There is still time to move before Christmas

Matthew Power • November 24, 2020

In ‘normal’ times after you have found a buyer a house sale can take 3/4 months to go through to completion. It can sometimes take longer especially if you are caught up in a chain of properties as it only takes one bad link in your chain and everyone is left twiddling their thumbs while they wait for the issue to be resolved and/or be faced with starting the whole process of finding a buyer again. However these times are far from normal, businesses and individuals are struggling from the financial impact of the first lock down and as we come out of the second lockdown matters are no doubt worse for many people across the UK.


The housing market has been one of the more positive topics since the end of the first lockdown. As soon as the lockdown was lifted It was like the flood gates opened and the money that had been burning a hole of buyers pockets had to be spent. A stamp duty holiday was introduced albeit for a limited period until the 31st March 2021 which has added fuel to the fire making more buyers desperate to move and take advantage of the SDLT savings. Additionally there is no doubt that a large number of people who had been cooped up in their properties for the last 4/5 months probably felt it was time to move to a bigger place, whilst others faced with job losses and financial difficulties are moving to reduce outgoings.


As a property developer we've seen a fair level of interest in our new homes which has resulted in sales being agreed from strong buyer interest but it has to be said that the issues we have experience getting our new homes sales across the line have been exhausting to say the least. Buyers have found it particularly difficult to obtain mortgages, surveyors have had a field day with down valuations, solicitors & conveyancers have been swamped and unable to turn sales around resulting in sales that would normally take 28 days to exchange contracts taking well over 4 months to complete. We aren't the only ones seeing this, agents we speak to report that sales are through the roof, pipeline are better than they have ever been, but sales are slow to complete properties are constantly being down valued, buyers struggle to make up the difference leading to renegotiations and subsequent fall throughs. It's also interesting to still hear reports of buyers outbidding other buyers by large sums to secure properties which is another indication that price inflation is clearly being pushed up by unusually high levels of demand.


How sustainable is this and what does the future hold for the property market? An interesting report by Bank rate UK refers to a survey conducted by its mortgage experts who spoke to buyers across the UK, who have bought or attempted to buy a property in the last 6 months( March to October). The aim of the report was to uncover how mortgage lender uncertainty has affected the UK housing market. However the result were shocking to say the least and highlighted how 46% of buyers had had their prospective purchase down valued by the mortgage company, London 59% saw down valuations with 44% in the South East. The full article can be read by following this link https://www.bankrate.com/uk/mortgages/devaluation-report


If you have experienced difficultly with the sale of a property, been messed around by a buyer or are looking to sell and want to avoid being caught up dealing with a buyer in a chain or needing a mortgage. Perhaps you have a property that has some development potential and want to discuss increasing its value through a longer term subject to planning agreement? Whatever the situation Spring Developments have funds available and are able to complete most sales before Christmas or Exchange contracts with us and move in the New Year.So if you want to discuss a potential sale lets start a conversation. #webuypropertyinanycondition

Peckham SE15

By Matthew Power • October 10, 2025
Refurbishment of this 3 bedroom period home in Peckham SE15 is now complete and this stunning period property is now available for sale. The property had not been refurbished or properly maintained since the 1970's and has been given a new lease of life. Following a successful planning application to rebuild a dilapidated side bay window, alter some openings and make some cosmetic changes and upgrades our main contractors embarked on this thoughtfully planned refurbishment project. The property has been fully refurbished, featuring new double-glazed sash windows, a complete rewire and re-plumb and a new Worcester boiler with Hive smart control. Full fibre broadband connectivity has been installed. The ground floor has new damp-proofing, tanking and insulation throughout. The roof has been overhauled and a Velux window has been installed above the bathroom and a sun tunnel designed to compliment the vaulted ceilings at the rear of the house. On the ground floor, there is a bright and spacious lounge through diner with a bay window to the front. To the rear, the original dining room and kitchen have been combined into one generous space. The original dilapidated bay window has been replaced with a striking welded-glass feature box bay and with the additional bi-folding doors opening directly onto the landscaped garden natural light now floods into the property. The kitchen is a sleek, handleless design with marble quartz worktops and splash backs and has been fitted with Bosch integrated appliances. A new spacious ground-floor WC has been introduced to the property and under the stairs has been used to provide a utility room and additional practical storage. Upstairs, there are three good sized bedrooms and a family bathroom, which has been enlarged to include both a separate shower and a full-sized bath. Externally, the rear of the property has been finished with coloured silicone render, giving a crisp, modern appearance. The garden has been landscaped with new fencing, a patio area and a freshly laid lawn, along with outdoor lighting and a water tap. Every aspect of this property has been carefully considered and executed to a high standard, resulting in a truly turnkey home in one of Peckham's most desirable locations. 

Project update

By Matthew Power • September 23, 2024
We are pleased with progress at our site in the London Borough of Sutton where the substructure has now been completed and the detached bungalow is starting to take shape. This project has been constructed using SIPs, fabricated off site and assembled onsite over the past 4 weeks. This method of construction provides excellent over all thermal performance with low U values, reduced thermal bridging and excellent air tightness. In addition the property will have air source heat pumps, PV and a Bauder green roof all designed to make the property ultra energy efficient. We are currently working with our Kitchen and bathroom designers and have been working with our architects to improve some of the landscaping design. This detached 2 bedroom bungalow is expected to be completed in December 2024. If you are interested in purchasing this property and would like to find out more please do not hesitate to get in touch. info@spring-developments.com

New project starting in Sutton

By Matthew Power • June 19, 2024
Spring Developments are pleased to announce that our latest project started this week in the London Borough of Sutton. This development comprises a detached two bedroom bungalow with wrap around gardens and off street parking. The property is conveniently situated within walking distance of Sutton High Street and mainline station and we anticipate the property to be completed by the end of the year. For further information please do not hesitate to get in contact.
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