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Martin Lewis Blog: 'House offer accepted, now they want £20,000 more! What should I do?'
A passer-by stopped Martin in the street recently to ask his opinion on her house buying dilemma. You can check out his view in a video he posted: Martin Lewis: 'House offer accepted, now they want £20,000 more! What should I do?' What would you do? Stand your ground? Walk away? Pay the extra? Negotiate? Tell us your…
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New to the House Buying, Selling & Renting board? Start here
✅ This board is for... * Questions about buying or selling a home * Questions about renting a home * Questions about being a landlord 🚫 This board is not for.. * Debating the state of the economy * Debating house prices in general * Political debates Note: In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place…
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Tenancies in Eng/Wales: Guides for landlords and tenants
post 1 This thread is intended to provide information to both landlords and tenants relating to Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) in England and Wales. Updated April 2020 to include the Coronavirus Act 2020 and July 2020 to include the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020. Topics covered: Post 2: Repairing…
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Taking the co-tenant to small claims court for rent arrears.
Hi all, I need some advice regarding unpaid rent by a co-tenant. A while ago, I rented a flat with a friend. Both our names were on the letting agreement, and my name was on all the bills. We have decided to split the rent and all the bills 50/50. My friend paid rent to my account with reference “Rent [month]”. After a…
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unreasonable landlord
my daughter and her partner rent and their landlord has sent a letter setting out what I think are unreasonable demands, they are scared to say anything as think he may chuck them out if they do so am asking for thoughts on following he says garage is only for car and not to keep gardening tools or lawnmower in, he says…
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Deed of gift solicitors
Just looking for some advice about setting up a deed of gift. My dad recently inherited a home from his late father and as a result is going to give me his current house (which will soon be empty). I was going to inherit it upon his death but he’s going to pass it over now. Do we just need one solicitor to draw up the…
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Solicitor Fees - Please help. I am a tenant that voluntarily left after section LBA & Section 21
Hi all, I’m trying to get some guidance on a tenancy/legal cost dispute with a letting agent’s solicitors and would really appreciate any advice. Background: I rented a property for around 3 years and had no major issues during the tenancy. In 2025 I began experiencing financial difficulties and was in contact with the…
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How to move house when my house needs work?
I've suffered from ill health for years and this has meant my house needs work done. But I also want to move, and I've seen a house I like. What is the best way to deal with this? What does it cost to put my possessions in storage? I've never done that before so have no idea of the cost. How can I buy the house I want…
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Renters Rights Act vs My tenancy agreement - which will take precedence?
Hi all, My original tenancy contract, from 21 years ago, says that my rent can only be increased by inflation. "..the Landlord shall be entitled to adjust the amount of rent in line with the RPI…." But the Renters' Rights Act info sheet says "Landlords must instead use the process in section 13 of the Housing Act 1988 for…
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Secure tenancy or shared ownership?
Hi, I have the opportunity to apply for a shared ownership on a new build. £20,000 for a 10% share. I am currently living in a housing association property which is a secure tenancy, and I have the right to acquire. Am I best off staying where I am? I am 37, two children (15 and 2), in a relationship but not married.…
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Land missing from title-future lending problems?
We are buying a property, using a bridging loan, as its being sold under auction conditions. The property has two separate title deeds and the current owners have lived there since the 50’s. They bought the second title in the 70’s (im mentioning this as its before it all went digital) which is ajoining and used as a…
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Second home council tax – part-year UK use while living abroad?
Hi, I have a property in the Sefton Council area which is currently classed as a second home, so I’m paying the council tax premium. I spend part of the year there (around 10–12 weeks at present), while also living abroad, but I’m now retired and gradually planning to base myself more in the UK. The house isn’t empty—I use…
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Leasehold shock: what can I do?
It’s a perfect storm. I was very ignorant about leasehold when I bought my flat in 2004. I didn't know a thing about leasehold -- how could I? I was a German citizen, moving to the UK so my children could attend the schools I'd chosen. Yes, it was my fault for not seeking advice and informing myself. I acknowledge that. It…
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MSE Team Blog: Tricks to boost storage and improve the look of your home
Want to save on space and spruce up your house or flat? There are lots of nifty MoneySaving tricks to 'pimp your home' for less, from low-cost ways to make your bathroom sparkle to raising your bed to create storage space underneath. Folk at MSE Towers know a thing or two about making the most of a smaller pad - after all,…
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House Insurance Scam
The last insurance I took out on my property I was scammed by the insurance company at the end of the first year they took a second years premium from my credit card without my permission or knowing anything about it or agreeing to it, I contacted my credit card and got the money back but then the insurance company…
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Could my friends car, parked on my drive stop me from selling my house?
Hi, I would like to sell my house, but my friend's car is parked in my driveway. He has been working on the vehicle for over the past four years, doing very little to it. I did tell him I want to sell my house, and could he move his car off my driveway? I'm starting to lose my patience with him as I now want to move this…
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Help! Rent-a-Roof Solar Panel Dilemma
Hi. I’ve been house-hunting and found a great property – but with rent-a-roof solar panels. I’ve read lots that says “don’t buy”, but Freetricity advise this lease only has six years left (just over 20yrs in total). I’d hope not to be selling onwards during this time, so I’m not considering the expense of a buy-out. I need…
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Land Registry questions
Hi everyone The Land Registry is here on our Forum to help answer its customers' questions. If you have a question pop it on here and it will do its best to help. Related on MSE: 50+ House Buying Tips Free First Time Buyers' Mortgage Booklet 2018 Remortgage Guide 2018 Ultimate Mortgage Calculator
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Increasing value for House Sale
Hi everyone. I have a couple of questions about selling my house to maximise its sale price. I know an estate agent would be ideal to ask but i'm in the doing it up stage to make it look nice for a sale and am about 2 months away from starting the process so just wondered if these things were worth spending money on.…
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Buildings Insurance but Dad's now in a care home
So my father is in a care home due to dementia and his home insurance has expired , his partner (not married) still lives in his home, she can't get building insurance because she doesn't own the home , he obviously doesn't live there and we don't have power of attorney and because of his mental state it will take at least…
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RICS Survey Question
Hi all. House we are in process of buying we are looking to get a survey done. I have done quotes with a couple of somewhat local firms with good reviews. One has come back with a price for what I asked for (L2 survey), the other has come back to me recommending a level 3. For context its a 1950 2bed end of terrace. They…
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ID1 form – do I really need to see a solicitor in person?
Hi all, I’m currently going through a property transfer and have been asked to complete an ID1 form. I’ve been told by one solicitor that I need to attend in person with ID and a passport photo, but I’ve also seen online that some firms offer this remotely using digital verification. I’m a bit confused as to what’s…
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Shared Drive White Line
Hi, we currently own a property at the end of a shared driveway, can anyone tell me if these white lines leading up to our neighbours gate (part on shared driveway and part on their property) have any significance to the shared driveway convenance? And is the area within protected?
