Devon’s older homes are some of the most beautiful in the entire country. Whether it’s a thatched cottage looking down on Totnes, a Georgian townhouse on the Exeter quayside, a disused barn in a quaint hamlet, or a farmhouse overlooking Dartmoor, the older stock carries an unequivocal charm that simply cannot be replicated.  

That said, buying a period property in Devon in 2026 often means that you’re investing in a bigger project, rather than a standalone purchase. Many older properties haven’t been upgraded in some time, and for the modern discerning buyer, some of those restorations require more than just a lick of paint. 

Set Expectations 

Understanding how to finance large-scale renovation works without compromising your financial security or putting you severely in the red is every bit as important as finding the right architect or builder. Before committing to any major house refurbishment project, it’s crucial to get a crystal-clear picture of what you could spend.  

With UK building and labour costs rising sharply, benchmarking has become essential. For Devon homebuyers and investors planning substantial works, understanding these figures early is a vital long-term investment. Getting a sense of the average build costs per square metre gives you a realistic estimation of what you are likely to spend at minimum. This can be useful in building a long-term plan, while simultaneously avoiding the common scenario of running out of funds halfway through a house renovation. 

Once you have a firm idea of your anticipated spend, the next step is to review your broader financial position. Getting your finances right isn’t just about establishing whether you can self-fund part of the project, and borrow some, it’s about understanding what could transpire that could hike up prices unexpectedly. Attempting one or more of the methods outlined below can unlock valuable capital to fund your property renovation project. 

Pension Consolidation: A Debt-Free Funding Alternative 

Drawing out of a large pension pot can mean you don’t need to borrow capital from a lender, providing a debt-free way to fund property improvements or new investments. To reach this level of financial flexibility, many choose to consolidate multiple pension pots into a single, high-value fund. This not only simplifies the withdrawal process but ensures you have a clear, unified view of the capital available to you, allowing for more strategic decision-making without the need for external financing. This is an ideal scenario when navigating the unpredictable costs of a period restoration. 

Renovation Mortgages: Built for Projects Like Yours 

Alternatively, for buyers purchasing a unique property that needs a large amount of work but who prefer to keep their capital invested, a standard residential mortgage can invariably fall short. A renovation mortgage is a specialist type of loan designed specifically for properties in dire need of a refurbishment. Such properties may lack a functioning kitchen and bathroom, carry damp or structural issues, or are otherwise in need of a major overhaul. 

Unlike a traditional mortgage, which is based on the property's value at the point of purchase, a renovation mortgage factors in the projected value once works are complete. This higher lending ceiling can make a genuine difference when tackling a property that has been untouched for decades. 

Unlike regular mortgages, which usually release funds as a single lump sum, renovation mortgages typically release funds in phases as the build progresses. This helps align both cashflow and actual spend. Some mortgage lenders also offer advance-stage products, releasing funds at the start of each stage so that materials and labour can be paid for straight away, rather than paying in arrears. 

Remortgaging and Equity Release 

If you already own your home in Devon, and are renovating as opposed to buying a new property to refurbish, remortgaging can be a very accessible and straightforward route. 

Lenders will undoubtedly ask the reason for raising additional capital but should allow equity to be released (i.e., borrowing more on top of your mortgage) for the purpose of home improvements. Mortgage rates vary based on the percentage of the property that your mortgage represents (known as the Loan to Value or LTV).  

Most lenders will allow you to borrow up to 85% or 90% of your current property value, with the released equity directed towards your renovation budget. The lower your LTV ratio, the better the rates available to you, so it is worth timing any remortgage application to coincide with a point at which your property value, and your repayment history, are working in your favour. The higher the LTV, the higher the interest rate will be, but you can review once any deal has come to an end. 

