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Have you ever heard of the 5th wall? Unless you’re an avid fan of interior programmes and design magazines, the phrase may be unfamiliar to you. The 5th wall refers to a room’s ceiling, suggesting it is an extra surface that’s available to decorate.

If you are buying a property, every little helps – especially when it comes to finding enough money for a deposit. Just how much purchasers rely on a cash injection was revealed in 2024, when analysis by Uswitch found 37% of UK first-time buyers were only able to amass a deposit thanks to financial help from family or friends. 

The new year got off to a busy start across all our departments. We eagerly awaited the first property reports of 2025 to assess the health of the wider market. The verdict? There are many positives to take away, starting with a sales market bubbling with interest.

Does your wind-down ritual include a hot bath, soothing music and a scented candle? Are you perfuming the air ahead of viewings with a luxury number from Jo Malone or Diptyque? If you are, you may be releasing harmful particles every time you light the wick.

If you have a landlord or tenant insurance policy, you may have been contacted by the provider announcing the launch of a new product. Pet insurance is the next big thing in the private rental market and its arrival marks significant progress of the Renters’ Rights Bill.

December marked the end of an interesting period for the property market. The 12 months were underpinned by a change to the English Government, inflation closer to 2% and a decreasing base rate. The year was, however, tempered by what might lie ahead in 2025.

Did you know we have been making New Year’s resolutions for more than 4,000 years? The custom is thought to stem from the ancient Babylonians, who used their New Year in mid-March to reaffirm loyalty to the monarch, make promises to be good moving forward, pay debts to gods and return borrowed objects.

Although winter has us firmly in its icy grip, the energy price cap will rise on 1st January 2025. As a result, many of us will want to reduce how much fuel we use. For renters, the challenge can be greater as they don’t always have the means or money to make significant energy-saving alterations, such as installing cavity wall insulation, solar panels or air source heat pumps.

The Pantone Colour of the Year for 2025 is Mocha Mousse. This silky shade of brown conjures up images of Galaxy chocolate and cups of coffee – rich yet tempered with a gentle softness.

Getting your home on the market is easier and quicker than you may think – and there is every reason to order a ‘for sale’ sign this December. In fact, there are four indicators that now is a good time to instruct a sales agent:

With the end of the year almost in sight, people would be forgiven for focusing on Christmas. This November, however, felt very different. A 0.25% cut to the Bank of England base rate at the start of the month set a positive tone.

You can’t see it or touch it, you never see it delivered and although it all looks the same, it's a must have. We’re talking about energy.