Latest Blog Posts

Things to do Before Making an Offer

Friday, 26th April 2013

Categories: Sales
It’s always tempting to rush in with an offer when a property catches your eye. You don’t want to miss the boat and let someone else walk away with your dream house. However, it’s always a good idea to take some time out to review your decision and make sure that the house is going to be a good home and a good investment.

Kris White

Push the Boat out to Buy

Wednesday, 24th April 2013

Categories: Sales
With rental prices continuing to outstrip the price of mortgage repayments on equivalent properties, there’s never been a better time for first time buyers to make that final stretch to get on the property ladder. According to recent research conducted by Halifax, it is now 16% cheaper to buy a house than it is to rent one. So whether it’s tapping solvent relatives for a loan, cashing in on shares and savings policies, or emptying the rainy day piggy bank and checking under the sofa cushions, it’s time to pool your cash and head to the mortgage adviser.

Kris White

Don’t Write off an Ugly Duckling

Thursday, 18th April 2013

Categories: Sales
When it comes to buying a new home, there’s a lot to be said for making location a priority. However, what happens when you find a property that hits the mark when it comes to location but falls short on ticking the other boxes on your list? The answer is, don’t write it off just yet – it makes much more sense to give credence to purchasing an ugly duckling in your ideal street, than to put an offer on the perfect house in a less salubrious location.

Kris White

A Good Year for First-time Buyers?

Monday, 18th March 2013

Categories: Sales
With the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) reporting a 14% rise in first-time buyer lending at the end of last year, it would seem – on the surface at least – that things are looking up for anyone hoping to become a homeowner in 2013. With first-time buyers having been squeezed out of the market for so long, words of doom and gloom ringing in their ears, many twenty and thirty somethings have resigned themselves to hanging around the family home for years past their welcome date, or elongating a shabby student existence in order to save money.

Kris White

Property Bargains at Auction Houses

Tuesday, 26th February 2013

Categories: Lettings Property Prices Sales
While house prices in key London locations remain buoyant, many landlords – or those looking to invest in property – are having to work harder to find a bargain. Whilst it might seem as though the continuing economic crisis would throw the property world into disarray, London is ticking along quite nicely, with increased rental prices and good properties still attracting good offers. However, head over to the auction houses and it’s another story.

Kris White

Renting out your Renovation

Thursday, 7th February 2013

Categories: Lettings Sales
Renting out your renovated property will provide you with a regular monthly income for the duration that you own it and will hopefully result in a tidy little nest egg when you eventually come to sell – assuming that prices continue to creep upwards. However, it’s often tempting to cut and run as soon as the paint has dried and the builders have packed away their tools.

Kris White

New Year (Selling) Resolutions

Tuesday, 22nd January 2013

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
Once the excitement/stress/craziness (delete as appropriate) of the Christmas season has finished for another year, and you slowly wean yourself off chocolate selection packs and turkey leftovers, it’s time to put together your 2013 game plan. This might include the obvious tick boxes like joining a gym, starting that novel you always meant to write, or looking for a new job. But if this is the year you plan to put your house on the market, you should scrap all the good intentions that won’t see it through to the end of January and instead concentrate on getting your home in top-notch condition for the competitive market.

Kris White

Is there a Magic Month to sell your Property?

Wednesday, 16th January 2013

Categories: Property Prices Sales Selling Tips
If you’re a developer with a newly refurbished property, or you’re a seller in a competitive market, it’s imperative that you choose the right agent to market your property and ensure it’s as viewer-friendly as possible. But it’s also important to pick the best time for your house to hit the marketplace. Clearing the clutter a month before you had planned to nail the ‘for sale’ sign to the fence, or holding off over a particularly quiet patch, could pay off in the long run and get you closer to your asking price.

Sue Bradford

New Year's Resolutions to Sell Your Property Faster

Monday, 14th January 2013

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
Selling a property over Christmas is every home seller's worst nightmare: the upheaval during what's supposed to be a time of fun and relaxation, finding a removal company that's open for business, and trying to fit in time with your family in between the madness. But now the holidays are over and it's time to get back on track and charge full force into your property sale efforts. Now is the perfect time to put your New Year's resolutions to good use:

Ldg_Residential

Ten Ways to Maximise Rental Yields

Sunday, 16th December 2012

Categories: Lettings Sales
If you’re thinking of dipping a toe into the buy-to-let market, there are certain steps you can take to ensure you get the best return on your investment, right from the start. Here’s our quick guide to maximising your rental yields.

