Throwback to 2015  Back when the boards looked like this… Three houses. All next door to each other. At the time, I had what I thought was the ideal situation — three properties, side by side, all for sale with SA Property. All I wanted was to get them sold and line up three SOLD boards next to each other. That felt like success. It didn’t quite work out that way. But looking back now, I realise I might have been chasing the wrong thing. Is having lots of boards up actually a sign you’re selling houses — or a sign you’re marketing houses well? Do you need to rush to get the SOLD sign on as quickly as possible, or do you need to maximise exposure, enquiries and conversations first? What those three houses did bring was something far more valuable: A huge number of enquiriesViewings bookedConversations with buyers who also had properties to sellWord-of-mouth recommendations People saw the boards. People talked. People rang us. And many of those conversations turned into future instructions and long-term clients — opportunities that wouldn’t have happened if those boards hadn’t been there in the first place. Fast forward 10 years. It’s January. The longest month of the year. Self-employed. Tax return due. Motivation tested  And yet, here we are. January so far: • 16 valuations • 7 new instructions • 7 sales agreed • 7 completions Those three houses didn’t give me the photo I wanted in 2015 — but they helped build the foundations for where we are today. The long game matters.

“New to the Market” in January? What Sellers Should Watch Out for in the New Year Every January, the property market resets. Buyers return after Christmas, portals fill up, and suddenly there’s a surge of homes labelled “new to the market”. But here’s the question sellers should be asking: Are they really new — or simply re-labelled? At SA Property, we believe the New Year is the perfect time to talk about what “new” actually means, and why it matters to your sale. Why January sees so many “new” listings The start of the year is a natural reset point. It’s common for: Unsold properties to be withdrawn before Christmas Agents and sellers to regroup Marketing to restart with fresh energy There’s nothing wrong with this. A well-planned relaunch in January can be very effective. The issue isn’t relaunching — it’s how it’s described. When “new to the market” becomes misleading If a property was already marketed last year and didn’t sell, describing it as: “New to the market” “Brand new listing” can give buyers the wrong impression. Many buyers interpret “new” as: The price hasn’t been tested Demand hasn’t yet been explored They’re seeing it before anyone else In reality, that may not be the case — and that’s where problems start. Why accuracy and compliance matter Estate agents are legally required to market property in a way that is clear, accurate and not misleading. This falls under UK consumer protection legislation and is enforced by organisations such as Trading Standards. Even well-intended wording can become an issue if it creates a false impression — particularly at a time of year when many properties are being reintroduced. Why this matters to you as a seller Misleading marketing rarely helps a sale. In fact, it can: Make buyers cautious when they realise a property has been listed before Undermine confidence in the asking price Lead to tougher negotiations Extend time on the market Today’s buyers are more informed than ever. Many monitor portals closely and remember properties they’ve already seen. Honest marketing builds trust — and trust drives stronger offers. What sellers should look out for this January As the New Year listings appear, it’s worth asking your agent: Has my property been marketed before? If so, how will it be described this time? What has genuinely changed since the last launch? Clear, compliant wording includes: “Re-launched with a revised price” “Back on the market following improvements” “Now repositioned for today’s market” These phrases are transparent, accurate and effective — without misleading buyers. Our approach at SA Property We don’t believe in relabelling for the sake of it. If a property is relaunched in the New Year, we explain: Why it’s being reintroduced What’s changed How that benefits the sale This approach protects sellers, reassures buyers, and creates a stronger foundation for negotiation. Final thought As January unfolds, you’ll see plenty of properties described as “new”. Some genuinely are. Others… deserve a closer look. If you’re selling, the best question you can ask isn’t “How new does it sound?” — it’s “How accurate is it?” If you’d like advice on relaunching your property properly and compliantly in the New Year, we’re always happy to help.

