Mortgage interest rates have been falling slowly, and with the recent announcement from the IMF (International Monetary Fund) that inflation rates are predicted to fall towards pre-pandemic levels, analysts suggest that UK fixed-rate mortgage rates could reduce significantly. The really good news is that this could take effect in a matter of months. Forecasts have predicted that interest rates were due to start falling in 2024, with a further reduction in 2025, and this announcement simply speeds up that process.

Why are mortgage interest rates falling?
In the later stages of 2022, interest rates rose significantly, and the recent increase of 0.5% is believed by economists to be the peak of the rise. This creates confidence in the banking sector, so much so that mortgage interest rates are falling below 4%.* Economists are also predicting inflation to fall in the coming months, which will also help reduce interest rates.

House prices up to now
Average house prices increased by 5.5% in the year to February 2023.** This is a very healthy growth rate, as it is stable and not too fast. While there have been upward and downward fluctuations and rapid growth in recent years, house prices have spiralled upward due to extremely low interest rates and high demand.

What impact will lower interest rates have on house prices?
With house prices predicted by many analysts to start increasing in 2024. And in light of the IMF’s recent announcement, it stands to reason that house prices should start rising sooner rather than later. The good news is that if this happens, it should be at a moderate rate, and with a bigger choice of homes on the market and with a remaining overall shortage of homes, the housing market is built upon good foundations. But this begs the question: Should all of this encourage you to move now?

Is now a good time to buy?
The evidence suggests that now is a great time to buy. House prices are stable. And are set to rise sooner rather than later. There is a beautiful choice of homes on the market in stunning condition. Starter homes are holding their value really well, and if you want something bigger, the chances are you will get a good discount on a large home. Add to this the rapid accumulation of equity in recent years and the buoyant spring market that will remain so through the summer. This further increases the variety of properties coming to market.

Ask yourself, What's more important to you: money or happiness?
It’s easily done! You get tempted and swayed by all the talk in the media about interest rates, the cost of living, and so on, and you end up sitting on the fence. You think you will either save a fortune or make lots of money by waiting to see what happens. The truth is, there are so many more important reasons for moving. Your motives will be unique to you. Maybe you need more space for a growing family, maybe you fancy a change, downsize, or love the idea of living in a certain location. Ultimately, it comes down to finding your happy place. Can you really put a price on that?

Are you interested in your perfect home finding you? Browse our properties today.

Zoopla*
GOV.UK**

 

Whether you are renting or letting a property, you have probably at some point had to decide which route to take. Perhaps you are still making up your mind and are not sure which road you want to go down. Let's start by taking a closer look at the pros and cons of both short-term and long-term tenancies for landlords and tenants.

What is a short-term tenancy?
Typically, a short-term tenancy is a tenancy that is less than six months. Holiday lets are usually up to 31 days.

Advantages of a short-term tenancy for landlords
As a landlord, you can enjoy more flexibility, perhaps choosing to let your property to holidaymakers for some of the year while at other times letting it on a short-term basis. If your tenants become problematic, then at least you are not tied into a long-term contract. Typically, you can charge a little more for a short-term let and more again for a holiday let.

Advantages of a short-term tenancy for tenants
If you are a tenant, then you are not tied into a long-term agreement, which, if you work on short-term contracts in various locations, may suit you perfectly. For some people, the principle of being restricted to one property for a long period of time is not appealing. The overall cost of renting for the duration of the contract will be less than renting for longer. That said, you will then need to find another place to rent at the end of the term of the tenancy.

Disadvantages of a short-term tenancy for landlords
You may find that your property stands vacant, which means that you could reduce the profitability of your investment. Your property may require more attention and time in terms of maintenance, advertising, and the time it takes to find new tenants. In some cases, mortgage providers may choose not to lend to you as your rental income may be considered less stable than that of a long-term tenancy.

Disadvantages of a short-term tenancy for tenants
Lack of long-term stability can be unsettling and stressful, and taking time out to find your next home can be time-consuming. Added to this, the higher costs of short-term lets plus the shortage of rental properties currently available makes acquiring a long-term tenancy a more attractive option.

What is a long-term tenancy?
A long-term tenancy is usually based on an annual tenancy, is a fixed-term contract, and is the most common form of renting.

Advantages of a long-term tenancy for landlords
This is a much more stable and predictable way to let your property, with better long-term stability and less time-consuming work when it comes to finding tenants. Banks will see you as less of a risk, which could increase access to funds. This means you could expand your portfolio more rapidly or buy a more valuable property, ultimately leading to a better return on investment.

