Moving into a new property at a new location can bring a whirlwind of emotions, including stress, excitement, and a slight apprehension, but it’s essential to create a positive impression on your new neighbours.  

Your neighbours play a vital part in keeping you and your property safe, so it's crucial to create a good, solid relationship.  

Start with a simple introduction  

When relocating into a new home, you should approach your new neighbours at the first chance and introduce yourself. A great way to confidently do this is by approaching them and beginning your relationship with a kind, simple smile and introduction, creating a solid foundation.  

Having this first interaction creates an important first impression and can help you identify what your new neighbours are like, potentially preventing future disputes.  

Keep your surrounding property tidy  

Whether you live in an apartment, a terraced, semi-detached, or detached property, you may have shared-cared spaces you look after with your neighbours. This could be a shared drive, fence, or pathway, so it’s important that you communicate clearly and create a rotation of care for the shared space to avoid disputes.  

It is vital that you help maintain these spaces and create a clean environment in your community. By having an untidy entrance or drive to your home, it can imprint a negative impression on your neighbours and potentially make their property look untidy. So, by simply sweeping around your property to remove any loose leaves or debris, you can make a positive impression on your neighbours.  

Property garden maintenance  

Maintaining your property's surroundings also includes keeping your garden well-groomed to produce a beautiful appearance. You can simply care for your garden by ensuring your grass doesn't overgrow with a weekly cut and potentially planting some bulbs, which will allow effortless flowers to appear every year. Don't become the property that everyone avoids; instead, impress your neighbours with a well-cared-for garden.  

Neighbouring hedges and fences  

When it comes to first impressions with your neighbour, disputes can easily be encouraged if you are sharing a fence or hedge. This is extremely common, so before making any changes to any hedges or fences, it is key to discuss your options with your neighbour and ensure you receive the green light. Your neighbours will appreciate the discussion, demonstrating clear communication from your end and an excellent first impression.  

Home improvements  

When moving into a new property, sometimes you want to make slight home improvements, which can potentially cause disruption to your new neighbours. Keeping your neighbours informed and providing them with notice of any completed work is crucial.
Being a good neighbour means being considerate of others and being aware of the little things. For example, outdoor flood lighting can shine into your neighbouring homes, disturbing their privacy, or an outdoor shed could disturb their garden's sunlight. Being aware of the little things can create a good first impression on your neighbours.  

Be a considerate neighbour  

When moving to a new home, it’s vital to be a good, kind neighbour and considerate of your surroundings. This can be as simple as not being disruptive with noise pollution, taking your rubbish bins out at the correct times, parking in the correct place; there are so many unwritten rules of being a good neighbour and creating a good first impression.  

Clear communication is a key rule to maintaining a positive relationship with your neighbours and keeping you and your community safe. Exchanging numbers with your neighbour allows you to communicate clearly if you feel something suspicious is occurring. The more people you know in your area, the safer you and your property will be.  

If you're considering upgrading a potential property through a home renovation, it can be an exciting process, but it can also present challenges. Instead of buying a move-in-ready property, you have the option of renovating a character-filled, fixer-upper. We have compiled 10 steps to follow to guarantee success throughout a home renovation.

Step one: Find a property and make a renovation plan

With our 10 steps to successful renovations, you can easily lay out a plan and begin your renovation journey. But to begin your renovation adventure, you need to find the right property. Study potential properties and uncover their hidden value.

Make sure to have a survey completed. The most detailed survey you can receive for a property is a level 3 survey, which is the most thorough analysis of the entire property’s building structure and condition. The overall report provides extensive details, including recommendations, estimated costs, and a timeline for any necessary work. This can help you produce a solid plan and give you an idea of where to start.

Step two: Understand your legalities

When you decide to complete renovations on a property, you need to understand the legalities. This will include ensuring you have planning permission in place (if needed). Even though plenty of home alterations don’t need planning permission, it’s always beneficial to check before diving straight in. You can apply for planning permission before you purchase a property.

Once you exchange contracts and have secured your property, it will be your responsibility to have the right insurance in place. Home insurance during renovations can come at a higher expense, but it is worth every penny as it provides you with peace of mind throughout the entire process.

Although a house warranty is not a requirement when renovating your property, it protects you from any flaws in the potential design, materials, or overall build quality, and will also cover any problems that occur for 10 years as a result of these factors.

Step three: Calculate your costs

Correct cost alignment is crucial for delivering a successful renovation project. You're looking to get the best value for money. Being vigilant about potential hidden costs is crucial to staying within the right budget. Always overbudget by 10% to provide yourself with flexibility, and you can utilise any remaining funds for enhancing your home's interior design or landscaping your ideal garden.

