Part Two: How to stop renting and start nesting, a guide for First-Time Buyers 

“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.

We don’t think you should have to compromise on space and style to save money in your new home search. At Davies and Davies we have a wealth of affordable properties boasting private gardens, Victorian architecture and original fireplaces all nestled comfortably in the heart of leafy and buzzing North London.

Upgrading your home isn’t just about not wanting to appear out of touch when your neighbours pop round. Smart tech can put you in control of your bills, reduce your property’s environmental footprint and provide a talking point at dull dinner parties.

With many of us switching up our shopping habits to include more ethical choices, adopting a sustainable mindset could just be the selling point your property needs. But it’s ‘gonna take more than a few LED light bulbs to create that green dream. From upping your recycling game to investing in smart tech, here are eight ways you can shrink your home’s environmental footprint while increasing your profitability.

We’re pleased as punch to announce we’ve been awarded “Gold Exceptional” (the highest score you can get) in both sales & lettings, ranked 7th Best Estate Agent in the UK, by the Best Estate Agent Guide awards 2019.

If you’re lucky enough to have access to outside space, you may be itching to make the most of it now the weather is finally beginning to turn. Perhaps you can plant that herb garden you’ve been meaning to cultivate and really transform your basil pesto once and for all!

Our comprehensive but jargon free guide to the new tenant fees ban. As of June 1st 2019, letting fees for renters will be banned and tenancy deposits will be capped for all tenancies signed after this date.

For the final piece in our series, today we’re spotlighting our very own Alina, who has been with D&D for the last 11 years. After starting out as a bookkeeper for the company, she has worked her way up through the business to become one of the two female directors at Davies & Davies. 

Everything you see when you step into Crisis has been tailored to Esther’s design and created with help from the charity’s volunteers. There’s a story behind it all- from the coffee bag dress in the window, to the coffee stained wooden units themselves.

The culture that Claire has created at Barefaced: of collaboration, attention to detail, and client care, is evident the moment you step through Barefaced’s doors. Though the agency’s reach stretches worldwide, they have deep roots within the local area, and know it inside out (especially anywhere serving food).

Yvonne, and her sister, Sharon, are well and truly “Finsbury Parkers”. The salon is right at the heart of Finsbury Park, and with the trio of Aquarius Hair, Aquarius Beauty, and Mento, the family own this corner of Stroud Green Road.

The Deli at 80 is positively full to the brim with some of the best food produced both in the local area, and further afield (the cheeses, charcuteries, and mustards come direct from Paris!). 

Mary’s background at the V&A shines through the moment you step through the door- the store is beautifully curated and expertly arranged.

Pretty Shiny Shop is aptly named- an eclectic treasure trove of gifts, cards, and jewellery, it is filled to the brim with things to tempt your magpie sensibilities.

Mento is nestled just opposite Finsbury Park station, but bursting with vibrancy the moment you step through the door. We spoke to self-proclaimed Finbury-Parker, Sharon, over some Jamaican iced coffee. Part of our International Women’s Day 2019 series.

Salt the Radish is a mere five minute walk from Finsbury Park station, but it’s the area’s own little slice of calm, cafe culture. We sat down for a chat with Salt the Radish’s owner, Kat. Part of our International Women’s Day 2019 series.

International Women’s Day has now been running since 1911, and this year’s theme is #BalanceForBetter. We thought this was a cracking opportunity to celebrate some of the incredible female-led businesses right on our doorstep.

At Davies & Davies we know the real deal when it comes to selling fast and at the right price. Here are our top insider tips for achieving the best deal, from the people who really know how to sell properties in your local neighbourhood.

We all want to know what we’re talking about when dealing with something new or complicated, so here’s our attempt at busting some of the jargon that you are likely to encounter when buying or selling a property.

Does it really make a difference if you use a traditional high street estate agent or go for an online service? We speak to North Four Magazine about marketing, viewings, and negotiation.