People become residential landlords for a variety of reasons. 

Often, it’s because someone wants to do more with their savings and sees property as a safe investment with a regular income.  

Here are a few things to consider when becoming a landlord if you want to take advantage of the current lettings climate:

1. Furnished or unfurnished

You must decide whether you want to rent out a completely furnished or unfurnished property early on. 

If you've inherited a furnished property, the decision may be straightforward. If this is the case, you may find that this appeals to a potential tenant, and you may be able to negotiate a better monthly rent. 

If you rent out a property that isn't furnished, you won't have to buy anything for it. Some potential tenants prefer this since they can furnish it with their own belongings and make it their own home. 

Don't forget, carrying out an inventory is a smart idea because it will impact your insurance coverage and may help to avoid disagreements at the end of a contract. 

2. Paperwork 

Being properly organised and up to date with paperwork from the beginning is one of the best suggestions for becoming a landlord. 

Having a lot of paperwork can be intimidating, but organisation is crucial. 

Not only will this ensure that you are not in violation of any legal obligations, but it will also ensure that you are aware of where everything is at all times. (It's also helpful when doing your accounts or double-checking information.) 

3. DIY or use a lettings agency 

Using a lettings service to find a tenant and set up the first agreements will relieve you of some stress. 

Our lettings experts use their local rental market knowledge to assist our valued landlords in managing their properties. For further information, contact our helpful staff today. 

4. Legals & Responsibility 

You'll need an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate for a property before it can be let. 

Each gas appliance in the property must have a gas safety certificate, and each property must have smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector. Any appliances or furniture must also meet the required safety standards.    

There are other regulations concerning a tenant's deposit and how it is held in a government-approved programme. We can help you with any of these if you need support. 

For expert property advice and becoming a landlord, contact our team of professionals below. 

Here's everything you need to know about selling your property at auction, including if it's a smart option and how the process works.

1. Locate an Auction House

The first stage to selling your home at auction is to find a reliable auction house.

When exploring online, you'll most likely come across two types of auctions: online and in-person auction houses.

They both provide the same service; one is just delivered virtually while the other is in person.

When searching for an auction house, always check (and compare) factors like company reviews, marketing techniques and costs related with the sale.

2. Provide Your Details

Prepare to answer questions like:

• Is the property already on the market?
• Is there a mortgage?
• What is the ownership status?
• The property’s condition
• Any legal challenges you may be aware of
• The estimated value
• How promptly do you need the transaction to go through

3. Get Your Estimate

We can give you an estimated figure of how much your property could possibly sell for.

4. Sign the Contracts

If you’re pleased with the auction house and the service they give, it’s time to get ready.

You’ll be asked to sign the paperwork agreeing to the terms and conditions of the sale, including things like what the guide and reserve price will be.

5. Instruct Your Solicitor

You’ll need to instruct your solicitor before you put the property on the market with an auction.

This is because the turnaround time for an auction sale is typically very fast, so potential buyers need to check the legal pack before they bid.

6. Auction Takes Place

The auction will be held, and your home will be sold in the process.

The property could be taken off your hands in less than a month, depending on the amount of time your auction house gives the buyers.

Selling Up?

If you’re not sure whether selling your home at auction is a good idea, we’d love to chat!

We are your local property experts in the area and we can help talk through your selling options.

Here's everything you need to know about selling your property at auction, including if it's a smart option and how the process works.

1. Locate an Auction House

The first stage to selling your home at auction is to find a reliable auction house.

When exploring online, you'll most likely come across two types of auctions: online and in-person auction houses.

They both provide the same service; one is just delivered virtually while the other is in person.

When searching for an auction house, always check (and compare) factors like company reviews, marketing techniques and costs related with the sale.

2. Provide Your Details

Prepare to answer questions like:

• Is the property already on the market?
• Is there a mortgage?
• What is the ownership status?
• The property’s condition
• Any legal challenges you may be aware of
• The estimated value
• How promptly do you need the transaction to go through

3. Get Your Estimate

 We can give you an estimated figure of how much your property could possibly sell for.

