Tag: Petersfield

Are House Prices Finally Slowing Down?

Posted on by colin_williams

Information contained in the Land Registry House Price Index indicates the average price of property, as of March 2022, stood at £278,436.

While there was a 9.8% annual increase, there was a slowing down in the rate of growth from the 11.3% recorded in February of this year.

This is the first time there has been a slowdown in the growth of house prices since December of last year. In a challenging market, people are looking for any sign of change, and inevitably, some people are pointing out this could signal as a sea change in the property market.

We are not as convinced about this as others, but it is worth noting, and looking at in more details.

Will the market change soon?

There will be many people sitting on the side-lines of the housing market right now. If you would prefer different market conditions before making a move, you’ll be looking for signs of change.

Jeremy Leaf, a former RICS residential chairman, said: “Although this is the most comprehensive of all the UK’s housing market surveys, it is a little historic. Nevertheless, the figures interestingly highlight the beginning of the change in the supply/demand balance.   Rising interest rates and inflation contributing to a drop in real incomes is resulting in a reduction in quantity, if not quality, of enquiries. We don’t expect property prices to fall noticeably anytime soon while the huge shortage of stock in some price ranges and locations remains, particularly as so many are still on fixed-rate mortgages or do not need to arrange finance.”

While there are many reasons why property prices might fall, the fact is as long as supply outstrips demand, it is likely property prices will remain high, and continue to rise. There will be fluctuations in the marketplace, but anyone hoping for a swift change might find this doesn’t happen as quickly as they would like.

How are house prices faring in Petersfield?

It is always helpful to consider house prices in the local area. According to Rightmove, house prices in Petersfield are faring as follows;

“Properties in Petersfield had an overall average price of £467,538 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Petersfield during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £402,904. Detached properties sold for an average of £759,404, with flats fetching £256,185.

Overall, sold prices in Petersfield over the last year were 3% down on the previous year and 5% up on the 2019 peak of £445,153.”

As you can see, locally, property prices are 3% down on the past year, which stands against the national trend.

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Petersfield Offers Value For Money In Housing Market

Posted on by colin_williams

There is no getting away from the fact that value for money is essential when it comes to big buying decisions. As buying decisions don’t come much bigger than buying a home, this is something people need to consider.

At Williams of Petersfield, we know the local housing market well, and we stay in touch with what is happening across the country.

This ensures we provide you with the best standard of service when it comes to whatever move you wish to make in the property market.

House prices continuing to rise across the country

The February data from the UK House Price Index for February 2022 indicates that on average, property prices rose by 0.5% in the month between January 2022 and February 2022. The annual increase of 10.9% means the average property in the United Kingdom holds a value of £276,755.

For the English property market, there was an increase of 0.9% in the average house of prices between January 2022 and February 2022. The annual price increase in England of 10.7%, is just less than the UK increase. The average property value in England stands at £295,888; which is greater than the average property value across the United Kingdom.

According to the UK House Price Index for February 2022, the average price of property in the South East of England stands at £380,528. This presents a 12% increase on the February 2021 figure, but a 0.3% fall on the January 2022 figure.

Average property price by type across England

  • Detached properties hold an average price of £469,095 representing an annual increase of 14.4%
  • Semi-detached properties hold an average price of £281,313 representing an annual increase of 11.3%
  • Terraced properties hold an average price of £238,145 representing an annual increase of 8.7%
  • Flat/maisonette properties hold an average price of £250,047 representing an annual increase of 7.8%

How is the Petersfield housing market faring?

According to Zoopla, the breakdown of property type prices in Petersfield is as follows:

  • Detached: £886,665
  • Semi-detached: £472,786
  • Terraced: £427,555
  • Flats: £263,436

In the past 12 months, the same source says there have been 254 property sales in Petersfield, and that the average sold price is £575,783.

For all the property types, the average sales price in Petersfield is higher than the UK average. This isn’t a bad thing, there are many different buyers looking for property, and we believe the Petersfield housing market offers considerable value for money.

If you are looking for guidance in the Petersfield property market, or for property in surrounding areas, we are more than happy to assist you.

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Property Prices Keep Rising

Posted on by colin_williams

As we make our way into 2022, it looks as though house prices are continuing to rise. This is something we have seen for ourselves at Williams of Petersfield, and it is apparent in the latest figures from a trusted source in the housing sector.

