Buying
How to Buy a House in the UK: The Complete 2026 Guide
SMSarah Mitchell1 July 202612 min read
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Buying insights
Buying
How Much Deposit Do You Need to Buy a House in 2026?
How much deposit first-time buyers actually need in 2026 — the 5% minimum, what a 10% or 15% deposit unlocks, realistic saving targets, and the extra costs beyond the deposit itself.
SMSarah Mitchell30 June 202611 min read
Buying
How to Save for a House Deposit Fast: 10 Proven Strategies
Ten concrete, realistic strategies to save a house deposit faster in 2026 — from the Lifetime ISA bonus and ruthless budgeting to cutting rent, boosting savings interest, gifted deposits and side income.
SMSarah Mitchell29 June 202611 min read
Buying
Is the Shared Ownership Scheme Worth It in 2026?
Shared Ownership lets you buy a share of a home and rent the rest — but is it a genuine route onto the ladder or a compromise with hidden costs? Here is how it works, what it costs, and who it suits.
SMSarah Mitchell28 June 202612 min read
Buying
What Happens on Completion Day? A UK Timeline
Completion day is when the money moves, ownership transfers and you finally get the keys. Here is a minute-by-minute UK timeline, what can delay it, and your moving-day checklist.
TBTom Brennan28 June 202611 min read
Buying
The First Homes Scheme: A 2026 Guide for First-Time Buyers
The First Homes scheme offers eligible first-time buyers a 30% to 50% discount on selected new-build homes. Here is how the discount works, who qualifies, and how it compares to Shared Ownership.
SMSarah Mitchell27 June 202611 min read
Buying
New Build vs Old House: Which Should You Buy? (2026)
Warranties, energy bills, chain-free moves and snagging versus character, space and established streets — a clear-eyed comparison for first-time buyers weighing new build against an older home.
RHRachel Hughes26 June 202611 min read
Buying
Property Chains Explained: How They Work and How to Avoid Delays
A property chain links your purchase to a string of other buyers and sellers, and it is the most common reason a move collapses. Here is how chains form, why they cause delays, and how first-time buyers can sidestep them.
TBTom Brennan26 June 202611 min read
Buying
Right to Buy & Rent to Buy: Schemes for Tenants (2026)
How council and housing-association tenants, and people still renting, can get onto the ladder in 2026 — Right to Buy discounts, Right to Acquire, and Rent to Buy explained.
PNPriya Nair25 June 202611 min read
Buying
Gazumping and Gazundering Explained: How to Protect Yourself
Gazumping and gazundering are two of the most stressful things that can happen before you exchange contracts. Here is what each one is, why they are legal, and how buyers and sellers protect themselves in 2026.
TBTom Brennan24 June 202610 min read
Buying
Stamp Duty for First-Time Buyers: The Complete 2026 Guide
Everything first-time buyers need to know about stamp duty in 2026 — the relief thresholds, who qualifies, how much you will pay, and the traps to avoid.
SMSarah Mitchell20 June 20269 min read
Buying
How to Make a Winning Offer in a Competitive Market
When good homes get multiple bids, the highest offer doesn't always win. Here's how to make an offer on a house that stands out — and how to avoid being gazumped.
TBTom Brennan12 June 20268 min read
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