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*

 

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.

 

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*

 

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.

 

 

 

Gazumping and gazundering are not always carried out intentionally to save money. Sometimes buyers and sellers experience challenges while they are between homes, and a good agent can help you overcome them.

What is gazumping?
You are elated that your offer on the home you have chosen has been accepted. A few days before completion, the person selling their property accepts an offer from another buyer. Although you may feel furious and a little heartbroken, this is perfectly legal.

How can you avoid gazumping?

• Get organised
  Don’t delay or waste any time. If you are organised, then you can move quickly. So, communicate with your agent and start the paperwork process as soon as possible.
• Sort your mortgage
  Working with a good agent helps speed things up, but if you don’t have your mortgage agreement in principle in place, delaying gives your seller more time to consider offers.
• Choose your conveyancer or solicitor wisely
  You don’t want a slow solicitor or conveyancer. Call them regularly for updates until they get the job done. Your agent could recommend a reputable firm for you.
• Negotiate the removal of the property from the market
  When making an offer as part of the deal, ask your agent if the seller is willing to remove their property from the market.
• A lock-out agreement
  You may be able to draw up a contract that will set out a given period of time in which the buyer has exclusive rights to buy the property.
• Gazump your gazumper
  If you really love the property and are determined to buy it, and your finances allow it, you could simply make a higher counter-offer; a small increase can make a big difference.

What is gazundering?
The boot is on the other foot in this case, as a buyer of a property lowers their offer, usually at the last minute. Like gazumping, this is perfectly legal until the exchange of contracts.

How can you avoid gazundering?

• Set a date for the exchange of contracts
  This is like setting deadlines for solicitors or conveyancers, the buyer, and the seller to work to. This will keep momentum going and reduce the risk of a buyer reducing their offer.
• Pricing is critical
  Understanding the property market is important. Your agent’s skill and experience in pricing accurately are crucial in valuing your property accurately.
• Valuing your home
  Good agents conduct face-to-face valuations and will find the right value for your home, and this will help prevent gazundering and gazumping in the first place.
• Avoid leaving surprises
  Hiding issues that may affect the value of your home, which will inevitably be discovered during a survey could encourage gazundering.
• Consider chain-free buyers
  There is no guarantee that this will prevent getting gazundered, but a chain-free buyer will move more quickly than a buyer in a chain.
• Be prepared
  The golden rule when moving home is to be organised. Anything that could delay your move, from paperwork, mortgages, and poor communication to choosing the wrong agent.

A good agent is crucial
An experienced agent could prevent and will certainly minimise the risk of either of these scenarios happening by matching the right buyers with the right homes. But even if these situations do arise, a discerning agent will help manage your situation so that your moving dreams do not become thwarted. Agents do not just sell properties but also represent your best interests and position in the market. They can improve your ability to buy or sell by always presenting you in the best possible light so that your home move is a success.

 

Get in touch today for a successful and smooth home move

 

The beginning of a new year often marks the beginning of a new life, and for many, this means moving home. Because of this, January is a significant time in the property market. So, whether you’re planning on buying, selling, or both this year, here are some top tips to help you beat the New Year rush.

For sellers:

• Preparation is key
  Before placing your home on the market, make sure it’s in its best possible condition first. This might mean investing some time into making small repairs, staging, and decluttering to ready it for the eyes of potential buyers. A well-presented home will stand out on a busy market, so don’t forgo a little home improvement!
• Set a realistic asking price
  Overpricing can deter potential buyers, but under-pricing could mean you’re selling yourself short, so it’s important to strike the right balance. An expert valuation will assess all your home’s unique features, while also taking into account the local market landscape. This produces an accurate and competitive price for your home, allowing you to secure a fast and successful sale.
• Show off your home’s best features
  High-quality photos, virtual tours and expertly crafted descriptions are all important for showcasing your property online. In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is vital. Without social media reach, your home would not have half as much exposure to potential buyers. Make sure your chosen agent has a solid marketing strategy in place and knows how to utilise online platforms to cast a wide net.
• Choose the right agent
  Partnering with a reputable and experienced agent can make all the difference. Your estate agent should be well-versed in your local market and therefore have the expertise to advertise your property effectively, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through the entire selling process.
• Be open and flexible
  Selling a home requires a great deal of time and commitment. While the viewing process can be disruptive to your everyday routine, being flexible and accommodating might land you a buyer quicker. Once you’ve secured your buyer, make sure their timings for completion align with your own, even if this means compromising slightly, as this will help speed up the process and avoid any confusion.

For buyers:

• Get your finances in order
  Before you can get started on the search for your dream home, you’ll need to make sure your finances are in order. The best way to get ahead of the curve is to obtain a mortgage agreement in principle. This will strengthen your position when making an offer, as sellers will view you as a reliable option.
• Know your priorities
  You should know exactly what your priorities are in terms of location, size, and any other important features. This will streamline your search and help you make informed decisions, rather than wasting any time on homes that aren’t suitable.
• Act quickly but thoughtfully
  The January rush can be competitive, and a home that you have your eye on may receive multiple offers similar to yours. While it’s important to act fast, you shouldn’t act merely on impulse. Take some time to thoroughly inspect the home and do your due diligence both online and in person before making an offer.
• Manage your expectations
  Wish lists are essential when it comes to finding your dream home, but it’s equally important to be realistic about what you can afford and what is available on the market. Be open to compromise where necessary, but don’t sacrifice any essential requirements.
• Work with an agent
  A skilled agent can guide you through the buying process, help you identify suitable homes, and negotiate on your behalf. Having someone who is experienced in the local market on your side is invaluable when it comes to finding a home in a busy market.

