Details: Published: 01 April 2023; Hits: 228

Multigenerational living is becoming hugely popular in the UK.

Many older people are choosing to purchase property with their children during their retirement and this is for a variety of reasons, including care needs, financial incentives, or logistical purposes.

If your parents don’t need the structure and routine of a care home but could benefit from a helping hand from time to time, an annexe can provide an excellent solution.

What Is an Annexe?

An annexe is a self-contained building on the land of another property.

The annexe will often have the same address as the primary residence but will have its own living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. Annexes, (sometimes referred to as granny flats) are commonly used to house elderly relatives, but are sometimes alternatively occupied by teenagers or young adults who require a little more privacy.

The Benefits of an Annexe

First, an annexe allows the occupiers to remain independent.

Your parents may be perfectly fine carrying out their regular daily routine, but lack the ability to maintain a large home. An annexe allows them to live independently whilst knowing you are just a stone’s throw away when needed.

Moreover, relatives can decorate the property precisely as they wish, making it feel homely and permanent.

Additionally, multigenerational living brings the whole family together. Most modern families do not get the opportunity to spend as much time together as they wish. Busy lives often get in the way, but an annexe makes quality family time much more straightforward.

Buying v Building an Annex

Many would love the freedom to build an annexe on their property without the stress of moving house. However, the costs and logistics of this can cause a whole host of problems.

The required space, cost of planning permission, and availability of tradespeople present barriers for those hoping to build an annexe on their land. However, building your own allows you to create a structure bespoke to your family’s needs, complete with the facilities your relatives will benefit from.

Of course, properties with annexes are significantly more expensive than without. However, purchasing a ready-made home perfect for your multigenerational household is infinitely less stressful.

Financial Implications

Firstly, purchasing a home with family can present awkward conversations. You might not be in the same financial position as each other, so setting a budget is often challenging. Speaking with a mortgage advisor is always recommended at this point.

Although an annexe is technically a second home on the same plot, it does not attract the additional 3% stamp duty surcharge. This is a significant saving in comparison to purchasing two independent properties.

Additionally, there will be substantially less council tax payable. Some authorities offer a 100% discount for annexes, whereas others apply a 50% reduction.

What to Look For in an Annexe

Proximity to the Main Property

This will depend on the personal preferences of yourself and your parents. For example, some opt for annexes connected to the main property, whereas others prefer a substantial distance between the structures!

The closer the building, the easier it is to provide support, whereas a little more distance will allow for greater privacy.

Enough Space

Your parents are moving into an annexe to allow them to retain independence, and therefore having enough space to enjoy their life is crucial. There should be ample room for them to live comfortably and store their belongings.

If the property is too small, it can feel like a hotel, meaning your family will be reluctant to move.

Shared Bills

A shared water and electricity bill will simplify matters when purchasing a home with your parents. So, when viewing properties, be sure to check that this is the case.

Where an annexe was originally built for private tenants, the bills are often disconnected from each other. Where this is true, speak with the current owners and discuss how you could have this amended.

Accessibility

You are potentially purchasing a property with an annexe for your parents to live in because they can no longer look after themselves completely. Therefore accessibility is of evident importance. This might include wheelchair access or appropriate facilities in the bathroom.

Purpose Built v Add On

When purchasing a home with an already built annexe, you must learn whether this is a purpose-built home or a conversion. Where the annexe is a garage or outhouse conversion, it might not be created to a high enough standard to home your elderly relatives.

Converted structures cannot regulate temperature well, which can render them almost useless as a permanent living solution.

We’re here to help

Even though it may sound daunting, with our help, we can make the process of finding a suitable property for you and your family as easy as possible for you. At Warren Powell-Richards, we provide expert help, guidance and support every step of the way. To start the conversation, get in touch with us today by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Details: Published: 01 April 2023; Hits: 230

When your home smells nice, it can make a long day at work feel so much better as you step through the door. Plus, visitors will view your home as a fresh, clean space.

Everyone knows you can light a candle and spray air freshener to make your home smell better. But there are other ways to make your space smell nice.

If you’re looking for a few cheap and simple tips to make your home smell better, here are five quick and easy things you can do.

Open the Windows Regularly

There’s nothing like the great outdoors to make your home smell fresh!

Just five minutes once a day can boost the natural ventilation in your home and help get rid of built-up odours.

For the best results, we recommend opening your windows at night or early in the morning, as this is usually when the air is cooler.

Wash Bedsheets

Laundry day never fails to make a home smell nice!

If you want to make your home smell better, washing your bedsheets once a week with fragrance balls can create a long-lasting, cleaner smell throughout your home.

Clean the Floors

Washing your floors with a mop or steam cleaner regularly can leave a pleasant, long-lasting scent throughout your home.

To make your floors smell even nicer, try adding a fragrance to the cleaning water.

