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 government confirmed its position on energy efficiency in the private rented sector on 21 January 2026. All privately rented properties in England and Wales must achieve a minimum EPC Band C rating by 1 October 2030, backed by up to £15 billion in public funding through the Warm Homes Plan. The current minimum of Band E continues to apply until that date. For landlords with properties below Band C, four years is enough time to plan and act well, but it is not enough time to leave the decision indefinitely.

The two-stage timeline landlords need to understand
The 2030 deadline operates in two stages that carry different implications for how landlords should approach their compliance planning.

The first stage is 1 October 2029. From that date, the government will introduce a new EPC assessment methodology called the Home Energy Model, which will replace the current system. The Home Energy Model assesses properties differently, placing greater emphasis on how well a building retains heat rather than its estimated energy consumption. It is expected to be a more demanding standard than the current methodology in some respects.

The second stage is 1 October 2030. From this date, all privately rented properties must meet Band C under the applicable assessment standard or hold a valid registered exemption.

The critical planning implication of this two-stage structure is that any property achieving Band C or above before 1 October 2029, under the current assessment methodology, will be recognised as compliant until that certificate expires. EPC certificates remain valid for ten years, meaning landlords who act early can secure compliance well beyond the 2030 deadline.

The cost cap and what it means
The spending cap for MEES compliance is set at £10,000 per property. Landlords are required to spend up to this amount on improvements. Where a landlord has genuinely spent up to the cost cap and the property still cannot reach Band C, a cost cap exemption can be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register.

Costs incurred from October 2025 onwards count toward the cap. Landlords who have already carried out improvement works should retain all receipts and invoices as evidence of expenditure toward compliance.

Grant funding available now
Two government schemes are currently available to support landlords with improvement costs. The Warm Homes Local Grant provides funding for energy efficiency improvements in privately rented properties where tenants meet eligibility criteria based on household income. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme also provides support towards heat pump installations.

Checking available funding before commissioning works privately can significantly reduce the overall cost of improving a property’s energy performance.

The right order of improvements
The most effective compliance strategy follows a fabric-first approach. Improving insulation, including loft insulation, cavity wall insulation where suitable, and floor insulation, reduces heat loss and provides the most durable foundation for further improvements.

Secondary glazing or window replacement can address heat loss through glazing. Heating system efficiency comes next, with modern condensing boilers or appropriately sized heat pumps helping reduce running costs and improve EPC ratings.

Penalties for non-compliance
From October 2030, letting a property that does not meet Band C without a registered exemption will attract civil penalties of up to £30,000 per property per breach. Local authorities will also have enhanced enforcement powers.

The penalty framework is designed to ensure that compliance remains the financially sensible option. Landlords who begin planning now have the greatest flexibility over timing, contractor availability, and improvement costs.

Talk to our lettings team about your EPC compliance plan

The number of homes available for sale is at its highest level since 2015, giving buyers more choice than they have had for many years. While this creates positive opportunities, a wider selection can also make the decision-making process more challenging.

The buyers who make the most of the current market are those who establish clear priorities before they begin viewing and apply them consistently throughout their search.

Lead with the things you cannot change
One of the most important lessons for any buyer is understanding the difference between features that can be changed and those that cannot.

Decoration, flooring, kitchen finishes and bathroom design can often be updated over time. Location, layout, natural light, aspect and the character of the surrounding area are much harder to alter and should carry greater weight when making a decision.

A property in the right location with features that can be improved may represent a stronger long-term purchase than a home with impressive presentation but a location that does not suit your lifestyle.

Consider your daily requirements carefully, including your commute, schools, family connections and access to essential services. The practical reality of living in the location matters far more than how it feels during a single viewing.

Understand what the property will cost to live in
The purchase price and mortgage payment are important considerations, but the overall cost of owning a home extends beyond these figures.

Energy bills, maintenance costs and, for leasehold properties, service charges and other ongoing costs all contribute to the real cost of living in a property.

The EPC rating provides a useful indication of potential energy costs. A more efficient property can be cheaper to heat and run compared with a similar home with a lower rating. Asking to see the EPC before committing helps you understand the likely ongoing expenses alongside the purchase price.

For leasehold properties, buyers should also review service charges, the condition of any reserve funds and the remaining lease length. These factors can have a significant impact on future affordability and resale potential.

Use the current supply to understand the market
A higher level of available property gives buyers a valuable opportunity to compare homes, understand pricing and recognise genuine value.

Viewing a range of properties across your preferred areas helps create a clearer picture of what different budgets achieve. Buyers who understand the local market are better placed to identify a property that is fairly priced when it appears.

However, more choice should not become a reason to delay indefinitely. Well-presented homes that are priced appropriately can still attract strong interest and move quickly.

Prepare before you view
The strongest buyers are prepared before they begin searching. Having a mortgage in principle, a solicitor ready to act and a clear list of essential requirements allows you to move forward confidently when the right property appears.

Preparation does not guarantee you will find your ideal home immediately, but it ensures you are in the best position to secure it when the opportunity arrives.

