Are You A Property Pro? Quiz

1. A mortgage valuation is the same as a survey.

True

False

A mortgage valuation is not the same as a survey. A mortgage valuation is conducted by the lender to ensure the property is worth the amount being lent. It’s a basic assessment to check if the property is suitable for a loan. In contrast, a survey is a more detailed examination of the property’s condition, identifying any potential issues or defects. There are different types of surveys, such as a Homebuyer Report or a Full Structural Survey, providing in-depth information to help buyers make informed decisions. Surveys are crucial for uncovering potential problems that could affect the property's value and safety.

Explanation

A mortgage valuation is not the same as a survey. A mortgage valuation is conducted by the lender to ensure the property is worth the amount being lent. It’s a basic assessment to check if the property is suitable for a loan. In contrast, a survey is a more detailed examination of the property’s condition, identifying any potential issues or defects. There are different types of surveys, such as a Homebuyer Report or a Full Structural Survey, providing in-depth information to help buyers make informed decisions. Surveys are crucial for uncovering potential problems that could affect the property's value and safety.

2. What is the most important factor to British homebuyers when purchasing a new property?

Location

Size of Garden

Layout

Inclusion of Kitchen/Diner

For British homebuyers, location is the most important factor when purchasing a new property. This preference is driven by various considerations such as proximity to work, good schools, local amenities, public transport links, and the overall safety and desirability of the neighborhood. The location significantly affects the property’s value and potential for future appreciation. While factors like the size of the garden, layout, and inclusion of a kitchen/diner are also important, they generally take a back seat to the location, which ultimately determines the quality of life and convenience for the homeowner.

Explanation

For British homebuyers, location is the most important factor when purchasing a new property. This preference is driven by various considerations such as proximity to work, good schools, local amenities, public transport links, and the overall safety and desirability of the neighborhood. The location significantly affects the property’s value and potential for future appreciation. While factors like the size of the garden, layout, and inclusion of a kitchen/diner are also important, they generally take a back seat to the location, which ultimately determines the quality of life and convenience for the homeowner.

3. True or false: once an offer has been accepted on a property, the buyer is legally bound to buy the house.

True

False

Once an offer has been accepted on a property, the buyer is not yet legally bound to purchase the house. The accepted offer is typically followed by a contract phase, during which both parties must sign a purchase agreement. Additionally, contingencies such as home inspections, appraisals, and financing must be met. If these conditions are not satisfied, the buyer can legally withdraw from the transaction without penalty. This process ensures that both the buyer and the seller have a fair chance to complete the necessary due diligence before finalizing the sale.

Explanation

Once an offer has been accepted on a property, the buyer is not yet legally bound to purchase the house. The accepted offer is typically followed by a contract phase, during which both parties must sign a purchase agreement. Additionally, contingencies such as home inspections, appraisals, and financing must be met. If these conditions are not satisfied, the buyer can legally withdraw from the transaction without penalty. This process ensures that both the buyer and the seller have a fair chance to complete the necessary due diligence before finalizing the sale.

4. I should apply to as many lenders as possible in order to secure the best mortgage.

True

False

While it might seem like applying to many lenders could increase your chances of getting the best mortgage rate, it can actually harm your credit score. Each application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, and too many hard inquiries in a short period can lower your credit score. Instead, it's better to research and compare offers from a few select lenders. Many online tools and mortgage brokers can help you compare rates without multiple hard inquiries. Aim for quality over quantity to find the best mortgage rate without damaging your credit.

Explanation

While it might seem like applying to many lenders could increase your chances of getting the best mortgage rate, it can actually harm your credit score. Each application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, and too many hard inquiries in a short period can lower your credit score. Instead, it's better to research and compare offers from a few select lenders. Many online tools and mortgage brokers can help you compare rates without multiple hard inquiries. Aim for quality over quantity to find the best mortgage rate without damaging your credit.

5. What is the average price of a property in the UK?

£132,499

£296,549

£330,299

£399,749

The average price of a property in the UK is around £296,549. This figure represents the typical cost of homes across various regions, combining more affordable areas with high-value markets like London. Property prices can fluctuate based on economic conditions, demand, and location-specific factors. Understanding the average property price helps buyers set realistic expectations and budget accordingly. It also provides a benchmark for comparing property values in different regions. Staying informed about current market trends can aid in making better purchasing decisions and negotiating effectively.

Explanation

The average price of a property in the UK is around £296,549. This figure represents the typical cost of homes across various regions, combining more affordable areas with high-value markets like London. Property prices can fluctuate based on economic conditions, demand, and location-specific factors. Understanding the average property price helps buyers set realistic expectations and budget accordingly. It also provides a benchmark for comparing property values in different regions. Staying informed about current market trends can aid in making better purchasing decisions and negotiating effectively.

