newsletter summer newsletter 2020.pdf · 2020-06-12 · on behalf of everyone at adam hayes, i...

www.adam-hayes.co.uk

SummerNewsletter

2020

CONTENTS

03W E L C O M E T O O U R

N E W S L E T T E R

04-05P R E P A R I N G F O R V I E W I N G S

I N T O D A Y ' S M A R K E T

06-09 P R O P E R T I E S F O R S A L E

10-11C O N V E R T I N G H O U S E S I N T O

F L A T S I N T H I S M A R K E T ?

12-15P R O P E R T I E S T O L E T

16-17P R E P A R I N G Y O U R G A R D E N

W H E N S E L L I N G

18-19

T E S T I M O N I A L S

On behalf of everyone at Adam Hayes, I would like to welcome you to our Summer edition of our

Community Newsletter which is being delivered to local homes in the area.

After a turbulent 2019 with concerns over Brexit and a General Election at the tail end of the year,

the property market finally saw some green shoots appear at the start of the year before being

derailed by Covid-19 and a subsequent national lockdown.

I must take this opportunity to personally thank all the NHS staff and key workers for their roles

during these tough times. We are proudly displaying our rainbows in our shop windows as a small

gesture of support to these real-life superheroes.

Naturally there is a concern about the state of the property market and recently I have been asked at

least twice a day by friends, family, buyers and sellers if the market will actually crash by the 30-

40% that is widely reported in some parts of the media. The answer I always give, is a resounding

no. Having worked in the North London area for twenty years, I have seen the property market

shudder after the Twin Tower attacks in 2001, prices fall during the financial crisis in 2008 and lets

not forget how the uncertainty of Brexit created a vacuum of doubt.

Although there may be a correction in price, we are a resilient nation and the property market has

always recovered as it will this time around. Regardless of whats happening in the world, people will

always need to move as they outgrow their properties or realise that their current property doesn't

suit their needs.

I have always found that as long as banks are lending and people can afford to move, they will.

The Bank of England's base rate (at the time of writing) stands at 0.1% which is the lowest it has ever

been, meaning monthly mortgage rates are more affordable.

Although we are not out of the woods yet, I am happy to report that confidence and activity is

creeping back and our diaries seem busier by the day as the pent up and motivated buyers return to

the market.We have embraced video valuations, virtual tours and are carrying out all our work

safely following Government guidelines on social distancing while fully equipped with PPE.

Feel free to contact me for any property related advice and I hope you enjoy the newsletter….

Yasser Elkaffass

Director

WELCOMEto our Summer

Newsletter

While anyone serious about your property will still need to view it inperson, the government has advised that, wherever possible, onlineviewings or Virtual Viewings should happen before physical viewings. We are now successfully using ‘Virtual Tours’ as an initial gauge of buyerand tenant interest, helping to ensure that physical viewings only goahead with those truly serious about your property. In line with government guidance, anyone experiencing coronavirussymptoms should be staying at home, to help prevent further spread ofthe disease. Viewings should not go ahead if any party is experiencing symptoms orhas recently tested positive for coronavirus. To give confidence to allparties present at the viewing that this guidance is being followed, and tohelp us manage the viewing in the most efficient way possible, we areasking a number of questions before any viewings that includes:

Preparing for viewings intoday's market

Sellers and Landlords should not be afraid to check with the agent that thishas happened if it’s a concern. Most of us will give our homes a good deep clean before opening the doorsto prospective buyers, as part of wanting it to look its best and attract abuyer. Now is no different, so use it as an opportunity to give everything agood clean before viewings start.

•Has anyone in your household had COVID-19?•Has anyone in your household displayed COVID-19symptoms or not yet completed a required period ofhousehold self-isolation?•Is anyone in your household in the high-risk category?

