We wanted to give you an early heads-up about another change being introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act. The Government is rolling out a new national landlord database, known as the Register Your Property service, which all private landlords in England will eventually need to join. The rollout is due to begin on 15 December 2026, starting with the West Midlands, before...
2026
Autumn can be a wonderful time to present a home. Warm interiors, colourful gardens and softer seasonal light can all help a property feel inviting. However, shorter days, wetter weather and fallen leaves also mean sellers need to think carefully about how their home will look in photographs and during viewings. The good news is that you do not need to spend heavily or completely redecorate. A few...
Deciding whether to move home is rarely a straightforward decision. Even when your current property no longer feels quite right, it can be difficult to know whether you are ready for a change or simply going through a temporary phase. A home carries memories, routines and a sense of familiarity. Moving is a big step, so it is completely natural to put the decision off or wait for a clear sign that...
Warwickshire is one of those counties that offers a bit of everything. You have historic towns, beautiful countryside, excellent commuter links, strong local schools, independent shops, green spaces, family-friendly communities and easy access to larger centres such as Birmingham, Coventry and London. That is why it appeals to so many different types of buyers. Some people are looking for a busy...
When most people think about selling a property, they picture the traditional route: listing the home, arranging viewings, accepting an offer and then working through the legal process. For many sellers, that route works well. But for others, selling by auction can offer a faster, more secure and more structured way to move forward. At Courtney Downing Estates, we offer both traditional sales...
We are now halfway through 2026, and the property market across Warwickshire, Shropshire and the West Midlands is still active. Buyers are still looking. Tenants are still enquiring. Homes are still selling. But it is a more considered market than it was a few years ago. People have more choice, they are comparing properties more carefully, and they want to feel confident before making a...
We recently caught up with the owners of 108 Cott Lane in Kingswinford to hear about their experience selling with Courtney Downing Estates. Here’s what they had to say about the process. Why we chose Courtney Downing Estates We were looking to sell our home at 108 Cott Lane because we wanted to downsize. Before speaking to Courtney, we had already spoken to other estate agents, but we felt...
Accepting an offer on your property is an exciting moment. After all the viewings, conversations and negotiations, it can feel like the biggest part of the process is done. And in many ways, it is a huge step forward. But accepting an offer is not quite the same as completing the sale. There are still a few important stages to go through before the sale becomes legally binding, the money...
When it comes to selling your property, one of the first questions is how you should sell it. For most people, a traditional sale is the route they know best. Your property goes on the market, buyers come to view it, offers are made, and the sale then moves through the usual legal process. Auction is becoming a more popular option too, especially for sellers who want clearer timescales, more...
The rental market is changing, and for both landlords and tenants, 2026 is a big year. From 1 May 2026, the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 comes into force in England. It brings some of the biggest changes the private rented sector has seen in years, including the end of Section 21 “no fault” evictions, a new tenancy system, changes to rent increases, and new rules around issues...