There is always a wonderful reason to move. Property is beautiful, from the details of a feature fireplace to a view of the sunset over your garden. The right home is an investment and a place to make memories and profound emotional connections. You may have your heart set on the perfect kitchen or an idyllic outdoor space, but the numbers need to be right.

Lower asking price
Asking prices have decreased in recent months, however this should not be viewed as a bad thing. The rapid acceleration in the value of property has been hasty, and world events have somewhat exaggerated things. The fact that the property market is readjusting to a more normal market is healthy, especially considering the steady gradual release of value. It is important to remember that borrowing less overall to buy your home is a good thing, as it reduces other associated costs.

Earnings
Many people are buying together, whether with a partner or a group of friends. This is a quick route to buying your home and gathering a deposit. Nobody can deny that the cost of living has increased, but the good news is that wages are rising. According to the Office for National Statistics, growth in regular pay (excluding bonuses) was 7.2% from February to April 2023.*

Equity
How long have you lived in your home? It’s more likely the longer that time is, the more equity you’ll have. That equity has accelerated rapidly in recent years. There is probably quite a big cushion to fall back on if prices fall a bit more. First-time buyers' homes are in good demand, meaning even if you bought within the last few years, you will have gained a lot of equity, giving you the chance to move into something bigger.

Communicate with your agent
There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to property. All homes are unique, as are the different areas in your region. Your needs as a home mover are different from your neighbour's. And today, agents have the means to connect you with buyers and sellers like never before. State-of-the-art tech, in the form of databases and marketing tools, alongside good old-fashioned experience and local market knowledge make it all the more important to get in touch with a reputable estate agent. Ultimately, this means that your estate agent is pivotal in finding a way for you to get the keys to the home you want.

Find your dream property, get in touch to make it a reality

Office for National Statistics*
Moneyfacts*

 

 

As of July 2023, an average of 187 prospective tenants registered with agents, compared to just 127 in July 2022.* This surge in demand is not limited to any particular sector. Whether you're considering apartments, terraces, or converting existing properties into flats, now is as good a time as ever to invest. It’s no secret that the industry is going through an overhaul, and things are not as simple as they use to be. But if you stop to take a look around, there are so many opportunities right now that promise a profitable future for landlords.

Compact living spaces
Investing in compact living spaces is a smart move in today's market. Apartments and smaller homes are experiencing a surge in popularity, driven by young professionals and couples seeking convenient urban living. The same can be said of places in more rural locations. The appeal of these spaces is better energy efficiency, lower bills, affordability, easy maintenance, and a great choice of locations.

Energy-efficient family homes
Creating energy-efficient family homes is a win-win scenario for landlords. Not only will you contribute to a sustainable future, but you'll also attract a larger pool of tenants. In an era where environmental consciousness is on the rise, energy-efficient properties are in higher demand than ever before. Tenants are willing to pay a premium for homes that offer lower utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint. This demand translates into higher rental income, ensuring that your investment covers its costs and generates substantial returns.

Student accommodation
The student accommodation sector is experiencing a remarkable surge in demand and growth rates. As a result, student rents have surged by an astounding 30% compared to 2022.** This sector's resilience is driven by the constant influx of students seeking quality housing near educational institutions. By investing in student accommodation, you tap into a market that promises both steady rental income and long-term growth potential.

Holiday lets
Holiday lets are another lucrative avenue for landlords in the UK. Whether you choose a cosy city apartment or a spacious rural retreat, there's immense potential to earn substantial returns. The flexibility of holiday lets allows you to occasionally enjoy your property while reaping the financial benefits the rest of the year. The allure of staycations has further boosted the demand for holiday rentals, making it a prime investment opportunity.

