Category: blog

It’s Important Not To Overlook The Sometimes Dull But Essential Details That Go With Purchasing A Property

If you’re buying a home in Gloucestershire with your partner or a friend, you may be very excited about the process. But it’s important not to overlook all the dull but essential details that go with it.

Joint ownership brings legal implications along with it that you should address straight away, and one key question is whether you’ll be holding your property as “Joint Tenants” or “Tenants in Common”. At TG Sales & Lettings, we’ve realised that many prospective buyers have no idea what the differences are between these two terms! So, here is an overview of everything you need to know.

What Does “Joint Tenants” Mean?

If you are “joint tenants”, you each have an equal right to the entire property. As many as four owners can hold joint tenancy of a property, but it does raise some potential legal issues. Legally, you’re deemed to be a single individual, so you need just one mortgage, and when you want to sell the property, it must be a joint decision.

If one joint tenant passes away, the other joint owners are automatically left the property under a rule called “Right of Survivorship”. Since you can’t pass on the property in a will as a joint tenant, that’s a major consideration to keep in mind when choosing how you’ll hold the property.

What Does “Tenants in Common” Mean?

If you hold the property as “tenants in common”, each party will own their own separate share, which may differ in terms of size. So, as an example, one party may own 20%, one may own 30%, and one may own 50%.

When you sell the property, all parties must agree, but if you’re “tenants in common”, you can leave your share of the property to somebody other than your co-buyers in your will. Although legally speaking you can technically each have your own mortgage for your share of the property, few lenders offer these mortgages.

An Overview of The Similarities and Differences Between Tenants in Common and Joint Tenants

Agreement to Sell – Both joint tenants and tenants in common must agree with each other when it comes to selling the property.

Ownership Division – Joint tenants have an equal right to the entire property while tenants in common hold their own share.

Bequeathing the Property in a Will – Joint tenants cannot pass on the property in their will; their share passes automatically to the other joint owners, while tenants in common can pass their share to anyone they choose.

Joint Mortgages – joint tenants must have a joint mortgage for the property. Although tenants in common are not legally required to do so, they may find it difficult to find a lender who is prepared to split up the mortgage between tenants.

Is It Best to Be Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common?

You need to decide whether tenancy in common or a joint tenancy is best for your individual circumstances. In general, couples who are buying a home together find that holding the property as joint tenants is the best option for them, while people who are buying with friends or as part of a group of buyers usually find that a tenancy in common is the right choice for them.

If you’re ready to buy a property with your partner or friends in Gloucestershire, send us an email at rachel@tgres.co.uk or give us a call on 01452 300822 now. Our friendly team at TG Sales & Lettings are looking forward to helping you find the right home for you.

There is a vast array of criteria to consider when budgeting for an upcoming house move in Gloucestershire.

Removal costs are often a forgotten expense. However, it is essential to account for them, preventing any nasty surprises.

How do Removal Companies Charge?

There are a variety of ways companies bill for their services. Most will charge hourly, which means the quantity of items you require moving is generally a good indicator of how much the job will cost.

Try to give the removals company the most accurate description of your home and belongings to obtain the best quote.

No two homes will look the same, and basing your move on the number of bedrooms can mean you estimate completely wrong. Underestimating the number of items you need moving will only lead to a larger than expected bill, a frustrated workforce, and a more stressful process.

Which day of the week you chose to move will affect the cost. Fridays and Saturdays are generally the busiest, and therefore the most expensive day to move to a new house.

Beware of simply choosing the company with the lowest rates. Remember, they are transporting your possessions, and the last thing you want is any hiccups on the final hurdle of the moving process.

Long Distance Moves

Most removal companies will charge a minimum fee, equating to their rate for two hours. However, this flat fee is generally not a cause for concern. Even the shortest of moves usually take longer than this when loading and unloading the van is considered.

Long-distance moves are generally much more expensive due to the time required to drive between properties. You may, therefore, be tempted to hire a van and move yourself. However, by doing so, you could be adding a great deal of unwanted and unnecessary stress to your day.

Packing Services

You may also choose to hire the removal company to pack and unpack your belongings. This can further help reduce stress in the lead up to the move.

However, this service comes at a cost. Expect to pay anywhere from £150 for a one-bedroom property towards the £500 mark for a three-bedroom home.

Although this is an extra expense to add to the process, it can be worth it if you lack the time or inclination to get involved with these tasks. You will be impressed with the efficiency with which the professionals work.

