Tag: property

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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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Introducing Toby Hill, Managing Partner, Lettings

Toby Hill Lettings Manager

At Fisher & Partners, we take pride in bringing exceptional talents to our team, and today, we’re thrilled to introduce Toby Hill who has joined Fisher & Partners as our Lettings Partner. 

Toby’s expertise, market insights, and commitment to providing unparalleled service make him the perfect fit for heading up our Lettings division.

Our goal in sharing Toby’s journey and perspectives isn’t just about introducing a new face. It’s about showcasing the passion, experience, and innovative approach he embodies—a perfect synergy with our agency’s ethos. 

Let’s hear why, from Toby himself…

Introducing Toby Hill

With over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry, I’ve journeyed through residential and commercial property dealings, but my heart lies in the dynamic world of property lettings. 

My career has always been in property. I spent significant time working in big London corporations, and later took the leap to start my own enterprise. I enjoy navigating the challenges and joys of being a self-employed agent.

When I crossed paths with Fisher & Partners, it felt like finding a place that aligned perfectly with my values and professional aspirations. 

This agency offers just what I was after at this point in time: a supportive environment that fosters autonomy for agents, allowing us to run our own businesses while having the backing and infrastructure of a well-established team. 

This balance is perfect for me right now — a blend of independence and a strong operational network.

So Why Lettings?

Whilst I enjoy property sales, I prefer the speed and energy of lettings. It’s a market where the pace is faster, the turnarounds are quicker, and every day presents a new challenge and an opportunity to make a positive impact for a wide range of people.

I believe my extensive experience in both big corporate environments and as an independent agent equips me to offer a unique perspective to Fisher & Partners’ current and prospective clients. 

My focus on the nuances of individual characters, coupled with a keen understanding of the evolving market dynamics, positions me to contribute significantly to Fisher & Partners’ growth and expansion within the lettings market.

A Changing Market For Lettings

This next year is going to be interesting for my market. The government has its eyes set on the rental sector, aiming to wield influence through legislation, licensing, and taxation. 

Their mission is to rid the market of unscrupulous landlords, creating a safer and more reputable environment for responsible property owners and tenants alike.

On a local level, various councils are contemplating the implementation of landlord licensing proposals. Their motive is to separate the committed and caring landlords from those who fall short in their responsibilities.

Ultimately the landscape is changing to be more focused on meaningful relationships, and fostering an environment of trust and responsibility.

A Commitment to Exceptional Service

Property is, and always has been at its core, a people business. You’re dealing with people’s largest asset, or a number of their significant assets. And no matter how much technology tries to automate the situation, people want and need to know that their agent is looking after their best interest. It’s that link between the human side of things,  backed up by the efficiencies of technology, that really set us apart.

Fisher & Partners works differently to other agencies. They know that it’s not just about marketing properties. The core of our agency is about fostering meaningful relationships, providing exceptional client service, and resolving conflicts with empathy and understanding. 

My role here isn’t just about lettings; it’s about ensuring every client — landlord or tenant — feels valued and supported throughout their journey.

Looking Ahead

As I step into this new role, I’m excited about the prospects and challenges that lie ahead. 

I’m eager to leverage my expertise, collaborate with a fantastic team, and contribute to Fisher & Partners’ vision of redefining the standards in the lettings market. We’re going to transform the way prime property is let.

Join me on this journey as we navigate the intricate world of property lettings together, ensuring a positive, seamless experience for all involved parties.

If you’re considering letting a residential property, or thinking about moving house and interested in knowing more about the local lettings market, please get in touch. I’d be delighted to hear from you. 

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Introducing Fisher and Partners’ Lettings: Seamless, Stress-Free Property Management

Property Lettings Management

At Fisher and Partners, we’ve always strived to meet the diverse real estate needs of our valued clients. We’re excited to announce our expansion into the world of lettings, providing a bespoke and unparalleled property management service that mirrors our dedication to excellence.

Our newly expanded lettings service offers hassle-free solutions for those facing limited time to research property markets. We recognise the need for a quick and accurate valuation to facilitate budgeting and decision-making. Moreover, for those potentially unfamiliar with local property laws and regulations overseas, Fisher and Partners provides a comprehensive understanding and guidance.

We understand that your home or rental properties are more than mere buildings; they represent valuable investments and assets. Our mission is to alleviate the stress associated with property management by offering a tailored lettings service that prioritises your peace of mind.

