Guides and advice
Whether you’re buying your first home or you’re already on the property ladder, use our property guides and advice to help you with your next purchase. We reveal the latest trends in the market, and also offer buying and selling tips, as well as general housekeeping tips to keep your property in peak condition.
Looking for a new home? Browse beautiful properties for sale across the UK here.
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Country Life's top tips on how to be a good client for your builders, architects and designers
Having a great working relationship with the people you trust to transform your home is essential – we spoke to some of Britain's best architects, builders and designers to get their tips on how clients can get the most out of the process.
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The top 10 market towns in England, from Kent to Cumbria
Country Life presents the top 10 market towns in England, from Kent to Cumbria, where you'll find fine properties, great schools and beautiful surroundings.
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Why those 'win a house for £10' raffles should come with a health warning
Too good to be true? Eleanor Doughty investigates the trend for sale by raffle and explains why you should always read the small print.
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Stamp duty: What it is, why we have it and why you might be due a refund
What do wig powder and newspapers have in common? They’ve all been subject to Stamp Duty. Roderick Easdale recounts the history of our least favourite tax.
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How to turn your home into a film location
Welcoming a film crew into your home can bring fame and a little fortune, says Flora Watkins.
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The best things to add to to your house to increase its value, from party barns to dressing rooms
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How to choose a conservatory, orangery or timber-framed extension to suit your house
Let there be light – conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms are sympathetic and practical ways to add extra space to a house, says Amelia Thorpe.
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Britain’s top property hotspots for 2018, and what you could get if you moved there
The market as a whole is expected to stagnate or even fall in the next 12 months, but it won't happen everywhere. Penny Churchill canvassed expert opinion from estate agents across the country to find nine places where things are still on the up.
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The mysteries of 'topping off': Why workers erect trees and crack open a beer when they finish a building
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The future’s bright: New colour palettes bring life to period properties
Period houses are being treated to a jauntier palette of colours, says Giles Kime, as he explores bold beautiful hues for your home.
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How to master the art of perfect picture hanging
Hanging art, pictures and photographs correctly can be a daunting task. Art and framing consultant Marcus Wells shares his expertise.
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Living in a conservation area: Ten things you need to know
Conservation areas have been protecting Britain's most beautiful areas for 50 years – here's what you need to know if you live in one, or are thinking about moving to one.
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How to declutter your house without losing your mind
Decluttering a house filled with inherited treasures can be a monumental challenge. Debora Robertson explains how to sort out your stuff without losing your mind and alienating your entire family.
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The bizarre superstitions that could see you lose out on a dream house – or help you get a bargain
From the seller who refused to take an extra £11,000 because it would have been bad luck to man who refused to move until Mercury was heading in the right direction, Roderick Easdale takes a look at some of the most superstitious house buyers and sellers in Britain.
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How weird and quirky period features can be incorporated into modern living
From priest holes to gargoyles, Nicola Venning explores how unusual period features, if well curated, can be the making of a property.
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Why it's time to move up North: Beauty, beaches and the 'Cotswolds of the North'
Although much is said of the clamour for property down south, up north, the demand has almost reached the same heights. Eleanor Doughty investigates.
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How to create the perfect home office, from converted garage to treehouse to shepherd's hut
From Shepherd's huts to treehouses, the trend for homeworking has produced some creative ideas for home offices
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Revealed: How much extra you'll pay to live in a National Park or AONB
What price beauty? Annunciata Elwes delves into Knight Frank research to find out.
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Eight 21st century innovations you actually need, even if you live in a 17th century house
Even an old house needs a few new tricks – and just because you live in beautiful country house doesn't mean you should be without modern home technology. Here's our list of the must-haves for your home, whether you live in a new-build or a 400 year old listed building.