The latest from Royston & Lund: Property News

Welcome to the latest edition of the Royston & Lund property market newsletter. We're pleased to be bringing you all the latest property industry news.

This month we explore:

- How the pandemic has changed the property market

- Tips to save for a deposit as a first-time buyer

- Five key steps to overcome the January blues

- Top tips to get you started on your home renovations

If you are considering selling your home in 2022, our expert team would be delighted to offer you a free, no obligation valuation.

Book your appointment here.

If you have any questions about your property circumstances please contact us below.

Richardson Gardens, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford

A small development of only four Brand New detached properties built by Swallow Hill Homes overlooking the Nottingham Forest training ground.

We're holding an open day for the last 2 remaining homes for sale on a small development of 4 properties.

OPEN DAY Saturday 22nd February 2020 (by appointment only).

Richardson Gardens, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford

Guide Price from £500,000 to £525,000

The properties are built to a high specification over two and three floors and are offered to the market with completion on plots 3 and 4 early Autumn 2020.

Swallow Hill Homes have been creating homes since 2005 and are a local company based in Beeston who employ their own team of builders. Building 5-10 properties a year, they ensure high standards and focus on constructing good quality houses using high quality materials.

On this development they are building using Staffordshire blue bricks on the ground floor, render on the upper floors, and slate grey windows & roof tiles for a crisp modern vernacular.

Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to purchase one of these fantastic houses in such a sought after location.

For more information about this development, please contact our sales team on: 0115 981 1888 or sales@royston-lund.co.uk

Sleeping Beauty

Thursday 20th - Saturday 22nd February

Click here to read Sleeping Beauty.

Celebrating Shakespeare

Monday 24th February - Saturday 7th March

Click here to read Celebrating Shakespeare.

Rushcliffe 10k

Sunday 1st March

Click here to read Rushcliffe 10k.

Richardson Gardens, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford

We're holding an open day for the last 2 remaining homes for sale on a small development of 4 properties.

OPEN DAY Saturday 22nd February 2020 (by appointment only).

Richardson Gardens, Wilford Lane, West Bridgford

Guide Price from £500,000 to £525,000

The properties are built to a high specification over two and three floors by Swallow Hill Homes.

On this development they are building using Staffordshire blue bricks on the ground floor, render on the upper floors, and slate grey windows & roof tiles for a crisp modern vernacular.

Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to purchase one of these fantastic houses in such a sought after location.

For more information about this development, please contact our sales team on:

0115 981 1888 or sales@royston-lund.co.uk

Have you seen us on social media?

Did you know that we're always active on social media! We have a Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts where we love to share our passion for property with you all!

We use our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to share a bundle of information to support you in your property journey. You'll find:

The latest property market news
Our local insights
Event updates
Top tips
Property guidance
Coming soon spoilers
Featured properties
New listings
Properties back on the market

There's lots happening so don't miss out! To be transported to our pages please follow the links below:

Our West Bridgford Sales Department have welcomed two new experienced Sales Negotiators to the team!

Since the property market “re-opened” on the 13th May, we have witnessed the market bounce back in a way we could not have imagined. Enquiries and transaction have continued to increase as the market has continued to grow. In order to assist with the high volume of clients looking to buy and sell, we are delighted to have recently welcomed both Deborah Unwin and Kirsty Marcer to the team.

Deborah and Kirsty have been working in the property industry for many years and will bring an abundance of experience to Royston & Lund. With a combined total of almost 40 years experience between them we know that our newest team members will be fully competent in aiding you with your next property sale or purchase.

If you are considering bringing your home to market you are sure to achieve a quick sale in the current market conditions. You can contact Deborah or Kirsty on 0115 981 1888 or by emailing sales@royston-lund.co.uk

Foxfield Way, West Bridgford

2 or 3 Bedroom Semi Detached Homes

Shared Ownership £120,000

Shared Ownership option of 35% - 75%

Two or three bedroom semi detached houses developed by Linden Homes, located in West. Multiple plots are available - please call us for further information.

Click here to read Foxfield Way, West Bridgford.

Caudale Court, Gamston

2 Bedroom Apartment

Shared Ownership £80,000

Shared Ownership option 50% - 100%

A spacious two double bedroom apartment situated in the sought after Gamston development close to the centre of West Bridgford.

