Your Right Move » Guide

How to fight housing and homelessness

Zanet — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:25 +0000

Zoopla decides to show how to fight housing and homelessness. Teaming up with Shelter, Zoopla commits £25,000.

The economic situation over the past few years in the UK means many families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. As a result, property website Zoopla.co.uk has today announced a fundraising partnership with national housing and homelessness charity, Shelter, with Zoopla committing to raise at least £25,000 for this cause in 2012.

As part of their commitment to make a difference and raise awareness of the issues surrounding bad housing and homelessness, Zoopla will work closely with Shelter to help support their charitable efforts and will participate, donate directly and identify new opportunities to raise funds in 2012.

Zoopla employees also lead the way on how to fight housing and homelessness

Zoopla employees have wasted no time in showing their commitment to the partnership by donating over £7,500 themselves already via payroll giving alone and committing to numerous events throughout the year, including Shelter’s annual Vertical Rush in early March, which involves scaling the 920 steps of Tower 42 in the City. Zoopla also plans to make fundraising for Shelter an integral part of the numerous trade events and awards it sponsors throughout the year including Lettings Live, the ESTAs and the Estate Agency of the Year Awards.

Alex Chesterman, Founder & CEO of Zoopla said: “Shelter does an outstanding job trying to help those have fallen on hard times. We recognise that charities like Shelter rely heavily on donations from businesses like ours and we are keen to do what we can. Our team are motivated and to meet or exceed the fundraising targets we have set for this year and to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.”

Tracy Griffin, fundraising director at Shelter, said, “We’re delighted to be working so closely with Zoopla and are very grateful for their support. The money raised through the partnership will support Shelter’s vital work to help families across the country find and keep a decent home. We are looking forward to developing a strong ongoing partnership.”

Shelter’s housing advice helpline 0808 800 4444 is open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Rightmove rental properties

Zanet — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:33:31 +0000

What do you expect to see on Rightmove rental properties ? Recently Rightmove asked its followers that question.

It’s good they are taking feedback from Facebook followers. The full questions was “If you were looking for a rental property on Rightmove, what information would you want/expect to be included from the agent advertising it?” It seems that floorplans and photos are providing the biggest feedback. So we hope these will be considered on the next site update.

Rightmove has over 300,000 properties to rent throughout the UK.

But the listings don’t always have a all the details needed for rightmove rental properties.

Here are the top 10 missing items on Rightmove rental properties

As many photos as possible including interior and exterior photos.
Room dimensions and a floor-plan.
Specific details on fees and special terms of contract
Whether pets are allowed or not in the property
Council tax band on every property
Who will be responsible for maintenance of the property
Whether there are any restrictions on the property.
Information about accessibility.
Reference check fee and registration fee if applicable
Local broadband speed available – Could Rightmove link up with BT and Virgin to document the available broadband speeds?

Rightmove have the widest range of property types and styles, from studio apartments to detached family homes.

Whether you are a student, young professional or a family, Rightmove is the tool of choice.

Have you found rightmove rental properties have some details missing?

Rightmove Android App

Zanet — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:27:39 +0000

I can’t believe that the Rightmove Android App doesn’t exist. This week I moved from an iPhone to the excellent Samsung Galaxy S2 and started filling the phone up with all the standard Apps. But why on earth haven’t Rightmove released the Android version of its great mobile app for the other 13m smartphone users in the UK?

Even a Freelance Programmer, Damon Skelhorn had a go at building one. He got to the stage where he felt he should seek permission to release the app using the data supplied from Rightmove before continuing. Unfortunately property search website Rightmove refused to give Damon permission.

Rightmove Android App Exists – Just

So what are Rightmoves plans to support the millions of Android mobiles out there in the UK?
It seems they have already made up there mind that they will cater for Android rather than design an App for the Android. Having already launched apps for iPhone and iPad, they will cover other devices with a new mobile website.

The new site is built in HTML5, and replicates the GPS and mapping features of the app, and extends Rightmove’s reach to the rest of the users in the UK.

Developer Stephen Mellish said “With the increasing reach of operating systems such as Android and the ever growing number of alternative options, mobile sites create a more inclusive way to target users. HTML5 is also allowing brands to replicate the feel of an ‘app’ through an mobile site which is increasing its appeal to marketers.”

