March newsletter

10 home décor ideas to transform your home

Now that spring is just around the corner, the much-welcomed extra sunshine might be shining a light on some of the less-polished parts of your property. If you’re thinking that a good spring clean won’t quite cut it this year, then follow our 10 home decoration ideas to instantly transform your home…

1) First impressions count

We all know that it is tough to change a first impression once it has been made, and the same is true for our properties. If you don’t have a grand entrance hallway, and even if you do, it is important to create the right aesthetic as soon as you step through the front door. Depending on the size of your entrance hallway, choose an appropriately-sized console table with a few choice ornaments and you’ll create an elegant first impression. A traditional table with some tasteful art above it will set a sophisticated tone, and an on-trend transparent table with high-gloss accessories will create a chic and modern atmosphere.

2) Mirror, mirror on the wall…

If you have a staircase in your home, it is easy to see it simply as a passageway to the next level of your home. Similarly, if you live in single-storey accommodation then you will most-likely have a hallway that you see simply as a thoroughfare. Instead of treating these spaces as utilitarian, turn the walls in to a gallery by hanging a variety of antique mirrors, an eclectic mix of photo frames or a mixture of both. Charity shops and antique shops are a great place to source interesting frames and mirrors, and as an added bonus, the reflective surfaces will help to brighten up the staircase or hallway.

3) Feng shui your home

When it comes to transforming your home, it’s not just a case of spending money – using what you already have in a different way can have equally stunning results. Rearranging your furniture is simple enough to carry out, but it can change a room entirely; throw the rule-book out of the window when you are experimenting with where to put your furniture and see what looks best. In the living room, for example, arrange your furniture around a coffee table rather than facing the television and you will create a much more social space.

4) Don’t neglect the accessories

One of the most cost-effective ways to update your home is through accessories; by simply enhancing what you already have through a few choice items you can take your home from drab to fab. Of course, the essentials of throw cushions, blankets and ornaments (such as candles and vases) are the holy trinity when it comes to jazzing up your room; however, you can also branch out to lampshades, wall hangings and art. By rotating your accessories seasonally, you will keep your rooms looking fresh, on-trend and reflecting the time of year.

5) Flower power

If you’re going to do one thing to your home in order to quickly refresh it, then adding flowers is a great idea. Placing some nicely arranged flowers in a clear glass vase will make any room feel more cared-for and elegant, all for only a few pounds!

6) Create a dreamy sleep-space

A good night’s sleep is essential for all of us, but the bedroom is often the last room that we renovate as it isn’t on show, like the living room or kitchen often is. Indulge yourself, and step-up your property’s style by investing in some bed linen. Plenty of cushions twinned with a matching throw at the foot of your bed will instantly make your bedroom feel more sumptuous, and you’re guaranteed to sleep soundly in your upgraded boudoir.

7) Don’t shrug from the rug

Floor coverings are costly and time-consuming to replace, so if you’re looking for a quick-fix to update your home then we wouldn’t suggest laying a whole new floor. Something that will make a difference, however, is the use of rugs. A simple rug can change the whole aesthetic of your room, and the choices are endless; you can choose from boho, rustic or traditional and small, large, long or wide. Experiment by layering rugs and creating interest in your floor spaces without the expense of having to change the whole floor covering.

8) Curtains up

Curtains are more than a privacy aid, they can add colour, texture and interest not only to your windows but also throughout the home, if you are brave enough to use them creatively. Using curtains as an alternative to a door can add rich texture to your home and using a contrasting colour will make them pop against your walls.

9) Let there be light

Something that can make a room feel dark and dreary is a lack of light. If you want to transform your home, then changing the light fixtures, or adding in some extra lighting can make all the difference. Ensure that your ceiling lights aren’t dwarfed by heavy lampshades which are constricting the amount of light in the room – current trends favour glass lighting fixtures anyway, so changing your lampshade should be a simple fix. We’d also recommend adding in some uplighters and floor lamps to the corners of your room in order to avoid the wasted dark spaces which we are often guilty of neglecting.

10) Make a statement

If your walls are looking a little plain, or you’re simply looking for a way to brighten up the room then statement art is the answer. Easy to change and rotate with the seasons, statement art such as large-scale photography or something abstract will transform even the most listless room.

10 tips for renting

With 2018 being proven to be the best year for renters for a decade thanks to increasing wages and static rents, we’ve put together 10 tips to help you in your quest to find the perfect pad.

1) Clarity is key!

