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Pygott & Crone Newsletter: Latest Property Market Updates
In this months edition of the Pygott & Crone newsletter, have you ever thought about how much-hidden equity could be in your home? Every year, almost half of homeowners undervalue their homes, missing up to £50,000 of their value. Discover the true price of your property with Pygott and Crone, and book a valuation with us today!
Further, into our newsletter, we share with you 12 cleaning tricks at the fraction of a cost, from your oven to your bathroom. Following updated guidance on possession action from the government, we look at what landlords should be aware of with renters and coronavirus.
Finally, with the property market booming, this has lead to more sales and higher prices, with the average UK property now worth 8.6% higher than this time last year!
We hope you enjoy this months edition! If you have any property queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
Multiple gold awards won at the annual negotiator awards
We are delighted to announce that a very successful year for us has been recognised at the annual Negotiator Awards, the property event of the year. We were shortlisted in four categories and are delighted to have achieved three gold awards.
Click here to read Multiple gold awards won at the annual negotiator awards .
Aladdin
From now until Sunday 19 January
Performances at the Riverhead Theatre
Click here to read Aladdin.
Toy Collectors Fair
Sunday 26 January
Family friendly jam packed Toy collectors fair at the Epic Centre
Click here to read Toy Collectors Fair.
Dog Friendly Day
Saturday 8 February
Unlock 1,000 years of history with your furry companion at Lincoln Castle
Click here to read Dog Friendly Day.
Preparing your property for sale
With demand for property prior to lockdown soaring, there are sure to be plenty of motivated buyers waiting now that the property market restrictions are relaxed, therefore now is an ideal time to prepare your property for a quick sale.
Kerb appeal
As is always the case with selling properties, a first impression can make or break a sale with a poorly presented property often putting off buyers before they have even set foot in the home. In the summer this is especially important as buyers will often drive or walk past a property before they decide to book a viewing. With the summer sun shining a light on any less-than-perfect parts of the exterior of your property, you should ensure that flowers are planted, weeds are pruned and lawns are mowed. Extra attention to details, such as ensuring that the front door has been cleaned and the windows are streak-free will pay dividends in your selling process.
Accessories
A neutral interior will appeal to a mass market and increase the scope of your property in terms of potential buyers, but if you are looking to make the most of the summer then don’t be afraid of colour. Using accessories to add pops of colour around your home that reflect the brighter summer season – such as burnt orange and lemon – will make your property stand out from the crowd in those all-important photographs.
Lights
When we think of summer, we all first think of sunshine and brighter evenings – so make the most of this light when presenting your home for sale. Get rid of heavy curtains and dark blinds, which can make a room feel smaller and prevent the light from entering a room. Buyers want to feel that rooms are bright and spacious, so if at all possible have windows and doors open throughout the house to create a light, airy feeling (as well as bringing in those fresh summer scents).
Set dress
Set dressing refers to the arranging of a room or space in order to paint a picture of the kind of lifestyle which could be enjoyed in your property. Never is it more important to set dress your garden than throughout the summer months, with potential buyers wanting to know that they will be able to enjoy the outdoor space which your home provides. Tempt potential buyers by showing off your outdoor spaces with garden furniture, fire pits and barbecues.
Viewing times
During the summer months many people like to start work early and leave early in order to benefit from the longer evenings; make sure that you can accommodate as many viewings as possible by being flexible with your viewing times. Allowing people to view your home early in the morning, as well as in the afternoon will help bring more people through the door as well as showing off your property in favourable lighting.
How to make your own face mask
As the country enters the next stage of its strategy to ease the lockdown restrictions whilst preventing the spread of Coronavirus, the Government has issued new advice to the public on how to stay safe whilst in public spaces (such as shops and public transport). The Government has asked people to wear face masks to cover their nose and mouth where social distancing is not possible. This advice has been detailed in the Government Covid-19 recovery strategy, detailing its plans for lifting the UK out of lockdown; which can be viewed here.
To prevent any additional pressure to the NHS in obtaining crucial PPE supplies, the Government has issued instructions on how to make your own face mask at home, by simply using elastic bands and some cotton fabric or even just an old T-shirt. Your face mask should be worn so that you can breathe comfortably whilst covering your nose and mouth. You should sanitise or wash your hands before putting it on and taking it off, and you should wash your face mask regularly.
We share how to make your own face mask at home below*:
Making a face mask using an old T Shirt
You will need
• One old T-shirt that you no longer want
• Scissors
Method
Step 1: Cut a straight line across the width of the T-shirt (front and back) approximately 20cm from the bottom of the T-shirt.
