“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→
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Evicting your tenant -How to legally get your property back
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→
Bespoke Home Marketing – What Is It and Why Do You Need It?
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→
How do estate agents value a unique home? Demystifying the process
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→
Successful downsizing – our step-by-step-guide
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→
Get your rental winter ready – your legal obligations and top tips
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→
Rent recovery – How to get back what you’re owed
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→
How saleable is your home? Take our saleability quiz and find out!
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→
How to prepare for viewings so buyers fall in love with your home
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→
Are you getting letting laws right? 7 common misconceptions
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→
Are you an accidental landlord? 7 Must-dos
‘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→
8 Ways to Work with your Estate Agent for the Best Results
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→
Keeping your tenants safe – Your legal obligations
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→
How to use creative photography to market your high-value home
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→
Style Your Garden to Sell in 6 Easy Steps
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→
Selling your investment properties – How to successfully exit buy to let
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→
Should I sell my home now? How the current shortage affects your home’s price
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→
Is buy to let still a good investment? The latest market trends
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→
New year, new investment – but where should you buy?
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→
New year, new move
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→
Switching letting agent – All you need to get it right
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→
How saleable is your home? Try our saleability scorecard and see
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→
Property inventories – All you need to know
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→
7 Tips to sell your home in winter
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→
Downsizing, upsizing and right-sizing – MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE FOR YOU
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→
Essential steps to assess your rental yield
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→
Remortgaging your rental property
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→
Thinking of changing estate agents? Our smooth move guide
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 selling for an autumn move
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→
Unfurnished vs furnished properties explained
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→
How to add thousands to your home with our pro styling tips
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→
Landlords – how to protect your rental income
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→
6 Simple steps to prepare your home for viewings
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→
Multiple occupancy vs single lets – what’s the difference?
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→
Turning browsers into buyers – make sure your online advert stands out
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→
Accidental landlord? What you need to know
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→
What to do when your home isn’t selling – 8 steps to boost your marketing
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→
Perfect presentation attracts perfect tenants
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→
Unique homes – how we value them accurately
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→
Financing your rental property – how to work out what’s right for you
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→
What does a letting agent actually do?
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→
How to choose the best estate agent – 11 questions to help you decide
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→
Our top home styling accessories for 2021
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→
Building a successful, sustainable letting portfolio
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→
Planning to downsize? Start your new chapter in your next home
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→
What to do if your tenant…
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→
Winter viewing? How to make yours a success
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→
Is buy to let still a good investment? The latest market trends
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→
Secrets of fabulous property photography – learn from the pros
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→
How to choose the right letting agent: 7 things to look for
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→
Seven reasons to sell in September
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→
Do I need a letting agent? 6 reasons why you might…
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→
6 1/2 Simple styling secrets
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→
Switching estate agents: all you need to know to get it right
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→
Your property’s asking price – is a price drop right for you?
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→
Preparing to sell your home – get ready to move
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→
Selling your home in an uncertain time
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→
Floorplans – How they can help sell your home
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→
Springtime selling – 9 Tips to get you moving
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→
Create first impressions that last
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→
5 Top tips for winter selling
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→
When should I sell? Is it the right time for you to move?
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→
What to do before a viewing – Our six time-saving tips on how to prepare for viewings
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→
Home styling for summer
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→
Successful downsizing – our complete guide
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→
Struggling to sell? OUR GUIDE TO HELP YOU MOVE ON SUCCESSFULLY
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→
Dress your home to impress your viewers
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→
How to choose the right estate agent to sell your home
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→
How to make sure your photos look fabulous
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→
Should I accept the first offer I have received?
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→
What does ATED stand for? What is ATED?
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→
Should I rent my home out if I can’t sell?
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→