Author: Elaine Ford

Confidence has returned to the rental market, but today’s tenants have more choice than ever before. Discover what nearly three months of the Renters’ Rights Act has taught us and how landlords can continue to achieve successful lets in a changing market.

When the Renters’ Rights Act was first introduced, it created plenty of uncertainty across the rental market. There were questions about how landlords would adapt, whether tenants would delay moving, and what impact the legislation would have on the private rented sector.

Fast forward nearly three months, and the market has largely settled.

The initial panic has subsided, landlords have adjusted to the new landscape, and tenants are moving again. While the legislation has changed the way the industry operates, the fundamentals of letting a property remain the same – if your property is well presented, well managed and priced correctly, it will let.

However, one thing has become very clear: we are now operating in a much more price-sensitive market.

Tenants Have More Choice Than They Did

Unlike the frantic rental market of the past few years, there are now significantly more properties available. That’s good news for tenants, but it also means they have the luxury of comparing homes, locations and prices before making a decision.

Rather than rushing to secure the first available property, many tenants are taking their time. They’re attending multiple viewings, weighing up their options and looking for the best value for money.

As a result, properties can take a little longer to let than they did previously and that’s becoming the new normal.

Pricing Your Property Correctly Is More Important Than Ever

One of the biggest mistakes landlords can make in the current market is overpricing their property.

It’s understandable to want to achieve the highest possible rent, especially after seeing rental values rise so sharply over the last few years. However, today’s market is giving clear feedback.

If your property isn’t generating enquiries or viewings within the first couple of weeks, it’s worth reviewing the asking price. The longer a property sits empty, the more costly it becomes. A realistic rent that secures a quality tenant quickly is often far more beneficial than holding out for a higher figure that the market simply isn’t willing to pay.

The best-priced properties continue to attract strong interest. Those priced above market value are often overlooked in favour of similar homes offering better value.

A Balanced Market Is Good for Everyone

A more balanced rental market benefits both landlords and tenants.

Landlords are still achieving strong rental returns, but pricing needs to reflect current market conditions.

Tenants, meanwhile, have more confidence to make informed decisions rather than feeling pressured into accepting the first property they view.

For landlords, the key is to remain flexible and respond to market feedback. Small adjustments to pricing can make a significant difference in attracting the right tenant and reducing costly void periods.

Our Advice to Landlords

If you’re thinking of letting your property, or it’s currently on the market, keep these points in mind:

  • Price your property realistically from day one.
  • If enquiries are slow, don’t ignore the signs – the market is telling you something.
  • Remember that tenants now have more choice and are taking longer to make decisions.
  • A shorter void period is often worth far more than achieving an extra £25 or £50 per month in rent.
  • Work with a knowledgeable letting agent who understands your local market and can provide honest pricing advice.

Looking Ahead

Nearly three months on from the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, confidence is returning to the rental market. The uncertainty has eased, moves are happening again, and demand remains healthy.

The difference now is that landlords need to be more strategic. Realistic pricing, professional marketing and good presentation are what will set successful properties apart.

The rental market hasn’t slowed, it has simply become more balanced. Those landlords who adapt to the changing conditions will continue to let their properties quickly and attract excellent tenants.

Take the Stress Out of Letting

From accurate rental valuations and professional marketing to compliance, tenant sourcing and fully managed lettings, we’re here to help you protect your investment and achieve the best possible return.

Whether you’d like expert advice, an up-to-date rental valuation or want to discover how our managed lettings service could help, get in touch with our experienced team today. We’d be delighted to help you let with confidence.

Lets chat

We care about property, we care about you.

Author: Elaine Ford

Every successful sale starts with the right foundations. Discover the three simple principles that help properties stand out, attract the right buyers and achieve the best possible result.

Selling your home isn’t just about putting a property on the market. It’s about creating the right first impression, attracting the right buyers and achieving the best possible result.

While every move is unique, the foundations of a successful sale remain the same. We call them the Three P’s – Price, Presentation and Publicity.

