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After many long and draining weeks of learning from home, children across the UK are finally returning to school. While weary parents may be glad to see the back of homeschooling, some children may find the transition from front room to classroom daunting. After spending so much time at home, dealing with the hurly-burly of…
This afternoon the Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlined his plans to get England back on track as we come out of the pandemic. Among furlough extensions, extra support for the self-employed and business loan schemes was the welcome news that the stamp duty holiday is being extended. When it was introduced, the original deadline was March…
Tomorrow is World Book Day, so here’s a list of six famous fictional homes (because even plucky heroes and dastardly villains need to keep a roof over their heads). Number 4 Privet Drive. From the outside, this suburban home in Little Whinging, Surrey, is your classic “well presented three-bedroom modern residence”. But take a closer look,…
When a tenancy comes to an end, one issue more than any other causes disagreements. And it’s not holes in walls or missing rent payments that take the number one spot. According to recent data* cleaning is the most common cause of strife. Yes, that’s right, grotty carpets, greasy ovens and filthy loos most often…
With the end to lockdown now in sight, it’s impossible not to think excitedly ahead to spring and summer. We know we won’t be able to do everything all at once – but we can live with that. There are so many simple things that we’ve missed over the past few months that will make…
For millions of Brits, getting through this pandemic has been a case of “Keep Calm and Carry On with DIY”. To stop themselves from climbing the walls from boredom and frustration, they’ve turned to painting them. As a result, DIY chains such as B&Q have recorded surging sales, while paint company Dulux had to ration…
From smart TVs to one-click shopping, technology makes life a whole lot easier than it was 20 years ago for the average person. It also has many benefits for private landlords and their tenants. Here are our top tech tips. Remote viewings There has been a surge in online viewings due to Covid-19. Pre-recorded tours…
Many people are going through a dark time right now, but there is a way you could make at least one person’s day a little brighter. As this week is Random Acts of Kindness Week, why not surprise and delight someone with a small, generous gesture? It doesn’t have to be a grand affair; even…
The quote is attributed to the English theologian Thomas Fuller from 1650. It could easily be applied now, more than 370 years on. As the weather turns for the better, the vaccine programme accelerates across the UK, and green shoots of the ‘old normal’ start to spring up, here at Martin & Co we’re feeling…
If there’s a chance you could sell your Chelmsford home in the next few years, think before you rush into making any major home renovations. While you might read about celebrities investing in fancy wine cellars (David Beckham’s building one for his 7,000 bottles of plonk) or bespoke nature ponds (Ed Sheeran’s has a jetty), the reality…
What’s the secret to a successful tenant/landlord relationship? It’s a question that has vexed property gurus through the ages, but now the University of Stirling thinks it has the answer. A new report from the university, Making a Home in the Private Rented Sector, says the key to a long and happy property partnership is to…
Lockdown celebrations One thing star-crossed lovers in Chelmsford don’t have to worry about this Valentine’s Day is bagging a reservation at a candle-lit restaurant. In “normal times”, even the most mediocre eatery is booked solid on 14 February, but – alas – thanks to lockdown that won’t be the case this year. So how can couples celebrate…