Should You Make a Cheeky Offer? Some Thoughts Buyers Might Find Interesting
If you’ve seen a property that you like, then you might be considering making a cheeky offer on it. Before you do, here’s what you need to know.
What exactly is a cheeky offer?
There’s no hard-and-fast definition.
Some people might consider it an offer that is significantly below the asking price.
If the listing specifies ‘offers over’ a particular price, then it might be a figure that is significantly less than that.
Do cheeky offers work?
It depends.
The seller’s decision will be heavily influenced by … Continue Reading…
Landlords Beware: This TikTok Trend Could Lead to Sticky Situations
A popular DIY hack promoted on social media as a ‘renter-friendly upgrade’ is causing costly repair bills.
Search ‘renter-friendly hacks’ on TikTok and you’ll find endless videos on low-cost ways to customise a property.
Influencers share DIY transformation tips that they claim are easy to reverse at the end of a tenancy (so as not to jeopardise the rental deposit).
However, many of these so-called ‘upgrades’ are proving to be problematic.
Lettings expert Sarah Evans recently told The Sun newspaper that these ‘quick fixes’ … Continue Reading…
Should You Improve Your Home Before Selling?
A fixer-upper or a home that has ‘room for improvement’ has long been attractive to buyers. But that could be changing. Let’s explore if it’s a good idea to get your home move-in ready before putting it on the market.
What buyers want may be changing
A new survey* says buyers are prioritising ‘ready to go’ properties – rather than homes requiring extensive work – due to higher borrowing and renovation costs.
It says buyers now prioritise the quality and finish of a … Continue Reading…
Bank of England Reveals Latest Interest Rate Decision
Bank of England Reveals Latest Interest Rate Decision
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to hold the base rate at 4%.
The announcement earlier today was in line with financial market expectations.
The steady-as-she-goes approach comes after new figures released yesterday showed inflation remains unchanged at 3.8% (above the Bank’s target of 2%).
The BoE is obviously keen to get on top of this sticky inflation, hence the decision to hold rates rather than drop them.
In a statement, it said: “The [Monetary Policy] … Continue Reading…
Are You New to Renting? Don’t Make These Rookie Mistakes
If you’re new to renting, here’s some advice that will help get your tenancy off to a good start and avoid future disputes.
Searching for a property to rent can be daunting, especially if you’re a first-time tenant.
But by avoiding the rookie mistakes listed below, you can build the foundations of a long and happy tenancy.
Not using a legit letting agency
Thousands of Brits lose money to fake property listings each year. Don’t be one of them.
The scam usually goes like this. … Continue Reading…
The Biggest First-Time Buyer Blunders – and How to Avoid Them
If you’re looking to get on the property ladder, here are some helpful home truths that could help you avoid a costly mistake.
Stepping over the threshold into your first property is an exciting and memorable moment.
However, first-time buyers (FTBs) can waste valuable time and money by making any of these common homebuying mistakes.
Not doing your sums
Many FTBs start property hunting without a concrete idea of their budget.
They either waste time looking at properties that are out of their reach or … Continue Reading…
Help, My Tenants Have Locked Themselves Out. What Should I Do?
Around 5.6 million keys of all types are lost every single year.* Here’s some advice for landlords on minimising the headaches caused when tenants lose their keys or lock themselves out.
Beware self-locking locks
Locks which automatically lock when the door is closed (or the wind blows it shut) are a common reason for getting locked out. When you’re changing locks, it may be a good idea to avoid them.
Have plenty of spare keys
Having spare keys cut is much cheaper than calling … Continue Reading…
Retirement Apartments: What Buyers and Their Families Should Consider
Downsizing into a purpose-built retirement apartment or flat is something that many older homeowners ponder. Here are some things to consider if you, or a friend or relative, are looking into buying in a retirement development.
What do retirement apartments offer?
Retirement apartments, which are part of a purpose-built retirement development, are found in many towns and cities now. They’re built specially to cater for older people – typically 55+ or 60+ and are sometimes known as senior living properties.
A big attraction … Continue Reading…
The Clock’s Ticking: Why Landlords Should Prepare for Making Tax Digital Now
Some landlords will have to change the way they file their tax returns from April next year. Read on to find out if you will be affected.
Here’s a friendly reminder that changes in the way HMRC expects the self-employed, including landlords, to manage their tax returns are coming.
The initiative, called Making Tax Digital (MTD), is about digitising the tax process.
It’s already mandatory for businesses that pay VAT.
And in eight months, it will become compulsory for some landlords who pay income … Continue Reading…
Looking for a Green Home? Here’s What You Must Know
It’s good to be green. But here are some things to bear in mind if you’re considering buying a green home.
What exactly is a green home?
A green home is usually thought of as being a property that is very energy efficient, eco-friendly and sustainable.
A green home will have high levels of insulation, thermal efficiency and water efficiency. It is likely to have solar photovoltaic panels, battery storage and maybe a heat pump or biomass boiler for heating.
Other features of a … Continue Reading…