The property portal’s latest House Price Index – the largest monthly sample of residential property prices – drills down to reveal what’s happened in the market over the last month and, as it’s their final report of the year, dissects the year as a whole and looks ahead at what’s in store for 2021.

Read the report in full.

If a move is on the cards for you in 2021 talk to your local branch of Perry Bishop and Chambers, recently named one of the Best Estate Agents in the country by The Property Academy and Rightmove.

Hats off to our fantastic Cheltenham team who are pounding the streets around Cheltenham and Gloucestershire this December. They’ll need to keep their own woolly hats on however as they will be walking, jogging or running 5k every single day of the month, come rain, sleet or snow, even on Christmas day! The miles will often also be completed in the dark after work. The team are taking part in the Sue Ryder December Dash, raising funds for their charity partner – Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice

The Hospice supports people through the most difficult times of their lives, whether that be a terminal illness, a neurological condition, or the loss of a loved one. The doctors, nurses and carers give people the compassion and expert care they need to live the best life they possibly can.

Gavin Wallace, Director and Branch Manager of the Cheltenham branch, explains:

“The Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is playing a vital part in the Coronavirus effort, relieving the pressure on the NHS across Gloucestershire. All their staff want to be able to use their skills, expertise and experience to help patients and their families in the months ahead. But in order to keep their services running through the winter and beyond they urgently need to secure more funds. All of their fundraising events have had to be cancelled since March and their 450 charity shops have had to remain closed most of the time. The Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice really needs all the support it can get. It costs £21 for an hour of care at the hospice but any donation will make a big difference”

In under a week, the team have already hit £700 of their £1000 target! But naturally they are keen to raise as much as possible and would welcome further donations at this link.

Anyone on the move in and around Swindon can now take advantage of the services of award-winning independent sales and letting agency – Perry Bishop. Popular and respected Swindon-based agent, Paul Dearing, has been appointed Associate Partner and will be heading up sales and valuations in the town, with the support of this established multi-branch property service recently named one of the best in the country.*

Perry Bishop have been helping people on the move in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire for several years from their six prominent High Street branches based in Cirencester, Faringdon, Cheltenham, Stroud, Tetbury and Nailsworth. Their London office also ensures appropriate properties reach buyers in the Capital. Perry Bishop is the leading agent in many of the towns they serve – a result of their innovative marketing approach, exceptional customer service and brilliant results.

Paul has lived in Swindon for over 20 years and knows the area inside out. He started his career in estate agency over 15 years ago and is passionate about property and delivering a first-class service. Some of you may also recognise him from guest appearances on Homes Under The Hammer! Paul joins fellow Associate Partner – Caroline Ferris – employed by Perry Bishop to manage sales and valuations in Chippenham and surrounding villages.

“Now people on the move in Swindon can benefit from the best of both worlds,” explains Phillip Bishop, Managing Director at Perry Bishop. “Enjoy personal service from experienced local agent Paul – from valuation through to a successful sale – with the backing of a respected agency with the latest and best marketing tools at our disposal, a large database of home hunters and a tried and tested strategy for attracting the best buyer and delivering the best price.”

* Featured in the Best Estate Agent Guide 2020 and 2021, compiled by Rightmove.

This month sees our Faringdon branch expand its service offering to now include sales and lettings and is delighted to welcome Kevin Harford to head up lettings across Faringdon and surrounding villages.

To celebrate the branch’s return to lettings, Kevin has launched a fantastic introductory offer – 3 months FREE management – with further offers available for  portfolio landlords with 3 properties or more.*

Seven years ago Perry Bishop and Chambers sold its extensive lettings portfolio to Leaders who for a while traded on the brilliant reputation that Perry Bishop had nurtured in Gloucestershire and the Vale of the White Horse, by marketing their rental stock in the area as Perry Bishop and Leaders. When towards the end of 2018 Perry Bishop and Chambers’ Gloucestershire branches successfully returned to lettings in their own right, Leaders continued trading in our region, but simply as Leaders.

