Sarah is a key member of the New Homes teams specialising in shared ownership, shared equity and first time buyer initiatives. She acts largely on behalf of private individuals in connection with their purchases of plots, related sales and/or part exchanges where applicable. Many different developers and housing associations recommend Sarah and her team for their services which ensures cases are dealt with professionally and efficiently. Sarah has a special interest in first time buyers and the schemes available to assist them with taking their first step onto the property ladder and is keen to help with the queries and questions that arise from taking that step. Sarah also assists more mature buyers with their move into sheltered accommodation developments and the sale of their family homes.
If you purchase a shared ownership property, you will be faced with a choice when it comes to your stamp duty election. Option 1 You can elect to make a stamp duty payment on completion – at the relevant rate – on the whole value of the property (i.e. the current rate on a £250,000… Learn more
It has been reported today that Barratt, one of the biggest UK property developers, is launching what could prove to be a highly controversial scheme. We have all seen an increase in parents helping their children with their deposits and this is typically raised from savings or releasing monies from their own property. But how… Learn more
You are not alone if you are not sure of the differences between shared equity and shared ownership. So what is shared equity? You purchase a property and own 100% of it, but you obtain a mortgage for a certain percentage of the equity (e.g. 75%) and the developer and/or Government holds a charge (mortgage) over the remaining share (e.g. 25%); depending on the scheme, you may or may not… Learn more
We have all heard the encouraging news in relation to the housing market improving, but what is the reality? First-time buyers have had a notoriously hard ride obtaining mortgages, with many lenders requiring a sizeable deposit that is not always possible for those desperately trying to get on the housing ladder. We have clearly seen falling… Learn more
Housebuilders have reported increased sales and rising house prices for the end of last year, but is this the end of the housing slump or is it wise to be cautious over what will happen in 2010? The optimism in the market place has been gathering momentum, with Taylor Wimpey announcing an operating profit for 2009 of… Learn more
Buying a property can be a daunting process, with so much you need to know and understand. I have attempted to explain some of the terms you may have come across or are hearing throughout your journey as a first time buyer. If you would like an explanation of any term that I have not… Learn more
A new model shared ownership lease aimed at creating more certainty for lenders and more clarity for purchasers of New Build HomeBuy property has been created by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The new leases must be used for all shared ownership leases granted on or after 6 April 2010 for homes built with funding from… Learn more
You are not alone if you are not sure of the differences between shared equity and shared ownership. So what is shared equity? You purchase a property and own 100% of it, but you obtain a mortgage for a certain percentage of the equity (e.g. 75%) and the developer and/or Government holds a charge (mortgage) over the remaining share (e.g. 25%); depending on the scheme, you may or may not… Learn more
Maybe you are considering buying a property or have already purchased a property on a shared ownership basis and want to understand a little more about what you can do in the future. Staircasing – what does it involve? If you are not sure whether you are financially able to staircase and purchase further shares… Learn more
MyChoice HomeBuy is a government financed homeownership scheme that enables buyers to get their foot on the housing ladder by choosing and buying a home of their own on the open market with the assistance of a flexible equity loan. So what do you do? You raise your mortgage with any high street bank or… Learn more