Eleventh Housing Minister appointed since 2010
Boris Johnson has appointed Deputy Chief Whip (part of a clear-out of the Whips’ office) Stuart Andrews as the new Housing Minister, making him the 11th person to hold the position in 12 years.
Andrew, who is local to the Leeds area is the MP for Pudsey replaced Christopher Pincher as the prime minister reshuffled his cabinet yesterday. He will now be working with Michael Gove, the secretary of state for the Government’s flagship levelling-up agenda.
On accepting his new role as housing minister, Andrew reportedly told the Prime Minister that he had grown up on a Council estate and been “very struck” with what the Right to Buy Scheme, which allowed council tenants to buy their own home – had achieved.
Pincher was the longest-serving housing Minister for more than a decade, with two years’ service, but some critics dismayed by the regular churn of different ministers, feel he should have been given more time in the role to help fix the housing crisis.
Andrew will now oversee meeting the government’s target to building 300,000 homes a year. A post on Mr. Andrew’s website declares “Save Our greenbelt”, opposing a plan for 70,000 houses in the next 16 years in and around Leeds.
If you would like an update on the Property market in Leeds or would like a free market appraisal call David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400
W: davidphillip.coHousing minister.uk a:86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, e: info@davidphillip.co.uk
Fingers crossed, life will be returning to some sort of normality as Plan B Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, so now is a great time to make plans for some unmissable events taking place in Leeds in 2022. Here is a list of events we know are taking place in our wonderful city over the next few months
Carmen
One of the finest operas of all time, Opera North’s new modern day take is coming to Leeds Grand in February. The blend of femininity, feistiness, flamenco and George Bizet’s music make this one of opera’s must see performances – Saturday February 12th to February 18th 2022
Rigoletto
In 1855, Verdi wrote that Rigoletto was his best opera, with memorable melodies including the instantly recognisable La donna e mobile. Verdi’s dramatic heart-breaking opera focusing on privilege and power is brought to Leeds Grand Theatre by Opera North in a modern production not to be missed – playing now until February 19th 2022
Northern Ballet – Casanova
I have previously seen this and it is fantastic, taking you right to the heart and mind of one of history’s most notorious individuals who lived every minute of his life in a whirlwind of scandal and decadence. Kenneth Tindall’s wonderful production provides you with a night of, drama, lavish costumes and choreography like no other. – Leeds Grand Theatre March 10th to March 19th 2022
Duo Lipa
Announced in 2019, her ‘Further Nostalgia’ tour was pushed back but she is now planning to return to The First Direct Arena in April. Performing some of her greatest hits she will be in Leeds on Monday April 18th 2022
The Book of Mormon
I saw this in December in Manchester. The show follows the crazy misadventures of a pair of mismatched Mormon Missionaries who take their work to Africa. The music is great and the story although far- fetched is a lot of fun – although somewhat for the open-minded. – Leeds Grand Theatre April 19th to May 7th 2022
Simple Minds at 02 Academy
Rock band Simple Minds belt out some of their well-known anthems at the 02 Academy in Leeds with tickets currently on Sale through Ticketmaster – April 9th 2022
Little Mix
Little Mix were the first girl group to win the X Factor in 2011. The fabulous three-piece band will be bringing their Confetti World tour to Leeds First Direct Arena in April. One of the greatest UK’s girl bands will be performing songs from their chart-topping debut Cannonball along with all their well-known anthems – April 30th 2022
Chicago
With coronation Street’s Faye Brooks as Roxie and the West ends Djalenga Scott (Chicago, West Side Story )as Kelly. One of Broadways sexiest shows returns to Leeds for its 25th anniversary. The performance features one show stopping song after another, including Razzle Dazzle, All that jazz and Cell Block Tango. – Leeds Grand theatre Tuesday 10th May to Saturday 14th of May 2022.