Latest ONS figures for English property market

According to figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), average property prices in the United Kingdom, and for England, reached record levels in December 2021. The average price of property at the end of last year was £275,000. This was a record level, and it rose by £27,000 across the year.

For the UK as a whole, residential property price increased by 10.8% over the year to December 2021. For November 2021, the increase was 10.7%

In England, there was an increase of 10.7% for property prices for the year to December 2021. This is an increase on the 10.5% rise which occurred for the year to November 2021. Average house prices in England stood at £293,000 at the end of 2021.

What is happening in Petersfield housing market?

According to Rightmove, as of the end of February 2022, the Petersfield housing market is as follows;

“Properties in Petersfield had an overall average price of £510,827 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Petersfield during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £783,004. Terraced properties sold for an average of £389,643, with semi-detached properties fetching £471,309.

Overall, sold prices in Petersfield over the last year were 14% up on the previous year and 15% up on the 2019 peak of £445,153.”

What are industry experts saying?

Jason Tebb, CEO of OnTheMarket, said: “Although this index is somewhat historic, it confirms what the market was witnessing as the year drew to an end – high levels of demand from buyers, combined with limited stock, further pushing up prices. If more interest now is how the housing market is faring as we head towards what is traditionally the busy spring period. While instruction numbers are increasing, the number of available properties is still some way short of meeting pent-up buyer demand. Sellers coming to market now may well find considerable competition for their home from the many motivated buyers keen to move and take advantage of competitive mortgage deals.”

Chris Hodgkinson, is the managing director of property investment specialists HBB Solutions, and he said: “We’re yet to see a let up in the torrential downpour of homebuyer demand that has washed over the property market pretty much since the start of the pandemic. As a result, those looking to sell are achieving a very good price which is driving property values ever higher. Current market conditions are so strong that even when transactions are falling through, sellers are securing another buyer immediately and for a higher price than they had agreed during their original sale. This won’t last forever though and those entering the market this year should tread with a little more caution. Although demand levels are likely to remain robust, buyers will start to feel the pinch caused by an increase in both the cost of living and borrowing. So sellers who persist with unrealistic asking price expectations will struggle to see them met.”

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Petersfield Homes And Energy Efficiency

Posted on by colin_williams

In winter, there is a lot to think about with respect to your home, but it is easy to see why so many people are interested in heating and energy.

At Williams of Petersfield, we are interested in the increasing focus on energy efficiency for homes, and we believe this is something that will become more prominent in the property market.

South East performing well with respect to energy efficiency

The South East of England ranked joint-second in the list of Median energy efficiency score for English regions and Wales, up to March 2021. This was with a score of 67, which was only bettered by London.

According to Government figures, “The median energy efficiency score for dwellings in England was 66 and 64 in Wales for all records up to March 2021, which is equivalent to band D.” This information was taken from the Government’s website: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/housing/articles/energyefficiencyofhousinginenglandandwales/2021

What makes a property energy efficient?

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) lists the most significant factors for a property’s energy efficiency are:

  • The age of the property
  • The type of fuel used in the property
  • The property type

It shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that homes built since 2012 in England and Wales are likely to be far more energy efficient compared to older property.

These homes are commonly classed as having the highest energy efficiency rating, while just 12% of assessed homes which were built before 1900 in England hold this classification.

Only 42% of assessed property in England holds an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of at least a C. This means close to 60% of all assessed homes will fall below the expected standard, which is a huge concern for the lettings sector.

What do the experts say?

Propertymark’s policy and campaigns manager Timothy Douglas says: “The UK government must take these findings seriously and understand the huge challenge that many landlords face to upgrade property which introduces a real risk of many exiting the sector. To navigate this, they must provide funding and support based on much broader considerations.”

The ONS says: “Controlling for other factors, the age of a dwelling has the biggest impact on its energy efficiency, with newer homes much more likely than older homes to have an EPC rating of C or above. To understand the biggest influences on a home’s energy efficiency, we have used a logistic regression model to assess the impact of different characteristics in isolation (or controlling for other variables). The data used in this analysis only covers homes for which an EPC exists, and therefore doesn’t reflect the entire housing stock.”

The ONS also said; “Newer homes are the most likely to be energy efficient. Almost all dwellings in England and Wales built since 2012 have an EPC rating of C or above, and as such the odds of a house of this age having a high rating are extremely high compared with houses built earlier. Homes built before 1900 were the least likely to have a high efficiency rating.”

