Spring is a good time to go house hunting as more fresh homes appear on the market. Houses look good at this time of year as nature comes alive again, so getting out and doing a bit of house hunting is nice after being cooped up all winter. You also get to see your potential home in its true light.

Finding your forever home takes time!
You could be lucky and cast eyes upon your forever home instantly, almost like love at first sight. Chances are, even if you fall in love with a home on first viewing, it might not tick all your boxes straight away. After all, forever is a long time.

The market
Right now, the market is in good shape. With the housing market being more stable, there is more choice, reasonable pricing, and a bigger scope for haggling, so now is a good time to pick up a bargain. Call it your forever home, but it does not have to be forever!

Explore
Don’t just go on viewings; explore beautiful and interesting homes with an open mind. Ask your agent as many questions as possible. Who knows what we may find for you? After all, we are expert property hunters.

Location
This is huge when considering a potential forever home. Consider the long, short, and medium-term needs of all in the household. From schools, work, and proximity to transport. In a rural location, think about walks, trails, or distance from your interests and hobbies. Don’t forget about life for your furry friends or other pets!

Scope for improvements and extensions
From the interior to the electrical appliances to the general condition of the building, you must consider things from a long-term perspective. Will you be happy with the aspect of the rooms? Will you want to make major alterations? Perhaps you have a vision of open-plan, eco-friendly living.

Plans for the future
Whether you are planning on relocating so you can raise your grandchildren, or start a family, maybe this will be your forever home for a few years! Whatever story your home weaves, it’s important to get the details right.

Neighbours
If you don’t get along with the neighbours, forever might not last as long as you think! Take the opportunity to meet them. Have a chat and suss out whether you can see yourself living near them.

Budget
You can be as creative with your budget as you are with your property plans. You’re going to live there for a long time. And if you are prepared to wait, you can plan the development of your property over many years. The story of your forever home may change as time goes on, such as needing a practical work-from-home space to help pay for the extension in later years!

Get in touch to see how we can help in your search for your forever home.

 

A lot of things seem to be getting longer at this time of year – the evenings and the list of tenants looking for a property to rent. Tenants are renting for longer, which in turn brings longevity to the long-term investment prospects of the buy-to-let market! In the UK, 13 million people rent from a private landlord. This means the buy-to-let market is expanding all the time.*

Why are tenants renting for longer than ever?

Cost of living crisis
It’s taking longer for first-time buyers to save their deposits as energy bills, food prices, and rents increase.

Interest rates
Although many analysts believe that interest rates will never return to the ultra-low levels of the past, many people still believe they are too high. As a result, first-time buyers are delaying their decision to buy and rent for longer.

Lifestyle choice
A growing proportion of people now believe they will never get on the property ladder, choosing to invest in life experiences and preferring not to be tied to a mortgage. This opens yet more opportunities for landlords as the rental sector expands. Attitudes toward owning your own home are changing in the UK and, in many ways, becoming more European, where there is less emphasis on home ownership.

Waiting to see what happens!
Many buyers have delayed making their first move, unable to decide and wondering whether the market has settled. Others are confused and are waiting to see if house prices will rise or fall. As a result, they choose to rent rather than make a decision.

What are the benefits of longer tenancies?
Finding the right home is something that is important to people. When tenants find their happy place, they frequently choose to rent long-term.

Build trust
Typically, the longer your tenants rent from you, the better you get to know them. As time goes on, you may find that they are excellent tenants. This gives you a great track record to give you peace of mind for the future.

Long-term security
The rental market is in a great place. There are simply more tenants than available properties to rent. Therefore, whatever happens, your investment is secure. That said, longer tenancies mean that you do not have to spend time looking for new tenants and making the necessary checks and preparations. Not to mention building up trust again!

Better communication
If any issues arise, the channels of communication are often better in long-term tenancies. Good landlords tend to fix any maintenance issues quickly. As a result, your property is in the best possible hands. Minor problems that can turn into costly repairs get sorted quickly.

