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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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

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How to prevent winter damp

Why Winter Damp is More Than a Cosmetic Issue

Winter damp isn’t just unsightly – it can lead to mould growth, unpleasant odours, and long-term damage to plaster, paintwork, and even the structure of your property. For landlords, preventing damp is far more cost-effective than dealing with repairs and tenant complaints once it’s set in.

Improve Ventilation Without Sacrificing Warmth

One of the leading causes of damp in winter is trapped moisture from cooking, showering, and even breathing. Encourage tenants to use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and if possible, fit trickle vents in windows. The key is to keep air moving without losing too much heat – something modern vent systems are designed to do efficiently.

Address Insulation and Heating Balance

A poorly heated property is more likely to suffer from condensation, which leads to damp patches. At the same time, bad insulation can create cold spots where moisture forms. Ensure lofts, walls, and windows are properly insulated, and that heating systems are in good working order before winter sets in. A consistent indoor temperature is often more effective than occasional bursts of heat.

Stay Ahead with Property Maintenance

Leaky gutters, blocked downpipes, or damaged roof tiles can allow water to seep in and create damp patches inside. Carry out a thorough pre-winter inspection to spot any external maintenance issues. Also, check for signs of previous water ingress so they can be tackled before becoming a bigger problem.

Work with Your Tenants, Not Against Them

Tenant habits play a big role in preventing damp. Share simple tips like drying clothes outdoors where possible, keeping lids on pans, and opening windows for short bursts each day. Many tenants are unaware of how small changes can prevent major issues, so a friendly seasonal reminder can make all the difference.

The Long-Term Benefit of Prevention

Preventing damp isn’t just about avoiding repairs – it helps protect your property’s value, keeps tenants happier for longer, and reduces the risk of disputes over property condition. For landlords, a proactive approach each winter is an investment in both income stability and asset preservation.

Inclusive vs. non-inclusive rent: The tenant’s guide

Know What You’re Paying For

Renting a home comes with plenty of questions, but one of the biggest is: what exactly am I paying for? Whether your rent is all-inclusive or non-inclusive can make a big difference to your monthly budget, your responsibilities, and how stress-free your tenancy feels. Knowing the difference means no nasty surprises at the end of the month and more peace of mind.

Inclusive Rent: All-In-One Convenience

Budget-Friendly Predictability
Inclusive rent rolls your rent and certain bills like gas, electricity, water, internet, sometimes even council tax into a single monthly payment. One number to remember, one payment to make. Simple, right?

Less Admin, More Living
Forget juggling multiple accounts or tracking fluctuating bills. Everything’s sorted by your landlord, leaving you free to enjoy your home without extra paperwork.

A Few Things to Watch Out For
All that convenience comes at a price. Inclusive rent is usually higher than non-inclusive options, and you might have less control over usage. Some landlords set limits on heating or electricity, so cutting costs isn’t always an option.

Non-Inclusive Rent: Freedom and Flexibility

Take Control of Your Money
Non-inclusive rent means your monthly payment is just for the property. You handle utilities, internet, and council tax yourself giving you full control over how much you spend.

Save If You’re Smart
With careful budgeting and energy management, you could pay less than you would with an all-in-one package, especially if you share a property.

The Catch
Bills fluctuate with the seasons, so your heating costs in winter might spike unexpectedly. Plus, more admin is involved setting up accounts, splitting bills with housemates, and making sure everything’s paid on time.

Which Works Best for You?
It really comes down to your lifestyle. Love simplicity and peace of mind? Inclusive rent could be your friend. Prefer control and the chance to save a little extra? Non-inclusive rent might suit you better.

Being clear on what your rent covers before signing a tenancy agreement is the easiest way to protect your finances and your sanity.

Still unsure which type of rent works for you?

Get in touch today for guidance and make the choice that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

UK homes gain value: What this means for sellers

A hot market for UK sellers

The UK property market is buzzing. Many homeowners are seeing the value of their properties soar as house prices have reportedly risen. But what does this really mean if you’re thinking about selling?

For starters, it’s not just about a bigger number on paper, it can influence when you sell, how you market your home, and your next move on the property ladder.

Why your home’s value matters

Equity growth: A price rise can significantly increase the equity in your property, giving you more flexibility when buying your next home or investing elsewhere.
Timing your sale: Understanding the market surge helps you choose the right moment to sell. While waiting for prices to peak might be tempting, market conditions can shift quickly.
Buyer behaviour: Rising prices don’t stop buyers – they may just be more selective. Effective marketing and presentation are key to standing out.

What sellers should do now

Get a professional valuation: House prices can vary greatly depending on location, property type, and condition. A local agent can give you an accurate estimate, so you know exactly what your home is worth.
Consider your next move: Higher property values mean you might have more options for your next home. Whether upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, it’s time to plan strategically.
Refresh your marketing: With more value comes more attention. Ensure your home stands out with quality photography, a polished listing, and highlights of the features that make your property unique.
Be prepared for buyers’ questions: Sellers in a rising market may face buyers who are cautious or negotiating hard. Being informed about your property’s recent valuation and market trends can help you confidently handle offers.

While headlines discuss a rise in house prices, the key is understanding how it impacts your home specifically. Every property is unique, and a smart seller leverages market momentum while staying realistic about what buyers are willing to pay.

A rising property market can feel exciting and it should. However, achieving success requires being well-informed, strategic, and prepared to take action. The right preparation can help you make the most of your home’s increased value.

Curious what your home could be worth in today’s market?

Zoopla*

Shared ownership: The pros and cons for first-time buyers

What is shared ownership?

Shared ownership allows you to buy a share of a property, usually between 25% and 75%, while paying rent on the remaining portion to a housing association. Over time, you can “staircase,” or gradually buy more shares, until you eventually own 100% of your home. It’s designed to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder with a smaller deposit.

The benefits of shared ownership

Lower upfront costs: You only need a mortgage for your share, which usually requires a smaller deposit than buying outright.
Get on the property ladder sooner: Shared ownership is a way to move into homeownership sooner than traditional routes.
Potential to increase ownership over time: Staircasing lets you gradually increase your share of the property as your finances allow.
Support from housing associations: Many schemes offer guidance and support, making the process smoother for first-time buyers.

The drawbacks of shared ownership

Rent on the unsold share: You’ll pay rent on the remaining share, which can increase over time.
Resale restrictions: Selling a shared ownership property can be more complicated, often requiring approval from the housing association.
Service charges and maintenance costs: You’re responsible for property upkeep and may have additional service charges.
Limited flexibility: Staircasing may be slow or restricted depending on the housing association’s rules.

Is shared ownership right for you?

Shared ownership works well if you:

Are finding it difficult to accumulate a substantial deposit for a traditional mortgage.
Want to enter the property market sooner rather than later.
Are comfortable paying rent on part of the property and potential resale limitations.

It may be less suitable if you prefer full ownership upfront, need complete flexibility for future moves, or want to avoid paying rent entirely.

Tips for first-time buyers considering shared ownership

Check eligibility criteria carefully, as schemes may be income restricted.
Compare different housing associations and developments to find the best deal.
Understand all costs, including rent, service charges, and staircasing fees.
Speak with a mortgage adviser experienced in shared ownership to explore your options.

Curious if shared ownership could help you get on the property ladder?