London, the dynamic and culturally rich capital of the United Kingdom, is always a hub of activity, offering a plethora of events and festivities throughout the year and this weekend is no exception.  From enthralling theatre performances to lively celebrations and vintage treasures, there is something for everyone this weekend. We’ve rounded up our favourites below. 

1. Anthropology at Hampstead Theatre

Date: 7th Sept to 14th Oct                     

Location: Hampstead Theatre                                                                                                     

Website: Hampstead Theatre – Anthropology

This compelling play, set to run from 7th Sept to 14th Oct, offers a thought-provoking exploration of human connections and the complexities of relationships.

“Anthropology” delves into the intricacies of modern life and personal dynamics, weaving a narrative that will keep you engaged from start to finish. With a talented cast and a riveting storyline, it promises an evening of both entertainment and introspection. The Hampstead Theatre has a reputation for delivering high-quality performances, making it a must-visit for theatre lovers and anyone looking for a night of profound storytelling.

2. Oktoberfest at Between the Bridges

Date: September 22nd to 30th September                                                                                 

Location: Between the Bridges, Queen’s Walk, Southbank                                                         

Website: Between the Bridges – Oktoberfest

If you’re ready to immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Bavaria right in the heart of London, Oktoberfest at Between the Bridges is the place to be. Running from 22nd September to 30th September, this event promises a memorable experience filled with traditional German beer, mouthwatering food, and an authentic Bavarian atmosphere.

Oktoberfest is renowned for its vibrant celebrations, and Between the Bridges doesn’t disappoint. Live music and entertainment add to the festivities, creating an ambiance that’s both energetic and jovial. Whether you’re a dedicated beer enthusiast or simply seeking a fun time with friends and family, Oktoberfest is an event not to be missed.

3. Meet Me in Marylebone Village

Date: Saturday 30th September, 12pm – 6pm

Location: Marylebone Village                                                                                                      

Website: Marylebone Village – Meet Me

In Marylebone Village

Be part of a bustling day filled with shopping and dining delights! Marylebone Village is hosting a Shopping and Dining Day dedicated to Marylebone Lane. It will be a day of engaging workshops, exclusive promotions, tempting offers, delightful alfresco drinking and dining experiences, specially crafted menus, captivating pop-up stalls, entertaining demonstrations, and so much more from a diverse array of retailers and restaurants. It’s a day you won’t want to miss! “Meet Me in Marylebone Village” offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the hidden gems of this picturesque part of London. 

4. Classic Car Boot Sale

Date: 30th September and 1st October                                                                                       

Location: Granary Square,                                                                                                          

Website: Classic Car Boot Sale

For vintage enthusiasts and automotive aficionados, the Classic Car Boot Sale is an absolute treasure trove of nostalgia and collectibles. Taking place on 30th September and 1st October in Granary Square, King’s Cross, this event promises a delightful journey through the past.

You’ll discover a wide array of classic cars, vintage fashion, and unique collectibles. Whether you’re on the hunt for a rare find or simply want to soak in the atmosphere, this event is a vintage lover’s dream come true. Explore rows of classic vehicles, each with its own unique story, and peruse stalls offering everything from retro clothing to antique furniture.

Everyone in the UK who advertises a residential property for sale or rent is required by law to commission an EPC. You can be fined if you don’t have an EPC when you need one. There are a few exceptions, but the vast majority of them concern businesses or places of worship. For example, your property may be exempt if it is mixed-use, such as a home that also serves as a shop, is less than 50 square metres in size, or is a holiday home that is used for less than four months of the year.

What is an EPC?

EPC is an abbreviation for Energy Performance Certificate. An EPC ranks a property’s energy efficiency from A to G and from 1-100. It contains tips on how to save energy and money, as well as the rating the property could receive if all of the recommendations in it were followed. It also gives the property’s environmental CO2 impact rating. This is the amount of CO2 emitted during the production of hot water and heating for the property.

How is an EPC created?

You need to employ a certified assessor to do the report. The EPC assessor will come to your home and gather information about your boiler, hot water tank, radiators, insulation, and windows. They then enter this data into software that analyses your property’s energy efficiency and environmental impact.

How can you improve your EPC?

