
Ask the Experts - What on earth is "link-detached"?
By Orchards Estates on 24th Apr 2022,Q. I seem to remember that properties used to be described as detached, semi-detached, or terraced. Now you get “link-detached” and even...

"Ask The Expert" - Should I sell first or find first?
By Orchards Estates on 17th Apr 2022,Q: We’ve decided that we want to move but our friends are giving us differing advice… should we put our house up for sale before we start looking for...

Ask the Experts - Some alterations were made to my house a few years ago
Q. Some alterations were made to my house a few years ago and, now I’m looking to sell it I understand there could be a problem due to lack...

"Mum and dad will pay for my home" "Dont you buy stamps with stamp duty?"
By Orchards Estates on 19th Dec 2021,Common misconceptions amongst young people and purchasing a home. Halifax have recently found that many young adults have interesting – and worrying –...

How to choose the right estate agent for you
By Orchards Estates on 15th Nov 2021,Q) I’m selling a house for the first time and need to choose an estate agent. What do I need to ask, how do I differentiate them and how much trust...

Black Mould: How to Prevent It and What to Do About It
By Orchards Estates on 1st Nov 2021,There are lots of lovely things about this time of year: snuggly jumpers, cosy woodburners, and holiday season planning. For home owner and renters though,...

How do I make an offer, and get it accepted?
By Orchards Estates on 25th Oct 2021,So you’ve walked round approximately 10 houses and, much like when you were dating, finally met ‘The One’. Now comes the nerve-wracking part: offer,...

How do you get your home photo-ready?
By Orchards Estates on 27th Sep 2021,How do you get your home photo-ready?...

A Moving Experience – Our Checklist
By Orchards Estates on 30th Aug 2021,When you are moving home there is so much to remember. Once you’ve exchanged contracts there are still a lot of things to think about and to prepare....

Chain reaction: take the stress out of buying and selling
By Orchards Estates on 16th Aug 2021,I was recently asked what was the biggest property chain I’ve found myself working in? Time ago, our office had a chain with 14 properties involved....

Shower power versus bathtub bliss
By Orchards Estates on 2nd Aug 2021,Shower power versus bathtub bliss Imagine a world without baths – it’s easy if you try. (Wasn’t that a John Lennon lyric?). A footballer being sent...

The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home
By Orchards Estates on 26th Jul 2021,A recipe for success: smarten up your kitchen. During the many years I’ve been an estate agent I’ve seen plenty of buyers fall head over heels...

Small Details - Big Picture
By Orchards Estates on 19th Jul 2021,How the small detail scan affect the bigger picture when selling your home...

It was like a Pig Sty!
By Orchards Estates on 12th Jul 2021,“It was like a pig sty” The headline for this blog isn’t an announcement that we’ve moved into selling farms or rural properties. And it isn’t a...

The reasons behind estate agents recommending particular solicitors
By Orchards Estates on 2nd Sep 2019,These days it doesn’t really matter where your solicitor or conveyancer is based and with the use of the internet you may not ever meet your solicitor....

Have you got your finances in order?
By Orchards Estates on 15th Jul 2019,At Orchards Estates we work with an award winning Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) to ensure that you not only get a great mortgage, but that you...

Have you ever wondered what estate agents do?
By Orchards Estates on 17th Jun 2019,Wouldn’t I be better off selling my house myself, rather than using an estate agent? Technically yes, in monetary terms, you’d be saving the estate...

Norton sub Hamdon and West Chinnock Primary Schools Federation
By Orchards Estates on 26th Nov 2018,We went along to West Chinnock C of E Primary School and Norton-sub-Hamdon Primary School to find out a little bit more about the pupils and staff and why...

Black Friday Offer - Sell your Home for Free!
By Orchards Estates on 19th Nov 2018,Terms and Conditions for the Facebook competition 1. Marketing plan to be agreed and followed. 2. The property must be instructed within 3 months of Black...

What really happened in the South Somerset housing market in October?
By Orchards Estates on 1st Nov 2018,What really happened in the South Somerset housing market in October? Welcome to this month's local property report where we tell you exactly what is...

Keeping your dog safe during fireworks season
With fireworks filling our skies for Bonfire Night, Diwali and New Year’s Eve soon after, it can be a stressful time for dogs that don’t like loud...

Q. Is selling at auction worth considering?
By Orchards Estates on 18th Oct 2018,Very much so. Traditionally, of course, this rather depended on what you were trying to sell. Here in the UK, auction always tended to be reserved for...

