Your home’s location
Location is a key factor in determining the value of your home. So make the most of it. Whether it’s proximity to local transport links, schools, or beautiful countryside.

Kerb appeal
From flowers to fences or widows to door frames. Anything you can add to make your home look attractive at first sight will always help.

Smart technology
There is very little you can’t use smart technology for, whether it’s for entertainment, heating, or security. Make the most of it for a comfortable and modern way of living that will help you relax.

Energy-efficiency
Buyers like cost-saving and environmentally friendly features. Highlight any energy-efficient features, such as energy-rated appliances, LED lighting, smart thermostats, triple-glazed windows, or insulation upgrades.

Build a garden office
The proportion of property listings that now mention a garden office is now 11 times higher.* With so many of us working from home today, this is now high on the list of desirable features for many people.

Add bi-fold doors
By creating space while adding lots of light, you can really alter your indoor and outdoor living spaces as they seamlessly blend, allowing you to add real desirability to your home.

Open-plan living
Open-plan layouts have been on trend for the past few years. By increasing the size of your rooms by physically removing walls, your kitchen and dining area will seem so much bigger, with more light and a better feeling of space.

The kitchen
A new kitchen fitted with energy-efficient appliances is the central hub of any home. Doing this could add up to 15% to the value of your home.*

Create off-street parking
Off-street parking can add up to £50,000 to the value of your home.* So if you can create it where it did not exist before, many more home buyers will want to buy your home.

Does your home have any special features?
Whether we are talking about traditional architectural features such as an original fireplace, staircase, or stone walls, celebrate them. But do so in a respectful, neutral way that does not alienate potential buyers.

Outdoor living space
From great decking to the perfect patio, add lights, candles, an outdoor dining area, and a fire pit. Outdoor spaces, big or small, add to the value of your home and to the quality of your life.

Garden
Making the most of your garden is just as important as making the most of any room in the house. And this can not only add value to your home but also greatly increase its attractiveness to buyers.

Sell your property’s potential
Whether you have planning permission to build an extension or loft conversion, this is always worth mentioning to your agent as it could attract buyers.

Get in touch today to discuss moving to the place you really want to be

 

Zoopla*

 

The rental market is highly lucrative and full of opportunity, with soaring demand and lists of people looking to rent. As a landlord, you are set to gain a good return on investment; it’s just a bit more complex than it used to be.

Not conducting tenant screening
It’s vital to carry out the right background checks. The last thing you need is to place a tenant who is problematic when it comes to damage to your property or paying rent. Credit checks and references are good ways to ensure you are letting your property to the right tenants.

Not keeping on top of maintenance
It’s imperative to keep on top of your property. Small issues can very quickly become expensive problems if not dealt with quickly. If tenants live happily in a well-maintained property, then this reduces the risk of accidents, claims, or losses in revenue if your tenant decides to leave.

Not conducting inspections
A great way to prevent expensive repairs is to conduct regular inspections of the property. This will help you identify any potential problems before they become repairs. It's vital that you give your tenants at least 24 hours' notice before conducting viewings. It’s less about checking up on tenants and more about keeping your property in good condition.

Neglecting legal obligations
From the right safety checks to the correct level of insurance, there is a lot to remember. Having the right tenancy agreement is also vital, and you don’t want to skim over the details of this. It’s important to define the cost of rent and what it covers to notice periods. It’s also important to maintain records of rent payments, and while some things may not be a legal requirement, they can help your case if legal disputes arise.

Incorrect pricing
When deciding how much rent to charge, it’s important to strike the right balance. You don’t want to charge too much, which could lead to your property being vacant. On the other hand, you must factor in your maintenance costs and the area where your property is located.

Not using a letting agent
A letting agent can take care of as much or as little of all these processes for you, which helps protect your investment and ensures your rights as a landlord are protected. Managing your own buy-to-let property is a time-consuming business. But more than that, you don't want to get caught out or increase your costs due to poor management.

Contact us today to find your buy-to-let property

 

Buyer demand in July was 3% higher than in 2019, but the number of available properties for sale was 12% lower than the same period in 2019.* This means that your home is in demand. While there is a healthier choice of properties than in recent years, demand still exceeds supply.

The housing crisis
There is a backlog of 4.3 million homes that are missing from the national housing market because they were never built.** With so much talk of high interest rates and the cost of living, it’s easy to forget that the housing crisis has not gone away.

Some good news about inflation
Inflation is finally falling, as it dropped to 7.9% in the year to June.*** This is the lowest level for over a year and will impact the base rate, meaning lower mortgage interest rates should follow. As this happens, the property market will revitalise, but without the sudden upsurges of the past.

First-time buyer homes
The national average asking price for these types of homes decreased by -0.4% from June to July, with an annual change of +0.3%.* The demand for first-time buyer-type properties is high, with many people still managing to get a footing on the ladder despite all the challenges. The mortgage guarantee scheme, which ends in December, has helped, as has a competitive range of mortgages from high-street lenders.

