What's happening this month?

Managing properties through the eviction ban extension

Over the course of the eviction ban for residential tenancies, the government have looked to balance support for tenants and landlords, helping those unable to meet their rent payments whilst recognising the strain this puts on landlords who may depend on the income.

As of June 1st, notice periods were reduced from six to four months for residential tenancies.

This is except for situations including anti-social behaviour, with a shorter notice period of two weeks.

Compared with homeowners, it's estimated that tenants are more than three times as likely to be behind with rent or bills, 6% and 19% respectively.*

With courts still prioritising hearings based on severity, it's important to look for a resolution to rent arrears or disagreements where able between parties.

As leading lettings agents, we facilitate communications between landlords and tenants to offer our expert services.

What about for commercial landlords?

Whilst the ban has lifted for residential agreements, the ban on evicting firms for unpaid commercial rent is to be extended for a further nine months.

Many businesses within the hospitality sector are yet to reopen and resume trading as normal, all the while accruing an estimated £5bn in rent debt.

If you need advice about the eviction ban, go to GOV.UK.

Want help managing your property? Talk to our team today.

*YouGov

Post-pandemic predictions for the property market

After 18 months of uncertainty, the UK property market has seen some incredible highs and lows, from the sector closing and reopening last spring, to the impact of the stamp duty holiday on residential transaction levels.

For those looking to buy or sell in 2021, here are the top projections on what will continue to shape activity levels in the coming months.

House prices at a record high

Initially propelled by the stamp duty holiday, house prices have risen by 10.2% in the year to March 2021, with vaccine optimism now fuelling high demand levels.*

With a tapered end this September, homeowners can still save £2,500 on the first £250,000 of a property due to the stamp duty holiday, meaning that sales will continue to push up prices this summer.

If you haven't had a recent valuation of your home, talk to us today to gauge its current value.

The long-awaited return of overseas property investors

Travel has been made all-but-impossible for most travellers.

However, with vaccine programs being rolled out in other countries as well as the UK, we should soon see the return of overseas buyers looking for their next investment opportunities.

This will be key to help the market fully recover from the events of 2020, particularly for the construction sector.

Country locations increase in popularity

Remote working became the norm for most of the country's workforce in 2020, which gave people the freedom to move further afield.

As outdoor space went up in our estimations, the need for a perfect commute distance became less important, leading to more buyer activity as homeowners and tenants found themselves restless with their current accommodation.

More space for remote workers

For those whose job will continue to operate remotely, a home office or designated workspace is essential.

Larger properties are in short supply, making it the ideal time for homeowners to sell up.

Commercial spaces transformed into residential properties

Commercial spaces are being left empty, as many people are now opting to work from home, where able.

This means that many offices have closed permanently, leading the owners to convert them back into residential properties.

Overall, this could have a massive impact on the market.

Do you want to know your options buying or selling this summer? We'd like to offer you a consultation, visit our website to learn more.

*ONS

What’s driving property prices?

Asking prices continue to climb, with several key reasons to explain why this is happening after the emergence of a global pandemic.

A record number of people are looking to move

If you cast your mind back to a pre-pandemic time, the property market was faced with extraordinary pent-up demand due to Brexit concerns, as buyers and sellers put their plans on hold.

Before this pent-up demand could be fully alleviated, COVID-19 made its way across the globe in spring 2020, shutting down the property market along with most other commercial sectors.

The government were quick to launch schemes and support to encourage a return of activity, with tremendous success last summer, mainly driven by the extended stamp duty holiday.

Following all of these delays, demand for homes continues to dominate market headlines.

Over 180,000 properties were listed on Rightmove in the last month, with homes selling above asking price doubled from previous figures.

Stamp duty savings

Ending on June 30th, the stamp duty holiday caused a market rush, which meant that asking prices rose at an incredible rate.

Having extended the initial savings period once already, the government introduced a tapered end to the SDLT holiday, taking us up to September 2021 with £2,500 available on the first £250,000 of a property.

Record low interest rates

With interest rates low, more people have been enticed to upsize to bigger, more expensive homes.

If you're looking to take advantage of better rates, we'd recommend speaking to a mortgage professional about your options.

Looking to sell? Book a valuation today.

New build homes at a 21-year high

Over 49,470 new build properties were completed in the first three months of 2021 – the highest figure recorded in 21 years.*

Why are so many new homes being built?

