Friday 24th April saw our Managing Director, Darren Leggett take part in a Facebook live Q&A session, setting out the services that Property Ladder Group offer, how we are coping and adapting during the Corona pandemic, and also answering questions on the property market and how we can help you during these uncertain times.
Darren explained that the PLG team have been working from home, for the past 6 weeks and have adapted well to lockdown, citing that when he and Helen had started the business they had a clear view of their objectives in their first year, a robust budget strategy and systems built to cope with any disruptions. Darren thanked his amazing staff and sees the PLG team as an extended family unit, who share a common belief in providing first class customer service, with dedication, passion, and a love for what they do, and ultimately appreciation for our clients and customers.
Vacant Property Insurance & Essential Services
During the lockdown period, Property Ladder Group have continued to receive new business enquiries from solicitors, our service is ideal for such unprecedented times. PLG are here to arrange vacant property insurance, our sympathetic team have been busy arranging vacant insurance cover, and our clients have been taking full advantage of our property essential services, including liaising with local tradesman, changing locks, grass cutting and ongoing property maintenance.
Probate, Court of Protection, New Builds & Resale Market
We are able to assist in all areas of property sales, new builds, resales, court of protection and probate. January 2020 saw the house market rise and bucked the trend following many months of uncertainty during Brexit negotiations. Of course, the government have effectively paused the marketing and real time viewings, but general consensus is that the market is coiled up and ready to bounce back with optimism. We understand that in the current climate pricing is a matter for consideration and review. PLG utilise the services of estates agents, we don’t tie our clients into a set contract. We take time to analyse current market conditions, we take into account the location, and look at what has sold to give an honest opinion for a realistic price to sell. We take over the running of the marketing, we pay the selling agent and support you every step of the way. Our complete Sales Progression service is designed to provide real time updates and is proactive to obtain completion in the fastest possible time.
General Q&A
Darren gave his considered opinion on a number of questions, raised during the live broadcast, answering many questions:
He felt that the London market, as with the majority of UK depends on stability of employment and interest rates, as we saw with Brexit, the UK property market is robust. It is likely that there will be a V type curve in pricing with property listings increasing towards the end of the year.
Prospective homebuyers will need to financially recover from the impact of Covid-19. Darren felt that a stamp duty holiday or some version of reform would be most welcome, for momentum to return once lockdown measures have been removed.
Construction sites are reopening, and builders are returning back to work imminently. Sites are having to adhere to strict safety rules and must adopt social distancing and safeguard employees. It’s been so good to see society reacting positively to each other, front line workers are doing an amazing job. Of course, for the rest of us the message from the UK government applies for non-essential travel, to stay safe, stay home, and protect the NHS and save lives.
We have number of sales in progression and a common question is if you have sold your house and are moving into a vacant property, why can’t I move house immediately? Darren explained that whilst the conveyancing role was ongoing, the progression process would take its course, albeit on a slower track, and purchasers should follow government advice on home removals.
Darren addressed the subject of working from home, we all look forward to the daily PLG team catch up, although he was missing interaction with his staff. He was pleased that PLG had the foresight to put a disaster action plan in place and felt that the current situation would change the way we move forward, especially in respect of communication and questioned our need to travel to meetings in the future. A good daily routine, with structure and discipline is important. During the lockdown period Property Ladder Group have seen growth, to an already impressive client base, we have low outgoings and a great team that are all very excited for the future.
When asked what positives can we take from the lockdown, Darren felt that the main positives were being humble, appreciating the little things in life, reflection as a father, and enjoying spending time with loved ones more.
Property Ladder Group operate a Residential sale service, we were asked what DIY improvements would be beneficial to get your house ready to sell when property sale restrictions are removed? Darren felt that it is an ideal time to make simple improvements and spruce up your home, ready to sell, when the time is right. A good clean and tidy throughout, touch up the skirting boards, clean away the cobwebs, clean the windows and cutting the lawn will instantly benefit the appearance and improve curb appeal.
Darren highlighted that while some high street businesses may fail, Will Writers were seeing an upward trend. There has never been a better time to write a will, property transactions depend on a regular will review. It would be interesting to see how many people have been influenced to write a will during the pandemic.
Finally, a little light relief at the end of the session, Darren was looking forward to the weekend, and watching Love Never Dies, the National Theatre production of Frankenstein and of course the return of Afterlife.
