Bentley Hurst

Agents Giving works with Estate and Lettings Agents and their suppliers across the UK to encourage, support and promote their fundraising activities. Bentley Hurst are part of a network of Estate and Lettings agents and industry suppliers across the country all doing their bit for charity and helping to make a big difference with their support and efforts, collectively all doing something great for charity and causes that mean so much. Our support helps to make a big difference to the many charities and community causes who benefit from Agents Giving support through grant funding. Agents Giving organise fun events through the year which we have been privileged to be part of. The Agents Giving Dragon Boat Race in May saw us rowing super-fast across a lake against other agents in 4 heats on a sunny Sunday morning all in aid of charity – it was such a fun day. To find out more about Agents Giving see their website and the charities who have benefited from their support:https://www.bentleyhurst.co.uk/about-us/the-official-charity-for-the-property-industry/?utm_source=Content+Syndication&utm_medium=Link+Building

The early summer months are traditionally a busy period for the UK property market. It’s a gorgeous time of year to view an abundance of beautiful properties. Many people are on the move. While it’s still a hive of activity with a huge choice of homes, the property market takes a little summer siesta as homeowners take a holiday. This gives you a chance to make your move. But don’t be fooled into thinking it will last for long, so if you want to take advantage of it, you need to be quick. The summer property market is resilient The summer market is vibrant, with the average new seller asking price falling by just £82 (-0.0%) in June to £372,812.* Despite the various challenges, including rising interest rates and the cost of living, the property market is resilient and in good shape. This change in prices is negligible in percentage terms, and a side-step can be a healthy pressure release that allows the property market to cool off. View your ideal home from the beach Sometimes getting away from it all can help bring about clarity of mind, which is very useful when you are making big decisions. Perhaps the beach or poolside is the perfect place to peruse your potential properties. And a good time to discuss your big move with your partner while you are away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Enjoy quieter roads to your new home With schools closed for the summer, the roads become quieter, and you can drive to viewings with less stress. This means you can relax a little more and take a bit more time to enjoy your viewings. With an increased sense of calm, talk to your agent, who will expertly guide you through your potential new home and anything that helps you with your home move. Leave your agent to sell your home while you take a holiday Hop on a plane, boat, or if you’re jumping in the car to drive to your holiday, whatever you are doing if you have made the decision to sell, leave it with your agent and enjoy your holiday. Perhaps by the time you return, your house will be sold. Make an offer with less competition With fewer people around, you may be able to open the door to making an offer below the asking price and getting it accepted before others have even viewed the property in question. It’s the perfect moving season With more family members to assist your big move and longer, warmer days to enjoy once you are settled in, the summer is perhaps the best time of year to move. And you may be able to save some money on home removal costs with more hands to help. If you hire a removal company, you may find it easier to find the right help. Enjoy your new home When you have finally moved into your new home, you may still have time to make the most of it during the warmer months of the year, when utility bills are a little lower. Any outdoor improvements, from weeding the garden to adding to your outdoor spaces and simple maintenance, can become a joy rather than a chore. Take advantage of the summer holidays and find the home you love. Browse our properties.

Making decisions can be difficult at the best of times. Buying a home is a big decision, so you can’t be blamed for becoming a little pensive or perhaps even anxious about making your move. Deciding whether you are going to move now or wait and see what happens is a dichotomy for some buyers. As soon as you turn on the news, you will no doubt be bombarded with the cost-of-living crisis, another interest rate rise, or another reason to worry. It’s little wonder some people decide to sit on the fence. But could doing that cost you more money? Waiting for interest rates to fall may not save you money There is little doubt that we have been spoiled in the past with ultra-low mortgage interest rates, and many analysts argue that they will never fall to this low level again. Inflation is falling, which will lead to a reduction in interest rates in the near future as the Bank of England expects inflation to fall to 5% by the end of this year.* In the meantime, as interest rates increase by small amounts, if you are not on a fixed-interest deal, your mortgage will increase. But while these small increases may feel unfair and, for some people, mean squeezing their budget, they could be insignificant in the face of rising house prices. Interest rates are also peaking, which means in the not-too-distant future they will come down. Rising house prices balances your budget in the long run Most people who buy a home in the UK will keep it for many years. House prices may fluctuate just as interest rates do. Despite the numerous recent rises in interest rates, average asking prices in May this year increased by 1.8%.** Interest rates are peaking, which means they will shortly begin to decrease. As interest rates and inflation continue to fall, house prices will ascend again. So, if you are waiting to see what happens, you run the risk of paying more for the home you want in the future. In February 2013, the average UK house price was £167,682 in February 2023, that figure stood at £288,000. *** Set against this longer-term perspective, if there are sudden and significant changes in the market, the reality for most homeowners is that their properties' value in the long run will cover the cost of these short-term increases in interest rates. Properties are unique There are no hard-and-fast rules. Local property markets are layered with unique and differing qualities. Whatever the national economic conditions are, the potential to gain equity in a home due to its condition, location, or potential can secure your investment in the face of challenging times. The possibilities are endless, and there is always room to buck the trend in a big way. The only limit is your imagination. Mortgages There is a huge choice of mortgages available on the market. Knowing that you can change your deal or re-mortgage when interest rates fall again has made some buyers think outside the box. Options such as porting, 35-year mortgage deals, green mortgages, 100% mortgages, and interest-only mortgage deals could decrease your monthly outgoings - if that is a factor when it comes to buying the home you want now. In the grand scheme of owning your home, high-interest rate costs will essentially evaporate over time. Are you fed up with waiting to make your big move? Browse our properties today.

