Why Ashford?

Check out our new video, Why would you want to live in Ashford?

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Why Ashford Video

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/28/why-ashford/

Want to sell your home this winter?

Want to sell your home this winter? Follow these seven tips to win over buyers and get it sold

• The housing market traditionally begins to slow in the run up to Christmas
• You can still achieve a successful sale during the festive season
• Follow these seven tips to ensure your home is appealing as possible 

The housing market traditionally begins to slow in the run up to Christmas as people tend to postpone big life-changing decisions until the New Year.

That's the time of year when people focus on making a fresh start, be it in relationships, with their job or their home. Until then, they tend to use the festive season to spend time with friends and family, pushing the idea of removal boxes firmly to the back of their minds.

However, there's no reason why you can't proceed with your sale in December, or at least get a head start in marketing your property before the traditional New Year rush - and with a shortage of homes going up for sale it may stand out more.

By following some simply steps you can progress towards a successful moving date.

Many people postpone putting their property up for sale until the New Year, but get a head start by marketing your home before Christmas

The following advice, produced by the National Association of Estate Agents, is aimed at making sure your property 'looks and feels attractive'.

David Mackie, president of National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), said: 'Traditionally, sellers hold off from marketing their homes in the bleak winter months, because they think it's a bad time to sell.

'But it is time to go against these out-dated claims and get your homes market-ready by making small but effective changes to make your home an inviting prospect for potential buyers looking to make a winter purchase.'

So, what is its advice to ensure a queue of buyers at your door this winter?

1. Don't forget about the exterior

Make sure the property looks well maintained and cared for from the outside, with windows and walls freshly washed to remove any dirt. Clear the path of leaves and make sure there isn't any ice on the paths that could cause potential buyers to slip. The first seconds upon arriving at the property are the most important in terms of impacting the buyer's decision.

2. Keep entryways clutter-free and clean

As rain is falling outside, keep your home clean and tidy inside. Make sure there is a door mat present for visitors to wipe their shoes and remove any wellington boots from the front door mat, so potential buyers won't trip over them.

3. Let there be light

With shorter days during the winter months, it is crucial to maintain a good level of lighting in your home to make it inviting for visitors, especially during evening viewings to create a warm and cosy ambience - and that includes outdoor lighting too. Make sure you should check all bulbs are working prior to a viewing.

Use lighting to create a warm feeling in your home and make it look its best

4. A warm welcome

Decorating your home may encourage potential buyers to stay longer - and having a roaring fire going can create a warming feel. Don't go too overboard with the tinsel though, as you don't want your property to look over-cluttered. Buyers should be able to envisage themselves living in your home, so it pays to make it as inviting as possible. Smell is also important, so putting out a diffuser, or some freshly cut flowers works really well.

5. Garden space

A messy garden can detract buyers, as it looks like lots of work needs to be done. The winter weather can also tire garden furniture, and make it look unsightly. If possible, clear patio furniture away, if not, ensure they are securely covered. It's worth spending a few hours trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, removing fallen leaves and dead plants to make a tidy outdoor space.

It is also a good idea to trim back overhanging branches, particularly those blocking the windows in order to encourage as much light into the property as possible. Increased rainfall over the winter months take its toll on guttering too, so check the gutters and drain covers are properly cleared of dead leaves and other debris, as leaky gutters and down pipes cause damage and are unappealing.

If you've got a fire or wood burner then winter is the ideal time to show it off

6. Tackle the DIY jobs you have been putting off

Make sure all small maintenance jobs have been made prior to putting your house on the market – such as fixing leaky taps or painting over cracks on the walls. Despite the fact you might not notice it, potential buyers will and fresh internal décor and paintwork goes a long way.

7. Winter break

If you are planning to get some winter sun and have a holiday booked, don't forget the heating in your home should be left on at a low temperature (minimum of 15°c), in order to prevent the pipes from freezing. If you are away for a long period and don't want to keep the heating on 24/7, make sure it is set on a timer.

Longer spells at a lower temperature can be more economical than shorter blasts at a higher temperature. This will ensure there are no problems upon your return to be dealt with before showing your home to prospective buyers.

 

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/28/want-to-sell-your-home-this-winter/

What asking price should you go for?

How to find the price that helps to get your property sold

• Get at least three quotes and appraisals from estate agents who have knowledge and experience of selling your type of property - and choose the average 
• Ask realistic questions about the property: How is the presentation and is this reflected well in the photos taken by the estate agent? 
• Setting an asking price slightly lower than similar properties in the market can result in competitive bidding
• Research shows 41% received 'slightly less' money than they hoped for 

Knowing what price to ask for your property can be a daunting task - if you set it too high then you risk alienating potential buyers, while if you set it too low you risk losing out on some financial gains.

Thankfully, there are some steps you take to ensure that you avoid some of the common pitfalls of choosing the wrong figure.

We asked some leading estate agents - with decades of experience between them - what advice they would give to people seeking to achieve the right price for their home.

Good prospects: Be realistic about the price you might get, estate agents suggest

HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOU GET THE RIGHT ASKING PRICE?

• Get at least three quotes and appraisals from estate agents who have knowledge and experience of selling your type of property - and choose the average
• Ask realistic questions about the property: How is the presentation and is this reflected well in the photos taken by the estate agent?
• It can be counter intuitive to set an asking price slightly lower than similar properties in the market, but that can result in competitive bidding

Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and a former RICS residential chairman, said: 'The obvious reason why a property fails to sell is that the asking price is too high. But before you address this, consider potential other issues. How is the presentation?

'What are the photographs like? Are you listening to feedback from buyers and your agent? Is it being marketed in the right places? If all else fails, then you might look at the price and consider whether it needs reducing.'

He continued: 'The price tends to be too high when owner greed comes into play. Sellers should get at least three quotes and appraisals from agents who have knowledge and experience of selling your type of property. Then the sensible vendor will take an average, or go for the middle quote.

'Often the biggest blight on a property is when it has lingered on the market for too long as it goes stale. Getting the price right from the start is really important. Don't let yourself be flattered or too tempted by an agent desperate for the business. They should have stats to back up what they are saying as buyers will obviously compare your property with others.'

Most agents agree that it is important to be realistic about the asking price from the outset.

WHERE CAN HOMEOWNERS EXPECT TO SEE A PRICE DROP ON THEIR SALE?

REGION	TOOK A PRICE CUT	ACHIEVED A HIGHER PRICE	BALANCE BETWEEN THOSE WHO RECEIVED A HIGHER AND LOWER PRICE
LONDON	6%	56%	50
WALES	17%	42%	25
SCOTLAND	27%	43%	16
EAST ANGLIA	39%	39%	0
NORTHERN IRELAND	40%	20%	-20
WEST MIDLANDS	41%	20%	-21
EAST MIDLANDS	42%	25%	-17
SOUTH EAST	44%	19%	-25
NORTH EAST	50%	6%	-44
NORTH WEST	55%	10%	-45
SOUTH WEST	55%	17%	-38
YORKSHIRE & HUMBERSIDE	57%	14%	-43
UK	41%	27%	-14

Andrew Perratt, of estate agents Savills, said: 'Sellers tend to price slightly higher than they expect buyers to want to pay, in the expectation that they will be knocked down slightly.

