Tips To Save On Heating Bills

With energy bills soaring, we are all looking for ways to stay warm without breaking the bank. Here are 10 tips for keeping those heating bills down while still staying warm and cosy.

1. Shop around for the best tariff

First stop for anyone aiming to reduce their heating bills is to check you are on the best tariff for your household. Many people sign up for a fixed rate tariff but then when the designated term of that tariff ends they forget to check if there are better deals available.

If it all seems a bit confusing or you simply don’t have time, there are plenty of comparison websites that will do the legwork for you. That leaves you free to put your feet up and have a cuppa while they find you a better deal.

2.Turn your thermostat down

Turning your thermostat down by even just 1° can shave 10% off of your bills!

3.Turn your heating off when you are out

Heating an empty house is a waste of money. Set the timer to come on just before you get home and you get to come home to a warm and cosy house without the expense of having heated it all day.

4. Buy a winter duvet

Although this is an upfront cost, the money it will save you makes it worth it. With the correct duvet for the season, you won’t feel any need to have the heating on at night, which is better for your wallet and better for your health.

Studies have demonstrated that sleeping in a cool room can help you fall asleep faster, fight insomnia and help increase melatonin production.

5. Put on an extra layer

Apologies for sounding like someone’s parent but putting on an extra layer of clothing will help you to fight the chill so you don’t need to turn up the thermostat. The key is layers: multiple thin layers will keep you warmer than one big jumper.

6.Only heat the room you’re in

If you are going to be spending your whole evening in one room do you really need to heat your whole house? A portable heater can provide heat fast for a small room. Take it one step further and only heat yourself instead of the room. An electric throw or blanket can provide enough warmth to avoid the need to turn the heating on.

7. Insulate your chimney

Chimney balloons can be used to block draughts from the chimney cavity and then can be easily deflated when you would like to light a fire. If your fireplace is not in use then you can use newspaper or cardboard to block up the cavity and save yourself from cold draughts.

8. Line your curtains

Thermal curtain lining can reduce heat loss from your windows by up to 25% and can also help to reduce draughts. If you are not particularly nimble with a sewing machine then fabric glue is an excellent solution to attach thermal lining to the back of your curtains.

9. Add insulation

Stop heat from escaping through your roof by making sure that you have sufficient insulation in your loft. Insulation is like a hat for your house and plays a key part in making sure that the heat you are paying for isn’t floating off into the sky.

10.Have your boiler serviced

Aside from the obvious safety benefits of ensuring that your boiler is in tip top condition, having a boiler that is working well will save you money on your heating bills.

Hopefully you’ll find one or more of those ideas helpful to keep warm this winter.

Seven Things Not To Do When Buying A Property

Many prospective homeowners are oblivious to things that can derail their home purchase. Here is our list of 7 things not to do if you are trying to purchase a property.

Underestimating costs

In addition to the purchase price of your property, you need to take into account the cost of conveyancing fees, the price of surveys and moving costs. Don’t forget when you move in you will need to pay for buildings & contents insurance and council tax as well.

Not checking your credit score

Your credit score is your financial CV and lenders use it to assess whether you are able to maintain repayments. Check your credit score and have any errors rectified before applying for a mortgage to ensure you minimise the chance of your application being rejected.

Choosing the wrong solicitor

Check your solicitor is on your mortgage lender’s list of approved solicitors to avoid additional costs or even having to change solicitors. Most mortgage lenders have an approved list of solicitors that they will work with.

Your solicitor will be required to complete the legal work for your lender during the conveyancing process. However, if your solicitor is not on their approved list, they will not be able to act for your mortgage lender. This can end up leading to the expense of a second solicitors' firm, who are on that list, needing to be employed to act on behalf of your lender.

Not being on the electoral roll

One of the easiest ways for lenders to verify your identity is to check the electoral roll. If you are not registered it may cause your application to take longer to process and your credit score may be affected as well.

Not getting an agreement in principle

The housing market is competitive. Sellers may choose to accept an offer from someone with an agreement in principle rather than waiting for you to contact a mortgage company.

Running up lots of credit

Taking on new debt may alter the state of your credit which may prevent you getting approved for your mortgage.

Changing jobs

Never change your job in the middle of purchasing a property. It can make your employment look unstable which makes you a weaker candidate to lenders.

If you are looking to purchase a property in Warrington please give us a call on 01925 235 338 and we will add you to our early bird list so you can be one of the first people to hear about our new listings.

Tips To Update Your Home On A Budget

Do you want to give your home a makeover but are worried about the cost? Try these budget-friendly ideas to help make your property the envy of all of your friends.

Give your kitchen a makeover

Kitchens are normally the most expensive room in the house to upgrade but giving your kitchen a makeover doesn’t mean you have to replace all of the fittings and appliances. Just by changing a few things you can make your kitchen go from drab to fab without a huge price tag.

A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room. Whether you choose to paint your walls, your tiles or your kitchen cupboards a fresh coat of paint can make a big impact with a small budget.

Replacing the flooring with vinyl tiles can really freshen up the feel of the room.

Investing in matching appliances like toasters and kettles and making sure that they fit in with the colour scheme of the rest of your kitchen can stop your kitchen from looking tired and unloved.

Replacing door and drawer handles with modern ones can help to stop your kitchen from looking dated.

Bathroom on a budget

Improving your bathroom doesn’t have to cost the earth. There are some things you can do to refresh it on a budget.

If your bathroom suite really needs replacing but the cost of a new one is out of your budget you can often find cheaper versions in trade stores or sometimes even on online marketplaces.

There are lots of tiling tutorials online and new tiles or new vinyl flooring can transform a room.

As with all rooms a fresh lick of paint can make the world of difference to a room. Don’t forget to only use paint specifically made for bathrooms so that it can cope with the steam and humidity.

Declutter

Rooms that are full of clutter feel cramped and unwelcoming. Decluttering and making use of clever storage solutions can open up your home and make it feel much more spacious.

Write on three boxes keep, donate and rubbish. Then make a rule that until all three boxes are full you cannot empty any of them to create more space in them.

There are plenty of clever storage ideas from wall mounted shoe racks to utilising the wasted space under the stairs by putting in useful drawers and shelves.

Add some colour

If you can’t afford to redecorate your whole room but still want to give it an update then try adding a few new accessories. It also means that if you go off of them in a few months it is easy to remove them and try something else.

Lamp shades are ideal for adding a touch of colour to a room and adding a new lamp can help to light up dim corners which will help your room to feel larger as well.

If you can’t afford to paint the whole room a feature wall is a less expensive way changing the look of a room.

A rug can add a focal point to a room and cover up old and tired flooring at the same time.

If you are considering selling your property in Warrington and would like another pair of eyes to give you an idea about the interior and the impact on the value of your property, please give us a call on 01925 235 338.

