Personalised Relocation Services for a Smooth Transition
Making a big move to relocate to a different part of the country or from abroad can be overwhelming. Whether you’re an expat returning home, a professional relocating for work or a family seeking a new start, the first question on the list is where you will live.
Where do you start?!
Finding the right property takes time and expertise. With years of experience living and working in London, Light Intervention offers personalised, one-to-one relocation services to help you secure the perfect home. From navigating the UK property market to settling you into your new life, our tailored approach ensures your move is as seamless and stress-free as possible.
The UK property market moves quickly, especially in the South East and the Home Counties. Securing the right home requires local knowledge, attention to detail and an understanding of specific needs. Relocation can also be particularly complex if you’re:
- Moving with pets who will need pet-friendly housing
- Arriving with a family and need access to schools in the right catchment area
- Unable to view properties in person
These challenges can add stress to what is already a significant move. That’s where Light Intervention comes in, offering hands-on support to make the entire process more manageable.
No two relocations are the same.
We take the time to fully understand your priorities, from budget and commute times to lifestyle and any other special considerations for schooling or childcare. Whether you need a fully furnished home or a pet-friendly property near green spaces, we tailor our services to meet your needs.
If your family has a dog, finding a home that accommodates pets can be a challenge. Many landlords have strict policies against pets which can narrow your options. As part of our relocation service we conduct a detailed search to identify pet-friendly properties that also meet your other requirements, such as location, budget and proximity to parks or outdoor spaces.
Most UK landlords and agents won’t accept offers from tenants who haven’t physically viewed the property. If you’re moving from overseas or can’t attend viewings in person, we act as your eyes and ears, attending viewings on your behalf, providing video walkthroughs and giving you honest, detailed feedback. Our local knowledge means we can also help you put forward offers that are more likely to be accepted.
If you’re relocating with children, finding the right school is also a top priority. We can help you research and identify schools that work for you, and will ensure your new home is within the correct catchment area for them.
Relocation is about more than just finding a house. It’s about making it a home. If your property isn’t furnished, we can arrange furniture, stock household essentials, and even ensure groceries are waiting for you when you arrive. This is particularly helpful for families with children or professionals arriving after long flights.
Our one-to-one approach ensures your project runs smoothly and meets your goals, whether it’s increasing rental value or creating a more comfortable space for your tenants.
Having lived and worked in London for years, Light Intervention brings a deep understanding of its neighbour and property market. Whether you’re looking for a central location with a short commute or a quieter area with good schools, our tailored advice will help you find the right fit.
Beyond London, we’ve also assisted clients relocating to other areas in the South East like Cambridge and Oxford, popular among professionals like doctors from Australia and New Zealand undertaking fellowships in the UK. We will ensure your home is close to major hospitals or other key locations while also meeting your lifestyle preferences.
With personalised property management from Light Intervention
The demands of managing a property, whether it’s your primary residence or a rental investment, cannot be underestimated. Between keeping up with landlord compliance regulations, handling repairs and managing tenant relationships, it’s easy to see how property management becomes overwhelming—especially for busy landlords.
Some property management services take a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, leaving landlords and tenants feeling like just another number. Light Intervention, believes in doing things differently. Our tailored, one-to-one service is designed to treat your property as if it were our own, giving you peace of mind that every aspect of management is handled with the care and attention it deserves.
Property management agents are expected to handle the basics—like collecting rent and arranging repairs—but sometimes the personal touch is missing, and this can lead to issues such as:
- The potential loss of good tenants – delayed responses to problems tenants raise leaves them feeling dissatisfied
- Lack of clarity for you as the landlord – poor communication leaves you in the dark about the state of your investment
- Potentially higher long-term costs – A reactive, rather than proactive, approach to maintenance often means you pay more.
If you’ve ever felt let down by an impersonal or unresponsive property management service, you know how frustrating it can be.
You’ll work directly with someone who knows your property inside out, keeping you informed at every step. No call centers, no waiting days for a response—just clear, consistent communication.
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- Regular updates on your property’s condition and tenant satisfaction
- Transparent handling of repairs and maintenance, with a focus on cost-effective solutions.
- Proactive reminders about landlord compliance obligations to keep you legally protected
We believe that happy tenants make good tenants. When tenants feel valued and supported, they’re more likely to:
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- Pay rent on time
- Stay for longer tenancies, reducing costly void periods
- Treat your property with care and respect
Our empathetic and proactive approach means responding swiftly to tenant issues, no matter how small, to ensure they always feel well looked after.
