The shift to remote and hybrid working has given professionals the freedom to choose where they live rather than where they work. For many, that answer is Cheltenham. Estate agents in Cheltenham have seen a steady rise in enquiries from city-based buyers, drawn by the town’s Georgian architecture, open spaces, excellent schools, and a quality of life that urban centres rarely match.

What Makes Cheltenham So Appealing to Remote Workers

Cheltenham offers cultural amenities more commonly associated with larger cities, including theatres, festivals, independent restaurants, and a lively arts scene, while retaining a pace and scale that makes daily life genuinely enjoyable.

Connectivity is another practical draw. Rail links put Birmingham and London within reach for the occasional office day, and superfast broadband coverage is extensive across the town. The surrounding Cotswolds countryside adds something money can’t easily replicate: the ability to step outside into the beautiful landscape during a lunch break.

For families, Cheltenham’s strong reputation for both state and independent schools makes it a logical destination for professionals with children who are no longer tied to a commuter belt. Neighbourhoods like Montpellier, Pittville, Leckhampton, and Charlton Kings each offer a distinct character to suit different priorities.

How Remote Worker Demand Is Affecting the Property Market

The most visible impact has been heightened competition for larger family homes. Properties with a dedicated home office, a garden, and proximity to good schools have seen sustained demand. Buyers relocating from London or Bristol often arrive with equity from higher-value markets, raising the ceiling on what buyers are willing to spend in areas like Charlton Kings, Leckhampton, and Prestbury.

The rental market has also tightened. Many remote workers choose to rent first, trialling life in Cheltenham before committing to a purchase. This has placed further pressure on a supply that was already limited, particularly at the mid-to-upper end of the market. For landlords, this represents a clear opportunity. For renters, it means acting quickly when a suitable property becomes available.

Phillip Bishop of Perry Bishop commented: 

“Demand spans both period and new build properties. Cheltenham’s Regency terraces remain highly sought after, but there is also growing appetite for energy-efficient new homes with flexible layouts designed around modern working life. Developers who have responded to the home-worker demographic have found strong interest in their schemes.”

What This Means if You Are Buying or Selling

For sellers, the current conditions are broadly positive. A wider pool of buyers, including those relocating with city equity, means well-presented homes in desirable areas are attracting competitive interest. Presenting a property with the home-working buyer in mind highlighting office space, outdoor areas, and broadband capability can make a meaningful difference.

For buyers relocating from outside the area, local knowledge is essential. Understanding which streets align with specific priorities, school catchment, walking distance to town, access to green space takes time to build. Working with agents who know the area in detail helps buyers make confident decisions without the delays that come from learning a new town from scratch.

How Perry Bishop Can Guide Your Property Journey

Whether you are thinking about selling, relocating to Cheltenham, or simply exploring your options, understanding the local market is the right place to start. At Perry Bishop, we combine deep local expertise with a straightforward, personal approach to buying and selling property. If you’d like an honest conversation about where the market stands and what it means for you, our team is here to help.

Cirencester, widely regarded as the capital of the Cotswolds, offers a rare blend of historic character, strong community and excellent transport links. It continues to attract buyers from across the country, and for good reason. If you are considering a move here, speaking to a trusted estate agent in Cirencester is the best place to start and this guide covers everything else you need to know, from budgeting realistically to understanding what happens at each stage of the process.

Understanding the True Cost of Buying

Beyond the purchase price, several additional costs need to be factored in from the outset. Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is calculated in bands based on the price you pay. First-time buyers may qualify for relief up to a certain threshold, while those purchasing a second home or buy-to-let will pay a surcharge. Your solicitor will handle the submission, but you should budget for it early.

Conveyancing fees cover the legal work of transferring ownership. On top of your solicitor’s charges, you will pay disbursements third-party costs such as local authority searches, Land Registry fees and environmental checks. Leasehold properties typically cost more to convey than freehold ones due to the additional legal complexity involved.

Do not skip the survey. A mortgage valuation only satisfies your lender; it does not protect you. A homebuyer report or full structural survey gives you a clear picture of the property’s condition before you commit. The upfront cost can save you from far larger expenses after completion. Finally, set aside a contingency fund for any repairs or improvements needed in the first year of ownership.

