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NEWS HIGH DEMAND FOR NEW STONEYCROFT HOMES Properties at Cygnet Homes’ Powell Way development in Stoneycroft are in high demand, according to the housebuilder.
Jill Povey (left) and Dionne McHugh (right)
MERSEYSIDE PROPERTY FIRM READY TO GROW Liverpool City Region property firm Empress Estates is ready to grow its business off the back of recent success. The letting agent and property management specialist is seeking to increase the number of homes and landlord clients on its books following a surge in custom. Empress Estates director Dionne McHugh, who runs the company alongside business partner Jill Povey, attributes the recent upturn to new licensing legislation forcing landlords to seek assistance from property management companies. She says: “Following recent growth we have reached a point
where we need new properties and landlords. We have professional tenants waiting. “It’s getting harder and harder for landlords with compliance regulations such as licencing and benefit caps, so turning to a management company is the best option for many. “I have also worked as a private landlord for the last 10 years and have seen and experienced the sweeping changes investors in the industry have had to deal with.” Empress was founded nine years ago in Crosby and has business interests across the North West, with properties around Liverpool and Chester in its portfolio.
The family-run business has sold more than half of the plots at its latest new build scheme - which lies in a cul-de-sac off Queens Drive within a matter of months. Tim McNally, property manager at Cygnet, believes the area’s transport links and the success of the government’s Help to Buy scheme are helping to draw buyers to the three-bedroom, luxury homes. He says: “I think these houses have been so popular because of the prices, the fact that they’re available through Help to Buy and their location. We’ve also been proactive when it comes to helping people get on the property ladder with offers that include us paying their stamp duty. “Queens Drive has great transport links and is only five minutes away from the M62. Not everyone wants to live on top of the main road but our development is tucked away in a cul-de-sac, so residents are away from the traffic but can still take advantage of the transport links.” For more information call Cygnet Homes on 0151 305 0375. The new build Powell Way properties
PHONE BIDDERS BATTLE IT OUT AT SUTTON KERSH AUCTION There was another good turnout at The Crowne Plaza
Telephone bidders came to the fore at the latest Sutton Kersh auction which saw £5 million worth of property sold. There was fierce bidding throughout the March event with many going head-to-head over the phone. In particular a three-storey property in Toxteth captured high interest, eventually selling for £25,000 more than its guide price. Cathy Holt, associate director at Sutton Kersh, says: “Our March auction saw another incredible turnout. We were at standing room only for the most part and
also had lots of phone bidders - many of whom won. “We sold 15 properties prior to the auction and have been able to continue on from our successful start to 2017.” Other highlights at the event included a three-storey Georgian property in Liverpool city centre, which sold for £280,000, as well as a three-storey middle terrace property in Wavertree which went for £180,000. The next Sutton Kersh auction will be held on 25 May at The Crowne Plaza. For more information, visit www.suttonkersh.co.uk/auctions. Your Move 23