Hi there, fellow couch potato. If you're reading this, you've survived the Christmas feast and claimed the comfiest spot on the sofa. Phone in hand? Christmas movie in the background? Perfect. You're joining thousands of other food-coma scrollers in the great post-Christmas property hunt.
The Tube-time hack
Here's a pro tip while your brain's still working: search by travel time. London's neighbourhoods are stacked like a Christmas trifle, all connected by rail. Your dream home might be just one stop away from where you're looking. Use our travel time search tool - it's easier than getting up for more pudding.
Skip the Stamp Duty drama with New Builds
Stamp duty relief ends on 1 April. But it is still possible to buy a home before then: new builds are your friend. And before you say, "I need a Victorian terrace, I want all that character and charm" – hear us out:
• Everything's under warranty (no dodgy boilers or cracked freezer drawers)
• A-rated energy efficiency (your wallet will thank you)
• Move-in ready (no paint brushes necessary, no ancient floral wallpaper to remove)
• Modern perks (better insulated, clever storage and outlets where you actually need them - revolutionary!)
Still not convinced? Check out our new builds. We've got some proper stunners.
Not ready for the mortgage? Try Build to Rent
If you’re looking for more than the classic rental experience, check out Build to Rent instead. We're talking:
• Beautiful interiors (show off that designer apartment)
• Amenities from the standard - concierge - to the extravagant - indoor pools, gyms, rooftop bars and cinema rooms (like a hotel, but it's home)
• Professional on-site management (goodbye, maintenance headaches and missed deliveries)
These also make for good post-Christmas lunch browsing - check out our Build to Rent apartments on the market.
Instagram Eye Candy
While you're browsing today, how about some property photography to spice up your Instagram feed? Follow us @foxtonsestateagents for the good stuff.
Make it happen (when you can move again)
Ready to turn those property dreams into reality? Here's your three-step plan for when the food coma wears off:
1. Get a My Foxtons account - tell us what you're looking for, and we'll play property matchmaker. January is an incredibly busy time in property, let's get you a step ahead.
2. Book a free consultation with our mortgage broker partner, Alexander Hall - you might have a better budget than you think. Plus, it'll open doors when you're ready to go on property viewings or make an offer.
3. See a property you like? Book a viewing right on the listing - go on, be brave.
Until then, keep scrolling. You're doing great. Maybe have another mince pie.
Property listing terms
Need help with all those terms you're seeing on listings? Check out our handy property hunting glossary...
Renting Terms
What is an EPC? Energy Performance Rating – a rating that shows how energy efficient a property is.
What is Build to Rent? A development where you rent directly from a company that operates the entire building, rather than from an individual landlord.
What is a Gas Safety Check? An annual inspection by a registered gas safety engineer to ensure all gas appliances are safe to use, resulting in a Gas Safety Record.
What is a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO)? A rental property housing three or more tenants who aren't family members, common in student or young professional housing.
What's the difference between unfurnished, part-furnished and furnished properties?
• Unfurnished includes kitchen white goods (oven, refrigerator)
• Part-furnished includes basic furniture like beds and sofas
• Furnished includes additional items like bedside tables, bookshelves, and coffee tables
What are referencing and credit checks? Standard checks of a potential tenant's credit history, current employer, and current residence.
What is a security deposit? Money provided by the tenant at the start of tenancy, held in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme, used only for damages beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid rent.
What is a rental application? A form submitted by potential tenants including their legal name, address history, employment details, and other relevant information.
What is a lease term? The duration of the tenancy agreement, typically 12 months.
What does "utilities included/not included" mean? Specifies whether bills like gas, electricity, internet, and water are included in the rent price.
Buying Terms
What is an Auction property? A property sold through a faster purchase process via auction, with guidance available for first-time auction buyers.
What is a New Home/New-Build Home? A newly constructed or redeveloped property, typically within a building or group of townhouses.
What are Anti-Money Laundering Documents? Photo ID and proof of address required for property transactions.
What is a Restrictive Covenant? A limitation on leasehold properties that prevents certain actions, such as building extensions or renting out the property.
Who is a Vendor? Another term for the property seller.
What is the asking price? The total price the owner wants for their property.
What is an Agreement in Principle (AIP/DIP/MIP)? Initial confirmation from a lender about potential mortgage offers, based on preliminary evidence and credit checks.
What is Buildings Insurance? Insurance covering rebuilding costs if your property is damaged or destroyed - typically required for mortgages.
What is a property chain? A sequence of linked property sales that must complete simultaneously, as buyers need their sale proceeds to complete their purchase.
What does chain-free mean? A sale or purchase that doesn't depend on other property transactions completing.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)? The official rating showing a property's energy efficiency.
What is the Land Registry? The government department responsible for registering property ownership.
What does OIEO mean? Offers In Excess Of - indicating sellers are only considering offers above a specific price.
What does SSTC mean? Sold Subject To Contract (Sale Agreed) - an accepted offer with the deal in progress.
What does STPP mean? Subject To Planning Permission - indicating potential for extension pending council approval.
What is Stamp Duty? A land tax applied to residential property purchases.
What does Under Offer mean? An offer has been made but the deal isn't yet confirmed.
