UNIQUE & DISTINCTIVE - North Devon SPRING 2023

FEATURE PROPERTY

COUNTRY CHARM!

THORNFIELD BARN

MARKET UPDATE

HOW IS THE NORTH DEVON PREMIUM MARKET?

UNIQUE HOMES!

HOW TO VALUE THEM ACCURATELY TREASURE IN YOUR GARDEN AN OPPORTUNITY IN PLAIN SIGHT?

NORTH DEVON'S TREASURE TROVE BROWN'S ANTIQUES & RECLAMATION

SPRING 2023

T U R B U L E N C E T U R B U L E N C E

F A D E S A S A S O B E R F A D E S A S A S O B E R

C A L M T A K E S O V E R C A L M T A K E S O V E R

This year began with a large degree of uncertainty in the housing market after a turbulent end to 2022 The fallout of the Autumn Budget, steep interest rate rises, increasing utility costs and high inflation were highlighted as the key reasons that the market was due for a 'Crash'!

Thankfully, the doom and gloom of tabloid newspapers and so called 'Property Pundits' talking the market down and pushing it into crisis mode, was unsupported by underlying data On the surface it appeared to anyone that cared to look that the housing market must surely crash with prices dropping by 20-30% according to some

Thankfully, the underlying supply within the market and a somewhat surprising level of sustained demand has meant, whilst prices have continued to slowly drop from the peak of 2022, a ''crash' hasn't materialised This resilience has been mirrored in the wider economy with inflation begining to fall and the economy tipped to narrowly avoid a recession outperforming almost every forecast This all despite the media doing it's utmost to talk us into not only a housing market crash, but also a recession.

The North Devon housing market has always been somewhat resilient to national issues and yet vulnerable to them in equal measure As such, the local market performed largely in line with the national trend Prices have and are slowly falling but demand remains steady and houses are selling well in general We are returning to a much more 'normal' market akin to 2019 pre-pandemic levels. The key to keeping the market moving, as ever, is realistic pricing and positive marketing, with the most unique and distinctive homes continuing to outperform the general market

W H E R E T O G O

F O R T H O S E

T R E A S U R E D I T E M S

If you are looking for a unique piece of furniture, a special antique, or 'objet d'art' for your home or garden, you must visit Brown's Antiques & Reclamation in South Molton

Located just outside the town on Barnstaple Road, you can't miss it! The distinctive double decker bus that is parked at the front is practically a local landmark This place is really something special and, as far as I am aware, the only place of its kind in North Devon

As soon as you pull into the parking area you are surrounded but interesting objects of every size and style, there is even a large wooden garden bridge on display as you enter

Outside there is a large yard packed full of antique statues, architectural reclamation, chimney pots, roof tiles and ornamental terracotta statues, to name a few

As you wander through the maze of items, each step you take reveals another interesting piece that stops you in your tracks Be prepared to lose your sense of time as you explore there is just so much to see and take in, it's amazing.

If you are looking for inspiration or even if you have something specific in mind, this is the perfect place to start

At the rear of the yard is an open warehouse stocked full of more amazing pieces Everything from door knobs, taps, lights, fireplaces and even a staircase In the space between this warehouse and the main showroom there are a range of water tanks tubs and metal railings

Inside the main showroom there are three large rooms crammed full of beautiful pieces of antique furniture, chairs, beds, tables and more Stained glass windows/doors, a selection of wall mounted antlers, old railway signs, wall lights, vases and mirrors - the list goes on

All in all a great place to visit and shop for those rare and special items for your home and garden The owners and staff are friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable and every visit will be an experience and definitely one to remember

Browns Antiques & Reclamation

www.brownsantiquesandreclamation.co.uk

01769 579997

Open Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm

Sundays and Bank Holidays 10am - 4.30pm

D E C I D E

Let’s face the truth The boom market of the last 2 years is gone House prices are slowly falling and buyer demand is down. It’s not all doom and gloom but the days of selling for a crazy price quickly and easily are gone, at least for now Now is the time that the best agents really earn their stripes

