With property portal Rightmove reporting more house sales across the country on one date in March than on any single day over the past ten years, Leamington estate agency ehB Residential says demand is outstripping supply in the town.

Interest in family homes with space for home working is accelerating, with the stamp duty holiday extension fuelling the desire to move to a new space.

Sales and prices have been on the rise for the past few months as the pandemic sees buyers re-evaluate their priorities.

The Rightmove statistic, that March 23 saw more sales UK wide than on any other single day in the past decade, comes as no surprise to ehB Residential office manager Clive Thompson.

We are pleased to report that since resuming activity at the end of May in line with the Government relaxing restrictions surrounding the property market, and following all the necessary safety guidelines, we have been inundated with activity. Our diaries have been full, with viewing requests, valuations and an abundance of new instructions coming to the market.

Thankfully all this activity has resulted in a very strong sales month for June, which we would be pleased with in any month, in any year, let alone as we start to come out of lockdown! We put this activity partly down to the past few months of lockdown having frustrated the plans of buyers this spring, who are now keen to get on with their plans for the year. Lockdown has crystallized what many people are looking for in a house, and buyers now keen to make the most of the summer, want to get on and make that move happen. Obviously our winning sales team and excellent marketing have also helped our client achieve some great results too!

So if you are thinking of moving this year, you may be surprised to hear this, but it could be now is a good time to get moving. With a wave of new instructions coming to the market and a strong desire to move, especially amongst those trading up to get on with it, it could be a good summer.

Please contact us to arrange an informal chat about selling your home.

01926 881144

Clive Thompson FNAEA CPEA, Office Manager

Here at ehB we are very pleased to say that we have recently experienced two exceptional sales months. August was our best month so far this year, having sold twice the amount we did in the same month the previous year. This was also followed by a very strong sales month in September, with October shaping up well too.

As a consequence we are in urgent need of more property to sell. Most buyers are frustrated at the lack of properties currently on the market, and so when a new instruction to the market which fits their criteria, they are often keen to crack on and try to secure a sale before they lose the opportunity.

We are currently looking for new instructions right across the market place, however we are particularly experiencing strong demand for Period two/three & four bedroomed town centre property’s, three/four bedroomed family semi's and larger four/five bedroomed period or detached property.

So if you are thinking of selling, and are unsure what to do – please call us on 01926 881144 to arrange an informal appraisal of your home, where we can discuss the marketing and advertising strategy for your home.

Clive Thompson FNAEA, CPEA, Office Manager

Welcome to the latest ehB Residential newsletter.

Summer has definitely arrived and the sunshine always cheers us up and lets us show off our extensive, available property listings in all their glory.

Whether you are buying, selling, renting or a landlord, please do get in touch to find out how we can help you with your property requirements.

Edward Bromwich, Managing Director

ehB are really delighted to report that 2019 has started with a bang. Despite mixed media messages surrounding the market, and in particular Brexit, we are pleased to say that we have had an exceptionally good sales month, with a high number of sales right across the price ranges. 

January can often be one of the best sales months of the year.  High levels of demand from potential buyers who have decided new year, new home and are eager to seek any new instructions that have come on to the market, together with those buyers who are yet to find a property from the previous year.

With stock levels remaining fairly low, we are finding when a correctly priced and advertised property is brought to the market there are good viewing levels and a swift response.

As agents, our experienced team have been working hard this month to negotiate successful offers between our clients and potential buyers, and therefore we are keen to seek more properties to satisfy demand. So if you are considering moving at this time of year, please do contact us so we can advise you of current market demands for your home and a suitable strategy for marketing and pricing. 

You might be surprised, we might find you a buyer sooner than you think!

In the old days the time between boxing day and new year was spent playing monopoly and going for brisk walks. Nowadays it’s spent surfing Rightmove looking for a new house. In fact, the week between Christmas and January 1^st is one of the busiest times of the year for the online house hunting portal!  So it makes sense if you’re thinking of selling, to have your house on the web during that period which means if you get an agent in to measure up, take photographs and prepare the sales details BEFORE Christmas, you’re ready for viewings as soon as the festive season is over - giving you a head start on the competition.

Why not give us a call now? We can do all the necessaries before you put up your Christmas tree. We won’t release the details onto Rightmove until that all-important week between Christmas and New Year. You could be in your new home by spring… while all the slow coaches are just thinking about getting out of the starting blocks!

We’re very excited to have been featured on Location, Location, Location. One important thing we noticed was that Phil and Kirstie were talking about how the lack of properties for sale in the town means that those which are available are snapped up at great speed.

