How to design a kitchen you'll love

Beautiful modern kitchen in a luxury home featuring a dark kitchen island and white cabinetry.

There’s a reason kitchens are the beating heart of homes. They are one of the most social spaces where you spend the majority of your time; whether you’re cooking, cleaning, entertaining, or making countless cups of tea.

A kitchen is also considered one of the biggest selling points of a house, so it’s important to get the design right. A well-designed kitchen will be more enjoyable for you, your family and future buyers.

If you’re renovating your kitchen, here’s how to design a kitchen you love being in.

1. Create a Wishlist

The first step to designing your dream kitchen is to create a wish list. Write down all your wants and desires for your brand-new cooking space. Think about things like your ideal appliances, lighting, cupboard designs and colour schemes.

2. Set a Budget

Before you undertake any home renovation project, it’s always a good idea to set your budget. Now you know what’s on your wish list, it’s time to decide how much you’re willing to spend on your dream kitchen.

Think about things like how long you’ll get to enjoy your new kitchen and what the resale potential is. Consider whether it’ll be worth the investment in terms of added value to your property, taking into account how long it’ll be until you sell. If you’ll be moving in the next one or two years, you may decide to set a lower budget than if you’re staying another 10+ years.

3. Prioritise

It’s always good to have a wish list. But now you know your budget, it’s time to prioritise. Split up your wish list into two columns; a priority column and a ‘nice-to-have’ column. Then organise your dreams accordingly.

This practice will help you decide what you truly want and what you’re willing to sacrifice if it’s not within your budget.

4. Measure Up

To help you refine your priorities even further, it’s time to measure your space. When you know how much space you’re working with, you can start researching how big things in your kitchen need to be. For example, what’s the perfect island size? How big is the traditional range cooker you want to have?

If you find it easier, ask an expert to measure your space for you to let you know what is and isn’t possible.

5. Visualise

The next step in designing your dream kitchen is to visualise. Draw up your design ideas on paper or use an online tool to create a virtual plan. When you have a few designs you like, take it one step further and draw them to scale using masking tape in your garden or living room.

Consider things like:

• How much space you’ll have to prepare and serve dinner

• How many people can fit in the kitchen

• Whether the worktop space is large enough for all of your appliances

By seeing your design to scale, you’ll have a better idea about whether the new design is right for you.

Selling Up?

If you’re renovating your home in preparation for a sale, we’d love to talk. Our friendly team are experts in valuing homes, we can offer advice on what renovations add the most value.

Call us today for a chat on +(44) 20 8947 9393 or email us at enquiries@coomberesidential.com.

Electrical safety inspections; What landlords need to know

Image of house hold electrical box.

When you are a landlord, you should remember that people actually live in your property. It’s more than just bricks and mortar and an investment. It’s someone’s home.

There lies within property ownership a responsibility to tenants to make sure that they are safe. Indeed, it’s an obligation, and it’s a legal responsibility too.

For many years, landlords had to carry out regular gas safety checks, but updated rules mean that landlords must carry out electrical safety checks too.

Here, we set out what they’re all about.

What Changed?

The Government, which says it acknowledges many landlords are responsible owners, said it wants to make sure people are safe when they live in rented accommodation.

So, new guidelines were drafted, and those new rules came into force in June 2020 as the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

At the time, the Government said: “This is a major step towards levelling up the private rented sector, making sure it will offer high-quality, safe and secure housing.”

This is good thinking, and a welcome move, particularly when you consider that gas safety checks have been carried out for years now.

What do the Updated Rules Mean?

Landlords must comply with the updated regulations. They must have “the electrical installations in their properties inspected and tested by a person who is qualified and competent, at least every five years”.

A copy of the electrical safety report must be provided to tenants, and also to a local authority (like the council) if requested.

Basically, electrical testing has got to be done by professionals with the correct knowledge and skill and these new regulations must be adhered to.

Can Anyone do an Inspection?

No. As the guidelines say, the inspection must be carried out by a competent person who is registered to do so. You can find a list of professionals here www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk

What do the Inspections Cover?

Inspections are not about fridges of kettles or other small appliances or white goods. What they about are the fixed electrical things like plug sockets and lights, and also showers if they are electric and permanently fixed.

Tests will see if everything is safe or if there is a risk of fire or an electric shock. It’s pretty easy to see why an inspection needs to be done – and that is to protect life and property. Depending on what an inspection finds, action may or may not be required. Landlords must then carry out the work within a specified time, and there must be written evidence of this.

