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What Does The Renting Homes Act Mean For Welsh Landlords?

With changes for Welsh landlords now fully in place, you may be wondering what the Renting Homes Act (RHA) means for landlords and what the changes in the rules REALLY mean for you as a landlord in Wales.
In this blog, we’ll look at how the RHA can benefit and protect both you and your property, how the changes might alter the way you do business and an overview of the new legislation as a whole.

Photo – Engin Akyurt

So lets start at the start, What IS the Renting Homes Act?

The RHA is a piece of legislation that has been introduced in Wales to reform the renting sector.

The act aims to simplify the renting process, improve tenant rights and provide greater protection to landlords.

Although some landlords may view these changes with a bit of worry, confusion and doubt, it’s worth noting that there are many positive aspects to the new law.

Firstly, the RHA makes it easier for landlords to regain possession of their property.
Under the previous system, there were two types of tenancy agreements: assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) and regulated tenancies. ASTs were much easier to terminate, whereas regulated tenancies were much more difficult and this led to some landlords being unable to regain possession of their property for months or even years.
Under the RHA, there will be a single type of tenancy agreement, which will be easier for landlords to terminate when necessary which does offer an additional level of control and security.

Photo – Lisa Fotios

 

Secondly, the RHA introduces a new model of renting called the “standard contract”. This is a shorter and simpler contract that is easier for both landlords and tenants to understand.
The contract is designed to be flexible and can be tailored to meet the needs of individual landlords and tenants.
This should reduce the likelihood of disputes arising between the two parties.

 

Thirdly, the RHA improves tenant rights by introducing minimum standards for rental properties. Landlords will be required to ensure that their properties are safe, secure and in good repair.
This will help to prevent tenants from living in substandard conditions, which can lead to health problems and other issues.
Landlords will also be required to provide tenants with certain information, such as details about the property’s energy efficiency, before the tenancy starts.
While this might create additional work and expense, it’s worth noting that improving the property will add value to it and, by improving energy efficiency, can keep your running costs down significantly.

Photo – Balazs Bezeczky

 

Fourthly, the RHA provides greater protection to landlords by making it easier for them to recover unpaid rent.
Under the current system, landlords often have to go through a lengthy and expensive legal process in order to recover unpaid rent. The RHA introduces a new system that will allow landlords to recover unpaid rent more quickly and easily.

 

Fifthly, the RHA provides greater clarity on the responsibilities of landlords and tenants.
This should help to reduce disputes between the two parties, as both will have a clearer understanding of what is expected of them.
The act also introduces a new system for resolving disputes between landlords and tenants, which should be quicker and less costly than the current system.

 

Overall, the Renting Homes Act introduces a number of positive changes for landlords.
These changes should make it easier for landlords to regain possession of their property, reduce the likelihood of disputes between landlords and tenants, and provide greater protection to landlords. Landlords will also benefit from the increased clarity on their responsibilities and the introduction of a more streamlined system for resolving disputes.
For me, the RHA is a positive step towards creating a fairer and more transparent renting sector for both landlords and their tenants.

What Is Gazumping?

what is gazumping

Picture the scene: you’ve found a for-sale home that meets all of your needs, made an offer on the property in question and received word from the seller that this offer has been accepted. Now, you can just sit back and relax while waiting for the transaction to be finalised, right?

Unfortunately, there is usually about a three-month wait between the offer being accepted and the contracts being exchanged. During this transitional period, the survey will be undertaken, the mortgage will be arranged and numerous legal documents will be completed.

All of this can take even longer than three months, depending on how many people are in the chain of property sales, how long the conveyancing process lasts and how quickly the conveyancing solicitor meets their legal responsibilities in this process.

Worryingly, the longer this awkward halfway house – if you will excuse the pun – stage of the sales process drags on, the likelier it is that another potential buyer approaches the seller with their own, better offer for the property and the seller accepts this offer, sending you back to square one.

This manner of sneakily taking a property from under the original buyer’s nose is known as gazumping. In this article, we are going to look closer at what gazumping is, how you can avoid falling victim to it and how we could help you to accelerate the home-buying process.

for sale sign

What Is Gazumping?

It’s not hard to find tragic stories of gazumping in action. As revealed in research reported by This is Money.co.uk, two in five house buyers secured a property in late 2020 or early 2021 by outbidding a competing buyer after the latter had had an offer accepted but before they signed contracts.

As the research further revealed, this dubious manner of outbidding was the largest culprit for property deals collapsing during the 12-month period – and estate agents have told This is Money.co.uk that gazumping has become especially common in just the last few months.

Zara Banday, Head of Residential Property at law firm Slater Heelis told the site: “This is owing to the fact that there is limited stock on the market because of the reduction in stamp duty thresholds, and people are desperate to move to benefit from the stamp duty saving.”

While gazumping usually happens due to someone making a higher offer, it can also happen in other circumstances – for example, because the other buyer can move more quickly. Perhaps they aren’t part of a chain, and so can be more flexible with moving dates.

You should also be careful not to confuse gazumping with gazundering – which is where the buyer, before contracts are exchanged, lowers his or her offer on the property. The seller could feel forced to accept this reduced offer, lest the entire chain potentially collapse.

Of course, getting gazumped can be a very dispiriting experience – as, up to that point, you might have spent a lot of money on surveys, solicitors’ fees and travel, all in an attempt to secure the new property. Furthermore, you are unlikely to be able to recuperate all of that outlay.

Is Gazumping Legal?

Victims of gazumping have often – and very understandably – reacted with frustration, with words like “inappropriate”, “unethical” and even “unsettling” used to describe the practice. It therefore often comes as a surprise that gazumping is actually perfectly legal in England and Wales.

Estate agents in these territories are legally required to keep passing new offers for a property on to the client – even if an offer has already been accepted on that home. As a result, new offers could continue reaching the seller – and potentially tempting them – until a contract is finally signed.

Back in October 2017, Sajid Javid – at that time the Communities Secretary serving under then-Prime Minister Theresa May – announced that the Government was launching a probe into gazumping. Javid sought to spend eight weeks consulting with estate agents, solicitors and mortgage lenders.

This year, a spokesman for the Government claimed it had, since 2019, been thinking about introducing “reservation agreements” – where a commitment would be made when the sale is agreed, with a penalty set to be leveled if either side pulls out.

The spokesman explained: “We intend to trial the use of reservation agreements where both buyers and sellers make a commitment to the transaction at the point of offer to reduce the fall-through rate.

“While this work paused over the past year owing to the pandemic, we are now in discussion with the property industry about how best to restart this work and will announce further details in due course.”

How To Avoid Being Gazumped

In the wait for the Government to potentially enforce “reservation agreements”, you would – as a buyer – remain vulnerable to the threat of gazumping. Sadly, you can’t eliminate this risk, but there are a few steps you could take to significantly reduce it.

