Make the Most of Recycle Awareness Week in South Devon.

This two-minute read takes a look at Recycle Awareness Week and what we can do this week and beyond.

Recycle Now has been running Recycle Awareness Week annually, with 2021 being its 18^th year. The emphasis is on celebrating how many of us are recycling and ensuring we all continue to do so.

As the Zero-Waste Chef blogger Anne-Marie Bonneau said: “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”

Here are some ways you can work on waste.

Plastic packaging waste

Plastic packaging is important to protect food wastage through the economic journey. However, it is also the largest contributor to worldwide plastic waste.

Top tips:

• Use reusable beeswax food wrap instead of cling film.
• Use reusable bags when shopping, even in the supermarket for collecting loose fruit and veg.
• Buy in bulk or use hard soap and hard shampoos.

Reduce food waste

In the UK, a shocking three quarters of all food waste could have been eaten. Buying only what you need, when you need it, is the best place to start with this. Cutting your food waste at home can save you in the region of £500 a year.

Top tips:

• Store food correctly. Stored properly, food will last longer so that gives you more time to use it up.
• Preserve food. This might mean pickling, fermenting, or simply using your freezer better.
• Use your leftovers. Leftovers aren’t just for Christmas! Use a glass container to keep them stored in the fridge and visible so you remember to use them up in time.

Clothing and textiles

The fast fashion industry has shaped society into a linear one where we ‘make, use, dispose’. £140 million of clothing ends up in UK landfill every year. It is thought that four out of five people have unworn clothes at home that simply need altering to fit.

Top tips:

• Learn how to alter/repair your clothes so you can make the most of them.
• Arrange clothes swap parties with friends to give your wardrobe a new lease of life and declutter.
• Use charity shops to give away items you no longer want and to purchase new-to-you pieces.

What are your favourite ways to recycle, reuse, and reduce? Let us know by emailing us at mail@chamberlains.co

 

 

Now’s the Time to Sell if You Want a New Home for Christmas

A two-minute read.

The summer holidays have ended.

The kids are back to school, and the distractions of Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics have gone.

What have we got to look forward to? Easy, Christmas.

Yes, we know it seems a long way off, but if you’re thinking of celebrating it in a new home, it’s time to get things sorted.

Here’s why.

Recent research from one of the most respected organisations in the estate agency industry, Propertymark, highlights the need to get your selling skates on if a new abode is at the top of your Christmas wish list.

The organisation’s findings show the average time taken from an offer to exchange is now at 13-16 weeks. This doesn’t consider the period from when your property goes on the market, and an acceptable offer is made.

A statement from Propertymark’s CEO said the average time used to be around 6-8 weeks, but the post-pandemic market across the UK and South Devon is ‘a very different beast.’

This is due to several factors. Record levels of transactions, pressure on solicitors, mortgage companies and even overworked removal firms are slowing the process.

There are just over 15 weeks until turkey time (other culinary options are available), so speed is of the essence.

Here’s a simple ABC plan to put you on the path to opening presents in a new home on 25 December.

1. Action – Take the first steps of calling in three agents to give you a valuation of your home. Always ask this question of them: How will you go about getting me the price you say my home is currently worth?
2. Be Ready – Now is the time to get your house in order, literally and metaphorically speaking. Do those little maintenance jobs that have been left for ages. You’d be amazed how off-putting peeling fence paint or missing cabinet handles are for prospective buyers. And get all your paperwork organised. You’ll need warranties and receipts ready to help speed up the legal side of any sale.
3. Check – We’re expecting a surge of sellers and buyers looking to move in the run-up to the festive season, so it’s worth thinking ahead. Call removal and storage companies for quotes and get dates pencilled in with them. The good moving companies get booked in advance even when the market isn’t as busy as it is now.

If you’ve a dream about waking up on Christmas morning in a new home, get in touch with us on 01626 365055, email mail@chamberlains.co or click the book appointment button and we’ll help make it a reality.

How South Devon Landlords Can Avoid Rent Arrears

In this three-minute read, we look at the steps South Devon landlords can take to protect against a tenant falling into arrears.

Landlords have always worried about tenants falling behind in the rent, but that fear feels particularly pertinent right now due to the pandemic.

