Welcome to your monthly property update!

Welcome to your monthly property update!




Landlords, do you want to know how to rapidly expand your property portfolio?

 
The demand for your rental property is huge right now, with demand per available property spiking last year by 250% above the 5-year average, while the demand for rented homes remains 10% higher than this time last year.* Interestingly, many landlords who have reached retirement age are selling part or all of their portfolios, giving you the chance to rapidly expand your portfolio with rental-ready properties.

Rents are increasing
Your investment is secure. Rents have increased by 20% in the past three years, increasing by 11.1% in the past twelve months to March 2023.* This means you have the financial means to reinvest in your portfolio, finance improvements, and meet legislative changes. With such great returns on investment, you are a safe bet for banks.

New opportunities
Smaller, more energy-efficient homes are in demand; increasing numbers of students are looking for accommodation; and a widening demographic of people are renting for longer. With larger homes arriving on the market with good scope for negotiation and development, the opportunities are endless. It’s no secret that larger homes are selling a little more slowly than those in the first-time buyer market. The opportunity to buy a larger property and transform it into multiple lets is, provided you get the numbers right, a fantastic way to increase your rental yield.

More buy-to-let mortgage choice
There are over 2,400 different mortgage deals available if you are buying a property to let.* If you are buying an existing portfolio or an existing rental property, then you are far more bankable than starting from scratch. This will mean you can rapidly expand your portfolio without hesitation and established rental properties may have tenants living in them already.

Buy rental-ready properties
Some landlords who are retiring or have not done their research have been scared by legislative changes. Choosing to sell their rental-ready, buy-to-let properties gives you the opportunity to rapidly expand your portfolio. Every industry goes through big changes at some point. The Renters Reform Bill is currently passing through Parliament, and though it will not become law for some time, some less informed landlords are exiting the market, citing this and other legislative changes as the reason. The reality is that if you do your research, all these changes will protect your investment and create more opportunities for you to prosper.

Talk to your agent
Knowledge is the key to unlocking the secrets of success in the buy-to-let market. This is imperative in today’s reforming rental market. With so many changes taking place and so much to think about the right agent can guide you along the right road. A great investment starts with finding the right property, and that starts with the right agent. Managing your property and placing good tenants, which is becoming increasingly important, is something a good agent prides themselves on, not to mention local market knowledge and a vast database of buyers, sellers, and tenants.

Get in touch today to see how we can help take your property portfolio to the next level.

Zoopla*



How to evoke emotion with your home's colour palette 

 
Perhaps you have just moved, or maybe you are thinking about moving. It could be that you are decorating a recently acquired buy-to-let property. Whatever your reason for decorating, sometimes the hardest decision to make is deciding on colour schemes. There is an eternal spectrum to choose from, and matching and creating rooms that are visually what you were hoping for is no easy task.

Did you know?
Some research suggests that we associate certain colours of inanimate objects with certain emotions. Here are a few examples: orange: happiness or energy, yellow: cheerfulness, red: love, passion, or danger and blue: relaxation, to mention but a few.

Are you selling your home or letting your home?
If you are renting out your home, neutral, warm colours are the best. That way, you can play it safe and not run the risk of decorating to your tastes and alienating potential tenants or buyers. Paler, softer colours that encourage as much light as possible will make your home appear larger. While it is tempting to opt for two-tone effects, do so in a conservative manner, if at all.

Do what makes you happy
If you are decorating for your own home, then this is a different matter. When it’s time to sell up and move, the chances are that your buyer will have their own ideas and tastes when it comes to decorating. Instead, have faith in your own tastes. Learn to trust yourself while seeking the right advice. Experiment with colours, and don’t buy until you try. Use the samples you are provided with and paint until you are happy. If you are not happy, today any colour can be matched with some clever mixing technology. So, if you can’t find the right colour, you can have it made.

