Warrington Property April Report March 2023

Spring has definitely arrived, and the property market around Warrington, just like the local bees, is buzzing. According to mortgage industry technology company Twenty7tec, March saw overall mortgage search records set, and this has been reflected in the amount of activity in the local property market.

The King's Coronation has led to the addition of another Bank Holiday to the calendar this month, giving house hunters even more time to look for their dream home. With this in mind, we expect this month to be even busier than the last so if you are considering putting your property on the market, don't miss out on this royal opportunity.

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

There are currently 453 properties available for sale in Warrington. While this is 5 fewer properties than were available last month, it is a 5% increase in the number of properties available since December, when there were 430 available.

Of the 458 properties that are currently available, 61 came on the market in the last two weeks. In March, 82 properties came onto the market; in February, there were 65; in January, there were 73; and in December, there were 33. A steady stream of properties coming onto the market each month is great news for buyers, as it means that they have more choice.

The average price of properties in Warrington is £274,555. This is an increase of 5% since February, when the average house price was £261,154. Last month, the average price was £269,292.

Most of the properties available are in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket, with 148 currently on the market. In March there were 161; in February 182; in January, there were 192; and in December, there were 191.

There are 36 properties available in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket, and they are spending on average 128 days on the market.

Properties in the £400,000–£500,000 bracket are currently the fastest movers, spending on average only 86 days on the market.

They are closely followed by properties in the £300,000 to £400,000 bracket, which are now taking on average 90 days to sell.

One-bedroom properties had a median price of £95,000 in January and December. In February and March, the median price of a one-bedroom property in Warrington was £90,000 with an average price of £96,476. In April the median price rose again to £95,000 and the average price settled at £96,304. They are currently sitting on the market for an average of 263 days, down from 281 days in March.

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.

Two-bedroom properties were the fastest movers in Warrington in March, spending an average of only 90 days on the market. They currently have an average price of £174,448 and a median price of £160,000.

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

Properties around Warrington had an overall average price of £242,119 over the last year.

The majority of sales around Warrington during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £248,408. Terraced properties sold for an average of £173,012, with detached properties fetching £393,630.

Overall, sold prices around Warrington over the last year were 4% up on the previous year and 10% up on the 2020 peak of £220,043.

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 as we head towards summer. 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.

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
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Warrington Property Market Report January 2023

2023 is in full swing and the housing market is starting to return to its normal busy levels after the usual lull in December.

Buyers who are looking in February are serious about moving, which makes this one of the best months of the year to put your property on the market. The Spring Rush is on its way and will bring many more “window shoppers." Homebuyers who are looking now tend to be motivated and have a strong drive to find their next home.

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

There are currently 445 properties available for sale in Warrington. Last month, there were 430. Of the 445 properties that are currently available, 73 came to the market in the last two weeks. In December, there were 33 new properties that were new to the market; in November, there were 48; and in October, there were 71. This shows that the local real estate market is back to normal after the holiday slowdown.

The average price of properties in Warrington is £264,263, an increase from £252,677 in December and £250,004 in November. Despite the doom and gloom in the national media, the local property market is remaining strong.

Most of the properties available are in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket, with 192 currently on the market. This is an increase from last month, when there were 191, and the month before, when there were 170 available. In October, there were 158 available. This is good news for buyers and shows that the market has changed from a sellers' market to a buyers' market. Things have now calmed down to normal levels for the first time since the beginning of 2021, and there is now more choice once again for buyers.

There are 40 properties available in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket. This is nine more than last month and 12 more than the month before.

Properties in the £300,000 - £400,000 bracket remain the fastest movers, staying on the market for only 61 days, 19 days less than last month. In November, properties in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket were the fastest movers; they were on the market for 92 days.

Properties in the £400,000 to £500,000 bracket are now taking 100 days to sell. This is a decrease of 94% since November, when they were spending on average 194 days on the market. In December, they were taking 111 days to sell.

One-bedroom properties had a median price of £95,000 in January and December, up from £90,500 in November. They are currently sitting on the market for an average of 297 days, up from 288 in December and 289 in November. This is an increase from 249 days in October but is still a substantial 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.

Four-bedroom properties appear to be the fastest movers in Warrington, spending an average of only 86 days on the market, down from 91 days in November. They currently have an average price of £433,688, a 3.4% increase since December, when the average price was £419,277. The median price of a four-bedroom property in Warrington is now £422.500, up from £418,000 in December.

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

In the last year, most sales in the Warrington area were of semi-detached homes, which sold for an average of £231,025. Terraced properties sold for an average of £167,618; detached properties fetched £399,330.

Overall, sold prices in Warrington were similar to the previous year and 7% higher than the 2020 peak of £220,010.

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 this 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.

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.

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.

Spare Room? 5 Ways to Make it Work for You

If you’re fortunate enough to have a spare room in your home then there are lots of ways you can make full use of it, without letting it go to waste.

Unfortunately, spare rooms often become dumping grounds for all those items that haven’t found their place yet, or which don’t get used anymore but you can’t bear to let go of either.

If this sounds familiar, then clear it out and consider these five ways to make your spare room work for you.

1. Convert it into a Home Office

With more of us now working from home, turning your spare room into a home office could be just what you need, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

All you really need is a basic desk or worktop that can be easily fixed to the wall and an office chair. That’s it. Of course, you can add filing cabinets, bookcases, shelves and anything else that springs to mind, but a work surface and a chair will be adequate to get you started.

The beauty of it is, it’s your space to personalise exactly how you want, and it’s far better for your posture than being curled up on the sofa with your laptop. It’s also a great way of separating your home and work life, with the dining room table going back to being the space where you eat, and the office being exclusively for work.

Thinking longer term, demand for properties with a home office has increased dramatically recently, so an office space could make your home more attractive to buyers if you plan to sell in the future.

2. Home Gym

This is probably the most expensive option on the list, but it’s also the most beneficial healthwise, and you’ll save money on gym membership over the long term.

