Strong signs ahead for 2015
The South Manchester Reporter featured an article about Rob Kennedy, his reflections on 2014 and his forecast for 2015. The year has brought about changes in the market and regulations surrounding house buying, so have a read through to find out more.
As 2014 draws to a close Philip James Kennedy in Didsbury reflects on what has been a great year for property transactions in Didsbury village and West Didsbury. Indeed, the agent has completed on more than £100m-worth of property. Director Rob Kennedy said, “I would like to personally thank all of our clients who have formed part of our success in 2014.”
“With the market carrying real momentum into 2015, all the signs are that there will be high levels of new properties out there in January, with the most serious buyers and sellers acting swiftly in the new year.
“I am often asked by clients hoping to move when would be the best time to start marketing their home to take advantage of a favourable market place. The answer is that we have many tailored strategies, one of which will work for each type of homeowner.
“During December, we have measured up 20% more properties than we did at this time last year, including two sensational mansion homes, which are bound to create an enormous amount of local interest.
“I have also been advising many clients to take advantage of the mild weather we have had, when pictures taken will make their homes look their best.”
Rob added, “We have registered record numbers of buyers this month who are ready to move when the right properties become available in the new year.
“Stamp duty on home purchases changed from midnight of Thursday 4th December and this is a welcome boost to many of the buyers looking in the highly sought after M20 postcode.
“Only clients who pay more than £937,000 will pay more in tax with the new system, so this change will make it more affordable for 98% of our clients. We also feel that this advantage is bound to make moving next year a more attractive proposition.”
An example of the Stamp Duty changes is someone buying a house for £200,000 will pay nothing on the first £125,000, and then two per cent on the remaining £75,000, giving them a bill of £1,500. Previously, they would have paid one per cent on the total purchase price, and would have paid a bill of £2,000.
“Many clients reside in highly sellable properties,” continued Rob. “So a different strategy involves having the particulars prepared in advance for when the perfect house becomes available; therefore no time is lost risking the proposed purchase.
“This can be a really good approach for clients wanting to move but who only want to put their homes on the market when they see a property to buy.
“A confidential list of properties is available to all our clients and is especially useful for clients moving locally and for buyers looking for prestigious homes.”
Another feature of 2015 will be the redevelopment by PJ Livesey of the 10-acre Manchester Metropolitian University Site on Wilmslow Road. This will be the largest residential development in Didsbury village and will create a new hub of fine, detached family homes and apartments designed for clients wanting a spectacular living experience.
Philip James Kennedy has already been instructed by a number of clients who are interested in purchasing on this development and other smaller sites which are set for release in 2015.
The agent is also currently announcing the launch of its brand new website philipjames.co.uk which has been a year in the making and will be fully operational from January. The website will reflect the agent’s progressive attitude to the property industry and its ongoing aim to create new and innovative ways of marketing its clients’ properties.
With a futuristic design and exciting portfolio of properties available for buyers to consider, Philip James Kennedy Is sure the new site will quickly become the first port of call for those looking to move into or out of the Didsbury area.
You can email Rob at rob.kennedy@philipjames.co.uk for more advice.
