Your market update from Oakwood Estates

Datchet Youth PLC unveil new kit

Datchet under 13’s unveiled their brand new kit over the weekend. The strip looks brilliant and we appreciate being given the opportunity to continue being a sponsor and a part of the Datchet Youth PLC journey. If you are interested in playing for one of the oldest football clubs in Berkshire and being a part of their 35th season then please contact secretarydvfc@gmail.com. You are welcome to attend a training session which takes place from 7pm at Datchet recreational ground on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If all goes well then you could end up playing in a competitive match which are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Click here to read Datchet Youth PLC unveil new kit.

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">Buyers and sellers need to act now to move in time for Christmas</span>

 

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.

 

 

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">Optimal selling conditions following the end of the stamp duty holiday</span>

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

 

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">What's changed with tenancy evictions?</span>

Over the last 18 months, a number of measures were put in place to protect tenants who were unable to keep up with their rent payments.

 

This put a strain on landlords and the lettings market as a whole, with the government easing these rules back gradually to help all parties involved recover from the effects of the pandemic.

  

A notice period can be anywhere up to six months before an eviction can take place. In addition to this, a tenant can only be asked to leave during the contract's fixed term, if:

 

- The tenant is behind on rent payments

 

- The property has been used for illegal activity

 

- The property has suffered damage during the tenancy

 

Notice periods have been extended since the pandemic, which gives tenants some breathing space if their employment status has changed.

 

Once the tenant has been issued with a written notice of wanting the property back, the tenant is given:

 

- Two months to vacate if they gave notice prior to the 26th of March 2020

 

- Three months, if it was between 26th March and 28 August 2020

 

- Six months, if it was after 29th August 2020

 

- Four months, if it was after June 21 2021

 

Despite these dates, according to the government, if a tenant is evicted with a section 8 notice, the tenant may have to leave much sooner.

  

A tenant should pay rent until the end of their agreed term in accordance with the contract they would have signed. Despite this, it is normal to still liaise with the landlord to see whether there is a break clause in the contract.

 

Landlords may also allow a tenant to leave a fixed-term contract early if the tenant has a direct agreement with them, such as finding a replacement.

 

Do you need help as a landlord or tenant? Talk to our team today. 

 

 

 

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">How much do you know about the mortgage process?</span>

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

Click here to read <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">How much do you know about the mortgage process?</span>.

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">Building your dream open plan living space</span>

Here are a few simple tips to help you build a beautiful integrated living and dining area.

Click here to read <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">Building your dream open plan living space</span>.

<strong>Oakwood Estates walk away with the GOLD at the EA Masters Awards</strong><br />

It’s official Oakwood Estates have been rated as the best in the business at the EA Master Awards which was held at London Evolution.

The Sales Team came away with a Gold Award which puts them within the top 5% of Estate Agents within the UK.

25,000 Companies across the UK were analysed using 3 billion data points and mystery shoppers were used to measure customer service levels.This is truly the Michelin Star of Real Estate.

Click here to read <strong>Oakwood Estates walk away with the GOLD at the EA Masters Awards</strong><br />.

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">UK house prices have climbed on average by £25,000 in the past year alone</span>

House prices rose by 10.6% during August, up from 8.5% during July – bringing the average price to £264,000.

Click here to read <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">UK house prices have climbed on average by £25,000 in the past year alone</span>.

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">The tricks to help you secure your dream home</span>

With Christmas not far off, many homeowners and buyers will now be readying themselves for the new year, new home surge that will inevitably see high demand and interest levels across the UK.

Click here to read <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">The tricks to help you secure your dream home</span>.

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">Budget-friendly practices for November and December</span>

At this time of the year, it's only natural to be more conscious of your budget.

 

How can have a budget-friendly start to 2022?

Click here to read <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">Budget-friendly practices for November and December</span>.

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">The paint colours that could decrease the value of your home</span>

Smartening up a room is a great idea to attract prospective buyers, but certain paint colours could put a negative effect on the value of your home.

What are the key colours that experts would suggest avoiding?

Click here to read <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica;">The paint colours that could decrease the value of your home</span>.