The Latest from Burnett's

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.

Apps To Help You With Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety is something that we can all experience at times, however in the midst of the coronavirus there will likely be more of us than ever who are suffering with anxiety. There are plenty of techniques to help you manage levels of anxiety, with one of the key innovations being the development of apps, we have found some of the best apps to help you cope with the current situation and beyond.

1) Stress & Anxiety Companion
Recommended by the NHS, this application helps you to handle stress and anxiety on the go through the use of breathing exercises, relaxing music and games designed to calm the mind.

2) Calmer You
Calmer You is a new app developed by Headspace’s former head of Research. The app brings together a range of tools from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy through to workouts, all with the aim to find a personalised approach that helps soothe your anxiety.

3) ReachOut Breathe
Focusing specifically on breathing techniques, this app guides you through your breathing telling you when to inhale and exhale in order to counter some of the effects of anxiety. You can customise the techniques which work best for you and the user interface can also measure your heart rate.

4) Self-Help For Anxiety Management (SAM)
This is an anxiety-soothing app with a difference; it encourages users to think about situations which cause them anxiety and how they react. Through identifying different types of anxiety and triggers, a toolkit is developed to help you cope better – one of the key features of this application is the multi-faceted approach which it takes in dealing with your symptoms.

5) Mindshift
Perfect for the current situation as this application can focus on general worry, social anxiety, perfectionism, panic, phobia or another kind of anxiety. For each specific concern, the application can create tailored coping plans which should aid you in finding an equilibrium.

6) MoodMission
If you are looking for a more light-hearted manner in which to find your perfect coping method, then sample MoodMission. This application uses games and app rewards designed to motivate you to improve your mental fortitude.

7) Sanvello
During the Coronavirus this usually paid-for app has been made free of charge due to the demand on downloads; tracking your exercise, meals, family time and other habits it can pinpoint your bouts of anxiety.

Chilled in a Field

Grown from the '90's London party scene we're a small, independent Sussex festival for grown up party people and their kids.

Click here to read Chilled in a Field .

Mind, Body & Spirit Fair

Come along and enjoy some de-stressing and holistic treatments and alternative therapies.

Click here to read Mind, Body & Spirit Fair.

Ridgefest 2020

Live music, delicious street food and of course, your favourite English Sparkling Wine! Come down.

Click here to read Ridgefest 2020.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

The Three Inch Fools - fresh out of lockdown - take to the road with only three actors, far too many musical instruments, one almighty play!

Click here to read A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Free networking event in Matlock

Anyone who likes what they do. Instead of getting the Monday morning blues you get the Monday morning highs.

Click here to read Free networking event in Matlock.

Going Barefoot with your horse

This half day workshop looks at how to transition your horse from shod to barefoot as well as ways to support the barefoot horse.

Click here to read Going Barefoot with your horse.

New year, new buyers

While Christmas is the time for overindulging, spending time with family and watching all the classics, it's also a really reflective season.

After the festivities have wound down, we've always found a renewed interest from homeowners and tenants in the days following New Year's Eve, with enquiries and property searches at an all-time high.

We've all spent more time than ever at home this year, so when everyone's gathered around the Christmas tree, you might find yourself planning what your next Christmas could look like and whether you'd choose to spend it living elsewhere.

Whilst it's commonly believed that spring and summer see the strongest market activity, year-after-year January has stood out as a time when online searches peak and more people are ready to make and accept offers in a fast timeframe.

Who chooses to move at this time of the year?

The new year property market usually consists of two types of people: first-time buyers and those re-entering the market after trying in the previous year.

In the spring and summer, the market typically becomes much more competitive, with higher supply levels.

If you want to consider a fresh start in 2021 with a new place to call home, it's actually a really good idea to start the process now so you can instruct your agent, plan your property marketing strategy and be ready for the expected surge in buyer interest.

Whilst we all hoped the pandemic would be contained within 2020, it's now a confirmed reality that nothing will change when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve.

For that reason, we're committed to continuing all of the safe measures and social distancing practices we've implemented this year.

To beat the crowd and make your home extremely visible on the property market over the peak holiday period, contact our agency today – visit our website for more information.

Your stamp duty and mortgage holiday questions answered

As we emerge from the country's second lockdown and pick back up with the tier restrictions, we're seeing yet more reports of possible job cuts and unemployment concerns up and down the country.

If you have questions about your mortgage, we'd like to help guide you.

