Your trusted Isle of Wight estate agents for sales lettings and property investment
Welcome to Red Squirrel Property Shop. We are a multi award winning estate agency based on the Isle of Wight and proud to serve the entire island.
Our team offers a complete range of property services including property sales lettings property management and investment sourcing.
We focus on honesty trust and compassion in everything we do. Whether you are selling letting buying or investing we are here to make the process as smooth and successful as possible.
Property Sales
Sell your home with confidence. We provide accurate valuations professional photography expert advice and a marketing strategy designed to achieve the best result for your property. We cover all areas across the island including Ryde Newport Cowes Shanklin Sandown and more
Lettings and Property Management
From tenant find to full management we support landlords with reliable compliant and efficient services. We take care of viewings referencing tenancy creation rent collection inspections maintenance coordination and everything in between.
Investment and Buyer Services
Using our background in property investment we help buyers and investors find the right opportunity. Whether you are looking for your next home a buy to let or something off market we offer a dedicated personal service with access to properties that are not publicly advertised.
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Nestled in the charming area of Cornwall Road, Ventnor, this delightful flat offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With one well-proportioned bedroom, this property is ideal for (...)
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Amazing team who go above and beyond. Excellent communication and so professional. Freya was so kind and helpful to me in securing a beautiful home for me and my daughter. Recommend for anyone wanting to buy or rent.
Danielle Kingman Isle of wight
Used Red Squirrel to sell my property, they were extremely helpful, professional and patient getting the sale completed from start to finish. I also found there valuation was realistic instead of valuating a really high estimate as every other estate agent did to try make us use them. I wouldn't hesitate to use there services again.
Cassie Bruce Isle Of Wight
Did not deal with Red Squirrel for long as my tenancy was coming to an end as we had recently purchased our first property. From the little contact I had they were really helpful and I found the check out process really simple and easy. Great experience!
Nikita Tucker Isle Of Wight
Professionalism and outstanding service 👏🏿
Hassan Hammed Isle of Wight
In my opinion Red Squirrel are by far the best agents here on the Isle of Wight. They show so much compassion to their clients and really do go above and beyond to try and help. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend and I will certainly be using them again in the future.
Maria Cowen Isle of Wight
Freya, Eileen so impressed with your service You're lovely people. I'm enjoying my new home!
Ianda Moyo Isle of Wight
They we're very helpful and understanding of our situation and helped us getting a property to rent. We are very grateful for all of their help the team have done for us. Thank you
Kathryn D Isle of Wight
We have had a wonderful experience with Red Squirrel, they have answered all of our queries and have been so patient and understanding with our circumstances! Nothing has been too much trouble and they would always answer when we needed them, and have even been prompt to email back to any of our queries as well! Freya has provided us amazing support and service and has made every step of our application a breeze and a pleasant experience!
D Robinson Isle of Wight
Red Squirrel has been fantastic. As first-time buyers, with little to no knowledge of what we needed, nothing was too much trouble. All queries were answered promptly. Everyone was so friendly, Matthew was fantastic and had great communication. Ross was very insightful when showing around the house. We can't thank everyone enough for making this as stress free as possible.
Jess Saban Isle of Wight
Cannot praise this company enough, every member of staff were absolutely brilliant, however, the prize for going above and beyond has to go to Ross. What an absolute star, nothing was too much trouble and I must have really tested his patience! Red Squirrel have been so helpful and professional from start to finish, I would highly recommend them if you want results. 10/10
Carol Shayler Isle of Wight
I would highly recommend Red Squirrel. Thank you so much for your support when buying my flat. I dealt with Ross and he was fantastic, always ready to answer any questions and put my mind at ease. Thank you again.
Emma Morey Isle of Wight
I sold my property with Red Squirrel at the end of last year and I am so glad I chose Red Squirrel to do this. Charlie was incredible with his knowledge, putting the property on the market for the right price, helping me understand a lot of what I was unsure about being a first time seller, and making me feel at ease with the whole process. Matt was also incredibly helpful making sure I was happy as we progressed through the steps. Each time I went in I was greeted by very helpful and friendly staff who seemed as excited for me as I was. I would highly recommend Red Squirrel to everyone!
Laura Haytack Isle of Wight
Red Squirrel were amazing at keeping in contact throughout our purchase. Massive shout out to Ross, Abi & Matthew for being just as excited for me as I was to get into our first family home! See you in a few years guys xx
Charlotte & Luke Isle of Wight
Red Squirrel are the ultimate when it comes to all things property. They have the knowledge, skill and determination to make you feel comfortable in the knowledge that you are in safe hands when it comes to ALL of your property needs. We will use no one else for our next move. Even our family members have gone with the team at Red Squirrel when moving to the island and they had nothing but great things to say about the service they received. Keep up the great work guys!
