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What separates a mediocre estate agent from an exceptional one? It’s not what they say; it’s what they do. While some agents talk a big game, in reality, they just go through the motions. But great agents (and we like to think that here at Knightsbridge Estate Agents we fall into that category) go all out to get the very best deal. That’s because top agents know that now, more than ever, every...

Here are some questions you should ask yourself before you rent your property to family or friends. Do they need to sign a tenancy agreement? Yes, yes, and yes again! They might be family, but they’re also your tenants and both parties need to know what is expected of them. For example, they might say they want to stay for 12 months but then leave after just six. Without a tenancy agreement,...

If you can’t read two pages of a book without getting twitchy or struggle to go for an hour without checking social media, then you’re not alone. A recent study by tech giant Microsoft found that the human attention span has shrivelled by 25% in just a few years. It’s just one of a growing number of studies suggesting that in the digital age, our ability to focus is decreasing. Over the past...

Selling a home is not a solo project – well, not if you hope to achieve the top selling price. If there’s one piece of property advice worth remembering, it’s this: be wary of anyone who tells you that selling a home is so easy that you should do it yourself. Many things in life are easy, like singing Baa Baa Black Sheep out of key or eating a whole packet of chocolate biscuits/family-sized...

When a tenant gets in touch, don’t faff about – a prompt response will save you time and money in the long run. A three-minute read.   Picture this: you’re frantically busy at work, scrambling to meet an urgent deadline when your phone pings.   It’s your tenant raising what seems like a pretty minor issue, so you make a mental note to get back to them in a few hours when...

It’s never been more evident in human history that we need to change the way we live if the planet is to have a future. So, this year’s World Earth Day, which takes place on Friday, 22 April, has never been more important. The day which has been taking place across the globe for more than 50 years, aims to raise awareness of what we can all do to make a difference. What tips do you have...

Hold on to your waistbands, Easter is here. That festival where no matter your age, clothes size, or BMI, you’re allowed to eat as much chocolate as you want.   So, while the kids run around on a sugar high and you polish off yet another egg, here are some facts about the chocolatey goodness no one can resist.   It’s very old The earliest evidence of chocolate dates back to...

Taking that first step on the property ladder is simultaneously exciting and terrifying. No matter how old you are, buying your first property will make you feel like a proper grown-up.   Before you even find the right property, there’s lots to learn, so in this quick read, we’ve pulled together our top five tips for first-time buyers.   Be mortgage savvy There are so many...

 When they run smoothly, joint tenancies can be a good source of income for landlords. This three-minute read explains how to get the best out of them.   Joint tenancies are a great way for friends or couples to live together and share the rental burden. (Think about best buddies and flatmates Joey and Chandler in Friends, they had a ball, right?)   And joint tenancies can also be...

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Whichever way you look at it, modern life is stressful. And the 2020s? Well so far, this new decade has caused unparalleled levels of stress.   Whether it’s the pressure of daily life, the juggling of responsibilities, or the state of the world right now, stress can have physical, mental, and emotional repercussions for people of all ages. And it needs to be taken seriously.   April...

If you’re taking out a new mortgage or about to refinance your property, have you considered a green mortgage? No? Never heard of it? Well, that’s what we’re here for.   A green mortgage is not actually new. In fact, the concept was first launched about 30 years ago but wasn’t used much. However, in the last few years, green mortgages have been gaining momentum, and are being offered by...