If you’ve been waiting for a delivery, there’s nothing more frustrating than discovering it’s been stolen from your doorstep.

Regardless of whether you’ve ordered an expensive new outfit or picked up some home essentials on Prime, it is always upsetting and angering to be the victim of porch pirates.

While there is no magic spell to prevent burglary, there are some safety measures you can take to stop thieves from stealing parcels from your front door, porch or even a designated safe space.

I spoke to security experts, and they revealed three ways to stop porch pirates from stealing your parcels this summer.

What are porch pirates?

When I say porch pirates, I’m referring to a slang term for thieves that steal unattended delivery parcels from porches, front doors and outbuildings.

Statistics show that burglaries increase during the summer months, as we’re all more likely to be away from our homes on either day trips, holidays or long weekends. Plus, as online shopping booms in popularity, it’s unsurprising that opportunistic thieves want to take advantage of this.

With Amazon Prime Day in the calendar for June, these are the safety precautions experts recommend to keep your home protected from porch pirates this summer.

1. Install a video doorbell

One of the most important steps you should take (especially if you not only have lots of parcels, but lots of visitors, too) is install a door bell camera.

‘Installing a doorbell camera that covers both the porch and driveway is a smart move to make property appear less accessible to thieves when they’re looking for packages to target,’ says Anthony Neary, security expert at Safe.co.uk.

Not only does it act as a physical deterrent, but it also gives households visibility over who’s approaching your home and provides footage in the event of any suspicious activity.'

It is worth investing in the best doorbell cameras for the most peace of mind. Models such as Ring Battery Video Doorbell (was £99.99, now £39.99 at Argos) will send you a real-time alert when a person or package arrives. You can even see more visitors with the head-to-toe camera, which provides a wider shot.

2. Install a lockbox

‘Placing a lockbox near your front door means that delivery drivers have a secure place to leave parcels if you are not at home,' says Dominic Smith, a home security expert from Bison Products.

'Once the driver has placed the parcel inside of the lockbox, it can only be opened by you, with lockboxes that can be secured to your home being the best option.'

You can pick up lock boxes, such as the Secure Outdoor Delivery Box for Packages (£75, B&Q), or even a wall-mounted lock box (£139.99, B&Q), depending on your needs. They look subtle and like a standard mailbox, so they won’t clash with your front door ideas. But what they will do is prevent thieves from reaching in and grabbing a parcel.

3. Add lights

‘Proper outdoor lighting is also key, as well-lit entryways remove the ability for thieves to hide in spots that are less visible on CCTV cameras and make it far more difficult for opportunists to approach a property unnoticed,’ says Anthony.

'Motion-sensor lights in particular are effective tools for alerting homeowners to suspicious activity, whilst also working to scare thieves away before they can reach the parcels.'

You want to layer visual deterrents to scare thieves off, and motion lighting is excellent for this. Opt for a motion sensor porch light (£55, Dunelm), as well as motion lights around the boundaries of your property and driveway. For example, motion sensor spotlights (£15, Argos) will help alert you when someone enters your driveway.

No one wants to be the victim of porch piracy, and by adding these safety precautions to your home, you are lessening your chances of being targeted.

Property experts have revealed three front door colours that can devalue your home and make it harder to sell. Yes, that’s right, your front door colour can have an impact on how potential buyers perceive your home. Luckily, we’re on a mission to help you fix this.

We’re heading into peak house buying and selling season in the UK, and in the same way, there are front door colours to make your home feel welcoming, there are colours that can devalue it, too.

When selling your home, never underestimate the power of kerb appeal and how it can impact your home’s value. Just look at how something as simple as your garden fence colour boosts your home’s value, as an example. Your front door colour has similar pulling power, which is why you should always avoid these three shades when selling.

1. Neon shades

It’s probably unsurprising to hear that neon colours, such as lime greens and bright oranges, make the cut. While it may be a colour that you love, this can sometimes be off-putting to buyers, and become something they would immediately change, which lowers the value in their eyes.

‘Neon shades, particularly lime green, tend to look cheap rather than characterful. They date quickly and can make the whole frontage feel less considered, even if the rest of the house is done well,’ says Robin Edwards, partner at property experts Curetons.

2. Purple

While purple is one of my favourite shades to spot in a garden, or draped over your home’s exterior in the form of wisteria (£26.99, Thompson & Morgan), it is a shade you should avoid using as part of your front door ideas.

‘Bright purple can appear overly eccentric and may give the impression of a home that requires extensive personalisation. The colour is quite a statement and so can feel overpowering and distract from the property itself,’ comments Jack Malnick, Managing Director of Sell House Fast.

3. Bold yellows

Yellow is a sunny, welcoming colour, but it doesn’t always translate well on your front door. Plus, this pale colour will show the dirt, which is less than ideal if you have a busy family.

‘Yellow front doors, especially in very bright or saturated tones, can divide opinion. They can also feel overwhelming or clash with surrounding elements, making the property appear less cohesive. While some people associate the colour with optimism, a safer bet might be using this colour sparingly within the interior,’ says Jack.

What colour should you paint your front door

‘When considering a coloured front door, look at the surroundings. What colour are neighbouring doors? What colour is your house? What tones appear in the landscape or street scene? Are you in a location with a strong visual theme?’ says Natalie Evans, founder and CEO of home styling and staging company Little Barn Door.

‘For a coastal home, a subtle blue can reflect the setting beautifully, while a contemporary anthracite can create a modern, sharp feel,' she continues.

‘For a detached home where you want the door to stand out, tonal shades that complement the surroundings and planting can create a calming effect. Alternatively, choosing a colour opposite on the colour wheel can make a bold statement.’

Blue is the front door colour that will elevate your home, and Natalie recommends opting for a sleek navy or dark blue. She also says Chartwell Green, soft neutrals and greys can work well, too.

While you should absolutely opt for a shade that makes you happy, if you’re selling your home, it’s best to opt for a front door colour that will attract your buyer, not repel them.

From 1 May this year, the Renters' Rights Act will come into effect across England and Wales. It’s considered one of the most significant reforms to the private renting sector in England in the past 30 years, so I’ve laid out the most important information tenants need to know before the law comes into effect.

There are around 11 million private renters and 2.3 million landlords in England, according to the government. The new Renters' Rights Act has been introduced to give tenants more rights and improve the system for both owners and renters.

It’s not the only housing reform we’ve seen recently. Awaab’s Law, which will provide renters with more protection against mouldy properties, was announced last year. But with the Renters’ Rights Act banning Section 21 eviction notices and rental bidding, we can expect to see even more changes. This is everything you need to know as a renter before the law comes into effect.

The Renters' Rights Act 2026

‘The current rental system, which supports more than 11 million private renters in England, has long been seen as unbalanced. With rents reaching record highs in early 2025 and affordability under pressure, many tenants are struggling to keep up, says Luke Saywell, partner at Nottinghamshire estate agency Gascoines.

‘At the same time, more than 100,000 households have faced no-fault evictions in the past five years, something the government has identified as a key contributor to homelessness. This legislation is intended to address those issues by giving tenants greater stability and creating a fairer relationship between landlords and renters, delivering on a core government commitment.’

To achieve a ‘fairer relationship’ between landlords and tenants, the government has announced several key changes to end discrimination, unfair rent rises, and rent bedding. This is how each key reform may impact you.

1. End of Section 21

Perhaps the most significant reform is the end of Section 21 eviction notices. From May 1, landlords will no longer be able to issue a new notice under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 to evict you. Previously, under section 21, often called ‘no-fault evictions’, landlords were able to evict tenants without reason and by giving two months' notice.

From 1 May, your new landlord will only be able to evict you if they have a specific, legal reason. This is known as a ‘possession ground’ and includes if the landlord needs to sell or move into the property. If you have been served a Section 21 notice on or before 30 April, and your landlord has followed the correct process, it is still valid.

2. No more fixed-term assured tenancies

All new and most existing tenancies will become rolling tenancy agreements under the new law. This means you will be able to stay in the property until you decide to end it, or the landlord serves a valid notice to end it. If you are currently under a fixed-term contract that exceeds 1 May, it will become a rolling tenancy agreement when that contract ends.

3. Changes to rent and payment

From 1 May, the increase in rent will be limited to once per year. Your landlord will need to provide you with a notice detailing the proposed increase at least two months before it’s due to take effect, and if you think the rent increase is higher than the property’s market value, you can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal.

If your rent has already been increased this year, under the new law, it can’t be increased again until a year after the date it was raised.

4. End of rental bidding wars and advance payment

Anyone who’s rented a property in the past few years will be aware that rental bidding and offers of six months upfront are the norm, especially in competitive areas. However, this is about to be banned. Landlords and letting agents must publish the asking rent in any written advert, and they won't be allowed to ask for, encourage or accept an offer that’s higher than the listed price.

Landlords and letting agents won’t be able to ask for more than one month’s rent in the time between all parties signing the tenancy and the tenancy starting. All parties must have signed the tenancy agreement before any rent is paid. Once the tenancy agreement has begun, your landlord cannot ask for rent before the due date.

5. Clamp down on discrimination

Under the new legislation, it will be illegal to discriminate against renters who have children or receive benefits. This means a landlord or letting agent won’t be able to do anything that makes it less likely for someone on benefits or with children to be able to rent the property. For example, withholding information about the tenancy, preventing you from viewing it or refusing to grant you a tenancy. You’ll also be able to request a pet, and your landlord should provide valid reasons if they refuse it.

What else should I be aware of?

For tenancies that started before 1 May 2025, your landlord will need to send you a copy of the government-produced Renters‘ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026, either digitally or on paper. If your tenancy starts after 1 May, your landlord will need to provide you with certain information in writing. If your landlord does not comply with the new rules, you can report them via your local council.

‘The key thing for renters to understand is that nothing changes until 1 May 2026. From that date, existing tenancies will automatically transition under the new rules,’ says Luke.

‘If you want to leave your property, you’ll need to give two months’ notice in writing. Notice has to be submitted in alignment with the rent payment date, so that the notice must end either the day before the rent is due or the day the rent is due. If a landlord needs to regain possession for a valid reason, such as selling, they will typically need to give four months’ notice.

‘However, there are potential unintended consequences. We’ve already seen an estimated 220,000 rental properties leave the market, largely due to smaller landlords stepping away. That reduction in supply could make it more difficult for renters to secure a home, particularly in high-demand areas.’

This new law is supposed to make renting easier. Whether you own or rent, your home should feel like your home, whether that's by adding colour to your rental, or by sharing it with a beloved pet. But, if you are unsure about the new law or what rights you have, speak to a trusted body like Citizens Advice for guidance.

On average, you can expect UK homes to receive an offer within 25-40 days of being on the market. Some can go under offer even quicker than that, and others can take even longer - including my house, which we’re currently in the process of selling. In fact, it took a whopping four months for us to finally get our first offer.

As we were previously first-time buyers, this is the first time we’re selling a house - and, let me tell you, it’s been a serious learning curve. The process hasn’t been helped by the fact that the housing market is currently in turmoil, but I can thankfully say that we’re now making our way through our moving house checklist to move into our new house within the next few weeks.

But while there’s finally light at the end of the tunnel, there’s no denying that we made some serious selling mistakes along the way. These blunders made the process more difficult, time-consuming and stressful - and I’m sharing them now in the hopes that you don’t make the same mistakes I did.

1. Putting it on the market in January

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m impulsive - and so is my husband. So, when we decided to start 2026 by selling our house, we reached out to estate agents as soon as possible, and our house officially went on the market in the second week of January. Unfortunately, this was our first mistake.

In our estate agents’ defence, he did tell us that January was a tough time to put a house on the market. He had no doubts that our house would get lots of viewings, but he knew from experience that many of those looking in January weren’t serious buyers and that those willing to put their money where their mouths were would come towards the end of February and early March. And this was exactly what happened.

As Alex Greaves, founder of Ridgestone Property, says, the best time to put a house on the market is in the springtime. He explains, ‘Consistently, March, April and May see the highest levels of activity year on year, with around 30% more enquiries compared to the rest of the year. It’s also when many UK families begin planning ahead for the new school year. A spring sale allows them to move in June or July and be fully settled before the September term begins.’

Putting our house on the market in January also affected the photos. And while the professional photographer was able to use his skills to make the gloomy winter sky look blue, there was nothing he could do to transform the wet patio, the soggy-looking grass or the dark rooms. So, next time, we’ll wait until prime house-selling time (which is typically a bit sunnier).

2. Relying on weekend viewings

Selling a house relies on in-person viewings, and we put a lot of effort into making it look desirable to potential buyers. We even researched the red flags that put buyers off to make sure that we weren’t waving any. But as my husband and I both work full-time, we relied on weekend viewings - and this was another mistake we made when selling our house.

To give a little context, the house we’re selling is on a long road with terraced houses on either side. As we don’t have driveways at the front, everyone parks on the road - except the odd few (like us) who have parking at the rear of the house. Because of this, visitor parking is always a nightmare, and this gets even worse on weekends.

And while we didn’t get any negative feedback about the house, many viewers had a lot to say about the road. Some even said that if the house were on a different road, they’d snap it up in a heartbeat. And while our estate agents tried to reiterate that we do have designated parking at the rear of the property, they just couldn’t see past the busy road.

This could have been solved if we’d been a little more flexible and allowed viewings during the week, when the road is much quieter and gives a better representation of what it’s really like. This would have taken a little bit of work on our part, but I do think it would have made the selling process quicker and easier.

3. Not being flexible on the price

I recently wrote about spending £10,000 to add value to my house before putting it on the market, and while we don’t regret doing this, it was something we had in mind when our estate agent suggested we be a little more flexible on our original guide price. Especially after three months on the market with no offers.

In our minds, we had a set price we wanted for our house, and we wouldn’t accept anything less. And while our estate agents didn’t push us into doing anything we didn’t want to do (which we really appreciated), they did mention that a price reduction may have to be considered if we wanted to get moving sooner rather than later.

Alistair Singer, Director at My Home Move Conveyancing, says this happens all too often, which is why it’s important to keep your options open when getting your house valued. He says, ‘Don’t be dazzled by the highest estate agent valuation. Look for an estate agent who can back up their figure with solid local examples of recent sales and a clear marketing strategy for your home.’

Eventually, we took our agents' advice to adjust the guide price, which not only brought in a whole new batch of buyers but also put us at the top of Rightmove's listings. It also sparked a bidding war, which meant we still got the exact price we wanted for our house. So, we definitely won’t be so closed off to conversations like that in the future.

4. Viewing new houses prematurely

When we first put our house on the market in January, we immediately started looking at new houses for us. We naively thought our house would be snapped up right away, and we started enquiring about viewings for prospective houses, ready to see if they would tick boxes on our house-viewing checklist. This was a serious mistake.

For starters, we quickly realised that many estate agents wouldn’t even give us the time of day unless we had an accepted offer on our house first. And while we understood that they didn’t want to waste their time showing people around who weren’t in a position to put in an offer straight away, it left us feeling a bit deflated.

After all, we wanted to get the ball rolling and find our next house, and we wanted to view as many as possible to figure out what our budget would allow and whether we'd have to make any compromises.

There were some estate agents that did allow us to view properties without an accepted offer, but even that was a mistake - especially when we found a house we loved and wanted to put an offer on. But by the time we were in a position to do so, it had already been snapped up.

5. Waiting too long to sort a conveyancer

While this mistake didn’t necessarily affect how long it’s taken us to get an offer, it’s definitely affected how long it's taking for the sale to complete. That’s because we waited until we had an offer to instruct our conveyancing solicitor, when we should have been more organised and got the ball rolling earlier.

This is echoed by Alistair, who says, ‘A common trap for sellers is waiting until they’ve accepted an offer to pick up the phone to a professional. You should be instructing your conveyancer the very moment your home hits the market.’

He adds, ‘By getting a head start, your conveyancer can perform the necessary ID checks and open your file in advance before a buyer is even found. This means that as soon as the ‘Sold’ sign goes up, the draft contract pack can be sent out immediately, potentially shaving weeks off the total timeline and keeping your move on track.’

This is something we definitely should have done, as discrepancies on our side - largely because we bought this house before we got married and I changed my name - means that the legal side is now taking a bit longer than we thought.

6. Taking everything too personally

To be honest, I struggle with my emotions in all aspects of my life, and I’m blaming my July birthday for this quirk in my personality (Cancerians will know what I’m talking about). And while I was hoping my emotions wouldn’t get in the way of selling my house - especially as I’m desperate to move to a newer, better house - I ended up taking everything personally.

Even when our estate agent rang with positive feedback, explaining that the viewers loved the house but just weren’t in a position to put in an offer, I took it personally. When we had a weekend of no viewings, it made me incredibly upset. And when someone said they wanted to put in an offer, but then ghosted the estate agent, I struggled.

Of course, selling a house you’ve lived in and made memories in for the past six years is always going to be emotional, and I don’t regret feeling upset about it in the slightest. But I do regret letting my emotions cloud my judgment and almost turning down an offer because the idea of selling our house suddenly felt like too much.

Luckily, my husband is the pragmatic one in our relationship. He was able to talk some sense into me, and we accepted the offer. Now that we’ve had our own offer accepted on a new house that I’m completely in love with, I’m glad I had him by my side to remind me why we wanted to sell in the first place.

The house viewing essentials I swear by

These are the three non-negotiables that I used to make my house look even more desirable for viewings.

Thankfully, it all worked out in the end! And I've learnt a lot along the way.

When we were putting our lovely little terraced home up for sale, I always thought it looked pretty put-together. We were in the midst of the parenting trenches with our first daughter, so it was a busy family home, and it felt warm and welcoming, but like everyone, we had accumulated a fair share of clutter in our 10 years in foggy London town.

When it came to getting it ready for photos (you can see a few of these below) and the open-house viewings that our genius estate agent recommended, we had a bit of a reality check. Once I started properly looking into how to declutter to sell your home fast and the key areas you need to declutter before putting your house on the market, it quickly became clear that my usual quick tidy might not cut it. After all, we needed to get the painful process over as quickly as we could, and it felt like a minimal investment that would more than likely pay off.

With surfaces needing to look clear-ish and everyday bits of life tidied neatly away, we, as time-poor owners with a poorly toddler, ended up using a rather sneaky but oh-so-effective tactic. We rented a van to toss all our clutter in, so our house looked semi-show-home ready for the photos and open house viewings. I know, it sounds a tad lazy, but hear me out... it was a total game-changer and here's why.

Once we'd decided to rent a van, we blocked out a full day to get the house ready. I don't just mean surface-level tidy, but a proper reset.

The aim was simple: make it feel calm, spacious and easy to walk into. That meant being honest about things that had crept in over time in the most cluttered places in our home, like the toys that migrate into every room, wardrobes doing a lot of heavy lifting, "sort it out later" areas and the post accumulation in the hall and kitchen.

Normally, I'd be tempted to shuffle things around, shove things in cupboards and hope for the best, but this time, we knew that wouldn't work, especially knowing buyers tend to open cupboards and peek into every corner. I know I do!

I chose things that we didn't need every day to pack in boxes. This was actually a blessing when we ended up packing for the move, as we'd already done a good amount of sorting prior to it.

So we booked the van for the day (not as expensive as you might think) and used it as off-site storage, parking it a few streets away when it was loaded up! And honestly, it worked so well, it's a decision we still feel a little smug about.

The van strategy gave us permission to be properly ruthless as we could just chuck the clutter out of the house altogether, instead of endlessly moving things from room to room.

OK, you might say it didn't solve the clutter build-up we had, but packing it all up did help us hone in on it, and during this process, we naturally whittled it down as we packed the van up.

Surfaces were then clear, not just tidy, rooms felt noticeably bigger (a huge plus for a pokey terrace), and every room looked that little bit more styled.

When the photos were taken, the difference was immediate. Everything looked far more put-together, but the win really came on our open house viewing day.

Because we'd already boxed up all the everyday clutter, there was no last-minute scramble before people arrived, except for a quick cleaning of the kitchen and bathroom. It was easy to just rent the van again for the day, put the boxes in and head out, knowing the house was neat and tidy.

Without all our usual 'stuff' hanging around, the house didn't feel too like our home anymore, but in a good way. There was still personality with pictures and ornaments on open shelving, but it felt neutral and probably easier for someone else to picture themselves living there.

Now, renting a van might seem over the top (we were in a bit of a pickle, ok!), but it made such a difference, not just to how the house looked but to how easy it was to manage the viewing day.

And it really paid off as we had six offers the evening of the open house! And I firmly believe it was down to this idea.

Now I completely get that moving half your house out for the day and into a van isn't for everyone. It did feel a little extra, even as I was doing it. And there are ways to hide clutter within the constraints of your home without it turning into a full-on 'Monica-cupboard' situation (you know the one).

A buyer doesn't expect perfection, so it's less about hiding every single thing away but more about controlling what's visible with clever storage solutions. The key is to be intentional about it, so here's what you can do and use to house everyday clutter, if a van is a no-go:

• Use clutter buckets, clever baskets and lidded storage to group everyday items so they look styled rather than shoved away. I love these roomy lidded baskets from H&M as they will go with any home's decor, and you can buy a number of sizes, so they look more intentional in a space. And these stylish seagrass baskets come in various sizes too, starting from £8.99 at Amazon.
• Create one designated holding zone, like a cupboard or drawer, rather than spreading clutter across every room. I have so many of these clear organisers, £15.97 at Amazon, dotted around our house, for the busiest of cupboards and drawers.
• Edit what's on show, especially on surfaces like kitchen worktops and bedside tables.
• Use neat dividers and organisers inside drawers (these genius adjustable dividers, £16.99 at Amazon are perfect for any size drawer) and cupboards (these inserts, £18.99 at Amazon make everything look much neater) so if buyers do open them (and they will), everything still looks organised rather than crammed in. This genius undersink storage solution is also well worth investing in.

My favourite clutter-busting essentials

Packing up our everyday clutter and storing it in a van might not be the most conventional approach, but it worked an absolute treat.

Our home felt calmer, looked more spacious and was so much easier to keep that way for the run-up to selling our house. And in the end, it did exactly what we needed it to. It let our home shine, and then the offers came flooding in.

My husband and I recently accepted an offer on the house we bought almost six years ago. And while the housing market is in turmoil right now, we still received a couple of offers and ultimately got the exact price we were hoping for. But I don’t think this was luck; I think this is because we spent a lot of time (and money) adding value to our house in the run-up to selling.

Of course, it’s no secret that selling a house relies heavily on a property listing that showcases its best features and the in-person viewings going well. And knowing how to boost the value of your home before these things happen is one of the best ways to make them as positive as possible. So, sometimes it pays to spend money to make money.

All in all, we spent around £10,000 tackling bigger tasks and ticking off smaller jobs before putting it on the market. And our estate agents took all this into account before valuing the house at one of the highest prices our street (a row of almost-identical terraces) has ever seen. But I don’t think all of these upgrades were necessary.

1. WORTH IT: Replacing the flooring

My husband and I started prepping to sell our house last year. And after learning all about the flooring choices that will make it harder to sell your home, I realised that our old flooring could potentially work against us, and the price we were hoping to get for our home. So, we spent about £1,500 replacing almost all of the hard flooring downstairs. In doing so, we swapped out our old, yellowing and broken laminate for a wood-effect LVT.

Paul Hambidge, Founder at Factory Direct Flooring, agrees that this was a good move on our part, stating that laminate and LVT ‘make a good backup option and come in real-wood effect finishes.’ But if we had the budget, real wood would have been preferable as it’s ‘still one of the most sought-after among prospective buyers.’

Ultimately, we opted for the cheaper option as it suited our budget and requirements best, but it’s made such a big difference to the look, flow and feel of our house. It also feels sturdier and isn’t bubbling or lifting in any areas, which is something we kept an eye (and foot) out for when viewing prospective properties ourselves.

But while this was a surefire way to boost the value of my house and was something that viewers constantly commented on positively, replacing the flooring isn’t the best option for everyone. In some cases, doing so could be one of the pointless home improvements that won’t add value - especially if you opt for something very specific to your tastes that some people won’t like, or if your flooring is in a suitable condition.

2. NOT WORTH IT: Painting the walls

We haven’t paid too much attention to our walls over the years. We painted most of them a warm (but admittedly fairly boring) white when we first moved in, and, apart from adding feature walls in the dining room and our bedroom, we’ve focused more on accessorising our walls than on painting.

However, in the run-up to selling our house, we felt the pressure to make it look as perfect as possible and work with the paint colours that will sell your home. So we decided to start repainting the walls and touching up any scuffs or marks that had accumulated over the years. My opinion? It wasn’t worth it - both in terms of the money we spent on paint and the time it took us to do it.

