What makes a good Block Management Agent? With over 30 years in this industry I’ve asked this question many times. I’ve bought, sold and managed a large amount of property over the years and time and time again I have asked the question ‘What makes a...
Over the last few years it seems that there has been a concerted effort by the government to penalise private landlords. These have included changes in taxes being paid, additional tenants rights, minimum EPC and habitation requirements and stamp duty alterations. Some of these have...
Do you buy with your heart or your head? Are you a jump straight in if the feelings right or are you a spreadsheet and pros & cons list sort of person? I have a property available that will test even the most ardent spreadsheet warrior. The...
This week I took on a retirement flat. It is a lovely property available with an age restriction meaning it is only available to those over 55. This was all OK until I came to the scary realisation that that is only 9 years for...
There is no denying it now, I am officially old. After my recent birthday I am now closer to 50 than 40 and it definitely puts me well in to the fuddy duddy category in my office. As I am older there is one thing that...
Don’t believe the negativity. This week we have had a couple of properties that have gone a bit crazy, loads of viewings and loads of interest. This is obviously fantastic for us but has its own set of problems. Whenever we have a number of people...
Does anybody really know what is going on? What is becoming apparent is that not many people actually care! As I write this, we have 5 days before we are supposed to leave the European Union. This obviously looks like it is going to be extended...
As you are probably aware, if you have seen any of our recent marketing, Scott & Stapleton have been trading for over 30 years. Opening the office in 1988, Tim Scott, amongst others, specialised in sales, lettings and management, all of which are still the...
For some reason I have seen a lot of empty properties this week. All sorts as well, flats, bungalows and houses. These have been empty for a variety of reasons including people inheriting them, ex rental properties or elderly relatives going in to retirement homes....
ts that time of year again. The forecast for the next few days is for sub zero temperatures and snow. Just as the housing market looks like it is kicking off after a fantastic January it could all come crashing down as we batten down...