The latest news from Bill Tandy

Welcome to the latest edition of the Bill Tandy newsletter!

 

Do you currently have your property on the market? There can be a number of reasons as to why it isn't selling, we share with you the most common causes. Finding the right buyer can save you time, energy and disappointment, we've put together key questions you need to ask your buyer.

 

Further into our newsletter, we share advice for landlords on managing properties through the eviction ban extension. Finally, are you looking to make home improvements this summer, find out which can add the most value to your property.

 

 We hope you enjoy this months edition.

Eco Friendly Homes Playing an Important Role

 

Climate change has received immense attention recently with urgent calls to reduce the contributing factors to carbon emissions, rising sea levels, and rising temperatures. The UK has committed to reduce its CO2 emissions to net zero by 2050; and this commitment cascades to all markets, including property. This commitment is a great achievement for the UK, with it being the first first-world country to pass law to such a commitment. 

Sadly, the amount of greenhouse gasses produced from heating properties has increased since 2014. Heating our homes accounts to a staggering one seventh of overall UK emissions. Our increased use of fuel can be resultant from heat escaping from properties through walls, windows and ceilings during winter. Luckily, the Government have called an end to the rise in fuel consumption and are devising a plan to battle the emissions producing more energy efficient homes. They are behind an initiative called Future Homes Standard, which is planned to be in full operation by 2025. 

Having more energy efficient homes is a great ambition for all. It will lead to lower carbon emissions, reduced energy bills, and upgraded housing. In 2025, all new build homes will have to abide by the initiative to have clean technology to heat homes instead of the current fossil fuel burned for gas boilers. The construction sector and developers are at the heart of this revolution with their designs crucial to meeting this goal. 

 
The Housing Minister, Esther McVey, said that “industry has told us some homes built using modern methods can have 80% fewer defects and heating bills up to 70% lower. Homes built using modern methods can be of higher quality, greener and built to last. I want to see a housing green revolution.” 2020 is set for an environmental transformation, with the property market a strong contributor to this.

Easter Eggstaraganza 

Saturday 4th April 

 

Follow the Woodland Trail to find the Easter Bunny who's giving everyone free chocolate.

Click here to read Easter Eggstaraganza .

 

What to do if your home isn’t selling & your not sure why

 

There can be any number of reasons to explain why your property isn't performing on the market as you had expected.

 

If it's left you wondering ‘what went wrong?’, we delve into some of the most common causes that could be preventing buyers from connecting with your home.

 

Your home lacks kerb appeal

 

The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers see when they turn up for a viewing. 

 

So, there’s no surprise that it can have a huge effect on a buyer’s decision to put in an offer. More than 68% of homeowners say kerb appeal was important in their choice of home.

 

The property isn't viewer-ready

 

It’s important when selling to keep your home looking viewer-ready, as well as to aim for a more neutral tone that appeals to a wider audience base.

 

Whilst it can be tempting to start splurging on new furniture and items for your new house, it can also have a negative impact on viewers if the room looks too crowded and cluttered.

 

The photos don’t do it justice

 

It takes just six photos for someone to decide whether they're interested in seeing more of a property.

 

If the first six photos don't represent your home in the best light, you could be missing out on the opportunity to showcase your property's core unique selling points, so it's worth raising any concerns that you have with your agent as well as making sure that you stage each room beforehand.

 

The asking price could be wrong

 

It's a common misconception that the asking price is behind every single stalled property sale. However, it's important to know where this is and isn't the reason for a home struggling on the market.

 

Having a competitive valuation with a local agent ensures that you are correctly priced and helps you to avoid any delays or complications.

 

Want a second opinion on the price of your property? Our team of experienced estate agents can provide you with a reliable free valuation, visit our website for more information.

 

The estate agent isn’t the right fit for you

 

Your estate agent should be doing all they can to sell your home, including keeping you updated and aware of the progress of your sale.

 

If you’re not happy with the service you’re being given, make sure you bring it up.

 

So, what are my options?

 

If your home isn’t selling, don’t despair. You still have a few options that will enable you to get moving.

 

Contact our team today to learn more about our offering and success metrics in your area.

 

 

 

Key questions you need to ask your buyer

 

Finding the right buyer can save you time, energy and disappointment.

