The latest from Tristram's Estate Agency

Welcome to the June edition of the Tristram's monthly newsletter, where we'll be sharing our updates and the latest news from the property market.

We start by sharing our predictions for the property market over the next few months following the pandemic, looking at the top projections that will continue to shape activity levels.

Are you a landlord needing some advice on managing your property through the eviction ban extension, find out more below.

Further into our newsletter, we share the new campaign launched by the government alerting new landlords of the danger of carbon monoxide.

Finally, we explore the key advantages of taking your property to auction, often resulting in a quick and easy sale.

We hope you enjoy this months edition. As always if you have any property queries please get in touch!

Carbon monoxide campaign to alert ‘new landlords’

 

The government has launched their ‘Carbon Monoxide Safe 4 Summer’ campaign, which has been put in place to highlight how dangerous carbon monoxide can be.

 

As part of this initiative, the government are looking to educate the sector on the dangers, particularly with new and / or short-let landlords.  

 

 

What is carbon monoxide?

 

Incomplete combustion (when the fuel does not burn fully) can cause formation of odourless, colourless gas. This gas is carbon monoxide.

 

Carbon monoxide can displace oxygen in the human body and lead to poisoning. Because it does not smell and you cannot see it, it can be very difficult to detect.

 

 

Knowing the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

 

Tension headaches are the most common symptom, however, other indicators of carbon monoxide poisoning may include: dizziness, feeling and being sick, tiredness and confusion, stomach pain, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

 

As these are relatively common symptoms, people may get them for any number of reasons, and this can make spotting carbon monoxide poisoning very difficult – especially at low level exposure.

 

 

What measures can you take to keep safe?

 

If you have fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace or an attached garage, you should look to install carbon monoxide detectors.

 

- Check or change batteries in carbon monoxide detectors every six months.

 

- Keep vents and flues free of debris.

 

- Never leave the engine running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.

 

- Ensure any fireplaces or fuel burning appliances are fitted by a professional.

 

- At least once a year, have a qualified professional inspect your fuel-burning devices to make sure they continue to operate properly.

 

 

Learn more about carbon monoxide poisoning here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/

 

For advice on renting out your property, contact us today.

 

 

 

Is selling at auction the right choice for me?

 

Selling at auction can mean a quick and easy sale, with excited bidders driving up the price of your home. But is it right for you?

 

Whilst we know selling at auction might not be for everyone, there are some key advantages if you've been thinking about this approach for your next sale.

 

Speed

 

One of the top reasons that homeowners opt for auctions is the speed of the process, which can take a matter of weeks once a property has been sold to complete.

 

Higher price

 

With your agent by your side, it's crucial to maximise the value from your marketing strategy.

 

The more interest you can drum up, the more competitive the bidding between interested parties, and all of this will ensure you receive the best possible price for your home.

 

Guaranteed closure

 

Unlike with traditional sales, there's a reduced risk of auction sales from falling through.

 

This is because the necessary checks and paperwork are completed beforehand, so when the gavel falls, the contracts have been exchanged.

 

Complete transparency

 

Each bid is made in public so the seller is fully aware of everything as it unfolds, and with a minimum reservice price, you don't need to worry about selling for under market value.

 

Who is best suited to selling at auctions?

 

Typically preferred by investors, homeowners looking to expediate the process also opt to sell at auction, where needed.

 

 

Want more information about selling at auction? Contact our team today.

 

 

 

Local Businesses, we want you!

 

At Tristram's we offer our tenants an exclusive discounts portal which offers discounts on many businesses such as restaurants and retail stores. Within the company we manage 1000's of tenants who all have access to these discounts and we would like to get local businesses involved too!

 

By offering the tenants a discount of your choosing, we can add you to the portal to help drive traffic from our local tenants to your local business.

 

If you are interested in promoting your business on our portal, please get in touch at office@tristrams.uk.com.

 

#supportlocal

The impact of COVID-19 on the buy-to-let market 

 

Since the pandemic hit the UK earlier this year, landlords and tenants have felt the financial strain.

 

Here's how the latest developments are expected to impact the property market this autumn.

 
With the government's furlough scheme extended in line with the introduction of the second national lockdown, offering 80% of an employee's salary, it's thought that many will benefit from this respite over November.

 

However, with the future still largely unknown, it's understandably a stressful time for tenants unable to continue paying their rent and landlords who have seen reductions in their income.

 

Between March and August this year, ONS estimate that the number of workers on a payroll decreased by a worrying 695,000.

