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If you’re looking to buy a house in Battle there are a few things you’ll need to think about before committing. Here we list 10 things to consider before taking the plunge and making a purchase. 1. Find Out Your Budget It’s amazing how many buyers start viewing properties before they’ve even found out what their budget is. Many buyers have a vague idea and start looking well before getting the finance in place, only to find out they can’t borrow as much as they thought. So, before you start viewing properties in Battle and putting in offers, get in touch with a mortgage advisor to find out exactly how much you can borrow. They’ll also be able to tell you how much your monthly repayments will be, which will allow you to work out how much disposable income you’ll have left each month. 2. Have Your Finances in Place… And Factor in Additional Costs If your money is tied up in long-term funds or accounts then it may not be easy to access immediately, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get your funds released, and ideally transfer it into an instant access account when you’re ready to make a purchase. It will save a lot of potential aggravation further down the line and will help to speed up the process if you have your funds readily available. Another thing to consider is the additional costs that come with buying a property. Things like conveyancing fees and removal costs are unavoidable, but you’ll also want to think about items you’ll want in the property, such as furniture, electrical appliances, carpets and so on. After all, there’s no point in blowing your budget on a property if you can’t afford to furnish it! 3. Find the Right Location Think about your current circumstances as well as your future ones. Do you need to be close to a train station? Is there a primary school close by? Different buyers want different things when it comes to location, so think about what’s important to you and what’s not so essential. 4. Consider Outside Space The recent Coronavirus pandemic has changed a lot of people’s attitudes towards what they’re looking for in a property, with gardens being a huge positive for buyers. You might not consider a garden to be essential, but having an outside space, even if it’s a small courtyard or a communal area can be very beneficial to your mental wellbeing. 5. Think About Office Space With millions of people now having the option to work from home, properties with home offices have seen an increase in demand too. So, if you’re one of the many people who’ll be spending more time working at home in the future, then a property with a study or the space for at least a desk may be perfect. 6. Does the Property Have Potential? It’s worth considering what value you may be able to add to the property in future, or what a future buyer may see in it. For example, is there space to add an extra bedroom or a conservatory? And if you’re only planning to own the property for a couple of years before moving on, is it likely to increase in value? Does it have good transport links or new facilities being built nearby for example? 7. What Condition Should the Property be in? Are you looking for a house in Battle that’s ready to move into tomorrow, or are you happy to spend time and money bringing it up to scratch? You’ll need to consider these options when you’re looking around and potentially adjust your budget accordingly. 8. Find a Good Conveyancer You don’t need to have a conveyancer in place before you start viewing properties, but the earlier you find one the smoother the process will be. Get several quotes and ask family and friends and your estate agent if they can recommend anyone. A good, recommended conveyancer will help to keep the whole buying process as stress-free as possible. 9. Understand What’s Included Try and find out which fixtures and fittings are included as soon as possible in the buying process, as it will allow you to work out if you need to budget for anything extra. For example, appliances such as fridges, freezers and washing machines will probably not be included as part of the purchase, which could lead to several hundred pounds of additional costs to consider. 10. Keep Your Spending in Check Before You Buy Remember, if you’re taking out a mortgage, your lender will be taking a deep look into your finances. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get them in check before starting the whole process. Don’t go loading up your credit card with purchases, and if you’re able to pay off debts or make them more manageable, it will go a long way to helping you get approved for a mortgage. Paul Stripp Estate Agent are your local property experts for the Battle area. Call us on 07891260449 or email info@paulstrippestateagent.com to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team