Many of these remedies can be summed up in one word: speed. For example, make sure you have a conveyancing solicitor ready before you launch any property searches – and, at this early stage, you should account for any costs you would have to incur, like survey costs.

Before making an offer on any particular home, you should also have what is called a “mortgage in principle”. While not quite constituting an actual mortgage, it would nonetheless signal to the seller and estate agent that you will be able to quickly source the required funds from the mortgage lender if your offer on the property is indeed accepted.

You could also make the seller’s acceptance of your offer conditional on them taking the property off the market. Fortunately, many sellers are perfectly willing to do this – and you might even be able to make a “lock-in” agreement with them to bar them from weighing up any gazumping offers.

However, as some sellers can be reticent about agreeing to a “lock-in” period, we would urge you to take out buyer protection insurance. That way, if you do fall prey to another buyer’s action of gazumping, you could recover at least some of the money you lost to, say, estate agent fees.

Ironically, many anti-gazumping tactics would require you to expend money early to minimise the risk of losing money to gazumping later. Striking a “lock-in” agreement would entail you putting down a sizeable deposit, while improving your offer in the event of a gazumping attempt could spark a costly bidding war. Only you can be certain what price your peace of mind is worth.

How Jordan & Halstead Can Help You

While experienced and inexperienced buyers alike can be undermined by gazumping, the latter can be especially vulnerable – as they might not have spent enough time navigating the property market to know many of the oft-cited tips and tricks for reducing the chances of gazumping.

Even if you are a first-time buyer, we can carefully guide you through various stages of the property-buying process, all the while pointing out potential pitfalls that could risk you stumbling – and, more to the point, getting gazumped.

Of course, if you have been gazumped before, the experience could have left you severely shaken – and perhaps very reluctant to reach for that next rung of the property ladder. Rest assured that, if you do enter the property market again, we can assist you in mastering various house-buying procedures you might not have got quite “right” the first time around.

When a specific property emblazoned with the words “FOR SALE” particularly catches your eye, you could use our website’s mortgage calculator to estimate the amount of funding you would need to borrow in order to purchase this home.

Meanwhile, if “gazumping” is just one piece of property-related jargon with which you weren’t previously familiar, you could consult our estate agent jargon glossary to fill gaps in your knowledge.

It bears emphasis that gazumping is, at least for now, an inevitable risk of attempting a property purchase. However, if you would like to buy a new home in any of our coverage areas, like Cheshire or North Wales, please contact us to learn about our anti-gazumping efforts.

Stamp Duty News: What Are The Reduced Rates?

stamp duty news

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK property market suffered and, particularly during the first lockdown, there was a significant slump in property purchases. This crisis was combated by the Government’s introduction of a stamp duty holiday. Consequently, by the time of the second lockdown, the property market was looking much healthier, albeit with viewings being conducted virtually. With savings of up to £15,000 being extended up until 30 September 2021, it’s not surprising that the property market has continued to improve. However, the deadline for this reduced rate is fast approaching, meaning that this is the perfect time to buy a property to avoid the rate changes once October comes around.

What Is Stamp Duty Land Tax & Why Do We Have To Pay It?

Stamp Duty Land Tax was introduced in 2003 and is payable on land transactions. Stamp duty is payable in England and Ireland if you buy any property or land with a purchase price over a certain threshold. Up until recently, a physical stamp was imprinted onto the documents but electronic versions are now preferable. Stamp duty must be paid within 30 days of the completion of purchase or penalties are payable. For property purchases in Scotland and Wales, Stamp Duty Land Tax has been replaced. For property purchases in Wales, Land Transaction Tax is payable. For property purchases in Scotland, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax is payable.

How Is Stamp Duty Calculated?

Stamp duty is calculated based on the purchase price, minus the amount that falls within the nil-rate threshold. However, the amount payable is also dependent on the following factors:

  • If you are a first-time buyer.
  • If you own other property and are buying a further property.
  • If you’re a non-UK resident (2% surcharge if you are a non-UK resident during the 12 months preceding the purchase).
  • If there are additional payments made on top of the purchase price, such as transfer of an outstanding debt.

What Will Happen To House Prices After The Stamp Duty Holiday?

The stamp duty holiday was introduced in July 2020 in an effort to assist buyers whose finances had been detrimentally impacted by the pandemic. The holiday was initially due to end in March 2021 but was extended to July 2021, and a further extension was put in place, taking us to 30 September 2021. One reason for the stamp duty holiday extension was in response to a request from mortgage companies that were struggling to cope with increased demand.

Initially, this tax break meant that where buyers would usually have to pay stamp duty on property prices above £125,000, from July 2020 to June 2021, this threshold was increased to £500,000; from July 2021 to September 2021, this has reduced to £250,000 but is still a significant saving. However, it is incredibly important to complete the purchase of your home prior to the deadline of 30 September 2021, or you will miss out on these savings.

How Much Stamp Duty Must I Pay?

Current stamp duty rates (up to 30 September 2021).

Property Price Stamp Duty Rate
Up to & including £250,000 Nil payable
£250,001-£925,000 5% of the sum above the nil rate
£925,001-£1.5m 10% of the sum above the nil rate
£1.5m+ 12% of the sum above the nil rate

However, after 1 September 2021, the amount payable will increase, and the nil rate will reduce.

Property Price Stamp Duty Rate
Up to & including £125,000 Nil payable
£125,001-£250,000 2% of the sum above the nil rate
£250,001-£925,000 5% of the sum above the nil rate
£925,001-£1.5m 10% of the sum above the nil rate
£1.5m+ 12% of the sum above the nil rate

As an example, if you purchase a property costing £300,000 prior to 30 September 2021, the amount of stamp duty you pay will be £2,500. If you purchase the same property after 1 October 2021, the stamp duty payable will be £5,000.

Multiple Properties/Investment Properties

If you are purchasing more than one property or you already own additional property, you can still take advantage of the tax relief, but a surcharge will be payable. However, it is possible to claim back stamp duty for property you previously lived in & paid the higher rate for.

Shared Ownership

If you purchase a property under a shared ownership scheme – for example, you part-own your property with your housing association – you must pay stamp duty based on the market value of the property above the nil amount, e.g., if the property is worth £300,000 and you pay £150,000 towards it, you will pay 2% stamp duty on the £25,000 that is above the nil rate threshold (£125,000).

 

UK stamp duty holiday

What Is Likely To Happen To House Prices After The Holiday?

In August, it was reported that there has been a 13% increase in residential property purchases, and, although more viewings have been carried out virtually, the property market continues to improve. Due to the savings available to home buyers, there is likely to be a surge in sales immediately before the end date and a sharp dip after the original stamp duty rates resume.

In the long-term, the future looks bright for the UK property market. However, it is possible that property prices will rise in relation to the growing demand and the relatively small supply of homes. It is hoped that this stamp duty holiday will be the catalyst for overall improvement in the property market.

