Category: property

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How to Tell if Your Property Viewers Are Genuinely Interested

Selling your home can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, full of hope, uncertainty, and sometimes, silence. One of the most frustrating parts? Not knowing whether a viewer truly liked your property or if they’re simply being polite.

At Fisher and Partners, we understand just how personal and stressful the selling process can feel. Each viewing is a potential turning point, so how do you tell when someone might be on the verge of making an offer?

Here are a few clear signs that suggest a viewer could be genuinely interested in your home:

1. They Ask to See Certain Areas Again

If a prospective buyer wants a second look at a particular room or part of the property, it’s almost always a promising sign. It means they’re imagining themselves living there and are taking the time to visualise how it could work for them, a strong step towards making a decision.

2. They Ask Detailed Questions

Total silence can often be a red flag. Buying a property is a complex process, especially when it comes to older homes or those with character. If your viewers are asking thoughtful, practical questions about the home, its systems, the neighbourhood or even your utility bills, that’s a strong indication they’re picturing life in the space.

3. Positive Body Language

Much is said without words. Subtle smiles, nods, or quiet exchanges between partners often signal interest. Watch how they move through the home, are they lingering in key rooms or picturing furniture placement? That’s the kind of behaviour we see from serious buyers.

4. They Ask About Your Moving Timescales

If a buyer isn’t considering an offer, they’re unlikely to be interested in your plans. So when someone starts asking about your onward journey or your ideal moving timeline, it usually means they’re considering how their plans could align with yours, which is a great sign.

Stay Objective – And Ask for Feedback

It’s human nature to see what we hope to see. But property feedback can sometimes surprise you. That’s why we ensure every client receives honest, thorough feedback after every viewing, so you’re never left guessing.

If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to give you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner and we’ll set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

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Simple, Smart Steps to Start Your Property Search

Beginning your search for a new home can feel like a daunting task. With so much to consider, from location and budget to lifestyle needs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Fisher and Partners, we’re here to make that journey simpler and more rewarding. Here are a few straightforward tips to get you off to a confident start:

1. Give Yourself a Head Start

The earlier you begin your research, the more informed and prepared you’ll be. Ideally, start looking 6–12 months before you plan to buy. This gives you valuable time to understand what’s out there and how it aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals.

2. Do Your Homework on Locations

Dive into the details of the areas you’re considering. Look at transport links, local amenities, green spaces, school catchments, and long-term value trends. The right location often makes all the difference when it comes to living well and investing wisely.

3. Clarify Your Finances Early On

Understanding your financial position from the outset helps focus your search. Use mortgage calculators to determine your borrowing capacity, and consider speaking to an independent advisor who can guide you through the options available.

4. Define Your Must-Haves

Whether it’s a home office, south-facing garden, or walking distance to a particular school, listing your non-negotiables will help you make clear decisions. Knowing what you’re willing to compromise on and what you’re not, keeps the search focused and productive.

5. Get Mortgage Pre-Approval

Having a pre-approved mortgage puts you in a strong buying position. It shows sellers you’re serious, ready, and financially equipped to move forward, which can be particularly useful in a competitive market.

6. Connect with the Right Estate Agent

Property portals are a good starting point, but they rarely tell the full story. Working with an experienced, well-connected estate agent gives you access to deeper local insight and often to properties before they ever hit the open market, in fact, nearly 40% of sales happen off-market.

At Fisher and Partners, our senior managing partners are embedded in the local community and work with a select number of clients at a time. This means you get a bespoke, highly responsive service that puts your needs first.

Ready to start your property journey?

If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to offer you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner and we’ll set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

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2025 Property Market Update: Spotlight on the South East

A Market in Transition

The property market across the South East of England is going through a period of recalibration. After years of growth, average property prices have begun to soften slightly, largely due to continued affordability challenges. According to recent data, annual price growth in the South East now trails behind the national average, with only marginal movements seen in asking prices.

That said, this is not a market in decline, it’s one finding its balance.

What’s Shaping the Market?

Several key factors are at play:

  • Mortgage affordability: While interest rates have seen slight downward movement, typical two- and five-year fixed mortgage deals remain around 4–5%, which continues to impact buyer budgets.
  • More stock on the market: There’s been a notable increase in the number of properties available for both sale and rent. This creates greater choice for buyers and more competitive dynamics, especially in premium markets like the South East.
  • A regional divide: While parts of the North and Scotland are seeing renewed growth, the South East is taking a breather. Forecasts suggest this region may see more modest price growth around 19.5% between now and 2028 compared to faster-moving northern markets.

Local Outlook: Realism and Readiness

At Fisher and Partners, we’re seeing steady interest in well-located homes, particularly from buyers looking to act ahead of potential changes to stamp duty. Spring brought a welcome uptick in listings, and conveyancing times have improved. But realistic pricing remains key. Homes that align with buyer expectations on location, presentation, and value, are still generating strong interest.

What’s Next for the South East?

The coming months offer cautious optimism. The Bank of England has signalled further rate cuts may be on the horizon, and lenders are gradually improving terms. As a result, we expect transaction volumes to pick up, particularly in the commuter belt and family-friendly village markets, areas where demand remains resilient and lifestyle appeal is strong.

Thinking of Selling?

If you’re considering selling your home, this may be a timely opportunity. At Fisher and Partners, we offer a personal, one-to-one approach led by local experts who understand your market inside and out.

