Autumn has its own rhythm. The leaves fall, evenings draw in, and households across the country begin using more heating and electricity. For landlords, it’s also the season to prepare, because what you do now will decide whether the winter months run smoothly or bring unexpected stress.

Rather than waiting for problems to appear, autumn is the chance to get ahead. A well-prepared property means happier tenants, fewer emergencies, and stronger returns. Here’s how to make the most of the season.

Start with seasonal maintenance

Cold, wet weather is the ultimate test for rental homes. Pipes, roofs, and boilers all work harder in the months ahead. Left unchecked, minor issues can escalate quickly, and tenants will notice.

Tasks to tackle now include:

• Boiler service
  A quick visit from a Gas Safe engineer keeps heating reliable and safe. Given that heating failures are one of the most common tenant complaints in winter, prevention really is cheaper than cure.
• Roof and gutter checks
  Stormy weather and falling leaves can wreak havoc. Loose tiles or clogged gutters may not sound urgent now, but they’re often the source of damp and leaks come January.
• Seal against draughts
  Replacing worn window and door seals helps tenants keep bills down and makes the property more energy efficient, a benefit for both landlord and tenant.
• Outdoor safety
  Slippery leaves, broken lights, or uneven paths can be a hazard. Well-lit, safe access matters more as nights get longer.
• Alarms and detectors
  Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be checked regularly. They’re a legal requirement, but more importantly, they protect lives.

For landlords using EweMove’s full management service, these checks can be arranged and monitored by your local team, saving you time and worry.

Keep pace with compliance and energy rules

The private rental sector is evolving, and energy standards remain a focus. Autumn is a smart time to ensure your property is on the right side of regulation.

Gas and electrical safety

• Gas Safety Certificates must be renewed annually.
• Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are required every five years.

Falling behind risks not only fines but also difficulty regaining possession if needed.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

At present, landlords must achieve a minimum rating of E. Although government proposals to raise the bar to C by 2028 have yet to be confirmed, energy efficiency improvements are already paying off in the rental market.

Tenants are increasingly looking for homes that cost less to run, and better-rated properties attract stronger demand.

Improvements to consider include:

• Loft insulation
• Modern heating controls
• LED lighting throughout
• Upgraded glazing

These changes make a property more attractive and help future-proof against potential rule changes.

Connect with tenants before issues grow

A landlord–tenant relationship is like any other: communication matters most when times are tough. Autumn is a great moment to check in, because the transition to colder, darker months often reveals new challenges for tenants.

Ways to stay connected:

• Proactive communication
  A short note about heating use, ventilation tips, and reporting procedures shows tenants you’re thinking ahead.
• Encourage early reporting
  Problems like condensation, mould, or noisy heating systems might seem minor to tenants, but they often indicate larger issues. Encourage tenants to get in touch early.

When handled well, these conversations prevent disputes and encourage tenants to stay longer, reducing costly void periods.

Check your rental income and returns

Beyond maintenance and compliance, autumn is also a financial checkpoint. With the year’s end approaching, landlords should review whether their rental income is on track.

Market context
According to Zoopla’s Rental Market Report (Autumn 2025), average rents have grown by 8.2% year-on-year, though growth is slowing as affordability stretches tenants’ budgets. Rightmove data also shows strong demand in many regions, but warns of longer marketing times where properties are priced above local averages.
What this means for landlords

• Review your yield
  Work out your net yield by accounting for mortgage payments, maintenance, insurance, and agent fees. If returns are slipping, it may be time to adjust rent or refinance.
• Benchmark locally
  Compare your rent against similar properties nearby. Competitive pricing prevents voids while ensuring you get fair value.
• Plan ahead
  Consider upcoming costs, such as EPC upgrades or increased mortgage rates, when deciding on rent reviews.

At EweMove, we provide free rental valuations with local data, helping landlords decide whether to adjust rents, refinance, or simply hold steady.

Think ahead to winter voids

If your property becomes vacant this autumn or winter, it’s more vulnerable to damage. Frozen pipes, damp, and break-ins are more likely in empty homes.

Simple steps can protect your property:

• Leave the heating on a frost setting
• Use timer switches for lights
• Check regularly or arrange inspections
• Secure all access points and outbuildings

EweMove’s managed service includes vacant property checks, meaning landlords can relax knowing their investment is safe even when empty.