One positive aspect to come out of the pandemic, which most of us can agree on, is a renewed appreciation for nature and for spending time with our families. Consequently, there has been a growth in the number of people seeking properties with large gardens and other open areas. There’s also been an increase in the number of people prepared to commute to work if it means they can live in the leafy countryside. Additionally, as more businesses and employees have seen the benefits of working from home, there is a growing desire for home ownership, which stands to reason: if you’re going to be home all day, you want your home to be a comfortable, welcoming space that you can decorate and adapt to suit your needs.

Are There Any Other Financial Compensations Available To Buyers After The Holiday?

Once the stamp duty holiday ends on 30 September 2021, rates will return to their original state. However, there is still some financial relief available for first-time buyers.

In 2017, the UK Budget introduced relief for first-time buyers, but during the stamp duty holiday, this relief was rescinded due to discounted rates being offered to all buyers. From 1 October 2021, the first-time buyer relief will return, meaning you will not pay stamp duty on properties under £300,000; for properties up to £500,000, you will pay 5% SDLT on the sum above £300,001; for properties above £500,000, you will pay the usual rate of SDLT.

Additionally, a newly introduced government guarantee scheme enables first-time buyers to obtain a mortgage with only a 5% deposit.

Ready To Secure Your Ideal Home? Get In Touch With Us Today!

If you wish to take advantage of these significant savings on Stamp Duty Land Tax, you need to be quick and we are here to assist you. We can help you on the way to early completion, and if there is no chain involved, the process is even quicker.

If you are already purchasing a property with us, speak to one of our friendly agents to discuss the possibility of a speedy completion.

Remember, you must complete the purchase of the property by 30 September 2021 to benefit from this tax relief. Also, take note that a Stamp Duty Land Tax return must still be completed and submitted to HMRC, even if no payment is due. 

Get in touch with us now and we will endeavour to expedite your purchase and can advise you on all property matters.

Housing Market Predictions In A Post-COVID UK

housing market predictions

The housing market, along with many other industry sectors, has been hit devastatingly hard during the course of the COVID-19 crisis. It goes without saying that the issuing of national lockdowns has had – and will continue to have – a detrimental impact on the housing market going forward. Despite the challenges faced across all markets, the UK housing market has somewhat, and surprisingly, maintained some stability throughout the duration of the pandemic. However, fluctuating prices and economic downturns have inevitably affected the market in numerous ways, influencing the future of the way in which property sales operate. As the property sector continues its long journey to recovery, buying a home has never been so crucial in efforts to revitalize the housing market for 2022.

If you are looking to buy a home or sell your property, but feel overwhelmed and unsure about current housing market conditions, we are here to help. Our detailed analysis will provide insight into expert predictions of what a post-COVID housing market may look like and how new measures may impact you. For any additional information on how you can buy, let or sell today, our professional estate agents are always happy to advise.

UK Housing Market – What Is The Current Situation?

Adapting to living, buying, selling and maintaining normality throughout this pandemic has been challenging for all. March 2020 saw the beginning of dramatic changes for all businesses, lifestyles and markets worldwide. But how exactly has the housing market been impacted and what shape is the market currently in? The property market has seen, in general, an increasing demand for homes, prompted primarily by the Government’s initiative to temporarily cut stamp duty in an attempt to aid the market. Since the start of the first lockdown, average house prices have risen by 13% due to the everlasting struggle for homeowners everywhere. As of June 2021, the average property price stands at around £265,826, which is largely expected to continue to rise as we come out of national restrictions. At the moment, analysts have established that the large demand for housing is coming from buyers rushing to secure housing prior to the ending of the stamp duty holiday.

The lockdown restrictions imposed nationwide have also impacted lifestyles in a way that has adjusted the actions of UK homeowners and buyers. The ‘stay at home’ motto, extensive lay-offs and the furlough scheme undoubtedly encouraged many to put their time and money into buying a new home. As people remained home and out of work, the need to redecorate or completely relocate was a desire felt by many in an effort to diminish the doom and gloom. As a result, this contributed to the high demand for housing over the lockdown periods. On the contrary, job losses and redundancies had an adverse effect on homeowners and homebuyers, as the loss of assets and financial savings caused many to withdraw from home moving plans. These two common scenarios contributed to the fluctuation in both prices and housing demand.

Our Post-COVID Housing Market Prediction

The financial crisis caused by COVID-19 has severely damaged the economy and general income of UK homeowners, making mortgage payments and housing costs increasingly more difficult for many people to pay. With the financial state of both industry and unemployment rates dropping, how might the housing market transform for 2022 and beyond?

House Prices To Fluctuate

Fluctuation of house prices, as touched on early, are unfortunately inevitable in the current situation. There is much speculation as to what the future holds for the housing market; however, the inconsistency displayed in pricing throughout the pandemic makes it difficult to truly predict the future. The stamp duty relief has been the cause of many influxes in house costs, particularly in attractive areas where demand for housing remains high. The initiative has caused a knock-on-effect, as house listings became higher as the housing market popularised. Before the initiative was put in place, first-time buyers inhabiting a property over £300,000 and regular homeowners buying a property over £125,000 were obliged to pay stamp duty. As you can imagine, cutting this obligation was a relief for many and massively encouraged buyers to secure homes during the stamp duty holiday. However, once the requirement is reinstated in October 2021, we expect a dramatic fall in housing prices to match the restoration of the stamp duty costs. Furthermore, the high demand for housing will continue to affect the supply of properties. The lack of current vacant housing means that each property sale is valuable, allowing homeowners to increase prices to meet the exceptional demand. It is hopeful that the seller’s market will continue to grow, enabling property availability to expand year upon year.

Rural Properties To Popularise

The lockdown effect saw the nation in desperate need of a holiday and an escape from the home they felt trapped in. The need to find peace and break away from normality was passionately experienced by the nation, encouraging the population to take advantage of the scenic views the UK has to offer. Many homeowners and families took the opportunity during lockdown to buy a second home in the country. As the UK restrictions instructed residents to stay indoors, it became more desirable than ever to live in a home with a garden or large outdoor space – thus inspiring people to move to a more spacious and beautiful location. The attraction to the countryside and the notion of ‘making new starts’ have been an infectious trend for families all over the UK, as many people took lockdown as a chance to reflect on their lives. The demand for country homes continues to rise, as homeowners opt to stay clear of cities and allow their families to flourish in the stunning countryside.

Working From Home And Virtual Lifestyles To Continue

The multiple lockdowns triggered by the coronavirus pandemic have revolutionised the concept of working from home. With businesses and workers adapting to virtual team meetings and online work platforms, home offices have never been so popular, with people working hard to create a peaceful work atmosphere in their own property. It has been assessed that the WFH initiative has been a huge success in many businesses, with surveys suggesting that productivity has in fact been higher than ever. This pandemic experiment has undoubtedly become beneficial for many industries, with a large percentage opting to stay in their home offices. As a result, we believe these new, digitised lifestyles in both workplaces and home will have a knock-on impact on how we buy and sell properties. With numerous apps and programmes available online, estate agent meetings and virtual tours will proceed to take place over the net.

post COVID housing market

 

Will It Be A Buyer’s Market In 2022?

