Property
Go steady out there!
If you’re aiming to build real value and capital in your own home, the time to do it overnight has passed.
In a market where capital property values are rising like there’s no tomorrow as we were experiencing during the 1995-2007 boom years, then sure, it’s often wise to simply go for it. In other words, you get the developers in, you get the work done, you borrow what you need to get that work done – manage the whole process as quickly and smoothly as you possibly can.
Then, you sell, pocket the gain, and start casting around for your next project.
As many of us know, this can be a great way to build up your capital in a capital gains tax-free way, doing something you love doing – developing and doing up your own homes (or maybe even homes if your partner does the same thing).
But as you move up the ladder, your gearing should decrease and decrease all the way. This is the way some of the world’s most successful real estate developers like David Lichtenstein have achieved such phenomenal success. They didn’t overstretch, in other words, and they didn’t really try to fight the market – it simply can’t be done.
In the current market of rapidly falling capital values, it’s far wiser to take things steadily, lower your gearing and maybe concentrate on the rental yields for the time being.
The time to try and grow aggressively will surely come again; just try not to be too tempted in to moving aggressively back too soon – unless, of course, you’ve timed things to absolute perfection and are sitting in a highly cash rich position.
If that is the case, then well done. But even then – don’t concentrate on the capital just yet – be content with the income. Good luck.
Home Improvements
Increase the value of your home
Home improvements are the best way to increase the value of your home if you are looking to sell or simply improve the look of your home for your own benefit.
From large jobs such as construction and additions to the home, like conservatories and loft extensions, to smaller jobs involving interior decoration and home furnishing, there is so much you can do to improve the value and look of your home.
Before embarking on home improvements, consider your budget and how much time you have available, and then prioritise tasks accordingly. You may find that you don’t have the funds to completely redo every room in your house, but are able to invest in key pieces of furniture for each room.
A new coffee table for the living room or sofa for the sitting room, for example, can create attractive central focal points without costing the earth. Take your time to browse for a modern coffee table that doesn’t break the bank but which complements the rest of your home’s interior and reflects your personal tastes.
For your kitchen, you may want to consider bar stools instead of a traditional table and chairs. It’s all about making sure you get the correct furniture for you. If you are making improvements in order to increase the value of your home with a view to sell, consider which pieces of furniture will show your home in the very best light. Which items of furniture will create the illusion of more space? Which colours will give your home a light and airy feel? These are all questions to think about
As with any home improvement purchase decisions, give yourself enough time to hunt down a bargain and, before you buy anything, consider practicalities such as how much space you have, and what materials, patterns, designs and colours will work well in your home.

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Featured Products
Cooke & Lewis White Standard Larder Cabinet Shelf Pack 600mm
Available to order in store for home delivery, Solid oak applies to doors and drawer fronts only. Other components are colour match melamine, Forest Friendly, Made in Devon using a blend of recycled fibres and Forest Friendly wood, All wood is sourced from within 60 miles of the factory //
Edmonton 600mm Wall Unit
White panelled door with elegant linesSupplied with stainless steel effect button handleAdjustable shelf for increased flexibilityDurable and easy to cleanQuality and styling at affordable pricesEasy to follow instructions //
it Kitchens Gloss White Slab Pack H Oven Filler Panel 600mm
Dimensions: (W)597mm x (H)115mm, For use with 600mm oven housing, Use with pack J and 600mm mid oven/larder shelf pack, You will also need to purchase 1 x door handle/knob & 2 x door hinges, Co-ordinating handles & hinges are available to buy from the B&Q IT Kitchens range on www.diy.com, Certified to FSC Standards, [...]
Cooke & Lewis White Wall Cabinet 400mm
Available to order in store for home delivery, Solid oak applies to doors and drawer fronts only. Other components are colour match melamine, Forest Friendly, Made in Devon using a blend of recycled fibres and Forest Friendly wood, All wood is sourced from within 60 miles of the factory //
it Kitchens Framed Oak Style Pack I2 Integrated Appliance Door 600mm
Available to order in store for home delivery //
Decorating
Furnishing a flat to rent
When you’re letting a flat as fully furnished, you should take care to choose items that will be hard wearing but look good. Unless you make your flat attractive, potential tenants will choose another property over yours. So if you have a couple of days to spare when you old tenant leaves, then take the [...]
Extensions
Make more of your conservatory
The conservatory can be a room that rarely gets used. It can be too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. And all too often conservatories can be left neglected and become mere storage areas. If that is what’s happened to your conservatory, it’s time to reclaim the space and make it [...]