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Metro
2 days ago
- Business
- Metro
Zoopla reveals the selling mistake that can knock £28,869 off your house price
When it comes to getting the best price for your home, timing is an important (yet often overlooked) factor. According to new research from Zoopla, listing at the wrong time could knock thousands off a property's value — and the drop is even more significant if it has certain features. The study asked over 100 UK estate agents how much they'd market various three-bed houses for depending on the time of year, measuring their answers against the current median asking price of £324,000. Properties with south facing or sunny gardens were valued £5,832 (1.8%) higher in the summer, while balconies commanded £4,018 (1.25%) more between May and August compared to other seasons. Those with swimming pools, hot tubs, outdoor entertaining space, and air conditioning also ended up with higher price predictions in the warmer months, achieving an extra £5,897 (1.82%), £2,819 (0.87%), £5,378 (1.66%) and £4,925 (1.52%) respectively. You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from: – Award winning service from the UK's leading mortgage broker – Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week – Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won't charge you a fee for their advice. Find out how much you could borrow online Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Based on the figures, a home with every single one of these sought-after seasonal attributes could potentially fetch a whopping £28,869 more if sellers wait for sunnier climes to start the process. On the opposite side, some things are decidedly more attractive in winter; for example, a cosy wood-burning fireplace, which adds an average of £4,568 (1.41%), an Aga-style range cooker which adds £3,337 (1.03%) or underfloor heating which boosts the price by £3,985 (1.2%). And when the agents were shown one very specific example – the iconic wintry cottage that featured in The Holiday – they claimed it'd expect to sell for a huge £29,853 more in winter vs summer. Not only does this show how vital it is for sellers to finding the right moment to list though, it can also help buyers save large amounts — all by choosing places with 'out of season' features. Among homeowners surveyed Zoopla, two thirds of those who bought during spring or summer and nearly half of those who purchased in winter say they were drawn to seasonal aspects of the property. Of this group, 85% believe they paid more for the home as a result, with the estimated extra spend coming in at £27,000 each. According to Claire Carter, country house associate director at John D Wood & Co, it's all about playing up to a property's seasonality in the marketing. More Trending 'A roaring fire on a cold winter's day or a glorious garden in summer can absolutely tip a buyer's decision,' she explains. 'The time of year matters hugely for presentation, for example, a house photographed in January looks completely different by May. View More » 'When selling in winter, I always encourage my clients to light the fire and turn on the underfloor heating because nobody wants to feel chilly on a viewing. During summer, it is all about showing the house in its element with blooming gardens, blue skies, and sun-dappled terraces.' Swimming pool Percentage increase: 1.82% Monetary increase based on average price: £5,897 South facing or sunny garden Percentage increase: 1.8% Monetary increase based on average price: £5,832 Outdoor entertainment space Percentage increase: 1.66% Monetary increase based on average price: £5,378 Air conditioning Percentage increase: 1.52% Monetary increase based on average price: £4,925 Balcony Percentage increase: 1.24% Monetary increase based on average price: £4,018 Traditional or wood-burning fireplace Percentage increase: 1.41% Monetary increase based on average price: £4,568 Good insulation Percentage increase: 1.4% Monetary increase based on average price: £4,536 Underfloor heating Percentage increase: 1.23% Monetary increase based on average price: £3,985 Energy efficiency measures like double glazing Percentage increase: 1.05% Monetary increase based on average price: £3,402 Range style cooker such as an Aga Percentage increase: 1.03% Monetary increase based on average price: £3,337 Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: What I Own: I bought my £212,500 Chelmsford one-bed after divorce — and found myself again MORE: 5 areas within commuting distance of London with prices under £400,000 MORE: A £6,000,000 mistake? The 'Omaze curse' plaguing these stunning dream homes
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Bad Day': Cameron Diaz to star in the action comedy
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Cameron Diaz , who, after a near-decade hiatus, made a return to acting this year with Netflix's hit 'Back in Action', is all set to be seen in 'Bad Day', an action comedy to be directed by Jake Szymanski, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Beau Bauman is producing Laura Solon wrote the original story, which revolves around a single mother struggling to make one small promise to her daughter on the worst day of her life. The project has been described as a comical version of Joel Schumacher's 1993 drama Falling Down, in which Michael Douglas plays a man who reaches his breaking point while rushing to go to his daughter's birthday party," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Diaz is one of Hollywood's most bankable big-screen actresses. She took a hiatus in 2014, having appeared in films ranging from Something About Mary and The Holiday to Bad Teacher and Shrek, as per the outlet. "How do you say 'No' to Jamie Foxx?" After focusing on motherhood and taking a decade-long break from her acting career, Cameron Diaz has returned to the screens with the action-comedy film 'Back In Action'. "How do you say 'No' to Jamie Foxx?" said Diaz, adding, "If there's anyone I'm going to go back and spend months on end on set having a ball and laughing with, it would be Jamie," reported People. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola 'Back in Action' tells the story of two former CIA spies, Emily (Cameron Diaz) and Matt (Jamie Foxx), who left their careers to start a family. However, their peaceful life is interrupted when their secret identities are exposed, pulling them back into the dangerous world of espionage. It is also the most-watched original streaming movie of the year so far, with 5.26 billion minutes viewed, and the third-most-watched movie on any streaming platform, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Mint
