Council Tax is a local tax levied by local councils to fund public services such as rubbish collection, schools, and emergency services. It is based on the valuation band of a property (A to H in England, based on the property value in 1991). The amount varies by location and the band your property falls into.

Deposit (usually 5-20% of the property price) Stamp Duty Land Tax (for properties above certain thresholds) Legal fees for solicitors/conveyancers Mortgage arrangement fees (if applicable) Survey costs for property inspections Removal costs for moving Insurance (buildings insurance is usually required with a mortgage).

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It is a legal requirement when selling or renting a property in the UK. It also provides recommendations for improving energy efficiency.

A conveyancer or solicitor handles the legal aspects of buying or selling a property, including property searches, contracts, and registering the property with the Land Registry. It is essential to use one for property transactions in the UK.

Help to Buy is a government scheme that provides equity loans or shared ownership to help first-time buyers and existing homeowners purchase a new-build property with a smaller deposit. The scheme is subject to specific eligibility criteria and limits.

Shared ownership allows buyers to purchase a share of a property (usually 25% to 75%) and pay rent on the remaining share, which is owned by a housing association or developer. Buyers can increase their ownership over time, a process known as "staircasing."

Right to Buy is a scheme in England that allows council tenants to purchase their home at a discounted rate, based on the number of years they’ve been tenants. This policy is meant to help people move from renting to homeownership.

A Buy-to-Let (BTL) mortgage is a loan designed for people who want to purchase property as an investment and rent it out. BTL mortgages typically require a larger deposit (usually 25% or more) and have higher interest rates than standard residential mortgages.

You can report a repair by contacting your landlord, property manager, or through an online repair portal. Be sure to provide details such as the nature of the problem and location within the property.

When reporting a repair, include the following details: Your name and contact details Property address Description of the issue Location of the issue within the property (e.g., bathroom, kitchen) Any immediate safety concerns

Urgent repairs typically involve safety or essential services and may include: Gas leaks Electrical faults Burst pipes or severe water leaks No heating or hot water Structural damage (e.g., roof collapse) Fire damage

The timeframe for repairs depends on the urgency and nature of the issue: Emergency repairs: Typically within 24 hours Urgent repairs: Within 3–7 days Routine repairs: Can take up to 30 days, depending on the complexity Your landlord or property manager should provide an estimated time frame when you report the issue.

Landlords are usually responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of the property, as well as ensuring essential services like water, gas, and electricity are in working order. Tenants are responsible for minor upkeep, such as changing lightbulbs, keeping the property clean, and reporting issues promptly.

Unless it's an emergency repair where the landlord cannot be contacted, you should not arrange for repairs without the landlord’s approval. In emergency situations, you can arrange the repair yourself, but ensure you keep receipts and provide the landlord with reasonable notice.

For most repairs, the tenant will need to be home or provide access to the property. Many landlords or property managers may offer to arrange a time that is convenient for you, or you can provide permission for them to enter the property if you are not available.

Landlords are required to provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering the property to carry out repairs unless it's an emergency situation (e.g., gas leaks or fire risks). Tenants have the right to privacy and should agree to the visit unless it’s for urgent or emergency work.