UK Real Estate News, Hints & Tips

Some common questions when selling your house : How do I sell my house in the UK? - You can sell it yourself or like we do register with an estate agent after you have researched which one has the expertise and will work best for you. How long should you live in a house before selling in the UK? - There are no rules – though if you are selling a new house just a few months you will have to pay capital gains tax and moving fees. Also, you may not get a mortgage until you have owned your current home for at least six months What is the best month to sell a house? Normally Spring and summer. People want to move in warmer weather How long does conveyancing take with no chain? - You should prepare for conveyancing to take between six and eight weeks, though realistically this might be 12 weeks. Is it hard to sell a leasehold property? - It is harder because most buyers want to buy freehold How quickly will our home sell? - - On average between 10 and 90 and up to 120 days How do I estimate value of my property?- Ask for quotes from at least 3 Agents and/or a valuer. If you are considering selling get in touch to discuss ways of how we maximise your sale. Mau Investments – Property Solutions Made Easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666

Are your emotions in the way of selling? The process of selling your home can be stressful and frustrating even when the mechanics of the transaction are going smoothly. However once you decide to sell your home, it can be helpful to start thinking of yourself as a businessperson and a seller rather than the home's owner. By looking at the transaction from a purely financial perspective, you'll distance yourself from the emotional aspects of selling the property that you've undoubtedly created many memories in. The truth is we are human and sometimes we have no clue what the next step for our lives is. We know we need to sell for a multitude of reasons but when you are still emotionally tied to your home, it is difficult to remember to not take things personally. Whether it’s less than friendly feedback or whether it is an offer that you find ridiculously low, it is important to remember that treat this as purely a business transaction. That is why here at Mau Investments we understand what it can be like to have to let go of your home. We can provide solutions to those needing to sell, with empathy, respect, discretion and integrity. Feel free to get in touch if you want to discuss how we can help. Repossession Rescue - Saving Lives; One Home At A Time. dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or Tel: 01 332981666

What’s happening to House Prices? In 2008/2009 house prices fell for 16 consecutive months and dropped by 18%. Analysts predict that this time prices will fall for at least until second quarter of 2024. But they only forecast a overall a 12% decrease in house prices from the high of 2021/22. The reason for the prolonged crash is due to changes in the mortgage market. This means higher interest rates will not immediately impact mortgage rates, but will be filtered through slowly. But even fixed-rate deals won’t last forever. It is estimated that around 1.8 million mortgages will end in 2023. This means homeowners need to look at refinancing at much higher rates. Commentators predict that interest rates will stabilise soon.. This means that the housing market will take some time to recover in terms of prices as well as activity. A crashing or weakening housing market is bad news for many, but it can also be an opportunity. Those who have the means will be able to bag themselves a bargain, as many have done after the financial crisis of 2008. One thing sellers should keep in mind though is that even if house prices fall by 12%, they will still be higher than before the pandemic. This is because over the past two to three years house prices have risen on average in most places by over 20%. The way to capitalize on that increase is to ask how to maintain or in some cases increase the value often without huge investment or indeed use Mau Investments to fund the work. And then assist you in marketing the property together with your Agent to ensure you get the price you deserve. Mau Investments - Property Solutions made easy dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or Tel: 01 33298166

What Is A Memorandum Of Sale? It is a document that is created once a sale has been agreed on a property. It’s not a legally binding document but it does set out the agreed price and declares the intention of both the buyer and seller to complete the transaction. It will also show: The name and address of both the buyer and the seller Details of the solicitors that will be handling the transaction Important details about the property the offer has been agreed on Which mortgage lender will finance the purchase (if applicable) It’s, therefore, a record of the sale and purchase that is about to happen (assuming the transaction will complete). While there are no legal implications to the document, it does seek to clarify and confirm the details of the agreed transaction. It is usually the sellers’ estate agent that provides the memorandum of sale. Since the estate agent selling the property is often due a commission when the sale completes, it makes sense that they prepare the memorandum of sale. In cases where a sale has been agreed without an estate agent, it would be down to the seller of the property (or a representative of theirs) to issue the memorandum of sale. Hope that helps Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or Tel: 01 332981666