The Buying Timeline: What to Expect

Good properties in Cirencester move quickly. Registering with local agents and setting up alerts means you will hear about new listings promptly. Before you begin serious viewings, speak to a whole-of-market mortgage broker so you have a firm agreement in principle in place. Knowing exactly what you can borrow puts you in a stronger position when you find the right property.

When you make an offer, your agent will guide you on pricing it appropriately given current market conditions. Being a cash buyer or having your mortgage arranged can make your offer more attractive, even if it is not the highest on the table.

Once an offer is accepted, both parties instruct solicitors and conveyancing begins. Searches, enquiries and mortgage arrangements typically run concurrently. The time from offer acceptance to exchange varies; straightforward transactions can complete in a matter of weeks, while longer chains take more time. At exchange, both parties are legally committed and a completion date is set. On the day itself, funds transfer and you collect the keys.

Life in Cirencester: What Buyers Should Know

The property mix in Cirencester is genuinely varied. The town centre offers period terraced houses and converted flats, many within conservation areas. Further out, you will find Victorian and Edwardian terraces, post-war semis and modern new-build developments. Villages such as Coates, Siddington and South Cerney offer a rural setting while keeping Cirencester’s amenities within easy reach.

For families, the town has a strong selection of state and independent schools. The town centre is well served by independent shops, a thriving market, restaurants and leisure facilities. Commuters benefit from the A419 and A417 towards Swindon and the M4, while Kemble station provides rail connections to London Paddington. The Cotswold Water Park and Cirencester Park add to a lifestyle that is genuinely hard to replicate elsewhere.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Buying in Cirencester is a rewarding process, and the right support makes all the difference. Whether you are a first-time buyer, upsizing, or relocating from further afield, the team at Perry Bishop combines local expertise with honest, practical advice at every stage. Get in touch and let us help you find the right property with confidence.

As we enter 2026, Cirencester continues to magnetise property buyers seeking an escape from the hustle of London and Bristol, drawn by its quintessential Cotswolds charm and surprisingly robust property market. This comprehensive guide explores why the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ has become the ultimate destination for those trading city living for countryside quality of life, and what this means for the local property landscape. The migration trend shows no signs of slowing, with estate agents in Cirencester reporting unprecedented demand from urban professionals seeking their perfect countryside retreat.

The Great Migration: London and Bristol Exodus to Cirencester

Post-Pandemic Lifestyle Shifts

The seismic shift in lifestyle priorities that began in 2020 has crystallised into a permanent migration pattern by 2026. Today’s buyers aren’t just seeking temporary refuge from city life – they’re making deliberate, long-term choices about where and how they want to live. Research indicates that 78% of buyers relocating to Cirencester cite ‘quality of life improvements’ as their primary motivation, with access to green spaces, reduced pollution and stronger community connections topping their priority lists.

The pandemic fundamentally altered perceptions of what constitutes a desirable living environment. Where once proximity to offices and urban amenities drove property decisions, buyers now prioritise space, natural beauty and community spirit. Cirencester delivers all three in abundance, offering the perfect antidote to cramped city living and lengthy commutes.

Remote Working Revolution Impact

The remote working revolution has been the great enabler of this urban exodus. With 65% of London-origin buyers now working either fully remotely or in hybrid arrangements, the geographical constraints that once tethered professionals to expensive city centres have largely dissolved. This newfound freedom has opened up possibilities that seemed impossible just a few years ago.

Cirencester’s excellent connectivity, with direct rail links to London Paddington in just over an hour and easy M4 access to Bristol, means buyers can enjoy countryside living without completely severing professional ties. The town has witnessed a boom in co-working spaces and business centres, catering to the influx of remote professionals who occasionally need formal meeting spaces or simply crave a change of scenery from their home offices.

Cost of Living Comparisons

The financial mathematics driving the Cirencester migration are compelling. The average London property buyer can purchase 40-50% more space for their money in Cirencester, while Bristol buyers typically gain 25-30% more property for equivalent investment. These aren’t marginal improvements – they represent life-changing upgrades in living standards.

Beyond property costs, the broader cost of living advantages are substantial. From parking and transport costs to dining and entertainment, Cirencester offers significant savings while maintaining high-quality amenities. Many relocating families discover they can upgrade their lifestyle significantly while actually reducing their monthly outgoings.

