30 January 2021

RETFORD PROPERTY MARKET - The Most Popular Areas & Top Selling Properties

Looking at the number of completed property sales in 2020 the number of transactions were down 42% compared to 2019. No surprises, but still a lot of activity during a pandemic.

These are the actual transactions fully completed and filed with the Land Registry.
I’m sure there are many sales that were agreed in the later part of 2020 but are still in the pipeline awaiting completion.

2020 Property Sales

Popular Villages

During 2020 the villages with the most property sales were the ever popular locations:   

North Leverton 
Ranskill 
Sutton 
North Wheatley

Popular Streets/Areas in Retford

The highest number of sales were the new build properties in Hawfinch Meadows (DN22 7ZS) and Snowden Drive (DN22 7ZU)

Most Expensive Residential Properties

The properties with the highest sales prices in 2020 in our area were:

RoseHouse, Rose Meadows, Barnby Moor for £975,000

Nutmegs, Low Street, Torworth for £842,500

Ordsall Lodge, London Road for £740,000

Greenacres,Rampton Lane, South Leverton for £680,000

In the coming months we will look at the most popular streets in Retford.

Thanks for reading

The Good Estate Agent - North Nottinghamshire.

I help sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants.
If you need help please drop me a message.

geraldbowers@thegoodea.co.uk
01777 237310  Messages to 07981 744003 

Visit my Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/thegoodestateagentnorthnottinghamshire

16 January 2021

You could have a RIGHT TO BUY Derelict or Unused Buildings and Land plots

 

 

I’m sure we have all commented at some time ‘’What are they going to do with that?’’ or ‘’Look at that eyesore…about time the council did something with it.’’

Today the government has announced a major step forward to provide the public with an opportunity to buy derelict, unused buildings and land plots currently owned by local authorities or other public sector organisations.

Do you know of any derelict buildings or land plots owned by a local authority or other public sector organisation?

Maybe there is a plot of land owned by a local authority at the bottom of your garden?

Well now you can do something about it. You could also buy it if you wanted. A group or charity organisation could claim the right to buy it.

HOW?

New Right to Regenerate will enable the public to require councils and public sector organisations to sell unused land and assets

Proposals for the public to have first right of refusal to purchase underused land in England

Land to be sold by default, unless compelling reason not to

Making it simpler, quicker and easier for public to transform vacant land and derelict buildings into homes, businesses or community spaces

This is a very bold step by the government and I’m sure many local authorities will find it challenging.

The public will be able to convert vacant plots of land and derelict buildings into new homes or community spaces, under plans announced today (16 January 2021) by the Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick MP.

The ‘Right to Regenerate’ proposals would make it easier to challenge councils and other public organisations to release land for redevelopment – helping communities make better use of public land and give a new lease of life to unloved buildings.

Underused public land could be sold to individuals or communities by default, unless there is a compelling reason the owner should hold onto it.

Under the proposals, public bodies would need to have clear plans for land in the near future, even if only a temporary use before later development – if the land is kept for too long without being used, they would be required to sell it.

These measures provide an opportunity for the public and local communities to redevelop and transform eyesores, taking control of unused local land or buildings and transforming them into something they want in their area.

This builds on the government’s drive to encourage development on brownfield land and more beautiful buildings that are in line with local preferences.

The strengthened rights would also apply to unused publicly owned social housing and garages providing opportunities to transform the local housing stock.

The latest figures show there were over 25,000 vacant council owned homes and according to recent FOI data over 100,000 empty council-owned garages last year.

The new process will be fast and simple, and the Secretary of State will act as an arbiter to ensure fairness and speedy outcomes in all cases.

Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:

Right to Regenerate is the simple way to turn public land into public good, with land sold by default, unless there is a very compelling reason not to do so.

We are cutting through red tape so that communities can make better use of available land and derelict buildings, which means more new homes, businesses and community assets.

Millions of people will now be able to buy that empty property, unused garage or parcel of land and turn it into something good for them and their community.

Tom Chance, Chief Executive of the National Community Land Trust Network, said:

We welcome these plans that could help communities to turn abandoned and neglected land and buildings into fantastic community assets.

There are hundreds of community land trusts across the country wanting to build much needed affordable housing, but getting hold of land at an affordable price is a huge barrier.

The potential for communities to be given first right of refusal could be a game changer. We encourage everyone to read through the proposals and respond to the consultation.

The ‘Right to Regenerate’ is a great-step forward to build on previous attempts at doing this and it will increase the chance for communities to come together to bring vacant land into the heart of the community.

In practice this could mean if a member of the public had an unused plot of land at the back of their house owned by the council, they could use the new Right to Regenerate.

If the land was determined to be underused with no plans to bring it into use, it would be sold and the person making the request could have first right of refusal to purchase – enabling them to extend their garden, or for the community to come together to use the land in a beneficial way.

See further information here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/right-to-regenerate-to-turn-derelict-buildings-into-homes-and-community-assets

Thanks for reading

The Good Estate Agent - North Nottinghamshire.