'It can be counter intuitive to set an asking price slightly lower than similar properties in the market, but that can result in competitive bidding. In the current market it's important to be realistic, so researching what has sold recently and what is for sale in your neighbourhood is key.'

The comments comes as research identifies the places where homeowners are most likely to have to accept a lower price than they were anticipating to sell their home have been revealed.

It claimed that 41 per cent of 1,009 people who have sold a home in the past five years received 'slightly less' money than they were hoping for.

The findings by The Nottingham - which offers building society and estate agency services - also claimed that around one in 12 people selling their home had to settle for a 'considerably lower price' than they had originally hoped for.

Home sellers in London beat the national trend, with only 6% accepting a price reduction

The research revealed regional differences, ranging from just 6 per cent of homeowners taking a price reduction compared to as much as 57 per cent in other areas.

Home sellers in London easily beat the national trend, with only 6 per cent having to accept a price reduction.

A total of 57 per cent of those trying to sell a home in Yorkshire and Humberside ended up with less than they had expected.

The study also found that one in four people who have tried to sell their home during the past five years did not complete the deal.

Su Snaith, head of estate agency at The Nottingham, said: 'Price is not all that matters when you are selling your house, but it can be absolutely vital if you are relying on a certain price for your next purchase, which means realistic valuations are essential.

'The research emphasises the need for independent advice focusing on what is important for sellers at the start of the process and particularly so when so many are taking substantial price cuts.'

 

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/28/what-asking-price-should-you-go-for/

Britains most expensive streets

The most expensive streets in Britain revealed - including the one where the average cost of a home is £16MILLION

• Eaton Square in Belgravia named most expensive street 
• Square boasts luxury period houses and flats with average price of £16.9m
• Has been home to prime ministers Margaret Thatcher and Neville Chamberlain as well as James Bond actors Sean Connery and Roger Moore
• Stamp duty on a home in Eaton Square is £1,947,030

The most expensive street in the country has been revealed as Eaton Square in London, where the average house price is an eye-watering £16million.

The square is full of beautiful houses and apartments with white stucco facades that have been home to many famous residents over the years, including prime ministers Margaret Thatcher and Neville Chamberlain, as well as James Bond actors Sean Connery and Roger Moore.

It overlooks 2.5 hectares of private garden square - with many properties selling for far more than the £16,944,000 average. A seven-bedroom terrace house in the exclusive location is currently on the market for sale for £55million.

The most expensive street in the country is London's Eaton Square, where the average house prices is £16million

The most expensive streets to live in regions throughout the country have also been revealed

London's Eaton Square is full of beautiful houses and apartments with white stucco facades

All of the top 10 most expensive places to live - with the exception of Poole, in Dorset, ranked in tenth place - are in London's boroughs of Kensington or Westminster, or in the affluent area of Weybridge, in Surrey.

These include Grosvenor Crescent, in Westminster, with an average price of £16,918,000. The street was named the most expensive place to live two years ago in the annual survey by Lloyds Bank.

 

The top 10 also includes Lansdowne Crescent, in Kensington, where homes cost £10,842,000 and Camp End Road, in Weybridge, where buyers can expect to pay £5,164,000.

THE COST OF STAMP DUTY ALONE IN LONDON IS MORE THAN THE PRICE OF A HOME IN WALES

The cost of stamp duty on a typical £16million house in England's most expensive street is more than the actual price of a property in the most expensive street in Wales.

The stamp duty paid to buy an average £16,944,000 property in London's Eaton Square would be £1,947,030.

It is an effective tax rate of 11.49% due to the overhaul of stamp duty two years ago, which hit more expensive homes the hardest.

The total stamp duty charge is more than the £1,064,000 paid on average for a property on the most expensive Welsh street, which is Llys Helyg Drive in Llandudno.

The average £16million price of a house in England's most expensive street is in sharp contrast to the typical price paid by those buying in the most expensive street in Wales.

The most expensive Welsh street is Llys Helyg Drive in Llandudno, where buyers pay £1,064,000.

That is £15,880,000 less than in London's Eaton Square.

It means someone could buy around 15 houses in Llys Helyg Drive, Wales, for the price of one in London's Eaton Square.

And this compares to an average national price of £216,674, according to statistics from the Land Registry.

Other streets in the capital to make the top 20 are Coombe Park, in Kingston Upon Thames, The Green, and Ham Common - which are both in Richmond Upon Thames.

Outside of London, the most expensive streets include Panorama Road, in the Sandbanks area of Poole, with an average price of £4,618,000 and Crick Road, in Central North Oxford, at £4,049,000.

The study, based on Land Registry figures for house sales between January 2011 and October 2016, found that there is at least one million-pound street in every region of England and Wales.

In the north of England, Park Lane, in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, is the most expensive street with homes selling on average for £2,059,000, followed by Leycester Road, in Knutsford, Cheshire, at £1,786,000.

The top seven most expensive places to live in Britain are in London's Westminster or Kensington, with Eaton Square (pictured) taking the top slot

The second most expensive street is Grosvenor Crescent, in Westminster, with an average price of £16,918,000

In third place is Ilchester Place, in Kensington, where the average home costs £16,029,000

Lansdowne Road, in Kensington is ranked fourth, with an average home costing £12,830,000

Chester Square, in Westminste,r takes the fifth slot, with properties costing £12.534,000

In the North East the majority of the most expensive streets are located in Newcastle, with Runnymede Road ,at £1,103,000 and Elmfield Park, at £1,081,000, leading the way.

In the West Midlands, Farquhar Road, in Edgbaston, at £1,434,000 and Ladywood Road, in Sutton Coldfield, at £1,302,000 are the two priciest addresses.

Ling Lane in Leeds has the most expensive homes in Yorkshire and the Humber at £1,319,000, while Warren Hill, in Newtown Linford, in Leicester, is the most expensive street in the East Midlands with an average price of £1,288,000.

Lansdowne Crescent, in Kensington, London, where the average house price is  £10,842,000

In seventh place is London's Kensington Road, with a typical property value of £10,185,000

The average price of a property in the exclusive area of Camp End Road, in Weybridge, is £5,164,000

Andrew Mason, mortgage director at Lloyds Bank, said: 'Eaton Square, and prime central locations such as Westminster, and Kensington and Chelsea, have established reputations as exclusive addresses. Not only do these streets possess a rich historical legacy, but properties located there are some of the most prestigious in the world and are close to superb local amenities in Knightsbridge, Sloane Street and Chelsea, as well as the capital's business and entertainment districts.

'Away from London, our figures show that the most expensive streets tend to be tightly clustered within pockets in the same area.

'For example, the Edgbaston district in Birmingham, the Wilmslow and Altrincham areas in Cheshire, the so-called 'Golden Triangle' in Yorkshire and the Humber and Sandbanks in Dorset on the south coast.'

