Welcome to your monthly property update!

Worried about rising interest rates? Here are a few things you can do

Many people are on fixed-rate mortgages right now, and with the current rise in the base rate, it’s a good thing because it means your mortgage will not increase. But what if you want to move now and take advantage of the huge choice of inspiring homes available, and your mortgage deal is coming to an end?

Why another increase in the base rate?
The Bank of England raises the base interest rate to curb inflation. Inflation is the increase in the cost of goods and services, or the cost of living. The idea is that an increase in interest rates means more people will save instead of spending, which reduces inflation as there is less demand for goods and services. The rate of inflation is still way short of the Bank of England’s 2% target, but the bank expects inflation to fall to 5% by the end of this year.* There are a few reasons for this. Wholesale energy prices have fallen, and the price of imported goods is expected to fall as production issues are resolved and there is less demand for goods and services in the UK.

Here are a few things you can do now:
Interest rates may be a little on the high side now, so if you take out a mortgage now, there is nothing to stop you from changing your deal in a couple of years when rates are more favourable. In the meantime, here are a few options for you to consider:

The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme: extended until the end of December 2023, this government-backed scheme has helped over 24,000 households get on the property ladder.** Its aim is to help people with a 5% deposit, and it was launched in April 2021. Aimed at first-time buyers, it’s similar to the government’s Help to Buy scheme, which ended earlier this year. So, if you want to take advantage of it, you need to be quick.
35-year mortgage deals: increasing the term of your mortgage could bring down the cost of your monthly mortgage payments. You may pay more interest because you are taking longer to pay for the home you want, but a property that may have been out of reach may suddenly be in your grasp.
100% mortgages: saving your deposit is often the biggest challenge to getting a footing on the property ladder. With the return of 100% mortgages, you no longer have this hurdle, and that will save you a lot of time, meaning you can start paying off your mortgage sooner rather than later.
Interest only mortgages: another option to consider is an interest only mortgage, which could lead to much lower payments. If you have a lot of equity in your home, this could stand you in good stead when it comes to buying the home you want now.
Green mortgages: many mortgage lenders now offer more competitive mortgage interest rates for greener, more energy-efficient homes. This, combined with lower energy bills, means that you could save significantly on your monthly outgoings. This means that the EPC rating of your home has never been more important.
Consider porting your mortgage: porting allows you to move home with your existing mortgage. So, if you are happy with the terms of your current deal and it’s not about to end any time soon, then this could be a cost-saving solution. You may be able to borrow more, as many high-street lenders offer top-up mortgages. Speaking with your broker is important, as some lenders’ rules may differ.
There is always a way: it could be that you are in the fortunate position of not needing to borrow or are on a fixed-rate interest deal. With the huge number of mortgage deals available and inspiring choices in properties, it’s worth talking to your agent if you are determined to make your move now.

Browse our website if you are looking for the right home with the best possible team to guide you in any way we can.

Bank of England*
GOV.UK**

Average seller asking prices fell by £82 this month – is this a good thing?

In June, average new seller asking prices fell by £82 (-0.0%).* The summer property market always heats up and then takes a little sidestep as the holiday season kicks in. However, the average price of a property coming to the market jumped in May by +1.8%, which was higher than expected.* This is yet another sign the summer property market is performing well, and now is still a good time to choose the home you want. But how does this act as a breather and benefit the market?

Buyer demand
During the first two weeks in June, buyer demand was 6% higher than the same period in 2019’s pre-pandemic market.* So if you are thinking about putting your home on the market, now is a great time to do it. Prices are still strong, and your property will have increased rapidly and significantly in value over the past few years, so you will achieve a great price.

The property market takes care of itself
It’s not always healthy for asking prices to constantly grow month after month. The summer property market is hot enough, and it’s better for it to be stable rather than overheat. A little splash of modesty reassures the market and simply brings it back to where it should be if the market gets ahead of itself.

