Author: Elaine Ford
Our latest At Home magaine is here – and we’re excited to share it with you! It’s packed with fascinating property insights and a closer look at the wonderful towns and villages we’re proud to be part of.
There’s something in this edition for everyone. Whether you’re a homeowner, thinking about your next step, or just enjoy exploring what makes our communities special, we think you’ll enjoy taking a look through.
So, take a moment, have a browse — and see what’s happening in the places we all love.
From eye-catching homes to fun facts about the areas we know and love, there’s something inside for everyone.
Whether your thinking about your next move or simply enjoy browsing beautiful properties, we think you’ll really enjoy this edition.
Take a look – we’d love to know what you think!
Author: Elaine Ford
We were thrilled to sponsor this year’s Tetbury Woolsack Race, a quirky and much-loved tradition that took place over the late May Bank Holiday.
The event, which sees competitors running up and down the famously steep Gumstool Hill carrying heavy sacks of wool, has been a highlight of Tetbury life for decades — and 2025 was no exception.
This year’s race drew huge crowds, plenty of laughter, and some seriously impressive feats of strength and endurance. Teams and solo runners from all over came to take part, raising money for local charities and celebrating the town’s wool trading heritage.
As proud sponsors, we were delighted to play a small part in the day’s success. We also lent our gazebo, which provided much-needed shade and shelter throughout the afternoon — and became a popular hub for visitors looking to catch their breath or escape the sun.
A big thank you to the organisers, volunteers, and all the brave racers who made it such a memorable day. We’re already looking forward to next year!
Need a Gazebo for an event or gathering?
We’re happy to lend ours out free of charge – it’s available on a first come, first served basis.
If you’d like to borrow it, just get in touch and we’ll get you booked in! Contact gazebo@perrybishop.co,uk
Author: Elaine Ford
We were proud to support this year’s Macmillan Golf Day, a fantastic event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support. It was a brilliant day filled with community spirit, friendly competition, and an important cause at its heart.
We were pleased to lend our gazebo for the event — a small gesture to help support the day and provide a useful space for guests and organisers alike. With the sun shining throughout the day, it was great to contribute in a small but meaningful way as part of the event setup.
Our support didn’t stop there — our directors also took to the course, representing the company and getting stuck into the action. It was great to see them take to the fairway, all in support of a truly life-changing cause.
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that this year’s event raised an incredible £30,483 for Macmillan Cancer Support — a truly outstanding total that will make a real difference to those facing cancer.
A huge thank you to the organisers for putting together such a well-run and impactful event. We’re honoured to have played a part in the day and look forward to supporting again in the future.
Making a difference, one sun-drenched swing at a time. ☀️⛳
Need a Gazebo for Your Next Event? We’re always happy to support community and charity events where we can. Our gazebo is available to borrow free of charge, subject to availability.
If you’re planning an event and think it could be useful, feel free to email gazebo@perrybishop.co.uk to check availability!
Author: Elaine Ford
Selling your home is a big decision, and it can be incredibly frustrating when your current agent isn’t delivering the results you were promised. If you’re feeling let down, under-informed, or simply not seeing enough progress, it might be time for a fresh approach.
Many of our successful sales in 2025 were homes that had previously been on the market with other agents without results.
With a refreshed marketing approach, renewed energy, and a clear strategy, we helped those clients get moving.
The good news? Switching agents is easier than you might think — and we’re here to guide you through it with minimal fuss and maximum impact.
Why Do People Switch Estate Agents?
There are many reasons sellers choose to move on from their current agent, including:
- Lack of communication
- Poor-quality marketing (uninspiring photos, basic descriptions)
- Low viewing numbers or no offers
- Overpromising and underdelivering
- Lack of strategy or local insight
Whatever the reason, you’re not locked in forever — and you’re certainly not alone.
What Happens When You Switch to Us?
We make the transition smooth and stress-free. Here’s how we handle it:
✅ Free, honest review of your current listing — we’ll give you insight into what’s working and what isn’t.
✅ Clear advice on any notice period or contract terms you may need to serve with your current agent.
✅ Fresh marketing – including stunning new professional photography, updated floorplans, and a compelling, tailored description that highlights your home’s best features. All of this is brought together in a high-quality brochure designed to attract the right buyer audience, with the right information and visual impact. Even better — when you switch agents, your property is relaunched on the portals with a brand-new listing date, clearing the old history and giving your home a true fresh start.
✅ Expert strategy where we will take a proactive approach to pricing, positioning, and promoting your property to the right buyers. We don’t just list your home and leave it sitting on Rightmove — properties need a plan, a strategy, and smart execution. Homes don’t sell themselves, and we make sure yours stands out with purpose.
