Category: Blog

Posted on

What to Look Out For When Buying a Home

Buying a home is a big step, but it doesn’t need to feel complicated. The key is to focus on the basics and feel comfortable in the space.

Inside the Property

As you walk through, notice how the rooms feel. Look for any obvious damp patches, unusual smells, or cracks. These don’t automatically mean trouble; they simply help you understand the home better.

Heating and Water

Check the age of the boiler and try the taps to see the water pressure. These small checks give you a sense of comfort and future running costs without needing any technical knowledge.

Location

Think about what life would be like day to day. Consider travel routes, nearby shops, parking, and general noise levels. A good location can make a huge difference to how much you enjoy living there.

Running Costs

Take note of the EPC rating, council tax band, and type of heating. These details help you understand what the home might cost to run each month.

Ask Simple Questions

It’s always worth asking if there have been any recent repairs, if there are any known issues, and what’s included in the sale. Clear answers help you feel confident moving forward.

Get a Survey

A survey is a normal part of buying a home and gives you peace of mind. It’s there to inform you, not to scare you.

Trust Your Gut

Practical checks matter, but so does instinct. If the home feels right and fits your lifestyle, that’s a strong sign you’re on the right track.

Posted on

Dealing With Common Pest Problems in Your Home

Pests can appear in any home, no matter how clean or well‑maintained it is. Seasonal changes, nearby building works and tiny gaps in walls or floors can all invite unwanted visitors. The good news is that most minor pest issues can be managed quickly with a few simple steps.

This guide covers the most common pests you might come across in a property and the practical things you can do to prevent and reduce them.

1. Mice & Rats

Rodents are most common in colder months when they look for warmth and food.

Signs:

  • Small droppings
  • Scratching noises
  • Chewed packaging
  • Gnaw marks on woodwork

What you can do:

  • Store food in sealed containers
  • Clean up crumbs and spills promptly
  • Keep bin lids closed and empty bins regularly
  • Move furniture slightly away from walls

2. Ants

Ants usually appear in warmer months and often follow a scent trail to a food source.

Signs:

  • Lines of ants moving in and out of the property
  • Small piles of soil near cracks or entry points

What you can do:

  • Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove scent trails
  • Keep sugary foods sealed
  • Sweep up crumbs and mop floors regularly

3. Wasps

Wasps are most active in summer and early autumn.

Signs:

  • Increased wasp activity around one area
  • A visible nest in eaves, sheds or rooflines

What you can do:

  • Keep windows closed if wasps are gathering outside
  • Avoid leaving sweet drinks or food uncovered
  • Do not disturb any nest – wasps can become aggressive

Important: If you spot a nest, avoid the area and take steps to keep windows and doors closed nearby.

4. Fleas

Fleas become more active in warmer months and are sometimes linked to pets.

Signs:

  • Small bites around ankles
  • Tiny dark specks in carpets
  • Pets scratching more than usual

What you can do:

  • Vacuum carpets thoroughly and empty the hoover outside
  • Wash bedding at a high temperature
  • Treat pets with vet‑approved flea products

5. Fruit Flies & Cluster Flies

These are common in kitchens and older homes.

Signs:

  • Small flies around windows, sinks or bins
  • Increased activity in warm or damp areas

What you can do:

  • Keep food covered
  • Rinse recycling before putting it in bins
  • Pour boiling water down kitchen drains

6. Spiders

Spiders often enter homes in autumn when temperatures drop.

What you can do:

  • Keep rooms clutter-free
  • Vacuum corners and behind furniture

Preventing Pests Year‑Round

A few simple habits make a big difference:

  • Keep food sealed and surfaces clean
  • Empty bins regularly
  • Avoid leaving pet food out overnight
  • Ventilate rooms to reduce damp
  • Keep gardens tidy and free from rubbish
  • Avoid leaving cardboard boxes on floors (rodents love them)

Pest problems are common and usually easy to manage with quick, practical steps. Staying on top of cleanliness and ventilation helps keep your home comfortable and pest-free throughout the year. If you notice any gaps around windows, doors or skirting boards, report them to your landlord or property manager as soon as possible so they can be checked and repaired if necessary.

Posted on

NG24 Market Update – May 2026

The Newark property market has continued to perform in a steady, healthy and predictable way throughout May, with activity levels remaining consistent across most price points. While the top end of the market is still moving a little slower, the first‑time buyer and mid‑market sectors are showing strong momentum.

Headline Figures for May

  • Average asking price: £254,437
  • Average sale price: £216,416
  • Year‑on‑year price change: -0.4%, indicating a stable market with no major swings
  • Properties listed in the last 6 months: 748
  • Properties sold in the last 6 months: 463
  • Current homes on the market: 439
  • Average monthly sales: 70
  • Market turnover: 16% – a sign of a buoyant, active market

These figures show a market that is functioning reliably, with buyers still motivated and well‑priced homes continuing to attract strong interest.

What’s Selling in Newark Right Now

Family homes remain the backbone of the local market:

  • 78% of available homes are semi‑detached or detached
  • Average price per sq ft: £236 – keeping Newark one of the most affordable and good‑value areas in the region

This affordability continues to draw both local movers and out‑of‑area buyers looking for more space without stretching their budget.

Pricing & Buyer Behaviour

There have been 310 price reductions over the last six months, which reflects sellers adjusting to realistic market conditions. The positive news is that:

  • Homes priced sensibly from day one are attracting serious buyers
  • Sales are progressing with confidence and stability
  • Demand remains consistent, especially in the first‑time buyer and family‑home brackets

The message is clear: realistic pricing = real results.

Thinking of Selling?

