News and Events at Property People NI, Estate Agent Northern Ireland

Posted on 24 July 2023
Moving house in Northern Ireland: Clogher Valley

Why the Clogher Valley?

The Clogher Valley Area is a collection of small villages that offers the benefits of country living with excellent commuter links to larger towns nearby such as Omagh, Dungannon, Armagh, Enniskillen and Monaghan. The area is a delightful gateway to Mid Ulster and is not only the perfect rural retreat with exceptional natural beauty, but it has good local schools and local shops, leisure facilities, cafes and bars. If you are seeking opportunities to socialise, there are numerous local clubs, societies, and sports organisations where you can actively participate.
Dominated by Knockmany Hill, the area offers an abundance of beautiful places including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty for you to discover. The area offers quaint countryside walks including the Carleton Trail, a lovely walking route which stretches 30 miles and takes you through sleepy villages, country lanes and lush green landscapes, rich in local history, architecture and fantastic viewpoints, all while paying homage to 19th Century novelist, William Carleton.
Knockmany Forest is very popular amongst mountain bikers, but the main attraction in the forest is the tomb of the ancient Irish Queen Áine, located at the top of the cairn and offering breathtaking views. Other beautiful spots include Lumford’s Glen, St Patricks Chair and Well and Favour Royal Forest.
If you would rather ditch the walking for some pampering, visit the local 4-star Corick House Hotel and Spa, or the Lavender Health Spa for a treatment of your choice.
Colin Moran from Property People in Clogher Valley says: “If you would like to get away from living in the larger towns and cities but still need to be a short drive away, the Clogher Valley offers a slower-paced lifestyle and an opportunity to be a part of the local community. It is a place where families become neighbours and friends. Where the community comes together to enjoy the good times and is there to lend a hand through the more difficult times. It is a place where you can become a part of the fabric of the area. This area offers much more than the opportunity of owning a property, it is a place to live, grow, and connect with the area and the people within it. As someone who moved into the area from the city, I can personally advocate the benefits of moving to the Clogher Valley.”

PROPERTY SEARCH
Visiting Omagh

Less than a 30-minute drive from Clogher Valley, Omagh is a lovely town where the rivers Drumragh and Camowen meet to form the Stule. Whether you’d prefer to spend your day perusing artwork in the Strule Arts Centre, explore the walking trails in Gortin Glen Forest Park, or enjoy a family day out at J’s Playhouse, there are lots to explore in Omagh.

Visiting Dungannon

Dungannon is another great destination and is also located less than a 30-minute drive from Clogher Valley. Dungannon is the third-largest town in County Tyrone and is known today as a market town producing linens and cut crystals. There is plenty to do in Dungannon, particularly when it comes to scenic walks.

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Posted on 18 July 2023
Ways to transform your garden shed this summer

Create a green roof

Take your shed transformation to new heights by creating a gorgeous green roof. This will not only add an element of natural beauty but also provides insulation and helps reduce rainwater runoff. Plant low-maintenance succulents or grasses on the roof and watch your shed blend seamlessly into its surroundings.

Use vertical gardening

If the space in your garden is limited, you might already be used to vertical gardening, so why not include your shed? You can maximise the use of the space by creating a living wall using mounted planters, or by creating a vertical garden using repurposed pallets. This provides a practical way of growing herbs, flowers or even vegetables without worrying about pests getting to them.

Make a mini workshop

If you enjoy the occasional DIY project, the garden shed is the perfect space for a mini workshop. Add shelves, tool panels, and storage units to keep your tools and supplies organised. Finish the whole thing off with a handy workbench and ample lighting, and you’ll have a dedicated place to pursue your hobbies.

Style up a seating area

Take your hosting skills a step further by converting your shed into an outdoor entertaining area. You could install a small bar counter, a mini fridge and some comfortable seating inside for a hip hideaway. Or extend your dining room to the outdoors with a beautifully laid table and a grill right outside.

