Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) has created
www.buyingyourfirsthome.co.uk. This site is aimed at
twentysomethings and takes you step by step through the housebuying
process, from deciding whether it is the right time to buy to
checklists for moving day – our favourite point was getting a good
night’s sleep before you move. As if. There are many links to
various Halifax and Bank of Scotland services but for a
comprehensive guide to buying a house, no other does it more
thoroughly. Those who want to go straight to the figures might
prefer the Halifax website
www.hbosplc.com , which includes average house prices in
various regions.
www.firstrungnow.com
also gives a rundown on everything you might need to know about
buying, from the absolute basics to detailed examples, such as a
deed of trust template (essential for those planning to buy with
friends). There are links to property deals and first-time buyer
offers, plus sections on buy-to-let investing and buying overseas.
www.whathouse.co.uk
has a useful section for first-time buyers, which includes
information on raising a deposit, the best new homes for first-timers
and, crucially, potential property hotspots, including areas with
good transport.
With too few homes for sale, buyers must act within days to
secure a deal. Arm yourself with information about an area and its
prices so that you can quickly decide whether to buy a particular
home and what to pay. A postcode search on
www.mouseprice.com will
allow you to see details of recent sales of the property in question,
or those neighbouring it. The mortgage broker London & Country,
www.lcplc.co.uk , has
excellent calculators that will help you to work out what you can
borrow, how much it will cost and what you might end up paying if
interest rates rise further– crucial if you are thinking of taking
on a large loan. Ex-local authority homes are typically 70 per cent
cheaper than equivalent private homes. The website
www.ex-localauthority.com
is a rare guide to the pros and cons of purchasing former
council property, including information on hidden costs, such as
maintenance charges, and getting a mortgage, which can be difficult.
