It’s a great time to rent! Beautiful properties can’t help but make you feel good. And with more rights for tenants than ever before and so many of us becoming more environmentally aware, you want to feel good about doing your bit for the planet while saving a few pounds on your monthly outgoings. So here are a few tips to do just that!

• Switch energy suppliers: If you pay the bills in your rented property, you are entitled to change energy suppliers. If you can find a cheaper deal, go for it. Certain energy suppliers can help reduce your carbon footprint and could save you money.
• Energy-efficient appliances: Perhaps you own certain appliances in your rented property. By choosing more energy-efficient products, you can save money. The higher the rating, the more you will save. If appliances need to be replaced by your landlord, request appliances graded A or B.
• LED bulbs and solar lighting for the garden: Sometimes it’s the cumulative effect of lots of little things that makes a big difference. LED light bulbs and lights are far more efficient than standard bulbs and will last for years.
• Shower head: Costing about £20 and easy to swap for an older, less efficient shower head, you could request that you swap an older shower head and save on your water bill.
  
  

Getting into good habits

• Keep radiators clear: Blocking radiators can drastically reduce the heat they produce. Consider moving the couch if it’s blocking your radiator, and then you will not need to turn the heat on so much.
• Draught excluders: Not particularly expensive, and as soft furnishing, you are adding a personal touch to your rooms. You could be amazed at how much heat they could retain as heat escapes underneath your doors.
• Save water: Install a water metre or simply save water where you can. Install a water butt and collect rainwater when it comes to nurturing your plants, flowers, and trees.
• Blackout curtains: These don’t just make for a great night’s sleep by blocking out light; they also keep the heat in.
• Rugs: A nice rug will not only look nice but also add an extra layer of insulation to the floor, particularly on laminate flooring.

Green choices

• Recycle: Make sure you recycle as much as possible. Simply putting plastics and recyclables in the correct bins makes a big difference to our beautiful planet.
• Make your own furniture: Instead of buying new furniture, save some money and restore old furniture. This is on trend, and in most cases, you can buy some real bargains online, then paint and refinish them in non-traditional colours while adding real style to your home.
• Use less chemicals: By using cleaning products that are not as chemical-heavy, you may save money because you can substitute them for products that may already be sitting in your larder, like white vinegar!
• Talk to your landlord Many landlords are interested in making their rental properties greener, so don’t be afraid to ask! It’s in their interest to improve insulation, fit smart metres, use better lighting, use energy-efficient appliances, and anything else you may think of.

 

Browse our properties to find your perfect place to rent, or get in touch with our friendly team to see how we can help.

 

Homes for first-time buyers, typically with two bedrooms, are selling exceptionally well right now. In March 2023, they were just 4% down on 2019, and average asking prices for the same period were down by just £500.*

The market for larger homes is a little slower, with sales agreed in March being 10% down on 2019 and second-stepper homes being 13% down.* This tells us that the market is in pretty good shape overall, but what is more obvious is that now is a great time to ascend the property ladder.

If you own a home that is suitable for first-time buyers, with two bedrooms or along the lines of a compact starter home, you will get a great price, and with larger homes selling a little lower than current asking prices, you are likely to get an offer accepted that will save you a bit of money.

Why is your starter home in such high demand?
There are many reasons why demand for smaller, more compact homes is high right now. There is the price of energy and the cost-of-living crisis. First-time buyers are looking to get on the ladder before the mortgage guarantee scheme, which makes it possible for first-time buyers to buy with a 5% deposit and is due to end in December this year. It stands to reason that smaller homes are cheaper to run, with less council tax and less maintenance, although this is not always the case. And with people downsizing to smaller homes, chances are that if you want to sell up, it will not take long before you are on the move.

How can you get more house per property pound if you buy bigger?
The short answer is that smaller homes are selling more quickly than larger homes, so the price of smaller homes is stronger, leading to less scope for negotiation. With asking prices for larger homes not quite as strong as those for smaller homes, you are essentially getting more house for your money. It stands to reason that if you find a bigger home and it’s taking a little longer to sell, and with asking prices achieved at a lower rate than those of smaller homes, you already have one foot in the front door. Bring your haggling hat; there is nothing more annoying than ridiculously low offers that will only get rejected. But there is more scope for a reasonable amount of manoeuvring on price.

The market will bounce back, and that bigger house may become out of reach!
Many analysts expect house prices to rise quite steadily in 2024. In March, average property prices rose by 0.8%.* This could be a sign that buyers now realise that now is a good time to move, and it is a sure sign that the market is healthy and stable. Without a crystal ball, the future is impossible to predict, but you might find that in the near future, larger homes will become out of reach as prices start to ascend more rapidly.

