Tag: berkshireproperty

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Take a Break This Festive Season: How to Pause Viewings on Your Property

Nativity plays, shopping, present wrapping, and staff parties. It’s all go in the run-up to Christmas. There is so much going on at this time of year. Preparing for viewings on your property, on top of everything else, could be enough to send you over the edge!

If your property is on the market for sale and you can see your diary filling up fast with the pre-Christmas festivities, you might be feeling overwhelmed, thinking that you simply couldn’t fit in any viewings from potential buyers. 

Nativity plays, shopping, present wrapping, and staff parties. It’s all go in the run-up to Christmas. 

There is so much going on at this time of year. Preparing for viewings on your property, on top of everything else, could be enough to send you over the edge! 

So what should you do? You want to sell your home and move in the new year, so you want as many viewings as possible, right? But how can you fit these viewings in?

When your diary is full of festive occasions, so is everyone else’s. Many buyers put a hold on their property search until the new year. Choosing to stop viewings and online searches until they have the bandwidth to view properties seriously and really consider their next move. 

If fewer buyers are looking for a property, then the likelihood is that there would be fewer viewing appointments anyway. So, why not take advantage of this and take a break yourself?

Many people feel they need to take their property off the market altogether to enjoy Christmas in peace. You don’t have time to clean your home and present it the way you like, and you have the tree and decorations up everywhere, which, although it makes your home lovely and cosy, will also make it feel smaller because there is extra stuff around. 

But did you know that you can ask your estate agent to place you on “do not disturb”?

This is not a withdrawal from the market, simply a pause on viewing appointments until the new year. Any viewing enquiries that come through the agents at this time can be told that the property is on hold until the new year, scheduling the viewing appointments for when things are not quite as hectic and you have the headspace to focus on selling your home.

Don’t worry that you’ll be missing out. In reality, most buyers have had their focus redirected to Christmas festivities, too, so they are not likely to be booking many viewing appointments. Serious buyers will wait until the new year and may even be relieved that you won’t be taking viewings from any other buyers.

Get in touch if you are on the market and want to take advantage of the Do not disturb marketing option. 

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Create the Perfect Outdoor Winter Wonderland at Home!

Get Creative and Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space This Winter

When the cold weather sets in, it’s easy to retreat indoors and let your garden hibernate until spring. But with a little effort and creativity, you can transform your outdoor space into a cosy, inviting winter wonderland that you’ll love spending time in, even when the temperature drops. Here are some ideas to keep your outdoor area functional and magical this winter.

Get Cosy

Stargazing doesn’t have to stop when summer ends. In fact, the long, crisp winter nights are ideal for gazing at the stars. Bundle up with a warm drink and head outdoors!

To keep things toasty, invest in a patio heater, which is surprisingly affordable and easy to set up. Alternatively, consider a cast iron, steel, or clay chiminea or wood burner. These compact heat sources not only provide warmth but also create a focal point for gathering family and friends.

If you’re feeling handy, why not build a fire pit? It’s a budget-friendly way to make your garden feel extra special. Add some cosy blankets, and you’ll have the perfect setup for toasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the winter sky.

Summer House? More Like Winter Retreat!

Summer houses aren’t just for the warmer months, they’re a fantastic way to enjoy your garden all year round. With options to suit even the smallest corners, they can be transformed into snug retreats for reading, hobbies, or just relaxing.

If you’re particularly crafty, consider upgrading your outdoor space further by building a workshop or studio. Whether it’s a place for painting, woodworking, or simply unwinding, a dedicated outdoor space can bring joy no matter the season.

A Winter Kitchen

Who says barbecues are only for summer? With a sturdy gas barbecue and a bit of shelter, you can enjoy outdoor cooking all year. Gazebos or canopies will keep you covered when the weather is less than ideal, making those winter feasts even more satisfying.

Love pizza? Install a wood-fired pizza oven for quick, delicious meals, even on frosty evenings. It’s a fun way to make the most of your outdoor space without spending too much time in the cold.

Light Up Your Garden

Winter nights can be dark and dreary, but the right lighting can transform your garden into a magical retreat. Fairy lights aren’t just for Christmas, drape them around trees, hedges, or fences for a soft, enchanting glow.

Solar-powered lights are a fantastic low-maintenance option. They’re eco-friendly, cost-effective, and will keep your garden twinkling no matter the season.