The sale of homes during the pandemic should drive the revival of the housing market, with new properties expected to sell out instantaneously. The rental market has also seen exceptional growth, with more people opting to rent properties due to the fear of committing to mortgages under the current unknown circumstances. Despite the uncertainty of how the pandemic will play out and whether any more lockdowns could be imposed, property experts remain positive. We expect an incredible resurgence of economic growth, as the nation works together to keep all markets, industries and businesses alive. With this in mind, we are determined to keep the housing market afloat, with opportunities for buyers and sellers to thrive in the coming years.

How Jordan & Halstead Can Help You To Navigate The Housing Market

During times of uncertainty, it is important to put faith in experts that are committed to providing useful advice. Don’t let the effects of COVID-19 put you off. Here at Jordan & Halstead, our specialism team of estate agents and letting agents have worked throughout the pandemic and have exceptional knowledge of the housing market. Our ability to tackle the scenarios thrown at us in the past two years has put us in an outstanding position to help you with your property dreams. As we move forward in a post-COVID-19 society, we are passionate about re-energizing the housing market and providing excellent services for landlords, buyers, sellers and tenants nationwide. Let the property experts at Jordan & Halstead assist you in achieving your housing goals, as we provide you with an impeccable experience – putting our clients at the heart of our business.

Contact Us For Guidance Today

Our reputable business is highly specialised in property sales, lettings, property valuations and property management. We make the process of moving home simple, enjoyable and hassle-free. Our team of experts are dedicated to providing everything you need to buy or sell a home. By putting you and your requirements at the forefront, we can guarantee the delivery of a service that works for you. Our diverse range of services are unmatched, as our business works hard to meet the needs of all clients. Whether you are a first-time buyer looking for mortgage or loan advice, or a landlord needing assistance with letting their property – Jordan & Halstead can help you. For help with your property or guidance with securing your dream home – contact us today.

Make Your House A Home During COVID-19

Living room

The country appears to have turned a corner in the current COVID-19 pandemic. We’re out of lockdown and more and more of us are getting used to being back in the real world and are returning to the office. Here at Jordan & Halstead, we’re incredibly happy to be able to say that our offices are back open and ready for business! We continued working with our clients through the phone and over email, but nothing beats being able to speak with you face to face. 

As such, we’re all finally managing to spend a little less time at home than we have been over the last few months – which is certainly a welcome change! But the fact remains that even as we move into September and autumn, we’re all probably still spending a lot more time indoors inside our own home than we usually would. Not to mention that the uncertainty that is wrought by potential local lockdowns and the threat of a second wave of COVID-19. As such, it makes sense to still be thinking about how we can make our home a more enjoyable space in which to spend our time. 

We’ve spent a lot of time over the last few months trying to adapt the space in our home so that we can use it to both work and relax. This balance isn’t always easy to find! With that in mind, we thought we’d take a bit of time to give our tips for helping to make your house a home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

1. Make sure you spend time away from technology

Whether you’re still remote working away from the office at home, splitting your time between the office and home, or anything else, it can certainly be difficult to switch off when you need to! Wherever you’re working at the moment, there’s a very good chance that you’re spending a lot of time behind a screen, using platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts for meetings and conversations with colleagues. 

For the good of your mental health and of keeping your daily routine disciplined enough so that you’re able to switch off in the evening, try to find some time away from social media and other technology distractions! Even if it’s just 20-30 minutes a day, make time to read a book anything else that gets you away from the screen. 

2. Get ready for your day with a ‘commute’

You’re probably sick of hearing about the ‘new normal’ that we are all entering into. It’s certainly true that as we move out of lockdown and back into the wider world, things are very different! One of the things you might be struggling to get used to when working at home is the commute (or lack thereof). Before the pandemic, most people had a daily commute to complain about, whether it be by foot, bike, car, train or bus. 

Now, however, there’s a temptation to simply stay in bed until five minutes to nine! But you probably already know that this isn’t a great idea, and will stop you from getting into a proper daily routine. So what’s the answer? Well, rather than spending extra time in bed, you can use the time you would save on your commute to get your brain and body prepared for the rest of the day ahead. Whether your commute was ten minutes or an hour, this is now free time you can spend reducing your stress rather than increasing it! Going for a quick walk or run is always a great choice, or perhaps you have weights you could use. If you’ve ever wanted to take up yoga, now is the perfect chance! 

3. Make the absolute most out of your mealtime! 

If you’re anything like us, then you probably wish that you could spend more time cooking than you actually do. Well, one way to help yourself switch off during the evening while making your house feel more homely and welcoming is to set some time aside for your mealtime! 

Working in the office usually means cold packed lunches that you rush to swallow down so that you can get back to your busy schedule. Working from home means that you have a bit more time and space available to make a wholesome and filling meal for yourself and your family, both at lunch and at tea time! 

Get in touch

Here at Jordan & Halstead, the team is passionate about helping our clients find the perfect home that they can make the most of! Just get in touch with us to find out more. We’re beginning to open up our offices and we can’t wait to speak to you! 

Your COVID-19 Property Questions Answered

There’s no question that we live in exceptionally uncertain times right now. As the lockdown is lifted, we are faced by more blurred lines and uncertainty over what we can do and what we can’t, and what measures we need to be taking to keep ourselves and everyone around us safe and healthy. Here at Jordan & Halstead estate agents, we know that as the property market gets back up and running, you probably have a lot of questions. 

We are facing an unprecedented situation here in the UK. As such, the team here at J&H decided that we would create this blog in order to quickly answer some of your most common questions about moving home, buying property, selling your home, renting and letting and more. 

It is important to note that the situation is quickly changing. Government advice has been altered over the last few months and is likely to change between now and the end of the year, so it’s important to keep informed as to the latest official guidance. 

Is the pandemic going to reduce the value of my home if I try to sell it now?

Contrary to some predictions, buyer activity during the lockdown on the online property market was higher than expected. In fact, back in May it peaked incredibly high as more and more people began to look for new homes. Now that government restrictions are being lifted and socially distanced physical viewings are being permitted, the demand is actually incredibly high. 

The backlog of demand can see property sales potentially move a little more slowly than expected, but at the same time the demand actually creates a positive situation for anyone planning on selling your home. There’s a good chance that you’ll be able to sell your home at a reasonable price. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns about this then we always recommend that you get in touch with us here at Jordan & Halstead for more advice. 

Is it possible to hold a property viewing? 

It is indeed possible to hold property viewings at the moment. As the country came out of lockdown, the government gave the green light for responsible and socially distanced physical viewings to go ahead. However, property viewings are very far from being back to normal. 