The right guidance is the key to success
The landscape for landlords is changing. It’s never been more imperative to conduct your buy-to-let business by the book. The right guidance in sourcing and managing your property, combined with taking care of tenants, is a full-time job. Managed letting services are becoming essential. Keeping you from falling down any legal pitfalls, managing your property’s maintenance, referencing tenants, and so much more. Conditions and rights for landlords are set to improve with new legislation, such as the Renters Reform Bill. Making such legislation advantageous for landlords with the guidance of a good agent involves compliance for a better future for tenants and landlords. The right letting agent will keep you one step ahead, so your buy-to-let investment thrives.

Contact us today to find your next property investment opportunity

Property mark*
Natwest**

 

 

The best time to move is not always down to the seasons or market conditions, it’s down to you. The truth is, there are good reasons to move at any time of the year. Autumn brings about that lovely feeling of vibrancy and freshness with a multitude of colours, which can make you crave the change a new home brings. Winter is also on the horizon, and let's be honest, the countdown to Christmas has started. As the days grow shorter and darker, festivities like Bonfire Night, and Christmas focus our thoughts on cosy nights by the fire. But your moving story is as much about you as it is about your home.

Your home’s story is intrinsic to you
You may have improved your home over the years. Perhaps you have concentrated on making it more energy efficient. Have you developed a really good outdoor space or bought in an up-and-coming area? Even if you have purchased a modest property in the past five years, it will have increased in value considerably. Maybe you have outgrown your home or found that it’s too big for what you need today.

Invest in time
Today, many people are obsessed with the value of their homes, however time is also important. When you buy, you will no doubt keep your home for many years, and if you have owned your current home for a while, then you potentially have good equity. This may decrease in the short term but will increase in the long term. Using the services of a skilled agent who can judge the market will ensure you pay the right price for your property.

Delaying your purchase could cost you
It’s tempting to put off the decision to buy if you are concerned about property prices, but the reality is that rising mortgage costs could cancel out your savings while waiting for property prices to fall. Add to this, the long-term increase in the value of your new home as property prices begin to increase again, and you end up costing yourself even more money.

The property market
The UK property market is very resilient. Prices and interest rates change, but the long-term outlook is still one that spells out housing shortages which helps keep the market stabilised. Your home is in demand because of this shortage. However, there is still a varied and ever-fascinating selection of properties on the market. From grand ecological, energy-efficient designs, to humble terraced properties.

The right home
The perfect location, the sunrise in the morning, the fire at Christmas, the blooming garden in the spring or perhaps a house with greater energy efficiency. Whatever the reasons are for falling for a property, there are so many advantages to living in the right home. From finding more space to work from home, to simply reaping the rewards of a better sense of well-being; the right home can be financially advantageous.

 

Book a valuation to explore your property options

 

 

You know the feeling. It happens during so many important events in life. You go on a viewing, it’s such an interesting and exciting process that you become a little flustered. You walk from room to room, loving what you see. You are enamoured and excited, so you forget to ask an important question. While you can always contact your agent at any time to gain more information, it's important to remember that your agent is an invaluable partner in your moving journey. So here are a few questions that you might not think to ask to add to your list.

If you are selling

 

Contact us today to see how we can begin your successful moving story

 

 

With a greater sense of optimism in the air, lowering mortgage rates, and a compelling choice of properties to entice you, the UK property market is feeling good. A new year always brings new trends, fresh ways of buying, interesting properties, and a fresh influx of homemovers. Now is a good time to open your mind to the endless possibilities.

Mortgage rates are falling below 4%
With sub 4% mortgage rates making a welcome appearance on the mortgage market, homemovers are excited and relieved. For many years, mortgage rates were unrealistically low, and this has created the perception that today’s rates are higher than they actually are. Mortgage rates will not in the foreseeable future return to super-low levels, and those who know this are making their moves and getting increasingly better deals. After all, you can always change your mortgage deal in a couple of years.

Homes finding new owners
More buyers means more sellers, and all bring their properties to the market at some point, for you to buy, or for them to buy yours. This hive of activity keeps the market buoyant at this time of year. Spring is just around the corner, and this is often one of the best times of the year to move thanks to longer days, and warming weather to enjoy viewings. If you decide to join the party, your agent’s database will be teeming with homemovers and may already contain the right buyer for your home.

