News

Fri 18 Feb 2022

In this two-minute read, we look at the ins and outs of landlord insurance and consider how it might just save you money in the long run. As a private landlord, you’ve got to stay on top of repairs, damage, and unexpected costs. So how do you safeguard your property and income? Do you cross your fingers and hope for the best? Or have you taken the necessary steps to protect yourself?…

Mon 14 Feb 2022

In this two-minute read, we look at ten ways to improve any landlord and tenant relationship. If you do a quick Google search on ‘how to keep love alive’, communication comes out on top of many of the pieces of advice shared. Almost all relationships benefit from good communication. And that advice extends beyond being a partner, parent, or friend – it can easily be applied to the landlord and tenant relationship. But there’s more to it than that. When it’s done well, the landlord and tenant relationship is precisely that – a relationship rather than a transaction.…

Sun 13 Feb 2022

Sometimes, all it takes is a smile or wave to make someone smile. It’s free, it’s polite and most of all, it’s kind. February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Yes, a whole day dedicated to being nice. Started by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in America, the initiative has gone global in a bid to remind people that being kind is easy. In this quick read, we’ve come up with free and simple ways to be kind.…

Tue 08 Feb 2022

In this two-minute read, we explore some common mistakes landlords make when it comes to décor.  Are you a landlord with a new rental property? Are you about to decorate? Step away from the colour charts, put down the paintbrush, and read on. Sometimes, it’s hard to separate your personal taste from your rental. After all, you’ve paid a lot of money for it, and you’ve probably invested time and effort getting it ready for the rental market.…

Sat 05 Feb 2022

In this two-minute read, we look at ways to safeguard your kids online. The internet is a weird and wonderful place. Where else can you find answers to complex questions in seconds, or see pics of your mate’s terrible 1992 hairstyle in a few clicks? Love it or hate it, many of us spend hours a day online, browsing, posting, reading, and downloading. And that includes our kids. On 8 February, it’s Safer Internet Day – a campaign designed to make the internet a better place for kids.…

Tue 01 Feb 2022

This two-minute read includes some handy tax advice for landlords. Our tax system is often criticised for being complicated and unwieldy, but by following two simple rules you can take the stress and hassle out of filing a return.…

Sun 30 Jan 2022

We look at what you can do with a spare room to ensure you’re making the most out of it in this two-minute read. Now’s the time to give your spare room some serious thought about how to make the best use of this extra space in your home. Especially after the past 18 months we’ve all experienced, which have changed the way many people use it.…

Mon 24 Jan 2022

In this two-minute read, we have a quick look at what you need to consider when becoming a landlord. Before becoming a landlord, you need to consider how you want to buy your rental property. There’s lots of tricky tax stuff to consider and changes to tax relief over the last few years mean that becoming a landlord might not be as profitable as you first think. So, what should you do? Should you buy a rental property in your personal name or via a limited company?…

Sat 22 Jan 2022

This two-minute read looks at ways to get through January without resorting to a tipple. If you’re one of the millions of Brits who vowed to stay off the booze this month, hang in there – you’ve only 10 more days to go! Congratulations on making it this far, and remember, if your resolve is starting to wobble, you’re not alone. Many people find that as the dark nights of January roll on, it gets harder and harder to resist the temptation to have a cheeky snifter or two. But don’t give in; follow these tips and stay dry.…

Tue 18 Jan 2022

In this two-minute read, we look at the differences between landlords and property investors. What’s the difference between a landlord and a property investor? Aren’t they the same thing? Does one rent out properties and the other sell them on? If these questions have got you scratching your head, read on.…

Sat 15 Jan 2022

This three-minute read looks at the benefits of cultivating houseplants and how to get started. Houseplants add colour and freshness to work and living spaces – and deliver a host of health benefits. As this week is Houseplant Week UK, let’s look at the do’s and don’ts of cultivating indoor plants.…

Mon 10 Jan 2022

I share how landlords can avoid feeling down on the year’s most depressing day in this two-minute read. If you’re feeling a little flat, low, or down in the dumps next Monday, you won’t be alone. The 17th of January is Blue Monday – according to some psychologists (and clever marketers), it’s the most depressing day on the calendar.…

Sat 08 Jan 2022

This two-minute read looks at how to trim down your energy bills. Householders were hit with budget-busting energy price hikes in 2021 – a trend that looks set to continue well into the new year. Here are some ways to claw back some cash on your heating bills and help the environment at the same time.…

Mon 03 Jan 2022

In this two-minute read, we look at four New Year’s resolutions landlords in Runcorncan make to earn more money, have less hassle, and maximise their rental investments. It’s 2022. A new year, new hopes, and a new focus on getting rid of old ways of doing things that are holding us back. And landlords are not immune to wanting a fresh start. January always sees us have plenty of enquiries from landlords keen to improve the way they do things.…

Thu 23 Dec 2021

This two-minute read explains the benefits of having a letting agent on duty over the festive season. Being a landlord is not a nine-to-five job. You can’t just switch on your out-of-office and mute your WhatsApp messages because you fancy a break. Well actually, you can – if you have a good letting agent working for you. Here are four ways an agent can help you through the silly season.…

Tue 21 Dec 2021

This two-minute tale takes inspiration from a classic Christmas poem. ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. That was until Mum and Dad, joint owners of a rental property, received a panicked phone call from their tenant.…

Fri 17 Dec 2021

This two-minute read might just be your get-out-of-jail-free card if you’ve left it late to buy Christmas gifts. A conversation with my colleagues recently made me realise that with just over a week to go before Christmas Day, most of us still had people to buy gifts for. So, if you’re in the same situation and need some late/last-minute present inspiration, check out these 15 ideas.…

Fri 17 Dec 2021

This two-minute read looks at how landlords can keep their property safe from criminals and dodgy dealers. Every landlord has lost sleep worrying about what goes on in their rental property when they’re not around. There’s always a flicker of fear that a tenant – no matter how trustworthy they seem – might turn out to be a nightmare and cause damage to the property.…

Sun 12 Dec 2021

This three-minute read explains the role of rent guarantors. When a landlord has a niggle of anxiety over whether a prospective tenant will pay their rent, there is a way they can help protect their investment. A landlord can ask a tenant to provide a guarantor to ‘guarantee the tenancy’. Guarantors are often family members or close friends – and a little bit like a human safety net. If the tenant can’t (or won’t) pay what they owe the landlord, the guarantor has to stump up the cash – or face the landlord in court.…

Sat 11 Dec 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at some of the scams targeting Christmas shoppers in Runcorn and how to avoid them. Which classic festive song opens with the line, “It’s Christmas time, there’s no need to be afraid.”? Easy, eh? It’s Band Aid’s “Do They Know it’s Christmas?”.…

Sat 04 Dec 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at why it’s so important and enjoyable to buy from local, independent stores. Today, Saturday 4 December, is national Small Business Saturday. The campaign, which was begun by American Express, is in its ninth year and has grown steadily.…

Sat 04 Dec 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at the growing calls for tougher action against rogue landlords. Landlords who struggle with all the rules and regulations associated with renting out a property – be warned. Councils are coming under increasing pressure to throw the book at landlords who flout the law. Even if you’ve gotten away with a ‘near enough is good enough’ approach so far, winging it isn’t a sustainable long-term strategy.…

Fri 26 Nov 2021

In this two-minute read, we explore issues in your home that could be making you feel unwell and how to cure them. For most of us, our home is a haven. But what if it is making you ill?…

Wed 24 Nov 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at five fundamental ways landlords in Runcorn can make their rental properties more profitable. Some people think the only way landlords can make more profit is to ruthlessly keep hiking up their tenants’ rent.…

Fri 19 Nov 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at the basic amenity that billions of people live without. Brits spend a penny, Americans use the john, and the Aussies take a trip to the dunny. Wherever you are in the world, there are all sorts of weird and wonderful ways to describe what is one of life’s most basic functions. But today, the United Nations is urging us to ditch the euphemisms and speak plainly about toilets.…

Thu 18 Nov 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at the issues Runcorn landlords should consider before raising rents. The uptick in inflation, along with pressure on interest rates, means that many landlords will be considering rent increases right now. Before deciding on a course of action, here are some points to consider.…

Mon 15 Nov 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at three remote communities that have long embraced sustainable living. With the interest raised by the COP26 summit highlighting the desperate need to cut carbon emissions, housing sustainability has become a hot topic. In the UK, there’s been lots of talk about using new technology to help reduce our carbon footprint.…

Tue 09 Nov 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at how landlords in Runcorn can find and keep terrific tenants. ‘Finders keepers, losers weepers.’ It’s a timeless rhyme used every day in school playgrounds in Runcorn and all over the UK.…

Fri 05 Nov 2021

We share seven tips from national pet charities to keep pets from suffering stress this fireworks season in this two-minute read. I love pets, having a gorgeous golden retriever myself. And I get to meet plenty of my clients’ furry friends during my daily work across Runcorn.…

Mon 01 Nov 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at how landlords in Runcorn can make sure their rental investments stand up to the challenges of winter weather. With winter officially only a few weeks away, the time is now ideal for landlords to take steps to ensure their properties are prepared for whatever December to February serves up. By putting a winter property maintenance plan in place, you’re setting yourself and your tenants up for a trouble-free winter period.…

