PROPERTYtimes Property news covering , Ferndown, Christchurch and Poole Spring 2015

2015 Outlook Close Up Report Lettings Property Marketing Tom Williams, YOUhome We report on Lettings Manager, We discuss the Valuations and Branch as James Tiller, lists his importance of effective Manager gives his view on our area of focus. top tips to let your marketing in the property the sales market for 2015. home successfully. market today. PROPERTYtimes Welcome 2015 OUTLOOK Welcome to the spring issue of YOUhome’s popular FOR THE YEAR AHEAD PROPERTYtimes. It’s going to still attracts first time buyers be an eventful and possibly exciting year 2015 has got off to a flying start at YOUhome with plenty of buyers coming out of hibernation and investors whilst the interest rates remain low and rents - with lots of interest around the too-close high. First time buyers are keen to get on the ladder as and resuming their property search after the -to-call general election in May. mortgages are cheaper than rents and investors are keen to Christmas break. Since the turn of the year we We have dedicated this issue to give you an insight make the most of the favourable interest rates so everything have sale agreed many properties that were into the minds of our management team to ensure from studio apartments to two/three bedroom apartments ‘‘you are in the best position possible for 2015, whether Inside new to the market, instantly having numerous still attract plenty of buyers. selling, buying, letting or renting your home. buyers for each and resulting in best and final this issue offers being placed meaning asking price With the upcoming election, people are hesitant about In this edition we give insights into our expectations marketing their property but given that the economy is and in some cases over asking price has been for the local market in 2015, we feature Talbot Cover Story expected to remain strong, the labour market is expected Woods as our area of focus and our sales managers, 2015 Outlook for the year ahead 3 achieved by our skilled sales teams. We think to strengthen further and interest rates are not expected to lettings manager and marketing manager all give this will be a common theme with plenty of rise until much later this year, all those things would suggest their views on the sales and lettings property Close Up Report pent up demand and a lack of stock to offer that the market should pick up in the quarters ahead. markets and property marketing today. Talbot Woods - Good news coming proceedable buyers. In summary, locally, the market is strong. We have out of the (Talbot) Woods? 5 With regards to any price rises this year, we believe we will benefited from steep property price rises in London In the Bournemouth conurbation at least, demand is see the market adjusting after getting ahead of itself in the highest for family homes in good school catchments such first half of 2014. Annual house price inflation may have where property prices have roughly doubled over YOUhome’s guide to the last five years. This rise created a ripple effect as Winton, Charminster, , Northbourne, Talbot peaked around 10% a few months’ ago but a moderation in extending to other desirable areas. The dramatic rise letting your property 6 Village, Queens Park, , Redhill and Mussclif as growth looks likely during the first few months of 2015 as was, in part, due to low interest rates, a weakening well as bungalows close to local shops and on bus routes. supply and demand become increasingly better balanced. currency (£) making property cheaper for foreign Importance of effective marketing buyers and favourable tax treatments for non- in the property market today 7 domiciled residents. I do not think the government

quite imagined how generous their property tax policies were for this group and are now beginning to take steps to reduce the giveaways and loopholes. Connect with YOUhome

This will mean a slowdown in the London property Facebook Bournemouth: market which invariably means a following slowdown facebook.com/youhomeBournemouth in commuter spots. However, the local Bournemouth Facebook Ferndown: and Ferndown market is currently strong and will facebook.com/youhomeFerndown likely remain so for the foreseeable future. ‘‘ Twitter: twitter.com/youhome_Dorset YOUhome has continued its expansion in the Bournemouth area with a new office in Ferndown. Pinterest: pinterest.com/youhomeLiving Sellers, please take advantage of our Grand Opening Google+ Bournemouth: Offer for the chance to sell your property for free. google.com/+YOUhomeCoUkBournemouth Visit youhome.co.uk/grand-opening for more information. Google+ Ferndown: google.com/+YouhomeCoUkFerndown I hope you enjoy your personal YOUhome PROPERTYtimes and we all would be Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/youhome delighted to be of service to you. Feedback or comments? For further information about YOUhome or any of the articles in this or previous issues of PROPERTYtimes please call 01202 544500 or email [email protected] If you would like our magazine sent to you please advise us and we will be delighted to do this for you.

Publishers Details The PROPERTYtimes is published by YOUhome. Printed in England. Editorial: Robert Shaw t: 020 7908 9280 e: [email protected] Advertising: Robert Shaw t: 020 7908 9280 e: [email protected] Tom Williams Andy Gallardo The information, opinions and views presented in the PROPERTYtimes reflect the views Valuations and Valuations and of the authors and contributors of the articles. The PROPERTYtimes and/or its publisher Ferndown Branch Manager. Bournemouth Branch Manager. FRICS, FARLA Adrian Black Jeremy Priestley cannot be held responsible for any errors or for any consequences arising from the use of e. [email protected] e. [email protected] YOUhome YOUhome the information contained in this magazine. © 2015 YOUhome. t. 01202 896 496 t. 01202 544 507

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Bournemouth & Poole Ferndown 01202 544500 01202 896496 youhome.co.uk/bournemouth youhome.co.uk/ferndown CLOSE UP on Talbot Woods RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES Property Values - Good Meyrick Park £335,000 Talbot Woods £520,000 Westbourne £340,000 news coming out of the (Talbot) Woods?

