Category: Uncategorized
How to Increase the Net Yield on Your Manchester Rental – Without Hiking the Rent
Buy-to-let investors can tighten their belts and improve their bottom line in many ways. Landlords searching for inspiration need look no further than Apple founder Steve Jobs, who famously said, “Details matter.” That’s because the key to success as a landlord is keeping a firm eye on all the details. That means making the big decisions—such as setting rent—right, but also paying attention to other ways you can minimise your expenses and protect yourself from one-off cost blowouts. So, here are some simple ways you can save on costs. When added altogether, these measures can make a healthy difference to [...]
Mortgage Expert Reveals Why Landlords Are Investing in Buy-to-Let in Manchester
A rise in the number of landlords taking out buy-to-let mortgages shows that the market fundamentals in the lettings sector remain strong. As Chief Commercial Officer of buy-to-let lender Fleet Mortgages, Steve Cox is a numbers man. And after crunching the data released so far this year, he’s given his verdict on the outlook for the buy-to-let (BTL) sector, and it’s pretty positive. In an analysis piece in Mortgage Solutions magazine, Cox said BTL had outperformed expectations last year and got off to a positive start in 2025. “I think we sometimes underestimate the resilience of our market,” he said. [...]
Why You Must Inspect Your Rentals (and How Often): Tips for Manchester Landlords
Most tenancies run smoothly. But when a tenancy goes wrong, it can go very wrong. Conducting a regular property check is one way to head off problems. Why should you inspect your rental? An inspection of your rental is an opportunity to check its condition. You can see how your tenant is looking after your property and identify any maintenance that might be needed. You can also ensure no one is living there who isn't on the tenancy, and that there's no unauthorised sub-letting. Inspections also mean you can check that your property isn't being used for illegal purposes. Although [...]
How to Turn Your Unwanted Clothes Into Online Sales in Manchester
With the online market for second-hand clothes booming, here’s how you can turn unwanted items in your wardrobe into cash. Selling second-hand items online is big business in the UK, with a quarter of Brits using digital marketplaces.* Gen-Zers do it the most. In the last three months of 2024, 53% of 18 to 25-year-olds sold belongings on platforms such as Depop and Vinted. The good news is that online thrifting is not just a great way to bag a bargain or boost your bank account. It also means less clothing goes into landfill. So, if you have some clothes [...]
Renters’ Rights Bill: What Manchester Landlords Need to Know About Addressing Mould
New rules on dealing with mould and damp in private rental properties are on the horizon. Here's what landlords need to know. The UK is a (generally) cold and wet country with the oldest housing stock in Europe. So, it's no surprise that problems such as damp and mould can arise in residential properties. This was brought into sharp focus earlier this month when the English Housing Survey revealed that damp is a growing issue in the private rental sector which affects 9% of properties. And as damp and mould can cause serious respiratory problems, the government is understandably keen [...]
How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Manchester Without Spending Big
Making someone feel special on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost the earth. Here are ways to make an impression without breaking the bank. Show someone you care this Valentine’s Day without paying through the nose for flowers or a meal out. Here are some ideas for romantics on a tight budget and those who, like Janet Jackson, believe the best things in life are free. Cook up a storm Why head out to a crowded, noisy restaurant when you can enjoy an intimate dinner at home? Make your partner their favourite dish or recreate a memorable meal you enjoyed [...]
Why Manchester Landlords Can’t Be Complacent with Rules and Regulations
Landlords need to know about an important government rule change that quietly came into force late last year. Landlords have been warned to keep a close eye out for any new regulations introduced by their local council. The advice comes after new rules making it easier for local councils to introduce selective licensing schemes quietly came into force in December. Due to the timing of the changes – just two days before Christmas – the move largely flew under the radar. However, many in the sector think the change could have significant implications. Previously, councils had to get the Housing [...]
How Manchester Residents Can Save and Prosper in Frugal February
As this month is Frugal February, now’s the time to take charge of your finances. Here are three tips to help you save and prosper. 1. If it’s a takeaway – walk away Steer clear of anything that’s a takeaway – whether it’s a coffee, sandwich or full meal. You can usually enjoy the same thing (maybe something even nicer) by making it yourself. February is a good month to fill your own flask with hot coffee or soup for work and cook up a casserole or curry using leftovers. Even if you love your takeaways, resolve to try this [...]
Psychologists Reveal How to Keep Your Manchester Tenants Happy
How can you encourage tenants to settle long-term in your rental? A report compiled by consumer psychologists claims to have the answers. A report on the psychology of buying and renting includes some helpful advice for landlords. The Bricks to Belonging report* was compiled by the psychological and behavioural science firm IB. It examines what drives renters to become first-time buyers or to move from one rental to another. “Beyond the more obvious demographics of wealth and life stage”, the report found three important psychological factors influenced decision-making. So, if you’re a landlord hoping to achieve the holy grail in [...]
