Take a look at this exceptionally unique property

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**

New year, new home, new beginning?

Here we go again! Another new year, another chance to find everything you are looking for in a property. Could 2024 be the year that you have all the right questions answered with a lovely new home?

A new year

With visions of a better year ahead for 2024 popping into your head, you are forgiven for feeling excited about moving. The Christmas break is the perfect time to start searching as thousands of properties magically appear on the market. Sitting back in your favourite chair by the fire when you have some time to take a step towards a better future is a nice way to relax. A new year always brings new opportunities. If you see yourself and your loved ones sitting in a better garden, enjoying a bigger kitchen, or beaming with smiles because you are living in the location you love, then talk to your agent. The past year has been strong and proves that the UK property market is extremely resilient. Buyer demand is still incredibly strong, and prices are stable. At this time of year, you have the best of all worlds. There is plenty of buyer activity, but also plenty of people who will wait until the market is in full swing in the spring. That means high demand with not-so-high supply, which could lead to a swift sale and the new home you have been looking for.

A new home

The past few years have been eventful, but 2024 looks like it could be the year in which things settle down, which is why many people will choose to do exactly that. Making new friends in a new location, even if it’s in the same town, is an opportunity to make a fresh start. Decluttering your life from all the stuff you have collected over the years is a liberating experience. There is something extra special about doing this as the year begins. Are you craving a better property with a garden and an outdoor living area to cherish, that is, energy-efficient, full of character, cosy, and airy at the same time? Could a move mean a better education for your children? Could it lead to a happier life? Create a healthier life closer to family? A holiday home or a buy-to-let investment? Whatever you are interested in now is your opportunity to make a move before the property market takes off again.

A new beginning

There is so much to feel positive about as we head into 2024. Interest rates are stabilising, leading to lower mortgage rates and an increase in the number of mortgage types available. There is more time to pay with longer terms, interest-only options, porting, green mortgages, guarantor mortgages, interest-only and offset mortgages, which allow you to use your savings to reduce your balance, meaning you pay less interest. Agents’ listings are full of properties that have had a lot of work carried out, elevating them to new standards. And the market looks nicely placed due to its steady pace built on solid foundations. This is based on high demand and a high rate of mortgage-free home ownership. Don’t be jealous; this helps keep the property market financially secure. In 2021, 32.6 percent of dwellings were owned outright in England.* The market has become more complex than ever, and properties are becoming more individualistic. It takes real expertise and market knowledge to optimise your home move, so you can make the most of your new beginning.

This is money*

What will the 2024 UK property market look like?

It’s impossible to predict the future completely, so why worry? When homes sell incredibly quickly, this often leads to rapid property price inflation. Right now, the market is stable and not growing rapidly, which makes it a good time to move. You have a little more scope for negotiation while still achieving a great price for your existing home, as it will have gained in value in recent years. With inflation falling in November by 2% to its lowest levels in two years to 4.6%* and wages rising, the market is returning to normal. The expectation is of slowly falling rates and rising property prices steadily emerging towards the end of 2024, but could this occur earlier than expected with the January rush?

Winter

Winter 2024 begins in December 2023, as many homemovers get a head start on finding a great home before January. Sellers are itching to move, having placed their homes on the market in time for scores of viewers, who create a Boxing Day home moving boom. In fact, the week of Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year.

Spring

Those who have waited to move in January will now place their homes on the market as the property market gets into full swing. Added to those who decided to take the plunge by moving into their dream homes in time for sprouting daffodils. As mortgage rates become more competitive, combined with a strong beginning in 2024 with better buyer affordability, there will be real momentum in the market.

Summer

If you have already bought your home at this point, you may have got the timing just right. In many ways, 2024 is a good year to buy and then gain the rewards of good growth in the following years. Overall, the outlook appears steady, with a lot of stability. You could be sitting pretty with a garden in full bloom and concentrating on a holiday, knowing your property plans are sorted and all you’ll need to do is make the most of enjoying the reality that was once a dream.

