Monthly Archives: April 2024


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April Market Review

Despite the poor weather the traditional Spring housing market appears to have come to life after a very up and down first quarter to the year. April has seen more sellers placing their properties on the market and more buyers have been purchasing, so activity is up on both fronts.

The stability of interest rates and talk of a potential rate reduction has helped to restore confidence, however, some mortgage lenders have raised their rates in recent days following speculation that … Continue Reading…


290424 Five Things Landlords Should Consider before Buying a Property Abroad

Five Things You Should Know about Owning a Buy-to-Let Abroad

Investing in a buy-to-let abroad can be a tempting prospect. Owning your own little piece of paradise while earning a rental income can seem like a win-win scenario.

However, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about the challenges landlords face when managing a property overseas.

Here are five things to consider before investing in an overseas rental.

The distance factor

Managing maintenance and repairs is difficult when you live hundreds of miles away (especially if you don’t speak the local language). As a result, … Continue Reading…


240424 How NOT to Sell Your Home The Blunders That Scare Off Buyers

How NOT to Sell Your Home: Five Mistakes That Deter Buyers

Most home sellers want three things: to get the best possible price for their property, to complete the sale in good time and to avoid bucket-loads of stress.

These three goals may sound simple and achievable, but you’d be surprised how many sellers lose their way during the marketing process.

As a result, they waste time and money and cause themselves more anxiety than necessary.

To help you avoid a few common pitfalls, here’s a guide to how not to sell your home.

In other words, … Continue Reading…


220424 Top Tips for Attracting High-Quality Tenants

Top Tips for Attracting High-Quality Tenants

Some landlords, actually many, have an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach to their rental property’s upkeep.

But by proactively refurbishing and modernising your rental properties, you can realise a host of benefits that will attract premium tenants and add long-term value to your investment.

Here are seven ways why, and how, astute property upgrades benefit forward-thinking landlords.

Attract premium tenants: By upgrading your rental, you ensure it meets high standards, making it more likely to be rented quickly, thus minimising … Continue Reading…


170424 Moving Thoughts from a Dad’s Perspective

Moving Thoughts from a Dad’s Perspective

There’s plenty to consider when moving home, especially when a growing family is involved.

Over the past few months, we’ve looked at the buying and selling experience through the eyes of different members of a family who moved recently.

We’ve spoken with teenagers, tweenagers (9 – 12), younger children (5 – 8) and mums.

In this article, it’s dad’s turn to share his thoughts, fears and advice on moving home with a family.

Here’s Dave’s experience.

From first glance to final offer

“At first sight, the … Continue Reading…


150424 How Landlords Can Get the Best from Their Letting Agent

Landlords, Get the Best from Your Letting Agent by following These Simple Steps

If you’re a landlord looking to save time and money (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), a good letting agent can be a game-changer.

They’ll manage your rental property day to day (so you’re free to focus on your other responsibilities), regularly check in with your tenants (to ensure there are no issues) and remind you of your legal obligations.

A top letting agent can also look ahead and, drawing on their industry experience, advise you on your long-term investment strategy.

But, as … Continue Reading…


100424 The Pros and Cons of Taking Your Kids to Property Viewings

The Pros and Cons of Taking Your Kids to Property Viewings

If you’re looking for a new family home in or around Wellingborough, Irthlingborough or Rushden, viewings will play a key role in your quest to find ‘The One’.

While marketing photos and virtual tours serve an important purpose, nothing rivals seeing the décor, layout and location with your own eyes.

Viewings also give buyers the chance to discuss the property with the agent and learn more about its history and the seller’s situation.

With all this in mind, where does that leave parents? … Continue Reading…


080424 Making Tax Digital A Timeline for Landlords on the Upcoming Changes

Making Tax Digital: A Timeline for Landlords on the Upcoming Changes

Did you know that HMRC plans to introduce new rules on how landlords file their tax returns?

Here’s an update on what these changes involve and a timeline for when they’ll come into force.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is an initiative designed to streamline the tax system by fully digitising it.

As MTD has been mooted for quite some time and its implementation delayed twice already, you may have already heard about it.

But if you’re hazy on the details or have buried your … Continue Reading…


030424 Home Sellers Staging Your Home on a Budget

Home Sellers: Staging Your Home on a Budget OR

Are you planning to sell your home this year?

Or just curious about what your property may be worth in the current market?

Good news – this article will give you five easy-to-follow tips highlighting how effectively staging your home can boost its appeal to potential buyers.

Styling your home can also potentially speed up the sale and even increase the value of offers you receive.

Let’s dive into the tips.

Declutter and depersonalise

Start by decluttering each room to make your home appear more spacious … Continue Reading…


010424 Landlords Slash Your Property Void Spells

Landlords: Slash Your Property Void Spells

Owning a rental property isn’t just about what happens while tenants are in place; effectively managing periods when your property is unoccupied is equally important.

Every landlord faces void periods as a natural part of property letting, making it essential to prepare financially and strategically to manage its impact.

Void periods mean not only the loss of rental income but also the burden of continuing to pay the mortgage, utilities (including standing charges) and council tax without money coming in from tenants.

It … Continue Reading…