Buying a home is one of life’s biggest decisions. Whether it’s your first purchase or your fifth, the process can feel daunting, with plenty of pitfalls to avoid. From mortgages and surveys to legal paperwork and negotiations, there’s a lot to take on board. By arming yourself with the right information and working with a knowledgeable local estate agent, you’ll be better placed to make smart decisions and find the home that truly fits your needs.

Sometimes, the best lessons come from seeing what can go wrong. Letting a property can be rewarding, but cutting corners or missing key steps can lead to big headaches, costly mistakes and even jail time!

When you’re buying your first home, you’ll quickly come across two words that can make things a little confusing — freehold and leasehold. Understanding the difference could save you a few surprises (and a few thousand pounds) later on.

If your home has been sitting on the market with no progress, you’re not stuck. Switching estate agents is easier than you think, if you understand your contract and prepare properly. Here’s the truth, the timelines and the process to relaunch with impact.