Improving your buying power has never been more important. With the increase in the cost-of-living, fluctuating interest rates, and high inflation, you need to pay attention to the details that can counteract these current challenges. A new home could be more affordable than you realise. With that in mind, here are a few things you can do that may put you in a much better position to buy the home you desire.

Pay your bills on time
Reduce any debts, from credit cards to monthly insurance payments to car loans, if you can. Late payments can reduce your credit score, so ensure you don’t miss any payments.

Build up your credit

 It’s important to use your credit card or have some borrowing history because this shows your potential mortgage provider that you have the ability to pay back debts.

Access your credit report

Keep an eye on your report, checking details such as your address history, payment history, settled accounts, and whether you are on the electoral register. Any errors should be corrected immediately, as they could affect your ability to borrow.

Reduce your debt-to-income ratio
Lenders closely examine your monthly outgoings in comparison to your earnings. So, if possible, pay off any existing debts and do not take out any more new loans. It’s equally important to be disciplined and monitor your spending.

Get in touch with a good mortgage advisor
Good estate agents will put you in touch with a good mortgage advisor. There are many options when it comes to mortgages today that help counteract the effects of high interest rates.

Porting your mortgage

This means if you are an existing homeowner, you could move home without needing a new mortgage. If you are currently paying a more favourable interest rate, then this could save you significantly in costs.

Longer mortgage terms

Lenders are now offering much longer-term mortgages, which means you will pay more interest overall, and also it will reduce your monthly payments.

Interest only

Instead of paying a capital and interest mortgage, you could opt to buy the home you want with an interest-only mortgage, which costs far less per month. Then, in a few years, if you decide to remortgage, you could change your mortgage product.

Increase the size of your deposit
It’s a bit cheeky, but there is always the bank of mum and dad to help increase the size of your deposit. This reduces the amount you need to borrow, but it’s also often one of the biggest hurdles to getting your first or even second home. Create a savings plan and stick to it. You can save money by being savvy with food shopping and socialising at home.

Earn more money
It may be worth considering taking on a second job or negotiating a pay raise. The more you earn, the better. It’s important to be realistic; don’t overdo it. Your earnings have to be sustainable, and your well-being comes first.

Be resilient and resourceful
Don’t give up. Keep searching for the home you want. There is plenty of room for negotiation right now. Sometimes you have to be patient. Your agent will have a deep understanding of your local property market and can put you in touch with a good mortgage advisor.. Sometimes they will be aware of properties about to arrive on the market before they are advertised.

Talk to your agent
Your agent will have a deep understanding of your local property market, be able to put you in touch with a good mortgage advisor, give you the right valuation for your home, and help you find the home of your dreams in the right location by making good use of the equity in your property.

Contact us today for all your home moving needs.

 

Today, estate agents offer the best of both worlds with an online presence. This allows you to view properties and seek information on all aspects of moving. You then get the advantage of a team of experienced and dedicated agents who share your property dreams, become your go-to guides for your moving journey, and will value your home in person. Online-only estate agents have made their presence felt, but it seems most home movers still prefer a traditional agent that offers a hybrid service.

Payment in advance
Online estate agencies ask for payment in advance. There is no guarantee that you will make a successful sale. Traditional agents typically take a commission on sales completion, and naturally, this feels like a better deal. Some might argue that an online estate agent could be potentially cheaper, but if you do not achieve the true value of your property, then you have not saved money. Without expert guidance, an incorrectly priced home may not sell at all.

Less time
Conducting your own viewings is time-consuming. We all live busy lives, and there is precious little time to wait around for a potential buyer. Dealing with offers well below the asking price from strangers in the home where you've made so many happy memories can be uncomfortable . With a trained expert taking care of all of this for you, you are free to get on with your work or enjoy life as you see fit.

It’s hard work
From taking your own pictures of your property to learning aspects of the complexities of your entire moving process, life without an in-person agent can become difficult. It’s no secret that moving is stressful at the best of times. This is one of many reasons why the vast majority of homeowners still choose to buy their properties with a traditional agent. It’s better to save your energy for moving day and fully focus on the home you want to buy.

You may miss your friendly expert
Communication is key to achieving success in most aspects of life, and moving home is no exception. A friendly-faced, helpful agent who can take care of viewings, prepare your home for sale, and liaise with buyers on a daily basis will be highly motivated to sell your home and is worth every penny of their commission. When you consider the necessary checks, paperwork, and legislative requirements, it soon becomes clear that agents are invaluable to home movers.

