Spring is traditionally the season when we get rid of the old and start a new page. The sunshine will remind you of the dust gathered on your windows and the garden will beg for some attention and love.

No matter how big or small our homes are, we all need a space to relax and unwind – and a tidy home makes for a more peaceful oasis from the stress of every day life.

We have put together 5 useful tips heard from professional cleaners to help you up your spring cleaning game.

1.     Have a strategy. The worst thing that can happen is you having to clean twice because you’ve put muddy wellies in the shower after cleaning the bathroom spotless. Some people swear by starting with the bedrooms and leaving bathrooms and kitchen last. Whatever you decide, having a game plane makes a difference.

2.     Have a method. Professional cleaners will start cleaning your kitchen in a general clockwise direction. Start with a corner of a room and work your way across it. Select the right tools for each room, use laundry baskets and a caddy for your cleaning products that you can move from room to room, it will save you endless trips.

3.     Use the right tools for the job. Having a set of essential tools and products needs not be expensive. You can make your own homemade basic cleaning products and go back to grandmother’s recipes by using vinegar, baking soda and other cheap household products to kill germs and remove lingering smells.

4.     Make yourself a checklist – and delegate! Spring cleaning for a family home mustn’t be a one man (or woman) job! Make sure all the family gets involved. Once you have a list of things to tackle, delegate small repairs, making a box of toy donations, decluttering an old shelf or just putting laundry in the basket – people of all ages should be allowed a small contribution to the task list.

5.     Don’t forget to have fun! Put some upbeat music on, sing and dance around. A good game can be “Beat the clock” where you put the timer on and try to convince kids to accomplish their task before the timer goes off. The house will sparkle in no time at all and the whole family will feel better for it.

What are your spring cleaning tips? Don’t forget to share your tips with us on Facebook and Twitter.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley. 

Changes to taxation on allowable expenses for rental properties are coming into effect from April 2017, which all landlords should be aware of and be planning ahead for. Allowable expenses for landlords include mortgage interest, repair costs and interest on loans for furnishings.

As mortgage interest is usually the biggest allowable expense for those who own rental property, the gradual introduction of basic rate tax relief on mortgage interest is of most concern, effectively meaning that landlords will be taxed on their turnover and not just their profit going ahead. To protect from potential losses, here are 3 points all landlords need to consider when it comes to the new buy-to-let taxation.

 1.     The numbers

Up until now, landlords have been able to subtract their mortgage interest from total rental income before submitting their final income to the tax office annually, organised by which tax bracket they fall into. Basic rate taxpayers have received 20% tax relief, and those at a higher rate have seen 40% relief, while top-rate taxpayers could claim 45%.

Over the coming years, a decrease in how much mortgage interest you are allowed to offset against your rental income will be gradually introduced, heading towards 2020 when all landlords will have the same tax relief at the basic rate of 20%. These changes will come into effect from April of each year at the start of the new tax year and are applicable to all UK landlords.

In the 2017/18 tax year, tax relief will be split so that you can claim 75% of allowable expenses, and will receive relief at the basic-rate (20%) on the remaining 25%. In 2018/19, this will change to a 50/50 split between the two. In 2019/20 you will only be able to claim 25% of allowable expenses, receiving 75% of expenses at 20%. In 2020/21, the switch will be complete, with the only tax relief being the basic-rate of 20% on your allowable expenses.

These changes will be of most concern to higher earners. Landlords who have been well within the basic rate tax bracket will see no change, but those who are near to the limit of the basic-rate tax band are also likely to end up paying more tax. Landlords on higher incomes will find themselves losing much more in mortgage interest payments.

This calculator from the Rental Landlords Association will help you work out if you’ll be paying extra tax and how your finances might look heading towards 2020.

 2.     The options

Think about reorganising the income you receive from property you let. If you have multiple properties, it might make sense to consider selling some and remortgaging others to reduce the borrowings and fix rates longer where possible. Rearranging your finances, by assigning rental income to a spouse who earns less, can act to exploit their personal tax allowance, which is actually due to rise to £12,500 by 2020. Your estate agent will be able to advise whether an increase in rental charges is reasonable in comparison to the local market, again helping to solidify your income.

