Here at Chinneck Shaw, we sell properties throughout the year. While often important, seasonality is only one factor when it comes to an owner’s decision to instruct marketing. Your personal circumstances and intentions will generally top the list of reasons. Competition from other available homes locally can also be something to consider. But, in our...

Whether you are keen to buy, sell or rent a property, it’s always important to understand the nature of the surrounding area. That’s because distances to nurseries, schools, shops, local amenities, transport links and green space – and the quality of them – all impact on the underlying value of a home. To help you...

Growth in the housing market in Portsmouth, Southsea and nationally has continued to be healthy after the record rises we saw last year fuelled by the stamp duty holiday. Even though the tax break period has finished, the picture in the first months of 2022 represents one of the strongest starts to a year we...

We have had historically low interest rates for some time now, but the latest rise in the cost of borrowing has come amid a cost-of-living crisis already involving higher energy prices, national insurance contributions and other financial pressures. While it may be a justifiable move to try and tame inflation at the macro level, any...

In its new Levelling Up White Paper, the government has pledged to improve the home buying and selling process. In one section, ministers announce they will be “working with the industry to ensure the critical information buyers need to know is available digitally wherever possible from trusted and authenticated sources.” Making ‘critical information’ available to...

Rental market conditions continue to give confidence for landlords with both price growth and demand staying strong. As we discussed in our recent 2022 predictions blog, the Portsmouth lettings picture remains bright with average rental prices up 5.3% last year. In Southsea, the figure was even higher, at 5.9%. And there are many other indicators...

As we move into 2022, numerous factors are set to influence the lettings market for better or worse. To maintain peace of mind, we recommend landlords are aware of these and, if necessary, prepare accordingly. First, let’s consider market trends. Any decision about starting or expanding a rental portfolio will depend on likely returns. So...

A dog is for life and not just Christmas is a sentiment we can all embrace. The soothing effects of having a pet at home are well known and the government’s update to the model tenancy agreement now makes it easier for tenants with pets to secure leases. Changes to the agreement meant landlords could...

The government has recently announced new rules on domestic fire and carbon monoxide alarms within all rented properties. Key changes to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 mean landlords need to ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is fitted in any room in their homes where there is a fixed combustion appliance, including...

Having just come through Storm Barra, it’s timely to think about protecting your home against freezing temperatures, downpours and snow. Taking the time to do a few checks can save on costly bills when things go wrong and you are suddenly faced with burst pipes and blocked gutters. Here are a few ideas to help...