Up until a few months ago the Faringdon branch of Leaders rented the floor above our Faringdon sales office, but now they have set up elsewhere in the town and our Faringdon branch is pleased to offer its own comprehensive lettings and management service on site with the appointment of experienced estate and letting agent, Kevin Harford.

Now landlords across Faringdon and surrounding villages can benefit from the same superior marketing and award-winning customer service enjoyed by people selling with Perry Bishop and Chambers. Kevin strongly believes that there is a gap in the market for an exceptional lettings service provider – one that ‘keeps you informed’ and that can best market rental properties in order to secure the maximum yield.

Kevin Harford, Lettings Manager, Perry Bishop and Chambers Faringdon:
“I’m really looking forward to working for a strong independent estate agent that has built an enviable reputation across Faringdon and the wider area. I’m excited that landlords too will now be able to take advantage of Perry Bishop’s professionalism, passion and innovative marketing approach.”

Landlords can find out more by calling Kevin on 01367 240356 (option2) or by emailing him at faringdonlettings@perrybishop.co.uk.

*terms and conditions apply

Hot off the press, Rightmove’s House Price Index gives a national picture of house prices and activity over the past few weeks.

Here are some key facts:

SALES
Strong lockdown demand as new sellers price keenly to beat March deadline

• Average price of property coming to market dips by 0.5% (-£1,505) from last month despite continuing strong buyer demand as new sellers join the rush to sell and beat the March stamp duty deadline
• Demand and activity compared with October last year are strongest in the price bands and regions where buyers are set to make the biggest stamp duty savings as the March deadline approaches:
• National sales agreed are up 50% on October last year, and Rightmove now estimates there’s 650,000 sales going through the buying and selling process, 67% more than at the same time in 2019
• 106% uplift in sales agreed and drop of 23 days in time to secure a buyer in £400,000-£500,000 band
• The more expensive southern regions also fare better than the national average, with a 72% uplift in the number of sales agreed in the East of England, and 69% uplift in the South East
• Buyers who were temporarily uncertain in run-up to the new lockdown in England have jumped back into action, with the first six days of the second lockdown seeing demand up by 49% on this time last year, as the housing market remains open

Their full report can be read here

We are very pleased to welcome Jack to the Perry Bishop and Chambers team. A recent film graduate from Falmouth University, Jack is filming, editing and fronting video tours on behalf of clients across all our branches. He will also be filming interviews with key staff to provide regular market updates and an overview of our key service offerings – giving you the chance to meet the people behind the Perry Bishop brand!

If you visit our YouTube channel – Perry Bishop and Chambers – all of the video tours he has filmed to date can be viewed here. On our website, his video tours will also appear when you hit the video button next to the properties you wish to view and you will also be able to find them on Rightmove. Jack will also be posting them up on our company facebook pages.

Covid-19 has resulted in a significant change in our way of working and one which will endure long after the pandemic has become a distant memory. The first viewing, wherever possible, should now be virtual. If you like what you see, then we are happy to arrange a physical viewing for you. Jack’s videos guide you through every room in the property, the garden and any outbuildings.  A view of the street in which it sits also features.

We may be biased, but we think Phil Spencer’s days could be numbered!

 

 

It’s official – Perry Bishop and Chambers is one of the very best Estate Agents in the country!

Perry Bishop and Chambers has been independently identified as one of the top estate agents in the country and now features in the Best Estate Agent Guide.

The Best Estate Agent Guide is a website (www.bestestateagentguide.co.uk) that provides an independent reference source for sellers and landlords, who can search for the best sales and lettings agency offices in their areas.

The website is compiled by Property Academy (an organisation that works with agents to improve service standards in the property industry), with the support of Rightmove, the UK’s leading property portal.

There are c.15,000 estate agents in the country and Perry Bishop and Chambers was among this year’s award winners, confirming them to be one of the very best estate agents in the country, for both sales and lettings.

