If you have made the decision to sell your home, chances are you will want to do it as swiftly and smoothly as possible. You probably have so many happy memories from each and every room in your house, yet already you are beginning to see your home in a different light. It’s important to look at your home as a house subjectively and see what you can do to get it sold.

 

Combined with this you need to be organised; you don’t want to be delayed – don’t neglect that silly little thing you forgot to do which delays everything by weeks! So here is a checklist which you can use as a reminder and a few other things to consider which will help you achieve the best possible price for your home.

 

Check out the competition

Look at what other houses in your area are selling for. View online the most recently sold properties in your postcode to give you a good idea of an asking price.

  

Declutter

Everyone has their own unique way of living whether it’s sitting by the fire and knitting or collecting unusual beers. Start decluttering by packing them away now and creating space. An emptier kitchen worktop will make the entire space look bigger and more appealing to potential buyers.

 

Clean

Have a good clean up, everything from the fireplace to kitchen tiles and carpets. It all helps make your home more sellable.

 

Repairs

Are there any small repairs that need doing or scuff marks that need a touch of paint? Perhaps you have some paint left over in your shed. It won't cost you much, but it will make your home look better and become more resistant to silly offers!

  

The garden

Don’t forget the garden and the front of the house. Are there any bushes or trees that need trimming? Are the windows clean, has the grass been cut? The first thing your buyers will see is the front of the house and first impressions last.

 

Make an entrance

As you enter your home through the front door look at what will greet potential buyers. A nice, presentable, clean and in good condition hall or room or porch will welcome new owners, not just viewers.

 

Paperwork

You don’t want to be delayed waiting for a gas safety certificate, or any other paperwork - perhaps from building control for any structural work you had carried out. Make sure you have any paperwork ready for your potential buyers to keep things moving forward smoothly.

 

Solicitor

Don’t give your solicitors any excuses to delay you! Call them and double-check if there is anything you need in terms of conveyancing and paperwork to get the ball rolling.

 

Photography/video tours

Check out your home’s profile once it goes live, and check the pictures for accuracy. Once you have done all this your house should look as pretty as a picture and you will soon be on the move for the right price.

 

Do you want to enjoy a seamless and swift house move? Contact us.

 

 

This year is proof that life as a landlord is not as simple as it used to be. Reforms for tenants along with new laws and legislation will make it a bit more complex. That said the great news is that demand for rented properties is still extremely strong. There is a chance you could pick up a bargain as property prices slow. These changes help protect landlords and tenants so it should be another good year where standards across the industry rise.

 

Better protection for tenants

The renter's reform bill could become legislation this year if the government have their way. Giving more rights to tenants will also force unscrupulous landlords to up their game and stop cutting corners. This will raise standards and rights for renters and stop your properties to let potentially suffering from bad landlords undercutting you.

 

Higher capital gains tax

The tax-free allowance for landlords selling a property will be reduced significantly from April. This means you could pay more capital gains tax, so if you want to avoid it, and you are thinking of selling, better to sell sooner rather than later. There will be further cuts in 2024, meaning your tax relief when you decide to sell will be halved.

 

Buy-to-let mortgage rates

Mortgage rates while higher than they used to be, are now much more stable than last year. This means you can plan for the future once again and calculate costs more accurately.

 

Higher demand

In 2022 demand for rented accommodation was huge. This year demand is still very strong.  Fewer people can afford to buy due to the cost-of-living crises and the hike in interest rates. It’s expected that landlords will increase rents in order to cover costs but also to reflect the huge demand and get a better rental yield.

 

Add to your portfolio

With house prices levelling out and falling now is the time to add to your portfolio. Rental yields are good, and demand is very high. Some landlords will choose to sell, while savvy investors will seek new properties to develop as buy-to-let businesses. Asking prices are much more open to lower offers than last year so you might just acquire something that before was not as good as an investment.

