Summer can make a home look its best, but keeping it viewing-ready while family life carries on is another matter.

wo villages, one report, but increasingly two different markets. Knebworth is holding firm while Codicote takes a breath.

Stevenage and Stevenage Old Town continue to perform well, with rising prices, strong buyer demand and more homes coming to market, creating opportunities for both movers and first-time buyers this summer.

The Old Town is outperforming. Homes in the Old Town are achieving around 107 percent of asking and values are up 4.5 percent on the year. Character, period streets and a strong sense of place are commanding a clear premium over the wider town.