Getting the Family Home Ready for Sale: Tips for Parents

Selling a home can be stressful, no matter what your circumstances.

But the moving process can be even more complicated if you’re a parent with young children.

Juggling work commitments and the needs of your offspring while ticking off all your sales prep chores can be daunting.

So, here are some tips to make things easier.

Decluttering

Buyers prefer clutter-free properties, but the minimalist look is hard to achieve when you live with little ones.

From bikes and balls to trucks and teddies – children accumulate … Continue Reading…

August Market Update

August has been a strange month for the housing market, despite the Bank of England interest rate reduction, so far, we haven’t seen an immediate surge in activity compared to the months leading up to it. However, the market is in a completely different place to this time last year when there as no sign of interest rates even stabilising.

Compared to August 2023, the month when interest rates were last increased, the market has significantly improved with a noticeable change … Continue Reading…

Savvy Styling Tips for Your Rental Property

Property experts often advise sellers to style their home before they put it on the market.

Go the extra mile with presentation, and buyers will be impressed by what they see and smell, or so the theory goes.

But do the same styling rules apply to landlords hoping to attract top tenants to their buy-to-let?

While there’s a little less scope for creative presentation with rentals (because they tend to be unfurnished), we think basic styling principles can still apply.

A well-styled rental sends … Continue Reading…

Don’t Make It Personal: Why Statement Features Can Turn Off Buyers

When estate agents tell sellers not to over-personalise their property, what do they mean? Here’s a real-life tale that explains all.

The story appeared in the Daily Mail a few months back and centres around a three-bed semi that had been painted Barbie pink inside and out by the property’s fun-loving owner.

The woman, Kathy, was such a gregarious figure in her Nottinghamshire village that she was nicknamed the Pink Lady, and her house was known as—you guessed it—the Pink House.

But when … Continue Reading…

Is It Better to Invest in Property or a Pension?

When it comes to retirement, most people have the same ambition: to spend their latter years doing what they love without worrying about scraping by.

But what’s the best way to build a nest egg to keep you secure in your old age?

Let’s look at two popular forms of investment: buy-to-lets (BTL) and pensions.

Reasons to invest in a buy-to-let
• Landlords can enjoy a monthly income plus capital growth.
• The property market has been buoyant over the past decade, with prices jumping … Continue Reading…

How to Choose a Legit Letting Agent to Manage Your Property

Great letting agents make a world of difference to their clients.

They’re star performers who keep tenancies running smoothly, properties well-maintained and landlords on the right side of the law.

But not all letting agents are equal. Unfortunately, a small minority are rogue operators with ulterior motives.

So how can landlords find a reputable, legit letting agent to manage their rental? Let’s find out.

 But first, a cautionary tale

This story, recently reported by the BBC, is a prime example of what can go wrong … Continue Reading…

Want to Be in Your New Home by Christmas? Now’s the Time to Act

It’s months away and probably the last thing on your mind right now, but we need to talk about Christmas.

We know it’s annoying when people jump on the festive bandwagon and drag out the tinsel and baubles early.

But there is a logical reason as to why we’re raising Christmas at this point in time.

And it’s this: if you have ambitions to move home in 2024, you need to grasp the nettle and act now.

Here’s why.

Property transactions take time, involve several … Continue Reading…

How Estate Agents Have Evolved over the Centuries

The role of estate agents has dramatically transformed over the centuries.

How the job of helping people buy and sell properties has developed has mirrored the changes in society, technology and the property market itself.

This evolution has been shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological advancements and changing consumer expectations.

Let’s jump in the metaphorical Tardis and journey through time to explore how estate agents in the UK have evolved and what the future might hold.

The early days: Door-to-door and handwritten ledgers

In the … Continue Reading…

Interest Rates: How Close Are We to a Cut, and Should You Delay Moving for It?

Property experts say that many people have put their moving plans on hold until interest rates drop*.

Is this the right or wrong thing to do?

Let’s take a look**.

First, some context

In its battle to beat inflation, the Bank of England (BoE) has held rates at 5.25% since August last year.

While some predict the BoE may cut rates when it meets in August, the change, if any, is expected to be small. So, yes, we could see a rate cut this year, … Continue Reading…

How Estate Agents Have Evolved over the Centuries

The role of estate agents has dramatically transformed over the centuries.

How the job of helping people buy and sell properties has developed has mirrored the changes in society, technology and the property market itself.

This evolution has been shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological advancements and changing consumer expectations.

Let’s jump in the metaphorical Tardis and journey through time to explore how estate agents in the UK have evolved and what the future might hold.

The early days: Door-to-door and handwritten ledgers

In the … Continue Reading…