Articles

On 26 September 2026, the government announced 'Your First Home', a new equity loan scheme that will let first-time buyers purchase an eligible new-build property in England with a deposit of just 2.5% of the purchase price. The government would provide an initial interest-free equity loan representing 20% of the price, leaving the buyer to arrange a mortgage for the remaining 77.5%.

Full details, including the interest-free period, income and price caps, and the launch date, are due to be confirmed at the Budget on 28 October 2026.

Auctions can offer speed and opportunity, but the winning bid may commit you to much more than the purchase price.

Buying residential property at auction can be an effective way to secure a home or investment, often within a much shorter timeframe than a conventional purchase. However, the legal commitment can arise immediately, leaving little opportunity to investigate problems or renegotiate afterwards. This article explains how auction purchases work, the main risks and the steps you can take to bid with confidence.

The Government is proposing to replace the Lifetime ISA (LISA) with a new First Time Buyer ISA (FTB ISA), to help people save for their first home. The consultation closed on 18 August 2026, but the new product is not yet available and no launch date has been confirmed.

For now, the LISA remains available under its existing rules. Current LISA holders can keep their accounts and continue contributing to them. Under the proposals, the FTB ISA would have no upper age limit or withdrawal charge. The contribution limit, Government bonus and property price cap have not yet been confirmed.

The Building Safety Act 2022 was introduced following the Grenfell tragedy to improve safety standards in residential buildings. The legislation is complex, but understanding whether your building is affected in an important part of buying or owning a flat.

Moving day is always busy, and updating your address can easily be overlooked. Having a clear checklist helps ensure nothing important is missed once you have settled into your new home.

When you sell a home, you'll be asked to complete selection of standard property forms. These form part of the legal contract, so it's important they're clear, accurate and complete. A little care at this stage helps keep your move on track.