Month: December 2023

Are you playing host to family and friends at home this year? If so, why not make this most wonderful time of the year a little less wasteful?

 

By following a few simple steps, you can eat, drink and be merry – and kinder to the environment.

 

 

Shop local

 

Reduce your food miles by sourcing your cooking produce from farm shops or local suppliers that sell homegrown goods. Opt for seasonal veg such as cauliflower, parsnips and Brussels sprouts.

 

Plan your purchases

 

Many people buy too much food out of concern that they might run out on the big day. But usually, there’s more than enough to go around. Plan your shop carefully so you don’t overbuy (this will save you money, too). If you do buy a few extras, make sure they’re non-perishable.

 

Give away leftovers

 

Once the festivities are over, give any excess food away via the local sharing app Olio. You can give fresh and non-perishable items, along with any unwanted presents.

 

 

Recycle

 

It may sound obvious to mention recycling, but every Christmas in the UK, 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging that could be recycled goes to landfill*. Make sure you recycle all the packaging from food and presents. Also, see if your local council runs a Christmas tree recycling scheme. Many councils turn the trees into woodchips and use them in parks and public areas.

 

Reuse

 

Did you know that in the UK, we throw away 277,000 miles of Christmas wrapping paper each year?**One way we can turn this statistic around is to reuse wrapping paper wherever we can. So instead of binning all your paper after opening your presents, keep the larger pieces and use them again next year.

 

From all of us here at Chamberlains, we hope you have a fabulous festive season and look forward to seeing you in the new year.

 

 

 

*Source: GWP Group

** Source: GWP Group

 

What do Oxford Street in London’s West End, Salerno in Italy and Dyker Heights in Brooklyn have in common?

If you’ve answered this question correctly, you’re clearly a fan of festive cheer.

These locations are renowned for their spectacular Christmas lights displays.

Over 1,700 snowflake decorations and 750,000 LED lightbulbs illuminate Oxford Street.

The Luci d’Artista festival in Salerno, running from early December to the end of January, features stunning light installations by talented artists.

Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, known as one of the most Christmassy places in New York, sees dozens of homes transformed with extravagant Christmas decorations, including life-sized Santas, sleighs and snowmen.

However, the Christmas lights phenomenon isn’t just about showmanship.

It’s often a means to support local charities and community groups.

Take, for example, the story of Dave Edwards from the Hertfordshire village of Croxley Green, affectionately known as Mr Christmas.

Dave, who passed away in 2021, began his light display with his wife 44 years ago as a friendly competition with a neighbour.

Over the years, this became a local tourist attraction, with celebrities turning on the lights at his modest semi-detached home, which was transformed into a Winter Wonderland for six weeks each year.

These lights raised an average of £5,000 annually, benefiting local and national charities.

In 2020, when Dave’s health declined, and his family announced the last display, the village community came together, creating their own displays in his honour.

During the final switch-off, his daughter Sharon encouraged locals to continue lighting up their neighbourhood in her parents’ memory, keeping the spirit of Christmas alive.

Over to you

Which house or street in our area hosts your favourite Christmas lights? Drop us a message to let us know. On behalf of all at Chamberlains, we wish you a very Merry Christmas.

There’s no doubt that 2023 was challenging for the private rental sector, but looking ahead, landlords have plenty of reasons to be cheerful.

 

While no one knows precisely what will happen in 2024, economists believe interest rates and inflation have peaked, and that the economy will continue to rally.

 

Here’s an idea of what forecasters predict for the next 12 months*.

 

Demand

 

The long-term imbalance between supply and demand in the property market shows no sign of abating. So, the strong levels of demand and high occupancy seen this year look set to continue. Zoopla predicts rental growth of 5% to 6% in 2024 (this year, it nudged 9%).

 

Changing search criteria

 

As a result of the increased cost of renting, there has been a rise in renters sharing with other people, looking for homes in cheaper areas and looking at smaller properties. The latter is part of a long-term trend. The Resolution Foundation says that over the past two decades, there’s been a 16% reduction in floor space per renter.

 

Energy efficiency

 

The high cost of heating and powering a home means many tenants are paying closer attention to the energy efficiency of a property – a trend expected to continue into 2024. About 57% of renters say they’d be less likely to look at a property if it had a very poor energy rating (Shawbrook Bank).

 

Mortgages

 

After several rises in interest rates this year, the tide appears to be turning. The Bank of England base rate is currently stable and could fall to 4% by the end of 2024 (Source: Berenberg Bank) and 3% by the end of 2025 (Source: Capital Economics).

