Month: January 2017

What can we expect from the rental market in 2017?

Posted on by Sara
Let-By Middleton Estates
Let-By Middleton Estates

The uncertainty of what is to come for the rental market in 2017 is cause for concern for many landlords and buy-to-let investors, but the reality of what happens in the UK housing market can often surprise us and contradict what many people think is likely to happen. This recent article in Estate Agent Today gives an overview of last year’s rental market changes and predictions for 2017.

As highlighted in the article “Despite changes to stamp duty on second properties and landlords’ tax relief, for many people buy-to-let remains an attractive income investment with impressive returns still achievable, at a time of low saving rates and stock market volatility, and this is reflected by the latest buy-to-let lending figures, which returned to some form of normality during the fourth quarter of 2016.”

We are expecting to see a continued increase in tenant enquiries following the reality that more people are choosing to move out of Brighton and Hove with the aim of getting a bit more for their money, whilst still maintaining the commuter links that Shoreham has to offer. Shoreham already has a big commuter demographic which we believe will continue to grow further this year.
This increase in demand will continue to see rent prices climb, but should still sit below Brighton and Hove (historically a more expensive rental market). We have seen a “second wind” of investment buyers looking to spend their money to achieve a better return compared to some very low interest rates on offer with many Savings and ISAs products.

At Middleton Estates we can provide expert advice and guidance on any rental market matter.
If you are looking to let a property or find a property to rent, then please contact our team today on 01273 454878 or email info@middleton-estates.co.uk

How To Market Your Home To It’s Full Potential

Posted on by Tom Middleton

Six Top Tips To Market Your Home Successfully

When most people start to think about selling their property, the first thing they tend to do is grab tools and swiftly begin some panic DIY attempts to spruce up any imperfections that they think might put a potential buyer off purchasing their property.

Many sellers think that a property needs to be in perfect order for it to be saleable, however we have found that this isn’t always the case. A large proportion of buyers will be viewing a property and wondering how they can put their own stamp on it, quite often meaning that our painstaking decisions about what colour the bathroom or kitchen tiles should be, means very little when it come to viewings. People’s tastes differ and what one person considers beautiful another might think is less than attractive and will want to make changes.

With our extensive experience of the property market, we have compiled our six top tips to help you market your property to it’s full potential:

  1. Curb Appeal– All too often we forget about the exterior of the property, but remember that first impressions really do count. Make sure that the property looks fresh from the outside, simply washing the windows, tidying up the garden front and back (adding a few fresh flowers, even in the winter months) and clearing the pathways will help to ensure a positive impact on arrival.
  2. De-clutter– With modern lifestyles often being hectic , it’s all too easy to collect and clutter. Nothing will put buyers off more than having to try and work out what the space would be like with less “stuff.” This includes making sure your loft space and garage (if you have one) is organised and tidy. There are clever storage solutions available which can help to reduce clutter in the home, no matter how tight on space you are.
  3. Minor repairs– Fix any broken fixtures and fittings, put a coat of paint on tired looking walls and make sure all rooms are clean and dust free . Bear in mind that occasionally  buyers like to have a nosy in cupboards and wardrobes, so just make sure you don’t have anything hiding in them that you don’t want them to see.
  4. Lighting– Make sure you add some lighting to any particularly dark areas. A soft lamp light around the property can give a warm glow to any room, creating a more homely feel.
  5. Scents– Don’t overwhelm your prospective buyers with too many incense sticks, but one or two carefully placed soft scented candles, a well placed bunch of fresh flowers, freshly brewed coffee, a lit fireplace, or a fresh baked loaf of bread can help to create an inviting ambience.
  6. Warmth– In the Winter months it is especially important to invite potential buyers into a warm, cosy home. Keep the heating on just enough to warm the house, if you have a fireplace then leave it on (safely of course, don’t forget the fireguard). A cold home can really put people off a purchase so keep this in mind before every viewing.

These six top tips will really help you to market your home and appeal to potential buyers. Don’t let the colder months delay you from putting your property on the market, buyers will be searching now so don’t miss your opportunity by waiting until everyone else is competing for buyers too.

If you would like to put your property on the market and need advice, or to arrange a viewing on any of our current properties, or simply wish to join our mailing list then please contact us on 01273 454878, come and see us at our office in Shoreham-by-Sea or email info@middleton-estates.co.uk