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Pygott & Crone Newsletter: Latest Property Market Updates
In this months edition of the Pygott & Crone newsletter, we launch our Halloween #posttheghost competition on 25th October. Have fun with friends and family, and be in with a chance to win a £50 voucher!
You may be searching for your dream home but feel it is out of reach. Explore these seven ways to make your money go further during your property hunt!
Further into our newsletter, we expected the home buying frenzy to ease following the end of the stamp duty holiday. However, selling conditions are optimal and property prices are up 13% compared to pre-pandemic figures.
The guidance around tenancy evictions has changed multiple times throughout the pandemic and you may be wondering what the current rules are. We uncover the most up to date information on eviction notice periods.
Finally, open plan living is becoming more popular and so, we have a few simple steps to guide you through building your dream open plan living space.
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.
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
Could shared ownership be the answer
This easy guide to shared ownership will help you decide if it’s the right option for you.
What is shared ownership?
Shared ownership schemes are run by councils, local housing associations and property developers.
If you buy with a shared ownership, you will own a percentage of your property for the amount you can afford, whilst paying rent on the remaining amount.
This gives you the opportunity to get on the ladder as an owner-occupier, benefiting from long-term stability but without overstretching yourself.
Purchasers are then able to buy more and more shares, in most cases, until they've reached 100% and are no longer required to pay any rent, just their mortgage.
What is a shared ownership mortgage?
There are affordable mortgage products for those wanting to buy into shared ownership, as the number of lenders accommodating this route to homeownership has increased.
You will also find that deposits are generally lower, as they will be based on the value of the share you're buying.
How is stamp duty applied to shared ownership?
Buyers can make a one-off payment when buying the property so that stamp duty won’t be added when buying further shares.
Alternatively, you can pay stamp duty tax in stages, initially on the value you own and then with further payments once you own 80% of the property.
Can I sell my shared ownership home?
You can sell your shares at any point, only with sole autonomy as the seller once you control the full 100% of the shares.
For more information on how to buy your first home, contact our team today.
It’s important to note that rules for shared ownership may vary across the UK.
Finding the right home at the right price
You might think you’ll never be able to afford your dream home, but there are a number of ways that you can make it happen.
From finding a doer-upper to avoiding expensive trends, here are seven ways you can make your money go further.
Buy an older home
Older properties may need more care and attention to update, but you can often get a brilliant property for far less.
According to Land Registry Data, new build properties sell for £65,000 more on average than existing housing stock.
Buy a home you can extend
A loft, basement or garage conversion can give you even more space and increase your home's value if and when you choose to sell later on.
Adding an extension, if done right, can be much cheaper than buying a larger house but make sure you do your research beforehand and budget for the necessary work.
Avoid paying for benefits you don’t need
Buyers will often pay more for a property that’s close to public transport routes or within a specific catchment area for schools.
If you're flexible on location, don't overpay for the sake of it.
Living in a catchment area for a good school can add up to 12% on a property's sale value, so you may be able to get more value elsewhere, if those priorities aren't essential to you.
DIY could save your wallet
Be prepared to do some renovations yourself to avoid paying extra.
When viewing a property, try to ignore the current owner's belongings and instead focus on the size of the rooms and its location.
Weigh up the money you’re saving against the cost of any refurbishments, as you don’t want to be left with any nasty surprises once you've signed on the dotted line.
Consider buying a property that’s going ‘out of style’
Homes built in the 60s, 70s and 80s are likely to be much cheaper, as they are considered less desirable.
When you buy a property, the only thing you can’t change about it is the location and amount of light it gets.
Consider this when opting for an outdated style of house, as an extension or just some TLC can completely change the look and feel.
Is location everything?
If you can’t afford the property you want in one area, it doesn’t mean you can’t afford it at all.
Consider looking at a few different locations and see how much property prices vary. Adding an extra 15 minutes to your daily commute may mean you can afford a significantly bigger property.
Make use of government schemes
Schemes like help to buy and shared ownership can be extremely useful if you can’t quite afford the home you want.
Help to buy means that you can get a five-year, interest-free equity loan of 20% of the property’s value, which could make all the difference when buying your dream home.*
Shared ownership gives you the option to gradually increase your stake in the property by staircasing as and when you can afford it.
