The number of downsizers active in the housing market has skyrocketed in recent months*, and is it any wonder? With steep hikes in energy bills, interest rates and inflation, many people feeling the squeeze are rethinking how – and where – they want to live. Downsizers are often stereotyped as empty nesters flying the coop to enjoy retirement. But due to economic issues, a wider variety of...
Every year, the Bank of Mum and Dad comes to the rescue by helping tens of thousands of first-time buyers get on the housing ladder. Last year alone, 46% of first-time buyers received financial help from their parents to purchase a property, with £8.8 billion changing hands (source: Savills). But for parents planning to assist their offspring, or children hoping to get a helping hand, there are a...
Not since 2008, when Katy Perry stormed the music charts and Gavin and Stacey ruled the small screen, have interest rates been as high as they are today. As a result, many mortgage holders are looking for ways to trim their outgoings to ease the financial burden. Homeowners are putting DIY projects on the back burner and reducing their spending on holidays and takeaways, while some buy-to-let...
Forget Scandi style or minimalist chic, the interiors trend of the moment is wabi-sabi – an approach to design that’s gentler on the environment and the bank balance. So, what is this concept with the weird rhyming name all about, and could it work for you? Wabi-sabi has been popular in Japan for hundreds of years, where it’s considered more than a design aesthetic but a whole...
If you’re thinking about buying your first home, congratulations! You’re about to experience a huge life moment and finally have somewhere to call your own. The first-time buyer journey is exciting, scary, overwhelming… it’s basically all the emotions. So, what can you expect? In this quick read, we take you through some of the initial steps of buying your first home. Money matters Whether...
How can you spot a top letting agent from a master of mediocrity? Read on to find out. Landlords use letting agents for all sorts of reasons. Some need help navigating red tape and lettings legislation, while others want a third party to deal with inspections, inventories and disputes. And some just want peace of mind and to know that their investment property is being managed by a safe pair of...
If you’re selling a property, you’ve got a big decision to make. Which estate agent do you pick? Should you go with an independent local agency or choose a big-name brand? Should you use an agent based on the local high street or go with a cheaper online option? Before you make up your mind, it’s best to get a couple of agents in to value your property and discuss the sales process. Find out...
At last summer is here, so what are your plans? Have you booked an exciting getaway in an exotic location? Or is the aim to kick back and relax on home turf? Whatever you’ve lined up, it’s worth taking note of the common concerns that can crop up in rented accommodation during the summer. If there’s a garden at your rental property: Check your contract to ensure you understand what’s...
The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022) is an extensive piece of legislation. It includes the following provisions: Potential limitation of a flat owner’s liability towards building safety remediation costs. Requirements for the registration of all buildings more than 18 metres in height or more than seven storeys on a national register. Creation of a Building Safety Regulator with...