Aston Mead Walton-on-Thames Estate Agents

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Aston Mead News

2012

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Buyer Enquiries & Instructions On the Up, Says Home Sale Network

20 Feb 2012

 

It may be chilly outside, but in the 2012 property market, things seem to be hotting up, with a recent Home Sale Network survey carried out amongst its members indicating an increase in both buyer enquiries and sales instructions.more >


A Proper Inventory

17 Feb 2012

 

All residential tenancy deposits must by law be protected by being lodged in a government-recognised scheme, such as the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), which is evidence based. This means that the decision to either return or withhold a deposit at the end of a tenancy is made by considering any differences between the condition of the property at the beginning and the end of the tenancy.more >


Market Report February

14 Feb 2012

 

Once again we hear reports of a relatively flat market with record low volumes and no appreciable change in house prices, with HMLand Registry quoting a 0.0% movement in prices in their last report. 
more >


Knights Mead

08 Feb 2012

 


KNIGHTS MEAD BRIDGE ROAD, CHERTSEY KT16 8JN


PART EXCHANGE* TO YOUR DREAM HOME THIS WEEKENDmore >


New Developments Update

05 Feb 2012

 

Following a very busy start to the year we have now agreed sales on all plots at Banner Homes townhouse development at Torrington Mews in Weybridge.  We have also had an excellent start to their development at Ebbisham Place just off Epsom Downs and only have one unit remaining.more >


Which Estate Agent Should You Fall For?

03 Feb 2012

 

With romance in the air again this February Charles Hesse of Aston Mead takes a loving look at how we could fall head over heels with…an estate agent.

Spring is round the corner and love is in the air. Yet spare a thought for poor estate agents. These, often undervalued, creatures are amongst the least likely to receive a great deal of affection from their clients on Valentine’s Day - or any other day for that matter.more >


Why Use An Estate Agent At All?

27 Jan 2012

 

On the surface it might seem reasonable to consider selling your house yourself, yet only the smallest minority of people attempt to do so, often with disappointing results. Yes, you could put a home-made board up in your front garden or write your own ad and put it in the local paper or on some private sellers’ website. But apart from the problem of appearing “cheapskate” to prospective buyers who might assume that you have also skimped on the home maintenance as well, there are some serious flaws to the idea of going it alone.more >


What Quiet Period? Home Sale Network Reports Increase in Buyer Enquiries in Months Leading to December 2011

26 Jan 2012

 

A recent survey conducted by Home Sale Network amongst its members indicated that the number of buyer enquiries and instructions in December 2011 increased when compared to November 2011.more >


Design on a Budget

20 Jan 2012

 

Clearly, the better presented your home the greater your chances of securing an early sale at an impressive price. However, during these uncertain times it can be difficult to justify engaging an interior designer in the hope that your property and its value will be transformed.

However, if you feel that your property could do with a facelift on a budget, here are a few tips:more >


The Case for Letting Your Home

13 Jan 2012

 

The continued difficulties in the mortgage market have created opportunities for vendors who are understandably tempted to consider letting as a lucrative alternative to a sale.
more >


Observations on the Market – January 2012

06 Jan 2012

 

2011 was a year in which some very striking words were heard in economic circles (meltdown, disaster, Armageddon, double-dip etc). However, a reflection on the past year’s property market  suggests one word that especially resonates – stoicism! The word derives from the ancient group of Greek philosophers, the Stoics, who asserted that “men should be free from passion, unmoved by joy or grief, and submit without complaint to unavoidable necessity.”more >


Home Sale Network Predicts a Happy New Year for Sellers (And Urges First Time Buyers to Get on the Ladder Now!)

04 Jan 2012

 

Despite the current economic climate, there’s at least some good news for buyers and sellers this Christmas, with a recent survey carried out by Home Sale Network amongst its members indicating that the New Year is a good time to sell. Bah Humbug?? Not according to the vast majority  of Home Sale Network estate agents, who took part in the survey.more >


2012

13 Dec 2011

 

Choosing the right estate agent is often difficult and bewildering because it is so important: does one select an agent with the best local knowledge, the most experience, the finest track record, the best network across the county, a London office or the highest number of national and even international offices?
more >


Avoid the Void

08 Dec 2011

 

One of the worries that many landlords understandably experience is the possibility that a month or more will pass between lets when their investment property remains unoccupied. This can be a serious problem that can adversely affect the short-term cash-flow you so meticulously planned as a route to longer term investment success. Indeed, each month a property remains un-let represents an 8.3% reduction in revenue – which can be more than a whole year’s profit!more >


