New year, new home: tips for moving in 2023
If you have got a dose of ‘ready to move’, then what better time than the New Year – a time often linked with new beginnings and fresh starts.
If you’re keen to move in 2023, there is no better time than now to start planning.
Here are some tips to help get you moving:
SETTING YOUR GOALS
- Keeping an open mind will pay off in 2023 - This will be true whether you are upsizing, downsizing or merely want to be closer to schools or work. You may have formed a clear picture of the property you want, but a conversation with an experienced and knowledgeable agent may suggest something slightly different that could suit you better.
- Given the economic backdrop, buyers’ budgets are likely to be less flexible and realistic pricing will be key to achieving a sale. As a local expert we will be able to advise on the prevailing market conditions in Nuneaton and the surrounding area.
DOING THE GROUNDWORK
- Preparing the paperwork for a move can make the difference more than ever since it may allow you to take advantage of opportunities that suddenly arise.
- Work out the cost of moving- including estate agency fees, solicitors’ costs and stamp duty. Assess how much a larger property will cost to heat – the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will give some idea on this.
- Hiring a well-recommended solicitor can be key at easing the process, particularly if difficulties arise in a chain of buyers and sellers.
- A good financial advisor, with knowledge of the offers available from all lenders, should be able to secure the best deal for you. The days of easy money may be over, but lenders will be keen to attract business.
- To speed up the sale, gather together copies of your utility bills and any other documents that your solicitor requests will be necessary.
GETTING READY FOR YOUR CLOSE-UP
- Before viewings, take time to consider your property’s kerb appeal, including the look of the front door and any front gardens.
- Your aim should be to show off the space in your home, suggesting the ideal lifestyle, while also allowing people to imagine themselves living there. You do not need to go to huge expense, but decluttering and sorting out scuffed bits of paintwork can help .
- Whatever the size of a property, it becomes more appealing if light-filled, which means that you may need to reorganise your lighting. Wall lights enhance corners, while pendant lamps emphasise a high ceiling. Use a mix of floor lamps and table lamps and bounce light off a mirror.
THE OUTLOOK FOR THE MARKERT
- Average property prices are expected to end the year 9% higher than where they started, but this growth is set to be countered by a 9% fall in property prices over the course of 2023/2024. House price growth of 9% is then expected over the course of 2025 to 2027. While such predictions will undoubtedly impact the market, almost one in three movers are ‘needs-based’, prompted by personal circumstances and job changes. These people will still need to buy and sell property.
- Buyers will continue to benefit from the 0% rate of stamp duty up to £250,000 until March 2025.
- Sales volumes are predicted to be around 1 million in 2023, a level more on par with the pre-pandemic norm (Zoopla).
- Across the West Midlands the time taken to sell a property has nudged upwards over the past month. However, at 36 days it remains considerably less than 55 days in October 2019 (Rightmove).
YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE!
January is a very busy time for people looking for a fresh start. The amount of searches for new homes dramatically increases at the beginning of every year. If you are interested in achieving your new year’s resolution, contact us today to discuss how we can help you in more detail.
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