Property Articles for Jan

Achieve a quicker sale by avoiding these decorating mistakes

With the property market seeing a lot of demand, sellers need to present their homes in the best possible light in order to beat the competition.

These common mistakes could mean that your home receives less interest and fewer offers, so it's worth your time and consideration to rectify the following:

Misplaced curtains

Curtains are a really effective way to keep your house warm, frame your windows and add a splash of colour or texture to any room.

However, the positioning of curtains can impact the look and feel of the living space in a negative way.

Whilst you might assume that they should be hung just above the window, this actually makes the area feel smaller than it is, so it's advisable to emphasise the height of the room by fixing them as high as possible.

 
Open wardrobes

These can look great in pictures and act as a really beneficial feature to your property, however, they can soon appear untidy or ruin the room's aesthetics.

It’s important to remember that for open wardrobes to look good, a minimalistic layout is necessary.

This can often be unpractical, especially if you're still living in the property, but try to create clear spaces to avoid deterring buyers and devaluing your home.

Overkill on florals

Whilst 80s floral patterns could be making a comeback, it’s important to not get too drawn into trends.

Going for strong design elements is a way to express your own character on your home, but you run the risk of putting buyers off by using overly decorative styles.

If you do decide to opt for patterns, use them as an accent rather than for every wall and piece of furniture, as this will add longevity to the design.

Buying furniture that is too big for the room

Sometimes when shopping for new furniture, we can be completely drawn to a certain item, regardless of whether it works for the space we have.

However, if you're planning to move in the next few months, it’s vital that you try to avoid any purchases that don't make sense for your home.

A room that is too cluttered could seem much smaller than it is. With living space incredibly important for current homebuyers, it is important to maximise the space in each room.

 
If you’re thinking about selling your home, start the process today by booking a valuation with us. 

How to prevent emergency property issues as a landlord

As a landlord, it is a legal responsibility as well as a moral obligation to make sure your tenants feel safe in your property.

Additionally, emergency property issues are costing landlords billions every year, according to research from Direct Line.

For both the reasons above, it is important to help prevent the need for emergency callouts and issues – where possible.

The most common issue for landlords to fix is plumbing, closely followed by gas or heating.

Thankfully, on average, plumbers have the best arrival time out of all contractors, with a typical response time of 13 hours from first contact, whilst gas and heating engineers take a little longer to respond at 21 hours.

We've provided a few useful tips, which should go a long way to preventing these problems.

1) Clean your pipes often

Hair, grease and other gunk can build up in your drains over time, potentially causing a blockage.

Using a non-corrosive drain cleaner is a great idea to clear the grime in your pipes.

2) Annually service your boiler

Whilst it might sound unnecessary to have your boiler checked every year, a qualified heating engineer will be able to spot minor issues that need fixing before the situation escalates.

3) Insulate your pipes

During winter, it’s important to ensure your pipes don’t freeze, as this could cause them to burst.

Insulation can be cheaply purchased from many DIY stores and is easy to install.

 
4) Check your fuse box is in date

It is easy to forget about your fuse boxes, however, they contain essential features that prevent electrical faults and fires.

If your fuse box is close to expiring, hire a qualified electrician to ensure the property is safe.

5) Change the smoke alarm batteries

Whilst this isn’t an issue that requires an emergency contractor, it could require the emergency services if left neglected.

Smoke alarms are crucial to alerting people in the property of a potential fire and could be the difference between life and death.

Batteries are cheap to buy and easy to install, making it a simple job to protect your tenants and your property.

For any questions about our services for landlords, get in touch from our website.

Positive property market predictions for 2022

The 2021 property sector has been record-breaking and 2022 is predicted to be no different.

As we head into the new year, what is in store for the housing market?

House price increases

As we head into 2022, the average UK house price has hit a record-high of £254,822, which is £23,902 more than the average in January 2021. *

With property priorities changing to favour gardens, large living spaces, rural locations, home offices and dining rooms, prices for properties with these features are set to increase further.

