Finn's Newsletter 2022: Winter, Issue No.01

How the pandemic has changed the property market

COVID-19 has triggered widespread changes across the country – and the housing market is no exception.

Property sales have rocketed, which has been good news for those looking to sell.

Interestingly, the pandemic has also created some paradoxes in the market.

Rural regions have seen a massive spike in sales, as homeowners looked to escape to the country following the consecutive lockdowns.

A recent survey also concluded that people prioritise bigger gardens and proximity to green spaces more than they once did.

Broadband and mobile connectivity have also become more important as many workers go remote, either from choice or necessity.

Additionally, this home-based work trend has seen buyers prioritising transport links less – though this attitude may reverse as society slowly returns to normal.

Pandemic-induced lifestyle changes could affect the saleability of your property.

Luckily, just knowing what buyers are looking for can help you showcase the most appealing aspects of your home.

Since home hunters are increasingly browsing online and relying on virtual viewings, forward-thinking agencies like us have been busy adapting our marketing strategies to attract the right buyers.

Want to discover how we can maximise the value of your property? Just call our friendly team today.

*According to Zoopla’s January 2022 market data

Is your New Year's resolution to renovate your home?

Setting New Year’s resolutions is a long-lived tradition and many homeowners may be looking to set a property goal for 2022.

Investing in a home improvement project can be a great way to add value to your property, so could this be one of your resolutions this year?

If so, here are a few tips on how you can get started with your renovations...

Make a schedule

Before you begin your renovation, take a step back and create a plan you can stick to.

This will ensure you don’t commit yourself to too many tasks, allowing you to remain stress-free and organised.

Allow for extra-spending

Everyone loves to save money where possible. However, a stringent budget may cause your goals to fall short.

When renovating, include an extra allowance in your budget in case you need to overspend.

Take the time to carefully save so you don't find yourself struggling unnecessarily and focus on the little tasks which won’t demand too much expense.

Have goals that are measurable

When starting a project, it is natural to want to see immediate results.

Depending on just how much work is required, you might want to consider planning out key milestones that will signal when the next phase of development has been reached.

That way, you won't lose heart from any potential setbacks or delays.

Ensure you can’t forget your resolutions

Plaster reminders of tasks you need to complete all over your home, meaning you can’t miss or avoid them.

Whether it’s a big A3 poster or a post-it note on the computer, this will keep your goals fresh in your mind.

For more property ideas or inspiration, talk to our team today about the renovations that add real value to your home.

Five steps to beat the January blues

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandably a difficult time for many of us to find the motivation to plan ahead and commit to seeing through our resolutions for a healthier, happier and more productive 2022.

Given the freezing temperatures and lack of sunlight, January can be the least productive month for many of us, leading to a period of hibernation that can last until spring.

To help you overcome this, we want to focus on realistic and achievable ways you can have a more successful start to the year.

Try something new

It goes without saying that once we form comfortable habits or routines, it can be a challenge to push ourselves into trying something different.

Comfort zones are the worst for stalling development, so why not try taking up a new hobby or focus on achieving a goal?

It doesn’t have to be something wild like climbing Mount Everest, in fact, it could be as simple as baking a new cake each week to develop a skill.

Treat yourself

Life can sometimes feel as if it is going at 100mph, so it’s important to press pause and just live in the moment every once in a while.

Even something as simple as unwinding by having a warm bubble bath once a week can be the key to recharging your batteries and getting you back on track.

Explore your surroundings

Staying cooped up inside will have a negative impact on your mental as well as physical health. So, even if it's just for a 30-minute session, try and stretch your legs outside once a day.

If you are working from home but would normally be commuting to work, use that time to take a break outside instead.

Start a new series with your loved ones

Pick something to bring the family closer and pace yourself with one or two episodes each week, if you're able to wait that long.

There’s really nothing better than getting cosy in blankets and looking forward to the next instalment!

Set “stick-able” resolutions

Whilst it's commendable to set ourselves high goals for the new year – such as exercising every day of the week – you need to make sure those resolutions can be met.

If you overreach, you'll quickly burn out of motivation and fail to make any progress.

Strip it back and aim for somewhere achievable. That way, you’ll feel more fulfilled and see real change much faster, which will then incentivise you to keep going!

To make progress with your property plans this year, talk to our team.

Top tips for first-time buyers saving for a deposit

Buying your first home is an extremely poignant event in anyone’s life and being able to put down a significant deposit is vital to stand you in good stead for your future repayments.

However, in light of Covid-19, we appreciate that it can seem more daunting than ever to imagine yourself taking that step towards homeownership.

As your trusted local estate agent, with lots of first-time buyer experience, we have complied these tips to support your saving goals this January.

Plan ahead

During your property purchasing journey, it is crucial to identify any additional funds that you may need along the moving process. 

Likewise, being aware of your monthly income and outgoings is extremely important in order to create a timescale for your saving journey.

Move back home

If your parents or family are not in a position to be able to support you financially with your property purchase, there are other ways they can help.

The vast majority of first-time buyers find it difficult to save for a deposit due to their monthly rental outgoings, so moving in with a friend or family member is a great option to reducing these costs.

Due to COVID, it is important that you check the most recent guidance before changing your living situation.

 
Downsize

If your current rent price per calendar month is slowing your deposit saving down, and you can’t move in with a family member or friend, then downsizing may help.

Looking for a property that is smaller could save you hundreds or even thousands over the span of your saving period.

Check your direct debits

Especially at this time of year, many of us will take out various subscriptions without continuing to need them beyond the first month.

As such, it is important to go over your direct debits and ensure that you are still using all of the services you are paying for.

In 2019, Brits spent £4 billion on unused gym memberships – and with the average monthly fee being £35 per person – the cost really adds up.*

This also goes for streaming services and club memberships that you may no longer use.

Whether you have your deposit ready to go, or you’re looking to downsize to save some extra money, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today.

*Daily Mail