The definition of the word ‘clean’ can vary from person to person, which is why most deposit disputes between landlords and tenants arise around the end of tenancy cleaning. It is the tenant’s responsibility to hand the property back over to the landlord in the same condition they found it in on move-in day, and most would prefer to do so without having to fork out for professional cleaning.

 

Tenants are not obligated to pay for professionals to clean the property if it is left in good condition. This is why a ‘deep clean’ is pinnacle, as dust and dirt can collect in every nook and cranny and is easy to miss during everyday clean-ups. Once you’ve packed up your personal items, you should tick all of these key cleaning steps off your checklist before handing the keys over:

 

Planning in advance

 

Cleaning an entire property from top to bottom can feel overwhelming, so it’s important to start planning early and budgeting for any necessary equipment. A deep clean will take more planning and effort than a typical spring clean, so make sure you allow yourself enough time, and factor in how long cleaning will take on top of your move.

 

One step at a time

 

The larger tasks in each room might call for your attention first and foremost, but the best protocol is to take things one room at a time. This way, you won’t find yourself overwhelmed and burnt-out early into the process, as cleaning from one room to the next allows a sense of order and you won’t end up forgetting the smaller details which matter just as much.

 

Deep cleaning

 

It’s best to make sure the property is completely empty before completing a deep clean, as personal items can get in the way, and you might end up having to go over the same areas more than once. A deep clean can match the results of professional cleaning if you put in the effort and attend to all of the essential tasks, these can include:

• Mopping floors and tiles
• Hoovering and steaming carpets and rugs
• Cleaning and polishing taps and other water fittings
• Removing cobwebs from walls, ceiling, and skirting boards
• Cleaning windows, doors, and handles
• Degreasing the hob, oven, and all components
• Dusting and polishing surfaces, such as tables and sideboards
• Removing limescale from sinks, showers, and bathtubs
• Scrubbing and disinfecting the toilet
• Removing mould from walls and tiles
• Wiping down kitchen cabinets and countertops
• Cleaning all appliances (kettles, toaster, and microwave etc)
• Emptying and cleaning the fridge and freezer
• Cleaning out large appliances like washing machines or dishwashers
• Emptying and cleaning bins (inside and outside ones)
• Sweeping and tidying outside areas
• Hoovering mattresses and sofa cushions

Check the cupboards and drawers

 

A kitchen can appear clean at a glance, but once you start opening things up, you’ll probably find that there is more work to be done. Make sure all the cupboards and drawers are completely empty and clear of any food residue or marks left by pots and pans. Try sticking to gentle cleaners such as dish soap and water as harsh chemicals, and too much water can damage the cabinets. 

 

Defrost and descale

 

If your landlord provided the property with white goods, it’s your responsibility to leave them in the condition you found them in. You can descale the kettle by filling it with equal parts white vinegar and water and bringing it to a boil. As for the freezer, use disinfectant to ensure it’s completely clean before unplugging and leaving the door open to allow any ice build-up to melt.

 

If you’re considering the points within this article, you may be on the hunt for your next rental property. Browse the homes we have available here.

The housing market once again exceeds expectations after a poor reception from the chancellor’s mini-budget and regular talk of a possible slowdown, as current research suggests that in 2022, almost a third (31%) of properties are now receiving offers within an hour, compared to a mere 7% in 2018.

 

Over a five-year period, almost one in five (17%) properties received an offer within one hour of a viewing. An even more notable 7% of buyers made an offer on a property without attending an in-person viewing, according to data from MPowered Mortgages.

 

The data also outlined that properties receiving an offer in a day is up over the same period, rising from 26% in 2018, to almost half (48%) by 2022. Around 12% of homes have received an offer without a viewing this year, which could be a result of social norms shifting in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, where remote/virtual viewings became the new normal. The data showed a substantial jump in buying without viewing, up from 7% in 2018.

 

Strong demand and competitive buyers

 

To find out more about current buying behaviour, the fintech mortgage lender has launched a House Pace Index, driven by market conditions, government intervention within the property market, and consumer behaviour of wanting to ‘buy now’.

 

The research revealed that 38% of properties that have been placed on the market in the last five years received an offer within the same day of a viewing, with only 14% securing an offer after a second viewing.

 

The data also suggests that the younger generation are most prepared out of all age groups to take a more eager approach, with 18–34-year-olds acknowledged as most likely to adopt this mindset towards house buying. Some admitted to making an offer before seeing a property, in comparison to just 5% of 35–54-year-olds.

 

The average age of a first-time-buyer in the UK currently sits at 34, which is why this age group being quick to act could be pinned down to a lack of experience, coupled with fewer mortgage deals available on the market, the study suggested.