Second-steppers homes
The national average asking price for these types of homes decreased by -0.5% from June to July, with an annual change of +0.6%.* With many home movers getting a good price for their first-time buyer-type homes, they are taking advantage of good levels of equity and moving to something bigger. Whether it’s a house in the suburbs or a townhouse, the figures show that these types of houses have increased in value over the past year.

Homes at the top of the ladder
The national average asking price for these types of homes decreased by -0.1% from June to July, with an annual change of +0.8%.* Homes at this end of the market had not been quite as buoyant in terms of sales as those in the first-time buyer market. However, overall, as with all house types, the value of these types of properties looks healthy on an annual basis.

Spend some time with your agent
It’s easy to listen to the news or look at average house prices and arrive at the wrong conclusion. Agents know your local market intimately. Better still, they have the right approach when it comes to pricing your home at the correct level. Properties that need a reduction in asking price are 10% less likely to find a buyer compared to a property that was priced correctly in the first place.* Your situation will differ from that of the next person. You may have high levels of equity in your home, but even if you don't, agents today can put you in touch with mortgage providers and advisors who will create a solution that is right for you.

Get in touch today for advice on all aspects of your move

Rightmove*
centreforcities**
Office for National Statistics***

 

It’s worth talking to your agent this August as the housing market is in good shape for many reasons. So, whether you are on holiday or looking for a holiday home to buy, downsizing or moving to something better, here are a few good reasons to do so.

Every home is different
The location of your home is important, as is the property type. First-time buyer-type homes, for example, have been selling very well. But with all that said, your individual home stands for a lot too. Every home has its own personality and unique features that make it desirable to a buyer. And the chances are, if your home is in any way attractive to certain buyers, they will not be alone.

Demand for your home is strong
Buyer demand is 3% higher than it was in 2019.* It’s completely unfair to compare these figures to the unsustainable levels during the pandemic. But every cloud has a silver lining, and much of that rapidly gained equity will still be in your home. This means that if there is a crash, you are still in a good place.

Your situation is unique
The number of homeowners who own their homes outright in the UK stands at 35%, while the number of homeowners with mortgages stands at 30%.** If you are one of the majority that does not have a mortgage, you may be less apprehensive about making a move now in the face of fluctuating interest rates.

The long-term view looks good
In the long term, house prices increase, and if you are concerned about the short-term fluctuations in price, they will be absorbed by the long-term increase in the value of your home.

How much time have you invested in your property?
Many homeowners in the UK who buy a home will live in it for well over ten years. So, if you bought your home before the pandemic, you have a double layer of accumulated equity to fall back on. Many people are in this situation, and this, combined with good demand, sures up the property market.

Home movers are on holiday
With so many people enjoying their holidays at this time of year, the market may lose a bit of momentum. So often, these changes in price can come about because of seasonality. Now is a good time to get out and have a good look at the home you may want to move into. There is a lot of choice, and with the market being less frantic, you may have more flexibility when it’s time to make an offer.

Conclusion
So, what does this price change mean? Not a lot, and with years of equity, you are in a good place even if there is a sudden drop in prices. But as things stand, prices are steadily declining only slightly, which means you will not get caught out in the middle of your move. After all, you want to live in the home you want; you are not playing the stock exchange.

Contact us today to see how far your money could go towards buying your property dream

 

Rightmove*
English Housing Survey**

 

 

 

 

With the spring market seeing an 18%* increase in mortgage approvals, as home buyers got busy moving, you can't be blamed for being tempted to move. Getting ready to move, or ‘move-ready’ to coin a phrase, during the summer months will stand you in good stead for the cooler months on the horizon. This could make your move easier when you decide the time is right. So, with that in mind, here are a few things you can do.

Don’t mistake 'move-in ready’ for ‘move-ready’  

‘Move-in ready’ means a home is ready for immediate occupancy and involves a significant level of legal work, which may help to speed up a sale. Whereas being 'move-ready’, in this context, is simply doing what you can, so that you and your home are more prepared for moving, even if you are not planning on moving right now. 

Sort your home’s outdoor areas out  

There are a lot of advantages to moving in the summer with good weather, longer days, and the possible help of your children while they are off school. But if moving in the summer is not on the cards, taking advantage of the good weather, to make your garden and home’s kerb appeal more beautiful, will make your home more appealing to buyers. Having a sort out of the shed and a trip to the tip will de-clutter it, saving you a job in later months, when it’s time to move. 

Odd jobs inside the house

Summer is a good time to dedicate a few days to addressing any issues around the house that need your attention. From painting and decorating to simple mends. From emptying your attic space, to clearing out your closets. Whether you add a few days to your holidays or have a bank holiday DIY weekend or afternoon, doing it during the summer months will require so much less effort than it would during the colder months. Then, when the season of change sets in, you can change homes with relative ease. 

