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Chancellor’s choices: how the upcoming Budget could impact the UK housing market

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025 by John Holden

McCarthy Holden will of course comment on the facts when known post Budget this week, but as a starter we’ve pulled together some of the wide-ranging options the Chancellor could be considering in order to extract tax revenue from property owners and aspiring home owners alike.

As the Chancellor prepares to unveil the Autumn Budget, the residential property sector could take centre-stage because of the wide ranging economic benefits of a market that is on the move and as unfettered as possible. House-price falls, a fragile recovery in buyer confidence and continued political pressure to raise revenue from wealthier homeowners mean property taxes and landlord measures are likely to feature heavily. Below we pull together the realistic options facing the Treasury, explain how each would work in practice, and outline the most probable effects on buyers, sellers, landlords and the overall housing market

Where the market stands right now

Recent market data show static asking prices. There is also caution among sellers and buyers ahead of the Budget in some market sectors mostly above £2.0m., driven in part by speculation over new property taxes and broader cost of living uncertainty. In addition, whilst mortgage rates have eased from their recent peaks, the cost of borrowing remains an important constraint on affordability

The policy levers the Chancellor could use - and what they would do

1) Reform or replace Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)

Options:

Restore higher nil-rate thresholds or re-profile bands to reduce upfront buying costs for first-time buyers and mover chains.
Replace SDLT for owner-occupiers with an annual/property wealth tax or an annual charge payable on sale (proposals reported this autumn would target homes above a threshold such as £500,000)

Likely market effect:

Cutting SDLT thresholds (or reinstating more generous first-time buyer reliefs) would likely boost transactional activity quickly because SDLT is an upfront, purchase-time wedge block. Buyers would respond to lower up-front costs.
Replacing SDLT with an annual or “moving” charge spreads the cost over time and can reduce the disincentive to move created by a high one-off tax, but it risks making some homeowners (particularly in high-value areas but with low incomes) worse off, and could depress high-end sales if it’s perceived as a recurring wealth charge. Lower property transactions / house moves would significantly impact tax revenue in the wrong way because of losing the revenue from current stamp duty and vat charges by service providers working in the house market, and of course the loss of vat from the vast amount of services created by a house moves such as new kitchens and bathrooms.

2) Higher or more targeted rates for second homes / buy-to-let investors

Options:

Increase the surcharge on second homes / additional properties (currently an extra SDLT percentage for additional dwellings), raise it further, or extend similar surcharges to more transactions.
Introduce a landlord-specific levy or higher effective tax on portfolio owners.

Likely market effect:

Further targeting landlords would likely accelerate some small-scale exits from the sector (already under pressure), reduce investment demand and could tighten supply in the private rented sector, pushing rents higher in the short term. Without a meaningful social housing level in the UK targeting landlords would not help tenant because rents would increase and supply of housing stock availability would reduce due to landlords exiting the market.

3) Capital Gains Tax (CGT) changes on property

Options:

Raise CGT rates or reduce the annual exempt amount (AEA) — both would raise the tax burden on gains when properties are sold.
Tighten or reduce Principal Private Residence (PPR) relief for high-value homes (for example limiting relief above a threshold) — a targeted approach that raises revenue from the most valuable homes without touching ordinary households.

Likely market effect:

Higher CGT or a reduced AEA would increase the cost of selling investment and second-home property. This could potentially lock in existing owners and reduce transactions.
Cutting PPR relief for expensive homes would mainly hit the top end — potentially cooling top end market segments and raising effective holding costs for high-value owners. This could impact high-end prices because buyers are sensitive to potential future taxes. Lower property transactions / house moves would result and less tax revenue because of losing the revenue from current stamp duty and vat charges by service providers working in the house market. Result, a less mobile and flexible house market.

4) Measures aimed directly at landlords’ tax treatment and rental incomes

Options:

Introduce National Insurance on rental profits or allow some form of additional tax on landlord income.
Rollback of tax breaks — although mortgage interest relief was largely reformed previously, further tweaks could be considered (for example reintroducing some relief, or increasing taxes on rental income).

Likely market effect:

New employer-style taxes on rental profits or higher effective rates would make more and more small landlords financially unviable, likely reducing rental supply. This would put upward pressure on rents and increase housing insecurity for tenants.

5) Council tax / local property taxation reform

Options:

Reform or revalue council tax bands, or begin a gradual move toward a more modern local property tax (often mooted as a replacement for council tax).
Offer reliefs or targeted support for low-income homeowners in high-value areas.

Likely market effect:

Revaluation or an annual local property tax increases the ongoing cost of homeownership (especially for those currently paying low council tax relative to property value), which can reduce mobility as owners stay put to avoid higher bills, depressing transactions in affected areas.

Likely short-term market responses

Transaction volumes are likely to fall pre-announcement and remain subdued until the policy details are known — sellers delay listings, buyers wait for clarity. Data show buyers already pulling back ahead of the Budget.
Upper-end weakness: rumours of wealth-targeting measures have already led to a steeper slowdown at the top of the market. If the Government confirms higher recurring or one-off charges on expensive homes, the prime market could see further correction.
Rental squeeze: any measures that raise landlords’ costs (higher tax on rental profits, restricted reliefs, or higher transaction taxes on replacement purchases) could reduce supply and raise rents in the short term. Targeting landlords will be detrimental.