 

Tunnel vision

 

The data from Mpowered Mortgages also showed that, before making a first offer, buyers are seeing an average of three properties, while 40% of buyers only view two properties before deciding to make an offer on the home they set their sights on.

 

Pressure on buyers resulting in quick offers

 

The market is thriving with historical rates of activity as buyers race to secure their ideal property in the midst of a chronic imbalance between supply and demand. The current market climate and data findings show that offers are being made extremely quickly, despite common belief that a ‘slow-down’ is on the horizon.

 

Stuart Cheetham, CEO at MPowered Mortgages, commented:

 

“The race to find a home can be a daunting prospect even more so now in an environment where mortgage rates are rising as part of the cost of living. Of the many hurdles a homebuyer faces, one element that can be largely controlled is the certainty of their mortgage and this will be even more important as rates continue to rise.” 

 

Considering selling? Take advantage of the buoyant market and get in touch with us today to book your valuation.

Every decade brings along a new wave of first-time buyers, and this time around, millennials are on the market. To help you draw in this new pool of potential buyers, we’ve found the top features that most millennials will seek out in their ideal homes…

 

Sustainable and eco-friendly

 

Most modern buyers will be deterred by poor energy efficiency, as the impact it has on the environment (and monthly bills) is becoming a notoriously unattractive factor. Millennials want to reduce their carbon footprints as much as possible in their homes – from air source heat pumps to solar panels – even if this means pushing out the budget a little further. Homes that offer energy saving solutions are hot on the market for younger buyers and will become increasingly more valuable over time.

 

Good value for money

 

Millennials will want to know that their bills are being kept to a minimal while also having a home that caters to their every needs. These types of buyers will be new to the house buying process and might still be finding their financial feet, so being careful with money and making responsible choices is key. Often, they are also savvy about the schemes that are available to help them onto the ladder, and switched-on about which properties will cost more to run.

 

Visual appeal

 

Even while the market experiences unprecedented levels of short supply, millennial buyers are known for being selective about properties based on their appearance. They’re also drawn to visuals, and many will expect video tours to be available on the listings they browse, before committing to a booking. The information provided on the listing should also be as thorough as possible, as millennials like to know all the ins-and-outs of a property before attending a viewing. They will also undoubtedly read reviews online beforehand.

 

Location

 

Millennials will prefer to be in the heart of a great location, surrounded by a good community and local amenities for convenience. With many young buyers on the market being remote workers, location has become more important than ever before. The working from home buyer will seek out a quiet, scenic spot, with enough local shops and footpaths close by to fill up the lunch hour. While a commuting buyer will want a spot right in the city, with good commuter links and plenty of amenities available for the morning rush.

 

Convenience

 

After years of apartment living, millennial buyers will be highly attracted to a house which offers good storage space. Laundry rooms and pantries may also be important to these buyers, and they are likely to be attracted to a ‘ready-to-go’ home complete with all appliances, if it comes within budget.

 

Do you have a property that ticks all of these boxes? We could have a buyer waiting for you. Get in touch with us today to discuss the local demand for properties like yours.

 

When you’re a landlord, it can become difficult to make your property stand out in the rental market. This can be achieved by performing unique renovations that will attract more tenants. When considering renovations and improvements, you need to identify your target market. You don’t want to overspend on a renovation project and then rent it out to students. Understanding your costs and return on investment on your property is an important factor.

Plan your renovation ahead
Planning your renovations ahead of time is a crucial element to the entire process, as this allows you to anticipate and prepare for how long your property will stand empty. This will also enable you to determine whether the traders can work in your preferred timeframe, preventing your property from becoming unoccupied longer than expected. Planning ahead allows you to get your property back on the market quicker.

Short-term or long-term?
The first factor that needs to be identified is what type of rental your property will become after the renovation. If you’re a short-term holiday renter, you are more likely to make the property super attractive, colourful, and well-furnished quickly. If you are long-term letting your property, you are likely to achieve more durable, long-lasting renovations, reducing maintenance throughout the long-term letting. Identifying this ahead of time allows you to get your property back on the market quicker.

Check your insurance and warranties
When making certain renovations to your property, it is crucial to check if your home insurance policy covers you while making these changes. Major renovations are typically not covered by most regular insurance policies, so we suggest purchasing a separate policy. When purchasing certain items for your renovation, you will sometimes be offered extra warranties to add on. As a landlord, extended warranties are an excellent idea, as they allow you to have extra coverage in the future. By having different types of tenants, you can’t always guarantee your property will be cared for at the same standard as yourself, so it’s always recommended to have extra protection on purchases.