What Happens if Electrics Remain Unsafe?

Responsible landlords will want to get any electrical issues fixed and will take action to make good anything highlighted in the inspection report immediately. In the guidelines, if work is not carried out, local councils have the authority to serve a remedial notice on a landlord who must then get the job done. If they don’t, and the council is confident that landlord duties have been breached, it can inform the landlord that it intends to impose a fixed penalty – and this could be up to £30,000.

It makes good business sense to ensure properties are inspected, and it’s a legal duty now too, so we recommend that landlords get started and make sure their properties have been inspected.

Chances are, you’ll have been working with people you trust, but you must ensure they are competent. If you are unsure, use the website www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk to check if a tradesperson you know is registered.

If you are a landlord in Coombe and West Wimbledon and have any queries at all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Get in touch with us here at Coombe Residential Ltd or call 0208 947 9393 and we’ll run through the details with you.

How to get your property photo ready

Image of a professional photographer with camera to take photos of a house for sale.

Photographs are an essential step when selling your home in Coombe and West Wimbledon and are integral to an effective marketing strategy.

Your photos need to look fantastic and stand out in a busy market. The images need to be an accurate and honest representation of the property, which is why staging your home before the professional photographer arrives is crucial.

If you are not hiring professional home stagers, there are some simple steps you can take to prepare your home in the best possible way before we send our professional photographers out to capture your home at its best!

Pay Attention to the Front of The Property

Cars can cause a distraction from the home that’s for sale. Remove your vehicle from the driveway to give the viewers the full impact of the outside space and an unobstructed view of the front of the property. Additionally, ensure garage doors are closed. Small changes will make a significant impact on the overall quality of the photography.

If you usually keep the bins at the front of the property, ensure they are hidden away out of any shots. Thoroughly clean windows and windowsills to provide that the all-important front image of the home is immaculate.

Take some time to tidy the front garden, giving the best first impression. Mow the lawn, trim back any hedges and remove any empty plant pots that may be lying around.

Make Your Gardens Attractive

Gardens are often a huge draw for potential buyers, both those who are breaking free from the rental market and those climbing up the property ladder.

Gardens are subject to personal taste, but neat lawns, clean decking, smart patios and clearly defined eating areas are what buyers want, so take time to prepare them before the arrival of your photographer.

Showcase Your Bedrooms

Remove any signs that may be stuck on bedroom doors, especially common for children’s rooms. Store away any children’s toys which may eliminate part of your target audience. If you don’t have the storage room, hide them in the car while the photographer is working!

Make all the beds and plump up the pillows. If any cushions are looking past their best, hide them out of shot. Items like this can do more harm than good and make the whole room look tired.

Add Sparkle to Your Bathroom

Bathrooms and kitchens are the main rooms that can really draw viewers to a home. Simple hacks in the bathroom can drastically elevate your photographs. Simply make sure the toilet seats are down, and mirrors are sparkly clean with no watermarks or smudges.

As bathrooms are often small, create space by being as minimal as possible. Store away cosmetic items such as shampoo, lotions, or razors. The bright colours of the bottles can be unattractive and distracting when photographed.

Remove Kitchen Clutter

Kitchens are the heart of the home, and a beautiful kitchen is often the factor that convinces unsure potential buyers. Clear all surfaces, leaving minimal appliances in view. This will prevent clutter from causing distraction and give the illusion of a bigger and fresher space with plenty of work surfaces.

Don’t Distract with Electronics

Turn off the TV and any computers and make sure there are no loose electronic devices left on countertops, which are distracting for people viewing the images. The last thing you want to see are beautiful images of your home with a distracting TV show in the corner of the otherwise perfect image.

Let in The Light

Open curtains and blinds wide to let the natural light flow through the home. Your photographer will then be able to manipulate the light to show your home in the best, most natural way possible. If you have blinds, open them tilted upwards. This will push the natural light towards the ceiling, allowing it to illuminate without being too harsh for photography.

Give Your Pets a Day Out!

Although you love them, it is best to keep pets out of your listing photographs whether it is a cat, dog or hamster, if possible, remove the pet from the home for the whole day, as this will give you an excellent opportunity to clean, ready for staging, and prevent them from getting in the way of the photographer.

In addition to the pet itself, make sure any pet toys, food bowls and beds are out of shot. Furthermore, tidy up the garden, ensuring no waste or pet toys are lying around.

We use professional photography as standard.

