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Easing into Home: A Guide to the First 30 Days in Your New Property

moving day

Are you on the verge of sealing the deal on your new home? Is moving day approaching? If you’ve been anticipating this moment for weeks or months, eager to move in and make the space your own, we’ve got essential tips for you on how to settle into your new property within the first 30 days.

The Journey to Your New Home

Embarking on the journey of moving house is a significant undertaking that demands meticulous planning. Once the keys are in your hands, and the stress of the move is behind you, what awaits in those crucial first 30 days?

1. Unpacking Essentials: Get the Kettle On

The initial moments involve the removal company bringing your belongings into the property. Ensure a smooth start by having a box of tea-making essentials within easy reach or clearly labeled. A comforting cup of tea is often the first thing people make in their new homes, setting a positive tone for your new chapter. And possibly Champagne for later…

2. Clean and Refresh

Despite the property’s cleanliness upon handover, it’s a common practice to clean before unpacking. Have your cleaning supplies readily available and marked for easy access, allowing you to create a fresh and welcoming environment.

3. First-Night Box or Bag

Prepare a ‘first-night’ box or bag, mimicking a hotel stay. This ensures that essentials such as your toothbrush, PJs, and clean clothes for the next day are easily accessible, simplifying your first night in your new home.

4. Find Your Feng Shui

Make the space truly yours by rearranging furniture until you’ve found the perfect arrangement that suits your style and sense of Feng Shui. You’re not bound to replicate the layout of the previous occupants; personalise it to match your preferences.

5. Crafting Your Plan

Consider your DIY plans for the property within the first month. Deciding whether to put your stamp on the home immediately influences how you unpack and arrange specific items. Planning ahead ensures a smoother transition as you decorate and personalise your space.

6. Community Connection

Take the time to introduce yourself to the community, engage in local events, and enjoy a meal at the nearby pub. Building connections with neighbours and becoming familiar with your new town contributes to a sense of settlement and belonging.

Some of our favourites include: The Carpenters, The Dog & Partridge (Sunninghill), The Winning Post and Don Beni (Winkfield), and The Pinkneys Arms and The Crown (Maidenhead).

Restoring Normality

After the upheaval of the move, a quick settlement into your new home restores normality, allowing you to embrace your surroundings and meet your new neighbours. Your hard work in the buying and selling process deserves a swift transition, setting the stage for the life you’ve dreamed of in your new home.

Thinking of making a move in 2024? Fisher & Partners is here to guide you through the process and help you find your dream 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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Selling an Empty Property in Winter: 5 Essential Tips

Selling an empty property

As winter blankets our surroundings with chilly winds and longer nights, selling or renting an empty property might pose its challenges. Discover our top tips for managing an empty property during winter and ensuring a warm and inviting appeal for potential buyers.

The winter season brings about shorter days and a reluctance to brave the cold for property viewings. Yet, with a few strategic measures, your vacant property can still capture the attention of prospective buyers, even in the coldest months.

Here’s what you can do:

  1. Preventative Measures: Protect your property from the threat of burst pipes during winter. Drain down the water system to avoid freezing and potential damage. Alternatively, maintain a consistent temperature inside the property to prevent freezing.
  2. Warmth is Key: If your property is on the market, consider keeping it warm. A cold, unwelcoming atmosphere can deter potential buyers. Ensure a comfortable temperature during viewings to leave a lasting positive impression.
  3. Regular Checks:** Schedule regular visits to the property for mail collection and security checks. Identifying and addressing any issues promptly is crucial, especially in an empty property vulnerable to unnoticed damages.
  4. Let There Be Light: Prior to a viewing, arrive early to open curtains, blinds, and turn on all lights. A well-lit space enhances the overall appeal and helps buyers visualize the property’s potential.
  5. Clear the Clutter: Remove any unnecessary items or debris, creating a clean and inviting environment. A clutter-free space allows buyers to envision themselves in the property without distractions.

While creating a cozy winter haven may not be practical for an empty property, implementing these measures can significantly enhance the viewing experience and increase the chances of securing the right buyer.

If you’re considering selling or renting your vacant property and need expert guidance, reach out to our team of property experts. We’d be delighted to assist you and provide a free market appraisal. Contact your local managing partner, and let’s start the conversation. We’re here to make your property journey seamless and successful.