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial transactions you ’ re ever likely to make, and it could be an emotional time for you So you need to be sure that the agent you choose can not only get you the right buyer and the best price but also understand your situation and be able to guide you confidently through the process

Perhaps you ’ re selling the family home where you ’ ve raised your children and you ’ re now ready to downsize. It could be that you ’ ve outgrown your first home, and it’s time to take the next exciting step up the ladder Or maybe it’s a buy to let or inherited home that you simply don’t want or need to keep

Whatever your reason for deciding to sell, lots of agents will be keen to get your business And with so many out there – local and national, high street and online – all with different strengths and core markets how do you know which is going to be the best fit for you and your home? Well, it’s not an exact science, but if you re clear on your own plans, know the key things to look for and ask the right questions, you should be able to narrow it down to a top two or three

PAnd with that, here are our 11 questions to help you decide

Before you speak to an agent:

1

What are your plans? This is often how estate agents will start a discussion, so make sure you ’ re clear on why you ’ re selling and what kind of timescale you ’ re working towards If you ’ re going to be buying something else, write a list of your needs and wants The agents you speak to about selling will also be keen to show you what great homes they have on their books and you’ll get a feel for how they deal with prospective buyers.

Checking out agents online:

2 How good is their website? Is it professional looking can you navigate it easily and has it got all the main information you want to know? Are you impressed by the look of their listings?

3 Are they a member of a professional body? Agents who are members are bound to work at the highest professional standards and adhere to a strict code of conduct This isn’t to say that agents who aren’t a member don’t work to the same level, it’s just good to know and allows you to make an informed decision – it’s always good to get the full picture before you make your choice

4 Are their homes listed on the best portals? There are plenty of sales websites out there which have a far wider reach than an agents site alone. The more popular sites an agent lists your home on, the more prospective buyers will be reached There are several popular portals agents can use, ask them which ones they use and why

5 Have they got homes for sale that are similar to yours? You might think having competition is a disadvantage but actually it can be a good sign that the agent is used to marketing your type of home to the right kind of buyer

When the agent comes to your home for a valuation / when you speak to them directly:

6 What’s the market like at the moment? This gives you an idea of how many viewings you ’ re likely to have and how long it might take to sell You’ll also get a feel for how knowledgeable the agent is.

7 What similar homes have you sold recently? That will confirm to you what kind of sale price is possible. And if the agent has sold several properties like yours in the last month or so, that shows the market is buoyant and they’re doing a pretty good job

8 How much would you market our home for? You’ll probably already have your own idea from looking online, so compare that with what the agent says, and see how confident they are when they give you their valuation They’ll usually state a range and then recommend an initial market price based on your own timescale and situation If that’s different to what you thought don’t be afraid to ask more questions and discuss it further

9. Do you have any potential buyers in mind? Of course they’re going to say yes! So follow it up by asking what those buyers have looked at recently and what their feedback has been. That will show you how engaged the agent is with buyers and how good they are at communicating

10. What are your fees? Most agents do an all-in fee, but some will charge extra for things like glossy brochures, so make sure you ’ re clear on all the costs And remember that a good agent will give you value for money so don’t be tempted to go for the cheapest – you tend to get what you pay for!

11 What happens if I’m not happy with your service? As long as you ’ ve chosen your agent carefully, you shouldn’t have any real issues, but it’s always a good idea to check:

What’s the minimum contract period, and how much notice do you need to give?

If you find a buyer yourself, do you still have to pay the agent a fee?

Who’s the right person to speak to if there’s a problem?

