boydens.co.uk News 14 1. How much do I need? The crucial question: How much you need before you buy your home is the number one topic asked by prospective homebuyers in the UK, with 22,270 monthly searches. While the total upfront cost can vary from home to home and buyer to buyer, the average house price for a first-time buyer in the UK for 2021 is £256,057. 2. How much should I spend? Following up on the question ‘How much do I need?’, Googlers asked ‘How much should I spend?’ 4,970 times per month. Understanding the value of the house you can afford is essential when applying for a mortgage. 3. Is now the time to buy? If you’re wondering if now is the right time to buy, you’re not alone. Every month there are 3,240 searches for the topic. The answer can depend on individual circumstances; the real question is whether you are ready to buy. First-time Buyers’ Top Google Questions New research has revealed first-time buyers’ most pressing questions on Google. The data, uncovered by property developer St Mowden Homes (stmodwenhomes.co.uk), reveals the key concerns that new homebuyers have, including: Remember Water Supplies in the Rush to Move In Water Regs UK is reminding house buyers to check plumbing systems and water supplies in the rush to move into their new home. Experts are reporting that the process of buying a home is taking as long as 16 weeks to complete in the current property market. With many potential housebuyers hoping to move in early in the new year, Water Regs UK is urging people not to take shortcuts when it comes to checking the water systems in their new home. Water Regs UK helps to protect public health and encourages water efficiency by promoting and facilitating compliance with the Water Fittings Regulations. As well as advising building owners and managers, designers, installers and manufacturers, its role also includes advising householders on how to make sure the water systems in their own homes are compliant. Julie Spinks, Managing Director of Water Regs UK, comments: “Moving into a new home can be a really exciting event and many of us can’t wait to complete, having found the property of our dreams. “Often we want to speed things up when setting up once moved in, given how long it takes to complete a house purchase, but the water supply in your home isn’t one where you should be looking to cut corners.” Water Regs UK has produced a list of checkpoints when it comes to checking the water supply in a new home: 1. Find out who your water supplier is 2. Check if you have a water meter 3. Know where the stop tap is and check that it’s working 4. Know where the boiler is and when it was last serviced 5. If the seller offers to leave appliances behind, check they are water efficient 6. Use compliant fittings and a qualified installer if you do need to make any improvements – check out WaterSafe.org.uk 4. Do I need a good credit score? The higher your credit score, the better. There are 1,290 searches per month asking this question. Buyers should aim to have a good credit score before they apply for their mortgage, as it suggests that they are reliable. It can also help reduce interest rates on the loan. 5. When should I apply for a mortgage? Preparation is key when applying for a mortgage. You need to get your finances in good order and understand the type of mortgage you need. As with any preparation you do, the sooner you start this, the better. There are 1,090 searches asking when to apply for a mortgage every month.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA4ODM=