Bill Tandy property update

This month, if you're looking to move before Christmas, we have a guide of things you should consider. For our first-time buyers, take a look at this article to discover how much you may need to save for a deposit.

If a relocation is on the cards, let us help you navigate your journey; we have four key aspects you need to take into account before making the big decision. Finally, if you're considering a sale, find out what the key selling points of a property have been so far this year.

Have you considered selling your home? Book an appointment with Bill Tandy for a valuation now!

We're also providing you with some bespoke pieces from our blog. We cover ways you can add an Autumnal touch to your home, and what's happening in the West Midlands property market this month.

We hope you enjoy this month's edition of our newsletter.

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Top tips to transform your home for Autumn

It’s that time of year again; the nights draw in, sunsets split the sky into spectacular colours and rich leaves blanket the grass. Here are some tips to transform your home this Autumn...

Click here to read Top tips to transform your home for Autumn.

Regional property market update Autumn 2022: West Midlands

Over 100,000 sales have taken place each month to date in 2022,according to the Bank of England, a feat achieved only twice in the last fifteen years (2014 and 2017).

Click here to read Regional property market update Autumn 2022: West Midlands.

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.

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Things to consider before putting your home on the market

Deciding to sell your most valuable asset – your home – is an exciting moment. It can also feel a little daunting. However, you can prepare your property for success, even before launching to the market. Have you ticked any of these steps off your list yet?

1. Declutter

The chances are you have collected plenty of unwanted items over the years – from clothes and shoes to defunct mobile phones and old paperwork. By decluttering now, you’ll not only save on moving boxes, but also make your home more appealing to viewers.

2. Spring clean

Once floors, shelves, surfaces, and wardrobes are clear, pull out your furniture to dust and vacuum, hire a carpet cleaner, and make those bathrooms gleam. If you have pets, remove any tell-tale odours or hair from the carpets and sofas. 

3. Refresh your décor

Neutral colours may seem boring, but they give viewers a blank canvas to adjust to their taste. As well as this, your home will also appear brighter and bigger. Pops of colour or designer wallpaper on a feature wall can add interest, but less is more. If your design scheme is already on point, just make sure you touch up any tired paintwork.

4. Tackle the to-do list

Leaky taps, cracked walls, chipped tiles, and loose fittings can give your home a neglected appearance. This could leave viewers wondering what other issues they may encounter once they move in. If necessary, hire a professional to complete any lingering projects.

5. Assess the lighting

Poor lighting can make the most charming room appear dark and uninviting. A few well-placed lamps can help – just remember to stock up on lightbulbs too.

6. Prepare for viewings

Help potential buyers imagine themselves in your home by paring back on personal items such as family photos, magazines, and toys. Get ready to stage your home too – think crisp prop towels for the bathroom, new linen and cushions for the bedrooms, and fresh flowers or houseplants.

7. Boost kerb appeal

We all know that first impressions count. If you have a front garden or drive, make sure it’s clear of debris and freshly weeded or mowed. Attend to any broken or missing roof tiles and damaged guttering, and think about cleaning windows and repainting the exterior.

8. Consider storage options

If you have a lot of furniture or treasured belongings, why not put some into storage? This will help you clear the decks and get your home ready for staging and viewings. It could also come in handy when you move.

9. Research potential estate agents

Now that you have given your home some TLC, it’s time to shortlist a few local estate agents. Pay attention to the marketing the agent provides for their current listings and follow your gut. While the big names may tempt you, don’t rule out smaller independents who may offer a more personal service.

10. Get your home valued

Before you make your final decision, it’s a good idea to invite a handful of agents to value your home in person. This is your chance to find an achievable price point for your property and get a feel for the people who will be representing it.

Our team are always here for a no-obligation chat. Contact us today.

Things to consider when relocating

It may be really thrilling to contemplate relocating. Daily life might seem like an adventure when you first relocate. There will be fresh places to eat, nearby marketplaces to visit, and friends to make.

However, deciding whether to relocate to a new place is a significant choice, so think carefully before making the leap.

We will offer our advice on the key factors to take into account before relocating to a new area and purchasing a new home.

Do the transportation options meet your needs?

