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 notice period assumption that costs you money

Your tenant's served notice and you think you have like plenty of time. Then time flies and you haven't secured new tenants yet, and you're realising that notice period disappears fast when you're managing viewings, references, and the gap between this tenant leaving and the next one moving in.

Meanwhile, landlords who understand notice period strategy are minimising void periods through planning that begins the day notice arrives.

Here's what separates landlords who transition smoothly between tenancies from those who sacrifice weeks of rental income: understanding that effective notice period management requires immediate action, realistic timelines, and strategies that overlap outgoing and incoming tenancies intelligently.

Start marketing immediately, not eventually

The day you receive notice is the day marketing begins, not the day you'll think about it next week after checking the property condition. The notice period sounds adequate until you account for viewing schedules, reference processing, notice periods new tenants must serve their current landlords, and the coordination required to align move-out and move-in dates seamlessly.

Properties marketed before availability attract tenants planning ahead and willing to wait for good properties. Those marketed one week before availability attract only tenants needing immediate housing, significantly limiting your applicant pool and forcing you to accept whoever's available rather than selecting optimal tenants.

Estate agents need time to photograph properties, create listings, and begin marketing. Waiting until your current tenant has moved out before starting this process guarantees void periods whilst you complete work that could have happened during notice periods.

Conduct exit inspections early enough to address issues

Final week inspections discovering problems leave no time for repairs before new tenants expect to move in. Conducting inspections pre vacation dates identifies issues whilst you've got time to address them, negotiate with outgoing tenants about damage costs, and complete repairs before the property needs to be ready for incoming tenants.

Discovering your property needs painting, carpet cleaning, or appliance repairs during the final week forces you to choose between delaying new tenants, losing rent, or presenting properties poorly. Early inspections prevent these impossible choices by identifying problems whilst time remains to resolve them properly.

Coordinate viewing schedules respectfully but strategically

Current tenants deserve respect during notice periods, but your business needs require viewings to minimise void periods. Finding this balance means scheduling viewings at reasonable times with adequate notice whilst making clear that viewings are necessary during notice periods.

Tenant cooperation often improves when you're reasonable about timing and acknowledge the inconvenience. Aggressive viewing schedules with minimal notice damage relationships and create uncooperative tenants. Overly cautious approaches that prioritise tenant convenience absolutely mean you're not viewing enough to secure new tenancies before current ones end.

Process references quickly and build realistic overlap

References taking ten days to process mean you're declining backup applicants whilst waiting, and if your preferred applicant fails referencing, you're starting over with no alternatives available. Process applications immediately and make decisions quickly rather than endlessly deliberating whilst your void period extends.

Expecting your current tenant to move out Saturday and your new tenant to move in Monday creates unrealistic pressure that frequently fails. Properties need cleaning, minor repairs, and preparation between tenancies. Building overlap into planning provides buffer for inevitable delays whilst allowing proper property preparation preventing the chaos of back-to-back moves with zero flexibility when anything goes slightly wrong.

Your notice period management strategy

Begin marketing immediately when notice is received. Conduct advance pre-checkout inspections whilst time remains for repairs. Schedule viewings respectfully but frequently enough to secure new tenants. Process references quickly rather than waiting endlessly. Build realistic overlap into your timelines.

The landlords minimising void periods aren't lucky but strategic, understanding that notice periods require immediate proactive management rather than waiting until the final weeks then panicking about finding replacement tenants quickly.

Need guidance on minimising void periods and managing tenant transitions effectively? Our team provides strategic advice on notice period management and tenant turnover.

Get expert advice today

You're considering spending thousands on new kitchens or bathrooms assuming major renovations justify rent increases, whilst overlooking small adjustments that cost hundreds but add similar rental value.

Meanwhile, savvy landlords are achieving substantial rent improvements through strategic minor changes that tenants value highly but cost relatively little to implement.

Here's what separates landlords maximising rental income from those overspending on improvements tenants don't prioritise: understanding which small changes generate disproportionate rental value, how to implement them cost-effectively, and why tenant perception often matters more than actual expenditure amounts.

Storage solutions command premium rents

Additional storage consistently tops tenant wish lists, yet most rental properties offer inadequate provision. Installing built-in wardrobes in bedrooms lacking them, adding shelving in awkward spaces, or creating storage solutions under stairs transforms rental appeal whilst costing hundreds rather than thousands.

