Hot weather, Hot property market…

The UK has dealt with historic temperatures this week, and although the scorching heat of the housing market is showing some signs of moderating as month-on-month price rises soften, it remains sunny for those looking to buy and sell.
Rightmove report that buyer demand, while down year on year, is 26% stronger than in pre-pandemic June 2019, with the volume of new sellers to the market up 13% compared to this time last year. At 47, average stock levels per agent have improved since the start of the year.
With the volume of new instructions still failing to keep track with demand, properties continue to sell (SSTC) in just 32 days. This is 6 days faster than a year ago, and over three weeks quicker than the pre-pandemic June average.
The cost of living crisis is likely to dampen the market over the second half of 2022, but a net balance of agents still anticipate price growth over the next 12 months (RICS).Source: Dataloft, DLUHC, Land Registry

I am delighted and grateful for the sunny weather. We have been experiencing record temperatures and personally, I’m loving it! Good weather brings out highly motivated prospective buyers, generally, apart from the odd few that cancel to go and enjoy the sun at the local pub or park, but who can blame them?
We have recently seen a good uplift in prospective purchasers and have been experiencing increased property supply which has meant very busy open days and some brilliant offers, in excess of the asking price, achieved for our vendors. Comparing last year’s market to now, we have most certainly seen more vendors willing to explore the market and see what their options are; whether that be up/or downsizing or moving down to the coast This has resulted in more opportunities for first-time buyers to buy their first home.
The demand for housing, especially in developing areas such as Wallington, where buyers seek capital growth will continue in my opinion. With interest rates continually increasing, we may see a slight dip in viewing activity but there will still be a section of the market that just wants to get on and buy, those will be the buyers that secure themselves a brilliant property.

I believe the effects of Covid are still making existing homeowners and first-time buyers seek homes with outside space and I expect this trend to continue into the future and shape the way buyers purchase and grow into their new homes If you are thinking of renting or selling your home, please feel to contact the sales or lettings team on 0330 043 0002
Matthew Keddo –Truuli Property Expert

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How long are homeowners or renters staying in thier homes?

News / Leigh Thomas

While we wait for the 2021 census housing data we look to the newly published 2020/21 English Housing Survey data to help us understand the changing relationship we have with our homes since the last census.
Since 2011/12, owner occupiers have seen a drop in their length of tenure, from an average of 17.1 years in their accommodation to 16 years in the new 2020/21 survey results.
In contrast, private renters have increased their tenure length, increasing from an average of 3.8 years in 2011/12 to 4.2 years in 2020/21.
This slight swing to longer private tenancies comes amidst a new cost-of-living crisis where the English Housing Survey reports 52% of private renters feeling that they are unlikely to be able to afford to buy a home. In 2011/12, this figure was 41%. Source: Dataloft, DLUHC English Housing Survey 2021/22 and 2011/12

There can be several personal and/or economic reasons why people move homes such as change of employment, children’s schooling, family growth or even the cost of living crisis many currently find themselves in.
Within the Thornton heath area, mature homeowners usually stay in their homes for between 12 to 15 years. Homeowners in their thirties appear to move more often; normally within five to ten years, mainly due to a family expansion. On occasion, these homeowners move to be closer to retired parents to gain assistance with childcare.
The majority of first-time buyers are required to save up longer for a deposit to buy and in turn, are engaging in longer tenancies. This has seen a boost to the rental market where we are also noticing a lot more properties becoming available for rent.
With interest rates rising along with the cost of living it remains to be seen whether this creates new trends for the number of years homeowners occupy their homes, and also whether these factors continue to contribute to the rental sector.
If you are considering moving home either buying, selling or letting, please give us a call on 0330 043 0002 and speak with one of our Property Experts who will be happy to assist with all your property-related queries.
Leigh Thomas
Truuli Property Expert

How long are homeowners or renters staying in thier homes? Read More »