Interest rates
It’s no secret that interest rates are on people's minds right now. However, with the recent announcement of the IMF (International Monetary Fund), which predicts interest rates to fall back to pre-pandemic levels. Mortgage interest rates are on the way down, and with many analysts suggesting that they may return to much lower rates, when buying a home, you could consider higher interest rates to be temporary.

Conclusion
Perhaps the best thing to do is to check out the market and see what you can find. The joy of property hunting is that you never know what you might find. There are no fixed rules, but you might be surprised at what you could achieve.

Looking for a bigger home? Looking for a more energy-efficient home? Looking to sell your home? Get in touch, whatever your property needs are!

Rightmove*

 

National Creativity Day takes place this month, and there are fewer places that make such a big impact with a little creativity than your home. The joy of improving your home is that, unless you spend a large amount of time away from it, you can feel the difference it makes every day. And when you do these things, you are dressing your home for sale and making it desirable for potential buyers.

The kitchen
We spend more time in here than in any other room in the house, so why not make it a bit more homely? Even if you have a larder, hang one up on the wall and make it a feature with interesting herbs and spices. Or if you prefer wine, start a collection with an antique wine rack or weathered table for the coffee machine. Such features blend well with modern kitchen design, even if you have installed a state-of-the-art design. This also creates a space to celebrate the seasons. As it’s nearly summer, use flowers, and at Christmas, use scented candles.

The garden and outdoor living spaces
Summer is nearly here, and the possibilities are endless. Redesign your lawn, adding curves to complement your outdoor garden space. Add lighting, then sit back on some nice garden furniture and take in the view. Mirrors, candles, lighting, fire pits, barbeques—the trick here is to bring a bit of the outdoors indoors. Add decking, a patio, a seating area defined by trees, rearrange the flower beds, and create a vegetable garden with your larger garden. These areas should effortlessly flow from your home to the garden, de-stressing you as you, in some ways, enter another room in the house, even if it’s outside!

Bathroom
Often here, you will want to start again and make it as perfect as possible, but even if you have recently installed a new bathroom, there is always room for a human touch. A simple shelf for a speaker and flowers, along with scents and a few more mirrors, creates space and a feeling of relaxation, especially if you light a few candles.

Bedrooms
Easily overlooked as not as important as the other rooms in the house, but remember you sleep here, so arguably these rooms are just as important. Blackout blinds make for a great night’s sleep, so before you even get out of bed, you are already in a better place!

Work from home space
Who says this must be indoors? You can have both. Create an outside area for the summer, and if you add a heater, you might be able to work outside in the winter too. A pergola set on stones, sheltered by trees, with an outdoor log burner—what a nice way to do a day’s work! If you don’t fancy working outdoors, then create a compact area in a spare room that is ergonomic and comfortable to work in but does not dominate the room. This retains the flexibility of what could also be a guest or hobby room.

Sitting and dining rooms
From creative lighting, rugs, artwork on the walls, add colour. These rooms really benefit from a splash of colour, so getting a high-end look with some paint by choosing the shades that make you happy will make a bigger impact than you think. Painting the chimney breast and contrasting the walls with other shades, then matching with restored furniture, is on trend. On the other hand, you might be able to afford high-end furniture, in which case the sky is the limit.

Conclusion
Making your home more attractive to you and potential buyers is all about the little details. But equally, even if you have redeveloped every room in the house, there is always room for a little improvement by adding some finishing touches.

Looking for the perfect property so you can add your mark and make your home a truly special place? Browse our properties.

 

Average house prices in the UK have since the pandemic risen by £42,000.* The value of your home has increased rapidly in recent years, and this puts you in a great place even if there has been a bit of a slowdown, but then you could be forgiven for asking: What slowdown? House prices are stable and, at times, increasing, and to gauge the market by the unpresented growth in the past few years is a little unfair. Nonetheless, most of the value gained, or in some cases, the continued increase in value still exists as equity in your home. Even if you have lost a little value, you are still in a good place. A little bit of market cooling leaves more scope for getting your hands on the keys to a better home with a bigger discount without the frantic price bidding of past years.

The home improvement boom
It’s no secret that many homes had thousands spent on them during the pandemic. Many people, due to travel restrictions, chose to spend money on their homes instead of holidays. As a result, many homes are now in beautiful condition. Freshly decorated with external and internal renovations, resulting in homes with great work-from-home spaces and outdoor living areas that are ready and waiting to be lived in. This really does make a huge difference in the quality of your home and work-life balance. Homes with kitchens that inspire you, gardens that take your breath away, and bathrooms boasting cutting-edge design.

