Durden & Hunt's latest Newsletter

Add value to your home with the perfect outdoor living space

A well-designed outdoor living area can not only add to the value of your home but also to the usability and enjoyment of the space. In many ways, it’s like adding another room to your home, and you have real freedom to create something special that adds to the quality of life in your home. Increasing feelings of well-being and providing an ideal place to relax, outdoor living spaces are what you make of them and often it’s a good idea to seamlessly blend the outdoors with the indoors

Design with the future in mind

There are no rules when it comes to creating your perfect outdoor living space. If selling, in the near or distant future, is on your mind keep the structure simple, such as neutral paving or decking, and leave space for embellishment that can be removed to taste, such as cushions and mirrors. This allows for both yourself and future buyers to add personality and vision to the space with smaller elements.

You can have more than one space!

Who’s to say you can’t create more than one outdoor living space? You could build decking and a patio near the rear of your home, with a path leading to tables and chairs and a stove for the winter at the bottom of the garden. Sectioning the garden will create zones with dedicated uses, whether sunbathing, film screenings or socialising.

Hire the right help and build it to last

Maybe you can do some of the work yourself; perhaps you need to hire help for it all. Whichever approach you take, build your outdoor space to last. It will help when it comes to retaining the added value of your home whilst looking good and being a nicer place to enjoy. So if you lay decking and install trellises, treat them so they look good for years.

Do you need to do it all?

Perhaps you don’t need to undertake a complete renovation of the space to make an impact. It could become a more long-term project, so why not do it in stages and start with a general spruce-up? There is always a new trend and new ideas, and leaving a little space to perfect, improve, or build on what you have leaves a little potential for buyers to add their own mark. Additionally, this will allow for budgeting effectively.

Browse our properties to find a home with your perfect outdoor living space.

Energy-efficient homes are in big demand - Here’s how you can improve yours

Unlike many other things in your life, when it comes to your home, there is a lot you can do to save on energy costs. Food costs are spiralling, and while you can grow some things, it’s most likely you can’t grow all you want. The price of cars has also gone up, as have the prices of many other consumables and raw materials, and yet again, there is not much you can do about it.

Many of us lament the cost-of-living crisis and feel helpless in the face of such adversity. So here are some quick fixes and big improvements you can undertake to increase the energy efficiency of your home while at the same time adding to its value.

Quick fixes

Install a smart meter: this can be supplied by your energy provider, so you can see exactly how much energy you use.
Loft insulation: this is a simple way to keep heat from escaping your home and can save you a lot of money on heating bills. It is something you could do yourself with the right protective equipment, but don’t fall through the roof! Perhaps you don’t feel up to it after all? Don’t worry; there are many specialists who can do this for you.
Collect rainwater for the garden: by collecting rainwater in your garden in a butt, a barrel or an all-singing, all-dancing water tank complete with a pump. Whichever you choose, you are making your garden greener by harvesting rainwater!
Low-flow showerhead: you can buy one of these for less than £20 and install it in minutes by simply unscrewing your old showerhead and replacing it. Being more efficient could mean you use your boiler a little less, too.
Energy-efficient light bulbs: they might be a little more expensive, but they will save up to 80% on energy use and last up to ten years!

Big improvements

Install a new boiler: improve your energy performance certificate with a new boiler. Having an old boiler will put buyers off, and the value of your home will increase sufficiently to cover the costs of a new boiler.
Air source heat pump: with government grants making this option more affordable, heat pumps are becoming more popular. British Gas offers a complete fitting service.
Triple-glazed windows: this will improve your home's energy rating further. Your home loses a lot of energy as heat escapes through the windows. When they are clean, windows allow a lot of heat from the sun to enter. Triple-glazed windows trap that heat more efficiently, saving you money on the energy you use to heat your home.
Photovoltaic solar panels: as solar panels become more popular, we are all becoming more aware of them. Less well-known are photovoltaic solar panels, which work even when it’s cloudy—perfect for the UK! Did you know you could sell the electricity they generate back to your local energy supplier, potentially making them pay for themselves?
Hot water solar panels: placed on the roof like traditional solar panels, they heat the water for your shower, bath, and kitchen sink!
Install a wind turbine: we see them dotted all over the countryside, but perhaps surprisingly, you can buy smaller versions for your home that will create enough electricity to run your entire home.

