Author: Elaine Ford

Whether you already have a property you’re looking to rent out in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse or you’re thinking of investing in a buy-to-let, it’s vital that you know your legal responsibilities and requirements as a landlord, both to protect yourself and your tenants.

Here are our 10 top legal tips for landlords.

Take Out Landlord Insurance – It’s vital that you take out specialist landlord insurance, as your standard buildings and contents insurance won’t cover you and may be invalidated if you’re renting your property out.

The right landlord insurance policy will cover you for damage to the property, loss of rent and legal expenses, so it’s worth having.

Our expert Lettings Team can help you find the right specialist landlord insurance to ensure your property and income are fully protected. Don’t risk having your standard insurance invalidated — contact us today to safeguard your rental property with the right cover!

Draw up a Tenancy Agreement – This document will set out the terms of the tenancy between you and the tenant and will help to protect both parties in the event of a dispute.

Ensure that a new agreement is drawn up with each new tenant, as tweaking an old agreement could mean you miss important legal changes that have occurred in the meantime.

At Perry Bishop, we offer a range of tailored services to meet your needs, ensuring your tenancy agreements comply with current legislation and are designed to protect your interests.

Arrange Regular Inspections – But Don’t Just Drop in! – It’s important to check your property every so often to ensure it’s being looked after. However, you should be aware that it’s illegal to just enter the property without the tenant’s permission.

It’s advised to give them a minimum of 24 hours’ written notice. This should be stipulated in your tenancy agreement.

Obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – Landlords have a legal responsibility to serve tenants with an EPC, which must have a minimum rating of E.

You can provide this along with the tenancy agreement and have the tenant sign to confirm receipt.

Obtain a Gas Safety Certificate – If your property has gas appliances, then you’re required to have them checked by a Gas Safe Registered engineer.

They’ll be able to provide you with a certificate that will need to be renewed annually. A copy of this should be given to your tenants along with their tenancy agreement.

Carry Out Electrical Safety Checks – You’ll need to have the electrical system checked every 5 years by a qualified electrician. It’s also a good idea to have any appliances in the property PAT tested, but this isn’t legally required.

Smoke alarms will also need to be fitted on each floor and these need to be tested on the first day of the tenancy.

It’s also strongly advised to have carbon monoxide detectors fitted and tested too.

Check if You Need a License – Some local authorities will require you to have a license before you can rent out a property, so you’ll need to check before proceeding.

This often applies to HMOs and student accommodation, so get in touch with your local council to find out if it applies to you.

Protect Your Tenants’ Deposit – If you’ve taken a deposit from your tenants then this will need to be protected in a Government authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme.

There are three to choose from:
  • Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
  • MyDeposits
  • Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)

You’ll need to protect the deposit within 30 days of receiving it and provide your tenants with a deposit protection certificate and prescribed information such as the amount of the deposit, address of the property and details of the tenancy deposit scheme where it’s held.

You will also need to provide your tenants with a copy of the Government’s How to Rent guide.

If you fail to take these steps, you won’t be able to evict your tenant and you could be fined up to three times the value of the deposit. It’s also unlikely that you will be able to make any deductions from your tenants deposit at the end of their tenancy if you need to claim any money back for damages to the property.

Carry Out Tenant Checks – You need to know who you’re renting your property out to, and by law you need to make sure that your prospective tenants have the right to rent property.

It’s also a good idea to carry out a referencing check. This will confirm important details, such as employment status and whether or not the tenants have had issues paying rent previously.

Keep the Property Maintained – While your tenants have a duty to keep the property in good condition, it is your responsibility to ensure that it’s well maintained, and any issues are fixed promptly.

It’s helpful to have a good relationship with your tenants, and if they contact you about a problem then you should make every effort to ensure it’s rectified as soon as possible.

Looking for Expert Property Management? Perry Bishop Has You Covered!

Perry Bishop is your trusted local property management expert for the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse area. Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or just starting out, our friendly and experienced team is here to help!

Call us today or email lettings@perrybishop.co.uk to discuss how we can support you in managing your property.

Let’s make property management hassle-free together!

 

Author: Elaine Ford

Tetbury is getting into the festive spirit and would love to share the evening with you from the warmth of their offices.

