The top ten features people want in a home in 2023
These are the top 10 things that homebuyers are prioritising in their property searches in 2023. Open plan living The versatility offered by open-plan living and the existence of a large communal area that is perfect for both gatherings and busy family life are highly sought after by buyers. Home Offices Working from home is no longer unusual, and as a result, many buyers place a lot of value on having an office space that is separate from the rest of the home. Modern Kitchens Efficient, sleek, and modern kitchens have been topping buyers' must-have lists for several years now. A Pantry Space is important to buyers. Pantries offer the ability to create space in the kitchen by storing everything you need there. They are perfect for stashing away a large weekly shop or for hiding bulk buys with ease. Kitchen Islands Kitchen islands are high on many buyers' lists of things they want because they add extra counter space, storage, and a nice focal point. Storage Buyers are looking for properties that feel spacious, and storage is key to this. Ample built-in storage is very attractive to buyers. Hardwood Flooring Durable, easy to maintain, and long-lasting, it is easy to see why hardwood floors are popular with buyers. Outdoor Entertaining Areas Since the pandemic, buyers have placed a premium on socialising spaces, and outdoor gathering spaces are especially popular. Garages/outbuildings After the pandemic, buyers have become much more interested in having enough space at home to do do-it-yourself projects or just store their things without them getting in the way of their living space. Going Green Energy bills are going up, the cost of living is going up, and people are becoming more aware of how they contribute to climate change. This means that homes with EPC ratings of C or above are getting more attention from potential buyers than homes with a big carbon footprint. If you are thinking about putting your property in Lanarkshire on the market, please call us on 01698 441327 or sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk and we will be delighted to come and give you a free no-obligation valuation.
Fall in love with your home this Valentine\'s Day
The most romantic day of the year is nearly upon us. Love is in the air and all around us are happy couples preparing to celebrate their love. I would like to talk about a different type of love, the love you have for your home. Just like our relationships with our partners, the relationship we have with our homes goes through stages. First meeting someone you like is the same as the first viewing of a property. You then progress to asking them on a first date, which is like making an offer. Courting and finding out more about one another is the same as the paperwork side of things the solicitors deal with. The honeymoon period is when everything's glowing and rosey. You're completely in love and showing off your home to all your family and friends. After a while though, you might start getting a bit complacent, taking your home for granted. You may even feel bored and no longer enjoying the time you spend in your home. Your eye may start to wander as you start noticing other homes... Then you may decide to sell your home, which could be seen as the equivalent of a break-up. If your relationship with your home has hit the complacency or boredom stage, maybe it is time to freshen up your relationship by making some changes that will benefit you both. Whether you rearrange furniture, declutter your house, or commit to completely redecorating, changes, big or small, can help you fall back in love with your home. If, after making some changes, you still believe that your relationship with your home cannot be saved, you will at least know that you have maximised your profit if you do decide to break up (sell). Estate agents are the matchmakers of the property world so if you and your property have reached the end of your relationship, we will gladly help you to handle your break-up with empathy and sensitivity. We can handle the dates (viewings) of your home with potential new owners and provide you with any constructive criticism, saving you from having to hear if the viewers simply didn't like your taste in sofas. Once a potential buyer progresses to a second date (second viewing) we can handle all their queries and help them to decide whether your property is the right match for them. Love cannot be rushed. Some people place an offer on a first viewing, "love at first sight". Some people want to see it six times before they decide to make an offer, a perfect example of how love can grow. We can help guide you through the property selling process. No matter how lucky or unlucky in love you are, we will find your home its perfect person/people. One thing is definitely true. If you instruct us to find your property the perfect new owner, you will fall head over heels with our service and care. If you are ready to break-up with your property and you would like to put it on the market give us a call on 01698 441327 or send us an email to sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk and we will make sure that your property finds someone who will love it as much as you used to.