Once you ve found two or three agents that you re sure can do the job, based on all the above, it’s time to turn to a bonus question

12. Which agent feels right?

When you ’ ve got queries, which of them are you most confident will be there with the answer? Putting it simply who do you like best? Due diligence plus gut feeling is a tried and tested formula that works for so much in life, and in this case, it should give you the best selling partner and a successful sale

If you’d like to talk through your selling plans with us, we d love to help

Call

A Country Setting

Thornfield Barn is a spacious and light grade II listed, three bedroom barn conversion with an attached one bedroom annexe. Located in the peaceful hamlet of Westacott literally just on the outskirts of Barnstaple

Step Inside

Come in through the front door and into the hallway The stairs to the right lead you up to the first floor and double french glazed doors open into the superb living dining space

An open plan space running the full length of the main house is illuminated with natural light from the deep set windows and large bi-fold doors to the rear The solid wood flooring creates a seamless link between the spacious dining area and the cosy living room The fireplace with stone surround and mantle form the focal point, with ample space for a large wrap around sofa, perfect for cosying up to watch your favourite soap opera or gathering with friends for a crisp glass of wine.

The dining space is very roomy and could take a very large table, big enough to seat all your guests with ease whether it be a dinner party with friends or a Christmas lunch with the family.

Entertaining inside and out would be effortless here as the bi-fold doors open to bring the outside in The block paved patio and steps lead you up to a number of private lawned terraces ideal for a sophisticated garden party or a casual barbecue on a summer s day

FEAST YOUR EYES

Character and light abound in the large kitchen and utility areas With vaulted ceilings and original wooden beams, the kitchen oozes country charm whilst offering convenience, with space for everything

As you wander down the steps from the dining room you can really appreciate the scale of this room The high ceiling is clad with white panelling which compliments the dark timber beams Skylights and the deep set windows to the front flood the room with natural light The breakfast bar comfortably seats four and there is also plenty of space for a breakfast table, if needed

A large range cooker sits pride of place with other appliances integrated into this well fitted and comprehensive kitchen The perfect space to keep the family fuelled and to cater for special occasions with ease

A doorway leads you into the utility space which provides more practical storage, space for appliances, a cloakroom/toilet and side door out to the front driveway -making unloading the shopping a doddle

BEDTIME BECKONS

As you ascend up the stairs you will find a large and spacious landing with soft carpet underfoot Revive and rejuvenate in the light and airy family bathroom which is found as you step down to the right A useful airing cupboard is found a little further down on the left

The first two bedrooms are equally sized, one set up as a single bedroom, the other as double, with beds and furnishings to match Beautifully decorated with fitted wardrobes, exposed timber beams, high ceilings and two skylights each, allowing light to flow in from above

At the end of the landing the principal bedroom suite can be found As you enter the room opens up and you are met again with high ceilings, timber beams and double skylights There are built in, up and over wardrobes and storage, and a fitted dressing ensemble, complete with drawer units

Begin each day refreshed in the ensuite shower room with walk in wet room style shower

A PERFECT ADDITION

The Annexe has it’s own front entrance but also interjoins with the main house and so offers independence and convenience to suit your needs

Perfectly situated to be the perfect home for a relative or potentially to be let out to create an additional income

As you enter through the front door you will find yourself in the spacious kitchen living room, with it’s L shaped kitchen living room and stairs up to the ensuite bedroom Deep set windows to the rear and front allow light to cascade in

The modern fitted kitchen is simple and stylish , healthily garnished with stainless steel from its inset sink with drainer, integrated oven, electric hob and extractor hood to its elegant gloss units with stainless steel handles

Upstairs you will find high ceilings, a skylight and window seat, along with built in wardrobes and spotlights. An elegant ensuite shower room with its stylish walk-in shower will leave you feeling fresh and invigorated

OUT & ABOUT

To the front of the property is a large expanse of block paved driveway creating a courtyard feel up close to the house A characterful classic style lamp post and bench complete the courtyard look There is ample parking for several vehicles and a large, attached garage with power and light

The Hamlet of Westacott is perched literally just outside Barnstaple backing onto open countryside. There is a single-track lane with passing areas giving access to the village from the main road as well as easy pedestrian access Within walking distance are bus routes, a local primary school and a short drive will find you in the centre of Barnstaple

Barnstaple is the regional centre and has a wealth of shops bars and restaurants Queens Theatre, Barnstaple Museum and the Boutport Street Cinema all offer quick and easy entertainment If you crave a long walk or cycle in the great outdoors the Tarka Trail is readily accessible and Rock Park provides a small playground, café, football fields and an adjacent tennis club

For more information, enquiries and viewings contact Nic Chbat on 01271 410108 or email nic@matchpropertycouk

T H E R E C O U L D B E

T R E A S U R E I N Y O U R G A R D E N !

