22/05/23

Looking to move to Cambridgeshire? Here are the Top Primary Schools within the Area

The process of finding a new home can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if you are looking to relocate. Knowing what to look for in a new location is important, and if you have a family, or are thinking of starting one, considering schools in the area is essential. Cambridgeshire is known for its outstanding University, but also has an abundance of nurseries, primary schools, and secondary schools.

What is Ofsted?

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, set up by the government. They inspect services that provide education for students of any age. With over 1,800 employees, covering 8 regions, Ofsted are responsible for Inspecting, Regulating, and Reporting. They aim to raise the standards of educational facilities in order to improve the quality of life.

How are Primary Schools Ranked?

Ofsted Inspectors follow a strict framework, covering leadership and management, teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, and pupil outcomes. Based on the previous, schools will be ranked on the following scale:

Grade 1: Outstanding
Grade 2: Good
Grade 3: Requires Improvement
Grade 4: Inadequate

Who are some of the most Highly Ranked Primary Schools in Cambridgeshire?

Bourn C of E Primary Acadamy. Located in Bourn, this school was ranked outstanding by Ofsted in 2009.
Coton Church of England School. Located in Coton, they received an outstanding ranking in 2008.
The Spinney Primary School. The Cherry Hinton primary school earned an outstanding ranking in 2008.
Fordham C of E Primary School. This rural village school has received outstanding ratings at its 2006 and 2010 inspections.
St Alban’s Catholic Primary School. Located in the centre of Cambridge, this school was awarded an outstanding status in its 2014 inspection.
University of Cambridge Primary School. This Eddington Avenue school was rated as outstanding in 2018 by Ofsted.
Queen Edith Community Primary School. Situated South of Cambridge centre, Queen Edith Primary has been inspected twice in the last 10 years, receiving good at both.
Milton Road Primary School. This Cambridge school was rated good at its latest inspection in 2019.
Ridgefield Primary School. In Eastern Cambridgeshire, this good rated school has carried its status for 10 years.
St Matthew’s Primary School. Located in close proximity to the Anglian Ruskin University Campus, this school has been rated as good by Ofsted in 2020.

To find out more about school rankings in Cambridge visit: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/

Looking to move to Cambridgeshire? Here are the Top Primary Schools within the Area

03/04/23

Everything you need to know about Property Valuations

What is a property valuation?

A property valuation is an assessment, that is carried out, in order to determine the estimated value of the property at that time. Agents will conduct the survey, and compare similar properties in the area to come up with a reasonable figure.

Why are they important?

Valuations are essential for understanding the value of your property. This can later aid in the selling of your property, remortgaging and taking out insurance. Without a valuation these tasks are impossible. The most important reason for a valuation is the selling of a property. Many factors are considered during the valuation.

What factors are included?

Location – A property situated in a prime location, such as easily accessible to schools, supermarkets, and public transport is considered desirable.
Age – The year of construction is considered when evaluating a property. For example, older properties may have high maintenance costs, which will be reflected in the final valuation.
Condition – The condition of a property is arguably the most significant factor. If a building is in good condition, it will be worth more money.
Size – Buyers want valuations to be accurate in terms of the size of a property. Therefore this aspect will be carefully considered by surveyors.
Useable space – A valuation will include the assessment of the usability of the space. If basements or lofts have been converted into functional rooms, valuation will likely be higher, than properties that have not utilised these areas.
Extension potential – Many buyers look for the potential to extend their property in the future. If surveyors recognise this quality in your property, it will contribute positively to your valuation.
Neighbourhood and neighbours – A welcoming and friendly neighbourhood will only add value to your property.
Economic factors – The current state of the property market and changing trends in house prices will also affect the valuation of your property. This factor is completely out of the buyer’s control.
And a properties energy efficiency – Energy efficiency is a growing desire for buyers when it comes to finding the right property. The insulation, use of renewable power sources, and use of LED fixtures, double glazing, and efficient household appliances will also be considered.

Everything you need to know about Property Valuations

28/02/23

What you need to know about EPCs as a Landlord

How are rules around EPCs changing, and how will they affect you as a landlord?

The number of legal requirements for your property as a landlord can be overwhelming, especially when they get changed regularly. It is important to keep up with any amendments to avoid being penalised or losing the ability to sell your property. After the government announced new standards for England and Wales surrounding EPCs, your current one may no longer be valid. EPCs are a legal requirement for all homes, business properties and public premises. If you are a Landlord, and your latest EPC was issued before 2020, you are at risk of your property becoming ‘unrentable.’

What is an EPC?

EPCs are Energy Performance Certificates that are legally required whenever a property is built, sold or rented. EPCs must be ordered for potential buyers or tenants before a property can be sold or rented.

