Buying & Selling
How Long Is an EPC Valid For? And When You Need a New One
Ten years — but an in-date certificate can still stop you letting the property. Here is when the number matters more than the expiry date.
Topic
Buying & Selling
The property process explained: offers, surveys, conveyancing, estate agents and completion.
MortgagesBuying & SellingMoney & FinanceCredit & BorrowingInsurance & ProtectionEquity Release & Later LifeInvestingBusiness & CommercialReviewsHome & LifestyleNews
Buying & Selling
Can I Do My Own Conveyancing?
DIY conveyancing is legal in England and Wales, but a mortgage makes it impractical. Here's when it works, what it involves, and where it stops being sensible.
Buying & Selling
Can I Do My Own House Survey?
You can inspect a house yourself and should, but you can't produce a survey. Here's what to check on a viewing, and when a professional survey is worth the money.
Buying & Selling
Boxes for Moving House: Sizes, Types and Where to Buy
A buyer's guide to moving boxes in the UK. The sizes and types you need, how many for your home, what makes a box strong enough, and where to buy them without overpaying.
Buying & Selling
How to Negotiate a Better House Price
How much below asking price should you offer, and how do you get it accepted? UK negotiation tactics that work, from reading the market to using sold-price evidence and a strong buyer position.
Buying & Selling
How Long Does a House Viewing Take?
A first house viewing usually takes 20 to 30 minutes; a second viewing often an hour or more. What to do with the time, and how long to spend before you decide.
Buying & Selling
Never Sold a House Before? The Step-by-Step Guide
Selling for the first time? The full process for England and Wales, from valuation and EPC to conveyancing, exchange and completion, with a realistic timeline.
Buying & Selling
Sinking Fund for Leasehold Property Explained
A sinking fund (or reserve fund) is money leaseholders build up for big future repairs like a new roof or lift. How it works, how it differs from the service charge, and your rights over it.
Buying & Selling
Stamp Duty Surcharge: The 5% on Second Homes Explained
The stamp duty surcharge adds 5% to the SDLT on second homes and buy-to-lets in England. Who pays it, how much it costs, the worked example, and how to claim a refund.
Mortgages
Buying a House With Japanese Knotweed — The 2026 Rules
Knotweed no longer automatically kills a mortgage, and the 7-metre rule was scrapped in 2022. Here's how surveyors actually assess it now, what lenders want to see, and who pays to put it right.
Mortgages
Buying a Flat With Cladding — What You Need to Know in 2026
Cladding no longer makes a flat unsellable, but it changes what you must check. Who pays for remediation under the Building Safety Act, what an EWS1 form really tells you, and the questions to ask before you exchange.
Buying & Selling
Do Solar Panels Add Value to Your House?
Owned solar panels can add modest value through lower bills and a better EPC. Leased or rent-a-roof panels are different — and can complicate a sale.
Buying & Selling
Does a Conservatory Add Value?
A conservatory can add value — or reduce it. A well-built, usable room helps; a cold, dated lean-to that eats the garden can put buyers off entirely.
Buying & Selling
Does a Driveway Add Value?
Off-street parking can add real value where parking is scarce — and almost none where it isn't. Here's how to judge it, plus the planning and drainage rules.
Buying & Selling
Does a Garage Conversion Add Value?
Converting a garage adds cheap living space — but only adds value if you're not giving up parking or storage buyers wanted. Here's how to decide.
Buying & Selling
Does a Loft Conversion Add Value?
A loft conversion is one of the most reliable ways to add value — especially when it adds a proper bedroom. Here's what decides the return on yours.
Buying & Selling
Does a New Kitchen Add Value?
A new kitchen rarely adds more than it costs — but a dated one can actively cost you a sale. Here's how to spend sensibly on a kitchen before selling.
Buying & Selling
Does an Extension Add Value to Your House?
An extension usually adds value — but rarely as much as it costs unless you're well under your street's ceiling price. Here's how to work out the real return on yours.
Buying & Selling
House Valuation for Selling: How to Value Your Home to Sell
Selling your home? Get an independent, data-backed estimate before the agents come round — so you can spot a realistic valuation from an inflated one. Free, instant, no sign-up.