Demand stability

Over one-third of properties sold towards the end of 2021 achieved above their asking price, due to the spike in buyer demand. *

2022 is predicted to be just as lucrative for sellers, however, experts have stated that buyer demand will be more stable. This will allow for more property choice if you’re considering a move.

Remortgaging activity

£316 billion worth of home loans were granted during 2021, thanks to a strong level of buyer activity.**

2022 is set to remain just as strong for mortgage lending, with more remortgaging activity expected to take place.

With so many positive elements to take away from 2021, and a bright future for the property market ahead, now is a great time to evaluate your options.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling this year, contact us.

*BBC.co.uk

 **Independent

Your guide to understanding your property's value

If you are planning to sell or let your property, then it’s important to get an accurate estimate of how much the property could be worth.

To give you an agent's perspective of what that involves, we've provided some of the key take-away points below.

Market value

Firstly, knowing how much your property is worth is more commonly known as its 'market value', which relates to the price a buyer is willing to pay when considering local and national market conditions.

What impacts the value of your property?

The value of your house can be determined by a variety of factors, such as any recent changes to the property or your neighbourhood.

Some of these factors may also include the size, location, amenities, condition and the asking price of similar houses nearby, so it's always beneficial to talk to a local agent with familiarity selling in your area.

The difference between market value and asking price

Valuing your house accurately is one of the most important parts of the process. Bringing your home onto the market with an asking price that is too low could mean you receive offers below market value.

Whereas if the asking price is too high, you may not receive any offers at all, causing time delays and market stagnation as the ideal buyers are put off a home that falls outside of their price bracket.

So, whilst it can be tempting to instruct an agent based on who is offering the highest value, the risk of this is that you may need to gradually reduce your price anyway to reflect the property's actual market value.

How much could your house really be worth?

The best way to see how much your house is worth is through a combination of tried-and-tested methods.

It’s important to bear in mind that for the most accurate and up-to-date valuation, you should organise time with an agent, as an in-person appraisal will guarantee any recent developments to your home are taken into consideration.

If you’re thinking about putting your property on the market, book a valuation with our team today.

How to make the most of a small kitchen

Having gone through multiple lockdowns, the most desirable factor that's attracting attention from buyers and tenants right now is a property with plenty of space.

Compared to houses built in the 1960s, new homes are now designed with smaller kitchens; dropping by 2.77 metres on average across the UK.*

As a central room, it's really important that you're maximising value from your kitchen.

You want your kitchen to be practical and attractive, which requires innovative design ideas and creative storage solutions.

To help you accomplish your renovations this year, we've brought you our top suggestions for making a small kitchen feel spacious and inviting.

Take off the doors

You would be surprised at how much space traditional swinging doors take up.

If it opens outwards, the kitchen door might not be as much of a problem, but if it swings into the kitchen, you could be losing up to a square metre of usable space.

Go for a light colour scheme

As an effective, quick fix to make a small kitchen feel bigger, opt for a neutral colour scheme.

Neutral does not mean just sticking to shades of white and cream, why not try white patterned tiles and marble countertops with a light grey cabinet?

This will reflect the light, making it feel much more spacious than you would find with a darker colour palette.

Install a small breakfast bar

If there is no room for a dining table in your kitchen, consider sacrificing a few cabinets to squeeze in a small breakfast bar.

Or you could even consider using a wide shelf on the wall for an alternative table space – the stools can be tucked underneath to avoid being in the way.

Work your way up the wall

When surface and floor space is limited, it is a good hack to use up wall space too.

Install shelves, rods and notice boards to remove the utensils and clutter from your workspaces.

Adding plants and more lighting will also brighten up the room, creating the illusion of space.

Make use of the space around your fridge and oven

Even if you only have a small space between the wall and your fridge or oven, you could think about adding a hidden rolling cupboard; perfect for storing cans, spices and dry food.

Invest in an over-the-sink cutting board

For kitchens that are tight on surface space, an over-the-sink cutting board is a good way to take advantage of the whole area available. It is also a practical way to wash your fruit and veg without making a mess.

