What's new with the property market?

What's new with the property market?




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.
 



Tips to saving money when moving home

 
Whilst we're all aware of the costs associated with moving, not all of us will know the money-saving solutions used by savvy sellers.
 
These top tips will ease the stress of moving on yourself and your wallet, leaving you with more funds for decorating your new place. 
   
Pack smart
 
Keeping your possessions safe when moving is a priority for us all, but it doesn’t have to be costly.
 
Boxes aren’t the only option; washing baskets, bins and suitcases are all environmentally-friendly alternatives that you probably have lying around your home.
 
Refrain from splashing out on bubble wrap and instead save up newspaper to protect those breakable valuables. 
   
Recruit the troops
 
Hiring removal experts is the most sensible idea when moving, however, it isn’t always the cheapest option.
 
Where possible, rely on people within your household, with recommendations or online referrals to find the removal firm that's right for your needs and budget.
   
Pick your days wisely
 
Don’t get caught out by extortionate peak pricing for removal firm bookings.
 
Some companies may hike up their prices on weekends and bank holidays, so opting for a mid-week move can lower the costs significantly.
   
Prepare early
 
On your moving day, you won't want to deal with any hidden costs that could have been avoided.
 
Before setting off for your new home, it's worth thinking about where you'll park when you get there, and if you'll need any permits to park all day fine-free. 
   
Conquer the DIY fear
 
The effects of Covid-19 has encouraged many of us to dabble in DIY, it's not for everyone, which could mean DIY-shy movers end up paying premium prices for professional help that could have been accomplished with a quick YouTube tutorial.
 
From building flatpack furniture to fixing kitchen sinks, you'll be surprised at what you can do yourself, and how much that could save you.
   
Declutter as you go
 
Getting rid of items you no longer want or need could impact your quoted removals firm service, so bear that in mind before committing to a price, as some companies will price based on content quantity over time taken.
   
Refrain from a moving day takeaway
 
Takeaways are tempting at the best of times, so when you're unable to find your cutlery or utensils, you might find yourself reaching for the phone.
 
If you're on a budget and want to stick to it, plan ahead and prepare meals that can be eaten at the end of a long day.
 
Or if your temptations do give way, make sure you research local delivery options to avoid paying more than you anticipated.
    
Redirect your mail
 
Not changing your mailing address can become an expensive pain going back and forth fetching letters addressed to your old house.

For a small fee, you can get this changed for you.

However, if you want to save the most money, you can do this manually by contacting the companies you know send you mail regularly, for example, bills and payslips as well as any online retail shops you frequently order from.

Swap to the cheapest utility providers

Although it's advisable to search around for the best providers all-year-round, it's even more important following a move.

You might find that your new area gives you access to better deals and rates, or that certain broadband providers perform slower / faster compared to your previous location.

It will also save you the hassle of setting everything up only to decide to switch after a few weeks or months.

Frugal furnishings

The goal to a successful move is to create liveable areas in your home until you've finished making it your own with home improvements and renovations.

Don’t break the bank by rushing to purchase those finishing touches, as you'll find that adding to each room over time ensures each section of the house has purpose and character.

Try searching for second-hand furniture – just make sure you're confident in what the sellers are offering before you pay them. 

 

Contact our expert agents to find out more about a seamless moving experience, visit our website. 

 



Your property investment checklist

 

Covid-19 has had a huge impact on many aspects of our lives over the past couple of years, but the property investment sector has stayed somewhat consistent.

 

With the property market healthy and prosperous, now is a great time to invest, following these simple considerations. 

 

1) Does your property have remote working potential?

 

With many continuing to work from home in 2022, property priorities are changing.

 

When picking your investment property, whether your intention is to rent or sell, you should be looking for areas where an in-home office could be set up.

 

2) Is your property energy efficient?

 

Older properties can sometimes have issues with not being very energy efficient, whether it's due to older windows or wooden flooring and poor insulation.

 

As it costs more to keep the property warm in winter, tenants and buyers are typically wary of energy-inefficient homes.

 

Thick carpets and double-glazed windows are key instalments for a buy-to-let or buy-to-sell project.

 

Other aspects to look into are the boiler and the wall insulation, as investing in these areas will lower energy bills for years to come but raise the value of your property.

 

3) Are you selling or renting?

 

When you are looking for an investment property, it’s important to know how you’re going to proceed after it has been purchased.

 

For example, a property that is up for rent may need to be furnished and decorated to suit tenant needs, whereas buyers often prefer a blank canvas.

 

Alternatively, if you’re looking to re-sell the property, you should consider looking into mortgage lenders to ensure that the property will be accepted for a mortgage to help reach its full potential.

 

This will also allow for a quicker sale so that you can progress onto your next investment project. 

 

4) Have you researched the local area?

 

With current priorities having changed in the past year, both potential buyers and renters are all looking for properties close to green space rather than being in busier areas.

 

Due to this, properties near parks or possessing a garden are more popular than ever and will be sure to attract the most attention.

 

As your trusted local agents, we are here to help you with every step of your investment journey. To get started today, browse our properties.

 

 



What will happen to property prices in 2022?

 
The sudden appearance of COVID-19 kickstarted a tidal wave of market activity as people nationwide upped sticks and pursued a new life elsewhere.
 
In 2021 alone, house prices increased by 9.8% in England and 15.5% in Wales. *
 
But, can we expect house prices to continue soaring throughout 2022?
 
Well, a major property portal still predicts prices to rise by 5% in 2022.
 
It has also reported a 19% hike in valuation enquiries since December. **
 
Whether these figures are buoyed by those taking advantage of a more flexible working environment or wishing to return to the lifestyle they had before, it’s clear that many people are looking to move soon.
 
With buyers flooding the market and the spring boom on the horizon, now could be the perfect time to sell.
 
The expected peak could also be good news for buyers as higher values tempt more sellers to list.
 
Therefore, the market may begin to balance out while continuing to strengthen.
 
Still unsure what your home is worth?
 
The last two years have taught us that the property market is highly dynamic and rapidly changing.
 
That’s why we recommend an up-to-date appraisal – you may be pleasantly surprised.
 
Our friendly team are on standby to advise on your unique situation. We’ll share insights about the current market and furnish you with an accurate valuation.
 
Contact us today to discover your property’s true potential.
 

 
 
 
*Based on recent data from the UK House Price Index
**Compared to the same period in 2020.