Be sure to discuss whether materials (packing tape, boxes, bubble wrap) will be provided by the team when calculating the expense.

Many removal companies will also offer a dismantling service. Perfect for any flat pack furniture that you wish to rebuild in your new home, helping with the logistics of moving between rooms. These services generally start from around £100, depending on the item and the company.

Special Care Items

If you have any particularly delicate or precious items you want to be handled with more care, you will pay more for the removal company to deal with them.

This may include using specially designed crates for expensive electronics such as televisions and computers or carefully wrapping any delicate art pieces.

Extra Equipment Required

The removal company might need to use extra equipment for any particularly heavy or challenging items you own. Some pieces may not fit up or down the stairs, meaning they have to be removed through windows. This process will undoubtedly add to the total bill.

Delays

Unfortunately, delays can occur when it comes to moving home. If your move is delayed by a matter of hours, there may be a waiting charge to pay to the removal company to cover the time they have lost.

If your move is delayed to a completely different day, there may be a cancellation fee payable. Consider other factors that may be included, such as the price of storing items or funding accommodation for yourself should the move become disjointed.

Insurance

Insurance is one of the most significant benefits of choosing a removal company over attempting the task yourself. Good companies will offer a range of insurance plans, starting from as little as £20, ranging up to insurance covering you for £50,000 worth of damages.

Insurance is always recommended to give you peace of mind during the moving process.

Final Thoughts on Removal Costs

It is tough to place an accurate figure on how much your move will cost. There are many factors that will need to be considered, including the number of items you have, the level of support you require and the distance you are moving. So it’s best to do your research and gain quotes from multiple companies.

TG Sales & Lettings are your local property experts for the Gloucestershire area and are in contact with some fantastic, reliable removal companies.

Call us on 01452 300822 or email rachel@tgres.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team

The UK property management landscape has always evolved rapidly, but the last couple of years have seen change accelerate significantly, and 2024 is set to be no exception. Much like in any other business, it’s imperative for you as a landlord in Gloucestershire to stay updated on the latest trends, regulations, and market shifts to thrive in 2024.

If you do this right, then the 2024 rental market changes could play in your favour, but for this to be the case, you’ll need to understand the changes that are forecast for 2024. Thankfully, we’ve done the research so that you don’t have to; in this article, we’ll investigate UK landlord guidelines and explore the key insights and considerations that landlords in Gloucestershire should keep in mind this year. Read on to get in the know!

Understanding Current Market Trends
As a landlord in England, you will already be aware of the rising costs of rental properties in Gloucestershire expected in 2024, but this is far from the only thing to consider. The world has changed significantly in recent years, and if you increase your rental prices without considering changing trends in the rental market, you could potentially limit your revenue. Let’s break down some of the major market trends that you need to be aware of.

Embracing Sustainability
From government initiatives to public activism, sustainability has been a hot topic that affects everyone over the last few years, but don’t be fooled into thinking this is just a buzzword. Prospective tenants are increasingly seeking eco-friendly properties in Gloucestershire equipped with energy-efficient features, for both environmental and financial reasons.

Many prospective clients will be seeking sustainability in their rental property in Gloucestershire to combat rising energy costs, while also doing their part to save the planet. Ignoring this factor could cost you many clients. For this reason, you should consider applying sustainable upgrades to your property, such as energy-efficient appliances and mindful waste disposal. Not only will this make your property more appealing to tenants, but it will also reduce your long-term operating costs.

Leveraging Technology
In the past, the landlord-tenant relationship tended to be a bureaucratic nightmare, but it no longer has to be this way. The adoption of innovative technology is making all areas of our lives simpler, and this includes administrative procedures, communication, and payments. All three of these areas are staples of being a landlord in Gloucestershire, and you’d be daft not to adopt the latest technology solutions to make your life easier!

While most landlords are already using online property portals to source prospective tenants, this is only the tip of the iceberg. There are dozens of technological software and hardware solutions available that have the potential to streamline not only landlord tasks but improve your tenants’ rental experience too. These include:

• Using modern communication platforms such as WhatsApp
• Leveraging online portals for rent collection and maintenance requests
• Installing smart home technology to increase the appeal of your property
• Using technology-driven security systems to give your tenants peace of mind

Financial Planning and Tax Considerations
In addition to evolving market trends, it’s imperative for you to become familiar with changes in your responsibilities as a landlord in 2024. These include tax considerations, the anticipated Tenant’s Reform Bill, changes to the Office for National Statistics operations, and more. Let’s take a look!