Knowing exactly what you’re looking for is key to your success when searching for; there will be always be plenty of choice in terms of location – but that can also be a hinderance if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. Make a list and prioritise your needs; is it proximity to a specific place, public transport or local facilities that is the most important to you?

2) Poirot your property search!

Investigating the process by asking the people you know is always a good way to glean information that you may not otherwise be privy to. Ask your friends, family and colleagues about where they live, areas they like or where they would like to move to and it may well help you to find an area that you didn’t know about.

3) Sharing is caring!

If you are thinking of renting, then the initial costs may be daunting and therefore sharing the charges may be the right move for you. Having a housemate can have many benefits in terms of companionship, security and shared responsibility; however, the more tangible benefits are the financial burden being reduced. You may also be able to afford a larger property in a better area and have the benefit of a new friendship thrown in to the deal.

4) Budget is king!

Remember, a month isn’t four weeks long – often the time between pay packets can be five weeks long – and that is one of the many things to keep in mind when considering how much you can afford. Making a budget and knowing how much is sensible, without stretching yourself too much, will be a key concern when you rent your property. Don’t forget the basics either, such as Wi-Fi, TV licence and your utilities (gas, electricity and water) – make sure these are all a part of your budget when searching for the perfect property.

5) It’s a sprint, not a marathon!

This one might seem counterintuitive; however, the rental market moves incredibly quickly, and therefore if you have found a property which you have genuine interest in then moving with haste is the only option. Regularly check the advertisements for new properties, and ensure you engage in all of the communications from your estate agent so that you don’t miss out on a potential gem.

6) Preparation is key!

As we’ve just mentioned, the rental market is a fast-moving sector, and therefore being prepared to move quickly will allow you to make the right move at the right time. Be prepared by ensuring you have your deposit and initial rent saved up and ready to be handed over to secure the property, as well as having references organised.

7) Rights and responsibilities

Before signing a rental contract, familiarise yourself with your legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant. These are set out on the government’s website. And don’t forget to ask about a break clause in case you find the property is not right for you. Read your contract carefully, if it gets to that, and remember that it is there to protect your rights as much as the landlord and estate agents.

8) Keep ‘em sweet!

Once you have made that step and rented a property, the importance of maintaining a good relationship with your landlord and estate agent cannot be overestimated. Respect the property so that the landlord has faith in you, and you will foster a nice, easy relationship for years to come.

9) Lights, Camera, Action!

Once you’re in the property that you have rented, a recommendation from us would be to take extensive pictures of the property – all of the walls, floors and kitchen/bathroom so that you have a point of reference when you move out. These may come in handy when you have the discussion around getting your security deposit back – being able to show the state of the property initially will prove you have treated it well. Similarly, taking photographs of meter readings will be useful when you are paying for your utilities as these will show the point at which your bills should start.

10) Leave the door open!

When you have decided that the rental property which you’re in isn’t fit for purpose anymore, don’t burn any bridges by leaving it in an untidy state or parting on bad ways with your estate agent. Remember, we all need somewhere to live and you will more-than-likely be working with these people again in the near future to either rent another property, or to buy a property, and therefore having an established relationship with them will reap rewards for your future self.

Busy spring in store for the property market

Spring has always been a popular time of the year for buying and selling properties, with the change from the colder months of winter to the warmer spring temperatures often galvanising people to make a change. This year is forecast to be no different and spring 2019 is set to be a busy time for estate agents across the UK…

Recent analysis from The Advisory, an independent advice service for house sellers, has shown that March is statistically the best month to sell. The average amount of time taken to sell in March stands at 57 days, compared to other months later in the year at 79 days. With gardens starting to bloom, the weather becoming fairer and properties looking at their best, it is no surprise that spring is at the top of the list for when to sell a property.

Of course, spring 2019 is a little different than any of those prior due to the uncertainty that lies around Brexit. Although it may seem like the political climate could be a hindrance to property sales, there are many indicators which would suggest quite the opposite, with spring 2019 actually buoyed by Brexit.

There could indeed be somewhat of a surge after 29th March from potential buyers and sellers who have waited for the Brexit date to pass before they enter the market, and with supply and demand already at their highest levels for over a decade, this would see the property market in a particularly strong period.

Twinned with the historically low interest rates, and the most flexible mortgage offerings ever provided by the banks, buying a property this spring will be on the minds of many and could indicate something of a renaissance for the property market, which has proven to be stable rather than spectacular in the last few months.

Could town and city centres be the answer to the housing crisis?