More mortgage choice
Mortgage choice is returning to the market, with thousands of options now available. So in essence, you will have a lot of decisions to make when it comes to what home you want and what mortgage you require. In many ways, all of this makes the prospect of moving very interesting compared with past years. Some home buyers are choosing to take interest-only mortgages, knowing they can overpay their mortgages, which releases some of the pressure on financial commitments.

Interest rates
Mortgage interest rates are falling, and the recent announcement of the IMF (International Monetary Fund) suggests that interest rates could return to pre-pandemic levels. ** The suggestion is that the high interest rates that many of us are paying at the moment are not a long-term deal. It could be the case, and it’s accepted by many analysts, that in the not-too-distant future, we will be paying less for our mortgages.

A bigger selection of homes
Compared to last year, the stock of homes for sale in the UK has been boosted by 60%.* The spring market is rapidly becoming the summer market. And perhaps the enticing thought of moving to a perfect home in time for summer is too much to resist for some home movers. As home movers take the plunge, they put their homes on the market, adding to the splendid choice for you to explore. The market is in a better place than last year in many ways, but at last you can enjoy it without being flustered by a frantic rush to get your hands on the home you truly love.

Live the life you deserve by finding the home you love living in! Start your search now and browse our properties.

Zoopla*
IMF BLOG**

 

The property market always has a good deal for everyone, and right now, this has never been truer. The news tends to paint a bleak picture; however, on closer examination, it’s clear to see that the moving market is well balanced. If you are selling, buying, or both, then you are sure to find what you are looking for at the right price.

If you are selling
The property market is still benefiting from the rapid growth in prices over the past few years. With UK house prices rising on average by 3% in the year to May 2023, there is no doubt that things have returned to a healthier state.* Steady, solid growth creates confidence and stability. This means if you are selling, you are going to get a good price for your home, and if you move, you most likely have great levels of equity.

Buyer demand
Demand from buyers is up by 14% compared to 2019 and is 42% lower than a year ago.* It’s completely unfair and unrealistic to get downhearted by comparing today’s figures with those of last year. This was an exceptional year due to the hyperinflated market caused by COVID and other factors. The figure to concentrate on is that of 2019, which was a more realistic market, and with the increase in demand this year, you will sell your home quickly.

If you are buying
The property market is not exclusively a buyer’s market, as perhaps it has been in past years. But there is definitely a lot of scope for haggling, making an offer, or getting a good deal. Whatever your preferred term for saving money is, the trick is not to overdo it. You don’t want to miss out on the home you love by making too low an offer. This is where a good estate agent can help guide you through what can be a nerve-racking time.

A friendly face
Moving home is becoming more of a seamless experience. But having the right agent helps with this process. There is no substitute for a living, breathing person who spends day in and day out dealing with virtually all that is property related. Estate agents tend to know what is going on in your local market, can answer all your burning questions, put you in touch with anyone else you may need, and often have a list of buyers ready and waiting. Buying a home is an emotional experience, and when you are making big life-changing decisions, you don’t want to deal with a robot!

Beautiful buying weather
This time of year is perfect for moving. The birds are singing in the trees; it’s warm, and the prospect of being moved in time to enjoy the summer tempts many home movers into selling and buying. As a result, prices stay buoyant, and the choice of property flourishes. It’s a busy time of year, which adds vibrancy to an already good market.

Happy homes
Many homeowners keep their homes in tip-top shape during the summer. The result is that homes become happier places. Whether you are relocating to the countryside or to a new street, this time of year lends itself well to making some everlasting memories.

Browse our properties to take a glimpse inside your future happy home.

Zoopla*

 

Whether you are renting or letting a property, you have probably at some point had to decide which route to take. Perhaps you are still making up your mind and are not sure which road you want to go down. Let's start by taking a closer look at the pros and cons of both short-term and long-term tenancies for landlords and tenants.

What is a short-term tenancy?
Typically, a short-term tenancy is a tenancy that is less than six months. Holiday lets are usually up to 31 days.

Advantages of a short-term tenancy for landlords
As a landlord, you can enjoy more flexibility, perhaps choosing to let your property to holidaymakers for some of the year while at other times letting it on a short-term basis. If your tenants become problematic, then at least you are not tied into a long-term contract. Typically, you can charge a little more for a short-term let and more again for a holiday let.

Advantages of a short-term tenancy for tenants
If you are a tenant, then you are not tied into a long-term agreement, which, if you work on short-term contracts in various locations, may suit you perfectly. For some people, the principle of being restricted to one property for a long period of time is not appealing. The overall cost of renting for the duration of the contract will be less than renting for longer. That said, you will then need to find another place to rent at the end of the term of the tenancy.

