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How to Reduce Stress When Selling Your Property.

One of the most stressful events that we go through in our lifetime is selling a house. Whatever your reason for selling, you’ll likely have some stressful times throughout the process, so knowing what the most stressful aspects are can help you keep calm and collected.

Why is selling a house so stressful?

One of the most stressful aspects of selling a house is the length of time it takes to actually achieve your sale. Generally, your house is the most expensive asset that you have, so there’s also an element of fear of something happening to that and leaving you in a difficult position. The selling process, on average, takes 6 months. In those 6 months, you’re likely to have concerns of a sale falling through, or if your property hasn’t generated much interest, you might worry that you won’t achieve a sale at all. This can cause huge amounts of stress, especially as it’s likely that you’re relying on the sale of your house to buy elsewhere. If you’re in a chain, stress levels can also increase, as you’re at risk of not only your sale having issues, but if someone else in the chain has a problem, it can break the chain for you all. Selling without a chain is less stressful, but much rarer, and still comes with its own set of risks too.

Leave plenty of time for the sale process

Far and away, the biggest source of anxiety when selling your home is feeling that your move may not happen when you need it to.

The speed of buying and selling is far from an exact science, so allow yourself enough time and flexibility to meet your ideal dates. Having plenty of breathing space will make it easier to make decisions calmly and to carry on with your work and home life as usual.

Take it step by step

Just like a house, moves are built from the bottom up. Nothing can happen without the foundations in place, and buyers are the building blocks of your plans.

So, if there’s only one piece of advice you follow, make it this: find a buyer for your current home before committing to your next one.

It’s completely understandable to feel so confident when estate agents are telling you they can sell your home quickly, and with all those beautiful listings staring out seductively from the portals, the temptation to view can be hard to resist.

But you’ll face stiff competition from buyers in stronger positions, and the fear of losing the home you’ve set your heart on can leave you desperate to sell, even in a fast market. Feeling compelled to accept the first offer you get is not only stressful; it could also mean taking thousands less than your home is truly worth.

Pick an estate agent with a plan

Imagine your sale as a series of time bubbles. With each subsequent one becoming less effective, your agent needs a plan to maximise response early on and then maintain momentum.

Your first two weeks on the market are usually the most active. Your home appears online, portals give you a shiny ‘New Listing’ label and send out alerts, your agent calls their registered buyers, and new enquiries come in. You’ve also decluttered to perfection, and you tidy up enthusiastically to prepare for a flurry of viewings.

The following two weeks are also busy. Responses are still coming in from the people who couldn’t get around before – maybe they were away, or tied up with life, or holding off till they got a buyer of their own – and anyone who liked your home on their first viewing has arranged to come back for a second look.

At this point, after about a month on the market, you’ll have hopefully found a buyer or have offers coming in. If not, you’ll at least have enough feedback to know whether a sale is likely, or if you need to change tack.

Here’s where a plan becomes really important. Before choosing who to entrust with the sale of your home, ask each agent what they’ll do after those first four weeks if you haven’t got a buyer. How will they keep you on track to sell?

Accepting the right offer

Getting an offer is exciting, and you might even be lucky enough to have multiple buyers competing against each other, so let’s explore what makes a good one.

There’s much more to an offer than money, and your buyer’s position is every bit as important as the price they put forward.

• Everyone who makes an offer on your home should be able to confirm:
• whether they need to sell another property;
• if they have a buyer yet;
• full details of any chain involved;
• proof of funds (mortgage, cash or both);
• that their deposit is readily available;
• if any money is coming from somebody else who also needs to see your home;
• when they want to move.

Getting these questions answered will help you identify a strong and secure offer with a timescale that fits your own. Just like a jigsaw – all the pieces need to be in place for the puzzle to be complete.

Expect the unexpected

Bumps in the road can come from survey results, mortgage valuations and the conveyancing process. They can happen to any home in a chain, but they don’t automatically mean the end of your move.

You can’t plan for everything, but instructing a solicitor as soon as your home goes on the market can reveal and resolve any potential legal issues, giving you a draft contract ready to go the moment you accept an offer.

And getting timeframes confirmed for every link in the chain when your sale is agreed, along with any booked holidays that might affect your moving date, can avoid fraught conversations as you approach exchanging contracts.

