There are whispers amongst the corridors of Whitehall to encourage pensioners to downsize with a stamp duty break.
The move welcomed by the National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB) has welcomed this move and will free up the market whist allowing pensioners to move without the penalty of high stamp duty and would certainly encourage more people to do move as a consequence.
Currently a pensioner selling a family home at £700,000 to buy at £500,000 would face a £15,000 stamp duty bill and with other associated costs, this figure means that Pensioners cannot bring themselves to pay when leaving a much-loved family home.
David Phillip commented “this could be excellent news for retired people wishing to downsize – the cost of living and rise in household bills has certainly given pensioners much to think about at this time”.
If you are considering a downsize or house move and would like a free market-appraisal call David Phillip on 01134 676 400
David Phillip Estate Agents, 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN w: davidphillip.co.uk
Covering the areas of North Leeds, Bramhope, Poole-in-Wharfedale, Adel, Cookridge and Otley
Liz Truss has announced an ‘energy price guarantee’ which means that a typical household will pay no more than £2,500 a year on energy bills for two years, from 1st October, this is re-assuring news and means that the cap which was set to jump up to £3,549 from £1,971 will no longer happen.
Energy bills help that has already been announced will still go ahead, which is welcoming news for households worrying about how they will manage to pay for their bills, however there are still other schemes available for providing support.
Around 90% of eligible households have already received the £150 Council Tax rebate if their home is in council tax bands A to D – ring your local council if you are yet to receive this payment.
Additional energy bills help for the vulnerable and low-income households is available which includes an extra £150 on-off disability payment which will be paid automatically from September 20th
All households in the UK will receive a £400 discount on their energy bill as part of the Energy Bills support Scheme to help with the cost of living starting from October, this will be paid out over 6 months and will be taken off their bills directly by the energy companies
If you have a traditional pre-payment meter you will get a Special Action Message (SAMS) issued via e-mail, post or text message each month which you will need to redeem at your usual top-up point if you are a smart prepayment meter you will see that the discount is credited directly to your pre-payment meter each month.
Anyone who doesn’t use mains gas and electricity, such as those using heating oil will also receive the equivalent help.
If you were born before 26 September 1955, you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills – this includes a Pensioner Cost of Living Payment of between £150 and £300, however you only get this extra discount in Winter 2022/2023.
Cold Weather Payment – for every 7 days of very cold weather there is an extra payment.
If you are really struggling to pay your energy bills ensure you arrange a payment plan with your supplier. Ofgem the energy regulator says to contact your supplier as soon as you can, at this point you can ask for a review of your payments and debt repayments, payment dates or reductions, more time to pay or access to hardship funds – if you are in a vulnerable situation this is a free support service for you to use.
I have previously posted a blog with tips on how to save electricity – take a look on www.davidphillip.co.uk.
As the Government looks to make more announcements around any areas concerning the home, we will update all information via our website, and if you are considering selling your home call David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400.
86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN, covering Bramhope, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Otley, Adel and Cookridge
Since the pandemic, a good work/life balance has become key for both employees and employers. It prevents burn out and work-related stress whilst also improving productivity and results in a motivated workforce.
Companies have changed the ways they operate with some allowing staff to work from home and others having a mix of office/home working – technology allows for different working models, moving from the standard 9am-5.30pm in the office to a more flexible option, as long as the Customer Experience isn’t compromised in any way.
So, what if you work from home 5 days a week and your work/life balance is all under the same roof or even in the same room, or you have a busy commute to a town or city and just crave for somewhere different to go on a Weekend, preferably somewhere where you can enjoy open spaces, or even if your work from home routine could be split between the city and an office in the countryside!
Perhaps you had thought of buying another home somewhere rural to provide that true work life balance, but the cost of purchasing a second home is just too expensive, especially when stamp duty is taken into consideration.
The option of purchasing a ‘lock-up’ and leave holiday home could be a more affordable way of reaching the balance you are looking for – and also avoids stamp duty payments.
