Saving for a deposit can feel overwhelming, but the key is simple: start saving now. Here are some practical tips to help you kickstart your journey toward homeownership. Start with a Realistic Plan Setting a manageable monthly savings goal gets the ball rolling. Don’t let the total deposit amount intimidate you—take it step by step. Even if you’re unsure exactly how much you’ll need, beginning the habit of saving is the most important step. Track Your Spending Use free online budget templates to assess your income and expenses. Include both fixed costs (like rent and bills) and those sneaky small purchases that add up fast. Review your last few months of spending to create a realistic picture and avoid being overly optimistic. ...
Spring has arrived, and as flowers bloom, temperatures rise and nature returns, the focus is turning to gardens. In celebration of this invigorating season, we’ve scoured the country for homes with spectacular spring gardens, guaranteed to inspire. 1. Walterston, Vale of Glamorgan, 5 bedrooms This exceptional Grade II Listed, five-bedroom, thatched Vale farmhouse is set within approximately 4 acres of beautifully kept mature grounds with extensive parking and outbuildings. The gardens are informal in nature with large lawns, mature trees and shrubbery extending to an open paddock area with small wooded copse and beautifully presented summer house. 2. Ballyclare, County Antrim, 6 bedrooms This impressive, detached res...
One of the main concerns for anyone selling their property is the price. Achieving the best possible price is essential, as it puts you in a strong position when buying your next property and attaining a suitable mortgage. The ‘best price’, is the most achievable price, which comes down to how much a buyer is willing to pay. Here are some top things to consider that will help your property attract the buyers who are willing to pay its estimated value. Choosing the right estate agents Choosing the right estate agent is essential as they will be the ones finding your buyers, showing them round and advising you on price. Do some research and find an agent that you feel confident in. You want an agent who’s positive and sincere, as they will...
Caring for your home in the colder months is vital. If you are planning on selling your home this winter, the last thing you need is frozen or burst pipes you have to fix and décor to replace. Here are our top five tips to help your home through the winter: 1. Loft insulation Without insulation, you can lose a significant amount of heat. Not only does decent insulation keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but will also add value to your property; prospective buyers will be looking out for homes which are more energy efficient. 2. Clean the gutters As pretty as those falling leaves are, they will collect in your guttering. Designed to prevent damp and leaks, the water should be able to flow through the pipes, well...
The Guild of Property Professionals has once again proven its excellence in the property sector, securing the coveted ESTAS award for Best Agency Network for the fourth consecutive year. This exceptional achievement, announced at the prestigious ESTAS awards ceremony on Friday, 18 October, underscores The Guild’s unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding customer service across the UK. The ESTAS awards are based purely on client feedback, with ratings provided by homeowners who have experienced the services of estate and letting agents firsthand. The Guild network has accumulated over 26,000 end of transactions reviews since using the ESTAS platform, achieving an impressive 96.9% average customer service rating, a true reflection...
The UK has such a rich and varied heritage, so it comes as no surprise that spooky stories and ghost sightings are endless. To get you in the Halloween spirit, we’ve found the UK’s most chilling towns, streets and villages, along with a bit of background about the strange findings associated with each daring destination. Grab your pinch of salt and let’s explore some of the UK’s spookiest places… Pendle, Lancashire Pendle is most famous for its links to the notorious witch trials of 1612; Pendle Hill and its surrounding towns and villages are truly bewitching and mysterious areas. The isolated hill is known for being haunted by the spirits of 12 accused witches who allegedly lived there in the 17th century, and it is a lo...