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Buying And Selling During Christmas? Here’s All You Need To Know

House in snow

For some, the idea of moving house during the Christmas period would send a shudder down their spine. This time of year can be stressful for a range of reasons, but moving house shouldn’t be one of them!

Though many want to spend the end of the year curled up at home relaxing, it’s a great time to get your home on the market and find your dream home. Real estate agencies see a boost in interest over this period, as many have more free time to look for new homes while they’re enjoying the festivities.

Keep reading to find out our best tips for buying and selling your home at Christmas time!

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Going Digital: Are we moving away from cities?

Aerial view of rural house surrounded by green fields

From remote work to working in Covid-safe bubbles, our professional lives have been altered over the last two years. Working from home has changed the way we view our careers and it’s formed new relationships with our homes.

With a focus on digital work and Zoom calls, many are choosing to ditch the office for good. But what does this mean for those that only lived in the cities for work?

Keep reading to explore why many are choosing to leave the city in favour of quieter areas!

Goodbye Office Work!

If you haven’t experienced working from home, someone close to you has! March 2020 left many of us in uncertain positions, unsure of when we would next step into the all-important office. Though it’s not for everyone, remote working showed a new way of living and for some, this was a game-changer!

Why pay expensive rent and live in a busy city when you could log in remotely from a larger and less-expensive home further away? Not only that, but life without a commute is enough to make some never turn up to the office ever again!

We’re seeing more and more families push for a remote job position, letting them spend more time with their families and less time working away in the office. This has consequently caused an increase in home sales in areas further afield and a large number of workers fleeing from London.

Moving To Plymouth And West Devon

Plymouth is an increasingly popular area to move to, especially for young families and young professionals. With a bustling urban area, natural beauty, and an abundance of high-quality amenities, Plymouth has all you need to thrive in your personal and professional life. Plymouth house prices are still more affordable than similar properties in London and the Southeast.

Trends are showing that as many move away from the cities, coastal areas like Plymouth are becoming more popular than ever before. Plymouth was recently dubbed “Britain’s Ocean City”, so if you’re considering moving to a coastal location this could be your new home. This maritime city has impressive academic establishments, global connections, and a wealth of businesses like no other. You can also find exciting recreational activities like the aquarium, cafés, and the Plymouth Gin distillery – great options for family time and fun for grown-ups too.

And if you need to get to a meeting in London, you’re there by train in just over three hours.

Are you ready to experience an exciting city with additional ocean beauty?

Looking Ahead To 2022

As we get closer to 2022, it doesn’t look like the work from home mandates are going anywhere soon. With a new online professional culture growing, we expect more and more families to leave their capital city homes and move to different areas of the country. Why commute every day when you can log onto your laptop in your own home?

Are you looking to move to Plymouth? Let us help you find your new property. Explore our expert buying services here and find out more about Plymouth house prices.

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The Perks of Living By The Plymouth Waterfront

Aerial view of Plymouth's waterfront

Plymouth is getting more and more popular every year. But, why are so many families choosing to relocate to this city?

With seaside views, urban life, and excellent amenities, Plymouth offers residents all they need to live a comfortable life. It may be a smaller city than others in the UK, but Plymouth is full of charm and friendly people. Not only that but it has excellent transport links too.

One of the most popular areas of the city is the bustling waterfront area. This coastal spot is a favourite for locals and tourists alike! This area has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and lots of charm too, so it’s no surprise houses nearby get sold quickly!

Keep on reading to explore why the Plymouth waterfront area is so popular.

Urban life meets the seaside

The waterfront area is extremely popular for those that love the historical charm and the quaint British seaside feel. With a mix of historic buildings and modern developments, the waterfront feels different to other English cities. Plymouth offers a sophisticated take on the traditional seaside down, resulting in it being dubbed the “Ocean City”.

This waterfront area boasts a range of cafes, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs too. If you need exciting hospitality amenities in your life, the Plymouth docks area is perfect for you. A wide range of cuisines and businesses are found here, giving you an urban feel in a different setting.

