The latest news from Bill Tandy

The latest news from Bill Tandy


    


Eco Friendly Homes Playing an Important Role

 
Climate change has received immense attention recently with urgent calls to reduce the contributing factors to carbon emissions, rising sea levels, and rising temperatures. The UK has committed to reduce its CO2 emissions to net zero by 2050; and this commitment cascades to all markets, including property. This commitment is a great achievement for the UK, with it being the first first-world country to pass law to such a commitment. 

Sadly, the amount of greenhouse gasses produced from heating properties has increased since 2014. Heating our homes accounts to a staggering one seventh of overall UK emissions. Our increased use of fuel can be resultant from heat escaping from properties through walls, windows and ceilings during winter. Luckily, the Government have called an end to the rise in fuel consumption and are devising a plan to battle the emissions producing more energy efficient homes. They are behind an initiative called Future Homes Standard, which is planned to be in full operation by 2025. 

Having more energy efficient homes is a great ambition for all. It will lead to lower carbon emissions, reduced energy bills, and upgraded housing. In 2025, all new build homes will have to abide by the initiative to have clean technology to heat homes instead of the current fossil fuel burned for gas boilers. The construction sector and developers are at the heart of this revolution with their designs crucial to meeting this goal. 
 
The Housing Minister, Esther McVey, said that “industry has told us some homes built using modern methods can have 80% fewer defects and heating bills up to 70% lower. Homes built using modern methods can be of higher quality, greener and built to last. I want to see a housing green revolution.” 2020 is set for an environmental transformation, with the property market a strong contributor to this.



Easter Eggstaraganza 

Saturday 4th April 
 
Follow the Woodland Trail to find the Easter Bunny who's giving everyone free chocolate.

Click here to read Easter Eggstaraganza .



 



Why is January a favourable time to sell your home?

 
It’s a common misconception that market activity lulls in January, ready to resume in the spring. But with demand levels still on the rise, this couldn’t be more wrong for 2022 predictions.
 
Many see the new year as a chance for a fresh start, and that can mean homeowners are on the hunt to physically change or improve their surroundings.
 
The number of people window-shopping on Rightmove on Boxing Day last year was 50% higher than the year before.*
 
To help you decide whether to take action, here are some of the top reasons why you couldn’t pick a better month than January to sell.
 
People are on the move
 
Statistics indicate that January is the busiest time of the year for employee redistribution or staff members moving around.
 
With many of us spending Christmas at home, it can also be the final push needed for first-time buyers looking to move out or a household to decide they need somewhere with more space for the year ahead.
 
There is less competition
 
After the holiday season has come to an end, conditions are optimal for serious sellers, as many homeowners tend to take their time listing their property.
 
This means that if you work with an agent over the next month, you could get ahead of the competition and really stand out on the market.
 
Show off your home
 
Intelligent buyers house hunt in winter, as properties tend to look their worst in these months.
 
So, if your home looks spectacular and is well presented by your agent, then it will impress viewers as they will assume your property looks even better in the summer! This mentality will draw in potential buyers.
 
Placing your home on the market in January shows confidence in your home – a fantastic starting point in convincing people to buy the property.
 
If you are looking to take advantage of the lucrative new year market, please book your valuation today.
 
*Rightmove



Surge in parents acquiring buy-to-let properties for students

 
Going to university is a big step and the hardest part can be finding the right accommodation. It was very popular at one time for parents to buy property for their children to use whilst studying away from home.
 
Over time, this became less common as more student accommodation blocks were built and heavy-duty buy-to-let regulations and reductions in tax breaks came into play.
 
What’s interesting is that we are now seeing a resurgence, with 66% of parents thinking of purchasing a buy-to-let property to help their children financially.*
 
Is it reliable to purchase a buy-to-let right now?
 
Yes! Whilst there are changes to the stamp duty tax, it’s an effective way of pulling through some extra income throughout the year.
 
Rent collection is an example of the short-term benefit, but the long-term benefit is the potential to gain further profit from your investment over time.
 
However, not all households have the disposable income to acquire a new property, which is why 53% of the 2,000 homeowners who took place in the survey said they’d consider downsizing to help their children at university.
 
What sort of property should I choose?
 
It’s entirely dependent on your financial situation, as well as what you think will pay off in the long run.
 
Location is also paramount. Choosing somewhere that’s near the campus as well as local amenities such as shops and bars will mean that your child’s quality of life won’t suffer.
 
When it comes to buy-to-let properties, there are some rules and restrictions to keep a close eye on.
 
If you’re reading this and thinking of going down this route, please get in contact with our team so we can make sure you’re fully informed before making any decisions.
 