Warrington Property Market Report November 2022

Christmas songs are on the radio, there’s a flurry of activity in the shops and the promise of lots of fun with our loved ones. It is also the season for questions like whether a home is large enough for the whole family or whether, children having flown the nest, it is too large?

New Year means new beginnings for many and so inevitably the thought of a new home is on many people’s minds. All this means that the property market is approaching its traditional busy season.

Let’s have a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the local Warrington property market.

There are currently 405 properties available for sale in Warrington. This is 11 less than last month. Of these 405, 48 were new to the market in the last two weeks. The average price of properties in Warrington is £250,004 with the median price at £200,000.

Most of the properties available are in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket with 170 currently on the market. This is an increase from last month when there were 158 available. There are 28 properties available, in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket, 2 more than last month.

This month, properties in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket are the fastest movers, only on the market for 92 days. They are closely followed by properties in the £400,000 to £500,000 which only remain on the market for 94 days. Properties priced at £100,000 and under, are now taking 194 days to sell, an increase from 162 days last month. One-bedroom properties with a median price of £90,500 are currently sitting on the market for an average of 289 days. This is an increase from 249 days last month but is still a large decrease from 349 days in September.

This is another example of how selling property can take longer than people often imagine. If you’re looking to upsize from your first home, or are an investor looking to change your portfolio, please bear this in mind when planning.

Let’s take a look at the annual figures now.

The majority of sales around Warrington during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £227,440. Terraced properties sold for an average of £164,980, with detached properties fetching £399,569.

Overall, sold prices around Warrington over the last year were 2% down on the previous year and 14% up on the 2019 peak of £203,826.

This shows the high levels of activity in the local Warrington property market, which are likely to increase or at the very least, remain strong in the first quarter of next year. There is a lot of demand and plenty of people looking to move around Warrington.

If you’re thinking of selling your property, feel free to contact us. If you’re thinking of buying, letting or renting a Warrington property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01925 235 338 or email staff@hamletwarrington.co.uk.

Six Property Maintenance Jobs You Should Do Now

Your property is one of the biggest financial commitments that you will ever make so it makes sense to make sure that you are doing everything you can to look after it. However many of us are guilty of putting off doing those annoying little jobs that aren’t urgent enough to demand our immediate attention but still need doing.

With that in mind I have made a list of six things that you should make time to attend to before these little jobs become big jobs.

Windows

In the face of soaring gas prices we are all trying to keep our gas usage down this year. As a result condensation and the mould it goes hand in hand with are more of a problem this year than ever before. Make sure that you wipe condensation off of your windows frequently in order to avoid giving mould the chance to grow.

As window cleaners, sensibly, don’t tend to work in icy weather make sure that you give your ground floor windows a quick wipe too to make sure that you are maximising the amount of natural light that can get into your property and to ensure that you are not looking out through dirty windows.

Carpets

Wiping paws and cleaning up the mess that muddy paws can leave straight after walks is the best way to stop it from becoming ingrained in your carpets. Don’t forget to remove your own shoes at the door too. Having your carpets regularly cleaned is the best way to ensure that they stay in tip top condition.

Paint

Windowsills, front doors, stairs and banisters are often subject to a lot of wear and tear. Giving them a quick lick of paint is a relatively quick and easy way to revitalise tired areas in your home and increase your property’s kerb appeal.

Gutters

Windy weather can blow leaves, moss and autumn leaves into your gutters. They can cause blockages that can cause both damage and flooding so it is a good idea to ensure that you inspect these regularly and clear any blockages as necessary.

Boiler

Even if you are still managing to hold off turning the central heating on there will come a time when you need to switch it on this Winter. Make sure you don’t get a nasty surprise by having your boiler serviced annually by a certified professional. Then you can relax safe in the knowledge that you will have hot water and heating on tap whenever you want them.

Garden

Now is the time to put away your garden furniture so that it can be safely stored until Spring. Sweep your paths so that they are clear of slippy Autumn leaves, pull up any dead plants and tidy your shed.

If you are considering putting your property on the market in Warrington and would like some more advice on how to keep your property looking its best please give us a call on 01925 235 338 and we will be happy to advise you.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

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Simple Storage Solutions To Banish Clutter

So you’ve tried selling off your unused items, have taken everything that doesn’t spark joy to the charity shop and yet you are still struggling to keep your home free of clutter. One of the main causes of clutter in a home is not having enough storage space or simply not having it in the right places.

If you have spent time decluttering and yet still feel like your home is a disorganised mess then it's time to consider some nifty storage solutions.

Hallway

As the main entryway in and out of your home it is easy for discarded coats, bags and shoes to quickly build up. Consider investing in storage solutions so that there are easily accessible places to put these things away as soon as you enter your home. If you are worried about floorspace there are lots of wall-mounted shoe storage solutions available. If you have an overflowing shoe rack consider storing out of season shoes somewhere else until they are needed again. A few well placed hooks on the wall can be perfect for keeping coats and scarves safely stored off of the floor and a shelf mounted directly above them is perfect for storing accessories such as hats, gloves and sunglasses.

Understairs

Is the space under your stairs underused? Shelves and hooks can be used to turn that area into the perfect space to store anything from bikes to books and cleaning products to coats.

Vertical Space

If floor space is limited in your home consider using the vertical space to store your belongings. Wall mounted cabinets and shelves are ideal for keeping things off of the floor which can make a huge difference to how the space feels. Alcoves and recesses are perfect for popping small shelves in without there being any encroachment on your space.

Ceiling

Don’t be afraid to hang storage from your ceiling. Hanging mesh storage baskets are ideal for keeping your little ones cuddly toys within reach but safely contained. Ceiling mounted pan racks provide the perfect place to keep your pots and pans off of the side when cupboard space is limited in the kitchen.

Bedroom

Underbed storage boxes are ideal for packing away out of season clothes and bedding. Storage boxes that match your decor are ideal for utilising the normally wasted space on top of your wardrobe.

Attic

This is the perfect space to store belongings that you don’t use all of the time. You need to be careful to ensure that it is both well insulated and well ventilated to ensure that your belongings are protected from extreme temperatures and high levels of humidity.

If you are decluttering your home to get it ready to go on the market in Warrington please do give us a call on 01925 235 338 and we will be delighted to give you a free no-obligation valuation.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

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How To Choose The Right Estate Agent For You?

Choosing an estate agent to sell your property can seem like a difficult task. There are so many available and of course, they all say that they are the best around! What should you consider when choosing which one to trust with selling your property?

Local knowledge

You wouldn’t jump in a taxi with a driver who didn’t know the local area, or at least you’d jump back out again quite quickly! You also shouldn’t trust your property to an estate agent who doesn’t understand the local market or who doesn’t know the area well. Great estate agents know their community and already have a well-established database of potential buyers that they can use to make sure that your property is seen as quickly as possible by as many people as possible.