Why Friday? The agent’s thoughts…

News / Leigh Thomas

Friday remains the most popular day to complete a house purchase or start a new rental tenancy agreement. 40% of all property sales over the past year have been completed on a Friday and a quarter of new rental tenancies were started.
While this may come as no surprise, the proportion of sales completed on a Friday is lower than five years ago when the figure was 48%. This past year has however seen Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday fall on a Friday.
With finance transfers less of an issue in the rental market, 20% of new tenancies have started on a weekend
10% of all new tenancies started over the past year have been on just ten specific dates in the year. These dates all correspond with either the start or the end of a month. Source: Dataloft, DRMA, Land Registry, based on sales and new tenancies started over the past 12 months
A companion infographic is available in the infographic library on tenancy start days (lettings)

In my 17 years of estate agency, I have never really thought about the day property transactions were completed. However, if I think back over the last few years, and then look at the completions we’ve had, I can see that the vast majority have happened on a Friday. This makes complete sense, as in general, updates on sales are harder to obtain on a Friday as solicitors are usually dealing with completions.
Having taken the time to think about completion days. I believe most purchasers are likely to prefer a Friday completion as it leads into the weekend, where they are most likely to be off work, providing ample time to unpack and settle into their new home.

If you are thinking of renting or selling your home, please feel to contact the sales or lettings team on 0330 043 0002. We’d love to help facilitate your move on any day of the week that suits you.
Leigh Thomas – Truuli Property Expert

Why Friday? The agent’s thoughts… Read More »

Matthew Keddo - Truuli Property Expert- Wallington

Join Truuli in welcoming Matthew Keddo, our new Property Partner covering the Wallington area

News / Michael Fyffe

Matthew is a photography enthusiast who loves football, enjoys travelling, socialising and fundraising. Offering an abundance of property experience, Matthew will further bolster the wealth of knowledge within team Truuli by joining as a Property Partner covering the Wallington area. Let’s take some time to get to know Matthew a little better.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

What can I say about myself? The first thing is I love sports and playing sports! From a young age, I have always enjoyed keeping fit and enjoying what sport offers you mentally and physically; it has played a huge role in my life.

I developed a passion for photography around 15 years ago and have captured moments ever since. As cheesy as it sounds, it gives you an exhilarating feeling! It is exciting to think that through the skills and knowledge I have gained, I can create a memory for someone that will be visual for years and years by capturing a moment in time.

Matthew Keddo photography Truuli Wallington — Matthew Keddo Photography

I have been in the property industry for approximately 10 years now and I very much enjoy my career. It’s allowed me to do all things I set out to do from when I started my position as a sales negotiator to working my way up to the management level. I can say the industry has treated me well.

My main focus is my family and making sure I can provide the best possible life for them. They are my main driver, the reason I get up and go every day and do what I do best.

At Truuli, I am the local property expert covering the Wallington area. This is an area I have always known and loved growing up. My family would regularly visit Beddington Park in the Summer for food and games, which we still do to this day. I played football in Wallington when I was in my youth, this was at Wallington Sports Club on Hillside Road and Mellows Park. I also started my Judo career in Wallington with the Yamabushi yodokan judo club on Wallington High Street which built my confidence as a young adolescent. Much of my family still live locally in places such as Mellows Road and I am also local to the area too.

What were you doing before you joined the team?

I used to work for an estate agent in the South West which I enjoyed, but I decided I would like to be more hands-on with my clients and work closer to home within an area I really know and love. At Truuli I have a better work-life balance and I get to communicate more with my clients, providing them with a more personalised service. I also work within a team that share the same common goal of success and happiness with relatable lifestyles; so the ship is always smoothly sailing in the right direction.

What would your previous clients say about you?

I always ask clients for feedback. I have been told that I am friendly and approachable, which I believe is vital in a face to face customer based role. My previous clients would also say I am charismatic and strong-willed, whilst being willing to go above and beyond to ensure our common goals are met. I also feel some would say I am methodical within my role in terms of the best way to move things forward when handling what is usually the most valuable asset in someone’s life, the buying and selling of their home.

