Moving House Mid Term? How Families Make It Work

Everybody means to move in the summer holidays.

It is the plan every family starts with. Six clear weeks, no uniforms, no school run, unpack in August and walk into September like nothing happened.

Then the sale takes longer than anyone expected, or the right house appears in the second week of term, or the rental you wanted comes free in October. And suddenly you are moving in the middle of a school year with a maths test on Thursday.

It is far … Continue Reading…

What Every Homeowner Should Expect from an Estate Agent

Estate agents do not always have the best reputation, and it is worth being honest about that. In its 2025 Veracity Index, published in December 2025, Ipsos found that public trust in estate agents fell by five points on the year. That is not a comfortable statistic, but it is a useful one, because it raises the real question: how do you find an agent you can actually trust?

This is not a sales pitch. It is a guide to the … Continue Reading…

Grow to Learn: Celebrating National Allotments Week

From 10 to 16 August 2026, the country marks National Allotments Week, and this year’s theme is a lovely one: ‘Grow to Learn’. It is a week that celebrates something easy to overlook, the humble patch of green where people grow food, swap tips and quietly look after one another.

Locally, outdoor and community space has never felt more valuable. So this feels like the right moment to talk about why it matters, and how to get involved even if you … Continue Reading…

July Market Update

The Bank of England have held the UK base rate at 3.75% for the fifth consecutive time, but the cost of mortgage borrowing is currently considerably higher. As of today, 30th July the average two-year fixed rate deal is 5.62% and a five-year deal is 5.66%. Earlier this year, mortgage deals were more competitive with lower rates, well under 5%, despite the Bank of England rate remaining unchanged.The conflict in Iran has pushed the cost of oil up, subsequently pushing … Continue Reading…

One Simple Choice Can Make Your House Move Much Less Stressful

Moving day. Two words that can strike fear into even the calmest of homeowners.

Boxes everywhere. Wardrobes that won’t fit through doorways. A van running late while the new owners are already waiting for the keys.

Here’s the good news: choosing the right removals company sorts out most of that stress before it even starts.

Start looking the moment you have a date

Leave it too late, and you’ll have fewer choices and probably a higher bill. Fancy saving some cash? A midweek move … Continue Reading…

From Air Con to Shade Gardens: How Homes Are Adapting to a Changing Climate

Not so long ago, air conditioning in a British home was considered a bit extravagant. Something for hotels, maybe. Or offices. Not for a three-bed semi in our neck of the woods, perhaps.

Things have changed. Summers are hotter. Winters are wetter. And homeowners across the UK are quietly starting to adapt.

Here are five ways the changing climate is already reshaping how people think about their homes.

Air conditioning is no longer a luxury

Sales of home air conditioning units have risen sharply … Continue Reading…

Home Styles from Around the World (Cup)

As the World Cup captures the attention of football fans around the globe, most conversations naturally focus on players, managers and matches.

But there is another fascinating side to the countries taking part.

Their homes.

One of the joys of travelling is discovering how differently people live around the world. Climate, culture, history and geography all influence the design of homes, creating some wonderfully distinctive property styles.

So, while the football takes centre stage, let’s take a quick property tour of some of the … Continue Reading…

How to Choose the Right Conveyancer and Speed Your Sale or Purchase

Whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both at the same time, choosing the right conveyancer can make a big difference to how smoothly your move progresses.

A good conveyancer helps keep things moving.

A poor one can cause delays, frustration and unnecessary stress.

Here are our tips to find a good one:

Start looking early. Don’t wait until you’ve accepted an offer or had one accepted.

Ask for recommendations from people you trust, including your estate agent.

Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), … 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…