Ever considered successful a dream residence for rather less than the value of a takeaway espresso? Successful a home in a raffle appears like a dream come true. However is it too good to be true?
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With the common home value within the UK at round £283,000, for a lot of, the dream of shopping for and even shifting to someplace larger can really feel out of attain. However, when you’re dreaming of extra space for the youngsters’ toys, getting a home with change from a fiver may appear tempting.
How do home raffles work?
Home prize attracts or competitions (they’re not formally raffles, though they name themselves raffles, because it’s unlawful) are organised by property homeowners or corporations trying to promote a home in an unconventional approach. As a substitute of promoting the property by means of an property agent, they promote tickets for an opportunity to win the home (and make themselves as a lot cash as attainable). As soon as all tickets are bought or a set deadline is reached, a draw is held to choose the winner.
Is there all the time a winner?
Usually, sure, there’s all the time a winner. However is it all the time a home?
The “raffle” phrases normally specify that if sufficient tickets are bought, the home will likely be awarded to a ticket holder. If not, the organisers would possibly supply a money prize as an alternative, which generally is a bit like getting socks for Christmas whenever you requested for a PlayStation.
One instance is a £2 million home that (solely) raised £227,000. The vendor gave away a £53,500 money prize as an alternative. And one other the place a home was valued at £650,000, however the winner received a (tiny…!) £173,012.93 money prize. Nonetheless a prize, however not fairly the identical, and it prompted complaints to the ASA.
Will it price greater than £2?
Successful a home for £2 sounds superb, particularly when you’re skint. Nevertheless it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Listed here are some potential prices it’s essential think about:
- Your present residence: You’ll have the payments to pay the place you reside, plus the payments in your new gaff! Double whammy! It will final till you may give up your present residence and transfer to the brand new place, or promote the win. However, if the prize home is being bought by means of a “raffle”, does that imply they’ve had hassle promoting it within the typical approach up to now?
- Upkeep and repairs: Homes can include hidden points that want fixing, from leaky roofs to damaged boilers. You don’t wish to win a home after which uncover it wants extra work than your toddler’s newest artwork challenge.
- Insurance coverage: Residence insurance coverage is a should to guard your new asset, and it may be expensive relying on the property’s location and situation.
- Operating prices: Bigger or older houses can have greater utility payments and upkeep prices. Think about heating a mansion throughout a chilly British winter!
- Stamp responsibility/authorized charges: Relying on the worth of the property, you would possibly have to pay stamp responsibility, and costs to solicitors to switch the possession of the home, which generally is a honest whack!
Must you participate?
Yeah, we’re by no means huge on playing and really not often point out it, however these eye-catching giveaways are getting extra widespread.
Who wouldn’t wish to commerce a few quid for an opportunity to win a home?
However earlier than you get too excited, do your homework. Verify evaluations and testimonials. These giveaways usually are not regulated, however nonetheless verify the raffle is legally compliant and verify the organisers’ repute. Whereas successful a home by means of a raffle is feasible, it’s worthwhile figuring out what would possibly occur.
Naomi is aware of the burden of dwelling on little or no and have become debt free by following her personal cash saving ideas and methods. She is an professional on saving cash on the grocery store and facet hustles.