Getting these right from day one can make all the difference.
Price – Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

Price too high and you risk missing the buyers who are actively searching. Price too low and you could miss out on achieving your property’s full potential.

A well-informed pricing strategy, based on local market knowledge, comparable sales and current buyer demand, generates interest, encourages viewings and creates competition.

At Perry Bishop, we combine local expertise with real market insight to help you launch your property with confidence.

Presentation – First impressions count.
Today’s buyers often decide whether to arrange a viewing within moments of seeing your property online. Professional photography, well-presented rooms and attention to detail all help your home stand out.

Simple improvements such as decluttering, maximising natural light and presenting each room at its best can have a significant impact on buyer interest.

For homes that would benefit from something extra, our Premium Service offers enhanced marketing options including premium photography, drone imagery, cinematic video, home staging and beautifully designed brochures.

Publicity – Even the most beautiful home needs to be seen by the right audience.

Effective marketing is about far more than simply listing a property online. It’s about creating a tailored strategy that reaches motivated buyers through the right channels at the right time.

From professional photography and premium property portals to social media, email marketing and our extensive buyer database, we ensure your property receives the exposure it deserves.

Why It Matters – When pricing, presentation and publicity come together, homes are more likely to attract serious buyers and achieve stronger results.

It’s an approach that’s helped Perry Bishop consistently deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients.

  • Higher percentage of asking price achieved compared to other agents
  • 40% faster to sell than the local average
  • 95 days from sale agreed to exchange, compared with the national average of 110 days
These aren’t just numbers, they reflect the care, expertise and attention to detail we bring to every property we market.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Whether you’re planning to move this year or simply want to understand what your property could be worth, we’re here to help.

Book your free, no-obligation valuation today and discover how the right pricing, exceptional presentation and proactive marketing could help you achieve the best possible result.

We care about property, we care about you.

Author: Elaine Ford

The headlines will run for days. The opinion pieces will write themselves. And in among all of that, homeowners, buyers, sellers and agents will be asking the question I’ve been asked more times than I can count.  What does this mean for the property market?

Keir Starmer’s resignation last week was a big political moment by anyone’s measure. He’s the sixth Prime Minister to leave office in a decade, and the seventh that the country will have seen by the time his successor walks through the door of Number 10.

My honest answer, after more than two decades in this industry, is the same answer I’d have given in 2019, in 2022, and again last summer. Politics matters at the edges. The cost of borrowing matters in the middle. Confidence sits on top of both, and it is confidence that we should all be focused on protecting right now.

What the last four PM exits actually did to housing<
Let’s look at the record rather than the rhetoric.

When Theresa May resigned in June 2019, the housing market saw little impact. There was a short dip in buyer registrations, a few delayed listings, and then activity picked up again. The reason was simple. Five-year fixed mortgages were available at under 2%, and affordability was holding up. Cheap money does an awful lot to soften political shock.

Boris Johnson’s departure in July 2022 followed much the same pattern. A short pause, headlines about uncertainty, and then transactions returned to the path the fundamentals were already setting. People didn’t suddenly stop needing to move because the man at the top had changed.

Liz Truss could be referenced as an exception to the rule, but it’s worth being precise here. The market reaction in the autumn of 2022 was less about Truss’ resignation and more about the mini-Budget that came before it. This is really what saw gilt yields spike, swap rates move overnight, and lenders pull thousands of mortgage products inside 48 hours. Demand collapsed because borrowing costs were repriced in real time. The political event was the trigger, but the economic mechanism was what did the damage.

Rishi Sunak’s exit after the 2024 general election was, again, a fairly quiet event for the housing market. Transactions kept moving. Buyers kept registering. The market did what it always does, which is getting on with it.

The pattern is consistent. Resignations create short-term noise, but they very rarely have a material impact on prices or volumes for long. What does shift the dial, every single time, is the cost of money.