As much as you’ll not want the strangers in your home touching doorhandles etc, they will feel the same. If your agent is doing the viewing onyour behalf, they should be opening all doors, cupboards etc for those onthe viewing. If you’re doing the viewing, we advise you take the sameapproach as it will help you keep track of what you’ll need to cleanafterwards. To help minimise the number of people in your home at any one time, itmay be required for you and your household to leave while the viewing istaking place. We would recommend discussing this with your agentbefore any viewings so that, together, you can work out a sensible planthat works for everyone. When preparing for a viewing, follow ourchecklist to help it go smoothly: •Clean items and/or areas that are likely to be touched (i.e door handles,doorbells) with an antibacterial cleaner both before and after theviewing has taken place.•Open windows to boost ventilation prior to the viewing taking place•Open internal doors, loft hatches, and anything else you think may beof interest, ahead of the viewing to minimise any unnecessary contact If possible, provide hand sanitiser by your front door so that the agentand viewers can clean their hands when they enter and leave your home.Have a plan of where you can go while the viewing is taking place if youneed to. Viewers will also be asked to wear surgical masks and gloves bythe agent who should also be wearing PPE themselves at the viewing. Once the viewing has finished, the agent may want to spend a couple ofextra minutes with you, perhaps going through any feedback orcomments with you. If you have an outdoor space that allows you todistance yourselves more easily, feel free to take the conversation outside,or ideally minimise physical meetings and book a follow-up video call.They may have just found you a buyer, but don’t be tempted to shakehands! Once the agent has left, you’ll want to wipe down any door handles,cupboard doors etc that were touched on the viewing, with anantibacterial wipe or spray, and wash your hands.

Tenterden Gardens NW4 £1,425,000Situated in this residential turning off the Finchley Lane and set within the catchment area for a number of popular schools isthis recently extended, four bedroom, three bathroom (two ensuite) double fronted detached house. The property has beendesigned a high standard and benefits from three reception rooms and off street parking for two cars, sliding doors leading toa landscaped mature, west facing rear garden, wooden flooring, a downstairs guest cloakroom, additional utility room and adressing area.

Dale Grove N12 £750,000

Situated in this popular residential turning offBallards Lane and set within the catchment areafor a number of popular schools is unmodernisedthree bedroom, two bathroom halls adjoiningsemi detached house. The property is offeredchain free and benefits from an approximately70ft rear garden, three separate reception rooms,loft space and potential to extend or convert intoflats (STPP)

Avenue Road N12 £650,000

Situated in this popular residential turning offNorth Finchley High Road and set within thecatchment area for a number of popular schools isthis well presented three bedroom, two bathroom(one en-suite) extended terraced house. Theproperty has been renovated by its present ownersand benefits from an approximately 18ft reception, aguest cloakroom, off street parking, a modernkitchen and a mature rear garden.

PROPERTIES FOR SALE

To arrange a viewing or book a valuation please call our North Finchley office on 020 8445 4008

Conveniently located in this residential tree lined road in Poets Corner is this two double bedroom, two

bathroom (one ensuite) character duplex conversion. The property has been refurbished to a high standard

and is offered chain free. Benefiting from an approximately 15ft living with a modern open plan kitchen, use

of communal gardens, gas central heating and double glazing.

Conveniently located in this residential tree linedroad off Alexandra Grove and set within thecatchment area for Moss Hall Primary School isthis newly decorated two double bedroom,character duplex conversion. The property benefitsfrom an approximately 17ft reception room withdirect access to a communal garden, a modern eatin kitchen, gas central heating and an additionalguest cloakroom.

Conveniently setback from the road in a green,tranquil setting off Friern Park and withinminutes’ walk to Friary Park is this well presentedtwo bedroom apartment. The property has beendecorated to a good standard and benefits from amodern kitchen and shower room, anapproximately 12ft reception room overlooking thewell maintained communal gardens, a securityentryphone system and sash windows.


Shakespeare Road NW7 £465,000

Thyra Grove N12 £550,000

Friern Park N12 £350,000

Lankaster Gardens N2 £800,000Situated in this residential turning off Lewis Gardens and set within the catchment area for a number ofpopular schools is this recently refurbished and extended three bedroom semi detached house. Theproperty benefits from a modern open plan kitchen with modern sliding patio doors leading to anapproximately 75ft rear garden, an additional guest cloakroom, double glazing and gas central heating.

Leicester Road N2 £1,150,000

Situated in this popular tree lined County Road offEast Finchley High Road and within minutes walk oflocal shops and amenities is this four doublebedroom Edwardian halls adjoining semi detachedhouse. The property benefits from a through lounge,a guest cloakroom, an eat in kitchen and a maturerear garden with outhouse.