Best Estate Agent Guide winners
By Orchards Estates on 18th Oct 2018,Thrilled to have been assessed this year by The Property Academy and Rightmove as Excellent and Exceptional in Sales & Lettings....

Yeovil Ladies Skittles Team through to the next round
By Orchards Estates on 18th Oct 2018,So proud of the Jelly Babies, a Yeovil ladies skittles team we sponsor! Showing...

Open Day: Castle Primary School, Stoke sub Hamdon
By Orchards Estates on 12th Oct 2018,Castle Primary School have asked us to share their Open Day with you all. We have...

Open Day: Norton sub Hamdon and West Chinnock Primary School Federation
By Orchards Estates on 9th Oct 2018,Norton sub Hamdon and West Chinnock Primary School Federation invited us to learn more about their schools and tell you about their Open Day....

What really happened in the South Somerset housing market in September?
Yeovil 96 Properties (17 were detached) Martock 7 Properties ...

Ask The Expert - Should I put my home up for sale in Autumn
By Orchards Estates on 26th Sep 2018,I was planning to put my home up for sale this month to catch the Autumn rush, but the way things are I’m wondering whether I should postpone things for...

Landlords: All the laws you need to know
By Orchards Estates on 24th Sep 2018,Are you thinking about becoming a landlord or are you one already? Do you intend to or do you manage your properties yourself? It comes as no surprise that...

Race For Life
By Orchards Estates on 22nd Sep 2018,So proud of our Charlotte who is about to take on the Race For Life tomorrow...

Landlords: 1 October deadline is looming
By Orchards Estates on 21st Sep 2018,LANDLORDS Do you have tenancies in your portfolio that started before July 2018? All letting agents (and some landlords) will be aware that BEFORE the...

Rightmove's 'Best in Country' on your doorstep
By Orchards Estates on 18th Sep 2018,Orchards Estates were shocked and delighted to receive the award for Number Two Lettings Agent in the country AND the trophy for Best Sales Agent in the...

Renovation opportunity
By Orchards Estates on 17th Sep 2018,Have you ever fancied recreating your own 'Homes Under the Hammer'? Situated on the edge of...

Deposit disasters – oil tanks
By Orchards Estates on 6th Sep 2018,A recent case brought to adjudication by a landlord claimed £220 for replacement of heating oil. A photograph of the tank’s interior at the beginning of...

What really happened in the South Somerset housing market in August?
By Orchards Estates on 31st Aug 2018,Welcome to this month's local property report where we tell you exactly what is happening in the local property market. Open the national newspapers...

Seasonal repairs: a checklist for landlords
By Orchards Estates on 25th Aug 2018,What a summer it has been, record breaking in fact. Maintenance is a must for landlords...

How can I catch the Autumn Rush?
By Orchards Estates on 25th Aug 2018,Q. I was planning to put my home up for sale this month to catch the Autumn rush, but the way things are I’m wondering whether I should postpone things...

Congratulations to Ayesha and family
Huge congratulations are in order for our property manager ...

Ask the experts - Should I extend my home
By Orchards Estates on 11th Aug 2018,Q: We need more space but we love the location of our house so don’t really want to move. Is there a ‘clever’ way of making more space and will the...

How to avoid nightmare tenants
By Orchards Estates on 8th Aug 2018,An attractive buy-to-let property investment can soon turn into an unwelcome liability if you find yourself with a nightmare tenant. Adam Tanner, expert...

Ask the expert - Q: We’ve decided that we want to move but....
By Orchards Estates on 5th Aug 2018,Q: We’ve decided that we want to move but our friends are giving us differing advice… should we put our house up for sale before we start looking for...

Selling a House with Tenants
By Orchards Estates on 23rd Jul 2018,With so many changes to the laws and legislation around rental properties, many landlords are feeling the pinch and exiting the market. Selling your...

If I switch agents do I have to pay two fees?
By Orchards Estates on 21st Jul 2018,Q. If I switch agents, can the first one still claim a fee if my home is sold by the new agent to a buyer he originally introduced?...

Ask The Expert - Can I takes plants and shrubs from the garden?
By Orchards Estates on 14th Jul 2018,I am moving home shortly, and I want to take some plants and shrubs from the garden with me when I go. Am I legally entitled to do so?...

Make your staycation space just right
Introduce plants Bringing the outside in can fill a room with scent and colour. It’s a cost effective...

