Could professional property management help ease the pressure on portfolio landlords?
Discover how professional property management can help portfolio landlords navigate the Renters’ Rights Act, manage rising costs and stay compliant.
Latest news from Darlows
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![Paul Smith - Spicerhaart[4].jpg](/media/13686/paul-smith-spicerhaart-4.jpg)
Reaction to the 2025 Autumn Budget Statement
How the budget may affect different parts of the housing market, why mid-market activity should remain steady, and why some higher-value home-owners may consider right-sizing. We also outline the potential impact on landlords and rental supply.
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Own Your First Home Without a Deposit – Now Possible with the help of Just Mortgages
Getting onto the property ladder in South Wales can be a challenge - especially if saving for a deposit has been holding you back. Now, there’s a new option. A 100% mortgage is back, and Just Mortgages is making it available to first-time buyers who are ready to move forward.
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Darlows Shines at the 2024 Negotiator Awards
Darlows is delighted to announce the success at the 2024 Negotiator Awards, held on 29th November in London. Competing against the finest in the property industry, our dedication to delivering outstanding customer service has been recognised with two prestigious awards.
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Darlows Receives Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award for Outstanding Support
Darlows is proud to announce that we have been honoured with the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, the highest accolade recognising employers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting military personnel and their families.
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Darlows Season Greetings 2022
The festive period is truly underway at Darlows and we can’t wait for Christmas Day! We wish you and all your family and friends a wonderful time during the seasonal period, and a happy, healthy and prosperous year ahead.
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Stamp duty reforms 2022. What’s changed?
On the 23rd September 2022, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announced cuts to stamp duty in the government’s mini-budget, by increasing the amount at which buyers in England and Northern Ireland will begin paying duty from £125,000 to £250,000. For first-time buyers, this threshold is now £425,000 and discounted stamp duty will apply up to £625,000.
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Selling a Probate Property
Probate is the granting of legal authority to an Executor or family member to administer and disperse the Estate of the deceased, which can include property, money, possessions and other financial assets.
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Cladding - Latest News (March 2022)
Darlows is urging the Government to reconsider current plans regarding the cladding remediation fund and protect landlords as we believe there’s no logical explanation for the exclusion. We’ll continue to add our voice to campaigns such as this one to ensure the private rented sector isn’t treated unfairly.
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Government announces five-week cap on rental deposits- but Darlows goes one better
The government has recently confirmed that it will cut the maximum deposit for rentals of less than £50,000 to five weeks, down from six weeks. According to the National Landlords Association and the Residential Landlords Association, the reduction could force landlords out of the market. However, Darlows partnered with flatfair earlier this year to launch a solution which protects both tenants and landlords in equal measure.
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As the New Political term starts – is Housing Policy on the agenda?
The long summer has ended, MP’s have returned to Parliament and we’re in the midst of Conference Season. Naturally Brexit will dominate each party conference, however there are other equally important policies that should also form part of the agenda - particularly Housing.
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How Darlows uses social media to find brand new audiences
The outlook from within the private rental sector is positive. Property values in most regions continue to grow, which is important for landlords who view their portfolio as a long-term investment.
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The latest news from the Private Rented Sector
April marks the start of the new tax year, bringing with it the next phase of reduced interest relief for buy-to-let mortgages. Meanwhile, as the calendar year moves swiftly along, there continues to be a range of changes which will affect our sector either having been recently introduced, or on their way.
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As rents steadily rise, Darlows helps tenants access rental homes
Figures revealed by the HomeLet Rental Index earlier this month show that average rents across the UK were up 1.2% in February, when compared to the same month last year. Whilst in real terms this actual increase is likely to be affordable for most tenants, it will have an impact on the upfront costs when taking out a new tenancy.
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How our vision has a firm focus on our customers – where everyone wins together
This month we asked Andrew Benn, Managing Director of Spicerhaart Lettings, the company that owns Darlows, what he believes is the perfect recipe for a win-win business relationship.
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After an eventful start to the year, how should landlords prepare for the rest of 2018
Whilst the exceptional weather we’ve experienced this month has taken some by surprise, as early as mid-February, meteorologists did warn that there could be some short-term challenging conditions ahead.
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Spring’s ‘Green Shoots’ suggest a healthy 2018 for the Private Rented Sector
As the first signs of Spring start to appear in our gardens and parks, we’re getting a sense of the outlook for the private rented sector in 2018.
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Reflecting on in the Lettings property market 2017 and looking forward to 2018
2017 will be remembered by many in the property industry as a ‘year of change’. As the year began, we prepared for tighter mortgage lending restrictions and phasing in tax reforms – and ended it facing a raft of further policy amendments.
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Renovating a property
The renovation and refurbishment of properties can be tricky business, but if done correctly it can lead to major dividends
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First-Time Buyer Mistakes to Avoid
Whilst buying your first home is an exciting endeavour, there are some things that first time buyers should be aware of and/or avoid, to make your first home-buying experience a pleasant and successful one.
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CEO Paul Smith on November 2017 Stamp Duty Changes
The changes to Stamp Duty announced today will help the housing markets we serve no end and should hopefully bring a surge of activity to markets across the UK. This move has brought the dream of owning your own home far closer for so many.
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Advantages of Renting
The debate over renting vs buying is ongoing and as of right now, lacks a valid answer. Although many believe buying is better than renting, there are some scenarios and circumstances that might suggest the opposite.
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Tenants can live rent free over Christmas with the No Rent Event
Darlows is offering tenants the opportunity to live rent free at the outset of their tenancy to save some extra money over the costly festive period.
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Darlows offers landlords a rent free period over Christmas
Darlows’ Lettings division is offering landlords a chance to get tenants in their properties over the Christmas and New Year period, in an effort to help dodge a potentially expensive unlet or ‘void’ period.
