In the wake of the Grenfell Tower Fire, it became clear that a number of blocks of flats across the UK had been built with flammable cladding attached. The horrific outcome of the fire sparked an effort to make sure that properties across the country were safe to live in. 

Unfortunately, the cladding crisis now impacts thousands of people across the UK - particularly owners of high rise flats - regardless of whether the building has unsafe cladding or not. 

In this article we'll look at what cladding is, what makes it dangerous, and how it might impact your home sale. 

### What is cladding?

'Cladding' is simply one material placed on top of another, creating a layer. 

In construction it has a more specific meaning. Cladding is a 'non-structural' layer, usually used to provide extra insulation or weather resistance, but it can also just be decorative. It might be the final outside layer, or it may be included as an intermediate layer. 

It can be made out of a whole range of materials, but is most commonly: metal, timber, or tile.

### Is all cladding dangerous?

No. There are many types that pose no risk to the residents. In fact some forms of cladding are added for extra protection. For example, to prevent fires from spreading too quickly, or to increase protection against harsh weather conditions. 

Some forms of cladding however, are incredibly flammable. These types of cladding *do* pose a serious risk to the property's residents. A few types that are of particular concern because of their fire risk include: 

* **ACM (Aluminium Composite Material)**

ACM is made up of two sheets of aluminium on either side of a core of another lightweight material such as, polyethylene or polyurethane. This type of cladding is most commonly used to protect buildings from rain, and was the kind used on Grenfell Tower. 

This type of cladding is considered particularly unsafe because the lightweight core can be made of highly flammable materials. This core then accelerates the spread of fire, and causes the large aluminium panels to melt and fall off the building. 

* **HPL (High Pressure Laminate)** 

HPL is made by layering sheets of paper or wood fibre with resin. These are then bonded together with heat and pressure. 

* **MCM (Metal Composite Material)**

MCM is made in a very similar way to ACM, but uses different types of metal, such as: zinc, stainless steel, or copper. 

There is also some concern over the use of timber on buildings and balconies. 

### How will cladding issues affect my flat sale?

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, [new regulations](https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/08/homeowners-face-sales-falling-through-and-zero-valuations-due-to-fire-safety-test-delays/) have been brought in which require fire safety checks on buildings with cladding.  These fire safety checks have to be conducted by a specialist surveyor. 

The process is quite complicated. It requires an expert to investigate not only the exterior of the property, but also how the cladding layers are attached to the framework of the building. Many of the blocks affected haven't got detailed records of the materials that were used in construction, and so a sample has to be taken and tested before it can be approved by the surveyor. 

Until these checks have taken place, many mortgage lenders and insurance providers will automatically assume that your property is 'unsafe' or a fire risk - whether this is true or not. 

There have been cases where banks have automatically valued flats in blocks with cladding at £0, until they've been tested and proved safe.  This makes it incredibly difficult for buyers who need a mortgage to purchase their flat. 

If a potential buyer can't borrow money against your flat until the entire block has been certified as safe, you may have to wait a long time until you can sell. Until your building is assessed it's likely you'll be limited to offers from cash buyers, who don't need a loan to progress with the purchase. 

The best way to ensure this isn't a problem is to get evidence from your management company about what material was used to clad the block. One way of doing this is to show buyers and mortgage lenders an EWS1 certificate.

[Read more about selling a leasehold flat here.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/is-it-hard-to-sell-leasehold) 

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### What is EWS?

EWS stands for 'External Wall System'. The external wall system includes all of the things that make up the outside wall of a building, such as: the insulation, the cladding, and the fire break systems.

### What is an EWS1 certificate?

An EWS1 certificate is the outcome of an [EWS1 survey](https://www.rics.org/globalassets/rics-website/ews1-external-wall-fire-review-final-2.pdf). 

This survey is a way for building owners to confirm that the external wall systems have been assessed for safety by a qualified expert. The resulting EWS1 certificate will confirm whether or not the cladding on the building is safe. If it's found to be dangerous, the surveyor will provide a list of recommendations for the freeholder, who will then be responsible for sorting it out. 

