The very latest from Burnett's

We do hope you are all staying safe and well?

Whilst the market has been effectively paused, when this lock-down is beyond us, the good news is that the pent up demand in the market will be released. We can therefore use the next few weeks to fully prepare for the late Spring/Summer market, with better weather, buds bursting and flowers blooming!

We are working from home, and happy to answer any questions or queries, as well as provide advice accordingly.

In the short term, though, remember to #stayhome. At present, your home is your castle, and as such, invaluable!

Please also remember to give our NHS Heroes a round of applause at 8pm every Thursday night.

Supply and demand outstrips Brexit concern

With the Brexit date being pushed back once more, it would appear that supply and demand for property is now the driving factor in the market, with Brexit taking the back seat in terms of market-driving factors.

In a recent survey from property investment company SevenCapital, nearly 69.5% of investors continued to invest in the United Kingdom despite the spectre of Brexit. Indeed, this confidence in the United Kingdom property market is echoed by international investors, with nearly 95% of the Hong Kong respondents believing that Brexit isn’t a critical factor in their investment decision.

SevenCapital points out that the Sterling has risen in value – a better indicator of fiscal stability – and this outweighs any potential impact that Brexit may have levied upon the market. With the average price of properties increasing last month by over 1% or £3,347, according to Rightmove, then house prices are also reflecting this upturn in the market.

In terms of the rental market, rental yields have also grown in recent months with the best performing areas in Birmingham and Manchester seeing yields driven up as much as 10%. With new changes in the rental sector such as the Tenant Fee Ban and Section 21 changes, tenants and potential tenants should be feeling more empowered in terms of their rights which should encourage more renters into the market.

Despite the headlines that Brexit has provided of late, it is evident that other factors are driving the property market, both sales and lettings. A key point to note is the lack of housing supply and increased demand of late with this duality keeping the market buoyant, despite any political uncertainties. With first-time buyers now at record levels and keen to buy, there is a whole new swathe of potential buyers entering the market which is creating an extremely competitive sales environment.

One in six parents remortgaging for their children

With interest rates remaining incredibly low and competition amongst lenders producing some of the most favourable finance options ever seen, many are remortgaging in order to benefit from cost savings. Rather than simply easing the financial burden, however, recent research has shown that many parents are remortgaging in order to gift the extra money to their children.

Price comparison website MoneySuperMarket has found that one in six parents who remortgage their home then gift some of that extra cash to their children, with the average financial contribution standing at £9,050 per child and nearly 10% of parents giving over £20,000.

More than a third of the children who receive the financial gift utilise it as a deposit for a property, whilst others use it to go travelling (11%), buy a new car (11%) or pay for ‘everyday essentials’ (9%).
Rachel Wait, consumer affairs spokesperson at MoneySuperMarket, commented: “Our research found that 15% of parents released equity when they remortgaged to help their children. However, you’ll only be able to do this if your property has gone up in value and you’ll need to be sure you can afford to keep up with your new repayments.

“It’s also important to factor in the costs associated with remortgaging, such as arrangement fees which can be as much as £2,000, as well as legal, admin and valuation fees. Try to be realistic – only release equity to help your children with life events if you can really afford to do so.

“Also keep in mind that because a mortgage takes so long to pay back, remortgaging may not be the right option for everyone – there may be cheaper ways of getting a cash sum. It’s important to look at all options and shop around before making a decision.”

How to add value to a property

When we decorate our properties, it is often driven by personal preferences in order to make a space fit into our own idea of what is stylish. However, if you are not just looking to decorate a space but to maximise the potential value of your property, then read our guide which explores the best ways to add worth to a home.

Solve existing issues
If you’re thinking of adding value to your property then don’t jump straight to improving the aesthetic of particular rooms in order to gain the much-lauded “wow factor”; instead make sure that your property is structurally sound. It may have less cosmetic impact, but a house with a leaking roof, subsidence or damp will be severely hindered in achieving a strong asking price due to the perceived costs and effort in fixing the issues. Take the time to assess your property and ensure there are no major defects, and this will give a solid foundation for your property to achieve the best price on the market as buyers will not be scared away by problems, nor will they be able to barter the price down.

Central issue
Take a look at the central heating system in your house - does it look modern and fit-for-purpose or is it on its last legs? If your central heating isn’t quite up to scratch, then replacing this is a sure-fire way to add value to your property as it is another issue which has the potential to put-off potential buyers. Although the initial outlay for the central heating refit may seem high, you should more than recover these costs when selling the property as it is another key point which will assure buyers that your property is well-cared for.