Elmshurst Crescent N2 £575,000

Situated in this residential cul-de- sac location offEast End Road and set within the catchment areafor a number of popular schools is this wellpresented three bedroom mid terrace house. Theproperty benefits from a modern open plankitchen, an additional conservatory, a guestcloakroom, double glazing and gas centralheating.

To arrange a viewing or book a valuation please call our East Finchley office on 020 8883 2621

PROPERTIES FOR SALE

Witcomb Lodge N2 £389,950Situated in this modern lift serviced development of Lankaster Gardens and within easy access to localshops, transport facilities and amenities is this stylish two bedroom, two bathroom (one ensuite) secondfloor apartment. The property is being offered chain free and benefits from a modern kitchen with fittedappliances, direct access to a private balcony with views overlooking the well maintained communalgardens, built in storage and allocated underground parking.

Lankaster Gardens N2 £365,000

Conveniently located within minutes’ walk of localshops, transport facilities and amenities is thisrecently decorated two bedroom, ground floormaisonette. The property is offered chain free andbenefits from an approximately 14ft receptionroom, use of communal gardens, a modern kitchenand bathroom and gas central heating.

The Grange N2 £375,000

Situated in this residential turning off Oak Laneand conveniently located in the catchment area forMartin Primary school, local shops and amenitiesis this well presented three bedroom second floorapartment. The property has been refurbished byits present owners and is ideal for either first-timebuyers or buy to let investors.


Converting houses into flats is becoming increasingly popular. There’s ahigh demand for flats in North London, and splitting a property intounits can maximise both rental income in the short-term, and profit onsale in the long-term. But where do you start? Here’s everything youneed to know about converting a house into flats… Are flats in demand in the neighbourhood you’re considering? This isone question many potential landlords forget to ask when purchasing ahouse to subdivide – and if a mistake is made, it could be costly. Beforeyou even start thinking about turning a house into flats, you must makesure that you’ll have a market for your new rental properties.Researching the market takes a little time, but it’s the best way to ensurethat the flats you’re planning on building will be wanted in the area. Do some research, and ask us about the current market; we will be ableto give you expert advice about what’s selling quickly, what’s not, and thenew hotspot areas. If four bedroom properties aren’t shifting but studiosor 1 bedroom flats are, conversion seems sensible. The next thing to do is contact the planning department of your localcouncil, as you’re likely to need planning permission. If you’re given thego ahead, you’ll then need to apply for Building Regulations before youstart building. If you haven’t yet purchased a house to split into flats, check with thelocal planning department before you invest. Depending on theneighbourhood, there may be requirements related to minimum flat size,soundproofing between neighbouring flats, insulation for comfort andenergy efficiency, fire safety, and more. In some neighbourhoods,parking availability is an additional factor that comes into play. Besides checking with the local council and Building Control, you’ll wantto consult a solicitor to ensure that there are no legal barriers standingin the way of your planned renovations.

Is it worth converting housesinto flats in this market?

You’ve confirmed that flats are needed in the neighbourhood in question,you’ve ensured that your plans are in compliance with regulations, and yourestate agent has helped you to ensure that the property you’re consideringis the ideal candidate for transforming into flats. Be sure to work alongsideyour estate agent as you’re planning the best approach to attracting qualityrenters and meeting future residents’ needs. Do renters in this neighbourhood tend to go for one-bedroom flats, or is thepopulation comprised of roommates or families who need rentals withmore than one bedroom? What is the average flat size in theneighbourhood, and how will your planned flats compete? Each flat needs its own electric, water, and gas connections. Since serviceproviders have busy schedules and installation time varies, it’s important tocontact the services before work is underway. If services are delayed, yourproject will take longer to complete. All flats need private entryways, and if there are gardens, they’ll need accessto these as well. Consider proximity to parking when working out howresidents will get to their flats, and think about adding helpful extras suchas secure bicycle storage. Look into big-ticket items. Since each flat needs a private kitchen and atleast one bathroom, you’ll probably need to undergo some majorrenovations to install the necessary plumbing. Existing baths and kitchensoften require updating. Each flat will need to have its own boiler, and allflats will need to have individual heating systems. It is also imperative you shop around for the best mortgage rates and loans,as this will be where your profit margin is made. Our experienced salesteam at Adam Hayes will be able to help you with any questions or queriesyou have.

