Category: Property Advice

Even the most credible authorities tend to disagree on the rate of price change in the property market, leaving the humble consumer somewhat baffled!     The problem is the source of data that is used to make assumptions about the market is fickle. For example, you could look at the latest Land Registry figures. These…

Most towns in the UK have a proliferation of estate agent’s “For Sale” and “Sold” boards. Not a pretty sight usually, but until such time as they are outlawed, any estate agency which is not highly visible by their boards might as well give up! Prospective vendors understandably place a huge emphasis on the market…

During the course of the ownership of your home, you will no doubt consider a number of improvements that you hope will add value, or at least recoup the money spent, when you eventually come to sell.    However, it is impossible to predict the tastes and preferences of your future buyer, so how do…

We are often asked by our clients whether they should withdraw their property from the market once an acceptable offer has been made. There are a number of angles on this subject which should be considered in the context of each specific set of circumstances.    Firstly, from an ethical perspective, it could be argued…

A buy to let investment should ideally deliver impressive returns with minimal stress and these two objectives are most readily maximised when your property is occupied by a reliable long term tenant. Too many letting agents simply sign up the first tenant who comes along, with little consideration for the long term implications of accepting…

Property is now regarded as a serious investment option and an attractive alternative to a traditional pension. The failure of many pension funds to perform has had a major effect on their popularity and people are now choosing to take more direct ownership over their destiny – in more ways than one. Unlike a regular…

As the costs of moving can be substantial (although still much lower than many other countries), many people find that extending their existing property is an obvious alternative. You can go up, you can go out or you can go down. For most house owners, going up is an obvious first choice. A loft conversion…

Converting an existing cellar or basement into living accommodation can be an option for those who want a larger home, but without the cost of moving. Money is probably better put into actual bricks and mortar than it is into stamp duty, legal fees, estate agency and removal costs! A basement conversion can add significantly…

Some local sellers have approached us to sell their property following a less-than-impressive performance by an online alternative to “proper” estate agency. Although it is always tempting to say “I told you so”, we wouldn’t be so harsh with someone who has just been through the mill with the wrong choice of agent.   And…

Selling your property is easy. Just advertise it online and wait for the buyers to flock to your door!! If only!     Sadly, too many estate agents rely on this approach, which inevitably results in disappointment. Indeed, in some respects, finding the buyer is actually the easy bit. But, when you think about it, there…