Aerial view of the West Norfolk coastline at golden hour, showing The Wash estuary, tidal flats and farmland

Living and Selling in West Norfolk: A Property Guide for 2026

Robert Holmes-Chapman July 21, 2026 No Comments

An authoritative guide to property in King's Lynn and West Norfolk: prices, villages, commuter links, and what the market looks like in 2026. Covering King's Lynn, Hunstanton, the Sandringham villages,…

Aerial view of Norwich Cathedral and city at golden hour

Living and Selling in Norwich: A Property Guide for 2026

Robert Holmes-Chapman July 14, 2026 No Comments

Norwich was named the Sunday Times best place to live in the UK for 2026. For sellers, that matters. This guide covers the latest price data, area breakdowns for the…

Premium property front door - preparation and presentation in luxury home sales

Fast, Good or Cheap: Why Premium Home Sales Cannot Be Rushed

Robert Holmes-Chapman July 8, 2026 No Comments

There is an old business principle: you can have two out of three. Fast, good or cheap. Here is where The Ivybridge Collection sits in that triangle, and why it…

Aerial view of the Waveney Valley at golden hour, river winding through green water meadows with a market town and church spire in the distance

Living and Selling in the Suffolk Borders: A Property Guide for Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth and Southwold (2026)

Robert Holmes-Chapman July 7, 2026 No Comments

A data-driven guide to living and selling property in the Suffolk Borders: Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth and Southwold. Covering prices, buyer demand and what makes this Waveney Valley region so compelling…

What a Reservation Agreement Actually Does (And Why It Matters at £1M+)

Robert Holmes-Chapman July 4, 2026 No Comments

Over 30% of property transactions in England and Wales fall through after an offer is accepted. For sellers of homes worth £1 million or more, that is not just an…

The Difference Between a Valuation and a Pricing Brief

Robert Holmes-Chapman July 4, 2026 No Comments

Every estate agent in the country offers a free valuation. You book a slot, someone visits your home, they walk around for 30 minutes, and you receive a suggested asking…

Why the Blakeney Market Is Stuck at 0% SSTC

Robert Holmes-Chapman July 4, 2026 No Comments

Right now, in one of Norfolk’s most desirable coastal villages, not a single property is sold subject to contract. Zero percent. Every home on the market in Blakeney is sitting,…

The Real Cost of Choosing the Wrong Estate Agent

Robert Holmes-Chapman July 4, 2026 No Comments

When most homeowners choose an estate agent, they compare fees. The agent charging 1% gets a harder look than the one charging 1.5%. The logic seems sound: why pay more…

What Happens When a Premium Home Sits Too Long on the Market

Robert Holmes-Chapman July 4, 2026 No Comments

There is a moment in every overextended property listing where something shifts. It is not visible in the brochure. It is not captured in the photography. But it is there,…

Aerial view of Breckland heathland and Thetford Forest at golden hour, Norfolk

Living and Selling in Breckland: A Property Guide for 2026

Robert Holmes-Chapman June 30, 2026 No Comments

Breckland is Norfolk's inland heartland, covering Thetford, Attleborough, Dereham and Swaffham. Discover what the property market looks like in 2026, what buyers are paying, and why this district has delivered…

A Norfolk village with flint cottages, a medieval church tower and a duck pond in golden evening light

Best Villages in Norfolk: Where to Live, Buy and Settle in 2026

Robert Holmes-Chapman June 27, 2026 No Comments

A comprehensive guide to Norfolk's best villages for buyers, families and retirees. Covers 25+ villages across the coast, Broads, countryside and market towns with current property prices and market data.

