FAQs: I’m a tenant, how can I reduce my energy bills?

December has arrived, and among the early Christmas cards and party invitations was an alert from the Met Office. Our first Level 3 warning for severe cold weather and icy conditions across the UK reminded us just how bitter winter can be.

Usually, we would reach for the thermostat and turn up the temperature to beat the chill. Amidst an energy crisis, however, we are, instead, wearing extra layers and using the heating more sparingly. It’s not just gas unit prices that are more expensive this winter. Electricity is proving costly too, with many of us finding a new-found level of frugality when it comes to leaving lights on and unplugging appliances.

In terms of rented properties, we are often asked how tenants can keep their fuel bills down. As well as recommending the advice of the Energy Saving Trust, we thought it would be useful to share the answers to our most frequently asked energy questions:-

Can I install a smart energy meter?

A smart energy meter is one of the best ways of managing how much energy you use but tenants are often unsure whether they need the landlord’s permission to install one. If you pay for your own energy, you are free to request a smart energy meter.

It is, however, advisable to let the landlord know your intention as there may be restrictions on the type of meter that can be installed and the energy that is supplied to the property. Contact us if you would like a smart energy meter and we can liaise with the landlord on your behalf.

Can I change my energy supplier?

It’s hoped that 2023 will bring some new, cheaper energy deals worth switching to, so knowing if you can change suppliers is crucial to cost saving. Unless you are on a ‘bills included’ rental package – where your landlord pays the property’s gas and electricity bill – tenants can switch suppliers as they wish.

You’ll know if you pay the bill as it will be your name and address on the account. If you’re still unsure, feel free to ask us and we’ll check your tenancy agreement. We’ll also confirm whether the landlord may have a ‘preferred supplier’.

Can I get paid to use energy at night?

Many tenants are asking us about this initiative, which has been tested but isn’t live yet. The National Grid plan to give people a discount on their bill if they switch to using electricity at off-peak times, taking pressure off the network. Renters wanting to benefit from this scheme, if and when it goes live, should contact their electricity supplier and ask to register for the Demand Flexibility Service.

Can I demand my landlord make energy saving changes?

Although tenants can’t insist their landlord make energy saving changes, minimum EPC standards were introduced in the UK to ensure every private rental sector property meets minimum energy efficiency standards. This makes many tenanted homes cheaper to power and heat than those in the owner-occupier market.

Can I, as a tenant, make my own energy saving changes?

Tenants in England and Wales can request to make their own energy saving changes to a rented property – at their own cost – as detailed in Part Two of the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015.<
The document states: ‘The tenants’ energy efficiency improvements provisions mean that, subject to certain requirements and exemptions, from 1st April 2016, where a tenant requests their landlord’s consent to making energy efficiency improvements to the landlord’s property, the landlord may not unreasonably refuse consent.’

In Scotland, the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 (Part 1, Chapter 7, Section 52) gives every private sector tenant ‘the rights to carry out work, either to make the house suitable for the accommodation, welfare or employment of any disabled person who occupies it as his or her only or main home, or relating to the installation of central heating and other energy efficiency measures under the Executive’s central heating programme or similar schemes promoted under the same powers. The exercise of this right requires the consent of the landlord, which must not be withheld except on reasonable grounds.’

If you’re a tenant with an energy efficiency question that’s not answered above, please contact our lettings team for advice.

Gen Z renters seek sustainable properties

What you think Generation Z want from a rental property and what they would actually like may surprise landlords hoping to target students, recent graduates and young professionals.

While Generation Z have a reputation for living their lives voraciously – and rather superficially – via social media, their property wishes are far more considered and cautious. A new survey of more than 2,500 people aged between 16-25, featured in an article published by PBSA News, set out to establish what was important to them in a rented home.

Flashy luxuries took a back seat to more sustainable aspects, illustrating that Generation Z is far more prudent and eco-conscious than landlords may believe. The headline statistic showed that 80% of Generation Z said it was important that their home had sustainability credentials – a figure that rose to 86% among the international Generation Z community based in the UK. In fact, only 6% of participants said sustainability features would not be important when deciding on their accommodation.

When it came to specifics, those taking part in the survey had a clear idea on how their home should be energy efficient. Good insulation to cut down on energy bills was important to 67% of respondents, while 35% said they would like to see solar panels installed.

