As we enter a period where traditionally school holidays start, the roads become quieter at peak times and the nights start to gradually draw in, it can be a time to draw breath…but this is 2020 and nothing feels normal. But how is the property sector during these different times.
Our sales department is buoyant
and with the chancellor giving the market a shot in the arm with stamp duty now
abolished for property under £500,000 until 31st March 2021 we at Loveitts
believe that the market will remain very active. A greater use of technology
now means there are far more ways to view our properties. Viewings are taking
place and with a new computer system that will revolutionise the way we work
even more, the remaining months in 2020 will hopefully bring optimism in such
testing times.
Likewise our residential lettings
team remain busy, with lockdown having little impact on interest from prospective
tenants. Over 60!! viewing requests were received after Prime minister BorisJohnson announced lockdown and the team were proud to assist with so many key
workers able to move during this time. As a firm we took great pride in
enabling key workers who wanted to move to do so!
Commercially in such uncertain
times communication with both landlords and tenants alike is key and our
management team has certainly had to ensure that we have done this. Many
businesses have been forced to shut down and help has been given by the
government, and our accounting section have again been working throughout to
ensure where possible rents are coming in even if this has been with staged
payments. In unprecedented (a word never used so much in recent months!) times our
ability to continue to work form home even in shut down meant that we could
still communicate quickly with all parties. Time will tell how companies will
come out the other end in winter months....but we will assist our landlords
where we can.
And our auction section still
sees a real appetite for property. With the use of an auction room now
impossible, our online section and live auctions has proved extremely popular
and it again proves that a quick sale is still as popular as ever with people -
it maybe that you don’t physically see the fall of the hammer in person but
through a 12 inch computer screen!!!
Safety is paramount still in
these times. When will the ‘old norm’ be back? - nobody knows - but with our
heritage in property spanning over 177 years it has been challenging but in
hindsight refreshing to see how we have adapted as a firm so quickly. With
further changes to Loveitts coming In the next few months of which
announcements will be made through our website and social Media platforms, change
is happening at a pace. But yet there are still consistencies- not in the
approach of face to face meetings like it once was with office appointments
currently - but in servicing the needs of clients with a property interest.
Loveitts thanks all of our clients for your business, and during times not seen
before we still approach the needs of clients with vigour, purpose and
understanding. 2020 has a been a year of many things most notably change, but
the appetite for property from everyone is definitely still very much alive and
kicking!
Paul Barnes
Director
If you would like any advice on buying, selling or letting a property, get in touch with our friendly team today.