 

If you're ready to take the plunge into the January rush, our experienced team is here to assist you every step of the way.

 

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, made several proposals in his Autumn Statement that will have an impact on the property market in 2024. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking to take your first step onto the property ladder, a homeowner looking to upgrade to a new property, or a landlord looking to expand your portfolio, the Chancellor's proposals will benefit you in some way. Let's take a look at some of the upcoming changes and how they could positively impact your 2024 property plans.

National Living Wage up, National Insurance rates down
One of the key announcements the Chancellor made in his autumn statement was that, from January onwards, the National Insurance rate will be cut by 2%, bringing the main rate down from 12% to 10%.* The Chancellor also announced that, from April 2024, the hourly National Living Wage will increase from £10.42 to £11.44, the largest increase seen in over ten years.** These changes will benefit buyer affordability because increased disposable income will allow people to spend more money on buying a home they love or investing in properties to expand their portfolio.

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme extended
The Chancellor also announced the extension of the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme until June 2025. The scheme makes it easier for first-time buyers to enter the market by allowing them to secure a mortgage with as little as a 5% deposit. It was originally scheduled to close to new applications on New Year’s Eve 2023, but an unexpected 18-month extension has ensured that first-time buyers can still realistically achieve their dream of owning a home.

Properties can be split into flats without planning permission
The Chancellor also announced that property owners no longer require permission to divide a property into flats as long as the exterior of the property remains the same. This should increase the number of available homes on the market, potentially increasing buyer affordability. It will also give landlords greater flexibility in adapting their properties and increasing their rental income.

House purchases are to be made simpler and quicker
Jeremy Hunt also announced that £3 million will be spent on implementing a range of measures that will improve the overall home-buying process.** In the hope of speeding things up, experimental projects will be implemented that will digitise property data held by local councils and create property tech solutions. These new projects should hopefully make the buying and selling process much quicker and easier.

Final thoughts
Overall, the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement contained plenty of positives for people looking to buy properties in 2024. Buyer affordability is set to improve as a result of the National Living Wage increasing and National Insurance rates decreasing, especially for first-time buyers, who will benefit from the extension of the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme. Landlords will benefit from the announcement that properties can be converted into flats without planning permission, as new opportunities will present themselves. The property market should also benefit from the new pilot projects announced by the Chancellor, as the buying and selling process should become simpler.

With the help of a trustworthy estate agent, you can benefit from the changes to the property market to make 2024 a prosperous year for you. The expertise of an agent will give you a competitive edge in the buyer’s market, as they will be able to offer you the best assistance and advice based on the latest updates in the property market.

 

Looking for your next property?

GOV.UK*
The Times**

 

In today’s financial climate, it is as important as ever to understand where your money is being spent. One of the main sources of expenditure is energy, so it is important to fully understand your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. Let’s take a closer look at EPC ratings and what you can do to make your property more energy efficient.

Understanding EPC ratings
An EPC rating is a measure of a property’s energy efficiency and can vary depending on a range of factors, including insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy usage. The main purpose of an EPC rating is to inform potential buyers or renters about a property's energy efficiency.

It is a legal requirement for all properties available to buy or rent in the United Kingdom to have an EPC rating. An EPC rating lasts for 10 years, and if your EPC is older than this, a new one must be issued before the property can be made available to buy or rent. EPC ratings range from A to G, with the latter suggesting a property’s energy efficiency is poor. Common causes of a low EPC rating include poor insulation and inadequate heating systems.

The cost of a low EPC rating
A significant impact of a low EPC rating is higher energy bills. A property with a low level of energy efficiency will waste more energy, meaning more energy is required to heat the home, therefore resulting in higher bills.

A low EPC rating can hugely affect a property’s market value because it indicates that the home is not energy efficient. Potential buyers and renters tend to favour properties with higher EPC ratings because they are a more cost-effective solution, so a poor rating could make securing a sale at a good price more difficult.

How to improve your EPC rating
An energy audit can help you identify areas to improve your property's energy efficiency. A trained professional will give your property a thorough inspection, examining factors such as insulation, heating systems, and appliances. By highlighting potential areas for improvement, an audit can provide you with valuable insights into where energy-saving upgrades can be made.

After the energy audit has highlighted how energy efficiency could be improved, you should make the necessary changes to your property. Installing energy-saving technology such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances can help reduce energy waste and utility expenses. Additionally, improving your property's insulation and fixing any air leaks will enhance thermal efficiency and lessen the need for excessive heating. These energy-saving improvements will increase the market value of your property.

Final thoughts
Having a low EPC rating can result in higher energy bills and negatively impact the market value of your property. Improving your property’s EPC rating through energy-saving upgrades and improvements can help reduce energy waste, lower utility expenses, and increase the market value of the property.

 

Are you looking to move to a more energy-efficient home?