Step 2: From a point 2cm below the top right-hand corner of the fabric, make a 15cm horizontal cut through both sides of the fabric that is parallel to the top of the rectangle.
Step 3: Cut down towards the bottom of the fabric until you reach approximately 2cm above the bottom edge. From here, make another 15cm cut that runs parallel to the bottom of the fabric to make a rectangle that can be discarded.
Step 4: To make the ties, cut open the edge of the 2 long strips of fabric. Unfold the main piece of fabric and place over the mouth and the nose. The 4 strips act as ties to hold the cloth face covering in place and should be tied behind the head and around the neck.
Making a face mask using a piece of cotton fabric
You will need
• two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric
• two 20cm pieces of elastic (or string or cloth strips)
• needle and thread
• scissors
Method
Step 1: Cut out two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric. Stack the 2 squares on top of each other.
Step 2: Fold over one side by 0.75cm and hem, then repeat on the opposite side. Make 2 channels by folding the double layer of fabric over 1.5cm along each side and stitching this down.
Step 3: Run a 20cm length of elastic (or string or cloth strip) through the wider hem on each side of the face covering. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle to thread it through. Tie the ends tightly.
If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the covering behind your head.
Step 4: Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the covering on the elastic and adjust so the covering fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping. These elastic loops fit over the ears.*Our step by step guides have been taken from the Gov.uk website here
How to make your own face mask
As the country enters the next stage of its strategy to ease the lockdown restrictions whilst preventing the spread of Coronavirus, the Government has issued new advice to the public on how to stay safe whilst in public spaces (such as shops and pubic transport). The Government has asked people to wear face masks to cover their nose and mouth where social distancing is not possible. This advice has been detailed in the Government Covid-19 recovery strategy, detailing its plans for lifting the UK out of lockdown; which can be viewed here.
To prevent any additional pressure to the NHS in obtaining crucial PPE supplies, the Government has issued instructions on how to make your own face mask at home, by simply using elastic bands and some cotton fabric or even just an old T-shirt. Your face mask should be worn so that you can breathe comfortably whilst covering your nose and mouth. You should sanitise or wash your hands before putting it on and taking it off, and you should wash your face mask regularly.
We share how to make your own face mask at home below:
Making a face mask using an old T-shirt
You will need
- One old T-shirt that you no longer want
- Scissors
Method
Step 1: Cut a straight line across the width of the T-shirt (front and back) approximately 20cm from the bottom of the T-shirt.
Step 2: From a point 2cm below the top right-hand corner of the fabric, make a 15cm horizontal cut through both sides of the fabric that is parallel to the top of the rectangle.
Step 3: Cut down towards the bottom of the fabric until you reach approximately 2cm above the bottom edge. From here, make another 15cm cut that runs parallel to the bottom of the fabric to make a rectangle that can be discarded.
Step 4: To make the ties, cut open the edge of the 2 long strips of fabric. Unfold the main piece of fabric and place over the mouth and the nose. The 4 strips act as ties to hold the cloth face covering in place and should be tied behind the head and around the neck.
Making a face mask using a piece of cotton fabric
You will need
• two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric• two 20cm pieces of elastic (or string or cloth strips)• needle and thread• scissors
Method
Step 1: Cut out two 25cm x 25cm squares of cotton fabric. Stack the 2 squares on top of each other.
Step 2: Fold over one side by 0.75cm and hem, then repeat on the opposite side. Make 2 channels by folding the double layer of fabric over 1.5cm along each side and stitching this down.
Step 3: Run a 20cm length of elastic (or string or cloth strip) through the wider hem on each side of the face covering. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle to thread it through. Tie the ends tightly.
If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the covering behind your head.
Step 4: Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the covering on the elastic and adjust so the covering fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping. These elastic loops fit over the ears.*Our step by step guides have been taken from the Gov.uk website here
Are you asking these key questions when you buy or sell?
A recent study has revealed the 'most dreaded' and unusual questions buyers have asked about a property before putting in an offer.
With a small minority asking whether the pets come included in the sale, it’s fair to say that not all of the responses are winners.
However, the report by Hillarys has shed light on just how many Brits lack proper preparation during the home buying process.
Up to two-thirds will not plan their questions ahead of a house viewing, meaning they are not getting the full value out of the experience, as well as potentially wasting an opportunity to find out all of the property’s pros and cons earlier on.