✅ Clear communication – You’ll always know where you stand, with regular updates and feedback after every viewing.
The Difference We Make
We don’t just list properties – we sell homes.
We take pride in turning things around, creating a buzz, and helping you move forward with confidence.
Our personal, local service, professional marketing, and genuine care make all the difference.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’re starting to feel like your current agent has run out of ideas — or steam — let’s have a chat.
Author: Elaine Ford
There are a whole host of things every landlord should know, yet many opt to set up their rental property as quickly as possible, disregarding this essential knowledge.
So, when questions start getting asked about unpaid rent payments, legal responsibilities, and other frustrating circumstances, these landlords are left scratching their heads, wondering how they got into such a position in the first place.
Whether you’ve just bought your first property or your fifth, being a landlord is a role where you can continually keep learning new things and facing new challenges.
Other than keeping abreast of what’s happening in the property market, you also need to ensure that you’re following all the latest rules and requirements for landlords.
At Perry Bishop, we’ve got years of experience working with landlords and dealing with the property market, so we’ve pretty much seen it all!
To help you keep on top of all that you need to be aware of, we’ve created a handy list of the eight most essential things that every landlord should know.
8 Things Every Landlord Should Know
Remain aware of what’s happening in the property market – The conditions of the housing market are continually changing.
First and foremost, a good landlord should keep an eye on property market conditions.
This will help inform you on how to market your property, as well as give you an idea of what price you should be expecting for it. You’ll also have a much better idea of the competition if you regularly do your market research.
Understand the facilities in your property’s location – Knowing the local neighbourhood that your property is located in can significantly affect how well you position your property.
For instance, there are some excellent schools in the area, so you may want to market your property as a family home. / iv
Likewise, if it’s located on the commuter belt, you could think about converting it into separate flats to accommodate four individual tenants instead of just one household.
Ensure that your property is up to scratch – When you rent out a property, you need to ensure that it meets certain requirements.
You must ensure that it is a liveable space with a safe environment for any tenants that move in. Some of the things you need to consider are:
- Does it have the necessary smoke alarms?
- Are there any safety hazards?
- Are electrical and gas certificates up to date?
Ask our experienced team at Perry Bishop, as we can help you understand all the requirements your property needs to meet before you can rent it out.
Work out your taxes – Before you start getting rent paid into your bank account, you should register with HMRC to ensure that you’re taxed accordingly. You’ll be taxed on all rental income after the first £1,000.
It’s important to mention, too, that there are different tax rules for landlords depending on the type of property you own. Look into this on the HMRC website to ensure you’re doing all that’s legally required.
Set aside some money for emergency funds – As a landlord, you should always be prepared. To remain within your budget, set aside a small amount in case anything goes wrong.
For example, if your property is unexpectedly vacant for a short period, you should ensure that you can cover your mortgage payments without rental income.
Set some money aside for any unexpected issues as well. No matter how new a property is, wear, tear, and weather conditions may lead to the need for maintenance and repairs.
Comply with all legal requirements – There are many legal requirements that you must follow as a landlord to ensure the safety of your tenants and to avoid fines and penalties.
These include:
- Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and Subsequent Amendments. These state that all gas appliances must be safe and checked annually.
- The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that their property is fitted with working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
- The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Under these regulations, the landlord is required to make sure that all electrical appliances in the property are safe to use.
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) & MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards). These state that all landlords must provide a valid EPC certificate to their prospective tenants.
It’s rare, but sometimes landlords also experience problems with tenants. Perhaps it’s late rent, or creating problems for other tenants. Without the relevant experience, dealing with situations like this can be challenging. In the event a legal approach is required, don’t worry, we’ve got it covered!
Check whether your local council requires any specific licences – Contact your local council to check whether any other licenses are needed before you rent out your property.
Some councils will have specific mandatory rules and regulations above and beyond the ones mentioned above.
Learn each tenancy agreement like the back of your hand – Becoming a landlord has plenty of benefits, especially when you have fantastic tenants.
However, even after conducting a detailed risk assessment and deeming them as suitable, not every tenant is stress-free!
When you are faced with a situation where tenants in one of your rental properties are causing you issues, it’s crucial that you know the tenancy agreement inside out to know what your options are.
Whether it’s the notice period, the tenancy deposit protection scheme, rent arrears, or anything in between, having this information is crucial for ensuring you are acting firmly but fairly
Frequently Asked Questions About the Local Property Market
What factors influence property prices? Property prices are primarily influenced by location, demand, economic conditions, and local amenities.
