When it comes to selling your home, there is nothing you want more than for your buyers to love your home as much as you always have. Preparing your home can feel like a time-consuming and potentially daunting task. However, this is the very start of your property journey, and before you know it, you could be well on your way to your next home.
Recent research into what buyers are specifically looking for may give you an insight into how you can best prepare your home.
Leisure spaces are a big requirement
The report found that a home gym was one of the most asked for renovation trends, and with the arrival of summer, it is no surprise that buyers are also keen to find properties with outdoor kitchens and al fresco entertaining areas.
Going green with paint
That phrase may have you thinking about eco-friendly improvements. But, we’re talking about paint! Although it is often said that neutral walls are the best way forward, research suggests that adding a pop of colour by repainting the kitchen, or adding a green feature wall, could give your room a whole new lease of life.
Flooring is more important than you think
This one may not be the first thing you think of when improving your property. However, it seems that there are a range of styling options that are ticking buyers’ boxes. Interestingly, solid wood, herringbone flooring, or earthy flagstones are all popular choices for buyers.
Whether your home ticks all the above boxes and you are considering selling. Or, if you are simply curious to know how much your home could be worth, why not book your valuation with one of our professionals today?
House prices nationwide are continuing to rise at rapid rates, and although there is a low supply of stock, there was a slight increase in new homes coming to the market in June. This is good news for our future buyers. *
Latest statistics show that the number of houses available on the market is down 11% year-on-year and this scarcity stretches across all regions in the UK. Interestingly, the most significant falls in stock were recorded in the North East and London, with supply falling by 19% and 18.7% respectively. *
In line with this, rising prices are not being perceived as an issue by buyers as marketing times remain historically low, with properties being snapped up in no time at all.
What’s happening in the rental market?
Similarly to the sales sector, rents are also up year-on-year. In fact, the combination of huge demand and scarcity of homes on the market has led to an annual rise of 18.8% in average rents. *
In London we’re seeing even higher rises in rents, with the average price now 27.6% higher than this time last year. *
Have you got a property to sell or let? Find out its value today with a free, no-obligation valuation.
If you are thinking about renting your first home, there are a few things to consider before you even begin your property search.
Getting started
Before you start looking for your perfect place, think about how long you would like to commit to living in a new home. A rental agreement is legally binding, so it is important to decide from the outset whether you are looking for a short-term let or somewhere you can stay for a longer period.
Work out how much you can afford. You will need to have enough money to pay your first month’s rent upfront in addition to a deposit, which will usually be equivalent to five or six weeks’ rent.
Decide on your must-haves. How much space do you need? Do you need a garden? How about parking or garage space? Which location do you need to be in and how far outside that area are you willing to go? Do you have a pet who will be moving with you?
Consider when you would like to move in. A landlord will want to minimise the amount of time their property is vacant, so it can be helpful to shortlist properties which are available as close as possible to your preferred moving date.
Preparing the paperwork
It is a good idea to get all your paperwork in order before you start viewing potential properties. Demand for good rental properties can be high, and having everything ready to go will help you stand out from the competition.
You will need to be able to prove who you are, with a passport, driving licence, national identity card, immigration status document or similar. You will also need to prove where you live and how much you earn. The landlord or agent will need to be confident you can afford the rent and that you have a steady income. If you are employed, your contract and three most recent payslips will usually suffice. If you are self-employed, you may need to show a previous tax return or bank statements going back several months.
Looking for your new home
It is important to register with local agents. Some properties are so popular they never make it to an online listing.
Questions to ask when you have found a place.
The first question to ask is what type of tenancy agreement you will be asked to sign and for how long the agreement will be valid. The landlord must allow you to stay in the property for a minimum of six months, and most tenancies will be for a fixed term of either six or twelve months.
Next, ask about the deposit. If the total annual rent will be less than £50,000, the maximum deposit allowed is five weeks’ rent. If the annual rent is £50,000 or above, the maximum amount a deposit can be will be six weeks’ rent. The deposit must be refundable at the end of the tenancy, assuming you keep the property in good condition and pay your rent promptly each month.
Talk to the landlord or agent about who is responsible for paying utility bills such as gas, electricity, water and council tax. When you move in, it can also be helpful to know which companies are currently supplying the property.
Confirm which furniture, fixtures and fittings will be left in the property and finally, check for rules about things like smoking, pets, places to keep bikes, bins and recycling.
Moving in
If you will need a removal service to move furniture and other belongings, it is sensible to get that booked in the diary as soon as you confirm the moving date. You should also arrange home contents insurance, along with tenants’ insurance to protect you and your belongings from the day you move in.
The keys to your new home will usually be available on the day your tenancy starts. If the landlord or agent has supplied an inventory, check all the details as soon as you can. Put in writing what state the property is in on the day you move, listing each room and taking photos too.
Make sure you know how to operate the boiler and other appliances and ask where the stopcock, fuse box and any meters are located.
Are you ready to rent? Browse our available properties here and do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Looking to move this year?
With the average conveyancing time currently standing at 150 days, those who are looking to move this year will need to take the first steps in the coming weeks. Sellers who are looking to be in a new home for Christmas will need to consider their marketing options and launch their properties onto the market very soon, to ensure they have the best possible chance of finding a buyer for their property.*
Getting your home valued has never been easier. Book your appointment with a few simple clicks.
*Rightmove
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