The latest news from Town & Country

The latest news from Town & Country




Another new record for asking prices has been set

 
According to a popular property portal, the average UK property price has now exceeded £350,000. Asking prices across the nation saw a hike of £5,760 in March, marking the largest increase at this time of year since 2004. *

Properties with four bedrooms or more, saw the biggest price increase in March, with values soaring by £28,619 (3.8%). In fact, if you’re considering selling your three or four-bedroom home, you could find a buyer within the first two weeks of marketing. *

As a seller, you may be wondering why prices keep rising. It’s simple: demand remains incredibly high. This spring is said to be the best-ever spring to sell your home, and it’s true. The imbalance between supply and demand is the biggest that has ever been measured at this time of year, meaning you’re likely to secure a sale quickly, for an incredible price.

 

Are you ready to secure a sale this spring? We’re ready to help. Get in touch with us to book a property valuation today.

 

*Rightmove



Five key questions every homebuyer should ask

 
From assessing your finances to booking a viewing, you have a lot to think about when searching for your dream home. By asking a few key questions, you can be confident you’ve chosen the right property.  

Here are five to start with:     

 

1. Has the property been on the market for a long time? 

It’s normal for a home to take a few months to sell. After that, you may need to dig a little deeper to discover why the property has been on the market a little longer than usual.  

By pressing for more information, you could save yourself any worries in the long run. 

 

2. Have there been any significant alterations? 

It’s always a good idea to check what renovations or extensions have taken place over the years. Of course, we recommend having any property professionally surveyed before signing on the dotted line.  

 

3. What is staying with the property? 

When you set your heart on a home, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture and forget about the finer details. Do you know what the current owners are leaving behind? How will this affect your moving arrangements and budget? Make sure any remaining items are listed in the contract to avoid any potential delays further down the line. 

 

4. What are the likely running costs? 

Pay close attention to hard-to-control factors such as the council tax band. Also, check the average utility costs in the area and think about how you’ll heat your home. Location can be a consideration, especially if you're moving to a more rural area. In this case, factoring in any increased travel costs is a good idea.  

 

5. Are there any issues with the neighbours? 

The seller must give a true account of any disputes, from disagreements over boundary lines, to formal noise complaints. While their answer may not stop you from buying, forewarned is forearmed. 

 

Ready to start the search for a new home? We have some fantastic properties available to browse here. 

If you are struggling to find what you are searching for, contact us with your requirements and we will suggest the best matches for you.  



Are you a tenant on the hunt for a pet-friendly property?

 
Did you know? April 1st marks the start of National Pet Month! For tenants with pets, the search for a property can be a little more time-consuming and tedious. It’s important to remember that you must always get consent from your landlord before keeping a pet in the property. Failure to do so could result in you getting into trouble with your landlord. 
 
If you are on the hunt for a property with a furry friend in tow, here are our top tips to help you secure your ideal rental home: 
 
Plan ahead 
 
There is now more availability when it comes to pet-friendly rentals. However, in the current market, the imbalance between supply and demand means rental properties are being snapped up very quickly.  
 
We would suggest beginning your search around eight weeks before you intend or need to move out of your current property.  
 
Create a file for your pet 
 
While some landlords may initially say no to pets, if there is a chance they can be persuaded, it is best to provide them with your pet’s medical details and a reference from your previous landlord to show that your pet caused no issues throughout your tenancy with them. 
 
Have your landlord meet your furry friend 
 
This is often only relevant to tenants with dogs. It does, however, put your landlord's mind at ease knowing your pet gets along well with the other people in the house and is well-behaved. 
 
Are you on the hunt for a pet-friendly rental home? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you. 



How the pandemic has changed our homes

 
The lockdowns and social restrictions that followed in the wake of COVID-19 had some interesting consequences for Britain’s homes. Almost nine-million bedrooms have been repurposed to adapt to our rapidly changing lifestyles. A survey of 2,000 households found that 53% of UK homeowners transformed one bedroom, while 22% sacrificed more than one.*
 
Given the surge in home working during the pandemic, it’s not surprising that just under half chose to prioritise finding space for a home office. According to the survey, most people wish to keep this setup as flexible working remains the norm. Staying active and enjoying nights in were also popular reasons for repurposing bedrooms. Since March 2020, Brits have created over one million gyms, with home bars, cinemas, and music rooms close behind.
 
Despite this radical alteration in how we use our homes, 55% of owners feel they have compromised in other areas. Those surveyed often mentioned lacking room for guests and having less privacy. 11% even said their children must now share a bedroom.
 
Younger people with smaller properties particularly feel the pinch when it comes to space. Combined with long-term lifestyle trends and post-pandemic priorities, this pressure means that almost one-third of people may be looking to up-size soon.
 
With demand for homes still high, and the spring peak well underway, now is a great time to sell. Since the pandemic, property prices have been steadily rising, so make sure you contact us for an up-to-date valuation.
 
*Opinium Research
 



St Albans Vegan Market

The event brings together a huge variety of vegan street food, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, local artists, zero-waste champions, environmental charities and loads more.
 
When? 1st May 2022
Where? St Peter's, St Albans

Click here to read St Albans Vegan Market.