Many people consider self-building a home, rather than buying a property on the market. If they haven’t been able to find their dream home elsewhere, it makes sense to build something from scratch, with all the features they have been looking for. However, you need to consider the costs. On average, it costs around $300,000 to build a home, so weigh this against the cost of buying pre-existing property on the market before you make a decision.

If building a home is something you have set your heart on, these are the steps you should take, and how they affect your finances.

1: Set a budget

You need to set a realistic figure before you begin, factoring in the cost of the land, building costs, loan repayments, and a contingency to deal with those unexpected costs. Use a construction cost calculator to give you an idea of the costs involved, as you don’t want to run out of money midway through the project.

2: Find the right location

You don’t want to build in an area that is inadequate for your needs, so think ahead. It is often cheaper to buy land on the fringes of a town or city, rather than the middle, so factor that into your choice. Wherever you choose, pay for the services of environmental consultants to make sure the land is safe, and free from hazardous materials and pollutants.

3: Speak to your lender

You need funding in place before the project can begin, so once you have chosen a plot to build your property, speak to your bank or another lender about arranging a construction loan. Funds will be released in stages, so you will only be paying interest on the amounts you have already drawn.

4. Know what you want

You need to have a clear idea of what you want your home to look like before you call in the builders. Your budget will dictate some of this, so speak to the experts, including architects and home designers who will help turn your dream into a reality.

5. Get planning permission

Before you start to build, you need to know that you are legally allowed to do so. Speak to your local authority for advice, and they will let you know the regulations attached to building property on the land you have chosen.

6. Factor in the hidden costs

Have a look at this article that will give you an idea of what to expect. There are costs you will expect to pay for, but it is good to be prepared for hidden and extra costs before building work commences.

7. Begin building

Should you choose a building firm, be sure to find somebody reputable. Be wary of those offering lower prices, as you don’t want anybody cutting corners on your project. There is some helpful advice here on keeping costs down in the construction process, whether you hire contractors or take on the building work yourself.

8. Enjoy your home

Finally, you will be able to enjoy your home, and spend whatever you think is necessary on the finishing touches. You could create the perfect home for you, or add value to sell later on. Enjoy.

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For many people who have the funds available, buying a second property is the ideal way to channel their money effectively. But before you get swept away with the amount of rental money that will provide a boost to your earnings or the funds that you will make from renovating it, you should think about all the other costs and factors that are not so apparent. To give you a helping hand, here are a few of the main things that you should consider before taking the plunge and buying that property.

Create a Clear Plan

First of all, you need to have a clear idea in your mind about what you are actually going to do with the property as this will massively influence your overall decision. If you are planning on renting it, you need to choose a place that is an attractive place to live for your target renters – whether they are students, young professionals or families. If you are planning on selling the place, you need to carefully do your sums so you identify a property that can be renovated for a good cost, while still providing you with a healthy return on your investment.

Select a Good Location

Just like choosing your own house to live in, location is everything. We have already talked about how this could affect renters, but you also need to consider how easy it is to get to your new home. This is especially important if you are planning on taking a ‘hands on’ role in the rental or development. If this is not the case, it may not be so much of an issue, but you still need to choose a location that is going to be appealing for people. Also, consider whether you will be buying land with the property as well – check out this guide for more info about house and land packages. Consider all factors including public transport links, proximity to schools and other facilities and the type of neighbourhood it is.

Budget for Unforeseen Costs

Any sort of big investment like this has the potential for unforeseen costs. Aside from the mortgage and taxes, you should also think about maintenance costs, which will play a major role regardless of whether you are planning on renting the place out or selling it on. Decoration and repair bills should all be factored in as well. Many first-time investors fall into the trap of underestimating how much it will be to get their new property up to code, so make sure that this doesn’t happen to you.

Plan Your Involvement

Decide whether you will be heavily involved in all aspects of the project or whether you will be leaving the job to external agencies. If it is the latter, you need to make sure that you choose some organisations that you trust to handle any issues along the way. Personal recommendations are always going to be the best way of ensuring you have the right people for the job. Each approach has its pros and cons, so make sure that you are fully aware of all of these before committing either way.

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Today’s media tells us that you haven’t really ‘grown up’ or ‘made it’ until you own your own home. So a lot of people only tend to rent temporarily until they have the finances, right? Or wrong. There are tons of advantages to renting your home instead of actually buying it. Here are 11 reasons why.

1. It’s cheaper

Upfront rental fees and deposits may seem a little pricey, but they’re way cheaper than all the hundreds of thousands of dollars it costs to buy a home. If you want to do things the best way, then get your savings stacked away so you have exactly what you need for that very moment. Most rentals will require the first month’s rent upfront, along with a deposit. If when your lease is over, and you plan on leaving, you will only get that deposit back if you leave the place in the mint condition it was in originally. But if for example, you punched a hole in the wall, your tenant has the right to keep your deposit to cover the costs of damage.