4. Sign the Contracts

If you’re pleased with the auction house and the service they give, it’s time to get ready.

You’ll be asked to sign the paperwork agreeing to the terms and conditions of the sale, including things like what the guide and reserve price will be.

5. Instruct Your Solicitor

You’ll need to instruct your solicitor before you put the property on the market with an auction.

This is because the turnaround time for an auction sale is typically very fast, so potential buyers need to check the legal pack before they bid.

6. Auction Takes Place

The auction will be held, and your home will be sold in the process.

The property could be taken off your hands in less than a month, depending on the amount of time your auction house gives the buyers.

Selling Up?

If you’re not sure whether selling your home at auction is a good idea, we’d love to chat!

We are your local property experts in the area and we can help talk through your selling options.

If you’re thinking about buying a place of your own, you’ll need to decide which type of property you want to live in. 

While the price can often be a huge deciding factor, houses are not always more expensive than flats. Sometimes, choosing between the two depends on other factors. 

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between buying a house vs a flat and share our thoughts on the pros and cons to consider. 

What are the Pros of Buying a House? 

1.   You’ll Have More Control 

When you buy a house, you often purchase the freehold instead of the leasehold. With freehold ownership, you have more control over what you can do with and to the property. 

For example, you can decorate, renovate or extend your property without needing permission from a leaseholder. 

2.   You Should Have Free Parking 

Generally, buying a house means you’ll have access to free street parking or (if the property has a driveway) off-street parking. In flats, you often have to purchase a parking space – which can be a one-off or annual cost. 

However, be mindful that you may need to pay for a council permit to park outside some houses, especially if it’s near a station. 

3.   You’ll Have a Front & Back Garden 

Sizing varies, but almost every house has a back and front garden. 

This means you’ll need to do more maintenance. But, more importantly, it also means you can enjoy gardening, decorating your front garden, and having access to private outdoor space. 

What are the Cons of Buying a House? 

1.   You’ll Have More Responsibility 

Since you normally own the freehold when you buy a house, you’re responsible for maintaining everything related to the property. This can include upkeep of things like fences, drains, windows, boilers, gardens and the roof.

What are the Pros of Buying a Flat? 

1.   You’ll Have Less Responsibility 

Even though you still need to maintain your home, most flats offer leasehold ownership. This means that, while you own the flat, someone else owns (and is responsible for) the building. 

Within your lease, your ‘landlord’ may be responsible for things like cleaning the windows or arranging costly building repairs. 

What are the Cons of Buying a Flat?

1.   There may be extra charges 

When you buy a flat, there are normally more charges than a house. For example, you’ll need to pay rent and service charges (which can change annually) to pay for general building repairs. 

How to Decide Between Buying a House vs a Flat 

Choosing between buying a house vs a flat depends on many factors. 

Before you decide, consider the following: 

• What can you afford?
• How long do you plan on living there?
• How much responsibility you want 
• How important is outdoor space to you?
• What parking access do you need?

If you need help deciding which option is right for you, we are your local property experts.  

Our friendly team are happy to discuss our properties and help you decide which one is right for you. 

Renovations and improvements to your house might increase its worth even if it's already on the rise due to the local economy. 

Even though the area's housing values are naturally rising, repairing and enhancing your home will increase its value. 

Our top five ideas can help you improve your home's looks and financial value when you sell it. 

1. Ensure that your home is in good working order. 

Deep cleaning your home on a regular basis is important, as is keeping an eye out for mould and dampness and addressing problems as they occur. 

Doing this means your home will be well-maintained and the cost of maintenance will be spread out over time. 

Once the time comes to put your property on the market, you won't have to worry about negotiating a price that's too low or risking it being unsellable because of a minor fault. 

2. Create and maintain front and back gardens 

Nearly one-fifth of homebuyers desire front and rear gardens as part of their purchase criteria. 

Bonus: You'll get to work out in nature and build a gorgeous home! You'll also get to kick back and enjoy the scenery! 

Tip: Nowadays, many individuals are looking for ways to live more sustainably. 

