It is hardly surprising in a climate in which homeowners are continually being advised about the urgency of taking green measures in their properties that insulation should be high up on their list of priorities.

And the arguments for taking sensible steps are difficult to ignore. More than 50% of all energy produced by humanity is lost as heat and by reducing the amount of waste heat going into the environment, we can save money and improve sustainability.

But there are ways of making improvements, and one of the most promoted at the moment – especially as we suffer another miserable winter – is spray foam insulation for roofs.

A quick Google or Facebook search will throw up countless companies offering this method as a quick and easy solution to heat loss in the home. Many others try to attract customers by the dubious methods of cold calling.

The simple advice for homeowners if they find themselves considering spray foam insulation as the answer to their energy efficiency problems: Don’t.

Installing spray foam within a property’s roof void significantly reduces airflow in and out, trapping moisture and increasing the risk of condensation. Most roofs in Scotland are constructed with timber. Timber and elevated moisture levels will lead to decay over a period of time.

This poses a risk to the structural integrity of the roof, considerably reducing the life expectancy of the roof structure.  Furthermore, the presence of spray foam conceals the roof timbers from view, meaning such defects could go un-noticed before the extent of the problem is realised leading to costly remedial repair works.

It is an unregulated field with installers either not aware of the consequences of such products or they are out on what can only be described as a ‘get rich quick scheme’, charging thousands of pounds to install these products which they will have no obligation to rectify at a later date, if, that is, they can be located or contacted afterwards.

One of the arguments used to persuade people to sign up for a course of treatment is that there is moisture in the roof space. Even if this is so, the solution to moisture within a roof void is often not insulation but improved ventilation.

That is why the traditional method of dealing with roof spaces is to install the insulation on at ceiling joist level and have gaps in the eaves and/or ridge to allow air to circulate throughout the space.

Furthermore, the majority of mortgage lenders will refuse or restrict lending where spray foam insulation has been installed, significantly reducing the property’s value where it is deemed not suitable for mortgage purposes.

It is not unknown for people who have spent, say, £5,000 on having their roof sprayed to subsequently have to shell out £25,000 -£30,000 for a new roof in order to make their property mortgageable again.

On top of that, the process itself is often coarse and messy. There are instances where unsuitable contractors have covered the entire space in foam – including the suitcases and Christmas decoration boxes stored in the attic.

Beware of cold callers offering such products. If it sounds too good to be true, often this is exactly the case. Before carrying out any home improvement involving new or seemingly innovative products, consult a professional for advice.

A NATIONWIDE survey has revealed that when buying and selling a home ‘love at first sight’ is not to be underestimated, with first impressions heavily impacting the emotions of a potential buyer.

Conducted by market researcher Opinium and home staging firm Lemon & Lime Interiors, the survey of 2000 people up and down the country asked that (if a home is within your price range) how important is experiencing ‘love at first sight’ when deciding which home to buy?

The results split opinions across the different regions. People from the West Midlands were most likely to believe in love at first sight, with 57% deeming it to be very important or somewhat important, followed by Wales with 53%. Northern Ireland was the lowest at 37%, followed by Scotland with 40%.

35-54-year-olds are the age group most likely to find it an important factor when buying, with 47% reporting to be somewhat or very important, greater than the 55+ category at 45% and 18-34-year-olds at 43%. Up to 70% of those surveyed said ‘love at first sight’ was fairly important and only 5% said it was not important at all.

Currently, only 1% of homes are staged for sale in the UK, but potential selling power could increase significantly by around 45x if agents and homeowners were to consider appearance first and foremost when selling. This is evidenced by the overall national average of around 45% of decision-making being mostly or partially based on ‘love at first sight’.

In fact, around 71.2% of the homeowners in England are coupled up, and people who are buying or selling a home in the next 12 months are 42% more likely to celebrate Valentine’s Day than the population as a whole – that’s a third of all movers or an estimated 831,000 people.

Elaine Penhaul, founder and director at Lemon and Lime Interiors, said: “For many house buyers, love at first sight can be a determining factor to taking the plunge.

