Blog

With autumn now behind us and summer a rapidly fading memory the lack of colour that winter brings can make us all feel a little bit bleurgh. But if you are trying to sell your property there’s a valuable opportunity to warm up your house sale by tapping into the rich colours of Christmas, using hot shades that draw potential buyers in by creating a warm oasis that makes them feel truly at home. The role of colour The role of colour shouldn’t be underestimated whatever the time of year. Feature walls and blocks of colour may not be to everyone’s taste, but they make a property stand out by creating points of interest that potential buyers will remember. By drawing on the opulence of Christmas colours you can captivate potential buyers and elevate the allure of your home for a successful sale during the festive period. Such colours work particularly well in winter because we want to feel warm and cosy, so bringing this richness into homes can turn up the temperature even when the thermostat is stuck on cool. How to add colour You can choose to use such colour accents or as more permanent, bolder features. So you may paint a vibrant feature wall, or you may simply incorporate the colours into your accessories – such as rich velvet throws or luxurious shades. Or it may be that the opulence of the season is instead focused on the Christmas decorations that you have on show over the next few weeks. The latest colour trends According to Country Living, search data analysis shows that homeowners are making braver choices in terms of colour, embracing bright and rich shades. It predicts that green will be the most popular living room colour for 2024 and points out that deep greens are a perfect accent for neutral rooms. Deep blues, particularly teal, is another popular colour choice and can be paired with rust reds and warm mustards to create an even cosier environment for would-be buyers. Homes & Gardens calls teal a welcome choice for winter and says that the colour is rightly enjoying its moment in the spotlight. Both greens and blues have a strong biophilic nature, reminding us of the outside world – even when it may not be at its best. Elegant golds, or ochre, are another top colour choice in winter, perhaps once again reminding us of autumn leaves long after they’ve fallen. Homes & Gardens says golden ochre is “like a warm embrace in winter”. It’s easy to see why given the warmth and richness it creates. Richer golds, meanwhile, help to exude an even greater sense of luxury in the home. Of course, if there’s one colour that symbolises Christmas more than any other it has to be red. Incorporating rich, ruby reds and burgundies into your colour scheme can bring additional warmth that will remind your potential buyers exactly what Christmas is all about. At Chimneypots we have years of experience in helping to stage and manage viewings and can help to make your home pop with colour this Christmas. We can help schedule and manage viewings that will maximise your sales potential and capture buyers. Do get in touch to find out more.

Anyone with an interest in the property market was listening intently to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement on November 22. The market has witnessed rising rents and mortgage rates, high interest rates and a lack of supply that has impacted buying, selling and renting trends. So what announcements were there that will help buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants? The 2% cut in employee NI rate put a little more money in people’s pockets, as did the NI adjustments for the self-employed. This might provide a little help for those trying to meet the stricter affordability criteria imposed by mortgage lenders and tenants struggling with increased rents but there were other, more targeted measures, too.   More support for those struggling to pay rents One of the most significant announcements for many was the unfreezing of the Local Housing Allowance. The National Housing Federation, for example, welcomed the move which will raise the LHA to the 30th centile of local market rents. Alongside changes in benefits payments, as well as the National Insurance cuts, NHF said it would give much-needed relief to those struggling with living costs. Hunt said the LHA increase would deliver an additional £800 for support for 1.6 million households when it’s introduced next April. More time for would-be buyers with low deposits In December 2022, the Government announced a 12-month extension to the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme which was first launched in April 2021, and which protects lenders against losses when they are lending to first-time and other buyers with low deposits of 5%. At that point, it had already helped more than 24,000 households to buy, 85% of whom were first-time buyers. In the Autumn Statement Hunt added a further 18-month extension to the scheme until June 2025, giving much needed extra time for those wanting to get on the property ladder but needing the additional support it gives.   Improving the buying and selling process Digitisation of the buying and selling process has long been an aim of the industry, since it helps to speed up transaction times, provides more reliable data and can reduce the likelihood of deals falling through. The Autumn Statement included a £3 million pledge to continue development in this area, including pilots to develop property tech products and to digitise local council property data. Unlocking building barriers to increase housing stock While the Government has already announced housebuilding projects, the Autumn Statement revealed support to get those developments hindered by regulatory challenges moving more quickly, which in the long term will release more housing stock to the market and reduce the supply constraints. These included investment into a fund that helps to offset nutrient pollution on protected land which aims to help unlock stalled planning permissions. £5 million of additional funding has also been pledged for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Planning Skills Delivery Fund for Local Planning Authorities which aims to target planning application backlogs. A doubling of the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme The Government also outlined the expansion of the existing £3 billion Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme with a further £3 billion which will be used to support housing associations and allow them to access cheaper loans for quality and energy efficiency works, as well as new homes. The ability to subdivide houses more easily Also announced was a planned consultation early in the New Year for a new Permitted Development Right which will allow houses to be subdivided into two flats without changing the façade. This will be implemented in 2024 following the consultation.

