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Property chains, where multiple transactions depend on each other for completion, represent one of property markets' most challenging aspects. Understanding which chain elements remain within your control and which lie beyond your influence helps you focus efforts effectively whilst maintaining realistic expectations about potential complications.
What you can control: Your own transaction speed
Respond promptly to all solicitor requests, buyer enquiries, and documentation requirements. Quick responses prevent your transaction becoming the chain's bottleneck whilst demonstrating commitment encouraging others to maintain similar urgency.
Instruct solicitors immediately upon accepting offers rather than delaying several weeks. Early instruction allows legal processes to begin whilst other chain participants arrange their affairs, creating parallel progress rather than sequential delays.
Gather required documentation proactively including title deeds, building regulation certificates, planning permissions for alterations, and guarantees for works completed. Having these ready prevents searches delays when solicitors request them.
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Review your current tenancies
Spring is a good time to take stock of your portfolio. With the move towards periodic tenancies, it is important to understand where each property sits. Check tenancy start dates, rent levels and any upcoming changes so you can plan ahead and avoid being caught off guard.
Pets and property suitability
Under the new rules, tenants can request a pet and you must consider this reasonably. Take time to review each property. Is it suitable for a pet? Are there lease restrictions or insurance conditions to consider? Setting clear expectations from the outset will help protect your property while remaining compliant.
Rent reviews and market alignment
Regular rent reviews are key to ensuring your property keeps pace with the market. Rents can only be increased once every 12 months, using the correct notice, and must reflect current market conditions. Reviewing comparable properties in your area will help you make informed decisions and avoid falling behind.
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Despite year round property market activity, spring consistently emerges as the peak period when moving decisions accelerate and transaction volumes surge. Understanding the psychological, practical, and seasonal factors driving this pattern helps sellers time listings strategically whilst capitalising on heightened buyer activity and favourable market conditions.
New year resolutions translate into action
January brings reflection and goal setting around life changes including housing improvements. Whilst resolution enthusiasm peaks in January, practical action typically occurs during February and March once initial planning converts into concrete steps. Buyers spend January researching areas, understanding affordability, and arranging finances. By spring, preparation completes and they are ready to view properties and make offers. This transition from planning to action creates spring's activity surge.
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Your current tenancies will continue
If you already have tenants in place, they will remain in situ. There is no need to issue new agreements straight away. However, all existing assured shorthold tenancies will transition into periodic (rolling) tenancies under the new legislation, meaning fixed terms will no longer operate in the same way. This gives tenants more flexibility, while changing how you manage the tenancy long term.
The end of Section 21
One of the biggest changes is the removal of Section 21. Going forward, you will only be able to regain possession using the updated Section 8 grounds. These grounds have been revised, with stricter rules and longer notice periods in some cases. It is important to ensure all compliance is in place before serving notice, as this will be key to gaining possession when required.
Notice periods and tenant flexibility
Tenants will have the ability to give notice more freely, typically with two months’ notice in line with their rent date. This means you may see more movement within your portfolio, and planning ahead for potential voids will become increasingly important.
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March marks the start of the busy spring market, buyer numbers increase and more people are actively searching, which can mean more sales are agreed. If you are thinking of moving, this is the moment to prepare your home properly so it stands out from the competition. At Richard Kendall Estate Agent, careful preparation and the right marketing strategy help ensure your property launches strongly and attracts the right buyers from day one.
Accurate valuations
Start with a professional market appraisal from a trusted local expert. Our team at Richard Kendall Estate Agent offers free, no obligation market appraisals carried out by experienced valuers who understand the local market across Wakefield, Normanton, Pontefract, Ossett, Horbury and Castleford.
A detailed valuation should include comparable local sales, current buyer demand, market trends in your area and features that influence your property's value. This approach gives you a realistic and strategic asking price. Pricing correctly from the beginning often results in stronger interest and faster sales.
