So, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and buy your first home. Congratulations! You've battled through confusing mortgage lingo, survived the viewing marathons, and maybe even resisted falling in love with a flat above your favourite chicken shop (no judgment, the smell of chip oil is comforting). But just when you think you're on the home straight… someone mentions the chain. Cue dramatic music and a sudden sinking feeling. Don’t panic-chains are common, not catastrophic. But they can cause delays and derailments if you don’t know what you’re dealing with. So, let’s unpick the mystery of property chains and show you how to dodge the drama.

We crunched the Google data so you don’t have to - here are the top 20 features North London buyers are obsessively searching for this year (and how we use that intel to sell smarter).

Big changes are coming for landlords-and no, we’re not talking about EPC ratings or rogue tenants. HMRC is going digital, and if you’re a landlord earning over £50k a year, you’ll need to join the party by April 2026. Sound stressful? Don’t worry-we’ve got the plain-English version right here, no tax jargon overload to contend with over your corn flakes…

So, you’ve successfully found love in this shaky current climate, and things are going well. So well, in fact, that your partner is moving in. Wonderful news! But wait, between the IKEA trips and arguments over whether the kettle belongs in the cupboard or on the worktop, a nagging question lingers: Would they have rights to my property if we split up? You’d think the answer would be a firm “no”. After all, your name's the only one on the deeds, right? But alas, property law is rarely that straightforward, especially when Cupid meets cohabitation. With over 6.8 million people in the UK now cohabiting (the highest number since records began in 1994), this is far from a niche dilemma. Whether you own a charming Victorian terrace in Crouch End or a modern flat near Finsbury Park, knowing your legal position is essential. Here’s what every North London lovebird needs to know.

Victorian houses aren’t just bricks and mortar - they're the grand dames of London’s streetscape, sashaying their way through time with ornate facades, soaring ceilings, and the kind of craftsmanship that makes modern builds look... well, a bit beige. In North London, where history meets hipster cafés, these period homes are more than just pretty - they're an architectural legacy wrapped up in bay windows and decorative brickwork.

The Renters' Rights Bill is expected to become law after Easter 2025, bringing major changes to the private rented sector. Section 21 evictions will be abolished, and a single system of periodic tenancies will be introduced. This is the most significant shake-up for landlords and tenants since the Housing Act 1988. While there will be challenges, there are also opportunities to adapt and thrive. In this blog, we break down everything you need to know, with any recent updates to be added.

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but amidst the excitement, it's essential to keep a sharp eye out for potential issues. A well-staged property might look picture-perfect, but it’s what’s lurking beneath the surface that really matters. From the condition of the boiler to the strength of the water pressure, here’s Davies and Davies’ essential guide to making sure your dream home doesn’t come with any unexpected nightmares.

Owning a home is like having a never-ending to-do list-there's always something that needs fixing, painting, or decluttering. But when the sun is shining, and the days stretch longer, tackling those home maintenance tasks can actually feel (dare we say it?) enjoyable. So, slap on some sunscreen, grab a cold drink, and let’s dive into the ultimate summer home maintenance checklist to keep your property in top shape.

Spring isn’t just for daffodils and ditching your winter coat- it’s also prime time to sell your home. With the post-Christmas lull over and summer holidays still a distant thought, now is when buyers come out in full force. But if you want your property to stand out, you’ll need more than just good timing. You also need style, strategy, and a little staging magic. We tapped into the expertise of interior design pros to bring you five tried-and-tested tips that will have buyers falling head over heels (and hopefully into a bidding war) for your home.

Buying a home solo can feel like an extreme sport- especially in this economy. With rising prices, outdated gender pay gaps, and most first-time buyers applying as couples, it’s easy to wonder if the system is rigged against you. But here’s the thing: you can do this. It just takes a little strategy, a lot of patience, and a rock-solid game plan. Here’s what you need to know before diving into homeownership as a single woman.

Thinking about adding value to your home? You’re not alone. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just fancy making your place a bit more luxurious, the right improvements can make a big difference- not just to your lifestyle but to your property’s price tag. But before you start knocking down walls or digging out a basement, let’s break down the renovations that offer the best return on investment.

When Charlotte first decided to buy a flat, she admits she had ‘no idea what she was getting into’. The jargon, the timelines, the unexpected twists—everything felt overwhelming. Like many first-time buyers, Charlotte stumbled through the process, learning as she went, before launching Fairy Godmover; a platform designed to make this journey smoother for others. Here’s her story, some lessons learned, and advice she wished she’d had when starting out.

Let’s face it, moving house is stressful enough without the added drama of a pint-sized meltdown or two. If you’re currently packing up your life and bringing your kids along for the ride, you’ll need more than a good removal van. But fear not! With the right approach, you can turn the chaos of moving house with kids, into a family adventure rather than a family feud. Here are some top Davies and Davies tips to keep the little ones happy and make your house move as smooth as possible.