Where we are right now

This is where today’s situation gets more interesting, and where I think buyers and sellers should focus their attention.

The Bank of England held the base rate at 3.75% on 18 June. The vote was 7 to 2. And here’s the important bit. Both dissenting members voted to raise rates, not cut them. That’s not a committee in any rush to give the market an easy ride.

The average two-year fixed mortgage rate is sitting at 5.58% according to Moneyfacts, with the average five-year fix at 5.56%. The ten-year gilt is around 4.85%. These are the numbers that determine whether a buyer can stretch to the home they want, or whether a seller’s asking price translates into a deal. The rates have far more influence on the next six months than the identity of the Prime Minister.

Then there’s the conflict in the Middle East, which has fed into energy prices and inflation expectations and kept the cost of borrowing higher than most of us expected by mid-2026. Markets had priced in further cuts before that all kicked off.

This is the context into which Starmer’s resignation has landed. The market didn’t really move on the news. Sterling dipped slightly against the dollar to around 1.32. Gilt yields nudged up and then settled. Housebuilders took a small knock as investors weighed up what an Andy Burnham government might mean for planning and housing policy.

What impact would Andy Burnham have on the property market as Prime Minister?

Andy Burnham is the clear front-runner to replace Starmer, and his policy positions are, of course, likely to have some material implications for the UK property market.

One significant – and potentially positive – change could lie in the realm of stamp duty. Burnham has previously backed proposals from the campaign group Fairer Share, which would scrap stamp duty and council tax entirely and replace them with a flat 0.48% annual tax on a home’s current value. Scrapping stamp duty would, in my view, be one of the single most powerful tools to unlock transactional activity in the UK property market. It is the tax that stops people from moving. Take it away and you free up family homes, downsizing decisions and second stepper moves all at once. Stamp duty raises around 14 billion pounds a year for the Treasury, so finding a replacement is no small task, but the principle of taxing what people own rather than what they buy is one I’d encourage any incoming Prime Minister to take seriously.

The flip side, of course, is that an annual property levy would hit certain regions and certain price brackets harder than others. London and the South East would feel it most. Landlords would need to reassess. And anything that follows the Renters’ Rights Act with a further interventionist push on the rental market should be watched carefully.

There’s also a question over whether Rachel Reeves stays as Chancellor. For my money, that appointment will matter more for housing than the identity of the Prime Minister. Markets watch the Chancellor closely, and mortgage pricing follows the bond market’s reading of fiscal credibility. Get that wrong and we all feel it.

My advice to anyone moving this summer

Get on with it.

Around 1.8 million fixed-rate mortgage deals are coming to an end this year. If yours is one of them, talk to a broker now rather than waiting for the political picture to clear. It probably won’t, not for several months, and the cost of waiting is rarely lower than the cost of acting.

If you’re selling, the ‘3 P’s’ apply just as much today as they always have. Price, presentation, publicity. If the property is priced correctly, presented in its best possible light and marketed effectively, it will sell. Motivated buyers are still active. Political headlines don’t make people stop wanting to move home. Jobs, schools, relationships and life events do that, and none of them pause for a leadership contest.

The property market has lived through six Prime Ministers in ten years. It will live through the seventh. What it needs from whoever holds the keys next is what it has always needed. Stability on tax, certainty on planning, and a Chancellor who keeps the bond market on side. That, and a recognition that home ownership matters to millions of people. Whoever ends up in Downing Street, that’s the test they’ll be measured against.

Life doesn’t wait for the perfect moment, and neither should your plans. If you’re thinking about moving, we’d be delighted to help you take the next step with confidence. Lets Chat.

Article by Jason Tebb, President of OnTheMarket.

Author: Elaine Ford

A sunny day, a fantastic community event and another outing for our Perry Bishop gazebo. It was great to see it providing some welcome shade at Kemble School Fete on Saturday.

There was plenty of sunshine at Kemble School Fete on Saturday, and we’re delighted our Perry Bishop community gazebo was there to provide some welcome shade throughout the day.

