Category Archives: News

How to Spot the Signs of Illegal Subletting

Did you know that one in ten tenants admit to illegally subletting their rental property*?

The practice is even more common among young people; in a recent survey, 25% of tenants aged 18 to 24 confessed to secretly subletting all or part of their rental.

So why should landlords be concerned about illegal subletting? After all, if the rent still gets paid on time, what’s the problem? Here are a few reasons.

You have no idea who is living in your property and … Continue Reading…

Inside the Buyer’s Mind: Emotional Triggers in the Home-Buying Process

We’re estate agents, not mind magicians like Derren Brown, but recently, we’ve been delving into the psychological aspects of home buying.

It’s fascinating stuff.

For sellers, it can offer invaluable insights, helping them better understand how they (and their estate agent) can achieve the best possible price for their home.

Buying a home is not just a financial transaction; it’s a deeply emotional journey influenced by many psychological factors.

Let’s investigate some of these.

The emotional connection

At the heart of every home purchase is an … Continue Reading…

Tenant Trends: How to Meet the Demands of Renters Today

Whether you’re a first-time investor or an experienced landlord looking to expand your portfolio, it pays to know what tenants want.

Understanding current trends in the market will help you fine-tune your rental marketing strategy and ensure that any improvement work you undertake proves to be of good value.

So, what are tenants looking for in 2024? Let’s take a look.

Affordability

Given we’re in a cost-of-living crisis, it’s not surprising that affordability is the top concern for tenants.

With the average UK monthly rent … Continue Reading…

From Blue to Brew: How a Simple Cuppa Can Lift Our Spirits

Blue Monday, often labelled as the most challenging day of the year, falls on the third Monday of January.

But what exactly makes this day particularly blue?

Well, a travel company originally coined the name, and Blue Monday is thought to be the day when the festive cheer has faded, resolutions have hit the rocks, and these cold, dark days seem never-ending.

But, it’s not all doom, gloom and incoming credit card bills (another reason Blue Monday is so depressing), thanks to the … Continue Reading…

Why Guppies Make Good Tenants and How You Can Attract Them

If you’re wondering what Guppies are (and we’re not talking about fish here) and what they’ve got to do with the property sector, let us explain.

The term ‘Guppies’ refers to tenants in the 18 – 39 age bracket who see themselves staying in the rental market for the long term.

The nickname comes from the phrase ‘Given Up on Property’ because Guppies don’t see home ownership on the cards for them for at least the next decade.

For some, this is because … Continue Reading…

Small Movers, Big Thoughts – A Child’s Eye View of Moving Home

If you’re thinking about moving house in 2024, there’s a lot to mull over, especially if you have children to consider.

We know how important (and valuable) it is to listen to your kids when you’re selling up and moving on – they always have lots of thoughts and feelings about it.

We spoke with a six-year-old, Olivia, about her family’s recent move.

Her insights are fascinating and help us see things from a kid’s point of view.

1) New friends

“I was a bit … Continue Reading…

How to Prevent Condensation – A Landlord’s Guide

As a landlord, maintaining your property in top condition is paramount.

It’s your investment and your tenant’s home.

At this time of year, condensation can be an issue. And it can cause mould in your property if ignored.

The good news is we’re sharing six steps you can take to prevent these problems before they become an issue.

Quick fixes

Ensure adequate ventilation: One of the primary causes of condensation is poor ventilation. Make sure your property has sufficient airflow. Install extractor fans in high-moisture … Continue Reading…

Turning Over a New Leaf: Five Realistic Resolutions for 2024

The striking of Big Ben at midnight on 1st January ushers in a new year and inspires many to commit to positive life changes.

Yeah, we know for many people, the New Year, New You theme has you switching off immediately.

But for many others, the dawn of 2024 marks a chance for a fresh start as we resolve to change our lives.

Yet, maintaining these resolutions can be a challenge.

To help, here’s how to set realistic and fulfilling goals if that’s what … Continue Reading…

End of Year Review

As we end the year it is fair to say it has been a turbulent one for the property market. The impact of rising interest rates has taken its toll on confidence with many potential buyers and sellers holding off their decision to move. Many sellers withdrew their property from the market once they realised their expectation of price wasn’t achievable, still expecting to sell for a similar sum of two years ago.

Overall transactions are down and prices are lower … Continue Reading…

New Year, New Home: How to Set Property Goals for 2024

If moving could be on the cards for you next year, now’s the time to set some goals to help turn your property dreams into a reality.

Perhaps you’re feeling squeezed in your current home and want more room. Or maybe you’re an empty nester rattling around a place that’s too big for your needs and costly to heat.

Whatever your motivation, it’s important to remember that selling and buying property requires planning and organisation and can sometimes take longer than expected.

Setting … Continue Reading…