Gardens can boost a rental property’s appeal, often making it more attractive to potential tenants – especially during May, as spring is here and summer is around the corner. But, as beneficial as they may be, gardens can also be a source of friction between landlords and tenants, particularly when it comes to garden maintenance responsibilities. To skillfully swerve such disputes, landlords should adopt a proactive approach. Here are five straightforward strategies to help keep your garden an asset, not a liability… Simplify garden designs Choose garden designs that are both appealing and eas ..read more

When it comes to home improvements, it’s wise to think carefully before you splash the cash. Homes renovated to a high standard attract more buyer interest and sell more quickly. However, not all refurbishment works will bring you the same rate of return. Buyers tend to pay particular attention to the condition of specific areas of a property, so it’s best to invest your time and money in these places. Here’s a guide to some of the best-value home improvements, including some tips for those on a budget. Revamp the kitchen Many people consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home, a place t ..read more

National Outlook Supply across the country remains the main issue in today’s housing market. We are seeing historic shortages of available housing stock. Supply of second-hand homes is down by 27% compared to last year and a whopping 46% compared to pre-COVID times according to Daft.  Waterford Market Asking prices for homes in Waterford City and County have increased by €5,000 on average in Q1 – according to a recent My Home report.  Average property listing price Q1 2024 on Daft for Waterford City: €247,064 – up 10.2% on same time last year. Liberty Blue – What we a ..read more

Today marks a sad day for An Rinn and the Gaeltacht in West Waterford as we bid farewell to our beloved post office, with Postmistress Máire Breathnach embarking on a well-deserved retirement. Regina talked to local Spar shop owner Paidi Breathnach to reflect on the impact this closure will have on the community of An Rinn and Sean Phobal. This closure marks the latest in a series of closures of services in the Gaeltacht area of West Waterford, including the garda station and doctors in the past few years. The people of County Waterford need to rally together to support and preserve essential ..read more

Most home sellers want three things: to get the best possible price for their property, to complete the sale in good time and to avoid bucket-loads of stress. These three goals may sound simple and achievable, but you’d be surprised how many sellers lose their way during the marketing process.  As a result, they waste time and money and cause themselves more anxiety than necessary. To help you avoid a few common pitfalls, here’s a guide to how not to sell your home. In other words, do these things, and you’ll be headed for delays and disappointment. How NOT to sell your home Ge ..read more

I wanted to discuss the significance of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) with you today. The EICR is a crucial document resulting from an assessment of the electrical installation in a property. It serves as proof that any provided appliances are safe, bear at least the CE marking, and assures the safety of the equipment in use. It is imperative that this assessment is conducted by an experienced and qualified electrician or an approved contractor. An EICR provides valuable insights into the condition of the electrical system, ensuring there is no deterioration that could lea ..read more

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