The UK housing market has seen a number of ups and downs( mostly downs) during the last few years. However it looks like the market has eventually stabilised and many regions are beginning to see prices increase slightly. Data released by Zoopla in July stated that average house prices increased by about £5,000 in 2011 with the average home in the united kingdom now priced at £216,534.

So is now a good time to buy or should you hold out a little longer? While prices have gone up slightly they are still lower than they were at this time last year. The outlook for the rest of 2011 and early 2012 varies on whom you listen to. However many experts are of the viewpoint that the market will stay flat or see small price rises. So for first time buyers I’d say now’s as good as time as any to go into the market. The cost of housing is unlikely to fall and while any rises might be small they will only add to the expense of purchasing a house.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home in the near future here are a handful of quick tips to help you out.

Mortgage and Other Expenses

Saving a 10% or bigger deposit usually takes years and is one reason for the recent lack of activity in the housing marketplace. The times of lenders being willing to give 100% mortgages are gone. These days most financial institutions and building societies demand a 10% deposit to obtain the best deals. However some 95% home loan deals at competitive rates have started to appear for those with a good credit score.

When you are saving for your first house the deposit is just one of the numerous expenses you will have to think about. You will also need to save for stamp duty, solicitor’s and surveyor’s fees and moving costs. Furnishing your new home and decoration are other costs you’ll have to meet. Finally it’s well worth finding the time to plan for the bills you will have to pay each month.

New or Used Home?

If you’re thinking about buying a home should you choose a brand new or a used one? With the present state of the housing market there is a big stock of new houses that developers are keen to sell. There are some great deals available on new houses with many developers lowering asking prices by as much as 10%. Many developers are also offering incentives like free white goods or help with finding a deposit. New build homes will also have a free 10 year warranty from the builder and are a lot cheaper to run and look after.

Shared Ownership

Shared ownership is one of the best ways for many first-time buyers to be able to find the money for their first property. With a shared ownership program you pay a mortgage on the share of the house you own and pay rent on the remainder to a property association. With time you increase the amount of the property you own. There are lots of shared ownership programs throughout the UK with many of them geared towards key workers such as medical workers, firemen and teachers.

Another choice is buying with a friend or group of friends. This may seem like an attractive choice but can have its downside. Always use a solicitor to draw up agreements and ensure that everybody knows their obligations and responsibilities. To find your nearest housing association visit the site today.

As you will no doubt know the property market in the uk has had more than its fair share of troubles in the past couple of years. The level of mortgage loan lending has fallen to an all time low and lots of areas have experienced sharp falls in property prices. Given these present conditions the choice to purchase, sell or stay put has become even more critical. Fortunately there is plenty of great help and advice easily available to anyone that’s considering moving home this year. The What House? web site gives house buyers and sellers every piece of information they have to know about the current property market. It offers expert advice and help on topics like affordable houses, property investment, mortgages and of course selling and buying homes. An area that produces a lot of concern to a lot of people is the affordability of properties in the united kingdom. Despite the fact that large parts of the country have seen prices drop substantially in the last couple of years lots of first time buyers are still struggling to get on the property ladder. However there are a variety of affordable new house schemes which can help first time buyers take their initial steps on the home ladder. Housing associations along with new home builders offer reasonably priced new homes and the Governments HomeBuy initiative has helped lots of people to purchase their first homes. Property prices are never far away from any property owners mind particularly when they are deciding to buy or sell. The What House? website provides a house valuation service that can swiftly and accurately value your home. To make use of it all you have to do is enter a few elementary details about your property and then the house price calculator will do the rest. Prices are determined by using the most up-to-date information and facts from a range of sources including the financial markets, the ONS and also Land Registry. You will receive a PDF report with your homes worth plus some tips about methods to improve your property’s worth. To keep up to date with the home market in the uk and all the property news you may need go to the What House? site today.