With 36% of all households in the UK renting*, the rental market is a vital part of the economy and vital for the population to thrive. When landlords provide great properties for tenants to live in, it creates a mutually beneficial and stable landlord-tenant relationship, but that is not all.

A happy tenant
Good landlords who maintain their property to the highest standards, whether with the help of a letting agent or not, are much more likely to have satisfied tenants. This means tenants will renew their tenancy agreements and feel secure in their homes. The landlord has an uninterrupted source of income.

Building a good reputation
A good landlord will gain a good reputation, and this means the potential to make more profit as tenants will be more attracted to your property portfolio.

Higher property value
Well-looked-after properties hold and gain value more rapidly than properties of a lower standard, which leads to greater opportunities to expand your portfolio as a landlord.

Lower vacancy rates
There's a significant demand for rental properties, and the demand for high-quality rental homes is even greater

Good properties always find good tenants; this means that, as a landlord, your property will not sit unoccupied.

Lower maintenance costs
Properties that are well cared for will cost less to maintain because any issues will most likely be prevented. A fully managed letting service can take care of your property, so whether you are a tenant or a landlord, you don’t have to worry.

Greater compliance
From gas safety certificates to tenancy agreements, a well-maintained property let through a good letting agent will take care of all of this for you. And with the Renters Reform Bill on its way, landlords and tenants need to be compliant to make the most of their rights.

More financial options
Great properties lead to great returns on investment, which means banks will back you when it's time to expand your property portfolio. Stability is the key to securing your investment.

A positive effect on the market and wider community
Good properties that are maintained well and have good tenants placed within them are good for the local community and the wider economy.

A fully managed letting service
This is one of the best ways to make sure your property is up to scratch in every possible aspect. From tenancy agreements to property maintenance, a fully managed letting service will give you more time for your life.

It can be time-consuming, from finding tenants to seeking references to sorting a blocked drain. But if you do enjoy being hands-on, you can choose the level of managed service you want. And if you are a tenant and you rent through a letting agent, then you know the entire process will be easier. If you have any maintenance issues, help is just a phone call away.

Contact us today for all your property needs, whether you are a tenant or a landlord

 

English Housing Survey*

 

Building your work-from-home space in your garden is the dream of many homeowners. There are so many options and materials to choose from, and having it located on your home’s property is close enough for convenience but with enough space from the distractions of home life.

Pick the right spot
Find the best location in your garden that receives good natural light but isn't too exposed to harsh elements like wind or rain. Consider the position of the sun throughout the day to avoid glare on your computer screen. You might want to add an area where you can work outside in the summer.

Silence is golden
Try to create your garden office away from noisy distractions; on the other hand, you may want to be able to keep an eye on what the children are up to when playing in the garden. This separation will help you maintain focus and productivity while working. Soundproofing the space can be beneficial, especially if you live in a noisy neighbourhood.

You need a strong structure
Depending on your budget and needs, you can opt for a pre-built garden office, a custom-designed shed, or even a renovated summerhouse. Ensure it's well insulated for year-round use, and think about issues such as condensation. Hiring a local builder to create the perfect garden office space may be the best option.

Electricity and internet connection
Make sure you have access to electricity to power your devices. Hiring an electrician to install proper wiring is essential for safety and convenience. You don't want to spend hours and thousands on your perfect garden workspace only to find your internet coverage is patchy. Consider using a Wi-Fi extender or a wired connection if your main router is too far away.

Create the right setup
Choose a good desk, chair, and computer that support you. If you create the perfect setup, you will work more efficiently and enjoy each day. Your body will thank you for it, and it will keep you feeling less fatigued.

Make your space your own
Decorate the interior with plants, art, or other personal touches that inspire and motivate you. Make it a space you enjoy spending time in. Think about storage. Keep your workspace organised by incorporating storage options like shelves, drawers, or cabinets for your documents and supplies.

The right temperature
Consider heating for the cold winter months, maybe adding a wood burner or electric fire, and a cooling solution for when those long, hot summer days kick in. Install curtains or blinds to ensure privacy during work hours; these will also insulate you from the elements.

Add a bit of nature
From nice views of the rest of your garden to maybe an eggshell chair for relaxing in. There is so much you can add to your space to make it a place that feels pleasant to work in. From strategically placed trees, plants to flowers with your favourite scents. All of this will add to your sense of well-being while you work.

Will all of this add value to your home?
Adding a garden office space could add up to 5–10% to the value of your home.* Good work-for-home spaces are high up the rankings of what people now want from a home, and a purpose-built garden office space could be considered even more desirable.

