It has been hard to avoid the recent headlines around the plight of Britain’s high streets, with high-profile brands such as House of Fraser and Debenhams most recently hitting the headlines due to store closures. In the midst of the commercial chaos, however, there may be a silver lining for property as a new report has shown that vacant units in towns and cities could be used to deliver 45,000 new homes.

The recently published report from planning and development consultancy Turley, has indicated that a proactive mixed-use development strategy could be key in addressing the current housing crisis. A conservative estimate of 45,000 new homes could be delivered by using existing vacant spaces, whilst more homes could be created if the height of buildings was less restricted.

“Securing the future of our town centres is a critical national issue and one that is rightly getting a lot of attention. These centres are vital to residents, communities and businesses alike and are engines of economic growth. It is vital that these areas are allowed to evolve and that the planning system is match fit to support this,” said Richard Laming, senior director, head of economics, at Turley.

“Our report is an attempt to put forward a positive vision for the future amidst the negativity that currently dominates the conversation. This starts with debunking the myth that the high street is dead,” he added.

Of course, if these spaces are converted into living spaces, then the key will be balance between high street and habitation. Each city centre will have to be carefully considered ensuring that there isn’t too much infringement upon the commercial sector, whilst also providing suitable homes. With first-time buyers now in the strongest position to buy for decades, there will be many younger buyers to whom living in the heart of a city will be an extremely attractive prospect.

It has been hard to miss the fact that the days are getting that little bit longer, and the temperatures a little fairer lately. With the sun shining a touch more frequently, and our gardens now coming into bloom, there’s no doubt that spring is in the air. This is a great time to sell your home with buyers more active through the spring months than any other time of the year. Follow our tips and you’ll be able to make the most of the changing of the seasons to sell your home…

Spring cleaning counts

That long-standing custom of a good spring clean is something you should take to heart if you want to sell your home quickly over the coming months. Washing all of the windows inside and out so that they sparkle, and the same for your windows and doors, will make the right impression to buyers. Make sure your home reflects the fresher spring months and ensure it is clean and bright.

Don’t neglect your outdoor spaces

With the weather perking up, people naturally cast a more critical eye on the outdoor spaces of the properties which they are looking at. After a cold winter, it is easy to leave your garden a little unkempt but passing the lawnmower over the garden (mowing diagonally will make the space look larger) and tidying up those outdoor spaces will make your property much more sellable. Although spring is coming, we all know how unpredictable the British weather can be, therefore putting a hardy outdoor mat outside the front door as well as somewhere to pop umbrellas out of the way will save unnecessary dirt and debris being brought in to your pristine property.

Spring has sprung

Fully embrace the transitioning seasons by planting flowers at your door – pop a planter outside full of cheerful tulips and daffodils to put potential buyers in the right mood. Pops of colour around the home will also translate into happy and contented buyers, who are therefore more likely to make an offer. Fresh flowers in the house will also make that all-important difference and set the right tone, so fill a few vases and put them in different rooms for a consistent wow factor.

Accessorise to the max

A few accessories can make all the difference to the overall presentation of your property and aligning these to spring is perfect for impressing your prospective buyers. Choose soft spring colours to lighten up your rooms – throws, cushions, towels and bed linens are all easy to change over to create the perfect ambiance, and you can take them with you when you sell your property.

Smells like a good deal

First impressions are absolutely imperative when it comes to selling your home, with research showing that buyers take only 8 minutes to decide whether they would like to buy a property or not. A fresh smelling property is exactly the right impression, so ensure that you have aired your property, and that there are no untoward scents. A sure-fire way to fill your home with a pleasant and attractive smell is to put some bread in the oven and set a homely, welcoming feel.

Across England, it is estimated that 80% of private apartments and 8.2% of private houses are occupied on a leasehold basis, that’s just over 4 million properties. Over 94% of all leasehold properties in England are in the private sector.

On an annual basis, close to one quarter of all residential transactions are of leasehold properties, and 42% of all new build purchases.

The House of Commons committee on leasehold reform published their report into the practice earlier this month. They recommend the abolition of the current leasehold system and advocate the shift to commonhold ownership. Introduced in 2002, commonhold ownership allows a person to own a freehold flat and at the same time be a member of the company that owns and manages the shared areas and structures of a building.

The committee also recommends a lid on ground rent of £250 per annum (with no future link to RPI) and is in favour of the introduction of a standardized key features document, to be provided at the start of the sales process to any prospective purchasers.