Overpricing - how much does it cost sellers
By Orchards Estates on 7th Jul 2018,I have just had my house valued but I think it is worth more than the agent suggested. Is there anything wrong with testing the market by putting it up...

What really happened in the South Somerset housing market in June?
Welcome to this month's local property report where we tell you exactly what is happening in the local property market. Open the national newspapers...

Why does it take so long to complete a property transaction
By Orchards Estates on 30th Jun 2018,A. The time it takes a property transaction to go through has lengthened in the last few months and it’s really down to a combination of...

Who is the cheapest agent?
By Orchards Estates on 18th Jun 2018,The cheapest agent is what some people think they want to sell their home. But who is the cheapest agent?...

Ask the experts - Why did my three valuations differ so much?
By Orchards Estates on 16th Jun 2018,Valuing property is not – and can never be - an exact science. The simple fact is that your home is not necessarily worth what any estate agent says it...

Generation Rent
By Orchards Estates on 3rd Jun 2018,Generation Rent is a popular term used to describe young adults, normally between the ages of 18 – 35, who live in rented accommodation because of high...

Ask the Experts - We Need more space but love our house
By Orchards Estates on 2nd Jun 2018,Q: We need more space but we love the location of our house so don’t really want to move. Is there a ‘clever’ way of making more space and will the...

Would you like to save £30,000?
By Orchards Estates on 31st May 2018,Within the last 12 months in South Somerset, a startling trend has been appearing, costing homeowners potentially tens of thousands of pounds....
The Friends of Ham Hill
By Orchards Estates on 30th May 2018,Our roving reporter on the day, Elle Gilpin, met the Friends of Ham Hill volunteer...

Ask the Experts - I’ve heard the expression ‘right to light’. Is it true?
By Orchards Estates on 26th May 2018,Yes, there is. The Prescription Act of 1832 introduced the easement of Ancient Lights in English law. The easement basically said that if someone had been...

60 second home selling tips: Episode 1
By Orchards Estates on 24th May 2018,First in the series of 60 second home selling tips....

New changes required for residential flats
By Orchards Estates on 17th May 2018,What are my responsibilities as a landlord? In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Government have instated a raft of new changes in order to...

Private landlords being fined up to £30,000
By Orchards Estates on 15th May 2018,
Government Announces plans to review Carbon Monoxide Alarms
By Orchards Estates on 2nd May 2018,Government Announces plans to review Carbon Monoxide Alarms...

Are London Buyers Skewing House Prices in South Somerset?
By Orchards Estates on 21st Apr 2018,In a word, no. Interestingly, statistics reveal that of the 7,430 people who moved into South Somerset between mid-2015 and mid-2016, only 520 came from...

London Property Exhibition update
By Orchards Estates on 16th Apr 2018,Our late spring Westcountry exhibition held in conjunction with Lawson and Daughters in Fulham London was a great success The area was was lively and...

National fall through rate at a record high
By Orchards Estates on 9th Apr 2018,The latest data and analysis from independent home buyer, Quick Move Now, has revealed that the number of house sales falling through before completion is...

Are Landlords aware of how much legislation has changed recently?
By Orchards Estates on 23rd Mar 2018,have recently had a conversation with a lanldord who had been happily managing their rental property themselves for a few years. Everythign seemed to be...

The industry reacts to the Spring Statement
By Orchards Estates on 14th Mar 2018,Industry reactions to the Spring Statement. What does this mean for South Somerset?...

Connecting people, their homes and trusted local traders
By Orchards Estates on 9th Feb 2018,Connecting people and their homes to local trusted traders in Somerset...

January 2018 Market Comment
By Orchards Estates on 30th Jan 2018,Is the property market up or is down? This month, more than ever, the answer depends on who you speak to....

“Mum and dad will pay for my home”, “don’t you buy stamps with stamp duty?”
By Orchards Estates on 19th Jan 2018,Common misconceptions amongst young people and purchasing a home in Somerset....

“Distorted Opinions?”
By Orchards Estates on 2nd Jan 2018,The issue of house prices is a hot topic and close to every homeowner’s heart. Everyone has their opinion, but even that of experienced estate agents is...

The Awards keep rolling in for Orchards Estates
South Somerset estate agent, Orchards Estates claim another award to their growing collection of trophies...

Record Highs of Equity Release in the UK
By Orchards Estates on 30th Nov 2017,October saw new record highs in people releasing their equity, despite the wider UK housing market continuing to face housing issues....