Ah, the New Year - that magical time when gym memberships spike, diaries get dusted off, and we all convince ourselves this is the year we finally get our lives together. If your big 2025 goal is to swap renting for owning, then you’re in for a thrilling (and admittedly occasionally nerve-wracking) adventure. Buying a house is one of life’s biggest milestones, but with a bit of careful planning, it’s totally achievable. Lucky for you, we’ve got the ultimate guide to kick-start your property journey in true Davies and Davies style.

With the holiday season upon us, the quest for the perfect gift can often feel daunting. In our latest expert interview, we delve into the world of thoughtful gifting with Georgina, the vibrant owner of Pretty Shiny Shop in Finsbury Park. She shares her insights on sourcing unique home gifts that will delight your loved ones this Christmas and into 2025.

As twinkling Christmas lights replace For Sale signs along your road, you might assume it’s time to hit pause on your property plans until January. But hold that thought! While it’s true the festive season isn’t traditionally associated with buying and selling, it can offer some unexpected opportunities. Before you pull your property from the market or shelve your Rightmove app, let’s explore why keeping your home on the market during the holiday period could be your secret Yuletide weapon.

Join us as we catch-up with personal stylist and wardrobe wizard extraordinaire, Lydia Bannister on all things decluttering your wardrobe. Decluttering your wardrobe can be an overwhelming task, but a short-term effort is better than long-term closet chaos. Treat it like an act of self care and approach it with kindness and it *might* even become fun! Having a clear out is about creating both physical and mental space, but it’s also a really good way to check in with yourself and acknowledge who you are and what you need from your clothes at this point in your life. A cleared out closet decreases anxiety and stress, increases creativity and saves SO much morning chaos.

So, you’re thinking of selling your home? The first step to unlocking its worth is to invite an estate agent over for a valuation. That’s where the magic (and market insight) happens. With a solid valuation in hand, you’ll know what kind of price to aim for and what buyers might pay. But how does an agent come up with that number? Read on for the Davies & Davies inside scoop…

For a limited time, we’re dropping our sales fee to just 0.75%+VAT for owners looking to sell in N8. Yes, really. This is your chance to sell your home without losing a chunk of your profits in the process. If your home’s in the ever-popular N8 area (think leafy streets, quirky cafés, and a ton of buyer demand), we’re talking serious potential. We’re here to make sure you don’t leave money on the table.

Being a landlord can be rewarding, but it’s also a role that comes with responsibilities and risks. Along with managing tenants and keeping properties up to standard, landlords face the unexpected – from sudden rent arrears to legal battles over possession. But there’s good news: with the right protection, you can shield yourself from worst-case scenarios. In this blog, we’ll share why Rent and Legal Protection is an absolute must for landlords. Take it from us – we've seen firsthand how valuable this safeguard can be.

Securing a mortgage as a self-employed person can feel like solving a complex puzzle, just with a few more hoops to jump through. But don’t run away just yet! With some prep and savvy guidance, self-employed applicants can navigate this process smoothly and actually enjoy being ahead of the curve. Here’s the Davies and Davies guide to help self-employed go-getters tackle the mortgage scene with confidence.

If you're on the hunt for property prices in North London, you’ve landed in the right place! We’ve done the legwork, diving deep into Zoopla’s latest data, so you don’t have to. Got your eye on something fancy or looking to bag a deal? Whether you're looking to splurge or snap up a bargain, we’ve got the inside scoop on where you'll get the best value for your money in North London. Let’s dive into North London’s priciest, and cheapest, postcodes.

In North London’s competitive property market, it can be tricky to know if your home is priced just right. With prices on the rise and fewer homes available, you’d think selling would be easy. But despite an impressive 11.2% year-on-year price increase in May, only 1 in 20 asking prices were slashed by 9%. So, how can you tell if your home has been priced to sell or if it’s destined to languish on property portals? Let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of valuing your home and how to spot the warning signs of an inflated asking price.

When it comes to selling your home, there’s nothing worse than giving potential buyers “the ick”—that gut-wrenching feeling that makes them want to run for the hills (or at least to the next viewing). Whether you’ve heard the phrase bandied about in your last relationship and wondered why they suddenly ghosted after you wore a pair of swimming goggles that one time, you get the gist: it's a dealbreaker, a turn-off, a small but unavoidable reason to say "no thanks.” So, what are common property icks that make potential buyers swipe left on your home? Let’s dive into the 10 biggest offenders ranked by most common, according to a recent survey, and more importantly, how to avoid turning your property into a real-life House of Turn Offs.