Prepare yourself and your tenants for Christmas Robberies and theft tend to peak during holiday periods, so get in touch with your tenants and ask what their plans are over the season. If they are going to be away from the property for some time, advise them on how to deter thieves such as keeping their lights on a timer, asking a trusted neighbour to accept parcels and ensure all doors and windows are secure. You will also want to enjoy the holiday period, so if you’re going away or will be unavailable over Christmas, make sure you inform your tenants of this and explain how and when they will be able to contact you, should there be an emergency. If you’re planning to take a break for a little while, it’s a good idea to arrange for someone else to be on call instead.
Complete your winter checks Get your winter checks done as early as possible, as any issues will become harder to resolve the closer you get to Christmas. Check the heating system is in good working condition, the gutters are clear of leaves and mulch from autumn, and nothing has frozen over in the cold, such as pipes and door locks. Once you’re certain your property can withstand the cold winter months, you can put your feet up and enjoy a mince pie knowing that you drastically reduced the risk of any weather-related disasters.
Discuss decorations Most people will want to make their house cosy and festive in the winter months, and tenants are no exception. Let your tenants know they have the freedom to decorate the home but be clear on the conditions and any boundaries you may have. It’s important that you establish this early on to avoid any disputes.
Be fire conscious During the festive season, homes will be dressed up in lights, candles and all manner of bright, sparkly things to illuminate the dark evenings. To reduce the risk of fires, give your tenants a fire safety refresh and check all doors and handles are meeting legislation standards. Tell tenants not to use old Christmas lights, to never leave any lights or candles unattended, and to try keep them off during the day to prevent overheating.
Plan for the year ahead As this year comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to start planning out the year ahead, whilst also reflecting on the past 12 months. Take the time out to think about everything that went well for you this year and how you can improve going forward so that you can enter the New Year with a fresh mindset and an improved strategy.
Send season’s greetings Last but not least, show your tenant’s your appreciation for taking care of your property by sending them a seasonal card, or maybe even a small gift to thank them for being a good tenant.
Start with a colour scheme that ties in with the room It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the joyous seasonal colours and create an unintentional sense of chaos in your living room. Consider picking out a colour scheme which complements your regular furniture, as sticking to a palette will create a sleek and modern look which blends seamlessly into your home, while also honouring the festive traditions we know and love.
Try rustic designs Rustic items evoke feelings of cosiness due to the association with nature and warmth – which is why they are perfect for Christmas decor. Try out wooden Christmas ornaments, upcycled mason jars and natural garlands. Don’t forget to make use of decorative pinecones, dried oranges and holly sprigs for endlessly comforting smells and textures.
Update your shelves Add some drama to your living space by decorating your shelves with Christmas trinkets and winter foliage. Fake snow is a whimsical touch that works well on shelves for an effect that’s reminiscent of snow-covered rooftops.
For the minimalists… If you love Christmas but not the drama, you can subtly set the scene with a few nods to the season around your home. Skip the tree and style a glowing tree lamp with simple hanging decorations, create a centrepiece on your table using either sparkly ornaments or a bowl of festive potpourri. Make use of winter textures and patterns to cosy up your rooms, such as tartan blankets and pillows, faux fur rugs and white bedding that mimics the blankets of snow outside.
For the maximalists… If you’re feeling big, bold and bright, now is your time to start decorating to the nines. For a retro look, break out the nutcrackers, themed ornaments, singing Santas and tinsel, as these items will take you right back to Christmas past. To truly embrace the fun of the season, reject any restraints and allow colours and patterns to conquer the space, as doing so will create a room bursting with character and warmth.
Christmas lights No Christmas set-up is complete without a few twinkling lights. Traditionally, Christmas lights around the tree are supposed to be as flashy and colourful as possible. However, these may not be to everyone's taste so to achieve a softer look which complements the room rather than dominating it, opt for white or yellow lights on a slow-changing setting.
Create festive wreaths Store-bought wreaths rarely have the same charm as when they are handmade. If you’ve got a hot glue gun handy and a little extra time to get creative with your decorations, crafting your own wreath out of dry or faux foliage will add a personal touch to your front door that captures the homely feeling of the holidays.
