January is a time of clarity, after shaking off the tinsel and pine needles, it’s the time to return to everyday life with intentions of improving it – which is why plans for moving often come into fruition at this time of year.

If you have some reservations about putting your house on the market so soon after Christmas, here are some reasons not to worry and why in fact, January could be the perfect time to sell…

New Year, new home

Buyers on the market at this time of year have a completely different mindset than usual. January can feel like a page turned for many people, with plans for a new life right in the margins. You’re less likely to run into time wasters and tyre kickers in the New Year. People looking for a home at this time are serious about their plans, and if your home happens to match their criteria; you’re in luck.

Boast your home’s best features

Smart buyers will look for a home in the winter. Not only to avoid the summer frenzy, but also because cold weather is far more revealing, and homes can potentially look their worst in the winter. However, this is a great window of opportunity for sellers. Your agent will be able to showcase the comforts of your home with staging so that your bright, warm and welcoming house contrasts against the dark and cold. A cosy refuge from the cold that holds up nicely in the Winter is bound to look even better when the weather cheers up, and this prospect is certain to draw in buyers. 

On the move

In the wake of the holiday season, January is known for being the busiest time of year when it comes to employee redistribution and staff changes. With many people working from home, a change of job may be the push needed for a change of working environment; instead of moving offices, people will be moving to new homes with better office space. 

Now is also the perfect time for first-time-buyers to take their first step onto the property ladder. After spending Christmas indoors with family or in a small apartment, a change in environment could be just the thing they need. 

Less competition

The winter months are a great time to put your house up for sale, particularly in January when the seasonal lull is still wearing off and fewer properties are on the market. You won’t need to fight for buyers’ attention, and the imbalance of supply and demand could be great news for sellers, as buyers know their options are fewer. It’s also easier to make your home stand out from a (smaller) crowd of homes on the market, and if yours has something special to offer, it won’t stay on the market for very long. 

The green element

EPC ratings are becoming increasingly important, and the cold weather will allow you to show off your home’s energy efficiency. Buyers are becoming more conscious about energy bills and individual environmental impact at the moment, and a cosy property with an impressive EPC rating has never been more attractive to buyers than right now. 

Ready to get your home on the market? Speak to our team of experts today to get started.

Now that the property market is stabilising and weathering the stormy waters of last year, we peek at some predictions and influences, you can use, to gain more success as the 2023 property market gathers momentum.

Legislation

In 2022, legislation required all new homes to produce 30% less carbon. With the cost of energy remaining a challenge, more energy-efficient homes with efficient appliances, better insulation and building materials mean new builds are raising the standards for all homeowners. As a result, home movers and developers are dialling into the importance of meeting these greater energy efficiency expectations!

Green mortgages

Some banks are now offering better interest rate deals for more energy-efficient homes. Reducing the cost of your energy bills could lead to a cheaper mortgage. Combine this with adding value to your property and in some instances, cash-back offers for greener homes from banks, going green is a no-brainer.

Embrace technology

Making your property as compatible as possible with the tech age we live in is now becoming not just desirable but essential. USB sockets, automatic and efficient lighting, superfast broadband, modern appliances and homes which offer an efficient and effective space to work from home are trends showing no sign of waning.

Don’t wait and see!

With all the tumultuousness of last year, it’s easy to sit on the fence. With interest rates stabilising, the long-term view looks good. While it’s tempting to delay and procrastinate, this influences the housing market in a way that slows it down. So, keep the market moving by moving!

Slow but steady

It’s no secret that the property market has slowed down, but with slowness comes stability. Many analysts suggest that the property market is now where it should be. Interest rates had been super low and perhaps prices increased too quickly. With less volatility, planning is easier. It may take a little longer to make your move, but it will most certainly happen.

Building blocks

With the shortage of building materials and labour, property development is generally moving at a slower pace. Whether a new build or refurbishment, it will take a little longer. If this slows down supply as prices fall a little, it’s not a bad thing. And with so many decisions to be made when undertaking a property development project, whether it’s a few rooms or an entire housing estate - Is it really such a bad thing to take a bit more time over such impactful choices? Not to mention this all helps stabilise the market.

The good news

The outlook is very positive in so many ways for 2023. Demand for rental properties will remain extremely high. Buyers and sellers are still keen and mortgage deals for first-time buyers are still good with many lenders offering 5% deposit deals until the end of this year. With things happening at a less frantic pace, the quality of building, buying, selling and living will improve, maybe things are on the up!

Looking for a new home which combines beauty and efficiency seamlessly? Browse our properties.

Getting a mortgage can be stressful and worrying. It’s not a complicated process, however, something as simple as not remembering to register to vote can bring the entire process to a halt. You could be left wondering why you were refused a mortgage when you seem to be such a safe bet for your bank! 

It starts with the right mortgage provider 

Each mortgage provider differs slightly in how they make lending decisions, but all will consider your deposit, income and employment status, credit history, outgoings and debts. 

Credit report 

Go online and take a look at your credit report and make sure all payments, past and present are on time. From your mobile phone contract to car finance, credit cards, overdrafts and any other borrowings. Then check your credit score, if you have always paid on time and your credit score is low, find out why. 