Take advantage of the end of counter space

Rather than keeping this free, take full advantage.

Why not install a bathroom rod to hang your saucepans on? This will free up another cupboard for other things. If they are nice pans, it also adds to the aesthetic of your homely kitchen!

Find a new home for your washing machine

The kitchen is an obvious place for the washing machine but in other European countries, you are more likely to find them in the bathroom.

If you are stuck for space, why not relocate your laundry appliances somewhere else in your home, perhaps the bathroom or a cupboard under the stairs.

Looking for a more spacious home? Browse our available properties.

*Source: LABC Warrant

Freshen up your rental property without making permanent changes

When decorating a rented property, there are many things you must bear in mind when making any dramatic changes, including getting the landlord’s permission.

However, there are plenty of ways to add personality to the property without risking your deposit, including:

 
Layering up

Creating layers in a room is a great way to allow a home to feel lived in.

By simply adding soft furnishings like cushions, blankets, curtains and rugs, you could make your rental feel a lot more like home.

If you’re unsure where to start, find a major furnishing that catches your eye – such as a nice rug – and build from there using similar fabrics and colours.

 
Investing in indoor plants

Houseplants are a great way to brighten up a room.

These are often inexpensive and require minimal to no effort.

Even if you lack a green thumb, there are plenty of options such as using artificial plants that will require far less work to maintain!

 
Letting loose on lighting

If your rooms are lacking in natural light, opting for a well-positioned lamp can flood the area with some much-needed brightness.

Light fixtures can be practical and stylish, with many energy-saving options available, such as LEDs to brighten your home and reduce the impact on your wallet and energy consumption.

With many types of lighting available, it’s important you spend some time comparing to find the right “glow” for your home.

Hanging artwork without the need for nails

Having a home filled with personal photos on the walls is a great way to set the right atmosphere in your rental.

By using damage-free picture hanging strips, which can be found in most DIY stores, you can avoid losing your deposit due to holes in the paintwork.

Making the most out of your space

Most of us wish we had more space in our house to fill with our personal belongings, so why not create it by investing in multifunctional furniture for your rooms?

Not only are these practical but many options are also stylish, meaning you don’t have to compromise on the aesthetics of your home.

From the garden to the bedroom, there are many ways to save space by creating a multi-purpose environment, such as a home office.

For any advice on the services we offer for landlords and tenants, get in touch today. 

Property searches often spike in January

Christmas is the time for indulging, spending time with family and watching all the classics.

As we head into the New Year, we've always found a renewed interest from homeowners and tenants, with enquiries and property searches at an all-time high.

We've all spent more time than ever at home in 2021, so you might find yourself planning what your 2022 Christmas could look like and whether you'd like to spend it living elsewhere.

Whilst it's commonly believed that spring and summer see the strongest market activity, year-after-year January has stood out as a time when online searches peak and more people are ready to make and accept offers in a fast timeframe.

Who chooses to move at this time of the year?

The new year property market usually consists of two types of people: first-time buyers and those re-entering the market after trying in the previous year.

In the spring and summer, the market typically becomes much more competitive, with higher supply levels.

If you want a fresh start in 2022, start the process now by instructing your agent, planning your property marketing strategy and taking advantage of the surge in buyer interest.

Whilst we all hoped the pandemic would be contained within 2021, it's now a confirmed reality that it will continue into 2022.

For that reason, we're committed to continuing all of the safety measures and social distancing practices we've implemented this year.

To make your home extremely visible on the property market over the New Year period, contact our agency today – visit our website for more information.

Winter maintenance suggestions to safeguard your property

We are currently in the midst of winter and the cold weather is now in full force.

Therefore, you need to be informed on how to protect your home against any potential seasonal damage, which will reduce unnecessary spending.

A few years ago, there were a record number of burst pipes in the UK, resulting in over £194 million worth of insurance payouts.*

There are a variety of contributing factors that could lead to expensive repair bills at this time of the year.

To help you cut these costs, we've collated advice every property owner should be aware of.

1) Protect your pipes

A burst pipe can cause up to £4,000 in damages.