Advantages of a long-term tenancy for tenants
Greater stability means it’s easier to plan your future. Putting down roots is important and is much better for all those practical things in life, including socialising and financial planning. Feeling settled is an innate human desire and leads to a more stress-free life.

Disadvantages of a long-term tenancy for landlords
Having less flexibility means that you have fewer options when it comes to diversifying into other markets. You may have to charge less than if you were renting your property as a holiday let, and if issues or repairs occur, you will need to fix them sooner rather than later.

Disadvantages of a long-term tenancy for tenants
Tenants renting on a long-term tenancy will not endure many disadvantages; even if you have to move before the end of your contract, in most cases, as long as you provide the correct level of notice, there are no financial implications.

Conclusion
Each person has different needs. However, it seems that unless you know for certain that you only need to rent on a short-term basis due to contract work, perhaps study or training, a house renovation, or holidays, a long-term tenancy is a more stable and predictable choice for both tenants and landlords.

Are you looking for a property to rent, or are you a landlord looking to let your property?

Get in touch to see how we can help.

 

You want your home to stand out, whether it’s first seen by your buyers in an image or from the kerb. That first glance is important. If the rest of your home is in great condition, the last thing you want to do is alienate potential buyers by neglecting the front of your home and creating the wrong impression.

The front door
If it’s wooden, give it a coat of paint and polish the metal work. If it’s really worn and damaged, consider replacing it. Sometimes darker colours will make your front door pop, so that when your home is viewed and welcomes potential buyers, they immediately feel good before entering your home.

The front lawn
Make sure the grass is green and trim. Use grass feed if there are any patches. Sweep and weed any paths or patio areas. If possible, use a jet wash to make your paving look like new again.

Clean your widows
Get your window cleaner to give your windows a good clean in time for viewings and pictures for your agent. Don’t forget your window frames; make the front of your house pop with the right colours; and repair any blemishes.

Add some paint
The front of your home will benefit from a coat of good paint. Check the pointing. Perhaps your home does not need any paint; don’t forget gates, fences, walls, and guttering. The little things all add up to make a big impact.

Flowers and plants
At this time of year, adding some vibrancy with a dash of colour will really help your home stand out. Less is more, and not everyone is passionate about the same flowers and plants, so be subtle and keep what you have in pristine order.

Furniture
Even if you have a small, terraced house with little space out the front, a small seating area can add to its appeal. For larger homes, create a vision of outdoor living that is just a taste of the splendour that will later appear, perhaps in the outdoor living space located at the rear of your property.

Conceal wiring or utility boxes
If possible, don’t allow all your hard work to be affected by unsightly wiring or an electrical, gas, or rusty mailbox. Get in touch with your energy supplier if it needs replacing, or simply give it a good cleaning.

Summer symmetry
Some things work best in pairs, and when it comes to making an entrance, a pair of ornamental flowerpots on each side of the door can do the trick. Lighting can also have the same effect as flower boxes.

Finishing touches
Hanging a summer wreath can really add some colour and show your new buyers that you love your home.

Will all of this add value to your home?
Yes. Anything that makes your home appear cared for and loved will help other people fall in love with it. While it will not drastically increase the value of your home, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Contact us today so we can guide you to the front door of your happy place.

 

If you let a holiday home, you may already be fully booked for the summer. Holiday homes are in big demand, both to buy and rent. Perhaps you are in the fortunate position of owning a holiday home for your own personal use, or maybe you do both. Holiday homes, like any other home, should be special places where happy everlasting memories are made, but unlike your private dwelling you can’t put repairs or maintenance on hold. You want to make sure everything is in tip-top shape to get those glowing reviews, which will help fill your diary far into the future.

Create a check list
It pays to be organised when it comes to property. Inspect your property regularly. Start with the basics and create a to-do list. Using your phone is a good tip because you can take pictures of repairs or issues that need addressing to accompany your notes. If you need to hire help, this saves a lot of time if you live a good distance from the property’s location. Whether you keep notes on your phone or on paper, create sections. Needless to say, you want everything to be as perfect as you can get it. Check everything, from the garden to the bathroom. It’s most likely that you will employ a cleaner. Remember to listen to the feedback of your guests, perhaps by reading the comments book.

Safety checks and insurance
It’s really important to keep on top of any safety checks and to have the correct certification, from gas safety certificates to electrical testing. You want your guests to have a great time, but their safety is paramount. It’s important to take out the right level of cover. From public liability insurance to building and contents cover, you don’t want to invalidate your policy by not keeping up to date with safety checks.