Changes to the Office for National Statistics
The first financial consideration that you’re going to need to take may sound complicated, but it’s actually very positive for you as a landlord. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has always been a valuable resource for British landlords, ensuring they have the data they need to keep up with the latest pricing and rental trends. However, a recent announcement has outlined some significant changes to how the ONS will release such information.

Thankfully, this is good news; the ONS has greatly expanded its provided data points, offering a far more granular level of rental price statistics, instead of the generalised conclusion from past statistics. This will allow you to gain far more valuable insights into the best way to operate your business as a landlord, and best of all, it’s free to access! This is a secret weapon that many landlords are unaware of, so use it to your advantage and stay ahead of the curve!

Renters Reform Bill
Another significant change due to affect landlords in 2024 concerns the introduction of the Renters Reform Bill. This is set to benefit the rights of tenants while, unfortunately, making your life as a landlord somewhat more difficult. But as long as you’re aware of the bill’s implications, it shouldn’t be a problem. This new bill hasn’t yet been officially confirmed, but it is anticipated to be passed in early 2024.

Ultimately, the Renters Reform Bill will affect evictions, preventing landlords from evicting tenants unless their contract is over or there is a serious reason to do so. As long as you are aware of this in advance, it’s no big deal – you’ll simply need to plan ahead. Thankfully, it could still benefit you, as your tenants will be comforted by this enhanced accommodation security, a prospect that could foster an excellent landlord-tenant relationship and boost tenant retention.

Overall, the constant changes to the rental market can be intimidating, especially right now when things are changing so fast, but hopefully, this article has shown you that there’s nothing to worry about as long as you stay informed. By focusing on these critical aspects, you can navigate the dynamic rental market in 2024 with confidence and achieve long-term success in property management in Gloucestershire.

However, it’s important you don’t become complacent with this information, as it wouldn’t be surprising if further trends, bills, or even tax changes affect landlords in 2024. Keep your eye on resources such as the ONS and conduct regular research, and you’ll be taking steps that many other landlords haven’t even considered, helping your business to thrive!

TG Sales & Lettings are rental property management specialists in Gloucestershire.

Call us on 01452 300822 or email rachel@tgres.co.uk to find out how we can help you stay ahead with UK landlord guidelines 2024.

Owning a rental property in Gloucestershire comes with its own set of responsibilities, and one of the most critical is ensuring regular maintenance. That’s why we find that maintenance tips for landlords are always welcomed! Unfortunately, many Gloucestershire landlords neglect this crucial aspect of property management, which can lead to issues, affecting both landlords and tenants.

In this article from the team at TG Sales & Lettings we’ll explore the common mistakes landlords make by failing to maintain their rental properties. We’ll also look at why prioritising property maintenance is essential for a successful rental experience.

The Consequences of Neglected Property Maintenance

Neglecting property maintenance can have far-reaching consequences that affect landlords and tenants. These are some common issues along with our maintenance tips for landlords:

1. Deteriorating Property Value Due to Neglected Repairs

When landlords fail to invest in regular maintenance, the property’s condition naturally deteriorates over time. This decline can lead to a significant reduction in the property’s overall value. A poorly maintained rental property becomes less appealing to prospective tenants and can also result in lower rental income when compared to well-maintained properties in the same area. Additionally, the resale value of the property may decrease, making it difficult to realise a profit if you decide to sell.

2. Tenant Dissatisfaction Due to Neglected Property

Tenant satisfaction plays a pivotal role in the success of your rental property business. A neglected property can lead to tenant dissatisfaction, and unhappy tenants are more likely to terminate their agreement early or report maintenance issues, creating additional stress and expenses for landlords. Unresolved maintenance problems can also lead to legal disputes and potential fines if the property violates government regulations.

3. Increased Maintenance and Repair Costs Over Time

One of the most significant mistakes landlords make is postponing necessary repairs and maintenance tasks. When minor issues are ignored, they escalate into more extensive and costly problems. For example, a small leak can lead to water damage, mould growth, and structural issues if left unresolved. Regular inspections and timely repairs prevent costly scenarios, ultimately saving landlords time and money.

The Importance of Regular Property Maintenance

Now we’ve discussed the consequences of neglecting rental property maintenance, let’s delve into why regular maintenance is crucial for landlords:

1. Longer Tenant Retention

Happy tenants are more likely to stay long-term, reducing void periods and turnover costs for landlords. Regular maintenance ensures that the property remains in good condition but also fosters positive tenant-landlord relationships. When tenants see that their landlord is proactive in addressing maintenance concerns promptly, they are more likely to renew their tenancy agreement.

