If a kitchen is the heart of a home, then the bathroom is the brains. It’s where you get a few minutes of privacy every day (unless you’ve got toddlers who like to come in with you). It’s where you do some of your deepest thinking, and it’s an area

Success as a landlord doesn’t just centre around what you do when your property is tenanted. How you manage your rental when it’s empty is also crucial. All landlords have to contend with void periods – they’re an inevitable part of having a buy-to-let. So, it’s wise to budget for

Just the thought of moving home can make you break out into a cold sweat. It’s a life experience that many people think of as one of the most stressful things you can do. So how can you minimise those feelings of panic?  April is Stress Awareness Month, and if

It’s widely recognised that moving house is one of the most stressful (and annoying) life events you can experience. If you’re nearing the end of a tenancy agreement, there are a few things you can do to ensure your check-out inspection goes well and (upon moving out) you get your

If you’re looking for ways to keep your children entertained this Easter, here are some fun activities that won’t break the bank. These child-friendly suggestions won’t blow your budget but will stave off that familiar phrase, “I’m bored!”. Organise a treasure hunt  Take the traditional Easter egg search to the

Being a landlord is one of those jobs where there’s no middle ground. It’s either low stress with great tenants and affordable mortgage rates, or it’s the total opposite: high stress, broken appliances, tenancy challenges and ever-increasing costs.  When a property is vacant, there’s worry about how long it will

So, you’re selling up and don’t know whether to instruct a traditional estate agent or a DIY fixed-fee agency. Let’s look at the pros and cons of both options. If moving is on your mind, the first thing you need to do is find the right estate agent. But before

Older tenants are a growing force in the private rental sector, so is it time for savvy landlords to proactively target this demographic? It’s one of the most striking trends in the housing sector over the past decade. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of tenants aged between 45 and

Some days, it’s like your home is a minefield of accidents just waiting to happen. You trip up the stairs with a pile of washing in your arms, you break your favourite mug, and to top it all off, you burn the toast. Not fun.  While everyone wants a home

It’s every seller’s worst nightmare. You’re on the cusp of finalising the sale of your property when your buyer gets cold feet and runs for the hills. Just like that, your plans go out the window. If you’re part of a chain, the whole deal could collapse, meaning you need

If you’re looking forward to doing something special for Mother’s Day on Sunday, we wish you all the best – but this article isn’t for you. It’s not that we don’t want you to have a great day (we do) or that we take issue with Mother’s Day itself (we

Spring officially starts next week, and with it comes a host of joys: longer days, trees in bud and flowers in bloom. And if you’re selling a property, there’s something else to celebrate – a spike in buyers looking to make their next move. Traditionally, spring is the busiest season

As a tenant living in a rental property, you need to be aware of your rights. Fortunately, due to recent reforms in legislation, you’re now more protected than ever when it comes to matters of eviction and deposits. But what if your landlord tells you they’re planning to sell the

Over the last 12 months, it’s been reported that many landlords have decided enough is enough and are exiting the buy-to-let game in their droves. And whilst these headlines may or may not be accurate, one thing is for sure, selling a buy-to-let property is very different to selling a

International Women’s Day is an event marked around the world – in the news, all over social media and in most schools. And so it should be. Accelerating equality, raising awareness around discrimination, and helping women feel safe and celebrated is something we should all be doing more of. This

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s the view some landlords take on the question of renovating a buy-to-let. They do the absolute minimum in terms of maintenance and repairs and only manage to meet their legal obligations by the skin of their teeth. The décor is shabby and

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so does it really matter what it looks like? Well, according to interior design trendsetters, it definitely does. So, what’s the latest in kitchen fashions? Whether you’re considering a complete kitchen renovation or just want to add some of the latest designs

When hunting for a professional to sell your home, you’ll probably compile a list of property-related questions to fire off at prospective estate agents. What’s the property worth? What changes need to be made before it’s listed? And what’s the best way to market it? All wise questions worth asking,

Tenants’ needs and wants are always changing. A decade ago, broadband was a luxury, now it’s a necessity. Since the pandemic, properties with outside space are more popular than ever. So how can you make your rental property as attractive to tenants as possible? Recent research by property bods at