Are you thinking of moving to Battle, East Sussex? If so, you'll want to read this blog post! Here at Paul Stripp Estate Agency, we know that making a move can be daunting. That's why we've compiled everything you need to know into one handy post. We'll tell you about the schools in Battle, the transport options to London, and the annual events that take place in the area. We'll also give you an overview of the house prices in Battle so that you have a good idea of what to expect. So whether you're just curious about Battle or are ready to make the move, this post has got you covered! Where Exactly is Battle, East Sussex? Battle, or Battel as it used to be spelt, is situated approximately 50 miles southeast of London, 30 miles east of Brighton, and just a stone's throw from the coast of Hastings and Bexhill. The town is best known for its 12th-century Abbey, which was the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Schools In and Near Battle, East Sussex When it comes to local schools, Battle is spoilt for choice. Battle Abbey School is a co-educational private school for both day and boarding pupils aged 11-18. The school sits on the site of the Battle Abbey and is surrounded by beautiful countryside! There are also plenty of state schools to choose from including, Battle and Langton Primary School and Claverham Community College secondary school. Nearby, there is also Sedlescombe Primary School, Westfield Primary School, Netherfield Primary School, and Crowhurst Primary School (to name but a few). And for older school-age children, there's Robertsbridge Community College, Claremont Private School, Vinehall Private School, and Buckswood Private School all in the local vicinity. Transport Links from Battle, East Sussex Whether you're commuting to London for work or catching a train to the coast for a day out, Battle is well-connected when it comes to transport links.  The town has its own railway station with direct trains to London Charing Cross and Hastings. It is also one of the few local mainline stations, meaning that every train will stop in Battle. For those who prefer driving, the A21 runs right through Battle making it easy to get around by car. And for those flying, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are just a short drive away by car. While countryside buses are notoriously few and far between, Battle has a relatively regular service with buses into Hastings, Bexhill, and the surrounding villages. There's even a bus from Battle to the nearby Sainsbury's superstore. Shopping in Battle, East Sussex Battle has a good selection of shops for a town of its size and is proud to have a thriving local high street. There are the usual high street chains such as Boots and Costa Coffee, but the shops that really make Battle special are its independents.  Amongst a whole host of cafes, Battle also boasts its own independent bookshop, a variety of homeware and fashion stores, independent florists, a bakery, butchers, a zero-waste store, and fishmongers. There are also three supermarkets in Battle, Jempsons, CO-OP, and a Tesco Express fuel station. For an even more incredible selection of shops, Hastings, Eastbourne, and Tunbridge Wells all have bustling shopping centres, and Brighton is just an hour away by car. Annual Events in Battle, East Sussex There's always something going on in Battle, and the town takes great care to foster a real sense of community. Throughout the year, Battle plays host to a number of annual events, including the Battle of Hastings reenactment hosted by National Heritage, its famous Bonfire Night celebrations, and the Battle Festival. There's also an annual marbles match and Easter bonnet parade, and Christmas late night shopping. House Prices in Battle, East Sussex (2021 - 2022) Properties in Battle are highly sought after and have increased in value by 30% compared to prices in 2017. According to Rightmove, the average cost of a property in Battle last year was £464,044. If you're looking for a detached property in Battle, the average price is around £686,000, while semi-detached properties fetch around the £397,000 mark and flats sell for an average of £207,000. Ready to Move to Battle, East Sussex? If you're thinking of moving to Battle, then Paul Stripp Estate Agency would be delighted to help you find your perfect home. With over a decade of experience in the local area, we have a wealth of knowledge about Battle and the surrounding villages and towns. So, whether you're looking for a family home close to good schools or a retirement property near the coast, we can help you find it. Contact us today to find out more.

Property fraud is on the rise, and if you own your property outright, have an empty property or rent your property out to tenants, then you are most at risk of fraudulent theft. What is Fraudulent Theft of Your Property? Property fraud comes in many shapes and sizes, but the fraudulent theft of your property involves someone claiming your property as their own and selling it without your permission. This, unfortunately, happened to reverend Mike Hall whose identity was stolen and then used to sell his house. You can read more about that case here. While we’d like to say that this was an isolated incident, it is not as uncommon as you may think, and so it is important to protect yourself and your property if you want to lower your risk. How to Protect your Property from Fraudulent Theft If you only own one property and are currently living in it, then it is much harder to fall victim to this scam. However, property investors, landlords, second property owners and those who leave their homes vacant for long periods of time should take some extra measures. By far, the easiest way to prevent the fraudulent theft of your property is to sign up for the HM Land Registry’s free property alert service. This service will notify you if anyone approaches the land registry to make a change of ownership or tries to make alterations to your property boundaries. How to Sign Up for the HM Land Registry Property Alert Service Signing up for this free service couldn’t be easier, which is why it’s something we recommend all of our customers do. To sign up, head over to https://propertyalert.landregistry.gov.uk/ and create an account. Once you have an account, you will be able to set up alerts for up to 10 properties. Once you have alerts set up, you will be notified whenever an official search or application is received against one of your monitored properties. If this activity looks in any way suspicious, you are then prompted to take immediate action. Things to Know About the HM Land Registry Property Alert Service You will need an email address to sign up. You can register for alerts on up to 10 properties. You do not need to own a property to set up an alert. Multiple people can monitor the same property. You can use this service without access to the internet by calling the Property Alert team on 0300 006 0478. Protecting your Property From Fraud For more information about protecting your land and property from fraud, visit https://www.gov.uk/protect-land-property-from-fraud. If you're at all worried about property fraud during the buying or selling process, then please get in touch with us at Paul Stripp Estate Agency, Battle.

