John Saunders
- Owner, Saunders Machine Works, NYC CNC
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Articles by John Saunders
Almond blossom and winter walks: The quieter Algarve
Most people picture the Algarve in July, but the region has a gentler season that British visitors are starting to notice. Anyone who has gone through properties for sale in Algarve listings may have spotted references to orange groves, almond trees and countryside views, and those features show their best between January and March. Almond trees flower in late winter, usually from late January into February, and hillsides in the interior turn white and pale pink.
Cycling the Ria Formosa: The eastern Algarve at walking pace
Most British visitors to the Algarve think of beaches and golf, but the eastern end of the region rewards a slower approach. People who search for properties for sale in Algarve Portugal around Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António often say the quiet cycling routes and the Ria Formosa lagoon were what drew them there in the first place. The Ria Formosa is a protected natural park made up of channels, salt marsh and sandbanks that runs along much of the coast near Faro and Tavira.
Reading Algarve architecture: What the rooftops and chimneys tell you
The Algarve has its own building traditions, and British visitors tend to notice them without quite knowing what they are looking at. Anyone scanning a page of properties for sale in Algarve will see flat white roofs, tall decorative chimneys and bright tiles, and each has a purpose that explains how the houses were built. The white walls come from lime wash, applied for centuries to reflect heat and kill bacteria.
Inside the Golden Triangle: Golf, marinas and the Algarve’s polished corner
The Algarve’s best-known cluster of resorts is often called the Golden Triangle, a stretch of coast near Almancil and Vilamoura that includes Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and the Vilamoura marina. People looking at property for sale in Algarve Portugal often start here, partly because British golfers have been visiting the area for decades. The appeal is easy to understand.
Edinburgh’s neighbourhoods explained for newcomers
Edinburgh is a compact city, but its neighbourhoods feel remarkably different from one another. Anyone looking through properties for sale in Edinburgh for the first time will quickly find that the name of an area says a great deal about the kind of home and the kind of street to expect. The New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Old Town, is known for its Georgian terraces, wide streets and gardens.
The Costa del Sol town by town: Which one suits which visitor
Spain’s southern coast has been a favourite with British visitors for generations, and the towns along it have developed distinct personalities. People who type property for sale Costa del Sol into a search engine will find a wide range of places, so a quick tour of the main ones helps narrow things down. Marbella is the best known and the most polished, with a walkable old town, a marina at Puerto Banús and a long seafront promenade.
Judging an Algarve coastal town beyond its beaches
Every coastal town looks good on a sunny afternoon. What separates a place you can live in from one you can only visit is what happens on a wet Tuesday in February. Buyers going through properties for sale in Algarve would do well to run through a short checklist for the town itself before they fall for any particular house. Start with the basics of daily life. Is there a decent supermarket, a pharmacy and a health centre within a short drive? Do the shops on the main street stay open outside summer?
Why Hale keeps appearing on Greater Manchester wish lists
Ask Greater Manchester house hunters to name a village that feels like a village, and Hale comes up often. People browsing houses for sale in Hale are usually looking for the same bundle of things: a walkable centre, good schools nearby and a straightforward route into Manchester. Hale sits in the Trafford area, close to Altrincham, and has its own station and a compact set of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
East or west? How the two ends of the Algarve differ
The Algarve is often talked about as if it were one place, but the two ends of the coast feel quite different. Anyone browsing properties for sale in Algarve will quickly notice that the east and the west attract different kinds of owners, and the sensible first step is to decide which end suits you. The western Algarve, around Lagos and Sagres, has high cliffs, rock formations and Atlantic beaches with proper waves. The sea is cooler and the weather can be breezier.
Winter sun without the long haul: How Britons are using the Algarve
When the clocks go back and the evenings close in, plenty of British households start looking for somewhere warmer that does not need a ten-hour flight. People who type holiday rentals Algarve into a search bar in October are often not after a beach week at all. They want a place to walk, play golf, work remotely or simply sit outside in a jumper rather than a coat. The Algarve suits that kind of trip because the winter is mild by British standards.
Rightmove habits that do not travel well to Portugal
British buyers arrive in Portugal with strong instincts about how a property search should work, and most of them are shaped by Rightmove and Zoopla. Look through a set of properties for sale in Algarve and some of those instincts quickly stop helping. Photographs, floor areas and even the way bedrooms are counted follow different conventions. The biggest adjustment is that no single website holds every listing.
What UK families should look for in villas in the Algarve
A villa with a pool sounds like a simple idea until you try to compare two of them. Browsing villas for sale in Algarve Portugal, the photographs all show blue water and white walls, and the useful differences are hidden in the details. For families used to UK semis and terraces, a few practical questions do most of the sorting. Start with orientation. A south-facing terrace gets sun most of the day, which is lovely in April and punishing in August.