In some cases, painting the walls can be a great way to add value to your house, though. Emma Royal, Managing Director at Real Property Staging, says, ‘Consistency is key. Cohesive colour palettes help a home feel calm, considered and easier to understand, which is exactly what you want during viewings.’

But we realised halfway through that cleaning our walls would be a better (and cheaper) use of our time. So, we took Emma’s advice to ‘focus on high-impact areas such as hallways, kitchens, living spaces and the main bedroom’ while painting, and then focused on cleaning the walls in the rest of our home.

3. WORTH IT: Painting the fences

The house we’re currently selling is a narrow Victorian mid-terrace - which means that the garden is also narrow, and the fences couldn’t be any more in-your-face if you tried. So, one of the things I definitely don’t regret doing to add value to our house is painting it before the estate agent’s photographer worked his magic.

As I was aware of the fence colours that add value to your house, I decided that we should paint ours a lovely sage green, as this can also make a smaller garden look bigger. We opted for the Cuprinol Garden Shades Paint - Fresh Rosemary (£26 at Amazon), and the difference it made was seriously impressive - especially when we painted our shed to match.

Experts say doing this is a great way to boost your property value and add visual intrigue to your home, too. Jack Malnick from Sell House Fast, says, ‘Freshening up your fences and gates with a coat of paint or wood stain can quickly enhance the appearance of your home. Just be sure to check with neighbours first if they own the fence.’

My only tip after doing this myself? Don’t bother painting by hand. We bought a paint sprayer, and we finished the job in record time (and we’ll be able to take it to our next house, so it’s an investment for the future too!)

4. NOT WORTH IT: Replacing bathroom fittings

If I’m being totally honest with you, we haven’t touched our bathroom since we moved into our house in 2020. It has never really been our taste, and it’s always needed a little ‘zhuzhing’ to make it modern and fresh. And by that, I mean it needs to be ripped out and replaced.

We didn’t want to do this before moving house, so we decided against any major bathroom work. But after reading up on where to spend and save with bathrooms, we decided to compromise and replace the old bathroom fittings - including the sink taps and shower fittings - for something a bit fancier. We even replaced the bath itself, as it had been broken since the day we moved in.

Soma Pillay, Bathroom Specialist at the UK’s online bathroom specialist Bathroom City, says this can work wonders when selling your house. He explains, ‘Replacing hardware is an affordable update that brings an instant uplift. New taps, handles or even a quick refresh with paint or adhesive vinyl on vanity units can make existing furniture look far more contemporary.'

For some people, this can certainly be worth it. For us? It wasn’t. Anyone buying the house already knew that the bathroom would need some TLC, so us spending about £300 on these new fittings and a new bath seems like a complete waste of money in hindsight.

5. WORTH IT: Landscaping the garden

I’d like to caveat this next point by saying that we landscaped our garden about two years ago. And while we knew we were spending money on it to make our house more desirable, we also wanted to have a couple of years to enjoy it ourselves. For that alone, spending around £7,000 on it wasn’t a waste of time for us (even if it has put us off ever buying a house with a south-facing garden ever again).

Experts say that landscaping can work wonders when you put your house on the market, too. Talking to Ronseal, David Cooper, Director at Redbrik Estate Agents, says, ‘Overgrown or poorly maintained gardens are a common deterrent. When a garden appears neglected, buyers often assume there will be significant time, effort or cost involved in bringing it up to standard, which can affect how they view the property as a whole.’

Because of this, we focused on the garden features that help sell your home, such as a healthy, level lawn and a patio with the most gorgeous sandstone slabs. This gave us the chance to jazz up the space with pots and planters, without adding too much planted growth for potential buyers to worry about when they came to view it.

However, it’s worth noting that we bought the house when the garden was in a complete state, knowing that we’d eventually need to landscape it. So, it won’t put the right people off completely if you don’t spend any money on it. But for us, it made sense.

Now all I need to do is start packing...

This month, social landlords will have to respond faster to tenants’ concerns of serious damp and mould, under new government legislation. Awaab’s Law is coming into effect this month and is expected to extend to all landlords as the law and other housing reforms are phased in in the coming weeks and months.

Getting rid of damp and mould can be both a recurrent and difficult problem to tackle, only made worse for tenants when landlords neglect to address or fix the problem (university landlord, I’m looking at you.)

When left untreated, damp and mould can have a serious impact on one’s health. In December 2020, two-year-old Awaab Ishak tragically died following prolonged exposure to damp and mould. Now Awaab’s Law is being introduced as part of measures to improve the safety and quality of social housing. This is everything you need to know.

What is Awaab's Law?

Awaab Ishak died from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his Rochdale home. His parents had repeatedly reported the problem to their housing association, but their landlord failed to act.

‘The death of Awaab highlighted serious shortcomings in how some housing providers responded (or failed to respond) to reports of damp, mould and other hazards. It revealed systemic issues in social housing: delays in repair, poor record-keeping, inadequate ventilation/heating, and weak accountability,’ says Mark Dawson, who is a property expert and CEO of AST Assistance.

As a result, from 27 October this year, social landlords will be required to comply with stricter standards. Eventually, this will apply to all landlords.

‘Under Awaab’s Law, landlords must investigate emergency hazards within 24 hours of being notified. This includes issues such as damp, mould, gas leaks and structural issues. They will then have seven days to resolve the emergency hazards, unless exceptional circumstances apply,’ says Lara O’Donnell is a housing disrepair expert and Director of Litigation at CEL Solicitors.

‘Strict timeframes for repairing significant issues such as fire risks, electrical faults, extreme cold or heat and hygiene problems will be introduced from 2026 onward. Landlords will need to keep detailed records of inspections, tenant communications and repair actions to show compliance.’

What rights do renters have?

Most people reading this will have some experience with damp, mould and condensation. After all, UK winters are famously cold and wet. In particular, older homes can have huge problems with damp. These new housing rules could give renters peace of mind that landlords will respond to their complaints promptly.

‘Through Awaab’s Law, tenants gain legal protection against prolonged exposure to health hazards in their home. They will have protection from retaliation, such as unfair eviction when reporting hazards,’ says Lara.

‘Their complaints will be met with clear timeframes for when their landlord must act and repair issues. They will still have the right to escalate complaints to the Housing Ombudsman Service if repairs are delayed or mishandled.

‘The law gives tenants the right to insist on safe living conditions and provides a way to hold landlords responsible if they don’t comply.’

What can you do if your home has damp and mould?

If you’re worried about damp and mould in your rented property, and feel like your landlord is not taking action, Lara has some advice.

‘Keep a paper trail of reports to your landlord safe. Log dates and times and record the disrepair with photos and videos, if possible,’ she says.

‘If the problem is impacting your health, keep a note of your symptoms and if you visit a doctor or hospital, maintain important records.

‘Send your landlord a request for a timeline for repairs based on Awaab’s Law deadlines. You can escalate your complaints to the Housing Ombudsman if your landlord fails to act.

‘Legal advice is available to support your complaints to your landlord and the Housing Ombudsman. This can put pressure on landlords to act quicker, and ensure you get the compensation and support you deserve.’

What do landlords need to know?

While the law applies to social landlords right now, it will extend to all landlords, so if you rent property, it’s important to get clued up on the new rules now.

‘Landlords may face financial penalties for failures to act. For example, sources for the private rented sector suggest fines of up to £7,000 for initial breaches and up to £40,000 in more serious cases,’ explains Mark.

‘Tenants can bring claims for disrepair or breach of duty. Awaab’s Law strengthens the tenant’s ability to challenge landlords who don’t respond to hazards in a timely manner (including via court applications for temporary accommodation).

‘If a landlord fails to deal with hazards, they may be prevented from serving valid eviction notices (such as a valid Section 21 Notice) or face challenges in possession proceedings.

‘Even where not formally penalised yet, landlords risk being added to “rogue landlord” registers, being subject to greater scrutiny, inspections, and having higher compliance costs.’

It’s essential to maintain your home’s health before mould and damp become a significant issue. Investing in one of the best dehumidifiers, keeping your home at a constant, warm temperature or knowing how to stop condensation are all helpful.

Here are three dehumidifiers that we recommend.

Awaab’s Law is a significant step towards housing reform, giving more rights to renters. Because no one should have to live in a damp, mouldy property.

I don’t know about you, but Halloween is one of my favourite times of year, and with it comes the opportunity to go bigger and bolder with my decorations every year. However, before you get your bats, skeletons and pumpkins out, legal experts have warned that your Halloween decor can land you with a hefty fine.

When you put together your Halloween decoration ideas, it’s fair to say that you’re not thinking of the legal consequences, but rather focusing solely on the aesthetics. But if you’re planning on dotting more than a couple of plastic pumpkins in your windowsills, then you need to be aware of the various property laws that can be breached by way of decor.

With Halloween decor responsible for fines up to £50,000 in extreme cases, these are all the rules and regulations you need to be aware of before decorating your home this Halloween.

How can your Halloween decorations land you in trouble?

I can’t say I’ve ever considered that my Halloween decorations could land me in legal trouble. From hopping on board the glass pumpkin trend to going all out for Pinkoween, the last thing on my mind was the law. But there are, in fact, multiple acts you need to be aware of.

‘Halloween decorations can cause safety hazards, neighbour disputes, and even affect a property's value or future sale. Councils can issue fines ranging from £100 to £5,000 if displays cause hazards, and liabilities can rise to £50,000 in cases where negligence leads to injury,’ says Louise Ainley, a qualified conveyancer at licensed conveyancer course provider Access Law Online.

The laws to be aware of? You need to consider the Occupier's Liability Act 1957 and 1984, the Highways Act 1980, and the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

‘Under the Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 and 1984, you have a duty of care to ensure there are no foreseeable risks to visitors, for instance, tripping hazards from extension leads, low hanging items in the garden, or open flames from candles. It’s also vital to check that any outdoor electrics are weatherproof and that sockets aren’t overloaded,’ explains Lucie-Anne Rhodes, Consultant Solicitor at Richard Nelson LLP.

‘You should also make sure your decorations don’t obstruct public paths or roads, as this can breach the Highways Act 1980, and be mindful that overly noisy or disruptive displays could lead to complaints under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.’

If you’re a renter, you should also ensure that your decor does not damage the property or breach your tenancy agreement, for example, staining the walls with Blu Tack, as this can land you in trouble with your landlord and potentially mean you don’t get your full deposit back.

‘In short, keep decorations safe, considerate, and within your property boundaries; that way, you can enjoy a spooktacular display without any legal scares,’ concluded Lucie-Anne.

And if you’re lacking in ideas for safe, considerate decor, here are a few options to get started.

Spooky season is the optimum time to have fun with brash, in-your-face decorations. But you need to ensure they don’t encroach on your neighbour's property, risk injury or disrupt your community to ensure everyone can enjoy them.

We all know and love IKEA for their smart, stylish and affordable furniture, but with the introduction of the brand new Life at Home Platform, IKEA are taking it one step further - helping you move house!

You don’t need me to tell you that if you’re on the hunt for the best home decor trends, IKEA is a great place to find goodies on a budget. Plus, with hundreds of IKEA DIY hacks, it’s easy to turn your flatpack furniture into something beautiful.

Now, Life at Home takes the experience a step further. Designed to meet the needs of a modern household, moving home is about to become a less stressful experience. Here’s everything you need to know.

IKEA's Life at Home Platform

Life at Home is an innovative new initiative that is made up of three features, all designed to make moving home that little bit easier.

You should consider adding IKEA to your moving house checklist, as these new features can help elevate some of the workload when moving. The three services are Home Move & Setup, Energy Services and the IKEA Family Credit Card.

Working in collaboration with Just Move In, the home move and setup service is currently being trialled and aims to relieve the stress of moving. The service handles tasks such as utility transfers for your gas, electricity, water and council tax, comparing and setting up broadband and TV subscriptions and even redirecting mail to your new address.

The service also plans to cover your physical needs, offering secure storage and deep clean options, as well as professional support for removals.

The home move service is free to use, and professional services are competitively priced. Simply sign up via IKEA’s website, and get started.

Meanwhile, the energy services aim to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable for customers. It has partnered with trusted providers such as Aira Heat Pumps and Soly Solar Panels, Batteries and Chargers to provide a one-stop shop for customers seeking more renewable energy options at home.

Finally, the IKEA Family Credit Card helps spread the cost of small to medium-ticket purchases. The card offers flexible repayment options and exclusive benefits, both in and out of IKEA. Purchases between £99 and £299 can be paid over three months interest-free, while purchases up to £1,200 and £2,000 can be spread over 10- and 20-month terms respectively.

‘At IKEA, we’ve always been driven by the mission to create a better everyday life for people. The Life at Home offering reflects this commitment,' says Ashley Hamilton, UKIE Customer Manager for IKEA.

'It’s a comprehensive collection of services that not only makes life at home more convenient and affordable but also empowers our customers to live more sustainably. With solutions that span moving home, energy and financial services, we’re making it easier for our customers to navigate life’s moments and transitions.'

Do you think IKEA’s new Life at Home services would benefit your home?

Location, Location, Location’s Phil Spencer has revealed that it is the small changes that make a big difference when selling a home, and effective decluttering is at the top of his list if you want to sell your house fast.

The best decluttering methods and smart storage solutions can transform our spaces and even make us feel more relaxed in our own homes. And this feeling of serenity is translated to potential buyers when they view potential properties.

‘You don’t need a full renovation to impress buyers - far from it,’ says Phil. ‘In my experience, it’s the small, thoughtful touches that really help a home stand out. Storage is an absolute must in my opinion - clear, clutter-free spaces instantly make a home feel calmer and more inviting.’

How can decluttering help sell your home fast?

Working in collaboration with Wickes, Phil revealed that ‘clutter is a dealbreaker’ when it comes to selling your home.

‘Buyers are drawn to homes that feel organised and serene - not crammed and chaotic. Think built-in shelving, hallway cupboards or stylish storage units that hide the mess and highlight the space. It’s not just storage - it’s breathing room,’ he said.

A tidy, organised home signals to potential buyers that the home has been well-taken care of. Similarly to how a neutral colour scheme can provide a blank canvas for potential buyers to consider, a tidy, decluttered space allows them to envision living there.

‘When buyers walk into a viewing, they don’t just assess bricks and mortar; they picture how their life might fit into each room. So, if a property is filled with lots of personal possessions, excess furniture, or everyday clutter, that vision becomes harder to create,' explains Andrew Boast, property expert at SAM Conveyancing.

'Rooms will feel smaller, storage will appear insufficient, natural lighting may be blocked, and the overall impression is that the home may not have been maintained to a high standard.'

‘In contrast, homes that have been properly decluttered tend to feel brighter, larger, and more welcoming to potential buyers, and this emotional shift can speed up the decision-making process. Some homes that struggle to attract offers for months can generate fresh interest simply by being pared back and presented more thoughtfully.’

But that's not all. Decluttering before moving house can also cut down your moving costs, potentially saving you hundreds (or even thousands).

What should you declutter?

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, so let’s have a look at the best places to start so you can get the job done quickly and efficiently, without stress.

‘Start with surfaces - clear kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, and tables so buyers see the available space. Next, tackle storage areas, as buyers will open cupboards and wardrobes; neatly organised storage shows your home has plenty of room,' suggests Max Wilson, organisation expert and co-founder of Pocket Storage.

'Pack away personal items like family photos so the property feels like a blank canvas. Finally, consider bulky or excess furniture - removing it can instantly make a room feel more spacious and improve flow.'

If decluttering a job you struggle with, why not try micro-decluttering or the 1-3-5 decluttering method, which are both carefully curated to minimise feelings of overwhelm and keep you on track.

Shop storage solutions

Whether you’re looking to sell your home or not, decluttering can make your home feel far more serene and relaxing. And if you’re looking for a quick sale, it would be foolish to leave decluttering for another day.

The August bank holiday is a welcome break for all, a long weekend to enjoy the end of summer, but if you're heading off for a relaxing break, waste experts are warning you not to leave your bins out.

The last thing you want to think about when heading off on holiday or for a long weekend is thinking about your rubbish, hence the wealth of kitchen bin ideas to make your life easier. And while it can be all too tempting to leave your bins out on the road for the collectors while you're away (as who knows when the bin men will come during a bank holiday!), the experts are warning this is a big mistake.

Leaving your bins out for collection while you’re away, even when done with good intentions, could land you with a complaint or even an £80 fine from your local council. Here’s why.

‘Typically, around public holidays, there can be regular changes to bin collection schedules. Missing a bin collection can result in overflowing bins, so many homeowners will try to guess their bin day to avoid missing a collection,’ says Ryan Kaila, waste and recycling expert at Kingfisher Direct.

‘If you’re away on your bin collection day, then it’s a good idea to ask a trusted neighbour or family member to put your bins out for collection on the appropriate day and return them when the bin has been emptied.'

'Leaving your bins out for days at a time can obstruct pathways, and you may receive a complaint or even a fine from your local council,’

Alternatively, there are ways to make more space in your bin, so you can leave it until the next collection day if necessary. It may also be tempting to put rubbish in a neighbour's bin, but this is strongly advised against and could land you in more trouble if you don’t have permission.

‘When bins are left out after bin day they can become a nuisance to neighbours and pedestrians as they block pathways, attract pests and are a visual eye-sore,' says Ryan.

'Therefore, leaving your bins for extended periods can lead to fines from your local council. Some local councils issue fines of up to £80 if your bins are left on the pavement after collection day.'

The council can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) to your household if you leave your bins out for too long. This varies between councils, but the typical fine is £80.

‘It’s everyone’s responsibility to check whether their waste collection will be affected by the longer weekend to ensure they don’t miss out and have to wait until their next collection,' adds Graham Matthews, waste collection expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk.

'This avoids unnecessary stress and the risk of bulkier collections, as well as potential health and hygiene hazards caused by not leaving waste out in the open for too long.'

It may seem like a small detail, but if you're heading off on holiday, or simply unaware of your bank holiday collection dates, it’s important to make sure you check exactly when your bins are due to be collected so you can make the necessary arrangements and avoid an unnecessary fine.

Local councils are cracking down on garden sheds that have been converted into living spaces, and the tightening of rules could mean your garden shed is eligible for council tax.

If your garden shed ideas have transformed your space into more than just a space for storing tools, ie, your shed is deemed livable, you could find yourself paying a second council tax to account for the additional living space.

This comes as councils are facing rising financial pressures and are seeking to ensure all eligible self-contained properties, including outbuildings, are properly taxed.

When is a shed taxable?

‘A shed or garden building may become liable for its own council tax if it is considered a self-contained residence. This means it has independent living facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom, and its own separate entrance. In such cases, it can be placed into its own council tax band, separate from the main property,’ explains Nick Rowles-Davies, global lawyer and CEO of Lexolent.

‘Simple storage sheds, hobby rooms, or other non-residential outbuildings normally do not trigger additional tax.’

Government guidance says that a property is considered a separate dwelling if it has a kitchen, bathroom and independent entrance. Structures with these features, including sheds and garden rooms, can be eligible for their own council tax band. Councils have been working with The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to assess the eligibility of outbuildings by reviewing planning permissions, property sales and on-site inspections.

‘This isn't a brand-new law, but councils are facing mounting financial pressures, including rising costs (e.g., social care) and debt burdens. As a result, they’re revisiting older rules that allow additional properties, even small annexes or garden rooms, to be taxed separately.

In essence, the foundations were there all along, but enforcement is tightening now due to fiscal necessity,’ says Raj Chohan, property expert and owner of Golden Key Estates.

How do the rules vary?

While the definition of what constitutes a separate dwelling is consistent, local councils will interpret and apply rules differently. Some councils are more proactive in reclassifying outbuildings than others.

‘While the general test is whether a building qualifies as a separate dwelling, councils have discretion over their assessments. They may also offer discounts or exemptions for specific cases, such as long-term empty homes or uninhabitable structures. This means two similar sheds in different council areas might be treated differently,’ explains Nick.

Raj explains that there are different discounts available in England and Wales.

‘In England, you may qualify for a 50% council tax discount on an annexe that’s classified separately—if it’s used as part of the main dwelling. That discount must be applied for; it isn’t automatic,’ she says.

‘In Wales, councils have additional leeway to impose council tax premiums on second homes or long-term empty dwellings—up to 300%—though that's aimed more at empty properties or holiday homes, not necessarily annexes.’

What should you do if you're affected?

If you feel your outbuilding has been unfairly reclassified as a separate dwelling, there are some measures you can take. Raj recommends appealing to the VOA or the relevant valuation body in your area, providing strong proof that your shed lacks a kitchen or bathroom, doesn’t have an independent entrance or is more akin to a utility or leisure structure.

‘Use floor plans, photos, and descriptions in your appeal to show it’s not a standalone home,’ she advises.

You can also seek advice at organisations such as the HomeOwners Alliance or Citizens Advice. These bodies can assist you with preparing an appeal and advising you on your rights. There are some instances where you may be exempt, too.

‘Exemptions can include annexes that remain part of the main home, properties for sale or rent, outbuildings used for armed forces accommodation, or those with planning restrictions against residential use. Councils can also use their discretion to reduce or remove charges in some cases,’ comments Nick.

It's always worth reaching out to a legal expert or advice body if you are unsure what you owe. Being aware of the rules and regulations, and how they apply to you, means you won't get stung by unexpected tax.

Experts have warned that not checking your smoke alarm regularly could risk voiding your home insurance policy.

Of course, having up-to-date smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is vital to keep you and your family safe; however, new research by Go.Compare has revealed that £16.7 million in home insurance has been lost due to smoke alarm negligence in the past year.

The research found that more than half a million Brits live in a property without a working smoke alarm, while 62% didn’t know failing to regularly check their smoke alarms could void their home insurance policies. So, I asked the experts how often you should check your alarm as well as the best way to check it. This is what they said.

How often should you check a smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms can sometimes be a little annoying, especially when your best toaster sets it off on a Sunday morning. However, if you’ve been tempted to leave it when it stops reacting to your toaster or oven, I want to stress how much of a bad idea this is.

For best practice, Go.Compare recommends testing your smoke alarm weekly to stay in line with your home insurance police and keep your home safe.

‘It goes without saying that failing to install and regularly test a smoke alarm could have catastrophic consequences. But on top of the huge safety risk, your insurer likely won’t pay out if your smoke alarm wasn’t working when a fire occurred, so you’d suffer the financial consequences of the blaze - as well as the emotional ones,’ explains Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare.

‘It might feel like one of the more mundane tasks on your to-do list, but it’s also one of the most important. Testing your alarm takes just seconds. Consider setting a weekly reminder so that you’re less likely to forget. If you have difficulty maintaining your alarms yourself, you can contact your local fire service for support. If you don’t know how to test it, you will likely find instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.’

How to check a smoke alarm?

Checking your smoke isn’t as complicated as it sounds, and as Nathan points out, you should always check your manufacturer's manual as a guide.

‘It takes 10 seconds and could save your life. All you have to do is press and hold the test button, usually a large circular button on the face of the device, until you hear the beep. That noise tells you that the sounder is working. You should also check for dust build-up, water damage or any signs of corrosion. If your alarm's over 10 years old, replace it entirely. These aren't lifelong devices, they wear out like any other household appliance,’ says Jonny Smith, a seasoned fire safety consultant at Crusader Fire.

‘A smoke alarm is your first line of defence in a house fire, but only if it’s working. Fires can take hold in seconds, and a functioning alarm gives you vital seconds to act, get out, and call for help. Without that early warning, you’re relying on luck, and that’s not a risk anyone should take.’

If your smoke alarm is battery-operated, you should replace the batteries every year. If your smoke alarm needs to be replaced, you can pick one up at a local hardware store and fit it yourself, following the manufacturer's instructions. However, if you are struggling or vulnerable, check with your local fire department, as they often provide services where they provide and install smoke alarms for free.

When was the last time you checked your smoke alarm?

When it comes to kerb appeal, a good front entrance can make or break the facade of your house. First impressions really do count, and nowhere is that truer than when someone glimpses your house from the street.

From a fresh new front door colour idea, replete with new door furniture, to stylish outdoor lighting, there are lots of simple tweaks and upgrades that can transform the look and feel of your home.

So whether you're looking to sell or simply want to give your exterior a glow up, boosting your kerb appeal is a great place to start, so we asked the experts for their tips and tricks.

1. Upgrade your key door furniture

The conventional lion knocker in brass still cuts a dash on period doors, but something a little different, look to companies who create more sculptural shapes as striking as a piece of beautiful jewellery, like Cox and Cox.

'A small accent that makes a major impact on any room in the house, even the front door,' says Paul Clifford, managing director of architectural hardware company Croft.

'The difference in finish can change the entire character of the door and how people see your home, so ensure you choose a quality-made product, as this is essentially the first thing your guests see before entering your home.'

