What's happening this month?

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



Artisan Crafts and Gift Market

Artisan Crafts and Gift Market offering fabulous jewellery, artwork, homeware, soaps, candles, gifts and much much more.
 
When?
Sunday 3 April, from 10am-3.30pm
 
Where? 
One Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TA

Click here to read Artisan Crafts and Gift Market.



Easter Bank Holiday Weekend

Join us this Easter for an egg-citing day out! Families will enjoy egg-cellent spring trails at Bluebell Railway on Easter bank holiday weekend.
 
When?
Friday 15 April to Monday 18 April
 
Where?
Bluebell Railway, East Sussex, TN22 3QL

Click here to read Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.



Wadhurst VillageJubilee Celebrations

All residents of Wadhurst and its surrounding villages are hereby invited to gather and celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II.
 
To mark this auspicious occasion, community events have been arranged by many local...

Click here to read Wadhurst VillageJubilee Celebrations.



The Middle House

Listed as Grade 1, The Middle House, Mayfield is a wonderful specimen of Elizabethan architecture, with wattle and daub infill which dates back to 1575.
 
Address:
High St, Mayfield
TN20 6AB

Click here to read The Middle House.



What has happened in the property market during the last 50 years?

 
It’s no secret that today’s property market is thriving at peak buoyancy, with record house prices and demand going through the roof, which is why it’s easy to overlook the history of the market which brought us to this point. However, while the market reaches a fruitful era for both buyers and sellers, there are notable periods of buoyancy over the last 50 years which could put things into further perspective.
 

While the market continues to change and grow in today’s climate, in order to look forward and predict future trends, it’s important to look back. New research from GetAgent tracked house price data going back as far as the 1970s, adjusting for inflation, to see which decade has been the most fruitful for the nation’s homeowners. *

 

The research delves back into January 2010, when the average UK house price was £167,469, and climbed to £231,792 by the end of the decade at a 38.4% increase. However, after adjusting for inflation, the rate of house price growth recorded between January 2010 and December 2019 sits at around 14.8%, which was the second lowest rate of house price growth in any of the past five decades.

 

In fact, it’s only been the 90s, when the market has posted the worst performance, with house prices increasing by just 9.7% after adjusting for inflation.

 

The noughties was by no means, a bad decade for homebuyers, but it still ranks just third where inflation-adjusted house price growth is concerned, with the average UK house price rising by a notable 66.8%.

 

The research placed the 70’s in second place of the ranking, with house prices climbing by 69.8% after adjusting for inflation, leaving the 80’s to be crowned the best decade to have bought a home.

 

After adjusting for inflation, the average UK house price was just £66,783 back in January 1980. By the end of the decade, the cost of buying bricks and mortar had climbed to £127,207, a 90.5% increase.

 

Colby Short, Co-founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, commented: “There’s plenty of reasons why we may argue one decade was better than the rest, but when it comes to house price appreciation, the eighties takes it by some margin.”

 

"Even after adjusting for inflation, today’s generation of homebuyers may well find it unfathomable that the average home cost just shy of £67,000 back in 1980. So, while today’s buyers have had to contend with some of the lowest levels of housing affordability in history, they may well spare a thought for those who saw the cost of buying increase at such an alarming rate during their lifetime.”

 

"With the market currently running red hot and no end in sight despite the wider economic landscape, it will certainly be interesting to see where we finish by the end of this decade, and if the eighties will finally be relieved of the crown when it comes to the highest rate of house price appreciation in a single decade.”

 

Do you know how much you could achieve for your home? Book a valuation with our local experts today.

 



Three things landlords should know

 

As the cost-of-living spikes, landlords and tenants involved in ‘bills included’ rental contracts will need to communicate clearly with one another in order to grapple with the new host of challenges. As for landlords offering bills included in their monthly rental fees, there are three key things to consider…

 

Landlords should avoid confusion on government’s £400 rebate

 

The former Chancellor recently announced that households across the UK can expect a £400 grant this autumn to help out with soaring energy bills. There is also further assistance available for the most vulnerable. But when it comes to rental properties, the tenants will need to be aware that the £400 rebate will go directly to the bill payer, which will be the landlord in instances where the cost of utilities is included in their monthly rental fee.

 

Most landlords will retain the payment to help alleviate the growing costs of the energy and water bills that they are paying on behalf of their tenants. In the case that tenants have misunderstood the government’s helpful scheme, they might expect that the rebate is to be paid to them, even if they don’t pay utility bills directly. Agents and landlords can avoid this by communicating their plans and the reasoning behind them well in advance to ensure tenants don’t feel as though they have been left in the dark on the situation, and the next steps are clear.

 

Landlords may need to be clear about costs

 

As announced by The National Trading Standards (NTS) during May 2022, there are new changes to the rules around the material information that letting and estate agents should include in listings through property portals and their own sites. This means that tenants must be provided clarity on their "unavoidable costs" of renting the property. This includes council tax bands, deposits, and the price of rent. As the new rules are expanded, the regulations will soon cover additional areas such as utility set-ups or information detailing flood risk status.

In light of this, landlords offering ‘bills included’ tenancies will need to be upfront about costs and any variations in prices that may occur during the contract. All of this information will need to be communicated to the tenant explicitly and upfront by the agents, rather than on request.