Tenants will invest in your property
Tenants tend to invest in your property when they are confident that they will be living there for a long time. Things like curtains, decoration, and furniture – not to mention cleanliness and tender love and care to help keep your home in tip-top shape.

Browse our properties today to find the ideal buy-to-let property for a profitable long-term investment.

 

Generation Rent*

Whether you’re planning on moving or staying put, there are so many ways to celebrate your home. The market is now as fresh as spring, with properties appearing for sale on every corner. So here are a few tips to make the most of your home.

Indoor and outdoor living spaces
The lines between these two boundaries are quickly disappearing, and the best way to accentuate this is with glass door walls. Allowing you to seamlessly flow from a modern, well-lit interior to an outdoor area. Once outside, the possibilities are endless.

Cocktails outside
With many homes offering great outdoor living spaces, often heated, well-lit, and decked out, you can enjoy cocktails even if the weather is not as warm as you like. Perhaps you have given your garden a spring makeover to add to its value or simply because you wanted to make it the perfect outdoor space.

Preparing your dining room
The central hub after the kitchen, you can make your dining room as beautiful as you want. Candles and spring flowers are the little details that dress a table for entertaining and can make great pictures when staging your home for a sale.

Spend a few hours in the kitchen
From baking, breakfast to preparing a traditional Sunday roast, inspiration for kitchen design is everywhere, and the opportunities to enjoy it are endless at this time of year. Maybe you prefer experimenting? Add value to your home by creating a kitchen you love; perhaps an open-plan design will suit you best when entertaining friends.

You entertain the idea of moving
Sometimes you just want more. No matter how much spring cleaning, preparation, decoration, or renovation you undertake, you know you want to move. Your current home will never meet all your expectations. And though you have made great memories, when you glimpse inside a beautiful property, you instantly envision a better way of living.

The housing market
April is a great time to sell up as market activity increases. The housing market becomes a hive of activity, and this year promises to be a good one. The average number of people contacting agents at the beginning of the year increased by 11% compared to the same period in 2019. Spring is a popular time for people to move home. Fresh properties arrive on the market, and many people who delayed buying in December are now eager to buy quickly. The market is stable, with prices remaining strong, bringing more choice and increasing your chances of finding the home you desire.*

Are you entertaining the idea of moving to a better home this spring?

Browse some of our available properties.

Rightmove*

 

For some of us, home is not the same without them. For landlords, they can become a worry particularly when it comes to damage. Whichever side of the fence you stand on, the law will change soon. And this comes as a welcome relief for those tenants struggling to find affordable accommodation. As things stand currently, there is a blanket ban on pets in residential properties. That means landlords can refuse pets without justification.

Renter's Reform Bill
On the cards since 2019 and soon to become law, the Renters Reform Bill aims to improve conditions and rights for millions of renters in the UK, including pets!

The Dogs and Domestic Animals Act proposes

• Blanket bans on pets living with tenants are to be outlawed.
• Certification of the person responsible for the pet.
• Dogs must be microchipped and vaccinated.
• Dogs must also respond to commands.

Landlords can refuse your pet if:

• You don’t have a vet’s certificate for your pet.
• You are unable to take care of your pet.
• The welfare of the animal is threatened by keeping it on the property.
• If your animal is a nuisance or causes danger to others.
• Your landlord holds a certificate of exemption.

Lack of clarity!
There are still a lot of unknowns and things to work out, for example, on issues such as: Will this apply to all pets? Will the tenant be obliged to get pet insurance? The general process if a landlord refuses to accommodate your pet and a formal process of appeal.

When does this come into effect?
The house of parliament has been deliberating over this bill since 2019, delayed somewhat thanks to COVID. The bill is now becoming law. The exact date has not been released yet, but it’s expected to be later in 2023.

Your pet
Sadly, many pets have been given away or taken into care due to tenants being unable to take care of them. Finding affordable, pet-friendly places to live is a challenge.

