Park & Bailey would like to wish everyone who we have helped and dealt with in 2016, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. It’s been an excellent year for us… We have helped many people to sell, rent or buy a new home in the Surrey area. We hope all our...
Downsizing your home can be a tough decision to make – a decision that can be influenced by various reasons – however, one that can mean leaving a much-loved family home which holds memories. You may decide to downsize so that your home is more manageable, you want...
As we get closer and closer to the big day, or more importantly closer to those pigs in blankets, most of us will be inviting friends and family over for a good festive party. If you are renting your property, you need to remember your responsibilities, or you’ll have more...
Christmas Day is approaching and having your house sale tied up before the festive period can ease a lot of the stress in what is a busy time. If your house is up for sale over the Winter months then it can be hard to attract buyers to brave the cold and stay for a serious...
It’s exactly one month to the day until Christmas Day and not all of us are planning to invite the family over and cook a turkey dinner with all the trimmings! If you’re thinking of ditching the traditional Christmas this year and heading away on holiday, make sure...
According to a survey, a third of working families are finding it difficult to pay their energy bills and half are planning to reduce their use to cut costs. The survey follows Business Secretary Greg Clark saying he will be calling Energy UK to a meeting to discuss reports that...
The demand for rental property remains high, this does not mean every rental property will let. If you are a landlord you might be wondering how you can attract the right tenant… Here we list the aspects of a property that you can pay attention to, so you attract the...
Here are some top tips to make sure you have fun, and keep your children safe if you are thinking of taking them trick or treating in Surrey this Halloween. Try to plan a route , you don’t want to travel too far away and end up with sore feet and legs. Also, you should...
When you instruct a surveyor to value a property, you are taking a step that is integral to the home-buying process. This part of the process can be very confusing, so it’s important that you understand the various elements that surveyors take into account before setting a...
Park & Bailey opened the Sales Progression Unit in May 1999 recognising that the road from being under offer to exchange/completion could be a bumpy one for both vendors and buyers alike. We were one of the very first estate agents to offer a dedicated sales progression...
September housebuilding rose at the fastest pace since January, some developers also reported resilient demand and a general improvement in market conditions. The surge in residential activity helped the construction sector see returning growth last month, with the purchasing...
The government has today announced that the Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme won’t be extended beyond 2016. The scheme that was originally launched in 2014, supports lenders running 95% mortgages. The mortgage guarantee scheme , was part of a wider Help to Buy policy...
A new nationwide survey has discovered that people feel selling their home is one of the most stressful life events they will experience. Selling your home topped the poll over which included having a baby, starting a new job and planning a wedding. The survey also discovered...
Everyone has their own idea of when you should sell a property , truth be told there are many factors to consider when you’re selling. If you are looking to list your Surrey home, read on to find out when you should sell. Is there a better season for selling? Spring is...
UK property prices will rise by an average 3.3% a year, according to a report which says confidence is returning following the Brexit vote. The study of market conditions by RICS found that while growth has been tempered from the referendum, a new home shortage would prop up...
The estate agent calls to see if your able to have a last minute viewing, how do you ensure the prospective buyer sees your home in the best light? Here are some tips to make your home viewer ready in a rush… Make sure you check each room for any bits and pieces...
Unfortunately, not everyone has good neighbours. If you’re dealing with a parking space problem, or noisy parties or pets. Here are some tips for tackling neighbourly disputes . Does your neighbour always park in your space or block your driveway? If you have this issue...
At Park and Bailey’s specialist Land and New Homes Division we believe we provide developers with a totally professional service regardless of the size of the project. We will work with you, if required, on every stage of the development , providing input and practical...
If you are looking to sell your property , don’t just concentrate on the inside, make sure your garden looks tidy too. First impressions count when someone is viewing a house, if they are put off the moment they arrive, it may be hard to get them to like anything about your...
Buying a project property that needs some or a lot of TLC can be a good way to cut down on the initial cost of buying. It also gives the buyer a chance to make the house their own. Although it might be a scary thought for some, it seems more of us are prepared to get our hands...
Originally a market town, Crawley is located in West Sussex , and is the ideal place to move to if you’re looking for the perfect balance between countryside and city living. Gatwick airport , which is one of Britain’s busiest international airports opened on the...
Half an hour from London , the pretty town of Wallington is the place to live if you’re looking for a top-notch education for your kids. A whopping three of Sutton’s grammar schools are located in Wallington, including Wilson’s School , which is the most...
Despite the chancellors attempts to create a ‘level playing field’ between landlords and property owners, demand for rental properties continues to increase. Findings by the BDRC Continental, on behalf of Paragon Mortgages, found demand to be seen as...