Click here to read Caudale Court, Gamston.

Hornbeam Close, Edwalton

3 Bedroom Terraced House

Shared Ownership £96,250

35% - 75% Shared Ownership Option Available

A three bedroom house developed by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes. Designed with family living in mind, providing the calm of the countryside and the bright lights of the city.

Click here to read Hornbeam Close, Edwalton.

Wenlock Drive, West Bridgford

2 Bedroom Apartment

Shared Ownership £155,000

50% Shared Ownership Option Available

A well presented two bedroom second floor leasehold apartment situated on the sought after "Square" development in the desirable suburb of West Bridgford.

Click here to read Wenlock Drive, West Bridgford.

Help to Buy scheme helps make 290,000 buyers homeowners

The Help to Buy scheme was introduced by the government with the aim of helping first-time buyers get onto the property ladder; designed mainly to overcome the barrier of people not being able to save a large enough deposit to qualify them for a mortgage loan.

Help to Buy allows buyers to purchase a new build home with just a 5% deposit, it is then topped up by the government with a 20% equity loan that is interest-free for five years.

The number of homes bought using the scheme has increased year-on-year, with over 290,000 buyers having benefitted since it first launched.

Who has benefited from Help to Buy?

First-time buyers

Benefiting the most from the government's scheme has been first-time buyers, accounting for 82% of all purchases.

The average price of a property bought using the scheme is £279,995, with a typical household income of £53,218.

From April 1st, a new scheme has been launched that is only available exclusively to first-time buyers. As a result, regional price caps will be introduced on the value of properties that are purchased using the scheme.

These caps range from £186,100 in the North East to £437,600 in the South East and £600,000 in London. Below is a full list of the regional price caps for Help to Buy.

Region	Help to Buy price cap
North East	£186,100
North West	£224,400
Yorkshire and the Humber	£228,100
East Midlands	£261,900
West Midlands	£255,600
East of England	£407,400
London	£600,000
South East	£437,600
South West	£349,000

Buyers in London

For most of the country, the equity loan is capped at 20% of the property’s value.

However, in London, buyers can apply for an equity loan worth up to 40% of their property’s value.

Homeowners

Whilst those who already own a home or have previously done so have also benefited from Help to Buy, these have only accounted for around 18% of all purchases made using the scheme, with the typical home they bought much more expensive compared to first-time buyers.

It is important to remember that the Help to Buy scheme must only be used on your main residence and cannot be used to buy a second home or a buy-to-let property.

For key information on the 2013-2021 and 2021-2023 schemes, we'd advise referring to: gov.uk/government/publications/help-to-buy-equity-loan-buyers-guide

To start your property journey with us, please contact our team today.

Residential transactions increasing month on month

February saw a total of 147,050 residential transactions according to HMRC, which is a 23% increase from January’s total and a whopping 48.5% more than February 2020.

The cause of this surge seems to be as a result of the vaccine roll out, as well as the stamp duty holiday.

As transaction numbers increase month-on-month, we're able to see just how strong the market is, having shown tremendous resilience so far during the pandemic.

As buyers and sellers were previously rushing to meet the original stamp duty deadline, which should have seen savings end on March 31st, it's anticipated that even more sales will be agreed and records beaten over the next few months.

Whilst the stamp duty holiday as we know it will be in place until the end of June, offering up to £15,000 worth of savings, there will be homebuyers who benefit long after this date with a phased out easing that sees smaller savings until September.

Due to Brexit and then COVID-19, there have been delays and hesitations in the sector, with a number of us wanting to see a return of 'normality' before proceeding with any plans.

If you’re looking to start the buying or selling process in 2021, get in touch with our team today.

Thinking about investing in a buy-to-let property? All you need to know

Investing in a buy-to-let property is a dream that many of us will have at one point or another.

Property has always been a dependable investment option, with successful landlords able to set up their rentals to run like clockwork whilst benefitting from an additional source of income.

Before considering your first step, there are some key considerations to be aware of.

It won’t happen overnight

As much as we would like to say otherwise, having a buy-to-let property doesn’t just happen overnight.

