Welcome to your monthly property update!

Top tips for moving at Christmas

Whether you're a seasoned mover or it's your first time, relocating to a new house is an extremely exciting process – even if there happen to be a couple of bumps along the way.

As you approach the final steps, everything will start snowballing.

So, given that the year we've had has added even more unknowns to the mix, we wanted to let you know what you should expect from a Christmas move in 2020.

Hopefully, with the use of our simple steps, you'll find the experience more manageable with fewer surprises.

Keep track of the forecast

Winter weather is notoriously unpredictable, and with the constant possibility we'll see snow, ice and heavy rain, it is important to check the forecast before the big day so you can adapt accordingly.

Enlisting the help of a removal firm could provide some peace of mind, as the additional support will shoulder some of the responsibility of transporting your belongings to your new home safely.

However, with the industry facing high demand, you might find it more challenging than usual to book for a time and date to suit your plans – especially during peak periods, like weekends.

It's also worth considering that you'll need to comply to social distancing measures, with restrictions on the help you can get from members not within your immediate bubble.

Be organised with boxes

One of the main causes of stress during the moving process is delegating which boxes to put in which room, as we're all familiar with losing key essentials until the last box has been unpacked.

A simple label or colour coding system can completely remove this stress – just remember to be specific.

Similarly, ensuring that you start packaging up your items with plenty of time to spare, and using packing materials such as bubble wrap, will make the whole experience seem seamless.

Notify everyone of your new address

With COVID-19 meaning the majority of us will be turning to online stores to purchase gifts this festive season, ensuring you change your delivery address in plenty of time will ensure you’re not chasing your parcels from one collection point to another.

Likewise, you may want to think about using the Royal Mail's redirect service, as you could lose track of letters, cards and gifts arriving to your previous address.

Inform your utility providers

As the colder weather hits, there is nothing more comforting than a hot chocolate or seasonal mulled wine by the fire.

To make sure this is still a possibility in your new home, remember to take meter readings and inform your providers that you are moving.

Depending on demand, your providers could take a couple of weeks to make the transition over, so informing them early on will mean you can step into a home that's set up and ready to go from the day you get your keys.

Prepare your household

For households with children and pets, you might find that a change of routine or surroundings can be stressful.

This impact can be lessened by pre-packing a box of essentials containing forms of entertainment, such as books or games for children, and your pets’ bed and favourite toys.

Before moving, it's essential you have updated the relevant identification tags or microchips for your cat and / or dog. Should they go missing in their new neighbourhood, this will help you to reunite with them that much sooner.

Enjoy!

Once all the hard work unpacking has been done, or you’ve had enough for the day – we won’t judge – it’s important to take stock and give yourself time to process and unwind.

This is a great time to get the board games or cheesy Christmas films out and spend time with the family, you’ve earned it!

To see what properties we've brought to market this winter, visit our website.

Jokes at Joe'sWednesday, 6 September 2023

Big Deal Comedy and Joe's coffee shop have joined forces!

Click here to read Jokes at Joe'sWednesday, 6 September 2023.

Oliver Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3

This 3 Bedroom Semi Detached family home has been refurbished to a high standard and is situated in this sought after residential area...

£495,000

Click here to read Oliver Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3.

Thumpers, Hemel Hempstead, HP2

David Doyle are delighted to offer to the market this very well presented three double bedroom family home with situated in this popular...

£425,000

Click here to read Thumpers, Hemel Hempstead, HP2.

Lucks Hill, Hemel Hempstead, HP1

This well presented 2 double bedroom with a driveway is conveniently located...

£365,000

Click here to read Lucks Hill, Hemel Hempstead, HP1.

Great Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 5LB

This spacious 3 double bedroom detached chalet bungalow offers well arranged accommodation...

£680,000

Click here to read Great Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 5LB.

Art ClassSunday, 14 January 2024

This will be a little art class for people of all levels, the aim is to de stress/learn something new in a non judgemental environment so don't hesitate to come if you are interested.