“Most people are likely to have a home tug at their heartstrings whether a home has period features bursting with character or offers the space to cater for a family. We were fascinated by the variety of the data across the UK population this Valentine’s Day.

“Effectively, home staging is the process of highlighting your property’s most valuable assets ensuring a strong first impression and striking a chord with a buyer – this is usually through evoking an emotional connection or helping them to envisage a lifestyle in a potential home.

“With people expecting to buy a home only around three times in their life, it is imperative that agents and owners consider appeal as a principal factor in the buying process. There is so much untapped potential to help sell a home both faster and for more money and staging is a worthwhile option to enhance your kerb appeal.”

For more information about how to help people fall in love with the home you want to sell, visit the Lemon and Lime Interiors website.

Investec research reveals that the average price reduction on £1m+ homes in the Home Counties was 10% in H2 2023 vs 8.6% for a sample of equivalent properties in London.

Data was gathered from tens of thousands of properties between 1 June and 1 December 2023.

• Berkshire saw the smallest average reduction in price (8.5%) whilst also being the slowest market, with £1 million+ homes taking 111 days on average to sell. Prime properties sold fastest in East Sussex (just 74 days).
• West Sussex saw the largest average price reductions by both absolute value (£187,805) and percentage (12.6%).
• Surrey had most new listings of homes over £1m, almost double that of Hertfordshire, which had the second most listings.
• Crucially, the availability of prime property, time taken to sell and average price and reduction varies significantly between the counties Investec explored – meaning that buyers who want to capitalise on opportunities should get to know their target market.

13 February 2024: Prime residential property in the Home Counties has seen significant price reductions of 10% on average since June 2023, as the impact of interest rate increases begins to be felt, according to new research from Investec, the leading private bank.

The figures – based on data from tens of thousands of UK addresses – also cover several postcodes in prime central London and show that discounts on high-end property have been less significant across these areas of the capital (8.6%).

Anecdotally, Investec is seeing high levels of interest in prime property in the Home Counties – particularly in locations within commuting distance of London. The recent price discounts could therefore create opportunities for potential buyers.  

West Sussex saw the largest average price reduction both by value (£187,805) and as a percentage (12.6%) over the period, followed by Essex (11.2%) and Kent (10.6%). London generally proved more resilient, with an average reduction of 8.6% and reductions as small as 4.8% in postcodes such as NW3. However, there was variation in the capital too, where sellers in W2 and W8 postcodes reduced prices by an average of 12% and 11.5% respectively.

Across the Home Counties, prices in Berkshire were the most robust, with an average reduction of 8.5%. However, it was also the slowest market, with £1 million+ properties taking 111 days on average to sell, followed by West Sussex (100 days) and Kent (99 days). Prime properties sold the fastest in East Sussex where the process took 74 days on average.

Unsurprisingly, London properties over £1 million had the highest average sales price at £1.85 million, followed by Buckinghamshire (£1.65 million) and Oxfordshire (£1.62 million). The lowest average was East Sussex with £1.34 million.

Oxfordshire had the smallest amount of new supply, with just 719 new listings of properties over £1 million in the period. At the other end of the spectrum, Surrey has the best new supply – with 2,928 new listings (more than double the Hertfordshire, the next best supplied market with 1,670 listings). This reflects the large amount of prime property in Surrey.

Carlos Mendes, Private Banker at Investec, said:

“The Home Counties are often referred to as a collective, but our research shows that there is a significant variation in the availability and price of prime property in these areas. The gradual return to office-based working has brought the commute time firmly back into focus, so we’ve seen greater client demand for the established commuter towns on the outskirts of London. Proximity to top-performing schools also remains a key priority, as does access to good local restaurants and amenities. In the current interest rate environment, it is perhaps unsurprising to see the larger price reductions occurring further afield, in locations such as West Sussex, where second homes are more prevalent. 

“Every property purchase is unique, and every person’s financial situation is unique. It’s therefore important that high-net-worth individuals work with lenders who understand their ideal home and location so they can access a mortgage that meets their needs, in a timeframe that allows them to seize opportunities.“

The findings from Investec’s private banking team covered residential properties for sale from 1 June to 1 December 2023 across the Home Counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex and Oxfordshire, and eight prime central London postcodes (NW3, SW6, W8, SW3, W2, W11, SW11, NW8). 

