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Milton Keynes, located in Buckinghamshire, England, is a unique and vibrant town known for its innovative urban planning and contemporary lifestyle. Designed with a vision of creating a balanced environment for residents, Milton Keynes offers a host of advantages that make it an attractive place to live. However, like any location, it has its drawbacks as well. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of living in Milton Keynes, helping you make an informed decision if you're considering this town as your future home. Pros of Living in Milton Keynes: 1. Modern Infrastructure and Planning: One of the biggest advantages of living in Milton Keynes is its meticulously planned infrastructure. The town boasts excellent road networks, efficient public transportation systems, and a network of pedestrian and cycling paths. This makes commuting within the town and traveling to nearby cities incredibly convenient, reducing the stress associated with transportation. 2. Green Spaces and Parks: Milton Keynes is renowned for its abundance of green spaces, parks, and lakes. The town is adorned with more than 20 million trees, offering a refreshing environment and ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy cycling, jogging, or simply unwinding amidst nature, you'll find plenty of picturesque spots to explore. 3. Cultural and Entertainment Hub: Despite being a relatively young town, Milton Keynes offers a vibrant cultural scene. It boasts a range of art galleries, theatres, and live music venues, hosting a diverse array of performances throughout the year. The famous Milton Keynes Theatre is the largest outside of London, attracting renowned productions and world-class performers. Additionally, the town houses the National Bowl, a renowned open-air venue that has hosted some of the biggest music concerts and festivals. 4. Shopping and Dining: Milton Keynes is a shopper's paradise, offering a variety of shopping centres and retail parks, such as Centre:MK and intu Milton Keynes. These destinations house a wide range of high-street brands, independent boutiques, and eateries, catering to all tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for fashionable clothing, household items, or delicious cuisine, you'll find an abundance of options in Milton Keynes. Cons of Living in Milton Keynes: 1. Lack of Historical Charm: As a new town, Milton Keynes lacks the historical charm found in some other British towns. If you're someone who appreciates centuries-old architecture and a rich heritage, you may find the town's modern aesthetics somewhat impersonal. 2. Limited Job Market: While Milton Keynes is home to several national and international corporations, such as Red Bull Racing and Santander, the job market can be relatively competitive, especially in certain sectors. Depending on your profession or industry, you may find it challenging to secure the job opportunities you desire within the town itself. 3. Traffic Congestion: Although Milton Keynes is known for its excellent infrastructure, it can still experience traffic congestion during peak hours. The town's popularity and rapid growth have resulted in increased traffic volumes, especially on major roads and roundabouts. It's important to consider commuting times and plan accordingly to avoid unnecessary delays. 4. Cost of Living: Like many desirable locations, the cost of living in Milton Keynes can be relatively high compared to surrounding areas. Housing prices can be steep, making it challenging for first-time buyers or individuals on a limited budget to find affordable housing options. Conclusion : In conclusion, Milton Keynes presents a distinctive blend of advantages and disadvantages for those considering it as their place of residence. The town's well-planned infrastructure, abundance of green spaces, and vibrant cultural scene undoubtedly make it an attractive destination. Commuters will appreciate the efficient transportation networks, while nature enthusiasts can indulge in the numerous parks and lakes. Additionally, the town's shopping and dining options cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. However, it's important to acknowledge the limitations of living in Milton Keynes. The lack of historical charm may be a downside for individuals seeking a more traditional setting. Moreover, the competitive job market and traffic congestion during peak hours can pose challenges for some residents. Additionally, the relatively high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing prices, may be a deterrent for those on a tight budget.  Ultimately, whether Milton Keynes is the right place for you to call home depends on your priorities and preferences. Consider the town's modern appeal, cultural offerings, and convenient amenities alongside the potential drawbacks. With careful consideration, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and aspirations.