Tech-savvy

Newspapers, magazines and other forms of printed media should definitely form a part of the marketing plan for your property. However, estate agents who only use these and haven’t embraced the benefits of online marketing, including social media, their own website and online property portals, will be putting you at a disadvantage when selling your property. This is because 78% of buyers begin their property search online so you need an estate agent who knows how to make sure that your property is seen by them.

Honesty

When selling a property, you need an estate agent who will be honest with you, especially in the current market. Beware of agents who inflate their suggested asking price for your property with the expectation that they will drop it in a few weeks once you are tied into a contract with them. An honest estate agent will not hesitate to point out areas of your property that you could improve in order to increase your chances of a sale and are candid about things that should be taken into account when setting the asking price.

Communication, communication, communication

The estate agent you choose will not only be the go between for you and your buyer but will also be your source of information concerning how viewings went and on the feedback from viewers. Choosing an agent who is a good and friendly communicator will make the whole process of selling your property much easier.

Works for you

It is your property. While a good estate agent will be able to give you advice concerning your property, a great estate agent will be able to tailor their advice based on your needs and wants because they will listen to them. Selling a property isn’t a one size fits all experience, so you need an estate agent who is willing to listen and adapt to your needs.

If you are thinking of selling your home in Warrington then please give us a call on 01925 235 338 and we will be delighted to chat to you about the reasons we believe that we fulfil all of those criteria.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
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How To Become A Successful Property Developer

Have you ever watched a programme about property development and been tempted to give it a go? All those wonderful before and after shots make it look so easy. From our comfortable sofas we cockily criticise their design decisions, mock their progress and vocalise how we would do it differently. But how many of us really appreciate either the potential problems or the potentially life changing benefits of renovating a home either to live in ourselves or to rent out.

So what can you do to mitigate the risk of your dream home renovation becoming a nightmare?

Set a goal

What is your end goal with the property? Do you want to flip it, rent it out or create your forever home? You need to remember your goal when looking for a property. If it is to be your forever home then it should be in an area that you want to live in. Alternatively if it is to be a rental property then you need to make sure that it is in an area that is attractive to your target rental market.

Make a budget

Set yourself a budget for each room and try your best to stick to it. Don’t be swayed by expensive tiles or paint. If you are planning to rent out the property then your tenants are unlikely to care whether you use Dulux paint or Farrow and Ball paint. If you are doing the property up for your own family then you may be happy to splurge in certain areas but make sure that you always keep an eye on your budget. Just as in the television programmes you are likely to go over budget so make sure that you factor that in.

Plan

Frequently diverting from or changing your plan will cost you time and money so try to stick to it. The longer the renovations go on the more money you lose in potential rent. The longer you have to pay your mortgage or utility bills for the property, the more they eat into your profit if you are flipping it. If it is your forever home then you will be reducing the amount of time you get to live in it.

Have a valuation

When all of your hard work is finished, arrange a valuation so you can find out just how much all of your hard work has added to the value of your property and how much its rental value has also increased.

If you manage to complete all of those then congratulations you are a successful property developer and you will be able to reap the financial rewards of your endeavour.

If you are looking for a property to renovate please give us a call on 01925 235 338 so that we can add you to our earlybird list so you can be one of the first people to hear about our new listings.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
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The Pros And Cons Of Being A Buy-To-Let Landlord

Buy-to-let property is often seen as an attractive way of accumulating wealth or as an alternative option to a pension. However, while purchasing buy-to-lets is undoubtedly a good investment, they are also a long-term commitment that require hard work and good financial planning.

If you are unsure as to whether to take the plunge and buy your first buy-to-let property then it is definitely worth considering the pros and cons of being a landlord before you invest.

PRO - Rental Income

This is the biggest incentive for people who buy a buy-to-let property. The idea of receiving regular income that not only pays off the mortgage on their buy-to-let property but also gives them a little bit extra in their pocket each month is a very attractive one.

CON - Rental Void

However, if your tenant misses a rental payment then you will be responsible for covering the mortgage payment yourself until they catch up and if you should have a period when your property is not let (a rental void) then you will be left covering all of the costs during that time too.

PRO - You’re your own boss

If you are fortunate enough to be making enough money from your rental properties to live on then you can have complete control over your income and your own time. The ability to work the hours you choose, make all the decisions and feel completely in control of their own life is what drives many landlords to build their property portfolio.

CON - Responsibilities

Being a landlord means you have both legal and moral responsibilities towards your tenants and no-one can choose or predict when urgent maintenance issues such as a leak may occur. For many people who are trying to hold down a full-time job alongside managing their buy-to-lets the responsibility is too much. An easier solution is to have your properties managed by a letting agent but this will of course cut into your profit.

PRO - Allowable expenses

You are permitted to deduct expenses from your rental income when working out your taxable rental profit. These expenses must be ‘wholly and exclusively for the purposes of renting out the property’ and includes maintenance costs, utility bills, agency fees and insurance payments.

CON - Costs

As soon as you start to make a profit from your buy-to-let property you are legally obliged to inform HMRC. You may be required to submit a tax return so that HMRC can calculate how much income tax you should pay. Buy-to-let property purchases are subject to higher stamp duty rates. Also when you sell a buy-to-let you must pay Capital Gains Tax on the amount that the property has increased in value during the time that you have owned it. Don’t forget to factor in costs such as the deposit, survey and conveyancing fees, renovation costs and the administrative costs for inventories, deposit protection, gas safety certificates and EPCs.

Being a landlord certainly requires more time, effort and planning than most people think it does but for those willing to put in the work it can be a highly profitable endeavour.

If you are considering becoming a landlord and would like to know more about how we can help you to manage your property please do give us a call on 01925 235 338 and we will be delighted to help you.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
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Warrington Property Market Report October 2022

The leaves are falling, the clocks have gone back and children, still hyped-up on sugar from their Halloween trick or treating, are now looking forward to this weekend’s fireworks displays. November brings with it darker mornings and chillier nights and so comes thoughts of Christmas and the New Year. This inevitably focuses the minds of those who have been considering moving, as they consider whether their homes are too small or indeed too large for their needs.

The looming New Year sparks thoughts of new beginnings and new homes so, despite the doom and gloom in the papers, life continues. People still move home and the property market continues to be busy.

Let’s have a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the local Warrington property market.

There are currently 416 properties available for sale in Warrington. This is 14 more than last month. Of these 416, 71 were new to the market in the last two weeks. The average price of properties in Warrington is £253,017 with the median price at £210,000.

Most of the properties available are in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket with 158 currently on the market. There are 26 properties available, in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket. This month, properties in the £300,000 to £400,000 bracket are the fastest movers, only on the market for 71 days. They are closely followed by properties in the £400,000 to £500,000 and properties in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket which both only remain on the market for 91 days.

