James Anderson February 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.

 

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.

 

 

UK property market set to grow 4% in 2021

As we come into the new year, the housing market is forecast to continue its positive state, according to Rightmove.

 

House prices are set to grow an average of four per cent, despite the stamp duty holiday ending soon.

The market has seen a great increase in demand since the first lockdown, with larger houses proving to be the most popular property type, which is largely attributed to a change in routine and the rapid adoption of remote working across the country.

 

In July, Chancellor Rishi Sunak introduced a stamp duty holiday allowing houses purchased for under £500,000 to benefit from a tax break.

 

Although this scheme is due to end on March 31st, many people within the sector are calling for an extension, so that buyers and investors may continue to benefit from additional support and to speed up economic recovery.

Mortgage lender Halifax recently reported that over the last five months, the house price increase has reached its highest record since 2004. 

 

Seasonal trends suggest that January is a popular time for buyers and sellers. This year, that demand is off the charts, with homeowners rushing to reach completion and see stamp duty savings.

 

Rightmove expect the market to remain resilient despite the pandemic and Brexit.

 

They claim that the uncertainties of COVID-19 and Brexit have been around for long enough to not deter Brits from buying and selling.

 

If you’re looking to buy or sell, get in touch with our local market advisors for more information on what to expect in 2021.

 

 

House-buying behaviour continues to be shaped by working from home

 

With the number of vaccine jabs administered in the UK now over 10 million, we can start to imagine a future beyond the pandemic, but it's expected that the 'new norms' many of us have adopted will have lasting effects in our day-to-day lives. 

 

Working from home has gone from being an infrequent luxury to a very real reality – whether we've wanted it that way or not.

Jobs advertising remote working tripled since November 2019, going up from 26,600 to 80,700 listings in November 2020.*

With remote working now an expected part of life, the desire for a home office has skyrocketed, leading to interesting levels of activity on the market for larger properties.

 

COVID-19 has impacted the behaviour of homebuyers, as well as the priorities of employers and businesses, who now recognise that proximity to the office is no longer a prerequisite for their team members, allowing for greater flexibility on where people choose to live.

 

In a recent 'Home Moving Trends' survey, 35% of participants cited an office space as being more important since the emergence of the pandemic.**

 

The survey also showed that broadband was high up on homebuyers’ agendas, with 37% wanting enhanced Internet speed when searching for a new home.

If you're no longer restricted to a property based near your work premises, we'd like to help you.

Browse our latest properties or talk to our team about your home-buying criteria. 

 

 

 

*New Street Consulting Group

**Conducted by the Property Academy on a national level

 

How the pandemic impacted the housing market

 

It would be somewhat of an understatement to say that the pandemic led to confusion and uncertainty for businesses last year.

 

The property market went through a lot in 2020, with huge repercussions on the way in which people now buy, sell, let and rent.

Not only did the various stages of buying and selling change, but we saw a massive U-turn in the way that the population thought about their homes, with Santander releasing data in September on record numbers of homeowners applying for loans to increase space and renovate.

 

More buyers were searching for bigger properties, including for larger family homes and increased outdoor space.

 

Something else that changed over the last 12 months – according to Editor of Luxury Daily, Alam Khan – is the way that affluent buyers are approaching the market; not only in how it will look but where they want it to be.

Prior to the pandemic, many high-powered business owners and working professionals would choose to live in their primary residence closer to the office.

 

However, many people have found remote working easier than anticipated, with companies able to save money and likely to close their physical premises completely.

It is safe to say that – overall – the pandemic has impacted the property market for the better.

 

Are you looking to move this year to better suit your working situation or lifestyle?

 

Browse our properties or speak to our local team for a valuation of your home. 

 

 

How to decorate your rented home without making permanent changes

 

When decorating a rented property, there are many things you must bear in mind when making any dramatic changes, including getting the landlord’s permission.

However, there are plenty of ways to add personality to the property without risking your deposit, including:

 

Layering up

Creating layers in a room is a great way to allow a home to feel lived in.

 

By simply adding soft furnishings like cushions, blankets, curtains and rugs, you could make your rental feel a lot more like home.

 

If you’re unsure where to start, find a major furnishing that catches your eye – such as a nice rug – and build from there using similar fabrics and colours.

 

Investing in indoor plants

Houseplants are a great way to brighten up a room.

 

These are often inexpensive and require minimal to no effort.

 

Even if you lack a green thumb, there are plenty of options such as using artificial plants that will require far less work to maintain!

 

Letting loose on lighting

If your rooms are lacking in natural light, opting for a well-positioned lamp can flood the area with some much needed brightness.

 

Light fixtures can be practical and stylish, with many energy-saving options available, such as LEDs to brighten your home and reduce the impact on your wallet and energy consumption.

 

With many types of lighting available, it’s important you spend some time comparing to find the right “glow” for your home.

 

Hanging artwork without the need for nails

Having a home filled with personal photos on the walls is a great way to set the right atmosphere in your rental.

 

By using damage-free picture hanging strips, which can be found in most DIY stores, you can avoid losing your deposit due to holes in the paintwork.

Making the most out of your space

Most of us wish we had more space in our house to fill with our personal belongings, so why not create it by investing in multifunctional furniture for your rooms?

 

Not only are these practical but many options are also stylish, meaning you don’t have to compromise on the aesthetics of your home.

 

From the garden to the bedroom, there are many ways to save space and open up a room to have more purpose, such as creating a home office environment.

For any advice on the services we offer for landlords and tenants, get in touch today. 

 

 

 

What do tenants really want during the pandemic?

 

The latest data from Zoopla has revealed the most common search terms from tenants between July and September 2020, with the findings showing a shift in attitudes as more people look for places they consider to be 'pandemic proof'.

 

Last year saw large disruption to our daily lives following the introduction of new tier systems and multiple lockdowns, forcing people to spend more time indoors and re-evaluate their list of property non-negotiables.

 

Garden

Zoopla found that being able to have a garden was on the top of the list as the most desirable feature to have in a rental home.

 

Not only has this been popular across the lettings market, but a recent study also revealed that the price of homes with gardens has hit a four-year high.

 

Parking and a garage

In close second was enough garage space, with the main purposes being for parking over extended lockdown periods and for an additional room to convert into a home office or gym zone.

 

Balcony

Balconies were another feature that ranked highly for tenants, specifically in London, where gardens are not always an option.

 

Pet-friendly

Rental properties that are pet-friendly ranked in fifth, as the word ‘pet’ was one of the most used keywords.

 

Whilst as few as 7% of landlords advertise their homes as being suitable for household pets, this could change in the near future, as a new agreement has been introduced that prohibits landlords from automatically banning pets.

Last year saw a 20% increase in demand compared to the year before, with a variety of factors contributing to this growth.

 

If you want further information on how to make your rental property more attractive to tenants, or you'd like help finding your next rental, then please contact our team.