Political and administrative constraints

Revenue vs incentive trade-off. Taxes that raise quick revenue (raising CGT rates, lowering CGT allowances) are administratively straightforward but can chill transactions and lock in property owners. Structural reforms (replacing SDLT with an annual tax) could be fairer economically but are complex to implement and politically sensitive.
Distributional optics. Targeting high-value homes is politically popular in some quarters, but any policy that hits “ordinary” homeowners in expensive areas (for example an annual property charge) risks backlash.

What to watch for in the Chancellor’s Budget

Concrete changes to SDLT thresholds or bands — quick to deliver and politically visible. (Watch for first-time buyer tweaks).
Announcements on CGT: reductions in AEA or rate rises would be signalled early; small tweaks are most probable.
Proposals for a national property/wealth charge or enabling reviews of council tax reform — perhaps signalled rather than fully legislated in a single Budget.
Measures aimed at landlords — changes may be signalled (consultations) or small immediate measures (eg. tightening reliefs); large sudden levies would be disruptive.

Bottom line — who wins and who loses

Potential winners: first-time buyers if SDLT reliefs are restored or if mortgage costs fall; homeowners in lower-value regions if policy focus is targeted at high-value houses.
Potential losers: owners of high-value homes if PPR reliefs or new annual charges are introduced; small landlords if new taxes or NI on rental income are applied; tenants in tight rental markets if supply contracts.
Overall market: The unknow throughout most of 2025 has already causes a short-term dip in transactions, so post Budget we expect an upturn in house sales transactions but with house prices impacted in certain sectors.

Final observation

The Treasury faces a classic policy trade-off: raising revenue and addressing perceived unfairness in the property tax system versus maintaining transactional fluidity and rental supply.

Over many years Government / Tax interventions in the house market have cause problems for ordinary people. Stamp duty cliff edges for larger properties and even first time buyer properties simply result in a distorted market and reduced mobility. As for an annual tax on properties valued at over £2.0m., well how does the Government think people are going to pay this out of already taxed income! Surely tax should mostly relate to salary / income and purchases in the wider economy. There has also been talk of doubling council tax on properties worth more than £750,000. All of these considerations would mean people spend less on their properties and this would have a massive negative impact on the wider economy.

How to make Christmas stress-free by preparing food in November

November 7, 2025 by John Holden

Suzanne Mulholland once declared she ‘hated’ Christmas Day – she was the person who ended up organising the entire event, from presents, to decorations and, of course, the food.

“When the kids were little, I actually didn’t like Christmas. I didn’t feel it was my day. I felt like it was everybody else’s day,” the 49-year-old says. “I look back on it now and think I really did miss some key moments where I would have loved being the one sitting just helping build Lego, or whatever it was, but I felt tied to the kitchen.”

To make a busy life with children easier Mulholland started batch cooking, and after sharing videos on YouTube and Instagram, ‘The Batch Lady’ Instagram account was born. With it, the mum-of-two was able to transform Christmas so she wasn’t cooking all day.

“I started to change gradually. I would make sure my roast potatoes were done, but I always felt like there was quite a lot that maybe I couldn’t do in advance. And then over the years, I’ve actually managed to do it all in advance. Everything.

“If you happen to have a Friday morning or a Tuesday evening in November where you’re not doing anything, you can think, actually, I might get four recipes done for Christmas.”

November is the perfect time to start, she says, and buying a lot of your Christmas food in November can help spread the cost.

“You can do it all in November, when you don’t have every other activity going on, like the Christmas fete at school, your kids Carol concert and your work night out. December becomes really busy for us.”

So, getting ahead for the festive period isn’t just about prepping the Christmas Day meal, Mulholland also batch cooks plenty of one-pot meals to freeze and reheat during December.

Mulholland has two types of recipes – “Either you ‘cook ahead’ – which means cooking it and putting it in the freezer, or ‘grab and cook’ which means you’re making it up raw, and then you’re putting it in the freezer,” she explains.

Here’s how to make it work for you this Christmas…

‘Cook ahead’: What to cook, freeze and reheat on the day

Mulholland says accompaniments like bread sauce and cranberry sauce, as well as sides like roast potatoes and Brussel sprouts, can be fully cooked and frozen – far in advance. “I do a lovely shredded Brussels sprout with pancetta, and you actually make that in advance, because it shreds, it lasts.”

Homemade Yorkshire puddings make well in advance to freeze, or try Mulholland’s recipe for mulled wine red cabbage. While the method works well for starters too, think parsnip and apple soup, or desserts like panettone bread and butter pudding.

“The whole point of freezer cooking is that you use recipes that are meant to be frozen. Those recipes are specifically created to make sure that they’re going to be delicious.”

