The big Interview
With economic uncertainty impacting the housing market, Kirstie answers our dilemmas.
Q I’ve heard that house prices are likely to fall. As a homeowner, should I be worried?
A Don’t panic. The UK is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe and there’s a shortage of homes so, although there will be dips that are regional, the drops are very unlikely to be big numbers. For most people who have owned a property for the last 10 years or so, it’s not going to come down in value much more than it’s gone up in those years.
Q Are there any steps I can take to hold on to the value of my home?
A Yes – maintenance, maintenance, maintenance. It’s so important to keep everything up to date. Check the gutters, check the roof lines and make sure that you ventilate, so there’s no risk of mould or other problems caused by too much condensation.
Q Is it possible to improve my home on a budget?
A Absolutely. One of the best – and cheapest – ways to keep your house looking fresh is by keeping it spotlessly clean. Decluttering is key, too, as is making sure you have proper storage. On Love It Or List It, people often say, ‘We want to spend £50,000 doing X, Y and Z,’ and Phil and I reply, ‘Do you know what? You need a couple of new cupboards and that will sort your problem out’ – and it does!
Q My mortgage rate has gone through the roof. Are the next