Kris White

Reduce the risk of a sale falling through

Monday, 10th December 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
The bigger the chain, the more links there are to break – the nature of house buying means that every sale is precarious and no one can crack open the Champagne until they have the keys or the cash in their hands. In recent years, the tougher criteria placed on mortgage applications, as well as the precarious nature of jobs and funds, has meant even more sales failing to come to fruition. However, there are some steps you can take in order to reduce the risk of your sale falling apart.

Sue Bradford

Estate agent trends worth watching

Monday, 26th November 2012

Categories: Lettings Sales Selling Tips Surveying
Looking to buy or sell your home? Time for you to choose an estate agent. In any area there will be many to choose from, but how can you tell which one will go that extra mile for you? Local knowledge will always be key, but how else can they help you make this crucial choice? The last few years have seen many new trends in the property market, when it comes to choosing your next estate agent make sure they’ve been keeping an eye on the latest and best ways to to market your property and attract new vendors.

Rachel O'Riordan

Changes to Permitted Development Order

Monday, 19th November 2012

Categories: Sales Surveying
Some two and a half months after Eric Pickles stood up in Parliament and announced that the Government planned to ease the rules relating to residential extensions the promised consultation period has finally begun.

Justin Burns

A RICS HomeBuyer Report Vs A Full Building Survey

Tuesday, 13th November 2012

Categories: Sales Surveying
Here at Peter Barry we undertake numerous RICS HomeBuyer reports and Full Building Surveys every week. One of the most common questions we are asked is, “What is the difference between a RICS HomeBuyer report and a Full Building Survey?” In this article I am going to summarise the differences between the two reports and hopefully help you to make an informed decision on how to proceed with your pre-purchase survey.

Bradley MacKenzie MRICS MSc MFPWS

The Benefits of Extending Your Lease in Good Time

Friday, 9th November 2012

Categories: Leasehold Valuations Sales Surveying
If you own a flat or maisonette it is almost certainly held on a lease. The original term of the lease is likely to have been 99 or 125 years and there will be provisions for the Landlord to collect ground rent every year at an amount that will normally increase throughout the term of the lease. As the remaining term of the lease reduces so does the value of your investment but fortunately changes in the law over the last 20 years have provided a relatively low cost method for leaseholders to protect their investment; provided they do not leave it too late.

Matthew Price BSc MRICS MFPWS

Is it Time to Consider Buying to Let?

Friday, 9th November 2012

Categories: Lettings Sales
With first time buyers finding it harder to get their foot on the property ladder there has rarely been such a high demand for rental properties. Your savings will be earning very little interest for you so now may be a good time to consider buying a rental investment. When searching for a property the key factors that appeal to buyers will also attract tenants i.e. distance to stations and transport links and parking facilities.

Sue Bradford

Have You Got Your Paperwork In Order?

Friday, 9th November 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
After pondering the pros & cons of whether you should move or not, once you have made the decision to sell your beloved home there will be a number of things on your ‘To Do List’ to get your property ready to be marketed. But will your paperwork be as enticing? As soon as you accept an offer on your property your solicitor will require a list of documents from you; many of which can be prepared in advance.

Sue Bradford

Buying is Cheaper than Renting

Thursday, 1st November 2012

Categories: Lettings Sales
According to recent research conducted by the Halifax, the cost of buying a home in the UK is now almost a fifth lower than renting, and London offers the best comparative savings for homeowners.

Sue Bradford

Curb Appeal

Monday, 29th October 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
If you’re thinking of putting your house on the market then it’s time to roll up your sleeves, get your toolkit out and make sure the front of your property makes potential buyers swoon...

Sue Bradford

Should I Extend Before Selling?

Monday, 22nd October 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
A loft extension, conservatory or side return extension can add extra value to your house, and if it has been designed and built to a very high specification then it will certainly make your property stand out to potential buyers...

Sue Bradford

Dealing with Difficult Buyers

Tuesday, 9th October 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
You want to sell your home for the best possible price, and if you’ve had an offer, then the would-be purchasers have obviously fallen in love with the house and will be on their best behaviour. On paper, they might be perfect...

Sue Bradford

Should you furnish a Property Renovation?

Sunday, 7th October 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
But before you get carried away and rush to put the property on the market, it pays to take some time to think about how you want to show it.

Sue Bradford

Paying for Communal Works

Wednesday, 29th August 2012

Categories: Property Management Sales
If you live in a Leasehold property, at some point you might come across the dreaded demand for money to undertake communal works...

Sue Bradford

What’s a Conservatory Worth?

Tuesday, 24th July 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
A conservatory can be a relatively inexpensive and practical way to add an extra room to your house. But if you’re thinking of building one purely to add value to your property, there are a few things to consider before you go ahead and book the builders...

