The Independent - Property RSS Feed

Private viewing: Pick of the property market

9 Mar 2010 at 6:00pm

Solar panels: Power that pays for itself

9 Mar 2010 at 6:00pm

Ronald and Wendy Jordan are hoping the latest addition to their Cornish beef farm will be the most exciting yet. It's out in the lush meadows that surround their farm near Lostwithiel, but is unlikely to be grazing with the herd as they've recently installed a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel.


Meet the part-time city slickers

9 Mar 2010 at 6:00pm

We've had the dinkys, even the nimbys, but are we ready for the latest acronym to hit the property market? Magpies ? "mature adults go partying in excess and style" ? represent the growing numbers of over-40s who are looking to escape suburbia, but, instead of sports cars, they're indulging in city-centre crash pads where they can party after a tough week at work.


Sam Dunn:'How can we get a better rate?'

9 Mar 2010 at 6:00pm

Question: Our two-year fixed mortgage with Chelsea building society has ended and we've gone to its standard variable rate (SVR) only to discover that it stands at a huge 5.79 per cent. Yet friends also on an SVR are only paying 3 per cent in some cases. Is there any way to switch such rates? It seems ridiculously unfair that luck of the draw means we pay a huge sum compared to somebody else paying less but with a similar mortgage. Our loan to value (LTV) is about 90 per cent. MN, Gloucestershire


Costliest street sees prices rise £300,000 in year

8 Mar 2010 at 6:00pm

The average cost of a home in the most expensive street in England and Wales has soared by £300,000 in a year.


Website offers home-selling package for £999

4 Mar 2010 at 7:44am

A new website was launched today offering people the chance to sell their home for just £999.


Why buying in Istanbul now could bring Turkish delight tomorrow

4 Mar 2010 at 3:53am

Turkey, a non-eurozone country with a warm climate, attractive coastlines, low cost of living and easy access from the UK and Ireland ? is an attractive option for holidaymakers and second home buyers.


House prices fell in February

4 Mar 2010 at 3:43am

House prices fell for the first time in eight months during February as the market was hit by bad weather and the end of stamp duty holiday, figures showed today.


Is there a future for rural living?

2 Mar 2010 at 6:00pm

The country life may have its benefits ? from green fields to peace and quiet ? but affordable housing clearly isn't one of them. Now though, rural communities are battling to unite self-builders, councils and local residents to save villages from becoming theme parks for the wealthy.


Sam Dunn: 'Should I buy the freehold to my flat?'

2 Mar 2010 at 6:00pm

Question: Our landlord wants to sell the freehold to our building ? a house recently converted into four neighbouring flats ? to us all... for £20,000. As flat-owners, each of us has a lease of 125 years for each flat and enjoys low service charges of £250 a year. However, the landlord (a development company) has said he'll sell the freehold to somebody else if we don't want it. Now we're worried a new landlord might impose much higher service charges. Should we buy it, or is it a rip-off? Please help. Tina Jones, Guildford



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