Plymouth also boasts two universities, plus the Plymouth College of Art. These highly ranked schools add an extra buzz to the area, whilst bringing in more tourism and an emerging arts scene too.

The best area in England to invest in

As many of us look at alternative areas to live in, Swann Security has created a list of the best areas in England to invest in property. This list is curated from data including property prices, crime rates, people’s relationships with their neighbours, and more. The city at the top of this list was none other than Plymouth!

In the list, Plymouth was named the best overall city to live in and invest in, as well as the city with the highest number of residents that have a good relationship with their neighbours, too. The investigation also found that the city has an average price for a 3-bed at £185,000 and a low crime rate too. There’s no surprise that many are moving away from bustling megacities when you can have it all in an area like Plymouth.

The Swann Security lift featured Belfast in second place with an average house price of £164,000 and Cardiff came in third place with an average house price of £225,000. When inner-city rents are sky-high, there’s no surprise that families are looking for quieter cities to raise children in. 

Natural beauty at your fingertips

While the proximity to great nightlife and academic institutions always puts central Plymouth properties on the map, one of the main reasons these homes get snapped up so quickly is for their great views. A range of these waterfront-based homes offers a sea view, something you just can’t find in other cities!

Plymouth is surrounded by beaches, coves, and other areas of natural beauty, however, nothing beats watching the sunset over the water from your bedroom window.

Interested in Plymouth?

Plymouth is a unique city with a completely different atmosphere to other cities in the UK. If you’re interested in experiencing a new pace of life in Britain’s Ocean City, make sure you contact us to find out more about our Plymouth-based real estate services.

Are you looking to move to Plymouth? Let us help you find your new property. Explore our expert buying services here.

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Welcome To Saltash: Introducing Pilkington Estates’ Newest Office

Saltash view from river

We’re excited to announce the opening of our new Saltash office! The new Pilkington Estates office is located in the heart of Saltash, just across from the Tamar bridge. Our team is excited to be working in this area, and we can’t wait to help you find your dream home by the Cornwall border.

Are you interested in a property in the Saltash area? Keep reading to find out more about the “Gateway to Cornwall”!

A Rich History

When you arrive in Saltash you’re greeted by the Royal Albert Bridge. This impressive landmark was completed in 1859 and adds some historic character to the coastal area. You can also find the impressive 11th century Tremonton Castle which looks over the valley, a must-visit for anyone who loves architecture and history.

When you move to Saltash you’re living in the beauty of the past. The market town was established in the 12th century by the lord of Trematon and the town has been a popular residential town ever since. Residents and visitors can learn more about the town’s impressive history in the Saltash Museum and the Local History Centre too.

Modern Elements

While Saltash has an impressive historical presence, it also features a diverse range of restaurants, hotels, and businesses too. Saltash sees a lot of tourism in the summer months and the town has accommodation and shops to make sure the local population has everything they need.

If you want exciting nightlife, Plymouth is just across the river and you can also visit the nearby resorts of Polperro and Looe. This is ideal for anyone who likes to dine out and enjoy drinks as hospitality is only a short journey away.

Everything You Need

Alongside exciting bars, restaurants, and historic sites, Saltash offers necessities like a hospital, a leisure centre and transport links. Saltash railway station is managed by the Great Western Railway and can take you to London Paddington if you make a quick change at Bristol Temple Meads. You can also find an extensive range of bus routes within the Saltash area too.

If you’re looking to raise a family in the Saltash area, there are a range of schools including St Stephens Community Primary School and the Brunel Primary school which are all within walking distance of the centre of the town. For higher education, you have access to the Saltash Net Community School and the Cornwall College Saltash.

Saltash is a popular residential area, offering high-quality amenities and natural beauty too. Other facilities in Saltash include a range of dentists, banks, gyms, post offices, and even a golf course. Everything you need to live a comfortable life is available in this gorgeous coastal town!