With great schools, quiet streets and fantastic transport links to nearby London and Croydon , Purley has been described as a ‘suburban utopia’ by many and is the perfect juxtaposition of busy town and peaceful community all in one. Located only 13 miles from central...
Located deep in South London, Coulsdon is in close proximity to the neighbouring towns of Purley and Croyden , and is the perfect commuter location for those who appreciate quiet leafy green streets and open countryside, but who still want all the perks of a convenient commute...
A couple from West Sussex have been tricked out of hundreds of pounds after viewing a fake property. Mr and Mrs Wilcox saw an advertisement online for what they thought was the perfect flat, Mrs Wilcox said she fell in love with the property and contacted the vendor to arrange...
How to spot it: New or expanding cracks wider than 3mm might be a sign of subsidence . Also, cracks that are wider at the top and run diagonally and cracks that appear on both the inside and outside, can be a sign too. Subsidence is shrinking and movement of the earth your home...
Getting a mortgage has always been a complicated process, however, since stricter tests around lending were introduced two years ago, it has become an even longer more complicated affair. If you are thinking about applying for a mortgage, there are things you can do to improve...
Spring is the time of year when many people think about their homes, the things they like or dislike about it, and whether it’s time to move to a new home or get creative with a spring spruce-up. Recent figures revealed that 14% of us feel that it’s time to move...
Get your home ready for potential buyers to view and make sure it stands out from the rest by following our simple tips. Firstly, you need to put yourself in the shoes of any potential buyers. Does your home look tidy? Does it look inviting? Is the garden neat? You should always...
Tenants who found property on Gumtree were scammed by fake landlords and have warned others to use an agent. A couple who found a property a year ago, signed a tenancy agreement and paid a deposit of £1,195. This was despite their unease over the landlord’s behaviour...
A new survey by Direct Line for Business shows that landlords who do not instruct letting agents to act for them, are making a number of mistakes – including giving a tenant a contract that’s not legally compliant . 58% of the landlords who didn’t use a letting...
Having children, advancing in your career or getting married – all of us have different goals in life. However, now research shows young people rank getting on the property ladder as more important than any of these. A study into the attitudes among under 40s, points...
Trying to keep the kids occupied during the Easter school holiday can be a daunting time for parents, especially as certain day trips are not always within all our budgets. We thought we would offer some tips to help you achieve a stress free, fun holiday for you and your family...
The National Landlords Association (NLA) claim the amount of landlords looking to sell property has quadrupled since last year’s budget. Policy is blamed as the primary cause, with landlords confidence takes a hit due to Government changes . Research by NLA shows, just 4...
When returning the keys to your landlord at the end of a tenancy, you’ll want to ensure you get the full deposit back. This shouldn’t be a problem, if you take good care of the property during your tenancy and pay your rent on time. If you haven’t taken care of...
If you are thinking about modifying or extending your property , you may need to apply for planning permission. Here are some tips to make sure your application goes through. You should make sure you find a good local architect , they will have a better understanding of...
British banks have approved the highest number of mortgages in nearly two years as investors look to snap up properties prior to the new buy-to-let tax rules due in April. The BAA said members approved over 47,500 loans for property purchases in Jan on a seasonally adjusted...
One you know how much and the deposit amount, you will need to pick a mortgage . Here’s a checklist to assist and help you to decide which mortgage features are most important to you. Are you looking at a repayment or interest only mortgage? You can choose between paying...
We all know that selling your home can be stressful, that’s why it’s important to choose an agent you can trust. Our team will always try to make the selling process as smooth as possible and their aim is to eliminate the stress. The first thing we will do is...
Boris Johnson has announced the capital’s first boiler replacement scheme . The Cash Back Scheme is proving 6,500 home owners and accredited private landlords with £400 cashback. This is a first-come, first- serve so you will need to apply quickly - private landlords...
There’s less than a week to go until formal consultation ends on the introduction of stamp duty surcharge on ‘additional homes’. A three per cent stamp duty surcharge will be introduced on April 1, with final details to be announced in Chancellor George Osborne...
Renting a property does have its perks, you don’t need to worry about maintenance costs, building insurance or paying for a broken boiler. However, trying to put your own stamp on a rental property can be tricky and you will probably need to work within the boundaries of...
Renting your property to nightmare tenants can be a costly and time-consuming experience. Asking the right questions could ensure you end up with reliable tenants . Here’s a guide to what you should be asking your potential tenants. Firstly, ask why, when and how...
For Newlyweds Sarah and Ritchie Tough the dream of owning their own home is in tatters. The couple, who had hoped to buy a home in Hertfordshire, are the latest victims of an online con that has hit homebuyers nationwide. A computer hacker monitors emails sent by a solicitor...