The latest news from Town & Country

Number of homes on the market increases

The industry saw the busiest ever start to a year, and February proved to be even busier, with buyers and sellers determined to move ahead of the spring season.

The good news is, as valuations turn into instructions, more and more properties will come onto the market, giving buyers some fresh choice. In January, the seaside town of Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex, 88% more sellers put their homes on the market than in January 2021. The borough of High Peak in Derbyshire came in at a close second, with an 82% year-on-year increase in new sellers coming to the market, followed by the city of Chelmsford in Essex, with a 58% rise in new properties for sale versus the same time last year. *

Tim Bannister, director of a well-known property portal, advises: "The market has picked up pace and it’s a really encouraging sign to see more properties starting to come to market for sale. To put yourself in the best possible position, you should become a ‘power-buyer’ by making sure your current home is on the market, or preferably sold subject to contract first, before starting the search for your new home."

Find out how much your home is worth here, or get in touch today to book your free, no-obligation valuation.

*Property Reporter

How much value could these home improvements add?

When it comes to selling a home, it can be tempting for vendors to go ‘all out' to make their house stand out. But not every home improvement will add value.

New research from a popular property portal has revealed the top three home improvements which could add significantly more value to an asking price, than the cost incurred to do the work.*

Garden offices take the top spot

Not surprisingly, the surge in post-pandemic remote workers has placed a garden office in the top spot when it comes to adding value.

Research shows the average garden office costs almost £9,000 to install and will typically add 8.4% to the value of a home. Based on an average UK house price, a garden office could potentially add nearly £23,000 to the asking price, leaving a healthy profit just shy of £14,000.

Good news for garage conversions

A garage conversion follows in second place when looking at the most profitable improvements.

A standard garage conversion would set you back approximately £14,500. The research suggests that with the potential to add just over £27,000 to the asking price of an average home, converting your garage could provide an easy £12,500 profit when you sell.

A new kitchen is the third most profitable project

In recent years, our kitchens have transformed from a place to prepare a meal, to somewhere we host, socialise and come together as a family. Research has shown that updating a tired kitchen before you sell your home is the third most profitable thing you could do. On average, the cost of a new kitchen comes in at £8,500, with the potential to add nearly £15,000 to the value of a typical UK home.

Contact our team today for more expert advice on increasing the value of your home.

Ready to sell? Book your valuation here.

*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

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.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

Treat mum this Mother's Day! Available all throughout Mother's Day weekend.Please note that on Sunday 27th March, we are open from 11am till 7.15pm serving pre booked Afternoon Teas only.

When? Mother's Day weekend

Where? The Enchanted Tea Rooms, AL3 7LW

Click here to read Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea.

Easter Eggstravaganza

Join us this Easter for a full day of egg-cellent family fun including our Easter egg hunt with chocolate treat, NEW Easter Grotto, adorable animals, live shows, funfair rides, the PETER RABBIT adventure playground...

When? 2nd April - 18th April 2022

Where? Willows Activity Farm, AL4 0PF

Click here to read Easter Eggstravaganza.