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Knightsbridge Estate Agents

Our Blog

Here at Knightsbridge Estate Agents, we are passionate about all things property. Our blog is a space where we share valuable insights, expert tips, and the latest property buying, selling, and investing trends.

 

As experienced estate agents, we understand that navigating the property market can be exciting and overwhelming. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or a homeowner looking to sell, our blog is designed to be your trusted resource throughout your property journey.

If your dreams of buying a new home rely on the sale of your existing property, then there’s one fundamental question you need to answer. Are you going to look for a new home first and then list your property – or do things the other way around? While both

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Buying your first Leicester home? The term “chain-free” might sound like estate agent jargon, but it’s a game-changer for some Leicester buyers and sellers. Let’s unpack why chain-free homes are important and how you can benefit from this hassle-free option. Stress-Be-Gone: The Advantage of No Property Chains Home-buying is often

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The government has re-evaluated its stance on several eco-centric regulations, introducing essential modifications of interest to buy-to-let Leicester landlords: It was planned that all landlords would be forced to upgrade their buy-to-let properties to a ‘C’ grade on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which could cost many tens of thousands

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If you’re fortunate enough to be in a financial position where you can rent out your home instead of selling it, should you take the leap?  After all, if you don’t need to sell to fund your next move, renting your property is an option worth exploring. Here, we explore

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Want to fast-track your property sale by getting your marketing just right? Then spend some time thinking about the type of buyer most likely to fall in love with your home, and ensure you target them. Once you’ve identified the type (or types) of buyers looking for a property like

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A new ‘How to Rent’ guide is set to be released by the government next month. This comes just seven months after it was last updated in March, to reflect legal changes, including the requirement for carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted in every room with a fixed fuel-burning appliance.

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Looking for a way to save cash, be kind to the environment and help a good cause? Then roll up your sleeves and go hunting for a second-hand bargain. As this month is Second-Hand September*, now’s the time to up your game when shopping for ‘pre-loved’ clothes, shoes, furniture and

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If you’re a first-time landlord about to rent out a property, or an established landlord looking to purchase a new investment, one of the main questions you’ll have is how much rent you can charge per month.  Of course, you can (and should) take the advice of your agent, but

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When it comes to preparing for a property sale, most sellers focus on the early stage of the process: sprucing up their home and choosing an agent to manage the marketing. But there’s another element to nailing a successful property deal that gets less attention but is just as critical:

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Everyone needs a little bit of joy. And these days, finding joy has become a big business. There are gratitude journals, exercise programmes, spiritual practices and much, much more to help you achieve happiness, but what about finding joy in your surroundings?  Your home environment is essential to your happiness

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You’ve seen the perfect home of your dreams that you want to buy, but you still need to put yours on the market. Juggling a home purchase while selling your existing property in Leicester can feel like walking a tightrope.  But don’t sweat; we’ve got a roadmap to ensure you

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As a landlord, you’ve probably experienced that feeling of dread when your tenant’s name flashes up on your phone, reporting a problem.  Or how about the horror of receiving the news that you’re going to have to pay for urgent (and expensive) repairs?  If either of these situations sound familiar,

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Buying a property with a partner can be an exciting next step in a relationship. Swapping paying rent or living with family for cosy nights with your beloved in your own home can be a blissful prospect. But before you arrange a series of viewings in a giddy rush of

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Whether you’re an established landlord or a first-time investor, you’ll probably be thinking about what to buy: a ready-to-go rental or a doer-upper. Which one should you pick?  Currently, lots of changes are being made around rental rules, and reports claim that many landlords are selling up. However, there are

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Unless you’re one of those super-organised types who spend the year secretly buying stocking fillers and stashing them under your bed, Christmas is probably the last thing on your mind right now. And why should it be? It’s summer, the schools are shut (for a few more days at least),

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No matter what your child’s age, the first day back at school can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s their first day in Reception, the start of a major exam year or just back into the daily grind of lessons, lunchtimes, and the school routine – it can feel like a lot. 

