Shorter days, falling leaves, and the beginning of colder weather all signify the arrival of autumn. Whether you love it or loathe it, adding a few nice touches to your home can make you feel more connected or, if you prefer, insulated from it. Here are a few tips to give you a head start, so you are ready for its arrival.

Warm up your home with textiles 

Throw a few cushions down or add a throw to your sittee and snuggle up to a cosier way of life with a variety of sumptuous materials. Whether you love wool, velvet, or leather, you can make comfort appear aesthetically appealing, which will freshen up your rooms. Warm colours, when the fire is lit, will warm you from the inside out. Luxury can become a feeling that can make your living spaces seem wonderful, so take some time to make the most of your surroundings. 

Invite nature indoors 

If you are in the mood for cosying up by the fire and you like celebrating the seasons, adding some leaves, chestnuts, dried flowers, or pinecones to your fireplace will help make it centre stage. An inviting rug in blazing autumnal colours or simply some logs piled next to the fire will set the scene for cosy nights while reinvigorating your interior. Creating an indoor garden is a good hobby to keep you busy during colder months and can fill your home with beautiful scents. 

Bring your indoors outdoors

Preparing your outdoor areas is important because it allows you to enjoy them all year-round. Making an early start by making the most of warmer September days to maintain your garden is always a good idea. Whether you are building an outdoor room from scratch or simply preparing it for the changing seasons, add throws, blankets, and cushions here too. Completing it with candles and other creature comforts that add some autumnal ambiences will allow you to enjoy a different perspective of your home. 

Don’t forget your bedrooms

If nothing else, the changing seasons are a great excuse to refresh your home's appearance, and sometimes it’s all too easy to neglect your bedrooms. They, too, will benefit from some new cushions, rugs, and blankets. A new bedspread can make a big impact but if you want more, consider redecorating by using autumnal-inspired paint. Autumn’s colour palette also offers huge inspiration for year-round decorating ideas and furnishings. 

Make your rooms glow with light   

Light a path to your home, then adorn each room with nice lighting to allow them to look beautiful. Play with light and add and take it away when and where you feel is best by using different light sources. You can do this with lanterns, candles, lamps, and ambient lighting which partners well with natural light, in conjunction with all the other decorative details you have added, including any mirrors. Then you can switch up or play down light levels to suit your mood, perhaps to relax after a tough day at work.

An EPC provides a rating of your home’s energy efficiency and its environmental impact. The rating ranges from ‘A’ (most efficient) to ‘G’ (least efficient) and includes recommendations for improving energy efficiency. The certificate helps potential buyers understand the energy performance of the property they are considering buying, as this will dictate how much it costs to run said property.

How long is an EPC valid for?

Once your home been issued its EPC rating, it will be valid for 10 years. This means that if you have an EPC rating that was issued within the last decade, you can use it to sell your property without needing a new assessment. However, if your EPC is older than 10 years, you’ll need to commission a new one before you can place your home on the market.

Checking your EPC’s validity

You can refer to the certificate itself to check if your EPC is still valid as it should state the date of issue and the expiry date. Additionally, you can look up your property’s EPC through GOV.uk, where you can download a copy of the certificate and verify its validity. 

When should I get a new EPC?

Even though EPCs have a 10-year life-span, there are circumstances when you might consider getting a new one before selling your home:

Selling your home can be a daunting task, especially in a busy market where competition is fierce. You want to take advantage of how much your home’s value has appreciated over the years and make sure you get a fair price for it.

With smart strategies and an experienced agent, your home can stand out and maximise your profits. Here are some effective selling strategies and insights on how a trusted estate agent can help you achieve your goals.

Enhance kerb appeal

First impressions are crucial, so it’s important to make sure your home’s exterior looks tidy and attractive to potential buyers. A well-maintained entrance and tidy landscaping of the front garden help to create an inviting atmosphere to get valuations and viewings off on the right foot.