Fri 29 Oct 2021

No Halloween weekend would be complete without some scary stories, right? And in this three-minute read, we share three terrifying tales of home moving horrors. The good news is we’ll also let you know how to avoid them.…

Wed 27 Oct 2021

In this three-minute read, we examine the dangers posed by carbon monoxide. We recently read a statistic about private landlords that left us scratching our heads. A whopping 56% of private renters say they live in a property that doesn’t have a carbon monoxide alarm*. Can such a high percentage of landlords really be ignoring safety advice and flouting regulations on carbon monoxide alarms?…

Sat 23 Oct 2021

I like to do my bit for charity and love seeing people in Runcorn doing the same. Some run marathons for charity. Others row single-handedly across the Atlantic to support good causes.…

Tue 19 Oct 2021

In this two-minute read, we ask if it’s wise to buy a rental property in Runcorn with a buddy. Purchasing a buy-to-let property with a friend is an appealing prospect – on paper, at least. But it’s important to carefully weigh up the risks and rewards before taking the plunge.…

Tue 19 Oct 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at how to ward off Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Are you struggling with the dark days and long nights that kick in at this time of year? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Millions of Brits experience a dip in mood during the colder, greyer months, often referred to as the ‘Winter Blues’. …

Mon 11 Oct 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at the false economies many landlords in Runcorn are making regarding their rental properties. Many of us realise doing a bit of DIY can save you money. But it comes with a caveat that you must know what you’re doing first.…

Fri 08 Oct 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at avoiding regret when it comes to buying or renting a new home. We’ve all had it – that gnawing sense of buyer’s remorse when we’ve made a purchase. It could be the make of that new car you’ve ordered. Or the colour of that dress that looked good online, but will it have a wow factor when the delivery driver drops it off? Or something as simple as ordering a dish in a restaurant that you suddenly wish you hadn’t as your friend’s requested meal sounds infinitely more appetising.…

Tue 05 Oct 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at how renters in Runcorn can take the hassle out of finding a place to live. Are you looking to move into a new rental property? Here’s a guide to finding a new home.…

Sun 03 Oct 2021

This three-minute read looks at a few of the (many) things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of moving to Spain. The lure of a place in the sun has long appealed to people from the UK. After the Covid-19 lockdowns, many people have brought forward plans of a new life soaking up the sun and culture of a place abroad. And Spain is always at the top of people’s holiday home away from home – even post Brexit. But as with any move, there are some general things to consider before you take the plunge and start living la vida loca.…

Wed 29 Sep 2021

In this two-minute read, we ask some questions you should think about before renting out your property in Runcorn. Once the last lick of paint has been applied and the carpets have been laid, it’s time to decide whether or not to furnish your rental property. It’s a question that has many landlords scratching their heads. Does a furnished property command a higher rental yield? Or is it more hassle than it’s worth?…

Fri 24 Sep 2021

This two-minute read explains why we should all get behind Hospice Care Week (4 – 8 October) and support our beloved Halton Haven. The nation’s 200 hospices care each year for 225,000 children and adults with terminal or life-limiting illnesses. And, after an incredibly tough 18 months, they need our support now more than ever.…

Fri 17 Sep 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at the amazing achievements of our Paralympians, including bronze medal winner and local Widnes table tennis star, Jack Hunter-Spivey. The word ‘inspirational’ gets thrown around a lot these days, but when it comes to our Paralympic heroes, there really is no other way to describe them. The grit and determination they displayed in Tokyo provided a much-needed reminder that human beings can do incredible things when they set their minds to it. We could all learn lessons from this remarkable bunch of people about staying positive, working hard and not quitting. (Useful lessons if you’re moving home, but also for life in general.)…

Mon 13 Sep 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at the steps Runcorn 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.…

Sat 11 Sep 2021

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 18th 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.”…

Mon 06 Sep 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at the rental property market in Runcorn and why now is a good time to invest. Have you ever considered becoming a landlord? Investing in property can be a great way to make the most of any money you have to invest. Generally, it’s best if you’re prepared to invest over a long period of time. So, why is right now a great time to get into property?…

Fri 03 Sep 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at ways you can go more organic at home. No pesticides, no chemicals, just some good old green-fingered fun! Did you know this month is Organic September? No? Well, now you do! So, what is it and how can you get involved? Organic September is a month-long campaign all about raising awareness of organic products and the people and brands who sell them.…

Tue 31 Aug 2021

In this three-minute read, we talk about three types of tenants and the pros and cons of each. Currently, the UK rental market is booming, with landlords finding tenants quicker than ever according to Rightmove, and demand for rentals up 3% from last year. As a landlord, this is great news, so why not maximise the opportunity by finding the perfect tenant for your Runcorn property.…

Fri 27 Aug 2021

If you’re looking to fundraise in Runcorn, this three-minute read suggests a few ways to go about it. How to start fundraising When fundraising, it’s important to first think about your audience. Who are the people most likely to be touched by the cause and therefore, most likely to donate? Consider their lifestyle and habits to identify how you can best get your message to them.…

Mon 23 Aug 2021

In this two-minute read, I explain why being a landlord is a 24/7 job. One of the best things about going on holiday is that once you’ve packed your bags and locked the front door, you can breathe a sigh of relief.…

Sat 21 Aug 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at the growing popularity of garden rooms as places to work and play. Garden room. Man cave. Home studio. Shoffice (shed/office). Call it what you will but having a standalone space in the garden where you can work, unwind, or pursue a favourite hobby is one of the fastest-growing property trends in recent years.…

Mon 16 Aug 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at how landlords can gain the winning edge, starting with deposit disputes. We know the Olympics have just finished but indulge me if you will as I explain how a popular sports-related concept used by top athletes can help landlords. You might already be familiar with the theory of ‘marginal gains’. It’s based on the notion that you’ll reap major rewards if you make small, incremental improvements across several areas. If you’re a cyclist, you might focus on improving your nutrition, recovery, and mindset. While each small gain isn’t necessarily game-changing, put them together and you’ve got the winning edge.…

Fri 13 Aug 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at ways to avoid last-minute tantrums by starting your back-to-school prep now. It might seem premature to be talking about the schools going back, but let’s face it, September will be here before you know it. And when it arrives, you’ll be punching the air at the prospect of your little darlings returning to the classroom after a seven-week break. The last thing you (or they) will feel like doing is embarking on a mad dash for kit and caboodle the day before they go back.…

Mon 09 Aug 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at the advantages of buying a holiday rental property. Planning a foreign holiday over the last two years has taken a lot of patience, caused a lot of frustration, and has seen lots of Brits opting for a staycation. With amber and green lists changing frequently, mandatory PCR tests, and the dreaded threat of hotel quarantine, the demand for UK holiday rentals has gone through the roof. But are they really worth the investment?…

Fri 06 Aug 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at the swanky features the rich and famous have in their homes. Scroll through the Instagram accounts of the rich and famous and you could be forgiven for feeling a mild dose of property envy.…

Thu 05 Aug 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at what’s involved in changing letting agents. If your letting agent is delivering sloppy service or hitting you up for extra fees, then it’s time to think about switching. Many Runcorn landlords mistakenly think changing agents is a messy and complicated process, but it’s relatively simple.…

Tue 03 Aug 2021

A three-minute read sharing top tips for your Runcorn 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.…

Mon 02 Aug 2021

This three-minute read explores the reasons why evictions happen and how they are carried out. Getting to the stage where you have to evict your tenants is difficult for everyone involved and should always be considered as a last resort.…

Fri 23 Jul 2021

This two-minute read looks at different types of friendships and how to strengthen them. The UN General Assembly proclaimed 30 July as International Friendship Day in 2011.  Friendships are crucial for our wellbeing and mental health, whether in person or online.…

Mon 19 Jul 2021

In this two-minute read, we explain why your letting agent should be part of a client money protection (CMP) scheme. The lettings sector used to be the Wild West of the property market, with a small group of unscrupulous agents giving the industry a bad name. Thankfully, the introduction of stricter regulations in recent years has sent many cowboy agents riding off into the sunset. …

Fri 16 Jul 2021

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, including Runcorn-born Coxsey – the first climber to represent Great Britain at an 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.…

Tue 13 Jul 2021

In this three-minute read, we take a look at the most common rules and regulations that Runcorn 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.…

Mon 05 Jul 2021

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.…

Fri 02 Jul 2021

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?…

Mon 28 Jun 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at who is responsible for maintaining the garden at a rental property. The most significant property trend to emerge from the pandemic has been the surge in demand – from buyers and renters – for properties with gardens. The race for space is undoubtedly good news for landlords marketing properties with a garden, balcony, or courtyard.  And it’s not just easier to rent out a property with a garden; it’s more lucrative, too.…

Fri 25 Jun 2021

This three-minute read looks at ways to ensure you don’t go from suffering with lockdown lethargy to suffering from post-pandemic pressure. Things are starting to open up again. It turns out the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t an oncoming train. It could even be some weak UK sunshine.…

Mon 21 Jun 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at what can go wrong if you side-step tenant reference checks and wind up with a bad tenant. New landlords often flirt with the idea of ditching traditional tenant selection processes and taking a DIY approach instead. After all, there are so many ways to source tenants these days – like Gumtree or social media – why bother with anything else?…

