Property Prices Holding Steady According to National Survey of Estate Agents

Summer is traditionally the busy season for property sales and despite negative post lockdown predictions, the UK housing market would appear to be heating up again this summer. That’s according to a recent national property survey, conducted by Relocation Agent Network, of which Richard James is a member.

Survey respondents, including Richard James, found that property sales and rental activity are steadily accelerating as the market tries to regain momentum after a slow spring, when the UK Government’s Covid-19 restrictions put so many … Continue Reading…

Simple Garden Makeover Tips for Sellers

Smarten up your garden to boost its appeal when thinking of selling your home.

One of the most significant property trends to emerge from lockdown is the growing importance of outdoor space to buyers.

Industry insiders report that post-lockdown, an increasing number of people are looking for homes with a garden – or at least access to communal spaces.

This anecdotal evidence is backed up by Rightmove, which says searches for homes with gardens increased by 42% in May.

With buyers’ priorities shifting, we … Continue Reading…

How to Support Your Local Foodbank

As the Eat Out to Help Out scheme happens across the country next week, spare a thought for local foodbanks across Northamptonshire.

People have experienced varying levels of hardship and distress, both emotionally and financially, since the Covid-19 outbreak began.

Someone summed it up wonderfully when they said: “We are all in the same storm, but some of us are in different boats.”

Every aspect of our lives has been touched in some way by the lockdown and foodbanks are reporting a … Continue Reading…

Why opportunity is knocking for buyers and sellers

We discover why the opportunity clocks are ticking for people wanting to make the most of the Stamp Duty holiday.

“Life is a Game” is a quote attributed to Mother Teresa, but it could be easily applied to property.

And as with all games, there are winners and losers when it comes to selling a home.

Timing always plays a part in how successful you are, as does having a talented estate agency working on your behalf to get you a winning result.

The … Continue Reading…

Help local businesses by dining out

Today we look at how the Eat Out to Help Out scheme can give struggling restaurants and cafes in and across Northamptonshire a much needed boost.

We’ve been asked to do many things in recent months: stay home, home school, wear masks, keep apart and wash our hands, to name but a few.

And now we’re being called to action again. But this time to dine out to help the hospitality industry get back on its feet after being hit for six by … Continue Reading…

Great news for first-time buyers as popular mortgages return

Today sees the return of 90% loan to value mortgages (LTV) and the flurry of activity in the housing market.

The property market has received a shot in the arm with some lenders including Nationwide reintroducing 90% LTV mortgages for first-time buyers.

As Nationwide is Britain’s second-biggest lender, the decision is another piece of good news for the sector which has roared back into action in recent weeks.

Metro Bank, Coventry for Intermediaries and Platform, the intermediary arm of the Co-operative Bank, have … Continue Reading…

Three reasons to support local sports clubs and arts groups

We look at why our sports clubs and arts groups in Northamptonshire are so crucial to our communities.

It was a sad and sorry sight when clubhouses, theatres and church halls were mothballed during the lockdown. Places that once buzzed with activity sat empty; the groups who once occupied them hit for six by social distancing rules.

But we’re glad to see many sports clubs are up and running again – albeit with fewer volunteers and a long list of new health … Continue Reading…

An architect’s guide to getting the most out of a property

Architect Nigel Bidwell shares his tips on what to look for when buying a property AND ways to add value to your current home.

Since the easing of lockdown restrictions, the property market has roared back into action.

This has been turbo-charged in England and Northern Ireland by the stamp duty holiday announced last week on the first £500,000 of property sales. (Take out in Wales and Scotland).

If you’re thinking of purchasing a property or simply looking to add value before you … Continue Reading…

Five tips to help community groups

We explore how you can help the little community groups that make such a big difference in Wellingborough, Irthlingborough & Rushden. 

Throughout this pandemic, many kind-hearted volunteers have rolled up their sleeves without fuss or faff. They have cooked, sewn, fundraised, collected, and delivered to support those in need.

They are members of small neighbourhood groups and charities which make an enormous contribution to life in Northamptonshire – and it’s time that contribution was properly recognised. And no, we’re not talking about a … Continue Reading…

Breaking News – We’re All Going on a Stamp Duty Holiday

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced sweeping changes this afternoon around Stamp Duty which is excellent news for anyone thinking of buying a home in Wellingborough, Irthlingborough or Rushden.

Stamp Duty is a tax applied when you buy a property and the announcement that there will be a payment holiday starting immediately means homebuyers will save thousands of pounds.

What’s Changing?

The Government has raised the stamp duty threshold to £500,000 for all buyers until March 31st, 2021.

That means property purchases below £500,000 will … Continue Reading…