Groves Residential

4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £875,000.00

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:29:10 GMT

FOUR BEDROOM, SEMI-DETACHED property, with POTENTIAL TO EXTEND on the ground and first floor (STPP), presently configered with two good sized reception rooms and a large Kitchen/Breakfast room. Located within walking distance of plenty of green space, local schools and amenities. NO ONWARD CHAIN

2 Bedroom Flat, New Malden £449,950.00

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:29:16 GMT

Nestled in the highly sought-after Groves area of New Malden, this well-presented two-bedroom ground floor flat offers a rare combination of generous internal space, private gardens, and an unbeatable location on a quiet residential street.

4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £840,000.00

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 11:56:07 GMT

A blend of space, potential and location make this four bedroom, two bathroom home ideal for a growing family ......

3 Bedroom Flat, New Malden £660,000.00

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:29:00 GMT

An amazing three double bedroom two bathroom ground floor apartment, with over 1200 sq ft of space, a contemporary kitchen/living/dining room and west facing garden ..................

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £850,000.00

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:24:13 GMT

Located in the heart of the "Groves" sits this LARGE THREE DOUBLE BEDROOM semi detached house with OFF STREET PARKING, GARDEN to FRONT and REAR and GARAGE. Easy access to New Malden HIGH STREET and STATION and within an EXCELLENT SCHOOL CATCHMENT AREA .........

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £995,000.00

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 10:30:32 GMT

Semi-detached, spacious, four bedroom, family home; located in the prime Coombe-side area; close to public transport, green areas and schools... a perfect family home

3 Bedroom Terrace, New Malden £759,500.00

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:57:07 GMT

Beautifully maintained, with plenty of charm and character from the moment you step inside the entrance hallway your first impressions are those that tell you this is a home that shines.

2 Bedroom Maisonette, New Malden £465,000.00

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:56:28 GMT

Inside this beautiful home there is a place for everything and everything in its place

5 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Worcester Park £965,000.00

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 04:04:26 GMT

We know that a happy home is so much more than just a shelter. It`s a base where you feel connected and confident and a place where you are able to make the most of your journey ahead.

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £845,000.00

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 03:07:10 GMT

A beautiful THREE bedroom VICTORIAN house with PERIOD FEATURES and superb KITCHEN/DINING/LIVING ROOM with vaulted ceiling and bifold doors onto a LARGE SOUTH FACING GARDEN with STUDIO room, located in a CENTRAL NEW MALDEN LOCATION.............

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £795,000.00

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:22:57 GMT

A well-loved family home, owned by the same family for decades. Semi detached, offering the potential to be a double fronted property. The natural footprint is large, but also offers extension potential (STPP). Located close to schools and good transport links

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £675,000.00

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 03:37:23 GMT

A well proportioned, bright THREE BEDROOM period house in the sought after "GROVES" area of New Malden, with open plan KITCHEN/DINING ROOM, PRIVATE GARDEN and OFF STREET PARKING........................NO ONWARD CHAIN

1 Bedroom Flat, New Malden £1,500.00

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:15:59 GMT

MOST BILLS INCLUDED - ideal for a single person. A lovely ground floor property with a living room/kitchen, separate bedroom area and a GARDEN.

4 Bedroom Terrace, New Malden £686,000.00

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 05:12:44 GMT

A good sized, family home with three bedrooms, plus an impressive loft room with dressing room and shower room....NO ONWARD CHAIN

4 Bedroom Terrace, Motspur Park £730,000.00

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:15:36 GMT

A four bedroom, mid-terraced family home, with open plan living on the ground floor. Walking distance to public transport, schools and amenities...NO ONWARD CHAIN

3 Bedroom Detached, New Malden £749,000.00

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 01:03:17 GMT

This bright, generously proportioned, three-bedroom, detached house offers expansive living space and exceptional parking...NO ONWARD CHAIN

4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £850,000.00

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 04:53:52 GMT

Four bedroom, Semi-detached, family home, in the heart of New Malden, walking distance to the buzzing High Street and popular Beverley Park...

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £775,000.00

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:20:30 GMT

A semi-detached Three bedroom family home set on this very popular road. Close to New Malden and easy access to Kingston, with EXCELLENT SCHOOLS within the local area. NO ONWARD CHAIN

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £695,000.00

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:48:53 GMT

A welcoming atmosphere awaits and as you step inside the bright hallway you get the first tempting glimpse of what`s to come. An instant first impression of spaciousness aided by the luxurious fresh interior make this home worth seeing ...............................

1 Bedroom Flat, Worcester Park £255,000.00

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:53:37 GMT

A bright and airy ONE BEDROOM top floor flat within close proximity of WORCESTER PARK TOWN CENTRE and STATION...................

2 Bedroom End Terrace, New Malden £460,000.00

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 02:12:28 GMT

A modern TWO BEDROOM house benefitting from a WEST FACING GARDEN and two private parking spaces. Located between Kingston and New Malden this property has plenty of good transport links.

2 Bedroom Flat, New Malden £1,925.00

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:26:59 GMT

A very well presented TWO DOUBLE BEDROOM apartment in a very CENTRAL location and with private PARKING.

4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £975,000.00

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:23:00 GMT

An extremely SPACIOUS FOUR bedroom, two bathroom FAMILY HOUSE, with superb THROUGH RECEPTION, FULLY FITTED KITCHEN with integrated appliances, with breakfast bar, MASTER bedroom with EN SUITE, OFF STREET PARKING. Located in THE COOMBESIDE area with easy access to good transport links.

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £695,000.00

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 02:53:19 GMT

A NEWLY DECORATED, EXTENDED, THREE BEDROOM semi detached family home located In a QUITE CUL DE SAC with OFF-STREET PARKING and WEST FACING GARDEN and FURTHER EXTENION POTENTIAL (STPP) if desired.

2 Bedroom Maisonette, Kingston Upon Thames £495,000.00

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 03:04:52 GMT

A spacious first floor TWO BEDROOM maisonette in a popular road close to RICHMOND PARK and with easy access to Kingston town centre. Large double reception, KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM and a PRIVATE REAR GARDEN. SHARE OF FREEHOLD

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £975,000.00

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 03:06:19 GMT

A cherished 3 or 4 BEDROOM family house in a SOUGHT AFTER "COOMBE" LOCATION that has come to the market for the first time in over 40 years with excellent accommodation throughout but with POTENTIAL TO EXTEND further to provide the modern living model preferred by many families......

2 Bedroom Flat, New Malden £450,000.00

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:00:08 GMT

A beautiful first floor maisonette in excellent condition throughout yet still retaining plenty of the charm provided by the period features with TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS, OWN ENTRANCE and PRIVATE GARDEN ...................

2 Bedroom Flat, New Malden £400,000.00

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 01:22:36 GMT

A Share-of-freehold, two-bedroom, split level apartment, which forms part of an elegant period conversion. Walking distance to New Malden High Street and public transport. Allocated parking space to the front....

0 Bedroom Studio, New Malden £240,000.00

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:54:30 GMT

A large ground floor studio apartment, newly redecorated, offering a bright and modern space with spacious reception room, separate kitchen,

2 Bedroom Terrace, New Malden £475,000.00

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:06:32 GMT

A modern, two bedroom terrace offering a perfectly balanced layout designed for modern living with separate kitchen, living/dining room leading onto a south facing garden and allocated parking space. Close to excellent transport links and amenities. NO ONWARD CHAIN.

1 Bedroom Flat, New Malden £315,000.00

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 05:01:42 GMT

A bright ONE DOUBLE bedroom GROUND FLOOR apartment with generously proportioned RECEPTION room, SEPARATE KITCHEN, communal garden and PRIVATE GARAGE. Located in the prestigious "Groves" area of New Malden close to excellent transport links. NO ONWARD CHAIN.

4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £4,000.00

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:22:11 GMT

A truly wonderful FOUR BEDROOM semi-detached FAMILY HOME set in this very desirable location.

5 Bedroom Detached, Kingston Upon Thames £1,070,000.00

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:08:46 GMT

A REMARKABLY SPACIOUS FOUR/FIVE BEDROOM DETACHED HOUSE, OFF STREET PARKING and a low maintenance GARDEN. Located close to EXCELLENT SCHOOLS, LOCAL SHOPS and GOOD TRANSPORT LINKS as well as within close walking distance of WIMBLEDON COMMON. Conveniently located between New Malden and Raynes Park

4 Bedroom Terrace, New Malden £785,000.00

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:06:04 GMT

A well presented FOUR bedroom, TWO bathroom PERIOD house in CENTRAL New Malden with large open plan Kitchen/Dining/Family room and a good size garden, a few minutes walk of the HIGH STREET and within the CATCHMENT of EXCELLENT schools.

3 Bedroom Terrace, New Malden £730,000.00

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:24:06 GMT

A captivatiing three double bedroom period property with south facing garden and potential to extend (STPP). Located in the favoured "Groves" area of New Malden within easy walking distance of New Malden Station and High Street, in the catchment for excellent schools.

3 Bedroom Flat, New Malden £375,000.00

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:02:23 GMT

Second floor, spacious, THREE bedroom apartment with balcony, parking, family bathroom and separate W.C.

2 Bedroom Maisonette, New Malden £395,000.00

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:00:23 GMT

In the heart of the highly sought-after "Groves" area, this spacious first floor maisonette offers the perfect blend of character and modern convenience.
With its own private entrance, a bright and airy reception room, separate kitchen, two good sized bedroom and outside space.

1 Bedroom Flat, Kingston Upon Thames £1,495.00

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:10:13 GMT

A modern ONE BEDROOM apartment with PRIVATE ENTRANCE and a PRIVATE ROOF TERRACE. Convenient location and available NOW...

2 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £675,000.00

Tue, 05 May 2026 11:55:50 GMT

A slice of history. This superb two double bedroom, early Victorian semi-detached home with oodles of charm and period features, complete with immaculate south facing garden and pretty Wisteria, Located a short stroll from New Malden and within the catchment of excellent schools. No Onward Chain.

4 Bedroom Detached, New Malden £1,325,000.00

Tue, 05 May 2026 05:08:29 GMT

An individual FOUR DOUBLE bedroom, three bathroom DETACHED PERIOD HOUSE with HIGH CEILINGS and SUPERB KITCHEN/DINING/FAMILY ROOM, LARGE GARDEN and OFF STREET PARKING located in the ever popular "GROVES" area of New Malden within the catchment of EXCELLENT SCHOOLS

5 Bedroom Semi-Detached, New Malden £1,650,000.00

Tue, 05 May 2026 05:25:29 GMT

Extremely rare to the market this is a home that truly offers the best of both worlds: Victorian elegance and modern day versatility ...............................

4 Bedroom Detached, New Malden £900,000.00

Thu, 07 May 2026 03:24:24 GMT

This exceptional, four-bedroom, detached residence offers an impressive blend of space, style, and contemporary family living...

3 Bedroom Terrace, New Malden £2,750.00

Tue, 12 May 2026 02:15:01 GMT

A well presented three bedroom family home located in `The Groves` and walking distance to sought after schools as well as New Malden High Street and Station.

4 Bedroom Terrace, New Malden £650,000.00

Tue, 12 May 2026 02:47:04 GMT

A larger than average four bedroom house with superb south east facing garden, off street parking for several cars, located in the catchment for outstanding schools and plenty of excellent transport links.

3 Bedroom Terrace, New Malden £2,500.00

Tue, 12 May 2026 02:55:16 GMT

A wonderful THREE BEDROOM, TWO BATHROOM house presented in superb condition throughout. Located within the catchment for COOMBE HILL schools, COOMBE GIRLS SECONDARY and within easy reach of the High Street and station.

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Sutton £2,600.00

Fri, 22 May 2026 03:16:47 GMT

A well presented and newly renovated throughout three bedroom family home with garage located moments away from Cheam High Street and Village....

0 Bedroom Studio, Coombe Road £200,000.00

Tue, 26 May 2026 05:37:47 GMT

A well presented and spacious STUDIO FLAT with bright main reception, separate kitchen and bathroom, plus private OFF STREET PARKING to the rear. The property is within easy walking distance of NEW MALDEN STATION and HIGH STREET. Ideal for a FIRST TIME BUYER or INVESTOR. NO ONWARD CHAIN

0 Bedroom Studio, New Malden £185,000.00

Wed, 27 May 2026 05:41:13 GMT

MODERN GROUND FLOOR STUDIO apartment, lift,VIDEO ENTRY SYSTEM. Close to local transport and amenities

1 Bedroom Flat, New Malden £275,000.00

Wed, 27 May 2026 05:48:50 GMT

A spacious ONE BEDROOM ground floor apartment with OFF-STREET PARKING and communal GARDENS. Offered for sale with no forward chain, this modern property would make an ideal home or a good rental investment. NO ONWARD CHAIN

4 Bedroom Terrace, New Malden £760,000.00

Thu, 28 May 2026 03:08:16 GMT

Situated in a quiet cul de sac is this beautifully extended four bedroom family home which combines generous living spaces with a highly sought after central location. Highlights include a double reception room, a spacious kitchen/breakfast room with garden access, and a top floor master en-suite.

1 Bedroom Flat, New Malden £1,450.00

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:03:54 GMT

A superb one DOUBLE BEDROOM apartment just moments from the Station and High Street and with PARKING...

0 Bedroom Studio, New Malden £1,150.00

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:02:07 GMT

INCLUSIVE OF SOME BILLS. A newly redecorated first floor STUDIO FLAT with an open plan kitchen and close to High Street and STATION

2 Bedroom Terrace, New Malden £1,850.00

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 03:04:10 GMT

A TWO DOUBLE BEDROOM home situated off Elm Road within close proximity of CHRIST CHURCH and CORPUS CHRISTI PRIMARY SCHOOLS and walking distance of New Malden TRAIN STATION and HIGH STREET ...

2 Bedroom Flat, New Malden £2,200.00

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:34:33 GMT

A superb GROUND floor CONVERSION flat with a PRIVATE GARDEN, TWO DOUBLE bedrooms and located moments from the High Street and station.

2 Bedroom Apartment, New Malden £2,500.00

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:44:14 GMT

A stunning and finished to a high standard, brand new, spacious, two bedroom, two bathroom ground floor flat with a private terrace; located in the brand new Sterling Place development.

4 Bedroom End Terrace, New Malden £940,000.00

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:05:55 GMT

A beautifully presented four-bedroom, end-of-terrace period home located in the highly sought-after "Groves" area of New Malden.

What will the Property Market Look Like in New Malden After Lockdown Ends?

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 12:00:00 GMT

If you`re a homeowner or a homebuyer in New Malden wondering what to expect in the property world when the lockdown is fully lifted, you`re not alone. As this pandemic is so unprecedented, even we in the property industry aren`t entirely clear on what the eventual full reopening of the housing market will look like as it`s impossible to predict.

As estate agents, all we can do is use our expertise and knowledge to try and understand what this crisis could mean for housing prices and property demands.

Let`s take a closer look at what the property market may look like post-lockdown, and what it could mean for those of you interested in buying or selling:

All suspended sales can now be completed

Reopening the property market as a priority means that most of the sales that were suspended due to the original lockdown have now completed. If you committed to buying or selling your property before this second lockdown and have been waiting patiently for weeks, your agent will now reach out to you to proceed with the completion of the sale.

Property demand is likely to rise

Based on early indicators, activity levels in the housing market are likely to continue to rise, due to demand that has built up during the lockdown periods. In fact, demand rose by 35% just one day after the government announced that the market was reopening.

Consumer confidence may be low

Although demand for housing is on the rise, it`s important to be aware that consumer confidence may understandably be low at this economically uncertain time. Some people may be keen to stay put and will not interested in making big financial investments until things stabilise.

On the other hand, another potential consequence of the uncertain economic state could be a boost in demand, which here at Groves Residential we have already started to see. As people face financial insecurity, they may start to reconsider their housing needs and consider downsizing. Or they may no longer have to commute to work as frequently, with many companies choosing to extend their work-from-home policies well past the lockdown. This could lead to a rise in property demand beyond the most popular commuter zones outside the city.

Economic instability is likely to lead to house prices falling

As we`re set to move into a phase of recession, many forecasters are predicting that house prices may fall by around 10% across the country next year. These forecasts are based on how house prices have fluctuated based on economic conditions in the past.

