World Recycling Day – A welcome break from the other news

Wednesday 18th March is Global Recycling Day.

It is organised by The Global Recycling Foundation and aims to encourage us all to recycle and make use of what it describes as the ‘Seventh Resource.’

A spokesperson for the organisation said: “Recycling is a crucial part of the circular economy, helping to protect our natural resources. Each year the ‘Seventh Resource’ (recyclables) saves over 700 million tonnes in CO2 emissions, and this is projected to increase to 1 billion tons by 2030. There … Continue Reading…

Working From Home

Way before the Coronavirus outbreak seized the headlines, there was already a significant movement of people working from home.

At Richard James we’ve increasingly seen over the past few years home buyers wanting spaces within their dream properties that they can work in.
Many employers, large and small, are now actively encouraging their staff to work from home to reduce the risk of the virus spreading in the foreseeable future.

Of course, not everyone has the option to work from home, but those … Continue Reading…

A two-minute summary of the budget for people in Northants

The new Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced his budget yesterday.

From a property perspective, a lot of his thunder was stolen by the big news which broke around five hours earlier.

An announcement from the Bank of England introduced an emergency cut in interest rates to bolster the economy in the ongoing fallout of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Bank of England reduced rates from 0.75% to 0.25%, taking borrowing costs back down to the lowest level in history.

This should make it cheaper and easier to … Continue Reading…

Coronaviras

As the country gears up for the potential prospect of a pandemic, what are the implications for home movers and how are we, as estate agents, rising to our responsibilities?

The property market is currently enjoying renewed strength following years of Brexit doldrums, during which it proved highly resilient. Is it also immune to Coronavirus? Probably! All accounts suggest that the virus, especially in the UK, is likely to be temporary, not least because of our exceptional healthcare and medical research … Continue Reading…

What Home Do You Remember the Most?

Two years ago, this week, one of the world’s brightest minds passed away on 14 March 2018.

Professor Stephen Hawking was a genius and his best-selling book A Brief History of Time introduced readers to scientific theories that he, thankfully for most of us, simplified.

At Richard James we can’t share our knowledge on the Big Bang or Black Holes, but we can remember Professor Hawking by taking you on A Brief History of Homes.

From Mammoths to Mosaics

In the Ice Age, early … Continue Reading…

March 2020 Market Comment

Building on the increase in January activity we reported last month, the local market has been just as frenetic during February with intense buyer activity continuing to play “catch-up” following years of mild depression.

According to the National Association of Estate Agents, there has been a 25% year-on-year rise in the number of active buyers, with sales volumes up 33% on last month, yet the supply of available housing has not risen to meet this demand, at just 3%.

Essentially, “old stock” … Continue Reading…

Let’s Get Kids Reading More

It’s World Book Day later this week.

This fantastic project aims to get more children reading for fun.

We’re fully supporting its efforts in Wellingborough, Irthlingborough and Rushden.

Its mission this year is to get kids and adults reading a million stories across the UK on Thursday 5 March. The charity behind the day encourages parents, carers and family members to read for fun (i.e. not schoolwork) with their children for just ten minutes every day.

Why it Matters

According to the Organisation for Economic … Continue Reading…

By Royal Appointment – Homes Comfortable Enough for a King or Queen.

When you think of palaces the one which springs to mind for many people in the UK, and indeed the World, is Buckingham Palace.

Truly a place fit for a Queen. And here’s why.
Queen Elizabeth’s London home is worth between £1billion and £2 billion depending on what internet source you look at.

Quite a difference in opinion but one thing is for sure, and that’s with the following features and benefits Buckingham Palace is up there with the most desirable residences in … Continue Reading…

How to Avoid a DIY Disaster!

The Do it Yourself industry in the UK is valued at around £7billion a year.

But according to a survey from consumer champion Which? DIYers are worth considerably more to tradespeople who are called in to rectify and repair some of the calamities left behind by household ‘Have a go’ heroes.

Check out these horror shows as reported by Which? Trusted Traders.

Plumbing the Depths
‘Many people try and fit their bathroom suite and then wonder why the water isn’t draining away. It’s usually … Continue Reading…

Ten simple things you can do to celebrate Random Act of Kindness Day

Monday 17 February is recognised as Random Act of Kindness Day.

It’s a chance to do something positive, and what’s not to like about that?

Its origins are in America, but the feelgood factor has spread much further afield and has made its way to Northamptonshire.

At Richard James we’ll be getting involved.

It doesn’t have to be grand gestures because when it comes to paying it forward, small things can have big impacts.

Below are ten simple things you can consider doing to get … Continue Reading…