Stage your home

Staging your home can help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Removing clutter and excess furniture can make rooms appear larger and more inviting, allowing buyers to really get a sense of what they would do with the space, therefore increasing the chances of them making an offer.

Address repairs and upgrades

In order to avoid potential price disagreements, it's essential to address any necessary repairs and upgrades before putting your property on the market. Fixing leaks, damp, and interior damage is crucial to avoid discouraging potential buyers from making an offer, while installing energy-efficient appliances can help increase market value.

Understand market dynamics

To maximise profit in a busy market, it's crucial to understand the current market dynamics. With the assistance of a reputable agent, you should keep track of recent sales in your area, as well as supply and demand trends. This information can help you accurately value your property and determine the best time to sell.

Set the right price

An experienced agent with expertise in property valuation is critical to assessing your home's value and setting the right asking price. Pricing too high can deter potential buyers, while pricing too low could result in losing out on potential profit.

Effective marketing is key

In a busy market, effective marketing can make your property stand out among the competition. The right agent will know which platforms work best and will be able to create compelling listings that attract potential buyers. They will take high-quality, professional photos that best showcase your property.

Negotiate wisely

Once it’s finally time to negotiate with interested buyers, it's essential to do so wisely. This involves not just focusing on the price, but also considering the terms and conditions of the sale. Agents are skilled negotiators who can handle offers and counter-offers on your behalf, while also helping you navigate the terms of the sale to ensure you get the best possible deal.

Before renting or letting a property, it is crucial that both landlords and tenants comprehensively understand what a tenancy agreement is and what should be included in it. It should outline the terms and conditions of the tenancy, so that all parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities. Let’s take a look at everything that should be included in a tenancy agreement.

Property details

Firstly, the tenancy agreement should contain all the details about the property that is being rented and its full address. A description of the property should also be outlined, as well as its included amenities such as parking spaces and communal facilities.

Tenancy terms

The start date of the tenancy should be clearly stated so that both parties know exactly when the tenant can pick up the keys to the property. If the tenancy is fixed-term, it should state the end date of the tenancy, while periodic tenancies should stipulate the conditions for terminating the agreement.

Rent information

Information regarding the amount and frequency of rent payments is one of the most crucial parts of a tenancy agreement. The method by which rent should be paid must also be included, whether that be by bank transfer, direct debit, or standing order. A clause that specifies the circumstances for reviewing or increasing the rent amount may be added.

Deposit information

The amount that has to be paid as a security deposit and when it must be paid by is another piece of important information. As deposits in all Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) must be put into a protection scheme, details of the scheme must also be included in the agreement.

Utilities and services

The tenancy agreement should clearly outline who is responsible for paying utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and council tax. If there are any utilities or services included in the tenancy on the landlord’s behalf, this should also be mentioned.

Maintenance and repairs

A tenancy agreement should clearly outline the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant regarding maintenance and repairs to ensure the property remains in good condition. The agreement should specify that the landlord is responsible for major repairs and maintenance, including the structural integrity of the property, plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and any appliances provided by the landlord.

The tenant should be responsible for keeping the property clean and reporting any damages or needed repairs promptly. The agreement should also detail that the tenant must undertake minor maintenance tasks, such as changing light bulbs and keeping the garden tidy, if applicable.

Prohibited activities

All the things that the landlords does not want the tenant to do on the property should be listed in the agreement, such as changing the locks, smoking, or housing pets. It is also common for rules regarding subletting to be included in the agreement, as well as those limiting the property to residential use.

Signatures

Once all parties are satisfied that the agreement is fair, they must all sign the document to confirm that they accept all terms and conditions. These signatures must also be dated, as the agreement will become an official legal document.

Can the tenant request additional clauses?

Tenancy agreements are negotiable documents, meaning both parties have the right to request modifications or additions to the terms before signing. If a tenant has specific needs or concerns, such as permission to keep a pet, make alterations to the property, or have guests stay for extended periods, they can propose these clauses to the landlord.