Latest news with #WhatCost
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Property expert reveals the surprising luxury renovation that could devalue your home
A property expert has revealed five renovations which can actually devalue a house. According to Joshua Houston, a property expert at WhatCost, while homeowners may expect these renovations to boost the selling price of their property, there are a number of reasons why they could end up doing the opposite. He listed the different upgrades before explaining why exactly they may not have the desired impact on a house. 1. Adding a swimming pool A swimming pool is often considered a luxury addition to a home, offering a convenient way to take a refreshing dip. However, according to Joshua, not everyone sees having a swimming pool at home that way. For many, rather than being a desirable feature, a pool is seen as being too expensive to run and maintain. In addition, Joshua said: 'It can also only be used during the warmer days of the year, which in the UK isn't many. This will put many buyers off as they might have to get rid of the pool if they choose to buy the property. The additional costs could devalue the property.' 2. Converting the garage While using the garage space for other uses, like a home office or garage, may seem like a great idea for some, not everyone agrees. Some buyers will specifically be looking for a garage, as they want an off road space for parking, or a significant amount of storage space. 3. Built-in electronics Built-in electronics may save space as well as looking slick, but they are not everyone's cup of tea. 'Certain electronics might be seen as a waste of space and running costs by potential buyers, and the process of removing them is much harder than non-built-in electronics,' said Joshua. This results in extra costs, which could easily devalue your home.' 4. Brightly-coloured home front A vibrant home front can be aesthetically pleasing and give a home a unique look. But, like everything else on Joshua's list, there can be caveats to this - notably what the surrounding houses and area look like. He explained: 'If your home sticks out too much in a sea of darker and more traditional colours, then this could be a problem. 'You'll have to find a buyer who likes brighter-coloured properties, and this tends to be rare, which devalues the home. 'Alternatively, a new buyer will have to pay to paint over, costing them more money, which will come out of the buying price.' 5. Removing a bedroom It can be tempting to transform a bedroom into something else - but homeowners would generally be ill advised to do so, according to the expert. This is because the more bedrooms a home has, the more expensive it generally is. 'We all take pride in our homes, but we also want to know that the money we're putting into improving our property is worthwhile,' Joshua explained. He added that the features that appeal to some will not be attractive to others, and this is something to bear in mind when selling a house. Joshua concluded: 'Having a desired property increases its value, so do everything in your power to get as much money as possible. Taking the above advice into account could end up saving you a lot of money.'
Glasgow Times
04-05-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
How ignoring property cracks could lead to £30k fine
Life can be stressful and it's easy for things around our home to fall into disarray. What most people don't know is that they could be fined for laws they wouldn't even know they were breaking. These fines can range from anywhere between £50 to £30,000. What's happening in the housing market? 🏡 👉 The average price of a home coming to market rises by £5,992 this month to £366,189, the largest jump in prices at the start of the year since 2020. Tap the link here 👉 — Rightmove (@rightmove) January 20, 2025 Property expert, Joshua Houston at WhatCost has revealed the property laws you could be breaking that you have no idea about. Cracks in your property are at the top of priorities to lookout for – which could lead to a fine of up to £30,000. 'Dangerous cracks in your property can be very hazardous, to both you and people in the surrounding area,' Mr Houston said. 'If the building was to collapse, it could injure or even kill you which is a big reason to attend to any damage. 'The Housing Act 2004 requires you to repair cracks in your property, or you could risk a fine of up to £30,000. 'However, this is only in the most extreme circumstances and does depend on your local council.' Most expensive UK cities to buy a house in WhatCost also says that an untidy garden, overflowing bins and not not clearly displaying your house number could all lead to a fine of up to £500. Mr Houston said: 'Untidy gardens can be an eyesore for the surrounding neighbours and can attract unwanted pests like rats and mice. 'Homeowners are required to keep their gardens in good condition by the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1976, or they risk up to a £500 fine.' Recommended reading: He continued: 'According to the Street Naming and Numbering Regulation 1999, homeowners are required to make sure that their house number is clearly visible. 'Not doing this can result in a fine of up to £500. House numbers make it easier for delivery men and public service officials to know what home is which. 'It prevents confusion and is important for emergency workers in the event they need to locate your property.' Fines can differ depending on your council, so it's crucial that you also do your own research.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Homeowners could be fined £30k for ignoring cracks on walls