There are many ways to tempt a potential buyer with your property, ranging from captivating copy to perfect pictures. Even virtual reality can play a part. But, although these are great at enticing a potential buyer, it’s with an in-person viewing that the true magic happens. Viewings play a crucial role in boosting sales potential by providing a firsthand experience of the property’s features and the chance for an emotional connection to be made. It is where potential buyers fall in love. And, when that happens, they make you an offer. So how can you use the power of viewings to enhance your chance of a successful sale and drive greater interest from motivated buyers? Read on to discover some of the things you can do to help your agent help you to make a quick sale to the right buyer, as well as useful advice in case you’re handling your own viewings. Prepare your house for a viewing (each time!) The fall-in-love moment can be a split-second event. If you’ve neglected those all-important first-impression must-haves, you might turn potential buyers off as easily as you could have turned them on. A tidy-up of the front improves kerb appeal and ensures viewers will commit to viewing inside. Welcoming them with a space that is clearly defined, well presented and clean and tidy will allow them to relax and enjoy the viewing, as well as being able to visualise themselves and their belongings in your property. Showcase the unique qualities of your property Viewings allow you to showcase the unique qualities of your property, so make sure you are showing them off to their best advantage at each visit. It could be a period fireplace or a sun-soaked conservatory, or perhaps you have a particularly inviting snug room that your friends always comment on and which a potential buyer might adore too. Highlighting unique or unusual features not only helps to draw attention to your property but will ensure it stands out and is remembered – even if the prospective buyer can’t wait to rip out the period fireplace and install a log burner. Think about the subtle touches that can enhance a viewing As well as offering you a chance to delight visually, plan an assault on the other senses too. Sumptuous throws that invite stroking will initiate a physical connection with your property. Opening windows and doors (so long as it’s warm enough!) not only brings in the fresh air but also the sounds of outside, such as birds in the garden or water if you are by the coast. Engage through the sense of smell too – rather than an overpowering air freshener, try a subtle scented candle, freshly brewed coffee, or better still fresh, fragrant flowers that please both eyes and nose. Similarly, consider what a prospective buyer might see, hear or smell that could put them off and fix it – a blocked and smelly drain, for example, or an overflowing bin. Make it easy for viewers Potential viewers are going to be stressed but will also be excited. To ensure the latter is their overriding emotion, do what you can to ensure the easiest viewing experience for them. If you can, make space outside, or very close by, for them to park. If you have pets, ensure you’ve vacuumed thoroughly to reduce the risk of allergies, as well as perhaps asking a neighbour or friend to look after more boisterous animals – such as a lively dog – that could distract or scare some viewers. Plan your viewing During viewings, stick to the adage of saving the best for first and last. This should stand you in good stead when you are handling viewings yourself. It allows you to start and end on a high and to sandwich some of the less desirable elements somewhere in the middle. Remember, an experienced agent will have the knowhow to best plan viewings, as well as having the expertise to know what to highlight and what to downplay – so make best use of them. At Chimneypots, we have years of experience in managing viewings. Not only do we know how important they are in winning the sale, we can also ensure you get the most from them. We can help schedule viewings that will maximise your sales potential and capture buyers with the unique qualities of your property. Do get in touch to find out more.

