The first few weeks of 2012 saw a massive surge in property searches in the UK. Despite the lack of mortage finance and the state of most banks, interest in buying does not seem to have waned. The first ten days of 2012 saw a record number of search activity, 27% higher that the same time last year.

Prospective buyers may find themselves disappointed however, as research shows the supply of properties are at an all time low – less than one listing per week in most agencies. Sellers are being deterred by confidence, lack of choice and, of course, the restrictions on mortgage lending.

Property prices are set to rise, possibly making it all the more difficult for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder in the first place. It is believed that the pattern of rising house prices outpacing wage increases is here to stay. Prices have risen by 156% since 1997 where income increase has been a mere 35%. Not the best news for buyers. And some say that although the government’s plans to ‘step up’ house building, this will not decrease or slow the rise. By the end of 2012, predictions are the market prices will rise by 15%.

This may be why there has been a major expansion in the rental market as big businesses prepare to invest in the private sector and build more homes to rent – with the rent set to climb higher and higher. Of course. Rent rose to an average of £720 per month last year and it is highly unlikely that it will get any more reasonable in the coming months. Despite this, it is predicted that one household in five could be in the private rented sector by 2016, perhaps allowing for a modicum of independence for most prospective buyer.

Whether you already own or you intend to buy a green property, you need to be informed about what a green property involves and why it is beneficial to live in a green home. Green homes exist because of an increasing concern to preserve resources and reduce environmental impact. This concern has ultimately become a trend that many people follow in various aspects of life including building green homes.

Despite the fact that the green home concept may be associated with higher costs, the reality is completely different. There are actually numerous financial advantages of owning green homes such as reduced cooling and heating costs, as well as significantly smaller electricity bills due to proper insulation, efficient windows, appliances, lightning system, air sealing, and household equipment. Then, maintenance, including repairs, requires less costs as green homes are made of resistant and high quality materials that last longer. Perhaps the most convincing argument is the fact that green homes are in demand, which makes them a great investment.

In addition to all the financial advantages of green homes, you should not forget the health benefits, such as the use of non-toxic materials, natural ventilation, and so on. Green homes are also eco-friendly, which is the main reason why they are considered green in the first place. They use a lot less energy than traditional homes, or they even use alternative energy sources, meaning that they will rely less on traditional energy supplies. Self-sustainability is another important green principle that green buildings respect. Most green homes use recycled materials, which means that they help preserve existing resources and stand by the essential principal of going green.

Photo courtesy of www.homesinmontegobay.com.jm

You may not be aware of it, but there are times when homes that have been foreclosed reduce the appeal of an area. Especially when these homes become deteriorated because of neglect, they become an eyesore that can most likely affect the value of your own property, or other properties in the neighborhood. To prevent this from happening, you can start taking action to protect your property and convince others to do the same thing for the benefit of your respective properties, and of the neighborhood as a whole.

There have been a number of instances when houses that are empty attracted squatters and trespassers. These houses might become a place where people do dangerous and illegal activities, which will eventually increase the crime rate in the neighborhood. Of course, a place that has a high crime rate will not be attractive to prospective homeowners because safety will be one of their primary concerns. Also, foreclosed and vacant homes cause more municipal costs because these will require more police service, more fire service and more code enforcements.

To prevent or minimize the occurrence of these negative possibilities, you and your neighbors can organize workshops on foreclosure prevention. It is not necessary that you be responsible for carrying out the workshop. You can make a request to an organization that is community-based. You can call loan companies, housing counselors, or your local lenders, to see if they will be willing to hold the workshop at your community. These kinds of workshops will definitely help your struggling neighbors cope or handle problems that they are facing, real estate-wise. This may help minimize the number of foreclosures in the neighborhood.