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Is your inbox clogged with emails that you never find time to read? Does scrolling through social media leave you fizzing with rage or grappling with imposter syndrome? Or are you bombarded by the relentless ping of WhatsApp notifications, news updates and promo offers from fast-food delivery firms? If the

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As a landlord, one of your main goals is to make sure your property is tenanted. As soon as the old tenants decide they’re moving on, it’s time to find new renters to move in.  But while you’ll be keen for a quick turnaround, it’s also important that things are

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Let’s be honest, we’ve all been a nosy neighbour at some point, haven’t we? A ‘for sale’ sign goes up on a property in your street, and within minutes you’re online to find out what it’s on the market for. Soon enough, you’re marvelling or shuddering at your neighbour’s taste

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If you have a Leicester home and are considering the idea of ‘mortgage holidays’ but are unsure about their specifics, this article is for you. A mortgage holiday, also called a payment break, grants you a temporary respite from your mortgage payments. An invaluable option during financial challenges or unforeseen

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As it’s World Photography Day today, we look at how the camera and its role in society have changed over the past 200 years. Brits do it five times a day, while Americans manage it 20 times a day.* Yes, taking a photograph has become second nature for many of

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Renting a property with a friend or acquaintance? Never lived with anyone before? We’ve got you covered with some top tips to help manage your new living situation. These days, renting isn’t cheap and whether you’re a student or professional, those monthly payments can feel like a stretch. So, if

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Are you yearning for extra space within your Leicester home?  Look no further than garage conversions – an intelligent choice for amplifying your living area and boosting property value. As leading estate agents in Leicester, we’re here to guide you through the transformative process, offering valuable insights that could sway

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It’s often said that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but then (confusingly), it’s also said that first impressions count… Why are all these clichés so important? Well, when marketing a property, it’s a bit of both: how a property looks will catch a buyer’s eye before they

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If you’re selling a property, you’ve got a big decision to make. Which estate agent do you pick? Should you go with an independent local agency or choose a big-name brand?  Should you use an agent based on the local high street or choose a cheaper online option?  Before you

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British summers are hit and miss. On the days you want sun, you get cloudy skies and showers; on the days you’re rushing around doing a million things, you get a mini heatwave. But while we humans can (and should) protect ourselves from the sun, what about our loyal pets? 

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Type ‘tenancy agreement’ into Google and you’ll get thousands of results offering free online templates and guides to writing your own rental contract. So why bother using a letting agent to sort out the tenancy agreement if you can do it yourself? What could possibly go wrong? Well, quite a

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Buying a new home is a big step that comes with lots of considerations. Finding the right property in a good location at a price you’re willing to pay isn’t always easy and can take time. But when you finally move into your new place to start the next chapter

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Interest rates have risen to 5.25% following a 0.25% increase announced by the Bank of England.  This is the 14th consecutive rise and marks the highest interest rates in 15 years.  The reason behind these rate hikes is to combat high levels of inflation. The government has set a target

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Close your eyes and picture your dream home. What do you see? A home that’s light, spacious and orderly? Or one that’s chaotic and cluttered with objects piled high and shoes and clothes strewn on the floor (along with bits of Lego that you inevitably tread on). The first scenario

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As a landlord, as well as managing the finances, the property and any repairs or maintenance, you also have to remember to look after your tenants. Whilst nine times out of ten you’ll never have to deal with anything too difficult, sometimes relationships can be testing. So, what’s the best

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The number of downsizers active in the housing market has skyrocketed in recent months*, and is it any wonder? With steep hikes in energy bills, interest rates and inflation, many people feeling the squeeze are rethinking how – and where – they want to live. Downsizers are often stereotyped as

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Not since 2008, when Katy Perry stormed the music charts and Gavin and Stacey ruled the small screen, have interest rates been as high as they are today As a result, many mortgage holders are looking for ways to trim their outgoings to ease the financial burden. Homeowners are putting

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Every year, the Bank of Mum and Dad comes to the rescue by helping tens of thousands of first-time buyers get on the housing ladder. Last year alone, 46% of first-time buyers received financial help from their parents to purchase a property, with £8.8 billion changing hands (source: Savills). But

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How can you spot a top letting agent from a master of mediocrity? Read on to find out. Landlords use letting agents for all sorts of reasons. Some need help navigating red tape and lettings legislation, while others want a third party to deal with inspections, inventories and disputes. And

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Forget Scandi style or minimalist chic, the interiors trend of the moment is wabi-sabi – an approach to design that’s gentler on the environment and the bank balance. So, what is this concept with the weird rhyming name all about, and could it work for you? Wabi-sabi has been popular

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In the heart of summer, amidst the vibrant greenery of Victoria Park in Leicester, our colleague Lara embarked on a journey of determination, courage, and hope as she participated in the Race for Life—an inspiring event dedicated to raising funds for cancer research. With each step she took and every

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If you’re thinking about buying your first home, congratulations! You’re about to experience a huge life moment and finally have somewhere to call your own. The first-time buyer journey is exciting, scary, overwhelming… it’s basically all the emotions. So, what can you expect? In this quick read, we take you

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At last summer is here, so what are your plans? Have you booked an exciting getaway in an exotic location? Or is the aim to kick back and relax on home turf? Whatever you’ve lined up, it’s worth taking note of the common concerns that can crop up in rented

