Birmingham Property Blog

A Guide to Adding Value to Your Home

Estimated reading time 13 minutes

Whether you are looking to sell your property as soon as possible, or you’re thinking about doing so in the near future, it’s always a good idea to be prepared.…

How to Present Your House for Sale

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

According to research, the average time it take to sell a house in the UK is 129 days. The same study also reveals that this figure can be impacted by…

THIS Front Door Colour Will Add the Most Value to Your House

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

With the property market reopening, as restrictive lockdown measures decrease, many people are keen to get their properties up for sale. To give homeowners an advantage when deciding to sell…

how to sell my house quickly for a good price

How to Sell My House Quickly for a Good Price

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

Are you recently divorced and looking to move out? Maybe you’re at the cusp of repossession because you can’t afford to pay your mortgage? Or do you just want to…

How Long Does It Take To Sell A House In UK?

Estimated reading time 15 minutes

When homeowners first contemplate putting their property on the market, one of the most common questions they ask are: How long does it take to sell a house? How long…

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Tips for settling a child into their new home

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

Moving house is known for being one of the most stressful times of an adult’s life. The whole process can become pretty chaotic! All too often, closely-knit, happy families get…

What Do You Have to Declare When Selling a House?

Estimated reading time 8 minutes

If you want to sell your property quickly and for a good price, any homeowner knows that you must ensure your house is as appealing as possible in order to…

Top 20 Mortgage Possession Hotspots in England and Wales

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

The November 2019 release by the Ministry of Justice shows all mortgage possession actions in county courts increased in 2019. According to the repossession statistics, in 2019, mortgage possession claims…

What Can Reduce the Value of a House?

Estimated reading time 9 minutes

You may be wondering, does not having a bath reduce house value or not having a dedicated parking space? In this post, we discuss thirteen things that can reduce the…

Rude Street Names Can INCREASE Your Property Value by £44K!

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

When house-hunting, many Brits don’t pay much attention to the road name, but research by Sell House Fast can reveal that the first line of your address can affect how…

What is Subsidence and How Can You Treat it?

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

Few things strike fear into buyers and sellers alike than finding out a property has subsidence. Would you consider buying a property where there was risk of structural damage? This…

7 Types of Property That Exist in the UK

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

There are 7 types of property that exist in the UK. To an extent, the variety of properties available to buy and rent are based purely on style, space and…

Top UK Cities Where Spiders Are Taking Over

Estimated reading time 10 minutes

Love them or hate them, spiders are all around us. Most of the time we rarely cross paths, but when we do, you can be certain the whole house (and…

Picking out raffle tickets

A Complete Guide To Property Raffles

Estimated reading time 11 minutes

Selling your home is no easy feat, with thousands of UK homeowners looking to flog their properties amidst a highly concentrated market, many factors can get in the way of…

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The Best Interior Design Styles, as Revealed by Google

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

As homeowners, we’re constantly on the lookout for the latest interior design styles to improve our house with. Whether it’s a new lick of paint or an entire renovation, we…

The Most Popular Interior Colours According to Google

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

We care a lot about making our house a home, and for many, an easy way of achieving the desired impact is picking the right colours. The most popular colour…

Pitfalls of equity release schemes - balancing house and finances.

What are the Pitfalls of Equity Release?

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

If you find yourself “asset rich and cash poor”, many over 55s opt into an equity release scheme (ERS) to raise some extra cash, but it’s not all good news.…

Inheriting a house with a mortgage. Two hands holding a house.

Inheriting a House With a Mortgage: What to do

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

Losing a loved one can be a difficult and emotional time for anyone involved but adding inheriting a house with a mortgage to the mix as well, it’s bound to…

Do I Need a Solicitor to Sell my House?

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

With the cost of hiring a solicitor to help with the selling of your house ranging anywhere from £500 to £2,000, many will be wondering if they can undertake this…

Home Staging: Tips to Prepare your House for a Quick Sale

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

When selling a property, it is important to make sure you are getting the best price you can for it. And while it may seem like a bit of a…

14 Best University Cities in the UK for Renters

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

For those who are now in the process of choosing a university, but need more help making their minds up, we’ve put together a list of the best university cities…

The Biggest Property Viewing Turn-Offs for Brits

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Sell House Fast has investigated the impact interior and exterior furnishings can have on prospective property owners and or renters. Considering how vital the viewing stage is when seeking out…

avoid we buy any house scams

How to Avoid We Buy Any House Scams

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

With the average time to sell a house taking anything from 2 to 3 months, according to Gov.uk research, you might be looking into ‘we buy any house’ companies in…

Reasons You Might be Refused a Mortgage

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

Applying for a mortgage can be a daunting, but by following a few simple steps and understanding reasons for refusal, homebuyers can ensure they are in the best position to…

The Different Types of Mortgage in the UK, Explained

Estimated reading time 9 minutes

There are several different types of mortgage on offer in the UK. Choosing which type of mortgage is best for you is the million-dollar question when purchasing a home of…

What documents do I need to sell my house?