Home Buying and Selling in Manchester Made Simpler for People Who are Neurodiverse
According to Zoopla, almost two-thirds of neurodiverse people give up on buying a home.* Here are three tips to make the process easier and less stressful. 1. Decide what you want and don’t give up If you’re selling, take all the time you need; don’t be rushed. Ask estate agents for valuations. Then decide the minimum price you can or will accept and stick to it. If you’re buying, make a list of ‘must haves’ and a separate list of ‘nice to haves’. Don’t back down on the features that you really want, such as a quiet street, an easy [...]
Property Market Update for Manchester Buyers and Sellers: January 2025
Let's look at what's happening in the property market at the end of January 2025. And ask, is now a good time to buy or sell? In 2024 the property market ended on a positive note. The Bank of England interest rate reductions in August and November helped invigorate the market. Prices held up well. The Halifax HPI says house prices rose 3.3% in 2024. (There was a small 0.2% monthly fall in December.) And the Boxing Day Bounce was significant. Rightmove says Boxing Day 2024 was the busiest ever for new property listings and traffic to their site. The [...]
How Manchester Landlords Could Earn More Rent in 2025
Getting the rent right is a must for all landlords. Here we'll look at how to assess if the time is right to raise the rent on your investment property. So, let's deal with the question: Should you raise your rent in 2025? We believe all landlords should review the rent they charge every year. And, if appropriate, increase it. (But there is a 'but' – see later.) Here's why. Your landlord costs go up every year. You need the rent to keep pace so you can maintain your property to the standard tenants expect. Most tenants assume the rent [...]
How to Prepare for Winter Storms: Tips for Manchester Householders
Severe weather seems to be on the rise, and right now, we’re bang in the middle of winter storm season. Here are three tips to help protect your home and keep you and your family safe. 1. Stock up on the basics While no one wants to be a panic buyer (or a hoarder), keeping some basic supplies in at all times is a good idea. This way, you won’t need to go out shopping in severe weather. Keep a stock of tinned, bottled and dried foods to whip up simple meals easily. Good store cupboard essentials include canned veg. [...]
How Manchester Landlords Can Find the Best Letting Yields
Letting yields are the lifeblood of successful property investing. Here we’ll look at why it’s so important to understand yields. What is meant by letting yield? Yield is a simple way of calculating the financial return you can make on a buy-to-let. Knowing what yield a property offers can help you decide if it’s a good investment (or not). It allows you to compare different properties and weigh up the best one to buy. Yields can also help you compare different types of investment. For example, is it better to invest in property or keep your cash in the bank? [...]
Tips on How to Survive Blue Monday in Manchester
According to experts, the year's most depressing day is coming soon. Here are some tips to help you banish the 'Blue Monday' blues. When is Blue Monday 2025? Blue Monday is the third Monday of every new year. This year it's on the 20th of January. Is Blue Monday a real thing? Sort of. Blue Monday is said to be the day of the year when many things that make us feel depressed all come together to create a perfect storm of feeling down. It is based on an equation which combines several factors, including: The (usually gloomy) weather [...]
Energy Efficiency Tips for Manchester Landlords – 2025 Updated
With household heating costs still a key concern, here are some tips for landlords on managing tenant energy bills. Let’s start this article with some timeless wisdom: “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Taking inflation into account, those pennies have become pounds. As we move into 2025, energy expenses and efficiency remain pressing concerns for landlords and tenants alike. While energy prices are expected to stabilise, they are still projected to stay high compared to pre-2020 levels. Here’s a plan to help landlords navigate energy bills and avoid debts and disputes in the year ahead. 1. Clarify Responsibilities Ensure [...]
How Manchester Holidaymakers Can Bag Themselves a Great Deal
Make your holiday budget stretch further by following these tips for booking a glorious getaway. If you’re staring out the window and wishing you were anywhere but the UK in mid-winter, you’re not alone. Many Brits experience a slump after the fun and festivity of Christmas and yearn for some respite from the gloomy weather. As a result, more than 6.4 million people book a holiday in January* (making it the busiest month for travel agents). Just knowing that an exotic break is in the diary can be enough to ease you through the winter gloom. But the cost of [...]
How Manchester Landlords Can Get the Best Out of Joint Tenancies
Many landlords will find themselves managing joint tenancies. Here are some tips on how to get the best out of them. It’s easy to understand why joint tenancies are so popular with renters in the UK. Sharing a tenancy with a friend, partner or family member means you can split the bills and divide up the chores. And it’s nice (most of the time, at least) to come home to a familiar, friendly face. However, joint tenancies rely on mutual trust and good communication to be successful. This requires tenants to understand and respect their responsibilities. Landlords also have a [...]
Three Easy-to-Do New Year’s Resolutions with a Difference
If you want to reset or refresh your life in the year ahead, why not make some property resolutions? New Year’s resolutions like losing weight or joining the gym are so last year. This year, why not do it differently? Make some New Year’s resolutions for your home. Here are a few to put on your list: Resolution No. 1: Brighten up your life – brighten up your home Now the Christmas decorations are due to come down (or maybe already have), it’s a good time to give your home a mini facelift. Yes, maybe cash is tight after Christmas. [...]