Just like starting a new business venture, there are rules and regulations you need to comply with to protect yourself and your property.

Whilst some of these components can take time to understand and navigate, lettings agents like ourselves are fully equipped to guide you through all of the requirements.

Know the area you’re planning to invest in

It’s important to do your research on the area before signing on the dotted line, such as speaking to local agents about seasonal trends and rental yield opportunities.

Is it a hotspot for rental demand? Are there any attractive amenities, universities or transport links nearby that would appeal to tenants?

Ensure you can afford a buy-to-let deposit

Whilst a standard home can be secured with as little as 5% of the price of the property, a buy-to-let investment is usually much higher.

The average deposit is 25% for a buy-to-let mortgage.

It's also likely that your income will be evaluated, as you need to be earning at least £25,000 a year for most lenders.

Think about your target tenant

It’s important to put yourself in the shoes of a tenant and consider what they would want from a property.

Being a flexible landlord is key to ensure that tenants stay for longer, which is always great news for a landlord as you can minimise on void periods and secure your rental income.

When you have your buy-to-let property ready to market, it is a good idea to position your home based on the type of tenant you’re targeting, such as using the right communication methods to reach them.

For guidance on how to start your buy-to-let journey, get in touch with our experienced team.

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How the pandemic has changed the property market

COVID-19 has triggered widespread changes across the country – and the housing market is no exception.

Property sales have rocketed, which has been good news for those looking to sell.

Interestingly, the pandemic has also created some paradoxes in the market.

Rural regions have seen a massive spike in sales, as homeowners looked to escape to the country following the consecutive lockdowns.

A recent survey also concluded that people prioritise bigger gardens and proximity to green spaces more than they once did.

Broadband and mobile connectivity have also become more important as many workers go remote, either from choice or necessity.

Additionally, this home-based work trend has seen buyers prioritising transport links less – though this attitude may reverse as society slowly returns to normal.

Pandemic-induced lifestyle changes could affect the saleability of your property.

Luckily, just knowing what buyers are looking for can help you showcase the most appealing aspects of your home.

Since home hunters are increasingly browsing online and relying on virtual viewings, forward-thinking agencies like us have been busy adapting our marketing strategies to attract the right buyers.

Want to discover how we can maximise the value of your property? Just call our friendly team today.

*According to Zoopla’s January 2022 market data

Top tips for first-time buyers saving for a deposit

Buying your first home is an extremely poignant event in anyone’s life and being able to put down a significant deposit is vital to stand you in good stead for your future repayments.

However, in light of Covid-19, we appreciate that it can seem more daunting than ever to imagine yourself taking that step towards homeownership.

As your trusted local estate agent, with lots of first-time buyer experience, we have compiled these tips to support your saving goals this January.

Plan ahead

During your property purchasing journey, it is crucial to identify any additional funds that you may need along the moving process. 

Likewise, being aware of your monthly income and outgoings is extremely important in order to create a timescale for your saving journey.

Move back home

If your parents or family are not in a position to be able to support you financially with your property purchase, there are other ways they can help.

The vast majority of first-time buyers find it difficult to save for a deposit due to their monthly rental outgoings, so moving in with a friend or family member is a great option to reducing these costs.

Due to COVID, it is important that you check the most recent guidance before changing your living situation.

 
Downsize

If your current rent price per calendar month is slowing your deposit saving down, and you can’t move in with a family member or friend, then downsizing may help.

Looking for a property that is smaller could save you hundreds or even thousands over the span of your saving period.

Check your direct debits

Especially at this time of year, many of us will take out various subscriptions without continuing to need them beyond the first month.

As such, it is important to go over your direct debits and ensure that you are still using all of the services you are paying for.

In 2019, Brits spent £4 billion on unused gym memberships – and with the average monthly fee being £35 per person – the cost really adds up.*

This also goes for streaming services and club memberships that you may no longer use.

Whether you have your deposit ready to go, or you’re looking to downsize to save some extra money, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

*Daily Mail

Five steps to beat the January blues

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandably a difficult time for many of us to find the motivation to plan ahead and commit to seeing through our resolutions for a healthier, happier and more productive 2022.

Given the freezing temperatures and lack of sunlight, January can be the least productive month for many of us, leading to a period of hibernation that can last until spring.