Making decisions can be difficult at the best of times. Buying a home is a big decision, so you can’t be blamed for becoming a little pensive or perhaps even anxious about making your move. Deciding whether you are going to move now or wait and see what happens is a dichotomy for some buyers. As soon as you turn on the news, you will no doubt be bombarded with the cost-of-living crisis, another interest rate rise, or another reason to worry. It’s little wonder some people decide to sit on the fence. But could doing that cost you more money? Waiting for interest rates to fall may not save you money There is little doubt that we have been spoiled in the past with ultra-low mortgage interest rates, and many analysts argue that they will never fall to this low level again. Inflation is falling, which will lead to a reduction in interest rates in the near future as the Bank of England expects inflation to fall to 5% by the end of this year.* In the meantime, as interest rates increase by small amounts, if you are not on a fixed-interest deal, your mortgage will increase. But while these small increases may feel unfair and, for some people, mean squeezing their budget, they could be insignificant in the face of rising house prices. Interest rates are also peaking, which means in the not-too-distant future they will come down. Rising house prices balances your budget in the long run Most people who buy a home in the UK will keep it for many years. House prices may fluctuate just as interest rates do. Despite the numerous recent rises in interest rates, average asking prices in May this year increased by 1.8%.** Interest rates are peaking, which means they will shortly begin to decrease. As interest rates and inflation continue to fall, house prices will ascend again. So, if you are waiting to see what happens, you run the risk of paying more for the home you want in the future. In February 2013, the average UK house price was £167,682 in February 2023, that figure stood at £288,000. *** Set against this longer-term perspective, if there are sudden and significant changes in the market, the reality for most homeowners is that their properties' value in the long run will cover the cost of these short-term increases in interest rates. Properties are unique There are no hard-and-fast rules. Local property markets are layered with unique and differing qualities. Whatever the national economic conditions are, the potential to gain equity in a home due to its condition, location, or potential can secure your investment in the face of challenging times. The possibilities are endless, and there is always room to buck the trend in a big way. The only limit is your imagination. Mortgages There is a huge choice of mortgages available on the market. Knowing that you can change your deal or re-mortgage when interest rates fall again has made some buyers think outside the box. Options such as porting, 35-year mortgage deals, green mortgages, 100% mortgages, and interest-only mortgage deals could decrease your monthly outgoings - if that is a factor when it comes to buying the home you want now. In the grand scheme of owning your home, high interest rate costs will essentially evaporate over time. Are you fed up with waiting to make your big move? Browse our properties today.

With Spring upon us, the UK has a lot to look forward to in the coming months. Longer days and warm weather aren't the only reason that April is known for being the best time of the year; it's also a great time to be looking to sell your home. In fact, March, April, May, and June are the most popular months for making a swift move, with the average home taking less time to sell. More people move in the Spring More UK property transactions are completed in the Spring than at any other time of the year, and it’s a pattern that repeats itself year after year! For example, in March 2022, the number of property transactions completed in the UK peaked at a massive 111,680. Other statistics show they were also recorded at 107,100 in April and 106,860 in May.* A good year Market conditions were a little bumpy in the UK towards the end of last year. The mini-budget that caused an air of uncertainty has been replaced by a fresh Spring breeze of stability. Sellers are bringing more choices to the market and buyers who delayed moving are finally starting to return. Traditionally, the market warms up at this time of year, but with the added element of pent-up demand and a more calm and realistic market, it promises to be a good year for the UK. Strong demand with a stable 2023 market The average price of property coming to the market rose by just £14 (+0.0%) from January to February to £362,452.** This is a stable figure and with demand still very strong, the market is now conducting itself in a manner that is healthy and vibrant. However, you no longer need to race to your dream home and offer more than the asking price! If anything, there may be scope for a little negotiation. Inspiring and beautiful homes With gardens coming on strong and flowers sprouting up to witness the longer evenings, Spring lends itself well to moving. It’s easier weather for all the practical parts of moving, and homes with all this splendour going on just look better. Many will have enjoyed a good Spring cleaning now that winter is over. Home improvements occupied many homeowners during the lockdown, so whether your budget is large or more modest, chances are you are in for inspiring viewings. Outdoor living spaces, work-from-home spaces, and interesting gardens are ripe for your ideas just in time for summer. Summary: Springtime is the right time! With so many beautiful homes looking good at this time of year and a buoyant market with some fresh pent-up demand, house prices are no longer rocketing out of control. Warmer, longer days and lighter evenings bring more homeowners out of hibernation, adding vibrancy and more choice to the property market. With no snow or cold to deal with, while hopefully finishing in time to enjoy the summer, it’s little wonder that so many homeowners choose Spring to move. Spring your property move into life today! Browse the available properties on our website, then book a free valuation with one of our expert agents.