Smart technology that can help save the environment and money was most important to 16 to 18 year-olds, with 57% of this age group expressing a willingness to pay more for smart tech as opposed to a concierge (35%), gaming room (39%), cinema room (46%), pub or bar (41%) or communal dining room (37%).

Landlords should also take heed of some other interesting findings – especially those looking to make new property investments. Becoming more self-sufficient was a surprising desire, with 22% of young people saying they want outdoor space to grow their own produce. And for landlords offering furnished properties, it’s worth noting that 73% of those surveyed would be comfortable living somewhere with second-hand or upcycled furniture.

The new findings follow a set of similar survey results released earlier in 2022. When questioning younger generations, E.ON found the majority (83%) of Generation Z and Millennials (the latter who are aged between 28-41) would be more inclined to speak to their landlord about installing a heat pump, than those in Generation X (those aged between 42-56). E.ON’s survey also revealed 8 in 10 from Generation Z would reject properties that didn’t meet minimum energy efficiency ratings, compared to only 6 in 10 Generation X who would do the same.

With tightening EPC standards set to be phased in from 2025, landlords should be preparing now in order to market more sustainable, legally-compliant properties in the future. For landlords who are early-adopters, a more energy efficient buy-to-let will appeal to a growing group of sustainably minded Generation Z tenants. If you would like advice on improving the energy efficiency of your portfolio, please get in touch.

Painting the front of your house: is it worth it?

How your home looks from the outside can determine how successful your sale is. After all, an exterior photo is what estate agents commonly use as the lead image when publishing an online listing, and it’s the first part of a property buyers see when they arrive for a viewing.

We use the expression ‘first impressions count’ for good reason and potential buyers faced with an exterior that’s cracked, flaking and grubby will make quick assumptions about your property.

Although repainting your home’s exterior isn’t a quick DIY job, it could be one of the best investments of your time if you’re planning to sell soon. Here we answer the most commonly asked questions about painting the front of a property.

Will a freshly painted exterior add value to my property?

You’ll often hear about ‘kerb appeal’ when selling a home and how your home looks from the outside certainly affects its value. A survey by Dulux Weathershield found UK homeowners who gave the exterior of their property a new coat of paint increased its perceived value by 25%. The paint manufacturer also found 93% of buyers are more likely to attend a viewing if the house’s exterior is well maintained.

Should I also paint my front door?

If it’s looking a little shabby, a fresh coat of paint on your front door should be high on your list of pre-selling priorities. Research has found the right choice of paint colour can also add value to your home. Opting for blue can increase a home’s value by as much as £4,000, while a freshly painted white front door can add around £3,400. Front doors painted red, black and green are other colours that can add value but a brown front door can shave hundreds of pounds off a home’s selling price.

Is there an ideal time of year to paint my property’s exterior?

Professional decorators recommend you attempt exterior painting during the months of April and September as the weather is usually drier and warmer, which allows the paint to cure more quickly. Check the forecast and choose a run of days when rain isn’t forecast.

Do I need planning permission to paint the front of my property?

Most homeowners can paint the exterior of their property without getting any special approvals but there are a few instances when planning permission may be required. Consult with your local council’s planning department if you live in a listed building, or if the property is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or conservation area. Requiring planning won’t stop you from painting the outside of your home but the planners/conservation experts may stipulate the colours you can choose from and the type of paint that is used.

Is there a special type of paint I should use?

As the exterior of your property is exposed to the elements and the surface you are painting over is different to plastered internal walls, you will need a special type of paint. Look out for masonry paint designed specifically for exterior surfaces. If you are painting your front door, choose your paint based on the door’s composition – wood or uPVC – as you may need a primer before the topcoat. Always prepare the exterior surface before painting – you may find this guide from DIY Doctor useful.

If you are getting ready to sell a property and would like advice concerning other ways to improve presentation and add value, contact our team today.

Is now the time to become a limited company landlord?

Being a landlord is about running a profitable investment, but for some, it is becoming harder to protect margins and generate a meaningful income. Now is a good time to examine your landlord status  – is it best to be a private operator or a limited company?

Before we delve into the recent trend for limited company landlord status, let’s set the record straight about property investment. Of 700 landlords questioned by BVA BDRC for Paragon Bank, 47% of property investors who owned between 1 and 5 rental homes planned to buy a further buy-to-let property or properties over the next 12 months, confident that rental demand will continue to grow in the UK.