Get creative with lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ambience of any hang-out setting. Explore creative lighting options such as fairy lights, lanterns, or solar-powered ornaments to add a touch of whimsy. If your shed is more of a functional space, make your projects a little easier by installing task lighting above workbenches and between shelving.

Use multi-functional furniture

Optimise space and functionality by incorporating multi-functional furniture into your new design. Look for storage units that double up as seating, collapsible tables and chairs, or space-saving furniture like a nest of tables. This will allow you to create a flexible layout that can be switched up or packed away whenever you please.

Add decorative accents

Whether or not you wish to transform the function or interior of your shed, you can always enhance the visual appeal by focusing on the exterior. For a pop of colour, install window boxes with bright flowers, hanging baskets or trellises covered in climbing plants. If you really want to make your shed the focal point of your garden, go all out with a daring splash of bold paint!

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Posted on 11 July 2023
A guide to finding your dream home this summer.

Establish your priorities
Before you begin your house-hunting adventure, it’s important to determine what it is exactly that you’re looking for. Is uprooting on the cards, or do you wish to stay close to friends and family? Is it time for a larger home, or have all the birds fled the nest? By identifying your priorities, you can focus your search and make the process more efficient – this is essential if you want to get moving quickly.

Set a realistic budget
Determining your budget is crucial when searching for your dream home. Carefully evaluate your financial situation, including your income, monthly expenses, and savings to gauge your realistic price range. You should also account for additional costs like council tax, maintenance and any potential renovations. By knowing your budget from the get-go, you can streamline your search and avoid falling in love with homes outside of your financial reach.

Hire an expert agent
Engaging the services of a knowledgeable and reputable estate agent can greatly assist you in your search for your dream home. A skilled agent will understand the market, have access to a broader range of listings, and can guide you through the entire process. They can also help match your criteria with available properties and provide valuable insights and advice – it always pays to have a professional on your side.

Research the local market
Take the time to research the housing market in the locations you’re interested in. Look at recent property sales and market trends, and find out about the average time it takes for homes to sell in the summer. This information will give you a better understanding of the current market climate and help you make informed decisions during negotiations.

Be patient and flexible
Finding the home you’ve been dreaming about all your life can be a lengthy process. It’s important to be patient and maintain flexibility throughout your search, as it’s unlikely that you’ll find a home that ticks off every single box on your wish list. You might even find something better than what you had imagined, so don’t be afraid to make a few compromises or unexpected choices along the way.

Attend as many viewings as possible
Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and go take a look at a few houses, as many sellers choose to showcase their home during this sunny season. Take advantage of the opportunity to schedule and attend viewings of any properties that catch your interest. It’s helpful to create a checklist of essential features to assess each property objectively and compare them later.

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Posted on 7 July 2023
Transform your home for entertaining this summer

Change the layout
Whether it’s your garden setup or your living room layout, changing up the furniture positioning is a great way to get your guests mingling. For example, if all your sofas are facing the TV, try repositioning them so that they’re facing each other instead. This will enable both intimacy and openness, without distraction. For a garden layout, try to section off as many small spaces as possible, so guests have the opportunity to break off into smaller groups.

Set up a drinks station

Keep your guests refreshed and hydrated with a well-stocked beverage station. Set up a designated area where guests can help themselves to a variety of cold drinks to help fight off the heat. Fill a large pitcher or cooler with ice and stock up on an assortment of chilled drinks – whether it’s cans of fizzy pop, a jug of pimms or cartons of fresh fruit juice, not only will your guests appreciate being able to self-serve, but you can relax without having to run back and forth to the kitchen.

Lay a pretty table in the conservatory
Now is the perfect time to allocate all your dinner parties to your conservatory. With the sunlight flooding in and views over the blooming garden, it would be a shame to sit down for a meal anywhere else! Flip your conservatory into a dining room this season by laying a beautiful table. Sometimes referred to as ‘tablescaping’, concentrating all your favourite patterns, textures and colours into the dining table is the perfect way to bring a room to life and honour the season of vibrancy.