Cirencester’s Property Market Snapshot 2026

Current Average Property Prices

Cirencester’s property market in 2026 reflects its growing desirability while remaining attractive compared with urban alternatives. The average property price now sits at £485,000, representing a 12% increase from 2025 but still offering exceptional value compared with London’s average of £735,000 and Bristol’s £425,000. However, these headline figures mask significant variation across property types and locations within the area.

Family homes in sought-after areas command premium prices, with four-bedroom properties in prime locations averaging £650,000-£750,000. Meanwhile, two-bedroom cottages in the town centre typically range from £350,000-£450,000, offering excellent entry points for first-time buyers or those downsizing from city properties.

Market Trends and Growth Patterns

The Cirencester property market demonstrates remarkable resilience and consistent growth patterns. Year-on-year price appreciation has averaged 8-10% over the past three years, significantly outpacing national averages. This growth is underpinned by genuine demand rather than speculative investment, creating a stable foundation for sustained value increases.

Properties typically sell within 6-8 weeks of listing, with well-presented family homes often attracting multiple offers. The market shows particular strength in the £400,000-£700,000 bracket, precisely where most London and Bristol migrants are actively searching.

Most Sought-After Property Types

Georgian and Victorian properties remain the most coveted, embodying the historic character that draws buyers to the area. These period homes, with their generous proportions and original features, command premium prices and rarely stay on the market long. Restored Georgian terraced houses in the town centre are particularly prized, offering the perfect blend of historical character and modern convenience.

New build developments have also gained traction, especially among buyers prioritising energy efficiency and modern amenities. Contemporary homes in developments like those in the Chesterton area offer the appeal of countryside living with all modern conveniences, attracting buyers who want the Cirencester lifestyle without the commitment to period property maintenance.

What Makes Cirencester Irresistible to Urban Escapees

Historic Market Town Appeal

Cirencester’s designation as the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ isn’t mere marketing hyperbole – it reflects a genuine historical significance that permeates daily life. The weekly markets create a community atmosphere largely absent from modern city living, where neighbours actually know each other and local businesses thrive on personal relationships rather than corporate efficiency.

The town centre, with its Roman amphitheater and medieval church, provides a sense of continuity and rootedness that many urban professionals crave after years of transient city living. Independent shops, traditional pubs and local restaurants create an authentic market town experience that feels worlds away from homogenised city centres.

Educational Excellence and Family Life

Families relocating to Cirencester are consistently impressed by the educational opportunities available. The combination of excellent state schools, renowned independent options and Cirencester College creates an educational ecosystem that rivals any city offering. Local primary schools consistently achieve outstanding Ofsted ratings, while secondary options provide pathways to top universities.

The family-friendly environment extends beyond formal education. Safe streets, numerous parks and recreational facilities, and a calendar packed with community events create an ideal environment for raising children. Many London parents report that their children’s social lives flourished after the move, with greater freedom and more diverse outdoor activities.

Connectivity and Transport Links

Despite its market town character, Cirencester maintains excellent connectivity to major urban centres. The M4 corridor provides easy access to both London and Bristol, with journey times of 90 minutes and 45 minutes respectively under normal conditions. This accessibility means relocating buyers don’t have to completely abandon urban amenities or professional networks.

The direct train service to London Paddington, while requiring a short drive to Kemble station, opens up the capital for day trips, business meetings or cultural excursions. Many residents find they visit London more intentionally and enjoyably than when they lived there, appreciating the city as visitors rather than enduring it as residents.

Navigating Cirencester’s Property Hotspots

Town Centre vs Suburban Areas

The town centre offers the full Cirencester experience, with Georgian and Victorian properties overlooking the market square and within walking distance of all amenities. These properties command premium prices but deliver unparalleled lifestyle benefits. Living in the heart of Cirencester means being part of the community fabric while enjoying the convenience of urban-style amenities.

Suburban areas offer more space and often better value, particularly for families needing gardens and parking. Areas like Love Lane and Tetbury Road provide excellent family homes with good school catchments while maintaining easy access to town centre amenities.

New Developments and Regeneration Projects

The Chesterton area represents Cirencester’s largest expansion, offering contemporary family homes with modern amenities and energy-efficient designs. These developments particularly appeal to buyers seeking low-maintenance properties with warranties and modern conveniences like smart home technology and electric vehicle charging points.

