Here at Knightsbridge Estate Agents, we are passionate about all things property. Our blog is a space where we share valuable insights, expert tips, and the latest property buying, selling, and investing trends.
As experienced estate agents, we understand that navigating the property market can be exciting and overwhelming. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or a homeowner looking to sell, our blog is designed to be your trusted resource throughout your property journey.
It’s often said that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but then (confusingly), it’s also said that first impressions count… Why are all these clichés so important? Well, when marketing a property, it’s a bit of both: how a property looks will catch a buyer’s eye before they
If you’re selling a property, you’ve got a big decision to make. Which estate agent do you pick? Should you go with an independent local agency or choose a big-name brand? Should you use an agent based on the local high street or choose a cheaper online option? Before you
British summers are hit and miss. On the days you want sun, you get cloudy skies and showers; on the days you’re rushing around doing a million things, you get a mini heatwave. But while we humans can (and should) protect ourselves from the sun, what about our loyal pets?
Type ‘tenancy agreement’ into Google and you’ll get thousands of results offering free online templates and guides to writing your own rental contract. So why bother using a letting agent to sort out the tenancy agreement if you can do it yourself? What could possibly go wrong? Well, quite a
Buying a new home is a big step that comes with lots of considerations. Finding the right property in a good location at a price you’re willing to pay isn’t always easy and can take time. But when you finally move into your new place to start the next chapter
Interest rates have risen to 5.25% following a 0.25% increase announced by the Bank of England. This is the 14th consecutive rise and marks the highest interest rates in 15 years. The reason behind these rate hikes is to combat high levels of inflation. The government has set a target
Close your eyes and picture your dream home. What do you see? A home that’s light, spacious and orderly? Or one that’s chaotic and cluttered with objects piled high and shoes and clothes strewn on the floor (along with bits of Lego that you inevitably tread on). The first scenario
As a landlord, as well as managing the finances, the property and any repairs or maintenance, you also have to remember to look after your tenants. Whilst nine times out of ten you’ll never have to deal with anything too difficult, sometimes relationships can be testing. So, what’s the best
The number of downsizers active in the housing market has skyrocketed in recent months*, and is it any wonder? With steep hikes in energy bills, interest rates and inflation, many people feeling the squeeze are rethinking how – and where – they want to live. Downsizers are often stereotyped as
Not since 2008, when Katy Perry stormed the music charts and Gavin and Stacey ruled the small screen, have interest rates been as high as they are today As a result, many mortgage holders are looking for ways to trim their outgoings to ease the financial burden. Homeowners are putting
Every year, the Bank of Mum and Dad comes to the rescue by helping tens of thousands of first-time buyers get on the housing ladder. Last year alone, 46% of first-time buyers received financial help from their parents to purchase a property, with £8.8 billion changing hands (source: Savills). But
How can you spot a top letting agent from a master of mediocrity? Read on to find out. Landlords use letting agents for all sorts of reasons. Some need help navigating red tape and lettings legislation, while others want a third party to deal with inspections, inventories and disputes. And
Forget Scandi style or minimalist chic, the interiors trend of the moment is wabi-sabi – an approach to design that’s gentler on the environment and the bank balance. So, what is this concept with the weird rhyming name all about, and could it work for you? Wabi-sabi has been popular
In the heart of summer, amidst the vibrant greenery of Victoria Park in Leicester, our colleague Lara embarked on a journey of determination, courage, and hope as she participated in the Race for Life—an inspiring event dedicated to raising funds for cancer research. With each step she took and every
If you’re thinking about buying your first home, congratulations! You’re about to experience a huge life moment and finally have somewhere to call your own. The first-time buyer journey is exciting, scary, overwhelming… it’s basically all the emotions. So, what can you expect? In this quick read, we take you
At last summer is here, so what are your plans? Have you booked an exciting getaway in an exotic location? Or is the aim to kick back and relax on home turf? Whatever you’ve lined up, it’s worth taking note of the common concerns that can crop up in rented
If you’re selling a property, you have a big decision. Which estate agent do you pick? Should you go with an independent local agency or choose a big-name brand? Should you use an agent based on the local high street or choose a cheaper online option? Before you decide, getting
Knightsbridge Estate Agents had the privilege of being a sweet stall at the LOROS Hospice Twilight Walk—an event that brought together the community in support of a cause close to our hearts. With an array of delicious treats and a spirit of generosity, we joined hands with fellow participants to
If you’ve got wonky shelves or pictures that you keep meaning to put up but haven’t got around to doing, are your DIY skills holding you back? Can’t tell a drill bit from a screwdriver head? We feel your pain. Knowing how to do basic DIY is a huge help,