Step four: Understand EPC and ways you could improve it

If you’re renovating your home, consider the future and its resale value. Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are now more important than ever in terms of increasing value; the future may create difficulties for homes without a good EPC score, so the quicker you take this into account, the better.

You can enhance your EPC rating by installing insulation in your home and surrounding pipes, replacing light bulbs with energy-efficient ones, upgrading your boiler and heating system, installing solar panels, a smart meter, and installing double or triple-glazed windows.

Step five: Discover a trustworthy contractor

This is a crucial step because this individual will bring your ideas to life. Become your own project manager and oversee the entire project, and if you’re a seasoned pro, get stuck in and knock a few walls down. Shop arounFd, gather ideas from different contractors, and take into account positive references and reviews.

Step six: Organise the removal of materials

A renovation project always leads to plenty of waste, especially if the demolition of walls is part of the plan. By organising a skip hire for the property, you can create less hassle for everyone involved, and the skip hire company will be able to dispose of the materials. You could potentially sell certain elements of the property to generate additional revenue.

Step seven: Protect the property’s original features

The main attraction when you buy a fixer-upper is the original character features. These can easily be rediscovered and highlighted throughout the home renovation, adding a timeless charm to the property. By utilising these original features, you have a chance to save some money on new materials. Particular attention should be paid to certain features such as:

While renovating, remain careful around these areas to avoid potential damage to the original features.

Step eight: Update your plumbing and electrics

Even though rewiring and plumbing are expensive renovations, they're definitely worth it. This allows you to add certain light features or bathroom looks that suit your lifestyle. By completing this, you could also add characteristics that cut down your energy bill and increase your EPC rating, improving the property’s end value.

Step nine: Turn structural problems into upgrades

While the property is stripped back, this gives you the perfect opportunity to fix or improve any structural issues in the home. This allows you to match the home to modern-day living, potentially creating an open-plan living space or inserting large bi-fold doors leading to the garden.

Take a look at the floor plan, external and internal features, and identify the potential characteristics it could offer. Is there conversion potential for the loft, basement, or garage?  Identifying these key potentials can present a substantial increase in your property’s value.

Step ten: Create a snagging list

As you finalise the property by adding all your interior and décor, you finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

What is a snagging list?

A snagging list typically indicates that the home renovation is complete. This is an inspection completed at the end of building work to identify any minor defects and meet the standards you expect, potentially achieving perfection.

Examine your completed project and pinpoint any minor issues you wish to address or monitor to allow issues to be flagged up in a timely manner. The contractor can assist in resolving these issues, ensuring a flawless completion of the project.

A buyer’s market but still your moment
With a noticeable increase in available properties this summer, buyers are enjoying more choice than they’ve had in months. From charming cottages to modern townhouses, there’s something for every taste and budget. But for sellers, this abundance can make standing out feel like a tall order. The good news? It doesn’t take dramatic measures to make a property unforgettable; it just takes the right moves.

First impressions, lasting impact
Buyers begin their journey online, and within seconds, your listing is being judged. Professional photographs are no longer a luxury - they’re your first line of attraction. Show off bright, airy spaces, tidy gardens, and welcoming entrances. Your description should go beyond the basics: instead of “three-bedroom semi,” try “sun-filled family home with garden views and weekend potential.” Create a mood, not just a list.

Elevate your presentation
In a market with more choice, details matter. Small investments in fresh paint, decluttering, or dressing a spare room as a home office can lift a property from forgettable to desirable. A clean, cared-for home tells buyers that you’ve looked after the space - making it easier for them to imagine living there.

Sell the lifestyle, not just the layout
Today’s buyers are not just buying walls and windows, they’re investing in a lifestyle. Think beyond the floorplan: Is there a sunny corner perfect for morning coffee? A kitchen island where homework and dinner happen together? A garden that comes alive with evening BBQs? These touches tell the story of a home, not just a house.

Target your audience with purpose
Who is most likely to fall in love with your home? Young professionals, growing families, retirees? Once you know, tailor your presentation and marketing to them. Highlight school catchment areas, nearby transport links, or low-maintenance features, depending on who you’re trying to reach.

Be flexible, be remembered
In a market where buyers have options, being easy to work with goes a long way. Quick responses, flexible viewing times, and openness to discussion make a strong impression. The buyer who remembers your home for the right reasons is more likely to come back with an offer.

Making choice work for you
Yes, buyers have more options - but that doesn't mean your property can’t be the one they choose. With a thoughtful strategy and attention to the details that matter, you can make your home the standout story in a sea of listings.

Showcase your home with standout appeal

Rethinking the summer lull
Traditionally, the summer months have been seen as a quieter period for property sales. With school holidays, family trips and warm weekends pulling focus, many assume that buyers disappear until autumn. But for the switched-on seller, summer isn’t a setback, it’s an opportunity.

