Gatehouse Estate

West Algarve, Properties for sale

Looking for a property to buy in the West Algarve, Portugal?

west algarve, portugal, property for saleFor the largest selection of West Algarve properties for sale go to the specialist Portuguese property brokers where you can view the large range available.

They have everything from small plots of land, apartments, some with sea views, villas and large luxury villas. The prices range from about €60,000 right up to above 3 million euros. The selection is vast. There are golf frontage villas, apartments and fractional share properties on developments such as Pestana, with it’s golf courses, and Parque da Floresta Golf development right over in the west of the Algarve.

Here is just a small selection out of 200 properties for sale:

 

west algarve, prortugal, villas for sale, LagosLagos, West Algarve, Portugal. This Luxury 3 bedroom Villa for sale in Lagos Algarve has stunning sea views. This villa with guest annexe is located in the Lagos area, and is in a seclued and quiet location overlooking the ocean.

Priced at €1,350,000

View more information here

 

 

Parque da Floresta villa for saleGolf Villa in Parque da Floresta , West Algarve. This fantastic villa in phase 2 at Parque da Floresta Golf Course, facing south east it is possible to enjoy magnificent sea and golf views and enjoy the sun all day long. 

 Priced at €1,300,000

View more details here

 

 

west algarve villa for sale paria da luz, PortugalVilla for sale in Praia da Luz Algarve. Built to a very high standard this three bedroom villa is located in an attractive residential urbanization on the outskirts of Praia da Luz. This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa, would make a great family home and would equally rent well.

Prices at €675,000

More information on this villa

 

 

west Algarve property for saleOr, if you’re looking for somewhere where you can holiday and get a rental income from, how about this property in the most Western Town in the Algarve…. Sagres. The house has studio apartments with its own private garden and wine cellar. The property has: entrance hall, living/dining room with fireplace, kitchen, 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and includes 2 studio apartments.

Priced at just €270,000

View more information here

 

If you’d like to choose from a selection of over 200 properties for sale in the West Algarve, have a look at this comprehensive property website. The agent has an office in the Algarve and is on hand to help you to find your ideal home. They can also assist in arranging mortgages and lawyers.

currency conversion by professionals

If you feel the need to calculate the Euros into another currency, such as the Pound, at today’s rate, just use the currency link to the side.

The value of your foreign currency can be fixed for a given period ahead. If you don’t wish to transfer your money now, you can book the rate of exchange now, for a date ahead.

To discuss how best to make a currency exchange into euros at the best rate, talk to a foreign currency exchange specialist. visit fx-foreignexchange,

Better Homes, Plus a Great Caribbean Investment

Better Homes Plus, Pre-launch, off plan in the Caribbean

better homes plus, Dominican Republic, Caribbean off plan propertyBetter Homes Plus, have a fantastic opportunity to buy Caribbean property, off plan, at pre-launch prices on Las Canas Beach Resort is a luxury 5 Star golf development that is situated on the Dominican Republic’s north coast.  Located 10 minutes from Cabarete and 20 minutes from the airport, this stunning Caribbean resort is set within a lush tropical landscape surrounded by hundreds of palm trees along a white sandy beach. Better Homes Plus have organised 100% finance available to go with this, why invest anywhere else?

 

Better Homes Plus, Caribbean Property, Dominican Republic, off planThatched water bungalows are positioned just offshore and beautiful villas lie along the riverside and beachfront, where owners can enjoy the stunning panoramas offered by this idyllic location.  The golf course is interspersed with villas affording vistas over the greens and fairways to the magnificent landscape beyond.  The properties at this world class resort come fully furnished with stylish, modern simplicity.

 

 

So why should you invest?

  • better homes plus, beach front property, Caribbean, Las Canas2 year 10% rental guarantee
  • 100% finance available, developer pays interest
  • Pay only AED 6,500 as a reservation fee (convert this to your currency)
  • No further payments until 2012
  • 30 days per annum free use
  • A five-star golf resort
  • All units fully furnished with state-of-the-art entertainment systems
  • Spacious apartments with full balconies and sea views

 Don’t miss out on this superb pre-launch opportunity.

