This month's property update

What do tenants really want during the pandemic?

The latest data from Zoopla has revealed the most common search terms from tenants between July and September 2020, with the findings showing a shift in attitudes as more people look for places they consider to be 'pandemic proof'.

 

Last year saw large disruption to our daily lives following the introduction of new tier systems and multiple lockdowns, forcing people to spend more time indoors and re-evaluate their list of property non-negotiables.

 

Garden

Zoopla found that being able to have a garden was on the top of the list as the most desirable feature to have in a rental home.

 

Not only has this been popular across the lettings market, but a recent study also revealed that the price of homes with gardens has hit a four-year high.

 

Parking and a garage

In close second was enough garage space, with the main purposes being for parking over extended lockdown periods and for an additional room to convert into a home office or gym zone.

 

Balcony

Balconies were another feature that ranked highly for tenants, specifically in London, where gardens are not always an option.

 

Pet-friendly

Rental properties that are pet-friendly ranked in fifth, as the word ‘pet’ was one of the most used keywords.

 

Whilst as few as 7% of landlords advertise their homes as being suitable for household pets, this could change in the near future, as a new agreement has been introduced that prohibits landlords from automatically banning pets.

Last year saw a 20% increase in demand compared to the year before, with a variety of factors contributing to this growth.

 

If you want further information on how to make your rental property more attractive to tenants, or you'd like help finding your next rental, then please contact our team.

 

How to decorate your rented home without making permanent changes

When decorating a rented property, there are many things you must bear in mind when making any dramatic changes, including getting the landlord’s permission.

However, there are plenty of ways to add personality to the property without risking your deposit, including:

 

Layering up

Creating layers in a room is a great way to allow a home to feel lived in.

 

By simply adding soft furnishings like cushions, blankets, curtains and rugs, you could make your rental feel a lot more like home.

 

If you’re unsure where to start, find a major furnishing that catches your eye – such as a nice rug – and build from there using similar fabrics and colours.

 

Investing in indoor plants

Houseplants are a great way to brighten up a room.

 

These are often inexpensive and require minimal to no effort.

 

Even if you lack a green thumb, there are plenty of options such as using artificial plants that will require far less work to maintain!

 

Letting loose on lighting

If your rooms are lacking in natural light, opting for a well-positioned lamp can flood the area with some much needed brightness.

 

Light fixtures can be practical and stylish, with many energy-saving options available, such as LEDs to brighten your home and reduce the impact on your wallet and energy consumption.

 

With many types of lighting available, it’s important you spend some time comparing to find the right “glow” for your home.

 

Hanging artwork without the need for nails

Having a home filled with personal photos on the walls is a great way to set the right atmosphere in your rental.

 

By using damage-free picture hanging strips, which can be found in most DIY stores, you can avoid losing your deposit due to holes in the paintwork.

Making the most out of your space

Most of us wish we had more space in our house to fill with our personal belongings, so why not create it by investing in multifunctional furniture for your rooms?

 

Not only are these practical but many options are also stylish, meaning you don’t have to compromise on the aesthetics of your home.

 

From the garden to the bedroom, there are many ways to save space and open up a room to have more purpose, such as creating a home office environment.

For any advice on the services we offer for landlords and tenants, get in touch today. 

 

 

Tips to speed up your home move this year

As the stamp duty holiday reaches its deadline, a huge number of sales are being agreed.

 

This means that the time taken from having your offer accepted to being given the keys could take longer than usual.

There are some elements during a home move that are out of your hands. That said, if you're prepared and communicative, you can certainly have an influence on the overall process and reduce any additional delays.

Respond in a timely manner

This might be an obvious tip, but it’s not uncommon for buyers or sellers to take their time when responding to something simple.

 

When you receive documents to fill out, it’s important that you don’t dwell on the task for too long.

 

It can be tempting to leave paperwork to the last possible minute, but if possible, you should set aside time within a couple of days of receiving them.

 

Be flexible

Right now, there are many things that could force you to compromise and deviate from the initial plan.

 

For example, if you’re scheduled to move in the next two weeks, but the buyer would like this to be earlier, are you able to compromise?

 

It might be worth considering outlining your limitations from the beginning so everyone can plan accordingly and avoid any surprises later on.

 

Organise your questions beforehand

If you need to make an urgent call regarding your home move, write down all the questions you might need to ask before you pick up the phone.

 

This will allow you to get the answers you need in just one call, instead of having to go back multiple times as and when you think of new queries or concerns.


Ask away when choosing your solicitor

Whether you've been recommended a solicitor or you've found one for yourself, it's always a good idea to call them before making your choice, as you need to determine if they're the right fit for you and your property.

 

If you’re unsure about what you could ask, use some of the following questions:

- What should I expect from the process?

- How will I know when tasks are completed?

- How will you communicate with me?

- Are there any delays that might come up that you’re aware of?

If you’re looking to move home, browse our latest properties or speak to us today. 

 

 

How the pandemic impacted the housing market

It would be somewhat of an understatement to say that the pandemic led to confusion and uncertainty for businesses last year.

 

The property market went through a lot in 2020, with huge repercussions on the way in which people now buy, sell, let and rent.

Not only did the various stages of buying and selling change, but we saw a massive U-turn in the way that the population thought about their homes, with Santander releasing data in September on record numbers of homeowners applying for loans to increase space and renovate.

 

More buyers were searching for bigger properties, including for larger family homes and increased outdoor space.

 

Something else that changed over the last 12 months – according to Editor of Luxury Daily, Alam Khan – is the way that affluent buyers are approaching the market; not only in how it will look but where they want it to be.

Prior to the pandemic, many high-powered business owners and working professionals would choose to live in their primary residence closer to the office.

 

However, many people have found remote working easier than anticipated, with companies able to save money and likely to close their physical premises completely.

It is safe to say that – overall – the pandemic has impacted the property market for the better.

 

Are you looking to move this year to better suit your working situation or lifestyle?

 

Browse our properties or speak to our local team for a valuation of your home.  

 

Buyers have a second chance at stamp duty savings

Initially announced in 2020, the stamp duty holiday was intended to aid homeowners through the buying process during the pandemic.

 

As expected, many took this opportunity to upgrade to their dream home or purchase their next investment, as savings of up to £15,000 were up for grabs.

 

Although it was thought that activity would begin to peter out at the end of last year, given that the original completion deadline was March 31st, that wasn't the case for the first part of 2021.

 

Now, with the recent extension announcement, the nation's home movers have a second chance at seeing incredible savings, with around 613,000 properties at 'sale agreed' by mid-January and likely to be the first to benefit from this protracted period.*

 

Even with an end in sight, buyers and sellers appeared mostly unfazed and continued to buy and sell regardless of the March deadline, which may have been as a result of the increasing availability of mortgage products with 10% deposits.

 

Another possible explanation for this is that property priorities have changed in the past 12 months due to sellers needing more space and falling out of love with their current home, making their need to move more urgent.

 

By giving homeowners and investors until the end of June, it is thought that the housing market will see further spikes in buyer activity as conditions prove advantageous, with the sector already demonstrating above average trends compared to previous years.

 

During a 10-day period in January, there was a reported 12% increase in estate agency enquiries and a 9% increase on sales agreed from 2020.

 

Combined with the fact that Rightmove are seeing ever-increasing website visit numbers, which in January were 33% higher than last year, these statistics give homeowners and buyers a promising opportunity in 2021.

 

If you are looking to upgrade your home this spring, our team of professional agents are here to help.

As your trusted agent, we specialise in local knowledge and attention to detail when valuing your property. For more information on what we can do for you, contact us.



*Property Reporter