September 2018 Market Comment

As we move from a scorching summer to a cooler autumn, will the property market return to “normal”? Certainly the latest HMRC figures indicate a positive outlook, with a 0.3% increase in the number of transactions over last year. That’s not bad considering increased political uncertainty and two interest rate hikes.

Transaction volumes are currently the most reliable indicator of the state of the property market, not prices, although these have risen by a not-unhealthy 3% over the past year (HMRC). … Continue Reading…

“Maximising Your Sale Prospects”

The vast array of property-related TV programmes proliferating our screens is certainly an indication of our appetite for home improvement. Presumably this has something to do with pride of ownership and making the most out of “an Englishman’s home is his castle”.

However, once you come to sell, you may understandably be more focused on your next property than the one you are leaving. It is surprising how many properties we see offered for sale where the vendor has not taken … Continue Reading…

Why Use High Street Agents?

The second post of our blog series Why Use High Street Agents offers property sellers some tips to help ensure their agents take personal ownership of progress and process of their sale.

Richard Tucker, Managing Director of Relocation Agent Network, says:

“In my previous post, I mentioned the importance of paying close attention to the quality of the agent’s service, advice and trust, as well as commission rate. Today, I would like to share my thoughts about the progress of your sales … Continue Reading…

Interest Rate Rise Aug 2018 – Market Comment

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has just announced a rise in the Bank of England base rate of 0.25% – only the second increase increase in over a decade. Whilst the 0.75% base rate is now the highest it has been since 2009, it is still historically low when many still remember the levels of the late 1980’s when a mortgage rate of 15% was the norm!

The latest increase is probably designed to be nothing more than a … Continue Reading…

August 2018 Market Comment

The heat is on! Or rather, it has been for the past few months of the glorious summer we have been enjoying. But is the heat on, or off the property market? Here at Richard James we have seen consistently strong sales over the summer, although the national picture seems confused. It all depends who you speak to!

For example, according to the government’s official house price index, UK house prices have increased by 3% over the past year – the … Continue Reading…