Sue Bradford

Watch out for your Windows

Tuesday, 10th July 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
When it comes to selling your property it is important to remember that first impressions really count. You may have de-cluttered, filled the rooms with fresh flowers or even baked bread but don’t forget, you will need to frame all this hard work with as much natural light as possible. Your windows are the eyes into your house. Make sure they are as clear and sparkling as they can be!

You Choose Window Brokers

A Little Garden Goes a Long Way

Friday, 29th June 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
If you have a pint-sized garden, chances are you won’t be listing this as a key selling point when the time comes to put your house on the market. However, any outside space is valuable – particularly in London – and you need to maximise your garden for viewings, even if its proportions are little more than a postage stamp...

Sue Bradford

Should I Sell or Rent my Renovation Project?

Friday, 25th May 2012

Categories: Lettings Sales
The days of snapping up a property bargain, putting down some wooden floorboards, painting the walls white and turning it around for an eye-watering profit have gone...developers need to take a closer look at their calculators before taking on the risk of an overhaul that doesn’t guarantee the big buck returns of ten years ago.

Kris White

Treat your Garden like Another Room

Wednesday, 16th May 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
When it comes to sprucing up your pad to put it on the market, you might think about a fresh coat of paint, hiding your clutter, and cleaning the windows – quick wins to make it look as though this is a much-loved house that has been treated with respect. However, in the rush to make your house buyer-friendly, you might not have paid much attention to your outside space...

Sue Bradford

Changes that will maximise the Size of your Property

Thursday, 3rd May 2012

Categories: Sales
Everyone wants to achieve the most usable living space in their house. We’d all love a bigger kitchen, more entertaining space and more storage – the problem is, there’s only so much extending you can do on the plot of land you own...

Sue Bradford

The Pitfalls of a DIY Sale

Monday, 30th April 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
If you want to keep hold of every penny of your property sale, it might be tempting to forego the estate agent and sell your home yourself. The thought of a few thousand pounds extra to put towards your new house means more people are trying out DIY house sales. But do you really save money and what happens when things don’t quite go according to plan?

Sue Bradford

Why you should Never Exchange Numbers with your Buyer

Monday, 23rd April 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
When it comes to house viewings, buyers and sellers tend to be on their best behaviour. The homeowner is trying to sell themselves, as well as their house: they want to come across as amicable, charming, easy going and open; whilst the buyer wants to prove their genuine interest in the house and come across as a reliable prospect who’s not going to be difficult and is likely to press ahead quickly with the purchase.

Sue Bradford

Mortgage Approvals are on the Increase

Thursday, 19th April 2012

Categories: Market Analysis Sales
With the 1% stamp duty ‘holiday’ for properties with a price tag up to £250,000 having finished at the end of March, there was a healthy rise in mortgage approvals as first-time buyers set about taking the plunge before their buying fees go up once more. Mortgage Approvals are on the Increase

Sue Bradford

How Will the Budget Affect the Housing Market?

Friday, 23rd March 2012

Categories: Market Analysis Sales
In an attempt to tax the super-rich, the Chancellor is introducing a new stamp duty rate for houses priced at £2 million and over. The duty was previously set at 5% and this will rise to an eye-watering 7% – but will it have any discernible affect on the housing market?

Sue Bradford

Help us to Help you Sell

Wednesday, 1st February 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
When you instruct an estate agent to sell your property, you might assume that you can switch off and wait for the offers to flood in. With a sought-after property in a very buoyant market, this might well be the case but, generally, you’ll need to do your bit to help your property hit all the right notes with the right prospective buyers.

Sue Bradford

How your Neighbours affect your Selling Prospects

Thursday, 12th January 2012

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
Most people will have neighbours either side of their property – and possibly above and below as well, if you live in a flat. People generally tend to be friendly and amenable and, if you’re really lucky, your neighbours can end up being good friends...

Sue Bradford

Should I avoid getting in a Chain?

Thursday, 15th December 2011

Categories: Miscellaneous Sales Selling Tips
Finding yourself in a long chain is every buyer and seller’s worst nightmare but it’s often an unavoidable scenario. However, there are certain ways to minimise risk or to ensure that the chain you’re in keeps moving towards completion.

Sue Bradford

How Pets Affect Viewings

Tuesday, 8th November 2011

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
There is an easy way to split people into two groups: those who love pets and those who freak out at the sight of a single cat hair on the sofa. Unfortunately, when it comes to selling your property you have to try to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible...

Sue Bradford

Are Local Papers still Relevant in the age of the Internet?

Tuesday, 1st November 2011

Categories: Lettings Market Analysis Sales Selling Tips
The Internet has completely transformed the way we read and digest information...it might seem fair to assume that the old-fashioned method of flicking through the property section of your local newspaper or magazine is now obsolete. In fact, this is far from the case.