2. Legal Compliance Met

Landlords with rental properties in Gloucestershire are legally obligated to provide safe and habitable living conditions for their tenants. Neglecting property maintenance can result in legal repercussions, including fines and penalties. To stay compliant with local housing regulations, it is essential to conduct regular inspections, address maintenance issues promptly, and keep thorough records of maintenance activities.

3. Enhanced Property Value

Maintaining a rental property’s condition and appearance attracts quality tenants and enhances its market value. Well-maintained properties are more appealing to prospective renters and potential buyers. By consistently investing in property maintenance, landlords can secure higher rental income and achieve better resale value when the time comes to sell the property.

Tips for Effective Property Maintenance

To avoid the common mistakes associated with neglecting property maintenance, here are some tips for landlords in Gloucestershire:

1. Create a Maintenance Schedule

Establish a regular maintenance schedule that includes routine inspections and preventive maintenance tasks. This schedule should cover essential areas such as plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, and heating systems. Regularly inspect appliances and address any issues promptly.

2. Prioritise Tenant Communication

Encourage open communication with your tenants regarding maintenance concerns. Provide tenants with clear instructions on how to report issues and respond to their requests efficiently. Make sure tenants are aware of their responsibilities in maintaining the property, such as reporting minor problems and promptly addressing any damages they may cause.

3. Budget for Maintenance Expenses

Set aside a portion of your rental income for maintenance expenses. Having a dedicated budget for maintenance ensures you can cover the costs of repairs and improvements without dipping into your personal finances. Remember that proactive maintenance is an investment that will save you money in the long run.

Property Maintenance is a Responsibility Landlords Must Embrace

Regular property maintenance is not just a choice, it’s a responsibility that Gloucestershire landlords must embrace. Neglecting rental property maintenance can lead to financial losses, legal issues, and tenant dissatisfaction.

If you’re a landlord who would like more information on how to enhance your rental property value, attract and retain quality tenants, and maintain legal compliance, our team at TG Sales & Lettings would love to hear from you. Please contact us at rachel@tgres.co.uk or call us on 01452 300822. We are waiting for your call.

Will An Artificial Lawn Be A Positive Selling Point?

There’s no doubt that a beautiful lawn helps to make any home more appealing. However, keeping natural grass in top condition takes effort, money, and time. It’s no surprise that many homeowners in Gloucestershire are now considering investing in artificial grass to reduce ongoing maintenance.

However, if you plan to sell your property, will an artificial lawn be a positive selling point, or could it be a drawback? Here, we look at whether prospective buyers prefer natural grass over an artificial alternative.

Natural Grass And Its Benefits

• Natural grass looks and feels good, providing a welcoming and soft space ideal for pets and children.
• Natural grass adds to any property’s aesthetic appeal while providing positive environmental benefits.
• Natural grass reduces air pollution while regulating temperatures and producing oxygen.
• Natural grass absorbs and filters rainwater, reducing runoff and helping to prevent flooding.
• Natural grass helps boost our well-being. Spending time outdoors in a natural green space helps reduce stress and improve mental health, and natural lawns are just more visually appealing than the fake alternative.

Furthermore, a survey by UK Property Price Information & Advice discovered that 19 out of 20 prospective purchasers prefer natural grass to the alternatives. Evidence shows that artificial grass is often seen as a deterrent, especially for those pursuing an eco-conscious lifestyle, since the artificial grass manufacturing process produces a considerable carbon footprint.

Are There Any Advantages To Using Artificial Grass?

Natural grass may have lots of benefits; however, it comes with some disadvantages. Maintaining natural lawns takes effort and time, which isn’t ideal for all prospective buyers, especially those who are less mobile or incredibly busy. Maintenance costs can also be high, which can be off-putting to some buyers.

• Artificial lawns are more durable and capable of withstanding a lot of foot traffic, so they can be ideal for families with pets and children who will spend a lot of time outdoors.
• Artificial lawns won’t go brown in the sun, so they will always look great.
• Artificial lawns will always look tidy.

Should I Preserve My Natural Lawn Or Invest In Artificial Grass?

If you’re a homeowner in Gloucestershire, it can be difficult to decide whether to stick with your traditional natural grass lawn or invest in an artificial alternative, especially if you plan to sell soon.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you, and you’ll need to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of both to determine which option best suits your circumstances. Whichever you choose, you can be sure that both artificial and natural grass can look good and provide an attractive and functional outdoor area for future owners to enjoy.

