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?

Last week, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced that there would be an extension to the landlord eviction ban of late, providing some extra support over the winter months. We understand that landlords and tenants have been hit hard during the lockdown period, with uncertainty and confusion over what will happen next. So here we will lay out what the latest government announcement means for both landlords and tenants, together.

In the property realm, HMO does not stand for Hear Me Out or Hit Me Oooop or anything quite so modern, carefree and frivolous. In fact, we’d go so far to say as the real HMO stands for something very much care FULL if you catch our meaning. Houses in Multiple Occupation need specific licensing, lest you fancy doing an illegal and getting a hefty fine writ upon your head.

As we say goodbye to those daily walks to the kitchen, those (god awful) 5k challenges and our Friday night online quiz nights, the UK is slowly but surely working their way to a new normal, N4 included. It’s safe to say it’s been a tough ride for almost everyone during the lockdown period, our beloved restaurants and shops in particular, but with the amazing help from the people of N4 most of us have been able to pull through. As everyone comes out the other side, we’ve decided to learn more about the journey of a few of our favourite stores as they give a very special thanks to the local community.

Oh Marjorie. Stop slowly folding away your bikinis and shorts into sad little Kondo rolls, misery guts! You might not be going on your jollies this summer, but thanks to good ol’ Chancellor Sunak, our stamp duties are! For a whopping, sun filled extended nine month break. But what does that mean exactly? Shades on, for we are here to enlighten you friend. 

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.