Making improvements to your home can be a fun and exciting way to not only improve the property but also potentially increasing its value. Read on to find out the most popular changes homeowners are making to their houses.

According to the Mortgage Advice Bureau’s investigation, painting and decorating are at the top of the list of priorities when it comes to home improvements, with 58% of homeowners looking to enhance their home’s interior. *

Installing a new bathroom was second on the list (26%) reflecting how much time people may be spending at home. The front garden was an important consideration too, hinting that kerb appeal and aesthetics matter to many homeowners. *

Furthermore, 16% of people plan to install windows with double or triple glazing in the near future and energy-efficient fittings, draught-proofing, solar panels and insulation are also high on the agenda. This comes as recent government net-zero policies mean that properties with higher EPC ratings may be easier to rent or sell in the future. *

Interestingly, around 6% of people surveyed planned to install a heat pump, with 7% thinking about an outdoor electric charging point for vehicles. *

Contact us for a friendly chat or to book a valuation. 

*Mortgage Advice Bureau

A new survey has attempted to unearth the secrets to finding a house with the potential to be a ‘forever home’. The results suggest British buyers are very practical when it comes to our list of must-haves!*

60% of people surveyed said a garage was at the top of their wish list while over half (51%) said a family room was important to them. A further 42% are looking for a walk-in closet and 39% consider a home office essential. *

As perhaps expected, the location also plays a major part in the decision to invest in a forever home, with 43% of respondents sharing their desire to move to a rural location and another 23% wanting to be close to the coast. *

If you think your house could be someone else’s forever home, discover the value of your property.

*Safestyle UK

It has been estimated that there are currently three times more tenants looking for homes than there are rental properties available, making it the most competitive rental market ever recorded. Data from a popular property portal shows that average asking rents outside London have increased by 11% to £1,088 per calendar month. In London, asking rents have increased by 14%, to an average of £2,195 per calendar month. *

Market analysis has described how a shortage of rental homes, combined with a strong demand for the properties available, has led to a greater number of tenants choosing to renew their agreement rather than re-enter a competitive rental market. A study among almost 1,300 landlords found that now the most common length of a tenancy is over two years. *

In addition to securing longer agreements, the rising cost of living appears to have made renters keen to find tenancies with bills included, as demand for these have increased by 36% this year versus last year. The study also found that homes with balconies, communal gardens, properties allowing pets, and those offering zero deposits all came equal second, with enquiries jumping by 22%. *

If you are thinking of letting or re-letting your property, get in touch to find out more about our services.

*Rightmove

After the spring clean comes the summer spruce-up. Longer days and warmer evenings offer the perfect opportunity to tackle those home décor projects. Read on to be inspired by these interior design ideas.

Go green

Summer may be an outdoor season but why not celebrate nature inside? Houseplants help to clean the air and are said to have a positive effect on our mental and physical health.

Whilst a large, statement plant, such as a tropical monstera may stand out against a plain wall, perhaps consider stylish rope-tied hanging pots and tumbling plants to spruce-up areas where floor space is at a premium.

Be bold

For an instant transformation, infuse neutral rooms with a wall of colour. Colourful artwork and photography can also add interest if you want to avoid painting.

Patterns can also make a big difference so keep an eye out for summery prints in smaller accessories such as cushions, curtains, rugs and sheets.  

Get glamorous

Rose gold, brass and copper tones can bring a touch of opulence into your home. Update your current décor by introducing metallic accents to light fittings and shades, kitchen accessories or candleholders.

If you are looking to sell your home this summer, why not start by discovering the value of your property.