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Waiting days or even weeks for your solicitor to respond can be incredibly frustrating, particularly when you’re buying or selling a property and delays could affect the transaction. If your solicitor isn’t responding to emails or keeping you updated, there are several steps you can take. Call the Solicitor’s Office If emails aren’t getting a response, pick up the phone. Ask to speak directly to the person handling your case. If they’re unavailable, ask when you can expect a

Finding rats in your garden is unpleasant enough, but what happens when you believe they’re coming from a neighbour’s property? If rats appear to be originating from next door, the best first step is usually to speak to your neighbour. They may not know there is a problem and could already be taking steps to deal with it. Speak to Your Neighbour Have a polite conversation and explain what you’ve noticed. Look for signs such as burrows, droppings, damaged rubbish bags or rats

Yes, you can usually get home insurance if you live next to a commercial property. However, depending on the type of business and how close or connected the properties are, you may have fewer insurers to choose from or pay a higher premium. Insurers may consider factors such as increased fire risk, customer footfall, security and the possibility of damage originating from the neighbouring premises. If Your Home is Next Door to a Business If you live in a house next to a shop,

Yes, you can sell your house at auction right now. Despite a slower wider housing market, the UK property auction market remains active, with buyers continuing to look for realistically priced properties and investment opportunities. Auction can be particularly attractive when speed and certainty are more important than waiting for a buyer through the traditional open market. What Can You Expect at Auction? Auction buyers are often cash buyers, investors and developers lookin

Hello Readers! The UK housing market continues to face a challenging period, with fewer buyers coming forward and sales activity remaining subdued. Recent market data shows that new buyer enquiries weakened during the summer, while agreed sales and house prices have also remained under pressure. London, the South East and South West have been among the areas experiencing particularly difficult conditions. (The Times) Why Are Buyers Holding Back? A summer slowdown isn’t unusua

Weeds can quickly take over patios, driveways, flower beds and lawns if left untreated. While there are plenty of ways to kill weeds, the best method depends on where they are growing and whether you want a quick fix or a long-term solution. Weeds in Patios, Driveways and Hard Surfaces Weeds growing through paving slabs, gravel or driveway cracks can usually be treated without affecting other plants. Boiling Water Pour boiling water directly onto the weeds to destroy the plan

The UK housing market remains resilient, but the current economic climate is making buyers and sellers more cautious. Higher mortgage rates, ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and the rising cost of living have all reduced buyer confidence. As a result, annual house price growth has slowed and the market is seeing a more pronounced seasonal slowdown this summer. Mortgage Rates Continue to Impact Affordability Although mortgage rates have eased from their recent peaks, the avera

If your neighbour’s tree roots are growing into your property, you can generally cut them back to your boundary. However, you need to be careful, as you could be liable if your actions damage or destabilise the tree. Check if the Tree is Protected Before doing anything, check whether the tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is within a Conservation Area. If it is protected, you may need permission from your local council before carrying out work. Know Your Responsibili

Selling your property at auction is an attractive option if you are looking for a straightforward and reliable sale. Unlike a traditional private sale, there are no lengthy chains or drawn out negotiations, giving you greater certainty from the outset. Some of the key benefits include: • Security and certainty Once the auction ends and the hammer falls, contracts are exchanged immediately. The successful buyer pays a deposit, making the sale legally binding and significantly

Buying a rental property at auction can be a great way to build your portfolio, but protecting your investment is just as important as finding the right property. Unexpected costs, empty periods and poor tenant choices can quickly affect your returns. Here are three simple strategies to help safeguard your investment: 1. Keep a Reserve Fund Set aside around 3%–5% of your gross rental income for maintenance and repairs. Having money available for unexpected issues means you ca

The term “We Buy Any House” is commonly used to describe companies that offer fast cash purchases. While this can be a convenient option if you need to sell quickly, it is important to understand the potential risks before signing anything. Many quick sale companies offer prices that are well below full market value. Some also use tactics that leave sellers disappointed at the last minute. Common Traps to Avoid Hidden or Upfront Fees: A reputable cash buying company should ne

Rent increases remain an important consideration for landlords and tenants across Wales. However, unlike England, Wales operates under its own housing legislation through the Renting Homes (Wales) Act. Key points for Welsh landlords include: • Rent can only be increased if the contract allows for it or by following the correct legal procedure. • Landlords must give tenants the required written notice before any increase takes effect. • Rent cannot usually be increased during

Buying property in Wales? Stamp Duty is officially called Land Transaction Tax (LTT). For a main residential property, you pay no LTT on purchases of £225,000 or less. Above that, LTT is charged in bands, not on the full price. Current main home rates: •⁠ ⁠Up to £225,000: 0% •⁠ ⁠£225,001 to £400,000: 6% •⁠ ⁠£400,001 to £750,000: 7.5% •⁠ ⁠£750,001 to £1,500,000: 10% •⁠ ⁠Over £1,500,000: 12% Buying a second home, buy-to-let or additional property? Higher LTT rates usually

Whether you’re upgrading a garden shed at home or improving an outbuilding before selling a property at auction, choosing the right roof covering can make a big difference. The best option depends on your budget, roof pitch, and how long you want it to last. Top Shed Roofing Options 1. EPDM Rubber Roofing Best for: Flat or low-pitch roofs Lifespan: Up to 50 years Pros: Extremely weather-resistant UV-stable and durable Often installed as a single seamless sheet Cons: Higher up

The simple answer is yes. Airbnb remains one of the world's most popular accommodation platforms, with millions of stays booked every year. However, travel habits have changed, and guests are becoming more selective about where they choose to stay. Why Travellers Still Use Airbnb Airbnb continues to attract guests for several reasons: • Group travel allows families and friends to stay together in one property rather than booking several hotel rooms. • Longer stays are often

Confidence is playing a big part in the housing market right now. Wider concerns, including the impact of the Iran War, are making both buyers and sellers more careful. While the latest inflation figures are encouraging, this is being balanced by weaker employment numbers, which can affect confidence and affordability. On the ground, the market is still moving, but at a slower pace. Sales are progressing, although they are often taking longer to complete. Price reductions and

Radon is a naturally occurring gas formed from uranium found in rocks and soil. It is present everywhere, but levels outdoors are usually very low. Indoors, however, radon can sometimes build up and become a potential health risk. Radon maps are often used to show where higher levels are more likely. The darker the colour on these maps, the greater the chance of higher radon levels in buildings. However, even in darker areas, not every home will have high levels. Understandin

A chancel search checks whether you could be responsible for paying towards repairs to a local church. It may sound surprising, but this is a genuine legal issue that can affect property owners in England and Wales. What Is Chancel Repair Liability? Chancel repair liability dates back to medieval times, when property owners took over responsibility from monasteries for maintaining parts of local churches. This law still exists today and means some homeowners may be required t

Carbon monoxide detectors are essential safety devices in any home. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and highly dangerous gas released by faulty fuel burning appliances such as boilers, fires, and stoves. Because you cannot see or smell it, a detector is often the only warning. These alarms use electrochemical sensors to monitor the air and trigger a loud, high pitched alert if dangerous levels are detected. Installing them near fuel burning appliances and on every

If you are planning a new deck, the best material often comes down to budget, maintenance, and how well it handles British weather. In the UK, the most popular decking choices are natural timber, composite, and uPVC, each with its own strengths. Here is a simple breakdown: • Softwood decking is usually made from pine or spruce. It is the most affordable option and can last around 25 to 30 years when kiln dried and pressure treated. The trade off is regular upkeep, including a