The Letting Agent Checklist Every Manchester Landlord Needs
Don’t get just any letting agent to manage your investment property. Here are six useful questions to help you find a top professional. Are you looking to lighten your load as a landlord in 2025? Finding the perfect letting agent is your first step towards a New Year of hassle-free property management. The right agent saves you time, reduces stress, maximises your income and can guide you safely (and legally) through the ever-changing maze of rental rules and regulations. But with so many letting agencies out there, how do you separate the exceptional from the average? Ask these six critical questions before signing on the dotted line. 1. How Experienced Are You? Longevity often signals expertise, but don't stop at "how long?". Seek testimonials or online reviews to gauge an agency’s reputation. An experienced agent will have a solid track record in managing properties and resolving tenant issues. 2. What Do Your Property Inspections Cover? Periodic inspections are essential to safeguard your investment. Go beyond the basics — ask if they check for leaks, mould, and damp. A thorough agent will also identify early signs of maintenance issues. 3. How Do You Market Properties? Effective marketing is crucial to securing great tenants quickly, emphasising great tenants rather than just anyone. Investigate the agent’s strategy. Are their photos professional? Do they use social media effectively? A proactive agent ensures fewer void periods and attracts quality tenants. 4. Are You Up to Date on Rental Regulations? Rental legislation is changing in 2025. Test their knowledge of deposit protection schemes, energy performance requirements, and safety checks. A well-informed agent ensures compliance, protecting you from costly fines and headaches. 5. What Happens on Move-In Day? The best letting agents go beyond handing over keys. They'll introduce tenants to property essentials, such as the stopcock, fuse box, and rubbish collection schedules, ensuring tenants settle in smoothly and reducing unnecessary calls later. 6. How Do You Handle Disputes? Even with the best tenants, disputes can arise. A skilled agent remains impartial, finding solutions rather than escalating tensions. Whether it's managing rent arrears or tenant disagreements, their approach to conflict resolution matters. Why Now? 2025 will see the tightening of rental regulations and ongoing economic uncertainty. This means landlords need skilled professionals working for them now more than ever. An experienced and ethical letting agent will help you stay compliant, gain and retain great tenants and protect your investment. Ready to find the perfect agent? Contact us today to learn how we can make managing your property stress-free in the year ahead. Would someone you know benefit from reading this article? Why not share it with them?
How to Be the Best Christmas Regifter in Manchester
Don’t leave unwanted Christmas presents to gather dust – regift them instead. Here’s how. If you’ve received some Christmas gifts you don’t want, don’t like (or even absolutely hate), then regifting them can be the perfect solution. Here’s how to do it successfully. Don’t feel guilty about regifting If you’re thinking of regifting, you’re in good company. A full 89% of us have regifted a present before, according to a survey by courier company Pack and Send. The most common reasons for regifting are convenience (38%) and that it’s good for the environment (37%). Around a third of respondents said [...]
What Manchester Landlords Should Do in the Event of a Burst Pipe
If a pipe bursts at your rental, quick action will save you time and money. Here’s what landlords need to know. To steal a quote from Game of Thrones ‘Winter is Coming’. (Well, ok it’s here already.) And the colder weather can bring different challenges for landlords, including burst pipes. Here is some advice for landlords on dealing with (and avoiding) burst pipes at a rental property. What causes a burst pipe? In cold weather water in a pipe can freeze. As it freezes, it expands and can split the pipe. Often a burst isn’t apparent until the ice melts and the water pours out. Where is most at risk? Pipes in habitable rooms that are heated are at less risk of freezing. Pipes in cold places, like attics and cellars, are at greater risk. Outdoor piping, such as in a garage, shed or an outside water tap, is at high risk of freezing. Tips to prevent a burst pipe It’s still not too late to do some preventative work. Protect vulnerable pipework with foam insulation or spiral wrap. Outside taps should be protected with an outdoor tap cover. Dealing with a burst pipe – action plan If you get a call from your tenant reporting a burst, consider doing this: (If you’re a tenant and reading this then check whether you should call your landlord directly or their letting agent. Make sure that you have their number handy.) Refer your tenant to your letting agent – if you have one and if they handle maintenance for you. (At times this, a good agent is worth their weight in gold.) Ask your tenant to turn off the water at the stop tap (also known as a stopcock). It’s a good idea to leave instructions in your property showing where this is and how to use it. Then, ask your tenant to drain the affected pipe by turning on the tap it supplies. This could reduce the damage caused considerably. Call in a plumber or home emergency service. (Although this is likely to be easier said than done, especially at Christmas and New Year.) Make a shortlist of who you can call if you don’t already have a plumber. Try a temporary fix if you can’t get a plumber immediately. If you have DIY skills, try a temporary repair using pipe repair tape, epoxy resin or a burst pipe clamping kit. These are available from DIY stores. Of course, a good way for landlords to avoid the problems caused by burst pipes and other emergencies is to hire a good letting agent who can do this for you. Would someone you know find this article helpful? Why not share it with them?