Make things cosy One of the key elements in getting your home ready for Christmas is to ensure everything is as cosy as possible. Especially if you plan on having guests, make sure every seating area has enough blankets and pillows, snacks are within easy reach and the fireplace is clean and ready to use
Change the hardware If your kitchen is in need of a few finishing touches, updating your hardware is a cheap and easy way to transform the space. Give your cabinets some personality by updating the knobs and pulls with quirky and ornate models that bring a whole new lease on life to the space.
Create a mood board Contrive a spot for creativity in your room or home office with an arrangement of pictures, postcards and magazine cutouts. Design with whatever inspires you. For example, you could use your mood board to reflect the season, your lifestyle, or any projects you're currently working on. Mood boards give the room a glowing personal touch while also creating an attractive focal point.
Display statement art Oversized, eye-catching, and abstract artwork is a great way to showcase your personality and keep something that speaks to you close by. Choose areas of the home which could benefit from a pop of colour, such as a dark corner or an empty alcove. A punchy piece of art will really liven up the space and remove any sense of dullness.
Hang a pet portrait Pay homage to your pet with a framed portrait capturing their furry or scaly likeness. You can commission a local artist or search online for any particular art style you like. Whether it’s a soft watercolour painting, a funny caricature, or a hyper-realistic rendering, hanging a pet portrait is a great way to make yourself at home.
Vintage finds Scour charity shops, car boot sales, and online marketplaces for unique vintage items that speak to you. Whether it's an antique mirror, a retro lamp, or a quirky piece of furniture, vintage finds can infuse character and history into your home.
Annotate your bookshelf A great joy for booklovers is having guests take a nosy at their collections. Make it easier for them to flick through all your favourite quotes and titbits by annotating your most beloved books with highlighters, sticky tabs, and homemade bookmarks.
DIY projects Embrace your creative side by taking on some DIY projects. Hand-paint a mural on a bedroom wall, create custom shelving or craft unique decor items. The satisfaction of creating something with your own hands will make your home even more special.
Create a colour scheme with furniture The best way to make a home feel like yours is to develop a well-thought-out colour scheme. Colour coding your furniture and accessories is also a great way to implement your favourite colours, without having to paint the walls. Set your base colour with larger items like rugs, blankets, and curtains, then work in your accent shades with throw pillows, accessories, and tableware.
Use removable adhesive strips In many rental properties, landlords may request permission before knocking nails into walls. However, if you can't get permission from your landlord and love hanging artwork and family photographs, you can now do so with no nails, no hammer and no mess! Invest in some damage-free adhesive strips for all your wall décor and artwork.
Go green Bring a touch of nature indoors by incorporating houseplants. Not only do plants add a fresh and vibrant element to your space, but they also contribute to improved air quality and a sense of tranquility.
Upcycle and paint Just because you can’t paint your walls, doesn’t mean you can’t take a brush to your own furniture for a personal touch! Get creative with second-hand pieces that could use some TLC. To prep your chosen item, use a mild detergent to wash and abrade the surface, then coat with an appropriate primer. Once it’s dry, choose a paint colour and get to work on transforming – you might even find some of your favourite furniture pieces this way. Just don't forget to cover the floor before you get to work to avoid droplets of paint, or even better, if you have outdoor space, paint outdoors.
Design with lighting Good lighting can have a transformative effect on your space. Choose rooms which have limited natural lighting and make use of quirky lamps, candles, and fairy lights. You could even use stick-on battery lights in shoe cupboards and wardrobes for optimised task lighting in the areas that need it.
Invest in multifunctional furniture Maximise your space by incorporating multifunctional furniture pieces. Consider a pull-out sofa bed for guests, a coffee table with storage, or a folding dining table. These additions not only enhance functionality and create more space but also contribute to a more personalised and comfortable environment.
Scent your space Appeal to your senses by introducing your favourite cosy scents. Candles, essential oil diffusers, or room sprays can add an appealing touch and create a comforting atmosphere which feels like a warm hug.
