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The Budget 2025

Williams Estate Agents quick budget takeaway for the property market.

It looks as though most property in Herefordshire will not be affected by the budget. Although there was little to stimpulate or take the pressure of homeowners. Here are the first main take aways from todays budget.

🏡 UK Budget 2025: What It Means for the Property Market

A quick, punchy breakdown of the key changes hitting UK housing

💷 1. New “Mansion Tax” for £2m+ Homes

🏰 Annual surcharge on properties over £2 million.

📈 Higher tiers for £2–2.5m, £2.5–5m, and £5m+.

🗓️ Starts being collected from 2028.

🎯 Aimed at wealthier homeowners and second-home owners.

📉 Could cool demand at the top end of the market.

🏠 2. What This Means for the Market

⏸️ Buyers and sellers holding back — general market uncertainty.

📉 Asking prices fell 1.8% in November as people waited for Budget clarity.

💸 High-value sellers may face reduced demand and softer offers.

📉 Expected slowdown in the luxury sector.

👶 3. First-Time Buyers: The Good & The Meh

👍 Good News

🛡️ Mortgage Guarantee Scheme made PERMANENT — 5% deposits remain available.

🏡 Helps FTBs with smaller deposits access the market more reliably.

🤷 What’s Missing

🚫 No new Stamp Duty reliefs or incentives for FTBs.

👷 Help to Buy may return, but wasn’t confirmed in the Budget.

📒 Affordability still ruled by mortgage rates & monthly repayments.

📊 4. Housebuilder Stocks on Budget Day

Here’s how three major UK housebuilders reacted:

🏢 Company 🎟️ Ticker 💰 Price 🔼 Day Change

🧱 Barratt Redrow BTRW 397.75p +0.76%

🏗️ Bellway BWY 2,840.00p +0.85%

🏙️ Berkeley Group BKG 3,855.00p +0.36%

Takeaway:

📈 Housebuilder sentiment stayed positive, suggesting investors see stability in development demand, even with tax changes at the top end.

🔍 5. What This All Means

🎯 FTBs benefit a little — more certainty on 5% deposit mortgages.

🏘️ Mid-market homes: little direct impact but may see softened demand.

🏰 High-end sellers: expect lower appetite due to the new annual tax.

📉 Market-wide: short-term slowdown, long-term depends on mortgage rates & future reforms.

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Hereford Uncategorised

Discover the Best Areas to Live in Hereford: Your Local Guide

Discover the Best Areas to Live in Hereford: Your Local Guide

Hereford offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and benefits. Whether you’re looking for affordable homes, established communities, or city convenience, Hereford has the perfect area for you.

At Williams Estate Agents, we help buyers and sellers find the right property in every part of the city. Here’s a local guide to the most popular areas in Hereford.

South Hereford: Affordable Homes with Excellent Access

The southern neighborhoods are perfect for buyers seeking affordable homes with easy access to the motorway and surrounding areas.

Key areas in South Hereford:

South Hereford combines affordability with great commuting options.

North-West Hereford: Established, Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

The north-west is known for its well-established communities, green spaces, and family-friendly environment.

Key north-west neighborhoods:

This area is ideal for families and professionals looking for traditional Hereford living.

North-East Hereford: Modern Living with Community Spirit

North-east Hereford offers growing neighborhoods with modern homes and excellent local amenities.

Key north-east areas:

North-east Hereford balances modern housing with strong community connections.

Central Hereford: City Living with Convenience

If you want to be close to shops, restaurants, and schools, the city centre is ideal.

Central neighborhoods:

Living in central Hereford provides the ultimate convenience for everyday life.

Why Choose Williams Estate Agents in Hereford?

At Williams Estate Agents, we know the Hereford property market inside out. Whether you’re buying or selling in Lower Bullingham, Kings Acre, Tupsley, Whitecross, or any other Hereford neighborhood, our team is here to guide you.

✅ We help you find the right property, at the right price, in the right area.

Start your Hereford property search today and discover why so many families and professionals choose Williams Estate Agents.

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Hereford Uncategorised

Hereford Property Market 2024

🎄 Property Market and house prices in Hereford, UK: 2024 vs. 2023

 
The Hereford property market in 2024 experienced a noticeable cooling compared to last year. Reflecting broader trends in the UK housing sector.
 
The first half of the year was very busy with sensibly priced property, selling quickly. The latter part of the year, has been quieter, with most buyers seemingly coming from the NHS. Which has meant property within walking distance of the hospital has been in demand.
 
Real House prices have not really moved. Williams would also recommend that serious buyers contact us directly, instead of waiting for property to be reduced online before making a viewing.
 