The EWS1 survey includes a fire safety assessment, and the form is valid for the entire building for 5 years. This means that once the survey has been completed the results can be used by *any* flat owner in the block to prove the safety of their flat to insurers, mortgage lenders, and potential buyers. 

**Important:** Be wary of fraudulent EWS1 certificates. Given the complex nature of the investigations, these forms can only be completed and signed off by a specifically qualified chartered surveyor. If you're unsure, check out the list of qualified EWS1 surveyors on the [Royal Institutes of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) website](https://www.ricsfirms.com/residential/maintenance/fire-safety/).

### Do I need an EWS1 certificate?

If your building is taller than 18 metres (about six storeys), and has cladding, it's likely that you'll need an EWS1 form before you're able to sell or remortgage your home. 

Some buildings below 18 metres will also need an EWS1 certificate, if they're considered to be 'of concern'.

Most properties shorter than three storeys won't need one except in particular circumstances. For example, a care home, where fire safety considerations are different to a standard occupation residential property.

### Getting an EWS1

It's the building owner's responsibility to arrange the EWS1 process - not the leaseholders. However, you can push to get the process started. It's within your rights to be made aware of how the process is going and how it might impact you. 

The best way to get started is to join together with other residents and contact your management company or freeholder as a group, in writing. 

* Firstly, ask for confirmation of what materials were used on your building, and for information on when it was established that unsafe cladding used.

* If the freeholder or management company is unable to provide these answers, request that they arrange for a qualified chartered surveyor to test the building for unsafe or combustible cladding.

If your building owner doesn't comply with their legal obligations and begin the EWS1 process, you should contact your local council, and the fire and rescue service. 

Unfortunately, given the limited number of people qualified to undertake these assessments, there is a significant waiting list, with many taller and more 'at risk' blocks being given priority. 

### Can't sell your flat because of cladding issues?

If you're one of the many flat owners impacted by cladding issues and are still waiting for the EWS1 form, you may find it difficult to sell your property, even if it's actually safe to live in. 

There are a few options that you could consider: 

* **Cash buyer**

Unlike buyers who need a mortgage, cash buyers don't need a survey or EWS1 form to allow them to purchase a property. 

Some cash buyers are taking advantage of the situation to invest in flats for less than their true value. And, while you may have to accept a lower than desirable sale price, a cash buyer could be your best option if your really need to sell your flat soon. For example, if you can no longer afford to pay the flat's service charge. 

Talk to your estate agent about the best way to attract these types of investment buyers. A good estate agent with the correct experience may have direct contacts with interested buyers, or know what sort of marketing strategies are most effective. 

If you need a rapid sale, you might also consider alternative methods of selling, such as a professional cash property buying company. If you choose this route, make sure to thoroughly research any company you might work with. The industry is not regulated in the same way as the mainstream property market, so it's vulnerable to a number of scams. 

[For more information on cash property buyers, read this article](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/sell-house-cash-buyer). 

[Or if you're ready to find a trustworthy estate agent, head here.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor)

* **Renting out**

If you're unable to sell, but need to move, you could consider renting your flat out. Receiving income from rent should hopefully cover, or contribute to the costs of your mortgage and service fees, so that you can afford to buy elsewhere. 

You'll have to check the conditions of your lease first to see whether renting out is an option for you. If it is, you'll also need to request permission from your mortgage provider to switch to a 'buy-to-let' mortgage product, and change your insurance to landlord cover. 

**Remember:** there are a large number of costs that come with renting a property out, and you're not always guaranteed to have tenants living there. Weigh up these costs with the benefits of moving, before you decide whether it's the right option for you. 

aerial view of group of high rise blocks of flats in front of a setting sun 

selling-flat-cladding

The cladding crisis now impacts thousands of people across the UK. In this article we look at what cladding actually is, what makes it dangerous. We'll also look at how it might impact home sale. 

Selling a flat with cladding: What you need to know

Selling a flat with cladding issues

***[Michelle Ogundehin:](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/interiors/home/pandemic-affecting-way-decorate-homes/) ‘The miracle of interior design is that you can make big changes with very basic ingredients; just a few test pots of paint, or some paste-the-wall wallpaper.’***

Each year new interior design trends come and go, but few years have the impact on home decor than 2020. We’ve witnessed wholesale changes in the way we use our homes, and what we expect from them. Rather than somewhere we come to at the end of a long day at work, our houses are now: our office, and our sanctuary, our schools, and our restaurants all in one. 

