In the Spring it would have been impossible to imagine just how vibrant the Guildford property market would be now, as we rocket towards Autumn. After a lockdown spent in constant contact with my existing sellers and buyers, the easing of COVID 19 restrictions saw an explosion of activity. As my agency, Collins Independent is a successful, relatively new and compact business, I was able to be completely agile and agreed sales within a matter of days of re-opening.

Huge Demand for Great Service

During lockdown, the media had predicted a huge pent-up demand from both sellers and buyers- and they were right. As the weeks passed, I continued to close deals and had an influx of great new listings from sellers wanting to get on with their move. My existing pipeline of sales -put together before lockdown-remained solid. Of course, there have been a few bumps on the way, but as I write, not one sale has failed to transact.  I am very proud of this and am convinced that the highly personal service I offer played a large part. There were many lockdown calls with clients to offer reassurance and answer the questions that came with each twist and turn of government policy. I

Stamp Duty Holiday

Next came July’s Stamp Duty Holiday announcement from the Chancellor. Never before have I seen so many buyers – many from London, enquiring about properties I had for sale. All had very similar scripts; they generally had a strong desire to move from their London homes, often with no gardens or close by green open spaces. Most were looking for a property with access to the capital, but ideally just for a day or two’s commute per week. The need to be in the office every day seems to be a thing of the past for the time being, so Guildford has become even more attractive post- lockdown.

Experience matters more than ever

Viewings with masks, hand sanitizers and gloves have become the norm now. We’re back in the territory I cut my teeth in, back in the early ‘90s. You had to be able to manage and filter a veritable flood of London buyers, many that have never been to the town before. It takes an experienced agent to really gauge which of these buyers truly have the motivation, ability and need to move.  Time is precious, so dealing with the right people is key.

What’s Next?

September will be an exciting month with new listings lined up in all corners of the town and one in a very popular and idyllic village. The stamp duty holiday is currently scheduled to finish on the 31^st March.  I anticipate as we approach the end of the year, conditions  will continue to be favourable for both buying and selling. Of course, this is thanks, not just to the Chancellor’s Stamp Duty holiday, but also record low interest rates and a fundamental change in the working life of many people.  Whatever the climate, I am well placed to offer expert guidance for sellers wanting a premium personal service from an independent estate with real pedigree.

So, in summary; what is the Guildford property market like post lockdown? Busy, exciting, fast moving, challenging and highly enjoyable for an experienced agent dedicated to personal service.