The property market always has a good deal for everyone, and right now, this has never been truer. The news tends to paint a bleak picture; however, on closer examination, it’s clear to see that the moving market is well balanced. If you are selling, buying, or both, then you are sure to find what you are looking for at the right price.

If you are selling
The property market is still benefiting from the rapid growth in prices over the past few years. With UK house prices rising on average by 3% in the year to May 2023, there is no doubt that things have returned to a healthier state.* Steady, solid growth creates confidence and stability. This means if you are selling, you are going to get a good price for your home, and if you move, you most likely have great levels of equity.

Buyer demand
Demand from buyers is up by 14% compared to 2019 and is 42% lower than a year ago.* It’s completely unfair and unrealistic to get downhearted by comparing today’s figures with those of last year. This was an exceptional year due to the hyperinflated market caused by COVID and other factors. The figure to concentrate on is that of 2019, which was a more realistic market, and with the increase in demand this year, you will sell your home quickly.

If you are buying
The property market is not exclusively a buyer’s market, as perhaps it has been in past years. But there is definitely a lot of scope for haggling, making an offer, or getting a good deal. Whatever your preferred term for saving money is, the trick is not to overdo it. You don’t want to miss out on the home you love by making too low an offer. This is where a good estate agent can help guide you through what can be a nerve-racking time.

A friendly face
Moving home is becoming more of a seamless experience. But having the right agent helps with this process. There is no substitute for a living, breathing person who spends day in and day out dealing with virtually all that is property related. Estate agents tend to know what is going on in your local market, can answer all your burning questions, put you in touch with anyone else you may need, and often have a list of buyers ready and waiting. Buying a home is an emotional experience, and when you are making big life-changing decisions, you don’t want to deal with a robot!

Beautiful buying weather
This time of year is perfect for moving. The birds are singing in the trees; it’s warm, and the prospect of being moved in time to enjoy the summer tempts many home movers into selling and buying. As a result, prices stay buoyant, and the choice of property flourishes. It’s a busy time of year, which adds vibrancy to an already good market.

Happy homes
Many homeowners keep their homes in tip-top shape during the summer. The result is that homes become happier places. Whether you are relocating to the countryside or to a new street, this time of year lends itself well to making some everlasting memories.

Browse our properties to take a glimpse inside your future happy home.

Zoopla*

 

There is nothing better than good news, and while the UK property market is resilient with plenty of buyer demand and many home movers getting on with finding their dream homes. There is much to feel positive about thanks to lowering inflation and falling mortgage interest rates.

Falling mortgage interest rates
Mortgage interest rates are finally falling as the rate of inflation slowed to 7.9% in the 12 months to June.* This means that two and five-year fixed-interest rate deals have been reduced. According to Moneyfacts, the average two-year fixed interest rate deal fell from 6.81% to 6.79% in July.** While this is not a significant reduction, it is a good sign of things to come. With inflation now at its lowest level for more than a year. Many analysts now expect the Bank of England not to raise the base rate by quite as much due to slowing inflation.

Cost of living support
More good news is that lenders are now offering you the chance to extend the term of your mortgage or pay interest only for up to six months. This gives you a breather and will reduce your monthly outgoings. This was instigated by the government and aims to help people who are feeling the pinch of high interest rates.

First-time buyers
The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme was extended until the end of December 2023. The 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, you still have time to take advantage of it.

Increase the term of your mortgage
With mortgage providers now offering longer-term mortgage deals, in some cases up to 35-year terms, you can get on the move now as your mortgage will be more affordable. This could also be a short-term solution to buying the home you want now, as there is nothing to stop you from getting a new deal in a few years.

Have you considered porting your mortgage?
If you are currently locked into a favourable fixed interest rate deal but really want to move home, then porting your mortgage is the perfect solution. Some lenders will allow you to keep your existing mortgage to buy your new property. So, you can move home without changing your mortgage.

Talk to an expert
Your agent will put you in touch with a mortgage advisor who will be able to find a solution that works best for you. In June 2023, there were 5,000 mortgage products available on the market.****

Whether you are a first-time buyer, have a lot of equity in your home, or are downsizing and want to invest in a second property, there are many ways to go about financing a home you can cherish.