Create a break space

As much as your guests love your company and vice versa, summer days are as long as they are hot, and a shaded, quiet space for a little social break would not go amiss with some of your guests. Whether it’s your garden shed, a shaded spot on your patio, or a bench with outdoor cushions, style up a solo seating area for a moment of mindfulness.

Let guests flow in and out
For larger gatherings, make sure there is a flow between your indoor and outdoor living spaces so that you and your guests can easily move around and mingle. To get your indoors better connected to the outside, consider implementing sliding doors and large windows to maximise natural light and create a sense of hybrid living. If guests will be flowing in and out through the conservatory doors, prioritise traffic flow by moving furniture away from the central floor space.

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Posted on 4 July 2023
A guide to selling your home this summer

Set the right price
Pricing your home appropriately is crucial, especially in a competitive market. Work with a trusted estate agent who has experience in your local market and can determine the right asking price. Only an industry professional can accurately assess your home, so don’t rely on guesswork when the stakes are this high. A competitive and reliable asking price will attract the right buyer for your home and increase the likelihood of receiving multiple offers.

Set the stage

Nothing sells a home quite like a lasting first impression, so focus on your kerb appeal by maintaining a well-manicured front lawn, adding some fresh flowers, and a slick coat of paint where needed. You should also evaluate how your hallway looks and feels - are there shoes and coats on display? Is the welcome matt worn down? Could the tiles or carpet benefit from a thorough clean? Now is your chance to declutter and depersonalise your entrance, so guests feel an inviting atmosphere from the get-go.

Plan strategically
Timing is important when selling your home, and summer offers plenty of great opportunities to time your sale just right. Be mindful of local housing market trends and make sure to check how much homes in your area have sold for recently. It may be beneficial to list earlier in the summer to capture buyers before they go on holiday, or you could wait until later in the season when the kids are off school - the answer might depend on your target demographic. Consult with your estate agent to determine the most advantageous time to get your home on the market for the best results.

Keep it cool

The summer heat can be intense, so it’s important to keep your home cool and comfortable during viewings. Set the temperature at a refreshing level by opening windows to allow fresh air in, and consider using fans to create a retreat from the outdoor heat. This will not only make guests more comfortable in your home, but also showcases that your home is well-prepared for hot summer days.

Prepare to be flexible
The hottest season often means buyers have busy schedules, so try to be flexible and accommodating with viewings wherever possible. This could mean making arrangements with work or asking a friend or family member to take care of your pets while visitors are coming in and out. A flexible approach allows serious buyers the opportunity to see your home and demonstrates your commitment to selling.

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Posted on 27 June 2023
Top tips to upgrade your conservatory

Cool it down
Due to an abundance of natural light, conservatories can heat up quickly and become uncomfortable when it’s hot outside. There are several ways to keep your conservatory cool - from fitting blinds to adding cooling film to the glass – but arguably the most effective way is to install a new roof, which will regulate the temperature of the room year-round and keep energy bills low as a result.

Carve out the perfect retreat
The conservatory can become the new lounge in the summertime, so design it with comfort in mind. There’s nothing quite like cosying up in front of a TV with surrounding views of the garden, and the best way to achieve this perfect backdrop for an atmospheric movie night is to set up an ultra-comfortable seating area using a sofa big enough to seat the whole family. Finish the whole setup off with a charming armchair and a centralised coffee table - you’ll find yourself spending your evenings in this room as well as your afternoons!

Incorporate fresh foliage

Filling your conservatory with plants and flowers will make the transition from indoors to outdoors a seamless one. Choose structural shapes for visual appeal and brighten up empty corners with tall, flowering plants so that you can feel close to nature even on a rainy day. Set the scene for your houseplants with pops of sage green, soft blue and duck egg, combined with natural textures like rattan, clay and marble. All these elements together will create the perfect extension to your home and your garden.

Indulge in a splash of colour
Give the framework a refresh with a splash of invigorating colour. Whether it’s wood, metal or PVC framing, a fresh coat of suitable paint will transform the look of your conservatory. You could even break up an all-neutral colour scheme by choosing an interesting shade, or tie in your furniture colours with matching accents.

