Property insights

Honest writing on property.

Guides, comparisons and explainers written by the Agreed team. No filler, no SEO mush, no recycled advice — these are the answers we'd give if you rang us up and asked.

How to Prepare Your Property for Rent: A Comprehensive Checklist
For agents · Cornerstone

How to Prepare Your Property for Rent: A Comprehensive Checklist

Renting out a property is a great way to generate income, but it’s essential to prepare the space properly to ensure you attract quality tenants and avoid costly issues down the line. Preparing your property involves a thorough inspection, cleaning, safety checks, and legal compl...

The Benefits of Using a Letting Agent vs. Going It Alone

The Benefits of Using a Letting Agent vs. Going It Alone

Many landlords consider managing their rental property themselves to save on agent fees. However, while it may seem cost-effective initially, managing your property without profess...

Top Tips for First-Time Landlords: What You Need to Know

Top Tips for First-Time Landlords: What You Need to Know

Becoming a landlord for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are many things to consider, from the legal aspects to managing tenants. Whether you’re renting ...

How to Maximise Your Rental Income: Simple Strategies for Landlords

How to Maximise Your Rental Income: Simple Strategies for Landlords

Maximising your rental income involves more than just setting the right rent price. While competitive pricing is key, there are other strategies landlords can implement to boost th...

The Importance of Tenant Screening: How to Choose the Right Tenant

The Importance of Tenant Screening: How to Choose the Right Tenant

Tenant screening is one of the most crucial steps in the property rental process. Renting to the wrong tenant can lead to financial loss, property damage, and other problems. Here’...

The Pros and Cons of Furnishing Your Rental Property

The Pros and Cons of Furnishing Your Rental Property

When deciding whether to furnish your rental property, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. While furnishing can make your property stand out and potentially a...

Understanding Rent Controls: What Landlords Need to Know

Understanding Rent Controls: What Landlords Need to Know

Rent control laws are a crucial consideration for landlords, particularly in areas where demand for rental properties is high. These laws are designed to protect tenants from exces...

The Tenant’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Rental Property

The Tenant’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Rental Property

Finding the perfect rental property can be overwhelming, especially in competitive markets. Whether you’re a first-time renter or someone looking for a new place, it’s important to...

How to Set the Right Rent Price: Tips for Landlords and Agents

How to Set the Right Rent Price: Tips for Landlords and Agents

Setting the right rent price for your property is essential for attracting the right tenants and ensuring a steady stream of rental income. If the rent is too high, you may struggl...

The Legalities of Renting: Key Laws Every Landlord Should Know

The Legalities of Renting: Key Laws Every Landlord Should Know

Renting out a property is subject to a variety of laws and regulations designed to protect both landlords and tenants. It’s essential for landlords to understand their legal respon...

How to Handle Tenant Disputes: Effective Communication Strategies

How to Handle Tenant Disputes: Effective Communication Strategies

Disputes between landlords and tenants are inevitable at times, but how you handle these situations can make a big difference in maintaining a positive relationship and avoiding le...

The Future of the Rental Market: Trends Every Landlord Should Watch

The Future of the Rental Market: Trends Every Landlord Should Watch

The rental market is continually evolving, and it’s essential for landlords to stay on top of emerging trends. Whether it’s changing tenant preferences, evolving legislation, or ne...

Should You Offer Short-Term Lets or Long-Term Rentals?

Should You Offer Short-Term Lets or Long-Term Rentals?

When deciding whether to offer short-term lets or long-term rentals, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both options. While both types of rentals can generate in...

How to Manage Rental Property Maintenance Efficiently

How to Manage Rental Property Maintenance Efficiently

Proper property maintenance is key to ensuring your tenants are happy, your property retains its value, and your rental business remains profitable. Here’s how to manage rental pro...

The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Upgrades for Rental Properties

The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Upgrades for Rental Properties

Energy-efficient upgrades not only reduce your environmental impact but can also make your property more attractive to tenants, potentially increasing rent and reducing vacancies. ...