Investec’s Property Index 2024 can be found here: Investec Property Index 2024.

Investec offers a range of private bank accounts for clients earning at least £300,000 a year and with a minimum net worth of £3 million. Teams are structured by profession – enabling them to understand the complex earning profiles that HNWIs often have. Clients are looked after by a dedicated private banker who can provide tailored banking, borrowing, savings solutions or foreign exchange. 

Visitors and residents will be able to access details about Harrogate’s attractions over longer hours with plans to relocate the town’s tourist information centre.

The centre is currently housed in the Royal Baths, but under plans which are due to be considered by North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Derek Bastiman, it will move down the road to the nearby Royal Pump Room Museum.

The new base is set to open every day except Monday from 9.30am until 5pm, meaning it will be open an extra 15 hours every week, staffed by visitor and experience assistants.

The number of people accessing the centre have dropped drastically since Covid-19 – from 135,000 a year in 2019 to 68,000 last year.

“This fall in numbers is in line with the national average as more people access services online,” said Cllr Bastiman.

“By moving the centre we can make best use of our staff, improve the access and maintain a service that is vital to the local economy. And we can reduce overheads and look to rent the current building as well.”

Cllr Bastiman will make a final decision at the meeting on Tuesday next week (February 14).

Brits are being offered tips on how to reduce energy and water costs in their bathrooms to help save money amid expected rise in bills.

Bathroom experts from Posh.co.uk have revealed nine easy-to-follow tips to lower costs including using an aerator on taps and descaling the water system.

Households are expected to see a 6% rise in their water bills from April with this increasing over the next  seven years by an average of 35% from 2023 to 2030.

To help cope with the rising costs, the experts have identified simple ways for households to lower their bathroom expenses.

Andy Ellis, bathroom expert at Posh.co.uk said: “We don’t realise how every shower, bath, run of the tap and even flush of the toilet can quickly rack up the monthly bills.

“There’s also the issue of water bills which are expected to rise by an average of 35% over the next seven years.

“There’s the electric and gas bills to bear in mind as well as many of us will have our heating on throughout winter to keep our bathrooms warm.

“That’s why we wanted to offer easy-to-follow tips to help households cut down on their energy costs so they aren’t left out of pocket when the bills come out.

“Making simple changes such as switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and fixing water leaks around the shower can help knock off the price every month.”

Here are nine ways to lower energy costs in the bathroom:

1. Fix leaks

Shower leaks may not be noticeable at first which is why it’s best to spend every few weeks inspecting the appliances for any leaks. An unfixed leak can result in wasted water and energy costs, making a quick shower cost considerably more.

2. Descale the water system

Limescale build-up in the water pipes can cause the boiler to work harder in pushing out warm water which will drive up the energy bill. Make sure to descale the water system if this happens and to put shower heads in a bag of white vinegar to remove limescale off the surface.

3. Switch To Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Changing your bathroom bulbs to energy-efficient LED bulbs can help save on energy costs. LEDs use on average 90% less energy compared to incandescent bulbs.

4. Use smartphone apps

Downloading smart home apps is a great way to monitor how much energy and water you’re using in the home and can help you keep an eye on costs.

5. Use an aerator

The simple attachment can be placed at the end of your tap to help reduce water wastage but still provide an efficient amount to use.

6. Turn off standby devices

Devices such as electric toothbrushes and shavers can still drain energy from being plugged in even if they’re not in use. Make sure to turn off all standby devices to prevent any wasted energy.

7. Cut showers by three minutes

Brits on average take eight-minute long showers which is three minutes over the recommended time. Taking a few minutes off every shower can help cut the water bill significantly.

8. Install a cistern bag

A cistern bag can help save one to two litres of water on every toilet flush. Having one installed can help cut water costs and they only cost a few quid to purchase and a couple minutes to install.

9. Opt for mist showers

Having a mist shower can reduce water usage without compromising the enjoyment of a hot shower. The restricted stream is also more gentle and smooth to shower in.