Selling Your Home in December: Is the Festive Season a Good Time to Move? December might not sound like the ideal time to put your home on the market.Dark evenings, Christmas chaos, decorations everywhere…But the truth is, the festive season can actually be a highly effective time to sell — with the right strategy. *** Remember there is no right or wrong time to market, just whenever is right for you *** In this guide, we’ll explore: What the December property market is really like Pros and cons of selling at this time of year Whether Christmas decorations help or hurt How to stage your home for festive viewings The facts behind the Boxing Day / New Year online surge SA Property’s professional view on launching in December What Is the Property Market Like in December? Traditionally, November and early December see fewer new listings. Many sellers delay until January, which means: Less competition - Your home isn’t fighting against a long list of new properties. More motivated buyers - People who book viewings in December usually need to move — they’re not casual browsers. Your home looks its cosiest - Warm lighting, soft furnishings and (tasteful) decorations help buyers picture themselves living there. At the same time, online activity builds steadily through December before surging after Christmas — especially on Zoopla. Is December a Good Time to Sell? It can be, and for many sellers, it’s an excellent time. Advantages of Selling in December Reduced competition from other sellers Serious buyers actively looking Your property can feel its most welcoming You’re live in time for the post-Christmas surge Challenges Shorter daylight hours for photos/viewings Homes can feel more cluttered during Christmas You may feel more stretched with festive commitments None of these challenges are deal-breakers — they simply require planning. Christmas Decorations: What’s Okay for Photos? If possible, have your photos taken before decorations go up.That keeps your listing looking fresh well into January and beyond. If decorations are already up, keep them: Simple Neutral Unobtrusive Away from windows and key features Avoid: Large inflatables Flashing lights Oversized trees blocking access or light For viewings, tasteful décor adds warmth — just keep it uncluttered. Staging Tips for Festive Viewings 1. Maximise Light - Winter days are short, so brighten the space with lamps and open blinds fully. 2. Keep Things Warm but Fresh - A cosy temperature, subtle scent and tidy entrance make a strong first impression. 3. Tidy the Christmas Chaos - Use baskets or boxes to quickly clear presents, wrapping and paperwork before viewings. The BIG Question ... Should You Wait Until January Instead? Both strategies can work — it depends on your readiness and your home. *** Remember there is no right or wrong time to market, just whenever is right for you *** List in December if: Your home is clean and presentable You want to get ahead of the competition You’re ready to catch the Boxing Day / New Year surge Wait until January if: Decorations dominate the space You’re already overwhelmed The property needs a little more preparation A hybrid option is ideal for many sellers:Prepare everything in December, launch just after Christmas. Understanding the Boxing Day / New Year Online Surge There is a long-standing belief that buyer activity spikes immediately after Christmas — but is it true? According to Zoopla, yes. Zoopla’s data shows: Buyer searches typically rise by around 50% on Boxing Day compared with the run-up to Christmas In some years, traffic has increased by 70%+ in a single day January is consistently their busiest month of the year This means that having your property live just before or just after Christmas can place it perfectly for increased online exposure. You’d like to tap into the Boxing Day / New Year online surge — with Zoopla reporting that buyer searches typically jump by around 50% on Boxing Day compared with the run-up to Christmas, and in some years traffic has risen by more than 70% in a single day, it’s a window of activity that’s hard to ignore. SA Property’s Take: Would We Launch in December? Absolutely — if the home is ready and you feel comfortable, December can be a brilliant time to list. Here’s why: Less competition means your home stands out December buyers are serious, not just browsing Zoopla’s Boxing Day surge is real, and being live beforehand helps you capitalise on it Festive styling makes homes feel warm and inviting But we’ll always give honest advice. If your home is crowded with decorations, if you’re exhausted with Christmas planning, or if photos would look too “seasonal,” we may recommend preparing in December but launching just after Christmas or in early January. For us, it’s all about timing the launch to give you the best possible outcome, not rushing for the sake of it.  *** Remember there is no right or wrong time to market, just whenever is right for you *** Thinking of Selling this Winter? Whether you're planning a December launch or getting ready for early January, we can guide you through: Market timing Photo strategies Decoration/staging tips Zoopla and OnTheMarket buyer trends Your ideal launch date Get in touch with SA Property to talk through the best festive-season strategy for your home.