Fri 18 Jun 2021

In this three-minute read, we share six top tips for successful camping trips around Runcorn. Friday 2 July sees the start of the UK’s National BBQ Week – one of the Great British public’s favourite pastimes. Whether it’s bangers, halloumi burgers or spicy cauliflower steaks on the menu, BBQs are the number one meal option when it comes to camping trips.…

Mon 14 Jun 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at why regular inspections should be central to your property management strategy. When you’re a busy landlord juggling a multitude of responsibilities, it’s easy to let a crucial part of managing a property – regular inspections – slide. Landlords usually carry out inspections with clockwork regularity at the start of a tenancy, but things can get a little lax over time.…

Fri 11 Jun 2021

A two-minute read looking at the price of property across our continent. The month-long football festival AKA the Euros 2021 kicks off today. And the home nations of England, Scotland, and Wales are all competing to win the crown of the best national side in Europe. A win for England would be priceless, and I thought it might be a bit of fun to look at how property prices compare across the continent.…

Mon 07 Jun 2021

This two-minute read takes a look at the ICO and what Runcorn landlords need to do. Back in 2018, the rules around the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and data handling changed. Things like ‘This website uses cookies; do you accept?’ popped up everywhere.…

Fri 28 May 2021

In this three-minute read, we celebrate the eccentric events that unite and delight. Whether it’s bog swimmers in mankinis or Vikings brandishing burning fence posts, Britain can lay claim to some of the world’s weirdest and most wonderful events. And while each is unique, they all have one thing in common: they’re rooted in the community. In an increasingly globalised, homogenous world, local festivals and traditions feel even more special.…

Mon 24 May 2021

This three-minute read guides Runcorn landlords to declaring their rental income in the best way possible. If you rent out a property and receive a rental income from that, you must declare it. You have to pay tax on any profit. It doesn’t change your employment status to ‘self-employed’ though, as it’s considered an investment. Of course, HMRC can be more complicated than a day at Hogwarts. The best advice will be to seek professional advice from an accountant but we’ve picked out some key points to start you off. …

Fri 21 May 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at how Runcorn homeowners can protect themselves from unscrupulous builders. We’ve all heard the renovation horror stories. The builder who does a runner halfway through a job, leaving a homeowner out of pocket and living in a construction site. The messy contractual dispute that winds up in court and ends in tears. Or the new roof that leaks at the first drop of rain. The good news is that by following a few simple steps, Runcorn property owners can avoid getting ripped off.…

Mon 17 May 2021

A two-minute read to help you quickly determine the return on a buy-to-let property in Runcorn. If you’re looking for a property to rent out, it’s important to understand the numbers involved. You may have inherited a property and are thinking of letting it. Use the information here to identify if that is a prudent thing to do or if the capital from selling the property could be better invested. …

Fri 14 May 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at ways to promote children’s wellbeing. The past year has been challenging for kids, so let’s make them feel special on National Children’s Day (NCD) on Sunday 16 May.…

Mon 10 May 2021

A three-minute read. Having a rental property can be a great way to earn some extra income. Like anything, there are a variety of things that can go wrong. Lets break down five of the most common ones.…

Fri 07 May 2021

In this three-minute read, we celebrate those working in the noblest of professions – nursing. As it’s International Nurses Day next week, we thought we’d share this brilliant quote with you: “Save one life, and you’re a hero. Save 100 lives, and you’re a nurse.”…

Mon 03 May 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at how landlords can avoid getting a bad insurance deal. If you’re a landlord looking to take out insurance or renew a current policy, there are a few things you should know.…

Fri 30 Apr 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at why it’s crucial that consumers shop local. As we emerge out of lockdown, there’s one thing you can do to help Runcorn recover from the pandemic – and that’s to shop local.…

Mon 26 Apr 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at a study that found some landlords were putting themselves and their investment at risk by cutting corners on checks and maintenance. Landlords are leaving themselves exposed to the risk of criminal and civil prosecution by failing to conduct critical safety checks and taking a back seat on maintenance, a survey of renters has revealed. The study by property management platform Plentific found that a surprisingly high proportion of landlords aren’t meeting their legal responsibilities regarding gas safety and that in some cases, tenants are handling maintenance and repairs.…

Fri 23 Apr 2021

In this two-minute read, we show you how to make your Runcorn home a healthier place for the planet. Yesterday was World Earth Day. People across the globe were encouraged to be more mindful about the impact we all have on the planet. But doing our bit for Mother Earth is a process and not an event as this article explains. In our own homes in Runcorn, we can continue to do things to help the Earth. …

Mon 19 Apr 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at how landlords can foster a good rapport with tenants. Every successful landlord needs a rock-solid tenant retention plan or what we like to call “a happy tenant strategy”. This is because happy tenants are loyal tenants. And loyal tenants are more likely to stay in your property for longer, helping you to avoid the ultimate landlord bugbear – high tenant turnover.…

Mon 12 Apr 2021

A two-minute read. A landlords’ advice article published recently said property investors need to think more like the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The billionaire businessman is renowned for his long-term thinking. He thinks decades ahead, and let’s face it, he’s not doing too bad, is he?…

Fri 09 Apr 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at how to get ready for the changes that lie ahead as restrictions continue to ease. With the end to our arduous Covid hibernation in sight, it’s time to prepare for life in the “new normal”.…

Tue 06 Apr 2021

In this two-minute read, we show you how to keep calm and in control when letting your Runcorn property. The idea that investing in rental property is easy passive income is a myth. Letting and managing rental property can be stressful, especially for inexperienced or accidental landlords.…

Fri 02 Apr 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at the weird and wonderful ways people around the globe celebrate Easter. We Brits have Easter egg hunts, hot cross buns, and Morris dancing, but read on to find out how people in other parts of the world celebrate Easter.…

Wed 31 Mar 2021

A leading international inventor has chosen me to be one of only ten property and lettings experts in the world to trial his Artificial Intelligence (AI) software. The reclusive billionaire and his team of experts have created a ground-breaking app that translates a person’s thoughts into a text message by analysing their brainwaves.…

Mon 29 Mar 2021

In this three-minute read, we explain why it pays for landlords to review the management of their property. Spring is traditionally a time for a good tidy up and clear out. If you’re a landlord, it’s also an excellent opportunity to give your property management strategy a once-over.…

Fri 26 Mar 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at the ingenious ways communities pulled together during the pandemic to spread joy and raise spirits. In years to come, when we talk about living through the pandemic, we’ll no doubt mention face masks, home-schooling, and Zoom meetings. But let’s not forget the countless examples of kindness and resourcefulness that we’ve witnessed in the community over the past 12 months.…

Tue 23 Mar 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at new rules on electrical safety reports that come into force next month. It’s no joke: landlords who fail to get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for their rental property by 1 April could face a fine of up to £30,000.…

Fri 19 Mar 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at how the pandemic has given us a greater appreciation for life’s little pleasures. As tomorrow is the International Day of Happiness, let’s tune out from the negative headlines for a moment and reflect on a few positives.…

Mon 15 Mar 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at how letting agents handle the fiddly, time-consuming elements of renting out a property (part two of a two-part series). In part two of our series on property management, we look at how letting agents save landlords time – that precious commodity that is always in short supply.…

Fri 12 Mar 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at some of the milestone moments in British scientific history. It’s British Science Week this week so let’s celebrate the pioneering men and women who have changed the world. As science buffs in Runcorn will undoubtedly know, Britain has a long tradition of invention and discovery. The list of breakthroughs made on our shores is long and impressive. We couldn’t possibly include them all here, so we’ve focused on six landmark moments.…

Mon 08 Mar 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at the benefits of using a letting agent to manage your rental property (part one of a two-part series). Almost every landlord has weighed up the merits of self-managing their rental property versus using a letting agent. After all, why pay someone to do something you do yourself, eh?…

Sat 06 Mar 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at how parents in Runcorn can help their children adjust to being back in the classroom. After many long and draining weeks of learning from home, children across the UK are finally returning to school.…

Fri 05 Mar 2021

A two-minute read. This week, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlined his plans to get England back on track as we come out of the pandemic. Among furlough extensions, extra support for the self-employed and business loan schemes was the welcome news that the stamp duty holiday is being extended. …

Mon 01 Mar 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at how Runcorn landlords can protect themselves from getting caught up in the most common cause of end-of-tenancy disputes. When a tenancy comes to an end, one issue more than any other causes disagreements. And it’s not holes in walls or missing rent payments that take the number one spot.…

Fri 26 Feb 2021

We list the five simple things we’re looking forward to when lockdown lifts in this two-minute read. With the end to lockdown now in sight, it’s impossible not to think excitedly ahead to spring and summer. We know we won’t be able to do everything all at once – but we can live with that.…

Mon 22 Feb 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at how technology can help landlords be more successful, do their bit for the planet, protect their tenants, and save money. From smart TVs to one-click shopping, technology makes life a whole lot easier than it was 20 years ago for the average person. It also has many benefits for private landlords and their tenants.…

Fri 19 Feb 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at how a simple random act of kindness can start a tsunami of positive vibes. Many people are going through a dark time right now, but there is a way you could make at least one person’s day a little brighter. As this week is Random Acts of Kindness Week, why not surprise and delight someone with a small, generous gesture?…