A lack of local market knowledge
Agents are well-connected into your local property market. Having expert knowledge of the properties in your area and familiarity with its location is a huge plus. With an online agent, you're on your own. Buying a home is as much about people as it is about property. From buyers and sellers to teams of people such as mortgage advisers to your friendly agent who can manage a property portfolio or value your home.

Contact us to see how we can help with every aspect of your home-moving aspirations

 

 

 

The demand for rental homes is incredibly strong, with national average asking rents outside of London reaching a new record of £1,231 per calendar month in the second quarter of 2023.* More people are renting than ever before, so your property won’t stay vacant for long when you are in between tenants. In fact, if you use a letting agent, they likely have a list of prospective tenants ready to move in. This means that if your property is in need of redecorating, you don’t have much time.

Inspect your property
Before your tenants move out, inspect your property. Document any pressing issues with notes or photographs using your phone. Planning is crucial and will save you time. Therefore, it's always advisable to have your team prepared well in advance of your tenant's move-out date. This proactive approach ensures you won't be delayed while waiting for highly sought-after tradespeople.

Choose a neutral colour palette
Opting for a neutral colour palette doesn't have to be dull. Neutral colours tend to create a sense of light and space, making it easier for your tenants to coordinate their furniture with your property. If your property is furnished, adopting the same neutral approach is advisable, as it broadens your property's appeal.

Be practical
It might be tempting to cut costs by using budget-friendly products, selecting high-quality paint and materials ensures the longevity of your hard work. Fixtures and fittings that are of good quality will make your property more appealing and increase its desirability. This helps to attract responsible tenants who are more likely to care for their home.

Functionality
Put yourself in your tenant's shoes. Consider how you can make the property more user-friendly whether it's improving storage, enhancing the kitchen or bathroom, or adding modern, energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Sometimes, small changes can make a significant impact.

Less is more
Create space with ample lighting, bright neutral colours, and minimal clutter. A good deep cleaning and fresh paint can make your property appear spacious and modern. This allows your tenants to personalise each room. Well-presented flooring, perhaps refreshed to remove imperfections, and attractive blinds all contribute to making your property a more inviting home.

Improvements
Time is of the essence, but if you choose to make improvements, they will add to the value of your property. Focus on key areas like the kitchen and bathroom, as these have the most significant impact. Whether you decide on a total refit or simply choose to paint the tiles to give them a new lease on life, it all contributes to a happy home and more content tenants.

Don’t overlook the outdoors
Outdoor areas have become increasingly important for many people. Elevating an outdoor space can significantly boost your property's demand. Painting the decking or adding a covered, all-year weather-proof seating area is like adding another room to the house. Keep the garden simple but well-maintained to make a positive first impression and enhance the property's curb appeal.

Consider a managed letting service
A fully managed letting service handles tenant placement, deposit management, references, and, after your property's redecoration, ongoing maintenance. This helps to protect your hard work and investment in both the long and short term. Being a landlord today is demanding, and it’s becoming increasingly important to follow new legislation. A managed service frees up your time and ensures your property investment remains on track.

Interested in optimising your property investment with a managed letting service? Contact us today.

Rightmove*

 

 

 

 

 

As a landlord, you have an awesome future ahead of you, with the demand for rented accommodation growing ever stronger. But that’s no reason to rest on your laurels. The buy-to-let market is changing, and with that come new opportunities and threats. Using a letting agent to handle the entire process is a shrewd move. They will keep you on the right side of the law and help sustain your rental income while giving you more time to enjoy life. As a landlord, you will want to know how to keep your tenants happy and optimise your investment, so here are a few features many tenants are highly interested in.

Energy efficiency
Many renters have become increasingly cost-conscious, so good energy efficiency is a high priority. Modern, clean living that is kind to the environment and has cheaper energy bills with added character is a win for all concerned. Energy-efficient homes are in high demand and can often achieve a higher rental income than less energy-efficient homes. Little things like LED light bulbs and energy-efficient appliances all add to this.

A well-presented home
Good double or triple-glazed windows trap heat while stopping it from escaping. But they also look good and help to create a nice greeting upon entering the property. If a home looks good, it will feel good, and if it’s in good order, it will attract good tenants. A nicely decorated home that is not in need of repainting or regrouting is often better cared for by its tenant, so it’s in your interest to keep your property in good shape.

A good garden
Good gardens are in high demand, and gardens with good outdoor living spaces are becoming expected. Even if you are letting a smaller property with little scope for a garden, adding a nice outdoor area will increase its desirability. This means more revenue for you and an increased level of demand. This will also encourage a good landlord-tenant relationship, allowing you to benefit from the stability that comes with that.

