Sales of property with values over GBP1 million went up by 36 percent in 2007 compared with the previous year according to Halifax data.
There were over 8,250 sales of million pound plus properties, with over three quarters of them being in the south east of England and London. The largest increase in sales of million pound properties was in Scotland, where the measured increase by the Halifax was 138 percent. This was followed closely by the north east of England, with a 136 percent increase.
The south east has always had strong property values, said a Halifax representative, so it is not surprising to see it heading the number of sales list. It is also notable that rising property prices nationwide have driven up these type of sales further afield.
The current state of the housing market means that most home improvements are not adding any more to the asking price than they cost said the Abbey National.
A home extension can leave someone selling the property around GBP20,000 out of pocket if they were to sell straight after getting the work done, while a new conservatory or kitchen can easily leave them down by GBP14,000. The only home improvements the Abbey National feel are worth doing for those selling a property are the cosmetic ones such as decorating.
The key to home improvements then is to undertake them only if the plan is to stay in the property. This way they become a real benefit to the homeowner said an Abbey National spokesperson. It is understood that well over 8 million people will be improving their homes in the coming year which may prove a revealing statistic in what is a dormant market.
Legal and General has brought a new tracker mortgage to the market, with a maximum loan to value of 75 percent.
The mortgage does have a GBP999 arrangement fee, though this can be added to the mortgage value. There is also an offset facility at no extra charge and, for those looking for a remortgage there is a separate package or a cash return. In a quiet mortgage market Legal and General hope that this particular approach will generate considerable interest.
A spokesman from the company said that this particular tracker mortgage option would be perfect for someone with equity in their property and a balance of money that could be offset against the home loan. Legal and General are happy to answer any queries regarding the tracker mortgage, inviting people to get in touch either on line, by phone or at their local branch.
