interest rate

Residential

What the Autumn Budget Means for First-Time Home Buyers in the UK

By George Martin Limited,31 October 202431 October 2024

Yesterday, the UK Parliament released the 2024 Autumn Budget. This budget is important for first-time home buyers. It includes updates that may change how easy or hard it is to buy your first home. If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage, make an offer, or exchange contracts soon, here’s how the budget changes could impact you.

What First-Time Buyers Need to Know

The Autumn Budget 2024, presented by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), included changes that aim to help people buying a home for the first time.

Some of these changes may lower your costs, while others could mean more expenses. Knowing what’s new can help you make the best decisions during your buying process.

Rising Fuel Duty and Its Impact on Home Buyers

This year’s budget includes a small rise in fuel duty, which might increase everyday costs like commuting and home energy bills. While fuel duty won’t directly affect your mortgage, it could make monthly expenses higher.

If you’re buying a home soon, it’s good to think about these extra costs when planning your budget.

Tax Changes and National Insurance Contributions

There are also new tax changes to consider. Small increases in national insurance contributions may mean a bit less in take-home pay.

Also, income tax will change in April 2025, which could impact your ability to save for a deposit or keep up with mortgage payments.

If you’re close to applying for a mortgage, try to look at your budget under these new tax rates.

Business Rates and Building Insurance

The budget has also raised business rates, which applies to shops and offices rather than homes. However, these rates can impact the area’s property values, so if businesses in your area are affected, house prices might shift over time. Building insurance, while not directly mentioned in the budget, is another essential cost for first-time buyers.

It’s wise to research building insurance policies early to keep this cost manageable.

Public Services, Mortgage Help, and Licensed Conveyancers

Extra funds are going to public services, which can make neighborhoods with strong services and amenities more attractive for buyers.

Improved infrastructure and public services can increase property values in the long run.

The government might also provide more support options for mortgage applications, giving first-time buyers extra resources to find the right mortgage. And as always, a licensed conveyancer can make the buying process easier by handling legal paperwork, guiding you through exchange dates, and helping you with completion dates.

Moving Forward as a First-Time Buyer

Here are a few simple steps to keep in mind as you plan your home-buying journey:

Review Your Budget: Make sure to include possible tax and insurance costs in your monthly budget.
Stay Updated on Mortgage Offers: Check for new mortgage options, as lenders may offer better deals based on the budget changes.

Consult with a Conveyancer: They can help with contracts, completion dates, and any legal questions.
Research Local Markets: Knowing local trends in property prices and business rates can help you decide where to buy.

Residential

Debunking Common Myths About New Build Homes

By George Martin Limited,28 October 202428 October 2024

When it comes to buying a new build home, there’s a lot of noise out there. You’ve heard the whispers from well-meaning family members or that friendly chat with your local agent. “New build homes aren’t good quality,” they say, or “You’ll end up paying more in the long run.”

But guess what? These are just myths – fairy tales, if you will – that have been spun so many times, they might as well be myths and legends. So, let’s dive into the truth and start debunking some of the most common new build home myths.

New Build Homes Are More Expensive in the Long Run

One of the most persistent myths about new build homes is that they’ll cost you more over time than an older home. Now, let’s deconstruct that bit of fiction. Sure, the price of a new home might be higher at first. However, when you consider the overall savings, you will see that a new home is a better choice.

For starters, new build homes are typically far more energy efficient than their older counterparts. With better insulation, double glazing, and modern heating systems, new homes often come with higher EPC ratings, meaning you’ll spend less on energy bills. While an older home might charm you with its character, its inefficient construction could leave you paying more in the long term.

And let’s not forget about the ongoing costs of maintenance. An older home might need constant TLC – from roof repairs to plumbing issues. With a new build, you’re less likely to face these problems, and most developers, like us at George Martin LTD, offer warranties to give you peace of mind.

New Builds Aren’t Good Quality

This is a big one, isn’t it? People often think that new build homes are rushed, with shoddy workmanship. But here’s the truth – construction standards today are higher than ever. Developers are subject to stringent regulations and inspections, ensuring your new home is built to last.

Let’s face it – nobody wants to feel like their dream home got thrown together faster than a sandcastle in the rain. That’s why reputable developers like us make sure each brick, pipe, and tile is placed with precision.