Properties priced at £100,000 and under, are now taking 162 days to sell. One-bedroom properties with a median price of £89,943 are currently sitting on the market for an average of 249 days. This has gone down from 349 days last month.

This is another example of how selling property can take longer than people often imagine. If you’re looking to upsize from your first home, or are an investor looking to change your portfolio, please bear this in mind when planning.

Let’s take a look at the annual figures now.

The majority of sales in Warrington during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £238,088. Terraced properties sold for an average of £173,129, with detached properties fetching £410,885.

Overall, sold prices in Warrington over the last year were 1% down on the previous year and 16% up on the 2019 peak of £212,882.

This shows the high levels of activity in the local Warrington property market, which are likely to increase or at the very least, remain strong in the final quarter of the year. There is a lot of demand and plenty of people looking to move around Warrington.

If you’re thinking of selling your property, feel free to contact us. If you’re thinking of buying, letting or renting a Warrington property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01925 235 338 or email staff@hamletwarrington.co.uk.

Tips To Help Keep Your Pet Calm On Bonfire Night

 
One of the highlights of our work is getting to meet all of our clients' furry friends. Our pets give us unconditional love and companionship so naturally we all want to do everything we can to protect them from being scared and distressed.

Every year, Bonfire Night brings delight to adults and children alike all over the country as the loud whizzes, bangs and flashes of colour in the sky amaze and enthral. Our furry friends however are much less enamoured by the sight and sound of fireworks exploding in the sky. For those of us who have to witness our beloved pets in distress, it can be a less than enjoyable evening.

There are a few things that you can do to help your pet to cope with the anxiety that fireworks can cause them.

CATS Protection has issued the following advice:

Treats

A selection of their favourite long-lasting treats, given before the fireworks displays begin, can sometimes provide enough of a distraction to stop them from noticing the start of the noises. Even if they do not distract them for the whole of the display, any reduction in the time that they are distressed for is better than none.

Safe Place

Cats may feel reassured by having a cosy space in which they can curl up. If their bed has open sides then consider lining a cardboard box with towels and blankets for them to sleep in. Many cats feel safer when they are up high so placing this box on a shelf may increase their feeling of safety.

Music

Classic FM will be playing their pet classics, calming music specifically selected to try to help you and your pet stay relaxed, from 6pm to 10pm on Friday 5th November and Saturday 6th November. Turn it up, lay back and enjoy.

Battersea Dogs Home has this advice to add:

Stay Calm

Our pets are very sensitive to our emotions. If they think that you are anxious then they will be anxious too. Stay calm and reassure them in your most relaxed tones so that they can pick up from your body language and voice cues that there is nothing for them to worry about.

No Evening Walks

Make sure that you are home from your evening walk before it goes dark so that your dog isn’t upset by any unexpectedly early fireworks.

Draw your Curtains

Protect your pets from seeing the flashes from the fireworks by drawing your curtains. Having your curtains drawn can also help to muffle the sound from the fireworks.

Let Them Roam

Confining a dog to one room when they are used to roaming your home can increase their distress.

we hope that these tips help you and your furry friends to have an enjoyable and distress-free Bonfire Night.

If you are considering selling your home in Warrington then please give us a call on 01925 235 338 and we will be delighted to give you a free no-obligation valuation.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
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Turn Your Clutter Into Cash

 

We are a nation of secret and sometimes not so secret hoarders. It’s rare for a home to be completely clutter free. If the surfaces are empty, you can nearly always guarantee that there will be at least a couple of overstuffed cupboards.

However, there is something that may motivate you to declutter.

The stuff you haven’t seen let alone used for years could actually help you to pay your rising energy bills or contribute towards a well earned break in the sunshine.Second hand items are also good for the environment as they reduce the amount of things that go to landfill.

So decluttering can be good for your home, your wallet and the environment!

Research

Gone are the days when eBay was your only option for selling your unwanted items. Now there are a whole range of sites, some of which specialise in certain items, such as Vinted or Depop where you can sell clothes and accessories.

Facebook Marketplace can be a great way of selling items without having to pay any commission, as can local sites like Nextdoor.

Be honest

If there is any damage to your item it is better to be upfront about it rather than have it returned to you. To save yourself and the buyer time haggling if there is any damage, reflect this in the price.

If you think your item isn’t worth selling then try putting it on a site like Freecycle.

You won’t benefit financially from selling it but you will be stopping it from going to landfill so there is a feel-good reward.

Make sure the price is right

Be sensible when you are setting the price. Just like when you are selling a property, if you set the price too high then there will be little interest and then your item will be further devalued when it sits unwanted on the selling site for ages.

However, you also don’t want to set the price so low that it simply isn’t worth your time and effort to sell it.

Photographs

Taking lots of photographs will reduce the amount of time and the number of “no thanks” that you will get when selling an item as a collection only.

It will also increase your chances of selling your items online and reduce returns as people like to see clearly what they are purchasing.

To increase your chances of a swift sale, just as when selling a property, good photographs are essential. Keep the background clutter free, make sure that the lighting is good and ensure that you take photographs from several angles.

If you are decluttering in order to sell your home and would like some advice or a free no-obligation valuation then please do give us a call on 01925 235 338 .

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
Hamlet Homes Warrington, your local Estate Agent
Follow my Warrington Property Market Blog
Hamlet Homes Warrington LinkedIn Page
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Warrington Property Market Report September 2022

The children are all settled back at school and the changing weather leaves us in no doubt that Autumn is definitely here. September is always a month of new beginnings. With Christmas just around the corner many people start to think about whether their home still works for their family.

The rising interest rates may be causing pause for thought but life continues, despite the rising cost of living and people will always need to move home; sometimes because of, and sometimes in spite of, the financial climate.

Let’s have a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the local Warrington property market.

There are currently 402 properties available for sale in Warrington. This is 71 more than last month. Of these 402, 63 were new to the market in the last two weeks. The average price of properties in Warrington is £249,807 with the median price at £220,000.

Most of the properties available are in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket with 145 currently on the market. There are 24 properties available, in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket. This month, properties in the £400,000 to £500,000 bracket are the fastest movers, only on the market for 71 days. They are closely followed by properties in the £300,000 to £400,000 bracket which only remain on the market for 80 days.

Properties priced at £100,000 and under, are now taking 301 days to sell. This is similar to one-bedroom properties with a median price of £85,000 as they are currently sitting on the market for an average of 349 days. This has gone up from 337 days last month.

This is another example of how selling property can take longer than people often imagine. If you’re looking to upsize from your first home, or are an investor looking to change your portfolio, please bear this in mind when planning.

Let’s take a look at the annual figures now.

The majority of sales in Warrington during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £257,015. Terraced properties sold for an average of £179,917, with detached properties fetching £442,748.

Overall, sold prices in Warrington over the last year were 2% down on the previous year and 12% up on the 2019 peak of £229,947.

