9 Tips for Getting On The Property Ladder
August 26, 20228 MinutesGetting on the property ladder is an acomplishment.
‘The ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity’ – Ayn Rand
Arguably one of the most talked about subjects in the UK housing market and intrinsic in the British psyche. But how do you go about getting an advantage on that first rung?
Truth be told, there is no magic formula. There is truth in the common perception that it’s now harder than ever to get started with home ownership. Nevertheless, there are some tools one can equip oneself with, to persevere in the face of adversity..
1. Your nest egg
There’s no evading from the fact that without a concrete financial foundation, your chances of landing a mortgage are virtually nil.
Irregular income or any outstanding debt, needs to be declared. A steady job and owing reasonable amounts on credit cards and loans will increase the credibility of lenders agreeing to give you a mortgage, be sure to follow suit.
2. Penny-pinching is good when dreaming of getting on the property ladder
There’s no evading from the fact that without a concrete financial foundation, your chances of landing a mortgage are virtually nil.
Irregular income or any outstanding debt, needs to be declared. A steady job and owing reasonable amounts on credit cards and loans will increase the credibility of lenders agreeing to give you a mortgage, be sure to follow suit.
3. When it comes to credit, be vigilant
Thanks to the ever-growing world of technology, we now have the full capability to view and keep track of our own credit scores. Pow!
Checking your own credit score will give you an insight into how you are perceived by lenders when applying for a mortgage. It helps you to foresee any errors on your report that will show up as a red flag and. preempt any eyebrow-raising lenders.
To check your credit score, look into free accounts like:
4. Stay current as you try getting on the property ladder
Feels good to have knowledge at your fingertips. Above all, it’s good sense to be widely read in all facets of life, this includes the property ladder.
We recommend:
- Explore all your options
- Educate oneself on the housing market (local and national)
Or anything else related to the end goal of getting on the property ladder will prosper in due course, such as:
- Befriending local estate agents
- Stay on trend
- Read blogs like ours
- Keep a hawk-eye on house prices
- Absorb yourself in ‘all things property’
It’s like the saying, ‘knowledge is the true organ of sight, not the eyes’.
5. The law is your friend..
It’s no secret that housing in the UK causes a hindrance for the government. Naturally, new schemes are often being presented in aid to the public, so keep a sharp eye out for the ones that fit. Note that Help to Buy and Shared Ownership may fit your criteria, but it’s crucial to get independent advice before heading head first into it. Give yourself time to explore all options. Seek guidance on the areas that seem out of focus.
6. Lender Schemes
If you’re new to the property game, mortgage brokers are indispensable for first-time buyers. They have:
- A right of passage to all the latest cutting-edge deals
- Skilled in pairing individuals up to their suited mortgage
Mortgage advisors help you get a solid idea of your price range. Seek advice as early as possible. Managing your expectations on the budget will hone your focus on your search and avoid disappointment further down the line, something that happens more often than one would think.
We’ve launched Reliable Financial Services for anyone looking for advisers who are fully qualified and fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
7. Reputation is everything
If you’re new to the property game, mortgage brokers are indispensable for first-time buyers. They have:
- A right of passage to all the latest cutting-edge deals
- Skilled in pairing individuals up to their suited mortgage
Mortgage advisors help you get a solid idea of your price range. Seek advice as early as possible. Managing your expectations on the budget will hone your focus on your search and avoid disappointment further down the line, something that happens more often than one would think.
We’ve teamed up with Greenacre Financial Services to form Reliable Financial Services, for anyone looking for advisers who are fully qualified and fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
8. Sharing is caring
Is anyone else you know looking to get on the property ladder? An option that may not be for everyone but a concept well worth considering. Buying property with someone cuts the majority of expenses in half, this includes the deposit.
Could be a partner, friend or family member, and you may even be able to find someone who’ll want to invest but not stay in the property. Explore your options, you never know what may come of it.
9. Stay pragmatic
We all know how easy it is to get caught up in the dream. It’s important to come back down to earth. Like they say, ‘Rome was not built in a day’. Saving up enough for a deposit does not happen overnight.