Why clutter can cost you thousands and what to do about it in three steps
By Orchards Estates on 19th Oct 2017,Why clutter can cost you thousands and what to do about it in three steps...

Get moved by Christmas
By Orchards Estates on 13th Oct 2017,Looking to sell your home in Martock, South Petherton, Ilminster, Yeovil, Crewkerne or any of the south Somerset villages?...

Rightmove and Property Academy recognise the best agent in the UK,
Rightmove and property academy recognise the best UK estate agent...

International Day of the Girl
By Orchards Estates on 11th Oct 2017,Here's to our girls and the strong women they grew in to!...

Bungalow shortage across the UK
By Orchards Estates on 11th Oct 2017,looking for bungalows, Thomas McDermott specialises in this style of property. 60% of the properties he brings to the market sell before they ever reach...

"A charming cottage in a lovely area"
By Orchards Estates on 10th Oct 2017,Named after an Estate Shepherd, the cottage is constructed of golden hamstone, characteristic of the area and quarried from nearby Ham Hill. The thatched...

How do you find and manage tenants?
By Orchards Estates on 10th Oct 2017,Many people own investment properties and think that they are able to find and manage their own tenants. It feels to many like a way to shortcut spending...

Orchards Estates recognised by Residential Landlord Association
By Orchards Estates on 6th Oct 2017,Orchards Estates recognised by Residential Landlord Association...

What are my gas safety responsibilities as a landlord?
Did you miss Gas Safety Week in September? Do you know your responsibilities as a landlord? Here are six simple steps to help keep your tenants safe and...

Hamdon Community Arts Project Future Events
Hamdon Community Arts Project Future Events Stoke sub Hamdon October November December...

Orchards Entrepreneur Award
By Orchards Estates on 2nd Oct 2017,Applications for South Somerset's answer to Dragon's Den are now open! If you have a new business or business idea you think could be great, apply by...

Rightmove's Best in Country is local
By Orchards Estates on 26th Sep 2017,Over 25,000 estate and lettings agency branches have been assessed by Rightmove to create the Best Estate Agent Guide, designed to help you to choose an...

iPhone cost rising faster than property prices
By Orchards Estates on 13th Sep 2017,The release of the latest iPhone handset brings with it the hefty price tag of around £1300 and for those keen early adopters, a likely long queue in the...

How much does a sea view cost?
By Orchards Estates on 9th Sep 2017,From the early 1700s, the English coastline became popular to visit for “medicinal dips”. King George III in 1789 even went skinny-dipping in Weymouth!...

I’m not Willy Wonka and Orchards Estates isn’t a chocolate factory
By Orchards Estates on 9th Sep 2017,Last year marked what would have been the 100th birthday of the World’s No 1 storyteller – Roald Dahl. The man was a genius, with an imagination...

Insiders Guide Part 4 - How to choose an Estate Agent - Top Tips 4
How to avoid the pitfalls and tricks of the trade when choosing an estate agent. In this episode we look at when and where buyers are looking for your...
Norton and Chiselborough Flower Show
By Orchards Estates on 19th Aug 2017,norton and chiselborough flower show...

Understanding the Legal Stuff when it comes to selling your home AKA Conveyancin
By Orchards Estates on 12th Aug 2017,Understanding the legal stuff when it comes to moving home...

WARNING! Up-front estate agency fees do not add up!
The real cost of up front fees...

Rightmove identifies the best local agent
By Orchards Estates on 10th Jul 2017,Rightmove data shows best estate agent in South Somerset...

What does Wimbledon and good estate agents have in common?
By Orchards Estates on 1st Jul 2017,What does Wimbledon and good estate agents have in common...

Children's Hospice South West
By Orchards Estates on 26th Jun 2017,Children's hospice South West - Experts in Property members donations...

Monthly Market Report June 17 - A Fine Balance
By Orchards Estates on 26th Jun 2017,Monthly Property Market report - June 17 - South Somerset...

What the Brexit negotiations and property deals have in common
By Orchards Estates on 26th Jun 2017,What the Brexit negotiations and property deals have in common...

Five top tips in getting your property ready to sell for a great price
five top tips for getting you property ready to sell for a great price...

#Conmisery - What is Cheap?
By Orchards Estates on 15th Jun 2017,What do i really get when its cheap? #conmisery...

