News
Living the Dream in 2021?
It’s been an interesting year to say the least! Not least for Changing Home and its customers. Jeremy Jordan reflects on the last 12 months and dreams of a new world in 2021..
It’s fair to say that 2020 was just a little bit challenging for all of us…. and that’s maybe an understatement!
The health issues we’ve faced and knock on economic and social problems meant a year like no other.
Every part of the commercial world, including the property sector has had to review the way it operates and adapt.
The lockdown challenge
When we entered the first lockdown in March, the sales market was extremely busy so the need for change was extremely frustrating. Soon though working from home became the norm and for around eight weeks we worked hard, staying in touch with our customers and suppliers in whichever way we could and however best suited everyone. As well as working closely with buyers and sellers and letters and renters, we also had to keep in contact with various professional services such as solicitors and mortgage providers – all of whom were experiencing the same challenges.
Keeping our well-oiled machine running smoothly wasn’t without difficulties but we did, and were delighted when change was announced for May. Technology had become an even closer friend though and we were ready to hit the ground running once allowed ‘back’.
A buoyant market
Returning to our offices focused minds on the safety of staff and customers including those whos’ homes we had to visit. New logistical challenges were overcome with a great sense of optimism as we quickly discovered a buoyant sales market.
Buyers and sellers had reevaluated their needs too. Gardens, more space and home offices were becoming increasingly important. A ‘stamp duty holiday’ helped fuel consumer excitement and throughout summer and autumn we were increasingly hectic with both sales and lettings.
Of course it wasn’t all plain sailing for any of us. With many solicitors working from home, lenders became snowed under with applications and searches were now taking forever. The conveyancing process began to slow up with the average time to complete a transaction far longer than usual.
It was frustrating for all of us, but we knew that the harder we worked at getting transactions to completion, the more likely we were to succeed.
As Christmas approaches things have slowed down a little. That’s always the way. The days get shorter, the weather colder and everybody has the festivities on their minds. But we continue to see plenty of activity and confidence in the market - a great early sign for next year.
More luck in 2021?
Most of us feel we’re due an extra slice of luck and a little more sunshine in our lives. It feels that right now we’re entitled to dream a little more than usual. Handshakes and hugs need to become the norm again.
So hopefully, next year…
- The Chancellor forgets to end the stamp duty holiday and it lasts forever.
- Chester becomes a bus lane free city and clockwise driving will be ‘cast into the past’.
- We go an entire 365 days without hearing any mention of Brexit!
Thank you for your support in 2020. Here’s to better things for all of us in 2021.
Have a great Christmas and New Year.
The Changing Home Team
