What Affects the Value of Your Property?

If you’re planning to sell your property, the first question that you’ll inevitably ask is how much it’s worth. Your home may be invaluable to you and your loved ones, but it’s also got a market value.

But how is a property valued? Is there a magic formula? How does an agent decide its worth? And why might your property be valued less than the house two doors down?

In this quick read, we look at different factors that affect the value … Continue Reading…

Weird and Wonderful Ways the World Celebrates NYE

Want Good Luck for the Year Ahead? Check Out These Global Traditions

Whether you’re planning a big night out, popping open the champers in front of the TV or having an early night, New Year’s Eve is all about having a good time any way you want.

From fireworks to group singsongs, late bedtimes for kids and lie-ins for sore heads the next day, the UK loves a celebration. But while we clasp hands and sing an out-of-tune rendition of Auld Lang … Continue Reading…

What You Can Expect As A Landlord in 2023

It’s safe to say, 2022 has been a year full of change for landlords. The last 12 months have seen more buy-to-let landlords selling up than ever before despite the demand for rental properties surging.ith new laws in force impacting landlords across the UK, the media has described such changes as a ‘war on landlords’, whilst tenants’ rights groups have applauded reforms around health and safety and eviction rules.

So, what next? What can landlords look forward to (or not) in … Continue Reading…

Why Property Management is Value for Money for Landlords

As a landlord, you might have invested in property for additional income; maybe it’s a way to save for your future, or perhaps you’re an accidental landlord and had to rent your property out due to a change in circumstances.

Whatever the reason, it’s a safe bet that you want to make a good return on your investment.

But while you’re happy to use a letting agent to find tenants, when it comes down to it, you just can’t bring yourself to … Continue Reading…

Are Mortgage Overpayments Good or Bad?

Mortgages are dull. Let’s be honest. They’re huge commitments, they’re complicated to arrange and in the current climate, it’s understandable if the thought of a mortgage gets you a bit jittery.

Putting rising interest rates to one side (easier said than done) and ignoring the doom and gloom news we’ve been exposed to over the last few months, it’s time to talk about mortgage overpayments.

What are they? Are they a good or bad thing?

In this four-minute read, we explain the ins … Continue Reading…

Five Mortgage Tips You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Here are five tips to help mortgage hunters find the best deal in the current market.

With inflation and interest rates rising and so much uncertainty in the market, choosing the right mortgage deal in the current climate can be daunting.

While no one has a crystal ball to predict exactly what will happen over the next 12 months, mortgage brokers suggest you follow these five common-sense rules* when looking for a mortgage.

Get advice from a good mortgage broker

It’s helpful to do your … Continue Reading…

Changing Property Trends: What Buyers Really Want

If you’re looking to market your home, read on to find out what’s hot and what’s not in the property world.

Forget trend forecasters and property commentators; if it’s insight into housing trends that you want, turn your attention to estate agents.

As agents spend so much time looking around people’s homes, they have their finger on the pulse when it comes to changing property tastes.

And they use this knowledge when they write the marketing descriptions that you see on property portals. … Continue Reading…

Market Update – December 2022

The past twelve months have certainly been eventful, the Bank of England has raised the base interest rate from 0.25% to 3%, the cost-of-living crisis has taken a grip, inflation is running at over 11%, we have had three Prime Ministers and four Chancellors.

So, what impact has this had on the housing market?

As we know, the housing market experienced a strong period of activity from the outbreak of Covid through to Spring of this year. This was fueled by historically … Continue Reading…

Saving Energy Could Mean a Higher Selling Price

Energy is a hot topic. From price hikes to conserving energy, every day there seems to be a new thing to think about. And now, research has shown that being more energy efficient could even bump up the value of your home.

Boiler company BOXT found that increasing the EPC rating of your home to C or above could boost your house price by 23%. So, if you’re thinking about selling your property, you may want to consider improving its energy … Continue Reading…

The Five ‘Rs’ of Making the Most of Your Property Portfolio

A property portfolio is a great way to generate income and build yourself a tidy retirement nest egg. But there’s more to it than shaking hands with new tenants and waiting for the rent to roll in.

You need robust systems and a professional attitude to protect your investment and ensure you don’t wind up out of pocket or on the wrong side of the law.

To find out what it takes to manage several rental properties, read our guide, the Five … Continue Reading…