It’s also worth remembering that, despite the ups and downs, things generally work out.

Do your research

Often, the most stressful part of selling a house is not knowing what the process is and if things are moving as they should. Before you sell your house, do some research, and look into how long it takes and what each step is, from finding your buyer to exchanging keys. An aspect that lots of homeowners forget about that is incredibly important and often time-consuming is the conveyancing process, so understanding what delays are normal here can give you some peace of mind. Selling a house is rarely a quick process, so knowing this from the start can save unnecessary stress further into the process.

It’s hard to altogether avoid the stress of selling, but these tips can help you reduce your stress levels and make your selling experience the best it can be. Some things you have no control over, and sometimes just accepting that can help you reduce your stress levels, but that isn’t so easy for most homeowners.

£1 million ACM removal fund opens for applications.

Private Residential Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) Cladding Remediation Fund provided by the Department of Finance, on behalf of the executive, now available for Residential buildings over 18 metres of height.

The fund will be available for the benefit of leaseholders in residential buildings over 18m in height (or within the 30cm tolerance) who would otherwise have an obligation to meet the cost of cladding remediation by virtue of provisions in their leases.

Management companies are also able to apply for the fund The fund is also available to management companies acting on behalf of residents.

To be eligible for the fund applicants must confirm they are replacing unsafe ACM cladding with materials of limited combustibility that have been classified as European Class A1 or A2-s1, d0.

Find further information and application guidance →

The remediation money will not be available to:

• non-residential buildings, hotels, hostels, purpose-built student accommodation uses, private rental sector
• buildings under 18m in height (allowing for the 30cm tolerance)
• unsafe non-ACM cladding systems
• buildings where a warranty claim for the full costs of remediation has been accepted
• costs which would not otherwise be recovered from residential leaseholders through the service charge provisions in their leases
• buildings owned by social sector landlords

In addition to the ACM Fund, the Department of Finance has today also announced a public call for leaseholders / building owners to provide evidence that their building is fitted with unsafe non-ACM cladding materials.

Ivory ban: UK Government responds to consultation

The UK Government will be using information provided by findings of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) consultation to bring forward secondary legislation to implement the Ivory Act 2018.

The Ivory Act received Royal Assent in December 2018, but implementation was delayed due to unsuccessful legal challenges.

Ivory Act 2018

The purpose of the Act is to stop commercial activities involving ivory in the UK and the import and re-export of ivory for commercial purposes to and from the UK. Essentially the legislation will ban the dealing of items made of, or containing elephant ivory, regardless of their age.

The legislation will:

• remove the financial value of ivory
• reduce the opportunity for new ivory to be laundered through legal markets
• reduce the flow of ivory from the UK to overseas markets
• send a clear message that the UK does not consider ivory to be an acceptable commodity
• encourage other countries to take similar action

The consultation, which ran from 9 March 2021 to 4 May 2021, set out proposals for implementing the UK Ivory Ban including commencing the ban, implementation of exemptions and the information required and fees for registrations of exempt items.   The consultation was conducted on a UK-wide basis, where powers are to be exercised by the appropriate national authority in devolved administrations.  Defra consulted on their behalf with their agreement.

UK Government response

Concerns raised within the consultation included fears that the lack of date for the Act to come into force would lead to continuing trade, with some respondents highlighting their belief that the Act should come into play as soon as possible.

The response from Defra indicated that it is the responsibility of the owner to assure themselves that the item meets the exemption criteria and declare this as part of the registration process.

It was also clarified that in order to be exempt the item in its current state will have to be below the percentage threshold for ivory by volume. If it exceeds this then it will not qualify for exemption.

In relation to the group registration process, items must individually meet exemption terms and be individually photographed to show distinguishing features – if not able to capture all distinguishing features in one photograph, then more than one photograph is necessary.

Defra also clarified that, under the Act, ownership of items that do not meet the exemption criteria, or owners who do not wish to apply for an exemption certificate, will not be impacted. A person can still own an item, or gift, donate or bequeath it to another individual or organisation or sell or hire it to a qualifying museum.

Submitting a false registration could also render the person who is registering the item liable to prosecution for a fraud offence.

Importantly, there will be an awareness raising campaign to support the introduction of the registration and certification processes and provide information to help businesses and individuals comply with the ban.

