NewStats: 3,264,225 , 8,183,024 topics. Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025 at 08:43 AM v2v4d6382y |
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Created on 8th March 2005, this year will mark the 20th anniversary of Nairaland. What a milestone! Curious: how many years have you been on Nairaland and how much value have you got off the platform? |
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It's possible if you're buying a new build where the the developer is willing to boost your deposit by 5%. That'll bring the total deposit to 10% and you can unlock better interest rates. Barclays currently has 4.71% for 5 years fixed on new builds with energy band A - B. I'd presume most new builds will fall into that category. AOI2016: |
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Sounds like you've had a horrible experience with CC. You might need some extensive knowledge on using and managing CC. If used well, they're really beneficial to your financial life. rock86: |
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Check out the image below. It might help. UrFears:
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Placeholder/tracker for our mortgage journey. BRB! |
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Thanks bro
Lexusgs430: |
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For a new build purchase, what's your take on using the developer's recommended mortgage advisor and solicitor? I'm concerned there might be conflict of interest as they'll be representing both parties. However, the companies are highly rated - 4.7 star ⭐ review and same quite familiar with the developer. I reckon it'll speed things up. But I'll like to hear first hand experience in this. Thanks 1 Like |
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I've got experience with living in apartments without bathroom windows. There was no issue with the first apartment but the second had mould issues. If the extractor is good, it should be fine. For most Brits that I've met it's either they turn on the extractor or open the window. Only a few use both at once. Most new builds have quite an efficient extractor that won't require opening the windows alongside. . For those sort of bath, I suppose they'll benefit more from full tiling or encased shower area. If you do number two there, be sure to close the door and spray something nice around the house for the aroma to fade 😁 elengine: 1 Like |
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Congrats, Baba Landlord. babajeje123: 1 Like |
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It could mean anything. Best to speak with the bank or broker. My initial thought is that there was a duplicate application and one has been closed. Don't take my words, just check with the bank. PrettyPacy: 1 Like |
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I assume you're referring to Standard Variable Rate (SVR). If so, see the attached image. By the way, you don't have to pay the SVR. You can shop for new mortgage deals six months before your current term lapses. elengine: 1 Like |
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I don't think so. The rates applies to all regardless of residency status. However, your status might affect your access or otherwise of the rate. For instance, some lenders won't offer any deal to residents on visa except you have 15% deposit. With that amount of deposit you would get the same interest rate as a Brit. I recently heard your status could also determine the term the lender is willing to offer. fetomowo: |
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Not a bad deal. Got the same figure last week on a 10% but didn't lock down as the offer hadn't been accepted. Checked with another broker this week and the best rate was 4.8%. Hoping things would have improved when I'm eventually ready. PrettyPacy: |
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Interesting explanation. Undoubtedly, the incentive particularly the 5% deposit contribution is a great boost. In the long run, things will even out. If you don't mind me asking, which area do you reside? Houses prices seem really decent there. Thanks Solumtoya: |
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Thanks for the insight. I guess the first thing to consider is the availability or otherwise and comparative price of the slightly older properties as advised. Just a quick search and couldn't find any deal of sort. ukay2: |
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Fantastic! Thanks for the insight. Solumtoya: |
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We recently viewed a few new builds and we're happy with one; 3-bed mid-terrace for 380K. Developer has offered a 5% contribution to our 5% deposit. Initial conversation with the referred Mortgage Advisor shows we can get a mortgage for 4.5%. However, the developer has told us they won't include flooring. We've asked multiple times but they've been insistent on not adding it. They even told us they can't give more than 5% incentive across board as per the lender Ts & Cs. I'm not really sure that's correct. Please share your thoughts on this. Based on our calculation, it'll cost about 10k to do up the flooring via the builder. Of cos, we're now exploring getting quotes from independent contractors. What are the pros and cons of not doing the flooring with the builder? We're keen on jumping on the property ladder and affordability won't be an issue in of monthly payment but our major concern now is raising extra money for things like flooring and some additional costs. Are there viable loan facilities for such with little or no interest? Really interested in getting a house before end of March 2025 to escape the stamp duty increase and build equity. Please share any other advice for first time buyers with little or no extra funds after paying the deposit 😕 |
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Didn't see it coming. justwise: |
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Does it seem like rates will come down further? With the first time buyer stamp duty threshold coming down from £425k to 300K. Buyers in the South will have more to worry about. Lexusgs430: |