And freezing doesn’t take away from the flavour. “People would be so surprised to know that in the absolute top-end restaurants [chefs] prep in advance. A lot of that will come out of freezers and fridges that have been prepped in advance. A lot of things actually taste better if you’ve cooked them in advance.”

‘Grab and cook’: What to prepare ahead, freeze but cook on the day

While some parts of Christmas can be completely made and frozen, her methods aren’t about doing that for the entire meal. “We’re still cooking Christmas dinner. We’re just not prepping everything from scratch,” explains Mulholland.

“Prepping ahead is really that you’re getting it ready, but you’re not necessarily cooking it. You’re just getting all the ingredients ready together,” she says, for example, mixing the stuffing ingredients and putting into balls, before freezing uncooked, or wrapping the bacon around sausages for pigs in blankets.

“In November, I will make the herby butter [to use under the turkey skin] and wrap it up. I’ll get the pack of streaky bacon and put it beside the herby butter. I’ll make my stuffing mix. Then I’ll get my frozen turkey from the shops and I’ll put it next to it. So I’ve really created this meal prep kit that when I bring it out, it’s defrosting, and I know that everything’s there.

“Roast veg – you parboil them, cover them in oil, put your lovely seasoning over it, and then you flash freeze it [putting it in the freezer for two hours]. You’ve part cooked them. You haven’t cooked [them] to the end and then re-cooked. It’s about prepping everything so it’s ready to come out and be cooked from frozen, but it is being cooked on the day.”

Do this for starters and nibbles too, like pork and stilton sausage rolls, and cheese and chutney straws.

Cold starters, such as chicken liver pate or mushroom and tarragon pate, make easy freezer items too.

Batch cook some additional ‘December dinners’

Make December extra easy by making and freezing some nutritious meals you can take out of the freezer whenever life gets a bit busy. Think pork, parsnip and mustard traybake, Cajun-spiced chicken, or coconut and butternut squash curry.

“[If you know] ‘I’ve got a fish pie in the freezer, and I’m going to put it in the oven tonight’ – that is the easiest thing ever, because you can make a fish pie in three minutes. But if you haven’t done that, your headspace is ‘I don’t know what I’ve got in the house, I don’t know who’s in or who wants to eat. I’ll stop at the shops, I’ll grab whatever, or I’ll grab a takeaway’

“It’s automatically going to cost you more money – and that’s a normal work day. So you take that tenfold into the busiest December, and you are racking up a lot of money and a lot of stress.”

The Batch Lady Saves Christmas by Suzanne Mulholland is published by Ebury Press, priced £25. Photography by Andrew Hayes-Watkins, available now

Some Links To Batch Lady Recipes....

Landmark Renters’ Rights Act Becomes Law

October 28, 2025 by John Holden

Yesterday the Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent, delivering the most significant overhaul of the English and Welsh private rented sector in a generation. The law aims to rebalance rights between tenants and landlords by strengthening safety and security for renters, tightening standards for properties, and simplifying dispute resolution..

Key Measures

Abolishes ‘no-fault’ section 21 evictions entirely, replacing them with a clearer, limited set of grounds for possession and stricter notice periods.
Introduces a new Decent Homes standard for rented properties with mandatory repairs timelines and minimum energy efficiency requirements (EPC band C target for private rentals within a phased timetable).
Establishes a national landlord and letting agent registration and licensing regime with sanctions for rogue landlords, including fines, civil penalties and criminal sanctions for severe breaches.
Creates an independent Housing Ombudsman or expands an existing dispute-resolution body with powers to issue binding orders and compensation for tenants; fast-track arbitration for common disputes (repairs, deposits, unlawful eviction).
Strengthens protections for renters in private tenancies against retaliatory eviction and unfair rent increases by requiring justification and limits on frequency of increases.
Caps certain fees charged to tenants (administration, referencing, inventory) and reforms deposit handling and dispute timelines.
Extends possession and rehousing duties in limited circumstances, such as where poor conditions render properties uninhabitable; enhances support for vulnerable tenants facing eviction.
Provides funding and guidance for local authorities to enforce standards, and powers to issue Remedial Notices and take emergency remediation action.
Commits to data collection and reporting on the private rented sector to monitor impacts and a statutory review clause after a set period (often 3–5 years).

The Act signals a major policy shift toward tenants’ rights after years of campaigning by charities and tenant groups; ministers argue it will improve housing stability and standards, while many landlord bodies warn of reduced investment in the private rented sector and potential rent rises.

Operationally, the law places a new compliance burden on landlords and local authorities will need increased resources to enforce the regime.

As the new law bedrocks renters’ protections, its true test will be in implementation: whether enforcement is adequately funded, whether landlords adapt without shrinking supply, and whether renters actually see safer, more secure homes — not just stronger rights on paper.

It is expected that there will be a phased approach to a number of the changes, however, the creation of periodic tenancies and the abolition of Section 21 notices are expected to be at the forefront.

Footnote: If you have any questions or wish to discuss possible implications email Nicola Bremner ….

10 ways to style winter berry shades in the home

October 27, 2025 by John Holden

Seasonal and seductive, dark interiors are bearing fruit… so much so, we’re embracing shades of cassis, deep claret and plum, with winter berries are emerging as a firm favourite in the world of interiors.