The UK Government will be bringing forward secondary legislation to implement the Ivory Act in line with their response to the consultation.

Winter is Here. So Where to Hangout During the Cold, Darker Months?

Cosy London Igloos

The only place to be seen during the winter months is in an igloo. The domed structures pop up over terraces and rooftop bars in the capital and elsewhere.

If there’s one life lesson we learned from Pingu, it’s that igloos are brilliant hangout spots. Sometime around 2016, London took this advice to heart, and since then, a glorious wave of igloos routinely pop up every winter, offering festive revels within your cosy private sanctuary.

From cosy glass domes overlooking the Thames to heated rooftop food markets, whoever said you couldn’t enjoy London in the winter has never managed to get a booking at one of these epic winter warmers.

The trend for dining in igloos is here to stay, so here’s where to find igloos in London this year! Enjoy!

Coppa Club Tower Bridge

Offering some of the best views over the Thames and Tower Bridge, these gorgeous igloo dining areas are a must-visit in winter. The beautiful perspex capsules provide crystal clear views of Tower Bridge and The Shard while keeping your squad satisfyingly snug with sparking lights, fluffy blankets and festive decorations. You can enjoy the likes of pizza, pasta and burgers from the dinner menu.

Where: Three Quays Walk, EC3R 6AH

They usually sell out in a hot minute, though, so you’ll need to be quick! Find out more at https://coppaclub.co.uk/towerbridge/.

Skylight

Skylight’s true ace in the hole is their rooftop ice skating rink, but with the return of that still a couple of weeks away, their rooftop igloos are taking centre stage for the moment. Spread across two levels, the igloos are bookable for groups of up to six. Blankets and heaters keep the winter chill away too! This winter, a gorgeous Tobacco Dock spot fronting skyline views, cocktails, and igloo booths, join them for a must-try cosy experience.

Where: Pennington Street, St Katharine’s & Wapping, E1W 2SF.

Find out more at https://www.skylightbars.com/.

Aviary

Aviary is back with beautiful views over London for both dining and drinks on the terrace or their famous igloos perfectly suited for groups of up to six.

They can’t wait to welcome you back inside with a fantastic seasonal menu available every day. Enjoy the view of our beautiful City once more from their rooftop restaurant, terrace and igloos whilst sipping cocktails or enjoying their dishes.

Where: 10th Floor, The Montcalm, 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX.

Don’t miss another moment; book your table at https://aviarylondon.com/.

Bar Elba

Bar Elba’s party pods are back for another Winter, and they’re bigger, boozier and packed with more parties than ever before. Housed atop Elba’s highest point, they are serving up killer views of London and a sky full of fairy lights.

Fulfil your Scandi dreams as you eat, drink and get very merry in your heated igloo. Cosy as hell, Party Pods house up to 12 guests, making them the ultimate destination for a night on the town. And with a cocktail list as long as your arm, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Where: 109-117 Waterloo Road, SE1 8UL.

Book now at https://bar-elba.co.uk/.

Jimmy’s Lodge

This fan favourite Alpine pop-up overlooks the Thames, as Jimmy’s Lodge boasts four beautiful snow globes made for private dining experiences, each seating up to six people in line with social distancing rules. It’s the perfect spot for Christmas get-togethers and festive parties, with guests invited to tuck into gourmet food.

Where: Queens Walk, Waterloo Bridge, SE1 9PX.

Find more information at https://www.jimmyspopup.com/.

Winterland

Escape to London’s magical Alpine paradise. Enjoy hot mulled wine around the fire pit or sip a glass of Prosecco with friends.

Play on the arcade games, groove to our DJ tunes or chill on a sofa at an alpine club.

Alpine forest theme means forest igloos, forest cabins, a Bavarian beer tent, Alpine lodge tables, ski-lift bubbles, and fur-covered sofas. Their bottomless prosecco and Alpine brunch is also a powerful option.

Where: Wandsworth Bridge Road, SW6 2TY.

Book your spot at https://www.neverlandlondon.com/.

The Sipping Room

With the vista of Canary Wharf rising in front of you, this winter pop up is an excellent spot for an igloo dinner in London. Large bubbles can host up to sixteen seated guests.

Where: 16 Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, E14 4AX.

Find more information about The Sipping Room at https://www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-sipping-room/.

