According to one respected industry website, the housing sector showed signs of being under pressure this spring, with fewer buyer enquiries and agreed sales, while continuing economic uncertainty is affecting consumer confidence.
And the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) says purchaser interest dropped for the third month in a row in April, reflecting increasing caution and the end of the Stamp Duty ‘holiday’ at the end of March.
While the longer-term outlook could be more positive, adds RICS, its expectation is that this subdued feeling will continue at least for the next few months.
That may mean that, this summer, you could be better off improving your home rather than moving. And, in any event, warmer temperatures and fewer rainy days make working on outdoor projects, including landscaping schemes, easier, while paint, cement and similar materials will dry out more quickly. Plus, of course, there are more daylight hours in which to complete jobs.
Not sure how you could improve your home or garden? Here are some ideas:
Add a Lutyens bench
You may not necessarily be able to name it, but the chances are you’ll have sat on a garden Lutyens bench. This classic model was designed by prominent British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, and is distinguished by its elegant, scroll-arm design and curved, slatted back and seat. This timeless aesthetic copies a Victorian look. These pieces come in varied styles and sizes and suit private as well as public spaces.
Elegant and durable, Lutyens benches enhance the look of any outdoor space, whatever its size. Get a model in hardwearing, sustainable teak and enjoy benefits including incredible longevity, minimal maintenance plus this wood’s ability to withstand different weather conditions and temperature fluctuations thanks to its natural oils. Additionally, teak regulates its own temperature, so it’s consistently comfortable to sit on.
Could your driveway use a drainage channel?
Drainage channels on driveways are long, narrow drains which collect and direct surface water away from paving to stop flooding and other water damage. These recessed gutters run alongside the driveway’s edge, or in the middle of it, with a grate or other cover which lets water in it but not debris.
As well as preventing water damage and erosion, drainage channels for driveway settings enhance the overall look of a property. Channelling liquid away from the driveway’s surface also avoids having standing water, reduces the risk of slip-and-trip falls and enhances the overall value of your property.
Turnkey Solar Solutions
Turnkey solar solutions are essentially complete packages for fitting solar panels, encompassing everything from initial concept and planning through to installation and maintenance. You should find having a single point of contact streamlines the whole process, so that you’re not dealing with multiple suppliers and contractors. It’s also a cost-effective option, as well as being generally efficient.
Use turnkey solutions to enjoy all the benefits of solar power at your home, from lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact to enhanced property value if and when you do come to sell up.
So, with a few clever home improvements this summer, you could increase your enjoyment of your property, while making it more attractive to future potential buyers.