They’re Young, Ambitious and Becoming Landlords: The Changing Face of BTL
First-time buyers might be getting older, but when it comes to landlords, it’s a different story.
A new survey* has found that in the past nine years, there’s been a drop in the average age of landlords in the UK.
Back in 2014, the average age for a landlord purchasing a rental with a buy-to-let mortgage was 46.4.
By 2023, that figure was down to 42.9.
Age breakdown
Young adults are often presented as economic lightweights who fritter their cash away on avocado toast and … Continue Reading…
2024 House Price Trends Revealed
The UK housing market is experiencing a period of steady recovery, according to the latest data from leading property portal Zoopla.
The Zoopla House Price Index is a statistical tool used to measure changes in the price of residential properties.
Along with other indexes, including ones created by Rightmove, the Land Registry and several mortgage providers, it’s a helpful indicator of trends in the property market – and that’s why homeowners should take note of it.
Its latest headline stats were:
Buyer demand … Continue Reading…
Why Many Landlords Are Holding Firm – Despite the Doom-Mongers
Are landlords leaving the market in droves, as some experts claim? Or are reports of an exodus exaggerated? Let’s look beyond the hype to find out what’s going on.
You may have seen a flurry of headlines lately saying that landlords are leaving the rental sector en masse.
Is it true? Well, data released last month shows that some landlords are indeed selling up.
The number of outstanding buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages fell from 2.039 million in the first quarter of 2023 to 1.98 … Continue Reading…
To Move or Improve? That Is the Question
Should you move or improve?
It’s a question an increasing number of homeowners in Wellingborough, Irthlingborough and Rushden are asking themselves.
And it’s a big decision with lots of things to weigh up.
In this article, we list some pros and cons to help you gain clarity about what’s best for you.
Moving: The pros and cons
Pros
Fresh start: Moving allows you to choose a home that better suits your current needs without the constraints of your existing property. A move can tick many boxes … Continue Reading…
What’s Happening in the Rental Market? Latest Statistics Revealed
Is the rental market running hot or cold, and what can we expect in the coming year?
Let’s dig into the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) and property portal Zoopla to find out.
Taking stock
Unless you spent 2023 hiding under a rock, you’ll know that rents rose last year.
A combination of higher interest rates, which put pressure on buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages, and high inflation saw rents increase. The real question is, by just how much?
The latest ONS data … Continue Reading…
Getting the Family Home Ready for Sale: Tips for Parents
Selling a home can be stressful, no matter what your circumstances.
But the moving process can be even more complicated if you’re a parent with young children.
Juggling work commitments and the needs of your offspring while ticking off all your sales prep chores can be daunting.
So, here are some tips to make things easier.
Decluttering
Buyers prefer clutter-free properties, but the minimalist look is hard to achieve when you live with little ones.
From bikes and balls to trucks and teddies – children accumulate … Continue Reading…
August Market Update
August has been a strange month for the housing market, despite the Bank of England interest rate reduction, so far, we haven’t seen an immediate surge in activity compared to the months leading up to it. However, the market is in a completely different place to this time last year when there as no sign of interest rates even stabilising.
Compared to August 2023, the month when interest rates were last increased, the market has significantly improved with a noticeable change … Continue Reading…
Savvy Styling Tips for Your Rental Property
Property experts often advise sellers to style their home before they put it on the market.
Go the extra mile with presentation, and buyers will be impressed by what they see and smell, or so the theory goes.
But do the same styling rules apply to landlords hoping to attract top tenants to their buy-to-let?
While there’s a little less scope for creative presentation with rentals (because they tend to be unfurnished), we think basic styling principles can still apply.
A well-styled rental sends … Continue Reading…
Don’t Make It Personal: Why Statement Features Can Turn Off Buyers
When estate agents tell sellers not to over-personalise their property, what do they mean? Here’s a real-life tale that explains all.
The story appeared in the Daily Mail a few months back and centres around a three-bed semi that had been painted Barbie pink inside and out by the property’s fun-loving owner.
The woman, Kathy, was such a gregarious figure in her Nottinghamshire village that she was nicknamed the Pink Lady, and her house was known as—you guessed it—the Pink House.
But when … Continue Reading…
How to Reduce the Risk of Fire at Your Rental
Did you know that a blaze is seven times more likely to start in a rental property than in a home occupied by the owner?*
It’s a shocking statistic that underlines the need for landlords to prioritise fire safety.
So, let’s look at how to keep your tenants and property safe.
Follow the law
Landlords must follow strict rules on issues such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, gas and electrical safety checks and the provision of unobstructed escape routes.
We won’t go into too … Continue Reading…