With investors remaining active, thoughts turn to gaining a financial edge in a sector that seeks to strategically tax the private landlord. The same Paragon Bank research found the number of buy-to-let landlords planning to purchase properties through a limited company structure has increased every year for the past three years.

It appears the desire is specifically growing in 2022. Of those questioned by Paragon, 50% of landlords in the first quarter of the year intended to buy as a limited company. This figure had risen to 62% in the second quarter. Portfolio landlords are most likely to follow the limited company path, with 78% of landlords who own six or more properties planning to use this set up for their next purchases.

So why are an increasing number of landlords turning their back on private landlord status? Many are using limited companies as a way of reducing costs and improving profit margins. It isn’t for everyone, however, and landlords need to undertake thorough research specific to their individual circumstances before any switch is made.

The biggest advantage to operating as a limited company lies in the rate at which profits are taxed. While private landlords pay income tax on their rental profits, limited company landlords pay corporation tax. Currently, the basic rate of income tax is 20%, the higher rate is 40% and the additional rate is 45%. Conversely, corporation tax currently stands at 19%.

It’s worth remembering that corporation tax rates can go up as well as down and any increase may wipe out a tax advantage. In fact, there are scheduled hikes to corporation tax planned for 1st April 2023. Limited company landlords earning more than £50,000 from their property investments will be taxed anywhere between 20% and 25%, although a change in Conservative leadership and a possible snap General Election may delay or alter this planned raise.

Another advantage of operating as a limited company makes itself known when it comes to completing tax returns. New property tax rules phased in between 2017 and 2020 saw private landlords lose the ability to deduct mortgage interest payments from their income. This left many landlords with a more expensive tax bill, and it has also pushed some landlords into a higher tax bracket. Landlords operating as a limited company, however, remain able to offset the full interest amount against their profits, as the interest is deemed a deductible expense. 

There are other advantages to becoming a limited company landlord. Many prefer the simpler taxation applied when property investment assets are sold – a limited company landlord doesn’t have to pay capital gains tax but they will have to pay corporation tax, which is felt by many to be a simpler payment.

There’s also less personal exposure when buy-to-lets are held within a limited company, as all personal assets are separate. In addition, there are a number of ways to pay yourself an income when operating as a limited company – many of which allow for a more tax-efficient existence.

Before you join the increasing number of limited company landlords, familiarise yourself with your own circumstances. If you are a basic rate taxpayer, only own one buy-to-let property or don’t have time for an increased level of business administration, you may benefit from staying as a private landlord.

Becoming a limited company property investor should only be done in tandem with independent taxation, financial and property advice. Contact us if you would like to speak with an impartial expert.

4 things a new-look Conservative party might mean for property

The Prime Minister’s resignation, a high-profile sacking and a raft of new appointments have given the ruling Conservative party a brand new look.

New faces in the Government’s housing departments come at a critical time for the property industry, with a number of new rules, regulations and laws waiting to come into force. The sacking of Michael Gove was the start of a completely different MP line-up, with the outgoing Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) replaced by Greg Clark.

In addition, Marcus Jones has been installed as the new Housing Minister after the resignation of Stuart Andrew, while Lord Greenhalgh, the representative responsible for overseeing the DLUHC’s business in the House of Lords, also handed in his notice.

While the ministerial changes are part of a wider bid to freshen up the Conservative party ahead of a possible snap general election, there could be imminent changes to the way we buy, sell, rent and invest in property as a result. Here are four watchpoints for the property market:-

  1. The Renters’ Reform Bill may be delayed: the property industry is rumbling with rumours of a delay to the much-hyped Renters’ Reform Bill. With Gove, the initiative’s creator, now out of the picture and Parliament’s summer recess pending, any new laws and regulations may be reconsidered or implemented at a later date. We’ll monitor the situation and relay any updates as soon as they happen.
  2. Cladding is Greg Clark’s priority: in his first media address since his appointment as the DLUHC head, Clark confirmed expediting a solution to the UK’s cladding crisis was the top of his agenda. He has given major housebuilders a four-week deadline to sign up to remediation work contracts, giving hope to property owners whose cladding has been deemed unsafe. Where other new property laws sit on his agenda remains to be seen.
  3. Uncertainty over part II of leasehold reforms: while part one of the Government’s leasehold reforms are in place – with newly-created leases now free of ground rent – doubt has been cast over how quickly part two will come into effect. While Lord Greenhalgh reconfirmed that reforms to make it cheaper and easier for existing leases to be extended to 990 years with zero ground rent would happen, his exit puts a question mark on how quickly phase two of the reforms will be introduced.
  4. The number of new homes built should rise: there is good news for fans of new build homes – and for all home movers who’d like to see a more fluid property market with more stock. Clark has declared a resetting of the Government’s relationship with housebuilders so they are more free to build more properties. Encouragingly, conversations with the House Builders’ Federation are already underway.