If you’re ready to sell your property in Gloucestershire, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at TG Sales & Lettings. As specialists in the Gloucestershire property market, we’re your top choice when it comes to finding the right buyer and getting the best price for your home. Call us on 01452 300822 or send us an email at rachel@tgres.co.uk. We’re looking forward to working with you.

Title Deeds Are The Record Of A Property And Land’s Ownership

If you’re ready to buy a property in Gloucestershire, it’s important to be aware of the importance of title needs. While most prospective buyers have heard about title deeds, a surprising number of people that we work with here at TG Sales & Lettings aren’t sure what they are or where to find them.

That’s why we’re bringing you this article today, so you can gain a better understanding of what title deeds are, why they matter, and whether or not you should purchase a home without title deeds.

What Are Title Deeds – An Overview

First, let’s take a look at what title deeds are.

Essentially, a property’s title deeds are the record of a property and land’s ownership. While it may sound as if there is just a single document involved, in fact, any home’s title deeds may comprise several different documents to not only prove who is the current owner of the property but also to show the home’s entire ownership history.

Title deeds documentation may include any or all of the following:

• Leases
• Wills
• Mortgages
• Contracts for sale
• Conveyances

Is It Legal To Sell A Property That Has No Title Deeds?

There is no law to prevent a seller from selling their property without having the title deeds in place, but that doesn’t mean that the process will be a straightforward one.

Usually, sellers who don’t have title deeds for their property obtain possessory title deeds instead. These are given if there is no way to definitively prove the Absolute Title (an unequivocal right of ownership to the property), which is why it is also known as a perfect title. Buyers will have the peace of mind of knowing that the property they are purchasing is free of any legal weaknesses. in cases where the original title deeds have either been damaged or lost, for example, in a flood or fire. In some cases, sellers may provide a statutory declaration to the buyer (and the buyer’s mortgage lender).

Attempting to sell a property with no Absolute Title to hand may often result in the process being long and drawn out which may be inconvenient for the buyer, however, it’s possible that the property may be sold at a lower price due to this inconvenience and the potential risks that the buyer will be taking.

Should I Buy A Property That Has No Title Deeds?

Technically, although it’s possible to purchase a property that has no title deeds, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. If you buy a property that has no title deeds, you’re taking a significant risk. While every property purchase comes with some risky elements, if you purchase a property that has no title deeds, you must bear caveat emptor (buyer beware) in mind.

You must be completely certain that your conveyancer knows what they’re doing, and be willing to pay more for the additional work that they’ll need to do to make sure that everything is legal and above board before exchanging contracts. If you decide to go ahead with buying a property that has no title deeds, you should also ask that indemnity insurance is included to cover you for any restrictive covenants that may be unclear.

If you’re interested in buying a property in Gloucestershire that has no title deeds, it’s important to get expert advice. Contact our team at TG Sales & Lettings on 01452 300822 to find out more

If you’re thinking of putting your Gloucestershire property on the market, you’ll want to make it stand out from the crowd and generate as much interest as possible to ensure you achieve the full asking price.

The team at TG Sales & Lettings is highly experienced in property and will always make sure we give our utmost attention when accompanying viewings on your property, but there are always little tweaks you can make to your home to make sure it’s in outstanding condition and ready for the most discerning viewer!

The TG Sales & Lettings team have put our heads together and want to share with you the top nine things you can do to get your property ready for a sale!

1. Neutralise Your Home

There’s nothing wrong with injecting your personality into your home, but if you’re selling, then garish paint and leopard print feature walls won’t be to everyone’s taste. If this sounds anything like your property then give some serious consideration to some light redecorating, ideally using neutral colours such as off-white, magnolia, greys or pastels.

It’s far more appealing to potential buyers and it will also allow them to visualise their own ideas better if they have a blank canvas to work with.

2. Lighten Up

Following on from our first point, there are some simple lighting tricks you can do to make your home feel brighter, which in turn will make it feel more spacious and appealing to potential buyers.

It can be as simple as putting up a mirror opposite a window to reflect the light or ensuring you have high-voltage light bulbs fitted. If you have blackout blinds or curtains in your bedrooms then make sure these are open before any viewings, to avoid rooms appearing dark or gloomy.