Make your guests feel welcome
Making a good first impression immediately puts your guest in a great mood. Chocolates and a bottle of wine or champagne, depending on what level of the holiday market you are entering, are always a great way to make your guests feel welcome. Simply paying attention to detail and keeping your holiday home in good order is equally important. A good play area for young families, polished glasses, or a hamper when everything is spotlessly clean, drawers full of good cooking utensils, and a nice corkscrew all add up to make your holiday home sublime.

A managed holiday let service
Holiday lets can be extremely lucrative. At the height of the season and in many locations, all-year-round revenue can be very strong. You can charge significantly more for a holiday let compared with letting a rental property. This could leave room in your budget to use a managed service, which could take care of everything from bookings to maintenance, cleaning, and gardening. Holiday homes involve more work with your guests changing so frequently, so for many, this service is a must-have.

Finding the right holiday home
Finding the right holiday home for business purposes or for you and your family to enjoy starts with a good agent. Holiday homes today are not always idyllic cottages peering over the deep blue sea. From urban locations in the form of flats, apartments, and houses to country retreats, the right homes appear in all shapes and sizes. The sky is the limit when it comes to choosing a property, and that sky does not always have to be blue. Probably a good thing!

Browse our properties to find your holiday home this summer.

 

Making a house your home is important and the great advantage of renting is that you will never be asked to fork out thousands on costly home renovations. Often, it’s the little things that you can do that will make a big difference. The number of people choosing to rent is increasing, and today there are so many affordable and interesting ways to make the most of your home.

Talk to your agent
A good first step is to talk to your agent or landlord. Many will be perfectly happy for you to paint or change wallpaper, so long as the work is carried out to a good standard. Others may not permit this but allow you to add shelving or improve the garden. It’s always best to check specifically on whatever it is you have in mind to improve.

Flowers, plants, and herbs
Keeping your home in good order, keeping it clean, and paying your rent on time will keep your landlord on side. In time, that could lead to more freedom to make the changes you desire. Adding a few plants to your sitting room and bathroom or your favourite flowers to the redundant fireplace at this time of year will add vibrancy. Why not grow some of your preferred fresh herbs in the kitchen or a tomato plant and fill your home with delightful scents?

Lighting
The choice of lighting available on the market today is endless. From outdoor solar lanterns and free-standing table lights for inside, to scented candles for either. Get creative and let your imagination run wild; use lighting to create mood and atmosphere for relaxation or task lighting for when you need to focus.

Garden
Perhaps it is stated in your contract that you are responsible for the garden. If so, you may have more room for creativity. Plant your favourite plants and add some sculptures of pieces that you love. Hang some lanterns or grow some of your favourite fruits in pots so you can take them with you if you decide to move.

Create an outdoor living space
If you have a balcony, backyard, or substantial garden, add vertical gardens filled with the flowers, fruits, herbs, or plants you love. Add some candles, outdoor furniture, a pizza oven, a firepit, or a barbeque. Perhaps yoga is your thing, and you want to add a small portable water feature to complement the sound of relaxing music.

Furniture
If you are buying furniture for your home, it’s always a good idea to think about how adaptable it is. Neutrally coloured, modular furniture that can easily be rearranged for your next move or to simply change with the seasons when you fancy moving things around for summer.

Wallpaper panels and wall hangings
If you can’t change the wallpaper, then simply make or buy some wallpaper panels or wall hangings. Decorated to your design and tastes, they will make a big impact and are a cunning way to hide any imperfections.

Prints and pictures
Hanging photographs of special moments or places you are passionate about is a relatively inexpensive way to add something special to your home. A perfect sunset in a place that you love, captured in a photograph, will brighten up your walls. When combined with the right lighting, such details add serenity to your mood and increase your feelings of well-being.

Mirrors and murals
Mirrors will add light and space to your rooms, making them appear larger. Experiment with the various styles of mirrors now available or place them on opposite walls and enjoy the effect! Murals work well in children’s rooms, making a big impact without any permanent changes.

Add a bit of you
This is really important; your home, whether it’s rented or owned by you, should tell the story of your life. Display your passions, collectible pieces from your travels, and the flowers and colours you love. There is no right or wrong when it comes to decorating; simply make it work for you, and others will most likely love it too.

Renting a new property does not take long.

Browse our properties to find your perfect place today.

 

 

 

Perhaps you need more space for your dogs, horses, or hobbies, and you want a house in the country. It could be that you are moving to the suburbs or need more space for your growing family. Whatever your reasons for buying a bigger property, now could be a good time to take the plunge so you can upgrade your home and enhance the quality of your life.

