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

The cost of living crisis is affecting more people than ever, and sadly, it’s set to get worse, as more and more households are turning to food banks to supplement their supplies. Research by the Trussell Trust – a support network for food banks across the UK – found that

When selling a home, good-quality property photos help you attract more buyers and achieve a higher asking price. What’s not to love? A three-minute read. One of the golden rules of property selling is not to skimp on photography. And you don’t have to take our word for it –

Inspections are a key part of managing a tenancy so it’s imperative that landlords get them right. Here are some top tips to ensure landlords don’t miss a thing. A two-minute read. We’ve all heard the horror stories about nightmare tenants who trash a rental property, leaving the landlord up

Plastic Free July: Do Your Bit to Help the Planet   It’s time to turn the tide on single-use plastics going to landfill or winding up in our oceans and waterways. A three-minute read. The world is drowning in plastic, and here are some statistics to prove it. The UK

This two-minute read explains how to nail the must-have looks that could push up the price of your home. Here at Knightsbridge Estate Agents, we’ve been telling our clients for years to ditch the clutter and get the décor spot on to secure a top sale. Well now a survey

Top Tips for Finding the Best Tenants The secret to a smooth-running tenancy is good tenants. Here’s how to find them. A two-minute read. There are few guarantees in life, but we promise you this: let your property to a bad tenant, and your job as a landlord will get

The DIY hacks you see on TikTok may be entertaining to watch, but they can also be dumb and even downright dangerous. TikTok is awash with amateur handymen and women dishing out tips, but just how practical and accurate is this advice? When confused.com asked an expert handyman to rate

In the past week have launched our new ‘Key Facts for Buyers‘ addition to our website that aims to give potential buyers MORE UPFRONT information about properties helping them make the RIGHT buying decisions. Providing a complete property overview Ordnance Survey & Land Registry Boundary Map Energy Performance Rating Local

This two-minute read looks at how to ensure your home appeals to buyers looking for a family home. When it comes to devising a marketing strategy to sell your home, the first step is establishing your target buyer. For example, if you’re selling a slick, minimalist penthouse studio, there’s no

This two-minute read explains how landlords can navigate their way through an ever-growing list of rules and regulations. There’s one rookie mistake that many first-time landlords make when they invest in property – and it can cost them dearly further down the track. While most newbie landlords mull over the

Save time and stress by investing in these four gadgets for your home. A three-minute read.  The world’s richest entrepreneurs may be obsessed with building fancy spaceships, but we’re more interested in tech that makes everyday life easier. Thankfully, there is an array of useful new household gadgets on the

In this two-minute read, we look at why you should be cautious of rent-to-rent schemes and how they could be less profitable in the long run. Less rental income While you might be tempted to enter one of these contracts, often, the way the business offering you the R2R option

Discover how to make your kitchen look fresh and modern without spending a fortune in this two-minute read.   Smartening up your kitchen is an excellent way to wow buyers and add value. If you can’t afford a full-scale high-end refurbishment, try these cost-saving DIY tips.   Before you start

When selling your property, there are two magic words everyone wants to hear: ‘cash buyer’. They come with promises of a quick sale process, no chain and are, quite frankly, the pot of gold at the end of the property-selling rainbow. But are cash buyers really that special? A cash

Did you know that lots of people pay more for their phone bills, car insurance or Wi-Fi simply because the thought of changing providers is too stressful? This is like a lot of landlords – they stick with the same letting agent they’ve used for years just because it’s easier

Children are bundles of energy, who love to run, jump, touch and taste. Unfortunately, sometimes this curiosity can lead to accidents at home. Each year, about 450,000 children aged under five attend A&E due to an accident at home*. With Child Safety Week starting on Monday (6 June), the Child

If you’re new to mortgages, you’ll be forgiven for feeling a little bit overwhelmed. There’s a lot to sort out before applying for one and there are so many different types – it’s hard to know what to go for. Whether you choose a high street lender or a more

In this three-minute read, we discuss some of the essential steps you need to take before renting out your property. Contact a local agent Before you market your property, you’ll want to know how much rent you can get. While it’s handy to check similar properties in the area on

Come on, admit it. We all love taking a sneaky peek at someone’s home. It’s always interesting to see how other people live, that’s why property programmes are so popular. There’s nothing more fascinating than seeing those quirkier homes. You know the ones – treehouses, train carriages, converted buses. The

While many people are tempted by online-only agencies and their promises of fixed fees, free listings, and guaranteed sales, sometimes it really is just too good to be true. In this three-minute read, we look at reasons why you should get an agent to sell your home.   Expertise Estate

As a landlord, you might be thinking about how to get more value from your property. While the rental market for single tenancies is booming, have you considered a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)?   These days, HMOs are big business. In simple terms, it’s where a single property is

In this three-minute read, we look at a few ways to help your little (and not so little) cherubs settle into a new home.   Prepare your child Keep your child informed. Talk about the new home, why you’re moving, where you’re going, their new room, and so on. By

When searching for a new home, do you scroll past properties that look a little worse for wear? You know the ones, where the carpet hasn’t been changed since the 70s and the floral wallpaper is curling off the walls?   Lots of buyers look for newly renovated or new-build

Whether you’re marketing a one-bedroom flat or a seven-bedroom mansion, the same rule usually applies – big is beautiful.   We’re talking about big rooms, of course! It’s well known that a home that feels spacious will always fetch a higher price than a similar property that comes across as

If you’ve become a landlord due to unexpected circumstances such as bereavement or a new relationship, here’s some helpful advice. A two-minute read. It’s surprising how many people become landlords more by chance than design – or in other words, ‘accidental landlords’. Whether through inheritance, a change in a relationship