Jackie and Mike Cooper, have worked in senior positions in big organisations for well known brands, their work life was extremely busy and come the Weekends they wanted somewhere to relax, recharge their batteries and enjoy a different way of living.
They purchased a holiday home in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales near Leyburn, an area which boasted beautiful countryside, famous restaurants and a much more relaxing way of life.
The area they chose Chantry at West Witton near Leyburn, a beautiful 5 star country park, with exceptional standards in a lovely community and a stunning 23 acres of Parkland – it even has its own gym and is the perfect place to lock up and leave.
Initially Jackie and Mike used the holiday home for Weekends, holidays and a bolt hole when the country opened up post Covid19 lockdowns.
Jackie commented “ Mike and I had really busy jobs and were looking for somewhere to relax on a Weekend, the option of a lodge ticked all the boxes – a great location in a beautiful part of the country, 5 star facilities plus not a long commute from where we lived in Harrogate. A holiday home proved to be a really affordable option, particularly as we didn’t need to pay stamp duty and especially as it is open all year round and we enjoyed all the 4 magical seasons .
As our working lives changed due to Covid-19, we eventually part re-located to West Witton as the Lodge provided us with the ideal working space.
After spending time in the Yorkshire Dales, we fell in love with the area and the way of life so much that we have decided to move there permanently and are therefore selling our beautiful Lodge”
Ambleside Lodge is now on the market, with two bedrooms, living room and dining kitchen. It really is worth an early inspection and will provide someone with that work/life balance that is now becoming more and more important.
For further details call David Phillip Estate Agents on 01134 676 400 w: www.davidphillip.co.uk
86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 9AN e: info@davidphillip.co.uk
Covering North Leeds, Bramhope, Cookridge, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Adel, Otley and of course lovely West Witton (near Leyburn)
Today, Liz Truss has been announced as the new Leader of the Conservative party and tomorrow she will be announced as the Prime Minister and will get the keys to Number 10, Downing Street. So not only will there be a change of occupancy in Number 10 with Boris Johnson moving out, potentially number 11 will have a change of occupant too.
Even the best of planners can find moving day a little overwhelming and exhausting, but fortunately there are ways to make that all important house move a little less stressful.
Follow our moving day tips for both buyers and sellers to ensure all goes as smoothly as possible
Keep a running list of everything you need to get done
Have you cleaned the fridge and freezer, put out the rubbish, removed all the junk from the loft and cleaned out the gunk in the shower that you have been promising yourself you would do for ages – these are things that often get pushed to one side whilst you are busy packing, but are things that can definitely be left to the last minute when you have better things to do – so start planning well ahead. Make a list, allocate a day and time, prioritise and stick to your plan!
Put kids and pet arrangements in place early in the day
The kids will be excited and the pets are likely to sense that there is something going on too, children and pets running around can complicate the day and also be a little dangerous when so much big furniture and boxes are being moved. Ensure children are with friends or relatives and that pets are the same or booked into kennels.
Schedule pick-ups or drop-off early in the morning so that you can focus on everything else that requires doing. If the children or pets are going to be around ensure you have distractions in place to keep them occupied.
Tell your friends
Ensure you have informed friends and relatives but also your current and new neighbours too to be certain there is room for any removal vans that will be parked outside the house
Pack a cool bag
Moving day requires lots of stamina and energy, it is easy to get distracted and forget to eat or drink enough. Pack a cooler with drinks, grab and go snacks with a little extra for the movers, and at the end of the day when you are all finished maybe a bottle of chilled Champagne to celebrate moving into your new home. You’ll be so glad you stocked your cooler when you start flagging midway through the afternoon.
Pack a moving essentials bag
Pack a suitcase with all those essentials that you know you will need on moving day, these can include medicines plus a first aid kit, phone chargers, toiletries. Also pack any documents you may need as well as the really important ones such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, driving licence and tax paperwork plus any valuables that may get lost in the move.