However, it`s important to note that UK house prices weren`t rising particularly fast pre-COVID. It may also be possible that the government will continue to provide more economic support that is geared towards the housing market.

Following safety measures is key

Although the government has officially reopened the housing market and you are allowed to make house moves, things won`t be exactly the same as they were pre-lockdown.

As estate agents, we can perform viewings and market appraisals, but both must be done following the government guidelines; ensuring safe social distance as well as the use of PPE.

Although navigating the post-lockdown property market may feel a little more complicated at first, we can guide you through the necessary steps in line with government guidance.

Sellers will need to take extra care to prepare homes for viewings

Although we advise buyers to don gloves and masks for any in person viewings, not to touch any surfaces and remain at a safe social distance from others, sellers can prepare their home for post lockdown viewings with a good deep clean. Clean all surfaces and door handles with a good antibacterial cleaning product between each viewing.

It will take time for the property market to rebuild momentum

So, what happens next? Although the housing market is open, realistically, it is going to take time for it to fully settle. Many workplaces are still closed, with millions still on furlough. We, like many other estate agents are getting to grips with changing government guidance and ensuring that our businesses are adhering to safe work practices. However, there`s no reason why your transaction can`t go off without a hitch.

Want to learn more about how the UK property market will affect your transaction after lockdown?

Feel free to reach out to us at Groves Residential on 02089490094 or mail@grovesresidential.com and one of our agents will be happy to discuss how the post-lockdown property market will impact your transaction in New Malden.

7 Tips to Increase the Value of Your Home

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 12:00:00 GMT

Increasing the value of your home in New Malden is a smart way to go further with your investment. Even if housing prices naturally increase in the area as it develops, renovating and improving your home will boost its value even further. Between improving its aesthetics for yourself, and increasing the financial value for when you sell, here at Groves Residential we want to share with you our top seven tips to get you there!

1. Keep your property in good repair

Regularly deep clean your property, stay on top of any mould and damp, and generally aim to fix any issues as they arise. This will keep your home in great condition and help you spread out the cost of maintenance. In return, you won`t have to heavily negotiate on the price of your home when the time comes to sell, or risk it being actually unsellable because a small issue became a big issue simply because it wasn`t handled at the time.

2. Install and nurture front and rear gardens

Front and rear gardens are a great way to improve the overall look of your property, and almost 1 in 5 buyers want these features. As a bonus, you`ll have a project that will keep you fit, out amongst the nature, have a beautiful home, and a lovely place to sit!
Tip: Many people today are looking to live more sustainably. Having beautiful gardens is a great way to start, as it offers a breath of fresh air even in the density of a city. To really appeal to these buyers, however, consider investing in a kitchen garden. Something that can be easily maintained, such as a wall of herbs, for example as this can really help sell your home.

3. Add character features to your property

Far too often, beautiful character features get removed, so consider adding them in! Change lighting fixtures and fittings to options you find characterful or quirky, replace flooring to incorporate hardwood, add mouldings, beams and even an open fire or log burner. These character features add to the beauty of your home and can become a true selling point later on. At the very least, these character features will help your property stand out against the others in your area and make it easier to sell your property quickly.

4. Improve your home energy efficiency

In terms of adding value to both the sale price and your wallet now, improving your property`s energy efficiency is key. This means replacing windows if they are not double glazed – or if they are very old, as double glazing loses its efficiency over time – it means insulating your home and changing the main doors so that they are better sealed. It could also mean investing in a new heating system. Central heating is a popular option, but there are many alternative means to heat a home that are even more efficient. If you get these changes done early, you can lower the cost of your utilities, and boost the value of your home.

5. Add a bedroom

Adding a bedroom will instantly put your property into the next price bracket. A two-bedroom home will never sell for as much as a three-bedroom home, and if you have a sizeable loft you have the perfect opportunity to convert it. For even better results, add an ensuite!
Tip: Adding a home office or a playroom can be just as lucrative as adding a bedroom and can be done at a much lower cost. Add a rear extension to your property and use that extra space to make room for a downstairs office or child-friendly zone. With the rise of remote working, both of these options will appeal to working professionals and parents.

6. Renovate the bathrooms

Modern bathrooms can look fantastic and help you feel like you have a spa in your own home! They can also increase the value of your property. Bathroom remodels are one of the top renovations that buyers and homeowners want done for their property, and new technology and materials are better than ever at keeping the room sealed and your home free of damp.

7. Renovate the kitchen

Kitchen styles come and go, and chances are the kitchen you inherited when you bought the house is not to your standards or tastes. Renovate with timelessness in mind and remember to ensure your kitchen`s value is in line with your property`s value. A successful kitchen renovation can boost the value of your home significantly, but make sure you stay within your budget so that you see the value back.

For expert advice on increasing the value of your home in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas, contact the team at Groves Residential on 02089490094 today.

Own a First-Time Buyer Property in New Malden KT3? Consider Letting it for 12 Months

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 12:00:00 GMT

So, you have a property to sell, and it would be ideal for a first-time buyer?

Did you know that many first-time buyers are struggling to get mortgage deals right now as lenders become more risk-averse and house prices boom? This, coupled with financial hardship for some first-time buyers means that your property could potentially work better for you as an investment, so why not consider renting out your property rather than selling it right now.

In this article, Groves Residential looks at five reasons why letting your property might be a good option for you.

A Valuation Hasn`t Met Your Expectations

It might be that an estate agent has valued your property to sell and come up with a price that is reasonable but doesn`t quite match your expectations or perhaps your property is stuck on the market and just not selling.

With the market seeing a gradual slow down following a buoyant few months, and with those mortgage deals currently out of reach for first-time buyers, it could be a great time to become a landlord. You can rent out your property for 12 months, or a short tenancy of six months, sit tight and wait for the market to rise again.

Whether you choose to manage it yourself or instruct Groves Residential to do it for you, you could be making a return on your investment almost straight away.
After 12 months, you can get the property revalued to see whether or not it has gone up in price and make a decision to continue letting or to sell, based on that valuation.

Top Tip: The rental market is buoyant right now!

Considering Letting Your Property? Do Your Research

When it comes to property, you should always do your research. We pride ourselves on our thoroughness, but for you to make the right decision, you should do some research of your own.
If you think your property is ideal for a first-time buyer, check that there is a market for renters as well.
For example, it might be that your property is within or close to the town centre and is ideal for young people who want to be near work and social activities.

Top Tip: There`s no such thing as too little information. Go online, read the property sections of your local or regional newspapers, and of course, ask Groves Residential for expert advice.

Be Aware of Potential Issues

Renting out a property can be a rewarding business and can be the start of a whole portfolio of properties!
This is great but be aware that it takes a lot of hard work.
• There are rules and regulations that must be adhered to, and there are potential consequences of not following the legal guidelines.
• Make sure you can sever emotional ties to bricks and mortar.
• Consider if you able to manage the property yourself, or you should get a lettings agency on board to help.

Top Tip: Make sure you are fully aware of all the pros and cons of renting your property. Do your homework!

Return to Your Investment

We talk a lot about return on investment, but we also see a return to investment. Don`t forget, if you decide to let your property in New Malden it is still yours, and you can choose to move back into it yourself at a later date.
Renting your property out for a year and then moving back into it yourself before you eventually sell is always an option. This is a return to investment.

Top Tip: You can stipulate the length of a shorthold tenancy in an agreement, to make sure it fits your requirements.

Crunch the Numbers

Whether you want to sell your property or you decide to let it, the decision may come down to basic maths. Put simply, do the figures add up? Can you cover your costs? Can you afford to rent out your property or do you need to sell to recoup your investment?

Top Tip: When you`ve done your research, seek professional advice from a lettings agent because there may be something you have missed, or just not thought about.
We have the local knowledge, experience, and expertise to help you make the right decision on whether to let your property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas.
We can`t make the decision for you, but we can give you the necessary information to set you on the right path.

Call our team on 020 8949 0094 or email mail@grovesresidential.com for tailored advice on becoming a landlord in New Malden.

Coronavirus Homeschooling: 5 Tips For Parents

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 12:00:00 GMT

We are currently living through some pretty extraordinary times and all of our lives have changed.

Except for our fantastic keyworkers in the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas, to whom we are eternally grateful during these difficult times, thousands of people are now having to adapt to working from home. This, alongside the closure of some schools means that parents and carers are now having to juggle the demands of their job with the education of their children. A task that just a few weeks ago we would never have dreamed would be asked of us!

Right now, there is no way of knowing how long our situation will last and so for families, homeschooling is the current way forward and every parent has been required to step up to the plate.
Of course, every parent`s wish is to ensure their child`s education doesn`t suffer through this time.

Homeschooling is a skill that most of us will need to adapt to, so the team at Groves Residential would love to provide you with some useful tips to help you and your children navigate this new experience whilst also staying sane, staying friends and having fun too!

So, here are our five top tips for homeschooling during COVID-19.

Create a timetable for the kids

Your children are used to following a routine at school and although it may feel strange to them for a few days, there is no reason why they shouldn`t follow a routine at home too, albeit more flexible! Your child`s school should have provided you with guidance and information regarding specific parts of the curriculum, so using this, create a daily schedule to follow.

With younger children, ideally, keep ‘lessons` short so that you hold their attention, so around 30 minutes each in which you`ll cover all the basics separately. So, 30 minutes for Maths, 30 minutes for English, Reading, Handwriting and so on.

You should allow a break in between each for ten minutes or so and then longer breaks for drinks, snacks and lunch and of course playtime too! Explain to your child at the start of the day, what they will be doing and why and encourage them to stick with the routine.

Create a timetable for you!

As a working parent it is likely to be impossible for you to spend all day everyday homeschooling your child. In this case you must share the educational tasks as much as you can. If you and your partner are both working from home, agree to take it in turns to deal with schooling. If you are a single parent and have an older child that can help a younger child with reading or writing then this may ease the workload a little.

If you don`t have anyone to help you, don`t stress. There is only so much you can do and even an hour of homeschooling a day is better than none at all.

Use real life experiences

Remember that sometimes the best learning happens without textbooks! In fact, children are learning all the time through all the actions they do in a day.

For example, if you are cooking, your child can count and weigh ingredients – that`s a maths lesson. If you`re watching a favourite TV programme try turning the sound off and turning the subtitles on and asking your child to read them out loud. If it`s a word they can`t pronounce or understand, explain it to them and ask them to write it down – that`s reading, writing and spelling sorted!

At the end of each day, ask your child to write down the best thing about their day and the thing they liked the least. This will help you discover what they really enjoy education-wise and is also another chance for them to practice their writing and spelling skills.

This is also an amazing chance for you to teach your children important life skills. Introduce them to sewing, washing, ironing (depending on their age), cleaning, DIY, etc. These are all skills that are likely to be new to your child and children love learning new things!

Be flexible… but have rules

When you`ve got things to do yourself, it`s easy to push your child to finish a set task or feel like you`ve failed if you don`t keep rigidly to the timetable. But in reality this will be counter-productive, and you`ll end up falling out with your child.

Young children have short attention spans and become tired easily so be aware when they are losing attention or concentration and don`t force them to finish a task. Instead give them a short break and then look at it afresh. Flexibility is vital during tense times.

Try and be flexible with your own work too. Perhaps start work later and make up the hours in the evening or finish earlier so that you have a few hours each day to spend homeschooling your child. Your employer should be sympathetic to your commitments, after all, many thousands of employees are in the same position.

There must also be rules around your work. If you need peace and quiet, close the door to the room you are working in if possible and make sure your child is aware that when the door is closed you are working and shouldn`t be disturbed unless it`s an emergency. During this time, you could give your child some tasks to complete on their own. It`s all about balance.

Make it fun but don`t let standards slip

In situations like this, there has to be an element of fun alongside patience and humour. We would all go mad otherwise! It`s hard to be patient when you are juggling childcare, schooling, work, housework and trying to find some time for yourself to relax and so understandably, patience may be thin on the ground, that`s why adequate breaks are required.

Your child needs to understand that they are not on holiday and they are expected to keep standards high and study but that it is less formal than being at school. This does not mean they can misbehave though! Make sure they understand that they should behave as they would in school. Setting aside an area where they will work will allow them to differentiate between school time and home time.

There`s no right or wrong way

You cannot be expected to know everything about everything! For most of us, it`s a long time since we were at school and during that time education and learning methods will have changed so, if you don`t understand what your child is working on, don`t stress. Contact their teacher, use the resources you have, connect with other parents through messaging or video and make sure you all help each other.

The most important point when homeschooling your child is to maintain some semblance of a routine and be flexible, but alongside that, enjoy spending this unexpected time with your children, make memories and keep them safe.

We will get through this together and Groves Residential are here to help you in any way we can.
If you are home on your own with your children and just feel like a chat with another grown up, call us on 02089490094.

Most importantly stay safe!

7 Steps to Becoming a Residential Landlord in New Malden and Surrounding Areas

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:00:00 GMT

There are a number of reasons people become residential landlords. Often, it`s because someone wants to do more with their savings and sees property as a sound investment with a regular income. It might also be that a person becomes an accidental landlord after inheriting a property or moving into a house with a partner.
Here are seven things to think about when becoming a landlord.

1. Set-up Costs

Finances matter, the numbers have to stack up. If you`re going to obtain a buy-to-let mortgage, the lender needs to know about your income, and what rent you hope to achieve. They have to ensure that you can cover the costs. You`ll probably have to pay for surveys too so they can be sure the house is worth what you think it is. Then there are the legal fees and the search costs. Many law firms who specialise in conveyancing will be able to give you an early indication of what your final bill will be.

2. DIY or use a Lettings Agency?

You could manage the property yourself, and many do as it helps to reduce costs, but you should ensure you are fully aware of the various lettings legislation that could affect you – there are over 170 different types of lettings legislation! It may be wiser to use a lettings agency to find you a tenant and arrange the initial agreements. You can then keep on top of things for yourself. Certainly if you are a first time landlord it is advisable to hand over all the management to the agency. This will undoubtedly reduce the pressures on you!

3. Insurance

When you are renting out a property, you should obtain landlords insurance. This is because a home insurance policy will not cover you for what you need, and also because the right insurance will protect you, your property and your tenant. If you`re taking out a mortgage to buy the property, your lender will insist that you have insurance. The costs of insurance will vary depending on the level of cover, such as personal liability, contents cover and buildings cover, and loss of rent cover. Speak with an insurer or a broker and be absolutely clear about what you need.

4. Furnished or Unfurnished

Whether you rent out a property that is fully furnished or unfurnished is a decision you need to make early on. If you`ve inherited a property alongside all its contents, then it might well be an easy decision. If this is the case, you will need to make sure you are compliant with The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988. If you rent out a property unfurnished, obviously it means you don`t need to buy things for it. Most potential tenants prefer this as they can put their own furniture in and make it their home. Don`t forget; it`s best practice to get an inventory carried out as this will affect your insurance policy and could minimise disputes at the end of an agreement.

5. Paperwork

One of the top tips for being a landlord is to be well organised and up to date with paperwork from the start. It may seem daunting having a lot of documents, but organisation is key. Not only will this ensure you don`t fall foul of any legal responsibilities, but it should also mean that if any disputes arise, you know straight away where things are. (It`s also particularly useful when you`re doing your accounts or checking information).

6. Legals & Responsibility

There are certain legal obligations and responsibilities that need to be understood. These are in addition to the tenancy agreement that you and your tenant should be signing. For example, before a property is let, you`ll need an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate for it. A gas safety certificate is required for each gas appliance in the property, each home has to have smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector and any appliances or furniture must meet the required safety standards. There are also rules about a tenant`s deposit and how it is kept in a Government-approved scheme. If you need help with any of these, we can advise you.

7. Right to Rent Checks

A relatively new aspect of renting out a property is the need to carry out a Right to Rent check. A landlord must, by law, check whether a potential tenant has the legal right to rent a property in the UK. Failure to carry out the required checks could result in hefty fines so if you do need advice, then contact us and we will be delighted to help.

For expert property advice and becoming a landlord, contact our team of professionals at Groves Residential on 02089490094 or email us mail@grovesresidential.com.

How to Sell Your Home Fast This Spring

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 12:00:00 GMT

If you`re thinking about selling your home in New Malden and surrounding areas this spring and want a quick sale, then here are our tips to help you find a buyer in no time at all.

Be Flexible on Price

When it comes to selling your property in New Malden, a good estate agent will be able to give you a clear idea of the price range that it falls into.

