A property viewing is a great opportunity for any seller, as it allows you to showcase your home in person. However, there’s more to it than simply showing a potential buyer around. You may be wondering how to schedule and conduct viewings, but many sellers prefer to take the easier route by letting a professional agent, like Your Move, handle the viewings on their behalf. Doing It Yourself: The Advantages and Disadvantages Many sellers choose to conduct their own viewings for various reasons. If you’re considering going the DIY route, it’s important to know that it can be a significant undertaking if you’re not properly prepared. That said, if you have the time, there are benefits to managing it yourself. Pros: You won’t have to pay any fees for conducting the viewings. You know your home better than anyone and can provide detailed answers to potential buyers' questions. You’re familiar with the local area, so you can highlight key amenities like schools and grocery stores. You’ll have the chance to meet each potential buyer personally. Cons: Property viewings are a sales opportunity, and unless you’re a seasoned seller, you might lack the expertise a professional agent has. Buyers may feel uncomfortable being one-on-one with the owner and may be reluctant to share honest concerns. Price discussions often arise during viewings, and if you’re not experienced in negotiations, it can be overwhelming, especially since it’s such a significant financial decision for both parties. Scheduling viewings can be tricky if you have other commitments like work or family obligations. Accompanied Viewings: Why Let a Professional Handle It? While doing it yourself has its advantages, there are also strong reasons to let a professional agent conduct accompanied viewings. Pros: You’ll have an experienced professional on your side, well-versed in selling properties. They are skilled at tailoring the viewing experience to suit each buyer's specific interests and needs. Buyers tend to feel more comfortable discussing their concerns with an agent, rather than the owner, which can lead to more honest feedback. Viewings can be time-consuming, so letting an agent handle it frees up your schedule. Professional agents are typically more flexible with scheduling viewings, making it easier to accommodate potential buyers’ availability. Cons: You’ll likely need to pay a fee for the service. For information on potential fees, it’s best to contact your local branch. You won’t have direct interaction with buyers during the viewings. Which Option Is Right for You? Ultimately, the choice between handling viewings yourself or hiring a professional agent comes down to your personal preferences and circumstances. If you feel confident in your ability to conduct viewings, it might be worth doing it yourself. However, if you prefer to save time and benefit from expert experience, an agent like Your Move can be a valuable asset in getting your property sold. Regardless of your decision, it’s always a good idea to consult with your local experts for guidance. You can find your nearest branch here. Thinking of selling this year? Start with a FREE property valuation and get expert selling advice from a local adviser—no obligation to proceed if you change your mind.

Furnishing your rental property can significantly increase its attractiveness. Many renters, especially young adults, often don’t have their own furniture and actively seek furnished rental homes. When furnishing your property, it's important to find the right balance between creating a visually appealing and well-equipped space while also keeping within a budget that makes sense for your investment. How long does furniture last? The lifespan of furniture largely depends on how often it’s used. For example, furniture in a House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) usually needs to be replaced more frequently compared to that in a single-let property. Here’s an approximate guide for how long furniture lasts: Sofas and mattresses: around 7 years Wardrobes: about 10 years Kitchen appliances: around 10 years Bed frames: 10 to 15 years Bedside tables, kitchen and dining chairs: approximately every 5 years, unless handled with care. Flat-Pack Furniture Flat-pack furniture is a convenient and cost-effective option for furnishing rental properties. It's particularly favored by HMO landlords as it's simple, durable, and budget-friendly. Many landlords with multiple properties opt for a uniform style of furniture that can be easily replicated across their portfolio. While it’s an affordable solution, assembling flat-pack furniture can be time-consuming. Specialist Furniture Packages If sourcing and assembling your own furniture feels too time-intensive, consider using a company that provides full furniture packages for landlords. These packages typically include delivery and assembly, saving you time and hassle. Companies offer a variety of finishes and price ranges, often with some level of customisation. Additionally, they tend to carry large stocks, making it easier to replace items as they wear out. Is Renting or Rent-to-Own Furniture a Good Option? Renting or opting for rent-to-own furniture might seem like a great way to reduce upfront costs. Some companies offer leasing options designed to decrease the amount of discarded furniture. However, while the monthly payments might seem low at first, the total cost over time can be much higher than buying furniture outright. Although purchasing furniture may be more expensive upfront, it’s a better long-term financial decision. Managing Your Investment If managing your rental property is taking up too much of your time, we offer a wide range of services for landlords, from tenant sourcing to full property management. Let us help you simplify the process.