As well as your essentials moving bag prepare a first night bag too, this will include bedding, toilet paper, toiletries, hand soap and shower gel, towels for each family member and work clothes.
Ensure your phone is fully charged
You will need to co-ordinate things, with your movers, with the family, your Estate Agent and solicitors, so charge the battery fully the night before and keep the charger in your essentials bag
Leave out some cleaning supplies
Hopefully your house will have been cleaned prior to removal day, but once the furniture has been removed you may need to do some final touch ups. A broom, dustpan, sanitising wipes will all be helpful. Once the house is empty then go round one final time and you will quickly see any last minute cleaning requirements – store cleaning utensils in your car or downstairs cloaks so that they don’t end up on the removal van.
Have some change to tip your movers
If you have hired a professional moving company you will want to tip them at the end of the move – about £10-£15 per helper is sufficient – tipping movers isn’t necessarily required, but is highly appreciated!
Do one last walk through
If you do leave anything behind it may be difficult to retrieve, so check every cupboard including the very back shelves. Take a meter reading and turn off the water.
Leave feedback and reviews
Your solicitors and Estate Agent will really appreciate this, especially if they have provided a great Customer Experience. At David Phillip Estate Agents, we have a clean sweep of 5 star reviews and have won awards for our Customer Experience – reviews are always appreciated.
So… you are now ready (like Boris Johnson) for moving day – Good luck in your new home!
If you are considering selling your home and would like a free market appraisal, call David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400
David Phillip Estate Agents, 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 9AN w: www.davidphillip.co.uk
E: info@davidphillip.co.uk
The contestants of Strictly Come Dancing have just been announced, Castle Howard has announced it’s Christmas activities and although the school summer holidays are just about finished the nights are starting to get dark a little earlier – I hate to mention it, but this always makes me start thinking about Christmas, and, if you are thinking about moving home by Christmas too, then September is the time to start thinking about marketing your property, but there are things that you can do to help you sell your home quicker too, these include:-
At David Phillip Estate Agents we are ready to help you move in time for Christmas. Read our question and answer page on our website wwwdavidphillip.co.uk – this will provide you with tips on how to improve your home ready for marketing at this busy time of year
Our selection of fairer fixed fee packages provide you with various options but all include reflective for sale boards to be seen right through the months up to Christmas.
Call us now for a free market appraisal on 01134 676 400
86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 9AN, covering Bramhope, Adel, Cookridge and Pool-in-Wharfedale
At David Phillip Estate Agents our Customer Experience is Key – that’s why we have received the most 5 star reviews from our Clients v all other agents in LS16 on the All Agents property review site (the largest review site for Estate Agents in the UK), which has consequently led to us winning Gold, Silver and Bronze in the All Agents People awards for 2022.
Within the Estate Agency industry there are various awards that you can pay to enter, but the real benchmark we judge ourselves by is the one voted by customers.
Take a look at our clean sweep of 5 star reviews and the comments our customers leave which cover a variety of topics ranging from our dynamic marketing, our beautiful photography, the number of portals we use and our great post sale service.
Congratulations to Charlotte Ford who won the Gold award for the Customer Experience in LS16 – this is a real accolade and reflects her whole approach to work and the seamless service she provides her customers.
All we need now is more space on our office wall, as it is nearly full of all our previous awards – we won the same last year too.
So… if you are considering selling your home, choose an Estate Agent that puts the Customer at the heart of everything it does.
Call David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400
86, Leeds Road, Bamhope, Leeds, w:davidphillip.co.uk e-mail: info@davidphillip.co.uk
Covering the areas of Bramhope, Pool-in Wharfedale, Adel, Cookridge and North Leeds
There is a lot to think about when moving home especially if you are doing the move with children. Not only will you have to take into account how close you are going to be living to family and friends but also to a good school.
