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**

 

 

The wishlist problem nobody mentions

You’ve created the perfect property wishlist. Four beds, two baths, a garden, parking, good schools, near transport, period features, a modern kitchen, a quiet street, and a vibrant neighbourhood. Then you search and find nothing matching all requirements within budget, so you spend months viewing compromises while hoping the perfect property appears eventually if you wait long enough.

Here’s what successful buyers understand: wishlists work only when they separate genuine requirements from aspirational preferences. That difference determines whether you’re searching productively or waiting indefinitely for properties that don’t exist at your price point.

Essential versus negotiable

Create two lists, not one. Essentials are the features your home must have for your lifestyle to function. Negotiables are preferences you’d like but can live without if everything else works. Most buyers treat every item as equally important, then wonder why nothing suitable appears.

Essentials might be minimum bedrooms, school catchment areas, or commute limits. Negotiables include period character, garden size, or whether the kitchen is newly renovated. Essentials determine which homes you view; negotiables determine which one you ultimately choose.

Buyers who successfully complete purchases often have three to five essential requirements-and accept that everything else requires trade-offs.

The budget reality nobody wants to hear

Your wishlist must match what your mortgage capacity can actually buy in your chosen area. Period features, central locations, large gardens, and top school catchments all command premiums. Properties that tick every single wishlist item usually exceed typical buyer budgets.

Look at completed sales rather than listings. If similar homes in your preferred area sold for £400k and your budget is £350k, your wishlist cannot include those features in that location. You must adjust your budget, your preferred areas, or your expectations-wishlists don’t override market reality.

The location question that matters most

Buyers often cite broad areas (“north of the city”, “near the station”) without understanding how drastically micro-locations affect price and lifestyle. Catchment areas, transport proximity, neighbourhood feel, and amenities vary street by street.

Visit potential areas at different times. Walk the neighbourhood. Check commuting routes. Your location wishlist must reflect where you genuinely want to live day-to-day-not just postcodes that sound desirable in theory.

The features you’ll actually use

Many wishlist items come from imagination, not lifestyle. A home office sounds essential until you realise you work from home twice a month. A huge garden feels important until you remember you dislike garden maintenance. A big kitchen seems a must-have until you acknowledge that you cook simple meals.

Identify features you will actively use, not ones that simply sound ideal.

Your realistic wishlist strategy

Choose three to five true non-negotiables based on lifestyle needs. Understand exactly what your budget buys. Accept that beyond essentials, compromise is inevitable. Focus your search on properties meeting core requirements, then use negotiable preferences to decide between viable options.

Successful buyers aren’t the ones who find perfect homes ticking every box-they’re the ones who know clearly what matters, what doesn’t, and how to make smart trade-offs based on current market realities.

Ready to create a realistic property wish list that helps you buy? Get expert advice today

The dust is settling on the 2025 Autumn Budget, and property market experts are now assessing what the announced measures mean for house prices, buyer behaviour, and rental demand in the coming year. Whether you're a landlord, tenant, or prospective buyer, understanding these trends will help you make smarter decisions. 

Clarity brings market stability 

The most significant development is the confirmation that there will be no annual tax on properties above £500,000. This brings clarity to owners of roughly 210,000 homes currently on the market above this threshold. With certainty established, buyer interest is expected to strengthen heading into 2026, particularly across London and southern England. 

The existing stamp duty system remains intact, providing continuity for the market. Market analysts expect this clarity to support renewed activity after a period of waiting. Properties priced appropriately for current conditions will continue to transact, and buyers with financing in place can move forward with confidence. 

What landlords need to consider 

From April 2027, property income tax rates will adjust by 2 percentage points across all bands, basic rate moving to 22%, higher rate to 42%, and additional rate to 47%. This follows last year's stamp duty adjustment on additional homes (from 3% to 5%), alongside the Renters' Rights Act and energy efficiency regulations forming part of the shifting landlord landscape. 

Significantly, rents have risen 25% over the last five years, which has supported landlord income during this period of change. This rental growth has provided returns that help landlords navigate the new regulatory and taxation environment. 

Landlords can focus on properties with strong rental demand fundamentals, good employment prospects, transport links, and practical layouts. The April 2027 implementation date provides time to review portfolio performance and consider strategic adjustments where beneficial. 

The targeted mansion tax 

From 2028, a high-value council tax surcharge will apply to properties worth over £2m, an estimated 0.5% of UK homes, with 85% in London and the South East. The annual charge of £2,500 for properties between £2m-£5m, rising to £7,500 above £5m, is more modest than some predictions suggested. 

For a majority of the market, 99.5% of homes, this measure will have no impact. The targeted nature means typical buyers, sellers, and homeowners can proceed with their plans unchanged. 

The rental market perspective 

For tenants, the 25% rent growth over five years reflects strong underlying demand in the rental sector. As buyer confidence returns following budget clarity, the balance between renting and purchasing becomes clearer for those weighing their options. 

