Whether you are new to buying and selling property in the UK or you would like to learn a little more so you can become more active in the property investment market, this short guide will tell you all you need to know about market appraisals: what they are, where you can get one and why they are so important to property owners.

What Exactly Is a Market Appraisal?

A market appraisal, as far as residential properties in Leeds and elsewhere in the UK are concerned, is a property valuation that is prepared either by a certified surveyor or by a property appraiser or valuer with an in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market. In either case, the reason for the appraisal is to obtain an accurate valuation, most often to use in a forthcoming sale.

Why Are Market Appraisals So Important to Property Owners in Leeds and Other Parts of the UK?

The most obvious reason to request a market appraisal is in order to determine a fair price for your property before advertising it for sale. This is also the reason that a market appraisal is so important. If you procure an accurate appraisal before putting a property up for sale, you can ensure that you don’t end up accepting an offer for a lot less than it is really worth, at least not unintentionally. On the other hand, if you fail to obtain a market appraisal or you procure an inaccurate one from an unreliable source, you could be completely in the dark when negotiating the sale of your property.

What Factors Are Considered in a Typical Market Appraisal?

When appraising a residential property, either in Leeds or anywhere else in the UK, a professional appraiser or valuer will pay close attention to the following factors:

• Location – We’ve had it drummed into our heads for years so we are very unlikely to forget: location, location, location. Probably the very first factor your appraiser will take note of is the area in which your home or other property is located. Is it in a very desirable part of the city or somewhere that more budget-minded buyers tend to shop for new homes?
• Size and Type of Property – Is it a terraced property, a semi-detached property or a fully detached property? How many square metres of floor space does it offer potential buyers and how many bedrooms are there? All of these very important details can be considered as one factor: the size & type of property.
• Property Condition – The third and final of the primary factors a professional appraiser will take into consideration is the condition of the property being appraised. Has it been well maintained or will the new buyer need to invest a lot of time and money to bring it up to a decent standard again?

If you are looking for a professional property appraiser to prepare a market appraisal for a house or apartment in Leeds, please feel free to contact us by phone, email, or contact form.

If you would like to make money from your landlord activities and avoid any unnecessary hassles, you will need to do your homework before you get started in earnest. Many people become a landlord without giving much thought to how this change of status might affect their day-to-day life and their personal finances. With our guide, you won’t make the same mistake!

Mistakes to Avoid as a Landlord in Leeds

Whether you live in Leeds, as we do, or somewhere else in the UK, you should avoid making any of the following mistakes when becoming a landlord for the first time:

• Not Taking Your Responsibilities Seriously – Whether the income you derive from property rental is just a little extra that helps you meet monthly expenses or your main source of earnings, never make the mistake of treating your property portfolio as a hobby. Doing so is the fastest way to lose large sums of money with little to no effort on your part. If you want to make money as a landlord, you need to keep your eye on the ball at all times.
• Failure to Vet Tenants Properly – After the above mistake, this one can be the most costly in terms of time, trouble and money. You need to perform comprehensive checks on every single tenant before signing an agreement together. Failure to establish whether a tenant has the legal right of abode could land you a spell in prison and that’s just one of the many possible negative consequences of not vetting prospective tenants properly.
• Not Familiarising Yourself With Your Own Tenancy Agreement – Many new landlords make this simple but potentially costly mistake: they go to the trouble and expense of hiring a lawyer to write a bespoke tenancy agreement for them and then fail to acquaint themselves with the terms and conditions it contains. If you agree to accept certain responsibilities in the tenancy agreement, you must ensure that you don’t forget them. Don’t antagonise your tenants by failing to deliver on your promises.
• Not Scheduling Frequent Property Inspections – It can be very tempting to just leave your tenants to enjoy your property, especially as it relieves you of the responsibility of visiting them every couple of months. You can even tell yourself that you are doing it to make them feel more comfortable but whatever your reasons, this is a mistake. Frequent property inspections help to ensure that small issues are discovered and dealt with quickly, before they have a chance to become bigger, more expensive issues.
• Stopping After Acquiring One Property – If you really want to make money as a landlord, you need to build a multiple-property portfolio. Managing a dozen properties is not that much more difficult than managing one, and can be far more profitable.

If you would like to become a profitable landlord without all the headaches, please don’t hesitate to call and speak to us about our property management and landlord services in Leeds and the surrounding area.

What is an Accidental Landlord?

What is an accidental landlord and what can you do about your situation if you happen to become one in the future? Perhaps you have already become an accidental landlord and you are looking for suggestions on how to make your life easier. If so, you’ll find all the information you need in this brief guide.

