Your perfect is different from that of the next person. So how you prepare for the Christmas holidays is your call, but there is nothing like mixing a bit of tradition with some fresh ideas to keep Christmas feeling as festive as possible.

Christmas greetings
Are you up for going all out and adorning the front of your home with an intricate arrangement of lights that can be seen from the stratosphere, or do you prefer to decorate with an air of subtlety? Whatever you decide, create that gushy feeling that makes passersby and guests feel welcome. It’s all about doing it your own way, choose a ribbon, a wreath or a singing snowman, let your imagination do all of the hard work for you.

Stock your cupboards
Christmas is an expensive time of year. Start stocking your cupboards now with items that have a long best-before date. Maybe you have already made your Christmas cake or ordered your pudding. Planning ahead can make for a more delicious Christmas. Making edible decorations like chocolate reindeer also helps! But you could always grace your front room with mince pies, garnish them with a bit of holly, and suddenly they too become edible decorations.

Add some authenticity
Maybe you would prefer to just blow up some balloons, or you are going to go for it by creating your own grotto out of wood. Somewhere in between is a good place to start. A bowl full of chestnuts, or get crafty and make your own baubles. If you need guidance, buy a DIY kit.

The scent of Christmas
With the aroma of great food mingled with the pines of a real Christmas tree and maybe a good punch—the scents of Christmas are everywhere. But if you want to enhance this and stretch it out in the buildup to the holidays, think about scented candles, scented sachets of soap, fragrance oils, or even infusing your bathroom with herbs!

The sounds of Christmas
Christmas songs are sometimes sources of contention. Some people love them, others do not! But there are other ways to add atmosphere to your home without involving carol singers. Talking reindeer or snowmen, will help create an atmosphere of magical Christmas memories, for all the family.

A wonderful outdoor area
A miniature Christmas tree placed near your outdoor dining area within reach of a characterful outdoor stove and nice lighting could even warm Scrooge this Christmas. Add a festive theme with holly placed under the pagoda or use it to simply complement outdoor candles. Hang nice LED lighting in case you love carol singers and want an exclusive performance from the comfort of your outdoor living area, with a nice glass of good punch.

Latest rental price inflation figures
Residential rentals for new tenancies have seen a 10.3% increase from September 2022, reaching a new average rate of £1,164 per month.* The average yearly rental payment is now £13,970, which is a £1,320 increase compared to last year.*

Which locations are most affected?
In 2023, the average monthly rent for new tenancies in nine locations, including Cardiff, Southampton, and York, exceeded £1,000.* Another city that is anticipated to be added to this list by the end of 2023 is Manchester, which has an average rent price of £996 per month at the present time.* Because of the high prices in London, surrounding places in the South-East are in high demand. As a result, the average price of a month's rent has increased to more than £1,000 in cities and towns such as Southend-on-Sea, Luton, and Colchester.* The rate of rental inflation in Scotland is even greater than the national average, coming in at 12.8%.* The typical monthly rent north of the border is now £750, representing a jump of £90 compared to last year.*

What factors are contributing to rising rental costs? There are a variety of factors that have contributed to rental inflation in recent times. Since the pandemic, there has been a lack of properties available for rent, which has led to a rise in rental prices. The rise in the cost of mortgages has pushed more individuals into the rental market, which has resulted in an increase in the overall demand for housing, which therefore contributes to price increases. Rising property values may also contribute to an increase in rent prices. A rise in utility and maintenance bills is another factor that contributes to rental price inflation. Landlords are forced to charge their tenants more money in order to cover the ever-increasing costs of their bills.

Why should you invest now?
The current pace of rental inflation is just one of the numerous reasons why now is the best time to develop your property portfolio. The potential to boost your finances through the ownership of rental property increases as average rent prices soar. Higher rental prices can lead to a greater return on investment. Additionally, if you decide in a few years that you want to sell one of your properties, you will be able to get a higher price for it because of the growth in average property value. Overall, the market is looking extremely lucrative for landlords right now.

 

Zoopla*

Perhaps it’s been a while since you moved, or you are a first-time buyer. Whatever situation you are in, if you are applying for a mortgage, you want to get your mortgage sorted so you can breathe a sigh of satisfaction, knowing that a major hurdle to home-buying has been cleared.

