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

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.

The paint colours that could decrease the value of your home

Smartening up a room is a great idea to attract prospective buyers, but certain paint colours could put a negative effect on the value of your home, potentially decreasing its value.

The use of trendy colours can date a property and be costly to update. So, what are the key colours that experts would suggest avoiding?

Dark brown

Darker paints can produce a bold and rich feeling, however, when this comes into contact with wooden furniture, there's the possibility that this will create an odd and jarring look for the room.

Citrus green

Whilst a bold contrast might suit your own tastes, there's a high chance that viewers will struggle to visualise the space as their own.

Bright yellow 

Despite its positive connotations, overuse of yellow can be overwhelming, especially where used heavily in a small space.

Bold black

This colour often comes across as daring, dramatic, and striking.

While it can lift a wall in an instant, research suggests it can make a front door appear uninviting.

Instead, a medium to dark grey with a white trim would give the same powerful impact without being overpowering.

Have you had a recent valuation of your home? If you've recently renovated, you could see high returns from your home, contact us today.

Reasons to sell right now

From apartments to family homes, the average asking price of a property has risen to record levels around every region of the UK.

Whilst some people will choose to wait until the 2022 market has officially started, we have four reasons why it's the ideal time to ready your home for your new year sale right now.

Your home will be in front of a record number of potential buyers

The amount of people looking to relocate continues to outweigh the number of homes available for sale.

Furthermore, it's an immensely competitive market following the last year of intense activity and interest, with Rightmove and Zoopla reporting that they see the highest visitor numbers in the days after Christmas year-on-year.

You could get a better price for your home

Asking prices have hit record heights in 2021, so if it's been a few years since you last learned your home's value, you could see far more than you ever expected.

The budget for your next home might have changed

Depending on your property priorities, you might find that your dream home is within reach, as location is no longer the most desirable characteristic and demand levels are influencing price points on the market.

Favourable mortgage interest rates

Mortgage interest rates continue to stay low, and lenders remain eager to propose loans in the competitive market, helping you to secure your next move that much faster.

Find out your home’s true value with us today by booking your market valuation.

Tenant demand is still high!

According to a recent survey of landlords, tenant demand is only increasing across 2021, with record heights seen in the third business quarter of this year.*

Seven in ten landlords (69%) have remarked on this development within the lettings sector. Of those, 36% believe the increase to be 'significant'.

The highest levels of confidence were present in the South West and South East, where 79% and 74% are seeing promising conditions for investors.

Key drivers behind the rise in tenant interest include factors relating to the pandemic, seasonal trends and the new wave of graduates starting new jobs or students beginning the academic year in rented accommodation.

Have you been considering expanding your portfolio?

Ahead of the new year, we'd urge you to consider your options as a landlord. For a profitable 2022, here are some items you should be taking the time to review:

1) What are your tenant screening processes?

Whilst the eviction ban has lifted, if there's one thing the last year has taught us, it's to prepare for every eventuality.

You need to have rigorous checks in place to secure the best financial future for yourself and your investments, so rather than go it alone, you could defer to an experienced lettings agent in your local area to help you locate reliable tenants.

2) Larger homes have seen the steepest rise in value, but regardless of your property type, it is worth having the rental value re-assessed so that you don't lose out on your rental income.

3) Are you safeguarded against any future losses?

If tenants can't or won't pay, rent guarantee insurance can offer you a lifeline when it comes to keeping up with your mortgage payments and outgoings in the meantime.

Do you need to speak with one of our trusted local agents? Visit our website today.

*Paragon Bank

Freshen up your rental property without making permanent changes

When decorating a rented property, there are many things you must bear in mind when making any dramatic changes, including getting the landlord’s permission.

However, there are plenty of ways to add personality to the property without risking your deposit, including:

 
Layering up

Creating layers in a room is a great way to allow a home to feel lived in.

By simply adding soft furnishings like cushions, blankets, curtains and rugs, you could make your rental feel a lot more like home.

If you’re unsure where to start, find a major furnishing that catches your eye – such as a nice rug – and build from there using similar fabrics and colours.

 
Investing in indoor plants

Houseplants are a great way to brighten up a room.

These are often inexpensive and require minimal to no effort.

Even if you lack a green thumb, there are plenty of options such as using artificial plants that will require far less work to maintain!

 
Letting loose on lighting

If your rooms are lacking in natural light, opting for a well-positioned lamp can flood the area with some much-needed brightness.

Light fixtures can be practical and stylish, with many energy-saving options available, such as LEDs to brighten your home and reduce the impact on your wallet and energy consumption.

With many types of lighting available, it’s important you spend some time comparing to find the right “glow” for your home.

Hanging artwork without the need for nails

Having a home filled with personal photos on the walls is a great way to set the right atmosphere in your rental.

By using damage-free picture hanging strips, which can be found in most DIY stores, you can avoid losing your deposit due to holes in the paintwork.