Click here to read Art ClassSunday, 14 January 2024.

Does 2024 hold a better future for landlords and tenants?

The rental market in the UK is going from strength to strength. Despite the negative news stories in the press, there is much to look forward to and celebrate as we enter another new year. A better deal for landlords and tenants, beautiful properties, and new landlords entering the market promise to add a breath of fresh air to the entire industry.

Good demand
Rental demand is growing, and many new landlords are entering the buy-to-let business as some choose to retire. This will bring new ideas and a fresh approach to the industry. If you are a tenant, you will benefit from higher standards of property. Landlords now take a long-term view of property investment and the energy efficiency standards that are required today. This improves life for both landlords and tenants.

A fresh supply of properties
It’s no secret that there is a shortage of property, both for sale and rent, in the UK. This will continue in 2024. However, the good news is that the first-time buyer market will most likely continue to be buoyant. As first-time buyers move out of their rented properties, more will appear on the market for you to rent. So, it’s worth keeping in touch with a letting agent. Landlords will also benefit from lowering interest rates and falling inflation, meaning they can expand their property portfolios, adding to the supply of rental properties for tenants. Lowering inflation will also make life easier for tenants, as it helps reduce the cost of living

The Renters Reform Bill
This has now had its second reading in Parliament and is at the committee stage. It aims to deliver reforms that will make life fairer for tenants and landlords. Despite the scaremongering, landlords need not fear. Landlords will be able to carry out referencing and have the final say as to who they let their property to. Landlords will also be able to recover their properties more easily, particularly from anti-social tenants breaching their tenancy agreements. Tenants will benefit from safer, better-quality homes, with fairer tenancy agreements, more rights for their pets, and the ability to challenge landlords for unlawful evictions. However, the Renters Reform Bill is not expected to become law until the end of 2024 at the earliest.

A crackdown on rogue landlords and tenants
Increased levels of legislation, such as the Renters Reform Bill, will help to stop rogue landlords and tenants in their tracks. This is good news for both parties, as it will prevent unscrupulous landlords from undermining the positive reputation of the industry. Tenants will have a better choice of nicer properties. As these landlords move out of the industry, tenants can move into better properties provided by good landlords. The landlord-tenant relationship thrives when you place good tenants in great properties. It will be more possible for this to flourish in 2024 since the landscape will have advanced in a way never seen before.

More landlords and tenants will choose managed services
Life for tenants and landlords will be made much easier with a managed letting service. Tenants don’t have to worry about searching high and low for a good property, and landlords can find good tenants with all checks in place. When it comes to maintenance, it can be taken care of swiftly, which saves a lot of time for landlords and is incredibly reassuring for tenants. Rent collection is also made more convenient for both parties, and that’s just some of the ever-growing facilities agents can offer.

Conclusion
2024 is set to be a good year, with more rights for tenants and landlords. Renting has many advantages over buying. You don’t have to worry about maintenance; the deposit is smaller, and you can make a move quickly. With more reforms on the horizon and new landlords entering the market, landlords can add to their portfolios or start from scratch in a stable market, which will protect their investment. Tenants will be able to enjoy a greater choice of better properties.

Are you looking for a new home to rent or want our expert team to manage your property? Get in touch

What will the 2024 UK property market look like?

It’s impossible to predict the future completely, so why worry? When homes sell incredibly quickly, this often leads to rapid property price inflation. Right now, the market is stable and not growing rapidly, which makes it a good time to move. You have a little more scope for negotiation while still achieving a great price for your existing home, as it will have gained in value in recent years. With inflation falling in November by 2% to its lowest levels in two years to 4.6%* and wages rising, the market is returning to normal. The expectation is of slowly falling rates and rising property prices steadily emerging towards the end of 2024, but could this occur earlier than expected with the January rush?

Winter

Winter 2024 begins in December 2023, as many homemovers get a head start on finding a great home before January. Sellers are itching to move and many of them have placed their homes on the market in time for viewers. In fact, the week of Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year.