Catching the committed buyer
Buyers browsing in summer aren’t just passing time; they’re often highly motivated. Many are working to a deadline such as settling before the school term starts or moving in before autumn and are eager to progress quickly. This urgency can translate into faster decisions and firmer offers.

Highlighting your home’s summer appeal
Longer days and better weather offer a fantastic backdrop for showcasing your home. Make the most of natural light in photography, ensure gardens and outdoor areas are well-kept, and consider scheduling viewings in the early evening when your property can really stand out. A blooming garden or a sunny patio can capture a buyer’s imagination far more than winter’s grey skies ever could.

Flexible viewing wins
Summer is a time of changing routines, which means flexibility becomes a major asset. Offering viewings outside the traditional 9-5 - think early mornings, or weekend slots - can make a huge difference. Catering to holiday schedules and family commitments ensures you don’t miss out on keen buyers who simply need a more adaptable approach.

Stay proactive, stay visible
While others hit pause, keep your marketing active. Regular social media posts, fresh listing updates, and responsive communication help maintain interest and momentum. A dynamic presence reassures buyers that your property is still in play and your intention to sell is serious.

Turning the quiet into your advantage
Summer may come with distractions, but it also presents a less congested, more receptive marketplace. For those who position their property smartly and maintain momentum, these warmer months can offer unexpected rewards.

Make the most of the summer market with our expert estate agents

A busy summer surge
Summer is typically a season of momentum in the property world, but this July has seen an even more noticeable upswing in activity. With longer days and holiday schedules giving people more time to view homes, listings are on the rise. This increased competition is great news for buyers - but for sellers, it means the pressure is on to shine.

Enter: The strategic price adjustment
In a crowded market, even a modest price tweak can create standout appeal. The trick isn’t to slash your price dramatically but to make small, strategic adjustments that shift perception. Properties that drop their asking price by just 1-2% often see a resurgence in interest, particularly within the critical first few weeks on the market.* This isn’t about desperation - it’s a calculated move to keep your home front and centre in buyers’ minds.

Why price speaks louder than words
Buyers are switched on. With property alerts, saved searches, and access to comparable listings at their fingertips, they quickly develop a sharp sense of what’s priced right and what isn’t. Even if your home ticks every box, an overly ambitious price tag can cause potential buyers to scroll past. On the flip side, a subtle reduction suggests flexibility and realism - two qualities that build buyer confidence.

Triggering the sweet spot
Price bands matter more than many sellers realise. A home listed at £405,000 may miss buyers who’ve capped their search at £400,000. Drop it just below that psychological threshold, and suddenly you’re reaching a wider, more motivated audience. That tiny change can put your property in the sweet spot of someone’s saved search and on their weekend viewing list.

Timing is everything
There’s a window - often just a few weeks - when your listing feels fresh and full of promise. This is your golden hour. A well-timed price nudge within this period can reignite interest and create the sense of urgency needed to move from casual scrolling to serious enquiries. Wait too long, and the listing risks going stale, no matter how appealing the property.

The psychology of value
Ultimately, pricing is about more than numbers. It’s about creating perceived value. A subtle reduction doesn’t cheapen your home - it enhances its attractiveness. It says, “This is a smart buy,” and encourages buyers to act fast, especially in a competitive market where hesitation can mean missing out.

Standing out with subtlety
In a busy market, it’s not always the loudest listing that gets noticed. Often, it’s the one that quietly signals value, confidence, and a readiness to move. That’s the subtle art of pricing - knowing when to hold firm and when to make a move that keeps you one step ahead.

Talk pricing strategy with our local expert today

Rightmove*

 

A month full of opportunities
July is traditionally a month when the property market faces seasonal distractions - from summer holidays to major sporting events. In 2025, the added factor of a General Election might have seemed like a potential brake on activity. Yet, early signs suggest buyers are undeterred and ready to take confident steps forward.

Renewed confidence fuels action
With political clarity settling post-election, many buyers are feeling more assured about making important financial decisions. This renewed confidence, combined with stabilising mortgage rates, is encouraging more people to engage actively with the market, turning interest into serious enquiries and offers.

Sellers meeting the moment
Sellers are responding to this positive buyer sentiment by ensuring their properties are competitively priced and well presented. This balance between motivated buyers and sellers creates an environment ripe for successful transactions.

A shift in buyer behaviour
More than ever, buyers are adopting a proactive mindset. Rather than waiting for perfect timing, they are recognising that summer can be an excellent season to make a move - capitalising on available options and favourable conditions.

Your move, your moment
Whether you’re thinking about selling or buying, July 2025 promises to be a dynamic period in the property market. Acting now with the right guidance could turn your property goals into reality faster than you expect.

Take advantage of July market momentum today