Say goodbye to arrested development and long drawn out planning applications. Say hey there to permitted development and automatic ‘yes siree you can build a pretty kitchen extension’. The Government, Dua Lipa style, counted out some new rules earlier in the year, and consequently made a hit song about it with full dance routine choreographed by Rishi Sunak. You might have missed it while you were engrossed in the BoJo baby news and that particularly eye watering episode of Naked Attraction. But what do these new rules mean for you and what exactly are they? Well get your leotard and shades on and let’s get counting.

Reservations about renovations? Purchasing a fixer upper property might not be quite as romantic and fun filled as they make it seem on ‘Escape to the Chateau’, but it can still be a great investment and a rewarding experience. If your concerns are rooted in the idea of purchasing property during a pandemic (say that five times fast), now could be the perfect time to peruse the renovators. Here’s our guide to making a fixer upper work for you and what considerations to take on board first.

Well hello there handsome, how the devil are you? We must say you’re looking particularly attractive right now. Do take a seat and let us bend your ear a while on all things mortgage and land tax related. Although we are admittedly in the depths of a confusing-at-best global pandemic *breathe*, you are also in a pretty good place property market wise. While we do not wish to make light of the current situation, there is a light at the end of the tunnel if you are in the fortunate position to be able to buy a property at the moment.

“It’s not that easy being green”… While you may be far too youthful to remember the original 70’s energy ad about going all eco, you might remember the song sung by a certain green felt puppet frog. Or perhaps even the original crooner Frank Sinatra himself giving it his all. However you remember the song, the Climate Summit tables have wildly turned on its messaging. Now it’s not only easy, but it’s worth actual money.

“My, my, my Corona!” We don’t know about you, but here at Davies & Davies we’ve found carefully slotting Covid-19 slang into smash hit pop songs really brightens up the (home) office. Barry the plant sure seems happy about it, and has been known to sing along to our puntastic lockdown lyrics of an afternoon. The biggest hit so far? Neil Diamond’s inspired “hands/Washing hands/Reaching out/Don’t touch me/I won’t touch you” Sweet Corona hit. See what he did there? 

In the words of Mark Morrison, “return of the deposit.. oh my god.. return of the deposit.. once again”. Yes, Mark knew just how frustrating the deposit cycle can be. Over and over, from tenant to landlord to tenant to landlord, we’re spinning on the spot like Mark just thinking about it. Whatever your deposit is worth, it’s worth protecting and returning in one piece, right?