The Wellingborough Property Blog

  Looking for your perfect property is an exciting experience. Once you’ve searched online and spoken to your local Guild Member about what you’re searching for, it’s time to start the viewings. But how many should you do before you make an offer? What if your first property seems perfect? Should you keep looking? We asked our proud Guild Members from around the UK to share their top tips. How many viewings should you do per day? Darran Jospeh, from VG Estate Agent believes that three to four viewings in a day is an optimum number. He comments, “It gives buyers enough variety to compare properties while still allowing time to properly absorb the details of each one. Any more than that, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed or begin to forget the relative pros and cons of individual properties.” Tim Bennett, from Webbers Estate Agents agrees, adding, “it’s best to limit viewings to three or four properties per day to avoid fatigue and confusion. Seeing too many homes in quick succession ...

Whether you want to move to a new location, upgrade to a larger home or are looking to take on a project property, selling your home can seem like a mammoth task. If you have never sold a house before, all the unknown processes can leave your head spinning. Maybe you need to sell your home right away or perhaps you are making preparations to put your house on the market in the next year. Whatever your situation, we have created a helpful guide to prepare you to sell your home for the first time.  Preparing your home You want to ensure prospective buyers see your property in its best light to promote more interest, a quicker sale and a higher offer. Viewers of the home need to be able to picture themselves living there. Cleaning, decluttering, tidying and repairing the home will ensure the home is move-in ready and more desirable to house-hunters. Getting the house up to a good standard will make it easier to sell and could even get you a higher offer. If you are thinking ahead, the...

  💸 Hidden Costs of Homeownership First-Time Buyers Overlook Buying your first home is a major milestone—but it comes with more expenses than just the down payment and mortgage. Many first-time buyers are surprised by the hidden costs of homeownership , which can add up quickly if you’re not prepared. Here’s a breakdown of the most common (and often overlooked) costs that come with owning a home in 2025: 1. 🧾 Closing Costs While your deposit grabs most of your attention, completion costs typically add another 2%–5% of the home’s price. This includes: Legal fees Appraisal fees Title insurance Land transfer taxes (varies by location) Stamp duty Example : If y ou are a first-time buyer and purchase a property for £500,000. The   SDLT   you owe will be calculated as: 0% on the first £300,000 = £0 5% on the remaining £200,000 = £10,000 total  SDLT  = £10,000 2. 🏡 Council  Tax These vary widely by region, but they’re an ongoing annual...

  🏠 Renting vs. Buying: Which is Right for You in 2025? As the property market continues to shift in 2025, the age-old debate— renting vs. buying —is more relevant than ever. Rising interest rates, housing shortages, and evolving lifestyles mean the right choice isn’t always obvious. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide which option fits your finances, goals, and lifestyle this year. 🔑 Buying a Home in 2025 ✅ Pros Equity Building : Your mortgage payments go toward owning an asset—something you can later sell or rent out. Stability : No risk of sudden eviction or rent hikes. Ideal if you’re settling down. Customization : You can renovate, decorate, and fully make the space your own. Potential Appreciation : In the right area, your home value may rise significantly over time. ❌ Cons High Upfront Costs : Down payments, closing fees, legal costs, and stamp duty add up. Less Flexibility : Selling takes time, and moving frequently isn’t ...

  🏡 Top 10 Things to Check Before Buying a House Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. It's exciting—but also overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. Beyond location and price, there are several crucial factors that could save (or cost) you thousands down the line. Here are the top 10 things you should check before buying a house : 1. Structural Integrity Check for cracks in walls, ceilings, or the foundation. Uneven floors or doors that don’t shut properly may indicate bigger issues. A structural survey can help uncover hidden problems. 2. Roof Condition Roofs are expensive to replace. Ask how old it is, inspect for missing tiles, sagging, or moss buildup. If repairs are needed, negotiate the price accordingly. 3. Plumbing and Drainage Run taps, flush toilets, and check under sinks for leaks. Poor water pressure or slow drainage can be signs of deeper plumbing issues. 4. Electrical Systems An outdated or overloaded e...

  Interest rates significantly impact mortgages. Here is a brief overview: When interest rates rise, mortgage rates tend to increase, making borrowing more expensive. This can lead to:      -Higher monthly mortgage payments      -Increased costs over the life of the loan Conversely, when interest rates fall, mortgage rates often decrease, making borrowing more affordable. This can result in:      -Lower monthly mortgage payments      -Reduced costs ove rthe life of the loan This can affect: Homebuyers: Higher rates might deter buyers or lead them to consider smaller homes. Existing homeowners: Those with variable-rate mortgages might see their payments increase, while others might consider refinacing to lock in lower rates. If you would like to be put in touch with one of our independant mortgage advisors for a free informal chat please email me on Rachel.johnson@cheltonbrown.co.uk or call 01933 829088