Now that the property market is stabilising and weathering the stormy waters of last year, we peek at some predictions and influences, you can use, to gain more success as the 2023 property market gathers momentum.

Legislation

In 2022, legislation required all new homes to produce 30% less carbon. With the cost of energy remaining a challenge, more energy-efficient homes with efficient appliances, better insulation and building materials mean new builds are raising the standards for all homeowners. As a result, home movers and developers are dialling into the importance of meeting these greater energy efficiency expectations!

Green mortgages

Some banks are now offering better interest rate deals for more energy-efficient homes. Reducing the cost of your energy bills could lead to a cheaper mortgage. Combine this with adding value to your property and in some instances, cash-back offers for greener homes from banks, going green is a no-brainer.

Embrace technology

Making your property as compatible as possible with the tech age we live in is now becoming not just desirable but essential. USB sockets, automatic and efficient lighting, superfast broadband, modern appliances and homes which offer an efficient and effective space to work from home are trends showing no sign of waning.

Don’t wait and see!

With all the tumultuousness of last year, it’s easy to sit on the fence. With interest rates stabilising, the long-term view looks good. While it’s tempting to delay and procrastinate, this influences the housing market in a way that slows it down. So, keep the market moving by moving!

Slow but steady

It’s no secret that the property market has slowed down, but with slowness comes stability. Many analysts suggest that the property market is now where it should be. Interest rates had been super low and perhaps prices increased too quickly. With less volatility, planning is easier. It may take a little longer to make your move, but it will most certainly happen.

Building blocks

With the shortage of building materials and labour, property development is generally moving at a slower pace. Whether a new build or refurbishment, it will take a little longer. If this slows down supply as prices fall a little, it’s not a bad thing. And with so many decisions to be made when undertaking a property development project, whether it’s a few rooms or an entire housing estate - Is it really such a bad thing to take a bit more time over such impactful choices? Not to mention this all helps stabilise the market.

The good news

The outlook is very positive in so many ways for 2023. Demand for rental properties will remain extremely high. Buyers and sellers are still keen and mortgage deals for first-time buyers are still good with many lenders offering 5% deposit deals until the end of this year. With things happening at a less frantic pace, the quality of building, buying, selling and living will improve, maybe things are on the up!

Looking for a new home which combines beauty and efficiency seamlessly? Browse our properties.

 

We have all heard it before. “Moving is one of the most stressful things you can do.” Compared with many other more serious predicaments in life this is of course not true. Like flying to the moon or near-death experiences! However, it’s right up there with the big stuff like your career and relationships according to some experts.   

It’s got everything, back aching lifting large furniture through narrow spaces, to worrying about paperwork, to the emotional roller coaster ride of saying goodbye to friends and family you might not see for a while, then the elation and excitement of a new home and maybe a new life. With all this going on it’s easy to get stressed. There is so much to think about.  We have come up with a few tips to help you make the big move less stressful by breaking it down into manageable pieces.       

The sooner you start the better  

The longer you put things off the more they fester in your mind. Instead of simply packing a few things earlier you will become stressed thinking about the huge task ahead. Start with the little things. Stuff you don’t use often, an hour here and hour there. Don’t make it a task. Then you are already ahead of the game.  

Come up with a plan 

Make a nice cup of coffee or tea, or something stronger! Sit down and relax, then scribble down a plan. Don’t just write a list, instead in numerical or alphabetical order, perhaps using titles such as – the happy day, for when you move in.  Breaking your tasks down like this will help you keep calm and gives you a plan to stick to while reducing the chances of the unexpected. Perhaps have a packing section, a pre-move checklist and a post-move check list, to deal with change of address! 

Budget  

It’s always a good idea to create a budget. Moving can be expensive and the more time you give yourself to plan the costs and see where you could save the better. If you are using a removals company, shop around, while they will make your life easier, if the cost is more than you can afford you may find yourself stressing over money.   

Don’t forget yourself! 

Your mind will be teeming with everything to do with your new home. Remember to look after yourself, plan breaks on the big day - a time to eat and a time to rest.  When you get stressed, remember to breathe. When you move in, sort the bedrooms first. This process will take a few days and you will need to sleep well. Perhaps pack a self-care box, so you are not frantically looking for something that is essential to you.   

Say your goodbyes  

Regarding looking after yourself remember to set aside some time to say goodbye. It’s important to do this and if you do not plan it a little you may find you are trying to do too much at once; packing, while saying goodbye. It could cause an emotional and stress overload!   

Finally  

There is no doubt following these steps will reduce your stress levels massively and with a bit of luck you will be able to enjoy the big move! 

Can’t wait to move into your forever home or looking to make your first big move?  Get in touch. 

*Mymove 

It’s important to love your home. Like any relationship, it shouldn’t be one-sided! The more love you show your home the more it will be reciprocated. Perhaps when you first laid eyes on your home it was love at first sight. As time has gone on things have become more complicated. You have discovered more things that need attention and work. The thought of addressing these things can be exhausting when you are struggling to find the time in your busy life. You have even forgiven yourself for thinking of moving on!

Or perhaps you are obsessed with your home, and you spend a lot of your time thinking about how you can improve it. You love the natural character of your property and have done so much already to improve it that you simply need some inspiration.

The little things you can do

Show your home you care by cleaning and keeping it in tip-top shape. A fresh coat of paint, new lamp shades, and some more collectables or accessories for the kitchen. Candles, flowers, plants, paintings, pictures and perhaps most importantly trying something new. To keep things fresh and vibrant take a departure from your norms.

Try something different

Have you ever painted your furniture? Try it – the kitchen table and chairs or sideboard. It’s on trend right now and the results can be room-altering. There is no such thing as right or wrong when it comes to interior design and decorating. It’s your home to make unmistakably yours. Restore furniture or find something a bit different, that tells the story of who you are.

Commitment – big renovations

Show how committed you are to making the most of your home by not putting off what you have wanted to do for ages. Your dream kitchen, a new bathroom, or both. If you need to borrow for one sometimes the smart thing to do is borrow a little more and give your house the complete makeover it deserves. This will add some serious value to your home.

Garden and outside

A great garden can truly become a magical place. The scope for ideas and to create your own unique world is endless. From decking and flowerbeds to ornate garden sculptures. Multilevel gardens with built-in seating. While it’s still wintry why not create a fire pit and plant some outdoor lights which will create a warm, romantic ambience outside?

A workspace

If like many people, you work remotely, why not create your perfect work-from-home space? If space is limited a balance between aesthetics and functionality can be difficult to achieve. Experiment with your set-up, perhaps put your desk near a window or hang some inspirational pictures, which will stop you becoming bored of the same four walls. The little things here make a big difference, even some flowers or plants. Keep things simple, a well-organised compact desk that does not make a statement but is functional and uncluttered so you can concentrate on the tasks at hand.

Do you want to love the home you live in? Browse our properties and find your perfect place.