The Secret Garden

London Secret Garden operates five domes spread across a one-acre Garden. The domes are laid out beside the summer beach. Each dome is fully air-conditioned and exclusive to you, so rest assured only you and your friends will have complete privacy in your dome.

Enjoy an Afternoon Tea served with freshly prepared classical sandwiches. As tradition suggests, you cannot have an afternoon tea without English scones. Each sitting is for one and a half-hour period. They also serve brunch/dinner where we offer set tasting menus, so you have a wide variety of dishes in tasting size portions.

Where: 100 Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 4ER.

Book your dome at https://www.londonsecretgarden.co.uk/.

What is Down Valuing?

Mortgage brokers have warned that “down valuing” is on the rise. Which, if true, could mean buyer’s paying thousands of pounds more to secure their dream home.Down valuing is where a surveyor acting on behalf of a lender assesses a property and says that it’s worth significantly less than the price agreed by the seller and buyer.

In other words, the lender won’t provide a loan to cover the seller’s full asking price, because their valuation has revealed the property is worth a lot less than what the seller is asking for – and what the buyer has agreed to pay.

Why does down valuing happen?

There are a number of reasons why a devaluation may occur. Here are the main three:

• Some owners will have an unrealistic idea of the value of their home. Or they may be over-optimistic about the amount of value their renovations have added to their property.
• Estate agents desperate to get sellers onto their books may provide inflated valuations, which may later be rejected by professional surveyors providing their own valuation to lenders.
• Lenders concerned about over-inflated prices may be telling valuers to be cautious.

But there are steps you can take to prevent your home from being down valued.

Do your research

Surveyors will compare similar homes that sold in the same area in the past six months to value a property for a lender. This can easily shave tens of thousands of pounds from an agreed price – particularly if the property has had building work, such as an extension, which makes it bigger than comparable nearby homes.

Renegotiate

A down valuation does not always spell the end for a sale. As a buyer, you can use this as an opportunity to renegotiate the purchase price with the seller.

Prospective buyers can also renegotiate with their bank or building society to secure a loan that fits with the surveyor’s valuation. Borrowers may be able to save the sale if they have enough cash to either cover the difference or offer a bigger deposit to the lender.

Push back

Borrowers are not obliged to settle for the first valuation and often an application can be resubmitted to another lender, with a different valuation agreed. But this can also delay the transaction.

It is also possible to appeal a valuation with the original surveyor and lender, although this is usually a waste of time. Most lenders will ask for three comparable properties which have sold at the price you believe the home is worth in the last six months. It is unlikely a professional surveyor is going to overturn their decision unless there is something they have missed, like a hidden extension, for example.

Landlords putting pandemic behind them and tapping into London’s rental growth.

The pandemic has forced all of us to spend far more time at home over the last year and a half, causing our homes to double as our workplaces and even as schools for our children.

Inevitably, for some people what seemed the perfect property back in 2019 has not quite cut the mustard come 2021.

It’s one thing to pay that premium rent for an apartment in the middle of London when that means a small commute and an exciting city at your fingertips every time you leave the front door. But when commuting isn’t really an issue as you’re working from home, and all the bars, pubs and clubs are closed, then that premium rent may start to hurt.

The pandemic effect

Unsurprisingly, the London rental market bore the brunt of the pandemic, with Connells reporting 13 straight months of falling rents in central London.

Things are changing though, as the city starts to reopen and kick back into gear. The appeal of city life is clear once more, with demand from would-be tenants meaning that in June Connells reported a 4.3% increase in rents for central London, taking them to an average of £2,103 per month.

Not only does that reverse the trend of falling rents, it’s also the biggest jump for a single month ever recorded.

Scarce supply

Another positive for London’s landlords to take from the current market is the lack of options for tenants.

The most recent analysis from ARLA Propertymark noted that while the average letting agent in the UK has 184 properties on its books, rental stock is lowest in London where it stands at just 112 properties per branch.

That lack of supply means that when quality properties do hit the market, they are quickly in demand from tenants, reducing the risk of void periods. What’s more, this level of competition will drive up rents, meaning investors enjoy meatier yields from their assets.

Indeed, as the Connells report demonstrates, we are already seeing landlords across the country feeling sufficiently emboldened that they can increase rents.