Make Your Winter Garden Shine

By adding warmth, light, and a few creative touches, you can enjoy your outdoor space throughout the colder months. From cosy fire pits to twinkling fairy lights, there’s no end to the ways you can create a winter wonderland right at home.

Ready to make your dream home a reality? Whether you’re looking to sell or searching for the perfect space to call your own, Fisher and Partners is here to help. Contact your local managing partner today for a free market appraisal—we’d be delighted to hear from you!

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Instantly Increase the Value of Your Home Without Lifting a Finger

House Name

Could a simple name make your home more valuable? According to Phil Spencer, of Location, Location, Location fame, it absolutely can! Naming your home could add thousands of pounds to its asking price without lifting a finger.

Why Do Property Names Matter?

In England, out of approximately 28 million registered homes, only 1.5 million have names. Historically, homes had names instead of numbers, but as towns expanded and more properties were built, a numbering system was introduced to bring order.

However, a name can evoke personality, history, and charm, transforming a simple house into a captivating home. For instance, “Rose Cottage” feels far more enchanting than “21 High Street,” conjuring up visions of roses around the door and a cosy countryside retreat.

Phil Spencer has noted that a carefully chosen name could add up to £5,000, or even more, to your home’s value. On the flip side, a poorly chosen or gimmicky name could knock as much as 20% off your property’s worth. Names like “Dunroamin” or “Dunmovin” might be fun but could deter serious buyers when it’s time to sell.

How to Name Your Home

If your house already has a number, adding a name is simple. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Adding a Name
    • You can add a name to your property without notifying anyone, as long as the number remains visible for Royal Mail and emergency services.
    • It’s good practice to inform your local council of the name addition.
  2. Changing an Existing Name
    • If your home already has a name and you’d like to change it, you must request approval in writing from your local council. Some councils may charge a small fee for this service.
  3. Choosing the Right Name
    • Be creative but mindful. Your home’s name should be unique to your area and should complement the property’s character.
    • Avoid names that could alienate buyers or seem overly whimsical.

Top House Names

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some of the most popular and timeless house names, as listed by House Beautiful:

  • The Cottage
  • Rose Cottage
  • The Coach House
  • The Lodge
  • Orchard House
  • Ivy Cottage
  • The Willows
  • Sunnyside
  • The Gables
  • Meadow View

These names suggest charm, elegance, and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect qualities to attract buyers.

Could Your Home Benefit?

For as little as £40, you could add a name to your property and potentially increase its value by thousands. Whether you’re renaming “Number 21” to something timeless like “The Old Rectory” or opting for a bespoke name that reflects your home’s unique character, this small investment could make a big impact.

Thinking of selling your home? We’d love to hear about your property’s name, or help you choose one that resonates with buyers. Contact Fisher and Partners for a free market appraisal today. We’d be delighted to help!

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Decided it’s time to sell your home? Here’s what to do next

sell your home

Thinking about selling your home? You’re not alone. It’s a decision that many homeowners ponder for about a year before diving in. That’s a whole twelve months of strategising, researching, and gearing up for the big task ahead.

Let’s face it, selling a property isn’t something we do every day. It’s a major life event that can feel overwhelming. The uncertainty of when it’ll sell, when you’ll move, how much you’ll get for it, and what your next move will be can certainly add to the stress. No wonder it takes time to psych ourselves up for it.

But fear not, we’re here to guide you through it all. Here are some tips to help you navigate the early stages of planning your sale:

First off, make the decision. Selling your home is a big deal, so take your time weighing up your options. Whether it’s outgrowing your current space or planning for the future, your reasons need to be solid.

Next, think about your future plans. Will you be buying another property, or considering a stint in rented accommodation? It’s worth pondering over now, even if you’re not quite ready to start house-hunting.

Now, let’s talk finances. Get a handle on your financial situation by figuring out your property’s value and how much equity you have. This will help you set a budget for your next move.

Once the numbers are sorted, it’s time to prep your home for sale. Remember the golden rule: declutter like there’s no tomorrow. A clutter-free space looks bigger and more appealing to potential buyers.

And finally, choose your estate agent wisely. Do your homework, arrange valuations, and find out about their marketing strategies. You need an agent who’ll go the extra mile to showcase your property and get you the best deal.

Need a hand with your property valuation? Whether you’re ready to sell or just exploring your options, our team of expert agents is here to help.