 

One of the hardest-hit groups is the under-24s, with 156,000 fewer individuals of this age in employment compared to just three months ago.*

 
Comparatively with homeownership in the UK, recent research has found that 92% of homeowners are confident they could continue to meet their mortgage repayments in the next six months, whereas the same could only be said for 81% of tenants about upcoming rent.

 

Up to 12 million Brits will struggle with rent and bill payments in light of COVID-19 and its continuing economic fallout.**

 

Whilst the government have extended the mortgage holiday for struggling homeowners and landlords by a further six months, it's advised to speak with your lender directly and to only consider this as a last resort.

 

During this holiday, interest will still accrue, which could add a significant amount for you to pay off after it has run its course.

 

If you need professional advice on any of the contents covered here, please contact our team.

 

 

 

 

*Source: BBC News

**Source: The Financial Conduct Authority
 

Nottingham Carnival Online 2020

Sunday 23rd August

Join the team to celebrate the magic that is Nottingham Carnival with all the usual carnival activities shared online. You will be able to watch on Facebook live, YouTube live and Zoom. All the details will be published on the Nottingham Carnival Facebook.

Click here to read Nottingham Carnival Online 2020.

Wollaton Outdoor Adventure Park

Now until 2nd September

Missed the Traditional Rides Fair?... Never fear, the team has been working to create the Wollaton Adventure Park safely with Local leisure ltd. Aimed at younger children aged 3-9 they is plenty for them to enjoy.

Click here to read Wollaton Outdoor Adventure Park.

Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival

7th - 10th October

Yes, you read that right, the beer festival will once again be mostly outside. It is at the Motorpoint Arena, but this is the Arena as you will have never seen it before. 

 

Click here to read Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival.

How to prepare your property for sale

 

With demand for property prior to lockdown soaring, there are sure to be plenty of motivated buyers once restrictions are relaxed, therefore now is an ideal time to prepare your property for a quick sale.

Kerb appeal
As is always the case with selling properties, a first impression can make or break a sale with a poorly presented property often putting off buyers before they have even set foot in the home. In the summer this is especially important as buyers will often drive or walk past a property before they decide to book a viewing. With the summer sun shining a light on any less-than-perfect parts of the exterior of your property, you should ensure that flowers are planted, weeds are pruned and lawns are mowed. Extra attention to details, such as ensuring that the front door has been cleaned and the windows are streak-free will pay dividends in your selling process.

Accessories
A neutral interior will appeal to a mass market and increase the scope of your property in terms of potential buyers, but if you are looking to make the most of the summer then don’t be afraid of colour. Using accessories to add pops of colour around your home that reflect the brighter summer season – such as burnt orange and lemon – will make your property stand out from the crowd in those all-important photographs.

Lights
When we think of summer, we all first think of sunshine and brighter evenings – so make the most of this light when presenting your home for sale. Get rid of heavy curtains and dark blinds, which can make a room feel smaller and prevent the light from entering a room. Buyers want to feel that rooms are bright and spacious, so if at all possible have windows and doors open throughout the house to create a light, airy feeling (as well as bringing in those fresh summer scents).

Set dress
Set dressing refers to the arranging of a room or space in order to paint a picture of the kind of lifestyle which could be enjoyed in your property. Never is it more important to set dress your garden than throughout the summer months, with potential buyers wanting to know that they will be able to enjoy the outdoor space which your home provides. Tempt potential buyers by showing off your outdoor spaces with garden furniture, fire pits and barbecues.

Viewing times
During the summer months many people like to start work early and leave early in order to benefit from the longer evenings; make sure that you can accommodate as many viewings as possible by being flexible with your viewing times. Allowing people to view your home early in the morning, as well as in the afternoon will help bring more people through the door as well as showing off your property in favourable lighting.

Law Update: Electrical Installation Condition Report Requirement

 

From 1st July the new Electrical Safety standards come into effect for new tenancies. Landlords will have to ensure that electrical installation inspections and testing are carried out for all new tenancies. The electrical inspection and testing must result in an Electrical Installation Conditions Report being produced by a qualified professional. This report must be provided to the tenant of the property, as well as the housing authority if required. Should a tenant request the report, landlords will have 30 days to provide this to them. Reports remain valid for a 5 year period, after which a new inspection, test, and report should be generated.

In a bid to improve the safety of tenants across the United Kingdom, the Electrical Safety Standards will mean that the electrics in properties should be safer and more uniform. Despite calls to delay the implementation of these new requirements, the government has made clear that landlords providing safe homes for their tenants is of upmost importance, even during the current health pandemic. The new electrical safety requirements will be applicable to all existing tenancies from April 2021.