Ready to find your next home? Talk to our team today

The decision to sell a home and the process of marketing it effectively are two different things. The difference between them is preparation, and this stage can have a significant influence on the outcome of the sale.

In a market where buyers have more choice and are carefully comparing available properties, sellers who prepare thoroughly before listing are better positioned to attract interest, achieve stronger offers and avoid delays later in the process.

Presentation begins outside
Buyers often form their first impression of a property before they enter the front door. The exterior appearance of a home can influence expectations before a viewing even begins.

A clean front door, tidy pathways, maintained gardens and a well-presented entrance all suggest that a property has been cared for. Simple improvements such as refreshing paintwork, clearing clutter, cleaning windows and maintaining outdoor areas can make a noticeable difference.

These small details help create a positive first impression and ensure buyers arrive at a viewing with confidence in the property they are about to see.

Declutter and depersonalise before photography
Professional photography is one of the most important marketing tools available when selling a property. The images are often the first opportunity a buyer has to decide whether a home is worth viewing.

Before photographs are taken, prepare each room so it feels spacious, bright and easy for buyers to imagine themselves living in. Clear surfaces, remove unnecessary furniture where rooms feel crowded and reduce personal items such as family photographs or highly individual decorations.

The aim is not to remove character from the home, but to create a clean and welcoming environment where buyers can picture their own lifestyle.

Address maintenance before listing
Visible maintenance issues can influence buyer confidence and may become points of negotiation later. Addressing obvious problems before marketing begins can help prevent avoidable concerns during viewings or surveys.

Areas worth reviewing include damaged plasterwork, leaking taps, signs of damp or mould, broken fittings, damaged window seals and worn exterior paintwork. These improvements do not require a full renovation; they are about ensuring the property is presented in the best possible condition.

Taking care of small issues before listing can remove uncertainty and help buyers focus on the property's strengths.

Gather documentation in advance
Being organised with paperwork can help prevent delays once a sale has been agreed. Important documents to locate include planning permissions for alterations, building regulations certificates, guarantees for improvements, boiler service records and relevant correspondence.

Having these documents ready before marketing begins can make the conveyancing process smoother and reduce unnecessary delays after an offer is accepted.

Timing and preparation work together
The strongest results often come when preparation and timing are aligned. The first weeks after a property launches are typically when buyer attention is highest, making it important to enter the market fully prepared.

A well-presented property, supported by strong photography, accurate information and organised documentation, gives sellers the best opportunity to make the most of that initial buyer interest.

Ready to sell? Talk to our team today

A void period is one of the clearest and most measurable costs in a landlord's annual income. The income lost while a property sits empty between tenancies cannot be recovered, unlike some other costs that may be delayed or managed over time. Across a portfolio, even short periods of vacancy can have a noticeable impact on overall returns.

With rental market conditions continuing to change, actively managing void periods remains one of the most effective ways landlords can protect their income. Reducing empty time is usually the result of consistent preparation, accurate pricing and efficient processes rather than simply relying on market conditions.

Start re-marketing before the tenancy ends
The most effective way to reduce a void period is to begin preparing for the next tenancy before the current one finishes. Under the Renters' Rights Act's periodic tenancy framework, tenants provide notice before leaving, creating an opportunity for landlords to begin the re-letting process early.

A property that can be marketed quickly, with professional photographs available, accurate rental information and a clear understanding of current demand, has a much stronger chance of securing a new tenant close to the outgoing tenant's departure date.

Landlords who consistently achieve shorter void periods usually have effective systems in place: properties maintained throughout the tenancy, condition records kept up to date and a process that allows marketing activity to begin without delay.

Price the re-let accurately from the start
Setting the right rental price from the beginning is essential. A property priced above comparable homes in the local area may receive fewer enquiries, remain available for longer and eventually require a reduction, creating a longer vacancy than necessary.

Zoopla's rental data shows that average rents vary significantly across the UK, with regional differences in both demand and rental growth. Understanding the position of your specific property within its local market is more valuable than simply increasing the rent based on what was achieved previously.

A competitive and evidence-based rental price helps attract suitable applicants quickly and reduces the risk of extended empty periods.

Property condition and presentation
The condition of a property between tenancies has a direct impact on how quickly it can be re-let. Homes that are clean, well maintained and presented professionally are more likely to generate enquiries and attract reliable applicants.

Addressing maintenance issues, refreshing decoration where necessary and ensuring appliances are working correctly can make a significant difference. A small investment in preparation before marketing can often cost far less than losing rental income through unnecessary delays.

Professional photographs should also be kept updated as the property changes. Strong images that show the property at its best can improve the quality of enquiries and help a listing stand out.

Tenant retention as void prevention
The most effective way to reduce a void period is to avoid one entirely. A satisfied tenant who chooses to remain in the property removes the need for marketing, viewings and transition time between occupiers.

Responsive maintenance, fair rent reviews based on current market evidence and clear communication all contribute to positive tenant relationships. Retaining a good tenant is often more cost-effective than finding and replacing a new one.

Talk to our lettings team about managing your properties