3. Declutter

We all tend to throw empty boxes in cupboards (just in case) and gather ‘stuff’ as the years pass. If you’ve been hoarding items, then selling your property is the perfect time to eliminate unwanted items and declutter. It’ll help your home appear more spacious and there’s potentially the added benefit of making a few pounds selling some of your old belongings.

4. Deodorise

Did you know that your home has its own distinctive smell? Obviously, not all houses have strong smells but if you regularly smoke or vape indoors or you have a cat or dog causing a whiff, then no matter how beautiful your house may be, this is likely to be the first thing a visitor notices when they walk through the front door – and it can be very off-putting. If your property has a strong smell to it then give it a good deep clean before any viewings or get professionals in if you need to.

5. First Impressions are Everything

It’s rare that you’ll make a sale at first glance, but you can definitely lose one! If you have an overgrown garden, a grubby front door and a broken gate then it’s time to get your gardening gloves on and tidy it all up.

Kerb appeal is important not only because many potential viewers will do a ‘drive by’ to check out the property before booking a viewing, but first impressions are what always form the basis of someone’s opinion of your property. Things that can damage your home’s kerb appeal include having dirty wheelie bins on display, smeared windows and chipped paintwork, so spend a little time maintaining your outdoor areas and be sure everything is up to scratch before the viewings start.

Adding little extras like a potted plant or a lamp to light up your entrance can make a big difference too. You don’t need to do anything extravagant, just remember, it’s all in the details!

6. Show Off Your Home Assets

Step room to room in your home and check for little things that may detract the attention of a viewer:

• If you have a study or a room you are using as an office, ensure your desk is tidy and your paperwork is filed away so that viewers can see an organised workspace.

• If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s not being blocked by toys or extra bits of furniture that you haven’t stored away so that viewers can imagine themselves cosy by the fire.

• If you have a dining table – a common dumping ground for pretty much everything – make sure it’s clear of any paperwork or household bits that have been piling up so that viewers can see there is a defined place to eat.

• If you have a utility room, remove piles of laundry and tidy away detergents so that viewers can appreciate the extra space catering to the needs of a family.

When it comes to our homes it’s easy to take some of the features we see every day for granted, but to a viewer they may be just what they’re looking for in a home, so be sure to highlight all the best features of your property. 

7. Be Prepared

Think back to when you bought your property. What questions did you have for the estate agent? If a buyer were to ask how old the windows are and if they have a guarantee would you know the answer? What about the last time you had the boiler serviced? When was the central heating checked? Be prepared and find your paperwork and service history relating to your home before it’s requested to save time!

• Service the boiler
• Check the central heating system
• Find any guarantees and warranties

8. Fix up, Look Sharp

Keeping on top of the maintenance of your home is crucial when you bring your property to market. If you haven’t regularly maintained your home, now is the time to get all those little niggly jobs done. Make sure everything’s as well maintained as possible, whether it’s fixing a damaged fence or just replacing a broken lightbulb, these minor details can make a big difference to potential buyers. It shows that your house is well looked after, and it will give viewers fewer excuses to negotiate. Make your property as flawless as possible – touch up paintwork and don’t forget to check gutters and drainpipes to get rid of leaves and debris.

9. Depersonalise

Buyers want to imagine themselves living in a home, so seeing pictures of strangers all over the house can actually have an off-putting effect, even though it’s your home!

Don’t remove every family photo, you’re still living there of course, but there’s a fine line between making a home look lived in and loved and showcasing it as someone else’s dream home! Think about putting a few photos away before viewings. The space created will allow viewers to get a better idea of what they would do with the space and to imagine it as their own.

For no-obligation advice on buying or selling a home in Gloucestershire please contact our expert property team at TG Sales & Lettings on 01452 300822

Many parents in Gloucestershire are keen to help their children get onto the property ladder, but if they don’t have a large lump sum available to hand over, they often believe that there’s nothing they can do to assist.

However, that isn’t actually the case. At TG Sales & Lettings, we often advise clients who are searching for property solutions for their kids, and one of the options we recommend is a family offset mortgage.

Family Offset Mortgages – What Are They?

A family offset mortgage is one of the types of offset mortgage on the market today. All kinds of offset mortgage work by offsetting savings against the home loan to reduce its total amount and, thus, reducing how much interest is paid overall.

There are three key points to note when it comes to family offset mortgages:

• The total capital repayments stay the same, but the amount that interest is charged on, will reduce.
• The linked accounts won’t earn interest.
• A family offset mortgage may not have as competitive an interest rate as a standard mortgage.