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Is Petersfield Good For First Time Buyers?

Posted on by colin_williams

At Williams of Petersfield, we stay in touch with the local housing market (and national market), helping people make their next move. If you are looking for guidance or assistance on any property matter, get in touch, and we will be glad to help.

This is a boom time for first-time buyers, and it is natural for people to question if Petersfield is good for first-time buyers.

How is the market looking for first-time buyers?

According to the Yorkshire Building Society (YBS), there were more than 400,000 first-time buyers in 2021. This is the first time this figure has been breached since the Great Financial Crisis. It is estimated there were 408,379 first-time buyer instructions in 2021. This represents a 35% increase on the 2020 figures, which stood at 303,000.

First-time buyers make up 50% of all property purchases with a mortgage. Back in 2007, these buyers only represented 36% in the overall mortgage market.

The last notable peak with respect to first-time buyers was 2002, and this year saw 531,800 people make their way on to the property ladder. In 2006, there were 400,900 first-time buyers in the market.

After the financial crisis, first-time buyer numbers were around 200,000 (between 2008 and 2012), so the current numbers are around double what they were during that challenging time.

Is Petersfield suitable for first-time buyers?

While the average price of property in Petersfield is higher than what many first-time buyers are looking to pay, it should be remembered that many different sorts of people, from various backgrounds, are classed as first-time buyers.

With Rightmove saying properties in Petersfield had an overall average price of £509,886 over the last year, as of the end of January 2022, this is a higher price than many people would look to pay. However, first-time buyers with support from family members or who have been a success in business or life, might find this area to be perfect when stepping onto the property ladder.

Also, in our dealings in the local area, we have worked with many first-time buyers, so we know there is demand from this group.

This is a good thing, even if you aren’t a first-time buyer yourself. Having new buyers enter the market ensures the cycle keeps moving, and if you’re a homeowner looking to sell your home, it might be that a first-time buyer is your ideal buyer.

What are key factors in the current level of demand for homes?

When it comes to understanding why there is a greater level of demand for property right now, the following factors are all prevalent:

  • Unemployment figures which are falling
  • Borrowing is affordable for many people
  • There is a strong range of affordable mortgage deals with low deposits

What is the average cost of a home for a first-time buyer?

The most recent figures, for October 2021, state the average price of a first-time buyer’s home is £222,997. This represents a 9% increase in the figure from October 2020.

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Is Petersfield A Good Place To Live?

Posted on by colin_williams

At Williams of Petersfield, we are likely to be biased, but we believe Petersfield is a good place to live. If you are thinking about moving in 2022, and you are keen to find a place where you can settle down, this is one of the options you should consider.

What does Petersfield have to offer?

Given that Petersfield is regularly listed as one of the best places to live in the UK, including in the renowned Sunday Times guide, it is no surprise that a lot of people are attracted to the area.

There are many reasons why this location is such a great choice but the regularly markets, the array of independent and boutique stores, and the wide range of events hosted in the town all add up to making a place where people feel safe and happy to stay.

Even during the trying times of the past couple of years, the community spirit of Petersfield has shone through, making this an ideal destination for buyers looking for a brilliant place to settle down.

Also, when you consider the events of the past couple of years, it is easy to see that many people are looking to live in a place with plenty of outdoor space close to home. With this in mind, the impact of Petersfield Heath cannot be overstated. With 69-acres of greenery located so close to the centre of Petersfield, you can enjoy all the open space you desire here!

How is the Petersfield housing market faring in 2022?

According to Rightmove, as we enter 2022, the Petersfield housing market is faring as follows;

“Properties in Petersfield had an overall average price of £509,939 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Petersfield during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £753,499. Terraced properties sold for an average of £370,545, with semi-detached properties fetching £483,978.

Overall, sold prices in Petersfield over the last year were 19% up on the previous year and 17% up on the 2018 peak of £436,809.”

The figures stated above indicate there has been a significant increase in house prices in Petersfield in the past year. While the numbers are genuine, there are many reasons as to why these figures are what they are.

The previous year was a slow moving one for most of the market, and it is no surprise that the market grew sharply. Also, with the Petersfield housing market being a modest one, sometimes a few outliers can have a massive impact on the property market.