Next Year:
Unless banks pass on the recent interest rate cuts, we envisage a similar market. Williams have sold property in all price ranges. So it is not the location or price that stops a property from selling. In some ways this is a good thing for experienced estate agents. Just being on Rightmove isn’t enough unless your agent is also matching buyers to your property by discussing their real requirements.
 
House Prices:
House prices in Hereford showed mixed changes, with a slight decline in the upper price brackets. For instance, properties that previously sold close to their listed price in 2023 are now often subject to reductions due to slower market activity. Overall, the average house price in 2024 is estimated to have decreased by around 2-3% compared to 2023, reflecting a shift towards a buyer’s market as rising interest rates impacted affordability.
 
Number of Sales:
Sales activity in Hereford has slowed in 2024, with fewer transactions recorded compared to 2023. This reduction is attributed to higher mortgage rates and increased caution among buyers. Across Herefordshire, data shows a decrease in new property instructions and longer times for sales to complete, suggesting that the market is less dynamic than it was in 2023.
 
Key Trends:
Properties with reduced prices are increasingly common in 2024, indicating challenges in attracting buyers at higher price points.
Detached homes and premium properties in rural areas have experienced the largest slowdowns, while smaller homes and flats remain relatively stable.
 
Average selling times have increased, with many properties taking over 90 days to sell, compared to shorter timelines in 2023.
 
These trends highlight a cautious and slower-moving property market in Hereford in 2024 compared to the relatively robust activity seen in 2023.
 
For more personal advice on marketing your property in 2025, contact Williams Estate Agents on 01432 277734 for a moving quote.
 
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Hereford Uncategorised

Will a Labour Government Help the Property Market in Hereford?

Will a Labour Help Property in Hereford?

The property market is a critical component of the overall economy, influencing everything from household wealth to business investment. With the possibility of a Labour government coming into power, many in Hereford are asking: will this change benefit the local property market? Let’s explore the potential impacts of Labour’s policies on Hereford’s housing sector.

Investment in Affordable Housing

One of Labour’s flagship policies is a commitment to significantly increase the supply of affordable housing. The party has pledged to build hundreds of thousands of new homes, with a focus on social and affordable housing. For Hereford, this could mean an influx of new housing projects aimed at reducing the housing shortage and making homes more accessible to first-time buyers and low-income families.

Increasing the supply of affordable housing can help stabilize property prices by balancing supply and demand. For existing homeowners in Hereford, this could mean more steady property values, while prospective buyers might find more opportunities within their budget.

Renters’ Rights and Protections

Labour has also proposed stronger protections for renters, including longer tenancies, rent controls, and measures to prevent unfair evictions. For Hereford’s significant rental population, these changes could provide much-needed security and predictability.

By creating a more stable rental market, Labour’s policies could lead to increased investment in rental properties, as landlords would benefit from more reliable rental income. However, some critics argue that strict rent controls could discourage new investments in rental housing, potentially exacerbating the shortage of rental properties in the long run.

Infrastructure and Community Investment

Labour has committed to significant investments in infrastructure and community development. Enhanced public transportation, better roads, and improved public services can make Hereford more attractive to both residents and businesses.

Improving local infrastructure can increase property values by making areas more accessible and desirable. For the Hereford property market, this could lead to a rise in demand, boosting property prices and making the area more attractive for investment.

Green Initiatives and Sustainable Development

Sustainability is a key focus for Labour, with plans to make all new homes zero carbon within a few years. They also aim to retrofit existing homes to improve energy efficiency. For homeowners in Hereford, these initiatives could mean grants or incentives to upgrade their properties, leading to lower energy costs and increased property values.

Labour’s commitment to green initiatives could also attract eco-conscious buyers and investors to Hereford, positioning the city as a leader in sustainable living. This could further enhance the appeal of the local property market.

Conclusion

A Labour government could bring several positive changes to Hereford’s property market through increased affordable housing, stronger renter protections, and significant investments in infrastructure and sustainability. While some policies may present challenges, the overall impact on Hereford’s housing sector could be beneficial, providing more opportunities for buyers, renters, and investors alike. As with any political change, the key will be in the implementation and how these policies are tailored to meet the specific needs of communities like Hereford.

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EPC

epc hereford
epc hereford

Energy Performance Certificate (Epc) Advice

epc hereford

EPC’s carried out by a reliable person who will show up on time and promptly publish it, cost approx £99, depending on the size of the property. 

Here are some key points about EPC’s:

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in the UK is a document that provides information about the energy efficiency of a property. It is a legal requirement for most properties when they are built, sold, or rented. The purpose of an EPC is to help homeowners, buyers, and tenants make informed decisions about a property’s energy efficiency and its potential energy costs.

