PygottandCrone

Pygott & Crone Newsletter: Latest Property Market Updates

In this months edition of the Pygott & Crone newsletter, we start by sharing with you a guide to your property's valuation, breaking down some of the most important areas of your market appraisal.

As many Brits plan a holiday closer to home this summer, have you ever thought about becoming a short-let landlord? Find out more below.

Further into our newsletter, following 18 months of uncertainty, we share with you our post-pandemic predictions for the property market.

Finally, are you looking to make some changes to your home? Take a look at our top home improvements for this summer and which can add the most value to your home.

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.

Restrictions abroad are being lifted

Rental market in prime position to bounce back

Create your own vegetable patch

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

Preparing your property for sale

Restrictions abroad are being lifted

Rental market in prime position to bounceback

Create your own vegetable patch

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.

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.

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

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.

How to market your house correctly for a speedy seasonal sale

Managing the rental bounce and your mandatory electrical checks

How your garden can add value to your property

Property market surges post lockdown

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.

Managing the rental bounce and your mandatory electrical safety checks

How your garden can add value to your property

Property market surges post lockdown

Are you asking these key questions when you buy or sell?

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.

Five in-demand factors buyers are now looking for

Working and spending more time at home has caused significant changes to people’s property needs.

More than a quarter of the UK’s renters and homeowners (26%) have found that their property needs have changed since the outbreak of COVID-19.*

What are the key changes likely to stay on the priority list now restrictions are easing?

Gardens

Lockdown has caused a general desire for more space, meaning that many of us are seeking homes near public gardens or green areas.

Unsurprisingly, the demand for gardens has also increased by 74% worldwide, with UK buyers making it a top property feature to look out for.

Accessible Wi-Fi

Zoom and facetime have become the key to keeping in touch with loved ones, as well as playing an important role in remote working practices.

This means that having fast internet is essential for those looking to buy.

Natural lighting

Being confined to our homes throughout lockdown has given people a craving to create open, natural spaces inside.

Velux windows have increased in popularity due to the natural light and improved air quality they provide, whilst high ceilings also give a sense of greater space, and have seen higher search volumes of 15% over the pandemic.*

Home gyms

Lockdown has encouraged people to become more active in their spare time by taking up running and cycling where gyms have otherwise been forced to close.

Whilst sporting and leisure facilities have now opened up again, there's still a hesitancy from some previous members about when it is safe to return, making a home gym a staple feature of any home to attract attention from buyers.

Views

Having beautiful views is a big selling point, with balconies also increasingly more desirable now.

If you've been holding off on your next move, we'd like to extend our support. Contact us today.

*Wayhome

A guide to your property valuation

When it comes to selling your property, it's only natural you want to know all of the facts before beginning.

For the majority of us, owning a property will be one of the largest financial commitments we'll make in our lifetime, so making sure that you optimise on its value is really key in order to step further up the property ladder and afford that next dream home.

As your leading local expert, we've taken a moment to break down some of the important areas of your market appraisal, so that should you decide to ask an agent to value your property, you'll know exactly what you're getting from them.

What do we mean by property valuation?

A property valuation is an assessment of your property’s value, which takes into account a wide range of factors from the property type and size, to its condition and location, as well as seasonal and national trends.

Having a local agent conduct your appraisal can be a really useful advantage, as they'll know the local market and be able to target buyers within that area with the right marketing strategy to generate more viewings for your home.

Whilst it's estimated that a seller will have appraisals from two to three agents on average, it's vital that you choose representation based on their service proposition and success metrics, rather than opting for the highest valuation.

The aim here is to competitively price your property to achieve the best sale price in the best time frame possible.

Set the price tag too high, and you'll elongate your stay on the market whilst deterring otherwise interested buyers. Set it too low and you'll lose out on its full potential value.

Why is it important to get an up-to-date valuation, even when you're not thinking of selling?

The market is constantly changing, so whilst you might not be ready to sell right now, it's recommended to keep an eye on how properties are faring near you.

If a lot of your neighbours are selling quickly, it can be a really good indicator that you'll be in a prime position to find a buyer at a price and time to suit you.

Prices have been increasing year-on-year, so knowing your home's value can also mean that when it does come time to sell and move on, you're already informed and ready to instruct an agent, saving yourself time and energy from the very start of your property journey.

