Welcome to Astley & co estate agent.

The market has changed quite dramatically over the last 18 months. It has been a whirlwind and as property has come on to the market, it has sold in a heartbeat or two.
So, people often ask me should they find first, or should they go on the market first? They say that there isn’t anything for them to buy! And I agree, there isn’t much to choose from, but “unless you are under offer, then you can’t be taken seriously”!
The dynamic of property buying, and selling has changed considerably. Previously people didn’t want to feel under pressure, but now it is accepted, that if you don’t go on the market then you won’t be able to move. So rather than having lots of property to choose from, they are all in the sold section and sold buyers must be ready for the new to market. Just be ready to jump!!

In 2003, we would literally list a property, sell it very quickly, then the builder, the tradesperson, or the enthusiastic DIY’er would give it a makeover, possibly without the standards or attention to detail like today’s refurbs, add tens of thousands of pounds to the asking price, then put it back on the market, and just like that, a healthy profit is made. We used to call it ‘flippin’ and it really was flipping marvellous! Everyone was happy, the buyer with their new sparkling home, the seller with a healthy profit margin. Today, is feeling very similar, everything is selling for best prices ever!

I cannot quite remember times like these since 2003! I list a property and the minute it goes live; the phone is ringing off the hook. I have always been a realistic valuer and I try not to over inflate the asking price because this can cause all sorts of trouble later. But today, the prices are spiralling to the point that I now explain to the seller, it is not where we start that is important, it is where we end up!   Which again goes to prove that it is 'market forces' that dictate the true value of any property rather than what the estate agent would like to achieve. Be brave, listen to your agent, you can never sell a property cheap you will only sell it for what it is worth!