Hello and Happy October from the Samuel Makepeace Team!

As the nights draw in and the leaves start to fall, there’s plenty to look forward to here at Samuel Makepeace. We’re gearing up for a very special milestone: our 10-year anniversary, coming up this November! To mark the occasion, we’re hosting a celebration, and you’ll find your exclusive invitation included in this newsletter. And don’t worry if you can’t make it, our November edition will be a 10-year anniversary special, full of memories, milestones, and a look back at an incredible decade of helping people move.

Here’s what’s inside this month’s newsletter:

• Our Monthly Mini Blog: Seeking advice on the cost of moving

• Get to Know the Team: featuring our Kidsgrove valuer, Kieran Marrow

• New Listing of the Month: a standout home you won’t want to miss

• Completion of the Month: celebrating another client’s moving journey

• Key changes you need to know about the new Renters’ Rights Bill

So grab a cosy drink, settle in, and enjoy this month’s edition; it’s packed with treats (and absolutely no tricks)!

We're Turning 10!
Join us for an afternoon of cake, music, and bubbles as we celebrate a decade of serving our wonderful community.
14 Heathcote Street, Kidsgrove, ST7 4AA
Friday 28th November 2025 | 1PM – 5PM
RSVP to: sgeorge@samuelmakepeace.com
We can't wait to celebrate this milestone with you — thank you for being part of our journey!

Give us a run down of your day to day duties…..

“A typical day involves mostly valuing homes, with a healthy dose of viewings, take-ons, and trying not to get lost between appointments.”

 What is your favourite part of the job?

“It would have to be meeting new people and giving them all the advice and guidance they need to move on to their next chapter.”

What do you find the most challenging?

“My handwriting. Honestly, it’s like trying to decode ancient hieroglyphics and I find myself regularly apologising to the team!”

If you could live inside any fictional world for a week, where would you go?

“Pirates of the Caribbean, 100%. You’d find me on deck with Captain Jack, pint of rum in hand!”

If you had to teach a class on something completely unrelated to your job, what would it be?

“I’d dust off my degree and teach a P.E. lesson, mostly to prove to myself I’ve still “got it.”

Which of your work colleagues would be your karaoke-buddy, and what would you sing?

“I’d need two partners in crime: Jordan and Dino. Together we’d give a questionable but passionate rendition of “Why, Why, Why Delilah.” I’m sure they can’t wait Kie!

What’s something small that instantly makes your day better, no matter what?

“Taking the mick out of the gaffer until he gets really wound up, all in good fun, of course!”

So that’s our Kieran, the man who can value your home, challenge Captain Jack to a drinking contest, and still find time to wind up the gaffer before lunch. We wouldn't have him any other way!

Featured Property of the Month – Ravens Lane, Bignall End
Discover Ravens Lane, a beautifully presented three-bedroom semi-detached home that blends character, comfort, and contemporary style in the heart of Bignall End. From the charming stained glass entrance to the bay-fronted lounge, every detail reflects thoughtful design. The open-plan kitchen and dining area form the heart of the home, featuring sleek finishes, integrated Neff appliances, and seamless access to a private garden complete with patio, pergola, and decking – perfect for entertaining or relaxing. With three generous bedrooms, a stylish family bathroom, ample driveway parking, and a part-boarded loft for extra storage, Ravens Lane is a rare find that combines elegance and practicality in equal measure.

It’s no trick – just a real treat this October, and truly deserving of our Featured Property of the Month spotlight.

MONTHLY MINI BLOG - The Cost of Moving...SEEK YOUR ADVICE EARLY!

If you are thinking of buying or selling, contrary to popular belief, your sale/purchase price isn't the only thing you need to consider. 

You may feel hugely prepared because you have been to your bank and obtained a Mortgage In Principle... but did you know that there are several other financials you need to take into account when planning a move?

1. Banks - banks will only offer you their own mortgage products. A high street bank isn't going to tell you that their competitor is offering better rates at the moment. By going directly to your bank, you could be missing out on huge amounts of savings!

