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Just a little heads up to buyers looking to buy their first home in the next year. It seems likely that the current zero rate threshold of £425,000 for first time buyers will be reduced back to £300,000 from April 2025. The...

Good news: the latest data on buyer demand shows that the number of property hunters out in force is up by 14%*. So, what’s driving this increased demand? And what does it mean if you plan to buy or sell in 2024? Let’s take a...

We’re estate agents, not mind magicians like Derren Brown, but recently, we’ve been delving into the psychological aspects of home buying. It’s fascinating stuff. For sellers, it can offer invaluable insights, helping them...

Whether you’re a first-time investor or an experienced landlord looking to expand your portfolio, it pays to know what tenants want. Understanding current trends in the market will help you fine-tune your rental marketing...

If you’re wondering what Guppies are (and we’re not talking about fish here) and what they’ve got to do with the property sector, let us explain. The term ‘Guppies’ refers to tenants in the 18 – 39 age bracket who see...

If you’re thinking about moving house in 2024, there’s a lot to mull over, especially if you have children to consider. We know how important (and valuable) it is to listen to your kids when you’re selling up and moving on...

As a landlord, maintaining your property in top condition is paramount. It’s your investment and your tenant’s home. At this time of year, condensation can be an issue. And it can cause mould in your property if ignored. The...

Have you decided to make a few changes in 2024? Vowed to get fit, work less or take up a new hobby? Well, if you’re a landlord, why not make a few property-related resolutions too? Think about it – if you can introduce changes...

If moving could be on the cards for you next year, now’s the time to set some goals to help turn your property dreams into a reality. Perhaps you’re feeling squeezed in your current home and want more room. Or maybe you’re...

What do Oxford Street in London’s West End, Salerno in Italy and Dyker Heights in Brooklyn have in common? If you’ve answered this question correctly, you’re clearly a fan of festive cheer. These locations are renowned for...

There’s no doubt that 2023 was challenging for the private rental sector, but looking ahead, landlords have plenty of reasons to be cheerful. While no one knows precisely what will happen in 2024, economists believe interest...

If you’re mulling over a move next year, you’ve probably thought of many scenarios, dreams and potential headaches. This includes things like: • How will I get the best price for my home? • Where are the catchment areas...

Landlords are often portrayed as Grinch-like characters. Devoid of fun, lacking humanity and relentlessly greedy. In our experience, working with dozens of landlords across Park Gate and the surrounding areas, this Scrooge...

If you’ve decided to put your Locks Heath home on the market in 2024, then there’s one burning question you need to ask yourself. When should I list my property? You may have heard that spring is the best time to list, as...

Forecasters predict this winter will be cold and dry – making it likely we’ll get lots of snow. While this is excellent news if you’re a skier, if you’re a landlord, it means there’s no room for complacency when it comes...

If you’re selling your home, then you’ll need a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property. So, here’s a guide explaining what an EPC is and how you can get one. What is it? Think of an EPC as a report card...

As any experienced letting agent or landlord can advise you, ‘expect the unexpected’ when it comes to rental properties. And that’s why it pays to follow the Scouts’ motto and “be prepared”. Being prepared for any...

In today’s climate, it’s easy to paint landlords with the same brush – viewing them solely as money-grabbing opportunists. As a letting agency that’s part of a network of like-minded agents, we get to see the rental...

Are you pondering whether to sell your Bursledon home? With the property market constantly changing, it’s natural to wonder if now is the right time. To help you decide, we’ve crafted a fun, informative quiz. Let’s start:...

Insulating your home is generally a good way to cut back on energy bills and add value to your property. But there’s one type of insulation that could cause structural problems and prove costly in time and money: spray...

So, you think you’ve mastered the art of letting properties? With every tenant you place and every lease you renew, you grow more confident in your prowess as a confident, caring and capable landlord. But are you one of the best...

