Five Smart Upgrades That Maximise Your Buy-to-Let ROI

Knowing when to refurbish your rental property isn’t about following a calendar — it’s about following the money.

Because the right refurb, done at the right time, can be one of the most profitable decisions a landlord ever makes.

Here are five high-return on investment moments and moves worth paying attention to.

1. Between Tenancies (a no-brainer)

When your tenants move out, it’s open season for improvements.

You’ve got an empty canvas, no disruption to anyone’s life, and a chance to make upgrades that attract … Continue Reading…

How to Create a Home Where Good Habits Come Easy

We often think of habits as something we do, but the environment we live in plays a huge role in shaping them.

As James Clear, author of the multi-million selling book Atomic Habits, puts it: “Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behaviour.”

So, if you want to build better routines, start by setting up your home to make good habits easy and bad ones hard.

And where better to start than at home, sweet home.

Here are five ways to do it.

1. … Continue Reading…

Love It or List It? Should You Move or Stay Put

It’s one of life’s big property questions: should you love the home you’re in or list it for sale and move on?

For many homeowners, deciding whether to move or stay put isn’t just about bricks, mortar, and market conditions – it’s also about emotions, lifestyle, and timing.

Here are five reasons why people decide to stay – and five reasons why they choose to move.

Five reasons people stay put

1. They love their neighbourhood

Good neighbours, a friendly community, and local amenities can … Continue Reading…

Thinking of Moving Area? Here’s How to Research It Like a Pro

As the evenings draw in and another year nears its end, many people start thinking about fresh starts.

For some, that means a new home — and sometimes, a completely new area.

But before you fall for a property on Rightmove, it’s worth doing your homework on the location.

 A dream home in the wrong area can quickly lose its shine, while the right neighbourhood can make everyday life feel that much better.

Here are five top tips to research an area before you … Continue Reading…

October Market Update

The UK property market currently appears to be a casualty of the weak UK economy, confidence in the economy is low which has translated to lower levels of activity in the property market. Due to a lack of confidence first time buyers are waiting on the side-lines waiting for better times ahead. Despite the Bank of England holding interest rates, mortgage lenders have edged up their fixed rate deals up in anticipation that rates may not reduce further in the … Continue Reading…

Don’t Be Scared If Your House is Haunted – We Can Still Sell It For You

It’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night. Here is some advice on what you can do if you suspect your house or flat is haunted and you’re thinking of moving on.

Firstly, how to tell if your house is haunted

According to a report by The Guild of Property Professionals*, there are a few telltale signs:

Unexpected noises such as footsteps or the sound of animals scratching are a particular … Continue Reading…

Selling Your Property Yourself: What Homeowners Need to Know

It’s quite possible – and legal – to handle the sale of your house or flat yourself. But here are a few ‘home truths’ about whether it’s a good idea.

DIY Selling Involves a LOT of Work

You’ll need to get your house or flat ready for sale. Then you’ll have to do all these tasks as well

Value your property and determine an appropriate asking price.

Write an extensive description (ensuring that you include all the legally required material information) and take lots … Continue Reading…

Seasonal Selling Tips: How to Impress Autumn Buyers

If you’re looking to list your home this autumn, here’s a seasonal selling strategy to help you attract and impress buyers.

When it comes to selling a home, there are a few fundamentals that apply year-round.

It’s critical that you get the price right, have a clear-out and clean up and use a great agent.

But along with nailing these essentials, it’s also worth making a few seasonal adjustments to the way you present your property.

It’s no secret that the days are shorter, … Continue Reading…

Are These Mortgage Myths Stopping You from Buying a Home?

Think you can’t afford to get on the property ladder? Well, think again. Thanks to changes in the mortgage market, the reality may be very different.

Many aspiring first-time buyers (FTBs) have the wrong idea when it comes to mortgages, new research has found.

A study by mortgage brokers Alexander Hall says many would-be FTBs don’t realise just how much the mortgage landscape has improved in the past 12 months.

As a result, they mistakenly assume they’re locked out of owning a home.

The … Continue Reading…

What First-Time Buyers Really Want

First-time buyers have always been key drivers of the housing market. Their choices don’t just shape the property landscape today – they also hint at where things might head tomorrow.

New research from Barclays has shed light on what’s driving the decisions of different generations as they become homeowners for the first time.

And the results show that while affordability remains a universal challenge, what first-time buyers (FTBs) want in a home changes noticeably with age.

Gen Z: Forever homes with work-ready spaces

For … Continue Reading…