As a landlord, ensuring you stay on top of the maintenance and repairs of your individual properties is essential to help minimise the impact on your wallet, keep existing tenants happy and attract new ones when required. Understanding what you are responsible for, as well as best practices on how to manage this most effectively will not only ease the burden but also ensure you have a reputation as a responsible, helpful landlord who deals with problems quickly. Your legal responsibilities as a landlord You have a legal obligation to ensure your property is maintained to a particular standard and are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of everything from the structure and exterior of the property, through to drains, gutters and external pipes. Inside the property, your repair responsibilities include basins, sinks, baths and toilets, heating and hot water, gas appliances and electrical wiring. You are also likely to be responsible for fixing mould or damp issues, though this can be dependent on what caused such problems in the first place. Your tenant’s responsibilities Your tenants, meanwhile, have a lesser obligation that extends to general maintenance of the property such as cleaning and basic maintenance such as changing lightbulbs or batteries on smoke alarms. They are also responsible for fixing any damage caused by visitors and for items they have brought into the property. Differing rules Other responsibilities, including who is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of furniture, gardening and internal decoration can be specified in your individual tenancy agreements depending on whether you want to take responsibility or expect your tenants to. Allowing your tenants to decorate, for example, can help reduce your maintenance obligations and keep your property looking fresh. However, stipulating they are responsible for painting back to a neutral colour at the end of the tenancy will ensure you aren’t left with bright orange walls to tone down. Ensure your tenants understand these specific responsibilities when they sign with you to avoid disagreements at a later date. Encourage tenants to report issues promptly so that you can respond quickly You can’t fix what you don’t know, so, while it’s down to your tenants to report any issues, fostering a relationship where they know they can do this quickly and easily will help. Encouraging prompt notification means you can solve the problem quicker, minimising the potential for further issues or damage as well as tenant dissatisfaction. Ensure you respond quickly too. Emergency repairs, such as hot heating or water, must be undertaken within 24 hours while more routine repairs should be completed within three to four weeks at the most. Be fair on wear and tear Wear and tear is to be expected after a certain amount of time and should be assessed accordingly. It’s another argument for installing quality, durable fixtures and fittings in the first place that will withstand daily use and reduce the maintenance needed. Ensuring your property is damage-free and not looking worn before a tenancy will also minimise potential arguments over the state of the property at the end of a tenancy. Be clear with a full inventory Ensuring you have a detailed and up-to-date inventory of the state of the property, as well as the items within it, is another tool to avoid disagreements. It also serves as a useful checklist for items that may need replacing imminently or maintenance issues that are better resolved sooner rather than later. Once again, encourage tenants to report any breakages or faults with items on the inventory early, and record the repairs and replacements agreed upon. Schedule regular property inspections Being proactive with regular property inspections, such as every three months for new tenants or six monthly for longer, issue-free tenants, will help you to spot emerging problems. Keep an eye out for issues with damp and mould, leaks or failing fixtures and fittings that may need action. Inspections also allow you to check your tenants are looking after your property. Remember that, by law, you must give at least 24 hours’ written notice and visit at a reasonable time of day. Consider property management services While you can do all the above yourself, maintenance and inspections of your property can also be overseen by the property management arm of your agent – so don’t be afraid to leave it to the experts if you prefer. At Chimneypots, we know how important managing the maintenance and repairs of your rental properties is and can help advise you further on what you need to do. As part of our lettings offer, we can appoint a property manager to help you throughout a tenancy and offer high-quality in-house inventories and inspection reports that ensure both you and your tenants are clear about the condition of your property and what’s inside it. Do get in touch to find out more.