Here are some key points about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in the UK:

1. **Energy Efficiency Rating**: The EPC rates a property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). A properties are the most energy-efficient and have lower energy bills, while G properties are the least energy-efficient and have higher energy bills.

2. **Recommendations**: The EPC also provides recommendations for improving a property’s energy efficiency, which can help homeowners and tenants reduce their energy consumption and lower their energy bills.

3. **Validity**: EPCs are typically valid for ten years, and property owners are responsible for obtaining and displaying an up-to-date certificate when they sell or rent out their property.

4. **Mandatory Requirements**: EPCs are required for most domestic and commercial properties when they are constructed, sold, or rented. There are exceptions, such as listed buildings or certain types of temporary structures.

5. **Assessment Process**: To obtain an EPC, an accredited energy assessor visits the property and collects data on various aspects of its energy usage, such as insulation, heating systems, lighting, and more. This information is then used to generate the energy efficiency rating and recommendations.

6. **Display**: The EPC rating must be displayed in any property that is being sold or rented, allowing potential buyers or tenants to see the property’s energy performance before making a decision.

7. **Penalties**: Failure to provide an EPC when required can result in fines. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the nature of the non-compliance and the type of property.

8. **Benefits**: Having a higher energy efficiency rating can make a property more attractive to buyers and tenants, as it indicates lower energy costs. It also contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of buildings, supporting the UK’s efforts to combat climate change.

In summary, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in the UK is a document that assesses and rates the energy efficiency of a property, providing valuable information to property owners, buyers, and tenants to make informed decisions about energy use and costs. It is a legal requirement in most cases when a property is built, sold, or rented.

The government have proposed that all rental properties will need an EPC rating of ‘C’ or above by 2028.

 

What is an EPC and how long is it valid for?

  • An EPC is an energy assessment of the property. It will provide an energy rating of A-G, A being the highest and G being the lowest. All rental and sale properties require a valid EPC. 
  • They last for 10 years.

How long will the survey take?

  • The survey will take from  30-60 minutes depending on the property size.
  • The EPC will be lodged within 24 hours of the visit 

What will you be looking at?

  • I need access to all rooms and the loft space if applicable
  • Take photographs of various fixtures and fittings such as heating systems, light fittings, windows, hot water cylinders/boilers, insulation, gas & electric meters etc. 
  • Draw a floorplan and use a laser measure to calculate floor areas.

How do I access the EPC once issued?

  • Once the EPC is lodged you can access it via the GOV website.
  • I will notify you and send you the link to the EPC where a printable version is available.
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Hereford Uncategorised Worcester

5 Reasons to consider Williams to sell your property.

Here are five reasons why Richard Williams of Williams Estate Agents Hereford,  believes that choosing them to sell property in Hereford and the surrounding villages, is the best choice for sellers.

1)    Local. We only take on properties for sale in the areas that we know well. Having lived in Herefordshire all his life, Richard and his local team understand the different characteristics in neighbourhoods and are able to match buyers to property in places that are ideal to their work and family. Areas such as Whitecross, Hampton Park, Tupsley, Belmont, Lower Bullinham  and the surrounding villages, all have their own unique benefits. 

2)    Experience. Having  been an estate agent for nearly 25 years, Richard has sold property in every area of county. This familiarity means there’s hardly any issue or challenge. This will keep your stress levels down, especially when you trying to organise dates and liase with a solicitor. Its great when we receive repeat business and 5 STAR recommendations. 

3)    Personal. When clients instruct Williams they are guaranteed that we act for them every step of the way. From the initial accurate valuation, marketing the property, accompanying viewers, negotiating offers, chasing solicitors and everything else along the road to a successful completion  We guarantee that we will be on hand to assist in every way possibe. This is one of the reasons our customers consistently award us 5 STARS and comment on us being the Best Estate Agency in Hereford. 

4)    Communication. Williams have always believed honesty is the best policy. In the long run it is passive agency that damages the vendors chances of getting a successful sale and move. Through regular feedback from viewings, clients get a picture of what potential buyers think about their property and this puts us in a position to act to ensure the best possible price is achieved.

5)    Marketing. First impressions are key, and at Williams we have always taken pride in offering the most innovative products to our customers for free! Expert photography, video tours with slow/fast motion effects, floorplans, buyer matching technology, are all on hand for our sellers to use when selling their property in Herefordshire. We also advertise on Rightmove and On The Market. As well as having most enquries coming from our own website www.williamsestateagents.co.uk or our social media accounts. Follow us here for instant property alerts:  https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsEstateAgentsHereford 

In short, if you’re looking for someone to sell your property who has local expertise, extensive industry knowledge, a personal service and is an honest and open communicator we feel our independent agency could be the best choice for you. 01432 277734

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