How can I estimate the fair market value of a property and its rent potential? Fair market value is typically determined through comparative market analysis, considering recent sales of similar properties in the area.
What are common challenges when renting a property in the local market? Common challenges include market fluctuations, property conditions, and effective marketing strategies to attract potential tenants.
🏡 Got a property to let? We’d love to help! Get in touch and let’s chat about how we can find the perfect tenant for you.
Author: Elaine Ford
What Must I Leave When I Sell My Home in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse? From curtain poles to garden sheds, the rules on what stays and what goes can surprise sellers. Find out here what you’re really expected to leave behind.
Which Fittings And Fixtures Will Be Needed After Moving Out? If you’re ready to sell your home, you may be wondering what you must leave behind when you sell your property.
It’s often hard to decide what to leave behind and what to take with you when you move out. In fact, there aren’t any laws to dictate what you must leave within the property, but it goes without saying that your buyer may be upset or angry if they don’t know what you’ll be taking with you.
It’s helpful to think about what you expect the property’s former owners to leave behind when you’re buying their home. Which fittings and fixtures will be needed after moving out?
Once you’ve decided, put it all down in writing then confirm the buyer’s agreement, and remember the house has to be empty on completion day.
As expert estate agents our team have some great advice about what you may want to leave when selling your home.
An Inventory Of Fittings And Fixtures – To avoid disputes and confusion, an inventory that explains specifically what will be included within the sale and what you’ll be taking with you is very helpful.
You should complete this and agree on it early in the process as, without there being an inventory in place, many buyers assume all fixtures and fittings are going to be included in the sale.
Fixtures are any items permanently fixed to the structure of the property such as bathroom and kitchen suites, inbuilt wardrobes and cupboards, plugs, light fittings, radiators, and boilers.
Fittings are any freestanding items, or items hung on a nail or hook such as lampshades, mirrors, carpets, ovens, washing machines, freestanding fridges, curtains, beds, curtain rails, sofas, and freestanding furniture.
If you want to take or leave any specific fixtures or fittings, try negotiating with your buyer.
What About Lightbulbs? There’s no legal obligation to leave the lightbulbs behind when you move out unless it’s stated specifically in the contract.
However, many sellers choose to leave them since it’s a little petty to remove them and most home movers would like to think that the ‘leaving the lightbulbs in’ option will continue down the chain!
You must, however, replace or leave light fixtures when you move out since exposed wires represent a hazard.
Do I Take The Wheelie Bin With Me When I Move? When moving out, you should never take the wheelie bin! You’ll have a bin at your new home, and it’s very unlikely that the people who will be moving to your property will bring one with them.
It’s also generally acceptable to have some rubbish left behind in the bin when you move out. If you do this, though, make sure that there’s enough space remaining inside the bin so that the property’s new occupants can add their own rubbish to it until bin collection day.
Have questions about what to leave behind when selling? Get in touch with our expert team for friendly advice and a smooth move.
Ready to take the next step? Book your free, no-obligation valuation today!
We care about property, we care about you.
Author: Elaine Ford
Selling your property while simultaneously buying another property can be highly stressful. The good news is that a lot of the stress can be mitigated by knowing every step of the process before you take the plunge.
14 Steps To Successfully Selling And Buying Property Simultaneously
Here at Perry Bishop we will efficiently guide you through every stage, so you can be well-informed and feel confident.
Getting Your Property Valued – The very first step in the buying/selling process is to find out the value of your home. You have a couple of different options here. You can start by looking online at the selling price of similar properties in your area to get a rough idea, but of course, the best plan is to contact an estate agent and ask them for a valuation! Contact our experienced team today to book your free valuation.
Get Your Finances In Order – Before you can start looking for a new property, you need to know how much you can afford to spend.
Your valuation will let you know what price you can expect to achieve when you sell your home, allowing you to work out how much equity you’ll have.
When you add on any savings you may have, you’ll get a clearer picture of the price bracket you’re looking at. Remember, though, that you’ll need to pass lender affordability tests. Need mortgage advice?
Get in touch with our expert team today!
Work Out Your Costs – The costs can mount up when moving home. You need to understand your costs as much as possible to avoid any disappointment later. Consider how much deposit you’re likely to need and the additional costs like conveyancing, mortgage broker and surveyor fees, stamp duty, and removal expenses.
Prepare Your Home – Now you’ve taken the first steps towards buying a new home, it’s time to prepare your existing property for sale.
Look at your home from the point of view of a buyer – what would deter you from making an offer on it? Look for anything that needs sprucing up or fixing and get to work on those tasks.