Why searching for an Algarve home is nothing like searching at home
Anyone who has spent an evening on Rightmove knows the routine: pick a postcode, set a bedroom count, nudge the price slider and scroll until something catches the eye. A search for property for sale in Algarve Portugal works differently, because the region is a long coastline of towns that each have their own character, and a single search term covers all of them. Treating it like a UK postcode search is the quickest way to end up with a shortlist that makes no sense.
Scrapping the Lifetime ISA penalty fixes is ‘an unfair trap for first-time buyers’
First-time buyers could gain greater flexibility over their savings and access to smaller deposits under the government’s £4.7bn Your First Home scheme, as changes to Lifetime ISA penalties aim to remove a costly barrier to homeownership. Chancellor John Healey’s Autumn Budget places aspiring homeowners at the centre of the government’s housing agenda, combining a new equity loan programme with reforms to the Lifetime ISA (LISA) withdrawal charge.
Chancellor’s landlord tax hikes threatens rental supply
The Government has unveiled a £4.7bn first-time buyer scheme designed to help tens of thousands of households onto the property ladder, alongside new housing incentives and £1.5bn for affordable homes. But rising taxes on landlords and concerns over housing supply threaten to undermine the Chancellor’s ambition to make homeownership more accessible.
What to know before buying property in Ghana
Investing in property in Ghana has recently become a rewarding and straightforward process once the rules are properly understood. Here is what an investor should know before investing in the real estate market. A growing real estate market in Ghana According to data reported by Afreximbank, Ghana’s public debt has been largely resolved, falling from 92% of GDP to 45%, and the cedi is one of Africa’s strongest currencies in 2025.
What London landlords should do now to get ready for Awaab’s Law coming to the private rented sector, following the government’s new consultation
London landlords face renewed scrutiny following the government’s October 2026 consultation on extending Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector. While the law does not currently apply to private landlords, Awaab’s Law private landlords expectations for prompt and thorough response to damp and mould are rising. This article provides practical steps to help you prepare now and avoid future compliance issues.
How better washroom specification can reduce costs for commercial property owners
Washroom costs are an important consideration in any commercial project, but the initial purchase price is only part of the picture. When budgets tighten, sanitaryware can look like an easy place to make savings. Yet a lower upfront cost does not always mean better value over time. Water use, cleaning, maintenance and repairs all contribute to ongoing expenses long after handover.
Autumn Budget 2026: Property industry experts comment ahead of Wednesday’s announcement
Ahead of Wednesday’s Autumn Budget, property industry experts from across the residential sales, lettings, land and property development, mortgage finance and client money protection sectors have shared their predictions, priorities and warnings for the Chancellor. With speculation surrounding property taxation, first-time buyer support, landlord investment, inheritance tax and housebuilding, industry leaders outline what Wednesday’s announcements could mean for the UK property market.
Agents welcome first-time buyer support but 84% fear Autumn Budget housing anti-climax
The latest industry insight from GetAgent.co.uk has revealed that estate agents believe first-time buyers are most in need of government support and, while the recent announcement of a new first-time buyer scheme will likely be welcomed by the industry, 84% are sceptical as to whether the Autumn Budget will deliver meaningful support for the wider property market.
UK house price growth slows as inflation surge threatens to push mortgage costs higher
UK house price growth slowed for a fourth consecutive month in August, as rising inflation and renewed uncertainty over mortgage costs threatened to further dampen demand in an already fragile property market. The annual rate of house price growth fell to 0.9 per cent in August, down from 1.2 per cent in July, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Growth weakened in six of England’s nine regions, underlining the loss of momentum across much of the market.
Best debt collection services for London and surrounding boroughs
Unpaid invoices represent a significant threat to the financial stability of any London based enterprise. When clients or customers fail to pay on time, it disrupts working capital, stifles your ability to grow, and diverts valuable internal resources away from core business operations. For companies and individuals operating in the capital, navigating the complexities of credit control and Unpaid Invoices requires a robust, proactive approach.
Landlords spared potential 88% Capital Gains Tax hike
Landlords seem to have been spared a potential 88% increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) liabilities, equivalent to more than £15,600 on the sale of an average property, following the Chancellor’s decision to reject calls for higher CGT rates at the upcoming Autumn Budget.
Things to consider when moving from renting to homeowner
Making the move from renting a property to owning your own home is a huge milestone. Whether you buy a mid-terrace or a plush apartment, you finally have the opportunity to make your home your own and build equity. However, you also have to take on everyday costs and responsibilities that your landlord handled. By looking beyond the purchase price and mortgage payments, you can build a realistic budget long before you start the buying process.
