Discover the latest news from Page & Wells

Is April still a good time to sell your home?

The predicted 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 from a well-known property portal, valuation requests have shot up by 27% compared to the same period last year. While March lived up to its reputation as the strongest month for sales, April is a close second as buyers continue to compete for homes. *

If you’re hoping to sell, you may also be on the hunt for a new home. To land your dream home, it’s crucial to be able to make a serious offer. That means getting your property spruced up and ready for its time on the market.

Don’t forget that many buyers now prioritise outdoor space to enjoy in the warmer months, so if your home has got it, flaunt it!

Make sure you are prepared for your April sale by contacting our team of experts.

*Rightmove

EPC changes offer good opportunities for landlords

In a bid to combat climate change and reduce pressure on strained energy supplies, the government has recently announced new proposals on EPC ratings. The changes will require landlords to increase the energy efficiency of their properties to a C or above.

Improvements must be made by 2025 for new tenancies, or 2028 for existing tenancies. As a recent survey showed, 68% of landlords currently own rentals with D or below EPC ratings, which means most will need to act soon to avoid problems down the line.*

While increasing the energy efficiency of your properties can be a costly exercise, it’s also an opportunity to raise the value of your rentals and reduce bills for tenants. This, in turn, will make your lets more attractive to tenants, especially at a time of rising energy prices.

In addition, landlords looking to expand their portfolios may consider buying less efficient homes to upgrade the EPC rating and turn over a profit. If you own a property rated C or above, now is a great time to think about letting it.

However you intend to respond to the upcoming changes, we’re happy to discuss your options going forward.

Contact our team to discuss this further, or to arrange a lettings valuation.

*Landbay

Arriving in style – 2022 front door designs

It’s the centrepiece of any exterior, the threshold between the outside world and your private home. It has the power to mark the period and set the tone for the design scheme found within. We are, of course, talking about the front door.

Over the last couple of years, we have seen a growing preference for stronger neutral colours that make a statement. Think slate and greys, obsidian blacks, and steely blues. Interestingly, home exteriors are now mirroring the interior trend. *

These smart neutral tones are also a great bet when selling your home. While bold, bright colours catch the eye, viewers might not always appreciate this. Combining sophistication with compatibility, blacks and greys represent the best of both worlds.

The need for privacy has led to the rise of solid front door designs without glass panels. If your hallway needs natural light, doors with slim horizontal panels will work, while staying in line with the times.

Planning to sell soon? By brushing up on your knowledge of popular design trends, you can quickly enhance your property’s kerb appeal and subtly impress viewers before they even step inside.

Our friendly team are always on hand to explain our bespoke marketing strategy and talk through your goals.

So, if you’re ready to learn more about how you can best showcase your home, contact us here.

*Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd

A guide to determining the value of your home

It's only natural that you would like to gather a fair amount of knowledge before booking in for a property valuation.

For the vast majority of us, owning a home will be one of the most significant financial investments we'll ever make. Therefore, maximising its worth is critical if we want to move up the property ladder.

We've taken this opportunity as your top local expert to explain some of the key aspects of your valuation so that you understand exactly what you're receiving and why.

What does “property valuation” mean?

A property valuation is an analysis of your home's worth. A variety of considerations, including the type and size of the property, its condition and location, as well as the seasonal and national trends in the local property market, are all factors we take into account.

It is a good idea to have a local agent conduct your valuation. They will know the local market and be able to target buyers in that area with effective marketing, which will lead to more viewings.

When choosing a representative, it is important to consider the service promise and success metrics, rather than the lowest cost.

Why is it crucial to obtain an up-to-date valuation?

While you may not be ready to sell right now, it's a good idea to keep a close eye on your local market.

Knowing your home's worth can also mean that when you are ready to sell, you'll be prepared and ready, saving you time and energy right from the beginning of your property journey.

Whether you're looking to sell now or in the future, you can get your up-to-date property valuation here.