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New Year Sale

As we find ourselves in the middle of the dark winter months, some would suggest waiting until spring before putting your property on the market. After all, spring is traditionally associated with a time of change and this has always influenced the property market in the past.

However, this year in particular it might be worth looking at this from another angle as serious buyers do not give up over the winter and can even become frustrated by lack of choice as many properties are withdrawn for the season in the mistaken belief that nobody will be looking at this time of year. We are experiencing intense activity in view of the LBTT (Land and Buildings Transaction Tax) concession worth up to £2,100 coming to an end in March 2021.

You can take advantage of this temporary imbalance of supply and demand by being one of the properties that is actually new on the market! Whilst viewing activity may be slightly less frenetic, you can be assured that every viewing will count, as you will only be dealing with serious buyers. And serious buyers are usually less concerned by a sad-looking garden, or poor daylight. Indeed, cosy lighting and a real fire will often enhance your chances of a successful winter sale.

Many sellers will inevitably wait until the spring before putting their property on the market – which could flood the market and potentially thwart prices. Yet serious buyers are always keen to see what’s new.   

So if you are considering a sale in the coming months we suggest you take advantage of the situation, be strategic, and position your property for an early sale at a time when demand is likely to outstrip supply – which is about now. Then you’ll be in a great position yourself as a buyer! Win-win?     Contact us for any help or information!

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Location Location

Location is clearly the most fundamental aspect of property. But what is it about location that attracts? This is a complex question that means different things to different people, and is usually driven by the motivation for the move. Many agents overlook the driving forces behind a decision to move, yet it holds the key to why people buy, and where.  

For example, many people move because they need more space, perhaps because of a growing family and the requirement for more bedrooms and a larger garden. Clearly space comes at a premium, and it may be that in order to satisfy this requirement a cheaper location may have to be considered if the finances are to balance. Then of course there is the issue of school catchment areas, which in itself can have the effect of significantly price-loading an area.

Perhaps the move is prompted by a job promotion which has enabled the buyer to fulfil the aspiration of living in a “better” area. But what does better mean? Leafier, attractive architecture, great views, low crime, good restaurants? The good agent finds out. 

Naturally, convenience has a major bearing on choice of location. Proximity to shops or work, transport links, recreational facilities and security all play their part. Good value for one buyer might represent poor value for another, hence the reason that some people are prepared to pay substantially to be close to work, whilst others are prepared to commute for several hours.

It is this complex and fascinating combination of locational needs and desires which makes our job as estate agents so interesting. The accuracy of our interpretation of buyer preferences is key not only to our valuations, but also to our ability to help people move to a home that will delight them. 

Whether you’re buying or selling, we’d love to help you move too so please feel free to contact us anytime at your convenience.

enquiries@propertybureau.co.uk

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Covid-19 Statement

During the covid-19 virus crisis we are operating mainly from home but are continuing our services to landlords, inclding, dealing with urgent property management issues and rent collection.

On the estate agency side we can offer advice over the phone and discuss values and marketing proposals to get a head start on the market when lock down restrictions are eased.

Please do not hesitate to contact our offices on the usual phone numbers or enquiries@propertybureau.co.uk

Please see below some useful links for help for landlords and tenants.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-landlord-and-letting-agent-faqs/

https://scottishlandlords.com/news-and-campaigns/news/covid-19-current-information/

https://www.mygov.scot/private-rental-rights/