Aerial view of North Norfolk coast at golden hour, showing a quayside village surrounded by salt marshes and a sandy beach in the distance

Living and Selling on the North Norfolk Coast: A Property Guide for 2026

Robert Holmes-Chapman June 23, 2026 No Comments

From Holt's Georgian streets to Blakeney's quayside and Wells Harbour, this guide covers the North Norfolk coastal property market in 2026: prices, village character, and what buyers are really looking…

Aerial view of South Norfolk countryside at golden hour, with a historic market town church spire visible across summer wheat fields

Living and Selling in South Norfolk: A Property Guide for 2026

Robert Holmes-Chapman June 16, 2026 No Comments

South Norfolk offers one of Norfolk's most compelling property markets for sellers and buyers alike. From Wymondham's market town appeal to Diss's riverside character and the Waveney Valley's growing reputation,…

Norfolk Broads riverscape with traditional village and moored boats, Broadland Norfolk

Living and Selling in Broadland: Norfolk’s Most Sought-After Villages in 2026

Robert Holmes-Chapman June 9, 2026 No Comments

Broadland is one of Norfolk's most distinctive property markets. From the Broads-edge villages of Wroxham and Coltishall to the Georgian market towns of Aylsham and Reepham, this guide explores what…

Aerial view of a Norfolk country manor house in summer, surrounded by formal gardens and open countryside

Selling Your Home This Summer: A Norfolk Seller’s Guide to June, July and August

Robert Holmes-Chapman June 2, 2026 No Comments

Summer is one of the most compelling windows to sell a distinctive Norfolk home. This guide covers everything sellers need to know about the June, July and August market: buyer…

Property Pricing Brief on a desk in a refined study overlooking Norfolk countryside

Why Most Property Valuations Miss What Actually Matters

Robert Holmes-Chapman May 28, 2026 No Comments

For distinctive homes, a standard valuation rarely captures the full picture. Understanding buyer confidence, emotional dynamics, and what truly protects value requires a fundamentally different approach.

Aerial view of a grand Norfolk country house estate at dawn, surrounded by parkland and misty fields

What £1 Million Buys Across Norfolk: A Guide for 2026

Robert Holmes-Chapman May 26, 2026 No Comments

One million pounds buys something very different depending on where you are in Norfolk. This guide examines what the data reveals across South Norfolk, Broadland, the North Norfolk coast and…

Elegant Norfolk country house entrance at golden hour

What Buyers Notice First When They View Your Home

Robert Holmes-Chapman May 19, 2026 No Comments

Most sellers prepare their home for viewings by tidying up and hoping for the best. But buyers form their deepest impressions in moments you might not expect. Understanding what actually…

Converted Norfolk barn with arched windows and black timber cladding photographed at dusk

When a Beautiful Home Receives No Viewings

Rob Holmes March 7, 2026 No Comments

One of the more difficult conversations we have with homeowners often begins with a simple question. “How many viewings have you had?” Sometimes the answer is encouraging. A steady stream…

Aerial view of Upper Barn showing the oak-framed gable, patio with hot tub and Norfolk countryside

Upper Barn, Mendham – An Equestrian Property Case Study

Rob Holmes November 20, 2025 No Comments

Upper Barn is a remarkable equestrian home set in over twelve acres of Suffolk countryside near Harleston. By the time The Ivybridge Collection was instructed, the owners had been on…

Equestrian property with outdoor menage stables and paddocks in the Norfolk countryside

What Equestrian Buyers Really Want in a Property

Rob Holmes November 14, 2025 No Comments

Equestrian properties are more than just houses with acreage. They are homes built around the needs of horses and their owners. Serious equestrian buyers in the UK often put their…

Aerial view of a premium equestrian property with stables, paddocks, and countryside setting in the UK

Strategic Marketing for Equestrian Properties

Rob Holmes November 14, 2025 No Comments

In the world of equestrian property marketing, a fundamental shift is underway. Selling an equestrian home in the UK is no longer about pushing out a generic listing and hoping…

contemporary barn conversion in rural Norfolk with equestrian facilities

How to Prepare an Equestrian Property for Sale

Rob Holmes November 14, 2025 No Comments

Whether you’re in a horse-loving region like Norfolk (where Equestrian Properties in Norfolk are in high demand) or anywhere else in the country… Selling an equestrian property in the UK…

Buying a Distinctive Home in Norfolk

Rob Holmes November 7, 2025 No Comments

A distinctive home is not chosen in the same way as a standard property. Whether period or contemporary, a significant home expresses a particular way of living. When the architecture,…

Aerial view of a Norfolk equestrian property with paddocks, arena and converted barn

Equestrian Properties for Sale in Norfolk

Rob Holmes November 6, 2025 No Comments

Comprehensive guide to equestrian properties in Norfolk. Area-by-area analysis, pricing factors, what buyers look for, and specialist marketing from The Ivybridge Collection.