There are many reasons why a tenant might be unable to pay their rent – such as illness, job loss, or relationship breakdown – but the bottom line is it’s stressful for both landlord and tenant.

The good news is there are things landlords can do to protect themselves from getting into this predicament. Here are some tips.

• Always carry out credit and reference checks before a tenant moves in.
• Make sure your tenant signs a contract.
• Keep your records up to date and when rent is paid, send the tenant a receipt – this is particularly useful if it’s a joint tenancy. If there’s a dispute, it’s easy to identify who has missed a payment.
• If you’re dealing with a joint tenancy, ensure that all tenants understand they are equally responsible for the rent – and any unresolved debt. (If there’s an underpayment, often the tenant who has paid up can be a valuable and persuasive ally in getting the errant tenant to pay.)
• Keep all tenants in the loop about the situation as they bear joint responsibility (even though they might tell you otherwise).
• If a tenant misses a payment, talk to them but don’t go in all guns blazing. You’re trying to find a constructive way forward, not score points. Always remain professional.
• Keep records of all conversations.
• Consider adding rent protection cover to your insurance for some peace of mind.
• If the tenant has a good track record, and you feel they can turn things around quickly, consider a payment plan. This is a revised payment schedule that gives the tenant a chance to get back on their feet.
• If you do agree a payment plan, make sure you put it in writing.
• The tenant may decide that they can’t meet their obligations and serve notice that they want to move out. If this is the case, contact your tenant deposit scheme and ask them to deduct the unpaid rent from the deposit.
• Legal eviction proceedings should always be the last resort. There is currently a huge court backlog, and lawyers are expensive. Do everything you can to find an alternative solution.

Contact us today on 01626 365055 and find out how we’ll help you avoid rental arrears.

The Secrets Behind What Stops Properties Selling in South Devon

 In this three-minute read, we look at what South Devon sellers can do to avoid their property sitting on the market.

 Making a bad impression

We’ve all heard the adage that first impressions are the most important. This is definitely the case when it comes to selling your home. Smart presentation is a must as it sets the tone for the whole viewing.

First things first – kerb appeal. Does your property entice strangers to want to peek inside? If it doesn’t, make a difference by tidying up the outside of your home. Maintain the same level of pride throughout your home. Make sure you’ve cleaned and tidied and the space is smelling fresh. Clutter can be distracting, making it difficult for prospective buyers to imagine how to make your property their home.

Poor state of repair

It’s critical to make sure the basic fixtures in your home are in good working order. You may not need to replace whole bathrooms and kitchens before you go to market, as any modernisation required will be reflected in your sale price. But minor issues can create doubt and concern about what further essential work might be needed.

Fix broken door handles, attend to areas of damp and replace faulty fittings. A little bit of pride goes a long way.

The price is too high

Sounds simple, and it is. Pricing your home is not about how much it’s worth to you, it’s about being realistic. Consider the strength of the market, the area, and what similar properties around you have sold for recently.

Naturally, buyers are always looking for a bargain and there’s a fine line to tread, but take the guidance from your agent seriously. If you’re overpriced, you’ll struggle to get viewings, never mind offers.

Poor photography

Great photography of your home will make all the difference online. True first impressions begin here and if you think about how many property listings the average buyer scrolls through, it’s crucial to stand out.

TOP TIP: Remove any unnecessary objects as the eye will be drawn to these first. Dishcloths, bathroom products, piles of toys, and clutter should be out of sight for pictures – even if it just means hiding them for the photographs.

It may sound like a cliché, but fresh flowers can lift a room by their mere presence. Remember, you are creating a lifestyle that accompanies the home so your accessories should reflect that.

Human interaction is key and the right agent can make all the difference. Here at Chamberlains, we create demand and a buzz around your property rather than solely waiting for it to be discovered online. Call us to find out more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hassle-Free Holidaying in Your South Devon Home

A three-minute read sharing top tips for your South Devon staycation.

This summer, the question mark over foreign holidays is as agonising as Ross and Rachel’s will-they-or-wont-they story.

Some have taken the stress out of the decision and opted to book holidays in and around the UK. But for many, rising prices and limited availability has resulted in staycations at home being the preferred choice.

Here’s a roundup of our favourite tips to make the most of your South Devon staycation.