In summary
Buying or selling a property can be stressful, and we understand how valuable time is in this process. For many with hectic lifestyles or conflicting work schedules, the whole process can seem overwhelming. Let us take the strain away and do all the hard work for you. Our expertise and help will ensure your property journey is at least a little easier and always a lot more enjoyable.
If you’re looking to join the property game, call our signal.
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Why Buyers Must Tread Carefully with 5% Mortgages
Tread Carefully with 5% Mortgages: A Guide for Homebuyers
In recent times, the real estate market has experienced a surge in demand, resulting in soaring prices. Factors such as the extended stamp duty holiday, the introduction of 95 percent mortgage schemes, and increased savings due to lockdown have created a bustling market that shows no signs of slowing down.
However, this frenzied atmosphere has led some inexperienced buyers to make costly mistakes. Gazumping, where buyers are outbid at the last minute, has reached unprecedented levels, causing many to stretch their budgets to secure a property.
For struggling buyers, the newly introduced 95 percent mortgages may seem like a lifeline for their limited budgets and a chance to step onto the property ladder. But buyers need to exercise caution, as this seemingly beneficial product could lead to long-term challenges in exchange for short-term gains.
Understanding 95 percent Mortgages
Purchasing a property with a 5 percent deposit certainly makes it easier for buyers with limited immediate capital to make a purchase. In a highly active market with escalating prices, this scheme provides an accessible option for those already stretching their budgets.
However, there’s more to this than meets the eye. Sellers are often aware of the potential savings made through these mortgages and may increase their asking prices accordingly. Coupled with the high prevalence of gazumping in an inflated market, it becomes challenging for buyers to determine if they are getting a fair deal. Buyers who can only afford these smaller deposits are particularly vulnerable to being repeatedly outbid by higher offers just outside their budget. Even a slight increase in their offer price represents a much larger portion of a 5 percent buyer’s funds compared to those with traditional 20 percent deposits or higher.
Additionally, it’s crucial to note that lenders typically charge higher interest rates on lower deposit deals. Many first-time buyers may be unaware of the significance of interest rates or simply have no other option. In this inflated market, those purchasing with 5 percent mortgages are likely to pay significantly more in interest compared to a scenario where prices were slightly lower. Furthermore, 5 percent buyers may spend a longer time paying off their mortgages than those with larger deposits. While this may seem obvious, it’s surprising how often buyers overlook this factor and fail to consider how the additional five to ten years of debt could impact their lives.
By carefully considering these factors, homebuyers can make more informed decisions when navigating the real estate market, avoiding potential pitfalls associated with 5 percent mortgages.
How to tell if they’re right for you
The news isn’t all bad. Those buyers who do their due diligence and carefully consider their own financial situation may be best situated to benefit from the lower deposit schemes.
5 percent mortgages are particularly well-suited to those looking to stay in their new property long term. If you can afford the monthly payments and do not intend to move again, at least for the foreseeable future, it should not necessarily matter how much equity you build up in a property.
However, those intending to move in the next few years and potentially see this purchase as an investment will put themselves at risk with 5 percent mortgages. With higher interest rates and a lower starting position than the average buyer, it will be very difficult for 5 percent buyers to build a significant amount of equity within a two or five-year fixed rate time limit – and even worse, they could fall into negative equity if the market experiences even a small downturn.
Planning further ahead will now be key for those considering a 95 percent mortgage. The inflated prices will drop at some point in the future, meaning there may be a longer wait before they can sell their new property at a profit. While it is all too easy to find yourself caught up in the current frenzy, chasing rising prices and going over asking price to avoid being gazumped, you must ask yourself if the property will suit your needs for the next ten years, rather than just the next two.
Another due diligence exercise buyers may want to consider is a back-dated valuation. While everyone is aware of the inflated prices, a valuation from the start of 2020 will show if the increase in price is in line with the previous growth in the area, and just how much more it will cost to buy right now. This can indicate that in the case of a market correction, properties that have inflated more have further to fall and are riskier to buy at their peak.
95 percent mortgages may provide a vital step up for those looking to get onto the ladder, but buyers should tread carefully and make a judgment based on their own individual situation. Taking the time to fully understand your own current situation and future plans, as well as the state of the market and how this may change soon, will pay dividends later.
