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

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

The Dogs and Domestic Animals Act proposes

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

Landlords can refuse your pet if:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go ahead – you deserve a break!

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

 

Zoopla*
Rightmove**

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

GOV.UK*

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Situated on the lower side of Magdalen Avenue, a no-through road, the property is conveniently located...

This generously sized, and beautifully presented, Edwardian end of terrace home is set over three floors...

 

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 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 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.

Get in touch to see how we can help create a property investment portfolio for a great return on investment.

Zoopla*

 

Summer is not all about the garden, although for most homeowners in the UK, it’s hugely important. The garden is as important – and for many, more important – than any room in the house. Outdoor living spaces are right up there in the ranks of what makes an amazing home. A good outdoor living area can add £10,000 to the value of your home.* The trick is to seamlessly blend the outdoors with the indoors. In many ways, it’s like adding another room to your home, and you have real freedom to create something special that adds to the quality of life in your home. Increasing feelings of wellbeing and providing an ideal place to relax, outdoor living spaces are what you make of them.

Design your outdoor living area your own way
There are no rules when it comes to creating your perfect outdoor living space. But there is one principle you should follow, no matter what your property plans are. Create it your own way. And today you are spoiled for choice. From outdoor heaters, pizza ovens, beautiful fire pits, decking, aluminium structures, and outdoor tiles to traditional paved-style patios and stones and gravel seating areas. That’s just for starters; you also have the little details that, once you have decided on the fundamentals, will embellish and elevate your newfound space. From candles to lighting – the planted kind, post lights, and lanterns—mirrors, garden sculpture, hammocks, outdoor stoves, and more.

Think outside the box
Are you a film buff? Buy a projector and set it up on a whitewashed wall! Perhaps you are more sporting and love the idea of watching the footy or the F1 on an outdoor screen. Invite your friends over and make a night of it. Everyone has their own unique tastes, and maybe you would rather grow flowers or grapes on a veranda.

Don’t worry about adding value
It’s so easy to become obsessed with the value of your property. Don’t think about this too much; if you create an outdoor space with an air of quality, then this will take care of itself. It’s also important not to overspend. If you are creating a path to the garden from the decking and you are on a budget, use stones; they are cheaper and require less labour.

You can have more than one!
Who’s to say you can’t have more than one outdoor living space? Build decking and a patio near the rear of your home, with a path leading to tables and chairs and a stove for the winter at the bottom of the garden. Then you have a place to soak up the sun and another to hide from the rain. Add heaters, and you can have an outdoor work-from-home space!

Hire the right help and build it to last
Maybe you can do some of the work yourself; perhaps you need to hire help for it all. Whichever approach you take, build your outdoor space to last. It will help when it comes to retaining the added value of your home. And it will look good and be a nicer place to enjoy. So if you lay decking and install trellises, treat them so they look good for years. Fusing your garden with outdoor spaces is easy, but remember that your garden will have to be maintained, so plan its design with maintenance in mind.

Leave a little scope for new ideas!
Perhaps this will become a long-term project, so do it in stages. There is always a new trend and new ideas, and leaving a little space to perfect, improve, or build on what you have leaves a little potential for buyers to add their own mark.

Browse our properties to find a home with your perfect outdoor living space, and you could be moved in time for summer.

Eliteoutdoorliving*

 

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.

Get in touch today to see how we can manage all aspects of your buy-to-let property, so you can make the most of your property investment.

 

Buying a new build is becoming more appealing for many home buyers. While you may prefer the charm and character of older properties, many new builds seem to offer much more personality than in past years. Making your decision is not quite as straight-forward as it once was! There are many good reasons for choosing a new build home, so what are they?

Guarantees
Most new builds are sold with warranties of up to ten years. This protects you against any nasty surprises and unexpected costs. You certainly will not have to worry about plumbing or rewiring issues. Not to mention the stairs or reskimming walls compared with redecorating an older property.

Lower maintenance costs
Even after a few years of living in your new home, chances are you will not have anything to repair or maintain. Insulation, upgrading the boiler, even if you are contemplating fitting solar panels, you might find that these could be fitted before you move in. In the garden, you will only ever need to add to what is most likely quite basic; compare this to landscaping or the removal of an old patio or decking, and already you have saved significantly in costs.

Design it to your specifications
Often, new build homes are not built before you move in! This means you can decide on things like kitchen design, tiling and colour schemes for the bathroom, and the locations of sockets. You will most likely get options for landscaping the garden too.

Energy efficiency
Most new builds have good EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings of A and B, making your monthly energy bills cheaper than those of some older homes, which achieve less energy efficiency. That’s not to say you can’t find an older home with a good rating, and energy consumption will also depend heavily on the energy ratings of your appliances.

The appeal of a brand-new home
A bit like buying a new car, for some people, owning a home that nobody else has lived in is an appealing prospect. You will be the first to enjoy everything that is brand new, from floor to ceiling, not to mention the new kitchen and bathroom. This will make it feel a bit more exclusive, but on the other hand, often new builds are part of larger developments and are quite similar even if created to your own specifications.

