Latest News

Details

Published: 16 September 2025

Hits: 650

As the days grow shorter, the leaves turn golden and the nights draw in, autumn is one of the most atmospheric times of the year. It’s also when we naturally spend more time indoors, so now is the perfect opportunity to create a cosy, welcoming haven at home.

At Acres Estate Agents here in Sutton Coldfield, we see first-hand how the right touches can make a home more comfortable and also more appealing to prospective buyers. With energy efficiency and cost savings in mind, there are plenty of ways to keep your home snug without breaking the bank. Below we’ve gathered some of our favourite ideas – from simple décor tweaks to more practical upgrades – to help you transform your space this season.

Rugs – Simple Yet Impactful

Rugs remain a timeless favourite for adding warmth and personality. Whether your home features hard flooring or carpet, a rug can instantly bring softness underfoot and a sense of comfort. A boldly patterned or textured rug can act as a piece of “floor art,” creating a striking focal point.

Layering rugs – think a smaller patterned rug over a larger neutral base – creates a luxurious, deep-pile effect. It’s also a great way to zone open-plan spaces or add definition to a seating area. With thousands of styles, colours and price points available, there’s a rug for every room and budget.

Extra tip from Acres: If you’re planning to sell, a well-placed rug can make a room look bigger, warmer and more inviting in photographs and during viewings.

Add Warmth and Character With Lighting

As daylight fades, lighting becomes more than just functional – it shapes how a room feels. Instead of relying on a single ceiling light, create a “layered” lighting scheme with floor lamps, table lamps and wall lights. This lets you adjust the ambience to suit your mood, whether it’s bright and energising for working or soft and golden for relaxing evenings.

Warm-toned LED bulbs are energy-efficient yet give a cosy glow. Dimmers are another simple but effective upgrade, enabling you to control brightness and atmosphere at the touch of a switch.

Extra tip from Acres: Highlighting artwork, architectural features or even a fireplace with subtle spot lighting can add depth and sophistication – perfect for making your home memorable to visitors or viewers.

Comforting Colours, Textures and Scents

Colour and texture can completely change the feel of a room. Autumn is the perfect time to introduce richer shades – think deep rust, warm ochre, forest green or burgundy – through cushions, throws and accessories. If you prefer neutrals, layer textures instead: chunky knits, soft velvets and tactile weaves all add warmth and interest.

Throws are wonderfully versatile, doubling as a cosy cover on cold evenings and an attractive accessory during the day. You can also refresh your home affordably by swapping cushion covers, updating lampshades or adding a seasonal centrepiece to your dining table.

And don’t underestimate scent: diffusers, scented candles or simmering citrus-and-spice on the hob can create a welcoming autumnal aroma.

Cosy Curtains and Clever Draught-Proofing

Curtains are more than decoration – they’re a frontline defence against heat loss. Thermal-lined curtains or blinds can cut heat escaping through windows by up to 25%. Door curtains are another traditional yet effective way to stop draughts in their tracks, especially in porches, hallways or conservatories.

You can also upgrade simple touches like draught excluders, door seals and even keyhole covers to retain more warmth. Combined, these small changes can make a noticeable difference to your comfort and your heating bill.

Extra tip from Acres: Buyers are increasingly asking about energy efficiency. Simple upgrades like thermal curtains and draught-proofing can be attractive selling points and a conversation starter during viewings.

Smart Heating and Energy-Saving Tips

It’s not just décor that makes a home feel snug. A modern, programmable thermostat or smart heating system can save money and keep rooms at exactly the right temperature. Heating only the rooms you use regularly and lowering the temperature slightly in unused areas can add up to significant savings.

Bleeding radiators, adding reflective panels behind them and checking insulation in your loft are all quick wins to improve efficiency.

Create a Sleepy Sanctuary

Cooler weather is the perfect excuse to refresh your bedroom. Switching to a higher-tog duvet and flannelette sheets helps maintain the ideal temperature for sleep. Layering with blankets and throws gives you flexibility on nights when the temperature fluctuates.

Consider upgrading pillows or adding a mattress topper for extra comfort. Blackout or thermal curtains can also keep bedrooms warmer and darker for a deeper sleep.

Create Inviting Social Spaces

As we move indoors for autumn, our living and dining areas often become the heart of the home. Rearranging furniture to create a more intimate seating layout, adding a statement centrepiece or hanging a new piece of artwork can breathe fresh life into familiar spaces. If you have a fireplace, dressing the mantel with seasonal decorations or lighting the first fire of the year can create an instant focal point.

Don’t Forget the Outside

Your home’s exterior sets the tone before anyone even steps inside. A swept driveway, a few potted evergreens by the front door and warm outdoor lighting make for a welcoming approach – something prospective buyers always notice. Clear gutters, check roof tiles and seal any gaps now to prevent leaks or draughts later in winter.

Bringing It All Together

With a few thoughtful touches, you can make your home feel warmer, more stylish and more energy-smart this autumn. From rugs and lighting to curtains, bedding and energy efficiency, these changes don’t just enhance your comfort – they can also add real appeal if you’re thinking of selling.

