How to Manage Difficult Tenancy Relationships

As a landlord, as well as managing the finances, the property and any repairs or maintenance, you also have to remember to look after your tenants. Whilst nine times out of ten you’ll never have to deal with anything too difficult, sometimes relationships can be testing.

So, what’s the best way to deal with issues that arise during a tenancy? In this quick read, we look at ways to deal with such problems.

Help avoid fall-outs 

You can’t control the arguments that arise … Continue Reading…

Summer Market Review

As the housing market moves into the holiday season, activity is slowing as the masses focus on sunnier destinations. This is normal at this time of the year with an expected upturn in September once the school’s return.

However, despite interest rates rising over the past 18 months the market is still ticking over and showing signs of resilience.

Although property prices have reduced it doesn’t feel like they are going into free fall. The increase in house prices generated by the … Continue Reading…

Bank of Mum and Dad: What Buyers (and Their Parents) Need to Know

Every year, the Bank of Mum and Dad comes to the rescue by helping tens of thousands of first-time buyers get on the housing ladder.

Last year alone, 46% of first-time buyers received financial help from their parents to purchase a property, with £8.8 billion changing hands (source: Savills).

But for parents planning to assist their offspring, or children hoping to get a helping hand, there are a few issues to consider first.

Gifting funds

• Before gifting a lump sum, parents should plan … Continue Reading…

Why a Letting Agent Is an Absolute Must in These Turbulent Times

Not since 2008, when Katy Perry stormed the music charts and Gavin and Stacey ruled the small screen, have interest rates been as high as they are today.

As a result, many mortgage holders are looking for ways to trim their outgoings to ease the financial burden.

Homeowners are putting DIY projects on the back burner and reducing their spending on
holidays and takeaways, while some buy-to-let landlords are toying with the idea of self-managing their rental portfolio (despite the fact agent fees … Continue Reading…

A Quick Guide to Buying Your First Property

If you’re thinking about buying your first home, congratulations! You’re about to experience a huge life moment and finally have somewhere to call your own. The first-time buyer journey is exciting, scary, overwhelming… it’s basically all the emotions. So, what can you expect?

In this quick read, we take you through some of the initial steps of buying your first home.

Money matters

Whether you’ve built up savings or you’re borrowing from the Bank of Mum and Dad, the first thing that needs … Continue Reading…

How to Choose the Right Letting Agent

How can you spot a top letting agent from a master of mediocrity? Read on to find out.

Landlords use letting agents for all sorts of reasons.

Some need help navigating red tape and lettings legislation, while others want a third party to deal with inspections, inventories and disputes.

And some just want peace of mind and to know that their investment property is being managed by a safe pair of hands.

Whatever your motivation as a landlord, once you’ve decided to use a … Continue Reading…

Why a Local Estate Agent Could Add Value to Your Home

If you’re selling a property, you’ve got a big decision to make. Which estate agent do you pick? Should you go with an independent local agency or choose a big-name brand?

Should you use an agent based on the local high street or go with a cheaper online option?

Before you make up your mind, it’s best to get a couple of agents in to value your property and discuss the sales process. Find out how they will help and what they … Continue Reading…

Tenants’ Guide to a Safe and Relaxing Summer

At last summer is here, so what are your plans?

Have you booked an exciting getaway in an exotic location? Or is the aim to kick back and relax on home turf?

Whatever you’ve lined up, it’s worth taking note of the common concerns that can crop up in rented accommodation during the summer.

If there’s a garden at your rental property:

Check your contract to ensure you understand what’s expected of you in terms of maintenance. Commonly, tenants are expected to carry out … Continue Reading…

Do renovations really pay off?

Before selling your home, you might be thinking about ways to add value or unlock potential so buyers can get a feel for what it would be like to live there themselves. But renovations are costly and may not pay off. So, what can you do to make a change without spending too much?

Whilst it’s always a good idea to spruce up a property before it goes on the market, the key is to know exactly what changes really add … Continue Reading…