Such is the surge in popularity, cookware, textiles and accent walls are being reimagined in rich berry tones – with new collections lending warmth, while creating an inviting atmosphere with a sense of luxury.

Indeed, leading interiors firm, Graham & Brown have named their Colour of the Year 2026 Divine Damson, which they describe as a “deep, timeless shade that evokes elegance, luxury and sophistication.”

Cited as a versatile and enduring colour, the inside team of designers say it “enriches a variety of styles and spaces,” and its versatility “makes it suitable all year-round, offering a cocooning, comforting feel in the colder months.”

While in summer, they say natural sunlight “brings out its vibrant depth allowing it to transition seamlessly across the seasons.”

Highlighting rich, bold hues, here’s what’s on our wish list…

Think a comforting autumnal beetroot soup, or red wine casserole, and this is your new centrepiece to chime with supper parties and themed tablescapes. Style with burgundy velvet ribbons on stemware, and a bottle of bordeaux.

As well as adding drama, colour and texture, this Scandi-style dining set makes for a conversation piece with its high-gloss finish, on-trend solid, pillar legs, and cool dining chairs… a dead cert for colour drenching.

This dark and moody motif features exotic birds, blooms and fauna for a dramatic backdrop – and generous dose of high drama. Said to be inspired by ancient textiles, nature and mythology, the design is produced as a double-width set; meaning you need two coordinating rolls for hanging the horizontal repeat pattern… frame the paper with a lick of Divine Damson to link the look

Chic and contemporary, this polished sideboard in a deep shade of cherry, topped with gold tone T-bar handles will enhance any aesthetic.

Upholstered in a plush chenille, these modish bar stools will bring colour and comfort to a kitchen island or trendy home bar.

This vintage-inspired tassel lampshade shouts sumptuous, and can be used to dramatic effect with its gorgeous gold fringing, scalloped detail and rich, burgundy hue.

More than a decorative afterthought, when you want to drink in a smooth merlot or cabernet sauvignon, set the scene for wining and dining with this whimsy wallpaper.

This statement bauble will add instant charm to stylish place settings… and can double up as a napkin holder.

Glamorous and romantic, ruffle-trimmed bedding in beautiful berry tones will luxe up any bedroom scheme – and who wouldn’t look forward to cocooning themselves in a delicious dark mulberry as we head into snuggle season?

Note – article by By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA. Prices correct at time of going to press but may have changed since.

BBC Expose Questionable Estate Agency Practices

July 15, 2025 by John Holden

A wake-up call for anyone selling their home – Congratulations to the BBC for their recent Panorama investigation, which lifts the lid on how some corporate estate agencies appear to operate—putting profits before people.

The undercover report revealed troubling practices, including a recorded conversation in which an estate agency manager admits to prioritising buyers who use the agency’s in-house mortgage broker. Why? Because it earns them additional fees. In doing so, they compromise the interests of the very clients they’re meant to represent: the sellers.

Why This Matters

When you appoint an estate agent, you expect them to act in your best interest—not use your sale as a tool to cross-sell other services for their own gain. Sadly, the Panorama programme highlights that this isn’t always the case.
You can watch the full episode here:

🎥 Panorama: Undercover Estate Agent

Clients Should Experience A Different Approach

At McCarthy Holden, this type of behaviour would never be tolerated. As a proudly independent, family-run business, our priority is always our clients. We focus on agreeing sales with buyers who are ready to proceed—and negotiating the best possible price for you.

Our continued success is built on trust, transparency, and results. That’s why so many of our clients return to us time and again—and recommend us to others.

Corporate vs. independent: what’s the real difference?

Larger corporate estate agencies, by necessity, may often prioritise shareholder returns and balance sheets. And, as the BBC investigation shows, that financial pressure can sometimes take precedence over client needs.

As an independent agency, we answer only to you—our clients—and our reputation in the local community is everything. We don’t just want to sell your home; we want to do it the right way.

Thinking of selling?

At McCarthy Holden we do not have any ‘in house’ mortgage brokers or conveyancers and we concentrate on delivering traditional estate agency services focused on selling or letting a client’s property. Get in touch with our team and experience the difference an independent, customer-focused agency can make.

Five minutes with… Interior Design Masters’ Alan Carr

April 2, 2025 by John Holden

INTERIOR DESIGN MCCARTHY HOLDEN ALAN CARR

Alan Carr’s signature sense of humour has made him something of a national treasure. Outside of the comedy circuit, he’s been getting stuck into all things interior design in shows like Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job and Spanish Job, which he presented alongside Amanda Holden, and Interior Design Masters, which is soon to return for its sixth series on BBC One.

By Rachael Davis, PA Assistant Lifestyle Editor

Once again Carr, 48, is welcoming 10 interior designers on the ultimate crash course, tasking them with transforming a range of spaces for discerning clients across the country, with their design creations being judged by guru Michelle Ogundehin and a bunch of celebrity guest judges.

Ahead of the show’s return, let’s find out more from the hilarious host.