Cavendish Road, in Weybridge, fills ninth place, with average properties on the street costing £4,705,000

The typical value of a home in Panorama Road - which is in tenth place - is £4,618,000

MOST EXPENSIVE STREETS IN EACH REGION IN ENGLAND AND WALES 2016 

Region	Street Name	Posttown	Postcode	Average House Price £ - 2011-2016*
London	Eaton Square	Westminster	SW1W	16,944,000
South East	Camp End Road	Weybridge	KT13	5,164,000
South West	Panorama Road	Poole	BH13	4,618,000
North West	Park Lane	Altrincham	WA15	2,059,000
East Anglia	Storeys Way	Cambridge	CB3	1,914,000
West Midlands	Farquhar Road	Birmingham	B15	1,434,000
Yorkshire and The Humber	Ling Lane	Leeds	LS14	1,319,000
East Midlands	Warren Hill	Leicester	LE60	1,288,000
North East	Runnymede Road	Newcastle Upon Tyne	NE20	1,103,000
Wales	Llys Helyg Drive	Llandudno	LL30	1,064,000
Source: Lloyds Bank

MOST EXPENSIVE STREETS IN ENGLAND AND WALES 2016

Street Name	Posttown	Region	Postcode	Average House Price £ - 2011-2016*
Eaton Square	Westminster	Greater London	SW1W	16,944,000
Grosvenor Crescent	Westminster	Greater London	SW1X	16,918,000
Ilchester Place	Kensington	Greater London	W148	16,029,000
Lansdowne Road	Kensington	Greater London	W112	12,830,000
Chester Square	Westminster	Greater London	SW1W	12,534,000
Lansdowne Crescent	Kensington	Greater London	W112	10,842,000
Kensington Road	Kensington	Greater London	W85N	10,185,000
Camp End Road	Weybridge	South East	KT13	5,164,000
Cavendish Road	Weybridge	South East	KT13	4,705,000
Panorama Road	Poole	South West	BH13	4,618,000
East Road	Weybridge	South East	KT13	4,521,000
Queens Drive	Leatherhead	South East	KT22	4,410,000
Coombe Park	Kingston Upon Thames	Greater London	KT27	4,398,000
West Road	Weybridge	South East	KT13	4,373,000
Crick Road	Oxford	South East	OX26	4,049,000
Leys Road	Leatherhead	South East	KT22	3,687,000
The Green	Richmond upon Thames	Greater London	TW91	3,656,000
Ham Common	Richmond upon Thames	Greater London	TW10	3,606,000
Spicers Field	Leatherhead	South East	KT22	3,522,000
Princes Drive	Leatherhead	South East	KT22	3,505,000
Source: Lloyds Bank

Whats yours worth?

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/28/britains-most-expensive-streets/

What are the top 12 Christmas insurance claims?

The Christmas holidays should be a time of peace and harmony, but for homeowners there are risks and pitfalls threatening that peace.

Whether it’s an accident in your home, which could really destroy any festive cheer, or a break in, as December is one of the busiest months of the year for theft claims.

Admiral insurance has listed 12 of the most common types of accidents and incidents it deals with over the Christmas period, and is reminding homeowners to stay aware and hopefully stop any of them ruining the holidays.

John McSherry, head of claims at Admiral Home Insurance,  explains: “We spend more time in our homes at Christmas than at any other time of year. There are more people around and more hustle and bustle. This, and the fact we cook and drink more mean there are more possibilities for us for accidents to happen.

The incidents in our list frequently happen over Christmas, and while our advice to avoid them might be obvious, they are worth considering to prevent your Christmas being ruined.”

 12 Feet through ceilings

Every year before and after Christmas, people venture up into their lofts for what may be the only time in the year, to get their decorations down. Admiral gets several claims each year where people accidentally step between the joists in their attics and put a foot through the floor, damaging the ceiling of the room below. Make sure you go up to your loft prepared, take a torch if you don’t have light up there and only step on joists if it doesn’t have proper floorboards.

11 Candles burning

Candles create a cosy atmosphere around Christmas, but they are still a naked flame and so whenever you light a candle, take care. Place it on a stable surface. Make sure there is nothing nearby that could catch fire in the flame and never leave a candle unattended. Finally make sure you extinguish them before going to bed, and also watch out for the melted wax, it can ruin furniture and carpets if it’s spilt.

10 Parents tripping

Amongst all the excitement of Christmas Day, little ones aren’t usually bothered about tidying up after themselves. If you’ve got children, there will be toys and gifts left around the house. While stepping on a Lego brick without shoes on might cause you to cry out, it shouldn’t cause too much damage, but tripping over a mis-placed Hatchimal on the stairs might. Keep an eye out for haphazard gifts, and persuade the kids to keep their toys in one pile.

9 Freezers failing

Unfortunately there’s not a lot you can do to prevent your freezer giving up the ghost before Christmas, and if it does it could cause a lot of hassle and disappointment. Admiral deals with several claims each year where the full Christmas shop is spoiled and has to be thrown out. If your fridge freezer is on its last legs and at risk of conking out, consider getting a new one before Christmas, or ask your neighbours to keep your shopping in theirs.

8 Falls off ladders

This is another type of accident that usually happens when putting Christmas decorations up or taking them down. Inside the home, the cause is often an unsecured stepladder with someone tiptoeing on the top step to reach the corner of the room. Outside it could be a normal ladder being used to put up or take down lights. Either way, never go up a ladder without someone else around, and make sure the bottom of the ladder is stable.

7 Forgotten cooking

Good food makes Christmas special, while a glass or two of your favourite tipple can fill you with festive cheer, but cooking while drunk? Not such a good idea. It’s easy to forget about food in the oven when you decide to cook after a boozy night out. Not only could you damage your cooker and your pots and pans, you could start a fire, particularly if you fall asleep.

6 Faulty fairy lights

Faulty fairy lights can cause fires and on Christmas trees, surrounded by wrapped gifts, small fires can soon develop into a blaze. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598). Make sure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed, or when you leave the house. And of course never overload a plug socket.

5 Burst pipes

Although we rarely have a white Christmas in the UK it doesn’t mean temperatures don’t drop during December and in freezing temperatures, water pipes can burst. A burst pipe can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage and cause you to have to leave your home. Take some time to protect your pipes from bursting by lagging them. And if you are leaving your house empty for any length of time over Christmas, either leave your heating on low, around 12 degrees or turn off the water supply at the mains and drain the system.

4 Stolen bikes

What better present on Christmas morning than a shiny new bike? But it’s a sad fact that unattended new bikes attract thieves. As well as a bike, buy a secure lock and make sure your son or daughter uses it whenever they leave their bike unattended. At home, make sure they don’t leave it lying around in the garden and if it’s kept in the shed, make sure that has a strong lock too.

3 Spilled wine glasses

One of the most common accidents Admiral sees at any time of year is red wine spilled on carpets and furniture. The culprit could be a pet, an excited child or a tipsy adult, but the result can be extensive damage. Over the Christmas period there’s likely to be more drinking at home than usual, so make sure you stand glasses and bottles on a table, and well away from small children and pets.

2 Dancing dads

We’ve all seen the videos, excited adults dancing around the living room to Christmas songs. It doesn’t have to be Dad, it could be Mum, Gran or Uncle Tony. Whoever they are they are a menace and could result in a broken chair or a foot through a window. We don’t want to be party poopers, but if someone in your family is getting a little bit over exuberant with their dancing, you might want to sit them down. If that doesn’t work, at least make sure the room is cleared of any breakables.

