wow

@shalewaT go on facebook… you can do an anonymous post… join the group ukvi immigration updates.. post anonymous or send to one of the admins to help put out your post.. there are quite a number of uk immigration solicitors on there who are very quick to give free of charge advice. If you’ll need further help, you will also be able to find one or two in the first instance. goodluck

New Builds To buy or not to buy[b][/b]

(Pros)
Energy efficient (6 times more energy efficient than old homes)
Brand new – you’re usually the first or 2nd owner. And if it’s the show home, you can actually buy a fully furnished house.
10 year builders’ (NHBC) warranty – covers only structure and electrics after the first 2 years.
Usually no chain. Can buy off plan to cut costs or buy some of the very last ones to get a discount.
Small easy to maintain plots
Smaller spaces so easy to heat
Everyone moving in is new so no established community and might be easier for newcomers (immigrants etc) to fit in and make friends
Can negotiate lots of things with the developer – can choose your own colours, kitchen, carpets etc (for more money of course), get stamp duty paid, solicitors fees etc
Help to buy and First Homes is only available on new builds
Minimal maintenance on structure for the first 5,6,7 years or so – roof, gutterings, boilers etc
Fittings are of high quality – kitchen appliances, sanitary wear etc all will be newer models

(Cons)

More expensive and builds often over run (average difference in price is 55k according to DataLoft)
Much smaller on average – often overlooked. Minimal parking, small gardens, cannot extend or add value. You have to wait for the equity to grow through paying down the mortgage or the passage of time.
Thin walls – carries noise more. Lower ceilings – for easy heating. Open plan living areas – could be a pain. Very little storage spaces
Build quality can sometimes be poor so there can be ongoing snagging.
Much more difficult to spot issues initially and you have to go through the developer to remedy. Once you remedy yourself, it voids the developers’ warranty.
Very restrictive covenants which means you can’t make changes to the structure and sometimes even small things like not changing the front doors or windows etc
What you buy off plan might not be exactly what you get when it’s built.
Usually built away from the centre so shops, schools, restaurants and amenities can be some distance away.

Ticha:
New Builds To buy or not to buy[b][/b]

(Pros)
Energy efficient (6 times more energy efficient than old homes)
Brand new – you’re usually the first or 2nd owner. And if it’s the show home, you can actually buy a fully furnished house.
10 year builders’ (NHBC) warranty – covers only structure and electrics after the first 2 years.
Usually no chain. Can buy off plan to cut costs or buy some of the very last ones to get a discount.
Small easy to maintain plots
Smaller spaces so easy to heat
Everyone moving in is new so no established community and might be easier for newcomers (immigrants etc) to fit in and make friends
Can negotiate lots of things with the developer – can choose your own colours, kitchen, carpets etc (for more money of course), get stamp duty paid, solicitors fees etc
Help to buy and First Homes is only available on new builds
Minimal maintenance on structure for the first 5,6,7 years or so – roof, gutterings, boilers etc
Fittings are of high quality – kitchen appliances, sanitary wear etc all will be newer models

(Cons)

More expensive and builds often over run (average difference in price is 55k according to DataLoft)
Much smaller on average – often overlooked. Minimal parking, small gardens, cannot extend or add value. You have to wait for the equity to grow through paying down the mortgage or the passage of time.
Thin walls – carries noise more. Lower ceilings – for easy heating. Open plan living areas – could be a pain. Very little storage spaces
Build quality can sometimes be poor so there can be ongoing snagging.
Much more difficult to spot issues initially and you have to go through the developer to remedy. Once you remedy yourself, it voids the developers’ warranty.
Very restrictive covenants which means you can’t make changes to the structure and sometimes even small things like not changing the front doors or windows etc
What you buy off plan might not be exactly what you get when it’s built.
Usually built away from the centre so shops, schools, restaurants and amenities can be some distance away.

