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Earlier this year, Aviva published the results of its survey on how we use our garages. Of those UK garage owners questioned, 28% said they hardly ever used their garage to park their car. 

And just like that, the seasons have changed. Meteorological summer officially ended on 31st August and wet, windy weather moved in without hesitation. While we’re keeping everything crossed for a return to calmer, drier conditions, there’s no escaping that autumn is here.

For landlords, rental income is often more than just extra cash, it's the foundation of your investment. But what happens when a tenant stops paying rent? Whether due to job loss, illness, or other unexpected circumstances, non-payment can put you under serious financial strain.

That’s where Rent Guarantee Insurance (RGI) steps in. Think of it as a safety net, offering peace of mind and financial protection when things go wrong.

There are a few signs that autumn is on the horizon (Halloween decorations in the shops, anyone?) and the change in season heralds a change in property focus. September is a peak period for home movers, so what kind of market awaits buyers, sellers and renters? Here’s how August shaped the property industry.

Over the years there have been a number of ‘light touches’ touted as a way to impress potential property buyers. The aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee? Great for making your property feel homely and masking less attractive whiffs. A neatly-folded pile of clean, fluffy towels in the bathroom? An easy way to give off five-star hotel vibes. Fresh flowers and a fully-stocked fruit bowl? They draw attention away from less desirable areas and add colour to a drab space.

In a rental market that’s constantly shifting, Wakefield landlords often assume a good property will “sell itself.” But here’s the catch: even the best rental can sit empty if it’s not marketed or presented the right way. So… is your property a hidden gem or just hidden?

Keeping tenants safe is of paramount importance and there is legislation that ensures the UK’s privately rented homes are fit for habitation. An important milestone in England has brought one area of safety back into the spotlight.

James brings a wealth of knowledge to every transaction, with deep roots in Wakefield—where he’s lived for many years. 

Although Labour has long been associated with better rights for renters, it recently showed that it is equally as committed to promoting homeownership. A raft of financial reforms designed to help mortgage borrowers, which will apply across the UK, were announced in July.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, a family looking for more space, or someone who wants a quiet retreat but still needs easy access to the hustle and bustle, the areas of Outwood, Wrenthorpe, and Stanley could be exactly what you're looking for.

With recent changes in UK rental laws, many tenancy agreements now automatically roll into contractual periodic tenancies once the fixed term ends. But what exactly is a contractual periodic tenancy, and why is it beneficial for both landlords and tenants? At Hodsons Estate Agents Wakefield, we’re here to explain.

Competitive pricing is the story of the summer. The theme was highlighted in Rightmove’s latest House Price Index, with asking prices dropping 1.2% in July to an average of £373,709. This adjustment reflects the improved supply of properties for sale.