Kitchens and bathrooms
When planning a property renovation, the kitchen and bathrooms are the two primary rooms where the house can significantly increase in value. They can potentially increase the value of your home by as much as 10%.* This is because they are durable and costly renovations, giving the property a more modern appearance.

Decorating
When decorating a rental property, it is more common to use darker neutral tones. White and cream create a clean appearance but are not long-lasting and realistic colours to maintain. Having darker neutral tones allows the walls to appear newly decorated for longer, disguising scratches and damage a lot easier in the future. When decorating your rental property, we recommend always buying extra paint for the future, as this allows you to make small fixes within your property while maintaining the same colour.

Preventing property maintenance
When renovating, it is a smart idea to think ahead to see what precautions you can take to prevent property problems in the future. One of those would be checking that your property has no underlying damp and installing measures for mould growth prevention. Using laminated flooring and tiles in most rooms is a great way to make easy, cleanable surfaces and reducing carpet cleaning costs in the future. If you address underlying property problems when renovating, you will have a reduction in overall maintenance and problems in the future.

Keep your receipts
Keeping all your receipts when renovating your property allows you to claim back tax. This is because you are a landlord, and this is your business, so you are able to claim the tax back. This will make a difference in your costs, so even if it is the smallest receipt, it is key to keep it.

 

Contact us today if you need help understanding the rental market

 

loveproperty*

 

When it’s time to move on, it pays to be an early bird. So, where do you start? Let’s take a look at a few tips to help you on your way.

Start your search
Finding a letting agent is a good first step. They will be able to advise you on the entire process and keep you on the right path. Finding the right property can be a swift process or may take longer than anticipated. But, when you do find the right place, you will have the option of putting down a holding deposit. This is usually one week's rent and is refundable, and will help you make your move seamless and ensure you get the property you want.

Book some viewings
Getting out and seeing potential properties is important. It’s tempting to rush this process but when you're emailed a potential property, it’s a good idea to be ready to view it. On the other hand, you may decide to clear your calendar to book multiple viewings. Some homes will surpass expectations, while others may not. Calculating potential bills can create some pleasant surprises in more energy-efficient homes, so it is worthwhile checking the energy rating of your potential property.

Moving out and moving in
Communication and planning are key to a smooth move. Setting a moving-out date for your old place and a moving-in date for your new home on the same day is important. You don’t want to leave things to chance. Pin each party down to exact dates and times, then prepare your belongings and organise removal firms or ask your friends to help. Don’t forget to update your new address for the electoral register, your bank, and the DVLA. Then, inform your energy suppliers and take meter readings of what will become your previous address, and any other parties that need to know you are moving.

Checking the inventory
You should do this whether you are moving out or moving in. Paying attention to this process will help you get your deposit returned at the end of your tenancy. Don’t be afraid to be thorough. The inventory will give details on the condition of everything, from walls and ceilings to appliances. You will want to get your entire deposit back so cleaning your old home and leaving it as you found it is important. But, it is also important to check your new property as soon as you move in.

Using an agent makes the paperwork so much easier
The beauty of using an agent is that they can take care of your deposit, reference checks, and give you a clear understanding of your tenancy agreement. You don’t need an agent to place your deposit in a deposit protection scheme; however, having someone to guide you helps make the process more straightforward. Fully managed properties benefit from 24-hour maintenance support should any issues arise. A good lettings team is always easy to get in touch with to guide you before, after, and during your tenancy to help you in any way they can.

Make your new place your own
With a good letting agent on your side, you can concentrate on enjoying your new home. Adding the little details that make a home your own makes a big difference and you may decide to decorate. If you are organised and well ahead of time you can plan your new layout and discuss any plans you have for decorating with your agent before you move in. After you have handed back the keys to your old home and got your new keys, you know because you have used an agent that the property is compliant. When all the necessary paperwork is in order, your home is decorated nicely, and you know you are supported by your agent, you can relax and make the most of your new life.

 

Are you looking for a fresh start? Contact us today

 

When renting a property, you are required to pay an upfront deposit. A deposit is a sum of money that is collected before you begin your lease agreement, which acts as protective insurance. The deposit is refundable at the end of the tenancy agreement if the tenants respect the property and meet their obligations as tenants. A deposit is usually the cost of one month's rent, so when moving into a rental property, expect to pay two month’s rent upfront at the beginning to cover the cost of the deposit.

Why do we need to protect deposits?
Deposit protection schemes were introduced in 2007 as part of the Housing Act, so all assured-shorthold tenancy agreements that require a deposit are subject to the legislation.* Once the deposit has been taken, the letting agent or landlord has up to 30 days to protect the deposit. If the correct procedure is not followed to protect the deposit, then they could be charged up to three times the amount of the original deposit and will not be able to serve a Section 21 notice to the residing tenants if they require the property. It is a legal requirement to register a deposit in a government-approved scheme.