2025 Autumn Budget: What It Means for Landlords, Renters & the Property Market The Chancellor has delivered the 2025 Autumn Budget, and while it focused heavily on rebuilding the public finances, several measures will directly affect the property market — especially landlords, investors, and contract holders across Swansea and the wider SA postcodes. Below is a clear, SA Property–style breakdown of what today’s announcements mean in real terms. Key Headlines at a Glance No major changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for residential buyers. Tax on rental profits, savings and dividends rising by 2%. Income tax thresholds frozen until around 2030–31 (“stealth tax”). Council tax surcharge (“mansion tax”) for homes over £2m from April 2028. Two-child benefit cap scrapped from April 2026. Local Housing Allowance (LHA) remains frozen, meaning benefit-based rents still lag behind the real market. If you’re a landlord, tenant or thinking of moving in the next 12–24 months, these changes matter. What the Budget Means for Landlords 1. Tax on rental profits is going up One of the clearest measures affecting landlords is a 2 percentage point increase on tax applied to: Rental/property income Dividend income Savings interest This hits individual landlords, not limited companies. If you’re already near the higher-rate tax band, this will increase your annual tax bill — especially when combined with frozen thresholds. Impact: Expect more landlords to review rent levels, mortgage strategies, or whether their current ownership structure (personal vs company) still makes sense. 2. Income tax thresholds frozen The freeze on personal allowance and higher-rate thresholds until around 2030–31 means: More landlords will drift into higher-rate tax over time. Even with modest pay rises, you’ll pay more tax on your rental profit. This “fiscal drag” has a bigger cumulative effect over several years. Impact: Letting becomes slightly less profitable for landlords who are close to the 40% band. 3. No changes to SDLT (Stamp Duty) Despite speculation, the Budget did not introduce: A stamp duty overhaul A new transaction tax A buyer’s incentive A first-time buyer scheme This means the buying landscape remains stable — which is positive for homebuyers and sellers who value predictability. 4. Council tax surcharge on £2m+ homes (from 2028) Properties valued over £2 million will face a council tax surcharge starting in April 2028. This won’t affect Swansea markets directly, but it does: Influence national sentiment Impact wealthy investors Shape long-term tax direction in the UK Impact locally: minimal—unless you have a premium portfolio. What the Budget Means for Contract Holders (Renters) 1. Income tax threshold freeze affects take-home pay Tenants will feel the same fiscal drag: Wages rise But tax bands don’t Result: less disposable income This can affect affordability for: Rent Bills Deposits Moving costs 2. Two-child benefit cap scrapped (from April 2026) Families with three or more children will once again receive support for every child. Impact: For larger households, this may ease financial pressure and improve rent affordability — which is positive for both tenants and landlords concerned about arrears. 3. Local Housing Allowance (LHA) still frozen LHA determines the maximum housing benefit a tenant can receive. It has not been increased in this Budget. In many South Wales areas — including Swansea — LHA rates remain below real market rents, meaning benefit-dependent tenants still face a rent shortfall. Impact: Letting to benefit recipients remains challenging due to affordability gaps. Top-up arrangements remain common. Arrears risk remains high at the lower end of the market. What This Means for the Swansea Property Market Sales Market Stability in stamp duty is good for confidence. Landlords facing higher taxes may choose to sell, creating more stock for buyers. First-time buyers face the same affordability pressures, but there is no new assistance scheme announced (yet). Rental Market Demand remains high across SA postcodes. Higher taxes on landlords may translate to pressure on rents, especially where supply is already limited. Tenants’ disposable income is squeezed, which can worsen affordability for many households. SA Property’s Take This Budget nudges the property market rather than transforming it - but there are some important signals for landlords, contract holders, buyers and sellers. For Landlords The tax environment tightens again, but not dramatically. The 2% rise on property and dividend income, combined with the extended freeze on tax thresholds, means: Your tax bill is likely to increase over the next few years. Higher-rate landlords are most affected. Portfolio planning is now more important than ever. This is a good moment to review: Your ownership structure (personal vs company) Your mortgage strategy Whether your current rent level reflects true running costs Long-term goals for each property We’re happy to help landlords assess how these changes interact with local rental demand and achievable rents. For Contract Holders / Tenants The picture is mixed: Frozen tax thresholds reduce take-home pay over time. The scrapping of the two-child benefit cap (from 2026) will help bigger families. LHA remains below market rents, so affordable housing remains challenging for many. If any tenant’s circumstances change, we always encourage early communication — we work hard to support sustainable tenancies. For Buyers This Budget should feel relatively stable for anyone thinking about purchasing: No stamp duty changes means no surprises when planning costs. A steady, predictable buying environment is helpful for mortgage applications and long-term planning. Fiscal drag may reduce disposable income over time, but mortgage affordability checks already factor this in. With Swansea’s demand remaining strong and stock levels still moderate, buyers should act when they find the right property rather than waiting for a sudden policy shift — because none has materialised today. For Sellers Sellers benefit from the continuity this Budget brings: No stamp duty changes means buyers aren’t holding back for a tax break. Landlords under rising tax pressure may decide to sell in the coming years — which could increase stock and compete with traditional sellers. But right now, supply is still limited in many SA postcodes, meaning well-presented homes are selling strongly. Sellers can take confidence from the fact that nothing in this Budget dampens buyer sentiment in the short term. Our advice: If you’re a landlord: Now is a great moment to review your portfolio, running costs, and long-term plans. The tax environment is tightening, so making sure your properties are structured and performing efficiently is essential. If you’re a tenant: If your income, benefits, or circumstances change, talk to us early — we’re here to help you stay on top of things and avoid any issues. If you’re a buyer: With no stamp duty changes or new schemes announced, the market remains stable. If you find the right home, it’s sensible to move forward rather than wait for policy changes that haven’t materialised. If you’re a seller: This is a reassuring Budget for you — nothing announced today dampens buyer demand. With stock still limited in many areas, it’s a good time to bring your property to the market.