Category: Chamberlains Updates

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

If you’re selling your home, then you’ll need a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property.

 

So, here’s a guide explaining what an EPC is and how you can get one.

 

What is it?

 

Think of an EPC as a report card on your home’s energy efficiency. EPCs grade properties on a scale from A to G, with an A-rating denoting the most efficient homes and a G-rating the least efficient.

 

An EPC also recommends how a property can be made more efficient, thus bringing energy costs down.

 

Furthermore, it gives an estimate of the current energy costs of a home and the potential costs if improvements are made.

 

Are there any exemptions?

 

By law, most properties require an EPC before sale, but there are a few exemptions. These include:

 

 

• Places of worship.
• Temporary buildings that will be used for less than two years.
• Standalone buildings with a useful floor space of less than 50 square metres.
• Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings that do not use a lot of energy.
• Some buildings that are due to be demolished.
• Holiday accommodation that’s rented out for less than four months a year or is let under a licence to occupy.
• Listed buildings.
• Residential buildings intended to be used less than four months a year.

 

If you’re unsure if you need an EPC before selling your property, seek professional advice.

 

Who can issue an EPC?

 

Only an accredited assessor can provide an EPC. Assessors visit the property in person and analyse the lighting, heating and windows. They also consider the level of insulation and the building’s fabric.

 

The time it takes to conduct an EPC assessment will vary depending on the size and scale of the building. Assessing a small property could take around 30 minutes, while a larger home could take closer to two hours.

 

How long is an EPC valid for?

 

An EPC is valid for ten years. But if you get an EPC and then carry out extension works that significantly impact the property’s rating, you’ll need to get another one.

 

What if my home receives a low EPC rating?

 

While many buyers take an interest in a property’s EPC, in our experience, it’s rarely a dealbreaker (or dealmaker).

 

However, it’s worth noting that rental properties must meet minimum energy efficiency standards. So, if a property is incredibly leaky and energy inefficient, a buy-to-let investor may have to make improvements before renting it out. This could influence any offer they choose to make.

 

If you need to arrange an EPC, contact us here at Chamberlains, and we can put you in contact with an accredited assessor.

 

 

As any experienced letting agent or landlord can advise you, ‘expect the unexpected’ when it comes to rental properties.

And that’s why it pays to follow the Scouts’ motto and “be prepared”.

Being prepared for any eventuality can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a full-blown catastrophe if you’re a landlord.

With that in mind, we’ve created a Landlord Emergency Kit.

Let’s dive into five essentials that can save the day.

• Back-up keys

Locked-out tenants? Spare keys can quickly resolve this common issue. Store them in a secure yet easily accessible place, and always have duplicates for all doors and gates on the property.

• Important contacts list

A printed list of essential contacts can be invaluable, whether it’s an electrician, a plumber or emergency services. Make sure to also have digital back-ups, ideally on your smartphone.

• Basic tool kit

From tightening a screw to securing a loose gutter, a basic tool kit can help. Include essentials like a hammer, screwdrivers, a wrench and pliers.

• Property information folder

Keep an organised folder containing essential information about the property. This can include gas shut-off locations, water mains and electrical fuse boxes. It can also feature your insurance policies, guarantees and tenancy agreements. It’s a good idea to keep this in a printed folder and have a digital cloud version.

 

 

• An experienced letting agent

In urgent situations, an experienced letting agent who knows their stuff is the difference between a drama and a crisis. A good letting agent is experienced in emergency protocols and can coordinate repairs or services at the drop of a hat. They’ll have vetted contacts, ensuring you get reliable and swift service. And if you’re in the thick of an emergency, they can be your point of contact for tenants so you can focus on the bigger picture.

With a well-equipped Landlord Emergency Kit at the ready and a good letting agent within easy reach, you’ll have peace of mind and instil confidence in your tenants.

Contact us today to find out how we help Teignbridge landlords maintain peace of mind and keep tenants happy.

We’re becoming a nation who are passionate about podcasts.

Podcast listenership in the UK has been increasing yearly, reaching an estimated 21.2 million listeners in 2022 according to the Statista website.

From relationships to Russia, history to histrionics, and anything else you can think of – there’s a podcast themed around it.

And people seeking homely ideas aren’t overlooked either.

So, if you want to spruce up your living space, turn your garden into an oasis, stay ahead of interior design trends or seek inspiration for a major home refurbishment, we’ve created a podcast playlist for you.

These seven UK-based shows are the perfect companions for your home improvement journey.

• “The Great Indoors” by Sophie Robinson & Kate Watson-Smyth

Why listen: For the newest and coolest in interior design, Sophie Robinson and Kate Watson-Smyth have got you covered.

• “Home Stories” by Amanda Nelson

Why listen: Real homeowners like you share their personal renovation stories – think of it as a cosy chat over a cuppa.

• “Material Matters” by Grant Gibson

Why listen: Delve into the world of materials and learn how choosing the right ones can make your home extraordinary.