‘Accidental Landlord’ Definition

Let’s start with a simple definition: an accidental landlord is basically anyone who finds themselves in the position of having to rent out a property because they are unable to sell it at a price that is acceptable to them. Given the turbulence in financial markets in recent years, there are now probably more accidental landlords in the UK than at any other point in recent history.

What to do if You Become or Think You Need to Become an Accidental Landlord

If you find yourself in the position of having to rent out a property instead of selling it, we recommend following the suggestions below:

• Inform Your Mortgage Provider – If you are still paying off a mortgage on the property in question, you need to let your mortgage provider know of your plans to let out your home. Some providers will allow you to let a property for up to 12 months without making any changes to the terms of your loan. However, after this period, you will almost certainly have to obtain a buy-to-let mortgage to replace your existing finance agreement.
• Arrange a New Insurance Policy – A standard home insurance policy will not be suitable for a rental property in the UK. With this in mind, we recommend that you get in touch with your insurer to request a quotation for a new policy if you decide to let out your home.
• Keep Records of All Rental Payments for Tax Purposes – Rental payments are considered as taxable income in the United Kingdom so you will need to keep a record of all received payments. When you complete your tax return at the end of the fiscal year, you must mention these payments and provide any documentary evidence that may be required.
• Vet Tenants – Before you allow anyone to become a tenant in a property that you own, you will need to confirm that the person or people in question have a legal right to reside in the UK and to rent property here.
• Obtain a Licence if Required – In many areas of the UK, a licence is required for all properties that are let out. A house of multiple occupancy (such as a student house) will almost always need a licence in place before it can legally be rented to multiple occupants in the United Kingdom. Our expert Investment team can assist with any applications if required.

If you are looking for a helpful letting agent in Leeds who can take care of all the above-mentioned details on your behalf, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer a full range of property management services to both accidental and deliberate landlords.

The process of buying a home in Leeds or elsewhere in the UK normally takes around 2-3 months, sometimes longer if unexpected issues arise. However, the process is not as difficult as it may at first sound. Below, we tell you everything you need to know about buying a house in the UK. We take a brief look at each stage, giving you a concise overview.

How to Buy a House

If you would like to buy a house in Leeds, you will need to complete the following steps before you are able to take ownership and move in:

• Make an Offer – Once your mortgage provider has given you an Agreement In Principle, confirming how much they will lend you, you can make an offer on the property you wish to buy. You may offer under the asking price if you think it is too high but you should understand that you might be outbid by another buyer if you do.
• Hire a Solicitor – Find a registered solicitor who can handle all the necessary legal paperwork for the property transaction. Without a qualified solicitor, the process of buying a house in the United Kingdom is not impossible but most people have neither the time nor the expertise to handle their own conveyancing.
• Have the Property Surveyed – You should have the property surveyed by a Chartered Surveyor before finalising the sale, to make sure it is structurally sound and free of defects. There are several different types of survey from which to choose: we recommend the most comprehensive if cost is not a major concern.
• Confirm or Renegotiate Offer –If the survey results are satisfactory, you can confirm your offer at this stage. Assuming the seller accepts, you will also need to finalise your mortgage agreement and pay a deposit at this stage. If the survey turned up any problems, your mortgage provider may reassess the value of the home, which is something you need to bear in mind if you are trying to buy a property with existing faults.
• Exchange Contracts – Assuming that everything has gone smoothly up until this point, you can now exchange contracts. You will receive a contract from the seller and vice versa. Each of you can then sign and return the relevant contract document, confirming your agreement to all terms and conditions within.
• Transfer Money and Complete Sale – Having signed the contracts, the sale is now deemed final and you should arrange a date to transfer the balance of the money to the seller and receive the keys to your new home.

That’s pretty much everything you need to know about buying a house. Once you have completed all the above steps, you will be able to move into your new home. Don’t forget, if you’re buying a home in Leeds, HOP will be delighted to provide you with all the help you need. Contact us now to discuss your needs.

If you are interested in buying, renting, selling or letting a residential property in Leeds or elsewhere in the UK, you will find it much easier to achieve your personal property goals with the help of a reputable and experienced estate agent. But how can you be sure you have chosen the right estate agent to provide the help you need?

Fortunately, there are various steps you can take before making your choice, which will help to ensure that you to pick the very best agent in your area. In the next section, we discuss these steps and explain why each one is necessary.

