Guides

How every figure is worked out

One guide per number. Each says where the figure comes from, what it assumes, the thresholds it uses, and a worked example you can check by hand.

• Every number, and where it comes from The five steps to the most you can pay, how a deal is graded, the two ways out, what you can change, and what is kept.
• How the end value is worked out Recorded sales within two miles and three years, the same type and size, at least five of them, at the upper quartile.
• Refurbishment costs, room by room The rate per room at light and heavy, the fees, the contingency, and a three-bedroom house worked both ways.
• Stamp duty on a refurbishment purchase Company and personal, the bands, the £40,000 floor, and £200,000 worked in slices.
• How bridging finance is costed The 75% advance, the deposit, 1% a month on what is borrowed, the cash you need, and the refinance at the end.
• Below market value: what it means A return on the price rather than a discount off a value, the 20% target, and the three verdicts.