Martyn Thorp Isle of Wight
I completed on a house today that was sold via Red Squirrel. Throughout the process they were always helpful and professional, quick to respond, and kept a careful eye on the progress of the transaction to help with any issues.
Thinking about selling your home? Before your property goes on the market, there are a few simple things you can do to help it look its best and make a great impression on potential buyers.
You don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune on renovations or make major changes. Often, it’s the smaller details that can make a difference, helping buyers picture themselves living in the property and allowing them to focus on what makes it special.
In our recent “Getting Your Property Ready to Sell” video series, we shared some straightforward tips to help you prepare your home for viewings. Here’s a recap, along with a few extra things worth considering before putting your property on the market.
1. Take Care of Minor Repairs
It’s easy to overlook small jobs when you live in a property every day, but buyers may notice them during a viewing.
A dripping tap, loose door handle, cracked tile or broken cupboard hinge might seem insignificant, but a collection of little issues can make a home feel less well maintained.
Before your viewings begin, take a walk around your property and make a list of anything that needs attention.
A few simple jobs to consider include:
Fixing dripping taps and running toilets.
Tightening loose handles, hinges and cupboard doors.
Replacing blown light bulbs.
Touching up chipped paintwork.
Repairing loose skirting boards or damaged trim.
Filling small holes or cracks where appropriate.
Getting these little jobs out of the way can help your home feel cared for and ready for its next owners.
2. Clean and Tidy Before Viewings
First impressions matter, and a clean, tidy home can make a viewing feel much more inviting.
You don’t need to make your property look like a show home, but giving it a thorough clean before viewings can help buyers appreciate the space and condition of each room.
Pay particular attention to kitchens and bathrooms, as these are areas where cleanliness can make a big difference. Clean surfaces, sparkling taps, tidy cupboards and fresh-looking floors can all help.
Before each viewing, try to:
Wipe down kitchen worktops and bathroom surfaces.
Clean mirrors and windows where possible.
Vacuum carpets and clean hard floors.
Put away washing, shoes and everyday clutter.
Empty bins and remove any unpleasant odours.
Make beds and straighten cushions and throws.
If you have pets, it’s also worth giving extra attention to pet hair, bedding and litter trays.
A little preparation can help buyers feel comfortable as soon as they walk through the door.
3. Declutter and Remove Excess Furniture
When buyers view a property, they want to understand how much space is available and how they could use it.
Too much furniture, crowded worktops and overflowing shelves can make rooms feel smaller than they really are. Decluttering helps create a sense of space and allows the features of your home to stand out.
You could start by:
Clearing kitchen worktops and dining tables.
Removing furniture that makes rooms feel cramped.
Organising wardrobes and storage cupboards.
Clearing hallways and keeping walkways open.
Reducing the number of ornaments and personal items on display.
Putting away anything you don’t use regularly.
You don’t need to remove all personality from your home. A few carefully chosen accessories, photographs or decorative pieces can help a property feel welcoming. The aim is to strike a balance between making your home feel lived-in and allowing potential buyers to imagine making it their own.
As an added bonus, decluttering now can make packing and moving easier when the time comes!
4. Refresh Your Property
A fresh-looking property can make a real difference to how buyers perceive it. If your walls are looking tired, paintwork is chipped or rooms feel a little dated, a few simple updates may be worthwhile.
A fresh coat of paint in a neutral shade can brighten a room and create a clean, crisp finish. Lighter colours can also help rooms feel brighter and make it easier for buyers to imagine their own furniture and belongings in the space.
Other simple ways to refresh your home include:
Touching up scuffed walls and woodwork.
Replacing tired or mismatched accessories.
Updating old cushions, throws or bedding.
Cleaning curtains and refreshing soft furnishings.
Making sure rooms are well lit with suitable bulbs.
Adding a few simple finishing touches, such as fresh flowers.
You don’t have to redecorate every room or spend lots of money. Focus on areas that look particularly tired and consider which small improvements will have the greatest impact.
Before committing to any major work, think about whether it is likely to make a meaningful difference to how your property presents.
5. Clear and Tidy Your Outside Spaces
Your property’s exterior is often the first thing a buyer sees when arriving for a viewing, so it’s worth giving these spaces some attention.
Whether you have a front garden, a driveway, a courtyard or a larger rear garden, making the space look neat and inviting helps create a positive first impression before buyers even step inside.
Some simple jobs include:
Mowing the lawn and trimming overgrown edges.
Sweeping paths, patios and driveways.
Removing weeds and clearing fallen leaves.
Trimming hedges and overgrown plants.
Tidying garden furniture and putting away unused items.
Cleaning the front door and making sure the entrance looks welcoming.