You could get more house for the same money
If you decide to move from an urban area to a more rural location, then you may be able to get the house you have always wanted for the same price as your current home. At the very least, your money should go further.

You could get a bigger discount
Demand for bigger homes in May was 1% lower than it was in 2019, compared with first-time buyer homes at 6%, and homes that fall between these sectors at 3% above 2019 levels.* Larger homes have always had greater scope for bigger discounts on asking prices. But right now, with the market favouring smaller homes and larger homes selling a little more slowly, you may have quite a lot more haggling power when it’s time for you and your agent to make an offer below the asking price.

Larger homes can be very energy efficient
Modern homes have become so much more energy efficient. With better insulation and the potential to create self-sufficient energy sources, you no longer have to dread monthly bills. So, running a bigger home is not as expensive as in years past.

Bigger rooms and more of them
You will have more space for friends and family to stay over. You could get a lodger to provide another stream of income or if you need extra space for new additions to the family. Maybe you want a gym or a hobby room or are looking to create the perfect work-from-home space with an awesome view.

A beautiful garden with more potential
Finally, you can have the garden you have always wanted, and this is where your only limitation will be your imagination. Inspiration is everywhere, and there is so much more you can do with more space. From creating great outdoor spaces and dining areas to tropical gardens.

Larger entertaining spaces
When it comes to those special times of the year—indoor and outdoor parties—the options larger homes offer are endless. You may want to create a games room, a bar, or an awesome indoor entertaining area that effortlessly flows to a magical outdoor area.

The garage or workshop
If working from home involves more than a computer screen and a phone and you need a workshop or a garage for your classic car or hobbies, then your budget could allow you to enjoy more scope for outdoor buildings.

Create multiple dwelling places
Bigger properties can easily be divided up into smaller properties. Whether you are creating a space for a teenager or an elderly relative. Perhaps you are interested in letting a room or creating flats for a buy-to-let business.

 

Browse our properties to find the home that fits your requirements perfectly.

Rightmove*

 

Dreams can come true. It does not have to be a winning lottery ticket, a phenomenally successful business, or making it as a world-famous actor, artist, or athlete that provides the means of living a fairy-tale life in the castle of your dreams. The UK is a land full of castles and magical homes that are the envy of the world. With that in mind, here are a few ideas to make your dreams of owning a castle a reality.

Buy with others
With some castles on the market in the UK hovering around £1 million, it’s a tempting idea to buy with a selection of family or friends. Sharing the costs, particularly those associated with repairs and maintenance, could be achievable with the right approach. There is scope to become self-sufficient when producing energy, and the more people that share the costs, the less the financial burden. Creating a strong, legally binding contract between those you trust will allow you to live an enchanted lifestyle without any worries haunting you at night.

Create the ultimate holiday destination
Indoor and outdoor space are not going to be in short supply. You could create holiday apartments and rooms and develop a hotel or guest dwelling. Outside lodges and camping may be a possibility, as may purpose-built holiday lets. The revenue created from these is always in demand and can be very lucrative all-year-round.

Create a spectacular place to live
Many castles have a vast number of bedrooms; some of these could be converted into flats or apartments, which would provide you with an exceptional level of income as you could share the dream with people who do not or can’t afford to buy a castle. Many people love the idea of living in a piece of history, with all the accompanying grandeur, without the fear of living in such a vast property, especially at night when it’s time to switch off the lights.

Become a food supplier
The UK is a world-leading producer of artisan food, from beer to bread, berries to beef, sweets to savouries, and vegetables to vegan products. What better way to become self-sufficient while supplying fresh and healthy food to domestic and overseas markets while making highly lucrative returns?

Create a day out
The possibilities are endless. From historical tours and outdoor activities to hosting sporting events, ghost hunts, and artists’ weekends to facilitating conferences and the events of organisations and clubs. Wedding venues, nature walks, health retreats, fishing weekends, to murder mystery weekends. Create a diary of events and make your castle earn its keep.

Find an investor
Having a strong vision for your castle is everything when it comes to finding an investor. The more detail you can provide with projected income leading to profits, the more likely you are to find an investor. As time goes on and a business is born, banks are more likely to get on board, which will allow you to take full control of your destiny.

 

Whether you want a cottage, a castle, or something in between, find your dream home by browsing our properties.

 

 

Finding the right property is so important. You want to feel happy, content, and safe in the place you call home. And sometimes it’s not easy to find everything you're looking for under one roof.