Some landlords may consider becoming a limited company since corporation tax is simultaneously being cut to 18%, with interest for limited companies being classed as a business expense and therefore fully deductible against income. This may be a particularly good option if you have multiple properties but there is still some weighing up to do in advance, as you will need to sell your property to any new company created, triggering other costs such as stamp duty and capital gains charges. You also need to consider how you will access your income from the company, whether as a dividend or a salary, a further complicating and potentially costly step.

3. Expert advice is available

As this is a complex area, landlords should seek expert advice before making any lasting decisions. At Caledonia Bureau we are more than happy to sit down to discuss your current position and how we can help you manage any changes ahead, helping to secure your property finances as best as possible. Get in touch with us today or pop in for a chat at one of our local branches to see how we can help.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley. 

Spring is a good time to take stock of the property market at present, in Scotland and the UK as a whole. According to Zoopla, in the last 12 months house prices have increased by 3.79% in Clydebank, by 9.91% in Dumbarton, by 7.71% in Helensburgh and 1.58% in Paisley.

A Sellers’ Market

Now is a particularly good time for property sellers and buyers alike. With mortgage approvals at an all-time high, there are plenty of people searching for the right home. Sellers have a captive audience of buyers with the capital they need already in place, leading to a competitive market.

From first time buyers, investors and people who want to move location or upgrade to bigger properties, our current lists of active, vetted buyers are filled with buyers looking for their next dream home.

Buyer confidence                            

At the end of 2016, it was reported that mortgage lending figures were at their highest since 2008 and 12 % higher than in 2015, with the property market ending 2016 on a positive note. What’s more, an estimated £20.4 billion in home loans was provided in December alone, and we have seen a clear follow through on this well into 2017.

From experience, we have witnessed the current market as being full of keen buyers who already have mortgages in place. With the right guidance it’s a perfect climate for both sellers and buyers to take the next step on their property journey.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley.

The thought of putting your home on the market to show can be a daunting one. Everyone hopes for a quick and easy sale, and for the right price, but there can be a lot to consider in the process. Finding an experienced estate agent in the local area – like Caledonia Bureau is the best place to start. Add in this list of essential show home tips and you’ll be on firmly on track to home sale success!

1.     Impress with curb appeal

Think of the viewing experience as a journey, the first step being when viewers arrive outside your home. We all know that first impressions count and potential buyers will start forming judgements on your property from the outside, setting the tone for the rest of the viewing. Roofing repairs, power washing or painting exterior walls and keep driveways and gardens neat and attractive can make a huge difference. Another good tip is to keep a parking space free for viewers, making their experience of your property as seamless and positive as possible from start to finish.

2.     Think Blank Canvas

Aim to show your home in the best possible light by making sure it gleams and sparkles in all the right places – a deep clean is absolutely essential. Consider all the bits you don’t routinely do such as dusting hard to reach areas, cleaning the cooker and doing your windows. Decluttering is about striking a balance between having your rooms dressed but getting rid of items that are too personal, such as family photos or artwork specific to your own taste. Viewers will want to see available storage space, so don’t pile up your belongings here either!

3.     Small Repairs Go a Long Way

After a thorough clean and declutter you may still feel that some rooms could to with a bit of TLC, such as a new lick of paint or small repairs. These jobs are often inexpensive to carry out but can make the world of difference, so allocating some time and effort here can really pay off.

4.    Appeal to All Senses

You’ve probably lived this before – a certain smell or perfume can evoke strong memories in all of us, so the feelings your home bring up in viewers should be warm and welcoming. The smell of freshly baked bread – or cookies, seem to be rated very highly for most people, but a fresh scent can be achieved with much less fuss – a good airing and a scented candle can do just as well.

5.     Get the lighting and heating right

Experiment with lighting – in the daytime you’ll want as much natural light whereas views in the evening will require strategically placed lamps and cosy lighting. Keep lightbulbs in overhead lights clean and in working order in case viewers want to see rooms fully lit too. Ensure that the temperature is just right, a cold home will create a negative atmosphere but too warm and cosy might be uncomfortable for viewers.

