The latest from Royston & Lund: Property News

In this months edition, we take a look back at how house prices have soared in 2020 and what this could mean for the housing market going into 2021. As we enter the festive period we give you all our top tips for moving at Christmas as well as some creative ways to get your home festive this month.

Finally, we help you accomplish all your renovations this December by taking a look at how you can make the most out of a small kitchen.

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

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.

House prices soar in 2020

Since the start of the year, house prices have soared 7.5%, adding – on average – up to £18,000 to a property's value.

This latest analysis from Halifax is welcome news to homeowners looking to sell, as it provides many with an incredible incentive to reap the benefits this winter.

After initial concerns around the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on the housing market, we're now seeing the average house price rise to a record-high of £250,457 outside London.

What is behind this price jump?

Over the country's first lockdown, pent-up demand reached new heights, meaning that when the market reopened in May, buyers and sellers were quick to react.

Paired with the introduction of the stamp duty holiday, this has caused a tremendous surge in the amount of people hoping to buy or sell this year.

Looking back on the second lockdown, it's clear to see activity hasn't been dampened by the reintroduction of tougher measures – especially considering that the market remained open and active this time around.

In the following weeks and months, the stamp duty holiday will prompt buyers to tie up deals before the deadline at the end of March 2021, with savings of up to £15,000 on offer.

Whilst it's unclear how the government will respond next to the pandemic, many property experts remain convinced that the property market will only grow.

With prices soaring and the stamp duty holiday enticing buyers to commit, this is truly a great time to sell.

To get your house valued by our professional experts, visit our website.

Top tips for moving at Christmas

Whether you're a seasoned mover or it's your first time, relocating to a new house is an extremely exciting process – even if there happen to be a couple of bumps along the way.

As you approach the final steps, everything will start snowballing.

So, given that the year we've had has added even more unknowns to the mix, we wanted to let you know what you should expect from a Christmas move in 2020.

Hopefully, with the use of our simple steps, you'll find the experience more manageable with fewer surprises.

Keep track of the forecast

Winter weather is notoriously unpredictable, and with the constant possibility we'll see snow, ice and heavy rain, it is important to check the forecast before the big day so you can adapt accordingly.

Enlisting the help of a removal firm could provide some peace of mind, as the additional support will shoulder some of the responsibility of transporting your belongings to your new home safely.

However, with the industry facing high demand, you might find it more challenging than usual to book for a time and date to suit your plans – especially during peak periods, like weekends.

It's also worth considering that you'll need to comply to social distancing measures, with restrictions on the help you can get from members not within your immediate bubble.

Be organised with boxes

One of the main causes of stress during the moving process is delegating which boxes to put in which room, as we're all familiar with losing key essentials until the last box has been unpacked.

A simple label or colour coding system can completely remove this stress – just remember to be specific.

Similarly, ensuring that you start packaging up your items with plenty of time to spare, and using packing materials such as bubble wrap, will make the whole experience seem seamless.

Notify everyone of your new address

With COVID-19 meaning the majority of us will be turning to online stores to purchase gifts this festive season, ensuring you change your delivery address in plenty of time will ensure you’re not chasing your parcels from one collection point to another.

Likewise, you may want to think about using the Royal Mail's redirect service, as you could lose track of letters, cards and gifts arriving to your previous address.

Inform your utility providers

As the colder weather hits, there is nothing more comforting than a hot chocolate or seasonal mulled wine by the fire.

To make sure this is still a possibility in your new home, remember to take meter readings and inform your providers that you are moving.

Depending on demand, your providers could take a couple of weeks to make the transition over, so informing them early on will mean you can step into a home that's set up and ready to go from the day you get your keys.

Prepare your household

For households with children and pets, you might find that a change of routine or surroundings can be stressful.

This impact can be lessened by pre-packing a box of essentials containing forms of entertainment, such as books or games for children, and your pets’ bed and favourite toys.

Before moving, it's essential you have updated the relevant identification tags or microchips for your cat and / or dog. Should they go missing in their new neighbourhood, this will help you to reunite with them that much sooner.

Enjoy!

Once all the hard work unpacking has been done, or you’ve had enough for the day – we won’t judge – it’s important to take stock and give yourself time to process and unwind.

This is a great time to get the board games or cheesy Christmas films out and spend time with the family, you’ve earned it!

To see what properties we've brought to market this winter, visit our website.

How to get your home ready for Christmas

With Christmas on its way, our homes will soon become the hub of the season.

