The True Cost of a Void Period: And How to Avoid One

A void period is the time between one tenant moving out and another moving in.

Most landlords understand that an empty property means lost rent.

But many underestimate just how far the costs can spread.

Let’s take a closer look.

Lost Rent Is Just the Beginning

The most obvious cost is the rental income itself.

If your property rents for £1,200 per month and sits empty for six weeks, you are looking at around £1,800 in lost rent. For most landlords, that is a significant sum … Continue Reading…

What Some Agents Don’t Want to Tell You About Proof of Funds

Big congrats. You’re in the market to buy a new home. Here’s what you need to know about proof of funds and when you really need it.

What is proof of funds?

Proof of funds is some evidence, ideally in writing, that you can afford to buy the house or flat you’ve got your eye on.

What proof is normally accepted?

These are usually fine, although there are no concrete rules:

* A mortgage offer in principle (or MIP) from your bank or building society.

* … Continue Reading…

Off-Market Property Sales: When “Discreet” Could Cost You £££££s

“Off-market” selling of a home sounds sophisticated. Private. Exclusive. The sort of thing many homeowners assume wealthy or well-connected sellers do.

But in reality, an off-market sale can either be a sensible strategy that protects a seller’s privacy… or a decision that quietly costs them a substantial amount of money.

The important thing is understanding the difference before agreeing to it.

First, it helps to understand what “off-market” actually means.

Some properties are never advertised publicly on portals like Rightmove or Zoopla. Others are … Continue Reading…

Why Your First Two Weeks on the Market Are Crucial

Why the Early Days Matter

Speak to almost any experienced estate agent, and they will tell you the same thing: the first two weeks after a property launches are usually the most important part of the entire sales process.

What happens during that period can have a huge influence on the final sale price, the level of buyer interest and how smoothly the move progresses from there.

When your home first appears on the major property portals, it is immediately pushed to buyers … Continue Reading…

Is Your Landlord Insurance Actually Covering You?

The auto-renewal trap

Many landlords take out insurance when they first let a property and then barely look at it again.

The policy renews, the premium gets paid, and life moves on, which is understandable.

But it’s worth asking whether that policy still reflects your situation or ever fully covered you in the first place.

Standard home insurance won’t cut it

If you’re letting a property covered only by a standard buildings or contents policy, and you haven’t told your insurer it’s tenanted, you may … Continue Reading…