Last year marked the busiest 12 months in the housing market since 2007, and 2022 looks set to be no different.
Less than a week into the start of a new year and Rightmove* was already seeing a 19% increase in the number of people requesting valuations on their homes, compared with the same period last year.
The property giant named Yorkshire amongst the four most sought-after regions and is predicting a higher asking price growth rate of 7%, compared with the national average of 5%.
We concur that January is one of the busiest times of the year for people visiting our show homes – and there are currently nine of our professionally designed, fully furnished show homes waiting to be explored in West and East Yorkshire.
Steve Jackson, sales director for Yorkshire said: “For anyone wanting to purchase a new build home, booking a visit to a show home is a must.
“Here in Yorkshire we are lucky to have a wide selection of show homes, catering for everyone from first time buyers to families, and also couples wanting to downsize.
“A visit to a show home is a very personal experience, although members of our knowledgeable sales team are on hand to answer any questions, from the styles of home available, to further details about the development or even the local area, such as how far it is to the nearest shops or schools.”
Visit one of our show homes this month (before January 24) and you could even win £200 of Gymshark vouchers.
To help you plan your visit, we’ve just launched a handy podcast with top tips on what to look for when visiting a show home, featuring advice from social media lifestyle and property influencers Elliott and Matt, and estate agent Matt Nicol. Here’s a summary of their advice:
- Do your research before visiting
When you’ve chosen an area you’d like to live, and found a development you think would be ideal, make sure it’s by a respected developer. Once you’ve done that, go on to the development website where you can learn more about the types of properties available there, take a look at the site plan, and find out more about local amenities. The more you learn about the development BEFORE you visit, the more you will be able to take in once you’re there.
- Make a list of questions and take notes
It’s easy to get swept away by the thrill of looking around what might potentially be your new home, so make sure that you make a list of everything you want to ask on your phone or in a notebook. That way you won’t come away with any queries unanswered. Ask the sales team about local schools, how reliable the public transport is, and what previous or current homeowners have liked about each property. This is your chance to find out everything you need to know. Ask for a tour of the site, if possible, so you can get a better idea of the street layout and open spaces.
- List your priorities
You may want a corner plot for extra space or privacy, or a south-facing garden if you like longer sunshine hours, so decide on your priorities and what you’d be willing to compromise on. That way, when you view the property, you’ll have a firmer idea of what you’re looking for.
- Find a development with the right show home
Be mindful that your chosen development may have show homes in a different style to the house you want to buy. While they’ll give you a great impression of the quality and high specification, if you want to experience your own new home’s layouts you may have to travel to a different development or view an online 3D tour. If there isn’t a show home nearby for your chosen house type, it’s worth asking if you can view a completed plot or nearly completed plot; your developer may be able to accommodate your request.
- Once inside a show home take it room by room
If you buy a new home, you’ll be living in it for a long time, so don’t rush through a show home. Go through the property with an open mind, and imagine yourself living in every room. Sit on the sofa or at the dining table and picture yourself or your family in the space; imagine how your furniture would look there and whether you would change or adapt the use of any rooms - would you use that third bedroom as a study, a gym or a playroom?
- Don’t be afraid to be nosey
While it feels like a real home, nobody actually lives there so feel free to open cupboards and drawers, view the storage space, check out the appliances - find out what is fitted as standard and what’s an upgrade – and have a closer look at the energy efficient boilers.
- And finally, take a moment to stop and take stock
You can take as long as you want to view the show home. How does it make you feel? Could you imagine yourself living there? You may be the type of person who knows instantly that it’s ‘the one’ or, if you’re still unsure, take time away and arrange a second viewing which might make things clearer.
Fully furnished show homes can currently be viewed at The Point at Thorpe Park, Leeds; St John’s Mews, Wakefield ; Swanland Heights, Swanland and Langley Grange, Scissett. Booking an appointment is recommended.
For more about where we’re building go to www.redrow.co.uk/yorkshire
View the show home podcast here.
And, don’t forget, if you are visiting one of our show homes before January 24, 2022, snap a selfie, either inside or outside, and you could win £200 worth of Gymshark vouchers. Share on social media and include #RedrowShowHomeSelfie #RedrowCompetition. Full T&Cs here.
* Moving home: what can we expect in 2022? | Property blog (rightmove.co.uk)
