PR Lettings & Management

In Flanders' fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders' fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high,
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders' Fields.

by John McCrae

Landlords who spend time and money now making their properties more energy efficient will not only benefit in the short term by attracting tenants' due to lower energy bills but will also benefit if they come to sell their properties as well.

This is due to the fact that Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings will soon be considered when valuing homes.

The government’s aim to achieve “net zero” by 2050 means that it is keen for as many homes as possible to achieve an EPC band C rating by 2035.

As upgrading a property’s energy rating can cost thousands of pounds, it is likely that this will soon be reflected in the price of homes with an EPC rating of D or lower.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is currently looking into the role of EPCs in valuations, with the aim of soon providing specific guidance to valuers as to how to incorporate EPCs into house valuations.

A recent survey has revealed that properties that have been upgraded from an F or a G rating in their EPC have benefited from an increase in sale price of on average 19.6% on top of local house sale price growth.

If you would like to know more about how your property’s EPC rating may affect the rental value of your property, please give us a call on 01772 284606 or send an email to [email protected].

Rental properties endure daily wear and tear, from scuffed walls to dirty floors. But there are ways to safeguard your property against life's little mishaps. Here are our top tips for spill, pet, and child-proofing your rental property.

Paint
Choose paint that is wipeable and resistant to scuffs.

The higher the sheen of paint, the tougher the finish tends to be, although manufacturers are increasing the number of shades available in a resilient matt finish.

A limewash finish is great for high-traffic areas. The natural lines are great for masking scuffs.

Kitchens
Solid wood cupboards are often the most cost-effective option, tend to be better quality, and therefore will last longer than the alternatives.

To continue reading: https://prlettings.com/blog

🎇 Guy Fawkes wasn’t the orchestrator of the plot

The Gunpowder Plot was actually masterminded by Robert Catesby. Guy Fawkes’ role was only to light the fuse to detonate the gunpowder.

🎇Unlucky number 13

Twelve of the plotters were members of the gentry. The thirteenth was Catesby’s servant, Thomas Bates. He stumbled across the plot which meant the number of plotters increased to unlucky number thirteen.

🎇It was a plot to kill King James I and Prince Henry

Angered by a treaty with Spain that thwarted their hopes that Catholic Spain would invade England and restore Catholicism, the plotters planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament (while the King & his heir were inside) to launch a Catholic uprising.

🎇A letter led to Fawkes’ discovery

A letter sent to Lord Monteagle suggesting those who attended Parliament ‘shall receive a terrible blow’ led to the King ordering Parliament be searched. Fawkes was discovered on the 4th November 1605 and the gunpowder was found the following day.

🎇Bonfire night is a celebration

In 1606, it became mandatory for English churches to have a service on the 5th November. Soon bonfires, puppet shows and artillery salutes were added. It wasn’t until the 1800s that burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes became the norm.

There are lots of Bonfire Night celebrations going on this weekend in Preston, Leyland, Chorley or surrounding areas.

Whether you are planning on going out to watch the fireworks or are going to stay inside cosy and warm, we hope you have a great weekend!