No chain
Another big advantage of buying a new build is that it's chain-free. That means you could spend less time waiting to move in, provided you have the financing in place. That said, there is no guarantee that this will be a faster process. It largely depends on how quickly your new home is built. And that depends on how soon you purchase it!

With no resident seller, rely on your agent
A good move to make for added peace of mind is to buy through a trusted agent. The home-moving process can be stressful, and with no resident seller, you want to rely on an established and experienced team you can trust.

Are you thinking more and more about buying a new build? Get in touch to see how we can help.

 

You want your home to stand out, whether it’s first seen by your buyers in an image or from the kerb. That first glance is important. If the rest of your home is in great condition, the last thing you want to do is alienate potential buyers by neglecting the front of your home and creating the wrong impression.

The front door
If it’s wooden, give it a coat of paint and polish the metal work. If it’s really worn and damaged, consider replacing it. Sometimes darker colours will make your front door pop, so that when your home is viewed and welcomes potential buyers, they immediately feel good before entering your home.

The front lawn
Make sure the grass is green and trim. Use grass feed if there are any patches. Sweep and weed any paths or patio areas. If possible, use a jet wash to make your paving look like new again.

Clean your widows
Get your window cleaner to give your windows a good clean in time for viewings and pictures for your agent. Don’t forget your window frames; make the front of your house pop with the right colours; and repair any blemishes.

Add some paint
The front of your home will benefit from a coat of good paint. Check the pointing. Perhaps your home does not need any paint; don’t forget gates, fences, walls, and guttering. The little things all add up to make a big impact.

Flowers and plants
At this time of year, adding some vibrancy with a dash of colour will really help your home stand out. Less is more, and not everyone is passionate about the same flowers and plants, so be subtle and keep what you have in pristine order.

Furniture
Even if you have a small, terraced house with little space out the front, a small seating area can add to its appeal. For larger homes, create a vision of outdoor living that is just a taste of the splendour that will later appear, perhaps in the outdoor living space located at the rear of your property.

Conceal wiring or utility boxes
If possible, don’t allow all your hard work to be affected by unsightly wiring or an electrical, gas, or rusty mailbox. Get in touch with your energy supplier if it needs replacing, or simply give it a good cleaning.

Summer symmetry
Some things work best in pairs, and when it comes to making an entrance, a pair of ornamental flowerpots on each side of the door can do the trick. Lighting can also have the same effect as flower boxes.

Finishing touches
Hanging a summer wreath can really add some colour and show your new buyers that you love your home.

Will all of this add value to your home?
Yes. Anything that makes your home appear cared for and loved will help other people fall in love with it. While it will not drastically increase the value of your home, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Contact us today so we can guide you to the front door of your happy place.

 

There is no doubt that even in this sometimes-rainy climate, alfresco dining has increased. Outdoor living spaces are what you make them, and today, the scope for creating your perfect outdoor space is limitless. An outdoor kitchen makes a lot of sense for a UK-based property because it creates a sheltered area for you to enjoy even if the weather is changeable.

Add a pergola
A good move is to build a pergola to shelter your kitchen; that way, you could potentially use it all year. Place your kitchen against your garden wall or simply arrange it however it feels comfortable for you, but keep in mind that you want your outdoor kitchen to be a sociable space so you and your guests, family, or friends can chat and get involved in your evening.

The size of your space is not important
You don’t need to have a vast outdoor space to build an outdoor kitchen; in fact, sometimes the more compact the space, the better. There are a huge variety of ovens, barbecues, and electric hobs to choose from. Anything goes, so design it your own way. If pizza and wood are your preferences, consider building your kitchen with wood, leaving space for a pizza oven.

Build around the barbeque
Perhaps you like a traditional, real charcoal barbecue. Build your own barbeque using bricks and match them with some walls that will support your food preparation areas. You may decide to make your work surfaces moveable so that they can be stored in the shed during the winter months. On the other hand, you may own a feature barbeque, and that could be the centrepiece of your kitchen.

Make it a moveable feast
Using free-standing tables or wheeled furniture is ideal if you are planning on setting up your kitchen for a few months, a few hours, or forever. If you love tiles, then tile a table or source one. There are plenty of furnishing options that can complement your dining table.

Two in one
If you have always liked the idea of having a bar in your garden or outdoor living space, consider building it large enough so that it could also serve as a kitchen. That way, you will have solved two problems with one simple solution. Build it yourself or buy it, then stain it, and it will last for years. Add some bar stools to make it a social hub for your friends and family.

If you build, do you need planning permission?
The short answer to this question is no, as long as you don’t exceed 2.5 metres in height and your structure is less than 2 metres from your property. The positive aspect of building something more solid is its durability and all-year-round usability. Add an outdoor heater or log burner, and you could feast even when it snows!

Will an outdoor kitchen add value to your home?
Any improvements you make to the outdoor living spaces of your home will most definitely add to its value. Creating outdoor spaces that seamlessly flow from your home's indoor living spaces is becoming a must have. No longer an unattainable luxury, making them highly desirable and sought-after.

