Author: Karen Rushe

Spring has definitely arrived, and the local property market around Walton-Le-Dale, just like the local bees, is buzzing. According to mortgage industry technology company Twenty7tec March saw overall mortgage search records set, and this has been reflected in the amount of activity in the local property market too. 

 

The King’s Coronation has led to the addition of another Bank Holiday to the calendar this month, giving house hunters even more time to look for their dream home. With this in mind, we expect this month to be even busier than the last, so if you are considering putting your property on the market, don’t miss out on this royal opportunity.

 

Let’s have a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the local property market around Walton-Le-Dale.

 

Properties in Walton-Le-Dale had an overall average price of £194,199 over the last year.

There are currently 1245 properties available on the market in our area. Last month, 1270 were available; in December, there were 1187; in January, there were 1155; and in December, there were 1059.

In April, 277 properties came onto the market. In March, 349 came onto the market. This is typical for this time of year, with a flurry of properties coming on the market in March as the Spring Rush begins. In February, there were 280; in September, there were 333; in October, there were 286; in November, there were 239; and in December, there were 157.

There were 206 sales agreed in April. In March, there were 244; in February, 213 sales were agreed; in January, 192 sales were agreed; and in December, there were 130. The local property market is booming despite the dreary picture that the national media is attempting to paint. 

The majority of sales in Walton-Le-Dale during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £189,942. Terraced properties sold for an average of £152,092, with detached properties fetching £303,382.

In December, we saw 99 price reductions across the Walton-Le-Dale property market. In January, there were 134; in February, there were 131; in March, there were 164; and in April, there were 158. The increase during March and April is likely a result of sellers wanting to capitalise on the Spring Rush by making sure that their property catches the eye of motivated homebuyers.

In April, there were 546 slow movers in the Walton-le-Dale area. This is a property that has been on the market for 12 weeks or more. In March, there were 612; in February, there were 602; in January, there were 639; and in December, there were 565. The Spring Rush is having a noticeable effect on the amount of time that properties are spending on the market. Seller who are keen to achieve a quick sale would be wise to take advantage of this. 

Slow movers can often be due to the 3 Ps: presentation, promotion, or price. We are proud to be in the top 10 agents in the area with the smallest number of slow movers. Choosing the right agent for your property can make a very real difference in achieving your moving plans.

Overall, sold prices in Walton-Le-Dale over the last year were 3% up on the previous year and 7% up on the 2020 peak of £181,757.

In December, each property in the Walton-le-Dale area had an average of 54 daily views on Rightmove. The average daily views on Rightmove per property increased to 75 in January and then to 79.8 in February. In March, they fell to 66.3 and remained steady at 62.6 in April. This is not an indication that the local property market is less busy. What it means is that there are now more serious buyers as opposed to winter window shoppers. If you are considering putting your property on the market, now is the ideal time to do it in order to take advantage of the Spring Rush. 

If you’re looking for further information about the Walton-Le-Dale property market, or if you’re thinking of selling or buying in the area, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01772 252136 or email info@stonehousehomes.co.uk.

Children can benefit from moving to a new home, especially if the transfer is motivated by a good change, such as better employment, a safer neighbourhood, or an improvement in living conditions. 

 

They might be delighted to have a bigger bedroom, a garden to play in, or an exciting new park or playground nearby. Moving home gives them the chance to meet new people and explore new environments, which can broaden their social and cultural horizons.

 

However, children may also experience adverse reactions to relocating to a new house, particularly if the relocation is unexpected or forced, as in the case of a financial emergency, divorce, or natural disaster. 

 

Children who move away from their previous home, school, friends, and neighbourhood may experience a feeling of loss and a sense of alienation and disconnection from their previous network of family, friends, and activities. New sleeping arrangements, mealtimes, school schedules, and extracurricular activities take time for children to get used to. They could feel anxious and apprehensive about the future, which can harm both their mental well-being and academic progress.

 

How can parents support children during a move?

