The Blog

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.

Some time ago, I asked a few of Battle’s loyal locals what their top five favourite things about Battle were, and the response was tremendous! There was so much positivity for Battle even during the pandemic, and our little corner of East Sussex really did pull together.  So here are the top five best things about Battle according to the local people who live there: 1. Battle Abbey Besides being a genuinely stunning landmark to have on our doorstep, Battle Abbey is also home to a world-renowned private school and the site of a great English Heritage fun-filled day out. In particular, the Abbey comes alive during the 1066 reenactment when the high street becomes filled with bunting and knights in their armour.  2. The Abundance of Walks I’ve already mentioned three of my favourite walks in Battle, but these don’t scratch the surface of the network of footpaths that the area has to offer. Besides the 1066 Country Walk, there are hundreds of short and long footpath trails nestled in the fields and woodland that surround Battle, making it the perfect place for a dog walk or weekend adventure.  3. Battle’s Community Spirit During the lockdowns, the community really did pull together. Businesses supported each other, and the locals supported each other too. We even had a photography exhibition displayed on the green depicting lockdown life! We can’t forget the local yarn bombers with their colourful displays and the countless messages posted on the local community Facebook groups. We even had a chap from Durham in full armour walk the original 1066 route to aid men's mental health, arriving on a grey, drizzly evening in the high street to a welcoming committee at the Abbey! 4. The Local Shops Battle is home to some great businesses, some of which have been on the High Street for decades. We also have a new zero-waste greengrocer, two butchers, an abundance of coffee shops, pubs and restaurants, more hairdressers than you can count, beauticians, florists, bakeries, and homeware shops that sell everything from clothes to cards. Battle also has a mid-size supermarket backed up by two smaller mini-markets which can quickly fulfil your grocery needs. For the avid readers, there’s the local library, a real gem in the town, and we have a bookshop in the high street that has the latest novels and a real variety of books.  5. Bonfire Night Finally, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Battles' famous bonfire night hosted by the Battel Bonfire Boys. Battle bonfire is renowned for its procession down the high street, incredible firework display and playful effigies. The atmosphere on a cold November night is electric and is the highlight for many people in the town. Even if you do not move to Battle, I suggest you visit this incredible event - you won’t be disappointed! So there you have it! These were the top five favourite things about Battle, according to Battle’s own locals. What do you find most appealing about the town?  Please get in touch to find out more about Paul Stripp Estate Agency or if you’d like to move to Battle, East Sussex! We’d love to help you find your perfect property in the TN33 area. 

We love our local area and all of the beautiful scenery it has to offer. If you’re looking to explore Battle and get outside, then here are three of our favourite Battle walks. 1. Our 20 Minute Lunch Break Stroll Short and sweet, this walk is one of our favourites because you can do it on your lunch break! Start by walking down the high street and walk straight towards the Abbey. Follow Battle Green round to the right and then head down past the English Heritage car park.  At the end of this track, you’ll find a gate directly in front of you and also an entrance to the right. If you continue straight, you’ll be walking towards Catsfield (a longer walk for another day), so take the right-hand gate and walk up past the cricket pitch. Here, you’ll find a row of benches that make a lovely tranquil place to sit and have your lunch. Keep walking straight, and you’ll eventually come to Battle and Langton Primary School and the bottom of Jempson's car park. Keep going directly past the school, and you’ll head down a steeper hill and end up at the bottom of the park just off North Trade Road. Here you can enjoy the new Health Pathway up to the top of the rec, and you’ll be able to rejoin North Trade Road. If you have the time, you could walk back the way you came or simply follow North Trade Road back into Battle.  2. A Perfect Afternoon Dog Walk (30mins +) This walk is perfect for dog lovers as it takes you through several open fields and a beautiful woodland section. Starting at the Abbey, head down past the English Heritage car park until you come to the gate in front of you. Turn right and follow the path alongside the cricket pitch. Just before you reach the primary school, turn left into the grassland area, and you’ll find yourself in a lovely open meadow. In the summertime, this field is long and luscious, and it makes a great place to throw a ball! Take a walk around the field's perimeter, and you’ll notice several entrances to the woodland beyond. Most of these paths will eventually take you to the bottom of the Battle Abbey grounds. It’s a bit of a maze, but the wood is small, and if you get lost, you’ll likely end up where you started.  Once you get into the Abbey field, simply walk back up the hill, and you’ll end up at the second gate where you started off. You can then walk back past the English Heritage car park, and you’ll be back at the Abbey.  3. A Weekend Adventure in the Great Wood (30 mins +) If you really want to escape it all, then you can’t beat a stroll in Battle Great Wood. There are dozens of routes to choose from, all originating from the large car park, including short circular walks and longer routes that can take you along the 1066 trail. The woods are largely laid out in a grid, so it’s relatively easy to find where you are. If you haven’t been before, I’d recommend looking at the woodland layout on Google Maps.  These are just three of my favourite walks in and around Battle, but there are many more. Battle has so much countryside to explore and enjoy!