It has been hard to avoid the recent headlines around the plight of Britain’s high streets, with high-profile brands such as House of Fraser and Debenhams most recently hitting the headlines due to store closures. In the midst of the commercial chaos, however, there may be a silver lining for property as a new report has shown that vacant units in towns and cities could be used to deliver 45,000 new homes.

The recently published report from planning and development consultancy Turley, has indicated that a proactive mixed-use development strategy could be key in addressing the current housing crisis. A conservative estimate of 45,000 new homes could be delivered by using existing vacant spaces, whilst more homes could be created if the height of buildings was less restricted.

“Securing the future of our town centres is a critical national issue and one that is rightly getting a lot of attention. These centres are vital to residents, communities and businesses alike and are engines of economic growth. It is vital that these areas are allowed to evolve and that the planning system is match fit to support this,” said Richard Laming, senior director, head of economics, at Turley.

“Our report is an attempt to put forward a positive vision for the future amidst the negativity that currently dominates the conversation. This starts with debunking the myth that the high street is dead,” he added.

Of course, if these spaces are converted into living spaces, then the key will be balance between high street and habitation. Each city centre will have to be carefully considered ensuring that there isn’t too much infringement upon the commercial sector, whilst also providing suitable homes. With first-time buyers now in the strongest position to buy for decades, there will be many younger buyers to whom living in the heart of a city will be an extremely attractive prospect.

First-time buyers at highest level for over a decade

The number of first-time buyer mortgages has reached its highest level for 13 years, with some 370,000 new first-time buyer mortgages completed in 2018. Official trade body UK Finance has released data which shows that the highest number of first-time buyer mortgages since 2006 was reached last year, underlining the fiscal viability of purchasing a home for first time buyers.

This consistent increase in the number of first-time buyers entering the property market can be seen as a result of; government schemes, greater mortgage availability and fewer rental properties on the market. Government policy has consistently targeted buyers who are keen to enter the property market primarily through their Help-to-Buy scheme and financial aid to first-time buyers, whilst competition amongst mortgage providers has brought a greater variety of finance options to the market. Amongst these mortgage varieties, we have seen more providers offering the 100% mortgage (or Loan-to-Value) and variations thereof, thereby opening up property to more people than ever before.

Richard Campo, managing director of Rose Capital Partners, said: “Lenders have been making it easy for first-time buyers over the last couple of months, with several providers announcing reduced rates on high loan-to-value mortgages.

“There are currently over 17,000 products available for first-time buyers.”

Twinned with the influx of mortgage varieties, and mortgages demanding a lower deposit value, is the reduced cost of these lower-deposit mortgages. The average two-year fixed rate LTV mortgage has fallen by over half a percent since last August, and big brands are also reflecting the consumer desire for LTV mortgages with Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, NatWest and Santander all cutting their rates.

Yopa chief property analyst Mike Scott agrees: “Since FTBs drive the whole housing market, allowing home movers to find a buyer and take the next step on the ladder, this is good news for the whole market,” he says.

In fact, the Halifax bank has recently found that first-time buyers are now so active in the marketplace that they make up the majority of home purchases bought with a mortgage in the United Kingdom. Based around the same UK Finance statistics, Halifax has found that the average price of a typical first home has jumped by 39%, from £153,030 in 2008 to £212,473 in 2018 with terraced houses and semi-detached remaining the most popular choices for first-time buyers.

Step-by-step guide to selling

Moving home is consistently included in the list of life’s most stressful activities, up there with marriage and starting a family. We like to make this process as simple as possible in order to keep the transition to your new home straightforward and enjoyable, so take a look through our guide and start your stress-free move with us…

1) Cash is king

First and foremost in our guide to selling is your finances – getting these in check will go a long way to smoothening out the whole process. Speak with your bank or mortgage provider to let them know your intention of moving in order to understand your financial position – for example, are there any charges for paying your mortgage back early? Of course, organising your new mortgage or understanding your options either with your current provider or elsewhere will put you in a good position when you are ready to move.

2) Don’t budge on the budget

Once you have understood your position with your current mortgage, it is important to consider what it will actually cost to sell your home and budget for this accordingly, in order to avoid any nasty surprises during the selling process. Of course, estate agency fees should also be budgeted for as these are the foundation to selling your current property, but don’t forget the EPC document which sets out the energy efficiency of your home which is a necessity for a seller to provide. There are also conveyancing fees for your solicitor or legal conveyancer, as well as removal costs – don’t forget to factor in how much it may cost to move your possessions.