Unlike many agents who stop at collecting rent and arranging occasional repairs, our property management services go deeper. Here’s how Light Intervention adds value:
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- Regular property checks and a preventative approach to maintenance help avoid costly repairs down the line. This means your property stays in top condition, protecting its value and ensuring tenant satisfaction.
- UK landlord and tenant regulations are constantly evolving. We help you keep up to date with legal obligations, from gas safety checks to energy performance standards.
- From maintenance to refurbishments, we work with trusted contractors to deliver high-quality, cost-effective results. Whether it’s fixing a leaky tap or managing a full renovation, we ensure every penny is spent wisely.
For landlords looking to enhance or refurbish their properties, Light Intervention offers project management services that are as personal and detail-driven as our day-to-day management. We know every project is different, and so is our approach. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or undertaking a full-scale refurbishment, we’ll adapt our service to meet your needs. Our experience in both property management and design means we can offer valuable services that include:
- Sourcing contractors and suppliers
- Managing budgets and timelines
- Ensuring high-quality finishes that align with your vision.
Our one-to-one approach ensures your project runs smoothly and meets your goals, whether it’s increasing rental value or creating a more comfortable space for your tenants.
Windows.
They come in all different shapes and sizes and can really elevate the look of a room. How to dress your windows to achieve the very best look for the style of your home and its decor can be a minefield.
Getting the window dressing right for each room not only maximises the opportunities for light but looks beautiful too. It can make your windows a fabulous focal point for the room.
Is your choice primarily design led or is it all about heat insulation, light control and privacy? Or is it a combination of the two?! Some solutions work better than others and knowing where to start can be daunting.
Before you begin, here are some important factors to consider:
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- You need to consider the purpose of the room. A living area may need less privacy but will need more light which means more sheer fabrics may be appropriate. A bedroom will need a heavier covering to limit light when you’re sleeping.
- Is your home traditional or more contemporary? Choose a style and design that complements each room.
- One size (or rather style) doesn’t fit all. You don’t need to choose the same option for each space. Look at every room in its own right and choose what’s best for the space.
- Consider the layout of the room. Where is the radiator? Where will the furniture go? For example, when a radiator sits underneath a window, floor length curtains should be avoided. Likewise if you’re planning to put your bed under the window then installing blinds avoids the excess fabric of curtains.
When it comes to window dressing, what are your options?
Blinds
Depending on the style you choose, blinds can help you control the amount of light coming into a room by using sheer or blackout fabrics. Roller blinds can be used in every room in the house, but are especially good for kitchens and bathrooms where you don’t need all that excess fabric. Roman or Venetian blinds give a softer look and if fitted above the window frame, will not block out any light unnecessarily.
Shutters
Plantation shutters are an excellent option, maintaining privacy while letting in plenty of natural light. They are effortlessly stylish too. You can choose from full or half height shutters, and a whole host of additional styles and shapes. The range of contemporary shades and materials available for shutters will mean you’ll be able to find something to perfectly suit your scheme. Plantation shutters are ideal for bay windows as they fit each window section perfectly, as well as bi-fold and French doors. Visit www.plantation-shutters.co.uk to see some fabulous styles.
Curtains
These are a traditional choice and the range of options is huge! For common living areas like living and dining rooms, especially where they’re visible to passers by, sheer fabrics are the perfect choice for privacy. A great way to achieve a very dark bedroom is to dress the window with curtains but also fit a blackout roller or roman blind into the recess of the window. This is certainly a must for a small child’s room.
When it comes to fullness, the ideal is to be 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window. When choosing the fabric, consider what will complement your existing furniture and soft furnishings. Curtains can be a great way to use pattern within the room, or inject the space with colour. Creating a lush look that completes the style and colour palette of the room and frames the windows is what you should aim for.
You can also create the illusion of a higher ceiling by placing the curtain rail higher above the window itself. The ideal is 4 to 6 inches above the window frame to create the impression of height. Your curtain rod should be wider than the window so there’s enough room for the panels to hang on either side of your window (this also helps maximise the width of the window) and curtains should hang all the way to the floor.
For advice on the best window dressing options to choose for your home, seek advice from Light Intervention. We offer bespoke services to help you transform your home by making the most of the available space, light and furniture, fixing ‘wear & tear, decorating with elegant colours and updating fixtures & fittings.
When people first arrive at your home they’re greeted by your front door – the “face” of your home. The colour of your front door not only speaks volumes about your own personality but it can have added kerb appeal if you get it right. And when it comes to selling your home it’s important to think about what might appeal to those potential buyers. Buyers can make their minds up within seconds of arriving and entering into a property. Presenting façade of your property perfectly provides that initial impact, the ‘wow’ factor.
