Property prices continue to rise
The latest data from the Land Registry, the government agency which records all property transactions, shows that property prices in East Sussex have shown a steady growth over the last year.
The latest figures show a growth of 7.3% in the 12 months to January 2015, the latest date for which figures are available.
This growth is remarkably consistent across all property types, from flats to detached houses.
This figure is slightly below the south-east average of 9.4% for the same period, which would be expected because much of that data would include the outlying parts of London, which has performed very strongly in terms of house price growth.
I believe that these figures are at about the right level. Much higher than this and we'll start to see interest rate rises, yet much lower and the property market ceases to be the engine of the economy that it has been for many years now.
I also believe that this sort of level of growth makes selling or buying property a good prospect. Those selling after a while can capitalise on the equity in the property, whilst those buying are able to do so without suffering the runaway prices that might make buying difficult.
The average price of a property in East Sussex, at £196,837 remains a shade below its all-time peak of £200,442 seen in February 2008 before prices fell to a low of £161,621 in May 2009. If this growth continues we expect that peak to be passed some time over the summer.
Phillip Mann
Managing Director
Phillip Mann Estate Agents
Redecorating: how far to go
When letting your property, you naturally want your property to look its best, but how far should you go in terms of presentation?
Firstly, aim to understand how your property “sits” within the market. Not all tenants have the same criteria, so walk through the house with your letting agent to identify your property’s strengths and weaknesses. Look through the eyes of a typical tenant, and consider what aspects should be improved to enhance your chances of letting to that person.
For example, it may be that your property is in generally good condition, but the carpets let it down. Whilst you could take account of this in the rent, new, or professionally cleaned, carpets can transform the presentation of a property and appeal to a tenant who might otherwise be put off. However, if your property is in need of general updating, a new carpet could be a waste of money unless combined with an overall improvement.
A tenanted property can sometimes experience harder wear and tear than an owner-occupied one, and a new tenant will always prefer to “make it their own” rather than simply taking over from the last tenant. So a simple coat of paint can generally do wonders and need not be expensive.
Additionally, a tenant who moves into a fresh, clean well-presented, newly-redecorated property, knowing they need to return it one day in the same condition, is more likely to look after it more carefully and even stay longer. A tenant with a sense of pride is generally a good tenant! We like good tenants - so do our clients!
If you'd like to discuss any aspect of lettings, please do give me a call.
Debbie Williams
Head of Lettings
01273 511511
lettings@phillipmann.com
The paradox of technology
The opportunities opened up by technology in the property world have been enormous, yet many agents simply use their website as a glorified shop window. Like any agency window, the properties displayed need to be regularly updated and presented in a way that inspires tenants and buyers to take things further.
But a good agency website is more than a simple property search tool. If that's all it did, it would be a bit like only being able to get the news on TV!
The first thing many prospective sellers and landlords do is check out local letting agents’ websites. Does the home page give a clear impression of the "personality" of that particular agency? A list of features is one thing, but does it highlight the people behind the business and the company ethos?
Our new website, as well as having a contemporary feel to it, does exactly this. And just as you might expect to receive fair and honest property-related advice from the specialists in our office, so our website also contains articles which we believe will be of interest to our customers – whether buying, selling, letting or renting.
However, the most important benefit derived from our huge investment in technology is the amount of time released by our enhanced efficiency. Because the system captures and automatically matches tenants to properties (within our manually predetermined parameters) we have more time available to do what we do best – look after our customers through personal communication, something on which we score highly when we research our customers.
Therefore, and somewhat ironically, our use of technology has streamlined us to the extent that we have been able return to, and develop, the traditional service levels appreciated by so many of our satisfied customers to date.