As 26 February is Fairy Tale Day (yes, it’s a real thing), let’s look at the most common property fairy tale and how falling for it can cost you time and money. We love a good fairy tale as much as the next person. Whether it’s a frog that morphs

As the old saying goes, first impressions matter. And when it comes to showing off your property, the way it looks will go a long way to impress potential buyers. If your property is on the market, you’ll be familiar with the feeling of panic when your agent calls to

Fed up with self-managing your buy-to-let and want a top-notch professional to do it for you instead? Here’s how to find the best letting agent in your neighbourhood. So, you’ve decided to get a letting agent to manage your rental. You can’t wait to hand the burden of regulatory red

You’ve no doubt heard of food banks, but do you know what a baby bank is? Read on to learn how baby banks work and if you could start your own. For many expectant parents, the prospect of welcoming a new life into the world fills them with delight –

Research shows that moving house and getting divorced are two of the most stressful things you can do. So, if you’re selling up in the wake of a painful split, you really are in the thick of it. Read on for some helpful advice on navigating the process. Selling a

Whether your rental property is a blank space you just sleep in, or it’s a new family property, it’s important to make it feel like home. So, how can you fall in love with your rental without breaching tenancy rules? You could be a long-term renter or maybe a flat-sharer,

If 2023 was the year you were going to buy a new home, it’s fair to say that the gloomy news headlines might have you rethinking things a bit. Is it the right time to buy? Should you rent instead? Should you move in with your nearest and dearest and

How do portfolio landlords deal with the multitude of tasks and mountains of red tape that come with managing several properties? Read on to find out. Owning a portfolio of rental properties can be a great way to earn income and build up a tidy nest egg for the future.

Helping your child understand basic maths concepts doesn’t have to be a chore or a bore. Follow these four tips to discover how it can be child’s play.  Maths is like Marmite: some people love it, while others loathe it. But there’s no escaping the fact that it’s a crucial

One minute, the housing market is at an all-time high, the next, newspapers are warning it will plunge faster than a block of concrete in a swimming pool. Finance bods and property experts love to talk up a crisis, but what’s the reality for those wanting to sell? Well, it’s

In a cost of living crisis, it’s not a bad idea to think of ways to make (or save) extra cash. Some people take on part-time jobs or start up a side hustle, others might start selling unwanted items from around the home. But here’s another idea, what about using

If you’re thinking of freshening up the interior of your home this year, here’s a list of what’s trending on the design front.   Are you planning a mega makeover in 2023? Or perhaps you just want to make some modest changes to breathe new life into your home? Whether

Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to make a fast buck, often leaving landlords out of pocket or caught up in messy legal disputes. Read on to learn about the most common scams targeting landlords and how to protect your rental property. Falsifying documents The wonders of technology mean it’s

Joint tenancies can be a great way for friends and couples to share costs and a steady source of income for landlords – but they’re not without their challenges. Friends can fall out, couples can split up, and rows about who used all the loo roll or spilt red wine

Accept an offer from a fast-talker or a faffer, and your hopes for a speedy property deal could be scuppered. Here’s how to choose the right buyer. When it comes to property transactions, we often focus on the long list of questions buyers want answers to. What’s the local area

If you’re a seasoned landlord, chances are you’ve experienced at least one out-of-hours call from a panicked tenant about a leaky toilet or boiler breakdown. Why is it these things never seem to happen at a reasonable hour? Repairs and maintenance of your rental portfolio can be costly and stressful,

Whether you’ve got a pooch who wears fancy jumpers, a big blonde Labrador or a tiny handbag-sized companion, this month is all about them. If you didn’t know before, now you do: January is National Walk Your Dog Month. All you doggy people are probably a bit baffled, as being

If you’re planning to sell your property, the first question that you’ll inevitably ask is how much it’s worth. Your home may be invaluable to you and your loved ones, but it’s also got a market value. But how is a property valued? Is there a magic formula? How does

