We look at the pros and cons of downsizing to a smaller home, or to a different type of home such as sheltered accommodation or a retirement village. What is downsizing? Put simply, downsizing is the process of moving into a smaller property. You might be considering taking this step for a variety of reasons […]
Category Archives: Ideas & Advice
13
Jan
Jan
Create an organised and streamlined home. Clear out the kitchen cupboards Re-stock all your staples – flour, sugar, condiments and tinned goods – but as you do, clear out all the items you know you aren’t going to use until next Christmas. The New Year is not the time to be hoarding half-opened jars of cranberry […]
Ideas & Advice, Property News, Property Sales
It’s a property market ‘shake out’ not a property market crash
16
Dec
Dec
Sellers are beginning to offer bigger discounts to buyers to get their sales agreed, but we’re not seeing the need for a big double digit reset in UK house prices. Key takeaways Buyer demand falls to pre-Christmas levels earlier than normal The average seller is accepting offers at 3% below the asking price lately to […]
09
Nov
Nov
The spiralling cost of living, rising interest rates, and low levels of available housing stock are creating some of the most challenging market conditions on record for those looking to buy a property. Searches for ‘can I afford to buy a new house?’ have seen a 400% rise in the past 12 months and highlight […]
12
Oct
Oct
Thinking about getting solar panels? They can be a great way to save on energy bills but there’s a lot to weigh up. Take a look at this guide to solar panels and whether they’re worth the cost. Solar panels are a popular way to create clean energy, reduce use of fossil fuels and cut […]
08
Sep
Sep
From going down the second hand route to energy efficiency grants, there are ways to cut costs as prices of materials soar Place your focus on the small jobs The cost of materials for big home improvements such as loft conversions and extensions is soaring. Prices change all the time but Office for National Statistics […]
08
Sep
Sep
Rightmove’s Green Homes Report confirms what many in the industry already suspected about the appeal of energy-efficient housing for both homeowners and investors. There’s a distinct positive correlation between new-build homes and their energy efficiency ratings. Now, Rightmove has drawn a link between energy performance certificate ratings (EPCs) and both the price of and demand for the […]
03
Aug
Aug
The housing market heatwave across Great Britain continues this month, as temperatures soar up and down the country. Asking prices have hit a record-high for the sixth month in a row, rising by 0.4% (+£1,354) to £369,968. In London, the average is now £692,828. Property expert Tim Bannister says that although the market remains hot, […]
03
Aug
Aug
Staging your home can attract buyers, speed up your sale and even get you a higher price. Here are 16 DIY home staging tips to help your home look its best. Key takeaways Staging your home is a way of styling it to appeal to more buyers and encourage a higher sale price Home staging […]
14
Jun
Jun
What is a good EPC rating and how can it affect your mortgage? Here’s everything you need to know. With sustainability playing an increasingly important role in the housing sector, there has been more discussion around whether EPC ratings affect mortgages. An EPC rating measures the energy efficiency of a property and when you are buying or […]