Live at Leeds in the Park
The first ever Live at Leeds festival has been confirmed with a fabulous extravaganza of brilliant Indie Music – Temple Newsam June 4th 2022
Alan Partridge
His new live stage show Stratagem – exploring ‘what is the United Kingdom’. Entertaining like few others can, he is hoping to spread a message of hope at the First Direct arena on May 28th and 29th 2022
Stormzy
Stormzy is back with one of his most highly anticipated UK tours. Promoting his latest album ‘Heavy is the Head’ at the First Direct Arena on March 16th 2022
There are some amazing performances to see in Leeds at the beginning of 2022. Leeds also has some amazing places to live too, so you can easily see the theatre and live events it has to offer. if you are looking to move home at the beginning of 2022 call David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400
A: 86, Leeds road, Bramhope, Leeds w: DavidPhillip.co.uk
Property Market update - UK House Price Index – December 2021, published January 2022
Average UK house prices rose by 1% in the three months to December, taking the rate of annual growth to 7.4%, down from 7.7% in September. The value of an average home in the UK is at £242,000 a rise of £17,000 during 2021.
Although Liverpool and Manchester lead the way in price growth in the UK’s largest cities at 10.7% and 8.7%, Leeds continues to perform strongly in 6th place at an increase of 7.8% year on year – Yorkshire and Humberside collectively are seeing growth of 8.5% year on year.
There has been demand for all property types but particularly a drive for family homes. The pandemic ‘search for space’, the stamp duty holiday – where larger savings were available for higher value transactions, and also changing working patterns for office-based workers all contributed to a strong focus on family homes. We have seen this in the wider commuter zones where Bramhope and Adel perform strongly. Rightmove have reported that the jump in average prices this month is driven by homes at the ‘top of the ladder’, which again is good news for North Leeds
The demand for apartments has also risen strongly driven by the re-opening of offices in the big cities.
With activity levels of 1.5 million sales in 2021 (the highest number of transactions in any year since before the financial crisis) this has eroded supply. There is still an imbalance between supply and demand and although new properties coming to the market was quieter in October and part way through November , new supply is coming to the market and we have seen a busy January particularly in Bramhope as the market returns to its usual levels. All the signals are there that suggest the number of committed buyers and sellers is allowing activity to progress, especially where agents are helping to identify properties for would-be sellers to move into.
Rightmove have reported that the number of buyers enquiring about homes is 15% higher than the same time last year, and there are early signs that more property choice is on its way, with the first working week of 2022 being the busiest start of the year ever for people requesting agents to come out and value their homes
While demand continues to outstrip supply there is now more of a balance of the type of home, the largest demand is still family homes.
There are still economic headwinds this year , not least rising inflation which will lead to a rise in the Bank of England base rate and in mortgage rates, however it is worth placing this in a longer run context – mortgage rates are at ultra-low levels so even if at some point they do increase, they will remain relatively low as lenders are competing for business and offering incentives too.
For those who already own a home, around three-quarters of owners have a fixed-rate mortgage deal so they will be protected from any rises for some time.
David Phillip commented “it is clear that the trends which defined the market in 2021 are continuing into 2022, the January market has been very strong, with a varied selection of properties being marketed. However a percentage of buyers enquiring about a property still have their own property to sell, and where they are competing against other buyers who are able to move more quickly may mean that they miss out on the home they want. There is talk of the ‘power buyer’ – by making sure your current home is on the market or preferably sold subject to contract first before starting the search for your new home can give you an added edge”.
So as the property market returns to some sort of normality, if you are considering selling your home in North Leeds, and would like a free market appraisal with David Phillip FRICS call 01134 676 400
David Phillip Estate Agents, 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds w: davidphillip.co.uk
We are talking kitchens! - how to update and the most spectacular kitchen at a property we have for sale in Adel
The kitchen is the most used room in a property and the heart of the home, where family and friends come together to socialise, relax and be inspired with healthy cooking. The planning and design of your kitchen can make a big difference not only to the quality of your day to day life, but also to the value of your home.
If you are looking to refurbish your home, then the kitchen is the area where you can be inspirational as well as creative. You may want to invest in a brand new kitchen, however there are some easier alternative options to consider.
If the units in your kitchen work well for you then instead of replacing them, why not re-laquer or paint instead – many paint shops sell a variety of colours for wood, and a two toned look can make a big difference to the room. Use a can or two of paint – and always remember the primer.
Opening up some of the upper cabinetry can completely transform a space – add open floating shelving for displaying unusual items, beautiful glassware, cookbooks and interesting serving platters – this is actually easier to grab items you require without them taking up valuable cupboard space.
