Join us for an insightful discussion on property surveys with two industry experts, Mark Stallard, and Giles Cooper. In this video, we delve into the essential aspects of property surveys and their significance when buying a home.

Discover the key differences between surveys and valuations and learn why a mortgage valuation may not be enough to protect your investment.

Giles, with over 30 years of experience as a surveyor, sheds light on the two main types of surveys: Level 2 (Home Buyer Survey) and Level 3 (Building Survey), explaining when to choose each.

Explore real-life examples of hidden issues that surveys can uncover, from structural problems to unexpected defects.

Giles also provides valuable tips for interpreting survey reports, ensuring you make informed decisions when purchasing a property.

Don't miss this informative discussion that highlights the critical role surveys play in safeguarding your investment.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, understanding property surveys is crucial. Join us to gain valuable insights into this essential aspect of the housing market.

In this interview, Mark and Zoe discuss the financial planning considerations for buying a furnished holiday let (HL). Zoe is a Chartered Financial planner with lots of experience in helping people navigate their finances when it comes to buying a HL.

She starts by defining what an HL is and the criteria that must be met for it to qualify as a trading HL for tax purposes.

Zoe goes on to discuss the tax benefits of owning an HL, such as capital allowances, mortgage interest relief, and business rates.

They also talk about the potential disadvantages of owning an HL, such as the higher level of management required and the risk of void periods.

Mark and Zoe then discuss the case study of Laura and Tom, a couple who are considering buying an HL. They discuss the couple's financial situation and their goals for the HL. They also discuss the tax implications of the purchase for the couple.

Mark and Zoe conclude the interview by emphasizing the importance of getting professional advice before buying an HL. They recommend working with a chartered financial planner who can help you assess your individual circumstances and make the best decision for you.

Here are some key takeaways from the interview:

Furnished holiday lets can offer a number of tax benefits, such as capital allowances, mortgage interest relief, and business rates.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages to owning an HL, such as the higher level of management required and the risk of void periods.

As always, remember, it's really important to get professional advice before buying an HL to ensure that it is the right investment for you.

In this podcast, Mark Stallard interviews Julia de Battista from Hodge Bank about holiday let mortgages. Jules discusses how Hodge got into holiday let lending, what they have learnt in the time they have been lending, and the quality of property they see in the market. She also shares some amusing tales about unusual or quirky holiday let properties.

In this episode, Mark Stallard talks about launching in Devizes, his new home, robot mortgages, the holiday let market, all things bowling, and his plans for the future.

Recently moved from the Cotswolds to Wiltshire, he's keen to take up bowling and meet new people.

If you'd like to appear on the podcast, Mark is hoping to talk to industry professionals such as accountants, surveyors, estate agents, solicitors etc. He'd also love to have a chat with you if you've just moved house and would like to share your experiences.

Drop us a line if you'd like to appear on the podcast. And if you want to talk to any of our advisors about a mortgage, remortgage or anything to do with buying a holiday home, get in touch:

Mark Stallard, one of our directors is buying and selling a property this year, and we're eager to find out what it's like for him as an experienced mortgage advisor to be on the other side of things.

Here are some of Mark's findings during his home buying (and selling) journey:

... I've always told my customers that there's always one or two bumps in the road before they get that magic exchange done.

And so you've got to be really strong, mentally strong with yourself about this.

And what are the learnings for us as a brokerage? What could we be doing better to help people going through this?

... yes it's a really good question, and I think that it's the old chestnuts that you sometimes forget, are things like -- don't use jargon....

My solicitor has certainly said stuff to me, which I haven't really understood and I've had to ask her to explain to me.

You know, we talk about ERCs to the customer. What on earth is an E R C? An E R C is an early repayment charge on their mortgage, but don't assume they know what an E R C is.

From all that you said. I think it's just that communication is key right across the board, right? And it's how you got in to view that property.

Right. And there are things you can prepare for and things you can't.

What you can prepare for is making sure, ladies and gentlemen, that you have a drawer full of receipts, guarantees, um, anything you've done to the property... if you've put new patio doors in, have you got a fences certificate? If you put a wood burning stove in, have you got the correct heat task documentation because... More than ever now, and that's something I didn't remember happening in 2006 more than ever now the, solicitors on the other side will want all that documentation so, you know, be good house managers I think is probably the message there. ...

… and is there anything else you think would be useful for, for people to hear from your experience so far?

I just want to wrap up by saying, be honest, be straightforward, be organized, be kind because that's important as well. And try and work with everybody on it as much as you.

Everyone's talking about the property market right now and the holiday let property market is all part of that. When it comes to getting a mortgage on a holiday property, knowing what the market is like, and what lenders are looking for is vital.

In this episode, Mark talks to his son, Joe Stallard, director at House and Holiday Home Mortgages, about exactly what's going on in this pocket of the UK economy right now.

Much of what they discuss is the kind of information you won't hear anywhere else!

In this episode Mark is joined by Jason Batty, Director at Eureka Capital Allowances to discuss the specialist area of capital allowances, what these are and how they can work for self-catering owners.

In this episode, Mark is joined by James Godsall, Managing Director of Jukes Insurance Brokers in Bromsgrove to discuss the importance of holiday let insurance, livened up by a Birmingham City F.C. and Euros 2021 twist.

In episode three of the Holiday Let Mortgages Podcast, Mark is joined by Industry Specialist and Expert Surveyor, Giles Cooper from Cotswold Surveyors to discuss conducting surveys on holiday properties, with reference to case studies and useful tips and advice.

In this episode, Mark is joined by Co-Director and Business Partner, Joe Stallard of House and Holiday Home Mortgages to discuss the key differences between a Holiday Let and a Holiday Home.