blog post - Kath Wells

Extending a home without having to submit a planning application

Want to extend your home, or a property that you are planning to buy? Here's how to do it without having to submit a planning application. Permitted development rights enable homeowners to make certain building works on a property without planning permission from the local council and without approval from a neighbour.

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Getting ready for the January sales & lettings bonanza

Historically, the Christmas and New Year holidays see record visits to sites such as Rightmove and Zoopla, with over 1.6m properties viewed online as people escape the Christmas turkey to think about their next move. Understandably, many people are reluctant to sell or let their property until after the New Year. But, if you are thinking of moving, selling or letting a property in January, can you afford not to put your property in front of potential buyers at this important time of year?

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Thinking of downsizing? What are your options?

There could be a host of reasons for you to consider downsizing. Your kids may have flown the nest, your garden may be too large, you may want to release some equity, reduce your monthly outgoings, or you are simply drawn to living in a smaller, more manageable property. Downsizing isn't just for retirement. It can be an important choice at any stage of your life, location, health or wealth. Whatever your reasons, whether you are a homeowner, a private tenant, living in a council or housing association accommodation, it's important to review the options before making your decision.

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10 simple steps to help you find your perfect rental property

Think hard a carefully about how much you want to spend. It's easy to get carried away with that better and more attractive property, but don't forget you also have bills to pay when you move in! You might also consider renting as a short term option whilst you're saving a deposit. In which case, set you budget sensibly and you'll have more available to save each month.

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Do you plan to add Smart Tech to your home?

You will almost certainly have read about technological advances relating to driverless cars, flying taxis and hyperloops (a mode of transport that propels a pod at speeds of up to 760mph). Whilst these offer the tantalising prospect of alternatives to commuting on congested road networks, the most common futuristic tools you are likely to come across are available as smart upgrades to your home.

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Love Thy Neighbour – and stay on their good side

Here’s a rather unnerving fact, as highlighted in research from insurance company CPP: a million Britons have moved house because of disputes with their neighbours. Yes, one in 20 of us have opted to sell up because of increasing tensions with — or bad behaviour from — the people who live nearby.

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What’s Cooking in the Kitchen?

Perhaps it’s because of all the cookery programmes on TV; perhaps it’s because of our national obsession with food; or perhaps it’s because it’s such a sociable place to sit and chat – but the kitchen has become the most popular room in the house.

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Don’t Lag Behind – Get Insulated

It’s autumn, it’s the UK… and therefore - inevitably and obviously - it’s freezing. So what have you done to winterise your house? Or were you just planning to have the heating on full blast every day (which is both expensive and ecologically unsound)?

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Extending your options

Need more space for the family but love where you live? Extending your house could be the answer. Research shows that more and more homeowners are choosing to extend instead of moving. It will certainly improve and enhance your home, but needs careful consideration before taking the plunge.

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Feeling hot this summer?

One of the fastest growing design trends is the ‘outdoor room’ – and what could represent a better focal point for this than a super-cool hot tub? Whether you use it for private relaxation or partying, it’s a brilliant way to create water-based fun – cheaper than a swimming pool and requiring less space. And unlike a normal outdoor pool – which, let’s face it, has only limited appeal in the great British climate – you can use it all year round.

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