Landlords – A Legally Important Date for Your Diaries
A significant change in how rental properties must be maintained comes into legal effect on Saturday, October 1st 2022.
The law affects what alarms landlords must provide in their properties to protect against potentially lethal carbon monoxide poisoning.
Failure to comply with the new rules can result in landlords getting a hefty fine.
The new Regulations, as outlined in the government-issued Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022: guidance for landlords and tenants state:
1. Landlords must ensure at least one smoke alarm … Continue Reading…
No Viewings for Your Property? You Might Need a New Agent
If your home is on the market, you’re probably in a constant state of anticipation. Will this viewing be the one? Are you going to get your asking price? Will you need to accept a lower offer?
We bet there are lots of questions and scenarios running through your head. But if you’re not getting enough interest in your home or if it has been on the market for ages, is it time to switch agents?
Recent research by Rightmove found that … Continue Reading…
In Memory of Queen Elizabeth II
1926 – 2022
Four Mistakes Landlords Make with Reference Checks
Landlords, you know that good tenants are hard to come by. Those that care for your property like it’s their home (because it is), who won’t call constantly with silly problems and who pay their rent on time.
So, what’s the first step to finding them?
It might feel like a boring admin exercise, but a thorough reference check is more than just finding out whether someone can meet the monthly rent.
Unfortunately, lots of landlords cut corners when it comes to this … Continue Reading…
A Quick Guide for First-Time Renters
Are you a renting newbie? Are you flying your family’s comfy nest? Well, this one’s for you. Renting your first place isn’t as simple as moving in and unpacking – there’s a lot you need to know.
In this quick read, we help you prepare to sign on the dotted line and start your first tenancy.
Step 1: Budget
Have you planned your finances? Do you know what you can afford every month? Have you saved enough for a deposit?
Remember, it’s not just … Continue Reading…
Get Ahead of the Competition When Buying a New Home
If you’re looking for a new home, time is of the essence. The market is competitive, it seems so often multiple buyers are chasing the same property, there’s a lot to get organised. But don’t fret – we’re here to help.
While buying a property is never stress-free, avoiding some common mistakes can make the process a little easier.
In this quick read, we look at ways that buyers can avoid losing the race towards purchasing their dream property.
Avoid money melodramas
There’s always … Continue Reading…
Surprising Things Buyers Want from a Property in 2022
Many buyers say that hunting for a new home is like looking for a healthy, low-calorie meal in a greasy spoon café… not easy. As well as wanting the right property in the right location, they usually have a long checklist to satisfy before even viewing a property.
If you’re selling, it’s useful to know what buyers are looking for so that you can get the marketing spot on.
This quick read looks at what buyers want most from a home in … Continue Reading…
Why You Should Hold on to Your Rental Properties Post Pandemic
If you’re a landlord, chances are you’re feeling a bit hard done by at the moment. It seems like every other day, new rules and revisions are being announced around landlord and tenant law, which means you have to change the way you work and may face higher taxes.
But is it all doom and gloom?
Is it time to hang up your landlord hat and sell up?
We definitely don’t think so.
In this quick read, we tell you why investing in buy-to-let … Continue Reading…
Six Steps to Avoid Bug Infestations in Your Rental Property
If the idea of an insect infestation at rental property makes your skin crawl, read on to find out how to beat the bugs this summer.
No landlord wants uninvited visitors in their buy-to-let – especially the six-legged variety that spread disease, bite, sting and cause property damage.
With insects breeding prolifically in warm weather, here’s a list of the little critters to be on the lookout for in your rental property.
Flies: Common house flies reproduce in large numbers, so even if … Continue Reading…
Freeholds and Leaseholds Made Simple
If you’re new to the property market, learning the lingo is essential. There are lots of legal and financial terms you need to get your head around and lots of research to be done.
Two terms that you need to be familiar with are ‘freehold’ and ‘leasehold’.
This quick read explains what each one means and why they are important.
What is a freehold property?
When you buy a freehold property, you’re buying the property and the land it has been built on. It … Continue Reading…