But what’s driving this situation? The leading cause appears to be a general lack of supply. From delays brought about by the pandemic to a shortage of new homes across the UK, the supply-demand ratio is proving difficult to balance.  

Low interest rates and rising inflation also mean that buyers hope to reduce their potential mortgage debt. This combination of factors has contributed to UK house prices increasing by 9.8% between March 2021 and 2022 – adding £24,000 to the average value.** 

The market is still strong as we move into the summer months – and will most likely remain so for the foreseeable future. 

Do you know how much your home is worth right now? If you’re thinking of selling, book a valuation with us today.  

*Home.co.uk. 

**UK House Price Index 

60% of people surveyed said a garage was at the top of their wish list. Over half (51%) said a family room was important to them, 42% would be looking for a walk-in closet, and 39% consider a home office essential. 

Location also plays a major part in the decision to invest in a forever home, with 43% of respondents sharing their desire to move to a rural location, and another 23% wanting to be close to the coast. 

If you think your house could be someone else’s forever home, get in touch for an obligation-free valuation. 

*Safestyle UK

While the private rental sector faces huge demand, landlords who listen to their renters’ needs are more likely to attract long-term, conscientious tenants desiring a secure home.**  

So, what steps should landlords take next?

Pitch the price just right 

After financial pressure brought about by COVID-19 and the cost of living crisis, it’s not surprising that 55% of tenants consider price above all else. However, many renters (35%) also prioritise bigger properties, so where is the sweet spot?  

Understanding regional dynamics can allow landlords to balance the property’s worth with affordability considerations. For example, some tourist-heavy counties have a disparity between house prices and local wages as homes are snapped up for the holiday market. Rents based purely on the property’s sale value may exclude local families in these areas. 

A lettings valuation will give you a clear baseline to adjust accordingly, depending on your circumstances and long-term financial goals – and the type of tenant you’d prefer. 

Consider allowing pets 

According to the SMF survey, 18% of tenants seek rentals that welcome animal companions. Compare this to the mere 7% of landlords who actively market their homes as pet-friendly.  

If you’re preparing a new rental property, perhaps think of ways to make it more suitable for pets, such as choosing wooden or tiled floors over carpets, or securing the garden. 

Provide value for money 

Everyone loves a good deal – including renters. Although many tenants have a tight budget, plenty will pay more for high-quality interiors and decent gardens. In fact, the latter was cited as a top priority, especially for those looking to create a long-term home.  

Choose a property near amenities 

If you’re planning to invest in a buy-to-let property, it’s worth knowing that 38% of renters wish to live near their workplace. Public transport facilities and access to shops also factor in for 37% and 36% of tenants, respectively. Therefore, it’s worth searching for opportunities that tick these boxes.  

Want to learn more? Contact us to discuss how to boost your property’s rental potential and book a lettings valuation. 

*Social Market Foundation 

**Paragon Bank 

Even if you've discovered your dream home in the ideal location, the process may be stressful, especially if you're relocating with children. 

Whether it's for a new career opportunity, to be closer to family, or to make a necessary lifestyle adjustment, uprooting your life may make sense to you. Your children, on the other hand, may not be as understanding, as everything they know and are used to is about to change. You can use a few tricks to make the transition go as smoothly as possible. 

As soon as possible, inform your children 

According to some parenting experts, you should tell your children as soon as possible. It may be difficult to remain a secret for long, as you will almost certainly have possible buyers coming in and out of your home, and your children will notice something is different. You don't want to keep anything from them because it will just add to your stress level, so inform them as soon as possible to make them feel included. Include them and make it more exciting by allowing them to help choose the new house and plan what they want to take with them if they're up for it.

Allow them to be emotional 

It may be difficult to watch, but when your children scream or throw tantrums, remember that this is a normal reaction and that you should allow them to be upset. Their entire lives are changing, and the relocation may be separating them from friends, cherished family members such as grandparents, or a childminder they've known since childhood. Instead of becoming furious, try to understand why they aren't accepting the changes immediately. Each child is unique and adjusts to change at their own rate, but it often takes six months for children to adjust to their new life in a new place. 