September is traditionally the most popular time for people to put their houses on the market, combined with Phil and Kirstie’s conviction that there is simply not enough property to go around, means now is an ideal time to put yours up for sale. There are more buyers than sellers which means sellers are in an excellent position.

Phil and Kirstie rather fell in love with Leamington while they were filming - and pointed out that prices in the town had risen by 5.9% over the past year - the second highest rise in England - making house prices £94,000 above the national average.

Rightmove statistics show we were the highest performing estate agency in Leamington in terms of both new instructions and sales in the first half of 2018 – beating 53 other agencies to top place. Which means if you do want to test the market – we must be the best people to help you!

Whilst we would have preferred to see a reduction in Stamp Duty charges across the board - to take the brakes off the entire market and encourage down-sizers and second time buyers to make their move – it would be churlish not to welcome the relief of stamp duty for first time buyers buying at up to £300,000.

From a seller’s point of view, this could be an ideal opportunity to take advantage of the current scarcity of available first time buyer properties, and maybe secure a sale before the end of the year.

We’d be delighted to offer relevant professional advice, so please call us.

Edward Bromwich, Director

Rightmove votes Leamington Spa number 1 – happiest place to live!

At ehB we are not surprised that Leamington Spa continues to remain a highly desirable and popular place to live. The town centre boasts an attractive array of period houses of all sizes which in turn offer easy access to our impressive regency town centre. The town has a broad range of shops, with national brands as well many independent shops, restaurants, coffee shops and bars, together with number of pleasant landscaped parks and recreational facility’s which provide attractive places to walk and spend time.  

We simply see lots of buyers move to the area and then stay. Having found a town which offers many cultural, leisure facilities, good restaurants, coffee shops and parks, that is also both easy to travel to and from – you can see why many are proud to call Leamington Spa home.

So if you are thinking of selling, now is a good time. We have lots of buyers looking, with many buyers having recently relocated to Leamington keen to put down roots and enjoys it charms.  Call us now to book a informal market appraisal of your home.

Back to school  - in for Christmas!

With school holidays and buckets and spades firmly in the back of buyers minds, thoughts have returned to the Property market and getting moved.

Often Autumn can be a good time to sell, with many buyers keen to see what new instructions come to the market after a slightly quieter period over the summer. Buyers are eager to view anything new to the market, with a view to being moved in before Christmas.

If you are thinking of selling, please do contact us. We will give you a straightforward, no – obligation market appraisal of your home, and talk over the best way to market your home in order to achieve a move in timescales to suit you.

Clive Thompson, Office Manager

Summer Sales Up

We are pleased to report that the market in Leamington Spa, Warwick and surrounding remains strong this summer, with interest levels having risen after the election, with many buyers still keen to push on and find their next home.  The NAEA’s most recent housing market report which was released today, which is positively reporting according to member agents; demand for a housing increase by 10% in the last month, which is a 16% increase from June 2016.  The average number of sales per branch of NAEA members increased in June, with a healthy 30% of sales being to first time buyers – the highest recorded since January. At ehB, we are pleased to report a variety of sales right across the price ranges, however we are particularly pleased to have agreed a good number of sales towards the top end of market with highlights demand and confidence remains high. So if you are thinking of selling, now is as a good a time to call us out to give you a no obligation market appraisal and to discuss how we can best achieve a sale for you, within your timescale. 

As we move into the summer, with improving weather, longer evenings, and properties looking at their best as they come onto the market for sale, it is essential that you choose an Estate Agent  you can rely on to deal with one of your most important financial transactions. The experienced and highly qualified team at ehB Residential are perfectly placed to advise you on the different strategies that will help to sell your home. We take time to understand your requirements as well as those of potential buyers. Backed by our unrivalled marketing and presentation, our aim is to sell your property with the minimum of fuss and inconvenience - and once a property goes under offer, our team will work incredibly hard to ensure that the sale completes.  If you want to achieve the best possible price for your property, within your preferred timescale, please get in touch to see what ehB Residential can do for you.

Edward Bromwich, Managing Director

Is now a good time to list your home?

Although people tend to think that the housing market slows down at this time of year, EHB Residential are pleased to report a very strong and highly productive sales month in November. The market is still vibrant, with the most recent National Association of Estate Agents market report confirming high numbers of sales, particularly to first time buyers taking advantage of low interest rates, and with continuing high local employment and relocation into the area, confidence remains buoyant. As ever, the issue is that there are insufficient properties for sale to satisfy demand from buyers.