Regeneration projects in the town centre focus on enhancing rather than replacing the historic character, creating modern amenities within traditional frameworks. These thoughtful developments ensure Cirencester evolves without losing the charm that attracts buyers in the first place.

Village Properties Within Easy Reach

Surrounding villages like Siddington, Preston and Daglingworth offer even more rural experiences while maintaining easy access to Cirencester’s amenities. These locations often provide better value and larger properties, appealing to buyers seeking maximum space and privacy. Village properties typically offer larger gardens, more character and stronger rural credentials while remaining within a 10-minute drive of town centre facilities.

Working with Estate Agents in Cirencester: Your 2026 Buying Guide

Choosing the Right Local Agent

The competitive Cirencester market demands working with estate agents in Cirencester who combine local expertise with understanding of relocating buyers’ specific needs. Successful agents demonstrate intimate knowledge of micro-markets within the area, understanding which streets offer the best value, school catchments and community atmospheres.

Local expertise proves invaluable when navigating multiple offers and competitive bidding situations. Agents with established relationships can often provide insights into seller motivations and property histories that prove crucial in successful negotiations.

Understanding the Competitive Market

The current market requires buyers to act decisively while maintaining due diligence. Properties in desirable locations often attract multiple viewings on the first day of marketing, with offers expected within 24-48 hours. Understanding this pace while avoiding rushed decisions requires experienced guidance from professionals who understand both local market dynamics and relocating buyers’ needs.

Perry Bishop’s extensive experience across Gloucestershire provides invaluable insights into market timing, pricing strategies and negotiation tactics that maximise buyers’ chances of securing their preferred properties.

Essential Services for Relocating Buyers

Relocating buyers require different support levels than local purchasers. The best agents provide comprehensive relocation services, including area orientation, school information, local service recommendations and timeline coordination that accommodates buyers’ current city commitments.

Virtual viewing capabilities, detailed property videos and comprehensive written reports enable serious evaluation before making physical visits, essential for buyers managing relocations from London or Bristol while maintaining current work and family commitments.

Investment Potential and Future Outlook

Property Value Projections

Cirencester’s property market outlook for 2026-2030 remains exceptionally positive, with continued demand from urban migrants supporting steady value appreciation. Conservative projections suggest 5-8% annual growth, with particular strength in family homes and character properties. The limited supply of period properties ensures these segments should continue outperforming market averages.

Infrastructure improvements and town centre regeneration projects provide additional upward pressure on values, particularly for properties benefitting from enhanced amenities or transport links.

Rental Market Opportunities

The influx of urban professionals creates robust rental demand, particularly for quality family homes and period properties. Buy-to-let investors can achieve rental yields of 4-6% while benefitting from capital appreciation, creating attractive total returns compared with urban alternatives.

Short-term holiday rental markets also show promise, with Cirencester’s tourism appeal supporting premium rates during peak seasons.

Infrastructure Developments on the Horizon

Planned transport improvements and town centre enhancements support long-term value prospects. The commitment to maintaining character while improving connectivity ensures Cirencester continues attracting premium buyers while preserving the qualities that make it special.

Making Your Move to Cirencester: Practical Considerations

Budget Planning for Different Property Types

Successful relocation requires realistic budget planning that accounts for all associated costs. Beyond purchase prices, buyers should budget for higher buildings insurance (period properties), potential renovation costs (character properties), and setup costs for rural living like oil heating systems or private drainage.

Stamp duty considerations can be significant, particularly for buyers purchasing above £500,000, but the property improvements achieved often justify these additional costs.

Timeline Expectations for Purchases

Current market conditions typically see 8-12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion, though complex chains or period property surveys may extend timelines. Planning relocation logistics requires coordination with school terms, work commitments and city property sales.

Local Services and Settling In

Cirencester offers excellent local services, from healthcare and utilities to council services and community organisations. New residents consistently praise the welcome they receive, with numerous groups and activities facilitating social integration.

Perry Bishop’s local knowledge extends beyond property transactions to helping new residents settle successfully into Cotswolds life.

