Well, 2020 was manic and whilst the latest lockdown has seen a slowing of the market – there’s a feeling that people are sitting tight for the time being – I’m sure things will pick up hugely once the current restrictions are relaxed.

Our main issue at the moment is lack of properties.  What we’ve had available has been let and we URGENTLY need new properties to bring to the market.  We’re permitted to trade during the current lockdown – subject to Covid related protocols – so if you have a property or properties that need let or managing, please give us a call.  Happy to have a no obligation visit to a property to discuss a landlord’s requirements and to discuss how we can help them.

Whilst the back end of 2020 was very busy – we had our busiest December ever – it’s safe to say that the lockdown introduced in January has seen the market quieten.  That’s not to say that the demand has dropped, we believe the underlying demand remains very strong, but there’s an element of people sitting tight for the time being.  This also leads to a lack of supply of rental properties and that has been a big issue for us in January – virtually every property we’ve marketed had gone.

I’m sure things will pick up as and when restrictions are lifted and it wouldn’t surprise us to see a repeat of 2020 when demand and activity soared after the relaxing of the first lockdown.  For tenants, advice would be to get their notifications set up on the portals and phone agents if and when you see a property of interest – often easier to get a viewing if you phone up rather than one of dozens of e-mailed enquiries!

January is traditionally a busy time for new valuations and instructions – people have considered their plans for the New Year and the first thing to do is arrange the free valuation.  However, we’re in lockdown again and whilst that has taken the edge of the market a little, we’re permitted to stay open and continue our business – subject to Covid related protocols which we have introduced.  It’s been a strange few weeks which has fluctuated between quiet to busy, but we’re encouraged with the new properties coming to the market and the interest being seen.

The top end of the Cramlington market has seen prices rising with certain hotspots like Barns Park and parts of Northburn attracting a lot of interest.  Whilst the Stamp Duty Holiday certainly fuelled that end of the market, those areas generally remain very desirable and that interest has dragged the rest of the market with it during 2020 and into the first few weeks of 2021.  Possible leasehold reform (intentions announced by the Government) has also seen a small increase in interest in flats too.

Whilst the uncertainty down to the pandemic remains, the market remains resilient and we are not prone to the valuation swings / hikes seen in many other parts of the country.  People will always need to move house and if you require a free valuation, then give us a quick call.  We’ll be respectful and conduct our business in accordance with the current protocols, but if you need to move, you need to be in a position to do so and that valuation is the first step.

Buyer activity remained reasonably good during November and early December with buyers having one eye on the Stamp Duty Holiday which is due to expire on 31^st March 2021*.  The start of the year coincided with the introduction of the latest lockdown and whilst we are permitted to keep trading this time – subject to Covid related protocols which we have introduced – it did result in a slight drop in enquiries.  One thing worth noting given the current lockdown is that most agents will only allow physical viewings to proceed if a buyer is in a position to move – sold subject to contract or not reliant upon a sale – as it just minimises contacts and the associated risk during these difficult times. 

January is traditionally a month which sees a spike in activity as people pursue plans for the New Year, so if you’re ready to move and we have properties of interest, give us a call and we’ll try and help.

* Ending of Stamp Duty Holiday subject to further parliamentary debate at time of writing.

The market continues to be very busy with demand still well ahead of supply and landlords having quite a list or prospective tenants to choose from.  Three bedroomed properties in particular continue to attract significant interest with dozens of enquiries being received with hours of putting a property on the market.

It must be very difficult for prospective tenants to secure accommodation as a consequence – especially for those with pets or poor credit, but there is no sign of demand easing at this moment. 

That all said, it remains important for landlords to present and maintain their properties to ensure they let and we’re happy to provide guidance and advice for prospective or existing landlords.  Give us a call … happy to help.

The market continues to be very busy with demand still well ahead of supply and landlords having quite a list or prospective tenants to choose from.  Three bedroomed properties in particular continue to attract significant interest with dozens of enquiries being received with hours of putting a property on the market.

It must be very difficult for prospective tenants to secure accommodation as a consequence – especially for those with pets or poor credit, but there is no sign of demand easing at this moment. 

That all said, it remains important for landlords to present and maintain their properties to ensure they let and we’re happy to provide guidance and advice for prospective or existing landlords.  Give us a call … happy to help.

Whilst the market has eased since the heady summer months, it’s still ‘steady busy’ rather than the ‘crazy busy’ we experienced post lockdown.  The return to school slowed things as normal, but October has seen a regular flow of valuations and offers.  Biggest issue the market faces is getting agreed sales through to completion with solicitors and conveyancers inundated with work with many continuing to work remotely.  It’s often said that the hard work for an agent starts once a sale is agreed – checking chains, communicating with all parties, holding hands and mopping brows!

The Stamp duty holiday is due to end by the end of March 2021, so whilst the run up to  Christmas traditionally sees the market quieten, vendors and buyers need to be consider this given completions can take 2-3 months post agreement of sale.

Give us a call to arrange a valuation or a viewing.

Whilst the market has eased since the heady summer months, it’s still ‘steady busy’ rather than the ‘crazy busy’ we experienced post lockdown.  The return to school slowed things as normal, but October has seen a regular flow of valuations and offers.  Biggest issue the market faces is getting agreed sales through to completion with solicitors and conveyancers inundated with work with many continuing to work remotely.  It’s often said that the hard work for an agent starts once a sale is agreed – checking chains, communicating with all parties, holding hands and mopping brows!

The Stamp duty holiday is due to end by the end of March 2021, so whilst the run up to  Christmas traditionally sees the market quieten, vendors and buyers need to be consider this given completions can take 2-3 months post agreement of sale.

Give us a call to arrange a valuation or a viewing.

Unprecedented times.  As the lockdown was eased the market went absolutely crazy.  Pent up demand, sadly, people separating and the normal activity seen in the rental market have all fuelled what has been an extraordinary period where demand has outstripped supply hugely.  It’s been very difficult to cope with the volume of enquiries – we had nearly 100 enquiries for one of our rental properties!

Add in yet more legislative changes – introduction of electrical safety legislation and temporary Covid-19 related legislation and it has proved a very challenging time to manage this busy market.

Very keen to hear from landlords looking to let their properties …. the demand is most definitely there!

Unprecedented times.  As the lockdown was eased the market went absolutely crazy.  Pent up demand, sadly, people separating and the normal activity seen in the rental market have all fuelled what has been an extraordinary period where demand has outstripped supply hugely.  It’s been very difficult to cope with the volume of enquiries – we had nearly 100 enquiries for one of our rental properties!

Add in yet more legislative changes – introduction of electrical safety legislation and temporary Covid-19 related legislation and it has proved a very challenging time to manage this busy market.

Very keen to hear from landlords looking to let their properties …. the demand is most definitely there!