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Recommendations for surveyors in Kent/Greater London
Hi there, Could anyone please recommend a reputable surveyor in the Kent / Greater London Area. We would like a homebuyers report and valuation done and have checked RICS website, but not many coming up in the area we looking to buy. Have emailed those few for a quote, and none have come back to me yet. Thanks!
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Sell house or give it back? (Scotland)
Hi, I'm new here and come under the sad circumstances of my mums death. She has left me her home, outright, and there are no problems with that side of things. I'm keen to move in, it's a family home and I feel very close to my mum there. ANYWAY, the problem is my flat. I want a quick sale but don't trust these 'sell your…
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Service Charges
Can any help with service charges for leaseholders. At the moment we are disputing the service charges the landlord is applying to our lease. We bought a flat in 2008 and were told that the service charges were £500 pa. We moved in July 2008 the first bill was for £800 for 6 six months. The landlord did not give us a…
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Which agent to go for
We have a small studio flat my husband used to live in during the week whilst he was working away from home which we no longer need. We paid £94K for it 4 years ago. They were fetching £108K in the boom, but unfortunately somebody sold one for £78K as they were desperate to move 18 months ago, which has stifled sales since…
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Landlord out of country still claiming Winter Fuel allowance
Hi can anyone give me advice on this matter, i have rented privately the same property for past year and a half. My landlord an elderly woman works in the states as a nanny from sept to june. In nov 2008 i received a letter from inland revenue (letter was address to my landlord but name was not visible) to advise that her…
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complicated first time renting
Just looking for some advice! My girlfriend and I are looking to rent a place together. We originally were looking to move at the end of June however we started looking now to get a feel for the properties available. We've found one that's really caught our eye however of course it's not that simple. At the moment we are…
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Advice on buying repossessed flat
Hello Anyone has an advice on buying a repossessed home? The flat has already had an offer accepted but we were told that we can outbid the offer until contracts are exchanged. Is this correct? Also, do you think it is possible to negociate with the bank? ie: offer some cash so that they take our offer and take the flat…
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Looking to rent - never rented before!
Hi guys We are looking to rent a property due to having to go bankrupt back in March and our home being eventually sold by the OR or the mortgage company. But having bought our own property back since we left home at the age of 21 we have never rented, and its all a bit scary. I understand that we may not be able to get a…
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4 weeks STILL NO HOT WATER
We moved into a rented house at the beginning of March, we were familiar with the house and letting agent as we took over the tenancy from my sister. My sister told us the boiler occasionally played up, a plumber (sent by the letting agent) has been out to repair it 3 times previously. Anyway, my sister lived alone and had…
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11 ways to get the power back to tenants
Here are 11 helpful tips for tenants who are having problems with their landlord and agent. They are practical things that are proven to get results, and keep the landlord and agent out of your pocket. 1) Before you agree to anything, sign anything, pay anything agree you are liable for anything get advice. It amazes me…
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Forming a residents association
Hi, I was wondering if someone could tell me the criteria for setting up a residents association. I am looking to do so as we have had some disagreements with our managing agents over them requesting additional money for redecoration in our flats which several tenants disagree with. The managing agent has send through some…
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My Shared Ownership story (success story...)
I still find these forums very interesting to browse despite my first home buy going through almost a year ago! I read topics about shared ownership from time to time, and quite a few people...often the same posters, like to religiously explain to all and sundry about shared ownership 'being a scam' or 'propping up the…
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Rent upfront & HB
Hi, just wondering if anyone can help. How does it work when you go into a private let and they ask for one months rent upfront but you get Housing benefit? Do you generally still need to pay the 1 month upfront or will they wait for the HB to come through. The HB would be paid straight to the LL so not passing tenants…
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Letting agents' checks
Hi, this is probably a silly question so apologies in advance . . . When a letting agent asks for a bank reference is it the same as a credit check or is it more to ascertain the affordability? Is a full credit check always done by letting agents? Thank you
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Tenant abandons house! Arggghhh!
Any advise on this one greatfully received! House in Scotland - new tenant moves in mid December under a 6 month short assured tenancy. Mid April comes round no problems up until then but then no rent is paid for month 5 of his 6 month tenancy. After some chasing up tenant decides to text me advising me has moved out and…
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Has anyone suffered same with SPICERHAART LEGAL
Spicer haart Legal has taken my £50.00 and does not want to return it. In 2008 I was trying to buy a house through them. They convinced me to use their legal service with no move no fee. I needed to pay upfront 50 pound. I was not told that this is non refundable. Unfortunately I could not buy the house that time. So I…
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Complexities of couples?
Hi all. Can anyone advise on a guide(s) on the legalities of a couple buying a house. The main advice I'm looking for is rights and claims to property for different scenario's e.g. single person paying mortgage, equal contributions etc. Please don't think me a miserable !!!!!!! Hope for the best, plan for the worst etc. If…
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Best provider for Landlord insurance?
I have been using Finsbury last year, but their quote isn't great this year. Who else provides affordable buildings only insurance?
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Insurance when buying a house?
We are in the process of buying a house. the mortgage will be £260k. What insurance will I need and how much should i be expecting to pay? At the moment I have had a quote form a broker at: buildings and contents: £46 per month life insurance (25years) £11pm for me and £13pm for husband life and critical illness cover £58…
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Survey/valuation
Hi I have posted about this before - but only got one response so thought i'd try again. We really want a house we have offered on. The valuation came back with no probs but as it is an old house decided to have a full survey as well. The reaction of the estate agent to this was total suprise. which suprised us as we…