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For a start, I presume there'll be a rush to catch up with the 31st March 2025 cut-off for the current £425k stamp duty for first time buyers, especially those in the south. In the long run, the dreams of many first time buyers in the South will be truncated or paused and forced to remain renters as they'll need to work/save more to cover the stamp duty fee. If the market crashes, it means first time buyers might be get good deals within the £300k range. Although to think of getting a 400/500k house for 300k seems like blind optimism, but nothing is impossible. On the surface the budget looks appealing but diving into it and the potential impacts shows it leaves much to be desired. May we not labour in vain! Zahra29: |
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Fabulous! I knew I was missing out a crucial point. ![]() I've conversed with a few immigrants who say they're unable or unwilling to pay for nursery. This means the child's earliest exposure to a school-setting will be at 3/4 years when they can access the free basic education. Many resort to bringing grannies from back home. Whilst that in itself isn't an issue, I'd be concerned about the social skills the child will build if exposed to the nursery setting earlier on. A friend who enrolled her one year old son at the nursery for twice a week said the boy has improved in social interactions and self-awareness. All malam to hin kettle. fatima04: |
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Hey, just checking up on you to see how you're getting on. Were you able to bring someone over to ? Ayofemidara: |
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This is a valid point and I'd want to narrow it down to regional accent. I believe the Nigerian English at any level is closer to what you'll hear in the Southeast and west of England compared to other regions of the UK with heavy accent - Scouse, Scottish, Mancunian, Irish. I'm particularly invested in language and communication and I get worried speaking with anyone with heavy UK accent. @Babajeje123 what regions of the UK are the cases you referenced? After thought 1: Every child possesses the ability to learn new language effectively till around 12 - 18 years. This is linguistically known as the Language Acquisition Device (LAD), as originally expounded by Noam Chomsky. If that holds true in this context, then children under 15 should be able catch with new language and accent. Now I'm missing linguistic days ![]() SAYOSOLA: 1 Like |
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Just a quick note: Not all instances of speech delay are linked to autism. There are other factors that can contribute to speech delay. To your original question; the language acquisition process in both countries is different, hence the obvious disparity. This is my initial thinking. In the UK, most parents are generally expressive and communicate with their kids even before birth and it gets better after birth. They're literally talking to their kids as though they're adults and could respond. You'll see nurses, parents telling a two months old baby "Hey Tim, I want to change your nappy, it's time to eat, it's nap time....". All of those conversations and process shape the child's language formation at that tender age. I'm not sure most Naija parent have thr patience or consciousness to do this. Also, most children are exposed to books and reading as soon as they're born. Can't say same for most kids in Nigeria. For context, my baby spent about nearly her first month in NICU (ICU for babies). During that time, we met other parents/babies. One of the things we emulated was from a British couple that dodgedly read stories to their "unwell" baby every time. As expected, it wasn't all the British parents that did this. But the few that did, were consistent. Even grandparents came around to read to their grandkids. I'm not sure any Nigerian grand/parent would be even think of reading to unwell child in the hospital. In the UK, bed time stories are read to kids, educational resources are promoted, giving them a headstart on communicating with a variety of vocab before they turn one. Defects are identified and addressed promptly. Another thing I've observed is that a lot of British parents have a personal reading culture, something that's rare in Nigeria. This culture somewhat influences the kids and improves their language world. Additionally, access to quality education plays a key role here. In Nigeria, the quality of education your child receives is based on your financial capability. Whereas, in the UK there's a standardised free-education from age two. I know there's a global outcry for better education but Nigeria no dey try at all. We're at the lowest rank in of 12 years of free, safe and quality education up. Education is a big factor in rating countries as develed or under-developed. As I've always posited, there are no perfect countries or economies but there are better ones when compared to others. It'll be nice to see a detailed research into this speech thing. babajeje123: 7 Likes |
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Interesting. Thanks for sharing, guys. justwise: giselle237: 1 Like |
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Great! Thanks for pointing me to this. Would it matter if one doesn't apply for renewal with no appointment slip to attach? Estroller: Estroller: |
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Good evening, Has anyone renewed his/her UK visa on an expired Nigerian port? I might be wrong on this but I presume one's port validity doesn't matter when renewing within the UK. Also because a BRP was previously issued and people don't necessarily change nationality per year, I reckon HM would have one's original details. Just curious to see if anyone has renewed a UK visa within the UK on their expired Naija port. PS: Trying to save money, time and effort with renewing portS. Ighatago ![]() |
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Really? Please share; what was depressing about the city? Were you expecting some Isale Eko and Peckham vibes ![]() rock86: |
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Oh, Yeovil ![]() Visited once and I liked the general scenery. What's your experience living there? hyzich: |
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You can use comparison/cashback websites like uSwitch and QuidCo. They'll advise on the providers with the best netowrk in your area with their indictative speed. You'll also get some credit/cashback on the . Knowlegeseeking: 2 Likes 1 Share |
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You can use the instant payment option. It's only available for £100+ payments though. Abuja1914: 1 Like |
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