2024

As the days grow shorter and the chill sets in, it can be easy to feel a bit downcast. But autumn and winter bring their joys, and there’s plenty to look forward to as we enter the final three months of 2024. Here are three things to consider in the coming months that are sure to lift your spirits. Autumn walks in crisp, fresh air  As the leaves turn golden and crunchy, autumn is the...

In the past decade, millions of Brits have snapped up home tech gadgets to monitor their kids, cats, dogs and deliveries. About one in five homes has a doorbell camera, while thousands more have pet CCTV or video baby monitors. With all this kit installed, it’s probably no surprise that some people have taken to using it for another purpose. An increasing number of property sellers are using...

With the days getting shorter and colder, dopamine décor could be just the thing to liven up your living space and lift your mood during the darker months. So, let’s take a look at this popular design trend and how it can transform a drab and dreary home into something special. What is dopamine décor all about? The idea is to introduce pops of bright delight around the home to stimulate...

When considering the purchase of a ‘doer-upper’ – a property that requires refurbishment – landlords are often faced with a Shakespearean (ish) question: “To buy, or not to buy?” It’s an important decision where you must weigh up several important factors before choosing to invest or not. Below are five key considerations to keep in mind: Budget for refurbishment Before...

Rightmove has unveiled a new tool to help calculate how much renovation works add to the value of a property. How does it work, and is it any good? Let’s find out. To renovate or not to renovate? It’s a common property dilemma to which there isn’t a straightforward answer. In truth, it all depends on what you do and how you do it. A well-executed refurbishment can transform a property...

Creating a home that nurtures you and your loved ones goes beyond décor, design and furniture layout. A well-balanced living environment can greatly improve your physical, mental and emotional health. Here are three tips to help you create a healthier, happier home. Clear the clutter for mental clarity A cluttered home often mirrors a cluttered mind. Research has shown that clutter can...

Despite overblown media reports of a wave of landlords selling up due to regulation changes and new government policies, property remains a viable long-term investment for many. For first-time landlords, however, common pitfalls can turn a promising venture into a stressful experience. Avoid these six mistakes to ensure your property investment journey gets off to a smooth start. Underestimating...

What do Tinder and Bumble have in common with Rightmove and Zoopla? If your answer is not a lot, then think again. The digital dating and property worlds are not as different as you might think. In fact, there are many similarities. Let us explain why. First impressions count Users of the online dating app Tinder don’t mess around. On average, they spend less than seven seconds looking at...

First-time buyers might be getting older, but when it comes to landlords, it’s a different story. A new survey* has found that in the past nine years, there’s been a drop in the average age of landlords in the UK. Back in 2014, the average age for a landlord purchasing a rental with a buy-to-let mortgage was 46.4. By 2023, that figure was down to 42.9. Age breakdown Young adults are...

If you’re considering giving your child a helping hand to buy their first home, you’re not alone. Figures show that 45% of twentysomethings who purchased a property last year did so with a cash boost from the Bank of Mum and Dad (Bomad).* But just because something is common practice doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. So, before you transfer any funds, it’s worth heeding the warning issued...