Over 3 billion data points were analysed in the search for this year’s top performers – the biggest assessment of any industry. The awards are made for property marketing, results and customer service – which consumers consider to be among the most important criteria when selecting which agent to sell or let their property.

Peter Knight, founder of the Property Academy, commented: “We set out to provide the home mover with a reliable resource to help identify the best estate agent in each area, whether someone is looking to sell or let a property. Only the best branches make it into the Best Estate Agent Guide and only the very best agencies have been recognised with an award.”

Phillip Bishop, Managing Director at Perry Bishop and Chambers, said “These awards follow a rigorous and independent assessment and we are thrilled to have been recognised as among the best in the country”.

If you’re thinking about selling or letting a property then please get in touch  with your local branch of Perry Bishop and Chambers – we will be very pleased to provide you with our advice and you can be confident that you’re dealing with one of the very best estate agents in your area.

Our award-winning* Lettings and Management team have just launched an irresistible offer for new portfolio landlords (with a minimum of three property rentals).

We are offering 6 months No Management Fees**

For landlords with less than 3 properties we are offering 3 months No Management Fees.

This fantastic offer is also open to existing let-only portfolio landlords who upgrade to Perry Bishop’s full management service. Enjoy the freedom and complete peace of mind that our classic management service delivers, with no need to worry about any future changes in lettings legislation.

To benefit from great savings and great service call your local branch  of Perry Bishop and Chambers for further details.

 

* Featured in Best Estate Agent Guide 2021, compiled by The Property Academny in conjunction with Rightmove and named Best Letting agents in Stroud by the British Property Awards 2021.

** Terms and Conditions apply

So how will the new national lockdown, starting on Thursday, affect the housing market in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire?

The housing market is to remain open in the four week lockdown in England, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed. The news came some hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the lockdown until 2nd December.

“The process of searching for and moving into a new home is different because property agents, conveyancers and other professionals have modified how they work to reduce the risk from COVID-19. These changes could include doing more online, such as offering virtual viewings; vacating your current property during viewings; and ensuring your property is thoroughly cleaned before someone else moves in.

“We encourage all parties involved to be as flexible as possible and to be prepared to delay moves, for example if one of those involved becomes ill with COVID-19 during the moving process or has to self-isolate. It may become necessary to pause all home moves locally or nationally for a short period of time to manage the spread of coronavirus. We will let you know if this needs to happen.

“If you are about to enter into a legally binding contract, you should discuss the possible implications of COVID-19 with your legal professional and consider making contractual provisions to manage these risks. You should not expect to immediately be able to move into any home where people have COVID-19 or are self-isolating.

“Those renting a property, letting agents and landlords should be aware of and follow the government guidance on coronavirus and renting which contains further advice that may also be applicable such as on possession proceedings, repairs, maintenance and health and safety.”

For members of the public – prospective buyers and tenants, as well as vendors and landlords – the same government guidance note says: “You are free to move home. However, you may find the process of searching for and moving into a new home is different, as property agents, conveyancers and other professionals have modified how they work to reduce the risk from COVID-19.

“Initial viewings should be done virtually wherever possible. Property agents should be able to help you with this.

“Members of the public who are visiting an agent’s office or viewing a property should wear a suitable face covering as described in government guidance unless they are exempt from this requirement. This should be confirmed with the agent before arrival. Anyone with concerns should contact the agent in advance of their visit to discuss appropriate measures. The agent may require you to arrange an appointment before visiting the premises.

“All physical viewings where prospective buyers or renters will be entering the property should involve no more than 2 households inside the property at any one time. This includes any agent accompanying either party. Anyone in a support bubble with either household, however, will count as part of that household.

“Please read the latest guidance on indoor gatherings and support bubbles.
Where prospective buyers who are currently from separate households wish to view the property on the same occasion, we advise that one household leaves the property to allow the other to enter. This allows for both households to view the property and ensures social distancing.