It’s fantastic to see the gazebo being put to good use at local events, helping support schools, charities and community groups across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.

We’re proud to be able to offer our gazebo free of charge, subject to availability, to help make community events that little bit easier.

If you’re organising a local event and think our gazebo could help, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at: gazebo@perrybishop.co.uk

Property made personal. Supporting the communities we’re proud to be part of.

 

Author: Elaine Ford

The market changes, and so do your plans. If your home was valued a while ago, an updated appraisal could give you a clearer picture of what your property is worth today and help you plan your next steps with confidence.

The property market doesn’t stand still, and neither do your plans.

If your home was valued a while ago, the picture today may look very different. An updated valuation can give you a clearer understanding of your property’s current value, local market conditions and the options available to you.

A refreshed appraisal can help you understand:

✨ What your home could be worth in today’s market
✨ How buyer demand has changed in your area
✨ What your next move could look like in real terms
✨ Whether now is the right time to take the next step

And if you’re not quite ready to move, that’s perfectly fine too.

We can talk through our Market Ready service, helping you prepare your home and marketing in advance so you’re ready to launch when the time feels right.

Whether you’re planning a move this year, next year or simply exploring your options, we’re here to provide honest advice and practical guidance with no pressure and no obligation.

Book a free valuation today and gain the clarity you need to make confident decisions about your next chapter.

We care about property, we care about you.

Author: Elaine Ford

From charity fundraisers and village shows to some of the region’s best-loved community events, our Perry Bishop gazebo has been out and about supporting local organisations across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Take a look at where it’s been recently.

At Perry Bishop, we believe that strong communities are built on the people, groups and volunteers who bring them together.

That’s why we’re proud to offer our Perry Bishop gazebo free of charge to local community groups, charities, clubs and organisations across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, helping support events that make a real difference to the places we call home.

Over recent months, our gazebo has been out and about at a variety of fantastic local events, providing shelter, a meeting point and a helping hand to organisers and visitors alike.

From supporting fundraising efforts at the Macmillan Golf Day, to being part of the fun at the Longcot Annual Dog Show, and helping celebrate one of the Cotswolds’ most iconic traditions at Tetbury’s Woolsack Race, it’s been wonderful to see the gazebo playing a small part in bringing communities together.

Tetbury Woolsack Race – From cheering on competitors to soaking up the atmosphere, it was fantastic to be part of another memorable day. Here’s Karen enjoying one of the town’s best-loved traditions.

Littleworth Fete – From serving refreshments to bringing people together, our gazebo was proud to support this fantastic community event, showcasing the spirit that makes our towns and villages such great places to live.

Macmillan Golf Day – Bringing together golf, fundraising and community spirit, this year’s event was another great success. Our gazebo was delighted to play a small part, while Phillip, Ian and Gavin took to the course alongside fellow golfers in support of a truly worthwhile cause.

These events are a reminder of what makes our towns and villages so special – people giving up their time, raising money for good causes and creating opportunities for others to connect, celebrate and have fun

Need a Gazebo for Your Event? If you’re organising a local community event, charity fundraiser, sports day, village fete or community gathering, our Perry Bishop gazebo is available to borrow completely free of charge, subject to availability.

Whether you’re raising funds, promoting a local cause or bringing people together, we’d love to help where we can.

Simply get in touch with our team to find out more and check availability.

Email us to check for availability: gazebo@perrybishop.co.uk<

Because at Perry Bishop, we’re passionate about supporting the communities we serve – not just through property, but through the events, organisations and people that make them such great places to live.

Property made personal. Community made stronger.

Author: Elaine Ford

Great service is worth sharing. If you know someone who could benefit from Perry Bishop’s help, our Refer a Friend scheme rewards you both when they choose us to sell or let their property.

When you’ve had a positive experience moving home, finding a tenant or letting a property, it’s natural to recommend the people who helped make it happen.