Why are 1 in 3 Property Sales falling through? One in three Property Sales are likely to fall at least once before completion. The most common reasons for a house sale falling through are a change of heart or circumstance, buyer’s remorse, closely followed by a break in the “chain” and mortgage problems. Lenders are also becoming more nervous because of uncertainty in the property market and so are rejecting more applications. Buyers may also have experienced an event in their personal life, such as their relationship breaking down or a redundancy, which makes the house purchase financially unviable for them. In addition, there could be conveyancing issues and delays. The more delays you have, the greater the risk of something going wrong. Moreover, there is the possibility of “gazumping” (when a seller agrees to sell their home to one person but then suddenly changes their mind when a better offer comes along). Finally, there could be the problem of a negative survey. Surveyors today are tending to down value properties due to the instability of the market. So, it’s crucial that your property is up to standard or is as advertised and is at a realistic market price. To help prepare you property for sale, get in touch to discuss the best methods to achieve the sale. Mau Investments Property Solutions made easy. dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or Tel: 01 332981666

Selling via traditional methods or an Assisted Sale? A standard estate agency sale can take an average of three or four months or longer. This approach relies heavily on finding the right buyers, receiving the right offers, and haggling to get an agreeable result. During this time the seller is also still paying for the mortgage and household expenses. However, with an Assisted Sale with Mau Investments, while still using an Agent, the seller can often receive up to - or even beyond – full market value for their property by using this method and can achieve a much faster sale. There is also no responsibility or expenses relating to preparing the property for sale. Often all household expenses including mortgage payments can be taken care of by us. In addition, the selling price is agreed up front, so there is no haggling with buyers. Value (if refurbishing) is added to a property without the seller having to manage improvements and one can reclaim Stamp Duty (in certain cases) when in possession of more than one property. Best of all, the nuances of any Assisted Sales Agreement are flexible and totally up to you. So if you are thinking of selling or are selling right now and are maybe stuck, get in touch for a virtual coffee to discuss how I can help you Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666

Are you stuck selling your property? If your property has been on the market for quite some time, it shouldn’t be. If its in a good area and it should be selling. Demand is still there. In fact, a recent survey stated that average selling times at the moment should only be around 30 to 90 days maximum I help stuck owners get a sale. I’ve had many years of experience selling homes in all types of markets as an Agent. Today, however, although I work with other Agents, I no longer sell houses as an Agent and I am not associated with any particular Real Estate company. Instead, I’m just a private individual like yourself, who has developed the ability to solve seemingly complicated property sales dilemmas, the kinds that thousands of homeowners get into everyday when they try to sell their home. Relocation, divorce, mortgage payments in arrears, or simply wanting to move on or downsize – these are examples of situations that happen to good honest homeowners. And before you know it your most valuable asset is looking like a big heavy anchor. If any of the above is happening to you, I sincerely believe I can help. I work with the seller (and the Agent), by Assisting the Sale. I will prepare your property for sale with better presentation and/or improvements that will attract targeted buyers. I don’t know what your particular reason is for selling but I do know how to get house sold as quickly and as professionally as possible - and without costing you a penny. If getting a sale sorted is something you want, call me on 01332 981666 or email me at dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk to set up a virtual chat over coffee. Sometimes it’s good to share thoughts about where you’re at and in the process discover solutions or ideas to help point you in the right direction. If you like what I can do, we can progress from there and if not, I will have been pleased to have helped.I promise to always show respect, discretion, and integrity. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy.

Kerb appeal is vital to sell your home. It’s been said that house buyers are willing to pay up to 25% more for a house with an attractive, fresh looking exterior. So, what can you do? * The easiest (and cheapest) way to spruce up the outside of your property is to give it a fresh lick of paint. *Make your door as inviting as you can. Clean it thoroughly with PVC cleaner if it’s a PVC door or give it a fresh coat of paint if it’s wooden. *Fit some cost-effective lighting that not only adds an element of security to your property but makes it look more attractive to potential buyers too. *Clean pathways and drives attract more interest. If you have a pathway or drive, consider hiring a pressure washer (or paying someone to do it for you) and clean them up. *Remove weeds. It almost goes without saying that you should remove any unwanted plants or weeds before photograph day. Equally important to remove them before viewings too. Make sure cracks between paths are not full of weeds. *Keep bins out of sight. If you have a small garden or front entrance and you normally keep your bins close to your door, make sure on the day of your property photographs and viewings that you move them temporarily. No one likes to see bins in photographs. Get in touch to find out additional ways to enhance your kerb appeal. Developing Kerb appeal is just one of the methods Mau Investments uses at no cost to the seller, when assisting your sale to ensure your property sells at the right price Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666

