Office Employees in the UK now spend an average of 1.5 days in the office each week!

Since the Covid pandemic, more people have begun working remotely, and it’s a trend that looks set to continue. While business owners may have some qualms about the switch to home-working, this flexible working era is good news for buy-to-let landlords as it gives them the opportunity to boost their rental property income. Since hybrid workers have been shown overall to be higher earners, they’re certainly an audience that landlords should consider targeting.

More young workers today are looking to the rental market to find somewhere to live, and many of those are now working from home for at least part of their week. With this in mind, they’re searching for rental properties in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse that are suitable for such duties, and demand is on the rise for homes with clearly-defined workspaces. Whatever size of rental property you own, it’s important to maximise your investment’s performance by tapping into this latest remote-work trend.

Finding a space for home working

While your rental property may not have a separate room to set aside as a home office, don’t write your home off as unsuitable for hybrid workers. The upstairs landing or entrance hall could be ideal spaces for a desk to be located, while an area underneath the stairs could be fitted out for just this purpose. Any of these areas could be the ideal spot for a convenient workspace that’s separated physically from living areas.

Leverage your Living Areas

Since your buy-to-let’s living room is probably the largest space in the property, it’s a great choice for hosting a desk. It’s important, though, not to allow home working to dominate this all-important room – after all, your tenants’ living areas are key to them enjoying their downtime too. If you’re creating a home office nook in your property’s living room, choose a corner or alcove with a convenient power outlet, or look for space behind the armchairs and sofas, so that the desk remains out of sight when the working day is over. You could even consider installing a drop-down desk so it can be hidden when not in use.

Harness the power of a Box Room

If your property has a room that’s too small for use as a bedroom, it could be the ideal spot for a home office. A box room offers a host of benefits, not only as a suitable home office, but also potentially for practitioners or consultants who require a private room for clients. As this room is physically separated from the rest of the property, it allows tenants to close the door on their work day and concentrate on their evening and weekend downtime more easily.

Outdoor Rooms

Although you may never have considered creating a home office space outdoors, adding a garden room to your rental could really add a wow factor to the property and provide a luxurious stand-alone workspace. Not only will it potentially boost your property value in the future, but you will benefit from achieving higher rents in the meantime. Even better, most garden rooms are deemed to be “permitted developments” and require no planning permission.

If you are looking for the perfect tenants for your rental property we are on hand to help. As rental property experts in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse, we will manage your buy-to-let property, saving you time and effort. Get in touch with us today.

How do you update your kitchen on a budget?

It’s fair to say that your kitchen is likely to be the heart of your home. It’s the place where you eat, cook, entertain guests, and spend time with your loved ones. It makes sense, then, to prioritise your kitchen if you’re thinking of making home improvements.

But what can you do to update your kitchen if you’re on a tight budget?

Our team at Perry Bishop is used to seeing some great kitchens – large and small – and we have four fantastic ideas to help you make the most of your space – without breaking the bank.

1. Give your cabinets’ an overhaul

Your cabinets’ surface area is a major part of the overall look of your kitchen, so it makes sense to focus on them when you’re giving your room a makeover. If they’re structurally sound, why not give them a new lease of life by replacing the fronts or even just painting them a different colour?

Chalk paint is an ideal option if you want to cover surfaces without needing to do any preparation first. For an extra way to enhance your kitchen, remove a couple of your cabinet doors to create open shelving for a modern new look!

2. Upgrade your worktops

Apart from your cabinets, the worktops in your kitchen are the largest surface area to impact the room’s appearance. You may think replacing your worktops will be too expensive if you’re on a budget, but if you overlook the quartz and marble options and look at laminate instead, you can get a new look without spending a fortune.

Modern laminate countertops come in a huge range of styles, and some have effects that are difficult to distinguish from the genuine article. Wood effect laminate counters are a great look, and they’re a practical choice too.

3. Consider statement lighting

Your kitchen is primarily a functional, practical space, and with that in mind, you will benefit from some bright spotlights to make sure you can see to cook! However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to achieve a warm, welcoming atmosphere too.

If you’ve got a kitchen island, hang a pendant light We can help you present your property in the best light.as a statement piece over it to bring a wow factor to your room. If you don’t have an island, consider fitting a statement light in the middle of your work area alongside a couple of wall sconces to add style.

4. Change your hardware

One of the easiest and most affordable things you can do to upgrade your kitchen is to change the drawer and cabinet handles. There are so many options to pick from including gloss, brass, matte, square, ornate, and vintage-effect that you’re sure to find something that modernises and enhances your room’s style.