We moved into a new build 2 years ago and currently, similar houses in the same development are going for close to 50k more, how does that work? I do not expect that much for ours since it is no longer new.
I agree with the parking space. When I saw our drive, I wasn't sure our car will fit. Why do they build like that? You park your car and can't open your door wide.
Luckily we don't have noise issues and the building seem to be well insulated. Our community is also growing with new amenities like an Aldi and soon a GP and other shops. Hopefully that will add value to ours.

dustydee:

We moved into a new build 2 years ago and currently, similar houses in the same development are going for close to 50k more, how does that work? I do not expect that much for ours since it is no longer new.
I agree with the parking space. When I saw our drive, I wasn't sure our car will fit. Why do they build like that? You park your car and can't open your door wide.
Luckily we don't have noise issues and the building seem to be well insulated. Our community is also growing with new amenities like an Aldi and soon a GP and other shops. Hopefully that will add value to ours.

The COVID effect which seems to be be affecting property prices all over the developed world. Economists say it's because being cooped up means people have saved more money, stopped houses from being built (lockdowns, disruption to shipping and supply of building materials), stopped people from moving and therefore there's more money floating around and it's fuelling house a property price increase. Who knows? The market is bonkers here in NZ as well!

However even if you sell for 50k more, that won't translate to 50k extra in your pocket and you'll also pay more for your next one. The last 2 years seems to have thrown everything into kilter. It'll be interesting to see what the current high inflation brings

Ticha:


The COVID effect which seems to be be affecting property prices all over the developed world. Economists say it's because being cooped up means people have saved more money, stopped houses from being built (lockdowns, disruption to shipping and supply of building materials), stopped people from moving and therefore there's more money floating around and it's fuelling house a property price increase. Who knows? The market is bonkers here in NZ as well!

However even if you sell for 50k more, that won't translate to 50k extra in your pocket and you'll also pay more for your next one. The last 2 years seems to have thrown everything into kilter. It'll be interesting to see what the current high inflation brings

My thoughts too. The price rises are insane. It seems artificial to me. Thanks for all your tips here.

hustla:


Which other bank offers cash back?

For debit cards, none that I'm aware of.

Ticha:


The COVID effect which seems to be be affecting property prices all over the developed world. Economists say it's because being cooped up means people have saved more money, stopped houses from being built (lockdowns, disruption to shipping and supply of building materials), stopped people from moving and therefore there's more money floating around and it's fuelling house a property price increase. Who knows? The market is bonkers here in NZ as well!

However even if you sell for 50k more, that won't translate to 50k extra in your pocket and you'll also pay more for your next one. The last 2 years seems to have thrown everything into kilter. It'll be interesting to see what the current high inflation brings

If Morrison wins in Oz in 2 weeks' time, negative gearing and all that is set to continue for the foreseeable future.
Time for a correction in the housing market. It's becoming necessary. Canada has temporarily banned foreigners from buying. UK needs to do the same as a minimum first step as well.
Ultra-low interest rates are probably on their way out, however slowly central banks might drag their feet.

Salewa, I just went through your posts on Nairaland, I thought you you both came in recently and Omo that’s wickedness on his part o.

TheGuyFromHR:


If Morrison wins in Oz in 2 weeks' time, negative gearing and all that is set to continue for the foreseeable future.
Time for a correction in the housing market. It's becoming necessary. Canada has temporarily banned foreigners from buying. UK needs to do the same as a minimum first step as well.
Ultra-low interest rates are probably on their way out, however slowly central banks might drag their feet.

Definitely - NZ doesn't allow anyone without PR to buy a family home either. Foreigners can only buy land to build apartments or commercial developments and must apply to the Overseas Investment Office for clearance plus proof of funds, have a team on ground etc.

Interest rates are most certainly climbing. There seems to be very very few sub 2% interest rates in the UK now. In NZ, we're looking at 4% and above! Last year we fixed at 2.39%! Our floating rate (offset account) went from 3.15% last January to 5.25% last week! Luckily, we have funds in it to offset the interest. Once we draw that money down, we'll fix it!

Ticha:


Definitely - NZ doesn't allow anyone without PR to buy a family home either. Foreigners can only buy land to build apartments or commercial developments and must apply to the Overseas Investment Office for clearance plus proof of funds, have a team on ground etc.

Interest rates are most certainly climbing. There seems to be very very few sub 2% interest rates in the UK now. In NZ, we're looking at 4% and above! Last year we fixed at 2.39%! Our floating rate (offset account) went from 3.15% last January to 5.25% last week! Luckily, we have funds in it to offset the interest. Once we draw that money down, we'll fix it!