Tenants
Many tenants will be thrilled to hear this news. The emotional impact of being forced to give away your best friend is truly devastating. Many landlords are pet owners themselves, so the better-behaved your pet, the better! And pet insurance will show your potential landlord that you are a responsible pet owner with a low damage risk.

Landlords
This bill protects landlords while protecting the rights of your tenants. If you are a landlord, it’s only right that you want to protect your investment. The last thing you want is your tenant’s furry friend ruining your renovated flat! Like many reforms, these changes will help you enforce some ground rules where before there were none.

A happy beginning for all!
With this legislation in place, the landlord-tenant-pet relationship will improve life and conditions for all, allowing everyone to live happily ever after!

Looking for a great place to rent? Are you seeking a buy-to-let investment? Browse our available properties.

 

Taking your first steps on the property ladder can seem quite daunting, with market news constantly changing and figuring out where to start. Therefore, we are here to update you on all the reasons why now is a good time to become a first-time buyer in the UK.

Mortgage guarantee scheme
This government-backed scheme was launched all the way back in April 2021 and has recently been extended to December 31, 2023. This creates the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to buy their first home with a 5% deposit.

House prices can be confusing!
There is so much mixed information out there, and sometimes this can be unsettling. The average UK house price in February was recorded at around £285,476. This is a monthly increase of 1.1%, a quarterly change of -2.5%, and an annual change of +2.1%.*

When it comes to the news and statistics, particularly national average statistics, it’s important to take them with a pinch of salt.

Overall, house prices are adjusting after the pandemic, and the market has slowed a little. This creates more opportunities for you to buy and sell at a good price.

Bargaining power
There is always scope for negotiation, and this is particularly true in the current climate. Talk to Zoopla, and home sellers are discounting their homes by as much as 14.1% to get a sale.**

Yet again, do not take this figure to mean that you will get at least a 10% discount on your first home. That said, you may get more than this! It depends on the house and its condition and how quickly the vendor wants to move.

You are appealing because you have no chain!
You are in many ways in a similar position to a cash buyer in that you have no chain, so you may be able to make a cheeky offer on your first home.

House price growth
Don’t worry about house prices in the long term; they are expected to start growing again in 2024. So, don’t wait too long if you have a game plan for waiting to see what happens.

Interest rates
Interest rates are currently being recorded as higher than perhaps a few years ago. Many analysts suggest they will never return to the ultra-low rates of a few years ago. That said, they are falling again. Therefore, relatively speaking, they are at a reasonable rate, and even if the base rate rises, mortgage rates are expected to remain constant. If there are any changes, they should be minimal.

The sooner you start, the sooner you pay off your mortgage
It’s all very well waiting to see what happens or to see if house prices fall, but the money you may save, will be lost! Delaying paying off your mortgage is costly; add to this the cost of renting and the temptation to spend your deposit!

 

This time of year, has a lot going for it: Easter, lots of chocolate, spring flowers, warmer weather, and if you are on the move, April is the best time to sell your home. In fact, March, April, May, and June are the most popular months for making a swift move, with the average home taking less time to sell.

More people move in the spring
More UK property transactions are completed in the spring than at any other time of the year, and it’s a pattern that repeats itself year after year!

For example, in March 2022, the number of property transactions completed in the UK peaked at 111,680; in April, it was 107,100; and in May, the figure stood at 106,860.*

A good year
Conditions were a little bumpy towards the end of last year. The minibudget that caused an air of uncertainty has been replaced by a fresh spring breeze of stability. Sellers and buyers who delayed moving are returning to the market. More sellers mean more choice. Traditionally, the market warms up at this time of year, but with the added element of pent-up demand and a more calm and realistic market, it promises to be a good year.

Strong demand with a stable 2023 market
The average price of property coming to the market rose by just £14 (+0.0%) from January to February to £362,452.** This is a decent and stable figure, and with demand still very strong, the market is now conducting itself in a manner that is healthy and vibrant. However, you no longer need to race to your dream home and offer more than the asking price! If anything, there may be scope for a little negotiation.

