Welcome to our December edition

Welcome to our December edition




Labour hosebuilding targets 2024

 



Situated on the sought-after Oak View Road Development in Wadebridge, this three-bedroom end terraced property presents a fantastic opportunity for first-time buyers, families, or anyone looking to call the wonderful...

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This historic 17th-century public house, once known as The White Hart and now formally knows as The Laurels Inn, sits at the heart of the village next to the church. Over the years, it has served various roles, including as a...

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The UK property market has a lot going for it thanks to a year in which mortgage rates finally dropped and confidence replaced uncertainty. This encouraged buyer demand, and the number of sales agreed increased by 25% on the previous year.* If you're considering relocating in 2025, there are numerous compelling reasons to get started. Here are 10 reasons to buy in 2025. 

 

Fair pricing  

House prices did not skyrocket in 2024, rising by an average of 1% compared with 2023.* This means you will not pay through the nose and get the house you want at a fair price, and the earlier you start, the better.  

 

Achieve a good selling price  

You will also get a good price for your current home, which will have likely enjoyed excellent increases in value over the years. Strong levels of demand mean you will not be left waiting around for a buyer.  

 

Good mortgage deals  

Mortgage rates improved during 2024, and the good news is this is set to continue in 2025. Now that we are getting closer to a settling point and have not fallen to the previous unsustainably low levels, the market sentiment is one of ‘move now. 

 

 

Move up  

If you are moving up or selling up, buying is always worth considering when the market is on the up. The conditions for moving up the ladder are ideal, creating a real window of opportunity in 2025. 

 

Fabulous choice  

Fabulous properties are appearing in every county and almost on every street, increasing your chances of finding what you want. This is boosted further with some second homeowners and landlords selling up.  

 

No elections  

Unless something rather unpredictable occurs, 2025 does not have to contend with the uncertainty that a general election can bring. This means you can focus on any tax or buying advantages the government offers.  

 

Good timing  

Making an early start has numerous benefits. Many sellers are already placing their homes on the market in December in anticipation of the Boxing Day Boom and the January rush, not forgetting the early build up to the spring market.  

 

Start your future  

With future growth levels appearing to be favourable, investing in your future now could be a good move. Investing in property can help secure your future while providing the perfect setting to enjoy so many magical moments. 

 

Less stress more certainty  

More certainty means less stress. Moving home is a big decision, but the right guidance prevents niggling worries from becoming big concerns. You will have many questions, and the answer to all of them is to use good property professionals. 

 

It’s easier  

Evolving technology that connects you to the right homes that allows virtual viewings to virtually all you will ever need during your move, makes the buying process easier. Agents in 2025 will combine tech with local expertise to give you better service. 

 

Buying or booking a valuation? Contact us for guidance  

 

October Zoopla HPI* 



We’re ending the year on a positive note, with buyer demand soaring 26% higher than the same time last year, as more homes were listed for sale and sellers searched for somewhere new to buy.*  

 

While demand places you in a strong position to sell, it can be challenging to navigate an unbalanced market without guidance. As such, here are our top tips: 

 

Don’t underestimate end-of-year activity 

As the year draws to a close, potential sellers often decide to hit the brakes on their moving plans in favour of getting started in the new year. But by doing so, you could be missing out on a sweet spot in the market. 

 

Home buyers have been benefitting from the lowest average mortgage rates for more than a year, which has supported double-digit growth in sales market activity.* Buyers are well-positioned to buy right now, which means you are also well-positioned to sell. 

 

Sensitive pricing 

Sensitive pricing remains key for sellers. Pricing your property in line with current market conditions will attract more buyers and keep your property from languishing on the market. With rising buyer demand, setting a competitive price will help you secure more offers and create a sense of urgency among potential buyers.  

 

Collaborating with an experienced agent to determine the best price is essential to achieving the best result, so don’t skip out on an expert valuation from a local agent. 

 

Timing 

Timing is everything when it comes to selling. Listing your home during the end-of-year window, when others may be holding off, could give you the competitive edge you need. This is a prime opportunity to get ahead of the usual flood of listings that tend to appear after the Christmas period, which may result in more competition. Taking advantage of the current demand ensures that your property stands out and gets the attention it deserves. 

 

Enlisting an agent 

Enlisting an experienced agent is crucial in an ever-shifting market as a professional agent will guide you through the complexities of selling, helping you with everything from setting the right price to navigating negotiations.  

 

With our market insights and strategic advice, you'll be able to sell your home quickly and for the best price. Additionally, we can also help you find your next home, making the transition even smoother. 