Make a statement or play it safe?
Your front door could be the perfect way for you to express yourself with a bold, bright colour that you wouldn’t necessarily use inside your home. Making a design statement with a bright colour that reflects your personality and fits in with the style of your home is the ideal. Research and plan the makeover, taking into account factors like the colour of your brickwork or exterior finish. Bolder colours work well with darker brickwork. Painting the front door and door frame the same colour will make the entrance look bigger.
You should also pay careful attention to the colour of your window frames. The style of your home will suit certain colours so experiment with colour swatches against the exterior walls to see just how the colour looks in reality. Farrow & Ball and Paint & Paper Library have a wonderful range of exterior door colours that could be just the inspiration you need to make your decision.
You should aim for an end result that not only complements you and your home, and if you’re looking to sell your home, will create the perfect first impression for potential buyers too.
Simple is best
Creating a look for the front of your home that is symmetrical and balanced tends to work better visually. It’s pleasing to the eye and draws focus to the central point of the house. With this in mind, you should aim for things like outdoor lighting, planters and any other features to be symmetrically spaced on either side of the front door.
The devil is in the detail
Kerb appeal doesn’t end with your front door. Added features such as window boxes, planters or hanging baskets can be another attractive addition and create extra wow factor. Keep them looking stunning by making sure they’re watered regularly and pruned properly to maintain their condition. If you aren’t green fingered then using lanterns will achieve the same effect with minimum effort.
Other elements around the door such as letterboxes, knockers and doorknobs help complete the picture. You should aim to choose door furniture that matches the style of your home. A Victorian property will look complete with matching door furniture, whereas contemporary designs are much more relevant to a modern home. Getting it right brings the entire visual presentation together and creates a balanced look.
Top trends for 2018
According to an article featuring architect and TV’s property expert George Clark, the future is incredibly bright in 2018 when it comes to front door colours! After years of popularity for more muted tones like grey or pale green, this year colour is the star of the show. It’s all about lifting the entrance to your home with a splash of colour that makes a lasting impression.
The top 10 trends for 2018 are:
10. Duck egg blue
9. Primrose yellow
8. Cobalt blue
7. Grey
6. Bright yellow
5. Crisp white
4. Black
3. Light violet
2. Steel blue
1. Mid purple
For advice on colour and design that doesn’t end with the front door, speak to Light intervention. Our experience with creating the perfect look for your home comes from over 18 years experience in architectural design and property development. We pride ourselves on delivering design solutions that are quick, robust and cost effective.
Do you have an empty wall that is crying out for attention?
Is your favourite artwork in need of an innovative way to showcase it?
Or could that living room corner wall do with some interior design TLC?
Then creating your own wall gallery could be the answer!
Wall gallery
Designing a wall gallery is the perfect way to put your own individual stamp on your home. It creates unique visual interest for a room in a way that you can potentially add to over time. A single piece of art isn’t always enough to create an impact, whereas a collection of pieces can truly transform a wall.
A wall gallery enables you to pull together your treasured pieces of art, photographs and other pieces in one central space. Not only a pleasure for you to enjoy but a wonderful conversation starter for guests too.
How do you achieve the perfect look?
Planning
A stunning wall gallery doesn’t happen by accident! Even if you’re not considering a uniform, symmetrical look you’ll still need to plan which pieces sit next to each other to create a cohesive look. Do your research and visit places like Pinterest to get some inspiration. You’ll soon see examples of wall galleries that make a fantastic impact and those that just don’t work.
The best way to plan your own gallery is to choose your favourite pieces and lay them out on a table or even on the floor in an area marked out with tape or string to the exact size of your wall. This way you can step back and double check it achieves the right visual balance. Another good idea is to take photos of each design you try – this makes it much easier to compare how they look to make your decision. You’ll be able to play around with the combination to achieve the design that works for you before you make the final commitment.
You could even create true to size templates of your chosen artwork in plain paper which can then be placed in position on the wall as a final check. This way you can make sure the design not only looks right but fills the space effectively and is the correct height.
Levels and spacing
Remember that not all walls and ceilings are completely straight! You could find when you’re working off a central level that the end result doesn’t look right because your ceiling isn’t straight. Pay particular attention to the ceiling and measure down from there when you’re placing your plain paper templates on the wall. Keep checking that it looks right to the eye – if it looks “off” from the start this isn’t likely to change. To keep the spacing uniform between each frame or piece of artwork, cut out some strips of card and use these to mark out the space between each item. There’s less chance of error and no need to keep measuring out each time.