• “Upcycled Hour” by Chris Billinghurst

Why listen: Discover how to turn your trash into treasure, one upcycling project at a time.

• “At Home With…” by Lily Pebbles & Anna Newton

Why listen: Take a virtual tour of inspiring homes as Lily and Anna chat about what makes a home special.

• “The Interior Design Business” by Susie Rumbold & Jeff Hayward

Why listen: Even if you’re not a professional designer, the insider tips from Susie and Jeff are invaluable for making your home a stunner.

• “The Skinny Jean Gardener Podcast” by Lee Connelly

Why listen: Don’t forget the great outdoors! Lee Connelly offers easy-to-follow gardening advice for turning your patch of green into paradise.

From interiors to gardens, upcycling to renovations, these podcasts offer home lovers a treasure trove of ideas, entertainment and advice.

 

Let us know what podcasts you’d recommend to people in Teignbridge.

 

Deciding to sell your home is a big decision that comes with a long list of jobs and responsibilities.

 

Along with decluttering and last-minute DIY, you need to find a good agent (we can help you with that) and speak to a broker if you require a mortgage to fund your next move.

 

But there’s another critical aspect of the process that often gets overlooked: the conveyancing.

 

So, to avoid unnecessary hold-ups that could make your buyer lose patience, it’s worth getting ahead of the curve and following these five conveyancing tips.

 

Find a good solicitor

 

Do this at the start of the process; don’t wait. Ask friends and family for recommendations and get three quotes before you decide. Always check fee proposals thoroughly and remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best. If a solicitor is sluggish at responding to your initial call, it doesn’t bode well.

 

Be cautious

 

Consider going with a solicitor who communicates via a secure client portal. There have been cases – albeit they’re rare – where scammers have hacked into emails and used the information they glean from sales correspondence for fraudulent purposes. Be safe rather than sorry.

 

Get your ID together

 

You’ll need personal identification, such as a passport or driving licence, along with proof of address, such as bills or bank statements.

 

Organise your paperwork

 

Along with locating the title deeds, you’ll need all documentation relating to changes you’ve made to the property under your ownership. The list includes:

• Planning permissions and building approvals (if relevant)
• Gas safety checks
• Energy performance certificates
• FENSA certificates if you’ve replaced the windows and warranties for things like damp-proofing

 

You never quite know what information your buyer will ask for, so do the legwork early on to prevent a last-minute panicked search.

 

Respond promptly 

 

Your buyer’s solicitor may have some queries about the property; respond to them quickly. When one party goes quiet during the process, it can breed mistrust and ramp up everyone’s stress levels.

 

If you’re considering putting your home on the market, contact us here at Chamberlains for a free valuation.

 

 

In today’s climate, it’s easy to paint landlords with the same brush – viewing them solely as money-grabbing opportunists.

As a letting agency that’s part of a network of like-minded agents, we get to see the rental business’s good, bad and ugly side.

Yes, there are some unscrupulous, greedy landlords. We do our best to avoid these.

However, many landlords strive to do the right thing for their tenants.

We’ve gathered some inspiring tales that highlight the, more often than not, unpublicised acts of kindness that landlords have done and continue to do.

• In one remarkable situation, a landlord had ten offers for a rental property. He could have easily let the highest bidder win, but instead, he offered the home to a family for £100 less than the asking price because their urgent need moved him.
• When the pandemic hit, many landlords nationwide rose to the occasion. We heard of several who voluntarily lowered rents to ease the financial burden on their tenants. No questions asked, no fuss made ­– just good-hearted consideration during a trying period.
• We’ve also heard about landlords who’ve extended their empathy to mental health. A tenant, struggling with numerous life events, fell behind on rent. Instead of eviction, the landlord gave him time and assisted with funding for private counselling.
• One landlord went above and beyond in an international context – providing a Ukrainian family, who fled a life-threatening situation, a rent-free property for a year, potentially forgoing £24,000 in annual rent.
• Then, there are those annual gestures that warm the heart. Like the landlord who offers half-price rent every December or others who’ve waived a month’s rent for tenants undergoing treatment for serious health issues, such as chemotherapy or heart surgery.

These accounts come from all corners of the UK, and we have come across similar local stories. They show that not all landlords fit the negative stereotype often portrayed in the media.

They remind us that many landlords view their role not just as a business venture but as an opportunity to make a genuine, positive difference in someone’s life.

To these landlord legends, we say a heartfelt ‘Thank you’.

You’re renewing our faith in human nature, one rental agreement at a time.

Thanks for reading.

 

It can happen face to face or online, at work, school or in the community. But whatever form it takes and wherever it occurs, there’s no excuse for bullying.

As this week is Anti-Bullying Week, let’s look at how widespread bullying is, the signs to look out for and how best to deal with it.

How common is it?

While there may be a greater awareness of bullying these days, there’s still a lot of work to do to stamp it out.