There’s little doubt that property values have recovered from their low point (2009-10), following the peak of 2007. We’re more than back to “square one” in that average Character apartment affording Period versatile family residence. Luxury townhouse close to versatility and charm. Bournemouth gardens. values of properties sold throughout Bournemouth are Bournemouth Town Centre £390,000 £499,950 Meyrick Park £600,000 now c. £217,369 versus £211,816 in 2007, an increase of 2.6% on 2007. However, the volume of sales is generally still languishing way below 2007 levels. The market is not yet back to full health.

Less so with Talbot Woods (TW). There are reasons why it has enduring popularity beyond the schools, the recreational club facilities, the Landmark mansion block with Refurbished detached family home. Exceptional character four bedroom accessibility to the beach and shopping etc. In property sea views. family residence. terms too that popularity has translated into tangible gains - TW has undoubtedly been a star performer. And Ferndown £575,000 Ferndown £720,000 Ferndown £600,000 the portents are good for a continuing revival of form - the So, if you’re thinking of buying or selling, perhaps what is recent advantageous change in Stamp Duty will not have more interesting is to look in greater detail at the relative done any harm; mortgages are gradually becoming easier performances of individual “villages” (areas) and to to source and the likelihood of interest rate rises , of which compare their performance both against each other and a lot of people once were fearful, seems to be receding. The against Bournemouth, as a whole. We can provide you with main cloud on the horizon would appear to be the outcome the answers because we can analyse by time, by location of the election in May 2015. (not just by postcode, but by village name), by type of property and then show these comparative statistics so that On an annualised basis (figures from the Land Registry by you can make an informed decision. the market date a little), the volume of sales in TW at £33 Imposing four bedroom detached Unique home boasting myriad energy- Premier residential location on executive residence. saving features. generous plot. million is nearly 25% ahead of 2007 (£26.6m). And while If you really want to understand what you want to do with the number of sales has risen by only a more modest 10% your property; when is the best time to sell; which areas are West Parley £625,000 West Parley £625,000 Ferndown £650,000 (67 properties sold in 2014 vs 59 in 2007), even the average on the “up” and which are languishing, therefore where to sale value in TW, another good indicator of market health, is buy to capture the best capital gain, then pick up the phone up by 10%, from just over £450,000 to £495,000 and call our Bournemouth office on 01202 544 500 or our Ferndown office on 01202 896 496 and speak to one of

Description Talbot Woods TW Bournemouth (as a whole) our experienced and knowledgeable sales staff. Better still,

Year Sales % change Units Sales % change Units come in and talk to us and we’ll do the analysis just for you. £m on 2007 £m on 2007 We know you could get in touch with any estate agent who 2014 £32.97 +24% 67 £596.81 -40% 2,693 would give you their view. But you now know that it’s less 2010 £16.12 -39% 35 £367.20 -56% 1,722 likely to be backed up with hard solid evidence of what is 2007 £26.62 100% 59 £841.60 100% 3,921 Chalet residence approaching Character residence in one of Executive residence in really happening. Because you want to hear which way the 1/3 acre plot. Ferndown’s premier locations. prestigious location. Chart includes Land Registry information. © Land Registry. © YOUhome. wind is really blowing.

