Latest news from Darlows

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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Spicerhaart scoops top industry award for its charity work

The Spicerhaart estate agency group has won a top industry award for the support it gives to its own in-house charity Magic Moments, which takes children from hospices across the UK to Disneyland Paris every year. At the Agents Giving Fundraising Champions Awards 2018, the firm won the ‘Special Fundraising Award’, which recognises ‘a company which has consistently gone the extra mile and has shown extraordinary determination and motivation to provide on-going support to their cause in whatever way they can’.

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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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House prices up 3.1% over the year; whilst rents in most regions also on the rise

The pace of rental price growth in the private rental sector continues to slow, helping to ensure rents remain affordable. Scotland and Northern Ireland have seen the highest growth in rental values at 5.6% and 4.6% respectively. Meanwhile Wales, the South West and the East of England all saw rental price falls of 1.4% and the cheapest region in the UK – the North East saw falls of 2.2%.

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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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Rents and house prices values continue to enjoy steady rises

Rents in the UK rose by 0.9% in March compared to the same month a year ago, the average monthly rent now stands at £912 per month

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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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Rising rents and house prices offer a positive picture for the UK property market

HomeLet’s December Rental Index reveals that rents rose in 11 of the 12 UK regions covered in the research.

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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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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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Helping our tenants live cheaper and greener – plus no fuel bills for landlords during void periods

Darlows is delighted to introduce another innovative service which will benefit landlords, tenants and the environment.‘Sulu Energy Bridge’, from Tenant Shop, which we’re launching on 2nd July, offers a seamless and cost-effective energy provision service through Green Star. In 2017, 100% of their electricity came from sustainable sources, an achievement of which they are very proud.

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Property Ombudsman-Sales

Property Ombudsman-Lettings

Darlows is a trading style of Spicerhaart Estate Agents Limited, registered in England and Wales No. 4430726 and Spicerhaart Residential Lettings Limited, registered in England and Wales No. 05304360. Registered Office: Colwyn House, Sheepen Place, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3LD, a Spicerhaart Group Business. Vat Certificate 791 7755 78.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Darlows introduce to Just Mortgages a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Limited who are appointed representatives of Openwork Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.