Financial Considerations of Property Acquisition

When considering purchasing a property, it is essential to take into account various factors beyond the purchase price. Here are some of the key considerations to include in your budget:

1. Mortgage product fees: Different mortgage deals come with varying fees, typically ranging from 0 to £2000.
2. Mortgage broker fee: Some brokers may charge a fee for securing a mortgage on your behalf. However, for mortgages over £500K, these charges can often be negotiated or waived, depending on individual company policies.
3. Lender’s valuation fee: Certain lenders charge a fee to commission a surveyor who assesses the property’s value to ensure it aligns with the agreed price. This fee may or may not be covered in the mortgage package and typically ranges from £250 to £1000.
4. Legal fees: Engaging a property solicitor or licensed conveyancer is necessary for the legal and administrative aspects of the property purchase. It is advisable to obtain fixed-price quotes to avoid unexpected costs. Standard conveyancing work is usually covered, but additional fees may apply for extra legal work.
5. SDLT (Stamp Duty Land Tax): SDLT is a tax paid by buyers of UK residential properties exceeding £250,000. The rate varies from 5% to 12% of the purchase price for personal home purchases. Additional properties and international investors may face a 3% surcharge and 2% surcharge, respectively. An SDLT calculator can help estimate the amount owed.
6. Home insurance: Home insurance comprises buildings and contents coverage. It can be purchased together from a single insurer or separately from different providers. Home insurance protects against loss or damage to buildings, contents, and personal possessions.

When budgeting for a property purchase up to £2M, it is prudent to allocate a range of £2-5K to cover conveyancing costs, including searches and other charges. Obtaining multiple quotes for solicitor services is recommended unless you have a trusted professional. Also, Investors purchasing multiple properties in a linked transaction may be eligible for reliefs such as Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR) and the commercial purchase rate. Taking these factors into account will help ensure a comprehensive and accurate budget for your buying.