Buying & Selling
House Valuation for Staircasing (Shared Ownership)
Staircasing on a shared-ownership home? The price of the new shares is based on your home's full market value now — set by a RICS surveyor. Estimate the cost first, free.
Buying & Selling
How Much Has My House Gone Up in Value?
Find out how much your home has gained since you bought it. Enter your postcode and what you paid for a free, instant figure from official Land Registry data — no sign-up.
Buying & Selling
What Does Let Agreed Mean? (And Can You Still Enquire?)
A let agreed property is not off the market, and a fair few fall through. Here is whether it is worth asking to be the backup, and how to go about it.
Buying & Selling
When Did I Move Into My House? How to Find the Exact Date
Forgotten when you moved in? Your credit report's address history dates it, and the Land Registry title shows the completion date if you bought. Here's how to pin it down in minutes.
Buying & Selling
What Does 'Chain-Free' Mean?
'Chain-free' means the seller is not buying another property to move, so the sale is faster and lower-risk. Here is what it means and the benefits for buyers.
Buying & Selling
What Does 'Guide Price' Mean?
A 'guide price' is an indicative figure a seller expects offers around, common at auction and on listings. Here is how it differs from asking and reserve prices.
Buying & Selling
What Does 'Under Offer' Mean?
'Under offer' means a seller has accepted a buyer's offer but contracts are not yet exchanged. Here is how it works, how it differs from Sold STC, and more.
Buying & Selling
What Does 'Vacant Possession' Mean?
'Vacant possession' means a property is handed over empty on completion, with no tenants or occupiers. Here is why it matters and what to check before buying.
Buying & Selling
Can I Lose My Deposit on a House?
Can I lose my deposit on a house? Before exchange, usually no. After exchange your ~10% deposit is at risk. Reservation vs exchange deposits and the Scotland rule.
Buying & Selling
Can You Withdraw an Offer on a House?
Can you withdraw an offer on a house? In England and Wales yes, an offer is not binding until exchange. Here is how to withdraw, the costs, and the Scotland rule.
Buying & Selling
How Long Does It Take to Sell a House to a Cash Buyer?
How long does it take to sell a house to a cash buyer? A cash sale can complete in 2–4 weeks versus 8–12 weeks with a mortgage. Here is what speeds it up.
Buying & Selling
Minor Subsidence
Minor subsidence explained: what it is, how it affects buying or selling a home, and what it means for your mortgage and buildings insurance. A practical UK guide.
Buying & Selling
What Time of Day Does Exchange of Contracts Happen?
What time of day does exchange of contracts happen? Usually late morning to mid-afternoon on a working day. Here is what triggers it and how completion follows.
Buying & Selling
Why Are Solicitors So Slow?
Why are solicitors so slow? The real reasons conveyancing drags — searches, chains, enquiries and workload — plus practical ways to speed your solicitor up.
Buying & Selling
Why Is Buying a House So Stressful?
Why is buying a house so stressful? The common pressure points — money, chains, uncertainty and waiting — and practical ways to reduce the stress of buying a home.
Business & Commercial
Best Property Investment Books (UK)
The best books on UK property investment and buy-to-let, from beginner guides to the strategy classics, chosen for British landlords and would-be investors.
Buying & Selling
Buyer's Remorse After Buying a House: Is It Normal?
Buyer's remorse after buying a house is common. Here is why it happens, what you can do before and after exchange, and whether there is any cooling-off period.
Buying & Selling
Can an Estate Agent Refuse a Viewing?
Can an estate agent refuse a viewing? Yes, in some cases. Here are the lawful reasons, your rights as a buyer, and how to improve your chances of a viewing.
Buying & Selling
Completion Day and No Keys: What to Do
It's completion day but you have no keys? Here are the common causes, who to call, and what to do when funds are delayed or the chain is holding things up.
Buying & Selling
Gazundering Revenge: Can a Seller Retaliate?
Hit by gazundering? Here is whether a seller can take revenge, smarter strategic responses to a last-minute lower offer, and how to protect yourself before exchange.
Buying & Selling
How Long After a Viewing Should You Expect an Offer?
Wondering how long after a viewing you should expect an offer? Here are typical UK timescales, what a fast or slow response really means, and how to chase.