Getting your children into a school with an impressive Ofsted rating can be key, and a good school reputation can influence the property market and make a location much more desirable.
Nearly a quarter of parents have moved house to be within their desired school catchment area and and according to TES families willing to move are prepared to pay out a 12% premium for their desired catchment area.
Rightmove analysed the prices of properties in Key areas and worked out that a typical nationwide catchment area with schools assessed as ‘outstanding’ could add a premium of almost £52,000 to the value of a property.
School catchment areas are based on a child’s permanent address. Both secondary and primary schools should be able to provide information on their defined geographical catchment areas so you can find out if you are close enough to be considered for a place.
Children living outside the catchment area are unlikely to be offered a place at what may be the school of their choice, therefore if you have a young family it is key that where you are living or more importantly move to is going to be the best for your child’s education.
When moving home, what should you do to ensure your child gets a place in the school of their choice?
Applications open on November 1st 2022 and close on January 15th in 2023 for children due to start Primary and Junior school in September, therefore if you are looking to move children to a new school, it will be helpful to be living in your new home (and catchment area) by January 2023.
To reach this all-important deadline, and if a house move is likely to be involved to get your child into the school of your choice, then September is potentially the best time to market your current home, and if you are looking to move, then Bramhope, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Adel and Cookridge have some excellent primary schools.
For further details t 01134 676 400 w: davidphillip.co.uk e: info@davidphillip.co.uk, 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN
Covering homes in Bramhope, Cookridge, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Adel, Cookridge and Otley
Properties have seen a 1.3% drop in prices which is on par with the last 10 years and tends to be seasonal at this time of year. Yorkshire and Humber have seen a drop of -0.9%, however this is a 9.9% increase year on year.
After the uncertainty of the last two years, summer holidays are definitely taking a priority this year, distracted home movers, especially those in higher-priced homes appear to be putting their moving plans on hold until the Autumn moving season to enjoy time away with their families.
Some new sellers are pricing more competitively to secure a buyer quickly to beat the lengthy average time to completion and move home before Christmas and there is still a continued desire to move home.
Demand does continue to soften a little although supply constraints are improving, but there is still an imbalance.
People working form home are 5x more likely to move than those that expect no changes in working patterns, highlighting that pandemic factors still continue to influence the market – according to Zoopla around a third of the workforce now has the ability to work more flexibly.
Since the pandemic, about half a million older workers (50-70year olds) are leaving the labour market with retirement being the biggest driver and an important life-stage trigger. Older owners with excess space who are retiring or otherwise may be additionally motivated to move by concerns over the cost of living and the running costs of their current homes. This could apply to other types of households too.
Buyer enquiries to agents are down by 4% v the hot market of 2021, but remain a staggering 20% higher than the pre-pandemic market of 2019 and according to Zoopla 25% over the last five years.
New listings propertiesare up by 12% on the same period last year but are 6% down on 2019 – current stock levels are also lower than 2019 which is a market more comparable to 2022.
The latest interest rate is putting further pressure on buyer affordability, however the housing market is in a much better position to weather a sizeable jump in mortgage rates than has been the case in previous economic cycles. Talk of a major price fall seems wide of the mark but the shift from a prolonged period of cheap money to one of higher borrowing costs will have a greater influence on the market in general.
David Phillip commented “a drop in asking prices is to be expected this month as the market returns towards normal seasonal patterns after a frenzied two years, however house price growth and sales volumes are proving to be more resilient than many may have expected, giving the increase in the cost of living and initial increase in mortgage rates. Many would be home-owners have decided to put home moves on hold until September to make the most of their first summer holiday for two years
We tend to find sellers are pricing competitively at this time of year in order to find a suitable buyer quickly, with some hoping to complete their sale before Christmas, nevertheless, we are still expecting price changes for the rest of the year to continue to follow the usual seasonal trend, which mean’s nationally we will see the year end at around 7% annual growth, even with the wider economic uncertainty”.
