As the academic year approaches and universities gear up to welcome a new wave of international students, London’s rental market is once again feeling the pressure.
The London property market has always been dynamic, and 2025 is no exception. Estate agents are facing a range of challenges due to economic shifts, regulatory changes, and evolving client expectations.
Lettings fraud is an increasing concern for landlords in London, with recent cases highlighting the devastating effects of rogue agencies and fraudulent tenants. From illegal subletting to properties being used for criminal activities, landlords need to stay vigilant to protect their investments. In this blog, we explore the most common types of lettings fraud and provide actionable steps to...
When it comes to settling in London, one of the first questions on anyone’s mind is whether to buy or rent a property. Both options come with their own set of pros and cons, and what works for one person may not work for another. Let’s break it down in London terms and see which option might save you more in the long run.
The festive season is a magical time, and there’s nothing quite like transforming your home into a winter wonderland to capture the spirit of Christmas. Whether you prefer traditional décor or a modern twist, these tips will help you make your home cosy and inviting for the holidays. Let’s get started!
Winter might not be the traditional season to sell a home, but listing your property before Christmas can be a smart move. With fewer homes on the market, serious buyers, and the holiday charm adding a cosy vibe, it's a great opportunity to attract potential buyers. Here are some tips to make your winter home sale a success.
The Renters' Rights Bill, recently introduced by the Labour Government, proposes significant changes to England's private rental sector. While it still needs to pass through Parliament, many North London landlords may feel uneasy about these reforms.
Fortess Homes Estate Agent offer valuable insights for landlords considering property management services. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time landlord, this guide will help you make an informed decision regarding the management of your rental property.
Managing a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) requires more than just handing over the keys when a new tenant moves in. If you're a landlord dealing with changes in an HMO, it’s essential to understand the process to avoid costly mistakes. Here’s a guide on how to manage tenancy changes effectively.
Selling a house or flat can be a complex and sometimes daunting process, but with the right guidance, you can navigate it smoothly. Whether you're a first-time seller or looking to move to a new home, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure a successful sale.
The spring sunshine always boosts home sales, leading to a surge of activity around this time of year. However, 2024 is starting exceptionally well. The Fortess Homes Sales team has surpassed 2023, with more buyers showing interest and more deals being closed.
London is a city synonymous with ambition, style, and endless opportunity. It's the vision that propels us forward, packing our belongings into those familiar removal vans as we chase our dreams. But what if there's a different path to realizing that quintessential London life? Enter Build to Rent, a new paradigm in London's rental market poised to redefine urban living as you know it.
Are you on the hunt for your perfect home in the UK? Whether you're seeking a cozy cottage in the countryside, a chic urban apartment, or a spacious family house in the suburbs, finding the right property can be a daunting task.
Becoming a landlord for the first time can be an exciting yet daunting venture, especially in the ever-evolving landscape of the UK property market. Whether you're leasing out a single property or building a portfolio, navigating the responsibilities and challenges of being a landlord requires careful planning and expert guidance.
In today's bustling real estate market, making your home stand out is essential to attract potential buyers. With numerous properties available, it's crucial to create a lasting impression that sets your home apart. Whether you're preparing to sell or just looking to enhance your home's curb appeal, these tips will help you make a lasting impact in a crowded market.
In the realm of estate agents, negotiation is a powerful skill that can make a significant difference when it comes to selling or buying a home. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or a first-time buyer, understanding how to negotiate effectively with your estate agent is key to securing the best deal for your home.
In this blog post, we'll explore valuable tips and strategies to...
Being a tenant in London comes with a set of rights and responsibilities that are essential to maintain a positive and lawful landlord-tenant relationship.
Selling a property is a significant undertaking, and choosing the right estate agent to represent you is a crucial decision in the process. The expertise and professionalism of your estate agent can greatly impact the success of your property sale. In this guide, we'll share top tips to help you select the perfect estate agent for your needs.
The vibrant city of London comes alive during the summer months, with its picturesque parks, bustling markets, and a plethora of outdoor events. What better way to make the most of this lively season than by transforming your London home into the ultimate entertaining hub?
Are you considering turning your house into a rental property? Renting out your home can be a lucrative venture, providing a passive income stream and potential long-term financial benefits. However, it's essential to approach this process with careful planning and preparation to ensure success as a landlord. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the key steps to turn your...
Living in a bustling city doesn't mean you have to give up your connection with nature. Even in the concrete jungle, there are numerous ways to bring the beauty and serenity of nature into your city home. By incorporating elements of greenery, natural light, and eco-friendly practices, you can create an urban oasis that nurtures your well-being and enhances your living environment.
Converting your home into a rental property can be a smart financial move, providing you with a steady income stream. However, the process requires careful planning and execution. In this blog post, we will guide you through seven essential steps to successfully transform your home into a rental property.
Before investing in a buy-to-let property, it is important to consider factors such as the property's location, market demand, financing options, rental income potential, tenant management, and potential risks. Additionally, understanding the tax implications of owning a buy-to-let property is crucial. By carefully considering these factors, investors can make informed decisions and maximize...
If you're looking to maximize the rental income from your property, there are several things you can do to make your property more attractive to potential tenants and ensure you're charging a fair market rate.
Rental property can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio, offering potential for steady cash flow, appreciation, tax benefits, flexibility, and a tangible asset.
Looking for a rental in London can be a daunting process, but if you are prepared before you start, and you know what you are looking for, this will go a long way in easing your stress.
You may wonder why spring cleaning in the winter makes sense, but winter is the perfect time to give your rental property a good clean.
There is nothing nicer than coming home to a warm and toasty home. This however can come at a rather hefty cost especially most of people’s energy bills goes to heating and hot water.
In today's competitive market, letting out your property can be a headache. There are many rules and regulations that you will need to abide by before you can even think of letting out your property.
Most students agree that studying in London is a fantastic experience. Some of the world’s highest-regarded academic establishments are here, such as Kings College, UCL, LSE, and Westminster.
Should you take the time and money to add a wardrobe or new appliances, etc to your rental flat? Will it increase your rental yield?
You don’t need to own your property to make your place feel homely , and with more of us spending time inside, there’s never been a better time to make some updates .
While you’ll need permission from your landlord to do things like painting the walls or updating the floors, there are ways to get Insta-worthy interiors without wasting your cash.
You may sometimes see fairly new homes but have already been owned and lived in by someone else described as 'new-build', but this guide is about houses and flats that have not yet been bought or lived in by anyone.
New build homes are a great option whether you're a first time buyer, have a growing family, or "right sizing" in later years. But there are also common problems many home...
If you are thinking of selling your property, it’s worth bearing in mind that there are times of the year that lend themselves better to property sales compared to others. When you put your house on the market, it will impact the time that it takes to find a buyer and could even impact the sale price. If you are in a position to choose when to sell your home, it’s worth learning...
Changes to green mortgages are being considered by the UK government to mean lenders will need to disclose the energy performance of the homes they lend on in England and Wales. But what are the implications for home buyers and home sellers?
The government has announced that the energy price cap will rise by 54% on 1 April, affecting over 75% of households. This means an average £693 increase in energy bills to £1,971 in spring 2022. Bills already increased by an average of 12% in October, and this latest jump is estimated to push more households over the fuel-poverty threshold as the energy crisis continues.
If you happen to be in the fortunate position of being able to invest in a second home, should you capitalise on the staycation boom and buy a holiday home that you can let out short-term when you’re not enjoying it yourself – or a buy-to-let property that you can rent out on a long-term basis?
Incomes have been relatively stagnant in the UK for the last ten years after decades of consistent increases during the 20th century. But rather than accept this halt in the improvement of the quality of life, many homeowners are looking for novel ways to make money from the assets that they already own.
If you have joined an existing house share, there may already be a process that you can slot into, but it’s important that you feel comfortable talking about how the bills are split. It’s also essential that you have a clear understanding of how much you need to pay each month. You’ll probably already have your own personal bills to pay, such as your mobile phone contract and...
The cost of buying your first home extends beyond the price you pay for the property itself. And one of the biggest potential costs for homebuyers is stamp duty.
Build to Rent are new build developments designed specifically for renting. They come with a range of perks from longer tenancies to a dedicated on-site manager and purpose-built communal spaces, as well as a premium price tag.
Mould can be a common issue in rental properties, especially as we head towards the winter months. Mould in properties is usually caused by damp conditions due to condensation or poor ventilation. It can be a major issue in flats , student properties, and HMOs (Houses with multiple occupants).
When water vapour in the air meets a cold surface, it becomes a liquid called...
If you want to rent a property in the UK, then almost all private landlords and letting agents will ask for a reference, including a request for information about your credit history.
Whether you think this is fair or not, landlords are keen to know if a tenant moving into their property has a history of paying their bills on time. But this excludes several groups of people, including...
If you’re looking to sell your home, of course, you’ll want to achieve a sale price that matches your property’s valuation. But whether or not you can achieve that could be affected by a whole host of issues that could devalue your property.
While most homeowners focus on what they can do to increase a property’s value, they often ignore things that can bring down...
The term net-zero means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it. This balance or net-zero will happen when the amount of carbon we add to the atmosphere is no more than the amount removed.
To reach net-zero, emissions from homes, transport, agriculture, and industry will need to be cut. In other words, these sectors will have to...
Every business, including real estate, is prioritising sustainable practices. In an attempt to ‘rebuild greener’ after the pandemic, by 2050, the goal is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. As a result, green investing and green home property continue to rise on the real estate agenda.
It's tough to find a nice flat in London. The lettings market moves quickly, there are loads of websites to check, and let's face it: not every estate agent you meet has your best interest at heart.
We know how hard it is to find a new home, especially after moving thousands of miles across the ocean to a smaller, less familiar, much more tea-obsessed country. We’ve heard all the...
There are many benefits of buying a house in your 20s – and with property prices stalling in London and the Government’s current Stamp Duty relief, now could be an ideal time to get on the capital’s property ladder.
Tenants sublet in different ways – they may rent out an extra room in the property while they’re still living there, or rent out the whole property while they live at a different address. The reasons for subletting also vary. For example, an existing tenant may need to move away for a few months, or they may need more tenants to help pay the rent.
If you’re renting...
If your property is in a student hotspot or university town then there is always going to be demand. But letting students is not for everyone, so consider the pros and cons before you advertise your property.
Students usually come in groups and don’t have many belongings, so they want houses or flats with lots of furnished bedrooms and large communal spaces. More than one toilet or...
A credit score represents your suitability to receive credit based on a range of data about your financial habits. It's mainly based on the information you provide on applications, as well as any previous credit agreements you have and any debt problems you may have encountered in the form of county court judgments or bankruptcies. Fortess Homes will give you a short idea if renting can...
Renting for the long-term has become more common in recent years and this means there is a range of new things for tenants to consider. Gone are the days when renting was just for the short-term while saving up to buy a property . These days, an average tenant could be anyone from a middle-aged renter to a retired pensioner or parents with dependent children.
Should you let your rental property be furnished or unfurnished? This is a key question for landlords, but it’s obviously important for tenants, too. As with most things, there are pros and cons to both unfurnished and furnished lettings, and what will appeal to one person may not be right for someone else.
The key consideration for landlords should always be that of the tenant -...
It’s important to remember what’s included within your tenancy agreement – this includes understanding what’s within the agreement and what/when you have to pay things by. Making sure you do this at the start will help make sure your tenancy runs as smoothly as possible.
Are you looking at buying a second home? Whether you’re looking for an investment property or a holiday home, we’ve compiled a guide of the most frequently asked questions people ask to help get you started.
Cleaning, decorating, and repairs may be required so having a contingency fund will allow you to carry out work quickly, to help minimize void periods.
Tenants who has rented before will know that it isn’t always as easy as it should be to get your deposit back when you move out. The majority of contracts state that tenants will get their deposits back if they property is left in the same condition as when they moved in with an allowance for “wear and tear”.
It is important to keep it occupied at all times if possible. If you don’t, the mortgage, council tax and any other bills will be coming straight out of your own pocket.
In essence, a tenancy is the right to possess and occupy land belonging to another. A tenancy gives the occupier a legal interest in the land for a defined period of time.
There are a lot of stresses that come with moving home. Moving day can be quite complicated, and there is a lot to get done. Delays can only add to any potential stress, so it is important to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible. Here are tips to avoid any moving house delays:
Property for rent doesn’t simply appeal to tenants who may be waiting or hoping to get onto the property ladder, but it also offers flexibility for those downsizing or moving into a new area. It isn’t uncommon for estate agents to arrange viewings for potential tenants that include everyone from young singles moving into their own place for the first time to mature couples...
For decades, landlords have had the right to refuse tenants based on their beloved furry friends. That said, with pets becoming increasingly more important in our lives, and with a mental health crisis on our hands, the government is pushing for change.
Home has always been where the heart is, a place to escape daily stresses, filled where possible with the people and things we love.
If you’re thinking of selling your home to a family member, that could be a win-win for all involved.
Estate agents know that it’s often difficult to find a home that ticks all their client’s boxes. Let’s face it every year, a new wave of fads comes to replace the old ones. But there are still a handful of features that continue to attract buyers, some of which people deem absolute musts. Prepare yourself for 2020 by looking at this list of home design trends that can...
Fortress Homes answer the questions they are most frequently asked by sellers. Our teams at Camden Town and Kentish Town had so much sales advice to offer that we have split the questions and answers across two blogs.
The Government has announced adjustments to the Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty) payable upon completion of a purchase.
Stamp Duty for properties over £500,000, and for second homes or buy-to-let properties, is still payable?
The new Stamp Duty reduction will enable many buyers to step onto the property ladder without needing to factor in the cost of Stamp Duty,...
In an attempt to help mortgage holders ease their immediate financial worries the government announced that anyone struggling financially because of the virus could apply for a 3 month mortgage payment holiday.
It is often said that buying a property can be one of the most stressful stages in your life. We have created this helpful guide to ease you through the process of buying a property in London.
Can you afford to pay not only the monthly mortgage payments but the running costs of the home too? Buying your first home is exciting, but it can be daunting too.
The amount of deposit you’ll need in order to get a mortgage is worked out as a percentage of the value of the property. Home-buyers with more than five percent deposit have a more favorable selection of mortgages available to them the greater the deposit, the lower the interest.
As the UK is in the midst of some of the tightest restrictions on social interaction and movement, other businesses are finding ways to adapt to the new, albeit temporary, normal. The virtual viewings we have conducted in the past have been very popular, and we believe that the technology used could revolutionize the way in which our customers arrange viewings.
Living in a rental can dampen your design options. With unchangeable fixtures and cabinets, bland paint colors, and the threat of losing your security deposit if you make changes, a lot of renters suppress their personal style and settle for builder-grade basic.
Renting is a great way of living somewhere for a shorter period of time, whether that’s for a temporary job or to stay local to family, without any additional costs. If you decide to move when you have bought a house you could face additional charges, such as an early repayment charge on your mortgage. However buying a house could be cheaper in the long-term, as you have the...
Buying a house is likely to be one of the biggest financial commitments you make in your life, so it’s important you ensure you are managing your finances correctly. The deposit you’ll need will vary on the mortgage you can take out but remember the more you save for your deposit will result in lower repayments each month!
When tenants/landlords discuss “pets”, they’re typically referring to dogs and cats. Dogs are the most common pets in the UK, and if there’s any type of household pet that is capable of effortlessly destroying a house, it’s a dog. Smaller pets like fish, hamsters and rabbits aren’t usually a problem. On that basis, I’m going to focus this article with...
Open houses may be staged to look like a home decor dream, but don’t let that distract you from the real reason you’re there to potentially buy a home. Make sure you can look past the neatly arranged furniture and focus solely on whether the house would be a good fit for you and your family.
Everyone knows that estate agents can help you to find the home of your dreams. When you are looking for a house, having someone to help you is never a bad thing. Searching the internet can produce some pretty good results, but an agent can make sure you get the most bang for your buck. Not a lot of people know that estate agents can also help you find rental properties.
As the UK is in the midst of some of the tightest restrictions on social interaction and movement in living memory, with uncertainty in regards to the duration of this period, we, like many other businesses, are finding ways to adapt to the new, albeit temporary, normal.
There are over 7.7 million families with dependent children in the UK. At any one time, approx 3% of residents in the UK are in the process of moving. That equates to lots of families with children trying to sell their home!
We love our own kids. However, when it comes to moving home they can make the whole process a little bit more difficult.
We are a nation of pet lovers. Strange isn’t it then when it comes to selling a home with pets, buyers seem to find animals a big no-no! We love animals at Fortess Homes.
Between us we have cats and dogs, tropical fish and guinea pigs. A colleague keeps chickens. We even have our very own office puppy. However, when it comes to selling houses pets can also distract. They can put...
The Fortess Home Property Management and Lettings Service.
Fortess Homes understands how complex and time consuming letting your property can be and therefore with our long-established reputation for knowledge and experience we are able to assist you along the way.
If you own a property in Kentish Town that you're unsure what to do with but don't want to sell, especially if you've inherited it, a great way of using it as a source of extra income can be to rent it out.
PRE-EXISTING TENANCIES VS. NEW TENANCIES
If a property does not meet the minimum standard of an E rating, it must not be let to a new tenant after 1 April 2018 until it is reassessed with an E or higher rating. If the tenancy period has already begun but it started before 1 April 2018, the landlord must improve the property rating to E or higher by 1 April 2020
Here at Fortess Homes we’ve helped hundreds of landlords in Kentish Town and the City let out their property and find good tenants for their home. We have up to date knowledge of all the relevant legislation, and we have local contractors on hand to deal with any problems at your property 24/7.
That’s why we’ve put together this step by step guide to help put your...
While summer is a perfect time of year to relax and unwind, it is also a time to be active. If you are the sort of person who doesn’t carry out essential jobs in winter or spring because the weather is miserable, you cannot avoid the jobs any longer. Summer is perfect for getting outside of the house and carrying out work, or to take care of tasks that enhance your home.
There is...
London Landlords – Ready For Tenant Fees Act?
It is vital landlords remain up to date with lettings industry regulations. The pace of changes and updates in the industry has challenged many landlords. There has been anecdotal evidence some landlords have left the industry due to the pressure they face. However, with demand for rental property high, we believe there is an excellent...
We are pleased to announce that Loft Style Properties will now be known as Fortess Homes. Alongside the name change will be a slight change in attitude but even with this rebranding, you can be confident you will still receive the same high standard of service and support that you associate with us.
