Category: Chamberlains Updates

As winter fades, it’s time to prepare your garden for spring, turning it into a perfect spot for birds and bees. These critters are not just fun to watch but essential for keeping your garden vibrant and helping local wildlife thrive. Here are six simple tips to make your garden the place to be for these helpful visitors.

Choose local plants: Stick to plants that are native to our area. They’re already adapted to the climate, and local pollinators love them. Lavender, foxgloves and wildflowers are excellent choices, providing year-round food.

Add a water spot: A birdbath or a shallow dish with pebbles and water makes a great pit-stop for thirsty bees, butterflies and birds. It’s a small addition that can make a big difference.

Say no to pesticides: Chemicals can harm the very guests you’re trying to attract. Go for natural ways to keep pests at bay, like companion planting or encouraging predators like ladybirds. It’s safer for pets and kids, too.

Build homes: From birdhouses to bee hotels, give these creatures a place to rest or nest in your garden. You can also leave some areas a bit wild to provide natural shelter.

Offer varied habitats: A mix of trees, shrubs and different types of flowers caters to various needs, from food to nesting places. Adding structures like trellises for climbing plants can spice things up.

Use bright colours: Vibrant flowers attract pollinators, so dot your garden with reds, yellows, purples and blues. Not only will it look gorgeous, but it’ll also be buzzing with activity.

Why bother?

Encouraging pollinators in your garden helps plants reproduce, giving you more fruits and flowers. Plus, it supports biodiversity, keeping our environment healthy. Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful garden AND contribute to a thriving, sustainable ecosystem.

Thanks for reading.

If you’re looking for a new family home in Teignbridge, viewings will play a key role in your quest to find ‘The One’.

 

While marketing photos and virtual tours serve an important purpose, nothing rivals seeing the décor, layout and location with your own eyes.

 

Viewings also give buyers the chance to discuss the property with the agent and learn more about its history and the seller’s situation.

 

With all this in mind, where does that leave parents? Should they take their offspring to viewings or make other arrangements for their children?

 

There’s no right or wrong answer: it depends on your circumstances and your children.

 

But here’s a list of the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide.

 

Pros

• You can observe how your kids react to a property. If their immediate response is positive, you know you’re on to a good thing. Alternatively, if they start arguing over who gets which bedroom, as one is significantly bigger than the other, you’ve got some thinking to do.
• Your children may have a different perspective and highlight aspects you might not have noticed.
• If children are involved in the process, they’re more likely to feel optimistic about moving. Considering their views may help you avoid moving-day tears.
• If a seller has a strong emotional attachment to the property, they may wish to see it go to a family and so look more favourably on your offer. (We’ve known buyers joke about taking other people’s kids to viewings so that they can play the ‘family card’.)
• It gives sellers a good idea of where you’re coming from and your motivation.

 

Cons

• Your children could be a distraction, meaning you can’t give the property your full attention. You may fail to notice the opportunity of a doer-upper or spot potential problems.
• Your kids could break or spill something, leaving you red-faced.
• If your child is struggling to adjust to the idea of moving, they may find viewings unsettling.
• Your child may fall in love with a property you dislike and feel disappointed when you don’t buy it.

Suggestion

 

If you can get childcare, consider attending first viewings unaccompanied. Take your offspring to second viewings so that they’re only seeing properties that are real contenders.

Looking to buy or sell in Teignbridge ? Contact us here at Chamberlains today to discuss your property needs.

 

Did you know that HMRC plans to introduce new rules on how landlords file their tax returns?

 

Here’s an update on what these changes involve and a timeline for when they’ll come into force.

 

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is an initiative designed to streamline the tax system by fully digitising it.

 

As MTD has been mooted for quite some time and its implementation delayed twice already, you may have already heard about it.

 

But if you’re hazy on the details or have buried your head in the sand about it because tax talk bores you silly, here’s a reminder.

 

MTD will require landlords and the self-employed to:

• Keep digital records of all income and expenditure.
• Send HMRC quarterly updates.
• Submit an end-of-year final declaration.
• Use approved third-party software when reporting to HMRC.

 

HMRC plans to phase in the new system gradually. The current timeline for MTD compliance is:

• 6 April 2026, if your annual business or property income tops £50,000.
• 6 April 2027, if your annual business or property income tops £30,000.

 

There is no news yet about those with incomes below £30,000, but no doubt that will come later.

 

What happens to landlords who don’t comply?