This shows the high levels of activity in the local Warrington property market, which are likely to increase or at the very least, remain strong in the final quarter of the year. There is a lot of demand and plenty of people looking to move around Warrington.

If you’re thinking of selling your property, feel free to contact us. If you’re thinking of buying, letting or renting a Warrington property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01925 235 338 or email staff@hamletwarrington.co.uk.

Five Things That Can Cause Good Tenants To Leave

There are many reasons that tenants decide to give notice and many of these have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with either the property or their landlord. However, there are some things that cause tenants to leave that are completely preventable.

Rent is too high

Annual rent increases can increase rent beyond a level that the tenant is either able or willing to pay for your property. Make sure that any increases in rent are in line with rents for the local area. If you have a good tenant then sometimes avoiding a rental void while you look for a new tenant can be more financially beneficial than an increase in rent can be.

Upsizing

Your tenant may need a larger property due to a growing family or relatives needing to move in with them for health or financial reasons. While you cannot magically make your property larger, if you have a larger rental property available and they are good tenants it is always worth mentioning to them that you have a bigger property available if you are getting the impression that they are outgrowing their current home.

Neighbours

You may think that there is nothing you can do if your tenant does not get on with their neighbours however, this is not the case. Sometimes simply acting as a mediator between your tenants and their neighbours can be enough to solve any disputes. Listen to both sides. The neighbours may not even be aware that they are doing anything wrong. If that doesn’t help and they are renting, try discussing the problem with their landlord who is likely to be just as keen as you for peace to be resumed. If this does not yield any results then your next step is to get the local council involved. Unsightly piles of rubbish, noise disturbances and anti-social behaviour are all things that the council can help with.

Maintenance issues

This is something that is completely within your power to solve. Not fixing things you have promised to fix or not responding when a tenant contacts you about a maintenance issue can cause the relationship between you and your tenant to break down. Avoid losing good tenants because of maintenance issues by making sure that you resolve problems as soon as you are notified about them. Regular inspections give you an opportunity to spot issues before they grow. If you live far away or are too busy to be able to attend to problems swiftly then consider employing an agent to manage your property for you. It is cheaper than having rental voids due to losing good tenants.

Buying a home

Unless they would like to buy your property and you are happy to sell it to them then this is something you really can’t solve. Wish them well and ask them if they have any friends who are looking for somewhere to rent that they would recommend as tenants.

By keeping on top of issues that may cause your tenants to leave you can reduce tenant turnover and rental voids leading to a better experience for both you and your tenants. If you would like to discuss how we can help you to manage your property please give us a call on 01925 235 338.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
Hamlet Homes Warrington, your local Estate Agent
Follow my Warrington Property Market Blog
Hamlet Homes Warrington LinkedIn Page
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How To Choose The Perfect Buy-To-Let Property

Purchasing a buy-to-let property can be an excellent and rewarding investment. If you choose the correct property then a good long-term income from your investment is nearly guaranteed. However, as with all investments, there are always risks. To try to mitigate these, here are a few things that you should bear in mind when looking for your perfect buy-to-let property.

Know your target market

Who is your target market? If your target market is students or young professionals you need to bear in mind their budget when they are looking for a property to rent and ensure that you do not purchase a property that will be too expensive for them to afford. Remember at all times when viewing potential properties that you are not looking to fall in love with a property for yourself. Buying a rental property should be a decision which is ruled over by your head, not your heart. Having said that, it can often help if you try to view a property through a potential tenant’s eyes as opposed to through a potential landlord’s eyes as that will allow you to see the things that might put a tenant off of your property.

Location, location, location

Look at local amenities and transport links and choose an area that will be attractive to your target market. For example students will need to be close to their lecture halls and local amenities. Being within walking distance of local restaurants and bars would make your property even more attractive to them. Families on the other hand will be interested in the catchment areas of the local schools and how peaceful the area is. It can be wise to invest in areas that you know well as your knowledge can help you to select a tenant who will enjoy living there. Remember happy tenants equal long-term renters which means less rental voids!

Go big?

Smaller properties often have less rental voids than larger properties as it can be harder to find tenants for larger, high rent properties. That is not to say that you should not invest in a larger property but you must be especially aware that if you do you should take care to ensure that it is both attractive to your target market in terms of the make and type of property and in a good location for them.

Do your homework

Property prices rise and fall. Large profits can be made from rental income when interest rates are low but rising interest rates can be a cause for concern for landlords. Make sure that you are aware of current trends in the market and keep on top of them even after you purchase your buy-to-let property in order to ensure that you are aware of and therefore can prepare for any upcoming issues.

If you are considering purchasing a buy-to-let property in Warrington and have any questions or would like to join our early bird list then please give us a call and we will be delighted to assist you.

Email me on manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk or call on 01925 235 338 – we are based on the Warrington Business Park, Long Lane, WA2 8TX. There is plenty of free parking and the kettle is always on.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
Hamlet Homes Warrington, your local Estate Agent
Follow my Warrington Property Market Blog
Hamlet Homes Warrington LinkedIn Page
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Facebook Page

6 Reasons People Are Not Buying Your Home That Might Surprise You

A recent survey revealed the top six things that can put potential buyers off of your home and they are not all as obvious as you might think.

Clutter

Clutter can make rooms feel smaller and is very off putting to buyers especially if they have to step over or go around it. Take some time to declutter your property. If you cannot bear to let go of items then consider renting a storage unit to put some of your things in until you move.

Dirt

You cannot clean too much when you are preparing your home for a viewing. Potential buyers are trying to envisage whether they can see themselves living in your property. Yes, dirty properties can be cleaned but most people find it hard to conjure up an image of what something can look like. So make sure that the image that you provide for them is a clean and welcoming one.

Clingy Sellers

Of course you are anxious to know how a viewing is going and want to make sure that the potential buyers are shown all of the most charming parts of your property. However, sellers that loiter during a viewing are more likely to put buyers off than encourage them to make an offer. This is because potential buyers need to have the opportunity to visualise themselves living in your property and that is much harder if the current homeowner is standing right in front of them constantly reminding them of the life that they are living in the property.

Smells

Unpleasant odours are a big no no for potential buyers. Make sure that you take the time to find the source of any unpleasant odours and deal with them. While you may be tempted to burn your favourite scented candle, be aware that no scent, however strong, can mask an unpleasant odour. Instead you end up with a mix of the two scents which can be highly unpleasant. Fresh air is the most attractive scent to buyers so make sure that your property has been well aired before any viewings.

The Goldilocks Effect

If a potential buyer feels too hot or too cold it will affect their perception of your home. You don’t want them to think of your property as ‘the cold house’ or ‘the hot house’. You want them to be as comfortable as possible during the viewing. 21°C is an ideal temperature, so consider adjusting your thermostat accordingly a couple of hours before each viewing.

