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.

 

£220,000

A stunning detached bungalow with three spacious double bedrooms, underfloor heating, solar panels, a modern kitchen, large bathroom...
£975,000

 

When you're attempting to sell your home, before you even consider placing it on the market, you need to decide what your goals are. Do you want a quick sale? Or do you want a big return on investment? There are several ways you can sell your home, and they all come with different benefits, but which property sale suits you?

Different ways to sell your property

There are two main methods for placing your property on the market: selling it through an estate agent or at auction. 

Selling it through an estate agent gives you a higher chance of achieving a sale at a well-reflected price, as selling it at auction can result in a quick and simple sale, but it may also undervalue the property. The fees are slightly higher for selling your property through an auction compared to enlisting the help of an estate agent.

What are the benefits of selling by auction?

The buyer is required to pay a 10% deposit almost immediately, and the majority of properties at auction are 'chain-free', reducing the likelihood of the sale falling through.

Auctions can be a quick selling method: your home is marketed for 3–4 weeks to gain attention, and then the auction takes place, hopefully leading to a successful sale.

What are the benefits of selling with an estate agent?

Selling your home through an estate agent comes at a lower fee and a higher asking price for your home. This allows you to achieve the maximum amount of profit on your property, as they are able to pin down buyers who are willing to pay a well-reflected, reasonable price against the market.

Selling through an estate agent broadens the buyer pool, as many buyers tend to overlook auctions due to their perception of potential fixer-uppers or problematic properties.

So, which property sale suits you?

The key takeaway is that selling your property at an auction could give you a faster sale, while estate agents tend to deliver a higher selling price for a lower fee.

If you're not concerned about the time it will take for your property to sell and you're looking for the highest possible price, an estate agent is your best option. Overall, you are more likely to achieve a higher price when you sell through an estate agent.

 

 

 

If you're considering upgrading a potential property through a home renovation, it can be an exciting process, but it can also present challenges. Instead of buying a move-in-ready property, you have the option of renovating a character-filled, fixer-upper. We have compiled 10 steps to follow to guarantee success throughout a home renovation.

Step one: Find a property and make a renovation plan

With our 10 steps to successful renovations, you can easily lay out a plan and begin your renovation journey. But to begin your renovation adventure, you need to find the right property. Study potential properties and uncover their hidden value.

Make sure to have a survey completed. The most detailed survey you can receive for a property is a level 3 survey, which is the most thorough analysis of the entire property’s building structure and condition. The overall report provides extensive details, including recommendations, estimated costs, and a timeline for any necessary work. This can help you produce a solid plan and give you an idea of where to start.

Step two: Understand your legalities

When you decide to complete renovations on a property, you need to understand the legalities. This will include ensuring you have planning permission in place (if needed). Even though plenty of home alterations don’t need planning permission, it’s always beneficial to check before diving straight in. You can apply for planning permission before you purchase a property.

Once you exchange contracts and have secured your property, it will be your responsibility to have the right insurance in place. Home insurance during renovations can come at a higher expense, but it is worth every penny as it provides you with peace of mind throughout the entire process.

Although a house warranty is not a requirement when renovating your property, it protects you from any flaws in the potential design, materials, or overall build quality, and will also cover any problems that occur for 10 years as a result of these factors.

Step three: Calculate your costs

Correct cost alignment is crucial for delivering a successful renovation project. You're looking to get the best value for money. Being vigilant about potential hidden costs is crucial to staying within the right budget. Always overbudget by 10% to provide yourself with flexibility, and you can utilise any remaining funds for enhancing your home's interior design or landscaping your ideal garden.

Step four: Understand EPC and ways you could improve it

If you’re renovating your home, consider the future and its resale value. Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are now more important than ever in terms of increasing value; the future may create difficulties for homes without a good EPC score, so the quicker you take this into account, the better.

You can enhance your EPC rating by installing insulation in your home and surrounding pipes, replacing light bulbs with energy-efficient ones, upgrading your boiler and heating system, installing solar panels, a smart meter, and installing double or triple-glazed windows.

Step five: Discover a trustworthy contractor

This is a crucial step because this individual will bring your ideas to life. Become your own project manager and oversee the entire project, and if you’re a seasoned pro, get stuck in and knock a few walls down. Shop arounFd, gather ideas from different contractors, and take into account positive references and reviews.

Step six: Organise the removal of materials

A renovation project always leads to plenty of waste, especially if the demolition of walls is part of the plan. By organising a skip hire for the property, you can create less hassle for everyone involved, and the skip hire company will be able to dispose of the materials. You could potentially sell certain elements of the property to generate additional revenue.

Step seven: Protect the property’s original features

The main attraction when you buy a fixer-upper is the original character features. These can easily be rediscovered and highlighted throughout the home renovation, adding a timeless charm to the property. By utilising these original features, you have a chance to save some money on new materials. Particular attention should be paid to certain features such as:

While renovating, remain careful around these areas to avoid potential damage to the original features.

Step eight: Update your plumbing and electrics

Even though rewiring and plumbing are expensive renovations, they're definitely worth it. This allows you to add certain light features or bathroom looks that suit your lifestyle. By completing this, you could also add characteristics that cut down your energy bill and increase your EPC rating, improving the property’s end value.