Contact Pilkington Estates To Start Your Moving Process

If you’re ready to start your moving process, don’t hesitate to contact our expert team today. With premium property marketing and exclusive listings, we’re here to make the buying and selling process stress-free. You can also visit us in person in our new Saltash office too! Are you ready to move? Contact us here to learn more about our buying.

Located in Keast Mews behind Fore Street in Saltash, this branch will be there for our neighbours over the bridge. To celebrate the opening, for a limited time we will be welcoming back our £500 referral scheme for Cornwall. Do you know someone looking to sell or already trying to sell a property in Cornwall? Recommend them to us and earn yourself a £500 referral fee when we successfully complete on selling their property.

Please contact us on 01752 982773

Pilkington estates office
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Horror stories of real estate and how to avoid them

Spooky looking house

Have you ever wondered about haunted houses or scary sales? Buying and selling houses can be stressful, and sometimes horror stories occur in the real estate industry too!

Of course, Pilkington Estates makes sure nothing scary happens when you engage them, but to celebrate Halloween we’re focusing on some real estate spooky stories that you want to avoid! These scenarios are very rare and haven’t happened in our experience, but they make entertaining stories for the Halloween season!

Keep reading to give yourself a good scare.

The horror of selling

While these stores may make your skin crawl, remember that they’re only ghost stories and this doesn’t happen in Plymouth! When you work with the team at Pilkington Estates you’re always in safe hands.

Skeleton Home

When you’re selling your home you want to keep it as presentable as possible to attract new buyers, this includes making sure there aren’t any rodents or pests in the house! 

A common story on real estate blogs explains how one Pennsylvanian resident moved homes but was greeted with a scary surprise once settled in. When new resident Liz Spikol was in her new home, she realized there was blue dust falling from the ceiling. After some investigation, Liz had to open her ceilings and found they were full of dead mice, skeletons, and blue powder to poison them! 

Let this be a warning to be thorough when cleaning your house and always investigate a home before moving in. 

Hidden In The Walls

Imagine moving into a new home, and finding a large snake in the crawl space. Well, that’s exactly what happened during a home inspection in the U.S. Philadelphia agents found a whopping 4.5 metres boa constrictor hidden in a house that was for sale. It’s safe to say this additional feature was not listed in the property marketing!

Some may call this situation a free pet adoption, however, it’s a nightmare for others. Watch out for anything that goes “slither” in the night!

A Little Haunting

Another U.S real estate horror story involves a resident listing that his home is “slightly haunted”, and you can expect knocking, footsteps, and occasional screams when living there. Of course, this listing went viral and paranormal experts worldwide wanted to visit. 

Disappointingly, it turns out the home wasn’t haunted, but his honest listing and the increased interest in the house prove a few ghosts don’t scare buyers off! Always check with your real estate agent before you start telling buyers your house is haunted though. 

Quiet Neighbours  

Some agents like to promote their properties by adding information about the neighbours as this gives buyers a good idea of the area. However, if you ever see “quiet neighbours” on a house listing, make sure you double-check the location as in the past agents have used this to describe graveyards!

While this isn’t a false description, it’s good to be open about your property’s location. Some view this as good humour. Whereas some clients may be put-off by this take on professional property marketing. Either way, always check where your potential new home is located! 

Selling your home doesn’t have to be scary

For some, selling can be a stressful situation, however, it doesn’t have to be this way. With our team’s expert professional property marketing skills and experience in the industry, we can guide you through the selling process with ease. Buying and selling with Pilkington Estates is never scary! 


To learn more about our services, visit our FAQ page here.

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How technology is taking the property market by storm

Photo drone in flight

As time goes on, technology gets more and more impressive. New tech is popping up in every industry, and this includes real estate too. But, is technology making it easier to sell?

We’ve investigated the effect new technology is having on the property market and high-quality real estate marketing so you don’t have to! Find out how the increase in technology is helping sellers with their Plymouth house marketing in this article.

