Our exciting new office refurb...and more!

Take a sneaky peak below, at our refurbishment happening NOW at our Storrington office! Lots of people to mention and thank, which we will do when we unveil our new office design to our customers very soon. If you're passing, you'll see it taking shape and our team are still working there and available to meet with you - business as usual!

What is the outlook for the housing market?

Compared to this time last year, the value of homes being sold in the UK has practically doubled in the first 15 weeks.

During this period, around £149 billion pounds worth of property transactions have taken place, with industry sources predicting this to climb even higher for the rest of 2021.*

How busy is the housing market to date?

Intense activity has led to there not being enough available homes on the market to keep up with demand, with supply in April nearly 30% below the levels recorded in 2017 and 2019.

How has this affected house prices?

Annual house price growth was at 4% in March, nearly double the 2.1% recorded for the same period last year.

The greatest increases have been seen in the northern regions, in particular: Manchester and Liverpool at 6.5% and 6.3%, closely followed by Leeds, Nottingham and Sheffield with a 5% increase.

However, in London – which is the region with the highest average house price – annual growth was only 2%.

What could this mean for you?

With the search for space remaining a top priority, three and four-bedroom homes are in high demand, with many being sold over their asking price.

This means that homeowners selling a family home have been in a prime position to receive offers in record time, often leading to a shortage of choice for those still looking to buy.

Are you on the lookout for a new property, or just curious to see how much your home could be worth?

Get in touch with a member of our team who will be happy to assist you further.

*Zoopla

Considering selling or renting...?

We know what will sell your home and have first-hand knowledge of the unique selling points of each area.
From our first visit through to valuation, viewings and then on to completion we're there to take you through every step of the process.
With more referrals and repeat business than ever before, our customer's positive experience speaks for itself.
We won't waste your time or anyone else's showing the wrong properties to the wrong buyers.
We'll make sure that every viewing is genuinely a potential sale.

Click here to read Considering selling or renting...?.

Five in-demand factors buyers are now looking for

Working and spending more time at home has caused significant changes to people’s property needs.

More than a quarter of the UK’s renters and homeowners (26%) have found that their property needs have changed since the outbreak of COVID-19.*

What are the key changes likely to stay on the priority list now restrictions are easing?

Gardens

Lockdown has caused a general desire for more space, meaning that many of us are seeking homes near public gardens or green areas.

Unsurprisingly, the demand for gardens has also increased by 74% worldwide, with UK buyers making it a top property feature to look out for.

Accessible Wi-Fi

Zoom and facetime have become the key to keeping in touch with loved ones, as well as playing an important role in remote working practices.

This means that having fast internet is essential for those looking to buy.

Natural lighting

Being confined to our homes throughout lockdown has given people a craving to create open, natural spaces inside.

Velux windows have increased in popularity due to the natural light and improved air quality they provide, whilst high ceilings also give a sense of greater space, and have seen higher search volumes of 15% over the pandemic.*

Home gyms

Lockdown has encouraged people to become more active in their spare time by taking up running and cycling where gyms have otherwise been forced to close.

Whilst sporting and leisure facilities have now opened up again, there's still a hesitancy from some previous members about when it is safe to return, making a home gym a staple feature of any home to attract attention from buyers.

Views

Having beautiful views is a big selling point, with balconies also increasingly more desirable now.

If you've been holding off on your next move, we'd like to extend our support. Contact us today.

*Wayhome

Rental growth soars outside of London

Cities outside of the capital have witnessed a mixture of strong rental growth, high tenant demand and profitable yields, with expectations this will continue to benefit the lettings market over summer.

Earlier this year, rent prices increased by 3%, standing at an average of £780 per month.

According to Zoopla, rents are surging at an extraordinary rate amid high levels of interest, paired with the shortage of homes available to rent.

The North East saw a 5.5% increase in the first quarter of this year compared to the same time last year. However, despite this increase in rental prices, the region remains one of the most affordable rental markets in the country, with an average monthly rent of £559.

Other regions with the highest rental increase include the South West with a 5.3% increase, 4.8% in the East Midlands and 3.8% in Wales; a 10-year high for all three regions.

In London, rents are at a similar level as seen seven years ago at an average of £1,554 a month. However, there are signs that things could change very soon.

What are your options as a landlord?

Demand for homes to rent is now 59% higher than normal levels, as tenants look to rent ahead of their next move.

With supply unable to match demand, you could be in a good position to let your property quickly, as well as securing a higher rent than you have previously achieved.

Browse our latest buy-to-let properties or contact us for a valuation.