The average age to buy your first home in the UK is now 37 years old. But, the average age that people move out of their parents is still the early 20s. After flying their parent's nest and stepping out into the world as young adults, most stay in a rented property rather than getting on the property ladder. As a result, they have been termed Generation Rent.

We watch all the TV shows about renovations and self-builds, lapping it up. We critique their interior design ideas and landscaped gardens. We watch people make mistakes and go vastly over budget. But still, the end result is usually marvellous. A labour of love to cherish - a forever home.

Buying a house is a complicated process. A legal professional must ensure no issues with the property you buy. And, as with many things that involve legal professionals, it seems as if it takes forever! Is it possible to speed things up?

If you’re new to the property market, learning the lingo is essential. There are lots of legal and financial terms you need to get your head around and lots of research to be done. Two terms that you need to be familiar with are ‘freehold’ and ‘leasehold’.

A thorough inventory can save a landlord time and money and prevent messy end-of-tenancy disputes. So why do so many landlords rush this essential stage – or skip it altogether?