In 2020, building projects came to a sharp halt with the closure of construction sites as well as the country's housing market.

As measures began to be introduced to provide COVID-secure premises, work was once again able to resume in 2021, leading to a sharp increase in the number of house building plans in light of pent-up demand.

Who does this affect?

The pandemic has led to a year-long market boom, with prices skyrocketing and high buyer enquiry levels putting pressure on the market to deliver a greater supply of available homes.

With many of us weighing up our priorities, light and space have become more important, causing waves of home movers to uproot themselves in the search of more fitting properties.

Given this trend, it's no surprise that 81% of new builds in the first quarter were houses rather than flats, as larger family homes have become the most sought-after property type of 2021.

Why is this great news for the industry?

Typically, between 240,000 and 340,000 new homes are needed every year to keep up with demand.

The pandemic has meant production of these houses has had to slow down, meaning that the 21-year high is welcome news to developers and buyers alike.

Another key development within the sector is the conversion of commercial spaces into stylish, residential properties, as more companies establish hybrid or remote ways of working.

If you’re looking to buy a new build property, contact us today to see our selection of homes on offer.

*Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

What’s next for the property market?

Having contributed to record-breaking sales numbers over the last year, we consider what's next for the property market following the approaching end of the stamp duty holiday.

For first-time buyers

Introduced by the government this spring, the 95% mortgage guarantee scheme has encouraged lenders to offer lower deposit options, paving the way for the return of first-time buyers wanting greater flexibility and freedom becoming homeowners.

This scheme is set to close to new applicants in December 2022, with the government’s total investment expected to reach over £20 billion.

Flexible mortgage schemes

In support of the government's help-to-buy option for first time buyers, we are seeing banks and developers coming together to create other schemes that could essentially replace the government’s help-to-buy scheme when it comes to an end.

An example would be the Deposit Unlock Scheme, which provides buyers with a package that allows them to buy new build homes up to a value of £330,000, with a 5% deposit and 3.5% mortgage rate – fixed for two years.*

High street banks are also beginning to offer 5% mortgages, which offers to lend buyers an extra 10% of a traditional 15% deposit, requiring buyers to only front up 5% themselves.

Looking ahead

Existing and new incentives will boost a drive in the first-time buyer market and are likely to have a similar impact as the SDLT holiday.

Other new schemes could involve cuts to SDLT rates, particularly with second home purchases in order to get this section of the market moving again.

Are you looking to buy this year? Get in touch with us today.

*Newcastle Building Society

Why does market activity peak in August?

For the past 12 years, reports show that August has been one of the most popular months for home moving, with a third of movers choosing to buy or sell between June and August.*

Whilst typically homeowners would expect to fare best by listing earlier in the season, the same won't be said for 2021.

Fewer Brits are predicted to travel due to restrictions, meaning there's plenty of time to spend house hunting instead, as well as save towards deposits and moving costs over paying for flights and accommodation.

What’s the most popular day to move?

One in four pick Fridays for their moving day, giving themselves all weekend to unpack and settle in, with activity likely to peak ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend.**

With the stamp duty holiday ending 30th September, this could mean delays for buyers and sellers who aren't prepared in advance, particularly for those relying on moving companies for the big day.

19% of those who bought up to 2018 experienced delays due to the sellers vacating their homes late or not having funds clear in time, so it's important to communicate with other parties in your chain to establish any potential problems before they materialise.**

Why move this summer?

A summer move gives you the best conditions to market your property and have the best weather for the move in period.

If you'd like advice on why you should choose now to list your home or make your next move, we can help.

For advice on buying or selling, contact us today.

*Property Reporter

**Homeowners Alliance

Surge in sellers renting ahead of their next move

With the sales market continuing to boom, many homeowners have secured a high price for their home in 2021, choosing to put themselves in a stronger position by renting during this stop gap period.

If you’re living in a rented property, you are normally able to move quicker due to not being part of a chain.

Rather than feeling pressured to act fast, this means that you're able to negotiate for the property and price you want.

It's also an incredibly sought-after position to be in when a vendor chooses who to sell to, as without a chain, the sale will be more likely to complete instead of falling-through.

The number of sellers looking for rental homes has contributed greatly to the dwindling stock of rental properties and consequently increasing rents. As a result, there were nearly half the number of properties on the rental market in July than this time last year, with the numbers continuing to drop.*

This is encouraging for landlords, as their properties are in demand with void periods falling rapidly.

