
How to Prepare for Tenant Turnover
By Orchards Estates on 14th May 2023,Being ready for tenant turnover is one of the most important components of maintaining a rental property as a landlord. Landlords must react quickly to...

The best thing landlords can do
By Orchards Estates on 9th Apr 2023,The rising cost of living is squeezing everyone’s budgets, which means it is more important than ever for landlords to do everything they can to try to...

How to pack and move home like a pro
By Orchards Estates on 2nd Apr 2023,Moving home is one of the most stressful things you can do, and packing to move is the cause of a large proportion of that stress. But there are things you...

Do I need an EPC?
By Orchards Estates on 26th Mar 2023,Everyone who is advertising their residential property for rent in the UK is required by law to commission an EPC. In Scotland, it is required that the EPC...

How can you help your tenants with the cost of living crisis?
By Orchards Estates on 19th Mar 2023,The rising cost of living has affected everyone. It is always in a landlord’s interest to help their tenants, wherever possible, be happy and content in...

Spring cleaning tips for a sparkling home
By Orchards Estates on 12th Mar 2023,Spring is in the air and many of us will be considering doing a spot of Spring cleaning to get our homes ready for Summer. A deep clean can help us to...

Are you considering renting out your property in Martock, Crewkerne, Stoke sub H
By Orchards Estates on 5th Mar 2023,Do you have a property in Martock, Crewkerne, Stoke sub Hamdon, South Petherton and Yeovil that you would like to rent out? Renting out a property is a...

The first things to do when you are moving home
By Orchards Estates on 26th Feb 2023,Moving home is one of the most exciting and stressful things you will do so it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the things that you need to do....

The top ten features people want in a home in 2023
By Orchards Estates on 5th Feb 2023,These are the top 10 things that homebuyers are prioritising in their property searches in 2023. Open plan living The versatility offered by open-plan...

Pension vs Property
By Orchards Estates on 29th Jan 2023,Rising mortgage rates, increasing regulatory pressure to improve the EPC ratings of their rental properties and the prospect of paying increasing amounts...

How to make the most of your outdoor spaces in the Winter
By Orchards Estates on 15th Jan 2023,Even in Winter you can make the most of your rental property's outdoor space and getting on top of small jobs now means that it will be ready for you to...

Will 2023 be a good year for landlords?
By Orchards Estates on 2nd Jan 2023,Rents for new lets rose steadily throughout 2022 with Zoopla revealing that there had been a 12.3% year-on-year rise for new lets in October. It was not...

Tips to save on heating bills
By Orchards Estates on 26th Dec 2022,With energy bills soaring, we are all looking for ways to stay warm without breaking the bank. Here are 10 tips for keeping those heating bills down while...

Why you should use a lettings agency to manage your Martock, Crewkerne, Stoke su
By Orchards Estates on 18th Dec 2022,Managing your own rental property in Martock, Crewkerne, Stoke sub Hamdon, South Petherton and Yeovil is certainly possible but there are many advantages...

How to update your rental property on a budget
By Orchards Estates on 11th Dec 2022,Do you want to give your property a makeover but are worried about the cost? Try these budget-friendly ideas to help make your property more desirable to...

Five rental property maintenance jobs you should do now
By Orchards Estates on 4th Dec 2022,Your rental property is one of the biggest financial commitments that you will ever make so it makes sense to make sure that you are doing everything you...

Simple storage solutions to banish clutter
So you’ve tried selling off your unused items, have taken everything that doesn’t spark joy to the charity shop and yet you are still struggling to...

How to choose the right letting agent for you
By Orchards Estates on 20th Nov 2022,Choosing a letting agent to manage your property can seem like a difficult task. There are so many available and of course, they all say that they are the...

Tips to help keep your pet calm on Bonfire Night
By Orchards Estates on 30th Oct 2022,One of the highlights of ours work is getting to meet all of our clients' furry friends. Our pets give us unconditional love and companionship so naturally...

Are qualifications or experience more important when choosing a letting agent?
By Orchards Estates on 16th Oct 2022,Studies have shown that most people have already chosen the letting agency they are going to use to let their property before the agent even sets foot in...

The pros and cons of being a buy-to-let landlord
By Orchards Estates on 9th Oct 2022,Buy-to-let property is often seen as an attractive way of accumulating wealth or as an alternative option to a pension. However, while purchasing...

How do I add value to my home?
By Orchards Estates on 10th Apr 2022,How can I add value to my home? Even the most talented estate agent can’t predict the value of your home in 5 or 10 years’ time. Without adding to the...