11 Documents You Need To Sell Your House (UK)

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

What documents do I need to sell my house? You have decided to sell – maybe even started the process, great. Now you need to organise the paperwork – a…

Is it Better to Remortgage or Get a Loan?

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

You are the happy owner of a property, but you decide you would like to make some home improvements around the house. Whether this be an extension, redecorating or re-tiling…

Remortgage Guide: When Should You Remortgage?

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

A remortgage is when you apply for a new mortgage on your property, either to replace an existing mortgage or to borrow money against your property. According to Martin Lewis,…

How Long Does Conveyancing Take?

Estimated reading time 10 minutes

The conveyancing process pertaining to the purchase of a house will typically conclude anywhere between 8 and 12 weeks after its commencement. This period will vary depending on how long…

What to do When a Buyer Pulls Out of a House Sale?

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

When selling your home, it is highly likely that the buyer of your home is also selling their property too – unless of course they are a first-time buyer. This…

buying a second home

How to Buy a Second Home: Your Questions Answered

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

Buying a second home is something many people dream about. Whether you are looking to get a holiday home, a property to rent or just want to own multiple properties…

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How To Increase The Ceiling Price Of Your Street

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

1) Safety and security Are you unhappy with the ceiling price on your street? As the saying goes, “be the change you wish to see on your street” and when…

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Common Tricks Estate Agents Play On Homeowners

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

If your house is not selling or your estate agent is not performing, you may be wondering whether it is time to change agency (particularly if you are trying to…

Guide to Selling a House During a Divorce

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

For most married couples, the house is the largest asset that they own. Once divorced, they will need to separate this between them, which is often quite an emotional time…

The Benefits of Downsizing to a Smaller Home

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

There are a number of reasons to consider downsizing from a larger property to something a little smaller in size. Large gardens, health issues, high bills and ongoing maintenance are…

What To Do If You Find Japanese Knotweed

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

For the vast majority of people in the UK, their property is their largest asset. But, unfortunately, Japanese knotweed can have a serious impact on a property’s value and can…

Buying A House With Cash: The Pros And Cons

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

In this day and age, paying for a house with cash is becoming increasingly popular. Whether you are a buyer or seller, there are a number of reasons as to…

Selling a House with Solar Panels

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

You’re ready to sell your current home, but haven’t considered what will happen to your solar panels? Are you wondering whether they will reduce or increase your home value? This…

Our Guide to Property Chains When Buying or Selling

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

Property chains can be a confusing and quite complex to understand at first glance. This post will give you a breakdown of the term and explore all you need to…

selling property at auction guide

Selling Property at Auction: Advice, Process and Cost

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

Home owners may want to sell their property at auction for various reasons. Many hope for a bidding war to help boost the value of their house, others are just…

10 Packing Tips for Moving House

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

Selling your old house and moving into a new one? It’s a stressful process, without a doubt, and packing your house to move is not one of the most enjoyable…

Man writing 'get out of debt'

Priority Debts: How to Manage your Debts

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

How to pay off debt fast? Debt can be overwhelming, particularly when you are endlessly trying to eliminate fees and your efforts don’t seem to be paying off (literally).…

young couple faces voluntary house repossession

Why Voluntary House Repossession Should be a Last Resort

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

Handing over the keys of your house should be the last resort if you have been threatened with repossession. Unfortunately, sometimes voluntary house repossession is the only option to get…

British Attitudes Towards Smart Home Technology

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

The rise of smart home technology has been nothing short of phenomenal. In fact, recent findings from ‘Smart Home Week’, found that 43% of Brits now own at least one…

How to effectively make your home eco-friendly

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

As individuals have become more conscious about the environment and how they are personally impacting it through their daily actions, the drive to live an eco-friendly life has become a…

average time it takes to sell a house

The Average Time it Takes to Sell a House REVEALED

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Once your house goes on the market, you will be itching to make a sale so that you can proceed with buying your new home. Many sellers, especially first-time sellers,…

A Happy Home Guide

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Those looking for a happier life should move to a home in the big city. At least, that’s the theory realised by Dr Jeanettte Bicknell, from York University in Toronto. Bicknell…

The areas in England with the most and least new build properties for sale

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

New builds include many different types of property, from houses and flats to bungalows. Figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government show that there were 163,250 new build…