Your property’s location
Different tenants will have different needs, and your property’s location will have many positive points about it. Whether that’s being within walking distance of a great pub, social scene, shops, or if you have a young family, a good school. Excellent transport links also play a big role. The proximity of your property to the motorway, train station, or airport is important. Whether located near the city centre or in an idyllic country setting, your property’s location is a feature of what makes it great.

Make the most of your property
Adding smart technology to the heating system or security system will make your tenants feel secure. Perhaps a well-maintained parking space makes your property a great place to live. Many tenants also appreciate good storage space, and an open-plan design can often help create space. And where you can’t do this, add some mirrors and good lighting to increase the feeling of space.

Support with convenience
A managed property service makes the entire process of renting, for landlords and tenants, a breeze. Tenants can enjoy a swift and seamless move with everything from references to deposits taken care of. Landlords have their property maintained while being connected to experts who will ensure your property is always compliant with good, reliable tenants in place.

Get in touch today for an expert rental valuation of your property.

Even with mortgage rates being a bit higher than in recent years, though not as high as years further in the past, buying your own home can often be cheaper than renting. But there are many reasons why homeownership is incredibly desirable.

A magical homely feeling
Owning your own home is a unique feeling that can’t be substituted by anything else. It starts when you get the keys and the first time you walk through the front door, and it remains with you every time you come home. It is a feeling that creates a flow of powerful emotions, such as safety, security, relaxation, happiness, and elation.

The desire for a great garden
There are many great homes to rent in the UK, and many landlords are happy for you to take care of the garden while others will maintain the grounds for you. However, if you are a passionate gardener or one of an increasing number who adores outdoor living areas, they are easier to create when you own your own home. Truly reaching your home’s potential takes a lot of investment in time and money. You want to be as free as possible to create your perfect outdoor haven without answering to anybody else.

Something to leave your loved ones
Working hard is a way of life for most people, and even if you are not married with a young family to care for, it’s nice to have something to show for all your hard work. You stand to gain from the equity you accumulate over time, even if the idea of leaving your home to loved ones or the charity of your choice does not motivate you. So, when it’s time to retire, start a business, travel the world, or invest in other properties, you accumulate the means to do so without even thinking about it.

Security
It is a reassuring feeling to know that you are in control of your destiny. You decide where you want to move, sell up, or buy a better property. And if you do have a family to care for, you are providing a place that they can call home for as long as they need it. Moving in the middle of a school year can be difficult for younger family members if your landlord decides to retire.

Monthly outgoings
Despite the recent fluctuations in interest rates, they have remained more stable in comparison to soaring rents. And with fixed-interest-rate mortgage deals for up to five years, you can plan your financial future more easily. This allows you to calculate your household budget for everything more easily, from food shopping and holidays to your savings.

Complete creative control 
Whether you want to rebuild motorbikes in your front living room, knock all the walls down to create an open-plan grand design, or add a conservatory, you can do so without seeking permission. The chances are that you will never want to do any of these things, but there is something fulfilling about knowing that you can, if you decide to do so.

Ascending the property ladder
There is typically more scope to ascend the property ladder if you own your own home. Your first home may need modernisation. This can rapidly add to your property’s value if you carry out the work yourself. Even if you don't, as long as you do not overspend, you will be in a good position to sell up and buy a better home.

Are you in the market for a better property? Contact us today.

There is an art to everything in life, and when most people rehearse something in their heads, it usually goes perfectly. Put this in the cold, hard light of day, and things can go quite differently. When it’s time to make or accept an offer, the help of a trained expert is invaluable.

Your agent has a database of buyers and sellers
Your agent does so much more than list your property on their website and a few property portals, with maybe a picture of your home in the branch window. Armed with a database of buyers and sellers and a list of contacts longer than your arms, it means that agents complimented with their ability to market your home are best placed to meet your new buyer. And because of this, they are the best people to advise you on your asking price in the first place.

Making an offer
When it’s time to make an offer, you will most likely be wearing your negotiating hat. The market today is in a good place, helped by the huge demand for homes. It’s easy to make an offer under the asking price and miss out on the home you love. But you also do not want to pay over the odds. Estate agents are well-versed in this and will guide you. It’s worth remembering that estate agents are legally required to tell you about other offers, but not each offer amount.

Accepting an offer
It’s not unusual to receive multiple offers on your property, and this is where the experience of a good agent earns their money. Not to mention that you have found yourself in this good position thanks to the agent in the first place. Your agent will guide you along the right path, prepare your home for sale, give you tips on optimising its value, and market it to the right buyers. Then you can decide whether you want to accept an offer or not.