Design for life
Creating a design that works visually is key. When using identical frames in your gallery a uniform design works well. If you’re creating a look that’s more haphazard then it’s a good idea to anchor your wall gallery with one or two large pieces that you place first and then work your other pieces out around this. You can also ground your gallery with a piece of furniture – placing the design above a bed, dresser or console table would achieve this.
For a more eclectic feel, aim for a mix of frame styles that are placed together in various positions (a mixture of portrait and landscape). Choosing a colour palette creates synergy and makes the gallery look cohesive. You can take inspiration from items in the room such as soft furnishings, rugs or even the main furniture pieces to choose your colour palette. The wall gallery can potentially be expanded upon with new pieces over time, as long as you keep the balance right.
Wall gallery
It’s all about you!
Remember that your wall gallery is personal to you, your chance to reflect your personality within your home. Creating a design that works for you and makes you feel happy when you look at it is what it’s all about.
If you’re unsure how to make a wall gallery work for you then Light Intervention can help. With years of experience in interior design we know just how to achieve a look that works visually and maximises the available space.
I hope I’m not about to jinx things but fingers crossed Spring is on its way, and with it comes the time of year when many of us turn our attention to home improvements. Loft conversions have year on year become increasingly popular, especially in London where properties are not only still in high demand but even with the down turn in the market, remain the highest in terms of value across the whole of the UK.
So for many property owners, heading upwards rather than moving out makes both economic and practical sense. The amount of money you can save on stamp duty alone can make it the most viable option if you feel you need more space. There is also some comfort in staying in a property you love but making it even better.
Once you’ve made the decision to convert your loft space, achieving the best design for your space is key.
Here are our highlights to focus on when you’re playing the conversion game:
Planning permission or no planning permission, that is the question!
In most cases a loft conversion sits within what’s known as “permitted development” and doesn’t require planning permission. If you’re extending or altering the roof space which causes the conversion to exceed specified limits and conditions, then you may need to go through the planning process. Conversions to flats does not fall under “permitted development” and therefore will require planning permission.
Don’t let this put you off from designing your ideal space though. It could be worth going through the necessary channels to ensure that your loft conversion gives you the space that works best for you.
Remember that it’s a one time investment so getting it right is paramount. Whatever you decide, the work will always need to meet current building regulations. The work is deemed to be a “material change of use” so minimum safety standards are required.
Maximising your loft space
There are a number of different options when it comes to loft conversions, each of which has their advantages (and disadvantages!)
- Rooflight conversion: this uses skylights located within the roof itself and generally keeps within the existing roof structure. It tends to be the most affordable option but can mean the usable space is limited because the room is contained within the original roof height. You may end up with less usable space because so much of it won’t be at head height.
- Dormer window extension: this tends to be the most popular choice, albeit a more expensive one. The volume of the roof is increased allowing for vertical windows and doors, which creates full head room and more options when it comes to staircases. When added to the back of the house there is generally no need for planning permission but it may be needed for changes to the front elevation of the property.
- Mansard loft conversions: these require the most construction work and in almost all cases will need planning permission because they change the existing roof structure of the property. They create the maximum amount of living space as they extend the entire roof space, the end result being the creation of a flat roof with the back wall sloping inwards at an angle of 72 degrees.
To make the right decision, think about the ultimate purpose of the space. Is it going to be a new bedroom (or two) in which case you’ll need a bathroom up there too. If that’s the case, the location of existing plumbing in the house can have a big impact on the cost in terms of where to locate your loft bathroom. And it’s also worth remembering that the loft space is at the top of the house so heating and ventilation is key to avoid being too hot in the summer and warm enough in the winter.
Time to call in the experts!
When it comes to the design of your loft conversion there are two main options: you can either engage an architect to produce drawings of the project, creating a bespoke design to exactly match your needs. Alternatively you could choose a design and build loft conversion specialist that will have their own in-house designer and engineer in their team. They tend to call upon standard design details and solutions to create your space. Both options will ensure all legalities and regulations have been covered within the design. They will both be able to make recommendations according to the specific nature of your property – considering elements such as the need for Party Wall agreements with your neighbours, lowering ceilings and any issues with head height above staircases. You’ll ultimately have the peace of mind that your project covers all angles.
With both options however, never be afraid to push the boundaries and make the space work for you and have the wow factor.