Read on to find out more!

Continue reading How technology is taking the property market by storm
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I want to sell my house in Plymouth: What can I do to achieve the highest possible price?

Achieving a high price for your home may sound daunting, but here at Pilkington Estates, we know the best ways to get a great asking price and the most important steps to focus on when selling. So, if you’re wondering “How do I sell my house in Plymouth?” read on, we have some helpful tips for you!

What’s the housing market like in Plymouth?

The general trend for house prices in Plymouth has been a constant rise over the last ten years. The cost of an average home has gone from approximately £138,000 in 2011 to around £194,000 in early 2021. This 40% means that first-time buyers were paying around £171,000 in January 2021, while people who previously owned occupied houses paid an average of £214,000.

Plymouth’s property prices vary based on their location. For example, seaview properties are always in demand, but recent trends show areas in the north and around the PL6 postcode (as well as Peverell and St. Jude) are also very popular. The amount of residential property in Plymouth has remained stable, on average 32 new builds appear per year over the past decade – this means demand remains high.

Present your property well

When selling your home, promotion is key, but so is presentation! A good estate agent will be on hand to guide you through this process. They’ll also be able to tailor your house to what buyers in the local area want. Make sure to follow the agent’s specific tips on presenting your property in the interior and exterior for the best chance at getting a high price.

Here at Pilkington Estates we know what buyers in the Plymouth area want, and we know the best ways to market your property. From high-quality photography, videography and even interior and exterior drone shots, our team is on hand to capture your home at its best.

Get rid of clutter!

It’s true that removing clutter can optimize your space and can make it look larger and clearer. Creating space can increase the value of your property and can result in a higher sale price. Some experts suggest extending your home or even doing a loft conversion, if sellers have the time and funds. However, if you aren’t able to do this, it’s important to maximise the amount of space you have in your property.

When decluttering, remove any unnecessary items and go through the property room by room to analyse what can go. Offering a clear home to potential buyers will help them visualise the space and will often raise the price.

Be a proactive promoter

Getting your listing out there for potential buyers to see is important. The more people know about your house, the higher the chance of finding a buyer. Use your family, friends and social media to market your home. Also, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the local market to know what potential buyers want from your home.

At Pilkington Estates, we offer a social media package to help promote your home. Our Facebook page has over 6,800 followers and our Instagram has nearly 1000 followers too, giving us an impressive reach in the local Plymouth area. The social media packages we offer help promote your property to get a higher sale price. The package is managed by social media specialists to ensure that every property is presented to the highest standard.

Review how helpful you can be

This tip is an essential one, but not every homeowner likes to hear it. When selling your home and making it look as good as possible, evaluate how helpful you’re being, or if a professional should be hired to help. This applies to last minute DIY work to help the house sell, often we want to get the house all patched up before making a sale, but if you’re not an expert in these fixes it’s best to let an expert help.

The Takeaway

There’s no one guide to selling a house that will fit every property, however, when going for the highest price possible make sure to follow these tips to catch the attention of local buyers.

If you’re looking to sell your property in the Plymouth area, contact us here to get involved with our services.

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Reduced stamp duty for house buyers until the end of September

The stamp duty holiday is over, but you still don’t have to pay stamp duty for the first £250,000 of the house price before 1 October. Since 1 July, buyers have to pay stamp duty again for any part of the purchase price above this threshold. Here’s what’s happening to stamp duty and how to find a stamp duty calculator.

What are the changes happening on October 1st?

Until October 1st 2021 stamp duty will be at the following rates:

£0-£250,000: 0%

£250,001-£925,000:  5%

£925,001-£1,500,000: 10%

£1,500,000 and more:  12%

On the 1st of October, this is when they are due to go back to normal.