The days aren't the only thing that get longer at this time of year, as we see the list of tenants looking for a property to rent increasing this Spring season. Tenants are renting for longer, which in turn brings longevity to the long-term investment prospects of the buy-to-let market! In the UK, 13 million people rent from a private landlord, meaning the buy-to-let market is expanding all the time.* So, why are tenants renting for longer than ever in the UK? Cost of living crisis We have seen the cost of living crisis impact us in many ways over the last year but as a first-time buyer, it's especially going to come into effect when saving for deposits. Whether this is for energy bills, food prices or rent increases, it will all have an impact on how much time it will take for a first-time buyer to save for a property deposit. Interest rates Although many analysts believe that interest rates will never return to the ultra-low levels of the past, many people still believe they are too high. As a result, first-time buyers are delaying their decision to buy and ultimately rent their current property for longer. Lifestyle choice A growing proportion of people now believe they will never get on the property ladder, choosing to invest in life experiences and preferring not to be tied to a mortgage. This opens yet more opportunities for landlords as the rental sector expands. Attitudes toward owning your own home are changing in the UK and, in many ways, becoming more European, where there is less emphasis on home ownership. Waiting to see what happens! Many buyers have delayed making their first move, unable to decide and wondering whether the market has settled. Others are confused and are waiting to see if house prices will rise or fall. As a result, they choose to rent rather than make a decision. What are the benefits of longer tenancies? Finding the right home that aligns with everything that you are looking for is something that is important to most people. So when a tenant finds the right place for them, they frequently choose to stay put where they are and rent long-term. Build trust Typically, the longer your tenants rent from you, the better you get to know them and how they will look after your property. As time goes on, you may find that they are excellent tenants. This gives you a great track record to give you peace of mind for the future. Long-term security The rental market is in a great place, with more tenants looking for a property than there is currently available to rent. Therefore, whatever happens, your investment is secure. That said, longer tenancies mean that you do not have to spend time looking for new tenants and making the necessary checks and preparations. Better communication If any issues arise, the channels of communication are often better in long-term tenancies. Good landlords tend to fix any maintenance issues quickly. As a result, your property is in the best possible hands and any minor problems that can turn into costly repairs get sorted quickly. Tenants will invest in your property Tenants tend to invest in your property when they are confident that they will be living there for a long time. Things like curtains, decoration, and furniture – not to mention cleanliness and tender love and care to help keep your home in tip-top shape. How can we help you as a landlord this Spring? Whatever your investment plans are, at Bentley Hurst we are ready to understand your needs, provide support and work together to get the very best result for you. We can offer you a variety of different plans to assist you on your landlord journey this Spring, including our rent collection, tenant find and fully managed services. Click on the link below to find out more about how we can help you today!

Some people say the property ladder is disappearing. Many first-time buyers are no longer satisfied with a flat or humble two-up, two-down starter home. Starting small has traditionally been the beginning for many on their property journey. There are some great advantages to this. Typically, smaller mortgage repayments and a general perception that it’s easier. However, sometimes doing things a bit differently can make a lot more sense and skipping a few steps wherever you are on the ladder might not be as hard as you think. Get to know the market Getting to know the property market in your area and beyond is important. Sometimes a three-bedroom house may represent better value than a two-bedroom home or possibly be even cheaper. Many flats, for example, can cost more than smaller homes because they are in high demand. Buy together Buying your first property with your partner or a friend could mean you could save a bigger deposit and increase your budget. This could mean you could buy a larger first home, skipping the first few steps on the ladder. Then you may decide to rent any spare rooms. Buy bigger in the first place Many people who buy their first homes have well-established careers. Choosing to travel and enjoy life before settling down and perhaps buying a home a little later in life means their earnings and deposit are healthy. When this happens, many people will choose to buy what they can afford. A more expensive home could be cheaper! If your plan is to buy a smaller home and then move again to a bigger home later, save on moving costs and buy bigger in the first place. You will gain more equity in your home more rapidly as you pay off your mortgage and save on moving costs and other relocation expenses. Add value Perhaps you are already on the ladder, and you want to buy something a few steps further up. A great way to boost your equity is to add value to your home. The trick here is to not overspend, which is easier said than done. A new kitchen or simply painting and decorating can add value. Choose tasks you can do yourself to save on labour costs. Broaden your search A top tip for making your property pound go further is to simply broaden your search area. Do the research and find areas that are up and coming often; these will increase in value rapidly. Broaden your search criteria and get to know areas you might not have considered moving to. Talk to our local team of agents who have a wealth of knowledge to draw on and let us help find the right property to suit your needs. Do you want to find the perfect property to help you skip a few steps on the property ladder? Get in touch to see how we can help you today!