If a landlord does not have an Electrical Installation Conditions Report in place for their new tenancies, the government can impose large fines and even prison sentences for non-compliance. Landlords must ensure that they take all practicable steps to meet compliance and be able to demonstrate this should any exceptional circumstances prevent them from complying.

If you are concerned about how the new regulations may affect your properties, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to advise you.

 

 

From 1st July the new Electrical Safety standards come into effect for new tenancies. Landlords will have to ensure that electrical installation inspections and testing are carried out for all new tenancies. The electrical inspection and testing must result in an Electrical Installation Conditions Report being produced by a qualified professional. This report must be provided to the tenant of the property, as well as the housing authority if required. Should a tenant request the report, landlords will have 30 days to provide this to them. Reports remain valid for a 5 year period, after which a new inspection, test, and report should be generated.

In a bid to improve the safety of tenants across the United Kingdom, the Electrical Safety Standards will mean that the electrics in properties should be safer and more uniform. Despite calls to delay the implementation of these new requirements, the government has made clear that landlords providing safe homes for their tenants is of upmost importance, even during the current health pandemic. The new electrical safety requirements will be applicable to all existing tenancies from April 2021.

If a landlord does not have an Electrical Installation Conditions Report in place for their new tenancies, the government can impose large fines and even prison sentences for non-compliance. Landlords must ensure that they take all practicable steps to meet compliance and be able to demonstrate this should any exceptional circumstances prevent them from complying.

If you are concerned about how the new regulations may affect your properties, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to advise you.

Comedy at the Canal House

18th, 19th, 20th September 

 The Canalhouse Comedy Night features a mixture of established acts trying new material and new acts

Click here to read Comedy at the Canal House.

Advice to help you manage properties through the eviction ban extension

 

Over the course of the eviction ban for residential tenancies, the government have looked to balance support for tenants and landlords, helping those unable to meet their rent payments whilst recognising the strain this puts on landlords who may depend on the income.

 

As of June 1st, notice periods were reduced from six to four months for residential tenancies.

 

This is except for situations including anti-social behaviour, with a shorter notice period of two weeks.

 

Compared with homeowners, it's estimated that tenants are more than three times as likely to be behind with rent or bills, 6% and 19% respectively.*

 

With courts still prioritising hearings based on severity, it's important to look for a resolution to rent arrears or disagreements where able between parties.

 

As leading lettings agents, we facilitate communications between landlords and tenants to offer our expert services.

 

What about for commercial landlords?

 

Whilst the ban has lifted for residential agreements, the ban on evicting firms for unpaid commercial rent is to be extended for a further nine months.

 

Many businesses within the hospitality sector are yet to reopen and resume trading as normal, all the while accruing an estimated £5bn in rent debt.

 

 

If you need advice about the eviction ban, go to GOV.UK.

 

Want help managing your property? Talk to our team today.

 

 

*YouGov

 

Predictions for the property market over the next few months

 

After 18 months of uncertainty, the UK property market has seen some incredible highs and lows, from the sector closing and reopening last spring, to the impact of the stamp duty holiday on residential transaction levels.

 

For those looking to buy or sell in 2021, here are the top projections on what will continue to shape activity levels in the coming months.

 

House prices at a record high

 

Initially propelled by the stamp duty holiday, house prices have risen by 10.2% in the year to March 2021, with vaccine optimism now fuelling high demand levels.*

 

With a tapered end this September, homeowners can still save £2,500 on the first £250,000 of a property due to the stamp duty holiday, meaning that sales will continue to push up prices this summer.

 

If you haven't had a recent valuation of your home, talk to us today to gauge its current value.

 

The long-awaited return of overseas property investors

 

Travel has been made all-but-impossible for most travellers.

 

However, with vaccine programs being rolled out in other countries as well as the UK, we should soon see the return of overseas buyers looking for their next investment opportunities.

 

This will be key to help the market fully recover from the events of 2020, particularly for the construction sector.

 

Country locations increase in popularity

 

Remote working became the norm for most of the country's workforce in 2020, which gave people the freedom to move further afield.

 

As outdoor space went up in our estimations, the need for a perfect commute distance became less important, leading to more buyer activity as homeowners and tenants found themselves restless with their current accommodation.

 

More space for remote workers

 

For those whose job will continue to operate remotely, a home office or designated workspace is essential.

 

Larger properties are in short supply, making it the ideal time for homeowners to sell up.