This inevitably has caused a shift in how many people are decorating and furnishing their homes. There’s been a transition towards warm, cozy decor, multi-functional design, and durable materials. 

In 2021 you’ll see less minimalism and pale colour than last year. Embrace earthy greens, jewel tones, pattern, texture, and a focus on nature. 

### How coronavirus has changed home decor trends

The dramatic events of 2020, have encouraged a reevaluation of what people actually want and need from their homes - including how they decorate them. 

The coronavirus pandemic has reshaped how we interact with our living space. With more time at home, we increasingly need multi-functional, durable, and comfortable spaces. There’s a renewed focus on homes that work for the people living there, and on making the most of outdoor spaces as extra living space. 

These are the top home design changes you’ll see this year:

* **Home Offices**

Previously most people’s home offices (if they even had one) were simply places to finish off ad hoc bits of work, or a place to work on side hustles. But now, home offices are the default workplace. 

2021 will see people placing greater emphasis on creating workable, comfortable, and nice spaces to work. This includes bringing in proper lighting - important for your eyes and your zoom calls - and making sure you’ve got the right type of chair. It’s likely too, that some people will decide an office with a door is more important than a spare bedroom. 

The importance of a good home office to those looking to buy a new home has already started to show. In early January, property portal [Rightmove](https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/most-popular-property-features-working-from-home) reported a 326% increase in the adverts using the terms ‘office’ and ‘workspace’. It's clear that over the next year home offices are going to remain an key feature - particularly for sellers. 

* **Multi-functional Spaces**

With more people working and attending school from home the importance of multi-functional spaces is increasing. 

We expect to see an increase in multi-purpose storage and furniture solutions - particularly for small spaces. Think pull-down desks, easy-to-move mod furniture, innovative toy storage, and durable fabrics - like linen - that can be washed easily and regularly. 

* **Comfort**

‘Comfort’ is a word that’s becoming increasingly important in interior design circles. Or as [Martyn Lawrence Bullard](https://www.vogue.com/article/interior-design-trends-to-know-in-2021) describes: ‘Comfort, practicality, and making your home your sanctuary on every level’. 

Many of us may now be working and learning at home, but we’re also spending more time there too. Having a comfortable and relaxing space is just as important in 2021 as having a functional, durable one. 

This means that bedrooms and living rooms will take on greater importance when it comes to home design. Expect to see lots of calm, natural colour palettes, and earthy tones, as well as lots of soft, warm, textural accents in the form of throws, pillows, and rugs. 

*  **Gardens**

Gardens have always been a priority for many people, but they’ve gained even more importance for many as a result of the coronavirus lockdowns. Outdoor space has offered a place to exercise, escape, and entertain. Gardens are no longer simply a nice attachment to a home, they are a whole extra living space. 

Homes with gardens showed [particularly strong price growth](https://www.ft.com/content/e0d2af0f-0b0e-4a4f-9fbd-d50ce8bd41a3) in the second half of 2020 and it’s unlikely that this trend will end anytime soon.

And, for those who don’t have outdoor space, houseplants and indoor trees have offered a way to bring nature closer. The boom in house plant sales demonstrates how popular this trend is and continues to be into the new year. Incorporate plants into your home design for a super easy aesthetic and wellbeing boost.

### Home decor trends for 2021 that will add value to your home

If you’re looking to sell your home in the near future, you may decide you don't want to make lots of large interior design changes. However, there are a couple of home decor trends that you can easily take advantage of. These trends are all great ways to add value to your home this year.

* **Pantone Colours of the Year 2021**

Each year colour and trend experts Pantone peg the colours that they believe will define the coming year. This year the Pantone Colours of the Year are ‘Ultimate Gray’ and ‘Illuminating Yellow’.