Final Auction of the year

07 Dec 2011

 

A polite reminder that our final auction of the year is just over a week away. Please find a link to our catalogue below:-
 
http://interactive.property-world.co.uk/london/december11.html 

If you are interested in any of the Lots available or wish to discuss including a Lot in our first auction of 2012 (29 February), please contact me on 0845 505 2255. 

more >


Weeks to Christmas Remain a Proactive Time to Buy or Sell

05 Dec 2011

 

A November 2011 Home Sale Network survey amongst its members has found that buyers and sellers continue to enter the property market. Indeed, 95% stated that buyers and sellers active in the UK property market at this time of year are ‘serious about moving home’ and therefore it remains a proactive time to buy or sell.more >


Aston Mead arrive in Berkshire!

05 Dec 2011

 

Aston Mead hosted a party in their new office on London Road, Sunningdale to celebrate their arrival in Berkshire and the success they have enjoyed there.  Luckily the rain wasn't enough to keep people away and they were joined by a healthy crowd of clients, local business owners and developers all enjoying a few glasses of champagne to celebrate the occasion.more >


Auction House Surrey - End of Year Auction

30 Nov 2011

 

Our London, Thames Valley and Surrey regions have joined forces for this finale to what has been a great year for Auction House. Please click on the link below to view the auction catalogue for  this end of year auction to be held in London on Wednesday 14th December.

 http://interactive.property-world.co.uk/london/december11.html

If you required any further information on any of the enclosed lots, or indeed wish to discuss including a lot in our next auction scheduled for February 29th please call one of the team on 0845 505 2255.

more >


An Invitation to celebrate the opening of Aston Mead's latest office in Sunningdale

28 Nov 2011

 

We invite you join us to celebrate the opening of Aston Mead’s latest office in Sunningdale, Berkshire.

Come and meet our Residential Sales, Lettings, Land & New Homes and Auctions teams, who will be on hand to answer any property related questions and other professional advice.  Drinks and canapes will be served between 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 1st December.   

We look forward to seeing you...   Broomhall Chambers London Road Sunningdale Berkshire SL5 2DJ  Tel 01344 209000   www.astonmead.commore >


Aston Mead nominated for 2011 Regional Award - Greater London

22 Nov 2011

 

Local independent estate agent Aston Mead is pleased to announce that the company has been nominated by Home Sale Network, a national network of independent estate agents, for the 2011 Regional Award – Greater London.more >


Waiting in Hope?

21 Nov 2011

 

If your property is currently on the market, it may be tempting to assume that your agent is in full control of the situation, and that sooner or later a buyer will materialise. But don’t be so sure! Sometimes an agent will take the same view and simply sit in hope, having apparently exhausted their own marketing options.more >


The New Landlord

10 Nov 2011

 

As the property market tightens further, many would-be sellers are simply not prepared to sell their home for what they regard as too low a figure. It may be that the realistic current price of their property falls below their mortgaged amount, putting them into a negative equity situation.more >


With You All The Way

04 Nov 2011

 

Many estate agencies simply act as a broking service that matches people to property. However, we are acutely aware that there is far more to successful selling than this alone. Indeed, over 30% of property sales in this country fail to reach completion, falling through for various reasons.more >


New Video Launched For Torrington Mews Development

31 Oct 2011

 

Banner Homes have launched this stunning new video showcasing their New Torrington Mews Development in Weybridge.
 
Please email newhomes@astonmead.com or call 0845 505 2277 for more details.more >


The Critical Importance of Referencing

27 Oct 2011

 

In an ideal world, once a tenant has been found, it would be good to think that the landlord can simply sit back and watch his/her investment deliver the anticipated return on investment without further involvement. Indeed, this is one of the reasons why some letting agents only offer a tenant finding service. Simple really – or is it?more >


Other Forces at Work

21 Oct 2011

 

There was a day when a slight shift in the bank base rate or change in stamp duty could have a profound effect on property market sentiment. Yet the Bank of England’s continuing consensus to maintain interest rates at their lowest rate ever recorded is possibly the strongest signal to date that the British property market is actually driven increasingly by factors other than such things. The general economy, employment targets and global issues have now largely replaced house prices as a driving force in the interest rate balancing act.more >


Record Sales For Auction House

12 Oct 2011

 

Property auction sales are still hitting top prices, with Auction House reporting its most successful third quarter ever.more >


