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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...

People explore the buy-to-let market for various reasons, the most common being to make profitable revenue. While investing in property is a popular way to generate a passive source of income and enable financial freedom, with the many rules and regulations involved, it can be daunting too.

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?

If you rent your home, you can still usually switch your energy supplier to get a cheaper deal. If you pay your energy company directly for your gas and electricity, then you can choose your energy supplier according to consumer protection law.

Consent to let is required for anyone wanting to let out their property on a residential mortgage – not a buy-to-let mortgage. Before renting the property, those landlords should get permission from their mortgage lender – otherwise known as consent to let. In this article, we cover what consent to let is , how to obtain it, and what happens if you let your property without...

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?

These mortgages allow you to use your cash savings against the debt you have on your mortgage, meaning that you pay less interest on your home loan. Offset mortgages can be very helpful in certain financial situations but are not right for everyone.

When it comes to moving houses, homeowners typically sell their current property at the same time as buying a new one. This is often the simplest, most cost-efficient option . But this approach has its downsides – most notably the fact that it creates a property chain.

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.

The more expensive gas gets, the more money you save by cutting your usage. There are many ways to do this: some of our tips are common sense, some are clever, and some do cost a little money but will pay for themselves in the long run.

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...

Buying a property involves a lot of money – and a fair amount of risk. Because so much could go wrong, there exists a range of insurance products designed to help remove as much stress and uncertainty from the process as possible. An indemnity insurance policy can protect you against some of the key issues that can be involved in property purchases.

We’re being warned that UK households face a hit of £1,200 this year as stalling wages and rising tax and energy bills cause a “cost of living catastrophe” in the spring. If you’re a homeowner, here are some of the big-ticket issues you need to be aware of and what to do about them.

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.

Repaying your mortgage can appear daunting and leave you little to live on, particularly for hard-stretched first-time buyers. But there are ways to lower your mortgage payments.

There are a number of government home buying schemes available to help you get on the property ladder including Help to Buy , Shared Ownership, and First Homes . The eligibility criteria have changed for some of the older programs.  For some people, saving a deposit, securing a mortgage, or finding the right home at the right price is such a struggle that they are priced...

Despite rising house prices and new regulations that have squeezed returns to their limit, being a landlord still makes financial sense, but only if costs are kept to a minimum. So if a buy-to-let is to be profitable , it is more vital than ever that landlords know how to minimise the continuing costs of owning an investment property. And sometimes the smallest things can lead to a...

Despite the UK Government continues to introduce policies aimed at making it difficult for buy-to-let landlords to make significant profits, buy-to-let is still an attractive investment opportunity for anyone that is able to purchase a second home, or build a portfolio, and rent their properties out to tenants. Rules and legislation around buy-to-let can be extremely confusing for...

If ever there’s a time to look for more cost-effective decorating solutions, it’s Christmas! An already expensive time of year, budget Christmas decorating ideas are a welcome way to add style without splurging. Whether you simply disagree with spending so much on festive accessories or you’re just plain broke – for all of the above, we have a suitable budget...

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...

It is a good idea to take out home contents insurance to cover your possessions against fire, theft, and other risks, such as accidental damage. If something happens to destroy or damage your possessions, it can cost a lot of money to replace their items, some of which may be essential. The contents you can insure are often described as the items that you’d take with you if you...

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.

Accurate meter readings are incredibly important for both tenants and landlords alike; as they ensure that landlords don’t get unexpected bills and that tenants pay what they should. There’s currently a Government-backed incentive for all homes to have smart meters by 2020, which will eliminate manual readings (although some believe this target may be missed). In the meantime,...

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...

First Homes are new-build flats and houses built on developments situated up and down the country, sold with a discount of at least 30%. Local councils can decide to allocate further discounts to make the scheme more affordable for local applicants. 

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. 

If you’re going away this summer then it’s vital you ensure your home is safe. After all, thieves find it easy to know when a property is empty, with over 80% of break-ins occurring when the occupant or homeowner isn’t around. 

