Statistics from Nationwide have shown annual house price growth has risen by 11.2%, taking the average value of a property in the UK to £255,556 after the sixth consecutive month of monthly increases. 

December 2021 to January 2022 saw an increase of 0.8% increase month on month, further demonstrating the continual price growth. 

The stamp duty holiday scheme was a major driving force behind the statistics we are currently seeing, with property demand and high mortgage approval rates also playing their part. 

With stock levels in the property market down after the rush of making the stamp duty deadline last September, this has led to buyers sparking a bidding war for properties, driving property prices in the process. 

Not only are property prices increasing, but property transactions throughout 2021 also reached the highest since 2007. 

With the current market conditions suiting those wanting to sell, and Spring often being seen as the best time to sell a property, now is the time to act. 

Value your property this March, contact us for a consultation.

Minimalism is more than just a form of decoration; it's a way of life.

What is the definition of a minimalist home? 

Minimalism usually entails employing the bare minimum of items to create a clean and uncluttered environment. 

A minimalist home is usually airy, neutral, and straightforward. 

You should commit to modifying both your environment and your thinking if you want to build a minimalist home. 

Here are four recommendations on how to construct a minimalist home to help you get on board with the minimalist trend and start living a simpler life. 

1. Clear out the clutter 

Minimalism is based on the principle that less is more. One of the most important ideas is to have fewer possessions and less clutter. 

However, minimalism is more than just getting rid of items. It's all about having objects in your home that serve a purpose, whether that purpose is emotional, visually pleasing, or practical. 

2. Use wall colours that are bright and neutral 

A minimalist home makes the most of available space. 

Paint the walls in light, neutral tones to make your home appear bright and large. This can give your property a more natural, relaxing appearance. 

3. Opt for bold furniture. 

Be daring if you want to design a minimalist home. 

Choose furniture that is large and solid in colour, such as orange, brown, green, or navy. 

If you don't want to spend a lot of money on new furniture, consider repurposing what you currently have. You may repaint old furniture or upcycle things at a low cost. 

Stick to having a few larger pieces around your home – such as artwork or mirrors – rather than a bunch of little decorations to keep your home clutter-free. 

4. Buy with intention 

Everything in your home, both now and in the future, should serve a function. Buying with intention is the key to keeping your home modest. 

Consider the following factors before making a purchase: 

Is it a good match for your current decor? 

Will it be able to find a home? 

Is it made of the same or similar materials as the rest of your home's furnishings? 

What will be the function of this item? Is it functional, aesthetic, or emotional? 

Make it a rule not to buy anything unless you know the answers to these questions. 

Are you considering going minimalist before selling your home? 

When it comes to house staging for a sale, going for a minimalist design is one of the finest choices you can make. 

There are fewer distractions when you have less stuff. Buyers are more likely to see themselves living in your home when there are fewer distractions. 

Our professionals are here to assist you in selling your home as quickly as possible. 

Speak to us today to schedule a consultation with one of our professionals. 

Of course, you want to attract and select the best tenants - people who will take care of the property, pay the rent, and leave you with little to do. 

But where do you look for suitable tenants? 

Is there anything you could do to make the tenancy as painless as possible, allowing you to get on with your life? 

1. Delegate viewings to your agent. 

Use your lettings agency to handle viewings unless you have prior experience. 

In our situation, we have a lot of experience in the industry and will have a gut sense about the people who walk through the door. 

This, together with your brief, ensures that we are always prepared to 'vet' potential tenants. 

Have faith in your agent. If they're anything like us, they'll be aware of the type of tenant you're looking for and will make sure that any viewing requests are in line with your requirements. 

2. Work as a property matchmaker 

If you're searching for someone to live in your home who is as nice and tidy as you are, it's a good idea to have it photographed in that state, even if it's minimalist. 

You'll be more likely to find the ideal tenant who wants to live that way, and they'll be aware of the expectations you establish from the outset. 

When the images are taken, make sure your rooms are decorated or arranged suitably. 

3. Compile a shortlist 

It's easier to weed out undesirable tenants if you and your lettings agency ask a list of questions you've already prepared. 

Whether you're asking or we're asking, the responses will assist you in making a decision. 

Consider the responses you'll need to hear and tailor your inquiries accordingly. 

4. Conduct thorough background checks. 

Viewings have been completed, and you've identified some potential tenants. Bingo. But hold on a second. Now is the moment to complete those crucial checks. 

Even if you're letting to a friend, it's critical to do this part correctly. 

This is where we can help you the most. 

We'll do all of the legwork for you and recommend the people we think are the best fit for your property. 

Please contact us if you require assistance in leasing your property. 