Make the most of the season with smart planning

Autumn is more than a season of to-do lists. It’s about preparing for stability, both in property condition and rental income.

By acting now, landlords can:

• Reduce the risk of costly repairs
• Stay compliant with ever-changing regulations
• Build stronger tenant relationships
• Protect and grow rental yields
• Enter the new year with confidence

Why landlords choose EweMove

Landlord responsibilities don’t pause with the seasons, but they don’t need to feel overwhelming.

EweMove’s property management services are designed to take the stress away. From routine maintenance to legal compliance, rent collection to tenant care, our local teams handle the details so landlords can focus on the bigger picture.

With our mix of 24/7 tenant support, transparent financial reporting, and local expertise, landlords enjoy peace of mind and better returns.

Book your free valuation today

As autumn settles in, now’s the perfect time to check how your property is performing and prepare for the year ahead.

Book your free instant valuation with EweMove today!

Autumn is one of the busiest times of the year in the property world. The summer holidays are over, routines are back in place, and many people want to be settled before Christmas. If you’re hoping to hang your stockings in a new home this year, the countdown has already begun.

The good news is that moving before Christmas is possible, but you’ll need to understand the timeline, get your home market-ready quickly, and work with the right support team. In this guide, we’ll explain the typical timeframes, share top tips to speed things up, and show you how EweMove helps buyers and sellers keep the process smooth from start to finish.

How Long Does Selling and Buying Take?

One of the most common questions movers ask is: “Can I really complete before Christmas if I start now?”

The answer is yes, if you’re prepared. On average, the process from offer to completion takes 10–16 weeks. That includes the legal checks, mortgage approvals, surveys, and contract exchanges.

• Mortgage approvals: 2–6 weeks depending on your lender (MoneySavingExpert).
• Searches: 2–6 weeks depending on the local authority (Law Society Gazette).
• Surveys: Typically booked within 1–3 weeks after offer acceptance.
• Completion: Usually 1–2 weeks after contracts are exchanged.

That means if you begin in September or October, you’re just about on schedule to complete before Christmas, provided you avoid unnecessary delays.

Top Tips for Getting Your Home Market-Ready, Fast

First impressions matter. A buyer’s decision is often shaped in the first few moments of viewing your home, whether online or in person. With time tight, here’s how to get your property market-ready quickly:

Declutter and Depersonalise

Pack away personal items, bulky furniture, and excess décor. This helps rooms feel bigger and allows buyers to imagine themselves living there.

Freshen Up Key Spaces

A quick coat of neutral paint in hallways or living rooms can make your home feel brighter. Fix small repairs like dripping taps or scuffed skirting boards — buyers notice these details.

Boost Kerb Appeal

Sweep paths, tidy gardens, and clean front doors and windows. According to Rightmove, listings with attractive exterior photos generate significantly more buyer enquiries.

Light and Warmth

Autumn days get shorter, so make sure your home feels warm and well-lit. Lamps, candles, and cosy throws can all help create that welcoming atmosphere.

Professional Photos

High-quality images help your property stand out online, which is where the majority of buyers start their search. At EweMove, we provide professional marketing as standard.

Why Autumn Buyers Are More Motivated

Spring may be known as the “classic” selling season, but autumn is when motivation peaks. Here’s why:

• The Christmas Deadline: Buyers are eager to move in before the festivities. Rightmove data shows buyer enquiries were 15% higher in early autumn compared with the same time the previous year.
• Less Window-Shopping: Unlike the busy summer market, autumn buyers are usually more serious, they’ve already done their research and are ready to act.
• Family Timing: Parents want to settle before the new school term in January, making autumn particularly busy for family homes.
• Fewer Competing Listings: With fewer properties on the market than in spring, your home has a better chance of standing out.

Avoiding Delays with Legal and Mortgage Steps

Even motivated buyers and sellers can be caught out by paperwork delays. The good news is there are practical steps you can take to keep things moving.

Instruct Your Solicitor Early

Don’t wait until you’ve accepted an offer to find a solicitor. Appoint them as soon as your property goes on the market (if selling) or the moment your offer is accepted (if buying). This saves weeks at the start of the process.

Get Your Mortgage Agreement in Principle

Buyers who have a mortgage in principle are taken more seriously by sellers, and it speeds up the process once an offer is made.

