Home values news
Latest Home values news
'Little things' make big difference to sales
Homeowners have been urged to take care of the little things if they want to make a big sale. According to a survey from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), the best way to increase the saleability of a property is to simply make sure it is tidy. The research found that 45 per cent believed that a house without clutter would encourage buyers to pay higher ...
3rd Oct 2008
Home improvement made easier
Homeowners wanting to improve their properties have been given a boost as new regulations come into effect today that allow people to avoid planning permission. The new rules mean that most homeowners are free to extend their home up and out, without having to pay costs of up to £1,000. Waiting for planning permission can also take considerable amounts of time, but ...
1st Oct 2008
Home values news archive
Homebuyers get new protection
A new code of conduct is set to ensure people buying new homes receive extra help if they suffer delays or other problems. The code of conduct and redress scheme follows a probe into UK Housebuilders and is being overseen by the Office for Fair Trading (OFT). It will see people receiving more protection if they have paid a house price they thought included features that are ...
25th Sep 2008
Property owners 'making most of homes'
Homeowners are making the most out of their current properties rather than speculating on finding a new house, a new survey indicates. The market downturn is causing many people to try to add value to their house by adding features such as extensions, according to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA). With house prices in general dropping, 92 per cent of people ...
17th Sep 2008
Green homes could leave 'housing legacy'
Plans to invest in a green homes programme could leave the country with a lasting housing legacy, according to experts. The government has announced measures to improve the environmental standing of housing, with half-price insulation for poorer families and pensioners among the plans. However, though welcoming the move, the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) wants the ...
12th Sep 2008
Under-floor heating can be "an excellent" space solution
Homeowners are being urged to consider investing in under-floor heating which can be particularly beneficial for those with small homes . According to HETAS, the official body recognised by the government to approve solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services, this type of heat is "an excellent solution" for people who have limited space. Chief ...
26th Aug 2008
Sustainability 'reflecting home improvements'
An increased awareness in energy saving and environmental issues is having a marked impact on interior design, it has been claimed. According to experts at glass design firm Apropos Tectonic, homes can be made more eco-friendly without sacrificing style. "The sustainability issue has had an effect on interior design ... manufacturers are aware that people think that ...
19th Aug 2008
Homeowners investing 'long-term'
The credit crunch has influenced people into investing in their homes for the long-term rather than moving, it has been claimed. With many experts predicting that the economic downturn will last for longer than expected, UK homeowners are increasingly making home improvements rather than looking to buy. Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine said that currently, property ...
19th Aug 2008
Celebrity style 'affecting home improvement'
Homeowners are increasingly being influenced by celebrity glamour and lifestyle when it comes to home improvements, it has been claimed. According to one magazine, the way property owners choose to decorate their home can be heavily dependent on the style of the rich and famous. Isobel McKenzie-Price, editorial director of Ideal Home Magazine, said: "Celebrity glamour ...
18th Aug 2008
Researchers recommend 'green mortgages'
Getting a 'green mortgage' could be extremely beneficial for homeowners , according to new research. Energy-saving measures could potentially decrease the price of house payments, a report from British Gas and the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) revealed. The Green Streets report suggests that banks and energy companies could pay for the costs of energy-saving ...
5th Aug 2008