Your estate agent

Rude and unhelpful agents don’t only annoy potential buyers, they may put them off of purchasing your property completely. Take some time when selecting your agent to talk to them about the local area and their experience of selling similar properties like yours. If you don’t find them to be knowledgeable and approachable then your potential buyers won’t either and it is important that when you leave them alone with your potential buyers during viewings that they have the social skills to be able to turn a potential buyer into an offer.

If you would like more advice on what you can do to present your property in its best light during viewings or are considering selling in the Warrington and would like a free no obligation valuation then please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01925 235 338 .

If you are looking for an agent that is well established, professional and communicative, whether you’re buying, selling or looking for an investment opportunity, then contact us to find out how we can get the best out of the Warrington property market.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
Hamlet Homes Warrington, your local Estate Agent
Follow my Warrington Property Market Blog
Hamlet Homes Warrington LinkedIn Page
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Facebook Page

How To Make The Most Of Your Outdoor Space During The Colder Months

Your garden or outdoor space really comes into its own during the Summer months. Flowers bloom, birds sing and the sunshine basks everything in a warm and welcoming glow that entices us outside. You would be forgiven for thinking that once the glorious days of Summer are over that your outdoor space will become uninviting and unusable until the warmer days of Spring start to encourage you back outside but, this doesn’t have to be the case.

Light

Nothing makes us scurry inside faster than the nights drawing in. Your garden doesn’t have to be dark and gloomy as soon as the sun goes down though. Install some exterior lights and you will soon be able to enjoy your garden late into the evening. If you don’t have an outdoor plug, solar powered lights are both cheap to buy and low maintenance and just a few strings of solar powered fairy lights can turn a dark and unwelcoming garden into an inviting and cheerful one.

Winter house

Many of us have Summer houses in our gardens. They are lovely places to spend time reading, resting, socialising and enjoying our hobbies in. There is no need to stop using them as soon as Summer ends. Add a few blankets to make them nice and cosy and they can be transformed from a shady place from which to enjoy your garden in the Summer, into a snug and welcoming space to enjoy your outdoors from indoors during the colder months.

Heat it up

A well placed fire pit or chiminea can provide enough warmth to take the edge off of the chill in the evenings. As the year progresses take inspiration from Winter wonderlands and add a warm coat, a few blankets and some hot chocolate and keep socialising in your garden throughout the year.

Keep cooking

You don’t have to stop cooking outside just because Summer has ended. Outdoor pizza ovens are suitable to be used all year round and a well placed gazebo can allow you to use your BBQ even when the rain is pouring down. Investing in a gas BBQ with a good hood will even mean that you can still use it when the wind is howling, if you want to!

If you are considering selling your home in Warrington and would like some more tips on how you can make the most of your outdoor areas during the colder months please do give us a call on 01925 235 338 .

August 2022 Market Report for Warrington

August has been a month of extremes: a heat wave, first holidays abroad in two years, and constant talk of the cost of living increases. This is causing widespread worry, which is an uncomfortable feeling for many.

It’s also causing people to reassess their lifestyles and make changes where they’re able. Many people are considering downsizing in order to reduce their bills or release equity. The property market continues to move, as it always will, with families growing, people passing away, and moving jobs.

Let’s have a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the local Warrington property market.

There are currently 331 properties available for sale in Warrington. This is 48 more than last month. Of these 331, 67 were new to the market in the last two weeks. The average price of properties in Warrington is £254,573 with the median price at £210,000.

Most of the properties available are in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket with 122 currently on the market. There are 24 properties available, in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket. This month, properties in the £400,000 to £500,000 bracket are the fastest movers, only on the market for 71 days. They are closely followed by properties in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket which only remain on the market for 75 days.

Properties priced at £100,000 and under, are now taking 307 days to sell. This is similar to one-bedroom properties with a median price of £90,000 as they are currently sitting on the market for an average of 337 days. This has gone down from 397 days last month.

This is another example of how selling property can take longer than people often imagine. If you’re looking to upsize from your first home, or are an investor looking to change your portfolio, please bear this in mind when planning.

Let’s take a look at the annual figures now.

The majority of sales in Warrington during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £256,092. Terraced properties sold for an average of £203,922, with detached properties fetching £431,100.

Overall, sold prices in Warrington over the last year were 2% up on the previous year and 16% up on the 2019 peak of £229,734.

This shows the high levels of activity in the local Warrington property market, which are likely to increase or at the very least, remain strong in the final quarter of the year. There is a lot of demand and plenty of people looking to move around Warrington.

If you’re thinking of selling your property, feel free to contact us. If you’re thinking of buying, letting or renting a Warrington property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01925 235 338 or email staff@hamletwarrington.co.uk.

Are You Unhappy With Your Letting Agent? We Can Help

Are you a landlord and are unhappy with your letting agent? Many landlords choose to put up with poor service from their letting agent rather than having to deal with the hassle of switching agents in the middle of a tenancy. Most will wait for their current tenancy to end and will then make a move. Others won’t even do that fearing that all letting agents are the same and that changing will be more hassle than it’s worth. This apathy is what bad letting agents rely upon but it doesn’t need to be that way.

Not all letting agents are the same! we believe that a letting agent should be providing you with excellent service, expert knowledge, professionalism and helpful advice from when they first start finding you a tenant to when that happy tenant leaves.

We believe that happy tenants make happy landlords as the happier your tenant is with their home the more likely they are to stay longer thus avoiding any rental voids and the more likely they are to take good care of your property.

If you are unhappy with your letting agent’s service then it is highly likely that your tenant is too.

So what can you do? The first thing is obviously to talk to your letting agent. Discuss your concerns and ask them how they will be dealing with these and what they will be doing in future in order to avoid these concerns arising again. This conversation may be enough to alleviate your worries. Just remember that actions speak louder than words. If you feel you are simply being placated each time you raise an issue then it may be a sign that it is time to change agents.

Before that though you will need to check the contract that you have signed with them. Is there a notice period that you need to give or a fee you have to pay in order to cancel the agreement mid-tenancy?

Once you have found this out everything else is easy. Choose the new letting agent that you would like to take over managing your property. Don’t forget to check reviews and get recommendations from people you trust.

Once you have informed your current agent that you intend to change agents your new letting agent can take over. They can collect all the paperwork and arrange for the name of the managing agent to be changed on the tenancy deposit scheme.

If you are changing your agent in the middle of a tenancy you should give your tenants a call to assure them that it won’t affect their occupancy at all. Then your new agent can pop round to meet your tenant, do a quick property inspection, ensure that all paperwork is up-to-date and give them the new bank details that they will need to start sending their rent to.

That’s it, all changed. It’s much easier than most people think it will be. Then you can relax knowing that your property is being looked after and you no longer need to worry about it.

If you are a landlord and are not 100% happy with the way that your letting agent is managing it then give us a call on 01925 235 338 and we will be delighted to discuss how we can help you to make renting out your property stress-free.