Thu 18 Feb 2021

The darkest hour is just before the dawn.” The quote is attributed to the English theologian Thomas Fuller from 1650. It could easily be applied now, more than 370 years on.…

Mon 15 Feb 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at a new report that outlines how Runcorn landlords can build a long and prosperous partnership with their tenant. What’s the secret to a successful tenant/landlord relationship? It’s a question that has vexed property gurus through the ages, but now the University of Stirling thinks it has the answer.…

Fri 12 Feb 2021

In this two-minute read, we share three stories that shine a light on affairs of the heart in the lead up to Valentine’s Day on Sunday. …

Thu 11 Feb 2021

A 60-second speed read. The Beatles were right when they sang ‘money can’t buy me love.’ But money can buy you a gift to give to your significant other. The trouble is not all ‘romantic gifts’ are created equally and received gratefully.…

Tue 09 Feb 2021

A 60-second speed read. The past 12 months have been a Mount Everest like challenge for most of us. But hope is on the horizon.…

Mon 08 Feb 2021

In this three-minute read, we explain how renters can avoid getting ripped off by fake landlords. Renters in Runcorn should be on their guard against fraudsters using Covid-19 as a cover to swindle people out of their hard-earned cash.…

Fri 05 Feb 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at some of the positive initiatives inspired by Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental health used to be a taboo subject, but thankfully things are changing. This week was Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and up and down the country, people found interesting ways to engage with young people about the issue.…

Thu 04 Feb 2021

A 60-second speed read. Children’s Mental Health Week runs until Sunday. And we’re sharing seven super tips on how you can help your little cherubs cope with the strains lockdown can place upon their young shoulders.…

Tue 02 Feb 2021

In this 60 second speed read we show our support for a vitally important project which comes with Royal approval. Children’s Mental Health Week (CMHW) is running from Monday 1 to Sunday 7 February.…

Mon 01 Feb 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at what a new survey about mould in UK homes reveals about the tenant/landlord relationship. Let’s unpack what Runcorn landlords can learn from the findings of the memorably titled ‘Mouldy Nation Report’.…

Fri 29 Jan 2021

In this two-minute read, we bring you four news stories to lift your spirits and makeyou smile.   You can’t lose if you snooze If you often nod off mid-afternoon, we have good news – a new study suggests napping can sharpen your mind and help ward off dementia.…

Thu 28 Jan 2021

This article discovers there are levels to lockdown boredom and shares with you the World’s most boring museum, film, town, and date. A surprisingly interesting 3-minute read.…

Tue 26 Jan 2021

A 60-second speed read on the games people are playing in lockdown. One of the few positives of the lockdowns has been that families living in the same home have spent more quality time together. This ‘together time’ has seen a surge in the number of board games sold. Amazon has just released the top ten games that families across Runcorn and the UK have been buying in the battle to banish boredom.…

Mon 25 Jan 2021

In this three-minute read, we share five top tips if you’re thinking about renting out your property for the first time. Deciding to become a landlord is a big step. It can be both exciting and daunting. I’ve got some tips on what you need to think about when renting out a property so you can make your first venture a smooth one.…

Fri 22 Jan 2021

In this two-minute read, we share tales of triumph and generosity from around the UK. Postcards of Kindness The pandemic has been tough on us all, but particularly so for care home residents. To ease the sense of isolation that many people in care homes feel, an army of postcard writers has sprung up across the UK.…

Thu 21 Jan 2021

In this 60-second speed read, we share ten tunes to put a spring in your step despite what’s going on in the world. What do you get when you cross a fashion magazine with a scientist? And no this isn’t a joke from an open mic Zoom night at your local comedy club.…

Tue 19 Jan 2021

In this 60-second speed read, we share eight ace ideas to help children and teenagers take a break from their screens. Many family homes across Runcorn are now doubling up as school classrooms. The remote lockdown learning added to gaming and social media use means many young people spend up to 80-90 per cent of their waking time looking at computer screens. While educationally it’s essential, it’s also important they have some ways to ditch the digital and do something different that doesn’t involve screen time.…

Mon 18 Jan 2021

In this three-minute read, we look at ways to prevent the tenant/landlord relationship from turning sour. I hate to be the bearers of bad news but today is the most depressing day of the year – otherwise known as Blue Monday. It’s the time of year when we fall into a post-Christmas slump because the weather is rubbish and money is tight. And as a landlord living through lockdown, your relationship with your tenant may also be under strain. Unfortunately, I can’t conjure up sunny skies or a lottery win, but I can help you improve your tenant situation. I’ve come up with three ways to combat common issues which can make Blue Monday even more miserable for landlords.…

Fri 15 Jan 2021

In this two-minute read, we share three short stories to make you smile. We may be in the middle of a winter lockdown, but there are still plenty of reasons to be cheerful. Here are a few upbeat stories from around the world to lift your mood.…

Thu 14 Jan 2021

In this 60-second speed read we give you ten things to add to your lockdown to do (or to don’t) lists. If you’re at home with time on your hands at the moment here are 10 ‘little’ jobs you can try. If you’re home schooling, our advice is not to bother with this list and use any spare moments you have to take a well-earned rest.…

Tue 12 Jan 2021

In this 90 second read, we share 10 of the best feelgood movies to make staying at home that little bit more bearable. I love a good film, and I think the ones that have made it to this list are bound to leave you with a spring in your step and smile on your face.…

Mon 11 Jan 2021

In this two-minute read, we look at the benefits of building a good relationship with your tenant. Type’ landlords are’ into Google, and the words that come up next are pretty unflattering.…

Fri 08 Jan 2021

In this two-minute read, I’m sharing three stories to bring a smile to the faces of people in Runcorn. With high Covid-19 rates reported in the UK, more lockdowns being announced across the globe and America in chaos you’d be forgiven for wanting to pull the duvet over your head and stay in bed. But because I’m an eternal optimist, I know better times are coming for Runcorn and I’ve rounded up three feelgood stories to give us all a little hit of hope.…

Thu 07 Jan 2021

A 60-second speed read that could save you a lot of money. Here’s a question for you. What happens when you have a national lockdown in winter?…

Tue 05 Jan 2021

The Prime Minister announced at 8pm this evening people in England will be going back into lockdown tomorrow following a surge in Coronavirus cases. The tighter restrictions include schools shutting until the February half-term for most pupils. People must now work from home if they can, and only essential shops can remain open. Which leads us to how these new measures will affect people wanting and needing to move home.…

Mon 04 Jan 2021

In this two-minute speed read we look at 10 things you can do as a landlord to make 2021 a year to remember for all the right reasons.…

Thu 31 Dec 2020

A 90-second speed read to share some resolution ideas to bring some hope in 2021. 99.9 per cent of us cannot wait to see the back of 2020. And what better time to draw a line under this ‘unprecedented’ year than the opportunity to welcome in a new year. And one which brings new hope.…

Tue 29 Dec 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at how the private rental sector changed in 2020. 2020 is the year the property world’s most famous mantra – location, location, location – was replaced with a new motto: space, space, space.…

Mon 21 Dec 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at why landlords who self-manage their buy-to-lets can never really put their feet up at Christmas.  Picture this: It’s 4pm on Christmas Day, and you’ve just snuggled down on the sofa to watch a bit of telly. Your belly is full, and your lids are heavy after a Mistletoe Margarita or two (or three, but who’s counting?). Then your phone rings. It’s your tenant – and there’s a problem.…

Mon 14 Dec 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at the two biggest decisions landlords in Runcorn make when renting out their property.  Life is a daily merry-go-round of decision making. What to eat for breakfast? Which coat to put on? Which queue to stand in at the supermarket (socially distanced, of course)? Some decisions are a lot more impactful than others.…

Fri 11 Dec 2020

In this two-minute read, we trace the origins of some of the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas. Christmas is a time of mistletoe and mulled wine, twinkly trees, and messages from the monarch. And in Runcorn it seems like many people can’t wait for the festive break.…

Mon 07 Dec 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at five fantastic tips to help people looking to rent a property in Runcorn. One thing that seems almost Covid-19 proof is the desire for people in Runcorn to move home. The local rental property market has proven resilient this year, with people looking to rent new places to call home.…

Fri 04 Dec 2020

Who says you can’t have a great time this Christmas AND do your bit for Planet Earth? In this two-minute read, we look at some simple things people in Runcorn can do to make the festive period as eco-friendly as possible. There’s been some positive vaccine news starting to come out in the UK and across the world.…

Mon 30 Nov 2020

In this three-minute read, we outline the costs and expenses landlords encounter when letting a property. To succeed as a landlord, you need to have a realistic idea about the costs you’ll encounter when letting out a property.…

Fri 27 Nov 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at the crucial role small businesses play in bringing prosperity and personality to our high streets. Small businesses across Runcorn have played a vital part in helping our community to get through the pandemic, so it’s no wonder that many of us are feeling a lot of love for local firms right now.…

Thu 26 Nov 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at what yesterday’s Christmas announcements mean to households in Runcorn. This year has been filled with anguish and anxiety for many of us. But the news that came out last week around successful vaccines and yesterday’s announcement of the temporary relaxation around social distancing rules over Christmas has cheered up many of us.…