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Get in touch with us today, call +(44) 20 8947 9393 or email us at enquiries@coomberesidential.com.

Essential tips for buying a smart home

iPhone displaying smart home control apps with a cozy lounge in the background and a visible Wi-Fi symbol.

Are you thinking of buying a smart home in Coombe and West Wimbledon?

Smart homes have many benefits. But should you buy one?

What Is a Smart Home?

A smart home is a house or apartment that’s fitted with smart devices. This usually includes things like fridges that order food when you run out, apps that control your lights and heating, security systems (like video doorbells), and voice control features.

Buying a smart home can have lots of benefits. They have so many extra features that can make life more convenient for you. Recent reports have stated that smart homes could be priced 5% higher than non-smart homes. They can even sell quicker!

If you’re considering buying a smart home, here are some of the top things you should know.

1. You Can Save Energy

Even though you may have more electronics to run, a smart home can save you energy. Typically, smart devices are more energy-efficient than most other household appliances.

You can automate everything to cut unnecessary costs. If you forget to turn off the heating, lights, tumble dryer or even the TV when you go out, you can easily switch them off using your phone.

2. They Make Life more simple

Smart homes can automate almost anything. You can turn on the heating before you get home or set your fridge to order food when you get low on certain items.

Smart features are designed with your convenience in mind. One study predicted that you could save eight days every year from having a smart home, which could be a holiday.

3. Increased Security

Besides the doorbells that show you who’s at your door when you’re out, smart homes can have lots of other security benefits. If you’re away on holiday, it’s easy to look like you’re home.

You can automate the opening and closing of your blinds and have the lights on at night. Some smart homes have cameras that will notify you if someone comes within the boundary of your home.

4. It’ll Be Easier To Sell

In a recent survey of UK homebuyers, more than 50% of people said they wanted a smart home and would be willing to pay more for one. Smart homes are also soaring to the top of property developer agendas.

If you own a smart home, you could expect a quicker sale and a 5% boost in resale value.

Are You Convinced?

Coombe Residential offers a selection of luxury smart home properties in South West London. If you're looking for a personalised and tailored home-buying experience, don't hesitate to get in touch with our team. Let us help you find the perfect smart home to suit your lifestyle.

Get in touch with us today. Call +(44) 20 8947 9393 or email us at enquiries@coomberesidential.com. 

What is a probate property?

Judge's gavel resting on a probate law book, symbolising legal proceedings related to estate matters.

You may have heard about probate and “probate property” but not really know much about what it actually means. You wouldn’t be the only person for whom probate is much of a mystery. After all, it’s not every day that you have to deal with probate matters.

In this article, we set out in plain English:

• What is probate

• What probate property means

• How to navigate your way through probate whether you are buying or selling

What is probate?

When someone dies, the person who applies for the right to deal with the deceased’s possessions and property has to “apply for probate”. If the person who died left a Will, then the applicant can be given a “grant of probate”.

If someone has not left a Will, then a person gets “letters of administration”. If someone hasn’t left a Will but has part-owned a property it will pass to the part-owner. Note that the rules are slightly different in England when compared to Wales or Scotland. More information can be found on the Government websites.

Our Advice When someone dies, you will need to contact the owner of the asset (property). This is usually the organisation with whom the deceased has a mortgage. It is helpful in this case if paperwork is easily traceable along with details of finances and other things to do with a home.

What is a Probate Property?

A probate property is a property that is subject to the probate process. You will need to have the ‘grant of probate’ to be able to dispose of the property. You’ll have the authority to sell the property and sign all the required documents. Without it, the property will be in limbo.

Our Advice The probate process can be lengthy, and sometimes seem complex. While probate may not be something you have to deal with right now, it is worth understanding what you need to do in advance.

How to Find Out Who Owns a Property

It’s quite simple to find out who owns a property. The Government website is the best place to refer to, although there are commercial sites that offer a similar service.

If you go to the Land Registry site, you need to create an account and then find the property you want information about. For a small fee, you can then download a copy of the Land Registry document that tells you who owns a specific property. If a bank or other organisation still has a charge over it (which means money is still owed on it), it will show up on the document.

Our Advice Know the exact address for the property you want the information for. While it may only be a small cost, if you’re downloading a number of documents, the cost will start to rack up.

Selling a Probate Property

Putting the property on the market is not the end of the story. Remember, when you’re selling a probate property, it has to be valued as it was at the time the deceased passed away. This is because it has inheritance tax implications and HRMC need to know the correct figures.