Three steps to avoid disaster when buying London property
Despite the tumultuous last year, London remains one of the world’s most buoyant property markets. The Stamp Duty holiday has seen demand for property in London skyrocket, buyers keen to make the most of the potential Stamp Duty savings have inadvertently pushed up prices. The pandemic has also redefined what a dream property looks like for many people. Demand for larger homes with gardens and capacity for home offices has increased, which also aligns with the reduced need to be in central locations with the rise of work from home culture.
In this inflated market, buyers feel pressured to complete purchases. Estate agents are encouraging buyers to close this month, as they look to make their end of year targets and with the stamp duty deadline drawing closer, buyers think they need to move quickly. While streamlining some aspects is advised, cutting corners in the final leg of the house buying process can prove devastating. Not only for this purchase but for your long term financial security. Here we will look at three mistakes to avoid when buying a house in London.
Avoid a bidding war
Due to the heightened demand, gazumping in London is at an all time high. At the last minute, new buyers are sweeping in with offers well over the asking price in order to secure the deal, which sellers find hard to refuse even when well into proceedings with a previous buyer. While there is a temptation for buyers to match new bids, going into negative equity to secure a purchase is effectively betting on your future circumstances, which is never a good move but particularly not when the economic outlook is so uncertain.
Prospective London buyers should avoid getting their heart set on one location. Doing so could lead you into a bidding war scenario with another buyer. You could find yourself going well over the asking price for the sake of securing what you think is your dream property. Always remember that the market moves very quickly in London and there is a huge supply of a wide range of housing rotating on to the market, so another property that’s right for you will become available soon.
Market value – identify the bubble
With the market so inflated, many people aren’t factoring in the higher prices when accounting for their stamp duty savings. In certain scenarios, they are in fact paying more in this inflated market than they would a year ago, even with the savings accounted for.
Where possible, seek out an independent current market valuation of the property and a backdated valuation from last year. That way you will be able to have a better view of just how much the prices have risen and the real cost of rushing into a purchase.
Skimping on the survey is the biggest mistake you can make
With the pressure on to complete, there is an increased temptation for the buyer to not carry out an appropriate survey in order to save time and money. This is one of the biggest mistakes buyers can make. The lender surveys required by the mortgage providers are only there to protect the lender’s investment by confirming the property’s value. As a minimum, buyers should seek out a RICS certified, independent surveyor to carry out a Home Buyers Report. This report will act as a medical for your property, highlighting any issues that need to be repaired.
Armed with this information, you can budget for the cost of any repairs that will be required before you move in. These should be factored into your overall purchasing budget, which will determine if you can actually afford the property. In light of these additional costs, you can ask the vendor to either carry out the repairs themself at the original asking price or to lower the price to account for them. Keep in mind that other buyers’ surveyors will find the same issues, so don’t feel pressured by the vendor if they threaten to pull out of the deal.
With the London market as competitive as ever, buyers should still ensure they are not being rushed into purchases. Rather than buckling to pressure from the Stamp Duty holiday, sellers or estate agents should undertake their own research into the type of survey and mortgage products that are best for them, allowing them to make an informed purchasing decision that they won’t regret in years to come.
Stamp duty holiday has created 'major pitfalls' for buyers - and it won't stop after June
THE STAMP Duty holiday has created a series of “major pitfalls for inexperienced buyers”, claims an expert, who says price inflation is “unlikely” to stop after June.
Pitfalls to stamp duty holiday
The stamp duty holiday extension, which began in July 2020 and was extended in March 2021, has seen prices remain buoyant over the last few months. While this has seen vendors receive good money for their homes, and buyers save money on stamp duty, a property expert has warned that there are “pitfalls” to the holiday. Ray Harriot, CEO at Reliable Property Group, told Express.co.uk that the SDLT holiday makes it difficult for buyers to know whether they are getting a “good deal” on a property.
He explained: “While the stamp duty extension and the introduction of 95 percent mortgage schemes all look beneficial for buyers, these measures have created some major pitfalls for inexperienced buyers to topple into.
“In most cases, the potential stamp duty savings have been added to asking prices and this inflation is unlikely to simply stop after June, making it difficult for buyers to calculate whether they are getting a good deal on the property.”
