February Market Update

The first two months for the year have been pretty busy overall with more new properties coming to the market, giving buyers even more choice. Potential buyers are certainty out viewing in large numbers but are enough of them buying?

Despite sales being up on the same period last year, early data suggests that sales are not as strong as they should be compared to the number of viewings taking place. It seems potential buyers are making lower offers and not … Continue Reading…

Is the Home Buying Process About to Get Quicker?

New plans to speed up the conveyancing process have been announced. Let’s look at what they involve and if they will deliver.

We live in a digital age where banking and investing online are the norm.

But it’s a very different story in the world of conveyancing (the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another).

The system is still primarily paper-based – and it’s slow.

It takes, on average, five months to go from sale agreed to completion.*

This is why, … Continue Reading…

Landlords: Why and When You Should Do Property Checks

Most tenancies run smoothly. But when a tenancy goes wrong, it can go very wrong. Conducting a regular property check is one way to head off problems.

Why should you inspect your rental?

An inspection of your rental is an opportunity to check its condition. You can see how your tenant is looking after your property and identify any maintenance that might be needed.

You can also ensure no one is living there who isn’t on the tenancy, and that there’s no unauthorised … Continue Reading…

Buying a Property? Now’s the Time to Think About Your Will

There are certain milestones in your life when you should consider making a will or updating your existing one – and buying a home is one of them.

Why you should make a will

Making a will is the best way of ensuring that your home and other assets go to the people you want to have them when you die.

In legal terms, a will is known as a last will and testament. Your home and other assets are known as your … Continue Reading…

Renters’ Rights Bill: New Rules on Addressing Mould Explained

New rules on dealing with mould and damp in private rental properties are on the horizon. Here’s what landlords need to know.

The UK is a (generally) cold and wet country with the oldest housing stock in Europe.

So, it’s no surprise that problems such as damp and mould can arise in residential properties.

This was brought into sharp focus earlier this month when the English Housing Survey revealed that damp is a growing issue in the private rental sector which affects 9% … Continue Reading…

What You Need to Know Before Buying an Ex-Rental

Buying a property that was previously a rental can be well worth considering. Here’s what you need to know.

Firstly, why buy an ex-rental property?

 An ex-rental can be an attractive property proposition for many reasons. Let’s take a look at them.

Chain free

Buying an ex-rental can be a quick process. There’s no waiting for the seller to find somewhere else to buy.

 Competitively priced

Former rental properties can be attractively priced. When landlords put their buy-to-let on the market, they’re often looking for a … Continue Reading…

Why There’s No Room for Complacency Around Lettings Laws

Landlords need to know about an important government rule change that quietly came into force late last year.

Landlords have been warned to keep a close eye out for any new regulations introduced by their local council.

The advice comes after new rules making it easier for local councils to introduce selective licensing schemes quietly came into force in December.

Due to the timing of the changes – just two days before Christmas – the move largely flew under the radar.

However, many in … Continue Reading…

So You’ve Had an Offer Accepted, What Now?

Congratulations – you’ve had an offer on your future new home accepted. But don’t rush out to buy curtains just yet. Here’s some important information about what happens next.

First, the sale agreement is drawn up

The seller’s estate agent will probably draw up a sale agreement – sometimes known as a memorandum of sale – and give a copy to all parties.

This agreement will confirm the address of the property being bought, the price agreed, the names and addresses of both … Continue Reading…

Psychologists Reveal How to Keep Your Tenants Happy

How can you encourage tenants to settle long-term in your rental? A report compiled by consumer psychologists claims to have the answers.

A report on the psychology of buying and renting includes some helpful advice for landlords.

The Bricks to Belonging report* was compiled by the psychological and behavioural science firm IB.

It examines what drives renters to become first-time buyers or to move from one rental to another.

“Beyond the more obvious demographics of wealth and life stage”, the report found three important … Continue Reading…