Hiatt Hardware has a great range of door knob designs. Alternatively, go for a door handle. They're available on a rectangular back plate or on a rose (a circular back plate), and also in pairs for the door's exterior and interior. Head to the Door Handle Company to browse its range; our guide to how to fit a door handle has all the expert advice you will need to install it yourself.

A letter plate can be a horizontal slot in the centre of the door or a vertical letter plate like this brass version from Amazon in the doorframe. If your front door has a mortise lock (a lock set into the door that can be locked and unlocked on both sides), you can smarten it up with an escutcheon (a shield that fits over the keyhole), which you can pick up easily at B&Q.

While in search of the perfect knocker, you can pick up unique pieces from the likes of Etsy, Not on the High Street and even eBay.

Shop unique door knockers

2. Consider your external lighting

Less is more when it comes to external lights. Sanjit Bahra of Design Plus Light offers his top tips for effective outdoor lighting.

'Lighting should direct you to the front door safely with steps and changes well illuminated,' Sanjit says. 'My favourites are low-glare step lights, ideally angled downwards or with a half shield to reduce any stray light.'

'I like to include a downlight in a porch to illuminate the front door; it picks out ironmongery and is the best way to light a door. You can then dim decorative wall lights to look beautiful. Lighting can also direct you away from areas where you don't want people to go; so what you don't light is just as important.'

'Aim for a low glare; at night, you want the eye to be drawn comfortably along a lit path and to the front door. Be careful to position spike (garden) lights out of sight lines so that planting is lit without glare. Make sure that step lights are shielded so that the light is directed onto the steps.'

'Finally, ensure the lighting is properly controlled for no wastage; you can add it to the control system for the rest of the house or simply have it linked to a timer. If you do opt for security floodlights make sure you can turn them off when not needed.'

Shop our outdoor light picks

3. Paint your front door

Sarah Cole from Farrow & Ball gives tips on how to choose the perfect colour for your door. 'When choosing a front door colour it's not only important to look at the other colours in your area but to also consider the age of the property as colour can look and feel different in urban or rural settings.'

'One rule of thumb is to tone your front door with the walls of your house; use stronger colours with brick and stone and lighter colours with painted masonry. For example, a Green Smoke front door will complement a red brick house, while neutrals like Stony Ground work well with stone facades.'

'Classic colours such as black and red are incredibly popular for front doors: try Off-Black or Incarnadine to create a stylish entrance. Darker colours such as Brinjal, Studio Green and Drawing Room Blue also work to great effect on front doors and are brilliant for making yours unique.'

'To really create a personal stamp, be bold and try using bright colours like Yellowcake, St Giles Blue or Charlotte's Locks. The ever-expanding palette of external paint colours and finishes allows you to create visual links between the door and facade.'

On a similar note, Yolande Hesse of Back to Front Architects says, ‘Avoid blacks or dark grey paints on south-facing front doors, as the colour retains the heat, causing the wood to literally boil and crack.'

4. Replace your front door

For interior designers such as Monique Tollgard, the front door is a prelude for the style that lies within. The entrance is the first encounter for you, your guests and your home. The materials and colours we use allow us to introduce the "red thread" or guiding motif of the house immediately.'

'The front door can say so much about the owner: it can be relaxed and welcoming or more formal,' agrees fellow interior designer Karen Howes of Taylor Howes. ‘For us, the front door is so important; it is the start of the story, and first and last impressions are so important.'

There are several essential factors to consider when choosing this all-important centrepiece. For security and durability, Accoya (a softwood door with the robust properties of a hardwood) and oak are popular choices for front doors.

Traditional door specialists like Direct Doors will produce doors to match the period of your home, or if you're not looking for bespoke, you could opt for period-inspired or a more modern style instead from the likes of B&Q, Wickes and Door Superstore.

5. Tame your lawn

It's always worth making the most of your bonus garden space with a winning front garden idea. If you’re lucky enough to have a front garden, make sure the lawn is tidy.

It doesn't need to be a golf-course green, but defined edges with a good grass strimmer, a healthy hue and the absence of overgrown patches will be inviting. Check out our top lawn care tips to make the most of yours.

'Remove any weeds, trim the hedges, cut the grass, wash down patios or decking, and brush away cobwebs. Just keeping an eye on the overall tidiness of the front of your home can make a huge difference to your kerb appeal,' explains co-founder of Compare My Move, Dave Sayce.

'A well-kept lawn, flower beds, bushes along the walls or front door, or even hanging plants on the porch can all add a splash of colour and life. They also help soften harsh lines, like the edges of walls or driveways, making the whole exterior feel more welcoming and balanced,' he adds.

6. Perfect your planting

'If there’s no front garden, using hanging baskets, window boxes or statement planters on either side of the door adds a lush, welcoming feel,' explains Liv Conlon, interiors expert who runs ThePropertyStagers.co.uk.

'Potted plants or plants in hanging baskets will create a warm welcome,' suggests Sam Stevens, garden design expert at Pergolux UK. One statement hanging basket like this terracotta hanging post from Dunelm by the door will look just right.

‘For planting, aim for one striking planter and avoid lots of smaller pots. Tall shallow window boxes look smarter than smaller ones,' she says. And these low-maintenance plants for pots are ideal.

At Helen Green Design, Natalia Miyar favours ‘Matching metallic planters with metalwork on the front of the house to tie all the elements together.' Don't forget the practical elements, too, like bike stands or bin shelters (this bin shelter from B&Q gets our vote), ideally painted to blend in with the setting.

Shop our plant pot picks

7. Build on a porch

A well-designed porch idea should be both aesthetic and practical, framing the front door while providing shelter, light and the promise of a warm hallway. Yolande from Back to Front Architects singles out some key points to bear in mind when designing a porch.

A common mistake when designing porches is to simply echo the roof pitch. If your roof line is not attractive then aim for a simpler, less obtrusive porch design to detract from the roof above.

Porches which are larger than 3m by 3 metres will require planning as they fall outside the permitted development rules. If you don't have a back door, then try to factor in practical space for boots and scrapers in your porch design.

8. Freshen up your home's exterior masonry

If your once-white home is now looking decidedly greyer and looks a little worse for wear, it may be time to don the overalls or call in the painters because nothing transforms a home's look than a fresh coat of exterior paint.

Rendered or pebble-dash facades can look tired over time especially if there are signs of cracks, peeling and faded colour, so a lick of paint will help lift the exterior of your home with a winning exterior colour idea.

Opt for a classic off-white like Pointing from Farrow & Ball, be bolder with a statement shade or highlight architectural features with contrasting borders.

Or, if you're tackling a brick or stone front, over time, dirt, grime, and pollutants can accumulate, so a good cleaning might be in order instead. Consider safely pressure washing any discoloured bricks on a very low setting.

9. Check and repair any damage

Beyond the aesthetics, though, regular maintenance of your exterior masonry can prevent damage, such as cracks or deterioration, which could lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.

'Depending on the material, you should repaint your home every 5 to 10 years. It’s also a smart move to give it a fresh coat just before selling. It helps your home look well-maintained and more inviting to potential buyers,' explains Dave from Compare My Move.

'If you notice cracks or splits in your exterior walls, it could indicate a more serious issue and one that can’t be covered up with a fresh coat of paint. These imperfections can also be a major red flag for potential buyers.'

'It’s best to address the root of the problem by getting a structural survey and taking any necessary repair steps. Not only will this help protect your property’s value, but it will also prevent these issues from dragging down your kerb appeal.'

10. Add or change up your door number

A great first impression is all in the details, and it's a good idea to get them just right. A door number might seem like a small detail, but a visible house number is essential for visitors and deliveries. Even if you already have a decorative name plaque on your wall, a number on the door will still be useful.

'If it’s unclear whether you live at Number 6 or Number 9 because the number is hanging at a jaunty angle, take five minutes to sort it out. It’s also worth upgrading or cleaning house numbers or name plaques,' explains Sam Stevens, garden design expert at Pergolux UK.

So, whether you opt for sleek, modern options or classic gold foil digits on a fanlight, the right door number style can tie together your front door aesthetic and give your home a polished, welcoming feel.

It's a subtle signal, too, that your home is thoughtfully cared for because if you've considered something as simple as a door number, chances are the rest of your home is just as stylishly put together.

Shop our door number picks

11. Fix exterior fittings

Make sure that nothing is obviously broken. Walking through a gate that’s hanging off its hinges, tripping up on a loose paving stone and then having to bang furiously on the door because the doorbell doesn’t work isn’t going to set a great tone... Fixing the little things could make a big difference.

'If your fence is falling down or wall crumbling, see if you can do a DIY repair or get someone in to fix it - the effect will be worth it,' says Liv.

So, think about fixing that broken fence or painting it to give it a new lease on life. And don't forget about repairing paving cracks to really set the scene.

'A well-maintained roof and exterior walls can make a big difference to your kerb appeal. It’s important to regularly check your roof tiles and gutters (especially after storms or bad weather) to spot any damage that may need repairing,' advises Dave from Compare My Move.

'Cleaning your gutters also plays a key role in keeping your home looking its best. Aim to clean them twice a year, in spring and autumn. However, if you live in a windy area or near large trees that shed leaves and debris, it’s a good idea to clean them every three months.'

12. Keep your windows well-presented

Chloe Dacosta, design manager at Blinds 2go makes the case for making sure your windows are presentable to add kerb appeal.

'Well-chosen blinds or shutters create a polished, cohesive look from the outside, adding depth and character to windows and enhancing kerb appeal,' explains Chloe.

'Whether you opt for sleek modern venetian or wooden blinds, or elegant shutters, the right choice can increase both homeliness, but also completeness of your home. Uniform blinds create a tidy, well-maintained appearance that boosts kerb appeal.'

Yvonne Keal, senior product manager at Hillarys, suggests that colourful linings on curtains can be just as effective. 'Coloured linings on curtains are a subtle yet effective way to soften the appearance of your home's exterior.'

'By selecting hues that complement your home's facade, you can create a harmonious and inviting look. These linings not only add a splash of colour visible from the outside but also enhance the interior ambiance by introducing warmth and personality.'

'For a quick fix, make sure your windows are clean, ditch curtains for shutters, and add a window box for a burst of colour,' adds interiors expert Liv Conlon.

13. Improve your driveway

If you're lucky enough to have a driveway, it's crucial to keep up with the maintenance. Give it a good cleaning with one of the best pressure washers, and if you have block paving, make sure to keep up with weeding it.

Johnny Pearce, co-director at Oltco, also suggests rethinking your driveway material. 'Creating a welcoming and visually appealing home exterior often involves introducing softer, more organic elements.'

'One effective way to achieve this is by designing curved pathways using resin-bound materials. Unlike rigid, straight pathways, curved designs add a natural flow to the landscape, breaking up harsh lines and creating a more inviting approach to the home.'

Or, if that's not your style, garden designer Charlotte Rowe says you should aim to create a front garden or approach which not only complements your architecture but also respects your neighbours.

Limestone, Portland or Yorkstone and traditional encaustic tiles are perennials for paths often complemented by gravel in tones chosen to echo the facade of a property.

14. Maintain your trees

Nothing elevates a home's kerb appeal quite like a few well-maintained trees. They frame your home, helping to soften architectural lines and add height and texture.

Whether it's a neatly clipped bay tree by the front door or a mature blossom tree on the front lawn, if they look tended to, it signals that the home beyond is cared for, too.

'Large trees can be off-putting as they block sunlight, which can significantly impact a home’s kerb appeal compared to brighter and airier properties,' explains Luke Saywell, partner at family estate agents Gascoines.

'Try to keep large trees well-maintained, and if they don’t serve a purpose, such as privacy, then consider removing them if they’re on your property,'

'Similarly, fruit trees can be considered unattractive if they are not well maintained, which can cause mouldy fruit to drop off and accumulate on the property grounds as well as the adjacent pavement and road.'

15. Save money by salvaging

If you're not willing to part with original door hardware, for example, even if it's dull or rusty, your front door's existing door furniture may still be usable. Give it a boost by gently removing the rust from the metal with wire wool or a good rust removal kit like this rust remover bundle from Amazon before buffing the metal to a shine with a paste made from bicarbonate of soda mixed with a few drops of water.

If, after cleaning, the original door furniture - think door knobs, knockers and letter plates - is worth keeping, use these as your starting point when choosing replacements for pieces that are no longer looking their best.

If you have a period property with an original front door, or even a modern replica, finish it with door furniture from the correct era. Comb salvage yards for door features but ensure all the screws are in place, as they won't be made to today's standards.

FAQs

How to soften the front of a house?

'To soften the front of a house, consider adding greenery. Climbing plants like wisteria or ivy can break up harsh brickwork, and shrubs and flower beds add texture and warmth. Window boxes filled with flowers are also a nice addition, particularly to homes with a plain exterior,' explains Alena Walker, a property expert at Buzz Capital.

'Lighting can also help to soften the look of a house; warm white outdoor lighting along the path or around the door can create a welcoming ambiance. You could also try lantern-style wall lights or recessed lighting on steps to make the entrance feel more inviting, especially in the evening.'

'Additionally, if the property has a stark or boxy exterior, decorative elements like shutters, a trellis with climbing plants, or a small porch canopy can add depth and character.'

How to add kerb appeal to a flat-front house

'A flat-front house can benefit from added depth and contrast. If space allows, placing potted plants or small trees on either side of the front door creates visual interest, and a stylish doormat and house numbers can enhance the entrance,' says Alena.

'For homes with no garden, rail planters or window boxes are an easy way to introduce colour and life. Painting the front door in a striking colour can also help draw the eye, making the home feel more distinctive.'

'Another option is to update the front by incorporating textured elements such as wood, stone, or metal cladding. If permitted, installing a small canopy or awning over the entrance not only provides architectural charm but also offers practical benefits, shielding the doorway from rain and sun.'

'Choose a material that’ll complement the overall aesthetic of the building, such as wrought iron for a traditional look or glass and steel for a more modern touch.'

Interiors expert Liv Conlon, who runs The Property Stagers, adds, 'Sometimes, a flat or overly stark frontage can make it seem a bit too cold. For homeowners, the trick is to layer textures and add a few thoughtful details that soften the outside of a home.'

'For more modern properties, structured greenery can do the trick - such as a pair of bay trees in elegant planters, ornamental grasses, or even a smart olive tree near the entrance. These can all make a surprisingly big difference to the outside of your home.'

'Make the front door the star of the show. A bold colour - deep blue, forest green or even a rich plum - instantly adds personality. Then think about greenery.'

'If your house has a long, flat frontage, use contrasting textures - iron railings, painted masonry, or a small section of timber cladding - to break it up.'

Is there an app to change the exterior of a house?

'There are several visualiser apps and websites that let you upload a photo of your home and experiment with changes to the exterior. Popular options include the Dulux Visualiser, ProVia Visualiser, and Hover Visualiser,' says Dave Sayce, from Compare My Move.

'Each tool offers different features; some may let you change paint colours, doors, or cladding, while others focus more on structural changes. Keep in mind that some may charge a fee or require an account, so it’s worth doing a bit of research to find the one that best suits your needs.'

'The Dulux Visualiser and Valspar Virtual Painter apps let you see different colours on your house in real time using the camera on your phone,' adds interiors expert Liv. 'For bigger changes, Planner 5D and Home Design 3D allow you to visualise a full makeover - everything from new cladding to adding a porch.'

So there you have it: lots of ways to add kerb appeal to your home, whether you're selling or not.

If you are looking to put your home on the market, these are the areas you will need to declutter before you do that and some great homestaging ideas to get your interior ready for viewings and sell it faster.

Whether you’re currently looking to put your home on the market or just always conscious of your property’s future resale value, it’s well worth understanding the flooring choices that will make it harder to sell your home. After all, every penny counts when you’re moving house.

And while I’m primarily Ideal Home’s floorcare expert, I’m also looking to put my home on the market soon myself - which means that I’ve been making small changes here and there to add value to my home. So far, this has typically been cheap maintenance and repair jobs, but I’ve also been scrutinising the flooring in my home and questioning whether I need to replace it before getting my property valued.

Plus, as Harriet Goodacre, Style Consultant at Topps Tiles explains, ‘Certain flooring choices, while practical or stylish to the current homeowner, may deter potential buyers due to concerns around aesthetics, maintenance, or cost to replace.’ So, I asked the experts which flooring choices make it harder to sell your home, and what you (and I) should do about it.

1. Higgledy-piggledy flooring

It’s not uncommon for homes to have multiple floor types. After all, the age of having carpeted bathrooms is (thankfully) behind us, but most people still like to have carpets in bedrooms or living spaces. But having too many flooring types in one home can also make it harder to sell your home, so it’s important to maintain a balance.

Paul Hambidge, Managing Director at Factory Direct Flooring, echoes this. He says, ‘The days of different rooms in the house having very different personalities are long gone. Now, there's a trend for flow and continuity throughout the entire home.’ And having different flooring types in different rooms can be a turn-off for buyers, as it just seems too higgledy-piggledy.

So, if you plan on replacing your existing flooring before you attempt to sell your home, it’s worth choosing something that will seem both aesthetically pleasing throughout the house and easy to maintain from a buyer’s point of view. Hardwood flooring is a great option for that, and while this may seem like an extra cost, it’ll be worth it as long as you keep it clean.

In fact, Dave Sayce, CEO at Compare My Move, told Factory Direct Flooring that, ‘Research shows that hardwood floors could potentially increase the value of a home up to around 5% in some instances.’ And based on the latest average UK property price (£268,319 as of Feb 2025, UK HPI), that's a £13,400 boost in value.

2. Wall-to-wall, worn carpets

Although it can be an expense you might not want to spend, buying new carpets before selling your home can drastically improve its resale value, especially if you currently have wall-to-wall, worn carpets that have seen better days. This is mainly because they may be an unwelcome project for prospective buyers.

‘While once a commonplace in many homes, wall-to-wall carpet has largely fallen out of favour with modern buyers. Carpets tend to trap allergens, pet odours and stains, which can make a home feel untidy - even if it is well maintained,’ says Harriet. This is also the case with the carpet colours going out of fashion, as well as old carpets that have seen better days.

However, that doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of the carpet in your home completely. Sometimes, replacing can make a big difference, and Jane Lee, a home stager from Jane Lee Interiors, saw this for herself when she convinced two of her clients to invest in expensive neutral carpet to replace their worn ones before selling.

She says, ‘Both homes had numerous offers over the asking price and sold quickly, for £15,000 and £40,000 over the asking price. I have no doubt that the new carpets made an impact and really helped. In today’s busy world, most people don’t want the disruption and expense of having new flooring laid soon after they’ve moved in: they will either pay a premium for somewhere move-in-ready or knock a large chunk off the asking price for the cost and hassle of doing it themselves.’

3. Cheap laminate

As someone who bought a house with cheap laminate and has yet to replace it, I can speak from experience when I say that it’s one of the flooring choices that will make it harder to sell your home. After all, it was one of the ‘cons’ on my pro and con list when debating whether to buy the house or not.

Although my laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain, I do find that it looks cheap - and that’s what Jane thinks, too. She says, ‘All the rage in the 1980s and 1990s, thin laminate is prone to warping due to lack of water-resistance, chips easily and (depending on how good the installation was) can peel and buckle as the protective top layer has worn down in high-traffic areas.’

And while opting for real wood floors instead will no doubt counteract any potential buyer’s qualms, there is a cheaper alternative if you don’t want to splash so much cash. Natalie Mudd, Co-Founder and Creative Director Knot & Grain, suggests opting for engineered wood instead as it strikes the middle-ground between cheap-looking laminate and expensive hardwood flooring.

‘Opting to invest in engineered flooring helps to future-proof your space and is designed to withstand the everyday wear-and-tear of a busy household,’ explains Natalie. ‘Alongside the practicalities that an engineered wood floor offers. The style of planks also makes a big difference to the overall finish. By choosing a classic plank or herringbone style, it helps to add value when selling a home as it offers buyers a turnkey experience.’

4. Outdated tiles

The problem with a lot of tiles - including the best bathroom tiles and kitchen tiles - is that trends come and go. And while it’s exciting to try something new when you first move into your house, they can quickly go out of fashion and cause you hassle when it comes to selling your home later down the line.

Most notably, outdated tiles can put off visual prospective buyers who like to imagine themselves living there. In fact, Harriet says, ‘When the style is decades out of date - featuring old-fashioned colours, intricate patterns or glossy finishes - it can significantly age a home.’

Not only that, but it can also get in the way of buyers looking for a turnkey home that doesn’t need any work done to it. ‘Buyers often associate outdated tiles with a need for immediate renovation, which reduces the home's perceived value. In addition, replacing tiled flooring is labour-intensive and expensive, which may discourage offers,’ Harriet adds.

Of course, you could simply take the hit without having to do the work yourself, but Harriet says it may be worth taking the time (and the money) to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom in preparation to sell. She advises to avoid tile trends and, ‘consider neutral-coloured and large-format tiles. Porcelain and ceramic options in tones like beige, grey or soft stone effects tend to have broad market appeal to the majority of buyers.’

5. Impractical flooring

Flooring is so much more than just an aesthetic choice, as it also needs to be practical for a space. This is why so many kitchen flooring ideas differ from bedroom flooring ideas. So, it’s worth noting that impractical flooring options in your home can also make it harder to sell your home, as many prospective buyers keep an eye out for this.

Harriet warns, ‘Installing flooring that doesn’t suit the function of the space can cause a whole host of issues. For example, flooring that isn’t suitable for rooms which experience high humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms is likely to show signs of deterioration or damage if installed as well as being more susceptible to mould growth.’

If a prospective buyer sees this during the viewing (or maybe even in the online photos), they’ll be less likely to put in an offer or even book a viewing in the first place - unless they’re actively looking to put their stamp on their new home and would be willing to put in the work themselves.

So, it may be that you need to replace your flooring before you put your house on the market. And Harriet advises, ‘If you’re unsure about how suitable a surface is for a specific room then always double check with a specialist who will be able to inform you on the best approach to take such as whether it’s waterproof or not. Failing to do so is likely to cause problems when you come to selling your house.’

FAQs

What type of flooring is best for resale value?

Most experts would agree that hardwood flooring offers the best resale value. Not only is hardwood flooring timeless and always on-trend, but it’s also extremely hard-wearing. This means that it’s difficult to tarnish and will last longer than any other flooring type out there.

As a result, prospective buyers will feel confident that they’re buying a home with high-quality flooring that shouldn’t need to be replaced anytime soon. They may even be willing to pay a premium for a home with hardwood flooring.

What is the rule of 3 flooring?

The flooring rule of three states that you should never have more than three different types of flooring in your home. So, while you can opt for carpets in your bedrooms, hardwood flooring in your kitchen and tiles in your bathroom, you should avoid adding another into the mix.

If you reject the rule of three, you may find that your home starts to feel and look disjointed, and the flooring looks out of place. It can also affect the resale value of your home and put off prospective buyers.

If you're looking to sell your home, do you have any of these in your home? And if you're a potential buyer, are any other flooring choices that will put you off? Let me know in the comments!

Moving house is one of the most stressful processes that we can experience (and that's a research-backed claim). But before we even think about packing up our home, the first step is knowing how to declutter a house to get ready to sell.

Because aside from making our home more appealing to potential buyers, decluttering before putting it on the market will make the moving process much easier down the line.

Employing the best decluttering methods will help, but there's a clear-cut strategy that home organising experts swear by when it comes to getting a house market-ready.

'If you’re looking to sell your home, there are key steps to help you prepare your home before the sale goes through, that will also help the process to feel less stressful,' Vlatka Lake, storage expert at Space Station comments. 'Before you begin deep cleaning, it’s important to first declutter your home of any items you no longer need.'

Make sure you have plenty of boxes handy before you kickstart the process. The four-box decluttering method is particularly helpful when preparing for a move, as it will allow you to easily separate items into keep, store, donate, and bin categories.

1. Start with the entryway

Given that the entryway is the first thing potential buyers will see, it makes sense to start here.

'A clean, spacious entryway creates an instant positive impression,' Gerrit Jan Reinders, decluttering expert and founder of BOXIE24 agrees. 'Start by removing excess shoes, coats, and mail piles.'

Make the most of hallway storage ideas so there's as little on display as possible, and try to find alternative places for out-of-season items like heavy coats and boots. 'Stackable baskets with lids give an immediate sense of order and are great for a quick tidy up when there’s a last-minute viewing,' Craig Sammells, Country Manager for UK & Ireland of SmartStore suggests. 'Use for items like hats, gloves, scarves or even trainers.'

Ticking the entryway off first will set the tone for the rest of the house, and hopefully spur you to keep going.