Soothing spaces
Bathrooms, bedrooms, and sitting rooms are often places where feelings of tranquilly are at the top of the pecking order of desired emotions. Shades of blue and green can be useful in creating such feelings. The softer the shades, the less impact they will have. A good way to make these themes work well is by adding the right complementary furniture. In the case of a bathroom, a contrasting suit will accentuate these emotions and may distract your eye from the intensity of large painted areas. A good tip is to break up walls with mirrors, plants, pictures, shelves, or tiles to create a greater sense of serenity.

Furniture and finishing touches
A great way to add colour to create your desired mood is by not paying too much attention to the walls and focusing more on your furniture, features, and finishing touches. Gone are the days when it was all about wallpaper and paint, with furniture being a simple afterthought.

Neutral and darker colours are great for a feeling of cosiness. Then, if you want to add a dash of colour with yet more cosiness built in, use mustard shades or whatever colour you love. Neutral colours work with everything, and when you get to the end of your decorating expedition, the impact of small plants on a simple, free-standing table can be pleasantly surprising. So, when it comes to creating the perfect mood for each room in the house, start with your furniture.

Browse our properties today to find a home that matches the life you want perfectly.



Home sales figures are looking strong for summer 2023

 
You are relaxing with a drink in the garden, and the summer scent of flowers and sweet grass mingles with whatever you are cooking on the barbeque. You take a long sigh and feel so happy that you have made the effort to move. Perhaps you have not experienced this feeling for a while. It could be that you are a first-time buyer and are eagerly awaiting this special and unique feeling. As the market stands, there is more than just nice weather and pretty houses to tempt you into moving.

Strong sales
With the UK housing market currently sitting at 500,000 sales, many analysts expect to see these figures rise to more than one million by the end of the year.* This is good news; it means that your home will sell quickly if you put it on the market. And is more proof that the property market is vibrant and far more resilient than the gloomy picture painted by the mainstream media.

The summer rush
Many people are hastily getting on the move in time for summer, not wanting to move during the colder months of winter. Summer is a beautiful time of year to move to your ideal home and is traditionally a busy time of year. For sale signs start appearing as quickly as summer flowers, giving you more choice. But it’s best not to wait for a sign to go up; keep in touch with your friendly agent, as homes can disappear from the market as quickly as they appear. Your agent will alert you the moment the right property for you becomes available.

Surging choice of homes
With 65% more choice in homes than this time last year.* The buying process today is far more enjoyable. You no longer have to worry about making offers over the asking price. From large and small energy-efficient homes that ooze character to new builds, and interesting period properties in a multitude of rural and urban locations, the choice on today’s market is more varied than ever. Homes across the market have undergone a massive amount of improvement during the home improvement boom of recent years. That said, there are plenty of projects waiting for you to put your mark on.

Summer is a great time of year to move
The kids are off school, the days are longer, the weather is not as harsh, and moving your belongings in more clement weather is a nicer experience. It’s also a great time to meet the new neighbours for a drink in the garden or a barbeque after you move in.

Good timing
Timing counts for a lot when it comes to selling your home, and right now the market is a hive of activity. A good agent will have their finger on the pulse and have a buyer waiting for your home to make its appearance on the market.

A vision of summer living
Bright and breezy rooms with seasonal flowers, drinks on the decking as the sun goes down, or the smell of something delicious cooking on the barbeque, or a simple, more compact space with a few candles and soft music soothing you after a hard day’s work are worth making the effort for.

Don’t waste any more time and make your move this summer?

Get in touch to see how we can help.

Zoopla*



First impressions last! Top tips on increasing your home's kerb appeal

 
You want your home to stand out, whether it’s first seen by your buyers in an image or from the kerb. That first glance is important. If the rest of your home is in great condition, the last thing you want to do is alienate potential buyers by neglecting the front of your home and creating the wrong impression.

The front door
If it’s wooden, give it a coat of paint and polish the metal work. If it’s really worn and damaged, consider replacing it. Sometimes darker colours will make your front door pop, so that when your home is viewed and welcomes potential buyers, they immediately feel good before entering your home.