Get in touch with our dedicated team today to discuss your property aspirations

 

BBC*
Moneyfacts**
GOV.UK***
Zoopla****

 

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**

 

Open-plan living is not for everyone, but with a touch of creativity, you can transform your living spaces into something truly amazing, making your home a delightful place to live. So, if you are unsure which to choose in your property search, here are some ideas that may open your mind.

What is open-plan living?
Open-plan living adds lots of light to your living space and creates a seamless flow between different areas of the house, such as the living room, dining area, and kitchen. This layout creates a sense of spaciousness, makes it easier to interact with others, and can be ideal for families with young children, allowing parents to keep an eye on them while cooking or working.

What is broken-plan living?
Broken-plan living aims to retain openness while also creating a level of definition and division between your living spaces. This is achieved in many ways, from partial walls to furniture arrangements. It provides a balance between open-plan and traditional separate rooms, offering both a sense of connectivity and some degree of privacy.

Do you really have to choose?
It’s all about subtly; there are so many things you can do to take advantage of open-plan living while still creating defined areas that are cosy, private, and full of differing atmospheres as you move to each area of your home.

Add a window
Retain light and create a space within your floor space by adding an internal window. You could do this for the purposes of any function you like, from a play area to a reading space near a fire. This will allow you to have privacy while still being connected to the rest of your living areas.

Create a study
Adding some steps to an elevated study so you can take in the rest of the house while working, reading, or enjoying a hobby is another way to define this space. Use glass, metal, wood, bricks, or plants to create your perfect workspace.

Half-walls
Breakfast bars are nothing unusual, and adding half walls is a blast from the past but still works. Using very small, right-angled half walls made from any material you desire and decorated in interesting colours can have a big impact. Or if you prefer curves or flowing lines, then create those to help divide the areas you feel work. It could be perfect for the kitchen or a great place to watch a movie.

Add a chimney breast
This is a clever way to create cosiness and a classical sitting-by-the-fire feeling while creating privacy. Tall, small, walk-around, or floating fires are brilliant for creating the perfect place to relax while satisfying your desire for more space.

Be creative and be yourself
There is so much you can do to make your broken-plan living space your own. Furniture, whether modern or antique, to trees, sculpture, or a walled wine rack if that’s your thing. Make it your own and experiment. Find inspiration everywhere and own it.

Do you feel inspired? Contact us today to find an amazing home

 

The UK has a rich and diverse selection of properties in equally amazing areas and regions. From castles to cottages and terraced homes to modern apartments, whatever you are looking for, you will find it.

The UK property market can be a lucrative venture for overseas investors, but it's important to go about things the right way to make the most of your investment or slice of English country or city life. Here are a few things to consider:

Get to know the UK property market
Browsing property portals and talking to good agents who know local and national property markets inside and out is a great way to get the right information so you can make a sound investment. Or if it's a home by the sea or a city apartment to use as a second home, understanding that certain regions may stretch your currency will help you achieve your goals.

Legal aspects
A good solicitor or legal firm will be able to advise you on all legal regulations and tax implications for you as an overseas investor.

Many agents can connect you with excellent solicitors, conveyancers, and mortgage advisors who can make the purchase of your property a seamless experience.

Locations with huge rental demand
From the coast to the city, a quintessential village to amazing nightlife, or buy-to-let investments in the form of townhouses or apartments, the UK market is stable and strong, and the demand for rental accommodation is huge.

Finance
The UK is the centre and a focal point for world finance; there is a solution for practically any investment opportunity for you, wherever or however you want to go about building your portfolio or living a dream lifestyle. An expert financial adviser will be able to implement the perfect strategy to suit your property goals.

Property management
If you want to let your property, a good agent can manage the entire process for you, which means everything from screening potential tenants to property maintenance will be taken care of. Wherever you are in the world, you can rest assured that your investment will be in safe hands.

Rental yield and capital growth
Investing in a UK property with good rental yields but also gaining from the increase in value of your property over time, means you can gain a great return on investment in the buy-to-let market, while also benefiting from the increase in value of your property over time.

Have a plan
Think about how much you want to invest and perhaps how long you expect to keep the property for. On the other hand, if you want to buy a castle or country retreat and live like a royal, simply enjoy yourself.

Stay informed
Keep up good communication with your agent, while the UK property market is very stable and can offer excellent long-term investment prospects. It is nonetheless a dynamically paced market, and by communicating with your agent, you will minimise the risk of missing great opportunities.