Properties demonstrating clever storage solutions stand out immediately when tenants compare alternatives. That extra bedroom wardrobe justifying an additional £50 monthly costs £800 to install but generates £600 annual return, improving tenant satisfaction and retention.

Kitchen storage improvements through additional cupboards, drawer organisers, or pantry solutions enable rent increases whilst addressing tenant frustrations most landlords ignore. Tenants cooking daily in these spaces notice functional improvements immediately and willingly pay premiums for properties solving storage problems competitors don't address.

Lighting upgrades create immediate impact

Excellent lighting throughout properties creates emotional warmth that translates to rental premiums. Replacing inadequate fixtures with modern fittings, adding lamps in dark corners, and ensuring every room feels bright and welcoming costs minimal amounts whilst dramatically affecting how properties present during viewings.

LED downlights in living areas, under-cabinet lighting in kitchens, and quality bathroom lighting transform how properties feel without structural changes. These improvements cost £300-500 per room but enable £30-50 monthly rent increases through enhanced property appeal.

Dimmer switches, smart lighting controls, and USB charging points integrated into light switches cost little extra but create modern convenience that tech-savvy tenants notice and value highly enough to justify rental premiums.

Bathroom improvements beyond full renovations

Small bathroom upgrades generate disproportionate rental value without expensive renovations. Power showers replacing basic units, heated towel rails, quality mirrors with integrated lighting, and modern accessories create luxury feel for hundreds rather than thousands.

Professional grouting, quality sealant, and upgraded taps eliminate maintenance issues whilst creating fresh, clean appearance that justifies premium rents. These improvements cost £200-400 but prevent tenant complaints whilst enabling rent increases through improved presentation.

Modern bathroom fixtures, efficient ventilation, and quality finishes address practical concerns whilst creating emotional appeal that translates to higher rental values and longer tenant retention.

Kitchen functionality improvements

Kitchen improvements don't require complete replacements. Upgraded appliances, additional worktop space through extensions or islands, quality taps, and improved lighting transform functionality whilst costing fractions of full renovations.

Modern integrated appliances, particularly dishwashers and washing machines, enable significant rent increases because they solve daily inconveniences tenants face in properties without them. A £500 dishwasher installation justifies £40 monthly rent increases whilst improving tenant satisfaction dramatically.

Quality worksurfaces, modern splashbacks, and efficient storage solutions create functional improvements tenants use daily, justifying rent premiums through genuine utility rather than just aesthetic appeal.

Smart home features tenants want

Basic smart home technology including programmable thermostats, video doorbells, and smart locks costs hundreds to install but creates modern convenience that tech-aware tenants pay premiums for whilst improving security and energy efficiency.

Smart thermostats reduce energy bills whilst providing modern convenience, enabling rent increases whilst demonstrating landlord investment in property quality. Video doorbells improve security, creating contemporary appeal that differentiates properties from basic alternatives.

USB charging points throughout properties, smart smoke detectors, and basic home automation systems cost little but create modern living experience that justifies rental premiums from tenants valuing contemporary convenience.

External improvements creating curb appeal

Front door replacement or refurbishment, quality door furniture, improved lighting, and maintained approaches create immediate positive impressions whilst costing hundreds rather than thousands. First impressions during viewings significantly affect rental values achievable.

Window boxes, small garden improvements, and quality external lighting create welcoming appearance whilst requiring minimal investment. Properties presenting well externally justify premium rents because tenants prefer addresses they're proud to call home rather than those requiring excuses.

Quality external maintenance including cleaned windows, painted woodwork, and tidy boundaries demonstrates ongoing property care whilst creating aesthetic appeal that supports higher rental values through enhanced property presentation.

Your rental income improvement strategy

Focus on changes tenants use daily rather than impressive features they rarely notice. Prioritise storage, lighting, and functionality improvements over cosmetic upgrades that don't improve actual living experience. Calculate return on investment ensuring improvements justify costs through achievable rent increases.

Implement changes systematically rather than simultaneously, allowing rent increases to fund further improvements whilst monitoring tenant response to different upgrade types. Target improvements addressing common tenant complaints rather than pursuing personal aesthetic preferences.

The landlords achieving best rental returns through improvements understand that tenant perception and daily convenience matter more than impressive renovations, focusing on changes that genuinely improve living experience and justifying sustainable rent premiums.

