August Market Update

It’s been a tough summer for the housing market with little improvement since the Bank of England interest rate reduction in early August. It seems further rate reductions are required to encourage more buyers, particularly first-time buyers to enter the market. Chains are not being generated whilst buyers stand on the side lines.

It doesn’t feel like people are fearful of buying a property, it is more a case that they are still concerned about the economy and world events which … Continue Reading…

What to Consider Before You Invest in a Garden Room

If you’re desperate for more space at home, could a room in the garden be the solution? Here’s what you need to consider first.

With children increasingly living with their parents well into their twenties and thirties, many homeowners are yearning for more living space.

The obvious answer to this quandary is to build an extension.

But when this isn’t feasible (due to limited finances or structural constraints), creating a shed room in the garden can be the answer.

A garden room, also known … Continue Reading…

Should You Fit an EV Charger in Your Buy-to-Let?

There are now 1.3 million electric vehicles on UK roads, with numbers rising 38% over the last year alone.* Here’s what landlords need to know about the demand for electric vehicle charging.

Do you need to fit an EV charger in your property?

There is currently no legal requirement for rental properties to offer EV charging.

However, all new build homes with private parking are now required to offer facilities for EV charging.

Are tenants allowed to charge EVs?

You could already have a tenant … Continue Reading…

Don’t Fall for It! Why Overvaluing a Property Can Spell Disaster

Here are some home truths about property overvaluations that you must read if you’re thinking about listing your property.

If it’s too good to be true…well, you know how the rest of the saying goes.

In fact, you’ve probably used it when a friend or family member has asked you for financial or business advice.

But even if you’re usually the first to spot when something’s not quite right, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to falling for an overvaluation.

There’s something about the emotional … Continue Reading…

Make Handling Tenant Complaints a Breeze With Our Simple, Stress-Free Tips

Even good landlords with good tenants sometimes receive complaints. Here are some top tips for handling any complaints you might receive quickly and easily.

What do tenants complain about most?

According to the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA)*, most complaints aren’t actually about major disasters. They’re about small everyday issues. (Things that are pretty straightforward for landlords to sort out, if you’re well organised.)

Key issues highlighted in a report by the NRLA include problems with heat and hot water, leaking pipes and … Continue Reading…

How Will the New Mortgage Guarantee Scheme Affect the Market?

The Government has recently announced a new mortgage guarantee scheme. Here we’ll explain how it works and what it might mean for the property market.

What is the new Mortgage Guarantee Scheme?

The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is an official scheme where the government backs mortgages that are larger than a bank or building society may be willing to offer.

In practical terms, this means that buyers who can’t get together a 10% deposit may be able to purchase with just a 5% deposit.

Many … Continue Reading…

Survey Reveals the Truth Behind ‘Landlord Exodus’ Claims

A new survey pours cold water on the claim that landlords are abandoning the private rental sector in droves.

The press loves a dramatic headline, don’t they?

Back in December, one national newspaper ran this thundering warning: ‘The devastating landlord exodus about to hit Britain.’

Other mainstream and specialist property news outlets followed suit, claiming that the private rental sector was facing Armageddon.

Landlords were set to exit the sector at a rapid rate because of increased regulation and rising costs, they said

Nine months … Continue Reading…