Assemble Your Team – You need the right professionals working with you to successfully sell and buy a property. You must research well and select the right surveyor, estate agent, and legal team. Contact our experienced team, who will be happy to guide you in the right direction.
Prepare Your Documentation – Having all of your paperwork prepared and ready to go will speed up the selling process.
You’ll need your home’s FENSA certificates (if applicable), EPC, and Title Deeds to sell your home, as well as ID and proof of income to make your purchase.
List Your Property – This step is the most exciting part of the process as it’s the stage where you approach an estate agent to list your property on the market. You can also start searching for your ideal new home. Remember, though, that it’s best to have your property sold before offering on another.
Agree To A Sale – Although you may be tempted to take the highest offer on your property, it’s important to weigh everything up before you jump in.
It’s essential to examine the purchaser’s position first to check they’re in a proceedable position and motivated to move.
Get An Offer Accepted – Once you’ve agreed to your sale, you need to make an offer on your dream home and get it accepted.
Finalise The Mortgage – Get in touch with your mortgage broker or lender and finalise your application.
There’ll be a few more checks to carry out to ensure everything goes through smoothly.
Begin The Conveyancing Process – Your next port of call is to get the conveyancing process off the ground. Instruct your conveyancer or solicitor and start the ball rolling.
Instruct Your Surveyor – Your mortgage provider will require a valuation of your chosen property, but that’s for their benefit and not yours.
You should instruct your own surveyor to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing the home you plan to purchase is in good condition.
Set The Dates For Exchange Of Contracts And Completion – Now that everything is in place, it’s time to exchange contracts with the other parties and set a completion date.
Prepare To Move – You’re now on the homeward stretch to completion. Start packing and choose the right removal company.
Ensure your existing home is clean and ready for its new owner to move into, and ensure everything is in order for your move to run smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling and Buying Simultaneously
Can I sell my house before I find a new one? It’s generally recommended to sell your current house before buying a new one to avoid the financial burden of carrying two mortgages. However, if you can afford it, selling and buying simultaneously can be done with careful planning and co-ordination.
How long does it typically take to sell and buy a house simultaneously? The timeline for selling and buying simultaneously can vary depending on market conditions, the availability of properties, and the efficiency of the conveyancing process. It’s generally advisable to allow several months for the entire process.
What are the potential risks of selling and buying simultaneously? The primary risk is that you might not find a suitable new home before you need to move out of your current property. This could result in having to rent temporary accommodation or delay the sale of your current home.
How can I reduce the stress of selling and buying simultaneously? To reduce stress, stay organised, plan ahead, and delegate tasks whenever possible. Hire a good estate agent to help you with the selling process and work with a reliable conveyancer to manage the legal aspects.
Looking to move or need mortgage advice?
Author: Elaine Ford
Buying a property can be a lengthy process simply because the process involves many factors. One of those factors is the time it takes to get a mortgage.
There’s no hard and fast rule as to how long it will take, but as a general rule of thumb you can expect to wait around 18 to 40 days after submitting your mortgage application before receiving a formal mortgage offer.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Mortgage in Principle?
You can get a mortgage in principle in a matter of minutes, and this will allow you to start viewing properties within your budget and put in an offer on a property.
It’s important to note that a mortgage in principle shouldn’t be taken as gospel, and there are no guarantees that you’ll be offered that mortgage when it comes to the full application.
However, it does give you a good indication of what you should be able to borrow based on some general information you provide.
The mortgage in principle can be obtained so quickly because it doesn’t look into your finances in great detail, just a rough overview. That’s why, until you have your formal mortgage offer, you cannot fully rely on the mortgage in principle, as a formal mortgage offer will dig much deeper into your finances.
How Can I Speed the Mortgage Process up?
The key to getting your mortgage offer in a timely fashion is preparation. Lenders will need lots of information from you and will require evidence to support your application.
Typically, this will include:
- Valid ID to prove your identity. A passport is ideal.
- Proof of address. A utility bill or council tax bill is sufficient.
- 3 months of bank statements. This is so lenders can assess your spending habits and get a clearer picture of how much you can afford to pay each month.
- 3 to 6 months of payslips. This is to prove your monthly income and factor in any contractual overtime or bonuses too. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to show your accounts and tax returns.
- Proof of your deposit. A bank statement showing the funds in your account will be needed, and if any of the money has been gifted you may need a letter from the person who has gifted it.
- Details of the property you are buying.
- Details of the estate agent you are buying the property through.
- Details of your solicitor or conveyancer who will be handling the transaction.
What Can Slow the Mortgage Application Down?
