Category Archives: News

Changing Property Trends: What Buyers Really Want

If you’re looking to market your home, read on to find out what’s hot and what’s not in the property world.

Forget trend forecasters and property commentators; if it’s insight into housing trends that you want, turn your attention to estate agents.

As agents spend so much time looking around people’s homes, they have their finger on the pulse when it comes to changing property tastes.

And they use this knowledge when they write the marketing descriptions that you see on property portals. … Continue Reading…

Market Update – December 2022

The past twelve months have certainly been eventful, the Bank of England has raised the base interest rate from 0.25% to 3%, the cost-of-living crisis has taken a grip, inflation is running at over 11%, we have had three Prime Ministers and four Chancellors.

So, what impact has this had on the housing market?

As we know, the housing market experienced a strong period of activity from the outbreak of Covid through to Spring of this year. This was fueled by historically … Continue Reading…

Saving Energy Could Mean a Higher Selling Price

Energy is a hot topic. From price hikes to conserving energy, every day there seems to be a new thing to think about. And now, research has shown that being more energy efficient could even bump up the value of your home.

Boiler company BOXT found that increasing the EPC rating of your home to C or above could boost your house price by 23%. So, if you’re thinking about selling your property, you may want to consider improving its energy … Continue Reading…

The Five ‘Rs’ of Making the Most of Your Property Portfolio

A property portfolio is a great way to generate income and build yourself a tidy retirement nest egg. But there’s more to it than shaking hands with new tenants and waiting for the rent to roll in.

You need robust systems and a professional attitude to protect your investment and ensure you don’t wind up out of pocket or on the wrong side of the law.

To find out what it takes to manage several rental properties, read our guide, the Five … Continue Reading…

What Homeowners Should Know Before Insulating Their Property

Get it right, and insulation can add value to your home. Get it wrong, and it could be difficult to get a mortgage for your property. Read on to find out why.

With energy prices sky-high and global warming a pressing issue, many homeowners are looking to insulate their homes.

While there are many benefits associated with insulation, one issue you should consider before committing to work at your property relates to a product called polyurethane foam, also known as spray foam. … Continue Reading…

Top Tax Tip for Landlords

A significant shift in how landlords file tax returns is looming on the horizon. Here’s what landlords need to know about the changes.

If you’re a landlord with a taxable income of more than £10,000, now’s the time to start thinking about new tax reporting rules that are coming down the line.

In April 2024, all landlords with an income of over £10K will have to comply with a scheme called Making Tax Digital (MTD).

While that deadline is 18 months away, it … Continue Reading…

Why Now Is the Right Time to Get Rent Protection Insurance

The rental market is a tough place to be, especially in the current economic climate.

With the cost of living crisis leaving many tenants feeling squeezed, now could be the right time for landlords to invest in rent protection insurance. But is it really worth it, or just another expense?

In this two-minute read, we look at rent protection insurance in detail to help you decide whether you need it. 

What is it? 

Rent protection is also known as rent guarantee insurance or landlord … Continue Reading…

Why Compromise is the Key to Buying a New Home

Buying a home comes with a lot of dreams, needs and wants, but there’s another consideration, too – budget. Whether you’re taking your first step on the property ladder or moving on to bigger and better things, how can you make every pound count?

Maximising your budget might seem impossible; after all, a downstairs WC is a must, and you’ve always hoped for a driveway. But are these wants and desires preventing you from finding something you can actually afford?

Like everything … Continue Reading…

Christmas Toy Appeal 2022

We’re pleased to be supporting the Northants Telegraph this year with their Christmas toy appeal. By supporting us,  you can make a difference to children and families across Northamptonshire.

You can drop any new toy into any of our three branches (Rushden, Wellingborough and Irthlingborough) up until 10th December. We’re sorry but second hand toys cannot be accepted.

Richard Taylor, Director, said “We managed to receive lots of donations last year and we’d really like to beat that total this Christmas. We’re … Continue Reading…

The Good Sense Guide to Wowing Buyers

Homebuyers are heavily influenced by what they see, smell and hear, so here’s a guide to ensuring your property appeals to their senses. 

Did you know that when it comes to impressing a buyer, you have just half a minute to knock their socks off?

Yes, you read that right. Most buyers decide if a property is the one for them in the first 30 seconds of a viewing.

So, with so much at stake in that short time, how do you make … Continue Reading…