Market update

The events of the last month have certainly disturbed the flow of the recovering housing market. Confidence, activity and sales have been higher in the first half of this year compared to 2023 but July has seen a general election, speculation of an interest rate reduction and rare summer warm weather.

Activity has dipped through July; we always predicted the end of June and the lead up to the general election would calm activity. Since the election the main topic of … Continue Reading…

Buying Your Rental from Your Landlord

If you feel totally at home in your rental property, you may daydream about buying it from your landlord.

So, what issues come into play when you want to buy the property that you’re renting? Let’s take a look.

Be realistic

While it’s not unheard of for a tenant to buy their rental, it is uncommon.

One reason for this is timing: the tenant needs to be in a financial position to buy the property at the same point as the landlord is looking … Continue Reading…

Interest Rates: How Close Are We to a Cut, and Should You Delay Moving for It?

Property experts say that many people have put their moving plans on hold until interest rates drop*.

Is this the right or wrong thing to do?

Let’s take a look**.

First, some context

In its battle to beat inflation, the Bank of England (BoE) has held rates at 5.25% since August last year.

While some predict the BoE may cut rates when it meets in August, the change, if any, is expected to be small. So, yes, we could see a rate cut this year, … Continue Reading…

How Estate Agents Have Evolved over the Centuries

The role of estate agents has dramatically transformed over the centuries.

How the job of helping people buy and sell properties has developed has mirrored the changes in society, technology and the property market itself.

This evolution has been shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological advancements and changing consumer expectations.

Let’s jump in the metaphorical Tardis and journey through time to explore how estate agents in the UK have evolved and what the future might hold.

The early days: Door-to-door and handwritten ledgers

In the … Continue Reading…

Protect Your Rental from Bedbugs, Bird Mites and Other Creepy Crawlies

There’s no room for complacency when it comes to dealing with insects in a rental property.

What can start as a minor inconvenience can quickly become a major issue, especially as summer is breeding season.

So, here’s a list of common bugs for tenants and landlords to keep an eye out for.

Bedbugs

Holidaymakers often inadvertently bring bedbugs home with them in their luggage (they are a common problem in the hotel industry).

The bloodsuckers look like red or brown seeds but can be hard … Continue Reading…

Technology and the Timeless Role of Estate Agents

Many tech experts predict that artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionise how we live in the future.

So, what impact will AI have on the home selling process?

Here’s a quick look at how AI might influence the property market in years to come and why estate agents will always have an important part to play.

AI-driven valuations

AI algorithms analyse vast amounts of data on recent sales and market trends to provide accurate and up-to-date valuations. This helps sellers set competitive prices and attract … Continue Reading…

Common Rental Terms Every Renter Needs to Know

Lettings terminology can be confusing, especially if you’re new to renting.

So, here’s a jargon-busting list of commonly used rental terms to help you navigate the lettings market*.

Agent

An agent is a person who acts on behalf of the property owner (i.e. the landlord). Agents can be involved in letting activities such as finding tenants, tenant referencing and the day-to-day management of the property.

Arrears

If a tenant fails to pay some or all of their rent when it’s due (as specified in the … Continue Reading…

Material Information: What Wellingborough, Irthlingborough & Rushden Sellers Need to Know

Before you list your home, be prepared for your estate agent to go on a fact-finding mission.

They’ll ask you lots of questions about your property because they’re following industry best practice by compiling what’s known as ‘material information’.

This is defined as “information which the average consumer needs, according to the context, to make an informed transactional decision”.*

In other words, material information saves everyone time by letting buyers know as much as possible about a property from the outset.

It helps prevent … Continue Reading…

Eight Things to Consider if a Tenant Abandons Your Rental

Property abandonment is a rare but complex issue that, if mishandled, can get a landlord in legal trouble.

So, let’s look at the key things to consider if a tenant abandons your rental without notice.

What is abandonment?

When a tenant leaves a rental before the end of their contract (usually without notifying the landlord), it’s called abandonment.

If a landlord suspects their tenant has ‘done a runner’, then it’s important that they follow these tips.

Talk to an expert

If you think you’re dealing with tenancy … Continue Reading…

Game, Set & Match: The Wimbledon Approach to Selling Your Home

With Wimbledon now in full swing, many people around the globe are captivated by the extraordinary skill and determination of the tennis stars gracing SW19.

But have you ever thought about the similarities between these elite athletes and top estate agents? Probably not, and it might seem unlikely, but the parallels are surprisingly apt.

Just as Wimbledon champions demonstrate precision, strategy and endurance on the court, the best estate agents showcase these qualities in helping homeowners move successfully.

Let’s look at ways in … Continue Reading…