Get in touch with our expert team today to discuss all your property goals

 

In September this year, the number of buyers returning to the UK property market increased by 12% compared with August.* Whether you are wishing for snow this Christmas or a new home, the good news is that more buyers are returning to the UK property market. So, if you are thinking of moving, now is the time to start your search as more properties appear on the market.

The snowball effect creates more sellers
As more buyers get on the move, they bring with them a choice of interesting properties to the market. Many homeowners are downsizing as their families have flocked the nest. Some younger buyers, having stayed at home to save a deposit, have now moved out and bought their first properties. Finally, Mum and Dad have their chance to downsize or use some equity to buy a holiday home. This gives you the chance to find a property with a bit more room. More and more homes appear on the market as home movers exchange contracts.

Home movers are acclimatising to the new normal level of interest rates
Interest rates in the past have been far higher than those of today. And it’s no secret that in recent years we have been spoiled with super low rates. Buyers are now realising that rates today still represent a good deal. Affordability levels are still good. As home movers and households adjust and accept that their mortgage costs are a bit higher, many are choosing to carry on with their home moving plans.

Christmas home-moving flurry
Being in a new home in time for Christmas is a very appealing idea, and many movers are already well into their home-moving journey. More bedrooms for your growing family or a place for everyone to sit at the table in a larger dining room. A magical winter garden tastefully embellished for the holiday season or just because you finally create your vision of an awesome outdoor space. There are so many great reasons to move.

A better year
You may be moving because you want a better work-from-home space, or your motives are based on a new location for work or to live closer to your family. And getting it done in time to start the new year is arguably better than rushing around in time for Christmas. Starting the new year in a new property is like making a fresh start. And the impact the right home can have on your sensory and emotional well-being is extraordinary. Feeling like you are revitalised for all that the year brings in a happier home is a great way to live.

Navigating the property market
In a fragmented and increasingly complex property market, it’s vital that you find the right agent who truly understands your property’s market. Fluctuating prices and an air of insecurity are still in the minds of some homeowners, thanks to so many negative news stories that often overlook the positive aspects of today's market. The reality is that each home-moving story is unique. Agents' databases are filled with individuals who have a specific vision for where they want to live. Your home may be central to this. With an overall shortage of properties relative to high demand, pricing your property accurately has never been more critical.

Book your expert face-to-face valuation today.

Perhaps it’s been a while since you moved, or you are a first-time buyer. Whatever situation you are in, if you are applying for a mortgage, you want to get your mortgage sorted so you can breathe a sigh of satisfaction, knowing that a major hurdle to home-buying has been cleared.

Take a look at your credit report
Having a good credit score is key to getting a mortgage. Make sure you are on the voting register. You may have a perfect credit history, but without it, you will fail. On that subject, make sure you pay any credit agreements you have on time. If there are some you can clear, perhaps this will increase your levels of affordability. Any credit cards that you don’t use could affect the amount you could borrow, so if you don’t need them and you have more than one, think about cancelling them.

The bigger your deposit, the better
Perhaps you are already living at home with parents or a relative and saving rapidly. It may not be ideal right now, but a bigger deposit will not only increase your chances of success but also reduce your monthly repayments. Then, when you finally get the keys to your very own home, your newfound freedom will feel even better.

Buy with your friend, partner, or family

Buying with your partner is an obvious choice for many, and moving to your own place is exciting as you furnish it and decorate it to the tastes of whoever has the final word! If you are not ready for such levels of commitment, then why not buy with a friend? Some lenders will allow you to buy with up to four people. Maybe you could pitch the idea to your parents as a property investment for them and move out more quickly!

Don’t change your job too often
If you are thinking of applying for a mortgage in the near future, changing your job is not a definite guarantee that you will not be successful. Having said that, your lender is looking for consistency. They want to see that you have been in employment for a decent amount of time, usually about three years, depending on the lender.

Get in touch with a mortgage advisor
A good mortgage advisor is worth every penny. Experts in understanding the market, they will have lots of tips and access to ways of buying your home. From improving your credit score to finding a tailored solution from the thousands of products that are available. If you are happy with your existing mortgage deal, you may decide to port your mortgage, which allows you to move with your existing mortgage. There are interest-only options for lower payments, guarantor mortgages, flexible mortgages so you can overpay or underpay, and buy-to-let options for investors. Offset mortgages allow you to link your savings to your mortgage by offsetting the value of your savings against the value of your mortgage amount. The right mortgage advisor can make a big difference in helping you get the keys to the home you want.

