What's happening this month?

Is it still location, location, location?

Faced with the prospect of a lockdown-free summer, buyers are anxious to move quickly, resulting in record numbers paying over asking price to secure their dream property.

With leading experts predicting that the house buying frenzy is here to stay, is location still as key as it used to be for buyers?

In the space of just 18 months, we've seen homebuyers rush to the countryside and back to cities again, as they've swapped lifestyles and jobs to better suit their own needs post-lockdown.

However, while requirements have altered dramatically for some, the popularity of online searches for the perfect location shows that this remains high on the list of buyer priorities.

So, what stands out as the perfect place for today's buyers?

- Access to areas of green, open space or gardens has become an immediate priority for many homebuyers.

- Now lockdown is coming to an end, people want to be close to cafes, restaurants, leisure amenities and shops once more to make the most of their freedom.

- Being close to the office is also becoming important again, as people adopt a hybrid style of working. This has also brought demand for a suitable working space at home, as well as a fast and reliable broadband connection.

- Being in a good school catchment will always be a priority for families.

- Buyers are doing their research into future developments in the area, like new schools, hospitals, shopping facilities or public transport links, as they can dramatically affect future house prices.

Location is a key factor in driving up demand.

If you’re looking to find the perfect location or sell your property, get in touch today.

Stay informed with changes to the Right to Rent scheme

First introduced in 2016, right to rent checks have been a core part of the check in process for landlords and tenants.

What is the right to rent scheme?

Right to rent is a government policy, which requires landlords to check their tenants’ immigration status.

It also means they must refuse to let a property to anyone who can’t prove they have a right to rent.

What changes have been made?

Significant changes were made to right to rent checks in order to facilitate these over the course of the pandemic, such as with an online checking service and changes to accepted documents.

These digital processes are temporary measures only that are to be permitted until September, i.e. video checks or accepting scanned photos in lieu of in-person checks.

However, some concern has arisen due to the imminent deadlines for both the EU Settlement scheme and video checks, meaning some applications could be in limbo until further clarity is provided from the government.

For more guidance, please visit: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_

data/file/994998/Landlords_guide_to_right_to_rent_checks.pdf

Or for advice regarding right to rent checks and our lettings packages, contact us today.

A look at what the stamp duty holiday has led to

Since its launch, the stamp duty holiday has led to phenomenal sales numbers for England's property market, with 50% more transactions in Q1 2021 compared to the previous year, pre-pandemic.*

Now, with the tapered end of the holiday in sight, we take a final look at what the property market has seen over the last year, and what is still to come.

Originally intended to stimulate the market after its spring closure in 2020, the SDLT holiday has triggered a house buying boom, with price surges up and down the country and buyers scrambling to put in offers at record speeds.

Even for buyers who may have faced higher property prices over this time, the value of buying with a smaller upfront cost meant that homebuying was an affordable option for 100,000s.

In fact, one survey suggested that four in ten Brits (39%) were able to take advantage of the government's initiative, with many finding themselves better able to save for deposits and moving costs with limited lockdown options.**

Following the end of the SDLT holiday on the 30th September, the rates will be as follows:

- 0% up to £125,000

- 2% on £125,001 - £250,000

- 5% on £250,001 - £925,000

- 10% on £925,001 - £1.5m

- 12% on any value above £1.5m

For advice about buying and selling in 2021, we'd like to offer you our support. Please contact us today for more information.

*Mortgage Introducer

**Show House

Lettings market boom and what it means for landlords

The lettings market has had a record strong month, with reports of a decrease to the length of average void periods in most regions, as well as rising rents seen across the country.

In some parts, void periods have dropped by as much as 50% month-on-month, taking England's average from 22 to 16 days.*

How have rents changed for landlords?

After a year of uncertainty for landlords, with the eviction ban repeatedly extended, the news of rent growth in every region in June should signal a return of optimism for the market.