Another option worth exploring is whether your lender will grant a further advance, if your current mortgage deal could incur early repayment charges. It avoids the cost of a full remortgage while still accessing equity you have built up. For those part-way through a fixed-rate mortgage, a second charge mortgage (also known as a secured homeowner loan) sits alongside the existing mortgage rather than replacing it. If you’re a homeowner with solid equity, these loans can be arranged relatively easily. 

Personal Loans, Credit and Savings 

For smaller elements of a renovation project, an unsecured personal loan can be a practical tool. It avoids securing additional debt against the property and can be arranged quickly. However, rates are invariably higher than mortgage products, and for six-figure renovation budgets, this route is rarely cost-effective on its own. Used tactically to cover a specific phase or shortfall, it has its place. 

Alternatively, drawing out funds from any savings or ISAs can also be a cost-effective way to fund parts of a large renovation project.  

Planning Your Contingency 

Whichever funding route you choose, it’s always prudent to establish a failsafe contingency plan. 

Period properties in Devon and beyond can present plenty of unwelcome surprises, ranging from an abundance of hidden damp behind render to lime mortar that is incompatible with modern building materials. Factoring in an additional 10% to 15% of your total project budget is highly recommended, and given the state of some older buildings, erring towards the higher end is probably more sensible. 

Remember that lenders will want to see a credible plan before committing more funds your way. That may often mean presenting structural plans or drawings, schedules of work, realistic project timelines, and evidence that you have sufficiently budgeted for such a project. The more prepared you are from the off, the smoother the lending process will be. 

Renovating an old home in Devon is challenging, no doubt, but it can be one of the most rewarding things you can do as a homeowner. With the right financial structure in place, you’ll be thankful you took the plunge, and before long you’ll have a beautiful home to live in and somewhere secure and stable for years to come. 

Whether you are assessing a potential barn conversion or unlocking equity in a period cottage, contact Sawdye & Harris today for a bespoke market appraisal and expert advice. 

Please note: this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a qualified, independent financial adviser before making decisions about borrowing or restructuring your finances. 

The Renters’ Rights Bill isn’t a minor adjustment. It changes how possession works, how rent increases are handled, how complaints are resolved and how compliance is monitored. For some landlords, it will simply mean tightening systems. For others, especially those fitting it around work and family, it may start to feel heavier than it used to. 

The biggest shift is the removal of Section 21. The “no fault” route disappears. From May 2026, you will only regain possession if you can prove a valid ground under Section 8, or if your tenant chooses to give notice. That means your paperwork needs to be right. Your evidence needs to stack up. If rent arrears build, the mandatory threshold rises to three months and the notice period doubles. Persistent late payment can still be used as a ground, but that decision sits with a judge. 

All tenancies will move to periodic by default, so the comfort some landlords felt around fixed terms changes too. 

We’ve already had landlords ask us, “If a tenant stops paying in June, what does that actually look like now?” That question alone tells you everything. The margin for error is smaller. 

The Decent Homes Standard is also being extended properly into the private rented sector. Damp and mould are under scrutiny. Heating, safety and general condition will be assessed more closely. Councils will have stronger enforcement powers, and fines can start at £7,000. 

Most self-managing landlords we meet care about their properties. The issue is rarely intention. It’s interpretation. We’ve seen situations where a landlord thought a small patch of condensation was manageable, but the local authority viewed it very differently. That difference in interpretation is where problems begin. 

Rent increases will follow one clear route. From May 2026, you can increase rent once per year using a formal Section 13 notice, giving at least two months’ notice. The rent must reflect genuine market value. Tenants can challenge the increase at Tribunal, which will determine what the market rent should be. Rent review clauses won’t carry the same weight, and informal mid-term adjustments won’t be enough. 

You effectively get one opportunity each year to position the rent correctly. If it’s wrong, you cannot simply tweak it a few months later. 

There’s also a new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman scheme. Every landlord will need to join, even if you use an agent. Tenants will be able to raise complaints free of charge, and the decisions will be binding. Alongside that sits a national PRS database where landlords and properties must be registered. 