You can start small and build up your equipment. Purchase a mat, a step, some dumbbells or kettlebells, resistance bands and a bench to start with, before moving onto bigger and more expensive equipment such as a treadmill, spin bike or rowing machine if there’s sufficient space.

If you use it regularly you’ll not only become physically fitter, but your mental wellbeing will improve too.

Having a gym inside your home will also help you avoid making excuses to exercise and ensure you start working on those fitness goals you’ve been putting off!

3. Rent it Out

If you’re looking for some extra income then renting out the spare room is the perfect solution.

There are numerous ways to do this and understandably many people are quite sceptical, so if the idea of having a stranger living in your home is too daunting then you could rent it out to a friend or relative for a few months first.

On the other hand, if the idea of a stranger staying doesn’t bother you then a lodger will give you a guaranteed monthly income. You could also advertise the room on a website like Airbnb and have different guests using it for shorter stays.

The downside of doing this is that you won’t know how much you’ll earn each month, as some months could be very quiet, but if you live in a town or city with lots of attractions and events happening regularly, then this could be the most lucrative option.

If you choose to rent out your spare room the Government’s Rent a Room Scheme allows you to earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free.

4. Make it Multi-Functional

There’s no reason why your spare room needs to have one sole purpose. Why not combine ideas to get maximum use out of it?

For example, you could have a home office with a sofa-bed and a TV in it. This way you’ll have a workspace combined with a snug or second living room, and a place for visitors to stay.

Or you could have an office, with a bar and a dartboard in it for after hours! There are countless possibilities and you can be as creative as you like, so let your imagination run wild.

5. Walk-in Wardrobe

Admit it, we’ve all watched one of those celebrity TV shows at some point and thought how cool it would be to have a room filled with all our clothes!

Well fortunately you don’t need to be a millionaire with a mansion to have this yourself, just a spare room and of course, a lot of clothes and shoes to fill it with.

When it comes to cost, you don’t need to fork out hundreds of pounds on new wardrobes and cupboards. Just some clothes rails and a few shelves will do the trick if you plan it well.

What will you use your spare room for?

Hamlet Homes Warrington are your local property experts for the Warrington area. Call us on 01925 235 338 or email manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

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.

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
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Twitter Page

Has the Warrington Property Market Peaked?

Should you buy now or wait for the bargains?

• Many commentators believe we have seen the peak of the Warrington property market.
• So, should savvy bargain hunters wait for Warrington house prices to fall?
• Or could postponing your house buying for any anticipated Warrington house price drop be a costly mistake?

Over the last two years, the Warrington property market has been a rollercoaster ride of hyperactive demand together with the new sport of getting your offer accepted when you compete with 30 other bidders.

Yet there are clouds on the horizon that the

Warrington property market could be at its peak.

Bank of England interest rates have increased four times in the last few months to try and combat inflation. Meanwhile many Warrington households are finding it tough to counter the most significant drop in real incomes in a single year since records began in the mid-1950s, all at the same time as gas, heating oil and electricity prices are predicted to rise again in the autumn.

Hence why some economists are predicting house price drops in the coming 18 to 24 months of 3% to 5%.

So, surely this is not the best time to buy a Warrington property – and surely savvy buyers should wait for Warrington house values to fall?

Is it realistic to see double-digit national house price growth? 

Certainly not.

The question is how far the Warrington property market will slow and whether the slowing will drop into modest falls.

Let me look at household income first.

At best, the outlook is gloomy as real household disposable income is set to drop by 2.4% in 2022/23, the largest drop since records began in 1956. This is despite the £17.6 billion of financial support for British households revealed in Rishi Sunak’s Spring 2022 Statement with the National Insurance thresholds, energy bill support package and duty cut on petrol. Without these changes announced by the Chancellor, real household disposable income would have fallen by an additional 1% in 2022/23.

Second, as interest rates increase, mortgage rates will increase in line, increasing mortgage costs, so surely that will curtail demand, meaning Warrington house prices will drop, and buyers should wait to catch a bargain?

Finally, with inflation on the rise, the real value of people’s savings will decrease quicker, and the value of their deposits will diminish, meaning Warrington prices will surely drop, and people should wait to buy?

Surely the Warrington property market has peaked and

buyers should wait for the bargains?

Well, I don't think so, and these are the reasons why I say that.

I believe, subject to no significant shocks in the world economy, Warrington house price growth will be very slow in the next 18/24 months and go into low single digits (even the odd month dipping ever so slightly into the red), but not the 16% to 19% annual drop we saw in 2008/9.

Let me look at real household income. Every economist predicts 

growth in real household income in 2023/24 by around 1%.

If the two years are combined, the predicted effect on real household income in the next two years (2022/23/24) is a net loss of 1.4%, whilst in the credit crunch years 2010/11/12, the net loss was 2.7%.

I was looking at the increase in mortgage rates. 79% of owner-occupiers have fixed their mortgage costs and had their affordability stress-tested to Bank of England interest rates of 3% to 4% under the Mortgage Market Review rule changes in 2014. I believe the most significant impact of increasing interest rates will be at the point of taking on a new mortgage by first-time buyers (as opposed to servicing or the porting of an existing mortgage from one house to the next house).

The four successive Bank of England base rate rises, inflation and the rising cost of living are likely to bring more cautiousness over summer and autumn when it comes to people buying a property. Yet, there is still a massive imbalance of demand for property over the number of properties for sale to quench that demand.

The potency of the job market and the ongoing mismatch between the supply of properties (mentioned in last week’s article on the Warrington property market) on the market and demand for those properties will support property values.

Finally, the by-product of increasing inflation is that it makes buy-to-let more attractive. If there is a reduction in first-time buyers, this will be counterweighted by more landlords buying again, supporting the current level of Warrington properties.

But what if Warrington house prices do drop significantly?

So let’s assume that Warrington house prices do fall, irrespective of the reasons above, it will not inevitably help Warrington buyers.