Peacehaven: what's on in March
Newhaven & Peacehaven The University of The Third Age - Annual Quiz
Date: Thursday 05 March 2015
Time: 2:00pm
Where: Main Hall, Community House, Meridian Centre
Peacehaven & Telscombe FC v East Thurrock United
Date: Sunday 08 March 2015
Time: 3:00pm
Where: The Sports Park, Piddinghoe Avenue, BN10 8RH
Peacehaven Cinema presents "Mr Turner"
Date: Wednesday 11 March 2015
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Main Hall, Community House, Meridian Centre
Wave Leisure - Table Top Sale
Date: Wednesday 18 March 2015
Time: 9:00am - 12:00 Noon
Where: Peacehaven Leisure Centre
Peacehaven & Telscombe FC v Enfield Town
Date: Saturday 21 March 2015
Time: 3:00pm
Where: The Sports Park, Piddinghoe Avenue, BN10 8RH
Newhaven: what's on in March
Community Garden - Newhaven
Date: Thursday 05 March 2015
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Where: Robinson Road,
Womens World Day of Prayer
Date: Friday 06 March 2015
Time: 2:00pm - 7:30pm
Where: St Michaels Church, Church Hill
Newhaven Twinning Association - Family Games Evening
Date: Friday 06 March 2015
Time: 6:00pm
Where: Harbour School, Church Hill
Community Garden - Newhaven
Date: Thursday 12 March 2015
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Where: Robinson Road,
Newhaven FC v Eastbourne Town
Date: Saturday 14 March 2015
Time: 3:00pm
Where: Fort Road, BN9 9DA
Newhaven FC v Broadbridge Heath
Date: Saturday 21 March 2015
Time: 3:00pm
Where: Fort Road, BN9 9DA
Newhaven Country Market
Date: Thursday 26 March 2015
Time: 9:45am - 1:00pm
Where: Hillcrest Community Centre, Hillcrest Road
LISTING OF LOCAL CHILDREN'S CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
Thanks to the Newhaven Town website for these listings. Click for more details.
Seaford: what's on in March
Indoor Market
Dates: every Tuesday
Time: 10.30 - 2.30
Where: The Clinton Centre, Clinton Place, BN25 1NP
Café, gifts, food and more
The Seaford Community Garden - in the Crouch
Date: Wednesday 04 March 2015
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Crouch Gardens, East Street
http://www.seaford-sussex.co.uk/scg/index.html
Worldwide Women’s Day of Prayer
Date: Friday 06 March 2015
Time: 2:00pm
Where: Cross Way Church, Steyne Road (opposite The Wellington)
Seaford Fair Trade Market
Date: Saturday 07 March 2015
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Where: The Clinton Centre, Clinton Place, BN25 1NP
Seaford RFC v Chichester III
Date: Saturday 07 March 2015
Time: 3:00pm
Where: Salts Recreation Ground, Richmond Road, BN25 1DR
The Seaford Community Garden - in the Crouch
Date: Wednesday 11 March 2015
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Crouch Gardens, East Street
Seaford and District Stamp Club
Date: Thursday 12 March 2015
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Cross Way Church, Steyne Road
Seaford Town FC 1st Team v Wick & Barnham United
Date: Saturday 14 March 2015
Time: 3:00pm
Where: The Crouch
Seaford Past and Present – a new selection of images
Date: Friday 20th March
Time: 7.00pm
Where: Seaford Museum
http://www.seafordmuseum.co.uk/
Seaford Foodswap
Date: Saturday 21st March
Time: 10.00am
Where: Seven Sisters
https://seafordfoodswap.eventbrite.co.uk/
Lunchtime Concert with Rosemary Kemp (Piano) & Julia Kemp (Soprano)
Date: Saturday 21 March 2015
Time: 1:00pm
Where: St Leonards Church Hall, off Church Lane
Table Top Sale
Date: Sunday 22 March 2015
Time: 9:00am - 12:00 Noon
Where: Downs Leisure Centre, Sutton Road, BN25 4QW
Seaford Natural History Society AGM
Date: Tuesday 24 March 2015
Time: 2:15pm
Where: St Luke's Church Hall, Walmer Road
Seahaven FM - Quiz Night with Canine Partners
Date: Thursday 26 March 2015
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Seaford Head Golf Course, Southdown Road, BN25 4JS
Music to Relax To
Date: Friday 27 March 2015
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: St James' Clubhouse, 11 Blatchington Road
Seaford RFC v Worthing Senior I
Date: Saturday 28 March 2015
Time: 3:00pm
Where: Salts Recreation Ground, Richmond Road, BN25 1DR
Shadows tribute concert in aid of ICP Support
Date: Saturday 28 March 2015
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Seaford Constitutional Club, Crouch Lane
Spring Special Seven Sisters Family Event
Date: Monday 30 March 2015
Time: 10:30am
Where: Pump Barn, behind the Visitor Centre at the Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat, nr Seaford
Seven Sisters Spring Holiday Club - Wild Woodies Bug Happy
Date: Tuesday 31 March 2015
Time: 10:00am
Where: Pump Barn, behind the Visitor Centre at the Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat, nr. Seaford