I am aware that estate agents do not have the best reputation amongst many people, but I am a firm believer that you should not paint everyone with the same brush. Having bought and sold properties before I understand how stressful the process can be if an agent is not working in your best interest

What inspires you?

My family are my inspiration! I have two beautiful children and a wife who constantly supports me to be a good human, husband, hard worker and Father every day. I have a big extended family and grew up around many different people from various social backgrounds. I believe this has helped me appreciate others for who and what they are. I am inspired by others’ grit and determination to keep going in tough and good times regardless of their financial situation. I admire family values and loyal people who stand on their word.

When not at work, what do you do for fun?

When am I not at work haha!? I love playing football which I do weekly at the Goals pitches on Hannibal Way, near Wilson’s Grammar school. I am not quite sure how much longer I have left in these legs, but I intend to keep playing until they fall off.

I have recently developed a passion for cycling like many others did during the lockdown and I have actually got myself a pretty decent bike. I cycle on the weekends and plan to conquer Brighton, Southend and Leith Hill again this Summer with the intention of raising money for some of the charities I support such as Moorfields Eye charity.

Holidays and short getaways with the family are lovely and I plan to do more of these again as we are now fortunate enough to be almost free from COVID restrictions. Oddly, as I have got older, grocery shopping has become fun. As well as binge-watching series until I fall asleep, I also find Saturday night TV enjoyable with family. I love spending time with my children, watching movies, playing football, building Lego and crashing hot wheels cars: that is always fun until my Son decides he wants to somersault off the sofa.

I also enjoy going out to eat with friends. However, I do not enjoy it so much when the huge bill comes. Jerk and Jollof on Manor Road, Wallington, is one of my favourite spots. I would recommend anyone local gives it a try.

Any parting words of wisdom?

“You have to be uncomfortable for a while to get comfortable.”

Join Truuli in welcoming Matthew Keddo, our new Property Partner covering the Wallington area Read More »

Escape rooms…

News / Leigh Thomas

After what has been a tough and testing time for so many of us, not being able to see each other in a social setting and losing many loved ones, it was great to finally be able to go out and have some fun with the team at Escape rooms.

If you’ve not seen the movie, you may very well ask ‘what is an escape room?’ As our guide Adam put it. It is a room you escape from. Sounds simple enough, right?

We started off by splitting into two teams of six, each embarking upon our own rooms. It was quite interesting seeing everyone debate on whom they did, or did not want in their teams. We did get it sorted eventually and I had, what I thought at the time, the A team.

My team, formally known as the A team, were in the bio holocaust room where we had to escape before a lethal toxin was released into the London sewage system, potentially wiping out London as we know it “ahhhhh!” In the blazing heat of our room you would have been forgiven for believing the toxins had already been released, however despite the soaring temperature, we battled on courageously. Teammates became frustrated with each other and the natural competitiveness of our team was spilling out as we battled to save London. I’m not too sure why, considering I was doing most of the work.

We were allowed to ask our guide, Adam, for clues and please believe there were many times we sought assistance; Adam most certainly earnt his crust. On most occasions when we were given a little helping hand there were looks of dumb foundedness. The clues were very tough and there’s very high probability that without Adam, London wouldn’t be the place it is today!

Before our allocated escape time elapsed we were given some, light inspiration. Our colleagues in the other team had completed their task with time to spare and were very vocal in letting us know, Fantastic!

After finally managing to save London (luckily the lethal toxin was delayed by 10mins, and a bloke called Adam) both teams had a new mission. The winners from the first tasks embarked upon the ‘Jokers Asylum,’ (one team member down due to an extreme fear of clowns) and my team got stuck into – no pun intended, a prison escape, based on a notorious serial killer entering a room and fleeing without anyone knowing how he did it.

Once again, despite my brilliance and the other team being a lady down, the other team managed to escape their room before us, great. With suspicions on my team growing that the other team had probably just asked for clue upon clue in order to escape, we begrudgingly offered our congratulations before commencing with the final challenge of the evening….London’s underground.