Hillcourt Avenue N12 £2500 PCM

A newly refurbished three bedroom terraced house situated in this fantastic location within easy accessto West Finchley tube station (Northern Line) and set within the catchment of Moss Hall PrimarySchool. The property benefits from two receptions, a modern kitchen and bathroom, an additionalseparate WC, double glazing, gas central heating and an over 80ft rear garden.

Woodhouse Road N12 £1800 PCM

Set back off Woodhouse Road and convenientlylocated in the catchment area of a number ofpopular schools including the Wren Academy isthis three bedroom mid terrace house. Theproperty benefits from off street parking, a lowmaintenence rear garden is available immediatelyand offered part furnished

Tangle Tree Close N3 £1500 PCM

A lovely three bedroom terraced house situatedin this residential turning off Rosemary Avenue,within ½ mile of Finchley Central Tube Stationand easy access to local amenities. The propertyis available immediately benefits from a tworeceptions, a modern kitchen, conservatory,double glazing, gas central heating and anapproximately 40ft garden.

PROPERTIES TO LET


Woodside Park Road N12 £1950 PCMA modern three double bedroom, two bathroom (one an ensuite shower), first floor purpose built flatsituated in this luxury development located within close proximity to Woodside Park Tube Station (NorthernLine) as well as various shops and amenities found on North Finchley High Road. The property has beenfinished to a very high standard and benefits from an approximately 19ft reception with a modern open plankitchen, wooden flooring, double glazing, gas central heating, communal gardens and communal parking ona first come first serve basis.

Granville Place N12 £1595 PCM

A lovely three bedroom first floor apartment setback in this popular purpose built development setback off North Finchley High Road and within easyaccess to local shops and amenities. The property isavailable immediately and benefits from a modernfitted kitchen, an approximately 15ft reception, andcommunal parking.

Ballards Lane N12 £1250 PCM

A lovely two bedroom first floor flat situated abovea commercial premises situated in the heart ofNorth Finchley, within easy access of localamenities and walking distance to Woodside ParkTube Station (Northern Line) also. The propertybenefits from a modern fitted kitchen andbathroom, an approximately 16ft lounge anddouble glazing.


East End Road N2 £3685 PCMA stunning five bedroom semi-detached family house situated in this popular location, within easy

access of Finchley Central Tube Station and local amenities as well as being in the catchment area for

Akiva Primary School. The property benefits from two good size receptions, an approximately 19ft

dining room with an open plan kitchen, two beautiful bathrooms and a further en-suite shower room,

office, guest wc, carpets and wooden flooring throughout and a lovely rear private garden.

Beresford Road N2 £2800 PCM

A stunning newly refurbished three bedroomfamily house situated in this popular location,within easy access of East Finchley tube stationand local amenities. The property benefits from anapproximately 26ft reception room, twocontemporary bathrooms (one en-suite) and alovely rear low-maintenance private garden.

Millway NW7 £5200 PCM

A stunning recently refurbished and extendedfive bedroom five bathroom (three en-suite)double fronted detached house within thecatchment area for a number of popular schoolsand close to local amenities. The property isavailable immediately and benefits from threereception rooms, bi folding doors leading to arear garden.

PROPERTIES TO LET


Chandos Way NW11 £3150 PCM

A newly built two bedroom two bathroom (one en-suite) purpose built luxury development with gatedallocated parking situated in this fantastic residential location, within easy access of Golders GreenTube Station (Northern Line) and local amenities. The property is in great condition and benefits froma good size lounge with a modern open plan kitchen, laminated wooden flooring, high ceilings, videoentry phone system and ample storage. Offered unfurnished.

Coleridge Walk NW11 £1950 PCM

A well presented two double bedroom cottagesituated in the lovely cul-de-sac in HampsteadGarden Suburb and within easy access of localtransport and amenities. The property benefits froma good size through lounge, a modern fitted kitchen,a three piece bathroom suite and gas centralheating. Early viewings highly recommended.

