In the heart of London, not everyone has the luxury of outdoor space. But lack of a garden doesn't mean you can't add a touch of nature to your home. Whether you have a balcony or rely on indoor areas, a dash of greenery can instantly enhance your urban living space. Balcony Gardens For those lucky enough to have a balcony, even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into a mini green haven. When...
It’s not just birds, bees and butterflies that come out in force in summer – unfortunately, burglars step up their activity, too. With many people going away on holiday (leaving homes empty) and others opening their windows and doors when temperatures rise, burglary rates spike in summer. So, how can tenants and landlords stay one step ahead of the crooks and avoid the financial and psychological...
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage your property, getting a good mortgage deal is probably top on your list of priorities. You could lose hours scrolling through comparison sites, frantically searching for high street lenders’ deals, and trying to find your latest payslips. Or you could do the sensible thing and get a professional’s help. In this quick read,...
Electric vehicles (EVs) are everywhere. They’ve been steadily growing in popularity and are now a serious consideration for anyone thinking about buying a new car. So, are you ready to go green and drive electric? It’s estimated that by 2025, the sale of electric cars will overtake that of traditional petrol/diesel vehicles. And in just seven years’ time, the government plans to ban the sale...
First-time buyers, often the unsung heroes of the property world, can offer a golden opportunity to you as a seller. But have you thought about how to engage with this motivated group? The sparkle of cash buyers may catch your eye, but don't overlook the considerable advantages that first-time buyers (FTBs) can bring to the table. They could be the perfect fit for your property sale. Let's unpack the...
After a four-year wait and lots of speculation, a wide-ranging plan to overhaul the rental sector was finally presented to Parliament this week. The Renters’ Reform Bill includes changes to eviction laws, the creation of a Private Rental Ombudsman to resolve disputes and measures to speed up the existing court process. The bill will now be scrutinised by MPs and members of the House of Lords,...
Garden maintenance can be a thorny issue between tenants and landlords, so here's a useful guide to help avoid confusion. Now that spring is here; there are lots of tasks to be done in the garden, such as watering, weeding and mowing. But if the garden is part of a rental property, who is responsible for doing them? That's a question that has vexed many tenants and landlords over the years (garden...
Selling a property is a bit like a football match – it’s a game of two halves. The first half centres on finding a buyer and agreeing a deal, and the second half is about making that deal a reality. Most buyers are familiar with the wheeling and dealing that goes on in the first part of the process but underestimate what it takes to get an offer to completion. But with industry...
Condensation and mould The two are often bundled together because if you’ve got condensation, there’s a good chance it won’t be long before you’re battling mould. Condensation can be caused by warm air hitting cold surfaces or by lots of humidity in the air. The air cools and droplets form, creating a damp environment – and a perfect breeding ground for mould. Mould grows in...
It’s estimated that the average person spends 26 years of their life asleep and nearly seven years trying to get to sleep, so your bedroom needs to be somewhere you really want to spend your time. Your bed and its surroundings should be comfortable and enticing. Think of a luxury hotel – their whole business relies on good sleep, a restful environment, and feelings of relaxation. So, if...