Category: Property Advice

You don’t have to delve too deep into a Google search to find a news story or scathing blog about rogue landlords in the private rented sector. But what about landlords themselves who fall victim to rogues in other industries? Well, the stories are harder to find, unsurprisingly, but it does happen. And more often…

With Christmas already in sight, if you’re serious about selling it would be worth your while to do something about it now, rather than waiting until the Spring. For many, Christmas is a time for home making and buyers currently thinking of moving tell us they would love to be in by mid-December – and…

One of the best things about Chelmsford is the city’s proximity to three stunning rivers in the Chelmer, Wid and Can. The waterways are home to a huge variety of wildlife and provide a rich environment for walkers throughout the year. However, the downside of having three major rivers in such close proximity is, of…

If you were to compare the map of UK surname distribution of the 1801 census with a similar map today, you would probably be surprised at how little change there has been since then, with local surnames still congregating around the area of their ancestral home. Despite massive improvements in transport links, and speed of…

How would you describe the average renter in Chelmsford? Young professional? Firmly in the millennial age bracket of 22 to 37? Priced out of the Chelmsford property market by rising values over the past 10 years? Working in London and taking advantage of Chelmsford’s great transport links? In the main, we’d say you were right….

We all know about the importance of first impressions. Yet it is surprising how few people take a proactive approach to doing a few things that will really impress a buyer before they even walk through the door. Once the buyer realises that the property is well cared for, especially in such apparently minor details…

Many people buy a property that is generally well suited to their needs, but could be improved with the removal of one or more internal walls. The removal of an internal wall can not only open up additional space by combining two otherwise small rooms, but it can also let in more light, give access…

If you’re a landlord then you’ll almost certainly have experienced the uncertainty that comes with a new tenant. Of course, if you’ve screened and vetted them as you should do, that should provide adequate peace of mind. But there’s always a niggling feeling isn’t there? Have I made the right decision? Will they pay their…

What’s the first thing that pops into your head when you think of shared living? Retirement homes? Student houses? Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler and Joey from Friends? Whatever thought comes to mind first, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing negative media reports around Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the UK. Dozens…

Cracks, marks and stains leave the biggest negative impression on prospective buyers during a viewing, with a 76% turn-off rate. This is according to Sell House Fast who surveyed 1,266 people who have been to several viewings over the last year. 71% of prospective buyers said they would be dissatisfied by bathroom fixtures not functioning…

We all panic from time-to-time. Readers of this blog that are of a certain age will recall Corporal Jones running around the Walmington-on-Sea barracks shouting ‘don’t Panic, don’t panic’ in TV sitcom Dad’s Army. But panicking was exactly what Jones was doing. And tenants do, too, sometimes. Unfortunately, that can mean they desert your rental property…

The tightening of the mortgage market has created opportunities for vendors who are understandably tempted to consider letting as a lucrative alternative to a sale.   Despite the Help to Buy scheme, the dearth of mortgage availability has meant that fewer would-be purchasers are able actually to buy. They are therefore forced to rent if…