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Written by Stuart Penny

Category: Local Events

Published: 07 April 2021

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Meet the London homeowners who became village tenants, who want a taste of rural life with the option to move back

The pandemic has inspired some collective soul searching about how – and where – we live. In the last year, estate agents have reported a frenzy of buying in rural areas, while prices have been pushed up by soaring demand. But what about those who, faced with lockdowns, were not prepared to make a totally clean break?

Clare Edmondson and Brochan Watts quit the capital for the country – but kept themselves an escape route just in case it didn’t work out, by becoming “double renters”. Rather than selling their London flat, and cutting themselves off from a return to their old lives, they have rented it out and are using the proceeds to rent themselves a much larger barn conversion in the Cotswolds countryside.

“It all started right at the beginning of lockdown,” said Ms Edmondson, a TV presenter and yoga instructor. “I love London, and although we had been talking a little bit about moving – because eventually we would not want to be living in a one-bedroom flat in Stockwell – for me it was something in the distance. I was not quite ready to go. But the pandemic kind of made the decision for us.”

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Written by Stuart Penny

Category: Local Events

Published: 07 April 2021

Hits: 1692

During the pandemic Marylebone saw a spike in sales of luxurious apartments in the £5m+ bracket - so what's its secret?

It’s eight years since the opening of a certain hotel and restaurant turned Marylebone into globallyfamous hot property overnight. Andre Balazs’s Chiltern Firehouse instantly drew A-listers like moths to a flame.

And having Chiltern in your name became a lucky charm for luxury developments such as The Chilterns and Chiltern Place, who have found a fanbase among wealthy North London downsizers seeking new lateral luxury and “the concierge experience”, says Martin Bikhit, Managing Director of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kay & Co.

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Written by Stuart Penny

Category: Local Events

Published: 29 March 2021

Hits: 1969

Moving across the globe demands quite a significant engagement. To successfully relocate internationally, you need to do a lot of research and prepare as thoroughly as possible. Your skills for planning and organizing need to be excellent. There's a lot of time and money that you'll need to invest as well. One of the more critical parts is knowing what all the documents you'll need for international relocation are. Once you've gone through them and collected everything necessary, a huge weight will be lifted off your shoulders.

Hire a moving company right away

An important thing to mention is that you should hire a moving company before doing anything else related to the move. Don't wait until you've decided on the other essential things, chosen a budget, or made an inventory. It is because once you hire moving services, you'll be able to ask them whatever it is that you're unsure about. If you're still wondering about which documents you'll need to gather for an international relocation, you can consult with your movers. They're very likely to know this stuff since they've gone through the process so many times. If nothing else, they'll have someone to consult with.

Let's go over some documents you'll need for international relocation

You'd be surprised at just how many documents you'll have to collect for your international relocation. For example, moving from the States to the UK implies moving to a different continent, and obtaining a visa is a must. And that is a process in itself. So, if you wish to leave the US and settle down worry-free in the UK, you'll need to do much more than generically think of a few main documents. And even though we've compiled a list of most of the documentation you should take with you, always double-check the information. There are different rules for different countries, and you need to consider your personal case.

A visa

If one of the documents that you'll need for the upcoming international relocation is a visa, time is of the essence. Apply as early as possible. The process is pretty lengthy, and it can get a bit complicated. Check the statistics for the specific country you're applying for. Make sure to consider the fee, as well as all the documents that you'll need to send to get the visa. Contact the local consulate for any information you might wonder about. If you wish to speed up the process, try to apply straight to the issuing office.

If one of the documents you'll need to have for your international relocation is a visa, so better get to it sooner rather than later.

A person showing another where to sign the paperwork needed for obtaining a visa.

A working permit

If you already have a job waiting for you, you'll be sorry to find out that this doesn't automatically mean you'll get a working permit. To be able to get any sort of a visa, you have to make a formal application. Although there's a bunch of paperwork involved in this document, you'll need it for your international relocation. There's also plenty of documents you'll have to submit to get the permit, so make sure that you're familiar with these rules.