Market knowledge
Your agent will have years of experience in marketing and selling homes in your area. The plus points of the area and of your home are all great selling points. And equally, an agent will have a thorough eye on where you may be able to negotiate. For example, if there is a patch of dampness or something that needs updating

Are you emotionally attached?
Your estate agent will advise you on all aspects of your move. This makes you feel secure and safe before you move. And the more you feel this way instead of stressed, confused, or bemused, the better your entire moving experience will be. Whether you need help finding a better mortgage deal or are unsure of any of the steps involved, from valuing your home to finding the right buyer or your next home, it’s good to have the assistance of an agent. They also remove any need for awkward moments when a buyer makes an insulting offer to your face.

Valuing your home correctly
Getting the correct valuation for your home is vital in today’s market. Get this first step right, and you are already halfway to where you want to be. It’s very easy to overprice or underprice a property. Equally, without conducting a thorough expert valuation, your home may not reach its full value potential. A good agent will not allow your home to hide its true value from you or your buyer.

 

 

Home buyers and sellers are coming back to the UK property market in droves, breaking records along the way. Some home movers are early birds; others have given up waiting, while many are seduced by a beautiful array of inspiring properties and reasonable pricing.

You have more daylight to enjoy viewings
Spring and summer are perfect for getting out in the garden, even if it’s not your own. Longer, lighter evenings give you more time to book and enjoy house viewings. According to Rightmove, January saw a record-breaking 23% increase in valuation requests compared to last year.*

Spring-summer surge
This time of year, often sees an increase in home-moving activity. Winter is over and the yearning for change is in the air. There are not many things that can change your life, like moving to a property you love. Many home movers choose spring, hoping to be in on time to enjoy summer.

0% stamp duty
Stamp duty is due to increase in April 2025. But right now, it’s at 0% for homes up to the value of £250,000 and for first-time buyers up to the value of £425,000, and just 5% between £425,001 and £625,000 on the amount over £425,000.** This reduces the cost of your move.

Sellers are back
Agreed sales were up by 16% in the first six weeks of the year compared with the same time in 2023.* And with the number of homes arriving on the market increasing as ‘For Sale’ signs appear in the locations you love; you know you are closer than ever to finding the property you really want.

Buyers are back
With buyer demand increasing by 11%*** in January compared with last year, buyers have been returning to the market for some time. Momentum is building steadily. Buyers are often sellers too, so they bring more choice to the market. All of this, combined with lowering interest rates, increases confidence in the market.

Best of both worlds with reasonable pricing
Make a good offer and you will be home in no time. This year is great for moving compared with previous years. You will get a good price for your current home with house prices inching up but, you will also get good value for money when buying due to the slowdown in house price inflation last year.

Good news for first-time buyers
With low deposit mortgages, the First Homes scheme offering discounts on new-build homes, affordable starter homes, and helpful savings schemes giving good interest to help you gather a deposit, it’s best to ignore the average house price in the UK mentioned in the news. Many homes are priced below this figure so you can get a footing on the ladder.

Positives for second steppers
If you are moving from a starter home, you will enjoy more demand than any other sector. This means you are in a good place to take a step up. With increasingly competitive interest rates and over 5,000**** mortgage products to choose from, from porting to buying something with the potential to improve, you have a lot of options.

Buy a home higher up the ladder
Homes at the higher end of the ladder are still enjoying lots of room for negotiation. If you are a cash buyer, even better. So, if you have enjoyed a lot of success in recent years and want an extraordinary home, this is your time. As soon as you move into your home, it will start increasing in value as the market warms.

Moving is not stressful with the right agent
Moving does not have to be stressful. As experienced agents combine their local market knowledge with access to a vast database of buyers and sellers, you can’t miss. This makes it easier to find an alternative if a sale falls through. Achieving a good price and finding the home you want is important and good agents make it happen effortlessly.

 

Make your move magical and stress-free by contacting us today

Rightmove*
GOV.UK**
Zoopla***
Moneyfacts****

 

The best time to move is the time that best suits you. But whether you are a first-time buyer, looking for your perfect forever home, or a property investor, it seems now is a good time to move.

Many early birds are moving home
Many people have been watching the market closely and were preparing to move well before Christmas last year, getting their homes’ sale-ready, and addressing anything that helped to maximise their selling prices’. As interest rates stabilised, home movers decided to get an early start and take advantage of reasonably priced homes, thanks to a slower 2023 market, before prices start to rise again.