Wash Living Room Pillows & Throws

We may not notice it, but odours can linger on our sofas, pillows and throws. If you have pets that sleep on the sofa or you regularly eat food in the living room, your sofa pillows can easily become full of bacteria, too. Most living room pillows and throws are machine-washable, so giving them a quick wash every now and then can leave your living room smelling fresh and clean.

Scatter Dryer Sheets

If air fresheners and candles aren’t your style, scattering scented dryer sheets in every room is another easy way to make your home smell better.

If areas of your home are particularly odorous (like near the front door), try slipping dryer sheets into your shoes or jacket pockets. Instead of being greeted by a musty shoe or damp jacket smell, you can enjoy a more pleasant aroma when you walk through the door!

Just make sure you’re only placing dryer sheets in safe places and not anywhere that could create a hazard.

Want More Home Styling Tips?

If you want more tips on how to style your home or stage it for a sale, Warren Powell-Richards are your local property experts. Our friendly team of agents are here to help answer any questions you have about selling your Grayshott home. To arrange a valuation send us an email now at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange a call back at a time that suits you or pop into one of our offices.

Details: Published: 28 March 2023; Hits: 262

Booking Time Off Work To Manage A Home Move Is Always A Good Idea

Anyone who has ever encountered moving house will agree that the process can often be drawn-out and a little stressful. Booking time off work to manage the move is always a good idea, but how much time should you schedule?

Our team at Warren Powell-Richards have some great tips for you when arranging time off to accommodate your house move, so read on to learn more.

First up, the million-dollar question:

Is One Day Enough?

Booking the day of your move off work is obviously a sensible decision, and for some people, that will be enough time, particularly if you’re moving to another property in the local area. If you schedule your move for a Friday and usually get the weekend off, you will have three days to settle in and ensure everything is in order before you return to the workplace.

If you’re using a removal company’s pack and unpack service, you will probably find that this is ample time to get everything done. On the other hand, if you’re moving a distance away, hiring a van, and managing all the packing, loading, and unpacking yourself, a single day may not be enough time to get everything ship-shape.

So, Will I Need To Take A Whole Week Off Work?

Don’t worry – your annual leave is safe! It’s unlikely that you’ll need to take as long as a week off work to move house unless you want to give yourself time to take a more leisurely pace! A week off may be a good option if there is work to complete on your new property to make it comfortable. Some people find that taking several days of annual leave to manage their move helps to relieve the stress and time pressure involved in the process as it gives them some breathing space to decide where everything should go as it’s unpacked and to get fully settled in.

Does My Employer Have To Give Me Time Off To Move House?

There are no legal requirements in the UK for employers to give their employees any time off to move house. Nevertheless, some employers do offer discretionary days that you can use for a one-off situation like a wedding, funeral, or house move.

What Happens If My Moving Date Changes?

A common problem that homebuyers face is an unexpected delay relating to their moving dates after they’ve already booked paid leave. If this happens to you, keep your employer updated to ensure a solution can be reached.

Booking an entire week off once you know your moving dates could be a solution to this, since delays will typically only be a day or so, and having an entire week free will give you some wiggle room.

To discuss the moving and removals process please ask the Warren Powell-Richards team. We’re here to make your moving experience as streamlined and straightforward as possible.

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Details: Published: 28 March 2023; Hits: 251

Sometimes The Various Home Survey Options Can Be Confusing

If you’re purchasing a property, you’ll almost certainly have received a recommendation to carry out a survey on your desired new home. However, if you’re a first-time buyer, (or even if you haven’t purchased a home for some time), you may find the various survey options confusing. That’s why our knowledgeable team at Warren Powell-Richards have put together this expert guide to the most commonly performed home survey types.

What Are Home Surveys?

Residential surveys are detailed inspections that determine the condition of a property. Carried out by a professional surveyor, the survey reports any structural issues like subsidence or unstable walls, while also highlighting any significant alterations or repairs that are needed, like fixing the chimney or roof. The two residential survey types that are most frequently requested are the Building Survey and HomeBuyer Report.

What Are Building Surveys?

Building Surveys are a comprehensive form of survey. More costly than the HomeBuyer report, it’s mostly recommended for listed properties, older homes, or if you plan to carry out major refurbishment or rebuild projects. These reports include all the information supplied in the HomeBuyer Report, except a market valuation, however, it also includes an in-depth analysis of the condition of the property, including an evaluation of the loft and basement (where applicable), and checks behind the walls, ceilings, and floors.

These survey reports include advice about maintenance options, repairs, and defects, including estimated costs and timings, and the possible consequences if the recommended works aren’t completed.

What Are HomeBuyer Reports?

HomeBuyer Reports are detailed surveys which are performed by a surveyor with RICS qualifications. The surveyor attends the property and carries out a visual inspection in detail before showing you their report which uses a “traffic-light” key as well as comments so it’s easy to identify any worrying issues quickly.