At Acres Estate Agents we’re always happy to chat about ways to make your home stand out in today’s market. Whether you’re looking to sell, buy or simply get some inspiration, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team in Sutton Coldfield.

Want more tips and advice? We love being able to help! Acres Estate Agents are your local, family owned and run property experts for the Sutton Coldfield and Great Barr areas. Call your local office on the numbers below or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how we can help you.

Want to check how much your home is worth? You can get an Instant Valuation here.  

If you would like to discuss selling your home, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks                              0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield                    0121 321 2101

Walmley                                 0121 313 2888

Great Barr                              0121 358 6222

Lettings                                  0121 312 4997

Mortgages                             0121 387 1616

Thank you for reading this article, and your interest in Acres and our property for sale. 

Nigel & Jayne  Deekes – Acres Partners

Details

Published: 14 September 2025

Hits: 1639

If you're looking for some pointers for selling your home during the autumn you’ve come to the right place.  We’ve compiled some tips that can help your property stand out in the market during the autumn. 

Setting the stage for a potential house buyer is crucial in making the right impressions. Remember, you’re not just selling a house, you’re selling a dream or a lifestyle.

Here at Acres Estate Agents we often see autumn as the time when more serious buyers get in touch. These are the ones who will want to see properties to actually move to – they won’t be the tyre-kickers Spring can often bring, just having a nose round to see if a move would be on the cards if they see “ a perfect home “, with no real intention to buy.

Organise early viewings

It can be more of a challenge for your house to stand out in the dark and as the days get shorter, evening viewings don’t always set the best first impression. Homes generally look more appealing during the daytime. 

It might be difficult to organise daytime viewings during the week as people are at work, so it’s a good idea to make time during the weekends to try and accommodate more potential buyers viewing. 

Ensure your house is well-lit

It can be challenging for natural lighting to brighten up your home during the autumn, to combat the issue, it can be worth investing in some nice lighting. For rooms with large windows, be sure to open all the blinds and curtains as nothing beats natural light. However, for rooms that don’t have the luxury of larger windows, be sure to ensure they are well-lit through other means.

Clean the outdoors of fallen leaves

If you’ve got trees and hedges around the garden, you’ll be aware of how much of a mess fallen leaves cause during the autumn. External house maintenance is always important, but even more so whilst you are trying to sell your property. 

Make use of the heating

As the days get shorter, the temperature starts to drop. The last thing you want during a house viewing is for your guests to feel uncomfortable due to being cold, so you’ll want to keep your house a cosy, a nice temperature can go a long way in creating a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. 

Log burners / real or effect coal fire

Always as an appealing feature, have these lit to make a property feel like a home, and help your buyer imagine a cosy night in, within the heart of your home.

Stand out

If your property goes on the market in the Autumn, it’s more likely to get noticed, compared to the traditional Spring influx of properties to the market. This is particularly true when you see how our exceptional photography will show off your home to its best advantage.

We think it’s best to stand out from the crowd, and Autumn is the ideal time to do that.

Final thoughts

Whilst it can seem impossible to time the sale of your property to perfection, Autumn is a great selling time with buyers thinking of a new home for Christmas and of course, those ever-important school applications being submitted.

If you are looking to sell your property, then Autumn could well be the perfect time for you to sell up and move on.

Yes, Spring is often seen as the best time to sell, but we at Acres also find that autumn proves to be a Buoyant time in the Property Market.

What steps can you make to maximise the appeal?

The obvious one is the presentation of your property. Make sure your garden and the outside of your house deliver maximum curb appeal. It’s surprising what you don’t need so a quick dump run to get rid of the clutter always helps free up space. Ensure you do your research and price your home competitively. Most importantly, choose a good local agent who understands the area. Here at Acres, your local independent estate agents, being a market leader in the North Birmingham area we accordingly have an exceptional knowledge of the locality. This means understanding transport links, local schools, and amenities so that we can quickly show the right buyers the right properties. Make October the month you finally make the move you have always wanted to.

If you were thinking of writing Autumn off, stop. Think about it. Autumn could absolutely be the season for you to show your house off to a potential buyer.   If you would like to discuss selling your home, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks                              0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield                  0121 321 2101

Walmley                                 0121 313 2888

Great Barr                             0121 358 6222

Thank you for reading and your interest in Acres and our property for sale. 

Nigel & Jayne  Deekes – Acres Partners

Details

Published: 19 August 2025

Hits: 22822

Modern Method of Auction explained

As the ‘modern method of auction’, also known as conditional auctions, becomes a more common way of selling property, we look at what sellers and buyers need to beware of.

What is the Modern Method of Auction  ( MMoA )  ?

The Modern Method of Auction is a type of property auction you can use to sell or buy a house. Buying and selling with online property auctions offers some advantages on both sides.

Sellers benefit from online property auctions because a substantial reservation fee must be paid upfront by the purchaser so there’s far less chance of them pulling out than with the traditional no sale no fee route.

Added peace of mind

For buyers it gives added peace of mind as once you’ve agreed a sale and paid the Reservation Fee, the property is exclusively reserved for you. Unlike Private Treaty where you're often left worrying the seller might change their mind or accept another offer.

