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April, 2020
As a result of the outbreak of coronavirus, most of the UK and overseas are having to self-isolate in their homes, many with families to look after and keep entertained. Having so much time at...
As the country adapts to the temporary ‘new normal’ of lockdown, we are embracing digital tools like never before in all aspects of our lives. If you’re thinking of selling your...
March, 2020
If you are self-isolating because of coronavirus, it is important to maintain relationships with your friends and family. As human beings, we need human interaction for our happiness and...
Recent updates with the COVID-19 virus has meant a lot of employees are having to self-isolate and adapt to new work routines from home. With flexible working becoming increasingly...
While the housing market has remained fairly stable amid fears of risk posed by the coronavirus outbreak, Guild Members are reporting that many people are avoiding placing their properties on the...
Spring is almost here! Friday 20th March brings us the first day of spring 2020 and with the new season comes longer, brighter days after a cold and gloomy winter, prompting many people to...
Value your peace of mind? Finding the right property partner will make you feel confident in your decisions and cut out any unnecessary stress....
On average, it takes about eight seconds for a buyer to decide whether or not they want to purchase your home, so there isn’t second to waste. Here are tips to show your home in its best...
International Women’s Day is a global annual event, Sunday 8th March, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women in a bid to accelerate gender...
Reports from multitudes of estate agencies within England have suggested that buyer confidence is returning, and property market activity has improved since the decisive election result at the end...
Landlords of a domestic private rented property have until 1st April 2020 to ensure that their property complies with the ‘Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency’ standard EPC band E. This...
February, 2020
Looking to invest in property and become a landlord? This guide takes a look at key factors to take into consideration. Doing your research is vital and you need to treat this property as a...
Looking for your first home is very exciting – so how do you start your search while being practical? Here are some things to help you focus your search and stay on track. TOP TIP: Keep an...
Many property investors dream of taking a run-down shell and turning it into a beautiful home. Not only is there a great sense of achievement to be had, but money can be made in property...
If you have a residential mortgage but are looking to rent your property, you should talk to your mortgage lender. Your property can't be an investment venture, but it could be that you're looking...
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to being a good landlord. Not only are there some qualities which will make you a better landlord such as good communication skills and...
Living with someone is quite different to getting on with them! Usually, you find flatmates quite naturally at university, often people who share halls will then look to move in together after...
When looking for the right home, a checklist is a great start as it will focus your search. Renting a property is temporary, which means, unlike buying, you can look for somewhere else quickly if...
Once you have decided to let your property, there are a number of ways to get your home ready. Here are our top tips: Insurance The property and your contents should be...
January, 2020
Can having a pet impact your chances of selling your property? In a word – yes. With the often cold and wet weather in the UK, most homeowners allow their pets to live inside their homes as...
Recent reports from London based estate agents have said that buyers are flocking back to the capital in record numbers since the decisive election result. Over the past three years, political...
December, 2019
Selling your home can be a stressful process at the best of times, but when you need to leave it vacant for an extended period, it can only make the process more worrying. Whatever your...
The Guild is delighted to announce its guest judges for The Guild Awards 2020. Together, they will be carefully selecting The Guild winners who will raise their trophy on the 12th February 2020 at...
November, 2019
English former soldier, adventurer, best-selling author and television presenter from Channel 4’s popular SAS: Who Dares Wins series, Ant Middleton has been confirmed as the...
Although neutral interior design is the go-to look for selling a house, lots of buyers are looking for that special wow-factor in their next home. Here are some simple ways of making...
Often, we feel like we have to compromise on space to find a home in the most desirable locations. Sure, when it comes to living in more lucrative postcodes, especially city based ones, the...
There are many reasons that you might find yourself needing to sell up and move fast. Maybe you’ve already bought your next property, or you need to release the equity for financial...
It’s a classic question: should I sell my current home before buying my next home? There’s no straightforward answer to this complex dilemma. A great deal of your decision depends on...
If it’s a project you’re after, then look no further. There is a whole host of properties on the market with bags of potential for refurbishment or the chance to completely start from...
One of the joys of owning your own home is having the ability to inject a bit of your own personality into each of the rooms, and what a better way to start than with colour. It can be easy to...
These days, kitchens are not only used for cooking, but are now the hub of a family social life. So how do you create the perfect kitchen - one that reflects the practical needs of a modern...
When valuing your house, an estate agent will look at both the positives and negatives to determine an accurate figure. It’s very easy to point out all the things you love about your house,...
Music is extremely powerful; it can stir up dormant memories and emotions and transport us through time and space in an instant. So could you use music to sell your home? It is no secret that...
