What's happening this month?

What to do if your home isn’t selling

 

There can be any number of reasons to explain why your property isn't performing on the market as you had expected.

 

If it's left you wondering ‘what went wrong?’, we delve into some of the most common causes that could be preventing buyers from connecting with your home.

 

Your home lacks kerb appeal

 

The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers see when they turn up for a viewing. 

 

So, there’s no surprise that it can have a huge effect on a buyer’s decision to put in an offer. More than 68% of homeowners say kerb appeal was important in their choice of home.

 

The property isn't viewer-ready

 

It’s important when selling to keep your home looking viewer-ready, as well as to aim for a more neutral tone that appeals to a wider audience base.

 

Whilst it can be tempting to start splurging on new furniture and items for your new house, it can also have a negative impact on viewers if the room looks too crowded and cluttered.

 

The photos don’t do it justice

 

It takes just six photos for someone to decide whether they're interested in seeing more of a property.

 

If the first six photos don't represent your home in the best light, you could be missing out on the opportunity to showcase your property's core unique selling points, so it's worth raising any concerns that you have with your agent as well as making sure that you stage each room beforehand.

 

The asking price could be wrong

 

It's a common misconception that the asking price is behind every single stalled property sale. However, it's important to know where this is and isn't the reason for a home struggling on the market.

 

Having a competitive valuation with a local agent ensures that you are correctly priced and helps you to avoid any delays or complications.

 

Want a second opinion on the price of your property? Our team of experienced estate agents can provide you with a reliable free valuation, visit our website for more information.

 

The estate agent isn’t the right fit for you

 

Your estate agent should be doing all they can to sell your home, including keeping you updated and aware of the progress of your sale.

 

If you’re not happy with the service you’re being given, make sure you bring it up.

 

So, what are my options?

 

If your home isn’t selling, don’t despair. You still have a few options that will enable you to get moving.

 

Contact our team today to learn more about our offering and success metrics in your area.

 

 

 

Key questions you need to ask your buyer

 

Finding the right buyer can save you time, energy and disappointment.

 

If your chain falls through due to your buyer's financial readiness or uncertainties, you may lose out on other offers as well as the property you had intended to purchase.

 

Here are the top five questions you need to ask before accepting an offer.

 

Have they been pre-approved for a mortgage?

 

Being pre-approved for a mortgage means that a lender has already said their application will be accepted, speeding up the process significantly and reducing the risk of it falling through.

 

Do they have a home to sell?

 

Understanding your house buying chain is really valuable, as you'll be able to anticipate any weak points that could lead to your sale and / or purchase from falling through.

 

More sellers are now opting to rent in between their sale and new home, which means that the chain is much smaller and less likely to break.

 

Have they made an offer on another house?

 

If the buyer has put down a deposit on another property, they might not be fully committed to that purchase.

 

Are they a first-time buyer?

 

First-time buyers are often chain-free, so the process of selling your home should be quicker.

 

However, be careful not to make assumptions.

 

There may be other commitments such as a fixed term tenancy that prevents them from moving quickly, so always check when your buyer wants to complete.

 

What is their moving timeline?

 

Remember to ask what their moving timeline is like, as this will tell you how much they must do before they can move.

 

If their timeline fits in with yours, then they’re probably a suitable buyer for your property.

 

 

Need help finding the perfect buyer? Get in touch with us today.

 

 

 

Is selling at auction the right choice for me?

 

Selling at auction can mean a quick and easy sale, with excited bidders driving up the price of your home. But is it right for you?

 

Whilst we know selling at auction might not be for everyone, there are some key advantages if you've been thinking about this approach for your next sale.

 

Speed

 

One of the top reasons that homeowners opt for auctions is the speed of the process, which can take a matter of weeks once a property has been sold to complete.

 

Higher price

 

With your agent by your side, it's crucial to maximise the value from your marketing strategy.

 

The more interest you can drum up, the more competitive the bidding between interested parties, and all of this will ensure you receive the best possible price for your home.

 

Guaranteed closure

 

Unlike with traditional sales, there's a reduced risk of auction sales from falling through.

