You may have seen property gurus filling up your social media feeds with tales of how they bought a number of properties without using any of their own savings, and now they have retired at the age of 32 with a portfolio worth £10m. And of course, for the princely sum of £997, you can learn how to do this too.

Buying a house is often complicated by something called the property chain. If you’re in the middle of a chain, it can feel like you're only as strong as the weakest link. Delays, fall-throughs, and unexpected hiccups are common, but with the right knowledge and approach, you can reduce the stress and improve your chances of a smooth transaction.

Selling your home is not just about getting any offer – it’s about getting the right offer from the right buyer. Whether you’re aiming for a smooth sale, a strong asking price, or a buyer with minimal conditions, attracting the right audience is key.

While it’s easy to focus on the headline price of the property, there are many hidden costs involved in the buying process that can catch you off guard if you're not prepared. Here, we break down these costs and offer tips on how to budget for them effectively.