 

HMRC has concocted a (somewhat convoluted) points-based penalty system for people who fail to comply. If, for example, you submit incorrect information or don’t use the appropriate software, you’ll accumulate points. When you accrue a certain number of points, you’ll be fined. The more points, the bigger the fine.

 

Will MTD have a significant impact on landlords?

 

A well-organised landlord who already maintains digital records may just have to check if their software is MTD compliant and adjust to more regular reporting deadlines.

 

However, if you’re the kind of person who always has a last-minute panic when your tax return deadline looms, and files receipts down the back of the sofa, you’re in for a big change.

 

Whichever category you fall into, it’s worth thinking about MTD now. Even though its introduction is still some way off, the deadlines will come around quickly enough.

 

Also, it can take time to implement a new system, and you may need to purchase new software. As you accumulate points for every error in your reporting, the number of fines you rack up could quickly grow if you’re sloppy.

 

Many landlords find going digital with their accounts a more efficient way to run their portfolios.

 

It means all relevant records are in one place and easily accessible, enabling them to monitor cash flow closely.

 

If you’d like more advice on preparing for MTD, please contact us here at Chamberlains today.

It’s been described as a curse of modern times.

It’s omnipresent in most of our everyday lives.

And for some, its impact is dangerous and, in the worst-case scenarios, deadly.

 

In the tune of the 1990 hip-hop hit – let’s talk about stress.

April is Stress Awareness Month, a perfect time to discover new relaxation and stress relief techniques.

 

Beyond the usual advice, let’s take a look at some pretty unique activities:

 

Forest bathing: Immerse yourself in nature with forest bathing, a practice proven to reduce stress hormones and boost mood. A good walk in the woods should do it.

 

Sound healing: Experience how Tibetan singing bowls and other instruments use vibrations to soothe the mind and relieve stress.

 

Ecotherapy: Connecting with the earth through activities like gardening or conservation is proven to help people find more inner peace.

 

Laughter yoga: Merge laughter with yoga breathing for a fun way to reduce stress and improve health.

 

Adult colouring: The simple act of colouring can focus the mind and provide a stress-free escape. Switch off your phone and get your colouring pencils out.

 

Virtual reality relaxation: Step into another world with VR. From peaceful beaches to serene forests, VR can transport you away from daily stressors, providing a unique form of relaxation.

 

DIY craft projects: Engaging in crafts, from knitting to DIY home décor, can be meditative and reduce anxiety. The focus required helps divert attention from stressors to the task at hand, promoting a sense of achievement and calm.

 

Stress-free property experience

This April, and every month of the year, we’re committed to offering a seamless and stress-free estate agency experience. Whether you’re buying or selling, letting or renting, we aim to simplify the process, ensuring you feel supported and at ease from start to finish.

We might even throw in a bit of laughter yoga for you.

 

Thanks for reading.

Are you planning to sell your home this year?

Or just curious about what your property may be worth in the current market?

Good news – this article will give you five easy-to-follow tips highlighting how effectively staging your home can boost its appeal to potential buyers.

Styling your home can also potentially speed up the sale and even increase the value of offers you receive.

 

Let’s dive into the tips.

• Declutter and depersonalise

Start by decluttering each room to make your home appear more spacious and inviting. Remove personal items such as family photos, memorabilia and anything else that might distract buyers from imagining themselves living there. A minimalist approach helps highlight the property’s features rather than its contents.

 

• A fresh coat of paint

Refresh your walls with a lick of paint in neutral colours. Light, airy shades like off-white, beige or light grey can make spaces appear larger and brighter, appealing to a broader range of buyers. This simple update can add value to your home without breaking the bank.

 

• Maximise natural light

Make sure your home is well-lit to make it feel warm and welcoming. Keep windows clean and curtains drawn back to let natural light in. If any area of your home feels a little dark, consider adding mirrors to reflect light and make the space feel larger.

 

• Tidy up outdoor spaces

First impressions count. Tidy up your garden, mow the lawn and ensure bins are out of sight. A welcoming entrance and a neat and tidy garden can make a strong initial impression on potential buyers, making them more eager to see what’s inside.

 

• Address little niggles

Take care of any small repairs around the house – fix leaky taps, squeaky doors or chipped paint. These details might seem minor, but they can suggest a well-maintained home to interested buyers.

 

Ready to take the next step in your home selling journey? Our team at Chamberlains is here to provide you with personalised guidance, from staging to sale.