New trends
Create your perfect work-from-home space by selling up and moving to your dream location. Making the most of your home’s equity by purchasing a buy-to-let investment or holiday let is still a very appealing option. First-time buyers can spend up to £600,000 with a 5% deposit thanks to the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, which has been extended until June 2025. Sustainability, energy efficiency, compact living, and smart technology are also growing in popularity.

A settling market
If you are a buyer, better mortgage deals and solid pricing that represent good value put you in a good position to move, thanks to a slowdown in house price inflation in 2023. You will get a good price for your home if you are selling, and you will enjoy good value if you are buying. These are ideal conditions for finding a great property and settling down. When the property market feels calm, it makes for a more pleasant moving experience. With good guidance from an experienced agent, moving home does not have to be a stressful experience.

Inspirational properties
Sustainability and energy efficiency are blended with fun and functionality, defining your spaces but allowing them to feel connected. The growth of smart homes and smart energy, fitted with smart appliances, promises to make your life easier. Features such as glass roofs and glass-door walls, with modern, clean designs leading to homely outdoor garden spaces, even in compact homes, make for inspirational viewings. Architectural styles from every era offer space with style and a sense of timelessness with modernity in magical settings.

 

 

When you’re a landlord, it can become difficult to make your property stand out in the rental market. This can be achieved by performing unique renovations that will attract more tenants. When considering renovations and improvements, you need to identify your target market. You don’t want to overspend on a renovation project and then rent it out to students. Understanding your costs and return on investment on your property is an important factor.

Plan your renovation ahead
Planning your renovations ahead of time is a crucial element to the entire process, as this allows you to anticipate and prepare for how long your property will stand empty. This will also enable you to determine whether the traders can work in your preferred timeframe, preventing your property from becoming unoccupied longer than expected. Planning ahead allows you to get your property back on the market quicker.

Short-term or long-term?
The first factor that needs to be identified is what type of rental your property will become after the renovation. If you’re a short-term holiday renter, you are more likely to make the property super attractive, colourful, and well-furnished quickly. If you are long-term letting your property, you are likely to achieve more durable, long-lasting renovations, reducing maintenance throughout the long-term letting. Identifying this ahead of time allows you to get your property back on the market quicker.

Check your insurance and warranties
When making certain renovations to your property, it is crucial to check if your home insurance policy covers you while making these changes. Major renovations are typically not covered by most regular insurance policies, so we suggest purchasing a separate policy. When purchasing certain items for your renovation, you will sometimes be offered extra warranties to add on. As a landlord, extended warranties are an excellent idea, as they allow you to have extra coverage in the future. By having different types of tenants, you can’t always guarantee your property will be cared for at the same standard as yourself, so it’s always recommended to have extra protection on purchases.

Kitchens and bathrooms
When planning a property renovation, the kitchen and bathrooms are the two primary rooms where the house can significantly increase in value. They can potentially increase the value of your home by as much as 10%.* This is because they are durable and costly renovations, giving the property a more modern appearance.

Decorating
When decorating a rental property, it is more common to use darker neutral tones. White and cream create a clean appearance but are not long-lasting and realistic colours to maintain. Having darker neutral tones allows the walls to appear newly decorated for longer, disguising scratches and damage a lot easier in the future. When decorating your rental property, we recommend always buying extra paint for the future, as this allows you to make small fixes within your property while maintaining the same colour.

Preventing property maintenance
When renovating, it is a smart idea to think ahead to see what precautions you can take to prevent property problems in the future. One of those would be checking that your property has no underlying damp and installing measures for mould growth prevention. Using laminated flooring and tiles in most rooms is a great way to make easy, cleanable surfaces and reducing carpet cleaning costs in the future. If you address underlying property problems when renovating, you will have a reduction in overall maintenance and problems in the future.

Keep your receipts
Keeping all your receipts when renovating your property allows you to claim back tax. This is because you are a landlord, and this is your business, so you are able to claim the tax back. This will make a difference in your costs, so even if it is the smallest receipt, it is key to keep it.