 

Listen to your children’s concerns and preferences while using language that is appropriate for their age to explain the reasoning for the move. Encourage them to join in on the house-hunting experience and listen to their opinions on how to style their new room.

 

Inform your children about the move’s timetable, logistics, and expectations. Respond to their enquiries honestly and reassure them that you will all work together to overcome any challenges that lie ahead.

 

Encourage your children to use their own creative methods to say farewell to their former home, school, and friends. Some ideas include making drawings, writing notes, or taking photos. Organise a farewell event or outing to celebrate their accomplishments and memories.

 

Give them a tour of the new house and area before you move. Take them to see the parks, shops, schools, and activity centres that are close by. Make plans for playdates with new friends or classmates to help them feel more settled and at home in their new environment.

 

As much as you can, try to maintain consistency in your children’s daily routines and rituals, such as bedtime stories, family dinners, and weekend activities. Pack their favourite blankets, toys, and books last, then unpack them first when you get to your new house.

 

Consult a counsellor, therapist, or your GP for support if your children are having trouble adjusting to the move or displaying symptoms of anxiety, depression, or behavioural changes. Discussing children’s needs and worries with their caregivers and teachers will allow them to get extra support from the adults in their lives.

 

Children may find it difficult to move home, but it can also be a chance for them to develop emotionally and build resilience. Giving your children emotional support and stability and helping them foster a sense of belonging will help them settle into their new home faster and easier.

 

We  have helped many families find their new homes and are always happy to welcome your little ones on viewings or to give helpful advice on how to help them feel excitement, not fear, about their move. 

 

If you are looking for a new family home, please give us a call on 01772 252136 or send us an email to info@stonehousehomes.co.uk and we  will add you to our  earlybird list so that you are one of the first to see our  latest properties.

 

A springtime property MOT will enable you to tackle any issues while the weather is favourable and before the peak season for hiring plumbers, builders, and other contractors. The harsh winter months can often cause small problems, and if those are left unfixed, they can grow rapidly. 

 

Here are the top five things that you should do this spring to ensure that your property is kept in tip-top shape.

 

Gutters

Blocked gutters and spring showers can cause damage to your property. To avoid leaks, always make sure that you clean out your gutters at least twice a year, once at the beginning of spring and once in the autumn once the leaves have stopped falling. 

 

Garden

Get on top of outdoor areas early, and they will be easy to maintain throughout the remainder of the spring and summer months. If your patio or paths are overrun with weeds, then clearing them promptly can prevent them from causing cracks and drainage issues.

 

Once the paths and patio are clear, ensure that you fix or replace any broken patio slabs. Now is also the best time to prune trees to ensure that they aren’t encroaching where they shouldn’t be. 

 

Window and door seals

During periods of cold winter weather, wooden window and door trims may harden and crack. Repairing paintwork will help stop decay and keep leaks at bay. 

 

However, if degradation is already present and they are sufficiently damaged, it may be necessary to replace them.

 

Roof

Winter storms can give roofs a good battering, so take the opportunity that the warmer weather brings to give your roof a good inspection. Replacing missing or damaged tiles now can save you from expensive leaks later. 

 

Don’t forget to check your eaves for signs of nesting rodents, birds, or insects such as hornets. The earlier you find a problem and deal with it, the quicker and cheaper it is to solve. 

 

Bathroom extractor fan

Turn off the mains power switch, remove the cover, and soak it in soapy water. The inside of the fan also needs a good cleaning with a cloth and some bathroom cleaner. 

 

Make sure that it is fully dry before replacing the cover. Doing this will stop dirt and dust from getting in the way of the fan doing its job of preventing dampness and mould in your bathroom

 

Plumbing

Now is the ideal time to fix any issues with your plumbing, especially any to do with the heating. Autumn is the busiest time for plumbers, and in some areas, it can take up to three weeks for one to be available, so now is the best time to arrange for them to come and service your boiler or fix any niggling issues.