A four-bedroomed home in Birmingham’s Hall Green, with potential for redevelopment, is coming up at Bond Wolfe’s next auction.

The semi-detached house at 87 Robin Hood Lane  will have a guide price* of £99,000+ in the livestreamed auction on Thursday 8 February.

James Rossiter, senior auction valuer at Bond Wolfe, said: “This extended property, standing back from the road behind a driveway and foregarden, may be suitable for further development, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.

“It would suit those looking for a larger family home, landlords looking to extend their portfolios or developers with an eye for something more ambitious.”

Downstairs the house has a porch, hall, two reception rooms, a kitchen, understairs cupboard, a side lean-to, utility room with a WC and access to the garage. Upstairs are the four bedrooms, a bathroom and a separate WC.

There are gardens and a garage to the rear, with driveway parking.

Gas central heating is fitted and there is partial double glazing

Mr Rossiter added: “This property is also in need of modernisation throughout, reflected by its very attractive starting price.”

The Birmingham property is just one of 192 lots that are appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction, which will start at the earlier time of 8.30am on Thursday 8 February.

If you have a property you are considering selling, visit https://www.bondwolfe.com/free-property-appraisal/ email auctions@bondwolfe.com or call 0121 312 1212 or 01902 928 510 for advice or to arrange a free no obligation valuation.

Bargain hunters are expected to be queueing up to bid for a Birmingham home hidden by overgrown trees which is coming up at Bond Wolfe’s next auction.

The three-bedroomed house at 95 Walkers Heath Road in Kings Norton will have a guide price* of just £25,000+ in the livestreamed auction on 8 February.

Gurpreet Bassi, chief executive at Bond Wolfe, explained that while some serious pruning was needed outside, the family-sized house comes with a valuable driveway and rear garage.

Mr Bassi said: “There are currently some overgrown trees that need to be cut back outside of this end-terraced home.

“Once that is done, the new owners will be presented with a property which stands back from the road with plenty of space on an L-shaped plot of land.

“This is likely to be a popular lot for first-time buyers with green fingers or for landlords looking to invest in extending their portfolios.”

There is a porch, L-shaped reception room and dining kitchen on the ground floor, with a landing, three bedrooms, bathroom and toilet upstairs, plus gas central heating.

However, Mr Bassi added: “As well as some garden work, this property is also in need of renovation inside, reflected by its very attractive starting price.”

The Birmingham property is just one of 192 lots that are appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction, which will start at the earlier time of 8.30am on Thursday 8 February. 

If you have a property you are considering selling, visit https://www.bondwolfe.com/free-property-appraisal/ email auctions@bondwolfe.com or call 0121 312 1212 or 01902 928 510 for advice or to arrange a free no obligation valuation.

Take a look at this Birmingham home coming up at Bond Wolfe’s next auction and you might think that a sledge hammer has been at work in the side passage.

Pop round the back and the vista hardly improves, with the garden of 73 Ivy House Road on the border of West Heath and Kings Norton looking like an unofficial landfill.

Peek inside the three-bedroomed, end-terraced house and these first impressions continue, with a collapsed kitchen ceiling, stripped walls in the bathroom, sitting room and one of the bedrooms.

But the truth behind these chaotic scenes is simply a property halfway through renovations that now needs a bit of tender loving care and investment to become a decent family home once again. 

Gurpreet Bassi, chief executive at Bond Wolfe, explained that the need for “complete refurbishment” was reflected in the guide price* of just £69,000+ that the lot will carry in the livestreamed auction on 8 February.

Mr Bassi said: “This is the kind of property that regularly catches the eyes of keen bidders attending our auctions because they know you can’t always tell a book by its cover.

“Yes, the side passage and some walls in the front garden have been dismantled and the bricks and rubble needs removing.

“But once this been taken care of, the end-terraced garden is actually quite a large space wrapping round the front, side and rear of the house.

“The state of affairs inside is simply what happens when people start a big decorating job, with various tired plaster and tiles in what I’d describe as the first stage of removal.

