Newsletter Issue 9: September 2013

The market awakes!

Welcome to the September Newsletter, with good news surrounding the property market daily in the media it feels like a new dawn is rising.

Across the UK the property market has swung back into growth. Whilst prices are not on the up in our region, in comparison to the national average there is slight growth.

Cheaper more readily available mortgages and the Government plugging its deposit-boosting Help to Buy scheme are helping the increase in volume and demand.

Since January, cheaper mortgages from Funding for Lending have begun to filter through; the government are welcoming the boost in the housing market as an indicator that the country’s economy is in recovery which is also good news for buyers and sellers.

From our own extensive market statistics it just seems that home buyers appear to have decided they have had enough of sitting on their hands.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, record rising house prices are spreading from London through the commuter belt and very slight increases in the North West. We believe this is down to affordability and the still heavy local dependence on the public sector.

The City Centre student rental market has been strong again despite widely reported falling student numbers, students are becoming more discerning and seeking better quality accommodation.

The auction business has been phenomenal this year with volumes of entries consistent and percentage of properties sold at auction reaching 2006 levels.

All in all the most encouraging market since 2007.

I hope you enjoy the rest of our Newsletter and if you have any comments to make, please do send us an email and we'll ensure we get back to you.

Rob Farnham

Turning a corner at last....

The housing market in the first half of 2013 has been the most positive since the start of the recession back in late 2007.

The main cause for that positivity in our local market is a big increase in the amount of people visiting websites, viewing, applying for mortgages and making offers. Viewings are up by 30% year on year and sales by 15%.

In the London and South East regions there has also been a rise in market values which has had a slight ripple effect in the surrounding areas however the question of affordability has prevented that in the areas where our branches are.

The factor that may push prices slightly higher is the number of properties coming to the market is static which means that the volume of houses for sale is dropping as is the average time to sell. Our average time to sell is down by 30% in a year on year comparison.

Availability of finance is also a positive factor, there are some great first time buyer deals around and our in-house mortgage advisors are proud of their success record in getting over 94% of applicants approved in 2013.

Auctions have been vibrant – we have achieved the highest percentage of lots offered to lots sold in 2013 of any year since 2005. One of our auctions achieved the highest success rate nationally which is fantastic.

Through all this sales activity the rental market has remained steady, we are in the middle of the student summer rush at the moment and so far the market is remaining as strong as 2012 despite the predicted drop in student numbers. Next year will be more of a challenge if the first year intake is reduced and we may see some hardening of rental prices as volume could exceed demand.

All in all, the property world is a much brighter place.

Meet A Member Of The Team

PROFILE

NAME: Daniel Lee
POSITION: Valuer
LOCATION: West Kirby

QUICK QUESTIONS:

Time worked at BFL? Since January 2013
Favourite Wirral Bar/Restaurant? Gusto, Heswall
Top Tune? Mr Brightside - The Killers
Favourite TV Programme? The Call Centre
Interesting Fact about you? In my younger years I appeared in TV shows Grange Hill and Hollyoaks

Meet A Member Of The Team

PROFILE

NAME: Tim Garnett
POSITION: Head of Commercial Agency
LOCATION: City office

QUICK QUESTIONS:

Time worked at Venmores? 1 month
Favourite Liverpool Bar/Restaurant? Philharmonic Pub, Hope Street
Top Tune? St Petersbury, Supergrass
Favourite TV Programme? Top Gear
Interesting Fact about you? I like to go walking at weekends with the dog and I love classic cars!

Meet A Member Of The Team

PROFILE

NAME: Caroline Buck
POSITION: Block Management Administrator
LOCATION: Southport

QUICK QUESTIONS:

Time worked at Ball & Percival? 3 and a half years
Favourite Southport Bar/Restaurant? Mamma Mia
Top Tune? I Am The One and Only - Chesney Hawkes
Favourite TV Programme? Emmerdale and Gold Rush
Interesting Fact about you? I used to play in my local brass band

Top 6 Properties To Buy - Wirral

	Wood Close, Hooton, CH66 1QX - &349,950 Large semi detached Four bedrooms Three entertaining rooms Conservatory Large rear garden Viewing highly recommended CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	'Mount Vyner' - Vyner Road South, CH43 7PW - &725,000 Detached Edwardian residence Prime residential location Wealth of original character Six bedrooms Good sized gardens CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Marine Terrace, New Brighton, CH45 7RE - &375,000 Sea Views Five bedrooms Three reception rooms Very large family kitchen Car port for two cars CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Bosworth Close, Spital, CH63 9HH - &250,000 Extended family sized detached bungalow Open plan kitchen diner Cloakroom with WC Private rear garden Off road parking CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Smallridge Close, Irby, CH61 8TS - &179,950 Detached property with no on-going chain Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac Lounge, breakfast kitchen & conservatory Enjoys a corner plot Parking and driveway Three bedrooms, en-suite shower room and family bathroom CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Newton Cross Lane, West Kirby, CH48 9XG - &179,950 End of terrace period 'Cottage' Two bedrooms & first floor bathroom Hallway & sitting room Dining kitchen with appliances Extensive gardens to rear Potential to extend if desired CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Top 6 Properties To Buy - Liverpool