 

This is because the necessary checks and paperwork are completed beforehand, so when the gavel falls, the contracts have been exchanged.

 

Complete transparency

 

Each bid is made in public so the seller is fully aware of everything as it unfolds, and with a minimum reservice price, you don't need to worry about selling for under market value.

 

Who is best suited to selling at auctions?

 

Typically preferred by investors, homeowners looking to expediate the process also opt to sell at auction, where needed.

 

 

Want more information about selling at auction? Contact our team today.

 

 

 

How does disrepair impact your property sale?

 

Throughout the selling process, buyers are looking to assess the extent of the work needed to fix your home to their own standard of living, working out the time and money they may need to invest.

 

Whilst there are plenty of home hunters out there looking for their next project to tackle, many more will be looking for something that requires minimal fuss.

  

So, which home repairs can be the biggest deal breakers for buyers?

 

As the main cause behind serious structural issues, it's no surprise that damp ranks as the highest turn-off according to research.*

 

Keeping your house well ventilated in every season is crucial to safeguarding your investments, and with 63% put off by bad smells from pets or cigarettes, it's also worth purchasing diffusers before any viewings to keep your house smelling and looking at its best.

 

Having a messy garden also made the list, with 48% of people saying that it would put them off buying a property, as well as outdated electrics and poor natural lighting.

 

Aside from making any significant changes to the number of windows or doors in your property, the simplest way to increase the amount of light in your home is to eliminate any dark corners with warm lamps, giving the space the illusion of natural light.

 

Outdated electrics can be costly and time-consuming for buyers to update. So, if you’re looking for a quick sale, it might be worth getting any major issues fixed before viewings start to avoid a lengthy period on the market.

 

If you've completed any renovations or refurbishments since moving in, you should consider learning your home's current market value. Book your valuation today.

 

 

*GoCompare 

 

A look at what the stamp duty holiday has led to

 

Since its launch, the stamp duty holiday has led to phenomenal sales numbers for England's property market, with 50% more transactions in Q1 2021 compared to the previous year, pre-pandemic.*

 

Now, with the tapered end of the holiday in sight, we take a final look at what the property market has seen over the last year, and what is still to come.

 

Originally intended to stimulate the market after its spring closure in 2020, the SDLT holiday has triggered a house buying boom, with price surges up and down the country and buyers scrambling to put in offers at record speeds.

 

Even for buyers who may have faced higher property prices over this time, the value of buying with a smaller upfront cost meant that homebuying was an affordable option for 100,000s.

 

In fact, one survey suggested that four in ten Brits (39%) were able to take advantage of the government's initiative, with many finding themselves better able to save for deposits and moving costs with limited lockdown options.**

 

Following the end of the SDLT holiday on the 30th September, the rates will be as follows:

 

- 0% up to £125,000

- 2% on £125,001 - £250,000

- 5% on £250,001 - £925,000

- 10% on £925,001 - £1.5m

- 12% on any value above £1.5m

 

For advice about buying and selling in 2021, we'd like to offer you our support. Please contact us today for more information.

 

 

*Mortgage Introducer

**Show House

 

 

 

What’s next for the property market?

 

Having contributed to record-breaking sales numbers over the last year, we consider what's next for the property market following the approaching end of the stamp duty holiday.

 

For first-time buyers

 

Introduced by the government this spring, the 95% mortgage guarantee scheme has encouraged lenders to offer lower deposit options, paving the way for the return of first-time buyers wanting greater flexibility and freedom becoming homeowners.

 

This scheme is set to close to new applicants in December 2022, with the government’s total investment expected to reach over £20 billion.

 

Flexible mortgage schemes

 

In support of the government's help-to-buy option for first time buyers, we are seeing banks and developers coming together to create other schemes that could essentially replace the government’s help-to-buy scheme when it comes to an end.

 

An example would be the Deposit Unlock Scheme, which provides buyers with a package that allows them to buy new build homes up to a value of £330,000, with a 5% deposit and 3.5% mortgage rate – fixed for two years.*

 

High street banks are also beginning to offer 5% mortgages, which offers to lend buyers an extra 10% of a traditional 15% deposit, requiring buyers to only front up 5% themselves.