Ideally you`ll get the full asking price, and if you`re very lucky then you may be offered more if a couple of potential buyers want to compete.

However, if you want a quick sale then you may need to be prepared to accept a little under the asking price. You should be willing to be flexible, especially if the property is looking tired and some of the major components need updating, such as the boiler or windows.

Have an amount in mind that you would be willing to accept but don`t allow yourself to be forced into accepting a low offer if you won`t be happy with the price.

Find the Right Buyer

While it`s natural to want to achieve the highest possible price for your property, it may be worth sacrificing a small amount to get a sale completed as quickly as possible.

For example, one buyer may offer you the full asking price but be part of a long chain, whereas a first-time buyer may come in with a slightly lower offer but with no chain to consider.

So if you`re looking to sell in a hurry, then it may be worth your while choosing a buyer who`s ready to go quickly, even if it costs you a bit of money in the short-term.

Give Your Home a Lick of Paint

Buyers will be far more attracted to a property that`s ready to move into immediately, and you don`t need to spend a fortune getting the place ready either. A fresh coat of paint will do the job, even if it`s just a touch up rather than a full paint job.

Go for neutral colours too, such as an off-white or magnolia. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the property they`re viewing, so giving them a blank canvas will be far more appealing than jungle-themed wallpaper for example!

Boost Kerb Appeal

Many buyers will make up their mind about a property before they`ve even stepped foot inside.
If you`ve allowed the front garden to become overgrown, or your overflowing wheelie bins are blocking the path then it`s time to get the gardening gloves on and tidy it up.

Add a hanging basket or two, or some pots, and perhaps touch up any paintwork if you want to really make an impression.

Show off your Home`s Assets

You want to show your property in its best light, so that means highlighting everything that`s good about it.

For example, you may have been using the second bedroom as a dumping ground for all your old coats or magazines, but buyers will want to see how they can use the space as a second bedroom.

So clear all the clutter out of sight, make the bed and let buyers see what it`s meant to be used for.

Declutter…Everywhere!

This ties in nicely with showing off your property`s assets. Buyers want to see a property that`s well looked after and don`t want to be overwhelmed with clutter when they walk through the door.

So if you have been using the understairs cupboard for junk or piling up paperwork in the sitting room then it`s time for a clearout. And there`s the added bonus of potentially making a few pounds by selling some of your unwanted possessions.

Fix any Minor Issues

When you`re living in a place it`s easy to overlook a missing lightbulb, a damaged fence or a cracked window.

However, if you`re looking to sell, then these minor issues are all things that buyers could pick up on, and which might put them off making an offer.

Some buyers may see minor issues like these as a sign of potentially bigger issues elsewhere, and it gives them the impression that the house isn`t well maintained generally.

So before you come to sell, just take some time to sort out those odd jobs that you`ve been putting off.

Clean Your House

You don`t need to get the professionals in or spend all day doing a deep clean, but before any viewings just make sure you`ve whizzed round with the vacuum and a duster, emptied the bins and tidied up.

You`d be amazed how much of a difference it can make to buyers, and it`s further proof that you take pride in your property and maintain it to a good standard.

Groves Residential are your local property experts for the New Malden and surrounding areas. Call us on 02089490094 or email mail@grovesresidential.com to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

How to Save for a Deposit Whilst Renting

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Banking on a deposit, tips to save for your perfect pad in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas!

Looking to buy your own place in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas and move out of rented accommodation? What a great thing to be doing, to get on the property ladder is a wonderful sense of achievement and a milestone to be proud of.

So you`ve sat down and worked out you want to move, and you may even have found your ideal location in the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas area, perhaps even seen your dream pad. Four beds? Nice garden? Garage? Room to grow your plants or even grow your family? Brilliant.

Unfortunately, at this point, some people stop right there though when they realise they`ll have to put a deposit down, as they say, they`ll never be able to afford it.

But you`re not one of them! It sounds like you`re one of those who are up for a challenge, and know you want to save for that deposit and buy your perfect place in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas.

There are a number of schemes available to help people, but a general rule of thumb is that you`ll need around a 15 per cent deposit.

That can mean a large sum of money saved in the bank before you even start to make an offer for your new home.

It can seem to be an uphill struggle, but if you`re prepared to work hard to save up for a deposit, that dream can become a reality.

So, what can you do?

7 Ways to Save Money for a Deposit

1. First off, speak to a professional mortgage advisor and work out how much you need to save and over what period. If you don`t know what you need, how will you know what to put to one side?

2. If you`re currently renting, can you move into a place where the rent is cheaper and put aside what you have saved into your deposit fund? Yes, it might mean not living exactly where you want, but it`s your dream to own a property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas after all.

3. Along similar lines, have you thought about moving back home with relatives? Sure, it may seem like you`re going backwards and could lead to tantrums and tears, but think of the money you will be saving!

4. If you`re paying for a car, do you really need it? Can you buy a smaller one or get rid of a car altogether? Yes, you`d have to think of other means or transport to get about for a while, but think of the bigger picture.

5. Switch your energy bills – this sounds small fry, but it`s advice from the Which? organisation and it shows how much you can be saving. Which? also says you should check your council tax bill – are you paying too much or should you have a discount? That money is better in your savings pot.

6. Are you spending too much on clothes? Cosmetics? An expensive gym? Eating out? Again, these may be lovely things, but you`re on a mission to save so cutting out or slimming down your day-to-day living expenses can make a huge difference. We bet you`ll soon see how frivolous a lot of your spending is!

Think about it. Say you`re paying £50 a month for a gym membership, can you workout at home instead using YouTube for example? That`s a £600 saving already. Put that in a savings account with the rest and it all adds up.

7. How much is a nice coffee, and how many times do you have one during the week? Sounds daft, but if you`re having a ‘double frothy chocolate top latte` two or three times a week, you`re drinking your savings away. Treat yourself for sure, but keep an eye on the spending.

Top Tip: If you are using a bank with an app you can manage and monitor what you`re saving or spending. So, now you`ve started to save money – and put it away in your pot – you should think about earning a few extra pounds too.

3 Ways to Make Money for a Deposit

1. Have you thought about freelancing or tutoring in your spare time? If you have a skill or can offer help to someone, this can become a lucrative second income.

2. What about selling some of the things you`ve collected over the years and are sitting gathering dust on a shelf? There are so many apps you could be using to help you manage online sales of items such as books and clothes.

3. It`s cheeky, but don`t forget to ask your boss for a pay rise! If you don`t ask, you won`t know the answer. Think about how to broach the subject and make sure you explain why you think you deserve a raise. You should show your boss how your work and commitment will benefit the business rather than making it all about yourself!

The Bank of Mum and Dad!

If you`re saving and being careful but still not getting near your total, there is the potential to use the Bank of Mum and Dad. We know that this isn`t available to everyone, but it`s worth the chat to see if a relative can assist you. With this option though, check out the legal rights and responsibilities as it may not all be straightforward.

The team at Groves Residential are always available to offer advice so please don`t hesitate to call us on 020 8949 0094 or email us at mail@grovesresidential.com. We will be delighted to offer our words of wisdom on all things property.

Getting the Best Tenant for Your Rental Property: 6 Tips for Landlords

Fri, 14 May 2021 12:00:00 GMT

So, you`ve got a property to rent in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas . You`ve invested your savings, or you have perhaps inherited a house, and now you want to rent it out.

Of course, you want to attract and choose the right tenants – those who will look after it, pay the rent, and cause you little to worry about.

But how do you find the right tenants? Are there steps you could be taking to ensure that the tenancy is as easy as possible, leaving you to get on with your life?

Who are the Best Tenants?

If you want to attract the best tenants, you have to first define what you mean by ‘best tenants`.
• Do you want to ensure they look after the property to a high standard?
• Is the rent being paid on time a top priority?
• Do you want them to be able to get on with any little DIY tasks?
• Is the best tenant for you a young professional?
• A family?
• Retirees?
• Will a young professional be able to pay the rent easily?
• Will a more mature tenant look after your house better?
On the other hand, all this speculation may be absolute nonsense!
So, you must define who your best tenant might be, and follow our six tips to attract the best for your property.

1. Choose a Suitable Letting Agent

You must make sure you choose the right lettings agent. Whether you want your agent to find you a tenant, or if you task them with managing the property as well, it`s super important that your agent knows what sort of tenant you are looking for.
Do your homework. Talk to several lettings agents including us to find the right one for you. Ask around and consider recommendations.
2. Let your Agent Handle Viewings

Unless you are experienced, use your lettings agent to handle viewings. In our case, we have been in the industry for a long time and will get a gut feeling for the people who walk through the door. This, along with your brief always ensures we are ready to ‘vet` prospective tenants.
Trust your agent. If they`re like us at Groves Residential, they`ll know the type of tenant you want and will make sure any viewing requests fit with your brief.

3. Be a Property Matchmaker

If you`re looking for someone to live in your property who is as tidy and clean as you are, it makes sense to make sure your property is photographed in its neat and tidy state—even minimalist. You`re more likely to get the perfect tenant who will want to live that way, and they`ll know the standards you set right from the start. Make sure your rooms are dressed or staged appropriately when the photos are taken.

4. Develop a Shortlist

Weeding out prospective tenants you don`t want is made easier if you and your lettings agent ask a list of questions you`ve already prepared. Whether it is you asking or your agent, the answers will help you choose. Take time to think about the responses you need to hear and shape your questions accordingly.

5. What`s ‘Best` Anyway?

If you have struggled for a while to find the right tenants, are you being too picky? After all, background checks and references must be conducted to ensure your tenant will be able to afford the rent. They will also sign a contract! You have rights as a landlord should things go awry. Talk to us about being a landlord and what it entails. We`ll help you define what makes a good tenant.

6. Don`t Skip the Background Checks

Viewings have been completed; you`ve got some potentials in mind as the right tenants. Bingo. But wait. Now is the time to get those all important checks done. It`s so important to get this part right, even if you`re letting to a friend.
This is where a lettings agent can really assist you. A good lettings agent will carry out all the necessary checks for you and put forward the people they consider right for your property.
If you want some advice on letting your property, please get in touch. We`ll happily help you market your property, find a tenant, and complete all the necessary checks. We can manage your property going forward too. We want you to get it right, and that`s why we always do it right.

Call Groves Residential on 020 8949 0094 or email mail@grovesresidential.com for more information.

How to Prepare Your Property for Rent

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Understanding how to prepare your property for rent is an important part of the process for landlords. Getting the preparation right can make all the difference if you want to find a tenant quickly.

Our extensive experience and knowledge of the property rental market in and around New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas will help you prepare your property for rent stress-free.

Make Sure Your Property is Clean

This sounds basic, but you need to give your property a good clean. From the carpets to the kitchen cupboards, and from the oven to the bathroom, go through the property and make sure the standards are high. You want the place looked after so you need to get it right at the start so that you attract the right type of tenant.

Top Tip You could do the work yourself and save money, but you might want to get the professionals in, particularly if the place is really in need of a deep clean.
Get Your Certificates in Order
As a landlord, you have legal responsibilities to the tenant. You will need to make sure the property has:

• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• A Gas Safety Certificate
• An Electrical Installation Condition Report

These tests must be done by proficient professionals, registered with the regulatory bodies – failure to get these certificates means you could be fined.

Top Tip
Ask around to see which qualified plumbers and electricians are recommended. They must be competent of course, but you also want tradespeople who will do an efficient job at the right price (particularly if they have to make necessary repairs).

The Devil is in the Detail

When you find a tenant, you hope they will stay in your property for a while. But, when they do move out, you want to be sure that they haven`t damaged or disposed of any of your items. The best approach is to use a professional to complete a full inventory of the property. This will save you time and money at the end of the tenancy.

Top Tip Put your mind at ease by taking photos of the interior and exterior of the property or recording a video on your phone. You`ll have a record of the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy.

Complete all Repairs

Carry out all repairs before a tenant moves in. Get the place decorated if need be. It will be someone elses home, but it`s your asset, so look after it.

Top Tip You should expect to make repairs as a result of wear and tear, but, if the repairs are required due to the result of a tenant`s actions, you can claim the money back from their deposit.

Put Insurance in Place

When letting your property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas , make sure it is insured properly. Cover the rebuild, and the contents if you are letting the property furnished. Speak with an insurance broker who specialises in landlords insurance. If your property has been empty, notify the insurer that someone is moving in as your policy may need to be changed.

Top Tip Getting the paperwork in order is absolutely essential to the successful running of a property, whether it is a buy-to-let or a home you`ve inherited. Be organised and diarise when insurance needs to be renewed.

Choose a Letting Agent

You`ll need to choose a lettings agent, but first you need to decide what you want them to do for you.

• Is it just to market the property and find a tenant?
• Do you want them to deal with right to rent and financial checks too?
• Do you need them to manage the property for you too?

Top Tip Seek recommendations and look at online reviews on social media and Trustpilot to find the best letting agent in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas .

Consider the Profitability

• Do you know what the rental income will be?
• Have you worked out the yield?
• Have you got a mortgage on the rental property and need to make a certain amount?

These are all questions that need answers. You need to have done your homework on similar properties nearby and your expectations should be based on reality, and not on a rent you are dreaming about!

Top Tip Work with a lettings agent who knows the area, knows the market, and knows the right kind of tenant for the property.

Get your property up to scratch, and you`re more likely to attract the sort of tenant you want in your property. Being a landlord can be rewarding but there`s paperwork to get right and responsibilities too.

We are local lettings experts for New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas.Speak with as we can help you through the process of finding a tenant and managing your property. Email us at mail@grovesresidential.com or call us on 020 8949 0094.

How to Avoid Losing Your Rental Deposit

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 12:00:00 GMT

When you first begin renting a property, your new landlord is highly likely to ask for a deposit before letting you move in.

Typically, this is one month`s rent payable upfront, although it can be more in some cases.

Your landlord is legally required to protect your deposit in a tenancy deposit scheme. When you come to move out they`ll refund your deposit in full, unless they have a justifiable reason to keep some of the money.

This could be because:

• You owe rent
• You`ve damaged the property. For example, you may have stained the carpet or damaged the walls with fixings
• You`ve lost or broken items from the inventory, such as mugs or electrical appliances

To avoid losing your rental deposit, here are our top tips to ensure you get your deposit back in full.

1.Take pictures when you move in

Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous landlords out there, who may try to keep your deposit for damages that were already there when you moved in.

Having photographic evidence on day one means you can challenge your landlord in the event of this happening.

Not all landlords are likely to do this of course, and some may even be unaware of day one issues, especially if they`re ‘hands off`.

Therefore, take some pictures on the day you move in, and also be sure to let the landlord or letting agent know of any issues immediately, so they`re aware that you weren`t the cause of them.

2. Read your contract carefully

It`s surprising how many people just blindly sign their tenancy agreement without checking the details.

For example, there may be information contained there detailing whether you can decorate, or hang pictures on the walls, and there may be reasonable maintenance requirements that you`re expected to stick to, especially when it comes to the garden.

Make sure you read through the contract in detail and if you`re unsure of anything, ask your landlord or letting agent to clarify it and have it written down. This will go a long way to avoiding disputes further down the line.

3. Check your inventory

Before you sign your contract, make sure you`ve toured the property and agree with everything that`s on the inventory.

If anything`s missing or damaged, don`t assume that it`s an error or that the landlord is already aware and will be fine with it. Make sure you let them know, and have the inventory amended.

It may seem like a pain at the time, but it`s the sort of minor detail that can come back to bite you in the long run, so check that everything on the inventory is present and in working order, or that you`ve notified the landlord before signing your contract.

4. Stay in contact with your landlord

Whether you have a direct relationship with them, or via a lettings agent, it`s a good idea to touch base from time to time so they can keep an eye on the property`s condition, and you can report any damages or issues to them as they arise.

It`s important to notify your landlord of any damages or problems as and when they occur, rather than let them build up until the time you move out.

This avoids nasty surprises for them, and it means they`re more likely to be receptive to any issues that arise if you`re upfront and honest with them.

5. Look after the property

You should treat your rental property as if it`s your own home, and this means keeping on top of it by maintaining a good standard of cleanliness and basic maintenance.

Reasonable wear and tear such as faded curtains and worn carpets are likely to be accepted, but stained carpets, damaged walls and broken light fittings are a big no-no if you want your deposit back in full.

Therefore, make sure you keep the place clean and tidy, and don`t allow any scuffs and scratches to build up too much.

Stay on top of the cleaning and fix any minor issues as they appear. If you`re unable to do it yourself then contact your landlord to get the professionals in. Another sure fire way of losing your deposit is to bodge things like electrics or plumbing, so don`t risk any repairs you`re not comfortable with.

What if my landlord withholds the deposit?

Start off by talking to them in person. It may just be a case of crossed wires that can be sorted quickly and easily.

If your landlord still won`t return your deposit then ask for them to state the reasons why in writing.

You can then check which tenancy deposit scheme your money is being held in and contact them for help resolving your dispute.

There are three government-approved tenancy deposit schemes, and they all offer free services to help resolve your dispute.

If your landlord hasn`t protected your deposit in one of the schemes then you may be able to claim compensation.

Groves Residential are your local property experts for the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas area. Call us on 02089490094 or email mail@grovesresidential.com to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team about our property management services.

The Benefits of Owning a Buy to Let Property

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Owning a buy to let in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas and renting out your property can be very rewarding. It can be a way of having a regular income coming in, together with actually owning something that should increase in value over time.

If you are considering renting out a property, there are many things you need to make sure you get right, such as rental income, statutory obligations (e.g. gas and electric certificates), and of course having the right tenants in-situ.

What are the benefits of a Buy To Let
You`ll have the option of a Buy to Let mortgage.

Unless you can fund your property purchase with cash, the chances are that you will need a buy to let mortgage. For landlords, this is the most popular way of acquiring property, which in itself can benefit you in a number of ways including:
• Interest only payments
• Longer mortgage terms
• Mortgage payments can be offset against tax
• Less strict regulatory processes
The good news is that there are a number of products and lenders out there to choose from, and you should be able to get a good deal from a lender.

If you have a larger than average deposit to put down, for example around 35 to 40 per cent, then the deals get even better.

Consumer website which.co.uk has some very useful information on mortgage deals worth looking at, and of course as your local estate agent we are happy to help and put you in touch with a recommended mortgage adviser who will assist you with lending criteria and affordability.

You`ll get potential high returns on your money

When you own a rental property, you should benefit in two ways, financially speaking. Firstly, you`ll have a monthly income stream coming in. If you`ve done your sums right and have a rental income that produces a good yield, then this is good news.

Secondly, you should see your property price go upwards over the years. Despite everything, property is still seen as a sound investment. We know for example that as soon as a rental property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas is marketed, then we get a huge number of enquiries.

Top Tip Do your homework. If you need help making sure everything adds up, talk to us and we`ll do our best to help you.

You`ll diversify the risks

It`s fair to say that the economy has taken a battering over recent months. High street shops and large businesses have come a cropper because of lockdowns and uncertainties over investment going forward. Where previously you may have been certain of your other investments, perhaps now there`s an added element of risk.

If you have a few pounds stashed away in various projects or investments and are worried what the future might hold, property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas is still seen as a sound investment with good returns. Again though, you must do the maths and look at interest and repayments and make sure the rental income covers not only fixed costs, but also maintenance and the other expenses associated with rental properties.

Top Tip Seek the advice of a trusted lettings and property expert to find out which areas will present the best opportunity for rental incomes.

You can help friends and family

We`ve seen a trend recently of people investing in buy to let properties as a way of helping friends and family out, while at the same time building up a property portfolio.
It`s an interesting concept and will not be for everyone but if you know someone going to college or university, it could be a way of generating useful cashflow.

Top Tip There are rules and regulations that tenants and landlords have to abide by whether your tenant is someone known to you or not! It`s probably even more important to get it right if you rent to friends or family as you won`t want conflict in the future.

These are just some of the benefits to owning a buy to let property. There are many things to think about, so if you would like some expert help, do give us a call and we`ll talk you through it. Groves Residential are your local property experts for the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas area. Call us on 02089490094 or email mail@grovesresidential.com to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

9 Quick Home Staging Tips for Autumn

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Home staging is the process of preparing your property for sale. It involves making your home look its absolute best, encouraging viewers to place an offer on your property.

It generally starts with a thorough declutter, which makes the property seem more inviting and helps hugely with the moving process. Where necessary, you might also decide to redecorate. Depersonalising your home and repainting in a neutral palette can also help viewers envisage themselves in your home.

Many seasonal factors will also affect how you display your home, so here are our top tips for staging your home in autumn.

Focus on Kerb Appeal

First impressions count. From the second prospective buyers see your home, they should be wowed.

You should start by tidying up the garden, including mowing the lawn, de-weeding the path and repainting the fence. Next, clean the windows and repaint the front door where necessary.

To add an autumnal touch, consider a wreath made from deep oranges and brown tones, a classy way to incorporate the season into your décor.

Clear The Entranceway

The attention you have paid to the front of your home should continue into the porch or hallway. In autumn, these spaces are often cluttered with raincoats, muddy boots, and rouge leaves.

Be sure to deep clean the space making it warm and inviting for your viewers.

Sprinkle Autumnal Décor Carefully

It can be easy to go overboard when staging your home in autumn. With so many fun seasonal accessories available, many homeowners struggle to know where to draw the line.

Each room should have a nod to the season rather than revolving around it. For example, consider a singular piece of artwork, floral arrangement or pumpkin display in each room, which will avoid your home being taken over by the season!

Stage The Outdoors

Just because the weather is cooling doesn`t mean that your buyers don`t want to see the outside space. Leave out your garden furniture to show your viewers exactly how they can utilise the garden with their family and guests.

Even for those with tiny outside spaces, showing prospective buyers how they can enjoy this area will encourage them to make an offer.

Incorporate Autumnal Scents

Making your home smell fantastic doesn`t have to be as cliché as warm cinnamon rolls in the oven, but incorporating autumnal scents into your home will entice buyers to stay and see what the property has to offer.

Use candles and reed diffusers to allow subtle scents to float around the home. Pumpkin and burnt orange align with the seasons but be careful not to use too many contrasting scents, which can often counteract each other.

Style The Dining Table

As the nights begin to draw in, our homes truly become our sanctuaries. So when buyers are viewing in autumn, they are already thinking of the festive period they will enjoy in their new home.

Therefore, showcasing how great the property is for hosting is of paramount importance. Lay the table, complete with an autumnal runner, crockery and glassware. This will make the room warm and inviting, encouraging visitors to imagine their friends and family enjoying the entertainment space.

Focus on Lighting

Lighting is crucial when staging your home in any season.

Without enough lighting, your home will look dark and uninviting. On the other hand, if the lighting is too intense, the space will look uncomfortable and clinical.

Soft, freestanding lights tend to work better than brighter overhead bulbs. Use a collection of table and floor lamps to create a subtle glow around the home, complimenting any natural light rather than overpowering it.

Highlight The Fireplaces

As mentioned, viewers want to see a house they can imagine spending the winters tucked up inside. And nothing screams cosy evenings like a fireplace.

The warm embers and soft glow of an original fireplace will be enough to entice any buyer.

Use Dried Floral Arrangements

Flowers are an excellent final touch for styling any home. They allow you to add just the right amount of personality along with a pop of colour to every room. However, autumn is not the optimum time for fresh flowers.

Consider instead investing in a few dried bouquets to dot around the property. These look incredible, stand the test of time, and can be easily transported to your new home.

Earthy tones are perfect for autumn, and be sure to add in some bright yellows to liven up the room.

We`re here to help

At Groves Residential, we understand that selling your home can be stressful and we`re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today on 02089490094 or via email at mail@grovesresidential.com for a friendly chat about our services.

Tips for Making an Offer: First Time Buyers

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Buying your first home is both an exciting and daunting prospect, and making an offer can be particularly nerve-wracking if you`ve never done it before.

Getting your offer spot-on can be the difference between bagging a bargain and paying significantly over the odds for a property. If you`re a first time buyer, then read on for some top tips on making an offer.

Get a Mortgage In Principle

Before you even think about making an offer on a property, it`s vital that you know what your budget actually is.

Many would-be buyers make an offer on a property assuming they`ll be able to borrow the amount they need, but in reality, they might come up short.

And on the other hand, you may be able to borrow more than you actually think, so you`re viewing properties that are much lower than your real budget.

Therefore, it`s a good idea to visit a mortgage broker before making an offer so they can tell you exactly how much you can borrow.

Having a mortgage in principle will also help you when it comes to making your offer as it shows that you`re a serious buyer and that you`re well prepared.

Do Your Research

It`s worth bearing in mind that the asking price and the value of a property aren`t necessarily the same thing.

Remember, sellers want to get as much money for their property as possible, and the asking price is usually the figure they`re hoping to achieve, rather than the figure they`re willing to accept.

Find out how much other properties in the area have been sold for recently, and find out how long the property you`re interested in has been up for sale.

Has the price been reduced, or has it remained the same? Getting these valuable pieces of information will help you to put in an offer that`s more likely to be accepted.

Play To Your Strengths

As a first time buyer, you`re in a relatively strong position when it comes to negotiating, particularly if the seller is looking to move quickly.

First time buyers are generally very attractive to sellers because there`s no lengthy chain to consider, which means a faster buying process and potentially more flexibility on exchange and completion dates.

Therefore, don`t forget to gently remind your estate agent and the seller, of your first time buyer status.

If time is an issue for them, sellers may be willing to accept a slightly lower offer from a first time buyer than a higher offer from someone who`s part of a chain.

Don`t Worry If Your First Offer Is Rejected

Making an offer can be a bit of a balancing act. On the one hand, you want to get the lowest price possible, but on the other, you don`t want to make an offer so low that it frustrates the seller and leaves them not wanting to sell to you.

As long as your initial offer isn`t ridiculously low then don`t be worried if the seller rejects it. Remember, it`s all just a natural part of the negotiating process, as the seller is looking to get as much as possible for the property, and rejecting an offer isn`t anything personal against you or a sign that they`re offended.

There`s no set rule on how much to offer, or how much you can expect to knock off the asking price, but if you`re in two minds about making a cheeky offer, then don`t rush in!

Don`t Be Afraid To Renegotiate After A Survey

A property viewing is usually completed in under 30 minutes. Sometimes it can be less than 10, so of course, you`re not going to spot every detail that you might need to know before making an offer.

It`s only after the offer has been accepted and your solicitor has started their searches that you`ll start to get a more detailed picture of the property you`re buying, and it`s at this point that certain flaws or issues may crop up.

For example, the boiler may have never been serviced, or the conservatory might have been underpinned.

If anything comes up in your searches or survey that`s likely to cost you a lot of money to sort out in future, then you may be in a reasonable position to reduce your offer or ask the seller to have the issue fixed before you commit.

Of course, they may dismiss your concerns and find another buyer, but it`s worth remembering that you can renegotiate at any point before contracts are exchanged, so just because an offer has been accepted, it doesn`t have to be your final one.

If you are a first time buyer and you have questions about the buying process, give us a call for help and advice. Groves Residential are your local property experts for the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas area. Call us on 02089490094 or email mail@grovesresidential.com.

10 Tips for Buy-to-Let Success

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Buying a property and letting it out can be very rewarding. Not only do you receive a rental income, but the property itself should also increase in value over time.

The property you are renting out is an investment, but you must make sure that it is looked after and well maintained.

Of course, you may also be busy with a job and family, and while buying to let is a business, it may not always be the first priority in your life.

That`s why we have put together our 10 Tips for Buy-to-Let Success guide. These tips are based on our many years of experience of helping landlords run successful businesses.

1.Choose Your property Wisely

You may want to invest your money and start getting a return as quickly as possible, but first, you must do your homework and consider the type of property you want and what sort of tenant you need. You might be thinking about students, but what if there isn`t a market for students in the area?

Top tip Speak to the professionals. We know the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas market locally and can advise you accordingly.

2.Decide how Much Involvement You Want

Decide what sort of landlord you want to be. Will you be hands-on and do a lot of the maintenance work yourself, or do you want to get trades people in to do the work for you?

Top Tip If you`re relying on trades people, ask around and develop a list of trusted contacts to be used when required.

3.Will You Manage the Property?

There are quite a few things you need to do including getting gas and electric certificates, collecting rent, dealing with maintenance and other issues, even managing the process of eviction should it come to that.

So, are you able to do much of this management yourself, or do you need an experienced lettings manager to take the strain?

Top Tip We can help you find a tenant, sort the contracts and look after the management – if you want us to!

4.Understand the Potential Net Returns

You may have money in the bank to invest in property. You may also have the desire to be a landlord and are thinking of the potential returns. But, have you actually done the maths?

Sit down with a pen and paper and do some research into all the other costs, for example:

• Landlords Insurance
• Servicing and gas and electric safety certificates
• EPC certificate
• Costs of repairs and maintenance
• Tax
• Void Periods
• Tenant Acquisition
• Utility Bills
• Management Fees

This is to name but a few!

Top Tip Make sure you can afford it. This might sound silly, but if the returns aren`t as great as you think, and the additional costs rack up, you could be in for a surprise.

5.Be Aware that Property Prices can go Up and Down!

Property is a sound investment most of the time. We would definitely recommend being a buy-to-let landlord, particularly in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas , but you should be aware that property markets can go down as well as up.

Top Tip Be in it for the long run. Be patient as markets can fluctuate but a good landlord knows this and sticks with it.

6.Always get Insurance

We firmly advise that you need Landlords Insurance and Buildings Insurance and maybe even Contents Insurance too. It`s better to be safe than sorry and should anything untoward happen, you will know that you are covered.

Top Tip Speak with an experienced insurance broker. They will go through the level of cover you need and why.

7.Be Efficient and Keep Records of Everything

A buy-to-let property is best when it has a paying tenant of course. When it is empty, it costs you money. Landlords who can move quickly when they need to find a tenant are the ones who have successful businesses.

Top Tip Make sure your paperwork is organised and in order. Keep a list of preferred suppliers including plumbers and electricians so that any work can be done quickly.

8.Choose the Right Lettings Agent

A good lettings agent will advise you on which area to look at when acquiring a property, and will know the sorts of rent you could expect to get. They`ll be able to recommend trades people, and be able to sort the contracts out. It`s worth doing your research and getting the right team in place.

Top Tip Seek recommendations from other landlords who have used an agent in your area.

9.Don`t Fall in Love with the Property

This is an interesting one. There`s a difference between liking a property and loving it. If you love it, you may well not see it as a business and it is a business that has to make money.

Top Tip You won`t be living in the property, but you can put your stamp on it in some way, perhaps the garden design for example.

10.Plan for the Future

While you have a property to rent out, ask yourself what your future plans look like:

• What`s your long-term goal for the property?
• Do you know whether you want to sell it eventually?
• Do you want to keep it and live in it at some point?

Top Tip Set your goals right at the start. That way, you will know what to do and when to make the right decisions.

We have years of experience in helping buy-to-let landlords and we can help you. Please get in touch. Email us at mail@grovesresidential.com or call us on 02089490094.

Eco-Friendly Christmas Decoration Ideas For Your Home

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 12:00:00 GMT

An eco-friendly home is a growing trend. Not only is opting for more sustainable decorations a great way to support the health of our planet, but it can help sell your home too!

According to UK statistics, more than 70%[1] of millennials are willing to pay extra for an eco-friendly property. Opting for sustainable Christmas decorations when you`re selling up is a great way to keep your own festive spirits high, without deterring buyers.

If you`re looking for more eco-friendly ways to decorate your home at Christmas (for selling reasons or just yourself), here are four decoration ideas from the Groves Residential team, you`ll love.

1. Make Dried Citrus Fruits

Here`s a quick and easy eco-friendly Christmas decoration. DIY dried citrus fruits made from oranges or lemons! All you have to do is slice them up and bake them in the oven at a low temperature for around 2-3 hours.

You can use your dried fruits to create festive garlands to hang around your house. Or you can use them to make your own baubles or as a centrepiece on your dining table. They`ll make your home look like Christmas – and smell like it too!

2. Opt For a Living Christmas Tree

Forget plastic trees – and forget all about real Christmas trees that have been chopped down too! Instead, opt for a living Christmas tree for your home this year.

The best thing about living Christmas trees isn`t the pine smell (which is amazing!). It`s the fact that you can plant it outside in your garden after use. Or you can keep it in its pot and use it again next year! Just make sure you only keep your living Christmas tree indoors for 1-2 weeks at most before planting outside.