Find a good deal

Many of these quick fixes and bigger home improvements are eligible for government assistance depending on different criteria, and there are some good deals to be had with energy suppliers and local businesses, so it’s always worth a look online to check out the latest deals.

Looking to move to a more energy-efficient home? Want to know how much value you have added by improving the energy efficiency of your home? Book a valuation.

Are you hunting for your forever home this spring?

Spring is a great time to go house hunting! Houses will always look more inspiring in the sunshine and it can be fun to explore homes without navigating the cold and wet or after being cooped up all winter. You also get to see your potential home in its true light.

Finding your forever home takes time!

You could be lucky and cast eyes upon your forever home instantly, almost like love at first sight. Chances are, even if you fall in love with a home on first viewing, it might not tick all your boxes straight away. After all, forever is a long time so don’t get disheartened if at first you don’t succeed.

The market

Right now, the market is in a stable condition. With the housing market being calmer, there is more choice and reasonable pricing so it might be worth expanding your criteria and requirements to see what you might find.

Explore

Don’t just go on viewings; explore the interesting aspects of the home with an open mind. You could always brief our team on your requirements as who knows what we may find for you. After all, we are expert property hunters.

Location

This is essential when considering a potential forever home and so consider the long, short, and medium-term needs of all in the household. From schools and work, to the proximity of transport and open spaces. The story of your forever home may change as time goes on, such as needing a practical work-from-home space to requiring an extension in later years!

Scope for improvements and extensions

From the interior to the electrical appliances to the general condition of the building, you should consider things from a long-term perspective. Will you be happy with the aspect of the rooms? Will you want to make major alterations? Perhaps you have a vision of open-plan, eco-friendly living. A forever home is a long-term investment.

Get in touch to see how we can help in your search for your forever home.

Take a look at the fresh buy-to-let investment opportunities this spring

Summer is nearly here, and there are many opportunities to expand your property portfolio or take your first steps on the buy-to-let ladder. Below we’ve outlined some of the reasons why now is the time to make a great investment.

Demand continues

The demand for rental properties is continuing to grow, with demand per available rental home last year spiking by 250% above the five-year average.* With people typically taking longer to get on the property ladder or choosing not to, long-term demand due to the shortage of rental property is anticipated to remain strong.

Rents are increasing

Rents have increased by 20% in the past three years, increasing by 11.1% in the past twelve months to March 2023.* The buy-to-let industry can potentially be very lucrative, and with higher demand, higher rent revenues may be achieved.

Buy-to-let mortgage choice is increasing

There are over 2,000 different mortgage deals available if you are buying a property to let;* so you should have options.

A bigger choice of properties

The standard of homes on the market has generally risen, with many coming up for sale at this busy time of year. Additionally many people put off moving in the latter part of 2022 and, during the pandemic, spent a lot of time and money getting their homes in tip-top shape.

The age range of renters has changed

The population in the UK is ageing, and unlike in the past, older generations are increasingly renting alongside younger people starting their property journey. This is yet another great opportunity to meet the demand for a niche in the market by targeting this sector.

Other sectors

Other avenues, such as holiday lets or student accommodation, present an opportunity to expand and launch your buy-to-let portfolio.

Get in touch to see how we can help create a property portfolio for a great return on investment.

Zoopla*

Could waiting to buy your new home cost you money?

Buying a home is a big decision, so you can’t be blamed for becoming a little pensive about making your move. Deciding whether you are going to move now or wait and see what happens is a conundrum for some buyers. As soon as you turn on the news, you will no doubt be bombarded with the cost-of-living crisis, another interest rate rise, or another reason to worry. It’s little wonder some people decide to pause their search. But could doing that cost you more money?