Estate Agent Fees Are the Same for New Builds as Older Homes

Here’s a pleasant surprise for you – when buying a new build home, you may not even need to deal with those pesky estate agent fees! Many developers sell directly, meaning you could avoid paying the fees that come with buying through an estate agent.

You can browse our homes for sale and buy directly from us without the middleman, making the process smoother and potentially more cost-effective.

It’s Hard to Find a Good New Build Home in the UK

The idea that new homes are hard to come by is simply not true. The UK housing market is bustling, and if you hop onto any website with homes for sale, you’ll see plenty of new builds to choose from. Whether you’re in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, there’s something out there for everyone.

So, why not start your journey today? With so many new homes to choose from, you’re bound to find your perfect match – just like in the fairy tales, but without the dragons and dungeons.

Residential

What is Interest Rate and What Will I Pay?

By George Martin Limited,30 September 202430 September 2024

When you’re looking at new build homes, whether it’s your first time or you’re an experienced buyer, one term you’ll hear a lot is “interest rate.” But what exactly is an interest rate, and how does it impact what you pay each month?

What Are Interest Rates and How Do They Work?

In simple terms, an interest rate is the cost of borrowing money. When you take out a mortgage or any personal loan, you’re not just paying back the amount you borrowed (called the principal); you’re also paying interest, which is a percentage of the loan. The interest is essentially the fee lenders charge for lending you the money.

For example, if you’re buying a new home and take out a mortgage of £200,000, the interest rate on that loan determines how much extra you pay on top of the £200,000. Over time, that can add up, so even a small change in interest rates can make a big difference in your monthly repayments.

What Factors Impact Your Mortgage Payments?

Interest rates can vary depending on a few key factors. One big influencer is inflation, which refers to the general rise in prices for goods and services, often measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). When inflation goes up, interest rates tend to follow, making borrowing money more expensive. This means if you’re applying for a mortgage during a time when consumer prices are on the rise, you might have to pay more in interest.

Your credit score and credit history also play a significant role. If you have a strong credit score, lenders are more likely to offer you a lower interest rate, as you’re seen as less risky. On the other hand, if your credit history isn’t great, you might find yourself facing higher interest payments.

Inflation and Interest Rates: What’s the Connection?

Inflation is closely watched by the Financial Conduct Authority and central banks. They use interest rates as a tool to control inflation. If inflation is rising too fast, interest rates may be increased to help slow it down by making borrowing more expensive. On the other hand, when inflation is low, interest rates might be cut to encourage spending and borrowing.

Since August 2024, inflation has been one of the primary concerns for both new home buyers and builders like George Martin. Prices rise for everything from materials to energy, which has a knock-on effect on house prices and the amount you’ll need to borrow. As a developer, we aim to build homes that are energy-efficient, which helps lower costs for you in the long run. However, understanding how inflation affects your mortgage can help you plan better.

Other Costs to Consider

Aside from interest rates and inflation, there are other costs that come with buying a new home. Stamp duty is one of them. Depending on the price of your home and whether you’re a first-time buyer, you may need to pay stamp duty, which is a tax on property purchases.

Then there’s the question of your loan term. If you choose a longer-term mortgage, your monthly payments will be lower, but you’ll pay more interest overall. Shorter-term loans mean higher monthly repayments but less interest paid over time.

When it comes to interest rates and mortgages, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you’ll pay. It depends on a variety of factors, including your credit score, inflation, and even the energy efficiency of the home you’re buying. However, by understanding the basics of interest rates and how they work, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions.

At George Martin, we work to ensure that every home we build is not only beautiful but also designed with your financial well-being in mind. From energy-efficient builds to expert advice on navigating the financial aspects of home buying, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

What the Autumn Budget Means for First-Time Home Buyers in the UK

What First-Time Buyers Need to Know

Rising Fuel Duty and Its Impact on Home Buyers

Tax Changes and National Insurance Contributions

Business Rates and Building Insurance

Public Services, Mortgage Help, and Licensed Conveyancers

Moving Forward as a First-Time Buyer

Debunking Common Myths About New Build Homes

New Build Homes Are More Expensive in the Long Run

New Builds Aren’t Good Quality

Estate Agent Fees Are the Same for New Builds as Older Homes

It’s Hard to Find a Good New Build Home in the UK

What is Interest Rate and What Will I Pay?

What Are Interest Rates and How Do They Work?

What Factors Impact Your Mortgage Payments?

Inflation and Interest Rates: What’s the Connection?

Other Costs to Consider

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