Check your paperwork 

Whether you are thinking of moving now or in the future, it’s always better to have your paperwork in good order. Perhaps you check your credit rating regularly and have all your important paperwork stored safely. But, if there is something missing, it could delay your sale significantly when it’s time to move. Things such as gas certificates, an updated EPC rating, or certificates for any structural modifications that have been carried out, show that the work is compliant with building regulations. 

Watch the property market closely

Apart from making life easier, you can take advantage of the market more easily if you are ready to move. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the property market. Perhaps you like exploring homes for sale online and are well-versed in tracking the progress of a home’s sale. Talking to your local agent will also give you extra insights into the markets and areas you are most interested in. The contemporary UK property market is made up of layers of localised markets, from street to street and from region to region, that can differ and are almost as unique as the various homes that reside within them. So, if you are prepared, you may be rewarded by finding your perfect property.  

 

Are you ready to move? Get in touch

 

Searching for the right rental home is rarely a simple task, but throw family into the mix and you’ve got a seemingly endless list of wants and needs to consider. We’re proud to offer an extensive range of suitable properties for a variety of unique households. But if you’re unsure where to start, here are the key things you should look out for.

Community

The community surrounding your property is all the more important when you’re raising children. You’ll want a location that feels safe, with friendly neighbours and a warm community spirit. You can find out a bit more about the local community through online forums, checking the local crime rates, or even paying the place a visit before committing to finding a home.

Schools

Proximity to schools should sit high on your list of priorities if you have young children. Many schools have a catchment area, so you should start your research as early as possible. Catchment areas are calculated based on the distance to the school, but each school will calculate this differently. You will most likely need to directly contact your chosen school to find out more about their specific catchment area.

Pets

Pets are a huge part of many families, and if this is the case for you, you’ll need to look out for a pet-friendly rental home. If you are lucky enough to find one in your desired location, it’s important to prove that you’re a reliable pet owner from the offset as this may increase your chances of having your application accepted. You can do so by providing details about your pet such as their demeanour (are they quiet and friendly?), their vet records (are they flea’d and dewormed?), or even a solid reference from a previous landlord regarding you and your pet.  

Outdoor space

You may not need a huge garden for your family home, but you do need access to outdoor space. Whether it’s a balcony, a communal outdoor area, or a pretty nearby park, fresh air is vital for everyone in your household. 

Transport links

Whether you drive or not, it’s important to research the area’s transport links. You can find most of this information online, or you could ask questions during your viewing. Are the buses reliable? How close is the railway station? Are there any roads you should avoid on your commute?

If you plan on making use of the local public transport regularly, you can also find out the fastest and cheapest routes using Google maps and ticket apps.

Family-friendly fixtures

The fixtures and fittings inside your family home should cater to the practicalities of modern life, with a healthy balance of durability, safety, and convenience. This might include a large fridge and plenty of cupboard space, hardwood flooring, or a reliable washing machine with a large load capacity. Every family is unique, so draw up a list of wants and needs before you set off on your search.

 

Need help finding a rental home? Contact our expert lettings team today

 

When purchasing a property, there are many stages throughout the buying timeframe you need to face before you can finally call the property yours. During these stages, there are multiple factors that can get in the way and extend the process unnecessarily.

In this article, we discuss the different stages you go through after your offer is accepted and how you could potentially speed up the process of purchasing your dream home.

 

Stage 1 – Your offer is accepted

 

Finally, you found the home of your dreams, and your offer is accepted, but that doesn’t mean the property is yours just yet, as nobody is contractually obliged.

The 2 G’s

The buyer and seller are not legally bound until the signed contracts are exchanged, so there’s always the chance you could be gazumped or gazanged. Have you heard of these terms?

Gazumping is when another buyer offers more money to the seller even after your offer has been accepted, reversing your deal. To avoid the possibility of this happening, it’s common to ask the seller to take the property listing off the market.

Gazanging is where the seller decides to cancel the sale and not sell the property. A shift in the market could trigger this, potentially increasing the value of their property in the future.

Both are decisions made by the seller, making it hard for you to avoid them. Either of these decisions could result in a financial loss. This is why speeding up the buying timeframe is extremely important, as you are vulnerable until the exchange of contracts.

 

Stage 2 – Apply for mortgages

 

When purchasing a property, you are most likely going to need a mortgage to make this happen. Mortgage offers normally only stay valid for 30 to 90 days, depending on the lender. Ensure you complete thorough research when applying for mortgages, and don’t just accept the first offer.

By completing thorough research ahead of time, you can shorten the timeframe of your property purchase, as it can take as long as a couple weeks to over a month for a mortgage offer and approval.

