Welcome to your monthly property update!

Understanding mortgage rate trends: What borrowers need to know

A market finding its rhythm
After the volatility of recent years, 2025 has brought a more settled tone to mortgage rates. According to Forbes, while rates are no longer at historic lows, the market is adjusting to a new normal, one that rewards preparation and flexibility from borrowers.

What is driving today’s rates?

Interest rates are influenced by several factors, including inflation, economic forecasts and Bank of England policy. Steady inflation and moderate growth have led to a more predictable lending environment. This means borrowers are less likely to face sudden changes, and more able to plan with clarity.

Fixed or variable - what’s right for you?
Many buyers continue to favour fixed-rate products for their certainty, especially over two or five-year terms. However, some are exploring variable or tracker mortgages in the hope that base rates may ease in the coming year. The best option depends on individual circumstances, including income stability, future plans and risk appetite.

Remortgaging remains a smart move
With many fixed-rate deals from the low-interest era now expiring, remortgaging has become a priority for homeowners. Reviewing your mortgage well ahead of your current deal ending can save money and reduce stress. Brokers report that early preparation often results in better terms and smoother transitions.

First-time buyers: stay realistic, not discouraged
Mortgage rates are only one part of the affordability picture. Lenders remain keen to support first-time buyers with tailored products, including lower deposit requirements and flexible income assessments. While monthly costs may be higher than a few years ago, careful budgeting and guidance can still lead to homeownership.

Advice is your best asset
In a market where headlines can shift weekly, expert advice makes a difference. Understanding how different rates affect your repayments and long-term financial plans is key to making informed decisions. A proactive approach today could mean greater stability tomorrow.

Let’s talk about your mortgage options

Quick checklist: Getting your home ready for back-to-school season

September brings structure and your home should too

The return to school doesn’t just affect morning alarms and packed lunches. It shifts how we use our homes. Whether you're selling, letting, or simply wanting smoother mornings, a bit of prep now can make a big difference come September.

Here’s your room-by-room checklist to get your home ready for the term ahead.

1. Entryway: Clear the chaos

Create a drop zone for shoes, bags, coats, and lunchboxes. Hooks, baskets, and a bench can stop the hallway from becoming a bottleneck. If your home’s on the market, a tidy, organised entrance makes a strong first impression too.

Quick win: Add a wipe-clean family planner or whiteboard by the door.

2. Bedrooms: Reset the routine

Reinforce sleep schedules by deep cleaning bedrooms and setting up proper bedside lighting. Declutter desks or corners to make space for homework.

For rental viewings, staged bedrooms with tidy shelves and a clear workspace can help tenants imagine staying long term.

Quick win: Rotate out summer bedding for something cosier especially if selling during cooler months.

3. Kitchen: Weekday-ready flow

Clear the counters, tidy the fridge, and set up breakfast-friendly stations (think cereals, toasters, and packed lunch prep). If you’re letting or selling, a clutter-free kitchen helps show space and function.

Quick win: A clean, organised kitchen with good lighting always photographs beautifully.

4. Living space: Balance work and play

Designate a quiet corner for after-school study, even if it’s just a fold-down desk. Highlight this in your listing if you’re marketing to families.

Add soft lighting and cushions to show the room’s versatility: focused by day, relaxing by night.

Quick win: A fresh plant or cosy throw helps dress the space without clutter.

5. Outdoors: Back to basics

Even small gardens or patios can become school-year assets. Clear paths, trim hedges, and add a bench or play zone. For tenants or buyers, outdoor space still ranks high even in autumn.

Quick win: Add a soft light or outdoor rug to make it look more usable after dark.

Want your home term-time ready? Let’s get everything set for the season

Why August is the perfect time to plan an autumn move

A smart move starts before the season does

While August is traditionally seen as a time to slow down, it’s also one of the best months to get strategic if you're considering a move in autumn. With schools out and routines relaxed, now is the ideal moment to plan your next property step without the pressure of peak season chaos.

Here’s why preparing now can make all the difference come September.

1. Listings are less crowded - but serious

August often sees a dip in the number of new properties hitting the market. But the ones that do? They’re typically from motivated sellers and landlords keen to complete before winter.

Starting your search or listing your property now means less competition and more visibility for your home.

2. Buyers and renters are quietly active

While summer may feel quiet, the most organised movers are already scanning listings, setting alerts, and speaking to agents. If you’re selling or letting, getting ahead of the curve means you’re ready to catch these early-bird browsers before the post-summer surge.

If you’re buying or renting, it gives you more time to explore without pressure.