Incorporating these colours into your home design will make your home look modern, and in style - and doing so takes very little effort. Adding coloured cushions is a great way to integrate pops of illuminating yellow into a room. Or, you may decide to go with something a bit more daring, like: painting your kitchen cabinets or living room walls ultimate gray. 

* **Home Office**

If you have a dedicated home office space in your house, make it a focal point. Consider 'staging' the room for your listing photographs so the purpose of the room is immediately clear.  

For more information on [how to 'stage' a home for sale, check out this guide](https://www.getagent.co.uk/guide/preparing/adding-value). 

* **Gardens** 

[Gardens are an evergreen asset](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/diy/does-garden-increase-property-value) for homesellers, and even more so in the current climate. If your property is lucky enough to come with outdoor space - whatever its size - consider the ways you can make it look like a natural extension of the living space. 

If it’s large enough, add some durable garden furniture and some lighting. This will demonstrate how the garden can be used for relaxing, entertaining, or even working. 

If you have a small space or balcony, lighting and plants can be used to show off the space as somewhere you might come to relax and enjoy nature. 

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### Trends to avoid in 2021 

If you’re looking to keep ahead of the curve - or you’re hoping to attract interest in your home from sellers - it’s important to bear in mind the trends from the past year that are beginning to fall out of fashion. 

* **Open plan living spaces**

Open plan living spaces used to be a favourite of interior designers and homeowners alike. Large open rooms looked modern and were useful for those who liked to entertain. Now, the appeal of open plan living rooms is seeing a dramatic decline - particularly in family homes, where parents and children might be working and studying at the same, and the appeal of a closed door is especially great. 

* **Super modern finishes** 

When we were spending most of our time at work, coming back to a beautifully modern home felt luxurious. Now, very modern, luxe finishes are being replaced with a return to warmer, nostalgic, and more relaxing styles. 

Colloquially this is called ‘cottage core’, or ‘grandmillenial’ style. You’ll find a lot of the harshness of the design from the past few years replaced by texture, pastels, vintage pieces, and prints. 

* **Minimalism**  

Similarly, it looks like the heyday of minimalism is coming to an end. Homes are expected to be more livable, and durable in 2021. Lots of pale colours, and hiding away the paraphernalia of living is just not as practical this year as it was previously. 

### Is wallpaper making a comeback?

Wallpaper is definitely making itself known as a key trend to watch for 2021. And, it’s not hard to see why. Wallpaper is one of the simplest ways to transform a room, and there are many affordable and low-effort application versions available. 

Bright colours and maximalist patterns are at the forefront of the trend, and are set to grace our instagram feeds, imaginations, and homes for at least the next year. This interior design trend is all about bringing joy and positivity into our spaces. 

However, if you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, be careful with what patterns you choose. Bright or heavily patterned wallpapers are a matter of personal preference, and could be offputting for some buyers. 

But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get involved with this trend. If you’re keen on trying a bright, bold, statement, opt for deep jewel tones like emerald green, or a full, warm purple. Or, if you prefer a lighter space, earthy hues like olive greens, burnt orange, or blush pinks are all incredibly stylish options. 

If you want to try something patterned, take inspiration from the great outdoors. Wallpaper prints with plants, leaves, and trees are a more classic take on the pattern trend, and play into this season’s focus on bringing nature into the home. 

For more interior design inspiration, check out the [DIY section of our blog, here.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/diy/)  

magazines and laptop on woven rug on living room floor, furnished with wooden sideboard and rattan chair, grey walls, and a range of photo print posters 

home-trends-2021

We’ve witnessed wholesale changes in the way we use our homes, and what we expect from them. In 2021 you’ll see less minimalism and pale colour than last year.

Home trends 2021

The 2021 home trends that’ll help you sell your home

Shondaland’s latest show, *Bridgerton* - a beautiful and indulgent period drama - has taken the UK by storm. And it’s not just Julia Quinn’s detailed and witty characters that have enchanted the nation, it’s the incredible settings too.

*Bridgerton* was filmed in 15 locations, including: Ranger’s House in Greenwich, RAF Halton, Hatfield House, Wilton House, Badminton House, Holburne Museum of Art, Castle Howard, and North Mymms Park.