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Cameron Diaz to star in action comedy Bad Day
Washington DC [US], July 16 (ANI): Cameron Diaz, who, after a near-decade hiatus, made a return to acting this year with Netflix's hit 'Back in Action', is all set to be seen in 'Bad Day', an action comedy to be directed by Jake Szymanski, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Beau Bauman is producing with his Good One Productions. Laura Solon wrote the original story, which revolves around a single mother struggling to make one small promise to her daughter on the worst day of her life. The project has been described as a comical version of Joel Schumacher's 1993 drama Falling Down, in which Michael Douglas plays a man who reaches his breaking point while rushing to go to his daughter's birthday party," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Diaz is one of Hollywood's most bankable big-screen actresses. She took a hiatus in 2014, having appeared in films ranging from Something About Mary and The Holiday to Bad Teacher and Shrek, as per the outlet. After focusing on motherhood and taking a decade-long break from her acting career, Cameron Diaz has returned to the screens with the action-comedy film 'Back In Action'. "How do you say 'No' to Jamie Foxx?" said Diaz, adding, "If there's anyone I'm going to go back and spend months on end on set having a ball and laughing with, it would be Jamie," reported People. 'Back in Action' tells the story of two former CIA spies, Emily (Cameron Diaz) and Matt (Jamie Foxx), who left their careers to start a family. However, their peaceful life is interrupted when their secret identities are exposed, pulling them back into the dangerous world of espionage. It is also the most-watched original streaming movie of the year so far, with 5.26 billion minutes viewed, and the third-most-watched movie on any streaming platform, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI)
Perth Now
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Husband jealous after wife says another man is attractive
Six couples have been stranded on an island for a week now, with most husbands and wives taking their relationship to the next level. Troubled couple Amy and Mike have made a milestone by deciding to start each day with a hug to help build their romance. Emily and Tom are in a good spot since he made the bombshell announcement of having another girl on the outside (which turned out to be fake) at last week's Couples Cove. Em said she gets 'warm fuzzies' when kissing him and hopes to unlock the next level of their relationship. Another crate arrives at all six islands, which includes a challenge from the outside world to help push the marriages forward. This episode's crate is extra special as it contains lollies and popcorn — hello movie date! However, Amy is soon disappointed to learn that instead of watching her favourite movie, The Holiday, the couples will be looking back at their first meeting at the speed dating event weeks ago. The one person who had quite an adverse reaction to his partner meeting another woman at the event was Sam. It seems Sam is trying to hide his jealousy after Jess admitted to the cameras at the dating event that Emanuel is her ideal physical type, with snarky comments. But apparently he is 'not fazed or threatened' and 'seriously, does not care' about Jess' comments at the time. 'I didn't know you found someone else attractive,' he said. There's also awkward vibes over in Amy and Mike's camp when he discovers her preferred match was a man known as 'salmon jacket'. Mike takes it on the chin and Amy feels bad that he had to watch it. Queue the second Couples Cove — the perfect place for everyone to unpack their feelings and let the drama unfold over a barbecue. Brie and Byron. Credit: Supplied The couple everyone wants to catch up with is Emily and Tom, and Jess is nervous to see what happens when Sam sees Emanuel. During a massive girl chat, Emily reveals that the situation with Tom's girl on the outside was 'never actually anything' and he was 'self-sabotaging' because he didn't feel a romantic spark. While things have begun to get better between the pair, the other girls questioned his motives for being on the show. Meanwhile, over at the boys' group, Sam is maintaining that Jess picking Emanuel doesn't faze him, but makes a jab at Emanuel by saying, 'Dude, don't touch her.' When they all reunite at the lunch table, Jess hopes her partner doesn't overreact and create issues between them. But of course, things get explosive. Sam surprises everyone, including Jess, by saying their match is 'a need rather than a want'. 'I'm not physically there with her yet,' he tells everyone. Emanuel comes for Sam after accusing him of not letting Jess speak for herself at the table about their situation. Jess freezes at the table and doesn't say much while the confrontation is going on which leads to Sam saying her not going into battle for him is a 'dealbreaker'. In episode six, will we see Sam leave the experiment?