2. Buying and selling a home is difficult for everyone

Whether you’re trying to buy a new home or sell an old one, it’s a lot more complicated than just signing a piece of paper. Homes are usually on the market for around four weeks, and almost half of the sellers end up reducing their asking price at least once.

3. There are options for roommates

Getting some roommates is always a great option if you’re looking to share the costs of your living expenses with someone. To have another person to split all the bills with is just ideal. Whereas owning a home, one person is responsible for the big bill at the end of the month. So if you have a rather flaky roomie that is always late on rent, you’ll have to figure out a way of making up the difference. But when renting, apartment complexes are used to working with multiple tenants in one location, so they are able to offer you options for individual leases instead.

4. You have time to repair your credit

A bad credit score will make the chances of buying a home extremely difficult, so all those irresponsible days back in college will come back to bite you in the behind. If this refers to you, then it will be a lot easier to rent rather than buy. You will also be able to take the time paying all your loans off without feeling under the mighty pressure like you would, trying to buy.

5. You can be flexible

Owning a mortgage ties you down. It means deciding on a location that you want to stay in for at least a few years. If you know you can be the indecisive type, are you sure you’re able to settle for that long? You won’t be able to just pick up and move because you got bored of looking at the same tree every day, or when you get that job opportunity you’ve been pining after.

6. Property taxes are pricey

A lot of homeowners don’t realise the costs that arise when owning a home. Bills like insurance, maintenance, and property taxes all combine into this ridiculous amount that is very intimidating. The other issue with this is taxes can rise, for no reason whatsoever, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Rentals, on the other hand, are consistent through the duration of the lease.

7. Maintenance issues are not your problem

Not everyone is blessed with the handyman gene, so for homeowners, you usually end up having to pay a big sum of money for a professional service to come in and repair or replace whatever problem you have. But if you go with a hdb room rental, all you have to do is pick up the phone and call the property manager, and they’ll have someone come in and sort out the issue.

8. You have more access to amenities

Sure, peace and quiet is always a nice option to have in a home. Living in the countryside, with only the friendly neighbour next door to disturb you with their homemade peach pie. But let’s face it, there will be plenty of things that you’re missing out on too. When you rent, you’re part of a community which gives you access to things, like the wifi, the pool, or even that gorgeous park with the perfect green grass.

9. You just don’t have the finances

If your income can be pretty irregular sometimes, whether you’re a new small business owner or work as a freelancer, renting would be a more stable option to take. You don’t want to be in over your head, and it’s very easy for that to happen when buying, so rent until you truly know your circumstances.

10. Upkeep is less expensive

If you own your own home, you can forget about chilling out in your garden, basking in the sun. That big backyard of yours needs to be mowed… Again. The hedges need to be trimmed. The weeds need removing. Let alone the gutter! – That storm last week really made a mess of things, you’re going to have to unclog it before everything seeps into your garage. Renters, on the other hand, don’t need to lift a finger.

11. There’s better security

Most rental apartments will have a high source of security around the area, which will all be included in your agreement. This is a particularly good benefit when a single individual comes along, because they may feel slightly nervous, especially if they’re a first-time renter. Knowing that the area is secure and being watched at all times will make you feel a lot more at ease. If you were a homeowner that wanted to find a neighbourhood with these perks, you can expect to pay a lot of money for all the extra safety precautions.

So as you can see, there are tons of advantages and benefits of renting rather than buying. So get weighing up your options and figure out what works best for you.

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Buying a home is one of the most monumental moments of any adult’s life. It is the chance for a new start, to take control of your lifestyle and independence, and have the opportunity to start a family with the one you love. On the flip side, buying a house can be the most stressful, time-consuming and costly affairs of your life.

We all know about the major costs of purchasing a property, with the deposit and the mortgage, as well as forking out for furniture for your new home at the top of the list. But there are some unforeseen costs which nobody tells you about until you are already part-way through the process, today we are going to take a look at these hidden costs. It might make you have to rethink whether you can afford to put an offer on the house right now. If you are worried about the down payment on a house, you can always check out this article to let you know how much you should pay.

Attorney’s Fees

The first kicker when it comes to buying a house is the attorney’s fees. You will have already searched for a home, gone for viewings, put an offer in and been accepted before these charges become apparent. It all depends on where you go. There are tonnes of lawyers to go to when you are looking to buy a property, and the fees are relatively standard. However, you can still shop around to find the lowest cost if you like, however, sometimes the lower price is reflected in the service you receive. Consider asking friends and family who they chose and work from there. You may find that the result is a little more pricey, but if you can work with a company that is trustworthy, it is worth the extra cash.

Home Buyer’s Report

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will ask you to complete a home buyer’s report to check the house for any faults and damage. If the home you are looking to purchase fails the report, the house cannot legally be sold, and you will have to find something else. Although it is an annoyance, it’s in your best interests to have this because it prevents you from buying a damaged property and having to pay out for repairs.