*Letting Agent Today



Landlords, consider this your essential checklist this winter...

 
With the countdown to Christmas on, it’s essential that landlords prepare their properties for the colder months.
 
We’ve put together the following checklist so you can keep your property in the best condition for your tenants this winter, right through to spring.
 
Boiler
 
With boilers working extra hard over the winter months, it’s essential to make sure that they have been serviced ahead of time.
 
You may want to consider putting a service plan in place to minimise future breakdowns and disturbances.
 
Water pipes
 
Frozen water pipes are a common problem when the weather starts to turn colder.
 
Ensuring pipes have been properly lagged and insulated will prevent them from freezing or splitting – an expensive job to repair as a landlord.
 
Advising tenants to keep the heating on, even at a low temperature, may be worth considering to further prevent any problems with pipes.
 
Guttering
 
Whether your property is rented out or vacant this winter, clearing out your gutters is important to avoid potential leaks.
 
A build-up of leaves or debris in your gutters can stop rainwater or snow from draining away.
 
If not cleared away properly, this can cause several problems, including leaks, damp and cracked drainpipes.
 
Insulation
 
If the insulation in your property is properly checked, then it can go a long way to helping reduce your heating bills.
 
A better-insulated property will reduce the amount of heat lost and can therefore be a lot more attractive to tenants. Investing in your property’s insulation can also fetch you a higher rent too.
 
If you own older buildings or houses with a loft conversion, it’s important to make sure these are well insulated, it’s also worth noting that grants can be available to help improve insulation.
 
Windows and doors
 
Before the cold weather really sets in, you should take the time to inspect your seals on both windows and doors.
 
Draft excluders can often be a popular and cheap method to tackle drafts coming through doors.
 
As your leading local agent, we know how important it is to carry out a winter inspection on your properties to ensure the comfort of your tenants and avoid future repair costs.
 
For more information on any of the above or to talk with a member of our team, contact us.



How can you make the most of your garden this winter?

 
As we are officially in winter, we typically spend less time in our outside spaces. But now more than ever, Brits are looking for new ways to make the most of their gardens all year round.
 
With these tips, you can make your garden look and feel more inviting for the colder months, whether you decide to brave the cold or not!
 
Keep those green fingers busy
 
You wouldn’t assume you can work on your gardening skills in December, but we have just the thing for our keen gardeners out there.
 
Are you looking to brighten up your drive or balcony? Why not plant the following shrubs to add a splash of colour:
 
- Holly: a Christmas favourite. Choose a female variety to get the bright red berry.
 
- TIP: why not try a self-fertile variety such as Ilex aquifolium ‘JC van Tol’ to guarantee you a crop.
 
- Spindle euonymus europaeus: plant these bright pink lantern-shaped flowers to liven up your doorway.
 
- Crab apple: varieties such as Malus x robusta Red Sentinel burst with gorgeous red fruits all the way through to January, so get planting.
 
Make it cosy!
 
Even if you have only a balcony or a small patio garden, you must still utilise it! If you have a larger garden, then focus on warming just a small, more intimate area rather than tackling the whole space.
 
To better that, add shelter to shield you from the cold nights and lights to enhance a cosy atmosphere by creating strong shadows, framing your designated winter garden beautifully.
 
Repurpose old cushions and throws
 
You don’t need to have designated furniture for outdoor use only. Grab some spare cushions, throws and blankets that you already own and repurpose them for the garden.
 
Don’t leave them outside, have a basket that you bring out with you when you do happen to sit outside.
 
Have you thought about a fire pit?
 
Having a fire pit will be sure to get everyone using your garden during winter. You can find a wide variety of firepits suitable for all garden sizes.
 
Firepits have many great benefits. They keep you warm and create opportunities for fun activities for your family like roasting marshmallows.
 
Entice the wildlife
 
Plants are great ways to add colour to your winter garden, but have you ever had a beautiful robin or a goldfinch spread their wings in your outside space?
 
Invest in a bird bath to entice birds in.
 
Birds need water for drinking and to clean their feathers, especially in the winter months when most water sources may be frozen over. Make sure the bath is no deeper than 5cm deep and add stones or gravel for some grip.
 
Adding bird feeds around your outside space will also bribe these beautiful birds around your home.
 
Are you looking for more outside space? Why not browse our properties today.



Mad Hatter's Tea

Thursday 9th April 
 
Enjoy an afternoon tea in the school holiday's with fun, craziness, singing and dancing.

Click here to read Mad Hatter's Tea.



Wedding Open Day

Sunday 19th April 
 
If you are planning a wedding for 2020 or 2021 this wedding day is a perfect chance to see dressed rooms.

Click here to read Wedding Open Day.