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If you’re selling a property, you have a big decision. Which estate agent do you pick? Should you go with an independent local agency or choose a big-name brand?  Should you use an agent based on the local high street or choose a cheaper online option?  Before you decide, getting

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Knightsbridge Estate Agents had the privilege of being a sweet stall at the LOROS Hospice Twilight Walk—an event that brought together the community in support of a cause close to our hearts. With an array of delicious treats and a spirit of generosity, we joined hands with fellow participants to

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If you’ve got wonky shelves or pictures that you keep meaning to put up but haven’t got around to doing, are your DIY skills holding you back? Can’t tell a drill bit from a screwdriver head? We feel your pain. Knowing how to do basic DIY is a huge help,

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Before selling your home, you might be thinking about ways to add value or unlock potential so buyers can get a feel for living there themselves. But renovations are costly and may not pay off. So, what can you do to change without spending too much?  Whilst it’s always a

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Problems in the home are a nuisance. Like when you’ve got a leaky tap and the drip drip drip drives you to distraction, or when your fridge packs up, and food goes to waste. When things go wrong, it’s understandable you want them fixed ASAP. But what if you’re a

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Are there hidden hazards in your garden that could make your pooch ill and leave you with costly vet bills? Here’s a guide to keeping your garden safe and secure for your dog. Fencing  The last thing you want is for your hound to escape onto the street and get

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As a landlord, it’s important to build a good relationship with tenants. You want them to feel comfortable in their new home and to care for it, pay rent on time and generally have a successful tenancy period. But what makes a good relationship?  Unless you’re renting a property out

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Come on, we’ve all done it. Switched onto a property programme and fallen into the daydream of building our very own house. A walk-in wardrobe, a home cinema, a room just for shoes… sounds great, doesn’t it? But what’s the reality of a self-build project?    On the one hand, building

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Today’s increase in Bank of England rates has sent ripples of concern among Leicester homeowners, particularly those with impending remortgages or seeking new deals.  The decision by the Bank to raise rates by 0.5% has sparked discussions about the potential consequences and the steps Leicester homeowners should consider taking. For

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If you’re a landlord about to settle a new tenant into a property, there’s one phrase that should be your guiding mantra: “Start as you mean to go on”. Because what you do in the early stages of a tenancy will help define what unfolds over the next weeks, months

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Evaluate Your Current Needs: Take stock of your lifestyle and assess how your requirements have changed since your children left the nest. Consider factors like space, maintenance, and accessibility that will shape your ideal downsized Leicester home. Financial Planning: Downsizing can be a great opportunity to free up equity and

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Picture this: After a long and exhausting property search you finally find the home that’s just right for you. But then the estate agent mentions that it’s a ‘probate property’ and you’re left scratching your head. While it’s a term that you’ve heard before, you’re not entirely sure what it

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Recycling is part of our everyday lives: at home, in the workplace, at school, in cafés and restaurants. We’re all more aware than ever of the importance of recycling, but how about stepping up a gear and really trying to reduce our use of plastic?  Ask yourself this, and answer

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The pitfalls of renting are always shouted about: too expensive, dodgy landlords, broken appliances and so on and so on. But what about the positives?  With rental reforms on the horizon and changes to eviction rules in full swing, let’s explore why being a tenant is the best choice for

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Post pandemic, having outside space has taken on a whole new level of importance and can add significant value to a property. But what happens when your garden oasis threatens the chance of selling your home? Some lush green plants might look nice but could signal trouble for a house

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With summer officially starting in a few weeks, most people will have banished all thoughts of winter and the dark, damp days that go with it. But there’s a good reason why landlords should look beyond the sunny skies of the here and now to the colder months. And here’s

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First-time buyers are key drivers in the property market and could be the ideal candidate to purchase your home. So, are you doing enough to target them? They might not have the instant allure of a cash buyer, but dig a little deeper, and it quickly becomes clear that first-time

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You don’t need to be an expert gardener or have lots of space to create cheery window boxes that are the envy of all your neighbours. All it takes to create a spectacular display that gives your home instant kerb appeal is a windowsill big enough to accommodate a planter

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If you’re considering putting your Leicester home on the market, look no further than the month of June.  With longer days, warmer weather, and a sense of renewed energy in the air, June offers a prime opportunity to attract potential Leicester buyers and make a successful sale before the kids

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It’s not just birds, bees and butterflies that come out in force in summer – unfortunately, burglars step up their activity, too. With many people going away on holiday (leaving homes empty) and others opening their windows and doors when temperatures rise, burglary rates spike in summer. So, how can