Certain areas saw an increase as high as 10%, whilst the average cost to rent a property in England now sits at £932.

In fact, average rents were higher this June than when compared to a pre-pandemic 2019.

Looking to take advantage of the increased rental demand? Here are our top tips on how to become a new landlord.

1) Understand your business

As with any new business venture, if you lay the right foundations, you have the potential to secure a comfortable financial future for yourself.

Most landlords only let one property, so it's important you know the local market and choose the best spot for your investment in terms of location, demand and opportunity.

2) Take the time to learn more about the legal requirements

There are a number of important regulations that a landlord must meet to protect their tenants, as well as themselves and their properties.

Taking the time to familiarise yourself with the sector will put you in good stead to build an established reputation letting in your area, which will ultimately help you to keep good tenants for longer.

3) Shop around for your buy-to-let mortgage

It’s important to find the right deal for you, which might mean considering a range of solutions before making a decision.

To get the best returns, you should speak with a trusted mortgage advisor who can point you in the right direction selecting your mortgage.

4) Decorate for a tenant, not for yourself

Just like when you're selling a property, you need to plan how to stage your rental property before listing it.

Whether you're wanting to let to families, students or working professionals, providing the right furnishings and neutral tones will create a blank canvas suited for future tenants interested in renting your property.

5) Who will be managing the day-to-day responsibilities?

This last step is what will really set your business in motion.

Choosing the right lettings agent is essential to protect your investments and safeguard your interests, as they'll be the liaison point for your tenants whilst overseeing all checks, changes and inspections.

To learn more about our property management service, contact us today.

*Property Reporter

How to keep your boiler running for longer

A broken boiler is the last thing you want as the weather starts to get colder this autumn.

If you’re facing boiler issues, this helpful guide is here to get you back on track with five of the most common issues and the best ways to fix them.

1. Kettling

Is your boiler making a strange bubbling noise? If the answer is yes, then you most likely have a build up of sludge, and should you live in an area with hard water, this can be a common problem that happens again and again.

Hard water has a high mineral content, which has a tendency to cause build-up in heating systems and waterpipes.

2. Leaking and dripping

Having buckets full of water that have been dripping out of your boiler for weeks is not ideal.

A broken internal component is the most likely cause behind a leaky boiler and can be caused by the pressure becoming too high.

3. No hot water

The last thing you want is a cold shower whilst you wait for your boiler to be fixed, so make sure you check your thermostat.

If your boiler pressure is normal and the thermostat is set correctly, then there could be an issue with an internal component in your boiler. Get an engineer to check this for you.

4. Low boiler pressure

Low boiler pressure can result in a number of problems, affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating system.

This can make it difficult to keep your home warm as well as increasing your energy bills.

The best thing to do is check the gauge meter.

If the needle is below one, then you have low boiler pressure, which can be caused by a water leak. If there are no leaks to be found, then you may need to get your boiler re-pressured.

The manufacturers website will give you details of how to re-pressure your boiler.

5. The pilot light has gone out

The pilot light is the flame that lights gas provided by a main burner. The flame should remain permanently lit, as it is supplied by a gas pipe.

If a pilot light goes out, gas will still be released from the pipe, and this could be potentially dangerous. There should be a sensor in the pilot light tube that cuts the gas as soon as the flame goes out.

Check the boiler itself to see if there are any specific instructions as to how to turn on your pilot light.

As leading lettings agents in your area, we offer a range of services to support our landlords and tenants. Contact us today about our fully-managed package.

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

Top 10 reasons a buyer will walk away

When it comes to purchasing a property, eight in ten Brits admit to being 'picky buyers', with research showing that a poor Wi-Fi connection is enough to put a third off a new home.*

Other contributing factors can include having noisy neighbours, creaky floorboards and thin walls.

Of those surveyed, 22% would be deterred by an unruly garden with overhanging branches, with a third agreeing that dogs barking in the area would be a deal breaker.