At Perry Bishop, many of our clients come to us through personal recommendations, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the trust our customers place in us.

That’s why we’ve introduced our Refer a Friend scheme.

How It Works – If you recommend a friend, family member, neighbour or colleague to Perry Bishop and they go on to sell or let their property with us, you’ll both receive a £150 John Lewis voucher as a thank you.*

It’s our way of recognising the confidence you’ve shown in recommending our services.

Why Refer Perry Bishop? Whether we’re helping someone buy their first home, sell a family property, find a tenant or manage a rental investment, our approach remains the same, providing honest advice, exceptional service and support every step of the way.

From professional marketing and expert local knowledge to clear communication and dedicated sales progression, we’re committed to making every move as smooth and successful as possible.

Know Someone Thinking of Moving? Perhaps a friend has mentioned they’re considering a move. Maybe a neighbour is preparing to sell, or a family member is looking for a letting agent they can trust.

A recommendation from someone they know can make all the difference.

And as a thank you, you’ll both benefit when they choose Perry Bishop.

Start Referring Today – If you know someone who is thinking of selling or letting, download our Refer a Friend form and send it back to us. We’ll take care of the rest.

Because great service is worth sharing.

We care about property, we care about you.

Author: Elaine Ford

The Government has announced plans to reform the home buying and selling process, with the aim of making transactions faster, more transparent and less likely to fall through. Here’s what the proposed changes could mean for buyers and sellers.

Long delays, unexpected surprises and transactions falling through at the last minute have become all too familiar for buyers and sellers alike. That’s why recent Government proposals aimed at modernising the home buying and selling process have been welcomed across the property industry.

The changes are designed to make transactions faster, more transparent and less likely to collapse before completion – something buyers, sellers and property professionals have been calling for for many years.

What Could Change? While the proposals are still being developed, several key themes have emerged.

More Information Upfront – One of the biggest changes would see more information provided at the point a property is listed for sale.

Rather than waiting until a sale is agreed for important details to emerge, buyers would have access to key information much earlier in the process. This could help reduce delays, avoid unexpected issues and allow buyers to make more informed decisions from the outset.

Fewer Sales Falling Through – Property transactions in England currently have one of the highest fall-through rates in the world.

The Government is exploring ways to create greater commitment from both buyers and sellers earlier in the process. While details are still being discussed, the aim is to reduce the number of agreed sales that fail to reach completion, saving time, money and stress for everyone involved.

A Faster Moving Process – By ensuring information is available sooner and reducing avoidable delays, the overall transaction process could become more efficient.

For buyers and sellers, this could mean greater certainty and a smoother journey from offer to completion.

What Does This Mean for Sellers? Preparation is likely to become even more important.

Having key information ready before your property comes to market could help attract committed buyers and keep your sale progressing smoothly.

At Perry Bishop, we’ve long believed that getting things right from the start delivers the best results. Whether that’s accurate pricing, professional marketing or preparing important property information early, a proactive approach helps reduce delays and keeps your move on track.

What Does This Mean for Buyers? For buyers, greater transparency should make it easier to understand exactly what they’re purchasing before making an offer.

Access to more information upfront could reduce uncertainty, minimise surprises and help transactions progress with greater confidence.

Looking Ahead – While further details are expected over the coming months, the direction of travel is clear.

The focus is on creating a home buying and selling process that is faster, more transparent and less likely to fall through.

These changes won’t happen overnight, but they represent a positive step towards a smoother moving experience for buyers and sellers alike.

If you’re considering a move and would like advice on preparing your property for market, our experienced team is here to help.

Book a FREE, no-obligation valuation today or ask us about Market Ready – designed to help you prepare now and launch when the time is right.

Lets Chat

We care about property, we care about you.

Author: Elaine Ford

Most homeowners buy with a mortgage and many move again long before that mortgage term ends. Whether your plans have changed, your family has grown, or you’re ready for a new chapter, selling a mortgaged home is very common and completely possible.