But it’s not just homeowners looking to rent.

Due to the pandemic, many tenants no longer have to be tied down to one location.

With working from home now the new norm, a short commute is no longer desirable and moving away is more feasible. This year, 49% of tenants moved just because they wanted to live somewhere different, as opposed to moving from necessity.**

Are you looking to sell your home or put your property up for rent? Our dedicated team offer free, accurate and no-obligation valuations for both the sales and lettings market.

Find out how much your property is worth today and book your market appraisal.

*This is Money

*Estate Agent Today

What does the supply-demand imbalance mean for you?

Vendors have benefited from the supply-demand imbalance seen across the market in 2021, with 40% of properties selling above their original asking price, making conditions optimal for selling.*

What makes conditions optimal this autumn?

1) Low stock

Due to the pandemic, many people were put off selling their homes whilst the construction of new build properties came to a halt, causing a dip in housing stock.

This means that the homes currently on the market are being snapped up faster, with serious buyers putting offers in much sooner than they otherwise might have done.

2) Increased demand

With UK restrictions easing, buyers are now competing for properties, with 36% of homes attracting offers from three or more buyers.*

Many who originally put off moving due to the pandemic are now looking to relocate, causing a huge increase in demand and sparking bidding wars between buyers.

3) Mortgage rates

With the number of available UK mortgages on the rise, lenders are competing to attract more customers with low-interest rates and low-deposit mortgages, giving buyers more choice than ever when it comes to choosing the correct financial option for them.

Need a helping hand selling your home? Get in touch with our team today.

*Property Reporter and Which?

Will working from home be your new norm?

Last year, the number of adults who worked from home inevitably increased to 37% over lockdown.*

Despite many people agreeing that working from home makes them feel isolated, 85% of homeworking adults now favour a "hybrid" approach of both home and office working for the future.*

Whilst job adverts that included home working have increased dramatically to three times the amount seen last year.*

Are you currently working from home?

Here are our top tips on how you can create a healthy working environment.

1. Keep moving

When we work from home, we tend to be a lot less active than in an office environment.

Exercise is the key to staying in good health, so a lunchtime walk has many benefits and will keep you productive for the rest of the day.

2. Look after your eyes

Looking at a computer screen for hours can be taxing on your eyes.

Aim to follow the '20/20/20 rule'. That means that every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds, this should help your eyes recover from the strain.

3. Create boundaries

It can be tempting to work longer hours from home but remember to have boundaries between work and home life.

Having a home office can be beneficial as a designated workspace that you can leave at the end of the day.

If you don’t have a home office, why not consider picking a space in your home that will be your professional sanctuary.

4. Put a plant on your desk

Plants can play a major role in creating a more peaceful, yet engaging workspace.

5. Natural light is important

Natural light is good for your eyes and mind.

If your home office doesn’t have any windows, make sure you have plenty of lamps producing light.

6. Invest in a decent coffee machine!

Standing up and giving yourself breaks from your computer screen is important.

Getting a coffee can be a well-earned break from work and give you some extra energy to get through the day.

With career changes higher in September than any other month of the year, are you looking to relocate? Contact us today to see our latest listings in your area.**

*National Office for Statistics

**Job search website, Monster

Rents rise at fastest rate for 13 years

The lettings market is booming, with properties letting almost a week faster than in 2020.

Now the pandemic is easing, people are returning to the city centres, which is causing an increase in demand and a shortage of available rentals on the market.

Rents outside of London have increased at their fastest rate since 2008, reaching £790 PCM on average.

Whilst rents outside of London have shot up by 5%, London landlords are also seeing a rise in value.

The average rent in London now stands at £943, up 2.1% compared to last year.

Affordability has remained consistent across this period, with average earnings increasing faster than rents, ultimately showing signs of healthy growth in the buy-to-let sector.

With tenant interest 80% higher than the average between the periods of 2017 and 2019, demand is still outstripping supply of rental properties.

What is causing this spike in demand?

- Students returning for the academic year

- Returning demand for city properties post-lockdown

- Level of rental homes decreasing by 13%

This mismatch in supply and demand has forced rents up and led to the rental market’s fastest paced year since 2016.

If you want advice on any aspect of the rental market, or are interested in a rental valuation, contact us today.

*Zoopla Rental Market Report

UK property prices up 13% compared to pre-pandemic

When the stamp duty holiday came to an end, it was expected that the home buying frenzy would tail off, however, prices and demand continue to soar.