Talk about what will remain the same 

The stress of so much change might be difficult for your children. Rather than focusing on what will be changing, remind them of what will remain the same. Their bedrooms may differ, but their possessions will be identical. Even if their schools are different, all of their after-school activities will remain the same. It may be difficult for them to focus on the similarities, so try your best to remind them as much as possible. 

Stick to old routines 

Just because you've moved to a new location doesn't mean you should abandon your old habits. Remember that you need to keep certain pieces of your previous life constant for your children to adjust, and keeping at-home routines running is a terrific way to do so. If kids have certain after-school rituals, try to stick to them as closely as possible, even if some things change. 

Prepare everyone 

Don't be caught off guard when it comes to moving day! Starting the moving process as soon as possible will help you avoid a last-minute rush to pack and clean. It's a good idea to prepare an overnight bag for everyone for both the last night in your old home and the first night in your new one, so you don't have to unpack right away after a long day. 

Allow your children to express themselves 

Allowing your children to participate in the entire moving and packing process will provide them with a sense of stability and control over the changes in their surroundings. Ask about their thoughts on topics such as what to pack and how to decorate their new rooms! 

Contact our friendly team for useful guidance on all areas of moving home, and we will be happy to assist. 

With more people working from home and spending more time indoors, a home office must be a calm, constructive, and comfortable place to work. 

Read on to find out how to make your office more comfortable when working from home. 

Invest in a comfortable chair 

If you're having trouble working in your home office, it's possible that your chair is the source of your discomfort. Investing in a high-quality, ergonomic chair can make a huge difference in how supported and relaxed you feel during the day. You might even become more productive as a result of it. 

Upgrade your desk 

Another reason your home office isn't feeling comfortable could be that you need to upgrade your desk space. If you have a small workstation that makes everything feel claustrophobic, it could be influencing how happy you are at work. 

Upgrade to a larger desk that better suits your needs if you have the room. Make sure you select a model that is large enough to accommodate all of your critical gear. 

Customise the Lighting 

Is your home office too dark? Or too bright? 

A good dosage of natural light is ideal for keeping you awake and productive in your home office. However, too much sunlight might make your screen glare, making it impossible to operate without squinting. 

Investing in a pair of light-filtering curtains, day and night blinds or a good lamp can help tailor the lighting in your home office to suit your needs and make you feel more comfortable. 

Maintain Consistent Temperatures 

Being too hot or cold in your home office can have a significant impact on how comfortable you are. Temperature control can be difficult, especially if your home office is in a small room that gets hot or in an open-plan area that gets cold. However, the right temperature can make a big difference in how comfortable you are. 

If you are looking for a house with optimal space for an office, we might have the property for you. Browse our available properties here.  

The last few months have seen energy prices soar and household budgets squeezed. As a result, many homeowners are starting to alter their homes to cut bills and increase the energy efficiency of their properties.*  

But it’s not just the cost-of-living crisis that has prompted this trend. Recent government net-zero policies mean that properties with higher EPC ratings may be easier to rent or sell in the future. Investing now will not only help you cut bills and boost your eco-credentials, but it could raise the value of your home moving forward. 

According to the Mortgage Advice Bureau’s investigation, 16% of people plan to install windows with double or triple glazing, with energy-efficient fittings, draught-proofing, solar panels, and insulation also high on the agenda. 

Meanwhile, general painting and decorating (58%) and installing a new bathroom (26%) took first and second place on the list of priorities, reflecting how much time people may be spending at home. The front garden was an important consideration too, hinting that kerb appeal and aesthetics matter to many homeowners.  

Interestingly, around 6% of people surveyed planned to install a heat pump, with 7% thinking about an outdoor electric charging point for vehicles. With more political changes on the horizon and an uncertain energy supply resulting from the war in Ukraine, people may continue to feel the need to adapt their homes accordingly. 

If your budget is tight, small changes such as using a smart meter or swapping out inefficient bulbs can still make a difference. We can also advise you on how larger improvements may increase the value of your home.  

Contact us for a friendly chat or to book a valuation. 

*Mortgage Advice Bureau 

In turn, this should encourage them to make your tenancy as comfortable as possible, especially if they want to provide a secure, long-term let. Here are a few ways to set off on the right foot.  