Property viewings can be a time-consuming process for everyone – for the agent, there’s the time spent travelling to and from the property, as well as showing possible buyers around. For the seller or landlord, the challenge of ensuring your property is presentable for every prospective buyer or renter – whenever they want to visit. The time of buyers is also precious. Is it any surprise that virtual tours, which came to prominence during the pandemic, are continuing to grow both in popularity and success? The benefits of a virtual tour The virtual tour helps to eliminate the time spent on viewings, since a prospective buyer or tenant who has already conducted a virtual tour of your property is more likely to be serious about actually buying or renting your property when they come to see it in person. Potential buyers or renters will have already done their homework at their convenience – such as taking a look around your property over a glass of wine after dinner. That means they are more prepared with questions at a physical viewing if they decide to proceed. It can also prove useful for buyers or renters who may have a particular interest in, or special requirements, for more significant rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms as it can give them a more realistic view of such rooms and whether they suit their needs than photos alone. And that cuts out wasted viewings of properties that may not meet their criteria. Boosting sales and rentals Engaging buyers or renters remotely through virtual tours has various cost-saving benefits, but for sellers it can also help to boost the sale price of your property since there will be more serious buyers or renters in the sales funnel as a result. In research conducted in 2021, a guided virtual tour resulted in a 19.4% higher conversion of sales than listings without and a 5.62% increase in the selling price. In the lettings space meanwhile, nearly 70% of lets took place after one guided virtual tour and two-thirds of these were without a follow-up physical viewing, meaning the property was let on the merits of the virtual tour alone. Ensuring quality virtual viewings To ensure success, a virtual tour needs a similar amount of attention to detail that a physical tour will encompass. Virtual tours will bring a property alive and can range in sophistication from a video walkthrough of a property that can be done on a mobile phone with a small amount of editing to more interactive options such as a 360-degree virtual tour which stitches together photos, to 3D virtual tours which can be the ultimate viewing experience. The latter will offer the closest experience to physically visiting the property but can mean increased costs of production so may better suit higher-value properties or those where there may be significant scope for development, perhaps. Future demand The 2021 research was done during the pandemic when physical viewings were tricky. While the market has normalised since then, the increasing sophistication of virtual tours, and the time and cost-saving benefits they can provide for both sellers and landlords and potential buyers and renters mean that virtual tours continue to be popular. Research in 2022 suggested that virtual tours still have a valuable role post-pandemic in converting interest, with 59% of all homes listed on the market with a virtual tour having an offer made on them or having sold subject to contract. At Chimneypots, we know the importance of marketing your property at its best – whether that’s in person or virtually. As the market is currently somewhat less buoyant than it was when the research is done, you need to use all the tools at your disposal to get the right buyer and the best price. Do get in touch to find out more.

Every property has a story to tell and by weaving this storytelling element into our property listings we can boost prospective buyer or renter engagement by capturing their imagination to find out more, as well as creating a more memorable listing that will generate more potential leads. Crafting a compelling narrative is an art that relies on drawing your readers or listeners in. So get comfy and read on to find out more.   Finding the hook and key characters  First, we try to identify the story’s hook – the star character that provides the initial connection with the reader or listener. We look for the most compelling fact we can portray, whether that’s the location, a feature of the property or something related to its history, for example. It’s finding the uniqueness that helps the story come to life, and evokes position moods and emotions in the reader.  Setting the scene  Now comes the scene setting, painting an evocative picture that a prospective buyer can relate to or aspire to. Southampton, for example, is one of the most dynamic cities in the south of England with a vibrant and varied nightlife, while Portsmouth is a popular waterfront destination with a mix of history and heritage. Meanwhile, a location such as Bitterne is close to the countryside and so can provide the escape from city life that many seek. Tapping into the deeper story of these locations allows us to harness the emotions and images they evoke – such as the potential buyer or renter unwinding on a long country walk.  A good plot twist  Any good story is likely to have some sort of challenge the main character has to overcome. The same can be true of your property narrative. To do this, it’s important to think of the challenges the property helps to solve and to explain how it does so. For example, if its countryside location offers the long-sought dream of a quieter pace of life, we can describe the benefits of this in detail. By contrast, a city centre location will have everything on the doorstep, meaning no lengthy commutes to contend with each day.  Sharing the story  Stories are created to be shared and the same is true with the enticing narrative of a property listing. Blogs, videos and social media can all be used in your storytelling to spread the narrative more widely – increasing your property’s reach and the likelihood of a happy ending for your tale.   At Chimneypots we know the importance of first impressions and great marketing and will work hard to find the story behind your property and to tell it in the best way possible. We’ve many a story to share, as well as in-depth knowledge of the Southampton and Portsmouth areas that can be woven in, so do get in touch to find out more.  