The property market takes care of you
The market has had a lot of challenges, yet it remains resilient. As it slows in pace, this creates a much more predictable environment. This means sudden changes are unlikely, meaning you will not get caught out when achieving a good selling and asking price when you are in between homes.

Better negotiating power
When the market pauses and it’s time to make an offer, you have a better chance of getting well-calculated offers accepted. Your agent will know the market inside and out and can advise you on an up-to-the-minute pricing strategy.

Does the price really matter?
Price and affordability are very important when considering which home to buy, particularly if you are taking out a mortgage. The value of property increases and decreases slightly in the short term but always rises significantly in the long term. So in many ways, it’s about affordability, not property price rises.

Can you put a price on happiness?
Finding the right home that suits your needs and desires is important. You will most likely spend many years of your life in your new home. Your property is more than bricks and mortar or an investment; it’s a living, breathing part of the family.

The law of averages
You are not a number, and neither is your home. Each person’s home is as unique as they are. It could be that you surpass all your property expectations. Whether this is from achieving a great asking price or simply finding a home that fulfils your dreams for a lot less than you imagined. As the market stands, it’s not about making quick money but rather buying an awesome property and making the most of it.

Browse our properties to view the homes you could be missing out on.

Rightmove*

How do the summer holidays affect the property market?

The early summer months are traditionally a busy period for the UK property market. It’s a gorgeous time of year to view an abundance of beautiful properties. Many people are on the move. While it’s still a hive of activity with a huge choice of homes, the property market takes a little summer siesta as homeowners take a holiday. This gives you a chance to make your move. But don’t be fooled into thinking it will last for long, so if you want to take advantage of it, you need to be quick.

View your ideal home from the beach
Sometimes getting away from it all can help bring about clarity of mind, which is very useful when you are making big decisions. Perhaps the beach or poolside is the perfect place to peruse your potential properties. And a good time to discuss your big move with your partner while you are away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Enjoy quieter roads to your new home
With schools closed for the summer, the roads become quieter, and you can drive to viewings with less stress. This means you can relax a little more and take a bit more time to enjoy your viewings. With an increased sense of calm, talk to your agent, who will expertly guide you through your potential new home and anything that helps you with your home move.

Leave your agent to sell your home while you take a holiday
Hop on a plane, boat, or if you’re jumping in the car to drive to your holiday, whatever you are doing if you have made the decision to sell, leave it with your agent and enjoy your holiday. Perhaps by the time you return, your house will be sold.

Make an offer with less competition
With fewer people around, you may be able to open the door to making an offer below the asking price and getting it accepted before others have even viewed the property in question.

It’s the perfect moving season
With more family members to assist your big move and longer, warmer days to enjoy once you are settled in, the summer is perhaps the best time of year to move. And you may be able to save some money on home removal costs with more hands to help. If you hire a removal company, you may find it easier to find the right help.

Enjoy your new home
When you have finally moved into your new home, you may still have time to make the most of it during the warmer months of the year, when utility bills are a little lower. Any outdoor improvements, from weeding the garden to adding to your outdoor spaces and simple maintenance, can become a joy rather than a chore.

Take advantage of the summer holidays and find the home you love. Browse our properties.

Rightmove*

Top tips on preparing your house for sale during the school holidays

Preparing your home so that you can create priceless happy memories during the summer months ensures all members of the family are free to roam and play in a safe and fun environment. It also reduces stress levels when younger members of the family spend more time at home and can become a rowdy bunch when not at school. And if, like many people, you are considering moving to a better home, keeping it in order will help you achieve your moving goals. So, here are a few tips to help you make life easier.

Create some space
A change is as good as a rest, and moving and rearranging the furniture in your home to make it safer for your little ones to play will also showcase your indoor spaces for potential buyers. It may also give you some ideas on how to make better use of the rooms in your home while clearing out any no longer needed or tired furniture and other items.