 

 

A Hideaway in a Sublime Location

Looking for a hideaway property in a sublime location?

Look no further… this wonderful apartment must be in one of the most sublime locations of all.

It sits nestled above the beautiful natural Andratx harbour in the southwest of Mallorca. The up-market harbour offers quaint local shops and seafront restaurants, together with a marina and sailing club where even the little ones can spend their time learning to sail in the safe harbour environment.

Penthouse set in a sublime locationIf you are looking for the perfect combination of a sublime location and a place in the sun, this one bedroom apartment is surely one of the loveliest homes overseas available. Priced at just 590,000 euros, this penthouse offers sea views from the 50 square metre terrace, and a communal pool shared between just 20 apartments.

More information on this penthouse, and other overseas properties abroad can be viewed at Gatehouse Elite, which offers a full portfolio of luxury homes overseas, all set in the prime locations.

Still a Strong Property Market in Portugal

silver and west coast property, portugalDespite the recent market conditions, property sales in Portugal seem to be bucking the trend. There are many reasons why people continue to buy property in Portugal.

Investors, mainly from Northern Europe, are still looking for a safe place to invest their money, away from the banks and into the traditional commodity, property. Portugal still offers great value, especially in the West coast areas and the central regions including the Alentejo. Prices are still relatively low and there still seems to be enough tenants for the properties.
Other investors are using the “credit crunch” to take advantage of the bargain properties in the Algarve. Developers haven´t over-developed in the same way that the Spanish and Turkish developers have, so the market is still strong enough to give an investor confidence, but the developers do seem to be offering great deals just to shift properties and to reduce their gearing with the banks.

Lifestyle buyers are able to pick up some great deals, especially in the Algarve, as owners in other countries have been forced to sell. The property market in Portugal offers sufficient variation in style, location and price to suit all tastes. The airports are well served from all over the world and flights from Northern Europe are frequent and cheap. The perfect recipe for lifestyle buyers.
To find a large selection of properties for sale in the Algarve, west coast, silver coast and the centre of Portugal, visit Algarveprop.com, THE property specialists for Portugal.

foreign exchange currency conversion by specialistsGet the best currency exchange rate available today… Just call our Head Office on +44 (0) 1480 458 400 if outside the UK, or 01480 458400 ( in the Uk) and we’ll quote you the best exchange rate for Euro, usd, gbp, aed and more. Alternatively, visit fx-foreignexchange, and we will get back to you with the best foreign currency exchange rates.

West Coast properties near Lisbon

property for sale in west portugalLisbon Coast,West Portugal
This area is known as Costa de Lisboa in West Portugal. There are many towns in the Lisbon Coast of West Portugal apart from the Lisbon itself. The popular ones are Cascais, Estoril, Mafra, Sesimbra, Setúbal and Sintra. There is also Queluz which is an urban suburb to Lisbon.

Below is a small selection of property for sale in West Portugal - for a wider range of property for sale in West Portugal visit www.algarveprop.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property for sale in West Portugal CascaisProperty For Sale In West Portugal - Cascais €600,000

Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Internal Size: 270 m2
Built In: 1991
Situation: Coastal
Pool: Communal pool
Reference aces_1011

 

Property For Sale In West Portugal Estoril

Property in West Portugal - Estoril €425,000

Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3
Internal Size: 200 m2
Plot Size: 350 m2
Reference aces_1033

 

 

property for sale in West Portugal CascaisProperty for sale in West Portugal - Cascais €400,000

Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Internal Size: 195 m2
Built In: 2001
Reference aces_aet1001

 

 

Property For Sale In West Portugal Sintra

Property for sale in West Portugal - Sintra €850,000

Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Internal Size: 300 m2
Plot Size: 520 m2
Situation: Golf Course
Pool: Yes
Reference aces_1018

 

Property For Sale In West Portugal CascaisProperty for Sale In West Portugal - Cascais €275,000

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Internal Size: 135 m2
Built In: 1995
Reference aces_1010

 

 

 

Click here for further information on the any of the above property in West Portugal.
For a full range of property for sale in West Portugal visit www.algarveprop.com  

 

foreign exchange currency conversion by specialistsGet the best currency exchange rate available today…
Just call our Head Office on +44 (0) 1480 458 400 if outside the UK,
or 01480 458400 ( in the Uk) and we’ll quote you the best exchange rate for Euro, usd, gbp, aed and more.
Alternatively, visit fx-foreignexchange, and we will get back to you with the best foreign currency exchange rates.