Also, with demand outstripping the level of supply in the housing market, it is no surprise that sold prices have increased. This has been the case in many parts of the country.

If you are looking to sell your Petersfield home, please get in touch with Williams of Petersfield, and we will be more than happy to represent you. We are pleased to say we have assisted many vendors in connecting with buyers, and we look forward to assisting you in 2022, and beyond.

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 property market needs

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Make Informed Choices In Housing Market

Posted on by colin_williams

You can look at many pieces of information to tell you how the market is faring, but property prices and mortgage approvals tell you a lot. This is something we know and care about at Williams of Petersfield, and we are on hand to ensure you make informed decisions when it comes to the housing market.

If you are looking to make a move and need any assistance, please get in touch, and we will be happy to help.

Stay in touch with Petersfield house prices

According to Rightmove, as of the end of September 2021, the average price paid for property in Petersfield is as follows;

“Properties in Petersfield had an overall average price of £506,837 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Petersfield during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £724,455. Terraced properties sold for an average of £368,305, with semi-detached properties fetching £461,730.

Overall, sold prices in Petersfield over the last year were 17% up on the previous year and 16% up on the 2018 peak of £436,809.”

Mortgage lending has been high this year

Information provided by the Bank of England show £89bn of mortgage lending was approved between April and June 2021. This is the highest amount since 2007.

The majority of mortgage applications were made by people intending to live in the property, with at least 66.4% of applicants stating this.

Breaking this group down uncovers:

  • 24.7% as first-time buyers, which represents a 6.5% increase from a year ago and a 2.8% rise since the beginning of 2021
  • Home-movers rose to 41.7%, a rise of 18.3% on the previous year
  • Buy-to-let mortgages account for 11.3% of mortgage approvals, a fall of 3.1% from a year before

However, some names in the mortgage sector believe this positive activity might not last for too long.

Mark Gilliver, business Development director at mortgage software provider the Target Group, said: “Throughout the pandemic, the mortgage market has been in a state of fluctuation, initially seeing a drop in demand during the first lockdown, but then experiencing a boom in demand thanks to the stamp duty holiday initiative.”

Mark also said; “This in itself has led to heightened demand and therefore an increase in prices, forcing many to take out larger mortgages. Whilst some were able to build deposit nest eggs thanks to reduced outgoings, quarter two saw a boom in demand, as homebuyers looked to escape a costly tax bill.”

Mark Gilliver concluded by saying; “However, the Q2 results could be seen as outliers, as we are unlikely to see such a rush again for a while. With inflationary pressures and the threat of increased interest rates not far off, the next quarter could well tell a very different story. This could be a sign that the phase of bigger mortgages is on its way out now that the UK has reopened and spending on non-essentials items is reintroduced into the public’s budgets.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

95 Percent Mortgage Guarantee Scheme Launched

Posted on by colin_williams

For many buyers, the hardest aspect of buying property is saving for the deposit. This is why the 95% mortgage guarantee scheme, which is now in effect, will be of benefit and interest to many prospective buyers.

At Williams of Petersfield, we work closely with many people in the local area. We know there is considerable demand for property right now, and we can help.

The criteria of the scheme is based on:

  • Buyers can purchase property valued up to £600,000 with a 5% deposit
  • The scheme is open to first-time buyers, and existing homeowners
  • The scheme is not limited to new-build property, it can be used on all manner of property
  • The scheme aims to help buyers by incentivising lenders to provide more affordable mortgages to more buyers

Can buyers in Petersfield benefit from the mortgage guarantee scheme?

With the £600,000 threshold in mind, it is helpful to be reminded of the average price of property in Petersfield.

According to Rightmove, as of the end of April 2021, the Petersfield housing market can be described as follows:

“Properties in Petersfield had an overall average price of £463,407 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Petersfield during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £660,352. Terraced properties sold for an average of £358,202, with semi-detached properties fetching £458,345.

Overall, sold prices in Petersfield over the last year were 5% up on the previous year and 6% up on the 2018 peak of £436,809.”

As can be seen, the average price of detached properties, the most commonly sold property type in Petersfield, is above the threshold, but the average price of all properties is below. So, if you are looking to buy a home in Petersfield, and you require assistance in saving for the deposit, help is likely to be available.