Make sure you are on the electoral register 

This takes two minutes to do online and without it you will not get a mortgage. 

Balance your borrowing and available credit 

If you have a credit card, with a high limit, even if you do not use it, this can dissuade a potential lender from offering you a mortgage because of the potential to run up a lot of debt. Yet it’s also worth remembering not to lower your limit to the balance as this looks like you have used all available credit. 

Equally, it's as important to have some credit history to show your lender you can pay back debt. As a general rule, the fewer debts you have - the fewer outgoings you have, meaning you can borrow more.

Streamline accounts

The more history you have with your bank the better so don’t close or switch accounts. However, if you have several accounts, you do not use, shut them down. You don’t want the risk of fraud ruining your chances.

Don’t apply for credit

If you are applying for a mortgage ideally avoid applying for any other credit beforehand. If you get refused this will show on your credit report.

Take a look at your spending

Your lender typically will want to see your last three bank statements so beforehand look at your spending and reduce it where you can.

Gather your paperwork

Your most recent payslips and bank statements for the past three months, proof of deposit, ID –passport, and proof of address.

Mortgage calculator

At any point, you can go online and get a reasonably accurate idea of how much you could borrow using one of the high street bank’s mortgage calculators.

Agreement in principle

An agreement in principle, allows you to see if a potential mortgage provider will lend to you and is a soft search of your credit history. You do not necessarily have to be in a position to buy to get an agreement in principle, although to process your application further following the steps above will help secure a mortgage successfully.

Are you ready to buy or do you simply need some advice? Browse our properties.

If you have made the decision to sell your home, chances are you will want to do it as swiftly and smoothly as possible. You probably have so many happy memories from each and every room in your house, yet already you are beginning to see your home in a different light. It’s important to look at your home as a house subjectively and see what you can do to get it sold.

Combined with this you need to be organised; you don’t want to be delayed – don’t neglect that silly little thing you forgot to do which delays everything by weeks! So here is a checklist which you can use as a reminder and a few other things to consider which will help you achieve the best possible price for your home.

Check out the competition

Look at what other houses in your area are selling for. View online the most recently sold properties in your postcode to give you a good idea of an asking price.

Declutter

Everyone has their own unique way of living whether it’s sitting by the fire and knitting or collecting unusual beers. Start decluttering by packing them away now and creating space. An emptier kitchen worktop will make the entire space look bigger and more appealing to potential buyers.

Clean

Have a good clean up, everything from the fireplace to kitchen tiles and carpets. It all helps make your home more sellable.

Repairs

Are there any small repairs that need doing or scuff marks that need a touch of paint? Perhaps you have some paint left over in your shed. It won't cost you much, but it will make your home look better and become more resistant to silly offers!

The garden

Don’t forget the garden and the front of the house. Are there any bushes or trees that need trimming? Are the windows clean, has the grass been cut? The first thing your buyers will see is the front of the house and first impressions last.

Make an entrance

As you enter your home through the front door look at what will greet potential buyers. A nice, presentable, clean and in good condition hall or room or porch will welcome new owners, not just viewers.

Paperwork

You don’t want to be delayed waiting for a gas safety certificate, or any other paperwork - perhaps from building control for any structural work you had carried out. Make sure you have any paperwork ready for your potential buyers to keep things moving forward smoothly.

Solicitor

Don’t give your solicitors any excuses to delay you! Call them and double-check if there is anything you need in terms of conveyancing and paperwork to get the ball rolling.

Photography/video tours

Check out your home’s profile once it goes live, and check the pictures for accuracy. Once you have done all this your house should look as pretty as a picture and you will soon be on the move for the right price.

Do you want to enjoy a seamless and swift house move? Contact us.

This year is proof that life as a landlord is not as simple as it used to be. Reforms for tenants along with new laws and legislation will make it a bit more complex. That said the great news is that demand for rented properties is still extremely strong. There is a chance you could pick up a bargain as property prices slow. These changes help protect landlords and tenants so it should be another good year where standards across the industry rise.

Better protection for tenants

The renter's reform bill could become legislation this year if the government have their way. Giving more rights to tenants will also force unscrupulous landlords to up their game and stop cutting corners. This will raise standards and rights for renters and stop your properties to let potentially suffering from bad landlords undercutting you.

Higher capital gains tax

The tax-free allowance for landlords selling a property will be reduced significantly from April. This means you could pay more capital gains tax, so if you want to avoid it, and you are thinking of selling, better to sell sooner rather than later. There will be further cuts in 2024, meaning your tax relief when you decide to sell will be halved.

Buy-to-let mortgage rates

Mortgage rates while higher than they used to be, are now much more stable than last year. This means you can plan for the future once again and calculate costs more accurately.

Higher demand

In 2022 demand for rented accommodation was huge. This year demand is still very strong.  Fewer people can afford to buy due to the cost-of-living crises and the hike in interest rates. It’s expected that landlords will increase rents in order to cover costs but also to reflect the huge demand and get a better rental yield.