There are currently 24% fewer homes on the market than this time last year, with higher than average enquiry levels and interest per property listed.**

Even when SDLT savings dropped from £15,000 to £2,500 earlier this summer, house prices were 11% higher when compared with August 2020, as increased demand led to competitive offers from buyers.*

For August 2021, the average price sat at £248,857. That has risen by 13% since the start of the pandemic, and an increase of £5,000 in the space of one month.*

Levels of demand are set to continue climbing as borrowing costs remain low. The fact that these costs have remained low has caused consumer confidence to grow, increasing demand further.

Experts predict that in autumn 2021, the property market will continue to see promising transaction levels, whilst by 2031, the average house price will have jumped by 30%.***

Our property experts can give you a reliable and free market appraisal, so that you know exactly how much your property is worth.

Book your valuation today.

*Nationwide

**Zoopla

***Based on trends from the Office for National Statistics

UK property prices up 13% compared to pre-pandemic

When the stamp duty holiday came to an end, it was expected that the home buying frenzy would tail off, however, prices and demand continue to soar.

There are currently 24% fewer homes on the market than this time last year, with higher than average enquiry levels and interest per property listed.**

Even when SDLT savings dropped from £15,000 to £2,500 earlier this summer, house prices were 11% higher when compared with August 2020, as increased demand led to competitive offers from buyers.*

For August 2021, the average price sat at £248,857. That has risen by 13% since the start of the pandemic, and an increase of £5,000 in the space of one month.*

Levels of demand are set to continue climbing as borrowing costs remain low. The fact that these costs have remained low has caused consumer confidence to grow, increasing demand further.

Experts predict that in autumn 2021, the property market will continue to see promising transaction levels, whilst by 2031, the average house price will have jumped by 30%.***

Our property experts can give you a reliable and free market appraisal, so that you know exactly how much your property is worth.

Book your valuation today.

*Nationwide

**Zoopla

***Based on trends from the Office for National Statistics

Back to back awards for Henderson Connellan!

We are delighted to announce that for five years running, Henderson Connellan will appear in the 2022 Best estate agents guide for the UK.

In fact we are in the top 4% of estate agents in the country for Sales and Lettings combined - we’ve been told that this is an extraordinary achievement and we are so proud.

This is even more important because this is the only award in the country that measures every single agent (over 29,000!) and every property listing, assessing millions of data points on each agent through Rightmove, followed by a mystery shop exercise demonstrating our customer service and a full website assessment.

This amazing result is a true reflection of the overall quality and excellence running throughout the Henderson Connellan team.

We would like to personally thank all of our clients both past, present that have placed trust in our company over these unprecedented times that we find ourselves in.

Stay safe.

Top tips to avoid damp and other damages

Caused by a lack of proper ventilation or condensation, damp poses severe health issues to inhabitants where left untreated.

With the problem more prominent in the colder months, we take a look at some of the precautionary measures you can take to protect yourself and your home.

Clean down windows and sills every morning

Mould can’t grow and thrive without moisture, so it’s important to dry wet areas where condensation has formed as soon as possible.

A kitchen towel, window vac or a squeegee will work very effectively.

Contain steam from cooking

When cooking, ensure you cover your food, pots and pans.

Closing the kitchen door whilst cooking is also a good idea, as this prevents steam from escaping the kitchen.

Get rid of bathroom moisture

Showering or bathing can cause a large amount of steam and moisture to build up.

To prevent this from happening, open the windows wide enough for the steam to leave the room or use exhaust fans to channel moisture to the outside of your home.

In order to avoid the growth of mould, clean bathrooms with mould-killing products.

How to get rid of rising damp

If damp and mould happen to get out of hand, speaking to a qualified surveyor is the best solution.

They will take a moisture reading in your home, identify the issue and give you advice on how you can resolve the situation.

Want help managing your property investments? Talk to us.

What are your house guests most interested by?

Through the use of eye-tracking technology, new research has shed light on the key factors that guests will notice the most when visiting our homes.*

As could be expected, an office space is one of the most eye-catching areas of a property, which makes sense considering the rise in working from home in the last 18 months.