All in all, it was a great team bonding evening with the Truuli family. I would highly recommend a visit to your local escape room!

Leigh Thomas

Truuli property expert

Escape rooms… Read More »

The Truuli team give a helping hand to Whitechapel Missions

News / Ryan Morgan

Instead of a 9am team meeting, Olivia, Michael, Leigh and I met at 5:30am at the Whitechapel Mission. Instead of smart wear, it was Truuli T-shirts and aprons with name tags on them. Once we were checked in and introduced to the lovely team it was all hands on deck for the us to prepare the kitchen and ready ourselves to serve the homeless and those in need.

At 7am the shutters went up. Michael and Leigh on Tea and Coffee duty, with Olivia serving biscuits. I was in given the task of assisting the chef to prep food for the cooked full English breakfast. By 7:30 it was time for the shutters to go down whilst we altered the set up to get ready to serve cooked breakfast. Michael and Olivia took orders and served the hot food and Leigh was on cereal/porridge duty. My task was ensuring all of the serving dishes remained replenished at all times.

From 7:45 until 11 we rotated and changing roles given everyone an opportunity to interact with our customers and ensuring all hands were on deck at all times.

The atmosphere and energy in the building was second to none and there was such a positive spirit and drive to help. The staff’s length of service ranged from seven months to as long as 16 years, one common factor within them all was their will to help and personal affection with those in need. Charley was able to reel off a lot of people’s meal preferences before they could even step forward! I also feel the same could be said for those who we served whom greeted each other in enthusiastic ways and socialised whilst enjoying their food before going about their day.

For me it was such a rewarding day and left me with a different kind of satisfaction at the end of the day, very heart warming. The team and I were able to connect and engage with people of all walks of life. I also gained a sense of unity and care between those in need. For me, it was beautiful day to help out and I can’t thank Michelle and the team enough for allowing us to join them for the day… Hopefully they will have us back soon!

Ryan Morgan

Truuli Property Expert

The Truuli team give a helping hand to Whitechapel Missions Read More »

Timely boost from the government for the property market!

Buying, News / Ryan Morgan

“When you speak with any home owner the hardest part about buying a home or getting into a position to buy a home is raising the deposit. We live in a society today where for the average person your cost of living is so high you do not have enough money to save as much you would require each month (especially in London). For a lot of aspiring homeowners they are in a tough predicament where they are paying rent on their current property that in hindsight would be a lot more than the monthly repayments on a mortgage of their own home. The only thing they lack is the deposit to commence the buying process”.

By the government allowing this scheme to launch to both first time buyers and current home owners this will allow the market to continue to move. This will provide assurance to current home owners who need to sell and/or move along with also giving faith to those aspiring to own their own home and get on the ladder.

“As a Property Expert working during these estranged times it was such a blessing and a boost to benefit from the stamp duty holiday. However, as the government gave the market a blessing with one hand, the banks took away with another by taking away all 95% mortgage products and temporarily removing 90% products. Over the summer and autumn of 2020 we went through a phase where we had an abundance of properties available but a lack of buyers given the requirement of a larger deposit”.

“The scheme rolling out until the end of 2022 this fills the property market with a lot of faith and confidence until then along with keeping the economy moving which will be vital for the United Kingdom to drive forward”

“We have property experts ready to speak with you about the pricing in their areas and will be able to advise now and into the future. We also have Mortgage partners on hand who we can refer you to, who work with the whole of market and will be able to advise you about the best mortgages tailored to your needs.

“Feel free to get in touch”.

0330 043 0002

Truuli.co.uk

Timely boost from the government for the property market! Read More »

How to prepare your property for sale, if you want to take advantage of the current Stamp Duty Holiday

Buying, News / Chuk Agudosi

January is usually a popular period which would see sellers come to the housing market in large numbers. Next year, however, may be slightly different as plenty of buyers hope to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday (currently due to end 31st March 2021).