The property market in the United Kingdom is difficult to predict. Will prices rise or fall in 2022? Is it a good time to buy or sell a property? And has the pandemic changed anything? Here's my take on the property market in the UK as it stands right now. What Is Expected to Happen to Property Prices in 2022? Since May 2021, house prices have risen by 4.9%. Over the course of the entire year, we saw an average price increase of 13.3%, taking the average property value to £355,948 in the South East. In 2022, it’s likely that property prices will continue to rise – albeit a little more slowly – with the property website Rightmove predicting an annual rise of 5% in 2022 and the property firm Savills predicting a 3.2% increase in areas outside of London. Is 2022 a Good Time to Sell Your Home? Of course, you're expecting me to say "YES! Of course - right now is the perfect time to sell your home", but the reality is that the right time to sell a property depends on many different factors, including the variations in your local property market and your property type. As an estate agent who prides themselves on transparency, I will never tell you that now is the right time to sell your property if your local market says otherwise. Has COVID-19 Changed the Property Market in the UK? The property market in the UK has been affected by COVID-19 in a few different ways, but they aren't all negative. With the lockdown’s behind us, in-person viewings are available once more, and I, for one, am glad to be back in the office. It appears as though we're through the worst of the pandemic, and with hope on the horizon, January of 2022 has been my busiest month to date, indicating that many potential buyers and sellers are thinking of making a move in 2022. What to Do if You're Unsure if 2022 is the Year for You to Move House? If you're unsure if now is the right time for you to move house, don't worry – there are lots of things you can do to help make your decision. For one, speak to a knowledgeable local property expert who will be able to advise you on the current property market in your area. If you live in Battle, Robertsbridge, Sedlescombe or the surrounding TN33 regions, then I'm your man. Secondly, there's no harm in viewing properties even before your own home comes to market. Viewing properties in your chosen area is a great way to gauge what you can expect to get for your budget, and you never know; you may just stumble across your future house. Drop Me a Message to Discuss Your Property Needs for 2022 If you want to find out more about the property market in your area, or if you have any specific questions, then please do not hesitate to contact me. I'll be happy to answer any of your questions and help guide you through what can be a daunting process. Happy house hunting! :)​

Here at Paul Stripp Estate Agency, we constantly search for new ways to make our customers' buying and selling processes easier. Therefore, we are delighted to be offering a unique service to our new and existing clients, Offr.  What is Offr? Offr is a cutting-edge technology that allows buyers to submit offers via their mobile, tablet or laptop and enables sellers to see in real-time the offers coming in! It’s ideal for keeping track of your sale when on the go and provides a new degree of transparency between buyers and sellers. The software also enables buyers to request viewings 24/7. How Do I use Offr? To check out Offr for yourself, jump onto my website's buyer's search section. Simply select the property you’re interested in, and you’ll notice the Offr icon pop up in the bottom right-hand corner. Click this and follow the instructions to enter the Offr platform.  What if I Don’t Want to Use Offr? Offr is a helpful tool, but we understand if you want to do things the more traditional way. Using Offr isn’t compulsory for Paul Stripp Estate Agency customers, so don’t panic if this kind of technology isn’t for you.  Learn More About How Paul Stripp Estate Agency Uses Offr To find out more about how Paul Stripp Estate Agency uses the Offr platform, drop us a message, and we will be happy to explain the software in more detail. 

If you’re a newbie to the property world, then you’re going to need to learn some new terminology. We’ve already covered Gazumping but what about covenant? Let’s take a look.  What Is A Covenant? A covenant is a provision or promise that has been written into a deed that may affect or limit the use of the property or land.  There are two different types of covenant: positive and restrictive.  A positive covenant is an obligation that requires some form of action (such as maintaining a fence or wall), whereas a restrictive covenant limits and prevents the use of land in a specified way. Will My Property Have a Covenant? Not all properties have covenants, but they aren’t uncommon. One of the most recent covenants we dealt with here at Paul Stripp Estate agency was a restrictive covenant prohibiting pigs being bred on the land! What to Do if Your Property Has a Covenant If your future home has any hidden covenants, your estate agent and solicitor will bring these to your attention. While you cannot remove some covenants, you will be able to remove others. So it’s worth obtaining legal advice to see if you can clear a restrictive covenant.  So there you have it - now you know what a covenant is and how to approach one when buying a property. To find out more about purchasing your next home in East Sussex with Paul Stripp Estate Agency, get in touch with us today. 

While gazumping may sound like a made-up word, it’s actually a very real thing and something you may, unfortunately, come across if you’re trying to buy a new property.  What is Gazumping? Gazumping occurs when another party makes a higher offer on the property you are in the process of buying, and the seller accepts their offer. This essentially puts you back to square one and can be costly if you’ve already paid for surveys and solicitors.  Here’s an example to help you visualise gazumping in action: Mrs Smith puts her house on the market for £400,000. Buyer A offers £410,000, which the seller accepts. Solicitors are instructed, surveys arranged and paid for etc. Then buyer B comes along and offers £440,000. The seller accepts the higher offer from buyer B. Buyer A has been GAZUMPED. When Can Gazumping Happen? Unfortunately, gazumping can occur at any point up until the exchange of contracts. Estate agents don’t like gazumping but are legally obliged to put their client's offer forward even if they know another party is already in the process of securing the sale.  How to Prevent Yourself from being Gazumped! As a buyer, there are a few things that you can do to lower your chances of being gazumped:  Make your offer as strong as possible.  Ask that the property is removed from the portal websites and the agents' website in the agreement of an offer. Have your finances in order and ready to go to speed up the sales process. 4 Have your chosen solicitor lined up and ready. Move the sales process along as fast as you can by staying on top of communications.  Stay in touch with your estate agent regularly.  As a final point, you could discuss an exclusivity agreement at the initial offer stage.  What Happens if You Get Gazumped? At Paul Stripp Estate Agency, we know what it feels like to think you’ve secured your dream home only to have it stolen from beneath you. If you’ve been gazumped on a previous sale, we can help advise you on the best path forward and will do our best to ensure that the same thing never happens again! To find out more about buying your next home in East Sussex with Paul Stripp Estate Agency, get in touch with us today. 

Are you looking to move to Sedlescombe, East Sussex? If not, why not!  (Please note any bias in this article is well-founded as I, Paul Stripp, am a Sedlescombe local! And as you can see, I have a  lot of love for my local area.) So why should you move to the charming village of Sedlescombe? Here are 11 reasons: 1) Peaceful Surroundings Despite having excellent access to the A21, Sedlescombe is a quiet country village making it the perfect place for those who want a more sedate country life and value their peace and quiet. 2) The Quaint Countryside Sedlescombe village is surrounded by the quaint English countryside, including bluebell woods, the ancient river Brede and fields as far as the eye can see.  3) Nearby Amenities While Sedlescombe may be rural, it isn’t without all of the necessary amenities.  It has a friendly doctor's surgery, Blackbrooks garden centre is nearby, it has a charming village shop (including post office) and not to mention the historic Queens Head pub. There are numerous other businesses within the vicinity, such as an antique shop, car sales, mechanics, mortgage/legal services, and self-employed individuals running their businesses from home.  4) The Queens Head Pub  The Queens Head pub deserves its own mention here and attracts both locals and non-locals alike. This family-run pub sells one of the best pints of Harveys in the area (according to Harvey’s drinkers!) and has plenty of other popular ales and lagers on tap. The food is also some of the best in the area, and its sunny beer garden is the perfect place to enjoy a well deserved cold one after a countryside walk. 5) Sedlescombe Primary School Did you know that I went to Sedlescombe Primary School? Many ex-pupils and parents hold the school in very high regard (including myself), and for a good reason, it was a privilege to go to a school with an outdoor swimming pool and generous-sized playing areas (which have been improved upon since my time there!). 6) A Well Connected Location Situated just off the A21, Sedlescombe village is just a short drive by car to Battle high street with its range of shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and the historical Battle Abbey. The mainline stations of Battle and Robertsbridge, which are direct lines to London Bridge, London Waterloo East and Charing Cross, are also a short car journey away.  7) A Sought After Place to Live Sedlescombe is an in-demand village locally and always will be. Its location suits many types of buyers, from retired to families to commuters looking to be in a rural village yet only a short distance to local amenities. At the time of writing, the average detached house price is £510,862 according to Rightmove, with an average price increase of 20% since 2017. This figure is possibly reflective of a more natural/organic price increase across the nation that we have experienced in 2020/2021. That being said, if you buy in Sedlescombe, you can be sure of a price increase and a return on your investment.  8) Sedlescombe Golf Course If golf is your thing, then Sedlescombe Golf Club has a lot to offer with its great course, driving range, bar, restaurant and highly qualified tutors. There is something for the beginner golfer to the experienced golfer, and it's only a few minutes drive away! 9) Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard Yes, you read that correctly; Sedlescombe does indeed have an organic vineyard! Pop along to taste the local wines or enjoy a guided tour through the vineyards! We’re fortunate to be able to produce such fantastic wines locally, and they make great gifts for friends and family.  10) The Local People Sedlescombe has always been a friendly and safe village to live in. The local people are always happy to welcome newcomers and have a deep passion for their village. If you like to get involved in local activities and groups, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.  11) Sedlescombe Recreational Ground  Finally, as a child growing up in Sedlescombe, I was never far away from its fantastic play park. Secure and away from the road, the play park is the perfect place for kids to play after school and is just a short walk from the village green and the local shop with its wide selection of sweet treats.  These are just 11 of my favourite things about Sedlescombe Village, but there are dozens more! As a very proud local to Sedlescombe, I’m always happy to speak about my village and would love to help you find your perfect property. To find your home in Sedlescombe, contact Paul Stripp Estate Agency on 07891 260 449 / 01424 77 2954 or email me at info@paulstrippestateagent.com.