How to get your home ready for winter
Charlie Panayi • November 18, 2022
As winter approaches, it is more important than ever to look after your property and protect it from the cold weather that lays ahead of us. Here are 10 things you should check in preparation for the coming months:
1. Check your heating and boiler
Check if radiators need bleeding. This is indicated by your heaters being hot at the bottom and cold at the top.
To check that your boiler is working, check that the pilot light is on and relight it if necessary. The instructions for this will be in the manual or on the actual boiler. It’s a good idea to get your boiler serviced by gas safety registered engineer.
2. Check windows and doors
Check for gaps in your windows and doors and seal any you find in order to reduce draughts.
3. Check drains and clean gutters
Clear your drains and gutters of rubbish and leaves in order to prevent build up which could result in water getting clogged, freezing, and the gutter collapsing due to its increased weight.
4. Clean chimneys and order firewood
Hire a chimney sweep before lighting your fire for the winter to increase fire safety in your home. Start getting your wood stocked up ready for the coming months.
5. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
It’s always a good idea to make sure your detectors are working.
6. The garden
Cover all patio furniture to protect it from the weather.
7. Pay attention to your pipes
Insulate your pipes to reduce loss of heat and prevent them from freezing and bursting. Protect them by keeping heat at a consistent low level above 4 degrees and by filling any cracks that appear in the walls.
8. Locate your stopcock
This enables you to turn the cold water system off if your pipes burst . The lever or tap is usually located under the kitchen sink.
9. Get your roof checked
Roof slates or tiles can get loose throughout the year and this can cause leaks. It’s a good idea to get your roof checked by a professional before winter sets in.
10. Make sure the property is insured
House insurance claims are higher in the winter months so it’s a good idea to check your insurance covers theft, fire and flooding.
This is the biggest shake-up to private renting in decades. From 1 May 2026 the rules around repossessions, deposits and property standards change, and that means landlords must act now. Below is a plain-English guide: what’s changing, what it actually means, and a simple to-do checklist so you can get on with it. If you want templates, examples and a downloadable checklist, join my live briefing (if you can't make the date email me to join webinar link) . Book the briefing → https://www.eventbrite.com/e/renters-reform-2026-biggest-changes-in-decades-tickets-1969971230982?aff=oddtdtcreator
A Milestone Moment in Parliament
Building Confidence When Pitching to Investors
It’s one of the questions I hear most often as an agent on the Island
“When’s the best time to sell my house?”
In August 2025, I set out to climb Mont Blanc — at 4,806m (15,774ft), the highest peak in Western Europe . It turned out to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done...physically, mentally, and emotionally. I knew it would test me. I just didn’t know how much.
The UK rental market is moving again, but this time, it’s not all heat. Rents are still rising, but at their slowest pace in years, and we’re finally seeing more stock come through. For landlords, this is the time to get smart, yes the demand is still high but: margins are tighter, tenant expectations are higher, and the days of just listing and waiting are over. Below, I break down the key stats and what they really mean, plus how I’m navigating it with my own portfolio.
If you’re in or around the property world right now, you’ll know the market is shifting again. And once again — it’s not about panic, it’s about preparation. Here’s a straight-talking update on what’s happening, what it means for you, and where I see the opportunities right now.
Climbing Mount Toubkal: A Journey of Challenge, Charity, and Purpose