The Best Estate Agent Guide is an independent assessment of over 25,000 estate agency branches across the UK.

Perhaps it’s because of all the cookery programmes on TV; perhaps it’s because of our national obsession with food; or perhaps it’s because it’s such a sociable place to sit and chat – but the kitchen has become the most popular room in the house.

It’s autumn, it’s the UK… and therefore – inevitably and obviously – it’s freezing. So what have you done to winterise your house? Or were you just planning to have the heating on full blast every day (which is both expensive and ecologically unsound)?

Need more space for the family but love where you live? Extending your house could be the answer. Research shows that more and more homeowners are choosing to extend instead of moving. It will certainly improve and enhance your home, but needs careful consideration before taking the plunge.

A quick look at property sales results at Newton Huxley for 2017 so far.

One of the fastest growing design trends is the ‘outdoor room’ – and what could represent a better focal point for this than a super-cool hot tub? Whether you use it for private relaxation or partying, it’s a brilliant way to create water-based fun – cheaper than a swimming pool and requiring less space. And unlike a normal outdoor pool – which, let’s face it, has only limited appeal in the great British climate – you can use it all year round.

Want to do your bit for the environment, but not sure if you have the time or money to make a difference? Well, with a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions produced by energy in the home, there are some surprisingly simple things you could do that will make a difference.

The Orchard School held their Masquerade Ball at the beginning of May at Sandown Racecourse in Esher, and as always, we were more than happy to help out with a sponsorship of the event.

If so, here are some things to consider before taking on your first project:

Do your research – If you’ve spotted a property, make sure you do your homework first. Check how long the property has been up for sale. If it’s for a lengthy period, it’s possible the profit returns may not be that high. Imagine you are buying the property for yourself, what would be the things that would be important you? The chances are your potential buyer will be looking for similar things. Bear the following in mind:

After the howling gales, floods and short dark days of winter, it’s a joy to finally see the budding of flowers and blossoming of trees. The bursting of colour within our gardens is a sure sign that Spring is on its way, heralding the time to get outside and ensure your property passes the ‘curb appeal’ test. Traditionally a buoyant time of year for marketing a property, you need to take action now to ensure your garden plays its part in selling your home: