“Give your home the ‘wow’ factor!” We’ve all heard this advice from property experts, but what does it mean? And how do you do it? Most importantly, is it worth the time and effort it may cost you? All good questions, and the answers will be revealed in this article – so let’s dive in……Read More→
Most tenancies are a success, with tenants paying their full rent on time and landlords doing their part by providing good-quality homes. And the vast majority of tenancies end when the tenant chooses to move out – generally speaking, landlords don’t evict tenants unless they have a good reason. But if your tenant has…Read More→
Don’t settle for traditional marketing – choose a bespoke approach and show your home the attention it deserves. When you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, you’ll likely see and hear the majority of estate agents pushing to list the property as soon as possible. Besides, the sooner it’s on Rightmove (or…Read More→
We break down the exact process estate agents use to value unique homes. Valuing unique homes is, well, unique. It’s not as straightforward as listing your typical three-bedroom home. There are a lot more factors to consider, from analysing recent data and current market conditions to taking into account stunning views, undeniably impressive architecture…Read More→
Are you thinking about downsizing – perhaps moving to a smaller home or apartment? Downsizing comes with many benefits, from less upkeep and lower energy bills and maintenance to a lower initial investment. If you’ve lived in big homes for the last decade, perhaps entertaining guests or housing a large family, there are many…Read More→
Any property can be affected by the potential risks that the winter months bring – including storms, freezing temperatures and security issues. But when you’re a landlord you have a legal obligation to keep your tenants’ home safe, secure and in good working order, so what should you be doing to get your rental winter…Read More→
As a landlord, you’ll almost certainly encounter rent arrears at some point. Whether a tenant’s just had a temporary dip in their income or they’re deliberately not paying, the big question is how to get back the money you’re owed. Well, you’re in luck! Our latest blog covers everything from your first contact with your…Read More→
Saleability. It can sound like a daunting word to many. Who wants to hear that your home might take time to sell? Or you might have come to that conclusion by yourself because your mother-in-law made a comment 5 years ago that you could have bought in a better area. But have you really considered…Read More→
Setting the scene with a bit of preparation prior to a viewing is essential for charming potential buyers into falling for your home. And that’s where our top 7 tips come in to help! So, you’ve got the ball rolling with the house on the market, and your first viewing is booked in –…Read More→
With hundreds of different regulations governing the lettings industry and changes regularly being made to legislation, it can be tricky for landlords to stay on top of their legal rights and responsibilities. But if you get these laws wrong, even unintentionally, you could face a fine or even be taken to court. Our latest blog…Read More→
‘Accidental landlords’ are people who have ended up letting a property through circumstance, rather than because they made a conscious decision to invest. Is that you? If so, you’re certainly not alone because there are some pretty common life events that lead to people having a ‘spare’ property – for instance: Moving in…Read More→
So, you’ve picked out your estate agent to help sell your home, but what’s the next step? While for the most part, the baton is now with the agent, who’s responsible for keeping the progress of the sale on track, there are still some things you can do to achieve the very best desired outcome…Read More→
As a landlord, you’ve got a legal obligation to keep your tenants safe while they’re living in your property. There are around 170 rules and regulations relating to letting, and many of them are to do with health and safety, so there’s a lot for you to know and understand about what measures you need…Read More→
Nine times out of ten, where is the first place a potential buyer will see your home? You guessed it – in a photograph! Whether it be online through a laptop screen or mobile phone, or on the street in an estate agent’s shop window, that small viewing frame should be treated as the place…Read More→
What does your garden mean to you? For us, it can be summarised in three simple words: entertainment, enjoyment and peace. With it being such a pleasurable, versatile space, it’s no wonder several studies show that it’s within the top three priorities for a potential buyer. Surrounding your house at both front and back, it’s…Read More→
When people make a financial investment, they generally have a plan for how long they want to invest and when they’re going to want to cash in. So, most landlords buy property with the idea of renting it out for a certain number of years before either selling up or passing it on, often to…Read More→
2021 was a tremendous year for home price growth in the UK – the strongest since the mid-2000s – with many areas and types of home seeing values increase by double-figure percentages. This means a house bought for £500,000 only two years ago could be worth up to £600,000 today! The huge imbalance between…Read More→
We’re regularly asked by both existing investors and people who are just considering becoming landlords whether ‘now’ is a good time to invest in buy to let. And with numerous reports over the last year or so that many landlords are selling up, it’s understandably become a more common question. So, where are we…Read More→
If you’re thinking of making a new buy-to-let investment this year, you may be wondering if there are any particular types of property or ‘hotspots’ you should be considering – locations where prices are predicted to rise quickly and where rental returns are well above average. Of course, every investor would love great capital…Read More→
The new year encourages many of us to make positive changes in our lives. A popular choice is pledging to do more exercise, while some people might decide to learn a new skill. But if you were one of the many sellers who put their home on the market last year and you haven’t yet…Read More→
As a landlord, when you use a letting agent to find a tenant – and particularly if you have a ‘fully managed’ service, where they look after both the tenant and the property on your behalf during the tenancy – there’s a lot of trust involved. You’re relying on your letting agent to: Find…Read More→
Selling a home might not be an exact science, but there are a number of factors that will make a huge difference to how successful your sale will be. Our experience has shown us that homes that sell quickly and for a good price tend to have certain key things in common, so we’ve…Read More→
An inventory lists and describes the contents and condition of everything in a property – from the paint on the walls to the cutlery in a kitchen drawer. It’s put together before a tenancy starts and then used to compare the contents and condition of everything at the end of the tenancy, so you can…Read More→
If you’re ready to move, you might be wondering whether to put your home on the market now or wait until the spring. Well, although winter may traditionally be a quieter time for home-moving than spring and summer, the market is still very much open for business and selling your home in this colder season…Read More→
Are you thinking about making a change to where you live? If you no longer need all the rooms in your home, you might have decided to downsize into something smaller. Or perhaps it’s the opposite – you need more space, in which case, it could be time to upsize into a new place. On…Read More→
As a landlord, it’s important to be able to assess whether a property is likely to be a good investment before you buy it. Then, once your property’s rented out, it’s helpful if you can check periodically to make sure the basic rental return is keeping up with – and hopefully beating! – the average…Read More→
As a landlord, you might own your property outright or you may have a buy to let mortgage. If you do currently have borrowing, that could be because you didn’t have enough capital available to buy without a mortgage, or perhaps you chose to leverage your investment to improve returns. Whatever your position –…Read More→
A great agent will be focused on selling your home at the best price, in a timeframe that suits you. If everything goes well, they’ll put the right value on it, market it effectively, then negotiate and progress your sale so you can move on to your new home as planned – and they’ll make…Read More→
Summer is a great time of year to sell your home. With bright, sunny days, gardens at their greenest and flowers blooming, your marketing photos will look fabulous! More daylight hours and generally better weather than at other times of year give people much more opportunity to view your home at its best and brightest….Read More→
Whenever landlords have a rental property to prepare for the market, one decision they have to make is whether to let it furnished or unfurnished. If you’re in that position right now, two questions you might be asking are: ‘Do I want the bother of furnishing it?’ and ‘Will paying for furnishing be worth the…Read More→
One way to add value to your home is by renovating it; another is through increasing the amount of accommodation, by either building an extension or converting something like the loft or a garage to create an extra living room or bedroom. But if you don’t want to undertake that kind of building work,…Read More→
For many landlords, rental income provides a valuable boost to their other earnings or pension. For some, it may even be their only income, while others might mainly use it to cover the cost of the mortgage and other expenses, as they wait for growth in the capital value. And some people use their…Read More→
We know from experience that the better your home looks and feels when potential buyers come to view, the more likely you are to get an asking price offer. For many people, the decision about whether to buy a home is an emotional one, and we’ve found that, more often than not, they make that…Read More→
Letting a property to multiple occupants is an attractive option for many landlords, as it can generate a much higher return and far more monthly rental profit than a single let. However, it’s not for everyone, as the rules and regulations for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are more complex than for single let…Read More→
If you’ve ever searched online for a home yourself, you’ll know how many listings there are. The broader your search terms, the more results are going to come up, and then you start scrolling through… So, what is it that makes you stop scrolling? When you’re selling, how do you make sure…Read More→
Some people are landlords because they’ve made a deliberate decision to buy property and rent it out. They’re part of the buy-to-let crowd, who’ve chosen to use property as an investment vehicle to grow their wealth. However, there’s another group of landlords that more and more people are joining: those who’ve ended up letting…Read More→
You did it: you found an agent you liked, who loved your home and valued it at a price you were happy with. They put together an impressive marketing plan and the ‘For Sale’ board has been invitingly positioned at the end of the drive for a while. It seems like you’ve done everything right,…Read More→
Most tenants today aren’t looking for temporary digs, they’re looking for a home. And as the lettings market has grown, standards have gone up. So what does your property need to offer to make sure the best tenants are falling over each other to rent it? The answer’s easy: find out what they expect…Read More→
As estate agents, valuing homes accurately is at the core of our business. We’ve got to price them at a level that attracts enough attention from buyers, while achieving the maximum sale price for our clients, and sometimes it’s a challenge – particularly when there’s not much to compare them to. We value homes…Read More→
When it comes to property, the best thing can be to own it outright – either buying with 100% cash, if that’s possible, or taking out a mortgage and paying it off as soon as you can. And when it’s your own home, that’s generally a good idea; you can gradually reduce your monthly costs…Read More→
You’ve found and bought a property; perhaps you’ve upgraded or even refurbished it. You’ve no doubt spent time, effort and money on it. All you need now is a tenant. Preferably one who will pay the rent on time, look after your property and stay for a while. It’s tempting to wonder if…Read More→
Selling your home? Here are 11 key questions to help you choose an estate agent that will find the right buyer and get you the best price. Selling your home is one of the biggest financial transactions you’re ever likely to make, and it could be an emotional time for you. So you need…Read More→
It’s a new year – time to give your home a whole new look? If you’re selling your home, or planning to, our top home styling accessories for 2021 may help you make the right decisions to give your home a mini-makeover without breaking the bank. And, now that the majority of us are ‘locked…Read More→
Are you looking to invest in your future during this lockdown period? Could the current situation in the UK give you the time to expand your own property portfolio? You may find it the perfect time to research the best way to invest your hard-earned cash. Perhaps you’ve found what you think to be…Read More→
Are you starting to feel like you’re rattling around in a house that’s too big for you? Are you ready to put less time, effort and money into somewhere new? Have you got your heart set on being closer to family (or further away)? Have you always dreamed of that coastal hideaway or a…Read More→
In last month’s blog, we talked about finding the perfect tenant for your property. Finding that gem of a tenant is the key to peace of mind as a landlord, but once they are in situ, things will run from strength to strength. Once we find them, we need to know how to manage certain…Read More→
We all dream of a white winter wonderland. A thick layer of snowy icing on the lawn, roaring fires, candlelit windows, movie afternoons wrapped in thick, downy duvets. The spicy scent of mulled wine drifting in from the kitchen. If your home is on the market and winter is on the horizon, you couldn’t hope…Read More→
We’re regularly asked by both existing investors and people who are just considering becoming landlords whether ‘now’ is a good time to invest in buy to let. And with numerous reports over the last year or so that many landlords are selling up, it’s understandably become a more common question. So, where are we…Read More→
We have all heard that first impressions count and never is this truer than when trying to sell your property. Not only will excellent photographs catch the attention of eager buyers, but by emphasising the lifestyle your home actually offers, a well-planned photoshoot is likely to draw in serious viewers who won’t waste your…Read More→
Finding the perfect partner has never been easier. Or so we are told… In love, you can download an app and find your dream date with the swipe of a finger. Looking for the best home insurance deal to suit you? Comparison sites have got you covered. But choosing the right letting agent? There’s no…Read More→
In the blink of an eye, the trees are dappled in burnished reds and golds. That first waft of coal fire smoke garnishes the dusky sky. Dust off your autumn boots and dig out your gloves…September is here. Summer brought with it the UK’s busiest month of house sales in a decade. Everyone agrees,…Read More→
Did you know that a third of the properties in the UK are rentals? And a large proportion of those are managed by individuals, not agencies? If you’ve inherited a house, or you’ve moved out of a flat but still own it, it’s more profitable to manage that property rental yourself, right? Well, yes… and…Read More→
TO MAKE A BUYER FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR HOME You know your home looks good. You’ve chosen your estate agent, the photographer’s booked and you’re ready to launch. But is there something missing….? Let us help you transform your home from ‘market ready’ to ‘market ravishing’ with our home styling tips. So, what is…Read More→
When you chose your estate agent, you did so because you believed they could sell your home. You felt so certain, you even put your name to it when you signed the contract. However, months down the line, hopes of lots of viewers and competing offers from eager buyers, are starting to fade. You find…Read More→