The colours you choose for your home will play a large role in determining the feel of each room. When planning an interior makeover you should always choose a specific colour scheme and...
When it comes to choosing which estate agent to sell your home, it can often feel like you’re splitting hairs. They all claim to offer the best solution by getting you the best price for...
Britain is a pretty amazing place to live, but what made it great in the first place? Well, we reckon it might have something to do with its beautiful countryside, charming villages, gorgeous...
So you’ve taken the leap and made the decision to buy your very first home. While joining the property market is exciting, it can also be expensive, and it definitely pays off to do your...
There are many benefits to buying a property with a friend or family member and in some cases, it may be the only way of getting a first foot on to the property ladder. If your potential...
It’s no secret that moving house is listed as one of the most stressful things you can do. Choosing a good estate agent who will act as your partner during this process is a great starting...
Having your own space is the ultimate luxury but, whether renting or buying, we don’t live in isolation: everybody needs good neighbours. Here are a few hints and tips it may be worth...
City living and city cycling go hand-in-hand. Choosing cycling over driving will not only reduce your carbon footprint but you will also arrive to work energetic and carefree, having avoided that...
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reached her milestone 90th birthday in April this year, which has been marked with a number of high profile celebrations. With the final events, including Trooping...
In an ideal world there would be no such thing as compromise – houses would perfectly match our long list of criteria, and fall within our budget. Sadly, the reality is a little more...
Time wasters. Carpet-traders. Voyeurs. Serial house-viewers with no intention of buying. It's a rising trend and so it's always a good idea to check the sincerity of...
Moving might be commonplace, but the average person doesn’t actually do it very often! It’s surprisingly easy for sellers to get in the way of selling their own home, so here are 10...
If you work in the City but prefer to leave the bright lights of the capital behind as you leave the office, here are 10 of our top places to live outside of London and best of all, they're all...
People are always told not to judge a book by its cover, but with property, first impressions are extremely important. Use these top tips to give your property serious kerb appeal:...
Often, the number one priority for parents when moving home is proximity to good, local schools. However, there are other considerations such as sports facilities, woodland walks, cycle trails,...
Buying a property could be the most expensive purchase we will make in our lifetime, so it's vital that we head into the deal fully prepared. A survey will identify the obvious faults but there...
No picture will match what a property is like in reality, but given the majority of house searches begin online these days, you can’t afford to use poor images and hope people decide to...
It’s no secret that first impressions are vital when it comes to selling your home. So before sprucing up your exterior ahead of selling, consider carefully which might be the most enticing...
Is a ‘forever home’ a myth? Your personality, or perhaps your finances, may well dictate whether you find a forever home or a ‘for now’ home. There are people who know...
It’s finally moving day! It’s an exciting time, but it can also be crowded and frantic for your beloved companions. Like us, your pets will get used to the move in time, but there are...
A recent report by a leading Insurance Company claims that one in seven tenants break the rules of their leasing agreements. The most common offences include a failure to pay rent on time,...
Are you in a hurry to sell your home? Or are you feeling impatient now you have committed to selling? There are no guarantees, but here are some sure-fire ways to grease the wheels of your sale:...
Wondering whether an open house is the right choice for you? There are many factors to take into consideration: is there enough interest to warrant an open house, or would just one couple turn...
First-time buyers aged between 23 and 40 may soon be able to buy a new home at a discount of a least 20% below market value, under the government’s ‘Starter Home’ initiative....
Putting your home on the market is a big decision, so it’s important to make sure that you’re doing it at the right time of year. There has always been debate about the best time to...
Contractors and people who are self-employed can face additional challenges when securing a mortgage, which may sometimes cause delays during the property buying process. Around 22% of the UK...
When it comes to Christmas selling, there is no single answer. Your estate agent will be able to advise whether your home could benefit from being on the market over the festive season, or whether...
The weather is getting chillier by the day; the leaves have fallen and the time has come to put the fire on. With bonfire night just around the corner, winter is on its way. Caring for your...
As the cost of buying a property rises, three-generational living is becoming more common. These are often short term arrangements where a grown-up child moves their young family in with their...
Buying a home can be stressful, so it is always best to research the area before starting a property search. Being aware of how quickly the market moves and what is most popular is key. Not only...
No one wants an empty house. One of the main worries that many landlords experience is the possibility that a month or more will pass between lets without any rental income. It is crucial to...
Workers on zero-hour contracts could soon have the right to ask their employers to move them onto fixed hours, potentially making it easier for them to get a mortgage. Zero hours contracts...