 

Financial help for energy efficiency upgrades

Landlords who meet certain criteria might be eligible for government assistance with £1bn to help homeowners to insulate their properties. The aim is to improve energy efficiency which will help landlords with providing energy-efficient, appealing homes.

 

Outlook

There is a lot going on in 2023, and if you are a landlord you are most likely to incur more costs. With rental demand growing now is the time to invest while providing great places to live for tenants. As the industry becomes more regulated, standards rise in so many ways, elevating the industry and creating a more stable investment prospect.

 

Tenant demand has never been better. Browse our properties.

 

 

 

We have all heard it before. “Moving is one of the most stressful things you can do.” Compared with many other more serious predicaments in life this is of course not true. Like flying to the moon or near-death experiences! However, it’s right up there with the big stuff like your career and relationships according to some experts.

 

It’s got everything, from hurting your back by lifting large furniture through narrow spaces to worrying about paperwork, and the emotional roller coaster ride of saying goodbye to friends and family you might not see for a while. Then the elation and excitement of a new home and maybe a new life. With all this going on it’s easy to get stressed. There is so much to think about.  We have come up with a few tips to help you make the big move less stressful by breaking it down into manageable pieces.

 

The sooner you start the better

The longer you put things off the more they fester in your mind. Instead simply packing a few things earlier will stop you from becoming stressed thinking about the huge task ahead. Start with the little things. Stuff you don’t use often, an hour here and an hour there. Don’t make it a task. Then you are already ahead of the game.

 

Come up with a plan

Make a nice cup of coffee or tea, or something stronger! Sit down and relax, then scribble down a plan. Write a list to break each of your tasks into smaller chunks, perhaps using titles such as – the happy day, for when you move in.  Breaking your tasks down like this will help you keep calm and gives you a plan to stick to while reducing the chances of the unexpected. Perhaps have a packing section, a pre-move checklist and a post-move checklist, to deal with the change of address!

 

Budget

It’s always a good idea to create a budget. Moving can be expensive and the more time you give yourself to plan the costs and see where you could save the better. If you are using a removal company, shop around, while they will make your life easier, if the cost is more than you can afford you may find yourself stressing over money.

 

Don’t forget yourself!

Your mind will be teeming with everything to do with your new home. Remember to look after yourself, plan breaks on the big day - a time to eat and a time to rest.  When you get stressed, remember to breathe. When you move in, sort the bedrooms first. This process will take a few days and you will need to sleep well. Perhaps pack a self-care box, so you are not frantically looking for something that is essential to you.

 

Say your goodbyes

Remember to set aside some time to say goodbye. It’s important to do this and if you don't plan it you may find you are trying to do too much at once; packing, while saying goodbye. It could cause an emotional and stress overload!

 

Finally

There is no doubt following these steps will reduce your stress levels massively and with a bit of luck you will be able to enjoy the big move!

 

Can’t wait to move into your forever home or looking to make your first big move?  Get in touch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Improving your buying power has never been more important. With the increase in the cost-of-living, fluctuating interest rates, and high inflation, you need to pay attention to the details that can counteract these current challenges. A new home could be more affordable than you realise. With that in mind, here are a few things you can do that may put you in a much better position to buy the home you desire.

Pay your bills on time
Reduce any debts, from credit cards to monthly insurance payments to car loans, if you can. Late payments can reduce your credit score, so ensure you don’t miss any payments.

Build up your credit

 It’s important to use your credit card or have some borrowing history because this shows your potential mortgage provider that you have the ability to pay back debts.

Access your credit report

Keep an eye on your report, checking details such as your address history, payment history, settled accounts, and whether you are on the electoral register. Any errors should be corrected immediately, as they could affect your ability to borrow.

Reduce your debt-to-income ratio
Lenders closely examine your monthly outgoings in comparison to your earnings. So, if possible, pay off any existing debts and do not take out any more new loans. It’s equally important to be disciplined and monitor your spending.

