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Home staging is a powerful tool when it comes to selling your home; the right staging can work miracles in most cases. Simply put, home staging is the term which describes preparing your home or ‘setting the stage’ for a potential buyer. This involves decluttering, organising, redecorating, cleaning, rearranging furniture and other strategies to make your home as appealing as possible. Staging is not designed to hide issues with your home, instead you should resolve these before you place your home on the market. With this in mind, here are some problems that home staging can’t solve when selling your home.
The big two
Adding some carefully positioned plants and flowers can not hide the obvious when it comes to outdated or tired kitchens and bathrooms. These are two rooms that can make or break a sale and, therefore, you need to ensure that you have done what is required to bring them up to standard. Broken doors or shelves withing kitchen cabinets are not only a turn-off but can ring alarms about the condition of the rest of the property. New grouting and a fresh lick of paint can make a huge difference, and should your kitchen doors need some love, could painting or re-spraying be a solution? One thing is for sure, you need to work harder in these rooms to make other areas of your home shine.
Outdated and odd features
All homes, especially older ones, can charm buyers with their character and quirkiness, but should this uniqueness be odd or outdated it will have the opposite affect. Home staging won’t distract buyers from the weird and wonderful, in fact it will focus their attention completely and away from the property as a whole and could also impact the potential value of your home as well. Therefore, if you have neglected to update or remove such features we would certainly recommend that you consider undertaking the work before you take the step of inviting estate agents round to value your home.
Rushed makeover
You may have been working hard to get your home ready for sale but decided that you don’t need to decorate. Adding the most stylish and exquisite pieces to a room won’t disguise a tired paint job, and buyers will notice. But in the haste to get your property on the market your paint job may not be to a professional standard, and this will stand out a mile. If you are not up to the task then investing in a decorator will take away the stress and also leave your home looking like Britain’s Next Top Show Home.
Damaged flooring
Rugs are often used in home staging to define spaces within a room; what they are not designed for is to hide damage or other floor issues. Some flooring problems can be felt underfoot when walking across the area, and hiding them with a rug will look deceitful, which is the last thing that you want when selling your home. Take a look at your carpets as well – have they seen better days? If so, it could be worthwhile replacing them or at least having them steam cleaned so they are looking the best they can be for potential buyers.
No hiding smells
Your home could look immaculate, be beautifully staged and be the dream that buyers are seeking, but if there are unwanted odours, the image that you have created will be shattered into pieces. If you are a smoker or have pets, having rugs, carpets and furniture cleaned will help to remove those lingering smells which potential buyers will notice immediately. Also, be wary of using plug-ins, air fresheners or scented candles – these can have very strong and dominant fragrances which can overpower a room. Using such strong scents can also start buyers wondering if you are trying to hide other smells which are lurking underneath.
Do the work
If you wish to get the best price for your property, you need to put in the work before you look to place your house on the market. Home staging is there to enhance your home’s natural beauty, not to be used as a tool to hide its issues. It is important that you look at your home through critical eyes, only then can you see its flaws just as a potential buyer will do on a viewing.
If you would like advice on how best to approach getting your home ready for sale, call our sales team.
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It’s the season of bank holiday weekends, which for many of us means a chance to do some DIY and upgrade our home. You want to ensure any changes you make create a better environment for your family but also add value to your home should you decide to sell in the future. DIY can be a blessing and also a curse: it has the ability to enhance our homes but also destroy them. According to independent inspection body RISA, homeowners have spent over £6 billon trying to resolve DIY disasters. At a time where every penny counts, you won’t want a DIY SOS rather than an upgrade that will add value to your home.
Know your limitations
Before you pick up a hammer, knock down a wall or rip out the bathroom, be honest with yourself; we know that DIY can save you money and we relish the challenge and sense of achievement when the task is completed and looks fantastic. But what happens if you are out of your depth, and the small job uncovers another issue? Know when to get a professional in, as bad DIY can quickly knock thousands off the value of your home.
Start with first impressions
There will always be that house on a street that stands out from the rest: the home whose exterior shines, it may be minimalist chic, beautifully adorned with hanging baskets, or just give off that warm welcome that shows the home is loved. First impressions really do count and set the tone for the rest of your home; therefore, when it comes to where to start your DIY jobs, start from the very beginning with kerb appeal.
Your front door is the focal point of your home’s kerb appeal, a quick wash or a fresh coat of paint can really make a huge difference. Jet wash any paving. A healthy lawn and tubs and beds full of colour and life with seasonal planting will show that this home is loved and cared for. Potentially, having an attractive kerb appeal could add 2% -3% onto the value of your home.
Don’t forget the small stuff
It is easy to pay attention to the big jobs you wish to undertake and neglect those little jobs for another day. But it can often be the little things that ring the biggest alarm bells for potential buyers: dirty walls, mouldy sealant, broken lightbulbs all say that this home is not cared for and buyers will wonder what bigger issues lie beneath the surface.
Bathrooms
At some point you may wish to upgrade your bathroom, especially if it is starting to look tired, as this is a space in our homes where we can relax. The bath vs shower debate is one only you can decide, but bear in mind that, should you decide to sell in the future, not having a bath could turn some buyers off your home. Whatever you decide, it is essential to get it right and keep to your budget. You may wish to seek professional advice, or even ask them to undertake some of the work. As they say, kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, but most importantly create a bathroom that you will love to spend time in.
Your outdoor space
Your garden or terrace is an extension of your home; it is another ‘room’ in your property that, as the warmer weather starts to appear, you will want to spend a lot of time in. During lockdown we know that gardens were a DIY favourite, and the passion for having a garden that works for your family has not diminished. Every member of your family can potentially have a hand in upgrading your outside space, whether it is choosing the plants and shrubs or doing some heavy lifting as required. Our tip would be to make sure that your different zones flow into each other and that your choice of materials creates a cohesive style that defines and elevates your garden into a stylish haven you all can enjoy.
Upgrades on a budget
There are many jobs you can do that will potentially help the value of your property but will also not require a large investment like a new kitchen or extension would. From decluttering to decorating, organising and freshening your home’s décor can make a huge difference to how you enjoy your space as a family but also can increase your home’s attraction to potential buyers. There are plenty of ‘organising’ shows on TV to give you some inspiration, from Netflix’s The Home Edit to Stacey Solomon’s Sort Your Life Out, with some simple changes your home can be transformed.
A word of caution
We would be remiss if we didn’t advise you that not all renovations and home upgrades will add value to your home, therefore, if you are thinking of undertaking a big project, please talk to your local estate agent to ensure that the works you do will add value and not exceed the ceiling price for a property in the area.
If you would like any advice on simple or big DIY upgrades that will add value to your home, please call our team.
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Listed buildings are considered nationally important and therefore have extra legal protection within the planning system.
What is a listed building?
A building is listed when it is of special architectural or historic interest considered to be of national importance and therefore worth protecting. As the term implies, a listed building is actually added to a list: the National Heritage List for England. You can use this to discover whether your home is listed and if so, what grade it is. You may also be able to find out what is particularly significant about the building. Some listing records are more detailed than others.
Listed buildings come in three categories of ‘significance’:
• Grade I for buildings of the highest significance
• Grade II* and
• Grade II Most listed building owners are likely to live in a Grade II building as these make up 92% of all listed buildings.
How does listing affect owners?
Listing means there will be extra control over what changes can be made to a building’s interior and exterior. Owners will need to apply for Listed Building Consent for most types of work that affect the ‘special architectural or historic interest’ of their home.
For more detail on applying for consent, please see Who Do I Contact?
Your local authority
The planning department of your local authority decides whether to grant planning permission or listed building consent for proposed work. They can provide advice before and during the application process. They should be your first port of call if you wish to go ahead with making changes to your home. If you are thinking about making changes our section on common types of work, such as altering windows or adding a conservatory, provides useful tips about what to consider and whether you are likely to need permission. You will also find information on repair work in our section on looking after your home, and on energy efficiency measures such as solar panels in our section on saving energy. To find details for your local planning authority, visit the Government Planning Portal.
Conservation Officer
Most local authorities employ a conservation officer, who offers expert advice on applications and other matters relating to historic buildings and areas. They are an extremely useful point of contact if you own an older home. They will be able to advise you on a range of matters, including whether you will need extra consent for planned work, and what kind of work might be most appropriate for your house and its setting. When considering work to your home, it is advisable to discuss your proposals with the local planning authority and/or the conservation officer at the earliest opportunity. They can be reached by contacting your local authority.
County Archaeologist
County archaeologists advise local planning authorities on the archaeological implications of development proposals. If you think your work might affect archaeology on your land, we recommend you consult the local planning authority’s archaeological adviser to discuss how these should be dealt with. It is always advisable to consult them at an early stage of developing your proposals.
When Historic England is consulted
Historic England don’t usually work with individual owners directly, as decision-making power ultimately resides with the local authority. Owners should therefore contact the local planning authority in the first instance.
What parts of the building does listing cover?
Listing covers a whole building, including the interior, unless parts of it are specifically excluded in the list description.
It can also cover:
• Other attached structures and fixtures
• Later extensions or additions
• Pre-1948 buildings on land attached to the building. (In the planning system, the term ‘curtilage’ is used to describe this attached land.)
Because all listed buildings are different and unique, what is actually covered by a listing can vary quite widely. It is best, therefore, to check this with your local planning authority.
For more detail on listing, see the Guide to Heritage Protection: Listed Buildings.
How do I find out if my building is listed?
If you think your home is listed but are unsure, the best place to start is our Search the List page. This allows you to search the National Heritage List for England by postcode or keyword. If you have your postcode to hand we recommend using the map search. This allows you to determine more clearly whether your building is listed and at what grade.
If you cannot find your building or are still unsure, please contact your local authority or our National Heritage List for England Helpdesk at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Please note text & Information shared from the English Heritage website.
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The average asking price across the UK is now £403k compared to £339k in Q1 2019, an increase of nearly 19% in two years. Book a valuation with Deakin-White to find out how much your home is now worth - www.dwrealestate.co.uk/valuation
With a sustained high level of Sales Agreed and no significant increase in properties coming to market, the lack of available properties is continuing to push prices up as demand currently significantly exceeds supply, providing for a sellers’ market.
All regions of the UK have benefited from the increase in property asking prices with the lower performance of Inner & Outer London a direct consequence of the impact of the pandemic.
Our extensive property data tracks homemovers as they make their way through the buying and selling process. Known as the Homemover Wave, this journey can last several months and is broken down into the specific stages below and triggered by activity such as online property searches, surveys and EPC reports.
At the beginning of April 2022 there are over 1.45 million households progressing through the home move journey. This is an increase of nearly 300k compared to January 2022 with the number of people entering the top of the funnel rising significantly.
The spending power associated with this massive volume of movers can bring huge revenue gains and strong ROI across multiple sectors and categories, particularly as our economy and retailers start to experience a slowdown in consumer expenditure.
If you are thinking of selling, click this link to see book a valuation today - www.dwrealestate.co.uk/valuation
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Key information
- Equestrian property is land registered for keeping horses
- You’ll need at least 1–1.5 acres of land per horse
- An average horse will need a 12’x12’ stall
Owning equestrian property is a dream for every horse owner. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a casual rider, the convenience and pleasure of having your horse on your doorstep has endless appeal.
But horse properties are more than a house with an adjoining field. From land and stable size to access requirements, there’s a lot to consider to make sure you find a suitable property. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to find the perfect home for you and your horse.
What is equestrian property?
Equestrian property is exactly what the name suggests: it’s property with the appropriate space and facilities to house horses.
If you’re buying land that’s not already being used to keep horses, you’ll have to apply for Change of Use permission from your local planning authority to register it as equestrian property. Agricultural land can be used for grazing horses, but beyond this, you’ll need to specifically register your land for equestrian use to avoid a planning breach.
How much land do horses need?
One of the most important things to look out for when buying equestrian property is the size of the plot. You don’t need to have a vast country estate with several acres of secluded pasture, but horses are large animals and need plenty of space to graze and exercise.
The British House Society recommends roughly 1–1.5 acres per horse. But if you can afford to go above that, your horse will be happier.
It’s important to remember that this acreage should only include land suitable for grazing. If you have any wooded land on your property, for example, that won’t count towards the amount of space your horses need.
When looking at property size, bear in mind its suitability long-term. Having more than you need at first gives you flexibility if you want to build facilities like an outdoor arena or keep additional horses in the future.
Finding the right location
As ever with property, location is key when looking for a home for you and your horses, and finding the right one will depend on your specific needs.
If you’re a casual weekend rider then you’ll ideally want a property with easy access or proximity at least to bridle paths. For competitors and professional riders, being able to quickly reach the motorway will be essential for getting to events.
Bear in mind that the region you focus your land search on may mean some compromises are necessary. In the densely-populated south east, for example, a property with perfect direct access to hacking routes will likely come with a high price tag to match.
However you ride, you’ll want to do some research before you buy to find out where the nearest equine vets and farriers are. Also think carefully about how the property is accessed, as you’ll need to be able to manoeuvre a horse trailer or truck in and out regularly.
What your horses will need