It is now even more important to have all paperwork/documentation relating to the sale of your home ready to provide to your solicitor/conveyancer if you want to sell within the next 18 weeks. For example, if you’ve had any works carried out to your home such as an extension, windows changed, re-wiring etc. then any certification should be made available for your solicitor who will relay this to your buyer’s legal representative.

Solicitors that I am currently dealing with are already reporting that their workload has increased significantly with buyers and sellers alike hoping to take advantage of the government-backed incentive. It is imperative that you notify the solicitor that you intend to use about the timeframe you are working towards and take their guidance (based on their workload) as to whether they’ll be able to meet the 31st March deadline.

The likelihood is that if you are hoping to take advantage of the Stamp duty holiday then getting your property on the market sooner rather than later is advisable.

Tips to aid selling your property

1. First impressions

First impressions count for everything. Get the windows professionally cleaned and replace the worn-out doormat, so prospective buyers aren’t put off before they’ve even walked through the front door. Kerb appeal is crucial.

2. Attention to detail

Have a thorough spring clean and get to the corners you’d normally ignore. Buyers come with a critical eye and will inspect a room from wall to wall – you don’t want them looking up at the ceiling and seeing a collection of cobwebs.

With the evenings getting longer ensure that you generate a ‘cosy, warm feeling’ so look at soft lighting in the reception and bedrooms and don’t forget the heating in your home for when the viewings take place!

3. Maintenance

Some buyers will be put off at the idea of any DIY. Run a quick maintenance check throughout your home and get the toolbox out. Do any bulbs need replacing, or is there a loose door handle that needs to be tightened, for example?

4. Declutter

You need to help prospective buyers imagine where their furniture and family pictures will go. Rooms that look too busy, full of mismatching furniture or an oversupply of personal details, can also make a room look smaller. Prospective buyers always want to check inside cupboards: if they’re packed full, empty them and throw away everything you don’t need, or put things in a suitcase for a few weeks. Hide all those plastic toys which can take up so much space. Demonstrating your home has adequate storage is crucial.

5. Character preservation

If you are de-cluttering, remember not to remove traces of character altogether – thoughtful splashes of colour and a few well-chosen soft furnishings can make a property feel more stylish and individual. It’s useful to remember what it was that made you fall in love with your home when you bought it.

6. A lifestyle setting

Some buyers are looking for a lifestyle as much as a home. Setting the table with a simple white dinner set and some pretty napkins, for example, can help people imagine living in your home.

7. Bathroom details

Another quick win can be in the bathroom. Buyers often want to check the water pressure of the shower so remove any limescale that might have built up, it’s an easy job but can make a big difference.

8. Additional space

Showing buyers how they can create additional space can be an effective way to demonstrate how your property might work for them, without the expense of carrying out any structural work. Investigate what could be done and highlight the possible options.

9. Garden upkeep

The garden can be the most important feature of the house. Now I accept that winter is the most challenging time of the year to keep your garden looking meticulous, however, taking the time to clear the garden, mow the lawn, cut back any trees and bushes, tidy up the garden furniture and tidy the children’s plastic toys will most certainly help with the sale of your home.

10. Get the Word Out

Always have a board up, and tell your neighbours – word of mouth is a powerful tool. You never know who might live just around the corner, waiting for your house to come to the market. Your board will also act as an 24-hour salesperson and help to garner interest.

There is still an opportunity to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday, but you will need to get things moving sooner rather than later! If you would like to have a chat about the steps required to prepare your home for sale or require any property-related advice, please feel free to give our team a call on 0330 043 0002

How to prepare your property for sale, if you want to take advantage of the current Stamp Duty Holiday Read More »

https://www.flickr.com/photos/housebuyfastworthing/45841713292

Stamp Duty: Housing market receives timely boost

News / Michael Fyffe

Kavi Patel – ITV News Multimedia Producer

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a stamp duty holiday which will run until 31 March 2021 in a bid to boost the struggling housing market which has taken a hit due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although the measure is temporary, it could have a lasting impact on people who are looking to buy homes at the lower end of the market.