Get in touch with a good mortgage advisor
Good estate agents will put you in touch with a good mortgage advisor. There are many options when it comes to mortgages today that help counteract the effects of high interest rates.

Porting your mortgage

This means if you are an existing homeowner, you could move home without needing a new mortgage. If you are currently paying a more favourable interest rate, then this could save you significantly in costs.

Longer mortgage terms

Lenders are now offering much longer-term mortgages, which means you will pay more interest overall, and also it will reduce your monthly payments.

Interest only

Instead of paying a capital and interest mortgage, you could opt to buy the home you want with an interest-only mortgage, which costs far less per month. Then, in a few years, if you decide to remortgage, you could change your mortgage product.

Increase the size of your deposit
It’s a bit cheeky, but there is always the bank of mum and dad to help increase the size of your deposit. This reduces the amount you need to borrow, but it’s also often one of the biggest hurdles to getting your first or even second home. Create a savings plan and stick to it. You can save money by being savvy with food shopping and socialising at home.

Earn more money
It may be worth considering taking on a second job or negotiating a pay raise. The more you earn, the better. It’s important to be realistic; don’t overdo it. Your earnings have to be sustainable, and your well-being comes first.

Be resilient and resourceful
Don’t give up. Keep searching for the home you want. There is plenty of room for negotiation right now. Sometimes you have to be patient. Your agent will have a deep understanding of your local property market and can put you in touch with a good mortgage advisor.. Sometimes they will be aware of properties about to arrive on the market before they are advertised.

Talk to your agent
Your agent will have a deep understanding of your local property market, be able to put you in touch with a good mortgage advisor, give you the right valuation for your home, and help you find the home of your dreams in the right location by making good use of the equity in your property.

Contact us today for all your home moving needs.

 

 

 

Contact us today for an accurate appraisal of how close you really are to living in the home you deserve

 

Joint tenancies can be fun and a great way to expand your social circles. They also help reduce your monthly outgoings and spread the financial risk for landlords.More people are renting in the UK than ever before. Tenants are looking at exploring various rental agreements that suit their needs. A joint tenancy, where multiple tenants rent a property together, has benefits, drawbacks, and legal implications, so here are a few things to consider.

What is a joint tenancy?
A joint tenancy is a rental agreement that involves two or more tenants sharing a single tenancy agreement for a property. Each tenant is equally responsible for the entire property, including rent and any obligations outlined in the tenancy agreement This arrangement is ideal for professionals, groups of friends, students, or couples who wish to live together and share the responsibilities and costs associated with renting a property.

Pros of joint tenancies

• Shared bills
  Sharing rent, utility bills, and other living expenses makes life easier. This frees you from a larger financial burden, giving you a higher disposable income. So, whether you are saving to buy a property or want to enjoy life, you can. 
  
  
• Less administration
  With a joint tenancy agreement, administrative processes become more straightforward. With only one agreement, any correspondence with your landlord or letting agent can be carried out together.

• A good social scene
  Sharing a tenancy agreement is often a great way to live with your friends and enjoy a more full social scene. And if you don’t want to live alone, it could also create the opportunity to make new friends or companions. 
  
  

Cons of joint tenancy

• Shared responsibility
  The downside is that if one or more tenants fail to pay their share of the bills or break the terms of the tenancy agreement, the others may be held responsible. This can cause friction among housemates.
  
  
• Damage to the property
  In a joint tenancy, all tenants are collectively liable for each other's actions. If one tenant damages the property or breaches the agreement, all tenants could be held accountable for the costs.
  
  
• Disagreements
  Potential issues can include disagreements over chores, noise from music or guests, and respecting each other's space, to name a few.. Disagreements can arise, and this may cause arguments or a fallout.
  
  
• Legal considerations
  It’s vital that you know where you stand legally.
  
