If you are a landlord and are frustrated by the continuous rise in interest rates when all you want to do is start or expand your property portfolio, taking out an interest-only mortgage could be the answer. Many seasoned landlords choose this option when investing in property, even during the good times when mortgage interest rates were ultra-low.

Demand is incredibly strong
A survey conducted by paragon of 700 buy-to-let landlords found that 67% reported tenant demand over the first three months of 2023, up from 65% for quarter four of 2022.* Rents are increasing all the time, and one of the main reasons for this is rising interest rates. As a landlord, this will most likely be your biggest expense.

What is an interest-only mortgage?
Just as the title suggests, you only pay the interest and not the capital on an interest-only mortgage. At the end of the agreed-upon term, you must pay off the entire balance owed. Because you are only paying interest, your payments will be much cheaper compared with a capital repayment mortgage. Some landlords choose to sell their property to repay the outstanding balance.

So why choose an interest-only mortgage?

• Increased profit: if your payments are lower, there is far greater scope to make a profit from your buy-to-let business. This also gives you stability and lowers the price of your overheads, which could be less than half of that when repaying a capital and interest mortgage.
• Overpaying: while it’s possible to make overpayments on an interest-only mortgage, this will typically only reduce the amount of interest outstanding on the mortgage. If you choose to do this, your profit will increase further, giving you more options to expand your portfolio.
• Your property’s value: in the long term, property increases in value. It’s not an absolute guarantee, but if you look into the past, despite short-term rises and falls, property values have significantly increased. This is not expected to change in the future. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that at the end of the term of your mortgage (or if you sell up half or part way through your investment), there will be a profit between the capital outstanding balance on the amount you owe your lender and the selling price of your property.
• You can develop and improve the property: with more profit to plough back into your property, you can develop it. This will add to its value, ultimately increasing how much rent you can charge. And when it’s time to sell up and move on to bigger and better things, you will achieve a greater return on investment. The greener you make your property, the more rent it could fetch while future-proofing your investment.
• Security: preparing for the unexpected is a sure way to protect your investment. And by choosing an interest-only mortgage with fewer outgoings, you are already in a better position should the unexpected occur.
• You can always change mortgages in the future: as you become more seasoned as a landlord, you may devise a strategy so that you own your buy-to-let property outright. There is nothing stopping you from changing your mortgage type after a few years. And in the meantime, use the profit you make with an interest-only mortgage to use as a deposit, reducing the cost of a capital and interest mortgage.

Browse our properties and create the buy-to-let portfolio you have always wanted.

Paragon*

Heathfield’s famous Anglo/French market is taking place on August Bank Holiday Monday...

 

Open-plan living is not for everyone, but with a touch of creativity, you can transform your living spaces into something truly amazing, making your home a delightful place to live. So, if you are unsure which to choose in your property search, here are some ideas that may open your mind.

What is open-plan living?
Open-plan living adds lots of light to your living space and creates a seamless flow between different areas of the house, such as the living room, dining area, and kitchen. This layout creates a sense of spaciousness, makes it easier to interact with others, and can be ideal for families with young children, allowing parents to keep an eye on them while cooking or working.

What is broken-plan living?
Broken-plan living aims to retain openness while also creating a level of definition and division between your living spaces. This is achieved in many ways, from partial walls to furniture arrangements. It provides a balance between open-plan and traditional separate rooms, offering both a sense of connectivity and some degree of privacy.

Do you really have to choose?
It’s all about subtly; there are so many things you can do to take advantage of open-plan living while still creating defined areas that are cosy, private, and full of differing atmospheres as you move to each area of your home.

Add a window
Retain light and create a space within your floor space by adding an internal window. You could do this for the purposes of any function you like, from a play area to a reading space near a fire. This will allow you to have privacy while still being connected to the rest of your living areas.

Create a study
Adding some steps to an elevated study so you can take in the rest of the house while working, reading, or enjoying a hobby is another way to define this space. Use glass, metal, wood, bricks, or plants to create your perfect workspace.

Half-walls
Breakfast bars are nothing unusual, and adding half walls is a blast from the past but still works. Using very small, right-angled half walls made from any material you desire and decorated in interesting colours can have a big impact. Or if you prefer curves or flowing lines, then create those to help divide the areas you feel work. It could be perfect for the kitchen or a great place to watch a movie.