Six Reasons People Are Not Buying Your Home That Might Surprise You

A recent survey revealed the top six things that can put potential buyers off of your home and they are not all

as obvious as you might think.

Clutter

Clutter can make rooms feel smaller and is very off putting to buyers especially if they have to step over or go around it. Take some time to declutter your property. If you cannot bear to let go of items then consider renting a storage unit to put some of your things in until you move.

Dirt

You cannot clean too much when you are preparing your home for a viewing. Potential buyers are trying to envisage whether they can see themselves living in your property. Yes, dirty properties can be cleaned but most people find it hard to conjure up an image of what something can look like. So make sure that the image that you provide for them is a clean and welcoming one.

Clingy Sellers

Of course you are anxious to know how a viewing is going and want to make sure that the potential buyers are shown all of the most charming parts of your property. However, sellers that loiter during a viewing are more likely to put buyers off than encourage them to make an offer. This is because potential buyers need to have the opportunity to visualise themselves living in your property and that is much harder if the current homeowner is standing right in front of them constantly reminding them of the life that they are living in the property.

Smells

Unpleasant odours are a big no no for potential buyers. Make sure that you take the time to find the source of any unpleasant odours and deal with them. While you may be tempted to burn your favourite scented candle, be aware that no scent, however strong, can mask an unpleasant odour. Instead you end up with a mix of the two scents which can be highly unpleasant. Fresh air is the most attractive scent to buyers so make sure that your property has been well aired before any viewings.

The Goldilocks Effect

If a potential buyer feels too hot or too cold it will affect their perception of your home. You don’t want them to think of your property as ‘the cold house’ or ‘the hot house’. You want them to be as comfortable as possible during the viewing. 21°C is an ideal temperature, so consider adjusting your thermostat accordingly a couple of hours before each viewing.

Your estate agent

Rude and unhelpful agents don’t only annoy potential buyers, they may put them off of purchasing your property completely. Take some time when selecting your agent to talk to them about the local area and their experience of selling similar properties like yours. If you don’t find them to be knowledgeable and approachable then your potential buyers won’t either and it is important that when you leave them alone with your potential buyers during viewings that they have the social skills to be able to turn a potential buyer into an offer.

If you would like more advice on what you can do to present your property in its best light during viewings or are considering selling in the Warrington and would like a free no obligation valuation then please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01925 235 338

How To Find And Keep Good Tenants

All landlords want a good tenant. Even better is a good tenant who wishes to rent your property for a long time as it means you won’t be faced with rental voids or the stress of frequently having to find new tenants. Long-term tenants also tend to take better care of properties as they are more likely to treat them like their homes rather than as just temporary accommodation.

So how can you find your perfect tenant? Here at Hamlet we know that the best way to attract your ideal tenant is through targeted marketing and consistent good service. So what does that mean?

Identify your perfect tenant

A listing is just like a dating profile. If your ideal tenant finds the listing for your property online and doesn’t like the look of it then they won’t bother to consider it. So first take some time to think about who your ideal tenant is and then consider if there is anything you can do to make your property and your online advert more attractive to them.

Location, location, location

Highlight the proximity of the local services and attractions that your ideal tenants would use. For example if you would like to rent to students then mentioning the distance to the university would be a good start. For families let them know which school’s catchment area your property falls within and for young professionals focus on distance to transport links and local nightlife.

Take an objective look

Try to see your property through the eyes of a potential tenant. Is your property in need of a fresh coat of paint or are there things that you have been meaning to fix but haven’t got around to yet? Things like this can be a red flag for a tenant as it may give them the impression that you are a neglectful landlord.

Research

Look at similar properties in your area to ascertain what your competition is offering and make sure that you are not trying to set your rental price too high in comparison to them. Good tenants always have their pick of properties so do not price yourself out of their search by setting your rent too high. It can also lead to it taking longer to find tenants so the rental void may cancel out any gain you make from the higher price.

Choose your letting agent carefully

If you want good, long-term tenants then choosing the right agent to manage your property long-term is as important as choosing an agent who will be able to market your property well and find tenants fast. The key to getting long-term tenants is to treat them well and if your managing agent does not do that then you will have a high turnover of tenants and word will soon get around amongst tenants that it is unwise to rent through that particular agent reducing your pool of potential tenants. Here at Hamlet we have been responsible for managing hundreds of properties in Warrington and our happy landlords and tenants are proof that we truly are agents who care.

If you are a landlord and would like to discuss how wecan help you both find good tenants and keep them long-term or are a potential tenant looking for a property to rent in Warrington then please give us a call on 01925 235 338 and we will be delighted to help you.

Five Signs That It's The Right Time To Downsize

People downsize for a variety of reasons. Downsizing is selling your home in order to buy a smaller one. If you are thinking about downsizing but are still not sure whether it is the right decision for you we have rounded up the top five reasons that people downsize below.

Maintenance

Larger houses require more work to maintain them. This isn’t just limited to repairs but also weekly cleaning and basic upkeep. Maybe you are finding that you are not as mobile as you used to be, or that your priorities have changed and you would rather spend more time with family and friends rather than maintaining your home. Choosing to downsize can reduce the amount of maintenance that you have to do, freeing up your time to do more of the things that you enjoy.

Space

As families grow they need more space so over the years you will probably have moved several times to accommodate your growing family. However, once your children have grown and flown the nest you may well find that you feel like you are rattling around in a big empty home with lots of unused bedrooms. If you have more rooms than you know what to do with then it may be time to consider downsizing.

Health

Is maintaining your home taking its toll on your health? Or maybe you have developed some mobility issues and even with adaptations you are finding it difficult to cope with moving around in your home. A smaller property is not only easier to maintain but many people choose to downsize into a home with no stairs to assist with or prepare for potential mobility issues.

How does your home make you feel?

You should feel happy, safe and comfortable in your home. If these are not the feelings that your home elicits from you then you should definitely be considering moving. This is particularly true if being in your home makes you feel sad, lonely or scared. While moving will not automatically solve all of your problems, a fresh start in a new community may give you the opportunity to make new friends and feel safer.

Bills

The larger the property, the bigger the bills. The sharp increases in energy bills and the rising cost of living may be making you consider downsizing to reduce the size of your bills and make your monthly outgoings more sustainable. Alternatively if you have recently retired or if you or your partner have started to reduce your working hours then you may quickly find that your outgoings have started to outweigh your incomings. Downsizing can help to make your bills more manageable.

Choosing to downsize can be an emotional decision. If you would like to have an honest and sympathetic discussion about whether downsizing is right for you please give us a call on 01925 235 338 .

July 2022 Market Report For Warrington

How are your summer holidays progressing? We hope you’re enjoying yourselves and coping with the inevitable juggling act the kids off school presents.