1 Thief taking all of the gifts

The saddest Christmas claim of all, and unfortunately it does happen. Criminals know at Christmas, households are likely to have lots of new gadgets and gifts in them. Do whatever you can to deter the scumbags. In the lead up to Christmas, our homes are often left empty in the evenings, so always leave a light on when you go out. And never ever leave presents in view of passers-by. If you’ve ordered things to be delivered, don’t leave a note telling the delivery driver you are out. And after Christmas, don’t leave boxes for expensive gifts outside.

John McSherry continued, “One last tip from us is to not let your home security slip in the new year. At Admiral, in the last few years we’ve seen an increase in the number of thefts in early January. It could be that thieves are targeting homes full of new gifts and gadgets given at Christmas.”

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/27/what-are-the-top-12-christmas-insurance-claims/

Top Christmas movie properties

 

To lighten up the most wonderful time of year, money saving online estate agent eMoov.co.uk has compiled a list of memorable properties from Christmas movies to look at the property value of these epic homes.

As the wine mulls, the mistletoes wait for lovers, and the halls are decked with boughs of holly, many fall into the chaos of a materialistic Christmas season. One of the best ways to unwind and get into the holiday spirit is to watch classic Christmas movies with friends and family. But how much would these Christmas film houses go for in the current market?

Whoville tops the list offering a Grinch’s cave with a view – the asking price is a mere £1.3M. This rustic property is close to some exceptional hikes and is only a short walk to the village where there are restaurants, shops and excessive of festive cheer. This is an exquisite spot for Christmas lovers because of the markets and carolers almost all year around.

In a more urban setting, Nakatomi Towers in central Los Angeles is a luxurious alternative for both Christmas and Die Hard fans. A two bedroom flat looking out on the glowing city lights has a price tag of £3,000,079.

For those who like to be closer to ground zero, a romantic cottage in Shere is the perfect getaway from big city. A property similar to Kate Winslet's charming home in Surrey goes for £725,000 - the price does not include Jude Law.

Further south in the English countryside is the fictitious setting of the Snowman. The rural Sussex setting of a four-bedroom home with a garden where the famous snowman was built has a £850,000 price tag.

Traveling back up to the capital, are the two properties shown in About a Boy. Hugh Grant’s central London flat in EC1 could range drastically in price today from £1.5M depending on size and amenities. However, the two bedroom Kentish Town apartment belonging to Will and his mother has a more affordable price tag of £925,000. This area has gone through extensive gentrification since the filming and would have cost significantly less then.

A terraced home in the “dodgy” part of Wandsworth is the location of holiday favourite Love Actually. Although the actual house used is in Herne Hill, a similar property in Wandsworth costs £1,100,000. It is shown in the scene where the Prime Minister shows up to spread love before attending the Christmas concert at the local school. House prices have sky-rocketed in London in recent years, so the average house price in the area in 2003 when the film was released was just £255,024.

The most iconic Christmas home is without a doubt Kevin McAllister’s self-secured Chicago mansion. It is big enough for both a ten-year child and a family of seven. Although it is not currently on the market, the cost is estimated at £1,571,521 – keep the change ya filthy animal!

Any list showing Christmas homes is not complete without Santa’s Scandinavian-style farm in the North Pole. This fabulous home goes for an impressive £2.7M, but it not likely to go on the market in the near future since it has stayed in the Claus family for generations. The property includes eight fire places, twelve bedrooms, two kitchens, a separate workshop and a barn to house the reindeer.

Russell Quirk, founder and CEO of eMoov.co.uk, says: “With the Christmas season in full swing, it is always nice to get into the spirit to relax and watch Christmas films. It acts as a great way to spend time with family.

Since it is a family based holiday mostly set in the home, it is fitting to look at property prices from the favourite movies of the season.”

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/27/top-christmas-movie-properties/

Cash buyers abandon London in search of a home

New data from Hamptons International has shown that the proportion of cash buyers from London purchasing a home in the capital has fallen by 14% since 2010.

According to the report, in Q3 2016, 42% of London cash buyers bought a home in the capital, falling from 56% in 2010 and 43% in 2015. Nationally, 78% of cash buyers in Q3 2016 bought in the same region they came from – a 4% fall from 2010.

With less than half of Londoners buying with cash choosing to buy in the city, it makes London stand out from the rest of the country.  Nationally 78% of cash buyers bought in the region they came from.  In the North, 83% of cash buyers bought in the same location, a 9% increase from 2010, while in the West Midlands 76% did, a 6% increase.

As house prices have grown, the ability for many to be able buy homes debt-free has reduced, as has the yield on any property bought to rent out.  And with lower expectations of future capital growth in London, those buying with cash are looking further afield.

In 2010, the East of England, was the most popular choice for London cash buyers after the capital; 19% of Londoners buying with cash bought there.  But this proportion has fallen by 7% since to just 12% in Q3 2016.  Compared with last year, the proportion has fallen by 2%.

Fionnuala Earley, Director of Residential Research at Hamptons International said: “The number of cash buyers in Great Britain fell by 5% broadly in line with the overall change in all transactions.  But they are still an important part of the market, accounting for 30% of all transactions.

There are signs that the behaviour of cash purchasers is changing.  In 2010 82% of cash buyers in Great Britain bought within their home region, but this fell to 78% by 2016.  With the exception of the North and West Midlands regions, cash buyers are increasingly looking further afield, particularly those in London.  Less than half of London based cash buyers now buy in the capital.

High house prices and lower expectations of future price growth, along with lower yields for those buying to rent out, suggests they are searching out better value for money.  That is especially true for higher value or second homes where the effects of higher stamp duties are taking their toll.”

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/27/cash-buyers-abandon-london-in-search-of-a-home/

HOT DEALS!

With a huge thank you to the team at Fingerprint Financial services we are able to bring to you some amazing deals within the mind boggling mortgage market!

Call or email us today and we will put you in touch with their friendly team.

 

LATEST DEALS

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/27/hot-deals-3/

Housing Crisis

Housing crisis: ‘Councils must get back to building homes,’ say council chiefs

A consortium of local authorities launched a major campaign today, pleading for local councils to be encouraged to get back to building homes.

The hard-hitting campaign, directly aimed at the Government, comes as it is revealed that home ownership rates among 25-year-olds have plummeted by more than half in 20 years, while the number of new homes being built for social renting has plunged 88% in the same time.

New analysis by Savills for the Local Government Association reveals that almost half (46%) of all 25-year-olds owned their home 20 years ago. In a generational shift, only 20% of 25-year-olds are on the housing ladder today.

The LGA says that access to home ownership will be increasingly limited and is calling for measures such as more homes to be made available for affordable or social rent, enabling families to save for deposits.

The Savills analysis shows:

• 6,550 social rented homes were built in 2015/16 compared with the 56,950 built in 1995/96.

• On average, private renters now pay 34% of their total household income on rent, and social and affordable renters pay 29%.

• In comparison, home owners pay an average of 18% of their total household income on their mortgage.
• Average house prices are now at 7.9 times average earnings. The average size of a deposit needed to get a mortgage is 62% of annual incomes, while in London it is 131%.

The LGA, which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, says the total proportion of households that are home owners of all ages across the country has fallen by 4.4%  since 2008 while the proportion of households that are private renters increased by 5.1%.

The LGA says there is also an urgent need to better provide housing for older people.