I help sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants.
If you think I might be able to help you please drop me a message.

geraldbowers@thegoodea.co.uk
01777 237310  Messages to 07981 744003 

 

Visit my Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/thegoodestateagentnorthnottinghamshire


08 January 2021

Important Information for LANDLORDS and TENANTS - What are your rights during lockdown?

 

Evictions ban to be extended for ANOTHER six weeks

It has not been easy for Landlords and Tenants during this pandemic.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced today that the current ban on bailiff evictions is to be extended for six weeks until 21st February 2021

“We are extending the ban on bailiff evictions – helping to protect the most vulnerable renters,” says Robert Jenrick.

The announcement, which has been widely expected, will not go down well among some landlords.

But the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) says it has secured some leeway from the government, in the form an exemption for landlords with arrears greater than six months, an improvement on the previous position of nine months’ rent arrears.

“The repossessions ban is a sticking plaster that will ultimately lead to more people losing their homes. It means tenants’ debts will continue to mount to the point where they have no hope of paying them off leading eventually to them having to leave their home,” says NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle

“Instead, the Government should recognise the crisis facing many tenants and take immediate action to enable them to pay their debts as is happening in Scotland and Wales. The objective should be to sustain tenancies in the long term and not just the short term.”

Robert Jenrick added: “This winter, we are continuing in this vein and redoubling our efforts to help those most in need.”

It appears most landlords and tenants have, on the whole, been working well together throughout the crisis to create payment plans and strategies that keep people in their homes.

However a further extension to the ban without additional provisions for landlords and tenants could be storing up even more trouble for the future.

Mark Hayward, Chief Policy Advisor for Propertymark, says: “In light of the recent lockdown, it is no surprise the UK Government has made today’s announcement, yet over the past few weeks the UK Government has held off updates about evictions to the sector making it impossible for agents to respond and plan for the difficult winter months ahead.

“The whole of the private rented sector has been impacted as a result of COVID-19 but we must recognise that the courts already faced a backlog of cases prior to the pandemic. Although the new mediation pilot will help it is important to take steps back towards normality so that both landlords and tenants have access to the justice system, while putting measures in place to offer further support to tenants who have built up COVID-related arrears through no fault of their own.”

Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Shelter, says: “You cannot follow the order to stay at home if you don’t have one – making the government’s decision to stop bailiffs from physically evicting people this winter the right call. While this ban doesn’t halt the evictions process entirely, it is the minimum required to keep more people safe in their homes.

“Even with the bailiff ban extended until February, we know people will still become homeless. The government’s extra £10 million for rough sleeping support and to make sure people are registered with a GP is very welcome and essential.”

Summary

Tenants cannot be evicted by a bailiff.

Landlords continue to be required to give 6-month notice periods to tenants except in the most serious circumstances. e.g. anti-social behaviour, illegal occupation, death of a tenant where the property is unoccupied, fraud, perpetrators of domestic abuse and extreme rent arrears equivalent to 6 months’ rent.

Tenants are advised to continue to pay rent. Those tenants suffering from loss of income can claim Universal Credit and seek help with rent payments.

Landlords and Tenants can negotiate a repayment plan to pay off arrears and continue the tenancy.

Tenants need to remember that many landlords have buy-to-let mortgages to pay.

None of us wants to see anyone homeless.

 

Read the official announcement in full.

Thanks for reading

The Good Estate Agent - North Nottinghamshire.

I help sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants.
If you think I might be able to help you please drop me a message.

geraldbowers@thegoodea.co.uk
01777 237310  Messages to 07981 744003 

Visit my Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/thegoodestateagentnorthnottinghamshire


07 January 2021

PROPERTY MARKET - What can you do during lockdown?

 


Retford Housing Market to stay open during lockdown

What can you do during the lockdown?

As England is in a new lockdown, the latest official guidance says that you are still able to move home throughout the lockdown, as long as you follow strict safety guidelines.

Can I move home?

Yes, the government’s official guidance says you can still move home and estate agents have been told they can continue to work.

In the latest guidance it says that carrying out activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting a residential property are reasonable excuses to leave home.

But the most important thing is that you follow the guidance to help everyone stay safe, and throughout last year agents changed how they operate to keep to these safety guidelines.

If you are already in the process of moving, people outside your household or support bubble should not help you move home unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Key things to consider are:

Use virtual viewings of properties where possible

Properties should be unoccupied when physical viewings take place

Follow government advice on social distancing during a viewing

The wearing of masks by all parties during a viewing

Practice good hand hygiene and ‘touch free’ viewings

Thoroughly clean properties before and after viewings

Can I put my home on the market?

Yes, you can put your home on the market and look for properties to buy or rent. However, if you or any member of your household is showing symptoms of coronavirus or is self-isolating, then estate agents and potential buyers should not visit your property in person.

Estate agents can still visit to take photos of your property, but of course, they need to follow the appropriate safety guidance. As usual, you should also start to gather together the necessary documents to sell your home.

