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**

 

If you’re looking to get on the property ladder, 2025 could be the perfect time to do exactly that. With a balanced, stable market offering exciting opportunities for first-time buyers, all you need is the help of a reputable estate agent to find your perfect property. Let’s take a look at why the market looks to be heading in the right direction for first-time buyers.

The market is balanced

One of the best reasons to step onto the property ladder in 2025 is that levels of supply and demand are becoming increasingly balanced. With the number of homes for sale hitting a seven-year high in August 2024*, buyers have much more choice, and market activity is very strong.

Mortgage rates are trending downward

Mortgage rates have been hovering around 4.5% for a 5-year fixed rate deal*, and there’s optimism that they will continue to stabilise or even decrease in 2025. Historically, this tends to lead to an increase in buyer activity as homes become more affordable, particularly for first-time buyers.

House prices are increasing steadily

Unlike the overheated property market of recent years, 2024 has seen a steadier, more sustainable growth in house prices. The slow increase in house prices is expected to continue into 2025, which will benefit first-time buyers as affordability levels stay strong. This allows you to take your time searching for your perfect property without worrying about prices suddenly skyrocketing.

Consumer confidence is high

A healthy economy is key to a buoyant housing market, and the UK’s economic outlook for 2025 is looking positive. With average salaries rising, consumers are feeling increasingly positive about their financial situation, which is translating into a stronger housing market. With more people confident in making significant financial decisions like buying a home, 2025 is likely to see continued activity in the housing sector.

Labour plan to make changes

Following their election victory, Labour have pledged to introduce a permanent mortgage guarantee scheme and allow first-time buyers to buy homes before international investors. This should make it easier to access the property ladder, as it should improve both affordability and availability.

Also included in their manifesto was the ‘Warm Homes Plan’, which will provide grants and low-interest loans for energy-efficient features such as solar panels, insulation, and low-carbon heating to lower household bills.

We’re here to help

As a reputable estate agent, we can play a crucial role in helping first-time buyers navigate the 2025 housing market. By offering expert advice on competitive pricing, mortgage options, and local market conditions, we can help you capitalise on the balanced market conditions that are expected to continue into next year.

With mortgage rates stabilising and economic confidence on the rise, we can guide you through the mortgage pre-approval process and find properties that meet your budget and preferences.

 

Contact us today for help stepping onto the property ladder

Choosing your next property is a big decision, and you will have many questions during a viewing. These questions could be the answer to finding the right rental property, and they will help guide you during your search.

Do you like the location? 

Location is key when you are searching for your next home. Practical considerations such as your proximity to work, transport links, or excellent social amenities will help inform your decisions. But it’s also vital to ask yourself: What do you want from your next home's location? Is it important to be close to the countryside and vibrant towns and cities?

Is the kitchen in good order?

There's nothing wrong with running a tap to check the water pressure. How energy efficient are the appliances, and are they in good working order? Take a look at the cupboard spaces, as well as the condition of the walls. Check what is included as you would in any other room of the house.

Are the bedrooms right for your needs?

Are the bedrooms spacious enough for your needs? Is there scope to decorate? It’s important to define the boundaries here. If beds are included, you might want to inspect them thoroughly. It's also worth checking windows for drafts and areas around curtains for telltale signs of poor ventilation.

What should you look out for in the bathroom?

The bathroom's general cleanliness, from grouting between the tiles to the condition of the ceiling, is critical. Look carefully for evidence of mould. Extractor fans can be essential to keeping bathrooms in tip-top shape and can sometimes hide evidence of poor ventilation. That said, tenants should also play their part by opening windows regularly.

What does the property's exterior look like?

Whether you are renting a city apartment or a property in the suburbs, don’t neglect to take a thorough look around outside. Small and large outdoor spaces are equally important considerations. Do you have the time to maintain a large garden, or will it be maintained for you? Perhaps a characterful yet compact outdoor space that is perfect for winding down after a long day is exactly what you're looking for.

Final thoughts 

Take full advantage of your agent’s knowledge and expertise; that’s what they’re there for. Some properties benefit from round-the-clock maintenance support. Even without this in place, you will benefit from expert guidance when renting through a reputable agent. Renting this way will allow you to feel at ease and provide you with all the right information you need to make a confident choice.