When booking a market appraisal with us:

  • We’ll assess your home’s condition, size, layout, features, and any unique selling points that could affect the value.
  • We’ll conduct a comparative analysis to determine a competitive and realistic market price.
  • We’ll discuss your property’s potential market value considering market trends, location, property condition, and unique attributes.
  • We’ll provide advice on potential improvements or staging tips to enhance the property’s appeal.
  • We’ll propose a marketing strategy tailored to the property’s features and target market.

Get in touch, and let’s make this journey smoother for you. We’d be delighted to support you.

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Navigating a Work Relocation: Your Guide to Managing Your Family Home

Work Relocation

Finding out you need to relocate for work can feel like being caught in a whirlwind. Suddenly, you’re faced with a myriad of decisions—where you’ll live, the fate of your current home, and the daunting task of securing new schools for the children.

Toby Hill, Managing Partner of Lettings at Fisher & Partners, says, “Relocation, though challenging, presents a unique opportunity to reassess what’s really important for your family’s future.”

Embrace the Change with Confidence

Relocating isn’t just about moving to a new house; it’s about transitioning your life and all it encompasses. The decision to sell your home or rent it out requires careful consideration, especially if the move is sudden. “The beauty of letting your family home,” Toby suggests, “lies in preserving a touchstone to your past while embracing new opportunities.”

To Rent or To Sell? That Is the Question

For many, the idea of renting out their family home offers a reassuring safety net. “Renting out your property can be a smart move,” Toby advises. “It’s not just about income; it’s about keeping options open for your family.” Before you decide, ensure your property meets the required standards. Consulting with an experienced letting agent can provide clarity and direction.

If selling feels like the right step for you, prompt action is crucial. Begin with a market appraisal to understand your home’s value and work with your estate agent on a strategic pricing approach to facilitate a swift sale. Remember, an occupied home generally sells faster than an empty one, offering warmth and life that can captivate potential buyers.

Additional Tips for the First-Time Landlord

If you’re considering letting your family home for the first time, here are a few additional tips:

Understand Your Responsibilities: Familiarise yourself with the legalities of being a landlord, including safety regulations and tenant rights.


Prepare Your Home: Ensure your property is in tip-top shape, appealing to prospective tenants. Small improvements can make a significant difference.


Choose the Right Tenants: Conduct thorough checks to find tenants who will care for your property as their own.


Select a Property Management Service: For peace of mind, especially if you’re moving far away, a property management service can handle day-to-day tenant queries and maintenance issues.

Fisher & Partners: Here to Guide You

At Fisher & Partners, we understand that a work relocation is more than a logistical challenge—it’s a personal journey. “Our goal,” Toby Hill remarks, “is to make this transition as seamless as possible, ensuring you can focus on what’s next, with complete peace of mind about your property decisions.”

Keeping a touch point whilst you are away is not just emotional, it also includes retaining property ownership in the UK property market, one of the world’s most secure and progressive property markets.

Whether you’re leaning towards letting your property or putting it on the market, our team is here to offer expert advice, support, and a free market appraisal. Don’t let the process overwhelm you. Contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can support your next chapter.

Fisher & Partners is not just about properties; we’re about people, and we’re here for you every step of the way.

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Easing into Home: A Guide to the First 30 Days in Your New Property

moving day

Are you on the verge of sealing the deal on your new home? Is moving day approaching? If you’ve been anticipating this moment for weeks or months, eager to move in and make the space your own, we’ve got essential tips for you on how to settle into your new property within the first 30 days.

The Journey to Your New Home

Embarking on the journey of moving house is a significant undertaking that demands meticulous planning. Once the keys are in your hands, and the stress of the move is behind you, what awaits in those crucial first 30 days?

1. Unpacking Essentials: Get the Kettle On

The initial moments involve the removal company bringing your belongings into the property. Ensure a smooth start by having a box of tea-making essentials within easy reach or clearly labeled. A comforting cup of tea is often the first thing people make in their new homes, setting a positive tone for your new chapter. And possibly Champagne for later…

2. Clean and Refresh

Despite the property’s cleanliness upon handover, it’s a common practice to clean before unpacking. Have your cleaning supplies readily available and marked for easy access, allowing you to create a fresh and welcoming environment.

3. First-Night Box or Bag

Prepare a ‘first-night’ box or bag, mimicking a hotel stay. This ensures that essentials such as your toothbrush, PJs, and clean clothes for the next day are easily accessible, simplifying your first night in your new home.

4. Find Your Feng Shui

Make the space truly yours by rearranging furniture until you’ve found the perfect arrangement that suits your style and sense of Feng Shui. You’re not bound to replicate the layout of the previous occupants; personalise it to match your preferences.