 

Looking ahead

 

Existing and new incentives will boost a drive in the first-time buyer market and are likely to have a similar impact as the SDLT holiday.

 

Other new schemes could involve cuts to SDLT rates, particularly with second home purchases in order to get this section of the market moving again.

 

Are you looking to buy this year? Get in touch with us today.

 

 

*Newcastle Building Society

Selling during the back to school season

 

One-third of homeowners choose to buy or sell in early autumn, making now the best time to put your house on the market.

 

With children returning to school, could a move be on the cards for you?

 

If you are selling this September, here are some of our top tips...

 

1) Have a clear-out

 

The back to school season can be a busy time, with one in four also choosing to switch jobs and careers during this month compared to the rest of the year.*

 

So, having a simple declutter of your belongings and items can create a blank slate for people coming to view your home.

 

2) Maximise your storage

 

Maximising your storage space is an easy way to keep your home tidy at a low cost, which may then mean you're required to do less work in between any viewings that take place.

 

3) Plan for viewings

 

Don’t let viewings catch you off guard! Have a checklist of everything you need to do before a potential buyer comes to view your home.

 

Having a set plan of action will help you keep a clear head and get things done amid the back-to-school chaos.

 

4) Improve your home's kerb appeal

 

Two-thirds of buyers stated that kerb appeal was a significant influencer in their property purchase.**

 

Some top tips for improving your home's aesthetics are hiding bins, cleaning your windows and decorating your front door.

 

Are you ready to move this September?

 

Contact our property professionals today for helpful advice and guidance.

 

 

*Job search website, Monster

**Homeowners Alliance

 

What does the supply-demand imbalance mean for you?

 

Vendors have benefited from the supply-demand imbalance seen across the market in 2021, with 40% of properties selling above their original asking price, making conditions optimal for selling.*

 

What makes conditions optimal this autumn?

 

1) Low stock

 

Due to the pandemic, many people were put off selling their homes whilst the construction of new build properties came to a halt, causing a dip in housing stock.

 

This means that the homes currently on the market are being snapped up faster, with serious buyers putting offers in much sooner than they otherwise might have done.

 

2) Increased demand

 

With UK restrictions easing, buyers are now competing for properties, with 36% of homes attracting offers from three or more buyers.*

 

Many who originally put off moving due to the pandemic are now looking to relocate, causing a huge increase in demand and sparking bidding wars between buyers.

 

3) Mortgage rates

 

With the number of available UK mortgages on the rise, lenders are competing to attract more customers with low-interest rates and low-deposit mortgages, giving buyers more choice than ever when it comes to choosing the correct financial option for them.

   

Need a helping hand selling your home? Get in touch with our team today.

 

 

 

*Property Reporter and Which?

 

Surge in sellers renting ahead of their next move

 

With the sales market continuing to boom, many homeowners have secured a high price for their home in 2021, choosing to put themselves in a stronger position by renting during this stop gap period.

 

If you’re living in a rented property, you are normally able to move quicker due to not being part of a chain.

 

Rather than feeling pressured to act fast, this means that you're able to negotiate for the property and price you want.

 

It's also an incredibly sought-after position to be in when a vendor chooses who to sell to, as without a chain, the sale will be more likely to complete instead of falling-through.

  

The number of sellers looking for rental homes has contributed greatly to the dwindling stock of rental properties and consequently increasing rents. As a result, there were nearly half the number of properties on the rental market in July than this time last year, with the numbers continuing to drop.*

 

This is encouraging for landlords, as their properties are in demand with void periods falling rapidly.

 

But it’s not just homeowners looking to rent.

 

Due to the pandemic, many tenants no longer have to be tied down to one location.

 

With working from home now the new norm, a short commute is no longer desirable and moving away is more feasible. This year, 49% of tenants moved just because they wanted to live somewhere different, as opposed to moving from necessity.**

 

Are you looking to sell your home or put your property up for rent? Our dedicated team offer free, accurate and no-obligation valuations for both the sales and lettings market.

 

Find out how much your property is worth today and book your market appraisal.