It gives buyers the chance to purchase a property quickly and with no chain. But there are some potential pitfalls for buyers and sellers to consider. Read on for more.

Details

Published: 18 August 2025

Hits: 1434

Over the past 12 months, interest rates have played a pivotal role in shaping the UK property market. Following an unprecedented period of rapid increases throughout 2022 and early 2023, the Bank of England has since adopted a more cautious and stabilising approach in response to changing inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. As we move through the second half of 2025, both homeowners and investors are keenly watching for any signals about the direction of monetary policy and what it might mean for the housing sector.

Where Are Interest Rates Now?

As of July 2025, the Bank of England base rate sits at 4.25%, unchanged since early spring. After peaking at 5.25% in late 2023, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) began gradually trimming the rate as inflation showed signs of slowing. The steady decline in headline inflation—down from 10.1% in March 2023 to around 3.2% today—has reduced the urgency for aggressive tightening, allowing the Bank to begin cautiously easing the pressure.

Although rates remain historically high compared to the ultra-low levels seen in the 2010s, stability in recent months has brought a level of predictability back to the housing and mortgage markets.

The Last 12 Months: Cooling and Adjustment

The sharp rise in interest rates from late 2022 into mid-2023 had an immediate and dramatic effect on the housing market. Mortgage affordability was stretched, borrowing costs surged, and buyer sentiment cooled. Lenders responded by tightening affordability checks, while buyers recalibrated their budgets. As a result, house price growth slowed significantly and, in some regions, declined modestly.

In areas such as Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield and parts of North Birmingham generally, where property values and average mortgages are higher, the impact was particularly noticeable. Many would-be buyers adopted a “wait and see” approach, while some existing homeowners faced difficult remortgage scenarios as fixed-rate deals expired and monthly repayments increased.

However, by early 2024, the market began to show signs of recalibration. Sellers became more realistic on pricing, demand stabilised, and mortgage lenders introduced more competitive products, particularly for five-year fixes. While transaction volumes remained below the five-year average, the sense of panic that characterised late 2022 had dissipated.

The Current Mood in the Market

Now, midway through 2025, confidence is returning—albeit cautiously. Buyers and sellers are becoming more accustomed to a “new normal” in mortgage rates, with many lenders now offering five-year fixed deals in the 4.5–4.75% range, and some dipping below 4% for those with larger deposits.

Mortgage Rates:

These vary depending on factors like loan-to-value ratio, term, and whether the rate is fixed or variable. For example, a 2-year fixed rate mortgage with a 75% LTV is around 4.34%, while a 5-year fixed rate with the same LTV is about 4.38%

This period of relative rate stability has encouraged both first-time buyers and existing homeowners to re-engage with the market. Here at Acres this Spring and early Summer we have seen increased viewing numbers and sales, with lenders are seeing improved levels of mortgage approvals compared to this time last year. While the market remains harder there is renewed movement and signs of recovery.

The Next 12 Months: What Lies Ahead?

The key question now is: where do rates go from here?

Market analysts are broadly expecting further, gradual base rate reductions over the next 12 months—provided inflation continues to decline and wage growth remains contained. Some forecasts suggest the base rate could fall to 4.0% or even 3.75% by mid-2026, depending on economic performance and global trends.

Such a move would be welcomed by borrowers and could help to stimulate more activity in the housing market, particularly among first-time buyers. However, policymakers remain cautious. The Bank of England has been clear that any loosening of monetary policy will be measured, to avoid reigniting inflationary pressures or creating instability in the financial system.

Additionally, geopolitical factors—including wages increases, global trade disruptions, and energy markets—may yet play a role in shaping economic policy and, by extension, interest rates.

Implications for the Property Market

If rates begin to fall incrementally in 2026, the property market is likely to respond positively. We could see a modest rise in house prices, particularly in more affordable regions where affordability metrics are more favourable. Increased mortgage availability and improved sentiment could bring more stock to the market, improving supply-demand balance.

That said, we’re unlikely to return to the heady price growth of the early pandemic years. What we can expect is a more sustainable, steady market—driven by real demand, realistic pricing, and better-aligned borrowing costs.

Final Thoughts

Interest rates remain a vital factor in the health of the property market. After 18 months of volatility, the outlook is becoming clearer, though challenges remain. For buyers, sellers, and investors alike, the next 12 months offer an opportunity to engage with a market that is stabilising, supported by more predictable economic conditions and a cautious but constructive monetary policy environment.

Staying informed—and seeking advice from trusted mortgage and property professionals—will be essential as we move into what appears to be a calmer, more balanced phase for housing.

Want more tips and advice? We love being able to help! Acres Estate Agents are your local, family owned and run property experts for the Sutton Coldfield and Great Barr areas. Call your local office on the numbers below or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how we can help you.

Want to check how much your home is worth? You can get an Instant Valuation here.  

If you would like to discuss selling your home, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks                              0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield                    0121 321 2101

Walmley                                 0121 313 2888

Great Barr                              0121 358 6222

Lettings                                  0121 312 4997

Mortgages                             0121 387 1616

Thank you for reading this article, and your interest in Acres and our property for sale. 

Nigel & Jayne  Deekes – Acres Partners