James Anderson December Newsletter

10 cost-effective hacks for keeping your property warm and cosy

With much of the UK workforce now operating under lockdown again, it's estimated that we'll see a collective hike of almost £2 billion on our energy bills at home.*

 

Here are our top ten cost-effective hacks to keep you warm this winter:

Cover up bare flooring – wooden floors can be notoriously cold, but thinner carpets can also be chilly. The addition of a thick, cosy rug can really make a difference to the warmth of the room, whilst adding a stylish touch.

 

Be smart about furniture placement – similarly to adding staple pieces such as a fluffy rug to a room, other larger pieces of furniture can make a huge difference, as can their placement in your home.

 

Any furniture blocking a radiator should be rearranged to ensure that the heat can flow around the room more evenly, creating an overall warmer environment.

 

Use draft excluders – these can be particularly useful if you are renting an older property.

 

Place these in front of doors to keep the heat in. This will save you money on your energy bills as less heat will escape the property. They can also be matched to your current interior.

 

Let the sun in – on sunnier days this winter, open your curtains and let the sun warm up your home. Sunlight is not only great for naturally warming you up but also for your mental health and energy levels. 

 

Keep the heating on low – this may sound bizarre, but having your heating on a constant low level during the day can lessen your energy bills.

 

This prevents the periodical off-on that will cost you more in the long run. Similarly, this will avoid pipes bursting when the temperature drops below zero.

 

Heavy curtains – another way to keep the heat in this winter is to hang heavy curtains or blinds near your windows, as the fabric will absorb the draft that would otherwise be coming into your property.**

 

Keep doors closed – once your heating or fire is on and warming up your property, ensure you keep doors closed to keep the rooms you’re using nice and cosy, rather than letting heat escape into unused sections of the house.

 

Be selective – any rooms that aren’t used regularly, such as guest bedrooms and bathrooms could be costing you extra money on energy bills.

 

To avoid this, turn the radiators in these areas down, keeping them on low to avoid the pipes freezing.

 

Similarly, areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms won’t need to be heated as much as your living room, so remember to take this into consideration.

 

Block your chimney – if you’re lucky enough to own or rent a property with a gorgeous chimney, these can be a huge culprit for making your home chilly.

 

To avoid this, try purchasing a low-cost chimney balloon. These can be inflated inside the chimney – out of view – and will block cold air coming in, as well as preventing heat escaping.

 

Bundle up – it wouldn’t be a 'keeping warm in winter hacks' piece without mentioning layering!

 

As clichéd and predictable as it is, wearing a jumper, dressing gown or a fluffy pair of socks is a great way to stay warm on a budget. This paired with a warm drink and a bowl of soup creates the perfect cosy evening in.

 

 

For more information or support with your property, contact our team today.

 

 

*Source: The Guardian

**Notice for tenants: if any alterations to your property are needed to make this change, please ensure you have permission from your landlord prior to doing any work. 

 

From ‘generation rent’ to ‘generation buy’

In a recent conservative conference, Boris Johnson promised to create two million more homeowners by changing ‘generation rent’ into ‘generation buy’, in the hope that the UK can return to normal post-COVID.

Mr Johnson continued by suggesting that the current levels of home ownership among the under 40s was ‘disgraceful’.

 

These levels have been plummeting dramatically over recent years, which has made people “pay through the nose to rent a home which they can’t truly love or make their own”.

To do this, changes to the regulations introduced in 2008 are required.

 

Previous strict minimum capital requirements, which were imposed on UK banks, are being blamed for initially making owning a house unattainable for various individuals.

 

These individuals may have been able to afford the monthly mortgage fees associated with homeownership, but the initial upfront deposit being between 15 and 20 per cent, it’s clear to see why renting was the only option for most.

 

Due to this, private rent increased from 2.8 million in 2007 and to 4.5 million in 2017.

So, what’s the solution?

The Prime Minister’s ambitious plans to ‘fix our broken housing market’ begins by slashing the current deposit rates to only 5% for first-time buyers.

 

As a result, this will be the biggest expansion of the sales market since the 1980s.

 

This will be welcome news for potential first-time buyers nationwide, and a great boost for the property market post-lockdown.

To view our properties, visit our website today.

 

How to make the most of a small kitchen in your home

 

 

Having gone through two lockdowns, the most desirable factor that's attracting attention from buyers and tenants right now is a property with plenty of space.

 

Compared to houses built in the 1960s, new homes are now designed with smaller kitchens; dropping by 2.77m² on average across the UK.*

 

As a central room, it's really important that you're maximising value from your kitchen, whether it's because you're making a move or simply in preparation for the festive season ahead.

