Moving to a new home may seem like a daunting prospect, but it’s one of the most exciting things you can do. When you take into account the current market conditions and the wide range of options available to you, there are several reasons why now is the perfect time to make your dream move.

Property prices have stabilised
One of the main reasons that now is an excellent time to move to a new home is that property price inflation has stabilised. In the past 12 months, property prices have fallen 1.2% on average, compared to a 7.2% increase the previous year.* This demonstrates that buyer affordability has increased, allowing people to find a home they love at a reasonable price. It also gives buyers renewed confidence, as they can make more informed decisions without fear of a sudden price drop. So, while a slight decrease in prices may appear concerning at first glance, it may actually be viewed as a benefit to those looking to move to a new home.

There are plenty of properties available
Another reason why now is a great time to move is because there are a wide variety of properties available on the market. The annual average number of homes for sale is the highest it has been in six years, with 34% more homes available than there were in the previous year. As a result of this, the average estate agency branch now has 31 homes for sale, giving buyers a wide range of choices.* With more options at their disposal, buyers are able to carefully consider the price, location, size, and amenities of a property before making a decision. The increased competition among sellers could potentially result in more competitive pricing, allowing buyers to negotiate prices and find better properties within their budget.

Moving doesn’t take long
Many people are put off moving to a new home because they think it will take a long time, but this is not necessarily the case. On average, it takes just 34 days to sell a home in the UK.* This figure shows how high the demand for properties really is, which is great news for sellers, and it also means there is a reduced waiting time for buyers. The amount of time it currently takes to sell a property shows that the market is fast-paced while still remaining stable, which makes now a great time to move.

Moving is exciting!
Moving to a new home is an exciting and joyful experience that marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. It is an opportunity to start over and break old routines in order to live a more varied lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to relocate for a new job opportunity, a change of scenery, or for any other reason, moving is a chance to re-invent yourself and create a new personalised space for you and your loved ones.

How your agent can help
An experienced estate agent's expertise makes the home-moving process much more seamless. They will guide you through the moving process and help you make an informed decision by utilising their expertise and knowledge of the local market. They will show you a wide range of available properties and tailor your search to your needs and preferences. They will also assist you in selling your home quickly for a good price, allowing you to kickstart your future in no time.

 

Are you looking to move to the home of your dreams?

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The property market is a fast-paced and confusing world, so you’ll need a good agent on your side to help you navigate its complexities. Finding the right agent is crucial to the outcome of your sale, so to ensure that you make an informed decision, it’s important to ask all the right questions.

Here are 10 key questions you should ask your estate agent before committing to working with them.

What is their experience in the local market?
You’ll need to know how much experience your agent has in the local market, as they should be able to provide local market insights such as trends, values and any potential challenges. Don’t settle for the cheaper option, as an experienced agent is better equipped to help you navigate the intricacies of your specific area, enabling a better outcome for your sale.

Can they provide any client testimonials?
Reputable agents are proud of their client testimonials and references, so they will be more than happy to share them with you. Customer feedback can give you valuable insight into any business’ reputation, so don’t hesitate to ask for this information or check the customer ratings online.

What’s their marketing strategy?
When the market is competitive, a robust marketing strategy is what will make your home stand out to potential buyers. Make sure to enquire about the agent’s approach to marketing, including both online and offline channels, professional photography, and any unique strategies they might use to showcase your property effectively.

How will they determine the value of your property?
Receiving a professional valuation is one of the most important steps to selling your home, so you’ll need to know that your agent has a solid and reliable strategy. A good agent will consider a multitude of factors, such as recent sales in the area, the condition and appearance of the property, and current market demand. Using this information to paint a full and accurate picture ensures that your property is competitively priced.

Is your property ready to sell?
While selling ‘as-is’ is sometimes a viable option, an agent will be able to assess your home during your valuation and advise you on any necessary repairs or additions. Ask your agent whether your home is ready for the market, or if it could benefit from a spruce-up to bump up its value.

How will they communicate with you?
The key to any successful partnership is effective communication, so make sure to discuss your preferred mode of communication with your agent. Whether it’s emails, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings, setting your expectations early on will help to avoid any misunderstandings.

How long does it take to sell houses in your area?
Knowing the average time it takes to sell a home in your area will help you manage your expectations and form a realistic plan. It also gives you an idea of how efficiently your agent can sell properties in your location.

Do they have experience handling properties similar to yours?
Every home is unique, but some fall into specific categories which require the careful handling of an expert (e.g., period homes and luxury properties), so make sure your agent has had experience selling similar listings. This experience can be invaluable when it comes to finding the right buyer and selling for the right price.

How do they handle negotiations?
The skill of negotiation is a crucial one in all areas of the property market. Ask your agent about their approach to negotiations and how they plan to secure the best deal for you while also maintaining a positive relationship with potential buyers.

