A question that we as estate agents are asked almost daily.
2023 has started steadily. The number of homes coming to the market is consistent with what we expect. House sales are below levels we saw in the first 25 days or 2021 & 2022, however, viewing levels are steadily increasing and a good number of deals have been agreed so far.
There are pockets of very high demand. Terraced houses in the Gorleston area are still receiving high and good viewing levels and countryside properties around our Stalham office are also proving popular.
There can be no doubt that as we move through 2023 activity will increase and we are here to get you moved!
Purchasing a home in England & Wales can be a lengthy process. However, there are things that you can do to make sure the transaction runs smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
Firstly, choose a solicitor who you have been happy with before or has been recommended to you. Ideally local to you which will help if you need to attend their offices at short notice to sign papers etc. Don’t be tempted by solicitors or conveyancers who offer cheap headline costs without looking at the overall fees as some will add additional charges through the process.
If you are buying with a mortgage apply for this as soon as possible. Even for straight forward applications the mortgage process can take three or four weeks to go to formal mortgage offer.
Get paperwork back to your solicitor promptly with any search fees etc they request. Local authority searches have been known to take up to eight weeks in some areas and if you are buying with a mortgage, you can’t exchange contracts without one!
Finally, be reasonable and flexible on completion dates wherever possible and communicate any dates you know you can’t do early in the transaction. This will help avoid stressful and last minute discussions with regards to agreeing that all important move date.
If you are thinking of selling a property that is unoccupied give us a call. We offer accompanied viewings including weekends and as most of our offices open until 4pm Saturday we are available longer than many of our competitors. Being open longer on Saturday also means we are available for people coming to the area from London to view who may not arrive until lunchtime.
You will also get detailed feedback on all accompanied viewings we carry out – usually within 24 hours.
As well as conducting viewings we can carry out inspections on your behalf. Many insurers require properties to be inspected weekly or fortnightly when empty and this is something we can offer if you are not local.
If you are thinking of selling an empty property call Aldreds today!
We will be closing 1pm on 23rd December for Christmas.
We will be open 9am to 4pm Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th and Friday 30th December.
We will then close for New Year reopening 9am 3rd January 2023.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
