The property market went through a turbulent time last year with increased demand for mortgages causing logistical problems for lenders. Fortunately, the pace of the market should calm down a bit in 2021 and there should be more opportunities for first time buyers   2020 was a turbulent time for the mortgage market due the impact of the pandemic. During the first lockdown, lenders were inundated with calls from existing borrowers looking to take advantage of the mortgage payment holiday scheme. This proved challenging for lenders who had to cope with additional enquiries while having to adapt to their staff working from home.   When estate agents were able to re-open in May there was a surge of pent-up demand, fuelled further by Chancellor Rishi Sunak introducing temporary changes to Stamp Duty that could potentially save buyers up to £15,000. This led to increased demand, and lenders were unable to cope with the significant volume of applications.   The response of almost all mortgage lenders was to tighten their criteria and withdraw products from the market for buyers with a deposit of less than 20% of the purchase price. It’s important to note that this wasn’t because lenders were concerned about the direction of the mortgage market – these decisions were taken to try and reduce the volume of applications they were receiving.   Some lenders began to slowly re-enter the higher Loan To Value (LTV) market at the very end of 2020, but buyers with a 10% or 15% deposit can rightly feel that they were under-served by the mortgage market in the second half of last year. However, even with lenders returning to the 90% LTV market, it could be argued that there isn’t much value at present. For example, in March 2020 it was possible to fix your monthly mortgage payments for two years at a rate of 1.99%, compared to the market leading a two-year fixed rate at the time of writing of 3.25%. Lenders have been reluctant to undercut each other on price for fear that they’ll quickly become inundated again with unmanageable volumes of new applications.   As we near the end of the Stamp Duty holiday on 31 March, it would seem less likely that a buyer starting the process of purchasing a property will make it to completion on time. This reduction in demand will allow lenders to catch up with their backlog of applications. Once this happens we’re likely to see the larger lenders who have yet to return to the 90% LTV market, such as Santander, launch new products available to borrowers with a 10% deposit.   With a full range of mortgage lenders on board with this, we’re likely to see the 90% LTV market become competitive once again. Lenders need to lend, but they also want to preserve their service levels to avoid demand exceeding supply.   When we have a large selection of various lenders all offering products – especially when a handful of those, such as Halifax, Santander and Nationwide, can all handle reasonably large volumes – lenders feel a little more comfortable. You might call it safety in numbers. All it takes is one lender being more competitive than the rest of the market to attract more business and we’ll see the cost of borrowing come down.   I suspect we’ll see this happen at the end of February or the beginning of March. While we can’t guarantee that the cost of borrowing will return to where we left it at the beginning of the pandemic, I suspect we’ll get pretty close. The market should present plenty of opportunities for those with smaller deposits once we enter the second quarter of the year, particularly first time buyers who will still benefit from paying no Stamp Duty for the first £300,000 of their purchase.   If you’re reading this and you think you would like to take advantage of a mortgage market that is starting to return to normal again, I’d offer the following tips:  

• Make sure your deposit is accessible and that you can easily show evidence of it to a mortgage lender and solicitor (a bank or building society statement would be needed)
• Ensure you have all your relevant documentation in order. Make sure your ID is up to date, that you have recent bank statements saved and that you have your payslips and/or self-employment documents to hand
• Check you are named on the Electoral Roll at the correct address and that your address is up to date across all credit accounts such as bank accounts and loans
• Speak to a mortgage broker to ensure that you understand how much you can borrow, and what the monthly payments will be.

We wanted to let you know our new offices in Cheam Village at 5 The Broadway are now open. Call us today to find out why ONE IN THREE of you use our services for either selling or renting your home

WILLIAMS HARLOW ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF CAUTRO MEWS FROM THE 12TH DECEMBER 2020 of this executive collection of just four bedroom luxurious family homes, conveniently located in the sought after village of Banstead, Surrey.  These homes offer a sublime specification, picturesque views and access to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Price from £800,000 FREEHOLD. SOLE AGENTS Download the brochure here .....