Get in touch to identify rental income improvements for your specific properties

Accumulating a deposit represents the primary barrier preventing many aspiring homeowners from purchasing their first property. While the challenge is substantial, typical deposits range from 20% depending on location and property prices, strategic approaches and consistent discipline make this goal achievable. Understanding available schemes, maximising saving efficiency, and maintaining momentum over months or years separates successful first-time buyers from those who remain perpetually renting.

Understand your target deposit

Most first-time buyers need minimum 5-10% deposits, though larger deposits achieve better mortgage rates and favourable terms. On a £250,000 property, this means £12,500-£25,000 required before even considering additional purchase costs like surveys, legal fees, and stamp duty.

Calculate your specific target based on property prices in areas you're considering. Research mortgage products available at different deposit levels you might find that saving slightly more to reach 15% deposit gets better rates that save thousands over your mortgage term.

Utilise Lifetime ISAs effectively

Lifetime ISAs (LISAs) provide government bonuses of 25% on contributions up to £4,000 annually, effectively free money worth up to £1,000 yearly. You can save up to £4,000 per year and receive £1,000 bonus, continuing until age 50 with maximum lifetime bonus of £33,000.

Open your LISA immediately, even if you can only contribute small amounts initially. The earlier you start, the more bonus you accumulate. Both partners in couples can have LISAs, potentially gaining £2,000 combined annual bonuses accelerating your deposit saving significantly.

LISAs have restrictions, you must hold them at least 12 months before using funds for property purchases, and properties must cost £450,000 or less. Withdrawing for non-qualifying purposes incurs penalties, so ensure you're committed before opening one.

Create dedicated savings accounts

Separate your deposit savings from everyday money in dedicated accounts you don't touch for other purposes. This psychological separation makes saving feel more tangible and prevents inadvertent spending of deposit funds.

Consider notice accounts or fixed-term savings offering higher interest rates than instant-access accounts. The reduced accessibility adds discipline whilst growing your savings faster through better returns.

Automate your savings

Set up automatic transfers to your deposit account immediately after receiving salary payments. Treating savings as non-negotiable "bills" rather than optional contributions transforms consistency. Even modest automatic contributions, £200-£300 monthly, accumulate surprisingly quickly, especially with LISA bonuses added.

Increase automatic transfers whenever you receive pay rises or bonuses rather than allowing lifestyle inflation to absorb extra income. Your living standards remain unchanged since you've never had this money in your everyday account, but your deposit grows faster.

Reduce non-essential spending strategically

Examine spending patterns honestly. Subscription services, frequent takeaways, expensive coffee habits, and impulse purchases accumulate significantly over months. Reducing but not eliminating these expenses creates substantial savings without dramatic lifestyle changes.

Track spending for one month to understand where money goes. Often, small frequent purchases prove more expensive than occasional larger ones you're more conscious of. Apps linking to bank accounts can automate this tracking, highlighting spending patterns you might not recognise.

Boost income through side activities

Consider temporary additional income sources specifically for deposit saving. Freelance work, selling possessions you don't need, taking overtime when available, or short-term second jobs accelerate saving without permanent lifestyle changes.

Many first-time buyers successfully balance temporary extra work knowing it's specifically funding homeownership rather than indefinite additional employment.

Leverage gifts and inheritance carefully

Family gifts represent common deposit sources. If family can help, understand gifted deposit requirements lenders typically require letters confirming gifts are not loans requiring repayment. Some lenders impose restrictions on gifted deposit percentages.

Inheritance or windfall money should flow directly to deposit savings. Resist temptations to upgrade lifestyle first, prioritising homeownership over temporary pleasure proves wiser long-term.

Consider shared ownership schemes

Shared ownership allows purchasing property percentages (typically 25-75%) with lower deposits, while renting remaining portions. This provides homeownership access with deposits of £5,000-£15,000 rather than full purchase deposits.

Research whether shared ownership operates in areas you're considering and whether it aligns with your circumstances and longer-term plans.

Avoid deposit-damaging behaviours

Large unexplained deposits to accounts shortly before mortgage applications raise lender concerns. Build savings steadily rather than suddenly moving large cash amounts. Similarly, excessive borrowing or new credit agreements whilst saving suggest poor financial management to lenders.

Stay motivated through milestones

Saving for years proves psychologically challenging. Set interim milestones, 25%, 50%, 75% of target, celebrating progress without derailing saving discipline. Visual trackers showing deposit growth maintain motivation better than abstract numbers in accounts.

Contact us for guidance on realistic targets and available schemes