Tenants in London now pay more than double those elsewhere in the country, research has revealed.

 

A report by insurance provider HomeLet found that the average monthly rent payment in the capital was £2,109 in July, compared with £1,037 elsewhere in the UK.

 

Westminster remained the most expensive district, with a typical home priced at £3,360 per month, more than three times the UK figure.

Across the capital, tenants handed an average of 38 per cent of their gross household income to landlords in July this year, up from 31 per cent six years earlier.

 

Five cheapest London areas

Source: HomeLet

 

To read more click here 

 

Much of September is warm and sunny, and why wouldn’t it be? It is technically summer for most of the month. However, time passes quickly, and sometimes it is good to have a plan to get your home winter-ready sooner rather than later.

Get cosy and decorate
Painting and decorating your home will not only make it more appealing to buyers but will also cheer up its mood and add light. If you have a fire or log burner, get it serviced and cleaned. Buyers can then see themselves sitting by the fire during viewings. Bring in the warmth and cosiness of winter by decorating your home with soft throws, plush rugs, and warm lighting.

Insulate your home
Draughts and poor insulation can make your home feel chilly and drive up your heating costs. Inspect your doors, windows, and any other potential areas where cold air might seep in, and apply weather stripping, caulk, or insulation as needed.. Think about adding more insulation to your attic to prevent heat from escaping through the roof.

Protect your plumbing
Frozen pipes can lead to expensive damage. Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like the garage. It’s also important to get your boiler serviced regularly and bleed your radiators. Regular servicing and checks will be so much cheaper than expensive repairs. And a well-cared-for home that is well-heated will not encourage any winter scars, which can deter buyers.

Energy performance certificate
Having a good energy rating can add value to your home. An EPC provides an indication of how much it will cost to heat your home and how much CO2 it emits. It also gives recommendations for energy-efficient power improvements and the costs and savings that they could generate. Ratings range from A to G, with A being the most efficient home and G being the least efficient.

Create a winter outdoor space
Outdoor spaces are not only desirable, but they are essentially another room in your home. Homes with good outdoor spaces are highly sought-after. Don’t let the winter stop you; add a fire or heater. Create some shelter with your favourite materials. Add a pergola, a winter drape, or build a winter-proof deck with a roof. Then personalise it with your favourite scented candles, herbs, flowers, or winter plants.

Winter cleaning and lighting
Decluttering, cleaning, using candles, incorporating feature lighting, and checking all your bulbs, including LED lighting for better efficiency, will create a sense of space in your home. If potential buyers see that your home is clean, spacious, and attractive, they may not hesitate when it’s time to make an offer.

Do you need the right team of agents to assist you in moving before the cold snap of winter arrives?

 

 

There are some amazing properties to rent in the UK today. Whether you are a successful business owner, a student, or a young professional, there is no end to the possibilities when it comes to property. Renting offers the freedom from mortgage responsibilities and being tied down, making it a great way to experience everything from flats in the city and suburban homes ideal for raising a family to country retreats.

The necessary steps to take

• Think about how much you can afford
  Do the math and consider not only monthly rent but also additional costs like utility bills, council tax, and energy bills.
  

• Property search
  This is a legally binding document outlining the terms and conditions of your tenancy. Read it carefully before signing and ask for clarification if needed. The agreement will include details like the rent amount, duration, notice period, and responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord.

• Book property viewings
  Going on viewings is exciting. Your agent will guide you through all you need to know while showing you properties in your desired location that best suit your needs.

• Tenancy agreement
  This is a legally binding document outlining the terms and conditions of your tenancy. Read it carefully before signing and ask for clarification if needed. The agreement will include details like the rent amount, duration, notice period, and responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord.

• Deposit
  Your deposit is held in a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme to ensure fair handling and will be paid before you move in; typically, it’s about one month's rent.

• Bills
  These may be included; if not, get in touch with utility companies when you move to ensure a smooth transition. Remember, if you pay for your utilities, you can change suppliers. Check when your council tax payments and rent are due and set up a direct debit.

Top tips for renting

• Take care of your home
  your new home in good order. Clean it, avoid causing damage, and follow any rules outlined in the tenancy agreement. Talk to your agent or landlord about decorating, find out what’s permitted, and enjoy where you live.
  
  
• Report any issues
  Resolving a problem before it becomes expensive is important. If your property is managed by an agent, all you have to do is call, and their maintenance team will sort it out swiftly.
  
  
• Get insured
  It’s always a good idea to get insured in case your belongings get damaged or stolen. Your agent will be able to recommend a good insurance broker. Another advantage of renting is you do not have to insure your home.
  
  
• Plan for the future
  Your landlord could be more than happy if you decide to renew your tenancy. This can provide stability and save you from the hassle of searching for a new property.
  
  
• Find a great agent
  Using a letting agent to find your property has many advantages. If the property is managed by them, they will always be just a phone call away. If you have a maintenance issue or want to look for a new property, the process is easy. Moving into your new home is exciting, and it’s comforting to have an expert to take care of everything for you, from your deposit, references, and any queries about your agreement to finding your ideal property in the first place.
  
  

Looking for a great property to rent?

 

Today, estate agents offer the best of both worlds with an online presence. This allows you to view properties and seek information on all aspects of moving. You then get the advantage of a team of experienced and dedicated agents who share your property dreams, become your go-to guides for your moving journey, and will value your home in person. Online-only estate agents have made their presence felt, but it seems most home movers still prefer a traditional agent that offers a hybrid service.

Payment in advance
Online estate agencies ask for payment in advance. There is no guarantee that you will make a successful sale. Traditional agents typically take a commission on sales completion, and naturally, this feels like a better deal. Some might argue that an online estate agent could be potentially cheaper, but if you do not achieve the true value of your property, then you have not saved money. Without expert guidance, an incorrectly priced home may not sell at all.

Less time
Conducting your own viewings is time-consuming. We all live busy lives, and there is precious little time to wait around for a potential buyer. Dealing with offers well below the asking price from strangers in the home where you've made so many happy memories can be uncomfortable . With a trained expert taking care of all of this for you, you are free to get on with your work or enjoy life as you see fit.

It’s hard work
From taking your own pictures of your property to learning aspects of the complexities of your entire moving process, life without an in-person agent can become difficult. It’s no secret that moving is stressful at the best of times. This is one of many reasons why the vast majority of homeowners still choose to buy their properties with a traditional agent. It’s better to save your energy for moving day and fully focus on the home you want to buy.

You may miss your friendly expert
Communication is key to achieving success in most aspects of life, and moving home is no exception. A friendly-faced, helpful agent who can take care of viewings, prepare your home for sale, and liaise with buyers on a daily basis will be highly motivated to sell your home and is worth every penny of their commission. When you consider the necessary checks, paperwork, and legislative requirements, it soon becomes clear that agents are invaluable to home movers.

A lack of local market knowledge
Agents are well-connected into your local property market. Having expert knowledge of the properties in your area and familiarity with its location is a huge plus. With an online agent, you're on your own. Buying a home is as much about people as it is about property. From buyers and sellers to teams of people such as mortgage advisers to your friendly agent who can manage a property portfolio or value your home.

Contact us to see how we can help with every aspect of your home-moving aspirations