The buy-to-let market is undergoing many changes. Demand and rental prices continue to grow, with average asking rents outside of London rising for 13 consecutive quarters at £1,190 per calendar month, for new tenants during the first quarter of 2023. * This is good news for landlords because the increasing costs of interest rates and energy efficiency reforms are covered, and profits remain strong. Many of these changes and reforms can feel unsettling for landlords, which is why a good letting agent has never been more important. This is because, in order to protect your rights as a landlord, your property needs to be managed properly.

The Renters Reform Bill
This is on most landlords’ minds now and a cause for concern, but it needn’t be. Introduced to Parliament on May 17, 2023, but not expected to become law until October 2024. Its aim is to improve the lives of 2.3 million landlords. ** Section 8 will be strengthened, which allows landlords to end tenancy agreements early if they have good reason to do so. Despite the fears some have expressed about abolishing Section 21 "no fault" evictions, the reality is that it will make it easier for landlords to evict tenants for anti-social behaviour and repeated missed rent payments. And with the new legislation in place, landlords can insist on their tenants' pets having pet insurance, certificates, and, in the case of dogs, being microchipped. Landlords will be able to increase rents after a notice period. To make the most of this reform, landlords need to be compliant. By staying on the right side of the law, the law will protect you, ultimately helping you thrive as a landlord.

Referencing tenants
Agents have a database of tenants waiting to rent your property. But they will not do so unless the right screening process has been followed. Placing good tenants in your property is imperative and reduces the risk of any tenants who could act unlawfully while renting your property.

Experts on the property market
Agents know how to maximise your rent by understanding the market. From knowing which areas to invest to tips on making the most of your property. Expert agents who deal with tenants every day can protect your investment by understanding the competition and the latest trends.

Maintaining your property
Your property will be kept in tip-top shape by a team of reputable contractors who have a long-established relationship with your agent. Arranging inspections will give you peace of mind, and keeping your tenants happy will save you time and money by preventing costly repairs.

Preventing and sorting any disputes
By using an agent, your property, contract, and tenant placement processes will be kept compliant on all levels. This reduces the potential for any disputes, and if they do arise with an agent’s team behind you, any conflicts will be resolved quickly.

Time management
Managing property can feel like a full-time job; perhaps it is. From marketing to maintenance, contracts to conflicts, agents will save you time, stress, and worry. This frees up your time so you can concentrate on other aspects of your life, such as expanding your property portfolio while protecting your investment.

 

Excel as a landlord and embrace the changes that open doors of opportunity by contacting us today.

 

Rightmove*
GOV.UK**

 

The early summer months are traditionally a busy period for the UK property market. It’s a gorgeous time of year to view an abundance of beautiful properties. Many people are on the move. While it’s still a hive of activity with a huge choice of homes, the property market takes a little summer siesta as homeowners take a holiday. This gives you a chance to make your move. But don’t be fooled into thinking it will last for long, so if you want to take advantage of it, you need to be quick.

The summer property market is resilient
The summer market is vibrant, with the average new seller asking price falling by just £82 (-0.0%) in June to £372,812.* Despite the various challenges, including rising interest rates and the cost of living, the property market is resilient and in good shape. This change in prices is negligible in percentage terms, and a side-step can be a healthy pressure release that allows the property market to cool off.

View your ideal home from the beach
Sometimes getting away from it all can help bring about clarity of mind, which is very useful when you are making big decisions. Perhaps the beach or poolside is the perfect place to peruse your potential properties. And a good time to discuss your big move with your partner while you are away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Enjoy quieter roads to your new home
With schools closed for the summer, the roads become quieter, and you can drive to viewings with less stress. This means you can relax a little more and take a bit more time to enjoy your viewings. With an increased sense of calm, talk to your agent, who will expertly guide you through your potential new home and anything that helps you with your home move.

Leave your agent to sell your home while you take a holiday
Hop on a plane, boat, or if you’re jumping in the car to drive to your holiday, whatever you are doing if you have made the decision to sell, leave it with your agent and enjoy your holiday. Perhaps by the time you return, your house will be sold.

Make an offer with less competition
With fewer people around, you may be able to open the door to making an offer below the asking price and getting it accepted before others have even viewed the property in question.

It’s the perfect moving season
With more family members to assist your big move and longer, warmer days to enjoy once you are settled in, the summer is perhaps the best time of year to move. And you may be able to save some money on home removal costs with more hands to help. If you hire a removal company, you may find it easier to find the right help.

Enjoy your new home
When you have finally moved into your new home, you may still have time to make the most of it during the warmer months of the year, when utility bills are a little lower. Any outdoor improvements, from weeding the garden to adding to your outdoor spaces and simple maintenance, can become a joy rather than a chore.