Ah, that's good to hear.
I read in the papers last week that a lot fewer people are on floating rate products than there were in 2008/09 (and all that), so far fewer people to be affected immediately by increased payments, which will slow down the impact in the interim, while giving people time to gather themselves before they need to re-mortgage, so that might lead to fewer repos down the line.

Boris also floated the prospect of another Right to Buy scheme for housing association tenants. After the Tories 'lost' last week's elections, that idea might die a natural death, but the UK needs to do something more political than fiscal about reducing the insane lack of supply in the housing market, whether by restricting short-term lets to some extent in major hotspots (Cornwall and parts of Wales come to mind here), possibly unlocking some green-belted land for development (which means fighting the powerful local interests, so that won't happen during this government), etc. Rents are becoming frightening, wages are stagnating and that pushes more and more people to want to buy as opposed to renting, and increases demand, all with no supply increases forthcoming.

At some point, even the long-suffering non-complaining Brits go do their own gilet jaunes movement and come out into the streets.

TheGuyFromHR:


For debit cards, none that I'm aware of.

Alright
Seems chase offers it though
Maybe it's just them

hustla:


Alright
Seems chase offers it though
Maybe it's just them

Already mentioned.
Scroll up.

LagosismyHome:


Truly truly .... we can be exhausting

The thing tire me ooh

That’s what this forum is all about. You get the pros and cons of a question. If you don’t want people’s advice, then don’t ask a question on the forum. You will be amazed on how people have changed, their decisions based on advice from this forum. No advice is useless. Generally most people give advice based on their on experience or situation and I believe in good faith. You have got the choice to take it or leave it. Telling people to mind their business is very rude especially when you brought your business here. You can’t eat your cake and still have it.

phyl123:


The thing three me ooh

That’s what this forum is all about. You get the pros and cons of a question. If you don’t want people’s advice, then don’t ask a question on the forum. You will be amazed on how people have changed, their decisions based on advice from this forum. No advice is useless. Generally most people give advice based on their on experience or situation and I believe in good faith. They have the choice to take it or leave it. Telling people to mind their business is very rude especially when you brought your business here. You can’t eat your cake and still have it.

Aka cakeism.........

Lexusgs430:


Aka cakeism.........

Oga Lexus, you be philosopher’?

I capured at festac and my collection date is April 29, but the news is that there is no booklet. And the problem is nationwide, so the immigration officials said.

giselle237:
no priority needed. A friend got his in 1 week from the day of biometrics in March. Fill the form in time inorder to get a close appointment date. Hold on,
If you dnt have NIN, it pushes one back by at least 2- 3 weeks because NIN is now compulsory.
40p for adults and 30p for kids. Book a nin appointment as soon as possible

phyl123:


The thing tire me ooh

That’s what this forum is all about. You get the pros and cons of a question. If you don’t want people’s advice, then don’t ask a question on the forum. You will be amazed on how people have changed, their decisions based on advice from this forum. No advice is useless. Generally most people give advice based on their on experience or situation and I believe in good faith. They have the choice to take it or leave it. Telling people to mind their business is very rude especially when you brought your business here. You can’t eat your cake and still have it.

Louuder .....lol

illumined999333:
I capured at festac and my collection date is April 29, but the news is that there is no booklet. And the problem is nationwide, so the immigration officials said.

No booklet...it almost 10 years of the same song Nigeria passport services have been singing. Almost feels it done on purpose now to constantly extort people and make sure nobody gets it done paying only official price

And the thing is, I want to use mine for the America f1 Visa thingy. Now I can't even do anything.

LagosismyHome:


No booklet...it almost 10 years of the same song Nigeria passport services have been singing. Almost feels it done on purpose now to constantly extort people and make sure nobody gets it done paying only official price

ProfJYK:



Yes You Can. I got my first one as a student barely 3 months in this country.


http://amex.co.uk/refer/eJIKeOmcG5?XL=MNMNS


Ps. I am also a beginner in the UK.

Please clarify, you got Amex credit card barely 3 months after you entered uk?

HollyMadison:



Please clarify, you got Amex credit card barely 3 months after you entered uk?

