Turning Over a New Leaf: Five Realistic Resolutions for 2024

The striking of Big Ben at midnight on 1st January ushers in a new year and inspires many to commit to positive life changes.

Yeah, we know for many people, the New Year, New You theme has you switching off immediately.

But for many others, the dawn of 2024 marks a chance for a fresh start as we resolve to change our lives.

Yet, maintaining these resolutions can be a challenge.

To help, here’s how to set realistic and fulfilling goals if that’s what … Continue Reading…

End of Year Review

As we end the year it is fair to say it has been a turbulent one for the property market. The impact of rising interest rates has taken its toll on confidence with many potential buyers and sellers holding off their decision to move. Many sellers withdrew their property from the market once they realised their expectation of price wasn’t achievable, still expecting to sell for a similar sum of two years ago.

Overall transactions are down and prices are lower … Continue Reading…

New Year, New Home: How to Set Property Goals for 2024

If moving could be on the cards for you next year, now’s the time to set some goals to help turn your property dreams into a reality.

Perhaps you’re feeling squeezed in your current home and want more room. Or maybe you’re an empty nester rattling around a place that’s too big for your needs and costly to heat.

Whatever your motivation, it’s important to remember that selling and buying property requires planning and organisation and can sometimes take longer than expected.

Setting … Continue Reading…

Five Ways to Improve the Management of Your Rental Property in 2024

Have you decided to make a few changes in 2024? Vowed to get fit, work less or take up a new hobby?

Well, if you’re a landlord, why not make a few property-related resolutions too?

Think about it – if you can introduce changes that make managing your rental less stressful and more efficient, you can spend more time focusing on your personal goals.

Here are five resolutions that could save you time and money.

Insurance

Note down when your landlord insurance is due for … Continue Reading…

How to Host a Sustainable Christmas Celebration at Your Home

Are you playing host to family and friends at home this year? If so, why not make this most wonderful time of the year a little less wasteful?

By following a few simple steps, you can eat, drink and be merry – and kinder to the environment.

Let’s talk turkey

A good way to reduce your carbon footprint is to eat less meat. That could mean forgoing meat for a vegetarian alternative. But if you don’t want to go that far, opt for turkey … Continue Reading…

Merry & Bright – The Magic of Christmas Lights

What do Oxford Street in London’s West End, Salerno in Italy and Dyker Heights in Brooklyn have in common?

If you’ve answered this question correctly, you’re clearly a fan of festive cheer.

These locations are renowned for their spectacular Christmas lights displays.

Over 1,700 snowflake decorations and 750,000 LED lightbulbs illuminate Oxford Street.

The Luci d’Artista festival in Salerno, running from early December to the end of January, features stunning light installations by talented artists.

Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, known as one of the most … Continue Reading…

What’s in Store for 2024? A Look at the Year Ahead in the Buy-to-Let Sector

There’s no doubt that 2023 was challenging for the private rental sector, but looking ahead, landlords have plenty of reasons to be cheerful.

While no one knows precisely what will happen in 2024, economists believe interest rates and inflation have peaked, and that the economy will continue to rally. 

Here’s an idea of what forecasters predict for the next 12 months*.

Demand

The long-term imbalance between … Continue Reading…

How Landlords Can Spread Christmas Cheer to Their Tenants

Landlords are often portrayed as Grinch-like characters.

Devoid of fun, lacking humanity and relentlessly greedy.

In our experience, working with dozens of landlords across East Northants, this Scrooge stereotype simply isn’t true.

In fact, we often get contacted by generous landlords seeking ideas to spread a little Christmas cheer to their tenants.

So, with that in mind, ho, ho, how’s this for five little things that can make a big difference when it comes to building goodwill and rapport?

Personalised simplicity

A handwritten Christmas card can … Continue Reading…

Why You Don’t Need to Wait until Spring to List Your Home

If you’ve decided to put your home on the market in 2024, then there’s one burning question you need to ask yourself.

When should I list my property?

You may have heard that spring is the best time to list, as traditionally, this is when estate agents do the most business due to a surge in buyers and sellers coming to the market.

But dig a little deeper and consider what’s driving buyers in December and January, and you may come to a … Continue Reading…