 

Ready to take your next step? Book a viewing of your favourite properties today

 

Are you interested in speeding up your home’s sale while achieving a better selling price? Home staging could sell your home 3 times faster while adding 10% to its sale price.* There are many ways to move your home sale forward. Let's examine why home staging is a worthwhile endeavour, with a few tips to ensure its success. 

What is home staging? 

Home staging is all about presenting your home in its best possible light. This will attract more buyers and create those all-important excellent first impressions. Whether you hire a professional, consult your agent, or do it yourself, home staging makes each room of your home more desirable. Done correctly, photographs, 3D tours, and face-to-face viewings will create a real emotional connection with your potential buyers. 

How do I stage my home?

Decluttering rooms and arranging furniture in spacious layouts will allow your home’s rooms to appear fresh and clean. Refreshing the paintwork and repairing minor blemishes will help you achieve this. Once you complete these tasks, incorporate details like scented candles and flowers. Dressing bedrooms with crease-free linen and cushions, or the dining room with nice tableware, will set the scene. 

First impressions can be moving 

As soon as your potential buyers see your property, they start to make up their minds. Kerb appeal is vital, and creating this is relatively straight forward. A weed-free path, a well-presented front door, clean windows, neatly trimmed lawns, and tidy guttering are all cost-effective ways of helping buyers get that ‘love at first sight’ feeling. But don't stop there; create it as best you can throughout your home.

Flaunt your home’s features  

Following these tips allows your potential viewers to easily imagine living in your home. It’s important to make this happen effortlessly. Hiding your home’s features and asking your potential buyers to navigate their way through clutter or your personal belongings will not show your home in its best light. An attractive home attracts buyers, and if your home is ready to welcome new owners, it will reduce their stress levels. 

Low-cost with potentially high gains 

Home staging could achieve a staggering 586% ROI.** So spending a few hundred pounds on staging your home correctly could potentially lead to making thousands of pounds worth of gains. Spending a bit of time staging your home could more than likely reduce your selling time. So, the sooner you start, the better. A good first step is to create a to-do list that will break down the task of staging your home into manageable chunks.

 

Book a valuation and move forward with your move

Inheriting property can be both a blessing and a challenge. Whether it's a cherished family home or an unexpected asset, navigating the legal, financial, and emotional aspects requires careful consideration. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the essentials when inheriting property.

The probate process

Before inheriting a property, the deceased’s estate typically goes through probate. This legal process confirms the validity of the will and appoints an executor to distribute assets, including property.

Inheritance tax

In the UK, inheritance tax (IHT) may apply to estates above a certain threshold. It's crucial to determine if the property is subject to IHT and understand any reliefs or exemptions that may apply.

Title deeds and ownership

Upon inheritance, you’ll need to transfer the property’s ownership. This involves updating the title deeds with the Land Registry, which ensures legal ownership rights.

Mortgage and financial responsibilities

If the property has an outstanding mortgage, you’ll need to address repayment options. Seek advice on handling financial obligations related to the property.

Wills and intestacy 

Whether there’s a valid will or not affects how the property is inherited. Understanding intestacy rules is crucial if there’s no will.

Executor’s role

Executors have legal responsibilities to administer the estate, including the property. They ensure debts are settled, taxes paid, and assets distributed as per the will.

Property valuation

Obtaining a professional valuation helps assess the property's market worth. This informs decisions on selling, renting, or retaining the property.

Family discussions

Inherited property can stir emotions and family dynamics. Open communication and clarity on intentions can help mitigate potential conflicts.

Maintenance and insurance

Property upkeep and insurance are ongoing responsibilities. Ensure the property is adequately maintained and insured to protect its value.

Selling or renting

Decide whether to sell, rent out, or occupy the property. Each option has financial and personal implications, so consider your long-term goals.

Seek professional advice

Navigating inherited property involves legal, financial, and personal considerations. Consulting with legal and financial professionals ensures you make informed decisions tailored to your circumstances.

For more advice, contact our expert team today