Another Successful Auction - Agreed Sales On 83% Of Lots

12 Oct 2011

 

The dust is finally settling on our latest auction, held today at our usual venue of The Copthorn Hotel, Slough/Windsor.more >


Torrington Mews - New Development of townhouses in Weybridge

05 Oct 2011

 

Superbly designed for commuters and young families. Prices from £575,000 - £815,000.   Part Exchange Availablemore >


New Home by Christmas

04 Oct 2011

 

With Christmas fast approaching Charles Hesse of Aston Mead makes a few observations on how there is still time to be settled in a new home for Christmas.more >


Buying on Instinct

29 Sep 2011

 

Recent research concurs with our own view that most buyers buy on instinct, typically viewing their eventual home no more than twice before making a decision to buy. Buying a property certainly appears to be a decision of the heart over the head. In other words, the “I’ll know it when I see it” approach turns out to be quite reliable.more >


France beats Spain as top spot for second homes

28 Sep 2011

 

France has overtaken Spain as the favourite place for Britons to invest in a second property, according to a new report from HomeAway.co.uk. The fear of further property price decline means UK buyers are sticking to safe markets. The stability of the French property market and ease of access from the UK means that buyers remain confident to invest in France.more >


Award for Site Manager at Knights Mead Development in Chertsey

26 Sep 2011

 

Shanly Homes site manager, Gavin Baker, has scooped an award for his work on Knights Mead, a new development of 32 houses in Chertsey, Surrey, which Aston Mead are delighted to be associated with.   The award, from the National House Building Council, recognises top site managers across the UK for their dedication to building high quality homes.more >


Landlords & Prospective Tenants Should Contact Home Sale Network

23 Sep 2011

 

A September 2011 Home Sale Network survey amongst its Network Members has found that prospective tenants continue to enter the rental market as current stock levels struggle to meet demand.

more >


Holding Your Rent Securely

22 Sep 2011

 

One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a letting agency is whether or not they subscribe to a Client Money Protection Scheme. There have been several examples of letting agents who have been forced to close during this recession holding many thousands of pounds in client monies - primarily rental receipts that should have been paid over to the client – the landlord.more >


Forthcoming Auction - Wednesday 12th October 2011

19 Sep 2011

 

Please find attached the link to our latest auction catalogue http://interactive.property-world.co.uk/thames/october11.html

We have some interesting lots with viewings times and legal packs available from the website

">www.auctionhouse.u.net<http://www.auctionhouse.u.net>

 

 

 

more >


Open House

15 Sep 2011

 

The keys to selling any property are price, location and exposure. You can’t change the location of your property, and the market determines the price. However, your agent can make significant inroads into how powerfully your property is exposed to the market.more >


Torrington Mews - Show Home Launch - 17th & 18th September

07 Sep 2011

 

Stunning new show home opening at Torrington Mews, Weybridge - Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September, 10am to 5pm.  Banner Homes would like to invite you to join us for the launch of our brand new show apartment at Torrington Mews, Oatlands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 9LN.more >


Scramble

31 Aug 2011

 

There is a lot of scrambling going on at the moment. Scrambling for university places, scrambling to recover from riots, and scrambling to handle trading, employment, banking and international currency difficulties.more >


Waiting in Hope?

26 Aug 2011

 

If your rental property is currently on the market awaiting a tenant, it may be tempting to assume that your agent is in full control of the situation, and that sooner or later a tenant will materialise. But don’t be so sure! Sometimes an agent will take the same view and simply sit in hope, having apparently exhausted their own marketing options.more >


The Power of Information

18 Aug 2011

 

Many estate agents pride themselves on their extensive experience and local knowledge. Indeed, it is extremely important that your agent is fully conversant with every aspect of the neighbourhood and the market if they are to be effective in helping purchasers with the right advice needed to buy your home.more >


Financial Clout

11 Aug 2011

 

One of the greatest frustrations in selling a property is delay. Delay not only causes anxiety, but also provides more time in which buyer or seller can reconsider their position and withdraw from a sale or purchase. more >


Something to Shout About

09 Aug 2011

 

Every town has a variety of styles of estate agent, from the soul-less “corporate” agency driven by figures, to the one-man band; from arty-contemporary to pushy-salesy. Each type tends to appeal to a specific sector of the property-owning community, and rightly so – buyers and sellers alike need to be comfortable working with an agent that reflects their own values.more >


Knights Mead Development in Chertsey - Over 50% SOLD

01 Aug 2011

 

Knights Mead Development in Chertsey - Over 50%  SOLD - Prices from £399,950 - Showhome now open open until 8.00pm Thursdays and 10.00am to 5.00pm Friday to Monday.