Earlier this year, the introduction of the government's three-month mortgage scheme saw a huge uptake, with lenders granting as many as 2.5 million payment holidays.*

Now that they've extended it, with a deadline for deferral applications at the end of January 2021, it's possible once again for homeowners and landlords to obtain financial support.

If I apply for a mortgage holiday, will it impact my credit?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have publicly confirmed that requesting a six-month mortgage holiday or extension will not negatively impact your credit.

If, however, it comes to the end of the six months and a customer is still in an unstable financial situation, they are advised by the FCA to seek support from their lender.

At this point, a tailored support plan will need to be arranged, which could show up on your credit file.

Although this is a viable lifeline, it is in the borrower's best interests to only use this scheme if absolutely necessary, as you will accrue interest without making any payments for the duration of the mortgage holiday.

What's next for the property market?

With the stamp duty deadline looming, there has been a crying demand for the government to commit to an extension beyond March 31st 2021.

Thousands of property sales are currently moving through the various homebuying stages, with sellers, buyers and property investors keen to make the cut.

As we're seeing such high demand, there have been inevitable delays from conveyancers, lenders and other industry professionals depended on to reach completion.

It's imperative at this time to remain level-headed, to prepare any necessary paperwork to expediate the process, and to keep in regular contact with your agent.

If in doubt about your mortgage options, you should consult your lender directly, as they will provide further clarification on what is right for your personal situation.

To speak with our agents, contact us from our website this December.

*Source: Homes & Property

Ten tips to saving money when moving home

Whilst we're all aware of the costs associated with moving, not all of us will know the money-saving solutions used by savvy sellers.

These top tips will ease the stress of moving on yourself and your wallet, leaving you with more funds for decorating your new place.

Pack smart

Keeping your possessions safe when moving is a priority for us all, but it doesn’t have to be costly.

Boxes aren’t the only option; washing baskets, bins and suitcases are all environmentally-friendly alternatives that you probably have lying around your home.

Refrain from splashing out on bubble wrap and instead save up newspaper to protect those breakable valuables.

Recruit the troops

Hiring removal experts is the most sensible idea when moving, however, it isn’t always the cheapest option.

With social distancing restrictions in place, it's also more difficult to bring in additional outside help from friends and family members.

Where possible, rely on people within your household and support bubble, with recommendations or online referrals to find the removal firm that's right for your needs and budget.

Pick your days wisely

Don’t get caught out by extortionate peak pricing for removal firm bookings.

Some companies may hike up their prices on weekends and bank holidays, so opting for a mid-week move can lower the costs significantly.

Prepare early

On your moving day, you'll already have enough stress to deal with overseeing the packing and unpacking of your property's contents, so you won't want to deal with any hidden costs that could have been avoided.

Before setting off for your new home, it's worth thinking about where you'll park when you get there, and if you'll need any permits to park all day fine-free.

Conquer the DIY fear

Whilst lockdown has encouraged many of us to dabble in DIY, it's not for everyone, which could mean DIY-shy movers end up paying premium prices for professional help that could have been accomplished with a quick YouTube tutorial.

From building flatpack furniture to fixing kitchen sinks, you'll be surprised at what you can do yourself, and how much that could save you.

Declutter as you go

Getting rid of items you no longer want or need could impact your quoted removals firm service, so bear that in mind before committing to a price, as some companies will price based on content quantity over time taken.

Refrain from a moving day takeaway

Takeaways are tempting at the best of times, so when you're unable to find your cutlery or utensils, you might find yourself reaching for the phone.

If you're on a budget and want to stick to it, plan ahead and prepare meals that can be eaten at the end of a long day.

Or if your temptations do give way, make sure you research local delivery options to avoid paying more than you anticipated.

Redirect your mail

Not changing your mailing address can become an expensive pain going back and forth fetching letters addressed to your old house.

For a small fee, you can get this changed for you.

However, if you want to save the most money, you can do this manually by contacting the companies you know send you mail regularly, for example bills and pay slips as well as any online retail shops you frequently order from.

Swap to the cheapest utility providers

Although it's advisable to search around for the best providers all-year round, it's even more important following a move.

You might find that your new area gives you access to better deals and rates, or that certain broadband providers perform slower / faster compared to your previous location.

It will also save you the hassle of setting everything up only to decide to switch after a few weeks or months.

Frugal furnishings

The goal to a successful move is to create liveable areas in your home until you've finished making it your own with home improvements and renovations.

Don’t break the bank by rushing to purchase those finishing touches, as you'll find that adding to each room over time ensures each section of the house has purpose and character.

