Houses

[Happy Fox]

On 16/07/2025 at 21:10, Izzy said:

Chain free and ready to move into is very appealing and if your buyers are FTB's you could exchange and complete pretty quickly I guess.

 

The place we've just moved into is a project/renovation and although the prospect is exciting, it's a bit overwhelming and my impatience wants it all done yesterday.

 

Lots of reliance on contractors availability and we've only got a certain budget so need to be mindful of costs too. 

 

Will be amazing when it's all done but will be a bit of a journey to get there. Sounds like you've got some good ideas for the new place, hope it all works out for you. 

 

The plan is to get everything done in 4-6 weeks time which is exciting! Me and my wife are looking forward to it.

 

Yes that is something to bear in mind, I like the idea of a journey but agree with you re the overwhelming part, I am sure it will be amazing once it's all done.

[Izzy]

14 minutes ago, Happy Fox said:

 

The plan is to get everything done in 4-6 weeks time which is exciting! Me and my wife are looking forward to it.

 

Yes that is something to bear in mind, I like the idea of a journey but agree with you re the overwhelming part, I am sure it will be amazing once it's all done.

4-6 weeks sounds like heaven.

 

We're fully expecting our renovation to take at least 6-9 months. The house is 50 years old and EVERYTHING needs updating.

 

Got the plumber in next week to remove cold water storage tank from the loft and replace hot water cylinder & boiler plus replace all radiators. Then sparky the week after that to update fuse board, install extractor fans, smoke alarms, plus upgrade lights/wall sockets, then hopefully new kitchen installed the week after that. Then new en-suite, main bathroom and downstairs WC.

 

Then fix all the cracks, new double garage door, replace external cladding, new flooring/carpets, redecorate etc. Not to mention the garden needs a total overhaul.

 

Jeez I feel depressed writing all this 

 

 

Edited 18 July 2025 by Izzy

[kenny]

26 minutes ago, Izzy said:

4-6 weeks sounds like heaven.

 

We're fully expecting our renovation to take at least 6-9 months. The house is 50 years old and EVERYTHING needs updating.

 

Got the plumber in next week to remove cold water storage tank from the loft and replace hot water cylinder & boiler plus replace all radiators. Then sparky the week after that to update fuse board, install extractor fans, smoke alarms, plus upgrade lights/wall sockets, then hopefully new kitchen installed the week after that. Then new en-suite, main bathroom and downstairs WC.

 

Then fix all the cracks, new double garage door, replace external cladding, new flooring/carpets, redecorate etc. Not to mention the garden needs a total overhaul.

 

Jeez I feel depressed writing all this 

 

 

 

I've seen your photos and I know it's not much but it could be worse!

[Izzy]

3 minutes ago, kenny said:

 

I've seen your photos and I know it's not much but it could be worse!

Haha, thanks mate.

 

I'm sure you're correct but right now it feels like we've bitten off more than we can chew here!

 

At least it'll keep us busy and gives me a focus but my golf game is going to suffer 

[kenny]

20 minutes ago, Izzy said:

Haha, thanks mate.

 

I'm sure you're correct but right now it feels like we've bitten off more than we can chew here!

 

At least it'll keep us busy and gives me a focus but my golf game is going to suffer 

Golf is shit anyway.

 

Give me waking up to rainwater dripping on your head whilst you sleep in the most expensive investment you buy in your life any day.

[Unabomber]

Part of our mortgage expires end of this month so having to change. Has been at  1.64% for the last 5 years. What’s everyone’s thoughts on best bet now? I’m thinking fix for 3 years at just over 4%. Other part of our mortgage runs out next year and that’s been at 1.25%! 

[Wolfox]

4 hours ago, Unabomber said:

Part of our mortgage expires end of this month so having to change. Has been at  1.64% for the last 5 years. What’s everyone’s thoughts on best bet now? I’m thinking fix for 3 years at just over 4%. Other part of our mortgage runs out next year and that’s been at 1.25%! 

Try and get them aligned if you can…. It’s a ball ache having them on two different timelines …. 
 

I don’t know if you’re good with spreadsheets, but I did some fairly basic arithmetic 2 weeks ago and made a few assumptions and opted for 3 years…. But that was based on the rates and fees…. If I could predict interest rates, I wouldn’t  be typing on here!

 

The important thing to balance is certainty and over what period you’d like that certainty 

Edited 24 July 2025 by Wolfox

[Izzy]

Been in our new (old) house exactly a month now and firmly in the valley of despair with this renovation.