Deciding to sell a property is a significant step that can bring about various emotions and challenges. Whether you're looking to upgrade, downsize, or simply need a change, selling your property requires careful planning and preparation. To help you navigate this complex process, we've outlined the crucial first steps you should take to ensure a successful sale. 1. Evaluate Your Property: Before diving into the selling process, it's essential to evaluate your property objectively. Take a step back and assess its current condition, considering both its strengths and weaknesses. Look for any repairs or renovations that may be necessary to enhance its appeal to potential buyers. This evaluation will give you a clear idea of the property's market value and help you set a realistic asking price. 2. Research the Property Market: Understanding the current state of the property market in your area is vital. Research recent sales, average property prices, and trends specific to your location. This information will provide you with valuable insights into the demand, competition, and pricing dynamics of your local market. You can consult estate agents, online databases, and local property listings to gather relevant data. 3. Find a Reputable Estate Agent: Partnering with a professional estate agent can make a significant difference in the success of your property sale. Seek recommendations, read reviews, and interview multiple agents to find one who specializes in your area and has a proven track record of successful sales. A reliable agent will guide you through the entire selling process, offer valuable advice, help set the right price, market your property effectively, and negotiate on your behalf. 4. Set a Realistic Asking Price: Determining the right price for your property is crucial for attracting potential buyers. Your estate agent will assess the market value of your property based on factors such as its location, size, condition, and recent sales in the area. While it's tempting to aim for a higher price, setting a realistic and competitive asking price will attract more interest and help you sell your property faster. 5. Prepare Your Property for Sale: First impressions matter, especially when it comes to selling property. Take the time to make your home presentable and appealing to potential buyers. Declutter, deep clean, and consider staging your property to showcase its full potential. Address any necessary repairs, touch-ups, or improvements to enhance its overall appearance. Pay particular attention to the curb appeal as it creates the first impression for potential buyers. 6. Gather and Organize Documentation: To streamline the selling process, gather and organize all the necessary documentation related to your property. This includes property deeds, title deeds, mortgage information, warranties, permits, and any other relevant paperwork. Having these documents readily available will help facilitate the transaction and provide transparency to potential buyers. 7. Develop a Marketing Strategy: Effective marketing is essential for attracting potential buyers and maximizing the visibility of your property. Collaborate with your estate agent to create a comprehensive marketing strategy that utilizes online platforms, social media, professional photography, virtual tours, and traditional advertising methods. By reaching a wide audience, you increase the chances of finding the right buyer for your property. Conclusion: Selling a property can be a complex and overwhelming process, but you don't have to navigate it alone. By partnering with a reputable estate agent, you can unlock the full potential of your property sale. An experienced agent will provide valuable insights, expert guidance, and a tailored marketing strategy to attract the right buyers and secure a successful sale. With their knowledge of the local market and extensive network, a professional agent will ensure your property receives the exposure it deserves. From setting a competitive asking price to preparing your property for showings, they will handle the intricacies of the selling process, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your life. So, if you're ready to embark on this exciting journey of selling your property, reach out to us, your trusted estate agent. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to delivering exceptional service, personalized attention, and outstanding results. Let us help you make a smooth transition to the next chapter of your life. Contact us today, and together we'll turn your property into a desirable and sought-after listing.

Introduction: Welcome to Milton Keynes, a vibrant town in Buckinghamshire, England, renowned for its modern architecture, innovative design, and sustainable living. With its strategic location, excellent infrastructure, and abundant employment opportunities, Milton Keynes has become an attractive destination for property investors and homeowners alike. In this blog, we will explore the evolving Milton Keynes property market, highlighting its key features, growth factors, and the opportunities it presents for prospective buyers and investors. 1. Rising Property Prices: Over the past decade, Milton Keynes has witnessed a steady increase in property prices, making it one of the fastest-growing property markets in the UK. The demand for housing, combined with limited supply, has resulted in a surge in property values. However, compared to nearby cities like London, the average property prices in Milton Keynes remain relatively affordable, making it an enticing option for first-time buyers and investors looking for value for their money. 