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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finding the right property is so important. You want to feel happy, content, and safe in the place you call home. And sometimes it’s not easy to find everything you're looking for under one roof.

A greater choice of properties
A good chat with your agent is always a great way to start your search. When all is said and done, it all starts with finding the right home for you. Agents often know about properties that are coming on the market before they are advertised. This means you can get an early notification on a property that could be ideally suited to you before it’s snapped up. And by telling your agent what you are looking for, they become another pair of eyes in your search. If you do all of this yourself, you may miss an opportunity, and agents are good at pointing out something you may have missed. Or opening your mind to a property that you may not have considered.

A friendly and supportive team
It’s good to have an ally when renting a home. Agents only use good, law-abiding landlords, and it’s a comforting feeling knowing that there is someone else on your side. Often with an entire team of people who have your best interests at heart. It means you never have to worry about getting in touch with your landlord; simply call or get in touch with your agent, who will have a dedicated team to take care of everything for you. From protecting your deposits, the health and safety of the property, and maintenance to understanding your rights and responsibilities, your agent will have your back.

Letting agents have to be compliant
Like so much in life today, there are lots of checks that need to be carried out. And using an agent ensures that all necessary checks on the property you want to rent have been carried out. From gas certificates to smoke alarms and references to your deposit, all other checks will be carried out to a high standard, so you don’t have any sleepless nights.

A good tenancy agreement
Knowing your rights is important and having them backed up with the right contract is imperative. Sometimes contracts can be confusing and cryptic. Good agents will explain your rights and make sure that your contract is in your best interests. And if you have any worries or concerns, they are just a phone call away.

Maintenance issues will be solved quickly
If your property is managed by your agent, then when it comes to repairs or emergencies, a good letting agent will most likely prevent these things from happening in the first place. But if unforeseen repairs come about, you can rely on them to take care of things for you instead of trying to get in touch with your landlord.

Agents keep up with trends and legislation
Not many things in life stay the same, and with the Renters Reform Bill on its way, understanding your rights has never been more important. It’s one thing to understand them, and it’s another to implement them. Agents are aware of constantly evolving legislation when it comes to energy efficiency as well as new trends, and all these things add to the quality of your life.

Accompanied viewings with an expert
Many good agents will accompany you on viewings, and this is the length to which agents will go to make you feel happy about your choice of property. You can explore your new home while asking as many questions as you like. This gives you a chance to get to know your potential new home in detail before making a decision. It’s this dedication to detail and personal service that, for many, makes a good agent a must-have.

 

Get in touch with our team of property experts today to see how we can help you find the best version of your home.

 

 

No matter how advanced technology becomes, there is nothing quite like face-to-face property viewings. This is particularly true because you can get a sense of how you feel about the property, and when you are investing a lot of money in bricks and mortar, you can’t be blamed for wanting to get up close and personal with it as much as possible. But with all that said, virtual viewings have many great benefits and can enhance your home-hunting experience.

There are a few ways you can conduct virtual viewings
Virtual tours are an established part of viewing properties online, and you can easily move about inside your potential new home online with most agents offering 3D viewings. Thanks to WhatsApp, Facetime, and Zoom, bespoke real-time video tours with your agent can easily be arranged, with the advantage of being able to talk to your agent as you view the property. You can ask as many questions as you like and direct your agent to certain features of the property.

You can conduct virtual viewings from anywhere
It could be that you are just on the other side of the city or that you are too busy to stop everything to attend a viewing. Wherever you are in the world or whatever you are doing, you can explore your potential new home or investment, and that saves you a lot of time and money if you are working or located overseas. Gone are the days when you had to fly home before you made a decision or an offer.

Virtual viewings when you are selling
If you are selling up and you don’t like the idea of lots of people coming to your house to view, then virtual viewings can help. And if you are conducting your own viewings, you will not have to be home quite as much, so you can get on with life more easily.

Virtual viewings can give you more time
By arranging a virtual viewing, you are giving yourself a chance to quickly get to know your potential new property. This then gives you a little breathing room to think and compare your choices.

You don’t have to wait before you make an offer
If you love what you see and want to make an offer on a property, you can do it there and then. If you are in competition with other buyers, this can be helpful in getting to the front of the queue. Your agent, solicitor, or conveyancer can take care of the rest.

Virtual viewings can be used in conjunction with face-to-face viewings
You may view many properties virtually until you find what you are looking for. And if nothing else, virtual viewings help you narrow down the final contenders for the big decision. There is nothing to stop you from conducting a face-to-face viewing before you make an offer.

 

Contact us if you would like to arrange a face-to-face or virtual viewing with one of our agents today.

