What's happening this month?

What to do if your home isn’t selling

There can be any number of reasons to explain why your property isn't performing on the market as you had expected.

If it's left you wondering ‘what went wrong?’, we delve into some of the most common causes that could be preventing buyers from connecting with your home.

Your home lacks kerb appeal

The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers see when they turn up for a viewing.

So, there’s no surprise that it can have a huge effect on a buyer’s decision to put in an offer. More than 68% of homeowners say kerb appeal was important in their choice of home.

The property isn't viewer-ready

It’s important when selling to keep your home looking viewer-ready, as well as to aim for a more neutral tone that appeals to a wider audience base.

Whilst it can be tempting to start splurging on new furniture and items for your new house, it can also have a negative impact on viewers if the room looks too crowded and cluttered.

The photos don’t do it justice

It takes just six photos for someone to decide whether they're interested in seeing more of a property.

If the first six photos don't represent your home in the best light, you could be missing out on the opportunity to showcase your property's core unique selling points, so it's worth raising any concerns that you have with your agent as well as making sure that you stage each room beforehand.

The asking price could be wrong

It's a common misconception that the asking price is behind every single stalled property sale. However, it's important to know where this is and isn't the reason for a home struggling on the market.

Having a competitive valuation with a local agent ensures that you are correctly priced and helps you to avoid any delays or complications.

Want a second opinion on the price of your property? Our team of experienced estate agents can provide you with a reliable free valuation, visit our website for more information.

The estate agent isn’t the right fit for you

Your estate agent should be doing all they can to sell your home, including keeping you updated and aware of the progress of your sale.

If you’re not happy with the service you’re being given, make sure you bring it up.

So, what are my options?

If your home isn’t selling, don’t despair. You still have a few options that will enable you to get moving.

Contact our team today to learn more about our offering and success metrics in your area.

Key questions you need to ask your buyer

Finding the right buyer can save you time, energy and disappointment.

If your chain falls through due to your buyer's financial readiness or uncertainties, you may lose out on other offers as well as the property you had intended to purchase.

Here are the top five questions you need to ask before accepting an offer.

Have they been pre-approved for a mortgage?

Being pre-approved for a mortgage means that a lender has already said their application will be accepted, speeding up the process significantly and reducing the risk of it falling through.

Do they have a home to sell?

Understanding your house buying chain is really valuable, as you'll be able to anticipate any weak points that could lead to your sale and / or purchase from falling through.

More sellers are now opting to rent in between their sale and new home, which means that the chain is much smaller and less likely to break.

Have they made an offer on another house?

If the buyer has put down a deposit on another property, they might not be fully committed to that purchase.

Are they a first-time buyer?

First-time buyers are often chain-free, so the process of selling your home should be quicker.

However, be careful not to make assumptions.

There may be other commitments such as a fixed term tenancy that prevents them from moving quickly, so always check when your buyer wants to complete.

What is their moving timeline?

Remember to ask what their moving timeline is like, as this will tell you how much they must do before they can move.

If their timeline fits in with yours, then they’re probably a suitable buyer for your property.

Need help finding the perfect buyer? Get in touch with us today.

Is selling at auction the right choice for me?

Selling at auction can mean a quick and easy sale, with excited bidders driving up the price of your home. But is it right for you?

Whilst we know selling at auction might not be for everyone, there are some key advantages if you've been thinking about this approach for your next sale.

Speed

One of the top reasons that homeowners opt for auctions is the speed of the process, which can take a matter of weeks once a property has been sold to complete.

Higher price

With your agent by your side, it's crucial to maximise the value from your marketing strategy.

The more interest you can drum up, the more competitive the bidding between interested parties, and all of this will ensure you receive the best possible price for your home.

Guaranteed closure

Unlike with traditional sales, there's a reduced risk of auction sales from falling through.

This is because the necessary checks and paperwork are completed beforehand, so when the gavel falls, the contracts have been exchanged.

Complete transparency

Each bid is made in public so the seller is fully aware of everything as it unfolds, and with a minimum reservice price, you don't need to worry about selling for under market value.

Who is best suited to selling at auctions?

Typically preferred by investors, homeowners looking to expediate the process also opt to sell at auction, where needed.

Want more information about selling at auction? Contact our team today.

How does disrepair impact your property sale?

Throughout the selling process, buyers are looking to assess the extent of the work needed to fix your home to their own standard of living, working out the time and money they may need to invest.

Whilst there are plenty of home hunters out there looking for their next project to tackle, many more will be looking for something that requires minimal fuss.