Cirencester’s magnetic pull on London and Bristol buyers shows no signs of slowing in 2026, combining Cotswolds charm with modern convenience in ways that make it an unbeatable proposition for those seeking a lifestyle upgrade. For buyers ready to make this life-changing move, partnering with experienced estate agents in Cirencester who understand both the local market dynamics and the unique needs of urban relocators will be key to securing your perfect Cotswolds home. The combination of proven value growth, exceptional quality of life and continued urban demand creates an opportunity that forward-thinking buyers cannot afford to overlook.

We’re now in a much steadier housing market than we have seen in recent years, transaction levels and activity has settled comparable to 2019 – which preceded the pandemic, stamp duty holiday and unprecedented external factors which led to the buying and selling frenzy of the last couple of years.

We have seen plenty of activity at the lower end of the market and are now advising a good number of sellers at the higher price ranges as they look to downsize and release equity, properties priced correctly and quality homes are still selling quickly and those who choose to sit and wait for the right property to come along are still in danger of missing out.

At Perry Bishop we have a solution – low key marketing – we prepare particulars along with photography and bring your property to the market on a discreet low key basis. Only those buyers willing to wait for you and give you time to find an onward purchase are notified.

We may not always erect a For Sale sign or advertise your property on the portals, ensuring that we control the pace and method of marketing –  carefully selecting the right buyers from our database that most importantly will give you time to find a suitable property to move to. When your suitable onward move is found, you have the advantage of having a buyer in place, meaning that you can secure that property as your next home.

In the unlikely event of us not finding a buyer or agreeing a sale through low key marketing, we will have property brochure ready to market your property in the usual way to the whole market – online and offline – to secure a sale for you quickly.

Many of our clients have found this an excellent way to start their marketing and indeed have actually moved on this basis. In addition, clients that have chosen low-key marketing know that our fees are only payable upon completion – should for any reason a suitable property not become available no fees are payable.*

Ensure you’re in the best position when the right property does come along.  To find out more about this innovative and unique approach to marketing your home, please speak to your local Perry Bishop office.

Whatever stage you are at in your moving house journey, even if you’re only thinking about a move, we look forward to hearing from you. Book your appointment now for expert property advice and an up-to-date valuation.

 

We’re here to make property easy and enjoyable through careful guidance and customer care. And we wanted our website to reflect this throughout. We hope you like it as much as we do. 

Our new website is the culmination of an exciting rebrand project we’ve been working on over recent months. We’ve listened to the opinions of our colleagues and clients, past and present to ensure that the way we look and sound reflects what sets us apart and encapsulates values that are important to us. We have built a reputation for local knowledge, swift action and most importantly, for personal service  – we truly care. 

To reflect our ‘people first’ philosophy, we’ve added a strapline  ‘Property Made Personal’ and if you take a closer look at our new logo, you’ll see a speech mark within the letter ‘y’. It’s there to reflect our commitment to client and buyer communication and the positive relationships we build.  

Phillip Bishop, Managing Director, said:

“Supporting our clients every step of the way and doing whatever it takes to make your move as enjoyable and stress-free as possible is part of our make-up at Perry Bishop. Most property journeys start online, so making our website as user friendly, resourceful, contemporary and convenient as possible was key for us.

We found a great partner in PropertyStream who understood our brand and business immediately, designing and building a slick website that we are proud of. Most importantly, a site that gives our visitors a convenient and useful experience at whatever stage of the property journey they are.” 

If you’re house hunting to buy or rent, our properties search is fast, intuitive and easy to use with advanced filters to find your perfect home or development across any of our estate agency branches in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. 

Search for property type, development or land opportunity and view the results on a map or in a list, whichever works best for you. As well as a full gallery of high quality photographs, you can watch virtual tours on many of our properties and download detailed property brochures.

You’ll also find hyper local information about the property and the area nearby. We’ll show you the distance to local schools and their latest Ofsted rating, reviews and current intake. Through an interactive map, you can instantly find local  amenities such as shops, pubs, cafes, leisure centres and hospitals as well as transport links. We’ll even show you the broadband provision and speed available in the area you’re searching, often crucial information when choosing your next move.

When you have found what you’re looking for, you can Book a Viewing at a time that suits you, or Make an Offer at the click of a button from the comfort of your sofa, holiday deck-chair or favourite pub. Nice and easy.