If you are an iPhone user, then take a look at the app with its smart new QR Reader. Over a million properties in your pocket. You can also see properties for sale or rent around you using GPS functionality. But I do think they are missing a trick by not having a Rightmove Android App ! http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-you/iphone-application

UK house prices

Zanet — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:53:09 +0000

Will Uk house prices fall or rise in the coming year ? What will the 2012 house market bring ?
We take a look at what the experts are saying and look to see whether the housing gloom is about to lift.

While the average house prices in the UK will have actually risen by 1.3pc by the end of 2011, with inflation currently at 5pc, property values are falling in real terms.

Rightmove expect UK House Prices to drop

Predictions for 2012 UK house prices

The Telegraph predicts 2012 will not see a revivial. They report “Inflation and the eurozone debt crisis will have a negative effect on house prices next year.”

This is Money’s property expert Simon Lambert speaks of Estate agents claiming of a stand-off between sellers and buyers. The sellers reluctant to cut prices and the buyers unwilling to pay over the odds. Home sellers must either have a desirable property to sell in an in-demand area or be willing to lower their expectations, if they want to get a sold sign up outside their house.

Rightmove report UK House prices will show uncertainty. 2012 will be just as challenging as they’ve been in 2011. Asking prices are expected to rise by a mere 2%. Inflation-adjusted house prices will continue to fall in 2012, or at best stand still.

Your Mortgage Decisions predict great variances in house price movement across the UK. With the south and in particular London and the home counties faring considerably better than northern England, Wales and Scotland. It would not surprise me to see some gains as significant as 5% to 10% within a commutable distance to London, as has been the case this year for pockets of desirable housing served well by schools, transport links and good community facilities such as leisure and retail. Other areas are likely to see a more benign outlook with a neutral to 5 to 10% decline in the areas of highest unemployment.

Capital Economics expect prices to decline by 5% in both 2012 and 2013.
UK House prices often follow the USA trend the following year. so while the UK doesnt have any exciting changes, The United States are predicting a better change. Newspapers in New York predict a positive outlook. Wall Street expect the U.S. economy to keep growing, albeit at a sluggish 2% annual rate but fast enough to avoid a recession. In the CFA’s survey, only 12% of respondents said they expect the U.S. economy to contract in 2012.

Phil and Kirsty – Location

Zanet — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:32:43 +0000

Don’t you just love Phil and Kirsty, and there back again for another new series.
Catch the new series of Location, Location, Location on Wednesdays at 8pm on Channel 4.

Phil and Kirsty, like a favourite Aunty and Uncle they almost row in front of the nation on the great show
Property experts Phil Spencer and Kirsty Allsop were asked for advice on beating the house price slump. They are famous for their down to earth approach and no nonsense understanding of the UK house market. Below are there Top 10 Tips for beating the house Price Crash.

Phil and Kirsty Top Location Location location Tips

Phil and Kirsty from Relocation Relocation

1. Take Your Time

The advice we’d give in this market is largely the same as we’d give in any market. If you’re selling your house, don’t rush into buying. Take your time, even rent for a few months while you look to make sure. Any purchase in this OR ANY market should be for the long term, so it’s important to get it right.

2. Sit Tight

Here is some good advice in a recession from Kirsty Allsop.
Don’t engage with the market if you don’t have to. Unless you HAVE to move house, sit tight and wait it out.

3. Get A Good Deal

Phil from Relocation Relocation suggest you haggle hard when buying – bear in mind the house may soon be worth less than you paid for it – the market always has troughs and peaks.

4. Make Money from a Room

Rent out a room in your house. If you are struggling to make repayments on your mortgage, consider taking in a lodger to lighten the load.

5. Get a Kerb Appeal

The biggest challenge as a seller is getting people through the door – pay close attention to the exterior of your property.

6. Be Realistic

Phil and Kirsty often speak of being realistic. It’s all relative – remember, when house prices fall, you may take a hit on your own sale, but you can make this up when buying as the drop hits the whole market.

7. Sort Your Mortgage –its Costing You

For most people, their mortgage is their biggest debt – and in a credit crunch you want to limit your debt as much as possible. If you’re on an interest only mortgage, lessen your chances of negative equity by changing to a repayment. Before you do anything, though, seek professional advice from an independent financial advisor.

8. Take Advantage Of Rate Cuts

If you are already on a repayment, consider if you can take advantage of recent interest rate cuts to pay a little bit more of the capital each month. The more you pay, the faster you run from negative equity – and the quicker you’ll own your home outright.

9. Look After Your Property

Even if it’s not with a new bathroom or kitchen – keeping paintwork fresh, boilers regularly serviced and gardens well maintained can work wonders. And it’s cheaper to fix little problems rather than wait until they’re big ones.