What is stamp duty?

Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) is a lump sum payment those buying a property or piece of land over a certain price have to pay.

Prior to Wednesday, all house-buyers in England and Northern Ireland had to pay stamp duty on properties over £125,000, or if you were a first-time home buyer you did not need to pay stamp duty unless the property you were buying was more than £300,000.

The rate a buyer has to pay varies depending on the price and type of property – usually you would expect to pay more stamp duty if the property is worth more.

Landlords pay an extra 3% of stamp duty when they purchase a buy-to-let property.

Stamp duty rates are different in Scotland and Wales.

What has Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced on stamp duty?

The cost of stamp duty on homes up to £500,000 has been suspended, potentially saving future house buyers tens of thousands of pounds.

Mr Sunak announced he has decided to cut stamp duty, telling the Commons: “Right now, there is no stamp duty on transactions below £125,000.

“Today, I am increasing the threshold to £500,000. This will be a temporary cut running until March 31 2021 – and, as is always the case, these changes to stamp duty will take effect immediately.

“The average stamp duty bill will fall by £4,500. And nearly nine out of 10 people buying a main home this year, will pay no stamp duty at all.”

How much could you save on stamp duty? Experts have said a stamp duty holiday will encourage more home owners to move, enabling a further kickstart to economic activity in other sectors”.

Comments by Chuk Agudosi (Truuli Property Expert)

From my professional prospective, Wednesday 8th July was certainly a significant day for the property industry. The chancellor’s announcement regarding the stamp duty holiday is a welcome boost for both buyers and sellers alike.

If you’re hoping to buy a property then there is of course an obvious saving especially for those in London where the cost of purchasing a home is so much higher than in the rest of the UK. In fact the saving could be as much as £15,000!

It is however also really good news for those homeowners who are selling and potentially upsizing as they stand to profit twice. Firstly they can expect to see an increase in potential purchasers looking at their home. They also then profit on their onward purchase (with a saving with from the Stamp Duty Holiday) as well as the likelihood of potentially more properties available for them to consider as more homeowners look to take advantage of the Stamp Duty Holiday.

Let’s not forget that the recent housing market has been disadvantaged firstly by the ‘Brexit cloud which had been hovering for the best part of 4 years then just when there appeared to be clearer skies (Jan/Feb 2020) the Coronavirus Lockdown came into effect.

So great and welcome news from Rishi Sunak and a fantastic opportunity for anyone who was considering buying or selling to take advantage……remember the Stamp Duty Holiday is only available to March 31 2021.

Chuk Agudosi – Truuli Property Expert

Stamp Duty: Housing market receives timely boost Read More »

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

News / Michael Fyffe

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Our number one priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our people and our customers. Despite the obvious challenges, we are committed to keeping our office open during these difficult times.

To help minimise the risk and in consideration of others, if you have any of the symptoms below we ask that you do not attend any viewings until you have been symptom-free for 14 days.

High temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
New, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

During the viewing

Avoid touching surfaces and bring your own hand sanitiser.
Practice social distancing in line with public health advice.
A face covering is recommended.

Thank you for your support, trust and patience during this uncertain period. Please do not hesitate to contact us about any concerns or issues you might have, and we wish for you all to be safe and healthy during this difficult time.

Please refer to the NHS website for further guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Read More »

News

Hot weather, Hot property market…

How long are homeowners or renters staying in thier homes?

Why Friday? The agent’s thoughts…

Join Truuli in welcoming Matthew Keddo, our new Property Partner covering the Wallington area

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

What were you doing before you joined the team?

What would your previous clients say about you?

What inspires you?

When not at work, what do you do for fun?

Any parting words of wisdom?

Escape rooms…

The Truuli team give a helping hand to Whitechapel Missions

Timely boost from the government for the property market!

How to prepare your property for sale, if you want to take advantage of the current Stamp Duty Holiday

Stamp Duty: Housing market receives timely boost

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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