the area see this is as a positive sign for the Essex housing market, but it could mark the beginning of another housing bubble.

Vince Cable has warned that house prices are making home-ownership unaffordable. He has criticised the government’s Help to Buy scheme, warning that it will drive house prices up even further. While rising house prices are a good thing for mortgage-free homeowners, they are very bad for middle income families and first time buyers who are unable to afford the properties they want to live in. This will in turn cause problems for those looking to sell their Essex properties, as the unaffordability will eventually price buyers out of the market completely. The only way to avoid a housing crisis is to build more homes and increase the supply, so that it can meet the ever growing demand for property in Essex. This should keep house prices from rising and make the housing market much more stable.

Market analysts are predicting that if no action is taken to prevent the alarming rate that house prices are rising it could eventually burst the Essex property bubble and cause another dramatic crash in house prices. This will leave a lot of Essex homeowners in negative equity and out of pocket.

National Homebuyers – We Buy Any House

National Homebuyers are a UK based property buyer who really do buy any house or property! In fact we will buy anything, absolutely anything! Whether it is a house, flat or bungalow we will buy it!

If you are looking for a fast house sale then we are here to help you. Our team of property experts are always on hand to share their expertise with you and help you achieve you aim of selling your house fast in a time scale that suits you and not us. So if you want a sell house fast service then give us a call on 08000 443 911.

Get your no obligation cash offer now by using the Get Offer on the right hand side of this page and take the hassle out of selling your home!