If you’re considering giving your kitchen a makeover before selling your home, with Perry Bishop.  We can help you present your property in the best light.

Photographs are an essential step when selling your home and are integral to an effective marketing strategy.

Your photos need to look fantastic and stand out in a busy market. The images need to be an accurate and honest representation of the property, which is why staging your home before the professional photographer arrives is crucial.

If you are not hiring professional home stagers, there are some simple steps you can take to prepare your home in the best possible way before we send our professional photographers out to capture your home at its best!

Pay attention to the front of the property 

Even the nicest of cars cause distraction. Remove your vehicle from the driveway to give the viewers the full impact of the outside space and an unobstructed view of the front of the property. Additionally, ensure garage doors are closed. Small changes will make a significant impact on the overall quality of the photography.

If you usually keep the bins at the front of the property, ensure they are hidden away out of any shots. Thoroughly clean windows and windowsills to provide that the all-important front image of the home is immaculate.

Take some time to tidy the front garden, giving the best first impression. Mow the lawn, trim back any hedges and remove any empty plant pots that may be lying around.

Make your gardens attractive 

Gardens are often a huge draw for potential buyers, both those who are breaking free from the rental market and those climbing up the property ladder. Gardens are subject to personal taste, but neat lawns, clean decking, smart patios and clearly defined eating areas are what buyers want, so take time to prepare them before the arrival of your photographer.

Showcase your bedrooms 

Remove any signs that may be stuck on bedroom doors, especially common for children’s rooms. Store away any children’s toys which may eliminate part of your target audience. If you don’t have the storage room, hide them in the car while the photographer is working!

Make all the beds and plump up the pillows. If any cushions are looking past their best, hide them out of shot. Items like this can do more harm than good and make the whole room look tired.

Add sparkle to your bathroom 

Bathrooms and kitchens are the main rooms that can really draw viewers to a home. Simple hacks in the bathroom can drastically elevate your photographs. Simply make sure the toilet seats are down, and mirrors are sparkly clean with no watermarks or smudges.

As bathrooms are often small, create space by being as minimal as possible. Store away cosmetic items such as shampoo, lotions, or razors. The bright colours of the bottles can be unattractive and distracting when photographed.

Remove Kitchen Clutter

Kitchens are the heart of the home, and a beautiful kitchen is often the factor that convinces unsure potential buyers. Clear all surfaces, leaving minimal appliances in view. This will prevent clutter from causing distraction and give the illusion of a bigger and fresher space with plenty of work surfaces.

Don’t distract with electronics

Turn off the TV and any computers and make sure there are no loose electronic devices left on countertops, which are distracting for people viewing the images. The last thing you want to see are beautiful images of your home with a distracting TV show in the corner of the otherwise perfect image.

Let in the light

Open curtains and blinds wide to let the natural light flow through the home. Your photographer will then be able to manipulate the light to show your home in the best, most natural way possible. If you have blinds, open them tilted upwards. This will push the natural light towards the ceiling, allowing it to illuminate without being too harsh for photography.

Give your pets a day out!

Although you love them, it is best to keep pets out of your listing photographs whether it is a cat, dog or hamster, if possible, remove the pet from the home for the whole day, as this will give you an excellent opportunity to clean, ready for staging, and prevent them from getting in the way of the photographer.

In addition to the pet itself, make sure any pet toys, food bowls and beds are out of shot. Furthermore, tidy up the garden, ensuring no waste or pet toys are lying around.

Contact our friendly team today – we use professional photography as standard!

Did you know that certain aromas can encourage prospective buyers to make an offer on your home?

Although it may appear unrealistic to think that a specific scent could speed up the sale of your home, in fact, evidence shows that certain aromas can encourage prospective buyers to make an offer! If you’re selling your property, here’s some helpful advice when it comes to scents.

Why do aromas boost property sales?

While even a delightful scent won’t convince a buyer to overlook a collapsing ceiling or rising damp, when it comes to properties that are in a good condition, enticing aromas help to evoke emotions that can inspire the prospective purchaser to make an offer.

Buyer psyche is an important element of selling anything, and when it comes to properties, it makes sense to encourage the potential buyer to feel as much at home as possible. The sense of smell has been proven to evoke memories more than any of our other senses, and if you can tap into this you can help to create positive feelings that make potential buyers far more interested in your home.

The team at Perry Bishop have been doing some scent research and we’ve come up with the top six scents to try if you want to speed up your house sale in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse!