Pipe insulation, which can be installed yourself, costs next to nothing. It can be used under sinks, on any pipes running along exterior walls and in attics.

Basements are also important to pay close attention to, as this is where 37% of all burst pipes occur. Insulating your water pipes will prevent them from freezing or bursting, which can be a huge inconvenience for households over the holidays.

2) Insulate your loft space

Investing money into insulating your loft will save you a small fortune in the long run, with average annual savings as follows:**

– £225 on your energy bill per year for a detached house
– £135 on your energy bill per year for a semi-detached house
– £120 on your energy bill per year for a mid-terrace house

Alongside this financial incentive, insulating your attic will mean you're directing heat within your property to the living areas, where it needs to be.

3) Clean out and inspect your gutters

Your property's gutters are there to prevent rainwater from stagnating on your roof.

Regular maintenance and checks will prevent blockages from forming. If a problem forms, you'll start to notice rainwater running down the side of your house and may even spot discoloured walls inside.

Gutters can become clogged with leaves, moss, twigs or even bird nests.

It is very important that the water can be drained, otherwise damp and mould can form, leading to a much more serious issue for you to tackle!

4) Wrap up your hot water tanks

Perhaps an unusual one, but getting your hands on a British Standard Jacket for your hot water cylinder can protect your home and save money too.

The Energy Saving Trust recommends insulation to be 25mm to 80mm thick.

With yearly savings of up to £150, it's estimated that payback on one of these insulation jackets would take just two months.

5) Bleed your radiators

Rather than do this once a year, homeowners and landlords should routinely check their radiators to release trapped air, as this will ensure they're working at maximum capacity whenever you decide to turn the heating on.

6) Close off your chimney

A huge loss of heat can arise from unused fireplaces.

If you have a chimney that you do not use, and you would like to board it up, try a chimney balloon.

They can cost as little as £30 and they are incredibly easy to install, with the balloons keeping the cold air out by blocking any drafts.

For more tips on protecting your home this season, talk to our property professionals.

*Association of British Insurers (ABI)
**Energy Saving Trust

Is your New Year’s resolution to renovate your home?

Setting New Year’s resolutions is a long-lived tradition and many homeowners may be looking to set a property goal for 2022.

Investing in a home improvement project can be a great way to add value to your property, so could this be one of your resolutions this year?

If so, here are a few tips on how you can get started with your renovations...

Make a schedule

Before you begin your renovation, take a step back and create a plan you can stick to.

This will ensure you don’t commit yourself to too many tasks, allowing you to remain stress-free and organised.

Allow for extra-spending

Everyone loves to save money where possible. However, a stringent budget may cause your goals to fall short.

When renovating, include an extra allowance in your budget in case you need to overspend.

Take the time to carefully save so you don't find yourself struggling unnecessarily and focus on the little tasks which won’t demand too much expense.

Have goals that are measurable

When starting a project, it is natural to want to see immediate results.

Depending on just how much work is required, you might want to consider planning out key milestones that will signal when the next phase of development has been reached.

That way, you won't lose heart from any potential setbacks or delays.

Ensure you can’t forget your resolutions

Plaster reminders of tasks you need to complete all over your home, meaning you can’t miss or avoid them.

Whether it’s a big A3 poster or a post-it note on the computer, this will keep your goals fresh in your mind.

For more property ideas or inspiration, talk to our team today about the renovations that add real value to your home.

Steps to beat the January blues

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandably a difficult time for many of us to find the motivation to plan ahead and commit to seeing through our resolutions for a healthier, happier and more productive 2022.

Given the freezing temperatures and lack of sunlight, January can be the least productive month for many of us, leading to a period of hibernation that can last until spring.

To help you overcome this, we want to focus on realistic and achievable ways you can have a more successful start to the year.

Try something new

It goes without saying that once we form comfortable habits or routines, it can be a challenge to push ourselves into trying something different.

Comfort zones are the worst for stalling development, so why not try taking up a new hobby or focus on achieving a goal?