So, which home repairs can be the biggest deal breakers for buyers?

As the main cause behind serious structural issues, it's no surprise that damp ranks as the highest turn-off according to research.*

Keeping your house well ventilated in every season is crucial to safeguarding your investments, and with 63% put off by bad smells from pets or cigarettes, it's also worth purchasing diffusers before any viewings to keep your house smelling and looking at its best.

Having a messy garden also made the list, with 48% of people saying that it would put them off buying a property, as well as outdated electrics and poor natural lighting.

Aside from making any significant changes to the number of windows or doors in your property, the simplest way to increase the amount of light in your home is to eliminate any dark corners with warm lamps, giving the space the illusion of natural light.

Outdated electrics can be costly and time-consuming for buyers to update. So, if you’re looking for a quick sale, it might be worth getting any major issues fixed before viewings start to avoid a lengthy period on the market.

If you've completed any renovations or refurbishments since moving in, you should consider learning your home's current market value. Book your valuation today.

*GoCompare

A look at what the stamp duty holiday has led to

Since its launch, the stamp duty holiday has led to phenomenal sales numbers for England's property market, with 50% more transactions in Q1 2021 compared to the previous year, pre-pandemic.*

Now, with the tapered end of the holiday in sight, we take a final look at what the property market has seen over the last year, and what is still to come.

Originally intended to stimulate the market after its spring closure in 2020, the SDLT holiday has triggered a house buying boom, with price surges up and down the country and buyers scrambling to put in offers at record speeds.

Even for buyers who may have faced higher property prices over this time, the value of buying with a smaller upfront cost meant that homebuying was an affordable option for 100,000s.

In fact, one survey suggested that four in ten Brits (39%) were able to take advantage of the government's initiative, with many finding themselves better able to save for deposits and moving costs with limited lockdown options.**

Following the end of the SDLT holiday on the 30th September, the rates will be as follows:

- 0% up to £125,000

- 2% on £125,001 - £250,000

- 5% on £250,001 - £925,000

- 10% on £925,001 - £1.5m

- 12% on any value above £1.5m

For advice about buying and selling in 2021, we'd like to offer you our support. Please contact us today for more information.

*Mortgage Introducer

**Show House

What’s next for the property market?

Having contributed to record-breaking sales numbers over the last year, we consider what's next for the property market following the approaching end of the stamp duty holiday.

For first-time buyers

Introduced by the government this spring, the 95% mortgage guarantee scheme has encouraged lenders to offer lower deposit options, paving the way for the return of first-time buyers wanting greater flexibility and freedom becoming homeowners.

This scheme is set to close to new applicants in December 2022, with the government’s total investment expected to reach over £20 billion.

Flexible mortgage schemes

In support of the government's help-to-buy option for first time buyers, we are seeing banks and developers coming together to create other schemes that could essentially replace the government’s help-to-buy scheme when it comes to an end.

An example would be the Deposit Unlock Scheme, which provides buyers with a package that allows them to buy new build homes up to a value of £330,000, with a 5% deposit and 3.5% mortgage rate – fixed for two years.*

High street banks are also beginning to offer 5% mortgages, which offers to lend buyers an extra 10% of a traditional 15% deposit, requiring buyers to only front up 5% themselves.

Looking ahead

Existing and new incentives will boost a drive in the first-time buyer market and are likely to have a similar impact as the SDLT holiday.

Other new schemes could involve cuts to SDLT rates, particularly with second home purchases in order to get this section of the market moving again.

Are you looking to buy this year? Get in touch with us today.

*Newcastle Building Society

What does the supply-demand imbalance mean for you?

Vendors have benefited from the supply-demand imbalance seen across the market in 2021, with 40% of properties selling above their original asking price, making conditions optimal for selling.*

What makes conditions optimal this autumn?

1) Low stock

Due to the pandemic, many people were put off selling their homes whilst the construction of new build properties came to a halt, causing a dip in housing stock.

This means that the homes currently on the market are being snapped up faster, with serious buyers putting offers in much sooner than they otherwise might have done.

2) Increased demand

With UK restrictions easing, buyers are now competing for properties, with 36% of homes attracting offers from three or more buyers.*

Many who originally put off moving due to the pandemic are now looking to relocate, causing a huge increase in demand and sparking bidding wars between buyers.

3) Mortgage rates

With the number of available UK mortgages on the rise, lenders are competing to attract more customers with low-interest rates and low-deposit mortgages, giving buyers more choice than ever when it comes to choosing the correct financial option for them.