Add a chimney breast
This is a clever way to create cosiness and a classical sitting-by-the-fire feeling while creating privacy. Tall, small, walk-around, or floating fires are brilliant for creating the perfect place to relax while satisfying your desire for more space.

Be creative and be yourself
There is so much you can do to make your broken-plan living space your own. Furniture, whether modern or antique, to trees, sculpture, or a walled wine rack if that’s your thing. Make it your own and experiment. Find inspiration everywhere and own it.

Do you feel inspired? Contact us today to find an amazing home

 

Everybody's house dreams are different. You might just be dreaming of buying a humble terrace house as your first property. On the other hand, maybe you are an experienced property investor and are thinking about something a little more grand. Whether you are renting and want a view of the sea from your perfect cottage or want a large Victorian townhouse, there are many ways to live the dream today. But often, it’s a whole set of reasons that make your dream home just that.

Architecture
Classical design and features found in a Victorian townhouse are always going to be very different from a contemporary design full of light and glazed walls. Perhaps you want to create a perfectly self-sufficient home that can source all its own energy using solar panels and wind power. That said, these days, you can have both. Taking a classical, older home and transforming it into something special with modern design while paying respect to its original features means you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Location
A view of the mountains or a sun-kissed cityscape? Maybe you prefer the sea? If you are raising a family, then your proximity to great schools will be at the top of your priority list.

Many home buyers love the idea of living in a quiet English village with the perfect pub within walking distance. Perhaps you want all these things within driving distance of your perfect property?

Interior design
It all depends on your personal taste, but there is no shortage of inspiration and help, from furniture suppliers to interior designers, to inspire you and help you find your niche. If money is not an obstacle, marble is always beautiful and timeless. Real wood can create sophistication, but it is also a safe choice when it is time to sell.

Bedrooms
Whichever you choose—a ten-bedroom country home or a two-bedroom terraced house—it's your dream. When it comes to creating the perfect bedrooms, you will want each of them to be unique. And just because you buy a three-bedroom home does not mean it has to stop you from converting one of the bedrooms into a walk-in wardrobe. Perhaps you want the ultimate in comfort by buying a property with a master bedroom complete with an ensuite bathroom.

Bathrooms
Whether you want a wet room or a jacuzzi, the infinite number of colour schemes and designs to choose from will keep you busy if you decide to start from scratch. Or you simply love the idea of incorporating some technology into an already stunning bathroom. Sometimes, when you view your perfect home, you instantly know that your personal items and some plants are enough for you to be really happy.

Outdoor spaces
For many home buyers, having a large garden is an integral part of owning their dream property. And if you have enough space, there is very little you can’t do. From adding a gazebo, work-from-home space, and a hot tub to the little things like nice lighting, they all add up to make your dream home something magical.

Personal touches
Your dream home is not yet fully yours until you add your own personality and interests to it. Whether that is a fine art collection, a wine cellar, a gym, or simply nice flowers, plants, and pictures, it’s only when you have added these elements that you have truly moved in.

Contact us to find your dream home today

The organisers of Local & Live are excited to announce that it will be back again for 2023. The free music festival will return to Calverley Grounds over the August bank holiday...

Now in its eighth year, this is the first of the food and drink festivals planned for 2023. Try, taste and buy from more than 60 stall holders selling delicious range of food and drink.

 

 

A quiet shift with big potential
In 2025, something interesting is happening in the property market. After years of uncertainty, more renters are starting to consider homeownership - not just as a dream, but as a genuine possibility. With market conditions levelling out, the idea of making the leap from tenant to homeowner is gaining real traction.

Affordability finds its footing
Mortgage rates, while still higher than pre-2020 levels, have shown signs of stability this year. Paired with more balanced house prices in many regions, this has opened up new opportunities for those who’ve spent years renting and saving. For some, monthly mortgage repayments are now comparable or even lower than what they’re currently paying in rent.