Wednesday 23rd December – 9am - 6pm Christmas Eve – Closed Christmas Day – Closed Boxing Day – Closed Sunday 27th December – Closed Monday 28th December - Closed Tuesday 29th December – 10am – 4pm Wednesday 30th December – 10am – 4pm Thursday 31st December – 10am – 4pm New Years Day – Closed Saturday 2nd Jan – 9am – 5pm Sunday 3rd Jan – 10am – 2pm Monday 4th Jan – 9am – 6pm

Williams Harlow in Cheam are pleased to announce the relocation of our current offices in Station Way to 5 The Broadway (on the cross roads) in Cheam Village from early December this year. We have had our current office in Cheam since 2010. Due to the continued expansion of our business and the need for more staff combined with a more central position this be a positive step for our clients and ourselves for 2021.

Williams Harlow has just won The British Property Lettings Award for 2020 and 2021. Their team performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging period, which focused on customer service levels. We have now been shortlisted for a number of national awards which will be announced early next year. The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition. Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service are rewarded with our accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to their local marketplace.

Thinking of either selling or renting your home. Download a copy of our NEW guides and find out why ONE IN THREE peoples use the series of Williams Harlow

OTE £22,000 - £35,000 pa Depending on experience You will need to have a minimum of six months Estate Agency experience and ideally a background in sales or a customer facing environment. Computer literacy is essential with a working knowledge of MS Office You will need to be smart, articulate, well organised with a high attention to detail and be able to work under pressure and on your own initiative. You will also need use of your own car but a mileage allowance will be offered Hours will be a FIVE day roster week Monday - Friday 0845 - 1800 (Mon 0830) with most Saturday’s 0845 - 1700 In the first instance please send your CV to Jason Kates Branch Manager MNAEA Email careers@williamsharlow.co.uk Fax 020 8642 3277 Post 30a Station Way, Cheam Village, Surrey SM3 8SQ

SHOW OFFICE OPENING 27th JUNE 2020 – FRI – MON INCLUSIVE 1000 – 1600 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. STANTON GROVE is an exclusive development of just THIRTEEN homes by Devine Homes of Reigate.

Time to get moving ? Don't rely on luck ... Rely on Williams Harlow Now open for valuations and viewings

A message for all our clients about the service you can expect from our company during the Corona Virus outbreak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSDUlvBYSRk&feature=youtu.be

We wanted to reassure you that we are taking all necessary precautionary steps to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Our working practice All of our staff are working from home so we are still at your service SEVEN days a week. One staff member is located at each closed branch who routes calls through to their colleagues. We are all available on our direct dial numbers which route to our mobiles. A list of all staff members are available on our website Protecting staff and clients During this period our staff will not be conducting viewings under government instructions. Over the coming weeks we will be looking at the viability of video tours for the assistance of our buyers and tenants. Our primary function is to oversee and progress current sales in hand alongside the ongoing management of our letting portfolio. Customer service disruptions There will be no further disruptions to normal service during this time other than the ones set out above. Business hours and operations Our staff are available Mon-Fri 0900 to 1800 and Saturday 0900 to 1700 and Sunday 1000 to 1400

News update on Williams Harlow Estate Agents to Banstead and Cheam These are obviously unsettling and unprecedented times for us all, but one thing you can rely on is that we at Williams Harlow be here to help people buy, sell and let their properties Keeping going We are continuing to conduct viewings and valuations, as long as all parties are happy to do so, and as long as the government allows us to. Behind the scenes, we are also working hard with buyers, sellers and solicitors to ensure that all offers already agreed continue all the way to completion, just in the same way we normally would. Bumpy though things are just now, commentators indicate this virus, the measures to contain it and the national and global economic impact will subside. In the long-term, therefore, we continue to believe that property makes a sound investment. Keeping safe To reassure those people we do meet, we are of course following the government’s advice on keeping Coronavirus at bay. Keeping in touch At present, we are all still working in our usual offices and even if we are forced to work from home, you and others will be able to contact us on each office’s usual DIRECT DIAL number as well as individual staff members email addresses – all of which we can access from our homes, should we need to. All these contact details are shown on our staff page on the company’s website So if you have any questions on our approach to these unusual times, do please get in touch with us at Williams Harlow Cheam and Banstead.  