Finding the right rental property is essential to maximise your investment as a landlord. You don’t want a property that will sit empty because you’ve chosen badly. Here are five things to look for when buying a rental property. Location Location is vital to making the right decision on a rental property. Choosing an in-demand area will maximise your chances of attracting tenants by making sure your property is suited to their needs. Look closely at the immediate environment. Is it near to schools for families with children, for example? Close to the university for students? What are transport links like for professionals who might be commuting to the office? Is it close to the sea or open green spaces for those who appreciate nature? Does it have easy access to shops, bars and restaurants for tenants who like the city buzz? We know the best rental areas along the south coast, especially in and around Southampton and Portsmouth. Ask us to advise you on the best location to choose. 2. Condition When buying a rental property, you need a clear idea of what the costs might be – both for upfront preparation to ready the property for immediate occupation, as well as longer-term improvements for the future. Does it need adaptation or renovation work done before you can rent it out or is it ready to go? Are there any aspects of the property that might need work further down the line? Making the property look attractive is key to getting the right tenants to apply, quickly. But the amount you spend obviously has to make sense in relation to the return you expect. 3. Demand Southampton and Portsmouth are the two cities with the highest number of student homes per square kilometre in the UK, according to a study by Unihomes. It’s a student hotspot! But rental properties don’t have to target just students. Let’s face it. Who wouldn’t want to live in a lovely area like this! And there are still plenty of people looking. In a 2023 report by finance broker, Finbri, 62.24% of landlords experienced increased demand for their rental properties in the last 12 months. This is likely to be due to the instability of the mortgage market combined with the UK economy putting pressure on household budgets. 4. Type of property Knowing the demand in your chosen area will help refine who you want to let to, and therefore what kind of property you should be searching for. You might be wanting to let to a single person or a family or to sharers through an HMO (house in multiple occupation). Or you might be considering serviced accommodation or a holiday let. Having a clear idea of the tenants you’re after will help narrow your search down to the best type of property for you. 5. Likely yields Once you’ve considered all the above, you stand the greatest chance of maximising this last point – your likely yields. The average rent in Southampton is £877 according to a survey carried out by HMRC’s Valuation Office Agency between September 2021 and September 2022. Rents start at £471 for a single room and rise to £1,494 for a house with four or more bedrooms. Average rents for Portsmouth are a little lower, at £884 – that’s £460 for a single room and £1,589 for a house with four or more bedrooms. Between the years ending September 2021 and September 2022, average rents in Southampton grew by £51 (£39 in Portsmouth) – so buying property to rent along this area of the south coast is still a wise investment. Here at Chimneypots, we know what landlords need to look for when buying a rental property. We can advise what similar properties are renting for and how quickly they are being snapped up so you can understand your likely yields. We can also manage your rental properties for you. Do get in touch to see how we can help.

Sellers, here’s how to tempt buyers and secure a speedy sale In the current property landscape, it’s important for sellers to take positive steps to attract buyers and maximize their selling potential. While it may not be entirely a buyers’ market, it’s evident that the balance has shifted slightly away from sellers. So, how can you ensure that you make the most of the current market conditions? Here are some valuable tips to help you tempt buyers and achieve a quick sale at the best possible price. Make a strong first impression Choosing the right agent and seeking their expert advice is more crucial than ever. Local knowledge plays a paramount role in accurately pricing your property, and an experienced agent will be best equipped to provide you with the most informed guidance. Additionally, opt for an agent who excels in social media marketing – an increasing number of buyers are searching for properties online. A strong social media presence can make all the difference. Remember, first impressions matter, so ensure that your property’s online images are of the highest quality, showcasing your home in the best possible light. Professional photographs taken on bright and clear days will help captivate potential buyers. Prepare your paperwork in advance To avoid delays and potential hurdles, gather all necessary paperwork in advance. Approximately 28% of sales fall through after an offer has been accepted, often due to delays in obtaining essential legal documents such as planning approvals or building consents. If you’re selling a flat, create a comprehensive management pack that includes company accounts, details of any completed works, and building safety certificates. It’s also essential to check your Land Registry entry online to ensure it is up to date and accurate. Address any unresolved boundary disputes or title queries before listing. Completing local authority searches in advance can significantly expedite the sale process, as these searches typically take several weeks to process. Attract the right buyer If possible, aim to attract buyers who are chain-free, have available cash reserves or a substantial deposit, possess a mortgage agreement in principle from a lender, and are employed (rather than self-employed). While it may be challenging to find a buyer who meets all these criteria, even securing one of these qualities can contribute to a smoother transaction. Stay engaged with your solicitor As you progress through the sale process, book a solicitor early on and maintain open lines of communication. Regularly check in with your solicitor to stay informed about the progress and inquire about any actions you can take to facilitate the process. Provide prompt and detailed responses to ensure a streamlined experience. Here at Chimneypots our friendly team has over 100 years’ combined experience with property. Just contact us to discuss all your selling and buying needs.