The property expert also said levels of “gazumping” have increased thanks to the property tax holiday.
Gazumping is when another buyer makes a higher offer on a property you are in the process of buying, and that offer is accepted.
The new accepted offer pushes you out of the purchase, leaving you back at the beginning of your property hunt.
For less experienced buyer, the fear of gazumping is leading them to push the boundaries of their budget.
This is also leading to increased asking prices “across the board”.
“The fear of a higher offer swooping in at the last minute is driving many inexperienced buyers to push into the upper reaches of their budget to secure a purchase, and this trend is contributing to rising prices across the board,” Mr Harriot explained.
“The only sure fire way of determining the cost of buying in this inflated market is to carry out a back-dated survey.
“A valuation from the start of 2020 will show if the increase in price is in line with the previous growth in the area, and just how much more it will cost to buy right now.”
While this is important, the conveyancing and survey expert said buyers should also “plan ahead”.
He added: “With the risk of a downturn and a potentially longer wait before they can sell their new property at a profit, they must ask themselves if the property will suit their needs for the next five to ten years, rather than just the next two.”
The introduction of 95 percent mortgages has provided a vital step up for those looking to get onto the ladder.
However, Mr Harriot has warned that buyers should “tread carefully” and make a judgement based on their own individual situation.
He continued: “Lenders are charging far higher interest rates for these deals and it’ll be very difficult for first time buyers to build a significant amount of equity within a two or five year fixed rate time limit.
“With this in mind, 95 percent mortgages could be a wise move for those intending to stay in the property long term.
“However, those intending to move again in a few years should tread carefully as they simply won’t be able to build enough equity and worse could end up in negative equity in the event of a dip in house prices.”
From June 30, the stamp duty threshold will drop from £500,000 to £250,000.
This will then drop to normal levels of £125,000 from October 1, 2021.
We need to stop blaming the dysfunctional housing market on the stamp duty extension
Stamp duty extension rush to complete transaction
It’s clear that without a stamp duty holiday extension, January through March will be a crunch period for buyers. Many will be putting pressure on their solicitors and mortgage brokers to get their transactions completed before the March 31st deadline. Some will even look to cut corners, such as looking past issues highlighted on their survey, which could cost them, in the long run, more than what they will initially save on stamp duty.
The sheer volume of purchases currently in the pipeline, combined with the pandemic restrictions slowing down each step of the buying process (everything from viewings to surveys) has meant buyers now face an average 15-week wait to complete a purchase. This average already takes us up close to the end of March, meaning that hundreds of thousands of these purchases will potentially fall through in the cases where buyers are at the upper end of their budget when accounting for the stamp duty savings.
However, while it is easy to put the blame on the stamp duty holiday, it’s simply masking a problem that has been there all along; the UK’s extremely inefficient house-buying ecosystem. The three separate entities of conveyancing, surveys, and mortgage brokers are each working to their own agenda and timeframe. The buyer is placed in a difficult negotiating position between the three, whilst also at the mercy of estate agents who will push for the highest price and the quickest turnaround to make their commission
An extension to the stamp duty freeze would only delay these problems being addressed. The system urgently needs upgrading in two ways.
Firstly, estate agents need to be regulated, just like every other industry body, to manage the extent of their control over both the buyer and seller. They are the first point of contact for buyers, and therefore buyers will trust their guidance around things like how to respond to surveys and which mortgage broker to engage with. In reality, buyers need to be aware that estate agents are driven by completing the sale at as high a value as possible – which could mean letting issues highlighted on the survey slide. This isn’t fair on buyers, especially first-time buyers who lack the experience of the process to know that estate agent’s advice is rarely impartial.
Stamp duty holiday, Buyers should not be pushed to make rash decisions
While some would argue the unregulated nature of estate agents drives the market to be more competitive, this cuts new buyers out and can massively delay proceedings. Right now, estate agents will be heaping the pressure on buyers to complete ASAP so they can meet their end-of-year targets. Buyers should not be pushed to make rash decisions, and the “firesale” we will see this December of rushed completions leading to issues down the line will show why we need estate agent regulation.