Homeowners are being warned of how 'hazardous' cracks in their property could lead to a hefty fine of thousands of pounds. Life can be stressful and it's easy for things around our home to fall into disarray. What most people don't know is that they could be fined for laws they wouldn't even know they were breaking. These fines can range from anywhere between £50 to £30,000. What's happening in the housing market? 🏡 👉 The average price of a home coming to market rises by £5,992 this month to £366,189, the largest jump in prices at the start of the year since 2020. Tap the link here 👉 — Rightmove (@rightmove) January 20, 2025 Property expert, Joshua Houston at WhatCost has revealed the property laws you could be breaking that you have no idea about. Cracks in your property are at the top of priorities to lookout for – which could lead to a fine of up to £30,000. 'Dangerous cracks in your property can be very hazardous, to both you and people in the surrounding area,' Mr Houston said. 'If the building was to collapse, it could injure or even kill you which is a big reason to attend to any damage. 'The Housing Act 2004 requires you to repair cracks in your property, or you could risk a fine of up to £30,000. 'However, this is only in the most extreme circumstances and does depend on your local council.' WhatCost also says that an untidy garden, overflowing bins and not not clearly displaying your house number could all lead to a fine of up to £500. Mr Houston said: 'Untidy gardens can be an eyesore for the surrounding neighbours and can attract unwanted pests like rats and mice. 'Homeowners are required to keep their gardens in good condition by the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1976, or they risk up to a £500 fine.' Recommended reading: Homeowners could be fined £20k for cutting garden trees Can you paint over algae on a fence? How to remove it Common garden tasks that could lead to hefty £26k fines He continued: 'According to the Street Naming and Numbering Regulation 1999, homeowners are required to make sure that their house number is clearly visible. 'Not doing this can result in a fine of up to £500. House numbers make it easier for delivery men and public service officials to know what home is which. 'It prevents confusion and is important for emergency workers in the event they need to locate your property.' Fines can differ depending on your council, so it's crucial that you also do your own research.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
The one £5 DIY trick that can help you offset the cost of winter fuel
The decision to cut the winter fuel allowance remains a contentious issue and British weather has shown no mercy, with freezing winds and sub-zero temperatures battering communities. As we enter the final month of the winter season, there are ways to recoup the £200-300 you no longer receive by making a few minor changes throughout the year. Joshua Houston, Money Saving Expert at WhatCost, is here to lend a hand, revealing one simple £5 DIY method that can lower your fuel costs by £70 a year. READ MORE: Cardiologist says 10-minute task can slash heart disease risk READ MORE: Tragedy of 'incredibly special' toddler after day at nursery 'ended catastrophically' Windows and doors are common entry points for cold draughts into your home. They also let out heat that you've paid for. Check each window and door, and fit plastic rubber strips to cover any exposed gaps. You can buy a large reel of strip tape for under £5 at most DIY retailers. If done correctly, this could save you around £70 a year, which would recoup 23-35% of your winter fuel allowance payment. Off-peak energy hours, when electricity demand is low and prices are cheaper, typically occur between 10 pm and 8 am. It's suggested to use high-energy appliances like washing machines or electric heaters during these hours. Utilising off-peak energy rates could save you between 20-50% on your electricity bill, equating to over £35 a month or more than £400 annually. Unplugging electronics can save around £100 per year. Many appliances consume power even when switched off, a phenomenon known as 'phantom electricity'. By unplugging devices such as your TV, microwave, and chargers, you could reduce your overall electricity bill by approximately 10%, which amounts to £8 a month or just under £100 a year. Using electric heaters wisely could result in savings of £500 per year. If you live in a one or two-person household, it might be worth investing in an electric heater. You'll only need to heat one or two rooms instead of the entire house. Electric heaters can be purchased for around £25, or you can buy one secondhand at a lower price. By limiting the rooms that you heat, you could save around £500 a year. Lastly, consider your shower habits to save around £75 per year. Making your shower routine more efficient is another way to save money. Set a timer for four minutes, and ensure you wash every part of your body in this time (if you are able-bodied). This could save the average person around £75 per year. So in the winter months, this money can go towards your energy bills. If you aren't able to do this, don't worry. Following the four tips above should be more than enough to offset the cost of your winter fuel payment. Joshua Houston, Money Saving Expert at WhatCost, said: "I understand this is a sensitive issue, however, my tips above can save you well over £1,000 throughout the year. They will also help you feel warmer in your home, which is especially important during the colder months. There is a chance that the winter fuel allowance could be reinstated in the future. But I hope my advice can give you some peace of mind, that there are ways you can recoup the cost in the meantime."