	Ranelagh Lodge, 5 Aigburth Road, Liverpool, L17 3AA - &225,000 •Luxury duplex apartment •Two double bedrooms plus study •Ensuite to master bedroom •Gas central heating •Allocated parking and views of Sefton Park CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Pitville Avenue, Liverpool, L18 7JJ - &242,500 •Substantially extended and beautifully designed •Three bedrooms •Rear garden and off road parking •Fully double glazed •Gas central heating CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Druids Park, Calderstones, Liverpool, L18 3LJ - &625,000 Six bedrooms Detached family home Driveway parking Three reception rooms Double glazing and GCH CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	The Collegiate, 20 Shaw Street, Liverpool, L6 1HA- &104,950 Superb ground floor apartment One double bedroom (mezzanine floor) Modern re-fitted kitchen Decked terrace area to rear Secure car parking space CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Quebec Quay, Liverpool, L3 4ER - &220,000 Stylish "Turrett" apartment Extensive views of River Mersey Two bedrooms and two bathrooms Separate fitted kitchen Allocated car park space CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	South Quay, Wapping, Liverpool, L3 4BW - &249,950 Ground floor apartment Two double bedrooms Own front entrance direct from quayside En-suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe Spacious lounge / dining room CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Top 6 Properties To Buy - Southport

	Rawlinson Road, Southport, PR9 9NE - Offers Over &450,000 Stunning detached house Five bedrooms & en-suite Four reception rooms & conservatory Beautiful gardens front & rear Car port and double garage CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Waterloo Road, Southport, PR8 3AU - Offers Over &399,950 Five bedroom detached house Modern fitted dining kitchen Ample off street parking & garage Gardens front & rear Majority UPVC double glazed CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Hornby Road, Southport, PR9 9XG - &169,950 Semi detached bungalow Two bedrooms Fully refurbished throughout Central heating & double glazing No onward chain CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Harbury Avenue, Ainsdale, PR8 2TA - &239,950 Four bedroom detached house Two reception rooms Gardens front & rear Garage & off street parking Close to local amenities CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Segars Lane, Ainsdale, PR8 3HT - &134,950 Two bedroom semi detached house Upvc double glazing throughout Off street parking & gardens Newly fitted kitchen & bathroom Offered with no onward chain CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	8 Windermere Crescent, Ainsdale, PR8 3QS - &214,000 • Three bedroom detached house • Through lounge & dining room • Off street parking & garage • Originally a four bedroom house • No onward chain CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Why Choose an ARLA Agent....?

FACT: Every year, unlicensed agents cost Britain's Landlords and Tenants thousands of pounds because they do not have protective measures in place to guarantee your money.

By using a Licensed ARLA agent you are guaranteed the following:-

•To be consulting with qualified and trained agents who can give you professional up to date advice and guidance

•That your money is protected by a Client Money Protection Scheme

•That you are dealing with an agent who follows a Code of Practice and Rules of Conduct laid down by their professional body

•That you agent has Professional Indemnity Insurance

•That you have a route to redress should something go wrong

What does Licensing mean for you?

The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) is committed to providing the highest standards of letting and management services through its Licensed Agents. ARLA has set up its Licensing Scheme to provide Landlords and Tenants with:-

•Best practice in the letting and management profession

•Consumer protection

•High quality service from reliable, responsible, professional agents

ARLA believes that all letting and property management agents should belong to a Licensing Scheme - so that consumers know that not only are they getting the highest quality service possible, but also that any unscrupulous, unethical and unprofessional agents are stopped from practising in the letting industry.

If you have any questions regarding this, or any other lettings topic, please contact me on 0151 236 4400 or email me at d.kay@venmores.co.uk

Top 6 Properties to Let - Liverpool

	Crofton Estate, North Sudley Road, Liverpool, L17 6BT - &1,200 pcm Bespoke, contemporary chic living in relaxing surroundings. A stunning touwnhouse with a south facing aspect across the lawns, with all rooms being incredibly light, spacious and well proportioned. This property has its own private garden, is finished to a top specification and offers three bedrooms, three immaculate bathrooms and its own private balcony. The development is secure, with its own private parking space. CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Bowmore Way, Liverpool, L7 6AT - &600 pcm Well presented modern two bedroom mid terrace situated in Wavertree. The property briefly comprises: Entrance hall, lounge, kitchen/diner, downstairs WC, landing, two bedrooms and a family bathroom. To the exterior there is spacious rear garden and a driveway and garden to the to the front. CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Witton Road, Liverpool, L13 8DP - &450 pcm Newly decorated property which is in a quiet location close to access links for Liverpool City Centre. In brief the property comprises; entrance/Hallway, Living area, modern fitted kitchen with appliances and access to a well proportioned rear garden. To the first floor there are two bedrooms and a bathroom. The property benefits from double glazing, gas central heating, laminate floors and new carpets to the stairs. Early viewings are highly advisable! CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Quebec Quay, Liverpool, L3 4EP - &705 pcm A tastefully presented second floor apartment, situated in this fabulous development. This stylish accommodation comprises: Entrance hall with video entry system, lounge, fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, two bedrooms, master with en-suite and fitted wardrobes, and bathroom. There is a gas central heating system and double glazing. The apartment is set in communal landscaped gardens and provides allocated parking. Viewing is essential to appreciate the accommodation being offered. CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Harrington Chambers, North John Street, Liverpool, L2 9RU - &550 pcm A good sized city centre apartment, situated on North John Street, providing convenient access to the wealth of local amenities. The accommodation comprises: Communal entrance with intercom access, entrance hall, lounge with open plan kitchen area and integrated appliances, master bedroom, bedroom two and bathroom. The property is available immediately and can be offered on a furnished or unfurnished basis. CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
	Granary Way, Liverpool, L3 4DY - &850 pcm A fabulous two bedroom, semi-detached townhouse that has been finished to a very high specification and located just a stone’s throw from the River Mersey. A great size, spread over three floors, offering two spacious bedrooms, a luxurious living room, lovely kitchen and two immaculate bathrooms. Other features include a garage, driveway and rear garden. This great home can be furnished or unfurnished, dependant on your requirements CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Has there been a better time to do Commercial property business?