Dress the windows If the curtains aren’t your style, swap them out for a design that speaks to you – just make sure to safely store away any original window dressings. You can also incorporate your favourite seasonal patterns and colours this way. Tie the new look together with some seasonal foliage and fairy lights on the ledge, and you’ll be able to update your windows every time you need a seasonal pick-me-up.
Take stock of your current collection Before creating a library for your home, it’s important to take an inventory of the books you already have. Are some ready for donation? Are there any incomplete collections? Will every book fit into your storage units? If you’re an avid reader, you should also allow some room for the collection to grow over the years.
Annotate your books One of the primary joys of having a home library is being able to showcase your most beloved books, but it’s a shame to let them sit stagnant over the years. Instead of having to go back and re-read, annotate a few of your favourite quotes and passages, as this will enable you to flick through whenever you feel like reminiscing.
Find a suitable space A home library is truly whatever you make it, and how much space you’re willing to dedicate will depend on how much spare square footage is available in your home. However, there are a few things you should be cautious about. Firstly, avoid areas of the home which are subject to moisture and regular temperature changes, as this can lead to the growth of mould or mildew. Secondly, make sure shelves are not situated too close to any windows as this could also damage your books.
Create a cosy seating area A dreamy home library will have a cosy and ergonomic seating area in which you can kick back and crack open a book from your collection. Choose a comfortable, quiet space near a window where you can really escape from the rest of the world.
Consider the lighting Lighting is an important consideration as you’ll want to create a good balance between ambient and task lighting. While it’s great to get cosy with dim lights and candles, reading under poor lighting can result in tension headaches and even damage to your vision. Warmer lights which are closer to the yellow end of the colour spectrum create ideal reading conditions, without making the room feel too clinical.
Organise your books An organised collection of books - whether colour-coded or alphabetically arranged – is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Create a sense of harmony in your home library by arranging your books into a visually pleasant order. This will eliminate any sense of chaos caused by years of book collecting.
In the midst of economic challenges, the Northern Ireland property market stands resilient, showcasing remarkable trends in both national and local housing spheres. Let's delve into key insights from the Autumn 2023 review by Dataloft.
Sales Resilience: Property sales reached 86,510 in July 2023, reflecting a 16.3% decrease from July 2022. Despite the economic backdrop, motivated buyers seeking correctly priced homes contribute to the market's robustness.
Summer Slowdown: July and August traditionally witness a slowdown in property sales. This year, a 1.9% month-on-month fall in August suggests growing realism in the market, with vendors competitively pricing to attract buyers.
Mortgage Landscape: With improving inflation data, lenders have been cutting fixed mortgage rates. Mortgage approvals, though lower than a year ago, have shown improvement over recent months.
Demand and Lettings: Demand remains strong due to robust employment levels and record annual wage growth. Rental growth is on the rise, with the average UK rent in August at £1,261, a 10.3% YoY increase.
Inflation and Interest Rates: Inflation, showing signs of easing, fell to 6.8% in July. Interest rates are expected to peak in 2023, with a subsequent moderate decline predicted in 2024.
Regional Insights: Northern Ireland's property price growth moderated to 2.7%, remaining positive. Belfast, Ards and North Down, and Antrim and Newtownabbey lead in private stock turnover.
Market Dynamics: Despite constraints in the property supply, the market sees homes selling more quickly. Realistically priced homes continue to attract multiple prospective buyers.
Conclusion: Northern Ireland's property market exhibits resilience amid economic uncertainties, with key indicators portraying a market adapting to challenges while maintaining a positive trajectory.
Wicked window decorations Decorate your house from the inside out with a bewitching window display. If your front-facing window has a substantial ledge, let your glowing pumpkins, ambient lanterns and spooky night lights take a seat. If there isn’t much of a ledge to perch on, you can use removable window clings, creepy silhouettes, or even just cut out some paper bats and spiders to hang. For a ghostly effect, cover your windows with sheer, tattered fabric that will gently sway in the breeze.