2. Infrastructure and Connectivity: Milton Keynes is renowned for its excellent infrastructure and connectivity, providing residents with easy access to major cities and transportation hubs. The town boasts exceptional road and rail links, with direct train services to London Euston taking just over 30 minutes. Moreover, its close proximity to major airports, such as Luton and Birmingham, further enhances its accessibility and attractiveness to both domestic and international investors. 3. Employment Opportunities: One of the key factors driving the growth of the Milton Keynes property market is the abundance of employment opportunities. The town is home to numerous large corporations, including leading automotive, technology, and logistics companies. The presence of these industries has led to a strong job market and steady population growth, attracting young professionals and families seeking career advancement and a high standard of living. 4. Sustainable Living and Urban Design: Milton Keynes stands out for its unique urban planning and sustainable living initiatives. The town was designed with careful consideration for green spaces, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and an integrated transportation system. With numerous parks, lakes, and nature reserves, Milton Keynes offers residents a balance between urban convenience and natural beauty. This emphasis on sustainable living makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a greener lifestyle and a healthy environment for their families. 5. Development and Regeneration Projects: To accommodate the growing demand for housing, Milton Keynes has seen significant development and regeneration projects in recent years. The introduction of new residential areas, mixed-use developments, and urban renewal schemes has expanded the housing options available to buyers and investors. These initiatives not only provide a range of property types but also contribute to the overall improvement of the town's infrastructure and amenities. 6. Rental Market Potential: For investors looking to enter the buy-to-let market, Milton Keynes offers promising prospects. The high demand for rental properties, driven by a growing population and a thriving job market, presents opportunities for rental income and capital appreciation. Additionally, the presence of the Open University and Cranfield University attracts many students, further fuelling the demand for rental properties in the area. Conclusion: The Milton Keynes property market continues to thrive, fuelled by its exceptional infrastructure, strong employment opportunities, and commitment to sustainable living. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a property investor, or someone seeking a modern and vibrant place to call home, Milton Keynes offers a range of options to suit your needs. With its rising property prices and potential for growth, now is an opportune time to explore the property market in this dynamic and evolving city.

It’s hard, isn’t it? Estimating future capital gains on property upgrades. An upgrade could be anything from adding an electric car charging point or carrying out a loft conversion. But by how much will my property appreciate by because of the upgrades? What are buyers looking for now? Whilst many homes in Milton Keynes will have a ceiling value for their street, there are some things that can be done that will add value. In the first instance however, I tend to always look at low-cost simple jobs which include cleaning, tidying, de-cluttering to highlight the space available. Repainting can be inexpensive but can provide a great return in terms of selling price and speed of sale. Let’s take a quick look at a fewer bigger ticket items that can be done to add value to your home: Full Redecoration: Average Cost £2,975 Added Value £8,913 200% increase Giving your entire home a fresh coat of paint is generally the most common advice given to potential home sellers. It gives your home a new lease of life especially if you’ve had water leaks in the past leaving unsightly yellow or brown marks on your walls and ceilings. It’s also one job that may provide the best return on your money! Electrical car charging point Average cost £1,000 Added Value £4,888 388% increase We do often get people looking for electrical vehicle charging points when viewing homes, however not everyone has an electric vehicle and so I would question the value-added figure of £4,888. To a buyer that has an electric car, this certainly would be a huge bonus point, but in my view not a deal breaker. Garden Office: Average cost £9,500 Added Value £21,563 127% increase You could be doubling your money with a garden office! We are now seeing more and more buyers looking for additional space for an office and a garden office tends to be well sought after. Especially as more people are now working from home. Whilst having a garden office will certainly make your property more appealing and help the sale ability of it, the value of the office doubling is something I would take with a pinch of salt. Loft Conversion: Average Cost £37,500 Added Value £43,126 15% increase If you need the space either for another bedroom or office and plan to stay in the property long term, then this maybe well worth doing. However could it also be cheaper and better to move? Solar Panels: Average Cost £5,875 Added Value £11,500 95% increase In this high inflationary environment, we all want to save money on our energy bills and the trend of solar panels is certainly here to stay! However, does it add value? Personally, I don’t feel many buyers take this into consideration when buying a home, although it would be a good bonus point. If you’re going to add solar panels, then do it for you! Garage Conversation: Average Cost £13,750 Added Value £28,751 109% increase Many people want and need the extra space, so a converting a garage can prove