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The 13 Best New Beach Reads to Dive into This Summer!
Longer days, warmer weather, weekends spent by the pool, lake or ocean (or relaxing in the A/C!)…there are endless reasons to love the summer season. Our favorite way to spend a sunny day? Sinking into a really good book. But searching for the perfect summer book or 'beach read' might look a little different depending on the reader. For some, a beach read is a breezy, lighthearted story or an on-theme romance that transports them to a small coastal town. For others, an ideal beach read is one packed with page-turning suspense and mystery. To help you find the perfect one for you, we gathered up a variety of the best beach reads (so far!) of 2025. From rich dual-timeline historical fiction to thought-provoking novels, heart-fluttering romance and more, there is truly something for everyone. Continue scrolling for 13 of our favorite beach reads just in time for summer vacation! We guarantee that no matter which genre you decide on, these stories will transport you. Want to escape to St. Tropez and London and choose between two charming suitors? Pick up Emily Everett's All That Life Can Afford. More in the mood to take off on a heartwarming road trip? Try The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Harnett. Keep reading for the rest of our summer of 2025 best beach read recommendations! This novel about friendship, family and travel is perfect for fans of Nancy Meyers' The Holiday. Lucy is a Dallas, Texas-based mother whose son ruined her hometown for her, thanks to a senior-year prank gone wrong. Greta is based in Berlin, Germany, but her husband, Otto, recently announced they were moving to Texas for his job. After being connected by a mutual friend, the two women swap houses, and that's when the chaos kicks off. As Greta tries to adapt to Lucy's high-tech suburban home and Lucy struggles to settle her 3 kids in a foreign new city, hilarity ensues. A wonderful story of second chances and starting over. What readers are saying: 'I loved this book so much. It was heartwarming, hilarious and filled with characters I couldn't help but root for.' From bestselling author Alex Aster comes a swoon-worthy summer love story set in New York City. Elle is a screenwriter currently suffering from writer's block. In an attempt to get over it she returns to New York City and ends up living right next door to her former lover, Parker Warren, who just happens to be a billionaire. Soon, the two begin to fake date, going on adventures all over the city so Parker can look good during his company's acquisition. But what happens when their 'fake' attraction to one another becomes real? This novel is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers and opposites-attract. What readers are saying: 'Summer in the City is a witty, funny and fun summer adventure. Full of the catchiest one-liners and references to pop culture and just a fun time. It will make you want to run to New York City this summer and fall in love with some handsome billionaire. This dual-timeline novel, set in 1965 and 1978, is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries. Following the death of her father, Betsy receives a call from her mother saying she needs her and her sisters to return to their home on Martha's Vineyard right away so they can sell it. Upon her arrival, Betsy learns that she not only has to deal with her strained family relations but also with her former lover. What readers are saying: 'Brooke Lea Foster's Our Last Vineyard Summer is a quiet powerhouse of a novel—deeply atmospheric, emotionally resonant and steeped in the history and heartbreak of generational womanhood.' This propulsive novel features Jane, a teenager who has spent her whole life living off the grid with her dad in Montana. But when she discovers he hasn't told her the whole truth about her background—right after he makes her an accomplice to a violent crime—she runs away to San Francisco in search of the truth. As she digs into her dad's past, she starts questioning everything she knew as she builds her own life. What readers are saying: The author magnificently builds suspense and slowly peels away the layers of family secrets like an onion. This isn't just a mystery or thriller in the usual sense; it's really about how our parents' choices impact our lives far into the future and whether we can ever escape them. The premise is utterly unique and executed well. In this unputdownable tale, Odelia, a wealthy widow marrying a much younger man, invites her adult children and her best friend to South Africa for a luxury safari to celebrate the union. When she turns up dead before the wedding, everyone suspects her son, Sam, who swears he's innocent. As the family grieves, evidence comes to light casting doubt on Sam's guilt and leaving the rest of the family wondering what really happened—and if anyone is safe. What early readers are saying: 'When a wealthy, dysfunctional family gathers at a luxury African safari, a surprising murder wrecks their plans. This locked room murder mystery had lots of characters with tons of secrets, intrigue, tension and unreliable narrators. I found the book totally addictive!' This thought-provoking page-turner (out July 8) tells the story of the Cassidy-Shaw family, who are involved in a fatal car accident. As the investigation unfolds and the police question exactly what happened—and determine the role of the car's AI-driven safety