Is It Better to Invest in Property or a Pension?
When it comes to retirement, most people have the same ambition: to spend their latter years doing what they love without worrying about scraping by.
But what’s the best way to build a nest egg to keep you secure in your old age?
Let’s look at two popular forms of investment: buy-to-lets (BTL) and pensions.
Reasons to invest in a buy-to-let
• Landlords can enjoy a monthly income plus capital growth.
• The property market has been buoyant over the past decade, with prices jumping … Continue Reading…
How to Choose a Legit Letting Agent to Manage Your Property
Great letting agents make a world of difference to their clients.
They’re star performers who keep tenancies running smoothly, properties well-maintained and landlords on the right side of the law.
But not all letting agents are equal. Unfortunately, a small minority are rogue operators with ulterior motives.
So how can landlords find a reputable, legit letting agent to manage their rental? Let’s find out.
But first, a cautionary tale
This story, recently reported by the BBC, is a prime example of what can go wrong … Continue Reading…
Want to Be in Your New Home by Christmas? Now’s the Time to Act
It’s months away and probably the last thing on your mind right now, but we need to talk about Christmas.
We know it’s annoying when people jump on the festive bandwagon and drag out the tinsel and baubles early.
But there is a logical reason as to why we’re raising Christmas at this point in time.
And it’s this: if you have ambitions to move home in 2024, you need to grasp the nettle and act now.
Here’s why.
Property transactions take time, involve several … Continue Reading…
10 Ways a Great Letting Agent Helps Landlords and Tenants
A good letting agent can make a world of difference for both landlords and tenants.
Here are ten things a top-notch letting agent does to provide outstanding service:
Tenant Vetting and Screening
A reliable letting agent conducts tenant screening (often called referencing) to ensure potential tenants are compatible with the financial obligations and responsibilities of the tenancy. Doing so reduces the risk of payment issues and helps support a harmonious tenancy for both tenant and landlord.
Property Marketing
Savvy marketing is crucial for … Continue Reading…
How Estate Agents Have Evolved over the Centuries
The role of estate agents has dramatically transformed over the centuries.
How the job of helping people buy and sell properties has developed has mirrored the changes in society, technology and the property market itself.
This evolution has been shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological advancements and changing consumer expectations.
Let’s jump in the metaphorical Tardis and journey through time to explore how estate agents in the UK have evolved and what the future might hold.
The early days: Door-to-door and handwritten ledgers
In the … Continue Reading…
Market update
The events of the last month have certainly disturbed the flow of the recovering housing market. Confidence, activity and sales have been higher in the first half of this year compared to 2023 but July has seen a general election, speculation of an interest rate reduction and rare summer warm weather.
Activity has dipped through July; we always predicted the end of June and the lead up to the general election would calm activity. Since the election the main topic of … Continue Reading…
Buying Your Rental from Your Landlord
If you feel totally at home in your rental property, you may daydream about buying it from your landlord.
So, what issues come into play when you want to buy the property that you’re renting? Let’s take a look.
Be realistic
While it’s not unheard of for a tenant to buy their rental, it is uncommon.
One reason for this is timing: the tenant needs to be in a financial position to buy the property at the same point as the landlord is looking … Continue Reading…
Interest Rates: How Close Are We to a Cut, and Should You Delay Moving for It?
Property experts say that many people have put their moving plans on hold until interest rates drop*.
Is this the right or wrong thing to do?
Let’s take a look**.
First, some context
In its battle to beat inflation, the Bank of England (BoE) has held rates at 5.25% since August last year.
While some predict the BoE may cut rates when it meets in August, the change, if any, is expected to be small. So, yes, we could see a rate cut this year, … Continue Reading…
How Estate Agents Have Evolved over the Centuries
The role of estate agents has dramatically transformed over the centuries.
How the job of helping people buy and sell properties has developed has mirrored the changes in society, technology and the property market itself.
This evolution has been shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological advancements and changing consumer expectations.
Let’s jump in the metaphorical Tardis and journey through time to explore how estate agents in the UK have evolved and what the future might hold.
The early days: Door-to-door and handwritten ledgers
In the … Continue Reading…
Protect Your Rental from Bedbugs, Bird Mites and Other Creepy Crawlies
There’s no room for complacency when it comes to dealing with insects in a rental property.
What can start as a minor inconvenience can quickly become a major issue, especially as summer is breeding season.
So, here’s a list of common bugs for tenants and landlords to keep an eye out for.
Bedbugs
Holidaymakers often inadvertently bring bedbugs home with them in their luggage (they are a common problem in the hotel industry).
The bloodsuckers look like red or brown seeds but can be hard … Continue Reading…