“Any potential new owner will of course want to come and check the property for themselves, and already we’re dealing with multiple enquiries from first-time buyers with DIY skills and landlords looking to extend their portfolios.”

The property on Ivy House Road has an open plan kitchen and reception room on the ground floor, with a landing, three bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs.

The viewing schedule for interested bidders, with no need to book in prior to attending, is:

• Wednesday 24 January 2 to 2.15pm
• Monday 29 January 11am to 11.15pm
• Thursday 1 February 2 to 2.15pm, and
• Tuesday 6 February 11 to 11.15am.

The Birmingham property is just one of 192 lots that are appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction, which will start at the earlier time of 8.30am on Thursday 8 February. 

If you have a property you are considering selling, visit https://www.bondwolfe.com/free-property-appraisal/ email auctions@bondwolfe.com or call 0121 312 1212 or 01902 928 510 for advice or to arrange a free no obligation valuation.

With cold weather closing in, it’s not surprising that people are concerned about the cost of living, and in particular, energy prices.

To help you avoid hefty energy bills this winter, we asked a variety of industry experts to reveal their top tips on how to retain heat in your apartment. From zero-cost switches to more long-term investments, these were the best pieces of advice.

Free and instant tweaks 

Don’t overheat your home

Jo Trotman, window and door designer at The Residence Collection, explains that to start with, you need to make sure your thermostat is set to a reasonable temperature:

“To save energy, you should set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature. Turning your thermostat down by just one degree could help you save around £60 a year on your heating bill. Always wear an extra layer before you turn to the thermostat.”

Nick Duggan, managing director at The Radiator Centre, says between 18 and 21°C is a good temperature:

“The ideal temperature for a room is between 18-21C, every extra degree adds around 10% to the average heating bill, so it’s important to ensure your radiators are working as efficiently as possible.”

Bleed radiators

Nick Duggan explains that it’s important to make sure your radiators are running efficiently:

“Bleeding radiators at least once a year is a must to ensure they are operating efficiently. Over time, air will build up in radiators. This means that you will not be benefitting from the radiator’s full heat potential, which may mean you are tempted to turn the heating up or keep it on for longer, both of which will add to the cost.”

Clean your radiators

Perhaps surprisingly, radiators require regular cleaning, as Nancy Emery, heating expert at Tap Warehouse, outlines:

 “A quick and easy fix is to regularly clean your radiator to ensure it’s heating up as well as possible. Over time, they’re likely to become a little dirty and dusty which can affect the efficiency of the radiator, so it’s important to vacuum in and around your radiator once a week and brush the dirt from the inside. It’s always a good idea to also clean the outside of your radiator once a week with warm, soapy water and a sponge.”

Don’t block radiators

Jo Trotman stresses why you should avoid blocking radiators:

“Blocked radiators make it harder for warm air to circulate your home. Having space around your radiators could reduce the amount of energy needed to keep your space warm.”

Open your curtains in the daytime

Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV, illustrates how your curtains can be used to trap heat from the sun:

“Another simple yet effective strategy for retaining warmth in your home is to keep curtains open during the day and close them when it gets dark. During daylight hours, allowing sunlight to penetrate through the windows will help to utilise the natural heat from the sun. In the evening, closing the curtains creates an additional layer of insulation which helps to trap the warmth generated during the day and prevents it from escaping through the windows.”

Cover your walls

Oliver Creevy, co-founder of Insulation Advisor, explains how covering walls with furniture, or even decorative homewares, can prevent heat loss:

“Covering walls with items such as picture frames, mirrors, or bookcases serves a dual purpose of adding both style and thermal efficiency to the room. These objects add thermal mass, acting as insulators that prevent heat loss through walls and enhancing the thermal efficiency of a living space.”

Move your furniture

Debbie Leigh recommends repositioning your furniture so it’s not against an external wall:

“Think about the position of your furniture and if possible, arrange sofas and chairs away from your external walls as they are often the coolest and can make you feel cold.”

Put ceiling fans on reverse

Sophia Phillips, lifestyle expert at CouponBirds, shares a hack for anyone with ceiling fans:

“Although they’re not particularly common in the UK, if you do have any ceiling fans in your apartment, try putting them on reverse so the blades turn clockwise. This allows warm air that is trapped near the ceiling to circulate around the room.”