How to Handle Property Damage and Repairs: A Landlord’s Guide

How to Handle Property Damage and Repairs: A Landlord’s Guide

Property damage is an inevitable part of renting out a property. Whether it's minor wear and tear or more significant damage, it’s crucial for landlords to handle repairs efficient...

What’s the Right Time to Increase Rent? Tips for Landlords

Raising rent is a significant decision for landlords and can affect tenant retention and cash flow. While rent increases may be necessary to cover rising costs, it's important to a...

How to Create a Seamless Move-In and Move-Out Process for Tenants

How to Create a Seamless Move-In and Move-Out Process for Tenants

A smooth move-in and move-out process is essential to creating a positive experience for tenants and protecting your investment. Here’s how to ensure that the process is seamless f...

Why Renters Insurance Is Important for Tenants and Landlords

Why Renters Insurance Is Important for Tenants and Landlords

Renters insurance is a valuable tool for both tenants and landlords, providing protection for both parties in the event of damage, theft, or accidents. Here’s why it’s important an...

How to Navigate Rent Arrears: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants

Rent arrears can create stress for both landlords and tenants, but it’s important to address the issue promptly to avoid further complications. Here’s a guide on how to handle rent...

Selling

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First Home: Everything You Need to Know

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be overwhelming. From securing financing to choosing the right property, there’s a lot to navigate. Here’s everythi...

Selling

How to Get Your Home Ready for Sale: Expert Tips for Sellers

Preparing your home for sale is crucial to attracting buyers and achieving the best possible price. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your home ready for sale.

Selling

The Home-Buying Process Explained: From Viewing to Completion

Buying a home can feel like a complex process, but breaking it down step by step can make it easier to understand. Here’s a detailed explanation of the process, from your first vie...

How to Set the Right Asking Price: Tips for Sellers
Selling

How to Set the Right Asking Price: Tips for Sellers

Setting the right asking price is critical when selling your home. Price it too high, and you risk scaring away potential buyers; price it too low, and you may not maximize your re...

Selling

Understanding the Role of an Estate Agent in the Home Buying Process

An estate agent plays a crucial role in the home buying process, guiding you from the initial search to the final closing. Here’s an overview of how an estate agent can assist you ...

Selling

What to Look for When Viewing a Property: A Buyer’s Checklist

When you’re viewing a property, it’s important to assess the condition of the house thoroughly. Don’t get caught up in first impressions; take a systematic approach to ensure you’r...

Selling

How to Navigate the Property Market: Market Trends and Insights

The property market can be volatile, but understanding the key trends and insights can help you make informed decisions, whether you’re buying or selling. Here’s a guide on how to ...

Selling

First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes to Avoid

For many, buying a home is the biggest financial commitment they will ever make. To ensure you make the right decision, avoid these common first-time homebuyer mistakes:

Selling

How to Make Your Offer Stand Out in a Competitive Market

In a competitive property market, it’s essential to make your offer stand out to the seller. Here are some tips to increase your chances of securing your dream home:

Selling

What to Expect During a Property Valuation: A Step-by-Step Guide

A property valuation is a critical part of the home-buying process. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding what to expect during a valuation can help you make informed dec...

Selling

How to Choose the Right Mortgage for Your New Home

Choosing the right mortgage is essential for managing your finances and ensuring a smooth home-buying process. Here’s how to choose the best mortgage for your needs:

Selling

The Best Time to Sell Your Home: Is Spring Really the Ideal Season?

Deciding when to sell your home is as important as deciding how much to sell it for. While there’s no universally "perfect" time to sell, certain seasons can have a significant imp...

Selling

How to Sell a Property Quickly: Effective Marketing Tips for Sellers

If you need to sell your property quickly, a targeted marketing strategy can make all the difference. Here’s how to create an effective marketing plan to ensure a fast sale.