Turn the tech off

Remember the good old days when a break was actually a break? For some, working from home has led to a seemingly constant availability. Work has crept into evenings and weekends and the line has most definitely blurred. Turn your phone off, put your out of office on and recharge your batteries.

Cull the chores

Holidays mean leisure, not labour. Put an embargo on laundry, cleaning, shopping, even cooking (unless that forms part of your R&R). Indulge in some guilty pleasures: sleep in, read some feel-good fiction, binge on Netflix, eat pancakes and syrup every day.

Satisfy ALL the senses

If a holiday means havaianas, Harvey Wallbangers and halloumi – have it. Use a coconut scented body lotion or sunscreen (if we’re lucky enough to see the sun…). Get out your fluffiest bath towels to turn your bathroom into a luxury hotel spa. Hang some fairy lights, splurge on some holiday-scented candles and spin some Café del Mar tunes for a holiday oasis.

Get outdoors

There’s bound to be somewhere in Devon that you have yet to discover. Search the net for recommended woodland dog walks, hiking trails, or picnic spots. If you have the space, borrow a tent from a friend and set up camp in the garden. Toast some marshmallows, put on a little festival music, and lie out under the stars. (A chemical toilet is optional.) If rain stops play, set up camp inside. You can even listen to cicadas or a crackling fire on YouTube.

Parklife

Get your mates together for some football, rugby, or rounders in the park. Get everyone involved and throw some bangers on the barbie for a post-game jolly.

Try something new

You’re never too old to learn something new. Try your hand at a new sport (a dining table and a table tennis paddle and ball can provide hours of fun) or have a go at painting, yoga, or perfect your mum’s pavlova.

Whether you’re vacationing or staycationing, from all of us here at Chamberlains, have fun and stay safe.

 

Could the Next Olympic Champ Come from South Devon? Let’s Nurture Local Talent

In this three-minute read, we look at where three GB Olympic stars started their sporting journey.

Eleven thousand elite athletes will converge in Tokyo next week for the 32nd Summer Olympic Games.

Each of them will have put in tens of thousands of hours in practice and shed blood, sweat, and tears to get there.

But as you marvel at the rippling abs and razor-sharp mental strength of these sporting Titans, pause to consider where their careers started.

Most will trace their success back to a local sporting club that introduced them to the joys of competition and fostered their prodigious talent.

In the UK, there are 151,000 sports clubs. The majority get by on shoestring budgets and the goodwill of volunteers; many are the lifeblood of communities.

In South Devon, we’re lucky to have a lots of clubs such as Newton Abbot Gymnastics Centre, Decoy BMX Club  and Newton Abbot Squash and Tennis Club on our doorstep.

So, as we cheer on Team GB, let’s also pay credit to the grassroots clubs nurturing the Olympians of tomorrow.

Here are three Olympic stars who got their start at a local club.

Jade Jones

At the age of eight, Jade attended a Taekwondo taster session at the Flint Pavilion Leisure Centre in her North Wales hometown. She was quickly hooked on the sport and became a star performer at Flint Taekwondo Club.

Jade has gone on to win national and European titles and took gold in London and Rio. Look out for her at Tokyo, where she’s pushing for her third title.

And if you ever visit Flint, you’ll notice that the leisure centre has a new name: the Jade Jones Pavilion.

Shirley Robertson

Scottish sailor Shirley Robertson won gold in Sydney and Athens. These victories made her the first woman to win consecutive gold medals in different Olympic sailing events.

Shirley learned to sail in a homemade dinghy at the Loch Ard Sailing Club, located in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. (Surely, one of the most picturesque sailing venues in the UK.)

After several years away from competition, Shirley recently hinted at a return. She’s eyeing up Paris 2024.

Sir Bradley Wiggins

Sir Bradley was 12 when he joined the Archer Road Club – so named because its original members met above a cycle shop in Archer Road, Westbourne Grove, London. Heavy traffic in West London later saw the club move its road racing activities to Hillingdon Cycle Circuit.

During his career, Sir Bradley won five gold, one silver and two bronze Olympic medals.

From all of us here at Chamberlains, stay safe and stay active.

 

 

Choosing the Best Solicitor for Your South Devon Property

This two-minute read will help you learn about conveyancing solicitors and how to find the right one for you in South Devon.