For a second-hand find, try websites such as Freecycle or Gumtree – just make sure you're confident in what the sellers are offering before you pay them.

Contact our expert agents to find out more about a seamless moving experience, visit our website.

Keeping your home safe and well ventilated during winter

Considering that winter is the 'spike' season for insurance claims – as it's where the majority of problems occur regarding home maintenance – there's never been a better time to implement safety precautions in and around your home.

The stress and emotional ordeal caused by the aftermath of a home burglary can be really traumatic.

That is why we have strung together three measures that insurance companies recommend homeowners undertake to reduce the chances of a break-in:

Refrain from hiding keys. The best way to go through your daily life is to always assume opportunistic burglars are watching your house, waiting for a window of opportunity.

There will naturally be situations out of your control, such as where you or another household member may forget your key when leaving in a rush, so it's worth leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbour rather than in a hidden spot outside of your property. 

Implement a reliable security alarm system. Motion-activated floodlights and cameras are effective tools to deter home invasions, and they can prove useful when reporting any attempts by intruders.

Light, noise and video devices will immediately make your home less of a target, as they add layers of complexity to what could otherwise be a simple in-and-out home break-in.

As an added bonus, insurance companies tend to make greater allowances for homes with modern security systems, so investing in these measures could mean you get a better deal on your cover. 

Lock doors and windows. Whilst it's common sense to lock all entry points to your property, it's the one that's most often overlooked – especially with ground-floor windows.

Unlocked doors and windows can void any policy protection in place, so it's crucial you remember to keep your home under lock and key.

This applies when you leave the property and also at night, as 64% of burglaries occur while residents are at home.*

During winter, it's our natural response to close the windows and blast the central heating on to keep our home warm and toasty.

The underlying issue of this is that it stops the air circulating, and – over time – this can cause damp and mould to form.

An easy solution is to open windows for periods of time like when someone's cooking or having a shower / bath. Or alternatively, to implement and use extractor fans or dehumidifiers, as these will reduce the chances of forgetting about an opening to your house.

For our help as property professionals this winter, contact us today.

*Office for National Statistics

Winter maintenance suggestions to safeguard your property

As we're in the midst of winter, and the cold weather is now in full force, you need to be informed on how to protect your home against any potential seasonal damage, as well as reduce unnecessary spending.

Back in 2018, there were a record number of burst pipers in the UK, resulting in over £194 million worth of insurance pay outs.*

Whilst these can be problematic for homeowners and landlords, there are a whole range of contributing factors that could lead to expensive repair bills at this time of the year.

To help you cut these costs, we've collated advice every property owner should be aware of.

1) Protect your pipes

A burst pipe can cause up to £4,000 in damages – rising beyond this amount in the most severe cases.

Pipe insulation, which can be installed yourself, costs next to nothing. It can be used under sinks, on any pipes running along exterior walls and in attics.

Basements are also important to pay close attention to, where 37% of all burst pipes happen. Insulating your water pipes will prevent pipes from freezing or bursting, which can be a huge inconvenience for households over the holidays.

2) Insulate your loft space

Investing money into insulating your loft will save you a small fortune in the long run, with average annual savings as follows:**

– £225 on your energy bill per year for a detached house
– £135 on your energy bill per year for a semi-detached house
– £120 on your energy bill per year for a mid-terrace house

Alongside this financial incentive, insulating your attic will mean you're directing heat within your property to the living areas, where it needs to be.

By keeping your attic cooler, it may also prevent ice dams from forming on your roof.

3) Clean out and inspect your gutters

Your property's gutters are there to get rid of rainwater that collects on the roof.

Regular maintenance and checks will prevent blockages from forming. If a problem forms, you'll start to notice rainwater running down the side of your house and may even spot discoloured walls inside.

Gutters can become clogged with leaves, moss, twigs or even bird nests.

It is very important that the water can be drained, otherwise damp and mould can form, leading to a much more serious issue for you to tackle!

4) Wrap up your hot water tanks

Perhaps an unusual one, but getting your hands on a British Standard Jacket for your hot water cylinder can protect your home and save money too.

The Energy Saving Trust recommends insulation to be 25mm to 80mm thick.

With yearly savings of up to £150, it's estimated that payback on one of these insulation jackets would take just two months.

Bleed your radiators

Rather than do this once a year, homeowners and landlords should routinely check their radiators to release trapped air, as this will ensure they're working at maximum capacity whenever you decide to turn the heating on.

Close off your chimney

A huge loss of heat can arise from unused fireplaces.

If you have a chimney that you do not use, and you would like to board it up, try a chimney balloon.