The most dreaded questions from buyers:
Has it dropped in value? 54%What local plans could affect us? 42%What’s the lowest price we could get it for? 33%Is the seller in a chain? 21% To help you make the most of your viewings the next time you decide to buy or sell, we thought we'd share practical suggestions for you to consider. What are some of the more serious questions you should be asking?Whether you're instructing an agent or viewing a property, how prepared you are will determine how quickly you're able to move.Are you asking these key questions:1. Exactly what is included in the sale? Whilst it's safe to assume most sellers will want to keep their pets, it's important to outline what content might be included, such as fixtures, fittings and garden furniture.2. How long has it been on the market and how many offers have they received so far?3. When are the sellers looking to move out? Knowing whether they've already found another home or they're still in the midst of looking will help you to determine how long the process may take and how much room for uncertainty there is.4. Have there been recent renovations or any difficulties with boilers, drains and guttering?5. How did the agent decide on an asking price? Good agents will be able to provide justifications for the value of a property, so you'll know whether it's listed at the right amount or if it's overpriced. What to ask when selling:1. How will you market my property? Are they regularly contacting a database of suitable applicants to give you greater market exposure, or does their strategy start and end with a basic Rightmove listing?2. What are your success metrics and how do they compare to other agents? In other words, what's their experience selling a home like yours at a price like yours?3. How much will you charge? Choosing the agent who offers the lowest fees won't guarantee you reach asking price and you may lose time and money on the market, be savvy when you instruct representation for your property investments.4. What are the contract terms? Before beginning any contractual relationship, know exactly what it is you should expect from them.If you're thinking of selling and want to find out the value of your home, contact us.
Market your house correctly for a speedy, seasonal sale
The property market has continued to experience remarkable levels of activity.
In the first week of August, properties at SSTC (Sold Subject to Contract) were almost at double their number compared to figures from the same period in 2019. This indicates a significant release of pent-up demand due to lockdown.
If you, like a lot of homeowners right now, are considering putting your property on the market, here are some of the ways to market your house well to potential buyers.
Make sure your property images are professional
In order to get viewings, you need to reel them in with your property advert.
Make sure your photos are clear and focused. If it is a cloudy day, see if you can rearrange the shoot. There is nothing nicer than a clear blue sky!
Increase your kerb appeal
It takes just seven seconds for somebody to make their first impression of your property, so make sure your property’s exterior is the best it can be. You want them to walk down the drive feeling impressed and excited to go inside.
Some easy ways to do this is to give your front door or fencing a fresh lick of paint, put up some hanging baskets to add colour, pull out any weeds, move the bins out of sight and make sure the lawn is mowed.
De-clutter
The hallway is famous for housing plenty of clutter: shoes, coats, handbags. Make sure everything that can be put away is tucked out of sight to make it appear more spacious.
As some hallways can be dark and narrow, adding a mirror to a wall can give the illusion of space and can also brighten it up.
A kitchen is a big selling point, so make sure all desktops are wiped down and free of clutter.
Give your viewers space
Let your viewers freely wander around your home with the agent.
This will make them feel much more comfortable asking questions and it also means they might take their time in each room.
Be ready to answer any questions after the viewing. Also be sure to leave hand sanitiser dotted around your property, so not only you but also your viewers will feel comfortable.
Make the most of outdoor space
Since lockdown, we have noticed a real shift in property priorities.
Everybody is putting outdoor space at the top of their agendas, so make sure your garden is well showcased.
If this is an impromptu house viewing, you might not have time to lay a new flower bed, but make sure the lawn is freshly mown, trees and shrubs are cut back to create more space, weeds are removed, and outside furniture is laid out nicely.
How much hidden equity is in your home?
It has been reported that almost half of homeowners are undervaluing their homes, including some cases where the properties were worth nearly £50,000 more than they realised.
Zoopla reports that only three in ten people have an accurate idea of how much their home is worth, with 45% undervaluing and 25% overvaluing.*
Nearly one in ten homeowners whose property was worth more than expected found that it was valued at over £100,000 more, with 40%
located in the London and South East regions.
This means that more than one million UK properties could be hiding six figures of hidden equity – unbeknown to the owners.
What does it look like in London?
35% of London homeowners have found their property to be worth more than expected, by an average of £117,000.
Whilst 37% said their home was worth less than they thought, by an average of £49,000.
In light of all the findings, a property in London is worth on average £22,846 more than anticipated, which is more than double the £9,470 national average.
What benefits are there for homeowners?
It is reported that the benefits from hidden equity have meant:
- 81% could improve their lifestyle
- 50% were able to move to a better property
- 18% between 55-64 were able to retire sooner than expected
- 13% could upgrade their car
- 13% went on more holidays
- 8% were able to help get family and children on the property ladder
Seven out of ten homeowners would have made different financial decisions if they had been aware of their hidden equity.
What could this mean for you?
You may be in for a surprise if you check the current value of your home.
