1. Property Information
Gather the information needed to market your property.
Download our free Propertymark Property Questionnaire – Propertymark Questionnaire Lettings, Propertymark – Questionnaire Sales
2. Clean and Declutter
A tidy, neutral space helps potential buyers or renters imagine themselves in the home.
3. Upgrade Curb Appeal
First impressions matter! Trim the lawn, refresh plants, and ensure the exterior is clean.
4. Make Necessary Repairs
Fix minor issues like leaky taps or broken fixtures that might catch buyers’ attention.
5. Stage the Home (For Sale)
Staging can make a big difference. Arrange furniture to highlight the space.
6. Enhance Lighting
Let natural light in and ensure each room has proper lighting to create an airy, inviting feel.
7. Focus on Kitchens & Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms are crucial. Update work surfaces, fixtures, or cabinetry if needed.
8. Energy Efficiency
Consider energy-efficient upgrades like LED lighting, energy- efficient appliances, or smart home devices (e.g. smart locks and thermostats).
9. Neutralise Personal Taste
Repaint rooms in neutral tones.
10. Professional Photography (For Sale)
High-quality photos can make your property stand out. The Country House Company use professional photography to capture your home’s best features.
For information and advice on selling or renting your home contact 01962 571189
Kate Porter (sales) katep@countryhousecompany.co.uk
Kate Morton (lettings) kate@countryhousecompany.co.uk
www.countryhousecompany.co.uk
It is one of the most common questions property owners ask, whether they’re thinking of selling or letting: how much is my property worth? The answer is refreshingly straightforward; your property is worth what a buyer or tenant is prepared to pay.
Even on the same street, values and rental prices can vary dramatically. Easy access to transport links, local amenities, countryside or coast, along with overall demand and the wider economy, all play their part. For landlords, tenant expectations around space, finish and energy efficiency are increasingly influential too.
Online portal valuations have become a popular starting point for both sellers and landlords. However, these automated estimates are driven by algorithms and historic data. They do not take into account improvements you have made, the condition of the property, or the subtle lifestyle appeal of an area. They also fail to reflect shifts in demand, such as a surge in buyers or renters relocating, or changes in what tenants are prioritising right now. The result can be figures that are misleading, outdated or simply unrealistic.
This is where an experienced property professional makes all the difference. With their finger firmly on the pulse of the local market, they understand buyer and tenant behaviour, pricing trends and seasonal demand. They can advise not only on achievable sale prices or rental levels, but also on how to position your property to attract the right audience.
Whether you are selling or letting, an accurate valuation is the foundation of a successful move. For FREE confidential advice contact The Country House Company: 01730 771222 katep@countryhousecompany.co.uk
It’s a common assumption that owning a listed property means endless red tape and strict limitations on personalisation — but that doesn’t have to be the case. While there are certain responsibilities that come with listed status, the benefits of owning one of these unique homes are often underestimated.
Listed homes offer a character and individuality that modern properties simply can’t replicate. With features like original fireplaces, exposed beams, sash windows, and historic brickwork, each property has its own distinct story and charm. These architectural details not only add aesthetic value but also help preserve a piece of the nation’s heritage.
Older buildings were often constructed with materials and techniques that have stood the test of time. Their solid construction typically includes thicker walls, which can offer better insulation and greater protection from external noise — a feature not always found in newer builds.
While it’s true that certain changes to a listed building require consent, planning authorities are increasingly open to creative, sympathetic adaptations — especially when owners demonstrate a commitment to preserving the integrity of the structure. With the right guidance, you can often find solutions that balance modern living needs with heritage conservation.
There are approximately 400,000 listed buildings in England, with Grade II properties being the most common. This means that a wide network of architects, surveyors, and skilled tradespeople have developed expertise in restoring and adapting listed homes. The key is understanding the specific needs of the property and working with professionals who are experienced in heritage work.
Additional benefits of owning a listed property include:
Long-term value: Listed homes often retain their value well and can even appreciate due to their rarity and historic significance.
Incentives and grants: In some cases, owners may be eligible for grants or tax reliefs for repair and conservation work.
Community and prestige: Owning a listed property can offer a sense of pride and prestige, as well as a connection to local history and community heritage.
Potential for unique renovation projects: Rather than limitations, many owners find the challenge of working within heritage guidelines rewarding — resulting in stunning homes full of character and history.
In short, buying a listed property isn’t just about owning a home — it’s about becoming a custodian of a piece of history. With the right approach and support, it can be a deeply rewarding investment, both personally and financially.
For more about listed homes see www.propertymark,co.uk/professional-standards/consumer-guides/buying-selling-houses/listed-buildings.html
The new Renters’ Rights legislation brings important reforms to the private rented sector in England, designed to make renting fairer and more secure for tenants. Having received Royal Assent these reforms are likely to be introduced in the spring of 2026.