For now, the property market continues as normal. Please contact us if you are ready to sell or let your property.

Add value with these garden additions

The topic of adding value to a property is something extensively covered in the press but not every suggestion you read about is practical, affordable or enjoyable. What if, however, there were a number of ways to add value with items you may already be thinking about buying or installing this summer?

Look no further than your garden. It won’t have escaped your notice that outside space on its own is one of the best ‘added value’ aspects of property, with a well-kept garden widely believed to add between 10% and 20% to a home’s value.

A recent piece of research by Roofing Megastore set out to identify the garden facets that added the most value to a property. While some of the most substantial and permanent garden improvements see the biggest returns (adding a conservatory, a home office garden room, a gym/studio or an orangery will result in the most value, all increasing a property’s price by at least £6,500), there are a number of more modest and on-trend additions with surprising returns.

If you’re determined to make the most of your garden this summer before going on the market, you may like to consider this year’s al fresco must-have – the outdoor kitchen. Having a dedicated place to cook outside can add £6,385 to your home’s value and if you look up ‘outdoor kitchen hacks’ online, you’ll find some budget-friendly tips, tricks and DIY solutions.

Also bringing joy this summer and adding value at the same time is the hot tub (+£5,752); a garden bar (+£5,624); a built-in pizza oven (+£5,135) and a built-in outdoor BBQ (+£5,135). The research also found a new paved patio, a new decking area, a children’s treehouse, a greenhouse, and mature plants, trees and flowers all added more than £5,000 in value.

On the last point, even your choice of plants can create an uplift to your property’s price. GetAgent teamed up with gardener Craig Wilson from Gardener’s Dream to identify what plants add the most pounds. If you’re potting up tubs or sprucing up borders, Wilson says hydrangeas, peonies and eucalyptus will add value.

When it comes to devaluing property, there’s one plant that will dent the price and that’s Japanese Knotweed. It’s an invasive species not sold in garden centres but it can spread from neighbouring gardens, sidings and embankments.

If you think you have Japanese Knotweed, you’ll need to call in a registered expert to confirm its presence and treat the plant before you go on the market. If you don’t and Japanese Knotweed is identified in your survey report, a buyer may find it problematic to get a mortgage on your property.

Gardens really do hold great appeal, so sellers should pay attention to lawns, beds, borders and furniture. If you’d like advice about how to present your garden ahead of a sale, please get in touch.

Landlords: 6 thing landlords need to know about the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper

Landlords and tenants will soon see changes to how tenancies are run, thanks to incoming legislation changes enforced by the Government. Letting agents across the country are digesting the contents of the new Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper.

Our role is to support landlords in implementing what’s new, ensuring their buy-to-lets are legally compliant at all times. Ahead of the White Paper contents becoming law, we summarise the key points that need considering now:-

1. Changes to tenancy types & evictions 

The Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper confirms the intention to scrap Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. Landlords will need a reason from a set list in order to end a tenancy lawfully, rather than simply tell tenants to leave with no reason. It is thought that regaining a property for the landlord to live in or sell on will be one of the acceptable reasons soon to be defined in law.

There are, however, addendums to this incoming reform. There will be improvements to the eviction process, in favour of the landlord, where the tenant is frequently involved in anti-social behaviour or is in rent arrears. On the flipside, it will be easier for renters to walk away from a tenancy agreement as fixed term tenancies will be banned. In their place, all tenancy agreements will be issued on a periodic basis, leaving tenants freer to leave a property when they wish.

2. Discrimination against some rental groups will end

Landlords have been able to exclude some groups from renting their property but this will come to an end. The White Paper will forbid landlords from making blanket bans on renters with children and tenants who receive benefits. All tenants, however, will still have to meet the landlord’s pre-set criteria and pass the referencing process.