Whether you instruct a conveyancer or a solicitor, they essentially do the same thing when it comes to dealing with a property transaction. The terms are often used interchangeably by people who aren’t working in the industry. This is the person who does the paperwork for you when you are buying or selling a property.

Cheap is rarely cheerful

You know the old adage: you can have fast, cheap, and good; but you can only have two at any one time. This is very true for conveyancers. ‘Fast’ isn’t always the best word to use as there are multiple variables that may slow down the process. ‘Efficient’ is what you’re looking for.

There’s no template

When getting quotes from different solicitors for the work, bear in mind that there isn’t a set template for how those quotes are presented. There can easily be hidden costs. Ideally, you’d find a solicitor who offers a guaranteed fixed fee and a ‘no sale, no fee’ promise. Otherwise, the whole deal can fall through, for whatever reason, and you still have to pay the solicitor.

Get recommendations

And then take them with a pinch of salt. Buying and selling property is something that happens so infrequently in most people’s lives. They may have had a good experience in the past but you don’t know what’s happened in that firm. Maternity leave, staff changes, even holidays can mean that a previously great firm takes a dip for a few months.

TOP TIP: Your estate agent has a great overview of the whole market. They deal with solicitors all day, every day. Ask them for their advice.

Different properties need different work

The advantage of asking your estate agent for a recommendation is that they’re used to dealing with the variety of properties in your area. Flying freeholds, chancel repair liability, coalman’s accesses: these are all things that are completely normal to deal with for some solicitors.

Others have never dealt with them before and can cause massive delays. Even worse, they can advise their clients that it’s a risky issue, simply because they don’t understand the nuances, even causing them to pull out from the purchase.

If you’re looking for a conveyancer or solicitor to help you to buy or sell a property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We can chat you through the options. Get in touch today.

What Rules and Regulations Are South Devon Landlords Falling Foul of the Most?

In this three-minute read, we take a look at the most common rules and regulations that South Devon landlords need to remember.

Being a landlord is a tricky business. There are nearly 200 different pieces of legislation covering the how, why, and when of managing a rental property. Here are just four that landlords are often not getting quite right.

Deposit protection

In England, Scotland, and Wales, the deposit must be registered with a deposit protection scheme. The 2021 UK Landlord Survey found that 81% of landlords find registering their deposit difficult.

The deposit must be registered within 30 days of receiving cleared funds. The schemes are government-approved and the tenant must be informed where the money is deposited.

Energy performance certificates

Every rental property in the UK has to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). They are stored on an electronic register that is publicly available. However, they also have to be included in any advertising you do for your property.

Electrical safety regulations

In June 2020, strict rules about electrical testing for new tenancies in rental properties came into force. Inspections must be carried out by a qualified person on all fixed electrical installations.

Since 1 April of this year, it also came into force for existing tenancies. A professional with an industry-recognised apprenticeship or Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings must carry this out. Any issues have to be resolved and the tenant must receive a copy of the inspection report within 28 days.

Gas safety check regulations

If you have gas going in to your rental property, all appliances, pipework, and flues must be checked annually.

As for the electrical safety tests, ensure that you use a qualified engineer and don’t plump for the cheapest. The report must be given to the tenant within 28 days as well.

TOP TIP: As with any time you need to visit, or arrange a visit to the property, make sure you give the tenant at least 24 hours’ notice. Keep a record of having given notice. If the tenant refuses access, you’ve then got the evidence that you tried.

If you’re a landlord in South Devon and are not 100% sure on all the rules and regulations you need to abide by, get in touch with us at Chamberlains. A free, no-obligation chat will show you what you might need to tweak or if you’re on the right track.

 

 

A Guide to Buy-to-let Mortgages for South Devon Landlords

In this three-minute read, we compare the different types of buy-to-let mortgages.

When choosing the right buy-to-let mortgage, landlords face a key decision: go with an interest-only deal or opt for a capital repayment arrangement.

Both options have their pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look.

Interest-only mortgage

Your payments only cover the interest on the loan and have no impact on the capital.

Pros

• Lower repayments

Your monthly repayments are lower than that of an equivalent capital repayment mortgage.