 

Smoke Detectors

You shouldn’t wait until spring to check these, but if you haven’t checked them recently, ensure that they are working and replace the batteries if necessary. 

 

If you are considering putting your property on the market and would like to know more about how you can ensure that it is looking its best please give us a call on 01772 252136 or send us an email to info@stonehousehomes.co.uk

 

Are you a bit confused by estate agent jargon? Use our  handy guide to decipher the terminology that estate agents use so that you are never befuddled again!

 

Memorandum of Sale

A memorandum of sale is an important document, which attests to the fact that the seller and the buyer have agreed on the sale of the property.

 

Survey

A report of the condition of a property. There are several different types of survey.

 

Chain

When several house purchases and sales are dependent on one another for a successful conclusion, this is referred to as a property chain.

 

Completion Statement

In essence, a completion statement for the sale of a property is the bill you are required to pay for different sale-related expenses. It will list all of the payments you need to make in order to complete the purchase.

 

Assign

This is the transfer of ownership of a property from one individual to another.

 

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

The overall cost of the loan, expressed as a percentage, that includes interest and arrangement fees.

 

Arrangement Fees

Fees the mortgage lender charges for arranging the loan.

 

Acceptance

The act of signing a document to accept a mortgage offer from a lender.

 

Bridging Loan

Utilised to obtain funding for a purchase before the buyer has sold their present property.

 

Contract

The binding terms of the agreement concerning the transaction between the buyer and seller.

 

Conveyancer

All legal matters relating to the sale and purchase of property are handled by a licensed conveyancer.

 

Conveyancing

The process of formally transferring the ownership of property.

 

Equity
The equity in a property is the portion of it that you actually own. It is the market value of the property minus any outstanding mortgage.

 

Capital

The “profit” on a property is called the capital or equity.

 

Base Rate

Commercial banks that receive loans from the Bank of England are required to pay interest, the amount of which is based on the base rate. So if the base rate goes up, so do mortgage rates.

 

If you are considering putting your property on the market and would like to know more about how we  can help you to be in your new home in time for summer please give us a call on 01772 252136 or send us an email to info@stonehousehomes.co.uk.

 

The rising cost of living is squeezing everyone’s budgets, which means it is more important than ever for landlords to do everything they can to try to ensure that they help their tenants manage their energy use and reduce their bills. Doing so will not only benefit their tenants but may also help them avoid rental voids, as their tenants will be less likely to be left unable to pay the rent.

 

Landlords of privately rented properties will also be required to make sure their rental properties have an EPC rating of at least C in order to continue taking on new tenants under the regulations, which are expected to become law in England and Wales in 2025.

 

How can landlords both help their tenants to reduce their bills and improve the EPC ratings of their properties?

 

Smart meters

These allow tenants to have visibility of their energy usage in real time so that they know exactly how much they are spending each day.

 

Smart thermostats

These allow tenants to have more control over how they use their heating every day. Some smart thermostats will even turn the heating off when they identify that a property is empty and then turn it back on when the tenants return, thus saving tenants from paying to heat an empty home. Research has indicated they can help reduce heating bills by between 12 and 23%.

 

Eco features

Many boilers have an ‘eco mode’ which stops water from being preheated. This means that it takes a little longer for hot water to come out of the tap, but it does save money.

 

LED bulbs

Before renting out their property, landlords should make sure to replace all of the bulbs with LED ones. If they already have a tenant then they should make sure that they know that they could save an average of £40 every year just by using LED bulbs.

 

Radiator thermostats

These allow tenants to choose to boost the heat in the room that they are in rather than having to heat the whole property all the time, which will help to reduce their bills.

 

Insulate

Twenty-five per cent of heat loss is through the roof, so landlords should make sure that the loft is well insulated. Doing so will also have a positive effect on the property’s EPC rating.

 

Double-glazed windows

Properties with double-glazed windows lose, on average, just 10% of their heat through their windows. According to research, single-glazed windows are responsible for up to 70% of a property’s heat loss! Investing in double-glazing can have a large effect both on a tenant’s bills and the EPC rating of the property.