If you're looking to sell your property in the near future, it's a good idea to determine what elements inside and outside could be picked up on by prospective viewers.

Where able, you should also complete any outstanding DIY jobs or renovations, as this will help you to secure a better offer in a shorter time frame.

Top 10 reasons for a buyer walking away from a deal:

Noisy neighbours – 47% 

Loud area – 45% 

By a main road – 44% 

Thin internal walls – 43% 

Near an airport – 41% 

Hard to park nearby – 40% 

Lack of storage options – 38% 

Ceilings being too low – 35% 

Steep stairs – 34% 

Poor Wi-Fi – 33% 

At this time of the year, activity from buyers only increases in the run up to Christmas, with many wanting to unpack the last box before getting into the holiday spirit.

Whether you're looking to sell or let, we're ideally positioned to maximise marketing exposure for your property and help buyers see its best qualities.

Contact our team today for your up-to-date valuation.

*First Mortgage

What's changed with tenancy evictions?

Over the last 18 months, a number of measures were put in place to protect tenants who were unable to keep up with their rent payments.

This put a strain on landlords and the lettings market as a whole, with the government easing these rules back gradually to help all parties involved recover from the effects of the pandemic.

A notice period can be anywhere up to six months before an eviction can take place. In addition to this, a tenant can only be asked to leave during the contract's fixed term, if:

- The tenant is behind on rent payments

- The property has been used for illegal activity

- The property has suffered damage during the tenancy

Notice periods have been extended since the pandemic, which gives tenants some breathing space if their employment status has changed.

Once the tenant has been issued with a written notice of wanting the property back, the tenant is given:

- Two months to vacate if they gave notice prior to the 26th of March 2020

- Three months, if it was between 26th March and 28 August 2020

- Six months, if it was after 29th August 2020

- Four months, if it was after June 21 2021

Despite these dates, according to the government, if a tenant is evicted with a section 8 notice, the tenant may have to leave much sooner.

A tenant should pay rent until the end of their agreed term in accordance with the contract they would have signed. Despite this, it is normal to still liaise with the landlord to see whether there is a break clause in the contract.

Landlords may also allow a tenant to leave a fixed-term contract early if the tenant has a direct agreement with them, such as finding a replacement.

Do you need help as a landlord or tenant? Talk to our team today.

How much do you know about the mortgage process?

According to a recent survey, buyers are hopelessly uninformed on the mortgage process.

Whilst the furlough scheme was active, 64% of those living in Britain believed that lenders would not consider whether they received support when applying for a mortgage.*

Likewise, from a survey of 2,000 adults, 42% did not believe being self-employed would be considered.

When deciding whether to lend to you or not, a bank will always assess the risk factor, which means taking into account anything that may affect repayments, such as your employment status and spending behaviour.

Of all generations, it is those aged 35 and under with the least experience on what to expect when applying or looking to re-mortgage for a better deal.

Only 15% of those aged 18 to 24 knew that the government-guaranteed mortgage scheme announced earlier this year applied to them, with a staggering 85% left in the dark.*

Wondering if you’re eligible?

Open until 31 December 2022 for new applications, this scheme is available to first-time buyers and home movers across the UK.

For more information, go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-95-mortgage-scheme-launches

If you’re looking for mortgage advice, contact our dedicated team today. We can provide comprehensive advice and help you find the best deal possible.

*Estate Agent Today

Building your dream open plan living space

With light and space becoming essential in any house post-lockdown, it’s no surprise that many homeowners are opting for a more open plan living space.

Here are a few simple tips to help you build a beautiful integrated living and dining area.

Consider your specific requirements

What would you like to achieve from your project? It’s a good idea to make a list of what you need from your new space.

Do you want to be able to watch movies or play music, and what sort of storage do you need it to have?

Will you need planning permission?

To create your living and dining area, you could refit the existing space or extend on what you already have.

Before starting any major projects, always contact your local planning authority to confirm whether you need to apply for planning permission.