Preparing for Photos and Video
By Orchards Estates on 6th Mar 2022,Q. I totally understand that professional photos walkthrough videos are important for selling my house, but do you recommend I do anything...

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...

October 2021 South Somerset Property Market Report
By Orchards Estates on 11th Nov 2021,Properties in South Somerset had an overall average price of £313,587 over the last year. The majority of sales in South Somerset during the last year...

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....

Choose a legal Eagle not a turkey
By Orchards Estates on 9th Aug 2021,Choose a legal Eagle not a Turkey At Orchards Estates we know when you’ve made up your mind to sell your property it’s a time to make the right...

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...

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...

6 easy and affordable ways to decorate your patio
By Orchards Estates on 30th Apr 2021,We all need a little oasis of calm. We can feel that it’s not something that’s financially achievable. With these six tips, you can create your own...

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....

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...

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...

Story-telling and its value to your home
By Orchards Estates on 29th Oct 2018,"The history of the home can make a significant difference to the right buyer. They are being a significant piece of history and they often appreciate...

Another happy customer!
By Orchards Estates on 18th Oct 2018,Well done to Charlotte for making another happy customer!...

Best Martock Estate Agent
By Orchards Estates on 17th Oct 2018,Other agents are having to shut up shop as they can't sell homes. Not Orchards!...

Live Work Invest South Somerset: Martock Gallery, Martock
By Orchards Estates on 16th Oct 2018,We popped along to Martock Gallery to find out what they think makes...

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 ...

How To Be A Landlord
As a landlord instructing a lettings agent, your biggest expectation should be peace of mind that your property is being properly managed. You want your...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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?...

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...

Ask the experts - How do I deal with Bats living in the loft?
By Orchards Estates on 23rd Jun 2018,Q. We have seen a house we really like, but apparently there is a family of bats living in the loft! How do we deal with that?...

How to attract premium prices for your Buy To Let Properties
By Orchards Estates on 15th Jun 2018,how can you ensure you are attracting the highest quality tenants who are prepared to pay a premium price? Here are five simple ways that don’t break...

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....

Proposed increase on amount of tax paid on limited company BTL dividends
If you have a buy-to-let property business in a limited company, the Office for Tax Simplification (OTS) is proposing some big changes that could increase...
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...

LiveWorkInvest South Somerset
By Orchards Estates on 25th May 2018,Live work invest: spotlight on Martock. Sara from The Flower Loft tells Elle what it is for her that makes Martock...

How to get a premium price for your buy to let
By Orchards Estates on 25th May 2018,The tenants looking for these specific requirements are willing on average to pay a premium to have the right things for their lifestyle. It also means...

60 second home selling tips: Introduction
By Orchards Estates on 24th May 2018,How to get your property ready for selling so you achieve the highest possible price with the minimum amount of hassle....

Private landlords being fined up to £30,000
By Orchards Estates on 15th May 2018,
BHAM Runners 10k Trail
By Orchards Estates on 19th Apr 2018,Another great community event that we have been involved in and supported, ...

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...

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....

November saw an 11% increase in Buy To Let sales
By Orchards Estates on 30th Dec 2017,Buy-to-let sales are on the rise, what does this mean for Somerset landlords?...

October property market report - South Somerset
By Orchards Estates on 20th Oct 2017,There is a very different vibe to the property market from last month...

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...

Another Successful Open Home
By Orchards Estates on 14th Oct 2017,Another great open home in the Villages today, this time in Stoford...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 2 - Choosing an Estate Agent - Hidden Costs
By Orchards Estates on 28th Aug 2017,Insiders Guide Part 2 - Choosing an Estate Agent - Hidden Costs...

Insiders Guide Part 1 - how to choose and estate agent - Top Tips
By Orchards Estates on 23rd Aug 2017,how to chose the right estate agent...
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...

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...

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

A picture paints a thousand words
By Orchards Estates on 25th Mar 2017,Why professional property photos are essential...

Top 100 Estate agents - Orchards Ranked 11th
By Orchards Estates on 23rd Mar 2017,orchards top estate agent in the uk...
Do you know a national Garden Scheme owner?
By Orchards Estates on 23rd Mar 2017,National Garden Scheme Interview...

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

With 7,173 people in Private Rented Properties in Yeovil
By Orchards Estates on 2nd Mar 2017,investing in property in Yeovil buy to let...

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...

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...
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...

Martock
By Orchards Estates on 3rd Dec 2016,Martock Area Guide...

Crewkerne
By Orchards Estates on 2nd Dec 2016,Crewkerne Area Guide...