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Shopping for houses can be extremely expensive. Not only are the products themselves some of the most valuable that many of us buy in our lifetimes, but the process necessary to ensure that everything is legal and binding can also be hugely pricey. After all, lawyers are highly-trained professionals, and therefore their time and expertise are accordingly priced.
With that said, there are still ways to keep the price of your conveyancing under control and to secure a bargain on the property itself, too. Let’s run through a few tips worth considering when house hunting.
Haggle
If you are trying to sell your house and accepted an offer, you will know it’s a ticking clock to find your dream home and move out. Sometimes that perfect property may just be out of your budget.
If you offer the asking price, then the chances are good that your offer will be accepted – in most cases. But if you’re willing to risk the property slipping through your fingers, then you might instead try a lowball offer. Make sure your offer reflects a realistic appraisal of the property’s value, otherwise you risk it being seen as derisory.
Opt for no completion no fee guarantee
Many conveyancers will offer a ‘no completion, no fee’ guarantee. This means that they’ll only work with transactions that they feel stand a good chance of going through. It also means that you won’t be charged a fee if your transaction actually does fall through. If you’re looking for security, this can be viewed as a form of insurance – but just remember that your transaction might be seen as too risky.
Be selective in timing your move
The time and date you decide to actually move from one place to the next will play a big role in determining your costs. Try to pick a time when there’s likely to be less demand for removal companies. Most of the UK prefers to move during the summer months. Similarly, you’ll find that it’s cheapest to move house at the weekend than it is to move during the week.
Mark fragile items
If you don’t want your possessions broken in transit, then it’s a good idea to mark fragile items as such. If you want total peace of mind, then you might check whether your goods are being insured by the removal company.
Shop for second-hand furniture
If you’re moving less stuff to your new house, then your costs when it comes to removal might be lower. You might sell some of your existing furniture, and stock up your new property with the furniture you’ve brought in from the local charity shop.
Minimise food waste
Similarly, you’re not going to be taking food with you. As such, it’s a good idea to use up the stockpile of food in your freezer, so that it’s empty when you come to move it. You can pick up a takeaway on the day you move, and go to a shop the following day.