 

Stage 3 – Discover a Conveyancing firm

 

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property from one person to another. Conveyancers are lawyers who specialise in property and complete all the legalities of exchanging property. It’s important to choose the right conveyancing firm that is reliable and offers clear communication. By choosing your conveyancing solicitor firm ahead of time, you can speed up the process.

 

Stage 4 – Property searches and surveys

 

While your mortgage application waits for approval, your conveyancing solicitor can begin to complete the necessary searches that are advised.

• Local authority searches
• Drainage searches
• Environmental searches

These searches come at a cost but are sometimes required by the mortgage lender.

When purchasing a property, it is highly recommended to get a property survey completed. This will highlight any hidden issues that may not be spotted with the naked eye. By having a property survey completed, this allows you to negotiate price reductions or repairs before the final transaction goes through. 

The lender will complete their own mortgage valuation of the property to see if they are prepared to lend you the mortgage. The lender completes this process because the bank would repossess the property if the mortgage repayments weren’t met.

 

Stage 5 – Mortgage offer

 

Your mortgage offer is accepted! Now it’s time to check your offer thoroughly and ensure that everything is accurate. A mistake as small as a misspelt name could cause delays and expenses, extending your wait.

Transferring your deposit

You’re almost ready to exchange contracts, which means transferring your deposit to your solicitor. Most banks don’t allow large sums of money to be moved in a short span of time, so you may need to contact your bank to organise this.

Signing your contract

At this stage, you will now sign the contract and commit to buying the seller’s property. The transaction still isn’t fully completed yet though!

 

Stage 6 - Exchange contracts

 

Finally, your solicitor and seller’s solicitor will swap signed contracts, and this is known as the ‘exchange in contracts’. Once completed, it’s time to celebrate! This exchange is legally binding between you and the seller, and now neither of you can retract it.

Your solicitor will deliver paperwork with a clear breakdown of the contract and any remaining costs of the property transaction.

Signing the transfer deed

The transfer deed is a contract that confirms you are taking ownership of the property; it needs to be witnessed and sent to the seller’s solicitor.

Paying for the property

The solicitor will arrange the payment to the lender, and this will kickstart the mortgage. You will receive proof that the seller’s mortgage has been cleared from the property, and you will begin yours.

 

Stage 7 – Move into your new home

 

It’s time to collect the keys and move into your new home! You can now start paying off your mortgage and begin your journey on the property ladder.

 

Contact us for more information on how you can speed up your property purchase

 

Selling your home involves countless difficult decisions, and knowing which offer to accept is no exception. You might have asked yourself: What if the first offer is the best one? While achieving the highest possible price for your home is an important goal to keep in mind, there are several other factors that might come into play.

Here are some key considerations to help you make your decision.

Buying position

The term ‘buying position’ refers to the buyer's readiness to proceed with the sale. Therefore, factors such as being in a chain, having a mortgage agreement in principle, and being a cash buyer, all affect the buyer’s positioning. A first-time buyer, for example, might be in a great position to buy your house since they don’t have one to sell first.

If you’re hoping for a quick move with fewer complications, you should take buying position into consideration when comparing offers.

When the first offer comes in

The first offer is an important one for a multitude of reasons. You aren’t obligated to accept the first one that comes in (or any offers for that matter) but there may be circumstances in which you do accept the first offer made on your home. 

For example, if your home has been on the market for a long time without generating much interest, you might be more inclined to accept your first offer. Conversely, if you’re in need of a quick sale, you might accept the first offer in favour of waiting for more to come in. 

There are also some compelling reasons why you might not accept your first offer. For example, you might fear that the offer is too low and you could risk missing out on a better offer if you hold out. There’s no way to be certain of this, which is why it’s important to have an agent guiding you through these tough decisions.

What happens if I receive two or more offers on my home?

If your house draws in multiple offers, you could be well-positioned to sell it for a high price. If both offers are identical, you have two options:

1. You can accept the offer from the buyer who is in the best position to close the deal fast. This could be someone without a chain, or someone who has a mortgage deal in principle.
2. You can move to sealed bids. This is when your estate agent asks each party to put in writing the highest amount they are willing to pay for the property. The bids must then be sealed and sent back to your agent by a specified date.

Should I pick the highest offer?

Sometimes the highest offer is the right one to choose, after all, it makes logical sense to sell your home for the highest price possible. However, some sellers might choose a lower offer in favour of a better buying position. For example, a cash buyer might offer a lower amount in exchange for a less complicated sale. 

The same goes for first-time buyers, or those with a mortgage agreement in principle. If the seller places more value in a quick move, they might lean towards offers from these groups. 

Our experts aren’t here to tell you which offer to choose, but we can use our local market expertise and sharp negotiating skills to guide you towards the best outcome for your sale. Remember – it’s your home, so the choice is yours!

 

Need help getting your home on the market? Contact our dedicated team today to get started