Buying a home is one of life’s biggest decisions. Whether it’s your first purchase or your fifth, the process can feel daunting, with plenty of pitfalls to avoid. From mortgages and surveys to legal paperwork and negotiations, there’s a lot to take on board. By arming yourself with the right information and working with a knowledgeable local estate agent, you’ll be better placed to make smart decisions and find the home that truly fits your needs.

Halloween in Hockley has never been so hauntingly good! On Friday 31st October 2025, the Hockley Village shopping area was bursting with spooky excitement as hundreds of families came out to enjoy the Hockley Halloween Trail. With eerie smoke drifting through the streets, catchy Halloween tunes in the air, and friendly ghouls greeting youngsters.

Living next to the woods, we expected to feel closer to nature, but we didn’t expect to make friends with it. We thought we would spend our mornings listening to the birds and admiring the trees. Instead, we find ourselves checking that Freda the fox, our uninvited but much-loved garden guest has returned safely from her nightly wandering!

If you’re hoping to be in your new home by Christmas, time is running out. With UK sale timelines now topping 200 days from listing to completion, September may be your last chance to start the process. Here’s what you need to know before it’s too late…