Couple sitting apart during a difficult conversation about selling the family home

Selling a Home Due To Divorce, How We Can Help

Rob Holmes October 4, 2025 No Comments

Separation is never just legal; it is deeply human. When a relationship ends, the home you built together often becomes the hardest part to let go of. Beyond financial value,…

Exterior of a premium UK country home represented by The Ivybridge Collection.

How to Start a Premium Estate Agency in the United Kingdom

Rob Holmes November 19, 2025 No Comments

Launching a premium estate agency in the United Kingdom has traditionally required significant capital, years of industry experience and the ability to build a trusted brand from the ground up.…

Five rubber ducks in a row representing getting organised before selling your home

Your Dream Home Depends on Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Rob Holmes September 23, 2025 No Comments

1. A Week of Heartbreak and Hard Lessons This week at Ivybridge, we could have sold the same home many times over. Several families fell for it the moment they…

Cosy living room with a wood-burning stove, grey sofa and French doors leading to a country kitchen

Easy Ways to Add Value to Your Home: Quick Fixes and Big Gains

Rob Holmes September 6, 2025 No Comments

Does a fresh coat of paint or a full‑scale loft conversion really boost the price tag of your property? According to UK insurers, a loft conversion that adds an en‑suite…

Exterior of a premium UK home represented within The Ivybridge Collection.

Franchise or Independent, Choosing the Right Path

Rob Holmes November 19, 2025 No Comments

Professionals considering a move into the premium estate agency sector often face an important decision at the outset. Should they launch independently or build their business within a franchise partnership…

Modern galley kitchen with grey shaker cabinets and white worktops in a styled property

How to Strengthen Your Offer Before You’ve Sold Your Home

Rob Holmes September 7, 2025 No Comments

Finding the right house often happens before you are ready to move. Perhaps your own home is not yet on the market, or you are waiting on a buyer before…

Sold in 11 Days: The Story of Mill Farm Barn

Rob Holmes August 25, 2025 No Comments

From hopeless to sold. How The Ivybridge Collection transformed Mill Farm Barn after a year on the market with no viewings. When we first met the owners of Mill Farm…

Aerial view of Upper Barn, luxury six bedroom equestrian property in Mendham near Harleston Norfolk

Selling a Luxury Home in Norfolk

Rob Holmes November 6, 2025 No Comments

Selling a luxury home in Norfolk requires representation that is personal, strategic and precise. The Ivybridge Collection specialises in architecturally distinctive and high-value properties, offering director-led service that protects presentation,…

Al fresco dining table set for evening entertaining with sunflowers, lanterns and a fire pit

Invest First, Sell Stronger, Profit More

Rob Holmes August 20, 2025 No Comments

Selling a million-pound home is unlike selling anything else. Yet most estate agents treat it as though it were no different to selling a two-bedroom semi. They cut costs, reduce…

Softly lit bedroom with an open book on the bed creating a warm and inviting atmosphere

From First Glance to Final Offer: Making Your Listing Irresistible

Rob Holmes August 19, 2025 No Comments

Selling a home of distinction is unlike selling any other asset. Your property is not just four walls; it is a place infused with character, thought, and care. It deserves…

Illustration showing how to price and style a premium home correctly in the Norfolk property market

The Art of Pricing Exceptional Homes: An Ivybridge Perspective

Rob Holmes August 19, 2025 No Comments

When it comes to extraordinary homes, value is never found in spreadsheets alone. It is discovered in the quiet details, the emotional resonance, and the story your property tells. Every…

