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With the right support and a bit of planning, the leap from tenant to homeowner can be more achievable than ever. Here’s why more renters are now looking at the next step and how they’re getting there. 

Understanding the rental-to-ownership journey 

Every homeowner started somewhere. Often that “somewhere” was a rented flat or house. Renting gives people the chance to settle into a community, learn what works for their lifestyle, and understand what they want (and don’t want) in their next home. 

More renters are taking advantage of that knowledge. They’re using their rental experience to shape their buying decisions, whether it’s prioritising outdoor space, modern kitchens, or proximity to transport links. 

Why now feels like the right time for many 

Several factors are encouraging renters to consider buying this year: 

• The impact of housing supply has kept rental prices high, prompting many to calculate that monthly mortgage payments may not be much more. 

• Savings habits have improved, as tenants have become more intentional about budgeting and financial planning. 

• Mortgage product variety has widened with the recent rate cut, resulting in more first-time buyer-friendly deals and flexible deposit options. 

• Stability and security: the desire to have control over your living space, decorate as you please, and plan for the future remains a key motivation. 

Making the transition smoother 

If you’re a tenant thinking of buying, small steps now can make a big difference later: 

• Start tracking your expenses and saving consistently 

• Check your credit score and seek advice on improving it 

• Speak to a mortgage broker or advisor early to understand what you’ll need when the time comes 

• Research locations and property types using your current rental preferences as a guide 

You don’t need to rush. It’s about moving forward at your pace with the right information and support. 

The emotional side of the move 

Going from tenant to homeowner isn’t just a financial milestone it’s deeply personal. It marks the start of creating a home that’s truly yours, from choosing the paint colours to planting a garden. 

For many renters, that possibility feels more within reach now than ever. With the right guidance and a clear plan, this could be the year they make the move from renting to owning. 

Ready to explore your next step? Let’s guide you from renting to owning this year

There’s nothing quite like natural light 

Whether you’re stepping into a potential new home or walking into a space you’ve loved for years, there’s one feature that instantly lifts your mood: natural light. It’s the quiet hero of every feel-good home - brightening spaces, softening corners, and making even the simplest room feel bigger, warmer, and more welcoming. 

In 2025, natural light remains one of the most asked-for features from both buyers and renters. But why does it matter so much? And how can you make the most of it, no matter the property? 

Natural light changes how we experience a home 

Sunlight affects how we feel, how we live, and even how a home presents itself. A light-filled living room feels more spacious. A bright kitchen becomes a natural gathering spot. A bedroom bathed in morning light feels calm and energising. Studies have even linked exposure to natural light with better sleep, improved mood, and enhanced well-being. 

For both sellers and landlords, showcasing the way light flows through a property can become the defining factor in how quickly and successfully it lets or sells. 

Designing with light in mind 

You don’t have to live in a south-facing house to benefit from natural light. Here are simple ways homeowners, landlords, and tenants can maximise what you have: 

• Use lighter colours on walls and furnishings to reflect light 

• Hang mirrors strategically to bounce light around darker rooms 

• Keep window dressings light and airy to let as much sunlight in as possible 

• Position furniture thoughtfully, keeping windows clear of obstructions 

Even small changes can dramatically enhance how warm a space feels. 

Letting the outside in 

Open-plan layouts, bi-fold doors, skylights, and even large windows overlooking gardens have become increasingly desirable. Not only do they flood spaces with natural light, but they also create a sense of seamless flow between indoors and outdoors something modern buyers and tenants love. 

If you’re preparing to sell or let a home, consider scheduling viewings for when natural light is at its best. Soft morning or late-afternoon light can showcase your home at its most inviting. 

More than a feature it’s a feeling 

Natural light has the power to transform a space, but its real spirit lies in how it makes people feel. Warm, open, relaxed. It’s no surprise that when people walk into a light-filled home, they instinctively linger a little longer. 