to invaluable and could save you from moving. However, there are also plenty of people who like having a garage for storage or to keep a nice car away from the elements. Like many of the above points, it maybe best to convert the garage for you rather than for any potential buyers. Utility Room: Average Costs £8,100 Added Value £14,375 77.4% increase Would you rather spend £8,100 on a utility room or redoing the kitchen for the same money? I know what I would do! If you’re looking to sell your home then our advice would be spending the money upgrading the kitchen instead, this could be as simple as changing handles, worktops to a full refurbishment. Kitchen Upgrade: Average Costs £10,550 Added Value £15,813 50% increase A new kitchen would on average cost £10,550, however this would very much be dependant on the number of units and how much of a high-end finish you desired. If your kitchen is over 15 years old and really showing, it’s age then it maybe worth considering renewing the kitchen. Especially if your homes target market is first time buyers. On the other hand, potential buyers maybe looking for a project to put their own stamp on. A view would need to be taken on a case-by-case basis. There you have it. A list of big-ticket items that research shows could increase the value of your home. I personally feel many of the suggestions should be done if you’re looking to stay in the property for the long term and to do it for you rather than any potentially buyers. If you’re looking to sell your property on the other hand, then there are many smaller cost effective upgrades such as repainting which may yield you a much better return. My name is Keval Gudka, you can call me on 0208 614 0740 or email me at keval@agestateagents.co.uk . Thanks for reading.  Keval

Property pricing. A sensitive subject for sure, especially in our current economic climate. You may have heard many stories from home owners and agents telling you about the heated property market from late 2020 to early 2022. With buyers literally lined up outside homes eagerly waiting to view properties and entering into bidding wars by paying over the asking price just to secure their dream homes or investments. It was for sure a sellers’ market and to a certain degree it still is, however, the market appears to be transitioning into the opposite. Mortgage rates have at least doubled since 2020, we’re now in a high inflationary environment pushing up the cost of living and the average persons disposable incomes are dwindling. This is important to understand if you really do want to sell your home. Whilst there are still plenty of motivated buyers and sellers in the market place, we have found people are paying more and more attention to their finances and the sustainability of owning a home. Plenty of market reports from Halifax, Nationwide and many other credible sources say property price growth has certainly stalled if not negative in certain parts of the country. However, I’ve seen a lot of homeowners still pricing their homes as if the market is still on the rise! Understanding local market conditions and pricing realistically are essential to achieve a sale. Zoopla report that while 59% of listings in February had no price reductions, four in ten did. 8-14 days is the optimum listing duration for agents to achieve the best possible price for your home, according to research of over 6,500 agents by HomeOwners Alliance. A listing that is too short may not give enough time for potential buyers to discover the property and make an offer; if a property remains on the marker buyers may fear it is overpriced. The latest survey by RICS indicates that the average sale is currently being agreed within a 5% margin of asking price. Our Advice: We urge all home owners looking to list their property for sale to be realistic about their expectations on what price can be achieved. Do not always go with an agent that gives you an absurd high valuation and the lowest fee. They’re likely to be telling you what you want to hear rather than what you should hear! Alternatively, be sure to ask that agent how they came up with that valuation and what are the foundations of what they’re telling you. A reputable agent should give you good comparables and clearly explain why their valuation has any substance. Pricing sensitivity is becoming increasingly evident in the property market, understanding local conditions and pricing realistically are essential to achieve a sale. At AG Estate Agents we take market research very seriously. If you’ve seen any of our past blogs or quarterly market updates about the Furzton and Milton Keynes Property market, you’ll know. My name is Keval Gudka. At AG Estate Agents we love to talk about property and Milton Keynes. We give bespoke marketing advice as well as thoroughly researched valuations. If you would like to sell your home faster and for the best price, can we talk? You can email me a t keval@agestateagents.co.uk or speak t o me on 0208 614 0740. Thanks for reading.  Keval