2. Move on to the living room

The living area is often the biggest room in the house, but can be surprisingly easy to declutter and organise, making it the perfect job to tick off next.

Try to streamline the contents of the living room as much as possible, as potential buyers will want to visualise how they can use the space. Living room storage ideas are your best friend for creating a sense of order, particularly hidden storage solutions like footstools and baskets.

'Use a mix of baskets (white, pastels or natural are not too obtrusive) which can fit neatly under coffee tables, or with lids stacked on shelves,' Craig says. 'These can be for magazines, games and TV controllers.'

Let go of anything that you can't visualise in the living room of your future home. Fewer items will make tidying a family living room ahead of viewings much easier, too.

3. Tackle kitchen countertops and cabinets

'Kitchens sell homes!' Gerrit emphasises. 'Clear countertops of small appliances if you can, keeping only one or two essential items visible.'

While potential buyers will expect a kitchen to look used, they'll also want to see a clear and calm space if they're going to be inclined to buy. By removing items from the countertops, you can make a small kitchen look bigger and therefore more appealing to viewers.

Take the opportunity to organise your kitchen cabinets as well. You never know if potential buyers will want to take a peek inside cupboards, to see how roomy they are. The less items you have to store, the better, and make use of storage solutions to keep all your essentials organised.

4. Create calm in the bedroom

Prioritise the bedrooms next. Bedrooms can be make or break for many buyers, so focus on clearing out anything that's no longer needed and creating as much space as possible.

You can declutter a bedroom in one day by tackling one area at a time. Start with the wardrobes and drawers, then move on to under the bed, before stripping back the number of items on display. This last step will make a world of difference to how visually calm the bedrooms appear.

If there are kids' bedrooms in the house, you'll need to know how to declutter toys efficiently. 'Give your children a chance to pack any of their childhood items and then look to donate anything else that they no longer need,' Vlatka from Space Station suggests.

There may be a bit of give and take involved in the process, but if the bedrooms feel relatively tidy afterwards, consider it a win. Viewers tend to be more forgiving when it comes to children's bedrooms anyway.

5. Streamline the bathroom

Again, the aim with the bathroom should be to strip everything back as much as possible, so buyers can see the space for what it is. Small bathroom storage ideas like corner units and mirrored vanities are a gamechanger for organising the bathroom's contents and keeping visual clutter at bay.

'Transparent stackable storage which can fit in a drawer or on a shelf out of the way works really well in the bathroom,' Craig says. 'Prioritise storage solutions which allow you to see the contents quickly, while keeping everything dry and condensation-free.'

A top tip is to always check the expiry dates of toiletries. Look for a '6M', '12M', or '24M' mark on the bottle, which indicates how many months the product will last after opening. You'll likely end up clearing away a few items.

6. Finish with the garage and shed

'Garages and sheds can come in handy during the moving process while you're working out which items are going or staying,' Craig notes. That's why we recommend leaving these areas for the end of the pre-sale preparation process.

Decluttering a garage can definitely take a fair bit of time as it does tend to get lumped with odd items that don't warrant a better place. But hopefully, you've got a good idea of what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of.

If you're struggling to make quick decisions, try the one-touch decluttering method. The idea is that you pick up an item and have to decide whether it's staying or going before you put it back down. It's the perfect antidote to decision paralysis.

There's high chance that viewers are going to want to look in the garage or shed to see how spacious they are, so store what you can in boxes instead of having items on display. 'Choose water-resistant storage so you can ensure the contents remain clean and dry,' Craig advises. 'Stackable storage is another plus-point for areas of the home like the garage, so you can maximise the footprint.'

FAQs

How clean should a house be before selling?

Ideally, a home should be as clean as possible before any potential buyers come to look round. Of course, viewers expect homes to look lived in, but they're going to get a much clearer picture of whether the house is for them if it's clean and tidy.

'A home should be immaculate before listing,' decluttering expert Gerrit says. 'This means deep-cleaning carpets, washing windows inside and out, scrubbing grout lines, and removing all dust from ceiling fans, baseboards, and light fixtures.'

If time is of the essence, you can still clean your home fast and get it ready for listing. Make a plan and tackle one room at a time, cleaning as thoroughly as time allows. 'Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms where cleanliness concerns can turn off buyers,' Gerrit adds.

How to declutter a home fast before selling?

There are some tips that will help you declutter your whole house fast and get it viewing-ready. First off, establish your priority areas.

'If time is pressing with an imminent house listing, then the key areas to start decluttering and also to make sure look the best are the living room, hallway and kitchen,' Craig advises. 'These are the areas your prospective buyers see immediately which will pique their interest.'

Some people find a decluttering playlist to be helpful, and others like to set a timer to see how much they can accomplish. Try both of these strategies to find which one works for you.

Make use of storage boxes for items that you need more time to make a decision on. This will help rooms appear neat and tidy, while giving you the extra time you need.

This expert-approved plan for how to declutter a house to get ready to sell is a sure way to make the process easier. And don't forget - keep breathing!

If you’re planning on selling your home this year, then you’ll also want to make sure your garden is up to scratch, as experts have revealed the five garden features that can help sell your home.

A beautifully kept garden makes a home feel like a complete package, rather than like you have a project on your hands, which is why it should always be considered when looking to sell your house. Although it has to be said, even if you’re not looking to sell, these features can also help you enjoy your garden more.

Your garden ideas can have a lasting effect on how your home sells - and these are the five features experts recommend adding to your garden if you want to seal the deal faster.

1. A garden room

There are plenty of garden room ideas to suit every style, from an entertaining space to an efficient home office. These spaces mean you can utilise your garden all year round and add what feels like an extra room to your property.

‘One of the biggest selling points of a garden room is that it offers an entirely separate retreat from the main home. It’s more than just an extra space; it’s a personal sanctuary, just a stone’s throw away. After a long day, having a dedicated space that provides peace, privacy, and separation from household distractions makes all the difference. For buyers, this feature isn’t just desirable; it’s a game-changer that enhances both lifestyle and property value,’ explains Charlie Conibear, on behalf of Green Retreats.

‘Our research has shown a well-designed garden room can add anywhere from £50,000 to £100,000 to your property’s value, depending on its size and location.’

2. A well-maintained lawn

It may sound obvious, but well-manicured garden lawn ideas are a big draw for potential buyers. A lawn that doesn’t need work acts as a blank canvas for buyers, allowing them to imagine their life in that garden.

‘Before you even walk through the door, a well-tended garden sets the tone. A beautiful garden can catch the eye of potential buyers and make them feel more at ease. People naturally respond to environments filled with nature, and a thriving garden gives off a warm, inviting feeling,’ says Thomas Oldham, Co-Founder of UK Construction Blog.

‘A neatly kept lawn, for instance, is appealing to families who need a safe space for kids to play. A large backyard suggests endless possibilities, from weekend barbecues to quiet moments spent outdoors.

‘What really makes these features stand out is the lived-in feeling they bring. A lawn isn’t just grass, it’s a place for morning coffee or afternoon breaks. Even if it’s just a fleeting thought, that emotional connection can make all the difference.’

3. Outdoor seating or patio

Another area you need to consider is your garden furniture ideas. Is it designed for optimum hosting? Is it a welcoming space? You’ll want your outdoor seating area to be both of those things to invite buyers.

‘Simple features like outdoor seating areas or a patio can dramatically increase appeal. Buyers imagine themselves entertaining or relaxing there, which speeds up decision-making. These areas suggest versatility and a ready-made space for enjoyment — and that’s powerful when selling,’ says Olly Cavner, Operations Director at Essential Living.

When staging your home to sell, why not position your garden furniture how you’d host friends and family - this can help your potential buyers picture doing the same.

4. Outdoor lighting

While a subtle detail, garden lighting should never be overlooked. Outdoor lighting can illuminate your garden into the night so you can enjoy it for longer - whether you want a simple cosy glow or a statement floodlight.

‘Outdoor lighting and smart lighting in particular can help create ambience in the garden and shows just how much you can get out of your outdoor space even in the evenings. Lighting can be used to make patios and decking look more inviting and cosy,’ says Adam Wilkins at LightingLegends.com.

‘A lot of newer and more modern homes have smart features nowadays, and smart lighting is a great feature that will impress potential buyers thanks to its convenience. It’s another feature they don’t have to worry about installing themselves, helping cut costs. Even small enhancements—such as installing an up-and-down light by the entrance—can make a home feel more welcoming and cosy.’

5. A vegetable or herb garden

A vegetable or herb garden can easily be curated at little cost. Even if you have a small vegetable garden, this can still impress potential buyers. What’s more, if you’re showing your home during the summer, your patch will be in full bloom, making your garden look even more beautiful.

‘Surprisingly, even a small vegetable patch or herb garden can help a home sell faster. It speaks to sustainability and healthy living — both key lifestyle trends. Buyers see it as a sign of thoughtful design and potential for self-sufficiency, which adds subtle value,’ says Olly.

A beautiful garden makes a home feel complete. So, if you're looking to put your home on the market, I'd start by ensuring you have a gorgeous, welcoming garden.

A few weeks ago, I bought my first home, a ground-floor flat in London. I didn't have a sofa, a dining table or a wardrobe, but before I even started looking at furniture, there was one £10 buy I bought almost as soon as I moved in: a letter box draught excluder.

A letterbox draught excluder costs around £5-10 on Amazon and is an internal flap that fits onto a door and often includes a brush seal.

If you're baffled by this being my initial purchase for my home as a first-time buyer (especially as someone who writes about interiors for a living), let me set the scene for you. This was going to be my first ground-floor flat with an external front door; not only did that mean I wanted to draught-proof my front door, but I also wanted reassurance that no one could peer through or go 'fishing' through my letter box.

The door already had an old internal letterbox flap, but when this came clattering off after a letter was pushed through, I was unconvinced of its ability to keep my home warm and secure. So, on the same day I moved in, I went straight to the local hardware store to buy a letterbox draught excluder with a brush.

As the name suggests, a letterbox draught excluder does what it says and stops cold draughts from the door. 'Draught-proofing an external door is one of the quickest and most effective ways to prevent heat loss, and installing a letterbox draught excluder is a simple yet often overlooked solution,' says Alex Peters, Author of Checkatrade Cost Guides.

As a bonus, letterbox draught excluders can also be a protective measure against 'letterbox fishing', where burglars feed things through a letterbox to steal keys.

'Letterbox draught excluders not only provide an extra layer of protection to reduce heat loss and potentially lower energy bills, but they can make life harder for burglars - getting a draught excluder with bristles helps provide an extra layer of protection and obstructs the view of anyone trying to peek in,' confirms David Joyson, Chief Customer Officer at specialist home insurer, Homeprotect.

Of course, you can't put all your trust in a draught excluder. It's also important to keep your keys away from the front door, and consider installing a letterbox restrictor to further restrict anyone from gaining access. David explains, 'No evidence of forced entry may not be covered by your home insurance policy, which could mean you may be unable to claim on your contents insurance.'

Where to buy

Is it easy to install?

According to Alex, most letterbox excluders are easy to install. 'Installation is often straightforward. Measure the letterbox opening to ensure a proper fit, mark the screw holes while holding the excluder in place, secure it with screws or adhesive, and test to ensure smooth operation.'

It is a relatively easy home repair you can DIY, but if you're not confident in your skills, you can call in a professional from Checkatrade or even call out Taskrabbit to help you.

I installed mine relatively easily, and it has made the hallway feel so much warmer and made me feel that little bit more secure when going to sleep at night. Considering I paid less than £10, the payoff has been huge, and I don't regret it being my first purchase.

What was the first thing you bought for your first home?

With councils across the UK considering reducing the frequency of black bin collections - with Bristol even considering once a month - we all need to be a bit more savvy when it comes to our waste. However, don’t be tempted to add excess bags to your neighbour's bin - the experts warn this could land you a £400 fine.

Like it or not, we all have neighbours, and it’s beneficial to maintain a good relationship with the people we share our streets with - but this can also raise questions. From ‘Can neighbours put their bins outside my house?’ to what to do if your neighbour’s tree is dropping leaves in your garden, brushing up on regulations is one way to keep your street harmonious.

But what you absolutely shouldn’t do is dump your waste in your neighbour's bin. Not only is it rude, but technically, it’s fly-tipping - this is everything you need to know.

Can I put my rubbish in my neighbour’s bin?

Using your neighbour's bin without permission is considered a form of anti-social behaviour and even fly-tipping.

According to waste experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk, local authorities have discretion to issue fixed penalty notices for minor fly-tipping offences such as bin stuffing. The penalty often ranges from £150 to £400 and depends on the severity of the offence and local council rules.

‘Using a neighbour's bin without permission can lead to fines due to several reasons. Firstly, waste bins are considered personal property, and unauthorised use can be seen as trespassing or theft of services,’ explains Luke Dejahang, Gardening Expert and CEO of Crown Pavilions.

‘Additionally, many local councils have specific regulations against someone else's bin to ensure proper waste management and avoid overflow issues. Improper disposal can also contaminate recycling streams and attract pests, posing public health risks.’

Fines typically range from £60-£100, however, if it is a consistently reported issue, you could be fined upwards of £400. Not to mention, it is considered rude and could cause unnecessary tension in your neighbourhood.

‘Good neighbourly relations are built on respect and understanding. Handling waste properly is not just a matter of legal obligation; it’s also a significant component of living harmoniously in close quarters,’ says Mark Hall, waste collection expert at BusinessWate.co.uk.

‘Ensuring that each household takes responsibility for their own waste is key to maintaining not only cleanliness and order but also a pleasant environment for everyone in the community.’

If you frequently find you don’t have enough space in your bin, it’s worth getting in touch with your local council to apply for a larger bin. Or, if you have a good relationship with your neighbour, you could ask for consent to use their bin.

If you find it is your neighbour that is using your bin, it’s worth having a conversation with your neighbour and come to a solution. If the problem persists, you can report the ‘bin stuffing’ to your local council.

Neighbourly etiquette is the easiest way to keep the peace - and if it means you don’t get a hefty fine, it can only be a good thing, too.

With the new year fast approaching, many of us will be thinking about resolutions and goals for the coming year And one of the biggest ones is buying a house.

Frustratingly, getting onto the property ladder can seem rather daunting, especially when you consider the current mortgage rates, rising house prices, unpredictable housing market and general cost of living.

‘Despite interest rates falling to their lowest rate in the last few years (4.75% in November), inflation rebounded back above the 2% target in recent weeks, making it increasingly challenging to save for a deposit as the cost of living continues to soar,’ reveals Jonathan Bone, Head of Mortgages at Better.co.uk.

And with ‘the median house deposit for first-time buyers over the last 12 months being around £40,000 – or £79,000 for next-time buyers,’ according to Jonathan, saving often feels like an uphill battle.

But there are other steps you can take to build a deposit, especially if you’re planning well ahead. And a number of habits in particular can make saving that bit easier and potentially even enjoyable, once you get into the swing of things.

Keep reading for lots of inspiration to get you that much closer to being able to buy a house in 2025…

1. Set a clear savings goal

It’s all well and good saying that you’re saving for a deposit, but this amount can vary considerably depending on where you’re looking to purchase. First and foremost, you’ll want to ‘carry out research on the area(s) you would like to move to,’ suggests Vicki Skinner, Chartered Financial Planner and Wealth Administration Manager at BRI Wealth Management.

‘You can also usually find out the approximate running costs of houses, which may also be helpful to see if it is affordable for you. Knowing how much you need to save will determine other elements such as the timeframe and how achievable it is to reach this goal,’ she adds.

2. Budget and save for additional expenses

Even though saving for a house deposit seems like the end goal, there are a number of additional expenses and hidden costs of moving houses which come with buying a home that you might not have considered. ‘These include, but are not limited to, stamp duty (it is worth noting that stamp duty relief for first-time buyers will revert to previous levels on March 31, 2025), conveyancing fees, home insurance, and moving costs, among others,' Jonathan adds.

So, you’ll want to budget for these additional costs as you save. The last thing you want, when you find your dream property, is to have saved enough for your deposit only to discover that you don’t have the budget to cover these costs.

3. Create a monthly budget and track your spending

Now, you may have some semblance of a budget when you’re doing your supermarket food shop, but to be in the best place to save, ‘it’s essential that you begin by examining your monthly outgoings and expenses,’ Jonathan admits.

You can either use a spreadsheet or a dedicated budgeting app to help you identify any unnecessary purchases – from too many takeaways and daily coffees, to subscriptions that you completely forgot about. You can then take those savings and put them towards your deposit. ‘Saving £5 a day could add up to over £1,800 in a year, which is a significant chunk of a deposit,’ reveals Fiona Peake, Personal Finance Expert at Ocean Finance.

Identifying your spending habits will also help you to prioritise your essential expenses – like rent, transportation and groceries – while understanding what you have left over to allocate to savings and non-essentials.

4. Set spending caps

Whatever you’re budgeting for, this habit can come in handy for everything from gift buying and meals out to saving for a holiday, all while still being able to put some money away for your deposit.

It can often feel a bit tricky to discuss money with friends and family, but it’s so important if you’re working towards a big goal such as saving for a house. ‘Your loved ones will understand, and they may be feeling the same way, so they could be equally happy to agree on a present spending cap,’ Jo says.

5. Embrace a no-spend challenge

A no-spend challenge is a great habit to implement in 2025. By only spending on the essentials for an entire weekend, week or even a month, ‘this practice not only accelerates your savings but also builds financial discipline and helps you resist unnecessary purchases,’ Jonathan affirms. Plus, ‘the progress you make during each challenge can keep you motivated and bring you closer to achieving your house deposit goal.’

I’ve personally done a few no-spend weeks and even a no-spend month, and while it does take some discipline, it’s actually a lot more doable than you might think. My top tip would be to start small, by trying it out over a weekend and build up to longer periods of time, where you only spend on the essentials.

6. Use the 30 day rule

Another great money saving habit to get into is using the 30 day rule. We all know how tempting it can be to treat ourselves to a new item of clothing or beauty item that we don’t necessarily need, especially if it’s on sale. But this simple idea can be one of the most effective.

‘Before buying something non-essential, ask yourself is it really necessary. If you held on for 30 days would you still want it?’ Jo proposes. ‘By giving yourself that time to potentially cool off, you will know if it’s something you really want, or if it was a momentary temptation that has passed – and instead you can put the money into your long-term savings pot.’

7. Shop smarter

When you do shop, there are ways to shop a bit smarter, saving you some serious money if you do it correctly. Take advantage of loyalty points and discount codes whenever you make purchases – whether that be online or in-person.

Over time, these savings can really add up and go directly towards your deposit.

8. Open up a Lifetime ISA

If you’re saving for your first home and you don’t already have a Lifetime ISA, 2025 is the year to open one. Essentially, ‘the government's LIfetime ISA scheme is a good way to save money and get more back than you put in,’ explains Jo Pocklington, MD of Purplebricks Mortgages. So, you can pay up to £4000 a year and the government will add 25% to your savings – or up to £1,000 – a year.

‘Having a separate account also helps avoid the temptation to dip into your savings,’ Fiona adds.

You do need to be between 18 and 39 to apply for a Lifetime ISA, ‘but you can keep saving until you buy your home or until you're 50,’ Jo explains. And there is a property price limit, depending on where you live in the UK which can be restrictive so be aware of what it is for your location first.

9. Check your credit report

Most of us probably won’t be aware of what our credit score or rating is. But, as taking out a mortgage requires a good credit score, ‘lenders may even offer cheaper deals to customers with a better score,’ says Amy Knight personal finance expert at NerdWallet UK.

There are a few different ways that you can order a free credit report, which will show you the latest information on your credit history. ‘There may be issues you can rectify before a lender runs a hard credit check, for example, if your address is incorrect you can contact Experian, Equifax or Clearscore to put it right,’ Amy adds.

Checking your credit score every so often is also a good habit to get into, more generally, the experts concur.

10. Think as though you have a mortgage already

Finally, ‘If you’re a first-time buyer currently paying rent that is higher than the monthly repayment you’d make on a mortgage, the financial adjustment shouldn’t be too tough. However, if you’re living at home or in shared accommodation where your rent is much cheaper than a mortgage, it can help to practice paying out the extra amount,’ Amy declares.

‘For example, if you’re looking at a mortgage repayment of £2,500 per month and your rent is currently £2,100, can you afford to save the difference? If it’s difficult to consistently save the extra £400 each month, you may be at risk of overstretching yourself, even if a mortgage lender says you can afford that amount. Go back to your budget and consider whether it’s your spending or your goal that needs adjusting.’

Putting even some of these habits into practice could make owning your own home a reality in 2025. You can do it!

Neighbours are great most of the time, but what if they come with some irritating habits? 'Can neighbours put their bins outside my house?' might be a question that you never thought you’d be asking yourself, but it’s a more common problem than you might realise.

Sure, the first time they put their bins outside your house, you let it slide, but what if it becomes a regular thing? Can they legally put bins outside your house, and what do you do about it if it’s starting to become a nuisance?

Wheelie bin storage ideas are one way to help with bin storage issues, but you might find you need to take things further. It’s always a good idea to stay on positive terms with your neighbours wherever possible, so where do you stand when your neighbours start putting their bins outside your house?

Can neighbours legally put bins outside my house?

If your neighbours are putting their bins outside of your house, you might be wondering what the law says about this. The simple answer to this question is yes, legally they can, but there’s a bit more to it than that, as Graham Matthews, waste management expert at Business Waste explains.

‘Neighbours can legally put bins outside your house on the pavement a few hours before they’re due to be emptied,’ says Graham. ‘They can’t place them on your property though, as this could constitute trespassing. The bins must be moved back onto their own property or in front of their own house after being emptied.’

‘Leaving a household wheelie bin on the pavement isn’t a criminal offence but it is a civil issue,’ Graham continues. ‘Councils have the power to issue fixed penalties for leaving bins on the pavement under 46a of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. These can only be issued if the bin creates an obstruction so wheelchairs or pushchairs can’t get past if they’re left out for a few days, may attract vermin, or are overturned or damaged. Simply leaving bins on the pavement for a few hours before or after they’re emptied isn’t illegal and won’t incur a penalty.’

What can I do if my neighbours are leaving their bins outside my house?

If this has become a regular problem, there are a few things that you could try and do to solve the issue, while staying on good terms with your neighbours.

1. Have a chat with them. They may not realise that it’s causing an issue for you. This is always the best first step to take and in many cases will solve the problem.
2. If talking to them doesn’t help,next pop a friendly note through their letterbox to remind them of the conversation that you had and put something in writing so that you have a record of when you first brought the issue to their attention.
3. A final step is to contact your local council, who will be able to escalate the matter for you.

‘The best thing to do is simply speak to your neighbours and politely ask them to stop leaving their bins outside your house,’ advises Graham Matthews. ‘Mention if it causes an obstruction for anyone using the pavement, or creates access issues and hopefully the message will get through.’

‘If that doesn’t work then you can complain to your local council,’ continues Graham. ‘They can issue a fixed penalty when it’s a persistent problem. This starts with a written warning that informs them of the problem, what they should do to fix it, and what happens if they don’t comply. If they fail to comply then a notice of intent and final notice with a fixed penalty up to £80 can apply.’

Is it illegal to leave wheelie bins on the pavement?

We all forget to bring our bin in in a timely manner sometimes, but what if someone on your street leaves theirs out for days and it’s becoming a nuisance? Can they legally do this, or are they breaking the law?

First thing’s first, leaving bins out on the pavement unnecessarily might cause an obstruction, making it difficult for someone with a pushchair or in a wheelchair to get past. Ideally, it’s best to bring them in as soon as possible.

It’s not illegal to leave a wheelie bin on the pavement, but the council can issue a fixed penalty notice to anyone that repeatedly leaves their bin on the pavement as a final resort.

If you’re aware of a neighbour that keeps leaving their bins on the pavement for longer than necessary and you feel like it’s causing an obstruction, the first step is to speak to them, in case they’re not aware of the issue.

Your local council can issue a fixed penalty in the instance that a wheelie bin that’s left out creates an obstruction, is left out for several days, may attract vermin or in the instance that a bin is overturned or looks unsightly.

How far should bins be from a building?

Wheelie bins should be kept an appropriate distance from your home, or someone else’s home as they can attract vermin and may be a fire hazard. As a guidance, a distance of 3 metres is recommended, however this differs between insurers, so you may need to check your home insurance policy to see how far away your bin should be from your house.

If garden storage is limited, your insurer may accept bins being stored closer to the house if a fireproof barrier can be built.

Can a neighbour put things in my bins?

We’ve all been there - your bin is full to the top, but you notice your neighbour’s bin has plenty of space and you’ve still got a bin bag to put out, but should you risk putting it in your neighbour's bin? While it might not seem like a big deal if it happens from time to time, it could become annoying if it’s a regular occurrence.

