Blog: Park-gate

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...

Remember, remember, Bonfire Night celebrations don’t always have to go off with a bang. There are lots of ways to have fun on the 5th of November without letting off noisy fireworks (which can cause distress to small children,...

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...

Go bonkers for conkers What better way to introduce children to the joys of nature than by going on a conker hunt? Put on your wellies and go in search of horse chestnut trees in your local park or woods. Around the base, you...

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...

Looking for a way to save cash, be kind to the environment and help a good cause? Then roll up your sleeves and go hunting for a second-hand bargain. As this month is Second-Hand September*, now’s the time to up your game when...

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...

Everyone needs a little bit of joy. And these days, finding joy has become a big business. There are gratitude journals, exercise programmes, spiritual practices and much, much more to help you achieve happiness, but what about...

As a landlord, you’ve probably experienced that feeling of dread when your tenant’s name flashes up on your phone, reporting a problem. Or how about the horror of receiving the news that you’re going to have to pay for...

No matter what your child’s age, the first day back at school can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s their first day in Reception, the start of a major exam year or just back into the daily grind of lessons, lunchtimes, and the...

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...

Renting a property with a friend or acquaintance? Never lived with anyone before? We’ve got you covered with some top tips to help manage your new living situation. These days, renting isn’t cheap and whether you’re a...

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...

We are pleased to announce that we are a permanent designated drop off point for the Meon Valley Food Bank, not just for Christmas! Supplies always needed are: Part baked bread Tinned foods Pasta & Dry foods Crisps Deodorant all...

The number of downsizers active in the housing market has skyrocketed in recent months*, and is it any wonder? With steep hikes in energy bills, interest rates and inflation, many people feeling the squeeze are rethinking how –...

As a landlord, as well as managing the finances, the property and any repairs or maintenance, you also have to remember to look after your tenants. Whilst nine times out of ten you’ll never have to deal with anything too...