6. The threshold for paying stamp duty on a property is £125,000, at which point the buyer must pay 2% of the property value. What is the threshold before the stamp duty increases to 5%?

£200,000

£225,000

£250,000

£300,000

In the UK, the stamp duty threshold increases to 5% for properties valued above £250,000. This means that for the portion of the property's value between £250,001 and £925,000, the buyer must pay 5% in stamp duty. Below this threshold, from £125,001 to £250,000, the rate is 2%. Understanding these thresholds is crucial for budgeting the total cost of purchasing a property, as stamp duty can significantly impact the final amount paid. Buyers should factor in these costs when planning their property purchase to avoid unexpected expenses.

Explanation

In the UK, the stamp duty threshold increases to 5% for properties valued above £250,000. This means that for the portion of the property's value between £250,001 and £925,000, the buyer must pay 5% in stamp duty. Below this threshold, from £125,001 to £250,000, the rate is 2%. Understanding these thresholds is crucial for budgeting the total cost of purchasing a property, as stamp duty can significantly impact the final amount paid. Buyers should factor in these costs when planning their property purchase to avoid unexpected expenses.

7. How long does a mortgage offer (AKA agreement in principle) last for?

14 days – 28 days

1 month – 2 months

3 months – 6 months

6 months – 1 year

A mortgage offer, also known as an agreement in principle, typically lasts for 3 to 6 months. This timeframe allows buyers to find a suitable property and complete the purchase process without needing to reapply for a mortgage. The exact duration can vary between lenders, so it's important to check the specific terms of your mortgage offer. If the offer expires before you complete your purchase, you may need to reapply, which could involve another credit check and potentially different terms. Planning your property search within this period can help ensure a smooth buying process.

Explanation

A mortgage offer, also known as an agreement in principle, typically lasts for 3 to 6 months. This timeframe allows buyers to find a suitable property and complete the purchase process without needing to reapply for a mortgage. The exact duration can vary between lenders, so it's important to check the specific terms of your mortgage offer. If the offer expires before you complete your purchase, you may need to reapply, which could involve another credit check and potentially different terms. Planning your property search within this period can help ensure a smooth buying process.

8. How many properties do people view on average before putting in an offer on their 'ideal home'?

6

8

10

12

On average, people view about 8 properties before putting in an offer on their ideal home. This number reflects the typical homebuyer's need to compare various options to find the perfect fit in terms of location, price, size, and other personal preferences. Viewing multiple properties helps buyers make a more informed decision, ensuring that they find a home that meets their needs and desires. Additionally, it provides a better understanding of the market and helps in negotiating a fair price. Taking the time to view several properties can lead to a more satisfactory and confident purchase.

Explanation

On average, people view about 8 properties before putting in an offer on their ideal home. This number reflects the typical homebuyer's need to compare various options to find the perfect fit in terms of location, price, size, and other personal preferences. Viewing multiple properties helps buyers make a more informed decision, ensuring that they find a home that meets their needs and desires. Additionally, it provides a better understanding of the market and helps in negotiating a fair price. Taking the time to view several properties can lead to a more satisfactory and confident purchase.

9. These houses all have 3 bedrooms, but very different price tags. Match the house to it's asking price (Prices via Rightmove, June 2016.)

3 bed house in Bournemouth

3 bed house in Liverpool

3 bed house in Chelsea

3 bed house in Harrogate

Submit

10. How likely is it that you will get gazumped? (Someone outbids you even though your offer has already been accepted by the vendor).

1 in 5

1 in 10

1 in 20

1 in 30

Gazumping, where another buyer outbids you after your offer has been accepted, occurs more frequently than many expect. The likelihood of being gazumped is about 1 in 5, especially in competitive housing markets. This practice can be frustrating for buyers, as it often happens close to the finalization of the sale, leading to increased costs and delays. To reduce the risk of being gazumped, consider negotiating a lock-in agreement with the seller, which can provide more security once your offer is accepted. It's essential to stay proactive and communicative with your real estate agent throughout the buying process.

Explanation

Gazumping, where another buyer outbids you after your offer has been accepted, occurs more frequently than many expect. The likelihood of being gazumped is about 1 in 5, especially in competitive housing markets. This practice can be frustrating for buyers, as it often happens close to the finalization of the sale, leading to increased costs and delays. To reduce the risk of being gazumped, consider negotiating a lock-in agreement with the seller, which can provide more security once your offer is accepted. It's essential to stay proactive and communicative with your real estate agent throughout the buying process.