Sales

Improving a property can be done for a variety of reasons. Some have their eye on a ‘fixer upper’ property that needs work, while others may want to make changes ahead of a sale. Whatever your motivation, it’s good to know how much the work will cost, what’s in fashion and what might tick the boxes of potential buyers. Luckily, the latestRated People Home Improvement Trends report sheds light on all these aspects.

If you are looking for a new home, you may browse online portals, see details in an agents’ branch window or look at the boards outside houses, noting a variety of different terms used to describe the property’s status.

Whether you have an open mind at the start of the sales process or have been on the market for some time and are looking for any extra advantage, the art of feng shui can be deployed to help sell your home.

Heat pumps are still a relatively new way to power residential homes but their fuel savings, eco credentials and ability to improve your EPC rating isn’t going unnoticed. We answer the top six heat pump questions so you can make an informed installation decision.

The tall, slender canes of bamboo are appealing to many gardeners. The plant brings a tropical, tranquil vibe to outside spaces, gently rustling in the breeze and quickly screening undesirable views. It’s also the fastest growing plant on earth, making it a problematic issue in UK gardens.

Stumperies date back to Victorian times when rotting stumps, exposed roots and tree trunks were used as a decorative way of showing off one’s collection of ferns and other shade-loving plants. King Charles III is a stumpery fan and his Highgrove garden is home to reportedly the biggest stumpery in the UK.

The buying and selling process in the UK hasn’t changed for decades. Most home movers understand a survey that examines the condition of a property is commissioned by the purchaser as part of ‘caveat emptor’ – let the buyer beware.

If you haven’t sold a property for a while – or are selling for the first time – it’s always good to know what fees are due. We breakdown the common costs associated with selling a home and cover some more unusual fees too!

There is nothing wrong with wanting to add value to a property. In fact, it can be exciting to think altering, enlarging or upgrading your home may allow you to recoup more than you’ve spent when you come to sell. There are, however, high points and pitfalls when it comes to adding value, especially if you’re looking to undertake much of the improvement work yourself.

Buyers tend to rely heavily on what they see – and there’s nothing wrong with that – but we explain how other senses can help you make informed choices and ask the right questions.

The majority of homeowners and prospective movers will have a mortgage as part of their property plans, therefore it’s important to keep tabs on both interest and mortgage rates. In August 2022, the Bank of England increased the interest rate by 0.5 percentage points to 1.75% – the biggest increase in 27 years. 

We use the expression ‘first impressions count’ for good reason and potential buyers faced with an exterior that’s cracked, flaking and grubby will make quick assumptions about your property.