April 2025 – Nest in Essex

April 2025

New Financial Sanctions Rules: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

Strict new financial sanctions rules affecting many landlords and tenants apply as of May 2025. Here’s a quick heads-up on the changes.   What are the new financial sanctions rules?   Financial sanctions rules prevent certain people and organisations from doing business in the UK and enable their assets to be frozen. These include those suspected of terrorism, corruption or connected with...

Should You Renovate Before Listing Your Home?

If you’re considering selling your home, you may be wondering whether you should fix it up before it goes on the market. Here are the pros and cons to think about.   The pros You could improve your home’s kerb appeal. Your home will look good in the marketing photographs. Many buyers flick through online listings quickly, so it’s essential to catch their eye. You may get...

Three Unusual Ways to Improve Your Outdoor

Whether you have a garden, patio or terrace, these quirky ideas will help transform your outdoor space.   Here are three ideas if you want to turn your conventional garden or outdoor area into something out of the ordinary.   Create a fun, Tiki-inspired space   Tiki culture hails from the South Pacific. With a bit of imagination, you can bring that relaxed, easy-going vibe to your...

53% of House Fires are Electrical – Urgent Advice for Landlords

A shocking 53.4%* of house fires are caused by electrical hazards, according to a new report from the electrical trade body NICEIC. Here’s what landlords must know about electrical safety in their property.   Landlords’ responsibilities for electrical safety   Landlords are legally responsible for the safety of the permanent wiring in their property. They’re also responsible for the...

Should I Market My Current Home Before Hunting for a New One?

A question we’re often asked is: Do I need to have sold my house before I offer on another? The answer is no, but there can be good reasons to do so. Let’s explain.   As you might know, selling a home can take time. (No matter how great your estate agent is.) But most people want to move as quickly as possible.   So, if a seller has several offers on the table, they’ll often look...

How to Keep Cats and Dogs Calm When Moving House

We all know humans find moving stressful, but it can make cats and dogs anxious, too. Here are three ways to make relocating easier for your pets. If you’re a pet owner preparing to move house, it’s important to consider the needs of the four-legged members of your family. Cats and dogs can find moving unsettling and sometimes become withdrawn, destructive or anxious. To help your beloved pet...

What Does the Rise in Office Working Mean for the Housing Market?

Many firms are pushing to get workers back to the office full-time. What will this mean for the property market? Five years ago, a major shift in the property market was getting started. Many people, forced to work from home (WFH) due to the pandemic, decided they wanted more living and garden space. As a result, demand for larger, detached properties, often outside major cities, surged. At the...

Landlords, Don’t Stress: Follow These Five Buy-to-Let Rules Instead

Protect your investment and your health by following these stress-busting property management tips. Being a landlord is a great way to earn income and build equity – but it’s a job that can be challenging sometimes. While most tenancies run without a hitch, issues such as emergency repairs or tenant disputes can occasionally crop up. And when problems occur, resolving them can be stressful and...

Three Fun Things for Children to Do this Easter

Are you running out of ways to keep the kids (and yourself) entertained these school holidays? Here are three things you can do this Easter weekend that are fun and won’t cost a lot of cash.   Easter egg rolling   Egg rolling is an ancient tradition.   Hard boil some eggs (for at least 10 minutes) and decorate them. Small children will love bright colours and funny...

Stargazing for Beginners: Three Simple Tips

If you're sick of staring at a screen, take up stargazing and see the world from a different perspective. Every major civilisation has looked to the night skies for inspiration and information. The Romans believed the stars and planets were the gateway to the Gods. The Mayans used astronomy to determine when to plant and harvest crops. And explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Sir Francis...

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