 

more >


Top of the Class

29 Jul 2011

 

Everyone knows that selling houses is like shelling peas. Right? Estate agents have it easy. They just put up a board – that advertises themselves - and the property is as good as gone at its ambitious asking price. And estate agents charge a fortune. Right? more >


Latest Auction House Results July 2011

14 Jul 2011

 

A packed room resulted in some excellent prices being achieved at the latest Auction House sale held in central London.  At close of sale approx 80% of the lots had been sold with a number of others due to be tied up over the next few days.
more >


Latest Auction House news - Forthcoming Auction

08 Jul 2011

 

Our latest offering from the Auction House group is the London auction next Wednesday 13th July at 12 noon.   The auction is being held at The Danubius Hotel, Regents Park, 18 Lodge Road, London, NW8 7JT. more >


Shooting Stars Golf Day - Sponsored by Aston Mead

05 Jul 2011

 

The Shooting Star Golf Day was held yesterday 04th July at Burhill Golf Club in Walton on Thames, sponsored by Charles & Adam Hesse, Directors of Aston Mead. more >


A Friend In Need

01 Jul 2011

 

Charles Hesse of Aston Mead looks at just who your friends are when it comes to selling property.

One expert says that house prices will rise next year and then continue to do so for some years to come. Another says that house prices are 30% overvalued and will fall. more >


Waiting in Hope?

10 Jun 2011

 

If your rental property is currently on the market awaiting a tenant, it may be tempting to assume that your agent is in full control of the situation, and that sooner or later a tenant will materialise. But don’t be so sure! Sometimes an agent will take the same view and simply sit in hope, having apparently exhausted their own marketing options. more >


Record Breaking sales at June Auction.

10 Jun 2011

 

Auction House Surrey, owned and run by Aston Mead, held their 2nd auction of 2011 and were delighted with the response. more >


It's Tough at the Bottom

01 Jun 2011

 

Charles Hesse of Aston Mead looks at what it takes to reach the top in property.

It’s been a tough season in the football Premier League.  As if the fight for top position wasn’t enough, the scrap to avoid relegation was just as frenzied a cliff-hanger.

more >


The Agent you Prefer – at the Right Price

27 May 2011

 

We know that when choosing the right estate agent to sell your property you have a tremendous choice, and, on the surface, most estate agents appear to do pretty much the same thing! more >


Three Important Regulations for Landlords

19 May 2011

 

Whilst there are over one hundred pieces of legislation with which a letting agent should be familiar, three come particularly to mind when it comes to advising landlords about the basic responsibility they have to the safety of their tenants, as well as helping landlords avoid a £5,000 fine or six months in prison for non-compliance! more >


Office Change Of Use To Homes Initiative Launched

09 May 2011

 

The Coalition has begun consulting on proposals to scrap the need for change of  use permission for converting commercial property into residential. This move is designed to make it easier for developers to turn vacant offices into homes. more >


Springwatch

06 May 2011

 

Now that spring is in full swing Charles Hesse of Aston Mead comments on how the property market is responding to the warmer weather. more >


Why Overpricing May Leave You Out of Pocket

28 Apr 2011

 

As a seller, it is tempting to accept the highest estate agent’s valuation you receive.  However, there are sound reasons why you should avoid overpricing your home initially, as overpriced homes often end up selling for less than they otherwise would. more >


London Marathon 2011

18 Apr 2011

 

Aston Mead partner Adam Hesse yesterday completed the London Marathon in a great time of 3 hours, 51 minutes and 24 seconds, in the process raising over £4000 for the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice. more >


A Word to Landlords about Presentation

14 Apr 2011

 

When letting your property, you naturally want your property to look its best, but how far should you go in terms of presentation? more >


Interest Rates and Budget Point to Market Stability

08 Apr 2011

 

For the twenty sixth consecutive month, the Bank of England Base Rate has once again been held at the historic low of just 0.5% which continues to be good news for borrowers. But what of the bigger picture? more >


The Right People

06 Apr 2011

 

Despite the fact that many people regard letting agents as more or less the same, there are in fact numerous selection criteria on which to judge the good from the bad, and the exciting from the mildly indifferent. more >


Property purchase in the post- recession period

24 Mar 2011

 

Charles Hesse of Aston Mead comments on how the landscape of property purchase is changing in the post-recession period, and how the spring Budget will bring some cheer to some hard-hit first time buyers.  more >


Making Moving Easier

17 Mar 2011

 

Moving day can be stressful enough, but a bit of forethought can go a long way.

more >


Top Tips for Tenants

11 Mar 2011

 

There is now more property available to rent than ever before, so be thorough in your research – avoiding the need to move again in a few months’ time. more >


Ask an Expert!

