CHARTERED SURVEYORS REPORT 1.25 MILLION HOMES TO BE SOLD IN 2015

With the impressive figure of 1.25 million home sales being implied by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), it seems that 2015 could be an interesting year for the UK property market. It is the regional areas that are expected to see significant gains, such as Humberside, Yorkshire, the West Midlands, the North West and the South East.

However, this overtly positive statement is also balanced with a number of adverse observations. "Lack of supply to the housing market remains a running trend, and one that cannot be addressed fast enough" says RICS representatives in December 2014 interviews. 

The November 2014 RICS report also raises this need for fresh new stock to the market. Although the latest National Statistics' House Building report does at least show that whilst new property developments are still 33% below the pinnacle years of 2007, they are now 92% higher than the dearth of 2009. So, perhaps we can at least say that we are heading in the right direction.

The RICS report also warns that variations in price performance across the UK will be wide-reaching, especially considering London Boroughs. But with such a huge demand for properties throughout the UK, we are expecting at least a 3% price rise national average. Of course, this rise is also thanks to recent Stamp Duty changes.



If you are considering purchasing a home in 2015, do not run the risk of an investment without first having a property survey, performed by an experienced professional. Get you instant property survey quote free, now! http://www.dawsonsurveyors.com/instantQuote.html

HOW TO CREATE OPEN‐PLAN FAMILY LIVING IN YOUR HOME

– THE AFFORDABLE MODERN MAKE‐OVER

Transforming your current home interior from a traditional style into something more modern does not need to cost the earth. Creating open‐plan living spaces can be achieved for an affordable budget, with just a little know‐how.

Many properties in the UK and abroad were ‘built‐to‐last’ and stand now within a very
traditional style, offering separate formal dining rooms and isolated kitchens. For families
today, this type of property planning is no longer appropriate to our busy lifestyles. More and
more, families are looking for open plan layouts to enable them to combine the many activities that take place at home – work, cooking, eating, homework, TV, – bringing families together for as much of the day as possible.

Creating open‐plan living – kitchen-dining rooms are not necessarily an unthinkable project to consider despite common misconceptions. Works can usually be undertaken for a very small investment. It is often the case that dividing walls within your property are non load bearing (ie not structural) and with the help of a qualified inspector, they can therefore be very easily removed. Doorways can be opened up to allow rooms to be combined and kitchens can be transformed to create areas for eating using islands, breakfast bars or built‐in family dining spaces, all within the same area that was previously divided. Open‐plan living is not only practical, but it creates a fresh modern feel in your existing home, providing you with a house that better suits your style.

The added advantage to open‐plan living is also the better use of natural light. Daylight brings life into your home and opening rooms allows the available incoming light to be transferred deeper into the centre of your property which can reduce the need for artificial lighting.


A short assessment of your home can determine which existing walls are removable and which walls are supporting. Needless to say, anything is possible, but transformations within your property should also be cost‐effective which is why Dawson Surveyors provide an experienced team who can advise you on the options available and their associated costs. Please contact our offices on (0044) 01424 882263 to book a surveyor visit today.

http://dawsonsurveyors.com/design.html

ADDING VALUE & SALEABILITY TO YOUR HOME DURING WINTER

At this time of year when we are all spending more time indoors, taking a fresh look at how you can best use existing areas within your home, can be a smart way to improve the usability, value and saleability of your property.

Property sales are typically quiet during the Christmas period and into January, so this can be a good time to prepare for marketing in the spring. Without the need to consider a complete transformation, adding special features into your existing home such as a wine cellar or home gym or cinema can catch the eye of a prospective buyer and place your property ahead in terms of a potential sale. Features can be a cost effective investment in your home and can range from the very small to the very large. With specialist advice from a design surveyor, these types of work can become very straightforward and provide the opportunities you need to make your property stand out from the rest.

SMALL WORKS : beneath a staircase
Typically, spaces remaining beneath a stair are either closed in or used for storage. However, it is often possible to open this area out, removing a wall or just the fittings and instantly increase the visual floor area of your home. These areas can be suitable for a built‐in mini home office, or as a special feature such as a spectacular glass‐fronted wine cellar. Equally, there may be the opportunity to create an additional toilet‐cloakroom beneath the stair.

LARGE WORKS : basement conversions
Depending on the legalisation applicable to your property, converting your basement into a
home gym or cinema room can be a real selling point. It is important from the beginning
to set an accurate budget, to establish the condition of the existing basement structure, the
waterproofing and ensure that there will be good access. Basement works can often take
place with little disruption and during periods of bad weather, making winter an ideal time to
consider a conversion.

At Dawson Surveyors, our design services will give you the assurance that you need when
considering a new project, from the very large to the very small. We can offer you advice
about how best to approach your works and also help you to manage any works you decide to undertake. 

Please visit our website

http://dawsonsurveyors.com/design.html 

or email us at enq@dawsonsurveyors.com 

for free initial advice.