You should wait until you have the legal authority to sell the property before marketing it. While it may be tempting to get ahead of things by putting the property on the market, the legal side of probate means you could end up losing potential buyers if you are premature.

Our Advice Use a conveyancer to deal with the legal side of things. You can also use the services of a solicitor who specialises in inheritance tax and conveyancing.

Buying a Probate Property

A probate property could be an opportunity to get your hands on a relatively inexpensive home. Often, a property that has been inherited is not needed by the recipient and a quick sale releases preferred funds. In this case, the seller may be tempted to accept a lower offer to get the property off their hands.

Be aware that if the property is being sold by an executor who has never lived in the property themselves and doesn’t know it very well, there may be unknown issues so it’s wise to get a survey done. Similarly, make sure that whoever is selling the property has the authority to do so.

Our Advice Do your homework. Ask questions of the executor or the estate agent and be thorough.

A probate property presents opportunities, however there is paperwork to get right and it’s paramount that you seek advice from transparent experts who will tell you everything you need to know.

Communication is key, whether you are buying or selling a probate property. We can help you with the process.

Email us at enquiries@coomberesidential.com or call us on 0208 947 9393.

7 Tips for a smooth house move

Family moving into a new home with cardboard boxes, as an excited child runs through the doorway.

Congratulations on securing your dream home in South West London! Now, the final step is preparing for the big moving day. With a mountain of belongings to transport, planning ahead is key to ensuring a smooth, efficient, and stress-free move.

To help you get started, here are our top tips for a seamless house move.

1. Declutter in advance

It’s best to start packing well in advance. In fact, it’s ideal if you can start packing up when you begin your new house hunt. This way, you can forget about the stress later on and instead begin to declutter and pack at the same time.

Sell any items of value that you don’t require to make a small profit and to offset some of the high costs of moving. Donate items to charity that aren’t worth selling but are still in good condition, and then recycle or bin the rest. This applies to everything. Streamline what you will bring to your new home.

2. Create a packing plan

Create a packing plan by going through what you need to have available until the day of the move. Once you have that list, you can then work out how you intend to pack up your belongings. This can be by theme, by room, or by both.

For example, you might have general bathroom boxes, bedroom boxes and kitchen boxes or you might instead pack by object type, for example packing away all your towels and tea-towels in one box and bathroom toiletries, hand soaps and so on in another. When packing, try and keep boxes at a manageable weight and ensure that items won’t break through the box, so don’t pile them too high. The last thing you want is for your valuables to become damaged in the moving process.

3. Label each box as you go

When packing up items in boxes, it’s important you label each box with its contents. This way, you won’t have to open every box right away and have your new home filled with items that don’t yet have a place to go. If you created a strategic enough packing plan, you should be able to unpack a few boxes and have everything you need to be comfortable whilst you unpack your belongings.

4. Disassemble furniture

Not every piece of furniture can easily be taken apart, but the chances are you will have at least one or two items such as beds or wardrobes. Disassembling these items can make moving your furniture and belongings so much easier.

You might also want to invest in movers blankets so that your furniture doesn’t get dented when it is disassembled.

5. Have your children help you pack

Moving with children can be challenging, especially if they’re anxious about the change. To ease the transition, involve them in the process by letting them help pack. Encourage them to declutter their own rooms and assign fun tasks that feel like games. This not only keeps them engaged but also helps make the move more exciting and less stressful.

6. Hire professional movers

Once everything is packed and labelled, it's wise to hire professional movers.

This not only eliminates the heavy lifting and protects your back but also ensures that your furniture is handled with care during the move, especially for larger items that can’t be disassembled.

7. Bring “First Night Boxes” with you

The last items you should pack are your “First Night Boxes.” These boxes should contain essentials for your first few days in your new home, such as clothing, towels, toiletries, bed linen, blankets, and kitchen tools such as a kettle and mugs. Keep these boxes with you in your vehicle so you can easily access them.

A successful house move requires careful planning well in advance. If you need assistance with any aspect of your home move, the team at Coombe Concierge is here to help with all your moving requirements, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition.

Get in touch with us today. Call +(44) 20 8947 9393 or email us at enquiries@coomberesidential.com. 

What is gazumping?

Model houses displayed to represent various properties available for sale.

If you’ve ever been involved in a property transaction, then the chances are you’ve probably heard of gazumping. For buyers, it’s one of the worst things that can happen, particularly if you’ve found your dream home.

What is Gazumping?

