Your March Newsletter

Three simple ways to speed up your sale

When it comes to selling a property, the small details can make all the difference. While it's easy to spend a lot of money staging your property for showings, you don't have to do so to make it look new.

You can make your home look more appealing to buyers and be on the right track to a faster sale by showcasing the features your property already has, and doing a few simple things to brighten up the overall appearance.

Make the most of natural light

One of the nicest features a home can have is natural light.

Make sure your window ledges are clear and your curtains are fully open when viewings are scheduled. If you have the time, clean your windows as well.

These changes may seem small, but they can make a big difference.

Vacuum rugs and upholstery

Give your rugs, upholstery, and sofa cushions a good cleaning if you want your home to look brighter.

These items can become dirty over time, even if you do not notice it. You can make your room look brand new with a fast clean of the necessities. Plus, when buyers walk in, your place will smell amazing!

Repaint walls

One of the first things potential buyers will notice is the walls. The rooms in your home can easily appear larger and cleaner by using a bright, neutral colour.

If you are limited on time, use a magic eraser to wipe the walls clean. Dirt and imperfections can be completely removed with a few quick scrubs!

Thinking of selling your home? Contact our team today or get your valuation here.

Annual property price growth accelerates to 12.6%

Recent statistics show that annual house prices are continuing to grow at outstanding rates.

Average annual property prices rose from 11.2% in January to 12.6% in February, the strongest pace of growth since June 2021. After seven consecutive months of climbing prices, we saw a month-on-month increase of 1.7% in February, showing that the market is still very much in favour of sellers. *

Since the start of Nationwide’s monthly index in 1991, there has never been as big of an annual growth in prices, as there was in the year leading up to February 2022. The price of a typical home now averages above £260,000, demonstrating an increase of over £29,000 in just twelve months.

In comparison to February 2020, UK property prices are now 20% higher – meaning sellers can now achieve up to £44,138 more for their property than they could before the pandemic. *

With market activity remaining robust, demand for properties still high, and mortgage approvals running above pre-pandemic levels, it is safe to say this combination is creating a great market for sellers.

Have you been thinking of selling this spring? Book your valuation with us today.

*Property Reporter

Now could be a great time to become a first-time landlord

If you have ever considered building a property portfolio as a landlord, now could be a great time to start your journey.

Information from a market-leading property portal indicates rents have risen at the fastest rate on record, and tenant demand has almost doubled. At a time when interest rates on traditional savings accounts are low, many believe it is a good time to invest in the property market. *

Lenders are evidently committed to supporting prospective landlords. A recent report from a popular money comparison site revealed there are currently 2,235 mortgage products on offer to first-time landlords, an increase of more than 70% than the same time last year.

A huge 64% of available buy-to-let mortgage products are catering to first-time investors and rates are attractive, allowing landlords to protect themselves against future rate rises by locking into a good deal with a fixed-rate mortgage. The average two-year fixed rate mortgage for a first-time landlord is currently 3.19%, rising to 3.47% for a five-year fixed product.

If you would like to explore buy-to-let properties and mortgage products which could lay the foundations for your property portfolio, call us today and talk to one of our team members.

*Property Reporter

Room upgrades to increase your home's value

Most people naturally think of major, expensive projects like a conservatory or an extra bedroom when it comes to increasing the value of their property.

While this will likely increase the value of your home, in some circumstances, repurposing an existing room rather than building a new one can be far more cost-effective.

Incorporate a kitchen island

A kitchen island might be worth its weight in gold if you have the space for one. It will not only provide more seating but also additional storage space for pots, pans, and appliances. You can never have enough cupboard space!

Include an en-suite bathroom

Even though en-suite bathrooms are more common than they used to be, they still have a sense of exclusivity. Even though they are one of the most expensive renovations, they may be a highly valuable investment when it comes to selling your home.

Include a walk-in wardrobe

If you have sufficient space, a walk-in wardrobe is a great way to add value to your main bedroom. It also gives your home a sense of elegance and individuality, which can help it stand out when it’s time to sell.

A loft conversion

This is likely the most expensive option on the list, but it could provide your home with the largest value bump. Repurposing an existing space to make it more useful will certainly increase the value of your home and converting the attic to make an extra room is a great example of this.

For more help on increasing your home’s value, contact our team.