You might recognise some of the homes as the backdrops of other iconic period films such as *Rebecca*, and *The Favourite* (Hatfield House), *Pride and Prejudice* (Wilton House), and *The Crown* (Somerley House).

These grand filming locations were carefully transformed to provide the perfect Regency-era settings. But, it wasn’t as simple as just copying early 19th Century interior styling. The production team aimed to create a ‘heightened reimagining of the period.’

Will Hughes-Jones, the production designer said: ‘It was all about creating a clean, fresh, colourful world modern audiences could relate to.’

The result is a sumptuous, modern, blend of luxurious fabrics, bright colours, and clever styling - with lots of pleasing hidden details.

Inspired, and ready to take on a new 2021 decor challenge, we took a look at how we could introduce some Bridgerton beauty into our own homes…

### Colour Palette

If there’s one, very clear, interior design lesson to be learned from the set of *Bridgerton*, it’s: don’t be afraid of colour.

The sumptuous interiors of these grand houses manage to balance rich, bright hues, whilst also maintaining the sophistication we might traditionally associate with Regency-era design. But, how can you replicate it?

First pick your principal colour, and work from there.

You’ll notice that each of the homes on *Bridgerton* are designed around one or two colours. Variation is then brought in through the use of different shades of this colour.

For the Bridgerton family, the theme is blue and cream. Then in each room you’ll see layering of different shades of blues and creams, from powder blue, to deeper tones, and whites to creamy champagnes. Although bright and colourful, all the decor remains carefully restrained within the parameters of these colours.

Production designer Will Hughes-Jones said: ‘The Bridgerton house for me is like being inside a piece of Wedgwood ceramic. It’s that beautiful, beautiful soft blue and lots of creams.’

You can achieve the same result with different colours too. For example variations on reds and pinks - or for a more modern take: blacks and greys.

The important thing to remember is that if you’re bold with your colours, you’ll need to tone down other elements of the room. Architectural historian, [Oliver Gerrish](https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/regency-period-homes), notes: ‘Later Georgian interiors, otherwise known as Regency, can be daring and colourful or simple and light…. This approach works well today with Art Deco pieces and well-proportioned, plain furniture.’

### Repeated motifs

Colour isn’t the only thing that makes the homes in *Bridgerton* so enchanting. Each of the rooms and places has been carefully designed to take into consideration the unique characteristics of the families and individuals using them.

For example: just as the families each have a colour scheme, they also have their own motifs. These are scattered throughout their homes - and occasionally on their clothing too.

The Featherington family motif is the [butterfly](https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/bridgerton-is-a-bright-twist-on-regency-style), and if you look closely you’ll start to see butterflies popping up all over their home - including around 600 metal butterflies, carefully interwoven into their bannisters. These repeated motifs bring a sense of individuality and cohesion to the design of the house.

Think about integrating a motif or other decorative elements that reflect your personality throughout your home. Not only will this add a subtle nod to your personal style, it’ll also give a sense of continuity throughout your home.

**Top Tip:** for that extra dose of Regency style, consider a motif inspired by nature.

### Gardens

It’s hard not to be just as blown away by the exterior of the grand homes in *Bridgerton* as their interiors. From the wisteria draped doorway of the Bridgerton residence, to the arches of Lady Danbury’s house, to the landscaped gardens of the Duke of Hasting’s London home, we were enthralled.

Not only did the gardens play an important role in the hosting of lavish balls, shots of the fronts of the houses demonstrated the importance of paying attention to the front of your property too.

In fact one of the filming locations - No. 1 Royal Crescent, in Bath - was used *solely* for the Featherington family home’s front door.

This is an important lesson. The exterior of your home is both your chance to make a stand out first impression, and a place you can use as an additional living space. 

Nowadays, most people - particularly those living in modern London - don’t have access to the sort of grand grounds that would allow you to host a ball. But, that doesn’t mean your outdoor space is worth ignoring. In fact, having a well-kept garden can [increase the value of your property by up to 20%](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/diy/does-garden-increase-property-value)

Trailing plants like wisteria or ivy, will happily grow along and up walls in most areas of the UK, and don’t need much space to get started. [Wisteria](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular/wisteria/growing-guide) (the purple plant you’ll see adorning the Bridgerton family home) is best planted in autumn or spring. Ivy is less fussy and can be planted at any time of the year.

