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    ASK405: Is this developer scamming me? PLUS: What's an Interest Cover Ratio?

    enNovember 07, 2023

    Podcast Summary

    • Understanding Legal Rights and Options when a Property Developer Blocks a SurveyIf a property developer blocks a survey, potentially preventing completion of a purchase, buyers should seek professional advice to explore potential remedies. Legal rights and options depend on the specific circumstances and may include seeking help from a solicitor or consumer protection agency.

      If you find yourself in a situation where a property developer is not allowing access for a survey to be conducted, potentially preventing completion of your purchase and putting your deposit at risk, it's essential to understand your legal rights and options. In Jackie's case, the developer was within their rights to rescind the contract if she missed the completion date, but their actions in blocking the survey could be questionable. It's recommended that Jackie seeks professional advice, such as from a solicitor or consumer protection agency, to explore potential remedies. Additionally, if similar experiences have been reported about the developer, it may be worth sharing this information with relevant authorities or industry bodies. Overall, it's crucial to ensure that all parties involved in a property transaction fulfill their obligations and that buyers are aware of their rights and resources for protection.

    • Dealing with mortgage lender reinspection issues and developer interferenceIf mortgage lender requests reinspection and developer blocks access, consult your solicitor for advice. Ensure an independent solicitor protects your interests during real estate transactions.

      If you're experiencing issues with a mortgage lender conducting a reinspection before releasing funds and the developer is blocking access, it's important to lean on your solicitor for advice. This situation is not normal in real estate transactions, and developers who ask for large deposits (like 50%) and recommend specific solicitors may be trying to control the process. If you have concerns about your current solicitor's independence or ability to resolve the issue, consider seeking a second opinion. It's crucial to ensure you have a truly independent solicitor working for you to protect your interests and finalize the sale.

    • Protecting Your Deposit When Buying Off-PlanKeep deposits below 10%, ensure protection through warranty or escrow, and consider ICR when refinancing to avoid future rent increases.

      When buying property off-plan, it's crucial not to pay more than a 10% deposit, and ensure it's protected by warranty or held in escrow. Any deposit above 10% isn't covered by warranty, leaving it at risk. ICR, or rental stress tests, are another important consideration. Lenders now require assurance that you can afford mortgage payments not just currently, but also in the future. This means that even if your rent covers your mortgage, you may still need to increase rents to meet the lender's requirements for remortgaging. Understanding these rules can help protect you from potential financial issues when refinancing.

    • Meeting mortgage stress tests in the southeast of EnglandTo buy a property in the southeast of England, you must pass mortgage stress tests that require proving affordability at 125% of the current rate, historically around 5.5%. Investors and first-time buyers may find this challenging, so consulting a mortgage broker is crucial to navigate the tests and stay informed about the latest criteria and products.

      When considering buying a property, particularly in the southeast of England, you'll need to meet certain mortgage stress tests to ensure you can afford the payments. These tests require you to prove you can cover your mortgage costs at 125% of the current rate, which historically has been around 5.5%. This can be easier to achieve outside the southeast, but investors and first-time buyers in the region may struggle. It's essential to work with a mortgage broker to navigate these tests and stay updated on the latest criteria and products. Remember, even experts use brokers to ensure they're making the best decisions. So, while it might seem simple to choose a mortgage based on a Best Buy table, not understanding stress tests could lead to falling short of qualifying.

    • Stay informed with our experts' insights and knowledgeOur experts will continue sharing their knowledge through the Sunday Times, property podcast, and answering questions. Stay tuned for valuable information and insights.

      Our experts will continue answering questions in various platforms. They will be answering queries in the Sunday Times on Sundays and hosting a property podcast on Thursdays. So, stay tuned for their insights and knowledge in these upcoming sessions. Additionally, they encouraged everyone to have a great week and look forward to connecting with them again soon. This shows their commitment to providing valuable information and engaging with their audience regularly. Overall, their message emphasizes the importance of staying informed and continuing the learning journey. Whether it's through reading the Sunday Times, listening to the property podcast, or asking questions, there are plenty of opportunities to gain knowledge and insights from our experts. So, don't miss out on their upcoming sessions and keep an eye out for their answers in the Sunday Times and property podcast. Remember, knowledge is power, and staying informed can lead to better decisions and a more enriching life.

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