March Newsletter: Our featured properties, latest news, and Covid-19 update

Firstly, I hope everyone is feeling well and working through these difficult times.

At Greenstone we have decided to follow the guidelines from Boris Johnson and Government and we are now all working from home. As our systems allows us to have full access to our servers and database, with our direct telephone numbers and main office lines working in the same way, it was agreed this is the most sensible route.

Our portfolio manager Adam, is able to deal with any queries you have in the same way as usual. If you have any maintenance requests or emergencies or you think you may have any difficulty in paying your rent, please contact Adam ( adam@greenstone.com ) to discuss and get advice. Please also see the article below on updated Tenants Legislations.

Jacynth ( jacynth@greenstone.com ) is managing all end tenancies and current movers.

If you want to view properties our Sales, Lettings and Commercial property departments are open – please contact Sara sara@greenstone.com ( lettings ) , Jonathan jonathan@greenstone.com ( Sales ) , or Harrison harrison@greenstone.com (sales and commercial).

If you prefer not to enter people’s homes we have a list of vacant properties available to view. We have also taken video tours of many of our properties which we can send you.

All properties that are occupied are still available to view and we have taken the advice from our Property Association as to how to protect occupiers and viewers, which will be implemented on all viewings.

We are still taking new properties on. If you are thinking about listing your property please contact us as soon as possible so we can meet, take details, photographs and all necessary documents required so we are ready to go live at the appropriate time, in case of further restrictions on travel over the coming days and weeks.

Finally, I would like to add that we will remain open for business and ready to support our clients and customers and that with our focus and work ethics, our dedicated team and team spirits, we will get through these testing times.

If you would like to speak with me directly, about your property or an investment that we are currently managing for you, as always, my lines are open – 0203 7800 199 lewis@greenstone.com

With best regards

Lewis Green MNAEA

Director, Greenstone

Saving Money On Your Bills Each Month

Figuring out ways to spend less money can be frustrating, but one of the best ways to start the process off, is to try and cut down your monthly expenses. By making these small, yet practical changes, it can really have a positive effect to your monthly bills.

1. Heating solutions.
Bleeding your radiators is a quick, easy and free way to improve your radiators efficiency. Do this once every two months and it will save money from your energy bill.

Whilst we are on the riveting subject of radiators, it is very important not to block them! Anything that is covering your radiator will reduce the flow of hot air which ultimately makes your boiler work harder, resulting in money being unnecessarily wasted.

Draught proof your home. Keep any draughts out by fitting an internal flap for your letterbox, using rubber strips to seal floorboard gaps and place rugs on any bare floorboards, this will reduce unwanted cold air coming through.

2. Install a programmable thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat offers many benefits. Having the ability to control when and how long your heating comes on for, can save you money. According to Compact Appliance, “for every degree you raise or lower, you can save up to 2 percent on your utility bill.” Having access from your mobile is incredibly efficient. Unlike self-timing heating systems, with the thermostat mobile app you can be sure your heating is only being used when someone is in; there is no point it being on if no one is going to be home for hours! Be smarter with your money.

3. Install CFL or LED light bulbs
If you have never changed your lightbulbs before, now is the time! Make the switch to CFLs or LED, these bulbs are around four times more efficient than the traditional light bulb. “Even switching just, the five most-used light bulbs in your home could save you upwards of £30 a year on your electric bill", says The Simple Dollar.

4. Switch to a cheaper supermarket
Rather than using your mainstream, more popular supermarkets, try the cheaper ones. According to an article on Echo, they compared shopping prices across three different supermarkets for a typical weekly shop. Aldi came in at the cheapest with a total of £26.86, followed by Asda as £28.72 and then lastly £31.68. Despite £4.82 a week not sounding a lot, it does save you a total of £250.64 a year.

5. Are you paying too much council tax?
On average, 400,00 homes are in the wrong council tax band. With this free online checker, make sure you aren’t paying too much! http://www.counciltax.info/council-tax-costs-by-postcode.html

Implementing even just a few of these suggestions can make a real impact on your household’s monthly outgoings. None of them are impractical or unapproachable, so there are no excuses to save the pennies! If you are looking to save for your first deposit, our expert agents can help. Just complete our online evaluation and find out your properties value in under ten minutes!

Ceramic Art Event London 2020

Friday 20th March

The UKs favourite ceramic event returns larger than ever.