Updating or adding an island to the kitchen, not only potentially adds extra storage space but also provides a gathering area where you can be sociable too – many kitchen islands now have a work surface that overhangs so that seating can be stored underneath. Using marble, granite or quartzite can make this look really dramatic too – select stone in a neutral shade to ensure it lasts long enough to stand up to changing trends.
Changing your lighting can make a difference to the feel and look of the whole space, you can now purchase unusual lighting to hang over the island, add a dramatic light over the sink area, and fairy lights underneath elevated cabinets to illuminate the work surface, this definitely adds to the ambiance especially at night.
Add a backsplash to your kitchen – source out some unusual ceramic tiles to make a feature and replace the hardware on cupboard doors, this is really easy to do and can make a big difference to the kitchen without costing a fortune.
It is possible to make flooring and counter tops look luxurious on a less expensive budget, but one thing not to scrimp on is the appliances as these will date the kitchen quickly – new appliances should also be an investment.
If you are looking for kitchen inspiration, take a look at the magnificent 21 ft kitchen at our property at 6, The Meadows in Adel – the bi-folding windows open onto a private rear garden ensuring natural light fills this beautiful space. The high quality two tone units are sleek and extremely modern.
The double island is quite spectacular, with high scratch resistant Dekton work surfaces, ample seating for socialising and eating, a built in hob with 2 in 1 induction extractor with re-circulation kit and 5 Region wine cooler. The stunning bronze sink has an instant hot and cold water tap, plus there is ample storage space.
If you are looking for the absolute luxury appliances then this kitchen has Miele throughout. The Miele graphite grey single oven is engineered to deliver unparalleled accuracy for the always perfect result, there is even a camera inside the oven compartment so that you can always keep an eye on the cooking process – remotely if required. The graphite grey microwave and Miele warming drawers positioned underneath the main oven add that extra luxury.
The sleek luxury units boast an in-built coffee machine offering the best bean to cup experience for coffee connoisseurs.
No matter how great a chef you are, the freshest ingredients really bring out the best flavours in your cooking and with a separate fridge and freezer you have appliances that are thermostat accurate to within one degree – the freezer also has its own built-in ice making machine
The dish washer which is almost silent is Miele too and has a vast range of specialist programmes to ensure dishes will come out spotless.
From the beautiful wooden floor to the spectacular lighting this is one of the most wonderful kitchens you could possibly find in a property, the rest of the home is pretty spectacular too.
Take a look on all the main property portals – there is also a 3D virtual tour of this home and if you would like an early inspection of this beautifully presented stone built detached family home in Adel call now on 01134 676 400 for an early inspection. www.Davidphillip.co.uk
Good Reasons not to overprice your home
When selling your home, at David Phillip Estate Agents we always advise pricing your home competitively but realistically, this is even more important after the frenzy of the stamp duty holiday.
The market is already returning to some sort of normality at the beginning of January and we have a number of very nice properties in Bramhope and Adel about to be launched . Properties are still moving quickly so it is even more important to price your property competitively so that your home isn’t overlooked in favour of something priced realistically.
So, here are the 8 good reasons not to overprice your home, (most of them are common sense too!)
Your property could take longer to sell
Homes that are overpriced can take more than two months longer to sell compared to accurately priced properties according to Zoopla. The extra time it took an overpriced property to sell ranged from an average of 68 days in the North East to 49 days in the West Midlands.
Fewer buyers will see your home
Most buyers use property portals like Zoopla and Rightmove to kick start their search for a new home, and one of the key search filters is the maximum price you want to pay.
As a seller, if you price your home too high, it is likely to appear in fewer searches and bypass many potential buyers, it may also compare unfavourably to homes listed in the same price bracket that have been realistically priced – and that is a big chunk of the market.
Buyers can be suspicious of properties that can be on the market too long
While it may be tempting to test the water with a high price, or list at ‘offers over’ reasoning that you can always discount later if your home does not sell, this approach is likely to trigger suspicion among potential buyers. People tend to be wary of properties that have been on the market for too long, assuming there must be something wrong with them.
Bear in mind also, that a price reduction will be noted next to the home for sale on the property websites.
Offers over
Some agents will advise you market your property at ‘offers over’, however through experience this may dissuade people from looking at your property – buyers fear that they will be outpriced and therefore don’t even bother viewing – if the property had been listed at a ‘guide price’ then people know more realistically what they are likely to pay – this also means that your home is likely to get more viewings too generally resulting in more offers, and therefore potentially a price over the guide price.