Switch up the flooring
Flooring is important to get right as the right choice depends on whether you wish to make a statement with your conservatory or create a sense of flow by matching it to the other rooms in the house. Shiny, reflective surfaces are ideal for smaller rooms as they enable light to bounce around the room, expanding the space. For the full effect, opt for a polished stone or even consider painting your floorboards with high gloss floor paint.

Make it useful year-round

While summer is certainly the season for gathering in your conservatory and garden, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy it all year long. Choose versatile furniture and accessories like solid oak chairs and tables, hollowed-out benches for storing seasonal blankets, and silky, decorative pillows to create an adaptable living space.

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Posted on 16 June 2023
Guild Members Recognised amongst the UK’s Top Agencies for 2023

The Guild of Property Professionals has once again shown the strength of their network with over 80 shortlisted Members at The ESTAS 2023.

The ESTAS honours the best agents, conveyancers and brokers in the UK based on reviews submitted through The ESTAS online customer review platform, which enables property professionals to demonstrate the customer service standards they deliver for their clients. ESTAS reviews can only be completed at the end of the property transaction and a strict verification process ensures reviews are genuine. The regional and national winners will be announced at the 20th annual ESTAS ceremony held in London on 20th October and will be presented by the UK’s favourite property expert Phil Spencer in front of over 1,000 of the UK’s top property professionals.

As well as being in with a chance of winning a regional or national award, all the shortlisted Guild Members will also have the chance to pick up the ‘Best Guild Member Award’ which will be presented to the highest scoring Guild office in The ESTAS competition. Not only have many of The Guild’s 800 plus strong network been shortlisted, but The Guild itself has also been honoured, being shortlisted in The Supplier Awards, recognising supplier firms who have delivered the best customer experience in 2022.

Full list of Guild Members shortlisted:

East Midlands
Adams & Jones
Bentons
Chelton Brown
Hawksbys Property
Mundy's
Nest Estate Agents
Newby & Co
Newton Fallowell
Pinewood Properties

East of England
Tylers

London
Drivers & Norris
Homesearch

North East
Andrew Coulson Property
Cooke & Co
Living Spaces
Northgate Newton

Northern Ireland
Hunter Campbell
Kingham Property Specialists
Property People Belfast

Wales
Anthony Flint Property
Morris Marshall & Poole
Peter Morgan
Taylor and Co
Williams & Goodwin
Williams Estates

North West
Adams Runcorn
Stephen Tew
Wilkes Green & Hill

South East
Clifton & Co Hartley
Comyn and James
Firefly Homes Kent
Foundation Estate Agents
Graham Butt
James Millard
Kingsleigh Residential
Lamborn & Hill
Lumley Estates
M&M Estate & Lettings
Millers
Robert Leech Reigate
ShineRocks Property
Taylor Milburn
Taylor Robinson
Wood & Pilcher

South West
Alexander May
Bloxham & Barlow
Corbens
FAC Property
Fortnam Smith & Banwell
Greenwoods Property Centre
Heather & Lay
Paul Fenton

Southern
Belgarum
Cook Residential
George David
Home Finders
Town and Country Southern
White & Guard Bishops

West Midlands
Barbers
C residential
Ferndown
Woodhead

Yorkshire
Harris Shields
Norman F Brown
Renton & Parr
Sweetmove
Whitehornes

Agency Groups
Adams & Jones
Adams Estate Agents
Alexander May
Barbers
Graham Butt
Morris Marshall & Poole
Norman F Brown
Property People
Taylor Milburn
Tylers
White & Guard
Williams & Goodwin
Williams Estates
Wood & Pilcher

The People Awards
Ben Cannon -Taylor Robinson Estate Agents
Neil Barrett - Adams Estate Agents Widnes
Simon Davies - Norman F Brown Bedale

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Posted on 9 June 2023
Bring Nature Indoors: Your Guide to House Plants

Don’t bite off more than you can chew

If you’re a first-time plant parent or you’re on a busy schedule, low-maintenance succulents like echeveria and cacti are a great place to start. Similarly, if you’re all about the aesthetics but not the upkeep, amp up your shelves with elegant trailing plants like Ceropegia (‘String of Hearts), as they don’t mind being ignored and they look great around the home.