If you have enough outdoor space for some furniture or plants, think about how you could make the space more inviting for entertaining. Consider tables and chairs for leisurely evenings. Lighting, from lamps or fairy lights, can also make the space more practical for regular use.

[Get more tips for decorating a small outdoor space here.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/diy/curb-appeal-small-balcony)

**Did you know:** The wisteria on the Bridgerton family home was added just for the show, in order to increase the ‘enchanting appearance’ of the property. It actually had to be carefully planted and taken apart *three* times.

### Details

If you’re not ready to make any big changes to the design of your home - can still get your *Bridgerton* interiors-fix by introducing some small Regency-style elements to your current decor.

For example:

* Brass door or cabinet handles

* Marble (or faux marble) table tops

* Wooden furniture with ‘sabre’ or ‘reeded’ legs

* Caned furniture

The key when selecting or editing furniture is finding a balance between the details, and elegance. According to [houzz](https://www.houzz.com/magazine/regency-style-shows-interiors-a-grand-time-stsetivw-vs~5614209), ‘Regency furniture is elegant, often made of woods like mahogany and rosewood. Veneers were popular, often with decorative inlays and ornamental details in brass.’ But, too much intricacy, can look too fussy and ruin the overall look.


Entrance to grand English country home with topiary bushes and fountain 

bridgerton-interior-design-2021

It’s not just Julia Quinn’s witty characters that have enchanted the nation, it’s the incredible settings too. Ready to take on a new 2021 decor challenge, we look at how to introduce some Bridgerton beauty into our own homes…  

Bridgerton style interior design tips

Inspired, and ready to take on a new 2021 decor challenge, we took a look at how we could introduce some Bridgerton beauty into our own homes…
 

Interior design tips: Bridgerton style decor

We're full to the brim of festive cheer here at GetAgent, and we've got the carols on full blast. 

One of our favourites has to be 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', so in true GetAgent fashion we analysed the property prices on all the roads in the UK that matched the gifts given in the song. It turns out the final gift: 'drummers drumming' is indeed the most valuable. 

![twelve-days-christmas](//images.ctfassets.net/us6n8ous4bz0/3t5wnHP2XPEESrOHhqAyPs/f8bf88ebf2f3cffdd17bca132ab24975/12_DAYS_XMAS_IMAGE.jpg)


pile of Christmas presents wrapped in red and white wrapping paper and tied with bows

christmas-gift-house-prices

We analysed the property prices on all the roads in the UK that matched the gifts given in the famous carol: 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'

Christmas Carol Property Prices

The Twelve Roads of Christmas

As a tech-driven company, we're pretty keen on video games here at GetAgent. Over the holiday period we're excited to have the chance to settle down with our nostalgic favourites, as well as explore new worlds on the latest consoles. 

But, how much would it cost to live with our favourite video game characters? 

We had a go at valuing some iconic character's homes using current market house prices. This is what we found:

### Link 
**(The Legend of Zelda) - £48,350**

While Zelda was a game-changer for, well gaming, its main character Link has the most modest property in the list.  At around 1,000 square feet, GetAgent values Link’s remote Hyrule cabin at just £48,350. 

### Solid Snake 
**(Metal Gear Solid) - £64,940**

The former Green Beret may be highly skilled in stealth and espionage but like Link, his modest and remote log cabin would command just shy of £67k in current market conditions. 

### Sonic 
**(Sonic the Hedgehog) - £134,855**

The most famous of all hedgehogs has been battling evil for almost 30 years now and his tropical hillside house surrounded by green space would currently be worth a smidgen under £135k. 

### Mario 
**(Super Mario Bros) - £172,896**

Mario may be one of the most iconic video game characters of all time, but he hasn’t let the fame go to his head with his home in the Mushroom Kingdom currently valued at a modest £172,896.

### Ryu 
**(Street Fighter) - £514,003**

The main protagonist in the Street Fighter series, GetAgent estimates his 1,920 square foot, Toyama home is worth just over half a million in current market conditions. 