‘Neighbours shouldn’t put anything in your bins unless you give them permission,’ says Graham Matthews. ‘Technically it’s a form of fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, but it’s highly unlikely someone would be prosecuted for putting something in your bin. If it’s a continuous problem then legal action could occur though, as fly-tipping is a criminal offence in the UK.’

‘Should a neighbour put rubbish or anything else in your bin when the bins are on your property then it could also count as trespassing.’

If you do come to find that your neighbour is using your bin, the easiest solution is to mention to them that you’d prefer they didn’t put their rubbish in your bin. In many cases, your neighbour might not realise that it’s causing a problem for you and will hopefully stop once you highlight the issue to them.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An earlier version of this article included a quote from a purported expert whose credentials we have not been able to verify. The quote has been removed. We regret this lapse in our verification process and have updated our internal protocols to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Over the festive season there's often a lot parcel deliveries as we order presents or bargains from the sales and it's a time of year many of us spend travelling to see friends and family, leaving our homes empty for periods of time. So, it's a good idea to be mindful about keeping your home safe and think about how to prevent burglary.

Research by Toolstation found that the months between October and January are most common for burglaries. Therefore it's vital to keep your house safe over new year and the holidays.

'Very few burglars are opportunists; instead, they may be regularly scanning and looking for weakness to capitalise on. It is therefore crucial never to give a burglar an opportunity to strike.' Leigh Barnes, from Jacksons Fencing

We've rounded up some expert advice to keep your home safe from burglars if you're away over the New Year period.

1. Set lights on a timer

If your home looks empty, it can make it more of a target for burglars, so adding a few deterrents like leaving lights on or putting them on a timer can make it harder for someone to know if anyone is home.

'Smart plugs connect your appliances or lights to your home Wi-Fi network and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or scheduled times to turn off and on,' advises Micheal Fernandes, product engineer at TP-Link.

'You can use these to turn devices on while you’re away, creating the illusion of activity in your home. Randomise the timing for switching devices on and off, to enhance the illusion that your home is occupied even further – especially if you’re away for an extended period.'

Rather than leaving lights on all the time, Rachel Morris of 4lite recommends taking a more random approach. 'Lights left on all the time, or on a scheduled timer might not do much to deter potential intruders, but smart lighting can help an empty home look occupied, so opportunists might think again before breaking in.'

2. Invest in a video doorbell

Over the last few years, video doorbells have gained in popularity. Not only are they great for checking on deliveries, they let you monitor any suspicious activity on your property and can put off potential burglars.

'It's a good idea to have a video doorbell and to configure it to alert you any time someone approaches the door,' advises Chris Hauk, consumer privacy advocate at Pixel Privacy 'I also strongly recommend having video cameras stationed in multiple spots around the outside of your home, especially in blind spots that cannot be seen from the street or from neighbours’ homes.'

When it comes to parcel deliveries, video doorbells also allow you to talk to delivery drivers, so you can let them know a safe place to leave your package.

'Parcel theft is also on the rise and with the Boxing Day and January sales in full swing, video doorbells come in very handy – you can talk to the delivery driver via the two-way talk function, can keep an eye on where the parcel is left if you aren’t home and deter porch pirates,' explains Jonathan Wall VP, managing director of SimpliSafe UK. 'Make sure you have notifications turned on so you can capture any movement that occurs outside your home and see signs of potential trouble as soon as they occur.'

3. Hook up some security lights

Motion detection lights are another great piece of kit to have as part of your home security system and can quickly alert you to any movement outside your property.

Burglars prefer to work out of sight, so security lights will act as a deterrent when you're not home. If they are linked up to a motion sensor, this can often be enough to scare off a thief even when no one is home; if not, it will also provide a warning to neighbours that there is someone on or around your property.

4. Avoid posting on social media

In the excitement of Christmas and New Year, many of us want to share key moments on social media, but it's good to exercise a little caution. 'Social media is a great way to connect, but sharing your location in real-time can pose security risks,' advises Michael.

'While it’s hard, try avoiding tagging your location or sharing live updates if you're away this Christmas.' It's also good practice to avoid posting about any valuables as this can alert thieves to what you have at home.

5. Check locks before leaving the house

With the busyness of the holidays, it can be easy to forget about locking windows and doors, especially if you have friends or relatives staying. 'It might sound obvious, but it’s always a good idea to go around the house and just check that you’ve locked all your windows and doors properly before you head out,' advises Rachael Munby, chief marketing officer at Anglian Home Improvements.

6. Make your home look lived in

Another way to make it look like someone is home is by ensuring there is a car on your driveway (if you have one). 'Maintaining a driveway presence is great way to reduce the risk of a security breach,' advises David Joyson, chief customer officer at specialist home insurance provider, Homeprotect.

'Give the illusion that someone is home by making sure any cars that you are not using are in the driveway or ask a neighbour if they will occasionally park there if you are away for a prolonged period.'

7. Hide valuables and gift packaging

It's also a good idea to make sure any packaging that shows expensive products is carefully disposed of rather than leaving it in your recycling bin as this can alert burglars to any expensive items you may have at home.

'Make sure that you don’t put gift packaging boxes out for recycling or leave them sticking out of your bin, as thieves will notice. Instead, store boxes out of sight until you can dispose of them at a local recycling site.' advises David.

While keeping any valuable hidden away and out of sight of windows, is also good home security practice.

Anthony Mellor, head of insurer relations at Swinton Home Insurance advises: 'Always keep your valuables out of sight, even if your home is secure. This is especially important as we approach the festive season. Christmas shopping can make your home a target for burglars, so make sure you keep any gifts and packages hidden away.'

FAQs

How should you leave your home when you go on holiday?

'As soon as your home is empty it has one less barrier of security and therefore becomes more of a target to burglars. It’s therefore crucial to make your home look as occupied as possible when you go on holiday,' explains Sam Garbutt, security lighting expert at LED & Power.

'There are some age-old methods of making your home seem occupied, for example, using a timer lighting system, making noise using a timer radio or speaker and leaving a car on the driveway. These small adjustments can be enough to ward burglars off and prevent your home from being broken into.'

Are there more burglaries at New Year's?

'During the New Year period many homeowners go on holiday, visit family and friends or spend their evenings out of the house. When combining this with the dark evenings it makes it the ideal time for thieves to target unoccupied homes,' explains Alwyn Evershed, security expert at Metador.

'In addition, with Christmas just gone it leaves an abundance of new gifts and valuable items lying around the home. This can leave houses extremely vulnerable to break-ins, so it's no surprise that the rate of burglaries often increases during this period. I therefore recommend that homeowners are extra vigilant around Christmas and New Years and ensure that they have taken the time to invest in their security systems to prevent burglaries.'

Poundland is now selling apartments - yep, you heard that right! Above a store in Elgin, Scotland you will find the first Poundland flat on the market after a six-year refurbishment.

The one thing you need to know about Poundland is that you are guaranteed a bargain when you step through its doors. And over the years, we’ve been consistently impressed by the brand's home decor bargains.

It’s a go-to for budget decorating ideas, however, I hate to say the flat itself is not retailing for £1 - in fact, it’s listed on Rightmove for £85,000. But with the average home costing £309,000 according to the latest ONS House Price Index, in true Poundland fashion this flat is one of the cheapest on the market.

Inside the apartments

It may sound like an unorthodox choice for the brand to move into property, but there is a story behind it. Back in 2019, Poundland purchased an old bank (and heritage building) in Elgin’s town centre, becoming the first store the chain owned outright. What followed was a six-year refurbishment of the four flats that resided above the shop.

The first one, an £85,000 one bed, is now available to buy - but here’s what makes the flats interesting, they are all decked out with products from Poundland.

Now I’m no snob when it comes to Poundland - in fact, you’ll catch me browsing its aisles fairly regularly. Looking at the pictures, the decor looks far more expensive than it is. One of the properties has been styled with products that cost £1 or less from the store below.

Poundland has used its latest Pepco Homewares collection to style the flats including upcycling a £6 rug to create a pouffe and has even included its iconic mushroom lamp.

Bringing the building back to life and restoring it to its former glory has been no easy task but we know how much this building means to the people of Elgin and Moray,’ Alan Smallman, Poundland’s transformation director who led the restoration project commented.

‘We hope the love we’ve shown it will be a catalyst for more investment into Elgin and its high street.

‘I’d like to thank the whole team that’s helped bring us back home here in Elgin.’

The current one-bed available includes an open-plan kitchen and living room, shower room and a bright double bedroom - ideal for anyone living on their own.

Get the look

Here are just a few of the standout buys adorning the new Poundland apartments.

I think it's safe to say Poundland and well and truly conquered the high street!

UK house prices have risen 1.5% since July 2024, with an annual price rise of 2.8%, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marks six months in a row of year-on-year rises.

House price growth seems to be picking up the pace as we move towards 2025, with prices increasing 1.8% in the 12 months up to July 2023 before jumping to 2.3% in the 12 months before August 2024 - remaining in accordance with our house price prediction for the next five years.

According to the average house price has risen by around £8,000 on average over the last 12 months, rising to £293,000, which may come as bad news if you're looking to buy a house.

Over the past year on average, homes in England rose 2.35% to £310,000, 3.5% to £223,000 in Wales, 5.4% to £200,000 in Scotland and 6.4% to £185,000 in Northern Ireland, according to the ONS.

But what does this all mean?

What do the figures mean?

'House prices are up across the country on an annual basis, but there remain some significant regional disparities,' says Karen Noye, mortgage expert at Quilter.

‘Yorkshire and the Humber saw the greatest monthly price increase, with a rise of 2.7%, while on an annual basis the North West led the way with a 4.6% increase in house prices.

‘Prices in London have risen 1.4% in the last year, meaning the average property value in the capital now sits at £531,212 – far out of reach for the majority of first time buyers.’

But the increase in prices could reflect an increase of people returning to the housing market.

'UK house prices accelerated 2.8% in the year to August, up from July’s revised figure of 1.8% - marking six months of annual house price rises in a row as momentum returns to the market. The number of residential property transactions also rose by 5.4%,' says Alice Haine, Personal Finance Analyst at Bestinvest by Evelyn Partners.

'The high rate of growth comes on the back of easing inflation and lower interest rates after the Bank of England eased its restrictive monetary policy stance by pushing ahead with its first rate cut in more than four years at the start of August – a move that led to easing mortgage rates.

'Lower inflation, easing mortgage rates and the prospect of further interest rates to come have energised the UK’s residential property market of late as buyer demand and the number of new listings rapidly ramp up. Households that had parked moving decisions amid affordability concerns during the cost-of-living and cost-of-borrowing crises are now returning to the market in droves.'

How will the house price increase affect me?

'Provided further interest rate cuts do materialise this year, housing market activity is expected to continue strengthening in line with easing affordability levels,' says Alice.

'The annual rate of inflation for September came in lower than expected at 1.7%, something likely to catalyse the market even further as it raises the likelihood of interest rate cuts in both November and December.

'Back-to-back rate cuts would deliver a major boost to first-time buyers, homeowners and those looking to sell.

'For first-time buyers, lower inflation combined with slightly more competitive mortgage rates and product choice means affordability levels are improving.

'Homeowners looking to refinance can also take advantage of improving mortgage rates, though the 1.4 million borrowers emerging from fixed-rate mortgage in the next 12 months are likely to see an average jump in their monthly repayments of £150, according to recent BoE data.

'Sellers can also benefit from the easing mortgage rate environment as better deals provide more affordable options for buyers, something likely to deliver a boost to market confidence.

'Sellers do, however, need to be realistic about pricing. With more buyers in the market and more listings to choose from, sellers aiming too high could see their property sitting on the market for months.

'A glut of new homes for sale along with better borrowing conditions means buyers may have the upper hand in negotiations so finding the right balance will be key for those looking to secure a sale.'

This week, Zoopla has released its monthly House Price Index (HPI) report, analysing the current state of the housing market. The May findings? Well, the UK’s leading residential property resource found that the supply of homes for sale is currently the highest it’s been in the last eight years - and it seems to be signalling that the times are turning for the better.

Whether you’re looking to be buying a house or are in the process of selling one, this news is good across the board as it should prevent any volatility in the property market and keep the house prices stable for the rest of the year.

Additionally, the fact that every estate agent has an average of 31 homes for sale in their roster means that there is enough choice for those looking to buy a home and move. And that is despite the high mortgage repayment rates which Zoopla reported on last month.

Zoopla reports the highest supply of homes for sale

The supply of homes for sale is 20% higher right than it was last year, with agreed sales 13% higher than last year.

‘The market is getting back to normal and people who delayed moving last year due to higher mortgage rates are back in the market - in addition to homeowners we believe some second homeowners may be selling homes in the face of tax and planning changes while there remains a slow but steady stream of landlords selling up,’ comments Richard Donnell, executive director of Zoopla.

‘Despite the fact that interest rates have not yet fallen, this does not seem to have deterred sellers and buyers from purchasing their ideal home,' adds Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, adds, ‘Despite this, properties are not selling with the same urgency as before, which also explains why stock levels are building up.’

But it is still a great time to sell your house - or buy one. And this shift also signifies an overall strengthening of the housing market and the UK’s economy as a whole.

‘This is good news as so much of the health of the housing market is observed through house price inflation,' explains Richard. 'In reality, the health of the market is more closely linked to people's ability to move home and so it's positive to have more sellers, many of whom are also buyers.'

Nathan continues, ‘In a further boost to buyers and sellers, there are many signs that the nation’s economic conditions are improving, and a strong housing market will always be the backbone behind a booming economy.’

It is yet to be seen what the upcoming general election on 4th July will do to this booming house selling market. But Richard from Zoopla is optimistic, ‘The election is unlinked to stall the momentum in sales to the degree we have seen in previous years. Committed buyers and sellers will continue pushing ahead to secure a sale.’

This week, Zoopla published its latest House Price Index (HPI), revealing that in 2024, homeowners are paying 61% more on mortgage repayments per month than they would have three years ago.

And while you might be thinking that this means you will pay off your mortgage quicker, that is sadly not the case - as you might know, if you’ve recently applied or taken out a first-time buyer mortgage.

The reason for this increase is partly due to increased mortgage interest rates, which started rising three years ago in March 2021, going from an average of 1.8% interest to the current 4.5%. Another factor that’s partly to blame are house prices which are 13% higher than three years ago.

But despite this dire fact of high mortgage repayments, the report also shows that agreed house sales are up by 12% compared to this time last year, which is credited to increased consumer confidence and more homes available for sale than last year.

Zoopla reveals mortgage repayment are 61% higher than in 2021

Zoopla is the UK’s leading residential property resource and a trusted source when it comes to all things property and housing market. Last year, one of its reports revealed that rent growth is set to halve in 2024.

Unfortunately, its latest market analysis is not as optimistic, sharing that monthly mortgage repayments have increased by 61% since 2021 for those applying for a mortgage. Richard Donnell, Zoopla executive director, explains how they’ve arrived at this number.

‘Our analysis on mortgage costs looks at home buying through the lens of someone considering buying an average priced home today versus 3 years ago. We focused on how much higher monthly repayments are for the average home buyer using a 70% loan-to-value mortgage loan.’

The south worse off than rest of UK

The report also shows that there is a regional difference between mortgage repayment rates as the South West, South East and East of England have it worse than everywhere else, with 61% being a country-wide average. Of course, with London being the worst affected area which is down to high house prices.

‘The analysis highlights that while market activity is up, house prices aren’t going to run away as affordability is still a barrier, especially in southern England,’ Richard says.

According to Zoopla, the average cost of mortgage repayments is over £5,000 per year higher this year compared to 2021 in the South of the country. Meanwhile, London is looking at an annual increase of £7,500. But other less affected regions deal with an increase that ranges between £2,300 and £3,900.

So at the end of the day, the 61% mark is only a country-wide average and the rise in your mortgage repayments can be both lower or higher than this compared to 2021, depending on where you live.

According to recent research from the Building Societies Association (BSA), first-time buyers are facing the most difficult conditions in 70 years to get on the property ladder – leaving the future for those looking to buy a house bleak.

There's been a bit of back and forth on whether or not now is a good time to buy a house, given a recent increase in mortgage rates and affordability issues. All these factors considered, it currently makes for a pretty tumultuous housing market that BSA have even gone onto dub as 'broken.'

The report found that first-time buyers who were actually successful in getting a mortgage had to rely on receiving parental support or having two incomes higher than average. Therefore, those without help or single are being priced out of the housing market, with no choice but to stick to renting.

How hard is it to buy a house right now?

Further findings from the report found that in March 2024, 32% of people claimed that they aspire to buy their own home but don't think they'll be able to. To add, housing expert Neal Hudson, who wrote the BSA report, says that home ownership among younger people has declined over the last 20 years, and should no changes be made, will only continue to decline.

Currently, the biggest challenge first-time buyers are facing is affordability. This includes building up a deposit to buy a home and the cost of owning a home, which encompasses both paying a mortgage and all the maintenance that comes with it.

That said, significant changes must be made to help prospective first-time buyers get on the property ladder and fix the 'broken housing market' – including highlighting first-time buyer schemes and calling attention to some of the current best first-time buyer mortgages.

Commenting on these findings, Paul Broadhead, head of mortgage and housing policy at the BSA says, 'Becoming a first-time buyer is possibly the most expensive it has been over the last 70 years, but a properly functioning housing market is dependent on first-time buyers being able to afford their first home.'

'New thinking and radical changes are needed.'

As mentioned above, the report found that successfully buying a home relied on two above-average incomes or parental support.

However, the BSA is calling on the government to work with lenders, the wider housing market industry, and the public to make homes more affordable and readily available to first-time buyers seeking a mortgage.

By combining many efforts, we want to believe there is hope to fix the 'broken housing market' and encourage first-time buyers not to give up on the fight.

Spring is often peak time to sell your home, but according to professional, you could be making some home staging mistakes that could be putting buyers off.

You might assume that it’s the very basics of a property that either entice or deter buyers from making an offer when you're selling a house.

But home staging ideas can actually have a much bigger impact on whether or not someone puts in an offer, according to an expert who regularly prepares homes ready for sale.

Home-staging mistakes 

Buying a home is as much about the ‘feeling’ as it is the practicalities, and according to award-winning home staging expert Jane Lee – who has teamed up with Tapi Carpets & Floors – staging your home just right is key to achieving a buyer for your property, as it can encourage potential new owners to picture themselves in the property.

But when it comes to the 'staging' of your home, there are a range of smaller mistakes you may not have realised you're making that could be putting buyers off. Luckily, most of them are easy fixes that can help to improve your home's initial impression; and none involve any pricey or time-consuming cosmetic or structural changes. 

1. Neglecting your hallway

According to Jane, sprucing up your hallway ideas is crucial. 'Hallways are usually the first thing potential buyers will see, so it’s important to make the right first impression, or they may be put off immediately.'

This is where a couple of clever ‘home staging’ tricks come into play – you don’t need to extend much effort or time to make a lacklustre hallway an appealing space. 

'Open the blinds and curtains to allow as much natural light in as possible; if it’s still gloomy, add additional lighting such as lamps to brighten up the space,' Jane suggests. 'For a touch of colour, place fresh plants or a vase of flowers on one side of the hallway.'

'If your existing flooring is looking tired, look to invest in a new stair runner too; this will create a focal point and help you make a statement. And be sure to declutter the space by removing coats, shoes, scarves, and hats on display.'

2. Not tidying up your bathroom

Let's face it – no one likes a messy bathroom full of empty loo roll holders and bottles of shampoo, so it’s not a good idea to neglect to declutter your bathroom and tidy it before potential buyers' viewings.

'When presenting your bathroom, whether through photographs or viewings, ensure a fresh and clean appearance by keeping toilet lids closed, and removing items like toilet brushes and bins,' Jane advises. 

'Showcase cleanliness by decluttering your bathroom and storing personal items discreetly, using matching toiletries, clean mirrors, and white towels only. 

'Use plain shower curtains and toilet covers, and be sure to address grout and mould issues. For bathrooms lacking natural light, you can also brighten the space with realistic artificial plants.'

3. Ignoring repair jobs

It might feel like a small issue, but you should always be sure to complete small snagging issues in your home before putting your house on the market. 

'Ignoring repair jobs is another red flag for potential buyers,' Jane explains. 'Any form of repair job that looks neglected will indicate to buyers that the home has not been looked after.'

'This can impact sales, as most buyers purchasing a new property wish to avoid additional costs spent on making home repairs.' And it makes a lot of sense – most people want to walk into their new home ready to put their stamp on it, rather than fixing small issues that should have been dealt with by you (the previous owner).

4. Making your home overly personal

This may be surprising, but if you are preparing your home for sale , it can be worth scaling back on the more personal parts of your home – especially on the days when you have viewings.

Jane explains, 'over-personalising the home by leaving souvenirs, family photos and trophies makes it harder for the potential buyer to make a personal connection with the home.'

So in small instances, it may be worth putting these things into storage, to allow other people/couples/families to envisage themselves in the home, rather than seeing it solely as someone else's home.

5. Not giving a spare room a purpose

Though this may sound contradictory, leaving an empty spare room as just that (e.g. as a junk room, or a storage room), can be detrimental when it comes to buyers easily envisioning themselves in your home.

'If there is a spare room in the house that’s empty or used only for storage, stage it in a way that gives it purpose, whether you want to convert it into a small office room, toy storage, or a reading nook – this will allow buyers to see the extra space and potential usage of the room,' Jane says.

If you don’t, you risk buyers disregarding the room as an unusable space, or a room that wouldn’t work particularly well for any purpose. Instead, help them to see how your home could work for them, and their needs.

Like we said these are all easy fixes, so do a quick whizz around your house before the estate agent photographer turns up and the buyers drop in to help you secure the best deal quickly.

Today Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered his yearly budget announcement, including some news regarding your home - whether you’re renting, buying or selling. However, the general consensus among property experts is that the Spring budget 2024 missed several opportunities and is set to do very little for this sector.

Following the autumn statement 2023 last November, which was even more disappointing and uneventful, it was predicted and hoped that mortgages, such as the proposed 99% mortgage idea, could be a hot topic, along with a stamp duty relief for first-time buyers. But sadly, neither of those things materialised.

Instead, this is what was discussed, what our experts think of it and what it means for you.

Spring budget 2024

While stamp duty was mentioned in the Spring budget 2024 announcement, it was not in the capacity that would be particularly noteworthy to most people. 

Stamp duty

Stamp duty is a charge on the value of the property being purchased and removing it would mean removing the costs that come with moving home, according to Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest by Evelyn Partners.

‘Abolishing stamp duty land tax (SDLT) on property purchases would have delivered a huge boost to a congested property market by getting Britain moving again. Reducing the cost to move is a great way to incentivise first-time buyers at the bottom of the property ladder by making it more affordable for them to purchase a home. Abolishing it would also encourage more older homeowners sitting in larger homes to sell up and downsize.’ And making it a good idea to move in 2024.

But instead, Jeremy Hunt decided to address stamp duty tax only by abolishing multiple dwellings relief for stamp duty land tax, a relief that benefited those purchasing multiple properties at once.

Higher rate capital gains tax

Another point in the Spring budget delivery that affected owning and renting was reducing the higher rate capital gains tax from 28% to 24%. What does that mean?

‘Capital gains tax is a tax charged on the profit you make when you sell an asset that has increased in value,’ says Rob Houghton, founder and CEO of reallymoving. ‘It is not charged on primary residences in the UK, or in other words our homes, but it applies to second homes and investment properties, such as buy-to-let flats.’

And this could have a negative impact on the already low supply of rental homes.

‘Landlords who have been thinking about exiting the buy-to-let sector will be encouraged to go ahead, as their tax bill will be reduced. I’m concerned that the supply of rental properties is already too low, which is why there’s been such fierce competition among tenants over the last year, driving record high rents. Encouraging more landlords to sell up will increase the supply of homes for sale, but it will worsen supply in the rental market and potentially push rents up even further.’

Which is something us renters don’t want to be hearing right now, or ever.

But the biggest takeaway from this year's Spring budget is that it didn't really do much for the property market as it should have, whether that's bettering the supply of new homes or improving mortgages for first-time buyers.

'The budget marks another missed opportunity to take action on boosting supply and mortgage availability in the housing market,' says Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla. 'The consensus is that the country needs more new homes. There is a need for widespread reform of the planning system to encourage supply. More funding is needed for social and affordable homes, and housing infrastructure investment to unlock supply.'

'The government should also look to support the emergence of a long-term fixed rate mortgage market as a matter of urgency. This will help more young people with smaller deposits access home ownership,' Richard concludes.

Until the next budget then.