Waiting for interest rates to improve may not save you money

There is little doubt that we have been spoiled in the past with ultra-low mortgage interest rates, and many analysts suggest that they will never fall to the previous low level again. Although the Bank of England expects inflation to fall to 5% by the end of this year.*

Rising house prices balances your budget in the long run

Most people who buy a home in the UK will keep it for many years. House prices may fluctuate just as interest rates do. As interest rates and inflation begin to fall, house prices will likely ascend again. So, if you are waiting to see what happens, you run the risk of paying more for the home you want in the future. In February 2013, the average UK house price was £167,682 in February 2023, that figure stood at £288,000. ** Set against this longer-term perspective, if there are sudden and significant changes in the market, the reality for most homeowners is that in the long run their properties' value may perhaps cover the cost of increases in interest rates.

Properties are unique

There are no hard-and-fast rules. Local property markets are layered with unique and differing qualities. Whatever the national economic conditions are, the potential to gain equity in a home due to its condition, location, or potential can secure your investment in the face of challenging times.

Mortgages

It seems there will be continued fluctuation on available mortgages for the foreseeable which has made some buyers think outside the box to consider other options over perhaps the more traditional 2 or 5 year fixed deals. Its always worth speaking to a mortgage broker to identify exactly what you’ll be able to afford and available rates ahead of your search.

Are you fed up with waiting to make your big move? Browse our properties.

Bank of England*
Office for National Statistics**

Applying for a mortgage? Here’s how you could improve your position

Perhaps it’s been a while since you moved, or you are a first-time buyer. Whatever situation you are in, if you are applying for a mortgage, the first step is always finding out more about your position and how much you are likely able to borrow. Having this knowledge to hand will help put you in a stronger position when it comes to your search.

Get in touch with a mortgage advisor

A good mortgage advisor is essential and we work closely with a great team of brokers who are always on hand for a free, no-obligation chat with you to help start your journey. Experts in understanding the market they will have lots of tips and tricks to improve your affordability and have access to some of the very best deals on the market.

From looking at ways to improve your credit score to finding a tailored solution from the thousands of products that are available when it comes to financial advice is always recommended to speak to an industry expert, with their precise knowledge of lender’s rules and rates, directly but here are a few top tips that might help your position

Take a look at your credit report

Having a good credit score can be key to getting a mortgage. Things such as making sure you are on the voting register, paying any credit agreements you have on time, or cancelling any older credit cards can make a big difference.

The bigger your deposit, the better

It almost goes without saying that the more deposit you have the more you are likely to be able to borrow whilst also reducing your monthly repayments. Now is the time to prioritise and save, when you finally get the keys to your very own home, your newfound freedom will feel even better.

Buy with your friend, partner, or family

Whether you are buying with your partner, friend, or family, moving to your own place is exciting, taking that next step on the property ladder, and being able to furnish and decorate to your own tastes! Some lenders will allow you to buy with multiple people. Maybe you could pitch the idea to your parents as a property investment for them and entice them that you’ll be able to move out more quickly!

Try not to change your job too often

If you are thinking of applying for a mortgage in the near future job changes can be taken into consideration as they look for reliability and consistency.

Thinking about moving home? Contact us to get started or to be put in touch with our recommended mortgage brokers!

What do landlords and tenants have in common?

Landlord-tenant relationship in the UK is often portrayed as strained and potentially one-sided in the media. However, the reality is that there are many great landlords letting beautiful properties to great tenants and having them managed by reputable agents.

Both landlords and tenants need and want stability

Stability is key to a good tenant-landlord relationship. As a tenant, you want to feel secure in the place you live, and as a landlord, you want to ensure you have a responsible tenant in your property. Having a good tenancy agreement in place is vital to securing each other's interests and sets a platform to build trust.

Property maintenance is central to building a good relationship

Tenants want to live in a well-maintained property, and landlords want their home to be taken care of so informing your landlord or the letting agent of any issues is in both the tenant's and the landlord's interests.

It stops minor fixes from becoming expensive repairs. A managed property can benefit from an on-call property maintenance team that can sort out any niggles.

The legal landscape is changing for both tenants and landlords

Legislation is constantly evolving and is there to protect both landlords and tenants. The Renters Reform Bill has been on the horizon for quite some time and is slowly going through parliament and so it's important to stay up-to-date and compliant.