Whether you're looking to sell right now or sometime in the future, talk to our agents to find out exactly how much your home could be worth.

Buying to become a short-let landlord

With a lack of certainty on travel restrictions, many Brits are planning to vacation closer to home this summer, giving investors the opportunity to break into the short-let market.

Where should you start?

Lasting anywhere from one week to six months, short-term rentals can be a great investment choice.

Before deciding where to invest, you first need to think about the purpose of your rental, for example, are there any cultural events, attractions or destinations that could prove in-demand and help you to secure higher and more consistent returns?

Location is everything within the property sector.

Opting for somewhere with great transport links or nearby to an airport could give your accommodation an instant USP that increases its rental value per night or week.

The next step would be to determine how involved in the management side of things you want to be.

Short-term lets require more work but give you greater flexibility.

The key consideration you need to make is how to avoid extended void periods where the property is vacant.

If you're looking to be highly involved in your lettings responsibilities, you might find that marketing your property across a multitude of channels helps you to build reviews and a trusted reputation, whereas you might find it beneficial to consult a letting agency if those tasks become too much.

To browse our properties and find your next investment, visit our website.

Post-pandemic predictions for the property market

After 18 months of uncertainty, the UK property market has seen some incredible highs and lows, from the sector closing and reopening last spring, to the impact of the stamp duty holiday on residential transaction levels.

For those looking to buy or sell in 2021, here are the top projections on what will continue to shape activity levels in the coming months.

House prices at a record high

Initially propelled by the stamp duty holiday, house prices have risen by 10.2% in the year to March 2021, with vaccine optimism now fuelling high demand levels.*

With a tapered end this September, homeowners can still save £2,500 on the first £250,000 of a property due to the stamp duty holiday, meaning that sales will continue to push up prices this summer.

If you haven't had a recent valuation of your home, talk to us today to gauge its current value.

The long-awaited return of overseas property investors

Travel has been made all-but-impossible for most travellers.

However, with vaccine programs being rolled out in other countries as well as the UK, we should soon see the return of overseas buyers looking for their next investment opportunities.

This will be key to help the market fully recover from the events of 2020, particularly for the construction sector.

Country locations increase in popularity

Remote working became the norm for most of the country's workforce in 2020, which gave people the freedom to move further afield.

As outdoor space went up in our estimations, the need for a perfect commute distance became less important, leading to more buyer activity as homeowners and tenants found themselves restless with their current accommodation.

More space for remote workers

For those whose job will continue to operate remotely, a home office or designated workspace is essential.

Larger properties are in short supply, making it the ideal time for homeowners to sell up.

Commercial spaces transformed into residential properties

Commercial spaces are being left empty, as many people are now opting to work from home, where able.

This means that many offices have closed permanently, leading the owners to convert them back into residential properties.

Overall, this could have a massive impact on the market.

Do you want to know your options buying or selling this summer? We'd like to offer you a consultation, visit our website to learn more.

*ONS

Top home improvements for this summer

Over the last 18 months, the number of Brits undertaking DIY projects and renovations has jumped significantly, as we found new ways to pass our time in lockdown and improve our living situations.

But, which home improvements have the biggest impact to your property's value?

Extensions

Adding an extension is one of the most popular home improvement projects, adding up to 23% to your home's sale price.*

In fact, in northern regions over 2020, there was a double digit increase in planning permission applications for extensions.

Garages

Adding a garage is a great way to expand your home.

Having a property with secure parking can lower the price of your car insurance policies, as opposed to on-street spaces, whilst making your home more attractive to buyers.

Loft conversions

Loft conversions are a brilliant way of creating extra space out of an area that is rarely used, whilst contributing an additional 20% in value to your property's price.*

Due to COVID-19, people are looking for space for home offices.

A loft conversion is the perfect solution!

Conservatories

One of the great advantages of building a conservatory is that planning permission is more straightforward.

It also adds around 5% to the value of your house.*

Outbuildings and sheds

Green space has become massively important to us.

Having an outdoor space that can be used for storing gardening equipment or even as somewhere to relax is highly desirable.

Find out how much your lockdown improvements have added to your property.

Book a free valuation with us today.

*Nationwide, Homeowners Alliance and Conservatory Expert

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