There’s a lot to consider when you start thinking about moving home. This includes things like: What the new monthly mortgage payments will be? What’s parking like at the new place? Are the new neighbours friendly? It’s a...

The ghostly guarantee of quick tenants Some letting agents will convince landlords that finding tenants is a quick and painless process. However, rushing it without proper checks and considerations can lead to choosing the wrong...

Remember those post-lockdown days when selling a property was as easy as putting it on a property portal and waiting for the phone to ring off the hook? Those days are behind us. The selling market has become increasingly...

For Locks Heath landlords, having the right insurance coverage is not just a box to tick. It’s an essential safeguard for your investments. But simply having insurance is not enough; understanding the policy’s specific...

In this quick read, we delve into the importance of accurate valuations – and how to price your property with precision. Don’t be tricked into high listing prices The saying “stick it on high and wait for offers” is a...

It’s every landlord’s worst nightmare: you discover the people you thought were trusted tenants are actually crooks using your property for illegal activity. As a result, you face hefty repair bills, loss of income and a...

After a challenging 12 months for the economy, how is the private rental sector faring, and what lies ahead for buy-to-let landlords? In this market analysis, we look at some facts and figures to give you an accurate update on the...

If you’re considering listing your property for sale, we have some good news. Traditionally, there’s a surge in serious buyers coming to the market in autumn after the summer lull – so you’ve timed your move wisely. But...

With the kids safely back at school and the days getting a little bit cooler, can you hear those jingling bells? It might be the end of summer, but get ready because Christmas is coming! With Santa tucked away in his grotto for...

If your dreams of buying a new home rely on the sale of your existing property, then there’s one fundamental question you need to answer. Are you going to look for a new home first and then list your property – or do things...

If you’re a landlord looking to attract long-term tenants, it’s worth thinking about ways to make your investment property as appealing as possible. And one area you may have overlooked is the army of British pet owners who...

If you’re fortunate enough to be in a financial position where you can rent out your home instead of selling it, should you take the leap? After all, if you don’t need to sell to fund your next move, renting your property is...

When it comes to preparing for a property sale, most sellers focus on the early stage of the process: sprucing up their home and choosing an agent to manage the marketing. But there’s another element to nailing a successful...

If you’re a first-time landlord about to rent out a property, or an established landlord looking to purchase a new investment, one of the main questions you’ll have is how much rent you can charge per month. Of course, you can...

Buying a property with a partner can be an exciting next step in a relationship. Swapping paying rent or living with family for cosy nights with your beloved in your own home can be a blissful prospect. But before you arrange a...

Unless you’re one of those super-organised types who spend the year secretly buying stocking fillers and stashing them under your bed, Christmas is probably the last thing on your mind right now. And why should it be? It’s...

Whether you’re an established landlord or a first-time investor, you’ll probably be thinking about what to buy: a ready-to-go rental or a doer-upper. Which one should you pick? Currently, lots of changes are being made around...

Today we look at the importance of being realistic when pricing your property for sale. Let’s be honest, we’ve all been a nosy neighbour at some point, haven’t we? A ‘for sale’ sign goes up on a property in your street,...

As a landlord, one of your main goals is to make sure your property is tenanted. As soon as the old tenants decide they’re moving on, it’s time to find new renters to move in. But while you’ll be keen for a quick turnaround,...

As it’s World Photography Day tomorrow (19 August), we look at how the camera and its role in society has changed over the past 200 years. Brits do it five times a day, while Americans manage it 20 times a day.* Yes, taking a...

It’s often said that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but then (confusingly), it’s also said that first impressions count… Why are all these clichés so important? Well, when marketing a property, it’s a bit of...

Buying a new home is a big step that comes with lots of considerations. Finding the right property in a good location at a price you’re willing to pay isn’t always easy and can take time. But when you finally move into your...

Type ‘tenancy agreement’ into Google and you’ll get thousands of results offering free online templates and guides to writing your own rental contract. So why bother using a letting agent to sort out the tenancy agreement if...