In fact, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to perform a virtual viewing initially before setting up a physical viewing. The use of video can make it so that prospective buyers can have a virtual showround of a property before ever needing to step foot inside – a very useful research process. 

Hygiene measures and social distancing are also a very important part of holding property viewings at the moment. Hosts are expected to clean surfaces, leaving doors and windows open, and potentially vacate the property during the viewing, while viewers will need to refrain from touching surfaces and bring PPE such as face masks and gloves with them

It sounds like prices are going to fall – should I wait to buy?

Throughout the lockdown, online buyer activity actually remained incredibly high. Now that the government’s restrictions are being lifted with viewings taking place, the market is beginning to rebalance itself very quickly. 

This, alongside the low interest rates and government support for employment and housing such as the stamp duty holiday, it’s predicted that the housing market will remain stable with prices holding out. As such, we generally recommend that if you want to move and have found a home you would like to put in an offer for, there is no reason not to go through with the purchase. 

I’m renting and I have been put on furlough/made redundant – do I still need to pay rent?

Essentially, yes. If you are in a position that you believe will make it difficult for you to pay your rent, then you should get in touch with your estate agent and your landlord about it as quickly as possible. Some landlords are able to arrange for a Mortgage Payment Deferral, in which case they might agree with you to not pay your rent in full for a limited time. Bear in mind, however, that a deferral is just that – you will still need to pay back your rent in full.

Have more questions? Speak to the Jordan & Halstead team today

We know that you probably have all sorts of question about the current housing market climate. It’s important to keep yourself informed and up to date. Fortunately, the team here at Jordan & Halstead is always on hand for a chat – just get in touch today. If you have any concerns, hesitations, problems or questions, we’ll provide the advice and assistance that you need. 

How To Prepare Your Home For A Property Viewing

services

It’s no secret that making your home look presentable and impressive before hosting a property viewing or taking marketing photos with an estate agent is an incredibly important process. Realistically, however, a lot of people end up underestimating just how much of a difference presentation can make when selling your home. 

Appearance can be the difference between a property that stays stuck on the property market without getting the offers you hope for, ending with you lowering the asking price, and a property that attracts decent and impressive bids shortly after going up for sale. 

It’s all about making the most of your property’s assets and minimising the flaws for both the marketing your estate agent will do and for impressing potential buyers on the day when they visit for a viewing in person. Today’s housing market is incredibly competitive, and the honest truth is that doing the bare minimum often isn’t enough. The more you can do the better – a new lick of paint is great, but there’s plenty you can do to craft a fine visitor experience. 

Selling your home is stressful enough as it is. Here at Jordan & Halstead, we always pride ourselves on making the process and quick, enjoyable and stress free as possible for our clients and customers. We understand that preparing your home to be viewed by potential buyers can feel like a daunting and insurmountable task. That’s why we’ve taken the time to make this guide to help you in making your home ready to impress potential buyers. 

 

Clear out and clean, clean and clean again

Fortunately, if you’re planning on moving home then there’s a good chance that you’ve been spending a bit of time clearing things out already anyway. This really helps when selling your home. After all, property value has a lot to do with space, and if your home is full and cluttered with belongings thanks to a bad hoarding habit, it’s going to look like you don’t have as much space as you do. 

The clearer and emptier your house for marketing photos and property viewings, the more spacious your home is going to look. Plus, potential buyers want to be able to visualise and imagine themselves living in any property they’ll consider putting in a bid for. An emptier and uncluttered home will make this a lot easier. 

But clearing out your home is only half the battle. While it may seem like it goes without saying, it’s worth saying anyway – cleaning is a vital part of preparing your home to be sold! There might be nothing that makes a home feel less inviting, welcoming and appealing than an overabundance of dirt and grime. 

Of all our tips, this one is probably the most important. You really do want your property to be as spotless as possible before inviting any potential buyers in through the front door. From cleaning windows and frames, dusting your skirting boards, scrubbing your tiling and more, cleaning is probably the biggest chore you’re going to face when selling your home. 

But this is a silver lining! A lot of sellers do this half-heartedly – by going the extra mile, you can make sure that your property stands out on the market. By standing out, you’re more likely to sell faster, get more interest, and attract more generous offers. The good part is that cleaning doesn’t cost you anything – just time and effort. 

 

Depersonalise your property

As we touched on above, one of the best things you can do when selling your property is to make it as easy as possible for potential buyers to visualise themselves living in the home. This often means spending a bit of time depersonalising your property – which might require some level of emotional detachment to do. At this point, it’s easier and better to view your home as a product to be sold. 

Essentially, this means making your property more neutral. Whether you have an abundance of family photos or outlandish art making up a lot of the decor, this can prevent buyers from imagining their own style and personal touch and possessions within the home. This can put buyers off. Homes are all about you and your family and putting your stamp on the home. Personal letters, kids drawings and similar items can subconsciously take away from this when people come to visit your home. 

 

Make use of lighting and scenting

Lighting can make a huge impression on those coming to your home for a property viewing. Dark, shadowy and dingy environments can be a real turn off, whereas light and airy spaces look bigger, brighter and more appealing. A great thing to do is to go around your home and try to make sure that each room has as much natural light as possible. 

Consider pruning trees or plants that might be blocking your natural light, or think about rearranging your furniture to make the most of your windows and lighting. Blinds and curtains can prevent light so it might be worth temporarily taking them down. Even if a room simply suffers from poor natural light, you can hide this by using various light sources, bulbs and mirrors to make your space feel brighter and bigger. 

Scent and smells are other things that are worth considering before hosting a property viewing. Ever walked past a store or food stall and been enticed towards it simply by the lovely aroma? We certainly have. Scenting is actually a powerful retail marketing tool and it’s something you can use to great effect in your home

Smells are linked to emotions and memory, and unpleasant or offensive smells like those from bins or damp can powerfully impact how potential buyers feel about your home. Air fresheners are a simple and easy solution, but for the best effects try to go for more natural odours. Fresh flowers, baking bread and potpourri are great options. Also make sure you air your home before a viewing to get rid of any bad odours too!

 

Get in touch

We’re passionate about marketing properties for sale and for helping people enjoy the selling process as much as possible here at Jordan & Halstead. Want to find out more? Just get in touch with us today. Discover how we can help you make the most of selling your home!

A Comprehensive Guide To The COVID-19 Property Market

When lockdown measures were announced over three months ago in the UK on March 23, the property market suddenly came to an emergency stop. Estate agents across the country closed their doors, and those in the middle of a house move had to scramble to postpone and delay the process. It is to everyone’s great relief that since lockdown began on March 23, the measures that were put in place have been eased and lifted, breathing life into the UK property market once again. 

We’re now in a position where estate agents are reopening for business, home buyers can safely view properties, and sellers can list and market their property. Business is back up and running, but it is anything but business as usual. A lot has changed and now needs to be done differently – and it is everyone’s responsibility in the interest of public health and safety to change how they approach buying and selling property. 