 

It's an interesting combination of frustration and impatience mixed with the odd tinge of progress and satisfaction.

 

Been working my nuts off removing old wallpaper, coving, and skirting boards, while also gutting the garden, chopping down trees, fixing the drainage, and filling three skips of shite.

 

Didn't realise how reliant I'd be on decent tradespeople though. The good ones are always busy and it seems a constant battle to get them in to start stuff. At least we've got the new hot water cylinder in now and old radiators off, and electrics being done next week - so baby steps.

 

Learning loads in the process but can absolutely see the attraction in buying a new build 

[Tommy G]

3 minutes ago, Izzy said:

Been in our new (old) house exactly a month now and firmly in the valley of despair with this renovation.

 

It's an interesting combination of frustration and impatience mixed with the odd tinge of progress and satisfaction.

 

Been working my nuts off removing old wallpaper, coving, and skirting boards, while also gutting the garden, chopping down trees, fixing the drainage, and filling three skips of shite.

 

Didn't realise how reliant I'd be on decent tradespeople though. The good ones are always busy and it seems a constant battle to get them in to start stuff. At least we've got the new hot water cylinder in now and old radiators off, and electrics being done next week - so baby steps.

 

Learning loads in the process but can absolutely see the attraction in buying a new build 

A month is no time so don’t be so hard on yourself - we did our old house in 9 months. Includes moving out for a period too, with a 2 year old at the time.

 

When you’re in the trenches it’s crap, but when it comes together it’s great. Won’t bother again though!

 

Good luck. If you have enough cash just hire people and sit back 

[FoyleFox]

6 minutes ago, Izzy said:

Been in our new (old) house exactly a month now and firmly in the valley of despair with this renovation.

 

It's an interesting combination of frustration and impatience mixed with the odd tinge of progress and satisfaction.

 

Been working my nuts off removing old wallpaper, coving, and skirting boards, while also gutting the garden, chopping down trees, fixing the drainage, and filling three skips of shite.

 

Didn't realise how reliant I'd be on decent tradespeople though. The good ones are always busy and it seems a constant battle to get them in to start stuff. At least we've got the new hot water cylinder in now and old radiators off, and electrics being done next week - so baby steps.

 

Learning loads in the process but can absolutely see the attraction in buying a new build 

I feel your pain and sympathise, we spent 9 months doing ours. Getting good and reliable tradespeople is a massive headache. 

 

I can say that when you eventually come out the other side, you'll be proud of the work you did and what you've achieved. 

[kenny]

10 minutes ago, Izzy said:

Been in our new (old) house exactly a month now and firmly in the valley of despair with this renovation.

 

It's an interesting combination of frustration and impatience mixed with the odd tinge of progress and satisfaction.

 

Been working my nuts off removing old wallpaper, coving, and skirting boards, while also gutting the garden, chopping down trees, fixing the drainage, and filling three skips of shite.

 

Didn't realise how reliant I'd be on decent tradespeople though. The good ones are always busy and it seems a constant battle to get them in to start stuff. At least we've got the new hot water cylinder in now and old radiators off, and electrics being done next week - so baby steps.

 

Learning loads in the process but can absolutely see the attraction in buying a new build 

My advice is always do as much as you can while the motivation is there. The motivation goes long before the projects are done!

[RobHawk]

Our house goes on the market tomorrow. 

 

Viewed a house tonight and it's bloody perfect, just need to sell my house and hope nobody else buys it in the meantime. 

 

He did indicate somebody had put in an offer but hadn't sold there house yet so it wasn't proceed able. Anybody with better knowledge than me know if that sounds legit or if he's just bullshitting? Doesn't help he was a proper salesman, talked a load of shite the whole time we were there and was actually the worst bit about the viewing. 

[VLC86]

2 hours ago, RobHawk said:

Our house goes on the market tomorrow. 

 

Viewed a house tonight and it's bloody perfect, just need to sell my house and hope nobody else buys it in the meantime. 

 

He did indicate somebody had put in an offer but hadn't sold there house yet so it wasn't proceed able. Anybody with better knowledge than me know if that sounds legit or if he's just bullshitting? Doesn't help he was a proper salesman, talked a load of shite the whole time we were there and was actually the worst bit about the viewing. 

Difficult to say, could all be bullshit but could be legit as I guess a lot of vendors won’t sell without knowing the person can actually proceed.

