Blog

Details

Published: 23 January 2021

Hits: 9337

Homes are taking longer to sell at the moment because of delays in the process, with our latest data showing there are a massive 613,000 properties trying to reach completion.

The temporary stamp duty holiday that came on 8^th July last year is due to end on 31^st March, so we’ve put together some advice if you’re just starting out or if you’re in the middle of a move right now.

How long is the process taking?

The latest study from our data analysts shows that it is now taking 126 days from the time an offer is accepted until legal completion, which is just over four months.

If you’ve just put your home on the market, the average time from advertising a home until it has an offer is accepted is 57 days, so on average the total process is around 26 weeks.

But remember these are averages, and it will depend on a number of things such as if you’re a cash buyer and so can move more quickly, if you’re in a chain, and how long your local searches will take.

If you’re starting out the year looking for a home, we’d advise that you don’t factor in any stamp duty savings from the temporary holiday, unless you’re a first-time buyer and are buying a home for £300,000 or less.

What if I’ve already factored in stamp duty savings?

We estimate that based on the current situation, around 100,000 sales going through are going to miss out on the stamp duty savings.

If you think you’re in danger of falling into this group, speak early to your estate agent and ask for their advice on making sure the sale doesn’t fall through, as it may be possible to re-negotiate with the seller.

Is the market busy?

The good news for sellers is that buyer activity is even higher than it was a year ago, and last January was particularly strong because the market had some post-election certainty of a majority government.

Many people have reassessed their housing priorities following their experience of lockdown, and with another long lockdown upon us, there are early signs that we are surpassing 2020’s new-year surge in activity.

The number of prospective buyers contacting agents between 2nd and 12th January was up by 12% and sales agreed numbers were up by 9% on the comparable period last year.

Visits to our site have also continued to increase since the start of January, and are up by 33% on the same period in 2020.

Will things change when the stamp duty holiday ends?

We anticipate a slower second quarter once the stamp duty holiday is over, but it should also be remembered that the surge in buyer demand after the first lockdown in 2020 was initially driven by movers’ changed housing needs.

This means that the momentum we saw last year actually started a couple of months before the July introduction of the stamp duty holiday.

The combination of the two resulted in an amazing recovery in 2020 activity despite the pandemic, with the number of sales agreed up by 10% compared to the whole of 2019.

The stamp duty holiday has undoubtedly added extra momentum to the market, but all regions have seen far greater average price increases than the average savings in stamp duty.

To read the full article click here

Details

Published: 16 December 2020

Hits: 41087

NatWest is relaunching a range of 90% LTV residential mortgage products for both first-time buyers and existing homeowners.

From December 16th, the bank will be reintroducing four 90% LTV products across its NatWest and Royal Bank brands.

Gary Sutherland, head of mortgages and protection at NatWest, said: “We are committed to helping people through the home buying journey, whether that’s customers moving house or taking their first step on to the property ladder.

"For first-time buyers, raising a deposit is still the biggest challenge. By reintroducing our 90% offering, we are pleased to be able to expand our support for the market to include both home movers and first-time buyers, making it easier to take their first step onto the housing ladder.”

Contact your local Mayfair branch for a free property valuation and an independent mortgage appraisal.

Details

Published: 01 October 2020

Hits: 3922

Our Clifton office are thrilled to have won gold for Letting Agent of the Year at the British Property Awards!

Well done to the team for all their hard work, well deserved. Contact Frankie & Chloe with any questions related to the lettings department on 0117 9064050.

Details

Published: 24 September 2020

Hits: 2384

We want to continue to keep our clients up to date with safety measures that are in place throughout the company.

In relation to viewings, initially a virtual viewing needs to be available online and if further interest is shown in the property, a viewing in person can go ahead, subject to strict protocols. Health and safety forms will need to be completed before an appointment by every client to ensure specific COVID-19 related questions are being asked and subject to sufficient answers, an appointment can take place.