 

Your perfect is different from that of the next person. So how you prepare for the Christmas holidays is your call, but there is nothing like mixing a bit of tradition with some fresh ideas to keep Christmas feeling as festive as possible.

Christmas greetings
Are you up for going all out and adorning the front of your home with an intricate arrangement of lights that can be seen from the stratosphere, or do you prefer to decorate with an air of subtlety? Whatever you decide, create that gushy feeling that makes passersby and guests feel welcome. It’s all about doing it your own way, choose a ribbon, a wreath or a singing snowman, let your imagination do all of the hard work for you.

Stock your cupboards
Christmas is an expensive time of year. Start stocking your cupboards now with items that have a long best-before date. Maybe you have already made your Christmas cake or ordered your pudding. Planning ahead can make for a more delicious Christmas. Making edible decorations like chocolate reindeer also helps! But you could always grace your front room with mince pies, garnish them with a bit of holly, and suddenly they too become edible decorations.

Add some authenticity
Maybe you would prefer to just blow up some balloons, or you are going to go for it by creating your own grotto out of wood. Somewhere in between is a good place to start. A bowl full of chestnuts, or get crafty and make your own baubles. If you need guidance, buy a DIY kit.

The scent of Christmas
With the aroma of great food mingled with the pines of a real Christmas tree and maybe a good punch—the scents of Christmas are everywhere. But if you want to enhance this and stretch it out in the buildup to the holidays, think about scented candles, scented sachets of soap, fragrance oils, or even infusing your bathroom with herbs!

The sounds of Christmas
Christmas songs are sometimes sources of contention. Some people love them, others do not! But there are other ways to add atmosphere to your home without involving carol singers. Talking reindeer or snowmen, will help create an atmosphere of magical Christmas memories, for all the family.

A wonderful outdoor area
A miniature Christmas tree placed near your outdoor dining area within reach of a characterful outdoor stove and nice lighting could even warm Scrooge this Christmas. Add a festive theme with holly placed under the pagoda or use it to simply complement outdoor candles. Hang nice LED lighting in case you love carol singers and want an exclusive performance from the comfort of your outdoor living area, with a nice glass of good punch.

 

Celebrate the past, but don’t dwell on it
Saying goodbye is important, and how you choose to do it is up to you. Maybe you are emotionally detached, and a simple walk around your home as you close the door for the final time will suffice. On the other hand, you may want to build up to this process over time, saying goodbye over a period of weeks. Savouring so many nice memories is important, but there will also be a big part of you that can’t wait to move. Especially if you are moving to a bigger and better home.

Keep yourself busy
This is the secret to moving on with most things in life, and moving home is no different. Write an action plan for moving. Break it down into categories. Include everything from moving day to things to do in your new home. Bring the vision of your new life to reality by starting new traditions. Think about the details of how you can make your new home the best version of itself while getting to know your home's new location. Begin the de-cluttering process of your current home now; it will reduce your stress levels significantly.

Accept that change is good
The ability to change is hard-wired into most of us and a natural part of life, so you will be more adept at coping with it than you realise. Embrace the exciting emotions that a new home brings by looking forward to the great memories you will make in the future. Your home will inspire so many positive feelings, from how it makes you feel to its improved energy efficiency or location. Look forward to your first sleep in your new home and allow the vision of your new outdoor space, bedrooms, or kitchen to take over.

Remember, your agent is human
Good estate agents help you understand the buying process. This makes your entire moving journey less hassle, so you can plan each step. Because of this, your friendly estate agent can be a great source of emotional support. Putting your mind at rest with a thorough understanding of your big move. And connecting you with good mortgage advisors and conveyancers, guiding you on asking and selling prices and preparing your home for sale, your estate agent is your rock when moving.

Conclusion
In today’s world, with increasing automation and the advent of artificial intelligence and online-only agents, it’s easy to forget the importance of the human element, which offers so much support. Moving home does not have to be complicated, even if we humans are!
Are you looking forward to saying hello to a new home? Get in touch today.