£0-£125,000: 0%

£125,001-£250,000: 2%

£250,001-£925,000: 9%

£1,500,000 and more: 12%

If you want to know how much you’ll have to pay, visit our Stamp Duty Land Tax calculator. This stamp duty calculator is an accurate way to calculate stamp duty on any potential properties.

Why was there a stamp duty holiday?

The stamp duty holiday was started in July 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tax holiday was to help boost the property market and to help buyers whose finances were affected by Covid, since there was a potential saving of up to £15,000 on buying a home.

It wasn’t just for buyers though, landlords and second-home buyers were also able to take advantage of the tax holiday. However, these groups still had to pay an extra 3% of stamp duty that they were charged under the initial rules.

Has this holiday caused house prices to go up?

It’s safe to say that the stamp duty holiday has stimulated the housing market. Statistics show that UK house prices have increased 13.4% in the year to June – the fastest pace seen since November 2004. It was also reported that estate agents saw an increase of interest in March, as sellers and buyers wanted to catch the deal before it was scheduled to finish. This increase in interest saw the tax holiday extended up until July the 1st.

Other reasons house prices have been increasing are low supply, the race for space, accidental savings and low interest rates. 

Is there any other help for first time buyers?

First-time buyers will not have to pay any stamp duty on property purchases of up to £300,000 from July in a policy designed to help more first-time buyers to secure a home. A new government guarantee scheme is also seeing high street lenders starting to offer mortgages to borrowers with a deposit of just 5%.

This new scheme is available to any buyers purchasing a home of up to £600,000 unless it is a second home, a buy-to-let property or (in some cases) a new build.

Stamp duty may be coming back on July 1st, but you can still take advantage of the lower rates until October 1st.

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The 10 Best Coastal Properties for Sale in Plymouth

Are you drawn to coastal life? Has the sea always been your favourite place to visit? Would a sea view complete your dream home? Look no further, we’ve rounded up the 10 best properties for sale in Plymouth that are situated near the shore. Properties for sale in Plymouth with sea views are like gold dust, so make sure to catch one now!

Citadel Road, Plymouth

Located a short walk away from the coast, this 1 bed flat for sale in central Plymouth is a great option for those who love the sea. This is an ideal property for anyone who loves the historic Plymouth waterfront and wants a modern finish in their home.

Westlight Way, Plymouth

Only 1.5 miles away from the Barbican landing stage and the Plymouth Mount Batten Ferry Landing, this three-bedroom home is perfect for those who want space by the coast. This family home also gets an abundance of natural light daily, keeping life by the sea bright and sunny.

Fegen Road, Plymouth

Situated next to Kiln Bay, this second floor flat boasts two double bedrooms and a fresh family bathroom. The apartment also has a well-looked after communal garden area that connects to the estuary, perfect for anyone wanting to live by the water.

Essa Road, Saltash

With five bedrooms, three bathrooms and one reception this terraced house is perfect for any growing family. Built in 1888 and currently undergoing a full refurbishment, this property is being elegantly re-designed for the modern family’s needs. This property is only 0.5 miles away from the waterfront, allowing sea lovers to visit the front daily. Not only that, but Saltash station is 0.3 miles too.

Coltness Road, Plymouth

Though more inland than other properties on this list, this six-bed detached house is still great for those who want to move to the coast. Only 2.6 miles from Plymouth Mount Batten Ferry Landing and 2.8 miles from Newton Ferrers Ferry Landing, the sea is easily accessible whilst also giving you the benefit of being near Polston Park.

Stillman Street, Plymouth

Situated right near the iconic Plymouth waterfront, this two-bedroom flat is perfect for those that love the coast and the inner city bustle. This flat is also 0.3 miles from the Plymouth (Barbican) landing stage and 0.6 miles from Plymouth Mount Batten Ferry Landing. This home also comes with an allocated parking space and easy access to public transport in the Plymouth area.

Stenlake Terrace, Plymouth

This double bedroom family home is a great option for those settling down in the Plymouth area. Situated next to Riverview Plym, this home is only a mile away from Ferry landing stages and the coast. The home is also a short walk from local schools and amenities in the area, leaving you connected to the local community.