Energy Performance certificates consist of:
Information about energy use in a property, and the typical energy costs.
Recommendations about how improvements can be made to reduce energy use and costs.

EPCs are valid for 10 years after a property inspection, subject to changing standards. They give an energy efficiency rating from most efficient, to least efficient, on a scale of A-G.

How do you get an EPC?

To get an EPC you must contact an Energy Assessor. Once you have found an assessor, you need to find out whether they are part of an accredited scheme. If they are, you can contact them directly to arrange an assessment of your property. The government website can offer a list of approved assessors by your postcode, making the process much easier.
EPC costs range from £35 – £120, which is a fraction of the penalty for not maintaining a valid one.

What is Changing?

In December 2020, the government announced new standards for England and Wales, to become law by 2025. From 2025, all properties must have an EPC rating of C or above. The current pass rates for EPCs are an E. This change will be applied to new tenancies at first. Existing tenancies will have until 2028 to comply with the new rule changes.

How does this affect you as a landlord?

The penalty for not having a valid EPC is being raised from £5,000 to £30,000. If you have a property, you must keep your EPC valid by ensuring it is up-to-date and meets the standards.
You must give your tenants notice if you plan to schedule an EPC assessment. An assessor will look at: the age, construction and size of the property, heating systems, insulation, lighting and windows. Assessments are non-intrusive and should only take about an hour. You will receive your report after a couple of days.
Tenants have the right to know the property’s EPC score. This information is freely available to the public on the government’s website.
Although EPCs are valid for 10 years, it is worth getting a new assessment of your property done, if it is old. The recently changing criteria could mean you need to make some changes to your property, and reassessment will ensure you avoid any type of prosecution.

Energy Performance Certificates are legal requirements, for all properties that are to be built, sold, or rented. Although lasting 10 years, recent changes to standards mean your property could be at risk of becoming ‘unrentable.’ Ordering a new assessment of your property is the easiest way to ensure there are no issues, and you avoid paying a penalty.

To find an accredited energy assessor, visit here. Or read here to find out how to make your property more energy efficient.

What you need to know about EPCs as a Landlord

04/01/23

How to Maximise Rental Property Income

As a landlord, investments into your property will have been expensive. It, therefore, makes sense to maximise your assets in order to increase your rental property income. Below are several easy ways you can increase the value of your property to create benefits for both you and your tenants.

Refurbishment and Redecoration

Upgrading the kitchen and bathrooms creates huge potential for increasing income. Modern, sleek and neutral-in-colour kitchens are highly desirable. If you cannot afford to change cabinets and appliances, simply re-painting your kitchen and bathrooms in neutral shades can increase the value of your rental, and furthermore its property income. Before you start a new tenancy, all rooms should be repainted. Removing signs of wear and tear in a property can help to maximise potential income.

Cleaning

Professionally cleaning the whole house can help to increase rental income, due to its more attractive and clean qualities. All surfaces, with special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, should be included. Professionally cleaning carpets, or even replacing dirty or damaged ones, will add value to the property. If your property is furnished, replacing items such as mattress protectors and cleaning mattresses between tenancies can give it a refresh. If professional services do not fall under your budget, hiring equipment such as carpet cleaners from your local supermarket, is a much cheaper alternative.

Extensions

If you have a higher budget, look to create an extension on your property. Extra bedrooms, an office, or turning the living area into an open-plan space can help add value to the property. Converting space in the property such as lofts or basements is a brilliant way to utilise all possible space in the property. Unique conversions can also make your property’s value increase. The more practical rooms your property has, the more money you can acquire from rent.

Outdoor Spaces

Make sure the garden is weed-free and looks attractive. Add grass or a patio that can be used for living and leisure space outside. Green space is important for tenants to destress, and relax and is also a safe place for children to play. A garden is viewed as an extension of the living space and therefore adds value. Make sure all outside areas, including the front of the property, are clean and tidy. When a tenancy starts, there should not be any broken things that can decrease the attractiveness and moreover, the value. Gates and fences should also be intact; as well as looking more attractive, they can increase the element of privacy.

Storage

Storage is an appealing feature to potential tenants. Adding built-in wardrobes with sleek sliding doors, or putting shelving units in under stairs cupboards can allow for more effective use of space.

Energy

Efficiency Energy Efficient properties are increasing in demand, especially during the cost-of-living crisis. Switching regular lightbulbs for LED lights, installing smart devices, solar panels and double glazing, draft proofing, buying energy-efficient appliances, and insulating your property properly can help to make it much more energy efficient. See How to Make Your Home More Desirable – Energy Efficiency for more ways to increase energy efficiency.

Security and Privacy

Consider installing security and privacy software in your property. Cameras, ring-door bells, and security alarms are simple, yet effective, ways to make tenants feel safer in their homes. Updating door locks, and maintaining gates and fences can also add to the feeling of security.