If we have a house price crash, people tend to find their careers are at risk, and their salaries don’t rise as much. The younger generation (i.e. first-time buyers age range) often gets hit the toughest by recessions.

If first-time buyers wait until 2024 to buy and Warrington property values drop by 10%, that will prove more expensive.

In the last 2008/09 crash, lenders weren't offering 5% deposit mortgages. The lowest deposit mortgage that first-time buyers could get was with a 10% deposit and even then, they were hard to come by.

When writing this article, first-time buyers can obtain a 5% deposit mortgage for a fixed rate of 2.66% for five years.

The typical first-time buyer terraced house in Warrington

sells for £162,000.

So, if they were to buy now, on this mortgage deal, the first-time buyer would have to stump up a £8,100 deposit and their mortgage payments would be £563.47 per month.

Yet, let’s say property values in Warrington do drop by 10% in the next 18 months, the terraced house would now be worth £145,800, so a significant saving. Or is it?

Everyone believes interest rates will rise further, so let’s assume they go to 3% by the autumn of 2023. That means the mortgage rate for a 10% deposit mortgage will be in the early 5%’s, so let me assume 5.29% (because the banks tend to increase the gap between the base rate and the mortgage rate in recessions to allow for the extra risk).

The monthly mortgage payment on the 5.29% mortgage would be £686.72 per month, and you would need to double your deposit to £14,580.

So even if Warrington's house prices did drop by 10%, the first-time 

buyer would be £1,480 worse off a year in mortgage payments 

and would have to find double the deposit.

...and then there is the other cost of waiting.

You have two years’ worth of rent to pay. The average rent for a Warrington property
is £862 per month.

If you waited a couple of years for Warrington house prices to drop 

by 10%, you would spend £20,688 in rent.

Choosing to buy a Warrington property makes even more economic sense if it is a long-term choice, as homeowners can ride out any house price drops.

Homeowners who plan to stay in a property can generally rely on getting their money back within six to ten years whilst not paying any rent.

Will Warrington prices go up, or will they go down?

Remember, George Osbourne said house prices would drop by 18% in May 2016 if we voted to leave the EU, whilst many economists said they would drop by 5% to 10% when Covid hit in March 2020.

And we all know what happened.

If you think you will be better off owning your own Warrington home rather than renting one, don't bother to wait for the suggested house price drop that may never happen.

These are my thoughts, what are yours? Let me know in the comments.

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.

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
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Twitter Page

1 in 91 Homes are Sitting Empty in the Warrington Area

• 1,060 homes in the Warrington area are empty, which represents 1 in 91 homes.
• 797 of those have been empty for more than six months and are worth £191million.
• Why are those properties standing empty and deteriorating and why could that become an issue for the whole of Warrington?

A couple of weeks ago was National Empty Homes Week, so I thought I would find out how many homes are empty in the Warrington area - the numbers surprised me, so I wanted to share my thoughts about them with you.

The latest Government statistics show that 797 properties in 

Warrington have been empty for more than six months.

Homes that are left empty for an extended period can affect our locality and occasionally invite anti-social behaviour.

With a shortage of housing in the Warrington area, these empty homes must be brought back into use to generate much-needed housing for local people.

As you can see in the first bullet point, some homes are only empty for a short period of time. Yet, those local properties that stand empty for more than six months and then deteriorate become a problem for our local community.

I appreciate there can be many genuine explanations why a property may be left empty for a long time. However, with council house waiting lists at high levels and the shortage of both properties to buy and rent in Warrington, we must ask what is being done about this at Government level and how this could affect the Warrington property market?

The collective value of these 797 long-term (6 months or more) 

empty houses in Warrington are worth £191million.

This impacts the Warrington housing market with a lack of properties coming onto the market for sale and rent. This results in house prices being pushed up, making it less affordable for first-time buyers to get on the first step of the housing ladder.

It’s a real shame that many local properties are empty for over six months when there is an increasing demand for accommodation, at a time when there’s such a competitive housing market.

So, one might ask if this issue of long-term empty properties is a new problem? Well, not really.

There were 916 homes long-term empty in Warrington in 2010.

I know our local authority likes to work with property owners of empty homes to bring them back into housing stock as it helps with the housing shortage, even with the help of grants if improvement work is needed for the empty home. Yet, they could use enforcement action where a homeowner is incapable or unwilling to bring their property back into use.

So, what is the Government doing nationally? Homeowners are charged a 50% premium on top of their Council Tax if their home has been empty for two years or more. This can rise to a 300% premium if the property has been empty for ten years or more.

However, the bigger question is, why are all these homes in the 

Warrington area being left empty?

The real answer is - they are not.

A handful of the properties belong to the local authority and are in poor condition because the tenant trashed the property.

Probate (where the person's estate is put in order and passed onto the beneficiaries of the will) takes between six and twelve months. Most of these long-term properties are being modernised and renovated, whilst other Warrington properties are part of a deceased estate. In other circumstances, some Warrington homes have been left empty after the owner has been placed into a care home, yet there is no Power of Attorney to put the home onto the market.

There is no 'one fix all' to the empty home syndrome in Warrington.

Empty properties in Warrington is not the issue that will sort the housing crisis we’re suffering from.

The simple fact is the population is growing faster than the number of houses being built. We need to build more homes.

Whether that means council properties, housing association homes, private landlords or even owner-occupation housing the masses - that's a massive question we could all talk about, day in day out until the cows come home.

So, tell me, what are your thoughts on the matter?

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.

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
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Twitter Page

6 Tips to Help you Find the Best Lettings Agent in Warrington

So, you’ve got a property to rent out in the Warrington area?

Perhaps you’ve bought it specifically to rent out, or maybe you have inherited it and want to make it pay its way. Whatever your reasons, you’ve decided to employ the services of a local Warrington lettings agent to help you!

But how do you choose the right lettings agent?

We work with a lot of landlords in the Warrington area and we know that they need support from lettings agents just like us to help them become even more successful.