In addition, all tenants will be able to request a pet move in with them, which the landlord must think about and cannot unreasonably refuse. To make this an easier law for landlords to embrace, the landlord can insist that the tenant has specific pet insurance.

3. Rent rises will be capped to once a year

Rent rises are unavoidable but to make it fairer for tenants, the notice period landlords give renters will double. In addition, the frequency at which rent rises can be applied will be capped to once a year. It is thought landlords wishing to increase the rent will have to use a Section 13 notice to do so or insert a rent review clause into the period agreement.

4. Living conditions will be standardised

The Government’s concerns over health and safety in private rented properties will be addressed by a new Decent Homes Standard. This already operates in the social housing sector but it will apply to all privately rented homes for the first time as part of the reforms. The Decent Homes Standard will run alongside the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985, and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.

5. A new private renters’ ombudsman will be set up

Calls for specific housing courts have been dismissed at this stage but a new private renters’ ombudsman will be created instead. The aim will be for an impartial body to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords, without the need to go to court. Issues, such as disagreeing over deposit deductions and rent rises, will be settled without high-level judicial involvement.

6. A new advice & information portal will be launched

With hundreds of rules, regulations and now new laws for landlords to comply with, the Government will create a single online portal for landlords, listing every compliance item, together with useful property set-up and management advice. It is not known as yet whether it will be mandatory for landlords to register with the portal.

We are working to advise our landlords on how the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper will affect current tenancies and future buy-to-lets. You can contact us for tailored lettings advice and to discuss any aspect of the rental reforms.

Self-care crosses over into the home

Self-care’ is a concept that’s gained momentum in the last two years, especially as we look to rebalance our lives after the pandemic. Although what may immediately spring to mind is a walk in the countryside or an hour-long aromatherapy massage, the self-care trend has crossed over into our homes.

A new study has shown how self-care is shaping where we live. Not On The High Street recently questioned Brits on the matter of what it calls ‘self spaces’ – rooms devoted to self-care, hobbies or leisure activities.

The study found people in 2022 wanted to enjoy more ‘me time’ (68%), maintain a better work/life balance (58%) and spend more time on hobbies (66%). As a result, many were thinking about creating a room in their home dedicated to their passions and more holistic past-times. In fact, research revealed over a third of us have already designated a space where we can practice a form of self-care – not surprising when 7 in 10 people said they felt most relaxed while at home.

This rising interior trend is already having an effect on the property market. Almost half (48%) of those taking part in the research said a self-care room would be a priority when looking for their next home.

To quantify just how important self-care has become, Not On The High Street asked people what was most essential within the home. It found some Brits felt a self-care room was more important than a new kitchen (38%), a new en-suite bathroom (39%), a new living room (37%) or a new garden (37%).

According to the online retailer, our top 10 self-care spaces are:

  1.     Reading corner (16%)
  2.     Gym (16%)
  3.     Walk in wardrobe (14%)
  4.     Cinema room (14%)
  5.     ‘Man cave’ (14%)
  6.     Music room (13%)
  7.     Arts and crafts studio (12%)
  8.     Gaming room (12 %)
  9.     Study room (11%)
  10.     Mini library (10%)

Stay flexible when it comes to self-care

Interior trends come and go, so before you rush out to reconfigure your property or install permanent pieces of gym equipment, think about how versatile the room could be, especially when it comes to selling or renting out your property in the future.

Retaining flexibility can be achieved by using freestanding furniture that isn’t screwed or nailed down; using screens to divide rooms on a temporary basis; opting for multi-purpose furniture, such as a snooker table that converts into a dining table, and keeping the décor neutral.

Easy self-care ideas to introduce

Adding an element of self-care to your day doesn’t have to involve a dedicated room. Why not try one of these small-scale ideas instead?

  • Encourage a spa-like ambience in your bathroom: clear away empty toiletry bottles, buy a fresh set of fluffy towels and light candles instead of turning on a harsh overhead light.
  • Find bedroom bliss: banish the TV from the bedroom and instead, play a soothing soundtrack of music you may hear when going for a massage.
  • Create a reading corner: just add a comfy chair, a side table for your coffee, a freestanding lamp and a pile of classic novels.
  •  Install a window seat: if you have a window with a view, think about installing a window seat as there’s something meditative about simply watching the world go by.
  • Make a mindfulness zone: clear clutter and minimise distractions to create a place to practice mindfulness or meditation.