You will need to demonstrate good customer service skills, have a professional appearance, be organised, polite and have use of your own car. Hours will be FIVE DAY ROSTER Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 09.00 – 13.00 and alternate Saturdays 09.00 – 17.00. You will also need to be available and flexible for additional hours to cover other staff holidays by arrangement. Experience is an advantage but not essential as full training will be given. Although previous employment in a customer facing or administrative role would be considered an advantage. In the first instance please send your CV for the attention of Russell Barling, Lettings Manager You can do this either: Email careers@williamsharlow.co.uk Post Williams Harlow Estate Agents – 31 High Street, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2NH If you need to call Russell, his direct dial is 01737 377 923

Williams Harlow are pleased to announce the launch of Phase II of Stanton Lodge Gardens in Tadworth by Devine Homes of Reigate. The development comprises of a selection of two bedroom apartments, three bedroom semi-detached and detached homes. After the successful release and sales of phase one in 2019 we are delighted to announce this new phase with completion aimed for late 2020. Call us now for an office consultation as reservations are being taken off plan. We are also pleased to announce “help to buy” will be available on this phase.

Sarah has joined the Williams Harlow Cheam office as a Senior Negotiator.  She has extensive knowledge of the local area and market as she has lived in the area for most of her life. Sarah brings a wealth of customer care experience working closely with clients. She previously owned her own successful business in Wimbledon Village for sixteen years working jointly with local residents. She is extremely customer focused which allows her to achieve the best possible results. Her role includes sales progression, arranging and accompanying viewings, registering buyers and providing feedback to our sellers.

NEGOTIATOR OR SENIOR NEGOTIATOR CHEAM OFFICE (SALES)  OTE £20,000 - £35,000 pa Depending on experience You will need to have a minimum of six months Estate Agency experience and ideally a background in sales or a customer facing environment. Computer literacy is essential with a working knowledge of MS Office You will need to be smart, articulate, well organised with a high attention to detail and be able to work under pressure and on your own initiative. You will also need use of your own car but a mileage allowance will be offered Hours will be a FIVE day roster week Monday - Friday 0845 - 1800 (Mon 0830) with most Saturday’s 0845 - 1700 In the first instance please send your CV to Jason Kates Branch Manager MNAEA Email careers@williamsharlow.co.uk Fax 020 8642 3277 Post 30a Station Way, Cheam Village, Surrey SM3 8SQ

Monday 23^rd December – 9am – 6pm Christmas Eve – Closed Christmas Day – Closed Boxing Day – Closed Friday 27^th December – 10am – 4pm Saturday 28^th December – 10am – 4pm Sunday 29^th December – Closed Monday 30^th December – 10am – 4pm New Years Eve – Closed New Years Day – Closed Thursday 2^nd Jan Normal Hours – 9am – 6pm   A very Happy Christmas and New Year

We welcome Jason Kates MNAEA as the new Branch Manager of Williams Harlow Cheam from the 1^st November 2019. Jason joined the Estate Agent profession in 2001 and has held senior managerial posts in both Surrey and South West London. He brings a wealth of expertise to all of our clients and heads up our successful team at the Cheam Office. His role includes valuations, listing new properties to the market alongside overseeing the running of the branch. Jason has lived locally for over 20 years

We’re pleased to tell you Banstead will appear on the new series of “Location Location Location” this Wednesday 18^th Sept @ 8pm. Phil Spencer and his crew filmed on location at one of our properties Warren Road in Banstead. The house is now successfully SOLD but you can view the full house details here https://williamsharlow.co.uk/property/warren-road-banstead-2/

Job Description PART TIME SAGE 50 BOOKKEEPER BANSTEAD VILLAGE OFFICE Flexible hours approximately 8-10 per week on Tuesdays/Wednesdays/ Fridays It is essential you have experience in the following skills A comprehensive knowledge of Sage 50 Accounts is required including; Input of customer & suppliers invoices Payment of suppliers and dealing with company cash flow Bank/Credit Card reconciliations VAT Returns Monthly management reporting Payroll Email

careers@williamsharlow.co.uk

Post Williams Harlow Estate Agents – 31 High Street, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2NH Interviews will be scheduled week commencing 9th Sept

Williams Harlow are pleased to announce the refurbishment Banstead Office are now complete. We offer a comprehensive range of property services which include residential sales and lettings, mortgages, commercial and block management. If you require professional advice find out why Williams Harlow Banstead and Cheam most popular choice of independent agents who are at your service 7 days.