22% of people aged 12 – 20 say they experienced bullying in the last year*. While in the workplace, one in ten workers say they’ve been bullied, and 47% say they’ve observed bullying**.

Signs and impact

Bullying can be hugely detrimental to someone’s mental health. It stops people from living their lives as they wish and can cause illness, anxiety and depression and result in self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Signs a child may be experiencing bullying

• Unexplained injuries
• Difficulty sleeping or bedwetting
• A reluctance to go to school and an increase in headaches or tummy upsets
• Altered eating habits
• Their schoolwork may go downhill

Signs an adult may be experiencing bullying in the workplace

• Loss of confidence and motivation
• Anxiety or depression
• Increased absence from work
• Reduced performance

What to do if you experience bullying

Talk to someone you trust about what you’re experiencing, and consider raising the issue with someone in authority who can take action. (You may discover that other people have raised concerns about your bully’s behaviour, too.)

Also, keep a record of when incidents occur so that if your complaint escalates, you have times and dates to back up your story. Most importantly, don’t blame yourself. The bully’s behaviour, not yours, is the problem.

What to do if you witness bullying

If you’re concerned that someone is being bullied, raise the issue with them privately. You may worry that the person in question will think you’re prying, but most likely, they’ll be grateful that you’re considering their wellbeing.

If they decline your offer to discuss the situation, point out who they could talk to in the school or organisation if they have an issue.

If you’d like to learn more about Anti-Bullying Week, visit anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk.

From all of us here at Chamberlains, thanks for reading.

* Diana Award Anti-Bullying Programme
** Psychiatry-UK.com

Are you pondering whether to sell your Teignbridge home? With the property market constantly changing, it’s natural to wonder if now is the right time.

To help you decide, we’ve crafted a fun, informative quiz.

Let’s start:

How well does your home meet the needs of you/your family?

1. It’s perfect and suits our needs now and for the future.
2. It’s OK at the moment but isn’t our forever home.
3. This home doesn’t meet many of our needs anymore.

Is your home outdated?

1. No, it’s completely up to date.
2. Needs a few touch-ups.
3. A renovation is overdue.

What’s your mortgage situation?

1. Comfortable staying put.
2. A bit tight, but a move could be manageable.
3. We’re ready to take on a bigger mortgage.

Are you prepared for the selling process?

1. No, it seems daunting.
2. Somewhat, I’ve done some research.
3. Absolutely, bring it on!

How’s the market in Teignbridge?

1. Haven’t checked.
2. I’ve been told by a friend it’s a sellers’ market.
3. I need an estate agent’s expertise on the current situation.

Scores on the doors:

Tally your answers to gauge if it’s the right time for you to sell your Teignbridge home!

Mostly 1s: You seem content where you are. Maybe now isn’t the time to sell.

Mostly 2s: You’re on the fence. Research and preparation could tilt the balance either way.

Mostly 3s: It sounds like you’re all set to make a move, but seeking some expert advice may help.

And finally…

The decision to sell your home is a big one and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

But whether you’re ready to make the move or still weighing up your options, being fully informed is never a bad thing.

So, contact us today at Chamberlains if you need more information and guidance.

 

The expression ‘safe as houses’ has been used for almost two centuries to describe something that is rock-solid and risk-free.

 

But thanks to the elaborate efforts of a small but growing number of fraudsters, not even property is as safe as you think.

 

Since the pandemic, there’s been a steady increase in what’s known as Title Fraud or House Hijacking. This crime involves an elaborate ruse where a fraudster poses as the homeowner (after knocking up fake ID and documents) and sells it to an unwitting buyer.

 

Often, the scammer targets cash buyers (to avoid scrutiny from lenders) and markets the property at a knockdown price (to push the sale through quickly). They may also ‘encourage’ the buyer to use a specific conveyancer (who is part of the con).

 

If the fraudster evades all the usual checks and balances that are supposed to flag illegal activity, they make off with a large sum of cash.

 

When the genuine owner of the property and the ‘new buyer’ realise what’s happened, they face a lengthy legal process to sort the mess out.

 

Who is most at risk?

 

Fraudsters target mortgage-free properties that are empty or tenanted. If the property is vacant, it’s easier to arrange viewings without being detected. There have also been cases where a tenant has posed as the owner and put the property on the market.

 

Protect your property

 

To safeguard against such events, HM Land Registry is urging property owners to sign up to its free alert service. It only takes a few minutes, and then you will be notified if anyone attempts to change the register for your property.

 

If you’re a landlord – especially if you don’t live near your property or spend lots of time abroad – do it today.

 

You can also put a restriction on your title that prevents a sale or mortgage on the property being registered unless a solicitor has certified that you – the rightful owner – made the application.

 

A further step is to get a letting agent to manage your property and act as an extra pair of eyes on the ground. A letting agent will also conduct regular inspections to ensure nothing suspicious is going on.

 

For more information about our property management services, contact us at Chamberlains today.