Different types of deposit protection schemes
Your letting agent or landlord has the option of using three different government-approved deposit schemes. Regardless of the scheme they choose, your deposit will receive equal protection. Your tenancy agreement will have information on what scheme your landlord or letting agent will be using, and within 30 days you should receive confirmation and the prescribed information in writing.

The deposit protection schemes are:

• Deposit Protection Service
• Mydeposits
• Tenancy Deposit Scheme

How can I protect my deposit as a tenant?
Once you've given your deposit to the landlord or letting agent, as a tenant the only way to properly safeguard your deposit is by adhering to all the terms and conditions in your tenancy agreement. This will ensure your deposit's safe return at the end of your lease. You can achieve this by respecting the property and paying your rent on time.

As a tenant, it is important to carry out your own property inventory at the beginning of your lease agreement, as this allows you to give yourself extra protection. By completing this inventory, you want to make the landlord aware and show them any issues or damage before you move in. By collecting the information about your deposit protection from the landlord or letting agent, you can ensure the correct protection has been put in place for your deposit.

What happens to my deposit when my tenancy ends?
When you reach the end of your tenancy, you will discuss with your landlord or letting agent whether you are liable for a refund of your deposit. If you have adhered to your agreement's obligations and maintained high standards in the property, you legally have the right to receive your full deposit back. Your landlord or letting agent must return your deposit within ten days of agreeing to the return. If you have a dispute with your landlord or letting agent and you believe they are withholding your deposit unfairly, then you can complain to the scheme dispute resolution service, and they will launch an investigation to determine the facts of the matter and the final decision.

Renting through a letting agent
By renting through a letting agent, you have more protection with your deposit at the end of your tenancy agreement. This is because agents can act as an impartial third party when handling your deposit, creating a fair decision about whether the deposit should be returned or not.

Get in touch if you want to know more information on the rental market

MakeUrMove*

 

Even perfection can be improved and perhaps it is this that makes you want to move. What was once your ideal home has now become too small, lacking the location you truly love or maybe you just fancy a change for the better.

A word about the market
The good news is that moving conditions are favourable right now, which is why lots of homeowners are getting on the move. According to Rightmove, sales agreed were 13%* higher than the same time last year. Average house prices increased by 1.5% reflecting an 8%* increase in buyer demand compared to last year. With mortgages becoming cheaper, reasonable pricing, and strong equity levels, buying conditions are not imperfect. All of this puts you closer to finding your perfect property.

Is the price right?
For most people, price is one of the biggest determining factors when buying. Combining favourable market conditions with strong levels of equity and homes priced at reasonable levels makes moving now very tempting. House prices are set at more normal levels thanks to the slowdown in the market last year. But this is a good thing because you will get more house for your money while having a great deposit for your perfect home, thanks to all that equity you have gained.

Consider the location carefully
You may already have your heart set on a specific location. The reasons you love it may vary, from the picturesque landscape to being close to family, work or transport links. But it’s important to keep a sense of adventure while searching for your perfect property. For example, being close to cycle paths or rivers and mountains may encourage hobbies you have previously put off pursuing. This is why moving is exciting and can change your life. In this sense, your perfect property can discover you. Looking in new locations can offer many pleasant surprises.

Keep your mind open to potential
Even if you watch all the home improvement programmes or are a well-seasoned property developer, it always pays to consider new ideas. That may involve stepping outside your comfort zone and trying a new buying approach. That could mean moving into a property that does not need a lot of work. Perhaps you want to make your home your own with the little details, or by investing in art, and opulent interiors. Maybe you are planning ahead and want to create a greener, more efficient home.

The importance of viewings
You may get a good feeling from your perfect property from the first kerb view image you see of it. On the other hand, appearances can be deceptive. Some properties can be misleading, like the two-bedroom terraced house with a hugely spacious and stunning garden. You never really know how you truly feel about a property until you step inside. Finding your ‘perfect’ home may involve multiple viewings, and making an inspired choice sometimes involves the input of loved ones and even a good agent.

Get a good agent on your side
Agents are not just there to make a commission, so use them as much as you can. Most pride themselves on providing a service that guides you in every aspect of your move. In many ways, agents are matchmakers, and sometimes a fresh perspective can give you real insights into what you are looking for. Use agents' market knowledge, contacts, experience, and input as much as you can. Ultimately, it’s your decision, but people who are ears deep in the property market year-round can make a massive difference in finding your perfect property.