I wanted to bring to your attention the recent Council inspections taking place on privately rented accommodation. Waterford City and County Council are actively enforcing the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, impacting all privately owned homes available for rent, including those under the HAP scheme. To ensure you’re well-informed about these regulations and how they may affect your property, I’ve provided a link here. It contains valuable information on the enforcement of the regulations and how to address any concerns or complaints regarding private rented accommodat ..read more

Today’s property article centres around an essential aspect of property management – the Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER). In simple terms, it’s a certification that evaluates the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings. Why is it crucial? Well, for starters, a higher BER translates to lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and an increased potential value for your property. Even a small difference in BER grades can significantly impact heating costs and environmental impact. Whether you’re in the process of buying or selling a property or simply aiming to cut ..read more

If you’re looking for a new family home in Waterford, viewings will play a key role in your quest to find ‘The One’. While marketing photos, videos and virtual tours serve an important purpose, nothing rivals seeing the décor, layout and location with your own eyes. Viewings also give buyers the chance to discuss the property with the agent and learn more about its history and the seller’s situation. With all this in mind, where does that leave parents? Should they take their children to viewings or make other childcare arrangements? There’s no right or wrong answer: it depends on your circums ..read more

If you’ve just inherited a rental property, then you may be wondering what your options are. While you won’t need to make any decisions on the spot (it usually takes many months to settle an estate), it’s good to start thinking about the issues you’ll have to address in time. The first is what you intend to do with the property. Assuming you don’t want to move in yourself, your options are to: Continue to rent the property out. That way, you’ll earn a monthly income and have a long-term investment that you could later pass on to your family. Sell the property and use the funds to pay debts, i ..read more

Springtime in Waterford is not just when the natural world comes back to life but also when the local property market shakes off any winter blues. And if you’re mulling over a move in 2024, the spring months between March and May could be the perfect time to sell your property. Here are six spring selling tips… Kerb appeal: First impressions count – especially in spring’s lighter, longer days. Boost your property’s kerb appeal with well-maintained gardens, a fresh coat of paint on fences and clear paths. Spring clean: A thorough clean makes any property feel more homely. Clear away the clutte ..read more

Maintaining a rental property in Waterford isn’t just about collecting rent; it’s about safeguarding your investment and keeping your tenants happy and safe. That’s why regular property inspections are so crucial. They help you spot potential issues before they become costly repairs and ensure your property remains a place people are proud to call their home. Here’s the lowdown on the five key areas you need to focus on during your inspections: Structural integrity: Look for any cracks in the walls and ceilings and don’t forget to check the exterior of the property for potential issues too ..read more

Are you interested in hearing what’s happening in the Waterford residential property market right now? In the video and report below Regina reviews 2023’s residential property sales market and gives an update on what’s happening in the market so far this year. Waterford Property Market Report Jan 2024 Looking back at 2023 we found that properties in turnkey condition that only needed decorative work attracted the greatest demand. Properties not presented to their best potential sold for less. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant stimulated sales of vacant and derelict homes significantly ..read more

They say selling a home is a marathon, not a sprint, but what happens if your sale is progressing at a snail’s pace or going nowhere? How can you get things back on track and find a buyer who will go the distance? One option – and it’s a big move – is switching estate agents. Sellers usually take this step when they’ve grown frustrated with a lack of progress and feel that a fresh start is needed. Here’s a guide to the next steps you should take… Time to talk Have a frank conversation. Explain that you’re frustrated and considering switching estate agents. Ask your agent to identify what they ..read more

If talk between you and your partner this Valentine’s Day turns moving in together, there are a few practical things you should know first. Here at Liberty Blue Estate Agents, we pride ourselves on being as helpful as possible. But dishing out relationship advice is a step too far – even for us. So, if you’re considering moving in with your partner, we’ll leave the big decisions and lovey-dovey stuff down to you. However, if you decide to co-habit, we have some useful, albeit unromantic, advice for you. It’s based on insights we’ve gained over the years from helping many couples set up home to ..read more

One of the biggest challenges first-time buyers (FTBs) face is getting a mortgage deposit together. Saving a large sum of cash while covering all your living expenses during a cost-of-living crisis is no mean feat. However, having a good plan and clear goals can make this daunting task more achievable. Here are some tips to help you save for a mortgage deposit… Number crunch You’ll need a deposit that’s 10% of the value of the property you wish to buy. Bear in mind that you’ll also have to pay legal, surveying fees and Stamp Duty. Budget Once you know how much money you need to save, take a d ..read more