Repairs

If the home buyer’s report passes but comes back with a few minor faults, these are extra costs you will have to consider once you move in. You may have to replace the boiler, make sure windows are double glazed, or tile the roof, which will add to your expenses.

If you don’t opt for a full survey to be carried out, once you move into the property you may be faced with repairs that you weren’t aware of previously. For this reason, it is recommended to get a full survey on any house over 100 years old. If not, you can opt for a slightly less in-depth survey which will still give you information about the inside of the property.

Stamp Duty

Stamp Duty is one of those niggling little costs that only creep up when you receive your contract. Stamp Duty is land tax, which everyone has to pay on their property upon purchase. The tax will range depending on the size and location of the house but is worked out as a percentage of the value of your home. You can calculate it here.

Home Insurance

Home Insurance must be put into place from the data you exchange contracts, meaning that even if you don;t move in on your exchange date, you are already paying home insurance on your property. Paying for your home insurance ahead of moving in is a minor annoyance, however, is essential to secure the safety of your home.

Temporary Accommodation

If you aren’t lucky enough to be living with parents or friends as you go through the moving process, you must think about the cost of your current accommodation. Whether that be your current mortgage or rent, it can eat away at your savings.

Storage Costs

Many people like to start building a collection of items for when they move into a home. You could be beginning to stock up on furniture, appliances, kitchen utensils or towels- but you will need somewhere to store them all. Hiring out a storage unit is a great way to relieve the stress of moving everything from one property to the next, because it will all be in one single location ready to go. However, if you face unforeseen difficulties with your purchase which slow down the process, such as probate or environmental issues, you may have to hire out the unit for a longer period.

Moving Costs

Finally, the day has come where you’ve got the keys to your new home, and you can begin to move everything in. Unless you or a family member have a van you can borrow, you may have to fork out for a moving truck or rent a van for a couple of days to move everything into your home. It can be a long process, but once you have settled, it’s worth it. Shop around to find the best value hire companies in your area.

Random House Costs

Once you’ve moved into your new property, you will be faced with some bills. You will have a few different costs to think about when setting up your home. First up, electricity, gas, and water. Usually, when you take on a property from its previous owner, you can simply transfer the existing setup to yourself- freeing up some time trying to hunt for a new deal. You can, of course, set up your own, and this will involve comparing companies and packages with what suits you. The same goes for broadband, tv, and phones. You may want to set up a package deal with all of these thing included at a discounted rate. It’s up to your personal preference and needs.

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There’s no doubt that the idea of adding to your business costs is rarely a popular idea. When you’re so focused on seeing through each month and generating a profit, it can feel like every debit you have to make to your business accounts is a huge drain. So being told that you need to think about employee healthcare coverage? That’s probably not the most welcome of statements.

The truth is, however, that the health of your employees is vitally important to your business. Without a healthy staff, you’re going to suffer from chronic problems and a huge loss of productivity caused by sick days and absences. Investing in how healthy your employees are is an investment in the future of your business – so if you try and think of it like that, it might be easier to handle the loss to your finances.

Should you make the decision to invest in healthcare coverage, this gives birth to many additional decisions you have to make. What type of coverage should you offer? What is important to prioritize in the coverages? What exclusions can you expect?

All important decisions that are worthy of your time, but for the moment, let’s focus on a more macro level. While general healthcare coverage is great, you’re also going to need to think about using business senses to give your employees the best healthcare they need. And that’s ‘business senses’ in a very literal way…

Sight

A general healthcare policy might not cover employee vision and sight health. Why do you need this area covered?

• Poor eyesight can cause headaches and fatigue, meaning your employees won’t be at their best.
• If someone is struggling to see properly, they are less likely to be able to spot errors in fine print – which could cost your business substantially.

So it’s always worthwhile to check out business vision insurance rates if your policy doesn’t cover eye and sight costs as standard.

Hearing

If you have an older workforce, then natural degeneration in hearing is an area you need to focus on. It’s also a priority if you work in an industry that involves employees being exposed to loud noises, such as construction.

• If you don’t provide the correct sound-blocking technology for employees, then you could be vulnerable to a future lawsuit. Doing this and offering proper healthcare to ensure the measures you have taken are effective is a perfect way of covering yourself for the future.
• Older employees have a lot to offer in terms of experience. Don’t allow them to be left behind by not being able to hear in meetings or struggling with phone calls.

Try and find a policy that covers not only regular hearing checks, but anything that offers assistance with the cost of a hearing aid.

Taste

If there is anything you can do to ensure your employees are eating a healthy diet, then it’s a great investment. Not only will they be healthier in general, but it also means fewer claims on your company policy.

• While staff can bring their own if they choose, try and encourage healthy eating habits through avoiding sugary drinks and snacks in any vending machines.
• Offer free fruit and vegetable snacks to the office on a regular basis.

By focus on the above areas, you can be confident of a comprehensive coverage for your employees health – benefiting your business in the long run as well!

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