features—every member of the family reveals secrets that make them each feel they're at least partly to blame for it. A compelling look at morality and how technology is changing every aspect of our lives. What early readers are saying: This is such a bingeable book! It captured my attention from the opening moments of the book and kept reeling me in every step of the way. Fans of Jennifer Weiner and Sex and The City will devour this heartwarming and hilarious debut novel from MEGABABE founder Katie Sturino. This body-positive story about Sunny, a newly divorced plus-sized NYC career woman who is doing her best to make her work and personal dreams come true, has all the ingredients for a perfect, feel-good beach read. What early readers are saying: 'What a debut! Sunny Side Up is a refreshing, feel-good read that blends humour, heart and a powerful message of self-acceptance.' This page-turning debut novel follows Anna and Willow. After meeting in art school, Anna finds herself fascinated with Willow and soon even considers Willow her muse. Flash forward five years in the future, and Willow has turned mean. Desperate to get her friend back, Anna stages a mugging that is supposed to end with Willow crying in her arms, but fate has other plans, and soon Anna learns that Willow has gone missing. Can Anna find her before it's too late? Only time will tell. What early readers are saying: 'Dark, twisted and layered with secrets, this domestic thriller went above and beyond. From the complex group dynamics to the overt manipulation and unbridled deceit, the mind games being waged were simply sublime. Overlaid on top of this well-utilized motif was a spine-chilling plot that had me questioning every morally gray character in this realistic yet unhinged tale.' Steamy, flirty and fun…this novel from bestselling author Meghan Quinn has it all. Desperate to impress her boss at her male-dominated job, Scottie Price accidentally tells everyone she's in an unhappy marriage. Thankfully, her boss has a solution: His wife is a couples therapist and would love to help Scottie and her husband. The only problem? Her husband doesn't exist. That is, until Scottie's best friend's brother, Wilder Wells, agrees to step in and act the part. Next, Wilder signs them up for an eight-day couples retreat with all of Scottie's coworkers. What could possibly go wrong? What early readers are saying: 'This book is everything I love about Meghan Quinn. Her stories are SO fun, quirky, comical, but mostly, the raw emotion and connection between her characters, with a healthy dose of spice. I absolutely loved Wilder and Scottie!' This lyrical coming-of-age debut novel by Emily Everett is a Reese's Book Club pick filled with Austenian flair, sweeping settings and a complex cast of characters. Anna first fell in love with London reading books at the library when she was just a girl. But when she arrives in London after college, she's struggling and barely making ends meet. Then she meets the glamorous Wilders, who fly Anna to St. Tropez to tutor their daughter. Here, she encounters two handsome young men and is whisked into an elite world. What readers are saying: 'My book club recently chose this novel about love, ambition and England's upper-crust society, and I have to admit I savored every page of this Cinderella story sprinkled with Jane Austen nods!' Desperate to hide her romance manuscript from her literature-loving parents, Emma Page heads to her family's cottage. While there, she discovers a secret that could destroy her family's legacy and their business, The Mighty Pages. What readers are saying: 'As soon as I heard bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews describe this read as 'a dishy inside look at the world of publishing,' I was sold. Emma was such a relatable character and I was fascinated by the dynamic between her and her family and the bookish themes throughout the story.' At 63, PJ Halliday thinks the best of life is behind him: The divorced million-dollar lottery winner drinks too much, is estranged from his grown daughter, Sophie, has had three heart attacks and hasn't left his hometown in decades. Then, just as he plans a cross-country road trip to find an ex-girlfriend, he learns he is the guardian of his brother's two grandchildren—kids PJ has never met—so he makes the unlikely decision to bring them on the road with him, Sophie and a stray cat. What readers are saying: This book is a must-read! It's like a warm hug, a good laugh, and a breath of fresh air all wrapped up in one. This dual-timeline story asks the eternal question, 'Does your past define your destiny?' The plot bounces back and forth between the summer of 1996, when Tess Murphy, a teen whose mom is working as a chef at a wealthy woman's estate, falls in love with Grant Alexander, the rich boy next door, and 2021, when Tess and Grant find themselves running against each other in the election for Governor of Virginia. A tale of past secrets, shocking betrayals and lost love. What readers are saying: 'I was drawn to this by the stunning cover, but I quickly got lost in the dual-timeline love story. I loved the drama of the political race, the teen love story and the secrets throughout.' For more book recommendations, keep scrolling! 10 Historical Fiction Books About Women in Wartime to Move and Inspire You Heroic, Heartfelt and Hot: 10 Firefighter Romance Books to Ignite Your Heart From BookTok to Hollywood: 12 Book-to-Screen Adaptations You'll Be Obsessed With This Year