Clean and de-clutter
It’s incredible and sometimes hard to believe how much space the little things in life take up. From bottles to utensils on kitchen worktops—things that you want to be out of reach of curious children—to old mail and the never-played-with-any-more toys. Cleaning is something you will be doing a lot of at this time of year, so why not go to town and clear out the closets and give everything a good clean? This will make it easier to maintain levels of hygiene, and cleaning up after the kids will be much easier. Your home will also look and feel more appealing during viewings.

Create a list of activities
By being organised, you can plan your day to fit around viewings. This will help prevent boredom for you and your family! It also gives you the means to plan your day and break different activities into manageable chunks, giving you all something to look forward to.

Sort your outdoor spaces
These are hugely important to buyers, and they need to be safe with no sharp edges for your buyer’s family as well as yours. Creating a perfectly amenable family dining area will give you a great place to enjoy happy alfresco memories. Outdoor spaces should naturally create a seamless flow from the indoors to the outdoors. If your home is very much a family home, perhaps a tree house could mean the new owners bought two homes for the price of one.

Make the most of your garden
There is little chance the children will want to help you these days! But if they do, what a bonus! That said, even if you are not a keen gardener, you could inspire younger members of the family with interesting flowers or fruit trees. Weeding and lawn cutting are a must to make the most of your garden’s appearance, but no prizes for guessing who will get that responsibility.

Will all this help you sell your home?
Absolutely; it’s all about achieving your asking price. And the numbers in property are big, so every little thing you do adds up to make a big difference.

Get in touch to see how we can help your family create a thousand wonderful memories by finding your perfect house.

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Norwich Road, Wroxham, NR12

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It’s not all about house prices

It’s worth talking to your agent this August as the housing market is in good shape for many reasons. So, whether you are on holiday or looking for a holiday home to buy, downsizing or moving to something better, here are a few good reasons to do so.

Every home is different
The location of your home is important, as is the property type. First-time buyer-type homes, for example, have been selling very well. But with all that said, your individual home stands for a lot too. Every home has its own personality and unique features that make it desirable to a buyer. And the chances are, if your home is in any way attractive to certain buyers, they will not be alone.

Demand for your home is strong
Buyer demand is 3% higher than it was in 2019.* It’s completely unfair to compare these figures to the unsustainable levels during the pandemic. But every cloud has a silver lining, and much of that rapidly gained equity will still be in your home. This means that if there is a crash, you are still in a good place.

Your situation is unique
The number of homeowners who own their homes outright in the UK stands at 35%, while the number of homeowners with mortgages stands at 30%.** If you are one of the majority that does not have a mortgage, you may be less apprehensive about making a move now in the face of fluctuating interest rates.

The long-term view looks good
In the long term, house prices increase, and if you are concerned about the short-term fluctuations in price, they will be absorbed by the long-term increase in the value of your home.

How much time have you invested in your property?
Many homeowners in the UK who buy a home will live in it for well over ten years. So, if you bought your home before the pandemic, you have a double layer of accumulated equity to fall back on. Many people are in this situation, and this, combined with good demand, sures up the property market.

Home movers are on holiday
With so many people enjoying their holidays at this time of year, the market may lose a bit of momentum. So often, these changes in price can come about because of seasonality. Now is a good time to get out and have a good look at the home you may want to move into. There is a lot of choice, and with the market being less frantic, you may have more flexibility when it’s time to make an offer.

Conclusion
So, what does this price change mean? Not a lot, and with years of equity, you are in a good place even if there is a sudden drop in prices. But as things stand, prices are steadily declining only slightly, which means you will not get caught out in the middle of your move. After all, you want to live in the home you want; you are not playing the stock exchange.

Rightmove*
English Housing Survey**

Copeman Road, Little Plumstead, NR13

Gilson Bailey are delighted to offer this modern four bedroom link-detached family home situated...