Take a look at your credit report
Having a good credit score is key to getting a mortgage. Make sure you are on the voting register. You may have a perfect credit history, but without it, you will fail. On that subject, make sure you pay any credit agreements you have on time. If there are some you can clear, perhaps this will increase your levels of affordability. Any credit cards that you don’t use could affect the amount you could borrow, so if you don’t need them and you have more than one, think about cancelling them.

The bigger your deposit, the better
Perhaps you are already living at home with parents or a relative and saving rapidly. It may not be ideal right now, but a bigger deposit will not only increase your chances of success but also reduce your monthly repayments. Then, when you finally get the keys to your very own home, your newfound freedom will feel even better.

Buy with your friend, partner, or family

Buying with your partner is an obvious choice for many, and moving to your own place is exciting as you furnish it and decorate it to the tastes of whoever has the final word! If you are not ready for such levels of commitment, then why not buy with a friend? Some lenders will allow you to buy with up to four people. Maybe you could pitch the idea to your parents as a property investment for them and move out more quickly!

Don’t change your job too often
If you are thinking of applying for a mortgage in the near future, changing your job is not a definite guarantee that you will not be successful. Having said that, your lender is looking for consistency. They want to see that you have been in employment for a decent amount of time, usually about three years, depending on the lender.

Get in touch with a mortgage advisor
A good mortgage advisor is worth every penny. Experts in understanding the market, they will have lots of tips and access to ways of buying your home. From improving your credit score to finding a tailored solution from the thousands of products that are available. If you are happy with your existing mortgage deal, you may decide to port your mortgage, which allows you to move with your existing mortgage. There are interest-only options for lower payments, guarantor mortgages, flexible mortgages so you can overpay or underpay, and buy-to-let options for investors. Offset mortgages allow you to link your savings to your mortgage by offsetting the value of your savings against the value of your mortgage amount. The right mortgage advisor can make a big difference in helping you get the keys to the home you want.

 

In September this year, the number of buyers returning to the UK property market increased by 12% compared with August.* Whether you are wishing for snow this Christmas or a new home, the good news is that more buyers are returning to the UK property market. So, if you are thinking of moving, now is the time to start your search as more properties appear on the market.

The snowball effect creates more sellers
As more buyers get on the move, they bring with them a choice of interesting properties to the market. Many homeowners are downsizing as their families have flocked the nest. Some younger buyers, having stayed at home to save a deposit, have now moved out and bought their first properties. Finally, Mum and Dad have their chance to downsize or use some equity to buy a holiday home. This gives you the chance to find a property with a bit more room. More and more homes appear on the market as home movers exchange contracts.

Home movers are acclimatising to the new normal level of interest rates
Interest rates in the past have been far higher than those of today. And it’s no secret that in recent years we have been spoiled with super low rates. Buyers are now realising that rates today still represent a good deal. Affordability levels are still good. As home movers and households adjust and accept that their mortgage costs are a bit higher, many are choosing to carry on with their home moving plans.

Christmas home-moving flurry
Being in a new home in time for Christmas is a very appealing idea, and many movers are already well into their home-moving journey. More bedrooms for your growing family or a place for everyone to sit at the table in a larger dining room. A magical winter garden tastefully embellished for the holiday season or just because you finally create your vision of an awesome outdoor space. There are so many great reasons to move.

A better year
You may be moving because you want a better work-from-home space, or your motives are based on a new location for work or to live closer to your family. And getting it done in time to start the new year is arguably better than rushing around in time for Christmas. Starting the new year in a new property is like making a fresh start. And the impact the right home can have on your sensory and emotional well-being is extraordinary. Feeling like you are revitalised for all that the year brings in a happier home is a great way to live.

Navigating the property market
In a fragmented and increasingly complex property market, it’s vital that you find the right agent who truly understands your property’s market. Fluctuating prices and an air of insecurity are still in the minds of some homeowners, thanks to so many negative news stories that often overlook the positive aspects of today's market. The reality is that each home-moving story is unique. Agents' databases are filled with individuals who have a specific vision for where they want to live. Your home may be central to this. With an overall shortage of properties relative to high demand, pricing your property accurately has never been more critical.

Book your expert face-to-face valuation today.