Disadvantages of a short-term tenancy for landlords
You may find that your property stands vacant, which means that you could reduce the profitability of your investment. Your property may require more attention and time in terms of maintenance, advertising, and the time it takes to find new tenants. In some cases, mortgage providers may choose not to lend to you as your rental income may be considered less stable than that of a long-term tenancy.

Disadvantages of a short-term tenancy for tenants
Lack of long-term stability can be unsettling and stressful, and taking time out to find your next home can be time-consuming. Added to this, the higher costs of short-term lets plus the shortage of rental properties currently available makes acquiring a long-term tenancy a more attractive option.

What is a long-term tenancy?
A long-term tenancy is usually based on an annual tenancy, is a fixed-term contract, and is the most common form of renting.

Advantages of a long-term tenancy for landlords
This is a much more stable and predictable way to let your property, with better long-term stability and less time-consuming work when it comes to finding tenants. Banks will see you as less of a risk, which could increase access to funds. This means you could expand your portfolio more rapidly or buy a more valuable property, ultimately leading to a better return on investment.

Advantages of a long-term tenancy for tenants
Greater stability means it’s easier to plan your future. Putting down roots is important and is much better for all those practical things in life, including socialising and financial planning. Feeling settled is an innate human desire and leads to a more stress-free life.

Disadvantages of a long-term tenancy for landlords
Having less flexibility means that you have fewer options when it comes to diversifying into other markets. You may have to charge less than if you were renting your property as a holiday let, and if issues or repairs occur, you will need to fix them sooner rather than later.

Disadvantages of a long-term tenancy for tenants
Tenants renting on a long-term tenancy will not endure many disadvantages; even if you have to move before the end of your contract, in most cases, as long as you provide the correct level of notice, there are no financial implications.

Conclusion
Each person has different needs. However, it seems that unless you know for certain that you only need to rent on a short-term basis due to contract work, perhaps study or training, a house renovation, or holidays, a long-term tenancy is a more stable and predictable choice for both tenants and landlords.

Are you looking for a property to rent, or are you a landlord looking to let your property?

Get in touch to see how we can help.

 

There is no doubt that even in this sometimes-rainy climate, alfresco dining has increased. Outdoor living spaces are what you make them, and today, the scope for creating your perfect outdoor space is limitless. An outdoor kitchen makes a lot of sense for a UK-based property because it creates a sheltered area for you to enjoy even if the weather is changeable.

Add a pergola
A good move is to build a pergola to shelter your kitchen; that way, you could potentially use it all year. Place your kitchen against your garden wall or simply arrange it however it feels comfortable for you, but keep in mind that you want your outdoor kitchen to be a sociable space so you and your guests, family, or friends can chat and get involved in your evening.

The size of your space is not important
You don’t need to have a vast outdoor space to build an outdoor kitchen; in fact, sometimes the more compact the space, the better. There are a huge variety of ovens, barbecues, and electric hobs to choose from. Anything goes, so design it your own way. If pizza and wood are your preferences, consider building your kitchen with wood, leaving space for a pizza oven.

Build around the barbeque
Perhaps you like a traditional, real charcoal barbecue. Build your own barbeque using bricks and match them with some walls that will support your food preparation areas. You may decide to make your work surfaces moveable so that they can be stored in the shed during the winter months. On the other hand, you may own a feature barbeque, and that could be the centrepiece of your kitchen.

Make it a moveable feast
Using free-standing tables or wheeled furniture is ideal if you are planning on setting up your kitchen for a few months, a few hours, or forever. If you love tiles, then tile a table or source one. There are plenty of furnishing options that can complement your dining table.

Two in one
If you have always liked the idea of having a bar in your garden or outdoor living space, consider building it large enough so that it could also serve as a kitchen. That way, you will have solved two problems with one simple solution. Build it yourself or buy it, then stain it, and it will last for years. Add some bar stools to make it a social hub for your friends and family.

If you build, do you need planning permission?
The short answer to this question is no, as long as you don’t exceed 2.5 metres in height and your structure is less than 2 metres from your property. The positive aspect of building something more solid is its durability and all-year-round usability. Add an outdoor heater or log burner, and you could feast even when it snows!

Will an outdoor kitchen add value to your home?
Any improvements you make to the outdoor living spaces of your home will most definitely add to its value. Creating outdoor spaces that seamlessly flow from your home's indoor living spaces is becoming a must have. No longer an unattainable luxury, making them highly desirable and sought-after.

Browse our properties to find a home with the perfect indoor and outdoor living spaces for you.

 

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.