A fresh coat of paint can help, but missing paperwork can delay a sale for months. Use August to prepare the information buyers and solicitors will need before an offer is agreed.

The rental market is still growing, but the way properties are managed has changed. August is a useful time for landlords to review tenancies, rent processes and record-keeping.

Finding a tenant is only the beginning. In this week's article, Katie explains why the real work starts after the keys are handed over, from maintenance and compliance to rent reviews and renewals, and why many landlords discover that full management is worth far more than they expected.

A late-night maintenance emergency showed Claire that the real cost of self-managing wasn't just the repair bill. In this week's article, Katie explores the hidden cost of let-only management, why full management offers more than convenience, and why so many landlords wish they'd made the switch sooner.