Need a helping hand selling your home? Get in touch with our team today.

*Property Reporter and Which?

Surge in sellers renting ahead of their next move

With the sales market continuing to boom, many homeowners have secured a high price for their home in 2021, choosing to put themselves in a stronger position by renting during this stop gap period.

If you’re living in a rented property, you are normally able to move quicker due to not being part of a chain.

Rather than feeling pressured to act fast, this means that you're able to negotiate for the property and price you want.

It's also an incredibly sought-after position to be in when a vendor chooses who to sell to, as without a chain, the sale will be more likely to complete instead of falling-through.

The number of sellers looking for rental homes has contributed greatly to the dwindling stock of rental properties and consequently increasing rents. As a result, there were nearly half the number of properties on the rental market in July than this time last year, with the numbers continuing to drop.*

This is encouraging for landlords, as their properties are in demand with void periods falling rapidly.

But it’s not just homeowners looking to rent.

Due to the pandemic, many tenants no longer have to be tied down to one location.

With working from home now the new norm, a short commute is no longer desirable and moving away is more feasible. This year, 49% of tenants moved just because they wanted to live somewhere different, as opposed to moving from necessity.**

Are you looking to sell your home or put your property up for rent? Our dedicated team offer free, accurate and no-obligation valuations for both the sales and lettings market.

Find out how much your property is worth today and book your market appraisal.

*This is Money

*Estate Agent Today

Moving house safely: a refresher post-lockdown

COVID-19 restrictions may have been lifted but the virus is far from gone. Many people are still wary of going about their day-to-day lives, even after a year of being stuck indoors.

So, how do you move home safely in 2021? The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government have issued these guidelines to keep you safe...

Can I view a property in-person?

If you are not required to self-isolate, you can go and view a property in-person, however, guidance continues to recommend virtual viewings where possible.

Viewing the property can be an important step in the house buying process, but it’s important to keep yourself safe.

Make sure to follow good hygiene practices, wash your hands regularly by sanitising and cleaning common contact zones, wear a face covering when possible and keep your distance from others.

Do I have to wear a face covering?

Whilst wearing a face covering is no longer mandatory, it’s advised to wear one to protect yourself and others.

The homeowner may request you wear a mask whilst looking round their property. So, you should look to accommodate their wishes whilst you are in their home.

Can I ask people viewing my home to wear a face covering?

If you would like people coming to view your property to wear a face covering, it’s important to let your estate agent know.

Putting a cap on the number of people allowed to view your property at any one time may also be a good idea to help keep everyone safe.

What if I have to self-isolate?

Buyers and sellers may experience delays due to self-isolation. Whilst this may be irritating, it’s important to continue to follow the rules.

- Get a test if you have symptoms.

- Isolate if you have a positive test or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

- Quarantine if you are returning from red or amber list countries.

Speak to a solicitor about making contractual provisions in case the worst happens. This enables the process to continue whilst you are isolating.

Want to know how we’re helping to keep you safe? Speak to one of our team members today.

The paint colours that could decrease the value of your home

Smartening up a room is a great idea to attract prospective buyers, but certain paint colours could put a negative effect on the value of your home, potentially decreasing its value.

The use of trendy colours can date a property and be costly to update. So, what are the key colours that experts would suggest avoiding?

Dark brown

Darker paints can produce a bold and rich feeling, however, when this comes into contact with wooden furniture, there's the possibility that this will create an odd and jarring look for the room.

Citrus green

Whilst a bold contrast might suit your own tastes, there's a high chance that viewers will struggle to visualise the space as their own.

Bright yellow 

Despite its positive connotations, overuse of yellow can be overwhelming, especially where used heavily in a small space.

Bold black

This colour often comes across as daring, dramatic, and striking.

While it can lift a wall in an instant, research suggests it can make a front door appear uninviting.

Instead, a medium to dark grey with a white trim would give the same powerful impact without being overpowering.

Have you had a recent valuation of your home? If you've recently renovated, you could see high returns from your home, contact us today.

Reasons to sell right now

From apartments to family homes, the average asking price of a property has risen to record levels around every region of the UK.

Whilst some people will choose to wait until the 2022 market has officially started, we have four reasons why it's the ideal time to ready your home for your new year sale right now.

Your home will be in front of a record number of potential buyers

The amount of people looking to relocate continues to outweigh the number of homes available for sale.