A fantastic place to start is with lush gardens, which provide a welcome respite from the stifling heat of the city. 

You may even think about setting up a kitchen garden, with a wall of herbs as an example, this can really assist with the marketing of your property because it's so easy to keep up. 

3. Enhance your property's personality 

Consider bringing back some of your character's best traits! 

Replace the flooring with hardwood, add mouldings and beams, or perhaps a fireplace or log burner if you prefer something a little more unique. 

These unique characteristics enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property and may even serve as a selling point in the future. 

For at least the sake of attracting buyers, these amenities will help your house stand out from the competition and help you sell it quickly. 

4. Increase the energy efficiency of your house. 

Improving your home's energy efficiency is essential if you want to increase the sale price and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. 

Insulating your home and altering the main doors so that they are properly sealed is part of this process. If your windows are not double glazed, or if they are very old, as double glazing loses its efficiency with time, you will need to replace them. 

It's also possible that a new heating system is in order. 

The use of central heating is a common choice, but there are numerous more efficient ways to heat your home. 

You can save money on your utility bills and increase the value of your property if you make these renovations as soon as possible. 

5. A bedroom can be added at this point. 

There is no doubt that adding a bedroom to your home will raise its value. 

Because a two-bedroom home will never be as valuable as a three-bedroom home, it's a good idea to convert your loft if you have one that's large enough to do so. Add an ensuite for even greater effects! 

Add a home office or a playroom instead of a new bedroom, and you'll save a lot of money in the long run. 

To make the most of the extra space in your home, consider building a back extension. Both of these choices will appeal to working professionals and parents as remote working becomes more commonplace. 

Contact our experts for experienced guidance on enhancing your home's worth. 

1. Declutter 

The chances are you have collected plenty of unwanted items over the years – from clothes and shoes to defunct mobile phones and old paperwork. By decluttering now, you’ll not only save on moving boxes, but also make your home more appealing to viewers. 

 2. Spring clean 

Once floors, shelves, surfaces, and wardrobes are clear, pull out your furniture to dust and vacuum, hire a carpet cleaner, and make those bathrooms gleam. If you have pets, remove any tell-tale odours or hair from the carpets and sofas. 

3. Refresh your décor  

Neutral colours may seem boring, but they give viewers a blank canvas to adjust to their taste. As well as this, your home will also appear brighter and bigger. Pops of colour or designer wallpaper on a feature wall can add interest, but less is more. If your design scheme is already on point, just make sure you touch up any tired paintwork.  

4. Tackle the to-do list 

Leaky taps, cracked walls, chipped tiles, and loose fittings can give your home a neglected appearance. This could leave viewers wondering what other issues they may encounter once they move in. If necessary, hire a professional to complete any lingering projects.  

5. Assess the lighting 

Poor lighting can make the most charming room appear dark and uninviting. A few well-placed lamps can help – just remember to stock up on lightbulbs too. 

6. Prepare for viewings  

Help potential buyers imagine themselves in your home by paring back on personal items such as family photos, magazines, and toys. Get ready to stage your home too – think crisp prop towels for the bathroom, new linen and cushions for the bedrooms, and fresh flowers or houseplants. 

7. Boost kerb appeal 

We all know that first impressions count. If you have a front garden or drive, make sure it’s clear of debris and freshly weeded or mowed. Attend to any broken or missing roof tiles and damaged guttering, and think about cleaning windows and repainting the exterior. 

8. Consider storage options 

If you have a lot of furniture or treasured belongings, why not put some into storage? This will help you clear the decks and get your home ready for staging and viewings. It could also come in handy when you move. 

9. Research potential estate agents 

Now that you have given your home some TLC, it’s time to shortlist a few local estate agents. Pay attention to the marketing the agent provides for their current listings and follow your gut. While the big names may tempt you, don’t rule out smaller independents who may offer a more personal service. 

10. Get your home valued 

Before you make your final decision, it’s a good idea to invite a handful of agents to value your home in person. This is your chance to find an achievable price point for your property and get a feel for the people who will be representing it.  