3) Fail to prepare, prepare to fail

You have your financials in place, you know how much it is going to cost to sell your property, as well as what your mortgage options are moving forwards, so it is time to get hands-on with the property sale. Prepare your property for selling in order to encourage a quick sale will put you in a better position to make an offer of your own on a property. The premise is simple; allow others to imagine themselves in your home by decluttering and showing off the raw potential that your property can offer to them. By decluttering the surfaces and removing the majority of your personal items and mementos, a buyer will be able to imagine their own possessions in your home and therefore be more likely to purchase your property. If necessary, bite the bullet and make the bigger changes – a fresh lick of paint here and there, a tidy up of the garden or a new bathroom suite will all help you to sell more quickly.

4) List early

To avoid missing out on your dream property, get your house on the market as early as possible – sometimes this may seem like you’re listing too early, but don’t be afraid to take the plunge. Listing your properly early will also help to focus your mind on the fact that you have made the decision to sell, and encourage you to be active in your own property search.

5) List with us

Our experience in estate agency and commitment to customer service sets us apart from other agents in the area – if you are looking for a smooth selling process with dedicated professionals, then look no further.

6) Offers galore

Your estate agent is legally obliged to pass on all offers which are made on your property – even if they are unrealistic, so be prepared to receive lots of differing offers and don’t jump at the first one. If you aren’t happy with the offer, you can reject it outright or alternatively if you are pleased with the offer, you can accept it straight away. Between those two extremes, however, there lies much room for negotiation so think carefully about what you’re prepared to accept for your property, and how this will affect your own search for your next property.

7) Say “I do”

Once you have formally accepted an offer, your next move will be to remove your property from the market – often offers will be made with the caveat that your home will be immediately removed from the property market to avoid gazumping (a higher offer being later accepted). At this stage, a formal acceptance is not legally binding – it is simply an agreement so do not rest on your laurels that the buyer is 100% committed; this is where being organised and making the process swift will help to avoid any second-thoughts by the people in your purchasing chain.

8) Contract tact

So, you have accepted an offer on your property. The next stage will be negotiating a draft contract between yourself and your buyer to cover things such as; whether fixtures and fitting are included, if they would like to seek any discounts for anything which has came up in their survey of the property and how long the passage of time will be between exchange of contracts and completion dates. Once the minutiae have been agreed upon, it is time to make the whole process legally binding and exchange contracts – if you pull out after this point then the buyer will get their deposit back and you may well be sued. If this point has passed without a hitch, then congratulations – you have sold your property! Once the exchange of contract happens, you will then have an agreed number of days to move out of the property (agreed when drafting the contracts which have just been exchanged between you and your buyer).

9) Moving day

You can move out right up to your day of completion – we’d recommend not leaving it quite so late just in case there is a problem with the moving process, but you do have the option!

10) Done and dusted?

Completion is official when the property changes ownership (contracts signed and exchanged), payment for the property is accepted and the keys have been handed over. All of these final touches occur on a pre-agreed date to ensure that all parties are in accordance, and there is no break in the selling chain. On this day, the property deeds as well as the money are transferred between the legal teams for each party, who will then register the transfer of ownership with Land Registry. Once the money has been transferred to your legal team, they will pay off the mortgage and you will then only have their fees to cover in order to finish up your sale neatly.

Lifting the lid on the Queen's property portfolio

Given the vast wealth of the Royal Family, it certainly shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that Queen Elizabeth II’s property portfolio spreads the width and breadth of the British Isles. Yet figures released by the Crown Estate last year paint a picture of a stunning property portfolio, almost incomprehensible in its wealth.

At present, the estate is valued at an astonishing £13.1 billion, even though the Queen herself doesn’t own all of the property associated with it and whomever sits on the throne isn’t able to sell parts of it off at will. Properties themselves can be split between those owned by the Queen herself and land that falls under the control of the Crown Estate itself; any monarch won’t receive revenue from this property.

Still, the magnitude of some of the properties contained within the estate is remarkable, with 7,936 plots owned and land of their own within 271 of the 342 districts across England and Wales ranging from grand hotels to historic castles. They feature:

Sandringham House

Inherited from the Queen’s father and located in Norfolk, Sandringham House is a 20,000-acre estate which passed to her when George VI died in 1952. It’s typically where the Queen spends her winters and was the setting for her first televised Christmas message.