Inspiring and beautiful homes
With wildlife coming on strong and flowers sprouting up to witness the longer evenings, spring lends itself well to moving. It’s easier weather for all the practical parts of moving, and homes with all this splendour going on just look better. Many will have enjoyed a good spring cleaning now that winter is over. Home improvements occupied many homeowners during the lockdown, so whether your budget is large or more modest, chances are you are in for inspiring viewings. Outdoor living spaces, work-from-home spaces, and interesting gardens are ripe for your ideas just in time for summer.

Summary: Springtime is the right time!
With so many beautiful homes looking good at this time of year and a buoyant market with some fresh pent-up demand, house prices are no longer rocketing out of control. Warmer, longer days and lighter evenings bring more homeowners out of hibernation, adding vibrancy and more choice to the property market. With no snow or cold to deal with while hopefully finishing in time to enjoy the summer. It’s little wonder that so many homeowners choose spring to move.

Perhaps we are no different from the returning spring wildlife. The season of change ushers us into a changing mood, but the motives, like many other natural laws, are highly practical and advantageous.

Spring your property move into life now!

Browse our available properties, then book a free valuation with one of our expert agents.

 

Office for National Statistics*
Rightmove**

The market is calm and stable, with huge long-term demand and with more people renting for longer, now is a great time to invest in property. Tenants are renting for longer as it takes a bit more time to get a footing on the property ladder. Being a landlord is very much a business. The most successful businesses adapt to the times. It’s true that many tenants are feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis. But for many savvy landlords, this is a great opportunity to grow and expand their property portfolio.

Increasing rents
The buy-to-let market can be highly lucrative and offer great returns on investment. Average rents increased in the 12 months from December 2022 by 12.1%.*

Supply is short
The shortfall in the supply of rental properties is still massive and will remain so for many years to come. Simply put, there are far more tenants than available properties.

The trend toward smaller homes
Smaller, more affordable homes are in demand. Flats and more modestly sized homes are appealing simply because they are cheaper to run. Tenants are a little more cost-conscious with the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis.

Energy efficiency is easier
It’s not all about size. Modernising your rental property is now becoming more essential than ever. This is much easier to achieve in more modestly sized homes. Energy Performance Certificate rules will be more stringent in 2025, with new tenancy agreements having to meet an energy rating of C. If modifications need to be carried out to meet these demands, the smaller the property, the more likely it is that they will be cheaper.

Bigger can be smaller!
Developing larger properties and then letting them out room by room is also a great way to spread the risk of your property investment. Converting terrace homes into flats can double your rental income while helping to alleviate the chronic shortage of affordable homes.

Funding efficiency
Investing in multiple properties is a shrewd move when it comes to expanding your portfolio. Instead of having all your capital tied up in one property, investing in smaller properties means the funds you receive for one can help cover the costs of the other.

The opportunity to diversify
The more property you own, the more rental markets you can pursue. Invest in the student, professional, house, flat, or holiday home markets—the possibilities are endless.

The best of both worlds
If you are not sure whether you want to develop property to sell or let property, you can enjoy the best of both worlds and adapt your investment plan more easily.

Whether you are looking to expand or create a property portfolio from scratch, get in touch to see how we can help you today!

Zoopla*

 

April is so much more than just a pretty month to go house hunting. International Pillow Fight Day takes place at this time of year, but wouldn’t you rather wake up in the home of your dreams?

Create a wish list
If you are going to do it, you might as well do it properly. Buying a home is a big decision, and buying your dream home is perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime event. Don’t be afraid to make a list of all that you want in your ideal home, as it's going to take careful planning. The details are important, so break it down into sections, from the kitchen to the sunset. You may find your home is not complete. But as long as you can create your vision at some point in the future, then you are on the right track.