Prepare Documents in Advance

Sellers should gather EPC certificates, warranties, and leasehold paperwork (if relevant). Buyers should line up proof of deposit, ID, and lender paperwork.

Stay Responsive

The Conveyancing Association warns that delays in returning paperwork add an average of three weeks to transactions. Reply quickly to requests from solicitors, lenders, and agents to avoid bottlenecks.

How EweMove Helps Smooth the Path

At EweMove, we understand that speed matters, but so does strategy. Here’s how we help sellers and buyers move before Christmas:

24/7 Service

We’re available around the clock, meaning enquiries and offers never sit unanswered overnight or over the weekend.

Professional Marketing

From professional photography to compelling property descriptions, we make sure your home gets noticed fast.

Buyer Matching

We maintain a database of motivated buyers actively looking in your area. As soon as your home is listed, we can connect it with potential buyers.

Transparent Communication

We keep you updated every step of the way, no chasing required. Our proactive approach to liaising with solicitors and lenders helps prevent unnecessary delays.

Local Knowledge, National Reach

As part of a nationwide network with strong local estate agents, we combine wide-reaching marketing power with community insight.

A Realistic Timeline for an Autumn Move

Here’s how a typical autumn transaction could look if everything runs smoothly:

• Week 1–2: Property listed, viewings arranged, offers accepted.
• Week 2–3: Solicitors instructed, mortgage application submitted, searches ordered.
• Week 4–6: Survey conducted, mortgage offer issued, initial enquiries answered.
• Week 7–9: Final contract checks, remaining enquiries resolved.
• Week 10–12: Exchange of contracts and completion scheduled.

This 12-week timeline is achievable with motivated buyers and sellers, proactive solicitors, and the right support team.

Why It’s Worth the Effort

Yes, moving before Christmas can feel like a race against time. But the rewards are worth it:

• Unpack boxes by the glow of fairy lights in your new living room.
• Host Christmas dinner in your new home.
• Start January with a fresh chapter and no uncertainty hanging over you.

For sellers, completing before the quieter winter months can also help secure a better price, as demand often dips in January.

Book Your Free Home Valuation with EweMove

If you’re serious about moving this autumn, now is the time to act. With proactive support, expert marketing, and round-the-clock service, EweMove helps you sell quickly and smoothly, so you can be celebrating Christmas in a new home.

Book your free home valuation today and take the first step towards your festive move.

Whether you live in a compact flat, a shared student house, or a cosy terrace, one thing is certain: winter brings higher energy bills. For tenants in older homes especially, staying warm without breaking the bank can feel like a challenge.

With energy costs still a concern across the UK, and household budgets already stretched, it pays to know the simple, practical steps you can take right now. The good news is that you do not need to spend much or make major changes to cut your bills. Small adjustments and smart habits can add up to big savings.

In this guide, we will cover everything from draught-proofing on a shoestring to understanding your EPC rating, knowing your landlord’s responsibilities, and reporting repairs before they become bigger problems. By the end, you will have a winter-ready plan for keeping your home warm and your wallet happy.

Why Energy Bills Can Hit Renters Hard

While rising bills affect everyone, tenants often face specific challenges.

• Older rental homes may have single glazing, thinner walls, or outdated heating systems.
• Shared houses can drive up energy use when flatmates are not on the same page.
• Limited control means tenants cannot always make big upgrades, such as replacing windows or improving insulation.

That is why the focus has to be on tenant-friendly solutions: small, affordable changes that do not require major alterations.

How to Draught-Proof on a Shoestring

Draughts are one of the sneakiest culprits when it comes to wasted heat. They let warm air escape and cold air in, which means you are effectively paying to heat the outdoors. Luckily, stopping them does not need to cost much.

Quick wins for tenants

• Draught excluders: A simple rolled-up towel or a low-cost draught stopper under the door keeps warm air in.
• DIY window film: Transparent plastic film sticks across windows to reduce heat loss. It is removable and cheap to buy.
• Thermal curtains: If you can, invest in lined or heavy curtains. Close them as soon as it gets dark.
• Rugs and mats: Covering wooden floors stops cold draughts sneaking up from below.
• Letterbox and keyhole covers: Small details can make a big difference. These can be fitted for just a few pounds.
• Chimney balloons: If your rental has an unused fireplace, a chimney balloon prevents warm air escaping.