January 2023 Market Report for Lanarkshire
2023 is in full swing, and the housing market is starting to return to its normal busy levels after the usual lull in December. Buyers who are looking in February are serious about moving, which makes this one of the best months of the year to put your property on the market. The Spring Rush is on its way and will bring many more "window shoppers." Homebuyers who are looking now tend to be motivated and have a strong drive to find their next home. Let's have a brief look at what's been happening over the last month in the local property market around Lanarkshire. There are currently 693 properties available on the market in the area. The month prior, there were 568. There were 620 in November, 687 in October, and 707 in September. The market has returned to its normal busy levels after the usual December lull. There have been a steady number of properties coming onto the market over the last few months. January was no exception, with 203 properties coming on the market during the first month of this year. In December, there were only 153, which is likely because many sellers were busy with holiday plans. However, before that, in November there were 219, in October there were 299, and in September there were 376. We expect these high levels of activity to continue throughout the year. In January, 215 sales were agreed. This indicates that the market is returning to normal levels, as anticipated following the lull in December, when only 135 sales were agreed upon. In November, there were 265; in October, there were 271; and in September, there were 355. The local facts are that there is a high level of activity in the local property market, and we expect the first quarter of 2023 to be as busy as normal. In September, we saw 44 price reductions across the Lanarkshire property market as a whole. There were 54 in October, 81 in November, 30 in December, and 92 in January. In January, there were 251 slow movers in the Lanarkshire area. This is a property that has been on the market for at least 12 weeks. This could be due to the market returning to more normal levels but expectations still being at peak levels. In December, there were 182 slow movers in the Lanarkshire area. In November there were 120, in October there were 90, and in September there were 81. Slow movers can often be due to the 3 Ps: presentation, promotion, or price. We are proud to be in the top 5 agents in the area with the smallest number of slow movers. Choosing the right agent for your property can make a very real difference in achieving your moving plans. In September, each property in the Lanarkshire area had an average of 186 daily views on Rightmove. This is the average of the top ten agents in the area. In October, it was 149, and in November, it was 129.2. In December, it dropped to 76.5. This was highly typical for December, with commitments over the holiday period taking precedence over house hunting for many buyers. In January, average daily views sprung back up to 122. The levels of activity in the local Lanarkshire property market have, as expected, started to return to their normal high levels in the first quarter of this year. Average daily views per property on Rightmove for properties listed by Lanarkshire Law were 178.6 in January, which was 46% higher than average. We are pleased to consistently deliver above-average results for our clients. It shows the difference your estate agent can make when it comes to attracting the right buyer to your property. If you're looking for further information about the Lanarkshire property market, or if you're thinking of selling or buying in the area, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01698 441327 or email sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk.
11 tips to help you sell your property
Selling your home can be made easier by following these eleven simple tips. Declutter We all have excess stuff laying around and hidden in the nooks and crannies of our homes. Getting rid of this, or even just putting it in storage, can have a huge effect on how spacious your home feels. Consider getting rid of bulky furniture, as it can make a room feel smaller than it is. Revitalise A lick of paint is one of the cheapest ways to revitalise and reinvigorate a property. Don't forget the front door. Remember, first impressions count. Repair Unattended minor repairs can cause concern for potential buyers because they may believe that if you neglect minor repairs, you will also neglect larger maintenance issues. Clean Dirty homes feel uncared for and can create the same impression as unattended repairs: that you haven't been looking after the property. Remove limescale, clean skirting boards, and scrub all of your surfaces until they shine. When you are selling a property, aim for a showhome look, not a lived-in look. Kitchen Per square foot, your kitchen is the most valuable room in your property. If your kitchen is looking tired and outdated, then it is definitely worth taking a bit of time to update it. If you can't afford to replace the cabinets, then consider painting them in order to give your kitchen a low-cost makeover. Light Light and airy homes are always more attractive than dark and dingy ones. Make sure that all of your light bulbs are working. Clean the windows to let as much natural light in as possible. Consider putting some carefully placed mirrors on the wall to bounce light around the room. They can also help to create the optical illusion that a room is bigger than it is. Garden If you have a garden or outdoor space, remember that that is part of the property you are trying to sell, and the state of it can make or break a viewing. Cut back overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, clean the patio or decking area, and make sure that your garden furniture is in good condition. When you sell a property, you are selling a lifestyle. No one wants to imagine themselves spending long summer days in a garden that is overgrown and neglected. Smell A bad smell will put off most buyers. So find the source and eliminate it. Make sure your bins are empty and dirty washing is dealt with; even when hidden away, it still emits an odour. If you would like to fill your home with a pleasant scent after removing bad odours, then simple scents like vanilla, cinnamon, or citrus are the most popular among potential buyers. Trying to mask a bad scent with another simply results in a mix of scents, which can be very unpleasant. Fire On cooler days, light your fire to make your property warm and welcoming. The rising cost of energy has made working fireplaces more attractive to buyers, so having yours lit is a great way to show it off. Plants The nation's obsession with biophilic design does not seem to be abating. The idea that humans possess an innate desire to seek a connection with nature is embraced through the integration of nature into interior design. Whether you choose to bring flowers or plants into your home, their presence can bring both colour and life to a room and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Agent Choose Lanarkshire Law to sell your property. You should always instruct the right estate agent to sell your property. Give us a call on 01698 441327 or send us an email to sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk to find out why we think we are the best choice to sell your Lanarkshire property.
