Market Comment

Last weeks Bank of England interest rate freeze has brought some much needed optimism to the housing market with some lenders now offering five year fixed rate term mortgages lower than the base rate.

We sincerely hope this is the turning point and maybe interest rates will now stabilise for a period to allow confidence to be re-stored. The summer and early autumn periods have been difficult, more properties are coming on the market than being sold, resulting in buyers having … Continue Reading…

Should You List Your Home before Hunting for a New One?

If your dreams of buying a new home rely on the sale of your existing property, then there’s one fundamental question you need to answer.

Are you going to look for a new home first and then list your property – or do things the other way around?

While both scenarios can work out in the end, we think one option is far more favourable – and that’s getting your current property on the market first.

Here are four reasons why.

Show you’re a … Continue Reading…

Changes to Energy Efficiency Rules and the Impact on Landlords

Over the last few years, landlords have faced many changes. Tax reforms, rental reforms and energy efficiency measures have meant renting out properties is more complex (and expensive) than ever. But with changes to Government plans announced last Wednesday, is good news on the horizon?

Last week, controversial (and costly plans) for improved EPC targets by 2025 were scrapped by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

So, how does this impact property investors (and tenants)?

In this quick read, we look at what’s been going … Continue Reading…

How to Be a Pet-Friendly Landlord

If you’re a landlord looking to attract long-term tenants, it’s worth thinking about ways to make your investment property as appealing as possible.

And one area you may have overlooked is the army of British pet owners who need a rental property, and want to make their furry friends as comfy as possible.

Unfortunately, over the years, many landlords have been known to refuse pet owners, perhaps due to worries about damage or general unsuitability for a property.

Many pet owners tend to … Continue Reading…

Six Key Types of Homebuyers and How to Target Them

Want to fast-track your property sale by getting your marketing just right?

Then spend some time thinking about the type of buyer most likely to fall in love with your home, and ensure you target them.

Once you’ve identified the type (or types) of buyers looking for a property like yours, you can tailor your presentation and marketing accordingly.

First-time buyers– As the name suggests, buyers in this group are making their first property purchase and are chain-free (which can be an appealing … Continue Reading…

Why It Could Be Better to Rent Out Your Property Rather Than Sell

If you’re fortunate enough to be in a financial position where you can rent out your home instead of selling it, should you take the leap?

After all, if you don’t need to sell to fund your next move, renting your property is an option worth exploring.

Here, we explore the dilemma of renting out a property instead of selling.

Timing

As we all know, property sales can take time. There are lots of hoops to jump through and boxes to tick before you … Continue Reading…

The Golden Rules of Setting Your Monthly Rent

If you’re a first-time landlord about to rent out a property, or an established landlord looking to purchase a new investment, one of the main questions you’ll have is how much rent you can charge per month.

Of course, you can (and should) take the advice of your agent, but it’s also worth understanding exactly what factors impact the amount of rent you can sensibly charge.

In this quick read, we explore the factors you need to consider before pricing your rental … Continue Reading…

Property Negotiations: Tips to Help You Seal a Successful Deal

When it comes to preparing for a property sale, most sellers focus on the early stage of the process: sprucing up their home and choosing an agent to manage the marketing.

But there’s another element to nailing a successful property deal that gets less attention but is just as critical: negotiating the sale.

How do you know when to accept an offer and when to hold out for more? And what should your strategy be if you have more than one offer … Continue Reading…

Six Things to Ask Your Partner Before You Start Your Property Search

Buying a property with a partner can be an exciting next step in a relationship.

Swapping paying rent or living with family for cosy nights with your beloved in your own home can be a blissful prospect.

But before you arrange a series of viewings in a giddy rush of excitement, it’s worth sitting down and talking a few things through with your partner.

Purchasing a property is a huge commitment, yet most couples spend more time planning a holiday (7.8 hours) than … Continue Reading…

Why Property Inspections Could Save You Money

As a landlord, you’ve probably experienced that feeling of dread when your tenant’s name flashes up on your phone, reporting a problem.

Or how about the horror of receiving the news that you’re going to have to pay for urgent (and expensive) repairs?

If either of these situations sound familiar, it could mean you’re not inspecting your rentals enough.

Being a landlord isn’t just about buying a property and raking in the rent. It’s a difficult job that requires attention to detail, making … Continue Reading…