Revealed: England’s Residential Fly-Tipping Hotspots

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Hardly a day goes by when the issue of fly-tipping isn’t covered in national or regional news. It’s a crisis, affirmed by recent figures which show it is on the…

Households in Temporary Accommodation, England 2018

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Much has been written on temporary accommodation in the UK, over the past few months. In fact, recent figures released by the House of Commons in their report Households in…

Kitchen features which add the most value to a property

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

For many people, the kitchen has become the central hub of their property. It’s a space which they not only use for cooking but also eating, working, socialising, watching TV…

10 Tips to Spring Clean the Home

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

In spring, it’s common to cleanse the home. In fact, whether you’re settled or readying to move, there is no better time to give your property a good and thorough…

6 things to consider when preparing your property for a viewing

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Having put your property on the market for sale or rental for some time and not gaining a sufficient amount of interest, you are naturally in a state of carefully…

The number of first-time buyers was up 7.4% last year

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

According to experts, now is the best time to be a first-time buyer in the UK. Numerous support programmes from the Government, including cuts to stamp duty, as well as…

Mortgages are at most affordable level in more than four years

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

New figures from Halifax reveal that mortgage payments in the UK have risen to their most affordable level in more than four years, in the last three months of 2017.…

The Leasehold System is Very Much Alive, Despite Government’s Measures

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

At the end of 2017, the Government banned leaseholds for almost all new build houses and announced new measures to “cut on unfair and abusive practices within the leasehold system.”…

House prices on the rise in 2017, but down from 2016

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

Buying a house is no mean feat. Finding the perfect home to call yours, for the right price and without facing a mammoth mortgage is incredibly difficult, especially in this…

Virtual Reality – The Future of Home Viewing

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Buying a new property can become a burden when you spend so much time going from one location to another for viewings. On average, a person will be shown around…

New Property App For Students

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Every year hundreds of students in the UK are facing the same question – where will they live for the next term of study? On most flat share websites, landlords…

How will the recent change in stamp-duty affect buyers and sellers

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

The recent news regarding how stamp duty is to abolished placed Brits into two categories: those who see it as a gift from heaven and those who believe it will…

Average stamp duty land tax per London borough

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) is the tax charged by the government when purchasing a property or land costing more than £125,000 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The stamp…

More than 40% of properties in the UK sold on Friday

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

It’s no secret that properties sell better at certain times of the year. What is more, sellers can expect to get a better price if they put their property on…

man cannot sleep because of noisy neighbour

70% of Brits would withdraw an offer on a house due to noisy neighbours.

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

Loving thy neighbour can be a difficult task when you have party animals living next door.It's even more difficult when you try to sell your home. A recent study undertaken by…

UK Crowned Self-Storage Capital

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Per, The Self-Storage Association UK Annual Industry Report (2017) just 1% of the UK population currently use self-storage facilities and a further 5% are considering it as an option. However,…

Sadiq Khan to improve housing crisis, by buying land for £250million

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Sadiq Khan has unveiled his draft Housing Strategy, in a bid to make the long-running housing crisis that little bit better, which has seen a mismatch between a high level of…

Where are the highest number of workless households in the UK?

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

In a recent study published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), figures show the changing nature of workless households. The statistics come from the Annual Population Survey (APS) and…

Best places to rent in London

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Over the last few years, renting has become an increasingly popular choice for many, particularly for millennials. According to a study by YouGov, a quarter of households in the UK…

Spruce up your garden this summer

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

One of the greatest things about summer is being able to spend more time in the garden. Whether you have acres of land, a small oasis or a compact courtyard,…

‘Buy to Leave empty’: Britain’s empty homes

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

Just last month, the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower left at least 80 dead and hundreds without a home. This led to a call from Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn to…

Properties in London are 11.37 times the average salary – but who is better off?

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Buying a house is never a simple process, and comes with several financial complications to say the least. House prices in the capital is a particularly daunting topic, especially when…

How A Garden Can Increase Property Value by 20%

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

For many home owners across the country, the garden is either their sanctuary or an afterthought. Either way, what many don’t realise is that a garden can add anywhere between…

London’s Single Tenants Sacrifice More Than 50% of Their Monthly Salary on Rent

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

Property prices in London are notoriously some of the most expensive in the world. With wage inflation stagnating below the upsurge in property prices, it has become very difficult for…

Shrinking British homes emerge as housing crisis worsens

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

The housing crisis in the UK means houses are shrinking to the size of University hall bedrooms. The UK is in the midst of a housing crisis, with a serious…

Bristol is the number one city to live in the UK 2017

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

The Sunday Times has been running its Best Places to Live Guide for five years, which assesses data in the UK based on house prices, school performance and crime rates for…

Single, Southern and ‘Homeless’? Most Affordable Areas to Buy in the UK When Single

Estimated reading time 8 minutes

A foreword from the Prime Minister, Theresa May: “Our broken housing market is one of the greatest barriers to progress in Britain today. Today the average house costs almost eight…

3,429 Miles From Land Mass: Britain’s Remote Overseas Territories

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

Fancy moving to one of the world’s remotest islands? Populations are under 6,000, shops are few and far between and you may be hundreds of miles from the nearest hospital…

Home ownership: UK & Abroad.

