Areas of the country have seen soaring house prices in the last couple of years, partly due to the demand from Landlords looking for property investment, fuelled by demand from the private rental sector. Properties at the bottom end of the housing ladder have been snapped up by these landlords, at the expense of First Time Buyers.

The Government has launched an “Own your Home Campaign” offering various initiatives to help people onto the property ladder.

1st December 2015 sees the launch of the government’s Help to Buy ISA scheme for first-time buyers.

Although it doesn’t help anyone buying today, Help to Buy ISAs are a no-brainer if you're saving your deposit for your first home. It's basically a tax-free savings account, in which the Government adds another 25% on top of whatever you've saved. Free money from the Government!! And if there are two of you buying together, both qualify! You can save up to £1,200 in the first month, then up to £200, or whatever you can afford a month after that. (The government’s bonus is sent to your solicitor when you buy your home). Most of the banks and building societies will be offering H2B ISA'S, so it’s a good idea to shop around for the best rate.

Help to Buy ISA can be used for any property costing under £250,000 (£450,000 in London), and unlike other recent schemes, doesn’t have to be used to buy a “new build” home.

It became clear that the government has decided to attack the problem from both sides, when the chancellor announced changes to stamp duty on Buy to Let properties in his autumn statement.

 For more information speak to a mortgage adviser on 01628 507477.

Recent posts

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a discussion paper about the future of the mortgage market in a bid to improve access for first -time buyers, self-employed, and those borrowing in retirement.

Ever wondered where the most reasonably-priced towns for families to buy are? Property company, Zoopla has identified the top 10 towns for families to live in the UK by looking at the most affordable towns, and how many people are looking in that area.

There was a 32% increase last year in 100% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages which are mortgages that require zero deposit. According to a recent report by chartered accountants and business advisers, Lubbock Fine, the reason behind this is buyers simply struggling to save enough for a deposit.

Many people are quite private when it comes to what is in their bank account. In this short blog, we look into what Brits have saved by age group.

Research from buy-to-let lender, Landbay, shows that UK landlords are looking at raising rents ahead of the Renters' Rights Bill which is due to come into force this year.

Data shows landlords could miss out on green mortgages due to expired energy performance certificates.

Buying a house is a big deal, and where you are planning to buy will make a difference financially. In this short blog, we look at the most affordable and most expensive areas and how much you need to be earning to buy in there.

Equity release is a type of mortgage that allows homeowners 55 and over to access money from their property's equity without having to leave their home. This is done by securing a loan against the house which is usually repaid by selling the property when the borrower passes away or has to move into long-term care.