Could you be getting more money from your property investment? Gone are the days when professional tenants accepted low standards. The best tenants will pay more for an attractive home, so here’s what you can do to tempt them. 1. Kerb appeal It’s important to make your property look good from the outside to make a great first impression on prospective tenants. Whether it’s a house or flat, make sure the door looks clean and fresh – thoroughly clean uPVC doors or repaint wooden ones. Make sure the door furniture – knob, numbers, knocker, letterbox – look shiny and function properly. Ensure the locks are oiled and keys function well – no-one wants a place they have to struggle to get into every night! Adding small shrubs in containers – even artificial ones if they are good quality – gives a welcoming air. If the outside is painted, check it’s not peeling, and get the windows gleaming. 2. Refurbish and redecorate Take a look at your rental as if seeing it for the first time (sometimes taking photos will help, as it may be the first thing tenants see before they decide whether to view). Is anything looking worn but won’t cost much to replace? Could a fresh coat of paint work wonders? Take a look at any interiors magazine and it will tell you the colours that are in fashion at the moment. 3. Consider renting your property furnished This might appeal to young professionals who are unlikely to be lugging around sofas and treasured heirlooms. However, it could be less appealing to a family, as they may well have accrued their own furnishings. So think about the market in your area and the kind of tenant you want to attract. Top-quality furnished rentals don’t have second-hand furniture. And think luxe touches, for instance quilted headboards, modern chandelier light fittings, perhaps a marble-topped circular dining table. Again, take a look at what designers are favouring just now, but nothing too quirky as it will soon be out of fashion! 4. Improve your storage If you have a patio, terrace or garden, a sturdy lockable shed is a good addition. If it has room for tenants to store bikes, all the better. Or you could consider fitting a bike rack in a hallway and spray-paint it to match the walls so it doesn’t look too intrusive. Fitted wardrobes are a great idea – make sure they have a mixture of drawers or shelves, and plenty of hanging space. You can have two levels of rails if the ceiling is high enough. 5. Offer high-spec appliances Integrated washing machines, fridge-freezers and dishwashers give kitchens a streamlined look. Or, if there’s room, you could consider a stainless steel American-style fridge-freezer. Again if there’s room, a separate washer and dryer will be attractive to tenants, or failing that, have a machine which combines washing and drying, as struggling with space to dry laundry is a real bugbear. 6. Smarten up kitchens and bathrooms A quartz worktop always appeals. It’s better than wood which looks attractive but will need revarnishing once a year and may need sanding and re-staining every few years. Marble is a luxury option but if using it, make sure you have several pot stands in the kitchen as it stains easily and doesn’t like heat. Re-grouting tiles in kitchens and bathrooms is an easy task, and so is replacing sealants around the sinks, bath and shower. A glass shower screen is much more attractive than a curtain. And a good-sized, well-lit mirror is a must. Vinyl floorings now come in designer colours and patterns. The top-quality ones are warm and soft underfoot, and easy to keep clean. They look high-end but are inexpensive to buy. 7. Allow pets Landlords can raise their rents by around 10% in return for allowing tenants to have pets. If you do, let your lettings agent know and say so in the advertising. Research by Rightmove shows that there has recently been a 120% jump in the number of tenants looking for pet-friendly properties, and since the Covid lockdowns, animal ownership has surged. Ensure the pets are housetrained and consider wood or laminate flooring as it’s easy to clean. Contact us Use some of these tips and you can charge more for your properties and attract the best kinds of tenants! Here at Chimneypots, we know our rental areas well. Whether you’re buying an investment property from us, or we are managing your rental for you, don’t hesitate to make use of our extensive experience.