  
• Ending your tenancy
  If one tenant wishes to leave the property, the tenancy usually continues for the remaining tenants. However, arrangements can sometimes be made to replace the departing tenant or end the tenancy altogether.
  
  
• Deposits
  The deposit provided by tenants is often held collectively. When the tenancy ends, the deposit is returned to all tenants jointly, which could cause issues if there are disputes over damages or cleaning costs.

Tips for tenants to consider when entering a joint tenancy:

• Communicate
  Discuss important issues with your housemates.. You may not like to set ground rules, but a quick chat about who is responsible for what can prevent friction.
  
  
• Your tenancy agreement
  It's crucial for all tenants to understand the terms and conditions of the agreement, as it is legally binding.
  
  
• Prepare for the unexpected
  It’s important to plan and ensure that your housemates can cover the rent in case of unexpected circumstances.. Be prepared for unexpected circumstances, like one of your housemates leaving unexpectedly.
  
  
• Exit Strategy
  If one tenant wishes to leave the property, the tenancy usually continues for the remaining tenants. However, arrangements can sometimes be made to replace the departing tenant or end the tenancy altogether.
  
  
• Choose a property through a letting agent
  A shared tenancy has many advantages, but if you want to safeguard yourself from the pitfalls of this kind of living arrangement, a good letting agent is the way to go. From replacing a tenant, understanding your agreement to maintenance, you will be in a better place using an agent. If you're a landlord, opting for a fully managed letting service can significantly simplify your responsibilities..
  
  

Contact us today, whether you are renting or letting, to see how we can help

 

There are some amazing properties to rent in the UK today. Whether you are a successful business owner, a student, or a young professional, there is no end to the possibilities when it comes to property. Renting offers the freedom from mortgage responsibilities and being tied down, making it a great way to experience everything from flats in the city and suburban homes ideal for raising a family to country retreats.

The necessary steps to take

• Think about how much you can afford
  Do the math and consider not only monthly rent but also additional costs like utility bills, council tax, and energy bills.
  

• Property search
  This is a legally binding document outlining the terms and conditions of your tenancy. Read it carefully before signing and ask for clarification if needed. The agreement will include details like the rent amount, duration, notice period, and responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord.

• Book property viewings
  Going on viewings is exciting. Your agent will guide you through all you need to know while showing you properties in your desired location that best suit your needs.

• Tenancy agreement
  This is a legally binding document outlining the terms and conditions of your tenancy. Read it carefully before signing and ask for clarification if needed. The agreement will include details like the rent amount, duration, notice period, and responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord.

• Deposit
  Your deposit is held in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme to ensure fair handling and will be paid before you move in; typically, it’s about one month's rent.

• Bills
  These may be included; if not, get in touch with utility companies when you move to ensure a smooth transition. Remember, if you pay for your utilities, you can change suppliers. Check when your council tax payments and rent are due and set up a direct debit.

Top tips for renting

• Take care of your home
  your new home in good order. Clean it, avoid causing damage, and follow any rules outlined in the tenancy agreement. Talk to your agent or landlord about decorating, find out what’s permitted, and enjoy where you live.
  
  
• Report any issues
  Resolving a problem before it becomes expensive is important. If your property is managed by an agent, all you have to do is call, and their maintenance team will sort it out swiftly.
  
  
• Get insured
  It’s always a good idea to get insured in case your belongings get damaged or stolen. Your agent will be able to recommend a good insurance broker. Another advantage of renting is you do not have to insure your home.
  
  
• Plan for the future
  Your landlord could be more than happy if you decide to renew your tenancy. This can provide stability and save you from the hassle of searching for a new property.
  
  
• Find a great agent
  Using a letting agent to find your property has many advantages. If the property is managed by them, they will always be just a phone call away. If you have a maintenance issue or want to look for a new property, the process is easy. Moving into your new home is exciting, and it’s comforting to have an expert to take care of everything for you, from your deposit, references, and any queries about your agreement to finding your ideal property in the first place.
  
