Author: Sophie Pollard

Own a little piece of Brighton history.

Brighton is a town well-known for historical firsts, from hosting the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest where ABBA got their first win, to being the home of the UK’s first The Body Shop store.

But did you know that Brighton Girls School – formerly Brighton and Hove High School – was one of the first schools of its kind to open in England back in the 1800s?

This one-bedroom first floor apartment in Vernon Gardens actually formed part of the original school building, which was built in 1876.

Many of its original features still remain, including its stunning bow windows and the original staircase in the entrance hall.

Spanning almost 500sq ft, the apartment sits in just the right spot for frequenting local shops and 7 dials eateries within just a few minutes.

You won’t need to worry about any renovation work or redecorating, but the neutral décor throughout does work well as a blank canvas if you did want to add your own touches.

Entering the property, the hallway leads into a large open-plan kitchen/dining and living space, with year-round streams of sunlight thanks to the beautiful six-pane bow window.

The open plan space lends itself perfectly to entertaining. There’s plenty of room for seating in the living room, and the kitchen makes cooking a breeze with an integrated AEG oven, AEG microwave and ceramic four-ring hob. When the gathering is over, a dishwasher will make quick work of the washing up and your guests will leave happy after spending time with you around an impressive central island.

The double bedroom is also accessed from the hallway, and this room was originally used as a bedroom for the pupils of Brighton and Hove High School. Although there were fewer than 20 pupils in 1876 – now there are more than 600, so it’s not quite big enough to accommodate them all anymore! A double bed, bedside tables and double wardrobes fit in here comfortably with room to move. But if you would like some extra storage space, the bedroom benefits from a walk-in closet – perfect for all your clothing storage needs.

The en-suite bathroom is accessed through the bedroom and includes a WC and bath with an overhead shower unit.

This apartment is offered with a share of the freehold, a very rare thing, so we’re not expecting to hang around for long, so don’t delay. Call our office today to book your viewing before someone else snaps it up.

About the area

The city of Brighton needs little introduction – it’s one of the country’s most well-renowned and beloved seaside destinations.

But to live here in the city opens doors many tourists would never have the time to find. From eclectic Brighton-owned businesses, award-winning 7-dials restaurants and thriving arts and culture communities – there is something for everyone.

If you’re a regular commuter, this property is within ten minutes’ walking distance of Brighton railway station, with trains running to London in just under an hour.

Also within a short walking distance are some of Brighton’s most beautiful green spaces. St Ann’s Well Gardens, a tranquil space teeming with wildlife, are just five minutes away from this apartment.

And what would the summer months be without trips to the beach? Make the most of the sun right on your doorstep! You can reach Brighton seafront within 20 minutes’ walking time, stopping off for lunch in our bustling city centre on the way.

For more details, or to book a viewing please contact sole agents MyHaus Brighton..

Email us at info@myhausbrighton.co.uk or call us on 01273 286788

MyHaus Students are delighted to present this spacious, luxury studio in Falmer just a stones throw from the station, offering immaculately presented living accommodation and a spacious garden to use. The property is located in the perfect location for any single University of Sussex student, moments from Falmer Station, you are a minutes away from the University for your studies.

This delightful studio apartment has been extensively well kept by the owner with an emphasis on quality, including double glazing throughout, remote controlled blinds, Bose surround sound installed, ambient lighting, WIFI and hardwired internet as well as private entrance to the studio. Conveniently located just minutes from Falmer train station only 10 minutes to central Brighton. The accommodation comprises of a light-filled room with with kitchen facilities and separate bathroom with shower. Enjoy your morning coffee in the sunshine – with access to the shared garden and washing facilities. The landlord of the property lives on site.

Please note this accommodation is only suitable for a single student.

Call us today to book a viewing.

For more details, or to book a viewing please contact sole agents MyHaus Brighton..

Email us at info@myhausbrighton.co.uk or call us on 01273 286788.

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MyHaus Brighton are delighted to present this Studio flat offering high spec coastal living accommodation. The property is located in the highly sought after location of Montpelier, moments from Brighton seafront and the popular Seven Dials.