Mid-March marks the start of spring, the clocks will soon go forward, the days will be longer and blue skies should be more consistently visible once again! Furthermore, this time of year has long been acknowledged as the best time to sell your home. Rightmove reports demand levels are currently 6% higher than in 2019, and with the Easter Holidays just a few weeks away, now is a great time to get your property listed to sell. Many home movers seek to complete on a property in the summer months. With average conveyancing times of 12-16 weeks, that equates to having offers accepted in April or May. Everyone wants to move in the nicer weather so they can enjoy their new gardens and new surroundings with the sun shining! What properties are currently in high demand? Research conducted by Dataloft suggest that properties for sale in a ‘move in’ condition are currently highly sought after by buyers. More than one in three home movers are attracted by a recently fitted kitchen and or bathroom. With this in mind, if your home is in ‘move-in’ condition then be sure to highlight this fact in your marketing! If your home just needs a fresh coat of paint or some general DIY then our advice would be to have this done prior to marketing to ensure you achieve the best price possible for your property. That being said there are still plenty of buyers who do like a project in order to make a property their ‘own’ so don’t feel apprehensive in listing your home if it does require work. My name is Keval Gudka. At AG Estate Agents we love to talk about property and Milton Keynes. We give bespoke marketing advice as well as thoroughly researched valuations. If you would like to sell your home faster and for the best price, can we talk? You can email me at keval@agestateagents.co.uk or speak to me on 0208 614 0740. Thanks for reading.  Keval

Downsizing to a smaller home can be an opportunity for those looking to save money, and enjoy the equity freed from their home sale. The average difference between a 3+ bed house and a 2-bed flat in the UK is £161,728. Interestingly, the difference in Furzton between a 3+ bed house and a 2-bed house on average is just over £257,000! That’s significant equity which could be spent to help children on the property ladder, holidays, investments or however you desire! What are the advantages of downsizing? The main benefit of downsizing is easing the financial strain on your budget. If you’ve lived in your current home for a long time, it’s more than likely to have increased in value and you may be near to paying off your mortgage or you may have paid it off already. Downsizing to a smaller property will likely give you lots of equity left over to use for whatever you wish. You could also buy your next home as a cash buyer, giving you greater options. Smaller homes typically cost less to heat and to maintain, saving you further money and thus increasing your disposable income. Downsizing isn’t for everyone; you may have become accustomed to the larger space or may even need a bigger home as the family grows. Whatever your situation is we’re here to guide you with your move.  Feel free to contact us for any further guidance.

Covid – 19 has changed many aspects of our daily lives and it seems most of the changes are here to stay. It’s our job to advise you how these changes affect the rental market and suggest ways you could change your strategy to suit accordingly. One major change we’ve all likely become familiar with is more and more people working from home and employers also becoming more flexible to such ideas. Employees are happy to save on travel costs, childcare and generally having more flexibility. On the other hand, employers also benefit from lower overheads, and developing trust in their team to continue their work routines away from the office. UK workers are going into the office an average of only 1.5 days a week. Also, a recent survey conducted by The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) said more than 80% of workers said their firms had adopted a hybrid model style of working. This essentially means, on average 70% of the working week is spent at home and thus tenants’ behaviour in choosing the ‘right’ home has changed compared to just a couple of years ago. So how is this affecting tenant behaviour? On inspections we are seeing more and more tenants making space in the home for computers and work desks to work from. Many have also made any spare bedrooms into offices. Furthermore, on viewings we’ve also noticed many tenants looking for additional reception / box rooms to use as an office. A survey conducted by The Property Academy said 53% of renters indicated that they would choose a rental property quicker if it was furnished to enable comfortable home working. Our Suggestions: If you’re marketing your property to let and you have additional space then lets highlight that fact! Ensure every potential tenant is aware of the extra space and its uses. Furthermore, you may want to consider providing some furniture. Additionally, if you’re refurbishing your property completely then you may also want to think about how you could increase the space available in rooms by altering the layout etc. Although this may be a bit extreme. My name is Keval Gudka, thanks for reading the blog! If you’d like to chat about the Milton Keynes property market or about your own home, then feel free to get in touch.

The rental market is changing and its always good practice to know what today’s tenants are looking for when it comes to searching for rental properties. Like most of us, tenants are worried. Especially with the rise in their energy costs, never mind the rise in rents too. As a result, more and more people are searching for properties where bills are included. 12 months ago, outside space and pet friendly properties were high on the priority list. Things have changed. It’s important for landlords to recognise the changing trends in the market and cater accordingly. However, we understand that it would not always be feasible for landlords to include bills in the rent. But help can be given in other ways, making sure their home is energy efficient as possible, and highlighting this in your marketing. Our advice to landlords now is to ensure your home is energy efficient. It is very likely that all rental properties will be legally required to have an EPC rating of C or above in 2025. Start making the improvements early? If you’d like to chat about the Milton Keynes Property Market, please get in touch.  Keval