Other housing costs

Your rent or mortgage isn't the only thing you'll have to pay for your home. This section looks at other costs you should take into account.

Household bills

Unless they are included in your rent, you will need to pay utility bills and rates. This page explains more. More

Service charges

If you own a leasehold flat you will probably have to pay a service charge to cover the maintenance costs. Service charges are usually paid annually, but can also be paid monthly, quarterly or half-yearly. More

Ground rent

You may have to pay ground rent to your freeholder if you are a leaseholder. Most flat or apartment owners will have to pay ground rent. There are usually rules about how it is paid, when it can be increased, and what happens if you don't pay it. More

Maintaining your home

You may have to pay extra charges for services, such as cleaning or gardening, especially if you live in a block of flats. You will also have to pay for repairs and maintenance to your property if you own your home. More

Insurance

This page looks at the different kinds of insurance you need to take out to protect your home and cover you in case anything goes wrong. More