The property has a modern fitted kitchen with microwave combi – oven, gas central heating and modern bathroom. Every inch of this property has been styled to perfection and the modern fixtures and fittings are no exception, with no expense spared on the quality.

The property is walking distance from the bustling local shops and cafes around Seven Dials and you are only a short distance away from the beach and Brighton Town Centre. Sorry no pets

The property is available immediately and is offered unfurnished.

Parking Zone Z, Council Tax Band

For more details, or to book a viewing please contact sole agents MyHaus Brighton..

Email us at info@myhausbrighton.co.uk or call us on 01273 286788.

MyHaus Brighton are delighted to present this quirky, central Brighton apartment offering well presented living accommodation situated over 2 floors. The property is located in the highly sought after North Laine, moments from shops, restaurants, cafes and cinemas, as well as city parks.

This delightful two-bedroomed apartment has been well maintained by the owner including double glazing throughout. Located just 10-minutes from Brighton train station, serving Gatwick and London, and only 10-minutes’ walk to the sea front. The apartment is within easy reach of local supermarkets, the shops on Western Road, as well as Brighton Marina, the Downs and the A23/27.

The accommodation benefits from gas central heating, new carpets, secondary double glazing and comprises of a light-filled living room with unique grated flooring which allows light to flow into the kitchen area. There is ample space for dining facilities, two well proportioned bedrooms and a spacious modern bathroom.

In typical North Laine fashion, the outside of the property has a stunning mural painted by local Brighton artist Snub23. This gorgeous North Laines two-bedroomed apartment would make a fantastic investment, being particularly suitable for rental due to its quirky nature, as a family home or a seaside getaway.

The property tenure is leasehold and is offered chain free.

With our rental valuation of £1500 PCM, and a purchase price of £300,00, this property would return a 6% yield.

Parking Zone Y.

If you are thinking of letting or selling your own property contact our expert team here.

The big news for the UK property market in December is the first rise in interest for three years! The predictions from various lenders are a less frenetic housing market in 2022 .

These are just some of the headlines this month in December’s UK property market update. Read on to find out more!

Interest rates rise for the first time in 3 years

The Bank of England has increased interest rates for the first time since August 2018, the highest for 10 years.

Homeowners with tracker or variable mortgages, it is likely to mean an increase in monthly repayments averaging £10 to £15.

Around two million homeowners will be affected, but with fixed- rate mortgages being popular, the change won’t impact all property owners immediately.

The interest rate increase has been rumoured for some months and is a response to inflation levels reaching 5.1%  way ahead of the Bank of England’s 2% target.

UK house price boom expected to end in 2022

One of the UK’s biggest lenders is forecasting an end to the current housing boom next year.

According to Halifax, market growth is likely to remain ‘broadly flat’ in 2022, following two years of remarkable growth.

Following increases of 6% in 2020 and 8% in 2021, the lender is predicting growth of 2% at most, with a flat market being the more likely scenario.

The main reason for this slowdown is the rise in household goods and bills, meaning a squeeze on budgets for many households

Bank of England plans to relax mortgage affordability rules

In positive news for first-time buyers, the BoE has revealed its plans to make mortgages more attainable.

As part of the current criteria, homeowners have to prove they could meet repayments on lender’s standard variable rate if they increase by 3%.

However, early next year, the bank will be meeting with big-name lenders and industry experts to discuss withdrawing the outdated rule.

The rule was one of many affordability rules introduced in 2014 following the 2008 financial crisis. Its aim was to ensure that a sharp rise in interest rates wouldn’t result in people not affording their payments.

However, at that time, interest rates were forecast to increase to 2.25% over the next five years. Currently, interest rates stand at  0.25%, and latest forecasts indicate that any rise in interest rates will be slow.

If the planned rule change does come in, it’s likely to be a big boost for first-time buyers, many of whom wouldn’t meet the affordability criteria under the current rules.

Survey reveals just how much parents are willing to help their children get on to the property ladder!

A study by Zoopla has revealed some of the eye-watering figures parents are willing to gift their children to get them on the property ladder.