Our team are always here for a no-obligation chat. Contact us today. 

If you're thinking about becoming a landlord, there’s a lot of things to think about and understand before you buy a property. 

The process of purchasing a buy-to-let home differs from purchasing a residential property for yourself, so it's important to know what to expect. 

Because our staff specialise in buy-to-let guidance, we've created a simple guide to buying a buy-to-let property. 

What is a buy-to-let? 

First and foremost, the fundamentals: A buy-to-let property is one that has been purchased with the idea of renting it out. 

A buy-to-let mortgage is different from a residential mortgage, and you'll need to apply for one if you can't afford to buy the house outright. 

When applying for a regular mortgage, your income is considered, however when applying for a buy-to-let loan, the lender considers the anticipated rental income as your major source of income, while your personal income is considered secondary. 

What type of property should you buy? 

The location of the property in relation to facilities and transportation, as well as the neighbourhood and demand in the area, are all key considerations. 

Just like you would when looking for a home, you should conduct thorough research into the area where you want your buy-to-let property to be placed. 

Consider the type of tenant you want to attract and include that into your research. 

Finding a property in the suburbs near decent schools is your best choice if you're wanting to rent to families. 

A home near a university, as well as good yet inexpensive restaurants and nightlife, is essential if you want to rent to students. 

Is it necessary to use a letting agent? 

This answer is contingent on your financial situation and the level of engagement you want in your buy-to-let property. 

You may not want to go via a letting agent or agency if you want to be a very hands-on landlord, but if you want to be more hands-off, it is a good idea to seek the services of a professional, experienced lettings firm. 

Credit checks on possible tenants, drafting a lease contract, chasing late rental payments for you, assisting with any on-site maintenance, and assisting with obligatory gas and energy safety and efficiency assessments are all services provided by letting agents like us. 

In general, if you're a budding landlord, using our lettings services will relieve you of a significant amount of stress! 

Contact our team of experts for specialist guidance on buying a buy-to-let property. 

Statistics from Nationwide have shown annual house price growth has risen by 11.2%, taking the average value of a property in the UK to £255,556 after the sixth consecutive month of monthly increases. 

December 2021 to January 2022 saw an increase of 0.8% increase month on month, further demonstrating the continual price growth. 

The stamp duty holiday scheme was a major driving force behind the statistics we are currently seeing, with property demand and high mortgage approval rates also playing their part. 

With stock levels in the property market down after the rush of making the stamp duty deadline last September, this has led to buyers sparking a bidding war for properties, driving property prices in the process. 

Not only are property prices increasing, but property transactions throughout 2021 also reached the highest since 2007. 

With the current market conditions suiting those wanting to sell, and Spring often being seen as the best time to sell a property, now is the time to act. 

Value your property this February, contact us for a consultation.

Minimalism is more than just a form of decoration; it's a way of life.

What is the definition of a minimalist home? 

Minimalism usually entails employing the bare minimum of items to create a clean and uncluttered environment. 

A minimalist home is usually airy, neutral, and straightforward. 

You should commit to modifying both your environment and your thinking if you want to build a minimalist home. 

Here are four recommendations on how to construct a minimalist home to help you get on board with the minimalist trend and start living a simpler life. 

1. Clear out the clutter 

Minimalism is based on the principle that less is more. One of the most important ideas is to have fewer possessions and less clutter. 

However, minimalism is more than just getting rid of items. It's all about having objects in your home that serve a purpose, whether that purpose is emotional, visually pleasing, or practical. 

2. Use wall colours that are bright and neutral 

A minimalist home makes the most of available space. 

Paint the walls in light, neutral tones to make your home appear bright and large. This can give your property a more natural, relaxing appearance. 

3. Opt for bold furniture. 

Be daring if you want to design a minimalist home. 

Choose furniture that is large and solid in colour, such as orange, brown, green, or navy. 

If you don't want to spend a lot of money on new furniture, consider repurposing what you currently have. You may repaint old furniture or upcycle things at a low cost. 