Gazumping is when a seller verbally accepts an offer for their property, but then accepts a higher offer from someone else before the purchase has been completed.

So, if you see a listing on a property website which states ‘Sold STC’, the property is actually still available for purchase and this is the point where the gazump could occur.

Is Gazumping Legal?

Although it’s morally ambiguous, gazumping is entirely legal. An offer to purchase is not legally binding until contracts are exchanged, meaning that either the buyer or seller can pull out of the deal at any point, or attempt to renegotiate the price prior to exchange.

The further along the process that a buyer gets, the more painful and costly it will be, particularly once searches and surveys have been carried out.

Why Does Gazumping Happen?

There are a number of reasons why gazumping occurs, with the most common reason being that the seller simply receives a higher offer from another buyer.

However, there can be several other contributing factors too, including the seller’s willingness to allow a gazump to happen in the first place. Some sellers may refuse any higher offers point blank once they’ve accepted an offer verbally.

On the other hand, if they’re looking to make a quick sale and the buyer is dragging the process out then this can lead to a gazump.

For example, the buyer may be waiting for a mortgage offer, requesting additional surveys, or attempting to negotiate a lower price based on minor issues that have been found in the survey. In this instance, if a cash buyer were to come along with the full asking price, it’s easy to see why a seller may be tempted to accept the new offer.

Having said that, the closer it gets to exchanging contracts, then usually the less likely a gazump will occur, especially if the seller is looking to move quickly.

If a seller accepts an offer and then receives a higher one the following day, there’s a good chance they’ll accept it, and the initial buyer will have to increase their offer. And although this would be disappointing for them, at least they won’t have had time to get the ball rolling in terms of conveyancing and surveys at this point.

On the flip side, if all of the surveys are complete, mortgages are in place, the contracts are ready to be exchanged and a new buyer comes in at the last minute, it’s unlikely that the seller would entertain the offer. Unless it’s far too good to turn down, which is possible but unlikely.

How Can You Avoid Being Gazumped?

Although gazumping can happen with any buyer on any property, there are five things buyers can do to give themselves the best chance of avoiding it.

1. Be Prepared

Before making an offer on a property, ensure that you have a mortgage in principle at least, and ideally a solicitor. Most estate agents will recommend a solicitor, but it’s always best to have your own one lined up in advance.

2. Act Quickly

Gazumping is more likely to occur if the buying process is being dragged out and delayed. Contact your solicitor for regular updates to find out where they’re at. If there are delays, then it’s better that they’re down to the seller’s solicitor rather than yours. And arrange for a survey to be completed as early as possible so that any issues can be picked up quickly.

3. Ask for The Property to Be Taken Off the Market

Sellers aren’t obliged to do this, but if they’ve accepted your offer and trust you to be a serious buyer there’s a good chance they’ll be happy to agree to it.

4. Get Insurance

Home Buyers’ Protection Insurance will cover some of your losses in the event of being gazumped. You won’t receive all of your conveyancing and survey fees back, but you’ll receive at least some. It won’t make up for the disappointment of losing the property but by being prepared you can save some of the financial strain.

5. Get a Lock Out Agreement

Your solicitor will be able to draw this up for you, but there’ll be an extra cost involved and the seller may not be willing to agree to it.

The lock out agreement gives you a fixed period of time in which you have exclusive rights to buy the property, meaning that if the seller accepts an offer from someone else, they’d have to pay you a penalty fee.

Coombe Residential Ltd are your local property experts for Coombe and West Wimbledon. Call us on 0208 947 9393 or email enquiries@coomberesidential.com to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

Embrace the home selling process with confidence

Front door with a key in the lock, indicating the home is up for sale and ready for new owners.

Selling a home is an exciting journey, and while there’s a bit of paperwork involved, it’s an opportunity to showcase your property’s unique qualities. When preparing to sell, you’ll work closely with your estate agent, sharing important details that highlight your home’s strengths.

Instead of worrying about potential issues, remember that every home has its story. With the right estate agent by your side, you’ll attract the perfect buyer, no matter your circumstances.

To help you navigate the selling process with ease, here are six essential things to declare to your estate agent about your home:

What you plan to leave at the property
Completing a 'fixtures and fittings' form is a great way to clarify what you’ll be taking with you and what will stay for the new owners. Establishing this early on can streamline viewings and prevent any confusion.

Renovation work
While disclosing renovation work is a legal requirement, it’s also a great opportunity to highlight the improvements you've made. Whether you've upgraded the kitchen, added an extension, or remodeled the bathroom, these enhancements can greatly appeal to buyers.