 

 

 

There are some amazing properties to rent in the UK today. Whether you are a successful business owner, a student, or a young professional, there is no end to the possibilities when it comes to property. Renting offers the freedom from mortgage responsibilities and being tied down, making it a great way to experience everything from flats in the city and suburban homes ideal for raising a family to country retreats.

The necessary steps to take

• Think about how much you can afford
  Do the math and consider not only monthly rent but also additional costs like utility bills, council tax, and energy bills.
  

• Property search
  This is a legally binding document outlining the terms and conditions of your tenancy. Read it carefully before signing and ask for clarification if needed. The agreement will include details like the rent amount, duration, notice period, and responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord.

• Book property viewings
  Going on viewings is exciting. Your agent will guide you through all you need to know while showing you properties in your desired location that best suit your needs.

• Tenancy agreement
  This is a legally binding document outlining the terms and conditions of your tenancy. Read it carefully before signing and ask for clarification if needed. The agreement will include details like the rent amount, duration, notice period, and responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord.

• Deposit
  Your deposit is held in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme to ensure fair handling and will be paid before you move in; typically, it’s about one month's rent.

• Bills
  These may be included; if not, get in touch with utility companies when you move to ensure a smooth transition. Remember, if you pay for your utilities, you can change suppliers. Check when your council tax payments and rent are due and set up a direct debit.

Top tips for renting

• Take care of your home
  your new home in good order. Clean it, avoid causing damage, and follow any rules outlined in the tenancy agreement. Talk to your agent or landlord about decorating, find out what’s permitted, and enjoy where you live.
  
  
• Report any issues
  Resolving a problem before it becomes expensive is important. If your property is managed by an agent, all you have to do is call, and their maintenance team will sort it out swiftly.
  
  
• Get insured
  It’s always a good idea to get insured in case your belongings get damaged or stolen. Your agent will be able to recommend a good insurance broker. Another advantage of renting is you do not have to insure your home.
  
  
• Plan for the future
  Your landlord could be more than happy if you decide to renew your tenancy. This can provide stability and save you from the hassle of searching for a new property.
  
  
• Find a great agent
  Using a letting agent to find your property has many advantages. If the property is managed by them, they will always be just a phone call away. If you have a maintenance issue or want to look for a new property, the process is easy. Moving into your new home is exciting, and it’s comforting to have an expert to take care of everything for you, from your deposit, references, and any queries about your agreement to finding your ideal property in the first place.
  
  

Looking for a great property to rent?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rightmove*

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer is nearly here, and the opportunities to expand your property portfolio or take your first steps on the buy-to-let ladder are vast. So take a glance at some of the following great reasons why now is the time to make a great investment.

Demand is soaring
The demand for rented property is huge and continues to grow, with demand spiking by 250% above the five-year average per available rental home last year.* It’s old news and new news! The demand for rented property is huge. With people taking longer to get on the property ladder. Long-term demand due to the shortage of rental property will remain strong for a long time.

Rents are increasing
Your investment is secure. Rents have increased by 20% in the past three years, increasing by 11.1% in the past twelve months to March 2023.* The buy-to-let industry can be very lucrative, and with higher demand, higher rent revenues can be achieved. This allows you to invest in your property and meet legislative changes when it comes to making homes greener.

Buy-to-let mortgage choice is increasing
Expanding your portfolio can be easily financed. There are over 2,400 different mortgage deals available if you are buying a property to let!* So you have lots of options. There is talk of interest rates coming down, and while they are currently higher than they have been for the past few years, slowly but surely they are falling, which means you can expand using equity in your existing property to buy.

A bigger choice of properties
With some landlords retiring, there is a large choice of ready-to-let rental properties coming to the market. The standard of homes has generally risen, with many sprouting up for sale at this busy time of year. Many people put off moving in the latter part of 2022 and, during the pandemic, spent a lot of time and money getting their homes in tip-top shape. This means there have never been so many great houses on the market that are ideal for the rental market.

Greener, more energy-efficient compact homes
Renters are now more concerned about their monthly energy bills, and if your rental property is energy efficient, it will enjoy even more demand compared with less energy-efficient properties. Getting ahead of the legislation and creating greener homes is really just stepping into the future. So making your home more energy-efficient today will save you money tomorrow.

