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The Costs of Buying a Home in London

Home Buying Costs Mortgage Advice in London

It goes without saying that it can be costly to buy a new home. There are various costs that can add up, as well as different options every step of the way that you can choose from.

If you’re a first time buyer in London who is looking for mortgage advice in London, you’ve come to the right place, as this piece will explain many of the costs typically associated with buying a new home.

Estate Agency Fees

Only those that are selling a property are required to pay an estate agent. It should be noted that these fees can vary drastically between different estate agents. Often, these fees can be negotiated, particularly when there is a lack of properties available for sale.

Survey Fees

The cost of surveys can vary depending on requirements, however, your mortgage advisor will be able to recommend the most suitable option for you.

Mortgage lenders will inform you of the value of the property you are considering buying. This enables you to determine whether it is worth the cost. This can cost upwards of £300, or may even be offered for free by your lender.

It is also possible to request a more detailed Home Buyer’s Report, which often costs in excess of £1000 for the most in-depth surveys.

Mortgage Arrangement Fees

As a guide, mortgages with low-interest rates are typically those with the highest fees. Mortgage arrangement fees can vary between being free, or even costing upwards of £3000.

Mortgage advisors in London are in the best position to explain the most cost-effective products that align with your requirements, working out the total amount to pay throughout the product term, including fees.

It is usually possible to add arrangement fees to the mortgage. In this case, it will prevent a costly one-off payment; however, there will be interest on the fees, which end up costing significantly more over the mortgage term.

Solicitors’ Fees

It is essential to have a solicitor take care of the legal aspects of buying your home. Your solicitor needs to be on ‘panel’ for the lenders you require, so make sure your choice facilitates this. Your mortgage advisor in London will be able to guide you throughout this process.

It’s also important to make sure that the quotes you consider for solicitors’ fees include local searches and VAT, preventing any unexpected costs from arising.

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty is a tax that is paid to the Government for some property purchases. This is paid to the solicitor upon completion, as they will pay the government for you.

For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax/

Mortgage Broker Fees

When searching for a mortgage broker in London, it’s important to understand the applicable fees.

The majority of mortgage brokers in London charge fees, with the sum of money owed often being linked to the amount the lender pays the broker for carrying out work on their behalf. Many brokers only charge fees when they successfully get a formal mortgage offer for you.

Reviews are a great way to see other peoples’ experiences with a mortgage broker in London, which can help you to make your decision. As an example, if you find a mortgage broker in London with great reviews, this can give you confidence when choosing to work with them.

Removal Fees

While some people choose to hire a van and move their own furniture and belongings into the new home, removal companies can take the stress out of this process.

While it does cost to have a removal company take care of this on your behalf, they can speed up moving and enable you to focus on other things, making your move more enjoyable!

Summary

This piece should have given you plenty of useful information, helping you to understand the basics of mortgage advice in London and setting you on the path to getting started.

Date Last Edited: March 3, 2023

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