1. Fresh Bread

It’s a cliche, but it remains one of the most popular smells of all! 37% of people report that the aroma of freshly baked bread would be most likely to encourage them to put in an offer when viewing a property. Comforting, warm, and nostalgic, it isn’t too surprising that this is the top scent contender for a fast sale.

2. Clean Linen

Just behind the aroma of fresh bread is clean linen, with 36% of people saying that the aroma of washing powder conjures up positive feelings about a home. That sense of freshness can work wonders!

3. Brewed Coffee

Although tea may be the nation’s favourite hot beverage, freshly-brewed coffee still takes one of the top spots when it comes to comforting aromas. 27% of people say that the strong and energising smell of brewed coffee would make them feel more positive about a property.

4. Newly Laid Carpet

There’s nothing quite like that new carpet smell is there? So it isn’t too surprising that a quarter of people say that this scent would encourage them to make an offer. Perhaps it’s that freshly-renovated feel that persuades them to buy?

5. Cut Grass

One of the most nostalgic aromas of all is newly-cut grass. Who doesn’t have a positive memory of playing outdoors in the summer, lawnmowers buzzing in the distance, with this distinctive scent lingering in the air?

6. Vanilla

One of the top aromas for air fresheners, vanilla is a favourite amongst 22% of people due to its clean, light, and sweet scent that makes us feel optimistic and comforted. It’s believed that vanilla helps to relieve anxiety and stress too, so if you opt for this aroma during your viewings, you could make your home feel more tranquil and calm.

Use your 6 scents – Maximise your scent potential

Although choosing the right scent for your home during viewings can help to encourage an offer, it can’t work miracles!

For a fast sale, you’ll need to make sure to:

• Keep your property clean and well-maintained
• Refresh the kitchen and bathrooms
• Tidy your garden
• Redecorate in neutral colours

As experts in the local property market, the team at Perry Bishop are ready to give you all the advice you need about selling your home in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse. Get in touch with us today.

There are certain trends in the housing market that can impact the sale of your home. Click on the link below to read some key trends to be aware of in 2023.

• The rise of remote work – With the increase in remote work, more buyers are looking for homes with ample space for a home office. If your home has a deicated home office or an easily be converted into one , this can be a selling point.
• The demand for outdoor space – Many people have spent more time at home due to the pandemic, leading to a rise in demand for outdoor space. If your home has a large garden, patio area or outdoor entertaining area, this can be a selling point.
• The trend towards sustainability – More and more buyers are looking for homes that are energy-efficent and environmentally friendly. Consider making energy-efficient updates to your home, such as new windows or insulation to appeal to these buyers.
• The importance of technology – In today’s digital age, technology is more important than ever in the home buying process. Consider installing smart home technology, such as seurity systems and thermostats to appeal to tech-savvy buyers.
• The role of virtual viewings – Since the pandemic, virtual viewings have become more common. Ensure your home has a professional video tour and is professionally photographed to ensure your home attracts potential buyers.

Are you letting out a property for the first time? Or have you often faced a lot of problems while searching for a rental property?

Well, in the current property market, letting out as well as finding a property can be a real challenge. Have several people recommended that you should hire a letting agent but you are not sure about it? Don’t worry!

You are not the only property owner with this confusion. If you talk to landlords, you may get contrasting opinion about the need of a letting agent. Few landlords just don’t do their job without a letting agent while others simply don’t hire one. So, instead of believing the opinion of others, you need to analyse your requirement.

Here are a few points you should consider while deciding whether you need a letting agent or not.

Trust – When you are letting out a property, you mostly deal with strangers. Having someone reliable in between is always a good idea. It not only makes the process but also reduces the risks involved.

Knowledge – A letting agent has a sound knowledge of the local property market. They know what tenants are looking for and how you can market your property. They will also decide the right amount of rent you should be quoting based on other properties in the area.

Paperwork – A letting agent takes care of all the paperwork required in renting out a property. They give correspondence, take care of viewings, references and complete any other paperwork involved in the process.

Legal Requirements – Though you may have rented out several properties, you may not always be aware of the legal requirements for landlords. Also, there are several Health and Safety regulations a property must abide to and you may suffer penalty if you fail to do so. A letting agent has updated knowledge of the regulations, and can help you meet them.

Cost Effectiveness – Though it may seem surprising, going for a letting agent is actually cost effective. Property owners argue that they have to pay the letting agent and it is an extra expense. But if you compare the time, money and efforts the agent saves with the amount paid as fees, you will realise that you have saved money. Not just money, a letting agent also saves you a lot of stress.

