End of summer update

As we move into the last few weeks of summer, we hope that September will bring more activity to the market.  August has been one of the quietest for a number of years with many people concentrating on holidays rather than houses. Traditionally when the schools return after the break, people fall back into the routine of life and normality resumes.

This summer the housing market has been hindered by the dramatic interest rate rises over the past 20 months. Although … Continue Reading…

Want to Celebrate Christmas in Your New Home? Then Act Now

Unless you’re one of those super-organised types who spend the year secretly buying stocking fillers and stashing them under your bed, Christmas is probably the last thing on your mind right now.

And why should it be? It’s summer, the schools are shut (for a few more days at least), and you still have months to dust off your reindeer antlers and Yuletide jumper.

But there is one reason why it may be worth thinking ahead to Christmas.

If you have plans to … Continue Reading…

Should You Invest in a Turnkey Buy-to-Let or a Renovation Project?

Whether you’re an established landlord or a first-time investor, you’ll probably be thinking about what to buy: a ready-to-go rental or a doer-upper. Which one should you pick?

Currently, lots of changes are being made around rental rules, and reports claim that many landlords are selling up. However, there are still plenty of investors making their move into the rental space. And with the UK facing a possible decline in house prices, now may be the right time for you.

But what … Continue Reading…

What Is Next-Door Syndrome and Could It Affect Your Property Sale?

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been a nosy neighbour at some point, haven’t we?

A ‘for sale’ sign goes up on a property in your street, and within minutes you’re online to find out what it’s on the market for.

Soon enough, you’re marvelling or shuddering at your neighbour’s taste in décor and deciding that your home is bigger, smaller, smarter or scruffier than theirs.

There’s nothing wrong with this; in fact, if you plan to sell up yourself, it’s useful market research. … Continue Reading…

How to Make the End of Tenancy Run Smoothly

As a landlord, one of your main goals is to make sure your property is tenanted. As soon as the old tenants decide they’re moving on, it’s time to find new renters to move in.

But while you’ll be keen for a quick turnaround, it’s also important that things are done properly (cutting corners will cause you problems in the long run).

Not only will you want to end the initial tenancy correctly, but you’ll also want to start the next one … Continue Reading…

Why Good Property Photos Are an Essential Step in the Sales Process

It’s often said that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but then (confusingly), it’s also said that first impressions count… Why are all these clichés so important? Well, when marketing a property, it’s a bit of both: how a property looks will catch a buyer’s eye before they pore over the finer details.

Photos of your property are what hooks the buyer, what drives them to pick up the phone to arrange a viewing, and what helps them imagine … Continue Reading…

Cut the Clutter: Great Storage Tips for Your Home

Close your eyes and picture your dream home. What do you see?

A home that’s light, spacious and orderly? Or one that’s chaotic and cluttered with objects piled high and shoes and clothes strewn on the floor (along with bits of Lego that you inevitably tread on).

The first scenario is the one that most people aspire to – and for good reason.

Research shows that when our environment is tidy, we’re less anxious and more productive. In contrast, we feel more distracted … Continue Reading…

Buying a Property in 2023: What You Need to Know

Buying a new home is a big step that comes with lots of considerations. Finding the right property in a good location at a price you’re willing to pay isn’t always easy and can take time.

But when you finally move into your new place to start the next chapter of your life, all the hard work is worth it.

Here are some factors to consider if you’re considering buying in 2023.

Shifting market

The property market has made headline news recently, but it’s … Continue Reading…

The Dangers of a DIY Tenancy Agreement

Type ‘tenancy agreement’ into Google and you’ll get thousands of results offering free online templates and guides to writing your own rental contract.

So why bother using a letting agent to sort out the tenancy agreement if you can do it yourself? What could possibly go wrong?

Well, quite a lot. Hastily downloading a template from the internet and high-fiving yourself for a job well done could prove to be a costly mistake.

It might not become apparent for months or even years, … Continue Reading…

Thinking about Downsizing? Here are Five Things to Consider

The number of downsizers active in the housing market has skyrocketed in recent months*, and is it any wonder?

With steep hikes in energy bills, interest rates and inflation, many people feeling the squeeze are rethinking how – and where – they want to live.

Downsizers are often stereotyped as empty nesters flying the coop to enjoy retirement. But due to economic issues, a wider variety of homeowners are now looking to make a change.

For many of them, downsizing isn’t about starting … Continue Reading…