Between 2008 and 2039, 74% of projected household growth will be made up of households with someone aged 65 or older. The organisation argues that an increase in age-friendly housing will be crucial to helping older people stay healthy and happy for longer, and reducing demand on NHS and care services.

Cllr Martin Tett, LGA housing spokesman, said: “The housing crisis is complex and is forcing difficult choices on families, distorting places, and hampering growth. But there is a huge opportunity, as investment in building the right homes in the right places has massive wider benefits for people and places.

“There is no silver bullet and everyone must come together to meet the diverse housing needs in our villages, towns and cities.

“The Government’s Housing White Paper will be an opportunity to boost housing supply and affordability. It must recognise that a renaissance in house building by councils will be crucial to helping ensure the mix of homes to rent and buy that are affordable for those people that need them.”

The White Paper is due to be published next month.

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/22/housing-crisis/

Housing minister slates leasehold system as ‘widespread problem’

Housing minister Gavin Barwell has called the current leasehold system a “widespread problem that needs addressing” during a debate in the House of Commons.

Speaking at the end of a wide-ranging debate on the Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Act of 2002, Barwell said: “[The Secretary of State and I] have been looking closely at the issues raised in recent weeks and I can tell the House that we are both absolutely determined to stamp out unfair, unjust and unacceptable abuse of the leasehold system.”

He highlighted the results of the National Leasehold Survey 2016, which showed that 57% of leaseholders agreed with the statement “I regret purchasing a leasehold property”.

Barwell said: “I most certainly do not feel comfortable with that level of concern right across the country…

“I am very keen to explore how we can promote greater transparency and fairness, and to work with all interested parties to improve leaseholders’ experience of home ownership.”

His call was echoed by Labour’s Ruth Cadbury, who promised that a Labour government would give leaseholders security from rip-off ground rents, end the routine use of leasehold as a tenure for new housing developments, and cap ground rent charges.

Louie Burns, managing director of leasehold enfranchisement specialists Leasehold Solutions, said: “It is fantastic to see that Parliament is waking up to the deplorable scandal of the UK’s feudal system of leasehold.

“We have been campaigning for years to raise the issue of leasehold on the political agenda and to educate flat owners about their rights.

 “I hope that the Government will work to bring about timely and meaningful changes to improve the lives of the UK’s 4.1m leaseholders.

“Abuse of the leasehold system is a growing problem: 43% of all new properties in 2016 were built as leasehold homes, so without urgent action, increasing numbers of flat owners will continue to be exploited for profit by unscrupulous freeholders.”

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/22/housing-minister-slates-leasehold-system-as-widespread-problem/

House prices up £57 a day

House prices up £57 a day in 2016, says Zoopla

Home owners benefited on average almost £57 a day from rising prices, according to analysis by Zoopla.

The portal says price rises in 2016 “weren’t too far from reality”, coming in at 7.35% on average, while predictions had ranged from zero to 6% growth.

At the start of 2016, Zoopla highlighted, Halifax was predicting increases of 4-6%, Hamptons forecast prices up 4.5% while RICS was more ambitious at 6%. Henry Pryor was slightly behind with a prediction of 4%.

Zoopla’s research found that homes in Britain have gained £19,348 in the past year and now stand at £325,575.

The East of England saw the biggest price rise, up 11.56% to £358,401, just ahead of the West Midlands which grew 8.74% to £220,993, while the South-East was up 8.44% to £411,736.

Growth in London was more modest at 5.12% to £680,593 while the worst performing region was the North of England, growing just 2.14% to £187,683.

The town of Diss in Norfolk was the biggest winner in 2016 in terms of price growth, up 16.2% to £305,896.

Aberdeen proved to be Britain’s worst-performing town with a price fall of 2.83% to £144,413.

Lawrence Hall, spokesman for Zoopla, said: “2016 has certainly been an historic year with the events of the last six months giving rise to potential political uncertainty.

“However, the property market – it seems – remains resilient and property values across Britain have continued to grow.

“As city centre living becomes increasingly less affordable, our figures show significant increases in property values of commuter towns; those around the capital feature heavily in the top performers list.

“Towns such as Leatherhead and Diss, which offer commuting times to London of less than an hour and 90 minutes respectively, have proved particularly desirable.”

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/21/house-prices-up-57-a-day/

First-time buyers

First-time buyers postpone plans to get on housing ladder as Help to Buy scheme ends

First-time buyers are ditching their plans to get on the housing ladder when one of the Help to Buy schemes ends, while there is concern that lenders are becoming more reluctant to lend to those with a small deposit.

Mortgage approvals grew 1.3% in November compared with the previous month, national valuations firm e.surv is forecasting ahead of official data – but the majority of loans are going to those with large deposits.

In total, the LSL firm says that 64,407 house purchase mortgages were approved in the month of November. This is above the 62,522 recorded for October but remains below the 70,511 approvals in November 2015.

The figure also remains below the 2016 peak of 72,512. This figure was recorded in February and may have been artificially boosted by buyers making house purchases before April’s Stamp Duty changes.

E.surv says that while the number of approvals has increased, these loans appear to have gone to borrowers with larger deposits to put down.

Richard Sexton, director of e.surv chartered surveyors, said: “While activity is still down on previous years, the market is in a stable place, with record low mortgage rates continuing to lure buyers into the market.

“However, a shrinking first-time buyer market is a cause for concern.”

Separately, new research shows that more than half (52%) of people who had been planning to become first-time buyers are having to change tack because of the closure of the Government’s Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme.

The scheme, which ends on December 31 after three years, has allowed purchasers to buy either a secondhand or new home with a 5% deposit.

According to research by YouGov for Aldermore bank, raising a deposit continues to be the biggest obstacle for potential first- time buyers, with 39% of respondents stating that raising a deposit is a bigger hurdle than property prices (34%).

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/21/first-time-buyers/

1st day of?

 

Well, today is the day! Its the 1st day of winter! 2 more seasons and we will be back in the Summer!!

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/21/1st-day-of/

Landlords are undeterred by buy-to-let changes, lenders claim

More than a third of landlords have never used a letting agent, new research from the Council of Mortgage Lenders into the profile of the buy-to-let sector has revealed.

An extensive report, including polling of 2,500 landlords, by the London School of Economics for the trade body found a similar proportion used an agent to manage all their properties and the remainder either used an agent to do some tasks, or for only some properties.

Buy-to-let landlords, those with mortgages, were more likely to use agents. Almost 40% of landlords – more among non-BTL mortgage landlords – said they were prepared to offer leases longer than one year. Most who did not offer them said there was no demand.

The report also looks at the impact of forthcoming taxation changes, and interestingly many are unconcerned, but this could be due to a lack of awareness.

Just 16% expect their income to fall in the next five years, and just another 16% and 12% of landlords said they would raise rents for new and existing tenants respectively.

Over the next 12 months a net 6% of landlords said they expected to reduce their portfolios, while over the next five years a net 14% expect to do so. Buy-to-let landlords were slightly less likely to say they planned to divest at a net 5% over the next 12 months and 11% over the next five years.

Only 21% of landlords overall cited any element of tax changes as part of their reason to sell. Unsurprisingly, however, among buy-to-let landlords tax featured as an element in their decision making for 36%, compared to only 13% of other landlords.

However, much of this optimism could be down to awareness or a lack of understanding.