Furthermore, it's an immensely competitive market following the last year of intense activity and interest, with Rightmove and Zoopla reporting that they see the highest visitor numbers in the days after Christmas year-on-year.

You could get a better price for your home

Asking prices have hit record heights in 2021, so if it's been a few years since you last learned your home's value, you could see far more than you ever expected.

The budget for your next home might have changed

Depending on your property priorities, you might find that your dream home is within reach, as location is no longer the most desirable characteristic and demand levels are influencing price points on the market.

Favourable mortgage interest rates

Mortgage interest rates continue to stay low, and lenders remain eager to propose loans in the competitive market, helping you to secure your next move that much faster.

Find out your home’s true value with us today by booking your market valuation.

Tenant demand is still high!

According to a recent survey of landlords, tenant demand is only increasing across 2021, with record heights seen in the third business quarter of this year.*

Seven in ten landlords (69%) have remarked on this development within the lettings sector. Of those, 36% believe the increase to be 'significant'.

The highest levels of confidence were present in the South West and South East, where 79% and 74% are seeing promising conditions for investors.

Key drivers behind the rise in tenant interest include factors relating to the pandemic, seasonal trends and the new wave of graduates starting new jobs or students beginning the academic year in rented accommodation.

Have you been considering expanding your portfolio?

Ahead of the new year, we'd urge you to consider your options as a landlord. For a profitable 2022, here are some items you should be taking the time to review:

1) What are your tenant screening processes?

Whilst the eviction ban has lifted, if there's one thing the last year has taught us, it's to prepare for every eventuality.

You need to have rigorous checks in place to secure the best financial future for yourself and your investments, so rather than go it alone, you could defer to an experienced lettings agent in your local area to help you locate reliable tenants.

2) Larger homes have seen the steepest rise in value, but regardless of your property type, it is worth having the rental value re-assessed so that you don't lose out on your rental income.

3) Are you safeguarded against any future losses?

If tenants can't or won't pay, rent guarantee insurance can offer you a lifeline when it comes to keeping up with your mortgage payments and outgoings in the meantime.

Do you need to speak with one of our trusted local agents? Visit our website today.

*Paragon Bank

Artisan Crafts and Gift Market

Artisan Crafts and Gift Market offering fabulous jewellery, artwork, homeware, soaps, candles, gifts and much much more.

When?

Sunday 3 April, from 10am-3.30pm

Where?

One Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TA

Click here to read Artisan Crafts and Gift Market
.

Easter Bank Holiday Weekend

Join us this Easter for an egg-citing day out! Families will enjoy egg-cellent spring trails at Bluebell Railway on Easter bank holiday weekend.

When?

Friday 15 April to Monday 18 April

Where?

Bluebell Railway, East Sussex, TN22 3QL

Click here to read Easter Bank Holiday Weekend
.

Wadhurst VillageJubilee Celebrations

All residents of Wadhurst and its surrounding villages are hereby invited to gather and celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II.

To mark this auspicious occasion, community events have been arranged by many local...

Click here to read Wadhurst VillageJubilee Celebrations.

The Middle House

Listed as Grade 1, The Middle House, Mayfield is a wonderful specimen of Elizabethan architecture, with wattle and daub infill which dates back to 1575.

Address:

High St, Mayfield

TN20 6AB

Click here to read The Middle House.

Average rents continue to rise across the UK

In the fallout from the Bank of England’s base rate rising far above the waterline at 3%, mortgage rates and rents continue to rise in line with inflation, and the domino effect of the economic climate becomes ever more apparent in today’s housing market. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that private rent paid by tenants in the UK increased by 3.8% over the year to October 2022. *

The latest Index of Private Housing Rental Prices from the ONS also showed that annual rental growth was slightly higher in October compared with the 3.7% recorded in September. The new figure is the largest annual percentage change seen since the data series began in January 2016, which proves that rental prices are growing rapidly in the current economic climate. *

Regional growth

Annual private rental prices were found to have increased by 3.7% in England, 3.2% in Wales, and 4.2% in Scotland in the 12 months leading up to October of this year.*

Regionally, the highest annual percentage change in private rental prices was found in the East Midlands at 4.8%, while London saw the lowest at a notable 3%. *

The data also found that the annual percentage change of private rental prices remained steady between November 2019 and the end of 2020. Rental price percentage changes slowed in early 2021 and gained momentum later that year. Private rental prices have increased across all regions in 2022, including in London. *

Additionally, The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) outlined in their Housing Insight Report from September 2022 that the demand for properties is continuing on a rising incline, which is hiking up prices. According to ARLA, the supply of available houses to rent has reportedly not risen in the last four months. **

