Top tips to find your perfect home this summer

Moving home is becoming a more streamlined and less stressful process and this is perhaps most true during the summer months. A relaxing vibe in the air, longer days, and better weather make it an ideal time to find your perfect property. 

Think about what you want from your next home  

A better garden may be on your priority list, so as you explore the extensive range of properties that summer listings typically offer, create your own list. You may have location, the number of rooms, or property type at the top. Whatever your needs and desires are, it’s important to keep your mind open to fresh ideas, so don’t lock yourself into a preconceived vision of your perfect property, because it might just discover you. 

Talk to a local property market expert agent

The UK property market is a fragmented collection of markets that can vary from street to street. Local knowledge is key to making a successful move. The market you are moving from will be different from the market you are moving to. Your needs are as unique as the rich tapestry of properties that comprise the UK market. Spending time with a local property expert to tell them what you are looking for is an important step to finding your perfect property. 

Book the best home valuation you can 

In order to plan your moving budget and open the door to what’s possible, it’s imperative that you book a home valuation. Your home’s value may have increased more than you think, opening windows of opportunity to better properties. It’s also important to get a thorough face-to-face valuation that places the true value of your home without pricing at an unrealistic level. This can have an adverse effect on your home sale. 

Take a look at recently sold prices  

You don’t just have to rely on your agent to gain insights into the locations you are moving to or leaving behind. As you peruse previous sold property prices or the selling prices of similar properties, you will naturally become more attuned to the market. This summer spells out stability, and if you are moving, you are in a fortunate position. This is because you have the advantage of good equity growth when you are selling and reasonable pricing if you are buying. 

Use longer warmer days to enjoy more viewings   

There is a fresh summer breeze of properties on the market so it’s worth booking as many viewings as possible. With quieter roads during school holidays and better weather, you may be able to have more time for viewings. This, with a good agent to accompany you, will help you find the features and that special ‘I’m home feeling’ that only your perfect property can give you. 

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Today marked a historic moment as King Charles III delivered his first speech, outlining the government’s priorities for the upcoming year. Among the key announcements were significant reforms impacting the rental and property sectors. Let’s delve into the three major takeaways that should be on every letting agent and landlord’s radar.

 Renters (Reform) Bill: A Balancing Act

The speech reiterated the government’s commitment to the Renters (Reform) Bill, signalling a renewed focus on the rights of tenants and the concerns of landlords. A notable highlight is the pledge to abolish Section 21, commonly known as “no-fault evictions,” a commitment that has been in the spotlight since the Queen’s Speech in 2019.

However, the timeline for implementation remains uncertain. The King’s Speech provided no further clarity on the criteria and deadlines for the significant court process reforms required before Section 21 can be abolished. Letting agents and landlords should stay vigilant for updates, as these changes will reshape the dynamics of the rental market.

Leasehold Bill: A Path to Fairness

King Charles III emphasised the government’s dedication to making homeownership more accessible by introducing a Leasehold Bill. The proposed reforms aim to streamline the process of buying the leasehold of a property and alleviate the burden of “punitive” service charges.

Estate agents need to monitor the legislative landscape, anticipating reforms such as simplified procedures for leaseholders to purchase the freehold or extend their leasehold. The introduction of a cap on ground rent at 0.1% of the freehold value could transform the leasehold market, while changes to ownership requirements may lead to a future where all houses are sold as freehold.

Net Zero and Energy Efficiency: A Green Commitment

The government’s unwavering commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2025 is a pledge with broad implications, including significant changes in the property sector. King Charles III expressed the government’s desire to “safeguard energy independence” and invest in renewable energy sources.

For landlords and homeowners, the initial requirement to upgrade properties to an EPC C rating by 2025 on new tenancies, and 2028 for all tenancies, faced a revision in September 2023. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the relaxation of these targets, relieving landlords and homeowners from the original deadlines. However, the commitment to energy efficiency and the transition to renewable sources remains a focal point in the government’s agenda.

As we navigate through this new era under King Charles III, the landscape of the property market is set to undergo significant transformations. Letting agents and landlords must stay informed and adapt to these changes to ensure a smooth transition into a more tenant-friendly, fair, and sustainable future.

 

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