Residential Sales:
After a long, wet winter, we are excited to welcome the spring in coming weeks and are preparing for busy home movers, who were restricted with their plans last year due to the financial crisis. January this year was the fastest moving month for new buyers coming to the market and the number houses sold is the highest we have seen for almost 18 months. This shows some stability in the local housing market and that buyers and sellers are starting to find common ground, where they can achieve their goals.
Manns and Manns took the number one title for the highest number of houses sold stc according to Rightmove statistics from the 1st – 31st of January 2024 for SO31.
Now into the throws of February heading towards spring, sellers who have been debating whether to move or not in those wintery months, can now launch their home with more confidence, ready for the spring and summer activity.
A question we are asked regularly is “do I sell my home first or find a home I’m interested in before?” This is a classic dilemma and often referred to as a chicken and egg situation. Does the chicken (selling) come first or does the egg (buying) come first?
We are all guilty of looking at a perfect home online, booking a viewing through excitement and then falling in love from that one off visit. Often, after the event, realising you’re unlikely to secure any exclusivity until your own home is at least under offer.
The ‘chicken’ is the right answer and a sensible move for homeowners. When thinking about moving your first point of call should be a full market appraisal and choosing an agent like ours to market your home. Once you have a buyer or strong interest, you should then shortlist property you like and view knowing it is within your affordability.
This is very brief guidance but rest assured Manns and Manns will assist you from selling, buying and through to completion. Our motto…. “We will work with you every step of the way”.
General Property News:
- Brownfield developments – It has been announced that every council will be told they must reduce bureaucracy and be more flexible on planning proposals that boost housebuilding in urban areas, especially where there is a high demand for housing. It is understood that the department for levelling up, housing and communities has a long-term plan to protect green belt land and ensure that areas with infrastructure in place are more favourable for housing developments.
- The base rate has continued to be at 5.25% since August 2023. This is the highest rate we have witnessed for 15 years. However, we have noted that numerous clients are hugely varying in fixed rates they have been offered, often favoured where the loan to value is low and numerous other factors. Most lenders will favour a lower risk and therefore offer more favourable rates. It is a complex area of house moving and it is paramount to receive sound mortgage advise in the early stages of house moving. Should you require assistance please contact Manns and Manns and we will put you in touch with our chosen broker.
“Our lovely team are proud to announce our 86th year as a family-owned Independent Estate agents, specialising in residential sales”.
We look forward to hearing from anyone wishing to move at this time. Our market appraisals are free and confidential.
Please call now on 02380 404055