exquisite interiors HOW TO MOVE HOUSE We break down the process with the estate agents, solictors, mortgage brokers and movers

GET MOVING

How to move house, from sale to moving day Compiled by Lydia Tewkesbury

“The recent introduction of virtual viewings has become a key marketing tool”

If you can’t find your dream home... maybe you should build it. Stonewood Builders specialise in bespoke, one in a million, homes

There’s been a lot of talk about moving house in the last few months as we all re-evaluate in response to the pandemic. It can all feel rather overwhelming, so we asked a few of Bath’s experts, from agents to solicitors, mortgage brokers and more, to guide us through the process, step by step.

THE SELLING BIT Stuart Riddell, Bath Stone Property

I am worried my home won’t look good in photos – do you have any advice? We would advise all buyers to declutter as much as possible and have clear open spaces to ensure that the size of the room is being shown well to b yers. resh flowers are always a nice touch to create that homely feel.

What is the best way to market my home? We market properties via all portals – Rightmove, Zoopla and On the Market, and also through social media platforms.

Will the agents keep me in the loop about the sale? Communication is key for us to be able to make your experience as smooth as possible. We commit to weekly updates on your property and the market and will also send through viewing feedback from the buyers after each viewing. The team are always free to discuss any questions you have, too.

How is a home’s value established? Many factors contribute to a price of a property: comparable sold prices, size of property, condition of your property and the current market conditions. fter a val ation, we wo ld go thro gh o r findings and explain and show you how we achieved the price we suggest you market your property for. Bath Stone Property, 1 Hayes Place, Bath; tel: 01225 422224; www.bathstoneproperty.com

Since the start of the pandemic, demand for homes outside cities has grown dramatically Alistair Heather, Strutt & Parker

What’s your advice for first time buyers? Be prepared, and try to make yourself available to see properties as soon as they come on the market. It’s a competitive marketplace for all buyers at the moment, so it’s advisable to have a mortgage agreed in principle and a solicitor appointed.

How much contact should I expect to have with the agent? An estate agent should understand precisely what a buyer’s needs are and keep very closely in touch throughout the process.

I haven’t moved in years. How was the process changed? The property market has remained largely unchanged in the UK for decades, however the recent introduction of virtual viewings has become a key marketing tool. Allowing buyers to view a property online from anywhere in the world before seeing it in person has made the b ying and selling process simpler and more e cient for o r clients.

How do you calculate the value of a house? Through in-depth knowledge of the local market, both in terms of recent comparable sales, and the level of demand for homes in that area. Since the Covid-19 outbreak, demand for living outside of larger cities has grown exponentially, and certain areas have seen significant price growth, whilst others less so. Understanding these varying market conditions is vital in setting the price for your home.

Is there anything a potential seller can do to prep their home to make it more attractive? Make it as presentable as possible. Clear the clutter and keep surfaces clean. Give the house a spring clean, touch up any areas of chipped paint and get the garden ready for spring. Strutt & Parker, 7-9 North Parade Buildings, Bath; tel: 01225 685801; www.struttandparker.com

A Grade I listed Georgian townhouse on Sydney Place is currently listed with Strutt & Parker

THE BUYING BIT Andrew Whitmore, Whitmore Financial

How do you choose the right mortgage plan? Mortgages are a bit like shoes. There are a range of di erent shoe styles and si es to fit many people for many occasions and the same is tr e for mortgages. he easiest way to think of it is to think of the style of shoe as the type of property yo want to own, s ch as a new b ild ho se, or perhaps d e to circ mstances yo are looking at a shared ownership home. Similarly, think of yo r shoe si e as the n mber yo ’d need to assess to find the right si e shoe for yo , only in the case of a mortgage it wo ld be abo t yo r income, o tgoings, deposit and credit score that the lender wo ld need to know to decide if the mortgage fits yo r needs.

How do you apply for a mortgage? o are able to apply direct with a bank or b ilding society and will be asked to provide doc ments direct to the bank and chase p the progress. lternatively, yo can apply via a mortgage brokerage s ch as o rselves and we will deal with the doc mentation and chasing on yo r behalf, saving yo time and stress along the way. Some mortgage brokerages charge a fee, so be s re to ask if they charge any fees prior to asking for their assistance.

What is a deposit, and why do I need one? deposit is an amo nt of money that yo p t towards the p rchase of a property and it’s important as the lender will partly assess yo r

fl a always a nice touch”

mortgage application based pon this fig re. he more deposit yo p t towards the p rchase, generally the lender will o er more favo rable terms, s ch as a lower cost per month or red ced fees as part of the application. s of now eb , lenders re ire a minim m of a per cent deposit, except where yo take advantage of the help to b y scheme, where mortgages are available with as little as a five per cent deposit. his scheme is now only available to first time b yers, however.

What factors make it difficult to get a mortgage? ost di c lties relate to yo r credit score, which is often impacted by how yo have cond cted any financial agreements within the last six years. f yo s er from any credit iss es it is recommended to get advice to ens re yo can work towards a sol tion as early as possible. Other iss es are s ally related to a lack of deposit or commitments being higher than a lender is comfortable to leave o tstanding when applying for a mortgage, b t sometimes it can simply be that the lender re ires an applicant to have a higher level of income to o er the mortgage the client is hoping for. his is why it’s so important to speak to a professional before starting to look, as they can help set the bar at an attainable, a ordable level so that yo know exactly what is possible before yo start looking for yo r next home. Whitemore Financial, Black Dog Farm, Chapmanslade, Westbury; t it m nan ia

THE LEGAL BIT Shazad Banaras, Mogers Drewett residential property team

When should I instruct a solicitor? If you are selling, you should speak to us before you put your house on the market. If you are buying, you should make contact before making an o er.

