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Simon Cooper, Partner at Stags reports on one of the busiest month on record, and why many are choosing to make a move to the West Country.
“I have been an estate agent for over 33 years and I cannot recall such a consistently busy, buoyant and exciting summer of selling properties in this fabulous part of the world.”
Since lockdown was eased for estate agents back in May all Stags offices have reported busy levels of new activity with the market being dominated by out of area buyers. Many of whom are coming from more expensive areas and are therefore finding property prices in the West Country most attractive.
Some are buying a second home, whilst many have been set up by their employers to work from home, and have therefore decided to live in a great part of the UK, which offers such a variety of things to do when one is not working?
A particular reason for people buying in the West Country has always been to retire here, whether when in their 60’s or 70’s, although increasingly we are finding affluent people affording to retire in their 50’s.
For those who are interested in statistics, the numbers of new sales each month post lock down has been at 75% to even 100% or more than the equivalent month in 2019. As at the end of September Stags have over 800 agreed sales in solicitor’s hands with the majority of the sellers and buyers wanting to be completed by Christmas! A busy time ahead for the lawyers!
The biggest problem has been the length of time it takes to get to an exchange of contracts with mortgages approval being slow. Surveyors are incredibly busy with many being booked up at least a month in advance. Local Searches in many Local Authority areas have rather ground to a halt, a month or even 2 is being quoted to us for the time for them to come back.
For those of you who want to take advantage of a sale before the end of the year (or before the end of the SDLT holiday at the end of March) it is certainly possible, if you pick a good estate agent and just as an importantly a good lawyer who can offer you a prompt service. Do not wait until you find a buyer before instructing a solicitor, do it at the outset.
Our home is our place of safety and security, more now than ever before. Our home is our haven, a place where we can unwind and relax, a place where we spend time with family and friends. Ultimately, there is ‘no place quite like home.’
The question is; where do you want your home to be?
For inspiration take a look at the properties currently available for sale with Stags...available properties. Or call a member of our team who will be happy to help...contact us.