Election Special Market Comment
By Orchards Estates on 9th Jun 2017,Election Special Market Comment...

Election Special Market Comment
By Orchards Estates on 9th Jun 2017,Election Special Market Comment...

May 17 Property Market Report - “Up, Down or Sideways”
By Orchards Estates on 31st May 2017,Monthly property Market report for May 2107...

Stoke Sub Hamdon May Fayre
By Orchards Estates on 30th May 2017,orchards Estates Balloon Race at stoke sub Hamdon May Fayre...

Stoke May Fayre - 29th May 2017
By Orchards Estates on 22nd May 2017,Stoke sub Hamdon May Fayre...

Talking Sense, not nonsense - The Estate Agency Jargon Buster
By Orchards Estates on 20th May 2017,Estate Agent Jargon Buster...

Orchards strengthens focus in Ilminster
By Orchards Estates on 16th May 2017,Orchards Estates strengthen focus in Ilminster...

This is a Public Service Announcement for South Somerset
By Orchards Estates on 3rd May 2017,Property valuation advice - Public Service Announcement...

How we handle the Three D’s – Death, Divorce & Debt
By Orchards Estates on 22nd Apr 2017,how we handle the Three D's - death debt divorce...

The general election and the local property market
By Orchards Estates on 19th Apr 2017,how will the general election affect the housing market...

Rents Rise 19.6% since 2005! - How is the new tenant Tax going to impact rents?
By Orchards Estates on 13th Apr 2017,how rents have risen since 2005...

YEOVIL RENTS TO RISE QUICKER THAN YEOVIL PROPERTY PRICES IN NEXT 5 YEARS
By Orchards Estates on 6th Apr 2017,Yeovil rents to Rise quicker than house prices in next 5 years...

“The Market Opportunity for Sellers” - March market report
Property Market update for South Somerset...
"FAB"
Five star customer review for Orchards Estates...
Do you know a national Garden Scheme owner?
By Orchards Estates on 23rd Mar 2017,National Garden Scheme Interview...
Team member Jac Thornton running Half Marathon
By Orchards Estates on 23rd Mar 2017,Team member supporting community by running Yeovil half marathon...
Wanted for National Publications
By Orchards Estates on 14th Mar 2017,National Publications Properties Wanted...

Most trusted Agent -supported by Rightmove
By Orchards Estates on 14th Mar 2017,Rightmove rank orchards Estates most trusted agent...

Latest House Price information from across the country
By Orchards Estates on 2nd Mar 2017,Looking at prices across the UK for houses by region...

February Property Market Report
Review of the housing and property market for February 2017...

A little look at Merriott
By Orchards Estates on 26th Feb 2017,Merriott a lovely local village...

Make your little ones part of the big move
By Orchards Estates on 25th Feb 2017,Make your little ones part of the big move - moving home with children and getting a house valuation...

A Royal visit by HRH Prince Charles
By Orchards Estates on 20th Feb 2017,Recent meeting with HRH Prince Charles at Stoke Sub Hamdon...

Excellent service
By Orchards Estates on 15th Feb 2017,Excellent service review and testimonial from client...
Valentines Day
By Orchards Estates on 14th Feb 2017,
Spring London Property Exhibition
By Orchards Estates on 8th Feb 2017,London property Exhibition Spring 2017 entries now being taken...

January 2017 Monthly Market Report
By Orchards Estates on 27th Jan 2017,Monthly property Market report for January 2107...

Top 10 Estate Agents in the Country
By Orchards Estates on 26th Jan 2017,Zoopla rate Orchards Estates top 10 Estate Agent in UK...

REAL ESTATE FIRM OF THE YEAR 2016 - Orchards Estates win another award
By Orchards Estates on 23rd Jan 2017,National Award for top Estate & letting agent....

Would you like a free holiday?
By Orchards Estates on 19th Jan 2017,Free prize draw for holiday with property valuation...

Orchards Heads West - New office covering Exmoor and West Somerset
By Orchards Estates on 12th Jan 2017,Get a property Valuation in West Somerset & Exmoor...

Community Matters
By Orchards Estates on 5th Jan 2017,Community work in south somerset...

Boxing Day Browser
By Orchards Estates on 23rd Dec 2016,property valuation and viewings increase over the xmas period...

December Monthly Property Market Report
By Orchards Estates on 6th Dec 2016,December Property Market Report...

South Petherton
By Orchards Estates on 6th Dec 2016,South Petherton Area Guide...