According to the study, the average amount forked out by parents to help with a deposit is £32,440, while 14% of the parents polled have given them upwards of £50,000.

The findings also revealed that an incredible 64% of parents of homeowners gave them at least some money towards their deposit.

And it doesn’t stop once the kids have fled the nest either! The results also showed that 36% of parents have helped with their offspring’s rent or mortgage payments at some point.

Council finds unique way to solve housing crisis

One council has come up with a novel way of solving the housing crisis in its area.

West Devon Borough Council is offering money to tenants who downsize, as part of its efforts to tackle a shortage of affordable family housing.

Anyone with a council rented property who moves to a smaller home will be given a £1,000 fixed payment, plus £500 per bedroom they release.

So, a couple who downsize from a three-bedroom house to a one-bedroom flat, would receive a payment of £2,000. The council has confirmed that in some cases, the payment could be as high as £5,000 where housing stock is particularly pressurised.

Devon County Council’s leader has spoken openly about a housing crisis in the county, due to rising house prices and a lack of rental properties, and it’s hoped the new scheme will go some way towards combating the issue.

MyHaus are your local property experts for the Brighton, Hove. Call us on 01273 286788 or email info@myhausbrighton.co.uk to find out how we can help you buy a new home or sell your property.

We know the market in Brighton & Hove is fast paced and that taking your first step onto the property ladder can seem like a daunting prospect! Especially considering that a typical deposit is usually between 10% and 20% of a property’s value.

We often get asked by first-time buyers: “How do I get on the property ladder?” We always tell them that it is achievable with some patience and dedication to make it a reality.

If you are a first time buyer, our useful tips on how to get on the property ladder could help you make your dreams a reality sooner than you think!

Start Saving Early!

The sooner you start saving, the sooner you’ll be able to get your foot on the ladder. The earlier you start saving, the more it will become a habit, meaning you’re likely to save more!

To maintain consistent savings you can set up a direct debit to your savings account every month. Have a regular transfer of a specific amount each month on payday. That way, you won’t miss the money each month as you stash it away!

Stay With Your Parents if you can

It can be tempting to move out and be independent at the very first opportunity. Of course, that’s not a bad thing!

However, if you’re serious about owning your own property in Brighton or Hove, then forking out at least a few hundred pounds a month on rent is going to slow you down. Those monthly payments could instead add up to a substantial deposit over time.

So if you’re still living at home staying with Mum and Dad could help you buy your own place much quicker.

Speak to your mortgage advisor…

Speak to a Mortgage Advisor Before you View any Properties

When you’re in a position to put down a deposit, arrange meetings with a couple of mortgage advisors to find out exactly how much you can borrow.

Mortgage calculators on banking websites aren’t always an accurate indicator. Its much better to speak to a real person. It’s essential to know exactly what budget you have to work with so that you don’t view the perfect property, only to find that it’s out of your reach.

Save Your Money Wisely

Keeping your savings in the right place can make a big difference to the time it takes to achieve your deposit.

It’s best not to keep your savings in your current account. Not only will you gain little or no interest, but you’ll be far more likely to dip into them when you fancy a treat.

Instead, consider opening a Lifetime ISA. These accounts allow you to earn a 25% annual bonus from the government up to a maximum of £1000.

So for every £1000 you save, you’ll receive a £250 top up until you reach the maximum savings amount of £4000 per year.

Look into all Your Options

There are many different initiatives available to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder, and while some of them might not seem ideal solutions, they can help you get there more quickly.

Help to Buy is one example of a government-backed scheme that allows you to buy a property with just a 5% deposit, with the government lending you 20% interest free for five years.

Alternatively, you could look into shared ownership. This allows you to own a percentage of the property while paying rent on the other part.

Again, it’s worth speaking to a mortgage advisor first, who will go through all the options with you.

MyHaus are your local property experts for the Brighton & Hove area. We can also recommend mortgage experts to help you with your finances.

Call us on 01273 286788 or email info@myhausbrighton.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

Whether you’re a landlord through choice or an accidental landlord, you must think of it properly as a business. Keeping your costs low as much as possible and providing a decent and safe place that your tenant calls their home.

