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Small is beautiful!
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Whether you believe that “small is beautiful” or think “the bigger the better”, in property terms size does matter. So whether you live in a compact studio apartment and want to maximise the space or just want to get more out of a small room or unused area in your house, here are some ideas to inspire you.
First time around?
Friday, April 29, 2016
The chancellor’s Budget in March offered first-time buyers a generous bonus in the shape of a new Lifetime Isa, available from April 2017, to be used for a deposit on a first property. It has been suggested that more is needed for aspiring homeowners to make that all-important first step on the property ladder. Slow growth in salaries, job insecurity and rising house prices due to limited supply have delayed that first step for many first timers trying to accumulate a deposit. Many in their 30s are still unable to buy, with the average house price at ten times their salary, and the gap is increasing. For some a loan from the "Bank of Mum and Dad" is a possibility but others have to sacrifice a social life and live at home or rent whilst saving for a deposit.
OFSTED, Waitrose and odd numbers
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Asking prices for property across the South East are currently more than 30% above the national average of £299,287* with proximity to the capital having historically been the driving factor. Across the area that The Frost Partnership network covers there’s a host of factors pushing prices upward year on year. Bucks, Berks and Middlesex all have abundant park areas, leisure facilities, employment opportunities and transport links – road, rail and air. Commutability, (especially proximity to stations) is a key factor in sustaining both property prices and demand but what else creates the pockets where buyers are prepared to pay a significant premium for property?
Get your garden ready for summer.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Spring is here and as the evenings get longer and the days get warmer you can really start to dream about lazy days and sunshine. So what better time to give some serious thought to what you can do to get your garden ready for summer and make it a real haven for relaxing or entertaining? Whatever the size of your garden, even if it’s a small patio or roof terrace, a total transformation is almost instantly possible even if you’re getting your property ready to sell or are renting a property and don’t want anything too permanent. There’s something to suit every budget and ideas you can tailor to meet your needs.
A conservative budget for property?
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
With global finance risks and Brexit uncertainty influencing UK growth and limiting the options, George Osborne’s March budget was never likely to contain any major policy announcements. But the Conservatives have traditionally championed the homeowner’s cause and some meaningful housing initiatives were certainly hoped for when the Chancellor delivered his budget in mid-March. It was something of a disappointment for the UK residential market therefore to discover that previously announced Stamp Duty and tax relief changes were to go ahead with few bonuses UK homebuyers. No mention was made of plans to increase much needed housing supply despite previous budgets encouraging the use of public land to address the issue. So what was there in the Chancellor’s plans to make an impact on the property market?
Landlords – How green is your EPC?
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
In recent years there have been many changes to legislation and best practice within the lettings sector affecting both lettings agents and landlords. Many more changes, such as those affecting Energy Performance ratings, are part of an ongoing plan to protect tenants and encourage both landlords and agents to raise their standards. The Energy Efficiency Regulations 2015 (Parts 1 and 2) come into force on 1st April 2016 and apply to domestic privately rented properties in England and Wales.
