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Decluttering is a key element of the whole house moving story. Most people need to do a declutter before even thinking about getting an estate agent round to do a valuation. A neat and tidy house won’t necessarily affect the actual value but it will make it more marketable and therefore more sellable.

Some people have been self-building eco homes for years, and it’s been a bit niche, with only self-proclaimed eco-warriors going down this route, but the trend is arguably becoming more mainstream with more and more people seeking a more sustainable home. There’s a whole host of factors as to why – the climate crisis bringing the need for us all to look at our impact on the environment for one; the UK government’s impending ban on the installation of gas boilers in residential properties and so the need to look at alternative energy sources; plus, much more recently, the global energy crisis, forcing energy prices up substantially, which in turn is forcing us all to look at how we heat our homes from both an impact and cost perspective.

Let’s look at the issue of extending versus moving home.

You may have re-evaluated your priorities during these last two years of covid uncertainty and disruption and considered whether your current home works for you. It may be that you know you want more space and can’t decide whether or not to move or extend. We can help!

Although 2021 is not quite over, forecasts indicate that it will have been the busiest year in the housing market since 2007. Will this continue into 2022? As we’ve said before, no one knows, but we can see from the Zoopla HPI forecast that it’s been a record year, that there was no dip post stamp duty holiday and that the pandemic property boom seems set to run into 2022.

The nights have drawn in and its hibernation time, unless of course you plan to sell your home and/or hunt for a new one! It’s a commonly held, but not necessarily true, view that homes look their best in the summer months. Like we said, not true – you just have to do your preparation to get your home and garden looking great for winter viewings.

Adamsons Barton Kendal Residential have just won The British Property Lettings Award for Rochdale.

Their team performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging period, which focused on customer service levels. Adamsons Barton Kendal Residential have now been shortlisted for a number of national awards which will be announced shortly.

The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition. Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service are rewarded with our accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to their local marketplace.

A change in circumstances, such as retirement or impending retirement, family changes (like a newly empty nest, or a relationship ending), or just a desire for a smaller property and/or garden may prompt a decision to downsize.

The first thing to think about when considering downsizing is your reasons for the change. Do you want just a smaller property or an entirely different kind of property? Are you looking for a smaller garden or just one that is easier to manage and low maintenance? Do you want fewer rooms to clean/look after or just a different configuration of space that works for you? Do you have specific requirements due to mobility or ageing such as a downstairs bathroom or toilet or low riser or no stairs? Do you want easy/walkable distance to public transport, shops, leisure facilities and doctors? Do you have an existing mortgage? Do you want to borrow more or reduce your monthly repayments, or become mortgage free?

The state of the housing market

As we emerge from the worst (we hope) of the Coronavirus pandemic, and see the end of the stamp duty holiday (it officially ends 30th September), and furlough (also officially ends 30th September) what is likely to happen in the local (Rochdale and Greater Manchester wide) and national housing market?

Moving house is a big deal. Moving to a new area can be an even bigger deal, and quite daunting for anyone, whether it’s for work, pleasure or a change of priorities or lifestyle. As your local relocation agent member, Barton Kendal Estate Agents are on hand to help those relocating to Rochdale to find the right property in the right area of the town.

It’s a big commitment and a big decision, but buying your first home doesn’t need to be (that!) scary. Here at Barton Kendal, we have helped thousands of first-time buyers take those first steps on to the housing ladder in Rochdale. And, of course, we have all been first-time buyers ourselves.