Close vents in unused rooms

Oliver Creevy shares a tip for anyone with a rarely-used space such as a spare room:

“It’s a good idea to close any vents in rooms that are not in use. This allows the airflow from the heating system to be directed more efficiently towards the occupied spaces, ensuring that the warmth is concentrated where it is needed most.”

Longer-term investments

Buy a humidifier

Sophia Phillips suggests buying a humidifier:

“Humid air keeps warm better than dry air. Buying a humidifier is a small expense but can save you a large amount of money. What’s more, humid air can prevent your skin from getting dryer and keep it in good condition.

“Mini humidifiers can be purchased for around £20. As a bonus, you could even add a couple of drops of essential oil to the water to fragrance the room.”

Install window film

Stephen Day, founder of iHeat outlines how window film can reduce heat loss:

“Window insulation film is a plastic film which can be applied to glass windows to reduce heat transfer. It’s a cost-effective way to improve the insulation of existing windows, especially in older properties.”

Use rugs to insulate floors

Shaun Starr, exergy expert at Love Energy Savings explains how to prevent heat loss through the floor:

“You may not be able to insulate the floor in your flat but adding rugs or carpet where possible could help to block draughts and keep your living space warm. Additionally, a runner in an entranceway, for example, can make the space more inviting.”

Invest in thermal-lined curtains

Debbie Leigh suggests installing thermal curtains:

“Good quality, lined curtains are worth the investment. They offer temperature control and privacy. Blackout and thermal-lined window dressing help to keep the room warm in winter by stopping unwanted cold air from seeping in. As an added bonus, they also keep the home cool in summer by totally blocking out unwanted light.”

Install heat-reflective wallpaper

Oliver Creevy recommends a special type of wallpaper:

“Heat-reflective wallpaper is a special type of wallpaper equipped with a reflective layer. When applied to exterior walls, this wallpaper reflects heat back into the room. This helps to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature inside the home while also serving as a decorative element.”

The benefits of an energy-efficient home

Yolanda Jacob, Sales & Marketing Director at Barratt London, explains how Barratt London homes are designed to retain heat and reduce your energy bills:

“Our new build homes in London are built with highly-efficient insulation and enhanced double-glazing as standard. This allows the heat in and keeps the cold out. This technology means there is less need to turn on the heating, and when you do switch it on, the heat remains inside your apartment.

“In fact, a Barratt London apartment could be up to 65% more energy efficient than an updated Victorian apartment. This could equate to a saving of up to £2,200 each year on your energy bills.”

The last architectural gem crafted by the renowned Pierre Koenig, marked by its distinctive yellow spiral staircase, steel columns, and expansive glass windows, is now up for grabs.

Koenig, an American architect, gained rapid acclaim for his designs, notably The Stahl House and The Bailey House in Los Angeles, which stand as two of the most iconic homes globally.

A proud alumnus and later faculty member of the University of Southern California, Koenig dedicated his career to teaching from 1954 until his passing in 2004, as highlighted by Top Ten Real Estate.

The Schwartz House, Koenig’s final project, epitomizes modernist architectural principles, featuring a blend of sleek metal structures and extensive use of glass.

This residence spans over 2,390 square feet and includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a guest suite, and a versatile extra room.

A striking yellow metal spiral staircase connects the home’s three levels, serving as a central artistic element.

The design ensures that each room, complemented by small balconies and vast windows, basks in abundant natural light.

A shaded patio, supported by steel columns, provides a serene outdoor space overlooking the beautifully landscaped garden.

Nestled in Santa Monica, the property is conveniently located near Ginger Rodgers Beach and Rustic Canyon Park, and just a short journey from the bustling downtown area, renowned for its pristine beaches, an array of Michelin-starred dining options, and chic boutiques.

The neighbourhood, known for its celebrity residents such as Tom Cruise, Tobey Maguire, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Bruno Mars, adds to the allure of this exclusive offering.

The Schwartz House is currently listed for sale at £3.57 million ($4.55 million).