In today’s competitive property market, choosing the right estate agent can make all the difference. In the heart of Chapeltown, Hunters Estate Agents have earned an enviable reputation for combining professional expertise with a friendly, family-run approach that keeps clients coming back. We caught up with Director Jo Upson to discover the secret behind their success and get her insight into the local housing market.
How’s the marketplace at present Jo? Does the recent warmer weather help or hinder when people are deciding to sell their properties??
The market is quite buoyant at the moment, lots of new listings and choice for buyers. Our surrounding area is generally quite busy all year round, but a lot of vendors love to list in spring and summer as the house looks nicer with all the flowers out in the garden and blue skies. It does quietem down a little over the summer holidays as people jet off and spend time with the kids. If the temperature hits tropical; then everyone is out to just survive it seems and not necessarily go view houses.
Is there still a confidence about the local property scene in and around the S35 area in general and are there any other factors, perhaps on a national level, that are affecting people’s decisions on whether or not now is the right time to sell?
I think the instability in government will always affect the housing market or how people make big decisions in life, if the economy looks unstable then do people want to play with their biggest asset? However, interest rates have remained quite low to what we have seen since September 2022 and therefore from a housing market point of view that keeps us stable. And in the end people will always need or want to move.
How has renters reform changed the rental market?
This has been the biggest shake up we’ve seen since the Housing Act in 1985. Lots of changes came into force on May 1st, making it a more full time job for the private landlords especially. Plenty of more rules and regulations. No more fixed term tenancies, no more section 21s, longer notice periods for tenants and landlords, we have to be open to pets, we must allow a tenant to stay for at least 12 months and no more paying 6 months upfront if needed to name a few….and there are more to come in October! If you are a worried landlord please get in touch, knowledge is key and we can definitely help you!
Why is now the right time to sell or rent with Hunters?
Now is always the right time, if you are thinking of moving you just have to go for it. Reacting to something you see online that you love can sometime end in heartbreak whilst you then have to get valuations, photos, listing, viewings, offers …and by that time it may have gone. Being proactive is better than being reactive in today’s market. Hunters offer an elevated product without an elevated price tag. Our packages are well rounded and offer you everything you need to succeed. We are consistently the fastest selling agent in this area and last year sold on average for 108% of our selling prices. We have some great stats in the market! But as a family run business with a big brand we over the high service level of a small business and the marketing and exposure that come with a high street brand. You get the best of both worlds!
Finally, if a client has decided that now is the time to put their property on the marketplace, then what’s the one thing you’d recommend they can do to enhance their property’s value, but at little extra cost?
De-clutter! I can’t stress that enough! It is easier for people to imagine them self in the space when clean and tidy. Your photographs are your first impression, so you need an agent who is going to guide you properly with those!
For anyone looking to buy, sell, or let in Chapeltown, Hunters Estate Agents are ready to make the process smooth and stress-free. Drop by their office at 1 Station Road, Chapeltown, Sheffield, S35 2XE, or call 0114 257 8999 to chat with the team.
