Stamp Duty Holiday
Demand for housing has been sustained through the pandemic in part by Rishi Sunak’s flagship policy of waiving stamp duty. The holiday has, as of the budget, been extended until the 30th June, which makes it a perfect time to save up to £15,000. With that said, first-time buyers are exempt from this fee anyway, and so they might be better advised to wait until after the deadline, when house prices might well slump.
Renovating
Several home-improvements will reliably bolster the value of your home, and for relatively little investment. The state of your front door will help you to generate that all-important kerb appeal. The interior is another point of special attention – even if you can’t afford to rip the whole thing out and replace it, you might start painting units, adding fitted wardrobes, replacing handles, and installing special lights.
Your priorities should in part be determined by the weaknesses of the existing property. If the garden is looking untidy, then break out the lawnmower. If the lounge looks in need of attention, then give it a fresh coat of paint.
According to a recent survey of more than 2,000 homebuyers by Hammonds furniture, the top five things likely to dissuade are mould, pests, old heating systems, noisy neighbours and Japanese knotweed. Addressing each of these problems might therefore help to bolster offers and save money when moving.
Choosing the Right Solicitors & Estate Agents
Exchanging can be a convoluted process. The expertise you have on your side will help you to avoid mistakes, to keep things ticking along, and to save you stress when things don’t go according to plan. One option that’s only come to prominence in recent years is the online solicitor and estate agent.
These are often very competitive when it comes to price, as they have less to worry about in the way of overheads. However, they might lack the local knowledge you get from a brick-and-mortar business – and you won’t have the luxury of face-to-face meetings along the way.
Packing and Removal
If you want to take care of your move yourself, rather than bringing in a firm, then you could save money when moving- in fact, a significant sum. But this is only really an option if you’re moving locally, and you don’t have much in the way of heavy appliances to bring along for the ride. If you are hiring a professional, then ask if they provide packing material – and don’t forget to compare several different quotes. You might be surprised at the variance in price.
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