Of course, you want to keep costs low, but you also have to think about protecting your asset.

To help you, we’ve put together the top five ways landlords can reduce upkeep costs.

If you’re a landlord in the Brighton area, then get in touch! We also have more detailed help and advice we can offer you!

Get a professional Inventory

The best way to manage upkeep costs is to get it right first time. Have professional surveys done to see if there are any immediate issues. This will save on additional costs further down the line.

You should carry out an inventory of the property prior to a new tenant moving in. Not only will this give you indications of any issues that need attention, but you’ll know every detail of the house before a tenant moves in.

Top Tip: It is possible to do inventories yourself, and you’re probably very capable, but we would recommend using professionals to get the job done as it will save you time and money in the long run.

Get The Right Tenants – And Be The Right Landlord

Landlords often focus on securing the right tenants, and we understand why – you want your pace to be looked after, and you want to make sure the rent comes in on time and in full. Good tenants are likely to take care of the property and notify you if anything needs attending to. But here’s the thing – you need to be a good landlord too.

At MyHaus Brighton, we suggest that you should be an outstanding landlord by making sure you keep your property in good condition and attend to anything that needs fixing quickly. Not only do you maintain a good relationship with your tenant, but you make sure your investment is looked after.

Top Tip: Be contactable and be responsive. Show you care about the property and the people living in it.

Great Expectations

Set out your expectations from the start of a tenancy. Obviously, there are contractual matters, but when you’re speaking with the tenant, let them know what is expected of them regarding upkeep and when to let you, the landlord, know if something needs doing.

Top Tip: Make sure you and your tenant know what outcomes to expect should they contact you. If they call you about an issue, they need to know you’ll get the issue under control within a reasonable timeframe.

Be Quick, But Don’t Cut Corners

When you know you need a job doing, getting it done quickly will prevent issues (and costs) from escalating. Don’t be tempted to cut costs by getting a cheap solution just because you don’t want to pay. A cheap job may mean it isn’t completed correctly and will only need doing again later. You will probably save money initially by doing the job yourself, but it’s better to call in the professionals.

Top Tip: Keep a list of when you have needed to carry out repairs and the tradespeople who completed the jobs for you. Trusted contacts and suppliers are important.

Let Us Do It For You!

At MyHaus Brighton we pride ourselves in helping landlords manage and maintain their properties.

While some of our clients look after the properties themselves, we’re often trusted to fulfil that role with our property management service. It means we will keep on top of things for you, and act quickly when a fast response is needed. It also means that you can rest safe in the knowledge that your investment is in tip-top condition, and your asset is looked after.

Top Tip: If you choose a lettings agency to manage your property (and we’d love it to be us), make sure you know exactly what they are doing for their money.

As a landlord, keeping your upkeep costs low will take time and thought, and getting it right from the start is crucial.

We have years of experience in helping buy-to-let landlords and we can help you. Please get in touch. Email us at info@myhausbrighton.co.uk or call us on 01273 286788.

You trust your friends right? Well so do we! If you refer a friend to us, as a thank you for bigging us up and working with the MyHaus Brighton team we want to give you a little treat! Seeing as we have all got used to online shopping these days what better way to cross something off that wish list than with a FREE £50 Amazon Voucher.

How to Refer a Friend?

So you want to refer us to a Landlord, great news, thank you! Register your interest using our contact form HERE if you are not already a client of MyHaus. Then all is left is to tell your friends, family and colleagues and ask them to quote your name  and email address when registering for themselves.

If they sign with us we will send you a £50 Amazon Voucher to spend however you wish. What a win!

If you are thinking of letting your property there is a lot of research to be done! While you will of course be looking online and asking friends or relatives, it’s important you speak with the property experts. In Brighton and Hove that’s us and we would love to help you as you start your journey. Give us a call on 01273 286788 or email us at info@myhausbrighton.co.uk

* Please note this offer is specific to landlords that sign with us and use one of our services, not just an enquiry or a tenant moving into one of our properties. If you have any further questions please get in touch.