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Retaining Good Tenants
Renewal talks with tenancies usually happen around three months before the end of a rental contract. These days however, they are happening a lot sooner (some even up to a year!), with tenants taking stock of their options before deciding on their next move.
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Reducing Void Periods
Renewal talks with tenancies usually happen around three months before the end of a rental contract. These days however, they are happening a lot sooner (some up to a year!), with tenants taking stock of their options before deciding on their next move.
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![GasSafetyWeek_Black-Logo_RGB[4].jpg](/media/6572/gassafetyweek_black-logo_rgb-4.jpg)
Gas Safety Week: Fighting for a Gas Safe nation
Darlows are delighted to be supporting Gas Safety Week 2017, taking place 18th – 24th September. It is an annual week to generate awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking correct care of your gas appliances.
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Darlows Lettings celebrate new protection for landlords and tenants
The Government has announced its intention to make Client Money Protection (CMP) compulsory for all lettings agents.
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Pros and Cons of Country Living
Countryside life may not be all what you originally expect if you haven’t previously done it. Despite the lifestyle appearing simple and peaceful, it’s not something for everyone.
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Getting the most out of retirement living
Moving day is always a stressful time, no matter how many times you’ve been through it before.
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Creating the perfect home office
Working from home can be effective, especially if you’re working in an area that allows you to be as productive as possible.
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How to make your home feel bigger
Whether you live in a 1 bedroom flat or a 4 bedroom house, many homeowners have to compromise on the amount of living space they were initially hoping to have.
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Darlows secure top accolade at the 2017 Spicerhaart Annual Conference Awards
Darlows’ Regional Partner Gareth Brackin’s hard work has been recognised as he took home the award for Top Divisional Sales Director at the 2017 Spicerhaart Annual Conference Awards.
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Darlows celebrating SAFEagent Awareness Week 2017
Darlows Lettings agents are showing their support for National SAFEagent Awareness Week 2017, taking place from 15th – 19th May 2017.
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Presenting your property to tenants
These days landlords are under severe pressure to make their property stand out in an immensely competitive market. The good news however is that as a landlord, you shouldn’t feel pushed into thinking you need to spend a fortune to get your property into the right shape.
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Selling your equestrian property
Although the standard tips for selling a property should be followed, there is further advice that those selling equestrian homes can follow.
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Darlows branches feature at the 2016 UK Property Awards
Two Darlows branches are celebrating after sweeping up several awards at the 2016 UK Property Awards ceremony, held on 28th October.
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Getting planning permission
If you’re looking to extend your property or applying for a chance of use you’ll need to obtain planning permission. Here are Darlows’ top tips for getting the best result out of your planning application.
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Tips for designing your dream bedroom
A bedroom is of course where we go for a good night’s rest, but it is also a place where we go for an escape; an area for resting both mind and body.
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Cut your moving day costs
When it comes to moving, it’s important for you to find ways to cut down on the associated costs as much as you can. But just because you’re looking to save doesn’t mean it should become even more stressful.
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The signs that you’ve found your next home
When property hunting, whether it’s the first time or the sixth the market can always seem quite daunting. You’ll see a lot of properties that may not be anything near what you originally wanted, which means you may feel as though you need to compromise on your list of musts to secure a property in your wanted area. But patience is a virtue; eventually you will find that one property which fits all your needs and wants, but how will you know?
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Don’t panic over Help to Buy by Paul Smith, Darlows Chief Executive
If you’re a first-time buyer looking to get on the housing ladder, you may be worrying about what will happen when the Government’s Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee Scheme comes to an end in December 2016.
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Keeping a pet-friendly home fresh
Although your pet brings you lots of joy, you may be finding it hard to keep your home in a clean and fresh smelling state. If so, here are some tips on keeping your pet-friendly home fresh:
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The importance of a credit rating
Are you a first time buyer or renter? If so it’s important to understand how your credit rating plays a role in your search to buying or renting a home.
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The moving home checklist
As you’re frantically packing to move into your new home, it’s important to think about what else you need to know about the property before completing your move.
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When is the right time to sell?
Deciding when exactly to sell a property is hard to figure out. Because of this, Darlows have created a short guide to help you make the right decision...
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Property: still a sound investment post Brexit
The nation is still coming to terms with the effects of last week’s decision to leave the EU. We have seen a lot of sensationalist claims in the media about what might happen to property prices in the event of a Brexit.
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Darlows takes part in Magic Moments Charity Bike Ride
Read about Darlows taking part in the Magic Moments Charity Bike Ride!
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Relocation Hints & Tips
Check out our essential relocation hints and tips to follow for when you make your move!
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Darlows Lettings celebrate new protection for landlords and tenants
The Government has recently announced its intention to make Client Money Protection (CMP) mandatory for all lettings agents.
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More change at the top for housing policy, but concerns about right to rent follow the new home secretary
Yet again we’ve seen a change at the top of Housing Policy.The most recent cabinet reshuffle saw the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government being promoted to Home Secretary after just 111 days since the role was created earlier this year. The cabinet minister ultimately responsible for our sector is now James Brokenshire.
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How current market conditions can benefit landlords wishing to expand their portfolio
Across the private rented sector, the average tenancy length stands at just 20 months. This is very different to the experience of an average homeowner who typically stays in their property for far longer. Many attribute this to high transaction costs and a lack of the right sort of properties for sale.
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The Housing Market in 2021
It’s been an interesting year for the housing market, with impact from the coronavirus pandemic and numerous Government backed solutions to help people onto the property market. If you are wondering how these factors will affect you, what the housing market might look like in the next few years, or if it’s a good time to buy or sell, read our insights on the current housing market and predictions for the future.