To help you make the right choice, the Hamlet Homes Warrington team have put our heads together and have come up with six tips for finding the right lettings agent.

(Of course, if you want to just give us a call now, that’s fine too! Our number is 01925 235 338 or you can email us on manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk

1. What do you Want from your Lettings Agent?

Decide what you actually want from a lettings agent, and then check what services a particular agent actually offers. You might want to do most of the work yourself, with the letting agent simply marketing the property for you or finding a tenant. You may want them to completely manage the tenancy throughout. There are cost implications, and time implications too, but if you don’t know what you want, you won’t be able to choose the most suitable lettings agent in the first place.

Our Advice It sounds simple, but draw up a list of what you think you want a lettings agency to do. Then speak to several different agents.

2. Make Sure the Lettings Agent Knows the Area

It’s of paramount importance that your lettings agent knows the lie of the land. Do they know what type of property rents best in Warrington and do they know what sort of rent you should expect in Warrington? You want your agent to know what they’re talking about so that you benefit.

Our Advice Devise a series of questions that you can ask your shortlist of potential lettings agents. If they are like us, they will know the answers!

3. Is the Lettings Agent up to Speed with latest Legislation?

Being a landlord brings with it a number of legal responsibilities. Your lettings agent should make you aware of these so that everything is done by the book. You will rely on your agent to remind you of important legalities such as gas and electrical certificates so make sure they are fully up to speed on all the current guidelines.

Our Advice See how helpful a potential lettings agent is by asking if they know who to contact for gas safety checks and the electrical inspection condition reports.

4. How Efficient is the Lettings Agent?

A great lettings agent will not only find you a good tenant, but they’ll be highly communicative and go through all the paperwork with you too. They’ll make sure that the right financial checks take place, and, if needed, the right to rent checks too. They will also sort out the contractual information like the shorthold tenancy agreement and the all-important tenancy deposit.

Our Advice Choose a lettings agent who knows their stuff, but one who can communicate well with you too so that you understand the processes involved with being a landlord.

5. What do their Reviews Say?

You don’t have to leave the sofa for this one! There are a number of review websites and social media platforms where people can leave reviews. Have a look and see what people are saying about particular lettings agents in Warrington.

Our Advice Most reviews are genuine, but just be mindful that on social media some reviews should be taken with a pinch of salt. Use your judgement well.

6. Draw up a Final Shortlist

So you’ve done your homework and you know what you want from a lettings agent. You know what sort of rent you want or need to achieve, you know what sort of level of service you need, and you’ve read the reviews.

The next thing to do is draw up a shortlist of two or three lettings agents and contact them. Ask questions and see how they respond to you.

You’ll get a gut feel as to whether or not you want to work with them. We’re a great believer in dealing with people you can trust and comfortably do business with.

Our Advice Choosing the right lettings agent for you and your property is important; it has to work well for you.

Getting the right team on board is a surefire way to success. We’ve been helping landlords in Warrington for many years, and we will be delighted to have an initial chat with you about your requirements. Call us on 01925 235 338 or email us at manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk

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.

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

Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Twitter Page

10 Tips for Buy-to-Let Success

Buying a property and letting it out can be very rewarding. Not only do you receive a rental income, but the property itself should also increase in value over time.

The property you are renting out is an investment, but you must make sure that it is looked after and well maintained.

Of course, you may also be busy with a job and family, and while buying to let is a business, it may not always be the first priority in your life.

That’s why we have put together our 10 Tips for Buy-to-Let Success guide. These tips are based on our many years of experience of helping landlords run successful businesses.

If you would like help and advice on the rental market in Warrington, email us at manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk or call 01925 235 338.

1. Choose Your property Wisely

You may want to invest your money and start getting a return as quickly as possible, but first, you must do your homework and consider the type of property you want and what sort of tenant you need. You might be thinking about students, but what if there isn’t a market for students in the area?

Top tip Speak to the professionals. We know the Warrington market locally and can advise you accordingly.

2. Decide how Much Involvement You Want

Decide what sort of landlord you want to be. Will you be hands-on and do a lot of the maintenance work yourself, or do you want to get tradespeople in to do the work for you?

Top Tip If you’re relying on tradespeople, ask around and develop a list of trusted contacts to be used when required.

3. Will You Manage the Property?

There are quite a few things you need to do including getting gas and electric certificates, collecting rent, dealing with maintenance and other issues, even managing the process of eviction should it come to that.

So, are you able to do much of this management yourself, or do you need an experienced lettings manager to take the strain?

Top Tip We can help you find a tenant, sort the contracts and look after the management – if you want us to!

4. Understand the Potential Net Returns

You may have money in the bank to invest in property. You may also have the desire to be a landlord and are thinking of the potential returns. But, have you actually done the maths?

Sit down with a pen and paper and do some research into all the other costs, for example:

• Landlords Insurance
• Servicing and gas and electric safety certificates
• EPC certificate
• Costs of repairs and maintenance
• Tax
• Void Periods
• Tenant Acquisition
• Utility Bills
• Management Fees

This is to name but a few!

Top Tip Make sure you can afford it. This might sound silly, but if the returns aren’t as great as you think, and the additional costs rack up, you could be in for a surprise.

5. Be Aware that Property Prices can go Up and Down!

Property is a sound investment most of the time. We would definitely recommend being a buy-to-let landlord, particularly in Warrington, but you should be aware that property markets can go down as well as up.

Top Tip Be in it for the long run. Be patient as markets can fluctuate but a good landlord knows this and sticks with it.

6. Always get Insurance

We firmly advise that you need Landlords Insurance and Buildings Insurance and maybe even Contents Insurance too. It’s better to be safe than sorry and should anything untoward happen, you will know that you are covered.

Top Tip Speak with an experienced insurance broker. They will go through the level of cover you need and why.

7. Be Efficient and Keep Records of Everything

A buy-to-let property is best when it has a paying tenant of course. When it is empty, it costs you money. Landlords who can move quickly when they need to find a tenant are the ones who have successful businesses.