Did you know that Christmas Day and Boxing Day are two of the busiest days for property searches on Rightmove, with the Christmas week as a whole often being one of the busiest all year? Early in the New Year often proves to be a good time to sell, with buyers still looking from the previous year, and with fresh interest from new buyers who have just decided to start their search, all keen to see what New Instructions come onto the market.

In order to make the most of this spike in interest, this is an ideal opportunity to get your home ready for sale and to instruct us now before the Christmas decorations go up. We will start marketing and make sure your home is fresh onto the market for the week between Christmas and New Year, with a view to setting up viewings for the start of January.  We will not disturb you over the Christmas period if you don’t want us to.

Achieving a sale early in the New Year will put you in pole position to buy your next home as you’ll be ready to proceed when something suitable comes up.

To get ahead in 2017, contact us now to discuss your New Year move.

In this edition of our monthly newsletter we are focusing on NEW HOMES, and in particular five stunning but different developments that ehB New Homes are currently involved with. They range from a boutique development of 8 Apartments in Leamington Spa, a stunning new collection of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses for sale in Southam, a luxury Retirement Village set within the heart of the Leamington Spa conservation area, an award winning development of town houses and apartments and an exclusive development of only 4 ultra-luxe, through floor apartments from 2000sqft, both in North Leamington Spa. Each Development offers the buyer something different, however are linked by the New Build quality and superb design that can be found in all of them.For more information on any of these developments please visit www.ehbresidential.com or call 01926881144

A stunning new collection of 1 & 2 bed apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bed houses for sale in Southam. 

Downsizing is a big decision. With Audley you stay firmly in control, with complete freedom and independence to live the life you choose. You buy and own your own retirement property, in a beautiful and secure environment, and because it is your home, you don’t have to give up the things you love, including your pets. Plus, you have the added luxury of having your gardens and property maintained for you. 

Each cottage or apartment in one of Audley's retirement villages is sold with a lease of up to 125 years. It is your home, held as your own asset – and, of course, you are free to sell at any stage, on the open market. So you are able to enjoy the benefits of a continued investment in a property of your own.

Edward Bromwich, Director

Back to School – in for Christmas

Some of us may still be thinking about summer holidays rather than Christmas, but with September fast approaching it won’t be long before thoughts will turn to taking advantage of Autumn’s second wave of activity, with many buyers keen to find a home and move before the end of the year.

With holidays out of the way and children back at school, September heralds the start of another good period for selling, and we can see many reasons why the second half of 2016 will bear this out.

Despite some perceived recent fears around the market post-Brexit, we have seen an encouraging level of sales through the summer, with a high level of applicants registering in the hope of finding their dream home. With interest rates having dropped, local employment remaining very strong, and many buyers moving into Leamington & Warwick to take advantage of all the area has to offer,  the outlook remains positive. As a result we need more properties to sell to satisfy local demand.

Combining realistic pricing of your property with our carefully informed and proactive marketing approach, we would be confident of finding you a buyer in a timescale that suits your needs.

If you are thinking of moving, please call to organise a no obligation market appraisal of your home.

Scott Smith, Sales Manager

Brexit has passed and guess what….we are still here, still alive and still selling and letting houses! Whilst the immediate few days after the vote were filled with some uncertainty, we are happy to report that in Leamington Spa and Warwick it is ‘business as usual’. The last couple of weeks have seen both offices list plenty of new stock and agree sales on a number of properties ranging from one bedroom apartments to five bedroom country houses. Our New Homes clients are busy looking at new sites to develop and over the 2^nd half of this year we will be bringing some exciting new developments to the market. The lettings team have never been busier and with a healthy register of available rental properties there is certainly no let up in activity with many new listings being Let within 48 hours. With the summer months now around the corner and the sun (hopefully) shining why not give us a call to see how we can help.

Edward Bromwich, Director

The lettings market this year has seen a slightly slower start than we have experienced in previous years but the ever demanding ‘summer rush’ is most definitely upon us and coming at Agents with a vengeance. Market prices do seem to have levelled off and even though we are still experiencing a high supply and demand throughout the area, we are advising landlords to be slightly more realistic with the levels of rents - tenants are definitely becoming more market savvy and negotiations are becoming evident. With the EU Referendum just round the corner it is difficult to judge how the market is going to develop over the next few months but it is safe to say that the investors market is still strong and vibrant in Warwickshire... so let’s watch this space...

Is now the time to move?