Use the right light
Plants thrive off of sunlight as it is their primary source of energy, so it’s important that they get the right amount. However, direct sunlight isn’t always a good thing, so ignore your instinct to place all your houseplants at your south-facing window where the sun floods in every day. The best place for many house plants will be close to an east-facing window, where they can bask in bright, but indirect light. Make sure to look up advice online before choosing your placement – every plant is different!

Stick to a watering routine
Over-watering or underwatering are the most common examples of bad plant-parenting, so shake this habit with a solid watering schedule. If you’re trying to nurture several plants at once, you may need to undergo some trial and error first. The best way to tell if your plant needs water is to monitor the soil for dryness. As a rule of green-thumb, if the top 2 inches of soil are moist, your plant is sufficiently quenched. Daily checks might encourage you to draw up a reliable watering schedule on a kitchen chalkboard so that your plants are getting enough of what they need – but not too much.

Think pet safety

If your home is filled with furry friends, be cautious when adding plants into the mix, as many house plants are toxic to pets. A quick online search before any purchase will keep your pets safe from things like Golden Pothos, Devil’s Ivy and Dracaena (to name a few!).

Use mist
Squirting foliage with water is great for your plants – but maybe not for the reason you think. Contrary to popular belief, mist won’t be able to efficiently increase the humidity for your plants. Mist will, however, keep your plant’s leaves fresh and clean by removing dust – which in turn will allow better sun exposure.

Let it grow!
If you have an inkling that your plant needs a new pot, check the root systems for signs of overgrowth. If the roots are circling inside the container, it’s more than likely time for it to move out to somewhere more spacious.

Have you outgrown your home, too?
If you are looking to sell or find a home that meets all of your needs, contact your local Guild Member today.

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Posted on 26 May 2023
Administration
Our aim is to provide a complete service for our clients in all areas of property, to include sales, lettings and property management.
This post is based in our South and East Belfast branch, requires an organised and driven individual with previous administration experience desirable. There are huge opportunities and career progression available to the right candidate.
Responsibilities
- Meet and greet all clients, providing an exceptional first impression to all our valued customers new and old.
- Liase with customers and clients in a professional, polite and respectful manner.
- Become knowledgable of the rental and sales lists.
- Signing up and matching new tenants to properties, contract completions and processing applications etc.
- Confirming move in and move out dates with new and existing tenants.
- Dealing with telephone enquiries.
- Contribute towards quarterly target figures through the sale of services.
- Attend events to make new contacts and meet new customers.
- Collect and share customer feedback to help drive success.
- Diary management for negotiators.

Experience/ Skills
- Front of House/ Administration experience beneficial
- The office can get very busy seasonally so we need an energetic positive person who can work well under pressure!
- Be proactive about sourcing new business and demonstrate the ability to work on your own initiative.
- Ability to handle common objections effectively using initiative.
- Excellent communication skills both verbally and orally.
- Understanding of business and working commercial environments.
- Ability to use initiative to help grow online offering, listening to client's feedback and be able to push these internally through management/marketing to develop our offering.
- Highly organised and able to manage own workload effectively, structure days and prioritise sales activity to ensure targets are hit across the office.
- Computer literate with experience in word, outlook and excel.
Benefits
Salary £22-£24K per annum
Part of company bonus structure
Hours 8.30 - 17.00 Mon - Friday
28 Days Annual Leave
Health Insurance for you and your offspring
Potential for growth
E-mail your CV to jarlath@propertypeopleni.com
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Posted on 24 May 2023
Spare Room Ideas: How to Make the Most out of Your Space

Craft a space for creativity

The function of the spare room needn’t be confined to a guest bedroom, in fact, contriving a space fit for an artist, a hobbyist or a remote worker might just bag you a buyer willing to pay a premium. Separate your spare room from the distractions of the rest of the house with an appointed work area, some handy fitted shelves and thick curtains for soundproofing.