A table in the report found that almost 40% weren’t aware of or didn’t understand the Stamp Duty changes, 48 % didn’t understand or were not aware of the mortgage interest reforms and 58% either did not understand or weren’t aware of the wear and tear allowance changes.

Additionally, 61% were either not aware of or didn’t understand the changes in capital gains treatment of property.

There is no breakdown of awareness among those using lettings agents and those managing their own property.

According to the research, just over half of buy-to-let landlords own more than one property, with the average size of a buy-to-let portfolio being 2.7 properties.

Just like home owners, landlords as a group are an ageing cohort. Back in 2004, only 24% of landlords were aged 55 or over, compared with 61% today, according to the report.

In terms of profile, the typical landlord owns property close to their home, is just as likely to manage their property themselves as to use an agent, and was originally motivated to become a landlord as a contribution to their pension provision, as an investment for capital growth and income, in preference to other investments, or to supplement earnings.

Paul Smee, director general of the CML, said: “While the overall findings are encouraging and offer a reassuring picture of relative stability, there is a certain irony in the researchers’ conclusions that the landlords who will be most affected by the government’s tax changes are those at the most professional end of the sector – those with large, leveraged portfolios.

“These landlords will be particularly hard hit by the changes in the treatment of mortgage interest and may choose to divest or moderate their property holdings.

“Given the Government’s long-standing interest in professionalising the sector, policymakers will need to be closely attuned to the risk of unintended consequences and, indeed, own goals.”

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/15/landlords-are-undeterred-by-buy-to-let-changes-lenders-claim/

Picture of the Week: And it’s a sad one, perhaps on a High Street near you

Our Picture of the Week is a sad one, showing the early morning closure yesterday of a Countrywide brand, Taylors, in St Ives, Cambridgeshire.

It was snapped at around 6.30am by another agent who was on his way to work close by.

It is understood that the branch listings have been moved to the Huntingdon branch.

You may have seen something similar on a high street near you.

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/15/picture-of-the-week-and-its-a-sad-one-perhaps-on-a-high-street-near-you/

Home owners benefiting from low rates but loans to new buyers fall

Low mortgage rates may be helping home owners remortgage but they were little use to buyers and landlords in October, figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders suggest.

Buy-to-let loans for house purchase fell heavily.

Data from the CML shows lending to buyers dropped 8% between September and October, and was down 13% year-on-year for home owners making a purchase and dropped 4% annually for first-time buyers.

This equates to 57,800 loans for owners for purchase and 28,900 for first-time buyers.

The value of loans to home movers also dropped 8% on a monthly basis and 20% year-on-year to 28,900 loans.

There were 18,600 loans to landlords, up 2% compared to September but down 25% compared to October 2015.

Meanwhile lending approvals for remortgage hit its highest levels since January 2009, the CML says with 34,700 home loans in October, up 10% month-on-month and 5% compared to a year ago.

This suggests record low mortgage and interest rates are helping existing home owners but may yet to have filtered through to new buyers.

Paul Smee, director general of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, said: “Buy-to-let house purchase lending remains weak following the change to Stamp Duty on second properties in April. With lenders now tightening affordability criteria ahead of the Prudential Regulation Authority’s stress tests and the forthcoming tax relief changes next year, these lower volumes are likely to be the ‘new normal’.

“Home owner and buy-to-let remortgage lending, however, has recovered and is running at its strongest levels since 2009.

“This appears to be linked to borrowers taking advantage of the re-pricing of mortgages following the base rate cut.”

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/15/home-owners-benefiting-from-low-rates-but-loans-to-new-buyers-fall/

HOT DEALS!

Here we have this weeks hotest deals courtesy of Fingerprint Financial Planning.

Comparable Table 151216

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/15/hot-deals-2/

Genuinely asking for help!

We launched our Christmas giveaway with an extra special bit thrown in. We wanted to support a local charity and our celebrity radio DJ, Webbo, chose Find a Voice. We need to hit 200 entries and we will donate £200 to this amazing cause. Please, post your trees via the link below!

GIVEAWAY! Christmas Competition Time Again!Post your entries in the comments box below! Don't forget to share!!!! Good luck everyone!https://www.facebook.com/evolutionproperties/posts/1071670146277607

Posted by Evolution Properties on Sunday, 4 December 2016

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/15/genuinely-asking-for-help/

Worth reading!

Are you a Landlord? Take the risk out of renting your property!

Being a landlord comes with its own unique set of challenges and risks. From unexpected loss of rental income, to damage to your buildings or possessions, you can experience a range of unwelcome complications.

That’s why we wanted to send you some more information about HomeLet, who provide a

comprehensive range of insurance products and services specially designed to protect

landlords and their rental properties.

HomeLet’s Landlords Insurance+ gives you the added peace of mind that, should something go wrong, you won’t be left counting the cost.

When you cover your property with HomeLet, you could benefit from...

• up to £500,000 rebuild value as standard. Find out more
• a 90-day no restriction in cover when your property’s empty between tenancies
• £5m property owners’ liability and £10m employers’ liability for extra reassurance
• …and more!

As well as contents and buildings protection, HomeLet’s Landlords Insurance+ can incorporate emergency assistance protection and legal expenses cover. Find out more

 

 

So, if it’s coming to that time of year where you need to renew your landlords’ insurance, why not contact HomeLet to discuss their 5 star Defaqto-rated cover?

Simply quote 1509947 when calling.

 

 

 

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/11/worth-reading/

Housing supply continuing to dwindle, warns RICS

Housing supply is continuing to dwindle and a slow start to next year is expected due to lack of stock, the RICS said this morning.

November was the ninth consecutive month without an increase in new instructions.

The number of prospective buyers in the UK housing market rose in November for the third consecutive month, but the figure remained historically low.

Only 13% more surveyors reported a rise in new buyer enquiries rather than a fall.

The RICS expects house prices to continue rising across the UK, with the slowest growth in London.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist, said: “A key issue for the housing market is the slowdown in transaction activity since the spring which is clearly being reflected in the RICS agreed sales data as well as in official figures.

“Although there are some signs that the numbers may begin to edge upwards in the New Year, the combination of macro uncertainty, the ongoing supply shortfall, with stock levels around historic lows, and the myriad of tax changes impacting on buyers, suggest that any pick-up in activity will be relatively modest.

“This is significant not just for the housing market itself but also for the wider economy, given how much of consumer spending is tied in with home purchases.”

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/08/housing-supply-continuing-to-dwindle-warns-rics/

Britain’s priciest properties

Sales of Britain’s priciest properties in state of collapse, Land Registry confirms

Sales volumes of prime homes right across the country have been hit hard, cutting the Government’s take from Stamp Duty Land Tax by millions. Asking prices have also been sharply reduced, as the top end of the London market has crashed.

In the six months from May to October there was a 75% reduction in sales of properties above £10m – down to just 15 from 61 in the same period last year.

There was also a 51% reduction in sales between £5m and £10m – a fall from 201 to 99.

There was also a 33% drop in sales between £1m and £2m (7,285 falling to 4,913) and a 36% drop in sales between £2m and £5m (down from 1,473 to 947).

Worst affected was the prime new-build sector where there was a 83% reduction in the number of sales of new homes above £5m. This equates to a fall from 52 in the same period last year to just nine in the six months from May to October.