5. Crafting Your Plan

Consider your DIY plans for the property within the first month. Deciding whether to put your stamp on the home immediately influences how you unpack and arrange specific items. Planning ahead ensures a smoother transition as you decorate and personalise your space.

6. Community Connection

Take the time to introduce yourself to the community, engage in local events, and enjoy a meal at the nearby pub. Building connections with neighbours and becoming familiar with your new town contributes to a sense of settlement and belonging.

Some of our favourites include: The Carpenters, The Dog & Partridge (Sunninghill), The Winning Post and Don Beni (Winkfield), and The Pinkneys Arms and The Crown (Maidenhead).

Restoring Normality

After the upheaval of the move, a quick settlement into your new home restores normality, allowing you to embrace your surroundings and meet your new neighbours. Your hard work in the buying and selling process deserves a swift transition, setting the stage for the life you’ve dreamed of in your new home.

Thinking of making a move in 2024? Fisher & Partners is here to guide you through the process and help you find your dream home. If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to give you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner, and we will set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

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Introducing Toby Hill, Managing Partner, Lettings

Toby Hill Lettings Manager

At Fisher & Partners, we take pride in bringing exceptional talents to our team, and today, we’re thrilled to introduce Toby Hill who has joined Fisher & Partners as our Lettings Partner. 

Toby’s expertise, market insights, and commitment to providing unparalleled service make him the perfect fit for heading up our Lettings division.

Our goal in sharing Toby’s journey and perspectives isn’t just about introducing a new face. It’s about showcasing the passion, experience, and innovative approach he embodies—a perfect synergy with our agency’s ethos. 

Let’s hear why, from Toby himself…

Introducing Toby Hill

With over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry, I’ve journeyed through residential and commercial property dealings, but my heart lies in the dynamic world of property lettings. 

My career has always been in property. I spent significant time working in big London corporations, and later took the leap to start my own enterprise. I enjoy navigating the challenges and joys of being a self-employed agent.

When I crossed paths with Fisher & Partners, it felt like finding a place that aligned perfectly with my values and professional aspirations. 

This agency offers just what I was after at this point in time: a supportive environment that fosters autonomy for agents, allowing us to run our own businesses while having the backing and infrastructure of a well-established team. 

This balance is perfect for me right now — a blend of independence and a strong operational network.

So Why Lettings?

Whilst I enjoy property sales, I prefer the speed and energy of lettings. It’s a market where the pace is faster, the turnarounds are quicker, and every day presents a new challenge and an opportunity to make a positive impact for a wide range of people.

I believe my extensive experience in both big corporate environments and as an independent agent equips me to offer a unique perspective to Fisher & Partners’ current and prospective clients. 

My focus on the nuances of individual characters, coupled with a keen understanding of the evolving market dynamics, positions me to contribute significantly to Fisher & Partners’ growth and expansion within the lettings market.

A Changing Market For Lettings

This next year is going to be interesting for my market. The government has its eyes set on the rental sector, aiming to wield influence through legislation, licensing, and taxation. 

Their mission is to rid the market of unscrupulous landlords, creating a safer and more reputable environment for responsible property owners and tenants alike.

On a local level, various councils are contemplating the implementation of landlord licensing proposals. Their motive is to separate the committed and caring landlords from those who fall short in their responsibilities.

Ultimately the landscape is changing to be more focused on meaningful relationships, and fostering an environment of trust and responsibility.

A Commitment to Exceptional Service

Property is, and always has been at its core, a people business. You’re dealing with people’s largest asset, or a number of their significant assets. And no matter how much technology tries to automate the situation, people want and need to know that their agent is looking after their best interest. It’s that link between the human side of things,  backed up by the efficiencies of technology, that really set us apart.

Fisher & Partners works differently to other agencies. They know that it’s not just about marketing properties. The core of our agency is about fostering meaningful relationships, providing exceptional client service, and resolving conflicts with empathy and understanding. 

My role here isn’t just about lettings; it’s about ensuring every client — landlord or tenant — feels valued and supported throughout their journey.

Looking Ahead

As I step into this new role, I’m excited about the prospects and challenges that lie ahead. 

I’m eager to leverage my expertise, collaborate with a fantastic team, and contribute to Fisher & Partners’ vision of redefining the standards in the lettings market. We’re going to transform the way prime property is let.