A list of measures that can improve your property’s EPC rating will be included in the report. These are not generic suggestions, but will be tailored to your property. You may decide not to implement any of the advice since you will not personally benefit from it. However, a low EPC rating may deter potential purchasers who worry about the cost of heating the property.

Installing a new boiler is the single most effective way to improve your property’s rating. Other ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency include adding more loft insulation, installing solar panels on your roof, sealing unused chimneys to reduce draughts, and adding wall insulation. When having insulation installed, it is usually a good idea to save any documentation because EPC assessors only conduct a visual check of your property and will not be able to notice any in tucked away or inaccessible spots.

It might seem like a hassle to arrange for an EPC to be carried out, but it can really help you attract buyers to your property. A home with a good EPC rating will appeal to a wide range of buyers because many people are concerned about their personal carbon footprint and rising energy costs, so if your property is energy-efficient, it is undoubtedly a selling feature. Even if your property receives a low rating, it is not the end of the world because the EPC highlights the potential rating that your property could get if the recommendations contained within it were implemented. That section will be especially appealing to anyone looking for a fixer-upper.

If you have any questions about EPCs or would like to learn more about how we can help you through the entire home selling process in Hampstead , please contact us on 020 7759 2199 or send us an email to enquiries@vitaproperties.uk.

Moving home is one of the most exciting and stressful things you will do, so it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the things that you need to do. Our easy to follow list will help guide you through it.

In the lead up to moving day

Pack early

Avoid a last minute panic and start packing early. Removing the franticness of last minute packing will help make your moving day go much more smoothly.

Redirect your post

It can take up to two weeks for your post to be redirected, so make sure that you arrange this nice and early so that you don’t have to worry about whether you have failed to notify anyone of your change of address.

Insurance

Lenders usually require that you have buildings insurance in place before you move as a condition of them granting you a mortgage, but don’t forget to organise your contents insurance before you move as well.

Meter Readings

You need to let your utility companies know the date you are moving out of your property and provide them with a final meter reading so that you don’t end up paying for your buyer’s energy or water usage.

Internet

You also need to inform your internet service provider of the date you are moving home. It can take several weeks to get connected to the internet when you move, so the sooner you can start the ball rolling, the less time you will spend relying on mobile data.

Pack an essentials box

Having a box with everything you need for the first few days in your new home will save you a lot of frustration searching through all of your unpacked boxes. Make sure that you include your kettle and some tea bags for that well deserved first cup of tea in your new home.

Moving Day!

Find the essentials

No not the teabags, although those are important too! You need to find the location of the stopcock, the thermostat, the gas and electricity meters and the water meter too if you have one.

Meter Readings

Once you have found your meters, make sure that you take readings from all of them. Always take a photograph, as it will be time stamped so can help if there is a disagreement over your first bill. Submit these as soon as possible to your energy suppliers; you will normally have been left with their details by the sellers. If not, expect to receive a letter from them in the first few days, as the previous owners will have submitted their final meter readings and the companies will be keen to make contact with the new bill payers!

Neighbours

It’s always a good idea to introduce yourself to your new neighbours. They will be the ones who will be taking in your parcels and can also be a great source of information about the area, including which pubs and restaurants to try out and which day to put out the bins. You never know; it could even be the start of a lifelong friendship.

We are always here to offer advice on any aspect of moving home in Hampstead, so if you have a question, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on  020 7759 2199 or send us an email to enquiries@vitaproperties.uk.

Choosing a letting agent to manage your property in NW London can be a difficult decision. There are so many options available, and they all claim to be the best! So what should you consider when deciding who to entrust with the management of your property?

Local expertise

You wouldn’t get in a taxi with a driver who didn’t know the area, or at the very least, you’d get out quickly! You should also not entrust your property in NW London to a letting agency that does not understand the local market. Great letting agents are familiar with the local community and have a well-established database of potential tenants that they can utilise to ensure that your property gets seen and thus let as quickly as possible.

Tech savvy

Newspapers, magazines, and other forms of printed media should undoubtedly be included in your property’s marketing strategy. However, letting agents who solely use them and haven’t embraced the benefits of online marketing, such as social media, their own website, and online property portals, will put you at a disadvantage when it comes to letting your property. Research has shown that 84% of tenants start their property search online, so you need a letting agent who knows how to get your property in front of them.

