Your monthly property market round-up

Five star service when buying, selling or investing with us

"We spent four months looking for our new home and the very first day I met Alex I knew that was going to be our home.

It was quite a traumatic experience for four months, but Federica and Alex made it so much easier.

I have been through at least 10 different agents all around London, north to south, but they were able to do their job in a professional way and at the same time were really friendly and available."

Click here to read Five star service when buying, selling or investing with us.

How do I make an offer on a house?

A new home will most likely be one of the largest investments you'll make in your lifetime.

We understand that starting out can be tricky as the property market can be a minefield. That's why Orlando Reid's founder, Jack Reid, tells you how you can make an offer on a house that you love.

If you're looking to buy a property in London or Manchester, get in touch!

Click here to read How do I make an offer on a house?.

Battersea Power Station: London’s iconic landmark is reborn

The Battersea Power Station redevelopment is finally complete after an epic, eight-year regeneration project. Over that time, the impressive Grade II listed building has been transformed...

Is Pension or Property Investment Best For a Comfortable, Financially Secure Retirement?

To say that we want to live comfortably and outlive our savings after years of hard work wouldn't be a stretch.

But are pension or property investments better able to create the financial security in retirement that we are all looking for?

Click here to read Is Pension or Property Investment Best For a Comfortable, Financially Secure Retirement?.

A guide to making your rented property greener

It’s a great time to rent! Beautiful properties can’t help but make you feel good. And with more rights for tenants than ever before and so many of us becoming more environmentally aware, you want to feel good about doing your bit for the planet while saving a few pounds on your monthly outgoings. So here are a few tips to do just that!

Switch energy suppliers: If you pay the bills in your rented property, you are entitled to change energy suppliers. If you can find a cheaper deal, go for it. Certain energy suppliers can help reduce your carbon footprint and could save you money.
Energy-efficient appliances: Perhaps you own certain appliances in your rented property. By choosing more energy-efficient products, you can save money. The higher the rating, the more you will save. If appliances need to be replaced by your landlord, request appliances graded A or B.
LED bulbs and solar lighting for the garden: Sometimes it’s the cumulative effect of lots of little things that makes a big difference. LED light bulbs and lights are far more efficient than standard bulbs and will last for years.
Shower head: Costing about £20 and easy to swap for an older, less efficient shower head, you could request that you swap an older shower head and save on your water bill.

Getting into good habits

Keep radiators clear: Blocking radiators can drastically reduce the heat they produce. Consider moving the couch if it’s blocking your radiator, and then you will not need to turn the heat on so much.
Draught excluders: Not particularly expensive, and as soft furnishing, you are adding a personal touch to your rooms. You could be amazed at how much heat they could retain as heat escapes underneath your doors.
Save water: Install a water metre or simply save water where you can. Install a water butt and collect rainwater when it comes to nurturing your plants, flowers, and trees.
Blackout curtains: These don’t just make for a great night’s sleep by blocking out light; they also keep the heat in.
Rugs: A nice rug will not only look nice but also add an extra layer of insulation to the floor, particularly on laminate flooring.

Green choices

Recycle: Make sure you recycle as much as possible. Simply putting plastics and recyclables in the correct bins makes a big difference to our beautiful planet.
Make your own furniture: Instead of buying new furniture, save some money and restore old furniture. This is on trend, and in most cases, you can buy some real bargains online, then paint and refinish them in non-traditional colours while adding real style to your home.
Use less chemicals: By using cleaning products that are not as chemical-heavy, you may save money because you can substitute them for products that may already be sitting in your larder, like white vinegar!
Talk to your landlord Many landlords are interested in making their rental properties greener, so don’t be afraid to ask! It’s in their interest to improve insulation, fit smart metres, use better lighting, use energy-efficient appliances, and anything else you may think of.

Browse our properties to find your perfect place to rent, or get in touch with our friendly team to see how we can help.

5 Things to Consider When Buying a Home in Clapham

It’s hard to ignore the allure of Clapham when you’re searching for property in south west London. Dominated by the 85-hectare green open space of Clapham Common, the area is a hub for both young professionals and families.

Click here to read 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Home in Clapham.

Live Screening of Eurovision final in Battersea Park

On Saturday 13th May all Eurovision enthusiasts are welcomed to attend Battersea Park for a live screening of the Eurovision finals. With face painting booths, bars and street food available, this promises to be the perfect evening to celebrate the family-friendly event.

Click here to read Live Screening of Eurovision final in Battersea Park.