First impressions count 

Your first meeting with your new landlord is an excellent opportunity to establish a good rapport. Even if you’re feeling anxious or have questions to ask, being polite and friendly will make discussing any issues or concerns easier for all parties.  

Keep your end of the deal 

Landlords often feel overwhelmed by the process of managing their lets.* By taking good care of your landlord’s property and paying rent on time, you’ll quickly become a valuable asset. And with less to worry about, your landlord is more likely to respond promptly and fairly if any problems arise down the line. 

Part on good terms 

Don’t leave your landlord in the lurch when it's time to move on. Giving a few months’ notice before your contract expires will be much appreciated. If you can recommend an equally reliable tenant, even better. Tying up any loose ends should also be dealt with as professionally as possible to help you secure a favourable reference if required.  

Are you excited about finding your dream rental? We may have the perfect property for you. Browse our rental properties here.

*Direct Line.  

HMOs can offer a steady income from month to month. Properties don’t often stand vacant because individual tenants and households have their own contracts, and they are unlikely to all move out together. They also reduce the risk of rental arrears because it is unlikely that all tenants would ordinarily fall behind on payments at the same time. 

Whether a landlord is letting to students or multiple people, HMOs also tend to offer a higher yield when compared to other property types. Recent analysis from a UK lender has shown that HMO investment properties offer average yields of approximately 7.5%, compared with an average yield of 5.4%.  

There are two key things to consider before investing in an HMO. Firstly, if purchasing with a mortgage, you are likely to require a specialist lender. Secondly, not every location is suited to an HMO investment – it is important to establish local demand as well as local competition. 

Most importantly, are the regulations surrounding HMOs occupied either by five or more people or by two or more households. Investors require a mandatory licence, the cost of which varies between councils and usually ranges from £500 to £1,000 per property. 

If you are thinking of investing in a HMO, get in touch and talk to our team of experts. 

*Octane Capital

Even if you've discovered your dream home in the ideal location, the process may be stressful, especially if you're relocating with children. 

Whether it's for a new career opportunity, to be closer to family, or to make a necessary lifestyle adjustment, uprooting your life may make sense to you. Your children, on the other hand, may not be as understanding, as everything they know and are used to is about to change. You can use a few tricks to make the transition go as smoothly as possible. 

As soon as possible, inform your children 

According to some parenting experts, you should tell your children as soon as possible. It may be difficult to remain a secret for long, as you will almost certainly have possible buyers coming in and out of your home, and your children will notice something is different. You don't want to keep anything from them because it will just add to your stress level, so inform them as soon as possible to make them feel included. Include them and make it more exciting by allowing them to help choose the new house and plan what they want to take with them if they're up for it.

Allow them to be emotional 

It may be difficult to watch, but when your children scream or throw tantrums, remember that this is a normal reaction and that you should allow them to be upset. Their entire lives are changing, and the relocation may be separating them from friends, cherished family members such as grandparents, or a childminder they've known since childhood. Instead of becoming furious, try to understand why they aren't accepting the changes immediately. Each child is unique and adjusts to change at their own rate, but it often takes six months for children to adjust to their new life in a new place. 

Talk about what will remain the same 

The stress of so much change might be difficult for your children. Rather than focusing on what will be changing, remind them of what will remain the same. Their bedrooms may differ, but their possessions will be identical. Even if their schools are different, all of their after-school activities will remain the same. It may be difficult for them to focus on the similarities, so try your best to remind them as much as possible. 

Stick to old routines 

Just because you've moved to a new location doesn't mean you should abandon your old habits. Remember that you need to keep certain pieces of your previous life constant for your children to adjust, and keeping at-home routines running is a terrific way to do so. If kids have certain after-school rituals, try to stick to them as closely as possible, even if some things change. 

Prepare everyone 

Don't be caught off guard when it comes to moving day! Starting the moving process as soon as possible will help you avoid a last-minute rush to pack and clean. It's a good idea to prepare an overnight bag for everyone for both the last night in your old home and the first night in your new one, so you don't have to unpack right away after a long day. 