Top 10 areas that guests find most eye-catching

- Office chairs

- Kitchen floors

- Child’s cot

- Throws on a bed

- Kitchen cabinets

- Bathroom mirror

- Drawers under the sink

- Home office computer

- Child’s bookcase

- Bedroom chest of drawers

After the home office space, kitchens were the next room to draw attention from guests, with the choice of flooring attracting 100 more views than for the cabinets or sink.

Whilst it still remains essential to present your cooking area in the best light during any property viewings, the findings actually showed that hobs and extractor fans were the least interesting spots in the kitchen.

Are you ready to consider your next property sale or purchase? Talk to us about your home's core unique selling points.

*Confused.com

When is the right time to put up your Christmas tree?

When it comes to decorating for Christmas, there's no right or wrong answer but everyone seems to have a different date where it's seen as acceptable to make a start.

Last year was unlike any other, with a last minute lockdown disrupting plans for households across the UK.

With the pandemic under better control in 2021, research suggests that Brits will be hitting the holidays even harder this year to make up for lost time with friends and family.

So, when is the right time to dress the tree?

Right after Halloween

Whilst too early for some, the putting away of pumpkins is the signal to switch gears and stage the room for the festive season.

Of those who opt for a post-Halloween set up, 22% find that decorating ahead of time relaxes them and 32% can get more excited for Christmas.*

Decorations are going up even earlier this year

Online searches for Christmas items have surged by 225% on major consumer websites like Selfridges and John Lewis, with shoppers keen to purchase lights, wreaths and trees before the risk of them selling out.**

Are you looking to sell or list your property before the end of 2021?

Even if there's a small possibility you'd be looking to get your home market-ready before the new year, it would be recommended to hold off the decorations until you've had your home appraised and the marketing photos taken, as these could date your property on the market.

For more information, contact us today.

*Not on the High Street

**House Beautiful

Best seller's market in a decade

Over the past year, the housing market has had its fair share of ups and downs.

A lot of people were worried about buying and selling, leaving the market vulnerable at times. Yet despite this, market conditions are keeping to a continual high and exceeding expectations, making it the ultimate market for sellers.

Why is December a good month for home sellers?

The main reason is because the quality of buyers looking to find a home is higher than any other time during the year. If you also combine that with the low supply in available properties on the market, you’ve got the perfect opportunity to grab the attention of potential buyers.

This time of the year is a hectic one, with people spending quality time visiting family and friends. On the property front, it’s also busy, especially with homeowners keen to move within the first few months of the new year.

The main catalyst behind this is that people experience a change in their property priorities, pushing them to seek a new home.

In fact, 78% of UK sellers felt certain that they would sell their property within the next three months and purchase a property during that same length of time.*

Are you eager to match your home with serious buyers?

Get in touch with our team today to make sure your property journey is a valuable one.

*OnTheMarket 

Make the most of your garden all year round

As we are officially in winter, we typically spend less time in our outside spaces. But now more than ever, Brits are looking for new ways to make the most of their gardens all year round.

With these tips, you can make your garden look and feel more inviting for the colder months, whether you decide to brave the cold or not!

Keep those green fingers busy

You wouldn’t assume you can work on your gardening skills in December, but we have just the thing for our keen gardeners out there.

Are you looking to brighten up your drive or balcony? Why not plant the following shrubs to add a splash of colour:

- Holly: a Christmas favourite. Choose a female variety to get the bright red berry.

- TIP: why not try a self-fertile variety such as Ilex aquifolium ‘JC van Tol’ to guarantee you a crop.

- Spindle euonymus europaeus: plant these bright pink lantern-shaped flowers to liven up your doorway.

- Crab apple: varieties such as Malus x robusta Red Sentinel burst with gorgeous red fruits all the way through to January, so get planting.

Make it cosy!

Even if you have only a balcony or a small patio garden, you must still utilise it! If you have a larger garden, then focus on warming just a small, more intimate area rather than tackling the whole space.

To better that, add shelter to shield you from the cold nights and lights to enhance a cosy atmosphere by creating strong shadows, framing your designated winter garden beautifully.

Repurpose old cushions and throws

You don’t need to have designated furniture for outdoor use only. Grab some spare cushions, throws and blankets that you already own and repurpose them for the garden.

Don’t leave them outside, have a basket that you bring out with you when you do happen to sit outside.

Have you thought about a fire pit?

Having a fire pit will be sure to get everyone using your garden during winter. You can find a wide variety of firepits suitable for all garden sizes.

Firepits have many great benefits. They keep you warm and create opportunities for fun activities for your family like roasting marshmallows.