A greater choice of properties
A good chat with your agent is always a great way to start your search. When all is said and done, it all starts with finding the right home for you. Agents often know about properties that are coming on the market before they are advertised. This means you can get an early notification on a property that could be ideally suited to you before it’s snapped up. And by telling your agent what you are looking for, they become another pair of eyes in your search. If you do all of this yourself, you may miss an opportunity, and agents are good at pointing out something you may have missed. Or opening your mind to a property that you may not have considered.

A friendly and supportive team
It’s good to have an ally when renting a home. Agents only use good, law-abiding landlords, and it’s a comforting feeling knowing that there is someone else on your side. Often with an entire team of people who have your best interests at heart. It means you never have to worry about getting in touch with your landlord; simply call or get in touch with your agent, who will have a dedicated team to take care of everything for you. From protecting your deposits, the health and safety of the property, and maintenance to understanding your rights and responsibilities, your agent will have your back.

Letting agents have to be compliant
Like so much in life today, there are lots of checks that need to be carried out. And using an agent ensures that all necessary checks on the property you want to rent have been carried out. From gas certificates to smoke alarms and references to your deposit, all other checks will be carried out to a high standard, so you don’t have any sleepless nights.

A good tenancy agreement
Knowing your rights is important and having them backed up with the right contract is imperative. Sometimes contracts can be confusing and cryptic. Good agents will explain your rights and make sure that your contract is in your best interests. And if you have any worries or concerns, they are just a phone call away.

Maintenance issues will be solved quickly
If your property is managed by your agent, then when it comes to repairs or emergencies, a good letting agent will most likely prevent these things from happening in the first place. But if unforeseen repairs come about, you can rely on them to take care of things for you instead of trying to get in touch with your landlord.

Agents keep up with trends and legislation
Not many things in life stay the same, and with the Renters Reform Bill on its way, understanding your rights has never been more important. It’s one thing to understand them, and it’s another to implement them. Agents are aware of constantly evolving legislation when it comes to energy efficiency as well as new trends, and all these things add to the quality of your life.

Accompanied viewings with an expert
Many good agents will accompany you on viewings, and this is the length to which agents will go to make you feel happy about your choice of property. You can explore your new home while asking as many questions as you like. This gives you a chance to get to know your potential new home in detail before making a decision. It’s this dedication to detail and personal service that, for many, makes a good agent a must-have.

 

Get in touch with our team of property experts today to see how we can help you find the best version of your home.

 

 

No matter how advanced technology becomes, there is nothing quite like face-to-face property viewings. This is particularly true because you can get a sense of how you feel about the property, and when you are investing a lot of money in bricks and mortar, you can’t be blamed for wanting to get up close and personal with it as much as possible. But with all that said, virtual viewings have many great benefits and can enhance your home-hunting experience.

There are a few ways you can conduct virtual viewings
Virtual tours are an established part of viewing properties online, and you can easily move about inside your potential new home online with most agents offering 3D viewings. Thanks to WhatsApp, Facetime, and Zoom, bespoke real-time video tours with your agent can easily be arranged, with the advantage of being able to talk to your agent as you view the property. You can ask as many questions as you like and direct your agent to certain features of the property.

You can conduct virtual viewings from anywhere
It could be that you are just on the other side of the city or that you are too busy to stop everything to attend a viewing. Wherever you are in the world or whatever you are doing, you can explore your potential new home or investment, and that saves you a lot of time and money if you are working or located overseas. Gone are the days when you had to fly home before you made a decision or an offer.

Virtual viewings when you are selling
If you are selling up and you don’t like the idea of lots of people coming to your house to view, then virtual viewings can help. And if you are conducting your own viewings, you will not have to be home quite as much, so you can get on with life more easily.

Virtual viewings can give you more time
By arranging a virtual viewing, you are giving yourself a chance to quickly get to know your potential new property. This then gives you a little breathing room to think and compare your choices.

You don’t have to wait before you make an offer
If you love what you see and want to make an offer on a property, you can do it there and then. If you are in competition with other buyers, this can be helpful in getting to the front of the queue. Your agent, solicitor, or conveyancer can take care of the rest.

Virtual viewings can be used in conjunction with face-to-face viewings
You may view many properties virtually until you find what you are looking for. And if nothing else, virtual viewings help you narrow down the final contenders for the big decision. There is nothing to stop you from conducting a face-to-face viewing before you make an offer.

 

Contact us if you would like to arrange a face-to-face or virtual viewing with one of our agents today.

 

Invented in 1901 by Frank Hornby, Meccano combines artistry and engineering in a unique way.