Secondly, the government needs to do much more to reduce the barrier for first-time buyers joining the market. Financially this would involve re-evaluating the Help to Buy scheme, possibly underwriting a percentage of the deposit for first-time buyers. This could then go on to stimulate the housing market for the next 10 to 15 years as these buyers continue to buy and sell in an active environment.
Reducing the barriers to entry also means much better support and education on the whole process so that buyers can know how best to streamline their purchases. The goal is to make sure buyers aren’t put off by the daunting task that the majority of individuals describe as one of life’s most stressful experiences.
'Don’t buy a problem’ - Why using a chartered surveyor is a great investment
How a chartered surveyor can help
Chartered surveyors are often asked to value properties and examine buildings. During the examination of a property, a surveyor will check for structural problems, future issues, and any defects in a home. Surveyors produce a report so you can work out whether you are paying the right price for what you’re buying or not.
Depending on what the chartered surveyor says, you can sometimes renegotiate the price on the findings from their report.
using an independent chartered surveyor
Using a chartered surveyor is a great investment that could save you thousands of pounds in the future and years of hard work.
Ray Harriot, the founder of Reliable Property Group, has explained why using an independent chartered surveyor is so important.
Reliable Property Group was founded in early 2018 and covers everything from surveying to conveyancing and mortgages.
The group’s ethos is “reliable by name, reliable by nature” which has seen them garner a strong relationship base.
“When you get a mortgage, your bank will send someone round who is a chartered surveyor but their interest is just the value of the property,” Mr Harriot said.
“Not the structural integrity of the property.”
Mr Harriot commented on how Reliable Property Group and companies like them help Britons to make the right choice when purchasing a home.
4 things surveyors want you to know before you get a survey
Getting a survey is a key part in the process of buying a house, but before you get a survey, here are some things that the experts at Reliable Property Group want you to know.
Alongside lenders and conveyancers, surveyors should be one of the key service providers involved in any buyer’s property journey. Yet many either don’t fully grasp the value of this vital step in the transaction or neglect it completely. There are four key points your surveyor wants you to know when you need a survey – and how you can best use surveys to your advantage to secure the best possible deal.
1. Not all surveys provide the same service
Buyers have always been keen to accelerate the typically slow homebuying process, but the Stamp Duty holiday and subsequent temporary cap has led to many homebuyers cutting corners to the extreme. Some see a survey as an unnecessary delay to proceedings, so forego commissioning an independent surveyor and instead rely on the free, lender mortgage valuation.
The difference between the two may not be clear initially – but lender surveyors are really only interested in protecting the lender’s investment with a report confirming the property’s value. Buyers must instead commission a report that protects their interests, a survey that can provide a full report on the state of the property and inform their long term plan around any future works required.
A full rundown of the different types of surveys can be found on the Reliable Property Group website, but to quickly summarise the three most common reports:
- The RICS Property Valuation Report – provides a current market valuation of the property and a summary of the details. Not an in depth survey, so only advisable if tentatively checking whether an offer seems fair.
- The RICS Home Buyers Report (Level 2 survey) – best suited for properties younger than 100 years old made of standard construction materials (brick and tile) with no obvious signs of damage.
- The RICS Building Survey (Level 3 survey) – for properties older than 100 years which have been altered, or an unusual build. Essential if you plan to do your own work on the property.
2. Your surveyor is in your corner
A common buyer mistake is to misunderstand allegiances during the purchase journey. To clarify: conveyancers are relatively neutral and want to get the transaction over the line while ensuring everything is conducted legally, while the estate agent is working for the seller. They will act as a go between, but their main prerogative is completing the purchase at the highest possible final offer, as soon as possible. Lenders, somewhat understandably, are primarily interested in protecting their investment – and as mentioned above, their surveyors work for them.
Meanwhile, an independent surveyor is definitely on your side. Think of them as a GP, diagnosing your prospective new home and informing you of its current health, alongside any problems that may arise in the future. It’s helpful to keep this in mind throughout the process and steer situational questions their way. They’re one of the people in your corner during the buying process!