Bearing these three points in mind, it’s important to work out the advantages and disadvantages before going for this option.

How Much Do I Need To Have In My Savings Account To Apply For A Family Offset Mortgage?

All lenders have their individual criteria when it comes to applying for a family offset mortgage, but in general, you’ll need around 10% of the property’s purchase price. With some lenders, the levels will be significantly higher. There may also be extra stipulations, for example, a minimum yearly income.

Can I Make A Family Offset Mortgage Application?

If you have sufficient savings, there are some other considerations to keep in mind when determining whether you can make a family offset mortgage application. Approval will depend on your credit history, your debt-to-income ratio, and even the type of property being purchased.

Does Every Lender Offer Family Offset Mortgages?

There are some lenders who offer this type of offset mortgage, but many of the big-name lenders don’t offer these specialised products. Other lenders offer them but call them by a different name! It’s therefore essential to seek professional advice if you’re interested in taking out this kind of mortgage.

Should I Opt For A Family Offset Mortgage?

There are a number of advantages in applying for a family offset mortgage as a way of helping your child buy a property. They include:

• Less interest will be paid overall.
• There is more flexibility so the mortgage duration could be shorter or lower amounts could be paid each month.
• Most family offset mortgages accept overpayments.
• If you’re a higher-rate taxpayer, this mortgage could potentially benefit you.
• Your savings can still be accessed.

On the downside though:

• You’ll receive no interest on your savings.
• The interest rate will likely be higher.
• You will be restricted to only a few lenders.
• The terms may not be especially attractive.
• The LTV ratio may be prohibitive.
• You may not have enough savings to make it worth your while.

With all of this in mind, it’s easy to see why talking to a mortgage professional is so important. However, once you’ve made your decision, or if you need advice about finding a suitable property for your child to help them onto the property ladder in Gloucestershire, don’t hesitate to give our team at TG Sales & Lettings a call on 01452 300822.

Out of all the purchases you make in your life, your home is likely to be the most expensive, but it’s not just the price of the property you need to take into account. When you purchase your new home in Gloucestershire, you’ll have fees and other costs associated with the move to take into consideration. Make sure you budget well so that you don’t end up with a nasty surprise!

If you are looking to buy a home in Gloucestershire, do make sure you take into account all the associated fees with your purchase. To help you, we’ve created this handy guide to the most common fees.

Stamp duty

Currently, stamp duty is payable when you buy a home that costs over £125,001, although if you’re a first-time buyer, you won’t pay stamp duty on the first £300k. The rate of stamp duty increases as a percentage depending on how expensive your home is, so if it’s under £250k it’s 2%, and if it’s under £925k it’s 5%. There are also higher rates payable for people with second or buy to let homes. Stamp duty needs to be paid to the HMRC within 14 days of completing the process of buying a home, and your solicitor will usually deal with this, so make sure you’ve budgeted for it.

Surveyors fees

When you buy a house, a survey is essential, as it ensures you don’t buy a place that’s full of problems. In some cases, your mortgage lender will require you to instruct a survey, which could be a basic survey costing £250, through to a structural survey which can cost from £500 to £1,300 depending on the condition of the property.

Solicitors fees

Whilst you can attempt to do your own conveyancing, it’s one of those things that isn’t recommended as it’s very tedious, involves a lot of legal terms, and if something goes wrong, you have very little comeback. Therefore, you should budget for conveyancing fees, which can vary from hundreds to a few thousand pounds depending on whether you are buying and selling or one or the other.

Mortgage costs

There are a number of costs you need to budget for when it comes to your mortgage.

• Deposit: This is usually the most costly part of moving. You’ll need to put down a deposit of between 5% and 20% of the property price. If you’re already a homeowner, then the deposit is usually paid out of the equity in your current home.
• Valuation fee: Some lenders will charge you a valuation fee so they can work out how much they’re willing to lend and some banks will waive this fee.
• Transfer fee: Many mortgage providers add a fee of around £40-50 to transfer the money to your solicitor for the property purchase.
• Arrangement fees: These are the fees charged to set up a mortgage, and they can range from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds. In some cases, you can find mortgages with no arrangement fee, and some lenders will give you the option to add the fee to the overall cost of the mortgage. Keep in mind that if you add the fees to your mortgage, you’re likely to pay more due to interest on the combined figure.

It’s definitely worth shopping around when it comes to mortgages, and considering using a broker, as fees can vary and you’ll want to secure the best deal.

