October Market Update

The UK property market currently appears to be a casualty of the weak UK economy, confidence in the economy is low which has translated to lower levels of activity in the property market. Due to a lack of confidence first time buyers are waiting on the side-lines waiting for better times ahead. Despite the Bank of England holding interest rates, mortgage lenders have edged up their fixed rate deals up in anticipation that rates may not reduce further in the … Continue Reading…

Don’t Be Scared If Your House is Haunted – We Can Still Sell It For You

It’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night. Here is some advice on what you can do if you suspect your house or flat is haunted and you’re thinking of moving on.

Firstly, how to tell if your house is haunted

According to a report by The Guild of Property Professionals*, there are a few telltale signs:

Unexpected noises such as footsteps or the sound of animals scratching are a particular … Continue Reading…

Noise Complaints: Some Tips for Landlords

A new study* reveals that 54% of people in cities say their environment has become louder over the last five years, while 45% report that noise disrupts their lives on a weekly basis. With that in mind, let’s look at what landlords need to know about noise and noise complaints.

What Landlords Need to Know About Noise

Some types of noise are considered part of everyday life, and little can be done about them.

Noise that is just part of everyday life includes … Continue Reading…

Selling Your Property Yourself: What Homeowners Need to Know

It’s quite possible – and legal – to handle the sale of your house or flat yourself. But here are a few ‘home truths’ about whether it’s a good idea.

DIY Selling Involves a LOT of Work

You’ll need to get your house or flat ready for sale. Then you’ll have to do all these tasks as well

Value your property and determine an appropriate asking price.

Write an extensive description (ensuring that you include all the legally required material information) and take lots … Continue Reading…

Protecting Your Property and Tenants: Damp and Mould Awareness Week

Did you know that damp and mould impact seven million households in the UK?*

As it’s Damp and Mould Awareness Week, let’s take a closer look at what the issue means for landlords.

Damp and mould aren’t just unsightly; they can also be hazardous.

Left untreated, they can cause significant structural damage to a property and lead to health problems for tenants, such as respiratory issues and allergies.

For landlords, that means potential repair bills, complaints and, in the worst cases, legal challenges.

What the … Continue Reading…

Seasonal Selling Tips: How to Impress Autumn Buyers

If you’re looking to list your home this autumn, here’s a seasonal selling strategy to help you attract and impress buyers.

When it comes to selling a home, there are a few fundamentals that apply year-round.

It’s critical that you get the price right, have a clear-out and clean up and use a great agent.

But along with nailing these essentials, it’s also worth making a few seasonal adjustments to the way you present your property.

It’s no secret that the days are shorter, … Continue Reading…

Advice for Landlords on Tenants and Lodgers

The number of households taking lodgers has risen by 89% in just three years.* Here are some points landlords should consider if their tenant has a lodger or asks for permission to have one.

A lodger is someone who lives with a homeowner or tenant in their main home as a paying guest. They share amenities in the home, such as a kitchen and bathroom, and may have meals and laundry provided. The important thing is that they’re not part of … Continue Reading…

Are These Mortgage Myths Stopping You from Buying a Home?

Think you can’t afford to get on the property ladder? Well, think again. Thanks to changes in the mortgage market, the reality may be very different.

Many aspiring first-time buyers (FTBs) have the wrong idea when it comes to mortgages, new research has found.

A study by mortgage brokers Alexander Hall says many would-be FTBs don’t realise just how much the mortgage landscape has improved in the past 12 months.

As a result, they mistakenly assume they’re locked out of owning a home.

The … Continue Reading…

How to Choose the Right Tenant When Your Property is in High Demand

If you have a house or flat to let (or relet), then chances are you’ll have many applicants to choose from. Here are some thoughts on managing the process and selecting the very best tenant.

Have a great ‘to let’ advert

Have a detailed and accurate description of your rental, along with good photographs.

This helps by ensuring that only those tenants for whom the property is suitable apply.

Tip: Consider stating a minimum monthly income. Two-and-a-half times the monthly rent is one rule … Continue Reading…

What First-Time Buyers Really Want

First-time buyers have always been key drivers of the housing market. Their choices don’t just shape the property landscape today – they also hint at where things might head tomorrow.

New research from Barclays has shed light on what’s driving the decisions of different generations as they become homeowners for the first time.

And the results show that while affordability remains a universal challenge, what first-time buyers (FTBs) want in a home changes noticeably with age.

Gen Z: Forever homes with work-ready spaces

For … Continue Reading…