A paper trail

In order to get the visa and your work permit, you need to be organized. This is true for obtaining any document you'll need for international relocation. Make sure to keep a paper trail. Keep it even after you've moved. You never know what may come up.

A passport

If you've ever been abroad, you're surely aware that this is one of the essential documents you'll need for international relocation. If you've never done so, make sure to get an official, government-issued passport. Obtaining a passport is yet another lengthy process, so make sure to do so as early as you can. It's the most important thing you'll bring with you so be careful not to misplace or forget it.

Getting a passport isn't a piece of cake. Take the process seriously to make sure that you'll get it on time.

A passport, one of the documents you'll need for international relocation.

Personal documentation

• A birth certificate
• Medical records
• School records
• Tax records

These and possibly many more are personal documents you'll come to need for international relocation. It would be best if you checked what it is that your future country, as well as your prospective employer, will ask for.

Social security cards

Don't forget to take your social security cards if you're moving from the US. You should also be extra careful to keep them safe and hidden since they contain the nine-digit number issued by the US government. 

Travel documents for your pet/s

If you're taking your pets on this journey, make sure that you have all the documents you'll need for them. They should have their certificate of health, whatever that may be in your country.

If you're bringing your pets along, make sure to gather their documentation for international relocation as well.

A pet in an airport waiting to be let through and travel with their owner.

Some less obvious documents

Although these documents are less obvious, you'll still need them for your international move, and they are important.

• Your dental records
• Driver's license
• Adoption papers
• Wills
• Divorce/child custody papers
• Pet vaccination records
• A marriage certificate

Make sure to look at your own individual case

Whichever documents you end up needing for an international relocation, take every piece of information with a grain of salt. For any dilemmas you might face, make sure to contact professionals. No question is dumb or unnecessary.

Consider all the other documents you'll need to cover

There are also plenty of documents and different forms you'll need to fill out that are seemingly separate from the relocation. However, you should take them into consideration as well. This way, you'll manage to get more done, and you won't have to deal with it later. These documents can be anything from mortgage-related forms to changing the address to your new home. Start resolving these obligations sooner rather than later.

Think about getting a lawyer

Although most of the documents you'll need for international relocation are quite clear and you won't have much trouble understanding them, it's better to be safe than sorry. In case you're unsure about what something means, or if some details apply to you or not, you should contact professionals. Having an experienced lawyer by your side could only be beneficial.

Hopefully we have managed to answer some of your questions and resolve a few dilemmas. But if you would like to get more information or need some assistance on relocation, chat with our experts here.

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Written by Stuart Penny

Category: Local Events

Published: 22 March 2021

Hits: 1855

You’ve decided it’s time to sell your property and move on.  While the idea of a new move is exciting, it can be hard to leave behind all the emotions and memories you associate with your current home.

That’s the reason why many of us find it challenging to put an accurate value on our homes. Unfortunately, this can result in an overpriced property that lingers on the market for months. 

So what tips can you follow to get the price right?

1. How are similar properties priced?

Start by looking at the prices of similar properties in your local area.  A good estate agent will base the valuation on matching properties that have recently sold and identify comparable properties currently on the market.

However, you should also be aware of how long similar properties have been on the market for, as that could be an indication that they are overpriced.

If the price of your property is pitched just right, you could receive an offer before your competitors...

2. Forget how much you’ve spent on your home

When you’ve spent a considerable amount on improving your home, it’s tempting to go for a price that promises to repay that investment.  If your home has gained in value over the years you have lived there, you could get back the money you invested when you sell. 

But trying to compensate for those refurbishment costs when your property’s value hasn’t increased could push the price above market value.

3. Why should I accept less when a rival property is priced higher?

It’s frustrating when you see a property on the market that looks exactly like yours with a higher price tag. If this happens, simply ask your estate agent why the rival property has received a higher valuation. 

It may be that the house is in better condition than yours, has been extended or is just in a slightly more popular location.  It could also be that the rival property is actually overpriced for current market conditions.

At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kay & Co, we appreciate that Property valuations in London can be confusing: prices can vary significantly from one end of a street to another or even within the same apartment block. Overpriced houses are much more difficult to sell.

That’s why professional valuation is essential when you are looking to sell your home.

