Whether you’re a lifelong tenant or are renting while searching for your dream home in Hampstead, it’s important to make your living space feel like home. Here are nine things you can do to make your rented home feel like home. 

Talk to your Landlord

Before starting decorating or making any lasting alterations, it’s crucial to request your landlord’s permission to avoid jeopardising your deposit.

Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

Once your landlord has given you the green light, put together a list of affordable, non-permanent improvements that can enhance your living space.

Freshen Up with Paint

A fresh coat of paint is an inexpensive way to transform your rental property. Opt for neutral shades that brighten up the space, leaving it looking and feeling clean and renewed.

Rugs

If you are unhappy with the flooring in your rental property consider investing in an oversized rug. Rugs can cover unattractive flooring beautifully without draining your budget, and you can take it with you when you move.

Accessorise

Infuse your personality into your rented home by accessorising with items like cushions, throws, mirrors, plants, and ornaments. This can help it to feel cosier and more like your own.

Removable Stickers

When traditional decorating is off-limits, try experimenting with peel-and-stick tiles and wallpaper that can be easily removed without causing any damage.

Hang Pictures with Command Picture Hooks

Hang your artwork using damage-free hanging strips that come off cleanly when it’s time to move out.

Opt for Bookcases Over Shelves

Instead of putting up shelves that will leave holes in the wall when removed, use freestanding bookcases or shelves to store your belongings.

Statement Furniture

Revamp your living space with statement furniture. Consider a bed with an oversized headboard, a brightly coloured sofa, or eye-catching cabinets and side tables.

With just a few simple changes, you can personalise your rental property, making it feel like home.

If you are considering letting a property in Hampstead and would like to know more about how we help encourage renters to become long-term tenants please give us a call on 020 7759 2199 or send an email to enquiries@vitaproperties.uk.

Here’s a glimpse into the diverse events happening in the city that promise to make this weekend truly special.

Torstig Bar

Date: Various Dates
Location: Hoxton
Website: London — torstig

Escape to a Nordic oasis at Torstig Bar, the official bar of dry January 2024. With its Scandinavian-inspired setting, Torstig Bar is London’s first alcohol free bar. Serving the finest alcohol free cocktails, beers and wines, you will rethink everything you know about non-alcoholic drinks, everything served is 0.5% ABV and less. They are are a late night alcohol free venue that challenges perceptions and redefines London nightlife. 

Labyrinth Movie Night

Date: 6th Jan
Location: The Grand, Clapham Junction, St. John’s Hill
Website: London — torstig

Experience the magic of Labyrinth at Clapham Grand’s Movie Night. This iconic venue transforms into a cinematic wonderland, paying homage to the cult classic starring David Bowie. Gather with fellow movie enthusiasts to relive the enchanting journey of Sarah as she navigates the labyrinth in a quest to rescue her baby brother. There will be a dance Magic Dance-Off, prizes for the best fancy dress in the Goblin King Costume Parade, free Star Man make up Make Overs, themed cocktails and the evening will end with a disco full of Bowie classics and other 70s & 80s bangers! With a lively atmosphere and the grandeur of Clapham Grand, this movie night promises to be a nostalgic and entertaining escape into the world of fantasy.

Silverberry

Date: Mon – Sat : 7am – 6pm  Sunday : 8am – 6pm
Location: Pond Street, Hampstead
Website: Silverberry Hampstead | Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Coffee

Indulge in the delights of Silverberry Deli. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty portion of shakshuka or are craving a slice of homemade basque cheesecake Silverberry Deli will not fail to impress. Located in the heart of the city, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy your hunger or indulge your sweet tooth.

The Mill House Cafe

Date: Various Dates
Location: Mill Lane, West Hampstead
Website: Mill House Cafe

Escape to a riverside retreat at The Mill House Cafe. Nestled along the water’s edge, this charming cafe offers a tranquil setting to unwind and enjoy a leisurely meal. With picturesque views and a menu featuring a variety of delectable dishes, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful riverside escape. Whether you’re sipping on coffee or indulging in a hearty meal, The Mill House Cafe provides a serene backdrop for a relaxing weekend outing.