Landlords warn Autumn Budget tax rises will push up rents, as confidence in the sector remains low
The latest research from LegalforLandlords has found that 59% of UK private landlords are pessimistic about the upcoming Autumn Budget, with concerns over taxation and the future profitability of the sector weighing heavily on confidence. The findings suggest that further financial pressure on landlords could prompt rent increases, property sales and some landlords to leave the private rented sector altogether.
Five ways to turn your next open house into a full house
An open house can showcase a property, school, studio or workplace brilliantly, but only if people walk through the door. A single social post rarely creates a crowd. Strong attendance comes from combining a clear reason to visit with repeated, well-timed promotion. Here are five practical techniques to build interest, secure commitments and turn curious locals into genuine visitors. 1. Give people a compelling reason to come “Come and have a look” is not quite enough.
The English towns where buyers have the best chance of a stress-free move
The latest research by Lyons Bowe reveals that almost 40% of homes on England’s housing market are chain-free, giving buyers a better chance of avoiding one of the biggest headaches of moving home.
Stamp Duty receipts remain well above pre-pandemic norms despite cooling housing market
The latest research from Yopa shows that, despite continued speculation about a housing market slowdown, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) receipts remain comfortably above pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating the resilience of buyer activity in recent years. Yopa analysed monthly Stamp Duty Land Tax receipts published by HM Revenue & Customs between January 2018 and June 2026 (latest available), comparing average monthly receipts to assess how today’s market compares with previous years.
Stamp Duty receipts remain well above pre-pandemic norms despite cooling housing market
The latest research from Yopa shows that, despite continued speculation about a housing market slowdown, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) receipts remain comfortably above pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating the resilience of buyer activity in recent years. Yopa analysed monthly Stamp Duty Land Tax receipts published by HM Revenue & Customs between January 2018 and June 2026 (latest available), comparing average monthly receipts to assess how today’s market compares with previous years.
RAAC crisis enters new phase as government focuses on evidencing building safety
As schools across England break up for the summer holidays, the six-week closure provides the ideal opportunity for responsible bodies to assess, remediate and evidence the safety of school buildings before pupils return in September.
Beach hut prices fall for second consecutive year as pandemic boom continues to unwind
The latest research from Yopa has found that beach hut prices have fallen for the second consecutive year across the UK’s most sought-after coastal locations, as the extraordinary growth seen in the years immediately following the pandemic continues to unwind. Yopa analysed the average asking price of beach huts across eight of the UK’s most popular coastal counties and found that the average value has fallen by 9.8% over the last year, following a 19.6% decline the previous year.
Nearly nine in 10 home sellers say the valuation appointment is key when choosing an estate agent
The latest research from GetAgent.co.uk has revealed that the valuation appointment remains one of the most influential stages of the home selling journey, with almost nine in 10 sellers saying it played an important role when deciding which estate agent to instruct.
House price growth accelerates in Q2 as property market builds momentum
The latest Property Market Index Review by London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has revealed that the property market continued to build momentum during the second quarter of 2026, with UK house prices increasing by 1.1%, while London recorded a second consecutive quarter of positive growth.
Borrowing costs soar leaving property investors lock in rates as five-year swaps hit 4.74%
Certainty over borrowing costs is becoming increasingly valuable to property investors and developers as rising swap rates add to the risks surrounding specialist property finance. Octane Capital, the specialist lender, said 85% of offers issued since it introduced fixed-rate products in July have been on a fixed-rate basis, suggesting borrowers are increasingly willing to lock in financing costs rather than gamble on the direction of interest rates.
Mortgage shock: Average five-year rates hit 6% as cheaper deals disappear
UK mortgage rates have climbed to their highest level in three years, with the average five-year fixed residential deal reaching 6 per cent as rising gilt yields and volatile wholesale funding costs push borrowing costs higher. The typical five-year fixed-rate mortgage available on the market rose to 6.00 per cent on Monday from 5.98 per cent on Friday, according to Moneyfacts. It was the highest average rate recorded since September 2023, when the equivalent figure reached 6.03 per cent.
‘Further repricing likely’ as over 1,000 sub-5% deals vanish in a month
Homeowners searching for cheaper mortgages have seen more than 1,000 fixed-rate deals below 5 per cent disappear in just four weeks, leaving only a handful of low-cost options as average borrowing rates approach 6 per cent. The rapid repricing has sharply reduced the number of mortgages available to borrowers seeking to lock in a fixed rate below the 5 per cent threshold.
Three ways that property can transform communities
As the property sector continues to evolve, there are many considerations surrounding house prices, rental yields, and future investment potential. But its value can extend beyond financial returns, and the property industry can have a major impact on sustainability, community, and a wide range of issues. From local causes to stronger communities, these are just three ways the sector can create meaningful value. 1.