  

Looking for a great property to rent?

Many homeowners and home movers are seeking a higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating because they know that it leads to lower monthly bills. By doing this, it also increases your home’s value significantly. Improving the EPC rating of your home from D to C could see an increase in value of 3%, from E to C a 7% increase, and from F to C  could increase your property’s value by an average of an additional 15%.*

What is an EPC rating?
An Energy Performance Certificate measures the energy efficiency of your home and is graded from A to G. A is the highest or most energy efficient, while G is the least energy efficient.

How do I get an EPC?
You will need an accredited assessor, which you can find online on the GOV.UK website. They will assess each part of your home’s energy efficiency, such as lighting, insulation, and the potential for heat loss, and then calculate the overall rating of your home by adding the various scores to get an average overall score.

Climate change
With rising sea levels and the increased frequency of bad weather, insurance companies have been hit with a larger number of claims. Climate change makes the weather less predictable, and more claims can lead to higher premiums. Calculating risk, an already complex process, becomes even more so. The agricultural sector has also suffered, as have transport companies. Wildfires are also becoming more frequent, causing damage running into millions of pounds.

How do you improve your home’s EPC rating?

• Energy-efficient lighting
  Simply using more energy-efficient lighting can reduce the energy consumption of your home. LED bulbs may cost a little more, but they last so much longer than old-fashioned lightbulbs and use a fraction of the energy.
• Double glazing
  Triple glazing is even better. Your home can trap a lot of heat throughout the day as the winter sun shines through your windows. The heat you create from your heating system is then trapped inside your home.
• Better insulation
  Insulating your attic or walls also helps to stop the heat in your home from escaping. This means you will not have to keep your boiler running quite as much to heat your home, saving you on costs.
• Install a heat pump
  Replacing your boiler with a more energy-efficient system can add a lot of points to your score. It could be that you have relatively recently replaced it but neglected to get your rating upgraded. You could also install a heat pump. In October, the government increased its grant for the installation of heat pumps to £7,500.**
• Solar panels
  You could reduce your carbon footprint with a renewable energy source by installing solar panels. Large energy suppliers will install these in your home. With finance packages available and the opportunity to sell surplus electricity back to the grid, it’s worth considering.

Final thoughts
There are lots of ways to make your home greener. Adding an electric car charging point, using wind-powered methods to create energy, installing a smart meter, to adopting more healthy living practices. This can be achieved by sourcing sustainable food and clothing. And if you would rather move to a home that is kinder to the environment, it could be less than you think. Talk to your friendly local estate agent.

The landlord-tenant relationship in the UK is often portrayed as strained in the media. Seen as one-sided often in favour of the landlord it’s sometimes justified. However, it’s always a few bad landlords who tarnish the reputation of many. The reality is that there are many great landlords letting beautiful properties, managed by reputable agents, who are changing the rental landscape for the better in the UK.

With the cold snap of winter at our heels and Christmas coming up, you want to save money on your energy bills where you can. One of the best ways to do this is to change your energy supplier. It may surprise you to know that if you are renting your home, you are perfectly entitled to do this if you pay the bills directly.

Check your tenancy agreement
It’s always vital to check your tenancy agreement. If your landlord has a clause regarding energy suppliers, simply inform your landlord that you have found a cheaper alternative. They will most likely be pleased, even if they are not responsible for the bills

Can your landlord charge you for energy?
Your landlord can’t charge you what they want for energy. There is a maximum resale price that landlords must adhere to. As a tenant, you should be charged the domestic rate per unit plus standing charges. Your gas or electric meter will record your usage and be the basis on which you will be charged, and that’s per unit.

Are you responsible for repairs?
When it comes to boilers, radiators, or your home’s fuse box, your landlord is responsible for repairs and maintenance. You or your landlord may be responsible for appliances, and the energy efficiency of your home largely depends on the specified energy rating awarded to them.

