Category Archives: News

Is Autumn a Good Time to House Hunt?

The weather is dreary. Christmas is on the way.

So, right now is an absolutely terrible time to jump into the housing market. Isn’t it?

You should wait until the new year before you go house hunting. Shouldn’t you?

No! Let us explain why.

Firstly, in autumn, the market can work in your favour.

Probably the best reason for house hunting in the autumn is that many people don’t. So the market tends to be less frantic. That gives you more time to think about … Continue Reading…

Cuckooing: Could Your Tenant and Rental Property Be Targeted?

Cuckooing is a heartless crime that puts your tenant’s wellbeing at risk and leaves you, as the landlord, facing an array of legal issues.

So, if you own a rental property, here’s what you need to know.

What is it?

The term ‘cuckooing’ refers to when a criminal gang moves into someone’s home and uses the property for illegal purposes.

How it starts

Criminals tend to target vulnerable people, be they lonely, elderly, intellectually disabled or on the breadline.

One way or another, be it with … Continue Reading…

Why It’s a Bad Idea to Spy on Property Viewings

In the past decade, millions of Brits have snapped up home tech gadgets to monitor their kids, cats, dogs and deliveries.

About one in five homes has a doorbell camera, while thousands more have pet CCTV or video baby monitors.

With all this kit installed, it’s probably no surprise that some people have taken to using it for another purpose.

An increasing number of property sellers are using home tech to eavesdrop on property viewings.

Should you do it, too? Here are three reasons … Continue Reading…

A Landlord’s Guide: Top Tips for a Smooth Move-In

Welcoming a new tenant can be exciting for landlords, but it also requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth transition.

A well-prepared property makes a great first impression and can set the tone for a successful tenancy.

Here are five key steps landlords should take before handing over the keys.

Inspect and refresh the property

Begin with a thorough inspection. Look out for issues like faulty fittings, leaks or signs of wear and tear. Addressing these minor problems now can prevent major headaches … Continue Reading…

The New Online Tool Designed to Take the Guesswork Out of Home Renovations

Rightmove has unveiled a new tool to help calculate how much renovation works add to the value of a property.

How does it work, and is it any good? Let’s find out.

To renovate or not to renovate? It’s a common property dilemma to which there isn’t a straightforward answer.

In truth, it all depends on what you do and how you do it.

A well-executed refurbishment can transform a property and net the owner a healthy profit.

But if the work is poor quality … Continue Reading…

September – Market Update

September is normally a month when the housing market resumes to some normality following the summer holiday season and the return of the schools. This September has been slightly different with moderate levels of activity. It feels that many potential house movers are enquiring and looking but not actually committing.

Many potential house movers are concerned there could be some changes introduced in the budget on 30th October which could impact the housing market.  The Prime Minister has made it clear … Continue Reading…

Landlords: Top Tips for Buying a Fixer-Upper

When considering the purchase of a ‘doer-upper’ – a property that requires refurbishment – landlords are often faced with a Shakespearean (ish) question: “To buy, or not to buy?”

It’s an important decision where you must weigh up several important factors before choosing to invest or not.

Below are five key considerations to keep in mind:

Budget for refurbishment

Before purchasing a doer-upper, make sure you budget accurately for the refurbishment work. You must account for not only the obvious repairs but also any … Continue Reading…

Three Handy Hacks for a Healthier, Happier Home

Creating a home that nurtures you and your loved ones goes beyond décor, design and furniture layout.

A well-balanced living environment can greatly improve your physical, mental and emotional health.

Here are three tips to help you create a healthier, happier home.

Clear the clutter for mental clarity

A cluttered home often mirrors a cluttered mind. Research has shown that clutter can increase stress levels and negatively impact mental health. A study from the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that individuals with cluttered … Continue Reading…

What Online Dating Can Teach You about Selling Your Home

What do Tinder and Bumble have in common with Rightmove and Zoopla? If your answer is not a lot, then think again.

The digital dating and property worlds are not as different as you might think.

In fact, there are many similarities.

Let us explain why.

First impressions count

Users of the online dating app Tinder don’t mess around. On average, they spend less than seven seconds looking at a profile before deciding whether to swipe right.

Property sellers, too, have a few seconds to make … Continue Reading…

Avoid These Common Pitfalls as a First-Time Landlord

Despite overblown media reports of a wave of landlords selling up due to regulation changes and new government policies, property remains a viable long-term investment for many.

For first-time landlords, however, common pitfalls can turn a promising venture into a stressful experience.

Avoid these six mistakes to ensure your property investment journey gets off to a smooth start.

Underestimating costs

One of the biggest errors new landlords make is underestimating the ongoing property maintenance costs. Repairs, safety inspections and void periods (when your property … Continue Reading…