Women who Run North London: Alina from Davies & Davies

You might have come across the term while eyeing up the gorgeous period properties on our books, but in most cases you needn’t let it distract you from that pretty Victorian cornicing.
Subsidence crops up when the ground beneath a property shifts due to a combo of dry weather, clay soil and wandering tree roots. It sounds dramatic, and sometimes is (so we’d always advise you seek professional advice) but more often than not, it’s perfectly manageable.

We don’t know about you, but every time we hear someone say they’re moving out, our eyes glaze over momentarily as we perform the full Billy Joel hit track with specialised choreography in our heads – complete with on stage breakdown (seriously, google Billy Joel meltdown and thank us later). We also simultaneously recite a lengthy and chronological to do list for said person who is, in fact, movin’ out.

Whether you’re looking to improve your living quarters to attract potential buyers, or you just fancy sprucing up your abode in time for Summer, we’re all spending a lot more time inside these same four walls. So why not try some home improvement tricks and hacks on a budget for simple ways to upgrade your surroundings?

Question: What’s the one thing you can do to reduce your risk of type II diabetes, heart disease and premature death? Hint: it doesn’t come in a blister pack. The answer really is as simple as moseying over to your nearest green space. But don’t just take our word for it. But don’t just take our word for it. Scientists have found that living near nature can do wonders for your health and wellbeing, including helping people snooze for longer and lowering stress levels. 

First things first, don’t panic Mr Mannering. We know how easy it is to read a headline here or there and start spiralling into a pit of existential despair. That’s why we’ve decided to round up some of the more common questions / cries for help we’ve heard since lockdown regarding your remortgaging options. As always, we recommend chatting with an expert or two before making any major decisions

Let’s be honest, property management is time consuming, stressful and, if not carried out properly, can even point to a prison sentence. It’s no joke. Law and compliance around property and, in particular, property rentals changes frequently. During weird times, such as the locked down ‘new normal’ we find ourselves in, things can change even more rapidly. Working with a property management company can help ease that stress – even more so when times are difficult.

We understand that the current crisis is a confusing and stressful time for most and as a vendor, you may have some worries about whether you can continue with your own exchange and completion, how it will influence the current housing market or whether it will affect your ability to sell a property right now. We want to offer as much support as possible, so to help put that stress at ease, we’ve put together the Vendor’s Guide to help keep you informed on everything you need to know during the COVID-19 outbreak and current lockdown measures advised by the government.

It’s a strange world we currently live in and, as a buyer, you may have some concerns about whether you can continue with your own exchange and completion, how the current outbreak will influence the housing market, or whether it will affect your ability to buy a property right now. We want to offer as much support as possible, so we’ve put together this Buyer’s Guide to help keep you informed on everything you need to know during the COVID-19 outbreak and current lockdown measures advised by the government.

As a landlord, you may understandably be concerned as to whether your tenants can pay their rent, what will happen if essential works such as gas safety inspections are required on your property during a lockdown period, or what happens during the lockdown if your tenant reports an emergency, alongside other questions you may have. We want to offer as much support as possible, so to help put that stress at ease, we’ve put together this landlord’s guide to keep you informed on everything you need to know during the COVID-19 outbreak and the current lockdown measures advised by the government.

We understand that the current crisis is a confusing and stressful time for most and as a tenant you may have worries about paying your rent, what to do if you need maintenance works on your property or who to call in an emergency, alongside other concerns. We want to offer as much support as possible, so to help put that stress at ease, we’ve put together a tenant’s guide to keep you informed on everything you need to know during the COVID-19 outbreak and current lockdown measures advised by the government.

We’ve closed our shop doors for now, although two of the company directors are currently in the office to meet contractors and to deal with any emergencies. The rest of our team are now operating remotely. We will do everything we can to help you during the COVID-19 outbreak but please bare in mind that we too are operating under unfamiliar territory. Please be patient and please be kind.

In an effort to help support our local community during this strange, scary time, we’ve collected locals tips, updates and precautions being taken by and for local people and businesses across Finsbury Park and Stroud Green during this ‘don’t panic!’ pandemic. This article provides you with information on local businesses, help available locally and how you can help others by buying from small independent businesses, joining local initiatives and donating to local charities.

While the year may have begun on literal fire and under threat of World War III, there are some advantages to the year 2020 for you buy to let landlords at least. Yes, we know how to keep things light at the end of the world.

Let’s find out some more about Freehold. This particular contender, for example, pays no annual ground rent charges and doesn’t rely on a separate freeholder to maintain their building. Nifty. Freeholder has sole responsibility for the maintenance of their building and the land so happens to be somewhat of a green fingered warrior.

The government has updated its regulations, meaning all new private tenancies will require an electrical safety certificate (EICR) from the 1st July 2020. This affects most landlords, who can face hefty fines for not complying.

So you became a freelancer and now believe you’re doomed to be a forever-renter? Started up your own company and can’t seem to catch a break, never mind credit? We’re here to retrain your brain, and your financial outlook. It’s time to turn that frown upside down mortgage-lusters, because we’ve got all the ways to get on the property ladder when you’re self employed.

We know, sorting out your tax affairs is a potent mix of fear and tedium, but it’s also entirely necessary. Particularly so if you are a landlord in need of a self-assessment. I know what you’re thinking, but we can get to your intimate health checks later… We’re talking about your tax return, divided here into small manageable chunks of boringness. Fun police assemble! 

Single handedly managing a property portfolio can be enough to bring on an early onset of greys. As well as screening tenants, chasing rent and sorting repairs, there’s a tonne of admin and legal stuff you need to keep on top of. Enlisting the help of a lettings agent means you get to bump up the ‘I love my job’ moments while minimising the stressful ones. 

We know how important it is to know your rights as a tenant; whether you’re currently facing a tenancy issue, or simply want to avoid any renting related concerns in the future.   

“Gotta love a Georgian townhouse, eh?” you shout, slapping the brick entranceway and attempting a stride towards your friend’s promise of housewarming nibbles inside. “It’s actually Victorian” mumbles your friend, squeezing along the narrow hallway to take your coat. The next thirty minutes you eat your way through their salmon puffs and your words. 

Mortgage in the bag? Give yourself a pat on the back, you’ve officially entered the adulting world of variable rates, credit scores and laughable curtain prices. Now it’s onto what is arguably the fun bit. Choosing your home sweet home. Here’s what you need to consider when it comes to securing your dream abode. 

By the time you’ve finished reading you’ll have stamp duty sussed and will be well on your way to retiring your renting days. So, before you start Googling obscure German hair thickening shampoo brands, read our handy guide to securing your starter home. It all begins with the stuff that makes the world go round: money.

There’s a lot more to letting out a property than just handing over the keys. As your local property nerds, we’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know to make the process of renting out your property as easy and stress-free as possible. 

We’ve looked at the pros and cons of each decision to help you begin with this exciting new chapter in your life. Every situation is unique and we know the importance of this decision, so Davies and Davies are are here to help you make the right choice.