 

Insulate the hot water cylinder

Check the thickness if you already have a jacket that fits over your tank. If it isn’t at least 80mm thick, think about getting a new one. Increasing the insulation from 25mm to 80mm thick can save up to £70 per year.

 

We  have seen a definite increase in the importance of EPC ratings to tenants who are wary of renting properties that cost a fortune to heat. If you are looking to rent out your property and would like some advice on how to make your property more energy efficient please give us a call on 01772 252136 and we  will be happy to advise you.

 

The process of purchasing your first home can be both thrilling and intimidating. But many would-be homeowners are unaware of the things that could derail their home purchase.

 

Here are the top seven things that you shouldn’t do if you are buying your first property.

 

1. Under-estimating expenses

You must factor in moving expenses, survey fees, and conveyancing costs, in addition to the purchase price of your property. Remember that you will also need to pay council tax and insurance for the building and its contents when you move in.

 

1. Ignoring your credit score

Lenders use your credit score, which serves as your financial resume, to determine whether you can make your repayment commitments. Check your credit score before you apply for a mortgage and fix any mistakes to make it less likely that your application will be turned down.

 

1. Choosing an unsuitable solicitor

Verify that your solicitor is on the mortgage lender’s list of approved solicitors to prevent having to switch later. Take advice from the estate agent about which solicitor to choose if you’re giving the option. They deal with one another all day, every day, so are able to guide you.

 

1. Not being on the electoral roll

The electoral roll is one of the simplest ways for lenders to confirm your identity. Your application may take longer to process, and your credit score may be impacted if you are not registered.

 

1. Not getting an Agreement in Principle (AIP)

The housing market is competitive. Instead of waiting for you, sellers may choose to accept an offer from someone who already has an Agreement in Principle.

 

1. Accumulating a lot of debt

Taking on new debt could affect your credit and make it more difficult for you to have your mortgage approved.

 

1. Changing careers

Avoid switching jobs in the middle of the property-buying process. It may give the impression that your employment is unstable, which weakens your application to lenders.

 

If you are looking to buy your first home, please give us a call on 01772 252136 or send us an email to info@stonehousehomes.co.uk so you will be one of the first to hear about our  newest properties.

 

Encouraged by the slow but steady emergence of warmer weather, homebuyers and sellers are coming out of hibernation, and the local property market is getting increasingly busy. It is something that estate agents fondly refer to as The Spring Rush! 

 

Homebuyers who wish to be settled in their new homes in time for Summer know that they are now in a race against the clock to find a property and give themselves enough time for the purchase to be completed.

 

With this in mind, let’s have a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the local property market around Walton-Le-Dale.

 

There are currently 1270 properties available on the market in our area. This is a 7% increase in the number of available properties compared to last month, when 1187 properties were available. In January, there were 1155. In December there were 1059, and in November there were 1165.

More properties, 349, came onto the market in March than in any of the previous six months. In February, there were 280; in September, there were 333; in October, there were 286; in November, there were 239; in December, there were 157; and in January, there were 247.

The number of sales in March soared to 244. This was a 14.5% increase compared to February, when 213 sales were agreed, and was 27% more than in January, when 192 sales were agreed. It was the highest number of sales agreed in the last six months. In December, there were 130; in November, 180; and in October, 207. There is a high level of activity in the local property market, and we expect that to continue as we head towards the summer.

In October, we saw 169 price reductions across the Walton-Le-Dale property market. In November, there were 167, 99 in December, 134 in January, and 131 in February. There was a slight increase in the number of price reductions to 164 in March. This is likely a result of sellers wanting to capitalise on the Spring Rush by making sure that their property catches the eye of motivated homebuyers.

In March there were 612 slow movers in the Walton-le-Dale area. This means a property that has been on the market for 12 weeks or more. In February, there were 602; in January, there were 639; in December, there were 565; in November, there were 497; and in October, there were 466.