Entice the wildlife

Plants are great ways to add colour to your winter garden, but have you ever had a beautiful robin or a goldfinch spread their wings in your outside space?

Invest in a bird bath to entice birds in.

Birds need water for drinking and to clean their feathers, especially in the winter months when most water sources may be frozen over. Make sure the bath is no deeper than 5cm deep and add stones or gravel for some grip.

Adding bird feeds around your outside space will also bribe these beautiful birds around your home.

Are you looking for more outside space? Why not browse our properties today.

One in five landlords are making EPC improvements

With new rules coming into force from 2025 for rental properties, landlords must make sure their property’s EPC rating is C or above, or risk not being able to take on new tenants.

As a result, around 17% of landlords have made a conscious effort to improve the energy efficiency of their property. With a further 23% of portfolio landlords also taking action to ensure their properties meet the criteria.*

Changes by landlords include: 22% that had replaced their boiler and heating system, 23% looked to replace windows and 18% had installed new white goods.

Common green home improvements also include improving insulation, fitting solar panels and replacing gas boilers with a more sustainable alternative.

With such changes being implemented to properties, many tenants have stated they would pay more if this was the case for their rental property.

One in 10 private renters have also said they would stay in their current property longer if their landlord made changes that would benefit the environment – a popular consideration now emerging in the lettings market.

However, the main concern is that for many older properties, updates like changing the boiler simply won’t be enough. As a result, more serious changes may need to be made, making the entire undertaking a costly job.

In some cases, landlords can look to gain support from both lenders and the government to make the changes financially feasible. The hope is that with landlords making the effort to better improve the EPC of their properties, more favourable terms on mortgages will become available to them.

This has caused several lenders to introduce ‘green’ mortgages, rewarding those landlords that have an EPC rating of ‘A’ or ‘B’.

Landlords already making changes have been welcomed by many in the industry, as a positive step towards making sure properties are compliant from 2025.

Are you a landlord and needing to make changes to your property ahead of 2025? Get in touch with us today to discuss your portfolio needs further.

*Shawbrook Bank

Property prices likely to continue rising

After the rollercoster year of 2020, 2021 was a difficult year to predict in the housing sector. With a return of stability to the market, we can look at the forecast for the new year.

More than 22% of homeowners plan to move in the next 18 months, due to direct results of the pandemic. In a recent survey, it has been revealed that those most likely to move were younger people who live in cities, suburbs or large towns, and those who have had working patterns shift from COVID-19.*

According to Zoopla, the main drivers for the sector will be “an ongoing re-evaluation of housing needs, increased housing equity and moves in parts of the labour force to more hybrid working.”

The portal forecast a 3% increase in house prices across the UK in the next 12 months, which is predicted to affect around 1.2 million property transactions.

With the expected house price gains, it is likely that we are going to see more sellers coming to market in the coming months, but a continued low supply will support price inflation.

Housing remains affordable in many markets and competition with mortgage lenders will keep rates low, leading to a sturdy appetite in the sector for 2022.

There will always be waves of demand across the country, with the biggest price increase expected to continue in the North West’s flourishing market at +4%.

Zoopla has also suggested that because mortgage rates are at a record low of 0.1%, buyers are becoming accustomed to these low rates. It has been predicted that rates will reach an average of 3% by the end of 2022, giving buyers a push to act sooner rather than later to secure cheaper borrowing conditions.

If you are looking to take advantage of current property conditions, book your valuation now and put yourself in a good position for 2022.

*Zoopla

The key home trends across 2021 and 2022

With 2022 on the horizon, you might already be thinking ahead to next year, whether that’s re-decorating a room, renovating a property or simply wanting to add some finishing touches to a space in your home.

In order to plan ahead, we’ve put together some of the key interior home trends that have emerged out of 2021 and what we think you’ll begin to see in the following few months.

Top trends of 2021

Looking back over this year, we saw many choose to add eye-catching furniture and bold murals, as well as snippets of more traditional materials like gingham and linen.

Going bold

With countless lockdowns, many of us were bored of being boring and wanted to bring the brightness inside.

Bold colours, feature walls, textured walls and neon lightings were all popular choices, adding a pop of colour to bring our homes to life.

Panelling

One of the biggest trends to make its way through 2021 was adding panelling walls, giving a more traditional charm to rooms.

Using architectural panels helps featureless walls stand out from the rest in a subtle yet stylish way.