The newspapers are full of predictions of a national property crash. The broadcast media are pumping out doom, gloom and not much else about the housing market prospects in 2023. And let’s not even get started with the internet ‘experts’ on social media and the local ‘pub professors’ who are

As a landlord, you might have invested in property for additional income; maybe it’s a way to save for your future, or perhaps you’re an accidental landlord and had to rent your property out due to a change in circumstances. Whatever the reason, it’s a safe bet that you want

Here are five tips to help mortgage hunters find the best deal in the current market. With inflation and interest rates rising and so much uncertainty in the market, choosing the right mortgage deal in the current climate can be daunting. While no one has a crystal ball to predict

We want to thank everyone who supported us at the Oadby Light Switch On & The Clarendon Park Christmas Fair this year. Santa & his elves loved seeing everyone, and you helped us raise a HUGE £1,989 for Rainbows Children’s Hospice, Leicester.  

Here are ten ways to prevent a minor mishap or major disaster at your rental property this winter. For many people, winter really is the most wonderful time of the year, a chance to crunch through frosty fields, make the perfect snow angel or snuggle up by the fire. But

The month of December is filled with fun, festivities and food for most of us, yet for many others it is cold and lonely. And in the current cost of living crisis, it can feel more overwhelming than ever. Charitable donations in the winter months are essential. By making a

There are just a few weeks until Christmas and even less until the kids break up for their winter holidays, so it’s the perfect time to get creative and decorate your home with some Crimbo-themed crafts. Forget last year’s tatty tinsel and dodgy fairy lights; it’s time to channel your

Energy is a hot topic. From price hikes to conserving energy, every day there seems to be a new thing to think about. And now, research has shown that being more energy efficient could even bump up the value of your home. Boiler company BOXT found that increasing the EPC

A property portfolio is a great way to generate income and build yourself a tidy retirement nest egg. But there’s more to it than shaking hands with new tenants and waiting for the rent to roll in. You need robust systems and a professional attitude to protect your investment and

Having fun is important, no matter how old you are. But how can you enjoy yourself without breaking the bank? Now the cold weather has set in, we’re all stuck at home after a blazing hot summer of being out and about. And if you’ve got kids, you’ll know the

Get it right, and insulation can add value to your home. Get it wrong, and it could be difficult to get a mortgage for your property. Read on to find out why. With energy prices sky-high and global warming a pressing issue, many homeowners are looking to insulate their homes.

A significant shift in how landlords file tax returns is looming on the horizon. Here’s what landlords need to know about the changes. If you’re a landlord with a taxable income of more than £10,000, now’s the time to start thinking about new tax reporting rules that are coming down

Can’t stand football? Wouldn’t dream of tuning into this year’s World Cup in Qatar? Here’s a list of four things you can do instead. If you’d rather watch paint dry than the World Cup, then we’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide to tuning out when the tournament is on.

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, gave his Autumn Budget 2022 at lunchtime, intending to deal with inflation and keep mortgage rates down for homeowners. In this short and sharp post, I wanted to touch on what this would mean specifically for Leicester landlords and homeowners thinking of buying and selling Capital

Is Rent Protection Insurance Really Necessary?  The rental market is a tough place to be, especially in the current economic climate. With the cost of living crisis leaving many tenants feeling squeezed, now could be the right time for landlords to invest in rent protection insurance. But is it really

Buying a home comes with a lot of dreams, needs and wants, but there’s another consideration, too – budget. Whether you’re taking your first step on the property ladder or moving on to bigger and better things, how can you make every pound count? Maximising your budget might seem impossible;

Homebuyers are heavily influenced by what they see, smell and hear, so here’s a guide to ensuring your property appeals to their senses.    Did you know that when it comes to impressing a buyer, you have just half a minute to knock their socks off?   Yes, you read

Recessions hit everyone right where it hurts: in the pocket. Everyone feels the pinch as prices rise and the cost of living spirals. Homeowners face the prospect of higher mortgage rates and rising bills. But what about landlords? Are they the Teflon of a credit crunch? According to finance experts

The economic events of recent months have prompted plenty of to-ing and fro-ing in the housing market. While some buyers and sellers in Leicester have paused to consider their situations, others have put their foot on the gas to get deals swiftly across the line. While this flurry of activity

Will your next home improvement project end in success or a desperate call to the DIY SOS team? Here are five tips to avoid bungling the job. Repairing and refurbing your own home can be immensely satisfying – and save you lots of money. But not every DIY task finishes

A third of all property sales collapse before completion. How can you ensure yours isn’t one of them? Read on to find out. Selling a property isn’t a sprint; it can be a marathon. It takes time to market a home, find the best buyer, agree on a price and

With winter around the corner, there’s still time to make changes at home to minimise your energy usage and save on your bills. There’s no getting around it: we’ll all be paying more for our energy this winter. But by making a few simple changes at home, you can trim

To prevent your property deal from progressing at a snail’s pace – or falling through altogether – you’ll need a good lawyer. Here’s how to find one. Once you’ve agreed a deal to sell or buy a property, the next step is to instruct a lawyer to handle all the

There’s a lot to think about when you are a landlord. You’ve got the ever-changing rules around rental property to consider. Then there’s ensuring your property is well maintained and your tenants are happy. Add to that the cost of living crisis, pressures on the economy and political instability, and

Once you’ve read these five facts, you won’t feel quite so guilty about indulging in chocolate again. A two-minute read. Humans have enjoyed the delights of chocolate for thousands of years, starting with the Mayans, who drank it as a hot liquid (and even used it in wedding and baptism ceremonies).

The last two years have been hectic for the Leicester property market. But now, the market is slowing down, and homes are not selling as fast as they once were. It’s also becoming harder to sell a home for a premium price. Add to that the cost of living crisis

It’s fair to say that tenants’ needs have changed in recent years. With more people working from home than ever, has your rental property got the tech to appeal to top tenants? In the current digital age, there are countless smart apps and devices that can help your property stand

They say the best things in life are free, so here’s a quick and easy way to brighten someone’s day that won’t cost you a penny – but will make you feel good. He may have been known as ‘Cranky Franky’, but crooner Frank Sinatra is responsible for popularising a

Sometimes (or very occasionally), there’s nothing better than doing a big clean. But have you ever thought about what you’re cleaning with? Every polish, spray and cleaning solution we use contains hundreds of chemicals, yet we liberally spray them all over the surfaces we cook on and eat off. Could

Whether you live in a tiny apartment, a three-bedroom semi or a mansion, there’s one thing you probably want more of – storage. It’s not exciting, it’s not earth-shattering, it’s just space. But it definitely matters. We’ve all got a lot of stuff. Putting it away (or hiding it) is

They’re young, they’re moving out of their parents’ homes, and they could be your next tenants. We’re talking about Generation Z, the workforce of the future and a generation that’s ready to pay rent. Over the next three years, it’s estimated that Gen Z (born between 1996 and 2012) will

Whether you’re a DIY kind of person or prefer to hire a professional, home improvements are on the up. Since the pandemic, savvy homeowners have been looking for ways to make their properties more comfortable and more desirable to future buyers. So, what are the most popular home improvement trends?

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng outlined his plans for the economy during the ‘mini-budget’ announced this morning. This included changes to stamp duty, tax cuts and other measures to boost the nation’s finances. Here’s what the Chancellor said about stamp duty as reported by the leading estate agency news website – Property

Growing your own veg might sound like a lot of work, but it’s actually a great way to save money and enjoy a healthier diet. And as this month is Organic September, there’s no better time to dig out that trowel and start sowing some seeds. Organic September is 30

As a landlord, you want to earn a good return on your property investment, but how do you decide what rent to charge? In the current market, rents are at an all-time high, but what’s the fairest way to set your monthly price? In this quick read, we look at

Mental health used to be taboo, but thankfully, nowadays, it’s more open for discussion. But while we’re all more aware of it, are we doing enough to help and empower young people who may be experiencing problems? September 19th marks Youth Mental Health Day (YMHD), an initiative to raise awareness

There’s no doubt about it; moving home is one of the most stressful life events you can go through. As you wade through boxes, try to settle the kids, hunt for the toaster, and pay off all the moving bills, you’ll probably be trying not to scream and lose your

If your home is on the market, you’re probably in a constant state of anticipation. Will this viewing be the one? Are you going to get your asking price? Will you need to accept a lower offer? We bet there are lots of questions and scenarios running through your head.