[The Fox Covert]

Anyone else on here had a boundary dispute on their hands?

A new neighbour moved in last year and has disputed my ownership of the boundary on one side of my garden.

I want to erect a fence on the long side of the garden and can't do so until this issue is resolved.

I commissioned a qualified boundary surveyor to investigate and he found a previous conveyance which showed the boundary of my property and the one on the other side which clearly shows my ownership of the boundary.

The neighbour has refused to accept this and now claims shared ownership, without providing any evidence. Her 'qualified' help is apparently an architect and not a surveyor (I haven't seen his report).

She has also erected a post and wire fence at the end of my garden without my permission, wholly within my property claiming that this is to stop her dogs roaming onto my property. I have never expressed any issue with her dogs and really could not care less one way or another.

And wants me to erect a fence wholly within my property on the long side of the garden.

The current state of play is that I have written to her asking to see the evidence of her ownership of the boundary or it being shared. I also said I will not erect a fence wholly within my property, as it will cause difficulties in the future as regards the precise line of the boundary. I also instructed her not to trespass on my property again and reserved the right to remove the fence at the end of my garden at any time without notice.

I am hoping she goes running to a solicitor who should put her right on all this but it is a huge worry until this is resolved, as I want to move and can't put the house on the market until this is resolved.

Any thoughts?

[VLC86]

39 minutes ago, The Fox Covert said:

Anyone else on here had a boundary dispute on their hands?

A new neighbour moved in last year and has disputed my ownership of the boundary on one side of my garden.

I want to erect a fence on the long side of the garden and can't do so until this issue is resolved.

I commissioned a qualified boundary surveyor to investigate and he found a previous conveyance which showed the boundary of my property and the one on the other side which clearly shows my ownership of the boundary.

The neighbour has refused to accept this and now claims shared ownership, without providing any evidence. Her 'qualified' help is apparently an architect and not a surveyor (I haven't seen his report).

She has also erected a post and wire fence at the end of my garden without my permission, wholly within my property claiming that this is to stop her dogs roaming onto my property. I have never expressed any issue with her dogs and really could not care less one way or another.

And wants me to erect a fence wholly within my property on the long side of the garden.

The current state of play is that I have written to her asking to see the evidence of her ownership of the boundary or it being shared. I also said I will not erect a fence wholly within my property, as it will cause difficulties in the future as regards the precise line of the boundary. I also instructed her not to trespass on my property again and reserved the right to remove the fence at the end of my garden at any time without notice.

I am hoping she goes running to a solicitor who should put her right on all this but it is a huge worry until this is resolved, as I want to move and can't put the house on the market until this is resolved.

Any thoughts?

If you have sought advice from a surveyor and seen the plans that clearly show it’s your land then I’m sure you would be entitled to do what you want with it. It’s probably not going to be the easiest thing, but have you all sat down with your surveyor and clearly pointed all of this out to them?

[The Fox Covert]

4 hours ago, VLC86 said:

If you have sought advice from a surveyor and seen the plans that clearly show it’s your land then I’m sure you would be entitled to do what you want with it. It’s probably not going to be the easiest thing, but have you all sat down with your surveyor and clearly pointed all of this out to them?

(text from original post)

Anyone else on here had a boundary dispute on their hands?

A new neighbour moved in last year and has disputed my ownership of the boundary on one side of my garden.

I want to erect a fence on the long side of the garden and can't do so until this issue is resolved.

I commissioned a qualified boundary surveyor to investigate and he found a previous conveyance which showed the boundary of my property and the one on the other side which clearly shows my ownership of the boundary.

The neighbour has refused to accept this and now claims shared ownership, without providing any evidence. Her 'qualified' help is apparently an architect and not a surveyor (I haven't seen his report).

She has also erected a post and wire fence at the end of my garden without my permission, wholly within my property claiming that this is to stop her dogs roaming onto my property. I have never expressed any issue with her dogs and really could not care less one way or another.

And wants me to erect a fence wholly within my property on the long side of the garden.

The current state of play is that I have written to her asking to see the evidence of her ownership of the boundary or it being shared. I also said I will not erect a fence wholly within my property, as it will cause difficulties in the future as regards the precise line of the boundary. I also instructed her not to trespass on my property again and reserved the right to remove the fence at the end of my garden at any time without notice.

I am hoping she goes running to a solicitor who should put her right on all this but it is a huge worry until this is resolved, as I want to move and can't put the house on the market until this is resolved.