The first things to do when you are moving home
Moving home is one of the most stressful things you will do and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the things that you need to do. Our easy to follow list will help guide you through it. In the lead up to moving day: Pack early Avoid a last minute panic and start packing early. Removing the stress of last minute packing will help make your moving day go far more smoothly. Redirect your post It can take up to two weeks for your post to be redirected so make sure that you arrange this nice and early then you don't have to worry about whether you have failed to notify anyone of your change of address. Insurance Lenders usually require that you have buildings insurance in place before you move as a condition of them granting you a mortgage but don't forget to organise your contents insurance before you move in as well. Meter readings You need to let your utility companies know which day you are moving out of your property and provide them with a final meter reading so that you don't end up paying for your buyer's energy or water usage. Internet You need to inform your internet service provider of the date you are moving home. It can take several weeks to get connected to the internet when you move so the sooner you can start the ball rolling the less time you will spend relying on mobile data. Pack an essentials box Having a box with everything you need for the first few days in your new home will save you from a lot of frustrated searching through all of your unpacked boxes. Make sure that you include your kettle and some tea bags for that well deserved first cup of tea in your new home. Moving Day! Find the essentials No not the teabags, although those are important too! You need to find the location of the stopcock, the thermostat, the gas and electricity meters and the water meter too if you have one. Meter readings Once you have found your meters make sure that you take readings from all of them. Always take a photograph as it will be time-stamped so can help if there is a disagreement over your first bill. Submit these as soon as possible to your energy suppliers, you will normally have been left their details by the sellers. If not, expect to receive a letter from them in the first few days as the previous owners will have submitted their final meter readings and the companies will be keen to make contact with the new billpayers! Neighbours It's always a good idea to introduce yourself to your new neighbours. They will be the ones who will be taking in your parcels and can also be a great source of information about the area, including which pubs and restaurants to try out and which day to put out the bins. You never know, it could even be the start of a lifelong friendship. We are always here to offer advice on any aspect of moving home so if you have a question please don't hesitate to give us a call on 01698 441327 or send us an email to sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk.
Do you want to be moving home this Summer?
If you are thinking about moving and would like to be settled in your new home in Lanarkshire in time to enjoy the summer there, you need to get your house on the market as soon as possible. On average, it takes approximately 12 weeks from an offer being accepted to the sale being completed, so there is no time to lose. The best season of the year to sell a home is often thought to be Spring. Many buyers are coming out of their self-imposed winter hibernation due to the warmer weather, and the sunshine and spring flowers make your outdoor spaces more attractive to potential buyers by bringing life to them. It is also a good time of year to sell your home because many families attempt to time their house purchase with the end of the school year so that they may move their children before the new school year begins in September. Longer days create more opportunities for scheduling viewings during daylight hours and all properties look better in natural light. People who work full-time are also far happier to schedule an evening viewing when it is still light which may also increase the number of viewings your property will get. Spring is also an excellent time to perform a thorough cleaning of your property. Open up your doors and let the fresh Spring air fill your property. Don't forget to take advantage of the seasonal flowers and fill vases with brightly coloured blooms to add colour and life to your home. The increased number of buyers created by both the warmer weather and the desire to complete in time to be in their home by the Summer tends to have a positive effect on house prices so you should act fast to take advantage of this. If you would like to be in your new property in time for Summer please give us a call on 01698 441327 and we will be delighted to help you to get moving book a viewing today.