Where are the best cities to invest and why? Guild members from around Britain reveal investment hotspots, property prices and where to buy in 2017. Chris Sawyer & Adam...
Communication with an estate agent before buying a property is always key, and this is particularly important for buy-to-let investors. There are key questions that should be asked, and they can...
Are you thinking of getting on the property ladder this year? It is often a daunting task, but interest rates are currently low and there are government schemes that can help, too. We asked Guild...
Mortgages offering incentives like cashback are becoming increasingly popular to draw homebuyers in. Is this the right option? We take a look at the pros and cons. More and more lenders now...
Are you looking for a home, but are not convinced about purchasing an older property? Buying a new build or off-plan property may be the right choice for you. New build homes, or properties that...
Are you thinking of moving house soon? Property viewings can be a stressful situation as you need to assess the property and find out if it fits your requirements, all while trying to decide if...
Finding your dream home can be a challenge. If your children have left home or if you have too much space, you might be looking to downsize. What are advantages to downsizing in 2018?The main...
Do you know about the different ways to sell your home? There are lots of different ways to sell your home, but the main two options are paying a flat-fee up front, which is favoured by DIY...
Selling your property is a big decision, and agreeing on an asking price is key. But how much is your house worth, and how do estate agents come to a final figure? This quick video tells...
Choosing the right estate agent to sell your home can be difficult. You need to trust your agent, and choose a company with knowledge and integrity, who can get the best result for you. ...
Have you ever seen a property that just seemed to be trying a bit too hard? Over home-staging, or trying too hard when decorating a property in order to sell it, is a surprisingly easy thing to...
Are you thinking about putting your property on the market, but aren’t sure when or how? It can be difficult to know exactly when you should sell your home. However, there are...
Being able to spot an up-and-coming area could be a fantastic business investment. Coming to an area before it has become popular means that prices are low, and have a long way to rise. It also...
Viewing a property is exciting as you judge if it could be a suitable home. It is easy to get caught in a whirlwind as you walk from room to room, without taking it all in properly. It might tick...
Every seller is tempted to overprice their home. They may have carried out lots of work over the years or may need the extra money to trade up. Buy as a buyer, you want to pay the...
With global warming increasing at pace, and a number of problems with the environment being caused by our reliance on fossil fuels, there is no doubt that the world needs to start investing in...
Looking for your perfect property can be an exciting experience. Once you’ve searched online and spoken to your local Guild Member about what you’re looking for, it’s time to...
The legal principle of caveat emptor (‘let the buyer beware’) may date back centuries but it still applies to today’s conveyancing process. It puts the onus squarely on the buyer...
On Sunday 21 July this year, the Government announced that they had launched their consultation on the abolition of Section 21 . The consultation, which will only cover England, will be open...
Moving home is a complicated process, and so getting it right is crucial. Whether you are a first-time buyer, or an experienced home owner, here are our top five tips to help you sell and move in...
When it comes to selling your home, making a good first impression is vital. Here are our top five things to avoid when trying to entice prospective buyers: 1. Poor light Light...
Are you dreaming of building your own home? It can be a complicated process, so here are some top tips. - Carefully consider the land’s location, size, and...
Converting a derelict wreck into a beautiful home is a dream for many. But what do you need to know before embarking on a renovation project? Here are some top tips from Guild Members. ...
Have you thought of selling your home at an auction ? It’s not only developers and bargain hunters that buy at auction. In fact, homes of every...
Before selling your home , most people try to spruce up their property by decluttering and doing a thorough clean. But many people forget the area that gives a first impression...
Buying a property and moving to a new area can be a daunting prospect. There is nothing that will make your new house feel like a home like making new friends and getting involved in...
What are the common mistakes people make when searching for a new home? Watch our video to find out: 1.Not setting your budget Avoid...
Across England there are a variety of unique and beautiful places to live and work which offer individuals their perfect lifestyle. We asked our Guild agents their opinions on where...
Many people think that trying to move house over the festive period is a mistake, but that is no longer the case. People have more free time and motivation to make a change in the New Year, so it...
You thought you’d found the perfect tenants, but then you realise that they haven’t paid their rent. What should you do? • First, communication...
Choosing the right agent is key to selling your property. We have seen an increase in online estate agents in recent years and there has been discussion as to whether sellers should sell their...
Holiday lets can be extremely rewarding. Where are the best places to buy a holiday let? What is the best way to start your search? And what types of properties make the best holiday lets? There...
Homebuyers are enjoying record low mortgage rates, but must make sure they understand that there will usually be a penalty to pay if they want to leave their deal early. In return for...