Top Tip Make sure your paperwork is organised and in order. Keep a list of preferred suppliers including plumbers and electricians so that any work can be done quickly.

8. Choose the Right Lettings Agent

A good lettings agent will advise you on which area to look at when acquiring a property, and will know the sorts of rent you could expect to get. They’ll be able to recommend tradespeople, and be able to sort the contracts out. It’s worth doing your research and getting the right team in place.

Top Tip Seek recommendations from other landlords who have used an agent in your area.

9. Don’t Fall in Love with the Property

This is an interesting one. There’s a difference between liking a property and loving it. If you love it, you may well not see it as a business and it is a business that has to make money.

Top Tip You won’t be living in the property, but you can put your stamp on it in some way, perhaps the garden design for example.

10. Plan for the Future

While you have a property to rent out, ask yourself what your future plans look like:

• What’s your long-term goal for the property?
• Do you know whether you want to sell it eventually?
• Do you want to keep it and live in it at some point?

Top Tip Set your goals right at the start. That way, you will know what to do and when to make the right decisions.

We have years of experience in helping buy-to-let landlords and we can help you. Please get in touch. Email us at manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk or call us 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.

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
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Twitter Page

What Should I do to my House in Warrington Before I Sell it?

Deciding to put your home in Warrington on the market is a huge step. But, beginning the process of preparing your property for sale can be completely overwhelming.

Here are eight tips every seller should follow to ensure their home is ready to welcome viewers.

1. Do a Thorough Declutter

A rigorous declutter is essential before you place your house on the market. This will not only make your home look bigger, brighter and more inviting, but it will help massively with the moving process.

The easiest and most thorough way to declutter is to approach each room separately. Empty the entire contents of the room, and split it into three separate piles. The first should be items you adore, which will be joining you in the new home.

The second pile should be items of excellent quality, but belongings that are simply not loved by your family anymore. These can then be sold, given away, or donated to charity.

The third and final pile will consist of items that are no longer any good. These can then be taken to your local recycling centre to be transformed into something new.

2. Clean Rigorously

Your home must be sparklingly clean in the preparation process to allow for the best quality photographs to entice the most viewers.

Consider renting a carpet cleaner to scrub the floors throughout your home. Additionally, take this opportunity to deep clean the blinds and curtains, which will transform any space.

3. Decorate and Depersonalise

Viewers want to look around your home and imagine a place that their family will enjoy. During their visit, they will visualise how their furniture and belongings will sit in each room, which can be challenging if the space is already cluttered.

Where necessary, paint the rooms in light, neutral colours to attract the broadest range of viewers. Remove any large family photos and pictures, which can also be distracting for potential buyers.

However, avoid expensive renovations such as kitchens and bathrooms. These might look fantastic, but it is unlikely you will reap the rewards during the sale.

4. Complete All Maintenance Jobs

There are many niggly things in our homes that we learn to live with. Stained carpets, leaky pipes, and unvarnished windowsills.

Showing your home to a potential buyer with these issues suggests you have not loved and taken care of the property, which can seriously deter viewers. In such a competitive market, your home needs to do everything it can to stand out in the crowd.

These tasks are often inexpensive and quick to sort, so dedicate an afternoon to fixing the issues before you plan to put your home on the market.

5. Switch Around the Rooms

You may use certain rooms in a way that works perfectly for your family, but that doesn’t mean it will appeal to prospective buyers.

For example, you might be currently using your dining room as a playroom. Unfortunately, this may eliminate older couples with no children or those who don’t plan to start a family soon. Remember, buyers quickly glance through the online advertisements, so your home must do everything it can to make the best possible first impression.

Try to squeeze in an office space where possible. More people are working from home than ever before, and a dedicated space for a desk will make a huge difference.

6. Set The Scene

Home staging is the process of ensuring your home looks its absolute best before the photographs are taken, or buyers enter the property. You might decide to lay the table, add new lighting, or even rearrange the furniture to maximise the potential of each space.

Fill rooms with fresh flowers and reed diffusers before viewers arrive to leave the house smelling beautiful.

7. Freshen up the Garden

The outside space is as important as what’s inside the home for most buyers. Therefore, ensuring your garden is in top condition is imperative.

Before de-weeding the area and mowing the lawn, you should remove any empty plant pots, toys, or general waste. This shows the garden has been cared for throughout your ownership.

Kerb appeal is crucially important too, and viewers often make snap decisions on their first impressions. Therefore, it may also be worthwhile to paint any garden walls or fences, brightening up the area.
8. Arrange a Fantastic Photographer

Once your home is ready to be put on the market, it’s time to hire a fantastic photographer to capture all of your hard work. Your estate agent will usually be able to arrange this for you, ensuring that your home is shown in the best possible light.

Hamlet Homes Warrington are your local property experts for the Warrington area. Call us on 01925 235 338 or email manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk to find out the best improvements you can make to your Warrington home.

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.

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
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Twitter Page

5 Tips to Make Your House Look Larger

For many people, buying a bigger house in Warrington or building an extension is an unaffordable dream, but being short of space doesn’t mean you have to feel squashed in your home.

Here are 5 tips to help you make your house look larger.

1. Declutter

Nothing makes a room feel smaller than unnecessary clutter. Whether it’s paperwork and magazines lying around, or kids’ toys strewn across the living room floor, a messy room always feels smaller than it actually is.

If this sounds familiar then it’s time for a clear-out, and don’t be afraid to be ruthless. Divide all your unnecessary clutter into three categories. Things that just need throwing out, items you can take to the charity shop, and items you can sell to make some extra cash.

Not only will a good decluttering free up some space and make your house look larger, but it’s also great for your mental wellbeing too.

2. Brighten Your Rooms Up

Painting your rooms with light, bright colours will automatically make them feel bigger. And by bright, we don’t mean fluorescent yellows and pinks. Just an off white or a pastel yellow will instantly transform a room.

