2024

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

With the excitement of the summer holiday season upon us, making sure your home is safe and secure while you’re away sunning yourself needs to be on your to-do list. Here are six practical tips to give you peace of mind and keep your property safe during your well-earned break. Install a security system Investing in a reliable home security system is one of the most effective ways to deter...

Before you list your home, be prepared for your estate agent to go on a fact-finding mission. They’ll ask you lots of questions about your property because they’re following industry best practice by compiling what’s known as ‘material information’. This is defined as “information which the average consumer needs, according to the context, to make an informed transactional...

After weeks of campaigning, the general election is done. The worst-kept secret of 2024 is out. We have a new Labour government in the UK, with the party winning by a landslide. Maybe you’re pleased, disappointed or not that bothered. But the fact the election is done ought to be good news for the market. Property markets don’t like uncertainty. So, after months of ‘will they-won’t...