North Road East, Plymouth

Located in the city centre, this six-bed end terraced house is a turn of the century property that’s been reconfigured for modern needs. It now offers three two-bed apartments while still holding the original features throughout. This property is located by the University of Plymouth, but is less than a mile away from the sea! A great space for students to enjoy the coast.

Shaugh Prior, Plymouth

If you want a combination of rural living and the sea, this property in Shaugh Prior is a great option. Only a six-mile drive from Plymouth, the sea view is easily accessible from home here. While coastal life can be embraced, this luxury property also can offer a quiet time too. With five bedrooms and a detached style, this is a perfect option for a growing family.

Plymouth Road, Plymouth

This three-bedroom semi-detached house is another great family home available by the coast. With one bathroom and two receptions, this option has space for children. Only 3.1 miles away from the Plymouth station and Plymouth (Barbican) Landing Stage, the sea is easily accessible for those who want coastal life.

If any of these coastal properties interest you, or you want to find a sea view home in Plymouth, contact us here at Pilkington Estates.

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First-time buyers in Plymouth could get up to 50% off

The government’s First Homes initiative will enable first-time buyers in England to apply for discounts of up to 50% on a new-build property. This could give keen buyers discounts of up to £100,000, but the scheme has also caused property experts to predict a “scramble”. Demand for the new “cut-price” homes is expected to exceed supply, and possibly even adding more fuel to the house price boom.

This is great news for any first-time buyers in Plymouth, allowing younger buyers to get on the property ladder whilst staying in their local areas. New build homes in Plymouth could be bought at lower prices if applications to the First Homes scheme are accepted, exciting news for anyone in the market for their first home.

Here to benefit communities and first-time buyers

The scheme is aimed at any first-time buyers in the location where the properties are built. Many of these locals are expected to be key workers, like NHS staff and other frontline workers (e.g., delivery drivers and supermarket staff). The First Homes scheme aims to get young buyers onto the property ladder through homes discounted at least 30% of the true market price. Some local authorities will be able to give a Karger discount (of about 40% to 50%), however, this will only be done “if they can demonstrate a need for this.”

This initial price cut will benefit communities in the long term, as the discounted price will be passed on with the next sale of the property to more future first-time buyers. This will mean the chosen homes will always be sold below market value, allowing the scheme to benefit “local communities, key workers, and families for generations to come.” The goal is to support local people who struggle to find affordable market prices in their area. Instead of moving away, these first-time buyers are now able to stay in their communities.

Bringing ownership back

Due to years of house prices rising, many younger buyers have put homeownership out of their minds. The current housing boom, fed by stamp duty tax breaks, has caused double-digit annual price growth and subsequently leaving more first-time buyers left behind. Applicants who can afford to buy a First Home without a mortgage will not be eligible, the government is making sure the homes go to local communities and don’t get bought up as investments.

The First Homes initiative is targeted at first-time buyers only, if a household has a combined annual income of £80,000 (or more than £90,000 in Greater London), applicants won’t be accepted. Some local councils will be able to set some of their requirements, these could be prioritizing key workers or locals. 

Price caps will also be enforced, this means that after the discount has been applied, the buyer won’t be required to pay more than £250,000 (or £420,000 in Greater London). Councils will be able to make the case for imposing lower price caps in individual circumstances, however.

Friday the 4th of June saw the initial First Homes properties on the market in the opening phase. These were situated in Bolsover, Derbyshire. More homes will be available to first-time buyers through the scheme as time passes. A further 1,500 homes are expected to come on the market in the autumn, and then another goal is to have “at least 10,000 homes a year being delivered in the years ahead, and more if there is demand”.

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick stated, “First Homes will offer a realistic and affordable route into homeownership for even more people who want to own their own home.”

Looking for a new home in Plymouth? Let us know your thoughts on the new First Home initiative!