Property News in the UK: April 2006

Asda Takes on Estate Agents

Shoppers can add another item to their list when out for groceries – a new home – after supermarket giant Asda announced plans to take on estate agents.

Asda is launching an in-store home-selling scheme with plans to undercut estate agents' fees and include free versions of the controversial home information packs, which will become obligatory next year. >>>

Cheap Homes 'A Right'

Affordable housing should be a basic human right for everyone in the European Union, an all-party report of MEPs believes.

The group has published a European Charter for Housing, pushing for a common EU policy to promote improved standards of homes at manageable prices. >>>

Buying a Property

Some great advice for first-time buyers, on viewing, putting in an offer and the dangers of gazumping. Judging by the headlines, you could be forgiven for thinking it's all doom and gloom for today's first-time buyers. But there are ways to make it more affordable, such as buying with a partner or friends. >>>

Property Pick

With todays house prices it's hardly surprising that first time buyers like myself find it difficult to get onto the property ladder, there are lots of houses for sale in Derbyshire but can we get a mortgage for the kind of property we like these days, not really. So like many first time buyers, we are looking for a house in an area that we don't even really want to live in, but that is mainly because you don't get a lot for your money these days.

Anyway here is my property pick for this week.

Costs Hit First-Buyers Home Buyers Hard

The costs associated with buying a first home have risen by 94% in six years, with increases in house prices and other charges hitting first-time buyers hard. >>>

Open Day in Somerset

Over 300 local people attended the open day at South Somerset Homes to find out more about home ownership.

This included shared ownership which is very simply a ‘stepping stone’ between renting and owning your own home basis. >>>

More Backlands Homes on the Way

Picturesque areas of Lichfield are once again under threat from the advance of infill property development, it has been claimed. >>>

Havelok Helping People on the Homes Ladder

Nearly 100 new homes are being planned for North East Lincolnshire in an £8-million development proposal. >>>

Buying Your First Home

Buying a home is most people's biggest financial commitment. It can be time-consuming, expensive and frustrating. To make matters worse, horror stories abound of gazumping, duff surveys and rogue estate agents. >>>