Always follow building regulations

Your project may not need planning permission, but it will need to comply with building regulations. These will include rules around ventilation, insulation, heating and fire protection.

You may need to seek professional assistance

You might want to seek help with design and technical drawings of your new space, depending on the scale of the work being undertaken.

An architect would be able to help you with this. If the dining area is going to incorporate a kitchen, you may need to seek out a kitchen designer to make the most of your space and give you the guidance you need.

Let natural light in

If you want to add light to your open plan space, then installing glazing and bi-fold doors is an easy way to do that.

Another option is adding roof lights or a roof lantern to get rid of any dark corners.

Recently renovated your property? If your home has recently undergone a refurbishment, we can value your property and help you learn its current sale value, talk to us today.

Why January is a great time to sell

It’s a common misconception that market activity lulls in January, ready to resume in the spring. But with demand levels still on the rise, this couldn’t be more wrong for 2022 predictions.

Many see the new year as a chance for a fresh start, and that can mean homeowners are on the hunt to physically change or improve their surroundings.

The number of people window-shopping on Rightmove on Boxing Day last year was 50% higher than the year before.*

To help you decide whether to take action, here are some of the top reasons why you couldn’t pick a better month than January to sell.

People are on the move

Statistics indicate that January is the busiest time of the year for employee redistribution or staff members moving around.

With many of us spending Christmas at home, it can also be the final push needed for first-time buyers looking to move out or a household to decide they need somewhere with more space for the year ahead.

There is less competition

After the holiday season has come to an end, conditions are optimal for serious sellers, as many homeowners tend to take their time listing their property.

This means that if you work with an agent over the next month, you could get ahead of the competition and really stand out on the market.

Show off your home

Intelligent buyers house hunt in winter, as properties tend to look their worst in these months.

So, if your home looks spectacular and is well presented by your agent, then it will impress viewers as they will assume your property looks even better in the summer! This mentality will draw in potential buyers.

Placing your home on the market in January shows confidence in your home – a fantastic starting point in convincing people to buy the property.

If you are looking to take advantage of the lucrative new year market, please book your valuation today.

*Rightmove

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.

Be careful with your decorations

Year after year, the biggest surge in property market activity happens around the Christmas period, making January the optimal time to buy or sell.

If you’re thinking of moving shortly after the new year or currently have your home for sale, then you might be wondering what to do about Christmas decorations.

Adding decorations can further clutter your property and detract from its core USPs, as well as date any marketing material that your agent may take.

We’ve put together some decorating guidelines ahead of the big day, so you can continue to enjoy the festive period without overwhelming any potential viewers or buyers.

Keep things to a minimal

Remembering that ‘less is more’ can be key to securing a fast winter sale.

Try and keep to a small palette of colours when adding decorations to your rooms, ideally opting for colours that complement the surroundings – this can be especially important for items like baubles and tinsel.

Festive scents

A great way to bring the cosy, festive feeling into your home is using festive scents.

Cinnamon, mulled wine and gingerbread are some of the most popular smells to have filling your house this Christmas.

White lights are the way forward

Not everyone will prefer multi-coloured flashing lights when it comes to Christmas, in fact, it can even put people off.

Therefore, try and avoid these for areas like your tree, instead using warmer white lights to create a more neutral, sophisticated tone.

Think about scale

It’s important to keep floor standing decorations – like trees – to scale in your property.

Make sure they don’t dominate your rooms and hide any additional space, as potential buyers still need to be able to visualise themselves living in your home.

Be careful with exterior decorations

Adding lights to the exterior of your property is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, however, avoid large inflatable decorations on your roof or surrounding your home.

Again, try and opt for white, warm lights to give your home a classier look, and you may even want to add a Christmas wreath as a finishing touch.

Are you thinking about putting your property on the market over the festive period or in the new year?

Request a valuation with us today and see how much your property could be worth.

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.