The age range of renters is changing
The population in the UK is ageing, and unlike in the past, older people are renting now as much as younger people starting out on their property journey. This is yet another great opportunity to meet the demand for a niche in the market by targeting this sector.

Holiday lets
With so many tourists now travelling to the UK and so many people choosing to holiday at home, there is always a great demand for holiday homes. And the good news is that you can charge a very healthy sum, which makes for a great investment.

Student sector
With more overseas students needing a place to rent, demand here has accelerated rapidly in recent years. This creates yet another opportunity among many to expand and launch your buy-to-let portfolio.

The property-buying market
Homes are selling well right now, particularly smaller homes, but if you want to buy a bigger home in the current market conditions, you will have more scope to negotiate when making an offer. Larger properties are full of potential to earn great levels of rent revenue or could be developed into flats or smaller properties, increasing your rent revenue streams.

 

Zoopla*

 

Looking for a new home to rent is exciting! There is no substitute for seeing your new home in person; you can only glean so much online. For many, it’s that feeling that you have found that special place you want to call home. How it looks and feels is perhaps the biggest part of your moving story, and no matter how much you like your newfound home, you will have many questions that need to be answered before you make your move. Otherwise, they will niggle away at the back of your mind. So here are a few questions you might want to ask so you know where you stand. Then all you have to do is enjoy your new home.

How much of a deposit do I need?
The chances are you will know the answer to this question already, along with the cost of renting the property, but it’s always best to check!

If there is an issue, who do I contact?
Knowing that there is someone to call if there is an emergency, a maintenance problem, or any question you may have will give you peace of mind. Many landlords choose to let their properties through a letting agent. This is ideal, as you will have a friendly and helpful face you can contact. So save your point of contact on your phone, and you'll know help is always just a press of a button away.

Can I decorate?
Being happy in your home is important, and decorating or simply adding those personal touches that help you feel content and settled makes a big difference to the quality of your life. Some landlords are more open to decorating, and you will want to know where the line is drawn when it comes to what you can and can’t do so you don’t risk losing your deposit.

Who is responsible for the garden?
The same goes for the garden; most landlords will want you to keep on top of the garden simply by keeping it tidy. But this is not always the case. If you want to make it your own by adding a barbeque, fire pit, flower beds, or furniture, you may need to ask beforehand. It may be that your new home already has some of these items in place.

What bills do I pay?
This might be the first question you ask, and even if bills are included, you need to know exactly what you are responsible for. For example, you might have to pay for broadband. And budgeting your monthly outgoings is important for your financial planning, and it’s most likely that you will have to pay council tax, so you will need to know the cost of this before you move in.

Is it okay to switch energy suppliers?
The good news here is that if you pay your energy bills, you are entitled to switch suppliers. You may find a better deal.

What is the energy performance certificate rating?
When it comes to paying the bills, you want your new home to be as energy efficient as possible, so this is worth asking. The same goes for any appliances on the property.

What alarms are fitted to the property?
Don’t be shy when asking about all necessary alarms, such as carbon monoxide or smoke alarms, which are a legal requirement; ask for the accompanying safety certificates for annual checks.

Can I keep pets?
If you have a furry friend, you might need to provide proof of vaccination, but the good news is that landlords can no longer enforce blanket bans on pets, but they can say no to your pet if they have a good reason.

What else do I need to know?
You may have many other questions, so don’t forget to ask your friendly agent, who will always be more than happy to help.

 

 

In essence, a fully managed letting service simplifies your life as a landlord. Simply buy a property, then let your letting agent take care of everything else while you take a step back, enjoy your life, and get a good return on your property investment! Like so much in life, there is more to being a landlord than meets the eye.

So what does a fully managed letting service provide?
Making sure your property is fully compliant with legislation is in itself a huge benefit of a managed service. It’s imperative to get this right; otherwise, you could face fines. This will save you from constantly keeping an eye on the latest legislative changes along with finding tenants and other potentially stressful work that goes into being a landlord.

Advertising your property
This is important if you want the best possible rental income for your property. Getting the right advice will get your property in tip-top shape and looking its best with an established agent who will most likely have tenants ready and waiting.

Taking care of tenant viewings
Once your property is ready to be viewed, the last thing you want to do is spend your valuable time arranging viewings and showing potential tenants your property.