To help prevent the spread of infection, the government recommends that you carry out initial property searches online, and only visit a property in person when you are seriously considering making an offer on it.

If you’re planning to buy a new-build property, you should contact the developer. You should be able to make an appointment to view the show home or visit the particular plot you are interested in purchasing.

Can I go on a property viewing?

Yes, if you’re looking to move home, you can continue going to viewings during lockdown.

But you should if possible ask for a virtual viewing first. It’ll reduce the number of viewings you have to go on, which will help minimise the spread of germs.

It could also save you time, because you’ll have a better idea of whether a house is worth seeing or not.

When viewing a property in person, make sure you wear a face mask, avoid touching surfaces, and wash your hands or use sanitiser before and after.

There shouldn’t be more than two households within the property at any one time, and viewings should only be arranged by appointment, so ‘open houses’ aren’t happening at the moment.

If you’re selling your home and are having interested buyers come around to have a look, open all the inside doors beforehand so they don’t have to touch the door handles.

It’s recommended that you’re not in the property during the viewing, and that you disinfect all surfaces after.

Can I book a removals firm?

Yes, removals firms are still able to do their jobs, but again, providing that all parties follow the safety guidelines.

It’s advised, however, that you do as much of the packing as you can yourself and give your belongings a quick spray or wipe-down with a disinfectant before they’re handled by someone else.

When the removals team is around, do your best to maintain distance and wash your hands regularly. Unfortunately you won’t be able to offer them refreshments – which of course they’ll understand.

It’s also recommended that you book your removals company as early as possible. In many areas they’re very busy and it may be a challenge for you to find one available at a short notice.

I’m in the middle of buying a home, should I expect any delays during lockdown?

It’s possible that in some areas the conveyancing process will be slower than usual right now.

This is because some solicitors and agents may be operating at limited capacity, or are very busy working through deals that have stacked up since last year.

If you’re about to enter into a legally binding contract, you should discuss the possible implications if someone has to self-isolate or quarantine.  Ask your legal representative if they can include provisions to manage these risks in the contracts.

If someone in your household – or the other party’s – begins to show any Covid or flu-like symptoms just as you’re about to complete, you should postpone things by a few weeks.

The government says we should all remain flexible in this sort of scenario, so it would be ideal if your contracts can reflect that.

I’m a renter, can I still move home?

Yes, renters can still look for properties and move homes.

Cleaners are also still allowed to carry out work in your home, so if you need to bring in a professional cleaner before the end of your tenancy, you’re allowed to do so.

Renters should follow the same safety guidance that applies to buyers during this period, such as doing online viewings first, and you can find the official advice in full, here.

Can tradespeople come out to my home to carry out work?

The current rules do allow tradespeople to carry out work in your home, as long as they have no coronavirus symptoms and are following all the necessary safety guidance.

However, it’s worthwhile making sure you’ve covered all bases to ensure you keep yourself, anyone else in your household, and the people carrying out the works, safe.

For example, ahead of the work starting you should ask:

Does anyone involved have symptoms of the virus?

Is there anyone with underlying health conditions in the property?

Are there any sick or elderly people living there who could be affected?

Could anyone entering the property impact on the health of anyone living in it?

Will anyone visiting, such as a surveyor or tradesperson, be affected by working in my home?

Will all the people working in the home be wearing the correct PPE (personal protective equipment)?

In addition, traders should not go to homes of anyone who is self-isolating or at risk from the virus.

However, if the work you are having done is not urgent, you may want to reschedule it for a more convenient time.

I’m in the middle of a renovation, can it continue?

Yes, renovation work can still continue during this lockdown period. Tradespeople are able to enter your home – providing all parties follow the Covid safety guidance.

If anyone in your household is self-isolating or is showing symptoms of the virus, all works should be rescheduled until it’s safe to resume.

The same goes for any tradespeople due to be working in your home.

To help ensure that all parties remain as safe as possible during the renovation, you should:

Keep your distance from any visitors and avoid physical contact

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitiser

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your hands

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home such as door handles, light switches and your kettle

Is the housing market busier than usual?

The housing market has been extremely busy since it first re-opened again in the middle of 2020, and this increased demand for property has continued into the first few days of 2021.

Thanks for reading

The Good Estate Agent - North Nottinghamshire.

I help sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants.
If you think I might be able to help you please drop me a message.

geraldbowers@thegoodea.co.uk
01777 237310  Messages to 07981 744003 

 

Visit my Facebook Page


01 January 2021

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021 - RETFORD


Greetings for a Great New Year 2021 from the Retford Property Blog and The Good Estate Agent here in North Nottinghamshire

The Good Estate Agent - North Nottinghamshire.

Helping sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants.
If you think we might be able to help you please drop us a message.

geraldbowers@thegoodea.co.uk
01777 237310  Messages to 07981 744003 

Visit our Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/thegoodestateagentnorthnottinghamshire