2. Equity - the equity you take from your current home will have a big impact on your affordability moving forwards, and possibly impact the rate you can get on your future mortgage. How much of your equity will you use for a deposit on your new home? Do you need to retain some for home improvements?

3. Surveys - you are recommended to have any property you are buying surveyed before you exchange contracts. There is a cost involved with this that you possibly weren't expecting. There are also multiple different types of survey with a huge variety in price.

4. Solicitor fees - Whilst all solicitors will provide a quote for conveyancing, the many unknowns at instruction stage can mean these prices can ultimately change. Have you set aside some of your budget to allow for a fluctuation in price, in case additional surveys or reports are required?

5. Potential renegotiations - Any buyer or seller has the legal right to reopen negotiations on a sale price at any time before exchange of contracts. Have you sought adequate financial advice so that you are prepared for such an eventuality? 

6. Confusing lender terminology - The mortgage market can be a minefield, with hundreds of lenders offering what appear to be similar deals. Only by using a qualified mortgage brokers, can you be certain that the full market has been assessed on your behalf and the best deal has been recommended to you. How long would it take you to make these enquiries yourself? 

7. Stamp Duty Land Tax - The rates and criteria for SDLT are changed by the government REGULARLY. This may not have been factored into your budget, or may have changed since you first started making property enquiries!

As organised as you may feel when starting the home-move process, it is always better to be over-prepared than under! Only by seeking advice from experienced financial professionals, can you rest assured in the knowledge that these costs have been considered and discussed with you.

We are currently offering FREE, no-obligation "cost of moving" appointments over the phone with our team of experts, who can provide unrivalled guidance and support. 

To arrange this, and start your house move armed with as much knowledge as you can be, just contact our office on 01782 914444, or email hello@samuelmakepeace.co.uk

Completion of the Month – Doulton Grove, Baddeley Green

Every home move tells a story, and our Completion of the Month in Doulton Grove, Baddeley Green perfectly captures the resilience that often comes with moving home. These clients started their home move journey much earlier in the year, but came to us at the end of July after their sale sadly fell through with their previous agent. Determined to get things back on track, they placed their trust in our team, and by the end of August 2025, we had agreed a brand new sale for them! Guided by the expertise of our Senior Sales Negotiator, Louise Knight, the sale progressed efficiently from SSTC to completion in just nine weeks. Moving home is a journey, and we’re delighted to have helped our clients reach their well-deserved destination at Doulton Grove.

Key Industry News

Renters’ Rights Act – What You Need to Know

The new Renters’ Rights Act brings some of the biggest changes to the rental market in years. Here’s a quick look at the key updates our customers should know:

 Tenancy Changes

• No-fault evictions are ending – landlords will now need a valid reason to ask tenants to leave.

• Fixed-term contracts are being replaced with open-ended tenancies, giving renters more stability and flexibility.

Rent and Payments

• Rent increases limited to once per year, following a clear process that tenants can challenge if needed.

• Rental bidding banned – the advertised price is the price, ensuring fairer access to homes.

• Advance rent payments capped – typically, only one month’s rent can be requested up front.

Fairness and Standards

• Discrimination banned against tenants with children or those receiving benefits.

• Private rentals must meet the new Decent Homes Standard, ensuring safer, better-quality housing for all.

• Councils given more power to fine landlords who fail to meet their obligations.

• A national landlord database will bring greater transparency and accountability across the sector.

When Will It Happen?

The changes will be introduced in stages, so both landlords and tenants will start to see updates as the new rules come into force over time.

That’s all from us for October!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this month’s newsletter, from our featured listings and completions to the latest updates on renters’ rights. Next month, we’ll be back with something extra special: our 10-year anniversary edition, celebrating a decade of helping people find their perfect homes.

Until then, enjoy the autumn vibes, and thank you for being part of the Samuel Makepeace community.

Stephanie George
Head of Operations