Finding the Perfect Estate Agent

If you want to make sure you end up with a reliable estate agent that is capable of providing all the assistance you need, we recommend following the suggestions below:

• Do Your Homework – Start by researching estate agents in your local area then spread your net outwards if necessary. We recommend focusing on agents that have plenty of experience selling properties that are similar to yours. We also recommend checking their online reviews and ratings to see what other people think of the services they provide. You may also wish to ask friends and family for their recommendations.
• Arrange a Face-to-Face Meeting – Once you’ve identified a few potential estate agents, arrange to meet them in person. This will make it much easier for you to judge their character.
• Ask for Details of Fees – Estate agents typically charge a commission fee based on the sale price of the property, but the percentage can vary. Make sure you understand how the fee structure works and what services are included.
• Look for Local Specialists – A good estate agent should have an in-depth knowledge of the local property market, including recent sales and current trends. They should be able to provide accurate valuations and advice on pricing strategy.
• Ask About Marketing Strategies – Ask each estate agent about the marketing strategies they intend to employ for your property. They should be able to formulate a comprehensive plan that includes online listings, social media and various other channels.
• Obtain References – Ask the estate agents that make your shortlist for references from past customers.

By following these tips, you’ll be better able to choose the best estate agent for your needs. And please don’t forget: if you are looking for a reputable estate agent in Leeds that can meet all of your property needs in the area, you’re welcome to contact us at any time.

If you want to buy a house in the UK, you can expect the whole process to take around 2 to 3 months to complete. The reason it takes this long is because there are a number of important stages you need to go through before you can take possession of a new residential property in the United Kingdom, which we have detailed below.

Steps to Buying a Home in the United Kingdom

Whatever type of residential property you would like to buy, you will need to complete the following steps before you are able to move in:

• Setting Your Budget – Before you start house hunting in earnest, you need to know how much you can afford to spend. The main reason for setting a budget right at the start is so you can successfully negotiate the second phase.
• Obtaining a Mortgage Estimate – Once you know how much you would like to borrow, you can approach lenders directly, or via a mortgage broker, to see whether they are willing to lend what you need.
• Obtaining an Agreement in Principle (AIP) – Once you have found a lender who would be suitable, you can ask them to confirm their willingness to provide you with an Agreement in Principle (sometimes known as a Mortgage in Principle). Such a confirmation is often referred to as an AIP or MIP: the lender is agreeing to provide the finance you are requesting, assuming that both you and the property you proceed with check out.
• Identifying the Best Property – At this stage, you can view the most desirable properties within your budget to find the perfect home to love.
• Making an Offer – With an AIP in hand, you are ready to make a serious offer on the home you wish to buy. Assuming that your offer is accepted by the current owner of the property, you will then need to submit a formal application to the lender and instruct your chosen solicitors.
• Instructing Your Solicitors – Once you have an offer accepted, you will be required to instruct a Solicitor to act on your behalf. The solicitors will take care of the legalities involved with purchasing the property. This process is called ‘Conveyancing’.
• Mortgage Valuation – Before approving your formal application for a mortgage, your lender will arrange for the property you wish to buy to be surveyed. This is to ensure that it is in a decent state of repair and that the value agreed is correct. Your mortgage company will also perform a property search, to ensure there are no legal reasons you cannot purchase your dream home. If you wish to carry out a more in-depth Property Survey, this can often be done through your lender for an additional fee or by a RICS surveyor. Speak with your Estate Agent for assistance.
• Exchanging Contracts – Once your mortgage is in place and your solicitors have satisfied all the conveyancing queries, you will be ready to exchange contracts with the seller.
• Making Final Payment – Having exchanged contracts, you will then be required to pay the balance due on the property, after deducting any deposit that you may have paid. After making this final payment, you will receive the keys and take possession of your new home.

If you are interested in buying a new residential property in Leeds or the surrounding area, don’t forget to contact HOP for professional assistance.

Competition now closed.

Find our Golden Boards to be in with a chance of winning £1,500 towards a Luxury City Break for 2!

This Easter you can hunt for more than just eggs, as we are bringing back our very own Golden Board Hunt starting on 20th March! HOP has distributed 200 of our purple boards and 20 special golden boards across Leeds. Can you find them?

To make the competition that bit better, HOP have vouched to give 10 nutritious breakfasts to children in the UK, for every board we put up. Working with Magic Breakfast, HOP will be supporting children in Yorkshire and beyond by gifting 2,000 breakfast meals to those who need it, giving every child the chance to succeed at School.

How to enter?

Competition now closed.