Sometimes people may put in an inflated offer to secure the property, only to reduce and re-negotiate further down the line – at this time other interested parties may have moved on to another property.
You can create problems further down the line
All properties need a valuation survey carried out by their mortgage lender, and even if you have found a buyer at an inflated price, then it may return a value below the offer accepted – at this point the buyer may try to negotiate a discount or even pull out of the sale altogether. If the buyer does pull out, then you may need to re-advertise your house arising even more suspicion.
You can waste your chance of a first impression
Buyers prefer properties that are fresh on the market rather than those that have been listed for some time – and you only get one chance to make a first impression. If you price correctly then you may have several buyers interested at the beginning which could push up the price naturally.
If you have priced your house too high in the first place then you may not get this interest
The market may change
Sellers who overprice their homes, risk the local property market changing while they wait to sell. The stamp duty holiday saw an increase in house prices and although house prices are remaining consistent, the market may adjust, and if your home has had a price that has been inflated then this may cause problems later down the line.
Homes that have to be discounted can take up to 2 months longer to sell, that could be enough time for the market to shift down a gear.
You run the risk of losing the home you want to buy
At David Phillip Estate Agents, we are finding that people who have sold their property and ready to proceed are in a much better position to have an offer accepted on their dream home. We are currently taking offers from people who are proceedable. Property chains can be long and complex and not everyone will be prepared for you to find a buyer at your overpriced asking price.
You may be hit with higher Estate Agency fees.
Given the time it takes for overpriced homes to sell, you may decide to instruct a new agent in the hope that they might be more successful in finding a buyer – at David Phillip Estate Agents, we have sold properties unsuccessfully listed by other agents, but our fees need to be paid too, this can put the overall price up too. We do though have fairer fixed fees so that you know exactly what you are paying, and also unlike other agents, we do not tie you into lengthy contracts as we are confident in our ability to sell – as long as your property is priced correctly.
David Phillip has over 30 years’ experience and knowledge selling properties in North and West Yorkshire, so if you are looking to have a no-obligation, realistic valuation completed then call us on 01134 676 400.
86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds w: davidphillip.co.uk
If you are looking to sell your home, reaching the greatest audience (the most potential buyers) is a key factor to achieving a quick sale. The National Property Portals ensure you are reaching ‘motivated’ buyers looking to move to the area.
At David Phillip Estate Agents we subscribe to the following portals
Not only is it key that your property is posted on as many sites as possible, the way your property is presented is vitally important too. At David Phillip Estate Agents we create the ‘ultimate property listing’ on Rightmove which could include – featured property, premium listing, 3D virtual tour, beautiful photography, drone footage and descriptive copywriting.
Take a look at Rightmove, Adel today – not only do we have Featured Listings but we have Premium Properties too (Adel Pasture and The Meadows), which increases the chance of buyers noticing the properties.
So, if you are looking to sell your home in 2022 call an Estate Agent that not only ensures you reach the greatest audience in the most effective and professional way possible but also an agent that has a fresh and motivated database of people looking to move into the area.
David Phillip FRICS t: 01134 676 400 w: davidphillip.co.uk a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN
Updated Covid-19 guidance for Estate Agents
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has updated its guidance document setting out general advice and information for Estate Agents as well as for those moving home.The Government says that it has been necessary to re-introduce some measures to manage the emergence of the Covid 19 Omicron variant.
At David Phillip Estate Agents in Bramhope we continue to follow all government guidelines to keep our customers and employees safe.
The general advice issued by the Department states “we urge everyone involved in the home buying and selling process to continue to follow good hygiene practices, including regular hand-washing, sanitising and cleaning, we also encourage all parties involved to be as flexible as possible and be prepared for potential delays for example if one of those involved becomes ill with Covid-19 during the moving process or has to self- isolate” – you can read the guidance on the Government website and at David Phillip Estate Agents our Covid-19 protocol for viewings and Market appraisals is available on our website.