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Warning Signs to Notice When Selecting an Estate Agent

warning signs selecting an agent

Are you gearing up to sell your property? Amidst the process of arranging valuations and meeting estate agents, it’s crucial to be discerning about the sales pitch you receive. What key elements should you be looking for, and are there any red flags that demand your attention when selecting an estate agent?

During valuation appointments, estate agents present their comprehensive plans for selling your home. However, amidst these presentations, it’s vital to be vigilant for potential red flags that might hinder effective property marketing and subsequent sales.

While we often spot dubious sales pitches, there’s a critical yet often overlooked red flag—claims of a swift online property advertisement. While quick online listings may sound appealing, it’s essential to recognise that expert marketing, quality photography, and compelling property descriptions necessitate meticulous preparation.

Launching a property to the market involves more than simply uploading images. It requires curated imagery, well-crafted descriptions, and possibly a virtual tour or professional video. Rushing through this process might result in subpar representations of your home, which could negatively impact potential buyer interest.

What should you expect instead?

A reputable estate agent will invest time in meticulous preparation before launching your property. They’ll offer advice on styling and staging, ensuring your property stands out. Professional-grade images, videos, and virtual tours will be prepared with utmost care, capturing your home’s essence and allure.

A captivating property description goes beyond listing features—it paints a compelling picture of the lifestyle your home offers, enticing prospective buyers to schedule viewings.

Exceptional property marketing takes time and expertise. Rushing this process might compromise the quality of your home’s presentation. Your property’s online presence should make you proud since it’s your showcase to potential buyers.

If you’re seeking a comprehensive property marketing strategy that maximises your home’s value, reach out to our team of property experts at Fisher and Partners. We offer free consultations to help you achieve the highest offers for your property. Contact your local managing partner today—we’d be thrilled to assist you.

Remember, a well-executed marketing strategy ensures your property stands out and attracts the best offers. Don’t settle for a rushed job when it comes to showcasing your home’s potential.

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Strategies to Maximise Your Home’s Value in Today’s Real Estate Market

maximise property value

The property market remains unpredictable, making it challenging to anticipate its fluctuations accurately. While the value of your home might seem beyond your control, several strategies can empower you to influence its worth in today’s market.

Understanding the uncertain nature of the housing market is pivotal. Factors like inflation, interest rates, and economic shifts can impact buyers’ sentiments and financial capabilities. However, waiting indefinitely for ideal market conditions might not be the best approach, especially if your decision to move is motivated by personal reasons rather than market trends.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that most homeowners contemplate moving due to personal circumstances rather than solely based on market dynamics. Hence, waiting for the ‘perfect’ market moment might lead to extended delays, overlooking the pressing reasons prompting your desire to relocate.

Undoubtedly, selling a home is an emotional process, and the timing often hinges on personal needs rather than market peaks. Instead of waiting for an uncertain future surge in property values, it’s wise to take action now if your circumstances demand it.

Regardless of the market climate, there are actionable steps you can take to enhance your property’s perceived value and attract potential buyers:

Presentation: A clutter-free, well-presented home significantly boosts buyer interest. Highlight the best features of your property by ensuring it’s impeccably staged and inviting.

Decor: Aim for a neutral and universally appealing interior design. While personal styles are unique, a more inclusive decor can attract a broader pool of potential buyers.

Set the Scene: Create an ambiance that resonates with potential buyers’ aspirations. Simple touches, like staging a cozy breakfast scene, can help them visualise their future in your home.

Inviting Scents: Appeal to buyers’ emotions with inviting scents that create a welcoming atmosphere. Consider seasonal scents that evoke positive emotions, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Collaborating with a seasoned estate agent at Fisher and Partners can leverage these strategies further. Our team specialises in maximising your property’s potential, irrespective of market conditions.

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.

Don’t wait for uncertain market shifts. Take control of your property’s selling process today!