Before selling your home, you might be thinking about ways to add value or unlock potential so buyers can get a feel for living there themselves. But renovations are costly and may not pay off. So, what can you do to change without spending too much? Whilst it’s always a
Problems in the home are a nuisance. Like when you’ve got a leaky tap and the drip drip drip drives you to distraction, or when your fridge packs up, and food goes to waste. When things go wrong, it’s understandable you want them fixed ASAP. But what if you’re a
Are there hidden hazards in your garden that could make your pooch ill and leave you with costly vet bills? Here’s a guide to keeping your garden safe and secure for your dog. Fencing The last thing you want is for your hound to escape onto the street and get
As a landlord, it’s important to build a good relationship with tenants. You want them to feel comfortable in their new home and to care for it, pay rent on time and generally have a successful tenancy period. But what makes a good relationship? Unless you’re renting a property out
Come on, we’ve all done it. Switched onto a property programme and fallen into the daydream of building our very own house. A walk-in wardrobe, a home cinema, a room just for shoes… sounds great, doesn’t it? But what’s the reality of a self-build project? On the one hand, building
Today’s increase in Bank of England rates has sent ripples of concern among Leicester homeowners, particularly those with impending remortgages or seeking new deals. The decision by the Bank to raise rates by 0.5% has sparked discussions about the potential consequences and the steps Leicester homeowners should consider taking. For
If you’re a landlord about to settle a new tenant into a property, there’s one phrase that should be your guiding mantra: “Start as you mean to go on”. Because what you do in the early stages of a tenancy will help define what unfolds over the next weeks, months
Evaluate Your Current Needs: Take stock of your lifestyle and assess how your requirements have changed since your children left the nest. Consider factors like space, maintenance, and accessibility that will shape your ideal downsized Leicester home. Financial Planning: Downsizing can be a great opportunity to free up equity and
Picture this: After a long and exhausting property search you finally find the home that’s just right for you. But then the estate agent mentions that it’s a ‘probate property’ and you’re left scratching your head. While it’s a term that you’ve heard before, you’re not entirely sure what it
Recycling is part of our everyday lives: at home, in the workplace, at school, in cafés and restaurants. We’re all more aware than ever of the importance of recycling, but how about stepping up a gear and really trying to reduce our use of plastic? Ask yourself this, and answer
The pitfalls of renting are always shouted about: too expensive, dodgy landlords, broken appliances and so on and so on. But what about the positives? With rental reforms on the horizon and changes to eviction rules in full swing, let’s explore why being a tenant is the best choice for
Post pandemic, having outside space has taken on a whole new level of importance and can add significant value to a property. But what happens when your garden oasis threatens the chance of selling your home? Some lush green plants might look nice but could signal trouble for a house
With summer officially starting in a few weeks, most people will have banished all thoughts of winter and the dark, damp days that go with it. But there’s a good reason why landlords should look beyond the sunny skies of the here and now to the colder months. And here’s
First-time buyers are key drivers in the property market and could be the ideal candidate to purchase your home. So, are you doing enough to target them? They might not have the instant allure of a cash buyer, but dig a little deeper, and it quickly becomes clear that first-time
You don’t need to be an expert gardener or have lots of space to create cheery window boxes that are the envy of all your neighbours. All it takes to create a spectacular display that gives your home instant kerb appeal is a windowsill big enough to accommodate a planter
If you’re considering putting your Leicester home on the market, look no further than the month of June. With longer days, warmer weather, and a sense of renewed energy in the air, June offers a prime opportunity to attract potential Leicester buyers and make a successful sale before the kids
It’s not just birds, bees and butterflies that come out in force in summer – unfortunately, burglars step up their activity, too. With many people going away on holiday (leaving homes empty) and others opening their windows and doors when temperatures rise, burglary rates spike in summer. So, how can
If you’re selling a property, you might think that selling to one of your nearest and dearest is the answer. After all, they know what they’re buying, you’ll save on professional fees, and the home you love will be left in good hands. But is it really that simple? Unfortunately,
Electric vehicles (EVs) are everywhere. They’ve been steadily growing in popularity and are now a serious consideration for anyone thinking about buying a new car. So, are you ready to go green and drive electric? It’s estimated that by 2025, the sale of electric cars will overtake that of traditional
Garden maintenance can be a thorny issue between tenants and landlords, so here’s a useful guide to help avoid confusion. Now that spring is here, there are lots of tasks to be done in the garden, such as watering, weeding and mowing. But if the garden is part of a
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage your property, getting a good mortgage deal is probably top on your list of priorities. You could lose hours scrolling through comparison sites, frantically searching for high street lenders’ deals, and trying to find your latest payslips. Or you could do