Palaces

The Crown owns several palaces across London, including, unsurprisingly, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and St. James’ Palace, all of which are maintained by the Royal Household Property Section. That will offer clarity for those of you who may have wondered how the Queen and her family were able to keep up with what will surely be an astronomical amount of tidying up.

Castles

What’s a monarch without their castle(s)? The Queen and Prince Phillip spend the majority of their summer at their 20,000-hectare Scottish estate Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, but can also lay claim to Lancaster Castle in Lancashire, Pickering Castle in Yorkshire and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland, to name but a few.

Beyond this, the Crown Estate also own the site for the world-famous Gold Cup, Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, the entirety of Regent Street and St. James’ Market in London, around 263,000 acres of farmland across Great Britain and, funnily enough, fishing rights in Scotland. That means that any of you fancying a trip north of the border to catch whales and sturgeons could find yourself in hot water with the Crown, as these are designated ‘royal fish’ and will presumably be less-than impressed with being caught.

For more information on the Queen’s gigantic property portfolio, please click here for more details.

Purchasing a home at its most affordable for a decade

 Buyer hesitancy has been a common theme over the last few years, with affordability of housing, Brexit and a lack of confidence in the market frequently coming up as reasons for renters to stay put. It’s understandable that plenty of potential buyers are feeling a sense of unease when it comes to taking the plunge on a house, but the reality is that more and more people are putting their worries aside and searching for that perfect home, even within the current climate.

December saw a rise in mortgage approvals, for instance, and we now have more good news to share due to the fact that affordability is improving at its fastest rate since 2011, meaning that purchasing a home is more affordable than it was ten years ago.

According to mortgage broker Private Finance, the average borrower is saving £104 per month on what they would be paying in 2008, with average monthly payments falling from £804 to £700.

Whilst house prices have risen at a much quicker rate than wage growth inflation over the last 20 years, the broker is insisting that once the initial payment is made on house, monthly repayments are broadly in line with the same levels seen 20 years ago.

“News of the UK property market’s affordability crisis is never far from the headlines,” offered Shaun Church, director at Private Finance. “What we often fail to acknowledge, however, is that thanks to falling rates, those with a mortgage today are in a similar – if not better – position than their predecessors, who owned property at a time when housing was considered vastly less expensive” explains Shaun Church, director at Private Finance.

“Homeownership can be attainable. Those in a position to buy should shop around for the best rates on the market, to ensure they capitalise on the incredibly competitive rates currently on offer. Borrowers should also consider locking into these with a longer fixed term, to cushion themselves against any further rate rises and keep the monthly cost of ownership low for as long as possible.”

Selling your home this spring

 It has been hard to miss the fact that the days are getting that little bit longer, and the temperatures a little fairer lately. With the sun shining a touch more frequently, and the first sightings of daffodils here and there then there’s no doubt that spring is in the air. With the season slowly revealing itself, this is a great time to sell your home with buyers more active through the spring months than any other time of the year. Follow our tips and you’ll be able to make the most of the changing of the seasons to sell your home…

1) Spring cleaning counts

That long-standing custom of a good spring clean is something you should take to heart if you want to sell your home quickly over the coming months. Washing all of the windows inside and out so that they sparkle, and the same for your windows and doors, will make the right impression to buyers. Make sure your home reflects the fresher spring months and ensure it is clean and bright.

2) Don’t neglect your outdoor spaces

With the weather perking up, people naturally cast a more critical eye on the outdoor spaces of the properties which they are looking at. After a cold winter, it is easy to leave your garden a little unkempt but passing the lawnmower over the garden (mowing diagonally will make the space look larger) and tidying up those outdoor spaces will make your property much more sellable. Although spring is coming, we all know how unpredictable the British weather can be, therefore putting a hardy outdoor mat outside the front door as well as somewhere to pop umbrellas out of the way will save unnecessary dirt and debris being brought in to your pristine property.

3) Spring has sprung

Fully embrace the transitioning seasons by planting flowers at your door – pop a planter outside full of cheerful tulips and daffodils to put potential buyers in the right mood. Pops of colour around the home will also translate into happy and contented buyers, who are therefore more likely to make an offer. Fresh flowers in the house will also make that all-important difference and set the right tone, so fill a few vases and put them in different rooms for a consistent wow factor.

4) Accessorise to the max

A few accessories can make all the difference to the overall presentation of your property and aligning these to spring is perfect for impressing your prospective buyers. Choose soft spring colours to lighten up your rooms – throws, cushions, towels and bed linens are all easy to change over to create the perfect ambiance, and you can take them with you when you sell your property.