Tailored Lettings Management for Your Peace of Mind

Navigating the intricate landscape of property management can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to streamline the process for you. From sourcing ideal tenants to handling day-to-day management, we’re committed to delivering exceptional service that aligns with your expectations.

What We Offer:

Transparent Communication: We believe in keeping you informed every step of the way. Our experienced in-house property management team ensures transparent communication, providing regular marketing updates tailored to your preferences.

Professional 3rd Party Objectiveness: We understand the importance of expectation management and help you maintain a clear dialogue between landlord and tenant, especially when unforeseen challenges arise. Our commitment to professional 3rd party objectiveness ensures that we handle any issues or disputes with impartiality and fairness, safeguarding the interests of both parties involved.

Comprehensive Marketing: Elevate your property’s visibility with our comprehensive marketing strategies, particularly online with our fantastic digital marketing. Professional photography, virtual viewings, detailed floor plans, and strategic advertising across leading property portals ensure maximum exposure to potential tenants.

Tailored Fees: We understand that every property owner’s needs are unique. Our services are customised to suit your specific requirements, ensuring that you pay only for the services you truly need.

Thorough Tenant Referencing: Quality and reliability are paramount. That’s why we partner with experts in tenant referencing, including thorough credit checks, to ensure that your property is in trustworthy hands.

Let us handle the complexities of property management while you focus on your busy life and investments. Experience a seamless, stress-free letting journey that prioritises your convenience and peace of mind.

Contact Fisher and Partners Lettings Team today to discuss your letting needs.

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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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Are you making these mistakes when trying to sell your property?

troubles selling house

When the time has come to sell your home and move on to pastures new, it’s likely that you haven’t sold a property for quite some time. The average time a person lives in one property is 7-10 years, and if you cast your mind back ten years, our world today is almost unrecognisable; AI and cryptocurrency are now part of our lives, but it’s possible that you’d never really heard of either of those things ten years ago and they certainly weren’t in our everyday conversations. 

So it’s fair to say that, unless you are moving house far more frequently than the average person, you might not be considered an expert in selling property. With this in mind, it’s easy for a homeowner to fall foul of these common mistakes as they attempt to sell.

Overvaluing

Planning your move is as much about the property you want to move in to as it is about selling your current home. The more money you can sell your home for, the higher the available budget for the onward move. Many sellers make the mistake of marketing their property for sale at a price that is simply too high, falsely believing that the higher the starting price is, the higher the end sale price will be. Instead, a discerning homeowner should market their property for a competitive price, reasonable and researched based on factual evidence collected from the current market. You may think a buyer will negotiate with you when they view, but unfortunately, that is often not the case. Buyers will simply discount the property altogether, and you’ll find the number of viewings so low that a sale becomes quite unlikely, meaning that you’ll most likely have to reduce the price.

Bad pricing strategy

Many sellers mistakenly think that they need to factor in wiggle room to their pricing strategy to allow for negotiation. This often results in advertising prices being quite unconventional and are placed ever so slightly above a round figure. In fact, this has an adverse effect on the marketing of a home as almost 99% of all property searches begin online, and properties are filtered using price brackets. If you market your home at £255,000 to allow £5000 negotiation, any buyer that cuts off their search at £250,000 will not even see your property in their search and might never know that your home is available. Instead, opt for round figures that align with the price brackets in online advertising to maximise the coverage and exposure of your marketing.

Being inflexible

The ultimate mistake sellers make is being rigid and uncompromising in their plans. Not allowing viewing appointments at a time that suits the buyer could result in that buyer not viewing at all. Setting a fixed price in your mind could mean you’re unsuccessful in your negotiation. Being very restrictive on your moving timescale could result in a buyer choosing a different property that suits their circumstances over yours. Being as flexible and accommodating as possible will ultimately increase your chances of selling your home.

Whilst it is, of course, still possible to sell your home if you market for a little more than it is truly worth, add a little extra for negotiation and stick rigidly to your own agenda and timescale, you are simply reducing your available market to sell to which could result in a slower sale or a lower sale price. 

If you’re on the market and wondering why you haven’t sold yet, or are thinking of putting your property on the market, contact the Managing Partner for your area to ensure that you don’t fall foul of any common mistakes and maximise the value of your home. 

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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.