Finding the right individual building plot is rarely easy and never without challenges

However, sometimes an opportunity is in front of you, in plain sight Perhaps your present home has a generous plot, offering potential to create your new home, next door?

There’s much to consider it’s rarely plain sailing Results, however, can be really exciting, having overseen some truly fantastic, self-build home developments in the region

Sometimes there is a natural reluctance to leave a much-loved home, perhaps after many years, so the opportunity to self-build a new home in effectively the same location is a rare chance Is it time to downsize, perhaps a home for a relative or create income?

Feature Article by Perry Mears - Director

Peregrine Mears Architects Barnstaple

Peregrine Mears Architects’ approach

Experienced in such projects, my team and I consider impact on nearby properties with our awareness heightened where our client owns both Potential impact needs considering, part of our refined, design approach

Obtaining early indicative valuation guidance from Nic Chbat of Match Property is prudent The existing and new properties should be considered individually ensuring a development is not to the detriment of the original, so assessing overall financial viability

Planning Permission

It is dangerous to generalise, however, if your garden is within the development boundary of a city town or village, subject to certain criteria, there is a reasonable chance that planning permission could be obtained Planning policies vary, as do circumstances, including the local council’s housing land supply position

The initial research undertaken by Peregrine Mears Architects can provide an initial view of the fundamentals and whether in principle permission is likely

Key Considerations

When building in a garden, it’s highly likely that properties would be close to other existing dwellings. It is important to ensure that any garden plot development relates well to its situation and surroundings, in the pattern of development and buildingdesign.

As architects we consider everything, privacy, overlooking amenity access right to light aspect outlook and more Design encompasses scale, height, massing, form and external materials Vehicular access is fundamental, along with drainage, ecology and more; investigations need to be broad We face these challenges every day as part of our professional approach, blending technical compliance with design creativity

Drainage

Ideally foul drainage should connect to the mains sewer and surface water drainage to a soakaway or water course A private foul drainage system could significantly affect layout options adding to construction costs Equally, surface water drainage may require attenuation to overcome the risk of potential flooding from run off Do you need access over adjacent land and do you have appropriate rights to deal with these constraints? More questions!

Sufficient Space for a building plot

Space is fundamental, often involving more than might initially be apparent There might be room for a home but consider amenity space, parking and vehicle considerations How would a new property affect the streetscene? Careful, innovative design can achieve a lot The answer isn’t prescribed and not always obvious; simply copying existing properties isn’t the solution

The Highway Authority’s regulations can be tough. Compliance with visibility and road safety regulations are fundamental, incorporating appropriate access, along with on-site turning and parking; this can use up valuable external space.

Land ownership should be checked; don’t make assumptions. Planning permission may approve development. However it doesn t mean the development can be completed in practice! Restrictive covenants in favour of adjacent properties can be a major issue, perhaps requiring a significant cost to remove or totally frustrating development Are there rights over your land or disputed boundaries We recommend early investigation of your title with your solicitor is a sensible first step

Privacy and Overshadowing

Privacy is an essential, from windows, as well as gardens, with some local authorities stating minimum separation distances Between 18 – 20 metres between windows of habitable rooms in new and existing properties is a reasonable starting point.