During these challenging market times we demonstrate that experience and expertise counts in SALES AGREED. Out of 42 of our competitors Williams Harlow Banstead and Cheam still continues to deliver outstanding results. Come see us and find out why

We are pound to announce that Williams Harlow has been awarded GOLD WINNERS in the SURREY PROPERTY AWARDS 2018 - 2019

TRAINEE OR NEGOTIATOR CHEAM OFFICE (SALES)  OTE £20,000 - £30,000 pa Depending on experience You will need to be smart, articulate, well organised with a high attention to detail and be able to work under pressure and on your own initiative. Ideally you will have Estate Agency experience but this is not essential. As a minimum you will have worked in a customer facing environment. Computer literacy is essential with a working knowledge of MS Office You will also need use of your own car but a mileage allowance will be offered Hours will be a FIVE day roster week Monday - Friday 0845 - 1800 (Mon 0830) with most Saturday’s 0845 - 1700 In the first instance please send your CV to Nikki Brand Email careers@williamsharlow.co.uk Fax 020 8642 3277 Post 30a Station Way, Cheam Village, Surrey SM3 8SQ

Is your agent not providing professional photography or charging for the service ? At Williams Harlow Estate Agents in Banstead and Cheam this is INCLUDED in our service We now have the statistics on how these can enhance the sale of your home with a seller who prepares and does not prepare for your photo shoot for over 2,000 properties in 2017 and 2018 Photo Shoot Ready: 82% Sale Agreed Average: 3.2 weeks Requiring Price Reduction: 2.4% Average Sale Agreed to Marketing Price: 96.8% THOSE WHO NOT  ... Photo Shoot Ready: 18% Sale Agreed Average: 21.8 weeks Requiring Price Reduction: 28.7% Average Sale Agreed to Marketing Price: 91.1% Call us today to find out how we are head and shoulders above the competition and are the best choice for selling or letting your property

Are you thinking about a career in property when you leave school or college? We will be looking to organise our work experience placements for July and August 2019. Any candidates should contact Andrew at our offices no later than the end of February 2019. Placements are limited

 

  Williams Harlow has sponsored Banstead’s May Fayre since 2009. The fayre started in 1985 in Banstead as a small village event. It has grown into a large parade along the High Street, a whole community day and annual fund raiser. Money raised on the day combined with sponsorship and fund matching is donated to the May Queens group’s charity of choice. This year £13,000 was raised which was donated to the Children’s Trust and outstanding organisation based in Tadworth.

Williams Harlow have just won The British Property Lettings Award for their Banstead and Cheam offices Their team performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging period, which focused on customer service levels. Williams Harlow have now been shortlisted for a number of national awards which will be announced early next year. The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition. Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service are rewarded with our accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to their local marketplace.

We are pleased to announce Williams Harlow have been awarded Gold Standard at the British Property awards. The British Property Awards was created by a dedicated team of previous Estate Agency who believe that the industry is unfairly judged by some consumers. They passionately believe that agents who provide a fantastic service and go that extra mile for their clients, should be rewarded and highlighted for their endeavors. They independently assess estate agents against a set of 25 criteria, most of which is often overlooked by the clients.

You will need to demonstrate good customer service skills, have a professional appearance, be organised, polite and have use of your own car. Hours will be FIVE DAY ROSTER Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10.00 – 14.00 and alternate Saturdays 09.00 – 17.00. You will also need to be available and flexible for additional hours to cover other staff holidays by arrangement. Experience is an advantage but not essential as full training will be given. Although previous employment in a customer facing or administrative role would be considered an advantage. In the first instance please send your CV for the attention of Russell Barling, Lettings Manager You can do this either: Email careers@williamsharlow.co.uk Post Williams Harlow Estate Agents – 31 High Street, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2NH Phone Russell Barling 01737 377 923  

We would like to extend a special thank you to all our customers who have instructed us to sell their homes. Over the last three months in areas SM7 and KT20 we have delivered outstanding sales results out of all our 43 competitor agents. If you have a home to sell and require a valuation  please contact us today as in these changing market conditions our experience is invaluable

Williams Harlow in Cheam are pleased to sponsor Westbourne Primary School Summer Fair on Saturday 30^th June 2018 between 11:30am – 2pm Each year Westbourne Primary School hold their annual Summer Fair. It is an opportunity for the school community to come together and celebrate the end of the school year as well as raise crucial funds for vital equipment that our children need. There will be raffles, games, prizes and lots of stalls from arts and crafts to Pimm’s and homemade cakes. Children’s entertainment includes Bouncy castles, face painting, 5 a side football and much more. We also have music and performances from our Westbourne children, a fire engine visit and a vintage car collection so something for everyone! The fair begins at 11.30am and there is a £1 entrance fee for persons over 12 years of age, children are free. Please come along for a fun filled few hours.