As a nation we are currently considering whether to remain in or to leave the European Union and the impact that decision may have on all of our lives. As a potential seller, you may be considering whether to remain in your current home or to move, and if so, when is the right time to move?

We believe summer 2016 is as good a time to move as any. Within Leamington, Warwick and the surrounding areas we continue to experience a high level of demand for property, with all types of buyers keen to secure a home and many being frustrated by the low level of housing stock available for sale. Together with low interest rates and good local employment in this area, this is ensuring the local property market remains strong. Many of our sellers have found that if they are realistic regarding the pricing of their home, demand levels are high and we are able to achieve excellent sales prices.  

Some may be waiting on the result of the referendum, however whether we remain in or leave the EU, people will still want to, and need to, move home. We believe in the short term that there will be no significant change to the property market, with demand likely to continue to outstrip supply for the time being.  So, if you’re looking to move this Summer, we’d encourage you not to delay and put your home on the market now.

If you wish to move, please do contact us and we will be delighted to talk you through the current market and advise on the best way to sell your home in a timescale that suits you.

Clive Thompson, Office Manager

The UK property market started 2016 at a furious pace, but recently there has been a slight cooling down. Demand for property remains strong, however supply is still chronically low, so rather than a sudden slowdown, this is having the effect of a gradual return to a more normal rate of price growth. The market appears to be shifting slightly in the direction of a buyers market so sellers will need to  price competitively in order to get best results. The Brexit vote may lead some to proceed with caution, however due to the supply & demand imbalance and the low cost of borrowing, it is unlikely we will see a material decline in the market. 

Edward Bromwich, Managing Director

Is now the best time to sell your home? The year has got off to a good start, with an increased number of properties coming on to the market, and a consistently strong desire to buy now from a high level of purchasers. Whilst ehB is pleased to have agreed a good many sales, we urgently require more properties to satisfy demand.  We have been overwhelmed with demand from upsizing families, from first time buyers keen to get onto the ladder and from investors keen to capitalize on Leamington and Warwick’s booming rental market. Combine this with an ever increasing influx of people re-locating to the area and we can see that demand is outstripping supply.  The onset of spring kick starts so many things and the property market is no different. As the nights start to draw out and gardens come into bloom, an increasing sense of optimism prevails.  So the answer is “Yes!”.  Now definitely feels like the time to sell so if you’re thinking of moving, let us agree a dedicated positive marketing strategy with you and get your home onto the market. Contact us today to book your no obligation valuation and see if we can get you moving this spring.

Scott Smith, Sales Manager

Now is the time to sell. We are pleased to report that we have had a fantastic start to 2016 with many new instructions, a healthy number of new properties in the pipeline coming to the market and a high number of new buyers registering to begin their property search.  We believe now is the time to list your property to sell in order to take advantage of buyers waiting from last year, together with many new registered applicants. Currently the driving forces behind the market are, low interest rates, high levels of local employment, investors and second home owners keen to complete before the April stamp duty rise and a lack of available property to buy. All these factors are ensuring some excellent sales prices for our clients. Don't wait until the daffodils come out, list your property now. We believe at ehB, we have one of the most experienced and professional teams in Leamington and Warwick. We are well placed to offer you the service you deserve and the knowledge you require to ensure your next property transaction is a success. Call today to arrange your free market appraisal.

The rise of the internet has led to the end of the property market’s traditional Christmas slowdown – and could be set for a festive record this year. Data last year revealed a 20 per cent increase in the number of people searching for properties between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day compared with 2012 and that is expected to grow again. Leading Warwickshire agent, ehB Residential, which has offices in Leamington and Warwick, is predicting a busy New Year as house-hunters take to the internet during the festive season to find their dream home.

Edward Bromwich

Director

ehB has a New Homes department that looks after the specific needs of new build developers in the Warwickshire region. We deal with single plots through to major housing developments, with the ability to advise on all aspects of development incluidng land acquisition, planning, marketing and sales.

Our New Homes Department is a leader in new homes sales in the mid and south Warwickshire area. We have a long and proven track record with developers on a local, regional and national basis dealing with single properties, apartment schemes and larger housing developments.

Record Breakers! ehB Residential Lettings are delighted to report record trading figures for the last three months from our Leamington Spa office. We have seen a sustained and substantial increase in both fully managed and let only, ranging from 1 bed town centre apartments to 5 bed rural retreats. Having completed a comprehensive refurbishment of our Leamington Spa offices we have further strengthened our team with the appointment of Alison Morter to assist with the management and administration of our properties, and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss any requirements you may have. Gayl Tallis, Lettings Manager

Back to School – in for Christmas

Now is the time to list your home and find a buyer. Summer holidays will soon be over, buckets and spades, boogie boards and sun cream packed away for another year and attention will be returning to moving home in the second half of the year.