Honesty

When renting out a property, you need a letting agent who will be truthful with you, especially in this market. Be wary of agents who overstate their suggested rental price for your property with the expectation of lowering it after you sign a contract with them. An honest letting agent will not hesitate to point out aspects of your property that could be improved in order to increase your chances of finding suitable tenants, and they will be honest about things that should be considered when determining the rental price.

Communication, communication, communication

The letting agent you choose will not only act as a liaison between you and your tenant, but will also be your source of information about how viewings went and the feedback from potential tenants. Choosing a letting agent who is an excellent communicator will make the entire process of letting your property much easier.

Works for you.

It is your property. While a good letting agent is able to give you advice about letting properties, a great letting agent can tailor their advice according to your needs and wishes because they will listen to them. Letting a home isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, you’ll need a letting agent who is willing to listen and adapt to your needs.

If you are thinking of letting your property in Hampstead, then please give us a call on  020 7759 2199 or send an email to enquiries@vitaproperties.uk and we will be delighted to chat with you about the reasons we believe that we fulfil all of those criteria.

There are numerous reasons why tenants choose to give notice, many of which have nothing to do with the property or their landlord. However, there are some things that cause tenants to leave that are entirely avoidable.

The rent is too high

Annual rent increases may raise the rent over the amount which the tenant is able or willing to pay for your property. Make certain that any rent increases are in line with local rents for similar properties. If you have a good tenant, avoiding a rental void while you look for a new tenant may be more financially beneficial than an increase in rent.

Upsizing

Your tenant may require a larger property due to a growing family or having relatives move in with them for health or financial reasons. While you cannot magically increase the size of your property, if you have a larger rental property available and they are good tenants, it is always worth letting them know that you have a larger property available, especially if you have the feeling that they are outgrowing their current home.

Neighbours

If your tenant does not get along with their neighbours, you may believe there is nothing you can do. This is not the case. Sometimes just acting as a go-between for your tenants and their neighbours is enough to settle any disputes. Pay attention to both sides. The neighbours may not even realise they have upset your tenants. If that doesn’t work and they are renting, consider raising the situation with their landlord, who is likely to be just as eager for peace to return as you are. If this does not produce any results, the next step is to involve the local council. Unsightly piles of rubbish, noise disturbances, and anti-social behaviour are all things that the local council can help with.

Maintenance Problems

This is entirely within your ability to resolve. Not addressing things you promised to solve or failing to reply when a tenant contacts you about a maintenance issue could result in a rift between you and your tenant. Avoid losing good tenants due to maintenance issues by resolving them as soon as they are brought to your attention. Regular inspections allow you to identify problems before they become serious. If you live too far away or are too busy to respond to problems quickly, consider hiring a letting agent to handle your property for you. It is less expensive than having rental voids due to the loss of good tenants.

Purchasing a Home

Unless they want to buy your property and you are willing to sell it to them, this is a problem you will never be able to fix. Wish them well and ask if they have any friends looking for a place to live that they would recommend as tenants.

By keeping on top of issues that may cause your tenants to leave, you can reduce tenant turnover and rental voids, leading to a better rental experience for both you and your tenants. If you would like to discuss how we can help you manage your property, please give us a call on 020 7759 2199 or send an email to enquiries@vitaproperties.uk.

Many prospective homeowners are oblivious to many things that can derail their home purchase. Here is our list of 7 things not to do if you are trying to purchase a property.

Underestimating costs
In addition to the purchase price of your property, you need to take into account the cost of conveyancing fees, the price of surveys, and moving costs. Don’t forget that when you move in, you will need to pay for buildings and contents insurance and council tax as well.

Not checking your credit score
Your credit score is your financial CV, and lenders use it to assess whether you are able to keep up with repayments. Check your credit score and have any errors rectified before applying for a mortgage to ensure you minimise the chance of your application being rejected.