Finding your tenants and getting references
With the chronic shortage of rental properties on the market, there will be plenty of tenants who want to rent your property. You want to protect your investment, and you will need references—yet another layer of paperwork removed from your busy life.

Organising inventory
No doubt, even if you let your property as unfurnished, you will need an inventory of all items in the property that belong to it, and as such, you do not want them to go missing or get damaged.

The preparation of tenancy agreements and documents
You will need a good contract spelling out the terms of your rental agreement. This protects you and your tenant and is essential to avoiding disputes. It should include details such as the term of the contract, your name as the landlord, whether the rent includes bills or council tax, and more, and should be signed by you as the landlord and your tenants.

The registration of your tenant’s deposit
It’s a legal requirement to deposit your tenant's deposit in a government scheme within thirty days of receiving it.

Rent collection
This is important because, when all is said and done, you are letting your property to receive rent, and having a reliable collection service offers great peace of mind.

Property inspections
If you have good tenants, then this is not always essential, and you must give them twenty-four hours' notice before inspecting the property. Doing this yourself can be time-consuming and a little awkward.

Maintenance
This can be both time-consuming and costly. Sometimes just finding the right help to carry out repairs and maintenance and having the resources at your fingertips that a managed letting service provides can prevent simple issues from becoming expensive repairs.

Arranging notice and finding new tenants
The time will come when your tenants may want to move on. You don’t want your property sitting around gathering dust; you want tenants back in as soon as possible. Plus, there is the planning and paperwork involved in arranging a notice period.

Disputes and final inspections
This can get complicated, and having all the necessary steps in place prevents unwarranted disputes from occurring in the first place. And if they do occur, having an expert involved will stand you in good stead.

 

 

Homes for first-time buyers, typically with two bedrooms, are selling exceptionally well right now. In March 2023, they were just 4% down on 2019, and average asking prices for the same period were down by just £500.*

The market for larger homes is a little slower, with sales agreed in March being 10% down on 2019 and second-stepper homes being 13% down.* This tells us that the market is in pretty good shape overall, but what is more obvious is that now is a great time to ascend the property ladder.

If you own a home that is suitable for first-time buyers, with two bedrooms or along the lines of a compact starter home, you will get a great price, and with larger homes selling a little lower than current asking prices, you are likely to get an offer accepted that will save you a bit of money.

Why is your starter home in such high demand?
There are many reasons why demand for smaller, more compact homes is high right now. There is the price of energy and the cost-of-living crisis. First-time buyers are looking to get on the ladder before the mortgage guarantee scheme, which makes it possible for first-time buyers to buy with a 5% deposit and is due to end in December this year. It stands to reason that smaller homes are cheaper to run, with less council tax and less maintenance, although this is not always the case. And with people downsizing to smaller homes, chances are that if you want to sell up, it will not take long before you are on the move.

How can you get more house per property pound if you buy bigger?
The short answer is that smaller homes are selling more quickly than larger homes, so the price of smaller homes is stronger, leading to less scope for negotiation. With asking prices for larger homes not quite as strong as those for smaller homes, you are essentially getting more houses for your money. It stands to reason that if you find a bigger home and it’s taking a little longer to sell, and with asking prices achieved at a lower rate than those of smaller houses, you already have one foot in the front door. Bring your haggling hat; there is nothing more annoying than ridiculously low offers that will only get rejected. But there is more scope for a reasonable amount of manoeuvring on price.

The market will bounce back, and that bigger house may become out of reach!
Many analysts expect house prices to rise quite steadily in 2024. In March, average property prices rose by 0.8%.* This could be a sign that buyers now realise that now is a good time to move, and it is a sure sign that the market is healthy and stable. Without a crystal ball, the future is impossible to predict, but you might find that in the near future, larger homes will become out of reach as prices start to ascend more rapidly.

Interest rates
It’s no secret that interest rates are on people's minds right now. However, the recent announcement of the IMF (International Monetary Fund), predicts interest rates to fall back to pre-pandemic levels. Mortgage interest rates are on the way down, and with many analysts suggesting that they may return to much lower rates when buying a home, you could consider higher interest rates to be temporary.

Conclusion
Perhaps the best thing to do is to check out the market and see what you can find. The joy of property hunting is that you never know what you might find. There are no fixed rules, but you might be surprised at what you can achieve.

 

Rightmove*

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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