As we head into the festive season, sprinkle some extra magic in your home this year with these key Christmas trends for 2023
property
Rent to own with Keyzy
If you want to get on the property ladder, here's how Keyzy can help with their "rent to own" scheme.
Why gas safety should be on your new home checklist
Most properties have at least one gas appliance. Here's how to check the gas safety of your new home.
Do I have to use my developers solicitor when buying a new build?
When it comes to appointing your new build solicitor, you would expect to be able to shop around to find the best one to work on your behalf. Here we look at why this doesn't always feel possible, how to deal with pressure from your developer and shop around for the best deal.
Will your payments rocket when your fixed-rate mortgage deal ends?
Do you have a two-year fixed-rate mortgage that is about to end? Then you need to act NOW to avoid the risk of seeing a huge jump in the amount you pay for your mortgage each month.
Reforming surveys, what’s your view?
Want to have your say about surveys? Then you’ll need to act quickly as the consultation for a new approach to house surveys closes this month
More than 8 in 10 homes are selling for less than the asking price
Some 81% of homes sold in May failed to make their asking price. We look at what this means if you're buying and selling at the moment.
New build completion delay: What can you do?
You paid your reservation fee and exchanged on your new home months ago – but it's still not ready. New build delays are common but the impact can mean undue stress and huge additional costs. Here's what to do to avoid new build delays and your options if it happens to you.
Off on holiday? Here’s how to keep your home safe
Heading off on holiday soon? Follow these simple - as well as some high tech - steps to protect your property while you’re away.
Liverpool bans major house-builder over leasehold scandal
A major house-builder has effectively been ‘banned’ from building properties in Liverpool due to the continuing scandal over leasehold houses, it was reported this week.
In The News This Week
Consumer journalist Rebecca Gamble brings you the top stories homeowners, home buyers and sellers need to know about from across this week's news outlets...
What does a conveyancer do?
If you’re buying or selling property then you’ll need a conveyancing solicitor to help you with the legal transaction. But how do you find one and what do they do?
1000 homes a week bought with Help to Buy, but there’s confusion over Help to Buy ISAs
Help to Buy hit the headlines this week for good and bad reasons. We look at the growing popularity of the scheme and pitfalls with the Help to Buy ISA which left many having to call on the bank of Mum and Dad
How to declutter like Marie Kondo
Since Marie Kondo’s show landed on Netflix in January the nation has gone declutter mad. So, how can you tackle the mess in your own home?
HOA investigates murky world of online auctions to buy and sell property
It's the new way of selling that offers a quick sale and added security, but at what cost? HOA looks at the modern method of auction.
Shared ownership: Is it worth it?
A much-needed helping hand for buyers or a big mistake that should be avoided? We look at the pros and cons of shared ownership.
What do you think of Energy Performance Certificates?
2,000 Help to Buy homeowners hit with fees and rate hikes
House purchases hit decade high, AA does its bit for savvy homeowners and it’s payback time for Help to Buy - our consumer journalist Christine Toner has it all in this fortnight’s mortgage update.
Hard-hitting recommendations to tackle poor quality of new homes
HomeOwners Alliance and BLP Insurance back All Party Parliament Group (APPG) initial recommendations
Housing crisis deepens as concerns mount among increasingly desperate first-time buyers
Are all estate agents the same?
Russell Quirk ponders if agents are all the same and how the process of choosing an estate agent has changed over time.
House Sale Scam – Protect Yourself from Property Fraud Today
Property fraud is becoming an increasingly worrying issue. We take a look at the steps you can take to protect your property or land from being fraudulently sold or mortgaged.
Stamp duty rise on investors & extended schemes to help first time buyers in Autumn Statement
The Chancellor recognises buy to let is squeezing out families who can't afford to buy and introduces HomeOwners Alliance policy calling for a higher rate of stamp duty for investors. This and more news from the Autumn Statement and what it means for homeowners.
Nightmare New Builds Channel 4’s Dispatches
HOA is featured on C4's award-winning investigative current affairs programme Dispatches, highlighting problems with many new build homes.
Compare local estate agents with our new estateagent4me tool
Selling your property? Compare local estate agents in just a few easy steps...
Property Tech Debate – Online vs High Street Estate Agents
Our CEO Paula Higgins chaired the 2015 Property Tech debate between online and offline estate agents - watch the debate and read our verdict.
Dealing with noise problems in your new home
Our expert offers his advice on how to avoid or deal with noise problems when you move to a new home.
Buying or selling your home? There’s an app for that…
Let's face it - good apps make our lives so much easier. We can use them for personal banking, shopping and all of our social networks. But did you know there are some brilliant FREE apps to help you buy or sell your home? We take a look at the best ones...
CMA issues warning to estate and lettings agents
The CMA has published an open letter to estate and lettings agents warning that they may be at risk of breaking competition law.
BBC You and Yours Interview – discussing Right To Buy
The Right To Buy scheme has been extended, as announced in the Queen's Speech 2015. The government scheme gives people the chance to buy the council house they are currently renting at a discounted price. Unfortunately, for some homeowners, the scheme has gone horribly wrong.