Cosy up in a home cinema

An impressive home cinema can call for a small or large budget depending on your desired effect. A large-screen TV, surround sound and a variety of comfortable loungers make up the perfect recipe for an at-home entertainment hub to kick back in after a long day. Or if you really want to amp up the theatrical appeal, invest in a wall projector and black-out blinds for the windows to create a truly weekend-worthy escape for non-stop classics.

Make a home office

Home offices are sought after by many buyers - and for good reason. Gone are the days of working from the kitchen table, the next generation of buyers will be looking for appointed spaces in their homes to spend their 9-to-5. An ergonomic home office should ideally be a dedicated space that is properly outfitted for work, while also embracing a touch of personal style for extra cosiness.

Set up a games room

Think outside the box and indulge in a room designed for fun. Transforming your spare room into a games room can be as simple as styling a pool table, a video game setup, a dart board or even some vintage arcade machines. Top the whole thing off with a cosy sofa or some bean bags and a fun stereo so that guests know that this room is the place to be.

Build a floor-to-ceiling bookcase

An at-home library sounds like a luxury reserved for the rich, but book lovers can make this dream easily attainable by fitting a floor-to-ceiling bookcase. In a comfortable room with some warm lighting, a woven rug and a few seats or benches, a wall of books can become your home’s own secret library.

Create a walk-in wardrobe or dressing room

Show off your home’s functionality with a walk-in wardrobe. Show off your favourite fashion pieces with shelving and racks, hang a wall-mounted mirror, and finish with a glamorous velvet seat for trying on shoes. If the space is really limited, opt for open wardrobes with shelving rather than doors and drawers, make use of coat hooks and stands, and ensure there is enough central floor room to get dressed comfortably by keeping furniture flat against the walls.

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Posted on 24 May 2023
Blooming Lovely: Gardening Tips

Plan your garden

Before you start designing a layout, it’s important to get to know your garden first. Is it south-facing or north-facing? Finding out where the sun lands on your lawn will enable you to plan what to grow and where to grow it. For a truly landscaped look, decide beforehand which flowers and plants complement each other and suit your home’s growing conditions, as this will allow you to create a garden structure that looks great throughout the year.

Wait until the weather is right

It’s best to avoid digging or planting in wet soil, as working it damages the soil structure. Before you start planting, wait until the weather has cleared up and the soil is crumbly – you can test it by squeezing some in your hand; if it forms a ball, it’s too moist to work with.

Start small

As the weather clears up and the sun graces your lawn once again, it might be tempting to take a trip to your local garden centre and fill up a trolley of supplies. But even if you’re itching to have your dream garden ready for summer as soon as possible, it’s much better to do a little at a time, one section at a time. Start with small but pressing tasks such as pruning trees and jet washing your patios, then you can begin uncovering more of your garden’s potential without trying to tackle everything at once.

Dividing and zoning

An ideal way to make the most of any garden is to dedicate allotted zones to outdoor resting spots and flower beds. There are many ways to divide up your garden into different areas and maximize the space; swathes of wildflowers, walls, paths, and box hedges are all creative tools which can allow you to define your zones.

Consider containers.

When space is restricted, look to containers. You can grow many plants in pots, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit trees, berries, and shrubs. When setting up containers of all different shapes, sizes and colours, make sure you’re using pots large enough for the plants they’re hosting and arrange them on flat ground close to a fence where they’re less likely to topple over.

Keep wildlife in mind

Contrary to popular belief, wildlife can be endlessly helpful for your garden when you welcome it in. Birds can remove a huge variety of garden pests such as slugs and snails, caterpillars and aphids, while bees take on the essential job of pollinating. No garden is complete without a few delightful critters like frogs, hedgehogs, butterflies and bees, so make sure to leave some space for them by creating a few habitats. Sharing your garden with wildlife means enjoying it to the fullest!

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Posted on 22 March 2023
Clogher Valley 5K 2023

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