Under the new rules, tenants will have greater protection and stability in their homes. These changes are intended to create a more balanced relationship between landlords and tenants and to improve overall standards in the rental market.
At The Country House Company, we welcome these improvements and remain committed to providing high quality rental homes and fair, transparent tenancy management.
Click the link for the Propertmark guide.
Quick guide for tenants
If you’re a tenant searching for your next home, contact The Country House Company for professional advice and support on 02392 632275.
Most forecasts are pointing toward steady, sustainable growth in both sales and lettings. After several years of economic adjustment and interest-rate volatility, confidence is gradually returning, and 2026 is expected to mark a period of stability rather than dramatic swings.
For the sales market, this means activity should strengthen as affordability pressures ease slightly and households who delayed moving decisions in previous years re-enter the market. First-time buyers are expected to remain active due to government support schemes and a greater supply of energy-efficient new homes. Meanwhile, upsizers and movers who postponed plans during higher-rate periods may return, helping to lift transaction volumes. Although affordability will remain a challenge in some higher-priced areas, the overall environment is expected to be more encouraging than in recent years, with gradual, manageable price inflation rather than rapid spikes.
The lettings market is projected to follow a similar pattern of steady improvement. Rental growth, which slowed noticeably in 2025 as supply increased, is expected to stabilise. Rents are forecasted to continue to rise, but at more moderate levels compared with the record increases seen between 2021 and 2023. More rental stock, particularly professionally managed, purpose-built homes should give tenants greater choice, while landlords will likely benefit from stable demand and consistent occupancy.
Overall, 2026 is expected to see both sellers and landlords well-placed to benefit from a market moving steadily in a positive direction.
Whether you’re selling, letting, or just starting to wonder what life in the countryside might look like, The Country House Company offers guidance, honesty and genuinely outstanding results. For advice contact us on: 01962 571189
The Renters’ Rights legislation received Royal Assent and, once implemented, will introduce major reforms to the private rented sector in England.
Aimed at improving standards and fairness for tenants, the changes will significantly impact landlords and letting agents.
For landlords, staying compliant will be essential. Partnering with a professional letting agent such as The Country House Company, ensures all tenancy agreements, maintenance obligations, and legal requirements are managed correctly.
Implementation is expected in Spring 2026 so now is the time to prepare for the upcoming changes. For expert advice on how the Renters’ Rights reforms could affect your property, contact the lettings team at The Country House Company today on 02392 632275.
RENTERS’ RIGHTS ACT – DATES ANNOUNCED
The Government has now released its implementation roadmap for the Renters’ Rights Act, setting out the planned reforms across three phases:
PHASE ONE – FROM 1ST MAY 2026
• Abolish the Section 21 Notice to bring an end to ‘no fault’ evictions
• Introduce Assured Periodic Tenancies across the Private Rented Sector
• Reform possession grounds to ensure they are fair both for Landlords and Tenants
• Restrict rent increases to once per year by way of a Section 13 Notice
• Prohibit rental bidding and the payment of rent in advance
• Make it unlawful to discriminate against Tenants who have children or those receiving benefits
• Require Landlords to consider requests from Tenants wishing to keep a pet
• Strengthen both local council enforcement and rent payment orders
PHASE TWO – FROM LATE 2026
• Introduction of the Private Rented Sector Database and Landlord Ombudsman
PHASE THREE – TO BE CONFIRMED
• Implementation of Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law
If you would like guidance on how these changes may affect you and how we can help you navigate the new legislation, please contact the lettings team on 02392 632275
As temperatures drop and winter sets in, property maintenance becomes more important than ever. For both landlords and tenants, preparing for the colder months can prevent costly repairs, avoid emergency callouts, and ensure the home remains safe, warm, and energy efficient.
Managing a property through winter can be time consuming and stressful, especially when issues arise unexpectedly. This is where the value of a fully managed service by a professional letting agent truly shines.
With a fully managed tenancy, landlords benefit from proactive seasonal checks. Heating systems, boilers, insulation, and pipework are monitored and serviced in good time, reducing the risk of breakdowns during the coldest weeks. Agents also ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning correctly and that gutters, drains, and outdoor lighting are all in working order.
Tenants, in turn, enjoy the reassurance of a dedicated point of contact for urgent repairs or maintenance concerns. Whether it’s reporting a heating issue or flagging damp, a managing agent ensures problems are addressed quickly and professionally, often with access to trusted local contractors and 24/7 support.
Agents also provide tenants with practical winter advice, from how to bleed a radiator to preventing condensation and maintaining adequate ventilation.
Perhaps most importantly, a fully managed property means compliance, safety, and communication are all handled expertly reducing the risk of disputes and unexpected costs.
Winter doesn’t have to be stressful.
With a professional managing agent overseeing your property, both landlords and tenants can enjoy peace of mind knowing the home is in safe, capable hands no matter what the weather brings. For information on our fully managed service contact Lisa Cole on 02392 632275