ALAN, THIS IS THE SIXTH SERIES OF INTERIOR DESIGN MASTERS – WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?

I think the way they push the envelope, just keeps me excited in it. Because it is the sixth series now, and I think they need to excite me, they need to excite the designers, and I think they need to excite the audience. So that’s why I keep coming back. It’s a laugh, and it’s a giggle, you know?

YOU CAN TELL YOU’RE HAVING FUN! TELL ME ABOUT SOME OF THE PROJECTS IN THIS SERIES.

We’re doing youth hostels, and then we also do a dog’s transition room at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. We do comedy clubs up in Edinburgh. We do quirky cottages up in Portmeirion for the final, which is so surreal, so fabulous, so fantastic.

(Battersea Dogs & Cats Home) was heart-wrenching for me, because, you know, you’re trying to be on your game, and then you’ve got these dogs!

But this was really interesting though, because it wasn’t just a kennel. What they designed was (for) the dog that was transitioning from being in Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to having its new home, so they had to create a room that looked simulated like a normal room to bring them gently into: ‘You’re going to have your forever home now’. So you can imagine how emotional that was…

You’ve got a charity, a fantastic charity like Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, they’ve got what they want, but what does the dog want? And how do you stop a dog that’s nervous or angry, calming it down, ready for its new home? I mean, that is such a curveball, isn’t it, for any designer.

SOME BIG PROJECTS, THEN… HAS THE STANDARD GONE UP?

The standard has gone up, which makes it hard for me, because I do like the weird and wonderful ones, just from a comedian’s angle, where we like to go in there and someone’s gone, what the hell’s gone on here? But you find as you get people who love to do it so much, and who have clearly watched the show and want to win, the standard does go up, and you can’t really take the mick so much because they’re bloody good. Damn!

DO YOU HAVE TO BITE YOUR TONGUE SOMETIMES IF YOU SEE SOMETHING YOU FIND FUNNY OR UGLY?

Yes, I do have to bite my tongue! I do have to bite my tongue, and they don’t warn me, I go in there and what you see is what you get. I mean, you know my poker face is not the best.

I think the reason I got the job was (because) they said: ‘Alan, you are the people at home’… I’ve got no filter. It’s got me into so much trouble before. But like I said, I go in there and, you know, if they’ve painted it the colour of baby poo, then it’s baby poo! If it looks like the inside of a nappy, what can I say?

But, yeah, I try not to be too cruel… But, I mean, sometimes I can’t help myself. You know, there’s so many WTF moments and you’re going ‘really?’ But I think that’s the joy of the show.

You get people who inspire you, you go: ‘Wow, I’m going to do that in my house’, to people like: ‘Oh my God, do not come anywhere near my house!’

DO THE ELIMINATIONS GET EASIER AS TIME HAS GONE ON?

Every series I say: ‘Can we just have a trap door put in?’ It’s just quicker, swifter, you know, one pull and they’re gone, and you don’t have any awkward goodbyes. Or gunging?

I just hate confrontation anyway, and it’s the worst bit when someone has to go home. And I do sit there sometimes like a child in a divorce proceedings. I just sit there with my hands between my knees looking awkward. I just hate people going home.

And of course, the longer you’re there, you know them. You know them so well, because we spend all day, whether it’s in Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, we’re there. So, yeah, I mean, it never gets any easier, even though it is six series in. I mean, my toes are so curled up, I can’t bear it!

AS YOU SAY, THIS SHOW HAS YOU TRAVELLING ALL AROUND THE UK, MEETING ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE – WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THAT?

Yes, you do get to spend (time in) some lovely places, like Rye, I’d never been to before, and because it was streets, everyone in Rye came out to see the transformation, and they did something with the front of the shop. You’ll see it on the show, as the camera pans round, I think the whole of Rye was there and just gave a massive round of applause because they approved of what they’d done. So that was a real emotional moment for me, Michelle and the people, you know, you can’t get a better endorsement than that!

And then Edinburgh, went to comedy clubs, and they were actually doing up some comedy clubs that I had performed in when I was back in the Fringe, back in 2003 and 2004, so that was really, really emotional for me.

And then in the final I spent three days in Portmeirion, which is just so surreal and fabulous and everything, right on the outskirts there in Wales.

See, I’m so lucky. I get to spend time in these lovely places.

Obviously the industrial estate in Bristol with the containers – you know, it wasn’t Vegas, but you saw a different side of Bristol!

Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr returns to BBC One on Thursday, April 10 at 8pm

Recruiting Experienced Personnel

April 4, 2025March 21, 2025 by John Holden

McCarthy Holden is recruiting for experienced personnel across residential sales and residential lettings specialities, offering high level rewards in high performing branches.

Right now we are recruiting for experienced estate agents personnel across residential sales and residential lettings specialities, so if you are a manager, assistant manager or negotiator, then take a look at our immediate needs and consider sending your CV to us as soon as possible.

Experienced Sales & Lettings Personnel Wanted

Job opportunities include positions such as manager / assistant manager level and negotiators, in offices currently based around Fleet, Hartley Wintney and Odiham in Hampshire.