Winter damp checklist for London homeowners
London’s housing stock has character in abundance: streets of Victorian and Georgian terraces, converted basement flats, period conversions, but that character comes with decades of wear behind the walls, and winter is when it catches up with you. Damp doesn’t usually announce itself with a burst pipe or a dramatic leak. It creeps in quietly, through a hairline crack, a gap around a window, a bit of ground sitting too close to the brickwork.
Fury erupts over Labour’s six-month ‘socialist style expropriation’ plan to take your home
Justice for Property Rights (J4PR) has raised serious questions over the Government’s decision to give local authorities significantly enhanced powers to take control of the management of privately owned homes that have been empty for just six months. The Government announced on Sunday that it will reduce the qualifying period for an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) from two years to six months.
Labour accused of ‘socialist authoritarianism’ over plan to seize Britons’ empty homes
Labour is preparing to give councils greater powers to take control of privately owned homes left empty for as little as six months, in a significant expansion of local authorities’ ability to intervene in the housing market. Ministers are considering reducing the current two-year threshold for an Empty Dwelling Management Order by 75 per cent, arguing that bringing long-term vacant properties back into use could help ease Britain’s housing shortage.
Creating a home that feels like you
There is a lot of inspiration out there when it comes to decorating a home. From perfectly styled social media posts to the latest interior trends, it can be tempting to recreate a look you have seen elsewhere. But the most enjoyable homes are often the ones that reflect the people actually living in them. Whether you have recently moved or simply feel your current space needs a refresh, there are plenty of simple ways to introduce more of your personality.
Vistry warns of further job cuts after £661m half-year loss
Housebuilder Vistry has warned of further job losses and site closures as new chief executive Adam Daniels begins a sweeping restructuring of the business following a £661.3mn half-year loss and a sharp downgrade to its full-year profit expectations. The group plans to save a further £50mn by cutting its regional operations from 25 to 12 and withdrawing from the private house sales market in the south-east of England.
Mortgage rates surge above 5.9% as millions prepare to remortgage
UK mortgage rates have climbed to their highest level in three years, adding to pressure on millions of households as financial markets increasingly price in further interest rate rises from the Bank of England. The average five-year fixed residential mortgage rate has risen to 5.92 per cent, its highest level since mid-October 2023, according to industry data from Moneyfacts. The average two-year fixed rate has also increased, reaching 5.88 per cent, its highest level since April.
Repossessed homes suffer 30% price hit
The latest research from House Buyer Bureau reveals that there are almost 1,500 repossessed homes listed for sale on England’s housing market, with the largest numbers located in the South East and North West. House Buyer Bureau analysed England’s housing market to identify how many repossessed properties are currently for sale, where they are located, and how their market value is impacted by the fact that they have been repossessed.
Landlord MTD software vs spreadsheets: Which is better for digital tax records?
Many landlords already have a spreadsheet they understand. Rent goes into one column, repairs into another, and the figures are there when the tax return needs attention. Making Tax Digital does not automatically make that spreadsheet useless, but it does change what has to happen around it. The choice is now between keeping the spreadsheet as part of an MTD setup or moving the records into MTD software for landlords that also handles submissions. Both routes can work.
Homebuyers turn cautious as fixed mortgage rates rise despite Bank rate hold
UK homebuyers are expected to become more cautious through the autumn despite the Bank of England keeping its benchmark interest rate unchanged, as rising fixed mortgage costs and uncertainty over the forthcoming Budget weigh on the housing market. The Bank held its base rate at 3.75% on Thursday. But mortgage pricing has continued to move higher, with financial markets pushing up swap rates, which lenders use to price fixed-rate home loans.
Building in London: What homeowners learn too late
A rear extension sounds straightforward. Maybe a loft conversion too, if the budget allows. Most people start with design ideas and a list of builders to call. Then the questions arrive, and none of them are about design. Does the property still have permitted development rights? Is there a sewer running under the garden? What is a party wall award, and why does it cost money? Nobody warns you about this part. What starts as a kitchen extension plan turns into months of planning policy.
Almost half of homebuyers on the fence until Autumn Statement uncertainty has passed
The latest research from House Buyer Bureau has revealed that almost half of homebuyers could be sitting on the fence in the run-up to the Autumn Statement, with 27% already delaying or pausing their property search and a further 21% yet to decide whether they will do the same.
UK mortgage rates jump ahead of Bank of England decision
UK fixed mortgage rates are rising ahead of this week’s Bank of England interest rate decision, highlighting the growing pressure on borrowers even if policymakers opt to leave the base rate unchanged. The average two-year fixed residential mortgage rate reached 5.73 per cent on Tuesday, up from 5.68 per cent the previous day and its highest level since May 28, according to financial information provider Moneyfacts.
69% of homebuyers would compromise on their property to secure the right location
New research from UK Property Development reveals that 69% of recent UK homebuyers would be willing to compromise on the property itself to live in a better location, while 65% say they would pay more for a home if the location was right.
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