Wed 25 Nov 2020

In this important two-minute read, we look at six ways people in Runcorn can look after their mental health and that of their loved ones as we head into winter.…

Mon 23 Nov 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at the pros and cons of letting a property to a tenant with a pet. Should tenants be allowed to keep pets in rental properties? It’s a thorny subject that is back in the spotlight after an MP called for landlords to be more flexible on the issue.…

Wed 18 Nov 2020

In this two-minute update, we look at the benefits of exercising and why it could be easier than you think to get moving again. We’ve been through some historically uncertain times this year. But with the recent announcements around the highly promising vaccines to combat Covid-19, brighter times have appeared on the global horizon. During this period of uncertainty, one thing has become crystal clear, and that’s the importance of exercising regularly for your mind and body.…

Mon 16 Nov 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at the documentation landlords need to meet their legal obligations – and avoid messy disputes. First-time landlords often make the rookie mistake of underestimating the amount of paperwork involved in letting a property. Many assume that once the ink dries on a tenancy agreement, they’ve got the paperwork sorted – but nothing could be further from the truth.…

Thu 12 Nov 2020

Today is World Kindness Day, and we couldn’t think of a better chance to show our appreciation for our community’s good neighbours. A 90-second speed read. Friday the 13th is usually viewed with suspicion given its ‘unlucky for some’ label. But this year’s vintage is a time to celebrate and cast aside any superstitions and celebrate World Kindness Day. And 2020 is certainly the year where kindness and community spirit were needed like never before.…

Wed 11 Nov 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at five ways to stave off cravings and eat well this winter. Many of us turn to food when we’re bored or stressed, so it’s no wonder that the pandemic has played havoc with so many people’s waistlines. Spending lots of time at home this year, amid ongoing uncertainty, has meant that bad habits have crept in. Do any of these descriptions resonate with you?…

Mon 09 Nov 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at the new rules on eviction enforcement during the latest lockdown. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced a ban on bailiffs carrying out eviction enforcement during the lockdown in all but the most serious of cases.…

Sat 07 Nov 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at ways people in Runcorn can make their mental health a priority during uncertain times. As we head towards what could be a very different Christmas this year, there are many positive things you can do to keep your spirits up and nurture your mental wellbeing. Try following these tips to get through the next two months. Be kind to yourself…

Thu 05 Nov 2020

In this two-minute read we look at ten steps you can take to soothe pets through the anxiety-inducing fireworks season. Halloween has been and gone and next up on the calendar is Bonfire Night. Some people enjoy it. Others endure it. One thing is for sure, and that’s with all the loud bangs, strange sounds, and unexpected flashes it’s a testing time, to put it mildly, for our pets.…

Tue 03 Nov 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at what the announcement on Saturday by Prime Minister Boris Johnson means to landlords and tenants in Runcorn. The writing has been on the wall for several days now, but on Saturday we received confirmation that England will go into lockdown from Thursday, November 5 until at least December 2. So, how will this affect landlords and tenants in Runcorn?…

Sun 01 Nov 2020

In this two-minute speed read we look at four things that’ll help you make the most of next month. The clocks have gone back, and November is just around the calendar corner.…

Fri 30 Oct 2020

In this terrifying three-minute true story, we reveal how a Runcorn family endured a nightmare experience when selling their home.…

Mon 26 Oct 2020

In this terrifying two-minute read, we look at what ghoulish goings-on are keeping landlords up at night—a Halloween Week Special. There are many different fears we all have in life. There’s the fear of scary clowns like the one made infamous by the horror classic It. Or more everyday things like fear of failure, of missing out or missing the bus.…

Fri 23 Oct 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at fears the UK is heading for an animal welfare crisis this winter. Demand for puppies skyrocketed during lockdown, but with furlough ending later this month and the economy struggling, is the reality of pet ownership about to bite?…

Mon 19 Oct 2020

In this two-minute speed read; we look at what the new tier system means for landlords and people looking to rent in Runcorn. The tier system announced by the Government this week to combat the increase in Covid-19 cases has caused some concern from landlords and people who are looking to move. The good news is that it shouldn’t.…

Sat 17 Oct 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at ways to make your Runcorn home a warm, welcoming retreat. As the nights draw in and the mercury drops, it’s time to take a little inspiration from our Nordic neighbours.…

Mon 12 Oct 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at why a landlord needs a professional mindset, and what can go wrong if emotions cloud your judgment. There’s a line in the classic film The Godfather that neatly sums up what landlords need to know about letting properties.…

Fri 09 Oct 2020

In this 90-second speed read, we discover how something so simple to do can have such big positive effects. This month sees the world’s biggest drawing festival take place. Throughout October, there are activities taking place across the globe to encourage people to pick up a pencil and pen and start getting creative.…

Mon 05 Oct 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at how landlords can manage tenants who are noisy, aggressive or destructive. Let’s start with the good news: the vast majority of tenants pay their rent on time and cause their landlords very little, if any, grief. Now for the not so good news: a small percentage of tenants wreak havoc. They infuriate the neighbours, damage property and behave in a violent and aggressive way.…

Fri 02 Oct 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at ways to keep your body and mind active in October. I know 2020 has been an unusual year, but I’m determined to keep calm, keep active and keep people moving homes successfully.…

Mon 28 Sep 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at the unusual things that tenants have left behind after moving out and explain how landlords can avoid post-tenancy clean-up bills. End-of-tenancy checks can spring all manner of surprises on landlords. Take, for example, the landlord in north-west London who discovered an abandoned kitten when taking possession of a property back in August.…

Fri 25 Sep 2020

In this 90-second speed read, we look at the things people are stopping and starting in October. 2020 will go down in history as the year when life stopped, albeit temporarily. And with local lockdowns coming into force, that feeling of stop-starting stuff is still around.…

Mon 21 Sep 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at the ten most important things a landlord needs to succeed. If you’re contemplating becoming a landlord, here’s a helpful checklist explaining what it takes to let a property. You may wonder why a checklist is necessary. After all, how hard can it be? You buy a property, find a tenant, and boom, you’ve got the whole landlord game figured out. Wrong!…

Fri 18 Sep 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at ways to make your home more energy efficient. With 40% of UK carbon emissions coming from households, the road to a cleaner, greener planet starts at home.…

Tue 15 Sep 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at why landlords MUST take gas safety very seriously. This week (starting Monday 14th) sees the tenth annual Gas Safety Week begin. The awareness campaign is timed to get people thinking about and checking their gas appliances as the autumn chill starts to take hold.…

Fri 11 Sep 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at how you can improve the local environment by joining the fight against litter. If the sight of discarded fag butts, empty bottles and plastic wrappers makes you see red, you’re not alone. Litter is an issue that frustrates and aggravates many people in the UK, and rightly so.…

Mon 07 Sep 2020

In this three-minute read, we explain how landlords can navigate their way through choppy economic waters and achieve good returns on their investment. When officials announced on 12 August that the UK had entered recession, lots of economic experts came out of the woodwork.…

Sat 05 Sep 2020

In this two-minute read we look at why the upcoming National Read a Book Day has lasting benefits for people in Runcorn. This Sunday, 6 September, sees National Read a Book Day taking place all over the UK. And while events to mark the day have been scaled down due to social distancing, it’s still a brilliant chance to take time out for yourself and bury your head in a good book.…

Mon 31 Aug 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at how landlords can prevent their property from being used for cannabis production. If you have a nice property in a respectable street in Runcorn, you probably would never imagine that criminal gangs would ever target you. Well, think again.…

Sun 30 Aug 2020

On Friday, the Government made changes to the six-month eviction notice periods law which were introduced in a bid to stop people being evicted from their homes due to the impact Covid-19 is having on their finances. This means the new, longer notice periods will run from today, 29th August until 31st March. However, there are several instances where shorter notice periods can be given.…

Sat 29 Aug 2020

In this two-minute read, we’ll share the secrets of how to put together a picnic you’ll be proud of. We’ve still a few weeks of summer to enjoy.…

Fri 28 Aug 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at how we can all do our bit to support and celebrate the local businesses serving Runcorn well. “The service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” That was a quote from Muhammad Ali, and who are we to argue with sport’s greatest icon?…

Wed 26 Aug 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at seven things you can do to ease the back-to-school nerves children may be facing ahead of the new academic year. The lockdown and ongoing fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic have been tough for everyone. But it’s been especially hard for school-aged children.…

Mon 24 Aug 2020

A 2-minute read updating landlords about what the new extension on evicting tenants means for them and how we’re helping them avoid the worst-case scenario. On Friday it was announced by the Government there is now an extension on the ban on landlords evicting tenants in England and Wales.…

Fri 21 Aug 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at seven fundamental steps landlords in Runcorn need to take to put themselves and their rental properties on the path to success. Being a landlord can be challenging, complicated and confusing. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By following these quick tips below, you’ll make your life easier and your properties more profitable.…

Thu 20 Aug 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at why laughter is so crucial during tough times. There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world now. But one thing you can be sure of, is that someone, somewhere, is making the most of life and having a bit of a giggle.…

Wed 19 Aug 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at the most common mistakes landlords make and share some simple, musical theatre-inspired tips, to help you protect your investment. Hands up if you think this statement is true. Being a landlord is easy. You buy a property, find a tenant, and then sit back like Daddy Warbucks and count the cash as it rolls in!…