For example, with a 25-year interest-only mortgage of £200,000, monthly repayments would be £573 (4.45%, fixed for three years). With a similar capital repayment mortgage, you’d pay £996 a month*. That’s a difference of £423 a month.

• Less financial stress in between tenancies 

If the property is vacant for any reason, it will fall on your shoulders to cover the repayments. Lower repayments equal less stress.

• Bigger monthly income

As your mortgage repayments are lower, less of the rent goes to your lender. Instead, it winds up in your pocket.

• More flexibility

You can spend this extra cash on the upkeep and improvement of the property or divert it to other investments.

• Sell and make a profit

If the property appreciates in value over time, you can sell up and make a tidy profit.

Cons

• You won’t own the property

As you won’t be repaying the capital loan, you’ll still owe a substantial sum at the end of the mortgage. (Although you can sell the property, pay this debt, and hopefully still be ahead.)

• The lender earns more

You pay more interest to your lender over time compared to a capital repayment mortgage. This is because you never reduce the size of the capital loan, so the interest charges never reduce.

• Risk of negative equity

Historically, property prices have been on an upward trajectory – last year, they grew in the UK by a whopping 8.5% – so the risk of negative equity is low.

And even if prices do drop, if you’re prepared to ride out market fluctuations, then the long-term outlook is positive.

The real risk comes if you need to sell in a hurry. If the property’s value has dropped, you could end up owing more than the property is worth.

Capital repayment mortgage

Your monthly repayments cover the interest and gnaw away at the capital.

Pros

• Ownership

At the end of the mortgage term, the property will be yours. 

• Less interest

You pay less interest overall because the capital loan decreases – albeit gradually – with every repayment.

Cons

• Higher repayments

As we mentioned earlier, the monthly repayments will be higher, and you’ll need to cover them when the property is vacant.

 Choosing the right option

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, although most landlords opt for interest-only**.

Landlords need to weigh up their circumstances and investment goals carefully. For some, the priority is earning a monthly income; for others, it’s working towards owning a property that they can pass on to their children or even move into themselves.

For advice about making a buy-to-let investment work for you, contact us here at Chamberlains.  If you would like a free financial review with award winning advisors click here and fill in the short form. 

*Approximate figures only, based on a property worth £265,000. Always seek independent financial advice.

** National Landlords Association

 

Why Might the Office Make a Comeback in South Devon?

A three-minute read looking at why some workers are opting for the office.

Once upon a time, in a land before Covid-19, working from home was considered the holy grail for many. Who knew that the vision of an idyllic flexible work-life balance where you could manage the school run, a lunchtime dog walk, and avoid the lost time of a commute, would become reality. For some, this was one of the very few positives to have emerged from the pandemic.

Now, it appears that the novelty of this unexpected ‘work from home – if you can’ order has long since worn off and many are itching to get back to the office.

Why?

Distractions and boundaries

When you physically go to work, you are there for one purpose – to work. When you’re working at home, distractions are all around – household chores, last night’s leftovers, Federer v Nadal… Boundaries work the other way, too. Focused workers can find it hard to switch off from work at the end of the day – especially if their dining table doubles up as a home office space.

It’s good to talk

While the dog may be the ideal colleague for some, they’re generally useless when it comes to IT, brainstorming, and bringing in cakes on their birthday. We are humans and we need social interaction. A quick chat, while you’re making a brew, makes for strengthening co-worker relationships. And sometimes, you just need five minutes face to face with your boss, rather than a 30-minute Zoom.

Osmosis

How much we learn about a business and its operation by subconsciously listening to others is often underestimated. Career progression for trainees and apprentices who learn ‘on the job’ is inevitably hampered if the workforce is remote.

Suited and booted

There’s a reason it’s called a power suit. Dressing smartly can instil self-confidence and boasts an air of authority. We’ve gotten used to a mix of shirts and trackies for Zoom calls, but there’s nothing quite like donning a sharp jacket or a pair of killer heels to make you feel unstoppable.

Whether work is office-based, fully remote, or a hybrid mix of both, we hope that employers will adopt a sensible approach going forward.

What we do know, is that a desire for home office space is likely to increase. If you’re looking to buy, sell, or let, talk to us at Chamberlains about how to make the most of your property to accommodate working needs.