July 2024

Buying Your Rental from Your Landlord

If you feel totally at home in your rental property, you may daydream about buying it from your landlord. So, what issues come into play when you want to buy the property that you’re renting? Let’s take a look. Be realistic While it’s not unheard of for a tenant to buy their rental, it is uncommon. One reason for this is timing: the tenant needs to be in a financial position to buy the...

The Evolution of Estate Agents in the UK

The role of estate agents has dramatically transformed over the centuries. How the job of helping people buy and sell properties has developed has mirrored the changes in society, technology and the property market itself. This evolution has been shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological advancements and changing consumer expectations. Let’s jump in the metaphorical Tardis and...

Four Ways to Support Local Businesses

Throughout August, we are running our Community Cheerleader campaign. It’s where we shout from the rooftops (and blog posts) about the importance of supporting our neighbourhood together. Here’s part one of our five-part series. Shopping locally is a powerful way to support our neighbourhood and enjoy various benefits. By shopping locally, we all contribute to the local economy, support...

Five Fun Facts about the Paris Olympic Games

There’ll be sweat, tears, heartbreak and joy in Paris over the coming fortnight when the world’s best athletes compete at the Summer Olympic Games. From boxing and badminton to javelin and judo, the Paris games will have something for everyone. As the opening ceremony is tonight (26 July), here are five fun facts about the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad to mark the occasion. History Paris is...

Interest Rates: How Close Are We to a Cut, and Should You Delay Moving for It?

Property experts say that many people have put their moving plans on hold until interest rates drop*. Is this the right or wrong thing to do? Let’s take a look**. First, some context In its battle to beat inflation, the Bank of England (BoE) has held rates at 5.25% since August last year. While some predict the BoE may cut rates when it meets in August, the change, if any, is expected to...

Protect Your Rental from Bedbugs, Bird Mites and Other Creepy Crawlies

There’s no room for complacency when it comes to dealing with insects in a rental property. What can start as a minor inconvenience can quickly become a major issue, especially as summer is breeding season. So, here’s a list of common bugs for tenants and landlords to keep an eye out for. Bedbugs Holidaymakers often inadvertently bring bedbugs home with them in their luggage (they are a...

Six Things People Forget to Pack When They Go on Holiday

Heading off on holiday is always exciting, but it’s easy to forget essential items in the last-minute rush to pack. As we approach the busy holiday months of August and September, here’s a reminder of six commonly forgotten items that could make or break your trip. Chargers and adapters In the age of digital everything, forgetting a charger can feel catastrophic. Make a checklist of all...

Technology and the Timeless Role of Estate Agents

How AI and Estate Agents Will Shape the Future of Home Selling Many tech experts predict that artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionise how we live in the future. So, what impact will AI have on the home selling process? Here’s a quick look at how AI might influence the property market in years to come and why estate agents will always have an important part to play. AI-driven...

Common Rental Terms Every Renter Needs to Know

Lettings terminology can be confusing, especially if you’re new to renting. So, here’s a jargon-busting list of commonly used rental terms to help you navigate the lettings market*. Agent An agent is a person who acts on behalf of the property owner (i.e. the landlord). Agents can be involved in letting activities such as finding tenants, tenant referencing and the day-to-day management of...

Eight Things to Consider if a Tenant Abandons Your Rental

Property abandonment is a rare but complex issue that, if mishandled, can get a landlord in legal trouble. So, let’s look at the key things to consider if a tenant abandons your rental without notice. What is abandonment? When a tenant leaves a rental before the end of their contract (usually without notifying the landlord), it’s called abandonment. If a landlord suspects their tenant has...

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