Getting the self employed on the property ladder

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.

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.