Archive for December, 2023

Happy New Year

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We would like to wish all our clients and friends a very Happy New Year and a Happy and Healthy 2024!

As the New Year unfolds, may it bring you opportunities for growth, moments of joy, and the promise of brighter tomorrows. Here’s to embracing new beginnings, chasing dreams, and creating a year filled with happiness and success.

Thinking of selling your home? Get the ball rolling now, contact our team here . We are back in the office on 2nd January and ready to make your new home dreams a reality.

Quarterly Market Update

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Stay informed with our latest quarterly market report (Winter 2023), providing essential insights into house prices, market trends and conditions, and our regional activity.

For interesting stats on the recent activity in the market, you can grab a physical copy from our office or explore the convenient page turner version now at: Quarterly Market Update – Winter

Don’t miss out on the valuable information that can guide your decisions during your sale process.

We are a proud member of The Guild of Property Professionals, a unique network of 800+ Independent Estate Agents across the UK – We can promote your property far and wide thanks to our nationwide (and international) connections.

Please feel free to reach out to us for personalised advice and assistance in this ever-evolving real estate market. Find the right team for your needs here.

Merry Christmas

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Our office at 24 High Street, Wimbledon Village will close today from 12 noon. We will open as usual on 2nd January 2023.

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year from the team here at andrew scott robertson.

A quick look at the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey (November 2023)

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Every month the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) releases its UK Residential Market Survey, shedding light on the current state of the housing market across the UK.

This blog post is brought to you by our Chairman & Managing Director, John King, FRICS, who offers valuable insights from his experience here at andrew scott robertson in Wimbledon Village. He actively contributes hiscomments to the monthly survey for the London region.

KEY OUTTAKES FROM THE FULL RICS RESIDENTIAL MARKET SURVEY FOR NOVEMBER

The latest insights from the November 2023 RICS UK Residential Survey suggest a positively optimistic outlook, supported by a slight easing in mortgage rates.

Sales Market Highlights

New Buyer Enquiries

Positive feedback on new buyer enquiries has been observed across all UK regions, and locally in London, best-in-class properties are still selling well, due to competitive mortgage rates heading below 5%. The net balance for new buyer enquiries in November stood at -14%, this figure is the least negative since April 2022 indicating a potential uplift.

Agreed Sales

The national net balance for agreed sales improved by 12%, signalling an increase in the volume of sales. The average time to finalise a sale has also improved slightly due in part due to an improvement in efficiency.

New Instructions

The flow of new instructions onto the market has remained low in both October and November. Respondents report that the number of market appraisals is still below the levels seen twelve months ago. In London, although experiencing a slowdown in transactions due to a lack of stock, there is a sense of encouragement among both buyers and vendors.

House Prices

The survey’s indicator of house price trends posted a net balance of -43% in November. While still demonstrating a downward trend, this figure represents an improvement from -61%, suggesting a moderation in the pace of house price declines, particularly in several UK regions.

Lettings Market Insights

Tenant Demand

Tenant demand remains positive, although slightly easing compared to previous quarters, this is a seasonal change for this time of year.

Landlord Instructions

Landlord instructions remain on a decline, posting a net balance of -18% in November. Despite this and the modest dip in tenant demand, the lettings market maintains resilient, with projected rental price growth, indicating an ongoing demand-supply dynamic.

For more from the RICS UK Monthly Residential Market survey, you can download and read more 2023 reports here: https://www.rics.org/news-insights/market-surveys/uk-residential-market-survey

Please feel free to reach out to us for personalised advice and assistance in this ever-evolving real estate market.

Regards,

John KingFRICS

Our top tips for navigating Winter safely for tenants and landlords

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As the winter chill settles in, it’s crucial for both tenants and landlords to ensure a safe and cosy living environment. Below you’ll find our practical tips to navigate the incoming winter season smoothly.

Our top 5 winter tips for the well-being of your property: 
1) Damp proofing

Combat winter dampness by regularly wiping away condensation, especially around older wooden window frames. Utilise extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens, or leave a window slightly open after moisture-generating activities.

2) Protect your pipes

Contribute to pipe care by setting the heating to a low temperature, preventing freezing and aligning with potential tenancy agreement requirements.

3) Ice proofing

Keep a bag of salt on standby for freezing nights and consider crafting a snow clearing plan to prevent slippery situations around your property.

4) Safety first

Prioritise safety by choosing LED candles over traditional flames, reducing the risk of accidents.

5) Be prepared

Have emergency numbers on hand for locksmiths, plumbers, and other essential services. Being prepared for unexpected issues during the festive period provides peace of mind.

For our full guide on winter property maintenance, email Nicola to receive our detailed TENANTS MAINTENANCE GUIDE – Winter Edition PDF. Stay warm and secure throughout the festive period with more tips like these, including what to do if your boiler shows an E133 code, and what you can do to further secure your property if you’re going away.

The importance of good property management during the winter months

Property management plays a crucial role in maintaining your property’s well-being during the winter season. As expert Property Managers, we ensure that the homes in our care are always in top condition, by providing expert advice and support to landlords and being a reliable point of contact for tenants for any issues they may face. For more information on our property management services, feel welcome to contact Nicola Dixon directly on +44 (0)20 89714952 or via email on ndixon@as-r.co.uk.

We are proactive in management, we ensure tenants and landlords have everything they need to know. When you choose us, you benefit from our membership in ARLA, the Association of Residential Letting Agents, signifying our commitment to professionalism, ethical practices, and ongoing education.  

Here’s what tenants and landlords gain when we manage your property for you…

Expert guidance

Our ARLA certification assures tenants and landlords of expert guidance in navigating the complexities of the rental market.

Professionalism

We adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring a positive and transparent experience for both tenants and landlords.

Ethical practices

Our commitment to ethical practices means you can trust us to prioritise your well-being and satisfaction.

Ongoing education

We stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and regulations, providing tenants and landlords with the most relevant and valuable information.

Thinking of making a move?

If you are looking to Let or Rent a property in Wimbledon, Wimbledon Village, or the surrounding areas, we are here to help. Contact our experienced Lettings team on Tel. +44 (0)208 971 6780 or visit our team page here.

24 High Street,
Wimbledon Village,
London SW19 5DX

Tel: +44 (0)20 8971 6780
Fax: +44 (0)20 8946 3683