Category Archives: News

Why Landlords Love ‘Rent Ready’ Tenants and How to Be One of Them

Tenants can stand out in the competitive lettings market by being ‘rent ready’ before looking for a new place to live.

With an average of 21 people vying for each rental that comes on the market*, competition in the sector is fierce.

So, how can tenants avoid the frustration and disappointment of missing out on a great property?

The answer is to be ‘rent ready’.

What is rent ready?

Rent ready is a term used to describe a prospective tenant who has their documentation prepared … Continue Reading…

Christmas Toy Appeal 2024

For the past two decades, Jeanette, as Mother Christmas has been delivering joy to Northamptonshire’s most disadvantaged children.

Jeanette, who grew up in care, knows the joy a brand new gift can bring a child who feels unloved, neglected or forgotten. She has tirelessly worked since 2002 to bring joy to these disadvantaged children. She is asking for your help with the annual Christmas gift appeal by donating presents to be passed on to local children who are in need this … Continue Reading…

The Best Day for Sellers is Coming Soon – Act Now

What is the Boxing Day surge, and why should sellers act now to capitalise on it? Here’s what you need to know.

If you’re considering selling your home, a big day for showcasing your property to potential buyers is nearly upon us.

Boxing Day and the days after are often thought of as days for eating Turkey leftovers, watching old films or visiting relatives (including some we’d perhaps rather not).

But there’s something else these days are quickly becoming known for: it’s one … Continue Reading…

Christmas Checklist For Landlords

Want to enjoy a safe and stress-free Christmas without an emergency call from your tenants? Then, run through this helpful checklist.

Christmas is just a few weeks away, but don’t put your feet up yet if you’re a landlord.

While emergencies are rare at a rental property, they can crop up occasionally – even on Christmas Day.

A pipe could burst, the back fence could blow over, or some other unfortunate mishap that requires your urgent attention.

But there are ways you can minimise … Continue Reading…

What’s in Store for the Property Market in 2025?

With the end of the year drawing closer, housing experts have revealed their predictions for 2025 and beyond – and the news is positive.

According to national property firms Hamptons, Savills and JLL, the future looks bright.

There’s no talk of a boom but rather cautious optimism for a steady-as-she-goes uptick.

But first, a quick report card on 2024

The market has outperformed expectations.

Hamptons predicts that by the end of the year, 1.1 million properties will have changed hands (well up on the 996,000 … Continue Reading…

Landlords – It’s Time to Make a Start on Your Tax Return

If you’re a landlord, the deadline for filing your 2023-2024 income tax return is fast approaching. Here are some important things you need to know.

When to file your tax return

Self-employed landlords need to file their tax return (and pay any tax owed) each year using the self assessment system. For the 2023-2024 financial year, this must be done by 31 January 2025 (unless HMRC has notified you otherwise).

If you don’t, you will receive an automatic £100 penalty. This will increase … Continue Reading…

How Does Inflation Affect the Property Market?

The latest Consumer Prices Index (CPI) released by the Office for National Statistics revealed that inflation increased from 1.7% in September to 2.3% in October.

But how exactly does inflation impact the property market?

There is a link. But it is not quite as simple as it might seem.

When inflation rises or falls, it does not necessarily mean that house prices are rising or falling. The CPI, the main measure of inflation in the UK, does not include house prices or mortgage … Continue Reading…

Lighting Tips to Help Sell Your House in Winter

Grey, cloudy days and darker nights don’t show your property to its best advantage. So, here are a few simple lighting tips that will help turn your home from dull to brilliant. They’re ideal when you’re doing winter viewings.

Make your house shine out

Garden lighting will boost your property’s kerb appeal and showcase what your garden offers even when it’s dark. (As well as helping prospective buyers find their way around.)

Invest in a smart new light fitting for the front door. … Continue Reading…

Tackling Mould in a Rental: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

Despite greater awareness and tougher legislative measures, mould can still be a significant issue for landlords and tenants.

A new survey has found that 43% of tenants have experienced problems with mould and damp in their rental*.

And cases appear to be becoming more – not less – prevalent.

Experts attribute this to changing weather patterns (sadly, we’re getting more rain than ever in the UK)**.

High energy prices don’t help either, as cash-conscious tenants are now more frugal when heating their homes. (Keeping … Continue Reading…

How the Budget Will Impact the Property Market

Now that the dust has settled on the Autumn Budget, let’s look at how it will impact the property market.

When the Chancellor unveiled her Budget a fortnight ago, she didn’t do things by halves.

Rachel Reeves went big on tax, spending and borrowing in a Budget that accounting firm PwC described as “a concoction of sweet and sour”.

While the Budget didn’t turn out to be as seismic for the property market as some had predicted, there were a few important changes.

Stamp … Continue Reading…