 

You want your kitchen to be practical and attractive, which requires innovative design ideas and creative storage solutions.

 

To help you accomplish your renovations this December, we've brought you our top suggestions for making a small kitchen feel spacious and inviting. 

 

 

Take off the doors

 

You would be surprised at how much space traditional swinging doors take up.

 

If it opens outwards, the kitchen door might not be as much of a problem, but if it swings into the kitchen, that could mean you're losing up to a square metre of usable space.

 

 

Go for a light colour scheme

 

As an effective, quick fix to make a small kitchen feel bigger, opt for a neutral colour scheme.

 

Neutral does not mean just sticking to shades of white and cream, why not try white patterned tiles and marble counter tops with a light grey cabinet?

 

This will bounce the light around, making it feel much more spacious than you would find with a darker colour palette.

 

 

Install a small breakfast bar

 

If there is no room for a dining table in your kitchen, consider sacrificing a few cabinets to squeeze in a small breakfast bar.

 

Or you could even consider using a wide shelf on the wall for an alternative table space – the stools can even be tucked underneath to avoid being in the way.

 

 

Work your way up the wall

 

When surface and floor space is limited, it is a good hack to use up wall space too.

 

Install shelves, rods and notice boards to take the utensils and clutter from your workspaces and onto the walls instead.

 

Adding plants and more lighting will also brighten up the room, creating the illusion of openness.

 

 

Make use of the space around your fridge and oven

 

Even if you only have a slither of space between the wall and your fridge or oven, you could think about making a hidden rolling cupboard; perfect for storing cans, spices and dry food.

 

 

Invest in an over-the-sink cutting board

 

For kitchens that are tight on surface space, an over-the-sink cutting board is a good way to take advantage of the whole area available.

 

It is also a practical way to wash your fruit and veg without making a mess.

 

 

Take advantage of the end of counter space

 

Rather than keeping this free, take full advantage.

 

Why not install a bathroom rod to hang your saucepans on so it frees up another cupboard for other things. If they are nice pans, it also adds to the aesthetic of your homely kitchen!

 

 

Find a new home for your washing machine

 

The kitchen is an obvious place for the washing machine but in European countries outside of the UK, you are more likely to find them in the bathroom.

 

If you are stuck for space, why not relocate your laundry appliances somewhere else in your home, perhaps the bathroom or a cupboard under the stairs.

 

 

*Source: LABC Warranty

 

Ten tips to saving money when moving home

 

Whilst we're all aware of the costs associated with moving, not all of us will know the money saving solutions used by savvy sellers.

 

These top tips will ease the stress of moving on yourself and your wallet, leaving you with more funds for decorating your new place.

 

Pack smart

 

Keeping your possessions safe when moving is a priority for us all, but it doesn’t have to be costly.

 

Boxes aren’t the only option; washing baskets, bins and suitcases are all environmentally-friendly alternatives that you probably have lying around your home.

 

Refrain from splashing out on bubble wrap and instead save up newspaper to protect those breakable valuables.

Recruit the troops

 

Hiring removal experts is the most sensible idea when moving, however, it isn’t always the cheapest option.

 

With social distancing restrictions in place, it's also more difficult to bring in additional outside help from friends and family members.

 

Where possible, rely on people within your household and support bubble, with recommendations or online referrals to find the removal firm that's right for your needs and budget.

 

Pick your days wisely

 

Don’t get caught out by extortionate peak pricing for removal firm bookings.

 

Some companies may hike up their prices on weekends and bank holidays, so opting for a mid-week move can lower the costs significantly.

 

Prepare early

 

On your moving day, you'll already have enough stress to deal with overseeing the packing and unpacking of your property's contents, so you won't want to deal with any hidden costs that could have been avoided.

 

Before setting off for your new home, it's worth thinking about where you'll park when you get there, and if you'll need any permits to park all day fine-free.

 

Conquer the DIY fear

 

Whilst lockdown has encouraged many of us to dabble in DIY, it's not for everyone, which could mean DIY-shy movers end up paying premium prices for professional help that could have been accomplished with a quick YouTube tutorial.

From building flatpack furniture to fixing kitchen sinks, you'll be surprised at what you can do yourself, and how much that could save you.

Declutter as you go

 

Getting rid of items you no longer want or need could impact your quoted removals firm service, so bear that in mind before committing to a price, as some companies will price based on content quantity over time taken.