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Hall Road, Norwich, NR1

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Home isn’t just where the heart is – it’s where the light comes in

There’s nothing quite like natural light

Whether you’re stepping into a potential new home or walking into a space you’ve loved for years, there’s one feature that instantly lifts your mood: natural light. It’s the quiet hero of every feel-good home - brightening spaces, softening corners, and making even the simplest room feel bigger, warmer, and more welcoming.

In 2025, natural light remains one of the most asked-for features from both buyers and renters. But why does it matter so much? And how can you make the most of it, no matter the property?

Natural light changes how we experience a home

Sunlight affects how we feel, how we live, and even how a home presents itself. A light-filled living room feels more spacious. A bright kitchen becomes a natural gathering spot. A bedroom bathed in morning light feels calm and energising. Studies have even linked exposure to natural light with better sleep, improved mood, and enhanced well-being.

For both sellers and landlords, showcasing the way light flows through a property can become the defining factor in how quickly and successfully it lets or sells.

Designing with light in mind

You don’t have to live in a south-facing house to benefit from natural light. Here are simple ways homeowners, landlords, and tenants can maximise what you have:

Use lighter colours on walls and furnishings to reflect light

Hang mirrors strategically to bounce light around darker rooms

Keep window dressings light and airy to let as much sunlight in as possible

Position furniture thoughtfully, keeping windows clear of obstructions

Even small changes can dramatically enhance how warm a space feels.

Letting the outside in

Open-plan layouts, bi-fold doors, skylights, and even large windows overlooking gardens have become increasingly desirable. Not only do they flood spaces with natural light, but they also create a sense of seamless flow between indoors and outdoors something modern buyers and tenants love.

If you’re preparing to sell or let a home, consider scheduling viewings for when natural light is at its best. Soft morning or late-afternoon light can showcase your home at its most inviting.

More than a feature it’s a feeling

Natural light has the power to transform a space, but its real spirit lies in how it makes people feel. Warm, open, relaxed. It’s no surprise that when people walk into a light-filled home, they instinctively linger a little longer.

Whether you own, rent, or are thinking of making a move, never underestimate the mood-boosting, space-enhancing effect of a well-lit home.

Looking to brighten your next home? Let’s help you find a space filled with light

Staying put or starting fresh? Why summer is decision time

Summer brings clarity and big decisions

There’s something about the start of summer that encourages reflection. The longer days, the sense of renewal, and the natural pause in the calendar can make many people stop and wonder: is now the right time for a change?

Whether you’re living in your first flat or a much-loved family home, summer often becomes the season for rethinking what “home” looks like. Some stay put and refresh; others choose to start a brand-new chapter. Both can be the right move - it simply depends on where you are in your journey.

Why summer makes us think differently

After the rush of winter and the busyness of spring, summer offers space to breathe. School holidays, quieter work schedules, and sunny weekends often give people the mental space to assess their living situation more honestly.

Am I happy here? Do I have the space I need? These are the questions that tend to surface in summer. And with good reason the season offers some practical advantages if you decide to act.

For those who choose to stay

Sometimes, staying put feels just right. You may realise that you love your neighbourhood, your routines, and the comfort of the familiar. In that case, summer becomes the perfect season for refreshing your space rather than relocating.

Think decluttering, minor upgrades, or even rethinking how you use certain rooms to better suit your lifestyle. A home refresh can work wonders in making a familiar space feel brand new again.

For those ready to start fresh

If you’ve decided a move is the next step, summer provides ideal conditions to do so. Properties tend to look their best in natural light, outdoor spaces are in full bloom, and the market is often bustling with new listings.

Families with school-aged children frequently aim for summer moves to minimise disruption, while renters and buyers alike enjoy the longer daylight hours for viewing properties after work.

The beauty of decision time

The key to a successful summer decision is to trust your instinct and take action at your pace. If you’re happy, take the opportunity to enhance what you have. If you’re craving something new, know that the market is active and there are options waiting to be explored.

Either way, summer offers a rare window of opportunity to take control of your next chapter.