Robert Jenrick, Housing Secretary, comments: “For too many people, no matter how hard they work, homeownership can seem out of reach. One of the biggest divides in our country has been between those who can afford their own home and those who cannot. That’s why we are determined to do everything we can to help hard-working families and prospective first-time buyers get their feet on the housing ladder in an easy and affordable way, to level up this country. The new mortgage guarantee scheme which comes into effect today will give providers the confidence to lend and help families and young people get on the property ladder without the prohibitive burden of a large deposit.”

This measure should help buyers

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of property data, says: “The new mortgage scheme could help some first-time buyers bring their plans forward if they have a lower deposit but are still able to pass the affordability checks, and will be welcomed by those who last year we’re struggling to come up with a 15 or 20% deposit. Although the number of new properties coming to the market is improving, it’s still nowhere near enough to satisfy the buyer demand that is already at record levels, and so more people choosing to trade up will be vital to open up more choice at the start of the property ladder.”

Tim Bannister also said; “The combination of not enough stock and high demand will help underpin prices, and over the past five years asking prices of a typical first-time buyer home have already increased by £23,000 on average, so those who can now afford to buy a home will be trying to make the move quickly in case prices rise further.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Rental Market Boom In Places Like Petersfield

Posted on by colin_williams

Relevancy is crucial when it comes to property and lettings market news. You often find there is a story relating to good news about the property market, but it only refers to certain places, or places which have a certain type of housing.

In recent years, the London housing market dominated the media, and it seemed as though every story related to the capital, and wasn’t relevant to the rest of the country.

Things have changed in the past year, and there is no denying that people are looking away from London with greater intent these days.

Petersfield has a great deal to offer

It is not as though Petersfield is the number one place people think of when it comes to commuting to and from London. Even nowadays, with commuting less common, there are other places that buyers gravitate towards.

However, the train journey between Petersfield and Waterloo Station isn’t that much longer than an hour. Also, if you only have to commute a few times per month, these trips will be more than manageable.

Rural settings are fantastic

A lot has been said about buyers looking outside of big cities, and setting up in rural settings. The same can be said for tenants. There is a great deal to be said for living in the countryside, and enjoying a more sedate pace of life.

We believe Petersfield has a lot to offer, and is the ideal base, even for people who still work in the heart of London. We also know that we are not alone in this thought.

We have spoken with many would-be buyers and tenants of late, and we know this area appeals. We also stay in touch with the latest reviews and studies, and we know areas like Petersfield are in huge demand right now.

Some key findings of the recent study include:

  • Rents outside of London have risen by 8% in the past year
  • Average rents in Inner London have fallen 17.7% when looking at the year-on-year figures
  • The increase in rents (of newly let properties) outside of London is the biggest since these records began in 2012
  • In Outer London, rents rose by 5.3%
  • In the South East of England, rents grew by 10.6%

In a separate study carried out by Zoopla, the time taken to let a property has fallen by 30% compared to this time last year.

Stuart Williams, Director of Thirlmere Deacon, commented: “Investors who have been closely monitoring market movements will recognise that there’s been a shift in tenant preferences and an increased demand for properties located in commuter towns. Our new development is an ideal opportunity for those seeking to secure a buy-to-let property in an established commuter location. Through thoughtful planning, the conversion makes the very most of the available space to create unique, modern and spacious apartments finished with high-quality fixtures and fittings. In addition to the in-apartment features, the development offers excellent facilities including secure bike storage, additional storage facilities, lift access, daytime concierge and allocated parking spaces (available to purchase).”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

Will Petersfield Buyers Benefit From Small Mortgage Guarantee Scheme?

Posted on by colin_williams

While the extension of the stamp duty holiday was the headline issue for property matters in the March 2021 Budget, it wasn’t the only measure announced. One of the biggest problems for property buyers is saving for a deposit.

The small deposit mortgage guarantee is great news for buyers who have been struggling, and hopefully, many prospective buyers will find assistance here. Also, existing homeowners who have found their attempts to move thwarted by the required budget will benefit too.

Will small deposit mortgage guarantee change this process for first-time buyers?

If you are interested in the small mortgage guarantee scheme, you should check if you can buy a property under the scheme. There is a threshold of £600,000; and to be eligible for the scheme, the property you buy must be priced no higher than this level.

