The Stamp Duty relief window slams shut in a couple of months, but despite the savings you can make on tax, your savings might not mean much if you're lumped with unexpected costs or have to live with something you weren't expecting. Here is a brief run-down of the kind of things you should be aware of if you're buying in Leeds specifically. From the weather to superfast broadband issues, cladding to council tax or flight paths, there are a lot of factors that could affect just how good your buy is going to be:
7. Bin collections
Only some parts of Leeds have garden waste collections for free - Cookridge does, but Kirkstall doesn't, for example. Check what bins will be collected and if you need to pay extra for others. The council collections don't take glass in Leeds, so if you are recycling your glass (as well you should), you need to think about where your nearest bottle bank will be. Most larger supermarkets have glass recycling banks in their car park.
8. Council tax
All of Leeds has fixed council tax bands BUT if you live in a village on the outskirts, many of them, such as Otley, Wetherby, etc also have their own 'precepts'. That means you're paying for the administration and services of the local parish, town or village council as well and it makes your final bill a bit pricier. Even in central Leeds, you'll want to check the council tax band, as the difference between bands can mean hundreds of pounds more outlay per year.
9. New developments
New houses are popping up all the time in Leeds and it's worth checking what's being sold or redeveloped near to your dream home. Other developments include plans to expand the airport, plans for a new train station and park & ride in Bramley and the construction of a mass transit system. Is your new home being flogged to allow the current owners to get away from a construction site?
10. Mobile phone signal
Phone signal is pretty good in most of Leeds but there are some odd blackspots in coverage. If you go on a viewing, keep your phone on and check the signal and 4G or 5G speed while you're in the house.
11. Access to parks and green spaces
During the pandemic, access to parks and green spaces within walking distance has never been more important, especially when people are getting fines for driving to them. Even post-Covid, it'll always be worth having a park or field nearby for an environmentally-friendly stroll. Similarly, homes with gardens have become ever more valuable.