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There are some amazing properties to rent in the UK today. Whether you are a successful business owner, a student, or a young professional, there is no end to the possibilities when it comes to property. Renting offers the freedom from mortgage responsibilities and being tied down, making it a great way to experience everything from flats in the city and suburban homes ideal for raising a family to country retreats.

The necessary steps to take

• Think about how much you can afford
  Do the math and consider not only monthly rent but also additional costs like utility bills, council tax, and energy bills.
  

• Property search
  This is a legally binding document outlining the terms and conditions of your tenancy. Read it carefully before signing and ask for clarification if needed. The agreement will include details like the rent amount, duration, notice period, and responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord.

• Book property viewings
  Going on viewings is exciting. Your agent will guide you through all you need to know while showing you properties in your desired location that best suit your needs.

• Tenancy agreement
  This is a legally binding document outlining the terms and conditions of your tenancy. Read it carefully before signing and ask for clarification if needed. The agreement will include details like the rent amount, duration, notice period, and responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord.

• Deposit
  Your deposit is held in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme to ensure fair handling and will be paid before you move in; typically, it’s about one month's rent.

• Bills
  These may be included; if not, get in touch with utility companies when you move to ensure a smooth transition. Remember, if you pay for your utilities, you can change suppliers. Check when your council tax payments and rent are due and set up a direct debit.

Top tips for renting

• Take care of your home
  your new home in good order. Clean it, avoid causing damage, and follow any rules outlined in the tenancy agreement. Talk to your agent or landlord about decorating, find out what’s permitted, and enjoy where you live.
  
  
• Report any issues
  Resolving a problem before it becomes expensive is important. If your property is managed by an agent, all you have to do is call, and their maintenance team will sort it out swiftly.
  
  
• Get insured
  It’s always a good idea to get insured in case your belongings get damaged or stolen. Your agent will be able to recommend a good insurance broker. Another advantage of renting is you do not have to insure your home.
  
  
• Plan for the future
  Your landlord could be more than happy if you decide to renew your tenancy. This can provide stability and save you from the hassle of searching for a new property.
  
  
• Find a great agent
  Using a letting agent to find your property has many advantages. If the property is managed by them, they will always be just a phone call away. If you have a maintenance issue or want to look for a new property, the process is easy. Moving into your new home is exciting, and it’s comforting to have an expert to take care of everything for you, from your deposit, references, and any queries about your agreement to finding your ideal property in the first place.
  
  

Looking for a great property to rent?

 

Modernising an older home requires a delicate balance between preserving its history and introducing contemporary elements. Your property's character will determine which original features to embrace or replace. You can make subtle, budget-friendly changes or invest in more extensive renovations.

Celebrate your home's original features
From your fireplace to the staircase, take a step back to take in the features you love and want to keep, then work in harmony with them.

Think about the original materials
The same applies to the woodwork, natural stone, or brickwork of your home. These qualities can inspire your approach to modernising your home.

Knock down some walls
Older homes often have floorplans composed of smaller rooms. Creating an open or 'broken-plan' layout can pay homage to the past while infusing a sense of modernity..

Remove old wallpaper
While some trends stand the test of time, others may need to go. For example, partly wallpapered walls. If an older fully wallpapered wall needs updating, it's time to remove it.

Add some smart technology
Subtle and discreet smart lighting systems, thermostats, and security cameras complemented with voice-activated systems will modernise your home without ruining its aesthetics.

Improve your home’s hardware
USB plugs, new power sockets, and light switches can provide cost-effective ways to modernise your home, making it more technology-friendly.

Add some modern art
Modern art in the form of photography, paintings, or sculpture can provide a timeless modern touch to any room, seamlessly blending classic features with a contemporary interior.

Install a new bathroom or kitchen
Marble, granite, wood, tiles, or vinyl? There is much to think about when creating these pivotal rooms in your home. Combining energy-efficient appliances with granite or quartz worktops can offer a modern and timeless appeal.

Be creative with your furniture
Paying homage to your home's history can be achieved using weathered furniture or collectable pieces. Rustic furniture that is set in a modern, brightly painted, spacious room can nod to your home's older features.

Restore your original flooring
Peek under the carpet or lift your worn laminate and you might find an original, real wood floor. Have you considered sanding it down and treating it?

Create space
Reducing clutter can create the illusion of larger rooms. When choosing lighting, you have a wide range of options to blend modern fixtures with older designs or even antique shades.

Create a connection with the outdoors
Remove barriers between your home's interior and the outdoors to blend your living areas. Think about creating an outdoor space that can be used even when it’s raining; add a few gadgets and timeless details such as candles.

Add some glass
Whether it's bifold doors, glass door walls, glass walls, skylights, glass roofs, or innovative indoor windows, adding more natural light can breathe fresh air into your space and create a sense of spaciousness.

Added value
Feeling inspired? Modernising your older home will most certainly add to its value. How Your approach is your choice, but seeking inspiration, like viewing properties, can spark ideas for improvement.

Contact us today for an accurate appraisal of how close you really are to living in the home you deserve

 

 
Furnishing your property can be expensive. And with so many increasing costs to face, you want to transform your property into a home with as much impact as possible for the least amount of money. If you enjoy creating great interiors, it's important not to get carried away.. If you find it confusing when choosing furniture for your property, don't be intimidated; it can be fun.

Get creative
From restoring furniture to building it yourself from scratch, there is no end to the things you can do to create your own furniture. Reupholstering dining room chairs and repainting tables can really add to the quality of your property. It may even be less time-consuming than waiting for a new table to be manufactured and delivered, so there's no reason not to. And while it may take more effort, restoring your own furniture is rewarding and kinder to the environment.

Be resourceful
Facebook is full of great furniture available for free or at a very affordable price. Charity shops, antique stores or Gumtree will have what you are looking for. You could make some great finds and add real character to your property. Weathered and rustic furniture is on trend, and in modern settings, it works wonderfully to add a sense of quality and personality that’s universal in its appeal.

Finer details
The impact that finer details can create is uncanny. The cracked tile that drags down a nice bathroom. Decent towel racks or some shelving in the kitchen, bathroom, or bedrooms create the opportunity to add more personality with flowers, pictures, candles, or collectables. Updated, energy-efficient appliances can breathe new life into a kitchen and make it more appealing to tenants.

Consider finance options
If you insist on buying new, timing can be key to getting a good bargain. January sales or end-of-line special offers can save thousands. There is also the option of 0% financing, so whether you are letting or renting your property, you can pay for your furniture over time, alleviating larger financial burdens.

Plants and pictures
Plants add so much vibrancy to any property, but if you are letting a property, you can't exactly fill it with high-maintenance plants. Opt for a few dried flowers and plants here and there that do not need much TLC can add a homely touch. The same goes for prints or pictures. Your tenant will have their own tastes, but you could get the ball rolling with something small.

Lighting and mirrors
Mirrors and good lighting will instantly make your property more appealing because it will look bigger and feel more modern. LED lighting will keep tenants happy by being more energy-efficient and will keep your tenants happy. Mirrors are not expensive and can magically transform a small room into a large room.

In summary
The first rule to remember is that there are no rules. Furnish your property using a blend of methods, from sourcing online, restoring to buying new. Do it your own way; use your contacts and creativity to make your property as appealing as possible.

Considering growing your buy-to-let property portfolio?