Autumn

This appears to be the only season of change, and perhaps we are tempting fate to look this far into the future. But if the predictions of analysts are correct, mortgage rates will start to decrease further but not return to the extreme lows of the past. As a result, property prices will start to rise more rapidly.

Your agent can transcend time

Any time is a good time to move; it’s more about you and your home. Good estate agents hold the keys to optimising your situation at any time of the year and are becoming extremely adept at the entire moving process. Today, they are armed with vast databases of homemovers that connect your home with the right buyer quickly. They can help broaden your mortgage options with the right mortgage advisor and fine-tune the value of your home, which is critical in today’s market. Finding the property that will improve your life immeasurably will help you feel awesome all the time.

Bank of England*

How to present your home for a viewing in 2024?

Have you placed your home on the market with the goal of relocating in the new year? If so, it's worth taking a little time to help make sure your home looks as irresistible as possible when potential buyers come for a viewing. Let's look at what you can do to improve your chances of receiving the offer you desire for your home.

Give your home some kerb appeal

First impressions are crucial. Because of this, your property's exterior should be appealing so that prospective buyers are impressed before they even step foot inside. One way to achieve this is by giving your door a clean, and maybe even a lick of paint. If you have a front garden, mow the lawn, trim any shrubbery, and get rid of any weeds that may be growing on your driveway or patio.

Open up the space

It is important to try and make sure your home is clutter-free, as a clean and organised interior can help showcase the full potential of a property. A tidy living area allows potential buyers to envisage themselves in that property, increasing the likelihood that they will make an offer. A cluttered property will likely distract people from your home’s features and may give the impression that the property has not been maintained properly.

Make the necessary repairs

Before showing your home to prospective buyers, you might consider making any l necessary repairs as this will give them confidence that the property has been looked after. A property that has no issues will likely achieve a higher asking price and sell faster, as potential buyers will be more encouraged to make an offer.

Let some light in

In order to create a bright, welcoming ambiance that will attract prospective buyers, it is important to let in as much natural light as possible during a viewing. As well as improving your property’s aesthetics, natural light will make your home feel more inviting and spacious whilst showing off your home’s features and character.

Freshen up the air

Allowing fresh air into your home is a great way to create a pleasant and clean atmosphere. A well-ventilated home removes bad odours and reduces the effects of damp and condensation, which could put off potential buyers if present. Creating that fresh feel in your home could make all the difference when potential buyers consider making an offer.

Looking to move to a new home in 2024? Contact us today

Properties are selling faster than you might think

Are you thinking of selling your home but worried about how long it could take? The sale time may not be as long as you think. There are many different factors that can affect the speed of a sale, including pricing strategies, local market conditions, and property type. Let’s take a look at the current average sale times of a range of property types and how you can help secure a sale in good time.

Two-bedroom terraced houses are selling quickly

According to Zoopla’s November 2023 study, two-bedroom terraced houses sell faster than any other property type, with an average sale time of just 28 days.* This is primarily attributed to the fact that they are one of the most affordable property types, as well as being relatively rare, accounting for just over 8% of properties on the market recently.* Three-bedroom terraced houses and three-bedroom semi-detached houses sell the second quickest, in just 31 and 32 days on average respectively* whilst flats take between 35 and 37 days on average, depending on the number of bedrooms.*

Larger properties are not far behind

You might expect sale times for larger properties to be much higher. However, the average sale time for a four-bedroom semi-detached house is just 39 days, with a terraced property containing the same number of bedrooms taking just two days longer.* Three-bedroom detached houses take 43 days to sell on average, whilst the property type included in the study that takes the longest time to sell, four-bedroom detached houses, takes just 47 days on average.*

The market has stabilised

The more eagle-eyed individuals may notice that these figures show an increase in average sale times compared to Zoopla’s 2022 study. However, this is attributed to the housing market stabilising after the pandemic. Sale times are still relatively fast and should definitely not deter anybody considering selling their home.

