October 2024

Three Simple Ways to Tackle Stress and Improve Your Health

It’s considered the health epidemic of our times and affects one in nine people*. If left unchecked, it can cause migraines, nausea and hair loss and increase the risk of stroke, heart attack and dementia. And yet, in modern society, stress is often downplayed or ignored. Some people even boast about it (there’s a term for telling everyone how stressed you are; it’s called ‘stress...

Good News If You’re Looking for a Mortgage

Think back to this time in 2022, and you’ll recall the mortgage market was in complete disarray. In the aftermath of the Mini-Budget, there was a frenzy of activity – none of it good for homebuyers or people looking to renew their mortgage. Worried lenders were pulling products left, right and centre, and the average two-year fixed deal jumped by 2% in just a month. But that was then, and...

The Renters’ Rights Bill: Your Questions Answered

The Renters’ Rights Bill is a big news story in the property rental world right now. And there are lots of myths and inaccurate information being punted around. In this article, we’ll give you straight answers to three of the most common questions landlords are asking us. Will I be able to evict tenants if I need to? The honest answer is: yes and no. All tenancies will be periodic...

Three Ways to Fight Off Seasonal Affective Disorder This Autumn

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression. Some symptoms of SAD include low mood, irritability, difficulty concentrating, eating more (and gaining weight), and just feeling tired all day. What causes SAD? SAD is believed to be caused by reduced exposure to sunlight, which is usual in autumn and winter. It can be caused when your body produces too much of the hormone melatonin,...

Budget 2024 Countdown – Some Predictions For Homeowners

PM Keir Starmer has already issued a warning that next week’s Budget will be painful… to help fill a ‘£22 billion black hole’ of debt. So, could this Budget be painful for homeowners? In this article, we’ll take a look at what Chancellor Rachel Reeves might be planning. Capital gains tax It seems highly likely that there will be changes to capital gains tax (CGT) – the tax you pay on...

Key Things to Look Out for in Next Week’s Budget

After months of fevered speculation, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil her autumn Budget next week (Wednesday 30 October). As the announcement could have important implications for landlords, let’s consider what might be included in it. But first, a caveat Leaks and rumours accompany the lead-up to any major fiscal event, and this Budget – Labour’s first for 14 years – has been no...

Hearty Dishes to Nourish Your Family and Friends This Autumn

Many people turn to comfort food to get through the colder, darker autumn and winter months. But reach too often for a plate of stodge, and your energy levels and waistline will pay the price. So, instead, why not make healthy homemade meals using seasonal ingredients to keep you fighting fit?   You could even do some batch cooking so that when you come home from work in the dark, the meal...

Cuckooing: Could Your Tenant and Rental Property Be Targeted?

Cuckooing is a heartless crime that puts your tenant’s wellbeing at risk and leaves you, as the landlord, facing an array of legal issues. So, if you own a rental property, here’s what you need to know. What is it? The term ‘cuckooing’ refers to when a criminal gang moves into someone’s home and uses the property for illegal purposes. How it starts Criminals tend to target...

Is Autumn a Good Time to House Hunt?

The weather is dreary. Christmas is on the way. So, right now is an absolutely terrible time to jump into the housing market. Isn’t it? You should wait until the new year before you go house hunting. Shouldn’t you? No! Let us explain why. Firstly, in autumn, the market can work in your favour. Probably the best reason for house hunting in the autumn is that many people don’t. So the...

A Landlord’s Guide: Top Tips for a Smooth Move-In 

Welcoming a new tenant can be exciting for landlords, but it also requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth transition. A well-prepared property makes a great first impression and can set the tone for a successful tenancy. Here are five key steps landlords should take before handing over the keys. Inspect and refresh the property  Begin with a thorough inspection. Look out for issues...

Compare listings

Compare