Browse our properties to find a home with the perfect indoor and outdoor living spaces for you.

 

The demand for your rental property is huge right now, having increased by 10% again this year on the back of years of soaring demand.* As a landlord, you want to maximise your return on investment by achieving the best possible rent for your property. You also want to secure your investment and build a good relationship with tenants.

Location
Before buying, think about your potential tenants. Proximity to hospitals, schools, transport links, or universities may help define your target tenant. If you have already bought, remember that location is a great plus when attracting tenants.

The nicer your property the nicer your tenants
Decorate your property to the highest possible standard. Keep a neutral theme using safe colours. If there is room in your budget to improve the kitchen, flooring, and bathroom, do so. Just be careful not to overspend. A well-presented property in good condition will fetch more than a less well-prepared property. Typically, a nicer property will attract better tenants who will look after it if it’s in great condition.

Make your property as attractive as possible
When it comes to advertising your property, make sure it is clean and in tip-top shape, with all issues that need addressing sorted. Good pictures of beautiful properties will help you find great tenants quickly and fetch a better rent, while most likely creating a home that your tenants will want to keep renting. This ensures your investment.

Move with the times
Install USB sockets, energy-efficient appliances, and LED lighting. Smart meters, good insulation. Anything you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your property are in everybody’s interest. Many tenants are concerned about the cost of bills at the end of each month and will pay more in rent for a more efficient home.

The value of a great letting agent
A good letting agent will find the right tenants for your property. Whether you are renting one home or have a large property portfolio, a managed service is a smart move to make. You can choose what level of managed service you want. Finding good tenants and taking care of references, deposits, and everything from maintenance to inspections is no easy task. With a managed letting service, your investment is in safe hands, leaving you with more time for the more important things in life.

A managed letting service is the best way to move forward
As the Renters Reform Bill passes through Parliament, the future of letting your property will improve. The entire industry is being overhauled, making life easier for good tenants and good landlords. Bad landlords will find themselves forced to improve their practises. By using a managed letting service, you are already halfway to achieving great returns while minimising risk. Meeting all the current legislative changes is not something to be feared. Having an expert on your side so you can make the most of these changes ensures that your investment will thrive.

Are you a landlord, or do you want to take your first steps on the buy-to-let ladder?

Contact us today so your investment can flourish.

Zoopla*

 

Summer is the perfect time to prepare your home for a speedy sale. Homes seem to blossom at this time of year, and when all your hard work is done, the sun illuminates and makes your home look like a picture. Sometimes it’s a question of having the time to get all those little jobs done. For others, it’s knowing when to stop. So, wherever you are on the spectrum, here are a few ideas to consider that will help add to the value of your home.

Increase the kerb appeal of your home
The front of your home is what will welcome your buyers, and many people make a big part of their buying decision on first glance. Does it look welcoming and in good order? Get rid of any weeds on the paths. Clean the windows and the front door. Consider replacing it if it’s a cost-effective move to make. Add some flowers, mow the lawn, and give it a lick of paint if it’s needed.

The garden and outdoor living spaces
Take a good look at your garden; it’s considered by many buyers to be as important as any room in the house. Keep it trim and in order, and make the most of those finishing touches, such as solar lighting or cushions for the garden furniture. Does the patio need weeding, or the decking need re-staining? Arrange your furniture, flowerboxes, or outdoor space so that it looks welcoming and ready to be lived in while decluttering any unnecessaries like the kids’ toys or football!

A splash of paint
Inside your home, a splash of paint adds a new lease on life to your walls and can be mood-altering, putting your buyers in the mood to move. It could be that you only need the odd splash here and there to get rid of any blemishes. If you are painting entire rooms, think neutral colours that will add light and a feeling of space. Remember the golden rule: If it’s not needed, don’t waste your money.

Clean and declutter
Your home needs to look like the best version of itself. A cost-free way of doing this is to simply give your home a good cleaning. Have a good sort-out; it will stand to you when it comes to moving. Pay particular attention to the kitchen work surfaces, the bathroom, and the sitting room. This will create a nice feeling of space.

Let the light in
Draw back the curtains, let in as much light as possible, and hang a few mirrors to create an allusion of space. Add some flowers and dial your home into the summer season. A few brightly coloured cushions or plants can add some vibrancy to your cleaner and brighter home, making it more appealing.

Small repairs
Now is the time to get all those niggling issues sorted, from the cracked skirting board to the scorched tap. A few new seals in the bathroom, or better yet, regrouting or resealing around the tiles, can add a new lease of life to your bathroom or kitchen and make a big impact for not a lot of money.

Bigger ideas
Perhaps your garden could be transformed by adding decking; suddenly you will have added an outdoor living space. Consider installing new windows or a revamped porch. Perhaps, after careful consideration of costs, you could make the kitchen and dining room open-plan? Talk to your agent if you think you will get more than the cost of completing the work when it comes to selling; maybe it’s worth doing. The choice is yours, and the possibilities are endless. A good chat with your local agent is always a good place to start.

Get in touch today to see how we can help you achieve a great asking price for your home this summer.

30 July 2023 | Moles, Bath

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