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**

 

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*

 

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*

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

Contact us today to see how far your money could go towards buying your property dream

 

Rightmove*
English Housing Survey**

 

 

Winter Property Risks: Protecting Your Investment

Winter brings frost, storms, and occasional chaos, and unfortunately, that means insurance claims often spike. Understanding the risks and how to protect your property is key to keeping your tenants safe and your wallet intact.

Common Winter Claims

Burst pipes, heating failures, and storm damage are the usual culprits. Slip-and-fall incidents and minor water damage can escalate quickly if not addressed. Knowing what to watch for helps you act before a small problem becomes a major claim.

Policy Exclusions

Not all insurance policies cover everything. Check your coverage carefully for exclusions such as neglected maintenance or tenant negligence. Understanding your policy’s limits means there are no nasty surprises if you need to claim.

Preventive Measures

A little preparation goes a long way. Insulate pipes, service boilers, clear gutters, and check for roof leaks. Regular inspections can prevent many winter-related problems before they start.

Liability Issues

If a tenant or visitor is injured, landlords could be held liable. Document your inspections, respond promptly to repair requests, and maintain open communication with tenants to reduce risk.

Want peace of mind this winter? Speak to us today for guidance on

protecting your rental property.

Government Proposals on the Horizon

This November, several key proposals are expected to move closer to implementation. The government aims to simplify leasehold ownership, reduce ground rents, and improve transparency for both buyers and landlords. Understanding these proposals now can help you plan and avoid costly surprises.

Timeline Implications

Changes won’t happen overnight, but the early winter period is critical for leaseholders to review their situations. Deadlines for applications, consultations, or opt-in schemes may be announced, meaning anyone with a leasehold interest should start preparing documentation and reviewing contracts. Early awareness gives you the advantage when the reforms take effect.

Cost Changes to Expect

Reform measures could affect service charges, extension costs, and lease valuations. Some of these adjustments may reduce long-term expenses, while others could create one-off costs for updating leases or legal work.

Action Requirements for Leaseholders and Landlords

Whether you’re a leaseholder seeking to extend or a landlord adjusting to the new rules, preparation is key. Reviewing your lease, seeking legal advice, and tracking government announcements will help you act quickly when changes become official. Being ready in early winter avoids last-minute pressure and keeps your property affairs in order.

Stay ahead of leasehold reform - seek expert guidance and practical next steps today.

Understanding Mediation Services

When arrears arise, turning to professional mediation can save time, stress, and legal costs. Mediation services provide a neutral ground where tenants and landlords can discuss outstanding rent, repayment plans, and realistic expectations. Early winter is an ideal time to explore these options, as prompt action often prevents disputes from escalating during the busy festive period.

Creating Practical Payment Agreements

Payment agreements are the backbone of a successful mediation process. Whether it’s a temporary reduction, a structured repayment plan, or a seasonal adjustment, clarity and mutual consent are essential. Tenants benefit from manageable arrangements that prevent eviction, while landlords secure a predictable income stream. Documenting agreements carefully ensures both parties have a reference if questions arise later.

Exploring Legal Alternatives

Sometimes mediation isn’t enough, and landlords may need to consider legal routes. Options such as issuing formal notices, negotiating court orders, or using tenancy deposit protections are available, but these should be treated as last resorts. Early engagement in November can help avoid lengthy winter court delays and added costs. A calm, measured approach often achieves better results than rushing to litigation.

Accessing Support Resources

Both landlords and tenants have access to support. Local councils, housing charities, and government schemes provide guidance on arrears management, budgeting, and emergency financial assistance. Tenants struggling with heating bills or other essential costs can benefit from these resources, while landlords can gain insight into alternative repayment strategies. Knowing where to turn before arrears mount is a smart early-winter strategy.

Tips for a Smoother Process

• Communicate early: Don’t wait for arrears to escalate; start conversations as soon as issues arise.
• Keep records: Maintain clear documentation of all agreements, communications, and payments.
• Be realistic: Set achievable repayment plans that reflect tenant capacity and landlord needs.
• Use professional advice: Mediators, legal experts, and housing officers can provide impartial guidance.

Resolve arrears efficiently – contact us today

Understanding the Buy-to-Let Landscape

For many investors, buy-to-let remains a cornerstone of a balanced portfolio. In November, demand can shift slightly as tenants plan for the colder months, creating opportunities for landlords to secure reliable long-term tenants. Consider properties in areas with strong rental demand and low vacancy rates; these locations often provide consistent income and reduce the risk of void periods.

Spotting Capital Growth Potential

While rental yields matter, don’t overlook long-term capital growth. Early winter can be a quieter period for sales, allowing you to negotiate favourable prices. Look for neighbourhoods undergoing regeneration, with upcoming infrastructure projects or school improvements. These factors often indicate strong appreciation potential over the next 5-10 years.

Calculating Rental Yields

As the autumn comes to an end and winter infolds, it is the perfect time to review potential rental returns. Factor in seasonal variations, maintenance costs, and management fees. A property that looks attractive on paper in summer might have higher running costs in winter, so calculate net yields carefully. Remember, a realistic view of income and expenditure ensures your investment remains profitable year-round.

Tax Implications for Investors

Tax planning is essential before making a purchase. Consider how mortgage interest relief, capital gains tax, and income tax on rental profits impact your returns. Early winter is an ideal time to consult a tax adviser, ensuring your purchase aligns with financial goals and avoids surprises when preparing year-end accounts.

Making the Most of November Opportunities

• Research thoroughly: Use local market reports, property portals, and estate agents to identify promising areas.
• Negotiate wisely: Fewer buyers in the market may give you an edge in price discussions.
• Plan for the colder months: Factor in higher maintenance costs, heating bills, and seasonal vacancy trends when assessing yields.

Property investment requires a careful blend of analysis, timing, and strategic thinking. November, with its quieter market and early winter conditions, can be an advantageous period for investors who do their homework and act decisively.

Spot your next investment - speak to an expert today for tailored guidance.