Ossulton Way N2 £1525 PCM

A beautifully presented two bedroom groundfloor maisonette situated in this sought afterlocation, within minutes’ walk of East FinchleyHigh Road and easy access to East FinchleyStation (Northern Line). The property is inexcellent condition and benefits from a modernfitted kitchen, a good size lounge, communalgardens, and gas central heating.


The sunshine is back again after the end-of-April rain and it's time to get

the garden ready for summer. Garden centres have now reopened so here is

our top tips on getting your garden ready for potential viewers!

If you are lucky enough to have a lawn, find a dry day to cut the grass, trim

the hedges and tidy up any bushes. It’s also a good idea to remove and

restock any tired looking plants to keep the garden looking fresh and

colourful. Coordinating planters are easy to purchase and can be placed

throughout your front and rear gardens. They can also be taken with you

when you move into your new home.

Fill any redundant areas you may have with bark, light stones, granite or

flint – there are lots of options, so go and explore! External PIR sensored

floodlights are fantastic, particularly for property viewings at dusk or after

dark. Solar lights look pretty (even when off) and are relatively cheap to

buy.

If you have any trees in your garden, purchase a few uplighters to create a

striking effect. Remove any rope lights or icicle lights which may be left

over from Christmas. There’s very little that’s more depressing than old

Christmas decorations!

Mirrors in beds, on ‘dormant’ walls, on a trellis, next to shrubs or within a

flower bed can add an extra dimension to a rear garden. Not only will they

reflect light and enhance colours, they will help create a greater impression

of height, width and general space.

Make sure sheds are tidy and in good order. If they are looking a bit tired,

give them a lick of varnish or paint. The same applies to fences – it’s an

easy job and the results can be very rewarding.

PREPARING GARDENSWHEN SELLING

If you have space for garden furniture, set it up and if the weather is beingkind, you can ‘dress’ the table with a bottle of wine and a few glasses, and acandle or two. Light the chimnea or the patio heater. Jet-wash any mono blocking, paving, steps and PVC facings. Although it’sa messy job it is immensely satisfying. If you have decking it’s a good ideato give it a jet wash. During the winter months when it is cold and damp,it can become very slippery. Trampolines and garden play items such as swings can be left in situ if ingood condition as long as they are not too large. If you are willing to sellthese to a homebuyer, make them aware that these items could beincluded in the price. Take a look at your house numbers to check if they are rusty. Simplyreplace them with shiny new ones from your local hardware store if this isthe case. This will also help when viewers are trying to find your property,particularly at night. Check whether your neighbour’s garden is tidy or not. Many sales havebeen foiled simply through bad feedback concerning ‘the state of the nextdoor neighbour’s lawn’. If they themselves are not in a position to spruce itup, why not offer to help out and tidy it for them? It pays to be a goodneighbour! Remember that kerb appeal is everything! Your front garden is the firstand last aspect any viewer will see, so make sure it’s looking its best. A tidylawn will look great in the photographs used to market your property. After a day trip, return to your property and check over the garden onelast time with fresh, critical eyes. Remember, any potential buyer willarrive at your house to do exactly the same. Happy Gardening and feel free to contact us should you need any propertyrelated advice!

"PLEASURE IN THE JOB

PUTS PERFECTION IN

THE WORK"ARISTOTLE

5.0HUNDREDS OF VERIFIED GOOGLE

REVIEWS

"I contacted Adam Hayes recently as I waslooking to sell my property. Within 2 daysthey had arranged viewings around my workschedule and found a buyer in 3 weeks.Ifound Adam Hayes to be professional, honestand accommodating and always willing to gothat extra mile to help the make the sellingprocess less stressful." Miss Halil, Sycamore Hill, Friern Barnet, N11

NORTH FINCHLEY OFFICE

365 Ballards LaneNorth Finchley

London N12 8LL

020 8445 [email protected]

158 High RoadEast Finchley

London N2 9AS

020 8883 [email protected]

EAST FINCHLEY OFFICE

www.adam-hayes.co.uk

newsletter summer newsletter 2020.pdf · 2020-06-12 · on behalf of everyone at adam hayes, i...

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