Surveys from “Which?” consumer magazine show that 5 out of 6 sellers are happy with their estate agent. But that means almost 17% are dissatisfied. Before you get to the stage of entering into a sales contract, there’s a lot to find out about the company you’ll be entrusting to sell your home and checking if they’re right for you. Use your local knowledge Firstly take a look around your neighbourhood and examine For Sale signs – it gives an idea of the more popular agents and whether they sell properties like yours. Ask around – consult families, friends, and neighbours for their recommendations – and consider knocking on doors of properties with For Sale signs to ask them what they think of the company selling their home. Do your research Check in estate agents’ windows and on their websites. This will tell you a lot of valuable information. Here’s what to look for: Do they cover your area? How many properties for sale are like yours? Are the pictures well taken, and are the descriptions clear and relevant? Are there a lot of homes marked “reduced”, or does it seem like they have got their prices right? How long have they been going and how many years of experience do they have between them? This may be on their website. Ask them round Shortlist two or three agents and ask them to come round to your property. A face-to-face meeting is a good way to find out if you like the person and if they feel trustworthy, as this is what buyers will also be looking for. Do they seem enthusiastic about your home? What do they think your house is worth? If their valuation is over that on similar properties for sale by £5,000 or more, how realistic is that and why have they come to that decision? They should be able to provide evidence of local sold prices. Remember it’s you who makes the final decision on price and according to your circumstances, especially if you need to sell quickly. Find out what their fees are and what percentage of commission will be charged, as this often varies between agents. What will be included for that money, and what costs extra? Marketing There are lots of questions to ask here. What online portals will they use? The main three are Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket  – do they work with them all? Do they have a have a “premium listing” feature on their website, and does it cost extra? As well as pictures, will they provide a floorplan and a video? Will they put advertisements in the local papers featuring your home – and if you’re selling an expensive, upmarket property, might it be featured in national newspapers or magazines? Will your home appear in their branch windows, and for how long? How many relevant buyers do they have on their books, and will they contact them all? And can they conduct viewings in the evening and at weekends if you don’t want to do it yourself? Ask their advice An experienced estate agent who knows the market will be able to advise you how best to present your home and whether there are inexpensive ways to make it stand out. They will also tell you what the best selling points are – and be honest about the worst aspects and suggest how to minimise them. Once viewings start, will they seek feedback from potential buyers and pass it on to you in case there are any changes you can make? Get the best deal for you Once you’re happy that you’ve found the right agent for you, see if you can negotiate on the length of time you will be tied into a contract. Suggest four weeks, which will give you enough time to check that they’re performing as well as you would like. Double check credentials A good estate agent will be a member of these groups: the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), the Property Ombudsman and the Property Redress Scheme. They may also belong to the national Relocation Agent Network (RAN). Here at Chimneypots our friendly team has over 100 years’ combined experience with property. Just contact us to discuss all your selling and buying needs. We are proud to be the only estate agent in the area to belong to RAN.

With the recent economic downturn, the need for affordable housing has sharply increased throughout the country. But demand for such housing significantly exceeds the supply. This blog post will discuss some of the different types of affordable housing available in the UK and explore why it is so important.   Why did the need for affordable housing skyrocket?  The need for affordable housing in the UK has steadily increased over the years due to several factors. The lack of job security, rising costs of living, and higher house prices have made it increasingly difficult for many people to access housing they can actually afford.   Pressure on public services and the rise in homelessness in recent years have further highlighted the importance of providing more accessible and secure housing options for individuals and families.   With demand for affordable housing significantly outpacing its availability, it is an issue that needs to be addressed urgently if communities across the UK are to have reasonable options when it comes to finding a place to call home.  Rent-to-buy schemes   The Rent-to-Buy scheme is one of the most popular forms of affordable housing in the UK. This type of scheme allows people to rent a property for an agreed period before having the option to purchase it at a discounted rate at the end of that period. The time can vary but is typically between three and five years.   This type of scheme is ideal for people who cannot purchase a property outright but are interested in eventually owning one. It also saves them money over time by reducing their monthly rent payments.    Social housing   Social housing is an affordable housing option provided by local councils or non-profit organisations such as housing associations. Social housing is often provided below market rates, making it more accessible to those on lower incomes or with additional support needs or homelessness.   