• Nearly half (49.2%) of all babies were born into rented homes in 2016/17, according to a new report by Royal London, up from just one in three in 2003/04.
• The average age for first-time mums and dads is 29 and 33 respectively, while the average age of a first-time buyer is now 34. The so-called ‘generation rent’ is becoming ‘generation parent’.
• The number of families with children who are living in privately rented homes has risen by 94% in the decade to 2016/17, with 1.8 million families now in the sector. The North East and Yorkshire and the Humber are the regions which have seen the largest proportional increases.
• While some may make this lifestyle choice, there is a concern that many households may become caught in the ‘parent rent trap’, as renters pay on average more of their monthly income on housing.

David Packwood has recently been appointed Senior Land Manager at Perry Bishop and Chambers to work alongside Peter Chambers and his team, in the agency’s Cirencester office. Prior to joining the department, David was General Manager at Town & Country Property Lawyers where in addition to managing sales and marketing for the firm, David focused on new homes conveyancing for his clients. David also has agency experience, having worked for 10 years for Andrews, heading up their Gloucestershire Land and New Homes Department.

“I am delighted to be joining the team at an exciting time for the department. Quality service has ensured that the company has become the leading full-service Land and New Homes agency in the region and I am proud to introduce my longstanding clients and business contacts to the firm and expert team. I look forward to supporting their ‘field to finish’ approach for landowners and developer clients of all sizes.”

In his spare time David coaches his eldest son’s football team and enjoys a bit of golf.

Wednesday 20th March marked the official start of spring, traditionally a busy time for the country’s estate agents.

On average, over the past five years, March has been the busiest month of the year for property viewings, with May and then April following in second and third place.

Indeed, if history repeats itself, agents will be carrying out 28% of the year’s viewings over the next three months.

The success of the 2019 spring market remains to be seen but early indications suggest that demand might not be as subdued as first thought. In January and February 2019, viewings levels were just 4% below the average recorded in the last five years.

Friends and family joined colleagues, clients and local suppliers at The Great Tythe Barn in Tetbury to wish Paul Boden all the best in his retirement. Associate Director and Branch Manager at Perry Bishop’s Tetbury branch, Paul has been with the company for 30 years – 10 years with Hobbs and Chambers and from day one of the formation of Perry Bishop and Chambers, 20 years ago this year.

Paul has been instrumental in the growth and development of the company, particularly in establishing Perry Bishop and Chambers Tetbury as the leading agent in this popular market town. He was also joined on the evening by Helen Pugh, who has been appointed his successor. She has been with the company for three years, previously working as a valuer/lister in our Cirencester branch.

Managing Director Phillip Bishop presented Paul with a specially commissioned painting featuring caricatures of his colleagues in the Tetbury branch and Perry Bishop’s management team.

Please join us at the launch of Nettlestead – a charming new development in the beautiful town of Lechlade.

Comprising 6 three bedroom town houses, each benefits from a generous garden, parking for two cars and lovely field views

Be amongst the first to look around the View Home on Saturday 16th March, from 10am – 12 midday.

Prices start from £375,000

RSVP: Perry Bishop and Chambers Faringdon 01367 240356

faringdon@perrybishop.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you there!

• On average 965 sales per week have been completed using Help to Buy across England and Wales during 2018 (to the end of September), according to data released by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Welsh Government.
• Over 160 properties are purchased each week with the aid of Help to Buy across the South East, double that recorded in Yorkshire and the Humber, and three times as many as across the North East.

• 81% of purchases in England and 75% across Wales, have been to first-time buyers.

• The estimated average purchase price of a first-time buyer property aided by Help to Buy is £198,001 in Wales, £262,886 across England (excluding London) and £457,775 within London.

Perry Bishop and Chambers’ Stroud team have this year chosen local charity – Allsorts – as their Charity Partner for 2019. The estate agents are delighted to lend their support to this brilliant Stroud-based organisation that offers support for families that have children with additional needs.

Chief Executive, Georgia Boon, recently joined Perry Bishop’s morning meeting to give an overview of all the fantastic work the charity does with families based in Stroud and neighbouring towns and villages. As well as running a host of sports activities and youth clubs, catering for 320 children and young people, the charity also organises family trips, offers support groups and runs the Allsorts Toy Library.
A packed programme of fundraising events is on the cards for the charity in this their 10th anniversary year and the team at Perry Bishop look forward to taking part in some of these – including the opportunity of a fundraising Wing Walk on 30th May!

Allsorts will also benefit from a donation from every house sold by Perry Bishop and Chambers Stroud. Branch Manager, Allison-Jayne Smith, is delighted that Perry Bishop can help raise awareness and much needed funds for the invaluable work of this small local charity. “Having learned from Georgia about all the ways in which Allsorts makes such a difference to the lives of the families they help, we are really keen to play our part in ensuring its continued success.”