To help you overcome this, we want to focus on realistic and achievable ways you can have a more successful start to the year.

Try something new

It goes without saying that once we form comfortable habits or routines, it can be a challenge to push ourselves into trying something different.

Comfort zones are the worst for stalling development, so why not try taking up a new hobby or focus on achieving a goal?

It doesn’t have to be something wild like climbing Mount Everest, in fact, it could be as simple as baking a new cake each week to develop a skill.

Treat yourself

Life can sometimes feel as if it is going at 100mph, so it’s important to press pause and just live in the moment every once in a while.

Even something as simple as unwinding by having a warm bubble bath once a week can be the key to recharging your batteries and getting you back on track.

Explore your surroundings

Staying cooped up inside will have a negative impact on your mental as well as physical health. So, even if it's just for a 30-minute session, try and stretch your legs outside once a day.

If you are working from home but would normally be commuting to work, use that time to take a break outside instead.

Start a new series with your loved ones

Pick something to bring the family closer and pace yourself with one or two episodes each week, if you're able to wait that long.

There’s really nothing better than getting cosy in blankets and looking forward to the next instalment!

Set “stick-able” resolutions

Whilst it's commendable to set ourselves high goals for the new year – such as exercising every day of the week – you need to make sure those resolutions can be met.

If you overreach, you'll quickly burn out of motivation and fail to make any progress.

Strip it back and aim for somewhere achievable. That way, you’ll feel more fulfilled and see real change much faster, which will then incentivise you to keep going!

To make progress with your property plans this year, talk to our team.

Is yourNew Year’s resolution to renovate your home?

Setting New Year’s resolutions is a long-lived tradition and many homeowners may be looking to set a property goal for 2022.

Investing in a home improvement project can be a great way to add value to your property, so could this be one of your resolutions this year?

If so, here are a few tips on how you can get started with your renovations...

Make a schedule

Before you begin your renovation, take a step back and create a plan you can stick to.

This will ensure you don’t commit yourself to too many tasks, allowing you to remain stress-free and organised.

Allow for extra-spending

Everyone loves to save money where possible. However, a stringent budget may cause your goals to fall short.

When renovating, include an extra allowance in your budget in case you need to overspend.

Take the time to carefully save so you don't find yourself struggling unnecessarily and focus on the little tasks which won’t demand too much expense.

Have goals that are measurable

When starting a project, it is natural to want to see immediate results.

Depending on just how much work is required, you might want to consider planning out key milestones that will signal when the next phase of development has been reached.

That way, you won't lose heart from any potential setbacks or delays.

Ensure you can’t forget your resolutions

Plaster reminders of tasks you need to complete all over your home, meaning you can’t miss or avoid them.

Whether it’s a big A3 poster or a post-it note on the computer, this will keep your goals fresh in your mind.

For more property ideas or inspiration, talk to our team today about the renovations that add real value to your home.

For Sale - Debdale Lane, Keyworth, Nottingham

Formerly two houses, the property has been meticulously designed and extended by the current owners whilst retaining period features such as original fireplaces and high ceilings to create a stunning residence offering incredible versatility with the accommodation...

£600,000

Click here to read For Sale - Debdale Lane, Keyworth, Nottingham.

For Sale - Trent Works, Wilford Crescent East

At ground floor, a large, open-plan kitchen, dining and living space opens out onto a west-facing terrace and garden. The first and second floors each have two large double bedrooms and a bathroom. Of course the bedrooms don't have to be used...

Guide Price £295,000

Click here to read For Sale - Trent Works, Wilford Crescent East.

To Let - West Place Court, West Bridgford

CONTEMPORARY THREE BEDROOMED SEMI DETACHED HOUSE IN CENTRAL WEST BRIDGFORD within a gated courtyard development. ***Landlord has advised that pets are not permitted in the property***

£1,100pcm

Click here to read To Let - West Place Court, West Bridgford.

To Let - Syon Park Close, West Bridgford

Well presented ground floor flat located in a popular residential area of West Bridgford. Property comprises of a living room, modern kitchen, two DOUBLE bedrooms and bathroom with sep. shower cubicle.

£750pcm

Click here to read To Let - Syon Park Close, West Bridgford.