After a four-year wait and lots of speculation, a wide-ranging plan to overhaul the rental sector was finally presented to Parliament this week. The Renters’ Reform Bill includes changes to eviction laws, the creation of a Private Rental Ombudsman to resolve disputes and measures to speed up the existing court
It’s estimated that the average person spends 26 years of their life asleep and nearly seven years trying to get to sleep, so your bedroom needs to be somewhere you really want to spend your time. Your bed and its surroundings should be comfortable and enticing. Think of a luxury
Embarking on the journey of buying your first Leicester home can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be filled with costly mistakes. With proper planning and a few precautions, you can avoid the common pitfalls that many first-time buyers encounter. Here are six mistakes to watch out for and
How can landlords and tenants combat condensation and mould? Read on to find out. Condensation and mould The two are often bundled together because if you’ve got condensation, there’s a good chance it won’t be long before you’re battling mould. Condensation can be caused by warm air hitting cold surfaces
Selling a property is a bit like a football match – it’s a game of two halves. The first half centres on finding a buyer and agreeing a deal, and the second half is about making that deal a reality. Most buyers are familiar with the wheeling and dealing that
When you’re selling a property, getting a valuation is the first step. You need to know what a home is worth before you can plan your next move, but what if the value you’re given is completely inaccurate? If your property has been intentionally overvalued (priced more than it’s worth),
As a landlord in 2023, it’s fair to say there are a lot of challenges on the horizon. From changes to rental rules, tax upheaval, mortgage mayhem… it’s all going on. But the first thing to remember is your tenants and their experience of your property. It’s all too easy
The Renters’ Reform Bill is set to be published and presented in Parliament in the coming week, according to Housing Secretary Michael Gove. Gove stated in an interview with Sky News that the new legislation will alter the dynamics between landlords and tenant. This will provide tenants with enhanced protection
Love them or hate them, the Royal Family know how to party. And while we might not be invited to the official celebrations, we do have a weekend dedicated to the Coronation and a day off to mark this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. So, how will you celebrate? In this quick read,
Switch on any property show and you’ll see a beautifully styled home with no clutter, immaculate worktops, artfully thrown cushions and shelves full of dust-free ornaments – a dream home (even if completely incompatible with a busy life). However, beautiful home interiors aren’t just for TV. More and more property
What’s cute, has a bushy tail and could cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to a rental property? Unfortunately, as sweet as they may seem, squirrels and their nests can be a nightmare for landlords and tenants. Once those little grey beasts make themselves at home in a property,
Whether you’ve got a huge garden or a modest balcony, making the most of your outside space matters. Especially as the weather warms up and you can spend more time enjoying the fresh air. So, what are the big garden trends of 2023? In this quick read, we look at
Don’t let your beloved family pet stop you from achieving top selling price for your property. Follow these tips to ensure buyers don’t get sniffy about making an offer on your home. Given that 62% of British households have a pet*, you might assume buyers wouldn’t bat an eyelid at
You can’t open a newspaper (or app) without seeing something about the UK rental market. Whether it’s the increase in demand for property, changes to rent rules or landlords selling up – rentals are getting a lot of attention. And one matter that is causing a lot of controversy is
The ancient Chinese practice of feng shui literally means ‘wind’ and ‘water’. So, is it a valuable guide for harmonious living or a load of hot air? Even if you don’t know exactly what feng shui is all about, you’ve probably heard LA celebrities and interior designers extolling the virtues of it.
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
At Knightsbridge Estate Agents, we are thrilled to mark a significant milestone in our journey—a journey defined by dedication, integrity, and a deep-rooted commitment to serving our communities. As we celebrate 25 years in the estate agency business, we also celebrate 25 years of unwavering service to the neighbourhoods we
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
The end of a tenancy agreement can be stressful for landlords. You need to make sure the property isn’t vacant for long and there may be a need for repairs and maintenance. Then there’s the deposit release process and decisions about whether you need to make any deductions. Landlords have
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
If you’re feeling sluggish after a few weeks back at work post-Christmas, here are some tips to boost your productivity and give you more of that most precious commodity – time. Did you finish up in 2022 feeling tired and overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? If so, you’re not
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,
Want to get your new tenancy off to a good start and safeguard against future disputes? Then here are some important things you should tell your tenants on moving-in day. Let’s face it, finding good tenants and getting all the relevant paperwork ready for a new tenancy is hard work.
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.