Avoid darker colours and heavily patterned wallpaper, and go for neutral, light and bright colours.

And when it comes to brightening the rooms up it’s not just the walls to consider. Having blinds instead of curtains will take up less space, and you can opt for light fittings with brighter bulbs to really lighten the room up and allow more light to radiate.

3. Buy Multi-Functional Furniture

This is definitely the most practical thing you can do to create more space and store away clutter. For example, you could invest in a sofa-bed that can be folded up when it’s not being used, giving you more floor space.

Or you could opt for an Ottoman bed, so you’ve got lots of extra storage space without cluttering the room.

Essentially any furniture that can be folded up or doubled up for storage is likely to be a good investment.

Another tip when it comes to furniture is to avoid items that lie on the floor and buy ones with legs, such as coffee tables and sofas. This allows more light to come in and give the room an airier feel, and it can also double up as extra storage space underneath. Just be careful not to use it as an excuse to add more clutter though!

4. Use Mirrors

A couple of well placed mirrors can make a huge difference when it comes to making a room feel bigger.

Choose a range of shapes and sizes and place them strategically throughout your house and you’ll be amazed at the effect they can have.

Because they reflect natural and artificial light, they’ll make any room seem brighter whatever time of day it is, and they’ll give the illusion of making a room feel larger just by being there.

Another tip with mirrors is to place one near a window so it’s reflecting the outside world. This can make a huge impact on a room’s perceived space.

5. Arrange Your Furniture to Maximise Space

Large items in the middle of a room are probably the biggest no-no when it comes to maximising your space. Unless of course, there’s plenty of room to get around them.

Keeping large, bulky pieces of furniture against the walls is usually the best thing to do, so you can keep as much floor space free as possible. And be sure to keep pathways around furniture as clear as possible, as squeezing between a bed and a wardrobe for example will only heighten the feeling of being cramped.

Another trick you can use when it comes to furniture is to use shelves over cabinets as much as possible, and the higher up the better. A bulky bookcase will take up a significant amount of space, but if you can put a couple of shelves high up on the wall which will fit all of your books then you’ll be freeing up valuable floor space.

When it comes to furniture, if space is at a premium, then stick to the essentials. While it’s nice to have extra armchairs and fancy floor lamps, ask yourself if they’re actually necessary or just an extra feature that’s nice to have.

The key to making a room feel larger when it comes to furniture, is to keep as much floor space free as you possibly can, especially pathways through rooms.

Still need more space? Hamlet Homes Warrington are your local property experts for the Warrington area. Call us on 01925 235 338 or email manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

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.

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
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Twitter Page

Warrington’s Love (and Hate) Affair with the Semi-Detached House

The semi-detached house – the icon of middle-class aspiration, the pinnacle of liberalism yet at the same time compromised individuality, the ‘semi’ as it is colloquially termed is, for many Warrington homeowners, the highpoint of modern domestic bliss.

Britain’s gift to architecture is the humble ‘Semi-Detached House’. This type of property has been exported around the world with - the ‘Doppel Haus’ in Germany, the ‘Duplex’ in the USA, Canada and Australia.

For those young, hip and trendy people living in your converted warehouses with strobe lighting and exposed brickwork, it might surprise you the semi is the dream home of an immense number of Warrington people. In fact, it is the most common dwelling type in the British Isles, with 8,060,657 semi-detached homes occupied by Brits alone (representing 31.68% of all occupied property) compared to 23.81% detached, 25.49% terraced and 19.02% flats.

In Warrington alone, there are 29,851 semi-detached houses meaning …

41.8% of properties in Warrington are semi-detached.

So, when did the semi-detached house first come into play? Many people think the semi-detached boom started with mass swathes of the suburban mock Tudor bay-fronted semis being built between the first and second world wars. The fact is that it was actually that rich landowners in the post Great Plague (1665+) years wished to house their farm labourers as inexpensively as possible, yet making their grand estates look as imposing as possible.

And that’s the point of a semi-detached house. Only half the 

property is yours, yet you ‘feel’ like you own it all.

The next phase of the semi-detached story, and a phase that really pushed home the point, were many of the late Georgian houses built around the Kensington Gardens area in West London. Many upper-middle class Georgians were wanting something more than the classic Georgian terraced house yet couldn’t afford a large detached home. Therefore, architects took the humble semi-detached house to the next stage of its evolution by masquerading the building itself as one home by slipping its two front doors down opposite sides of the building, making it look like one home from the front, to complete the impression of total ownership.

By Victorian times, semi-detached houses fell out fashion as the railways were building many of them for their railway workers and they became associated with the lower working classes but speculative builders continued building semi-detached homes for the new lower middle class, that is the reason why ultimately the country is full of semi-detached homes today.

The semi-detached house was saved from the annals of history by the Bedford Park development in Ealing (London). Referred to as the world's first ‘garden suburb’ and started in the 1870’s, the architect of Bedford Park used influences of the Aesthetic Movement, the precursor to the Arts and Craft Movement to make the buildings look more pleasing on the eye. The architect also took reference from the style of properties from British history such as Queen Ann to be seen in such features as a sweep of steps leading to a carved stone door, rows of painted sash windows in boxes set flush with the brickwork and bright coloured brickwork with limestone stone quoins emphasising the building’s corner.

As the car enabled people to commute to work from further away, people wanted to get out of the big cities, thus giving rise to the interwar semi, with its mock Tudor fronted, rosemary tiled roof, oak beamed, herringbone brickwork and the leaded and stained glass windowpanes that we all recognise. It was Bedford Park that gave the green light for architects up and down the country to use old styles of building design to make their semi-detached houses look the part.

And now, in more modern times, the semi-detached house has gone from strength to strength.

27,573 of Warrington semi-detached houses have changed hands 

since 1995, many upwards of 5 times (and a handful even more).