 

It’s unlikely we’ll see a return to the historic lows we saw a few years ago, but many will welcome the fact that the mortgage market appears to be steadying.

 

Meanwhile, landlords should also expect to enjoy a wide product choice when arranging a mortgage. Back in October 2022 (when we were all reeling from the ‘mini’ budget), there were 1,000 buy-to-let fixed-rate and variable products on the market. A year later, that figure has grown to 2,500 (Source: Moneyfactscompare.co.uk).

 

Inflation

 

This year, inflation had a noticeable effect on the cost of materials and labour for repairs and renovation. However, change is afoot. Price rises are slowing (inflation was 4.6% in October, down from 6.3% the month before). Number crunchers at the Bank of England expect inflation to be 2% by the end of 2025.

 

If you’d like more insights on the local rental market, contact us here at Chamberlains today.

 

*None of us has a crystal ball. The figures in this article are predictions, not guarantees.

 

The Danes are a contented bunch, with the nation regularly topping global happiness surveys (yes, they really are a thing).

 

This year, for example, Denmark finished second in the World Happiness Report, while the Brits languished back in 19th place.

 

So, what is it about the Danish lifestyle that makes them so darn chipper?

 

Many believe it comes down to ‘lykke’, the Danish word for happiness (not to be confused with ‘hygge’, which means cosiness).

 

When the good folk at the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen (yep, that’s a thing too) drilled down into the secrets of lykke, they found several things contributed to a person’s satisfaction with life.

 

Many of these factors are also present in other happy cultures around the world, proving happiness isn’t just for hardy Viking types. Here are some of the key components of lykke.

 

Togetherness: People who feel a sense of belonging are happier and healthier. Spending time with family and friends or getting involved with a local club or community group is a great way to achieve a sense of lykke.

 

Money: While having food on the table and a roof over your head is important, once you’ve covered your basic needs, obsessing over material wealth won’t make you happier. Instead, enjoy simple pleasures such as walking the dog or reading a good book. And if you are going to spend money, invest in experiences that will expand your mind and create memories.

 

Work/life balance: The Danes work hard in the office but feel no guilt about clocking off on time to do other things. This explains why the average working week in Denmark is 33 hours*. While not all of us will have employers who are quite so understanding, consistently working long hours can lead to stress and burnout.

 

Health: We all know exercise is important for your physical and mental health. But instead of pumping iron at the gym, the Danes tend to incorporate exercise into daily life. Many Danes cycle to work – Copenhagen is the most bike-friendly capital city in the world. And they don’t let bad weather stop them from spending time in the great outdoors (Denmark is colder and darker in winter than the UK).

 

Kindness: This can involve providing financial or practical support to a charity of your choice or simply doing something thoughtful for another person. A small, considerate gesture can put a big smile on someone’s face.

 

From all of us here at Chamberlains, thanks for reading. We’d love to hear if you have a happy place or a favourite activity. Comment below.

 

*Source: OECD

If you’re mulling over a move next year, you’ve probably thought of many scenarios, dreams and potential headaches.

This includes things like:

• How will I get the best price for my home?
• Where are the catchment areas for the best schools?
• How will our family react to moving?

When families are involved, our advice is to make your children feel part of the process and listen to their thoughts, concerns and ideas, which helps them (and you) get their head around things.

We asked a tweenager, a child between 10 and 12 years old, whose family recently sold and moved to another home, what was on her mind as events unfolded.

It makes illuminating reading.

• Freedom

I was so excited to get my own room and not have to share it with my little sister.

• Closer friendships

I was happy to be moving closer to my friends.

• Excitement

I was excited to see the new house as soon as possible after Mum and Dad chose it.

• Anxiety

I was worried about getting the new house because something happened that stopped us from moving when we were supposed to (a glitch in the property chain).

• The best bit

One of the best bits about moving to a new house was that we could now get a dog.

• The great outdoors

The new house is bigger so it’s great to play with my sister in it, e.g. hide and seek, tag and I’ve now got space to practise my gymnastics outside.

• Bathroom bliss

There are more bathrooms here, which is good because we are a big family.

• Missing stuff

It was annoying when our house was all packed up, ready to move, because I couldn’t find my stuff.

Reflections and advice

We asked our ‘tweenage’ mover for advice for anyone in her age group whose family are moving home. Here’s what she shared.

• If you’re worried about the move, talk to someone about your feelings.

 

• Think of the fun parts of moving – maybe a bigger room, nearer friends, a new home.

 

• Always look for the positives.

Considering a family move? Contact us today for friendly, experienced and expert advice.

Landlords are often portrayed as Grinch-like characters.