Rental experience as a springboard
Long-term tenants often underestimate the strength of their position. A solid history of on-time payments, steady employment, and financial discipline makes a compelling case to lenders. And with the availability of low-deposit mortgages and first-time buyer schemes, the barriers to entry are no longer as high as they once seemed.

Lifestyle meets investment
For many, the motivation isn’t just financial. Homeownership brings a level of freedom and control that renting can’t. From decorating and personalising your space to having a sense of permanence, it’s about putting down roots on your own terms. And with property still one of the UK’s most dependable long-term investments, it’s a lifestyle shift with lasting benefits.

Take the first steps now
Even if you’re not ready to buy this month, exploring the process now puts you in a stronger position. Start with a mortgage affordability check, review your savings, and explore government schemes like shared ownership or the Lifetime ISA. Understanding your options early helps you move faster when the right opportunity comes along.

Your next chapter starts here
The move from renting to owning is more achievable than many think. With the right guidance and a bit of planning, 2025 could be the year you swap rent for a mortgage - and open the door to your own front door.

Discover your route to homeownership with our expert estate agents

The quiet power of sunshine
There is something instantly uplifting about walking into a bright, sunlit room. Natural light not only enhances the appearance of a space - it affects how we feel within it. Whether you are renting or buying, the amount of natural light a property receives can be the difference between simply living in a space and truly loving it.

More than just aesthetics
Sunlight makes spaces feel bigger, warmer, and more inviting. It can highlight features that artificial light tends to flatten, from exposed brick to natural wood tones. In darker homes, even well-designed interiors can feel a little heavy. With good natural light, every room feels more open, more breathable, and more alive.

Health and wellbeing benefits
Natural light does more than brighten your interiors. Exposure to daylight supports better sleep, boosts mood, and helps regulate daily rhythms. It is one of the simplest ways to bring a sense of balance and positivity into your daily life - and in a home, that translates to comfort and calm.

Selling and letting appeal
Properties with good natural light consistently attract more attention from both buyers and tenants. South-facing windows, skylights, and open layouts that allow light to flow through are high on many people’s wish lists. Even small changes - like lighter curtains or strategic mirror placement - can make a big impact in how a property is perceived.

Simple ways to maximise it
If you are preparing a home for sale or rent, enhancing natural light is a smart move. Keep windows clean, trim back overgrown hedges outside, and opt for neutral tones inside that reflect rather than absorb light. Consider rearranging furniture to allow sunlight to move freely through your space.

A lasting impression
While layout, location, and finishes are all important, natural light often leaves the strongest impression. It makes early morning coffees feel more peaceful and late afternoon reading nooks more serene. It is what makes a house feel instantly welcoming.

Let us showcase your light filled home

A season for reflection
Summer has a way of prompting big decisions. The lighter evenings and slower pace invite us to take stock - of our routines, our spaces, and what we want next. For many homeowners and renters alike, that means asking the question: is it time to move, or time to settle in?

What has changed, and what is calling?
Maybe your lifestyle has shifted. A growing family, a new job, or simply the need for more space - or less space - can all influence your thinking. Or perhaps the motivation is subtler: a yearning for a garden, a quieter location, or a fresh start. Recognising what has changed in your life can be the first clue in deciding whether to stay or go.

Consider the emotional versus the practical
It’s easy to become emotionally attached to a home. Memories live in its walls. But emotion alone is not always the best reason to stay. Take a practical look: does your current space still serve you well? Are the commute, costs, and upkeep still aligned with your needs? A home should support your life, not restrict it.

Weighing the market
This summer’s property and rental market presents opportunities on both sides. With increased listings, buyers and renters have more choice than at the start of the year. If you are looking to move, it’s a good time to explore. But if your current home still meets most of your needs, staying put could offer short-term financial stability and less disruption.

Small changes can mean big comfort
If you’re feeling restless but not quite ready to commit to a move, consider reimagining your current space. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint, a new layout, or a decluttered room can breathe new life into your home. You might find that what you were searching for was a new perspective - not a new postcode.

The right move is the one that fits you
Ultimately, the stay-or-go decision is deeply personal. The best move is not always the biggest one - it’s the one that brings more ease, comfort, and possibility into your life. Whether you decide to put down roots or plant new ones, summer is a great time to align your home with your goals.

Talk to us about your next move