For too long have the doom mongers have had their say on the state of commercial property markets. Yes, we have endured one of the toughest economic times in living memory but there are many positives for both Landlords and Tenants.

Regions such as Merseyside, with heavy reliance on the public sector, has borne the brunt of government cuts, however core businesses continue to be active and associated property requirements remain.

We reached and passed the bottom of the market some years ago. On average commercial values dropped 40% from the heights of 2007. Despite dire predictions, values have been relatively stable for over 4 years since and there are small signs of improvement. It is very unlikely we’ll see the boom times of yesteryear (at least not for a very long time) but is that altogether a bad thing?

High yielding stock remains in the market, offering great value and excellent opportunities to investors. There are few other opportunities apart from commercial property that offer 7 – 15% yield on your capital.

When advising clients on their commercial property assets, we emphasise that markets are relatively stable and the advantages this brings. You can forecast voids, income and growth in value with a degree of certainty. There will always be anomalies but on the whole we can give investors accurate predictions for the future. Great freedom is therefore gifted to investors to make good long term decisions on their properties.

The key of course is receiving the best possible advice and Venmore has a team of vastly experienced professionals in Commercial Agency, Acquisition, Landlord and Tenant and Valuation disciplines who can maximise your commercial assets.

Equally we advise tenants and emphasise their current advantageous position. Good quality accommodation is available at very competitive rates. Landlords are prepared to be proactive and agree mutually beneficial lease terms, and the quality of the stock offered is much improved.

So in summary we are in a stable market, offering high yield potential and there are excellent opportunities for Landlord and Tenant alike.

If you require advice on any aspect of Commercial Property please do not hesitate to contact me on 0151 243 5325 or email me at t.garnett@venmores.co.uk

Venmore Auctions

Venmore Auctions are Liverpool’s oldest property auction house with roots going back over 160 years. The business was founded at the time Liverpool was the fastest growing city in the country and due to its strong trading nature, the second city to London. The houses that were built on the first tracts of land and sold in those early auctions are the bread and butter stock of every current auction.

Rather than hold our auctions in a sterile hotel function room we like to set ourselves apart from other auction houses by using an iconic venue to match the passion we bring to the business, a building with a history as long as ours, Liverpool Town Hall. The Council Chamber is an amphi-theatre style room where the fate of Liverpool as a City has been determined for over 160 years. We want Auction Day to have a sense of occasion and to make it sociable a meeting room is provided in the atmospheric Halls of Remembrance with refreshments and snacks to encourage informal networking prior to auction.

Adam Partridge, a world renowned Auctioneer, holds the gavel on Auction Day. Adam is a known face through TV who has been with us over two years; he is brilliant at lightening the atmosphere in the room and teasing the best price out of bidders.

Experts are on site on Auction Day in bridging finance, mortgages and conveyancing ensuring buyers have access to all the services they require.

Results from our recent Auctions make for positive reading - the percentage sold from our last 6 auctions are: 85%; 95%; 89%; 79%; 85%; 78% - giving a 12 month average of 85% which ranks as the best in Merseyside.

In 2013 the sales percentage has hit a high of 95% giving Venmores one of the highest ranked auctions in the country!

If you require any advice on any matter relating to buying or selling at Auction, please call us on 0151 236 6746 or email us at auctions@venmores.co.uk

Now taking instructions for our November 29th auction – book a free market appraisal now!

Charity Update

On the 21st July Venmore staff helped Zoes Place raise funds for the hospice with a bag packing in Deysbrook Tesco.

It was a great team building exercise and very enjoyable for all who took part.

Over &800 was raised on the day which was a great achievement, everyone was very generous.

We are looking forward to our next challenge!

Job opportunity.

We are looking for a lettings negotiator for our busy West Kirby office. Driving licence required. Experience preferred but not essential as full training will be given. Competitive rates of pay and commission on offer. If you are interested please call Joe Bindley on 07825 630 876 or alternatively send your cv and covering letter to joe@bflhomes.co.uk

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