Devoid of fun, lacking humanity and relentlessly greedy.

In our experience, working with dozens of landlords across Teignbridge, this Scrooge stereotype simply isn’t true.

In fact, we often get contacted by generous landlords seeking ideas to spread a little Christmas cheer to their tenants.

So, with that in mind, ho, ho, how’s this for five little things that can make a big difference when it comes to building goodwill and rapport?

• Personalised simplicity

A handwritten Christmas card can go a long way. Tailor each message to show you know and value your tenants. It’s the thought that counts, and this personal touch gets remembered.

• Feelgood festive treats

Everybody loves a goody bag – especially at Christmas. Assemble small bags of seasonal treats like chocolates, biscuits or even a small Christmas ornament. It’s a sweet gesture that brightens your tenant’s day, making them feel good and showing you value them.

• Seasonal upgrades

Consider minor seasonal upgrades to the property – a new doormat or improved lighting for these darker months. It may be your investment / property, but it’s worth remembering it’s also your tenant’s home.

• A winter warmer

Offer a winter maintenance check-up, ensuring heating systems run efficiently and the property is weather-proof. It’s a practical ‘gift’ demonstrating your commitment to your tenant’s comfort.

• Recognition of loyalty

Acknowledge long-term tenants with a token of appreciation for their loyalty, such as a local coffee shop / restaurant / gift shop voucher. It recognises their tenure and supports local businesses – a double dose of festive goodwill.

A little Christmas cheer from landlords can make a big impact.

Whether it’s a personal card, a festive treat, thoughtful property upgrades, a timely maintenance check or a heartfelt token of appreciation, these gestures build goodwill and show tenants they’re valued.

Contact us today to find out how we help landlords find and keep great tenants throughout the year.

A family gathering.

Giving and receiving gifts.

Sentimental seasonal adverts.

All the above can split opinions at Christmas.

Some of us love them, some of us hate them.

And if we’re being honest, the subject of this blog – Christmas jumpers – divides opinion more than Marmite Mince Pies.

But if you’re a fan of festive sweaters, we’ve got good news.

Thursday, 7th December, is the official Christmas Jumper Day.

Here are some tips to step out in seasonal style.

• Raid your wardrobe

Dive into the depths of your wardrobe and rediscover that Christmas jumper you’ve been itching (possibly literally) to wear all year. Whether it’s resplendent with reindeer or sprinkled with snowflakes, it’s time to wear it loud and proud. No jumper? No problem. Local charity shops are treasure troves for these seasonal specialities.

• DIY your way to Yuletide cheer

Feeling crafty? Personalise an old jumper with some festive flair. Tinsel, baubles and handmade patches can transform a plain pullover into a masterpiece of merriment. Plus, it’s a cracking way to upcycle!

• Host a jumper party

Why not throw a bash where the entry fee is a Christmas jumper? Award prizes for the most creative, the funniest and the one that lights up the room ­– literally!

• Fundraise with festive fashion

Many don their knitwear on Christmas Jumper Day to raise money for charity. Whether you contribute a pound to participate or organise a full-blown jumper-themed fundraiser, it’s a wonderful way to give back this Christmas.

• Share the spirit

Post a picture of your festive ensemble on social media with #ChristmasJumperDay. It’s a marvellous way to connect with others and show off your festive spirit.

Whether at home or out and about, let your jumper be a little hug of happiness this 7th December.

Share your Christmas jumpers with your neighbours in Teignbridge by posting a photo of them below!

 

If you’ve decided to put your Teignbridge home on the market in 2024, then there’s one burning question you need to ask yourself.

 

When should I list my property?

 

You may have heard that spring is the best time to list, as traditionally, this is when estate agents do the most business due to a surge in buyers and sellers coming to the market.

 

But dig a little deeper and consider what’s driving buyers in December and January, and you may come to a different conclusion.

 

There are many good reasons why there’s no need to wait – and in fact, delaying listing simply drags out your plans.

 

To help you make up your mind, here are five reasons why you shouldn’t wait to list in spring.

 

Stand out from the crowd – With more properties on the market in spring, there’s more competition. With a greater choice of homes on offer, buyers may be more inclined to negotiate on price.

 

Fewer time wasters – When it comes to buyers, it’s about quality, not quantity. In spring, you can get a fair few ‘tyre kickers’. These are people enjoying having a nosy at a few properties in the sunshine but who haven’t done their homework and aren’t ready to make a serious offer.

Attract more focused buyers – People looking to buy in the colder months are more likely to be driven by a clear purpose. Perhaps they need to move for work or have experienced a relationship breakdown. This means they’ll be more focused and responsive.