 

 

Dreams can come true. It does not have to be a winning lottery ticket, a phenomenally successful business, or making it as a world-famous actor, artist, or athlete that provides the means of living a fairy-tale life in the castle of your dreams. The UK is a land full of castles and magical homes that are the envy of the world. With that in mind, here are a few ideas to make your dreams of owning a castle a reality.

Buy with others
With some castles on the market in the UK hovering around £1 million, it’s a tempting idea to buy with a selection of family or friends. Sharing the costs, particularly those associated with repairs and maintenance, could be achievable with the right approach. There is scope to become self-sufficient when producing energy, and the more people that share the costs, the less the financial burden. Creating a strong, legally binding contract between those you trust will allow you to live an enchanted lifestyle without any worries haunting you at night.

Create the ultimate holiday destination
Indoor and outdoor space are not going to be in short supply. You could create holiday apartments and rooms and develop a hotel or guest dwelling. Outside lodges and camping may be a possibility, as may purpose-built holiday lets. The revenue created from these is always in demand and can be very lucrative all-year-round.

Create a spectacular place to live
Many castles have a vast number of bedrooms; some of these could be converted into flats or apartments, which would provide you with an exceptional level of income as you could share the dream with people who do not or can’t afford to buy a castle. Many people love the idea of living in a piece of history, with all the accompanying grandeur, without the fear of living in such a vast property, especially at night when it’s time to switch off the lights.

Become a food supplier
The UK is a world-leading producer of artisan food, from beer to bread, berries to beef, sweets to savouries, and vegetables to vegan products. What better way to become self-sufficient while supplying fresh and healthy food to domestic and overseas markets while making highly lucrative returns?

Create a day out
The possibilities are endless. From historical tours and outdoor activities to hosting sporting events, ghost hunts, and artists’ weekends to facilitating conferences and the events of organisations and clubs. Wedding venues, nature walks, health retreats, fishing weekends, to murder mystery weekends. Create a diary of events and make your castle earn its keep.

Find an investor
Having a strong vision for your castle is everything when it comes to finding an investor. The more detail you can provide with projected income leading to profits, the more likely you are to find an investor. As time goes on and a business is born, banks are more likely to get on board, which will allow you to take full control of your destiny.

 

Whether you want a cottage, a castle, or something in between, find your dream home by browsing our properties.

 

 

Perhaps you need more space for your dogs, horses, or hobbies, and you want a house in the country. It could be that you are moving to the suburbs or need more space for your growing family. Whatever your reasons for buying a bigger property, now could be a good time to take the plunge so you can upgrade your home and enhance the quality of your life.

You could get more house for the same money
If you decide to move from an urban area to a more rural location, then you may be able to get the house you have always wanted for the same price as your current home. At the very least, your money should go further.

You could get a bigger discount
Demand for bigger homes in May was 1% lower than it was in 2019, compared with first-time buyer homes at 6%, and homes that fall between these sectors at 3% above 2019 levels.* Larger homes have always had greater scope for bigger discounts on asking prices. But right now, with the market favouring smaller homes and larger homes selling a little more slowly, you may have quite a lot more haggling power when it’s time for you and your agent to make an offer below the asking price.

Larger homes can be very energy efficient
Modern homes have become so much more energy efficient. With better insulation and the potential to create self-sufficient energy sources, you no longer have to dread monthly bills. So, running a bigger home is not as expensive as in years past.

Bigger rooms and more of them
You will have more space for friends and family to stay over. You could get a lodger to provide another stream of income or if you need extra space for new additions to the family. Maybe you want a gym or a hobby room or are looking to create the perfect work-from-home space with an awesome view.

A beautiful garden with more potential
Finally, you can have the garden you have always wanted, and this is where your only limitation will be your imagination. Inspiration is everywhere, and there is so much more you can do with more space. From creating great outdoor spaces and dining areas to tropical gardens.

Larger entertaining spaces
When it comes to those special times of the year—indoor and outdoor parties—the options larger homes offer are endless. You may want to create a games room, a bar, or an awesome indoor entertaining area that effortlessly flows to a magical outdoor area.

The garage or workshop
If working from home involves more than a computer screen and a phone and you need a workshop or a garage for your classic car or hobbies, then your budget could allow you to enjoy more scope for outdoor buildings.

Create multiple dwelling places
Bigger properties can easily be divided up into smaller properties. Whether you are creating a space for a teenager or an elderly relative. Perhaps you are interested in letting a room or creating flats for a buy-to-let business.

 

Browse our properties to find the home that fits your requirements perfectly.

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