If you have had your house on the market for some time without success, dropping your asking price may seem an inevitable, if unwanted, next step. Your estate agent will often suggest this move if they have run out of ideas, motivation and most importantly, confidence in your asking price. But is dropping your asking…Read More→
With the property market showing some signs of re-opening, now is the time to get ready to make sure you’re prepared for selling your home, and moving on. Over the past few weeks, house viewings have not been possible. But don’t worry – your estate agent will have been taking registrations of interest…Read More→
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW RIGHT NOW Are you buying or selling a home right now? Or planning to? Feeling concerned and anxious about what’s going to happen with the housing market over the coming months? Maybe you’re feeling uncertain about what you should be doing and wondering what you can do to…Read More→
You wouldn’t set off on a road trip without a map. So why start the next stage of your life’s journey without the homebuyer’s equivalent? Let’s talk floorplans. It’s no secret that floorplans have long been one of the key ‘must-have’ aspects for those searching for a new home. A Rightmove study…Read More→
After a winter of short, dark days sitting on the sofa working their way through the bottomless tub of Christmas ‘Celebrations’, home-hunters are hungry for a change. Spring is on the horizon, the most salient time of year for house sales. With this in mind, our London Executive team has put together a selection…Read More→
Seven seconds. That’s all the time you have in which to make a good first impression. During that brief timeframe, we create an indelible impression of ourselves. Alright, so that research is person-centred. But fortunately for people, we can rectify a bad first impression with meaningful conversation, gratitude and compliments on the second…Read More→
Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat…you won’t sell your house while it looks like that! While the whimsy of festive folk songs may conjure images of capering ruddy-cheeked children, of twinkling tree lights framed behind snow-frosted latticework and of plump, steaming turkey breasts, dripping in trimmings and set on grand dining tables…Read More→
It comes to us all. That defining moment. It can be brought along on winds of opportunity, on the back of financial necessity, or because we have simply outgrown our comfy shell; but it comes to us all. All men must move house. But sometimes, what do we say to the god of…Read More→
When it comes to selling your house, the viewer becomes the VIP. Here, we help you prepare for that all-important ‘state visit’. We all have that friend. You know the one. The rarely-seen frenemy who, when they text to say they’re in the area and ‘might drop by’, you drop everything to ensure your…Read More→
The sun is shining, the grass is green and the scent of wanderlust is in the air. If you’ve chosen summer as the season to move home, we’ve compiled a bucket (and spade) list of top tips to help get your home ‘beach body’ styled for the market. Sizzling barbecues, borders buzzing with…Read More→
If you’re now or soon to be an empty nester, why waste money on space you don’t need? If it’s just you and your other half now, or perhaps just you, why not downsize to a smaller home or apartment to save not only on your mortgage but also on utilities, repairs, cleaning time, and…Read More→
When you have your home up for sale, time seems to stand still. You’re in limbo, caught between your old life, and your new one, with no way of knowing when you’ll be able to move on – both literally and emotionally. As the weeks turn into months, and the viewings dry up, it’s…Read More→
When your house is for sale, it’s exciting to get a viewing booked. After all, that viewer could become a buyer! It’s important then to make sure your house is looking its absolute best and dressed to impress, so we’ve created a three-step guide to make it easy for you to get the important things…Read More→
So you’ve boxed up a whole load of clutter, you’ve fixed that annoying dripping tap and buffed and polished your home. Well done! Now comes what for some sellers feels like a really challenging task: choosing your estate agent. Most sellers invite three estate agents to give them an expert valuation, and discuss…Read More→
In a world where you can pick your spouse-to-be from a directory of online photos at the swipe of a finger, it takes a lot to stand out from the crowd. If seconds count when dressing to impress on dating apps; microseconds count when it comes to wooing a potential buyer on Rightmove. …Read More→
I want to share with you a question I have been hearing from my clients the last couple of weeks – “Should I accept my first offer Georges?” In the first scenario it was Despina who advised me that she had received an offer on her property whilst her property was not for sale –…Read More→
Does your company own UK residential property valued at £500,000 or more? You could be subject to ATED and time is running out for submitting your return. We are very busy answering back to all queries from our clients and their accountants for their ATED position and time is running out as an annual return…Read More→
I recently met a gentleman from Switzerland who owns a beautiful property in Notting Hill and he has been struggling to sell their property with an agent for the last year. Having reviewed the presentation, price and promotion on the property, we both came to the conclusion that it was the price and promotion that…Read More→