Luxury Norfolk interior home table symbolising it may be time for a change of estate agent

Your Guide to Switching Estate Agents with Confidence

Rob Holmes July 19, 2025 No Comments

Your home is one of a kind. The agent representing it should be too. If your high-value or character property is sitting on the market with little progress, or you…

Decorative floral and bird print cushions with tartan accents on a neatly styled bed

Is It Time for a Change? How to Right-Size with Confidence

Rob Holmes July 19, 2025 No Comments

Are you craving more space, seeking simplicity, or wondering whether your home still fits your lifestyle? Whether you are upsizing, downsizing, or simply reshaping how you live, this kind of…

Chrome tea set, glass vase and wooden chess board on a coffee table in a styled living room

Poised to Move? Five Steps to Spark the Sale of Your Home

Rob Holmes July 19, 2025 No Comments

Have you been quietly wondering if now is the time? That sense of readiness for something new. A fresh view. A change of rhythm. Perhaps you have already dipped your…

Interior of a premium Norfolk home representing a seller considering their next move

Thinking of Selling? Why Now Might Be the Smartest Time to Act

Rob Holmes July 19, 2025 No Comments

If you own a distinctive home in Norfolk, you may have quietly gained more value than you realise. The market is moving, and character-filled homes with space, charm, and privacy…

Champagne and glasses on a teak patio table with bifold doors open to a styled living room

8 Ways to Work Seamlessly with Your Estate Agent

Rob Holmes July 19, 2025 No Comments

You have chosen your agent, your brochure is underway, and the photography is booked. So, what happens next? At The Ivybridge Collection, we believe the relationship between seller and agent…

Stylish dining room decorated for Christmas with a lit tree and festive table setting

Why Winter Could Be the Perfect Time to List Your Home

Rob Holmes July 19, 2025 No Comments

You may be wondering if winter is the wrong time to sell your home. The mornings are darker, the weather is unpredictable, and many people are more focused on festivities…

Contemporary bathroom with green hexagonal tile feature wall and backlit round mirror

The Art of the Viewing: How to Prepare Your Home to Captivate

Rob Holmes July 19, 2025 No Comments

You’ve listed your home. The photos are polished, the description has been crafted with care, and your property is officially on the market. Now comes one of the most critical…

Timber-framed Norfolk property reflected in a tranquil pond surrounded by reeds

Is Your Home Truly Market Ready? Take Our Saleability Check

Rob Holmes July 19, 2025 No Comments

You might be dreaming of a coastal escape, a countryside retreat, or simply craving a new chapter. But before the “For Sale” board appears outside your home, there’s one critical…

Professionally styled bedroom with blue tufted headboard and floral wallpaper for property photography

Preparing Your Home for Photography and Viewings

Rob Holmes July 16, 2025 No Comments

First impressions are instant. In the time it takes to scroll past a property online, a potential buyer decides whether to lean in, or move on. At The Ivybridge Collection,…

Country cottage hallway with painted console table and fresh flowers looking through to the dining room

Finding the Right Estate Agent: A Seller’s Guide

Rob Holmes July 16, 2025 No Comments

You’ve decluttered the hallway, touched up the paintwork, and polished every surface until it gleams. The mood is set, the home is ready. But now comes one of the most…

Elegant period drawing room with a lit marble fireplace, bay window and antique furnishings

Why Has My House Sale Gone Quiet? An Ivybridge Perspective

Rob Holmes July 19, 2025 No Comments

When you first list your home, it is natural to picture interest, excitement, and viewings in motion. But when things go quiet, doubts often follow. No calls. No offers. No…

Balance scales weighing trust against commission when choosing an estate agent

Why We’ll Never Take Referral Fees – And Why It Matters

Rob Holmes July 16, 2025 No Comments

At The Ivybridge Collection, we believe your estate agent should be working solely for you, not for hidden third parties. That’s why we have a simple rule: We do not…

Category: Guides

Understand what is really happening in the Norfolk property market