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If you’re selling a property, you might think that selling to one of your nearest and dearest is the answer. After all, they know what they’re buying, you’ll save on professional fees, and the home you love will be left in good hands.  But is it really that simple? Unfortunately,

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Electric vehicles (EVs) are everywhere. They’ve been steadily growing in popularity and are now a serious consideration for anyone thinking about buying a new car. So, are you ready to go green and drive electric? It’s estimated that by 2025, the sale of electric cars will overtake that of traditional

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Garden maintenance can be a thorny issue between tenants and landlords, so here’s a useful guide to help avoid confusion. Now that spring is here, there are lots of tasks to be done in the garden, such as watering, weeding and mowing. But if the garden is part of a

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Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage your property, getting a good mortgage deal is probably top on your list of priorities.  You could lose hours scrolling through comparison sites, frantically searching for high street lenders’ deals, and trying to find your latest payslips. Or you could do

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After a four-year wait and lots of speculation, a wide-ranging plan to overhaul the rental sector was finally presented to Parliament this week. The Renters’ Reform Bill includes changes to eviction laws, the creation of a Private Rental Ombudsman to resolve disputes and measures to speed up the existing court

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It’s estimated that the average person spends 26 years of their life asleep and nearly seven years trying to get to sleep, so your bedroom needs to be somewhere you really want to spend your time.  Your bed and its surroundings should be comfortable and enticing. Think of a luxury

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Embarking on the journey of buying your first Leicester home can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be filled with costly mistakes.  With proper planning and a few precautions, you can avoid the common pitfalls that many first-time buyers encounter.  Here are six mistakes to watch out for and

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How can landlords and tenants combat condensation and mould? Read on to find out. Condensation and mould  The two are often bundled together because if you’ve got condensation, there’s a good chance it won’t be long before you’re battling mould. Condensation can be caused by warm air hitting cold surfaces

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Selling a property is a bit like a football match – it’s a game of two halves. The first half centres on finding a buyer and agreeing a deal, and the second half is about making that deal a reality. Most buyers are familiar with the wheeling and dealing that

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When you’re selling a property, getting a valuation is the first step. You need to know what a home is worth before you can plan your next move, but what if the value you’re given is completely inaccurate? If your property has been intentionally overvalued (priced more than it’s worth),

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As a landlord in 2023, it’s fair to say there are a lot of challenges on the horizon. From changes to rental rules, tax upheaval, mortgage mayhem… it’s all going on.  But the first thing to remember is your tenants and their experience of your property. It’s all too easy

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The Renters’ Reform Bill is set to be published and presented in Parliament in the coming week, according to Housing Secretary Michael Gove.  Gove stated in an interview with Sky News that the new legislation will alter the dynamics between landlords and tenant. This will provide tenants with enhanced protection

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Love them or hate them, the Royal Family know how to party. And while we might not be invited to the official celebrations, we do have a weekend dedicated to the Coronation and a day off to mark this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.  So, how will you celebrate? In this quick read,

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Switch on any property show and you’ll see a beautifully styled home with no clutter, immaculate worktops, artfully thrown cushions and shelves full of dust-free ornaments – a dream home (even if completely incompatible with a busy life).  However, beautiful home interiors aren’t just for TV. More and more property

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What’s cute, has a bushy tail and could cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to a rental property? Unfortunately, as sweet as they may seem, squirrels and their nests can be a nightmare for landlords and tenants. Once those little grey beasts make themselves at home in a property,

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Whether you’ve got a huge garden or a modest balcony, making the most of your outside space matters. Especially as the weather warms up and you can spend more time enjoying the fresh air. So, what are the big garden trends of 2023?  In this quick read, we look at

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Don’t let your beloved family pet stop you from achieving top selling price for your property. Follow these tips to ensure buyers don’t get sniffy about making an offer on your home. Given that 62% of British households have a pet*, you might assume buyers wouldn’t bat an eyelid at

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You can’t open a newspaper (or app) without seeing something about the UK rental market. Whether it’s the increase in demand for property, changes to rent rules or landlords selling up – rentals are getting a lot of attention.  And one matter that is causing a lot of controversy is

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The ancient Chinese practice of feng shui literally means ‘wind’ and ‘water’. So, is it a valuable guide for harmonious living or a load of hot air? Even if you don’t know exactly what feng shui is all about, you’ve probably heard LA celebrities and interior designers extolling the virtues of it.