4 5 PROPERTYtimes YOUhome’s GUIDE IMPORTANCE OF to letting your property EFFECTIVE MARKETING Whether you are a first time or experienced landlord, deciding in the property market today to let your property can be quite a daunting task with lots to consider. Our lettings experts have highlighted their top tips The way in which we buy and sell homes Added to the agents understanding is the agent itself to let your home successfully. has changed dramatically over recent years; and the associations it holds. If you want your property to have professional, positive associations which prospective Safety first with the plethora of new digital tools and buyers would like to be associated with, it is best to list your Know your tenancy agreement Ensure your property is ready for letting by obtaining all channels at an agents disposal at any given property with a professional established Royal Institute of It is important for landlords to understand the legalities the relevant certificates and safety checks. Landlords need Chartered Surveyors leading agent. We believe the RICS of letting; there can be a risk of severe fines, penalties time. However, the fundamentals remain to present their properties Energy Performance rating with banner is the best indication of a professional agent as it is and even the possibility criminal proceedings if landlords the same; get your property noticed by the all advertising. An Energy Performance Certificate must be the mark of property professionalism worldwide. are found not to be acting correctly. A good tenancy obtained, and once you have one it lasts for ten years. right buyers, at the right time, for the right agreement not only sets out the responsibilities of the reasons. Finally, the consequences of poor marketing or agent Gas safety inspections need to be carried out every 12 tenant, but also your obligations as a landlord. Everything branding can lead to your property being listed offline and months, and are a legal requirement. Electrical installations from ensuring essential maintenance is carried out to As a result, a well-executed marketing campaign is one online with a weak message, which could lead to no hits should also be checked and, although not a legal a protecting tenant deposits with an approved government of the most important factors in getting you the price and no views which in turn means no sale. requirement, a landlord must be able to confirm electrics in scheme is covered. you deserve. In the not so distant past, this largely meant In summary, to get the best results for your property, their property are safe. placing print advertisements in the local paper. However, Make sure you are insured correctly. Buildings insurance is ensure you are selling with a professional leading agent these days the focus has largely shifted in favour of online the minimum requirement. Landlord insurance packages who really understands marketing (both digital and Make your property presentable media. Lettings is a fast paced environment and tenants make can offer good back up should something go wrong such traditional forms) as well as the local market inside out. quick decisions about properties they want to rent. A clean as a boiler breakdown, which may otherwise prove costly. Email, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, video, QR codes, and well-kept property has the best chance of letting. Carry ‘going-viral’, infographics, paid search, SEO, mobile, At YOUhome our aim is to make your letting experience out regular inspections to keep an eye on anything that may content marketing, online ads – all these latest digital tools as hassle free and simple as possible. We are one of the need your attention. and tactics can be overwhelming if you are not sure how very few local agents who are members of ARLA each is executed and how they work together. When making choices about repairs and upgrades, be and regulated by RICS which means sensible with your money but be mindful that you should we offer you a professional service So, why exactly has the focus shifted online? protect your property and your investment. By ensuring which meets the strictest Primarily because research has shown that 90% your property is well-kept, you will maximise your chance of codes of practice. of initial buyer search starts online. Buyers are achieving the best possible price. searching on property portals and agent websites where they get the absolute latest property for Know your tenant sale listings. Much more real time information is Before entering into a tenancy agreement, it is important contained here than a print advert could ever offer. to establish some facts about your tenant. Online marketing tools offer another very Who are they? Are they credit-worthy? Can they afford important benefit too - measurability. A digitally the rent? Do they have good previous landlord references? savvy agent can track visits, views and clicks Are they legally entitled to live and work in the UK? These for online listings. Thus can assess what kind of are all questions that should be asked of any applicant. If interest a property is generating throughout the something does not seem right, it’s better to be safe rather James Tiller MARLA marketing campaign and can tweek the campaign than sorry. You could end up stuck in an agreement you Lettings Manager e. [email protected] accordingly to ensure the best results are achieved. can’t get out of. t. 01202 544 522 Central to the marketing campaign is the message. RECENTLY LET PROPERTIES The branding, marketing, signage, brochures, press, online presence should all work together Southbourne £1,000 PCM East Cliff £875 PCM West Cliff £895 PCM promoting a cohesive message that says ‘this is a great property to buy and a great place to live.’ For this to remain true and to best position your property with the target market it is not only essential that your agent really understands marketing, but also the local area and local market idiosyncrasies.

Robert Shaw Marketing Manager Character flat conversion, Top floor apartment, Sea view flat, modern [email protected] with private garden. excellent location. design throughout. e. t. 0207 908 9255

6 7 Personal and outstanding client service

You will be advised and supported by hard working experienced property professionals who are perfectly placed to help with your property needs. If you are thinking of buying, selling, letting or renting visit youhome.co.uk Our services: • Residential sales and lettings • Property management Visit youhome.co.uk today.

Andy Gallardo Liz Sellers James Tiller MARLA Valuations and Bournemouth Sales Manager Lettings Manager Bournemouth Branch Manager

e. [email protected] e. [email protected] e. [email protected] t. 01202 544 507 t. 01202 544 500 t. 01202 544 522

Tom Williams Lyndsey Wilkins Robert Shaw Valuations and Ferndown Sales Manager Marketing Manager Ferndown Branch Manager

e. [email protected] e. [email protected] e. [email protected] t. 01202 896 496 t. 01202 896 496 t. 0207 908 9255

Bournemouth and Poole Office Ferndown Office London Office 101 Old Christchurch Road, 531 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, 121 Notting Hill Gate, Kensington & Chelsea, Bournemouth BH1 1EP BH22 9AQ London W11 3LB 01202 544500 [email protected] 01202 896496 [email protected] 020 7908 9280 [email protected] youhome.co.uk/bournemouth youhome.co.uk/ferndown youhome.co.uk/notting-hill