Slow movers can often be due to the 3 Ps: presentation, promotion, or price. We are proud to be in the top 10 agents in the area with the smallest number of slow movers. Choosing the right agent for your property can make a very real difference in achieving your moving plans.

In October, each property in the Walton-le-Dale area had an average of 70 daily views on Rightmove. In November, there were 59, and in December, there were 54. The average daily views on Rightmove per property increased to 75 in January and then to 79.8 in February. In March they fell to 66.3. This is not an indication that the local property market is less busy. What it means is that there are now more serious buyers as opposed to winter window shoppers. If you are considering putting your property on the market, now is the ideal time to do it in order to take advantage of the Spring Rush. 

If you’re looking for further information about the Walton-Le-Dale property market, or if you’re thinking of selling or buying in the area, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01772 252136 or email info@stonehousehomes.co.uk.

 

Everyone who is advertising their residential property for rent in the UK is required by law to commission an EPC. In Scotland, it is required that the EPC be displayed in the property, usually in the meter cupboard or next to the boiler. 

 

You can be fined for not having an EPC when you need one. There are a few possible exceptions, but the majority of them concern businesses or places of worship. For example, your property might be exempt if it is mixed-use, such as a home that is also a shop, less than 50 square metres, or used for less than four months of the year, like a holiday home.

 

What is an EPC?

EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate. An EPC grades how energy efficient a property is from A to G and 1-100. 

 

It includes advice on how to use less energy and money, as well as the rating the property may get if all of those recommendations were implemented. It also includes the environmental CO2 impact rating for the property. That is how much CO2 is produced during the production of hot water and heating for the property.

 

How is an EPC produced?

You need to employ a certified assessor to do the report. The EPC assessor will visit your property and gather information about your boiler, hot water tank, radiators, insulation, and windows. Then, they put this information into software that figures out how energy-efficient your home is and how it affects the environment.

 

How can you improve your EPC?

Contained in the report will be a list of ways in which you can improve your property’s EPC rating. These are not generic suggestions but will actually be specifically tailored to your property. You may decide not to use any of them. However, it is worth noting that a low EPC rating can put off potential tenants, as they may worry about the cost of heating the property.

 

If you want to raise your property’s rating, the single most effective thing you can do is install a new boiler. Other things that can improve the energy efficiency of your property are:

 

•  increasing the amount of loft insulation
• adding solar panels to your roof
• sealing unused chimneys to reduce draughts
•  and adding wall insulation.

 

It is always a good idea to keep any documentation when having insulation installed because EPC assessors only conduct a visual inspection of your property and will not be able to see any in tucked away or inaccessible areas.

 

It may feel like a hassle to have to arrange for an EPC to be carried out, but it can actually help you attract tenants to your property. A property with a high EPC rating will be attractive to a wide range of tenants. Many people are now concerned about their own carbon footprint and the rising cost of energy, so if your property is energy-efficient, it is definitely a plus.

 

If you have any questions about EPCs or would like to learn more about how we  can help you through the entire property letting process, please contact us at 01772 252136 or send us an email to info@stonehousehomes.co.uk

 

The rising cost of living has affected everyone. It is always in a landlord’s interest to help their tenants, wherever possible, be happy and content in their home. Happy tenants become long-term tenants, which reduces rental voids. So if you would like to know how to help your tenants cope with the cost of living crisis, here are a few things you can do.

 

Information Pack

By providing information on how to use the appliances and heating, how to prevent pests and mould, and other helpful maintenance information, you will not only help your tenants keep their bills down but will also reduce your own repair costs. Don’t forget to tell your tenants that it’s critical to report maintenance issues promptly in order to prevent problems from getting worse.

 

Keep the lines of communication open

Make sure that your tenants feel able to communicate with you, not just in an emergency but also about things like any issues they are facing in their lives. If you need to raise the rent, make sure that they are given plenty of notice, and take time to explain the increasing costs that you are facing as a landlord. In some cases, it can be more beneficial in the long run to keep good tenants and avoid a rental void than to raise the rent.