The houses
The UK property market offers a rich and diverse selection of homes to inspire you. From Tudor cottages and Victorian townhouses to modern, eco-friendly, state-of-the-art green homes. Maybe you are looking for a project and want to transform classical architecture into something extraordinarily modern. It’s important to keep an open mind, as the possibilities are endless. Whether your dream is compact living in a modern flat or modern living in a suburban setting, property dreams come in all shapes and sizes.

The market
This time of year is ideal for searching for your dream home. More houses appear on the market, bringing more choice, and the property market becomes a hive of activity as home movers enjoy the perfect selling and buying climate.

In April to January 2022-2023, UK residential transactions stood at 1,029,580; in 2017 to 2018 for the same period, they were strong at 1,015,570; and in 2015 to 2016, they were 1,042,200. * These figures suggest that the housing market remains strong, healthy, and, above all else, consistent.

Enjoy the viewings
Entering your dream home will probably make a good first impression. It may take you a little bit of searching to find what you are looking for. So don’t be afraid to get out there and explore. This will give you plenty of ideas and help you discover what you are looking for.

Discover your style
Consider what interior spaces and designs make you most happy. Are you a traditionalist? Do you have a passion for wood? Or are you a minimalist who pays respect to classical features? Do you want to create a multiplicity of styles?

Consider your needs
It might be your dream home, but you still might want to consider practical elements. Think about all the members of your family, the local community, your long-term plans and goals, and your vision of a lifestyle.

Think big and be brave!
Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild. Stick to your vision while keeping an open mind. There are many ways to create your ideal home over time. Sometimes these challenges will inspire a solution that turns out better than your original vision and you create a home that surpasses your dreams.

Finally
You can sleep in the home of your dreams after all the big decisions have been made, and now all you have to do is live the dream.

Wake up in your dream home and live the property dream this year!

Start the search now by browsing the available properties we have on our website.

 

GOV.UK*

 

There is no doubt that we live in a wonderful age where pretty much everything we want is at our fingertips, and there is nothing you can’t get delivered to your front door. You can spend night after night scrolling through Rightmove and Zoopla searching for your dream home, and while it’s possible to buy a home completely online, just because you can does not mean you should.

Virtual viewings are an awesome introduction to a property. If you already know the area and you are simply looking for a great flat to let, then perhaps you will never need to carry out a physical viewing. They are a great way to dream and check out all the homes you know you can't afford to buy!

But there is no substitute for the sensory adventure that begins as soon as you see the home you want. It’s the difference between dreams and reality.

Sensory Experience
Yes, buying a new home is a big decision, but it is also an exciting and adventurous feast for all your senses. Entering a property that feels like home is a unique and amazing feeling to savour. There is no substitute for the tactile world of wood and stone and the visual feast that will greet you and witness some of your most precious memories. The scents of the garden, the vision of your new life, the plans for decoration—that special feeling you get that you can't explain yet for some reason you know it’s home.

Valuable experience
Let’s not overlook the obvious. Agents sell homes for a living and are a great ally. Drawing on years of experience to guide you and point out things you may not notice after having absorbed your requirements and desires. It’s a comforting feeling knowing you have an expert on your team.

Do you really want to deal with buyers directly?
Your time is precious, and agents can liaise with buyers for you. It’s also a good thing to have an experienced person dealing with offers from buyers who may make a few cheeky offers!

Checking out the neighbourhood
It’s important to get to know the neighbourhood and surrounding areas. You want to make the right decision and enjoy the peace of mind and fulfilment that come with loving where you live.

Test your agent
A face-to-face viewing or valuation with your agent not only gives you the chance to test out how you feel about certain properties but also to get a thorough valuation. It’s a chance to see your agent in action and become inspired, informed, and gain from their knowledge. A good agent will get on board with your vision for moving and help you achieve your property goals.

Expertise and another pair of eyes
A good estate agent will not try to force a sale during a viewing. After all, it’s your decision.

Simply having another pair of eyes and another perspective and answering all your questions face-to-face while you can walk through the property is more convenient. This will guide you towards making the decision that makes you happy.

