Why autumn is a good time to move home

The changing of seasons tends to bring around a renewed mindset and a desire for a change of scenery. If the weather cooling down has you thinking about kicking back and cosying up in a new living room, there’s no need to wait as autumn could be one of the best seasons to start the search for your new home.  

By autumn, everyone has returned from their summer holidays with a fresh mindset and readiness to get back into the swing of things. For both buyers and sellers, coming back from time off allows people to come back to their plans with a clear mind and feel motivated to make their next move. 

Save money  

As summer comes to an end, house prices tend to slowly cool down like the weather and you’ll avoid some of the bustling competition from families looking to move in the school holidays. This quieter market can translate into more favourable prices and a smoother purchasing journey.

Comfortable moving conditions

There’s something to be said for moving when the sun is no longer at its peak. Autumn’s milder temperatures make the physical process of shifting boxes and furniture far less taxing. And while the days are shorter than summer, there’s still ample daylight to complete your move — without the challenges of winter’s darker evenings.

A season for honest impressions 

Autumn is a great time to go shopping for houses and filter out any that don’t fit your taste. It’s easy for sellers to make their homes appealing in the summer months when natural lighting is flooding in, the windows are open and the garden is bright and in full bloom. Whereas cold weather is far more revealing. You can get a feel of how warm and cosy a home can be, how low maintenance the garden is and whether it’s the place you want to retreat to when you’ve had a long day. You can also gauge how well the property has been looked after – are there leaves in the gutter? Mildew on the windows? Leftover ash in the fireplace? These are small things that can be helpful to spot before making any decisions. 

Stress-free timing for families

With children back at school, the logistics of moving can feel considerably lighter. You’ll have the space and focus to prepare for move-in day without navigating the additional challenges of childcare or restless little ones underfoot. For families, this can make the entire experience far less stressful.

With homes selling like hotcakes this year, autumn is a great time to get started if you’re looking to move sooner rather than later. Book a valuation today to begin your journey.

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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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