Extra space
Adding additional living space will always attract potential buyers as this offers them versatility in the way in which they will use the property; however, before you convert that loft or garage then we would recommend doing a little research. A converted loft can add thousands to the asking price of your property, so it is certainly something to consider – before you undertake this do take a look at similar properties in your area and do some investigation as to what the top selling price has been lately. There will be a ceiling price to the properties in your area, and therefore before you add a room, make sure that there is the potential to recoup the cost in the asking price of the property.

Decoration
If you’re looking to add value to your property without any major outlay, then picking up the paintbrush could be the answer. Freshen up any paint that has seen better days around the house and do the same in the bathroom, checking on any sealants to ensure they are crisp and clean. Clean up a few simple defects and potential buyers will see your property in an entirely different light, willing to pay more for a home that they perceive to be in excellent condition. This should extend to the frontage of your home, so ensure lawns are mowed and outside areas look cared for.

Kitchens and bathrooms
That old saying that homes are sold due to their kitchens and bathrooms is true, to an extent. Having a modern kitchen and bathroom will add considerable value to your property, as well as generating much more interest from potential buyers. If you don’t want to invest in a brand-new kitchen and bathroom, then update your current spaces in order to make them more sellable. Kitchen cabinets can be painted to modernise them, and changing the door handles to something more sleek will also help to create the feeling of a newer space in the kitchen. In the bathroom, refresh the paint on the walls, keeping it as neutral as possible, and ensure that the space is bright and airy – add mirrors to make the space feel bigger, and use accessories to add colour into the space.

The best home design ideas for 2019

Whether you want to add value to your home in preparation for sale or you just want to make your property a more appealing place to live, redecorating and incorporating the latest trends is a worthwhile endeavour. Take a look through some of our picks of the best home design ideas emerging through 2019…

Embrace the industrial

One of the key trends throughout the year so far has been the embracing of industrial materials in the home environment. Typically, steel beams in the ceiling space would be covered, with their utility overshadowing their relative beauty. In line with new trends, these beams would be left exposed; their harsh texture a welcome juxtaposition to the surrounding soft surfaces in the home. Similarly, materials such as concrete are being embraced this year; simply polished to a high shine and then left exposed for a striking floor covering. Rather than exposing interior workings as a sign of minimalism or modernism, this newest trend is about adding new textures and colours into your home.

Bring the outdoors, indoors

In these modern days, we are constantly bombarded with new studies and surveys showing us the benefits of spending more time outdoors, and whilst these are of course to be heralded, it can be difficult to get the right amount of time alfresco. This desire for more outdoor space is being met head-on by designers who are incorporating more of the outdoors, indoors. The inclusion of bi-folding doors which concertina into themselves are being incorporated into modern homes in order to bridge this gap, and the additions of conservatories or orangeries are also ways to flood your home with light from the outdoors. A non-budget-busting method for incorporating more of the outdoors into your home’s design aesthetic would be to include more plants around your home and at different levels – on the floor, on tables or in very on-trend macramé hanging pots.

Let there be lights

Nobody starts out their interior design plans looking to create dark interiors with limited light; we all like natural light-sources to balance a room’s feel. Natural light and the inclusion thereof is a recurring theme no matter what year it is, but balancing the natural light with artificial light is high on the trend list for 2019. Hidden lighting and light-sources are a key inclination this year; with recessed lights, under stair lights and uplighters all proving very popular.

Au naturale

In years gone by, interior trends have revolved around overly designed rooms with “feature walls” and striking pieces, yet this year the natural finish is having something of a revival. The use of materials such as clay plaster offer a more interesting and textured finish, with no need to be covered once applied which creates an organic and natural feel to an interior.

Storage woes

A major concern for interior design this year is that of storage and how to incorporate the most innovative storage space into the home. Kitchens are key in this trend – with the inclusion of central islands adding storage, high cupboards drawing the eye further up the walls to create the feel of taller ceilings and the resurgence of pantries to hide away ingredients. Around the home, under stair storage is a massive trend as this space is often wasted, and similarly storage underneath baths is increasingly being utilised.

Minimum qualifications and code of practice a step closer

Estate agents have found out how they will be policed as the final report from the Regulation of Property Agents (ROPA) working group is made public.