New year reset – The seeds of change are often planted over the Christmas period and start to bloom in January. (Which explains why Boxing Day is one of the busiest days of the year in terms of traffic on Zoopla and Rightmove.) It could be that Christmas at home with the family has made someone realise they need more space, or perhaps the penny’s dropped that it’s time to downsize. Whatever the reason, they’ll be ready to act to bring about change.

 

Be in a new home by spring – The selling and buying process takes months, so the sooner you get moving, the sooner you’ll be in your new home. That way, you can spend spring settling into your dream property instead of dealing with viewings, surveyors and lawyers.

 

If you’d like a free property valuation, contact us here at Chamberlains today.

 

Forecasters predict this winter will be cold and dry – making it likely we’ll get lots of snow.

 

While this is excellent news if you’re a skier, if you’re a landlord, it means there’s no room for complacency when it comes to maintenance and repairs.

 

Freezing temperatures can cause all sorts of property damage, so it’s vital that your rental is ready for the tough months ahead.

 

Here’s a list of seven ways to winter-proof your property to avoid expensive repair bills and ensure that you and your tenants can rest easy on cold, dark nights.

• Schedule a chat with your tenant and ask them if any minor issues need looking at (better to hear about problems now and rectify them). Also, check your tenant can locate the stopcock. Explain that if a pipe bursts, they should turn off the mains water to minimise damage.
• Have the boiler checked by a qualified professional and bleed the radiators so that they’re working efficiently.
• Cover pipes that are located outdoors or in colder areas of the property with lagging so that they don’t freeze. A frozen pipe can mean no hot water or heating (a problem in itself), but it can also cause a bigger issue. If the pressure in the system builds up, the pipe could burst and cause extensive damage to floors, walls and ceilings.
• Clear out the gutters and remove any leaves, twigs and moss. Also, check that the water is running off – you don’t want it building up in the guttering or running back onto the property. If this is the case, the water will seep into brick and timberwork and cause dampness.

 

• High winds can wreak havoc on fences and sheds, so ensure that everything is fixed to the ground. Also, look out for wobbly gates or shed doors that don’t close properly (as they’ll flap about when it’s windy).
• Check over your landlord insurance and note down the renewal date (just in case it’s due to expire over the holiday period). Ideally, your policy will cover flooding, water leaks and storm damage.
• If you have outdoor lighting, ensure it’s in good working order. It’s reassuring for your tenants to see what they’re doing if they come home from work in the dark.

 

If you’d like more advice about managing a property over winter or to learn about our property management services, contact us here at Chamberlains today.

 

 

It’s supposedly ‘the season to be jolly’, a once-a-year chance to experience comfort and joy with your nearest and dearest.

But many people (51% of women and 35% of men, to be precise*) find the Christmas period stressful.

The reasons for this anxiety can include the pressure to socialise, the strain of hosting family and the cost of buying presents.

So, how can you ensure you make it through to 25th December without feeling frazzled, irritable or worried about money?

Here are five ways you can enjoy the spirit of the season without burning out.

Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ sometimes

December can be a frantic month with Christmas parties, work and family commitments all making demands on your time. Some people thrive on this relentless pace, but if you’re not one of them, politely decline some invitations. Instead, arrange to meet people in January when you’ve more time and energy.

Avoid overindulging

Mince pies, Yule logs, pigs in blankets, eggnog, mulled wine – no doubt there’ll be plenty of food and drink on offer to you this month. But if you don’t want to feel sluggish on Christmas Day (and do want to be able to do your trousers up), pace yourself. Enjoy a little bit of what you fancy, but don’t overdo it.

Keep things simple

If your to-do list is a mile long and making you anxious, pare things back or delegate a few jobs to other people. Focus on the simple pleasures that make you feel at ease, and don’t worry too much about keeping up with the Joneses or whoever else you follow on social media.

Remember, it’s the thought that counts

While it’s lovely to give and receive gifts, they don’t have to be expensive. Don’t feel guilty if you can’t afford costly toys or designer goods. A thoughtful, modest gift that shows you care is what matters most. Or you could give a gift that costs nothing. Promise to babysit for a friend or take an elderly relative out for the afternoon; the gift of time can be the most precious of all.

Take it easy

It’s called the ‘holiday season’ for a reason. Ensure you get a chance to put your feet up at some point. Schedule in a few days where you don’t see anyone (other than those you live with) and don’t do anything. Make time to recharge your batteries.

From all of us here at Chamberlains, we hope you have a safe and happy festive season.

* Source: YouGov