Finances

Review the mortgage on your property yearly by considering the type (variable or fixed), and examining the property market, can help you decide if you need to adjust the monthly tenancy of your property. If your property is unfurnished, consider switching to a furnished property. You can increase your tenancy amount on a furnished property, quickly making your money back on the purchases, and the extra will then be profit.

Pets

Accepting tenants with pets will appeal to a wider range of customers. You can increase your tenancy to cover wear and tear from animals being allowed in the house, although this will likely be very minimal.

Your relationship with your tenant

A happy and fair relationship with your tenant can go hand in hand with a long, trouble-free arrangement leading to fewer gaps between tenancies and reducing potential loss of revenue while looking for a new tenant.
Keeping on top of any maintenance, being realistic with rent reviews and appreciating and respecting your tenant’s privacy all contribute toward a hassle-free experience between all parties.

Finally, catering to your tenant’s needs and lifestyle is a great way to increase your rental property income. Between you and your tenants, you can get a better understanding of what they desire in their home and offer any refurbishments that are beneficial to you both.

04/12/22

8 Ways to Make Your Home More Desirable – Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency is a key factor home buyers are looking for when selecting a potential property. There are multiple ways you can make your home more energy efficient, which in turn is better for the planet, and can save you money.

Here are our Top 8 Ways to make your house more energy efficient.

LED Lights

LED lights are highly energy-efficient and can be used to replace regular light bulbs. They use 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer. LED lights can operate in all conditions, emit no emissions or heat, and still provide dimming capabilities. Therefore, not only are they energy efficient, but are a money-saving technology.

Solar-Powered Devices

Solar Panels convert sunlight into energy that can be used as electricity in your house. Installing solar panels on your roof can help you save money on bills, but also is better for the environment. There are lots of solar-powered devices such as garden and wall lights, which can be installed to help save electricity.

Smart Devices

There are many smart devices for thermostats, light switches, plugs, taps, and showers that can control the energy output in your home, making your home more efficient.

Double Glazing

Installing double-glazed windows in your property can help make your home more efficient by saving energy. 18% of heat is lost from windows, double glazing reduces this. Although a more expensive method, it is guaranteed to ensure energy efficiency.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Select appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, televisions, etc that are more energy efficient. Switch up tumble dryers and hang the washing up outside on warm, or dry days, or purchase a heating drying rail: these are much cheaper to buy and run compared to tumble dryers.

Draft Proofing

Door draft excluders are an easy and cheap way to ensure heating energy is not being wasted.

Insulation

Insulating your walls, roof, and floors is the best way to keep the heat in your property. Effectively doing so makes sure no money is wasted on heating.

Low-Pressure Utilities

Toilets, taps, and showers can be installed with Low-Pressure settings. This allows you to use said utilities without worrying about wasting water; saving money on water bills, and being kinder to the planet.

During the cost-of-living crisis, having bills that fluctuate massively is a concern for many people. Making sure your home is energy-efficient can help to save you money. Here are some resources that show you more ways to save money on energy.

Assets.publishing.service.gov.uk

www.bojenelectrical.co.uk/led-lighting

www.bestheating.com

www.which.co.uk/reviews/insulation

8 Ways to Make Your Home More Desirable – Energy Efficiency

22/11/22

Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement – Time-limit on Stamp Duty Cuts

Earlier this year, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, announced Stamp Duty cuts that will remain in place until 2025. Finance experts and professionals are split on whether this cut will be beneficial to the housing Industry.

What is Stamp Duty?
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a property transaction tax, that is applied to any property purchased over a certain threshold. The tax is paid by the person buying the property and can depend on the location, the amount you are paying for the property, and whether this is your sole property. The tax percentage will range between 0-12%, depending on the price of the property.

What are Stamp Duty Cuts?
Stamp Duty Cuts raise the thresholds on which tax needs to be paid. They often occur to boost the property market’s growth, during cost-of-living crises and inflation.

What is Changing?
In September, Jeremy Hunt stated that the threshold would be increased to £250,000 from £125,000, with the first-time buyer’s threshold also being increased to £425,000 from £300,000. These cuts will remain in place until March 2025.

What does this mean for you?
The stamp duty cut is beneficial for those who are in the process of, or thinking about buying a house. The amount of tax you need to pay on the property will be massively decreased, or even completely reduced to nothing. This will make the process much more affordable for many. With this in mind, first-time buyers can therefore have a much easier time getting onto the property ladder.

There is some concern that the lowering of stamp duty may drive up the price of housing. This would then make purchasing properties unaffordable for many people. Despite this, for potential buyers and especially first-time buyers, the SDLT cut should be taken advantage of!

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