That same ARLA study found that in June 2021 60% of agents reported their landlords had increased rents – a record high for the month of June.

This is unlikely to be a short-term trend either. Analysis from Savills suggests that rental growth in London for 2021 is likely to stand at around 1.5%, almost double the 0.8% seen across the UK as a whole, while by 2025 it argues that rents in London will grow by 19.3% compared to 17% for the country overall.

That’s a substantial return alongside the expected capital growth that landlords will enjoy through investing in London, particularly those at the prime end of the market.

Finding finance

For many professional investors, bridging finance is a vital tool when it comes to expanding their portfolios. But bridging lenders come in many different forms, which is why it’s so important for brokers and their borrowers to be clear about which lenders truly understand their business and can deliver finance swiftly.

After all, investors always want to move quickly. Once they identify a winning property, they want to get their hands on the keys immediately, before the competition has a chance to place a bid of their own.

For bridging lenders to stand out, we need to not only come up with compelling product designs and rates, but back up those deals by delivering the funding required on time, every time. Brokers have long memories and remember well those lenders who let them down, causing their clients to miss out on what could have been a valuable deal. Delivering a high level of service, each and every time, isn’t easy but it’s what lenders have to do if we want to stand out from the crowd.

After all, the signs are there that London’s landlords are set for a profitable few years. But to do so, they will need funding partners to secure those investments.

Article Source – https://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/landlords/andlords-putting-pandemic-behind-them-and-tapping-into-londons-rental-grow.html

Conveyancer or Solicitor, That is the Question.

If you’re buying or selling a home, there will come a time when you will need to choose a solicitor or a conveyancer to help with the legal transfer of the property.

Legal professionals are extremely important in keeping the buying and selling process on track and on time – they handle your contracts, carry out local authority searches, deal with the Land Registry and transfer funds when it is finally completion day. So, with so much to do, it’s important to pick one that’s right for you.

What’s the difference between a solicitor and a conveyancer?

Both conveyancers and solicitors are fully regulated and insured professionals, and when it comes to handling your property transaction, will operate in a very similar way. However, it is worth noting the differences between the two before you get started.

Conveyancers are specialist property lawyers who are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, and who focus largely on residential property transactions.

Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and offer a much broader legal service and are able to deal with more complex legal issues. Their knowledge beyond property conveyancing law is necessary when dealing with the likes of boundary disputes or if the sellers are separating and using more than one solicitor.

Understand and compare conveyancing fees

There are three different types of fees when it comes to conveyancing:

• Hourly rate
• Fixed fee
• Percentage cost

It’s advisable to get a couple of quotes first and ask for a full break down so that you can make a direct comparison. Make sure you check whether the total cost will be a fixed or if it could vary according to the workload.

And the final price should be inclusive of everything necessary to complete the sale, including searches, monetary transfers, stamp duty or land tax costs and Land Registry fees.

What to do With Your Spare Room After lockdown.

The events of the past eighteen months have seen us spend considerably more time than usual in our homes, with lockdown restrictions encouraging many of us to make the best use of the space we have available. And wow haven’t we become masters of home living!

Due to lifestyle changes, ‘spare rooms’ simply used for storage are quickly being replaced by a more purposeful space and, if you’re one of the many who have the spare space but are unsure how best to transform it, I how come up with a few suggestions for you.

1. Home Office

Whether it’s the HQ of your business empire or an area for doing general paperwork, a home office can be a great way to efficiently tick off those all-important tasks.

With the ‘working from home’ hybrid looking to become a normalised part of working life, transforming your spare room into an office space can be a worthwhile investment for maximum productivity and efficiency.

2. Home Cinema

Bring the magic of the cinema to your own home by creating the ultimate entertainment experience Enjoy family favourites and cinematic classics without having to purchase a cinema ticket and overpriced popcorn.

Creating a home cinema doesn’t have to be as taxing on the wallet as it sounds. All you need is a comfy sofa, a wall-mounted TV or projector, and surround sound. Plus, when not in use it can also double as a second living room which means extra space to entertain guests.

3. Creative Studio

In such a busy world sometimes it can be hard to take time out for yourself and get into your creative zone.

A solution to this is to makeover your spare room and transform it into a personal, creative space to dive deep into your passions, whether it’s art, writing, music, or another hobby. A studio of your own creates a space for you to express yourself without the interruptions of everyday life.