3. Make a Recycled Paper Wreath

In the lead up to Christmas, keep hold of any paper you`d normally throw away. Or dig out old Christmas cards and wrapping paper from previous years.

Using a festive-shaped cutter, like a holly or star design, cut out shapes in your paper. You can then stick or staple them to a circular ring and you`ll have your very own eco-friendly wreath!

4. Sow Winter Bulbs

Some flowers are known to bloom over winter, like Snowdrops, White Cyclamen and Winter Clematis. Plant these winter bulbs in October or November and watch your garden bloom a snowy white come Christmas time and into the New Year.

Since some of these winter plants are known to attract a visit from bees and other insects when the weather warms up, you`ll be creating an eco-friendly garden as well as a winter one!

Preparing For a Winter Sale?

Despite common perceptions, Christmas can be a great time to sell your New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas home. If you`re preparing for a winter sale, our expert team at Groves Residential would love to chat.
Give us a call today on 02089490094 or email us at mail@grovesresidential.com to discover more about how we can help.

Should You Work With a Letting Agent as a Landlord?

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Are you wondering whether you should work with a letting agent as a landlord? Depending on your situation, working with a letting agent can be a great way to save time, money and stress.
If you`re wondering what a letting agent does and whether you should work with one, here`s everything you need to know to help you decide.

What Do Letting Agents Do?

Letting agents can do different things for you depending on the package you pay for. You can give an agent a portion of the property management responsibilities – or the entire thing!

Typically, letting agents can:

Find tenants for you: A letting agent can market your property and find the right tenant for you.

Arrange the let: From collecting references and running credit checks to securing deposits and drawing up tenancy agreements, a letting agent can arrange everything to get the tenancy in place.

Collect rent: A letting agent can collect rent from your tenants each month and chase up any late payments according to the lease.

Manage queries: A letting agent can answer tenant queries, handle issues and deal with any maintenance or repair work that needs to be scheduled.

Why Should You Manage a Property Yourself?

The decision to manage a property yourself should be carefully considered. It can be time-consuming, and you`ll need to be up to speed on all the latest legal developments to ensure you`re renting in line with the law.

There are benefits to managing a property by yourself – but only if you like being a ‘hands-on` landlord. Managing a property yourself can be ideal if:

- You want to minimise costs
- You have lots of time to deal with queries/issues
- You have connections with good tradespeople
- You`re up to speed on the latest legislation
- You live nearby
- You enjoy the management side of being a landlord!

What Are the Benefits of Working With a Letting Agent?

Managing a rental alone isn`t for everyone. Plus, if you have more than one property to let, being a landlord can quickly become a full-time job.

Here are four of the top benefits of working with a letting agent instead of managing things yourself.

1. Saves Time

Working with a letting agent undoubtedly saves you time. Since they deal with tenant queries, rent collections, administrative tasks, and everything else in between, you`ll no doubt have more time on your hands if you work with a letting agent.

2. Let`s You Be a Hands-Off Landlord

If marketing your property, dealing with tenant calls and having to visit the property when issues arise isn`t the life for you, working with a letting agent lets you be a hands-off landlord. This is ideal if you live far away from your rental property.

3. Keeps Things Legal

One of the biggest reasons to work with a letting agent is that they can keep your property in line with the law. It`s a letting agent`s job to stay in the loop about the latest developments in legislation, so you don`t have to. If you`re a new landlord or you don`t have time to spend learning what`s right and wrong, a letting agent can help you keep things legal.

4. Maintains Professional Connections

Sometimes, things go wrong. Whether it`s the boiler breaking or a leak in the kitchen sink, your tenants will need a tradesperson at some point. Letting agents will maintain professional connections with plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople that may be needed in an emergency, so you don`t have to worry about finding someone right for the job.

Interested?

If working with a letting agent sounds like the right choice for you, we`ve got you covered! Here at Groves Residential, we provide expert letting agent services in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas , so you can be as hands-on or hands-off as you like.

Give us a call today on 02089490094 or email us at mail@grovesresidential.com to learn more about our services for landlords.

2022 Update: EPC Rules are Changing

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Energy Performance Certificates (or EPCs) have, until now, been barely significant when it comes to the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas housing market. But it`s important to be aware that there are big changes afoot with regard to EPC requirements, and landlords in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas need to pay close attention.

So, what changes are coming to the EPC requirements?
What kind of impact will those changes have?
Here, we take a closer look at the facts.

What Are EPCs?

The EPC or Energy Performance Certificate is a building`s official energy efficiency rating. The ratings range from A – the best – down to G – least efficient.

All properties listed on the market must have their EPC included within the sale particulars. Furthermore, all tenants need to receive their rental home`s EPC on moving into the property.

An Old Housing Problem

In New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas , there are many different house types, and some of them are very old. These period homes often have poor insulation. Stone cottages, for example, have no room at all for any cavity wall insulation to be installed, while houses with unconverted lofts often suffer from poor roof lagging.

For this reason, it`s been estimated that around 60% of all homes in the UK currently have a low EPC rating between D and G. In contrast, though, most modern homes have an EPC rating of A, B, or C.

The Reason Why Energy Performance Certificates Are Becoming Increasingly Important

EPCs are becoming more important for two different reasons:

- In 2022, electricity and gas prices are going to go up as the cap that the government put on the amount that energy suppliers could charge has been lifted. The result is going to be enormous increases in utility bills. Therefore, energy efficient homes that have excellent insulation will be in higher demand, since less fuel will be required to heat them and thus energy bills will be lower.

- It`s likely that new legislation will require everybody owning a property, whether a landlord or owner-occupier, to create an energy-efficient home with the aim of helping the UK government meet their emissions targets to combat climate change.

Already, the possibility of this new legislation is having an impact on the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas market.

Deadlines And Targets To Improve EPCs

There`s an obvious incentive for owner-occupiers to improve their home`s energy efficiency. After all, a property that has an excellent EPC rating is going to be more attractive to prospective buyers. Younger home buyers will be more attentive to EPCs when compared with older purchasers.

It has been suggested that eventually, taxes such as stamp duty will be linked with EPC ratings, meaning that better EPCs will result in lower amounts of stamp duty to pay and, (at least in theory), a faster home sale.

For landlords in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas, these are tough and specific targets.

Currently, a rental property must have a minimum of an E-rating on its EPC. But for all new tenancies beginning in 2025, the government is keen to change this to a minimum rating of C. It is also eager to introduce a minimum C rating across all rental homes by 2028, even for those that have long-standing tenants.

Further, although it hasn`t been confirmed yet, from 2030, a rental property`s minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating looks set to rise to a B.

Will There Be Any Exemptions?

Although there are a few exemptions, there aren`t many.
Listed buildings and buildings that have restricted covenants that would have their appearance unacceptably altered by energy efficiency improvements are the obvious exemptions.

Also, some temporary properties, and those used for under 4 months per year, are exempt too.

For landlords in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas unable to improve their property to its required minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating, a £3500 rental cost cap has been put in place. This allows them to make the necessary improvements to that amount, then register their exemption as `all improvements made.`

The Impact On The Market

It has recently been reported by Rightmove that those sellers who improved their EPC from a G, F, E, or D rating to a C, received as much as 16% more on the sale price of their property.

Trade bodies representing the rental sector have reported, though, that some landlords have already taken the decision to sell up since they`re afraid of being unable to afford to make the required improvements, particularly on older homes, and particularly if the cost cap of £3500 is increased.

Everybody wants to do their bit to reduce global warming, however, it`s essential to avoid making such strict targets that owners struggle to afford them or find them too disruptive. Fewer properties may, as a result, be available for renters as an unintended consequence, and some flats and houses that are owner-occupied may become challenging to sell.

It`s possible that there will be some softening of the targets, but regardless, energy is going to be an ever-larger factor this year in the housing market, and for the foreseeable future.

Groves Residential are your local property experts for the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas area. Call us on 02089490094 or email mail@grovesresidential.com to find out more.

7 Tips for Finding Your Perfect Home

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Buying a home in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas is an incredibly exciting endeavour, although it can be stressful and overwhelming to make sure you`ve found the right one. After all, it is the single largest purchase most people make in their entire lives, so it shouldn`t be taken lightly.

The last thing you want to do is hastily choose a home, only to find out down the road that you`ve made a mistake. This can affect your mood and mental well-being and can be a huge – and expensive – hassle to try and mitigate.

Finding the right house to turn into your home and sanctuary isn`t an easy job, so before you start your search, consider these seven tips on how to find the perfect home.

Decide on Your Location First

You shouldn`t even start looking for a new home until you`ve chosen which areas you would consider living in, factoring in property prices and council taxes, as well as other aspects that are important to you, including:

- Your commute to work
- The proximity of good schools
- What type of properties are available in the area
- What kind of activities are around
- What kind of shopping (supermarkets, etc.) is nearby
- What kind of public transport is available

There`s no point in looking at the right homes in the wrong locations, so be sure to zero in on the areas you want to live in first.

Make A List of Your ‘Must-Haves`

It`s important to decide what your perfect home actually means to you, and the best way to do this is with lists. Write a list of all the aspects of your home that you absolutely must have, then all the aspects that would be nice but aren`t completely necessary, and you would be willing to compromise on. When looking at homes, you can then ensure that everything on your ‘must-have` list is checked off, and anything on your ‘nice-to-have` list is a bonus. If it comes down to comparing homes, you can see which ones check more boxes to help you decide.

Plan For The Long Term

It can be tempting to purchase a property you think is good enough, especially if you`re a first-time home buyer, just to get your foot on the property ladder. You may intend to move on after a few years; however, most people end up staying for many years, so it`s crucial to consider that too. Moving is a major expense, both in terms of money and time, and once you feel settled, your plans to move soon after may change. If you don`t buy a home that is good for your future as well as the present, you could be making a decision that will bite you later on.

To plan for the long term, make sure you find a home that you can grow into. Are there enough rooms? Is there a garden you can make your own? Do you have to walk up lots of stairs? That might be fine at the moment, but with a pram or pushchair, it may be difficult. Are there any changes you could make, like converting undeveloped space into something useful? These are the kinds of aspects you need to consider.

Keep Costs in Mind

Of course, finding a home that`s within your budget is vital, because you don`t want to overstretch yourself and cause financial strain. You should also keep other costs in mind, such as renovations. If you find a home you think would be perfect with a few changes, consider what those changes actually mean. Some may be superficial, like the wallpaper or paint colour, but redoing flooring or changing the layout of the kitchen could be quite expensive. If you`re unprepared for these costs, you might not be able to make the changes, and will end up being unhappy with your home.

Find Out Everything You Can About the Property

Learning as much as possible can help you avoid any surprises and unexpected maintenance endeavours. Asking the right questions goes a long way here because you want to find out more about the property`s history, what kind of maintenance has been done recently, what may need fixing in the near future, and whether or not it`s had trouble getting sold. Your estate agent should be up-front and forth-coming with this information.

Do A Home Inspection

If you think you`ve found your perfect home and are at the offer stage, consider getting a survey completed on the property before you sign any paperwork. A surveyor is a non-biased entity who will give you their own opinion on the property and uncover any fundamental issues, as well advise you of the true value of the property. It`s better to spend the money on a survey ahead of time rather than be blindsided by something in the future.

Check the Legalities

When it comes to purchasing your new home, you`ll be dealing with a contract and so will require a solicitor or conveyancer to avoid any headaches or hassles. They will carry out all the necessary searches on the property and will make you aware of any important legal issues.

For further helpful advice and for help finding your perfect home in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas , contact the friendly team at Groves Residential on 02089490094. We look forward to assisting you.

How to Make Your Rental Application Stand Out: Get the Property You Want!

Tue, 03 May 2022 12:00:00 GMT

When you`ve found your dream rental, there`s nothing worse than finding out the property is in high demand – and you`ve got competition.
If multiple people are applying for the house or apartment you want, you may be wondering, `How can I make my rental application stand out?`.

In this article, we`ll share our advice on making your rental application stand out from the crowd when you`re applying for a rental property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas .

1. Speak to a Letting Agent

First, it`s best to speak to the letting agent before applying for the property. Ask specifically what information you`ll need to include in your application and take notes.
Your letting agent will likely know the landlord well, so it can`t hurt to ask if they have any tailored advice about how to make your application stand out.

2. Apply Early

Sending your application in early is always a good idea. Once you`ve viewed the rental property and told the letting agent you`re interested, they`ll be expecting your application.
The sooner you send it to them, the more serious they`ll think you are – which could help your application get accepted.

3. Don`t Miss a Thing

The worst thing you can do when sending a rental application to a letting agent is to have key information missing. For example, missing references, email addresses that bounce back, absent documents and so on.
This can delay the application process and make you appear disorganised to the landlord, so double-check that you`ve included everything before hitting send.
If you need help preparing everything, speak to your letting agent for advice.

4. Create a Cover Letter

Writing a personalised cover letter to your landlord is an excellent way to make your rental application stand out. Don`t be afraid to sell yourself and highlight all the important things.
We suggest, when writing a cover letter, that you:
• Introduce yourself with a high-level summary of your living and employment status
• Share some details about why you`re interested in the property
• Give an overview of what you`ve included in the application
• Add a polite closing summary

5. Send a Video

This can be a game-changer! Sending a video of yourself can be an excellent way for the landlord and letting agent get to know you better. Plus, seeing someone on camera can help build a greater sense of trust.
If you`re applying to rent a property with a pet, we highly recommend doing this and having the pet in the video with you! It can help show the landlord how well behaved your pet is and even convince them to accept your pet request.

Are You Looking For a New Property to Rent in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas ?
At Groves Residential, we are your local property experts in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas . If you`re looking for a new rental, our friendly team are happy to help.
Give us a call today on 02089490094 to register your details with us or browse our available properties now at https://www.grovesresidential.com/.

7 Must Ask Questions When Viewing a Property for Sale in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas

Tue, 10 May 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Buying a house in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas is likely to be the most expensive purchase you will ever make. Yet the decision to make an offer on something worth hundreds of thousands of pounds is made, on average, in just 25 minutes. Some people can spend longer than that deciding whether to purchase a £49 pair of shoes!

So, as the buying decision is usually made with such speed, it`s vital that when viewing a property you ask your estate agent as many questions as possible in order to make an informed decision and avoid the dreaded `I wish I`d asked…..` scenario.

Whilst a property may indeed have the ‘wow factor`, sweeping you off your feet as you cross the threshold, don`t be blinkered by the aesthetics of a property. Instead delve deeper and consider asking the following questions:

How long has the property been on the market?

If the property has been for sale for more than three or four months, it`s worth investigating why. The average time it takes to sell a property in the UK is usually around 12 weeks, however there is no ‘one size fits all` timescale as there are so many factors involved. This includes price, location, economy and so on. That said, it could be an issue relating to the property itself that other potential buyers have spotted, and you have not, so it is always worth asking.

How much interest has there been in the property?

If you`re already getting feel good vibes about a property as you pull up on the driveway, its likely other viewers have felt the same! Ask how many viewings have taken place and if any offers have already been made – your estate agent can advise you but cannot disclose the actual offer amounts. This will give you an indication of its popularity.

How long have the current owners lived in the property?

If the owners have only lived in the property for a short period of time, it`s vital to discover why. There could be a perfectly legitimate reason such as an unexpected job move or family reasons, but asking the question gives you a chance to suss out any other potential issues such as neighbour disputes (which sellers are legally obliged to divulge) or problems with the house or land itself.

What is New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas like?

You may already be familiar with the area or have carried out some independent research, but if not, aim to ask pertinent questions about local schools, accessibility to facilities such as doctors, hospitals, vets and supermarkets. You can even ask your estate agent if they would be happy to live in the area. What`s important is you bear in mind that whilst you can easily renovate a property – you cannot pick it up and move it to a new location!

What is the water pressure like?

Is it rude to turn on the taps and the shower when you`re viewing a property? Opinions vary but imagine waking up after the first night in your new home and discovering that your beautiful shiny shower looks great but barely produces even a trickle of the wet stuff! As you view a property, check the water pressure and plumbing. It may appear to be a trivial thing and may even not be a deal breaker for you, but it`s good to know exactly what you`re getting before you make an offer.

What are the running costs of the property?

