Brought to you by chelmsfords' property experts
As the nights draw in and the days get shorter what’s on your mind? Thinking ahead and planning for Christmas? Researching better electric and gas deals before the cold weather comes rolling? Or maybe you’re one of these people that see the shorter days as an opportunity to get nice and cosy in front of…
Traditional estate agents like ourselves seem to have stopped using the phrase “no sale, no fee”, and this has allowed online only agents to gain a piece of the market. So here is a little reminder of what “no sale, no fee” means as far as we are concerned. At Martin & Co, we are…
Would you like the good news or the bad news? Bad news you say? That’s not surprising as a recent Harvard University study found that when posed that question 82 per cent of people plumped for the bad news option first. And who are we to go against the findings of such brain boxes. So,…
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced yesterday that he would make the dream of buying a first home a more achievable reality for first-time buyers. The news came in a speech to the virtual Conservative conference. The PM claimed his Government would introduce fixed-rate long term mortgages which would see as many as 2 million first…
Recent research concurs with our own view that most buyers buy on instinct, typically viewing their eventual home no more than twice before making a decision to buy. Buying a property certainly appears to be a decision of the heart over the head. In other words, the “I’ll know it when I see it” approach…
Earlier this month saw the UK record its highest temperature in 17 years. And it’s not just the weather that’s been red-hot. The property market in Chelmsford is going through a blisteringly busy period. At Martin & Co, we’re seeing a surge in the number of buyers seeking property locally. Unprecedented was an often-used word…
Clearly, the better presented your home the greater your chances of securing an early sale at an impressive price. However, during these uncertain times it can be difficult to justify engaging an interior designer in the hope that your property and its value will be transformed. However, if you feel that your property could do…
One of the most significant property trends to emerge from lockdown is the growing importance of outdoor space to buyers. Industry insiders report that post-lockdown, an increasing number of people are looking for homes with a garden – or at least access to communal spaces. This anecdotal evidence is backed up by Rightmove, which says…
It takes flexibility, compassion, and stamina to navigate the eviction process at the best of times. But, due to Covid-19, it takes more careful and considered steps than ever to repossess a property. Last week, Housing Minister Christopher Pincher gave more detail about how the process will work once the current ban on evictions, introduced…
“Life is a Game” is a quote attributed to Mother Teresa, but it could be easily applied to property. And as with all games, there are winners and losers when it comes to selling a home. Timing always plays a part in how successful you are, as does having a talented estate agency working on…
Chancellor Rishi Sunak made two big announcements about the property market last week and triggered a flurry of activity. Both initiatives represent attractive propositions for savvy landlords. But, as always, it pays to do your homework first. Stamp Duty holiday The Chancellor’s headline-grabbing announcement was a Stamp Duty holiday. He raised the threshold to £500,000,…
When you buy a property that needs work, you usually hope to be able to recoup the cost of renovation by adding significantly to the future selling price. That’s the theory anyway! But getting the builders in can be stressful, and we have all heard stories of extortionate costs, unforeseen extras, no-shows, and poor, even…