DATE: Friday 29th November
TIME: From 5.00 pm
PLACE: Perry Bishop, 3 Church Street, Tetbury
RSVP: tetbury@perrybishop.co.uk

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Author: Elaine Ford

Why wait for January to kick off your move when you could seize the wave of buyer interest that always swells around the festive period?

With our ‘Do Not Disturb’ campaign, you can get sale-ready in December, letting us handle all the prep so your home hits the market with maximum visibility during the crucial Boxing Day to New Year’s surge.

Why Act Now? We know that most homeowners don’t want the hassle of property showings or negotiations over the Christmas holidays.

After all, this season is for cosy moments, family time, and a well-deserved rest! But did you know that the week between Christmas and New Year’s consistently sees record activity on property sites?

According to Rightmove, this is their busiest week on record, as buyers and sellers alike start planning their moves for the year ahead. By waiting until January, you risk missing out on this flurry of attention from eager buyers.

How Does Our ‘Do Not Disturb’ Campaign Work? With our exclusive ‘Do Not Disturb’ package, we take care of everything upfront—professional photography, custom sales brochure, and essential paperwork—so that your property is ready to hit the market exactly when buyer interest is at its peak.

Imagine enjoying the holidays knowing you’re already one step ahead.

What’s more, there’s no need to disrupt your festive plans. By choosing to go live over the holiday period, you’ll get the jump on competitors and attract motivated buyers, all while enjoying your Christmas in peace.

With our ‘Do Not Disturb’ campaign, you can relax over the holidays, knowing your home is perfectly poised to capture the attention it deserves as soon as the New Year begins.

Ready to get started? Click here to instruct us now or book a valuation here and take the first step toward a seamless New Year move!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity—contact us today!

We care about property, we care about you.

Author: Elaine Ford

Are you thinking about buying your first home but unsure where to start? Our Cirencester office is here to help! We’re excited to announce that we’re hosting a special First Time Buyers Event on November 6th, designed to guide you through the home-buying process with confidence.

Join Us for Our First Time Buyers Event

When: Wednesday 6th November
Time: 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm
Place: Perry Bishop Cirencester – 2 Silver Street, GL7 2BL

At this event, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with a knowledgeable mortgage advisor who will explain your options and help you understand what’s needed to secure your first mortgage. Our experienced team will also be on hand to answer any questions you have about the property market, making offers, and everything in between.

Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of homeownership or ready to make your move, this event is a fantastic way to gain expert advice in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Come and meet our friendly team and gain valuable tips on owning your first home – all in a relaxed atmosphere with some light refreshments.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! To reserve your spot or find out more contact us here or email: cirencester@perrybishop.co.uk

We look forward to meeting you.

 

 

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with your mortgage payments.

Author: Elaine Ford

Did you know that certain aromas can encourage prospective buyers to make an offeron your home? Here’s some helpful advice when it comes to scents.

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!

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.

Here are the top six scents to help speed up your house sale of your home:

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.

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!

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.

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?

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?

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
Are you ready to take the next steps, give us a call and book in a FREE no obligation valuation with one of our experienced team.

Alternatively, click here to book a time directly in our diary, or, if you’re not ready for a face-to-face appointment, try our quick online valuation.

We care about property, we care about you.

Author: Elaine Ford

Owning a buy to let and renting out your property can be very rewarding. It can be a way of having a regular income coming in, together with actually owning something that should increase in value over time.

If you are considering renting out a property, there are many things you need to make sure you get right, such as rental income, statutory obligations (e.g. gas and electric certificates), and of course having the right tenants in-situ.

What are the benefits of a Buy To Let?

You’ll have the option of a Buy to Let mortgage – Unless you can fund your property purchase with cash, the chances are that you will need a buy to let mortgage.

For landlords, this is the most popular way of acquiring property, which in itself can benefit you in a number of ways including:

  • Interest only payments
  • Longer mortgage terms
  • Mortgage payments can be offset against tax
  • Less strict regulatory processes
The good news is that there are a number of products and lenders out there to choose from, and you should be able to get a good deal from a lender. Contact Perry Bishop Mortgages for more information.

If you have a larger than average deposit to put down, for example around 35 to 40 per cent, then the deals get even better.

You’ll get potential high returns on your money – When you own a rental property, you should benefit in two ways, financially speaking.

Firstly, you’ll have a monthly income stream coming in. If you’ve done your sums right and have a rental income that produces a good yield, then this is good news.