3. It’s wise to ask questions
It’s easy to fall into the trap of feigning expertise during the homebuying process. With so much jargon and negotiation flying around, it’s understandable that you want to appear in a stronger, more knowledgeable position than you actually inhabit. However, a Home Buyers Report provides a detailed survey on the state of the house and such a hefty document can often appear fairly daunting.
As a quick overview – the report will cover background details on the residential dwelling, its location and an estimate for the rebuild cost for insurance purposes. The main body will include the assessment of the condition of the house, including the presence of any damp-proofing, drainage or insulation issues. The surveyor will also check the woodwork condition for any woodworm or rot and test walls for damp. If other issues are spotted, they will highlight urgent problems that will require a further specialist assessment.
Don’t try and bluff your way through the report – ask your surveyor to clarify any points you’re unsure of, after all, they work for you!
4. What to do with your survey
Arguably the most important point to grasp is how powerful a survey can be to a buyer. It’s obvious that a surveyor’s report allows you to budget for any immediate maintenance or renovation when they move in.
However, surveyors themselves can also help buyers bring the price of the property down – even if you think negotiations are long since over. Armed with evidence that considerable work will be required to fix issues that weren’t highlighted before the initial offer, surveyors can encourage buyers to reopen negotiations. If the seller is unwilling to make repairs prior to sale, they should be open to lowering the offer price. With this in mind, buyers should avoid being scared off by the seller’s threats to pull out of the deal. If your surveyor found something, another buyer’s surveyor will too.
Knowing these 4 facts can help demystify the surveying process. And remember, if in doubt, ask your surveyor for anything you don’t understand before or after your report, as they will always be willing to help prove the value of a proper survey.
Why Today's Buyers Can't Afford To Ignore The Power Of A Home Survey
How the power of a home survey can help
As an inflated market and rocketing demand heap pressure on today’s buyers, many remain unaware of the true value a comprehensive survey could bring. A large proportion are instead rushing their purchases through to exchange, thanks in large part to the looming end of the stamp duty holiday. When the heat is on and buyers are eager to streamline the process, surveys are often the first place they look. A survey can seem like an unnecessary expense or a needless delay on top of an already-extensive timeline. But glossing over a survey – or at worst, neglecting to undertake one at all, it could be the biggest mistake a buyer can make
Finding the right survey
Many will believe themselves covered by the survey undertaken by the lender. This is a mistake – a lender’s survey is just that, designed to ensure the lender’s investment is protected by confirming the property’s rough value. It is required in order to complete the transaction, but doesn’t actually inform the buyer on the condition of the house. For that, there are a number of different surveys to choose from, depending on the type of property.
A Home Buyer’s Report is the standard survey that all buyers should look to seek out at a minimum. For a relatively modern dwelling that is of standard construction (brick and tile) the report will tell you about the most important and serious issues that need addressing. For properties that are a little older, have perhaps been altered or where you plan to do your own alterations, a full RICS Building Survey is recommended, as it is just that much more comprehensive.
Ensure that whichever organisation you select to conduct your survey is approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It is the only way to guarantee a detailed report from a qualified surveyor. While it can be tempting to just go with the surveyor recommended by the estate agent, there will often be a better option out there. It is well worth the time and effort to find the best deal for you. The RICS website has a helpful tool, and Trustpilot provides reviews for you to research any companies you find.
What to do with the survey
Survey reports can be over-detailed and technical documents, but it is essential for the buyer to understand how to use them. If anything is unclear, go back to your surveyor and ask them what a certain section means – and more importantly, what your actions should be from it. The report should work for you. Beyond making a detailed assessment of the state of the house, a survey provides a long term plan of what the property will require in the future and offers an indication of whether you will likely run into a variety of issues in the coming years.
If the survey uncovers issues and you do decide to proceed the purchase anyway – a path many will choose thanks to market pressure – the report will still help you you budget for any immediate maintenance or renovation following exchange.
Aside from substantially de-risking the purchasing process, surveys also transfer some rare power back into the hands of the buyer. An agreed price is never the end of the story and negotiations can and should be reopened if the survey uncovers issues that effect the value of the property. While it is common for sellers to threaten to pull out of the deal, it is worth noting that issues found by one surveyor will likely be found by another in future, and it is best for the seller to acknowledge this and return to the negotiation table.
