Tag: property investment

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Simple, Smart Steps to Start Your Property Search

Beginning your search for a new home can feel like a daunting task. With so much to consider, from location and budget to lifestyle needs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Fisher and Partners, we’re here to make that journey simpler and more rewarding. Here are a few straightforward tips to get you off to a confident start:

1. Give Yourself a Head Start

The earlier you begin your research, the more informed and prepared you’ll be. Ideally, start looking 6–12 months before you plan to buy. This gives you valuable time to understand what’s out there and how it aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals.

2. Do Your Homework on Locations

Dive into the details of the areas you’re considering. Look at transport links, local amenities, green spaces, school catchments, and long-term value trends. The right location often makes all the difference when it comes to living well and investing wisely.

3. Clarify Your Finances Early On

Understanding your financial position from the outset helps focus your search. Use mortgage calculators to determine your borrowing capacity, and consider speaking to an independent advisor who can guide you through the options available.

4. Define Your Must-Haves

Whether it’s a home office, south-facing garden, or walking distance to a particular school, listing your non-negotiables will help you make clear decisions. Knowing what you’re willing to compromise on and what you’re not, keeps the search focused and productive.

5. Get Mortgage Pre-Approval

Having a pre-approved mortgage puts you in a strong buying position. It shows sellers you’re serious, ready, and financially equipped to move forward, which can be particularly useful in a competitive market.

6. Connect with the Right Estate Agent

Property portals are a good starting point, but they rarely tell the full story. Working with an experienced, well-connected estate agent gives you access to deeper local insight and often to properties before they ever hit the open market, in fact, nearly 40% of sales happen off-market.

At Fisher and Partners, our senior managing partners are embedded in the local community and work with a select number of clients at a time. This means you get a bespoke, highly responsive service that puts your needs first.

Ready to start your property journey?

If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to offer you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner and we’ll set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

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When is the Right Time to Downsize Your Home? 7 Signs It Might Be Now!

There are many benefits to downsizing your home, it can be a fresh start, a way to simplify life, and a smart financial move. However, making the decision isn’t always easy. Letting go of a home filled with cherished memories can be an emotional process. So, how do you know when the time is right?

If maintaining your current home has become more stressful than enjoyable, it may be time to consider a change. Here are seven signs that indicate it could be the perfect moment to put your house on the market and downsize:

1) Your Housing Costs Are Limiting Your Lifestyle

Retirement today looks different from the past, many retirees want to stay active, pursue hobbies, travel, and take up new interests. However, if a large portion of your income is tied up in housing expenses, it may be preventing you from enjoying these experiences. Downsizing can free up funds to spend on the things that truly matter to you.

2) Home Maintenance Is Becoming Overwhelming

While your home may be filled with wonderful memories, keeping up with maintenance can become increasingly difficult over time. From mowing the lawn to cleaning gutters and repairing household systems, the upkeep can be exhausting and costly. Moving to a more manageable home can ease this burden, allowing you to focus on enjoying life rather than maintaining a large property.

3) Your Home No Longer Suits Your Mobility Needs

As we age, mobility can become a challenge. Even with modifications like handrails and better lighting, some home features, such as multiple flights of stairs, narrow doorways, or extensive landscaping, can become obstacles. Downsizing to a single-level home or one designed for accessibility can provide safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

4) Your Location No Longer Fits Your Lifestyle

Your home’s location may have been ideal when you first moved in, but does it still meet your needs? Perhaps you originally chose a bustling city for work convenience or a suburban neighbourhood for raising a family. Now, your priorities may have changed, and relocating to a quieter area, closer to family, or nearer to amenities might enhance your quality of life.

5) You Want to Release Home Equity

Selling a larger home and moving to a smaller, more affordable property can release a significant amount of equity. Whether you want to travel, invest, help your children onto the property ladder, or simply enjoy financial flexibility, downsizing can unlock new opportunities.

6) You Have the Freedom to Live Anywhere

One of the greatest advantages of retirement is the ability to live wherever you choose. Whether you dream of coastal living, countryside tranquillity, or simply being closer to loved ones, downsizing can open doors to new and exciting locations that better align with your current desires.

7) Several Rooms in Your Home Go Unused

There was likely a time when your home felt full and every room had a purpose. But if you now find yourself heating, cooling, and maintaining spaces that are rarely used, it may not make sense to keep paying for unnecessary square footage. Moving to a home that better fits your current needs can reduce costs and simplify your living space.

Thinking of Downsizing? Let Us Guide You!

If you’re considering downsizing but aren’t sure where to start or how much your home is worth, our expert team at Fisher & Partners is here to help. Get in touch today for personalised advice and support in making your next move!