4. Home Gym

Let’s get buffed! Exercise is an essential way to maintain positive wellbeing. However, gym memberships can be expensive. Plus travelling there can take unnecessary time out of an already busy schedule. So why not invest in some space to work out within the comfort of your own home?

The extent of how far you can go with this will depend on the space you have available. Some ideas can include cardio machines, such as treadmills or bikes, as well as weight benches for building muscle. Another plus is you can pick the members who can attend!

5. Dressing Room

I have to admit, this has some serious appeal to it. If you’re still wondering what to do with a spare room, and fancy transforming it into something a little more luxurious than a home office or guest bedroom, consider turning your space into a dressing room and walk-in wardrobe.

All you’ll need is closet space, a little table with a mirror, and you’ll have yourself a fabulous dressing room.

6. Music Studio

Have you ever wanted to learn to play a musical instrument but always find an excuse not to start? Well, having your own music studio in your home just might be the answer.

Practice guitar, jam with friends, or compose your first hit song in a room dedicated to music. Lay down thick carpeting to soak up sound, and add a few comfortable floor cushions for musically inclined visitors.

 

Improvements That Will Add Value to Your Home

Your house will almost certainly be more attractive to buyers with some general sprucing up and cleaning. Larger projects such as loft conversions, converting a garage or adding a conservatory may reap high rewards if you have the time and money. But small things can make a surprising difference too.

Redecorate and complete easy upgrades

Redecorating is the most popular home improvement and giving your home a lick of paint and doing some general maintenance can be done at a very low cost. Fresh paint in modern colours can go a long way to giving your home a new lease of life, so do not be afraid to pick up the paintbrush.

It’s also best to fix all superficial defects. While unlikely to be the clinching factor in a house sale, small problems and defects can create an impression of a house being run down or not well cared for. Things to look out for include:

• Peeling paint
• Dirty walls, especially near doors frames and around switches
• Dripping taps
• Squeaky floors, doors or stairs
• Mouldy sealant in kitchens or bathrooms
• Limescale built up on kitchen and bathroom fittings
• Badly fitted laminate flooring
• Broken lightbulbs

Replace doors

First impressions count. Make sure the outside of the house is welcoming the front door of your home can say a lot about the rest of the house to viewers seeing it for the first time. If you cannot afford to replace the door, make sure it looks new by giving it a power wash or a fresh lick of paint. Even a new doorknob, house number or name sign can help.

Try to make your front door look smarter than your neighbours’.

Makeover the kitchen

Kitchens are often the focus for many buyers, so it may be the first thing they look to replace if they can’t imagine living in yours. It’s no surprise that 65% of homeowners have renovated their kitchens before selling up. You may not be able to afford a whole new kitchen, but there are many smaller ways to improve what you already have.

For a relatively small budget painting units or replacing cupboard handles or doors are a cheaper way of refreshing kitchens. Good lighting and clutter-free, clean surfaces will make a big difference to the feel of the house

Buyers may be willing to pay more to save themselves the hassle of buying a new kitchen.

Adding or updating a bathroom

In the bathroom, re-grouting, eliminating all limescale and replacing taps are a good option. Bathrooms need to be fresh and hygienic looking, so paint the walls a neutral shade, and ideally replace a shower curtain with a new one or a simple glass screen. 29% of homes sold in 2019 had a new bathroom fitted, so a full update might be the key to selling fast and earning more.

Garden appeal

An attractive, tidy, well-designed garden can add a great deal of value to a property. It is essential to trim borders, clear pathways and cut back any overgrown trees or bushes.

The garden should feel like an extra space for entertaining or relaxing, rather than an expanse of grass. An area of decking gives buyers a sense of having a bigger usable living space and 3% of homes sold in 2019 were even found to have had a summer garden, giving owners more space to relax and entertain in sunnier weather.

Bigger issues such as damp should not be covered up. It will show up on a survey and is likely to come back to haunt you later on.

Double glaze the windows

Noisy roads can impact the value of a property. Double glazing will keep the home warm and keep the noise out, even if it’s near a main road.