Landlords and tenants benefit from good communication

This is vital to a successful and long-standing rental relationship. From general maintenance to preventing misunderstandings, having the property managed by an agent ensures there is someone there to efficiently act on both the landlord's and tenant’s behalf.

Landlords and tenants benefit from fully managed properties

There is a lot to think about and even more to do when letting your property. Tenants also have a time-consuming process to follow, from getting references and gaining a clear understanding of their tenancy agreement to finding a good property in the first place. Whilst new legislation and the challenges and opportunities in the rental market make it more important than ever to know your stuff as a landlord. A fully managed letting service can manage every aspect of the property and process for tenants and landlords. This includes property maintenance, rent collection, compliance, matching good tenants with equally good properties, and more.

Landlords and tenants benefit hugely from a managed letting service.

Contact us for more details.

Landlords, rents have risen again!

If you are trying to increase the number of properties in your portfolio, now may be the ideal time to do so. The current market is looking increasingly advantageous for landlords as a growing number of cities are surpassing an average monthly rent price of £1,000.*

Latest rental price inflation figures

Residential rentals for new tenancies have seen a 10.3% increase from September 2022, reaching a new average rate of £1,164 per month.* The average yearly rental payment is now £13,970, which is a £1,320 increase compared to last year.*

The London effect?

Because of the high prices in London, surrounding places in the South-East are in high demand. As a result, the average price of a month's rent has increased to more than £1,000 in cities and towns such as Southend-on-Sea, Luton, and Colchester.*

What factors are contributing to rising rental costs?

There are a variety of factors that have contributed to rental inflation in recent times. Since the pandemic, there has been a lack of properties available for rent whilst the rise in the cost of mortgages has pushed more individuals into the rental market, resulting in an increase in the overall demand for housing, which therefore contributes to price increases.

Why should you invest now?

The current pace of rental demand is just one of the numerous reasons why now could be the best time to develop your property portfolio. Higher rental prices combined with great tenants, on longer-term contracts, can prove profitable. Working with a lettings agent can also take away the hassle of organising the renting and maintaining of the property once purchased, helping to ensure your investment works for you without your day-to-day involvement.

Interested in expanding your property portfolio? Contact us today.

Zoopla*

Tips on preparing your home for a perfect Christmas and festive viewings

Your perfect festive style is different from that of the next person, so how you prepare and decorate for the Christmas holidays will be to your personal taste. However, there is nothing like mixing a bit of tradition with some fresh ideas to keep Christmas feeling as festive as possible whilst also welcoming potential buyers into your home.

Christmas greetings

Are you going all out and adorning the front of your home with a striking arrangement of lights or do you prefer to decorate with an air of subtlety? Whatever you decide, decorating from the outside in can make passersby, guests and viewers feel both festive and welcome. Whether you choose a ribbon, a wreath, or a singing snowman the outside of the home gives that all important first impression.

Plan ahead

Christmas can be an expensive time of year. Why not start stocking your cupboards now with items that have a long best-before date. Planning ahead can make for a more delicious Christmas. You could grace your front room with mince pies, garnish them with a bit of holly, and suddenly they too become edible decorations.

The scent of Christmas

With the aroma of great food mingled with the pines of a real Christmas tree and maybe a good festive punch, the scents of Christmas come from many places. From natural plants to scented candles, scented sachets of soap, or fragrance oils the options are endless. Just try not to mix and match too many scents that might become overpowering or off-putting to those visiting.  

The sounds of Christmas

Christmas songs are sometimes sources of contention. Some people love them, others do not but having soft background music in the rooms can create a lived-in feel.  

A wonderful outdoor area

A miniature Christmas tree placed near your outdoor dining area or holly placed under the pagoda could be a way to transform your garden.

Remember, potential buyers are looking to imagine themselves living in the home so keeping decorations tasteful and considered will help ensure they are in keeping with your décor and that they inspire a homely feel but don’t detract from the space itself.

Are you dreaming of selling your home for Christmas? Contact us.