Buying & Selling
Viewing Houses Before Yours Is on the Market
Thinking of viewing houses before yours is on the market? Here are the pros, cons, why agents may not take you seriously, and how to become a proceedable buyer.
Money & Finance
What Was My House Worth in 1991? Get Your Figure Free
Find your home's 1991 value in seconds with our free calculator — the figure your Council Tax band in England and Scotland is still based on. Check yours against the band you actually pay.
Buying & Selling
Will My Solicitor Tell Me When We Exchange Contracts?
Yes, your solicitor will tell you the moment you exchange contracts. Here is how and when they confirm it, what happens on the day, and what is set at exchange.
Buying & Selling
Will We Ever Exchange Contracts?
Worried your exchange of contracts is taking forever? Here is why it drags on, a typical UK timeline, how to speed it up, and what happens on the day.
Buying & Selling
Why Do Homes Reduce Their Asking Price? We Studied 5,070
Asking-price reductions are a normal part of the housing market. Here is why sellers cut their price, how common it is (our study found 38% did), and what a reduced listing really means if you are buying.
Buying & Selling
Are Online Valuations Correct?
Online valuations give a useful ballpark but aren't precise, missing a home's condition and unique features. Use one as a starting point, not a formal valuation.
Buying & Selling
Are Zoopla Estimates Accurate?
Zoopla estimates are automated and indicative only: built from sold-price data, they can't see inside your home. Cross-check with recent sales and an agent's view.
Mortgages
Buyer Not Instructing Solicitors: Communication is key
Is your property buyer not instructing solicitors? Learn how to handle the situation and ensure a smooth transaction. Key insights and practical tips provided.
Buying & Selling
Buyer Wants Reduction After Survey: What to do
Dealing with the request that your buyer wants a reduction after survey: Learn effective strategies to handle the situation and negotiate a fair resolution.
Mortgages
Disadvantages of Buying Freehold Property
Consider the disadvantages of buying freehold property. Financial commitment, maintenance responsibility, unforeseen costs, and complex property management.
Mortgages
Does The Seller Get a Copy Of The Survey?
The seller does not automatically get a copy of the survey. The property survey belongs to the buyer, and the seller will only know the survey results if the buyer decides to share them.
Buying & Selling
Estate Agent Fees: What You'll Actually Pay to Sell
Estate agent fees are negotiable far more often than agents let on. Here is the going rate, and the contract clause that costs sellers the most.
Mortgages
Freehold Explained: What You Own and What You Maintain
Freehold means you own the building and the land under it, with no lease counting down. Here is what that hands you, and what it makes your problem.
Buying & Selling
What Is Gazumping and How Do You Protect Yourself?
Gazumping is when a seller accepts a higher offer after already agreeing to sell to you. Learn why it's legal in England and Wales and how to guard against it.
Buying & Selling
Ground Rent: An Essential Guide for Leaseholders in the UK
Understanding Ground Rent and the financial obligations of leasehold properties in the UK. Get practical advice on payments, calculations, and reforms.
Buying & Selling
House Price Index Explained
What the HM Land Registry House Price Index is, how it's calculated, why it lags the market, and how to read it to track UK house prices.
Buying & Selling
How Do Strike Make Money? The Free Online Estate Agent
Strike sells homes for free and earns from paid extras like premium listings, photography and floorplans, plus partner referrals. Here's how the free model works.
Mortgages
How Many Boxes Will I Need to Move House?
Plan on about 10 boxes for a studio, 20 for a one-bed, 30 for a two-bed and 50 for a three-bed. Here's how to fine-tune the count for your rooms and clutter.
Buying & Selling
How To Choose An Estate Agent
The cheapest agent and the best agent are rarely the same one. Here is what to ask before you sign, and the tie-in clause worth arguing over.
Buying & Selling
How to Value Your House Without an Estate Agent
Learn how to value your house yourself using sold prices, the Land Registry index and online tools, and when a professional valuation is worth it.
Buying & Selling
Is It Better To Use An Online Estate Agent?
Online estate agents charge a low fixed fee and give more control; high-street agents bring local knowledge and hands-on support. We compare both, with our verdict.
Buying & Selling
Items Missing After House Viewing
If items vanish after a viewing, tell your agent, report it to police for a crime reference and claim on home insurance. Here's who's liable and how to prevent it.