Add to your portfolio

With house prices levelling out and falling now is the time to add to your portfolio. Rental yields are good, and demand is very high. Some landlords will choose to sell, while savvy investors will seek new properties to develop as buy-to-let businesses. Asking prices are much more open to lower offers than last year so you might just acquire something that before was not as good as an investment.

Financial help for energy efficiency upgrades

Landlords who meet certain criteria might be eligible for government assistance with £1bn to help homeowners to insulate their properties. The aim is to improve energy efficiency which will help landlords with providing energy-efficient, appealing homes.

Outlook

There is a lot going on in 2023, and if you are a landlord you are most likely to incur more costs. With rental demand growing now is the time to invest while providing great places to live for tenants. As the industry becomes more regulated, standards rise in so many ways, elevating the industry and creating a more stable investment prospect.

Tennant demand has never been better. Browse our properties.

In many ways, the rental market has never been better. The industry is becoming more regulated, and more people are renting for longer due to the cost-of-living crisis. 2023 signifies a long future of what is becoming a much better relationship between landlords and tenants, with tenants enjoying more rights and becoming better protected with proposed changes such as the renter's reform bill.

You get what you pay and there is a strong case to be made that while costs are going up so is quality. Many people would rather pay a bit more and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with better contractual legislative agreements, and protection, more energy-efficient homes and better standards of property.

Higher standards

Over the years the standard of rented properties has improved massively. With some tenants choosing to invest in life experiences and quality of life over bricks and mortar. Life is an adventure and as the UK adopts a more European approach to renting, landlords invest more and more in providing great places to live. Modern refurbed houses, flats and apartments offer new energy-efficient appliances, integrated with technology so tenants can work from home.

The rental supply may improve

While demand for rented property is still strong this year there may be a small increase in the supply of rentals as some existing landlords sell up. Others will take the opportunity to evolve their property portfolios. The increase in supply will not be significant though. Many developers are completing projects this year; creating great living spaces, means some exciting new rentals are entering the market.

Renters are likely to house share

The rental market this year is seeing and will continue to see more house shares. Becoming more popular with young professionals in what was typically student-dominated areas not to mention suburbs. This is good news for tenants and landlords. Landlords spread the risk and don’t have to rely on one tenant while getting a good return. Tenants get a great place to live with all the facilities of a family home with a vibrant social scene without the sole responsibility of paying the rent.

Increase in demand for more compact properties

There’s also more demand for smaller more efficient homes such as one-and two-bedroom flats. Modern, clean and low maintenance is a more appealing way to live while you save to get a foot on the property ladder. Affordability is a big factor for tenants, some now renting a house, may decide to downsize to a flat. The appeal here is also lower running costs, heating and energy bills are generally more affordable in more compact properties.

Summary

Looking into the future is like looking into a crystal ball. That said one thing is certain when it comes to property markets the rental market is the most stable and most predictable with demand still soaring.

Looking for the perfect place to rent? Perhaps you are a landlord seeking new opportunities. Get in touch.

Spring is still a month away and the longer, lighter days of summer breeze are even further in the future. That’s not to say you can’t start giving your home a good spring clean now and get ahead of the seasons. It can be a liberating, therapeutic experience and often quite necessary with Christmas not that far behind us. The odd pine needle that you may find on the floor or carpet is proof that you made the right decision to give your home a spring clean.

Now that you are on top of your cleaning, in fact, your house is an impeccable example of cleanliness. What else do you need to think about at this time of year?

Inspection

Give your home a good overall inspection. When you find anything that needs attention take a picture of it or make a note. Then you can create a list of priorities. This is the first step to sorting whatever you find!

Check your caulking

A good place to start is to check out your bathroom caulking. During the steamy windows of wintry months, this often suffers. The cold winter weather outside means that you have perhaps not opened the windows quite as often as usual.

Windows

Give your windows a good clean. You most likely have a window cleaner to do the outside, get some vinegar, water and elbow grease and tackle the inside.

Gutters

After the windy assaults of winter, it’s always a good idea to check your guttering.  If it's damaged, when it rains again it can cause more damage or flooding which could lead to expensive repairs. Plus, it’s always a good idea to get on top of any repairs because there might be a bit of a wait to get them fixed if you find any.

Roof

Checking your roof is important; a few slate tiles may have become loose or perhaps have blown away. Use a camera or binoculars, just to be on the safe side.

Garden

It might be a bit early to get fully immersed in your garden. However, you can certainly have a tidy-up and start planting a few bulbs for the summer. Why not check the patio for weeds or cracks that may have appeared from the ice? Simply doing these things will make you feel as if spring and summer are well on the way.

Wood

If there are a couple of clear days and you have the time. Reseal your decking or fences, as well as the shed or gates. Now is a great time to get it done.

Concrete and pointing

Any concrete, pointing, tarmac or hard surfaces that may have cracked over the winter or simply become cluttered up with moss or dirt can be cleaned. This will brighten up the appearance of your home and make it feel a bit more spring-like.

The result

Doing all these things will help whether you are staying put, selling, thinking of moving or if you have plans to develop your property in the coming months.

Thinking of moving? Call us today for a valuation to see how we can help.