If you’re a first time buyer considering buying a new build home, you should know what to look out for in terms of service charge. Read on to learn about what it is and what to expect.
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New Commonhold White Paper: what does it mean for leasehold flats?
The UK government’s new Commonhold White Paper could mark a major shift in homeownership, aiming to replace the current leasehold system with the commonhold model. But what does this actually mean for flat owners and buyers?
In this guide, we break down the key differences between leasehold and commonhold, what the proposed changes involve and how they could impact future homeowners, including those buying Pocket homes.
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6 realistic new year’s resolutions for first time buyers
Ah, the start of a new year – the perfect excuse for a fresh start, a new diary and a long list of overly ambitious new year’s resolutions. But if this is the year you’ve decided to trade in your rented digs for a place to call your own, we’ve got some realistic, first time buyer specific new year’s resolutions to help you get there. And don’t worry, these won’t involve kale smoothies or 5 a.m. wake up calls – just a bit of planning, saving and savvy decision making.
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The complete dictionary for first time home buyers
Buying your first home is exciting but can be daunting when you’re confronted with a whole new world of terminology. From “fixed-rate mortgage” to “EPCs” – the jargon can be overwhelming. Zoopla even found that a “lack of knowledge” is preventing millions from owning their own home, and it’s about time that changed! So, here’s your easy-to-read dictionary and go-to guide for understanding all the terms you’ll need to know on your homebuying journey.
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First Homes Scheme vs. Pocket: which is the right fit for you?
The thought of owning your first home is undoubtedly exciting, but for a lot of people it can also feel daunting (and financially impossible), especially in London’s market. Thankfully, there are lifelines.
Initiatives and schemes like Pocket and First Homes are designed to help you on your journey to homeownership by giving you a discount on your first home. The two are somewhat similar and sometimes confused, but there are crucial differences, so in this blog we’ll be shedding some light on exactly what Pocket and the First Homes scheme are and how they compare.
It’s important for you to make an informed decision that aligns with your homeownership goals when choosing how to buy, so whether you’re exploring your options or ready to take the leap, this blog is a must-read.
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Saving strategies to reach your mortgage deposit this year
So, it’s officially 2024 and you’ve decided that this is the year you’re going to begin your homeownership journey. It may be tempting to hop straight on to Zoopla and start browsing homes, but unfortunately you’ve got a little way to go before that step, first you’ll need to save for your mortgage deposit.
In this blog, we’re uncovering the most practical and effective ways to save money in 2024 – NOT including sacrificing your social life or keeping your wallet under lock and key.
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Why it’s the right time for first time buyers to get on the property ladder
In a world filled with clickbait headlines and seemingly endless debates about the right time to buy a home, it’s easy to feel like you’re caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty. But guess what? Amid all the noise, there’s one simple truth that stands tall and steadfast: Now could very well be the perfect time for first-time buyers to embark on their homeownership journey. We interviewed seasoned Mortgage Advisor, Anthony Hall, to explore why, despite what you might have heard about mortgage interest rates, the time to buy is now.
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10 tips to make spring cleaning your home a breeze
It’s that time of year again where we all start thinking about sprucing up our homes for the warmer months ahead. If the thought of spring cleaning fills you with dread, then read on for 10 tips that will make the process a breeze!
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How to buy a home (home buying timeline checklist)
So, you’re a first time buyer. You dream of getting onto the property ladder but it seems totally overwhelming… sound familiar? We can help! Buying your first home can be daunting, but it needn’t be. Here we have broken down the process so you have a step by step guide on how to buy a home.
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Saving for your first home: ISAs, bank accounts and more
For many first time buyers, the most daunting part of the home buying process is saving for a house deposit. In particular, many wonder how to save for a house on a lower income and whether it’s even possible to do it at all.
Pocket Living is built around the idea that everyone should have a fair opportunity to get onto the housing ladder, so we’re going to share our best tips on saving for your first home, whatever your circumstances. We’ve included a range of information on ISAs, bank accounts and more to show you that there are plenty of options to consider to get yourself onto the housing ladder. Let’s get started.
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