   

Commercial spaces transformed into residential properties

 

Commercial spaces are being left empty, as many people are now opting to work from home, where able.

 

This means that many offices have closed permanently, leading the owners to convert them back into residential properties.

 

Overall, this could have a massive impact on the market.

 

 

Do you want to know your options buying or selling this summer? We'd like to offer you a consultation, visit our website to learn more.

 

 

 

*ONS

 

Take a look back on the busiest ever Autumn

 

Buyers up. Prices up. Supply up.

An astounding number of homeowners and movers are progressing with their sale right now, with 140,000 more buyers in the process of completing when compared to this time last year.

 

Since the end of the country's spring lockdown, we've seen record levels for properties reaching 'sales agreed' in the UK, culminating in there being 50% more homes going through the system as buyers rush to meet the stamp duty deadline.

Zoopla estimates that there are currently over 418,000 sales in the pipeline awaiting completion, with an overall value that's over £112 billion.

 

 

What are the key facts and figures behind all of this market activity?

 

- Sales agreed hit an annual high back in August, showing a 62% year-on-year uplift.

- There has only been a slight change in pace, as sales agreed were running at a 53% year-on-year uplift this month in comparison to October 2019.

- Regionally, sales agreed year-to-date are up the most in the South East by 15%, followed by London at 12% and the East of England with 11%.

 

 

With the deadline for stamp duty savings looming, what can you do to increase your chances of completing in time?*

 

To avoid any disappointment, make sure you can do your bit to help move the process along, follow these tips:

 

Acquire a reliable solicitor

 

Over lockdown, the housing market will remain open, including for agents, solicitors and conveyancers.

 

Having gone through this once before, these representatives should be fully prepared to provide a seamless experience whether from home or the office.

 

Meaning once an offer's been accepted, you can move to the next stage without any unnecessary hold-ups.

 

 

Identify issues early on

A conveyancer will identify any problems and will offer solutions.

 

Obtaining the relevant information and agreeing a positive way forward will take time. If you know your issues early on, try and get them sorted as soon as possible and keep your solicitor updated.

  

Manage the chain

If you are in a chain, issues may arise that are beyond your control.

It is important you understand your dependencies. Talk to your seller, buyer and their agents regularly, monitoring what is happening with any related transactions and making sure you're all working towards the same target; that being, the same completion day.

Good communication will keep things on track and avoid any delays along the way. Talk to us today for more information.

 

*Stamp duty holiday ends March 2021.

 

What to do if your home is not selling and your not sure why

 

Each sale experience is different from the last, so it's important not to be alarmed or lose heart if you come across any unexpected delays during the process.

 

 

By choosing a local agent, you'll have someone by your side to guide you through each step, and offer their expert insight on navigating the market in the best timeframe possible.

 

To offer our guidance, here are certain contributing factors that you can do to help speed things along, including the following top tips:

Know the market

The more informed you are about the property market and the current value of your home, the more informed you will be about your own sale and chances of success.

 

When consulting an estate agent during a valuation, make sure you are fully prepared and receive all of the information you need to make the right decision.

 

How are they planning to market your property to increase marketing exposure? What timeframes would be realistic to sell your home? Is the valuation figure you've been provided achievable?

 

Having strong local ties can be a really important benefit when selecting someone to sell your house, as they will often have the resources to target local buyers, as well as a sizeable database of contacts to connect with your home.

 

Seal the deal

One way to avoid unnecessary delays is to handle your finances and approach mortgage advisors and solicitors ahead of time, so that when you are ready to make or accept any offers, you can close on those deals with minimal hassle.

 

 

Fix up your home

Whilst some buyers are specifically looking for their next renovation project, the majority would prefer to move in to a home that's ready to be lived in immediately, without the stress of completing repairs or changes.

 

If you're able to complete any work on your house, this will reduce the number of faults that are potentially picked up by buyers viewing your property, which could also reduce the number of offers being put in below the asking price.

 

 

Stage your home

Effective property staging is one of the most important ways you can attract more interest.

 

This involves making your home look 'show home ready' and essentially presenting viewers with a blank canvass to fill with their own style and character.

 

A well-staged property will show off how much space your home has to offer, with your own personal belongings hidden from view.

 

 

Whilst it can be difficult to predict how your home will perform on the market, an informed local agent will be able to guide you on what to expect, with a realistic timeframe and a plan of action – should your sale take longer than you'd hoped.

 

For more information, speak to our team today.