At Williams Harlow Banstead Office we are pleased to announce after our first four months trading of 2018 you have chosen Williams Harlow as your preferred choice not only to sell your home but also to buy your new home ! This means that one in five of you brought your new home in Banstead and one in six of you instructed us to sell you home. A big thank you to all our customers and we look forward to continue of being of service to you as we have been since 1990

We are pleased to report Williams Harlow Banstead and Cheam offices with the assistance of Chris Jones Dip Hi, Dip NDEA are now offering Home Condition Surveys. What is a  Home Condition Survey? It’s a comprehensive report developed exclusively for homebuyers and gives you a plain English, jargon free report on the condition of the property you are purchasing using a simple 1,2,3 rating guide. It is carried out by a fully qualified and accredited residential surveyor It will:-

• Identify any major problems with the property you are buying through a non-invasive survey
• Highlight any hidden areas of possible concern that need further investigation
• Gives a simple 1,2,3 rating of all key elements of the property
• Delivers a comprehensive and jargon free report

Call us now to find out more and for a quotation

We welcome Darryl Rixon, our professional photographer, who shoots all of our properties. He provides a wide range of photographic services including high quality interior and exterior shots, elevated and twilight photography. You can view examples of examples of existing agent photos alongside comparisons to his work by clicking here.

“There is an art, to photography. The skilled professional knows how to use composition, colour and lighting to make a photograph more appealing. Owning a great camera isn't enough, you must be trained and capable of using its functionality and be competent in composition and lighting.”  Estate Agents Williams Harlow Banstead and Cheam Offices

We would like advice all our customers of our opening hours over the Easter Period. These are Good Friday - Closed Saturday - Open 0900 - 1700 Easter Sunday - Closed Easter Monday - Closed Normal hours resume on Tuesday at 0900 A very Happy Easter and not too much chocolate !

We are delighted to welcome Andrew Sanders to our established team at Williams Harlow Estate Agent in Cheam. Andrew lives in Cheam with his family a short walk from our offices. He has always been held positions in sales roles throughout his career. His office duties include arranging viewings, valuations and registering buyers on our mailing system and ensuring their details are fully up to date

It has been an interesting couple of weeks at the Williams Harlow Estate Agents offices in Banstead and Cheam. The now fabled ‘beast from the east’ along with ‘Storm Emma’ did their combined best to disrupt our work and put us ‘off our game’ but we fought through the weather to conduct all our viewings, valuations and enquiries. The Banstead branch of Williams Harlow was proud to have their full compliment of staff in both their sales and lettings department all of last week and Williams Harlow in Cheam had the same. The property market was a little quieter in the white weather which was to be expected but true to form the property market has bounced back strongly and quickly with both offices reporting an increase in viewings, valuations and enquiries in this week. We are also looking forward to the Spring season which is on the horizon, as this is a traditionally strong period for Williams Harlow Estate Agents in Cheam, in addition the impending Easter period is also an eagerly anticipated period (not just for the chocolate eggs) as our Banstead office has always seen a slight increase in the number of houses sold – maybe there is something in the chocolate in Banstead and Cheam? Williams Harlow in Cheam also have a new member of staff joining their already friendly and knowledgeable team in the next few weeks so next time you are in the area, pop in to our office on Station Way, Cheam and say ‘hi’ as you will always be assured of a warm welcome and a warm/cold drink.

We are pleased to announce our refurbishment of our Cheam Village Estate Agency Branch in Station Way in now complete We specialist in all types of homes from studio apartments to large detached houses Our offices open six days a week will deal with Residential Sales, Letting and Land and New Homes Our computer linked offices will ensure you have the very best marketing exposure with your home as we advisement our own website, Rightmove, Zoopla and Prime location Why not call in if you thinking about making that move in 2018 We look forward to meeting with you Nikki Brand and the team

The Banstead May Fayre started in 1985 as a small village Fayre. It has grown into a large parade along the High Street, a whole community day and annual fund raiser. Money raised on the day combined with sponsorship and fund matching are donated to the May Queens group’s charity of choice.

We've been proud sponsors for many years and are doing so again in 2018. This year we are supporting the Children's Trust.

During its life span, The May Queen Group has donated over £150,000 to charitable causes.