Landlords Feeling Optimistic For 2019

You would forgive some landlords for not feeling optimistic about the condition of the rental and lettings market. In recent times, the Government has imposed many new regulations and challenges on landlords, and there has been anecdotal evidence of many lettings professionals deciding it is time to leave the market. Thankfully, a recent study suggests otherwise, and it looks as though there are many landlords feeling optimistic for 2019. Continue reading “Landlords Feeling Optimistic For 2019”

Keen To Sell in 2019? Find Your Ideal Agent

With the clocks being changed and the weather taking a turn for the worse, we are moving towards the end of the year. There is still a lot of time to make the most of 2018 but it may be that your focus has switched to one that will help you sell in 2019 and doing your very best in that year. Continue reading “Keen To Sell in 2019? Find Your Ideal Agent”

Calls For Stamp Duty To Be Changed To Aid Downsizers

There are many opinions on what can be done to improve the UK property market and a growing amount of attention is falling on the significance of the elderly in the market. The UK has an ageing population, and as well as the economy and the healthcare sector, the fact that people are living for longer creates pressures in the property market.

It transpires that many people over the age of 65 would be keen to downsize from their current property to a smaller property but are struggling to find suitable or affordable property. One suggestion that has been floated is that stamp duty could be removed for elderly people downsizing into a smaller property.

In recent years, stamp duty has been amended to impact on landlords and investors buying additional property and for first-time buyers looking to step on to the property ladder. It is therefore not out of the question to consider that stamp duty changes may be applied to elderly people.

There needs to be movement in the market

If elderly people can downsize their property, paying a more affordable fee to buy a suitable property, there could be a greater amount of property on the market for people looking for a bigger home. In turn, if people can move up in the property market, the home that they leave behind can be used to welcome first-time buyers or downsizers. This would stimulate movement and spending in the property market, hopefully benefitting the market and allowing more people to buy the property that best suits their needs.

A recent study by an equity release adviser suggests that 63% of estate agents believe that the removal of stamp duty for property buyers making their final purchase would be a sensible move. The same study found that 32% of property owners classed as elderly state that stamp duty is a barrier to their movement.

Other solutions must be introduced to aid market movement

However, it is important to be aware that while close to one-third of relevant respondents suggested that the current stamp duty charge for elderly movers is a barrier, it isn’t the only barrier to movement. It may be that the removal of stamp duty for elderly homeowners moving creates some movement in the market but not as much as would be hoped for.

Petersfield landlords

Given the number of challenges in the property market, it would be wrong to assume that one new feature or solution would solve every problem in the market. However, there is a need for a range of solutions to be introduced to the market and there is no denying that adjusting stamp duty could lead to a more positive outcome in the market if other solutions are unveiled alongside this decision.

No matter what your position in the property market is, if you are looking for support and guidance with your next move, contact Williams of Petersfield. We are pleased to say we have helped many local clients move home and we look forward to assisting you.

Petersfield Vendors – Here’s What Buyers Want To See

Selling your home is far from easy, even when you have help from specialists, but there are ways in which you can make the process an awful lot easier. At Williams of Petersfield, we are delighted to say that we have helped many Petersfield vendors sell their property, and a large part of this success is down to the fact that we know what buyers want to see when they are looking for a home.

Each buyer is unique, and it is likely that they will have their own personal tastes and requirements but in general, there are some things that most buyers want to see. If you were to sit down and think about the things that you want to see when looking for a home, you’ll find most of these items crop up, and there is a common-sense approach to be made when presenting a home to prospective buyers.

Warmth and comfort are hugely important for buyers, so there is no surprise at the fact that central heating and double glazing are priorities for prospective buyers. If your property doesn’t have these in place, it is worth making an investment, but if you do have these elements at home, there are still ways in which you can improve the warmth and comfort of your home.

Improving the insulation at your home is always great news for buyers

Cavity wall insulation is a sensible solution for homeowners looking to retain heat, lower their energy bills and make their home a more environmentally friendly place. If you have this in place or would like an option, upgrading to a smart energy device makes sense. These devices allow you to remain in control of your heating and you see what you are spending.

You’ll find that these devices lead to a reduction in energy usage, saving money and aiding the environment, which a prospective buyer is always going to hold an interest in.

Another priority for buyers is security. With doors and windows being the most common point of entry in a break-in, you want to ensure that these points are robust and dependable. It may not cost a lot of money to improve the security of these features, but you’ll find that it is a worthwhile investment, offering peace of mind to a prospective buyer.

Tell prospective buyers about why you love Petersfield property

There will, of course, be features that buyers want to see which are outside of your control. Having local shops and amenities is an important feature for prospective buyers but as you can’t do much to impact on this, there is no point worrying about it. However, if you have found local stores that you appreciate, take the time to tell any prospective buyer about them.

legislative changes 2018

Energy efficiency is another important aspect, and if you can upgrade aspects of your home to a more energy efficient counterpart, you will hopefully find greater interest in your property.

If you can draw attention to aspects of local life which may not be written about in local area guides, but which make your life easier, you provide prospective buyers with something else to think about.

If you are selling your home in Petersfield and you want to make sure that you please buyers, come and speak with Williams of Petersfield. We are pleased to say we have helped many homeowners sell their property, and we are here to assist you with this aim.

Looking To Become A Petersfield Landlord? We Can Help

In a study undertaken by Sainsbury’s Bank, 9% of adults in the United Kingdom have expressed an interest in obtaining a buy to let mortgage this year. If all these people followed through with this aim, it could lead to close to five million new landlords in the UK. Continue reading “Looking To Become A Petersfield Landlord? We Can Help”

Petersfield Homeowners Looking To Sell By Christmas? Act Now

Christmas is still a long way away and hopefully you aren’t having to spend too much time thinking about it. There will be some people with a lot of things to arrange who like to plan as early as possible but for most of us, the start of September is not a time to worry about the festive season. It is not even a time to be worried about Halloween. However, if you are a Petersfield homeowner who would like to sell your home by Christmas, it is best that you make plans as soon as possible.

The main reason you should start making plans is that the average length of time for a property sale, from the moment an offer is accepted to the moving date is 13 weeks. At the beginning of September, there is only 17 weeks to Christmas. This doesn’t give you much time to get everything sorted and even the best property moves are likely to experience a blip or two. At Williams of Petersfield, we are pleased to say that we are property market experts and we have helped many Petersfield residents sell their home. However, even we have experienced some challenging matters when selling property and we recommend having as much time as possible.

Households want to be ready for a fun Christmas

ChristmasIt is understandable that households will have a deadline for selling their home. Christmas is an event that draws people together and there is a great deal to be said for having the family together at that time of year. No one wants to celebrate Christmas in a home filled with moving boxes or in a house with no decorations up because you are keeping the property clear to welcome prospective buyers.

It is common that homeowners start with a date they want to have moved by and then work backwards to start the selling process. We have helped many clients work in this matter. Issues like school holidays, job issues and significant dates for people have all shaped the moving process but it would be fair to say that the festive period has influenced many decisions in the property market.

Has Christmas planning impacted on asking prices?

Some industry experts have cited the impending festive deadline as a reason why asking prices has dipped across the country. There is still a notable gap between sales prices and asking prices in the UK but in the past month, asking prices have been lowered. Even though there are many influencing factors to consider, it has been noted that a desire to have a property deal concluded in time for Christmas may have shaped the thoughts of some sellers and the asking price they have been happy to set.

At Williams of Petersfield, we are on hand to help you sell your home in an effective and efficient manner, no matter the time of year. If thoughts of Christmas impact on your plans, come and speak to us and we will do what we can to help you sell your home.