Perhaps not an obvious consideration, but overshadowing can be an issue requiring appropriate siting The effect on the new and existing properties can affect the saleability and value of both

Trees

Trees can be a major feature or significant limitation They look great, enhancing settings, but are they in the wrong place or protected by a Tree Preservation Order? Their removal can affect an established streetscene, with residents and councils naturally taking an interest Careful landscaping solutions can look to alleviate resistance, as can advice from an arboriculturist.

Ecology

An initial ecological survey will almost certainly be required, considering potential impacts on protected species including bats and reptiles Timing is often critical with follow up surveys often only undertaken during the summer season Mitigation measures may be required as part of a planning application including proposals to improve biodiversity

Often, identifying a building plot within a garden generally leaves the main budget for the build stage, with the site being essentially free, allowing full investment in design and quality specification

If you think there is the chance of development in your garden and you would like a professional opinion, talk to Barnstaple architects Peregrine Mears Architects as your first step anywhere in North Devon and the southwest

Peregrine Mears Architects

www.mearsarchitects.com

01271 377776

Is your unique home attracting the right interest from buyers?

Find out how we accurately value homes that are one of a kind and can help you sell at a premium

As estate agents, valuing homes accurately is at the core of our business. We’ve got to price them at a level that attracts enough attention from buyers, while achieving the maximum sale price for our clients, and sometimes it’s a challenge –particularly when there’s not much to compare them to

We value homes based on a combination of factors. We look at recent data, consider what we know about current market conditions, sprinkle in price per square foot, then use our expertise to judge how popular your particular home is likely to be with buyers

While it’s relatively straightforward to value a home if a lot of similar ones exist, it can be much harder to put a price on a unique home Deciding how much a particular view or architectural style is worth in a certain location is not an exact science, which is why it’s especially important to choose the right estate agent when your home is one of a kind

Let’s look in a bit more detail at how we arrive at a market value:

Data on comparable homes

The first thing we need to know is the value of other homes that compare to yours – ones of a similar size, in a similar location, with similar features. While there are usually plenty of direct comparables for homes on estates or Victorian terraces, the challenge with unique homes, where there might be very little else like them, is getting as close as possible. The more unique the home, the greater the challenge!

We look at two types of data:

Sold prices: How much have comparable homes sold for in the last 3–6 months? If there aren’t many of them, we sometimes have to look back further in time, then calculate a likely current value based on average price increases Sold price data from the Land Registry is the main source for surveyors when they make their reports for mortgage lenders, so it carries significant weight

Current market prices: We look at similar homes for sale and consider:

How long have they been on the market?

What’s the current asking price?

Has the price been reduced?

Generally speaking, we expect to agree a sale at within 5% of the asking price, but the longer a home is on the market, the less likely it is to achieve this

Together, these two sources give us a ballpark price guide

You might be wondering about online instant valuation tools, which use this kind of data to come up with a current price for your home They’re becoming increasingly popular and can be useful if lots of similar homes have sold recently. But when it comes to unique homes, we find the results are often quite different to inperson valuations

There might only have been a handful of properties sold recently in the area that are even close to yours in size and style, and it’s almost impossible for a piece of technology to put an accurate value on a view or a one-off architectural feature.

Data is certainly helpful in giving us a guide, but it’s by no means the whole story when it comes to unique homes!

One important thing for us to bear in mind is the ‘ceiling’ – the top price that comparable homes have sold for If we value your home at more than this, there’s always a risk it might be too expensive, and when buyers think a home is overpriced, it tends to put them off However, unique homes can often break through the ceiling and attract a higher selling price, simply because there’s nothing else like them.

Price per square meter

Not a commonly used valuation tool, but an invaluable one. It doesn’t take into account all the amazing amenities, like a stunning view, or even some disadvantages like a footpath right through a garden. Still, some buyers like seeing exactly how much they’re getting for their money

Anything attached to the main home is included in the total price per square foot; however, most detached buildings aren’t, unless it’s an additional dwelling – a holiday home for example

Price per square meter is different for each area It provides a good general overview of what a home is worth At least on paper

Current market conditions

Prices depend on supply and demand When there are fewer homes on the market, prices tend to go up as there’s plenty of competition from potential buyers The best homes can often attract a ‘bidding war ’ and end up selling for over the asking price.