With almost 40 years of experience as estate agents in London, we would be happy to help you achieve the best sale price for your property.  Why not start by booking an instant online valuation?

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Written by Stuart Penny

Category: Local Events

Published: 21 March 2021

Hits: 1869

Among the many housing market predictions made at the start of 2021, several forecasts have been linked to changing rental trends.

Due to pandemic restrictions, tenants living in central London have spent a lot of time at home over the past twelve months, and that has allowed them to re-evaluate what they want from their living spaces. 

New research has revealed tenants’ Top 10 ‘must haves’ for the properties they rent, and the results are surprising.

Whether you want to attract tenants to an existing rental property or you are searching for your next buy-to-let investment, these timely landlord tips make essential reading.

Green dreams

 At the very top of tenants' desirable features list is a garden, with a balcony taking fourth place. "Rural" takes the ninth spot in the most desirable features list; however, the rural dream is not for everyone.

Most Londoners would be content with an excellent local park, particularly one that offers sports facilities.  If you are buying to let, look for a property with a private outdoor space or a communal amenity such as a landscaped garden or roof terrace.

Broadband benefits

Landlords looking to expand their rental portfolio should consider the local broadband speed; fast broadband is an essential feature for many potential tenants. Two-fifths of renters surveyed wouldn’t consider homes with slow speeds, while 50% would avoid a location where fast broadband speeds were not available. 

Fortunately, prime London areas score exceptionally well in the broadband provision, with an average speed of 40 MBPS (figures supplied by Dataloft).

Parking potential

We have largely abandoned public transport during the pandemic, so perhaps that’s why ‘Garage’ and ‘Parking’ appear on our renters’ Top Ten list at numbers two and three, respectively.

An apartment in a property development where parking is provided would be a good BTL investment.

Pet permission

‘Pets’ are number five on our renters’ wishlist.  It’s a timely request, as the government has recently changed its Standard Tenancy Agreement, making it the default position for landlords to allow pets in rental properties.

This recommendation hasn’t yet become law, but permitting tenants to keep a well-behaved pet could encourage them to stay for longer.

By coincidence, ‘Flooring’ follows ‘Pets’ as number six on the list.  Eliminating carpets in favour of hard flooring could be a wise move if you have tenants with pets, but don’t forget to check your property’s lease, as it may insist that carpets are laid to maximise soundproofing.

Desirable features

"Bills included", "Ensuite", and "Studio" take 7th, 8th and 10th place on tenants' most desirable features list. Ensuite bedrooms are now a must-have for most renters. 

The interest in studios (which are generally less expensive) and rental deals where utility bills are included suggest that the pandemic has made some Londoners ultra-cautious about their expenditure. Rentals offering "bills included" may help attract responsible tenants who are aware of the need to budget carefully.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kay & Co are letting agents in London who specialise in the luxury property market. We also offer an award-winning block management service.

Currently, we have several ideal applicants seeking properties to rent in London, so if you’re a landlord in need of help or advice, don’t hesitate to call us.

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Written by Stuart Penny

Category: Local Events

Published: 26 February 2021

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Reports claim the Chancellor is planning a boost for the property market in his upcoming Budget.

It’s being reported that Chancellor Sunak is about to extend the stamp duty holiday until the end of June, following months of pressure from the property industry.

The Times has “been told” that the forthcoming Budget on March 3rd will confirm an extension of three months, “bringing it into line with the easing of lockdown restrictions”.

The tax break, which applies to sales up to £500k, is officially due to come to an end on 31st March; much noise has made about the dangers of a “cliff-edge” piling pressure on the conveyancing system and resulting in thousands of deals falling out of bed.

Consumer data firm TwentyCi calculates that 193,198 sales would benefit from the extension, the estimated cost of which is put at £1bn.

Rightmove estimates higher – an additional 300,000 benefitting, saving buyers a combined £1.75 billion. The portal suggests that around 628,000 sales are currently in the legal process across Great Britain, including those that were agreed last year and those that have been agreed so far this year. It predicts that 100,000 buyers who agreed a purchase last year stand to lose out unless the deadline is extended.

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