### Nathan Drake 
**(Uncharted) - £728,160**

While he might spend the majority of his time exploring and hunting for treasure, Nathan Drake’s suburban home in New Orleans is fairly boring in contrast. However, the 2,000 square foot property would command a respectable £728,160 in today’s market. 

### Donkey Kong 
**£2.136m**

Villain turned good guy, Donkey Kong is now reaping the benefits of a career spanning nearly 40 years. His private island estate is currently valued upwards of £2m.

### Ezio Auditore 
**(Assassin's Creed) - £8.446m**

It’s hard to believe that Assasins Creed was first released 13 years ago and while some of the more recent titles have attracted criticism from die-hard fans, it remains a modern-day classic for many. Ezio features in three of the games when it was arguably at its best and the Florentine nobleman has also done pretty well in the property market. His 20,000 square foot Italian Renaissance residence is valued at £8.446m today.

### Lara Croft 
**(Tomb Raider)  - £20.543m**

Lara Croft places top of the video game property market pile and as one of the most iconic characters of all time, she fully deserves to be there. She may have inherited Croft Manor under less than desirable circumstances, but today the 75,000 square foot property is worth in excess of £20m!

![video-game-house-prices](//images.ctfassets.net/us6n8ous4bz0/3yFnLLNTl9IrvDNjqZ3e3b/ebace6d00e8dc7eda4e057df014583f3/GetAgent_Graphic-01.jpg)


couple sat on sofa playing on video game console

how-much-donkey-kong-house-cost.jpg

Video Game House Prices

How much would it cost to live with our favourite video game characters? We had a go at valuing some iconic character's homes using current market house prices.

How much does Donkey Kong's pad cost?

People choose to get into property investing for a number of reasons: to create a nest egg for the future, for a source of passive income, or for the direct profit gained from doing up and selling a run down house. 

In many cases property investment is a long term strategy. But, in times of uncertainty - and rapidly rising house prices - some investors choose to take a more reactive approach. 

In this article we look at what conditions in 2020 might encourage investors to sell up, and the important things to consider before taking the leap. 

### What is an investment property?

An investment property is a house or flat that you’ve bought with the intention of making money. For example, both buy-to-let and house flipping would count as forms of investment in property. 

### Should I sell my investment property now?

2020 has been an exciting time in the property market. House prices have hit [record highs](https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/property-news/house-price-index-october/), interest rates have hit record lows, and a temporary Stamp Duty Tax holiday has encouraged large numbers of buyers to come to the market. 

These might seem like pretty tempting conditions for selling an investment property. But, before you decide whether to sell up, there are a few things to consider first: 

**What’s more important: passive income, or a one-off profit?**

This will depend upon the original reason you purchased the property. Consider what’s more important to you, passive rental income, or the profit of selling the property at a higher price than you bought it for. 

If you’re looking for the best possible profit, now might be a good time to sell - particularly if you’ve owned the property for some time. House prices are soaring, and there are a huge number of buyers active in the market across the UK. 

On the other hand, if passive rental income is more important, you might benefit from holding onto the property. Demand for rental property can go up and down. For example, [demand for rentals](https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/sep/20/private-rents-plunge-covid-19-decimates-lettings-market-workplace-space-gardens) is much lower in central London than usual. However, in most cases taking a long term approach will mean you can ‘ride out’ any losses with gains further down the line. Holding onto the property will ensure the potential for rental income in the future. 

**Local developments and trends** 

It’s incredibly hard to predict exactly what will happen with house prices, particularly in times of such uncertainty. But, with some research, we can make some educated predictions. 

For example, if you know there is going to be a large scale housing development completed near your property in the near future, it’s likely that this will decrease the value of your home, because you’ll have to compete directly against a large number of new build properties. You may wish to sell before these properties are completed - or to commit to a long term strategy. 

On the other hand, a large infrastructure development such as a new underground line, or tram service, can hugely increase the value of your property. You may wish to wait until the development is finished before selling, so that you get the best possible price for your house. 

**What have you spent on the property?** 

It’s common to have to undertake work on an investment property. This could be because you purchased the house as a renovation project, or simply to repair natural wear and tear from tenants. 