How quickly do you respond to your own customers? When you have tenants renting your property, keeping it maintained and in good condition will be one of your highest priorities. However, the nature of day-to-day living means that things will get damaged or broken. 

Buy-to-let property is an income-producing residential investment, with the potential for making a capital gain when the property is sold. An investor buys a property either off-plan or immediately available and makes money on their investment by renting out the property in the short term, with the long-term goal of making a profit on the property when they eventually sell it....

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.

Whether you’re a veteran renter or a complete newbie, finding a new place to hang your hat can seem daunting. With rent and a deposit to pay, your bank balance might feel unusually stretched come moving time. But there is a way to avoid that sinking feeling: it all comes down to planning and preparation. Knowledge is power, and knowing exactly what renting costs you need to budget for...

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.

The higher the rental yield, the more opportunity you have to enjoy significant returns on your investment. However, if you have already bought a rental property or you have inherited property, you cannot make a buying decision based on finding the best rental yields.  

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.

If your property is on a mortgage, you are legally bound to inform your lender about your plans to let the property. There are instances where your lender may levy a fee or alter your interest rate when you want to let your property. So the first and foremost thing you must do as a landlord if your property is mortgaged is to check with your lender about the rules and regulations that...

If you're usually in the office, working from home for a day or two can bring *increased* focus. However, for the full-time freelancer or home worker, doing the laundry, gardening or cleaning can become mysteriously and devilishly appealing, and always when you're supposed to be slaving away to meet a deadline. And then there's stroking the cat, popping to the shops, and of course, eating....

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:

Let’s face it, for most of us, they’re boring, and it’s time we’d rather spend doing something a lot more fun or productive. Of course, the cleanest way out of a sticky situation is to pay someone else to do it, but if we have to do our own housework, here are some easy motivational tips that don’t require too much thought or planning.

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...

Monday morning?  It’s nobody’s favorite time of the week. We’ve all been there. But just because that Monday morning alarm clock is a rude awakening (literally), that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of those early hours. 

Your home office may be a spacious room dedicated to your work, a niche you’ve carved out of a closet or the corner of your bedroom. 

Getting health benefits from physical activity is easier than you think, and it does not have to cost an arm and a leg. Doing at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity is enough to keep you feeling fit and healthy.

The rent you receive will be offset by your buy-to-let mortgage, if you have one. But understanding rent prices in London also helps you work out potential rental yield, as well as set prices that influence who your property (or properties) will appeal to.

Parents have been able to help young people learn valuable life skills as they take on responsibilities around the house, whilst their parents continue to work.

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.

Ventilation prevents the flow of impurities in your house,  It gives you a better regulation of fresh and healthy air. Having a properly ventilated house automatically provides a drop in the temperature. It has many other health benefits as it maintains your body temperature, poor ventilation can lead to a lot of health issues related to asthma, sinusitis, etc.

Due to the current lockdown situation enforced by the Coronavirus pandemic, we wanted to share some tips that everyone can follow to create an area at home for participating in home workouts. 

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. 

Renovating your property, whether you’re a homeowner or landlord, can add value to your property and even boost its appeal for tenants and buyers. 

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...

Marquis Road is a Street in the Greater London Urban Area of Lower Holloway and measures approximately 245 meters long.  If you're seeking a slightly more tranquil village-like lifestyle, but still want to be close to the hustle and bustle of city life, then Marquis Road is the perfect location for you.   

You don’t need to hit the gym to get your daily exercise in, there are plenty of free fitness online tutorials for exercising at home.

North London is home to a variety of cultural and historical landmarks and fascinating architecture for its residents to enjoy. It's one of the most multicultural areas in the UK and considered a more upmarket part of London. 

Converting houses into flats is becoming increasingly popular. There’s a high demand for flats in Camden Town London, and splitting a property into units can maximize both rental incomes in the short-term, and profit on sale in the long-term. 

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,...