If you are new to the area and want to find out what it’s like to live there, we’ve included local insights and useful information for each location we cover, from Faringdon and Cirencester  to Cheltenham and the Stroud Valleys and many areas in between. Take a look on our comprehensive Area Pages and meet our lovely, local teams. Whether you are selling, buying, letting or renting, we’ve made sure our Area Pages are full of handy information, so head to your local page to discover your very own Perry Bishop team, ready to help.

 

You can also meet the whole team at Perry Bishop from across our extensive branch network and our multiple divisions including sales, lettings, auctions, new homes, land, development and professional services such as financial advice and legals. Search by branch or sort by alphabetical name to find the person you are looking for. Simple. 

If you’re selling a property in and around the Cotswolds, we’ve made it convenient. Book a free valuation with one of our agents – always recommended –  or get a quick estimate in a matter of seconds using our online tool. 

Our new, resource-rich website also gives you information about the steps involved in selling property, a free downloadable guide to help you achieve the best price, as well as some great tools to help you on your way when selling or buying a home, such as mortgage and stamp-duty calculators

Using the very latest market data, you can now discover local house price trends and latest house prices across our region of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. We like to equip you with as much data and insights as possible to help you make informed decisions, and are happy to share this with you on our website. Of course our experienced agents are always here to speak to in person, they are local and in the know about all things property.

If you’re a landlord and want to find out more about our services, our Landlord page features a step by step guide to letting your  property as well as a downloadable free guide on letting your property with confidence. Meet our lettings team too – simply the best across the region in our opinion! We’re proud to employ agents who are local, knowledgeable and professional, helping landlords achieve the best returns on their investment.

Our New Homes department, who work in partnership with our dedicated Land and Development team, offers an exceptional ‘conception to delivery’ service. You can find all our latest developments, land opportunities and new build homes featured on our website. Local, regional and national property developers can read about our land and development services and get in touch with our specialist team to discuss projects. 

We hope you enjoy your experience browsing through our new website – let us know what you think. Finally, look out too for our new look branches and our eye-catching For Sale and To Let boards.

We care about property. We care about you.

The team at award-winning estate and letting agency, Perry Bishop Leckhampton, have once again chosen Sue Ryder as their Charity Partner. As well as making a donation from every house they sell to this brilliant and vital local service, Perry Bishop will also this year be the headline sponsor of one of the hospice’s key fundraising events – the Autumn Fayre taking place in September.

Matt Reay, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice said: “As a charity, Sue Ryder heavily relies on the on-going support of the local community and our corporate partners. Our care teams provide expert and compassionate care and support to hundreds of families across Gloucestershire each year – whether in their homes or in our inpatient unit which we try and make a home from home. We are so grateful to Perry Bishop for their amazing continued support which helps make this happen.”

“We are delighted to continue our charity partnership with Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice,” says Gavin Wallace, Director and Leckhampton Property Specialist at Perry Bishop. “We are so lucky to have this wonderful hospice on our doorstep, Gloucestershire’s only inpatient unit for specialist palliative care.”

As we welcome spring, Phillip Bishop – MD at Perry Bishop – looks at what’s required to win the race to buy a home.

Markets are forever in flux. So our handling of markets must be flexible.

We can buy, hold or sell in the stock market depending on conditions. In a fruit and vegetable market we can buy the freshest produce early in the morning at the full price. Or we can purchase what no one else has bought at a cheaper rate in the late afternoon.

The property market is also in constant flux. There are occasions when there is a lot of stock and buyers have so much choice they can take their time and sometimes make low ball offers.

But we are not in that market now. In many areas around the UK it is quite the opposite. Figures show that generally there are twice as many buyers as there are properties to buy. This is hard enough for buyers. But, in hotspot areas, there are many more buyers per property – result, a feeding frenzy.

So forget a leisurely, late evening, glass-in-hand, browse through your preferred property portal. It is not going to help very much. Because by the time a property gets onto a portal nowadays, the early bird will have already caught its worm.

Serious buyers behave differently in this sort of market. They know they need to find a property before it ever reaches a portal. And the best way to do this is to get to know their local independent estate agent so they can be first in the queue for the pick of the properties.

You see the experienced local agents know their own market best. Years of working in their area mean they know local people and – crucially – often hear first when someone is about to make a move. Then they carefully match those who want to sell with those want to buy. Property portals don’t do that.