February 2023 Market Report for Lanarkshire
March sees the start of the Spring Rush which is traditionally the busiest time of year for the property market. Warmer weather brings home buyers out of their self-imposed winter hibernation. Longer days give more opportunities for evening viewings, and spring flowers brighten up and bring outdoor areas to life. All of these things make now the ideal time to put your property on the market. Let's have a brief look at what's been happening over the last month in the local property market around Lanarkshire. There are currently 771 properties available on the market in the area. This is an increase of 43.6% more than were available in February 2022 which is excellent news for buyers as it gives them more choice. In January there were 693. In December there were 568, in November 620 and in October 687. There have been a steady number of properties coming onto the market over the last few months. In February, 296 properties were put on the market in the local area. In January, that number was 203, in December, there were only 153, which is likely because many sellers were busy with festive plans. However, before that, in November there were 219 and in October there were 299. These figures clearly demonstrate that the market in this area is remaining busy. February is the month of love, and this certainly was true in the local property market with 260 homebuyers falling in love with a new property in the local area. In January there were 215 sales agreed; in December there were 135; in November there were 265; and in October there were 271. There is a high level of activity in the local property market, and we expect the second quarter of 2023 to be as busy as usual. In October, we saw 54 price reductions across the Lanarkshire property market as a whole. There were 81 in November, 30 in December, 92 in January, and 45 in February. The market is returning to normal, and seller expectations are now more realistically aligning with reality. The local market may no longer be gripped by the frenzy that followed the pandemic, but it is remaining buoyant. In January, there were 231 slow movers in the Lanarkshire area. This is a property that has been on the market for at least 12 weeks. This could be due to the market returning to more normal levels but expectations still being at peak levels. In January, there were 251 slow movers in the Lanarkshire area; in December, there were 182, in November, there were 120, in October, there were 90, and in September, there were 81. When houses are priced properly, they sell quickly. Setting an unrealistically high asking price at the outset can delay your move by several months Slow movers can often be due to the 3 Ps: presentation, promotion, or price. We are proud to be in the top 5 agents in the area with the smallest number of slow movers. Choosing the right agent for your property can make a very real difference in achieving your moving plans. In October, each property in the Lanarkshire area had an average of 149 daily views on Rightmove. This is the average of the top ten agents in the area. In November, it was 129.2. In December, it dropped to 76.5. This was highly typical for December, with commitments over the festive period taking precedence over house hunting for many buyers. In January, average daily views sprung back up to 122 and increased further to 153.1 in February. The levels of activity in the local Lanarkshire property market have, as expected, returned to their normal high levels in the first quarter of this year. Average daily views per property on Rightmove for properties listed by Lanarkshire Law were 210.6 in January, which was 37.6% higher than average. We are pleased to consistently deliver above-average results for our clients. It shows the difference your estate agent can make when it comes to attracting the right buyer to your property. If you're looking for further information about the Lanarkshire property market, or if you're thinking of selling or buying in the area, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01698 441327 or email sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk.
Do I need an EPC?