What you can do to secure a sale quickly

There are several things you can do to ensure that your property sells quickly and smoothly. Firstly, its important to choose the right agent, you need to not only get along with them but also know they will work as hard as they can for you. It is also important to price your home correctly, as overpricing your property may discourage potential buyers from making a bid and in fact, potential buyers may not see the property on portals due to pricing brackets. Making sure your property is well-presented for viewings can also help to secure a quick sale, as it helps to allow viewers to envision themselves living there.

Looking to sell your property? Contact us today

Rightmove*

Solomun | Sat, 3 Aug 2024

On Saturday, August 3rd 2024, Solomun returns to the beautiful tree lined carriageway within Finsbury Park, London for round four of his one day festival.

Click here to read Solomun | Sat, 3 Aug 2024.

Knowing which offer to accept on your home

Selling your home involves countless difficult decisions, and knowing which offer to accept is no exception. You might have asked yourself: What if the first offer is the best one? While achieving the highest possible price for your home is an important goal to keep in mind, there are several other factors that might come into play.

Here are some key considerations to help you make your decision.

Buying position

The term ‘buying position’ refers to the buyer's readiness to proceed with the sale. Therefore, factors such as being in a chain, having a mortgage agreement in principle, and being a cash buyer, all affect the buyer’s positioning. A first-time buyer, for example, might be in a great position to buy your house since they don’t have one to sell first.

If you’re hoping for a quick move with fewer complications, you should take buying position into consideration when comparing offers.

When the first offer comes in

The first offer is an important one for a multitude of reasons. You aren’t obligated to accept the first one that comes in (or any offers for that matter) but there may be circumstances in which you do accept the first offer made on your home.

For example, if your home has been on the market for a long time without generating much interest, you might be more inclined to accept your first offer. Conversely, if you’re in need of a quick sale, you might accept the first offer in favour of waiting for more to come in.

There are also some compelling reasons why you might not accept your first offer. For example, you might fear that the offer is too low and you could risk missing out on a better offer if you hold out. There’s no way to be certain of this, which is why it’s important to have an agent guiding you through these tough decisions.

What happens if I receive two or more offers on my home?

If your house draws in multiple offers, you could be well-positioned to sell it for a high price. If both offers are identical, you have two options:

You can accept the offer from the buyer who is in the best position to close the deal fast. This could be someone without a chain, or someone who has a mortgage deal in principle.
You can move to sealed bids. This is when your estate agent asks each party to put in writing the highest amount they are willing to pay for the property. The bids must then be sealed and sent back to your agent by a specified date.

Should I pick the highest offer?

Sometimes the highest offer is the right one to choose, after all, it makes logical sense to sell your home for the highest price possible. However, some sellers might choose a lower offer in favour of a better buying position. For example, a cash buyer might offer a lower amount in exchange for a less complicated sale.

The same goes for first-time buyers, or those with a mortgage agreement in principle. If the seller places more value in a quick move, they might lean towards offers from these groups.

Our experts aren’t here to tell you which offer to choose, but we can use our local market expertise and sharp negotiating skills to guide you towards the best outcome for your sale. Remember – it’s your home, so the choice is yours!

Need help getting your home on the market? Contact our dedicated team today to get started

Factors that affect your buying timeframe

When purchasing a property, there are many stages throughout the buying timeframe you need to face before you can finally call the property yours. During these stages, there are multiple factors that can get in the way and extend the process unnecessarily.

In this article, we discuss the different stages you go through after your offer is accepted and how you could potentially speed up the process of purchasing your dream home.

Stage 1 – Your offer is accepted

Finally, you found the home of your dreams, and your offer is accepted, but that doesn’t mean the property is yours just yet, as nobody is contractually obliged.

The 2 G’s

The buyer and seller are not legally bound until the signed contracts are exchanged, so there’s always the chance you could be gazumped or gazanged. Have you heard of these terms?