New research from energy supplier, OVO, has revealed that over two-thirds of Brits who are currently in the housing market are specifically after properties with green installations that improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions – higher EPC ratings, in particular. Therefore, it pays to be clued up on the very things that can bring your EPC rating up that, in turn, will help add value to your home, too. 

Recent data from Rightmove's Greener Homes report shows that improving the EPC rating of a home from F to C could increase its overall value by 15%, allowing homeowners to enjoy lower energy bills while occupying the property, then receiving a bigger payout when the time comes to sell their house.

However, the age-old question remains: which home upgrades actually help to boost your EPC rating? To help you get the most value out of your homes, OVO's energy experts have shared their top tips on the green installations to prioritise right now that promise the biggest cash in later on.

Green home upgrades that add value to your home

According to OVO, the home upgrades to focus on employing in your home to improve your EPC rating alongside their approximate costs are:

• Loft insulation (up to £900)
• Cavity wall insulation (£2,687)
• 10 solar panels, connected to mains (£6,300)
• Air source heat pump (£5,000 factoring in the government's BUS grant)

Should you consider employing all of these home improvements, you can expect a total installation cost of around £14,900. However, even the smallest steps such as starting with loft and cavity wall insulation can already bring your home's EPC rating from an F to E, which makes a huge difference in saving energy at home right off the bat.

According to OVO, by investing in all of these improvements, you can increase your home's EPC rating from an F to a C, which subsequently adds up to £44,672 to the value of a 3-bedroom semi-detached house (based on Rightmove's current average asking price of £297,811 for a property of this kind).

So, whilst Rightmove's Greener Homes report found that 60% of homes for sale on the site had an EPC rating of D or below, OVO's findings reveal that the motive from homeowners to increase their ratings for the future is clear.

The energy supplier found that 83% are willing to invest in going green, especially considering that 35% of prospective buyers say they would be more likely to make an offer on a home with eco-minded installations.

Commenting on these findings, Tim Bannister, Rightmove's director of property science remarks, 'We're still in the early stages of the journey towards greener homes, but the data and insights we have been collecting over the last few years have been encouraging. One of the trends that has been emerging is that sellers who have improved the energy efficiency of their homes can command a premium when the time comes to move.'

'It's going to be a really important year for innovations and the sharing of evidence-based data insights in this space,' concludes Tim. Therefore, by the looks of it, it seems as though the only way up as far as increasing the value of your home is to finally go green.

Getting a mortgage has arguably never felt trickier than it does in 2024. Not only are house prices sky high (never mind the fact that wages haven’t risen to meet them), but interest rates have also sky-rocketed recently, and British housing stock is seriously diminished. 

Then of course – if you feel financially able to stump up the cost of a deposit – and to afford the monthly mortgage payments, there are all the other hoops to jump through and potential issues to consider when applying for a mortgage.

While several things can potentially prevent you from being granted a mortgage from a bank, or at least make it a little more difficult, everyone’s favourite money-saving expert, Martin Lewis, has warned that there is one potentially innocuous thing which could prevent you from getting a mortgage, if you don’t deal with it before beginning your mortgage application.

The mistake that could stop you getting a mortgage

During a recent episode of the ITV show, The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, Martin was discussing how viewers who are keen to become first-time buyers can boost their chances of getting approved for a mortgage.

And as important as doing all the right things is, he also confirmed that there are a few mistakes you’ll need to be sure to avoid, too.

In fact, he referenced one small thing that you may not have even considered – but which could seriously screw up your chances of buying your dream first home.

Martin urged first-time buyers to get a full credit report done, and then, instructed them to go through it with a fine-tooth comb to see if there were any errors at all that needed addressing. 

Martin then explained that it's important to do this, as there may be one simple error on it that could stop you from getting a mortgage.

He says, 'You need to check line-by-line for errors. I know people who have not got a mortgage because an old mobile phone is linked to the wrong address and it triggered the fraud scoring.

'So they got turned down for a mortgage – and all they needed to do was update the old mobile phone address.' Further reinforcing the need to be accurate, he said of your credit report, 'Please, go line-by-line for errors.'

A similar rule applies to those who, for example, aren’t on the electoral register. If you haven’t registered to vote via your current address, it could affect your credit score – which, in turn, could affect your ability to get a mortgage. So be sure to check your addresses everywhere it's relevant!

On his ITV show, the financial pro also reiterated the importance of being careful with your finances in the lead-up to applying for a mortgage, explaining that you should be minimising other credit applications, and should be making any other necessary payments due in full, and on time.

This is obviously important in proving that you can be trusted to continue making your mortgage payments over the next few years or decades.

The 99% mortgage scheme reportedly under consideration by the government would help a generation of young renters to buy their first home with a deposit as little as 1%. 

Not much else is known about the proposal which may be unveiled during the Budget on March 6 although it is believed that the government could guarantee the mortgages. If the borrower is unable to pay their debt and the property was repossessed, the government could guarantee to cover the lender’s costs up to an agreed limit so the lender does not lose money. 

We asked our experts to take a closer look to find out if this could be the best first-time buyer mortgage and a golden opportunity buyers have been waiting for.

Rowan Frayling, managing director of mortgage broker J Finance, says: ‘As a headline this potential scheme sounds fantastic. Who wouldn’t like the idea of saving as little as 1% to own your own home rather than saving 5% or 10%. While it sounds appealing, I’d say that’s where the bonus ends. In reality, a high-interest rate on a bigger mortgage could prove prohibitive for many buyers.’

What is 99% mortgage?

Anyone buying a home with a 99% mortgage would need to save a deposit equal to 1% of the purchase price. If you’re buying a property with a £300,000 price tag you would need a deposit of £3,000 and mortgage finance of £297,000. 

A 99% loan-to-value mortgage would allow buyers who do not have a 5% or 10% deposit, but do have sufficient earnings to afford a higher mortgage payment, to buy a property much quicker. 

 Affordability challenges 

For many first-time buyers, however, the monthly cost of the mortgage and the credit score requirements of the lender could put this type of mortgage out of reach.

The average 95% mortgage rate is currently 5.88% for a two-year fixed rate according to financial data experts Moneyfacts. Frayling says, that although no information about rates for a 99% mortgage has been released, we could assume lenders would offer rates of around the 6% mark.

The smaller your deposit the bigger your mortgage debt will be which will push up the monthly payment even higher.

For a couple both working in full-time jobs without dependents a higher monthly mortgage payment may still be manageable. For a single applicant or households on lower incomes with high childcare costs, it may not. 

 Risk of negative equity 

Negative equity means that the value of your mortgage debt is higher than the value of your property. This happens when your home falls in value after you have bought it.

In 2023, house prices fell by 1.3% compared to the previous year according to Rightmove.

Matt Coulson, director of brokerage Heron Financial, says: ‘'If we see the same house price falls this year and you’ve bought your home with a 1% deposit you’re immediately into negative equity,’ says Mr Coulson. ‘You may be unable to sell the property and will be stuck in it for some years even if your circumstances change and you need to move home.'

If you sold your home while in negative equity you would not be able to repay your mortgage in full, but you can use your own savings to repay any shortfall.

 Lack of remortgaging choice 

After two or even five years, it is unlikely that your loan to value will have decreased significantly, particularly if house prices fall slightly this year and stay flat for some time. 

Your loan-to-value indicates how high your mortgage balance is compared to the value of your home. If, after your mortgage deal expires, your loan to value is still above 95% you would probably only be able to get a new mortgage deal from your existing lender.

If your loan to value was still above 90% you would have limited remortgaging options.

Coulson adds: ‘It’s great that a solution for first-time buyers is being discussed and that in theory, we have a government willing to look at the issues a first-time buyer is facing but I would advise borrowers to proceed with caution and take advice from a broker first.

‘There is a lot of mortgage choice in the 95% market right now with better rates or you could seek help from family members to boost your deposit so you can avoid taking a 1% deal.’

 Inflated house prices 

A knock-on effect of launching a scheme that could create high demand for housing is that house prices could soar. 

Frayling says: ‘This initiative could over-inflate the housing market a bit like the stamp duty holiday or the Help to Buy scheme which drove up the price of new-build properties because the scheme was selling the idea of free money.’

Buying a home with a ‘tiny’ deposit that has an over-inflated price tag is a big risk, adds Frayling, particularly as that price may drop when the scheme ends.

Homeowners and would-be buyers will be glad to see the back of 2023. Mortgage rates began to fall but rose once again over the summer. Gradual house price falls were recorded soon after as movers were priced out of the market due to higher borrowing costs. Predictions of 10% declines throughout 2023 and a question mark over how high-interest rates would climb caused many homeowners to cancel any plans to move home last year.

So is 2024 a better time to up sticks, sell your house and move to a new home? 

 House prices – the reality  

Fortunately, forecasts of double-digit house price falls did not materialise. Nationwide recorded a 1.8% fall over the year while Halifax noted 1.7% growth. 

Experts agree that we’re unlikely to see significant price drops in 2024. Nationwide and Zoopla predict a fall of no more than 2% while Halifax says prices could fall by up to 4%. 

If you’re already a homeowner and are hesitant about moving house because you don’t want to lose equity, keep in mind that house prices rose 26% between the beginning of 2020 and the end of 2022 for an average detached home so you’ve already made a significant gain. You’ll also benefit from a reduction in the price of your onward purchase. 

Paula Higgins, chief executive of consumer group HomeOwners Alliance, said: 'I wouldn’t assume there will be house price falls this year. 

'I’d be concerned for anyone who is living in a home that’s not right for them waiting for a big house price crash. Our advice is always to keep calm and do what’s best for your circumstances.'

 Will interest rates fall in 2024? 

The Bank of England has stopped increasing the base rate which influences other rates such as your mortgage. It currently sits at 5.25% and those who work in the financial markets believe it will not go any higher. 

Will the Bank of England begin cutting the base rate this year? That depends on the direction of inflation. Currently, the pace at which the price of goods and services are rising is 3.9% a year. 

The Bank of England’s target for inflation is 2%. Keeping interest rates high stops households from spending lots of money, which should stop prices from rising.  If inflation falls back to 2%, the Bank could reduce the base rate this year. 

Those who work in the financial markets are speculating we’ll see interest rate cuts this year but some members of the committee who make the decision have said rates must remain high throughout 2024.

Despite this, big named mortgage lenders such as HSBC, Nationwide, Barclays and Halifax have recently made cuts to their mortgage rates which will reduce the impact on movers’ household budgets. 

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: 'We expect more buyers to return to the market in 2024 encouraged by mortgage rates falling back towards 4.5% and even lower should base rates start to fall.'

Mortgage broker Nicholas Mendes of John Charcol said: 'Mortgage rates are now reducing quicker than anticipated as lenders try to tap into pent-up demand to buy or move home. 

'However, if you wait for rates to fall further the property you desire may no longer be on the market.

'If the property fits your needs now and in the future and remains affordable, now is the right time to buy.'

Home moving opportunities in 2024

There are fewer buyers in the market and more homes available to buy, compared to 2019, according to Zoopla which puts the purchaser in a strong position to haggle down the price. Towards the end of 2023, sellers were accepting average discounts of £18,000 or 5.5%.

There are also opportunities for first-time buyers. Some landlords are exiting the market due to high interest rates and less tax breaks which means more starter homes will be available to buy. 

There may also be support for first-time buyers announced in the budget. Paula Higgins added: 'We’re hoping for some changes to stamp duty in the March Budget. But if I was a first-time buyer I wouldn’t necessarily wait for that because it will create more competition for homes.'

However, it is an election year which often causes people to wait and see how the winning party’s policies will affect their finances. 

Richard Donnell said: 'Market activity tends to slow before general elections as people wait until the outlook becomes clearer. That said, the two main political parties have similar priorities and there may be less disruption to market activity than in previous elections.'

Mortgage affordability will remain challenging for lots of homeowners and will hold back some movers who are reluctant to let go of a low fixed rate. 

Zoopla says a key trend in 2024 will be homeowners moving further afield to find cheaper houses.

Though there have been fluctuations, property prices across the UK have soared over the last few years, which can make buying a house feel like an impossible task for the average earner. And that's before we even take into account the higher mortgage interest rates.

Despite this, rising house prices in an area are a good indicator of growing interest in said area, and can sometimes indicate that a location has, or will soon have lots to offer residents, and could also prove to be a good investment for buyers in years to come.

In fact, one town in the UK has recently become an example of huge house price growth in the last year – and it may not be where you’d expect.

The northern town where house prices have boomed

According to building society Halifax, house prices in the West Yorkshire town of Huddersfield have grown faster than anywhere else in the UK in the last year – up by 8.7% as of October 2023, in comparison to October 2022. 

In second place is the close-by city of Bradford in West Yorkshire, which saw an 8.5% boost in house prices across the same period, proving that the region has been a popular choice over the last 12 months. 

And taking the third spot is the town of Falkirk in Scotland, which sits just an hour away from Edinburgh – house prices here boomed by 6% from October 2022 to October 2023.

So what is it about the northern town of Huddersfield that has led to its boom in property prices over the last 12 months?

According to estate agent Russell Chilvers, partner at Mansell McTaggart, it may be due to the fact that Huddersfield is neatly surrounded by a range of big, bustling cities; it sits smack bang in the middle of Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester, taking just over an hour to reach the latter.

'I’d suggest the house price growth in Huddersfield may be because buyers have been priced out of the more trendy Manchester and Leeds addresses, so they naturally spill out to areas close by. This pushes prices up, which were quite low to start with, and creates a new hub/bubble of property,' Russell says. 

'For example, the same thing has happened around Brighton & Hove, where I work. Buyers are being priced out of Brighton, so now the new hotspots are places like Worthing and Shoreham – in fact, this is happening in many areas close to main cities.'

Property expert Simone Santaub at Property Rescue also suggests that new interest in Huddersfield could be due to the great value-for-money homes the town offers, which, while attractive to everyone, may be particularly interesting to one group of buyers.

'Our suggestion for the price increase would be because the properties are relatively good value for money i.e. lower acquisition cost than properties in the South.

'Huddersfield properties would therefore appeal to Buy to Let investors, as they would return a high rental yield. We know that demand for rental properties in that area is high (like most of the country) and therefore, I’m sure the activity in this area is being at least partly propped up by demand from Buy to Let Investors.'

And then, of course, there are the positives that Huddersfield itself has to offer. Major investment is soon said to be coming to the town, according to The Guardian, and the stunning countryside surrounding Huddersfield is likely to be a huge draw for buyers, too.

Not only does much of Huddersfield have beautiful views of the Pennines, but there are also an array of adorable villages nearby, such as Haworth and Holme Moss, to offer some peace and quiet to nearby residents, too.

The current cold spell is prime time for disaster to hit your property whether it's frozen pipes or mould damage. Home insurance should help you keep a cold weather disaster from turning into a full-blown, expensive tragedy. However, a couple of simple mistakes could invalidate your home insurance for damage caused by low temperatures. 

The easiest way to make sure you're not caught out this winter is by double-checking your home insurance coverage. 

'Knowing the extent of your home insurance coverage is the first step to protecting your home and keeping costs low,' says Matthew Harwood, expert at Confused.com home insurance. 'Stick to the requirements set out in your policy in advance to make sure that you are not invalidating your insurance in case something goes wrong this winter.'

Mistakes that can invalidate home insurance in winter

If you're still a little confused about what to look out for when protecting your home this winter we've rounded up a couple of things that could invalidate your home insurance if cold weather damage strikes. 

1. Setting your thermostat too low

Whether you have left your thermostat on low to save energy during the day, or you've turned it down while on holiday, check if your home insurance has a clause about it. 

Many home insurance policies may include clauses about heating or draining down if you are not at home. The reason for this is that the thermostat turned too low could contribute to pipes freezing and bursting in winter months. 

'In cold spells, heating should be left on low, even when the property is unoccupied. Alternatively, the home can be 'drained down', in other words, the entire water system is cleared of water and the new supply is cut off. This is best for vacant homes,' recommends Jonathan Rolande, founder of House Buy Fast.

2. Leaving your home unoccupied

If you've planned a winter escape or have a second home you need to check if there is a clause in your home insurance about how long you can leave the property unoccupied. If your pipes burst while you're away and go untreated it can cause £1000s in damage.

'Most policies will cover an unoccupied home for either 30 or 60 days, but any longer, and your insurance provider may refuse to pay out for any claims you need to make,' explains Liz Hunter, Director at financial price comparison site Money Expert.

'If you do need to leave your home empty for longer than your policy allows, talk to your insurer. They’ll likely offer you unoccupied house insurance, which may cost more, but will ensure you’ll be covered for an extended period when you are not at home.'

3. Making DIY repairs to essential systems

We're not talking about learning how to bleed a radiator, but about the larger DIY jobs that could affect your plumbing or heating system. While trying to fix it yourself might seem like the most affordable option, it could prove more expensive in the long term if it invalidates your home insurance. 

'Heating, plumbing and electrical systems within the home can often be complex and require a trained professional to diagnose and repair any issues you might be having,' says Liz. 

'Attempting to fix these essential systems, however tempting, could lead to further damage, putting you at risk of injury and invalidating your home insurance which could result in potentially huge repair bills. If you are not qualified to fix essential systems within your home, make sure you leave it to a professional.'

4. Neglecting your gutters

'Imagine you let the gutters get clogged with leaves that have fallen from trees, which could lead to damp inside your home – or maybe you were aware of a pest infestation, but didn’t act until they caused severe damage. In both these cases, your insurer could actually reject your claim on the grounds of poor upkeep,' says Liz.

'Put simply, if something goes wrong in your home, your insurer will need evidence to ensure that any damage you claim for isn’t just a result of poor maintenance. The only solution here is to keep up with the general wear and tear of your home.'

So make sure you know how to clean your gutters and tackle any winter home maintenance jobs before disaster occurs.

5. Using a wood burner

If you have a fireplace or a wood burner in your home, this won't immediately invalidate your home insurance if your insurer is aware of it – so please don't panic! However, lack of proper maintenance, burning unsuitable materials like wet wood, or not storing fuel properly can all be red-flagged by your insurer. 

'Leaving the burner unattended, allowing sparks to escape from the burner, or improperly storing fuel, could potentially lead to an accident. However, this could be seen as negligence by your insurer, leading them to refuse to pay out,' explains Liz.

'It’s important that you always disclose the presence of a wood burner from the outset when obtaining a policy or when seeking renewals.'

When planning any wood burner ideas make sure it is installed by a qualified HETAS professional and is regularly serviced. 

FAQs

'There are a number of things that can potentially happen with a property which can lead to a situation where an insurer might claim your actions have invalidated the policy,' adds Jonathan.

'Where possible it is good to try to get legal or independent advice if you don’t think you’ve been fairly treated.'

Preparing your home for the winter months can seem arduous when you're trying to tick tasks off your winter home maintenance checklist. But as the weather gets colder and we rely on our heating and radiators more, all while extreme weather conditions are often taking place outside, the last thing that you’ll want to discover is that your home isn’t staying as warm and cosy as it should, or that water or draughts are making their way inside. 

Which is why now is the perfect time to check off some home maintenance tasks to make sure you don’t encounter any of these issues over the colder months and to help keep your house warm. 

‘It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to weather-proofing your home. There’s nothing worse than having to deal with a leaking window, burst pipe or malfunctioning boiler in the middle of winter,’ explains Phil Wood, UK country manager at Contura. ‘We naturally spend more time indoors during cold, wet weather and our homes need to be well-equipped to see the winter through in comfort.’

Many of us will also be conscious of the amount it will cost to run central heating and heat our homes, as the cost of living crisis continues.

7 tasks to add to your winter home maintenance checklist

Here’s a list of the most timely home maintenance tasks to take care of now to set you up for the rest of winter and into the new year.

1. Bleed your radiators

Ideally you should be bleeding your radiators once a year and since the winter months will probably be when your radiators are used the most, now is as good a time as any. ‘Bleeding your radiators will ensure that there is no trapped air inside, which can cause poor circulation and mean that your heating may not be working effectively,’ Tim warns.

If you’re wondering whether you need to bleed your radiators or not, ‘simply feel if your radiators are cool at the top and hot at the bottom,’ Make My Blinds’ interior stylist, Colette Toman says. This is a sign that your radiators aren’t working as efficiently as they should be and could be a reason why your radiators aren't heating up.

2. Get rid of draughts

According to Colette, ‘up to 24% of a home’s heat energy is lost through draughts,’ with windows, doors, letterboxes, loft hatches, floorboards and fireplaces and chimneys being some of the most common areas that heat can escape from. And the last thing you want is for warm air to escape during the winter months.

You can do a quick check by running your hand across windows, doors and any gaps you may have found, to feel for any cold air coming in. 

There are plenty of DIY draught proofing measures to take. ‘For windows, you can buy draught-proofing strips that can be fitted around the frame of the window to fill in any gaps,’ say the experts at Toolstation. ‘For doors, you can attach draught excluders to the bottom to plug the gap between the door and the floor. These are most commonly heavy-duty brush strips for interior doors and rain guards for exterior doors.’ You can also fit draught excluders around letterboxes to stop the chilly winter air from getting in.

3. Clean your gutters

As many of the trees shed their leaves over autumn and winter, this means that leaves and twigs can easily fall down into your gutters and cause issues. You don’t want to wait until the weather gets even colder, or rain and snow stops you from getting outdoors, before tackling cleaning gutters as part of your home maintenance.

‘Natural debris from leaves, twigs and moss can lead to a blockage in your gutters, which may lead to dampness in your home, if water starts to run down the exterior walls, instead of flowing through the pipes. This can also cause leaks and even flooding,’ Colette explains. 

It’s also worth making ‘sure the end section of the guttering (where rainwater drains from) is positioned away from your house by a few feet to ensure water runs away from the property,’ Phil explains. And double check that there are no overhanging branches from neighbouring trees that could cause your gutters to clog as well.

4. Check your roof

Another issue that could cause leaks is maintaining your roof. ‘Roofs bear the brunt against adverse weather conditions so it is extremely important that your roof is fully inspected over the winter months to ensure it is structurally sound and can withstand the harsh weather,’ explains roofing and insulation expert, Grant Findley, from Findley Roofing.

Be on the lookout for any missing or damaged shingles. ‘Loose or broken tiles, or other repairs that are needed, can cause intermittent leaks as the weather worsens. It’s vital to address these issues before damage occurs,’ MyBuilder.com’s trade expert, Andy Simms, outlines.

While you may want to call in the professionals to do a more thorough check of your roof, keeping ‘on top of minor roof repairs can prevent structural issues and mould caused by roof leaks,’ Grant concludes.

5. Check/service your boiler

Firstly, ‘if you haven’t had your boiler serviced this year, it’d be a good idea to get that done as soon as possible,’ according to the experts at BOXT. ‘Not only does an annual boiler service ensure your manufacturer’s warranty remains valid, but it also provides you with the peace of mind that your heating system is working as it should be.’

You can also examine your boiler’s pressure level to ensure that your boiler is working efficiently. For example, ‘if the gauge is in the red zone (too high or too low), then your hot water and heating might cut off and it could cause damage to the boiler,’ the experts add. If it’s too high, try bleeding your radiators to relieve some of the pressure.

6. Insulate where necessary

‘You want to avoid paying to heat the air in your house and letting it go straight out,’ says Dave Raval, CEO of Loftzone. ‘Heat rises and in a typical British home 25% of your heat goes out through your ceiling, into your loft and out through the roof. Insulation stops this by acting as the woolly hat for your home.’

‘Insulation being installed improves the heat retention in your home and keeps your energy bills down. Not only that, but it keeps your house cool through the summer, too, so it’s a year round investment,’ Andy maintains.

When looking for ways to insulate your home, you can also insulate your pipes, which is especially helpful at this time of year. You can buy insulation tubes from most DIY retailers, or online and they will help to ‘prevent heat from escaping as the hot water travels through your pipes. It can also stop your pipes from freezing if temperatures become even colder,’ Colette reveals.

7. Sweep your chimney

‘If you have a fireplace in your home, lighting the first fire of the season is always exciting,' Andrea admits. However, ‘it’s worth having your chimney swept before throwing in the firewood and lighting those matches, to ensure that there is no soot or creosote build-up.’

‘If you have a working fire or log stove/burner, sweeping it will help to improve its efficiency and aid in the prevention of fires by removing blockages or any build-ups of soot,’ Tim concurs.

This may be a task that you want to outsource to the professionals but having your chimney swept should definitely be on your list of winter home maintenance tasks to complete. As Tim explains, ‘it may be best to hire a professional for this task, as they can provide you with certification on completion that can be used if you ever need to contact your home insurance in the event of a chimney fire. It can also reveal if there are any potential issues with your chimney that need fixing.’

‘Availability of chimney specialists will be more limited as the weather gets colder, so get booked in fast to make the most of your fire - safely - this winter,’ Andy concludes.