IOn the other hand, if there are fewer people looking to buy when more people want to sell, prices tend to fall That’s because buyers have a good amount of choice and will be more tempted to try and get a bargain by making an offer below the asking price

So, in order to put the right market value on your home, we need to know how many buyers out there are looking for a home like yours Are similar homes selling quickly or is there an oversupply right now?

While unique homes are usually less affected by rises and falls in the market, it’s still important for us to know what’s happening, as it gives us a feel for how positive we can be with our valuation.

Our expertise

Taking all the above into account, we then have to judge how attractive your home is likely to be to buyers We’ve got to look at the outstanding features and decide how valuable they are, then balance that with what we know about how much potential buyers are willing and able to pay There might be lots of things that set your home apart, but would someone be willing to pay more for it than for its closest competitor, and how much more? This is where our experience really matters.

A lot comes down to how rare the features are, particularly when you ’ ve got a combination of them. For instance,

if you have a beautifully refurbished Grade 1 listed home in a waterfront location, how many other homes like that are there in the area – more importantly, how often do they come up for sale? When a buyer knows that if they miss out on your home, they might not get another chance to buy something similar for another five or ten years, they’re usually willing to pay a premium And it’s our job to know how much that premium is.

The final thing we need to consider is your own position How quickly do you want or need to sell? If you ’ re not in a rush to find a buyer, we might think it’s worth being optimistic with the price, then we can always adjust it if needed On the other hand, if you’d like to sell as quickly as possible, we’ll recommend a price that we ’ re sure will immediately catch your target buyers’ attention

So, if you ’ ve got a unique home, choose an experienced local agent who’s got a track record of successfully selling one-off homes Search online to see what’s sold locally in the past couple of months and take note of which agents have handled the more individual sales. They’re the ones who should be able to see the true value of your home, properly judge its market potential and then help you achieve the best possible sale

If you ’ re ready to move or are currently on the market and haven’t yet had the response you’d hoped for, give us a call on 01271 410108 or email sales@matchproperty co uk We’ll be happy to chat through our tailored marketing approach for unique homes.

CHESIL CLIFF | DOWN END | CROYDE

The iconic 'landmark' property in north Devon, Chesil Cliff House, is a substantial contemporary home with over 700 m2 of seafront accomodation, infinity pool, helicopter pad, 3 acres of coastal grounds and foreshore, and a detached luxury 3 bedroom property

OIEO £10,000,000

To arrange a viewing contact Nic Chbat on 01271 410108 or visit www matchproperty co uk

FREMINGTON | BARNSTAPLE

This unique four bedroom detached home is positioned within a beautifully presented half acre plot close to the coast. Its spacious and light and has a modern kitchen dining room with utility space and large living room which links into a lovely garden room With all the bedrooms having en-suites this is a comfortable and flexible home - with options

OIEO £725,000

To arrange a viewing contact Nic Chbat on 01271 410108 or visit www matchproperty co uk

COTTAGE & ANNEXE | ASHFORD

Design the life of your dreams! This property is a completely unique home, extremely spacious and flexible with four double bedrooms PLUS a two bedroom character annexe, nestled in the heart of this very desirable village

OIEO £675,000

To arrange a viewing contact Nic Chbat on 01271 410108 or visit www.matchproperty.co.uk

Off Market!

LOCATION | ON APPLICATION

a rare building plot with full planning permission located in the sought after coastal village of Braunton and a build package in place with the developer. This elevated plot has full planning for a luxuriously spacious, 410m2, 5 bedroom house with a 2 bedroom annexe, garage and parking with private drive Located just a short drive from the award winning beaches of north Devon and within walking distance of the restaurants and bars. With a completed value of circa £2.5 million.

