Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
These days, the best place to start your property search is online. Browse available properties by area here, or get in touch to discuss your requirements. You can also register with us to receive relevant opportunities before they even reach the open market, helping you find your dream property for the best possible price.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax most property buyers have to pay. The price you pay depends on the value of the property and your position in the market. Charged as a percentage of the property you’re purchasing, the rate can be anywhere between 2% and 12%.
First-time buyers are not required to pay SDLT on properties of under £425,000, while those looking to invest in a second property or buy-to-let opportunity can expect to pay an additional 3% on top of the regular rates.
Knowing what to offer for a potential property can be daunting. Pitch too low, and you’re likely to lose out to other buyers, pitch too high, and you could end up paying more than a property is worth. At Hawkins & Patterson, we bring over 40 years of combined experience and develop close relationships with our sellers, helping make yours the winning bid.
A survey is always recommended on any house you’re considering. It can be carried out before or after you make your offer.
Finding out how much your property is worth is easy with the help of our established estate agents Henley-in-Arden. We’ll pop around at a time that’s convenient for you, take a quick look around, and provide you with a realistic figure for the best possible results.
Fees vary depending on your personal circumstances and the value of your home. This includes estate agency fees and solicitor fees, with conveyancing expenses possible too.
If you’re moving home, you’ll also need to factor in removals costs and stamp duty on your new property, while those selling a second property may be liable to pay Capital Gains Tax as well. An indication of potential costs can be provided at your valuation.
You can either conduct your own viewings or we can provide accompanied viewings. Your personal agent will be there to show your potential buyer around and answer any questions, whether you wish to be present or not.
To some extent, this depends on your buyer, but there are a number of processes to go through before the sale is legally binding. There will be a survey to ensure your home is structurally sound, and you will need a solicitor to draft contracts. Once the contracts have been exchanged, a date will be set for the sale completion, when you are free to hand over the keys.
Yes, it’s important you get your lender’s permission before you let your property, as you may need to adhere to new payment conditions. If you’re purchasing a property solely to let it out, you can get a buy-to-let mortgage.
It’s important to get a professional opinion about how much you might be able to charge. Speak to one of our letting agents Henley-in-Arden, for insider information on the income similar properties have yielded and what you can expect to get from yours.
Your letting agent fees depend on how much help you need with the management of your property. You can also expect to pay for landlord’s insurance and any additional safety certificates you might need. Meanwhile, you’ll still be responsible for all the maintenance and upkeep costs involved in owning a property, and a contingency fund helps cover any void periods.
Before you let out your property, you need to ensure it is safe and meets efficiency standards. You will have to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate with a minimum rating of E, as well as a Gas Safety Record, carried out by a certified engineer every 12 months. Your furniture and electrical appliances should all be safely installed, while smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors must be regularly tested.