The front lawn
Make sure the grass is green and trim. Use grass feed if there are any patches. Sweep and weed any paths or patio areas. If possible, use a jet wash to make your paving look like new again.

Clean your widows
Get your window cleaner to give your windows a good clean in time for viewings and pictures for your agent. Don’t forget your window frames; make the front of your house pop with the right colours; and repair any blemishes.

Add some paint
The front of your home will benefit from a coat of good paint. Check the pointing. Perhaps your home does not need any paint; don’t forget gates, fences, walls, and guttering. The little things all add up to make a big impact.

Flowers and plants
At this time of year, adding some vibrancy with a dash of colour will really help your home stand out. Less is more, and not everyone is passionate about the same flowers and plants, so be subtle and keep what you have in pristine order.

Furniture
Even if you have a small, terraced house with little space out the front, a small seating area can add to its appeal. For larger homes, create a vision of outdoor living that is just a taste of the splendour that will later appear, perhaps in the outdoor living space located at the rear of your property.

Conceal wiring or utility boxes
If possible, don’t allow all your hard work to be affected by unsightly wiring or an electrical, gas, or rusty mailbox. Get in touch with your energy supplier if it needs replacing, or simply give it a good cleaning.

Summer symmetry
Some things work best in pairs, and when it comes to making an entrance, a pair of ornamental flowerpots on each side of the door can do the trick. Lighting can also have the same effect as flower boxes.

Finishing touches
Hanging a summer wreath can really add some colour and show your new buyers that you love your home.

Will all of this add value to your home?
Yes. Anything that makes your home appear cared for and loved will help other people fall in love with it. While it will not drastically increase the value of your home, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Contact us today so we can guide you to the front door of your happy place.



Stanton Lane, Keyworth, Nottingham

Royston and Lund are pleased to market this beautifully presented three double bedroom bungalow on one ...
 
£799,950

Click here to read Stanton Lane, Keyworth, Nottingham.



Eltham Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham

Royston and Lund are pleased to bring to the market this well appointed three bedroom semi-detached home...
 
£325,000

Click here to read Eltham Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham.



CHRISTMAS CHEER '2322 Dec 2023

A Concert of seasonal entertainment featuring a host of Songs, Poems, Sketches, Mince Pies and Mulled Wine to get you in the festive spirit.

Click here to read CHRISTMAS CHEER '2322 Dec 2023.



Your guide to investing in multiple-occupancy homes


Investing in multiple-occupancy homes (HMOs) can be a great way of increasing yields, making them very attractive investment opportunities for landlords. Although the potential return on investment is greater when letting HMOs, they do require slightly more management than single lets, so here is a guide to help you through the process.

What is a multiple-occupancy home?
An HMO is a property with at least three people from more than one household who share basic facilities such as a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living space. HMOs can take many different forms, including large homes that have been converted into several self-contained flats with shared amenities, properties with separate bedrooms and shared common areas, and accommodations purpose-built for multiple residents. Properties with five or more tenants are considered large HMOs.

What licences are needed for HMOs?
It is mandatory for all large HMOs to have a licence, and landlords must use their local council’s application process to apply for it. HMO licences outline the maximum number of people that can live at a residence and will state the date on which the licence needs renewing. Smaller HMOs usually do not need to be licenced unless the local council believes the area’s HMOs are being mismanaged. Licences typically cost between £700 and £1000, but the high profitability of HMOs should result in a strong return on investment in no time.

How to manage an HMO
There is quite a considerable difference between managing a single tenant and managing an HMO. But there is no need to worry, as there is plenty of help available to landlords looking to invest in HMOs, especially from letting agents. They can help with tenant acquisition and screening to make sure there is a steady flow of tenants, even if there is a high turnover rate. Your letting agent can also help you draft a tenancy agreement, which is a slightly more complex task due to the extra regulations involved in letting an HMO. 