The key is understanding the figures and knowing your options before you make any decisions.

Start with the Numbers – Your first step is to check your mortgage terms. Some lenders apply an early repayment charge if you’re still within a fixed or discounted period, and this can sometimes be around 3–5% of the balance remaining. It’s also worth requesting a settlement figure so you know exactly what’s owed.

This gives you a clear picture of what you’ll walk away with once your mortgage is repaid, helping you plan your next move with confidence.

Let Your Lender Know – Once you’re confident you’d like to sell, it’s important to speak with your lender. This opens the door to options such as porting your mortgage, transferring your existing deal to a new property, which can sometimes save money and avoid early repayment charges.

Porting does usually involve a new affordability assessment and a valuation on your next home, but if approved, you may be able to keep your current interest rate and mortgage terms.

What Happens When You Sell? – When your sale completes, your solicitor will arrange for your mortgage to be repaid directly from the sale proceeds, including any applicable fees. If you’re moving to a new lender, a new mortgage will then be set up for your next home, unless you’ve chosen to port your existing deal.

Get the Right Advice Early – Every mortgage, and every move is different. Understanding what’s possible early on can save time, reduce stress and help you make confident decisions.

That’s where our Mortgage Services Team can really help. They’ll talk you through your options clearly and personally, whether you’re moving home, remortgaging, buying your first property or exploring buy-to-let.

✔️ Understand your affordability
✔️ Explore porting and remortgage options
✔️ Access a wide range of lenders and products
✔️ Feel confident about your next step

If you’re thinking about selling and moving, start with a conversation.

👉 Speak to our Mortgage Services team today for friendly advice.

👉 Or get in touch with your local Perry Bishop office to begin planning your next move.

Property made personal, helping you move confidently into your next chapter.

There may be a fee for arranging a mortgage and the precise amount will depend on your circumstances. This will typically be £695 on mortgage offer.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lending if you remortgage (Not all Buy-to-Let Mortgages are regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority).
Perry Bishop Financial Services Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

 

Author: Elaine Ford

Finding the right mortgage isn’t always straightforward, but the right advice can make a real difference. We’ve shared how tailored mortgage advice could help you find a more suitable deal, potentially save money and make the process far less stressful.

Finding the Right Mortgage Starts with the Right Advice – Whether you’re buying your next home, remortgaging or reviewing your current arrangements, finding the right mortgage can feel overwhelming. With so many products and lenders available, knowing where to start isn’t always straightforward.

That’s where our mortgage team comes in – At Perry Bishop, we believe mortgage advice should feel clear, personal and built around you, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

The Right Mortgage for You – No two clients are the same, which is why we take the time to understand your circumstances, plans and priorities before recommending a mortgage solution.

Whether you’re moving to a larger home, downsizing, remortgaging or buying a second property, our advisors will guide you through the options and help find the most suitable mortgage for your needs.

With access to the whole of the market, we can explore a wide range of lenders and products on your behalf.

Helping You Save Money – A mortgage is one of the biggest financial commitments most people make, so getting the right deal matters.

Our team will help you understand what’s available, identify competitive options and ensure you’re not paying more than you need to. Sometimes even a small difference in rate can make a significant impact over time.

We’ll also explain everything clearly along the way, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

A Service Built Around You – We understand life is busy, which is why we aim to make the process as convenient and straightforward as possible.

Our advisors offer flexible appointments and a supportive, approachable service designed to fit around you, helping take the stress out of arranging your mortgage.

Whether You’re Moving, Remortgaging or Renewing – We Can Help – If you’re planning a move, reviewing your current mortgage or exploring your options, our experienced team is here to help.

Let’s chat and find the right mortgage solution for you.

There may be a fee for arranging a mortgage and the precise amount will depend on your circumstances. This will typically be £695 on mortgage offer.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lending if you remortgage (Not all Buy-to-Let Mortgages are regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority).
Perry Bishop Financial Services Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.