Spring

Those who have waited to move in January will now place their homes on the market as the property market gets into full swing. Added to those who decided to take the plunge by moving into their dream homes in time for sprouting daffodils. As mortgage rates become more competitive, combined with a strong beginning in 2024 with better buyer affordability, there will be real momentum in the market.

Summer

If you have already bought your home at this point, you may have got the timing just right. In many ways, 2024 is a good year to buy and then gain the rewards of good growth in the following years. Overall, the outlook appears steady, with a lot of stability. You could be sitting pretty with a garden in full bloom and concentrating on a holiday, knowing your property plans are sorted and all you’ll need to do is make the most of enjoying the reality that was once a dream.

Autumn

This appears to be the only season of change, and perhaps we are tempting fate to look this far into the future. But if the predictions of analysts are correct, mortgage rates will start to decrease further but not return to the extreme lows of the past. As a result, property prices will start to rise more rapidly.

Your agent can transcend time

Any time is a good time to move; it’s more about you and your home. Good estate agents hold the keys to optimising your situation at any time of the year and are becoming extremely adept at the entire moving process. Today, they are armed with vast databases of homemovers that connect your home with the right buyer quickly. They can help broaden your mortgage options with the right mortgage advisor and fine-tune the value of your home, which is critical in today’s market. Finding the property that will improve your life immeasurably will help you feel awesome all the time.

Bank of England*

Have you double-checked your tenancy agreement?

When you have found the perfect rental property for you, it can be very tempting to sign on that dotted line in a hurry. However, before you do, it is crucial to give your tenancy agreement a thorough read-through with the help of your letting agent so that you comprehensively understand the terms and conditions.

Personal details
You should start by making sure all the personal details on the contract are correct, including your name, the new address, and your contact details. If there are any mistakes, no matter how minor and insignificant they might seem, it is crucial to inform your letting agent immediately so that they can edit the agreement accordingly.

Rent and payment details
It is important to check that the rent amount stated in the agreement is correct and that you are aware of the dates on which payments should be made. It should also state the security deposit amount and its due date, as this needs to be paid in advance.

Duration
Whether it's a fixed period or a month-to-month tenancy, the start and end dates should be clearly stated in the agreement. It should also specify how much notice is required before the tenancy is terminated.

Maintenance and repairs
A tenancy agreement's maintenance details are essential for outlining responsibilities for maintaining the property. It is important to fully understand what aspects of the property’s maintenance you are responsible for to avoid any disagreements or fines.

Bills
You need to make sure you are aware of who is responsible for paying your various bills. It is usually the tenant’s responsibility to pay for standard utilities such as internet, council tax, and energy, but it is also important to double-check that the contract doesn’t have any additional bills that you need to pay.

Rules
You must make sure you are aware of any rules and regulations listed in your tenancy agreement. These can include a range of different issues, including rules regarding pets, noise, and decorating. If any of the agreement’s rules are broken, the landlord may issue a warning or a fine, and they could even terminate the tenancy if the rule break is more severe.

Termination
In order to protect the rights of both the landlord and the tenant, the agreement should detail the conditions and procedures for termination. As well as specifying the required notice period, it should also state the potential reasons for termination by the landlord, such as failure to pay rent and breaches of contract by the tenant. It should outline the procedures for renewal, if applicable, as well as the potential reasons for the tenant terminating the agreement early, such as uninhabitable conditions and breaches of contract by the landlord.

If you are in doubt about anything in your tenancy agreement, it is crucial to get in touch with your letting agent so they can assist you with your queries. They can also help you negotiate with the landlord if you would like any amendments to be made to the agreement. Only once you are sure that you fully understand and are happy with the tenancy agreement should you sign it. Once you have done so, make sure you keep a copy of it so that you have access to it during your tenancy, as it could be needed in the case of any disputes.

Looking for a new rental property? Get in touch today