We'll gladly assist you in marketing your property, finding a tenant, and completing any necessary inspections. 

If you're thinking about becoming a landlord, there’s a lot of things to think about and understand before you buy a property. 

The process of purchasing a buy-to-let home differs from purchasing a residential property for yourself, so it's important to know what to expect. 

Because our staff specialise in buy-to-let guidance, we've created a simple guide to buying a buy-to-let property. 

What is a buy-to-let? 

First and foremost, the fundamentals: A buy-to-let property is one that has been purchased with the idea of renting it out. 

A buy-to-let mortgage is different from a residential mortgage, and you'll need to apply for one if you can't afford to buy the house outright. 

When applying for a regular mortgage, your income is considered, however when applying for a buy-to-let loan, the lender considers the anticipated rental income as your major source of income, while your personal income is considered secondary. 

What type of property should you buy? 

The location of the property in relation to facilities and transportation, as well as the neighbourhood and demand in the area, are all key considerations. 

Just like you would when looking for a home, you should conduct thorough research into the area where you want your buy-to-let property to be placed. 

Consider the type of tenant you want to attract and include that into your research. 

Finding a property in the suburbs near decent schools is your best choice if you're wanting to rent to families. 

A home near a university, as well as good yet inexpensive restaurants and nightlife, is essential if you want to rent to students. 

Is it necessary to use a letting agent? 

This answer is contingent on your financial situation and the level of engagement you want in your buy-to-let property. 

You may not want to go via a letting agent or agency if you want to be a very hands-on landlord, but if you want to be more hands-off, it is a good idea to seek the services of a professional, experienced lettings firm. 

Credit checks on possible tenants, drafting a lease contract, chasing late rental payments for you, assisting with any on-site maintenance, and assisting with obligatory gas and energy safety and efficiency assessments are all services provided by letting agents like us. 

In general, if you're a budding landlord, using our lettings services will relieve you of a significant amount of stress! 

Contact our team of experts for specialist guidance on buying a buy-to-let property. 

Renovations and improvements to your house might increase its worth even if it's already on the rise due to the local economy. 

Even though the area's housing values are naturally rising, repairing and enhancing your home will increase its value. 

Our top five ideas can help you improve your home's looks and financial value when you sell it. 

1. Ensure that your home is in good working order. 

Deep cleaning your home on a regular basis is important, as is keeping an eye out for mould and dampness and addressing problems as they occur. 

Doing this means your home will be well-maintained and the cost of maintenance will be spread out over time. 

Once the time comes to put your property on the market, you won't have to worry about negotiating a price that's too low or risking it being unsellable because of a minor fault. 

2. Create and maintain front and back gardens 

Nearly one-fifth of homebuyers desire front and rear gardens as part of their purchase criteria. 

Bonus: You'll get to work out in nature and build a gorgeous home! You'll also get to kick back and enjoy the scenery! 

Tip: Nowadays, many individuals are looking for ways to live more sustainably. 

A fantastic place to start is with lush gardens, which provide a welcome respite from the stifling heat of the city. 

You may even think about setting up a kitchen garden, with a wall of herbs as an example, this can really assist with the marketing of your property because it's so easy to keep up. 

3. Enhance your property's personality 

Consider bringing back some of your character's best traits! 

Replace the flooring with hardwood, add mouldings and beams, or perhaps a fireplace or log burner if you prefer something a little more unique. 

These unique characteristics enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property and may even serve as a selling point in the future. 

For at least the sake of attracting buyers, these amenities will help your house stand out from the competition and help you sell it quickly. 

4. Increase the energy efficiency of your house. 

Improving your home's energy efficiency is essential if you want to increase the sale price and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. 

Insulating your home and altering the main doors so that they are properly sealed is part of this process. If your windows are not double glazed, or if they are very old, as double glazing loses its efficiency with time, you will need to replace them. 

It's also possible that a new heating system is in order. 

The use of central heating is a common choice, but there are numerous more efficient ways to heat your home. 

You can save money on your utility bills and increase the value of your property if you make these renovations as soon as possible. 

5. A bedroom can be added at this point. 

There is no doubt that adding a bedroom to your home will raise its value. 

Because a two-bedroom home will never be as valuable as a three-bedroom home, it's a good idea to convert your loft if you have one that's large enough to do so. Add an ensuite for even greater effects! 

Add a home office or a playroom instead of a new bedroom, and you'll save a lot of money in the long run. 

To make the most of the extra space in your home, consider building a back extension. Both of these choices will appeal to working professionals and parents as remote working becomes more commonplace. 

Contact our experts for experienced guidance on enhancing your home's worth.