Click here to read Ceramic Art Event London 2020.

Greville Road, NW6 £795,000

A beautifully presented two bedroom apartment situated within a period conversation. This apartment situated on the second floor comprises a bright and spacious reception room, separate fitted kitchen, master bedroom with stunning views overlooking the communal garden, second double bedroom and family bathroom.

Click here to read Greville Road, NW6 £795,000.

Randolph Avenue £1850 PCM

Video Viewing Available. Ideally located near Warwick Avenue station is this stunning apartment on this popular quiet residential road with access to stunning communal gardens.

This apartment comprises a reception room, fully fitted kitchen, double bedroom with a bright interior and bathroom.

Click here to read Randolph Avenue £1850 PCM.

Essential Tips for Working From Home

For a small number of people, working from home will be the norm. But for the majority of the nation, the current health climate has caused us to quickly adapt our working practices to home working for the safety of ourselves and those around us. In doing this, it is important to create healthy working practices to maintain motivation and routine throughout the day.

We’ve gained advice from those who regularly work from home so that we can share some top tips for the coming weeks ahead. Continue below for our 8 top tips on how you can get the best out of home working:

1. Get ready for the day
Get up and ready for work as you normally would. Getting dressed out of your pyjamas and fresh for the day helps you to maintain a routine and get ready for a day of work. Doing this will signal to your brain that you are going to work and create a good mindset.

2. Have a routine
Working from home can get lonely, so a routine will prevent the day blurring into a mix of work and relaxation time. Creating a morning routine that will guide you into your work chair each day so that you can signal the separation between home and work. Start and finish work at your usual times so that you do not become overworked.

3. Create an office space
If you have a separate office space to work in, then that’s great. But even if you don’t, it is still important to create an area in your home that you can designate and associate with work. Whether that be at a desk, or if it has to be your dining room table, this will support you to keep a routine. At the end of the day, shut down your equipment and put it away. This will signal the end of your working day and the start of your own time.

4. Keep to your regular hours of a working day
With all your work equipment at home, it can be tempting to try and get ahead by setting yourself mammoth tasks that take you all evening to complete. Set yourself achievable goals (as you would when you go into work) so that you maintain your usual work hours and maintain your positivity and optimism. This will also allow you to keep a work life balance.

5. Have regular breaks
When you are in the office, you naturally take short breaks throughout the day. Whether that be to go and make a drink or go and discuss something with a colleague. These breaks away from the computer are crucial for your productivity and health. Breaks away from the computer screen help to break bad posture habits, help with concentration and productivity, and prevent fatigue. This should be no different at home. You can call a colleague for a chat, go an make a drink, or spend some time in a different room for a few moments.

6. Get some exercise
Living and working in the same space can be challenging at times so you may find it important to get a change of scenery. Stepping outside for a walk not only allows you to “leave the office” but also allows you to get valuable exercise (providing this is in line with Government gudelines). Some fresh air and natural light will do you the world of good. With people rarely leaving the house, a short walk could be all the exercise you get in a day so place importance on this. Alternatively, you may want to do a short home workout. There are tons of guides online to help you do this. Let’s not forget about those all important endorphins.

7. Take your lunch break
You are still entitled to your full lunchbreak and it is important to take this. Ensure you continue to eat well and take time away from your work space to break up the day. Using this time to get some exercise (as advised in step 7) is a great idea too.

8. Get on the phone
Communication is so important during this time. Working from home can be isolating (especially if you live alone). To overcome this, ensure to keep up with regular team meeting via group calls. Check in with your colleagues through out the day – even for a general chat not related to work. This is what you would usually do in the office and it is important to maintain this to make the day more enjoyable. Call people instead of email so that you can have proper conversations during the day which is so much more personal that email communication. You could even use Facetime for a more personal touch.

Government Updates on Tenants Legislation

There are many questions surrounding tenants rights and coronavirus, including rent problems, evictions, giving notice, benefit claims, arrears, and more. This article should address the many questions you may have.

Click here to read Government Updates on Tenants Legislation.

Mind 'n' Soul Charity Night

Saturday 21st March

5th Chsroty Soul Night in aid of Mental Health UK.

Click here to read Mind 'n' Soul Charity Night.

Central London Craft Beer Tour

Saturday 21st March

Have a bit of culture with your drinking with a tour of six pubs.

Click here to read Central London Craft Beer Tour.