Choosing the wrong solicitor
Check that your solicitor is on your mortgage lender’s list of approved solicitors to avoid additional costs or even having to change solicitors. Most mortgage lenders have an approved list of solicitors that they will work with. Your solicitor will be required to complete the legal work for your lender during the conveyancing process. However, if your solicitor is not on their approved list, they will not be able to act for your mortgage lender, leading to the expense of a second solicitor’s firm, who are on that list, needing to be employed to act on behalf of your lender.

Not being on the electoral roll
One of the easiest ways for lenders to verify your identity is to check the electoral roll. If you are not registered, it may cause your application to take longer to process, and your credit score may be affected as well.

Not getting an agreement in principle
The housing market is competitive. Sellers may choose to accept an offer from someone with an agreement in principle rather than wait for you to contact a mortgage company.

Running up lots of credit
Taking on new debt may alter the state of your credit, which may prevent you from getting approved for your mortgage.

Changing jobs
Never change jobs in the middle of purchasing a property. It can make your employment look unstable, which makes you a weaker candidate for lenders.

If you are looking to purchase a property in Hampstead, please give us a call on 020 7759 2199 or send an email to enquiries@vitaproperties.uk and we will add you to our early bird list so you can be one of the first people to hear about our new listings.

A popular alternative to a pension and an attractive method of accumulating wealth is buy-to-let investment property. Buy-to-let investments are unquestionably wise investments, but they also involve a long-term commitment, labour, and careful money management.

It is definitely worthwhile to weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a landlord if you’re wondering whether to go ahead and purchase your first buy-to-let property. We have outlined some of the main pros and cons below. 

PRO  – Rental Income

This is the main motivation for people to purchase a buy-to-let property. The thought of having a consistent income that not only covers the mortgage on their buy-to-let property but also provides some extra cash each month is very alluring.

CON – Rental Void

However, if your tenant misses a rent payment, you will be responsible for paying the mortgage until they catch up, and if your property is unoccupied for a period of time (a rental void), you will be liable for paying all costs during that time as well.

PRO – You’re your own boss

You may fully control both your income and your own time if you are fortunate enough to be able to live off the income from your rental properties. Many landlords are motivated to expand their property portfolio because it gives them the flexibility to work the hours they choose, make all the decisions, and feel totally in charge of their lives.

CON – Responsibilities

As a landlord, you have both legal and moral responsibilities towards your tenants, and no-one can choose or predict when urgent maintenance issues such as a leak may occur. Many people find the responsibility of managing their buy-to-let properties while working a full-time job to be too much. A letting agent can manage your properties for you, helping to reduce the stress, but this can cut into your profit.

PRO – Allowable expenses

When calculating your taxable rental profit, you may subtract expenditures from your rental income. Maintenance charges, utility bills, agency fees, and insurance premiums all fall under the category of “wholly and exclusively for the purposes of renting out the property” expenses.

CON – Costs

You must legally notify HMRC as soon as you begin to make a profit from your buy-to-let property. You may need to file a tax return so that HMRC can determine how much income tax you need to pay. Higher stamp duty rates apply to buy-to-let property purchases. Additionally, you must pay Capital Gains Tax on the amount by which the property has increased in value during the time that you have owned it. Remember to account for expenses like the deposit, survey and conveyancing fees, refurbishment expenditures, and administrative expenses for inventories, deposit protection, gas safety certificates, and EPCs.

Being a landlord certainly requires more time, effort, expense, and planning than most people think it does, but for those willing to put in the work, it can be a highly profitable endeavour.

If you are considering becoming a landlord in Hampstead and would like to know more about how Vita Properties has helped hundreds of landlords in NW London to maximise their profits and minimise the stress of owning a buy-to-let property, then please do give us a call on 020 7759 2199  or send an email to enquiries@vitaproperties.uk and we will be happy to discuss how we can help you.

It is a big decision to decide to sell your home.

It entails relocating your family from a home they probably adore to a brand-new, strange one. Even if you only move locally, you will still be moving away from friends, neighbours, and familiar surroundings. There is always a compelling reason for making this life-changing decision, but studies have shown that it still takes an average of two years from the time you first consider selling to the time you finally decide to sell your home. Below are the top five reasons that people decide to sell their homes. 

