Monthly Archives: October 2024


IMG_1163 - Updated

Market review

Over the next days all of us will be digesting the outcome of the budget and what it means to us individually. The housing market, which has stalled in recent weeks, has likewise been waiting for the Chancellors speech so it can move forward.

Realistically, the main driver for the housing market at the moment now lies with interest rates and if the Bank of England feel the time is right to reduce them. No doubt, over the next few days … Continue Reading…


How the Autumn Budget Effects the Property Market

What The Budget Means for the Property Market

With PM Keir Starmer warning it would be painful, the new government’s first Budget has been hotly awaited for some weeks now.

In this article, we’ll look at what the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, announced – paying specific attention to what will affect the property market.

The Chancellor started by giving forecasts which suggest inflation will rise slightly, to 2%+, over the next few years. And that economic growth will be modest – only 1-2% yearly.

She reminded us all about … Continue Reading…


301024 Good News If You’re Looking for a Mortgage in AREA

Good News If You’re Looking for a Mortgage

Think back to this time in 2022, and you’ll recall the mortgage market was in complete disarray.

In the aftermath of the Mini-Budget, there was a frenzy of activity – none of it good for homebuyers or people looking to renew their mortgage.

Worried lenders were pulling products left, right and centre, and the average two-year fixed deal jumped by 2% in just a month.

But that was then, and this is now.

Two years later, the mortgage market has rebounded, as demonstrated by … Continue Reading…


281024 The Renters Rights Bill Three Things AREA Landlords Should Know Man

The Renters’ Rights Bill: Three Things Landlords Should Know

The Renters’ Rights Bill is a big news story in the property rental world right now.

And there are lots of myths and inaccurate information being punted around.

In this article, we’ll give you straight answers to three of the most common questions landlords are asking us.

Will I be able to evict tenants if I need to?

The honest answer is: yes and no.

All tenancies will be periodic tenancies. There will be no fixed-term shorthold tenancies as there are now. Tenants will be … Continue Reading…


231024 Seven Days until the Budget – Will It Be Painful for AREA Homeowners

Seven Days until the Budget – Will It Be Painful for Homeowners?

PM Keir Starmer has already issued a warning that next week’s Budget will be painful… to help fill a ‘£22 billion black hole’ of debt. So, could this Budget be painful for homeowners? In this article, we’ll take a look at what Chancellor Rachel Reeves might be planning.

Capital gains tax

It seems highly likely that there will be changes to capital gains tax (CGT) – the tax you pay on gains you make when selling an asset, such as a property … Continue Reading…


Relocation Agent Network map RJ

Our National Coverage Is Expanding

Richard James have been members of Relocation Agent Network for approximately 30 years, this gives us access to both buyers and sellers who are looking to relocate through associated estate agent offices across the UK.

The network has grown considerably this year and now has 730 offices nationwide, including more than 50 in the London area to which a customer can be referred to. This is to either help them buy a new home or to assist in selling their existing … Continue Reading…


211024 Key Things to Look Out for in Next Week’s Budget

Key Things to Look Out for in Next Week’s Budget

After months of fevered speculation, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil her autumn Budget next week (Wednesday 30 October).

As the announcement could have important implications for landlords, let’s consider what might be included in it.

But first, a caveat

Leaks and rumours accompany the lead-up to any major fiscal event, and this Budget – Labour’s first for 14 years – has been no different.

There has been lots of speculation including some news articles that could only be described as scaremongering.

What we know is … Continue Reading…


161024 Is Autumn a Good Time to House Hunt

Is Autumn a Good Time to House Hunt?

The weather is dreary. Christmas is on the way.

So, right now is an absolutely terrible time to jump into the housing market. Isn’t it?

You should wait until the new year before you go house hunting. Shouldn’t you?

No! Let us explain why.

Firstly, in autumn, the market can work in your favour.

Probably the best reason for house hunting in the autumn is that many people don’t. So the market tends to be less frantic. That gives you more time to think about … Continue Reading…


141024 Cuckooing Could Your Tenant and Rental Property Be Targeted

Cuckooing: Could Your Tenant and Rental Property Be Targeted?

Cuckooing is a heartless crime that puts your tenant’s wellbeing at risk and leaves you, as the landlord, facing an array of legal issues.

So, if you own a rental property, here’s what you need to know.

What is it?

The term ‘cuckooing’ refers to when a criminal gang moves into someone’s home and uses the property for illegal purposes.

How it starts

Criminals tend to target vulnerable people, be they lonely, elderly, intellectually disabled or on the breadline.

One way or another, be it with … Continue Reading…


091024 Why It’s a Bad Idea to Spy on Property Viewings

Why It’s a Bad Idea to Spy on Property Viewings

In the past decade, millions of Brits have snapped up home tech gadgets to monitor their kids, cats, dogs and deliveries.

About one in five homes has a doorbell camera, while thousands more have pet CCTV or video baby monitors.

With all this kit installed, it’s probably no surprise that some people have taken to using it for another purpose.

An increasing number of property sellers are using home tech to eavesdrop on property viewings.

Should you do it, too? Here are three reasons … Continue Reading…