All you have to do is follow 4 simple steps below:

1. Find one of our special HOP Golden Boards (1 entry per board – the more boards you find, the more chance you have of winning)

2. Take a picture with our board

3. Post your picture on Social Media with the Hashtag #HOPGoldenBoard

4. Tag @Hop_Lettings or @Hop_Sales, when posting on Instagram. Alternatively @HOPProperty or @HOPHorsforth on Facebook

It’s as simple as that!
T&C’s apply (download now)

The competition will start from 20th March 2023 and close on 20th May 2023 at 11:59pm. Entries posted after this time will not be counted/entered into the draw.

Note: Your picture must be posted onto your wall/feed and will not count if added into comments of a post or shared on a story. The post must remain on your Social Media for a minimum of 6 weeks following the closing date.

When you post your Golden Board picture, you will be entered into a draw, where a winner will be chosen at random following the competition closing date.

You get 1 entry per person per board (with a maximum of 20 entries per person if you spot all 20 Golden Boards!).

One lucky person will WIN a holiday of their choice worth a whopping £1,500!

Competition now closed.

Struggling to find our HOP Golden Boards?
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook today for weekly hints.

The University of Leeds, located in the bustling city of Leeds in West Yorkshire, England, is one of the most respected universities in the UK. Established in 1904, it has a long history of academic excellence, research achievements, and social responsibility. It also has a diverse community of students and staff from over 170 countries, making it a truly global institution.

But the question remains: is the University of Leeds prestigious? The answer is a resounding yes and here are some of the reasons why:

• Commitment to Excellence – The University of Leeds is a member of the Russell Group, which is a prestigious association of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. Being a part of the Russell Group demonstrates that Leeds University is committed to research excellence and high-quality teaching and that it is among the top universities in the UK.
• International Rankings – The University of Leeds consistently ranks highly in international university rankings. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, it was ranked 92nd in the world. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022, it was ranked 127th in the world. These rankings are based on factors such as research output, academic reputation and the quality of teaching.
• Reputation – The University of Leeds has a strong reputation in specific subject areas. Its School of Medicine is consistently ranked in the top 10 in the UK, and its Business School is ranked in the top 100 in the world. The university also has a strong reputation in areas such as engineering, social sciences and the arts and humanities.
• Alumni – The University of Leeds has a strong track record of producing successful alumni. Notable alumni include the composer Estelle White, Nobel Prize winner George Porter and musician Mark Knopfler, among many others. This demonstrates the university’s ability to provide students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a variety of prestigious careers.

In conclusion, The University of Leeds is undoubtedly a prestigious institution. And if you are planning to study here this year, don’t forget to contact HOP to find the best student accommodation in the city.

Leeds Beckett University offers students a wide range of opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities. Among these are the various clubs and societies that cater to different interests and hobbies. Joining a club or society is an excellent way to meet new people, gain new skills and enhance your overall university experience.

Your Choice of Leeds Beckett Clubs and Societies

There are currently just under 70 different clubs and societies at Leeds Beckett University, covering a wide range of interests from sports, music and arts, to academic and cultural groups. The societies are run by the students themselves and give you the chance to pursue your passions and interests, explore new opportunities and develop new skills.

• Sports – Sports clubs are popular at Leeds Beckett University and include cycling, climbing, motorsport and even an eSports club. There are also more niche sports clubs such as the Putting Balls in Holes club and the Shake It Up dance society.
• Music – Music enthusiasts can join the Music Theatre club, the DJ Society and the Kpop Society, among others. These clubs and societies are open to musicians of all skill levels and to those who simply enjoy listening to music.
• Art – Students who are interested in arts can join the BAME Creatives Society, the Filmmaking Society and the Fashion Society, all of which organise workshops, exhibitions, and events.
• Academic Subjects – There are various societies based on academic subjects too. The Law Society, for instance, organizes events such as mooting competitions, guest lectures and career fairs. The Leeds Business Society organizes talks and workshop, often with interesting guest speakers.

In addition to the societies mentioned above, there are also cultural societies that celebrate different nationalities and cultures, including the African Caribbean Society and the Indian Subcontinent Society.

Once you have decided which societies you would like to join, it is a good idea to start looking for somewhere decent to live as well. One of the easiest ways to do this is to get in touch with the team at HOP and let us know exactly what you are looking for.

Leeds Beckett University, previously known as Leeds Metropolitan University, has a rich history that dates back almost 200 years. The university is widely established with over 30,000 students and three thousand of members of staff. Many choose to study at this university because it opens up doors to new opportunities and experiences.

Fantastic Facilities

Leeds Beckett University has a fantastic range of facilities that are continuously growing and developing. The university is constantly investing in its facilities to ensure its students receive a high-quality education.

