House buying, renting & selling

Discussion List

• Rent a room scheme (but would it count as an HMO?)

  Hello, looking for advice please. The guidance about what is an HMO is very clear on my council’s website but I’m not sure it answers my question (I know this sounds contradictory!) We are considering renting out 2-3 bedrooms of our house very cheaply for 6-9 months to our friends, they are a couple with two pre-School…

• Fire Safety in New build properties

  Hi I am interested in finding out the level of fire safety required in two storey new build properties. So to all the Moneysavingexpert readers of this forum who live in "New build properties " can I ask does your home have, mains wired interlinked smoke alarms on each floor, heat alarm in the kitchen, 30 minute fire doors…

• Where do I stand??

  I accepted an offer on my house from a cash buyer on Tuesday. Their house was also being bought by a cash buyer and that was the top of the chain. I’ve been in a panic all week as every house we loved when we weren’t in a position to offer had been snapped up or taken off the market. Then to my surprise we had a phone call…

• New build without NHBC or Architects Certificate [FTB]

  Hi, Just wondering if anyone can suggest anything as I'm in a bit of a pickle and I'm a first time buyer so have no clue! In the process of purchasing a new build property (never lived in), after making an offer on a new build 12 months ago it was declined and sold to another buyer. I couldn't find another similiar one…

• New build flat - anyone..?

  Anyone considering buying a flat in the UK should really do an internet search for: New Lawrence House, Manchester. Sober reading indeed and a sign that building standards (amongst other things!) seem to be going backwards in the UK.

• Taylor Wimpey Haggling

  Hi guys Just seeking some last minute advice ahead of us looking at securing a TW home tomorrow. Basically, I’ve been told the special offer is a fully integrated kitchen worth over £2500 and that there will be no other freebie extras or vouchers or anything. Truthfully, we have our heart set on this home and area so…

• Lost builders completion certificate

  Hello! I am selling a house that was built in 2005 but unfortunately I have lost the builders completion certificate. I've been in touch with the builder and he can't find it either. Our buyer has been advised not to proceed with the sale without the certificate as they would find it difficult to resell. I have heard that…

• Decision in principle for estate agent

  Hi everyone, My partner and I have been house hunting and came very close last week to buying a property but were beaten to it by another couple. We’ve been looking in the meantime and found an even nicer house that ticks those remaining few boxes. We found out a few hours back that our offer has been accepted, so we are…

• Scotland LBTT and Land Tax

  Hi, In the process of buying our first house and I'm a little confused with the funds requested by the solicitor. Its showing the LBTT, which I expected. But it's also showing 'Land Registration' at £540. Can someone explain what that is above the LBTT? Thanks

• Shared Ownership -Financial Assessment

  Info Dated

• My first offer on a house is rejected without a counter offer. What should I do next?

  I am a first-time buyer. I recently put an offer on a house that we liked. I agree that I put an offer a lower side hoping to get into a negotiation as I was told that the vendor would be flexible. However, the seller has rejected my offer, which is not a surprise to me. But the seller has not put forward a counteroffer.…

• Right To Buy - HELP!

  My friend is looking to buy his mum's council house, which get maximum RTB discount. He has applied for a mortgage in principle through Nationwide, and has passed his credit check successfully and got a conditional offer. It now appears from speaking to the council that to get the maximum RTB discount his mum must be a…

• Fixtures and fittings list

  I am in the process of buying a house and I have just received the fixtures and fittings list from the vendor. On the list is an old free standing cooker which I definitely do NOT want because as soon as I receive the keys I am having a brand new fitted kitchen installed. Can I refuse this and ask for it to be taken off…

• Buyer of my house wants to put up a shed and store things before exchanging contracts?

  Hi all, I need some help please. So our house buying/selling process has been going on for some time. So long that the buyer of my house has had to go into a rented property. We have not held this up but it is actually their solicitor causing delay and has not yet raised enquires. Our problem is he wants to come out a shed…

• Council House Crackdown

  Sorry rant... I watched "Council House Crackdown" the other day on BBC where a likely immigrant (non British name and appearance [and YES I believe this is relevant]) with a British Passport was illegally subletting a flat in Greenwich. If that wasn't enough he then applied for "Right-to-Buy" which if he'd been successful…

• Problem with Right to Manage joint Director

  We have an awful problem with the above. Long story short we were being bled dry by managing agents and went down the RTM route. Only 2 of us were around and at the time we couldn't trace the third flat owner ( its a BTL and the tenant wouldn't give us an address ) So the two of us did the RTM and here is the problem. I…

• Housing Association Regs?

  Hello all. I live in a HA property and am wondering if there are any rules/regs that they must adhere to. An acquaintance who works for another HA said that they must publish their finances online. I'm wondering if this is true, as my HA doesn't appear to have any info online and hardly appears on any LHA lists. I also…

• Factor issues in Scotland

  I am chair person for The Elmhill Owners Committee. We have collected votes from 50% owners to retender our factoring contract. Our factor has demanded our minutes of meeting and details for those who have voted. We are reluctant to disclose these and believe we are bound by GDPR, are we correct? In a spirit of cooperation…

• 5 years proof of address

  I'm 22 and I need 5 years proof of address for Social housing. They require "1 document per month for 5 years" (THAT'S ALOT) 1. I live with family so I don't have any bills to my name 2. I haven't intentionally kept any mail for the past 5 years. (I have a few laying around, but definitely not 5 years worth) Maybe my…

• Independent Drain Survey

  Hi there, New to the forum and house buying. We are looking at getting a drain survey for a pre-purchase Victorian terrace. Issues with damp and wet soil under the floorboards in the ground floor. Anyone found an independent drain surveyor? i.e not a local unblocker or CCTV company that may be tempted to discover problems…