Everyone who is advertising their residential property for sale or rent in the UK is required by law to commission an EPC. In Scotland, it is required that the EPC be displayed in the property, usually in the meter cupboard or next to the boiler. You can be fined for not having an EPC when you need one. There are a few possible exceptions, but the majority of them concern businesses or places of worship. For example, your property might be exempt if it is mixed-use, such as a home that is also a shop, less than 50 square metres, or utilised for less than four months of the year, like a holiday home. What is an EPC? EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate. An EPC grades how energy efficient a property is from A to G and 1-100. It includes advice on how to use less energy, as well as the rating the property may get if all of those recommendations were implemented. It also includes the environmental CO2 impact rating for the property. That is how much CO2 is produced during the production of hot water and heating for the property. How is an EPC produced? You need to employ a certified assessor to do the report. The EPC assessor will visit your property and gather information about your boiler, hot water tank, radiators, insulation, and windows. They then input this information into software which calculates the energy efficiency of your property and its environmental impact. How can you improve your EPC? Contained in the report will be a list of ways in which you can improve your property's EPC rating. These are not generic suggestions but will actually be specifically tailored to your property. As you will not personally benefit from any of the recommendations, you may decide not to use any of them. However, it is worth noting that a low EPC rating can put off potential buyers, as they may worry about the cost of heating the property. If you want to raise your property's rating, the single most effective thing you can do is install a new boiler. Other things that can improve the energy efficiency of your home are increasing the amount of loft insulation, adding solar panels to your roof, sealing unused chimneys to reduce draughts, and adding wall insulation. It is always a good idea to keep any documentation when having insulation installed because EPC assessors only conduct a visual inspection of your property and will not be able to see any in tucked away or inaccessible areas. It may feel like a hassle to have to arrange for an EPC to be carried out, but it can actually help you attract buyers to your home. A home with a good EPC rating will be attractive to a wide range of buyers, as many people are now concerned about their own carbon footprint and the rising cost of energy. Therefore, if your property is energy-efficient, it is definitely a selling point. Even if your property scores poorly, that is not the end of the world, as the EPC lists the potential rating that your property could achieve if the suggestions contained within it were carried out. Those looking for a fixer-upper will be particularly interested in that section. If you have any questions about EPCs or would like to learn more about how we can help you through the entire property selling process, please contact us at 01698 441327 or send us an email to sales@lanarkshireestateagents.co.uk
Expert Estate Agents in North Lanarkshire: Spotlight on Bellshill
Buying or Selling in North Lanarkshire? Are you looking to buy or sell property in North Lanarkshire? Perhaps you are interested in the ideal neighbourhood of Bellshill? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then securing the services of an expert estate agents is an essential first step. It's not just about getting someone to facilitate the process, but finding a professional with comprehensive knowledge about the local property market, regulations, and neighbourhood descriptions. North Lanarkshire Property Market North Lanarkshire, especially Bellshill where the LLEA office is based, has been a booming property market due to its enticing balance of urban and natural environments. With its excellent transport links, proximity to Glasgow and Edinburgh, and a vast array of local amenities, it offers a great living place for families, individuals, and businesses alike. As competitive as the North Lanarkshire estate markets are, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate through the buying or selling process independently. This is where the value of having an expert estate agents based in North Lanarkshire comes in. Not only will they help you with the buying or selling process, but they can also offer significant insights and advice that will make sure you get the best deal possible. Buying in North Lanarkshire When scouting for a potential property in Bellshill, estate agents with extensive experience in this area can offer vital knowledge about the local property market trends, house prices, and the best areas to live. They can assist you in finding a home that fits your specifications and within your budget. They understand that finding the perfect home isn't simply about the property's aesthetics but also about the home's location, surrounding amenities, and infrastructure. Selling in North Lanarkshire If you're looking to sell a property in North Lanarkshire, estate agents' expertise becomes even more critical. They can offer you advice on how to best present your property to attract potential buyers and ensure that it sells at a competitive price. They can also take care of the marketing, viewings, negotiations, and paperwork involved in the selling process. In the town of Bellshill, properties range from fabulous Edwardian homes to modern apartments, offering a wide array of options for prospective buyers. The value of these properties continues to appreciate, making Bellshill a prime area for real estate investments. If you are thinking of selling your home in Bellshill, Lanarkshire Law Estate Agents are the team for you. Selling your house is one of the biggest financial transaction you will make, why not use the best? We were voted North Lanarkshire's best estate 2023. LLEA is a one stop shop for all things estate agency, with our sister company Lanarkshire Law Practice on had for all things conveyancing you really can count on us for anything. Book your free no obligation valuation today and sell your home with the best!