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK Residential Market Survey also reported that tenant demand remained steadfast throughout October, with tenant enquiries on the rise across the UK. ***

While the ONS figures are telling, the report made sure to note that these supply and demand pressures can often take time to feed through to the Index of Private Housing Rental Prices, which reflects price changes for all private rental properties rather than only newly advertised homes to rent.*

Supply and demand

The underlying issue has remained consistent over the past year, with a continued trend of landlords leaving the market and prices rising due to a shortage of rental supply. The disparity between supply and demand has only accelerated in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis. It’s understandable that in the thick of rising interest rates, potential first-time buyers may be more inclined to put their plans on hold for the time being and opt for renting instead.

The unmanageable rates of demand are likely to see prices continue to grow into 2023, with a lack of properties to meet the current competition in the market and too many landlords abandoning the market at a pivotal moment.

Are you thinking of becoming a landlord? Contact us today to find out about our lettings services.

Office for National Statistics - Index of Private Housing Rental Prices *

The Association of Residential Letting Agents – Housing Insight Report September 2022 **

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - UK Residential Market Survey ***

Low stock continues to push house price growth

Despite the wider economic challenges impacting the UK property market, a continuous disparity between supply and demand has pushed house prices up to a record high after a 0.9% rise in October.*

According to Rightmove’s House Price Index, the rise represents and increase in value upwards of £3,398, with the price of an average home now standing at £371,158.*

This new asking price record is somewhat of a surprise given the market uncertainty that followed former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini budget in late September. There was also little sign of downwards price pressure towards houses already on the market, with the number of reductions up by 2% following the announcement to 23% of all properties reduced, which is still a far cry from the pre-pandemic five-year average of 32%. *

Tim Bannister Rightmove’s Director of Property Science, comments:

“What’s going to happen to house prices is understandably on the minds of many home-movers right now, especially following the market uncertainty after the government’s mini-budget. There has been no immediate effect on prices, but the trend of a slight softening in the pace of growth continues."

"New sellers coming to market in the month have been pricing strongly, and the number of homes that were already on the market seeing a reduction in price is still well below the long-term average. It will take a bit of time for the market to settle into a new, more ‘normal’ level of activity following over two years of market frenzy, especially with new developments happening almost daily at the moment.”

It's understandable that some prospective buyers will be pausing their plans momentarily in an effort to ‘wait-out’ the next few weeks and months until market uncertainty wears off and the full picture becomes clear. Despite this, demand still holds steady at 20%* higher compared to a more normal market of 2019. This trend also follows through to the first-time-buyer sector, with demand still high at 24%* compared to 2019, further demonstrating that buyer confidence has continuously improved since the pandemic.

Although some buyers are awaiting a clearer outlook for the time being, those who have already agreed to their purchase appear to be proceeding with confidence. Only 3.1% of sales agreed fell through in the two weeks following the mini-budget announcement, which parallels the 3.0%* reported over the same two weeks in 2019. UK agents are recording that those who have managed to secure a low-rate mortgage offer are eager to complete their purchase as fast as possible, before the offer closes.

Tim concludes: “The vast majority of buyers who had already agreed to their purchase are still going ahead. Agents report that many of those who managed to secure a mortgage offer at a lower rate before lenders quickly increased them are now rushing through their agreed deal to avoid their offer expiring and facing a higher rate when they come to reapply. It’s understandable that some new movers who have the option to wait may want a clearer view than they’re getting right now before they proceed with a major purchase such as a home.”

"With uncertainty over where mortgage interest rates will go, those who can still afford to proceed may decide that waiting too long could come at an even higher cost than taking action to move now, especially if the level of demand continues to outstrip supply and supports prices.”

Considering the increase in average home values, do you know the value of yours? Book a valuation with us today to find out.

Rightmove *

Demand on the rise for energy-efficient homes

Santander’s Buying into the Green Homes Revolution Report has revealed that nine in ten estate agents have acknowledged that demand is rising among homebuyers for properties with higher energy efficiency ratings. *

The research unveiled that estate agents are poised to play an important role in increasing awareness among homebuyers regarding energy efficiency, as demand for green homes continues to rise.