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If a kitchen is the heart of a home, then the bathroom is the brains. It’s where you get a few minutes of privacy every day (unless you’ve got toddlers who like to come in with you). It’s where you do some of your deepest thinking, and it’s an area

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Success as a landlord doesn’t just centre around what you do when your property is tenanted. How you manage your rental when it’s empty is also crucial. All landlords have to contend with void periods – they’re an inevitable part of having a buy-to-let. So, it’s wise to budget for

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Just the thought of moving home can make you break out into a cold sweat. It’s a life experience that many people think of as one of the most stressful things you can do. So how can you minimise those feelings of panic?  April is Stress Awareness Month, and if

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It’s widely recognised that moving house is one of the most stressful (and annoying) life events you can experience. If you’re nearing the end of a tenancy agreement, there are a few things you can do to ensure your check-out inspection goes well and (upon moving out) you get your

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If you’re looking for ways to keep your children entertained this Easter, here are some fun activities that won’t break the bank. These child-friendly suggestions won’t blow your budget but will stave off that familiar phrase, “I’m bored!”. Organise a treasure hunt  Take the traditional Easter egg search to the

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Being a landlord is one of those jobs where there’s no middle ground. It’s either low stress with great tenants and affordable mortgage rates, or it’s the total opposite: high stress, broken appliances, tenancy challenges and ever-increasing costs.  When a property is vacant, there’s worry about how long it will

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So, you’re selling up and don’t know whether to instruct a traditional estate agent or a DIY fixed-fee agency. Let’s look at the pros and cons of both options. If moving is on your mind, the first thing you need to do is find the right estate agent. But before

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At Knightsbridge Estate Agents, we are thrilled to mark a significant milestone in our journey—a journey defined by dedication, integrity, and a deep-rooted commitment to serving our communities. As we celebrate 25 years in the estate agency business, we also celebrate 25 years of unwavering service to the neighbourhoods we

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Older tenants are a growing force in the private rental sector, so is it time for savvy landlords to proactively target this demographic? It’s one of the most striking trends in the housing sector over the past decade. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of tenants aged between 45 and

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Some days, it’s like your home is a minefield of accidents just waiting to happen. You trip up the stairs with a pile of washing in your arms, you break your favourite mug, and to top it all off, you burn the toast. Not fun.  While everyone wants a home

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It’s every seller’s worst nightmare. You’re on the cusp of finalising the sale of your property when your buyer gets cold feet and runs for the hills. Just like that, your plans go out the window. If you’re part of a chain, the whole deal could collapse, meaning you need

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If you’re looking forward to doing something special for Mother’s Day on Sunday, we wish you all the best – but this article isn’t for you. It’s not that we don’t want you to have a great day (we do) or that we take issue with Mother’s Day itself (we

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Spring officially starts next week, and with it comes a host of joys: longer days, trees in bud and flowers in bloom. And if you’re selling a property, there’s something else to celebrate – a spike in buyers looking to make their next move. Traditionally, spring is the busiest season

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As a tenant living in a rental property, you need to be aware of your rights. Fortunately, due to recent reforms in legislation, you’re now more protected than ever when it comes to matters of eviction and deposits. But what if your landlord tells you they’re planning to sell the

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Over the last 12 months, it’s been reported that many landlords have decided enough is enough and are exiting the buy-to-let game in their droves. And whilst these headlines may or may not be accurate, one thing is for sure, selling a buy-to-let property is very different to selling a

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International Women’s Day is an event marked around the world – in the news, all over social media and in most schools. And so it should be. Accelerating equality, raising awareness around discrimination, and helping women feel safe and celebrated is something we should all be doing more of. This

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“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s the view some landlords take on the question of renovating a buy-to-let. They do the absolute minimum in terms of maintenance and repairs and only manage to meet their legal obligations by the skin of their teeth. The décor is shabby and

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The kitchen is the heart of the home, so does it really matter what it looks like? Well, according to interior design trendsetters, it definitely does. So, what’s the latest in kitchen fashions? Whether you’re considering a complete kitchen renovation or just want to add some of the latest designs

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When hunting for a professional to sell your home, you’ll probably compile a list of property-related questions to fire off at prospective estate agents. What’s the property worth? What changes need to be made before it’s listed? And what’s the best way to market it? All wise questions worth asking,

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Tenants’ needs and wants are always changing. A decade ago, broadband was a luxury, now it’s a necessity. Since the pandemic, properties with outside space are more popular than ever. So how can you make your rental property as attractive to tenants as possible? Recent research by property bods at

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As 26 February is Fairy Tale Day (yes, it’s a real thing), let’s look at the most common property fairy tale and how falling for it can cost you time and money. We love a good fairy tale as much as the next person. Whether it’s a frog that morphs

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As the old saying goes, first impressions matter. And when it comes to showing off your property, the way it looks will go a long way to impress potential buyers. If your property is on the market, you’ll be familiar with the feeling of panic when your agent calls to

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