As of the end of March 2021, Rightmove says the following about the Petersfield housing market:

“Properties in Petersfield had an overall average price of £428,729 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Petersfield during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £353,247. Detached properties sold for an average of £622,206, with flats fetching £225,461.

Overall, sold prices in Petersfield over the last year were 4% down on the previous year and 2% down on the 2018 peak of £436,809.”

Andrew Harvey, chief economist at Nationwide, said: “We have seen a significant widening in the gap between the least affordable and most affordable regions. London has been the least affordable region for most of the past 40 years – the house price to earnings ratio in the capital reached a record high in 2016 of 10.2 and remained elevated at 9.2 at the end of 2020. Scotland currently has the lowest house price to earnings ratio at 3.2, closely followed by the North at 3.3. Looking over the longer term, Northern England and Scotland have historically seen lower house price to earnings ratios than Southern England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

There is support for property buyers

Andrew Asaam, mortgages director at Halifax, said: “We know that lockdown restrictions have made it more practically challenging for those buying and selling, but the stamp duty holiday has helped drive record levels of mortgage approvals as those held back by lockdown race to make savings. Raising a deposit is still the biggest struggle for those looking to take their first step on to the property ladder. We know that first-time buyers will benefit from steps that make a deposit more attainable and we’re committed to lending £10 billion to help people buy their first home this year.”

Zoopla’s head of research, Gráinne Gilmor spoke about first-time buyers returning to the market. Gráinne said; “Our data suggests that first-time buyers are returning to the housing market. The level of interest from people looking to step onto the housing ladder was up 5% in the first six weeks of this year compared with the last three months of 2020. We’ve also seen a 18% increase in the number of sales agreed on homes worth between £100,000 and £250,000, a price band typically associated with first-time buyers, in the first seven weeks of this year.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

 

Petersfield Property Owners – Declutter And Sell In 2021

Posted on by colin_williams

With 2021 starting with another lockdown, it is likely many people have spent a lot of time at home. If you are looking for an activity or project to fill your time while at home, have you considered decluttering your home?

Spring cleaning time is fast approaching, and this is an ideal opportunity to transform your home. There is a great deal to be said for freshening up your home, and if you are looking to create more space, this is a hugely effective practice.

Of course, at Williams of Petersfield, we believe the decluttering process is crucial when it comes to selling your home.

Decluttering your home before listing it for sale delivers the following benefits:

  • Your home will look larger, which should make it more attractive to prospective buyers
  • The process adds perceived value to your property
  • A decluttered home offers fewer distractions to prospective buyers
  • A decluttered property helps prospective buyers imagine themselves in the home

All homeowners can benefit from decluttering

However, you don’t need to be in the process of selling your home to benefit from the decluttering process.

A study in 2019 asked people what motivates them to declutter their home, and give their house a spring clean. The following answers were recorded:

  • To reduce stress or act as a mood booster – cited by 35%
  • To create a minimalism style at home or to help build sustainability – cited by 21%
  • More space was needed around the home – said by 19%
  • To refresh the property for the spring season – listed by 12%
  • To increase productivity – named by 6%
  • To find and then sell unused items – cited by 6%

Decluttering might change your shopping behaviour

If you are looking to change your shopping behaviour, you might find decluttering is of benefit to you.

The same study also uncovered people’s thoughts on their shopping habits after the decluttering process:

  • 5% of respondents said they stopped shopping after decluttering their home
  • 34% of respondents said they shopped less often after decluttering their property
  • 30% said they shopped more mindfully after decluttering their house
  • 30% said there was no change to their shopping behaviour after decluttering their home
  • 1% of respondents said they shop more now after having decluttered their property

Lizzie Grant, is the founder of organisation site Declutter on Demand and self-proclaimed professional organiser. She spoke about decluttering as a great way to start the New Year or start a spring clean.

Lizzie spoke to the Independent, saying; “A wardrobe is a good place for many to start as it’s sometimes easier to pull out things to get rid of that are too tight or old. Make sure you sort them into piles and put into bags straight away. Create a ‘keep’ pile, one to donate (or sell) and then a recycling one for old clothes. Stick to this so that you don’t fall into the trap of deliberating and dithering over times.”

Lizzie also recommends tackling your ‘junk drawer’, saying; “Let’s be honest, everyone has one where items that don’t have an official home get shoved. Try getting everything out and throwing away things that are no longer useful to create a ‘useful drawer’ instead.”

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.