 

 

*This is Money

*Estate Agent Today

 

 

Moving house safely: a refresher post-lockdown

 

COVID-19 restrictions may have been lifted but the virus is far from gone. Many people are still wary of going about their day-to-day lives, even after a year of being stuck indoors.

 

So, how do you move home safely in 2021? The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government have issued these guidelines to keep you safe...

 

Can I view a property in-person?

 

If you are not required to self-isolate, you can go and view a property in-person, however, guidance continues to recommend virtual viewings where possible.

 

Viewing the property can be an important step in the house buying process, but it’s important to keep yourself safe.

 

Make sure to follow good hygiene practices, wash your hands regularly by sanitising and cleaning common contact zones, wear a face covering when possible and keep your distance from others.

 

Do I have to wear a face covering?

 

Whilst wearing a face covering is no longer mandatory, it’s advised to wear one to protect yourself and others.

 

The homeowner may request you wear a mask whilst looking round their property. So, you should look to accommodate their wishes whilst you are in their home.

 

Can I ask people viewing my home to wear a face covering?

 

If you would like people coming to view your property to wear a face covering, it’s important to let your estate agent know.

 

Putting a cap on the number of people allowed to view your property at any one time may also be a good idea to help keep everyone safe.

 

What if I have to self-isolate?

 

Buyers and sellers may experience delays due to self-isolation. Whilst this may be irritating, it’s important to continue to follow the rules.

 

- Get a test if you have symptoms.

 

- Isolate if you have a positive test or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

 

- Quarantine if you are returning from red or amber list countries.

 

Speak to a solicitor about making contractual provisions in case the worst happens. This enables the process to continue whilst you are isolating.

 

Want to know how we’re helping to keep you safe? Speak to one of our team members today.

 

Top 10 reasons a buyer will walk away

 

When it comes to purchasing a property, eight in ten Brits admit to being 'picky buyers', with research showing that a poor Wi-Fi connection is enough to put a third off a new home.*

 

Other contributing factors can include having noisy neighbours, creaky floorboards and thin walls.

 

Of those surveyed, 22% would be deterred by an unruly garden with overhanging branches, with a third agreeing that dogs barking in the area would be a deal breaker.

 

If you're looking to sell your property in the near future, it's a good idea to determine what elements inside and outside could be picked up on by prospective viewers.

 

Where able, you should also complete any outstanding DIY jobs or renovations, as this will help you to secure a better offer in a shorter time frame. 

 

 

Top 10 reasons for a buyer walking away from a deal:

 

Noisy neighbours – 47% 

 

Loud area – 45% 

 

By a main road – 44% 

 

Thin internal walls – 43% 

 

Near an airport – 41% 

 

Hard to park nearby – 40% 

 

Lack of storage options – 38% 

 

Ceilings being too low – 35% 

 

Steep stairs – 34% 

 

Poor Wi-Fi – 33% 

 

At this time of the year, activity from buyers only increases in the run up to Christmas, with many wanting to unpack the last box before getting into the holiday spirit.

 

Whether you're looking to sell or let, we're ideally positioned to maximise marketing exposure for your property and help buyers see its best qualities.

 

Contact our team today for your up-to-date valuation.

 

 

*First Mortgage

 

 

Top 10 reasons a buyer will walk away

 

When it comes to purchasing a property, eight in ten Brits admit to being 'picky buyers', with research showing that a poor Wi-Fi connection is enough to put a third off a new home.*

 

Other contributing factors can include having noisy neighbours, creaky floorboards and thin walls.

 

Of those surveyed, 22% would be deterred by an unruly garden with overhanging branches, with a third agreeing that dogs barking in the area would be a deal breaker.

 

If you're looking to sell your property in the near future, it's a good idea to determine what elements inside and outside could be picked up on by prospective viewers.

 

Where able, you should also complete any outstanding DIY jobs or renovations, as this will help you to secure a better offer in a shorter time frame. 

 

 

Top 10 reasons for a buyer walking away from a deal:

 

Noisy neighbours – 47% 

 

Loud area – 45% 

 

By a main road – 44% 

 

Thin internal walls – 43% 

 

Near an airport – 41% 

 

Hard to park nearby – 40% 

 

Lack of storage options – 38% 

 

Ceilings being too low – 35% 

 

Steep stairs – 34% 

 

Poor Wi-Fi – 33% 

 

At this time of the year, activity from buyers only increases in the run up to Christmas, with many wanting to unpack the last box before getting into the holiday spirit.