Green homes growing in popularity

Santander’s report asked 2,000 homeowners and 175 estate agents for their perspectives on retrofitting and found that there is a fast-growing interest among homebuyers for energy efficient homes. 85% of estate agents also reported increased demand for greener properties in the past twelve months. *

54% of the estate agents surveyed pinned the growth in demand down to the rising cost of energy bills, alongside an increased number of green mortgage products from lenders (45%) and a greater awareness of the need to tackle climate change from an individualistic approach (51%). *

Growing awareness in the environmental crisis and the rising cost of energy is steering buyers towards competing for homes with a smaller carbon footprint, which is why buyers on average are spending 15.5% more for a property with a high EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating. *

Estate agents stepping in

While engagement for green homes is growing, there appears to be a knowledge gap amid homeowners, with 60% not knowing the EPC rating of the property they live in, according to Santander’s survey. *

The research indicates that estate agents are taking a more proactive approach in helping bridge this gap for sellers, with 66% in the past year undertaking training to better improve their knowledge, and a further 29% planning to do so in the future. In addition to this, 61% have updated their marketing materials over the past year to focus more prominently on energy efficiency information. *

Homes with poor energy efficiency

Not only have agents reported a rise in demand for green homes, but they also acknowledged a decrease in demand for homes with poor EPC ratings. Over the past year, 70% of agents reported seeing homeowners struggle to sell their properties due to poor energy efficiency. Additionally, the time it takes to sell is on average 3 months longer compared to a property with a good EPC rating, according to Santander. *

Graham Sellar, Head of Business Development – Mortgages at Santander commented: “The feedback from estate agents is striking and reveals that in an environment of the rising cost of living pressures, there has been a real shift in preference among buyers for homes with reduced energy costs.

“Estate agents will be a key part of raising understanding and awareness among buyers and sellers on the benefits of having an energy-efficient home, so it is encouraging so many are being proactive in improving their understanding. With the findings showing a clear ‘green home premium,’ the benefits are clear, and any changes made will not only reduce buyers’ bills but make the property more attractive to buyers in the future.” *

Are you on the hunt for an energy-efficient home? Browse our current selection of properties today.

Santander – Buying into the Green Homes Revolution Report *

A landlord’s essential winter checklist

Amidst all the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparation, the holiday season is really about taking a much-needed break from everyday business to spend time with loved ones. But before enjoying some time off, landlords must make sure everything in their rental property is running as it should.

Other than avoiding hefty repair costs, investing some time into your property before Christmas means you won’t have to deal with any last-minute calls when you’re in front of the fireplace trying to enjoy your mince pie.

Here are all the essentials for landlords to check off the list before wrapping things up for Christmas and the New Year.

Water pipes

Frozen water pipes are a common problem over the winter months, and a build-up of leaves or debris in your gutters can prevent rainwater or snow from draining away. Internal and external water pipes should be checked and properly lagged – including any pipes in the loft. Lagging pipework is an easy DIY project which will immediately make a difference, especially in the winter. Getting this step out of the way will ensure that the heat in the hot water is not lost before it gets to where it’s needed – reducing the risk of frozen or burst pipes.

The boiler

The boiler has some busy months ahead, and it’s going to be working hard over Christmas when your tenants are spending more time at home. Make sure your property’s boiler has been serviced and consider putting a service plan in place. If it’s a gas boiler, ensure the gas safety certificate is up to date.

Ventilation

Although having a warm property is ideal for both you and your tenants, condensation can quickly lead to dampness when the weather outside is colder. Make sure your property is well-ventilated and focus especially on airflow in the kitchen and bathrooms. You may also want to advise your tenants to keep an eye on condensation and encourage them to crack open a window or switch on the extractor fan wherever possible.

Alarms

Check that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning in accordance with current government legislation. While you’re paying a visit, it might be a good idea to give your tenants a quick brush-up on fire safety, as Christmas decorating often calls for more electronics and candles than usual.

External

While you’re paying a visit to the property, take some time to check over any external spaces. Make sure all security measures are working, check for peeling paint as this can indicate moisture ingress, and look out for any cracks in the driveway or paving that hard frost could exacerbate.

Guttering

In the wake of Autumn, a build-up of leaves and debris is something to look out for as this can stop rainwater or snow from draining properly. Avoid potential leaks and cracked drain pipes by clearing out gutters if necessary.

Kick back and relax

Lastly, if you won’t be home over the holiday season, let your tenants know who to contact while you’re away in case of an emergency.

Once you have made sure your tenant’s Christmas won’t be compromised by a faulty property, you can finally put your feet up and rest assured that your tenants will be comfortable this season – and that you won’t be facing any eyewatering repair costs come New Year’s.

Browse our website today to discover the services we offer to our landlords.