Secondly, you should see your property price go upwards over the years. Despite everything, property is still seen as a sound investment. We know for example that as soon as a rental property in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse is marketed, then we get a huge number of enquiries.

Top Tip – Do your homework. If you need help making sure everything adds up, talk to us and we’ll do our best to help you.

You’ll diversify the risks – It’s fair to say that the economy has taken a battering over recent months. High street shops and large businesses have come a cropper because of lockdowns and uncertainties over investment going forward. Where previously you may have been certain of your other investments, perhaps now there’s an added element of risk.

If you have a few pounds stashed away in various projects or investments and are worried what the future might hold, property in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse is still seen as a sound investment with good returns.

Again though, you must do the maths and look at interest and repayments and make sure the rental income covers not only fixed costs, but also maintenance and the other expenses associated with rental properties.

Top Tip – Seek the advice of a trusted lettings and property expert to find out which areas will present the best opportunity for rental incomes. Give our experienced team a call – they are on hand to give you professional advice.

You can help friends and family – We’ve seen a trend recently of people investing in buy to let properties as a way of helping friends and family out, while at the same time building up a property portfolio.

It’s an interesting concept and will not be for everyone but if you know someone going to college or university, it could be a way of generating useful cashflow.

Top Tip – There are rules and regulations that tenants and landlords have to abide by whether your tenant is someone known to you or not! It’s probably even more important to get it right if you rent to friends or family as you won’t want conflict in the future.

These are just some of the benefits to owning a buy to let property. There are many things to think about, so if you would like some expert help, do give us a call and we’ll talk you through it.

Give us a call, let us help you take the next step into your future investment.

 

Author: Elaine Ford

Welcome to Siddington Park, a lifestyle village exclusively for the over 60s where you can enjoy a spacious new apartment in a village setting among beautifully landscaped gardens, on the outskirts of the thriving Roman market town of Cirencester, the capital of the Cotswolds.

Introducing “The Pavilion” exclusive services for owners – Click on the image below and Nicola our Associate Director will show you around.

Welcome to the Pavilion at Rangeford Siddington, the heart of the community, the hub of social activity where a new chapter of vibrant living begins! We’ve been waiting for this moment, and it does not disappoint.

This is the place for meeting with friends old and new over a midday coffee, or hire the private dining room for a special occasion with your family. It also houses the wellbeing spa with swimming pool, hydro pool, sauna and steam room, and the gym, dance studio and craft room. Join other Rangeford residents in the lounge cinema for an evening film or out on a trip courtesy of the village transport.

You can choose to be as relaxed or active as you wish.

Nestled within the stunning grounds of Siddington Park, The Pavilion is a vibrant community hub designed to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike. This beautifully crafted space offers a perfect blend of modern elegance and cozy charm, making it a go-to destination for relaxation, socialising, and hosting special events.

With floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the interior in natural light and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding parkland, The Pavilion creates an inviting atmosphere where nature and architecture harmoniously co-exist.

At the heart of The Pavilion is the state-of-the-art wellbeing spa, featuring a luxurious swimming pool, hydro pool, sauna, and steam room—perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating both body and mind.

For those focused on fitness, the fully equipped gym and dance studio provide ample opportunities to stay active, while the craft room invites residents to explore their creative side.

Ready to Experience Luxury Living at Siddington Park?

Schedule a private tour today and discover the beautiful homes we have for sale, all designed to complement the vibrant lifestyle and exceptional amenities at Siddington Park. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this stunning community your new home!

 

Author: Elaine Ford

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, looking to remortgage, or considering a buy-to-let investment, our expert advisors are here to guide you through every step of the mortgage process.

We understand that buying a home or arranging a remortgage can be a complex and sometimes overwhelming process, thats why we offer an in-house Mortgage and Financial Services Department to support you every step of the way.

We have access to the whole of the market, we are uniquely positioned to find the most suitable and competitive mortgage deals available, providing you with comprehensive and unbiased options.

Whether you’re a first time buyer, looking to remortgage or investing in property, our experts will guide you through the options available and secure a mortgage that suits your financial situation. Additionally, our mortgage services are available even if you’re not moving with Perry Bishop.

We understand that every client’s financial situation is unique and will work closely with you to understand your goals and tailor our services to meet your specific needs, ensuring you receive the best possible advice and support.