The lockdown left many of us in an incredibly difficult position. Those of us who were in the middle of moving home had to decide whether to delay and postpone or push the move through in very difficult circumstances. Here at Jordan & Halstead, even while our doors have been closed to the public we have been available via phone and email for guidance and assistance. As things begin to get moving again, we’re dedicated to doing what we can to protect public health and the safety of everyone we work with. 

Much has changed over the last few months, and we understand just how difficult it is to keep up with this fast moving and ever changing situation. It’s impossible to predict the future and we could be living and working with the consequences of COVID-19 for a long time to come. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the ways in which you can keep things moving when it comes to the property market during the coronavirus crisis. 

 

The UK government recently announced a stamp duty holiday

On the 8th of July, as part of his summer statement, chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak announced a year long stamp duty holiday in an effort to support and boost the property market and avert a financial crisis. The stamp duty holiday went into immediate effect upon announcement, and home buyers in England and Northern Ireland are now benefitting from the new tax cut. 

The tax threshold has been temporarily raised in order to support home buyers. The new measures – that came into place on the 8th of July – will last until next March 2021. As part of a plan to boost consumer spending and both the domestic and commercial property markets, the stamp duty holiday is in effect in England and Northern Ireland on any property sale made of a value of £500,000 or lower.  

This means that until March next year every homebuyer buying a property worth less than £500,000 will be exempt from paying any stamp duty tax whatsoever – meaning a saving worth thousands of pounds for many buyers. Above £500,000, home buyers will still enjoy a stamp duty discount for five to twelve per cent depending on the value of the property. 

 

Removals are back in action

From the 29th of June onwards, removal firms have been given the green light from the UK government to begin operations once again. Removal firms that adhere to the official government guidance and measures regarding COVID-19 can carry out work moving people’s assets from property to property. 

As with most things at the moment, removal companies require vigilant and responsible use of social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and face coverings in order to conduct removals safely. The process takes a bit more time and planning than usual under COVID-19 precautions, so if you’re planning on moving home we recommend contacting your removal company early into the process. 

 

Holding safe and responsible property viewings during COVID-19

Official government guidance facilitates safe property viewings now, meaning that those hoping to find their dream home during the coronavirus crisis can continue to search the property market. However, there are some strict regulations in place to ensure that property viewings are performed in the interest of public health. Viewing a property means physically entering and thoroughly examining another person’s property, so the fear of contracting the infectious disease is one that should be taken seriously. 

First of all, property viewings should only be held when the prospective buyer has spent time extensively researching the property as much as possible online and has a real intent to bid on the property. Viewings should be held by appointment only so that proper measures can be put into place, meaning that open houses are not currently permitted. 

Hosts are expected to vacate the property whenever possible before a viewing and to prepare the property by leaving windows and doors open. This means that the viewer and estate agent can avoid touching handles and move through the house while touching as little as possible. PPE like gloves and facemasks are standard practice and proper social distancing is an absolute must.  

Also, you should expect that everyone involved in the viewing, such as the host, the prospective buyer and the estate agent fully communicate beforehand in order to set expectations and agree on regulations. Everyone involved will be responsible for regularly washing their hands and for touching as little as possible during the viewing. 

 

Can you have your property newly listed during COVID-19?

Looking to sell your home but worried about putting it on the market during the pandemic? Fortunately, estate agents are now able to safely visit your home with the intention of valuing the property and taking photos and videos to market and sell the property. Of course, all the same governmental regulations such as social distancing and use of PPE must be adhered to.

 

Get in touch with us today

Want to find out more about how you can get on the property market during COVID-19? Just get in touch with us today. The team here at Jordan & Halstead are committed to supporting our customers and clients throughout the pandemic while maintaining our responsibility to public health. We are dedicated to keeping everyone here at J&H and all of our customers safe and healthy. Just give us a call or pop us an email to find out more about what we’re doing to cope with the pandemic. 

How will the UK stamp duty holiday work?

On the 8th of July, the UK chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak announced a ‘temporary holiday on stamp duty’. The changes went into immediate effect and will come into effect on the first £500,000 of all property sales across England and Northern Ireland. The tax threshold has been raised temporarily until next March in an attempt to boost the property market and help home buyers currently struggling financially with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Anyone buying a home worth anything in excess of £500,000 will also benefit from a stamp duty discount of £15,000. According to the chancellor Rishi Sunak, the new changes will mean that around 90 per cent of home buyers across England will now pay no stampy duty whatsoever on their purchase. The average tax saving is estimated to be around £4,500. 

This has been met with a somewhat mixed reaction. The stamp duty holiday will cost the Treasury around £3.8 billion (about 0.4 per cent of the total tax take) and comes after four months of decline in house prices, the worst performance in around a decade for the UK property market. 

While this is fantastic news for some, others have been left somewhat frustrated by the change. For those planning on purchasing a new property between now and March 31st 2021, the lack of stamp duty will come as a huge relief and mean substantial savings. However, there are those who have pushed through with house buying during the incredibly difficult period over the last few months who feel incredibly dejected and believe that it should be backdated to count home purchases made throughout the coronavirus crisis. 

But how will the stamp duty holiday work? Will it affect you? Here at Jordan & Halstead, the team always keeps on top of the latest news and how it might affect our clients. Let’s take a look at some of the big questions surrounding the new measures. 

What exactly is stamp duty? 

If you’re new to the property market or you have never sold or purchased a property before, the main question you might ask is: what exactly is stamp duty? 

Essentially, stamp duty is a tax that people pay when they purchase a new property. This varies across the UK between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

For example, in England and Northern Ireland property buyers pay what is known as stamp duty land tax. In Scotland, it’s called the land and buildings transaction tax, and in Wales it is the land transaction tax. 

Stamp duty depends on where in the UK you are buying, as well as the overall price and value of the property. The higher the value of the property, the higher the stamp duty tax. 

Rishi Sunak’s summer statement regarding the changes to stamp duty will only affect those home buyers purchasing in England and Northern Ireland. 

So how much stamp duty will I actually pay now? 

If the property you’re planning on purchasing costs £500,000 or less, then good news: you won’t have to pay any stamp duty tax whatsoever. This is the main function of the new measures, helping those purchasing property by paying no stamp duty. 

If, however, you’re purchasing a property worth more than £500,000, then the stamp duty you do pay will be greatly reduced. There are two extra brackets to be considered. If the value of the property you are purchasing is £500,001 to £925,000, then you will be taxed at 5 per cent. Beyond that, properties worth £925,001 to £1.5 million will be taxed at 10 per cent. Any property worth more than £1.5 million will be taxed at 12 per cent. 

Before Rishi Sunak’s summer statement, stamp duty in England and Northern Ireland was applied to and paid on any property bought for £125,000 or more. This is apart from first time home buyers, who were exempt from stamp duty up to a property value of £300,000 or more.