Looking forward, September is always a busy month for the property market for the following reasons
So if you are considering a house move, or would like further information about the condition of the property market or would like a free market appraisal call David Phillip FRICS on 01134 676 400
David Phillip Estate Agents, 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, w:davidphillip.co.uk
David Phillip, covering Bramhope, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Adel, Cookridge, Otley, Leeds
People’s working habits continue to evolve and more and more people are looking for flexible ways of working, which very often means working from home rather than from an office.
In today’s busy working world, the distance from home to work can often be a long and difficult commute which eats into your working day whilst also impacting on the environment – home working can reduce your carbon footprint with car emissions as well as saving travelling expenses at a time when the cost of petrol and diesel is going through the roof.
Today you do not necessarily need to physically go to work, you just work regardless of the location, and as long as you have the right environment in which to work, supported by the best technology and it works well for you as well as for the company you are employed by then this can be a viable alternative as long as it doesn’t impact on the Customer experience
If you are a small business then, working from home can also provide the advantage of not paying hefty business charges too.
So how do you make this transition from travelling to work to arriving straight to your ‘desk’ which can be a bit jarring first thing on a morning! - go straight to your ‘ to-do’ list and by starting first thing, this can be much more effective than starting with breakfast and allowing the morning sluggishness to set in – have your breakfast mid-morning when you are ready for a break
Structure your day like you would a working one (pretend you are actually going to work), working from home means you are your own personal manager, but try to segment what you do over the course of the day, and don’t feel guilty if you take a break!
Take advantage of morning hours to plough through meaty projects without any distractions, and leave calls and virtual meetings for the afternoon, having uninterrupted time can help with higher productivity, and modern technology means you can still attend meetings albeit in a virtual way .
Find out what music motivates you for different tracks, this can help if you have been used to having noise from an office in the background.
If you work from home, but have other members of the family around then maybe they need reminding that just because you are working from home doesn’t mean you are ‘home’, as it is easy to get distracted by things going on around you.
Put a loose definitive ‘finishing time’ in each day – you would if you had a train to catch, and try not to let your work life bleed into your home life – a boundary for both areas is important
Choose a dedicated work space, this provides you with a place where you specifically ‘ work’, it might be a local coffee shop, table or chair, but you may want to create a room or area within your home that provides a place to work
If you are looking for a home that provides you with the ideal working space, and that feel of actually ‘going to work’, then take a look at Catton House, 29, Breary Lane, Bramhope – the external space is over 40ft in length, is powered for electricity and also has plumbing.
With windows overlooking the beautiful garden this separate buiIding adjacent to the property provides you with the privacy and space to set up a designated large office (it could also be a gym, extra living area too).
If you are looking to move home, then any property with further outdoor living space/office can also add a price premium to your property too.
To take a look around the beautiful Catton House call now on 01134 676 400.
David Phillip Estate Agents, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN w: davidphillip.co.uk
David Phillip Estate Agents – covering Bramhope, Adel, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Otley
July has proved to be one of the hottest months on record, which means that this can be tough on our local wildlife including wild bees.
There are over 250 bee species in the UK from bumble bees, mining bees and honey bees. Bees pollinate over 90% of the world’s crops so it is vital that we help to keep them thrive
Honey bees for example require a steady supply of water to make honey and for members of their hive. When it is hot rivers, ponds and birdbaths can be a little risky, but there are things that you can do in the garden to help bees quench their thirst.
Bramhope and the surrounding areas has some wonderful gardens that are ideal areas for bees to thrive, David and I are certainly enjoying seeing the bees around the plants in the garden, so hopefully doing our bit too to save them from extinction.
If you are considering moving home and would like a free market appraisal, call us now on 01134 676 400
David Phillip Estate Agents, 86, Leeds road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9AN W:davidphillip.co.uk
Covering Bramhope, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Adel, Otley, Cookridge
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