Monthly Archives: December 2024


301224 Six Key Questions to Ask Your Letting Agent

Six Key Questions to Ask Your Letting Agent

Don’t get just any letting agent to manage your investment property. Here are six useful questions to help you find a top professional.

Are you looking to lighten your load as a landlord in 2025?

Finding the perfect letting agent is your first step towards a New Year of hassle-free property management.

The right agent saves you time, reduces stress, maximises your income and can guide you safely (and legally) through the ever-changing maze of rental rules and regulations.

But with so many letting … Continue Reading…


251224 Why 2025 Can Prove Positive for Property Owners in AREA

Why 2025 Can Prove Positive for Property Owners

Homeowners and property hunters should feel optimistic about the housing market in the year ahead. Here’s why.

The newspapers are full of predictions of a national property crash.

The broadcast media are pumping out doom and gloom about the housing market’s prospects.

And ‘experts’ on social media and the local ‘pub professors’ are forecasting the end of the world (sometimes literally) but with little to no evidence.

But wait, the opening three paragraphs sum up what people were writing and saying about the property … Continue Reading…


231224 Burst Pipes Emergency Action Plan for Landlords Man

Burst Pipes: Emergency Action Plan for Landlords

If a pipe bursts at your rental, quick action will save you time and money. Here’s what landlords need to know. 

To steal a quote from Game of Thrones ‘Winter is Coming’. (Well, ok it’s here already.)

And the colder weather can bring different challenges for landlords, including burst pipes.

Here is some advice for landlords on dealing with (and avoiding) burst pipes at a rental property.

What causes a burst pipe?

In cold weather water in a pipe can freeze. As it freezes, it … Continue Reading…


181224 The Race is On to Beat Stamp Duty Changes

The Race is On to Beat Stamp Duty Changes

Changes to Stamp Duty come into force next year. Read on to learn how much they’ll cost you and how to deal with them effectively.

December is traditionally a quiet month in the property market – but that’s not proving to be the case this year.

Buyer demand is up with the property portal Rightmove suggesting first-time buyers (FTBs) are leading the charge*.

So why is there so much momentum when buyers and sellers typically ease off in the run-up to Christmas?

As many … Continue Reading…


161224 Should You Sell Your Rental in 2025

Should You Sell Your Rental in 2025?

The last few years have been challenging for some landlords. But don’t rush into a decision about the future of your buy-to-let until you’ve read this.

 

It’s fair to say that developments in recent years have made things more complicated for some landlords.

The restriction on mortgage interest tax relief and the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill have prompted some investors to question staying in the buy-to-let market.

Despite these challenges, there are several positives to take on board.

Reasons to keep your rental

Demand … Continue Reading…


111224 Changes to Leasehold Law What AREA Home Movers Need to Know

Changes to Leasehold Laws, What You Need to Know

If you own or are buying or selling a leasehold property, there could be some significant changes to think about in 2025.

With a leasehold property, you own the property but don’t own the land it sits on. Instead, you have a lease on it for a set number of years. You also pay ground rent to whoever owns the land – the freeholder.

There are five million leasehold properties in England and Wales. Most flats and some houses are leasehold. (Scotland … Continue Reading…


091224 Why Landlords Love ‘Rent Ready’ Tenants and How to Be One of Them

Why Landlords Love ‘Rent Ready’ Tenants and How to Be One of Them

Tenants can stand out in the competitive lettings market by being ‘rent ready’ before looking for a new place to live.

With an average of 21 people vying for each rental that comes on the market*, competition in the sector is fierce.

So, how can tenants avoid the frustration and disappointment of missing out on a great property?

The answer is to be ‘rent ready’.

What is rent ready?

Rent ready is a term used to describe a prospective tenant who has their documentation prepared … Continue Reading…


Toy donation tree

Christmas Toy Appeal 2024

For the past two decades, Jeanette, as Mother Christmas has been delivering joy to Northamptonshire’s most disadvantaged children.

Jeanette, who grew up in care, knows the joy a brand new gift can bring a child who feels unloved, neglected or forgotten. She has tirelessly worked since 2002 to bring joy to these disadvantaged children. She is asking for your help with the annual Christmas gift appeal by donating presents to be passed on to local children who are in need this … Continue Reading…


041224 The Best Day for Sellers in AREA is Coming Soon – Act Now

The Best Day for Sellers is Coming Soon – Act Now

What is the Boxing Day surge, and why should sellers act now to capitalise on it? Here’s what you need to know.

If you’re considering selling your home, a big day for showcasing your property to potential buyers is nearly upon us.

Boxing Day and the days after are often thought of as days for eating Turkey leftovers, watching old films or visiting relatives (including some we’d perhaps rather not).

But there’s something else these days are quickly becoming known for: it’s one … Continue Reading…


021224 A Very Merry Christmas Checklist for AREA Landlords

Christmas Checklist For Landlords

Want to enjoy a safe and stress-free Christmas without an emergency call from your tenants? Then, run through this helpful checklist.

Christmas is just a few weeks away, but don’t put your feet up yet if you’re a landlord.

While emergencies are rare at a rental property, they can crop up occasionally – even on Christmas Day.

A pipe could burst, the back fence could blow over, or some other unfortunate mishap that requires your urgent attention.

But there are ways you can minimise … Continue Reading…