Sales

After a long period of stability, mortgage rates have hardly been out of the news headlines. In September, everyone held their breath as the Bank of England – responsible for UK-wide monetary policy – made its latest announcement.

As estate agents with many years of experience under our belts, we have continued to help buyers and sellers whatever the market conditions. People will always need to move home but why people move very much depends on the market and wider financial implications.

Move or improve? It’s a conundrum many homeowners face when the property market changes. For those thinking of staying put with an idea to extend, convert or perhaps replace their kitchen, it’s worth pricing up any improvements before you commit.

In August 2023, the National Trading Standards Estate & Letting Agency (NTSELA) team updated its guidance to consumers and property professionals regarding how a property’s status is described during the marketing process.

Getting ready to sell your home usually involves clearing out, tidying away and sorting out. Surprisingly, the ancient art of feng shui closely mirrors the above and its principles can help you prepare your property for sale. We explore exactly what feng shui is and single out the best bits of advice for home sellers.

Traditionally, home improvements would encompass new bathrooms, new kitchens and replacing pebble dash exteriors for smooth render but the green agenda has seen our property ‘to do’ list undergo a makeover of its own.

Problems with Japanese knotweed are well documented, with this invasive species sometimes preventing buyers from getting a mortgage on an affected property. While home movers are busy keeping an eye out for Japanese knotweed, they may be overlooking a different horticultural threat.

Fed up of conventional flower beds? Looking for something more than a lawn? Why not try a revived garden trend – the stumpery?

Sellers? Commission a survey? It’s not as silly as it sounds. Issues identified in a buyer’s survey are some of the most common reasons why a sale collapses, asking prices are negotiated downwards and delays occur. Sometimes it pays to be forewarned and sellers can do this by ordering their own surveys. Here are some helpful Q&As for those concerned about the condition of their property or who want to avoid the unexpected.

Have you ever watched Homes Under The Hammer – the TV show that follows the fortunes of people who buy property and usually make a profit from it? Recently, there was one outcome so good that it made the online edition of a national newspaper.

When you invite people into your home – whether that’s someone coming to take marketing photographs, prospective buyers or even a surveyor – all eyes will be on the condition and décor.

Viewing a house or a flat is one of the most exciting – and important – aspects of moving home but how you approach the visit can differ, depending on whether you’re renting or buying. Unlike tenants, buyers will be responsible for every inch of the property, therefore any repairs will be their sole responsibility to fund and fix.