Zoopla’s latest rental market report reveals that better days might be ahead of us renters after all as the growth rate of rents is finally slowing down and it’s projected to halve in 2024. 

The property portal website is regularly updating us on the subject of renting vs buying with its insightful property market analysis. Zoopla reports that the rental price inflation in the UK has dropped to 9.7% from 11.9% a year ago. And at this rate, it predicts this number to halve to 5% in 2024, which would be the lowest since 2021.

This is great news indeed! However, let’s not get too excited as while rent growth is slowing down, it’s not stopping just yet. But looking at the bright side, this is (hopefully) signalling the tide of the rental market turning with the prices of rents hopefully going down in the near future.

Zoopla reports rent growth is set to halve in 2024

Recently, Zoopla revealed that renting has become cheaper than first-time mortgages for the first time in 13 years. And today, the property market experts report that the rise of rent prices is set to slow down and the rate will drop to 5% in the new year, which would be the lowest it has been since September 2021.

‘Key factors impacting the rental market include the jobs market, earnings growth and affordability,’ says Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla. ‘With a weaker jobs market and slower earnings growth predicted for next year - this will have a knock-on effect on the rental market.’

But not every area of the UK will be impacted equally. Surprisingly enough, London’s rental prices are set to increase in 2024 the least, only by 2%. Meanwhile, Scotland’s continued high demand to secure rental homes is likely to result in the steepest rental growth, which currently stands at 15.2% in Edinburgh and 13.2% in Glasgow.

‘Rents will be hit first in London as it's the most unaffordable market in the UK by some margin with average rents of £2,125 per month,’ Richard explains. ‘This worsening affordability will lead to a drop in the number of renters searching for homes in London, and a drop in asking rents as a result. In comparison, regional cities like Manchester, Bolton and Newcastle are continuing to see strong demand from renters and have greater headroom for rents to increase relative to earnings.’

So while we are not out of the woods just yet, this report shows that things are slowly but surely changing for the better and we are past the peak rental growth in the UK as a whole.

‘The turn in the rental market will be a long and steady process over the next 12 months. Zoopla expects rental growth in London to finish at +2% next year, down from 9% today - while at a nationwide level rental growth will slow to +5% - half what it is today,’ Richard concludes.

Following the clocks going back over the weekend, nights are officially getting darker, which means that there's no better time than now to stay vigilant in preventing burglary. However, there's one place you're likely forgetting to account for in your trawl to improve your home's security: your wheelie bin.

Wintertime is the prime time to ensure you take preventive measures to protect your home, whether it be investing in the best home security system or slight changes in your daily routine to not get caught out.

Research by Toolstation revealed that these little habitual changes include closing blinds and curtains, keeping the house lights on, asking friends and family to check that their door is locked, to even leaving the TV or radio on.

But, there's one common mistake people continually make that could be putting your home's security at a higher risk of burglary that often gets overlooked. What is it, you may ask? Not knowing how to correctly dispose of important, personal documents containing sensitive information.

Wheelie bin burglary risk warning

'Many homeowners do not think about what happens once their rubbish is out of their home, but many potential thieves will use documents to gain a bank of information,' starts Michele Bennett, general manager at home security company, ADT UK Subscriber.

Speaking with Toolstation, former burglar and current home security expert, Michael Fraser continues, 'The first thing burglars will do is look through a person's wheelie bin, as they may be able to find documents or advertisements with the homeowner's name on it and use it to claim their identity.'

Therefore, knowing how to safely bin your documents is guaranteed to do you wonders so you can prevent burglary this Christmas. Plus, it's one of the best security measures for a house.

'Always shred personal documents rather than throwing them away,' advises Anthony Neary, managing director at security retailer, Safe.

'This includes any correspondence you receive that relates to financial information such as bank or credit card statements, utility bills, tax, and medical documents, but really anything that looks official.'

'If in doubt, it's always best to shred it.'

Anthony continues, 'ID theft is still a major issue in the UK and burglars will actively rifle through bins in the hope of finding anything that could be used to help steal your identity. They are unlikely to use this themselves, but they will actively try and sell it on to someone who will.'

'If someone obtains credit in your name it can become a never-ending problem disputing the thief's activity, affecting you both finically and emotionally for several years.'

How to properly destroy your documents

'The best practice when throwing out important information is to shred them before throwing them in the bin,' advises Michele at ADT.

'Not only does this free up space in your bin, but it also stops thieves from being able to match pieces of paper to read your important information. A cross shredder produces thinner strips of paper so it is harder for thieves to reconstruct pages.'

Alternatively, if you don't have access to a paper shredder, you can also discard documents with sensitive information by burning them. Of course, remember to exercise caution if you opt for this route.

With the documents you intend to keep and file, on the other hand, Michele recommends keeping these safe by either digitising them or keeping them in a fireproof safe or lockbox.

Additionally, if you want some added peace of mind with your home's security, you could also look into installing a video doorbell with two-way audio that is fully equipped to detect and capture activity directly outside your home. Just make sure you know how much electricity home security systems use before buying.

If you notice people you do not recognise loitering around your bins, or notice a disappearance of rubbish, it's important to contact the police via 111.

Storm Ciaran hit the UK on Wednesday night, bringing heavy rain and wind into Thursday, too. Many parts of the country were under multiple warnings and urged to stay at home, with hundreds of schools forced to shut along with disruptions across public transport.

Now, in the calm after the storm, you may likely find yourself keen to assess the storm damage to your home as well as frantically search for ways to save your garden from heavy rainfall after yesterday.

Property experts reveal the first thing you should do this morning to prevent any further damage from occurring in your home.

3 property checks to carry out after Storm Ciaran

'Unfortunately, storms are becoming more common at this time of the year, causing a lot of damage for homeowners,' starts Tabitha Cumming, property expert at The Lease Extension Company.

'If you are worried about the effects of the storm on your home, once it has settled you should do and check the following things.'

1. Check the roof

'Check the exterior of your property immediately, especially your roof as this is often one of the main points of damage during a storm,' advises Grant Findley, storm and roofing expert at Findley Roofing.

'You will want to be vigilant and look for large pieces of debris as well as missing or broken tiles, when left untreated this could result in serious damage. Leaving large pieces of debris on your roof has the ability to place further stress on the structure of your home, so we recommended removing this as quickly as possible.'

Additionally, seeing as it's officially rainy, stormy season, if you happen to be hit by a second wave of bad weather, a missing roof tile can sometimes lead to flooding or even roof collapse. This is why roof maintenance is extremely important at this time of year.

Experts at Toolstation, Danielle Robinson, plumbing and drainage category manager and Matt Kent, landscape and category manager continue, 'You should also check inside your loft for any leaks. Telltale signs to look out for include cracks of light coming from outside, a breeze or strong airflow, and discoloured insulation.'

2. Check the gutters

'Similarly, your guttering should be checked for damage and debris blockages as this can result in water ingress and left untreated dampness can form inside your home,' continues Grant.

Danielle and Matt add, 'Throughout the Autumn months, gutters can become filled with fallen leaves and other debris. It's important to clear all of this out to prevent them from overspilling.'

It might even be worth investing in gutter guards to help you prevent further damage to your guttering from bad weather.

3. Check garden fencing

Unfortunately, our gardens often take the first hit when it comes to torrential rain and wind. So, as well as taking measures to improve your lawn's drainage post-storm, ensure your garden fencing is all intact and durable enough, too.

'Check your garden fencing for any loose or damaged panels that could have come loose in any high winds. For any cracked, or broken fence panels, replace them with a new stronger one,' advise Danielle and Matt.

What to do if your home has been damaged

Once you've carried out these property checks after the storm and you do in fact notice damage to your home, don't panic.

'Check what you are covered for on your home insurance policy,' starts Ceri McMillan, spokesperson at Go.Compare. 'Does your policy cover you for damage to garden furniture, plants etc. Does it offer emergency cover, if a roof tile has flown off and there is water coming in? That kind of thing.'

'Check the extent of the damage, mark the time it took place, where the damage is and what it is affecting and if possible, take some pictures. Then get in contact with your insurer.'

'It might be necessary to make temporary repairs to stop damage from getting any worse, but if you can you should call your insurer's emergency helpline first for advice. If you do need emergency repairs, keep any receipts for this work as well, as these will form part of your claim.'

Ceri continues, 'When it comes to making a claim you should have the relevant details of your policy to hand and any details you can provide about the reasons for your claim and what you're claiming for. This will include things like any photos or videos of the damage.'

'Although it may be tempting to tidy up, if no further damage is being caused to your home and if the damage isn’t causing a hazard, leave things as they are in case a loss adjustor needs to visit to assess your claim.'

She concludes, 'The most important thing is to keep your insurer informed and speak to them regularly about the claim, the damage and any subsequent issues.'

Is renting better than buying? It might just be as there has been a new development in the eternal renting versus buying debate. This comes as Zoopla reports shocking new statistics showing that on average, renting is cheaper than mortgage repayments for first-time buyers in the UK. 

Despite rent prices skyrocketing all over the country, it turns out that the typical UK monthly rent is £122 lower than first-time mortgage repayments. Mortgage rates continue to soar, which pushes repayments up. 

The last time renting was cheaper than buying was 13 years ago, in 2010, in the middle of the recession. For the past decade, we were used to the fact that buying was cheaper than renting due to ultra-low mortgage rates. 

But there is a silver lining, as this is not necessarily the case for all areas of the UK. The most affected regions are London and southern England, followed by East England and the Midlands. Meanwhile, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the North of England remain some of the cheapest places to buy and rent in the UK and where buying is indeed still cheaper than renting. 

To make sense of the situation we’ve consulted property and investment experts who shed some light on what this means for potential first-time buyers.

Renting is cheaper than first-time mortgages 

Zoopla’s report states that the average monthly rent in the UK comes to £1163, while the average monthly mortgage repayment has been calculated at £1285 on a 15% deposit, which is where the £122 difference figure comes from. According to the online real estate company, buyers in the South of England need to pay higher deposits of 31% on average (amounting to £42,000) to match the mortgage repayments with the typical monthly rent prices.  

But London in particular is the worst off as the average rent is £2053 and the average monthly mortgage repayment is £2546, which results in renting being cheaper by £493 a month.

'Despite rents rising over recent months, mortgage rates have risen even quicker and this has reversed the trend making it now cheaper to rent than buy across a number of areas around the UK for the first time in 13 years,' says Liz Hunter, director at Money Expert.

According to Rightmove, the current average five-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.79%, compared to 3.89% just a year ago. The average two-year fixed mortgage rate is even worse, set at 6.4%, while last year it was 3.77%. This is down to the rising interest rates to tackle high inflation.

Should you buy or should you wait?

This sadly means that home ownership is increasingly more unrealistic for most first time buyers. As if it wasn’t difficult enough already.  

‘There’s no debate that it’s a tough housing market for first-time buyers, with high mortgage rates pushing up costs for those attempting to step onto the ladder,’ confirms Izabella Lubowiecka, senior property researcher at Zoopla.

She continues with some owning and renting solutions and trends Zoopla has been seeing. ‘It’s worth noting that not all first-time buyers view buying a home as an ‘investment’ in pure financial terms, and we don’t expect their numbers to dip significantly - they currently account for one in three home purchases. What we’re seeing is first-time buyers get more creative with their home move - considering alternative areas to start their search, looking for more modest properties or buying with friends or family.’ 

So is now a good time to buy a house or should we wait it out? Jason Hollands, managing director at Bestinvest, shares his thoughts on the matter.

‘Given current high financing costs, current economic uncertainties and falling property prices, it may be better to hold off purchases and wait if you are able to do so. If you are going to push ahead with a purchase, I would avoid locking into high rates for longer periods such as five years. 

'It may be better to put up with the shorter-term pain of even higher rates but with the flexibility to re-mortgage in two years’ time when interest rates are expected to have retreated a little.’

The trend might even reverse before then according to Liz from Money Expert, 'Experts also suggest that rents will continue to grow, so this trend could potentially reverse again before the end of 2023 making it cheaper to buy than rent. That said, housing costs across the South of England will remain a problem for both renters and buyers for some time given the acute lack of supply of new properties.'

But there is hope after all as Izabella of Zoopla adds, ‘We also predict house prices will fall around 5% over the course of 2023, and mortgage rates may have already peaked, which might be the nudge many first-time buyers need to move ahead with their home hunt.’

Looking in areas of the country where buying is still cheaper is also a solution worth considering if you are looking to buy.

Great kerb appeal, good schools, great transport links, and a south-facing garden are just some of the things we know will add value to a home – but did you know that your house number could have an unexpected effect, too?

Though it’s not exactly something you can control if you’re selling your home, a new study, conducted by property buying company Property Rescue, indicates that the number on your door could increase the value of your home by up to 8%.

So which numbers are the luckiest for raking in the cash – and which numbers might indicate that you'll have a trickier time selling?

It's known that certain front door colours can boost the value of your home – so Property Rescue analysed over 60,000 sold properties to work out whether certain door numbers also had the ability to improve a home’s value; and came back with some interesting findings.

In fact, their research found that houses with the number 1 on the door generally sold for 8% more than other homes, with house number 2 following in a close second, selling for 5% more than the average, overall.

Director Andrew Landers from Property Rescue says, 'There seems to be a clear preference for single-digit numbers. Of all the door numbers in the study that sold for an above-average price, over half were single-digit numbers.'

In fact, the research found that house numbers 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 19, 26, 27, 29 and 30 were also fairly popular, with homes that have these front door numbers selling 2- 4% more than other numbers, even on the same street. 

There may also be some unluckier numbers, as Property Rescue’s study found that the door numbers 23, 24 and 25 sold for 6 – 7% less, on average.

Of course, there’s every chance that this is simply luck, and that houses with the numbers 1 or 2 on them just happen to be pricier properties with more to offer buyers anyway. Michelle Niziol, estate agent and founder of IMS Property Group, explained that, while door numbers have never been an issue for her clients, some do appear to be more appealing to certain buyers.

'In my experience, I haven't ever encountered any issues in houses selling due to the door number, and it has never really been a common question that potential buyers ask.'

'However, number 1 is the most attractive door number in the UK, and it is known that odd-number houses usually sell for £30,000 more than even numbers. But really, this can be due to many other factors including location, quality of the house and design and price to begin with.'

Alex Chambers, a Senior Mortgage Broker at Clifton Private Finance explains that there does seem to be an attraction to the house number 1, but that may be because many prestigious addresses are associated with that number.

'As a mortgage adviser with years of experience in the housing market, I can honestly say that the door number is rarely a significant factor in determining a property's price,' he concurs.

'The only exception might be extremely prestigious addresses, such as No. 1 Knightsbridge or No.1 Hyde Park, where the street is already a significant address,’ he says. 'In such cases, the door number could carry some symbolic weight and a premium might be added to the price, but it’s rare and very difficult to attribute any tangible monetary value to it.'

He also agreed that house buyers are usually not explicitly deterred by certain house numbers.

'You might think that historically unlucky or superstitious numbers like 13 or even 666 could have a negative impact, but in practice, this doesn't seem to be the case. Some even find them quirky or unique, potentially attracting them to the property.'

In fact, Michelle advises that, if you are considering buying a certain home, the door number should be the last thing you think about. 

'I would always advise a buyer to not put any emphasis on a door number when it comes to selling or buying a house, as there are definitely other, more important things to focus on,' she says.

So would a certain house number ever put you off, or encourage you, to buy a home?

Looking for simple ways to boost the value of your property? Well, you’ve come to the right place.  

Thanks to sky-high interest rates and an overpopulated market, house prices are dropping. And while this is great for those looking to buy a house, it’s not so great for those looking to sell their home. 

Of course, when you’ve spent years paying off your mortgage and putting money into your property to really make your house a home, the last thing you want is to sell yourself (and your house) short. 

But you don’t have to do a complete remodel or add an extension to your property to boost the value of your house in this market. Sometimes the simplest tweaks and updates can make a world of difference, and we’ve compiled a list of 6 things that can be done in less than 24 hours. 

6 simple ways to boost the value of your property 

With house prices dropping, competition heating up, and the increase in virtual tours, it’s never been more important to make your house look desirable. So, we asked our property experts to share the best (and most simple) ways to boost the value of your property in just 24 hours. 

1. Upgrade your front door

One of the best ways to boost kerb appeal is to give your front door a little refresh.

‘Typically, the front door is one of the first things people will see when they arrive outside your house, so it’s all about lifting those first impressions,’ explains Camilla Lesser, Development Manager at Essential Living.

But this doesn’t mean that you have to shell out for a brand-new door. If you have 24 hours to spare before your next viewing, why don’t you give your front door a lick of paint? If you do, this could seriously work in your favour. 

In fact, leading window and door retailer Safestyle found that houses with red doors sell for 36% more than the average house price. This was followed by grey (20% above average), black (11% above average), blue (2% above average) and then white (1% average).

And if you’re stuck for ideas, there are so many amazing front door colour ideas out there.

2. Make the most of your spare rooms

The number of bedrooms you have in your house will undoubtedly affect the value of the property. However, many people hide their 'spare' bedrooms by turning them into junk rooms, at-home gyms, or even walk-in wardrobes.

And while it probably makes sense for you to use these rooms in such a way while you’re living there, this might not be desirable for potential buyers. So, try and make the most of these rooms!

‘Use rooms as intended. So, clear the gym equipment in bedroom three and turn it back into a more usable room,’ explains property expert Jonathan Rolande.

Nick Woodward, Lettings Director at Essential Living, also says, ‘Removing bedrooms is never a smart decision. In fact, people are more likely to appreciate a spare room or another space to utilise for an office instead of the perks of a walk-in wardrobe.’

By putting a bed or even a desk in your spare room, you can allow potential buyers to see it as a practical space rather than an afterthought. 

3. Update your lighting

As we all know from sitting under the fluorescent lights in the hairdressers, lighting is everything. And the right kind of lighting could instantly boost your house value. 

‘Depending on the style chosen, installing lighting can really help to add a sense of grandeur to your home,’ Camilla says. ‘If you are hoping for a more expensive look, steer clear from colourful, bright lights and instead aim for dimmer and softer lighting to result in a more subtle look. Sometimes, less is more.’

Most of the time, this can be done with a simple switch of a lightbulb. 

4. Hang up some mirrors

If you’ve ever viewed a property, you’ll know that the aim of the viewing is to leave being able to visualise yourself in that home. 

But with so many properties on the market right now, how do you get potential buyers to see themselves in your home rather than someone else’s? Well, mirrors could make your property more desirable and therefore boost property value. 

‘The best way to help a potential buyer be able to visualize themselves living in your home is to hang mirrors in prime locations so they can literally “see” themselves in the space,’ says Ryan Fitzgerald, owner of Raleigh Realty. 

‘Psychologically, this will let them have a quick trip into the future where they are hosting guests in their new home, or cooking in the kitchen, or having movie nights in front of the TV much easier than relying on their imagination alone.’

Of course, mirrors also have the added bonus of brightening up your space and even making the rooms look and feel bigger. 

5. Remove any clutter

It’s never a bad idea to declutter your home - especially when you’re looking to sell.

After all, having oodles of shoes, trinkets, toys, or even books lying around can not only make your house look messy but can also make it look smaller than it actually is. In turn, this could affect how much a potential buyer is willing to pay for it. 

‘It’s best to remove any clutter and items that don't absolutely have to be in a space, as this will give the impression of a larger interior and allow the person buying to see more of a blank canvas for their own style,’ explains Joss Miller at Beau Property Home Staging.

If you struggle with this kind of task, this decluttering checklist has got your back. 

6. Play with the senses

Everyone loves pretty things that smell nice, right? Well, that’s something you should definitely keep in mind when you're looking to boost the value of your property. And it can seriously work in your favour if you play with the senses. 

For sight, think about adding plants and flowers both inside and outside of your home. Cutting the grass, adding colourful pots and planters to your garden, or even popping a vase of fresh flowers on the kitchen counter will instantly show potential buyers that you take care of your home and take pride in the property. 

And for smell, you can never go wrong with baked goods. ‘An old trick, but baking a cake works – subliminal selling to the sense! To save time, buy part baked bread or cake and warm it up before a viewing,’ says Jonathan.

FAQs

UK house prices have dropped at the sharpest annual rate since July 2009, with a decline of 3.8% reported in July 2023. Nationwide Building Society reveals that house prices have fallen again month on month, down 0.2% from June, in accordance with our house price predictions for the next five years.

Property prices this year have seen a continuous decline as a result of inflation, increased mortgage rates, and not to mention the looming cost of living crisis. While on paper, the concept of fallen property prices looks desirable, according to Nationwide, higher mortgage interest rates, unfortunately, continue to make affordability a challenge for those looking to buy a house.

UK house prices drop at sharpest rate since 2009

According to figures published in Nationwide's House Price Index for July, the average price of a house is now £260,828, down 0.2% from June when the average house price sat at £262,239.

Commenting on the figures, Robert Gardner, chief economist at Nationwide says, 'Annual house price growth edged down to -3.8% in July. This was the weakest outturn since July 2009, although it is only modestly lower than the -3.5% recorded last month. As a result, the price of a typical home is now 4.5% below the August 2022 peak.'

If you're wondering 'Is a good time to buy a house?', Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest says, 'While house prices dropped at their fastest annual pace in 14 years in July, buyers should remember that prices are still very high and only £13,000 below the peak seen in August last year.'

'This means affordability for those looking to buy a home with a mortgage is still extremely stretched,' she continues.

'A typical first-time buyer planning to buy a home with a 20% deposit would see 43% of their disposable income swallowed up by mortgage payments, according to Nationwide,' reiterates Alice. 'A sharp rise on 32% a year ago and significantly above the long-term average of 29%.'

This means new homeowners would expect to spend just over a third of their take-home wage on mortgage payments – and this doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of our many burning mortgage questions.

The current state of the UK housing market

'As a result, the UK housing market is fairly subdued at the moment with activity about 20% below 2019 levels,' explains Alice. This is due to both buyers and sellers carefully considering whether now is the best time to buy or sell a house.

Robert Gardner at Nationwide adds, 'There were 86,000 completed housing transactions in June,' which is down from more than 100,000 just last year.

Alice continues, 'With prices likely to fall further in the coming months, first-time buyers could consider pausing their buying plans not only to secure a better price but also to see if mortgage rates ease – with both factors improving their affordability levels.'

'For existing homeowners, selling now runs the risk that they may not secure the price they want. However, with prices expected to dip further, it might be wise to move fast to ensure they secure the best deal they can while prices are still elevated.'

Robert ends on this note, 'While activity is likely to remain subdued in the near term, healthy rates of nominal income growth, together with modestly lower house prices, should help to improve housing affordability over time, especially if mortgage rates moderate once Bank Rate peaks.'

If you are (or recently have been) in need of a new rental home, you know just how difficult it is to secure one. And it certainly feels like everybody IS moving right now. 

While we all dream of buying a house, for many of us, are unable to save a deposit, becoming a long-term renter is the reality, but it's getting very competitive. A knock-on effect of rising mortgage rates has created a perfect storm of many landlords selling up and a growing pool of renters unable to afford to buy.

New research by the BBC found that every new rental property added to the market now receives 20 viewing requests on average. This figure has more than tripled since 2019 when the average of viewing requests was just six proving the UK rental crisis is very much real. On top of those viewing the property, about a quarter of the viewers end up putting in an offer. So the competition is tough!

How to secure the rental home you want

I know this struggle first-hand. Luckily, I've now been occupying a new flat for the past week (hallelujah!). I asked our property experts for some pro tips and tricks on how to get ahead of the 20-people-long queue. If you're struggling to bag a new place or can anticipate needing to search in the near future, these tips should help you like they did for me. 

1. Don’t leave things to the last minute

If you know that your tenancy is expiring and you will need to move, start searching as soon as possible. Don’t leave it to the month before as this process is a lengthy one. 

‘Most rental homes have a two-month notice period,’ says Daniel Copley, Consumer Spokesperson at Zoopla. ‘Be aware of timings and make sure you don't leave your search too late or you might miss out if your current tenancy is coming to an end.’

To put things into perspective, my tenancy was ending in the middle of August, but I started searching already in May. We saw countless properties and put in offers for about five of them before finally getting accepted for our current place at the beginning of July.

2. Be prepared and act fast

‘Securing a rental property in today's highly competitive market is no small feat,’ admits Shahram Shaida, CEO and founder of homebuying and property investment platform Allbricks. ‘But there are a number of things you can do to increase the odds in your favour.’

'Be well-prepared with all necessary documentation and act swiftly when a suitable property arises,' recommends Shahram. Basically, be organised and don’t waste time by being indecisive. Being flexible with the move-in date and length of the tenancy agreement to fit the landlord’s needs is also a plus in their eyes. 

