Absolutely Chiswick & Richmond August 2020

Page 167

PROPERTY • FEATURE

EXPERT

OPI N ION John Martin of John Martin Estates in Ealing gives his take on the property market with the benefit of over 30 years in the industry

A

s I began preparing this article, I read my last piece from February 2020 and was tempted to run it again, merely substituting coronavirus for the reference to the snap general election! Why? Well, I talked about a new sense of confidence in the market, hope that the March budget would bring stamp duty changes and my delight, in my capacity as a judge in the Great British High Street Awards, to see our amazing high streets with their sense of community and positivity of business owners. So, here we are again, six months on, with our lives effectively put on hold for three to four months. Since our return to the office, after a slow start for a few weeks, we have seen activity in the market, both with sales and particularly lettings and a Summer Statement with the temporary changes in stamp duty until 31st March 2021. Many have also realised the true value of their local high streets in terms of essential shopping

during lockdown but even more now as we see the return to the "new normal". I have been asked many times if we managed to "have a rest" during lockdown. This is, of course, because not everyone appreciates that small independent agencies, in particular, do not operate solely on the basis of sales and lettings but with a large property management function. We ran everything from home until early June and although we were in the fortunate position to have completed a number of our transactions just before lockdown, we did have some sales to "nurse" through the period. The management work, however, increased especially regarding rent payment issues with negotiations to find suitable solutions for both parties. Maintenance continued, starting with a boiler replacement on day two of lockdown! The main priority since our return has been ensuring compliance with the guidance in respect of safety for all, both at the office and for viewings. I am pleased to hear compliments from clients and applicants regarding

“Since our return to the office, we have seen activity in the market” our thoroughness in our COVID safety procedures but equally disappointed to hear that members of our industry are failing to follow simple guidance in terms of everyone, including us, wearing mask and gloves for appointments and a strict cleaning regime. It is not difficult, merely more time consuming, but essential. So where do we go from here? The change to stamp duty is an encouraging start but it is too early to see any clear results. We must remember that furlough continues - will lenders fund someone on furlough or landlords consider someone who may be redundant in a few months? Until that sector is more certain of their position, the property market will not fully bounce back. We need everyone to play their part - to return safely to our high streets and to office working and to see the economy, and with it the property market, recover. Whilst this may not be like any of the number of recessions I have seen in my 25 years as a business owner, the same steely determination and resilience is what will see us through.

For advice on the property market, Pitshanger Village and Ealing and to view the properties available, please contact John and his team. John Martin Estates 020 8998 3333 johnmartinestates.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EXPERT OPINION

2min
page 167

Cove Retreat

4min
pages 160-161

THE NEW LOOK

1min
page 151

Lockdown Learning

2min
page 149

CODE BREAKS

3min
pages 145, 147

SHINE ON

1min
page 137

BIG SMOKE

1min
page 135

Stem Skills

2min
pages 130-131

Eastern Promise

3min
pages 126-127, 129

MODERN LOVE

5min
pages 118-119, 121, 123

EYES OPEN

2min
page 111

FITNESS NOTES- Get Moving

1min
page 109

BEAUTY NOTES

1min
page 107

Home Counties Gold

2min
pages 90-91

Bespoke rings from TAYLOR & HART

2min
page 73

Eco-friendly parties at Deer Park

3min
page 71

Impeccable Style from Lalage Beaumont

3min
page 69

9 Wedding Trends We Love

5min
pages 62-63, 65

Golden Time

2min
page 55

Totes Amaze

2min
page 46

Restaurants are Back

3min
pages 38-39

Market Forces

5min
pages 32-33, 35

Green Chicken Curry

1min
page 31

Miso Buttered Potatoes

1min
page 29

Incredible Lemon Pie

1min
pages 28-29

Art Matters

1min
page 19
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