Energy Performance Certificates
Energy Performance Certificates will tell you how energy efficient your home is and give it a rating between A and G. A being the most energy efficient while G is the least energy efficient. If you rent through a letting agent, they will ensure this is taken care of before the property is available to rent. If you or your landlord add energy-efficient appliances, then this will improve your home’s energy rating.

Comparing energy supplier prices
Using a comparison website is a good way to find a cheaper alternative and could lead to cheaper energy bills. Listening out for a special offer or simply getting a few quotes could save you money.

How to switch energy suppliers
If you are considering changing your energy supplier, it’s important to check your previous bills. Comparison sites have an estimation tool. So, if you find out your usage from previous bills, you can get an accurate estimation to see how much you could save. Then get some more quotes and decide which energy supplier you want to choose. Remember to check with your landlord or letting agent. Once you have done this, it is a good idea to check your account balance with your old supplier. They could owe you money.

The benefits
The high cost of living still creates challenges, this forces us to reexamine how much we spend. It’s no secret that rents are rising. But the right energy-saving strategies, combined with the benefits of living in a good property, allow you to enjoy your home while refocusing your budget. Whether that's by cooking great fresh food, entertaining your friends, or enjoying energy-efficient, cosy, nights in.

 

Home is not just a collection of bricks and mortar, it’s a place that evokes and witnesses a lot of emotion, and this makes it unique amongst all our worldly possessions. The ability to contain our lives and those things that belong to us, such as paintings, memories, and feelings ushered in by the colour schemes of its interior, are some of home’s many special powers. The impact of the location of your home and its surroundings, for an eternity of reasons, from the beautiful countryside to friends, family, or love for a location, is profound.

Excitement
There are few things in life more exciting than moving to a new home. The list of reasons why you are so excited is uniquely yours, and your perfect property will reflect this. From the way you decorate it, to the stuff you own, that tells the story of your life. Your home should make you feel welcome from the moment you see it. Maybe you adore your new kitchen for a thousand reasons, including how it makes you feel. It’s character, the view of the garden, or its modern design.

Desire
This innate human emotion moves us all to act, and finding a home you really want will fill you with the desire to own it. If you view a property and you really like everything about it, and feel that you can improve it, by adding your own creativity, then the chances are you will want to make an offer. Buying the property that adds so much to the quality of your life opens the gateway to so many more positive emotions.

Love
Making the perfect home for your loved ones is one of the most powerful and greatest feelings in the world. Are you in the lucky position of buying a home for a relative to keep them safe or moving to the house for your family to grow? Sharing our lives with a partner in the right home is blissful and intoxicating, and the right property adds to this more than most people realize. You should also love your home; from the little characterful details to the fundamentals, good homes have a built-in power to inspire love.

Happiness
Homes have the uncanny ability to make us feel happy, and they can do this in so many ways. If you feel you have enough space and love the way your home looks and feels, then you are well on your way to creating happy lives within it. Happy memories are priceless, and when you get down to the basics of life, there is not much else that matters quite as much. There is a lot to think about when finding your happy place, from your home’s location to its energy efficiency.

Safety and security
You want to feel safe, secure and satisfied that your home is a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the world outside. Relaxation is vital to keep you stress-free so you can think and plan your life clearly. This will allow you to enjoy those special moments that become enhanced by the features of a great home. From a mesmerising outdoor living space to relax in, a cosy fireplace, or a nicely decorated home that makes you feel good.

Discontentment
This can be as powerful as many positive emotions. If you are currently living in a home where you feel trapped because you are tripping over things, that is enough to make you want to move! Maybe it’s time to buy your first home because it’s you who is getting in the way, and you want to enjoy a greater feeling of independence! Are you moving to a better area or a home with a better garden? Maybe you need more bedrooms or have too many and want to buy something smaller.

Do you want a property that makes you feel amazing? Get in touch today.