Blog

Here at Watsons, we believe that letting your property should be simple and hassle free. Our goal is simple – to provide a great customer experience by exceeding expectations on every instruction. Our experience speaks for itself, we have been a part of our local communities for more than 125 years. We are very proud to be one of East Anglia’s longest serving property firms. December Offer 2019 For the...

In this first of a series of blog posts, James Laughlin, Trainee Chartered Surveyor at Watsons describes how he started this career path and what steps he’s taken so far to get to where he is today… As I was growing up, I wanted to be a fair few things; an accountant, a barrister, a journalist, even the Prime Minister, but becoming a Chartered Surveyor never even crossed my mind. I graduated from the...

Whatever has been going on in the property market in the last year, well it’s certainly safe to say it hasn’t crashed as some predicted despite, Brexit and an election. According to the latest Land Registry House Price Index (UKHPI) the average Norfolk property price is £229,347 compared with £228,440 12 months previously, representing an average rise of £907. Not a profit you’ll be able to retire...

With this December 2019 election results finalised, Ian Harris, Branch Manager at Norwich has put together a quick guide on the manifesto housing policies of the new Conservative government. Whether you are a property seller, buyer, tenant landlord or living in social housing here's a quick guide to the housing policies of the new government. In addition, Watsons welcomes the start already made to...

As a landlord, you may already be aware of the Tenant Fee Act which came into effect on the 1st June 2019. This post details the main changes impacting the market and the points you need to consider to ensure the effective management of your rental portfolio. For those unaware, the introduction of the Tenant Fees Ban restricted the fees that can be charged by letting agents and capped deposits to a...

Let the next chapter begin… Selling and buying a home can be an intimidating process, especially with many potential uncertainties circulating in your mind. Watsons are here to ensure you it’s never a bad time to sell your property, after all, there will be always be motivating reason(s) for doing so. For example, more space, cheaper running costs, closer to work, freeing up equity, more bedrooms,...

It’s never easy to experience a bereavement. Under these difficult circumstances, you may find that you are named the executor to a will which includes property assets and will need a probate valuation. It is strongly recommended, when requesting a probate valuation report, that you use a RICS regulated surveyor like Watsons, in order to make an unbiased and professional evaluation of the...

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (often referred to as CDM Regulations) apply to every construction project in Great Britain. CDM applies to all types of projects including domestic. No matter how big or small. How short or long. CDM applies. As managing agents who support residential and commercial management minor and major works projects, there are specific requirements under CDM...

If you are one of those people wondering whether Brexit should influence or even halt your move, then read on. Naturally, many fear making the “wrong decision” and one which might affect them now and into the future. Specifically, the top two concerns are that 1) prices may fall and 2) interest rates might rise. These concerns are natural. After all, no-one wants their monthly outgoings to increase...

Becoming a residential landlord can be a worthy investment, says Nick Eley, partner at Watsons. With the private rental sector accounting for a fifth of all UK households, it's no surprise that being a residential landlord can be very rewarding. Nick Eley, partner at Watsons, offers his advice on what to consider before making an investment. Let's consider the huge growth of the private...