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Why reducing the price of your property could be a good thing

reduce your pricing

Many years ago, it was thought to be terrible to have to reduce the price of your property. What would people think? No one wanted to buy your home; there must be something wrong with it! It would seem like desperation, and you would have no chance of getting a decent offer as buyers would zero in on your need for a sale and offer eye-wateringly low prices. If you were, in fact, desperate for a sale, you would be left with no choice but to accept these offers, selling your home for less than you had hoped for. They would have you over a barrel, and you’d have to accept defeat.

But is that still the case today?

No, not really. Since the last recession in 2008, thoughts about price reductions on properties have relaxed considerably. The property market changes quickly, so getting everything right from the outset is almost impossible. Deciding on a marketing price for a property is an estimate; there is no concrete guidance and no crystal ball, simply an estimate of what the seller and agent think they can sell the property for. Adjustments have to be made sometimes, and with the introduction of technology, a price reduction can actually have a positive impact on your sale. 

It’s no longer taboo and will not bring negative thoughts about the property. Buyers may notice that the price has dropped, but they don’t see that as a bad thing; rather that you are serious about selling, but the first thought is not that you are desperate.

Perhaps it’s because we are used to the High Street shops always offering sales, shopping at designer outlets that clearly identify the RRP on the tag and the discounted outlet price. We don’t like the clothes any less or decide not to buy them because no one else purchased the items from the high street shop; we simply take it for what it is, something you like and want to buy at a lower price than its total value.

Maybe this readjustment of our buyer psychology works the same way for property. We don’t look at a property that has corrected its pricing and assume it is bad or the sellers are desperate. We simply consider it to be a discount, a bargain. And this can encourage a buyer that is on the fence to jump in with an offer when perhaps they might not have done otherwise. It could be the gentle nudge that they needed.

Reducing your price, if necessary, can be a great thing and could be the way to clinch the deal.

1. Reinvigorating the property’s marketing and promotion, allowing mailouts and matches with buyers again, like bumping a post on social media. 

2. Introduces the property to a new price bracket, with new buyers searching within it. These buyers may not even know your property is for sale as it might have been out of their budget.

3. Buyers who saw the property at the old pricing will know that you’ve reduced the price, which might now align with their opinion of the value.

A price reduction can be the key to securing a sale, particularly if you’ve been on the market for a few months without success and have tried everything else.

If you’re trying to sell your home and are struggling to get viewings, contact the Managing Partner in your area for a review of your marketing and advice on finally getting those offers rolling in. 

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Could this be the magic solution that will help you to sell your property?

feng shui to sell your home

If you’re about to put your home on the market, you might be considering ways to make a few changes here and there that will help guarantee a sale, particularly if you’ve already set your heart on a property to buy. Read more to see if you can use Feng Shui to hack your way to a speedy sale this summer.

Originally practised in China, the ancient art of Feng Shui involved arranging an environment to achieve harmony and balance. Often believed to change the flow of energy in a property and be able to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck, could it be the secret to achieving a sale of your property?

Open up the spaces

Ensure there is open flow in a room and you are not closing off the area with furniture. Ideally, you wouldn’t want a door to be blocked off by furniture, but also, you might want to ensure that there are no rooms that you need to edge around the furniture to get in. 

Pay attention to the ‘feel’

This may be a bit airy fairy, but the feel and atmosphere of your home can have an immense impact on your potential sale. If you get it wrong, you could scupper your plans to move completely. Buyers are looking for a welcoming feel that is comforting and calm. Ensure the property is well-lit by opening all blinds and curtains and turning on every lamp. It is also essential that the home smells nice, so let the property air before viewings by opening the windows and perhaps use wonderfully scented candles and air fresheners.

Don’t horse around!

Bring a metal horse ornament into the home in a running position. This is a Feng Shui method that can detach the energy of the occupants as it declares their intention to move on to somewhere new. If you decide to sell your property, the chances are that you’ve fallen out of love with your home for whatever reason. Position your running horse so that it is running towards the front door, symbolising your move towards your new life and home. The running pose is apparently very important; a static horse would suggest you’re staying put and may hinder your sale.

There is, of course, no scientific evidence to back up the art of Feng Shui, but some of the principles make great interior design sense, regardless of their ability to ward off evil. And if you want to move, there can’t be any harm in giving these tips a go to help encourage a buyer to fall in love with your property. 