It doesn’t have to be something wild like climbing Mount Everest, in fact, it could be as simple as baking a new cake each week to develop a skill.

Treat yourself

Life can sometimes feel as if it is going at 100mph, so it’s important to press pause and just live in the moment every once in a while.

Even something as simple as unwinding by having a warm bubble bath once a week can be the key to recharging your batteries and getting you back on track.

Explore your surroundings

Staying cooped up inside will have a negative impact on your mental as well as physical health. So, even if it's just for a 30-minute session, try and stretch your legs outside once a day.

If you are working from home but would normally be commuting to work, use that time to take a break outside instead.

Start a new series with your loved ones

Pick something to bring the family closer and pace yourself with one or two episodes each week, if you're able to wait that long.

There’s really nothing better than getting cosy in blankets and looking forward to the next instalment!

Set “stick-able” resolutions

Whilst it's commendable to set ourselves high goals for the new year – such as exercising every day of the week – you need to make sure those resolutions can be met.

If you overreach, you'll quickly burn out of motivation and fail to make any progress.

Strip it back and aim for somewhere achievable. That way, you’ll feel more fulfilled and see real change much faster, which will then incentivise you to keep going!

To make progress with your property plans this year, talk to our team.

Top tips for first-time buyers saving for a deposit

Buying your first home is an extremely poignant event in anyone’s life and being able to put down a significant deposit is vital to stand you in good stead for your future repayments.

However, in light of Covid-19, we appreciate that it can seem more daunting than ever to imagine yourself taking that step towards homeownership.

As your trusted local estate agent, with lots of first-time buyer experience, we have complied these tips to support your saving goals this January.

Plan ahead

During your property purchasing journey, it is crucial to identify any additional funds that you may need along the moving process. 

Likewise, being aware of your monthly income and outgoings is extremely important in order to create a timescale for your saving journey.

Move back home

If your parents or family are not in a position to be able to support you financially with your property purchase, there are other ways they can help.

The vast majority of first-time buyers find it difficult to save for a deposit due to their monthly rental outgoings, so moving in with a friend or family member is a great option to reducing these costs.

Due to COVID, it is important that you check the most recent guidance before changing your living situation.

 
Downsize

If your current rent price per calendar month is slowing your deposit saving down, and you can’t move in with a family member or friend, then downsizing may help.

Looking for a property that is smaller could save you hundreds or even thousands over the span of your saving period.

Check your direct debits

Especially at this time of year, many of us will take out various subscriptions without continuing to need them beyond the first month.

As such, it is important to go over your direct debits and ensure that you are still using all of the services you are paying for.

In 2019, Brits spent £4 billion on unused gym memberships – and with the average monthly fee being £35 per person – the cost really adds up.*

This also goes for streaming services and club memberships that you may no longer use.

Whether you have your deposit ready to go, or you’re looking to downsize to save some extra money, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

*Daily Mail

Rental market predictions for 2022

The pandemic has influenced rental demand and opportunities across the country, but what does this mean for tenants and landlords in 2022?

Changing demand and supply

The last two years have witnessed a boom in house prices, with the average property in October 2021 commanding £24,000 more than it did a year previously. * This dramatic rise has forced many potential first-time buyers to remain in rental accommodation for longer.

UK rental prices, in turn, increased by 8.6% between November 2020–21. ** Despite this, Zoopla’s recent market report shows that affordability remains roughly the same, with 37% of a single tenant’s income spent on rent.

However, some regions have been significantly affected as workers from more populated areas retreated to the countryside, drying up an already holiday-centric rental market. This has spiked demand in rural heartlands such as the South West, which also contends with lower wages.

What will 2022 bring?

Zoopla also reported that overall demand for rental homes has increased by 43% while supply has dropped by the same amount, based on a five-year average. Thanks to fluctuating movement patterns and remote working, renting is likely to remain a problem in places where affordable rental stock is already thin on the ground.

The pressure on rural hotspots may ease now workers and students are being encouraged back into urban centres, but this also means an uptick in city prices.