OIEO £600,000

To arrange a viewing contact Nic Chbat on 01271 410108 or visit www.matchproperty.co.uk

BAY VIEW ROAD | NORTHAM

A substantial and versatile detached home with 3 or 4 bedrooms, and stunning views over Westward Ho! Beach and beyond. A large plot with scope to remodel and improve it has also previously been a succesful holiday let

OIEO £600,000

To arrange a viewing contact Nic Chbat on 01271 410108 or visit www.matchproperty.co.uk

HOUSE & ANNEXE | BARNSTAPLE

A spacious and light grade II listed, three bedroom barn conversion with attached one bedroom annexe. Located in the peaceful hamlet of Westacott on the outskirts of Barnstaple

OIEO £575,000

To arrange a viewing contact Nic Chbat on 01271 410108 or visit www.matchproperty.co.uk

ROOKERY COTTAGE | LYNTON

A beautifully refurbished 'one of a kind' 3 bedroom detached coastal Exmoor cottage nestled in a 1/3 acre woodland plot. With amazing views, overlooking the town, sea and coast beyond The perfect home from home or holiday let

OIEO £450,000

To arrange a viewing contact Nic Chbat on 01271 410108 or visit www.matchproperty.co.uk

PENTHOUSE | WESTWARD HO!

A rarely available two storey 3 double ensuite bedroom, penthouse apartment overlooking the beautiful Westward Ho! Beach. With two balconies, private parking and stunning views, it’s a perfect home from home, holiday home or permanent residence

OIEO £450,000

To arrange a viewing contact Nic Chbat on 01271 410108 or visit www.matchproperty.co.uk

MORTEHOE| WOOLACOMBE

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, they say, well ‘behold’ the spectacular views from this apartment. Nestled on the hillside overlooking Grunta Beach and Morte Point, backing onto National Trust countryside this two bedroom, 1st floor apartment, offers something really special for anyone seeking a stunning home, or home from home on the coast NO CHAIN

OIEO £375,000

WOODY BAY | EXMOOR

An ideal home, holiday home or holiday investment! Nestled into the beautiful National Trust woodland within Exmoor National Park and facing out over the glinting blue of the Bristol channel, this property has glorious sea and coastal views across the channel to the Welsh coast No Chain

OIEO £300,000

To arrange a viewing contact Nic Chbat on 01271 410108 or visit www matchproperty co uk

NORTH DEVON MARKET UPDATE SPRING 2023

The UK property market had its best week for house sales since the week before mini budget in September 2022 according to data up to last Sunday! (12th March 2023)

23,417 homes sold subject to contract (STC), which was the best week for sales since the September 2022 Budget

This week is not a flash in the pan either, the average number of properties sold STC in the last seven weeks has been 22,433 per week

The Spring Market is building momentum. Demand is building but supply is still relatively low.

Those sellers who are in the market now or enter the market in the next month or so are in the best position to sell well in 2023!

The LOCAL NORTH DEVON MARKET is showing itself to be relatively resilient too.

Checking the stats on Rightmove this morning shows that OVER 37% of homes listed in North Devon are sold subject to contract which is at or slightly above average.

At the top end, over £500,000, the figure is 27% which is also slightly above average

Actual SOLD prices in North Devon in the last year have risen by 9% compared to the year before and by 21% up on the peak in 2020 (HM Land Registry)

So if you haven't sold in the last 2 - 3 years the value of your home is substantially higher than it was!

TIf you haven't sold for 5 years, it's even higher and if you haven't sold for more than a decade, your value may well have doubled!

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all a bed of roses, house prices are currently falling due to the cost of living crisis, interest rates have risen sharply and may go up again soon, maybe not, inflation is high but falling and economic growth is slow but better than predicted

So if you are thinking of selling, there won't be a better time to do it for some time to come.

If you have any questions regarding the local property market, particularily the premium market in North Devon please contact us for further advice on 01271 410108 or email sales@matchproperty co uk

There are lots of articles, advice and information on our blog which can be found on our website at www.matchproperty.co.uk