The Wellingborough Property Blog

  💸 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

  I f you are thinking of moving house it's probably one of the most important decisions you will make. The timing can matter for a variety of reasons such as you need to upsize or downsize, move locations or you have seen your dream home become available. Think about whether this is the right time as it can be one of the most stressful things you do. Try to consider how the timing will impact you when having viewings taking place and any personal events you may have, such as a wedding or Christmas as you need to be flexible in order to get your property sold in order to move on. Why is Spring/Summer the most popular time to sell? With lighter evenings offers ore flexible viewings which will give you a better chance of selling. If the weather is nice it makes your house feel warmer and more welcoming Do you need to consider schools, if so sell in the Spring in order to get settled in time for the September term starting If yo...

Spring is your chance to set the scene for the year ahead as wintry months disappear and warmer, longer days bring the summer ever closer. Trends exist in the gardening world just as much as anywhere else, so what are they in 2025 and where do you start? Start with a spring clean and create a vision of a better garden Gathering the debris from winter, such as fallen branches and leaves, while formulating the vision for your garden is essential. As you tidy up the flower beds, turn over the soil, and divide up your perennials, be careful not to prune spring-blooming trees; otherwise, they may be flowerless this summer. Plan your improvements carefully, deciding what you want to achieve by embracing the trends and themes you love. A visit to a good garden centre is a great place to find inspiration. Wellness gardens are good for you If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of your busy life, your garden is just the place. Take this to the next level by creating a re...