Steady flow of tenants
With several tenants in each property paying their own rent, you multiply your income stream, therefore increasing your return on investment. Even if one room becomes vacant for any reason, you will still receive income from the other tenants. In a single let, your property could remain vacant for a period of time, but this is less likely to happen in a HMO.

Increasing opportunities
Over the previous two years, the overall number of HMOs has fallen by 4.1%, leading to an increase in opportunities for landlords.* HMOs attract a range of different demographics, such as students, young professionals, and people new to the local area. For tenants, living in an HMO can be a cost-effective way of finding a home, as the rent is shared between multiple people.

Overall, despite the additional management and licencing required, letting HMOs is a great way to increase your return on investment as a landlord. With a continuous flow of tenants and increasing opportunities in the market, HMOs are low-risk investments that can produce high yields. With support from a letting agent, investing in HMOs is a very attractive proposition for landlords.

 

Thinking of making your next investment? Contact us today

Octane Capital*



How to present your home for a viewing in 2024?


Have you placed your home on the market with the goal of relocating in the new year? If so, you should make sure your home looks irresistible when potential buyers come for a viewing. Let's look at what you can do to improve your chances of receiving the offer you desire for your home.

Give your home some kerb appeal
First impressions are crucial. Because of this, your property's exterior must be appealing so that prospective buyers are impressed before they even step foot inside. One way to achieve this is by giving your door a clean, and maybe even a lick of paint. If you have a front garden, you should mow the lawn, trim any shrubbery, and get rid of any weeds that may be growing on your driveway or patio.

Open up the space
It is important to make sure your home is clutter-free, as a clean and organised interior showcases the full potential of a property. A tidy living area allows potential buyers to envisage themselves in that property, increasing the likelihood that they will make an offer. A cluttered property will distract people from your home’s features and may even give the impression that the property has not been maintained properly, so it is always best to present the interior of your home in an attractive way.

Make the necessary repairs
Before showing your home to prospective buyers, make sure all necessary repairs have been made, as this will give them confidence that the property has been well maintained. A property that has no issues will likely achieve a higher asking price and sell faster, as potential buyers will be more encouraged to make an offer. A well-maintained property also gives you leverage when negotiating a price for your home, and the buyer is much more willing to make an offer that matches your asking price.

Let some light in
In order to create a bright, welcoming ambiance that will attract prospective buyers, it is important to let in natural light before a viewing. As well as improving your property’s aesthetics, natural light will make your home feel more inviting and spacious. Good lighting will really show off your home’s features and character, making the buyer more likely to be tempted into making an offer.

Freshen up the air
Allowing fresh air into your home is a great way to create a pleasant and clean atmosphere. A well-ventilated home removes bad odours and reduces the effects of damp and condensation, which could put off potential buyers if present. Creating that fresh feel in your home could make all the difference when potential buyers consider making an offer.

 

Looking to move to a new home in 2024? Contact us today



Why buying now could be a really great move?


Timing is often on the minds of many homemovers. You want more. You want to move, but you ask yourself: Is it the right time? This can be for an entire host of reasons, and in many ways, it does not exist. Often, the amount of time you have invested in a property supersedes anything else, including financial elements. If you have a lot of equity in your home or are a cash buyer, you probably don’t worry too much about interest rates. If you are moving to a region where you have more space for your money than your previous location, then you still stand to gain. Perhaps you are moving for emotional reasons, and while the numbers are important, they are not a priority. But if you are someone who likes to be a bit savvy, it’s all about anticipating the market ahead. In fact, average asking prices in October 2023 increased by 0.5%.*
 
2024 has been built on good years
Many properties have had a small fortune spent on them in recent years. If you are thinking of moving now, you will find a high standard of interesting, inspiring, and, in some cases, breathtaking properties. There are still plenty of projects to be found that are both characterful and modern, with a little room for improvement in the mix as well. Over the past few years, prices have rapidly increased, allowing your home to gain equity quickly. Yes. There was a little bit of a lull in 2022, but it was nothing like the bleak picture that the mainstream media painted. This allowed the property market and you to catch your breath. Letting off a little steam is a healthy thing; it prevents overheating and keeps the market stable.
 
