This blog follows the property market in Colchester and the surrounding district. You’ll find tips, guidance and analysis that relates specifically to properties in and around Colchester. If you are thinking of buying or selling a property, or would like some impartial advice, please get in touch. To keep up to date with the Colchester property market, including buy-to-let and investment properties please subscribe.
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 and warmth are two of the most important factors to attract a potential buyer, especially in the colder months. Make sure your home … Read more
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 buyer, there’s plenty to learn to ensure that you get the right property at the right price while avoiding the many pitfalls along the … Read more
As the new term begins, vast numbers of students up and down the country will be starting to move into their new homes. The private rented sector is one of the primary providers of housing to students, accommodating 30% of students in 2017/18. Dataloft Rental Market Analytics (DRMA) reveals that, across the country, 9.6% of … Read more
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 already have. Any additions that are too costly might not bring you much of … Read more
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 shared ownership scheme, allowing people to increase their home share in smaller increments. Shared ownership increments Under the current model, homeowners who have bought … Read more
Whether we are heading to the polls again in a few weeks’ time for the third time in five years remains to be seen, but the political parties should remember that it is more than Brexit on people’s agendas. A recent poll from Ipsos MORI for the Chartered Institute of Housing found as many people … Read more
£3,485 is the estimated average cost of school uniforms for a child over the course or their school life (Reception to Year 11). The cost is equivalent to 4.31 months’ of a mortgage repayment or 3.31 months’ of average rent, although there are substantial regional variations. Across the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber, … Read more
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 idea of owning a home is exciting, it is vital that you only take that step when you are … Read more
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 for 12 weeks closing on Saturday 12 October. In the consultation, the Government proposes to remove Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) from the Housing Act 1988, essentially making … Read more
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 look for low-risk borrowers who have a history of making repayments on time, so it’s vital to know your credit score and determine whether you’d be a … Read more