If you are serious about buying this spring, get to know your local, well-established estate agent. You will find their knowledge and experience provide the very best in buying advice. And if you are selling, their knowledge, experience – and list of buyer contacts – is vital in a hot market.

Here at Perry Bishop, we offer a very special VIP service for sellers and buyers who live in the areas covered by our branch network. Benefit from being the first to hear about new properties coming to market before they hit the portals like Rightmove and Zoopla and learn about properties being marketed on a low-key/off market basis. Open exclusively to people living in the areas covered by our branch network. Register now.

We care about property. We care about you.

House prices hit another new record in March with the average price breaking through the £350,000 price barrier for the first time, a jump of 1.7%.  Family homes of four bedrooms plus enjoyed an even bigger monthly price surge of 3.8% – the equivalent of an additional £23,619.

The chance of finding a buyer in the first week is at its highest ever and is twice as likely compared to the same period in 2019. This is the strongest spring sellers’ market that Rightmove has ever seen in several metrics – with the national average house price now at £354,564, a whopping 10.4% rise year on year.

“There’s a hat-trick of reasons for home-owners to follow the normal trend and make it their goal to sell this spring,” says Rightmove’s Director of Property Data Tim Bannister. “Firstly, the potential to achieve a record price for their property. Secondly, the imbalance between high buyer demand compared to low available property supply is the greatest that we have ever seen for the start of a spring market, meaning that the chance of being able to pick and choose between several suitable buyers is strong. Thirdly, the proportion of properties finding a buyer within the first week is also at an all-time high for this time of year, so sellers with an appropriately priced and well-presented property can expect a shorter marketing period than the norm. Those who weren’t ready to take advantage of last year’s rush now have another chance to get on the market while these conditions last.”

Read Rightmove’s latest House Price Index report in full.

If you live Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire or Wiltshire and are considering a move this Spring, get in touch with your friendly and knowledgeable Perry Bishop team.

If you’re just curious at this stage to find out an approximate valuation of your home click here.

We care about property. We care about you.

Spring has sprung, a time when many of us think not only about a spring clean but also about bigger more costly home projects or conversely decide that now is the time to sell up and move on.  When the sun is shining and our gardens start to wake up, it’s easier to impress potential buyers and achieve the best price for you home.

The big dilemma, however, is always: Should I renovate or sell?

The answer depends on many factors including:

• What renovations do you want to do?
• How concerned are you about resale value?
• Will the investment will be worth it.

Here are our top three questions you should ask yourself to help you decide whether to renovate your home or sell up.

1. Are You Happy in Your Home?

It may appear obvious, but you need to understand why you’re asking yourself the question, “Should I renovate or sell?”.

Is it because you’re unhappy with your current property?

Or is it because you need extra space?

Or is it for some other reason, like turning a profit?

If you’re unhappy with your home, consider whether renovating your property will actually make you feel happier living in it.

While renovating your property can make a huge difference to how it looks and feels, it might be time to sell if the issues you have with your home extend further than it’s appearance.

2. Do You Need Extra Space?

If you’re thinking about renovating to give yourself extra space, you may be considering extending or converting the loft into a bedroom. If so, it’s worth considering whether investing in an extension will be worth it in terms of added value.

It’s also good to think about how sustainable those changes will be. It may give you an extra bedroom, but if you’re planning on growing your family even further, will you still need to move in a few years anyway?

Sometimes, it can be more worthwhile, both financially and in terms of effort, to move to a larger property rather than extend.

To help you decide, it’s worth browsing properties for sale with your local estate agent to see what’s available and for what price.

3. What Value Will Home Improvements Add?

Ask yourself, “Is it worth it?”.

Renovating a property can be costly and take time. While it’s important to enjoy your home and not always think about resale value, some home renovations, like extensions, kitchen remodels or bathroom refits, can be expensive.

Depending on the area you live in, you may not make your money back on the property. And if you’re planning on moving in a couple of years, you may not get the full enjoyment from the renovations yourself.

The best thing to do is speak to a local estate agent like Perry Bishop about your plans. We will complete a valuation of your property and advise you on home renovations that will potentially add value. You can also ascertain whether it may be more financially beneficial to move to a larger home rather than renovate.

We Can Offer Expert Advice.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, our friendly teams are happy to help. Give us a call today to start the conversation.