 

 

What buyers really look for when they are viewing your home

 

In their recent study, comparethemarket.com uncovered some interesting research on the property market to help sellers and their agents understand exactly what stands out to UK homebuyers.

Using eye tracking technology, they were able to precisely monitor engagement during viewings, which establishes whether the core USPs you think your home possesses truly matter to potential buyers.

  

Here are some things you might want to consider.

Radiators. As we approach winter, it will be high on people’s priority lists to check if there is cost-effective and efficient heating throughout the house.

 

If you have viewings booked, consider turning on your heating before they arrive; not only to ensure a warm, cosy environment but as a way of showcasing your radiators are fully functional.

Access to the garden. Not having easy access to a garden can be off-putting to buyers – especially after the year we have had.

 

For this reason, a lot of people are now looking for homes with extra outdoor space, so make sure the garden is accessible and well presented.

Water pressure. Another thing that people do when viewing the kitchen is turning on the tap to check for any faults with your water pressure and / or plumbing.

 

Is your water pressure to normal standards or do you need to have your plumber look it over?

 

As a key room for homeowners, potential buyers are extra vigilant in this section of the property, meaning it’s important to keep your tap limescale free and wiped down with baby oil for an added shiny finish.

Cupboard doors. Another thing viewers look out for when in the kitchen is the quality of the cupboards.

 

Replacing items in the kitchen usually comes with a hefty price tag, which can be a big factor for buyers. Make sure your cupboard doors are screwed on tightly and wiped down.

The oven. Viewers tend to look at the oven to see if it is operational.

 

Make sure it is clean and avoid cooking anything too smelly before the viewing takes place. Ensure the hobs and trays are as clean as possible too!

 

 

Following their study, Head of Mortgages at comparethemarket.com – Mark Gordon – commented: “UK house prices are currently on the up and with the stamp duty holiday prompting more buyers to get on the property market, it’s a competitive time for homeowners looking to sell their home.

“We conducted this experiment to determine the areas of the home that buyers look at most to help sellers maximise their chances of a sale. Some sellers may not have considered these factors when preparing their homes for viewings, so we hope our insight will help them focus on the areas they should check and freshen up.”

 

If you need help selling or buying this autumn, talk to us as your local property experts – book your valuation today. 

 

 

Please note: when organising viewings this November, please help your agent by adhering to the latest government guidance, which includes remaining outside of the property for the duration, disinfecting any common touch points like door handles, and making sure to limit contact. 

 

 

The Glee Club Nottingham

Every Friday & Saturday

Nottingham's premier comedy club, offering socially distanced shows. Tickets only available in specified group sizes on the website.  

Click here to read The Glee Club Nottingham.

Returning To Work Safely

The latest updates from the government include a return to work strategy with steps for how to do this safely. Understandably, many people have concerns about returning to work including travelling to and from work places. Each business is different and will require different adaptations to their operating procedures to facilitate a safe environment but the same guiding principles will apply. That is to safeguard the health and wellbeing of staff members and customers. Eight separate guides have been published by the government to support different types of businesses - these guides can be found here. We have summarised the 5 key points applicable to businesses returning to work below*:

1. Work from home if you can
The message continues to be to work from home where at all possible. However, it is acknowledged that not all businesses are able to operate from home. Businesses that have not been told to close by government are now able to go back to work. Employers should discuss operating procedures with their staff.

People should try to avoid public transport in their work commute. However, where this is not possible, the people are asked to wear face masks where possible.

2. Covid-19 risk assessment
All employers need to carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment. This is in line with current health and safety employment and equalities legislation. The risk assessments should be undertaken in consultation with their workers or trade unions, to establish what guidelines to put in place. If possible, employers should publish the results of their risk assessments (all businesses with over 50 employees are expected to do so).

3. Maintain social distancing
Work spaces should be redesigned to respect the 2-meter social distancing guidelines. This can be achieved with staggered start times, one-way walking systems, and changing seating layouts. Designating specific entrances and exits can also minimise close contact.

4. Risk management where social distancing is not possible
It is acknowledged that not all workplaces will find it easy to manage social distancing at 2 meters apart. In this instance, employers should look into putting barriers in shared spaces, creating workplace shift patterns or fixed teams minimising the number of people in contact with one another, or ensuring colleagues are facing away from each other.

5. Reinforcing cleaning processes
Work spaces should be cleaned more often with extra attention to objects with high contact, such as door handles, and office equipment. Hand washing facilities and sanitising stations should be provided at entrances and exits.
For further information please head to the following website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

*These key points have been taken from gov.uk guidance published on 11 May 2020