Local market knowledge
Your estate agent will have lots of local market knowledge and may already have moved people in and out of your new neighbourhood. So take advantage of this and use it to take the stress out of your decision.

Browse our available properties and allow us to help all your property dreams come true.

 

Spring is here, and before you know it, it will finally be summer. As each slightly warmer day passes, the property market becomes a little busier, but don’t panic—this is a good thing. If we believed everything we see in the news, you might be forgiven for not wanting to get out of bed, let alone move home.

House prices start to fall, and suddenly the world is about to end! The truth is that the property market is showing signs of resilience, but even more than that, proof of brilliance.

The fresh spring market
Spring is traditionally a great time to sell your home. More buyers get out and about as fresh for sale signs suddenly appear, giving the market momentum. Late last year, the market paused a little longer than usual for Christmas. But even in January, buyer demand looked promising, with the number of people contacting agents up by 11% compared with the same period in 2019. * People who wanted to move earlier are now returning to the market hungry to move, viewing a fresh choice of properties.

Stunning properties
The bar has been raised over lockdown, when many homes were given some very special treatment. This means the choice and standard of homes to choose from are better than ever. From innovative energy-efficient green homes to added features like balconies and glass walls. Neat and compact modern flats are also in vogue. It’s an exciting and interesting period in the property market.

House prices are at the right level
It depends on who you ask; house prices for some homes are not falling, but if they are, don’t worry! When sussing out the state of the property market, it’s important to put things in perspective. The average house price on the market rose by just £14 this month (+0.0%) from January to February to £362,452.* This means the market is stable.

While house price growth fell with prices in February, down by 1.1% compared to February 2022.** This is the first such decrease since June 2020, and it does not take a rocket scientist to fill in the blanks! During the COVID bubble, house prices were hyperinflated, and readjusting the market by letting off a bit of steam gradually couldn’t be more perfect.

It stops the market from boiling over and becoming chaotic, having a calming effect on the market. Not to mention, buying a home is now a bit more pleasant, and bidding wars are thankfully behind us, possibly replaced with a bit of bargaining power.

The housing market is in a good place!
House prices can sometimes not be as important as they seem to be in the news, but they give a good indication of the state of the property market.

Long-term growth
Property goes up in value in the long term. So do not worry about making a long-term investment in the home you want. Analysts predict house prices will ascend again in 2024.

Employment levels
Employment levels are pretty good, with many industries screaming out for more people. This creates consumer confidence when it comes to making a move.

Supply and demand
When all is said and done, there are more people looking for homes than there are houses. It’s simple economics and is the backbone to keeping the value of your home stable.

Browse our properties to see if you can find the home that goes beyond your property expectations!

 

Rightmove*
Nationwide House Price Index**

 

This month sees the return of National Tea Day. But perhaps the time for taking a break is over. With so many people looking for homes to rent, maybe it’s time to take a fresh look at the spring rental market. You could improve the climate for tenants while making a few wise investments!

Rents are spiralling with soaring demand
According to figures released in December 2022, the number of homes available for rent is 40% lower than average. This is while the properties available for rent have reduced dramatically to 38% and demand is 46% higher.*

Some landlords are sitting on the fence
With so many changes to interest rates in the latter stages of last year, many landlords have hesitated before expanding their property plans. This is creating more opportunity to step forward on the buy-to-let ladder. As others wait to see what happens, you could make an early start on expanding your portfolio.

More properties are entering the market at the right price
Spring always brings a fresh influx of properties to the market as homebuyers and sellers get on the move. So, this is a good time to find a home that may make a great buy-to-let investment and with a little more room for negotiation.

Renters Reform Bill
The renters reform bill is due to kick in at the end of the year. While it aims to improve rights for tenants, it offers a framework for landlords to address issues arising with tenants. So, in many ways, it’s a good thing and not to be feared by landlords.

New opportunities
With some landlords retiring, even fewer properties for rent become available. This means there is more scope for new investors to put their stamp on the buy-to-let market.