They can cost as little as £30 and they are incredibly easy to install, with the balloons keeping the cold air out by blocking any drafts.

The cleaning essentials that you need to know about for your festive preparations:

– A rubber broom: if you opt for a real Christmas tree this year and don't want to battle pine needles on your floor, then you need one of these. As an added bonus, they're also effective at collecting pet hair too.

– Nylon pan scrapers: over Christmas you are bound to have some stubborn pans that even elbow grease cannot save. Invest in a pan scraper to make the clean-up that much easier.

– Red wine stain remover: There will be wine flowing during the festivities, so make sure you have something at hand to fight resilient stains.

– Mould cleaner: As December is typically wet and cold, it is prime time for mould to form. To get ahead of the problem, consider stocking up on mould cleaner to combat areas as soon as they appear!

For more tips on protecting your home this season, talk to our property professionals.

*Association of British Insurers (ABI)
**Energy Saving Trust

The EPC rules and what they mean for tenants and landlords

Introduced earlier this year, revisions to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) on rental properties have meant that landlords are unable to let a flat or house with an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating below an E.

In the years to come, we may even see further changes to this requirement, with plans to raise the bar to band C by 2025.

The aim behind this EPC regulation is to reduce bills for lower income households, provide more environmentally-friendly homes for tenants, and improve the quality of landlords' investments.

What does this mean for tenants?

Energy-efficient homes can be a lot more appealing to tenants, as they come hand-in-hand with the promise of lower energy bills and better insulation.

These properties are likely to boast a range of energy-efficient features, including: LED lightbulbs, heating controls, energy-saving appliances, high-performance windows and insulation.

As a landlord, how can I pay for energy efficiency improvements?

Whilst the financial cost of these improvements would normally be the landlord's responsibility, certain grants can provide additional funds and support.

The extension of the Green Homes Grant for another year – for example – offers a really brilliant opportunity for you to make drastic changes to your properties.

Learn more at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/green-homes-grant-extended-for-

extra-year

What happens if landlords break the rules?

Failure to abide by the regulations could see fines of up to £5,000 for landlords.

With the government's long-term proposal for band C ratings outlining a potential fine of £30,000 in the near future.

Can tenants request energy efficiency improvements?

Yes, tenants have the right to request consent from their landlords to carry out energy efficiency improvements to privately rented properties.

Landlords can only refuse consent if there are compelling reasons to do so, and they should be willing to contribute to bringing their homes up to scratch or improve their ratings on the EPC scale.

How long does an EPC last for rental properties?

EPCs on properties are valid for ten years.

If you are not sure as a landlord when your EPC needs to be renewed, then you can check on the EPC register provided by the government.

The EPC register can also be a good way for tenants to check how energy efficient a property is before thinking about renting it.

If you are a tenant or landlord and want any further information surrounding EPC rules and regulations, please get in contact with us as we will be happy to help.

Ways to cut the cost of home insurance

Home insurance can be tricky to navigate, as there are lots of elements to understand when it comes to finding the right policy and making a claim.

Whilst we're all feeling festive this month, it’s even harder when it comes to protecting your valuables and property over Christmas, given that break-ins and claims skyrocket over the winter period.

Here's what you need to know prior to purchasing home insurance.

Types of cover. To put it simply, contents insurance covers your belongings within the house – such as your sofa, electronic devices and possessions – whereas buildings insurance covers anything stable within the home, like built-in appliances.

It’s crucial to note that if you live in rented accommodation, you shouldn’t need to worry about buildings insurance, as this should be covered by your landlord.

What contents insurance covers. Contents insurance covers your personal belongings against flood, fire damage and theft.

During the merry season, it’s natural to start piling presents under the Christmas tree – even fake ones for decoration! – but even that can showcase the potential valuables in your home to opportunistic burglars.

Where possible, draw your curtains or position your tree and decorations away from doors and windows.

It might seem like you're being over-cautious, but two-thirds of break-ins happen when we're at home, and your Christmas dressings will act as a shop window for the rest of your home.

New for old. As it's the season of giving, you might want to consider which items under the tree will need specialist cover, such as expensive jewellery or equipment and electronics.

When you get contents insurance, it’s beneficial to get ‘new for old’ cover, which simply means if you claim for a three-year old laptop, you’d get a brand new laptop as opposed to the amount it is now worth.

To give yourself peace of mind this Christmas, we'd recommend speaking with an insurance specialist.

If you need further support as a homeowner, landlord or tenant, contact our team today.