The Importance of Curb Appeal When Selling Your Home
Selling

The Importance of Curb Appeal When Selling Your Home

Curb appeal is the first impression buyers get when they approach your home. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an inviting and welcoming environment that entices ...

5 ways to grow your Self Employed Estate Agency
Selling · Buying · Help

5 ways to grow your Self Employed Estate Agency

Here are 5 ways to grow your Self Employed Estate Agency, whether it’s gaining your 1st instruction or 100th, I think to be successful you need to be doing all of these not just on...

How Local SEO & Google My Business Can Help Estate Agents Grow Their Brand Locally
Selling · Buying · Help

How Local SEO & Google My Business Can Help Estate Agents Grow Their Brand Locally

In today’s digital age, having an online presence is crucial for any business, especially for estate agents. Homebuyers and sellers often start their property search online, making...

The Power of Sponsoring Local Events & Community Involvement for Estate Agents
Selling · Buying · Help

The Power of Sponsoring Local Events & Community Involvement for Estate Agents

In the competitive world of real estate, building trust and strong connections with local buyers and sellers is key to long-term success. One of the most effective ways to achieve ...

Building Trust and Growing Your Estate Agency with Positive Reviews
Selling · Buying · Help

Building Trust and Growing Your Estate Agency with Positive Reviews

In the competitive landscape of the UK property market, trust is one of the most important factors influencing potential clients' decision to work with an estate agency. With most ...

How Networking with Local Businesses & Influencers Can Boost Your Estate Agency Business
Selling · Buying · Help

How Networking with Local Businesses & Influencers Can Boost Your Estate Agency Business

For an estate agency in the UK, creating a strong local network is key to generating new leads, increasing brand recognition, and building long-term relationships with clients. Whi...

Hosting Webinars & In-Person Seminars: A Powerful Way to Build Your Estate Agency’s Local Reputation
Selling · Buying · Help

Hosting Webinars & In-Person Seminars: A Powerful Way to Build Your Estate Agency’s Local Reputation

In the competitive world of UK estate agencies, staying ahead of the curve requires more than just effective property listings and excellent customer service. One of the most impac...

How Targeted Local Social Media Advertising Can Boost Your Estate Agency Business
Selling · Buying · Help

How Targeted Local Social Media Advertising Can Boost Your Estate Agency Business

In the ever-competitive UK property market, estate agents must stand out in their local area to attract potential buyers, sellers, and investors. One of the most effective ways to ...

How Video Tours Can Help Estate Agents Win New Business and Sell Properties
Selling · Buying · Help

How Video Tours Can Help Estate Agents Win New Business and Sell Properties

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the real estate market is evolving rapidly. Traditional methods of property marketing, such as photos and open house visits, are still essentia...

A Spot light on Wandsworth, London
Area Guides

A Spot light on Wandsworth, London

Wandsworth is a vibrant and diverse borough in London with many appealing features. While opinions on the best aspects of living in Wandsworth can vary from person to person, here...

The Real Cost of Selling and Moving Home in England
Buying · Help

The Real Cost of Selling and Moving Home in England

If you're thinking about selling your home and moving to a new property in England, it’s important to be aware of the full range of costs involved. While the sale price of your cur...

Moving Day: Make your new place feel like home from day one
Buying · Help

Moving Day: Make your new place feel like home from day one

We all know how stressful moving house can be. The emotional rollercoaster of your offer and will they / won't they accept it, followed by whether the sale will go through, not to...

How to boost your home's kerb appeal
Selling

How to boost your home's kerb appeal

Did you know that an attractive house exterior can add up to 10% to a property’s value?

Spring into Action:  The Benefits of Selling Your Home in Spring
Selling

Spring into Action: The Benefits of Selling Your Home in Spring

Spring is a popular time to sell a property in the UK, not least because of warmer weather, longer days and blooming gardens. But there are also several other factors that make s...

How can I get the best return on my rental property?
Help

How can I get the best return on my rental property?