Buy-to-let mortgage deals are recovering!
More choices of buy-to-let mortgages are returning to the market, with some 2400 deals available.* This is a sure sign that the market is stable and strong with good levels of confidence, creating the perfect environment for long-term investment.

Tenants are renting for longer
It’s harder for many to get on the property ladder; people are choosing to rent over buy, deciding to invest in lifestyle instead of bricks and mortar.

The demographics are changing
The trend a few years ago was typically that younger people rented before they bought their first home. This has since changed, as we are now seeing more older tenants choose to rent. As a landlord, you are no longer pitching to a younger audience, creating yet more market sector opportunities.

Many renters are looking for bills included
According to Rightmove, tenants are searching for bills included in their search more than ever, and it is the most searched for term in their property portal.**

Conclusion
This is an exciting time to be a property investor. It’s time to move on from the days of making vast profits exceedingly quickly, as has occurred in the past few years. What replaces this is a more stable, lucrative market with better long-term prospects than ever before.

A better tenant-landlord relationship that is more clearly defined. And with a little more scope for finding a bargain, now is the time to get off the fence!

Go ahead – you deserve a break!

Browse these great rental properties to enjoy with your tea! Then get in touch to see how we can help you on your journey today.

 

Zoopla*
Rightmove**

 

Some people say the property ladder is disappearing. Many first-time buyers are no longer satisfied with a flat or humble two-up, two-down starter home. Starting small has traditionally been the beginning for many on their property journey. There are some great advantages to this.

Typically, smaller mortgage repayments and a general perception that it’s easier. However, sometimes doing things a bit differently can make a lot more sense and skipping a few steps wherever you are on the ladder might not be as hard as you think.

Get to know the market
Getting to know the property market in your area and beyond is important. Sometimes a three-bedroom house may represent better value than a two-bedroom home or possibly be even cheaper. Many flats, for example, can cost more than smaller homes because they are in high demand.

Buy together
Buying your first property with your partner or a friend could mean you could save a bigger deposit and increase your budget. This could mean you could buy a larger first home, skipping the first few steps on the ladder. Then you may decide to rent any spare rooms.

Buy bigger in the first place
Many people who buy their first homes have well-established careers. Choosing to travel and enjoy life before settling down and perhaps buying a home a little later in life means their earnings and deposit are healthy. When this happens, many people will choose to buy what they can afford.

A more expensive home could be cheaper!
If your plan is to buy a smaller home and then move again to a bigger home later, save on moving costs and buy bigger in the first place. You will gain more equity in your home more rapidly as you pay off your mortgage and save on moving costs and other relocation expenses.

Add value
Perhaps you are already on the ladder, and you want to buy something a few steps further up. A great way to boost your equity is to add value to your home. The trick here is to not overspend, which is easier said than done. A new kitchen or simply painting and decorating can add value. Choose tasks you can do yourself to save on labour costs.

Take on a property project
If you are determined to ascend the property ladder quickly, developing a property if you get the numbers right is a great way to gain a profit, which could be used to buy your next home. Some of the many ways to maximize returns include refurbishing, modernizing, or converting a house into flats. You may enjoy it even if you have to live in a building site! Do it a couple of times over, then find your forever home.

Broaden your search
A top tip for making your property pound go further is to simply broaden your search area. Do the research and find areas that are up and coming often; these will increase in value rapidly. Open your mind and get to know areas you might not have considered moving to. Talk to your agent; they will have a wealth of knowledge to draw on.

Be creative
When it comes to property, the possibilities are endless. You could become a developer with a group of friends and live in the home you're renovating. You could just make a smart purchase by educating yourself on the market. Perhaps you have much grander plans and want to renovate a country estate. Transforming it into apartments, a great family home, and a business all in one place. Whichever level you are at and whatever your budget, there are always great opportunities to scope out.

Do you want to find the perfect property to help you skip a few steps on the property ladder?

Get in touch to see how we can help you today!