 

Our in-depth knowledge of the Teignbridge market and our commitment to exceptional service ensure your property will stand out to the right buyers.

Don’t leave your home sale to chance.

Contact us today to discover how our expertise can lead to your success.

Owning a rental property isn’t just about what happens while tenants are in place; effectively managing periods when your property is unoccupied is equally important.

Every landlord faces void periods as a natural part of property letting, making it essential to prepare financially and strategically to manage its impact.

Void periods mean not only the loss of rental income but also the burden of continuing to pay the mortgage, utilities (including standing charges) and council tax without money coming in from tenants.

It was once common for local councils to offer a grace period for council tax on empty properties, but with budget pressures, these reliefs are increasingly rare.

 

Here are some ways you can manage and minimise void periods.

 

Financial preparedness: Always have funds set aside to cover expenses during unoccupied periods.

 

Council tax awareness: Stay informed about your local council’s policies on empty properties to budget effectively.

 

Proactive maintenance: Use the notice period to enhance the property and carry out any necessary decorative or remedial works to bring the property back up to scratch and make it more attractive to future tenants.

 

Insurance considerations: Ensure your insurance covers void periods and consider additional policies for longer voids.

 

Tips to protect your property investment

 

Continuous maintenance: Keep your property in top condition to attract and retain tenants.

 

Be responsive: A good relationship with your tenants can encourage longer stays.

 

Professional assistance: Consider employing a letting agent to manage the property, especially if you’re short on time and need an experienced expert.

 

Seasonal planning: Recognise the challenges of letting during quieter periods, such as Christmas, and plan accordingly.

 

Contact us –

At Chamberlains, we’re here to help Teignbridge landlords thrive, offering comprehensive property management services to minimise void periods and maximise your rental yields.

Get in touch to learn more about how we can help you.

Easter celebrations in Britain traditionally involve hot cross buns, bonnet parades and lots of chocolate.

 

But how do other countries celebrate this special occasion?

 

Let’s take a look at some of the different ways people around the world mark Easter.

 

Finland

 

While we typically associate witches with Halloween, it’s a very different story in Finland. Young children dress as witches at Easter and roam the streets carrying willow twigs decorated with shiny paper and coloured fabric.

 

They go from door to door seeking treats and, in return, offer blessings to ward off evil spirits.

 

Papua New Guinea

 

The Papua New Guineans have come up with a rather surprising alternative to the Easter egg hunt. Because chocolate doesn’t last long in the sweltering heat, people hide cigarettes in the trees outside local churches.

 

Following the Easter service, the congregants search out these hidden tobacco items instead.

 

Greece

 

You can expect to see an eye-catching bowl of red eggs served on Easter Sunday in Greek Orthodox households. The hard-boiled eggs are dyed a deep, crimson colour by mixing yellow onion skins (the dry outer layer you peel off and usually throw away) with boiling water and a dash of white vinegar.

 

The red shells represent the blood of Christ, while the egg symbolises rebirth. The cracking of the egg, which is done around the table, represents the opening of Jesus’s tomb.

 

Norway

 

The Scandis are known for their chill-you-to-the-bone crime dramas, often referred to as Nordic Noir. So, where did this fascination with dark tales originate? Perhaps it’s got something to do with the Norwegian tradition of Påskekrim, which means Easter crime.

 

It all started in 1923 with a front-page advert in a national newspaper for a book entitled ‘The Bergen Train Was Robbed in the Night’. Many readers were duped into thinking the incident was real, and the ensuing publicity meant the book was a hit.

 

Since then, canny publishers hoping to cash in have released new crime fiction to coincide with Påskekrim. In recent years, broadcasters have followed suit by airing new crime dramas for people to watch over their Easter break.

 

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

You can always tell when someone is really interested in buying your home by the number of questions they ask.

There are the usual suspects like:

• Where are the best schools?
• What are the neighbours like?
• Is it easy to park?
• And how much is council tax?

But it also pays to prepare for some unexpected questions.

In our experience, those less-asked questions highlight how interested a potential buyer is. It’s the opposite of a ‘tyre kickers’ approach.

Below are four questions to mull over.

Delving into the depths

Buyers may dig deeper than the surface, asking about the land’s history or even its geological stability. Did you know that an old well beneath your lawn or the prospect of flooding can raise eyebrows? Prepare yourself with local knowledge to ensure you’re not caught off balance.