Any thoughts?

 

Not the easiest thing is probably the best way to put it as my neighbour seems determined to dig her heels in. My letter was headed 'Without Prejudice' so I am sure she can't be so stupid that she does not realise what is likely to happen next. When she has seen a solicitor and has been told the score and what if might cost if she wants to press it then I will go back and suggest we have a meeting on neutral territory, with both my surveyor and her architect present, which will only cost the attendance fee for the professional advice. On past performance a meeting on either property will probably degenerate into a shouting match - not from me - and my neighbour calling the police. She seems to have done this at least twice before and I expect the police will once again shrug their shoulders and not bother to turn up.

[VLC86]

3 hours ago, The Fox Covert said:

(text from original post)

Anyone else on here had a boundary dispute on their hands?

A new neighbour moved in last year and has disputed my ownership of the boundary on one side of my garden.

I want to erect a fence on the long side of the garden and can't do so until this issue is resolved.

I commissioned a qualified boundary surveyor to investigate and he found a previous conveyance which showed the boundary of my property and the one on the other side which clearly shows my ownership of the boundary.

The neighbour has refused to accept this and now claims shared ownership, without providing any evidence. Her 'qualified' help is apparently an architect and not a surveyor (I haven't seen his report).

She has also erected a post and wire fence at the end of my garden without my permission, wholly within my property claiming that this is to stop her dogs roaming onto my property. I have never expressed any issue with her dogs and really could not care less one way or another.

And wants me to erect a fence wholly within my property on the long side of the garden.

The current state of play is that I have written to her asking to see the evidence of her ownership of the boundary or it being shared. I also said I will not erect a fence wholly within my property, as it will cause difficulties in the future as regards the precise line of the boundary. I also instructed her not to trespass on my property again and reserved the right to remove the fence at the end of my garden at any time without notice.

I am hoping she goes running to a solicitor who should put her right on all this but it is a huge worry until this is resolved, as I want to move and can't put the house on the market until this is resolved.

Any thoughts?

 

Not the easiest thing is probably the best way to put it as my neighbour seems determined to dig her heels in. My letter was headed 'Without Prejudice' so I am sure she can't be so stupid that she does not realise what is likely to happen next. When she has seen a solicitor and has been told the score and what if might cost if she wants to press it then I will go back and suggest we have a meeting on neutral territory, with both my surveyor and her architect present, which will only cost the attendance fee for the professional advice. On past performance a meeting on either property will probably degenerate into a shouting match - not from me - and my neighbour calling the police. She seems to have done this at least twice before and I expect the police will once again shrug their shoulders and not bother to turn up.

Edited as I didn’t see your reply in the text and thought you were being short 😂 

 

This is why I asked if you had invited them round while you had the surveyor round as they could then hear the reality directly from a professional. I can see how receiving a letter from the other party you are in dispute with might lead you to believe they might be trying to pull the wool over your eyes if you are so invested to have taken it as far as you can.

 

While I was selling my last house, the vendors couldn’t get their head around the boundaries of my house on the plans as there is an alley way that doesn’t show up very well on the plans so I had to physically get them to have a look with their own eyes which meant the sale went through. I know that’s not the exact scenario but still.

Edited 26 July 2025 by VLC86

[FoxesDeb]

35 minutes ago, VLC86 said:

Not sure if you are being narky by just posting your original post in response to my advice but your post says you got a surveyor out who agreed with you, but you didn’t say you had sat the other party down with the professional clearly stating why their belief is wrong.

 

I’ll think twice before I post any advice next time either way.

The OP has added his reply to you at the bottom of his post, it's just not formatted very well 

[Bordersfox]

7 hours ago, The Fox Covert said:

Anyone else on here had a boundary dispute on their hands?

A new neighbour moved in last year and has disputed my ownership of the boundary on one side of my garden.

I want to erect a fence on the long side of the garden and can't do so until this issue is resolved.

I commissioned a qualified boundary surveyor to investigate and he found a previous conveyance which showed the boundary of my property and the one on the other side which clearly shows my ownership of the boundary.

The neighbour has refused to accept this and now claims shared ownership, without providing any evidence. Her 'qualified' help is apparently an architect and not a surveyor (I haven't seen his report).

She has also erected a post and wire fence at the end of my garden without my permission, wholly within my property claiming that this is to stop her dogs roaming onto my property. I have never expressed any issue with her dogs and really could not care less one way or another.