Making the most out of your space

Most of us wish we had more space in our house to fill with our personal belongings, so why not create it by investing in multifunctional furniture for your rooms?

Not only are these practical but many options are also stylish, meaning you don’t have to compromise on the aesthetics of your home.

From the garden to the bedroom, there are many ways to save space by creating a multi-purpose environment, such as a home office.

For any advice on the services we offer for landlords and tenants, get in touch today. 

Prepare your property for a February sale

Time to pack up the decorations, Christmas is over and 2022 is here!

If you’re preparing to sell your property this year, then you might be unsure about what you need to do beforehand.

Don’t fret, we’re here with a list of top tips to help get you ready to show off your property.

Create a good first impression

Remember that the first impressions of your home are essential during a sale.

With that in mind, making sure your home’s exterior is visually appealing and attractive will be your biggest priority in preparation for listing.

We’d strongly recommend that you take the following into consideration:

Clean your windows, it’ll be easy to notice if you haven’t!
Give your front door a lick of paint to freshen it up and make your entrance feel more welcoming, you can easily do this by replacing the doormat if yours is looking a little tired.
Tidy up your hall by removing any post.
Remove weeds from your path and tidy your garden.
Make space on your driveway for visitors to park.

Upping your presentation

It is also important to ensure your home’s interior is presented in its best possible light, as this will provide buyers with a vital opportunity to picture how they will fit into the living space.

A simple suggestion, but one which can have a massive impact, is to declutter. Removing large bulky items from view will help maximise your home’s space.
Let in the light by keeping the curtains open, windows clean and any natural sources of light clear to give your home as bright a feel as possible.
Make sure all rooms are heated prior to viewings, even those you don’t use often, to provide your home with a cosy feel during the winter months.
Keep your bathroom and toilets clean, free of mould and tidy, and make sure your toiletries are kept to a minimum.

Time-consuming as it may seem, keeping your home organised and welcoming will put you in good stead for when the viewings start.

Remember; visitors need to be able to imagine themselves in your home!

For further guidance on selling your home, contact our expert agents today.

Which room in your home is the best value for money?

Whilst it might be the furthest thing from your mind right now, making home improvements is the perfect way to spend all that extra time indoors.

In order for you to know where to concentrate your energy, we've outlined the rooms considered 'best value'.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the best-valued room has been revealed as the master bedroom, where we spend an average of 2,482 hours a year.

A recent study from comparethemarket.com has shown that Brits spend £308.51 each year on renovating the main bedroom, which makes sense when we consider just how much the room is used.

The average person spends about 26 years sleeping in their life, which equates to 9,490 days. We also spend seven years trying to get to sleep, totalling 33 years or 12,045 days spent in bed!

With the pandemic forcing more of us than ever to work from home, it is no surprise that the home office follows the bedroom for the room most used within our households.

It seems we enjoy improving our culinary skills as well as our homes, with Brits spending just under 800 hours a year in the kitchen. With many people adding renovations to their New Year’s resolutions list, it is important to know which room to do first.

If you are thinking of making changes to improve the value of your property, it is best to start with the kitchen or bathroom.

When buyers view a property, nothing grabs their attention more than a stunning kitchen or a modern bathroom. These improvements don’t have to break the bank to go a long way in impressing prospective owners.

If you’re improving your house for your own purposes only, it’s best to start with the room you would notice changes in the most.

To get your home valued or browse our latest properties, visit our website.

Tips to speed up your home move

There are some elements of a home move that may be out of your hands. That said, if you're prepared and communicative, you can certainly have an influence on the overall process and reduce any additional delays.

Respond in a timely manner

This might be an obvious tip, but it’s not uncommon for buyers or sellers to take their time when responding to something simple.

When you receive documents to fill out, it’s important that you don’t dwell on the task for too long.

It can be tempting to leave the paperwork to the last possible minute, but if possible, you should set aside time within a couple of days of receiving them.

Be flexible

Right now, there are many things that could force you to compromise and deviate from the initial plan.

For example, if you’re scheduled to move in the next two weeks, but the buyer would like this to be earlier, are you able to compromise?

It might be worth considering outlining your limitations from the beginning so everyone can plan accordingly. This will avoid any surprises later on.

 
Organise your questions beforehand

If you need to make an urgent call regarding your home move, write down all the questions you might need to ask before you pick up the phone.

This will allow you to get the answers you need in just one call, instead of having to go back multiple times as and when you think of new queries or concerns.

Ask away when choosing your solicitor

Whether you've been recommended a solicitor or you've found one for yourself, it's always a good idea to call them before making your choice, as you need to determine if they're the right fit for you and your property.

If you’re unsure about what you could ask, use some of the following questions:

- What should I expect from the process?

- How will I know when tasks are completed?

- How will you communicate with me?

- Are you aware of any delays which might occur?

If you’re looking to move home, browse our latest properties or speak to us today. 