Jargon Buster
Understand property related jargon.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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SMS
Short Message Service. Commonly known as text messages.
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Search
A request or enquiry for information concerning the property held by a local authority or by the Land Registry.
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Semi-detached
A property that is joined to one other house.
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Service charge
See maintenance charge.
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Share of freehold
Where the freehold on which the property stands is owned by a limited company and the shareholders of that limited company are the owners of the property.
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Short let
A short let is a property which is typically let for a period of less than six months (subject to local authority restrictions). When renting a property on a short let basis, all utility bills are included in the rent (excluding telecommunications services).
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Sitting Tenant
A person occupying a property who is legally protected against being removed.
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Sole agent
When a seller chooses only one estate agent to sell their property.
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Sole occupancy
A property that is occupied (lived in) only by the mortgage applicant(s) and their direct family.
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Solicitor
Legal expert handling all documentation for the sale or purchase of a property.
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Stamp duty
A tax paid by purchasers of between 1% and 4% depending on the value of the property.
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Standard variable rate
Mortgage lender's standard rate of interest, which may be increased or decreased periodically by the lender depending on prevailing economic conditions.
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Structural survey
This is based on a detailed inspection of the property and reports on the general structural condition.
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Studio flat
A flat consisting of one main room or open-plan living area, incorporating cooking and sleeping facilities usually with a separate bathroom/shower room.
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Subject to contract
Words which confirm that an agreement is not yet legally binding.
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Surveyor
A professional person qualified to estimate the value of land and property.
