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Latest Leasehold Reform Consultation. On December 2nd 2024, the government issued a consultation on the details of the Act’s ban on building insurance referral fees. The proposal is to replace the current practice of freeholders or their managing agents receiving excessive commission with a new permitted fee, to help reduce charges for leaseholders.

The average estate agent fee in 2025 is 1.42% including VAT. So on a £275,000 house this would mean estate agent fees of around £3,900. However, estate agent fees typically range from 0.9%-3.6% depending on which estate agents you use, how many are selling your property – and how well you negotiate.

4. Audley Retirement Villages, Scarcroft Park, Leeds, Yorkshire. Set within 110 acres of beautiful land, close to Leeds, the Audley retirement village of 172 luxury properties will be built in and around the restored Grade II listed building, with one bedroom apartments from £465,000 and two bedroom apartments from £510,000, with a private gym, …

Architect fees. Architects in the UK typically charge between 3% and 15% of the total construction costs. However, this varies depending on factors including their level of involvement, the complexity of the project and the architect’s experience.

What is a house survey? A house survey is a detailed inspection of the condition of a property. The type of survey you choose will determine the level of detail it goes into and how much the house survey costs.. Home buyers usually arrange to have the survey done after they’ve had an offer accepted by a seller.

New rules for care home payments. New rules for care home payments were announced in 2021, including the introduction of a care homes fees cap of £86,000 on the amount anyone in England would need to spend on their personal care over their lifetime.

When is a building regulations certificate issued? On completion of any structural works or works which involve changing of pipes or services, a house owner should obtain a completion certificate confirming the works have been carried out to the required standard from the Building Control Department of the local council.

Spray foam insulation and mortgages: what you need to know. Lenders are alert to the issues with spray foam roof insulation. As a result, spray foam roof insulation is one of many factors that can throw up a red flag to a mortgage lender.

Second home council tax changes in Scotland. Powers enabling councils in Scotland to charge up to double the full rate of council tax on second homes came into force in April 2024.