Tue 18 Aug 2020

In this three-minute read, we explain what landlord insurance is and how to protect your property investment. If the mere mention of the word “insurance” makes you want to nod off, here’s a quick hack to focus your mind. Ask yourself this question: what’s the worst that could happen to your property investment in Runcorn?…

Mon 17 Aug 2020

In this two-minute read, we look at the despicable criminals targeting people’s phones in Runcorn and what we can do to stop them.…

Fri 31 Jul 2020

As the Eat Out to Help Out scheme happens across the country next week, spare a thought for local foodbanks in Runcorn. A 90-second read.…

Wed 29 Jul 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at the latest news on the evictions front and the moves needed to avoid legal action. It takes flexibility, compassion, and stamina to navigate the eviction process at the best of times. But, due to Covid-19, it takes more careful and considered steps than ever to repossess a property.…

Mon 27 Jul 2020

There is no doubt that coronavirus will affect the Runcorn property market, but how? The ensuing economic challenges are going to impact the Runcorn (and UK) property market, but no one knows the real answer. The newspapers eulogise different opinions, but that’s all they are – opinions, and everybody’s got a different view. The truth of the matter is we don’t know and won’t know for another few months at least, if not more.…

Thu 23 Jul 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at how the Eat Out to Help Out scheme can give struggling restaurants and cafes in Runcorn a much needed boost. We’ve been asked to do many things in recent months: stay home, home school, wear masks, keep apart and wash our hands, to name but a few. And now we’re being called to action again.  But this time to dine out to help the hospitality industry get back on its feet after being hit for six by the lockdown.…

Wed 22 Jul 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at what a recent court ruling that found a “no DSS” letting ban was unlawful means for landlords. A disabled mum-of-two emerged victorious from York County Court earlier this month after winning a case that sent ripples through the lettings industry. The woman, who was on housing benefit, had been blocked from renting a property by a blanket “no DSS” lettings policy.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Tue 21 Jul 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at what a recent court ruling that found a “no DSS” letting ban was unlawful means for landlords. A disabled mum-of-two emerged victorious from York County Court earlier this month after winning a case that sent ripples through the lettings industry. The woman, who was on housing benefit, had been blocked from renting a property by a blanket “no DSS” lettings policy.…

Fri 17 Jul 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at why our sports clubs and arts groups in Runcorn are so crucial to our communities. It was a sad and sorry sight when clubhouses, theatres and church halls were mothballed during the lockdown. Places that once buzzed with activity sat empty; the groups who once occupied them hit for six by social distancing rules. But we’re glad to see many sports clubs are up and running again – albeit with fewer volunteers and a long list of new health and safety rules to follow.…

Wed 15 Jul 2020

In this three-minute read, we look at what the Stamp Duty holiday and a new grant scheme for green home improvements mean for landlords. Chancellor Rishi Sunak made two big announcements about the property market last week and triggered a flurry of activity. Both initiatives represent attractive propositions for savvy landlords. But, as always, it pays to do your homework first.…

Mon 13 Jul 2020

The British are infatuated with owning their own property and politicians know that. Margaret Thatcher used it as a vote winner in 1979 when she allowed council house tenants to buy their own home. Coming to the present day, Boris Johnson’s Conservative government has anxieties that we Brits have not been buying nearly enough homes lately, and as with all countries in the world, the British property market was put ‘on ice’ for several months to help contain the coronavirus, exacerbating the problem. The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced on Wednesday plans to boost the property market by momentarily scrapping Stamp Duty Tax (a tax paid by homebuyers) when they buy a property that costs less than £500,000.…

Sat 11 Jul 2020

In this three-minute read, we share some ideas on how you can help your local shops and businesses through these difficult times. One of the most remarkable things about the Covid-19 crisis is the way communities in Runcorn have pulled together. People have stepped up and supported their neighbours, the vulnerable and the NHS.…

Fri 10 Jul 2020

No news isn’t always good news. If you haven’t spoken to your tenant for a while, get in touch and see how they are getting on. If their circumstances have changed, it’s better to know about it as soon as possible. Remember some people’s lives have been turned upside down by Covid-19, so be professional and compassionate.…

Wed 08 Jul 2020

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced sweeping changes this afternoon around Stamp Duty which is excellent news for anyone thinking of buying a home in Runcorn. Stamp Duty is a tax applied when you buy a property and the announcement that there will be a payment holiday starting immediately means homebuyers will save thousands of pounds.…

Tue 07 Jul 2020

One of my Runcorn landlords contacted me last week from Daresbury after he had spoken to a landlord friend of his from Sutton Weaver. He told me they were deliberating the Runcorn property market and neither of them could make their mind up if it was time to either sell or buy property following Covid-19. His friend said he would wait to see what would happen to property prices following Covid-19, yet my landlord wanted to pick my brain in order to help him decide what to do.…

Thu 02 Jul 2020

From talking to most of the Runcorn estate and letting agents and our own findings, it might surprise many of you that new enquiries from homebuyers, tenants, landlords and home sellers have been at record levels since lockdown was lifted from the property market in mid-May.…

Thu 25 Jun 2020

In 2019, the private rented sector accounted for just over four and a half million households or 19.9% of UK households, no change from the year before. Interesting, when compared to the proportion of private rented households in the 1980s and 1990s, when the proportion of private rented households was stable at around 9.5% to 10.8%…

Thu 18 Jun 2020

Isn’t it funny that nobody boasts they are a buy to let landlord anymore? Roll the clock back to the early millennium, and you couldn’t go to the local golf club or shop at a Waitrose without someone dropping buy to let into the conversation as easily and as often as the weather.…

Thu 28 May 2020

Should you wait to buy your first home in Runcorn or buy now? What sort of mortgages are available? What sort of deposit is required? These are questions all Runcorn buyers are asking at the moment, yet this week I would like to focus on Runcorn’s first-time buyers, and what it means directly and indirectly to Runcorn homeowners looking to move up the property ladder and buy to let landlords.…

Thu 21 May 2020

Despite government regulations that have been in place since the 26th March 2020, where in-person viewings have been illegal, Runcorn’s buy to let landlords have been chomping at the bit to build their property empire by buying additional properties to their buy to let portfolio. There are plenty of investors who think nothing of legally committing to buying a property ‘off-plan’ before it’s built. Yet over the last few weeks, it has become the norm in the second-hand Runcorn property market, and they have now stolen a march and bagged some property bargains.…

Thu 07 May 2020

An immediate fallout of the coronavirus pandemic is that it has placed many Runcorn families house moves on hold. Government guidelines state all house buyers and house sellers who are in the process of selling their home in Runcorn and moving to a new house must adapt to these temporary arrangements, adjusting their usual practices, agreeing different dates to the house move after the removal of the stay at home actions we are all adopting – in essence, putting the house move ‘on ice’ during lockdown.…

Thu 30 Apr 2020

Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, 1,681 Runcorn people worked mainly from home, or about 6.1% of Runcorn’s 27,485 workforce (compared to the national average of 14.9%). Yet over the last few weeks, many hundreds, even thousands more Runcorn workers have joined them in their spare rooms or at their kitchen or dining room tables.…

Thu 16 Apr 2020

So now we are only a matter of a couple of weeks into lockdown, yet can you believe it, I am still speaking with agents from all over the UK. I do not jest, properties are still being sold and let even in these unprecedented times. I want to address the question I have been asked many times recently: “what will be the effect of COVID-19 on the Runcorn property market in the short, medium and long term?”…

Thu 09 Apr 2020

Runcorn Electricians are going to very busy in the next 13 months as they will have to test the electrics of every private rented property in Runcorn and potentially may have to install new fuse boards and wiring in some circumstances. New regulations set out in the Housing and Planning Act 2016 gave the Secretary of State of Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government the authority to compel private landlords to test their fixed electrical systems. Currently, these responsibilities only apply to licensable houses of multiple occupancies (where a house is split into individual rooms), yet these new rules will come into force for any new tenancy or renewal of any private rented home from the 1st July this year (2020)…

Thu 02 Apr 2020

The last three or four weeks, unquestionably, have been one of the most life-changing times we have seen since WW2. The imminent threat of the Coronavirus has taken over the world, the UK and Runcorn and will challenge you, our families, our relationships and test us all.…

Tue 17 Mar 2020

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Thu 05 Mar 2020

Even though the new legislation was placed on hold because of the recent general election, it is expected the government will start fining around half of all UK local authorities for failing to build enough new homes as Westminster starts to force local authorities to build more homes with the new laws.…

Thu 27 Feb 2020

Now as soon as the date for Rishi Sunak’s budget was set for 11th March 2020, conjecture in the press began about what stamp duty changes he may disclose on budget day. The Chancellor only sets the budget for England and Northern Ireland, yet this is just as relevant for Wales and Scotland. Even though Derek Mackay, the Scottish Finance Secretary said on 6th February he has no plans to change Scotland’s version of Stamp Duty (LBTT), more often than not, Stamp Duty rule changes in England are often adopted in Wales and Scotland at a future date.…

