Conveyancing Consumer Leaflet

A new guide has been launched which aims to support those buying and selling a house in Northern Ireland.The&nbsp;Consumer guide to buying and selling residential&nbsp;property has been designed to make the process of buying and selling property easier, providing information, explanations, and tips.

The guide has been produced by the Law Society of Northern Ireland and includes information on new build properties, apartments, leases, fraud, mortgages and information on why it’s important to consult with an experienced solicitor.&nbsp;&nbsp;The new guide was launched as part of the Society’s ‘Conveyancing Week’ which took place from the&nbsp;16th&nbsp;– 20th&nbsp;October 2023.Commenting about the launch of the new Consumer guide,&nbsp;Philip Armstrong Conveyancing Solicitor and Chair of the Society’s Conveyancing Committee&nbsp;said:“We are delighted to launch Conveyancing Week with the publication of our new Consumer guide an invaluable resource providing much needed clarity and information for those buying and selling a house in Northern Ireland”.&nbsp;

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Discover Useful Guides On Buying, Selling, Renting, Moving, Investing And Mortgages, As Well As Northern Ireland Housing Market Updates.

Top ways for NI renters to find savings

Rising inflation rates &amp; a slow down in new builds has led to a high demand for rental homes which has led to average rents across Northern Ireland increasing to £817 per month.*The&nbsp;escalating&nbsp;rental prices are adding to the&nbsp;existing&nbsp;demands already established by the cost-of-living crisis, making it vital that tenants find savings wherever possible.When it comes to renting, things like knowing your rights, making an inventory of issues and taking out tenants insurance can all help when it comes to losing as little money as possible during a tenancy. Our partners at <a href="https://www.compareni.com/property-news">Compare NI</a> are sharing their top suggestions for renters to safeguard their deposits and cover themselves in case of accidents, to avoid losing any money on top of monthly rent.<a href="https://www.compareni.com/property-news">Compare NI</a>’s top tips to help renters save including;1. Tenants insuranceContents insurance covers your items against theft and damage such as furniture, electrical equipment – anything you can take with you when you move – it also covers fire, floods and water damage.&nbsp; It’s important to check your tenancy agreement, some landlords insist you have contents insurance as part of the agreement.&nbsp;Also, check if accidental damage is part of your policy or if you need to add it as an extra.Get a quote and compare <a href="https://www.compareni.com/property-news">contents insurance.</a>2. Pay on timeFailing to pay rent on time to your landlord can negatively impact your credit score and make it harder for you to get a mortgage in the future. It could also cost you financially, with some landlords charging a late fee of anywhere up to hundreds of pounds per day. In an emergency, if you are unable to pay rent on time you must let your landlord or management agency know immediately, they may be able to support you with some flexibility if you have a payment plan thought out.3. Consider a roommateTo share housing costs and help to increase your disposable income each month, you may want to consider taking on a roommate. Before doing so, make sure to discuss it with your landlord to ensure you are not in breach of your tenancy agreement. Make sure there is a written agreement to decide how rent and utility payments will be divided.4. Know your rightsOne of the best ways to keep your money safe while renting is to know your rights, this is especially important with so many being affected by rent increases since the pandemic. There should usually be a month’s notice in place for any price increases on rent. The amount landlords can increase the rent depends on your agreement but they must be fair, realistic and in line with other properties in the area. Knowing this can save you from agreeing to an unfair rent price hike, remember you can negotiate.5. Do an inventory listWhen moving into a new rental property, it is important to do a sweeping inventory of the space, taking photos and videos of its current condition and highlighting anything which needs the landlord’s immediate attention. Remember landlords cannot make deductions for fair wear and tear, having date and time-stamped content of damage is the best way to ensure you are not blamed for prior issues when it comes to the end of your lease. Problems such as damp walls and mould will need to be addressed immediately for health reasons and to prevent it from growing into a more serious issue.6. Keep it cleanIt sounds obvious but, make sure to thoroughly clean and remove all belongings from the house to avoid being charged fees or having part of your deposit withheld for cleaning purposes. Keeping a good standard of cleanliness throughout the tenancy will stand you in good stead as landlords can inspect the property regularly to ensure it is being looked after.7. If something goes wrongIf an accident happens in a rented property which leads to damage of the space or any furniture owned by the landlord, it is important to notify them straight away. Contacting your landlord or property management agency as soon as something goes wrong can help to safeguard your deposit and avoid any further damage.8. Think about your amenities&nbsp;If you’re searching for a new rental property, it is important to think about amenities within the total monthly cost. Think about what is important to you, for example, if a gym, parking space or onsite washer and dryers are included within the tenancy. This can help you make a more informed decision about where to live based on the benefits provided by the building. What will work out cheaper for you over time?<a href="https://www.compareni.com/authors/ian-wilson">Ian Wilson</a>, Managing Director of Northern Ireland’s largest price comparison website,<a href="https://www.compareni.com/property-news"> CompareNI.com</a>, adds: “It’s important to cover yourself with <a href="https://www.compareni.com/property-news.">renters</a> insurance to protect your belongings – don’t forget to inform your insurer each time you move properties, failure to do so will void your policy and leave you vulnerable should you need to make a claim.”View all new rentals in Northern Ireland <a href="https://www.propertynews.com/property-for-rent/">here</a>.References:*https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/topic/built-environment/research-property-planning/housing-market-reports/rental-index<hr>This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.

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5 Reasons to Get Home Insurance

Many Northern Ireland homeowners can struggle when it comes to deciding if they need home insurance, will it be useful? Is it an expense you can justify? Will it be a hassle to set up?&nbsp;&nbsp;You can easily compare quotes and find the best insurance policy for you at <a href="https://www.compareni.com/property-news.htm">Compare NI</a>.

&nbsp;In reality, investing in the protection of your home is easy and can save you a lot of stress and money if the worst happens. Here are 5 reasons you should get home insurance.1. Put Your Mind at EaseI am sure we can all agree that there are much more enjoyable ways to spend your money but can you put a price tag on peace of mind? With home insurance secured you can rest easy knowing that if your home is damaged you will be protected.2. Be Protected Against DamageYou never know when a natural disaster could strike, a tree could fall on your house, or an electrical fire could leave your home in ashes. The benefit of having insurance is that you have options in case something terrible happens.3. Protection Against Theft and VandalismMost times when talking about home insurance we tend to focus on the damage that the elements inflict – but you will also be protected against any theft and vandalism. If a window is broken, or a television is stolen home insurance can financially reimburse you, ensuring you don’t have to pay for others’ actions.4. Coverage for Water DamageLiving in Northern Ireland exposes us to all kinds of extreme weather – specifically rain. Often roofs can leak or pipes can burst, leaving your entire home mouldy and water damaged. If you were to pay out of pocket to fix these issues it would be expensive, especially if you have to go to a hotel while the issues are fixed. Home insurance allows issues like these&nbsp;to be resolved a lot easier.5. Be Covered for Personal LiabilityYou could be held liable if someone gets injured on your property. Many home insurance policies cover this, so you won’t have to worry about it. So if someone falls or hurts themselves in your home, you will be covered.If you are interested in learning more about home insurance, check out <a href="https://www.compareni.com/property-news.htm">Compare NI</a> where you can compare home insurance quotes from several providers.

Conveyancing Consumer Leaflet
Published 24 Mar 2025

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