We are offering high level rewards in high performing branches and we want people with sales and communication skills underpinned with attributes such as work ethic and a desire to succeed. Salary will be commensurate with experience and is comprised of basic salary plus commission.

As an independent, family run company, we have built our reputation based on honesty, integrity and a deep understanding of the local property market. As such, we are looking for additional team members who share our commitment to these values.

A summary of skill based and personality attributes for either residential sale s or residential lettings is as follows.

• Previous experience in residential sales or lettings estate agency.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A customer-first attitude with a strong focus on delivering high-quality service.
• A genuine interest in property and the local area.
• A full UK driving license.
• A self-motivated, proactive approach to work.

What To Do Next

If you would like to be considered for joining the McCarthy Holden team then please forward a cover letter with your application and CV as applications without this covering letter will not be considered.

Send your application to Jill Wood using her email jwood@mccarthyholden.co.uk

TV presenter Matt Baker on Channel 4’s National Trust: Our Dream Farm.

March 19, 2025March 18, 2025 by John Holden

By Yolanthe Fawehinmi, PA…

Matt Baker’s dream farm looks like the traditional hill farm he grew up on in the Durham Dales.

But when the 47-year-old British TV presenter thinks about the 600-acre farm in Eryri, (formerly Snowdonia), North Wales, that tenant farmers (people who rent land from a landlord and work the land) compete for in the second season of Channel 4’s National Trust: Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker, it’s a close second.

“I’m very fortunate to have grown up on a very traditional hill farm in Durham Dales. That’s the farm that I love. I love a mixture of landscapes as well. Welsh farms are very similar to the kind of farms that we have in the Durham Dales, but thankfully, my dream farm is the farm I grew up on,” says Baker, a former presenter on children’s television show Blue Peter from 1999 until 2006.

“It’s the world I know and love. It’s where I feel comfortable in that kind of landscape with lots of dry stone walls and older buildings, but also more modern buildings that you can drive tractors in and get all of your stock in if needs be. I love a hardy, rugged farm with a good yard and some modern barns.”

In the documentary-style series, seven shortlisted candidates are put under the watchful eye of the National Trust as they complete real-life farming tasks in the hope of becoming the new tenants of a unique hill farm in the national park, with a four-bedroom farmhouse at its heart, for the next 15 years.

The National Trust have a lot more applicants for their farms than they have to give.

So in National Trust: Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker, contestants will be judged on how well they maximise the opportunities that the farm has to offer.

This can be anything from tourism, how innovative or business savvy they are to how they prioritise environmental sustainability.

Across eight episodes, prospective tenants will be eliminated one by one until only two hopefuls are left and invited to have a final meeting with the National Trust. But only one person can win and become the proud owner of the farm.

“For me, any show that puts our agricultural world front and centre is absolutely vital, as far as I’m concerned. Not a lot of people know of the world of tenant farming, and the fact that a third of British farmers are tenant farmers. I think you only have to go out into the countryside and be so thankful that it looks the way that it does because of our farmers,” says Baker, who shares two teenage children, Luke and Molly, with his wife, physiotherapist Nicola Mooney.

“Not only are they producing our food, but they’re looking after our environment. I think we should shed light and can gather as much support as possible for the farming community, and show people what goes on and how challenging it is.

“Our farmers have to be jacks of all trades, you got to be so independent, and they’re providing all of the time. People need to be more grateful to our British farmers for producing our food and looking after our environment. In my eyes, it’s our farmers that make Britain what it is.”

From 2009, Baker looked into people, places and stories making news in the British countryside, whilst he co-presented BBC One’s Countryfile.

The following year, he stood in for English comedian and presenter Jason Manford, 43, as a guest presenter on BBC One’s magazine programme The One Show.

But when Manford resigned in November 2010, Baker was promoted to a more permanent position as a co-host with Welsh TV presenter Alex Jones, 47 – the same year he came second place on the eighth series of Strictly Come Dancing with Russian-Kazakh ballroom dancer Aliona Vilani, 40.

In the first episode of the new Channel 4 series, Baker says that if he were the winning tenant of the farm, he would be bursting with ideas and know exactly where to start.

“What is unbelievable is that the lake [on the farm] is where the legend of the red dragon from Wales comes from, which is incredible. There’s a legend that’s told actually in the series where the white dragon and the red dragon had a battle, and basically, the white dragon leaves and the red dragon remains. And that’s why the Welsh dragon is on the Welsh flag, it comes from that lake, which is just unbelievable,” he says.

“So I would certainly feature that heavily, I would key into that because a farm like this is so hard to come by. It’s one of the most nature-rich farms the National Trust have in Wales.

“I’ll certainly keep up with all of the grazings they do up on the mountain pasture, honestly, the nature there is everything. I love that side of things as well.

“But I’d be welcoming people from all over to come and immerse themselves in that kind of world. I would certainly lean into all of the heritage that’s there, including the walling. There are a lot of foundations around the 600 acres that reflect the things that have gone by over the years and the way that the shepherds used to work the land. So I’d look at reinstating some of those.