Moving house can be a stressful time but, for buyers who already have a mortgage, it doesn’t necessarily mean ripping up the deal and starting again. Most mortgages are...
1. Plants In a pale colour scheme, a green leaf can really pack a punch. Although often assumed quite complex to grow, an orchid will give your home an elegant touch of colour. For the less...
Halloween is known for its eerie tales, creepy ghouls and mysterious occurrences. We have put together a collection of spooky stories, inexplicable sightings and things to look out for. Here is a...
October, 2019
Understanding credit scores can be tricky yet essential, as it affects your ability to borrow loans for mortgages. Lenders such as banks, credit card companies and mortgage lenders...
Putting your property on the market is an exciting time. The photos are taken, the floorplans completed, and the home is perfectly presented, so it’s time to start the viewings. But how many...
Education is one of the most important factors when it comes to your child’s future and where you live has an impact. There are a growing number of families who are considering...
The sale is complete, you have the keys in your hand and the moving van has delivered your household contents to your new property. All that is left is for you to unpack and turn your new house...
There's much to think about when determining whether the commuter lifestyle is for you, and if so, what you should examine when looking for a suitable property. The rationale behind your desire...
With the assistance of The Guild of Property Professionals and other experts, the Government has released a How To Buy a Home guide and a How To Sell a Home guide, which provides homemovers with...
Moving to a new home can be refreshing and exciting; however, the move itself can be a stressful process for younger members of the family, who often need a bit of extra support and time to...
According to a release issued by the government, a package of measures to help people on lower-income get onto the housing ladder have been confirmed by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick. The...
Now that you have decided to sell your home, one of the first steps is to choose the right estate agent for you. A good estate agent will take the stress out of moving. So how do you find an...
When it comes to buying a new home, finding out how much you can borrow is essential. Your mortgage repayments will also be the biggest ongoing monthly expenditure once you own the property....
Buying your first home can be daunting, and there is a lot to consider. If you are looking for ways to get on the property ladder, read our guide: What can you afford? On average, you...
Here are some top tips to help start you on your campaign to turn your pennies into pounds and secure a deposit for your first home: Even if you aren’t sure how much you will...
In today’s fast-moving technological age, new developments in tech are constantly being introduced that are having a significant impact on the property sector. The most recent is the...
You’ve put your property on the market and selected an estate agent to market and sell the home. Now what? A lot of homeowners don’t realise that on average, for every hour that an...
There is one thing that all property professionals agree on, whether they work in commercial property or residential, and it’s that location is one of the most important factors to consider...
When it comes to selling a house, ‘ staging ’ is of the utmost importance. You might spend hours upon hours dusting ceiling corners, scrubbing at the kitchen floor or rearranging the...
While leaving your home to a family member is a very generous act, there is the matter of inheritance tax to think about. One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin...
Many people dream of owning their own home, and when your financial and personal circumstances finally allow your dream to become reality, it’s an exciting time. That said, as a first-time...
September, 2019
All properties require ongoing maintenance, but when you’re not there to keep an eye on things, the safety and security of your property may be at greater risk. You may be a...
Whether you are an avid Brexiteer or have staked your flag in the Remainer’s camp, one thing is for certain, and that is at the moment - nothing is certain. One thing there is no doubt about...
Wanting to make a good impression and make your home stand out in the crowd doesn’t have to cost the earth. There are numerous budget-friendly ways that you can use to make your property...
As his first major move in the job, Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick has revealed plans that would help more first-time buyers get onto the property ladder. The plans involve overhauling the...
We all want to add value to our homes. After all, property is one of the best investments so why not make the most of it. The rule of thumb when it comes to adding value is to utilise what you...
Getting into the property market and owning a home is a milestone that many aspire to. Buying a home can have an impact on your financial situation for the rest of your life. However, while the...
There is a lot of research involved in deciding to invest in property. Have you read our tips on whether buy-to-let is right for you? If you decide it is right for you, do some more...
August, 2019
Moving to a new house can be a stressful time, particularly if a sale falls through. Don’t worry if this happens as there are often ways to get it back on track. Guild Members talk about...
Putting your property on the market is an exciting time. The photos are taken, the floorplans completed, and the home is perfectly presented, so it’s time to start the viewings. But how...
May, 2019
Between packing your things and preparing for your first night in a new home, moving house takes a lot of organisation, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some tips to take the...
February, 2019
This month, The Guild of Property Professionals caught up with Simon Etson , our Residential Sales Manager. He tells # TheGuild about the history of...