Oliver’s Village Cafe

Date: Various Dates
Location: Belsize Lane
Website: oliversvillagecafe

Immerse yourself in the quaint charm of Oliver’s Village Cafe. Located in a picturesque setting, this cafe invites you to step into a world of cosiness and warmth. With its welcoming ambience and a menu filled with comfort food and artisanal delights, Oliver’s Village Cafe offers a delightful escape from the urban hustle. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely brunch or afternoon tea.

London promises a weekend filled with joy, relaxation, and cultural richness. So, gather your friends, explore these unique destinations, and make the most of the enchanting offerings London has to offer. Happy weekend adventuring!

Is decluttering your home one of your New Year’s resolutions? We’ve all heard the saying “cluttered house, cluttered mind.” Clutter can make your home look and feel smaller so it is no surprise that cluttered homes take longer to sell and tend to sell for a lower price than clutter free homes. Not only that, but clutter can also affect your cognitive abilities as you will be subconsciously trying to remember where all of your stuff is.

Decluttering can therefore not only improve your living space but can also remove a weight from your mind.

If you have decided that now is a good time to declutter but are not sure where to start then read on for our top five decluttering tips.

Ask for help

Tough jobs are much easier to do if you have help so ask a friend or family member to spend a day with you helping you to declutter and sort your belongings.

The One-Year Rule

If something hasn’t been used for at least a year then you probably do not need it. You then need to decide whether you would like to keep it for sentimental reasons, or if it should go in the bin or be donated to a charity shop.

Keep, Rubbish, Donate

Label three boxes with keep, rubbish, and donate. Then pick up an item and decide which one of the boxes it should go in. Do this with every item in the room but bear in mind as you do it that once the keep box is full you will need to put everything else into either the rubbish or donate boxes.

Throw away things that are broken

If after a week you haven’t fixed something that is broken then you are unlikely to. You also probably don’t need it if you haven’t bothered to fix it.

One thing in, one thing out

This simple rule will prevent you from allowing clutter to build up again after you have decluttered. Every time you bring something new into your home you must get rid of one thing.

If sorting out your clutter seems too overwhelming at the moment renting a storage unit and putting your excess belongings in it until you are ready to sort through them is a better plan than leaving them laying around filling up your space and making it harder for you to find things.

Every time keeping your house clutter-free starts to seem hard just remind yourself that clutter-free homes are easier to keep clean, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety and they also tend to sell faster and for a higher price!

We are always happy to give you advice on things that you can do to make your property in Hampstead more attractive to potential buyers. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 020 7759 2199 and we will be delighted to give you our professional advice!

With 2024 ready to burst onto the stage, here are some wonderful ways to spend Twixtmas and New Year’s Eve in London.

The Witches at The National Theatre

Date: Until 27th January
Location: National Theatre, South Bank
Website: The Witches

A musical adventure based on Roald Dahl’s 1983 novel of the same name in which the truth about witches is outed. The most evil creatures on earth are plotting their next terrifying next moves. Luke and his Gran are the only people that can stop them, but he’s just 10 and she’s not in fine fettle. Full of daring do, wit, bravery and heart, this is a production the whole family will enjoy.

Pop-up Concert

Date: 30th December
Location: Holborn
Website: Sofar Sounds

The exact location will only be announced about 36 hours before the event. This will be a one-of-a-kind event in a hidden gem of London. Bring blankets and cushions to make a comfortable floor nest for enjoying the evening. 

House, Disco, Funk and Beyond for New Year’s Eve

Date: 31st December til 2am
Location: Kentish Town
Website: The Parakeet

The tables are being moved away and a party’s being thrown! DJs Russ Ryan (Near Mint Club) and Sam Smith are in charge of the music. Two floors of fun and funk, disco, house and more, to bring in the new year from 9pm.

Studio 54-themed New Year’s Eve Party

Date: 31st December til 4am
Location: Dolce Kensington Club London
Website: Dolce Kensington

A Studio 54-themed night in Chelsea’s new number one VIP club. Commercial R&B, hip hop, and house music from 10pm til 4am. Arrivals before 11pm will receive a complimentary Prosecco and canapes ready for the indoor show. This promises to be a spectacular night!

From live theatre to Studio 54 glamour throwbacks, there is something for everyone. This is what makes London such a fantastic place to celebrate life, everyday, and especially when bringing in the new year. Whether you’re out and about, with friends, family, or just enjoying the peace that only being at home can bring, happy new year from us all at Vita Properties.