'In order to stand out, applicants are offering longer-term tenancies and often, just an additional 3 months is making the difference,' explains Francesca Levy, Head of Wandsworth & Dulwich Lettings at Knight Frank.

‘If you're in with a chance to secure a property, be as flexible as you can with your terms. There can be several offers on the table for a rental home, so you want to make yourselves seem like the most attractive renters,’ Daniel adds.

3. Money speaks louder than words

As unfortunate as it is, landlords will often prioritise applicants that put in an offer above the asking price or offer more money upfront. 

‘Some landlords are even asking for six to 12 months rent in advance to secure a property because of how competitive the market is,’ Shahram shares an unsettling fact. In the end, it might even work out cheaper to buy, which is further fueling the renting versus buying conundrum.

So, offer more money if you can afford it. Demonstrating financial stability with a secure job in place also helps tremendously.

4. Positive references and personable bio

The more people that can say you are simply wonderful, the better. Being able to provide excellent references from your previous landlord, your employer and sometimes even someone from your life leaves a positive impression. 

A good bio also goes a long way, telling the landlord more about yourself makes them see you as a real person rather than another application. 

'Those that have taken time to write a good bio are often more favourable, as landlords believe that if they are showing care when making the offer, they are more likely to look after the property,' Francesca says.

'The bio should be personal, not just job titles, but more about them and what they’re doing as a hobby or on weekends, and how they met (if couples),' adds Knight Frank's Head of Islington Lettings, Michal Bocian. 'I’d recommend Including a couple of photos and if they have pets, then photos of them and their routine.'

5. Develop relationships with real estate agents

Making real estate agents your best friends is a smart tactic as they can be of great help. They can send you personalised listings as soon as they come in or alert you before a property even goes on the market.

‘Working with an estate agent can also offer valuable support and access to a wider range of rental options,’ confirms Shahram.

‘Remember, it's in their interest to find a good tenant for a home they're letting,’ adds Daniel. ‘Register with an estate agent and keep them updated with what you’re looking for.’

Now all that’s left to do is employ a few ways to decorate your rented property to make it feel like your home. Happy renting!

If there's one thing we've noticed, it's that right now appears to be the prime season for moving house, irrespective of whether you're looking to buy a house or simply rent a new place.

When you're browsing through endless listings online or booking a handful of viewings, it's oftentimes you may tend to get blind-sighted by the excitement of it all that you overlook some blatant issues in the new build homes piquing your interest. It's not enough for a place to look good, but it's got to stand the test of time too.

'An increasing number of new homes are being built every year to meet the demand for housing, however, new builds can have just as many problems as any other house,' warns Tabitha Cumming, property expert at The Lease Extension Company.

Red flags putting off buyers don't just encompass the way you've furnished and staged your interiors, but it also comes down to the quality of the home's foundational workmanship.

5 red flags to look out for in new build homes

To help you avoid the trials and tribulations of buying or renting a new build, we've asked experts to give their top tips on the red flags to look out for, to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Decorating – look at plastering, doors, and cabinets

'One of the easiest giveaways that a home is not up to standard is poor decorating. It's easy to get caught up in the moment with visions of IKEA trips and interior Pinterest boards. But stay alert, as bumpy plastering, scratched doors, and uneven cabinets are often the first sign that the build was poorly made,' advises Bradley Mackenzie, RICS accredited valuer at Stokemont.

2. Poor brick work – cracks, gaps, and misaligned bricks

'One of the most critical aspects of a property's structural integrity is its brickwork, so make sure you inspect the external walls for cracks, gaps, and loose or misaligned bricks,' warns Terry Fisher, property expert at We Buy Any Home.

Tabitha adds, 'Check that the mortar between bricks does not have any gaps, as this can result in mould or damp, and could potentially cause structural damage in colder months.' 

3. Windows – poor sealing and cracks

'Another thing that you might not spot until the colder months is the window fittings. Poor sealant, gaps in the frames, or cracks often result in damp, but in more serious cases can also be a health and safety concern. Make sure to go round every window and check them over as it is super easy to miss,' says Bradley.

4. Poor insulation

'The insulation of your home is responsible for keeping the house at a comfortable temperature, and it will also have a huge impact on your energy bills,' says Bradley.

'By making sure the home is properly insulated, you'll save more money in the long run. Correct roof insulation should be a minimum of 25cm and cover all of the roof. If there are gaps, or it seems too thin, get a professional to look at it.'

5. Poor vents

'Vents are a key part of health and safety that is often overlooked in homes. Check that any vent covers on the inside of the home are connected to vents outside, and ensure that the vents in extractor fans or hoods and bathrooms are also connected to the outside,' urges Tabitha.

What should you do if you encounter a problem with your new build?

Of course, no matter how prepared you are on the day of viewing, there are inevitably going to be some issues you simply can't predict.

If you encounter any problems, Bradley assures, 'Most new builds come with a 'snagging' clause where you can report any issues you find to the builders and they will fix it.'

'Do be warned though, this often has a time limit so if you see a problem, write it down and call the property management or builder, it will save you a big headache later down the line.'

It’s well known that living near certain amenities can raise the value of your property – but did you know that being in close proximity to certain other landmarks and could actually bring down the value of a home?

When it comes to increasing your home’s value, being near great schools, green spaces, helpful transport links, and even premium supermarkets – such as Waitrose – can all boost the overall price of your property, without you having to do a single thing.

However – whether you’re looking to buy a new property, or trying to work out how to sell your current home – it’s worth being aware of the fact that living near different landmarks could be a detriment. In fact, living close to a specific landmark could have the biggest impact of all on a house price…

The landmarks that could decrease your property value

1. A sports stadium

New research from Betting.com found that living near a sports stadium has the potential to decrease the overall value of your property by around £100,000. 

Though it may sound like a dream for football fans, their research found that the average price of a property within one mile of many UK stadiums was up to £100,000 lower than the average property price in the rest of the surrounding area. For example, they found that homes within one mile of Goodison park, home to football team Everton, had a value of around 96% less than house prices in the surrounding city of Liverpool. Yes, really!

It's obviously difficult to pin down the the reason behind this, but it may be that regular traffic, the roar of stadium noise, and thousands of sports fans regularly visiting the area can make homes in these locations less desirable.

Michelle Niziol, estate agent and founder of IMS Property Group, said, 'Stadiums can lead to increased traffic congestion in the area. This can result in difficulties accessing the property and longer commute times, which may deter potential buyers who prefer a peaceful and easily accessible location.'

Similarly, she explained that, 'Locations near sports stadiums may experience an influx of people during events. This can compromise the privacy of residents, and thus reduce the attractiveness of the property.'

2. Noisy roads or transport links

Living in an area that has good links to motorways and train stations can often boost the value of your home. But living in too close a proximity to the actual transport lines and roads themselves may well be detrimental to your property price.

For example, living close to a train station with links into your closest city is likely to make a home more attractive, given that it will enable you or future residents to get around easily. 

However, if your home happens to be right in front of the noisy train tracks, this could have a negative impact when it comes to what your house is worth, given the increase in noise pollution.

'Proximity to railway tracks or busy roads may also raise safety concerns for homeowners,' says Michelle from the IMS Property Group. 'The risk of accidents or the presence of heavy traffic can discourage buyers, particularly those with families or individuals seeking a quieter and safer environment.'

3. A building site

As you may suspect, living next to (or within very close proximity of) a building site – be it new flats, new houses, or a new commercial property – can have a pretty negative impact on a property’s valuation, given the extra noise, pollution, and traffic that they are likely to generate. 

Not only are potential home buyers unlikely to want to commit to years of ongoing disruption, but these 'landmarks' can also have serious effect on kerb appeal, Michelle said.

'Certain landmarks, such as industrial facilities or unsightly infrastructure, can have a negative visual impact on the surrounding area. This can decrease the aesthetic appeal of the property, and consequently reduce its value.'

4. A McDonald's and a Primark

As handy as it may be, living within spitting distance of retailers like McDonald’s and Primark could also have a negative impact on the value of your home, according to a 2016 study. 

Research conducted by FastSaleToday found that living close to a branch of a more budget brand such as McDonalds, Primark, or Asda could decrease average house prices by 21-24%, especially if you are located within walking distance of these stores.

And while it may sound bizarre, it's not all that surprising, given that estate agents widely agree that living nearby premium shops such as Waitrose and Marks & Spencer can instead actually have a positive impact on house prices. 

No-fault evictions are now banned under the new legislation, The Renters' Reform Bill, unveiled by the government. If you're currently renting from a landlord, here's what you need to know.

The new Renters (Reform) Bill was introduced to Parliament yesterday, the 17th of May. It will deliver on the government's commitment to 'bring in a better deal for renters', allowing tenants to challenge poor landlords without losing their homes. 

The bill includes banning 'no-fault' evictions, tenants being given the legal right to request a pet in their home, and landlords being unable to refuse tenancies for families with children or those in receipt of benefits.

The Renters Reform Bill

The private rented sector is a vital part of the housing market, providing much-needed flexibility and in many cases, serving as a stepping stone towards buying a house.

The most significant change to come in the bill is the abolishment of Section 21, a key piece of legislation which allows landlords to evict tenants without providing justification. Research from Shelter shows that nearly 230,000 private renters had been served with a no-fault eviction notice since April 2019.

The bill has been described as a 'huge opportunity' by housing campaigners to improve the lives of the 11 million renters in England who currently face record rents.

David Hannah, chairman at Cornerstone Group International says: 'Renters are facing record rents all across the UK with affordability still being the main obstacle for people looking to buy a property – forcing more individuals to rent for longer.'

'This has caused increased demand in the rental sector, with some landlords hiking rents by up to 20% in some properties, which is effectively a no-fault eviction for renters that find themselves faced with this proposition.'

David Hannah adds: 'By abolishing no-fault evictions, renters will have better peace of mind and know that their landlord won't be able to evict them immediately with no reason.'

'This should hopefully take away a lot of the stress in renting and improve the connection and communication between renters and landlords which I think is lacking in the current rental market.'

According to Gov.uk, along with banning 'no-fault' evictions will be a change to tenancy structures where all assured tenancies are now periodic – providing more security for tenants and empowering them to challenge poor practice and unfair rent increases without fear of eviction.

The Conservative Party initially promised to ban the evictions in their 2019 election manifesto, however, housing secretary Michael Gove has only just announced the plans.

Michael Gove comments: 'Too many renters are living in damp, unsafe, cold homes, powerless to put things right, and with the threat of sudden eviction hanging over them.'

He stated that the government is determined to tackle these injustices by offering this new bill, which is one with quality, affordability, and fairness at heart.

It’s no secret that moving house is expensive. From the deposit to estate agent and conveyancing fees to surveys and removals costs, it seems like a never-ending list of fees to be paid. That’s why it’s always worth knowing the ways to save money when moving house - even if it’s just a few pounds here and there.

Yes, if you’re already working your way through your moving house checklist, you’ve likely already accounted for the hefty legal costs associated with moving from one place to another. But most people don’t realise that the physical act of moving house can also add up if you’re not careful. Especially when under pressure to make quick decisions.

Thankfully, with a few small tweaks and changes here and there, it is possible to save money when moving house. This will ensure you have enough left over to put back into your savings pot or splash out on new furniture or appliances for your new home.

1. Plan ahead 

The ever-changing housing market means sales can move quickly, putting home-movers under pressure to meet tight deadlines to ensure the sale goes through. This can mean they have less than adequate time to plan the move effectively, which is essential to keeping costs low. So, if you can, try to plan ahead as much as possible.

Although you can’t book anything until you have a confirmed completion date, you can still obtain quotes from professional removals companies or van hire companies if you’re doing it yourself. As well as offering you a chance to pull the trigger quicker when the time comes, it’ll also give you an idea of how much it’ll set you back.

I’d always recommend squirrelling away money for the worst-case scenario (i.e the most expensive quote) so the full price doesn’t take you by surprise.

2. Declutter before you pack

A professional removal company will generally base their quote on the amount of stuff that needs moving, rather than the size of your house. Because of this, decluttering can significantly reduce moving costs. After all, the less you have, the cheaper it will be.

Alongside this, it will also mean you are not paying for packing materials for items you don’t need, and it will speed up the moving process. All of which can save you money and time (often in short supply when moving house).

If you want to make a bit of extra cash to put towards your move or kitting out your new home, you could always look at selling the items you’re decluttering on sites like Gumtree, eBay or Facebook Marketplace. But this takes time, so it’s best to start as soon as you start looking for a new home.

3. Start packing early and label everything

Packing up a home always takes longer than you think, and it can be incredibly tiring if you leave it to the last minute. It can also make the moving process longer, which can cost you more if you rely on professional help.

When you are thinking about moving, take a bit of time to pack up those lesser-used items. Start with:

• lofts
• sheds
• spare rooms
• seasonal decorations
• sentimental items
• seasonal clothing
• books.

Do little and often until you are left with your essentials only, which can be packed up at the last minute. And if you have a spare room, it could be worth using this as a temporary storage area to avoid feeling like you are surrounded by boxes.

But when you pack so far in advance, it can be difficult to remember what you have packed and where - this is where labelling boxes is essential (you can even write a list of everything in the box and tape this to the outside). This can help the moving process run much more smoothly, meaning it can be completed more quickly and on budget.

4. Disassemble furniture before the movers get there

Transporting bulky furniture when you're moving can be expensive, as you’ll likely need to hire a van or rely on professional movers to move it. But disassembling things like desks, drawers and wardrobes before moving can mean you can fit more items in a single trip and save money by opting for a smaller van or negate the need for professional movers altogether.

5. Be flexible on your moving date

If you’re flexible about the date you can move, you can save yourself some money. The start of the year is off-peak, but demand grows throughout the spring and summer months, so it’s a good idea to be mindful of that as you go through the home-buying process.

Day of the week matters too. Fridays are the most popular days to move, and as such are likely to be more expensive. If, however, you can be flexible on the day you get professional help with the move, then that can help keep costs low.

Lyndsey Wallbank, marketing director at moving services company Pickfords, agrees: 'Fridays are the most popular days to move as most house sales complete on a Friday. If you are flexible with your move dates, you can save as much as 20% (outside of peak months) by moving on a Tuesday or a Wednesday, which are the least popular days for moving home.’

'Demand rises during the holiday periods and peaks during the summer. The busiest move day in the moving calendar is usually the last Friday in July. Months with the least demand and therefore the lowest prices are January and February, October and November. If you can be flexible with your move day, you can save money by planning to move outside of the busy season.'

6. Do as much as you can yourself

As with many tasks, you can usually save money by doing as much of it yourself as possible before you hire someone to do it for you. When moving house, this can mean planning to move as much of your stuff as you can yourself in your own vehicle (or roping in friends and family to help) before you consider hiring a van or a removal company.

But this may only be feasible if you are moving to another property that is relatively local. For longer-distance moves, the time and fuel required for multiple back-and-forth trips might make it more cost-effective to hire a professional moving company, which can move all of your belongings in a single lorry load.

This is where it pays to have planned ahead and done your research on costs and how much stuff you have to move well in advance of moving day.

7. Save on packing essentials

Packing materials like boxes and bubble wrap can add even more to your moving costs, so if you’re house hunting, it’s a good idea to start keeping any decent cardboard boxes you get from the likes of Amazon, and any free newspapers that come through the letterbox. Ask family or friends to keep theirs for you, too.

Smaller boxes can be easier to manoeuvre and can be better for playing car Jenga when you try to fit as many boxes in as you can. If you don’t get many suitable boxes delivered to your home, ask your neighbours, friends and family to keep any they receive that might be suitable. You can also ask at work, as some office supplies come in decent-sized boxes.

Your local supermarket might also be worth checking - some have a stash of cardboard boxes for free near the checkouts.

8. Don’t be afraid to haggle  

Never be afraid to negotiate on quotes you might receive when moving house - if you’re polite about it, the worst someone can do is say no. And if they say yes, you’ve saved money without barely any effort!

FAQs

• Leaving packing until the last minute.
• Not decluttering beforehand.
• Packing essentials needed on moving day.
• Not labelling boxes.
• Not updating your change of address.

If you're selling a house – or are thinking about putting your home on the market – the last thing you want is to put a buyer off with something that can easily be avoided.

When preparing to sell a house, we tend to be heavily preoccupied with wanting to add value to our home. However, no matter how much you glam up your space for potential buyers, you might be surprised at how it's actually the little things that will make it or break it for them.

It's not enough to simply avoid pointless home improvements that won't add value to your home, in fact, these issues are a lot more basic than that.

Things that will put off buyers when you're selling a house

Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla says, 'When your home is on the market, you'll want to give it the best possible chance of selling. It can help to view it with fresh eyes from the perspective of a buyer.'

Here are the things that will likely put off buyers, so you can avoid them.

1. Clutter

It's time to bust out your go-to storage and organisation ideas for this one.

'It may be obvious, but remove clutter and clear crowded spaces,' advises Daniel Copley at Zoopla. 'In fact, some sellers are now investing in temporary storage so they can ship out larger pieces of furniture – making their home feel more spacious and allowing buyers to picture their own belongings in situ.'

In this case, it might be worth figuring out how to organise your self-storage unit while you're at it.

2. Kerb appeal

'Many sellers underestimate the impact of their home's exterior,' says Daniel Copley at Zoopla. 'Buyers will be forming opinions on your home even as they walk up your street. Kerb appeal is very much living and kicking.'

3. Bold wallpaper and trendy paint finishes

While you may love your bold feature wall ideas, they won't always hit the spot for every potential buyer.

'Wallpaper is usually extremely personal to the homeowner and often it is patterned,' explains Elaine Penhaul, director of professional home staging company, Lemon and Lime Interiors.

'This can often clash with a prospective buyer seeing the potential of the room as it is often too bespoke to the furnishings and people living within the current space.'

Not to mention the hard labour involved to remove wallpaper and get the room to the potential buyer's own taste. At that point, they probably won't bother.

4. Lack of maintenance

Some buyers will be put off by the idea of any DIY. Robin Chatwin at Savills recommends running a quick maintenance check throughout your home prior to a visit from a potential buyer.

Go on, replace that lightbulb and fix that loose door handle.

5. Lack of attention to detail

When preparing your house for selling, it's best to get stuck into a spring clean so you don't miss any precious corner of your home. Tackle the limescale build-up in your bathroom and dust and wipe down every room.

6. Lack of garden upkeep

Cleaning up your garden sounds like a task and a half (trust me, it is) but it's well worth it in making your house more sellable. Mow the lawn, cut back any trees and bushes, and clean your garden furniture.

7. Damp and mould

'Damp is probably the biggest turn-off when a potential buyer is viewing a property,' warns Tim Leonard, personal finance expert at NerdWallet. It's so crucial that you tackle how to get rid of damp prior to any viewings and treat it properly.

'Fail to address the issue and it is not only likely to reduce buyer interest, but could also come back to haunt you on a survey.'

8. Temperature

First impressions matter, people. Not only is kerb appeal important, but the temperature of your home as well, in building a favourable impression from a potential buyer.

'The optimum level of comfort in regards to temperature can help avoid bad impressions, and also questions about whether the heating system works properly,' assures Tim Leonard at NerdWallet.

We know it's virtually impossible to run the perfect home, but it pays to ensure you're not accidentally making any of these crucial mistakes that are easily avoidable in your pursuit to sell your house.

We wish you the best of luck!

Boosting your income by renting out a room in your home could be a welcome way to make money from your home to pay your ever-increasing mortgage rates and energy bills. 

According to a recent survey by rental website SpareRoom, more people are considering taking in a lodger to help with rising costs, with 91% of homeowners who’d previously had a lodger saying they’d consider finding one again. What’s more, an extra person in the home could provide company and make your home feel less empty. ‘We recently surveyed over 300 people who’d recently started renting out a room and 12% said company was a factor in their decision,’ says Matt Hutchinson, Global Communications Director at SpareRoom. ‘Of course, the money is useful, but many people also really enjoy the social side of having someone else in the house, especially those who live alone.'

What is a lodger?

Unlike a tenant and landlord setup, a lodger shares your space and home, living alongside you in your house for an agreed amount of time and monthly rent. To decide on whether sharing your home with a lodger is right for you, we’ve put together clear advice on what it means to take in a lodger, clearly setting out the rules as well as the pros and cons of this type of rental set-up.

Is a lodger a good idea?

It depends on what you want from your lodger. If you have a decent-sized spare room and are happy to share your living spaces, such as the bathroom, kitchen and living area, then taking in a lodger could be your ticket to earning some extra money each month. 

One of the cons of renting out a room to a lodger is losing your personal space. If that’s a concern, renting out the room to a lodger during the working week only could be a good compromise. ‘You can enjoy the company of having an extra presence in the house, but still have the place to yourself over the weekend,’ says Judy Niner, co-founder of MondaytoFriday.

How to advertise your room

Whether you’re advertising on an online site such as Gumtree, Monday to Friday or SpareRoom, or through word of mouth, you need to make it clear from the outset what you are offering and how much for in the advert. ‘Upfront communication of any house rules or preferences means everyone is clear on how the arrangement will work and everyone can feel comfortable when sharing a home,’ says Judy Niner, of MondaytoFriday.

SpareRoom has a list of useful questions you can ask potential lodgers on its website, such as why are you moving? Why do you want to lodge rather than a traditional flatshare? The company also suggests asking some questions about your potential lodgers’ daily habits; What time will you need to use the bathroom in the morning? What are your working hours? Do you have friends in the area? 

‘The most important thing is finding the right lodger for you. You’ll be living with the person you rent your room to, so it’s vital that you take your time. Are you looking for someone to pay the bills, be respectful and easy to have around and that’s it? Or, are you looking for someone to spend time with, too?’ says Matt.

How to work out how much to charge a lodger

A good starting point is to look on Gumtree to find out what the going rate is in your area. SpareRoom has a rental data index online based on what you can charge for a room. But, as a guide, Matt reveals the average UK room rent for a lodger (including bills) is currently at £660, with London being the most expensive city to rent a room in the UK, with room rents at £935.

If you’re letting out a room during the working week only, Judy recommends charging your lodger four-to-five-sevenths of a full-time rental. ‘If a room like yours would normally cost £850 per month for full-time, offer it for around £500-550,’ she says.

Remember, when working out how much rent to charge your lodger each month, to factor in the monthly household bills, such as gas, electricity, water and broadband use. 

Sign a contract

Although a lease isn’t required, a written agreement signed by both the homeowner and lodger is a good idea. ‘It doesn't need to be hugely formal, but it means that both parties are clear on any rules or expectations so that the living arrangement works comfortably for both parties,’ says Judy. ‘It also safeguards the rights of each party to support the success of the arrangement’ she says.

‘It’s important to state in the agreement how much the rent is, when it’s due, how bills will be dealt with and how much deposit has been paid,’ says Matt.

An inventory could also be useful to help prevent any disputes with the deposit when your lodger moves out. Photograph items, such as the furniture, flooring and window treatments, to help show the condition of the lodger’s room.

Sort out health & safety certifications

You need to take steps to ensure that your home is safe and that your lodger won’t be injured due to the condition of your property. All furniture needs to comply with fire safety regulations and all gas appliances need to be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You should also check that any electrical items, such as kettles and toasters, are all safe to use, too.

Consider cost, tax and permissions

If you live alone, you will lose your single occupancy discount on council tax, which is currently 25% off your bill, unless your lodger is in full-time education at college or university. 

You also need to check you’re legally allowed to rent a room to a lodger. For example, if you have a mortgage you might need your lender’s permission before renting out a part of your home. And, if you’re a leaseholder, rent a house, or live in a shared ownership property, you might need to get the landlord’s agreement first. What’s more, it’s a good idea to contact your home insurer as, even though it might increase your premium, you need to ensure your belongings will still be protected. 

What is the rent a room scheme?

The government launched the Rent a Room scheme to incentivise householders and property investors to let out spare rooms in their home. It offers a tax break for the homeowner providing the room rented is furnished and is in your only or main home. 

There are some clauses though. Any money earned up to £7,500 from your lodger(s) per year is tax-free. If you earn more, you must pay tax on the excess. To qualify for the tax exemption, the room must be within your main home and be furnished and any furniture has to comply with fire-safety regulations. You must also be up-to-date with your yearly Gas-Safe registered checks for all gas appliances. Visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk for more details.

Does a lodger have rights?

If you are sharing your home and living space with the lodger, such as a kitchen or bathroom, then they are known as a lodger or an ‘excluded occupier’, which means they have fewer rights than a tenant. For example, as the landlord, you don’t have to sign a tenancy agreement or hold their deposit in a deposit protection scheme. Plus, you don’t have to give a long notice period if you want to end the agreement.