If you fail to register or join, penalties are significant. In some cases, you may even restrict your ability to regain possession. 

Then there are the rent handling changes. You must publish a clear asking rent. You cannot encourage or accept bids above it. Upfront rent demands are limited. Rent Repayment Orders are being strengthened, meaning certain compliance failures could result in repaying rent. 

Individually, each change feels manageable. Collectively, they may give you cause to rethink your decision to self-manage.  

Some landlords will continue exactly as they are, just more structured. Others will look at the additional documentation, the Tribunal processes, the Ombudsman oversight and think, “Do I want to be personally dealing with this at 8pm on a Tuesday?” 

We’ve had three separate landlords in the past month ask whether May 2026 is the point they step back from day-to-day management. Not because they’ve done anything wrong. Simply because the responsibility now carries more consequence. 

If you are self-managing and feeling slightly unsure, that’s a normal reaction. It does not mean you have to hand everything over tomorrow. It does mean this is a sensible time to review where you stand. 

Check your tenancy file. Make sure prescribed documents were served correctly. Look at your rent level and compare it properly to the market. Walk around the property and be honest about condition. Think through what you would do if rent stopped or a complaint escalated. 

If you’d like to talk it through, we’re here for you. 

That might mean a compliance review. It might mean sense-checking a rent increase before you serve notice. It might mean exploring what full management would look like so you can decide with clarity rather than pressure. 

Even if you choose to carry on self-managing, doing so with a clear understanding of the new framework puts you in a stronger position. 

The rules are changing. With the right preparation, you stay steady. And if you decide you would rather not carry the weight alone beyond May 2026, we’ll support you with that decision too. 

If you’d like to chat it through properly, get in touch.

Are you thinking about buying or selling a home? Perhaps a move has been quietly forming in your mind, but the unpredictability of the housing market has left you hesitating. 

That is completely understandable. 

When you own a high-value or luxury home, the stakes feel higher. Decisions are rarely impulsive. You have invested time, care and personality into your property. Whether it is a country house with sweeping views, a statement townhouse or a contemporary architectural build, selling unique homes requires thought and precision. 

As luxury estate agents, we have guided many clients through changing markets. What we have learned is simple. Clarity and strategy matter more than noise. 

Let us share what that means for you. 

Selling a Luxury Home in a Changing Market 

Viewings May Slow, But Serious Buyers Remain 

There are periods when activity feels quieter. Physical viewings may reduce and conversations may take longer to progress. 

Yet committed buyers do not disappear. 

High-end property sales are rarely driven by impulse. Buyers of exclusive property listings are discerning. They research thoroughly, register interest early and often wait for the right opportunity. 

This is why premium property marketing is so important. When your home is positioned correctly, with strong storytelling and careful presentation, you remain visible to the right audience. 

We ensure interested parties are tracked properly, relationships are nurtured and no opportunity is missed. 

Digital Interest Still Drives Real Buyers 

Luxury buyers are often time-poor and sometimes global. They begin their search online, reviewing professional photography, virtual tours and detailed brochures before stepping through the door. 

If your property is not presented exceptionally well online, you risk losing interest before a conversation even begins. 

That is why we invest in professional photography, considered home staging and high-quality virtual tours. The goal is not simply to show rooms. It is to convey atmosphere, lifestyle and aspiration. 

When marketing is done properly, digital interest converts into meaningful enquiries and viewings from serious buyers. 

Handling Low Offers With Confidence 

In shifting markets, there may be opportunistic offers. Buyers may test the waters. 

This is where negotiation expertise becomes invaluable. 

We believe in clear, honest conversations. If a low offer arrives, we assess it carefully. Is it strategic? Is it the start of serious dialogue? Or is it speculative? 

Luxury property selling requires calm, informed guidance. With the right tailored marketing strategies and patience, many clients achieve results that reflect the quality of their home. 