And wants me to erect a fence wholly within my property on the long side of the garden.

The current state of play is that I have written to her asking to see the evidence of her ownership of the boundary or it being shared. I also said I will not erect a fence wholly within my property, as it will cause difficulties in the future as regards the precise line of the boundary. I also instructed her not to trespass on my property again and reserved the right to remove the fence at the end of my garden at any time without notice.

I am hoping she goes running to a solicitor who should put her right on all this but it is a huge worry until this is resolved, as I want to move and can't put the house on the market until this is resolved.

Any thoughts?

Ex commercial property solicitor here.  Haven't practiced for a while. 

 

Is your property registered or not?  I am assuming not as your surveyor is referencing a conveyance not the Land Registry title plan?  Or is she disputing the red line on the title plan?

 

If it is registered and the red line of your title is where you believe it should be, and there is not reference to it being a party wall or shared boundary erect the fence and tell her politely to go forth and multiply.

 

If she tries to do anything to the fence then it's criminal damage. But getting plod interested will be nigh on impossible.  But you could threaten to sue.   Sad to say these sorts of disputes particularly with ars3holes are a nightmare.  

 

If your property is not registered then put in an application to register it ASAP on the basis of the conveyance you mention.  This should be a factual dispute, If the boundary is clearly marked on the conveyance and your advisor is 100% sure on where it should be situated then play hard ball.

 

The only thing that muddies the water is if she has some counter evidence, but it seems unlikely.  Her property must be registered if she only just purchased it.  Get her title plan as well from the land registry to compare the boundary line. 

 

The title register is key.  If that doesn't show a shared boundary she will need to provide evidence as to why it is and why thst should be amended by the Land Registry.  You'll need a solicitor to advise you really.  

 

If you are comfortable emailing the copy title registers and any deeds to me including the conveyance and your surveyors advice I am happy to have a look...

[VLC86]

30 minutes ago, FoxesDeb said:

The OP has added his reply to you at the bottom of his post, it's just not formatted very well 

Oh  I’ll edit my reply 

[RobHawk]

On 25/07/2025 at 20:05, RobHawk said:

Our house goes on the market tomorrow. 

 

Viewed a house tonight and it's bloody perfect, just need to sell my house and hope nobody else buys it in the meantime. 

 

He did indicate somebody had put in an offer but hadn't sold there house yet so it wasn't proceed able. Anybody with better knowledge than me know if that sounds legit or if he's just bullshitting? Doesn't help he was a proper salesman, talked a load of shite the whole time we were there and was actually the worst bit about the viewing. 

Had an offer on my house. Lower than I'd like and asked the estate agent to try and up it. 2 more viewings tomorrow as well. 

 

It has allowed me to put a low ball offer in on the house I like. 

 

See what tomorrow brings. 

[Izzy]

7 minutes ago, RobHawk said:

Had an offer on my house. Lower than I'd like and asked the estate agent to try and up it. 2 more viewings tomorrow as well. 

 

It has allowed me to put a low ball offer in on the house I like. 

 

See what tomorrow brings. 

That was quick, nice one.

 

If you've also got 2 viewings tomorrow your Estate Agent should be trying to get you competing bidders which would be great.

 

Good luck 

[RobHawk]

31 minutes ago, Izzy said:

That was quick, nice one.

 

If you've also got 2 viewings tomorrow your Estate Agent should be trying to get you competing bidders which would be great.

 

Good luck 

Yeah hopefully, gotta say the estate agents been immense hence why we had an offer so quickly. 

 

Fingers crossed tomorrow goes our way 🤞 

[The Blur]

On 24/07/2025 at 16:50, Unabomber said:

Part of our mortgage expires end of this month so having to change. Has been at  1.64% for the last 5 years. What’s everyone’s thoughts on best bet now? I’m thinking fix for 3 years at just over 4%. Other part of our mortgage runs out next year and that’s been at 1.25%! 

 

The answer is probably obvious but I would be interested to know why there are partial mortgages as it is the first I have heard of it!

[Unabomber]

9 hours ago, The Blur said:

 

The answer is probably obvious but I would be interested to know why there are partial mortgages as it is the first I have heard of it!

I had a mortgage on my first house then when me

and my now wife bought our current house together the outstanding mortgage on the first house got ported over. We then took out a second mortgage to cover the balance owed on the new house (once deposit had been taken into consideration).