According to analysis of Land Registry figures by investment firm London Central Portfolio, the reduction in sales activity above £1m between May and October could have cost the Exchequer nearly £500m.

The firm says that the fall could be as much as £1bn by the end of the financial year.

London Central Portfolio CEO Naomi Heaton said: “This slowdown in the luxury property market – a big contributor for the Exchequer and UK economy in general – is very concerning, particularly as the Government faces wider economic and financial instability in the face of Brexit.

“With an already increasing deficit to address and the Government’s declared intent to increase tax revenues, these statistics should make some worrying reading for Chancellor Hammond.

“Having missed the opportunity to reconsider Osborne’s strategy at the Autumn Statement, we hope the Government will now look to relax some of these measures before there are detrimental knock-on effects for developers, the Exchequer’s balance sheet and the wider UK economy.”

Most of Britain’s most expensive homes are concentrated in London, where high-end agents have made job cuts and developer Berkeley Homes has slashed its prices  by around 10%.

Separate research, by Propcision, has also shown huge cuts, of up to 46%, in asking prices of some London properties.

Michelle Ricci, co-founder of analyst firm Propcision which has an ‘add on to Rightmove’ which is neither approved nor authorised by the portal, said some of these properties had ambitious pricing to begin with. Her research shows that since June, the price cuts became more concentrated in central London as the Brexit vote compounded pre-existing problems in the market.

The blame on the central London housing market crash has been put on an increasingly harsh tax regime scaring off wealthy purchasers.

While there might not be much sympathy for this segment, there must nevertheless be concerns about a market that needs to flow freely from top to bottom.

Specifically, as agents know, what historically happens at the top end of the market tends to ripple down – and that what happens in London, tends to spread out.

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/08/britains-priciest-properties/

HOT DEALS!

With thanks to Shane from Fingerprint we have access to some amazing deals for you!

If you have a mortgage need of any kind then simply call him on 03452 100 100 or call us on 01233501601

HOT DEALS!

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/08/hot-deals/

Well done Isobelle!

I was contacted by this amazing young lady from Highworth Grammar School about something that really caught her attention. Isobelle, aged 11, was shopping with her Mum at the weekend and noticed the collection they had for the local food bank. She was really taken with this and her Mum explained what this was for. Her mum had entered our Christmas Tree competition and Isobelle contacted me via this to ask for help with collecting donations for the bank. How could I refuse?

We are absolutely astounded by this little ladies tenacity and we wish her well with collecting more. Don't forget, your local supermarket will probably have a collection point, just grab an extra tin or packet of something as you shop!

Merry Christmas and again, well done Isobelle!

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/06/well-done-isobelle/

Giveaway! Christmas Competition Time Again!

Just like our previous competitions, we want you to share this with all of your friends and family, lets get as many people involved as possible!!

It really couldn't be any easier than this. We want to see your decorated Christmas tree!

Simply take a photo and send it in via facebook!

We have 3 prizes to give away;

Adults trees, £100 Tesco Voucher

Teenagers trees, £50 Ashford Designer Outlet Voucher

Kids trees, £50 Smyths toy voucher

If we hit 200 entries, we will give £200 to whichever charity your local radio celebrity "Webbo" nominates!

We trust that you will enter your tree in the right category and no cheating!

When you take your photo, get it in the best possible light, does it stand out, how pretty does it look?

So, what are the rules?

Just make sure you comment which group it belongs to, share and like the post on facebook, one entry per person and you must live or own a home in TN23, TN24, TN25, CT18, CT19 or CT20.

We will draw the winners on Tuesday 20th December and would ask that you are able to visit our office by Thursday 22nd to collect your prize!

Good luck and Merry Christmas from all the team at Evolution!!!

 

 

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/04/giveaway-christmas-competition-time-again/

ARLA: Letting agent fee ban will speed up rent hikes

ARLA: Letting agent fee ban will speed up rent hikes

New data from the Association of Residential Letting Agents has shown that, during October, the number of agents witnessing rent increases was the lowest since December last year – but it won’t last long.

According to ARLA, the number of agents witnessing rent hikes for tenants was at the lowest level since December 2015, with just one in five (18%) agents reporting increase in October. This is down six per cent from September when 24% of agents saw rent increases, and fourteen per cent from March when a record 32% of agents saw price rises.

However, given last week’s Autumn Statement news that letting agent fees will be banned, this is unlikely to last, with rents projected to rise significantly.

Supply of rental housing

In October, the number of rental properties managed per branch was 180, a significant decrease from September when there were a record 193 properties managed per branch. This is also the lowest level seen since June, when agents managed 176 properties on average.

Demand for rental properties

Demand from prospective tenants fell in October, with 34 prospective tenants registered per letting agent branch, compared to 40 in September, which was the highest number this year.

David Cox, Managing Director, Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), said: “Just when rents were starting to stabilise, the Chancellor has thrown the biggest curve ball, meaning that rents will unpreventably rise when the tax changes and letting fees ban come into effect. In terms of supply and demand, this month’s findings reflect seasonal expectations and show the market is slowing in the final quarter. With fewer properties available to rent and a drop in the number of prospective tenants registering interest, tenants tend to stay in their current properties until the New Year arrives.”

YOUR THOUGHTS?

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/04/arla-letting-agent-fee-ban-will-speed-up-rent-hikes/

House prices fall, says Nationwide (which also says they’ve gone up)

Thanks to the wonders of our old friend ‘seasonal adjustment’, Nationwide has pulled off the trick of announcing that house prices went up last month, while simultaneously declaring that they had gone down.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, house prices crept up just 0.1%, with annual inflation in November standing at 4.4%.

However, without the massage of seasonal adjustment, Nationwide said house prices fell from £205,904 in October to £204,947.

Nationwide chief economist Robert Gardner said: “UK house prices increased by 0.1% in November, after taking account of seasonal factors. As a result, the annual rate of house price growth slowed slightly to 4.4%, from 4.6% in October, though this is still in line with the growth rates prevailing since early 2015.

“There are some signs that, despite the uncertain economic outlook, demand conditions have strengthened a little in recent months, reflecting the impact of solid labour market conditions and historically low borrowing costs.

“Mortgage approvals increased in October, and surveyors report that new buyer enquiries have increased modestly.

“The relatively low number of homes on the market and modest rates of housing construction are likely to keep the demand/supply balance fairly tight in the quarters ahead, even if economic conditions weaken, as most forecasters expect.”

WHATS YOURS WORTH?

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/04/house-prices-fall-says-nationwide-which-also-says-theyve-gone-up/

New Phone System?

I decided I just had to share this with you. We recently had an upgrade on our phone system, actually a complete replacement. Our old system we thought was fine but were persuaded by Future-Tel to change and I am so happy that we have! We had a Mitel system fitted and it is so easy to use and really flexible as well. I can call clients from anywhere in the world and it registers as the office number, not my mobile. All you need is a 3/4G or wifi signal. You can also take the light unit home, plug it in to your home internet and boom, its as though your in your office! I really find this useful and think many small business users will too. There are way too many features to list but here are just a few

• Desk phones with cordless handsets
• Mobiles phone integration
• One touch Recording
• On hold Music or Marketing
• On screen dialing
• Call logging (track missed calls)
• Voicemail with email notifications and recorded message.