Opening up space

Opening up living space is becoming more and more popular, particularly for the kitchen and dining room. Combining the two into one large room creates a sociable space, great for the whole family to enjoy.  Remember the practicalities with this though, as many consumers still like the ‘front room philosophy’ that can be used for special occasions or to be used for privacy by the adults.

Look smart and be energy efficient

Smart home technologies are increasingly important to buyers – just advertising the presence of fibre optic cables in your area could be enough to encourage buyers. Statement systems like multi-room music platforms can also make a difference.

Smart technology such as Hive, which gives mobile control over heating systems, is a feature worth considering. If it moves your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) up a band, it could add thousands to the sale price. Only 2% of homes sold in 2019 had smart technology installed, so by being ahead of the game, you’ll be offering a unique selling-point and future-proofing for any potential buyers.

Create a driveway

In some areas of the country, the ability to park close to your front door comes at a huge premium and therefore, if you have the room to add off-street parking, you are sure to increase value.

Bigger projects

Big projects could include a loft conversion, adding a conservatory, converting a garage or installing a whole new kitchen or bathroom. In fact, 22% of homes sold in 2019 had an extension added; increasing a property’s value and making them more appealing to buyers.

A survey by NAEA Propertymark shows that half of estate agents think that adding a bedroom – usually a loft conversion – adds the most value, while a third of agents thought a new kitchen was the best choice.

Whatever you choose to do, it is a good idea to speak to a local estate agent about the sort of features that make the most difference when selling homes in your area.

Even if you can’t afford an extension or conversion, it might be worth obtaining planning permission to do so at a later date. You would have to spend money on drawing up the designs and getting a survey, but it would remove a big element of doubt from a potential buyer’s mind if they know the council has already approved an extension.

You might also want to think about your target audience and try to reflect their needs. For example, is your house most likely to appeal to young professionals? A room could be set aside as an office or you could add an extra shower room. If young families are the most likely buyers, could you turn the adjoining garage into a playroom?

 

Do You Know How Much Your House is Worth?

If you’re thinking of selling your property, it’s good to know what price you could potentially sell it for. By doing your research and preparing, you can ensure the price you advertise your property for is accurate and that you are more likely to sell for your asking price.

The location of your property

Where your property is will always have a huge impact on the price you can realistically sell it for. For example, the following factors could increase the price of your property, just for where it is located:

• Close to schools
• Close to amenities e.g. shops, restaurants, GP surgery
• Close to commuter/transport links e.g. train station, bus stop
• Close to industry e.g. large employer, city centre
• In London
• On the commuter belt for London
• An area with high or superfast broadband and internet speeds
• In the countryside
• Low crime area
• High priced neighbourhood

Adversely, there are factors that could make your property price lower, depending on where it is. These include:

• High crime area
• Air pollution
• Noise pollution
• Local demographics e.g. student area
• Areas with slow or below average broadband and internet speeds
• Low priced neighbourhood
• No local industry (lack of jobs or big nearby business)
• Low housing demand (lots of houses for sale)

Use a property portal to see what other houses in your area typically sell for; this will give you a good idea of what price you could put your property on the market for.

The Type of Property

Average property prices on certain properties depend on what type they are.

According to Land Registry data for 2019*, the average price of property sold was as follows:

• Detached house: £361,887
• Semi-detached house: £222,476
• Terraced house: £186,428
• Flat: £162,162

Be aware that these are national averages for England and Wales, and it may be that certain property types are more appealing in your area.

You can use the Land Registry to create your own report for free and know more about property sold in your area.

*Based on data in England & Wales (excl. London)

Property Features

Even if your property is in a favourable location and is an appealing property type for the area, its price will still be affected by the furnishing and features of the property itself.

Luckily, we have put together a guide on how to increase the value of your home, as well as what features can devalue your property too.

Estate Agent Valuation

One of the easiest ways of determining how much your property could be worth is by hiring an estate agent to conduct a valuation. Most agents do not charge for this service, as it is their chance to impress you as well, so that you instruct them to sell your home.

You should use at least two or three different agencies to evaluate your home, as this will give you a more accurate view of how much your property is worth.

To ensure you use the best possible agent, make sure they are local to the area and are NAEA Propertymark Protected. This will mean that they are qualified and experienced in valuing a property and can spot any obvious features that could potentially affect the price of your property.

Use our Find an Expert tool to find a local agent near you today, it’s free, with no sign-up required.