What is Repossession Rescue and how could it help you? Many have asked me why I became part of Repossession Rescue. Its simple. Most of us at some time myself included have been in debt in one way or the other. Trouble is when one is in that space the thought of trying to pay the next bill gnaws at the stomach from every call, every letter, every stranger asking to pay up when finances are in freefall. Add to that the risk of losing the house, growing every day and the anxious feelings going shopping worrying if there is enough to cover purchases and would the card be declined? There's a limit to how much anyone can take – first Covid and now the economic situation the country is now in. However, it's important to understand that your money situation is in your hands. Making the change means taking back control. Regaining your power and your perspective. Learning to love and trust yourself. Building up better habits. And finding the place where you finally feel worthy again. The triumph of the human spirit to adapt and overcome is what I truly believe in. It's what drives me to keep going. To keep finding ways to educate, support and help others to not just survive, but to thrive. So, when the opportunity to become part of the Repossession Rescue organization to help someone along the way to help get their lives back on track with my knowledge and experience in property, I jumped at it. After all, you never know when the help you give will be returned to you when you need it. So, if you need help, and especially with your property, let me know. Repossession Rescue – Saving Lives One Home at a time. #property #sellyourhouse #mauinvestmetn

With the way the market and the economic outlook is right now many are struggling with their property, particularly homeowners and investors causing financial distress. As property investor myself, I have a unique opportunity to help homeowners by offering solutions that can alleviate their debt burden. Being part of the national Repossession Rescue Network, which deals with repossessions and distressed assets, I'm here to remind you that I can help. I can help avoid repossession and eviction, which can be devastating for families and communities. How I can do this is as follows: 1. Offer a quick sale: Many homeowners in financial distress need to sell their property quickly to avoid repossession. I can offer a quick sale that can help them get out of debt and move on with their lives. 2. Negotiate a fair price: While its only fair and reasonable that I need to make a small profit, it's important to acknowledge that sellers in distress are in a vulnerable position. I always promise to show respect, discretion and integrity and be fair and transparent in negotiations. My aim is to try to find a win-win solution that benefits everyone involved. 3. Provide alternative financing: Some sellers may have trouble securing financing due to their financial situation. As an investor, I can offer alternative financing options, such as an Option agreement, Vendor financing or Assisted Sales that can buy sellers much needed time and help them sell in a timescale that suits them. My underlying ethos is that helping sellers in distress isn't just about making a profit - it's about making a positive impact in their lives and communities and that we can all play an important part in creating a better future for everyone. If this resonates with you, feel free to get in touch. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666 #RepossessionRescue #SavingLivesOneHomeAtATime #HelpSellersInDistress #PropertyInvesting #MakingADifference

How much should I sell my property for? You have to get your asking price right if you want to attract offers. Most active buyers check in on property listing websites daily. They set their search criteria based on what they can afford to buy and often use upper limits to define their search. Sometimes these upper limits can be purely psychological in nature. For example, setting £300,000 as the maximum price instead of £305,000. So when deciding your price you will also factor in a little extra to get you a buffer in negotiations. But before you do consider potential buyer physiological barriers. If your buffer is too high you won’t get enquiry and/or offers. You will also need to price your property in relation to other similar properties in your area. Buyers are already researching this information and if your house is perceived to be overpriced, you aren’t going to sell it. Researching your area is the only way to know for sure what your property is perceived to be worth, although this figure is always firmly in the eyes of the buyer, and most property portals line RightMove and Zoopla have good tools online to help you do this. You can also contact me to help. We can establish a fair price which with some additional help to present the property so that it sells easier. Get in touch. I will be happy to Assist you sale - and all at no cost to you Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666