“I’d also keep on with those heritage animals, the stock that’s there, the Welsh Black cattle and the mountain sheep. I would run it very traditionally, but I’d invite people to come and experience that world.”

So what misconceptions does Baker think people have about countryside life and farming?

“It’s maybe a bit rose-tinted,” Baker admits. “It’s not as bucolic as people imagine. Our countryside goes on in winter. The tougher months are really challenging. People think things only happen in springtime, when the birds are tweeting and the flowers are out, the lambs are bouncing around.

“But let me tell you, it’s very hard work, it’s a tough life, and it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle. Families are wrapped up in this constantly, and they work together. I think the togetherness and the community are very strong in the rural community.

“I think the biggest misconception is that people don’t understand where our food comes from or how it’s produced and the effort level. You only have to try and grow cress (an edible herb) on the window, think about a bit of food production, and then ask yourself the question, are you still doing it?

“And if you’re not still growing cress on the window, why not? A lot of people can’t be bothered, so be thankful to the people that are producing your food.”

National Trust: Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker cames to Channel 4 on Saturday, March 15

How to refresh your home for springtime with a seasonal vibe

March 11, 2025 by Sam Holden

It’s the moment for renewal, breathing new life into your space and reinventing furnishings by switching out wintry textiles for free-spirited decorative accessories and airy accents.

Indeed, with 2025 coming into full swing, now is the time to refresh your home for spring, highlights Alysha Alli, group interior designer at Redrow.

“This season is all about embracing new materials, bold designs and sustainable innovations that enhance both style and functionality,” says Alli.

“Whether you’re looking to introduce eco-friendly elements, experiment with vibrant colours, or create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, these key trends will help you transform your space.”

Here are her style notes to put you on the front foot…

Embracing alternative materials

Sustainability is shaping the future of home design, with a rise in untreated natural materials such as wood, cork, and bamboo, underlines Alli.

“Zero-waste production is also gaining traction, as designers transform leftover materials into beautiful, eco-friendly furniture.”

To bring this approach into your home, she says to opt for statement pieces that contrast beautifully with their surroundings. “Think a reclaimed wood table in a sleek modern space, or recycled metal light fixture adding edge to a cosy, rustic setting.”

And while sustainably crafted pieces may come with a higher price tag, they offer “superior quality, longevity, and one-of-a-kind character that mass-produced items simply cannot match,” notes Alli.

“Plus, you will be making an eco-friendly choice while supporting independent artisans and small businesses.”

A playful approach to the basics

Everyday essentials are given a vibrant refresh with bold colours and adaptable designs…

Alli says modular seating, adjustable shelving and stools with built-in storage combine practicality with personality, making them perfect for busy households.

“Want to maximise a family space? Consider multifunctional furniture like extendable dining tables for gatherings, or foldaway desks for homework and crafts.”

“Creating dedicated zones such as a cosy reading nook, playful activity area or flexible workspace can make your home more adaptable, while maintaining a fun and inviting aesthetic,” she says.

Playing with perceptions

This year, expect to see more transparency, reflection, and futuristic finishes used to create sleek, modern spaces, outlines Alli.

Moreover, she says mirrored surfaces, glass furniture, and responsibly sourced acrylic add depth and sophistication without overwhelming a room.

“A well-placed mirror can instantly open a space and amplify natural light, while translucent décor – such as vases, pendant lights, and glistening finishes – add subtle visual interest.

“For a contemporary edge, pair these elements with high-shine metals like chrome or brushed gold,” suggests the interiors expert.

“Prefer a softer touch? Balance modern accents with plush fabrics, warm wood tones, or natural stone for a chic, yet inviting, look.”

She continues: “For an extra pop, introduce ombre hues, glowing accents, or bold statement pieces featuring graphic grains.”

Whether you fully embrace the trend or just add a few key pieces, it’s an effortless way to make your home feel fresh, airy, and stylish, suggests Alli.

Colour shifts… 2025 is all about colour confidence

Rich, mood-boosting hues bring joy and energy into your space…

Say goodbye to muted tones and welcome in tropical brights such as zesty oranges, hyper-greens, and electric blues, enthuses Alli.

Not ready for a full-colour transformation? She says start small with vibrant cushions, a statement rug or accent wall.

“Layer in colour-blocked furniture or bold accessories to make an impact without overwhelming your space,” advises Alli. “For a playful twist, glow-in-the-dark details, like neon signs or LED strips, add a sense of fun after dark.”

The key to getting it right? Alli says to balance bright tones with natural textures to keep things lively yet inviting.

Seamless indoor-outdoor living

“As the seasons change, it’s time to break down barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a home that feels light, airy and connected to nature,” advises Alli.

“Open-plan layouts with large sliding or bi-fold doors allow for effortless flow, making it easier than ever to enjoy brighter days and warmer evenings.”

Not patio weather yet? She suggests bringing the outdoors in with rattan furniture, linen textiles and botanical prints that echo your garden.

Once the temperature finally rises, she says don’t be afraid of taking interior comforts outside. “Cosy throws, soft lighting, and weather-resistant rugs can transform a patio or balcony into an inviting retreat.”