The property market continues strong with our team busy helping Warrington move. The summer holidays are a great time to move home because it means you’ll be fully settled into your new place by the next school holidays, also known as Christmas time. The post-pandemic delays in sorting the paperwork once an offer has been accepted means you really need to factor a little longer into your home-move timeframe.

Let’s have a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the local Warrington property market.

There are currently 283 properties available for sale in Warrington. This is 8 more than last month. Of these 283, 59 were new to the market in the last two weeks. The average price of properties in Warrington is £257,282 with the median price at £230,000.

Most of the properties available are in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket with 94 currently on the market. There are 18 properties available, in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket. In May, properties in the £500,000 to £1,000,000 bracket were selling the fastest, only on the market for an average of 33 days. They are still the fastest but the length of time was extended to 49 days in June and that increased to 58 days in July. This month, properties priced between £300,000 and £400,000 are the second-fastest movers, only on the market for 65 days.

Properties priced at £100,000 and under, are now taking 374 days to sell. This is similar to one-bedroom properties with a median price of £90,000 as they are currently sitting on the market for an average of 389 days. This has gone up from 326 days last month.

This is another example of how selling property can take longer than people often imagine. If you’re looking to upsize from your first home, or are an investor looking to change your portfolio, please bear this in mind when planning.

Let’s take a look at the annual figures now.

The majority of sales in Warrington during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £250,274. Terraced properties sold for an average of £180,622, with detached properties fetching £417,670.

Overall, sold prices in Warrington over the last year were 2% down on the previous year and 12% up on the 2019 peak of £229,734. When considering the facts presented in this way, the talk of an impending property crash can be explained as media sensationalism. There is cooling in the market prices but after the last couple of years, this is to be expected.

Babies are still being born, families' needs will continue to change, people will pass away, and others will get married or the opposite. Whatever happens with the cost of living and other external forces, the property market continues to rumble on. People often have to move home, rather than choose to. Don’t worry too much about the scaremongering and instead, focus on your needs and the needs of the people you’re closest to.There is a lot of demand and plenty of people looking to move around Warrington. If you’re thinking of selling your property, feel free to contact us. If you’re thinking of buying, letting or renting a Warrington property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01925 235 338 or email staff@hamletwarrington.co.uk.

How To Make Moving Home Less Stressful

Moving home is an emotional time. You may be sad to be leaving your old home but at the same time be excited about moving into your new one. Finding the right home for you and your family can be a stressful experience and then just when you have finished jumping through all of the necessary hoops and signing all of the paperwork the most stressful part of all begins, moving!

However, with a little bit of planning you can help to reduce some of the moving day stress and make moving into your new home a more enjoyable experience.

Start now

If you are reading this blog then it is likely that you are either fast approaching your moving day, are actively looking to move or are considering moving. Whichever of these best describes you it is never too early to start getting ready to move. The best way to start is to get decluttering. It’s easy to think that you have lots of time and everyone loves a bit of procrastination but the sooner that you start dealing with all of your excess clutter the less stressed you will be in the long run as you will have less to pack.

Get ahead

If you really can’t bear to get rid of some of your belongings but also know that you won’t need them before you move then why not take the opportunity to get ahead with your packing and pop them in a box so that they are ready to go.

Measure

Will your furniture fit in your new home? If not then paying to move it will be a waste of money and finding out now will be less stressful than finding out on moving day. If you have sentimental attachment to any particular piece then see if a family member would like to use it until you move again otherwise see it as an opportunity to start afresh in your new home.

Label it

Clearly labelling each box with its destination and contents will make it easier for the removal company (or you) to know which room to put each box in on moving day. If you unexpectedly need something before you move and have already packed it then clear labels will make it easier to find it too. The same applies when you are in your new home and need something before you have finished unpacking.

The night before

Pack yourself a bag with your important paperwork, identity documents, daily medication, toiletries, chargers and a change of clothes. You may find that you are too tired on the first evening in your new home to start unpacking so make sure that you have everything you need to be able to comfortably spend the first night in your new home in that bag.

Try to relax

Moving day can be stressful. Try to avoid putting extra pressure on yourself by setting yourself goals about what time you want to be in by as delays can happen, or how quickly you must unpack. By approaching the day with a relaxed attitude you will be much more resilient to and therefore less stressed if any hiccups occur. Just focus on how you are going to feel at the end of the day when you are settled in your lovely new home and use that feeling to help carry you through the stresses of the day.

If you are thinking of moving in Warrington and would like more advice on moving home then please do give us a call on 01925 235 338.

Is The Housing Market About To Crash?

There have been lots of mutterings in the media about how the housing market is going to be affected by the cost of living crisis and most of them paint a rather bleak picture. However, the media does not dictate the state of the housing market, homebuyers and sellers do and currently we at Hamlet Homes are still experiencing high levels of demand for every single property that we list.

Despite the rising cost of living, demand for properties in the month of May was more than double what it was in the same period prior to the pandemic.

When the pandemic began and the country was sent into lockdown there were bleak prophecies made then too about how the housing market would be affected but instead of house prices plummeting they instead soared. Lockdowns had an effect on people's priorities and made them reassess their lifestyle with many deciding a house move was their next best step.

Since then house prices have continued to rise. Indeed according to Rightmove’s June Price Index in June the property market had a fifth record breaking price increase this year.

There was a 13% increase in the number of sellers in June this year compared to June 2021 which combined with the cost of living crisis may slow down the rapid increase in property prices. However, Rightmove has revised its annual growth forecast upwards from the 5% it predicted at the beginning of the year to 7% demonstrating that the market certainly isn’t about to flop anytime soon.

The increase in the number of sellers will be a relief to buyers who have been struggling to find a suitable property in this fast paced market. However, they should not be lulled into thinking that this means that competition for properties will be reduced. Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Director of Property Science wrote “We’re hearing from agents that though they might have had slightly fewer enquirers for each property in recent months, they’re still seeing significant interest from multiple buyers and are achieving successful sales”.

Therefore if you are looking to buy a property it is still very important that you put yourself in as attractive a position as possible in order to increase the likelihood that a seller will select your offer. Ensuring that you have already accepted an offer on your own property and getting pre-approved for a mortgage are becoming necessities in order for your offer to be taken seriously in the current market.

The rush to move created by the pandemic has caused a large backlog for conveyancers and the period of time that it is taking to move from having your offer accepted to reaching completion day is currently 150 days. This is being blamed on the fact that there are 44% more properties that are currently sold subject to contract, with buyers awaiting completion, than there were during the same period in 2019.

This means that if you would like to be in your new home in time for Christmas you need to be putting your property on the market now.

Deciding when to sell your home is a very personal decision. If you have been considering moving in Warrington and are not sure if now is the right time please do give us a call on

01925 235 338 and we will be delighted to have an honest conversation with you to help you decide what is best for you and your family.