If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to give you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner and we’ll set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

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How to Have the Perfect Viewings When Trying to Sell Your Home

If you’re preparing to bring your home to market this year, it’s well worth mastering the art of the perfect viewing. A well-executed viewing can make all the difference when it comes to achieving a successful sale and the best possible offer.

At Fisher and Partners, we know that viewings are one of the most crucial steps in the selling process. Most buyers won’t make a commitment without seeing the property in person, so the experience they have during their visit really matters.

Yet despite its importance, the viewing appointment is often overlooked. Some sellers simply open the door and let buyers roam freely. Others go the opposite way, offering an enthusiastic guided tour that ends up overwhelming rather than enticing.

The truth lies somewhere in the middle. While a perfect viewing won’t convince someone to make an offer on a home they’re not interested in, it can enhance the experience, leave a memorable impression, and tip the balance for buyers who are on the fence.

Here are a few simple tips to help you perfect the process:

1. Plan a Route with Intention

Think about the journey you want your buyers to take through your home. Guide them in a way that shows off your property’s best features, whether that’s a sun-drenched kitchen, a cosy reading nook, or a beautiful garden view. Try to end the tour in the space that has the most visual or emotional impact. First impressions matter, but the final impression tends to linger.

2. Ease the Pressure

It’s natural to feel excited (or even a little anxious) during a viewing but avoid the temptation to ‘sell’ too hard. Think of it like a premium retail experience: if a shop assistant is too pushy, you’re likely to make a quick exit. Your home is the product here, and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere will allow viewers to take it all in without feeling uncomfortable or rushed.

3. Give Them Breathing Space

After your initial guided tour, give prospective buyers some time to explore on their own. This extra space helps them process what they’ve seen and imagine their own lives unfolding in the space. A second walk-around also gives them the chance to revisit areas of interest without distraction.

4. Be Mindful of What You Say

It’s completely normal to fill silences with chatter, especially when nerves kick in. But during viewings, less is often more. Keep conversation light and focused on the property. It’s not necessary to share personal stories or minor historical issues like that old roof leak from a decade ago (especially if it’s long since fixed). Allow the home to speak for itself.

Ultimately, buyers aren’t there to get to know you—they’re trying to imagine themselves in the space. A calm, confident presence and clear, thoughtful answers to any questions are all that’s needed.

If you’d rather leave the viewings to the professionals, that’s exactly what we’re here for. Our experienced managing partners are experts in crafting exceptional viewing experiences and will handle every detail on your behalf.

If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to give you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner and we will set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

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Navigating Uncertainty: What Global Shifts Mean for the UK Property Market

At Fisher and Partners, we believe that knowledge is empowering, especially during times of uncertainty. As global headlines evolve rapidly, from renewed US tariffs under President Trump to the shifting stance of central banks on interest rates, it’s understandable that sellers and buyers are asking: how does all of this impact the UK property market?

While the world may feel unpredictable at times, the housing market here in Berkshire continues to demonstrate its long-standing resilience and appeal.

Let’s explore why.

Tariffs and the Global Ripple Effect

The recent introduction of new US tariffs has created ripples across global financial markets. While these measures don’t directly touch the UK housing sector, they do influence investor sentiment, global trade confidence, and currency valuations, especially the pound.

If sterling weakens in response to international uncertainty, UK property, particularly high-quality homes in sought-after areas like Berkshire and the home counties can look increasingly attractive to overseas buyers. We often see this ‘safe haven’ effect when global markets grow more volatile.

That said, the primary drivers behind a move, relocation for work, downsizing after retirement, or upsizing for family needs, remain deeply personal and consistent. The global noise rarely changes those life decisions; it simply shapes the timing and approach.

Interest Rates: A Shift in the Wind

Alongside geopolitical changes, we’re also seeing a softening tone from central banks. Although the immediate need for dramatic rate cuts has cooled slightly, the broader trend still leans towards lower interest rates over the coming months.

We expect to see mortgage markets become more competitive this summer, with lenders adjusting rates and products to reflect a gentler economic outlook. That’s good news for buyers, as improved affordability can bring more confidence into the market and more people through your front door.

For sellers, this creates a more active and supported buyer pool, helping to underpin pricing in the medium term.

A Pinch on Supply and the Push for Policy Support

Where there’s opportunity in demand, there’s often challenge in supply.

Falling rates and strong investor interest won’t make it any easier for the government to hit its already ambitious housebuilding targets. Recent planning reforms are a step in the right direction, but unless paired with targeted support, such as incentives for first-time buyers or affordable housing providers, it’s unlikely we’ll see rapid progress in new home delivery.

This pressure on supply continues to reinforce the long-term value of established homes in well-connected, lifestyle-rich areas like those we serve.

Our Perspective: Clarity, Not Chaos

At Fisher and Partners, we’ve always believed that during periods of uncertainty, you don’t need more noise, you need clarity.

That’s why we offer a bespoke, one-to-one service with a senior managing partner who knows your local market inside and out. We don’t pass you from person to person. We don’t juggle dozens of properties at once. We deliver tailored advice, expert marketing, and honest guidance because that’s what our clients deserve.

Whether you’re relocating, retiring, or just ready for a change, our job is to make the process as smooth, informed, and rewarding as possible.

Thinking of Selling Your Home?

If you’re looking to sell your property, we’d be delighted to give you a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner and we will set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.