David Phillip commented “We have been working within the ‘constraints’ of the Pandemic for nearly two years and are comfortable with the ‘new normal’ processes we have in place to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. We continue to use 3D virtual tours as the first viewing of our properties where appropriate. Our technology ensures that customers do not need to visit the office in person and our cloud based systems offer some of the most sophisticated communication tools – including instant valuations”
So if you are considering selling your home in Bramhope, Adel, Pool-in-Wharfedale or Otley and would like a free market appraisal with an Estate agent that is local, trusted and safe, call us now on 01134 676 400 a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, w: Davidphillip.co.uk
Predicting the housing market can often be a little hit and miss, particularly after an unprecedented 2 years, however there are some elements that we can be certain about.
House prices have been playing catch up after the uncertainty of Brexit, once this was resolved, Covid-19 hit the property market with the stamp duty holiday adding a further challenge.
For anyone considering selling their home, the market has now calmed down (although not slowed down) after the stamp duty frenzy, and far from missing the market, now is a very good time to think of moving.
The urgency of transactions has been removed which is welcomed by both buyers and sellers, and there is an abundance of motivated buyers and many high calibre houses are selling before they reach the open market, meaning buyers still have to act with speed if they wish to secure a property.
Yorkshire is still seeing a very positive market – High income families with school age children are looking to purchase properties around the £1 million mark, and are well placed to secure a mortgage. London buyers view Yorkshire as a financially secure region in which to base their principal home, with good transport links into London and a host of excellent private schools. Leeds has a good mix of thriving businesses and industries which gives people the confidence to buy and sell homes in the area - areas on the outskirts of Leeds are particularly appealing.
There is still a continued desire of people looking to make lifestyle changes, a more spacious environment, the option to work from home and more outdoor garden space is still an important factor – the areas of Bramhope and Adel are very appealing.
Some people are looking to downsize too as they realise their current property has too much space, which is freeing up very desirable family homes, often with the scope for modernisation
Yorkshire and Humberside are expected to see a potential rise of approximately 7% in 2022 with prices predicted to grow by 18.8% over the next five years: the highest expected increase in the UK alongside the North West.
The market does remain price sensitive, particularly in light of the recent interest rate rise and therefore setting a realistic but competitive price from the outset is key, this will ensure a healthy amount of viewings, with often more than one offer made.
David Phillip commented: “There is an underlying confidence in the property market which remains buoyant despite the emergence of the Covid-19 variant. We are seeing an increasing number of market appraisals and a rise of properties coming onto the market particularly in Adel and Bramhope”
If you are considering selling your home and would like a free market appraisal with David Phillip FRICS then call 01134 676 400 a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds w: davidphillip.co.uk
National Cut Your Energy Costs Day encourages consumers to explore their options and keep up with scheduled maintenance. Each year, on January 10th, the observance provides information designed to help homeowners and businesses to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency. Did you know that tuning up your heating system can save you up to three to ten percent in overall costs?
It is often in the little things that you do that can save you big money on your energy bill, such as:
The above list is just a few of the many ways to conserve energy. Use these tips, along with others you may already have in practice, many are available online and you will be able to create energy and financial savings the entire year.
January is an excellent time for selling your home, Rightmove reports some of its highest traffic to the portals, the Christmas decorations have come down and people are working out their plans for 2022 – which often includes moving home. If you would like a free market appraisal call David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400
W:davidphillip.co.uk e: info@davidphillip.co.uk a: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds
The 12th night is upon us and The Christmas Trees and Decorations are sadly now being taken down for another year, so if you live in North Leeds and your tree is currently temporarily in the back garden, what are the options for removing it. Do you re-cycle (how and where?) or do you dispose of your tree (how where and how much?)
According to the British Christmas Tree Growers Association, between six and eight million ‘real’ Christmas trees are sold in the UK every year. A typical six to seven foot high Christmas tree is between 10 and 12 years old: Nordmann Firs are the most popular in homes making up to 80% of those sold with Norway spruce making up 10-15%
So now that the decorations are down, what are the options for dealing with the tree:-
If your tree is an artificial one it needs to go out with the rubbish
Some tips on making tree removing easier
So now that you have removed your Christmas Tree and decorations, and the children are back at school, this could be the ideal time for getting your property ‘market ready’ with a view to selling.
We have five properties about to be listed in the Bramhope, Adel and the Menston area. If you would like a free market appraisal with David Phillip FRICS, please call us on 01134 676 400. A: 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds w: davidphillip.co.uk
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