The secret to seamless indoor-outdoor living? “A cohesive colour palette and natural textures that tie both spaces together,” says Alli, “creating a relaxed, harmonious vibe all year round.”

How to make the most of your living space as the nights draw in

October 24, 2024 by John Holden

GEORGE CLARKE ARCHITECT WINTER INTERIORS MCCARTHY HOLDEN

With winter just around the corner and everyone gravitating indoors, our living rooms are about to see most of this season’s action.

Whether it’s cinema nights with the kids, socialising with friends or simply curling up with a good book, your communal space will undoubtedly become the centre point of everyday living.

So how to bring the feel-good factor to your downtime?

Here, architect and TV presenter George Clarke, highlights a few ways to accommodate the needs of multiple generations… whilst catering to the demands of awkward spaces in a smart and stylish way.

Create intimate zones

The layout of our living rooms has changed markedly over the years, as we all aim to create multi-functional spaces to serve many needs, notes Clarke.

Practical as well as aesthetically pleasing, think elements to help us relax, entertain and possibly work from home, alongside other activities.

“Creating intimate zones, however small, is key in designing a space that delivers on multiple briefs,” explains Clarke.

“And although many rooms don’t offer symmetrical proportions – many being long and narrow with special considerations, such as doors in awkward places – there are a few ways to achieve breakaway zones.”

The key when working to the quirks of your layout, especially when rearranging furniture, is to consider comfort, ease of movement and flow, highlights Clarke.

“Avoid placing everything around a room’s edges, which can result in too much empty space at the centre.” He continues. “Instead, opt to delineate your scheme, pulling furniture into more intimate arrangements.”

The back of a sofa can work well as a room divider, but be sure to choose furniture that looks appealing from all angles, as sides and backs will be on display as well as fronts, notes Clarke.

“And remember, it’s not just sofas that create convivial family zones. Beautifully crafted armchairs are also having a moment.”

“Think about pieces that complement each other rather than match, and try out informal circular groupings anchored by a generous footstool to encourage lingering.”

Large rugs stretched across rooms are a simple and effective way to create a natural divide for seating, eating and working, suggests Clarke.

“And bespoke bookshelves as room dividers and cabinetry that contain pull-out desks are a useful design solution.”

Put comfort first

“Comfort is king when it comes to the ideal living room,” underlines Clarke. “In fact, it was voted as the number one requirement by a long way in Sofology’s How We Live Now report which included independent consumer research, with the TV coming in as a not-so-close second.

“Whether you go for modernist-shaped seating, scrolled arms, button tuck detailing or tapered legs, it turns out the style of our seating is a matter of personal taste, but the feeling of wellbeing it elicits is non-negotiable.”

Modular sofas with flexible configurations work well, as does a selection of moveable furniture, including lightweight side tables that can be pulled into place for a spot of home-working, advises Clark.

“Task lighting that can be directed with ease, deep ottomans and plenty of plugs and USB ports,” he adds.

Entertain a seasonal cinemascape

If the TV promises to be central to enjoying your living room over the winter, Clarke recommends switching things up with a more cinematic experience, depending on your budget.

“Although screening rooms are often found in basement spaces and middle rooms of period homes benefitting from reduced natural light, they can also work within a regular living space,” suggests Clarke.

If a cinema-style sofa isn’t on the cards this Christmas, he says to consider layering the seating you have – and surround it with sumptuous textures and rich colours to create a cosseting escape.

“There’ll be some classic movies showing at this time of year, and a comfortable set up will make long winter nights all the more enjoyable.”

Get colour happy

As Clarke points out, incorporating bright colours and bold patterns adds depth and vibrancy that can help bring a welcome lightness to winter months.

Most people opt for white or neutral walls to help make a room appear larger, notes Clarke, but a single colour wash wall or brightly painted shelving can help brighten things up.

“Stylists I’ve worked with in the past have said when it comes to colour and pattern, breaking the rules rather than following specific trends often produces the best results.”

“I love this idea, especially as one in five of us updates our living spaces on a yearly basis. Changing the colour of a living room doesn’t have to cost the earth or represent a long-standing commitment – and the results can be surprising.”

Think social

It’s the season for socialising and where better than in the comfort of your own home…

“Open plan kitchens-cum-living rooms are perfect for enjoying a more relaxed approach to hosting,” says Clarke. “We know people migrate to the living room in winter, so rethinking the space slightly to cater for this can really help take the stress out of having people over.

“Sitting rooms with alcoves offer a wealth of opportunity when it comes to socialising, so switch out books for something more appetising and useful,” suggests Clarke.

“Built-in bars might not be to everybody’s taste, but temporary pieces like a retro drinks trolley can help create a zone within a living room – offering much-needed storage and help bring the fun to an evening with friends.”

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What To Do Next

It’s the moment for renewal, breathing new life into your space and reinventing furnishings by switching out wintry textiles for free-spirited decorative accessories and airy accents.

Create intimate zones

Put comfort first

Entertain a seasonal cinemascape

Get colour happy

Think social

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