Nailing those practicalities
Designing a loft space is much more than simply creating a new usable space in your home. Think about some of those practicalities that will be so important once it’s in place and being used every day. Where will the staircase be positioned? This is vital as the correct design will have the least impact on your storey below. Will the space need extra soundproofing? Just remember that its original purpose was for storage so installing extra soundproofing may be a wise move, especially if the room below will be someone’s bedroom. Think very carefully about areas you may not even have considered: where is best to place the radiators? How many electrical plug sockets do you need? What are your lighting choices? It’s one of the few times you get to choose and design these elements yourself so put real thought into just how you will be using the space.
Going bespoke for maximum effect
The best way to utilise all the nooks and crannies within your new loft conversion is to bring a carpenter on board to design wardrobes and storage cupboards that fit exactly within the dimensions of the space available. You may also need to consider space saving options when it comes to bathroom furniture, investing in smaller hand basins and baths to fit into a confined space. An excellent way to maximise natural light is to incorporate transparent materials or pocket doors into the design.
Light Intervention offers an architectural design service which can assist you with all the above and give you options and ideas on how best to utilise space and give it that wow factor.
Loft conversion
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came into effect in October 2015. Both landlords and tenants are responsible for complying with the regulations and ensuring that alarms remain in good working order throughout a tenancy.
Remember – working alarms save lives; you are at least four times more likely to die in a house fire if there is no working smoke alarm.
What are my responsibilities as a landlord?
Private sector landlords are required to install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of their properties and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance (e.g. a coal fire, wood burning stove). The landlord must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.
What are my responsibilities as a tenant?
After the landlord’s test on the first day of the tenancy, tenants should take responsibility for their own safety and test all alarms regularly to make sure they are in working order. Testing monthly is generally considered an appropriate frequency for smoke alarms. If you discover that alarm(s) are not in working order during your tenancy, arrange to replace the batteries or the alarm itself with your landlord or managing agent.
Where can I find more information?
Full details of these regulations are available on the GOV.UK website.
Need further advice on letting or managing your property?
Contact us for a free, no-obligation chat.
This winter has felt very long and I for one, am very excited about springing into Spring. Here are a few ideas to help you spruce up your home and get that Spring feeling;
1. Clean the Windows
Let a little sun shine in. Clean your windows inside and outside to frame all that springtime green. For an easy homemade glass cleaner, mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water, pour into a reusable spray bottle.
2. Declutter
No matter how wonderful your design skills or refined your tastes, clutter detracts from the overall function and beauty of your space. Box it up, bag it up, sell it, or donate it. It’s time to clear your mind by clearing some space.
3. Accessorise
Simple accessories like new towels in the bathroom, new pillows on the bed, new scatter cushions or floor rug can change the vibe of an entire room (and change your mood). Try www.overstock.com for a great range of reasonably priced homeware.
4. Replace Hardware
Replacing knobs and drawer pulls on kitchen cabinets or a bathroom vanity unit is an easy way to update a look quickly. For a more coordinated look, match the finishes between door knobs, hinges, knobs, pulls, and other hardware like faucets, towel bars, and robe hooks. These Please has a great range to choose from www.theseplease.co.uk
5. Invite nature in
Whether you grow plants, have a window-sill herb garden, or just arrange a few fresh cut flowers, adding a bit of nature in the form of flowers or foliage is a quick way to spruce things up. Even better if you can get them delivered directly to your door www.freddiesflowers.com
6. Reorganise Wardrobes
Almost everyone hates to do it, but cleaning out wardrobes is nearly a rite of spring. Focus on one wardrobe at a time — decluttering, cleaning, and organizing as you go. Trust me, Monday mornings won’t seem nearly so bad when you’re facing a meticulously organized wardrobe.
7. Paint It
Repainting is a simple way to get big design bang for your buck. Paint can update old furniture; brighten a room; or freshen up a front door or window trim. Choose timeless and coordinating (not necessarily matching) colors for a professional look.
8. Rearrange and Refresh
Sometimes sprucing up is as simple as rearranging what you already own. Rethink rooms and reconfigure furniture. Decorate subtly around a theme, bring in accent pieces from other rooms, and don’t be afraid to experiment with an eclectic mix of periods and styles.
9. Create a Picture
Putting together mismatching art work on one feature wall or on a stair wall can create a stylish talking point. I find ebay is great for buying pieces of art big and small without spending a fortune. Painting the frame it comes in or getting a picture reframed can take it from being uninteresting to exceptional.
10. Choose One High-Profile Project
If you decide to splurge on a single item, make sure it’s high-profile. Investments in good paint, a deluxe area rug, one professionally reupholstered chair, or luxurious bed linens will set the stage for the rest of your more frugal spruce-up ideas. Anchored by one high-profile project, all the smaller details will shine more brightly.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation chat to see if we can help.