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

It is clear the UK is undergoing a housing crisis; supply is not matching demand and house prices and rental property are sky rocketing. Yet Brits are still obsessed with…

Help To Buy UK Statistics 2017

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

With property market prices increasing rapidly, it is becoming progressively difficult to purchase a house as a young first time buying. However, the Governments Help to Buy ISA gives first…

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day: Six Ways To Save Energy

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

January always seems much colder and blue, with the excitement of Christmas and New Year’s festivities masking the reality of Winter. Without the lights and carols disguising the bitter weather,…

A Fifth of British Homes Without Sufficient Insurance For Christmas

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Christmas is a time for celebration but it is also a time to take extra precautionary measures. According to the NHS, as many as 80,000 people need to be hospitalised…

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Decking out your home for Christmas

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

That time of year has come back around, as we reach the first of December, many Brits will be thinking about decking out their homes for Christmas! According to YouGov,…

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Fast Food Epidemic Ravaging UK Universities

Estimated reading time 1 minute

Going to university is not only one of the biggest decisions anyone can make but also significantly represents a monumental lifestyle change. Many young adults, before starting university, become accustomed…

36% of Brits Wouldn’t Buy Property Where Someone Has Died

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

The latest Sell House Fast survey, received 113 responses from homebuyers, revealing that 36% of Brits wouldn’t buy a property where someone has died – if they knew about it. Although…

Britain’s Top 10 Most Haunted Houses

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

If you don’t want to encounter a ghost, demon or expose yourself to paranormal activities when going trick-or-treating this Halloween night, you better hurry up when passing by Britain’s top 10…

A History Of Social Housing In The UK

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

The provision of social housing boasts a long, rich, yet up-and-down history in the UK, going back as far as both world wars. Housing has been a constant priority for governments,…

Reasons You May Be Refused A Rental Property

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

Property searches are often as stressful as they are fun. As you look through a range of properties; you are likely to find a handful of stunners (which are usually…

Guide To Keeping Goods Left Behind By Previous Tenants

Estimated reading time 9 minutes

Finding a pound coin lying on the street would brighten anyone's day. Almost all would choose to pocket the coin, and that would be the end of the matter. Only,…

Working From Home: Pros and Cons

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

The once unattainable concept of ‘working from home’ has grown remarkably over the last few years. Figures by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) revealed that 4.2 million people in the…

Advertise your home for office space and earn money

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Hassle free tenants: Not just a dream! Check out the latest twist on working from home – and how it could earn YOU money If you’ve ever considered renting out…

Inheritance Tax: Understanding The New Rules 2017

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

What is Inheritance tax? Inheritance tax (IHT) was introduced in 1769 to tax the wealthy elite, where wealth was simply transferred down from one generation to the next rather than…

Guide to Successful Property Viewing

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

How long your property remains on the property ladder depends on several factors. A large factor which affects a slow sale is the overall impression, potential buyers received when they initially…

Research Reveals: Housing Market Not Caring For Those Caring For You

Estimated reading time 9 minutes

London’s pretentious property price tags are forcing public sector workers out of the capital and into the surrounding counties. Even doctors aren’t immune to the ill-effects of the spiralling sums…

An Urban Flat or Suburban House – Which Suits You Better?

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

Having difficulties deciding whether your next home should be an urban flat or suburban house? It may help to take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of both…

Step By Step Guide To Becoming A Landlord

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

If you’re curious about what’s involved in becoming a landlord, then you needn’t fret. Although there are certain legal and practical requirements that need to be met; the process isn’t…

Landlords Share the Truth About the Worst Tenants

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Most of the stories of the country’s worst tenants are extreme cases. The majority of tenants are trustworthy, responsible and reliable people who treat rented properties as if they were…

Residential Surveyors: Homebuyers Beware of Hidden Problems

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

There are a ton of things to think about when buying a new home. Is the price right, is the property located in a nice neighbourhood, are there any good schools…

Why you shouldn’t leave your house on the market

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Selling your home fast is what everybody wants. They also want to get a stack of cheddar for their cherished abode. Because “why wouldn’t anyone want to live here”, right?…

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Our rented house, in the middle of our street

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Due to an unbalanced economy, ineffectual saving schemes and unrealistic deposits required in order to secure a manageable mortgage; young adults are forcibly being pushed down the renting route when…

The Traps and Pitfalls of Buying a Property Abroad

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Dreaming about a beach house in Spain? Country home in France? How about a holiday apartment in an Austrian ski resort? Yes, it’s nice to own a property abroad. Each…

Making the Most of your Box Room

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

Nowadays, properties with a higher number of advertised bedroom tend to fetch a much higher value; hence most homes today come complete with one small box bedroom. However, these rooms…

To Buy A New-Build, Or Not To Buy?