Give us a call today and let us help secure your next move or email us mortgages@perrybishop.co.uk

(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

Author: Elaine Ford

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, many people think that the property market starts to cool down. However, at Perry Bishop, we know that Autumn is actually one of the most active and successful times of the year for selling and letting homes.

Serious Buyers and Tenants are on the move

Autumn attracts serious buyers and tenants who are eager to make a move before the year ends. These individuals often have clear goals—whether it’s settling into a new home before the holiday season, starting fresh in the new year, or finalising a move before winter sets in. Their strong motivation means they’re more likely to make quick decisions, and they’re often prepared to be more flexible and consider a property even if it doesn’t meet all their criteria. This determination makes the selling and letting process smoother and faster.

Homes look their best
There’s something undeniably charming about homes in the autumn. The warm, golden light of the season enhances curb appeal, while the cozy interiors make properties feel inviting. This natural beauty can be a significant advantage when selling or letting your home, as it helps potential buyers and tenants envision themselves living in the space.

Less competition, more attention
While spring and summer are often seen as the peak times for the property market, they can also be crowded with listings. By contrast, autumn typically sees fewer properties on the market, which means your home has a better chance of standing out. With less competition, you’re more likely to attract serious offers from buyers and tenants who are keen to make a move.

A Busy Time for Relocations
Autumn is a prime time for relocations, whether due to job changes, family needs, or other life events. Many people want to secure a new home before the year ends, leading to increased activity in the property market. This heightened demand often translates into more viewings, more offers, and ultimately, more sales and lets.

Why Choose Perry Bishop This Autumn?
At Perry Bishop, we understand the unique advantages of selling and letting in the autumn. Our experienced team know how to leverage the season’s benefits to ensure your property receives the attention it deserves. We tailor our marketing strategies to highlight the best aspects of your home, attract motivated buyers and tenants, and achieve successful results.

Don’t Wait—The Time to Act Is Now
If you’re considering selling or letting your property, autumn is the perfect time to do it. With motivated buyers and tenants, stunning natural appeal, and the support of Perry Bishop’s expert team, you’re set up for success.

Get Started Today
Ready to take advantage of the busiest and most productive time of the year? Contact us today to discuss how we can help you sell or let your property this autumn.  Alternatively click here to schedule a time and date directly into our diaries.

Let’s make the most of this vibrant season together!

We care about property, we care about you.

Author: Elaine Ford

For sellers who are moving for the first time in decades, it can be a stressful time. There are many reasons why you may wish to sell your property after you’ve lived in it for countless years. It can be hard to take the plunge and you may not know how to get started with the process. Read below our top tips to point you in the right direction:

The Principles Haven’t Changed

Although you may find the idea of selling up rather daunting, it’s important to remember that the principles haven’t changed since the last time you moved home.

You still need to market and present your home well, ensure it has an appropriate asking price, and get a good conveyancing solicitor and estate agent to work with you.

Give our experienced team a call who will be happy to talk you through the entire selling process, or visit our website.

Cleaning Out Your Home

When you live in a house for any length of time, you accumulate a lot of items! It’s important to have your home tidy and clean when prospective purchasers come to view it.

Therefore, it makes sense to start getting rid of any items you no longer want or need before listing your home for sale. We can give you helpful advice about how to best present your property for sale.

Dealing With Your Emotions

One element that may surprise you is how emotional your move may be. As you pack away your belongings and clear each room, you’ll find items with sentimental value and need to decide what to do with them.

Whenever possible, ask relatives or friends to help you with this process, and schedule some time every day to complete this task so you can overcome your emotions and feelings by the time your moving day comes around.

I Haven’t Got A Property To Move To Yet – Should I Consider Selling?

You may believe you can’t start the selling process if you haven’t found another home to move to, however that isn’t the case at all. In fact, you could find it easier to secure another property once you’ve already sold your existing home, since sellers may not want to wait for your sale to go through.

There is a high demand for property in the Cotswolds and the Vale of the White Horse at the moment, so there’s never been a better time to list your home for sale.

Should you make a rapid sale, you’ll still have several months before the transaction is complete during which time you can negotiate the terms under which you’re happy to leave your property. Keen buyers will almost always be prepared to wait.

If you’re ready to put your property on the market, or if you’re ready to learn more about the process of selling your home, don’t hesitate, get in touch with us today.

We’re looking forward to helping make your move a smooth and stress-free one.

We care about property, we care about you.