Many people think that being a landlord is easy. Rent out a property, move some people in, sit back and rake in the cash… if only it was that simple. Any experienced landlord knows that owning rental property is hard, and it can be a 24/7 job in the event of any issues. Preparing a property for rent is just the first hurdle; ensuring your tenants are safe and the property is maintained are...
2022
Selling a property for the first time? Here’s a helpful guide to help you navigate the process. A two-minute read. Putting your property on the market can be stressful at the best of times, and even more so if you’ve never done it before. But don’t worry. With planning and preparation, you can avoid some common property pitfalls. Let’s assume that you’ve made up your mind that it’s...
We all know that kids these days spend more time indoors (often on screens) and less time running around outside. If you’re a parent or carer frustrated by this trend, read on to learn how some parents are fighting back through a scheme called Playing Out. What is Playing Out? Playing Out was set up in 2009 by two mums dismayed that their kids couldn’t play out on the street like they did...
Moving into a new home can be exciting, but renting a property comes with responsibilities. To avoid disputes – or paying for things that don’t fall within your remit – it’s helpful to know your obligations as a tenant. Read on for a general guide to a tenant’s responsibilities (but please note that for specific detail, refer to your rental agreement). It’s a two-way street The...
Have you heard of ‘unlocking the value of your home’? Do you know what it’s all about? If you’re over 55, chances are you’ve seen or heard this phrase several times from targeted advertising. While ‘unlocking value’ might sound like an elaborate spiritual journey or magic trick, instead, it’s quite dull and refers to equity release. So, what is equity release? Is it a...
If the idea of an insect infestation at your rental property makes your skin crawl, read on to find out how to beat the bugs this summer. No landlord wants uninvited visitors in their buy-to-let – especially the six-legged variety that spread disease, bite, sting and cause property damage. With insects breeding prolifically in warm weather, here’s a list of the little critters to be on...
If you’re new to the property market, learning the lingo is essential. There are lots of legal and financial terms you need to get your head around and lots of research to be done. Two terms that you need to be familiar with are ‘freehold’ and ‘leasehold’. This quick read explains what each one means and why they are important. What is a freehold property? When you...
In this quick read, we’ve pulled together some of the most popular interior design profiles on Instagram to give you some inspiration. Are you fed up with bland magnolia walls, wilting pot plants and tired kitchen cupboards? Then grab your phone and click onto Instagram. It’s a hotbed of aspirational interior design, décor on a budget and tips on how to make the most of small spaces. Here are...
A thorough inventory can save a landlord time and money and prevent messy end-of-tenancy disputes. So why do so many landlords rush this essential stage – or skip it altogether? In this quick read, we look at why an inventory is important and what you need to include in it. Picture this Your tenant of the past 12 months is leaving. You go to check them out and find a massive stain on the...
Severe conveyancing delays mean savvy sellers must act now to be in a new home by Christmas. You probably think it’s too early to be thinking about Christmas, right? After all, why worry about tinsel, trees and a present for dear old Aunt Bertha when it’s the middle of summer? But if you’re planning to move home and hope to be in your new pad by Christmas, then now is the time to get...