There are huge benefits to knowing how much your home is worth, particularly if you’re thinking of selling, as the value could influence the type of property or location you move to.
Gráinne Gilmore, head of research at Zoopla, explained: "the effects of the pandemic over the last 12 months have been felt in the housing market, with many households reassessing how and where they want to live.
"There is soaring buyer demand but this is not currently being matched by homes being listed for sale. Homeowners considering a move could be in pole position in their local market if they offer their property for sale, and could be set to unlock hidden equity."
If you’re looking to sell your property or would like to get your property valued, please contact us today.
*Zoopla’s Hidden Equity Survey is based on research among 2,000 UK homeowners who have had their home valued by an estate agent in the past three years.
12 cleaning tricks at the fraction of the cost!
From your oven to your bathroom, if you love to take pride in your home, you’ll want to know all the cleaning tricks and hacks to keep your home sparkling for a fraction of the cost.
Plenty of natural, cheap and quick cleaning tips from tin foil to vinegar and lemons can be used to save you time and money, making it even easier when you need to prepare your property for guests or even potential viewers who are interested in making an offer.
Cleaning tips for bathrooms
Tip number 1
Clean your bath with a grapefruit!
Get rid of water marks or stains in your bathtub by cutting a grapefruit in half, sprinkle on some rock salt and give it a good scrub, then rinse.
Tip number 2
Removing limescale from your shower using vinegar.
If you’re looking for a more natural way to clean your home from top to bottom, vinegar is your new best friend!
Soak your shower head in a mixture of boiling water and vinegar to unclog any limescale easily.
Tip number 3
Use an old toothbrush for cleaning your bathroom.
Don’t throw away your old toothbrush as it can be very useful!
Give it a rinse in boiling water to get rid of any germs and use it to get into any nooks and crannies that your vacuum cleaner can’t reach. It’s especially handy for cleaning hard to reach areas like around the tap or drain.
Tip number 4
Clean your toilet stains with coke.
Get a grubby toilet back to sparkling white by pouring in a can of coke.
Let it sit in the bowl overnight, give it a good scrub with the brush and then flush the next morning for a new sparkling loo!
Tip number 5
Unclog drains with baking soda.
Pour down the drain one part baking soda followed by one part vinegar then cover with a wet cloth.
The two elements will react with one another to clean your drain naturally. Wait five minutes and then run some hot water to rinse.
Cleaning tips for kitchens
Tip number 6
Clean your chopping board with lemon.
Our chopping boards get a lot of use from meat joints to fruit and vegetables, so it’s no wonder they end up looking a bit tired and worn.
Lemons are great to lift stains as well as removing any smells. Still not shifting? Then try sprinkling some baking soda and repeat.
Tip number 7
Pop a lemon in your fridge.
Cut a lemon in half and put one on the top shelf and one on the bottom to mask any strong smells in your fridge.
Tip number 8
Remove limescale from your iron.
Keep your iron working well by removing excess limescale from time to time.
Simply heat up, unplug and let it cool. Fill with one part vinegar to one part water. Leave for an hour then empty and rinse.
Tip number 9
Use a pastry brush to clean crumbs out of your toaster.
Unplug your toaster and sweep those hard to reach crumbs and burnt bits with a pastry brush. This will help your toaster last longer.
Tip number 10
Clean your washing machine with vinegar.
Place the empty washing machine on a hot cycle with one cup of vinegar inside. This will help remove limescale and mildew, making the machine last longer and clean more efficiently, plus smell amazing!
Tip number 11
Use a fabric softener sheet to stop your bin smelling.
There’s nothing more frustrating after you’ve emptied the bin than to find a lingering smell. Pop a fabric softener sheet into it for an instant air freshener.
Tip number 12
Clean your oven with tin foil.
Pop some oven cleaner or fairy liquid to the oven and scrub the fat and grime away!
For more information on maintaining your property, talk to us today.
Market boom leads to more sales and higher prices
The average UK property price has risen by 8.6%, which is roughly £20,000 in the past year. This is the highest annual rate since 2014 according to the Office for National Statistics.
Over the year, house prices in England increased to £268,000 (up by 8.7%), in Wales to £180,000 (up by 8.4%) and in Scotland to £162,000 (up by 8%).
The North West was the region that saw the highest annual growth in average house prices (11.9%), while London recorded the lowest positive growth (4.6%).
The figures reported by HM Revenue & Customs show that sales in March this year more than doubled from March in 2020.
It is estimated by HMRC that 190,980 sales took place in March 2021, a 202.3% increase in transactions compared with the previous year at 94,380.
Despite the tapering of the stamp duty holiday later this summer, it has been predicted within the sector that the high demand levels we're seeing will continue to propel activity and protect property prices.