Contact the managing partner in your area to take the first step towards moving into your new home.

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Will our children ever be able to buy a home of their own?

ascot estate agents kids own their own home

We have somewhat of an obsession with buying property, getting our foot on the ladder and owning a little house of our own. But with rising living costs, interest rates and house prices, will this be possible for our children?

In generations gone by, a home would often be purchased shortly after a couple got married, a little home to raise a family. Working diligently for 25 years to pay off the mortgage would result in total property ownership and peace of mind that we’re set for life with a solid roof over our heads. 

But as years have passed, this ideal path to property ownership eludes many of us. Dubbed ‘Generation Rent’, the average age of a first-time buyer in the UK is now around 33. Resigned to living in a rented property for the long term, many younger people feel that the dream of owning their own home may never be possible for them. 

Historically, a purchase of a first home used mortgage funds, possibly without any deposit needed. This mortgage would be three times the household income, which, although much lower than today, would be sufficient to buy a nice little starter home for you and your family. 

It’s a very different picture for first-time buyers today. In almost all cases, a deposit is required of at least 5% of the purchase price of a property. And whilst mortgage lenders would like to keep the multiples at less than five times the annual household income, this still falls well short of the average house purchase price in the UK, which is currently reported as £285,000 (as of March 2023). 

A 5% deposit of this price is £14,250, meaning the remainder would need to be a mortgage, meaning that the required household income to purchase a property would need to be a whopping £90,250! 

With a current minimum wage of £10.42 per hour in this country and an average salary of £21,673, it is clear that owning your own home could be nothing more than a pipe dream for most young adults in the UK. 

Sadly, house prices continue to rise year on year, and salaries are not following suit. With an increased cost of living and rising property rental costs, saving up the deposit funds required to buy a home could be virtually impossible, even if you had a salary high enough to support the mortgage, no matter how frugal your lifestyle.

Does it seem that the current and emerging generations of young adults in the UK, the Millenials and the GenZ’s, are destined to live in rented property forever? 

In most of mainland Europe, property ownership is not so coveted, and a far higher percentage of people of all ages choose to live in rented properties. In Sweden, there are ultra-long-term mortgages of up to 105 years, so the mortgage passes to the family. This keeps the monthly premiums very low and makes property ownership much more affordable. 

But this has not been adopted in the UK, despite Downing Street looking into offering 50-year mortgage terms last summer. So what can first-time buyers do to get that highly coveted first foot on the property ladder?

The side hustle

Many people are looking to take on extra jobs, in addition to their 9-5, to make a little extra cash in the hope of saving enough to make up a deposit. This could be an online venture or selling artisan products they make on platforms like Etsy.

Living rent-free

If you are expected to pay for rent and household bills, which usually make up most of your monthly spending, saving a substantial amount towards the illusive deposit can be almost impossible. This can mean that young adults continue to live with family for a monthly contribution to allow more saving potential. 

Bank of Mum & Dad

Perhaps the most widely reported option is for the parents to gift the deposit funds to their children to enable a property purchase. It is the fastest way to get on the ladder, but not everyone has savings to gift to their offspring. 

So, it could be the case that a large proportion of Millennials and GenZ population in the UK may be unable to buy a home of their own. But, if you are a parent, you could be expected to make a withdrawal from your life savings to help your children. 

If you have children considering buying their first property, contact our team of property experts to ensure they are registered for suitable properties so they don’t miss out. Our Heads Up alerts system means they will be the first to hear about new instructions, so they won’t miss out on the perfect property. 

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Landlords, are you charging the correct rent? Top tips to increasing your rent like a professional.

landlords pricing rent

The average tenant stays in the same property for around 2 or 3 years. But a lot can change in that time. If you’ve managed to keep the same tenants in your property for more than 2 years, have you considered whether the rental amount is still correct? Read this article to find out more.

If you employ a managing agent to look after your property and tenancy, you needn’t worry. Letting agents are at the coal face of the letting market, and so will be making sure that, as the market changes, the existing tenancies are kept up to date and all landlords receive the correct rent for their properties. 

But, if you manage your tenancies yourself, you might not be making the most of your investment. The property market has changed dramatically over the last few years, with a shortage of rental properties leading to increased rental prices. Therefore, if you have not assessed your property for a few years, you could be leaving money on the table. 