If you want to max out the return you can get on your property, there are still things you can do to add more value to your rental and hold on to your tenants for longer.

Landlord's Checklist: 9 questions you should be asking prospective tenants
Help

Landlord's Checklist: 9 questions you should be asking prospective tenants

Whether you’re fresh out of the block, or you’ve been in the business for donkey's years, every landlord wants to find the best possible tenants for their rental property. When pro...

Landlords, here's what tenants want from a rental property...
Help

Landlords, here's what tenants want from a rental property...

The rental market is growing in the UK, and with it comes the need to keep up with the competition. Landlords now need to be acutely aware of not only getting the basics right, but...

What documents do you need to sell your home?
Selling · Help

What documents do you need to sell your home?

Selling a home requires a certain level of admin that can leave you groaning at the mere thought of it all. So here’s a handy little checklist of all the documents you will need w...

Pricing your home when you're getting ready to sell your home.
Selling

Pricing your home when you're getting ready to sell your home.

When you sell your house, one of your first jobs – and actually one of the most daunting ones - is to set an asking price for your home. We know this can be a tough call, and so Ag...

Setting the Stage for a Successful Sale
Selling · Help

Setting the Stage for a Successful Sale

So, you’ve taken the leap to sell your home and you’re ready to move to pastures new, but is your home ready for its time in the spotlight? Take a look at our top home-staging tips...

10 Essential Questions to Ask When Viewing a Property
Buying · Help

10 Essential Questions to Ask When Viewing a Property

The old saying goes 'by failing to prepare you are preparing to fail' so be sure to show up to your property viewing armed with a list of questions about your potential new home so...

How to answer the most popular questions during a viewing of your home
Selling

How to answer the most popular questions during a viewing of your home

The stage is set, your house is looking immaculate, and you’ve got a line of potential buyers at your door ready to view their next home. The only thing between you and a swift sal...

Top Tips for First-Time Sellers
Selling · Help

Top Tips for First-Time Sellers

At Agreed we provide you the tools you need to sell your home with our self-service property platform, saving you thousands in estate agency fees in the process. But we know that f...

Helpful hacks to make moving house as stress-free as possible
Selling

Helpful hacks to make moving house as stress-free as possible

Moving house is never going to be totally stress free, but the Agreed team have put together some of their most trusty tips for making sure that your house move is as smooth and su...

Top Tips For Selling Your Home When You Have Pets
Selling

Top Tips For Selling Your Home When You Have Pets

Getting your home ready to sell is a big job, but having pets needn’t make that job any harder – you've just got to know how to get your home ready for viewing so that your pets do...

A spotlight on Prestwich
Area Guides

A spotlight on Prestwich

Want to get the best out of living in Manchester but with a slightly more ‘village-y’ vibe? Prestwich, the second in our Manchester Agreed Hotspots Series, is an ideal location for...

A Spotlight on Manchester's Northern Quarter
Area Guides

A Spotlight on Manchester's Northern Quarter

In the first of our Manchester series of Agreed Hotspots, we’re taking a look at Manchester's very own creative capital, the Northern Quarter. If you love a hipster vibe, the colou...

A spotlight on Manchester
Area Guides

A spotlight on Manchester

An ode to Manchester. Whether you’re a Red or a Blue, you’re on Liam’s side or Noel’s, no matter the side of the fence you sit on, there’s no argument that Manchester is brimmin...

U is for Under Offer
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

U is for Under Offer

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

A Spotlight on Bearwood
Area Guides

A Spotlight on Bearwood

Our final stop in the Agreed hot spots series of Birmingham is Bearwood, one of Birmingham's greenest suburbs, and reasonably priced at around £205k for a property here. ⠀

A spotlight on Brindleyplace, Birmingham UK.
Area Guides

A spotlight on Brindleyplace, Birmingham UK.

Brindleyplace, the latest place in our Agreed hot spots series, is a mecca for young professionals, who are drawn to its central location, where both work and social life are on yo...

