Property Trends in the Rental Market in 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at how the private rental sector changed in 2020.

2020 is the year the property world’s most famous mantra – location, location, location – was replaced with a new motto: space, space, space.

In the past, if tenants couldn’t afford a spacious property in a great location, they tended to opt for location and compromise on space.

It was better, most people thought, to have a shorter commute and less living space (after all, most of us … Continue Reading…

Five Fun Festive Activities You Can Do with the Kids

We look at five Christmassy things to do with the kids that won’t break the bank.

Covid-19 has put the kibosh on big family gatherings and trips to the panto this Christmas, but there are still plenty of ways you can get into the festive spirit with your little ones.

Here are five low-cost activities that will bring comfort and joy to your children during the holiday season.

1. Go on a Christmas lights walk/drive
Kids love a bit of razzle-dazzle so take them … Continue Reading…

The Biggest Property Trends of 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at the key themes that emerged in the UK property market in 2020.

2020 is the year things went nuts in the property sector, with activity in and around Wellingborough, Irthlingborough and Rushden along with the rest of the country screeching to an abrupt halt for several weeks, before blasting back into action as buyers emerged from lockdown with a new set of priorities.

Here are four talking points from the year.

1. Race for space

Lockdown 1 served … Continue Reading…

How the VERY Rich Live – A Billionaire’s Christmas List

At Richard James, we always charge our clients a value for money fee unlike some of the eye-watering prices you’re about to discover. Here are what billionaires are willing to stump up for shoes, burgers, a photo, some vino, and an unbelievable home – a three-minute read.

Have you written out your Christmas wish list yet?

If your loved ones have given you theirs, and you’ve thought, ‘do they think I’m made of money?’, consider yourself lucky.

The letters to Santa from the … Continue Reading…

Six Ways to Have Your Most Environmentally-Friendly Christmas Ever

Who says you can’t have a great time this Christmas AND do your bit for Planet Earth? In this two-minute read, we look at some simple things people in and around Wellingborough, Irthlingborough and Rushden can do to make the festive period as eco-friendly as possible.

There’s been some positive vaccine news starting to come out in the UK and across the world.

But the news around our planet’s health isn’t as rosy. On Wednesday (2 December), United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres … Continue Reading…

A Guide to the Cost of Moving

Today, we outline the costs and fees associated with buying a property so that you can budget for your next move.

Buying a new home can be an exciting prospect, but often in the thrill of the search, buyers fail to budget for some of the costs that are part and parcel of the process

Consumer champion Which? estimates moving costs on average of £10,000 (that’s excluding deposit), although this figure varies depending on the value of the new property.

By starting with … Continue Reading…

Four Reasons Why We Should Do Our Bit for Small Businesses

Today we look at the crucial role small businesses play in bringing prosperity and personality to our high streets.

Small businesses in and around Wellingborough, Irthlingborough and Rushden have played a vital part in helping our community to get through the pandemic, so it’s no wonder that many of us are feeling a lot of love for local firms right now.

A new survey has found 59% of Brits say they support local businesses now more than they did pre-Covid-19.

The research, commissioned … Continue Reading…

Who is in Your Christmas Bubble?

In this two-minute read, we look at this week’s Christmas announcements mean to households in Northamptonshire.

This year has been filled with anguish and anxiety for many of us.

But the news that came out last week around successful vaccines and yesterday’s announcement of the temporary relaxation around social distancing rules over Christmas has cheered up many of us.

And in true Christmas miracle fashion, it’s got the four national governments of the UK to take a united approach.

For five days, people have the … Continue Reading…

Let’s Look Out for Each Other’s Mental Health This Winter

We look at six ways people in Wellingborough, Irthlingborough and Rushden can look after their mental health and that of their loved ones as we head into winter.

In early November, a week after the clocks went back, there was a spike in the UK’s highest levels of acute loneliness during the pandemic, according to the Office for National Statistics.

A BBC report claimed that the longer, darker evenings had led to 8% of adults saying they were feeling “always, or often … Continue Reading…

Planning to Sell Your Home in 2021? Then Read This Before Your Christmas Decorations Go Up

We look at why people planning to sell in 2021 should act now to take advantage of the traditional surge in interest from serious buyers.

If you’re contemplating putting your home on the market next year, there’s one thing you can do right now to maximise your chances of getting a great deal.

Before you get carried away in a giddy rush of festive fever and adorn your house in flashing lights and sparkly tinsel, take a deep breath and pause for … Continue Reading…