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

With the Help to Buy Equity loan scheme from the government, more and more first time buyers are able to secure properties unlike ever before. Though, in all the excitement,…

Estate agents

How Do Estate Agents Value Your Home?

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

We love to put numbers on everything, from calorie counting on a diet to the miles per gallon of your car. And houses are no different, everyone wants to get…

Prettiest Places to Live

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

You don’t have to travel far in Britain before discovering an area of outstanding natural beauty. If you’re thinking of escaping your arduous morning commute, the city smog and your…

Guide to Buying Property at Auction

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

Buying property at an auction may seem like an alien concept to many people; after all purchasing something as large as a home is not a decision you should take…

We have Brexit, So what’s next for the property industry?

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

Yesterday’s referendum was one of the most prominent politically charged occurrence since we joined the EU 43 years ago. Yet, news broke this morning that Britain would no longer be…

London’s property is ranked 2nd most expensive city in the EU

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

A recent survey by online estate agent eMoov has recently found the average property price across Europe is currently 2,000 per sq. m. Based on 28 EU members and five…

Help to Buy isa

The Help To Buy IS-A-not Helping Anyone

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

As house prices continue to rocket, the government scheme which was created with the intention to help those most in need to get onto the housing market, is being priced…

Add value to your home with an annexe

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

When shown around some of the most desirable country houses on the market in England, estate agents will often refer to the top selling features which entice homeowners into an…

The Quickest and Slowest Areas to Sell a Home in England

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Selling a home is estimated to take on average between 2 and 3 months or between 60 and 90 days according to gov.uk. It can take longer depending on the…

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The Funniest Door Mats

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

‘Welcome home’ or ‘please wipe your feet’ are classic doormat phrases; they are functional, but hardly imaginative. So why don’t you have some fun with the first item people are…

downsizing guide

Guide to Downsizing Your Home

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

You may be considering downsizing to a smaller home for any number of reasons, from relocation to a reduced household. Once your children have grown-up and moved out and on…

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How to save a life in your home

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

There are plenty of occasions in which home owners drop the ball in terms of safety. And it’s not just occasions such as moving into a new home, where…

Guide to Renting your First Property

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

Increasing numbers of young graduates will come out of university unable to purchase their own home yet unwilling to move back in with parents; we’re not known as ‘generation rent’…

6 ways you can do your bit when living at home

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

Are you flying back into the open nest we call home? You’re not alone, as hundreds of thousands of graduates are doing exactly the same, year in, year out. Britain’s…

Your Guide to Inheriting a Home

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

How does it work? Benjamin Franklin once coined the phrase “the only things certain in life are death and taxes”, and that’s the truth of in both ways of inheritance. …

Home Décor Styling Guide

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Perhaps you’ve just moved into a house that is a bit of a blank canvas, or you’ve decided that the current décor is so outdated that it is time to…

Dancing at a house party

Throw a House Party in Style

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

If you’ve got a big event coming up, then where better to throw a party than your own home?! It’s cheaper than hiring a venue and if done right, can…

The World’s Quirkiest Houses

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

The term ‘characteristic’ is synonymous with what people look for when buying a house. The majority of people looking to purchase a new property will look for character, whether it…

Best of British BBQs: 2016 Accessories Guide

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

With the sunny weather approaching, Brits will soon be lighting the coals on their trusty BBQs and cooking up some delicious, sizzling treats. With popular occasions including birthdays, anniversaries and…

Don’t use online house valuation tools to set your asking price!

Estimated reading time 9 minutes

There are tonnes of house price data tools out there and every other company wants to give you their particular valuation. But who gives the most up-to-date and most relevant…

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What do people look for when moving to a new location?