Whether you own, rent, or are thinking of making a move, never underestimate the mood-boosting, space-enhancing effect of a well-lit home. 

Looking to brighten your next home? Let’s help you find a space filled with light

Summer brings clarity and big decisions 

There’s something about the start of summer that encourages reflection. The longer days, the sense of renewal, and the natural pause in the calendar can make many people stop and wonder: is now the right time for a change? 

Whether you’re living in your first flat or a much-loved family home, summer often becomes the season for rethinking what “home” looks like. Some stay put and refresh; others choose to start a brand-new chapter. Both can be the right move -  it simply depends on where you are in your journey. 

Why summer makes us think differently 

After the rush of winter and the busyness of spring, summer offers space to breathe. School holidays, quieter work schedules, and sunny weekends often give people the mental space to assess their living situation more honestly. 

Am I happy here? Do I have the space I need? These are the questions that tend to surface in summer. And with good reason the season offers some practical advantages if you decide to act. 

For those who choose to stay 

Sometimes, staying put feels just right. You may realise that you love your neighbourhood, your routines, and the comfort of the familiar. In that case, summer becomes the perfect season for refreshing your space rather than relocating. 

Think decluttering, minor upgrades, or even rethinking how you use certain rooms to better suit your lifestyle. A home refresh can work wonders in making a familiar space feel brand new again. 

For those ready to start fresh 

If you’ve decided a move is the next step, summer provides ideal conditions to do so. Properties tend to look their best in natural light, outdoor spaces are in full bloom, and the market is often bustling with new listings. 

Families with school-aged children frequently aim for summer moves to minimise disruption, while renters and buyers alike enjoy the longer daylight hours for viewing properties after work. 

The beauty of decision time 

The key to a successful summer decision is to trust your instinct and take action at your pace. If you’re happy, take the opportunity to enhance what you have. If you’re craving something new, know that the market is active and there are options waiting to be explored. 

Either way, summer offers a rare window of opportunity to take control of your next chapter. 

Thinking of staying or moving this summer? Let’s help you take the next step with confidence

The tools have changed but good guidance never goes out of style 

In an age where you can browse hundreds of listings from your phone, arrange virtual tours, and even get instant online valuations, you might wonder: do I still need an agent? 

The short answer? Yes and here’s why. 

Stevenette & Company offer much more than just listings and paperwork. We offer reassurance, experience, and hands-on support that technology simply can’t replace. Whether you’re selling, buying, letting, or renting, having the right person by your side can make the process smoother, faster, and far less stressful. 

Navigating the unknowns 

Every move is unique. Even with the most thorough preparation, unexpected challenges can pop up: delays in chains, legal questions, changing market conditions, or last-minute hitches. An experienced agent has seen it all before and knows how to calmly guide you through. 

Think of your agent as your safety net. We know what to expect, when to push, when to pause, and how to keep momentum when things get tricky. 

Maximising your property’s potential 

For sellers and landlords, a great agent can be the difference between a “just okay” result and the very best price. We know how to stage and market a property to the right audience. We understand what buyers and tenants are really looking for, what photos will grab attention, and how to time the market for maximum impact. 

The right agent also manages viewings, filters serious enquiries, and negotiates on your behalf so you can focus on planning your next move. 

For buyers and tenants: A smoother search 

Even the most motivated house-hunter or renter can hit walls of uncertainty. Is this the right area? Am I overpaying? Is there something I’ve missed? 

An agent who knows the local market inside out can answer those questions and give honest, straightforward advice. We can suggest alternatives you may not have considered, arrange viewings efficiently, and flag opportunities before we go public. 

Relationships matter 

Perhaps the biggest value an agent brings in 2025 is human connection. Moving house is emotional. It’s exciting, but it’s also one of life’s biggest stressors. A good agent will listen, reassure, and act in your best interest throughout. 

Technology has made searching easier, but it hasn’t replaced the power of experience, empathy, and real-world knowledge. 

Looking for support with your move? Let’s make the process easier together