The average rental price for a property in the UK is £1190 (according to The Guardian in April 2023), which is an increase of 10% since last year.

Most self-managed landlords are either unaware of how much their property could be worth, how to increase the rent, or how to navigate the process. This could mean that most self-managed landlords miss out on potential income. So how can this income be unlocked? What is the approach to increasing the rent on your rental property?

Call in the professionals. 

The easiest option is to employ a managing agent. If your tenant is still in situ, you can outsource the management of your tenancies to a managing agent at any time, even in the middle of a tenancy, without any problem. The agent will perform a full audit to ensure everything is up to date and running correctly. They’ll be able to provide you with an accurate rental valuation, and if the rent is too low, they’ll be able to set a rent increase in motion for you. Nice and straightforward, and you will probably find that the rent increase will more than cover the monthly management fees for the agent. 

Serve a notice 

If you decide to go it alone, you’ll need to serve a Section 13 notice, in writing, to your tenants, formally informing them of the increase in rent and issuing the correct notice period. 

The key to a rent increase is to ensure you are fair. The tenants are used to budgeting for a set figure each month; if you increase by a substantial amount in one fell swoop, your tenant may not be able to afford the sudden rise in outgoings. It could cause your tenant immense distress if their monthly outgoings increase suddenly, particularly when experiencing a cost of living crisis.

If you’ve neglected to keep the rent in line with market value, you may have to take that on the chin and accept a slower rent increase process rather than a sudden jump up in price. Otherwise, regardless of the distress caused, you may find that the increase is unmanageable for the tenants, and they’re now unable to make the payments. 

You must consider that some rent, albeit at a slightly lower rate, is better than no rent and a complete breakdown of the relationship between you and your long-term tenants. 

If the increase in value is only £25 per month, you might decide it isn’t worth the upheaval and distress. After all, if your tenants move out due to the rent increase, you’ll lose more income than you would gain by re-marketing the property. But, if the rent is £100’s lower than it should be, this must be addressed promptly. Tread carefully, though and be sympathetic to your tenants.

If you need some guidance on navigating a rental increase with your tenants, contact our property experts today.

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Get your home sold this summer with these top tips

tips to sell your house this summer

It can be disheartening to not sell straight away. As frustration rises, it is natural to consider throwing in the towel and giving up, removing the property from the market and deciding reluctantly to stay where you are. But what if there was a way to give things a little boost so that you can sell your home and move to the property you’ve been dreaming of?

Whether you are already on the market and haven’t found that buyer yet, or you had a sale but it fell through, you probably need a refresh to boost your marketing to get a sale before the end of the summer.

These tips should help you find success:

Gather information

First, you need to take a look at the marketing and interest that you have had – has there been any constructive feedback? Have you had any offers yet? Have other properties similar to yours already sold?

Analysis

Carefully consider the information that you have gathered. How many viewings have you had? How does your property listing compare to other properties that have sold?

Be reasonable

Of course, we all want our home to be worth a lot of money, but if you have had low viewing numbers and/or low offers, it may be time to consider a price reduction. 

Refresh

Is the marketing of your property showcasing things in the best way possible? Maybe it is time to consider re-taking the photographs or rewriting the description to encourage more viewers.

Implementation

Come up with a plan to refresh and renew your marketing and implement it as if it was a new launch to the market to try a recreate that buzz that you had when you initially marketed the property.

Fisher & Partners can advise you on this process, and of course, we will also relaunch the property through our internal systems to match it up to buyers on their database. The idea is that if it is all starting to feel a bit stale and same-y, reinvigorate the marketing and spice things up a bit. 

Make the most of the summer weather with new sunny photographs, and perhaps consider staging some areas of the property for the images. And, if the price is a little high compared to other properties that have already sold, maybe an adjustment will help you achieve a sale.

Inactivity is the worst thing you can do when a property is not selling. Doing nothing will certainly not encourage a sale and will result in… well, nothing. Be proactive and change things up, and you will be negotiating offers in no time. 