Thu 20 Feb 2020

In the latest, and most recently published, set of UK mortgage data (for November 2019) 18,470 pound-for-pound re-mortgages were made (i.e. the borrower went from one rate to another with no additional borrowing). However, since the 1970s, the British have seen their homes as cash cows and cash machines, with many homeowners re-mortgaging at the end of their mortgage’s introductory term (usually after the initial two, three or five years) to avoid being passed on to their mortgage lender’s more expensive standard variable rate.…

Thu 13 Feb 2020

I am asking Derek Twigg, the Labour MP for Halton, to remind the Chancellor, Sajid Javid, and Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to use their persuasive skills to highlight and take a more holistic approach and attitude to the private rented sector. I want them to tackle issues which affect a Runcorn landlords’ capability and capacity to strategically run an effective buy-to-let business.…

Thu 06 Feb 2020

Ah, the 2010’s, the tens, the teens – I am not sure what we are supposed to call the decade that has just gone. No matter what it was called, the last decade was a tough one, so does it really matter that we never really got around to giving it a name? Some might say, whatever one calls it, coming to an end is the most fundamental job any teen (and I refer to all humans) could possibly do!…

Thu 30 Jan 2020

Britain’s biggest mortgage lender, Halifax, announced in early January that there was a ‘Boris Bounce’ in the national property market as they stated national property values soared 1.7% in December 2019.  This was the biggest rise since the 1.9% month-on-month rise in February 2007 (a few months before the global financial crisis).…

Thu 23 Jan 2020

‘Washing Machine Energy Ratings for Houses’ was the phrase one Runcorn landlord told me a few years ago when we were talking about the colour bar chart graphs that every property has had for over 10 years now. Now these weren’t brought in to use the whole palate of ink in people’s printers, but to increase the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock. The vast majority of Runcorn landlords are, by now, acquainted with the legislation that came into force on the 1stof April 2018, that means all new and renewed private tenancy agreements must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E or above, otherwise it would be illegal to rent the property out (EPC ratings go A to G – A being the best and G the worst).…

Thu 16 Jan 2020

Have the baby boomers (people between the ages of 55yo to 75yo) messed things up for the millennials in terms of getting on the Runcorn property ladder? They bought their own council houses in the ’80s and ’90s, meaning there are no affordable homes for today’s youngsters, thus driving up the demand for rental homes and the price of homes (making them unaffordable). So, I decided to look at the figures, which do not make for good reading. In 1980, the average Runcorn household income was just under £6,000 per annum, and the average Runcorn house price was £13,198; while today, the average Runcorn household income is £28,835 per annum, yet the average household value is £154,900, meaning……

Wed 11 Dec 2019

With the general election almost upon us and having been asked by a number of Runcorn homeowners and landlords what the different main parties would do to the local property market, today’s article will focus on Labour’s contentious Right to Buy proposal for private tenants. Launched in September, the plan was designed to force landlords to sell their buy to let investments to their tenants who wished to buy them at a substantial discount. Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell told the FT in September that, under a new Labour government, tenants would be given the right to buy their tenanted home with a hefty discount – just like the Tory Right to Buy policy for council house renters that came into force after the 1979 general election.…

Tue 10 Dec 2019

In 1979, Margaret Thatcher was voted in on a Tory landslide with the ‘right to buy your own council house’ being a mainstay of Conservative policy. She encouraged people to buy their own council flats and houses, although it might interest you to know, that the council tenant right to buy idea was first proposed in the late 1950s and formed part of the manifesto of the Labour party. Yet Maggie’s version was based on massive discounts for tenants and 100% mortgages (i.e. no deposit). However, the real bugbear was that half the monies raised from the house sales went to central government and the other half to the local authorities. That money had to be used to reduce the local authorities debt rather than building new houses – so houses were being sold and not replaced.…

Thu 28 Nov 2019

I was having a thought-provoking conversation with a Runcorn buy-to-let landlord a few weeks ago about everything to do with property, Brexit and how the reported voluntary repatriation of Eastern Europeans had affected the property market in Runcorn. It transpired some of his Runcorn tenants, who had been in his property for over ten years were returning to Poland.  He was particularly disappointed as he told me they were some of the best, if not the best, tenants he had ever had.…

Thu 21 Nov 2019

Irrespective of the shenanigans and political goings-on in Westminster recently, the housing market (for the time being anyway) shows a striking resilience, fostered by the on-going wide-ranging monetary policy by the Bank of England. With interest rates and unemployment low, UKplc is heading into 2020 in reasonable condition.  Additionally, despite the UK’s new homes industry improving its year on year new build figures (building 173,660 new homes this year to date – notably 8% more new homes than at the same time last year), there has been an unequal increase in demand for housing, especially in the most thriving areas of the country.…

Thu 14 Nov 2019

That number surprised you didn’t it? With the general election done, I thought it time to reflect on renting in the manifestos and party-political broadcasts and ask why? As the best way to tell the future is to look at the past, we decided to look at the number of people who rented a century ago (1920s), and surprisingly 76% of people rented their home in the UK (as renting then was considered the norm). Yet in the latter part of the 1920s, builders of the suburban housing estates with their bay fronted semis started to sell the dream of homeownership to smart renters.…

Thu 07 Nov 2019

Investing in a Runcorn buy to let property has become a very different sport over the last few years. In the glory days of the five years after the turn of the Millennium, where we had double-digit house price growth, mortgage companies (notably Northern Rock, HBOS and their ilk) desperate to get on the buy to let mortgage bandwagon with rates so low it would make the belly of a snake seem high and an open mildness to give loans away with not so much more than a note from your Mum and with hardly any regulatory intervention… anyone could make money from investing in property – in fact it was easier to make money than fall off a log! Then we had the unexpected flourish of the property market, with the post credit crunch jump in the property market after 2010, when everything seemed rosy in the garden.…

Thu 31 Oct 2019

It seems that quite a few of Runcorn’s homeowners and landlords have become acclimatised to living with the uncertainty of Brexit throughout most of 2019. Figures show many of them decided to get on with living life, started reinvesting their money into Runcorn property and buying and selling their Runcorn homes and BTL investments. Land Registry stats confirm that. Current data shows that……

Thu 24 Oct 2019

Many mature readers of our Runcorn Property News site will remember buying their first home as 20 or 30 somethings, probably in Runcorn many years ago, yet read the newspapers now and feel it is all doom and gloom for today’s first-time buyers. So, I wanted to look at the facts, instead of newspaper headlines.…

Thu 17 Oct 2019

In the late spring, the government announced that they were planning to end no-fault evictions for tenants living in private rented accommodation. I have had a number of Runcorn landlords contact me, anxious that removing a tenant from their Runcorn buy-to-let property in the future had possibly become a lot more problematic. At the launch of the consultation on the changes to the piece of legislation relating to no-fault evictions (called the Section 21 amendments), the government wanted to assure British landlords that they would be protected by the bolstering of the existing Section 8 legislation. The current Section 8 allows landlords grounds for recovery of their properties for the reoccupation of the landlord, non-payment of rent, and other legitimate factors.…

Thu 10 Oct 2019

This is not just an issue of the Runcorn and Halton housing market slowing down since the credit crunch – the challenge is to split out shorter-term factors such as Brexit and the elections from longer-term structural issues of the UK society. When these most recent property transaction figures are seen against longer-term trends for Runcorn and Halton, they suggest more significant issues in the Runcorn and Halton housing market…

Wed 02 Oct 2019

If you are either selling or buying a property in Runcorn, there are a few reasons why it may be taking some time to sell your Runcorn home or find that perfect place to call your new home. It may be taking longer than you thought to find a buyer for your home because of the current state of the property market, or finding that perfect home in Runcorn may be taking too long because of a lack of properties to buy.…

Thu 26 Sep 2019

Yes, that number is staggering isn’t it?! Of the 5,803 households in Runcorn where the head of the household is 65 years or older, an astounding 3,734 (or 64.3%) of those are owned, which is below the national average of 74.1%, which sounds great – yet nothing could be further from the truth.…

Thu 19 Sep 2019

Freehold or leasehold: which is best? When buying a property in the UK, there are two main types of ownership – freehold, and leasehold; and when boiled down, they mean the following……

Thu 12 Sep 2019

The British housing market has never been so newsworthy. Every other day, there is an article in the newspaper or online about impending house price drops, house price rises, building on a green belt, mortgage rates up/down, first-time buyer affordability and the woes of being a buy to let landlord, to mention but a few. As a nation, we have a strong national desire to be homeowners.…

Thu 05 Sep 2019

My recent articles about Runcorn’s most moved street in the last three years, and the Monopoly board article (the one where I listed the most valuable streets) caused quite a lot of interest locally, so I decided to see what else I could find out about the WA7 postcode area. I have been able to find out the biggest streets in the Runcorn (WA7) postcode area.…

Thu 29 Aug 2019

The government’s annual Housing Survey is 50 years old this year.  It has taken a snapshot of the UK’s property market every year since 1969, and in the recently published report for 2018, it wasn’t a surprise that owner occupation is still the most predominant tenure. Now, more people own their home without a mortgage rather than having a mortgage as the number of people buying their first home (obviously with a mortgage) has declined since the millennium.  The report also shows homeowners (mortgaged and owned outright) are, on average, older than renters, and between the homeowners themselves, those who are mortgage-free are older than those with a mortgage.…