Removal costs

It’s worth getting some quotes and choosing not just the cheapest removal company, but the one that has the best reputation and offers best value for money. Some removal firms offer extras such as boxes and packing, which can be helpful when you’re busy dealing with all the other paperwork and stress!

Some people choose to hire a van and do the move themselves, but anyone who has done this will no doubt tell you it’s not always ideal. On the day of completion, you’ll be busy dealing with solicitor calls and trying to get the keys to your new home, so you won’t want to have the responsibility of loading up the van and unloading at the other end! Leave it to the professionals.

Repairs and decorating

Even if your new home appears perfect, when you move in, there are bound to be a few things that might need to be fixed and of course you’ll probably want to redecorate, so it’s a good idea to budget for this.
Moving home can come with a lot of fees, not to mention paperwork, but once you’re comfortably settled in your new home in Gloucestershire, you’ll realise that it was worth all of the stress.
For a wide range of properties for sale in Gloucestershire, contact our friendly and professional team of experts at TG Sales & Lettings on 01452 300822 and speak with us today about your next home.

There are over two million apps available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, so of course, there are apps out there for every purpose. There are all kinds of apps, such as scheduling apps to help you manage your time, coupon apps to help you find deals, and language apps to help you learn a new language. What you may not have thought of before are all the apps that exist for homeowners, including those that can help stay on top of chores, apps for DIY projects or interior design inspiration, and apps to help you sell your old belongings for cash.

With so many to choose from, it can be daunting trying to search through and find the ones that are the best and most helpful, so here’s our handy guide to the top smartphone apps all homeowners in Gloucestershire should consider.

HomeSavvy (free)

This app is basically like having an assistant to help you with everything to do around the house. All your chores can be organised within this app so you don’t lose track or forget to do them. You can customise your notifications too, so the app sends you alerts to remind you to get your tasks done. You can also customise your schedule so that you can create a plan that fits around your life, making it even easier to stick to your chore list and get everything ticked off. HomeSavvy even has a directory for local businesses in case you need to run to the shop and grab some tools or supplies to help get the job done.

Bills Reminder (free, in-app purchases for premium content)

If you are forgetful, then this is the app for you. There’s no fear of missing important payment deadlines with this ‘bills reminder’. Paying late fees is the worst, so Bills Reminder helps you stay on top of your payments. It allows you to organise your bills in categories and by due date and sends you alerts when it’s time to pay them. You can also use it to make automatic payments if you set it up with your banking information, and it has expense tracking capabilities as well.

Centriq (free)

This lifestyle app is perfect for those who throw out or lose product manuals and directions after buying and building a new appliance or furniture. Centriq will store all of this for you and is so easy to get set up. All you have to do is take a picture of the product label or nameplate of your new piece of furniture or appliance and this app takes care of loading it and saving it for you. It also offers information about parts, product recalls, and DIY videos if you need to do a simple repair.

Colour Capture (free)

Planning on renovating or redecorating? Don’t do it without this handy app. If you see a colour anywhere, whether it’s in a shop, at a friend’s house, or in a restaurant, you can take a picture of it with this app and it will match it as closely as possible to a Benjamin Moore paint shade. It’s also useful if you’re undertaking a painting project as you can create colour palettes easily in the app.

The Family Handyman (free)

For fans of DIY projects around the home, this is the perfect app. There’s a catalogue of over 4,000 tutorials and tips to help you with any projects you’re working on so you can get them done quickly and correctly the first time. Although it’s primarily American, there are plenty of handy hints, tips and tutorials for you there.

Bubble Level App and Stud Finder App (free)

Why go digging through your tools for a spirit level or a stud finder when you can just use your smartphone? The stud finder app is so useful when you are trying to hang something on your wall. Simply install the app, calibrate it, and then move your phone along the wall until it beeps, thus detecting where the studs are. The Bubble Level app is also so handy. It’s not just a spirit level, but also a ruler and has metal detecting capabilities to help you find wires behind your walls. These two apps are a great combination for simple DIY projects that every homeowner should have in their phone.

Shpock (free)

If you’re trying to declutter and sell some old belongings but shudder at the thought of holding a car boot sale, Shpock is the perfect app. It’s essentially like having a virtual car boot sale without having to do all the work involved in setting it up. All you have to do is take a picture of the item you’re selling, post it to the app, and wait for interested people to message you.

We’re always interested to learn about new home and property apps that are useful to homeowners, so do let us know here at TG Sales & Lettings if you have a favourite!