Not only does the report include comments about the property’s overall condition, it also highlights any significant obvious problems like subsidence or rot. The surveyor also gives their market valuation of the property as well as the insurance rebuild cost and advice about any defects that could impact the property’s value.

What Are Mortgage Surveys?

If you’re buying your new home with a mortgage, your lender will require a mortgage survey, or valuation, to be carried out. Despite its name, it isn’t actually a survey. Rather, it’s a property overview that assesses its value to determine whether the property represents sufficient loan security.

Must I Arrange A Survey For My Chosen Property?

Property surveys are optional, but they help you to avoid unwanted and costly surprises while giving you complete peace of mind in your purchase. Since you’re spending a huge amount on your new home, spending a little more on getting a survey carried out is a good investment.

The team at Warren Powell-Richards especially recommend surveys to be performed if:

You’ve got specific concerns about any element of your desired property.
You’re unsure about the condition of the property.
You’re keen to purchase a property that is unusual, old or a listed building.
Your chosen property is timber-framed or has a thatched roof.

Our experienced team can help you determine the right kind of survey for you, so if you’re buying a home and need some expert advice, email us today at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or pop into one of our offices.

Details: Published: 30 January 2023; Hits: 379

First Time Buyers. First Things To Do When Moving Into Your New Home

Moving into your first home is one of the biggest and most exciting life events that you’ll go through, but with so much to take in it can be difficult knowing where to start.

This handy guide will take you through some of the key things you’ll need to do when you’re moving into your new home.

Before Moving Day

Start Packing Early

You’ll be surprised at how quickly your moving date arrives, and you don’t want to be rushing around the night before only to find you don’t have enough boxes or bubble wrap. If you start boxing up your belongings early it will help completion day go that little bit smoother.

Pack a Box of Essentials

It’s unlikely you’ll be unpacking everything on the day you move in, and even if you do, you’ll find that things are buried in certain places and you won’t remember where you’ve put everything. For that reason, it’s a good idea to have a box just for the essentials you’ll need on day one, such as a kettle, tea bags and coffee, cups, a phone charger, some cleaning products, and bin bags. Having a box of essentials to hand will save you rummaging around, while everything else can wait.

Change Your Address and Redirect Your Post

Think of all the companies that you have regular contact with and let them know your new address in advance. Some of them aren’t particularly urgent, especially if most of your communication with them is online. However, things like your bank, mobile phone provider, and credit card companies should be top of the priority list. Make sure you get your post redirected by Royal Mail too. There are always one or two companies that slip the net so having this in place will make sure you cover all bases.

Take Final Meter Readings

If you’re currently renting, it’s important you let your utility providers know you’re leaving your rental property and on which day. After all, you don’t want to be paying for someone else’s electricity. Make sure to take meter readings just before you leave so you can get an accurate final bill.

Have Your Insurance In Place

It’s likely that you’ll already have buildings insurance in place before you move as it’s usually a condition of lenders before granting you a mortgage.

However, contents insurance isn’t usually insisted on, but it’s just as important. Many movers wait until they’ve been in their new home for a few weeks before getting it, but with all the shifting of boxes and furniture on moving day, it’s not worth taking the risk of having all your valuables uninsured.

On Moving Day

Locate Your Home’s Essentials

Some of the most important things you’ll need to find in your new home are the stopcock, thermostat, and gas and electricity meters. You may have a water meter too that you’ll need to locate. It’s important that you find these as soon as you can, as you’ll need to give meter readings to your utility suppliers, and you don’t want to wait until you have a leak before finding out where your stopcock is!

Take Meter Readings

As soon as you’ve found your meters, make sure you make a note of the readings, ideally by taking a picture on your phone as you’re less likely to lose that than a piece of paper, and it’s timestamped.

You’ll need to submit these to your new energy suppliers to ensure you’re only paying for the energy you’ve used.

The previous homeowners will have submitted their final meter readings, in which case you should have letters waiting for you from the current energy suppliers. If this isn’t the case then you’ll need to do some digging online or by phone to find out who supplies the energy to your home, but whatever you do, make sure you’ve got those meter readings as soon as you can on moving day.

Introduce Yourself to The Neighbours

Ok, this tip is not as vital as the others but it’s a good idea to knock next door and say hello sooner rather than later!

Meeting the neighbours will help you to settle in more quickly and it’s easier to meet them on moving day than a few weeks later when you need to collect a parcel from them.

They’ll also be able to give you some useful tips about the area, such as which restaurants, gyms or pubs to try out – and avoid – and what day the bins are collected if you don’t already know.

First time buyers often ask the question “what should I do first when moving into my new home?” and the team at Warren Powell-Richards know exactly how to answer! Call us or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more.