The vaccine roll out and easing of lockdown restrictions have led to dramatic changes to consumer confidence within the UK, supporting this expectation for the housing market.
If you'd like to review your options buying or selling this year, talk to us today.
Updated guidance on possession action from the government
Landlords need to be aware of and follow the guidance set by the government on coronavirus and renting, which contains advice on possession proceedings, health and safety, maintenance and repairs.
As always, the tenant's safety should always be the landlord's first priority.
In line with updated guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government dated mid-April, the document includes legislation to delay when landlords are able to start proceedings to evict by giving tenants longer notice periods than usual.
The guidance is aimed to help landlords safely let empty properties, or properties that tenants are vacating voluntarily. They should continue to work with their tenants to assist tenancies where the tenant wants to and are able to stay.
Conducting viewings should not happen in properties where tenants are symptomatic or self-isolating.
Any visits to properties for maintenance issues must be made in accordance to the government's guidelines on working in other peoples' homes and social distancing.
If possible, any repairs or checks should be done in the period where the property is unoccupied. If this isn’t the case and visits are required to an occupied property, then this should be done with measures in place minimising physical contact, for example, having residents wait outside or in another room.
Landlords should ensure the property is prepared and ready for new tenants, which may include cleaning to minimise any potential spread of the coronavirus.
As a landlord, you also need to pay heed to your Right To Rent checks, with temporary measures in effect allowing these checks to be conducted remotely.
Should you need any help or guidance, please contact us with your questions.
From your oven to your bathroom, if you love to take pride in your home, you’ll want to know all the cleaning tricks and hacks to keep your home sparkling for a fraction of the cost.
Plenty of natural, cheap and quick cleaning tips from tin foil to vinegar and lemons can be used to save you time and money, making it even easier when you need to prepare your property for guests or even potential viewers who are interested in making an offer.
Cleaning tips for bathrooms
Tip number 1
Clean your bath with a grapefruit!
Get rid of water marks or stains in your bathtub by cutting a grapefruit in half, sprinkle on some rock salt and give it a good scrub, then rinse.
Tip number 2
Removing limescale from your shower using vinegar.
If you’re looking for a more natural way to clean your home from top to bottom, vinegar is your new best friend!
Soak your shower head in a mixture of boiling water and vinegar to unclog any limescale easily.
Tip number 3
Use an old toothbrush for cleaning your bathroom.
Don’t throw away your old toothbrush as it can be very useful!
Give it a rinse in boiling water to get rid of any germs and use it to get into any nooks and crannies that your vacuum cleaner can’t reach. It’s especially handy for cleaning hard to reach areas like around the tap or drain.
Tip number 4
Clean your toilet stains with coke.
Get a grubby toilet back to sparkling white by pouring in a can of coke.
Let it sit in the bowl overnight, give it a good scrub with the brush and then flush the next morning for a new sparkling loo!
Tip number 5
Unclog drains with baking soda.
Pour down the drain one part baking soda followed by one part vinegar then cover with a wet cloth.
The two elements will react with one another to clean your drain naturally. Wait five minutes and then run some hot water to rinse.
Cleaning tips for kitchens
Tip number 6
Clean your chopping board with lemon.
Our chopping boards get a lot of use from meat joints to fruit and vegetables, so it’s no wonder they end up looking a bit tired and worn.
Lemons are great to lift stains as well as removing any smells. Still not shifting? Then try sprinkling some baking soda and repeat.
Tip number 7
Pop a lemon in your fridge.
Cut a lemon in half and put one on the top shelf and one on the bottom to mask any strong smells in your fridge.
Tip number 8
Remove limescale from your iron.
Keep your iron working well by removing excess limescale from time to time.
Simply heat up, unplug and let it cool. Fill with one part vinegar to one part water. Leave for an hour then empty and rinse.
Tip number 9
Use a pastry brush to clean crumbs out of your toaster.
Unplug your toaster and sweep those hard to reach crumbs and burnt bits with a pastry brush. This will help your toaster last longer.
Tip number 10
Clean your washing machine with vinegar.
Place the empty washing machine on a hot cycle with one cup of vinegar inside. This will help remove limescale and mildew, making the machine last longer and clean more efficiently, plus smell amazing!
Tip number 11
Use a fabric softener sheet to stop your bin smelling.
There’s nothing more frustrating after you’ve emptied the bin than to find a lingering smell. Pop a fabric softener sheet into it for an instant air freshener.
Tip number 12
Clean your oven with tin foil.
Pop some oven cleaner or fairy liquid to the oven and scrub the fat and grime away!
For more information on maintaining your property, talk to us today.
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