Surety – One of the biggest nightmares of a landlord is not receiving the rent on time. If the rent is not being paid or not being fully paid, it can affect your cash flows. With a full service letting agent, you get the guarantee that you will receive your rent on time.

There are several benefits of hiring a letting agent, but one of the most important ones is peace of mind. With a letting agent, you can keep all the stress and hassles at bay.   Give our experienced team a call today.

Are your potential tenants able to afford their rent?

The UK is in a cost-of-living crisis, and it’s having a knock-on effect on landlords in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse. More tenants are struggling to pay their rent and landlords, therefore, are having to take action to protect their rental income during these difficult times.

At Perry Bishop, we are experts in the rental property sector, and we’re bringing you our best tips to help you make sure your rental income is well-protected.

1. Always Carry Out Checks On Tenant Affordability

You should ensure that any prospective tenant is able to afford their rental payments. A lettings agent like Perry Bishop will be able to carry out these affordability checks on your behalf to ensure the applicant has sufficient income to cover the rent.

2. Keep The Rental Property In Good Condition

As times are tough, you’ll want to get as much rental income as you can for your property, and the best way of doing this is by ensuring the property remains in excellent condition so that it appeals to prospective tenants. Threadbare carpets, dated fittings and dirty paintwork are a turn-off for tenants. Remember, too, that the cost of repairs has increased in the current financial climate, so regularly keeping your property in a good state of repair will help you avoid any large repair bills in the long run.

3. Carry Out Rent Reviews Regularly

You should review your rents regularly to make sure you’re maximising your investment while avoiding overstretching the affordability of your tenant. In many cases, landlords decide they won’t increase their existing tenants’ rent when they stay in the property for several years. You should weigh up whether you are happy to leave the rent as is in return for reliable tenants and on-time payments, or if you can maximise the yield further. Our experienced rental team can discuss your options with you if you are unsure on the best course of action.

4. Take Out Landlord Insurance

It’s possible to protect your rental income as well as your rental property itself should a problem arise in the future. Rental insurance is a cost-effective way to recoup your losses should the worst happen. Problems like fire, flood and theft as well as property damage caused by your tenants can all be covered by a landlord insurance policy, and you may even be able to get contingency cover that will protect you against tenants’ non-disclosure.

5. Take Some Tax Advice

You should always take the time to check that you’re paying the correct tax. Property taxation is a complex subject so seeking out expert advice regarding your tax liability as a landlord is essential if you’re keen to reduce your tax bill by as much as you can.

If you’re considering marketing your property for rent in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse, our team at Perry Bishop is on hand to help you find suitable tenants and manage all aspects of your rental. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

We care about property, we care about you.

As a landlord in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse, you’re probably aware of holding deposits, but may not be entirely sure how they work. Two of the most common questions that our team at Perry Bishop are often asked are:

“Why are holding deposits needed?“

“When is a holding deposit returned?”

To help you, we’ve put together this overview so that you can gain a greater understanding of the ins and outs of tenant holding deposits.

What Is a Holding Deposit and is it the same as a Tenancy Deposit?

The first confusion arises when landlords think that a holding deposit and a tenancy deposit are, essentially, the same thing. This isn’t the case. Holding deposits (or holding fees as they are sometimes known) are sums of money paid by the prospective tenant when applying to rent your property.

This deposit will secure the property and is made before the individual becomes your tenant. Legally, it can only be the maximum amount of one week of rent. Tenancy deposits, on the other hand, are paid right before the tenant moves into the property and can be a maximum of 5 weeks’ rent in England if the property’s annual rent is under £50,000 or 6 weeks’ rent if the annual rent is over that figure.

Scotland has different rules in that the tenancy deposit must be a maximum of 2 months’ rent while in Wales, the tenancy deposit represents any amount of money held by either the landlord themselves or their agent as a security against losses incurred due to the tenant’s actions, typically equating to about one months’ rent.

Tenancy deposits must be put into one of the Deposit Protection Schemes approved by the Government, and if the deposit isn’t stored in one within 30 days of its receipt, landlords may face penalties. Holding deposits, on the other hand, are not required by law to be put into one of the Deposit Protection Schemes.

Reference Checks and Holding Fees

Once a tenant has paid a holding deposit, the landlord should carry out their checks on the tenant’s references. If they pass those checks, the next step is to sign the Tenancy Agreement before arranging a date for moving in. Should the tenant fail the checks, however, the amount paid as a holding deposit will come into play.

