We are all aware of the cost-of-living crisis at present, and the rising interest rates that accompany it. Is remortgaging now a good idea?

Although they have been in place since 2008, there is a renewed interest in Energy Performance Certificates, but what exactly are they and why are they important? 

Thursday 30th September see the level at which stamp duty become payable revert to its pre-pandemic levels.

June 30th 2021 marks the beginning of the reduction of stamp duty thresholds to pre-pandemic levels. 

The latest Quarterly House Price Index report from Ulster University indicates a resilient residential property market with an increase in demand after the initial lockdown period earlier in 2020. It would seem that pent up demand continues to be the dominant driver and that many people are taking advantage of the opportunities they now have to purchase and move home.

A welcome stamp duty holiday until 31 March 2021 has been announced as part of a packet of measures to stimulate the economy.

We welcome the news that the Northern Ireland Executive have announced that people can buy, sell and move home, as from 15 June 2020. 

The government is preparing to relax the rules surrounding when you can apply to reclaim a stamp duty surcharge.

The situation that we currently find ourselves in with the Covid-19 lockdown means most of us are spending more time at home with family. This can mean we finally have a chance to consider some of the more momentous decisions, such as asking ourselves if we are happy with where we live, and if not, can we move?

There comes a time for most of us that our families have outgrown our home, or that it isn’t suitable for your needs anymore and you need to consider selling and moving elsewhere.

  UK Finance Mortgage Trends in Northern Ireland Update for Quarter 2 2018 has revealed a resurgence in the first-time buyer market in Northern Ireland with transactions up 12.5% from the same quarter in 2017. 

  Saving to buy your first home can be a challenge for anyone. Luckily there are some schemes to help you get together the monies you need to purchase your property.

  If you have bought a property such as an apartment or a house within a new development, there are likely to be common areas for you and other home owners to enjoy. 

  Buying a new home can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience – exciting because it marks a new start in a new home, and nerve-wracking because buying a house is a big expense and commitment. 

So,  that dream home you bought years ago no longer feels like much of a dream – in fact, it may be turning into more of a logistical nightmare as your family grows and the house seems to shrink in size!

  When a solicitor makes a mistake, the effects on you personally can be catastrophic.

The government have introduced measures which will mean that higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) may be payable if you purchase an additional residential property.

  You’ve decided that now is the time to take the plunge and set your feet firmly on the property market by buying your first home.   Though buying property can be an exciting time for many, it can also be a daunting experience and will be one of the largest financial commitments you will make in life.

You’ve been looking for months and you’ve finally found your ideal property. You’ve made a bid via the estate agent and it has been accepted.  You’ve been to see a financial advisor and you’ve been accepted for a mortgage.  Now it’s time for you to appoint a solicitor for your purchase and you’re told it may be another six to eight weeks before you get your keys! What does your solicitor do in this time?

There was a fall in the number of new mortgages lent to property purchasers in Northern Ireland in the first 3 months of this year.