If you’re unable to provide any of the information required in a timely manner, then this can be a big factor in slowing your mortgage application down. Therefore, before you even start the process it’s wise to have as much of this information to hand as possible.
Also, your credit history can play a part in how quickly the process is completed. Generally speaking, the more complex your history, the longer the mortgage process will take.
What Happens After the Mortgage Application has Been Submitted?
The lender will arrange to have a property valuation carried out. This is simply to determine if the price of the property is fair and if it’s suitable for a mortgage.
It’s important not to confuse the lender’s property valuation with a survey, which is something that is carried out separately and paid for by you, as the buyer.
Most lenders will require a survey to be carried out as a condition of offering a mortgage. You can pay for a full buildings survey or a homebuyer’s report.
The homebuyer’s report looks at the property in more detail than the lender’s valuation and takes into account any current and potential issues with the property. If the report is satisfactory then it’s likely that a lender will approve a mortgage application without the need for a full buildings survey.
The full buildings survey is a more detailed survey of a property than the homebuyer’s report. It looks at structural safety, maintenance costs and repair costs. It’s more expensive than a homebuyer’s report and it may be carried out immediately or following a homebuyer’s report that has raised concerns.
Once the lender has received the survey(s) and is satisfied with them, they’ll be in a position to make a formal mortgage offer.
How Long Does It Take to Receive the Mortgage Offer?
Once the lender has completed their checks and is satisfied with the survey carried out, you can expect to receive a formal mortgage offer in as little as a few days, and no more than 2 to 3 weeks.
How Long Does a Mortgage Offer Last?
A mortgage offer will typically last for up to 6 months. Some lenders may put a completion deadline on the offer instead of a fixed time limit, but it’s dependent on the individual lender.
If the transaction isn’t completed in time, or you’re quickly approaching the deadline then you can contact the lender to try and get an extension on the offer to avoid starting the whole process again from scratch.
Ready to take the next step?
Our expert mortgage team is here to help you find the right deal, whether you’re a first-time buyer, remortgaging, or moving up the ladder.
Get in touch today for friendly, professional advice tailored to your needs.
There may be a fee for arranging a mortgage and the precise amount will depend on your circumstances. This will typically be £495 on mortgage offer.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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
We’re proud to be supporting the Littleworth Fun Day & Dog Show once again, taking place this year on Saturday 1st June 2025.
Last year, our Perry Bishop gazebo provided some much-needed cover for the community festivities and we’re delighted to be involved again.
If you would like to borrow our Gazebo please get in touch, its completely free of charge and on a first come basis. Contact us on gazebo@perrybishop.co.uk
We’re looking forward to another fantastic day with plenty of local charm and fun for all ages.
See you there!
Author: Elaine Ford
As the days grow longer and the flowers begin to bloom, there’s a renewed energy in the air—and it’s not just the change in weather. Spring is traditionally one of the busiest seasons in the property market, making it the ideal time to think about your next move.
Whether you’re considering selling your home or letting a property, a professional property valuation is the essential first step.
At Perry Bishop, we offer so much more than just a valuation—we give you honest advice and a plan that works for you.
With increased buyer and tenant activity in the spring months, there’s no better moment to discover what your home is really worth.
What You Get with Perry Bishop
🌼 Expert Local Knowledge – Our experienced valuers know your area inside out, combining local insight with real-time market data to give you an accurate and achievable valuation.
🌼 Award-Winning Service – From your first call to completion, our friendly, professional team is by your side—supporting you at every stage.
🌼 Tailored Marketing Plans – We don’t do “one size fits all.” You’ll get a bespoke marketing strategy, including professional photography, floorplans, and targeted online exposure to attract the right buyers or tenants.
🌼Learn the secrets of our structured plan and marketing strategy for achieving the best price for your property in the shortest amount of time. Perry Bishop’s 11 Step Plan is implemented on every property we sell and it really does work, download your free copy here.
🌼 Trusted Network – We have built strong relationships with our clients to create an active database so we can ensure your property is seen by people who are ready to move.
🌼 Advice You Can Trust – Not quite ready to move? We’ll give you honest guidance with no pressure – just straghtforward advice to help you plan ahead.
If you would prefer to start with a gentler approach to marketing until you have identified a suitable property to move to, you can take advantage of our Market Ready Service.
Spring brings new opportunities—and your property journey could be one of them. Don’t wait for the perfect time to find you. Let it start with a Free, no obligation, expert valuation today.
👉 Call us now or book online to arrange your free sales or lettings valuation. If we’ve already had the pleasure of meeting you, we’d love to chat again and create a tailored market plan with you.
Let us help you take the next steps.
We care about property, we care about you.
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