Costumed decor Dress up your everyday home decor items with Halloween costumes. Put witches' hats on your figurines, wrap your throw pillows in mummy-like bandages, or give your stuffed animals some spooky accessories.
Haunted house lighting If you’re planning on entertaining, set an eerie mood by replacing your regular light bulbs with orange or purple ones. Use LED candles, string lights, or lanterns to create a haunted ambience. Paper lanterns with spooky faces or ghostly shapes can also be a fantastic addition to your decor. Alternatively, skip the lighting and create an ghostly ambience by lighting lots of candles.
Magic potion bottles Upcycle your empty toiletry and perfume bottles by transforming them into wicked potions and ingredients. Get crafty and print off your own spooky labels for your haunting concoctions. From ‘Dragon’s Blood’ to ‘Spider Venom’, you could even create a drinks station by swapping out the bottle labels with a mixture of tricks and treats.
Create a witchy wreath Swap out your autumnal wreath for a bewitching Halloween arrangement. You can easily create your own wreath using fake spider webs, plastic spiders, small pumpkins, and some artificial autumn leaves. Hang it on your front door to welcome trick-or-treaters.
Get your treats ready While you’re prepping goodies for answering the door on Halloween night, bowls of treats can also make great eye-catching centrepieces. Whether it’s tantalising toffee apples or novelty iced biscuits, display them by the door or on the dining table to bring a sense of childlike joy.
Welcome the nightmares Create a Halloween-themed dreamcatcher to hang in your bedroom. Incorporate elements like black feathers, miniature skulls, and spider charms for a hauntingly beautiful night's sleep.
Frightening floral arrangements Create unique floral arrangements using black roses, dark purple lilies, and deep red dahlias. Add some fake cobwebs and creepy crawlies to give your vases a sinister twist.
Cosy scents While summer scents are light and airy like fresh linen and Eucalyptus to reflect the outdoors, the most beloved autumnal scents are rich and heady like vanilla, cedarwood and pumpkin spice.
Introduce cosy smells with soy candles, wax melts, and reed diffusers. You could even go one step further by simmering some fruits and herbs on the stove to capture the essence of autumn and mark your whole house with your favourite seasonal smells.
Enrich your walls with artwork There’s no more seamless way to implement a pop of colour into your home than by hanging a piece of eye-catching artwork. Look for impressionist landscape prints for that soft yet colourful look, perfect for autumn.
Prepare for the cold Blanket season is upon us, so get your sofas and beds ready with chunky cable knits, plaid blankets, and fluffy throws. If your bedroom is ill-equipped for chilly nights, layer up your bedding with throw cushions, blankets, and an appointed cuddly toy to tie the whole thing together.
Soften up the seating Autumn marks the beginning of home-cooked dinner season, so make sure the seats at your dining table are ready for frequent use. Assess the situation, could a few pillows provide better back support? Could a hard bench benefit from a fluffy throw? Would seat protectors add a nice touch of colour and comfort? Whatever your choices, take inspiration from Scandinavian design, where hard meets soft to evoke a sense of cosiness.
Refresh the carpet There’s nothing more inviting than a soft carpet or rug at your feet on a cold day, and the season of renewal is a great time to bring those fibres back to life. Baking soda is an excellent go-to solution for reviving your carpet or an old rug. Not only does it have cleaning properties, but it will also remove odours and bring up down-trodden fibres. Apply a generous amount and then use a stiff brush to work it in.
Create a warm welcome Is your entryway primed for heavy coats, thick scarves, and muddy boots galore? If not, set up an organised and welcoming space by cleaning out any shoe cupboards, setting up a coat stand and implementing some hooks and shelves. Finish the whole thing off with a durable welcome matt and you’ll thank yourself come winter when guests pile in with the outdoors caked to the bottom of their shoes.
Create invisible walls Sectioning off areas can be a great way to eliminate any sense of chaos. It can be helpful to imagine where walls might be if the space was made up of separate rooms, and from there you can gauge ideal furniture placement. This will help with things like proper circulation, air flow, lighting, and organisation.
