The latest news from HoldenCopley

Open Air Theatre At Newstead Abbey

Open Air Theatre

Newstead Abbey

Thursday 22nd July - Friday 20th August

 

A Midsummer's Night's Dream at Newstead Abbey, let yourself be whisked away on a thrilling journey to the most magical of forests.

Click here to read Open Air Theatre At Newstead Abbey.

The Luna Cinema's Open Air Season At Wollaton Hall

Outdoor Cinema

Wollaton Hall

Thursday 26th August - Sunday 29th August

 

After months of staying indoors watching movies on the small screen, it’s time to head outside for an unforgettable big-screen experience.

Click here to read The Luna Cinema's Open Air Season At Wollaton Hall.

Frights of Abraham

The Frights of Abraham returns to Masson Hill this October half term. With an enchanted witches grotto, colourful scarecrow displays at the summit and in the wild woods, tasty Halloween treats in the cafe and a treasure hunt to find 13 magical black cats for younger guests.

 

Sunday 24th October  - Sunday 31st October

Click here to read Frights of Abraham.

Tricker Treat Maze Farm

This isn’t your usual day out at a farm ….there will be  pumpkin carving, spooky stories around the fire, face painting plus various craft options along with our Halloween crow count and a spooky scavenger hunt to complete to complete as you walk through the Maize Maze. 

 

Available dates can be viewed by clicking 'more'

Click here to read Tricker Treat Maze Farm.

Buyers and sellers need to act now to move in time for Christmas

 

Homeowners up and down the country are preparing for the pre-Christmas rush, and with the demand-supply imbalance still providing sellers with optimal market conditions, it's likely we'll see a lot more sales to come before the end of 2021.

 

Every year, buyers and sellers are swept up in a flurry of market activity across autumn, with October standing out as a busy period for selling activity.

 

Will you be in your new home by Christmas? Here's where you should start:

 

 

Ensure the property is sale ready

 

Your estate agent will be able to tell you if there are any features of your home that might put off potential buyers.

 

If anything is flagged up, try to get it fixed before your property goes on the market, as doing this will mean you’re more likely to get a speedy sale.

 

Paperwork at the ready

 

Ultimately, the quicker that your paperwork is processed by the solicitors, the quicker you can get going.

 

Hassling with paperwork can slow down the moving process significantly, so pre-empt any requests for certificates or documentation by having it all in one place and ready when called upon.

 

Likewise, calling ahead to organise van hire or a removals company will ensure there are no issues on the big day itself.

 

Declutter thoroughly 

 

With December not far off, it would be a good idea to start sifting through your belongings now to work out what will be going with you and what is no longer wanted or needed.

 

A clearer space will also make your property pictures more visually appealing and make it that much easier to unpack and set up your new place to feel like home.

 

 

If you are looking to sell your home, book your free market appraisal today.

 

 

Rents rise at fastest rate for 13 years

 

The lettings market is booming, with properties letting almost a week faster than in 2020.

 

Now the pandemic is easing, people are returning to the city centres, which is causing an increase in demand and a shortage of available rentals on the market.

 

Rents outside of London have increased at their fastest rate since 2008, reaching £790 PCM on average.

 

Whilst rents outside of London have shot up by 5%, London landlords are also seeing a rise in value.

 

The average rent in London now stands at £943, up 2.1% compared to last year.

  

Affordability has remained consistent across this period, with average earnings increasing faster than rents, ultimately showing signs of healthy growth in the buy-to-let sector.

 

With tenant interest 80% higher than the average between the periods of 2017 and 2019, demand is still outstripping supply of rental properties.

 

What is causing this spike in demand?

 

- Students returning for the academic year

 

- Returning demand for city properties post-lockdown 

 

- Level of rental homes decreasing by 13%

 

This mismatch in supply and demand has forced rents up and led to the rental market’s fastest paced year since 2016.

 

If you want advice on any aspect of the rental market, or are interested in a rental valuation, contact us today.

 

 *Zoopla Rental Market Report

 

 

How much do you know about the mortgage process?

 

According to a recent survey, buyers are hopelessly uninformed on the mortgage process.

 

Whilst the furlough scheme was active, 64% of those living in Britain believed that lenders would not consider whether they received support when applying for a mortgage.*  

 

Likewise, from a survey of 2,000 adults, 42% did not believe being self-employed would be considered.

 

When deciding whether to lend to you or not, a bank will always assess the risk factor, which means taking into account anything that may affect repayments, such as your employment status and spending behaviour. 

 

Of all generations, it is those aged 35 and under with the least experience on what to expect when applying or looking to re-mortgage for a better deal.

 

Only 15% of those aged 18 to 24 knew that the government-guaranteed mortgage scheme announced earlier this year applied to them, with a staggering 85% left in the dark.*

  

Wondering if you’re eligible?

 

Open until 31 December 2022 for new applications, this scheme is available to first-time buyers and home movers across the UK.

 

For more information, go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-95-mortgage-scheme-launches

  

If you’re looking for mortgage advice, contact our dedicated team today. We can provide comprehensive advice and help you find the best deal possible.

 

 

*Estate Agent Today

 

 

Optimal selling conditions following the end of the stamp duty holiday

 

Autumn is traditionally one of the best times to sell your home, and with demand levels remaining high despite the end of the stamp duty holiday, we're on track for one of the busiest years for sales yet.

 

Is now a good time to sell?

 

Annual house price growth was at 10% in September, so when combined with a shortage of available properties, homeowners looking to sell are in a promising position to achieve or exceed their asking price.*

 

Here are the top five ways to get your home sold this autumn:

 

Having neat furniture and fresh décor 

 

Keeping your house viewer-ready is paramount to securing a quick sale.

 

First impressions count, so make sure your home is looking its best before any marketing materials or photos are taken, as well as for the actual viewings themselves.

 

Add some colour to your garden 

 

Gardens can begin to look drab and unloved in autumn, however, there are simple changes you can make to ensure you get the full value from your sale.

 

Even if you have limited outdoor space, a tub or plant pot can easily brighten up your garden and make it look much more attractive.

 

Take advantage of natural light 

 

Post-lockdown, bright open space is in demand.

 

Let as much natural light in as possible before having photographs taken, such as by cleaning windows and keeping rooms well lit.

 

It may also be worth illuminating any dark corners with lamps to give the impression of natural light.

 

Be available for daytime viewings 

 

With limited light available in autumn evenings, it’s important to be available in the daytime. Any effective agent should be willing to do viewings when you are unable.

 

If you’re looking for the right agent, look no further and contact us to see how we could help you today...

 

Keep your home well ventilated 

 

The last thing you want is your house to be stuffy while you’re having a viewing. Having fresh air circulating is a great way to make your house feel airy and comfortable.

 

It’s a good idea to open all the windows for an hour or two before the viewing.

 

With the last rush of sales before the winter months, get your house on the market this autumn. Contact us today.

 

*Nationwide