You might decide to put your property up for auction through an auctioneer. You will then need to instruct a solicitor to create a “legal pack” detailing all relevant information relating to the property. Usually, you will be required to allow viewings of your home in advance of the auction date. A date will be set for bidding to commence. At a live auction, the property or “lot” will be available for bidding between certain times on a single day. Online, house hunters may be able to bid on the lot for up to 30 days. When selling via the traditional method the winning offer will be considered legally binding upon the close of bidding. Contracts will then be exchanged and an initial deposit paid. This is usually 10% of the price offered by the winning bidder. The buyer then is committed and has 28 days to pay the remainder, plus any additional fees relating to the sale. With the “new method of auction” -or “conditional” auction sale, it is usually undertaken online - bids are made with the intention of purchasing the option to buy. The winning bidder then pays a deposit to reserve the property on the day bidding closes. They then have 28 days to get all finances and legal matters in order, at the end of which contacts will be exchanged. Following this, they are granted an additional 28 days to complete. Unlike the traditional method, the buyer is legally permitted to drop out of a transaction of this kind, making it less secure for the seller. However, the reservation fee or deposit is non-refundable. Success rates are high in selling – around 75% (whereas an Agent’s sale is around 50% of listed properties) your property and you can set a minimum price. But, properties can sell at a lower asking price and Agents fees are less (around 1.5%), with Auction houses charging around 2.5%. In addition, sellers have to pay an entry fee of several hundred pounds. Buyers will have to pay around 4.5% of the purchase price. Therefore, it makes sense, to consider an Assisted Sale with Mau Investments instead? This has also a high success rate, and won’t cost you a penny, except for Agent and Legal fees. The purchaser pays all the other expenses. Get in touch to find out how. Mau Investments – Property Solutions make easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666

My advice is to declutter as much as possible. You want buyers to be attracted to it, or to be able to imagine themselves in it. You want them to see the potential in how they could make it their home. Having all of your possessions on display interferes with this picture you’re trying to paint. Unfortunately, this is more likely to prevent buyers from seeing the potential. Start decluttering your hallway first. Your hallway or entrance is the first thing your buyers are going to see after they enter the property and is your second chance to make a good impression (the first being your front door). Make sure everything is tidy. Remove any paperwork, keys, wallets and other personal items that generally tend to accumulate around these areas. Thin down any coat racks so they only contain the coats you need. Pack away shoes that you aren’t wearing right now and make the hallway feel as spacious as possible. Giving the impression of a clean and tidy, well organised hallway will give the buyer the impression that everything else in the house (including repairs and maintenance) is taken care of and organised too. Removing the fear of things likely to go wrong with simple organisation is an easy way to increase the chance of selling your house. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy To learn more email dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk or call 01332981666

We are presently seeing many properties taking longer and struggling to sell. This is causing them to be reduced by substantial amounts to help generate enquiry to hopefully lead to sales. If this is happening to you or if you are considering this, my advice is don’t. There is a better way. I will help you maximise the potential price and ensure your property gets sold to a qualified buyer, through either smart presentation and/or improvements or repairs to your home. Sometimes not much at all needs to be done to improve your chances of selling. Trouble is that many sellers don’t have the inclination or funds to do this. That’s where we come in. We can help you. All at our expense. We take on all the costs to carry out the works and even take care of the mortgage payments if it helps, meaning you as the homeowner won’t have to spend a penny. We can work very quickly to improve a property. We will then market and sell the property on your behalf targeted at specific buyers, with your preferred Agent. The property will be in a much better condition, meaning it will appeal to more buyers and hence be easier and quicker to sell. My aim is to get your property sold for a higher price, meaning more money in your pocket, as opposed to it sitting on the market for months and months while you still have your household expenses to pay, and the price continually gets reduced. If getting a sale sorted is something you want, call me on 01332 981666 or email me at dennis@mauinvestments.co.uk to set up a virtual chat over coffee. If you like what I can do, we can progress from there and if not, I will have been pleased to have helped. I promise to always show respect, discretion, and integrity. Mau Investments – Property Solutions made easy.

UK buy-to-let yield map... Totally money analysed data from 580,000 properties across England, Scotland and Wales. Using their maps and quick insights as a guide, new and experienced landlords can hone-in on where to make their next investment.

Tips on how to get better returns

Rental income is becoming increasingly important. UK house prices are under pressure and demand is growing, making it a good time for long term investors to look at the UK market.

I've upgrade my website. You can do the same with your investments. With current NZ interest rates, cash in the bank is essentially loosing value against inflation.

Sometimes (though thankfully not often), a home will not value at the price it has sold for, causing the contract to crash or negotiations to re-open.