The semi continues to appeal, both to big national builders and smaller Warrington developers, and most importantly to home buyers. The advantage of semi-detached houses over town houses/terraced houses or apartments is they afford access to their (typically bigger) gardens without having to pass through the house, and they have natural sunlight on three sides of the property, are easily extendable and quite often have a driveway.

 
And that’s at the heart of what a semi-detached house is all about, the schism or divide of the semi reveals the tension at the heart of owning your home, which on one side of the coin is a commodity/way to make money and on the other side, a vision to have your own castle, a piece of ground to call your own. It articulates both the craving for personal freedom and the inevitability of socio-economic life. What do I mean by that?

We may dream of owning a castle in many acres, with a drawbridge and moat, yet in real life we can only afford half a building plot sliced out by a volume national builder next to the A49.
I just love a semi-detached house! Style and substance combined.
What are your thoughts? Share your stories and opinions on the humble semi-detached house.

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.

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
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Twitter Page

10 Tips for a Stunning Garage Conversion

Our garages often become storage rooms, hoarding items we now have little use for but converting this space can completely transform your home.

Whether it gives you a dedicated office, a bigger kitchen, or an additional bedroom, a stylish garage conversion will afford your family some much craved extra space. Not to mention, it will add a substantial amount of value to your Warrington home.

Check If You Need Planning Permission

The work for garage conversions is generally internal, and therefore does not require planning permission.

However, the rules can vary hugely depending on the alterations you make to the windows and doors. Therefore, it is always best to check with your local authority in Warrington before beginning any work.

Consider a Double Story Conversion

If your budget permits, a double story garage conversion is a stunning addition to the home. A mezzanine works fantastically, transforming an otherwise dark, unused space into an area your family will love.

Use the bottom story to create a comfortable, relaxed living area – the perfect annexe for guests to enjoy. This allows visitors to stay in your home, but have their own slice of privacy.

The top floor can then become the bedroom. Use large windows to allow natural light to flood into the room, overlooking the garden if the layout of your garage permits.

Don’t Forget Insulation and Ventilation

If your garage is separate from your main home, it was likely built with entirely different regulations. If its original purpose was to house a car, the ventilation and insulation will not be sufficient to create a living space.

It will be worthwhile to have a professional look over the room, ensuring the finished product not only looks spectacular but functions perfectly.

Ensure Consistency

The garage should flow from the main home, with consistency in the architecture and the styling techniques. Use the same doors and windows to help blend the conversion, and ensure skirting boards and coving follow into your new space.

Plan for Natural Light

To create a stunning room, you must contemplate the light sources. Unfortunately, garages usually have little to no windows, which does not equate to an ideal living space.

Adding a large glass panel or bi-fold doors that open onto the garden is an excellent way to incorporate the maximum amount of natural light.

Create a Utility Room

For smaller garages, a utility room conversion is a great idea.

A little extra space to put our washing machine, tumble dryer and other cleaning equipment in is always welcome. Garages are often connected to the kitchen, making them ideally located for a purpose-built utility room, with the added bonus that this dedicated area allows you to live out your Pinterest styling dreams.

Build a Home Gym

Especially in the colder months, a home gym can make committing to regular exercise much easier.

Gym equipment takes up a surprising amount of space. You can carefully hide a small set of weights and a yoga mat in another room, but if you plan to advance to larger pieces of equipment such as a spin bike or treadmill, a dedicated space is essential.

Transform Into a Playroom

A playroom is another popular option for a garage transformation. These rooms are often cluttered and filled with mountains of toys, so having a dedicated space to allow the children to get messy is fantastic.

Alternatively, those with older children can create a stylish and cool place for teenagers to hang out – a snug. This can be designed relatively inexpensively, using bean bags and an overhead projector to build a relaxed movie room.

Create a New Kitchen

Garages that are connected to your home are often right next to the original kitchen. This offers an incredible opportunity to extend and renovate your kitchen, knocking through to create one large open plan room.

It might be that the floor level of the garage is slightly lower than the original kitchen, so play around with split level design ideas before committing to a releveling of the whole area.

Consider a Home Office

The way we all work has changed dramatically over the past 18 months, and the demand for a home office has never been higher.

Working from our dining room tables is no longer viable as a long-term plan, and therefore an unused garage creates the perfect opportunity to build a dedicated office.

Ensure there is plenty of natural light, as a dark room does not lend itself to productivity. Additionally, consider a multifunctional space that doubles as a playroom in the evenings and weekends, to ensure you get the most from your garage conversion.

Want more tips like this? Hamlet Homes Warrington are your local property experts for the Warrington area.

Call us on 01925 235 338 or email manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk to find out we can help you.

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.

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
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Twitter Page

How Long Does It Take to Get a Mortgage?

Buying a property in Warrington can be a lengthy process simply because the process involves many factors. One of those factors is the time it takes to get a mortgage.

There’s no hard and fast rule as to how long it will take, but as a general rule of thumb you can expect to wait around 18 to 40 days after submitting your mortgage application before receiving a formal mortgage offer.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Mortgage in Principle?

You can get a mortgage in principle in a matter of minutes, and this will allow you to start viewing properties in the Warrington area within your budget and put in an offer on a property.

It’s important to note that a mortgage in principle shouldn’t be taken as gospel, and there are no guarantees that you’ll be offered that mortgage when it comes to the full application.

However, it does give you a good indication of what you should be able to borrow based on some general information you provide.

The mortgage in principle can be obtained so quickly because it doesn’t look into your finances in great detail, just a rough overview. That’s why, until you have your formal mortgage offer, you cannot fully rely on the mortgage in principle, as a formal mortgage offer will dig much deeper into your finances.

How Can I Speed the Mortgage Process up?

The key to getting your mortgage offer in a timely fashion is preparation. Lenders will need lots of information from you and will require evidence to support your application.