Relocating

People need to relocate for a variety of reasons. They may have been offered a better job in a different part of the country; they may need to move to a catchment area for a better/more suitable school for their children; they may need to move closer to elderly parents; or they may need to move to reduce the length of their commute to work.

Upsizing

As families grow, they may simply outgrow the size of their home. They may have more children, or if their children share a room, they may decide that they need to have their own space as they get older.

Downsizing

The opposite occurs as children start to leave home. Paying to heat and maintain a home larger than they need may spur empty nesters to move to a property that is a better size for their needs.

Lifestyle

The most common lifestyle change is a move from the city to the countryside. It is most commonly associated with couples starting families and moving from a busy city to an area where their children can have a bigger garden to run around in and where the money from the sale of their compact city property can purchase them a much larger property. However, it is not only young families that make this move. Older couples at the end of their careers may choose to move away from the busyness of city life in order to have a more peaceful retirement, and others may even choose to do the reverse, moving to the city once their children are grown and flown.

Equity Release

This can be done by selling and then buying a cheaper home. This is a big motivation for selling for downsizers, who get the benefit of a more manageable home and a lump sum of cash to spend enjoying life. It can also be a motivator for people who love to renovate properties and then move onto the next project, investing the equity they have released into their next property.

If you are considering moving in Hampstead, please do give us a call on 020 7759 2199 or send an email to enquiries@vitaproperties.uk and we will be happy to help you decide on the best option for your family.

Letting agents and landlords always talk about the importance of finding good tenants, but do you know how you can make sure that you are one?

Pay your rent on time
This one is obvious. If you are late paying your rent, then your landlord may have to delay paying their mortgage. This is not going to endear them to their mortgage lender or you to them. Think about how you would feel if your boss started paying you late. Wouldn’t you feel less inclined to work hard for them?

Not paying your rent for two months can also give your landlord grounds to evict you, so it really is important that you keep on top of your rent payments.

Communication
While paying your rent on time is the most important thing that a tenant can do, we all know that sometimes something even more important can arise that means you have no choice but to pay your rent late. I am not talking about the release of a new games console or a weekend away, but if a legitimate reason arises, such as a medical emergency or a redundancy, then let your landlord or letting agent know.

If you are able to give them notice that your rent payment will be late, then it gives them a chance to figure out a plan. Remember, landlords and letting agents are humans too. Keeping the lines of communication open and updating them about when they will receive their rent will make them much more likely to be understanding.

Tell your landlord
Many tenants are nervous about reporting problems to their landlord as they do not wish to be labelled as difficult, but landlords and letting agents really appreciate honesty and openness from their tenants. Small problems can quickly grow if not promptly attended to, so if there is a problem, tell your landlord or the letting agent!

If you need help with something in the property, then talk to your landlord or letting agent. They want you to be happy in the property just as much as you want to enjoy living there.

Good communication has mutual benefits. Many disputes between tenants and their landlords arise from an initial miscommunication, so being open and honest is vital.

Be flexible
Make sure that you don’t delay safety inspections, routine maintenance, or repairs by being difficult to reach or inflexible about the times that people can enter your home. If you feel uncomfortable about people being in your home while you are out, then provide a list of suitable days and times that work can be carried out, rather than just proposing one day and time.

Look after your home
It may not be your property, but it is your home. Ensure that you keep it clean and tidy and stay on top of general maintenance tasks such as mowing the lawn, bleeding the radiators, replacing light bulbs, testing the fire alarms, and ensuring the property is well ventilated.

Tenancy agreement
A survey by Direct Line Landlord Insurance revealed that 1 in 7 tenants break the terms of their tenancy agreement. Usually, this is because they either haven’t read it or they haven’t understood parts of it. Make sure that you take the time to thoroughly read your tenancy agreement before signing it. If there are any parts that you don’t understand, then ask your landlord or letting agent to explain them to you. Then simply make sure that you abide by the agreement that you have signed.

If you do want to do something that isn’t permitted, then discuss it with your landlord or letting agent. If you have a good enough reason, they may give their consent.

If you are looking for a property to rent in Hampstead then give Vita Properties a call on  020 7759 2199 or send us an email to enquiries@vitaproperties.uk to find out about our available properties and how we can help good tenants find their perfect home.