A house which ‘thinks’ for itself, adapting the ambient temperature minute-by-minute, watering your plants while you are away, controlling access based on biometrics. That may seem like the stuff of science fiction or Grand Designs. However, many of us have already incorporated smart devices into our homes, from smart lights you control from your mobile phone to video doorbells. [...]
When selling your home, you may recall the expression ‘buyer beware’. But what does this mean and is it still relevant today? ‘Historically, the buyers in a conveyancing transaction have been responsible for satisfying themselves on a property’s suitability,’ explains Deirdre McSorley, residential property solicitor with James Mc Nulty & Co. ‘Nowadays though, the situation is more complex. There [...]
Shows like Channel 4’s Grand Designs reflect the growing popularity of self-build, which accounts for 13,000 new homes every year. So, if your dream is to build your own home, should you take the next step towards making it a reality? ‘There are certainly a lot of advantages’, says Cathal Murray of James McNulty & Co. Solicitors. ‘Self-build lets [...]
First-time buyers today must find, on average, a deposit equal to a year’s salary. With almost half relying on parental assistance, the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ has never been so popular. House price affordability and the phasing out of the Help to Buy scheme make this trend set to continue. ‘It is natural to want to help your [...]