Typically, this will include:

• Valid ID to prove your identity. A passport is ideal.
• Proof of address. A utility bill or council tax bill is sufficient.
• 3 months of bank statements. This is so lenders can assess your spending habits and get a clearer picture of how much you can afford to pay each month.
• 3 to 6 months of payslips. This is to prove your monthly income and factor in any contractual overtime or bonuses too. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to show your accounts and tax returns.
• Proof of your deposit. A bank statement showing the funds in your account will be needed, and if any of the money has been gifted you may need a letter from the person who has gifted it.
• Details of the property you are buying.
• Details of the estate agent you are buying the property through.
• Details of your solicitor or conveyancer who will be handling the transaction.

What Can Slow the Mortgage Application Down?

If you’re unable to provide any of the information required in a timely manner, then this can be a big factor in slowing your mortgage application down. Therefore, before you even start the process it’s wise to have as much of this information to hand as possible.

Also, your credit history can play a part in how quickly the process is completed. Generally speaking, the more complex your history, the longer the mortgage process will take.
What Happens After the Mortgage Application has Been Submitted?

The lender will arrange to have a property valuation carried out. This is simply to determine if the price of the property is fair and if it’s suitable for a mortgage.

It’s important not to confuse the lender’s property valuation with a survey, which is something that is carried out separately and paid for by you, as the buyer.

Most lenders will require a survey to be carried out as a condition of offering a mortgage. You can pay for a full buildings survey or a homebuyer’s report.

The homebuyer’s report looks at the property in more detail than the lender’s valuation and takes into account any current and potential issues with the property. If the report is satisfactory then it’s likely that a lender will approve a mortgage application without the need for a full buildings survey.

The full buildings survey is a more detailed survey of a property than the homebuyer’s report. It looks at structural safety, maintenance costs and repair costs. It’s more expensive than a homebuyer’s report and it may be carried out immediately or following a homebuyer’s report that has raised concerns.

Once the lender has received the survey(s) and is satisfied with them, they’ll be in a position to make a formal mortgage offer.

How Long Does It Take to Receive the Mortgage Offer?

Once the lender has completed their checks and is satisfied with the survey carried out, you can expect to receive a formal mortgage offer in as little as a few days, and no more than 2 to 3 weeks.

How Long Does a Mortgage Offer Last?

A mortgage offer will typically last for up to 6 months. Some lenders may put a completion deadline on the offer instead of a fixed time limit, but it’s dependent on the individual lender.

If the transaction isn’t completed in time, or you’re quickly approaching the deadline then you can contact the lender to try and get an extension on the offer to avoid starting the whole process again from scratch.

Hamlet Homes Warrington are your local property experts for the Warrington area. Call us on 01925 235 338 or email manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

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.

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.

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Moving to Warrington: Pain Free Packing Tips

When you ask most people what’s been the most stressful thing they’ve gone through, many of them will put ‘moving house’ up there with changing jobs or having a new baby. Not only do you have the long process of trying to find a house to suit your needs, there’s months of paperwork and phone calls with solicitors, switching your utility suppliers to a new house, and sorting out things like new schools for the children. This is all before the actual moving day, where you may find yourself running around trying to cram things into boxes.

One thing that can help with the stress of moving is being organised, and this is especially important when it comes to packing. If you don’t want to be dashing around on the morning of the move, follow these tips for pain-free packing and a smooth move.

Declutter first

A new home means a fresh start, so in the weeks before the move, spend time decluttering and deciding what you really want to take with you. Garages, sheds and lofts can be real clutter zones after you’ve lived in a house for a few years, so you may want to get a skip or hire a van when you clear them out, making it easy to get rid of junk.

Try not to send too much to landfill. Charity shops will usually be grateful for donations, and some will even collect larger items such as furniture. Once you’ve had a big declutter, the job of packing will seem much less daunting.

Buy supplies

Having the right supplies is important, so make sure you have:

• Plenty of strong boxes
• Tape and tape guns
• Labels and permanent markers
• Bubble wrap
• Strong bin bags

You can buy packing boxes online, or pick them up free from Freecycle or Facebook, as you’ll often find local people who’ve just moved and who want to get rid of their boxes.

Start early and pack things professionally

The earlier you start packing, the better the job you’ll do. Most people have things in their house they don’t use often, from decorative items to books, so start with these items that you won’t mind putting away for a while.

To pack properly, you should:

• Find the right size box and assemble it with plenty of tape
• Decide whether it will be used for fragile items, and if so, line it with bubble wrap
• Put the heaviest items in first, then lighter items on top, wrapping in bubble wrap if needed
• Don’t overfill boxes. If you have heavy items, pack them in a lot of small boxes rather than one very heavy, bulky box
• Seal the top using plenty of tape
• Clearly label the box with the name of the room and a brief description of the contents
• Make sure the box is clearly labelled ‘fragile’ if your removal company need to take extra care

Pack a suitcase each and an essentials box

A few days before the move, pack a suitcase for each member of the family with the clothes they wear most often, not forgetting school and work uniforms, and then start gathering essentials together in a big plastic box. This box will contain the items you’ll need on the day of the move, from paperwork and toys to teabags and a kettle, so you don’t need to unpack boxes the minute you arrive.

Once you know which essentials to keep handy, you can go from room to room and pack up, using the same tips as before. The aim is that by the night before the move, the only things you’ll have left unpacked will be bedding, a few clothes, and some kitchen essentials.

The day of the move

When you’re getting ready on the day of the move, you can pack as you go. For example, bedding can be rolled up and placed in thick bin bags, ready to go to the new house. It’s worth having a couple of extra boxes made up so that you can throw in any odd bits and bobs as the removal company do their job.

It’s always recommended to hire a professional removal team, as they’ll make moving day so much easier. If you’ve packed everything properly, then it should be a smooth process to get everything in the van and ready to go. If you really don’t like the thought of packing, then you may choose to use a professional packing service, where everything is packed up for you a couple of days before the move, saving you time and stress.

If you are planning on moving to the Warrington area soon, why not telephone us or call in. We’ll be happy to advise you on our available properties in the area. Contact us on 01925 235 338 for more information.

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.

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
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Twitter Page