Many clients are making the most of strong prices, with many homes having benefitted from rising prices so far this year, low interest rates and a large number of good buyers moving into the area.  We have buyers registered and desperate to see any new instructions to the market. Why don’t you use this time to contact ehB to arrange a no obligation conversation where we can guide you on an appropriate asking price and the best marketing strategy to sell your home in a time scale that suits you, getting your home onto the market ready for the September rush?

Clive Thompson, Office Manager

Summer’s here! With such lovely weather at the moment many people might be asking “Is now the right time to sell?” We very much think that now is a good time. Buyers are keen to get out and view property in the sunshine, with houses and especially gardens often looking at their very best. We have a market which is in driven by a number of contributing factors. Firstly we have huge demand for property in and around Leamington, Warwick and the villages nearby, with people moving into the area and choosing South Warwickshire for their home. We also have a large number of local buyers deciding that now is the time to move up the property ladder, as well as older property owners downsizing, looking to cash in and achieve a good sale price. Yet despite all this activity, there is still a shortage of property for sale, which is in turn driving up demand and ultimately sale prices. And factoring in that borrowers are still enjoying low interest rates, with the base rate at a prolonged low level, many buyers are seizing the opportunity to take on a mortgage before rates change. As estate agents we are looking for new instructions to bring to market to meet this demand and would urge anybody who is considering moving home soon or in the not too distant future to do so now! Let our sales team guide you through the process of listing and selling your home, and then in assisting you with your onwards purchase. Make the most of the time of year with viewers wanting to go out and buy a home, and contact us today to arrange an informal no obligation meeting with a view to marketing your home.

Clive Thompson, Office Manager

 POST ELECTION BOUNCE?

Since the start of this year we have all been experiencing a vastly different market from this time last year due to demand outstripping supply.  Demand was most buoyant in early spring, but pre-election jitters stalled the market temporarily.  Now the election is well and truly over and we have a majority government in power, the question is, are we going to experience the post election bounce? Figures suggest that buyer affordability is now much improved with the annual rise in asking prices running at around 2.5%.  Therefore, with plentiful numbers of buyers on our database seeking properties to purchase, is it the right time to put your property on the market?  Perhaps we can help. EHB Residential are Warwick and Leamington Spa’s leading premier independent estate agent with a highly successful track record in Sales, Lettings and Property Management, Land and New Homes throughout the Warwickshire area.

Mark Wade, Director, Warwick Office

May to September is traditionally the busiest time in the lettings market and there is certainly a trend of people moving to the area and testing the market before buying. Our team, headed up by Gayl Tallis and Rachel Cooper, assisted by Julia Rogers very much look forward to talking to you.

It’s a very interesting time to be a Mortgage Adviser, and it’s great to support a quality Independent Estate Agent like ehB Residential. Mortgage rates have never been as low as this, regardless of deposit, the rates are very competitive in relation to previous years. I am seeing over 30 customers a month at the moment, and all of them are delighted with the monthly payment for their new mortgage proposal. Lenders are looking carefully at affordability, however picking the right lender has never been so important. A layman would imagine that all lenders would look at a situation/proposal in exactly the same way. This is definitely not the case since the new mortgage legislation in April 2014. At the moment all lenders are using Mortgage Advisers for at least 60% of their mortgage business, so it’s never been a better time to have a private chat with a professional Mortgage Adviser.  At GAM HLS we do not charge you a fee, so why not talk to us, and get the right deal for your future mortgage needs.

Gary Sharp

Independent Mortgage Adviser

01926 511115

“Buyers appreciate its many features including good shopping, with a variety of independent shops and major high street stores, and a large choice of restaurants and bars. Together with its fine parks, Regency architecture and excellent communication links, it seems many are falling for its charms and choosing it as a place to live. Local employment opportunities being so strong mean there is a huge influx of first time buyers, young families and professionals all looking for good homes to buy, and there are many investors keen to capitalise on both the strong rental market and capital growth that such a vibrant town generates. This is helping sellers to achieve strong sale prices for their homes, and is in turn helping to encourage both up-sizers and down-sizers to move on”.

Clive Thompson Office Manager - Leamington Spa

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We certainly welcome your feedback and comments and very much hope you enjoy this first edition!

Edward Bromwich BSc (Hons) MNAEA MARLA

Managing Director