The five stages of hoarding are more than simply collecting possessions at an accelerating rate. We are speaking here of a recognized mental health condition. Hoarding that we see in action during our hoarder home clearances. Hoarding is a progression, not just … [Read more...]
How Leasehold Reform Could Affect the Value of Your Property
The UK Government's proposed reforms to leasehold ownership, are among the most significant changes to England's property market in decades. We share our thoughts, as professional valuers, regarding how we believe this leasehold reform could affect the value of … [Read more...]
Hoarding In The Context of Society and Culture
Compulsive hoarding, stripped down to the basics, is an unstoppable urge to collect and hang on to possessions. However, this hoarding does occur in isolation. To understand it fully we need to view hoarding in the context of society and culture. We share our own … [Read more...]
What Probate Means and How to Apply For It
Losing a family member or a close friend is tough enough, without having to deal with the paperwork. Yet many ordinary people suddenly find themselves appointed as the executor of a deceased person's estate. One of the first legal terms they encounter is ‘probate’. … [Read more...]
Premium Council Taxes On Second Homes
English local councils have been able to charge premium council taxes on second homes, since 1 April 2025. Although some second homes are exempt from the premium. Councils may charge a council tax premium of up to 100%. In other words, up to double the normal bill. … [Read more...]
Helping a Friend Who Is a Hoarder
Do you know someone who lives in a home full of clutter? Well then, you may be feeling worried, frustrated, even helpless. You may also be wondering how to improve life for your friend. Helping a friend who is a hoarder does not come easy. This is because hoarders … [Read more...]
How To Value Your Chattels in England
Knowing how to value your chattels in England correctly is important. It can even be critical if you need the information for insurance, or planning how to distribute your estate after you pass on. Your personal movable possessions could include furniture, jewellery, … [Read more...]
What It’s Like to Be a Compulsive Hoarder
Hoarding can seem confusing and frustrating to armchair observers, who may not understand what it’s like to be a compulsive hoarder. Friends or family members may walk into a cluttered home and wonder, why don’t they just throw this stuff away? For a person living … [Read more...]
How to Value Fixed Property in England
You could get an estimated value of a UK home quite easily, by tapping into readily available information. However, this will not stand up to the test for inheritance tax, or probate if you are an executor. Here’s how to value fixed property in England yourself, if you … [Read more...]
How To Live With A Compulsive Hoarder
Figuring out how to live with a compulsive hoarder can be a challenge for both family members and life-partners. Because hoarding is more than untidiness or poor housekeeping. It is a recognised mental health condition, in which a person struggles to discard … [Read more...]