Landlords, you know that good tenants are hard to come by. Those that care for your property like it’s their home (because it is), who won’t constantly call with silly problems and who pay their rent on time.   So, what’s the first step to finding them?   It might

Are you a renting newbie? Are you flying your family’s comfy nest? Well, this one’s for you. Renting your first place isn’t as simple as moving in and unpacking – there’s a lot you need to know. In this quick read, we help you prepare to sign on the dotted

As term time approaches, those endless days of trying to entertain your bored and restless kids are almost over. No more surly teenagers sleeping until 2pm, no more grumpy children hounding you for snacks – it’s time to get ready for school. This back-to-school guide looks at some easy ways

Many buyers say that hunting for a new home is like looking for a healthy, low-calorie meal in a greasy spoon café… not easy. As well as wanting the right property in the right location, they usually have a long checklist to satisfy before even viewing a property. If you’re

Why You Should Hold on to Your Rental Properties Post Pandemic If you’re a landlord, chances are you’re feeling a bit hard done by at the moment. It seems like every other day, new rules and revisions are being announced around landlord and tenant law, which means you have to

Freeholds and Leaseholds Made Simple  If you’re new to the property market, learning the lingo is essential. There are lots of legal and financial terms you need to get your head around and lots of research to be done. Two terms that you need to be familiar with are ‘freehold’

It’s International Dog Day next Friday – a chance to celebrate our cute, cuddly, devoted and dribbly four-legged friends. From loyal Labradoodles and plucky Pointers to cheeky Chihuahuas and dinky Dachshunds, the UK has a long and proud history as a nation of dog lovers. There are 13 million pooches

If the idea of an insect infestation at your Leicester rental property makes your skin crawl, read on to find out how to beat the bugs this summer. No landlord wants uninvited visitors in their buy-to-let – especially the six-legged variety that spread disease, bite, sting and cause property damage. With

We all know that kids these days spend more time indoors (often on screens) and less time running around outside. If you’re a parent or carer frustrated by this trend, read on to learn how some parents are fighting back through a scheme called Playing Out.   What is Playing

Have you heard of ‘unlocking the value of your home’? Do you know what it’s all about? If you’re over 55, chances are you’ve seen or heard this phrase several times from targeted advertising. While ‘unlocking value’ might sound like an elaborate spiritual journey or magic trick, instead, it’s quite

Moving into a new home can be exciting, but renting a property comes with responsibilities. To avoid disputes – or paying for things that don’t fall within your remit – it’s helpful to know your obligations as a tenant. Read on for a general guide to a tenant’s responsibilities (but

It is not long now until the annual Oadby Motorfest takes place along The Parade in Oadby on Sunday 14th August from 10am – 4pm.   The free to attend event is not to be missed and is a great day out for the family with something for everyone.  

Selling a property for the first time? Here’s a helpful guide to help you navigate the process. Putting your property on the market can be stressful at the best of times, and even more so if you’ve never done it before. But don’t worry. With planning and preparation, you can

Many people think that being a landlord is easy. Rent out a property, move some people in, sit back and rake in the cash… if only it was that simple.   Any experienced landlord knows that owning rental property is hard, and it can be a 24/7 job in the

Hands up if you’ve ever lost a couple of hours sitting on the sofa watching a property show? Whether it’s a 30-minute fix or a full-on binge, programmes about other people’s homes are fascinating. Entire cable channels are dedicated to home renovations, property sales, flipping houses and so on. We

How much of what you know about estate agents is really true? This three-minute read debunks a few common urban myths. The digital revolution has given rise to several assumptions about estate agents, but we’re here to tell you they’re not true. It’s time to separate fact from fiction and

In our post-pandemic world, working from home (WFH) has become the new norm for many people. But as a landlord, you need to make sure your tenants are working in a way that doesn’t impact you negatively. Most of us think of WFH as sitting in front of a laptop