The university offers many courses, which means they host a range of facilities that cater to all:

• Clinical and biomedical labs
• Business and media suites
• Sports science and exercise labs
• Creative studios
• Technical labs for engineering and computer forensics
• Law course simulation room and courtroom
• Library and student spaces for all students

Scholarships and Grants

The university has brilliant scholarship programmes for international students. The university welcomes students from all over the globe and ensures they have a wonderful student experience whilst in the UK. That’s why Leeds Beckett University is so popular amongst international students.

The university also looks out for UK students with grants and bursaries. You could be eligible for bursaries and grants depending on your course and personal situation. It’s the university’s priority to look out for its students; bursaries, grants and scholarships are just some of the ways they do this.

A Popular City with Great Student Accommodation

Leeds is known as a student city because of its diverse community of around 60,000 students. It is one of the largest student cities in Europe, which means it provides an amazing student life. The bustling city hosts bars, cafes, restaurants and much more. In order to make the most out of the city, Leeds offers bespoke and well-connected student accommodation.

You can find some of the best accommodations in Leeds with Home of Property. We offer student accommodation near Leeds Beckett University and around the city. You can make the most out of your student life with our student accommodation.

University is an exciting time. You get to learn about yourself, embark on great experiences and make new friends. The best way to access all these wonderful things is by joining societies. If you’re at the University of Leeds, you’re in luck because there are more than 300 clubs and societies. With all of these clubs and societies on offer, you’re sure to find the one that matches your interests.

Sports Clubs

The university hosts a range of sports clubs that are known as the Leeds Gryphons. With over 70 clubs to choose from, you’re sure to find your perfect sports team. The sports clubs will allow you to develop your skills and strength while you meet new people. Many of the sports teams give you the opportunity to compete locally and even nationally. You will be given the chance to represent the university in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) championships and show off your skills and teamwork.

Culture and Faith

We can find comfort in culture and faith, especially when we’re far from home. The university’s culture and faith societies give students the opportunity to connect with their culture or faith and meet new people. Culture and faith societies allow students to celebrate different cultures and traditions while learning new and exciting things.

You don’t have to belong to a certain culture or religion to take part in these societies. These societies welcome students from all backgrounds, and they’re eager to share their culture or faith with you.

Performance

If you love the spotlight, join a performance society. The university welcomes singing, dancing and acting. Performance societies allow you to express yourself and share your passion with others. By joining these societies, you will be given the chance to compete in music and dance competitions or act on stage.

Why Join Clubs and Societies?

Clubs and societies are a fantastic way to meet other students from different courses that you otherwise wouldn’t encounter. Due to this, societies open a world of opportunity and experience that you won’t find anywhere else. So, check out your student’s union to find the perfect society.

Find the Perfect Student Accommodation at the University of Leeds

Attending societies means that you’ll often be on campus. For the sake of convenience and practicality, you’ll need student accommodation near the university. Check out our student accommodation for the perfect living space that will allow you to make the most out of your student experience.

Although it has only been known as Leeds Beckett University since 2013 and did not attain university status until 1992 (along with many other polytechnics in the United Kingdom), this educational institution has an interesting history that goes all the way back to 1824. It was in this year that the Leeds Mechanics Institute, as it was then known, was established. Sometime later, it changed its name to the Leeds Institute of Science, Art and Literature before being renamed again, to the Leeds College of Technology in 1927. In 1970, it merged with two other colleges in the area to form Leeds Polytechnic, which became Leeds Metropolitan University in 1992. We then come to 2013, when, as stated earlier, it took its current name, Leeds Beckett University.

If this all sounds a little confusing, the important thing to bear in mind is that Leeds Beckett University has been in existence as an educational institution, in one form or another, for almost 2 centuries now and is a very reputable seat of learning in the county of Yorkshire.

Who Has Studied Here in the Past?

If you are like many students, you’re probably interested to know which well-known people have attended Leeds Beckett University. And if you are looking for former students of the university who might inspire you to achieve great things yourself, you will find plenty to choose from among the Leeds Beckett University alumni. From singer-songwriter Marc Almond and filmmaker Peter Cattaneo, to politician Colin Burgon and BBC journalist Christian Fraser, there are many successful people who earned their degrees at this educational establishment.

From the Past to the Present: Finding Somewhere to Stay While Studying at Leeds Beckett University

While it is nice to learn a little about the history of a university before studying there, you probably have more pressing matters to attend to at the moment if you’re taking a place at Leeds Beckett University, such as finding somewhere nice to live. If so, don’t worry because we specialise in helping students find accommodation in Leeds. Call now to let us know what we can do for you.