While London’s rental prices are still lower than pre-pandemic levels, we can expect this to increase as supply dips in the coming months. Zoopla’s data shows there has likewise been a 60% hike in demand in Birmingham.

Alongside underinvestment in social housing and fewer landlords, the pandemic has created an unbalanced situation that’s likely to increase rents by 4.5% in the UK and 3.5% in London.***

The good news? Now is a great time for landlords to invest in quality housing to make a strong return while easing pressure on the rental market – a win for tenants too.

Call our property experts today to have your property valued for the lettings market.

*According to recent data from the UK House Price Index

**Based on the HomeLet Rental Index

***According to Zoopla’s November 2021 Rental Market Report

Prepare your property for a February sale

Time to pack up the decorations, Christmas is over and 2022 is here!

If you’re preparing to sell your property this year, then you might be unsure about what you need to do beforehand.

Don’t fret, we’re here with a list of top tips to help get you ready to show off your property.

Create a good first impression

Remember that the first impressions of your home are essential during a sale.

With that in mind, making sure your home’s exterior is visually appealing and attractive will be your biggest priority in preparation for listing.

We’d strongly recommend that you take the following into consideration:

Clean your windows, it’ll be easy to notice if you haven’t!
Give your front door a lick of paint to freshen it up and make your entrance feel more welcoming, you can easily do this by replacing the doormat if yours is looking a little tired.
Tidy up your hall by removing any post.
Remove weeds from your path and tidy your garden.
Make space on your driveway for visitors to park.

Upping your presentation

It is also important to ensure your home’s interior is presented in its best possible light, as this will provide buyers with a vital opportunity to picture how they will fit into the living space.

A simple suggestion, but one which can have a massive impact, is to declutter. Removing large bulky items from view will help maximise your home’s space.
Let in the light by keeping the curtains open, windows clean and any natural sources of light clear to give your home as bright a feel as possible.
Make sure all rooms are heated prior to viewings, even those you don’t use often, to provide your home with a cosy feel during the winter months.
Keep your bathroom and toilets clean, free of mould and tidy, and make sure your toiletries are kept to a minimum.

Time-consuming as it may seem, keeping your home organised and welcoming will put you in good stead for when the viewings start.

Remember; visitors need to be able to imagine themselves in your home!

For further guidance on selling your home, contact our expert agents today.

Tips to saving money when moving home

Whilst we're all aware of the costs associated with moving, not all of us will know the money-saving solutions used by savvy sellers.

These top tips will ease the stress of moving on yourself and your wallet, leaving you with more funds for decorating your new place.

Pack smart

Keeping your possessions safe when moving is a priority for us all, but it doesn’t have to be costly.

Boxes aren’t the only option; washing baskets, bins and suitcases are all environmentally-friendly alternatives that you probably have lying around your home.

Refrain from splashing out on bubble wrap and instead save up newspaper to protect those breakable valuables.

Recruit the troops

Hiring removal experts is the most sensible idea when moving, however, it isn’t always the cheapest option.

Where possible, rely on people within your household, with recommendations or online referrals to find the removal firm that's right for your needs and budget.

Pick your days wisely

Don’t get caught out by extortionate peak pricing for removal firm bookings.

Some companies may hike up their prices on weekends and bank holidays, so opting for a mid-week move can lower the costs significantly.

Prepare early

On your moving day, you won't want to deal with any hidden costs that could have been avoided.

Before setting off for your new home, it's worth thinking about where you'll park when you get there, and if you'll need any permits to park all day fine-free.

Conquer the DIY fear

The effects of Covid-19 has encouraged many of us to dabble in DIY, it's not for everyone, which could mean DIY-shy movers end up paying premium prices for professional help that could have been accomplished with a quick YouTube tutorial.

From building flatpack furniture to fixing kitchen sinks, you'll be surprised at what you can do yourself, and how much that could save you.

Declutter as you go

Getting rid of items you no longer want or need could impact your quoted removals firm service, so bear that in mind before committing to a price, as some companies will price based on content quantity over time taken.