When starting your preparations, it can be easy to quickly feel overburdened with a never-ending to do list of jobs around the home and supplies to buy.

Before the pressure mounts, we've provided a few simple steps to help you take each item step-by-step.

Decorating

Already in November, reports revealed that many households were decking their homes even earlier this year, in an effort to move 2020 along!

Putting up Christmas decorations is the official sign that the holidays are on their way.

Whether you're transforming your home into a winter wonderland, investing in a festive wreath or keeping it simple this December, it's important to include the whole family when dressing your house.

So grab the Baileys and start untangling the Christmas lights for the moment when everyone gathers around the tree!

One of the most effective decorations you can bring into your home is a scented candle, as a cost-effective and subtle way to add to your festive ambience.

Many people overlook the importance of getting the scent of your home right, especially when it comes to staging a property for viewings, such as using a mulled wine or winter berries smell in December.

Preparing the kitchen

With Christmas dinner one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for Brits, it's key to be as organised as possible!

That way, you can avoid spending the entire day tucked away finalising kitchen preparations and clean-ups.

Give yourself as much space as possible by clearing surfaces in the weeks running up to Christmas. With plenty of seasonal recipes to choose from, it's also worth considering doing as much of the work as you can before the big day arrives.

With the promise of leniency on the number of households able to meet, you may also need to stock up on alcohol and desserts to reduce the amount of shop runs needed, with enough glasses and cutlery to serve everyone.

On Christmas day, the kitchen can be a natural place for family members to gather. By setting up a drinks table away from where you are preparing food, they can celebrate with you whilst keeping out of the way.

Outdoor decorations

Fairy lights are often the most common type of outside decoration and can be placed along your gutting, windows or plants – making your house light up at night.

Other effective decorations can also include light-up wreaths for your front door, adding a festive look during the day and night.

If you're thinking of bringing your property onto the market in the new year, book a consultation with our agents to find out how we can help.

How to make the most of a small kitchen

Having gone through two lockdowns, the most desirable factor that's attracting attention from buyers and tenants right now is a property with plenty of space.

Compared to houses built in the 1960s, new homes are now designed with smaller kitchens; dropping by 2.77m²on average across the UK.*

As a central room, it's really important that you're maximising value from your kitchen, whether it's because you're making a move or simply in preparation for the festive season ahead.

You want your kitchen to be practical and attractive, which requires innovative design ideas and creative storage solutions.

To help you accomplish your renovations this December, we've brought you our top suggestions for making a small kitchen feel spacious and inviting.

Take off the doors

You would be surprised at how much space traditional swinging doors take up.

If it opens outwards, the kitchen door might not be as much of a problem, but if it swings into the kitchen, that could mean you're losing up to a square metre of usable space.

Go for a light colour scheme

As an effective, quick fix to make a small kitchen feel bigger, opt for a neutral colour scheme.

Neutral does not mean just sticking to shades of white and cream, why not try white patterned tiles and marble counter tops with a light grey cabinet?

This will bounce the light around, making it feel much more spacious than you would find with a darker colour palette.

Install a small breakfast bar

If there is no room for a dining table in your kitchen, consider sacrificing a few cabinets to squeeze in a small breakfast bar.

Or you could even consider using a wide shelf on the wall for an alternative table space – the stools can even be tucked underneath to avoid being in the way.

Work your way up the wall

When surface and floor space is limited, it is a good hack to use up wall space too.

Install shelves, rods and notice boards to take the utensils and clutter from your workspaces and onto the walls instead.

Adding plants and more lighting will also brighten up the room, creating the illusion of openness.

Make use of the space around your fridge and oven

Even if you only have a slither of space between the wall and your fridge or oven, you could think about making a hidden rolling cupboard; perfect for storing cans, spices and dry food.

Invest in an over-the-sink cutting board

For kitchens that are tight on surface space, an over-the-sink cutting board is a good way to take advantage of the whole area available.

It is also a practical way to wash your fruit and veg without making a mess.

Take advantage of the end of counter space

Rather than keeping this free, take full advantage.

Why not install a bathroom rod to hang your saucepans on so it frees up another cupboard for other things. If they are nice pans, it also adds to the aesthetic of your homely kitchen!

Find a new home for your washing machine

The kitchen is an obvious place for the washing machine but in European countries outside of the UK, you are more likely to find them in the bathroom.

If you are stuck for space, why not relocate your laundry appliances somewhere else in your home, perhaps the bathroom or a cupboard under the stairs.

*Source: LABC Warranty