Allow your children to express themselves 

Allowing your children to participate in the entire moving and packing process will provide them with a sense of stability and control over the changes in their surroundings. Ask about their thoughts on topics such as what to pack and how to decorate their new rooms! 

Contact our friendly team for useful guidance on all areas of moving home, and we will be happy to assist. 

While the private rental sector faces huge demand, landlords who listen to their renters’ needs are more likely to attract long-term, conscientious tenants desiring a secure home.**  

So, what steps should landlords take next?

Pitch the price just right 

After financial pressure brought about by COVID-19 and the cost of living crisis, it’s not surprising that 55% of tenants consider price above all else. However, many renters (35%) also prioritise bigger properties, so where is the sweet spot?  

Understanding regional dynamics can allow landlords to balance the property’s worth with affordability considerations. For example, some tourist-heavy counties have a disparity between house prices and local wages as homes are snapped up for the holiday market. Rents based purely on the property’s sale value may exclude local families in these areas. 

A lettings valuation will give you a clear baseline to adjust accordingly, depending on your circumstances and long-term financial goals – and the type of tenant you’d prefer. 

Consider allowing pets 

According to the SMF survey, 18% of tenants seek rentals that welcome animal companions. Compare this to the mere 7% of landlords who actively market their homes as pet-friendly.  

If you’re preparing a new rental property, perhaps think of ways to make it more suitable for pets, such as choosing wooden or tiled floors over carpets, or securing the garden. 

Provide value for money 

Everyone loves a good deal – including renters. Although many tenants have a tight budget, plenty will pay more for high-quality interiors and decent gardens. In fact, the latter was cited as a top priority, especially for those looking to create a long-term home.  

Choose a property near amenities 

If you’re planning to invest in a buy-to-let property, it’s worth knowing that 38% of renters wish to live near their workplace. Public transport facilities and access to shops also factor in for 37% and 36% of tenants, respectively. Therefore, it’s worth searching for opportunities that tick these boxes.  

Want to learn more? Contact us to discuss how to boost your property’s rental potential and book a lettings valuation. 

*Social Market Foundation 

**Paragon Bank 

60% of people surveyed said a garage was at the top of their wish list. Over half (51%) said a family room was important to them, 42% would be looking for a walk-in closet, and 39% consider a home office essential. 

Location also plays a major part in the decision to invest in a forever home, with 43% of respondents sharing their desire to move to a rural location, and another 23% wanting to be close to the coast. 

If you think your house could be someone else’s forever home, get in touch for an obligation-free valuation. 

*Safestyle UK

But what’s driving this situation? The leading cause appears to be a general lack of supply. From delays brought about by the pandemic to a shortage of new homes across the UK, the supply-demand ratio is proving difficult to balance.  

Low interest rates and rising inflation also mean that buyers hope to reduce their potential mortgage debt. This combination of factors has contributed to UK house prices increasing by 9.8% between March 2021 and 2022 – adding £24,000 to the average value.** 

The market is still strong as we move into the summer months – and will most likely remain so for the foreseeable future. 

Do you know how much your home is worth right now? If you’re thinking of selling, book a valuation with us today.  

*Home.co.uk. 

**UK House Price Index 

In turn, this should encourage them to make your tenancy as comfortable as possible, especially if they want to provide a secure, long-term let. Here are a few ways to set off on the right foot.  

First impressions count 

Your first meeting with your new landlord is an excellent opportunity to establish a good rapport. Even if you’re feeling anxious or have questions to ask, being polite and friendly will make discussing any issues or concerns easier for all parties.  

Keep your end of the deal 

Landlords often feel overwhelmed by the process of managing their lets.* By taking good care of your landlord’s property and paying rent on time, you’ll quickly become a valuable asset. And with less to worry about, your landlord is more likely to respond promptly and fairly if any problems arise down the line. 

Part on good terms 

Don’t leave your landlord in the lurch when it's time to move on. Giving a few months’ notice before your contract expires will be much appreciated. If you can recommend an equally reliable tenant, even better. Tying up any loose ends should also be dealt with as professionally as possible to help you secure a favourable reference if required.  

Are you excited about finding your dream rental? We may have the perfect property for you. Browse our rental properties here.

