Spruce up the garden 

It can be difficult to maintain your garden during the winter months, but there are no excuses once spring and summer arrive. 

Simply mowing the lawn and tidying up the trees will make your garden feel much more spacious and ready for that first BBQ.  

For those warm summer evenings, consider getting some solar lights or fairy lights to give your garden a cosy feel. You can also purchase some blankets and pillows to make your garden furniture look exceptionally cosy! 

Give your home a fresh coat of paint 

A fresh coat of paint could be just what is needed if the walls in your home are looking a bit tired. 

Adding a pop of colour is the perfect way to create a summery feel. Otherwise, neutral colours such as magnolia and light grey will make your rooms look bigger and brighter. 

Adding to the exterior 

Adding decking or an outdoor sitting area can give your property an inviting feel for garden gatherings. Creating zones in your garden can also give the illusion of extra room and create pleasant dividers between spaces. 

If you are looking for more advice on how to get your home in shape for summer, contact our team today. 

As competition in the property market remains high, you may feel slightly more stressed than usual when it comes to buying your next home. However, do not be alarmed! We have four tips to help you ease the stress of your next home move. 

No matter what the question is, ask it 

As we have said, buying a home is a huge commitment, so you want to be sure you are happy with all the details, no matter how small they seem. If you happen to find something confusing or alarming, speak to your estate agent about the matter. They will be able to advise you or offer direction on who to contact about your query. 

Discuss additional costs that could be incurred 

A mortgage deposit might not be the only upfront cost you need to save for. Throughout the buying process, you may encounter fees for surveys, stamp duty (depending on your buying position), and solicitors. So, it is a wise idea to set aside a “buffer fund” to cover these costs as they arise throughout the process. By preparing your finances, you can be comfortable knowing you are ready for anything. 

Take a break 

House hunting can be a time-consuming and possibly emotionally draining experience. If the process begins to feel overwhelming, we advise you to take your foot off the gas and have a break for a few days. When you come back to your search, you will be refreshed and recharged, with a fresh set of eyes! 

Trust your agent 

Make the most of your estate agent’s services by letting them know about your requirements. This means that even when you are not actively hunting, you are not missing out on any ideal homes that may come on the market. 

Are you in the process of searching for your next home? Our expert team of professional agents are here to help you every step of the way. Get in touch today. 

 

Buying off-plan means buying a house or flat before it has been built. With early-bird discounts, it can be an easy way to save a bit of money and, as house prices continue to climb, by the time you move in, it may be worth more than you paid. 

After thousands of home buyers have endured high levels of financial uncertainty over the past two years, it is easy to see the appeal of paying a fixed price when buying off-plan. Many buyers will also be eligible for the First Homes Scheme and/or a Help to Buy equity loan.  

With a shortage of properties coming to the market, committing to a new-build off-plan can be a good way to secure the home you want. It can also enable you to snap up a new development’s best plot and, potentially, enjoy the luxury of choosing your preferred colour schemes, fixtures, and fittings.  

Buying off-plan comes with a formal agreement, meaning the risk of a purchase falling through is very low. It is also much less likely to be affected by a chain and may offer the opportunity to part-exchange your existing home, eliminating the need to put your own house on the market.  

Are you thinking of buying in 2022? Get in touch to discuss the benefits of buying off-plan. 

Since 2014, anyone letting a property in the UK has been obliged to complete a Right to Rent check every time they take on a new tenant. As part of the changes to Right to Rent checks, landlords in England are no longer allowed to accept physical biometric residence cards and permits, nor Frontier Worker permits. All holders of these cards and permits in England will have to verify their identity using an online service operated by the Home Office. 

There are legal implications for anyone who does not follow the new laws. It is illegal for landlords to only check people that they think are not British citizens; the government states that potential tenants should not be discriminated against based on speculation about where they are from. 

For now, this change is limited to tenancies in England. For the rest of the UK and Northern Ireland, the Home Office will require tenants to register with a certified identity service provider (IDSP), which will use identity document validation technology (IDVT) to share checks with agents and landlords. 

If you are a tenant or landlord looking for answers, get in touch and we will help wherever we can. 

Avoid unflattering photos 

With many potential buyers looking for homes online, it is incredibly important to make sure your house looks its best when the photographer arrives.  

Ensure all clutter is packed away and all spaces have been thoroughly cleaned to ensure that viewers can focus on the house. 

You will want to showcase your property’s best attributes to make it stand out from the crowd. Make good use of natural light to create the best possible first impression. 

Problems inside your home 

If there are any problems with the property, they will be uncovered during the inspection process. Therefore, you are left with two options: 

• Fix the problem ahead of time. This will allow you to acquire your property’s full value. 
• Price your home accordingly, taking the problem into account. 

We would always recommend discussing any known issues with your appointed estate agent. This way, you can ensure that you are making the right decision! 

Not thoroughly preparing for viewings

Failing to prepare your property for viewings could put buyers off purchasing your home. You want the viewer to imagine themselves living in the house. This means tidying up before viewings, eliminating unpleasant odours, and keeping a neutral tone in your house.  

Of course, one of the most important steps is picking the right estate agent. If you have any questions when preparing your home for sale, do not hesitate to contact us. 

*Investopedia 

Minimalism 

Having a minimalist room does not have to include stripping your bedroom down to the essentials. Simply decluttering the space can create a more calming and streamlined environment, helping you switch off after a stressful day. Good storage units can help with this; nightstands, storage benches, and baskets are all smart options to help clear the space. 

Calming colours 

A lick of paint can go a long way towards aiding your sleep quality. Soft blues are a popular choice to enhance sleep and relaxation, while sage green is seen as a calming colour. Darker shades of blue or berry create a moody, luxurious, cocooning feel. 

Bedroom plants 

Houseplants have been proven to alleviate stress and anxiety, enhance indoor air quality, and aid in a good night's sleep. They are also an excellent way to add rich foliage to your bedroom décor and wider living space. *

Are you dreaming of a new home? We can help you find your next house. Contact us to begin your property journey. 

*House Beautiful