Take the time to work out how much you’ve spent on home improvements, on top of how much it originally cost to purchase the property. This will give you a more accurate sense of how much you need to sell the property for in order to make a reasonable profit. 

**How much will it cost to sell?** 

Selling a property can be expensive. For starters there are estate agents and legal fees to take into account. On top of this, if you choose to sell the property untenanted, you may be forgoing rental income for a number of months. And, if you make a profit over the threshold, you’ll likely have to pay Capital Gains Tax.

If you’re thinking about selling, consider whether you’re likely to make enough money to cover these costs (as well as the amount you’ve put into renovations). 

**Personal circumstances**

Perhaps the most important thing to take into consideration are your personal circumstances. 

There’s no point holding onto a property in the hope that it will eventually become profitable if doing so will leave you without adequate financial security. In this case, you may wish to sell in order to release some equity that could later be invested when your position is more stable. 

On the other hand, if you do have some financial flexibility, you might decide a long term approach is the better option for you. 

If you’re unsure about the best option for your particular circumstances, make sure to talk to an independent financial advisor. They will be able to provide advice tailored to your specific goals and needs.

### Frequently asked questions about selling an investment property

**Can I sell my investment property with tenants?**

Yes, you can sell a house or flat either with or without tenants. 

If you decide to sell your property with tenants ‘in situ’, you will boost your appeal to other investors, who will be enticed by the prospect of being able to earn money from day 1. You will also get paid rent right up until the date of completion. 

The main downside to selling with tenants is that you narrow your pool of potential buyers to just those looking for a buy-to-let property. 

On the other hand, if you decide to sell the house or flat without tenants you will appeal to a much larger number of buyers. However, you will lose out on the rental income for the period of time the property is on the market. 

Read more about selling a property with tenants in situ, [here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-a-rented-house). 

**Will I have to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT)?**

Capital gains tax is due on any ‘gain’ (profit) over £12,300 (2020/21) made on the sale of assets like: investment properties or stocks and shares. If you’ve passed this threshold in a single tax year, you will be eligible to pay CGT. 

If you’re a basic rate tax payer, this will amount to 18% on any gain made over the £12,000 threshold. If you’re a higher rate tax payer, the tax increases to 28%. 

Married or civil partnership couples are allowed to combine their Capital Gains Tax allowance, meaning they could be eligible for a ‘gain’ of £24,600 tax free in the 2020-2021 tax year. 

For more information about capital gains tax, check out our blog. [Head there now](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/how-capital-gains-tax-works-property). 

### Tips for selling an investment property now

**Get the right team in place**

The most effective way to get the best outcome from a property sale is to make sure you have the best team on side. This is even more vital if you don’t live locally to your property. 

A good estate agent will know a neighbourhood - and the buyers looking there - inside out. Not only will this help you get your property in front of the right types of buyers, it will give your sale an edge. An estate agent that knows the area well, is more likely to provide an accurate valuation, and be able to sell the benefits to those interested. Look out for agents with significant experience in the area, and a clear track record of success. 

Similarly the right solicitor can make a huge difference. Solicitors are the driving force of the sales process; they need to be communicative, and efficient. Look out for solicitors who are known for their speed, and accuracy. If you’re selling a leasehold, or a mixed-use property, consider a conveyancer with specific experience in these areas. 

Unsure where to start? This estate agent comparison tool looks at the performance of agents all over the UK, and creates a list of the best agents in your property’s neighbourhood. [Try it for free now](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor). 

**Stage the property for the intended tenants**

Unlike a standard residential property sale, those looking round the property aren’t the people looking to live there. Instead, they will be considering the appeal of the property for renting out. 

Play up to this. Furnish your property in a style suited to the ideal tenant. For example, if your property usually attracts students, consider including a desk and a large fridge. 

Potential landlords should be able to easily imagine their target tenant as they walk around. This will help assure them that the property will make them money. 

For more tips on preparing a property for sale, check out our handy guide, [here](https://www.getagent.co.uk/guide/preparing/adding-value).

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We look at what conditions in 2020 might encourage people to sell their investment properties now, and the important things to consider before taking the leap.

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