Tag: Berkshire estate agents

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Selling Your Home This Summer? Why July is One of the Best Times to List Your Property

Why July is a Prime Month for Sellers

July offers a perfect blend of warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and increased buyer motivation. Families are preparing for the new school year, professionals are planning relocations before autumn, and the market traditionally sees a surge in activity before the holiday lull in August.

If you’re considering listing, now is the moment to prepare and here’s why:

1. Buyers Are Motivated to Move Before Autumn

Many of our clients, especially aspirational families, are aiming to settle into their new home before the school term begins. That means they’re actively searching now and ready to move quickly.

2. Your Home Looks Its Best in Summer Light

Lush gardens, bright interiors, and beautiful exteriors shine in natural summer light. With professional photography and considered staging (which we handle for you), your home will stand out more than ever.

3. The Market Cools Off in August – Beat the Dip

Come mid-August, holidays and summer breaks slow down buyer activity. Listing in early July gives your property a window of peak visibility before that seasonal pause.

4. More Daylight Means More Viewings

Longer evenings allow for flexible viewing times, perfect for busy professionals or families juggling summer schedules. More flexibility means more eyes on your property.

How Fisher & Partners Can Help

At Fisher and Partners, we specialise in high-touch, service-led property sales across Berkshire. You’ll work directly with a senior managing partner who knows your local market inside and out, ensuring your home gets the attention and price it deserves.

Considering selling your home this summer?
We’d be delighted to offer you a free market appraisal and honest guidance on preparing your home for a successful July launch.

Contact your local managing partner today and let’s set up a time to chat. We’d love 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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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.

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Working From Home? How to Create the Perfect Home Office

With more of us working remotely than ever before, the home office has become a true staple of modern living. Whether you’re in a period home in Windsor or a contemporary apartment in Ascot, creating a comfortable and productive workspace is key, not just for your workflow, but potentially for your property value too.

Here are our top tips to help you carve out a space that works for you.

1. Start With Space

It doesn’t matter if you have a dedicated room or just a corner of your living area, what matters is how you use it. Choose a spot that feels calm and has minimal distractions. Natural light is essential, so try to position your desk near a window if possible. Light, neutral tones on the walls and furniture can help create a sense of space and keep things feeling fresh and open.

2. Invest in the Right Furniture

Functionality should be your priority. A good-quality desk with sufficient space and storage is a must-have. A comfortable, ergonomic chair is even more important, especially if you’re seated for long periods. Think long-term comfort and support, not just aesthetics.

Don’t forget the tech essentials: a printer, strong Wi-Fi, and reliable hardware are all important. And if you regularly take calls, consider a separate work phone or dedicated line. It adds a layer of professionalism and helps you maintain healthy work-life boundaries.

3. Let There Be Light

Lighting is one of the most overlooked features in a home office, but it can have a huge impact on your productivity and wellbeing. Natural light is ideal, but a good desk lamp is invaluable, especially if you tend to work into the evening. Choose one that reduces eye strain and adds a warm, welcoming glow to your space.

4. Make It Yours

This is where you can inject a little personality. Add a few framed photos, your favourite artwork, or some greenery. Plants not only look good, but they’ve been shown to boost mood and productivity. Keep it cohesive with the rest of your home’s aesthetic, especially if your office is part of a multi-use space.

Personal touches can help keep you motivated and make your workday feel just a little more enjoyable. Plus, a well-styled home office can be a subtle selling point when it comes time to move.

Whatever your working style, the right home office setup can make a real difference to your day and 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’ll set up a time to chat. We’d be delighted to hear from you.

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Solo buyer? Bring life to your new home without breaking the bank

Developing the design scheme for your first home is an exciting process, but it can also be daunting once you factor in those additional costs, especially if you’re buying a property alone…

The sting of deposits, bills, and solicitor fees can leave many first-time solo buyers with little leftover in the bank for decorating. To help you spruce up your space on a budget, we’ve got some simple tweaks that won’t cost the earth. Take a look below…

Once you’ve picked up your keys, decide on a colour scheme for each room. From daring bold hues to sugary shades, think about how each paint colour will work in various rooms. Often, the lack of natural light can complicate your choice of colour scheme, so choose carefully before painting walls.

1.     Pick your colour scheme

Colour can be the most impactful element of interior design, so choosing a colour palette for each room is a great place to start. It’s important to develop a coherent colour scheme that flows naturally throughout your home. As well as personal preferences, you’ll want to consider factors like the size of each room and the amount of natural light present.

You might have a new house, but don’t be afraid to get your hands on second-hand goods. From Facebook Marketplace to Gumtree and eBay, there are heaps of resellers listing bargain furniture finds in your area. Not only will you save a pretty penny, but it’s also a great way to reduce your personal environmental impact.

2.     You don’t have to buy brand new

Before you move in, make a list of everything you need and see if friends can help. If your parents have been thinking about getting a new sofa, for example, there is every chance their old one is still in perfectly good condition and could tide you over until you’ve saved up a bit.

Many furniture shops also implement regular discounts and offers, so if you have a particular item in mind, it’s worth making sure you shop around and don’t make any hasty decisions if you could find something similar much cheaper elsewhere.

3.     Get organised

Furniture and decorating costs can rack up quickly if you’re not careful, so it’s always best to budget before you get the keys. Write a list of everything you need, including furniture, pots of paint, new flooring, and essentials to help you work out what needs saving for.

Make sure you have an idea of the maximum amount you can spend per item or room and give yourself the option of allocating more budget to the “bigger” items. This will help you spread the cost of decorating and stay on top of the urgent things still needed.

4.     Personalise your space

Little touches go a long way to making a brand-new space feel like a welcoming home. Prints, whether artwork or family photos, can instantly add personality to any room. While some frames can be expensive, a great way to save some money is to make your own using websites like Canva. Simply choose your desired images, print, and frame!

5.     Experiment once you’ve moved in

Decorating takes time, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect right away. Starting slowly will help you plot and plan what style, scheme, and colour to go for.

Move your furniture around frequently to find a layout that works best for you and your personal routine. Plus, there is also the added benefit of feeling like you’re living in a new home every time you rearrange a particular room or area.

Thinking of buying solo or worried about what you can afford? Get in touch for expert advice and help!