November is traditionally a time of bonfires and fireworks. Not this year. Like so many things, it has been hit by the never ending saga of COVID. Now, once again, we are in lockdown. I am pleased to say that the property industry has been spared the worst of it and remains open for business. This means people are free to move home if they need, whether they are renting or buying. We are working carefully both remotely and from locked offices and can arrange viewings and appraisals subject to strict industry guidelines.

This has been especially welcome news for those in the midst of trying to buy and sell before the stamp duty holiday comes to an end in March. However, time is already tight and the lockdown will add to that pressure. We have no idea, as yet, how much of an effect the lockdown will have on such things as conveyancing and valuations. That kind of work will continue but there are already considerable delays and any further disruptions will not be helpful. If you have any concerns in those areas, please feel free to give us a call and we will do our best to help.

The industry is now lobbying for an extension to the stamp duty holiday which would certainly help smooth things out but there’s no way of knowing whether it will happen. More importantly it would also really help rebuild the economy. Mind you the government has already spent a lot of money propping up businesses and sooner or later they are going to be searching for additional tax revenues rather than offering discounts.

Prices for both sales and lettings property have to be right in order to achieve a sale or let otherwise the property will not even achieve virtual viewings and there is the very real risk that overpriced homes will get stuck on the market so it’s really important people are realistic about their expectations. Notwithstanding this, we continue to secure good offers for sensibly priced properties.  Lives change and people still need to move so please call us if you are considering putting your property on the market for sale or lettings. We look forward to hearing from you.

Okay, well that pretty much wraps it up for this month other than to say how excited we are that a number of vaccines are coming close to production that will make the future a whole lot brighter.