Click here to read Minimum qualifications and code of practice a step closer.

Getting The Garden Ready For Spring

We all love the pleasure of sitting outside and enjoying the feeling of the sunshine on our skin, yet despite this melanin-inducing activity being a firm favourite, many of us shy away from gardening. Here are a few tips to help revitalise your garden or outdoor space, just in time for the warmer months!

1) The right grounding
Before you purchase new flowers and shrubs to zhoosh up your garden, it is important to have an idea of the soil that you will be planting in. Different plants will thrive in different environments, and the consistency of your soil will be a key player in this; is your soil light and sandy or heavier with elements of clay? This, as well as the amount of light which the new plants will receive, should be kept in mind before you go and make any expensive purchases. Spring is also a great time to feed your soil to freshen it up ready for your plants.

2) Put the ‘plan’ in ‘plant’
That old adage of “fail to plan and plan to fail” exists for a reason; it rings true amongst many of us. The same is applicable for when you are upgrading your garden – planning on how you are going to use the space will mean that you maximise your outdoor area. Decide what you are going to use the space for and segment it appropriately; eating areas, planting areas and water features all make a garden more pleasant; however, if there is not enough room between each then the space becomes overcrowded and less appealing. Pay attention to your bulbs too. Remove any faded flowers and replant any that need to be spaced further apart (with around 60 – 75mm gap between them).

3) The perfect lawn
Now is the time to dig the lawn mower out and give your grass a well needed cut for the start of the season. When we think of a quintessential British garden, we immediately think of a lush and healthy grassy area. To achieve this, it is important that your lawnmower blades are sharp. This will create less bruising on the grass, so it appears healthier. However, when mowing your lawn, don’t over mow it, as this will make it easier for weeds to come through.

4) Sitting areas
One of the easiest ways to spend a little more time in your garden is to create an outdoor seating space; from simply installing a table and chairs, to installing a full decking area this can transform your outdoor space. If you already have a suitable surface such as paving or decking, then getting a set of table and chairs will be an inexpensive way to create outdoor living space. Stones or pebbles laid onto some tarpaulin is also a very cost-effective manner to provide a nice zone for seating.

5) A shed load of storage!
If you’re looking to make the most of your garden this spring and summer, then a shed might seem like it should be the last item on your list of priorities. However, a shed can offer valuable storage and organisation to your garden that will encourage you to make the most of the space; having your gardening tools easy to access and your outdoor supplies organised will make your outdoor living much easier. In addition to this, a shed can be a beautiful piece of garden architecture; go bold on the colour and choose pastels such as blue or pink for that country cottage kind of chic that looks wonderful in all types of garden. In addition, adding some stylish bunting to the shed will enhance the overall aesthetic, and can be extended to other parts of your garden to create a more cohesive look.

Safe Activities To Get You Through Self Isolation

Whilst self-isolating, one thing a lot of us will have gained is some time. A lot us will not be used to spending so much time at home, so here are some activities that can be done safely, to curb any boredom:

1. Board games
Its’s the perfect time to dust off the family favorites, whether that be Monopoly, Uno, or Cluedo. Board games offer some great household fun and provide a break from electronic devices.

2. Arts and Crafts
Many of us will enjoy drawing or painting but never have enough time to do it. Now is the perfect time to start a new art project. It can be a great family activity to do with your children too.

3. Gardening
With Spring finally here it’s time to pay attention to our gardens and tidy them up. Spending time mowing the lawn, weeding, or planning new bulbs will give you some time to get some fresh air, as well as create a perfect garden. It is also a great time to dig out your outdoor furniture so that you can spend more time outside.

4. Baking
Baking is an activity that all generations can enjoy. Dig out those recipe books or search the numerous cake recipes online to make a tasty treat.

5. Cooking
Now is your chance to get creative in the kitchen and have more time to cook healthy meals. If you’re concerned at not having the right ingredients, there are many websites online that allow you to input what ingredients you do have. That way you can make use of what you have in the cupboards and get some inspiration.

6. Fitness routines
It’s always important to get some exercise each day, but with us now spending all of our time at home, we may need to get more creative. You can go outside for a walk or a run, or do an exercise routine at home. There are plenty of resources on social media and online that you can follow along with. You could even do this in your garden to get some fresh air. Some examples are Joe Wicks or the NHS Fitness Studio exercise videos.