If you are searching for a new home and a self-care space is on your ‘most wanted’ list, talk to us about available properties.

Property positives & negatives: what puts buyers off?

For many, selling up represents a decision to leave a property that the owner has invested time and money into making it a home. Others, however, may have fallen out of love with where they live, letting it get a little ‘rough around the edges.’

Like or loathe your current home, it’s not the opinion of the seller that counts. As soon as that ‘for sale’ sign is up, all that matters is what buyers think about the property and how much they’re willing to pay to make it theirs.

New research from Tapi was commissioned to establish the top five negatives that put potential purchasers off. It’s a study that has been carried out numerous times by different people but after the last two years and many people making lifestyle changes, it’s good to get a fresh perspective on what may scupper a property sale.

The research found a home that needed a lot of work doing to it was the most off-putting aspect, with 45% of those taking part in the research saying they’d pass on a property if it needed too much modernising or maintenance.

On a similar theme, 22% of participants commented that they’d discount a property that needed complete redecoration, while 28% would be deterred if the home had an old kitchen that needed replacing.

The other two aspects in the top five property negatives really fall outside of the seller’s control. Purchasers value their peace and quiet, with 43% of respondents saying they’d snub a property if there was a lot of external noise pollution. Completing the list was unsightly surroundings in eye view of the property – a negative cited by 36% of people.

Rather than dwelling exclusively on the adverse, the study also asked what people found most attractive when looking for a new home. Unsurprisingly, more than half of Brits (52%) said private outdoor space was the most important factor when searching for a new home.

Just behind a garden or a balcony was a new kitchen, with 51% saying this was a top consideration when looking for a property to buy. Another feature that finds favour with home movers is a new bathroom, with 42% of respondents saying this was very important to them. Other property plus points included freshly painted walls (20%), new flooring (15%), modern appliances (12%) and neutral colours (19%).

Before you rush out to buy a new kitchen or rip out your bathroom, talk to us about the financial investment needed to make improvements versus the actual value and appeal it will add to your property. Sometimes the simplest (and cheapest) alterations, such as tidying the garden and repainting throughout in white, can make all the difference. Contact us for free advice and a property valuation.

Property positives & negatives: what puts buyers off?

For many, selling up represents a decision to leave a property that the owner has invested time and money into making it a home. Others, however, may have fallen out of love with where they live, letting it get a little ‘rough around the edges.’

Like or loathe your current home, it’s not the opinion of the seller that counts. As soon as that ‘for sale’ sign is up, all that matters is what buyers think about the property and how much they’re willing to pay to make it theirs.

New research from Tapi was commissioned to establish the top five negatives that put potential purchasers off. It’s a study that has been carried out numerous times by different people but after the last two years and many people making lifestyle changes, it’s good to get a fresh perspective on what may scupper a property sale.

The research found a home that needed a lot of work doing to it was the most off-putting aspect, with 45% of those taking part in the research saying they’d pass on a property if it needed too much modernising or maintenance.

On a similar theme, 22% of participants commented that they’d discount a property that needed complete redecoration, while 28% would be deterred if the home had an old kitchen that needed replacing.

The other two aspects in the top five property negatives really fall outside of the seller’s control. Purchasers value their peace and quiet, with 43% of respondents saying they’d snub a property if there was a lot of external noise pollution. Completing the list was unsightly surroundings in eye view of the property – a negative cited by 36% of people.

Rather than dwelling exclusively on the adverse, the study also asked what people found most attractive when looking for a new home. Unsurprisingly, more than half of Brits (52%) said private outdoor space was the most important factor when searching for a new home.

Just behind a garden or a balcony was a new kitchen, with 51% saying this was a top consideration when looking for a property to buy. Another feature that finds favour with home movers is a new bathroom, with 42% of respondents saying this was very important to them. Other property plus points included freshly painted walls (20%), new flooring (15%), modern appliances (12%) and neutral colours (19%).

Before you rush out to buy a new kitchen or rip out your bathroom, talk to us about the financial investment needed to make improvements versus the actual value and appeal it will add to your property. Sometimes the simplest (and cheapest) alterations, such as tidying the garden and repainting throughout in white, can make all the difference. Contact us for free advice and a property valuation.