5) Smells like a good deal

First impressions are absolutely imperative when it comes to selling your home, with research showing that buyers take only 8 minutes to decide whether they would like to buy a property or not. A fresh smelling property is exactly the right impression, so ensure that you have aired your property, and that there are no untoward scents. A sure-fire way to fill your home with a pleasant and attractive smell is to put some bread in the oven and set a homely, welcoming feel.

Top tips for viewing a property

When it comes to buying property, it is important to keep in mind that it could potentially be the home you live in for the rest of your life. With this in mind, it is essential that when you view potential properties that you take the time to be thorough and get all the information you can.

To help make sure you don’t miss a thing and make the right choice when you do eventually make an offer, we’ve compiled the following list of tips to help you to view a property like a pro.

Don’t rush

We all feel a bit strange viewing someone else’s home, but as we said earlier, you could be living in this property for decades, so don’t rush through this process! It’s vital that you spend close to 30 minutes exploring the property, asking questions and just getting a good sense of how it feels. If you just wander from room to room, taking a quick look and then moving on, you won’t get a good feel for the property. Taking that little extra time will mean you are well-informed when you come to make a formal offer.

Think about how much space there actually is

When it comes to property, space is one thing you can never have enough of. Whether you’re looking to fit in that Queen-size bed or you need somewhere to store all of the precious knickknacks that you have collected over the years, space is incredibly valuable. Pay attention to the way the current owner has laid out the furniture, as it will provide you with some insight into how to best make use of the property’s available space. It’s also an excellent opportunity to think about how much room your items take up and whether there is any scope for a little pre-move declutter.

Take a walk through the area

When you’re buying a property you’re not just investing in that building, you’re also investing in the neighbourhood itself. If you’re first-time buyers and looking to build a life in this new home, you have to ask whether the area is suitable for your family’s needs. Are there plenty of shops close by? How do the local schools perform? It’s best to wander around the area for a short while in order to see how it all feels, after all, if you’re going to be here for some time, you need to feel comfortable.

Once you’ve taken a good look, take another and maybe another

As we stated at the beginning, when it comes to buying property it’s best done the right way, but even when you do everything right, it’s always best to check things twice. No matter how thorough you intend to be there is always the possibility that you missed a couple of things the first time around. Most would advise visiting a property 2-3 times and at different times of the day – if possible – to see if you feel the same way each time. Buying a home can be very exciting, so it is worth visiting the property a few times.

Don’t forget that your agent is there to help you! Make sure you ask them questions about the property’s history and the local area, as they will be more than happy to assist you with your decision.

What perks are tenants happy to pay for?

When it comes to letting a property, most landlords would probably remain quite conservative in terms of perks included with the home to avoid pricing themselves out of the market.

Whilst the property will need to be competitively priced to get the most out of your investment, there are some perks that tenants are happy to pay a little extra for.

A new survey has questioned tenants in the UK on what features and extras they’d most like in their homes and how much they’d be willing to pay for them.

Unsurprisingly, one of the most popular choices for tenants was the inclusion of pets, with 28% of the 3,290 tenants surveyed, willing to pay an average of £24 a month to have their furry friends stay with them in rented accommodation. This figure only increases for the up-and-coming generation, with 31% of 18-35-year olds willing to pay an extra £25.55 a month.

Also high on the list of wants is high-speed internet, with 21% happy to pay £19 more a month for a home located in an area that has a strong internet speed, which is understandable with today’s world of smart gadgets and streaming.

In some rented spaces, a bit of greenery can go a long way. Properties that come with a garden, even a communal one, are in high demand with 32% of tenants willing to pay extra for a home that has access to an outdoor space. Gardens are even more valuable in some of the larger cities, as houses with gardens in the capital command up to 20% more when put up for sale.

Staying in shape is clearly a priority for a good proportion of renters today, as 41% of those surveyed said that they would be happy to pay up to £20 more a month for accommodation that comes with an on-site gym. This also means that if your buy-to-let property is located close to good leisure facilities, it could fetch a higher price.

It was also found that tenants are willing to pay more for cleaning services. There were reports last year that due to lack of time, half of millennials are paying a professional to keep their homes and 13% of participants in this survey said that they would pay an average of £28 a month more to free themselves of some of their weekly chores.

While some of these perks may not apply to every property, it is clear that landlords and developers should take a closer look at what their property has to offer, as your home may be in more demand than you think.