If you have flexibility, holding firm can be wise. If you need to move within a defined timeframe, a structured negotiation may still secure an excellent outcome. 

Every situation is different. That is why personalised service matters. 

Why Withdrawing Your Home Is Rarely the Answer 

It can feel tempting to step back and wait for perfect conditions. 

However, off-market property sales and discreet property sales are often more effective than complete withdrawal. 

Staying present, whether publicly or through carefully managed private introductions, keeps you connected to active buyers. When the right person emerges, you are ready. 

We regularly manage bespoke home selling campaigns where confidentiality is essential. Through our network and strong client testimonials, we connect sellers with pre-qualified buyers without unnecessary exposure. 

Visibility does not mean overexposure. It means preparedness. 

What If You Are Buying Instead? 

Reduced Competition Can Work in Your Favour 

In quieter periods, there is often less competition for exceptional homes. That creates space for considered decisions and measured negotiations. 

For buyers seeking high-end property sales, this can be an opportunity to secure a property that might otherwise attract multiple competing offers. 

Access to Off-Market Opportunities 

Some of the finest homes never reach public portals. 

Through discreet property sales and trusted relationships, we often introduce buyers and sellers privately. These introductions are built on understanding motivations, privacy and alignment. 

If you are searching for something specific, registering your requirements with experienced luxury estate agents can reveal opportunities you would not otherwise see. 

Using Virtual Tours Strategically 

Virtual tours are now a powerful part of the process seller journey. They allow buyers to explore a property thoroughly before committing to travel. 

We encourage clients to use virtual tours to shortlist intelligently, ask detailed questions and then view in person with clarity. 

It saves time and ensures each visit has purpose. 

Timing Your Move with Confidence 

One of the most common questions we hear during a consultation market appraisal is simple. 

Should we wait? 

There is no universal answer. Timing depends on your circumstances, your reasons for moving and the individuality of your home. 

Listing without preparation can dilute impact. Waiting too long can increase competition. 

The key is readiness. 

Have your property valuation conducted by experienced luxury estate agents. Prepare your home thoughtfully with professional home staging. Invest in premium property marketing from the outset. 

When you launch, do so with confidence. 

There is something quietly powerful about walking into a beautifully styled home. The rooms feel calmer. The space feels considered. Everything appears intentional. 

When we speak to owners of high-value homes, we are often asked whether styling really makes a difference. In our experience as luxury estate agents, it absolutely does. Presentation shapes perception, and perception influences value. 

The good news is that elevating your home does not always require significant expense. With a thoughtful approach, even small changes can enhance your property valuation and strengthen your position in high-end property sales. 

Here are the principles we regularly share during a consultation market appraisal when advising on premium property marketing and bespoke home selling. 

Why Styling Matters in Premium Property Marketing 

Selling unique homes is about more than listing a property online. It is about storytelling. It is about atmosphere. It is about helping buyers picture their future within your walls. 

Whether your home is destined for exclusive property listings or off-market property sales, presentation underpins everything. Professional photography, virtual tours and viewings all rely on a home looking its very best. 

We often say to our clients, imagine walking through your front door for the first time. What do you notice. What do you feel. That first impression is powerful. 

1. Rugs: Anchoring the Space 

A well-chosen rug can transform a room without overwhelming it. 

In premium homes, we recommend neutral tones and natural textures. They add warmth while allowing architectural features and furnishings to take centre stage. In open-plan spaces, rugs subtly define areas without disrupting flow. 

From a premium property marketing perspective, rugs also photograph beautifully. They soften large rooms and add depth to images used in exclusive property listings. 

2. Cushions and Soft Furnishings: Layered Luxury 

Luxury is rarely loud. It is layered and refined. 

A few carefully selected cushions or a textured throw can add depth and comfort to a living room or bedroom. We advise choosing understated fabrics such as linen, wool or velvet in complementary shades. 