10. Look For Innovative Ways To Get A Good Deal

Kirsty Allsop suggests house swaps are a good way to beat the stale market conditions. And for many types of people, like first time buyers, key workers or those in social housing, there are government and commercial schemes to help you get on the property ladder.

UPDATE: It seems Phil and Kirsty are really on form in the latest series on Channel 4

How to sell your house on Rightmove

Zanet — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:46:59 +0000

Selling your house on the Rightmove web site is certainly a great way to be seen and find many more potential purchasers. But how do you get on there? Most good estate agents are experts in selling properties and will know that a web prescence is essential for capturing the market of people moving into the area. So the next question follows: how do you choose a reliable Estate agent in the UK market with a good Rightmove presence?

You won't see a RightMove estate agents in your road

As 25% of buyers found their property on the Rightmove web site, it is a priority to make sure your agent can advertise your home on Right move. You may find it is worth paying more to choose a proactive agent who will
ultimately achieve a better price for your property.

Before you commit yourself to one agent, take narrow down your estate agent list to approximately three finalists who you want to invite to do a valuation. Make sure you ask them how they will invest in marketing on behalf of the vendor and should, at the very least, take photos of your property. Also ask how long it takes to go live on Rightmove as it could take up to a week and yet shouldn’t take longer than a day or two after approval.

Rightmove enhanced advertising options

You may want to speak to your chosen agents about the Rightmove enhanced advertising options, Showcase and Premium Display to help sell your home even faster. You may need to negotiate with each agent to get the best commission rate though the lowest rate doesn’t always mean the best service.

Check out the estate agents profile describing their business. Does your estate agent belong to Ombudsman for Estate Agents or the National Association of Estate Agents. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is also acceptable.

Don’t forget if the estate agents don’t impress you, it’s unlikely they’ll impress your Right move.co.uk visitors.

10 Downing Street For Sale

Zanet — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:16:42 +0000

10 Downing Street isn’t for sale, but if it was…

With Right Move, Tepilo, Zoopla, Up my street or Find a property, we are a nosey bunch in the UK. If we aren’t buying property, we love to know what Mrs Jones paid for hers down the road. Or what the neighbours house looks like on an estate agents site. 10 Downing Street, colloquially known in the United Kingdom as “Number 10″, is the headquarters of Her Majesty’s Government and the official residence and office of the First Lord of the Treasury, an office now invariably held by the Prime Minister.

Just imagine if 10 Downing Street was for sale

So what if 10 Downing Street was for sale? well we know its not that simple if you want to move into that address and it certainly isn’t based on price alone. Though imagine for a moment if it was a simple as an asking price…

Zoopla recently valued the residential portion of 10 Downing Street, worked out under which PM value was lost and gained, calculated the stamp duty payable in April 2011 (at 5%, that’s £225K) if it was for sale on the open market, and identified and worked out the value of other 10 Downing Streets around the UK.

Here are their reported results for 10 Downing Street:

Gordon Brown currently worth a £4,574,831
Tony Blair when he left was worth £5,037,251
John Major £1,644,558
Margaret Thatcher £1,804,952

Zoopla also reports that property prices have risen since the last election in 2005 in each of the party leaders’ constituencies

by over 12% in David Cameron’s;
by just over 5% in Nick Clegg’s
by almost 19% in Gordon Brown’s

So there you have it, thanks to Zoopla we now know it’s not been the best property boom in recent times, which of course we knew already.

How to advertise on Rightmove

Zanet — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:15:53 +0000

Is it possible to advertise on Rightmove for free ?

Many seeking to sell their homes online, want to advertise on Rightmove. Rightmove is the biggest property websites in the UK. Understandable as more than 90% of all UK estate agents list on Rightmove.

It appears that sadly individuals selling their homes directly cannot list their property on Rightmove without an estate agent.

Should it be free to advertise on Rightmove

This is due to Rightmove’s advertising policy. All properties advertised on their site should comply with the “Property Misdescription Act of 1991″. This Act was designed to protect the public from estate agents that stretched the truth about a property. It was devised to provide protection to the general public making it illegal to make false or misleading statements.

So are there any other ways that an estate agent can offer access through there registration with Rightmove? Any way to supervise the statements made and thereby approve the submissions for a minimal cost?

It’s worth noting there used to be a few estate agents that did comply with the act. For a small fee they enabled you to advertise on Rightmove.