I’ve just bought a new property – am I still eligible for the stamp duty holiday?

The stamp duty holiday came into immediate effect upon announcement on the 8th of July. This essentially means that all purchases made on or after the 8th of July will benefit from the stamp duty holiday, while all purchases made before the 8th will have to pay the full and normal stamp duty amount. 

Stamp duty is paid upon completion of a sale. This means that if you are approaching the completion of your purchase and have exchanged contracts but are still awaiting confirmation and completion, you will still be able to benefit from the new measures. 

This is one of the main reasons that the stamp duty holiday has been met with mixed reactions. Many who had the choice to either postpone or push through with a property purchase during the COVID-19 pandemic will have done so without the benefit of knowing there would be a stamp duty holiday. 

As such, this means that those home buyers who did push through and complete their purchase during the coronavirus crisis now find themselves thousands of pounds out of pocket compared to if they had only postponed the purchase a short time. Some have called for backdating when it comes to covering purchases made over the last few months with stamp duty still in effect, but so far there has been no movement on this and it seems quite unlikely. 

Get in touch

Want to find out more? Just give us a call today. The team here at Jordan & Halstead is always on hand for a chat, even during this difficult time. We’re committed to continuing to provide our customers and clients with all the advice, guidance and assistance they need to help them through the pandemic. If you need clarification and advice when it comes to stamp duty and your eligibility, get in touch with us for expert advice.

How To Hold A Safe Property Viewing During COVID-19

Couple looking at property

After over a month in complete lockdown, the government finally gave the green light to the property market back in May. Since then, restrictions have continued to be eased. Those who were in the middle of a house move before lockdown have been able to continue, and those who wish to move can do so safely and legally under certain guidelines. 

But there’s still a lot of confusion and hesitation over what can or should be done over the summer. Here at Jordan & Halstead, we have made sure to stick to government guidelines throughout the pandemic. We understand that the matter of health and safety is everyone’s primary concern at the moment – and it’s ours too. 

While estate agents and home buyers can visit properties for viewings and to take photos or videos, it’s incredibly important that we all work together to protect one another’s health during this time. While our offices have been closed, we have had a small team available to talk by email or phone – we’re doing everything we can to keep everyone we work with perfectly safe and healthy. 

If you’re intent on either hosting a property viewing or on viewing someone else’s property, the first we thing we recommend is that you stay up to date with all the relevant government advice and guidelines. That’s what the team here at Jordan & Halstead is doing. We’re here to put your mind at rest and to help you feel more confident about your house move. Here are some of the ways in which the property viewing process can be made safer for all involved. 

 

1. Using the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

One of the most common ways in which people across the country are helping to protect one another from the coronavirus is the use of personal protective equipment (or PPE). It is mandatory on public transport and is an incredibly common sight in our supermarkets and retail outlets. Here at Jordan & Halstead, we think it’s absolutely essential for any property viewing hosted during the pandemic too. 

If you’re not sure what protective equipment you should use during the property viewing, or you’re concerned that the other parties involved won’t also be using PPE, just get in touch with us here at Jordan & Halstead. There’s a lot of advice and guidance out there about what is suitable in the current circumstances and we’re more than happy to provide our professional insight into helping to make the property viewing process as safe as possible. 

It’s important that everyone works together when it comes to the PPE used during the moving process right now – both for everyone’s protection and safety, but also for peace of mind too. Face coverings and masks are a fantastic way to protect those around you while gloves are also a great way to make the process a little safer. Touching surfaces and internal doors is difficult to avoid, so it’s important to take appropriate measures. 

 

2. Advice for those booking a property viewing during COVID-19

Searching for and buying your dream home should be an experience that is exciting and enjoyable! In fact, it’s one of the things we specialise in here at Jordan & Halstead – we’re a local estate agents that love to make the buying process as fun and stress free as possible. But it’s incredibly important that we don’t get too ahead of ourselves at the moment and that we have the patience needed to make the sure the process is as safe as can be. 

When it comes to those hoping to view a property during the COVID-19 pandemic, we always recommend that: 

  • You postpone the viewing if you, someone you live with, or someone you have been in contact with has been unwell within the last two weeks. This is important to protect everyone involved. 
  • You prepare to maintain social distancing during the viewing. There’s a lot of NHS advice out there about how to socially distance safely and responsibly. It’s also important to stay on top of official advice as this can sometimes change. 
  • You bring only two applicants to the viewing including yourself. This includes children. While this can be frustrating, it’s another important step that limits physical contact between people. 
  • You try to touch as little as possible inside the property – touching nothing if possible. The internal doors will likely be left open for you along with other extra measures, but touch as little as possible and remember to wash your hands or use sanitiser as often as possible. 

3. Stay on top of official government advice

As we mentioned above, the government has eased restrictions a great deal over the past couple of months when it comes to the property market. But this doesn’t mean that there aren’t going to be many more changes down the line. That’s why it’s so important to stay up to date and on top when it comes to the government’s advice on moving and viewing property. We are living in an unpredictable and always changing world at the moment.

Some of the current advice includes the fact that those who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus or who are self isolating with a diagnosed family member should not leave their home – this includes for property viewings. While this may seem obvious, it’s also the most important advice out there at the moment. 

Those who are considered clinically vulnerable to the coronavirus should also incredibly careful and cautious when considering leaving lockdown to move house. Current government advice for people considered ‘at risk’ is to suspend or delay moving house except under incredibly pressing demands. 

 

Get in touch

Want to find out more? There’s a lot to take into account and it can be incredibly daunting to move house or to view properties during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the team here at Jordan & Halstead is here to help. Just get in touch with us today to discover how we can provide the advice, assistance and guidance that you need.

East Cheshire Property Market Update | February 2020

Jordan Halstead branded keyring in lock

At Jordan & Halstead, we know how confusing the property market can be, which is why we make it our mission to offer transparent advice to our customers that makes sense and helps them make the right decisions when it comes to their property.

Whether you’re buying, selling, letting or renting, staying on top of the property market you’re in is vital to making the right decisions. Fortunately, at Jordan & Halstead we make it easy to keep up-to-date on the property market in East Cheshire – keep reading for your monthly market update:

East Cheshire Infographic 2020

As we can see here, home values across East Cheshire are some of the highest in the country, especially in the North West. Average values in Bramhall hit a massive £900,000 this month.

High-value homes (over £600,001) are far more common both as new instructions and sales agreed than in other areas.

Generally, homes in this area sell relatively quickly, with an average of 191 days on the market. At Jorda & Halstead, we are proud to show that the average time on market for homes we sell is less than half of this, at only 87 days.

To see more insights from your local property market or arrange a chat with our experienced team, get in touch with the team at Jordan & Halstead’s Wilmslow office today!

Chester Property Market Update | February 2020

Jordan Halstead office exterior

At Jordan & Halstead, we are passionate about providing an honest and transparent service to every one of our customers, to help them make the right decision, no matter what their circumstances are.