“Viewings should be arranged by appointment only and ‘open house’ viewings should not take place. When viewing properties in person, you should avoid touching surfaces wherever possible, wash your hands regularly and/or use hand sanitiser. If you need to be accompanied by small children, you should try to keep them from touching surfaces and ensure they wash their hands regularly. If people are being shown around your home, you should open all internal doors and ensure surfaces, such as door handles, are cleaned after each viewing with standard household cleaning products.

“We recommend that you vacate your property while viewings are taking place in order to minimise unnecessary contact.

“Anyone involved in any aspect of the home-moving process should practice social distancing in line with public health advice.

“When moving between properties, you and those in your household should try to do as much of the packing yourself as you can. Where this is not possible, you should speak to removal firms in advance. There is further advice about this below.If you are particularly worried about the risk of infection, then speak to your landlord, estate agent or removers as they may be able to put extra precautionary measures in place.”

If you are an existing Seller, Buyer, Landlord or Tenant or are considering a move and have any questions regarding above, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your local branch of Perry Bishop and Chambers.

As the Coronavirus Pandemic continues, we understand that it may be confusing for home movers and landlords in our region, whether buying, selling or renting.

New measures are being introduced regularly, including the new three-tier system currently being rolled out in an attempt to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

These measures are based on a system aimed at simplifying restrictions and to enable local lockdowns to be put in place depending on Coronavirus infections per region.

New advice released by the Government allows Perry Bishop to remain open and property viewings to take place. However, we encourage virtual viewings, and we have strict bookings, viewings and social distancing guidelines in place for physical viewings, along with the stringent requirement for PPE to be worn to minimise health risks and to ensure the safety of our clients and staff at all times.

Perry Bishop is currently in Tier 1.

How do the three tiers apply to you if you are moving home?

Tier 1: Medium Alert

• Property viewings can continue as long as Covid-19 safety measures are in place, and there are no more than six people in a property at any one time.
• Safety measures include wearing face coverings, hand washing, opening doors and windows for adequate ventilation during viewings.
• Only two prospective buyers from the same household may enter the property at a time.
• Open house viewings are not allowed.
• If any member of either the household being viewed or the household viewing, displays symptoms of Coronavirus or is self-isolating, then an in-person viewing should not go ahead.

Tier 2: High Alert

Tier Two rules are the same as Tier One, with the following additional rule:

• Those living in Tier two areas must not meet with anybody outside of their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, including their home or in a public location.
• It’s important to note that in-person property viewings can still go ahead, with the appropriate precautions in place.

Tier 3: Very High Alert

Tier Three is for areas where the transmission rates of Covid-19 are very concerning.

• People living in these areas are not allowed to meet anybody outside their household or support bubble in an indoor or outdoor setting, apart from open public spaces, where the rule of six will still apply.
• Travel in and out of these areas is not advised, other than for work, education, youth services or caring responsibilities.
• Government guidelines have not banned property viewings in Tier Three regions. However, home movers will likely choose not to view properties while restrictions are in place.

We will be strictly adhering to all Government guidelines relevant to our region and the safety of our clients and staff is paramount. This means that you can still place your property on the market or for rent with us and look for properties you want to move to.

Viewings, Valuations, Inspections, Surveys and Removals

• We can visit your home to take photos, and videos and prospective buyers or tenants can view your property.
• We will always adhere to social distancing measures, and we ask that you notify us and postpone any physical viewing appointments if anyone is self-isolating or showing symptoms of Coronavirus.
• Tradespeople can carry out inspections and surveys by appointment, and only one person will be in the property at a time where possible.
• No tradespeople will enter a property where a member of the household is showing signs of coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating.
• Removal firms can operate to Government guidelines.

As the Covid-19 situation continues to evolve, our foremost concern is to keep clients and staff safe.

Please talk to staff in any of our local branches or email phillipbishop@perrybishop.co.uk if you have any questions or concerns about our operating practices.

We are here to help and support all our clients, and we hope you, your friends and family remain safe and healthy for the duration of COVID-19.

Thank you for your patience, support and understanding during this challenging time.