Recent Articles in Trading Down Property Checklists

Found your stop tap? Now check it’s working, advises WaterSafe
Mar 4, 2020

WaterSafe is encouraging homeowners to not only make sure they know where their internal stop tap is – but to make sure it’s working properly in case of a plumbing emergency. The internal stop tap shuts off the water supply quickly if pipes freeze and burst in winter weather, reducing devastating damage to properties and the high cost of repairs. However, a recent WaterSafe survey of 2,000 UK homeowners reveals that 63% DON’T check where their stop tap is as part of their winter preparations.

Prices up by nearly 5% for some, down by nearly -5% for others - find out why
Jan 24, 2020

Every month different property price indices give their view on what is happening in the property market. The reason it’s important to understand these headlines, is that they will influence what the newspapers and media say is happening – and for those that don’t know the real story behind the numbers, it can affect whether they buy or sell property, which in turn impacts on the price you will pay or receive. For investors, it also lets you know whether you are likely to get a good deal OR end up overpaying for a property which is often a ‘death knell’ for making money. Read my article to find out what's really happening to property prices.

Scotland property price, rental and buy to let report - December 2019
Dec 31, 2019

If you are buying, selling or investing you need to first understand what’s happened, what’s happening now and what will happen to prices in the future. The data shows that house prices in Scotland are up year on year, by only by 2.4% versus a long term average of 6.3%. The data also shows house price growth has slowed significantly since the credit crunch, with only 6% growth over 12 years. However, those lucky enough to have bought at the market low in 2009 would have seen, on average, 28% growth. So part of understanding what your property is worth when selling is to work out what’s happened to house prices since you bought the property. Read more for in depth analysis of the Scottish property price, rental and buy to let market.

Missing landlords – can we buy our freehold?
Dec 23, 2019

In this article, John Midgley, Head of Leasehold Enfranchisement at Seddons Law LLP and Director of the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP), examines the steps that need to be taken to purchase your freehold when your landlord is missing.

Latest price report - where have all the sellers gone?
Dec 17, 2019

The consistent view running through this month’s indices is that there is little supply for buyers to choose from, but for those that are selling, there are deals to be done as the NAEA point out. Rightmove report there are "fewer new sellers than in the same period a year ago… the largest year-on-year slump in any month since August 2009” and Home.co.uk suggest that “Zoopla listings’ data shows that the number of new homes listed for sale per agency branch this year is lower than over the last four years”. A tough market therefore for buyers looking to purchase and indeed for the industry - who will no doubt be hoping the election will allow some certainty on how the country will move forward, and this will result in an early uptick in activity in 2020, rather than uncertainty and a slow market. To find out more, read Kate Faulkner's latest comprehensive price report.