January Market Update

The first month of the year has gone by in a flash and the normal busy New Year start to housing market has begun. We are experiencing very high volumes of valuation appointments and viewings, but a far lower percentage of these appointments have resulted into actual business. Sometimes it does take time for people to make definite decisions so we are hopeful the momentum will carry into February and see more confirmed sales and new property listings.

The uncertain last … Continue Reading…

Five Steps on the Path to First-Time Renting Success

Renting your first home is exciting, but it’s not just about picking up the keys and unpacking boxes. There are a few key points to consider before signing on the dotted line.

This article will help you feel prepared, informed, and confident as you start your first tenancy.

Step 1: Set your budget

Before you begin your search, be clear on what you can comfortably afford each month. Remember to factor in more than just rent. Utilities, council tax (unless included), food, travel, … Continue Reading…

The Four D’s That Drive Any Property Market

There are loads of property buzzwords and phrases used to describe what’s happening (or not) in the property market.

Such as:

Hot markets. Cool markets. Booms. Busts. Slowdowns.

But there’s something far more consistent at work in the background, and it doesn’t get talked about anywhere near enough.

It’s known as the Four D’s, and it quietly drives movement in any property market at every time of year, regardless of interest rates, headlines, the economy, or confidence levels.

The Four D’s are not trends or … Continue Reading…

Landlords – How to Banish the Blue Monday Blues

Blue Monday is often described as the most miserable day of the year.

It usually falls on the third Monday in January, that’s today if you are reading this on January 19, 2026.

It’s the perfect ‘misery storm’ when dark mornings, cold weather, post-Christmas bills, and a long gap until spring all collide.

While it’s not a scientific diagnosis, the gloomy feeling behind it seems very real – especially for landlords juggling rents, repairs, regulation changes, and economic uncertainty.

The good news? A good … Continue Reading…

A Seller’s Checklist for Choosing the Right Buyer

Accepting an offer on your home is not just about the amount you’ve been offered.

The ‘best’ buyer is often the one who is best placed to see the sale through to completion.

With a significant number of property transactions falling through, asking potential buyers the right questions early can save time, stress, and disappointment later.

While buyers often come armed with questions of their own, savvy sellers and experienced agents know that a successful move requires research both ways.

Here are nine questions … Continue Reading…

New Enforcement Powers for Local Authorities: What Landlords Need to Know

From 27 December 2025, local housing authorities in England can use new powers introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 to help them investigate potential breaches of housing law in the private rented sector.

These powers can apply to private landlords and, where relevant, letting agents or others involved in letting or managing rented homes.

But what does all that mean for landlords like you?

Keep reading.

A shift towards more proactive investigations

One of the practical changes is that councils have clearer legal tools … Continue Reading…

Six Steps to Seasonal Home Selling Success

Winter is often written off as a quiet time to sell a property, but that assumption rarely holds up when you look a little closer.

For homeowners with the right approach, the colder, darker months can offer genuine opportunities, especially heading into a new year when many buyers are actively making plans.

If you are considering a move this winter, here are six practical points that can make a real difference.

Buyer motivation is often stronger

Winter buyers are usually serious. Fewer people browse … Continue Reading…

Rent Planning for Landlords in 2026

The first week of a new year is a good time to pause, take stock and think about the future.

For landlords, one of the most important questions heading into 2026 is a familiar one.

“Is the rent on my property set at the right level?”

With the Renters’ Rights Act approaching and the cost of running a buy-to-let continuing to rise, setting your rent has become more complex.

It is no longer about following the market and hoping for the best. It requires … Continue Reading…