Can I buy a house with a lifetime mortgage?
In the UK, a lifetime mortgage is a form of equity release where you borrow against your home and usually do not repay the loan until you die or move permanently into long term care, with interest that may roll up over time if you do not make payments. The biggest decision drivers for this […]
How long does a house valuation take?
For most UK homeowners, the question how long does a house valuation take is really two questions: how long the appointment lasts, and how long it takes to receive a usable valuation and get the home ready for market. A typical in person estate agent valuation in the UK is usually around 30 to 60 minutes, although […]
Who arranges survey when buying a house
Short answer who arranges the survey Buying a home is exciting, but it can also be stressful because you are committing a significant amount of money. One of the most common questions we hear from buyers is simple. Who arranges the survey when buying a house? This guide explains who does what, when to book your survey, […]
Ways to Increase Your Home’s Sale Price Before You List
This guide is written for UK home sellers who want practical, evidence based ways to increase home sale price before listing, without wasting money on improvements that do not pay back. It is also written from the perspective of experienced local agents who see what buyers respond to in real viewings, not just in theory. […]
Renters Rights Act Explained: What Landlords Need to Know
The Renters Rights Act 2025 represents the biggest shake-up to England’s rental market in over 30 years. If you’re a landlord, these changes will affect you directly from 1 May 2026. Many landlords find the legislation confusing and are uncertain about what they need to do. We’ve broken down exactly what it means and how […]
What is a Maisonette? Types, Costs & Buying Guide
If you’ve been browsing property listings, you’ve probably come across homes described as “maisonettes” and wondered what makes them different from regular flats or houses. A maisonette is a self-contained property spread across two floors with its own private entrance. It essentially offers a “little house” feel within a larger building. The word comes from […]
How to Prepare Your Home for Sale in 2025: What Buyers Expect Now
The statistics are compelling. 19% of sellers’ agents reported a 1% to 5% increase in offer prices for staged homes, and nearly half observed staging reduced time on market. Most commonly staged rooms: The housing market in 2025 has shifted. Buyers are more selective, inventory has increased, and properties need to work harder to stand […]
Autumn Budget 2025 Predictions: What Could Change for Home Buyers & Sellers
If you’re a landlord, the Budget predictions make for particularly uncertain reading. One of the most significant rumours is that the Treasury is considering charging National Insurance on rental income, which could raise an extra £2 billion to £3 billion annually. Landlords earning between £50,000 and £70,000 in rental income could face an extra £1,000 […]
Should You Sell Now, or Wait? Timing Your Sale in a Slowing Market
The UK property market in 2025 has been a tale of two halves. After a strong finish to 2024, growth has cooled considerably, leaving many homeowners wondering whether now is the right time to sell or if they should wait for better conditions ahead. It’s a question that doesn’t have a simple answer. The decision […]
What Should I Ask When Viewing a Property to Rent?
Viewing a rental property for the first time is exciting, but it’s easy to get swept up in the moment and forget to ask the important questions. After over 30 years helping tenants across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire find their perfect rental homes, we’ve seen how the right questions at viewing stage can make all […]