Moving to a new home is often considered one of life's most stressful events, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare. Check out our top ten tips to make your transition smoother. 1. Declutter First: Before packing, seize the opportunity to declutter and part ways with unnecessary items. Donate to charity, recycle, or sell items you no longer need. 2. Start Packing Early: Once the decision to move is made, begin packing non-essential items early. This avoids last-minute panic and ensures a more organized moving process. 3. Label Everything: Clearly mark each packed item with its destination (e.g., Kitchen, Office). This facilitates the unloading process and helps during the unpacking phase. 4. Choose the Right Date: Plan your moving day considering your schedule and, if applicable, your family's. Opting for a move during school holidays can minimize disruptions for children. 5. Stay Flexible: Unforeseen delays may happen, so be open to adjusting your plans. Check the availability of removal companies on multiple dates to accommodate changes if necessary. 6. Hire Professional Movers: Opt for a reputable moving service to save time and ensure a smooth process. Some removal companies offer packing and unpacking services, easing the overall burden. 7. Utilities Planning: Inform utility providers about your move well in advance. Arrange for account transfers to your new property to avoid delays in essential services. 8. Manage Mail: Use Royal Mail's service to hold or redirect your post to the new address. Set this up three weeks before your move to ensure a seamless transition. 9. Create a Survival Kit: Pack essential items separately for quick access on moving day. Include items like a kettle, teabags, milk, sugar, chargers, batteries, plasters, and important documents. 10. Pause and Breathe: Despite the stress, moving is an exciting chapter. Take breaks, involve friends or family in helping with pets or children, and envision the wonderful moments in your new home. Best of luck with your move!

Securing a rental property, much like any relocation, can induce stress due to the competitive rental market and the urgency to find a suitable place quickly. To overcome some of these challenges, we've compiled a set of tips for viewing rental properties that can simplify the process for you. See our top tips below: 1. Act Swiftly: The rental market operates swiftly, and securing a good property demands prompt action. Ensure you're among the first to view, and have administration fees readily available. Stay proactive by subscribing to email alerts for timely updates. 2. Be Prepared: Identify your property priorities and be open to compromises. Prepare a list of inquiries for both the agent and, if possible, the current occupant to ensure you cover essential aspects that might slip your mind during the viewing. 3. Avoid Solo Viewings: Prioritise safety by never attending viewings alone. Bring along a companion or accompany the letting agent to enhance security and gain a second perspective. 4. Familiarise Yourself with Housemates: In case of a house-share situation, acquaint yourself with potential housemates beforehand. Living with others demands patience, especially when adjusting to each other's habits, which could lead to either a delightful experience or potential conflicts. 5. Understand Expenses: Request insight into utility and council tax bills to anticipate additional costs. Clarify what's inclusive in the rent and discuss and agree upon bill-sharing in shared accommodations. 6. Furnishing Details: If the property is furnished, seek clarity on what's included. This avoids unexpected expenses that might not align with your budget. 7. Focus on Details: While the grand features might catch your eye initially, pay attention to finer details. First-time property viewings can cause oversight, so concentrate on both the big picture and minor elements to make an informed decision.

The study estimates that current students could end up being £100m worse off compared to those eligible for the full support package. “Physically and mentally, my health has struggled due to the cost and not being able to have heating or hot water,” one student found. 58% of students have seen their energy bills go up due to the cost of living crisis, and are now expected to cut back on shopping, eating out and socialising. The biggest effect will be on shared house students who may find their bill suddenly shooting up. If you have 4 people living together each using their own TV or Computer together with shared amenities it will become quite expensive. According to the study, 16% of students have had to cut back on the quality or quantity of food to afford essentials such as their energy bills. University students are having to cut spending to be able to afford the rising cost of living. Parents have also been found to be contributing to their children’s rent more often than ever, meaning the cost of term-time accommodation is impacting the whole family, not just students. Here are some tips from the Energy Saving Trust to help you save money on your energy bills (and improve your green credentials!) Switch off standby You can save around £55 a year just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode. Draught-proof windows and doors Unless your home is very new, you will lose some heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps around the floor, or through the chimney. DIY draught proofing like using draft excluders under doors can save you money. Turn off lights Turn your lights off when you’re not using them or when you leave a room. This will save you around £20 a year on your annual energy bills. Replacing all the lights in your home with LED bulbs could help you save even more. Careful with your washing You can save around £28 a year from your energy bill just by using your washing machine more carefully: Use your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures. Reduce your washing machine use by one run per week for a year. Spend less time in the shower Keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save you £65 a year. Swap your bath for a shower Some of us might enjoy a long soak in the bath, but swapping just one bath a week with a 4-minute shower could save you £11 a year! Be savvy in the kitchen Kettles are one of the most used appliances in the kitchen – by avoiding overfilling the kettle you could save yourself £11 a year on your electricity bill. Fill your dishwasher Only run your dishwasher when it is full to reduce the amount of water you use. Reducing your dishwasher use by one run per week for a year could save you £14. Bills all-inclusive renting This isn’t a shameless plug, we promise! But by signing up to an all-inclusive tenancy you can be assured that the price you pay won’t suddenly change (i.e. go up!). All Here! Students properties are bills inclusive, and that includes wifi, electricity and even things like the gym. And whilst the perception is that en-suite rooms in private student accommodation are more expensive than living with a private landlord living at Here! can actually save you on average £432 a year* Find out more on our blog