Colour palette and material cohesion Maintain a cohesive colour palette and material selection throughout your open-plan space. Consistency in colours and materials will tie different areas together, preventing the space from feeling disjointed. Choose a neutral base colour and add pops of accent colours for a harmonious yet visually interesting look.
Zoning Create distinct functional zones within your open-plan area using furniture and rugs. Utilise sofas, bookshelves, or even low storage units to subtly divide the space. Place area rugs under dining tables, sofas, or coffee tables to visually anchor specific areas and add warmth.
Focus on furniture placement When arranging furniture, prioritise flow and movement. Avoid blocking pathways and ensure that people can move easily from one zone to another. Consider the path from the kitchen to the dining area, for example, and make sure it remains unobstructed.
Optimise lighting For open-plan rooms where the floor space is so vast, layered lighting is key to creating character and interest. Implement some dimension into your kitchen plan with a mixture of task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting. This will create a sleek and modern look while also maximising the space.
Strategic storage solutions Open-plan living can sometimes lead to a lack of designated storage areas. Combat clutter by integrating storage solutions seamlessly into your design. Utilise built-in shelving, hidden cabinets, and multifunctional furniture like ottomans with storage compartments to keep your space organised and tidy.
Acoustic considerations With fewer walls to absorb sound, open-plan areas can sometimes suffer from acoustics issues. To prevent excessive noise, consider using textiles such as rugs, curtains, and upholstered furniture to help dampen sound. Additionally, wall panels or acoustic panels can be discreetly integrated to improve sound quality.
Personalisation and decor Inject your personal style into the open-plan area through decorative elements. Incorporate artwork, cushions, throws, and plants to add character and personality to the space. These smaller touches can help differentiate various zones while contributing to the overall aesthetic.
Make sure everything is prepared Having everything ready well in advance is integral to the moving process, especially if you’re eager to find your next home. Preparing your home for viewings on the surface could seem like a simple spring clean, but you must consider things like decluttering, depersonalising, and staging to make your home more appealing to buyers.
Gather documents for your solicitor as early as possible As your solicitor deals with lengthy property information forms, they will need you to provide supporting documents. Getting these completed and ready will allow your solicitor to send them to the buyer’s party as soon as you accept their offer. Property forms to complete include:
Property information form (TA6)
Fittings and contents form (TA10)
Leasehold information form (leasehold properties only)
You should also collect any warranties, building regulation certificates or gas safety certificates and have them ready.
Set a realistic asking price Even while the market is buoyant, setting a realistic asking price is the best way to secure the right buyer and to see the full transaction through to completion without serious issues arising. An unrealistic or uninformed asking price can be off-putting to potential buyers, which could lead to your home staying on the market for longer than expected. A local agent will be able to provide you with the most accurate valuation of your home, so you can set an asking price that is fair and precise.
Choose an experienced and reputable agent Choosing the right estate agent is essential to a quick sale. Find someone local who has experience in selling properties like yours, and you’ll already be a few steps ahead. Local agents have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to the property market, and their expert guidance can help you with proper timing to streamline your sale and avoid delays.
Choose a good solicitor Seek out a reputable solicitor as soon as your house is on the market so that they have ample time to complete identity checks and anti-money laundering checks before moving on to the legal work. You may be able to gauge how efficient a solicitor is during the pre-instruction process. If there are serious delays in communication before you have instructed them, you may want to take this as a bad sign and look elsewhere.
Check online reviews Poor service could slow you down, and you’ll be relying on the service of many different parties during the sales process. Checking through online reviews might help you filter out companies and individuals who won’t make the process any faster.
Be proactive Clear communication is extremely important to achieve a successful home sale. Make sure you respond to emails and return calls promptly to avoid delays. It’s also a good idea to check in weekly with your solicitor and estate agent as they will be able to keep you updated through each stage of the process.
Ornamental grasses and seedheads One of the prevailing trends this autumn is the use of ornamental grasses and seedheads. These textured elements add a touch of wild beauty to your garden while providing visual interest even after the flowers have faded. Species like Miscanthus, Pennisetum, and Sedum will sway gracefully in the autumn breeze, casting a captivating silhouette against the changing foliage.