Clearing rubbish and checking that bins are neatly stored away.
Outside space can be particularly important to families looking for somewhere children can play, as well as buyers who enjoy gardening, entertaining or relaxing outdoors.
Help buyers see the potential of your garden by making it feel like a usable extension of the home. You don’t need elaborate landscaping; a tidy lawn, a clear patio and a little attention to detail can go a long way.
6. Make the Most of Natural Light
A bright home often feels more spacious and welcoming. Before a viewing, open curtains and blinds wherever possible to let in as much natural light as you can.
Clean windows can help, too, particularly if your property has attractive views or overlooks a garden.
Where rooms are naturally darker, make sure lamps and ceiling lights are working. Consider whether bulky furniture is blocking windows or making a room feel darker than it needs to.
If your home has particularly lovely views, a sunny seating area or a bright living space, make sure these features aren’t hidden behind clutter or heavy curtains.
7. Create a Welcoming First Impression
Buyers start forming an impression of your property as soon as they arrive, so think about the whole experience of approaching and entering your home.
Make sure the entrance is tidy, the front door is clean and the hallway is free from shoes, coats and bags where possible. If you have a porch, keep it neat and uncluttered.
Fresh air can help make a home feel pleasant, but avoid overpowering air fresheners or scented candles. If there are any lingering smells, it’s better to identify and address the source rather than simply cover it up.
Small details can help create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage buyers to feel comfortable exploring the rest of the property.
8. Keep Rooms Purposeful
If you use a spare bedroom as a storage room, or your dining room has become a home office, consider how you can present the space to show its potential.
Where possible, give each room a clear purpose. A spare bedroom that looks ready to use, for example, may help buyers understand how the space could work for guests, children or a home office.
You don’t need to buy new furniture or completely change how you live. Sometimes, simply moving a few items, clearing surfaces and arranging furniture differently can help a room feel more functional.
9. Don’t Forget the Practical Details
Alongside presentation, there are a few practical things worth checking before viewings begin.
Make sure doors open easily, rooms are accessible and buyers can move around without navigating obstacles. If you have a garage or useful storage space, make sure these areas can be accessed safely if they are part of the viewing.
It’s also helpful to think about what makes your property convenient to live in. Parking, storage, outdoor space, energy-saving features and recent improvements may all be worth highlighting to your estate agent.
You know your home better than anyone, so let your agent know about the features you particularly love and any improvements you’ve made. These details can help them present your property accurately to potential buyers.
10. Focus on What Makes Your Home Special
Every property has something that makes it appealing to the right buyer. It could be a spacious kitchen, a sunny garden, a period feature, a sea view or simply a fantastic location.
As you prepare your home, think about the features you most enjoy and how you can help buyers notice them.
Clear the space around a beautiful fireplace, tidy the garden seating area or make sure a lovely view is visible from the room. The goal isn’t to make your home look like somewhere else; it’s to help potential buyers appreciate what is already there.
Ready to Put Your Property on the Market?
Getting your property ready to sell doesn’t have to mean expensive renovations or weeks of work. By tackling minor repairs, cleaning and decluttering, refreshing tired areas and making the most of your outside space, you can help your home look its best before viewings begin.
Remember, every property is different, and what works for one home may not be necessary for another. Focus on the improvements that make sense for your property and budget.
If you’re thinking about selling your home on the Isle of Wight, our team at Red Squirrel Property Shop are here to help. We can offer advice on preparing your property for market and help you take the next step towards your move.
Get in touch today to arrange your free, no-obligation valuation.
At Red Squirrel Property Shop, supporting our local community is incredibly important to us. For this month's Charity Day, we're delighted to be supporting Independent Arts, an Isle of Wight charity making a real difference to people's lives through creativity, connection and community.
We recently met with the team at Independent Arts to learn more about their work, the people they support and why their services are so important to our Island.
What we discovered was an organisation that's doing far more than many people might realise.
Almost 40 years of bringing people together
Independent Arts was founded in 1987, beginning as a drama project in prisons before expanding into the wider community.
Today, the charity operates from its Creative Hub on Newport High Street, which opened in 2020–21, and delivers activities across the Isle of Wight.
With its 40th anniversary approaching in 2027, Independent Arts has spent almost four decades using creativity to improve people's wellbeing.
But as we discovered during our meeting, the charity's work isn't really about teaching people to become artists.
It's about reducing loneliness and social isolation.
Through singing, dancing, movement, arts and crafts, and other creative activities, Independent Arts gives people somewhere to go, something to look forward to and an opportunity to connect with others.
For some participants, attending a workshop might be their only social interaction of the week. For others, it's an opportunity to establish a routine, make friends or simply enjoy an hour away from everyday pressures.
