Happy New Year!

A belated Happy New Year to all clients, past present and future.

2015 was our busiest year to date and we carried out a record number of Surveys and Valuations. Emma has provided first class support and excellent customer service and Rebecca has been kept busy with typing Building Surveys and HomeBuyer Reports.

The property market in Bristol and Bath have been very buoyant with many houses and flats selling for above the asking price in most areas. Property values have risen by at least 10% and in some cases by as much as 15% over the last 12 months. Demand in commuter towns and villages remains strong and Frome has become a firm favourite with the vibrant arts scene, cafes and delicatessens rivalling Bath and Bristol. The older weavers cottages and houses in and around the Conservation Areas are always popular.

Demand has outstripped supply in almost all areas and especially for family houses in the popular residential areas and for city centre flats. There is renewed activity in the buy to let market probably due to funds becoming available with the relaxation in the rules governing pension funds. Investors will typically accept a return of between 4% and 5% on the expectation of future rises in property values.

December and January are typically quieter months and our lead-time for Surveys is shorter than it has been for some time. There is more fee-based competition at present and so we are offering discounts on the normal selling fees for a limited period only.

If you are contemplating moving or would like to talk through the various Survey options please call us for an informal discussion.