Implement the colour of the year Pantone’s handpicked colour of the year 2023 is the lively ‘Viva Magenta’. Described as ‘brave and fearless’, this inspiring shade simply captures the bracing spirit of autumn, making it ideal for your garden this season. There are plenty of plants with a similar shade such as Zinnia elegans, Geranium Patricia, Peony, Rosa, Calibrachoa, and many more.
Sustainable gardening practices Sustainability remains a top priority in gardening trends. Embrace eco-friendly practices by composting fallen leaves to enrich your soil, reducing water usage with smart irrigation systems, and opting for natural pesticides. By embracing sustainability, you not only contribute to the health of your garden but also play a part in conserving the environment.
Autumn bulbs for spring beauty
Don't just think about the present, plan for the future by planting autumn bulbs for a stunning spring display. Daffodils, tulips, and crocuses planted in autumn will surprise you with their vibrant colours when the cold days of winter finally give way to the warmth of spring.
Welcoming nature ‘Rewilding’ is a viral movement which focuses on increasing biodiversity in your garden and restoring natural processes. You can achieve this by throwing out your pesticides and fertilisers, installing feeders and nest boxes, and planting insect-friendly flowers such as Digitalis, Sunflowers and French marigolds.
Add seasonal touches While the natural reds, golds and magnolias are certain to grace your garden in the coming weeks, you can inject some extra autumnal charm using a few statement accessories. Cushions, tablecloths, throws and bunting all add a little extra colour and character while also setting the mood for cosy evenings around the fire pit.
Vertical gardens and climbing plants Make the most of your garden's vertical space by incorporating climbing plants and vertical garden features. Consider training ivy or clematis up trellises or walls. This not only adds a touch of elegance to your garden but also maximises your planting area, especially if you’re working with a small space.
Warm and inviting interiors Autumn is synonymous with cosiness, so make sure your interiors reflect that. Consider adding warm, earthy tones to your decor and perhaps some fluffy throw blankets or cushions. The wind might be bracing, but the sun has yet to hide away, so open curtains to allow the soft autumn light to filter in, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
Prep for cooler weather As temperatures drop, potential buyers will appreciate a home that's well-prepared for autumn's chill. Make sure your heating system is functioning optimally and consider getting the fireplace going if you have one. Due to the lack of use over the past few months, your boiler may benefit from a service or a few test runs as the weather starts to cool down. A cosy and warm interior will make your property feel like a sanctuary from the bitter outdoors, so make sure everything is up and running before viewings.
Autumn-themed staging Embrace the beauty of the season by incorporating some autumn-themed decorations. A charming wreath on the front door, a bowl of seasonal fruits or dried foliage in the kitchen, or a rustic centrepiece on the dining table can add a touch of autumnal character without overwhelming the space.
Professional photography Capturing the essence of your home during autumn requires skilled photography. The golden hues of falling leaves and the soft sunlight can create truly enchanting images of your home and its surroundings. Hiring a professional photographer can help ensure your property's autumnal beauty shines through in marketing materials.
Highlight outdoor spaces Due to the season’s various atmospheric backdrops, autumn is a great time to showcase any outdoor spaces your property might have. If you have a patio, balcony, or garden, make sure they are well-maintained and accessorised to highlight their potential. Consider setting up an outdoor seating area with warm blankets, lanterns, and pillows to help buyers imagine the possibilities.
Flexibility for viewing Days are shorter in autumn, so it’s important to be flexible with your viewing times. Try to accommodate potential buyers during the daylight hours to ensure they can fully appreciate the beauty of your home both inside and outside.
Negotiation and closing As the selling season continues into autumn, motivated buyers may be more inclined to make competitive offers, especially as Christmas draws closer. The start of the new school year and the imminency of upcoming holidays have many buyers flooding to the market with a sense of urgency. Work closely with your estate agent to negotiate and close the deal effectively.
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