Good news!.

Well I thought so, until I contacted The Little House Company online estate agency
In the past, they were are able to list your property on Rightmove for a small fee, until Rightmove decided to block the idea.

I decided to contact The Little House Company to find out what had changed since they couldn’t now directly advertise on Rightmove.

Nick Marr founder of The Little House Company told us, “We offer an online estate agents service that does not include listing on Rightmove anymore. We were working with a number of agents but Rightmove sent us a legal notice asking us to stop. They felt we were amounting to reselling their service. We now simply recommend or refer our clients to this panel if they want a Rightmove listing”.

Nick continues, “We offer a full online agents service apart from Rightmove. Despite us being registered estate agency in the eyes of the law and the fact we produce compliant listings Rightmove are uncomfortable with us on their website as we promote private sales. They receive complaints from estate agents and we will never be on that website whilst we offer consumer choice with our services”.

“One of my main competitors www.mypropertyforsale.com has given up private listings so that he can have his properties on Rightmove. If we did the same it would be yet another private sale business squeezed out of the industry”.

Will you be able to advertise on Rightmove in the future for free?

Maybe we will see things change in 2012. But currently Nick Marr told us “We contributed to an OFT report last year which concluded: The OFT’s study into home buying and selling FEB 2010 found that the housing market remains dominated by traditional estate agents with weak competition between them on price. As property prices rise during housing booms, so too do estate agents’ fees. Overall satisfaction with estate agents, however, has improved in recent years, according to research conducted as part of the study. Where there are problems with transactions, consumers generally do not think the estate agent was at fault. The OFT believes that innovation in this sector, in particular through online services, could have a dramatic impact on the cost of buying and selling a home”.

So there we have the reasons why you can’t advertise directly on Rightmove, but there does seem to be some good alternatives to consider.

We will review some of these alternatives over the coming weeks. What do you think? Should you be able to directly advertise on Rightmove web site?

Assement on new mortgages

Zanet — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:28:47 +0000

Self-certification loans will become a thing of the past on new mortgages. For thoses seeking new mortgages, that may prove difficult but the right news. Thats certainly the view as this week there are further efforts to make borrowing only for those who really can jump through the hoops first.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) want to prevent a return to risky lending and so have proposed some new rules.FSA report that lenders had behaved with “irrational exuberance” – a phrase first used by the US Fed chairman Alan Greenspan during the dotcom bubble – in the run-up to the credit crunch, and had offered mortgages as loss leaders, subsidised by payment protection insurance premiums.

Ideally they want to force income checks before lending allong with encouraging banks and building societies to avoid making assumptions.

Dangers for new mortgages

The danger in the past is to assume house prices always go up.

FSA claim that its main aim is not to make it difficult to borrow, but rather protect property buyers.

The FSA proposes three core mortgage lending principles:

Lenders should only agree mortgages or loans with a reasonable expectation that the customer can repay without relying on uncertain future house price rises. Banks and building societies must verify income for every mortgage applicant.

Lenders should assess the borrowers ability to repay a loan on the basis interest rates might rise

Interest-only mortgages can only be agreed if the borrower can prove a strategy for repaying the loan from other resources and that the plans do not rely on future house price rises.

This comes on the week where reports show that mortgage repayments are cheaper than rental bills but many first-time borrowers can’t get a mortgage. Its a catch situation that few can break into. Potential home owners are doomed if they do and doomed if they don’t they end up paying more than a repayment mortgage renting, yet they are renting because no one will lend to them.

Are you in a position similar to the above? We want to hear your comments on whether the banks should make it difficult for new new mortgages and first time borrowers?

Rightmove report 4 year drop

Zanet — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:56:08 +0000

The largest drop for 4 years has been reported this week. The asking price of homes being put up for sale has fallen by 3.1% in the past month, according to the property website Rightmove.

As a result of the economic uncertainty and concerns about the state of the eurozone, asking prices are reflecting a dramatic fall. The worst fall since December 2007. It could be due to would- be sellers postponing their marketing until the new year. The weekly supply of homes put on the market is now at the lowest since the aftermath of the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. in 2008.

All 10 regions in England and Wales tracked by Rightmove showed falling asking prices in November, the first time in more than three years they have all declined together. Shipside said that it’s “no great surprise” that property owners looking for a sale “have had to accept a substantial haircut on their asking prices.” Nationally, values were up 1.2 percent from a year earlier in November.

It does provide a positive spin for those looking to pickup a property bargain.