You undoubtedly travel about your community regularly, perhaps even every day. An area's suitability as a place to live can be greatly influenced by its transportation options. Consult the area recommendations on the website of your local estate agents to see whether the location fits your lifestyle.

Are the amenities in the area suitable?

Some people like to live close to a lot of facilities, including parks, shopping centres, colleges, and supermarkets. Others, however, might not consider these factors to be as significant. The facilities you desire in a location ultimately depend largely on your lifestyle. Researching the area and speaking with a knowledgeable estate agent are the greatest ways to learn about the surrounding benefits.

What are crime rates like?

It's a good idea to look into the local crime statistics if you have children, elderly relatives, or any other reason to be particularly worried about the crime rates in a certain area. This is possible online. Just keep in mind that the numbers might not be as alarming as they first appear, so it's a good idea to compare them to your current location before making a choice.

Can you afford it?

First, you need to establish whether you can afford to live in your chosen new area – and which type of property is best for your budget. The best way to do this is to get in touch with a local estate agent. With their help, you can understand what types of properties are available to suit your budget.

Have you been considering relocating? Get in touch to discuss selling and finding your next property today.

First-time buyers: What deposit will you need?

Whether you are thinking about saving for your first house or you have been saving for a while now, the deposit will most likely be the first hurdle on your journey. Here are some of the basics you’ll need to know to help you get a leg up.

What is a mortgage?

A mortgage is a loan taken out to buy a property or land. Most will run for 25 years, but the term can be shorter or longer depending on the property.

The loan is ‘secured’ against the value of your home until it is fully paid off. If you fail to keep up with your repayments, the lender can repossess the home and sell it to get the money back.

How much of a deposit do I need to buy a home?

Before you start looking at properties, it’s best to get your deposit saved first and foremost.

Generally, you will need to save at least 10% of the cost of the home you would like to buy. This figure depends on whether you’re buying alone, in which case you can split the deposit in half. It also depends on current market activity at the time of the purchase. For example, most sellers will ask for a higher minimum deposit during economic headwinds or overwhelming demand, as this ensures that they will achieve the right asking price.

Saving above 10% will give you more leverage for the home you want, expand your choices on the market, and secure you a lower monthly interest rate.

Help for first-time buyers

If you are in a situation where you can only save a small deposit, or you do not have the option to split the cost in half with a secondary resident, there are a range of government schemes available to give you a helping hand on the housing ladder. Options include:

Lifetime Individual Savings Account (LISA) – You can use a LISA to buy your first home or save for later life. You must be aged between 18 and 39 to open a LISA. You can put away up to £4,000 each year and the government will add a 25% bonus to your savings. However, there is a penalty for taking money out of a LISA if you are not putting it towards a deposit, or withdrawing after age 60.
Equity Loan – This scheme is only available to first-time buyers in England who want to buy a ‘new-build’ house within the relevant regional price cap. You can borrow up to 20% (40% in London) of the purchase as an interest-free equity loan. You do not pay interest on the equity loan for the first five years, but you will start to pay interest in year six. The equity loan payments are interest only, so you do not reduce the amount you owe.
Shared ownership – Shared ownership offers first-time buyers the option to buy a share of the home from the landlord, who is usually the council or housing association, and pay a reduced rent on the remaining share. Later, you can choose to buy a bigger share in the property, and ‘staircase’ up to 100% of its value.

Some of these schemes are ending or unavailable in certain locations, so it is important to thoroughly research each one, save as much as possible and seek out bespoke advice about your savings options.

Other costs for buying a home

When saving for a deposit, it’s important to remember that there are other fees and costs you will need to save for, before you can take the plunge.

These include:

Survey costs
Initial furnishing and decorating costs
Buildings insurance
Solicitor or conveyancer fees
Removal and moving costs
Stamp Duty

If you are struggling to save for a deposit

If you are struggling to save up a large enough deposit to move out within a certain timeframe, there are options available to help you.

Family assistance mortgages allow whoever is supporting you to put in a percentage of the money you are looking to borrow into a specific savings account, or they can secure the mortgage against a percentage of their own property.

Looking for advice on your property circumstances? Get in touch today.

What to consider when moving house before Christmas

Moving home can often be a stressful process for sellers, but there are plenty of ways to make things run as smooth as possible. Timing sits somewhere at the top of the list, as the property market changes on a monthly basis, and demand fluctuate with it.