What happens if your property doesn’t sell?
Lastly, it’s important to ask your agent about what their strategy will be if your property doesn’t sell within the agreed timeframe. Whether it involves reevaluating the marketing plan or adjusting the pricing strategy, having a clear plan in place shows that your agent is prepared for any curve balls, allowing you peace of mind throughout your sales journey.

 

For more information, contact our expert team today

 

As the festive season fades away and the winter chill sets in, January can often bring a sense of gloominess. But if your New Year’s resolution is to attract a buyer, one of the best ways to inject some brightness into your living space is with a punchy, cohesive colour scheme. Ready your home for the market this year with one of these refreshing colour palettes.

Soothing greens
Due to its natural connotations, green creates soothing spaces that make us feel better connected to the outside world. As it sits at the centre of the colour wheel, green is a beautiful transition colour which can be paired with both warm and cool tones. If you’re looking for warmth, use touches of yellow, as two colours from the same family can work harmoniously together. For something more modern, try soft tonal shifts in green shades to create a restful yet invigorating space.

Daring reds
Red brings a sense of energy into a living space, making it the perfect shade for dreary January. Make a statement with a bold accent wall of maroon or carmine, or bring a muted palette to life with some intense pops of crimson using throw pillows, vases, and canvases.

Dreamy sunset hues
Bring some warmth back into the home by incorporating a timeless sunset colour scheme. Offset the drama of the burnt oranges, reds, and golds with a cooling touch of blue or purple. This will have your home looking bright and sunny year-round.

Earthy neutrals
Embrace the natural beauty of earthy neutrals like warm taupe, soft beige and creamy white. These compatible shades create a sophisticated and calming environment, perfect for a minimalist aesthetic. To keep things dynamic, mix and match neutral tones for a classic yet versatile look.

Elegant jewel tones
Amp up the elegance in your home with luxurious jewel tones such as sapphire blue, deep burgundy or emerald green. These colours are rich and full of depth, so make sure to use them sparingly against neutral backgrounds to add a touch of opulence, without overwhelming the space.

Coastal blues
If you’re yearning for summer, bring it back into your home with tones taken straight from a sea view. Create a cool, coastal feel with refreshing shades of ocean blue, then work in a few eye-catching accents of red, yellow or purple for an element of contrast and warmth.

Soft pastels
Pastels are bright colours that have been diluted, making them ideal for the home. Chalky and pale colours give rise to delicate, minimal rooms. Create a relaxing and elegant space with sugary shades of rose, mint, and taupe.

 

If you're considering a change of scenery, our team is here to assist you in finding the perfect property.

Contact us today to explore the possibilities

 

Interest rates are reducing, and lenders are offering increasingly competitive deals, especially to those with good deposits. Both ready-to-move-in homes and homes in need of modernisation are available for you to take your first steps. But even if you don’t have a large deposit, you can still make your first move.

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is extended
This is great news for those with a 5% deposit. The government-backed Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, which was due to end in December 2023, has been extended until June 2025. Thousands of first-time-buyers have benefited from this scheme, which was introduced in April 2021. If your budget allows, homes with a value of up to £600,000 can benefit from the scheme.

Less competition and lower interest rates
Higher interest rates have meant some people hoping to get on the property ladder have been priced out of the market. This is good news for you, as you have fewer buyers to compete with, and the bigger your deposit, the smaller your interest mortgage rate will be. Though the first-time buyer market has been outperforming other sectors, a little less competition means house price inflation has reduced. A sure way to get ahead of the competition is by keeping up good communication with your local agent, who will contact you immediately when a suitable home becomes available.

Exiting landlords
With some landlords retiring and others being scared away by imminent legislative changes, more first-time buyer-type homes are entering the market. If you are looking for a flat, apartment, or two-bed terraced home, you may find certain locations offer a little more choice. That said, properties of this type are in high demand, so it pays to be organised. Have your deposit ready and get an agreement in principle from your mortgage adviser so you can get a viewing quickly.

Homeowners ascending the ladder
As homeowners of first-time buyer-type properties put their homes on the market to move to second-stepper homes, you will benefit from increased choice. Lowering interest rates and better deals with an increasing range of mortgage products mean the market is moving again. The beginning of the year is also a time when people begin their search for a new home with a renewed sense of vigour. Some home movers will choose to put their homes on the market, hoping to be chain-free buyers when it’s time to make an offer. This is another advantage of being a first-time buyer: you are chain-free and often the preferred choice of sellers.

Trust your agent
Knowing where good starter homes are located, which locations are the best places to buy, and simply finding your potential property makes hunting for a home with your agent the way to go. You could spend hours searching property portals and miss out on what’s under your nose and already listed with your local agent. They are also aware of any properties coming onto the market. If this is your first property purchase, their knowledge and support offer a lot of comfort and reassurance by happily answering the hundreds of questions that will play on your mind. And if you need to source a good mortgage adviser, conveyancer, or other property-related professionals, they will gladly connect you to the right people.

 

Get in touch today to see how we can help you take your first steps to home ownership