The latest news from Durden & Hunt

Is April still a good time to sell your home?

The anticipated spike in buyer demand is getting into full swing. Spring has always been a great time to sell, as buyers look to settle into their new home in time for the summer.

According to recent data, valuation requests have shot up by 27% compared to the same period last year. Whilst it suggests March lived up to its reputation as the strongest month for sales, April is a close second as buyers continue to compete for properties. *

If you're hoping to sell, it's worth getting your property spruced up a little so it's ready for its time on the market. Don’t forget that many buyers now prioritise outdoor space to enjoy in the spring months, so if your property has got it, flaunt it!

Make sure you are prepared for your spring sale.

*Rightmove

How to help speed up the purchase of your ideal home

Buying a home is a very exciting time, so it’s in most people's interest to help speed up the process wherever possible. There are steps you can take to steer things in the right direction!

Know your stuff

A house has the potential to be the biggest purchase you'll ever make, which means certain legalities are involved. Getting your head around the key terms will help you communicate easily with estate agents and solicitors.

Who you work with is also very important. Ask friends and family to recommend trusted property professionals and removal companies to get organised before you begin.

Organise your finances

If you are happy to progress, it’s time to weigh up your options. Should you sell before you put in an offer? While you’ll be a chain-free buyer, you’ll have to factor in storage costs and rent while looking for your ideal home.

It’s also a good idea to talk to a mortgage expert to arrange an agreement in principle.

Communicate clearly

If you make an offer and the seller accepts, arrange a date for exchanging contracts and communicate your requirements to your solicitor clearly. Furthermore, make sure you respond quickly to any requests to prevent holdups.

Of course, you will need a trusted partner with expert local knowledge to help you sell your current home or buy a new one. That’s where we come in.

Start by discovering the value of your home today...

How the pandemic has changed our homes?

The lockdowns and social restrictions that followed in the wake of COVID-19 had some interesting effects on Britain’s homes. Almost nine million bedrooms have been repurposed to adapt to our rapidly changing lifestyles. A survey of 2,000 households found that 53% of UK homeowners transformed one bedroom, while 22% converted more than one.*

Given the surge in home working during the pandemic, it’s not surprising that just under half chose to prioritise finding space for a home office. According to the survey, most people wish to keep this arrangement as flexible working is likely to continue. Staying active and enjoying nights in were also popular reasons for repurposing bedrooms. Since March 2020, Brits have created over one million gyms, with home bars, cinemas, and music rooms close behind.

Despite these changes in how we use our homes, 55% of homeowners believe they have made compromises elsewhere. Those surveyed frequently expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of space for guests and the lack of privacy.

People with smaller properties particularly feel the pinch when it comes to space. Combined with long-term lifestyle trends and post-pandemic priorities, the survey suggests that almost one-third of people may be looking to up-size soon.

With demand for homes still high, and the spring peak well underway, now is a great time to sell. Find out the value of your home today.

*Opinium Research

Demand creates opportunities for new landlords

As rising house prices continue to push up the average buying age, more and more people are considering renting for longer. The scarcity of supply has resulted in the average rent price rising throughout the UK. In London, rents have risen to £1,757 which is 11.8% higher than in February 2021. *

The imbalance between supply and demand means that the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks is now requesting that the Government increase rental stock across the UK.

Now is the perfect time for new landlords to enter the market with the potential to make a good return while providing homes to those who need them.

Have you had a lettings valuation in the past, or are interested in booking one? You may be surprised by how much your rental could be worth.

If you’ve got an unoccupied property on your hands or are looking to buy a second, contact us to learn more about our bespoke services.