*Direct Line.  

The last few months have seen energy prices soar and household budgets squeezed. As a result, many homeowners are starting to alter their homes to cut bills and increase the energy efficiency of their properties.*  

But it’s not just the cost-of-living crisis that has prompted this trend. Recent government net-zero policies mean that properties with higher EPC ratings may be easier to rent or sell in the future. Investing now will not only help you cut bills and boost your eco-credentials, but it could raise the value of your home moving forward. 

According to the Mortgage Advice Bureau’s investigation, 16% of people plan to install windows with double or triple glazing, with energy-efficient fittings, draught-proofing, solar panels, and insulation also high on the agenda. 

Meanwhile, general painting and decorating (58%) and installing a new bathroom (26%) took first and second place on the list of priorities, reflecting how much time people may be spending at home. The front garden was an important consideration too, hinting that kerb appeal and aesthetics matter to many homeowners.  

Interestingly, around 6% of people surveyed planned to install a heat pump, with 7% thinking about an outdoor electric charging point for vehicles. With more political changes on the horizon and an uncertain energy supply resulting from the war in Ukraine, people may continue to feel the need to adapt their homes accordingly. 

If your budget is tight, small changes such as using a smart meter or swapping out inefficient bulbs can still make a difference. We can also advise you on how larger improvements may increase the value of your home.  

Contact us for a friendly chat or to book a valuation. 

*Mortgage Advice Bureau 

With more people working from home and spending more time indoors, a home office must be a calm, constructive, and comfortable place to work. 

Read on to find out how to make your office more comfortable when working from home. 

Invest in a comfortable chair 

If you're having trouble working in your home office, it's possible that your chair is the source of your discomfort. Investing in a high-quality, ergonomic chair can make a huge difference in how supported and relaxed you feel during the day. You might even become more productive as a result of it. 

Upgrade your desk 

Another reason your home office isn't feeling comfortable could be that you need to upgrade your desk space. If you have a small workstation that makes everything feel claustrophobic, it could be influencing how happy you are at work. 

Upgrade to a larger desk that better suits your needs if you have the room. Make sure you select a model that is large enough to accommodate all of your critical gear. 

Customise the Lighting 

Is your home office too dark? Or too bright? 

A good dosage of natural light is ideal for keeping you awake and productive in your home office. However, too much sunlight might make your screen glare, making it impossible to operate without squinting. 

Investing in a pair of light-filtering curtains, day and night blinds or a good lamp can help tailor the lighting in your home office to suit your needs and make you feel more comfortable. 

Maintain Consistent Temperatures 

Being too hot or cold in your home office can have a significant impact on how comfortable you are. Temperature control can be difficult, especially if your home office is in a small room that gets hot or in an open-plan area that gets cold. However, the right temperature can make a big difference in how comfortable you are. 

If you are looking for a house with optimal space for an office, we might have the property for you. Browse our available properties here.  

The last few months have seen energy prices soar and household budgets squeezed. As a result, many homeowners are starting to alter their homes to cut bills and increase the energy efficiency of their properties.*  

But it’s not just the cost-of-living crisis that has prompted this trend. Recent government net-zero policies mean that properties with higher EPC ratings may be easier to rent or sell in the future. Investing now will not only help you cut bills and boost your eco-credentials, but it could raise the value of your home moving forward. 

According to the Mortgage Advice Bureau’s investigation, 16% of people plan to install windows with double or triple glazing, with energy-efficient fittings, draught-proofing, solar panels, and insulation also high on the agenda. 

Meanwhile, general painting and decorating (58%) and installing a new bathroom (26%) took first and second place on the list of priorities, reflecting how much time people may be spending at home. The front garden was an important consideration too, hinting that kerb appeal and aesthetics matter to many homeowners.  

Interestingly, around 6% of people surveyed planned to install a heat pump, with 7% thinking about an outdoor electric charging point for vehicles. With more political changes on the horizon and an uncertain energy supply resulting from the war in Ukraine, people may continue to feel the need to adapt their homes accordingly. 

If your budget is tight, small changes such as using a smart meter or swapping out inefficient bulbs can still make a difference. We can also advise you on how larger improvements may increase the value of your home.  