Thu 22 Aug 2019

The foundations of the Runcorn property market over the summer have continued to be principally sound.  Yet the existing political macroclimate has reduced consumer confidence, causing some potential Runcorn property buyers and house sellers to hang fire about making any firm decisions regarding property.…

Thu 15 Aug 2019

Has England’s green and pleasant land all of a sudden become England’s green and overcrowded land? With the nation’s ever-increasing population and the double whammy that people are now living longer; as each year goes by, there is an ever-growing strain on public services and in particular, my favourite topic, housing. It’s no wonder some people are saying things are at a crisis point when it comes to infrastructure (like roads, schooling, etc.) and in particular housing. I hear it all the time, people complaining that Runcorn looks like a building site and, we are packing people in like sardines. I wanted to find out exactly what the truth was.…

Thu 08 Aug 2019

The need for more homes has always been one of the biggest issues with regard to the country’s housing crisis. One of the main reasons for families wanting to move home is the need for more accommodation as their families grow, and so in 2013 and 2015, the planning permission rules were relaxed to try and alleviate this issue.…

Thu 01 Aug 2019

Lots of people say moving home is one of the top ten most stressful events in your life. Fortunately, there is a way to mitigate your stress. In a nutshell, start as early as you can, plan ahead and do everything you can to make it easy on yourself, your family and even the family pet. As an agent in Runcorn, my team and myself have been helping homeowners, landlords, buyers and tenants move, sell and let their Runcorn homes for many years. So I thought I would share some top tips for making your move as stress-free as possible – then find out which streets in Runcorn have moved the most in the last three years.…

Thu 25 Jul 2019

Looking back at the 75thAnniversary of the D-Day landing a few months ago, it reminded me of the vast changes that have happened to Runcorn and more specifically the Runcorn property market since WW2. Back in 1946, the average wage in Runcorn was just over £5 a week and to buy an average car would cost you just under £600, yet this is a property blog, so……

Thu 18 Jul 2019

Board games seem a thing of the past for youngsters nowadays with their consoles and mobile phones, yet a family favourite in our household that will bring young and old together is Monopoly.…

Thu 11 Jul 2019

Improving the energy efficiency of Britain’s 27.2 million homes, which are responsible for more than a quarter of the country’s CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, is seen as key to tackling the issues of climate change, fuel poverty and our country’s energy security. This is particularly important as in June the government announced they were going to make the country carbon neutral by 2050, meaning Britain’s homes need some enormous retrofitting to meet these ambitious climate targets.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 04 Jul 2019

Of the 20,000 houses and apartments sold in Runcorn (WA7) since 1995, 2,290 of those have been new homes, representing 10.5% of property sold. I wondered how that compared to both the regional and the national picture, and from that, the pertinent questions are: are we building too many new homes or are we not building enough?…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 27 Jun 2019

The average homeowner in the UK moves every 20.2 years… That average in the 1970s and '80s was around every 10 to 11 years; in the 1990s it increased to the mid-teens (in terms of years), and in the early part of the millennium, it dropped again to the low teens. When we had the credit crunch years of 2008/09/10, that shot up to every 25.3 years and has been steadily decreasing ever since to the 2018 figure of 18.7 years.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 20 Jun 2019

In 1979, more than 4 in 10 British people lived in a council house, yet today that figure is only 1 in 12, whilst according to Shelter 65% of families on the council house waiting lists had been on those lists for more than a year, and 27% had been waiting for more than five years.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 13 Jun 2019

Would it surprise you to know that in some parts of Runcorn, predominantly prosperous areas with high proportions of mature residents, the housing crisis is not one of supply so much as dispersal of that supply? Theoretically, in Runcorn there are more than enough bedrooms for everyone - it’s just they are disproportionately spread among the population, with some better-off and more mature households living in large Runcorn homes with many spare bedrooms, and some younger Runcorn families being overcrowded.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 06 Jun 2019

The balancing act of being a Runcorn buy to let landlord is something many do well at. Talking to numerous Runcorn landlords, they are very aware of their tenants’ capability to pay the rent and their own need to raise rents on their rental properties. Despite the perceived dark clouds of Brexit, evidence suggests many landlords feel more confident than they were in the summer and autumn of 2018 about aiming to push rents higher on their Runcorn buy to let properties.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 30 May 2019

One of the key factors of the health of the Runcorn property market is the number of properties for sale at any one time. The issue with housing is that when demand goes up, unlike with a chocolate bar factory, who can add a couple of hours overtime to increase supply/production to satisfy demand, it takes a good 18 months to two years from planning permission to someone moving into a home. I have talked at length (and proved) in previous articles that we are still not building enough homes in the long term in the Runcorn area, yet for the short term, a good indicator is the number of properties for sale and how long they have been on the market.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 23 May 2019

If you have been reading my articles on the Runcorn property market recently, you will see that in the three years since the referendum of the 'B' word (that word is banned in our household), we have proved beyond doubt that it has had no effect on the Runcorn property market nor the UK as a whole.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 16 May 2019

Nationally, the number of new homes created in 2018 was 222,194, the highest since 1989. Since 2002, the average number of properties built in the UK has only been 146,700 per year. You would think, seeing all the new homes sites around, you could ask are we building too many houses, especially off the back of those impressive 2018 build figures? However, to keep up with the ever-growing population, lifestyles and people living longer, official reports state the country actually needs 240,000 new homes built every year just to stand still.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 09 May 2019

Many Runcorn people ponder the best places to invest their hard-earned savings, and the best piece of advice I can give you is to do your homework and speak to lots of people. It depends on your attitude to risk versus reward. Normally, the lower the risk, the lower the reward while a higher risk is typically associated with the possibility of higher returns, yet nothing is guaranteed. At the same time, higher risk also means higher possible losses on your investment - yet if one looks at the bigger picture, the biggest threat to investing, predominantly when the investment is made in the short term, isn’t risk but actually volatility.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 02 May 2019

Moving home is said to be the third most stressful life event, following a member of your family dying or getting divorced. So it is always best to keep your stress levels down by investigating and doing your homework on both the particular area of Runcorn (or nearby conurbations) where you live (i.e. where you are selling) and where you want to search for your next Runcorn home. Being mindful of how fast (or slow) the different aspects of the Runcorn property market is moving is key because it could save you much heartache and many thousands of pounds.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 25 Apr 2019

A handful of Runcorn landlords and homeowners have been asking me what would happen if we had another property crash as we did in 2008/9? The UK property crash in 2008/9 caused property prices in the UK to drop by an average of 18.37% in a period of 16 months.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 04 Apr 2019

The proportion of 25 to 34-year-olds who own their home in Runcorn has nearly halved in the last 20 years. So what does this mean for all the existing Runcorn landlords and homeowners together with all those youngsters considering buying their first home?…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 28 Mar 2019

Anyone would think that national news, especially when it comes to talking about the property market, is just focused on London. In fact, over the last five years, the London property market has really manipulated the UK on averages to such an extent that many lenders like the Halifax and Nationwide publish two indices, a national one without London and one with.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 14 Mar 2019

Bargains – well yes and no – and let me explain why. To find a bargain you need to know the ‘market,' yet there is not one ‘property market' in the UK. The British property market is like a fly's eye - it looks one single lens but is in fact split into lots of fragmented pieces, and the same goes for the Runcorn property market. In fact, it can even come down to two streets adjacent to each other; one street selling like hot cakes for top dollar while the next street can stick at comparatively lower prices (i.e., if there is a school catchment boundary or differing postcode).…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 28 Feb 2019

A few weeks ago, I suggested property values in Runcorn would be between 0.3%and 1.1% different by the end of the year. It might surprise some people that Brexit hasn’t had the effect on the Runcorn property market that most feared at the start of 2018.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 21 Feb 2019

In the previous five years, we have seen some interesting subtle changes to the Runcorn property market as buying patterns of landlords have changed ever so slightly.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 14 Feb 2019

With the government preparing to control tenant's deposits at five weeks rent, Runcorn landlords will soon only be protected in the event of a single month of unpaid rental-arrears, at a time when Universal Credit has seen some rent arrears quadrupling, and that's before you consider damage to the property or solicitor costs.…

Helen Pass BSc (Hons), Director
Thu 07 Feb 2019

Runcorn property values are currently 1.3% higher than at the end of 2017, notwithstanding the uncertainty and threats over the potential impact of Brexit in 2019. …

Thu 31 Jan 2019

The conventional way of categorising property in Britain is to look at the number of bedrooms rather than its size in square metres (square feet for those of you over 50!). My intuition tells me that homeowners and tenants are happy to pay for more space. It’s quite obvious, the more bedrooms a house or apartment has, the bigger the property is likely to be. And it’s not only the additional tangible bedrooms, but properties with those additional bedrooms tend to have larger (and more) reception (living) rooms. However, if you think about it, this isn’t so surprising given that properties with more bedrooms would typically accommodate more people and therefore require larger reception rooms.…

Thu 24 Jan 2019

For most people in Runcorn, a mortgage is the only way to buy a property. However, for some, especially Runcorn homeowners who have paid off their mortgage or Runcorn buy to let landlords, many have the choice to pay exclusively with cash. So the question is, should you use all your cash, or could a mortgage be a more suitable option?…