Want to reduce carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and the risk of childhood obesity? Then step right up and out for Walk to School Week (16 to 20 May).   Next week’s event, organised by the charity Living Streets, encourages children and their carers to leave the car at home and

This eight-point plan outlines the best way landlords can manage the issue of energy bills. A two-minute read. This year’s colossal hike in energy costs has left millions of households reeling. And with no relief in sight, the problem is likely to stay at the top of the agenda throughout

Before you were a property owner, chances are windows were something you just looked out of to take in the view. You probably didn’t give them much thought and you might have cleaned them occasionally. That was it.   Now, as a homeowner, your single, double, or triple glazing means

Have you got a big one? A small one? Maybe you’ve got a wonky one. Whatever its shape or size, we’ve all got one. We’re talking about your hooter. Smack bang in the middle of your face; the nose is a great tool when trying to sell your home. Known

As trusted local letting agents, we work with a lot of landlords. Finding tenants, managing properties, organising inspections – we take care of each step. However, more and more landlords are choosing to work alone, but is it as easy as they think?   Here’s why we think working with

Do something positive for you, your community, and the planet’s health by celebrating National Gardening Week.  There’s nothing quite like a bit of digging, watering, or pruning to calm the nerves and soothe the soul. Gardening is good for our mental and physical health, reducing the risk of depression, osteoporosis,

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 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

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,

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

There’s no quick fix when it comes to maintenance and repairs; to avoid stressful and costly tenant disputes, landlords need to be organised and proactive.   Who is responsible for what? Always check your contract, but as a general rule, landlords are responsible for structural features like walls and chimneys,

Are you thinking of selling your Leicester home? Then let’s look at two trends that have dominated the market over the past year and see what they mean for you.   Demand is strong   Many people predicted that the robust demand seen in early 2021 would fizzle out when the Stamp

When it comes to tenant selection, there’s a saying that all landlords should heed: Go with the right tenant, not the first tenant. Sometimes, landlords are so eager to see rent payments rolling in that they treat the reference checking process as a tick-box exercise rather than an investigative one.

There’s one financial institution that never seems to go out of fashion, and that’s the dear old Bank of Mum and Dad (or BOMAD for people who like acronyms).   About half of all first-time buyers (FTBs) last year relied on BOMAD, with parents dishing out a record £9.8 billion

Property portals have revolutionised the market, but can an algorithm replicate an astute estate agent’s experience, empathy, and enthusiasm? A two-minute read.   Here’s a statistic that sums up just how integral the internet is to buying and selling property these days: 98% of people start their home search online.

From toxic tenants to financial friction – there are many reasons why a landlord might want to end a tenancy. These reasons can include: The tenant has breached their contract by missing rent payments, subletting, or trashing the property. Relations between the tenant and landlord have turned toxic. The property

Landlords looking to secure reliable, long-term tenants shouldn’t overlook a growing demographic in the rental sector – the older renter. Recent statistics* show that the proportion of people aged 45 to 54 who rent is 16% (up 5% in ten years). During the same period, the proportion of renters aged

Today is World Sleep Day so let’s look at why a good night’s kip is so important.  The pandemic has impacted almost every area of our lives, including our ability to enjoy a deep and blissful slumber. Studies in the UK, US, China, and Italy have all found that since

If you’re experiencing financial difficulties, you may be considering selling your home. This is a very challenging decision and needs to be given some serious thought. In this two-minute read, we look at some areas to think about before you decide whether to sell your property or not. This piece

Landing the perfect job is a dream for most, but what if that opportunity is in a different part of the country? Or abroad? If this is the case, relocation may be the only solution. Selling your home when you need to move out of Leicester isn’t easy. You’ve got

Calling all landlords! Have you checked your buy-to-let property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating lately? No? Unfortunately, there have been some legal changes that might mean you’ve got some work to do (and money to spend), so you need to keep reading. An EPC details how energy efficient a property

Devious fraudsters are hacking the emails of buyers and sellers, sometimes with devastating consequences. A two-minute read. Hackers and cyber fraudsters went to town in the UK last year, swindling £1.3 billion in just six months – a three-fold increase on the same period the previous year.* Gangs used all

With the rental market changing enormously over the past decade, savvy landlords need to stay on their toes to make the most of their investment.  General trends Since 2010, the sector has almost doubled in size; these days, about 19% of all households rent. Many tenants are renting for longer.

Life, as we knew it pre-pandemic, is gradually looking more like it used to, as Governments across the UK relax Covid-19 rules. This is exciting for many but it can also feel a bit overwhelming as activity levels rise. It’s important to take responsibility for looking after ourselves so we

It’s often thought that being a landlord is easy: buy a property, rent it out, and hey presto! You’re all set. Unfortunately, it’s never that simple, and many landlords look to sell up for an easier life. Whether it’s age, personal circumstances or changes in the law, in this article,

With a raft of high-tech home security gadgets on the market, it’s easier than ever to keep your family, pets, and precious belongings safe. Whether installing a completely new system or tightening up existing security measures, Leicester homeowners have plenty of options to choose from. Smart system There’s an app for

Sometimes, all it takes is a smile or wave to make someone smile. It’s free, it’s polite and most of all, it’s kind. February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Yes, a whole day dedicated to being nice. Started by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in America, the

If you do a quick Google search on ‘how to keep love alive’, communication comes out on top of many of the pieces of advice shared. Almost all relationships benefit from good communication. And that advice extends beyond being a partner, parent, or friend – it can easily be applied

So, you’re keen to sell your home but you’re just not getting any offers. What’s going on? How can you make your home more attractive to potential buyers?  What’s that smell? Your home is your castle, but your pong is also your pong. If a buyer walks into a property