What's happening in the property market in January?




Prepare your property for a February sale

 

Time to pack up the decorations, Christmas is over and 2022 is here!

 

If you’re preparing to sell your property this year, then you might be unsure about what you need to do beforehand.

 

Don’t fret, we’re here with a list of top tips to help get you ready to show off your property.

 

Create a good first impression

Remember that the first impressions of your home are essential during a sale.

With that in mind, making sure your home’s exterior is visually appealing and attractive will be your biggest priority in preparation for listing.

We’d strongly recommend that you take the following into consideration:

  • Clean your windows, it’ll be easy to notice if you haven’t!
  • Give your front door a lick of paint to freshen it up and make your entrance feel more welcoming, you can easily do this by replacing the doormat if yours is looking a little tired.
  • Tidy up your hall by removing any post.
  • Remove weeds from your path and tidy your garden.
  • Make space on your driveway for visitors to park.
 
 
Upping your presentation
 
It is also important to ensure your home’s interior is presented in its best possible light, as this will provide buyers with a vital opportunity to picture how they will fit into the living space.
 
  • A simple suggestion, but one which can have a massive impact, is to declutter. Removing large bulky items from view will help maximise your home’s space.
  • Let in the light by keeping the curtains open, windows clean and any natural sources of light clear to give your home as bright a feel as possible.
  • Make sure all rooms are heated prior to viewings, even those you don’t use often, to provide your home with a cosy feel during the winter months.
  • Keep your bathroom and toilets clean, free of mould and tidy, and make sure your toiletries are kept to a minimum.
 
Time-consuming as it may seem, keeping your home organised and welcoming will put you in good stead for when the viewings start.
 
Remember; visitors need to be able to imagine themselves in your home!
 
For further guidance on selling your home, contact our expert agents today.
 



What will happen to property prices in 2022?

 
The sudden appearance of COVID-19 kickstarted a tidal wave of market activity as people nationwide upped sticks and pursued a new life elsewhere.
 
In 2021 alone, house prices increased by 9.8% in England and 15.5% in Wales. *
 
But, can we expect house prices to continue soaring throughout 2022?
 
Well, a major property portal still predicts prices to rise by 5% in 2022.
 
It has also reported a 19% hike in valuation enquiries since December. **
 
Whether these figures are buoyed by those taking advantage of a more flexible working environment or wishing to return to the lifestyle they had before, it’s clear that many people are looking to move soon.
 
With buyers flooding the market and the spring boom on the horizon, now could be the perfect time to sell.
 
The expected peak could also be good news for buyers as higher values tempt more sellers to list.
 
Therefore, the market may begin to balance out while continuing to strengthen.
 
Still unsure what your home is worth?
 
The last two years have taught us that the property market is highly dynamic and rapidly changing.
 
That’s why we recommend an up-to-date appraisal – you may be pleasantly surprised.
 
Our friendly team are on standby to advise on your unique situation. We’ll share insights about the current market and furnish you with an accurate valuation.
 
Contact us today to discover your property’s true potential.
 

 
*Based on recent data from the UK House Price Index
**Compared to the same period in 2020.



How the pandemic has changed the property market

 
COVID-19 has triggered widespread changes across the country – and the housing market is no exception.
 
Property sales have rocketed, which has been good news for those looking to sell.
 
Rural regions have seen a massive spike in sales, as homeowners looked to escape to the country following the consecutive lockdowns.
 
A recent survey also concluded that people prioritise bigger gardens and proximity to green spaces more than they once did.
 
Broadband and mobile connectivity have also become more important as many workers go remote, either from choice or necessity.
 
Additionally, this home-based work trend has seen buyers prioritising transport links less – though this attitude may reverse as society slowly returns to normal.
 
Pandemic-induced lifestyle changes could affect the saleability of your property.
 
Luckily, just knowing what buyers are looking for can help you showcase the most appealing aspects of your home.
 
Since home hunters are increasingly browsing online and relying on virtual viewings, forward-thinking agencies like us have been busy adapting our marketing strategies to attract the right buyers.
 
Want to discover how we can maximise the value of your property? Just call our friendly team today.
 
 
*According to Zoopla’s January 2022 market data



Tips to speed up your home move

 

There are some elements of a home move that may be out of your hands. That said, if you're prepared and communicative, you can certainly have an influence on the overall process and reduce any additional delays. 
 
Respond in a timely manner 
 
This might be an obvious tip, but it’s not uncommon for buyers or sellers to take their time when responding to something simple. 

When you receive documents to fill out, it’s important that you don’t dwell on the task for too long. 

It can be tempting to leave paperwork to the last possible minute, but if possible, you should set aside time within a couple of days of receiving them. 

 
Be flexible 
 
Right now, there are many things that could force you to compromise and deviate from the initial plan. 

For example, if you’re scheduled to move in the next two weeks, but the buyer would like this to be earlier, are you able to compromise? 

It might be worth considering outlining your limitations from the beginning so everyone can plan accordingly. This will avoid any surprises later on. 

  
Organise your questions beforehand 
 
If you need to make an urgent call regarding your home move, write down all the questions you might need to ask before you pick up the phone. 

This will allow you to get the answers you need in just one call, instead of having to go back multiple times as and when you think of new queries or concerns. 
 
Ask away when choosing your solicitor 
 
Whether you've been recommended a solicitor or you've found one for yourself, it's always a good idea to call them before making your choice, as you need to determine if they're the right fit for you and your property. 

If you’re unsure about what you could ask, use some of the following questions: 
 
- What should I expect from the process? 
 
- How will I know when tasks are completed? 
 
- How will you communicate with me? 
 
- Are you aware of any delays which might occur? 

 
If you’re looking to move home, browse our latest properties or speak to us today.