Property Market Update – December 2020
Scotland’s move to Tier Four restrictions on Boxing Day should not impact on house moves, under the current government guidelines. Assuming no further changes are announced, moves can continue to take place in the tier 4 protection level, provided they can be carried out safely.
Our immersive 3D virtual tours enable potential purchasers to take a simulated walk-through of our properties for sale and gain digital measurements of any part. We can carry out virtual valuations and viewings where preferred and, as things stand, can continue to carry out valuations and viewings at properties, whilst following government guidance to keep people safe.
The Land and Buildings Transaction Tax holiday, coupled with the change in lifestyle caused by the coronavirus outbreak, is encouraging people who may have been thinking of selling to take the plunge and get their properties to the market while there remains buyer interest and demand.
As we enter the festive period, we take a moment to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year.
January – November 2020
Looking at the year-to-date figures, we:
- Launched 225 new properties to the sales market
- Sold 206 properties with a total value in excess of £38 million (remarkably, 75% of sales occurred in the 6 month period between June and November)
- Listed 157 properties for rent
- Agreed 141 tenancies
- Helped 37 new landlords get their properties to the rental market
Sales Market: June – November 2020
Since the housing market re-opened at the end of June, we have helped a phenomenal number of people move home as unexpected market momentum overcame the unknowns of the pandemic and the property sales sector experienced a mini-boom.
- We launched 158 new properties to the market
- Sold 150 properties
- Overall, activity was up by around 50% on the same period last year
- July was the busiest month when we helped vastly more people move home in a single month than ever before
According to official statistics from Rightmove, we sold more properties than any other agent in the Perth area (PH1 and PH2 postcodes) during this period.
Sales Agreed in Perth Area: 29 Jun - 30 Nov 2020
November 2020
- We sold 23 properties (up slightly on Nov 2019).
- 74% of properties sold at asking price or above.
- The total value of sales agreed was £3,963,750
- We negotiated an additional £50,800 for our clients (an average of £2,200 per property).
- We listed 14 rental properties and agreed tenancies on 11 properties
October 2020
- We launched 25 new properties to the market (up 14% on last October)
- Sold 27 properties (50% more than October 2019)
- The total value of sales agreed was £4,698,495
- 67% of sales were agreed over asking price (generating an additional £56,070 for our clients).
- We listed 14 properties for rent and agreed tenancies on 11 properties
The past five months has been the busiest period we have ever experienced at PPP. Our staff, photographer, contractors and the surveyors and solicitors we work have all went above and beyond to cope with the increased demand and ensure home moves happened as smoothly as possible.
We welcomed two new members of staff to our estate agency team
Is Now a Good Time to Buy or Sell?
In spite of the unusual year we have had, UK mortgage approvals hit a 13-year high, partly due to the increased demand caused by the pandemic and the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax holiday. Good mortgage rates are still available and there is still time to take advantage of the lower threshold for LBBT which has been raised temporarily to £250,000 until 31st March 2021. The start of the new year is traditionally a busy time for the housing market as buyers and sellers alike use the festive period to plan the year ahead. Many will view 2021 as a time to focus on reprioritised housing needs and to start afresh. And, with the potential LBBT savings, we expect market momentum to continue into next year.
Testimonials
"From their first visit to our home we knew we were in good hands with Katie & Alan. Their friendly approach, genuine enthusiasm for our property and obvious knowledge of the current property market immediately put us at ease which helped us to decide if we were ready to proceed with our house sale. There was no push and they encouraged us to take time to think things over before going ahead.
The marketing was excellent. We had amazing photos, a virtual tour, drone footage, social. The customer service was exceptional. The friendly team went above and beyond in their efforts to ensure we were kept informed at every stage of the process. We received immediate feedback from viewers and they even solved our problem finding suitable rental accommodation after our quick sale with their innovative methods.
We were impressed by the research carried out on potential buyers and the immediate feedback obtained from them. The entire sale process was negotiated in a very professional manner.
The overall experience was so much better than we could have imagined. We were well looked after by the entire team and always kept informed at every stage. We would certainly recommend Premier Properties Perth to any of our friends looking to sell their property. Many thanks to the entire team. Their friendliness and professionalism were much appreciated."
"PPP were recommended to us. Excellent marketing. Seemed to generate a lot of interest. Really good communication, there were two or three people I could contact including Katie which was helpful. Communication on viewers was very quick and helpful. Advice on prices and offers was helpful.
Felt optimistic about getting the house sold. Would recommend because you were knowledgeable and attentive and responded very quickly when required."
"PPP made the effort to meet me quickly at the property, listened to my opinions and did not pressure me.
The property was well represented and I was given the opportunity to review and make a change. I was kept updated regularly and was given practical and realistic advice. When the negotiations were taking place, I was fully involved and my instructions respected.
Selling a house can be a very stressful experience but I felt reassured and nothing was too much of a problem. I was kept updated and treated respectfully throughout the whole process. Would recommend for the reasons given above."
"Have very good experience working with PPP Sales & Lettings departments and they know the market well. The virtual tour was done very well and the marketing covered every avenue.
Communication was always polite and courteous and the local knowledge and expertise was good. Always keeping us in the loop and providing regular updates.
We were offered advice when needed for deciding whether or not to go for a particular offer. Good, stress-free, process.
Would recommend - we have experience of working with Premier Properties over several years and have been very happy with the service provided to us."
"Truly professional leasing agency and completely up to date with Scottish Government legislation and all aspects of domestic property management. In our experience, the best agent in Tayside."
"Our Friend recommended PPP, also you gave a very good fee.
Fantastic job! Our house looked outstanding after you prepared it for market. Everything was clear for us and professional. Quick sale for us, first offer was very good so we accepted it.
We are very grateful to Premier Properties Perth, you made our sale quick and you recommended a solicitor who did a very good and quick job.
Would recommend! The best estate agency in Perth!"