 

loveproperty*

 

When it’s time to move on, it pays to be an early bird. So, where do you start? Let’s take a look at a few tips to help you on your way.

Start your search
Finding a letting agent is a good first step. They will be able to advise you on the entire process and keep you on the right path. Finding the right property can be a swift process or may take longer than anticipated. But, when you do find the right place, you will have the option of putting down a holding deposit. This is usually one week's rent and is refundable, and will help you make your move seamless and ensure you get the property you want.

Book some viewings
Getting out and seeing potential properties is important. It’s tempting to rush this process but when you're emailed a potential property, it’s a good idea to be ready to view it. On the other hand, you may decide to clear your calendar to book multiple viewings. Some homes will surpass expectations, while others may not. Calculating potential bills can create some pleasant surprises in more energy-efficient homes, so it is worthwhile checking the energy rating of your potential property.

Moving out and moving in
Communication and planning are key to a smooth move. Setting a moving-out date for your old place and a moving-in date for your new home on the same day is important. You don’t want to leave things to chance. Pin each party down to exact dates and times, then prepare your belongings and organise removal firms or ask your friends to help. Don’t forget to update your new address for the electoral register, your bank, and the DVLA. Then, inform your energy suppliers and take meter readings of what will become your previous address, and any other parties that need to know you are moving.

Checking the inventory
You should do this whether you are moving out or moving in. Paying attention to this process will help you get your deposit returned at the end of your tenancy. Don’t be afraid to be thorough. The inventory will give details on the condition of everything, from walls and ceilings to appliances. You will want to get your entire deposit back so cleaning your old home and leaving it as you found it is important. But, it is also important to check your new property as soon as you move in.

Using an agent makes the paperwork so much easier
The beauty of using an agent is that they can take care of your deposit, reference checks, and give you a clear understanding of your tenancy agreement. You don’t need an agent to place your deposit in a deposit protection scheme; however, having someone to guide you helps make the process more straightforward. Fully managed properties benefit from 24-hour maintenance support should any issues arise. A good lettings team is always easy to get in touch with to guide you before, after, and during your tenancy to help you in any way they can.

Make your new place your own
With a good letting agent on your side, you can concentrate on enjoying your new home. Adding the little details that make a home your own makes a big difference and you may decide to decorate. If you are organised and well ahead of time you can plan your new layout and discuss any plans you have for decorating with your agent before you move in. After you have handed back the keys to your old home and got your new keys, you know because you have used an agent that the property is compliant. When all the necessary paperwork is in order, your home is decorated nicely, and you know you are supported by your agent, you can relax and make the most of your new life.

 

 

When renting a property, you are required to pay an upfront deposit. A deposit is a sum of money that is collected before you begin your lease agreement, which acts as protective insurance. The deposit is refundable at the end of the tenancy agreement if the tenants respect the property and meet their obligations as tenants. A deposit is usually the cost of one month's rent, so when moving into a rental property, expect to pay two month’s rent upfront at the beginning to cover the cost of the deposit.

Why do we need to protect deposits?
Deposit protection schemes were introduced in 2007 as part of the Housing Act, so all assured-shorthold tenancy agreements that require a deposit are subject to the legislation.* Once the deposit has been taken, the letting agent or landlord has up to 30 days to protect the deposit. If the correct procedure is not followed to protect the deposit, then they could be charged up to three times the amount of the original deposit and will not be able to serve a Section 21 notice to the residing tenants if they require the property. It is a legal requirement to register a deposit in a government-approved scheme.

Different types of deposit protection schemes
Your letting agent or landlord has the option of using three different government-approved deposit schemes. Regardless of the scheme they choose, your deposit will receive equal protection. Your tenancy agreement will have information on what scheme your landlord or letting agent will be using, and within 30 days you should receive confirmation and the prescribed information in writing.