Contact us for a friendly chat or to book a valuation. 

*Mortgage Advice Bureau 

The last few months have seen energy prices soar and household budgets squeezed. As a result, many homeowners are starting to alter their homes to cut bills and increase the energy efficiency of their properties.*  

But it’s not just the cost-of-living crisis that has prompted this trend. Recent government net-zero policies mean that properties with higher EPC ratings may be easier to rent or sell in the future. Investing now will not only help you cut bills and boost your eco-credentials, but it could raise the value of your home moving forward. 

According to the Mortgage Advice Bureau’s investigation, 16% of people plan to install windows with double or triple glazing, with energy-efficient fittings, draught-proofing, solar panels, and insulation also high on the agenda. 

Meanwhile, general painting and decorating (58%) and installing a new bathroom (26%) took first and second place on the list of priorities, reflecting how much time people may be spending at home. The front garden was an important consideration too, hinting that kerb appeal and aesthetics matter to many homeowners.  

Interestingly, around 6% of people surveyed planned to install a heat pump, with 7% thinking about an outdoor electric charging point for vehicles. With more political changes on the horizon and an uncertain energy supply resulting from the war in Ukraine, people may continue to feel the need to adapt their homes accordingly. 

If your budget is tight, small changes such as using a smart meter or swapping out inefficient bulbs can still make a difference. We can also advise you on how larger improvements may increase the value of your home.  

Contact us for a friendly chat or to book a valuation. 

*Mortgage Advice Bureau 

Selling your home requires a good amount of patience and persistence, and the process is never as straightforward as it might seem. On average, 34% of transactions fall through before exchange, and this is why some homes take longer to sell than expected.

If you’re thinking about ways to jumpstart the moving process, we’ve put together some top tips to help you achieve that smooth sale…

Complete your forms

At the outset of the sale, your solicitor will send over a property information form and a fitting contents form which will need to be completed and returned. These documents form part of the contract paperwork that is sent to your buyer’s solicitor, so the sooner you complete these forms, the sooner the solicitor will have a full pack of information to work through and raise any enquiries they might have.

Alterations

In the property information form, you will be asked whether you have carried out any alterations to your property. If the answer is yes, return the form with copies of the relevant planning permissions, building regulation completion certificates and electrical and gas installation certificates attached. This will narrow down the amount of enquires that need to be raised by your buyer’s solicitor – and therefore will speed up the process.

Guarantees

The property information form will also ask if there are any existing guarantees for the property. If so, make sure to give them to your solicitor with your completed forms. For example, if the property is less than 10 years old, there should be a new home warranty and if you have had damp treatment carried out on the home, there should be a damp-proofing guarantee.

Any time spent getting the necessary paperwork prior to your sale or even as soon as the property is listed will pay off immensely in time saved once the lawyers are involved.

Survey

It’s highly advisable to have a survey carried out, and if you decide to, it is your responsibility to instruct the surveyor rather than your solicitor. It’s important to note that the surveyor may not be able to visit the property immediately, so it’s better to book the survey sooner rather than later. Once your survey has been conducted, the surveyor can prepare a report which may take a few days. As soon as you have received the report, you should forward a copy to your solicitor immediately as they may have to raise further enquiries with your seller, depending on the findings.

Mortgage

If you are purchasing with the aid of a mortgage, it is essential that you provide your lender with the documents that they have requested as soon as possible. This can range from ID documents to evidence of income, and they will not be able to issue a mortgage offer until these requirements have been met. 

Money

Upon exchange you will need to hand over the agreed deposit to your solicitor, so make sure the right amount of money is readily available and in the right account as you may be asked to transfer it to your solicitor at short notice.

Completion Date 

The buyer and seller should have agreed on how soon completion will take place after the exchange. This is something to start considering early on in the transaction as the exchange cannot go forward until a completion date has been agreed upon by both parties. Let your estate agent and solicitor know of any dates that need to be ruled out and any preferences you might have for timing. This will eliminate the need to negotiate on dates in the final stages when everyone is eager to get moving.

Are you thinking of selling your home? Get started on your property journey today by arranging an up-to-date valuation.