Gazumping is when another buyer offers more money to the seller even after your offer has been accepted, reversing your deal. To avoid the possibility of this happening, it’s common to ask the seller to take the property listing off the market.

Gazanging is where the seller decides to cancel the sale and not sell the property. A shift in the market could trigger this, potentially increasing the value of their property in the future.

Both are decisions made by the seller, making it hard for you to avoid them. Either of these decisions could result in a financial loss. This is why speeding up the buying timeframe is extremely important, as you are vulnerable until the exchange of contracts.

Stage 2 – Apply for mortgages

When purchasing a property, you are most likely going to need a mortgage to make this happen. Mortgage offers normally only stay valid for 30 to 90 days, depending on the lender. Ensure you complete thorough research when applying for mortgages, and don’t just accept the first offer.

By completing thorough research ahead of time, you can shorten the timeframe of your property purchase, as it can take as long as a couple weeks to over a month for a mortgage offer and approval.

Stage 3 – Discover a Conveyancing firm

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property from one person to another. Conveyancers are lawyers who specialise in property and complete all the legalities of exchanging property. It’s important to choose the right conveyancing firm that is reliable and offers clear communication. By choosing your conveyancing solicitor firm ahead of time, you can speed up the process.

Stage 4 – Property searches and surveys

While your mortgage application waits for approval, your conveyancing solicitor can begin to complete the necessary searches that are advised.

Local authority searches
Drainage searches
Environmental searches

These searches come at a cost but are sometimes required by the mortgage lender.

When purchasing a property, it is highly recommended to get a property survey completed. This will highlight any hidden issues that may not be spotted with the naked eye. By having a property survey completed, this allows you to negotiate price reductions or repairs before the final transaction goes through.

The lender will complete their own mortgage valuation of the property to see if they are prepared to lend you the mortgage. The lender completes this process because the bank would repossess the property if the mortgage repayments weren’t met.

Stage 5 – Mortgage offer

Your mortgage offer is accepted! Now it’s time to check your offer thoroughly and ensure that everything is accurate. A mistake as small as a misspelt name could cause delays and expenses, extending your wait.

Transferring your deposit

You’re almost ready to exchange contracts, which means transferring your deposit to your solicitor. Most banks don’t allow large sums of money to be moved in a short span of time, so you may need to contact your bank to organise this.

Signing your contract

At this stage, you will now sign the contract and commit to buying the seller’s property. The transaction still isn’t fully completed yet though!

Stage 6 - Exchange contracts

Finally, your solicitor and seller’s solicitor will swap signed contracts, and this is known as the ‘exchange in contracts’. Once completed, it’s time to celebrate! This exchange is legally binding between you and the seller, and now neither of you can retract it.

Your solicitor will deliver paperwork with a clear breakdown of the contract and any remaining costs of the property transaction.

Signing the transfer deed

The transfer deed is a contract that confirms you are taking ownership of the property; it needs to be witnessed and sent to the seller’s solicitor.

Paying for the property

The solicitor will arrange the payment to the lender, and this will kickstart the mortgage. You will receive proof that the seller’s mortgage has been cleared from the property, and you will begin yours.

Stage 7 – Move into your new home

It’s time to collect the keys and move into your new home! You can now start paying off your mortgage and begin your journey on the property ladder.

All the good signs are there if you are thinking of moving

An increasing number of ‘for sale’ signs have been turning to sold, which has created more confidence in the market this summer. If you are thinking about getting an agent around to place a ‘for sale’ sign in your front garden, here are a few positives to keep in mind.

House prices are settling

House price fluctuations vary from street to street, town to countryside, and region to region. But, one common thread is that house price changes are small and for the most part, have been increasing. This settling, or hardening of property values, helps firm up the foundation of the property market.

More people are moving because it’s easier

Is moving still stressful? Certainly not as much as in the past. Home renovations and improvements have got to be higher up the stress ladder. Moving is becoming simpler thanks to an increasingly streamlined process, and agents who offer better customer service with modern tech.

