“You know you want to move, but the right house hasn’t come along just yet...”

Choosing the best time to hit the market can be tricky, so when the right property does come along, just how ready will you be? It’s become a growing problem over recent weeks and conversations with nervous home owners has prompted us to look into alternatives that will take the pressure off, but ensure sure that if you’re not already on the market, when the time comes, you are Move Ready.

Our Ready, Steady, Move! concept provides a no cost, no pressure option that will propel you to the front of the queue and provide you with the best chance of avoiding the disappointment of missing out again and again.

There’s no rocket science, just good old fashioned preparation and attention to detail that could make all the difference!

Contact the residential sales team for more information on 01384 379450 or sales@lexallan.co.uk

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Property prices are on the up, but it’s not all plain sailing, so make sure you do your homework!

It’s official - property prices are on the up. As if we didn’t know… especially if you’re trying to buy one locally at the moment. Rightmove highlights the West Midlands as showing the UK’s greatest monthly increase with a whacking 2.1%, but on the ground here in Stourbridge, there’s a story to tell.

 

Our tale is one of exceptional results seeing offers often outstripping asking price where multiple buyers chase the same property. So the good news is that when you come to market, you are likely to sell more easily and at a higher price than last year. Looking at the statistics, it would seem that new instructions over the first quarter of 2017 are 15% down on the same period last year. Continuing Brexit uncertainties, a late spring Easter, plus the ‘chicken & egg’ effect of fewer properties coming to market are all potential factors that are holding otherwise willing vendors back and contributing to localised property inflation. 

 

Is there an answer? Yes of course and it starts with taking sound professional advice in establishing the right asking price for your home and prepare for going to market, to the extent of having photos and brochure prepared in readiness. The agent will be prepared to ‘go live’ instantly you see a home with your name on it and might also quietly line up prospective buyers from their own priority purchaser list to pre-empt any delay should you so wish. And don’t forget to check out the best mortgage deals, which are currently at a record low, through an independent mortgage adviser. You’re on the starting blocks.

 

It’s tempting to be led by the headlines surrounding an overheating property market, but buyers are an intelligent lot and won’t be fooled by prices that are set at unreasonably high levels! Nor will the estate agent quoting highest price and lowest fee result in the best outcome. Finding the right buyer is only the first important step of your journey, but at the moment, instructing the best agent who has advised you throughout and will fight your cause from start to finish and only be rewarded on results is always going to bring about the happy ending that you want and deserve.        

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Spring Has Sprung In The Commercial Market

By Ian Appleby - Commercial Surveyor

Well hopefully Spring is upon us and it’s time to look at what to expect for the remainder of this year. Not surprisingly, all talk is about a certain ‘Article 50’ and ‘Brexit’ and how this may dampen the hitherto buoyant Commercial Market that we have seen locally so far in 2017. As is traditional in the commercial property and financial press the focus is on what is happening in China, the USA (in particular-Trump!), Europe and of course, London. But what we and I am sure all the traders and business people of Stourbridge and The Black Country want to know, is what is happening on our High Streets and Parades right now, and in the months ahead?

The last quarter of 2016 proved to be challenging, with demand outstripping supply and so far this year, albeit early on, the signs are similar. We have had a healthy demand for retail and warehousing with a resultant rise in asking rents. The lack of demand for office space being maintained from late last year has resulted in an abundant choice for those requiring good quality office space at very competitive rates.

Another significant worry for tenants and business owners has been the upcoming revaluation of Business Rates. It seems we in the local business community have been spared with only modest increases in most areas, and indeed, quite a few reductions in the rateable values of our warehouses and shops. In conjunction with the doubling of Business Rate Relief from next month now would appear an excellent time for those considering either moving or starting a business, to dip their toes into the market!

We have successfully let premises in prime locations such as Stourbridge and Kingswinford High Street’s and large warehouses off Mucklow Hill, Halesowen and in Brierley Hill as well as Lye. Because of the high demand we urgently require quality retail premises and well sited warehousing, either to let or for sale. We are also experiencing high demand for investment premises and portfolios.

Let us hope that with the coming of Spring, we will see our local businesses and traders flourishing, along with the flowers. Oh, and the grass!

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Having viewed coming world events in 2017 and taking note of the main focus of the media - It’s DIET time!”

Having paid special attention to all the various media organisations to seek some clarity as to how the complexities of our own economy and the continuing European muddle, not forgetting the inauguration of a maverick US president may affect us all, it seemed there was only one conclusion – It’s DIET time if you want to be bikini ready for the summer!

It’s good to know what the cream of the British media feel the public’s focus should be on, so if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Me – I’m going for the 5:2 with liposuction. The only real certainty is that the nights are becoming shorter and the snow hasn’t come (yet).

The passing of another year and the promise of a New Year galvanises many into planning their move and this year will be no different. Interest rates are holding at an all time low and with much needed new stock coming to market, transactions will be brisk.

Our own success in December’s Sunday Times Estate Agent of the Year Awards that won the Lex Allan Group a coveted Gold medal was our own highlight of 2016 and offers a welcome shot in the arm for ensuring we continue to deliver what our clients want in 2017.

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