News & Updates - Estate Agents Chichester

  Buying a property comes with multiple decisions, not least whether to opt for a beautiful period home packed with original features or a modern, efficient and low-maintenance new build that is ready to move into – and can often be fitted out according to your preferences.   There is no right or wrong decision, and much depends on personal taste, there are positives and negatives to either option, with considerations around aesthetics, maintenance costs, and the likelihood of being part of a potentially complex chain.   As a leading property specialist working across West Sussex, Tod Anstee - chichester estate agents has put together some of our advice about the factors to bear in mind if you are comparing these two very different property types.   The Process of Purchasing a New Build or Heritage Home There are several new build developments in West Sussex, with newly constructed properties in high-demand areas such as Chichester, Horsham, Angmering ...

  It’s no secret that the multiple consecutive increases to the Bank of England (BoE) base rate, currently at 5%, have had a significant and sometimes dramatic impact on borrowing costs, not least for homeowners with variable-rate tariffs. The same applies to landlords, with current rates on buy-to-let mortgages hovering at around 6% for five-year fixed terms and as high as 7% or above for two-year fixed mortgage agreements. However, while many will welcome the predictions that interest rates will begin to fall as we progress through the year, there are also indications that professional landlords have seen some unexpected benefits. Demand for quality  rental properties  has continued to be incredibly high. The strained mortgage market has generated a reluctance to buy while rates are high or sell when the housing sector has begun to cool. Many prospective buyers have put their plans on hold, adding to the ever-growing need for more rental accommodation.   Ch...

  Following the long-delayed Renter’s Reform Bill being introduced in parliament in May, many landlords may be considering whether their rental properties remain compliant with standards and regulations.   One of the complexities is that the revised Decent Homes Standard, first published in September 2022, was excluded from the Bill due to ongoing consultations. Therefore, while the Bill is expected to be made law in October 2024, the government has yet to make any formal announcements, and the updated Decent Homes Standard is still a long way from becoming legislation.   In this article Tod Anstee residential sales summarises the current requirements and outlines what we anticipate changing for rental property at some point within the next two years when the Decent Homes Standard is finalised.   What Is the Decent Homes Standard? It is important to reiterate that the Renter’s Reform Bill and Decent Homes Standard are different and approach distinct as...

  As you’re packing your belongings into boxes and planning your move to a new home, there will be a number of things to organise and check before you move out of your rental property. This is the final, important step to ensure everything is correctly in place in order to receive your deposit back. So, to make your moving out process that little bit easier, the Tod Anstee experts have provided details on how you should vacate your property once your tenancy is over. Find all your documents relating to your tenancy Firstly, gather your tenancy documents and any other files that you have previously been given by your landlord or managing agent. This could include; your tenancy agreement, tenancy renewals, an inventory report and even receipts for utilities paid. Not forgetting any receipts for repairs and cleaning, or other property services that you may have paid for. By reviewing your tenancy agreement, you can follow an accurate procedure on how to end your tenancy and what you n...

This week the  Chancellor’s Summer Statement  brought welcome good news to the UK property market, signalling the start of a bounce-back in sector recovery. The UK government plans are all about growth, confidence and recovery as we emerge from the Coronavirus lockdown and look to the future. Let’s take a look at the highlights, what this means for West Sussex property buyers and sellers, and why this year may just be the perfect time to make that move! What is the Chancellor’s Address? If you haven’t heard of the summer statement before, you’re not alone! This is a one-off outside of the usual governmental schedule of policy and budget announcements, owing to the disruption that the pandemic has brought across the country. Rishi Sunak is the Chancellor of the Exchequer, responsible for public spending, taxation and borrowing. Sunak acts as the chief financial minister to the UK government and has over-riding responsibility for the treasury. The Statement introduce...