The Scottish Housing Market
What's the Latest on The Scottish Housing Market? The month of May brought a glimmer of hope that the housing market in Scotland had started to rebound. At the end of last month saw Taylor Wimpey securing detailed planning of homes in west Edinburgh. We also seen Stirling Council approves plans for new Kippen development. All good news for the housing market, but what does it mean for the many smaller companies who rely on the housing market and more importantly for the residential market of buyers and sellers. How is COVID-19 impacting the housing market? With the publication of the Scottish Government's COVID-19 route map on its phased approach to easing lockdown. As we progress through Phase 1 there is little or no change to many people or businesses. Apart from an easing up of people congregating from other families in an outside space, it is lockdown life as usual. Everything connecting with moving homes such as sales and lettings are on hold for the foreseeable future. Moving home is therefore very unlikely unless it is deemed to be essential or exceptional circumstances. The hope is that when we move to Phase two which is expected to be in the next few days, we should see the Scottish government relax restrictions on house moves in the Scottish Housing Market. Here are the updated COVID-19 guidelines What could be next? Will there be a flood of activity in the Scottish housing market? According to the ESPC, when they compared the two weeks after the English property market restrictions were relaxed to the two weeks before, there's been a 60% increase in viewing requests,37% increase in Home Report downloads and 16% increase in web traffic sessions on their main site. The hope is that this is an indication of things to come. Remeber when selling your home please read our 10 Step Guide to Get the Most Value for Your Home When we eventually do come out of lockdown, there is no doubt that the economy will be not be in a healthy robust state. We will see low growth, more government borrowing and debt and the possibility of higher taxes across many areas of our lives both personal and work related. A healthy property market needs economic growth and consumer confidence. However, on a positive side, initially there will be a backlog of people who need to relocate, and this process should be unleashed as barriers come down, allowing at least some positive movement on the market. However, you must tread carefully be safe and make sure you make the right decision for you financially in the future. If you are havign trouble with any property terms then why not check out our Jagon Buster If you have any questions regarding property sales or the scottish housing market within Lanarkshire, Bellshill, Coatbridge, Airdrie, Motherwell then please do not hesitate in getting touch at sales@LanarkshireEsteAgents.co.uk or call us on 01698 441327 For other stories please check out https://userbars.co.uk/
10 Step Guide To Get The Most Value for Your Home
10 Step Guide to Help Sell Your Home Fast and Get You The Best Price There is no magic formula to guarantee getting your house sold quickly. However, to have the best chance of achieving your desired sales price and quick turnaround is to get it into the best shape possible with the key points below. Choose The Right Agent Home Report Valuation is More Accurate Than Your Estate Agents Increase Your Kerb Appeal De-Clutter and Spruce Up It's the Little Thing That Can Count Define each Room Give Them Some Space Make Outdoor Space Count Choose The Best Buyer Do You Really Need to Move? Our Estate Agent will work with you every step of the way to ensure we make selling your home as stress-free as possible. Book your free valuation with one of our friendly local agents today to get started.
Local Town in Lanarkshire – Bothwell and Uddingston
Local Towns: Lanarkshire Law Estate Agents specialise in Bellshill and the surrounding areas. Our agents are local, have 10 years in the industry and have extensive knowledge within the property market that can help sell your home for its maximum potential. We appreciate how stressful selling your property can be and our intention is to provide a service second to none. We believe it is important to know local towns and what draws people in as well as factors that make properties more appealing in these locations. This can range from shopping facilities to local schools. Below we have compiled a list of some local areas we cater to and some facts that give a better understanding of the area and the house market. Are you looking for a FREE Home property valuation, then Click Here and enter your residential home postcode. If you are looking for a conveyancing quotation for your house sale or purchase, then Click Here Bothwell: A conservation village called Bothwell is located in the South Lanarkshire Council. It is easily accessible because it is close to Blantyre, Hamilton, and Uddingston as well as the M74. The ruins of Bothwell Castle, a well-liked tourist destination, are located right next to the River Clyde. The village is home to a number of taverns, eateries, and businesses. There are two primary schools in the neighbourhood, and secondary schools are located in nearby towns just outside the hamlet. According to Zoopla, the average price for a property in Bothwell is around £317,529 and flats are around £210,470. Over the past year Rightmove states that the average price of a property has been £322,859. https://youtu.be/nWp7ujNxIks
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