Category Archives: News

How to Stop Condensation Becoming a BIG Problem

This two-minute read looks at some simple steps landlords and tenants can take to reduce the risk of condensation causing mould, damp and disputes. 

What causes condensation?

When moist air is cooled by contact with cold surfaces such as walls, windows or mirrors, the moisture condenses into water droplets, AKA: condensation.

This can often cause unsightly mould and, in extreme cases, be unhealthy. Not just in terms of physical health but because it’s a common breeding ground for disputes between landlords and tenants.

Why … Continue Reading…

World Smile Day: Why Grinning is Winning

They say the best things in life are free, so here’s a quick and easy way to brighten someone’s day that won’t cost you a penny – but will make you feel good.

He may have been known as ‘Cranky Franky’, but crooner Frank Sinatra is responsible for popularising a very cheery message that has stood the test of time.

Sixty years ago, he enjoyed a hit with When You’re Smiling, a tune best known for the catchy lyrics “When you’re smiling, the … Continue Reading…

Why the East Northamptonshire Property Market Never Stops

You’d be forgiven for adopting a head-in-the-sand approach to current affairs.

Listening to a news bulletin filled with the energy crisis, the war in Ukraine, cost of living surges and political uncertainty are enough to put anyone on a downer.

The clouds of gloom and doom have gathered over the East Northamptonshire property market.

Will there be a house price crash is a common feature for many involved in the media to discuss.

Some ‘experts’ are confident we are heading into a property market … Continue Reading…

Make Your Rental Stand Out with These Techy Tips

It’s fair to say that tenants’ needs have changed in recent years. With more people working from home than ever, has your rental property got the tech to appeal to top tenants?

In the current digital age, there are countless smart apps and devices that can help your property stand out in a crowded market.

In this quick read, we look at some easy ways to become a tech-savvy landlord, attract the best tenants and save money. 

Broadband

Let’s start with the basics. Everyone … Continue Reading…

What do homeowners and tenants need to know about the Energy Plan?

With headlines proclaiming Britons were likely to pay 80% more for household energy costs this autumn, the Government has taken swift action with its proposed energy plan, the Energy Price Guarantee.
We’ve summarized here some key highlights of the plan, as well as actions homeowners and renters can take to control their costs.

What’s covered by the Energy Price Guarantee? And what’s not? 

The bill announced by Prime Minister Liz Truss is intended to cap and control the rate of increase, in the … Continue Reading…

What Recent News Means For Home Movers

Crisis. Turmoil. Unprecedented.

These were words rarely used pre-pandemic.

Now they’ve become staples of our nation’s news coverage.

And this week, they have been used more than ever to report on the economic waves caused by the Chancellor’s mini-budget last week.

As an agency that believes in always telling the truth, it would be highly disingenuous of us to say it’s business as usual.

It’s not.

With interest rates rising and mortgage rates following suit, local home buyers and sellers are concerned.

We’ve spoken with many people … Continue Reading…

How to Make Your Property Stand Out to Buyers

Whether you’re a DIY kind of person or prefer to hire a professional, home improvements are on the up.

Since the pandemic, savvy homeowners have been looking for ways to make their properties more comfortable and more desirable to future buyers.

So, what are the most popular home improvement trends?

How can you wow potential buyers with your use of space?

In this quick read, we look at some of the most popular ways to make your home more desirable to future buyers, as … Continue Reading…

BREAKING NEWS – What the Mini Budget Means for Homebuyers

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng outlined his plans for the economy during the ‘mini-budget’ announced this morning.

This included changes to stamp duty, tax cuts and other measures aimed at boosting the nation’s finances.
Here’s what the Chancellor said about stamp duty as reported by leading estate agency news website – Property Industry Eye.

“The government is reforming stamp duty by doubling the level at which people begin paying this from £125,000 to £250,000.

“The government also committed to helping first-time buyers get on the property … Continue Reading…

A Quick Guide to Setting Your Monthly Rent

As a landlord, you want to earn a good return on your property investment, but how do you decide what rent to charge? In the current market, rents are at an all-time high, but what’s the fairest way to set your monthly price?

In this quick read, we look at how to calculate the right rental price for your property.

Check out the local area
While not all properties are the same, researching the local market is the first step towards finding out … Continue Reading…

State Funeral Of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

To enable our colleagues and customers to mark their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, our offices will be closed on Monday 19th September 2022.