Home staging is not about removing personality. It is about presenting a balanced and aspirational version of your home. When buyers view a property, whether in person or through virtual tours, these subtle touches help them connect emotionally with the space. 

That emotional connection is central to successful property selling. 

3. Fresh Flowers and Greenery: Natural Sophistication 

Fresh flowers remain one of the simplest ways to elevate a home. 

We favour restrained arrangements. Soft colours. Sculptural greenery. A simple vase in a hallway or dining room. 

Greenery brings life to professional photography and reinforces the sense that a home is well cared for. For discreet property sales in particular, where expectations are high and viewings selective, these finishing touches speak volumes. 

4. Bathrooms: Spa-Like Presentation 

Bathrooms often influence buying decisions more than owners expect. 

Crisp white towels, neatly folded. Elegant soap dispensers instead of branded bottles. Clear surfaces and soft lighting. 

These are modest adjustments, yet they communicate calm and quality. In high-end property sales, details matter. During a consultation market appraisal, we frequently recommend decluttering bathrooms first because the impact is immediate. 

5. Bedrooms: Creating a Sanctuary 

A bedroom should feel like a retreat. 

Fresh bedding in natural fabrics, layered neutrals and minimal accessories create a sense of space and tranquillity. Perhaps a simple throw at the foot of the bed or matching bedside lamps to add symmetry. 

For those considering off-market property sales or tailored marketing strategies, bedrooms must feel serene and inviting. Buyers should sense restfulness the moment they enter. 

6. Mirrors: Enhancing Light and Scale 

Mirrors are one of the most effective styling tools available. 

They reflect natural light, make rooms feel larger and add quiet elegance. In both contemporary and period homes, a well-placed mirror can elevate a hallway or sitting room without adding clutter. 

They also enhance professional photography, ensuring spaces appear bright and proportionate in virtual tours and marketing materials. 

7. Declutter with Intention 

Perhaps the most powerful principle in bespoke home selling is simple editing. 

Removing excess items allows your home’s best features to shine. Clean lines and clear surfaces create a sense of order and space. 

We often ask, does every item in this room contribute to the story you want to tell. If not, consider storing it temporarily. This approach is especially important when selling unique homes where architectural details deserve attention. 

Styling and Negotiation Expertise 

Presentation is not just about appearance. It strengthens our negotiation expertise. 

When a home is beautifully presented, buyers perceive greater value. That confidence supports stronger offers and reinforces the property valuation. It also creates a more compelling narrative during negotiations. 

Well-prepared homes tend to generate more interest and smoother transactions. Styling is not superficial. It is strategic. 

Professional Photography and Tailored Marketing 

No styling effort is complete without exceptional imagery. 

Professional photography captures light, proportion and atmosphere in a way that standard images cannot. Virtual tours extend that experience to buyers who may be relocating or viewing remotely. 

As luxury estate agents, we combine these tools with tailored marketing strategies designed specifically for your property. Whether through exclusive property listings or discreet property sales, our aim is always to position your home within the correct market and attract the right buyer. 

A Personalised Approach to High-End Property Sales 

Every home is different. Every client has unique priorities. 

Some owners prefer complete privacy through off-market property sales. Others seek broad exposure supported by premium property marketing. Some value speed. Others prioritise discretion. 

That is why we begin with a detailed property valuation and consultation market appraisal. We listen carefully. We provide expert property advice based on your circumstances. Our personalised service ensures that your process seller journey is structured, clear and considered from start to finish. 

Client testimonials consistently highlight the reassurance that comes from working with experienced luxury estate agents who understand selling unique homes at the highest level. 

Moving Forward 

If you are considering property selling and would like guidance on presenting your home for high-end property sales, we would be delighted to help. 

From home staging advice and professional photography to negotiation expertise and carefully crafted tailored marketing strategies, we manage every aspect with care. 

If you would like a confidential conversation about your home, please contact us.

Together, we can ensure your home is presented with the refinement and attention it deserves.