After sitting on the market for too long last year, the owners of this breath-taking family home in Ascot recognised the need for a new and more dedicated estate agent. Through our innovative marketing approach and sheer determination, Fisher & Partners successfully sold it in less than six weeks on the market.

To find out how we could help you sell if you are stuck in a rut, we would be delighted to help you so please get in touch.

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Ask the right questions when viewing a property.

questions to ask homeowners

When searching for a new home, most of us will create a shortlist of properties that interest us and arrange to view them. But what should you do at the viewing appointment? 

Of course, you must look at the property and decide if you like it and want to buy it. Could you see yourself living there? But this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are crucial pieces of information that, if you know the answers, can assist with your offering process. Ironing out those questions at the viewing appointment makes sense to ensure that you are armed with all of the information before making any decisions or offers. 

These 13 questions are essential to ask; the answers will help you shape a sensible offer and negotiate effectively.

Why is the owner selling?

Often, this will be due to personal reasons, whether a relocation for work, more space needed for a growing family or perhaps a downsize. It is an excellent question to ask to understand the sellers’ motivations.

How long has the property been on the market?

The longer a property stays on the market, the more questions will be raised about it. Is there a reason that no one has offered on it yet? Perhaps you could put in a slightly lower offer?

What price is the seller looking for?

You will often find that the marketing price and the selling price of a property are different. Whilst you will probably not be given a figure that the seller will definitely accept, you may be able to find out how negotiable the sellers are.

Have the sellers already found a new home?

This question will tell you about the timescale of the sellers. It will also tell you if there is time pressure for the sale to complete, which is essential for you to know and ensure that your timescales match up. Is there an urgency for them to achieve a sale before they miss out on the property of their dreams? Is there room for negotiation because they are in a rush?

Is there a chain?

If the sellers have already decided on a property to buy, there may be a chain. The more parties involved in a chain, the more complicated the property transaction and legal process might be, which could impact the timescale.

Have there been any offers?

The actual figure of any offers that have been made before is confidential, but it can be helpful to know that there has been other interest so that you can gauge where to pitch your first offer.

Have any significant renovations been made by the owners?

If an offer is accepted, you will need paperwork to prove that any significant works were signed off properly. This is useful to discuss at this stage so you know beforehand before making an offer, as it can cause delays with the solicitors later.

What is included in the sale?

Items can sometimes be included in the sale or negotiated separately. Knowing what is included with the price will allow you to fully negotiate a deal to include other items you may be interested in.

Have there been any surveys?

Whilst the copy of the survey report will most likely not be available for you to read as it belongs to the person who paid for it, the estate agents will be able to tell you if the survey results caused a previous sale to fall through. 

Listed/conservation

There are finer details that could impact your life in the property, so it is critical to find out beforehand. If the property, or any part of it, is listed or in a conservation area, this will impact what you can do to the property after buying it. And in our area, its good to ask about any Tree Protection Orders (TPOs) for large trees on the property.

School catchments

If you already have school-age children or are thinking about starting a family, the school catchment area will be vital information for you. Families have moved house altogether to get their children into the school of their choice. We’re very fortunate to have many excellent schools in the neighbourhood, both state and independent.

Transport links

If you have to commute to work, the time it will take you and the convenience of the transport links will soon be significant to you. Adding an extra 30 minutes to your commute will cost you 5 hours of free time each week! And if you have to cross a busy junction or the traffic is renowned for congestion, you may lose even more time. 

Tenure

If the property is freehold, you are offering to buy the property and the ground it sits on. But if there is a flying freehold or a lease of some kind, then you will be bound by the terms for the duration of your time at the property. You will need to know the details – the length of the remaining period, the cost of the ground rent, and any prohibitive regulations will all impact your ownership of the property. 

The answers to these questions will help you understand the market, the seller’s urgency, and your potential negotiation power, enabling you to make a good offer that is more likely to be accepted. 

All of this will help you build a complete picture of the property, which goes much deeper than a simple viewing where you will only be decided based on the surface-level interest in the property’s general appearance. It’s a bit like having a blind date and deciding to marry that person without getting to know them first.

If you’re thinking about moving, sign up for our property alerts to be notified of new listings before they hit the portals. Or reach out to the Managing Partner for your area to discuss your wish list for a new home. We’d be delighted to help.