With the existing stamp duty system maintained and no new barriers to homeownership introduced, the path to purchase remains consistent with pre-budget conditions. This allows for informed decision-making based on personal circumstances and financial readiness. 

The year ahead 

The post-budget outlook centres on targeted adjustments rather than dramatic change. The confirmation about the £500,000 threshold removes uncertainty for 210,000 homes currently on the market. The existing stamp duty system provides continuity for most market participants. Targeted adjustments affect specific segments, 0.5% of homes above £2m and landlords planning for April 2027 changes. 

This creates a more predictable environment for planning. Buyers gain certainty about purchase costs. Sellers understand the landscape for marketing their properties. Landlords have a clear timeline for adjusting to new income tax rates. Homeowners below £2m see no changes to their position. 

The market rewards those who understand these specifics and act on clear information. With speculation about sweeping property tax changes now resolved, participants can make decisions based on actual measures rather than anticipated scenarios. 

Contact us for guidance based on current conditions and forecasts 

The 2025 Autumn Budget marks an important moment for the property market as we close out 2025. With targeted changes to taxation, maintained stability for most homeowners, and evolving market dynamics, understanding what's happened and what's coming will help everyone make smarter property decisions in the year ahead.

The budget changes reshaping property

The most significant news is the no annual tax on properties above £500,000, bringing clarity to roughly 210,000 homes currently on the market above this threshold. The existing stamp duty system remains completely intact for all buyers.

However, targeted measures affect specific segments. From 2028, a high-value council tax surcharge will apply to properties worth over £2 million, affecting an estimated 0.5% of UK homes. This surcharge will impact 85% of properties in London and the South East. The annual charge will be £2,500 for properties valued between £2 million and £5 million, rising to £7,500 for properties worth more than £5 million.

For landlords, property income tax rates adjust by 2 percentage points from April 2027. Basic rate moves to 22%, higher rate to 42%, and additional rate to 47%. This follows last year's stamp duty adjustment on additional homes (from 3% to 5%).

These changes represent differentiated impacts across the market. For the vast majority, 99.5% of homeowners and all buyers, the budget maintains existing structures. For high-value property owners and landlords, the measures create planning considerations for the years ahead.

What landlords can expect in 2026

Landlords have a clear timeline for adjusting to new income tax rates from April 2027. Combined with ongoing regulatory developments including the Renters' Rights Act and energy efficiency requirements, this creates an evolving operational environment.

Significantly, rental demand fundamentals remain robust. Rents have risen 25% over the last five years, supporting landlord income during this period of change. This rental growth provides returns that help navigate the shifting taxation landscape.

Landlords can focus on properties with strong tenant demand, manageable costs, and reliable yields. The April 2027 implementation date provides time to review portfolio performance, calculate returns incorporating new tax rates, and determine optimal strategies for individual circumstances.

Renter and buyer perspectives

For renters, the 25% rent growth over five years reflects strong underlying demand in the sector. The budget's impact on rental supply will depend on how individual landlords respond to the taxation adjustments, creating varying outcomes across different markets.

Buyers gain clarity now that no £500,000 annual tax will be introduced, and the existing stamp duty system remains unchanged. This removes months of uncertainty that had characterised market hesitancy. With the threat of sweeping property tax changes lifted, buyer interest is expected to strengthen heading into 2026.

First-time buyers continue to benefit from existing thresholds, and those purchasing additional properties work within the established framework. The absence of new barriers to homeownership means the path to purchase remains consistent with pre-budget conditions.

Market outlook for 2026

The removal of uncertainty around the £500,000 threshold creates conditions for renewed activity. Market analysts expect buyer interest to strengthen, particularly across London and southern England where significant numbers of homes fall above this level. After several months of hesitation whilst participants waited for budget clarity, that waiting period now ends.

Properties priced appropriately for current conditions will continue transacting. The existing stamp duty system provides continuity, whilst the targeted nature of changes, affecting only 0.5% of homes with the mansion tax from 2028 and landlords from April 2027, means most market participants can proceed with their plans unchanged.

The fundamentals supporting property investment remain sound. Strong rental demand, as evidenced by 25% rent growth over five years, continues. The clarified taxation landscape allows for informed planning rather than speculation about potential changes.

Positioning for success

Whether you're a landlord reviewing your portfolio, an investor seeking opportunities, a renter considering your options, or a buyer planning your purchase, 2026 offers clearer conditions for decision-making than the uncertainty that preceded the budget.

Landlords have a defined timeline to April 2027 for adapting to new income tax rates. High-value homeowners understand the 2028 mansion tax implementation. Buyers and many homeowners know the existing structures remain in place. This clarity enables strategic planning based on actual measures rather than anticipated scenarios.

Understanding the specific impacts on your situation, focusing on strong fundamentals, and acting on clear information positions you well for the year ahead. The roughly 210,000 homes on the market above £500,000 benefit from lifted uncertainty. Regional opportunities continue to develop. The market rewards those who move forward with confidence based on facts.

Contact us today for guidance tailored to your circumstances and goals