T is for Title Deeds
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

T is for Title Deeds

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

How to sell your home visually
Selling

How to sell your home visually

Photos: the number one weapon in your arsenal of property marketing tools. Buyers make up their minds about a property in seconds so make that first impression count. Plus good pho...

A Spotlight on Edgbaston, Birmingham
Area Guides

A Spotlight on Edgbaston, Birmingham

Welcome to the next instalment of Habitats hot spots, where we'll be taking a look at the popular Birmingham suburb of Edgbaston.

S is for Stamp Duty
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

S is for Stamp Duty

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

A Spotlight on the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham
Area Guides

A Spotlight on the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham

Another central Birmingham location in our Agreed hot spots series is the Jewellery Quarter.

A Spotlight on Sutton Coldfield
Area Guides

A Spotlight on Sutton Coldfield

Welcome to Sutton Coldfield! Featuring next in our Agreed hot spots series, this Royal Town is a haven for house hunters, and is one of our most expensive Birmingham suburbs at alm...

R is for Re-mortgage
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

R is for Re-mortgage

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

A spotlight on Digbeth
Area Guides

A spotlight on Digbeth

This week in the Agreed Hot Spots series we look at the creative and uber-trendy Digbeth.

Tips & tricks to get your offer accepted
Selling

Tips & tricks to get your offer accepted

Property portal Zoopla has warned that the UK is facing the worst shortage in fresh property listings since 2015. Although buyer demand is stronger than ever, stock levels are down...

A spotlight on Birmingham
Area Guides

A spotlight on Birmingham

Ah, Birmingham – birthplace of Ozzy Osbourne, home of Cadbury World, the youngest city (by population age) in Europe, with more canals than Venice (it’s true), and more recently ma...

P is for Preliminary Enquiries
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

P is for Preliminary Enquiries

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

Let the Light In
Selling

Let the Light In

We don't always get as much of it as we'd like here in the UK so we say make the most of what we do get! There are some incredible benefits to maximising the natural light in your ...

A spotlight on Shrewsbury
Area Guides

A spotlight on Shrewsbury

At #14 in the Rightmove UK Happy at Home Index for 2020, Shrewsbury is known for its vibrant town centre and proximity to the Shropshire countryside.

O is for Open Market Valuation
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

O is for Open Market Valuation

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

A spotlight on Stratford-Upon-Avon
Area Guides

A spotlight on Stratford-Upon-Avon

Ranked #7 of 20 in the Rightmove UK 'Happy at Home Index' for 2020, Stratford-Upon-Avon is a major tourist destination thanks to it being the birthplace of the world’s most famous ...

N is for NHBC Certificate
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

N is for NHBC Certificate

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

M is for Maisonette
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

M is for Maisonette

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

L is for Leasehold
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

L is for Leasehold

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

A spotlight on Royal Leamington Spa
Area Guides

A spotlight on Royal Leamington Spa

Happy Places! A spotlight on Royal Leamington Spa. Ranked #3 of 20 in the Rightmove UK Happy at Home Index for 2020, Royal Leamington Spa is the jewel in the crown of the West Mid...

I is for Interest Only Mortgage
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

I is for Interest Only Mortgage

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

H is for Home Buyers Report
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

H is for Home Buyers Report

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

G is for Gazundering
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

G is for Gazundering

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

F is for Fixtures & Fittings
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

F is for Fixtures & Fittings

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

E is for EPC
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

E is for EPC

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

D is for Disbursements
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

D is for Disbursements

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

C is for Covenants
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

C is for Covenants

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

B is for Building Survey
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

B is for Building Survey

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

A is for "Additional Enquiries"
Selling · Buying · Help · Glossary

A is for "Additional Enquiries"

We're on a mission to demystify the world of buying and selling property! Whether you're a first-time buyer or a serial home-mover, our A-Z glossary of property-related terms has b...

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