Burn & Warne Estate Agents

01/10/2026

Asking Prices Rise as the Autumn Market Gathers Momentum

Rising asking prices and renewed buyer activity bring encouraging autumn news

Homeowners considering a move have received encouraging news, with average UK asking prices rising by 0.7% in September, according to the latest figures.

The increase adds £2,441 to the average asking price, taking it to £367,440. It is also ahead of the typical 0.5% September rise recorded over the past decade, suggesting that the traditional autumn uplift in activity could be getting underway.

There are further positive signs for sellers, as buyer activity has strengthened following the summer holidays. With more prospective purchasers returning to the market, the autumn period could provide fresh opportunities for homeowners looking to sell.

While conditions vary between regions, the latest figures offer a welcome indication that market momentum is beginning to improve. For sellers, setting a realistic asking price and presenting a property at its best could help make the most of renewed autumn interest.

Call us today if you would like a conversation and a free valuation.

30/09/2026

Gather Around in Style

Give your dining area a welcoming autumn refresh and create a space made for gathering together

As the evenings become cooler and family life moves indoors, September is the perfect time to give your dining area a little attention. A few thoughtful changes can transform it into a stylish and welcoming space for everyday meals and entertaining.

Start by considering your furniture arrangement. Moving the table can improve the flow of the room, while adding a bench or comfortable new chairs can make family meals feel more relaxed. If your dining table has seen better days, sanding and refinishing it can give it a fresh new lease of life.

Lighting can make an equally big difference. A pendant light above the table creates an attractive focal point, while softer lamps can add warmth for evening meals.

Complete the look with a stylish centrepiece, seasonal flowers or attractive tableware.

Refreshing your dining area this September can create a versatile space that brings everyone together. It is a simple improvement that combines comfort, style and practicality for the season ahead.

29/09/2026

29/09/2026

£25,000 Loans Offer Landlords Help to Revive Empty Homes

Financial support could help landlords transform empty properties into rental homes

Landlords with long-term empty properties are being offered financial support to help bring them back into the private rental market, providing an encouraging opportunity to turn unused homes into productive investments.

Orkney Islands Council is offering loans of up to £25,000 towards the repair and renovation of eligible properties that have been empty for at least 12 months. The scheme is designed to help landlords tackle the upfront costs involved in bringing vacant homes back into a suitable condition for tenants.

One and two-bedroom properties in Kirkwall and Stromness are being prioritised, with homes ultimately made available to private renters, including eligible essential workers.

For landlords with suitable empty properties, the initiative could provide valuable assistance with renovation costs while creating an opportunity to generate rental income from previously unused accommodation. It also highlights the potential benefits of bringing empty homes back into active use.

28/09/2026

Encouraging Signs for Sellers as the Property Market Shows Resilience

A resilient property market offers encouraging signs for homeowners considering a move

For homeowners considering selling, there are encouraging signs that the UK property market remains resilient despite a more measured pace of activity.

New figures show that almost 897,000 homes have already sold subject to contract during 2026. This represents an 11% increase on the same period in 2023 and is also 5.1% above the average for the comparable pre-Covid years of 2017 to 2019.

There is also positive news around property values. The average agreed sale price per square foot in August was 0.3% higher than a year earlier and 9.5% higher than five years ago, demonstrating continued underlying strength in property values.

For sellers, these figures offer reassurance that buyers remain active and homes continue to change hands. With regional markets varying considerably, understanding local conditions and pricing a property appropriately can help homeowners make the most of current opportunities.

Call us today if you would like a conversation and a free valuation.

25/09/2026

September 2026 Live music events up-and-coming near Sutton

Enjoy the changing season with memorable live music

As summer gives way to autumn, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the atmosphere of live music. From intimate performances and local gigs to concerts, festivals and events in welcoming venues, early autumn offers a wonderful chance to spend time with family and friends while discovering something new. Whether you’re looking for an uplifting evening out, a relaxed weekend performance or the chance to see a favourite artist, these events provide the perfect soundtrack as the new season gets underway.

Junkyard Choir + Demo Buttons + Dave Sears
Date and time: Saturday, 3 October 2026 at 20:00
Location: 216-220 High Street, Sutton, SM1 1NU
Description: A gritty, bluesy night of soul-infused rock 'n' roll. Headliners Junkyard Choir preview tracks alongside Demo Buttons and the soulful folk/Americana melodies of Dave Sears and Julian Eccleston. This is a pay-what-you-can-afford show.

Christine Collister & Dave Kelly
Date and time: Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 19:00
Location: 216-220 High Street, Sutton, SM1 1NU
Description: An intimate evening with British folk, blues, and jazz royalty. Legendary singer-songwriter Christine Collister teams up with premier blues guitarist Dave Kelly for a masterclass in rich vocals and deep instrumentation.

Please verify the event details and any registration requirements by visiting the respective event websites or contacting the organisers directly.

25/09/2026

Dress Your Windows for Autumn

Give your rooms a cosy seasonal lift with beautiful new curtains and window dressings

As summer fades and autumn approaches, September is the perfect time to refresh your windows. New curtains, blinds or Roman shades can instantly change the atmosphere of a room while adding warmth, texture and personality.

Consider choosing richer fabrics or deeper seasonal tones to create a cosier feel as the evenings draw in. Velvet, linen and heavier cotton can all introduce a sense of comfort, while layered window dressings provide additional flexibility throughout the day.

If your home receives plenty of natural light, lighter shades can help maintain a bright and airy atmosphere. For bedrooms, meanwhile, blackout options can provide a darker environment and support a comfortable night's sleep.

Do not forget the finishing touches. A stylish curtain pole, decorative tiebacks or smart new blinds can complete the look beautifully.

Refreshing your window dressings this September is a simple way to welcome autumn indoors. With the right combination of colour, texture and practicality, your windows can become a beautiful feature throughout the season.

24/09/2026

A Summer Surge Brings Fresh Confidence for Sellers

Rising sales activity signals renewed confidence among motivated sellers and buyers

There are encouraging signs for homeowners considering a move, with new figures revealing a significant increase in agreed property sales over the summer.

Some agents have recorded 32% more agreed sales in August than during the same month last year, following a 12% year-on-year increase in July. The figures suggest that motivated buyers and sellers are increasingly choosing to move forward rather than wait for greater economic certainty.

For sellers, this renewed activity is particularly welcome. It demonstrates that there are buyers actively looking to secure their next home, while healthy levels of new instructions indicate that properties continue to come onto the market.

With September and October traditionally among the busiest months for the agency, there could be further opportunities for sellers in the weeks ahead.

For homeowners thinking about making their next move, these figures offer a reassuring reminder that the market remains active.

Call us today if you would like a conversation and a free valuation.

23/09/2026

Stack Up Some Autumn Style

Create a smart log storage area now and keep your firewood dry, tidy and ready for cosy evenings

As autumn approaches, there is something wonderfully inviting about having a good supply of logs ready for the cooler evenings. Creating a dedicated log storage area is a practical outdoor improvement that can also add character to your garden.

Choose a sheltered spot that is convenient for bringing logs indoors, ideally with plenty of airflow to help keep them dry. A simple timber log store can provide an attractive solution, while a purpose built shelter can offer additional protection from rain and wind.

Think about how your storage area fits into the wider garden. Natural timber can complement planting beautifully, while climbing plants or discreet screening can help it blend into the surroundings.

Keeping logs neatly stacked also prevents them from becoming an eyesore and makes them much easier to access when needed.

By creating a dedicated log storage area this September, you can combine practicality with style and make sure your home is ready for plenty of warm, relaxing autumn evenings.