What is the solicitor’s role in the process? The work a solicitor undertakes depends on whether they are acting for the buyer or the seller. Property is purchased caveat emptor, or ‘buyer beware’, so the buyer’s solicitors take on the greater risk during the transaction.

Why do I need a survey? Surveys help you avoid expensive surprises (like unexpected damp or potential structural issues which may need further investigation). For those who have never owned a property before, a survey can be immensely reassuring and integral in a purchase. If you are borrowing capital your lender may wish to conduct their own survey as well.

Once an offer is accepted how long does it take? At Mogers Drewett we often exchange contracts within six to eight weeks, this is subject to both parties co-operating and client’s responding/providing information in a timely manner.

What is the difference between exchange and completion? he di erence between exchange and completion is that the ‘exchange’ is an exchange of contracts, which makes the matter legally binding between the buyer and seller, whereas ‘completion’ is the date the parties physically move and transfer legal ownership of the property.

When do I know the property is mine? Once contracts are exchanged, a legally binding agreement is in place, which means that neither party can back out. Until that point, either party may withdraw. The property is only yours on the day of completion when all money has changed hands. Mogers Drewett, St James House, The Square, Lower Bristol Road, Bath; tel: 01225 750000; www.mogersdrewett.com MOVING DAY Anne Marie Brennan, The Home Service

The Home Service is committed to simplifying life – through managing properties, home projects and even your to do list. Most of all though, Annie loves facilitating home moves, ensuring no detail is overlooked so people can enjoy their new home as speedily as possible, with minimal disruption.

What services do you provide for people moving house? As no two moves are alike, the level of support can vary from assistance with planning, procurement, quotations, overseeing contractors and services to managing the entire process. We will get the very best team together and coordinate a cost e ective, smooth and stress free move, in compliance with all government safety guidelines.

What is move day management? We ensure that move day runs like clockwork. Like any performance, success is linked to planning, having the right people, and a lot of practice keeping things running smoothly. It may include managing logistics, timing, handovers, inventories, connections and providing guidance for movers at property. Most importantly, we ensure owners are free to do whatever they want to do.

What are the advantages of using a professional moving company? Peace of mind and a worry-free move! Buying your dream home sho ld be a time of great excitement and accomplishment. e o er a smooth and easy transition.

A move is such an exciting time for making changes, too, and as professionals with an outsider perspective, it is easy to us to guide or organise yo r new home ob ectively. e can o er m ch more than a removals service – we can help get yo r new home o on the right foot. The Home Service, Eton house, 108 Walcot Street, Bath; tel: 01225 685111; www.thehome-service.co.uk

Handing over the organisation to a professional move day manager is a great route to a stress-free move

HOW TO BUILD A HOUSE

THE DESIGN PHASE: The client may already have worked with a designer to bring their ideas to life, or we can help them draw up their plans and put them in touch with architects, designers and other specialists.

THE COLLABORATIVE PHASE: We work closely reviewing the plans with the client looking at samples and visuals to get a ‘real life’ view. This all helps to influence a final decision on material and style in detail. These stages are imperative and really help to avoid changes with delays and costs later in the project.

THE PLANNING PHASE: We spend time with our clients to detail what they can expect from us and what we will need from them, a detailed work plan, risk assessment and safety plan for the project are provided. The aim is to create minimum disruption – we think a building project can be a positive, enjoyable experience!

THE BUILDING PHASE: The team start on site when everything is agreed with a designated site manager and the back-up of a full-time office team, including a project manager and quantity surveyor. During the build regular communication between the client and their builders is key. Often, once a project develops, aspirations and visions can still change, and decisions need to be made by both parties. If the site team are in regular conversation with clients updates on progress and any changes can be discussed and the experienced team can guide the client through any unfamiliar territory.

THE CELEBRATION PHASE: It’s time to enjoy your new home. Once the project is finished it is important that there is an official handover with all documentation manuals, useful contacts and guarantees given to the client. A nice touch is also a full photographic record of the project to keep for posterity.

The Stonewood Office, West Yatton Lane, Castle Combe; tel: 01249 782293; www.stonewoodbuilders.co.uk

Stonewood collaborate with clients to realise their vision

“Buying your dream home should be a time of great excitement”

BUILD YOUR OWN Jamie Priest, Stonewood Builders Ltd.

What sort of properties do Stonewood work on? We work on a variety of new build and historic refurbishment projects. Alongside our housebuilding business we have been building bespoke one o high specification family homes and commercial buildings for over 40 years. We have a highly experienced team of expert craftsmen who renovate and restore some of our most important and noteworthy heritage buildings. It is these same craftsmen who build our new homes in traditional styles as well as creating award-winning, cutting edge contemporary houses.

What should a client bring to the table? ost clients have already got a good vision of their finished pro ect when we start to work with them. It is up to the right designer to get that vision onto paper. From here it is very much a collaborative process and we listen to our clients’ needs and then use the best members of our team to suit the requirements of each individual project.