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

Due to the increased mobility and transferability of jobs within the U.K., and with many employees being prepared to make a longer commute into work; the average Briton’s search…

Buy Your New Home at Harrods

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Harrods; the world’s most famous department store and home of extravagance in South West London is well known for its ability to procure all things luxury. Home of exotic pets,…

Buy an entire English village for £20million

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

The general consensus among the younger generation of the UK when it comes down to owning a home in this day and age is near to none! With house prices…

million pound note

The million pound property boom

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

House values have skyrocketed in recent years as the economy has stabilised, and personal wealth is back to pre-recession levels. According to the latest stats from ONS, sales of properties…

Enchanted Gardens for Children

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

Photo credit: mymillsbaby.co.uk Having a garden will certainly up your home’s value however, are there certain types of gardens that are deemed to be more attractive than others? In terms…

What impact could Brexit have on Britain’s Ex-pats

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Brexit (AKA Britain’s exit from the EU) is a looming possibility; Thursday June 23rd’s marks the referendum whereby Britain will decide if its future lies inside the EU or completely…

“I’m Out” House Selling Deal Breakers That Really Aren’t

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

When the perfect property comes along, you may feel that the race is on to sell your old home. Others who have had their property on the housing market for…

Sold sign

Sell your house fast before stamp duty tax rises

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

The changes that will be effective from April (2016) this year will effect prospective landlords and those looking to purchase a second-home. These property buyers will be expected to pay…

Why Britain’s young adults are still living at home

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Ben Harper would have had an easier time of getting Janey, Nick and Michael to fly the nest when the show My Family first aired in 2000 than he would…

Guide to Choosing your Second Year Uni Accommodation

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

The first couple of terms at university tend to go by in a crazy, hazy blur. What with making new friends, joining societies, hitting the clubs and – of course…

Hollywood Stylists Help Sell Your Home for the Big Bucks

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Celebs in Hollywood wouldn’t dream of putting their house on the market before Hollywood stylists have given it the once over… and we can’t help but think they’re onto something. Coined…

Converted Church With Feature Window

Amazing Converted Churches

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

Spacious, stylish and homely. These three words are not commonly associated with church buildings, but thanks to some modern designs, a healthy budget and a little bit of faith; these…

House price inflation is running at 11.4 per cent

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

It’s no surprise anymore when you hear about house price inflation. Though figures remain unsurprising to many, what is more disconcerting is how much the annual rate of house price…

Houses fit for lottery winners

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

After lottery winners David and Carol Martin scooped the biggest jackpot in history, getting their hands on £33 million in last week’s lotto draw, there’s sure to be a spectacular house coming off…

Your DIY Guide to Curb Appeal

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

New Year, new house? It’s time to act on the resolutions you made when sipping the bubbly and eating your body weight worth of Christmas leftovers. That leaky drain you’ve…

Ten Original Ways to Decorate your Home for Christmas Day

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

If you’re hosting Christmas Day this year, you’ll want it to be one to remember – but with Christmas shopping, food prepping and card writing all already on the very long…

UK house prices to rise by 50% in the next decade!

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

The price of the average UK home will rise by 50% in the next 10 years, say the National Association of Estate Agents and the Association of Residential Letting Agents.…

If Carlsberg did Christmas Lights…

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

It’s not just Oxford Circus that know how to put on a serious lights display; residential areas all over the world are giving the big boys a run for their…

Commuting to Liverpool and Manchester: The perks of living up north.

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

It is time to stop kidding yourself that London offers the British equivalent of the American dream. The glitz and glamour of our capital and of city life has masked…

Over 50% of leaseholders unaware of the rules on leaseholds!

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

A recent survey has shown property owners in the UK have a ‘shocking’ lack of understanding of the rules of leaseholds, due primarily to bad conveyancing advice, with over 50% of…

ONS September house price statistics

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

The average house price in England and Wales stands at £186,553, with an annual price change of 5.3 per cent as shown by data collected in September. House prices have…

Britain’s population is to surge to 70 million in the next decade

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

Today ONS have released figures revealing that the sharp rise in their population forecast for Britain is largely down to immigration and Britain’s population is to surge to 70 million in the…

Do you have skeletons in the closet?

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

Have you ever viewed a house and felt a strange presence? (And we don’t mean the Estate Agent!) Some houses just don’t feel comfortable and inviting. It could be the…

Inside the 6,500 sq ft Georgian house Sir Alan’s Apprentice’s call home

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

Take a look inside the 6,500 sq ft Georgian house Sir Alan’s Apprentice’s call home. The mansion in Bloomsbury, West London, is where Sir Alan’s latest 18 recruits will be calling…

David Cameron’s affordable homes scheme is bad news for generation rent

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

In his latest conference speech, Mr Cameron has announced a relaxation of current planning laws with a view to increasing home ownership in Britain and shift from ‘generation rent’ to…

young people can no longer afford rents

1 in 5 young and employed moving back in with parents

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

These are the latest statistics to come out from Shelter, emphasising the growing housing crisis for thousands of 20-34 year olds in England. This phenomenon is being dubbed ‘the clipped…

Crossrail: London Reborn?

