It’s the government-backed scheme which everyone has heard of. But how much do you know about it, and what do people really think of shared ownership? Well, a virtual industry roundtable was held recently to report on research done into shared ownership. We look more closely at some of the feedback, and what the findings means for the scheme moving forward.
When we think of new homes, mostly young families spring to mind. But they can also be perfect for older couples who want to downsize and stay independent. We look more closely at the benefits of buying new to do so. Plus, we share some of the new build developments available with the right size properties for retiring in.
Once again, the country is in lockdown, but the housing market remains open so that people can view properties and move home.
They were set to end in December this year, but Barratt Developments confirms it will extend its special discount offers for the NHS and Armed Forces. Now set to run until June 2021, we find out more about the schemes, and where in the country they have been most popular.
Whether you are a golfer yourself, or you have one in the family, it goes without saying that there’s no better place to live near than a golf course. When it comes to new build developments, they are often built out of town, which can often mean closer to the local 18-holes. We take a look at some of the new homes across the country where you can find a golf course literally a few minutes’ drive away.
It’s a fact that since the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, people’s property buying needs have changed. Those with young or larger families especially, are looking for new homes in quieter, rural locations with more space around them. A place where they can properly appreciate and live life.
What better way to start a new chapter in your life than in a new home, with new neighbours, in a new village! When it comes to new villages, they offer a new start for everyone, not just you. There is plenty of potential for building fresh community spirit together. And of course, to take advantage of new spaces and amenities. Find out more about the benefit of buying property within a new village and take a look at a popular one which is in development in Chester.
Last week, it was confirmed that a new Government scheme has been proposed to help more first-time buyers purchase properties in their local area. The First Homes Scheme will see new-build properties reduced by at least 30% of the market price. They will be prioritised for first-time buyers, serving members and veterans of the Armed Forces, as well as key workers, such as nurses, police and teachers.
Housing developer Catalyst Homes cover London and the South East with their high-quality, modern homes. This year, they are launching two new developments with a choice of family homes in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. We take a look at this popular market town, explore why it’s thriving, and share the properties available coming soon from Catalyst Homes.
As we pursue the positive news coming from the housebuilding sector, we look at what’s being done to develop the housebuilders of tomorrow. From NVQs and apprenticeships, to other learning schemes, hard work is being done to plug the skills gap in the construction industry. Here’s how…
The government has recently announced new measures to enable much-needed new homes to be built in urban areas. Yes, a shortage of affordable housing, increasing vacant brownfield sites, and the need to help cities and high streets recover after the pandemic have made it time to regenerate our cities. Find out more…
Last month, the Prime Minister announced plans for a 95% mortgage scheme to help enable first-time buyers onto the property ladder. With younger buyers struggling to save for a deposit and being stuck in the rental trap, plus with a plethora of mortgage deals being wiped out since the pandemic struck, can 95% mortgages be the lifeline needed?
At the end of September, the National House Building Council (NHBC) announced the launch of its first ever apprenticeship scheme. It is aimed at developing the skills of the next generation of housebuilders, helping to manage the ongoing shortage of skills in the country’s construction sector.
Yes, to kickstart our new ‘Spotlight on…’ series, we take a look at Lincolnshire. It’s an area of the country where house sales have been at record levels since the lockdown. From the most popular areas, to the new developments being built in the region, we find out more about Lincolnshire.
After all the waiting and whispers, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed stamp duty changes to take place with immediate effect. The change has been introduced to revive the property market and help kick-start the economy. Billed as a stamp duty ‘holiday’ as it will last until 31st March 2021, it sees the threshold for stamp duty tax raised to £500,000. Here’s more…
New figures were published last week showing significant positivity in the housing market. This comes by way of an unprecedented rise in the average asking price of properties. Since the General Election in December it would appear confidence has returned to the market, leading to a new record in property asking prices. But, is an increase in house prices a good thing?
A final deadline extension for the current Help to Buy equity loan has been announced by Homes England. This comes despite last month confirming only an extra four weeks would be given by way of an extension to buyers and housebuilders, to compensate for the disruption caused by the pandemic.
Homes England confirmed last week that there would be more time for Help to Buy with a month’s extension to the practical completion deadline. Here’s what that means…
What are the best new homes to work from home in? Covid-19 has changed the way many people work, with a large number being asked by employers to stay at home to do so. Since March, most non-essential workers, those who would usually work from an office, have been working from home. So, what do new build homes have to offer remote workers?
Government plans revealed at the end of September that a potential 3,000+ homes could be built across the Northamptonshire towns of Corby, Kettering, and Wellingborough. With a significant number of new developments already being built in these areas, we look at the benefits of the region, and some of the new homes available for sale.
Where there’s major regeneration, there’s always investment interest. Whether that’s from property developers, buyers, or landlords, these groups are always looking for the next lucrative area in which to buy investment property.
You’ve bought your dream new home, and now you need to decorate it, to add a bit of ‘life’ to it. While fabrics and furnishings make the finer detail, houseplants also help make a new home. From their benefits, to the easiest types of plants to care for; we look at how adding plants to your new home can make the difference.
At the end of June, Prime Minister Boris Johnson shared plans to build more new homes and overhaul the planning system. His pledge was a simple one – to ‘build, build, build’. The aim is to make it easier to build homes in areas where people want to live. This requires radical changes to the country’s planning system, the likes of which haven’t been since the Second World War. Here’s more about the plans…
New home buyers will be pleased to know that a new independent body in the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) launches today (8th February). Yes, the NHQB will aim to champion quality new homes and improve outcomes for customers. Here’s more…
After a tough year, it is welcome news to learn that housebuilding contributed to the growth of the country’s construction sector, for the month of December. We take a closer look at the figures…
Like it or not, the way we live and the homes in which we live in are soon going to be different. Climate change remains a constant ‘top of the agenda’ matter, hence more energy efficient homes are needed. We look at what plans are in place for new homes, the issues, and which housebuilders are championing sustainability.
The last couple of years have been somewhat challenging for smaller scale housebuilders, a group who play a vital role in the delivery of new housing across the country. We look at some of the barriers they face in today’s market and explore why we need SME housebuilders to thrive.
Making headlines in the property news last week was the announcement of the extension to Help to Buy in Wales. Read on to find out what the Welsh government have confirmed, along with the updates to the scheme.
With the delays on building new homes during the pandemic, the Government have confirmed an extension of the Help to Buy scheme. Extending the equity loan scheme beyond December 2020 will go a considerable way to help support the housing market. We take a look at the scheme as it was before, and the plans to extend it.
When lockdown was enforced back in March, it was a worrying time for all business and industry sectors. Not least the property market. For new build homes especially, 2020 had started out a strong year. The last time new homes sales started the year as high, was back in 2016. But, what would the impact of lockdown have on new build home sales? Well, over six weeks on and analysis from Zoopla shows it has been more positive than we might have thought. Here’s how, and why…