Think about council tax, gas and electricity bills, water rates and other utilities as these can all add up. Ideally, it`s best to get an exact cost from the vendor so you can ensure your monthly budget fits. And, on the topic of utilities, you may also like to ask about broadband speeds in the area, particularly if you work from home and rely on a strong internet connection.

When are the vendors planning to move?

In other words, have the sellers found their next property? If so, how far through the buying process are they? No-one wants to be in a long chain as this can create complications and delays, and of course the ideal situation is that the property is chain-free although this is not always possible. Knowing that the sellers are organised and keen to move quickly can reassure you that the sale will be efficient!

The Final Checks

Love the sun? Check which way the property faces! If there is a beautiful terrace but it faces due North, then there won`t be too many opportunities to soak up any golden rays!

Want to make improvements or renovate? If it`s an old property check whether it`s listed or in a conservation area as restrictions may apply.

Keep your nose trained! Fresh paint could mean the sellers are covering cracks or damp – or they may genuinely want the property to look it`s best!

Remember, most properties are purchased through a mixture of head and heart, so stay objective!

For more advice when buying a property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas speak with a member of the Groves Residential team on 02089490094 today!

6 Budget Planning Tips for First Time Buyers in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Working to get your foot on the property ladder in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas is no easy task, but with a market that has seen a slow down, now could be the perfect time to buy your first home. There`s a lot to consider, like which area to choose and what type of property to buy, but above all else, your budget should be your top consideration. The last thing you want to do is to purchase something beyond your means and end up in a financial crisis.

If you`ve seriously started considering buying your first property, you should also be considering how you can afford it, so here are the best six budget planning tips for first-time buyers from Groves Residential.

1. Stop renting

Paying rent every month is almost equal to paying monthly mortgage fees except you`re not gaining anything! It can be especially difficult to save a deposit for your new home if you`re paying so much each month in rent. If you are willing to give up your own space for roughly six to 12 months whilst you save your money, you are then likely to have enough for a deposit and be a homeowner much sooner than if you were trying to save money and pay rent. Moving back home with family may sound like a last resort, but you will be able to save a lot more.

If moving in with family is not an option and you must rent, there are ways to work around this so you can still pocket some money for a deposit. You can always find a cheaper place to live, but bear in mind that this may mean a smaller property. You could also consider opting for a house share rather than renting a property of your own to help lower the cost of your rent, giving you extra money to put away for a deposit.

2. Put your savings to work

Why have money just sitting in an account when you could be earning money on that savings? If you have a decent interest rate, you can reach your savings goal faster, but picking the right account is dependent on how you`re saving. If you have money to put aside each month and want to set up regular payments, a regular savings account might be your best bet. If you need more flexibility with the amount you put away, for example, if you save in lump sums whenever you can rather than on a fixed schedule, an instant access savings account might be the better option for you.

3. Research areas and locations

As a first time buyer, deciding where to buy your first home is just as important as saving for your deposit. If you haven`t picked the area you want to purchase your new home in yet, do some research to find out what you can afford and if the area fits your lifestyle and needs. You can speak to our expert team here at Groves Residential to help guide your choice, but ultimately you will need to determine which areas are good for your budget before anything else. Be sure to check out what the prices are for the type of property you want to buy, as well as council taxes and any other costs that need to be factored in such as travel or parking fees for example. Once you have an idea of what the cost of your property will be, both when purchasing and when actually living there, you can start to properly budget to save for a specific goal.

4. Budget for your monthly mortgage payments

Getting a mortgage means you will be required to pay a monthly amount to your lender to cover the amount you have borrowed, so it`s vital you speak to a lender or financial adviser to ensure affordability. Here at Groves Residential we will be delighted to assist or recommend a financial services professional – simply ask us for details.

5. Budget for other home-buying costs

There are more costs to consider once you`ve bought your home, so you should make sure your budgeting plan includes enough to take care of these after you`ve completed on your first property. You don`t want to end up in a situation where you`re strapped for cash and are barely making your mortgage payments. These other costs can include:

Solicitor fees
Survey costs
Mortgage arrangement costs
Estate agent fees
Buildings and contents insurance
Furniture and decorating requirements
Necessary renovations or maintenance
6. Take advantage of the Help to Buy scheme

The government offers a Help to Buy equity loan scheme to first time buyers in England on properties that are new builds worth up to £600,000. It`s great for first time buyers who only have a 5% deposit saved up because it gives you an equity loan that can be used towards purchasing a house on a repayment basis, rather than on an interest only basis. The repayment plan is interest-free for five years, giving you time to save more money. You can apply if you`re over the age of 18, and the equity loan you receive depends on where you live, so do check with your lender for more information.

We hope you find these six first time buyer budgeting tips helpful. For further no-obligation expert advice please contact the team at Groves Residential on 02089490094 and we will be delighted to assist you.

Should You Let a Property Furnished or Unfurnished in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas ?

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Are you in the midst of deciding whether you should let your property furnished or unfurnished? Many factors come into play when making the decision, like the location, target market, and your return-on-investment goals.

If you`re on the fence about letting a property furnished or unfurnished, here`s an overview of the pros and cons to help you decide.

What Does Furnished Include?

As a minimum, all properties let in the UK need to include various amenities, like white goods, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, flooring, and curtains or blinds.

While there isn`t a legal definition of what a furnished property includes, it needs to be considered ‘fit to be lived in` from the day the letting begins. This usually means it has:

Beds: Enough for each bedroom
Wardrobes: Appropriate for the number of bedrooms and people
Chest of drawers: One or two sets per bedroom
Sofas: Ideally to seat the number of people living at the property
Dining room table and chairs: Preferably with enough chairs to seat the number of people living at the property
Tableware: Enough to cater to the number of people living at the property

What are the Benefits of Letting a Property Furnished?

Choosing to let a property furnished ultimately depends on the target market, the local area and your desired rent price. By letting a property furnished, you can:

Get a better or higher rent price
Make your property more attractive
Attract short-term tenants

Are there Downsides to Letting a Property Furnished?

Despite the benefits, there are some downsides to letting your property furnished, including:

Size of market: A furnished property doesn`t always attract long-term tenants, so you may appeal to a smaller market seeking short-term lets.
Maintenance: It adds maintenance, like handling repair and replacement work.
Costs: You`ll need to pay for the furniture, plus repair and disposal costs.

What Does Unfurnished Include?

Unlike furnished properties, there is a legal definition of what an unfurnished property includes. They must have a minimum of:

White goods, including a cooker, fridge, freezer and washing machine
Kitchen and bathroom fixtures
Flooring or carpets
Curtains or blinds

What are the Benefits of Letting a Property Unfurnished?

Even though furnished properties are usually more desirable, there are some benefits to letting a property unfurnished, including:

Less maintenance: Furnished properties come with a requirement to maintain the furnishings. With an unfurnished property, you won`t have this responsibility.
Attract long-term tenants: Long-term tenants often bring their own furniture to a rental, so an unfurnished property could be more desirable to this market.
Cheaper: Since you won`t have to pay for furniture, your outlay and running costs could be cheaper.

Are there Downsides to Letting a Property Unfurnished?

Naturally, unfurnished properties attract a different clientele. Letting an unfurnished property can mean you need to charge a lower rent price. Plus, you may not be able to compete with other nearby rentals if you`re not providing what people want. The best thing to do is research what works well for your property type in the local area before you decide.

Landlords: Need Advice?

Deciding whether to let your property furnished or unfurnished depends on many things, particularly related to the market in your area.

For personalised advice about letting properties in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas , our friendly team at Groves Residential are here to help. Give us a call today on 02089490094 or email us at mail@grovesresidential.com.

First Time Buyers: First Things To Do When Moving Into Your New Home in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Moving into your first home is one of the biggest and most exciting life events that you`ll go through, but with so much to take in it can be difficult knowing where to start.

This handy guide will take you through some of the key things you`ll need to do when you`re moving into your new home in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas .

Before Moving Day

Start Packing Early

You`ll be surprised at how quickly your moving date arrives, and you don`t want to be rushing around the night before only to find you don`t have enough boxes or bubble wrap. If you start boxing up your belongings early it will help completion day go that little bit smoother.

Pack a Box of Essentials

It`s unlikely you`ll be unpacking everything on the day you move in, and even if you do, you`ll find that things are buried in certain places and you won`t remember where you`ve put everything. For that reason, it`s a good idea to have a box just for the essentials you`ll need on day one, such as a kettle, tea bags and coffee, cups, a phone charger, some cleaning products, and bin bags. Having a box of essentials to hand will save you rummaging around, while everything else can wait.

Change Your Address and Redirect Your Post

Think of all the companies that you have regular contact with and let them know your new address in advance. Some of them aren`t particularly urgent, especially if most of your communication with them is online. However, things like your bank, mobile phone provider, and credit card companies should be top of the priority list. Make sure you get your post redirected by Royal Mail too. There are always one or two companies that slip the net so having this in place will make sure you cover all bases.

Take Final Meter Readings

If you`re currently renting, it`s important you let your utility providers know you`re leaving your rental property and on which day. After all, you don`t want to be paying for someone else`s electricity. Make sure to take meter readings just before you leave so you can get an accurate final bill.

Have Your Insurance In Place

It`s likely that you`ll already have buildings insurance in place before you move as it`s usually a condition of lenders before granting you a mortgage.

However, contents insurance isn`t usually insisted on, but it`s just as important. Many movers wait until they`ve been in their new home for a few weeks before getting it, but with all the shifting of boxes and furniture on moving day, it`s not worth taking the risk of having all your valuables uninsured.

On Moving Day

Locate Your Home`s Essentials

Some of the most important things you`ll need to find in your new home are the stopcock, thermostat, and gas and electricity meters. You may have a water meter too that you`ll need to locate. It`s important that you find these as soon as you can, as you`ll need to give meter readings to your utility suppliers, and you don`t want to wait until you have a leak before finding out where your stopcock is!

Take Meter Readings

As soon as you`ve found your meters, make sure you make a note of the readings, ideally by taking a picture on your phone as you`re less likely to lose that than a piece of paper, and it`s time-stamped.

You`ll need to submit these to your new energy suppliers to ensure you`re only paying for the energy you`ve used.

The previous homeowners will have submitted their final meter readings, in which case you should have letters waiting for you from the current energy suppliers. If this isn`t the case then you`ll need to do some digging online or by phone to find out who supplies the energy to your home, but whatever you do, make sure you`ve got those meter readings as soon as you can on moving day.

Introduce Yourself to The Neighbours

Ok, this tip is not as vital as the others but it`s a good idea to knock next door and say hello sooner rather than later!

Meeting the neighbours will help you to settle in more quickly and it`s easier to meet them on moving day than a few weeks later when you need to collect a parcel from them.

They`ll also be able to give you some useful tips about the area, such as which restaurants, gyms or pubs to try out – and avoid – and what day the bins are collected if you don`t already know.

First time buyers in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas often ask the question `what should I do first when moving into my new home?` and the team at Groves Residential know exactly how to answer! Call us on 02089490094 or email mail@grovesresidential.com to find out more.

Green Living – A Tenant`s Guide To Sustainable Renting

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Can It Be More Challenging To Live In A Sustainable Way If You`re Renting

If you own your own property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas , it isn`t too difficult to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. However, if you`re renting a property, it can be more challenging to live in a sustainable way. Constraints in your tenancy agreement, concerns about losing your deposit, and worries about annoying your landlord are often perceived as obstacles.

However, they needn`t prevent you from enjoying green living if sustainability matters to you. The team at Groves Residential is increasingly working with tenants in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas who are keen to adopt a more eco-conscious way of living, so here are our top tips for renting sustainably.

Choose Your Location Wisely

Location is always important when choosing somewhere to live, but when you`re looking to rent a property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas , it`s best to focus your search on areas that are close to transport links, footpaths, and cycle routes that mean you won`t need a car.

Rent, Recycle, And Reuse

Most people these days now recycle glass and paper, but if you`re committed to the eco-friendly lifestyle, there are some much larger items that you can recycle too. If you`re moving out of an unfurnished property into a furnished one, consider donating your surplus furnishings to a charity. Or, if you`re relocating from a furnished to an unfurnished home, consider buying second-hand or renting your furnishings.

Make Green Energy Choices

Not every tenant has the responsibility of paying for their energy bills, but if you`ll be required to choose a supplier, you can opt for one that caters for eco-conscious users, offering energy that comes from carbon neutral and renewable sources.

Save Water

Reducing your water wastage is still possible if you`re a tenant. There are a lot of tools that you can acquire (sometimes for free) that can help you reduce the amount of water you use, and that won`t cause you to lose your deposit. Water-saving shower heads and devices that can be put inside the toilet cistern to reduce the flush volume are just two options that you can adopt as a tenant.

Growing Your Own

Although not every tenant will have the luxury of having a garden, there are still ways that you can cultivate your own foodstuffs. Even if you rent a studio or a small apartment, you can set up a windowsill herb garden that will help you eliminate unnecessary packaging. If you`re fortunate enough to have garden access in your tenancy, you may be able to plant a vegetable bed or fruit trees, although you should always discuss any plans with the landlord first.

Many landlords will be happy to let you cultivate whatever you like in the garden as long as you keep it in good condition. However, even if they`re unwilling to allow you to make significant changes outdoors, you can still invest in some large pots that you can take with you when you move on.

More landlords in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas are beginning to recognise that tenants are keen to live in eco-friendly properties, and are taking steps to make their rental homes greener.

If you`re looking for a sustainable property to rent, get in touch with the Groves Residential team now on 02089490094 or at mail@grovesresidential.com.

How to Deal with Your Energy Supplier When Moving House in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas

Sat, 25 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMT

The process of moving home in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas can become highly stressful. With a seemingly endless to-do list, mounting cardboard boxes and looming deadlines, getting in touch with energy suppliers is often pushed to the bottom of the pile.

However, failing to notify your energy supplier in enough time can result in you being overcharged and adding further stress later down the line.

Here`s your complete guide to dealing with energy suppliers when moving home in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas .

First, Let Your Current Supplier Know

Once your move dates are confirmed, you should let your current energy supplier know. They will require a few personal details alongside your move date and forwarding address. Some may also ask for the new occupiers` names, to keep their records up to date.

You should always give them at least 48 hours notice, but an extra few days can help you get your affairs in order.

Take a good look at your account and figure out whether you are in credit or debit. This way, you will know roughly what to expect from your final bill.

Your supplier will likely ask if you would like to transfer your plan to your new property. It is recommended you instead wait until you have moved, and assess your options.

Provide a Final Meter Reading

To calculate your bill efficiently, your supplier will require a final meter reading. This way, it is guaranteed you are not overpaying for electricity that you have not used. You should complete this meter reading on the morning that you vacate your home.

Send a copy of this information to the new owners and your estate agents for the extra peace of mind that you all have the correct information.

Find Out Who Your New Supplier Is

Sellers should pass this information to the estate agents, however, this understandably sometimes slips the mind.

To find out who your new gas supplier is, use the Find My Supplier website. The Energy Network Association can be used to find out your electricity provider.

Notify Your New Supplier

You should take meter readings on the day you move into your new property. Ordinarily, the estate agents handing you the keys will be available to show you where the meter is and take a copy of the reading for their records.

Send a copy of the reading to your new supplier who will be able to calculate your ongoing bill. You should choose a flexible plan which allows you to exit at any time. You will likely find a more affordable plan elsewhere, and this way, you can avoid expensive exit fees.

It is beneficial to also send a copy to the previous owner or landlord. This will help ensure that everyone`s records align and no one is caught out with an unexpected charge.

Find the Right Settings

Don`t forget that you are inheriting someone else`s heating system, who probably had different preferences to you. Check the timers and temperatures already in place to see if they fit in with your family`s needs.

Otherwise, you might be unnecessarily burning through energy and cash!

Search for the Best Deal

The supplier of the previous occupier may not necessarily be the most economical option. Although you will owe them for your initial days in the home, you should head to one of the many price comparison websites to secure the best deal.

It may also be worthwhile to arrange a smart meter installation which can save your household heaps of money as well as the hassle of submitting regular meter readings.

Set Up a Direct Debit

The easiest way to pay your monthly energy bill is via direct debit. You will generally pay the same monthly instalment, which can then be slightly adjusted either way in accordance with the meter readings you submit.

At this point, it`s also worthwhile to check your records with the supplier from your previous home. Ensuring that you have paid any outstanding balance or claimed your refund will prevent any reminders from being issued in the weeks and months to come.