 

Whether you're looking to sell or let, we're ideally positioned to maximise marketing exposure for your property and help buyers see its best qualities.

 

Contact our team today for your up-to-date valuation.

 

 

*First Mortgage

 

 

UK property prices up 13% compared to pre-pandemic

 

When the stamp duty holiday came to an end, it was expected that the home buying frenzy would tail off, however, prices and demand continue to soar.

 

There are currently 24% fewer homes on the market than this time last year, with higher than average enquiry levels and interest per property listed.**

 

Even when SDLT savings dropped from £15,000 to £2,500 earlier this summer, house prices were 11% higher when compared with August 2020, as increased demand led to competitive offers from buyers.*

 

For August 2021, the average price sat at £248,857. That has risen by 13% since the start of the pandemic, and an increase of £5,000 in the space of one month.*

  

Levels of demand are set to continue climbing as borrowing costs remain low. The fact that these costs have remained low has caused consumer confidence to grow, increasing demand further.

  

Experts predict that in autumn 2021, the property market will continue to see promising transaction levels, whilst by 2031, the average house price will have jumped by 30%.***

 

Our property experts can give you a reliable and free market appraisal, so that you know exactly how much your property is worth.

 

Book your valuation today.

 

 

 

*Nationwide

**Zoopla

***Based on trends from the Office for National Statistics

 

 

Buyers and sellers need to act now to move in time for Christmas

 

 

Homeowners up and down the country are preparing for the pre-Christmas rush, and with the demand-supply imbalance still providing sellers with optimal market conditions, it's likely we'll see a lot more sales to come before the end of 2021.

 

Every year, buyers and sellers are swept up in a flurry of market activity across autumn, with October standing out as a busy period for selling activity.

 

Will you be in your new home by Christmas? Here's where you should start:

 

 

Ensure the property is sale ready

 

Your estate agent will be able to tell you if there are any features of your home that might put off potential buyers.

 

If anything is flagged up, try to get it fixed before your property goes on the market, as doing this will mean you’re more likely to get a speedy sale.

 

Paperwork at the ready

 

Ultimately, the quicker that your paperwork is processed by the solicitors, the quicker you can get going.

 

Hassling with paperwork can slow down the moving process significantly, so pre-empt any requests for certificates or documentation by having it all in one place and ready when called upon.

 

Likewise, calling ahead to organise van hire or a removals company will ensure there are no issues on the big day itself.

 

Declutter thoroughly 

 

With December not far off, it would be a good idea to start sifting through your belongings now to work out what will be going with you and what is no longer wanted or needed.

 

A clearer space will also make your property pictures more visually appealing and make it that much easier to unpack and set up your new place to feel like home.

 

 

If you are looking to sell your home, book your free market appraisal today.

 

 

How much do you know about the mortgage process?

 

According to a recent survey, buyers are hopelessly uninformed on the mortgage process.

 

Whilst the furlough scheme was active, 64% of those living in Britain believed that lenders would not consider whether they received support when applying for a mortgage.*  

 

Likewise, from a survey of 2,000 adults, 42% did not believe being self-employed would be considered.

 

When deciding whether to lend to you or not, a bank will always assess the risk factor, which means taking into account anything that may affect repayments, such as your employment status and spending behaviour. 

 

Of all generations, it is those aged 35 and under with the least experience on what to expect when applying or looking to re-mortgage for a better deal.

 

Only 15% of those aged 18 to 24 knew that the government-guaranteed mortgage scheme announced earlier this year applied to them, with a staggering 85% left in the dark.*

  

Wondering if you’re eligible?

 

Open until 31 December 2022 for new applications, this scheme is available to first-time buyers and home movers across the UK.

 

For more information, go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-95-mortgage-scheme-launches

  

If you’re looking for mortgage advice, contact our dedicated team today. We can provide comprehensive advice and help you find the best deal possible.

 

 

*Estate Agent Today