How to Buy a Property in the Algarve, Portugal

Buying A Property In Portugal

BUYING A PROPERTY IN PORTUGAL

The Legal Process
Buying a property in Portugal is relatively straight forward provided the ownership of the property is clear and the purchase laws are strictly adhered to. The process, if it doesn’t involve an off shore company, consists of two distinct stages - the promissory contract (Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda) and the final deed (Escritura).

The Promissory Contract
This is a legally binding contract between both parties provided all signatures are verified by the local public notary. On signing the contract, the buyer pays a deposit which is normally 10 percent of the agreed purchase price. This deposit is non-refundable unless specifically stated in the contract. If the buyer breaks the contract he loses the deposit and likewise if the seller defaults he is legally obliged to return the deposit plus compensation which is usually equal to the sum of the deposit. It is acceptable for both parties to ask for a copy of the contract to be translated into their monther tongue.

The contract covers a number of points including the following:
* Confirmation of the precise identity of the seller and buyer
* Precise description of the property
* Confirmation of clear title of ownership
* Agreement for payment of deposit and terms if the contract is broken
* Agreement concerning stage payments if applicable
* Confirmation of date of completion of sale

Before the contract is signed, the seller has to produce all the relevant paperwork relating to the property to show to the buyer or his/her lawyer so that necessary searches can be made to ensure there are no outstanding debts e.g. rates, loans against the property and a habitation license confirming the property is for residential use.

The Final Deed
This is the official document of the transfer of the property and has to be signed in the office of the public notary who checks all the previously mentioned documents. The notary will also require document evidence issued by the local tax office (Finançes) that the buyer has paid the appropriate property acquisition tax (IMT) and, if relevant, a document confirming power of attorney. If the property is part of a condiminium, an associated condominium agreement will also form part of the final deed. Unless the buyer understands Portuguese, the notary will insist on verbal translation into the buyer’s monther tongue. The deed is then signed by both parties and the balance of the purchase price paid to the seller. The property is then transferred to the name of the new owner at the land registry office (Conservatorio Predial) preferably by the buyer’s lawyer. This final registration is very important and the buyer should ask for a copy. All costs for professional advisers, notary charges, land registry fees, the final escritura, etc are normally calculated on the agreed value of the property. The seller pays his own lawyer and any commission to the real estate agent.

Costs
The associated costs of buying a home in Portugal are as follows:

Property Transfer Tax (Imposto Municiple Sobre as Transmissões Onerosas de Imóveis)
This is levied on a sliding percentage scale according to the agreed purchase price of the property. It has been common practice in the past to artificially depress the purchase price when buying a property in Porugal in order to decrease the amount of tax to be paid by the buyer. This is strictly illegal and the authorities are tightening up on this tax avoidance so do not be tempted as the financial penalty may be severe if the avaoidance is discovered when you come to sell at a later stage. The IMT is levied at a rate if 5% on rustic properties and 6.5% on urban properties. Properties under €81,600 are excempt. Properties in excess of €510,000 are levied at 6% whether rustic or urban.

Notary’s Fees
This is calculated according to the agreed purchase price of the property and levied at between 1.5% and 2%. There is a nominal charge for stamp duty and for registering the property at the land registry following completion of the final deed.

Lawyer’s Fees
Normally between 1% and 2% though some lawyers charge a set fee of around €2,500 plus IVA (IVA is currently 20% and is Portugal’s equivalent to VAT)

Imposto Municipal Sobre Imóveis
This is an ongoing cost that continues after buying a property in Portugal and corresponds to the annual rates paid on your home to the local authority (camara). It is caluculated on the rateable value of your property and normally levied at between 0.8% and 1.3% depending on the location of the property. First time owners who are resident in Portugal or retired pensioners are eligible to claim exemption for a period of between 3 and 6 years subject to the size and location of the property.

Professional currency exchange servicesBefore you transfer money into Portugal, it’s always worth talking to a foreign exchange broker. They can save you a great deal of money when compared with making a currency conversion at your local bank, then using them to make the transfer.

Talk to FX-Foreignexchange and get them to explain how they can save you money, or simply visit their informative website and make the currency conversion there.

 

Condominium Charges
These are paid on a montly, quarterly, bi-annual or annual basis by owners enclosed on a condominium development towards the upkeep of communal facilites and areas. Costs vary according to the level of services and ammenities. On average they range from €65 per month to sometimes as much as €500 a month in the more upmarket resorts. Condominiums are governed by a Condominium Contract that forms part of the purchase of the property within the condominium.

Offshore Purchase
It was common practice, but not so common now, that when buying a property in Portugal it was acquired through an offshore company in order to avoid taxation levied on on normal house purchase process. The buyer forms a company offshore and purchases shares of the company in ownership of the property. There have been a number of changes in government legislation regarding buying property in Portugal in this way and should take legal advice in this matter.

Large range of properties for sale in the Algarve, Portugal

For a wide range of properties for sale in the Algarve visit www.algarveprop.com

Beach House for sale in the Algarve

Beach House On Armona Island Algarve

For just 205,000 Euros you can have a beach house and just completely get away from it all; have a real rest; almost go back in time, it’s possible on Armona Island. Armona Island is located just off the coast in front of the town of Olhao in the East Algarve in Southern portugal.

 

 

Beach House On Armona Island Jetty

Armona Island can only be reached from Olhao where a small ferry or water taxi takes you. There is no traffic on Armona Island: no cars, no motorbikes, and only a very few bicycles. There are a few hundred houses on Armona, a handful of restaurants and small supermarkets stocking the basics for everyday life.

 

 

Beach House On Armona Island Algarve BeachThe houses are mostly single-storey; some being permanent homes but the majority are holiday homes. The habitants are fishermen and their families but visitors are always made welcome and can taste the daily catches in the restauraunts. Armona Island is a place for walking, riding a bicycle or simply just doing nothing and absorbing the tranquility.

 

 

Beach House On Armona Island Algarve Front

A 5 bedroom villa for sale on Armona Island offered in a good conidtion and ideal for a beach house or for renting out as an investment. The property enjoys terrace views of the beach and sea.

 

 

 

Beach House On Armona Island Algarve View

The property is 113m2 on a plot of 152m2.

The price is just €205,000.

For more information and photos on this Beach House on Armona Island, Algarve email us here

 

 

Professional currency exchange servicesGet the best currency exchange rate available today… Just call our Head Office on +44 (0) 1480 458 400 if outside the UK, or 01480 458400 ( in the Uk) and we’ll quote you the best exchange rate for Euro, usd, gbp, aed, brl, pln, and more.

.

Windmills for Sale in Portugal

Windmill In Tavira Algarve Portugal For Sale

2 Windmills In Tavira, Algarve, Portugal

Price - €935,000
Plot Size - 8,425m2
Build Area - 237m2
5 Bedrooms & 4 Bathrooms

Windmill In Tavira Algarve Portugal Front

2 windmills have been extensively renovated by the owners. Considerable time and money in attention to detail to transform what was an old working farm and windmills into an elegant spacious home. Located 7 kms from Tavira in a tranquil village of Santo Estavao the property offers a beautiful countryside setting.

Email us here for further information on this windmill for sale in Portugal reference phs_0593v

Windmill For Sale In Obidos Silver Coast Portugal

Windmill In Obidos, Silver Coast, Portugal

Price - €85,000
Plot Size - 388m2
Living Area - 44m2
1 Bedroom and 1 Bathroom

Windmill For Sale In Obidos Silver Coast PortugalThis windmill is on 3 floors with a kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor, lounge on the first floor and bedroom on the second floor. The lounge and bedroom both benefit from wooden flooring. The property enjoys countryside views all round.