 

Take advantage of the summer holidays and find the home you love. Browse our properties.

 

Rightmove*

 

In June, average new seller asking prices fell by £82 (-0.0%).* The summer property market always heats up and then takes a little sidestep as the holiday season kicks in. However, the average price of a property coming to the market jumped in May by +1.8%, which was higher than expected.* This is yet another sign the summer property market is performing well, and now is still a good time to choose the home you want. But how does this act as a breather and benefit the market?

Buyer demand
During the first two weeks in June, buyer demand was 6% higher than the same period in 2019’s pre-pandemic market.* So if you are thinking about putting your home on the market, now is a great time to do it. Prices are still strong, and your property will have increased rapidly and significantly in value over the past few years, so you will achieve a great price.

The property market takes care of itself
It’s not always healthy for asking prices to constantly grow month after month. The summer property market is hot enough, and it’s better for it to be stable rather than overheat. A little splash of modesty reassures the market and simply brings it back to where it should be if the market gets ahead of itself.

The property market takes care of you
The market has had a lot of challenges, yet it remains resilient. As it slows in pace, this creates a much more predictable environment. This means sudden changes are unlikely, meaning you will not get caught out when achieving a good selling and asking price when you are in between homes.

Better negotiating power
When the market pauses and it’s time to make an offer, you have a better chance of getting well-calculated offers accepted. Your agent will know the market inside and out and can advise you on an up-to-the-minute pricing strategy.

Does the price really matter?
Price and affordability are very important when considering which home to buy, particularly if you are taking out a mortgage. The value of property increases and decreases slightly in the short term but always rises significantly in the long term. So in many ways, it’s about affordability, not property price rises.

Can you put a price on happiness?
Finding the right home that suits your needs and desires is important. You will most likely spend many years of your life in your new home. Your property is more than bricks and mortar or an investment; it’s a living, breathing part of the family.

The law of averages
You are not a number, and neither is your home. Each person’s home is as unique as they are. It could be that you surpass all your property expectations. Whether this is from achieving a great asking price or simply finding a home that fulfils your dreams for a lot less than you imagined. As the market stands, it’s not about making quick money but rather buying an awesome property and making the most of it.

Browse our properties to view the homes you could be missing out on.

Rightmove*

 

Perhaps you need more space for your dogs, horses, or hobbies, and you want a house in the country. It could be that you are moving to the suburbs or need more space for your growing family. Whatever your reasons for buying a bigger property, now could be a good time to take the plunge so you can upgrade your home and enhance the quality of your life.

You could get more house for the same money
If you decide to move from an urban area to a more rural location, then you may be able to get the house you have always wanted for the same price as your current home. At the very least, your money should go further.

You could get a bigger discount
Demand for bigger homes in May was 1% lower than it was in 2019, compared with first-time buyer homes at 6%, and homes that fall between these sectors at 3% above 2019 levels.* Larger homes have always had greater scope for bigger discounts on asking prices. But right now, with the market favouring smaller homes and larger homes selling a little more slowly, you may have quite a lot more haggling power when it’s time for you and your agent to make an offer below the asking price.

Larger homes can be very energy efficient
Modern homes have become so much more energy efficient. With better insulation and the potential to create self-sufficient energy sources, you no longer have to dread monthly bills. So, running a bigger home is not as expensive as in years past.

Bigger rooms and more of them
You will have more space for friends and family to stay over. You could get a lodger to provide another stream of income or if you need extra space for new additions to the family. Maybe you want a gym or a hobby room or are looking to create the perfect work-from-home space with an awesome view.

A beautiful garden with more potential
Finally, you can have the garden you have always wanted, and this is where your only limitation will be your imagination. Inspiration is everywhere, and there is so much more you can do with more space. From creating great outdoor spaces and dining areas to tropical gardens.

Larger entertaining spaces
When it comes to those special times of the year—indoor and outdoor parties—the options larger homes offer are endless. You may want to create a games room, a bar, or an awesome indoor entertaining area that effortlessly flows to a magical outdoor area.

The garage or workshop
If working from home involves more than a computer screen and a phone and you need a workshop or a garage for your classic car or hobbies, then your budget could allow you to enjoy more scope for outdoor buildings.

Create multiple dwelling places
Bigger properties can easily be divided up into smaller properties. Whether you are creating a space for a teenager or an elderly relative. Perhaps you are interested in letting a room or creating flats for a buy-to-let business.

 

Browse our properties to find the home that fits your requirements perfectly.

Rightmove*