The market has turned a corner

The spring market has offered proof that the UK property market is improving and has set the scene for a better summer. Mortgage approvals increased by 18%*, and sales agreed increased by 13%** in the spring.

Mortgage choice remains very strong

It’s worth watching the mortgage market as closely as the property market. With thousands of improving products available, offering innovative ways to buy, such as 1% mortgages for first-time buyers, to offset mortgages, which may help reduce the amount of interest you pay.

Modernised-characterful properties

Homes with car charging points, solar panels, smart technology, and higher EPC ratings, are appealing to a growing number of buyers. But, it's not all about keeping it green. Features such as bi-fold doors, a multitude of outdoor spaces, and inspiring layouts are waiting for buyers.

A new outlook on the UK property market

Homemovers now have a better understanding of the moving market and are getting on with moving, keeping it buoyant. Interest rates, while not as low as previous ultra-low levels, still represent good value. Strong equity levels and slower house price inflation make moving more affordable.

What’s your moving story?

It’s important to take economic news and market data with a pinch of salt. Each homeowner sits in their own unique corner of the market. Cash buyers for example, may care little for mortgage interest rates. Homeowners have more options due to larger amounts of equity, and if you have improved your home, it may have added a lot of value and help fund your next move.

Begin your moving story by browsing our properties

Zoopla*
Rightmove**
Office for National Statistics***

Understanding the difference between conveyancers, solicitors, and surveyors

When you’re on the move, it’s vital that you take care of the legal aspects of moving home but with so much to remember, it can get confusing at times. It can help to have the right property professionals in place so that you are not left waiting around.

Is there a difference between conveyancers and solicitors?

Often, the difference between solicitors and conveyancers comes down to their level of training, however both can achieve similar results. A conveyancing solicitor is a qualified lawyer whose expertise is in dealing with clients who buy and sell property. A solicitor will be trained in other aspects of the law, whereas a conveyancer specialises in the buying and selling of property. A solicitor will be able to help you with other legal matters if required, such as cohabiting agreements.

What do conveyancers or solicitors do?

Solicitors and conveyancers take care of the legal part of transferring a property from a seller to a buyer and this is called the conveyancing process. A solicitor or conveyancer can take care of the following:

Preparing contracts for the exchange of contracts and assisting in the negotiation of any details.
Checking the land registry to define what is included in the sale.
Taking care of local council matters such as land registry searches, water and drainage searches, environmental searches, and local authority searches
Offer legal guidance
Prepare the transfer of funds from the new owners to the seller

What does a surveyor do?

A surveyor conducts a survey on a property by checking it for any defects or issues. They will inspect a house and carry out visual checks. Through doing this, they will produce a report on its condition and other basic information such as the type of property it is, when it was built, the number of rooms and the property’s EPC rating.

More in-depth surveys

There are more in-depth levels of surveys, such as a HomeBuyers report, which checks things like the construction and condition of the property or potential issues that need further investigation. A Building Survey will check for structural elements and is useful if the property has had a high level of structural modification or a previous report has recommended further investigation.

Who instructs the surveyor?

Homebuyers typically arrange a house survey. It’s worth noting that they are not a legal requirement but could save you thousands by discovering hidden issues, which could help in negotiations, and more often than not, they give you peace of mind that you won’t run into any nasty surprises.

A house survey is different from a mortgage lender’s valuation

It's worth noting that if you are buying with a mortgage, your mortgage provider will carry out a valuation. They do this to verify that the property is valued correctly. This is not the same as a home survey.

Your agent can help

Finding the right property professionals is not always easy. Good agents can often connect you with the right people, such as conveyancers or solicitors. When it comes to getting a mortgage, most now have in-house mortgage advisors. But the choice as to whether you use their services is entirely yours.

Let us help you reach the right property professionals and make your move happen