Sellers know they will find a buyer quickly
In January, the number of homes for sale was 13% higher than the previous year and agreed sales were up by 16%* in the first six weeks of the year compared with 2023. This momentum is growing, increasing demand for your home. Spring home movers make this time of the year one of the busiest and with early bird buyers kicking off the beginning of the year, the market is in better shape than is often described in the news.

Home movers who delayed their move last year are moving in 2024
An increasing number of buyers who were waiting to see what happened last year have been entering the market. Eager to move and start enjoying a better property means homes are not on the market for long. Wanting to take advantage of lower stamp duty rates at 0% for homes up to the value of £250,000 and for first-time buyers up to the value of £425,000,** is also a big factor.

The market is ripe for picking properties
With house prices generally not increasing last year while maintaining good levels of value, many people are getting on the move. They know that they can get a good price for their current property without overpaying for their next. As more and more 'sold' signs sprout up under the warming sky, more buyers return to the market. They bring fresh, sale-ready, and often move-in-ready homes that attract a lot of interest.

Springtime is a good time to move
Springtime is perfect for moving. Summer is on the horizon and your garden will be foremost in your mind. As warmer, lighter, and longer evenings appear, you have more time for house viewings and making your home look beautiful. You don’t want to move when the weather is too cold, but you want to move in time for summer. And as the economic climate improves, a positive mood purveys without the franticness of previous years.

Better mortgage deals and an acceptance of a new normal
You buy a home because you love it and will be happy living in it. It is also an investment. Since January, mortgage approvals have been increasing as mortgage rates decrease. It’s little wonder more people are moving. While interest rates are not as low as in the past, many people are accepting that they will not return to super-low levels. Waiting for interest rates to fall will probably mean paying more for the home you want as house prices rise.

 

 

When purchasing the perfect property for you to call home in the UK, there is such a wide variety available in the housing market to choose from. In the UK, the government is attempting to reach a goal of 300,000 new homes built per year to keep up with the high demand and increase in population. * Some people prefer the character of an old building, while others crave a new blank canvas.

When buying your perfect property, new builds and old builds will both be available, so we are here to compare the two and decide which home suits you.

What’s the difference between a new build and an old build?
When purchasing a home, you must compare the different types of properties. Whether you would prefer a one-bed apartment in a city or a four-bed house in the country, you need to decide which home best suits your lifestyle. This is the same when it comes to choosing a new-build or an old-build property. A newly built property has never been lived in before and is sometimes designed particularly to what you desire. An old building is a property with lots of character, history, nd several previous owners. So, there are extreme differences between an old-build and a new-build home. Do you want a move-in-ready home or a potential property adventure?

What are the positives of purchasing a new build property?
When buying a new home, it is most likely that you will buy the property before it has even been built. This allows you to add certain personalisation’s to the home, like the room layout, light and power placements. It is most likely to be a more energy-efficient home, as newly built homes must meet certain requirements. This means the home's EPC rating will be excellent when you want to sell or rent out your property. Another benefit of a new build is that it never has a chain of properties attached to it, decreasing the chances of your move falling through. It is known that when buying a new home, you have more access to better mortgages and shared ownership options. This increases your chances of owning a property earlier than the average first-time buyer.

What are the negatives of buying a new build property?
A new build isn’t always the best choice for every home buyer, and they can be made more accessible for first-time buyers. New builds aren’t always built on the timeline you planned, creating delays in your moving timeline. New builds aren’t for everyone, but they create the perfect, comfortable step on your property ladder. When buying a new build, you are the first owner, however you may less have less scope to carry out home improvements. There is normally no community built yet, and there is no previous seller to tell you how amazing it is to live at that location.

What are the positives of buying an old build property?
When purchasing an older period home, there are many benefits that come with the purchase. The homes normally have larger square footage, with bigger rooms creating more space. They are well structured, built with thicker walls, and surrounded by more land. Older properties hold valuable character and history, which cannot compete with a new build. You can easily add value to these properties by renovating and redecorating, creating a modern twist. Old build properties will only increase in value over the years unless they are poorly looked after.

What are the negatives of buying an old build property?
When buying an old building, you normally get tangled within a long chain of properties. This is because for people to afford to buy their next home, they must ensure their past property is sold, creating this chain of properties. Old builds normally need constant maintenance and renovation when purchased, but these are spotted quite easily in an old build and normally bought as an exciting project. These homes will have lower EPC ratings as they weren’t built with high energy efficiency, but they can always be improved in the future.

What’s the difference in price between an old build and a new build?
When purchasing between an old build and a new build, there is not much of a price difference. The price is slightly higher for a new build, only because it has never been lived in before. An old build costs less, but you will most likely need to redecorate and renovate parts of the property.

£220,000

£325,000