Get the property ready for marketing

Once you have decided to market your existing property, you will need to make sure it is photo-ready and looking its best for potential buyers.

Those looking to move in time for Christmas will want to be able to envision cosying up around the fireplace or sitting at the dinner table with family. So, make sure you can present your home to buyers as a fresh canvas by decluttering, deep cleaning and making the place feel brand new.

Choose the right selling agent for you

If you want to achieve the best price for your property, you need to find the best agent to sell it. Make sure you take extra care when making your final decision on the right agent and take the time to get to know them. A good estate agent will do the difficult work for you and take care of any nitty gritty complications which could slow you down. They will also accurately value your home and advertise it effectively and efficiently.

Arrange a valuation on your property early

Get this done as soon as the possibility of a future move crosses your mind, as it will allow you time to make any upgrades or adjustments to your property. It will also save you time later when you’re ready to sell, and will give you a good idea early about the scope of your budget for your new home.

Set the right asking price

Setting the wrong price - whether too high or too low - means you could miss out on suitable buyers willing to make fair and sensible offers. The best way to speed up your selling process is to set the right asking price for what your home offers, so you can reach as many potential buyers as possible and have a number of fitting applicants to choose from.

Book surveyors as soon as possible

Once you’ve found the right property for you, it’s advisable to ensure that you get a decent survey before you fully commit to the new home. This way you can avoid any unpleasant (and costly) surprises after you move in. A surveyor will be able to spot any issues with the property - so you won’t have to later.

Don’t forget the final details

In the excitement of a move, it’s easy to forget the small details. Ensure you tie up any loose ends such as informing utility companies that you’re moving, and having your mail forwarded to your new address – just in time for Christmas cards!

Have you considered selling with us? Visit our website to find out what we offer.

What are the key selling points of a home in 2022?

If you’re wondering how valuable your home is, knowing its most desirable assets is a good place to start. Estate agents know exactly which features are hot on the market right now, which is why they are highlighted in listings to make sure the property is easily spotted by suitable buyers.

Data from Rightmove suggests which features buyers are looking for in today’s market, by ranking the most popular ‘key words’ highlighted by estate agents to sell houses. Due to a change in working patterns, there has been a clear move towards garden offices, orangeries, summer houses, underfloor heating, bi-fold doors and open-plan rooms. If your house has any of these features to offer, your home could be extremely appealing to buyers in today’s market.

Take a look at the features that are highlighted to attract the most potential buyers in 2022.

Garden office

Working from home has become a new way of life, and this has caused many people to move entirely in search of better office space.

Advertising a spare room which is suitable for a home office with good ventilation, accessible outlets to plug in a computer setup and ample space for a desk will make your home extremely attractive to many buyers. The proportion of listings that mention garden offices, were found to be 11 times higher than a decade ago. That’s an increase of 1,046%!

Bi-fold doors

Rightmove reported a huge rise in demand for bi-fold doors, with a 589% increase in popularity compared to 10 years ago. The post-pandemic need for space is thought to be the driving force behind this feature becoming so sought-after, as this enables people to extend and diversify their living space.

Orangeries and summer houses

What sets orangeries apart from conservatories, is the bricks in place of glass. The name originates from where fruit trees were stored during the winter months, so that should tell you how cosy and warm these home extensions are. The number of property listings mentioning summer houses has also seen an increase, whereas greenhouses seem to have declined in popularity. Smaller windows allow for a more functional and dynamic space, allowing scope for multiple uses such as home offices, living rooms, and dining space.

Underfloor heating

Listings that feature underfloor heating jumped by 114%, as buyers search for more energy-efficient solutions to warm up the house.

Underfloor heating is a cleaner, smarter way to heat a home. Using radiant heat technology, under-floor heating gently warms people and objects in the room directly, from the ground up.

Open plan living

Open floor plans remain popular among families and busy households due to their better traffic flow and multifunctional spaces. The wide-open space is most desirable for those with larger families as the layout offers a grand communal area. Consider removing a wall that separates your kitchen from your dining room, and your listing will become more attractive to buyers looking for a family home.

Looking for advice on how you can improve your property before selling? Contact us today.

Mad Hatter's Tea

Thursday 9th April

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

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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.

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