Shared ownership schemes   Shared ownership schemes are another way people can access affordable housing in the UK. These schemes allow individuals or families to buy part of a property while renting out the rest from a local authority or a private landlord. A shared ownership scheme allows you to buy a share of a property, usually between 25% and 75%, and pay rent on the remaining share. You can increase your share over time through a process called “staircasing.”  Shared ownership schemes can be beneficial because they charge lower upfront fees than buying a house outright. They usually have reduced mortgage payments due to shared ownership agreements between buyers and landlords or authorities.    A similar affordable housing option is called discounted sale. Some local authorities and housing associations offer properties for sale at a discount, usually to first-time buyers.  Self-build  Building your own home can be affordable, as you can apply for a self-build mortgage and take advantage of lower building costs. Building your own home can be significantly cheaper than buying an existing property. This is because you can save on estate agent fees, stamp duty, and the cost of renovations or repairs. Self-builders can add value to a property by choosing high-quality materials and finishes.  In addition, self-build homes are often designed with energy efficiency in mind, leading to lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.  Overall, many different kinds of affordable housing options available today can help make owning your own home more achievable for those on lower incomes.    When choosing an affordable housing option, What Is Important?  The best affordable housing option depends on individual circumstances and priorities. Some people may prefer social rented housing or shared ownership, while others may be interested in self-build or rent-to-buy schemes. It’s important to consider your needs, budget, and eligibility for different affordable housing schemes. It’s essential to do your research and consider all the options available before deciding.  Chimneypots is the leading estate agent offering sales and lettings services across Southampton, Fareham and the surrounding areas. A family-run business, Chimneypots blends traditional service standards with modern technology to deliver a high-quality service to anyone looking to achieve the very best price for their property. 

Summer provides a great opportunity for landlords to let their property fast. People can be keen to move quickly, especially those with children who want to get settled before the school term begins. Tenant interest is also typically highest in the spring and summer months, with July to August often having the highest rental demand. With these factors that can make it easier to let out a property, it’s important for landlords to know how they can make their rental property stand out in the summer. Landlords – make the most of the light for you property Light can help to make your rental property stand out and when the British summer is on its best behaviour, your property will likely be blessed with natural light. Light makes rooms feel larger and also more appealing.  A bigger and brighter house can be a more attractive prospect to would-be tenants. So, it’s a bright idea to let natural light into your home and you can do this by making sure your windows are squeaky clean so they allow light to emit into your home. Other ways you can get as much natural light as possible into your property is by using light-friendly flooring such as wooden, ceramic or stone floors which reflect light more than carpets. Another way to let the light in is by having shiny surfaces, as they will reflect light, helping to make your property look more spacious. The benefits of being close to the coast Here at Chimneypots, we are a letting agent which covers areas in Hampshire and Dorset near the coast. In the summer, being close to Britain’s beaches and coastlines can be a huge selling point for interested tenants; maximise this view by making sure your balcony, patio or garden look great. You can do this by tidying up the areas and even remodelling with new furniture to really give these areas an updated look.  Highlighting your garden The summer months present the perfect opportunity to show off your garden and a good garden could sway a prospective tenant’s mind. Whether you want to do up your garden yourself or get a gardener to spruce up your greenery for you, putting some effort into your backyard can prove to be worthwhile as research shows landscaping your garden can add 77% to the value of a property. Showing off your outdoor space If you don’t have a garden, don’t despair, you can also use your property’s outdoor spaces to pique the interest of potential tenants. Outdoor spaces such as terraces and balconies can help your property to stand out, and with the better weather that summer brings, tenants will probably spend a considerable amount of time there. If you want to really make the most of your outdoor spaces, make sure that they are clean and tidy before viewings, as this can help with tenants envisioning how they will enjoy the sunshine in your property. Focus on standout features Summer is barbecue time and if you have a designated barbecue area then make sure it’s well done as it can help attract tenants. If your barbecue area is clean and tidy for viewings, this can help tenants think about how they can use this space for their summer get-togethers. Outdoor pizza ovens are also another way to whet potential tenants’ appetites as making pizzas outside on a hot summer’s day can be a fun (and tasty) activity. Here at Chimneypots estate agents, we are doing all we can to help our clients during these uncertain times. If you require further guidance on letting your home successfully in South Coast locations – such as Southampton and Portsmouth – during the pandemic, please contact our team on 01489 584298.