Market review

Over the next days all of us will be digesting the outcome of the budget and what it means to us individually. The housing market, which has stalled in recent weeks, has likewise been waiting for the Chancellors speech so it can move forward.

Realistically, the main driver for the housing market at the moment now lies with interest rates and if the Bank of England feel the time is right to reduce them. No doubt, over the next few days … Continue Reading…

What The Budget Means for the Property Market

With PM Keir Starmer warning it would be painful, the new government’s first Budget has been hotly awaited for some weeks now.

In this article, we’ll look at what the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, announced – paying specific attention to what will affect the property market.

The Chancellor started by giving forecasts which suggest inflation will rise slightly, to 2%+, over the next few years. And that economic growth will be modest – only 1-2% yearly.

She reminded us all about … Continue Reading…

Good News If You’re Looking for a Mortgage

Think back to this time in 2022, and you’ll recall the mortgage market was in complete disarray.

In the aftermath of the Mini-Budget, there was a frenzy of activity – none of it good for homebuyers or people looking to renew their mortgage.

Worried lenders were pulling products left, right and centre, and the average two-year fixed deal jumped by 2% in just a month.

But that was then, and this is now.

Two years later, the mortgage market has rebounded, as demonstrated by … Continue Reading…

Seven Days until the Budget – Will It Be Painful for Homeowners?

PM Keir Starmer has already issued a warning that next week’s Budget will be painful… to help fill a ‘£22 billion black hole’ of debt. So, could this Budget be painful for homeowners? In this article, we’ll take a look at what Chancellor Rachel Reeves might be planning.

Capital gains tax

It seems highly likely that there will be changes to capital gains tax (CGT) – the tax you pay on gains you make when selling an asset, such as a property … Continue Reading…

Our National Coverage Is Expanding

Richard James have been members of Relocation Agent Network for approximately 30 years, this gives us access to both buyers and sellers who are looking to relocate through associated estate agent offices across the UK.

The network has grown considerably this year and now has 730 offices nationwide, including more than 50 in the London area to which a customer can be referred to. This is to either help them buy a new home or to assist in selling their existing … Continue Reading…

Is Autumn a Good Time to House Hunt?

The weather is dreary. Christmas is on the way.

So, right now is an absolutely terrible time to jump into the housing market. Isn’t it?

You should wait until the new year before you go house hunting. Shouldn’t you?

No! Let us explain why.

Firstly, in autumn, the market can work in your favour.

Probably the best reason for house hunting in the autumn is that many people don’t. So the market tends to be less frantic. That gives you more time to think about … Continue Reading…

Cuckooing: Could Your Tenant and Rental Property Be Targeted?

Cuckooing is a heartless crime that puts your tenant’s wellbeing at risk and leaves you, as the landlord, facing an array of legal issues.

So, if you own a rental property, here’s what you need to know.

What is it?

The term ‘cuckooing’ refers to when a criminal gang moves into someone’s home and uses the property for illegal purposes.

How it starts

Criminals tend to target vulnerable people, be they lonely, elderly, intellectually disabled or on the breadline.

One way or another, be it with … Continue Reading…

Why It’s a Bad Idea to Spy on Property Viewings

In the past decade, millions of Brits have snapped up home tech gadgets to monitor their kids, cats, dogs and deliveries.

About one in five homes has a doorbell camera, while thousands more have pet CCTV or video baby monitors.

With all this kit installed, it’s probably no surprise that some people have taken to using it for another purpose.

An increasing number of property sellers are using home tech to eavesdrop on property viewings.

Should you do it, too? Here are three reasons … Continue Reading…

The New Online Tool Designed to Take the Guesswork Out of Home Renovations

Rightmove has unveiled a new tool to help calculate how much renovation works add to the value of a property.

How does it work, and is it any good? Let’s find out.

To renovate or not to renovate? It’s a common property dilemma to which there isn’t a straightforward answer.

In truth, it all depends on what you do and how you do it.

A well-executed refurbishment can transform a property and net the owner a healthy profit.

But if the work is poor quality … Continue Reading…

Three Handy Hacks for a Healthier, Happier Home

Creating a home that nurtures you and your loved ones goes beyond décor, design and furniture layout.

A well-balanced living environment can greatly improve your physical, mental and emotional health.

Here are three tips to help you create a healthier, happier home.

Clear the clutter for mental clarity

A cluttered home often mirrors a cluttered mind. Research has shown that clutter can increase stress levels and negatively impact mental health. A study from the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that individuals with cluttered … Continue Reading…