 

Improve your property’s energy efficiency

The Government’s plans to require all newly rented properties to have an EPC rating of C or above by 2025 have already encouraged around a quarter of landlords to make energy efficiency upgrades to their properties. While the initial cost may seem daunting, there are financial benefits for both tenants and landlords. Tenants benefit from having reduced bills, and landlords benefit from having a property that will meet the EPC requirements and is also more attractive to prospective tenants after the existing tenants vacate. In a recent survey, 52% of tenants said they would be happy to pay more for a more energy-efficient home.

 

Shop around for energy and utilities

If your tenants have a “bills included” tenancy agreement, use online price comparison websites and seek advice from other landlords to ensure that you are getting the best deal. Relieving the pressure of rising bills will help you avoid needing to increase the rent. If your tenants cover their own bills, then a suggestion of an energy or utility provider who may be able to provide them with cheaper bills will always be welcome and will let your tenants know that you care.

 

Council tax

You or your tenant may be eligible for a council tax rebate if your property is vacant or your tenant lives alone. It is worth doing a 1991 valuation check to ensure that your property is in the correct council tax band to make sure that you or your tenant are not overpaying.

Treating tenants with empathy is one of the hallmarks of a good landlord. Maintaining a productive relationship with your tenants has many benefits both for them and for you.

If you would like to learn more about how we  can assist you in managing your property during these difficult times, please call us on 01772 252136 or send us an email to info@stonehousehomes.co.uk

 

Spring is in the air, and many of us will be considering doing a spot of Spring cleaning to get our homes ready for Summer. A deep clean can help us to remove allergens from our homes that usually get missed during regular cleans. If you are considering putting your property on the market, a good declutter and a deep clean will help you achieve your asking price. So here are our top Spring cleaning tips.

 

From top to bottom

Cleaning from the top down will force the dirt and dust down and out of your home and save you from having to re-dust or clean areas you have already cleaned. This applies not just in individual rooms, where you should always clean the dust off the ceiling and the coving first, but also to the entire Spring cleaning process.

 

Shower Curtains

These can be popped in your washing machine with a few towels on a gentle cycle then hung up to dry.

 

Windows

Make up your own window cleaning solution with 1 cup of white vinegar, ½ tsp dishwashing liquid and 2 cups of water. Use a spray bottle to spray it onto your windows and wipe with a clean cloth. It is a good idea to clean your windows on a cloudy day so that you don’t end up with streaks.

 

Stainless Steel

Mix 1 tsp of dishwashing liquid with 1L of hot tap water. Use a cloth dipped in the solution to rub on marks, always in the direction of the metal’s grain. Then rinse it off with clean water and dry immediately to avoid streaks.

 

Clean your cutting boards.

Cutting boards can be cleaned of both stains and foul odours by rubbing the cut side of a lemon wedge over them. The cleaning power of the lemon can be increased by first sprinkling it with salt or baking soda.

 

Make your oven shine

You can help to soften baked-on filth by placing a hot, damp cloth on top of it and leaving it for ten minutes. Use a sprinkling of baking powder and a heavy duty scouring pad to finish the clean. Then, just rinse it off and let it dry.

 

Walls

After running a duster over your walls, wash them with 1tsp of dishwashing liquid mixed with 1L of water. If you have a stubborn stain, dip a wet cloth into bicarbonate of soda and gently rub the stain. Then wipe the area clean and leave it to dry.

 

Freshen up your carpets

To remove odours from your carpet sprinkle some baking soda over it and then work it into the fibres using a soft brush. Leave it for up to 30 minutes then vacuum it up.

 

If you are getting your property ready to put on the market please give us a call on 01772 252136 or send us an email to info@stonehousehomes.co.uk and we  will be happy to pop round and give you our  professional advice on how to make your property look its best.