Let us start by saying instructing a local firm to act on your behalf when buying or selling your home is definitely not essential. In fact, at Ramsdens we assist clients in buying and selling property all over the country with the same level of service for both local and long distance clients. However, for some, the convenience and importance of being involved throughout makes instructing a local firm an easier choice. Here are our top five of the numerous benefits of using a local firm rather than an online or distance conveyancer.

Buying a home can be stressful. But having a list of things to consider can help to reduce the hassle. Read our list of top tips from our Head of Residential Conveyancing, Karen James.

According to research from broker L&C Mortgages, almost a third of first-time buyers (31%) are unsure whether the recent stamp duty changes will benefit them, leaving them underestimating what they can afford. So, what do the changes mean, and how do they affect first-time buyers?

The rules defining a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) are changing. ACT NOW! At present the following criteria must be met for the property to be classed as an HMO: Comprise 3 or more storeys; Are occupied by 5 or more people living in two or more single households; and The occupiers share basic amenities such as bathing and/or cooking facilities. That will change on 1 October 2018. If you have a license already, you still need to pay attention to these rules as they may affect you.

You may be aware that the Government has recently published four new guides aimed at helping both private rental landlords and their tenants. The guides – part of a new ‘How To’ series, have been put in place to provide more information on the Government’s official advice for the private rented sector in England. The guides were released at the end of June by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, and are available for free from the Government’s website.

When you buy a residential property, you are usually liable to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on any amount of the purchase price over £125,000 (at rates that increase in bands proportionally to the purchase price, rising from 2% of the portion from £125,001 to £250,000, to 12% on any amount above £1.5 million).

The UK Government is determined to speed up and simplify the home-buying process, following the launch of a review in October 2017 aimed in part at reducing the 25% of prospective sales that collapsed before completion; a staggering proportion.

Many people dream of owning a listing property: the idea of living in a home with such a long heritage – that has been certified by the state as representing a part of British history which needs to be preserved for future generations – it’s all incredibly romantic, and for those lucky enough to be able to acquire such properties invariably do so with a great deal of pride. Moreover, on the whole listed properties tend to keep their value better than other homes and are more immune to market fluctuations.