Statistics from Nationwide have shown annual house price growth has risen by 11.2%, taking the average value of a property in the UK to £255,556 after the sixth consecutive month of monthly increases. 

December 2021 to January 2022 saw an increase of 0.8% increase month on month, further demonstrating the continual price growth. 

The stamp duty holiday scheme was a major driving force behind the statistics we are currently seeing, with property demand and high mortgage approval rates also playing their part. 

With stock levels in the property market down after the rush of making the stamp duty deadline last September, this has led to buyers sparking a bidding war for properties, driving property prices in the process. 

Not only are property prices increasing, but property transactions throughout 2021 also reached the highest since 2007. 

With the current market conditions suiting those wanting to sell, and Spring often being seen as the best time to sell a property, now is the time to act. 

Value your property this February, contact us for a consultation.

Discover the latest property news for February:

• How to purchase a buy-to-let property in 2022
• This year's renovation ideas for increasing the value of your property
• Spring Preparation Checklist for Your Home

If you're thinking about becoming a landlord, there’s a lot of things to think about and understand before you buy a property. 

The process of purchasing a buy-to-let home differs from purchasing a residential property for yourself, so it's important to know what to expect. 

Because our staff specialise in buy-to-let guidance, we've created a simple guide to buying a buy-to-let property. 

What is a buy-to-let? 

First and foremost, the fundamentals: A buy-to-let property is one that has been purchased with the idea of renting it out. 

A buy-to-let mortgage is different from a residential mortgage, and you'll need to apply for one if you can't afford to buy the house outright. 

When applying for a regular mortgage, your income is considered, however when applying for a buy-to-let loan, the lender considers the anticipated rental income as your major source of income, while your personal income is considered secondary. 

What type of property should you buy? 

The location of the property in relation to facilities and transportation, as well as the neighbourhood and demand in the area, are all key considerations. 

Just like you would when looking for a home, you should conduct thorough research into the area where you want your buy-to-let property to be placed. 

Consider the type of tenant you want to attract and include that into your research. 

Finding a property in the suburbs near decent schools is your best choice if you're wanting to rent to families. 

A home near a university, as well as good yet inexpensive restaurants and nightlife, is essential if you want to rent to students. 

Is it necessary to use a letting agent? 

This answer is contingent on your financial situation and the level of engagement you want in your buy-to-let property. 

You may not want to go via a letting agent or agency if you want to be a very hands-on landlord, but if you want to be more hands-off, it is a good idea to seek the services of a professional, experienced lettings firm. 

Credit checks on possible tenants, drafting a lease contract, chasing late rental payments for you, assisting with any on-site maintenance, and assisting with obligatory gas and energy safety and efficiency assessments are all services provided by letting agents like us. 

In general, if you're a budding landlord, using our lettings services will relieve you of a significant amount of stress! 

Contact our team of experts for specialist guidance on buying a buy-to-let property. 

Discover the latest property news for February:

• Property market sees strongest January for 17 years
• This year's renovation ideas for increasing the value of your property
• Spring Preparation Checklist for Your Home

Renovations and improvements to your house might increase its worth even if it's already on the rise due to the local economy. 

Even though the area's housing values are naturally rising, repairing and enhancing your home will increase its value. 

Our top five ideas can help you improve your home's looks and financial value when you sell it. 

1. Ensure that your home is in good working order. 

Deep cleaning your home on a regular basis is important, as is keeping an eye out for mould and dampness and addressing problems as they occur. 

Doing this means your home will be well-maintained and the cost of maintenance will be spread out over time. 

Once the time comes to put your property on the market, you won't have to worry about negotiating a price that's too low or risking it being unsellable because of a minor fault. 

2. Create and maintain front and back gardens 

Nearly one-fifth of homebuyers desire front and rear gardens as part of their purchase criteria. 

Bonus: You'll get to work out in nature and build a gorgeous home! You'll also get to kick back and enjoy the scenery! 

Tip: Nowadays, many individuals are looking for ways to live more sustainably. 

A fantastic place to start is with lush gardens, which provide a welcome respite from the stifling heat of the city. 

You may even think about setting up a kitchen garden, with a wall of herbs as an example, this can really assist with the marketing of your property because it's so easy to keep up. 

3. Enhance your property's personality 

Consider bringing back some of your character's best traits! 

Replace the flooring with hardwood, add mouldings and beams, or perhaps a fireplace or log burner if you prefer something a little more unique. 

These unique characteristics enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property and may even serve as a selling point in the future. 

For at least the sake of attracting buyers, these amenities will help your house stand out from the competition and help you sell it quickly. 

4. Increase the energy efficiency of your house. 

Improving your home's energy efficiency is essential if you want to increase the sale price and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. 

Insulating your home and altering the main doors so that they are properly sealed is part of this process. If your windows are not double glazed, or if they are very old, as double glazing loses its efficiency with time, you will need to replace them. 

It's also possible that a new heating system is in order. 

The use of central heating is a common choice, but there are numerous more efficient ways to heat your home. 

You can save money on your utility bills and increase the value of your property if you make these renovations as soon as possible. 

5. A bedroom can be added at this point. 

There is no doubt that adding a bedroom to your home will raise its value. 

Because a two-bedroom home will never be as valuable as a three-bedroom home, it's a good idea to convert your loft if you have one that's large enough to do so. Add an ensuite for even greater effects! 

Add a home office or a playroom instead of a new bedroom, and you'll save a lot of money in the long run. 

To make the most of the extra space in your home, consider building a back extension. Both of these choices will appeal to working professionals and parents as remote working becomes more commonplace. 

Contact our experts for experienced guidance on enhancing your home's worth. 

Discover the latest property news for February:

• Property market sees strongest January for 17 years
• How to purchase a buy-to-let property in 2022
• Spring Preparation Checklist for Your Home

As spring approaches, you may be ready for a deep clean. So, how can you prepare your home for the longer days and milder nights?  

Here’s a simple checklist to get you started. 

Extract your vases 

Fresh flowers are such a treat, and now is an excellent time to bring them back into your house.  

Give your vases a thorough clean and replace any that seem worn. 

Store away your winter footwear 

Clean your winter shoes, then pack the toes gently with newspaper to keep them in shape.  

Don't discard shoe boxes after purchase; they make wonderful storage containers.  

Stack your winter shoes and boots in the back or top of your closet and bring your summer shoes and boots forward. 

Clean doors and windows 

You will want to make the most of the spring light, so be sure to clean your windows to create an airier feel in your home. 

Cleaning your door frames is also a simple way to brighten up your home’s interior.  

Get your garden ready 

As we head further into spring, it might be time to bring out the garden furniture.  

Tidy away any plants which have caught the winter frost.  

Clear any remaining winter debris – including build-up in the gutters – and tackle any essential repairs before you get distracted by weeding and mowing the lawn.  

Keeping your home in tip-top condition is also a good idea if you intend to sell soon.  

Not only will it be ready for a professional photoshoot, but you’ll also make a great first impression on your viewers too.  

Are you ready for a fresh start? Just give us a call on 01522 568 822 today for expert advice about prepping your home for its market debut.  

Discover the latest property news for February:

• Property market sees strongest January for 17 years
• How to purchase a buy-to-let property in 2022
• This year's renovation ideas for increasing the value of your property