Email us here for further information on this windmill for sale in Portugal reference ima_3015

Windmill In Obidos Silver Coast Portugal For Sale

Windmill In Obidos Silver Coast, Portugal

Price - €110,000
Plot Size - 1,240m2
Permission to build upto 300m2
1 Bedroom &1 Bathroom

Windmill In Obidos Silver Coast Portugal For Sale BedroomAn exclusive property consisting of a restored windmill with fitted kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor, first floor with lounge and a second floor with a bedroom. The windmill is on a plot of 1240m2 with permission to build a house of 300m2. There are exceptional views all round.

Email us here for further information on this windmill for sale in Portugal reference ima_2413

For further property options in Portugal visit www.algarveprop.com

Seaview apartments in Puglia, Italy

sea view apartments for sale, Puglia, Italy Itailian property for sale in Puglia

New seaview, apartments for sale in the unspoilt Italian region of PUGLIA. The Vista Mare apartments - San Pietro in Bevagna, are offered for sale with a choice of finished apartments, or off-plan.

They are a great price, considering they have sea views! For the 2 Bedroomed apartments they are priced from only €110,000. That’s about US€155,000.

They are on a small development of 2 bedroomed apartments only 200 metres from some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches.

Choice of recently completed apartments (60m2) range from €119,950 or soon to be built (50m2) from €110,000.

Key Features:

  • 2 bedroomed apartments with parking
  • 200 metres from the sea
  • Some apartments with huge sun terraces
  • Restaurant and shops within walking distance
  • Only 1 hr Brindisi airport
  • 25 minutes Manduria
  • 1 hour Ceglie, Lecce & Gallipoli
  • Some of Italy’s finest sandy beaches on your doorstep
  • Good rental potential

20% deposit with balance on completion. So, a simple deposit of about US$31,000, could secure you a wonderful holiday home in Italy.

REGULAR INSPECTION VISITS are provided from European destinations.

Professional currency exchange servicesBefore you transfer money into Italy, it’s always worth talking to a foreign exchange broker. They can save you a great deal of money when compared with making a currency conversion at your local bank, then using them to make the transfer.

Talk to FX-Foreignexchange and get them to explain how they can save you money, or simply visit their informative website and make the currency conversion there.

 

If you require, and are Europe based, Euro Mortgages are available through Barclays Bank in Italy - Subject to status- Please ask for details

To request more information, contact us below:

Contact me with more information
  1. (required)
  2. (valid email required)
 

cforms contact form by delicious:days

Bargain Apartments in Calabria, Italy

sea view, off plan, property Italy cheap off plan property in Italy bargain new apartments for sale

CALABRIA - SCALEA - VISTA MERIDIA APARTMENTS

1 AND 2 BEDROOMED APARTMENTS FROM €71,450 TO €131,500

Scalea is a picturesque town situated in Calabria in southern Italy, on the sunny Tyrrhenian coast. The old town is placed on the heights and preserves the remains of an ancient wall, while towards the beach, the Scalea Marina centre has recently been developed, with modern, comfortable hotels splendid villas and numerous, fully-equipped bathing areas on the beach. These enchanting beaches look out onto a sea of incomparable beauty.

Scalea is synonymous with seaside and holidays. Indeed, it is one of the most visited resorts in Italy. But the name of Scalea is also synonymous of culture, history and folklore. During the Swabian, Angevin, Aragonese and Spanish era, Scalea became an important fief and a centre of study, which was gradually enriched with monuments and works of art, most of which can still be admired today. In the old hamlet the main “street” is an attractive stairway that begins in piazza De Palma: it is a natural amphitheatre.

Key Features

  • 1km from Scalea old town and beach
  • Residents swimming pool
  • Choice of 1 or 2 bedrooms
  • Apartments nearing completion - some ready to move in.
  • Airport 30mins (La Mezia Terme)
  • Only 30% deposit
  • Inspection Visits

If purchasers are interested in renting out their property in Italy, please visit our sister company’s Web site Italianvillasforsale.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for an e brochure or any further information.

Contact me with more information
  1. (required)
  2. (valid email required)
 

cforms contact form by delicious:days

Pay Your Initial Property Deposit with a Card

How to beat the currency exchange system with credit card payments on property purchases.

Pay your overseas property deposit with a credit, or debit, card and get a better rate of exchange than you would by using the card abroad.

If you find yourself in the fortunate position of being able to buy that property abroad, and you need to place a deposit on the property to secure the one you want, then there is an answer.

Pay your initial deposit with your debit, or credit, card.

However, before you get too excited, consider this. I was in Spain recently and used my UK Bank debit card to draw some Euros at the “Hole in the wall”. I drew money on two consecutive days. The exchange rate between the pound and the euro had barely altered, but one bank gave me 1.19 euros to the pound. The other bank gave a rate of 1.23 euros to the pound. If, like me, you suffer from terrible thirst when it’s hot and you need £200 to pay for the drinks, the difference is €8. “Just €8!” I hear you say.

Well change that figure of £200 to £3000 as a house deposit and the difference between one bank’s foreign exchange rate and the other’s is now €120. Not a huge amount, but still worth saving.

FX-Foreignexchange have a facility, through their currency exchange partners, where you can now pay your initial deposit to secure a property abroad by using your debit or credit card. You get an even better rate than the banks can offer. It’s a safe way to pay and painless.

Just call FX-Foreignexchange on 0044 (0)1480 458400, (or email for them to contact you from here) , register your details with them, give them the details of where you want your deposit to go, and they take the payment in your local currency, change it, and send it to the account you’ve asked for it to be sent to.

Paying your overseas property deposit couldn’t be easier. You may even want to spend the money you save on a special dinner to celebrate how clever you are!

A couple of little things, FX-Foreignexchange can’t take card payments over £10,000, and they can’t take less than £2500. On the basis that most initial deposits for new homes abroad are €3,000, or £2,500, this shouldn’t present a problem.

The other area to consider is if you use the same company to change your further stage payments, the difference when using my example, is €1,200 when you change £30,000.

That’s a bit more interesting than the €8 I saved!

Luxury Properties for Sale, Worldwide

Looking for that exclusive luxury villa?

Gatehouse-Elite have joined the Worldwide property website and have added in the region of 200 luxurious properties from various destinations including the more popular reclusive areas in Europe, such as Quinta do Lago, Marbella, Puerto banus, Mallorca and Ibiza.

Luxury Algarve villas for sale

Gatehouse-Elite have a large selection of worldwide luxury villas for sale including this beautiful mansion in Quinta do Lago, Portugal.

View from luxury villa for sale in Quinta do Lago

Available at €6.5m, this Quinta Property is a wonderful example of a beautifully appointed villa, sitting on the edge of the golf course, with golf rights included. As you might expect, this recently built villa boasts supreme luxury with a high quality finish. Set in tranquil surroundings with views straight down a beautifully manicured fairway in the highly exclusive resort of Quinta do Lago. The original stone features are balanced beautifully with the practicality of modern living. More information on this luxury villa…

The local office for Gatehouse-Elite is managed by Gary Thomas, who will be happy to provide a selection of luxurious Algarve properties to choose from. Gary offers properties for sale in the Algarve, including Quinta do Lago, Pinheiros Altos, Vale do Lobo, Vila Sol and Carvoeiro.

t: 00 351 289 355 433.

To view a greater selection of properties for sale above €1m, visit Globlprops.com.

Mortgages and Financial Advice in Portugal

When buying a property in Portugal, it is worth contacting a Portuguese bank with regards to the mortgages available as they can often offer superior rates or conditions than your local bank.
We recommend that you contact an independent mortgage advisor prior to buying a property in Portugal. They can find the best deal for you. There are many companies that provide this service but, as with all matters in life, the quality of service and advice can vary wildly.Gatehouse International have been selling property in Portugal for over 15 years and we have an excellent local company that provides comprehensive advice on gaining mortgages & financial advice for those wanting to buy a property in Portugal. Read more

Should you use Online Agents?

Should you use an online estate agent?

Q: If you sell privately, what is the key in selling your home?

A: Buyers.