Connectivity is key

The fibre-optic era has seen broadband speeds catapult into most homebuyers’ priority lists. Gone are the days when the number of fireplaces in a home was the deal-breaker – today, it’s all about megabits per second. Ask your wi-fi provider for details.

The energy factor

In a world where every watt counts, be ready to shed light on the facts about your home’s energy efficiency. Whether it’s the type of insulation you have or the eco-friendly solar panels you’ve installed, these details can make your home stand out and give you an edge over similar properties.

 

The secret life of gardens

And then there’s the question that often sees homeowners puzzled: “Which way does the garden face?” Sun-chasers and shade-seekers alike want to know about the light that bathes your garden. Whether it’s south-facing for all-day sun or north-facing for delicate plants, the orientation of your garden can, for some buyers, be a pivotal factor ahead of making an offer.

Are you thinking of selling this spring? Contact us today to have all your home-moving questions answered by our team of experts.

 

What’s the most common reason for landlords finding themselves in hot water and needing to make an insurance claim?

 

The answer, according to one insurance company* at least, is ‘escape of water’. This term covers everything from burst pipes and defective washing machines to leaky loos and dripping taps.

 

In a recent report, the firm revealed that 35.5% of all claims paid to landlords were related to water damage.

 

And while most claims totalled a few thousand pounds**, some were for much, much more. (Spare a thought for the landlord who had to claim £145,000 after a slow leak in the bathroom rotted the floor of the entire building.)

 

So, what can landlords do to reduce the risk of leaks, burst pipes and other water-related damage?

 

Here are some top tips.

• Encourage tenants to report problems as soon as they notice them so you can rectify them promptly.
• When carrying out inspections, don’t forget to check for leaks, including subtle signs such as marks appearing on the ceiling. Be particularly vigilant if you have an ageing property.
• Replace washers on dripping taps.
• Remember that when pipes freeze, they’re more prone to bursting. Cover pipes in outdoor areas and colder parts of your rental with lagging to prevent this.
• At the start of a tenancy, show your tenants where the stopcock and fuse box are located. If there’s a leak, they should turn the mains water off at the stopcock. Once they’ve done this, they should switch off the electricity supply.
• If you have an old water storage tank, insulate it with a ‘hot water jacket’.
• Keep gutters and drains clear of leaves and debris.
• Schedule your annual boiler service in your calendar so you don’t fall behind.
• If a tenant is going away on holiday, ask them to turn off the stopcock. In winter, suggest they programme the heating to come on each day to prevent the pipes from freezing.
• Ensure your landlord insurance is up to date.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can help manage and protect your property, contact us at Chamberlains today.

 

* Source: Total Landlord insurance.

** The average burst pipes claim through Total Landlord insurance was £2,596 between 2019 and 2023.

Don’t have time to be a domestic god or goddess and give your home a full spring clean?

 

Well, why not do the next best thing and declutter a few key areas of your property.

 

Scientific studies have shown that clutter can negatively impact mental health and productivity.

 

So, by turfing out unwanted and unnecessary items, you’ll face spring with a greater sense of calm and focus.

 

Here’s a list of things you should purge from your property this spring.

 

In the kitchen

 

Raid the freezer and throw out anything that’s been there for more than a year – if you haven’t eaten it by now, it’s unlikely that you ever will, and it’s just taking up valuable space.

 

Also, go through your pantry and bin out-of-date items such as condiments and tinned food.

 

Cooking oils can also degrade over time, so if it’s a bit on the nose, it’s got to go.

 

Now it’s time to turn your attention to your Tupperware drawer. Any plastic containers that don’t have a lid should go in the recycling bin.

 

Bathroom

 

Dispose of out-of-date medicines and old cosmetics (which can cause skin and eye irritation). Also, check the expiry date on sunscreen products, which typically have a three-year shelf life. Expired sunscreen can increase the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

 

If you have a stash of hotel toiletries rolling around in the back of a drawer, ask yourself if you’ll ever use them. If the honest answer is no, give them to someone who will.

 

Bedroom

 

One of life’s mysteries is that socks always seem to vanish into thin air.

 

Where do they go? We don’t know. But it’s time to face facts and ditch that pile of single socks you’ve been holding onto in the vain hope that you’ll be able to make a pair someday soon. It’s not going to happen.

 

Other items to get rid of include unused coat hangers, underwear that’s seen better days (your lucky pants may have lost their magic) and knackered pillows that are as flat as pancakes (they’re probably harbouring dust mites).

 

From all of us here at Chamberlains, happy decluttering.