 

Now might be the perfect time to invest in energy efficiency 

 

New Government legislation entails that by 2025, private sector landlords will have to ensure that their rental properties adhere to the required energy efficiency rating of ‘C’ or above on new tenancies. The UK is also set to ban gas boilers in all new build properties, starting from the same year. Due to this, landlords will need to boost the energy efficiency of their portfolios as soon as possible in order to keep up with changing legislation.

 

Arguably, with the lettings market retaining unparalleled buoyancy, and demand for rental properties reaching record highs, now is the best time to invest in existing stock ahead of the regulatory changes. Likewise, more energy efficient housing supply, would reduce the overheads for landlords who offer bills-included tenancies.

 

Visit our website today to browse our available properties.

 



Is home staging worth it?

 

Home staging is a specialised skill which involves creating the perfect atmosphere in your home using furniture and accessories, plants and lighting, to garner buyer interest for your property and sell it faster, for the best price.

 

Home staging is still a fairly new concept, but this doesn’t diminish the importance of it on today’s housing market, here’s why:

 

The evidence

 

As evidenced in the research by the Home Staging Association UK, staged properties sell, on average, twice as fast and for up to 10% more than properties without staging. Therefore, if you had a property valued at £300K before staging, it is likely to sell for between £24,000 and £30,000 more once staged. *

 

Visual appeal matters

 

Most prospective buyers will not be able to imagine living in a home that’s empty or on the flip side, cluttered. If a property is vacant of furniture, or is not looking at its best, potential buyers will struggle to envision its full potential or imagine making the home their own. If buyers can’t picture themselves living in the property, they are unlikely to commit to buying it.

 

Selling more than just the property

 

When looking for their next potential home, prospective buyers will seek out a place that the reflects the lifestyle they aspire to, rather than the lifestyle they currently have. The type of property most people choose to buy and how much they are willing to pay is directly related to how good the property makes them feel when they browse through images and step inside. If the property represents a lifestyle that a buyer aspires for, then they’ll most likely be willing to pay more for it.

 

Playing to its strengths

 

Every property has its setbacks, which is why it’s important to highlight its key selling points until they overshadow any of the downsides. Staging focuses the eye and attention of the home’s strengths and detracts from anything that could be deemed unsightly. If a potential buyer falls in love with your home, they are likely to turn a blind eye to any minor repairs and improvements they’ll need to make once they move in. In an empty property, everything is on display and even minor defects can become a major sticking point.

 

Get ahead of competition

 

For every attractive home, there’s another one right around the corner, and staging could be the thing that sets yours apart from the rest. The first thing buyers do when looking for a home is browse properties online, and the listings with most attractive images will be the ones that garner the most clicks. If other properties in your area are on board with the concept of property staging and your listing photos haven’t been staged, your home could fall behind in the ranks as your property’s pictures may not match up to the same standard.

 

Hiring a property staging specialist will cost you short term but the profits will be abundant when your house is sold. Staging specialists can offer useful tips and advice on how best to prepare your home for sale, and can also help with other important details from clearing and decluttering, to moving furniture, and finishing with those all-important final touches for a viewing.

 

Looking for advice on selling your home? Get in touch today and let us help you.

 



Mistakes to avoid when buying a property

 

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a homeowner who’s ready to take another step up the property ladder, buying a house is a big decision, with an equally large scope for making errors. To help you get off to the right start when looking, here are the key mistakes to avoid when buying a property.

 

Not having an agreement in principle

 

A mortgage agreement in principle is a conditional offer on a mortgage, this is based on an income and credit check. You may be asked for one by an estate agent before even being able to book a viewing, to prove that you are serious.

 

You should have an idea of how much you might be able to borrow from the bank or building society before you start viewing properties. This will help you establish your budget and find properties within your price range. Your due diligence will also ensure that estate agent and seller will take your offer more seriously.

 

Only looking at superficial details

 

A property can seem ideal at first glance, but it’s important to check for any issues which might be costly to fix or maintain. You should always check walls and appliances around the home to ensure that everything works as it should.

 

Remember to check for signs of damp and rotting window frames, test the flush on the toilet, and don’t be too shy to turn lights on and off to check the electrics.

 

Not researching the area

 

If you’re relocating for your dream home, make sure you research the area fully before putting in an offer. Local amenities and the community can be just as important to your lifestyle as the home itself. Check the local crime rate statistics, talk to neighbours if you get a chance, and look up local schools, shops and any facilities you’ll need close by.

 

Underestimating overall costs

 

While it’s a great idea to focus on saving up enough for your house deposit, it’s important to remember all of the additional costs involved in buying a home. You’ll need to factor solicitor fees, survey and valuation costs, as well as home insurance before you can comfortably take your first step onto the property ladder.

 

Not acting quickly enough

 

If you’ve found the perfect property that works for you and your budget, try not to spend too much time twiddling your thumbs and mulling over the decision. If you overthink things and weigh up other options for too long before putting in an offer, you could see your dream home get snatched up by another buyer.

 

Acting too fast

 

While acting too slow isn’t advisable, rushing into things is no better. If you make a snap decision with little research beforehand, you could end up in a home that doesn’t realistically fit your budget on a monthly basis and even worse, doesn’t fit your needs.

 

Take some time to picture yourself in the house and conduct as much research as possible until you feel happy to make an offer. You should never make an offer solely because you feel pressured, as this will ultimately lead to regret.

 

Have you been looking for a new place to call home? Browse our properties today.