Estimated reading time 7 minutes

£14.8bn is the expected cost of construction for Crossrail, with 73 miles of extra track length to be added to existing London’s transport systems, 200 million more journeys each year…

The Downton Effect

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

We previously familiarised you with the ‘Waitrose Effect’, and made you aware of how living near a Michelin star restaurant bumps up your house price, but the plot thickens; introducing the newest property…

YO! Sushi founder has developed new homes!

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

This may sound like a scene out of a science fiction film and when you imagine what your first property may look like, you may be picturing a beautiful solid…

First Crossrail homes completed

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Woolwich at Royal Arsenal has received the first wave of competed homes to be constructed. First Crossrail homes completed have been built above a new Crossrail station in preparation for the…

The Rise of the Super Flat

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Turn on ITV at 9pm and you’ll most likely be greeted by the latest period drama boasting stately homes, acres upon acres of gardens and the richest Brits around. Back then…

Interest-only mortgages threaten homeowners

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

It’s all well and good buying the house of your dreams and finally claiming a spot on the property ladder, but the minute you own the keys and contract to…

Relocation for a Better Education

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Every year parents across the country have to make the important decision of where to educate their children. Obtaining a place at a top performing school is a high priority…

How do you deal with nuisance neighbours

How Do You Deal With Nuisance Neighbours?

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Most neighbours are easy going law-abiding citizens, but occasionally you may encounter those that prevent you from enjoying a peaceful life in your own home. The causes of neighbour disputes…

Meet the house that inspired Oscar winning Disney Pixar’s ‘Up’

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

We’re pretty sure you’ve all seen (and more than likely sobbed your way through) Disney Pixar’s hit 2009 family movie, ‘Up’. But we bet you didn’t know it was reportedly…

Investing in Student Properties

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

The news is flooded lately with the rise in student numbers and the following massive demand for student accommodation. It’s been fantastic to see how so many young driven individuals…

New Home Building is up by 15 per cent

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

To build or not to build is not exactly a choice for the British population. Many areas of the UK have been promised new housing developments to accommodate a growing…

Revenge is a dish best served ‘left out in the cold’…

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Infidelity is perhaps one of the biggest betrayals a person can ever suffer. If we’re lucky, most of us never find out, or are having too many affairs of our…

crossrail effect

Crossrail effect cripples young buyers

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Source: Network Rail The Crossrail effect will make the rich richer and squeeze first-time buyers further out of London. Areas graced by any of the Crossrail’s links will enjoy multiplying…

5 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying A Home

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Have you found your dream property or are you still searching for somewhere to lay your hat? Before you rush in to make an offer or arrange yet another viewing, here…

What’s in a name? £100000, apparently…

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Got an address ending in ‘lane’? Lucky you – your property is probably worth over £100,000 more than those living on a regular ‘street’. According to new research conducted by…

How many Brits own second homes?

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Getting onto the property ladder is a difficult transition in itself and with it comes a huge financial responsibility. In our generation, first time buyers are narrowing significantly and it…

West Ealing has green light for Crossrail

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

The Crossrail project is heavily underway and with new stations planned and under construction, the new line will serve a greater purpose for Londoners, further extending the tube map to…

Renting in Westminster

Renting in the UK – is it worth it?

Estimated reading time 1 minute

Today, the ONS released a detailed housing statistics report based on the cost of private renting and how affordable it is in the current economic climate. (more…)

ONS Private Housing Statistics

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

ONS Private Housing Statistics have been released showing the latest housing summary measures providing a broad overview of the availability and affordability of privately owned houses. Taken from local authorities in England…

12 House Buying Considerations

Estimated reading time 6 minutes

There are a lot of things to think about when considering to buy a new house. It is a BIG decision, a big investment and, considered by many to be…

House swapping is officially a ‘thing’

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Pick a location, pack your bags and you’ve got yourself a holiday – all for free. Sound too good to be true? Well it’s not. Introducing the newest craze in…

Burden of Property Debt in Britain

Burden of Property Debt in Britain

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Information released today from the Office of National Statistics has revealed that the property debt crisis in Great Britain is worsening, as is the financial debt situation in general. Using…

The UK's Eight Great City Regions

The UK’s Eight Great City Regions

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

The ONS published an article on Friday shining a light on the eight largest city regions outside of London. These include West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Bristol, West Yorkshire, Nottingham, Sheffield,…

Islington Council Lead the Revolution Against “Buy-to-Leave”

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

The ‘empty house’ phenomenon in sought-after areas is growing and growing. And now a London council have plans to put in place a scheme which, they hope, will stop this…

Islands are Cheaper Than a London Flat

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

We all tend to dream of laying by the beach, gazing into crystal blue waters and taking that diving trip you have always planned around the coral reefs of the…

Is the Supply of Social Housing Under Threat?