Planning permissions in the area
If you've received letters from your local council regarding planning permissions requested by neighbours, be sure to share this information with your estate agent. It demonstrates that the area is active and evolving.

Denied planning permissions
If you’ve previously applied for planning permission and it was denied, don’t hesitate to disclose this to your estate agent. Transparency is key, and explaining the situation can actually build trust with potential buyers.

Pests or Japanese knotweed
Even if pests were a problem in the past, it’s essential to share this information. Disclosing past pest invasions or issues with Japanese knotweed allows potential buyers to make informed decisions and shows your commitment to honesty.

Green deal loans
If you have a Green Deal loan for energy-efficient improvements, it’s vital to declare this to your estate agent. These loans are passed on to new owners, and being upfront about them reflects positively on your integrity.

We're Here to Help!

While selling your home may seem daunting, we’re here to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. At Coombe Residential Ltd, our team provides expert guidance, support, and encouragement every step of the way.

Get in touch with us today at 0208 947 9393 or via email at enquiries@coomberesidential.com.

5 ways landlords can increase their rental yield

Model house being handed from one person to another, symbolising the rental agreement between a landlord and tenant.

As a landlord, or if you're considering becoming one, it's essential to understand the concept of rental yield. But what exactly is rental yield, and why is it important for landlords in Coombe and West Wimbledon?

In simple terms, rental yield measures the return on your investment. It consists of two key types: gross yield and net yield. Each provides valuable insights but accounts for different factors in your rental income.

Let’s say you rent out a two-bedroom property in South West London for £850pcm. As an example, if you originally purchased the property for £150,000 and you divide the annual rent (£10,200) by the amount you invested (£150,000) and times it by 100, you get a percentage, and that’s the gross yield. In this case 6.8%.

Gross yield is a fairly basic figure but it gives you a good idea about what you’re getting back. However, there is also net yield. This is similar to gross, but you also take into account the additional costs you incur as a landlord, such as insurance, maintenance, solicitors, agents, mortgage, and so on.

This net yield is helpful because you can look at exactly how much it costs you to be a landlord and shows you where you could reduce costs to increase your yield. Deciding what a good yield is might be different, but anything above about six or seven per cent is good. Our team are adept at helping people make the most of being a landlord, and we have come up with a list of five ways landlords can increase their rental yield.

1. Review Rent Regularly

At the appropriate time, look at the rental income on a property – can it be raised to be more in line with the going rate? Make sure you keep within your contractual agreements though and remember that while a rental increase may be right for you, if a tenant has been with you for many years and has caused you no issues, do you want to upset the applecart?

2. Review Your Outgoings

Let’s look at what you are spending on your property. Do you automatically renew your insurance, or is there a more competitive alternative on the market? If you use a plumber, are their costs expensive, or can someone do the same job for a lower price? Keep on top of your outgoings, and set reminders to look at alternatives when the time comes. Being a landlord is a business, so treat it as such.

3. Check Your Mortgage Renewal

You may have a buy-to-let mortgage for your property, but is it still the right one? Many different products are being brought to market, so when you’ve come to an appropriate point in your mortgage agreement, have a look around.

Always be mindful about switching. Keep an eye on the media for different products and even though it might not be the right time immediately, make a note so that you can go back to it when you are ready.

4. Invest Wisely

When you are thinking about becoming a landlord, do your homework. Look at where to spend your money, but also at the type of property. Do you want a newer property with less maintenance, or do you want an older place with the risk more could go wrong?

If you have a plan and it works, don’t deviate. If you have a good yield because you’ve got a newer home, stick with the idea when looking at another buy to let.

5. Be a Better Landlord

You’re more likely to get a better yield if you have a great property and great tenants (and yes, both can be achievable). But, can you be a better landlord?

• Do you add quality fittings?

• Do you respond quickly to issues?

• Do you get things fixed promptly?

By being a great landlord, you’re more likely to attract great tenants and be able to justify higher rents. You assess a house and a tenant, why not assess yourself and see how you could be a better landlord. It makes business sense.

Having the right tenant in your property is more likely to help with yields. If they look after the house, your costs are likely to be lower. Of course, for total efficiency, we suggest you consider using a lettings agent to help manage your property portfolio. A full expert property management service will help you make the most of being a landlord.

If you need advice about becoming a landlord, or if you are a landlord and need some support, call us on 0208 947 9393 or email enquiries@coomberesidential.com to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.