6.     Prepare with a buyer in mind

Thinking about who might be interested to buy your property gives you a head start on presenting it to them in the best way possible. If you can see a professional couple moving in, turn a room into an office space or if it’s a starter home for a new family, the office might be better as a nursery. Aim to target a specific audience without alienating other viewers who don’t fall into that category. We will be there to help out and advise on the right strategy as we have plenty of experience of who is looking for what type of properties in your local area.

 7.     Make a plan for pets

Although your pet is an important part of the family it’s worth remembering that not everyone is used to being around animals. Making arrangements with friends or family to take pets whilst viewings are taking place can be helpful. It will be less stressful for the animals and will just add to that delightful experience we all want viewers to have.

 At Caledonia Bureau, we bring our expertise and sales experience to the table – when we do viewings for you. We will work together to make your home as appealing as possible putting time thought and effort into high quality photos and descriptions.

Thinking of selling your property in the West of Scotland? At Caledonia Bureau we have the local expertise and a track record of selling property within the shortest time possible. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can help.

David Fisher, Senior Valuer at Caledonia Bureau Paisley is a recognised industry figure who started in the property business and has earned his stripes in the Paisley area for nearly 16 years.

About Work:

“Having worked in Paisley for many years and knowing the local market inside out, I moved to Caledonia Bureau after being highly impressed with their approach to both estate agency and letting. From internal systems, marketing materials and an extensive web presence, to office locations and advertising including Radio Clyde, quality is at the heart of what we do and I’m here to ensure your home is exposed to the widest audience both online and through our town centre office and to maximise your value all at a fair and reasonable fee.”

Ainslie Henderson has been in Estate Agency for the last 20 years. Born and bred in the Renfrewshire area, there is rarely a street name or style of property that she is unfamiliar with.

About Work:

“At Caledonia Bureau, every client is a valued customer not just a number. I love to do the very best by all my clients and it’s so rewarding to hear our clients recommend us – word of mouth is the biggest advertisement available in our business.

Record prices are being achieved with property selling quicker than we are able to replenish it. Our ‘Hot Buyers’ are on standby waiting on our calls to confirm newly available property.”

About Switching Off:

“Nothing beats going out for a nice meal (no cooking or dishes!). I also enjoy a 30 minute class at the local gym to energise my thoughts at the end of a busy day selling houses.”

June Mackenzie is ARLA qualified (Association of Residential Lettings Agents) and has 20 years experience within the Lettings Industry where she has witnessed first hand many regulatory changes.

About work:

“Having joined Caledonia Bureau’s Paisley team as Lettings Manager, my role is to oversee the property portfolios for our landlord clients and manage the tenancies for both the Clydebank and Paisley offices. Property investment remains a sound long term investment opportunity and whether you are a first time, single property landlord or you have a full portfolio of properties, you need to have the peace of mind that your property and tenants are being looked after and I’m focused on delivering you the best customer service possible.”

About Switching Off:

“When away from work, I like to cook for my family and friends and when possible, I love the luxury of a spa break”

A small kitchen can be a beautiful thing with a bit of inspiration and our space saving ideas. Whether you’re in a flat, smaller home or just struggling to find the space for prepping dinner and getting the dishes done, rethinking the layout of a small kitchen could make a big difference.

1.     Use wall space

You want to make every inch count without making a small space feel cluttered or claustrophobic. Wall-mounted cabinets are great in any kitchen, and when you are short on space, consider taking cabinets all the way up to the ceiling and storing less-used items at the top, keeping a folding step handy. Wall-mounted pot racks, shelves, hooks and magnetic knife blocks free up room on counters and in cupboards, even making a feature out of your cookware.

2.     Smaller appliances

There will be kitchenware essentials that you can’t go without, such as your cooker, fridge-freezer and dishwasher, but considering a smaller model could help with space-saving. Many top appliance brands now offer ranges in smaller sizes, with many just as powerful and stylish as regular sized appliances.

3.     Be creative with corners

The corners of a room can be cleverly utilised in the most modest of kitchens. A lazy Susan corner cabinet helps keep your items close to hand whilst maximising corner areas and there are more modern, cleverly designed corner drawers that do the same. If you are starting from scratch, ask your kitchen designer to consider installing a sink or your cooker in a corner space. A small corner bench and table can create a cute breakfast nook.