With this in mind, it’s also highly advisable for sellers to hire surveyors before listing their property. This will provide an accurate sales value but will also uncover any issues which could later be used to delay or disrupt the sale.
According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, homebuyers spend an average of £5,750 on property repairs, due to the property purchaser not initially identifying property defects or understanding the true market value. Most buyers, especially first timers, don’t have this extra money lying around. Getting an appropriate and comprehensive survey is the best way to provide security and peace of mind in any property purchase.
This article first appeared in The Real Estate Textbook in January 2021
Associate (B) Residential - Reliable Associate Surveyor
Salary
£Competitive + Benefits
Role type
Permanent
Location
London, UK
Job overview
Reliable is expanding – and we’re adding to our team of Associate Surveyors to meet our growing needs. Associate positions are open to all AssocRICS, MRICS, FRICS Chartered Surveyors, and SAVA graduates.
You’ll join a thriving, diverse team that is quickly earning a reputation for excellence. From our early beginnings in London, we’ve grown our coverage across the wider South East and South West of England with more expansion still to come. We’ve acquired a track record for success while retaining an agile startup culture, committed to innovating and, where the average home-purchaser will benefit, reshaping this industry wherever we can.
We pride ourselves on our supportive culture as well as dedication to the customer. From investing in training and workplace benefits to embracing the latest digital and drone technology, we’re committed to providing you with everything required to deliver industry-leading service.
Whether you’re newly qualified and searching for a place to acquire a best-practice skillset or a senior surveyor with years of experience to offer, we want to hear from you.
The Role
- Residential Surveyor/Registered Valuer (AssocRICS, MRICS, FRICS, VRS)
- Homebuyer Reports, Building surveys, Valuations
- Deploy latest cutting-edge technology
- Fantastic culture and work-life balance
The Candidate
- AssocRICS, MRICS, FRICS, or VRS – we’re open to all options!
- Ideal candidates will be Registered Valuers with prior experience in conducting
- Homebuyer Reports and Building Surveys
- Valid UK driving license
- You’ll be hungry to work in a rapidly expanding, unique organisation with a fantastic culture
The Benefits
- Company car
- 28 days paid holiday
- Workplace pension
- All RICS membership fees paid for
- Support from the staff at all levels
- Access to and independence in choosing career development programs
- Option to work remotely
Lead Conveyancer & Division Director
Salary
£Competitive + Benefits
Role type
Permanent
Location
London, UK
Job overview
Reliable is expanding – and we’re searching for a qualified conveyancer hungry to run their own division. The right candidate will build and lead Reliable’s conveyancing arm, making this the perfect opportunity for those with an entrepreneurial flair who can still feel protected within a well-established property group.
You’ll set up the division and scale your side of the business, liaising with other directors across Reliable Property Group. You’ll have the autonomy to grow the division as you please while handling a full caseload. The ideal candidate will have previous Conveyancing experience with residential cases and harbors an ambition to craft their own team from the ground up. You’ll support and motivate your team as their careers go from strength to strength.
You’ll join a thriving team that is quickly earning a reputation for excellence. Reliable Property Group was launched to provide consumers with surveying, mortgage advice, and conveyancing services, offering a one-stop-shop for home buying services with the freedom and agility that comes from being an online business. From our early beginnings in London, we’ve grown our coverage across the wider South East and South West of England – with more expansion still to come. We’ve acquired a track record for success while retaining an agile startup culture, committed to innovating and disrupting this industry wherever we can.
We pride ourselves on our supportive culture as well as dedication to the customer. From investing in training and workplace benefits to embracing the latest digital and drone technology, we’re committed to providing you with everything required to deliver industry-leading service.
The Role
- Launch your own conveyancing division within a well-established property group
- Handle residential conveyancing cases for private clients
- Build a team from the ground up and scale the department as a director in the business
The Candidate
- Qualified conveyancer
- Previous experience handling residential cases
- Entrepreneurial hunger and ambition to lead their own team
The Benefits
• Company car
• 28 days paid holiday
• Workplace pension
• All RICS membership fees paid for
• Access to career development programs
• Option to work remotely