Stick to having a few larger pieces around your home – such as artwork or mirrors – rather than a bunch of little decorations to keep your home clutter-free. 

4. Buy with intention 

Everything in your home, both now and in the future, should serve a function. Buying with intention is the key to keeping your home modest. 

Consider the following factors before making a purchase: 

Is it a good match for your current decor? 

Will it be able to find a home? 

Is it made of the same or similar materials as the rest of your home's furnishings? 

What will be the function of this item? Is it functional, aesthetic, or emotional? 

Make it a rule not to buy anything unless you know the answers to these questions. 

Are you considering going minimalist before selling your home? 

When it comes to house staging for a sale, going for a minimalist design is one of the finest choices you can make. 

There are fewer distractions when you have less stuff. Buyers are more likely to see themselves living in your home when there are fewer distractions. 

Our professionals are here to assist you in selling your home as quickly as possible. 

Speak to us today to schedule a consultation with one of our professionals. 

Of course, you want to attract and select the best tenants - people who will take care of the property, pay the rent, and leave you with little to do. 

But where do you look for suitable tenants? 

Is there anything you could do to make the tenancy as painless as possible, allowing you to get on with your life? 

1. Delegate viewings to your agent. 

Use your lettings agency to handle viewings unless you have prior experience. 

In our situation, we have a lot of experience in the industry and will have a gut sense about the people who walk through the door. 

This, together with your brief, ensures that we are always prepared to 'vet' potential tenants. 

Have faith in your agent. If they're anything like us, they'll be aware of the type of tenant you're looking for and will make sure that any viewing requests are in line with your requirements. 

2. Work as a property matchmaker 

If you're searching for someone to live in your home who is as nice and tidy as you are, it's a good idea to have it photographed in that state, even if it's minimalist. 

You'll be more likely to find the ideal tenant who wants to live that way, and they'll be aware of the expectations you establish from the outset. 

When the images are taken, make sure your rooms are decorated or arranged suitably. 

3. Compile a shortlist 

It's easier to weed out undesirable tenants if you and your lettings agency ask a list of questions you've already prepared. 

Whether you're asking or we're asking, the responses will assist you in making a decision. 

Consider the responses you'll need to hear and tailor your inquiries accordingly. 

4. Conduct thorough background checks. 

Viewings have been completed, and you've identified some potential tenants. Bingo. But hold on a second. Now is the moment to complete those crucial checks. 

Even if you're letting to a friend, it's critical to do this part correctly. 

This is where we can help you the most. 

We'll do all of the legwork for you and recommend the people we think are the best fit for your property. 

Please contact us if you require assistance in leasing your property. 

We'll gladly assist you in marketing your property, finding a tenant, and completing any necessary inspections. 

As spring approaches, you may be ready for a deep clean. So, how can you prepare your home for the longer days and milder nights?  

Here’s a simple checklist to get you started. 

Extract your vases 

Fresh flowers are such a treat, and now is an excellent time to bring them back into your house.  

Give your vases a thorough clean and replace any that seem worn. 

Store away your winter footwear 

Clean your winter shoes, then pack the toes gently with newspaper to keep them in shape.  

Don't discard shoe boxes after purchase; they make wonderful storage containers.  

Stack your winter shoes and boots in the back or top of your closet and bring your summer shoes and boots forward. 

Clean doors and windows 

You will want to make the most of the spring light, so be sure to clean your windows to create an airier feel in your home. 

Cleaning your door frames is also a simple way to brighten up your home’s interior.  

Get your garden ready 

As we head further into spring, it might be time to bring out the garden furniture.  

Tidy away any plants which have caught the winter frost.  

Clear any remaining winter debris – including build-up in the gutters – and tackle any essential repairs before you get distracted by weeding and mowing the lawn.  

Keeping your home in tip-top condition is also a good idea if you intend to sell soon.  

Not only will it be ready for a professional photoshoot, but you’ll also make a great first impression on your viewers too.  

Are you ready for a fresh start? Just give us a call on today for expert advice about prepping your home for its market debut.