4.     No door

Depending on the floorplan of your home, there may be the option to remove your kitchen door, creating the sense of extra room and more flow with the rest of your living space. If layout and budget allow, consider widening the entrance or even knocking through to the adjacent room, especially if your kitchen backs onto a dining or living room. The open plan feel can be more sociable and prevents the feeling of ‘too many cooks’ in a cramped kitchen.

5.     Practical gadgets

Make every piece of kitchenware earn their keep! When storage space is precious you only want gadgets and appliances that you use frequently, so aim to declutter and keep only the pieces you really need/love. Shop around when buying new kitchenware – there are a variety of collapsible, stackable and multi-purpose kitchen gadgets on the market these days that make excellently efficient space savers.

Paisley’s architectural heritage is amongst the finest in Scotland and so it’s no surprise that this is a key theme of the town’s bid for UK city of Culture 2021. With over 100 listed properties in Paisley – a higher proportion than anywhere else in Scotland except Edinburgh – the town is rich in historical architecture. Medieval, gothic revival, art nouveau, art deco and Victorian industrial examples make for a striking skyline, with many buildings open to the public as popular visitor attractions offering fascinating insights into the history of the town.

Paisley Abbey

Paisley came to prominence as a town with the building of Paisley Abbey in the 12th century. Sitting on the east bank of the White Cart Water, it became one of the most important religious hubs in medieval Scotland. Many of Scotland’s former royal family are buried here and it is also believed that William Wallace was educated here as a boy. Original features include a section of the cloister and a substantial medieval drain, uncovered in the 1990s and containing various artefacts now displayed in the abbey. The abbey features some beautiful stained glass work and an organ designed by renowned French organ builder Aristide Cavaille-Coll. During refurbishment in the 1990s, some of the exterior gargoyles were replaced, one famous for resembling the creature from the 1979 film Alien!

The textile industry and Paisley architecture

The Clark and Coats families built many of Paisley’s fine architectural examples due to the success their companies enjoyed following the industrialisation of the textile industry in the 1800s.

Adjacent to the Abbey, Paisley Town Hall, funded by the Clark family, is another building from the medieval period and built in Renaissance style. Officially opened in 1882, the impressive building became a landmark in the town that is used for events and conferences to this day.

The Coats family funded buildings such as the Observatory, one of just three surviving observatories in Scotland, as well as the town’s central library and museum. The Thomas Coats Memorial Baptiste Church, the largest Baptist church in Europe, is another impressive example of gothic revival architecture. The tower reaching to 240ft above sea level forms an outstanding feature of the Paisley skyline, with 350,000 pieces of coloured marble used for the mosaic floor.

Other buildings relating to the town’s textile industries include the Sma Shot Cottages, a row of fully restored and furnished 18th century weavers cottages now opened as a visitor centre, where the textile industry first began as a cottage industry.

After the invention of the Jaquard Loom, the weaving process became industrialised and various textile factories appeared in the town including Anchor Mills. Closed in 1980s and falling into dereliction, the building has since been renovated and converted, now sitting as a category A-listed building, containing residential flats with an impressive open atrium.

Russell Institute Renovation

Paisley’s iconic Russell Institute, sitting proudly in the town centre, was gifted to the town by Miss Agnes Russell in 1927, who wanted it to be used as a child welfare clinic in memorial to her two brothers. The building is art deco in style, designed and built on vertical lines with bronze framed windows and decorated with copper figures and coats of arms. Coinciding with the lead-up to Paisley’s bid for UK city of culture 2021 the building has been undergoing a £5 million refurbishment project led by Renfrewshire council and is due to open in all its revamped splendour in 2017, being utilised as a skills and employability hub.

Make this historic, architecturally rich town your home by contacting our Paisley office today on 0141 648 0888, paisley@caledoniabureau.co.uk.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, Caledonia Bureau’s aim is to make the process of buying or selling your home as easy and as stress free as possible. Whether you are a first time buyer, moving home or looking for a property to let, Caledonia Bureau will assist you every step of the way. Please contact your local Caledonia Bureau branch to find out how we can assist you.