Sue Bradford

Who Makes the Decisions – Him or Her?

Wednesday, 19th October 2011

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
If you’re selling a property, it’s always good to get an idea about who the ultimate decision maker is, so you and your estate agent can market your flat or house accordingly...

Sue Bradford

Make the Most of your Garden when Selling

Wednesday, 5th October 2011

Categories: Sales
With property renovation, the garden is usually the last area that people think about or spend money on...However, the last thing you want is to wow prospective buyers with the inside of your property, only to see the disappointment on their faces when they step outside into the garden...

Sue Bradford

What’s Stopping your House from Selling?

Tuesday, 16th August 2011

Categories: Market Analysis Sales Selling Tips
It can be frustrating and disappointing when the potential buyers fail to translate into decent offers or, even worse, when the viewings dry up altogether...However, this is not the time to get defensive: it’s the time for positive action...

Sue Bradford

Mistakes to avoid when Showing Prospective Buyers your Property

Friday, 12th August 2011

Categories: Sales
Once you’ve put your house on the market, it’s only natural to want a sale as soon as possible. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when you show potential buyers around your pad...

Sue Bradford

What Buyers should look for when viewing a Property

Monday, 25th July 2011

Categories: Sales
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned property hunter, there are certain key things that you should look out for when you go for that all-important first viewing...

Sue Bradford

Found your Perfect Property? – The Hidden Dangers you may have Missed!!

Friday, 17th June 2011

Categories: Sales Surveying
In the comparatively few visits you may make to the property you are about to purchase there may appear little in the way of work or defects to deal with, especially when it has been newly refurbished. The following blog details somewhat typical examples of what you may have missed...

Matthew Price BSc MRICS MFPWS

Mary Portas Secret Shopper – An Estate Agent's View

Friday, 25th February 2011

Categories: Sales
Mary Portas has turned her hand and quite frank opinions to an array of businesses including mobile phone, sofa and fashion outlets. Last week it was the turn of the estate agent to receive her very much to the point treatment. For those not familiar to the show’s format, Mary, with the help of her ‘stealth weapon’ (her own words) secret shopping, exposes the below-par customer service of well known companies and then, armed with the footage, returns and gives the bosses a so called wake-up call.

Matthew Price BSc MRICS MFPWS

Freebies for Movers

Saturday, 6th November 2010

Categories: Lettings Sales
It’s rare that we get something for nothing in life so I thought I’d tell you about a new company that sends a box of freebies to any tenant or buyer that moves in to a new property.

Justin Burns

HIPs Suspended

Thursday, 20th May 2010

Categories: Market Analysis Sales
David Cameron's coalition Government have today honoured their manifesto pledge and suspended Home Information Packs (HIPs) with immediate effect. They are to be abolished as soon as primary legislation can be put in place.

Sue Bradford

Unlock the Potential in Your Garden

Wednesday, 24th March 2010

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
Now that Spring has officially started and the weather has improved prospective buyers will place greater importance on the garden as an attractive and safe place for the parents to relax and the kids to play.

Sue Bradford

The Importance of Floor Plans

Monday, 15th March 2010

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
The inclusion of a high quality set of floor plans on your property’s details, showing the layout and dimensions, will not only provide something extremely useful to potential buyers but will have the added benefit of saving yourself time and unnecessary stress.

Sue Bradford

Where have all the Properties Gone?

Thursday, 25th February 2010

Categories: Market Analysis Property Prices Sales Selling Tips
If you are currently looking to buy a property in the area you will have noticed that there is very little around to choose from. Buyer demand is still extremely strong and there is only a trickle of new properties coming on to the market. This combination of factors should ensure that prices remain strong over the next few months.

Sue Bradford

Beat the Spring Rush

Thursday, 25th February 2010

Categories: Market Analysis Sales Selling Tips
Spring is traditionally the busiest time of the year in estate agency. It is not unusual for us to take on half our new instructions for the year during the months of March, April and May.

Sue Bradford

Competition Among Buyers

Thursday, 28th January 2010

Categories: Market Analysis Sales Selling Tips
With a continuing shortage of good quality properties coming on to the market and prices rising steadily the balance of power is likely to remain with sellers for the months ahead.

Sue Bradford

Minimising Stamp Duty

Wednesday, 6th January 2010

Categories: Market Analysis Sales Selling Tips
With the temporary increase of the threshold over which buyers pay Stamp Duty from £125,000 to £175,000 ending on 31st December 2009 I thought this would be a good opportunity to take a look at some of the issues surround the tax.