Step nine: Turn structural problems into upgrades

While the property is stripped back, this gives you the perfect opportunity to fix or improve any structural issues in the home. This allows you to match the home to modern-day living, potentially creating an open-plan living space or inserting large bi-fold doors leading to the garden.

Take a look at the floor plan, external and internal features, and identify the potential characteristics it could offer. Is there conversion potential for the loft, basement, or garage?  Identifying these key potentials can present a substantial increase in your property’s value.

Step ten: Create a snagging list

As you finalise the property by adding all your interior and décor, you finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

What is a snagging list?

A snagging list typically indicates that the home renovation is complete. This is an inspection completed at the end of building work to identify any minor defects and meet the standards you expect, potentially achieving perfection.

Examine your completed project and pinpoint any minor issues you wish to address or monitor to allow issues to be flagged up in a timely manner. The contractor can assist in resolving these issues, ensuring a flawless completion of the project.

 

Ready to start your renovation journey? Contact us today to find your

potential fixer-upper

As summer concludes and autumn approaches, homeowners have a final opportunity to finalise their move before the year ends. While each season brings its own set of advantages and challenges, there are compelling reasons why now might be the perfect moment to make your move. Let’s look at why now is a great time to sell your home and maximise your profits.

Sales agreed is high

All the evidence shows that the market has been very active in recent months, with Zoopla’s House Price Index showing that the number of new sales agreed increased by 8% between June 2023 and June 2024.*

This indicates a robust market, in which movers have plenty of confidence and are prepared to move quickly. When buyers are pro-active and already have the necessary finances in place, chains move faster and are less likely to break, reducing the likelihood of your move falling through.

Demand has also increased

As you may expect, with sales agreed being so high, demand also increased over the course of 12 months, with Zoopla showing an increase of 6%*. As confident buyers look to secure their dream move, sellers are able to find a buyer without having to wait for too long, speeding up the whole process.

A major benefit of high demand is that it often leads to competitive bidding, which can drive up the price of your property and increase the amount you receive. Additionally, having multiple potential buyers gives you the freedom to negotiate a completion date that suits you, allowing you to move quickly and take advantage of the busy market.

More homes are for sale

The number of homes for sale is a further indication of consumer confidence in the market, with an astonishing increase of 19%.* This gives the market a lot of variety in the types of properties available, allowing more people to find their dream home with less hassle.

With more properties on the market, you have greater scope to narrow down your search and find a property that perfectly matches your needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a particular style, size, or location, the increased inventory makes it easier to find your dream home instead of settling for something that isn’t quite right for you.

House price overvalued

Zoopla estimates an 8% overvaluation in house prices,* indicating that properties are currently selling for more than their true value. While this may initially sound like a negative, it actually makes now a great time to move, as it gives sellers the perfect opportunity to sell at a higher price and release a larger amount of equity.

Selling in an overvalued market can provide you with the capital needed to move up the property ladder to a more desirable home or a better location. However, it's crucial to move quickly, as Zoopla anticipates the 8% overvalue to vanish by the year's end as house prices return to their true value by the end of 2024.*

 

Ready to make your move? Book a valuation today

Zoopla’s House Price Index*

 

While interest rates are becoming more competitive, they are still not at the ultra-low levels of the past. If you are a property investor, there is no doubt that this will increase your costs. However, the good news is that despite the higher cost of borrowing, rental yields are higher.

More rental homes are needed 

According to an analysis conducted by Rightmove, 120,000 rental properties are needed, helping to increase average rents in the UK by 7% on average compared to last year outside of London.* There are no quick fixes to this level of demand, and even if there were, there would still be a demand growth level of 2%.*      

What are rental yields?

Rental yields help you calculate your return on investment (ROI) by giving you the percentage annual return your property generates against its purchase price.

Gross rental yield 

To calculate gross rental yield, simply divide annual rental income by the purchase price of the property and multiply by 100.  

Net rental yield 

To calculate this, simply subtract expenses such as mortgage payments or maintenance costs from your annual rental income and divide by the purchase price of the property, then multiply by 100.

Increasing rental yields 

According to Zoopla, the average rental yield in the UK sat at 5.60% based on the average purchase price of a buy-to-let property of £261,897, with an average monthly rent of £1223.** According to Fleet Mortgages, average rental yields for 2024 Q2 stood at 7.6%, which is an increase of 1% compared with the same time last year.***  

More competitive interest rates and the ‘new normal’ 

With a new government helping to breathe more certainty into the UK property market and inflationary targets being met, there are expectations of more competitive buy-to-let mortgages appearing. There is also a sentiment that interest rates are now at a ‘new normal’. Perhaps they were too low for too long, and because of this, buyers and investors became accustomed to unsustainably low interest rates. If you go further back in time, interest rates could reach double figures, so in the grand scheme of things todays rates represent good value. However, existing landlords may benefit from greater levels of equity, reducing their mortgage costs. 

Take the long-term view

Taking a long-term approach to investing in the buy-to-let market throws up a lot of potential advantages. As you gain equity in your property as your buy-to-let mortgage balance reduces, while your property’s value potentially increases, you could enjoy the benefits of a solid investment. Investing in fixer-upper properties and making savvy investments in up-and-coming areas are ways of potentially increasing your ROI more rapidly.

 

Are you interested in viewing some potential property investment opportunities? Contact us

Rightmove July 2024*
Zoopla April 2024**
Fleet Mortgages***