Search
From whether it is worth investing in a new bathroom, to the best time of year to sell, we are always happy to give our advice. We also provide clear independent advice on mortgages, buildings or contents insurance, critical life cover or mortgage repayment protection.
We can provide fully independent advice on the best mortgage for you, with no obligation and no fee. Whether you're looking to move, release capital from your property or just get a better rate, we at Maslen can help.
With Maslen Financial Services, you get access to the whole market (excluding direct only deals) to recommend the most attractive mortgage, direct access to underwriters, budgeting advice, recommendations on a host of insurance policies and all this fee-free.
For your independent, fee-free, impartial advice, contact our independent advisor Stuart Gulvin today. You can also download our handy guide to homebuying and mortgages.
Having spent over 30 years in financial services, Stuart’s understanding of - and experience in - the industry is second-to-none. Specialising as a Mortgage Advisor, he provides expert advice for his clients. Crucially, this ensures that they’re always able to make the most informed decisions.
Whether they’re first time buyers, home movers or those looking to raise capital, Stuart is experienced in finding the best mortgage available. A strong relationship builder, he’s committed to sharing his knowledge throughout the mortgage lifetime.
Choosing the right mortgage is a decision which can have a massive impact on a homeowner’s life; Stuart will support you every step of the way.
39 Lewes Road, Brighton
East Sussex
BN2 3HQ
Opening hours:
| Mon | 8.30 - 6.00 |
| Tue | 8.30 - 6.00 |
| Wed | 8.30 - 6.00 |
| Thu | 8.30 - 8.00 |
| Fri | 8.30 - 6.00 |
| Sat | 8.30 - 5.00 |
David Maslen, trading as Maslen Financial Services, is an appointed representative of Best Practice IFA Group Limited. Best Practice is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The registration number is 475260.
The guidance and/or advice contained within this website are subject to the UK regulatory regime, and are therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.
The Financial Ombudsman Service is available to sort out individual complaints that clients and financial services businesses aren't able to resolve themselves.
To contact the Financial Ombudsman Service please visit www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Whether you are buying or selling your property, you will need to think about appointing a solicitor/conveyancer to manage the legal side of the transaction. This is called conveyancing and is the legal process involved in transferring ownership of property from one person to another.
Finding a reliable solicitor/conveyancer that will keep you updated on each stage of the process, not only makes a difference to your sale or purchase but also to your stress levels! Maslen Estate Agents has joined forces with two of the city’s leading conveyancing companies to ensure this process runs smoothly for you. We offer the following services and benefits:
On average, the conveyancing process takes between 8 to 12 weeks. This is because there are usually many different factors involved such as the chain and completion date negotiations, mortgage application process and Local Authority searches. Whilst these variables can affect the time it takes, you can get email updates, or your solicitor/conveyancer can keep you informed and updated.
You can use our mortgage calculator to help you estimate the size of mortgage you can afford and budget your move. To work out what your monthly mortgage repayments would be simply enter the amount you wish to borrow, the term in which you intend to pay it off and the interest rate.
If you’d like to discuss your options please contact our independent mortgage advisor Graham Griffin CeMap.
With many continuing to watch and wait before making their next house move, we look at the latest market trends impacting buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants.
A good time to sell?
With the effects of Brexit still unclear, homeowners continue to hold off putting their homes on the market. A gradual dip in house prices means some are still waiting for property prices to rise before listing their home. But remember, it’s likely that if your own home is being valued at a lower price, so is the one you’re looking to buy.
While the supply may be low, the demand for properties is still high. Many people do still want and need to move, whether to be closer to a new job, school catchment zone or to accommodate a growing family. This February, we saw our best sales month since November 2016, suggesting more people are letting Brexit simmer in the background while they focus on taking the next step. Our advice? Prioritise the needs of your lifestyle over uncertainty around Brexit.
New lettings legislation
In contrast to the housing market, lettings is a hotbed of activity.
From the 1st of June, new legislation will come into action across England and Wales that stops tenants paying lettings fees. It’s thought that, as a result of the new Tenant Fees Bill, monthly rents may rise, as landlords attempt to offset some of the costs that are associated with referencing, inventories and admin. However, it will make the initial financial outlay when renting a property more affordable for tenants.
But what about those who still struggle to save up ahead of a move?
In an attempt to support tenants in the private rental sector further, the government also announced that security deposits will be reduced from 6 weeks rent to 5 weeks from 1st June.
Nil deposits are also starting to enter the market. This alternative to a traditional deposit scheme asks new tenants for around one week’s non-refundable rent upfront, as opposed to holding a full deposit. Essentially, it is a form of insurance, which allows landlords to claim for the cost of any damage or unpaid rent at the end of a tenancy, whilst giving tenants the flexibility to move easily and stop cash being tied up.
Competitive mortgages
For those on the property ladder, mortgages remain competitive. There are a choice of lenders in the market competing for business, giving homeowners a variety of great deals.
Historical UK Mortgage approvals:
Graph credit: https://tradingeconomics.com/united-kingdom/mortgage-approvals
For first time buyers (and their parents), there’s even more good news. Some mortgage companies are now offering first time buyers the option to put a gifted deposit, which has been donated by parents, into a savings account. It remains in the account until the first three years of the mortgage has been paid. Thereafter, it can be released, along with any interest that’s been accumulated over the period. This allows parents to retain their savings, whilst new homeowners build trust with their lender.
First time buyers also remain exempt from paying stamp duty if the property price is below £300,000, helping to make buying a first home more affordable.
CTA: Talk to our in-house mortgage advisors to find independent financial advice.
At Maslen Estate Agents, we put people before profit. That means using our expertise to find the right home, or the right buyer, for you – our customer. For sellers, we use our unrivalled knowledge of the local area to ensure your property goes for the right price, to the right person. Our completion rate is one of the highest in Brighton & Hove thanks to our agents being some of the longest serving in the area. We know how complicated selling a home can be, so we offer plenty of advice on the selling process and making the most of your property. And we can provide a free, no obligation market appraisal. For buyers, you can browse houses for sale in Brighton and Hove and flats for sale in Brighton and Hove to find properties that suit any budget. Our handy buyer's guide will tell you nearly everything you need to know about buying property, and we'll be there for everything else. We're dedicated to finding the perfect home for you, taking you through the entire process – from viewing to completion.
Click here to view our brochure.
