Lettings Market Updates & Property Advice!

Welcome to the April edition of the Greenstone newsletter.

This month we discover:

- Is April still a good time to consider selling your home?

- Five key questions every homebuyer should ask before signing on the dotted line

- A complete guide to finding the ideal pet-friendly property as a tenant

- How the pandemic completely changed our homes

We hope you enjoy this months edition. We also provide property tips, insights, and updates on our social media channels which you can click to follow at the end of our newsletter. As always, please get in touch if you have any property queries.

Best regards

Lewis Green, Director

Your stamp duty and mortgage holiday questions answered

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Warwick Avenue, Maida Vale, W9

Presented in a very good condition throughout and arranged on the raised ground floor of a period conversion, this luxurious apartment comprises a reception room, modern fully fitted kitchen with new appliances, two bedrooms with a bright interior and a beautifully tiled bathroom.

Price: £899,000.00

Click here to read Warwick Avenue, Maida Vale, W9.

Hall Road, St John's Wood, NW8

We are delighted to bring to the market this well-presented apartment situated within this ever-popular portered purpose block. The apartment ( circa 664 sq ft / 61.7 sq m) is offered in excellent condition and offers a light and spacious reception with views over the communal garden, a separate fitted kitchen...

Price: £800,000.00

Click here to read Hall Road, St John's Wood, NW8.

Is April still a good time to sell your home?

The predicted spike in buyer demand is getting into full swing. Spring has always been a great time to sell, as buyers look to settle into their new home in time for the summer.

According to recent data from a well-known property portal, valuation requests have shot up by 27% compared to the same period last year. While March lived up to its reputation as the strongest month for sales, April is a close second as buyers continue to compete for homes. *

If you’re hoping to sell, you may also be on the hunt for a new home. To land your dream home, it’s crucial to be able to make a serious offer. That means getting your property spruced up and ready for its time on the market.

Don’t forget that many buyers now prioritise outdoor space to enjoy in the warmer months, so if your home has got it, flaunt it!

Make sure you are prepared for your April sale by contacting our team of experts.

*Rightmove

Five key questions every homebuyer should ask

From assessing your finances to booking a viewing, you have a lot to think about when searching for your dream home. By asking a few key questions, you can be confident you’ve chosen the right property.

Here are five to start with:

1. Has the property been on the market for a long time?

It’s normal for a home to take a few months to sell. After that, you may need to dig a little deeper to discover why the property has been on the market a little longer than usual.

By pressing for more information, you could save yourself any worries in the long run.

2. Have there been any significant alterations?

It’s always a good idea to check what renovations or extensions have taken place over the years. Of course, we recommend having any property professionally surveyed before signing on the dotted line.

3. What is staying with the property?

When you set your heart on a home, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture and forget about the finer details. Do you know what the current owners are leaving behind? How will this affect your moving arrangements and budget? Make sure any remaining items are listed in the contract to avoid any potential delays further down the line.

4. What are the likely running costs?

Pay close attention to hard-to-control factors such as the council tax band. Also, check the average utility costs in the area and think about how you’ll heat your home. Location can be a consideration, especially if you're moving to a more rural area. In this case, factoring in any increased travel costs is a good idea.

5. Are there any issues with the neighbours?

The seller must give a true account of any disputes, from disagreements over boundary lines, to formal noise complaints. While their answer may not stop you from buying, forewarned is forearmed.

Ready to start the search for a new home? We have some fantastic properties available to browse here.

If you are struggling to find what you are searching for, contact us with your requirements and we will suggest the best matches for you.

Are you a tenant on the hunt for a pet-friendly property?

Did you know? April 1st marks the start of National Pet Month! For tenants with pets, the search for a property can be a little more time-consuming and tedious. It’s important to remember that you must always get consent from your landlord before keeping a pet in the property. Failure to do so could result in you getting into trouble with your landlord.

If you are on the hunt for a property with a furry friend in tow, here are our top tips to help you secure your ideal rental home:

Plan ahead

There is now more availability when it comes to pet-friendly rentals. However, in the current market, the imbalance between supply and demand means rental properties are being snapped up very quickly.

We would suggest beginning your search around eight weeks before you intend or need to move out of your current property.

Create a file for your pet

While some landlords may initially say no to pets, if there is a chance they can be persuaded, it is best to provide them with your pet’s medical details and a reference from your previous landlord to show that your pet caused no issues throughout your tenancy with them.

Have your landlord meet your furry friend

This is often only relevant to tenants with dogs. It does, however, put your landlord's mind at ease knowing your pet gets along well with the other people in the house and is well-behaved.

Are you on the hunt for a pet-friendly rental home? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you.

How the pandemic has changed our homes

The lockdowns and social restrictions that followed in the wake of COVID-19 had some interesting consequences for Britain’s homes. Almost nine-million bedrooms have been repurposed to adapt to our rapidly changing lifestyles. A survey of 2,000 households found that 53% of UK homeowners transformed one bedroom, while 22% sacrificed more than one.*

Given the surge in home working during the pandemic, it’s not surprising that just under half chose to prioritise finding space for a home office. According to the survey, most people wish to keep this setup as flexible working remains the norm. Staying active and enjoying nights in were also popular reasons for repurposing bedrooms. Since March 2020, Brits have created over one million gyms, with home bars, cinemas, and music rooms close behind.

Despite this radical alteration in how we use our homes, 55% of owners feel they have compromised in other areas. Those surveyed often mentioned lacking room for guests and having less privacy. 11% even said their children must now share a bedroom.

Younger people with smaller properties particularly feel the pinch when it comes to space. Combined with long-term lifestyle trends and post-pandemic priorities, this pressure means that almost one-third of people may be looking to up-size soon.

With demand for homes still high, and the spring peak well underway, now is a great time to sell. Since the pandemic, property prices have been steadily rising, so make sure you contact us for an up-to-date valuation.

*Opinium Research