Contact us to find your ideal home

 

Gardenofficebuidings*

 

Buyer demand in July was 3% higher than in 2019, but the number of available properties for sale was 12% lower than the same period in 2019.* This means that your home is in demand. While there is a healthier choice of properties than in recent years, demand still exceeds supply.

The housing crisis
There is a backlog of 4.3 million homes that are missing from the national housing market because they were never built.** With so much talk of high interest rates and the cost of living, it’s easy to forget that the housing crisis has not gone away.

Some good news about inflation
Inflation is finally falling, as it dropped to 7.9% in the year to June.*** This is the lowest level for over a year and will impact the base rate, meaning lower mortgage interest rates should follow. As this happens, the property market will revitalise, but without the sudden upsurges of the past.

First-time buyer homes
The national average asking price for these types of homes decreased by -0.4% from June to July, with an annual change of +0.3%.* The demand for first-time buyer-type properties is high, with many people still managing to get a footing on the ladder despite all the challenges. The mortgage guarantee scheme, which ends in December, has helped, as has a competitive range of mortgages from high-street lenders.

Second-steppers homes
The national average asking price for these types of homes decreased by -0.5% from June to July, with an annual change of +0.6%.* With many home movers getting a good price for their first-time buyer-type homes, they are taking advantage of good levels of equity and moving to something bigger. Whether it’s a house in the suburbs or a townhouse, the figures show that these types of houses have increased in value over the past year.

Homes at the top of the ladder
The national average asking price for these types of homes decreased by -0.1% from June to July, with an annual change of +0.8%.* Homes at this end of the market had not been quite as buoyant in terms of sales as those in the first-time buyer market. However, overall, as with all house types, the value of these types of properties looks healthy on an annual basis.

Spend some time with your agent
It’s easy to listen to the news or look at average house prices and arrive at the wrong conclusion. Agents know your local market intimately. Better still, they have the right approach when it comes to pricing your home at the correct level. Properties that need a reduction in asking price are 10% less likely to find a buyer compared to a property that was priced correctly in the first place.* Your situation will differ from that of the next person. You may have high levels of equity in your home, but even if you don't, agents today can put you in touch with mortgage providers and advisors who will create a solution that is right for you.

Get in touch today for advice on all aspects of your move

Rightmove*
centreforcities**
Office for National Statistics***

 

There is nothing better than good news, and while the UK property market is resilient with plenty of buyer demand and many home movers getting on with finding their dream homes. There is much to feel positive about thanks to lowering inflation and falling mortgage interest rates.

Falling mortgage interest rates
Mortgage interest rates are finally falling as the rate of inflation slowed to 7.9% in the 12 months to June.* This means that two and five-year fixed-interest rate deals have been reduced. According to Moneyfacts, the average two-year fixed interest rate deal fell from 6.81% to 6.79% in July.** While this is not a significant reduction, it is a good sign of things to come. With inflation now at its lowest level for more than a year. Many analysts now expect the Bank of England not to raise the base rate by quite as much due to slowing inflation.

Cost of living support
More good news is that lenders are now offering you the chance to extend the term of your mortgage or pay interest only for up to six months. This gives you a breather and will reduce your monthly outgoings. This was instigated by the government and aims to help people who are feeling the pinch of high interest rates.

First-time buyers
The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme was extended until the end of December 2023. The government-backed scheme has helped over 24,000 households get on the property ladder.*** Its aim is to help people with a 5% deposit, and it was launched in April 2021.

Aimed at first-time buyers, it’s similar to the government’s Help to Buy scheme, which ended earlier this year. So, you still have time to take advantage of it.

Increase the term of your mortgage
With mortgage providers now offering longer-term mortgage deals, in some cases up to 35-year terms, you can get on the move now as your mortgage will be more affordable. This could also be a short-term solution to buying the home you want now, as there is nothing to stop you from getting a new deal in a few years.

Have you considered porting your mortgage?
If you are currently locked into a favourable fixed interest rate deal but really want to move home, then porting your mortgage is the perfect solution. Some lenders will allow you to keep your existing mortgage to buy your new property. So, you can move home without changing your mortgage.

Talk to an expert
Your agent will put you in touch with a mortgage advisor who will be able to find a solution that works best for you. In June 2023, there were 5,000 mortgage products available on the market.****

Whether you are a first-time buyer, have a lot of equity in your home, or are downsizing and want to invest in a second property, there are many ways to go about financing a home you can cherish.

Get in touch with our dedicated team today to discuss your property aspirations

 

BBC*
Moneyfacts**
GOV.UK***
Zoopla****