7. Film days
We can have some well-loved lazy days on the sofa watching some family classics, or entire seasons of favorite TV shows. We all deserve the time to binge watch some TV.

8. Spring cleaning
Now is the perfect time to be house proud. A good spring clean is a positive way to stay motivated. When you enjoy your environment you often feel happier, so why not try and improve your living space.

9. Going for a walk
With spring finally upon us we have brighter days. Going for a walk can help to break up the day and get some vital vitamin D and exercise.

10. Online Resources
There are so many resources that can curb boredom online. You could learn a new skill using sites such as Future Learn or turn to YouTube for some video tutorials. Alternatively, you can spend time listening to music or some podcasts. There are endless options available to suit any preferences so there will be something for everybody to enjoy!

Tips To Help You Cope Self Isolating

With millions of us now advised to self-isolate and practice social distancing to prevent further spread of Covid-19, we all must make adjustments. It might sound simple at first, to just stay indoors and end social meetings, but it can present various challenges such as anxiety, loneliness, and stress. There are coping mechanisms that we can incorporate into our daily routines to help combat any challenges we may face during this time. Continue below for some helpful ideas to support you in self-isolation.

1. Remember you’re not alone
It’s so important to remind yourself that we are all in this together. The whole country has been asked to quarantine so we are all going through similar thoughts and feelings; and everybody has their own personal circumstances to muddle through. Take some comfort in being a part of one big community doing your own part in battling through this pandemic.

2. Have conversations with people
The power of talking to someone is immense. Just because we can’t physically go and socialise doesn’t mean that we must stop socializing altogether. Make a conscious effort to pick up your phone and call family, friends, and work colleagues. You should try to do this daily. You could even create a new daily routine, such as having a morning coffee with a family member virtually. If you have the facility to do this over a video call, then even better!

3. Use social media
Similar to point number 2, use social media to communicate with your friends, family and work colleagues. This will help you to maintain your strong connections and relationships with people and help you to feel more supported, avoiding feelings of loneliness.

4. Plan your time
It can be very easy to lose all the structure from your days which can often leave us feeling unmotivated to do anything. By planning your time, you can recreate a routine into your daily life so that you feel more active and your body can release those positive hormones. Doing activities in the home can give you a sense of fulfillment and allow you to do things that you previously did not have the time to do. If you have children, planning a routine or schedule can also be helpful for them adjusting to being at home instead of school.

5. Use your support network
In stressful times, it can be easy to shy away from reaching out to people. But it is crucial that you do so. If there is something that you need and are unable to get for yourself, such as groceries, contact family or friends to ask if they can get these for you. They can leave them on your doorstep for you to collect so that you can maintain the government isolation rules.

6. Focus on the facts
There are so many articles about Coronavirus online, as well as ongoing news updates on TV; it can be a bit overwhelming at times. Within all this information is a lot of speculation; especially on social media. Try to stick to the respected health advice websites when looking for updates, such as the NHS, Public Health England, and Gov.uk. If you do start to feel overwhelmed, try to limit your news intake to just once a day.

7. Don’t ignore how you’re feeling
Don’t be hard on yourself if you feel stressed or worried. It is normal for those feelings to come and go at times. One way to manage your feelings is to write things down in a diary as a way of acknowledging how you feel. Reach out to someone to talk about how you feel, or to take your mind off it completely. You can also use activities that you enjoy in the house so that you feel in control and enjoy your time.

What Is The NHS Volunteering Scheme And How Can I Help?

The Coronavirus pandemic has touched all of us in one way or another, and as well as the well-publicised scenes of panic buying and empty shelves there have also been huge acts of kindness and altruism. The NHS volunteering scheme is a great example of the manner in which people have pulled together during a truly unprecedented time.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock is looking for 250,000 volunteers in order to help the most vulnerable who are shielding themselves from the virus by self-isolating, totaling around 1.5 million individuals.

After a single day of online registration being available, Hancock’s target had been met – with a quarter of a million volunteers in under 24 hours which shows how keen the country is to band together and help one another.

Volunteers will be key in order to keep the NHS from becoming overcrowded and overworked, as they enable the most vulnerable to stay out of harm’s way.

Example volunteer tasks will include tasks such as;
Delivering medicines from pharmacies
Driving patients to appointments
Taking them home from hospital
Making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home

If you would like to sign up to be an NHS volunteer, you can do so by visiting https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS