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.

 

 

Periodic inspections are a vital part of being a landlord and running a successful enterprise. By performing regular inspections, you can maintain high standards throughout your properties and ensure you maintain happy tenants for the duration of their tenancy agreement.  

What are periodic inspections?  

The primary purpose of this inspection is to assess the overall condition of the interior and exterior of the property. Throughout the tenancy agreement, periodic inspections should occur at regular intervals. These are performed by the landlord or letting agent to assess the property’s legality, standards, and whether the tenant is meeting their responsibilities.  

Landlords have a duty of care that must be met, so periodic inspections are important. They deliver a high standard of living and maintain healthy, happy relationships with tenants. These inspections enable the identification and resolution of minor issues before they escalate into more significant ones. Maintaining these inspections on a regular basis allows you to avoid strain on your landlord-tenant relationship.  

How often should periodic inspections be completed?  

As well as performing inspections at the beginning and end of the tenancy, you also need to perform regular periodic inspections throughout the rental period. Periodic property inspections should be carried out at three to four monthly intervals, as this allows the change of seasons to occur, which can help reveal maintenance issues.  

When you have a new tenant, it’s important to begin the tenancy the right way by performing the first periodic inspection as little as one month after they move in. This will help you identify what your new tenant is like and allow you to build a good landlord-tenant relationship.  

Following this inspection, you should be performing periodic inspections at three-month intervals; otherwise, this could be seen as invasive. Your landlord's insurance guidelines will help advise you on how often you are expected to perform these regular inspections for insurance purposes.  

Giving your tenants notice  

To maintain a healthy landlord-tenant relationship, it’s important to have periodic inspections scheduled ahead of time. This shows the tenants that you have their best interests at heart and that you don’t want to catch them out when these inspections occur.   

When attempting these periodic inspections, it’s vital that you give your tenants notice. The ‘1988 Housing Act’ states that you must give your tenants at least 24 hours’ notice prior to an inspection, scheduled or not.  

What you should look out for during the inspection

Once you have agreed on the time and date of the inspection with 24 hours’ notice, it’s important to know what to look out for. As a landlord, you need to ensure everything in the property is legally compliant and is a safe space for people to live. This inspection also allows you to check that the tenant isn’t breaching their agreement, make sure they are happy, and resolve any issues or queries they may have.  

Statutory inspection checks  

You must check the property's gas safety and ensure that there is a gas safety certificate in place. Every gas appliance should be assessed by a gas safe registered engineer annually.  

Fire safety is another important factor. You must legally install smoke alarms and ensure they are continuously in working order. You can also supply fire blankets and extinguishers in the property, but they are not a legal requirement.

Electrical safety is another important part of checking the property’s legality, and you should have a registered electrician carry out a professional check every five years to get an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report).

All these certificates and reports should be available for the tenant to access.  

Tenancy breaches  

Tenants should take care of the property and are responsible for what occurs there. When performing these regular, periodic property inspections, this is your time to carefully inspect and see if any unwanted activity has been occurring in your property. This could range from subletting rooms to potentially smoking inside.  

Property condition  

Recording the condition of the property is a crucial part of periodic property inspections, as it allows you to arrange any maintenance or improvements that need to be carried out. By maintaining these regular periodic inspections, you are protecting your investment, and you can ensure the property is always safe.  

The benefits of using a letting agent  

Whether you are a landlord with one buy-to-let property or a large portfolio, periodic inspections are a vital part of property management. These can be difficult to carry out periodically without the help of a letting agent.

By using a property management service, you can ensure positive relationships and high standards within your properties are maintained. This could reduce your overall stress as a landlord and allow you to focus on growing your property portfolio.  

 

Get in contact with us today on how we can help manage your properties

 

Searching for the right rental home is rarely a simple task, but throw family into the mix and you’ve got a seemingly endless list of wants and needs to consider. We’re proud to offer an extensive range of suitable properties for a variety of unique households. But if you’re unsure where to start, here are the key things you should look out for.

Community

The community surrounding your property is all the more important when you’re raising children. You’ll want a location that feels safe, with friendly neighbours and a warm community spirit. You can find out a bit more about the local community through online forums, checking the local crime rates, or even paying the place a visit before committing to finding a home.

Schools

Proximity to schools should sit high on your list of priorities if you have young children. Many schools have a catchment area, so you should start your research as early as possible. Catchment areas are calculated based on the distance to the school, but each school will calculate this differently. You will most likely need to directly contact your chosen school to find out more about their specific catchment area.

Pets

Pets are a huge part of many families, and if this is the case for you, you’ll need to look out for a pet-friendly rental home. If you are lucky enough to find one in your desired location, it’s important to prove that you’re a reliable pet owner from the offset as this may increase your chances of having your application accepted. You can do so by providing details about your pet such as their demeanour (are they quiet and friendly?), their vet records (are they flea’d and dewormed?), or even a solid reference from a previous landlord regarding you and your pet.  

Outdoor space

You may not need a huge garden for your family home, but you do need access to outdoor space. Whether it’s a balcony, a communal outdoor area, or a pretty nearby park, fresh air is vital for everyone in your household. 

Transport links

Whether you drive or not, it’s important to research the area’s transport links. You can find most of this information online, or you could ask questions during your viewing. Are the buses reliable? How close is the railway station? Are there any roads you should avoid on your commute?

If you plan on making use of the local public transport regularly, you can also find out the fastest and cheapest routes using Google maps and ticket apps.

Family-friendly fixtures

The fixtures and fittings inside your family home should cater to the practicalities of modern life, with a healthy balance of durability, safety, and convenience. This might include a large fridge and plenty of cupboard space, hardwood flooring, or a reliable washing machine with a large load capacity. Every family is unique, so draw up a list of wants and needs before you set off on your search.

 

Need help finding a rental home? Contact our expert lettings team today

 

According to a snapshot study by The House of Commons Library, 2.86 million students were attending higher education institutions in the UK between 2021 and 2022*. This is a big market to tap into, so it’s no wonder why so many of today’s landlords opt for student-friendly rental properties. If you’re considering one for your next investment, here’s everything you need to know.  

Safety regulations  

All rental properties must adhere to government safety standards, regardless of who your tenants are. Here are the key safety regulations which must be met in order to legally let out a home in the UK:  

 

• Each bedroom must have a smoke alarm fitted
• The property must have a written risk assessment carried out
• All escape units must be protected by automatic closers fitted onto fire doors
• A fire risk assessment must be carried out and any recommendations should be implemented
• A mains-powered fire alarm must be correctly fitted  

This is not an exhaustive list, so it’s vital to check the legislation in your local area. You could also speak to a local agent who can advise you on any upcoming legislative changes or specific requirements for rental homes in your location.

Registering as a HMO  

If there are three or more students renting your property, and they share a bathroom or kitchen, then the property is classed as a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). This means your property will need specific licensing granted by your local authority, so get in touch with them to find out whether this applies to your student rental.  

Request a guarantor  

Whatever the reason for renting out their property, most landlords will ask for a guarantor. The landlord must safeguard themselves against missing rental payments, which could be used to settle the property's mortgage. Student guarantors are particularly important, as most students are new to the world of managing their finances alone and asking for a parent or a close family member to act as a guarantor places you in a safer position as a landlord.  

Council tax  

Council tax is waived for students, but to allow this, you must acquire an exemption certificate from the council. You will need proof of your tenants’ student status from the university, otherwise, council tax will apply.  

Furnished properties  

Most students are new to independent living and therefore don’t have much furniture to bring to the home. If you’re keen on attracting this demographic, it’s a good idea to make sure your property is fully-furnished and well-equipped with white goods. Your property may also benefit from more student interest if you supply broadband and Wi-Fi, or even a TV for the communal area.  

Planning outside of the academic year  

Renting to students means you’ll have predictable void periods, such as the end of the school year. Ensure your insurance policy covers periods of voids or empty property and consider hiring a letting agent who can quickly source suitable tenants.  

How to avoid deposit disputes  

Students, for the most part, are not experienced renters, and there could be a few risks associated because of this. However, a lack of experience in renting doesn’t ultimately link to poor treatment of your property, and there are a few precautions you can take as a landlord to avoid deposit disputes.

 

• Perform a detailed inventory of all your fixtures, fittings, contents, and décor before your tenants move in. Make sure to include photos and thorough descriptions of the property’s condition and each item in your inventory.
• Keep a consistent line of communication from the beginning to the end of the tenancy. This will help you avoid disputes and miscommunication later down the line. Students may require more regular assistance and guidance than seasoned tenants, so it’s important that someone is on-hand to help.
• Provide a move-in pack so your tenants know what they can expect from you, and what you expect from them.
• Include the right clauses in your tenancy agreement so that deposit deductions can be negotiated if necessary. A well-drafted tenancy agreement will protect your rights as a landlord, as well as your tenants’ rights.
• Conduct regular inspections and make sure to write them into your tenancy agreement.

 

 

 

Do you need help managing your property portfolio? Our expert team is here to help. Get in touch with us today for more information

 

An increasing number of ‘for sale’ signs have been turning to sold, which has created more confidence in the market this summer. If you are thinking about getting an agent around to place a ‘for sale’ sign in your front garden, here are a few positives to keep in mind.

House prices are settling  

House price fluctuations vary from street to street, town to countryside, and region to region. But, one common thread is that house price changes are small and for the most part, have been increasing. This settling, or hardening of property values, helps firm up the foundation of the property market. 

More people are moving because it’s easier

Is moving still stressful? Certainly not as much as in the past. Home renovations and improvements have got to be higher up the stress ladder. Moving is becoming simpler thanks to an increasingly streamlined process, and agents who offer better customer service with modern tech.       

The market has turned a corner 

The spring market has offered proof that the UK property market is improving and has set the scene for a better summer. Mortgage approvals increased by 18%*, and sales agreed increased by 13%** in the spring.

Mortgage choice remains very strong

It’s worth watching the mortgage market as closely as the property market. With thousands of improving products available, offering innovative ways to buy, such as 1% mortgages for first-time buyers, to offset mortgages, which may help reduce the amount of interest you pay.  

Modernised-characterful properties 

Homes with car charging points, solar panels, smart technology, and higher EPC ratings, are appealing to a growing number of buyers. But, it's not all about keeping it green. Features such as bi-fold doors, a multitude of outdoor spaces, and inspiring layouts are waiting for buyers.  

A new outlook on the UK property market

Homemovers now have a better understanding of the moving market and are getting on with moving, keeping it buoyant. Interest rates, while not as low as previous ultra-low levels, still represent good value. Strong equity levels and slower house price inflation make moving more affordable. 

What’s your moving story?

It’s important to take economic news and market data with a pinch of salt. Each homeowner sits in their own unique corner of the market. Cash buyers for example, may care little for mortgage interest rates. Homeowners have more options due to larger amounts of equity, and if you have improved your home, it may have added a lot of value and help fund your next move.

 

Begin your moving story by browsing our properties