There are many other factors involved in selling, such as finding top tips to sell your home, or you may need to find a company that provides online conveyancing, or you may need to investigate what a (HIP) Home Information Pack actually is before you buy one online.

However, the one thing that you will need to address is finding buyers for your home.

The question now should be:
Where can I get a buyer for my home, through a local estate agent or with one of these new online estate agencies?

Read more

Sell your own property

Property for sale by ownerProperty for sale by owner

Use an estate agent, or sell your own property (FSBO)With costs rising all around, we are looking to save money. The cost of selling your property can be significant. It’s not only the estate agent’s fees that are significant. The Government have introduced the Home Information Pack ( HIP’s) which most homeowners will now have to buy, before they can even place the property on the market. The conventional property lawyer’s fees are also significant and savings can be made here by using an online conveyancing service.

We are all now getting used to using online services such as banking, food shopping, clothes by mail order, gifts, books. Now it’s possible to buy a form of estate agency online for Read more

Conveyancing searches

When selling my own property,What Searches are carried out and why? - In the Uk, when you now sell a property, you are obliged to provide information regarding your property that is not just about the physical structure. Most of this information is now provided to the buyer within the form of a Home Information Pack (HIP). However, ’searches’ is a term loosely used by conveyancers and estate agents. Here is a brief explanation of some of the searches involved in a property sale:

Local authority search - If there is a Home Information Pack (HIP) this search will be included in it. This search reveals details of matters such as the planning history, proposals for new road schemes, planning breaches, tree
preservation orders, conservation areas and other matters over which the council have control and may affect the enjoyment or value of the property. Your mortgage lender (if any) will require you to have one of these.

Read more

What is a Home Information Pack?

Home Information Pack

What is a Home Information Pack?
A Home Information Pack (”HIP”) contains important information that buyers and sellers need to know about a property. The Pack includes an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), containing advice on how to cut carbon emissions and fuel bills. Also included are documents such as a sale statement, searches and evidence of title. Packs are now required for the sale of four bedroom properties and larger. Smaller properties will be phased in as soon as sufficient energy assessors are fully qualified. The seller orders and pays for the HIP at the point where a property is put on the market. It is provided to the Buyer free of charge. If you are a seller, we can arrange for a HIP to be prepared on your behalf. For further details, contact us on: 01480 434290 or zoe@gatehouseestates.co.uk

For sellers, providing a Pack upfront should reduce the likelihood of any nasty surprises in the selling process that could delay the sale, as buyers will be able to make more informed decisions about purchasing their home.
For buyers, the Pack provides essential information about properties they are considering buying, free of charge.

Online Conveyancing comes of age

Online Property Convance

On-line conveyancing

Save yourself a great deal of money. The traditional ways of having your house sale legally processed have long gone. With the advent of on-line shopping, banking, blogs, forums etc, we are all now used to secure server log-ins and generally feel more in control when we are able to track progress on-line.

House sale conveyancing has come of age. You can now order your free quote for selling, or buying, on-line. You can even order your Home Information Pack (HIP´s) and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) on-line.

Gatehouse Estates are able to provide quotataions for HIP´s, EPC´s and Conveyancing packages. Once you have decided to go ahead with a Conveyancing deal, you will be allocated your own log-in username and Password. From this point forward, you will be able to remove a great deal of the frustration that people have had to endure in the past, namely waiting for an update about the next stage in the process of buying, or selling, your home.

Want to know more? Call 01480 434290 or email zoe@gatehouseestates.co.uk

Top Tips To Sell Your Home

Top Tips to sell your home

Georgian front door and entranceThere´s no doubt about it, the UK property sales market has slowed down. Whether it´s as a consequence of the introduction of HIP´s, the increase the Chancellor made some years ago to the amount of Stamp duty, or simply the fact that wages just haven´t kept up with the rise in house prices….. The net result has been a market slowdown in sales numbers and numbers of properties becoming available to buy.

If you want to sell your home now, it´s not as easy as it was. There are ways to improve your chances of a sale once you have a viewer though. While these suggestions are not new, they will help to guide anyone to maximize the charm that their property offers.

Here are some tips to think about when selling your property: Read more

Gatehouse Estate