 

If your chain falls through due to your buyer's financial readiness or uncertainties, you may lose out on other offers as well as the property you had intended to purchase.

 

Here are the top five questions you need to ask before accepting an offer.

 

Have they been pre-approved for a mortgage?

 

Being pre-approved for a mortgage means that a lender has already said their application will be accepted, speeding up the process significantly and reducing the risk of it falling through.

 

Do they have a home to sell?

 

Understanding your house buying chain is really valuable, as you'll be able to anticipate any weak points that could lead to your sale and / or purchase from falling through.

 

More sellers are now opting to rent in between their sale and new home, which means that the chain is much smaller and less likely to break.

 

Have they made an offer on another house?

 

If the buyer has put down a deposit on another property, they might not be fully committed to that purchase.

 

Are they a first-time buyer?

 

First-time buyers are often chain-free, so the process of selling your home should be quicker.

 

However, be careful not to make assumptions.

 

There may be other commitments such as a fixed term tenancy that prevents them from moving quickly, so always check when your buyer wants to complete.

 

What is their moving timeline?

 

Remember to ask what their moving timeline is like, as this will tell you how much they must do before they can move.

 

If their timeline fits in with yours, then they’re probably a suitable buyer for your property.

 

 

Need help finding the perfect buyer? Get in touch with us today.

 

 

 

Managing properties through the eviction ban extension

 

Over the course of the eviction ban for residential tenancies, the government have looked to balance support for tenants and landlords, helping those unable to meet their rent payments whilst recognising the strain this puts on landlords who may depend on the income.

 

As of June 1st, notice periods were reduced from six to four months for residential tenancies.

 

This is except for situations including anti-social behaviour, with a shorter notice period of two weeks.

 

Compared with homeowners, it's estimated that tenants are more than three times as likely to be behind with rent or bills, 6% and 19% respectively.*

 

With courts still prioritising hearings based on severity, it's important to look for a resolution to rent arrears or disagreements where able between parties.

 

As leading lettings agents, we facilitate communications between landlords and tenants to offer our expert services.

 

What about for commercial landlords?

 

Whilst the ban has lifted for residential agreements, the ban on evicting firms for unpaid commercial rent is to be extended for a further nine months.

 

Many businesses within the hospitality sector are yet to reopen and resume trading as normal, all the while accruing an estimated £5bn in rent debt.

 

 

If you need advice about the eviction ban, go to GOV.UK.

 

Want help managing your property? Talk to our team today.

 

 

*YouGov

 

Top home improvements for this summer

 

Over the last 18 months, the number of Brits undertaking DIY projects and renovations has jumped significantly, as we found new ways to pass our time in lockdown and improve our living situations.

 

But, which home improvements have the biggest impact to your property's value?

 

Extensions

 

Adding an extension is one of the most popular home improvement projects, adding up to 23% to your home's sale price.*

 

In fact, in northern regions over 2020, there was a double digit increase in planning permission applications for extensions.

 

Garages

 

Adding a garage is a great way to expand your home.

 

Having a property with secure parking can lower the price of your car insurance policies, as opposed to on-street spaces, whilst making your home more attractive to buyers.

 

Loft conversions

 

Loft conversions are a brilliant way of creating extra space out of an area that is rarely used, whilst contributing an additional 20% in value to your property's price.*

 

Due to COVID-19, people are looking for space for home offices.

 

A loft conversion is the perfect solution!

 

Conservatories

 

One of the great advantages of building a conservatory is that planning permission is more straightforward.

 

It also adds around 5% to the value of your house.*

 

Outbuildings and sheds

 

Green space has become massively important to us.

 

Having an outdoor space that can be used for storing gardening equipment or even as somewhere to relax is highly desirable.

 

Find out how much your lockdown improvements have added to your property.

 

Book a free valuation with us today.

 

 

 

 

 

*Nationwide, Homeowners Alliance and Conservatory Expert

 

 

Mad Hatter's Tea

Thursday 9th April 

 

Enjoy an afternoon tea in the school holiday's with fun, craziness, singing and dancing.

Click here to read Mad Hatter's Tea.

Wedding Open Day

Sunday 19th April 

 

If you are planning a wedding for 2020 or 2021 this wedding day is a perfect chance to see dressed rooms.

Click here to read Wedding Open Day.