Join me on this journey as we navigate the intricate world of property lettings together, ensuring a positive, seamless experience for all involved parties.

If you’re considering letting a residential property, or thinking about moving house and interested in knowing more about the local lettings market, please get in touch. I’d be delighted to hear from you. 

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Why reducing the price of your property could be a good thing

reduce your pricing

Many years ago, it was thought to be terrible to have to reduce the price of your property. What would people think? No one wanted to buy your home; there must be something wrong with it! It would seem like desperation, and you would have no chance of getting a decent offer as buyers would zero in on your need for a sale and offer eye-wateringly low prices. If you were, in fact, desperate for a sale, you would be left with no choice but to accept these offers, selling your home for less than you had hoped for. They would have you over a barrel, and you’d have to accept defeat.

But is that still the case today?

No, not really. Since the last recession in 2008, thoughts about price reductions on properties have relaxed considerably. The property market changes quickly, so getting everything right from the outset is almost impossible. Deciding on a marketing price for a property is an estimate; there is no concrete guidance and no crystal ball, simply an estimate of what the seller and agent think they can sell the property for. Adjustments have to be made sometimes, and with the introduction of technology, a price reduction can actually have a positive impact on your sale. 

It’s no longer taboo and will not bring negative thoughts about the property. Buyers may notice that the price has dropped, but they don’t see that as a bad thing; rather that you are serious about selling, but the first thought is not that you are desperate.

Perhaps it’s because we are used to the High Street shops always offering sales, shopping at designer outlets that clearly identify the RRP on the tag and the discounted outlet price. We don’t like the clothes any less or decide not to buy them because no one else purchased the items from the high street shop; we simply take it for what it is, something you like and want to buy at a lower price than its total value.

Maybe this readjustment of our buyer psychology works the same way for property. We don’t look at a property that has corrected its pricing and assume it is bad or the sellers are desperate. We simply consider it to be a discount, a bargain. And this can encourage a buyer that is on the fence to jump in with an offer when perhaps they might not have done otherwise. It could be the gentle nudge that they needed.

Reducing your price, if necessary, can be a great thing and could be the way to clinch the deal.

1. Reinvigorating the property’s marketing and promotion, allowing mailouts and matches with buyers again, like bumping a post on social media. 

2. Introduces the property to a new price bracket, with new buyers searching within it. These buyers may not even know your property is for sale as it might have been out of their budget.

3. Buyers who saw the property at the old pricing will know that you’ve reduced the price, which might now align with their opinion of the value.

A price reduction can be the key to securing a sale, particularly if you’ve been on the market for a few months without success and have tried everything else.

If you’re trying to sell your home and are struggling to get viewings, contact the Managing Partner in your area for a review of your marketing and advice on finally getting those offers rolling in. 

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Are you making these mistakes when trying to sell your property?

troubles selling house

When the time has come to sell your home and move on to pastures new, it’s likely that you haven’t sold a property for quite some time. The average time a person lives in one property is 7-10 years, and if you cast your mind back ten years, our world today is almost unrecognisable; AI and cryptocurrency are now part of our lives, but it’s possible that you’d never really heard of either of those things ten years ago and they certainly weren’t in our everyday conversations. 

So it’s fair to say that, unless you are moving house far more frequently than the average person, you might not be considered an expert in selling property. With this in mind, it’s easy for a homeowner to fall foul of these common mistakes as they attempt to sell.

Overvaluing

Planning your move is as much about the property you want to move in to as it is about selling your current home. The more money you can sell your home for, the higher the available budget for the onward move. Many sellers make the mistake of marketing their property for sale at a price that is simply too high, falsely believing that the higher the starting price is, the higher the end sale price will be. Instead, a discerning homeowner should market their property for a competitive price, reasonable and researched based on factual evidence collected from the current market. You may think a buyer will negotiate with you when they view, but unfortunately, that is often not the case. Buyers will simply discount the property altogether, and you’ll find the number of viewings so low that a sale becomes quite unlikely, meaning that you’ll most likely have to reduce the price.

Bad pricing strategy

Many sellers mistakenly think that they need to factor in wiggle room to their pricing strategy to allow for negotiation. This often results in advertising prices being quite unconventional and are placed ever so slightly above a round figure. In fact, this has an adverse effect on the marketing of a home as almost 99% of all property searches begin online, and properties are filtered using price brackets. If you market your home at £255,000 to allow £5000 negotiation, any buyer that cuts off their search at £250,000 will not even see your property in their search and might never know that your home is available. Instead, opt for round figures that align with the price brackets in online advertising to maximise the coverage and exposure of your marketing.