Refrain from a moving day takeaway

Takeaways are tempting at the best of times, so when you're unable to find your cutlery or utensils, you might find yourself reaching for the phone.

If you're on a budget and want to stick to it, plan ahead and prepare meals that can be eaten at the end of a long day.

Or if your temptations do give way, make sure you research local delivery options to avoid paying more than you anticipated.

Redirect your mail

Not changing your mailing address can become an expensive pain going back and forth fetching letters addressed to your old house.

For a small fee, you can get this changed for you.

However, if you want to save the most money, you can do this manually by contacting the companies you know send you mail regularly, for example, bills and payslips as well as any online retail shops you frequently order from.

Swap to the cheapest utility providers

Although it's advisable to search around for the best providers all-year-round, it's even more important following a move.

You might find that your new area gives you access to better deals and rates, or that certain broadband providers perform slower / faster compared to your previous location.

It will also save you the hassle of setting everything up only to decide to switch after a few weeks or months.

Frugal furnishings

The goal to a successful move is to create liveable areas in your home until you've finished making it your own with home improvements and renovations.

Don’t break the bank by rushing to purchase those finishing touches, as you'll find that adding to each room over time ensures each section of the house has purpose and character.

Try searching for second-hand furniture – just make sure you're confident in what the sellers are offering before you pay them.

Contact our expert agents to find out more about a seamless moving experience, visit our website.

Your property investment checklist

Covid-19 has had a huge impact on many aspects of our lives over the past couple of years, but the property investment sector has stayed somewhat consistent.

With the property market healthy and prosperous, now is a great time to invest, following these simple considerations.

1) Does your property have remote working potential?

With many continuing to work from home in 2022, property priorities are changing.

When picking your investment property, whether your intention is to rent or sell, you should be looking for areas where an in-home office could be set up.

2) Is your property energy efficient?

Older properties can sometimes have issues with not being very energy efficient, whether it's due to older windows or wooden flooring and poor insulation.

As it costs more to keep the property warm in winter, tenants and buyers are typically wary of energy-inefficient homes.

Thick carpets and double-glazed windows are key instalments for a buy-to-let or buy-to-sell project.

Other aspects to look into are the boiler and the wall insulation, as investing in these areas will lower energy bills for years to come but raise the value of your property.

3) Are you selling or renting?

When you are looking for an investment property, it’s important to know how you’re going to proceed after it has been purchased.

For example, a property that is up for rent may need to be furnished and decorated to suit tenant needs, whereas buyers often prefer a blank canvas.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to re-sell the property, you should consider looking into mortgage lenders to ensure that the property will be accepted for a mortgage to help reach its full potential.

This will also allow for a quicker sale so that you can progress onto your next investment project.

4) Have you researched the local area?

With current priorities having changed in the past year, both potential buyers and renters are all looking for properties close to green space rather than being in busier areas.

Due to this, properties near parks or possessing a garden are more popular than ever and will be sure to attract the most attention.

As your trusted local agents, we are here to help you with every step of your investment journey. To get started today, browse our properties.

What will happen to property prices in 2022?

The sudden appearance of COVID-19 kickstarted a tidal wave of market activity as people nationwide upped sticks and pursued a new life elsewhere.

In 2021 alone, house prices increased by 9.8% in England and 15.5% in Wales. *

But, can we expect house prices to continue soaring throughout 2022?

Well, a major property portal still predicts prices to rise by 5% in 2022.

It has also reported a 19% hike in valuation enquiries since December. **

Whether these figures are buoyed by those taking advantage of a more flexible working environment or wishing to return to the lifestyle they had before, it’s clear that many people are looking to move soon.

With buyers flooding the market and the spring boom on the horizon, now could be the perfect time to sell.

The expected peak could also be good news for buyers as higher values tempt more sellers to list.

Therefore, the market may begin to balance out while continuing to strengthen.

Still unsure what your home is worth?

The last two years have taught us that the property market is highly dynamic and rapidly changing.

That’s why we recommend an up-to-date appraisal – you may be pleasantly surprised.

Our friendly team are on standby to advise on your unique situation. We’ll share insights about the current market and furnish you with an accurate valuation.