Sue Bradford

Make Your Estate Agent Work Harder

Tuesday, 1st December 2009

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
When you first put your property on the market for sale the question often arises; who should show prospective buyers around, you or your agent? From our experience the answer is invariably your agent.

Sue Bradford

Give Your Property a Web Presence

Tuesday, 1st December 2009

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
The way that people search for property is constantly evolving and while newspapers and magazines still have their place, particularly for those without access to a computer, most properties on the market will appear first on the internet in one form or another.

Sue Bradford

Selling Tips for Autumn

Tuesday, 10th November 2009

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
As Firework Night has come and gone and the temperature seems to have dropped a few degrees it’s a good time to bring you a few selling tips if you’re marketing your property this autumn.

Sue Bradford

What Price Should I Market my Property For?

Saturday, 10th October 2009

Categories: Property Prices Sales Selling Tips
When choosing which agent to market your property with there are many factors to consider. You may get in 2 or 3 agents for valuations with each suggesting a different figure. But it is all too easy to automatically choose the agent who promises you the highest price.

Sue Bradford

Flat Roof Terraces

Thursday, 10th September 2009

Categories: Sales Surveying
Flat roofs to single storey rear extensions make such ideal terraces it is surprising that you don't see more of them. The problem is of course that it's very hard to get planning consent for them. If you live in close proximity to your neighbours any sort of raised platform will overlook them and for that reason permission is normally refused.

Justin Burns

10 Questions to Ask an Owner When Viewing a Property to Buy

Friday, 28th August 2009

Categories: Sales
Unlike us here at Peter Barry not all agents accompany every viewing. If you find yourself in a situation where you are being shown around a property by the owner it can be revealing to ask a few gently probing questions. Here are a few ideas:

Justin Burns

Market Outlook - August 2009

Thursday, 6th August 2009

Categories: Market Analysis Property Prices Sales
It’s been three months since we last wrote about the state of the market here on the blog. At the time we had a tentative feeling that a recovery may be occurring - three months on and those commentators that predicted doom at the start of the year are publishing updates quicker than a Michael Jackson biographer.

Justin Burns

The New RICS Homebuyer Report

Wednesday, 22nd July 2009

Categories: Sales Surveying
Over the last few years I have prepared several hundred RICS Homebuyer Survey & Valuation Reports for our clients. For those that don’t know the ‘Homebuyer Report is what is known as a ‘level 2’ survey; far more comprehensive than a lender’s valuation but not quite as detailed as a Full Building Survey.

Justin Burns

The Summer Market

Monday, 6th July 2009

Categories: Market Analysis Sales Selling Tips
It appears that summer has arrived early this year and if the long range forecast is to be believed it is to be one of the hottest for many years.

Justin Burns

Open for Business as Usual

Wednesday, 17th June 2009

Categories: Lettings Sales Surveying
You may have noticed that there are a few changes occuring to our office. Our old shopfront was removed this week and the temporary hoarding is now in place.

Justin Burns

What is the real cost of a HIP?

Wednesday, 27th May 2009

Categories: HIPs Sales Selling Tips
The RICS announced recently that they are to investigate the practice of agents profiting from the sale of Home Information Packs to sellers.

Justin Burns

Market Outlook - May 2009

Thursday, 7th May 2009

Categories: Market Analysis Property Prices Sales
In the month that has passed since I last wrote about the outlook for the housing market signs of increased activity have continued. Viewings are still on the increase and the previous reluctance of potential purchasers to make offers has subsided.

Justin Burns

Selling a Property with Unregulated Changes

Thursday, 30th April 2009

Categories: Sales Selling Tips Surveying
Right at the top of the list of things that can bite you on the arse when you come to sell a property is unregulated alterations.

Justin Burns

Unlock the Potential in Your Garden

Thursday, 9th April 2009

Categories: Sales Selling Tips
Now that Spring has officially started and the weather has improved (slightly) prospective buyers will place greater importance on the garden as an attractive and safe place for the parents to relax and the kids to play.

Justin Burns

Changes to HIP Regulations

Thursday, 2nd April 2009

Categories: HIPs Sales
The latest chapter in the Home Information Pack (HIP) regulations commenced on 6th April. It is now illegal to market a property until the majority of the documents that make up the pack are available.

Justin Burns

Welcome to the Peter Barry Blog

Wednesday, 1st April 2009

Categories: Market Analysis Property Prices Sales
It's not easy to be optimistic about the sales market at the moment but this being the first post on our new blog I thought should try. Amongst all the gloom and doom there has been some evidence of a pick up in activity since the turn of the year so maybe we can start to look forward to better days ahead.

Justin Burns

Categories