3. Autumn is high-activity - if you’re ready

September to November remains one of the busiest times in the property calendar. Families want to move before the winter holidays, students settle in, and professionals plan relocations ahead of the new year.

By laying the groundwork now - valuations, viewings, mortgage advice, or rental checks you’ll be ready to move quickly when the right opportunity appears.

4. It’s cooler, calmer, and more decisive

The weather in early autumn tends to be more viewing-friendly than high summer or deep winter. Homes show well with natural light, but without the heat or overgrown gardens of July.

Buyers and renters in autumn are often more focused and ready to act. If you’re prepared, your move can happen faster and with less stress.

5. You’ll hit the new year settled

Planning now means you could be in your new home by November, leaving December to unpack and enjoy, not stress and scramble. That’s especially appealing if you’ve got family, are switching jobs, or simply want to start 2026 fresh.

Ready for an autumn move? Let’s start your plan this August

The benefits of flexible move-in dates for buyers

Timing matters - now more than ever

Whether you're selling a home or letting one, the question of "when can they move in?" can often make or break a deal. The mid-year market demand remains steady, but people’s lifestyles are more varied than ever, flexible move-in dates are a quiet superpower.

It’s a simple tweak in strategy with big potential upsides.

Why it pays to be flexible

Not everyone’s timeline fits neatly into a calendar month. Buyers might still be finalising their mortgage or selling another property. Renters may be moving to a new city for work or starting a university term on an irregular schedule.

By offering flexibility, you open the door to a wider pool of motivated, high-quality movers who might otherwise pass you by.

Buyers: smoother chains and quicker sales

For sellers, accommodating a buyer’s preferred move-in date can grease the wheels of a chain. Whether it’s a family aiming to settle before the school year or a couple wanting to avoid overlapping mortgage payments, being adaptable can mean securing a firm offer sooner.

Even a few weeks’ flexibility can turn a hesitant buyer into a confident one especially if they’re juggling multiple moving parts.

Renters: better matches and lower void periods

For landlords, flexible tenancies can be a game-changer. Students, contract workers, and relocating professionals often need specific move-in dates. By accommodating these needs even outside traditional monthly cycles you reduce void periods and build goodwill.

Shorter gaps between tenancies, longer lease renewals, and positive word of mouth often follow.

It’s a win-win for all

Flexibility fosters cooperation. Buyers and renters feel heard and supported. Sellers and landlords benefit from faster deals and stronger relationships. And when everyone’s schedule aligns, transactions tend to be less stressful and more successful.

If your home is vacant, advertise it as “available now.” If you’re still living there, be open to discussing dates. You might be surprised how much of a difference it makes.

Want to attract the right mover? Let’s find your perfect match

Tips to get your home photo-ready for online listings

Click appeal counts - before buyers ever visit

In today’s fast-paced property market, your listing photos are more than pictures, they’re your home’s first impression. With the majority of buyers and renters beginning their search online, getting your home photo-ready is essential.

A scroll-stopping image can mean the difference between a saved listing and a skipped one. Here's how to make your home shine on screen.

1. Declutter with a buyer’s eye

Before the camera even comes out, walk through your home as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Remove unnecessary items from worktops, coffee tables, and shelves. Tidy cables, toys, shoes, and laundry baskets, anything that disrupts clean lines and open space.

Less is more. You want each room to look functional but spacious, styled but not overly personal.

2. Deep clean - yes, really deep

Photos catch everything. Smudged windows, dusty skirting boards, limescale on taps all can show up and distract from your home’s features. A deep clean before photography day is time well spent.

Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Sparkling surfaces, polished mirrors, and fresh towels create a clean, inviting look.

3. Light it up

Light sells. Open blinds, clean windows, and let in as much natural light as possible. If a room still feels dark, add lamps with warm-toned bulbs. Shoot during the brightest part of the day, ideally mid-morning or early afternoon.

Mirrors can help bounce light and create a sense of depth especially in smaller rooms.

4. Set the scene

Dress each space for its purpose. Make the bed with fresh linens, fluff the sofa cushions, lay out a few magazines, or add a bowl of fruit to the kitchen counter. It’s not about staging a fantasy, just giving a gentle nudge to the imagination.

In dining rooms, a simple set table can feel warm and welcoming. In the hallway, a clear console or coat rack signals a functional entryway.

5. Don’t forget the outside

Your online gallery starts before the front door. Mow the lawn, clean the driveway, sweep paths, and hide bins. Add a welcoming touch like a potted plant or doormat.

For gardens and balconies, keep things tidy and position outdoor furniture to showcase how the space can be used.

Want your photos to shine? Let’s prep your home for its best online debut