*Based on recent data from the UK House Price Index

**Compared to the same period in 2020.

How the pandemic has changed the property market

COVID-19 has triggered widespread changes across the country – and the housing market is no exception.

Property sales have rocketed, which has been good news for those looking to sell.

Interestingly, the pandemic has also created some paradoxes in the market.

Rural regions have seen a massive spike in sales, as homeowners looked to escape to the country following the consecutive lockdowns.

A recent survey also concluded that people prioritise bigger gardens and proximity to green spaces more than they once did.

Broadband and mobile connectivity have also become more important as many workers go remote, either from choice or necessity.

Additionally, this home-based work trend has seen buyers prioritising transport links less – though this attitude may reverse as society slowly returns to normal.

Pandemic-induced lifestyle changes could affect the saleability of your property.

Luckily, just knowing what buyers are looking for can help you showcase the most appealing aspects of your home.

Since home hunters are increasingly browsing online and relying on virtual viewings, forward-thinking agencies like us have been busy adapting our marketing strategies to attract the right buyers.

Want to discover how we can maximise the value of your property? Just call our friendly team today.

*According to Zoopla’s January 2022 market data

Tips to speed up your home move

There are some elements of a home move that may be out of your hands. That said, if you're prepared and communicative, you can certainly have an influence on the overall process and reduce any additional delays.

Respond in a timely manner

This might be an obvious tip, but it’s not uncommon for buyers or sellers to take their time when responding to something simple.

When you receive documents to fill out, it’s important that you don’t dwell on the task for too long.

It can be tempting to leave paperwork to the last possible minute, but if possible, you should set aside time within a couple of days of receiving them.

Be flexible

Right now, there are many things that could force you to compromise and deviate from the initial plan.

For example, if you’re scheduled to move in the next two weeks, but the buyer would like this to be earlier, are you able to compromise?

It might be worth considering outlining your limitations from the beginning so everyone can plan accordingly. This will avoid any surprises later on.

 
Organise your questions beforehand

If you need to make an urgent call regarding your home move, write down all the questions you might need to ask before you pick up the phone.

This will allow you to get the answers you need in just one call, instead of having to go back multiple times as and when you think of new queries or concerns.

Ask away when choosing your solicitor

Whether you've been recommended a solicitor or you've found one for yourself, it's always a good idea to call them before making your choice, as you need to determine if they're the right fit for you and your property.

If you’re unsure about what you could ask, use some of the following questions:

- What should I expect from the process?

- How will I know when tasks are completed?

- How will you communicate with me?

- Are you aware of any delays which might occur?

If you’re looking to move home, browse our latest properties or speak to us today. 

Which room in your home is the best value for money?

Whilst it might be the furthest thing from your mind right now, making home improvements is the perfect way to spend all that extra time indoors.

In order for you to know where to concentrate your energy, we've outlined the rooms considered 'best value'.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the best-valued room has been revealed as the master bedroom, where we spend an average of 2,482 hours a year.

A recent study from comparethemarket.com has shown that Brits spend £308.51 each year on renovating the main bedroom, which makes sense when we consider just how much the room is used.

The average person spends about 26 years sleeping in their life, which equates to 9,490 days. We also spend seven years trying to get to sleep, totalling 33 years or 12,045 days spent in bed!

With the pandemic forcing more of us than ever to work from home, it is no surprise that the home office follows the bedroom for the room most used within our households.

It seems we enjoy improving our culinary skills as well as our homes, with Brits spending just under 800 hours a year in the kitchen. With many people adding renovations to their New Year’s resolutions list, it is important to know which room to do first.

If you are thinking of making changes to improve the value of your property, it is best to start with the kitchen or bathroom.

When buyers view a property, nothing grabs their attention more than a stunning kitchen or a modern bathroom. These improvements don’t have to break the bank to go a long way in impressing prospective owners.

If you’re improving your house for your own purposes only, it’s best to start with the room you would notice changes in the most.

To get your home valued or browse our latest properties, visit our website.