Buying & Selling
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 Explained
A plain-English guide to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, covering 990-year extensions, ground rent changes, and what leaseholders should watch for.
Buying & Selling
Leasehold Explained: What You Own, and the 80-Year Trap
Leasehold means owning the home for a set term, not the land beneath it. Here is what ground rent really costs you, and why 80 years is the cliff edge.
Buying & Selling
Mid Terrace House: Before You Buy One...
Learn all about the mid terrace house, including reasons you might not want to buy one.
Buying & Selling
What Does 'Offers in Excess Of' (OIEO) Mean?
'Offers in excess of' means the seller wants more than the stated figure. Here's what OIEO means for buyers, how much to offer, and how it differs from the asking price.
Buying & Selling
What Does 'Offers in Region Of' (OIRO) Mean?
'Offers in region of' signals a guide price the seller will negotiate around. Here's what OIRO really means, how much to offer, and how it differs from the asking price.
Buying & Selling
What Does 'Offers Over' Mean? (And How Much to Offer)
'Offers over' means the seller wants more than the stated price — common in Scotland. Here's what it means, how much above to offer, and how to avoid overpaying.
Buying & Selling
The Renters' Rights Act Explained
The Renters' Rights Act reforms England's rental market, ending Section 21 and fixed-term tenancies. Here's what it means for landlords and tenants, phased in.
Mortgages
Searches When Buying a House
The three main searches when buying a house are local authority, environmental, and water & drainage. Your conveyancer arranges them and most lenders require them.
Buying & Selling
Seller Lied About Neighbours
If you have moved into a new home and discovered the seller lied about neighbours. Learn your legal options and how to avoid surprises.
Mortgages
Should I Buy a 1 Bed or 2 Bed Flat?
Should I Buy a 1 Bed or 2 Bed Flat? If your budget stretches, it's a tough choice to choose an extra bedroom, it comes with extra costs. Is it worth it?
Buying & Selling
Should I Buy a House With a South Facing Garden?
A south facing garden is the most prized orientation in the UK. We weigh up the light, growing, solar and resale benefits against the trade-offs.
Buying & Selling
Sold STC Meaning: Can You Still Make an Offer?
Sold STC is not sold, and a sizeable share of these sales still collapse. Here is when it is worth making an offer, and how to line yourself up as backup.
Reviews
Strike Review: The Hand holding Agent
Read our Strike Estate Agent Review to discover why Strike is the best choice for you. Say goodbye to high fees and hello to transparent pricing.
Buying & Selling
How To Get Your House Valued
To get your house valued, book two or three free estate-agent valuations to compare, or pay a chartered surveyor for a formal figure. Here's the process and timing.
Mortgages
Can You View a House Without a Mortgage Promise?
Wondering about viewing houses without a mortgage promise? Understand the benefits of obtaining one, save time, gain confidence, and meet agent requirements.
Buying & Selling
What Does POA Mean in Property?
POA means 'Price on Application' — the seller hasn't listed a price. Here's why estate agents use it, what it signals to buyers, and how to find out the actual price.
Buying & Selling
"Viewing Advised" or "Highly Recommended": What Agents Mean
Rightmove listings say "viewing advised" and "viewing highly recommended" constantly. Here is when the phrase is a real signal, and when it is pure filler.
Mortgages
What Is A Cheeky Offer On A House?
Learn, what is a cheeky offer on a house, plus what % is a cheeky offer on a house? When cheeky offers are appropriate, how to calculate your offer, and its implications in the home buying process.
Buying & Selling
What Is a Lowball Offer on a House? (And How Low to Go)
A lowball offer is well below asking price. Here's how low you can realistically go without insulting the seller, when it works, and how to make one that still gets accepted.
Buying & Selling
What Is a Maisonette? Pros, Cons & vs a Flat
A maisonette is a self-contained home over two floors with its own entrance. Here's how it differs from a flat, the pros and cons, and what to check before buying one.
Buying & Selling
What is Gazundering?
Learn about gazundering and discover effective strategies to safeguard your interests during negotiations. Don't fall victim to this tactic.
Mortgages
Who To Inform When Moving House
Learn who to inform when moving house. From notifying contacts to updating utilities and agencies - achieve a seamless transition.