Discover the latest news from Page & Wells

Could you benefit from repaying your mortgage early?

 

The average homeowner will be 57 before they’re able to fully repay their mortgage, so paying off the debt early is a desirable financial goal.*

 

What is there to consider if you want to pay off your mortgage early?

 

If you are thinking of repaying your mortgage, do your sums.

 

When will you finish repaying your mortgage and what will your financial situation be like then? It's important to consider your options and review them frequently.

 

Here are a few options to help you pay off your mortgage sooner:

 

1) Overpay whilst you can

 

Ensure you have enough money to keep you going for at least three months before paying off your mortgage, as this is a good way to judge if now is the right time to get rid of that debt.

 

Most mortgages won’t charge you for overpaying, however, it’s always worth checking.

 

2) Consider remortgaging

 

Interest rates are at record low levels and there is more product choice for buyers than ever before. If there is a better deal on offer, it might be a good idea to remortgage whilst you can.

 

Remortgaging can help you reduce the size of your loan and avoid less favourable mortgage rates that will extend your mortgage term.

 

3) Reduce your mortgage term

 

Sticking with your current mortgage plan could leave you overpaying if your financial position has changed since you first applied for your mortgage.

 

If you can now afford higher repayments, you should consider reducing your term. By doing this and increasing your monthly payments, it’s a guaranteed way to pay off your mortgage sooner.

 

If you’re looking for expert advice regarding buying and selling, contact us today by clicking here

 

 

 

*Hargreaves Lansdown

 

 

Selling during the back to school season

 

One-third of homeowners choose to buy or sell in early autumn, making now the best time to put your house on the market.

 

With children returning to school, could a move be on the cards for you?

 

If you are selling this September, here are some of our top tips...

 

1) Have a clear-out

 

The back to school season can be a busy time, with one in four also choosing to switch jobs and careers during this month compared to the rest of the year.*

 

So, having a simple declutter of your belongings and items can create a blank slate for people coming to view your home.

 

2) Maximise your storage

 

Maximising your storage space is an easy way to keep your home tidy at a low cost, which may then mean you're required to do less work in between any viewings that take place.

 

3) Plan for viewings

 

Don’t let viewings catch you off guard! Have a checklist of everything you need to do before a potential buyer comes to view your home.

 

Having a set plan of action will help you keep a clear head and get things done amid the back-to-school chaos.

 

4) Improve your home's kerb appeal

 

Two-thirds of buyers stated that kerb appeal was a significant influencer in their property purchase.**

 

Some top tips for improving your home's aesthetics are hiding bins, cleaning your windows and decorating your front door.

 

Are you ready to move this September?

 

Contact our property professionals today for helpful advice and guidance by clicking here

 

 

*Job search website, Monster

**Homeowners Alliance

 

 

What does the supply-demand imbalance mean for you?

 

Vendors have benefited from the supply-demand imbalance seen across the market in 2021, with 40% of properties selling above their original asking price, making conditions optimal for selling.*

 

What makes conditions optimal this autumn?

 

1) Low stock

 

Due to the pandemic, many people were put off selling their homes whilst the construction of new build properties came to a halt, causing a dip in housing stock.

 

This means that the homes currently on the market are being snapped up faster, with serious buyers putting offers in much sooner than they otherwise might have done.

 

2) Increased demand

 

With UK restrictions easing, buyers are now competing for properties, with 36% of homes attracting offers from three or more buyers.*

 

Many who originally put off moving due to the pandemic are now looking to relocate, causing a huge increase in demand and sparking bidding wars between buyers.

 

3) Mortgage rates

 

With the number of available UK mortgages on the rise, lenders are competing to attract more customers with low-interest rates and low-deposit mortgages, giving buyers more choice than ever when it comes to choosing the correct financial option for them.

   

Need a helping hand selling your home? Get in touch with our team today by clicking here

 

 

*Property Reporter and Which?

 

Surge in sellers renting ahead of their next move

 

With the sales market continuing to boom, many homeowners have secured a high price for their home in 2021, choosing to put themselves in a stronger position by renting during this stop gap period.

 

If you’re living in a rented property, you are normally able to move quicker due to not being part of a chain.

 

Rather than feeling pressured to act fast, this means that you're able to negotiate for the property and price you want.

 

It's also an incredibly sought-after position to be in when a vendor chooses who to sell to, as without a chain, the sale will be more likely to complete instead of falling-through.

  

The number of sellers looking for rental homes has contributed greatly to the dwindling stock of rental properties and consequently increasing rents. As a result, there were nearly half the number of properties on the rental market in July than this time last year, with the numbers continuing to drop.*

 

This is encouraging for landlords, as their properties are in demand with void periods falling rapidly.

 

But it’s not just homeowners looking to rent.

 

Due to the pandemic, many tenants no longer have to be tied down to one location.

 

With working from home now the new norm, a short commute is no longer desirable and moving away is more feasible. This year, 49% of tenants moved just because they wanted to live somewhere different, as opposed to moving from necessity.**

 

Are you looking to sell your home or put your property up for rent? Our dedicated team offer free, accurate and no-obligation valuations for both the sales and lettings market.

 

Find out how much your property is worth today and book your market appraisal by clicking here

 

 

*This is Money

*Estate Agent Today