Don't just take my word for it, Future-Tel provided me with genuine wholesale rates on my

• Calls
• Line rental
• Broadband
• System Maintenance

Saving me about 60% compared to my old telecoms bills, the savings then upgrade the system and anything left over was passed to me.

So basically, cheaper or no extra cost to update the system! Seriously, just give them a phone call 0333 004 0041 and quote Evo lettings/ Roy and they will bundle in free minutes as well.

What have you got to lose? I didn't believe it at first as I get loads of calls for new and improved systems but really glad I listened on this one!

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/01/new-phone-system/

Best Mortgage Deals

In todays mortgage market, who really knows where to start in finding the best deal? I am near completing 19 years of dealing with property and have seen many changes not only in property but in legislation and also mortgages. Requirements have changed, who remembers the "Pulse" mortgage or the "125%" Northern Rock mortgage? The biggest issue for clients is finding the best deal, from searching virtually the whole market and getting that advice for free without feeling pressured to sign anything at all. I have known Ben from Fingerprint Financial Services for the majority of my time in property and have always entrusted him with not only my own mortgages but other members of my family and close friends and the feedback has always been extremely positive. If you are looking for some of the best deals, choose someone who has access to the majority of the market not just a select panel of lenders, is totally independent, isn't part of a chain of agents and will want to actually look after you and ensure that your dream is seen through to completion. Don't just take our word for it, call them today on 03452 100 100 and just tell them we sent you! What have you got to lose?

Click below for the latest HOT deals!

LATEST DEALS

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/12/01/best-mortgage-deals/

Christmas Video No2

Mortgage approvals hit highest level since March – Bank of England

Mortgage approvals reached a seven-month high in October, Bank of England figures have revealed.

The Bank’s Money and Credit figures for October showed there were 67,518 mortgage approvals for house purchase in October, up from 62,932 in September and just below the March high of 69,994.

It is also above the six-month average of 63,914.

The value of lending has also increased 3.1% year-on-year to £19.9bn in October.

Mark Dyason, director of brokers Edinburgh Mortgage Advice, suggests people are rushing into action before Brexit negotiations begin.

He said: “The strong October mortgage approvals data for house purchases underlines how Brexit has actually spurred people into action rather than driven them away from property.

“People are aware that rates have never been better and at the same time are uncertain about what’s coming next politically.

“As a result, they’re moving now rather than risk getting their plans skewered by some other major development in 2017.

“Brexit has created uncertainty but increasingly that uncertainty is causing people to act rather than do nothing. Uncertainty is emboldening buyers to take action.

Prices in many areas, and certainly the south of England, are a lot more attractive than they were a year or so ago. In many cases it’s a buyer’s market and they are increasingly taking advantage of this fact.

“Better prices and the best mortgage rates you could imagine in a political environment that could change very quickly is causing people to act.”

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/11/30/mortgage-approvals-hit-highest-level-since-march-bank-of-england/

Merry Christmas!

Places with the highest and lowest letting agent fees

Research among over 400 agents has shown the astonishing variation in fees across England – ranging from around £72 to £1,198.

In London, where additional, separate research was carried out, the range is £60 to £810.

The research was carried out by online agent Urban and involved letting agents in 150 towns plus London.

It found that on average, the five most expensive areas for tenant fees are:

1. Basingstoke £621.67
2. Slough £543.33
3. Cirencester £535.00
4. Reading £530.62
5. Alwick £530.31

In contrast, the five cheapest areas on average for tenant fees are:

1. Habrough £136.67
2. Worksop £139.00
3. Market Harborough £153.00
4. Leeds £162.98
5. Newham £164.00

These costs were based on:

• Set-up costs to prepare a tenancy agreement
• Contract fees
• Referencing for two people
• Guarantor fees
• The overall cost for an unmarried couple to move into an average rental property

Priciest individual agencies

Of the most expensive agencies, four out of the five are in or very close to the Thames Valley:

1. Slough £1,198
2. Basingstoke £1,100
3. Cirencester £950
4. Didcot £756
5. Reading £723

The cheapest individual agencies are based in the following locations:

1. Worksop £72
2. Cleethorpes £95
3. Newquay £100
4. Harbrough £105
5. Lowestoft £110

Research by Urban in London showed a similarly wide range of fees from £60 to £810.

On average, the ten most expensive areas  in London for tenant fees are:

1. Leytonstone £560
2. Plaistow £558
3. Bow £550
4. Lewisham £533
5. Chingford £481
6. Royal Docks £471.50
7. Streatham £450
8. Canary Wharf £450
9. Notting Hill £440
10. South Lambeth £420

In contrast, the ten cheapest areas on average for tenant fees are:

1. St Johns Hill £60
2. Greenwich £120
3. Clapton £150
4. West Wimbledon £150
5. East Finchley £156
6. Hammersmith £165
7. Finchley £170
8. Hendon £192
9. Winchmore Hill £201
10. Wandsworth £216

The booming East End market dominates the pricey end of the list, with 50% of the top ten most expensive areas for average tenants’ fees located in this part of the capital.

Surprisingly, many of London’s most popular residential areas such as West Wimbledon, Finchley and commuter-friendly Clapham boast some of the most reasonable tenants’ fees as charged by individual letting agencies.

Priciest individual letting agencies

Breaking the research down to individual letting agency costs, the most expensive agencies are based in the following areas:

1. Plaistow £810
2. Lewisham £750
3. Woolwich £680
4. Chiswick £588
5. Leytonstone £570
6. Shepherds Bush £550
7. Notting Hill £550
8. Lewisham £550
9. Fulham £550
10. Ealing £550

Some of the cheapest individual letting agencies are based in the following locations:

1. St Johns Hill £60
2. Greenwich £120
3. Chiswick £120
4. West Central £144
5. Clapton £150
6. West Wimbledon £150
7. Finchley £150
8. Southgate £150
9. Woolwich £150
10. East Finchley £156

Interestingly, despite the area of Chiswick and Woolwich having some of the cheapest individual letting agency costs, agents in these locations also charge among the highest fees. This highlights the huge disparity of cost even within local areas.

Costly bolt-ons 

The research also found  a variety of additional charges. Examples include:

• Photocopying. At one agency customers can be charged £5 for a copy of the tenancy agreement.
• Copy of tenancy agreements. If multiple tenants require more than one copy of an original tenancy agreement from one agency, the duplicates will cost £25 a copy.
• A weekend move. Moving in on a Saturday will cost an additional £90 by one letting chain.
• Speeding moving. Moving quickly could incur an additional fee of £144 from one agency.
• A key to the front door. One agency charges an additional £7.50.

Perhaps most surprising is the fact that personal circumstances can also influence tenant agency fees. For instance:

• At one agency, getting married or divorced and changing a surname on a tenancy agreement costs £200.
• If a tenant is cohabiting but not married, some agencies in certain areas will charge an additional one-off fee of £40.
• Many agencies across the UK charge extra if a couple have only been living together for nine months or less when embarking on a joint tenancy.

Urban founder Adam Male said: “Many high street agents do not fully reveal all of the fees that tenants may have to pay.”

source http://blog.evolutionproperties.co.uk/2016/11/27/places-with-the-highest-and-lowest-letting-agent-fees/