Discover the latest property news for October:
*Zoopla
UK property prices up 13% compared to pre-pandemic
When the stamp duty holiday came to an end, it was expected that the home buying frenzy would tail off, however, prices and demand continue to soar.
There are currently 24% fewer homes on the market than this time last year, with higher than average enquiry levels and interest per property listed.**
Even when SDLT savings dropped from £15,000 to £2,500 earlier this summer, house prices were 11% higher when compared with August 2020, as increased demand led to competitive offers from buyers.*
For August 2021, the average price sat at £248,857. That has risen by 13% since the start of the pandemic, and an increase of £5,000 in the space of one month.*
Levels of demand are set to continue climbing as borrowing costs remain low. The fact that these costs have remained low has caused consumer confidence to grow, increasing demand further.
Experts predict that in autumn 2021, the property market will continue to see promising transaction levels, whilst by 2031, the average house price will have jumped by 30%.***
Our property experts can give you a reliable and free market appraisal, so that you know exactly how much your property is worth.
Discover the latest property news for October:
*Nationwide
***Based on trends from the Office for National Statistics
What's changed with tenancy evictions?
Over the last 18 months, a number of measures were put in place to protect tenants who were unable to keep up with their rent payments.
This put a strain on landlords and the lettings market as a whole, with the government easing these rules back gradually to help all parties involved recover from the effects of the pandemic.
A notice period can be anywhere up to six months before an eviction can take place. In addition to this, a tenant can only be asked to leave during the contract's fixed term, if:
- The tenant is behind on rent payments
- The property has been used for illegal activity
- The property has suffered damage during the tenancy
Notice periods have been extended since the pandemic, which gives tenants some breathing space if their employment status has changed.
Once the tenant has been issued with a written notice of wanting the property back, the tenant is given:
- Two months to vacate if they gave notice prior to the 26th of March 2020
- Three months, if it was between 26th March and 28 August 2020
- Six months, if it was after 29th August 2020
- Four months, if it was after June 21 2021
Despite these dates, according to the government, if a tenant is evicted with a section 8 notice, the tenant may have to leave much sooner.
A tenant should pay rent until the end of their agreed term in accordance with the contract they would have signed. Despite this, it is normal to still liaise with the landlord to see whether there is a break clause in the contract.
Landlords may also allow a tenant to leave a fixed-term contract early if the tenant has a direct agreement with them, such as finding a replacement.
Discover the latest property news for October:
Building your dream open plan living space
With light and space becoming essential in any house post-lockdown, it’s no surprise that many homeowners are opting for a more open plan living space.
Here are a few simple tips to help you build a beautiful integrated living and dining area.
Consider your specific requirements
What would you like to achieve from your project? It’s a good idea to make a list of what you need from your new space.
Do you want to be able to watch movies or play music, and what sort of storage do you need it to have?
Will you need planning permission?
To create your living and dining area, you could refit the existing space or extend on what you already have.
Before starting any major projects, always contact your local planning authority to confirm whether you need to apply for planning permission.
Always follow building regulations
Your project may not need planning permission, but it will need to comply with building regulations. These will include rules around ventilation, insulation, heating and fire protection.
You may need to seek professional assistance
You might want to seek help with design and technical drawings of your new space, depending on the scale of the work being undertaken.
An architect would be able to help you with this. If the dining area is going to incorporate a kitchen, you may need to seek out a kitchen designer to make the most of your space and give you the guidance you need.
Let natural light in
If you want to add light to your open plan space, then installing glazing and bi-fold doors is an easy way to do that.
Another option is adding roof lights or a roof lantern to get rid of any dark corners.
Recently renovated your property? If your home has recently undergone a refurbishment, we can value your property and help you learn its current sale value, book your valuation today!
Discover the latest property news for October:
Our #posttheghost competition is about to launch! - Win a £50 voucher
Yes it’s nearly Halloween again – that time of year where unusual, unexplained things start to happen in the neighbourhood and this year is no exception. We’re told that some of our For Sale/Sold boards have been visited by a ghost! So we’d like you to help us out by entering our #PostTheGhost competition!
Click here to read Our #posttheghost competition is about to launch! - Win a £50 voucher.
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