2022 was an extremely busy year for the property market, with house prices pushed to record highs. And despite a calmer housing market this year – which we last saw before the pandemic – there are still lots of buyers ready to launch their home search in 2023.

“Boxing Day is traditionally the start of activity ramping up into January and the spring selling season after Christmas, as people return to their search or consider a New Year move. We’ve seen some promising activity and familiar patterns over the festive period this year, which are good signs for the year ahead.”

When comparing the week of Christmas to the week of Boxing Day, there was a 20% increase in views of homes for sale on Rightmove:-

We look what it takes to make things happen in the property market this New Year, because wishing is no longer enough.
 
This time last year Russia hadn’t set foot on Ukrainian soil, the chickens were still to come home to roost for Boris Johnson, we had hardly heard of Liz Truss and were barely out from Covid restrictions: nor had interest rates reached a 14-year high or the nurses, train drivers, postal workers, etc., embarked on strike action. Also, the property market was only showing tentative signs of cooling.
 
It is difficult to imagine now how the property sector could not have been greatly affected by all that has happened at home and abroad during 2023.
 
Yet despite all the political and economic turmoil, the property market is still active. If anything, the market has reached a more normal level of activity. It’s just that most activity is down to the doers and not the wait-and-seers.
 
There are two ways to sell property. The first is to let it happen. That has been fine over the past few years when all many had to do was to open the door to lots of open-house viewers and then bask in the flood of cash offers that ensued.
 
The second way to sell a house is to make it happen. Now that the market has turned in favour of buyers, sellers can’t sit back; they have to take the initiative. So, to location, location, location as a strong buying feature we must add price, price, price and condition, condition, condition.
 
Just as the recent seasonal festivities wouldn’t happen without people taking control and putting up decorations and cooking meals, a property won’t sell without some effort from sellers to prepare it for the market. If that means setting a competitive asking price and keeping a welcoming exterior and neat and spotless interior, then so be it.
 
Good estate agents are doers by nature, training and experience. But they can’t do it alone, they need their clients’ support and agreement. This teamwork is essential to get things done. To make things happen in the property market in 2023, don’t be a wisher be a doer.
 
We wish all our clients and friends a very positive, healthy, and happy New Year.

A fine Grade II Listed property of fifteenth century origin with features of the period, set in large mature gardens, occupying a prime corner plot in the central Conservation Area of the Ancient Town.

 

 

A beautiful Grade II Listed period property affording stylish living accommodation over three floors, together with a delightful rear garden, situated in the central Conservation Area of the Ancient Town of Winchelsea.

A detached four bedroom chalet style property situated on the edge of the village with a large landscaped rear garden of approximately 137’ deep.

A modern town house requiring refurbishment and modernisation, affording versatile living space over three floors, together with a garage, forming part of a small private residential development located around a landscaped central courtyard in the Conservation Area of the Ancient Town and Cinque Port of Rye.

FOR SALE, 495,000

A three bedroom mid terrace Victorian town house, remodelled in a contemporary style and extended by the present owners, centrally located in the Conservation Area within a 5 minute walk of the High Street and mainline station.

An end terrace 3 bedroom cottage located within the Conservation Area of the Ancient Town and Cinque Port of Rye close to amenities and mainline railway station. Currently a successful holiday let.

 

An immaculate, two bedroom mid terraced Victorian house situated in the Ancient Town of Rye within close proximity of local services and amenities, 3 minutes walk to the station.

An attached Grade II Listed period house of eighteenth century origin with exposed timber framing situated close to the Strand Quay and town centre.

There is no outside space.