Being inflexible

The ultimate mistake sellers make is being rigid and uncompromising in their plans. Not allowing viewing appointments at a time that suits the buyer could result in that buyer not viewing at all. Setting a fixed price in your mind could mean you’re unsuccessful in your negotiation. Being very restrictive on your moving timescale could result in a buyer choosing a different property that suits their circumstances over yours. Being as flexible and accommodating as possible will ultimately increase your chances of selling your home.

Whilst it is, of course, still possible to sell your home if you market for a little more than it is truly worth, add a little extra for negotiation and stick rigidly to your own agenda and timescale, you are simply reducing your available market to sell to which could result in a slower sale or a lower sale price. 

If you’re on the market and wondering why you haven’t sold yet, or are thinking of putting your property on the market, contact the Managing Partner for your area to ensure that you don’t fall foul of any common mistakes and maximise the value of your home. 

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Will our children ever be able to buy a home of their own?

ascot estate agents kids own their own home

We have somewhat of an obsession with buying property, getting our foot on the ladder and owning a little house of our own. But with rising living costs, interest rates and house prices, will this be possible for our children?

In generations gone by, a home would often be purchased shortly after a couple got married, a little home to raise a family. Working diligently for 25 years to pay off the mortgage would result in total property ownership and peace of mind that we’re set for life with a solid roof over our heads. 

But as years have passed, this ideal path to property ownership eludes many of us. Dubbed ‘Generation Rent’, the average age of a first-time buyer in the UK is now around 33. Resigned to living in a rented property for the long term, many younger people feel that the dream of owning their own home may never be possible for them. 

Historically, a purchase of a first home used mortgage funds, possibly without any deposit needed. This mortgage would be three times the household income, which, although much lower than today, would be sufficient to buy a nice little starter home for you and your family. 

It’s a very different picture for first-time buyers today. In almost all cases, a deposit is required of at least 5% of the purchase price of a property. And whilst mortgage lenders would like to keep the multiples at less than five times the annual household income, this still falls well short of the average house purchase price in the UK, which is currently reported as £285,000 (as of March 2023). 

A 5% deposit of this price is £14,250, meaning the remainder would need to be a mortgage, meaning that the required household income to purchase a property would need to be a whopping £90,250! 

With a current minimum wage of £10.42 per hour in this country and an average salary of £21,673, it is clear that owning your own home could be nothing more than a pipe dream for most young adults in the UK. 

Sadly, house prices continue to rise year on year, and salaries are not following suit. With an increased cost of living and rising property rental costs, saving up the deposit funds required to buy a home could be virtually impossible, even if you had a salary high enough to support the mortgage, no matter how frugal your lifestyle.

Does it seem that the current and emerging generations of young adults in the UK, the Millenials and the GenZ’s, are destined to live in rented property forever? 

In most of mainland Europe, property ownership is not so coveted, and a far higher percentage of people of all ages choose to live in rented properties. In Sweden, there are ultra-long-term mortgages of up to 105 years, so the mortgage passes to the family. This keeps the monthly premiums very low and makes property ownership much more affordable. 

But this has not been adopted in the UK, despite Downing Street looking into offering 50-year mortgage terms last summer. So what can first-time buyers do to get that highly coveted first foot on the property ladder?

The side hustle

Many people are looking to take on extra jobs, in addition to their 9-5, to make a little extra cash in the hope of saving enough to make up a deposit. This could be an online venture or selling artisan products they make on platforms like Etsy.

Living rent-free

If you are expected to pay for rent and household bills, which usually make up most of your monthly spending, saving a substantial amount towards the illusive deposit can be almost impossible. This can mean that young adults continue to live with family for a monthly contribution to allow more saving potential. 

Bank of Mum & Dad

Perhaps the most widely reported option is for the parents to gift the deposit funds to their children to enable a property purchase. It is the fastest way to get on the ladder, but not everyone has savings to gift to their offspring. 

So, it could be the case that a large proportion of Millennials and GenZ population in the UK may be unable to buy a home of their own. But, if you are a parent, you could be expected to make a withdrawal from your life savings to help your children. 

If you have children considering buying their first property, contact our team of property experts to ensure they are registered for suitable properties so they don’t miss out. Our Heads Up alerts system means they will be the first to hear about new instructions, so they won’t miss out on the perfect property.