We probably all have a slightly different idea of what it means to be a good neighbour. For the most part, many of us think it’s about keeping our home tidy, not letting the dog bark too loudly, not parking inconsiderately or not having parties to the early hours of the morning. 

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.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020 have been amended so that people who wish to move home can now do so.

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. 

It’s easier than you think to learn how to clean your house quickly and efficiently! Read more tips.....

Flooring is something that you need to look at. Make sure your home has hardwood floors or easy to clean textured tiles.   If you own a dog or a cat, then having rugs in the house can accumulate hair and bacteria.  

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.

If you’re too busy, don’t worry. These easy at-home exercises will help you stay fit without having to go to the gym. And you don’t need any equipment for these.  

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.

Entertaining at home is a great way to get together with friends and family. Going out to dinner or events is fun, but there is something special about hosting at home.

As a new agent, having strong time management skills is crucial. Successful agents and brokers know how valuable the hours in the day are and do their best to take advantage of them.  If you’re struggling to keep up with your current workload, you should take some lessons from folks who have mastered time management.   

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...

This year is centred around encouraging global citizens to make a promise regarding dietary, fitness, health and lifestyle changes at work and at home for a longer, better, heart-healthier life for someone they love or care about. Increasingly, natural evidence-based therapies are in the spotlight to support heart health with researchers reporting advances in the understanding of their role....

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.  

At Fortess Homes our number one priority is the safety of our staff and customers. We are very much open for business our customer receive a high level service over the phone and email. We will continue to use technology in numerous ways to help our customers. If you are looking for some advice we remain here to support in any way we can.

Most people aim to own their home outright, to give them the security of knowing it’s all theirs. But when you’re looking at buy to let, you should understand that it’s possible to increase your returns by having a mortgage.

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.   

Anyone can try to sell a house by taking standard run-of-the-mill photos, adding basic property details and uploading online. The phone might ring to arrange viewings with hope an offer will be accepted. At Fortess Homes, our mission is different – we don’t just sell properties. Our job is to maximize the selling price for the owner. Our entire process and business model is set up...

Buyers and sellers want Transparency, Certainty and Reliability. A property needs to be ‘Sale Ready’ - as a seller would you prefer an uninformed or an informed buyer you can rely on?

It’s all about making sure house hunters click on your listing and ultimately book a viewing. There are 8 key points you need to make sure you have correct in order to get the best possible response. I want you to rate each of the following points of your online portal listing out of 5. You will finish with a score that is marked out of 40.

ARE YOU ON THE MARKET and wondering why you aren’t getting many viewings? Do you drive past similar homes only to see a sold board staring back at you? Are you frustrated? If so, what can you do to get more viewings?

I LOVE THE AUTUMN MONTHS I also love it because if you get it right, autumn is the second best time of year to sell your home. Families are back from their summer breaks and the kids are back at school.

Show houses are dressed to create a mood and to instill desire. They feel loved. More importantly though, they make buyers want to buy them. They are aimed to appeal to their targeted buyer. All are designed to have a positive effect on your home and help it sell more easily for the best possible price.

Facebook is a very fastest way to advertise and market your home for sale. We still use Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime Location. These forms of advertising though rely on a person going to those websites. Used correctly, Facebook adverts go direct to them. Facebook turns advertising on its head.

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...

Fortess Homes know the importance of using high quality marketing material to show your property in the best way possible. Here at Fortess Homes we believe in crystal clear photography that shows off the whole room.

Have you ever wondered why some homes also sell more quickly? It’s all about your presentation. How your home is presented and how your agent presents it with the photos they take.

If you're a buy-to-let landlord or property investor, there are many pieces of legislation and regulations you need to be aware of, in order for your properties to remain legally compliant.

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

Getting the wrong tenants can be a costly and time-consuming experience.  Simple questions can ensure that you and those renting your property are on the same page. You can contact us any time to discuss this guide and learn about how our range of letting services can help you to let your property.

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.

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