Other Suppliers to Notify

Council tax

Water

Broadband & landline

Car registration and insurance

Home Insurance

TV licence

Healthcare services (doctor, dentist, optician)

Bank

Stay Organised

The key to a smooth home move is undoubtedly organisation. Understandably, many movers put off contacting their utility companies, either because of logistical stress, or to delay payments. However, attempting to delay these bills will only result in a much heftier sum when it does arrive on your doorstep!

If you have any questions, please do get in touch. Groves Residential are your local property experts for the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas area. Call us on 02089490094 or email mail@grovesresidential.com to see how we can help.

How to Keep a House Chain Progressing Smoothly

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Buying and selling a property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas can be a super stressful time, and our responsibility is of course to ensure things go as smoothly as possible.

Perhaps you`re ready to move, but the people buying your house need their buyers to get up to speed. And those buyers also need their buyers to press the pedal down on the transaction!

Before you know it, suddenly you`re getting into a long old property chain, and we know that sometimes chains can break, taking with them your hopes of a move into a dream property.

This can be absolutely heartbreaking. Consumer body Which? surveyed 2,000 homemovers, and discovered `around three in 10 (28%) people have experienced a property purchase falling through`.

There are several reasons why a property chain breaks. But, the good news is, you can do something about it and play your part in making sure the chain keeps moving.

So, here are our top seven tips on how to keep your house chain moving.

1. Choose a Chain-Free Buyer

This sounds so simple, doesn`t it? You may get a few offers on your house, but only one may not be part of a chain. This means they don`t need to rely on something else happening in order to move. So, if you are lucky enough to get two or three people offering on your property (and the price is right), choose the one who you think will cause the least trouble!

Top Tip: This is where you can rely on us, your trusted estate agent in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas to do our job and find out more about your potential buyers.

2. Set Goals

When you are right at the beginning of the process with a potential buyer, make sure you stipulate, through your estate agent, your preferred timescales. Things may not always stick to plan, but if you are all aware of a date you are working towards, it will focus minds.

Top Tip: Be realistic. You may want your move to progress at lightning speed, but selling your home can be a complex process and take so much longer than you anticipate.

3. Be Prepared

When you`re thinking about property chains, it`s easy to think about what all the other parties are doing, and focus on how they can stop your chain from breaking. But don`t forget, you`re part of the chain too, so don`t be the one who holds things up! Make sure your paperwork is in order, finances organised and mortgage offers are on the table.

Top Tip: Make sure your paperwork is to hand to refer to, whether you`re at home or in the office. If a query arises there won`t be a delay in you responding.

4. Respond Well

Keeping the chain moving takes good communication from all parties, and that includes you. Your conveyancer may need information quickly or an email response before close of business on a particular day. Be accessible, and make sure everyone has the correct contact details for you.

Top Tip: Respond to any queries promptly to avoid delays in clarification. If you need to seek out information that you don`t have to hand, don`t put it off!

5. Use Experienced Professionals

You`re selling your house – probably your biggest asset – so you should ensure that you have professionals doing the job for you. Choose your estate agent, not necessarily on their fees, but on their experience and ability to keep things moving. You want them to be progressing and chasing where necessary, and making the calls and sending the emails.

Top Tip: Draw up your shortlist of reputable, local estate agents and speak with each of them. You need a good relatiosnhip with your agent so making sure you are on the same wave-length and you get a good vibe is important. Remember, how they act with you is also how they will act with potential buyers!

6. Think Outside the Chain

If there`s a problem with the house chain further up, consider selling your property and renting somewhere to live until the right property comes up for you rather than risk losing your own buyer. This might not work, of course, if you`ve got your heart set on somewhere in particular, but it could be an option.

Top Tip: Renting doesn`t have to be forever. You can usually enter into a short-term tenancy agreement which will give you time to look around and find somewhere new to call your own home.

7. Be Agile

Should a property chain break, and you lose the property you were going to buy, make sure you can move quickly when it comes to other alternative properties. Is it possible for the chain to discuss the issues and come to an agreement, perhaps to negotiate on prices?

Top Tip: If you`re ready for all eventualities, then a broken chain may not lead to your heart breaking too. It really doesn`t have to be a dead-end.

If you want expert help on buying and selling or any advice regarding being in a property chain, then simply get in touch with us, Groves Residential. Call us on 02089490094 or email mail@grovesresidential.com to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

How to Handle a Nuisance Tenant in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Whether it`s noise complaints from the neighbours or something more serious like always paying late, a nuisance tenant is, well, a nuisance!

Despite this, there are some things you can do to effectively handle a nuisance tenant that can prevent a small issue from turning into something bigger.

Here are five handy tips on how to handle a nuisance tenant in your New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas property.

1. Stay Calm

It`s easy to get emotional in bad situations – especially if you have to regularly deal with a nuisance tenant. But, as a landlord, it`s your job to stay calm and level-headed. If you act as the voice of reason, you`re more likely to get a better response from your tenant than if you`re overwhelmed with emotion.

2. Manage Behaviour

Be rational and objective, and try to get through to your tenant if you can. Try to manage their behaviour by explaining that something isn`t acceptable and why. Make sure you teach your nuisance tenant what is appropriate instead. Have patience and regularly remind the tenant of the lease that they agreed to. In a tactful way, make it clear to the tenant that you take breaches seriously.

3. Keep Records

The best way to protect yourself when you have a nuisance tenant is to keep records of everything. Make a note of things like complaints from neighbours and when payments were made. It`ll make things much easier if the tenant tries to dispute anything. Plus, the records you keep could come in handy if the problem progresses.

4. Build a Relationship

The importance of having a good relationship with your tenants cannot be overstated. Whatever the circumstances, try to maintain a good relationship with your tenant and – as the saying goes – ‘kill them with kindness`. If you manage to win them over, they may be more likely to comply with your requests.

5. Hire a Letting Agent or Property Management Company

If you`re at your wit`s end dealing with a nuisance tenant, consider hiring a letting agent or property management company to take over the management process. It may not stop the tenant from being a nuisance. But the professionals will have the skills and tact to build a strong relationship and keep an eye on the situation.

Plus, they can handle tenant enquiries for you, which can be a huge relief if you get too emotional when speaking to your tenant.

6. Take Action

Dealing with a nuisance tenant and getting them to fall in line requires patience. But if all else fails and there`s nothing more you can do, it may be time to act. You can ask the tenants to leave voluntarily, or you can go down the eviction route.

Need Help?

If you need support managing the relationship with your tenants, Groves Residential are here to help. We provide professional letting agent services in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas that can make your property management and life as a landlord easier and less stressful.

Give us a call today on 02089490094 or email us at mail@grovesresidential.com to learn more about our landlord support services.

How to Improve Your Home Entrance to Make a Killer First Impression

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions count. Research tells us that the top three things people first notice about your home are the front door, garden and hallway[1]. That`s why making your home`s entrance look welcoming couldn`t be more important!

If you want to make your home entrance stand out to your buyers (in a good way!), here are five tips on how to improve the front garden to make a great first impression.

1. Prune

Keeping your front garden well-manicured is an easy way to impress buyers from the get-go. Keep bushes neatly trimmed and make sure any patches of grass are regularly mowed. If you have a driveway or patio area, keep it weed-free.

2. Paint the Front Door

Did you know that the colour of your front door can impact the price of your home? According to research, your home could sell for around £4,000 more just because of your front door colour[2]. A blue front door is one of the best colours, with white, red and black also being highly desirable. If you want to make a great first impression, consider changing the colour of your front door with a quick lick of paint.

3. Hide Bins

While having your bins in the front garden is highly practical on rubbish collection day, they can be the first thing a buyer notices. Don`t let that happen! Instead, hide your bins away in the back garden or an unnoticeable spot around the side of your house just before your viewings. You can always put them back afterwards.

4. Clear Windows

Clear windows are known for boosting the amount of natural light in your home. But they can improve your curb appeal too! A cluttered window could be one of the first things a buyer notices about your property from the outside. Avoid this by keeping your window ledges partially empty. Having just a vase of flowers or a small pot plant are great choices to keep things looking sleek.

5. Hide Shoes, Bags & Coats

Hallways can easily become full of clutter during daily life. When you get home from work, it`s not uncommon to kick off your shoes, chuck your bag on the stairs and drape your coat on a hook. While this is convenient when living in your home, many buyers like to view a property that has a minimalist vibe. If you want to make your hallway look brighter, bigger and more welcoming, hide your shoes, bags and coats in a cupboard before your viewings.

Are You Ready to Sell?

Making a good first impression is so important when you`re selling your home. If you`re looking to sell your property in the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas area, our friendly team at Groves Residential would love to talk!

Give us a call today on 02089490094 or visit our website at https://www.grovesresidential.com/ to learn more about our services.

The Conveyancing Process Explained – A Step by Step Guide for Home Sellers in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Selling a property can be a very confusing and lengthy process but having a good solicitor or conveyancer will help it to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Here is an easy step by step guide to the whole conveyancing process.

Find a Conveyancer

The conveyancing process formally starts when you`ve accepted an offer on the property.

However, it`s recommended that you have a conveyancer in place before accepting an offer so that they can get the process started immediately and avoid delays.

When it comes to choosing a conveyancer, speak to two or three and get some quotes before deciding who to go with. Speak with our team at Groves Residential as we will be able to recommend too. Alternatively, if you have friends or family who have recently moved, find out who they used and if they were happy with them.

Don`t just go for the cheapest option, it could cause major issues further down the line if they cut corners!

Sign the Conveyancer`s Letter of Engagement and Verify Your Identity

Once you`ve chosen a conveyancer and discussed the fees involved, you`ll need to sign their letter of engagement. It`s only at this point that you commit to using their services. You will also need to verify your identity and address in the form of a passport or driving licence and supply a mortgage statement or utility bill for example.

Complete Questionnaires

Your conveyancer will send you some forms to complete, including a Property Information form and a Fittings & Contents form.

It`s vital that you complete these honestly, as failure to do so could lead to delays later in the process.

The Property Information form is where you tell the buyer about any changes that have been made to the property, such as extensions, solar panels or a loft conversion. You`ll also need to provide any supporting documents you have, so if your double glazing is still under warranty or you have paperwork to show that your boiler has been serviced in the last 12 months, you will need to provide copies.

When it comes to fittings and contents, you don`t need to decide what you`re leaving behind at this point, you can confirm later or leave it open to negotiation. Your conveyancer will be able to advise how to complete the form if you get stuck.

Speak to Your Mortgage Provider

Assuming that you have an outstanding mortgage on your property, you will need to contact your mortgage lender and inform them that you`re in the process of selling. They`ll be able to advise you about paying off your outstanding balance when the sale goes through, or porting your mortgage, which essentially means transferring it to your new property.

Draft Contracts

When your conveyancer has received your completed forms, they`ll draw up a draft contract to send to the buyer`s conveyancer.

The contract will outline which fixtures and fittings are to be included, along with copies of all the supporting documents you`ve provided.

It will also give a date for completion, which is typically around two to four weeks after the exchange of contracts.

The draft contract stage is usually the point where most of the negotiations take place, including the final price of the property.

It`s also at this stage where you`ll need to allow for the buyers to have a surveyor come in and inspect the property. Depending on the answers you`ve given in the questionnaire the buyer may also want other professionals to come in and carry out inspections, such as a plumber or electrician.

They may also request that you pay for the costs of any further inspections or repairs, but you will be under no obligation to agree to this. However, it`s at this point that a buyer may try to renegotiate on the final price of the property to take the extra costs into account.

Exchange of Contracts

Once the buyer is satisfied with the condition of your property and a final agreement has been reached on the price, including all fixtures and fittings, your conveyancer will exchange contracts with the buyer`s conveyancer.

Between Exchange and Completion

At this point both you and the buyer are fully committed to the sale of the property. You`ll receive the buyer`s deposit and if either party pulls out, they`ll open themselves up to legal action.

Completion

This is the day on which you hand over the keys to your property. The completion date is usually around two to four weeks after the date of exchange, but you can ask for this to be extended, or in some cases, shortened.

The date of completion is also the date on which you`ll receive the outstanding balance for the property from the buyer.

If you are planning on selling in the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas area soon, why not telephone us on 02089490094. We`ll be happy to advise you and help with your conveyancing needs.

Room Upgrades That Add The Most Value To Your New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas Home

Mon, 01 May 2023 12:00:00 GMT

When it comes to adding value to a home, most people automatically think of big, expensive projects like a conservatory or an additional bedroom.

While these will undoubtedly add value to your property, it`s not always as much as people think, and in some cases it can be far more cost effective to repurpose an existing room than to build a whole new one.

Below are some of the best room upgrades you can carry out to add the most value to your home in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas .

Upgrade The Radiators

The heating system is an essential part of every home, and it`s vital to have radiators that emit enough heat to warm the room they`re in.

Therefore, it may be a good idea to upgrade your radiators, perhaps to get bigger ones that will heat the room up more effectively or ones that can double up as a towel rail for example. A stylish radiator can also improve the appearance of a room and become part of the design

Add a Kitchen Island

If you have the space to add one then a kitchen island can be worth its weight in gold.

Not only can it create an extra seating area, but it can also provide additional storage space for pots, pans, and appliances. And when it comes to kitchens, you can never have enough cupboard space.

Add An En-Suite

Although en-suite bathrooms are more common than they used to be, there`s still an element of luxury about them, and many buyers now see them as a must-have.

Despite being one of the more expensive room upgrades you can opt for, they can be a very worthwhile investment when it comes to selling your property.

Add a Walk-In Wardrobe

If you`ve got enough space in the master bedroom then a walk-in wardrobe is an ideal way to add value.

It also adds a touch of luxury and uniqueness to a property, which can help it stand out when the time comes to sell.

Convert The Loft

This is probably the most expensive option on the list, but it may give your home the biggest boost in terms of value.

Any way that you can reuse existing space to make it more effective is likely to have a positive impact on your property`s value, and converting the loft to make an extra room is a prime example.

Convert The Garage

A garage conversion is another of the more costly options, but again it`s one of the more effective ones.

If you already have a driveway and your garage is just being used for storage then conversion to another room is a great way to make it work better for you.

It`s also likely to be a big positive for any future buyers, given the significant increase in people working from home in recent years. In many cases, a home office is of far more use than a garage for buyers.

Replace The Windows

If your windows are damaged or drafty then it`s worth having them replaced anyway, solely for the fact it will make your home warmer. The added benefit is the savings you`ll make on heating bills as your home is doing a better job of keeping the warmth in.

Add in the fact that new windows can be a key selling point for buyers, and you`ll find that this is a great way of adding value to your home. A lot of buyers will have used most, if not all of their savings on buying the house, so any big, expensive upgrades like new windows or a new boiler are a way of attracting potential buyers, who won`t have that extra cost to consider.

Add a Fireplace

Adding a fireplace can be an inexpensive, attractive way of boosting your home`s value.

It`s the sort of feature that can make a home feel cosier in the winter months, and it can make a great centrepiece in the living room. Compared with other room upgrades, it`s quite a reasonably priced and cost effective way to boost the value of your home.

Add a Shower

Homes traditionally would only come with a bath, but in today`s world, a shower is essential, particularly for people with little time on their hands to take a long soak.

Adding a shower above the bath can be quite a simple, inexpensive job if you have a tiled bathroom already in place. If not, it becomes a little more costly, but it`s still a great add-on for potential buyers when they come to view, and it definitely boosts a property`s value.

Homemovers in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas often ask us `what improvements will increase the value of my home?` and the team at Groves Residential know exactly how to answer this!

Call us on 02089490094 or email mail@grovesresidential.com to find out the best improvements you can make to your New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas home.

3 Ways to Give Your Living Room the WOW Factor

Thu, 18 May 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Selling your home in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas is a big task in itself as there`s so much to prepare. If you`re trying to tackle everything yourself, it can be daunting trying to attract potential buyers, but one of the best ways to do that is to have the right decor that gives off that ‘wow` factor.

If you`re unfamiliar with the term, ‘wow factor` it is essentially any feature or quality that is impressive and—you`ve guessed it—makes people say ‘wow` when they see it for the first time! When potential buyers are checking out your home, you want to impress them and get them to imagine their new lives in your home, and a space with a ‘wow factor` does the trick.