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

The final quarterly survey of registered providers was released on the first of this month finding the sector had sufficient access to finance and was in a strong position, with…

London Rents Reach £1,500 for First Time

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

London rents reach £1,500, the highest they have ever been, spelling bad news for first-time buyers who cannot afford expensive deposits. We reported on rising house prices in our last…

House Prices are Up by 5.7%, ONS Stats Show

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today released the latest House Price Index, showing house prices are going up by 5.7% in the year to May 2015, a natural…

The Most Expensive Areas in the UK

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

In the world of property prices, a lot can happen in a year – so it’s no surprise that seeing just how much how prices have changed across England and…

Stay at Home Workers are on the Rise

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Waking up at the crack of dawn is never an ideal situation. It’s a universal fact that no one enjoys waking up to the sound of their alarm clock and…

Location, Location, Location: London Vs the Rest of the UK

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Ever sat on the London Underground dreaming of rolling hills, baby lambs and country roads where the kids can ride their bikes? You’re probably not alone, but taking the plunge…

What’s in a Street Name? Can it Add Value?

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

What’s in a name? Well, it turns out that if it is a name of a street or village it can mean quite a lot. Unusual and funny place names…

Life in your new property: Keep the magic alive!

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

You can easily return items to the shop within 28 days of purchasing, but unfortunately you cannot do that with a property. Once you have bought a house of your…

Game of Homes: Guide to Joining the Property Ladder

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

Any homeowners will know that buying a house is one of the most difficult, exciting and financially tiring processes anyone will endure in their lifetime. Purchasing a home of your…

Should You Buy A New Build Or Older Home?

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

You may be wondering, should I buy a new build, or an older home? There are pros and cons of new build homes and old properties, and it also depends…

To Build or Not to Build?

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

To build or not to build? That is the question. Extending your property has long been a popular way of gaining extra space for a growing family, as well as increasing…

How to Burglar Proof your Home

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Don’t let your home be an easy target for burglars. Your home is your castle and don’t want anyone invading it and helping themselves to your possessions. A burglary can…

A Short Break With A Difference

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

Thinking of booking a weekend away but fancy staying somewhere out of the ordinary? For most people a B&B or hotel are what first come to mind when planning an…

Crossrail Causes Surge in House Prices

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Europe’s largest infrastructure project is currently underway, since being given the green light to begin tunnelling in 2008. The Crossrail project, despite not even being completed yet, has caused a…

Spruce Up Your Garden!

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

You may have the interior of your home in tip-top condition but what about your outdoor space? If you are thinking of selling your property, the condition of the outside…

Restaurants are Bumping Up House Prices

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Restaurants are bumping up house prices. A sought after postcode is no doubt a catalyst for astronomical sale prices, however it’s become apparent that nowadays it’s not just where you…

12 Must-Have Apps for Moving House

Estimated reading time 5 minutes

Although an exciting prospect, the process of moving house can be one long headache. From finding your dream home, to interior design and budgeting, there’s a heck of a lot…

Why Might Your Property Value Decrease?

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Buying a property is a serious investment and it is important to protect that investment by keeping it maintained to a high standard. Basic maintenance frequently can prevent your home from…

Location is everything when buying!

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

Location is everything when buying a new house. Recent research conducted by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks reaffirms the famous phrase: “location, location, location”. The housing market has been an up…

Take The Stress Out Of Relocating

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

Selling your property quickly is the ideal outcome in any moving plan especially if you are relocating, but unfortunately it is usually a lengthy, stressful process. It’s no surprise that…

Gettting divorced, don’t panic!

Estimated reading time 3 minutes

Selling your house online may not be the so called conventional method. Getting divorced, don't panic! There may be many reasons you wish to sell your house quickly and one…

Spacious room with plenty of light

7 Ways to Make A Room Bigger Using Illusions

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

When you first move into a new home, it feels like you have lots of space. However, a few years down the line, it can start to feel much smaller…

Homeowners Are Cashing in Fast

Estimated reading time 2 minutes

Homeowners are cashing in fast on the increased equity in their homes gained by rising property values. On average they borrowed £9,069 more than a year ago according to the…

7 Steps To Spring Clean Your Finances

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Spring is upon us, and so far we have been blessed with sunnier longer days and a few early barbeques here and there. Spring is an excellent time of year…

Checklist: Things to look for when viewing a house

Estimated reading time 4 minutes

Viewing a property can be one of the most exciting parts of purchasing a home. Many Londoners decide to snap up a house in 33 minutes according to insurance provider…