Thinking of staying or moving this summer? Let’s help you take the next step with confidence

Why choosing the right agent still matters (even in 2025)

The tools have changed but good guidance never goes out of style

In an age where you can browse hundreds of listings from your phone, arrange virtual tours, and even get instant online valuations, you might wonder: do I still need an agent?

The short answer? Yes and here’s why.

Expert local estate or lettings agent offer much more than just listings and paperwork. They offer reassurance, experience, and hands-on support that technology simply can’t replace. Whether you’re selling, buying, letting, or renting, having the right person by your side can make the process smoother, faster, and far less stressful.

Navigating the unknowns

Every move is unique. Even with the most thorough preparation, unexpected challenges can pop up: delays in chains, legal questions, changing market conditions, or last-minute hitches. An experienced agent has seen it all before and knows how to calmly guide you through.

Think of your agent as your safety net. They know what to expect, when to push, when to pause, and how to keep momentum when things get tricky.

Maximising your property’s potential

For sellers and landlords, a great agent can be the difference between a “just okay” result and the very best price. They know how to stage and market a property to the right audience. They understand what buyers and tenants are really looking for, what photos will grab attention, and how to time the market for maximum impact.

The right agent also manages viewings, filters serious enquiries, and negotiates on your behalf so you can focus on planning your next move.

For buyers and tenants: A smoother search

Even the most motivated house-hunter or renter can hit walls of uncertainty. Is this the right area? Am I overpaying? Is there something I’ve missed?

An agent who knows the local market inside out can answer those questions and give honest, straightforward advice. They can suggest alternatives you may not have considered, arrange viewings efficiently, and flag opportunities before they go public.

Relationships matter

Perhaps the biggest value an agent brings in 2025 is human connection. Moving house is emotional. It’s exciting, but it’s also one of life’s biggest stressors. A good agent will listen, reassure, and act in your best interest throughout.

Technology has made searching easier, but it hasn’t replaced the power of experience, empathy, and real-world knowledge.

Looking for support with your move? Let’s make the process easier together

From renters to homeowners: The journey more are making this year

For many, renting is where the journey begins. It offers flexibility, freedom, and a chance to get a feel for different areas and property types. But for a growing number of families, renting is also becoming the springboard toward homeownership.

With the right support and a bit of planning, the leap from tenant to homeowner can be more achievable than ever. Here’s why more renters are now looking at the next step and how they’re getting there.

Understanding the rental-to-ownership journey

Every homeowner started somewhere. Often that “somewhere” was a rented flat or house. Renting gives people the chance to settle into a community, learn what works for their lifestyle, and understand what they want (and don’t want) in their next home.

More renters are taking advantage of that knowledge. They’re using their rental experience to shape their buying decisions, whether it’s prioritising outdoor space, modern kitchens, or proximity to transport links.

Why now feels like the right time for many

Several factors are encouraging renters to consider buying this year:

The impact of housing supply has kept rental prices high, prompting many to calculate that monthly mortgage payments may not be much more.

Savings habits have improved, as tenants have become more intentional about budgeting and financial planning.

Mortgage product variety has widened with the recent rate cut, resulting in more first-time buyer-friendly deals and flexible deposit options.

Stability and security: the desire to have control over your living space, decorate as you please, and plan for the future remains a key motivation.

Making the transition smoother

If you’re a tenant thinking of buying, small steps now can make a big difference later:

Start tracking your expenses and saving consistently

Check your credit score and seek advice on improving it

Speak to a mortgage broker or advisor early to understand what you’ll need when the time comes

Research locations and property types using your current rental preferences as a guide

You don’t need to rush. It’s about moving forward at your pace with the right information and support.

The emotional side of the move

Going from tenant to homeowner isn’t just a financial milestone it’s deeply personal. It marks the start of creating a home that’s truly yours, from choosing the paint colours to planting a garden.

For many renters, that possibility feels more within reach now than ever. With the right guidance and a clear plan, this could be the year they make the move from renting to owning.

Ready to explore your next step? Let’s guide you from renting to owning this year