Another year done.

December 11, 2017 by Rob @ Scott & Stapleton

It is that time of the year again where we are busier with Christmas parties, pretending to be networking rather than selling houses. Being a little bit quieter at least gives us time to catch our breath and review the year and take stock ready for 2018.

As ever we went in to 2017 full of optimism and raring to go. It didn’t start well with what seemed like every hero of mine sadly passing away but, being in sales, you have to be thick skinned and roll with the punches. They seemed to be coming thick and fast this year though with lots of things not helping our cause.

As I keep banging on about, house buying or selling mostly comes down to peoples confidence. Whether that be in prices, lending ability, their jobs or the state of the country at any point. If there is any doubt in any of those then people tend to just stay put, baton down the hatches, and ride out the situation to see what happens.

There have been an awful lot of things that have resulted in that uncertainty this year. Things that have had huge effects on the national and global economy. Firstly there has of course been the laugh a minute Brexit negotiations. We seem to have employed the worst negotiators possible, I think they would struggle to get apprenticeships at some of the corporate estate agents and trust me they take anyone!

In her wisdom our illustrious Prime Minister thought that she could galvanise the country to get behind her and decided to call a snap general election. That back fired in a big way for her and although she scraped in by the skin of her teeth, her position is hugely weakened with the rise from the ashes of the Labour party and I turn on the news every day fully expecting to see that Mrs May has called it a day and has thrown her towel in. The only problem is that could result in Boris being prime minister!

Talking of unsuitable leaders, the other thing that amazes me on a global scale is the fact that The Donald has lasted as long as he has. The continued car crash of his presidency of the far from United States with his ham fisted Twitter posts has meant that the world has watched with bated breath to see what he is likely to do next. The posturing and egos of Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un of North Korea could see the very real threat of Nuclear war and with two people like that in charge of the red buttons, it doesn’t fill you with confidence.

On a less global scale, looking more nationally we have had plenty of other things to keep us interested. Changes earlier in the year for buy to let investors, to stamp duty and tax allowances, had a big effect on the market for flats and the like and weakness in the pound meant that people moving from abroad suffered.

Locally we have had plenty to contend with including an influx of new build flats in Leigh on Sea and the surrounding areas, and the uproar about possible changes to school catchment areas in Leigh on Sea with the consultation period still ongoing.

But that is it! Enough of the doom and gloom. Apart from all that I have listed, you may be forgiven to be surprised that 2017 was our best year to date and not just by a little bit. WE SMASHED IT!

Leigh on Sea has continued to buck the trend and defy the global and national economics and seems as popular as ever. We are extremely fortunate that we have a great abundance of reasons for people to want to live and visit our town. These reasons have very little to do with the global economy or the price of a barrel of crude oil, so we are able to tick along quite happily just doing our things.

Reasons like our fabulous Broadway being completely rammed this weekend with people young and old, having a general potter around shopping or a coffee. We are expecting even bigger things for 2018 with the reopening of Rococo’s and Rio bar and the rumour of Marks & Spencer’s food going in to the old post office. There is also the excellent news of planning permission finally being granted for the redevelopment of The Grand and whilst it might be a bit optimistic to think we might be having a drink or meal in there in 2018, work should at least be well under way.

Other reasons for the popularity of our town include the excellent commute into London with our C2C rail line being amongst the most punctual and efficient in the country, and the ongoing success of our schools which attract pupils from far and wide. All this together with our excellent leisure facilities, beautiful coastline and of course our fabulous people mean that prices have continued to rise with the average house price increasing by approximately 5% over the year.

The volume of houses that we have sold has increased dramatically especially with an emphasis on the more expensive houses. We have sold 500% more properties over £1,000,000 this year than in 2016! We have also beaten last years overall results by 75% and smashed this years target by 20% with still quite a few to exchange contracts before Christmas. There is no reason to think that 2018 should be any different.

There is still a great deal of uncertainty but also there should be plenty of optimism. We have a great town that continues to top polls for popularity and happiness and I cannot see a reason why this will not continue. I am not sure if I will get to do another blog this year so would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

It still amazes me that people take the time to read my articles and my head swells dramatically when I am stopped in the street by people who want to comment. I always welcome feedback, good or bad, and hope that I speak for and help inform the residents of Leigh on Sea as to what is happening in the local housing market. I would also like to give a massive shout out to our wonderful staff in Scott & Stapleton for all their continued hard work and dedication. We are nothing without them.

Special mention has to go to Lisa who has to put up with me on a daily basis and of course huge thanks for Tim & Sim for backing us and their support.

This article is by Rob at Scott & Stapleton 
Tel: 01702 471155 
Email: rob@scottandstapleton.co.uk

To read all of Rob's previous property blogs, please click the link here