No-one wants their property to linger on the market. Not only does it delay when you can move to your new home but when properties take longer than average to sell it also affects their value, meaning you will not receive the best possible price for your property.

When a property has been on the market for a long time, many potential buyers assume there must be a serious problem with it. It’s only human to be put off of something that other people don’t like. When a property has been on the market for a longer period of time, many buyers feel that those buyers, who saw it but weren’t interested, must know something about the property that they don’t, and so many don’t even choose to go and see it.

Estate agents consider a listing to be ‘stale’ after 90 days. So what can you do if your property isn’t selling?

Good Neighbours

Sometimes the state of your neighbours’ properties can put potential buyers off. Make sure that you are diplomatic when discussing your concerns with your neighbours. Polite communication and collaboration can help to enhance your property’s kerb appeal and create a positive impression.

Parking Problems

Struggling to find a place to park can put viewers off. Eliminate this problem by either leaving your driveway free or by enlisting your neighbours’ help to ensure that there is a free space near your property whenever you have a viewing.

Timing is Important

Try to book viewings during daylight hours so that your property benefits from being bathed in flattering, natural light. Avoiding bin day and rush hour also ensures that your neighbourhood will be looking its best.

Create Competition

Booking two viewings next to each other creates a subconscious feeling of competition between the potential buyers and human nature means we always want what someone else has.

Price Properly

Zoopla conducted research on the effect of the initial price properties were listed for on their final sale price. They discovered that properties that were overpriced can take on average two months longer to sell than properties that start with a realistic sale price.

One of the key filters on property websites is price, so if your property is overpriced, fewer people are going to see it and those that do will be comparing it, likely unfavourably, to others in that price bracket.

Inevitably, you will have to lower your price as your property remains unsold. Buyers, however, are always more interested in seeing properties that are new to the market, as they believe that there must be something wrong with properties that have been on the market for a while.

Update your Listing

Ensure that your photos don’t date your listing. If they were taken in the summer consider asking your estate agent to retake them in order to ensure that they reflect the current season so your listing doesn’t look stale.

Share Interesting Details

Potential buyers often like to hear about the history of their potential future home so feel free to share any interesting stories that you have. Highlighting positive aspects of the neighbourhood can also help to create a positive, lasting impression.

Targeted Interactions

Ask your estate agent to gather information about potential buyers so that they can tailor the focus of their viewings accordingly.

Choose your Estate Agent Carefully

Choosing the right estate agent is the most important decision you will make when selling your property. The estate agent you choose will affect how long it takes to sell your property, how much your property will sell for and how smoothly the sale goes.

If you would like to know what we do to help ensure that the properties we sell in Hampstead do not linger on the market please give us a call on 020 7759 2199  or send an email to enquiries@vitaproperties.uk. 

Tenants decide to give notice for lots of reasons, many of which may have nothing to do with the property or their landlord. However, there are preventable factors that can lead to tenants handing in their notice.

Rent

Annual rent increases can exceed what a tenant is willing or able to pay. Ensure that any rent adjustments align with local market rates. Sometimes, avoiding a rental void while searching for a new tenant can be more financially beneficial than increasing rent.

Upsizing

Tenants may need to move to a larger property because their family is growing or due to other circumstances. While the size of your property can’t magically change, if you have a larger rental property available and you have good tenants then it can be worth mentioning the option to move into your larger rental property if you sense they are outgrowing their current home.

Neighbours

If your tenants are having problems with their neighbours then acting as a mediator can help to resolve disputes. Listen to both sides, and if necessary, discuss the issue with their landlord or involve the local council for severe problems like noise disturbances or anti-social behaviour.

Maintenance

Not fixing maintenance problems promptly or ignoring maintenance issues that tenants have reported can strain the landlord-tenant relationship. Resolve problems promptly to avoid losing good tenants. Regular inspections help identify issues early. If distance or time constraints are an issue, consider hiring a letting agent to manage your property for you.

Buying

If your tenants plan to buy a home, unless they are interested in purchasing your property, it’s a situation beyond your control. Wish them well and ask if they have friends in need of a rental property.

By proactively addressing the issues listed above, landlords can minimise tenant turnover and rental voids, creating a positive experience for both parties. We handle all aspects of property management. If you would to know how we can help you to manage your property in Hampstead please give us a call on 020 7759 2199 or send an email to enquiries@vitaproperties.uk.