Bringing the outside in

We filled our homes with plants and gave our furniture a natural makeover.

In came more natural materials, including bamboo, wicker, rattan and cane, with many favouring bringing outside elements into their homes.

Emerging trends for 2022

With sustainability a high focus at the end of 2021, it’s no doubt that this will run into 2022 and is reflected in our behaviour and elements when looking to decorate our homes.

Italian icons

Marble and granite were the standout surfaces of choice for 2021, but moving into 2022, terrazzo has seen a surge in demand, predicted to be hot next year.

Black accents

A great way of adding edge and depth to minimal spaces is black accents and hardware.

Choosing light and neutral colours for the main elements of your space and then adding black to certain features such as lamps, handles, radiators and tables is a great way of adding contrast to space.

More vintage than ever

With many shifting their focus to the environment, vintage finds are a greener choice.

Not only is shopping vintage a more efficient and sustainable option, but they can add personality to your home too.

Looking to make a change next year?

There’s no doubt that all the trends we’ve seen over the past year and those to come are great ways of bringing spaces to life, but it’s clear that the environment and sustainability will play a huge part in people’s decisions and choices in 2022.

Have you been thinking about moving house? Contact us to get started.

Your essential checklist as a landlord this winter

With the countdown to Christmas on, it’s essential that landlords prepare their properties for the colder months.

We’ve put together the following checklist so you can keep your property in the best condition for your tenants this winter, right through to spring.

Boiler

With boilers working extra hard over the winter months, it’s essential to make sure that they have been serviced ahead of time.

You may want to consider putting a service plan in place to minimise future breakdowns and disturbances.

Water pipes

Frozen water pipes are a common problem when the weather starts to turn colder.

Ensuring pipes have been properly lagged and insulated will prevent them from freezing or splitting – an expensive job to repair as a landlord.

Advising tenants to keep the heating on, even at a low temperature, may be worth considering to further prevent any problems with pipes.

Guttering

Whether your property is rented out or vacant this winter, clearing out your gutters is important to avoid potential leaks.

A build-up of leaves or debris in your gutters can stop rainwater or snow from draining away.

If not cleared away properly, this can cause several problems, including leaks, damp and cracked drainpipes.

Insulation

If the insulation in your property is properly checked, then it can go a long way to helping reduce your heating bills.

A better-insulated property will reduce the amount of heat lost and can therefore be a lot more attractive to tenants. Investing in your property’s insulation can also fetch you a higher rent too.

If you own older buildings or houses with a loft conversion, it’s important to make sure these are well insulated, it’s also worth noting that grants can be available to help improve insulation.

Windows and doors

Before the cold weather really sets in, you should take the time to inspect your seals on both windows and doors.

Draft excluders can often be a popular and cheap method to tackle drafts coming through doors.

As your leading local agent, we know how important it is to carry out a winter inspection on your properties to ensure the comfort of your tenants and avoid future repair costs.

For more information on any of the above or to talk with a member of our team, contact us.

Market predictions for the new year

The trio of low mortgage rates, the stamp duty holiday and changes in buyers’ priorities have all contributed to the incredible demand within the housing market in 2021. That is why we’ve managed to see an incredible leap of 30% in buyer interest across the five-year average.*

As the new year draws closer, we explore a few factors that are in store for the property market for 2022.

1. The return of first-time buyers

Whilst the demand is there, the range of buyers has changed.

At the start of the pandemic, most buyers were in the wealthier bracket of society and owned higher valued properties. Now that we’re seeing an improvement in mortgage affordability, the door has opened back up to first-time buyers!

If you’re a first-time buyer, we don’t expect the market to slow down anytime soon, so you’ll need to ensure you’re prepared to move quicker than normal when you find a property you like.

A good way to stay ahead of the game is by getting a mortgage in principle before you start house hunting.

Mortgage in principle (MIP) = this is a statement from a lender that they would lend you a certain amount and can assure a seller of your financial standing.

2. Race for space continues

Another domino effect from the pandemic is how homeowners began to prioritise space as one of their main needs in a property.

The combination of being cooped up inside, as well as businesses moving to remote working meant that people naturally discovered how much they valued space.

If you’re thinking of moving to find a property with more room, the time is now to get a move on with the process – especially with demand being high and surpassing supply.

Stay one step ahead of the game and book your up-to-date property valuation with us this month.