Many home movers are making an early start
A lot of homemovers will put their homes on the market over Christmas, and many more will be viewing them; it’s become a tradition. As you feast on Christmas fayre your eyes can gorge on stunning homes and investments. Suddenly, it will be 2024, and offers, viewings, and more valuations will keep agents busy. But not in a frantic way. Though all this activity will keep prices healthy, unlike in recent years, they will not get carried away. This early momentum makes it a good time to find a property and plant a for sale sign at your address.
 
Get ahead of the market
There are positive signs that the market has stabilised thanks to settling interest rates. There is much talk of the property market ascending as 2024 progresses, so by moving now, you can get ahead of the curve. Prices may fluctuate marginally, but the strong demand for your home means your property will retain its value. So, buying now before prices start increasing more rapidly could be the way forward. Valuing your home correctly with a skilled and knowledgeable agent is critical.
  
Defeat higher mortgage rates
With the right mortgage advice, you may find that you are already further ahead than you realise. In October 2023, the number of mortgage products stood at 5,495, which is the highest in 15 years.** Moving home with your existing mortgage (known as porting) or taking out a longer-term could counter the effect of today’s higher interest rates.
 
Final thoughts
It’s understandable to feel a little anxious with so much change occurring in 2023. A lot of what is churned out in the media is negative, and this does not help. But by focusing on your unique situation with the right agent to advise you, there are many doors open to you that will lead you to the right home. In fact, buying now could be the best move you ever make.
 
Get in touch to get a true understanding of what is possible for your 2024 property plans  
 
Rightmove*
Moneyfacts**



What will the 2024 UK property market look like?


It’s impossible to predict the future completely, so why worry? When homes sell incredibly quickly, this often leads to rapid property price inflation. Right now, the market is stable and not growing rapidly, which makes it a good time to move. You have a little more scope for negotiation while still achieving a great price for your existing home, as it will have gained in value in recent years. With inflation falling in November by 2% to its lowest levels in two years to 4.6%* and wages rising, the market is returning to normal. The expectation is of slowly falling rates and rising property prices steadily emerging towards the end of 2024, but could this occur earlier than expected with the January rush?
 
Winter
Winter 2024 begins in December 2023, as many homemovers get a head start on finding a great home before January. Sellers are itching to move, having placed their homes on the market in time for scores of viewers, who create a Boxing Day home moving boom. In fact, the week of Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year.
 
Spring
Those who have waited to move in January will now place their homes on the market as the property market gets into full swing. Added to those who decided to take the plunge by moving into their dream homes in time for sprouting daffodils. As mortgage rates become more competitive, combined with a strong beginning in 2024 with better buyer affordability, there will be real momentum in the market.
 
Summer
If you have already bought your home at this point, you may have got the timing just right. In many ways, 2024 is a good year to buy and then gain the rewards of good growth in the following years. Overall, the outlook appears steady, with a lot of stability. You could be sitting pretty with a garden in full bloom and concentrating on a holiday, knowing your property plans are sorted and all you’ll need to do is make the most of enjoying the reality that was once a dream.
 
Autumn
This appears to be the only season of change, and perhaps we are tempting fate to look this far into the future. But if the predictions of analysts are correct, mortgage rates will start to decrease further but not return to the extreme lows of the past. As a result, property prices will start to rise more rapidly.
 
Your agent can transcend time
Any time is a good time to move; it’s more about you and your home. Good estate agents hold the keys to optimising your situation at any time of the year and are becoming extremely adept at the entire moving process. Today, they are armed with vast databases of homemovers that connect your home with the right buyer quickly. They can help broaden your mortgage options with the right mortgage advisor and fine-tune the value of your home, which is critical in today’s market. Finding the property that will improve your life immeasurably will help you feel awesome all the time.
 
 
Contact us to create your perfect moving story
 
Bank of England*