The market in Chester is always moving, so by staying on top of new developments and changes, we can help you feel confident every step of the way on your property journey.

To find out more about the property market in Chester this month, keep reading!

 

Chester infographic feb 2020

 

As we can see, the property market in the Chester area is diverse and offers a variety of options for buyers and sellers. Homes between the value of £200,001 and £400,000 were the most in-demand, with 137 new instructions to 83 sales agreed, the highest ratio of any of our price brackets.

However, high-value homes still make up a fair portion of the market, with a home on Capenhurst Lane selling this month for £900,000!

The majority of homes sold in the Chester area were semi-detached and terraced, which makes a lot of sense when we consider how compact Chester is overall. Space is at a premium in Chester, with the average price for a detached home being more than £100,000 higher than that of a semi-detached home.

To find out more about these insights, or the property market in general, get in touch with the team at Jordan & Halstead today!

Flintshire Property Market Update | February 2020

William Gleave branding keys & house graphic

Staying up to date and informed about the property market in your area is one of the most important things you can do when it comes time to buy, sell, let or rent your home. At William Gleave, we’ve been keeping a close eye on how your local property market is performing, and what this actually means for you when you’re in the throes of buying or selling your home.

To find out more about the market in Flintshire and North Wales, keep on reading.

Flintshire Infographic

 

As we can see, there are plenty of affordable homes being bought and sold in this area, and that they make up the majority of the market, making Flintshire and North Wales ideal for first-time buyers, buyers who are downsizing and small families. However, we can still see that the majority of homes being sold in this area are detached or semi-detached, showing that smaller family homes seem to be popular.

In general, the housing market in Flintshire appears to be relatively slow, which can mean a longer process for sellers, but it also allows you to take your time and ensure you have the best possible price whether you’re buying or selling. The team at William Gleave are hard at work however, with our properties selling more than five times faster than the local average!

To find out more about the property market in Flintshire and help work out whether now is the right time for you to buy or sell our home, get in touch with the team at William Gleave Estate Agents today!

East Cheshire Property Market Update | A Look Back At 2019

conveyancing

First things first, a very happy new year to all of our customers from the team at Jordan & Halstead! 2019 was an exciting and rewarding year for all of us, with plenty of challenges and successes for the whole team.

We can’t wait to see what 2020 brings for our team and customers! With January one of the most exciting times to be involved in the property market, we can’t wait to find out the stats for right now in our next update, but for now, we thought we’d take a look back on the year just passed. With all kinds of changes and fluctuations happening for buyers and sellers throughout the year, whether that’s because of seasonality, current events or changes in legislation, having the right team on your side can make or break your property journey.

The team at Jordan & Halstead are dedicated to giving our clients the best possible advice and guidance, by being clear, honest and transparent in everything we do, and making things clear when it comes to your property journey and what is right for you!

So, for a quick look back at the 2019 property market, and to find out what this means for you in 2020, keep reading!

 

 

One of the biggest takeaways from this data is that in Wilmslow and East Cheshire, property values are rising faster than the national average, and by a considerable margin in some areas. This shows that for homeowners in these areas looking to sell, prices are rising, and look to continue to do so, making this a great time to sell your home!

For buyers, it’s worth noting that there are plenty of homes available on the market, making negotiations easier and making it as simple as possible to find your dream home.

To find out how to take your next steps in the property market with a friendly and expert local team, get in touch and see how we can help you in 2020!

Thanks for reading,

Jordan.

Flintshire Property Market Update | A Look Back At 2019

William Gleave branding keys & house graphic

Happy New Year! From all the team at William Gleave, our warmest regards to all of our customers across Flintshire and North Wales. 2019 has been a fantastic year for us here at William Gleave, and we can’t wait to see what 2020 brings for our customers and our team.

With the new year finally here, we thought we would take a minute to look back on the year we’ve had, so in this market update, we’ll have a look at the property market for the whole of 2019 and see what this can tell us about the year ahead as well!

No matter how the property market is faring when you decide to make your next step in the property market, having an estate agent who’ll be honest with you and give you all the information you need to make the right decision for you and your property is vital. At Willliam Gleave Estate Agents, we’re passionate about helping our customers do what’s right for them, no matter what the local market has to offer.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the year in review, and see what happened in the Flintshire property market in 2019.

 

flintshire infographic

In Flintshire in 2019, we saw several interesting trends for both buyers and sellers, including the number of buyers in the market vs. the number of sellers. Flintshire, including Buckley, Broughton, Mold, Deeside, Hawarden, Mynydd Isa and the surrounding areas had a high proportion of buyers compared to other nearby areas. This made life that little bit easier for sellers in 2019, as a higher number of buyers generally means quicker sales and better yields for vendors.

For buyers, things still look pretty good! With values in Flintshire a fair bit lower than the national average, homes in Flintshire remain affordable, even as values are continuing to rise. This all indicates that now is a great time to buy a home in this area.

For customers in Buckley, Flintshire and North Wales, the team at William Gleave can help you take the next big step in your property journey. To find out more about our team and our approach to the property market in your area, contact William Gleave Estate Agents today.

Thanks for reading, the team at William Gleave.

Chester Property Market Update | A Look Back At 2019

Chester

Firstly, a very happy new year to all of our customers from the team at Jordan & Halstead! 2019 was an extremely exciting and rewarding year for the team at Jordan & Halstead Chester, and we can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store.

Boxing day is one of the biggest days for property searches, and marks the kick-off of the new property year, and while we can’t wait to get started, it’s also important to look back on the year we’ve had. By taking a look back at the whole of 2019, we can see how the property market has fared, and even make some predictions for the year to come!

No matter what the market has in store for you in the coming year, having an estate agent on your side who knows what they’re doing and gives you everything you need to stay informed and involved can make all the difference. At Jordan & Halstead, keeping our customers informed and offering genuine, honest advice that actually helps them is our priority, and it’s why do what we do.

So without further ado, let’s take a look back at the Chester property market in 2019.

Chester infographic

Something significant that has been happening in the Chester property market in the past year is the number of buyer vs. sellers. Compared to other areas nearby, Chester has a much higher proportion of buyers, meaning that if you’re looking to sell your home in Chester, all the signs point to now! With more buyers than sellers, sellers can get better prices and homes are likely to be sold more quickly than in a market with more buyers.

However, if you’re looking for your dream home, don’t worry! Property prices in the Chester area, while growing, are still below the national average, and are rising at a slower rate. This means that Chester is still very affordable, with the average price for a flat in 2019 sitting at £165,395, compared to the national average of £244,282.

All this information will mean something different for everyone, depending on where you are in your property journey, but with Jordan & Halstead, you can be confident you’ll always get the right advice for you. Get in touch with our team today to find out more, and take your first steps with Jordan & Halstead.

Thanks for reading,

Jordan.