One of the best spaces to create a wow factor in is your living room because it can be done on a budget and without spending a lot of time and money on renovations. It`s also one of the most used rooms in the home where families gather, where people socialise and entertain guests, and where you wind down after a long day. It`s also one of the most important rooms when showing your home, aside from the kitchen and master bedroom, and is often one of the first rooms people look at when they view a property.

With this in mind, we have detailed three simple ways to give your living room the wow factor and impress anyone who walks through your door.

1. Choose your furniture carefully

The furniture in your living room obviously makes a major difference when it comes to looking drab and plain or exciting and bold. If you`re staging your home, you have some choice in this department. Choosing pieces of furniture that look cheap or are poor quality doesn`t do anything for the wow factor, but that doesn`t necessarily mean you have to choose expensive pieces to add flair. You can source vintage pieces or antiques that stand out from the mass produced or highly trendy furniture that a lot of people choose. The goal is to have a living room that stands out, so unique pieces of furniture will certainly accomplish that.

If you`re working with the furniture you have, try and dress it up or rearrange it so your space is open and interesting. Consider giving old wood furniture a fresh coat of paint or a new stain to brighten them up, or try some DIY tricks to make outdated furniture look fresh and exciting. You can also use contrasting textures to bring some energy and boldness into the room. If your sofa is leather, get a plush throw to hang over it for example. Don`t feel discouraged if you aren`t inspired by the pieces you have – there are plenty of ways to make them exciting without breaking the bank.

2. Add the right decor

Your decor can make or break a room so when it comes to the wow factor, choosing your decor pieces is especially important. The goal here is to create a focal point in the room where the energy can emanate from and draw people`s attention. Once you have the focal point, you can work from there to bring energy to the rest of the space.

One great idea for a focal point is a colourful piece of art on the wall or a collage of pieces or artistic photographs that work well together. Hang your art on a wall free of clutter and obstruction so it can really shine in the space. Another idea is to strategically place a large plant in the room where it can make a dramatic statement. Oversized plants are also perfect for drawing the eye towards something else, like a gorgeous fireplace. A final focal point idea would be to have hanging lights over the main seating area or to place a lamp in a corner or next to a sofa where it can really make a statement.

3. Add a splash of colour

The colour scheme of your room is another imperative aspect to creating the wow factor, so try to stay away from the trendy colour du jour. Again, you want to avoid the styles that seemingly everyone else uses because it is no longer bold and interesting. You want your living room to be memorable and stand out from the crowd, so don`t go for the usual neutrals and instead, go big.

Choose contrasting colours that stand out for your furniture, textiles, decor, and walls. Don`t be afraid to experiment with different palettes – that`s what drives the wow factor. Opt for colourful and bold patterns on accent items like throws, cushions and rugs, rather than plain or solid fabrics. Pick an accent wall and paint it a bright or contrasting colour or put up wallpaper with an interesting pattern.

There are so many ways you can create the wow factor in your home and these three tips are the perfect starting point. Why not experiment with your decor and then call the friendly team at Groves Residential on 02089490094. We will be delighted to offer you feedback and provide you with a free valuation on your property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas .

5 Tips To Make Your Property Look Lighter And Larger

Fri, 26 May 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Not Every Property Has Large Windows Or Plenty Of Floor Space!

Space and light are two key things that tenants and buyers are looking for when searching for a home in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas . Sadly, not every property has large windows or plenty of floor space. However, if your property happens to be a compact basement flat, there`s no need for dismay.

There are some top tips that our team at Groves Residential want to share with you, so you can make your spaces look brighter, larger, and more attractive to prospective renters and purchasers.

Choose Light Skirting, Coving And Wall Paint

If you choose a light paint colour, you`ll see more light bouncing around your room. Paint the ceiling smoothly in white, and choose a pale colour for your coving and skirting boards. This will eliminate any visual barriers, creating the illusion of more space.

Avoid Stripes And Lines

Stripes and lines make a space appear narrower. Therefore, if you`re laying laminate or wooden flooring, choose wider boards with fewer joins. If you`re laying flooring in your hallway, this is particularly important as many vertical lines can make a space that is already lacking in width feel even more narrow.

If your living room floor is small, don`t lay a rug as the space will appear cluttered. When it comes to the bathroom and kitchen if you`re planning to tile the walls and floor, choose large wall tiles to make the space feel larger and lay square floor tiles in a diamond orientation to give the illusion of extra space.

Use Mirrors To Your Advantage

Mirrors can create the illusion of more space, depth, and light in your rooms and work especially well when it comes to making narrow hallways appear wider and more spacious. Place large mirrors on opposing walls at an angle of 90 degrees to the window so the light will bounce around the space, making it look and feel brighter and larger. Hang pictures and mirrors in portrait orientation too as this makes the room appear to have a much higher ceiling.

Place Lamps Strategically

If you have dark corners, place lamps strategically to create more atmosphere while brightening up those dimly lit areas. This is especially important if you`re marketing your home in the winter when there`s less natural light. If you have a basement flat, fit spotlights in the ceiling to lighten the space effectively.

Arrange Your Furniture Well

Ensure that people can walk into your rooms without feeling crowded, but avoid falling into the common trap of putting all of the furniture in corners and against the walls. Instead, keep your furnishings minimal and place them away from windows so no natural light will be blocked out. In a small room, choose a glass table rather than a wooden one which acts as a barrier for the eyes.

Selling Or Letting Your Home? We Can Help

Whether you`re keen to sell or rent out your property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas , adding more space and light to your home increases value helping you achieve the best possible price. It also ensures you find a tenant or a buyer as quickly as possible.

At Groves Residential, we`re experts in the local property market, so give us a call on 02089490094. We`re looking forward to working with you.

I`m Relocating. How do I Find the Best School in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas ?

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMT
One of the top concerns that many families have when moving to New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas is finding the right school for their children. Many home moves are explicitly made so that families can move closer to the catchment area of their dream school.

But what happens if you find your dream house first and then need to find the best school close by?

As your local estate agent, we know the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas area exceptionally well and receive so many questions about this that we decided to give you our best advice to help keep you informed. In this article, you`ll find our top tips to help you find the right school for your children when moving to New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas .

Work out what your priorities are

Let`s face it, it may be tough to find a school that has absolutely everything that you`re looking for and all the schools in the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas area have their own strengths.

When looking for a school in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas we recommend making a list of your priorities. For instance, are you looking for a school with a tremendous academic record or one with a specific subject focus? Are extra-curricular activities essential or does your child have any special needs that the school should cater for? Are you looking for state schools or private schools? Day or boarding? Single-sex or co-ed? There are lots to consider before you even kick off your search.

Writing down all your priorities like this will help you focus your search, as this is an area that`s packed with lots of great schools to choose from!

Start your school research well before your move

Once you have a clear idea of what you`re looking for in terms of priorities, it`s time to start researching. We recommend doing this as early as you possibly can. You will probably want to visit several schools in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas before you decide on the best fit, so make sure you leave enough time for multiple appointments and open days.

It`s straightforward to access all the information you need on the excellent schools in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas as you can do this online, even if you`re currently located in a different part of the country.

Start gathering critical information online using reputable sites such as The Good Schools Guide and check the school performance tables on Gov.uk. Read through online school reviews and scour the Ofsted reports.

School research can be a time-consuming process, which is why we recommend starting early. Once you`ve whittled it down to your top three schools in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas , pay each of them a visit with your child. Which brings us on to our next point…

Pay your top choice schools a visit

Although this might not be immediately possible, we highly recommend visiting schools when you can. Take a tour and get a good feel of the environment that your child will potentially be spending lots of their time in. Talk to the staff and pupils and ask them questions.

Here are some of the key things to observe on a school visit:

How do the students and teachers interact with each other?
Are the facilities clean and well-maintained?
Do the teachers seem enthusiastic and happy to chat through all your questions?
Is the environment and community friendly and welcoming?
Do the children appear happy and engaged?

If it`s not possible for you to physically visit the school before you move, don`t despair. Check out their website. Some schools now offer virtual tours of their campuses. You could also hold a Zoom call with the headteacher to get a better feel of the school, and it`s teaching style.

Find out where your new neighbours are sending their children

If you have the chance to say hello to your new neighbours before your move, ask them about their personal experiences with the local schools in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas . Chatting with another parent could save you research time, as they will have done the same research when they moved and may also have first-hand experience of a school if they are sending their own children to one of the schools that you`re interested in.

Make sure you have a back-up plan

Once you have found the perfect fit, find a back-up! It`s always sensible to have a Plan B in case your chosen school in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas doesn`t work out. Creating a list of your top two or three schools means that you can quickly fall back to another option if needed, although of course, we hope your child gets into your first choice!

Our staff at Groves Residential are local and have extensive knowledge of the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas area. If you are moving to the area soon, start your home search with us, and we`ll be happy to advise you on all aspects of your move. Please call us on 02089490094 or email us at mail@grovesresidential.com for more information.

What Are The Top Five Home Décor Trends For 2023?

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 12:00:00 GMT
If you`re ready to give your home in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas a brand-new look, you may be wondering which trends are likely to emerge as top contenders in the months to come. At Groves Residential we love a trend and we have been doing some research into the top five looks that are going to be hot.

1. Using Sustainable Materials

We`re all trying to be more eco-friendly these days, and that`s extending into our home décor too. Bamboo, rattan, linen, and cane are popular materials for interiors right now, but aluminium and cork are going to be the hottest looks of all. Cork`s natural brown shade adds an earthy, grounding feel to any space, and thanks to its rugged appearance, it also adds warmth, cosiness, and texture. Aluminium, on the other hand, is able to be recycled repeatedly, so it`s an extremely environmentally-friendly metal. When paired with cork, aluminium can create a modern, stylish look that`s perfect for your home.

2. Embracing Imperfections

Leading on from the sustainable materials trend, there is also set to be a drive towards embracing flaws and imperfections. Preloved materials are often slightly damaged, while items made from natural materials like wood have knots, uneven textures, and shade differences. Choosing items that have these naturally-occurring flaws will be a popular choice, with uniform prints and flawless surfaces being out of favour.

3. Layered Lights

After colour, lighting is your home`s second most vital design element, and the latest trend will take the shape of layered lighting. When lighting is layered, the space appears warmer and cosier, and, of course, it also opens up the potential to experiment with different exciting lighting designs. Floor lamps can be used to create linear lines that demarcate separate areas or zones by style and function, while oversized pendants can add drama and style to any space. Meanwhile, illuminated pockets of wall lighting will draw the eye and bring instant softness and shadow to a room.

4. Primary Colours

Over the past few years, the world has been through a tough time, so it isn`t surprising that we`re all keen to be playful when it comes to our homes. Having fun has never been more important, and in the world of home décor, bold shades have become more and more prominent. There will be a move towards primary colour pops as accents and accessories around the home. Blue, yellow, and red are three unapologetically loud, high-saturation colours that bring playful charm to any space and energise its occupants.

5. The French Country Feel

When it comes to bedrooms, there will be a shift towards a palette that is softer and more neutral, and French country décor is set to be a top feature. Steering clear of bold colours in the bedroom as well as loud prints with colour accents in favour of airy and light shades will help you relax more easily when you retire for the night.

If you`re refreshing your home because you`re thinking of selling your property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas , call our friendly team at Groves Residential on 02089490094. As experts in the local property market, we can help you find the ideal buyer for your current home – and help you find your next one!

5 Plants To Give Your Property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas Kerb Appeal

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 12:00:00 GMT
Ensuring Prospective Tenants Or Buyers Get The Right First Impression Is Key

Whether you`re selling your property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas or are looking for a reliable tenant, kerb appeal couldn`t be more important. Ensuring a prospective tenant or buyer gets the right first impression of your property is key, and growing plants will certainly help you achieve this goal.

You won`t want to leave expensive flowers and shrubbery behind if you`re relocating, though, and if you`re attracting tenants, you can`t always rely on them to care for your garden in the same way that you would. With this in mind, our team at Groves Residential have five top ideas for gardeners on the move.

1. Create Vertical Interest

Plant pots can be taken with you when you move home, and they can be used to create a cheerful and positive first impression of your property. Sweet peas can easily be planted inside a pot, and when given a bamboo wigwam to grow up, they can add perfume, colour, and height effortlessly. Even better, sweet peas make an excellent choice for cut flowers too, so pop a few into a vase before each viewing and connect your outdoor and indoor spaces perfectly.

2. Self-sufficient Daylilies

If you`re a landlord in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas looking for an attractive plant to make your property look beautiful but without giving your prospective tenants onerous gardening tasks, daylilies could be just what you`re looking for. Reliable, low-maintenance, resistant to disease, and tolerant of inclement weather, daylilies come in many colours and look perfect along pathways since they perform well in all high-traffic areas.

3. Relaxing Lavender

Thanks to its calming perfume, lavender is a great choice for planting in pots close to the front door. Incredibly tough and resilient, this hardy perennial adds a beautiful splash of colour while putting tenants and buyers at ease during their viewing, thanks to its relaxing aroma.

4. Quick Colour In Baskets

Hanging baskets represent a great way to turn any garden into a lively, colourful spot, and, as a bonus, you can take them with you when you move! Choose easy to care for, bright blooms like lobelias, begonias and petunias for a vibrant first impression.

5. Follow The Spiller, Filler, Thriller Rules

Mixed planted containers are a great way to brighten up your home`s entrance, and the secret to success is to follow the three rules of `spiller`, `filler`, and `thriller`. Choose a trailing plant such as ivy to cascade over the pot`s edge as the `spiller`, and low-lying annuals like petunias or lobelias that covers the soil between as the `filler`. When it comes to the `thriller`, you need something tall and dramatic, like ornamental grasses or canna lilies that give a tropical aesthetic.

If you`re ready to sell your house in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas or you`re looking for a reliable tenant for your rental property, you can rely on the Groves Residential team.

As experts in the New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas property market, we`re on hand to make your property transaction easier and smoother. Call us today on 02089490094 to find out more about how we can help.

What Insurance Should I Have As A Landlord In New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas ?

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMT
It Makes Sense To Ensure Adequate Protection Is In Place

Landlords in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas with Buy To Let mortgages will already have adequate buildings insurance in place. Even those who own outright usually insure their property for its rebuild cost, with cover in place for damage caused by floods, fire, and storms. However, there are other risks involved in renting out a property. As well as your buildings insurance, it makes sense to put suitable protection in place, so you`ll be financially covered if something goes wrong.

Here at Groves Residential, sadly we have seen landlords take a significant financial hit when something unexpected has happened to their property. To avoid this happening to you, you should consider taking out insurance to cover the following things.

1. Your Property Contents

If you`re letting a property fully furnished, good home contents cover is essential. However, even if you`re renting your property out as unfurnished, you will probably still have personal curtains, carpets, white goods, and light fixtures and fittings in the property. The final bill could be very high if everything had to be replaced, so consider whether you need additional contents cover.

2. Damage Caused By A Tenant

Whether deliberately or accidentally, if your tenant causes damage to your property and you can prove it, it`s usually possible to retain their deposit to pay for the repairs. But what happens if the final cost to repair the damage is higher than the deposit amount? Malicious damage insurance will cover your repair bill in this eventuality.

3. Public Liability Cover

If any tenant, visitor, or contractor is injured in the property and thinks it was your fault, they could take you to court for compensation. Public liability insurance covers both any compensation that is awarded plus your total legal costs.

4. Costs For Alternative Accommodation

Should the rental property be so severely damaged that the tenants need to be relocated while repairs are completed, you could incur additional costs to cover alternative accommodation. This insurance will ensure you won`t take a financial hit.

5. Legal Expenses And Rent Protection

If you`ve never taken out insurance for legal expenses and rent protection, then this is something you should consider. If your tenant defaults on their rent, your income will be protected. Not only that but the expense of evicting the tenant will also be covered.

Although there`s a lot to pay for as a landlord, giving yourself as much protection as possible against any unexpected costly bills makes sense. Unfortunately, some landlords in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas find that they end up out of pocket because they failed to consider all the potential risks they could face. With adequate insurance, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your income is safe and you won`t get any unpleasant financial shocks.

If you need a professional team to help manage a rental property in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas , look no further than Groves Residential. As property management experts in New Malden KT3 and surrounding areas , we`re on hand to make your life as a landlord easier and more profitable!

Call us today on 02089490094 or visit our website at https://www.grovesresidential.com/ to learn how we can help you.