 

Ready to get moving? Start your journey with an expert valuation today 

Zoopla* 



Whether you are staying put or moving, the last thing you need is a break in. You may be insured, but the emotional consequences and the time it takes to replace precious items can cause chaos and delay your move. So, with this in mind, we give some tips that may help keep your home safe over the holidays.  

 

Invite friends or family 

There’s nothing better than having friends and family over for drinks or food. Perhaps there are certain family members that you may prefer to invite when you are not in! Either way, getting some people around to check all is okay or watering the plants and drawing the curtains may help create the impression your home is not alone.  

 

Gadgets and video phone door bells 

If you want to keep an eye on who is at the door even when you are not in, you can’t go wrong with a video ring doorbell. Smart security cameras and app-controlled devices may help create the impression that your home is not empty. Smart technology allows you to do so much, from checking the contents of your fridge to adjusting lighting.    

 

Socials  

Sharing memories and reels online is fun, and no doubt you will want to update your friends, family, and followers. That said, sharing your location can sometimes, if you are overly explicit, advertise the fact that your home is empty. On the other hand, you can also use social media to keep up with any news in your area that gives you cause for concern.  

 

Lighting   

Lighting can be an effective deterrent to burglars. Timers and sensors work well outdoors and indoors. During this season, you might find yourself tempted to run a cable through partially open windows. This might make forcing open your home’s windows less of a challenge, leaving what could be an easy entrance to your home.  

 

Hiding keys    

Hiding keys might be convenient, but it’s also a way of inviting burglars to your home. Instead of making it easy for them by hiding a key or using a key safe, it might be better to make alternative arrangements. Instead of leaving keys under a plant pot or the front door, perhaps it’s better to leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member. 

 

Don’t present your presents 

Leaving open or unwrapped gifts is a good way to entice burglars. Undoubtedly, you will need to conceal your gifts from your loved ones. Your home insurance policy may require the inclusion of certain items. For instance, your existing policy may not always cover bikes, necessitating additional coverage. 

 

Looking for a more secure home? Contact us  



Adding value to your home doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Despite common belief, a flashy renovation isn’t the only way to enhance your property’s appeal, in fact, there are plenty of simple and cost-effective touch-ups that could bump up your home’s value. Here are our top tips: 

 

Prevent water damage 

Damp can de-value your home substantially, so preventative measures are essential. You can protect your property from water damage by having your gutters and downpipes cleaned out regularly. If your home is older, you should also consider checking for any damaged roof tiles which might need replacing.  

 

A fresh coat of paint 

Refreshing your paintwork can make all the difference to your home’s interior and exterior. It might also be worth covering up bold colours with more neutral shades to depersonalise the space and make it look brand new. If your property only needs a slight touch-up, you can save on paint expenses by focusing on noticeable areas such as the fencing, the living room walls, or the front door. 

 

Obtain planning permission 

Depending on your location, applying for planning permission might be one of the most worthwhile investments you could make when improving your home. Applications cost around £170 on average, which is a small price to pay when granted planning permission could add thousands to the value of your home. 

 

Focus on the bathroom 

Bathrooms are small spaces where you can make impactful changes, so if you’re improving on a budget, your bathroom could be the best place to start. You can create an attractive, modern space with a few simple updates, such as changing the blinds, refreshing the caulk, and replacing the toilet seat. 

 

Enhance the kitchen 

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. You can improve its appeal without a full remodel by replacing cabinet handles, updating lighting fixtures, or resurfacing countertops. These small changes can give your kitchen a fresh look and increase its attractiveness to potential buyers. 

 

Boost kerb appeal 

First impressions matter. Invest some time into landscaping by trimming overgrown bushes, planting colourful flowers, and maintaining a neat lawn. Don’t forget to decorate the front door to reflect the season and consider adding outdoor lighting to make your home more inviting from the kerb. 

 

Upgrade lighting 

Modern lighting can transform the ambience of your home. Replace outdated fixtures with energy-efficient LED lights or install dimmer switches to create a more adaptable atmosphere in different rooms. 

 

Add storage solutions 

Clever storage solutions can make your home feel more organised and spacious. Install built-in shelves, wardrobe organisers, or under-stair storage to maximise space and showcase your home's potential for buyers. 

 

Energy efficiency improvements 

Enhancing your home's energy efficiency not only reduces utility bills but also appeals to environmentally conscious buyers. Consider upgrading insulation, installing double-glazed windows, or investing in energy-efficient appliances to make your home more attractive and economical for potential buyers. 

 

Want to know how much your home is worth? Book an expert valuation today