February 2025

Transform Your Kitchen for £300 or Less

You don’t have to spend thousands of pounds to give your kitchen a lift. Whether you're a landlord, homeowner or home seller, there are lots of ways to give your kitchen a refresh without spending a fortune. Here are some ideas on how to upgrade your kitchen for less than £300. 1. Paint Paint is the single most effective way to transform a kitchen. It’s cheap, easy and you can do it...

Is the Home Buying Process About to Get Quicker?

New plans to speed up the conveyancing process have been announced. Let’s look at what they involve and if they will deliver. We live in a digital age where banking and investing online are the norm. But it’s a very different story in the world of conveyancing (the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another). The system is still primarily paper-based – and...

Landlord Advice: Why You Should Inspect Your Rental Regularly

Most tenancies run smoothly. But when a tenancy goes wrong, it can go very wrong. Conducting a regular property check is one way to head off problems. Why should you inspect your rental? An inspection of your rental is an opportunity to check its condition. You can see how your tenant is looking after your property and identify any maintenance that might be needed. You can also ensure no one is...

Renters’ Rights Bill: New Rules on Addressing Mould Explained

New rules on dealing with mould and damp in private rental properties are on the horizon. Here's what landlords need to know. The UK is a (generally) cold and wet country with the oldest housing stock in Europe. So, it's no surprise that problems such as damp and mould can arise in residential properties. This was brought into sharp focus earlier this month when the English Housing Survey...

Buying a Property? Now’s the Time to Think About Your Will

There are certain milestones in your life when you should consider making a will or updating your existing one – and buying a home is one of them. Why you should make a will Making a will is the best way of ensuring that your home and other assets go to the people you want to have them when you die. In legal terms, a will is known as a last will and testament. Your home and other assets are...

How to Make Cash Selling Your Unwanted Clothes Online     

With the online market for second-hand clothes booming, here’s how you can turn unwanted items in your wardrobe into cash. Selling second-hand items online is big business in the UK, with a quarter of Brits using digital marketplaces.* Gen-Zers do it the most. In the last three months of 2024, 53% of 18 to 25-year-olds sold belongings on platforms such as Depop and Vinted. The good news is that...

Why There’s No Room for Complacency Around Lettings Laws

Landlords need to know about an important government rule change that quietly came into force late last year. Landlords have been warned to keep a close eye out for any new regulations introduced by their local council. The advice comes after new rules making it easier for local councils to introduce selective licensing schemes quietly came into force in December. Due to the timing of the changes...

Buying an Ex-Rental Property: Tips for Homebuyers

Buying a property that was previously a rental can be well worth considering. Here’s what you need to know. Firstly, why buy an ex-rental property? An ex-rental can be an attractive property proposition for many reasons. Let’s take a look at them. Chain free Buying an ex-rental can be a quick process. There’s no waiting for the seller to find somewhere else to buy. Competitively...

Money Can’t Buy You Love, So Try These Valentine’s Ideas Instead

Making someone feel special on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost the earth. Here are ways to make an impression without breaking the bank. Show someone you care this Valentine’s Day without paying through the nose for flowers or a meal out. Here are some ideas for romantics on a tight budget and those who, like Janet Jackson, believe the best things in life are free. Cook up a...

The Psychology of Successful Tenancies

How can you encourage tenants to settle long-term in your rental? A report compiled by consumer psychologists claims to have the answers. A report on the psychology of buying and renting includes some helpful advice for landlords. The Bricks to Belonging report* was compiled by the psychological and behavioural science firm IB. It examines what drives renters to become first-time buyers or to...

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