03 Mar 2011

 

As you look through the pages of most property-related newspapers and magazines, you are likely to come across one survey or another that seeks to prove how various property improvements add a certain percentage to the value of a property. more >


The First Steps in Letting

28 Feb 2011

 

When letting your property, your primary objective is simple – you want to find a reliable tenant who pays the rent regularly and looks after your property as you would yourself. more >


The New Landlord

18 Feb 2011

 

As the property market tightens further, many would-be sellers are simply not prepared to sell their home for what they regard as too low a figure. 
more >


Eros the Estate Agent?

03 Feb 2011

 

As we approach Valentine’s Day it would seem that there’s a fair bit of love involved in estate agency! Estate agents are, if anything, matchmakers after all. And just as people fall in love with the right person, so buyers also need to fall in love with a property if the sale is to succeed. more >


Love at First Sight

02 Feb 2011

 

With romance in the air this February Charles Hesse of Aston Mead takes a loving look at how we can often fall head over heels with…a house. more >


Knocking Through?

27 Jan 2011

 

Many people buy a property which is generally well suited to their needs, but could be improved with the removal of one or more internal walls. more >


The Right People

21 Jan 2011

 

Despite the fact that many people regard letting agents as more or less the same, there are in fact numerous selection criteria on which to judge the good from the bad, and the exciting from the mildly indifferent.  more >


Sweet Smelling Selling Success

13 Jan 2011

 

As we enter a New Year Charles Hesse of Aston Mead suggests some easy ways to make your property more saleable in an increasingly competitive market.  more >


The Advertising Myth

07 Jan 2011

 

It would not be unreasonable to assume that as a property comes on the market, the instructed estate agent will post the property details on various property portals and wait for the enquiries to roll in. more >


Mixed Message but a Clear Strategy

23 Dec 2010

 

The press is littered with reports about the current state of property market.  The odd thing is that they all appear to contradict each other. Some say the market is falling, yet others suggest it is rising! more >


Property Perspective 2010

14 Dec 2010

 

Charles Hesse of Aston Mead reviews the property year and looks forward to a steadier 2011. more >


Auction House annual sales break through 1,000 barrier for the time

14 Dec 2010

 

Auction House Surrey is celebrating the brand’s most successful year ever, for the first time selling over 1,000 lots across the UK in a 12 month period.  more >


Time For You

09 Dec 2010

 

Selling your property is easy. Just advertise it on line and wait for the buyers to flock to your door!! more >


A Winter's Sale?

02 Dec 2010

 

There are all sorts of reasons why people are put off selling their property in the belief that there could be a better time to do it: it’s too cold, it’s too wet, the house is not looking its best. Christmas ahead, school holidays, etc.. more >


Valuing Your Property For Sale (Part Two)

25 Nov 2010

 

We know that UK house prices have rocketed over recent years. However, establishing an accurate asking price that will optimise your chances of selling at the highest possible price within a reasonable timescale is both an art and a science.

more >


Deciding On Price (Part One)

29 Oct 2010

 

Whatever anyone might say about location, condition, proximity to schools, size, etc., it is the price at which a property is initially marketed that is the key to a successful sale. more >


On Ice

04 Oct 2010

 

Charles Hesse of Aston Mead looks into the options presented by the property market this autumn.

more >


Chicken or Egg? Buy First or Sell?

01 Oct 2010

 

For homeowners wishing to sell their property and buy another, it’s the classic dilemma – which do you do first, buy or sell?

more >


Do You Feel Lucky?

30 Sep 2010

 

Charles Hesse of Aston Mead comments on the property market as the autumn market approaches. more >


The Correct Way To Sell

16 Sep 2010

 

As the property market enters the autumn period of activity Charles Hesse offers some frank advice for sellers in a market that is very price sensitive. more >


Buying on Instinct

06 Sep 2010

 

Recent research concurs with our own view that most buyers buy on instinct, typically viewing their eventual home no more than twice before making a decision to buy. more >