If you’re considering selling or would like an up-to-date valuation of your home, our team at Buttercross Estates is here to help. We’re always happy to offer friendly, honest advice based on real market data – not guesswork. 👉 Request a valuation here

Posted on

Case Study: A Smooth, Swift Sale on Phoenix Lane, Fernwood

Some properties just find their buyer instantly – and Phoenix Lane was one of those standout success stories.

From instruction to completion, the entire journey took just 35 days, making it one of the fastest, smoothest transactions we’ve handled this year.

Matching the Right Buyer Before Going Live

Because we actively track feedback from every viewing, we already had a buyer in mind whose requirements aligned perfectly with Phoenix Lane. Before the property even reached the online portals, we arranged a private viewing – giving our seller a head start and giving the buyer first access to a home that ticked every box.

Sold After Just One Viewing

That early match paid off. The home sold after a single viewing, proving just how powerful targeted buyer matching can be.

Offer Accepted the Same Day

The connection was instant. The buyer submitted a strong offer the very same day, and the seller accepted. No delays, no uncertainty – just a clean, confident agreement from both sides. The final figure achieved was 98.03% of the asking price, reflecting both strong demand and realistic pricing.

A Rapid Completion

Once solicitors were instructed, the momentum continued. The sale progressed quickly and smoothly, with all parties working efficiently toward completion. It’s exactly how a transaction should feel: clear communication, minimal stress, and a shared goal.

A Win for Everyone

  • The seller achieved a fast, secure sale
  • The buyer secured their ideal home before it hit the wider market
  • The process from instruction to completion was impressively swift
  • Total days from instruction to completion: 35 days

Thinking of Selling? Book Your Valuation

If you’re considering a move, we’d love to help you understand what your home could achieve in today’s market.

You can request a free, no-obligation valuation using our online form, and a member of our team will get in touch to arrange a date and time that works for you. 👉 Request a valuation here

Posted on

Newark Dining Network

Together with our friends at Nicholsons Chartered Accountants, we host the Newark Dining Network. Our next relaxed, food‑focused meetup takes place at Thai Sabai in the heart of Newark‑on‑Trent. These events are all about bringing local people together, supporting independent venues, and enjoying great food in a friendly, easy-going setting. If you enjoy trying new dishes or meeting new faces, this July gathering is a great one to join.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 8th July 2026

Time: 6 pm – 8 pm

Location: Thai Sabai, 49 Stodman Street, Newark‑on‑Trent, NG24 1AN

Refund Policy: Refunds available up to 7 days before the event

Book your place here

Menu for the Evening

  • Mixed Starter
  • Chicken Green Curry
  • Beef Mussaman Curry
  • Kai Sam Lot Crispy Chicken
  • Stir‑Fried Pork & Vegetables
  • Chicken Pad Thai
  • Steamed & Egg Fried Rice

Upcoming Newark Dining Network Dates

  • Wednesday 14 October 2026
  • Wednesday 13 January 2027
  • Wednesday 14 April 2027
  • Wednesday 14 July 2027

Sign Up for Updates

If you’d like reminders, early access, or updates about future Newark Dining Network events, fill out the contact form below.

    Posted on

    Where to Walk in Newark: Scenic Routes to Explore

    If there’s one thing Newark does brilliantly, it’s a scenic walk. Whether you’re after riverside views, a bit of history, or a peaceful escape from the week’s chaos, Newark and the surrounding villages offer some of the most charming routes in Nottinghamshire. Here are the best walks for anyone looking to stretch their legs, clear their head, and enjoy the area.

    1. The Riverside Walk (Newark to Farndon Loop)

    A classic Newark favourite, this gentle 3-4 mile route follows the River Trent from the castle, past the marina, and out towards Farndon. It’s flat, accessible, and ideal for families, dog walkers, or anyone wanting a relaxed stroll. Expect wide-open views, plenty of benches, and those peaceful “I can’t believe this is five minutes from town” moments. Many locals grab a coffee from town to take along, and if you’re feeling indulgent, Farndon’s pubs make a perfect halfway stop before looping back.

    2. Newark Castle to Devon Park

    If you’re after something short but scenic, this 1-2 mile wander is perfect. Starting near the castle, you can follow the riverside path, cross over the bridge, and continue along the water into Devon Park. It’s a favourite for families thanks to the open space and calm views, and it’s just as good for anyone wanting a gentle, easy walk. Bring a blanket and a book – Devon Park is made for lazy weekend afternoons.

    3. Sconce & Devon Park Civil War Trail

    This 2-3 mile route blends nature with Newark’s rich Civil War history. The Queen’s Sconce – one of the best‑preserved Civil War earthworks in the country – sits at the heart of the walk, surrounded by open fields, woodland pockets, and wide paths that are great for kids and dogs. It’s a lovely mix of heritage and greenery, and the on‑site café is a cosy reward for a post‑walk hot chocolate.

    4. Beacon Hill Nature Reserve

    A short walk from town, Beacon Hill is a favourite for dog walkers and nature lovers. Its woodland trails and open meadows make for a varied 2-4 mile wander, and the shaded paths are perfect on warmer days. Despite being close to Newark, it feels surprisingly wild, with plenty of quiet spots to stop, breathe, and enjoy the view.

    5. Winthorpe Village & Country Park Loop

    Just outside Newark, Winthorpe offers a peaceful countryside escape without needing to travel far. This 3-5 mile loop takes you past pretty cottages, farmland, and quiet lanes, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching along the way. It’s the kind of walk that feels like a mini‑getaway – especially if you time it for golden hour when the fields glow.

    6. Stapleford Woods

    Stapleford Woods is a peaceful woodland walk just outside Newark, with wide paths through tall pines and easy routes that suit families, dog walkers, and anyone looking for a bit of quiet time. Most walks are 2-5 miles, and the woods stay calm and shaded throughout the year, making it a simple, relaxing place to switch off and enjoy being surrounded by trees.