If the prospective tenant has knowingly provided inaccurate information which leads to them failing the reference checks, the tenant will forfeit the holding fee paid.  In a similar vein, if the tenant submits their application and progresses to referencing before backing out of renting the property, retaining the deposit is also often the preferred course of action. On the other hand, if it’s the landlord’s choice to no longer proceed with renting out the property, the tenant will receive their deposit back.

When is a Holding Deposit returned?

When everything goes smoothly with the tenant’s application being approved, references passed, and the agreement signed, then the tenant will receive the amount of their holding deposit in the form of a deduction from the first month of rent paid.

Are Tenant Fees and Holding Deposits the same thing?

Holding deposits aren’t fees that tenants are charged. Rather, they’re safety measures that protect landlords and their agents from any financial losses. A ban on tenant fees enacted in 2019 has caused some confusion about holding deposits. However, since tenants receive back the amount that they pay as a holding deposit, it isn’t deemed to be a fee. Therefore, it’s entirely acceptable and even encouraged to ask for one..

To find out more about holding deposits, please get in touch with the lettings team at Perry Bishop. 

There’s no greater endorsement than a recommendation. It’s a real compliment when you recommend us to people you know and we’d like to say ‘thank you’.

When you refer a friend or family member who then goes on to sell or let with us, we will give you £300 of John Lewis vouchers – £150 for you and £150 for your friend.*

Simply complete our simple online referral form and leave the rest  to us. Once the sale or let of your friend’s property has completed, the John Lewis vouchers will be winging their way to you and your friend.

It’s a win-win situation for both you and your friend!

Alternatively, we can donate £150 to a charity of your choice and £150 to your friend’s chosen charity.

We also have referral forms in branch if you would prefer to complete in person rather than online.

* The vouchers will only be issued to both parties once the sale or let of your friend’s property has completed.

Who would have thought it? A recent survey revealed that men and women look for different things when choosing a new home!

If you’re selling a property in the Cotswolds or the Vale of the White Horse it’s unlikely you will have thought about trying to attract one gender over another to view your home. After all, we’re living in the 21st century in an era of gender equality.

However, a recent survey revealed that men and women look for different things when choosing a new home, so it’s worth knowing a little more about what each sex is seeking and how you can present your property in the best light for all!

What Do Men Look For In Properties?

When men look for a new home, their top consideration is location, and, in particular, how close the property is to their place of work. In fact, 35% of men involved in Santander Mortgage’s survey said that the distance between the property and their workplace was their top priority along with the availability of good transport links.

Other considerations high on the list for male buyers include:

• Is an area considered to be “up and coming?”
• Green spaces close by

The survey also revealed that, in general, men are more interested in the features of the property’s neighbourhood rather than the features of the property itself. Males do also focus on facts and figures regarding the property’s location and structure – including the floor space, garden size, and the number of bedrooms.

When it comes to choosing which home to buy, men have their own methodical approach too. They simply keep searching until they find one that has everything on their checklist rather than relying on their gut instincts.

Negotiating a price is also managed differently between men and women, with men being determined to stick to their guns and not compromise on the price they want to pay! Just over 5% of men will pay the asking price for a property, and only a fifth will offer under 90% of the property’s asking price.

What Do Women Look For In Properties?

Women are particularly interested in properties that give them plenty of indoor space. In fact, 31% of female survey respondents answered that space was a top priority for them alongside living in a location close to family members, being near good schools and having their own garden. Women also tend to focus on the features of a home.

Unlike men, women rely on gut instinct when choosing a property to purchase and are more interested in how a place feels rather than whether it ticks everything on a list.

When it comes to negotiation, women are more likely to offer the property’s asking price, with 17% not attempting to negotiate and 90% of women buyers offering no more than 10% under the property’s asking price in an attempt to secure it.

Can There Be Compromises Between What Men And Women Want?

While it appears that women and men have their own priorities when it comes to purchasing a new home, their goal remains the same – to purchase a property that’s fit to live in, close enough to their workplaces to commute, in a decent neighbourhood, and with good schools nearby.

Yet, while these aspects of purchasing a home are deemed to be non-negotiable, it appears that compromises may be made concerning location, outside space, and the property’s overall state of repair.

What’s most important to you when viewing and offering on a property?

If you’re selling a property in the Cotswolds or the Vale of the White Horse, give the team at Perry Bishop a call. We can give you the best advice about how best to present your house to all prospective buyers.

We care about property. We care about you.