Pro tip: Focus on the rooms you use most. Even draught-proofing just the living room or bedroom can make a noticeable difference to comfort and your bills.

Why EPC Ratings Matter (And Where to Find Yours)

Every rental property in the UK must have an Energy Performance Certificate, also known as an EPC. This document gives the home a rating from A, which is most efficient, to G, which is least efficient, along with estimated running costs and suggested improvements.

Why tenants should pay attention

1. Lower bills: A flat with an EPC rating of C will usually be far cheaper to run than one rated E or below.
2. Legal standards: Landlords must ensure their properties meet a minimum EPC rating of E, unless exempt.
3. Forward planning: If you are choosing between rentals, EPCs are a great comparison tool. A slightly higher rent in a more efficient home could save you more in monthly bills.

You can check your home’s EPC easily on the government’s online EPC register. All you need is the property address.

What Your Landlord Is Responsible For and What You Can Ask For

As a tenant, it helps to know exactly what your landlord is responsible for. That way, you are not left paying the price for issues that should be addressed.

Landlords are typically responsible for

• Heating and hot water systems
• Boilers, radiators, and plumbing
• The structure and exterior of the property, including insulation, walls, roofs, and windows
• Electrical wiring and appliances they provide

Tenants, meanwhile, are expected to

• Replace lightbulbs and fuses
• Use heating and appliances responsibly
• Keep the property ventilated to reduce damp and mould
• Report problems promptly

Reasonable requests you can make

• Boiler servicing: Ask when it was last serviced. It should be checked annually.
• Radiator maintenance: If your radiators do not heat evenly, the system may need bleeding or balancing.
• Window repairs: If frames are damaged or do not close properly, let your landlord know.
• Energy-saving upgrades: LED lighting, smart meters, or improved insulation are worth raising in conversation.

Tip: Always report requests in writing and keep a record. This protects both you and your landlord and ensures clear communication.

How to Report Repairs Early (Before They Get Worse)

Small issues can quickly snowball into bigger problems if ignored. And when it comes to energy bills, delays can be costly.

Repairs worth reporting right away

• Boiler noises or pressure drops: This could mean the system is struggling.
• Leaky windows and doors: These can massively increase heating costs.
• Damp or mould patches: Often a sign of poor ventilation or leaks.
• Cold radiators: May indicate trapped air or system issues.
  
  

Best practice

1. Report in writing, ideally by email.
2. Include photos or videos.
3. Follow up if nothing is done within a reasonable timeframe.

Not only does this save you money on bills, but it also keeps your home safe and comfortable.

Everyday Habits That Make a Big Difference

Beyond repairs and draught-proofing, the way you use energy day to day has a huge impact.

• Thermostat savvy: Reducing the setting by just one degree could save around £100 a year.
• Use timers: Heat only when you need to, such as mornings and evenings.
• Shut doors: Keep warm air in the rooms you are using.
• Laundry tips: Wash at 30°C and only run full loads.
• Unplug devices: Chargers, TVs, and consoles still use power on standby.
• Cook efficiently: Use lids on pans, batch cook meals, and only boil the water you need.
• Air-dry clothes: Tumble dryers are one of the biggest energy guzzlers.

These are small, low-effort changes, but together they can take a significant chunk off your winter bills.

Planning Ahead for Next Winter

Even as you focus on staying warm this year, it is worth thinking about the future. If you are considering moving, energy performance should be part of your checklist.

When viewing properties, ask:

• What is the EPC rating?
• Are the windows single or double glazed?
• How old is the boiler, and when was it last serviced?
• Is there loft or wall insulation?

At EweMove, we understand that tenants want homes that are warm, efficient, and affordable. By factoring energy performance into your next rental search, you can make sure your new home is not only welcoming but also economical to run.

Conclusion

Winter bills do not have to overwhelm you, even if you live in an older or less efficient rental property. With a combination of draught-proofing, understanding your EPC, clear communication with your landlord, and a few everyday energy-saving habits, you can cut costs while keeping comfortable.

At EweMove, we are committed to helping tenants find homes that feel warm and welcoming all year round.

Find your next warm, welcoming rental with EweMove today.