Market Comment – November 2017

This November has seen both an increase in interest rates and the abolition of SDLT (Stamp Duty) for first time buyers up to £300,000. Certainly the nominal 0.25% interest rate increase is unlikely to cause most homebuyers a problem. However, this first rate rise in a decade might be regarded as a tipping point for further increases in the coming year and the market remains subdued. This is despite the apparent windfall for first time buyers, which will almost certainly … Continue Reading…

Richard James Re-affirmed As The Areas Local Experts

We have been re-affirmed as the area’s Local Expert by Relocation Agent Network.

Richard James were re-affirmed at the 2017 Relocation Agent Network Conference and Exhibition, which took place at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel in Central London on Friday 17 November.

Relocation Agent Network is a national network of selected estate agents across England, Scotland and Wales. We were handpicked to be a member of the Network, based on strict criteria such as quality of service, local knowledge and professionalism.

Helping Our … Continue Reading…

Budget Comment – SDLT removal is good news for sellers!

Philip Hammond, Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced the removal of SDLT (Stamp Duty) on all sales to first time buyers under £300,000 in his autumn statement. This is clearly great news for first time buyers, especially those paying the full £300,000, who pocket a tidy £5,000 towards their new home.

More realistically, the saving made by the average first time buyer, who typically pays around £163,000, is just £760.

However, while this support for first time buyers is admirable in theory, … Continue Reading…

Two Award Wins At Prestigious Estate Agency Event

We are delighted to announce we have won two awards at Relocation Agent Network’s prestigious Annual Awards Dinner. The two awards, Best Agent Central Regional Award and Customer Relocation Award were presented at the black tie Awards Dinner, which following the Network’s National Conference and Exhibition.

Held at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London on Friday 17 November, the Awards Dinner was hosted by well-known comedian and TV presenter, Sue Perkins, who announced Richard James’ award wins.

The ‘Best Agent in the … Continue Reading…

Do You Fancy Being In A Brand New Home For Christmas?

We are holding a Open House Part Exchange Event at the David Wilson Homes site at “The Wickets” Earls Barton at 6pm on Thursday 9th November 2017.

Generous incentives are available on certain plots.

Pop into the show house to meet us and you could be in a brand new home for Christmas.

Interest Rate Rise – 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% – the first increase in over a decade.

The base rate is the figure on which mortgage rates in particular are based and a whole generation of aspiring homeowners will be wondering what to make of it. Well panic not – although the base rate has effectively doubled, 0.25% remains a very small increase and simply returns us to the … Continue Reading…

Thomas Becomes Relocation Agent Specialist

Thomas York from our Irthlingborough office is celebrating after becoming an accredited Relocation Agent Specialist.

The accreditation was awarded by Relocation Agent Network and is achieved by completing a comprehensive online training programme, The Importance of Service.

A national network of independent estate agents (of which Richard James is a member), Relocation Agent Network introduced the training programme to ensure each of their members provides the very highest customer service to those relocating around the UK.

To be successfully accredited, participants must complete … Continue Reading…

Market Comment – October 2017

There is a very different vibe to the property market from last month, with a number of reports suggesting that the market is rapidly changing from being a sellers’ market to what is starting to look a lot like the beginning of a buyers’ market in some areas (although nobody has told our office yet…shhh!)

The latest survey by the RICS reports a 20% increase in the number of their members who reported a fall, rather than a rise, in buyer … Continue Reading…

Richard James Shortlisted For 2017 Best In Central Region Award

We are pleased to announce we have been shortlisted by Relocation Agent Network, a national network of selected estate agents, for the 2017 Best Agent Central Region Award.

The winner will be announced at a black tie evening Awards Dinner held at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London on Friday 17 November. The Awards Dinner closes Relocation Agent Network’s annual National Conference and Exhibition, and this year is hosted by well-known comedian and TV presenter, Sue Perkins.

Relocation Agent Network’s 2017 Best Agent Central … Continue Reading…

Market Comment – September 2017

The market is stirring. The holidays are now becoming a distant memory, schools are back and anyone who intends to move in time for the New Year is beginning to think about doing so.

Although nationally activity levels remain unexciting, and, as a consequence, prices are remaining high, there is an indication that this could be about to change, led as ever from London, where, according to Savills, prices have fallen by 3.2% since the beginning of the year.

We can see … Continue Reading…