 

Refrain from a moving day takeaway

 

Takeaways are tempting at the best of times, so when you're unable to find your cutlery or utensils, you might find yourself reaching for the phone.

 

If you're on a budget and want to stick to it, plan ahead and prepare meals that can be eaten at the end of a long day.

 

Or if your temptations do give way, make sure you research local delivery options to avoid paying more than you anticipated.

 

Redirect your mail

 

Not changing your mailing address can become an expensive pain going back and forth fetching letters addressed to your old house.

 

For a small fee, you can get this changed for you.

 

However, if you want to save the most money, you can do this manually by contacting the companies you know send you mail regularly, for example bills and pay slips as well as any online retail shops you frequently order from. 

 

Swap to the cheapest utility providers

 

Although it's advisable to search around for the best providers all-year round, it's even more important following a move.

 

You might find that your new area gives you access to better deals and rates, or that certain broadband providers perform slower / faster compared to your previous location.

 

It will also save you the hassle of setting everything up only to decide to switch after a few weeks or months.

 

Frugal furnishings

 

The goal to a successful move is to create liveable areas in your home until you've finished making it your own with home improvements and renovations.

 

Don’t break the bank by rushing to purchase those finishing touches, as you'll find that adding to each room over time ensures each section of the house has purpose and character.

 

For a second-hand find, try websites such as Freecycle or Gumtree – just make sure you're confident in what the sellers are offering before you pay them.

 

 

Contact our expert agents to find out more about a seamless moving experience, visit our website.

 

 

Protection for tenants this winter

 

As we emerge from a second national lockdown in England and return into the tiered system, housing secretary – Robert Jenrick – has confirmed tenants will remain protected over winter.

 

What are the restrictions?

During the second lockdown, it was announced that no bailiff enforcement action will be allowed to take place in December.

 

Evictions will also not be allowed to happen up until at least the 11th January 2021, supporting individuals and families who have found themselves in financial difficulty through no fault of their own.

 

The government have gone on to further announce that the six-month notice periods will stay in place until at least the end of March 2021 – except for the most serious cases.

 

Bailiffs had already agreed with the government in October that they would not enforce court orders against tenants that were in tier two and three locations. Courts will – however – remain open through the national restrictions to ensure protection for both tenants and landlords.

 

This will include the strict prioritisation of cases, such as those involving anti-social behaviour and other crimes.

These protections are on-top of the unprecedented package the government has already put in place, including support for businesses and strengthening the welfare safety-net.

Jenrick has stated the government are now going further to help protect tenants from evictions during new national restrictions and throughout the Christmas period. The aim is to strike the right balance between helping tenants in need, while ensuring landlords have access to justice in the most urgent cases.

How landlords can help resolve tenant problems

Both landlords and tenants must work together to continue a tenancy during such uncertain times.

 

After all, the aim of a successful let is to find a tenant who will take care of your property, and for a tenant to find a good quality place to call home.

 

Talking to your landlord about your financial situation may seem daunting, which is why we're here to mediate those conversations, where able.

 

It should also be noted that landlords can be a source of information for tenants, helping them to access support they may not be able to reach themselves.

 

 

If you are a tenant or landlord and have any further questions or want more advice, please contact our team today.

 

 

New year, new buyers

 

While Christmas is the time for overindulging, spending time with family and watching all the classics, it's also a really reflective season.

 

After the festivities have wound down, we've always found a renewed interest from homeowners and tenants in the days following New Year's Eve, with enquiries and property searches at an all-time high.

 

We've all spent more time than ever at home this year, so when everyone's gathered around the Christmas tree, you might find yourself planning what your next Christmas could look like and whether you'd choose to spend it living elsewhere.

 

Whilst it's commonly believed that spring and summer see the strongest market activity, year-after-year January has stood out as a time when online searches peak and more people are ready to make and accept offers in a fast timeframe.

 

 

Who chooses to move at this time of the year?

 

The new year property market usually consists of two types of people: first-time buyers and those re-entering the market after trying in the previous year.

 

In the spring and summer, the market typically becomes much more competitive, with higher supply levels.

 

If you want to consider a fresh start in 2021 with a new place to call home, it's actually a really good idea to start the process now so you can instruct your agent, plan your property marketing strategy and be ready for the expected surge in buyer interest.

 

Whilst we all hoped the pandemic would be contained within 2020, it's now a confirmed reality that nothing will change when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve.

 

For that reason, we're committed to continuing all of the safe measures and social distancing practices we've implemented this year.

 

 

To beat the crowd and make your home extremely visible on the property market over the peak holiday period, contact our agency today – visit our website for more information.