Applied for my spouse barely 4 days after she got refused by her bank HSBC 2wice, got approved immediately, me self no belive am. She also entered the country barely 3 months too. Dont sleep on amex cards. I didn't expect such approval if not I too would have applied myself. I went for the Post office card. would switch to amex later.

Santa2:


Applied for my spouse barely 4 days after she got refused by her bank HSBC 2wice, got approved immediately, me self no belive am. She also entered the country barely 3 months too. Dont sleep on amex cards. I didn't expect such approval if not I too would have applied myself. I went for the Post office card. would switch to amex later.

Well Spoken. Thier flexibility makes me wonder what thier delinquency/non performing ratio will be like.

HollyMadison:



Please clarify, you got Amex credit card barely 3 months after you entered uk?

Yes Please. less than 3 Months, no job or UK income sef.

I’m happy to see that all my Ginger for Amex is paying off

Mbok let me plug in my referral code too http://amex.co.uk/refer/uGONNCjkWY?XL=MIMNS

If you use to apply and get approved, we bought get bonus points. Up to 34k for you depending on card type etc.

Gracias.

ProfJYK:


Yes Please. less than 3 Months, no job or UK income sef.

when they ask for your address, did you state that you stayed in here for more than 3 years

Lexusgs430:


Aka cakeism.........

Hello sir. Please check your email.

mex551:
when they ask for your address, did you state that you stayed in here for more than 3 years

From experience, the address issue is conquered by having two UK addresses. they dont bother asking you older and previous addresses till it totals to the normal 3 years required in some applications.

Many of us had soft landing in our first few weeks in this country with family or friends. Then our current address. start by filling current, then the previous. even if it is one month in both places, it suffices. It might help that your name is on Utility bills in both (i cant be certain at this point but mine was).

Also, though Amex boasts that they dont have a minimum income requirement for approvals, it will help that you slightly exaggerate total income a bit especially if you put it in "other income". at least, you can defend that with savings or investments back home if need be. This helps in approval as i havent seen any AmEx card with limits below 1,000GBP so income that cannot guarantee a 1k limit will lead to your application being declined.

lemme still drop the link here incase this sways anybody. http://amex.co.uk/refer/aMaKaUqe5b?XL=MNANS

Mamatukwas:
I’m happy to see that all my Ginger for Amex is paying off

Mbok let me plug in my referral code too http://amex.co.uk/refer/uGONNCjkWY?XL=MIMNS

If you use to apply and get approved, we bought get bonus points. Up to 34k for you depending on card type etc.

Gracias.

The Original AmEx Mama. I dey greet.

HollyMadison:


Hello sir. Please check your email.

Send a WhatsApp message..... Thank you....

Viruses:
Why is Naira appreciating like this.
I don't even know whether to like it or not to like it.

Is the Naira appreciating? Then that’s a good thing, that means prices of goods in Niaja will go down.

Ticha:


Our old house (about 90 years old) has an EPC of B. Mainly because we gutted and renovated it. It's reasonably easy enough to check those things before one buys. Agents have to provide an EPC certificate anyway. My FIL's house is over 200 years old and very warm - it's too hot in the summer although to be fair, it's cold in February but we love it! It's been completely renovated and well insulated.

Be that as it may, I'd actually take a large old house with proper garden space with a lower EPC over a newer smaller house in an estate with a higher EPC.

Other people may prefer a newer home, warmer home, close to transport links home. It's all choice really at the end of the day.

PS - I didn't quite answer your question. We have underfloor heating throughout the ground floor (wooden flooring), have an open fire with heat transfer upstairs as well, we lined the walls when it was being renovated, changed to double glazed windows (the original windows were single glazed), all rooms have radiators and we insulated the loft (lined and completed battened down).

However, I do absolutely hate new builds. Like from the very bottom of my heart full on hate them . So that bias will always seep through.

Maybe one of these days you will tell us the story of your fallout with New builds.

I think when it comes to new builds in terms of the size of the rooms and gardens, it depends on the developers. They are like super markets. You get the low value no frills and the high end. The low value developers like Barrats or Whimpey and the high value ones like Tilia, Bloor and David Daniels etc.

Apart from the energy saving, the thought of moving in without having to do much to the property. For the garden, you have got a blank canvas to work with. You can buy and plant your own trees and design your garden however you wish. I am happy to pay a small premium for this.