BUY
As detailed earlier, the stamp duty holiday deadline has created a real sense or urgency in the South West London buying and selling market but news is filtering in from our lettings team that tenants are equally as keen to get moves agreed…..and fast! Delays equal disappointment so here’s how to be as ready as possible.
Sellers: Don’t dither when it comes to your legals - formally instruct a solicitor as soon as you go on the market. Be prompt when it comes to paperwork - fill out all your fixtures and fittings forms, and property information questionnaires, as soon as you receive them. Ask your solicitor to send the contract papers to the buyer as soon as you accept their offer, and make it clear the exchange and completion dates you want to work to from day one. If your onwards move depends on a mortgage, see below.
Buyers: A mortgage agreement in principle is a must when making offers but you may be thwarted if you to stick to High Street banks. We recommend using a mortgage broker, who will know which lenders are working quickly, who to avoid because of backlogs and who can accommodate more unusual lending circumstances. Ask us to arrange an appointment with our trusted, affiliated broker for maximum choice.
Tenants: Demand for rental property is higher in South West London that it usually is at this time of year, with some tenants already lining up lets for 2021. Our advice for those hoping to move next year is to act now for the best choice of properties. Speak to Aspire and we can get you in pole position for properties where we know the tenancies are coming to an end.
Landlords: As well as the impending EICR guidelines, landlords should be making other improvements to their buy-to-let properties as our lettings team has noted a trend for increasingly picky tenant. With changing priorities, now is a good time to ensure the best broadband is available, kitchens are up-to-scratch and rooms are freshly decorated.
