Sophie Vening
Sophie Vening has been a homes and property journalist for over 16 years. She has been Editor of Grand Designs magazine and News & Homes editor of Build It magazine, she has also freelanced and worked for many of the UK interiors magazines and newspapers, including The Metro Homes & Property and The Evening Standard Homes & Property. Using her knowledge and expertise, she is currently embracing the move to digital and is producing high-quality features for Ideal Home and Dwell.
Sophie studied and achieved an MA in Magazine Journalism at Kingston University and is well known in the homes and property industry specialising in affordable housing, property finance, self-build, real homes and project how-to guides.
Ideal Home Truths
Where is your happy place?
With my family on holiday – whether that’s in the UK or abroad.
What’s your home addition?
Pottery is my current addiction. I love mixing and matching plates, bowls and mugs and am always picking up random pieces at craft fairs and local shops when on holiday. I love an eclectic look!
What is your next home project?
Having written about other people’s projects for years, I’m now hoping to do a renovation project myself. We’re planning on selling our home within the next year and hope to purchase a run-down period property with the intention of completely gutting it, building an extension and, hopefully, increasing its value!
Latest articles by Sophie Vening
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How to fix a leaky showerhead - a step by step guide
Want to know how to resolve a dripping shower? Repair a shower head in these five simple steps
By Sophie Vening
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How to fix a toilet flush - how to repair a slow flushing toilet yourself
Want to know how to fix a toilet flush? Repair a toilet that won’t flush quickly and efficiently in seven simple steps
By Sophie Vening
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How to fix a running toilet yourself without having to call in a plumber
Got a toilet that constantly runs even when it's not being used? Follow our expert advice to fix it properly
By Sophie Vening
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How does a stove fan work and should I get one? Everything you need to know
Find out how a stove fan works and if they really can maximise the heat given off by your wood burning stove
By Sophie Vening
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How to buy a property at auction: step-by-step
Learn the process of bidding for a property at auction, from completing due diligence, to working out when and how to pay for your new home
By Sophie Vening
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How to save for a house – 10 ways to build up your deposit
Ten smart ways to save for a house deposit
By Sophie Vening
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When is the best time to buy a house? Experts reveal best times of the year
We tackle some of the most important questions to find out if now is a good time for a house investment
By Sophie Vening
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Buying a house with cash – the process explained
Check out our guide for everything you need to know about purchasing a home with cash
By Sophie Vening
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Buying a house: the step-by-step process
Follow this in-depth article to find out everything you need to know about buying a house
By Sophie Vening
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How much does it cost to install a wood burning stove? Experts reveal all
Read up on the cost to install a wood burning stove with this easy-to-understand guide
By Sophie Vening
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The Help to Buy scheme explained – including the new equity loan
Find out how the Help to Buy scheme allows first time buyers to purchase a new build property with an equity loan
By Sophie Vening
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Moving house checklist: everything you need to do for a hassle-free house move
A new home is exciting but the run up to moving day, and moving day itself, can be stressful. Use our handy moving house checklist to keep the worries to a minimum.
By Sophie Vening
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What is pipe lagging and is it worth doing for better insulation?
Find out how pipe lagging can reduce heat loss in your home and save you money
By Sophie Vening
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How to insulate a floor – a step-by-step guide
Find out how to insulate a timber or solid concrete floor and make your home more energy efficient
By Sophie Vening
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Insulating a loft hatch – everything you need to know
All the things to consider before insulating your loft hatch, from what style insulation to use to how much it costs
By Sophie Vening
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House valuation explained and the best online tools to use
From using an online valuation calculator, to preparing your home for a surveyor inspection, this guide reveals everything you need to know about the house valuation process
By Sophie Vening
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Solicitor fees for buying a house explained
A solicitor or conveyancer plays a huge part in the house buying process. Find out what their role is and how much to budget for their expertise
By Sophie Vening