The deposit protection schemes are:

• Deposit Protection Service
• Mydeposits
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme

How can I protect my deposit as a tenant?
Once you've given your deposit to the landlord or letting agent, as a tenant the only way to properly safeguard your deposit is by adhering to all the terms and conditions in your tenancy agreement. This will ensure your deposit's safe return at the end of your lease. You can achieve this by respecting the property and paying your rent on time.

As a tenant, it is important to carry out your own property inventory at the beginning of your lease agreement, as this allows you to give yourself extra protection. By completing this inventory, you want to make the landlord aware and show them any issues or damage before you move in. By collecting the information about your deposit protection from the landlord or letting agent, you can ensure the correct protection has been put in place for your deposit.

What happens to my deposit when my tenancy ends?
When you reach the end of your tenancy, you will discuss with your landlord or letting agent whether you are liable for a refund of your deposit. If you have adhered to your agreement's obligations and maintained high standards in the property, you legally have the right to receive your full deposit back. Your landlord or letting agent must return your deposit within ten days of agreeing to the return. If you have a dispute with your landlord or letting agent and you believe they are withholding your deposit unfairly, then you can complain to the scheme dispute resolution service, and they will launch an investigation to determine the facts of the matter and the final decision.

Renting through a letting agent
By renting through a letting agent, you have more protection with your deposit at the end of your tenancy agreement. This is because agents can act as an impartial third party when handling your deposit, creating a fair decision about whether the deposit should be returned or not.

 

MakeUrMove*

 

Even perfection can be improved and perhaps it is this that makes you want to move. What was once your ideal home has now become too small, lacking the location you truly love or maybe you just fancy a change for the better.

A word about the market
The good news is that moving conditions are favourable right now, which is why lots of homeowners are getting on the move. According to Rightmove, sales agreed were 13%* higher than the same time last year. Average house prices increased by 1.5% reflecting an 8%* increase in buyer demand compared to last year. With mortgages becoming cheaper, reasonable pricing, and strong equity levels, buying conditions are not imperfect. All of this puts you closer to finding your perfect property.

Is the price right?
For most people, price is one of the biggest determining factors when buying. Combining favourable market conditions with strong levels of equity and homes priced at reasonable levels makes moving now very tempting. House prices are set at more normal levels thanks to the slowdown in the market last year. But this is a good thing because you will get more house for your money while having a great deposit for your perfect home, thanks to all that equity you have gained.

Consider the location carefully
You may already have your heart set on a specific location. The reasons you love it may vary, from the picturesque landscape to being close to family, work or transport links. But it’s important to keep a sense of adventure while searching for your perfect property. For example, being close to cycle paths or rivers and mountains may encourage hobbies you have previously put off pursuing. This is why moving is exciting and can change your life. In this sense, your perfect property can discover you. Looking in new locations can offer many pleasant surprises.

Keep your mind open to potential
Even if you watch all the home improvement programmes or are a well-seasoned property developer, it always pays to consider new ideas. That may involve stepping outside your comfort zone and trying a new buying approach. That could mean moving into a property that does not need a lot of work. Perhaps you want to make your home your own with the little details, or by investing in art, and opulent interiors. Maybe you are planning ahead and want to create a greener, more efficient home.

The importance of viewings
You may get a good feeling from your perfect property from the first kerb view image you see of it. On the other hand, appearances can be deceptive. Some properties can be misleading, like the two-bedroom terraced house with a hugely spacious and stunning garden. You never really know how you truly feel about a property until you step inside. Finding your ‘perfect’ home may involve multiple viewings, and making an inspired choice sometimes involves the input of loved ones and even a good agent.

Get a good agent on your side
Agents are not just there to make a commission, so use them as much as you can. Most pride themselves on providing a service that guides you in every aspect of your move. In many ways, agents are matchmakers, and sometimes a fresh perspective can give you real insights into what you are looking for. Use agents' market knowledge, contacts, experience, and input as much as you can. Ultimately, it’s your decision, but people who are ears deep in the property market year-round can make a massive difference in finding your perfect property.