And, of course, there's usually time for a cup of tea and a biscuit!
More than just a gallery
If you've walked past the Independent Arts Creative Hub on Newport High Street, you might recognise it as a gallery or somewhere offering art workshops.
However, there's much more happening behind the scenes.
The charity supports over 400 people every week, working with Islanders of all ages, from primary school children to older adults.
Its Creative Hub runs workshops six days a week, while singing groups take place in different communities across the Island.
Independent Arts also delivers creative wellbeing activities to approximately 45 care homes and residential settings, sending artists, musicians and reminiscence practitioners to work directly with residents.
For people who may find it difficult to get out and attend community activities, these sessions can provide valuable opportunities for social interaction, stimulation and enjoyment.
It's an important part of Independent Arts' work that many Islanders may never see.
Creativity without the pressure
One of the things that stood out during our meeting was Independent Arts' approach to creativity.
You don't have to be particularly artistic, have any previous experience or produce something impressive to benefit from taking part.
Most of the charity's regular activities are social workshops rather than formal lessons or courses.
Whether it's painting, singing, dancing or simply taking a sketchbook outside, the focus is on enjoying the experience and making time for yourself.
Creativity provides an opportunity to concentrate on something different, take a break from everyday worries and enjoy being around other people.
It's something that can be particularly valuable for those experiencing loneliness, anxiety or a lack of confidence.
And sometimes, the simplest activities can have the biggest impact.
Workshops that make a difference:
Creative Café and SingAbout
Two of Independent Arts' longstanding projects, Creative Café and SingAbout, have both been running for over a decade. Some participants have attended regularly for more than ten years, demonstrating how important these groups have become to their weekly routines.
Men's Art Project (MAP)
Launched approximately two years ago, the Men's Art Project brings men together through creative activities led by professional artists. Participants explore different techniques, including printmaking and photography, and have the opportunity to exhibit their work.
The team shared how taking part has helped some members develop confidence and make meaningful changes in their lives.
Move and Groove
This group combines meditation, gentle movement and dancing, providing a welcoming opportunity to stay active, socialise and have some fun.
These are just a few examples of the activities taking place at Independent Arts. With multiple workshops running throughout the week, alongside community singing groups and care home visits, there's a great deal happening both inside and outside the Creative Hub.
Building confidence and changing lives
One of the most memorable parts of our conversation was hearing about the difference Independent Arts can make beyond the workshops themselves.
The team shared the story of a volunteer who initially joined them through a supported placement with very little confidence.
Over approximately five years of volunteering, she gradually developed her confidence, made friendships, became more independent and began volunteering elsewhere.
She's now been offered a full-time job.
It's a wonderful example of how having somewhere welcoming to go, being given time and encouragement, and feeling part of a community can help someone develop the confidence to take their next steps.
Independent Arts is supported by approximately 40 volunteers, who help with everything from making tea to spending time chatting with participants.
The charity also works with around 45–50 freelance artists, providing opportunities for local creative professionals while delivering its programmes across the Island.
How can we support Independent Arts?
Like many charities, Independent Arts relies heavily on grant funding to deliver its services.
Although these grants are essential, they are often allocated to specific projects. Additional community fundraising can give the charity greater flexibility to develop new activities and respond to what local people need.
During our meeting, the team highlighted something they'd particularly love to see more of: Islanders choosing Independent Arts for their own fundraising challenges and events.
Whether you're planning a sponsored walk, running a marathon, organising a bake sale or taking on another challenge, choosing Independent Arts as your charity could make a meaningful difference.
You can also support them by making a donation, volunteering, attending their events or simply helping more people discover what they do.
Sometimes, spreading the word is just as valuable. You never know who might benefit from discovering a welcoming creative group in their community.
Looking ahead to 40 years of Independent Arts
2027 will mark Independent Arts' 40th anniversary, and the team are planning special fundraising activities and celebrations.
One of the ideas discussed during our meeting was encouraging people to raise £40 for their 40th anniversary.
It's a simple fundraising target that could be achieved through anything from a small office bake sale to a personal challenge.
The charity is also planning further fundraising campaigns, including its Christmas matched-donation campaign, where eligible donations can be doubled up to the campaign's matching limit.
Keep an eye on Independent Arts' channels for confirmed dates and details of upcoming events.
A huge thank you from Red Squirrel
We're delighted to have chosen Independent Arts for our Charity Day and to help shine a light on the work they do.
A huge thank you to the team for taking the time to meet with us and share their stories.
Their work is a reminder that creativity doesn't have to be about producing a masterpiece. Sometimes, it's simply about having somewhere to go, meeting someone new and taking a little time for yourself.
If you'd like to learn more, explore their workshops or find out how to support them, visit their website:
