Around £1.2 million exchanges hands in 30 minutes at All Wales Auction:
16th July 2010
A packed auction room at Llanfairpwll yesterday witnessed the latest successful auction for the All Wales Auction - The Property People with 11 lots selling, raising around £1,200,000 at an average price of £180,363
This was the first of two auction days in July for the All Wales team - a partnership between Williams & Goodwin The Property People in North Wales and Peter Alan Estate Agents in South Wales.
Of particular interest were three lots being sold by the Isle Of Anglesey Local Authority that well exceeded their guide prices by around 30%. Holyhead again proved a popular location for investors with one of the lots selling 40% more than the guide price.
An excited buyer commented
"The room was electrifying, an amazing experience, we just couldn't wait for the auctioneer to knock the hammer down, but he kept holding on for more and we were absolutely delighted to have secured this property"
All Wales Auctioneer, Melfyn N Williams added:
"All in all a superb result for the ALL WALES AUCTION team and proof that the housing market is still active, particularly if the process is conducted well. Selling by auction is a specialist method that needs a dedicated experienced team to ensure the right results are achieved on the day. We are delighted with the feedback we have received from the 200 or so people in the room, the auction was buzzing and we now look forward to the Cardiff sale then our next sale in North Wales in 10 weeks"
The second day of the July auction will be on Tuesday at the Village Hotel in Cardiff 5pm.
Anyone wishing to sell by auction should contact the award winning All Wales Auction team on 0845 087 11 11 or view www.allwalesauction.com
Press Release:
21st May 2010
See the light, one off opportunity to buy this unique cluster of three properties, a working lighthouse and circa. 17 acres of land - all overlook the sea.
Williams & Goodwin The Property People will offer for sale at the next All Wales Auction this fantastic Freehold waterfront property offering the main residence with two holiday cottages and the freehold of the lighthouse.
The properties lie within a castle style boundary on the headland to the northern coast of the
Isle Of Anglesey overlooking the sea with breathtaking views. Surrounding the dwellings and lighthouse is the headland extending to 17 acres or thereabouts.
To be sold as one lot on the 15th July 2010 (unless sold prior) the land, lighthouse and three properties collectively seek a price guide of £1,200,000 to £1,500,000. Any interested bidders should refer to the full auction catalogue incorporating the terms and conditions of sale.
All Wales Auctioneer, Melfyn N Williams commented:
"This is your chance to acquire a special property to be proud of and enjoy. It's a superb location, offers accommodation that has the cottages & working lighthouse providing an income and has plans to further develop and when you consider the whole, the price should appear competitive and realistic - all in all this could be the dream home you've been looking for"
Further information available from The Auctioneers of Wales - All Wales Auction & The Property People:
0845 087 11 11 or 01248 751000
www.tppuk.com or www.allwalesauction.com
Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd AWARDED GUILD STATUS
22nd April 2010
Award winning estate agents Williams & Goodwin is proud to announce that is has been awarded Membership of the prestigious Guild of Professional Estate Agents.
The Guild is a nationwide network of over 400 leading estate agents, all dedicated to maintaining the very highest standards of professionalism and customer service. Guild Membership is traditionally only granted to one agent in a given area.
This award means that Williams & Goodwin has been judged to have met or exceeded the Guild's exacting Membership criteria, and in recognition of this achievement has been selected as its sole representative in Anglesey and Gwynedd.
"We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen to represent The Guild in Anglesey and Gwynedd," said Melfyn N Williams of Williams & Goodwin. "It is a tribute to all the hard work and investment in building our reputation for high quality professional service, and follows the recognition of being awarded the Sunday Times Best Welsh Estate Agents and the Daily Mail Best UK Estate Agents last November. This further underlines our position as the leading estate agent in the area."
Speaking on behalf of The Guild, CEO Marcus Whewell said, "We are delighted to welcome Williams & Goodwin into the Guild as our new representatives in Anglesey & Gwynedd. Their excellent reputation and focus on outstanding service mean that they will be an important and valued asset to the network."
However, Guild Membership is more than just a badge of quality and professionalism, Melfyn Williams emphasised. "Belonging to the UK's leading network of independent estate agents is also great news for our clients! For local homeowners looking to sell, instructing us as a Guild agent means outstanding and innovative marketing, and also access to the widest possible pool of buyers - not just in Anglesey & Gwynedd, but across the whole country. And more buyers mean the best price for your home!"
The Guild makes available to its members a unique portfolio of marketing services, including:
. A range of high quality, full-colour leaflets, brochures and other sales materials
. An exclusive regular Property Magazine, distributed nationwide through The Guild network.
. Internet marketing to a worldwide audience via The Guild's own highly rated property website, www.guildproperty.co.uk.
. An countrywide referral network, linking Guild Members together with hundreds of other agents across the country and generating thousands of enquiries every year.
. Guild Intelligence: up-to-date local market information to drive its sales and marketing activities
. Guild Connect: a relationship management system providing access to additional income streams through conveyancing, HIPs and related services.
. Direct, high profile access to the important and lucrative international and investment market through The Guild's National Property Centre, located in London's world-renowned Park Lane.
With all these advantages, the firm is keen to develop further and enhance its offer and local reputation. "Estate agency is all about property people," said Melfyn Williams, "which is why we remain committed to the principles of good old-fashioned personal service that has always been our trademark."
With the expert market knowledge and traditional customer service you expect from a leading local firm, plus unrivalled nationwide marketing power, Williams & Goodwin and The Guild really are a powerful, winning combination!
End
For further press information, please contact:
Melfyn N Williams, Williams & Goodwin 01248 751000
Marcus Whewell, The Guild of Professional Estate Agents 01223 443900
TOP ESTATE/LETTING AGENTS IN THE UK ANNOUNCED
11th March 2010
Williams & Goodwin The Property People has been shortlisted as a TOP 10 Estate Agent
in the WALES Region of the Estate & Letting Agent Awards
sponsored by RICS, EAT & HomeLet
The Estate & Letting Agent Awards, the largest and longest running awards in the estate/letting agent industry have announced their shortlist for 2010. Known in the trade as The Estas, the competition determines the best estate/letting agents in the country through research carried out amongst customers who are asked a series of questions about the service they have received from their agent. Over 60,000 questionnaires were sent out to customers during the competition. The regional categories are Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, North East & North West, Yorkshire & Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South West, Southern, South East and London.
The only estate agents from Anglesey & Gwynedd area to be shortlisted in the Wales region are Williams & Goodwin The Property People as a TOP 10 estate/letting agent.
This is an amazing 4th year in succession that
Williams & Goodwin have been shortlisted having won the top GOLD award in both 2007 and last year, 2009.
The top three estate/letting agents for each region, as well as the national Grand Prix awards, will announced by Phil Spencer from Channel 4's Location, Location at a lavish ceremony in London on 15th April. Phil said, "We must all together drive standards higher, raising the bar in terms of the quality of advice we offer and the level of customer service we deliver and the Estate & Letting Agent Awards help to do just that!" He adds, "It's fantastic to see agents getting the credit they deserve after all the negative press they receive".
Other Quotes;
David Dalby, Residential Director at Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, who support the awards said "This is the fifth year that RICS have been involved with the Estas, which we support because, unlike others, the results are based solely on customer satisfaction rather than the opinions of a judging panel. To win an Estate or Letting Agent of the Year Award, an agency has to demonstrate a consistently high level of service and, to achieve this, will be ensuring that staff follow standards of efficiency, good communication and transparency that differentiate the exceptional agent from the ordinary one."
Nat Daniels, Publisher of Estate Agent Today, the leading trade website in the industry said "These are the only awards that really matter, because they are judged by the only people who really count - the public. Any agent looking to build reputation can do no better than to take part in this scheme."
John Boyle, Managing Director of HomeLet who sponsor the awards said "We're delighted to be associated with the Estas. The number of innovative agents driving improved customer service is undoubtedly increasing each year and the competition gets fiercer. It's a real honour for everyone who has been shortlisted, not just because of the competition they face, but because the awards are judged by customers who've experienced their service first hand.'
The Awards are organised by Awards for Business Ltd. www.estateagentoftheyearawards.com
For more information contact Awards For Business on 01892 610245 or 01892 610398.
A Message from Our Mayfair Office
11th January 2010
Central London Leads Market Recovery
Since the beginning of 2009 the Central London property market has confounded just about every one involved with it. The weak pound has attracted overseas buyers who have been absent for some years. Buyers from France and Italy have been particularly notable.
But buyers are being choosy. Locations such as Mayfair, Belgravia and Knightsbridge have been especially popular but only the best property examples are generating special interest. Condition is very important, as is interior finish. Good is no longer good enough. Exceptional finish is now the accepted norm if a house or flat is going to get top price. This is the international effect: expectations are high and this is certainly having an influence on how London home-owners modernise and improve their homes.
Well-appointed properties in the best locations should continue to sell well - in many cases at 2007 levels. This activity in prime Central London will, no doubt, ripple out most quickly to the South East, central south coast and prime centres, such as Oxford, Cambridge, Winchester, Bath and York.
Whilst the stock of property for sale remains extremely limited prices will be forced upwards. But this could change rapidly in the New Year if people are encouraged to come to the market through rising prices - thus reversing the trend and creating a second dip in property values.
However if the supply of property remains relatively low because of continued rock bottom interest rates and the fear of rising unemployment, there is unlikely to be a repeat of the bargain prices of late 2008/early 2009. Also, any weakening of the pound against the dollar or euro will see further interest from abroad that will positively affect supply and demand for house sellers.
The general election may also have an influence on the market. The government will want to do its utmost to improve the public mood, and we can expect that there will be further pressure on the banks to increase the residential lending necessary to stimulate the housing market.
Central and southwest London are expected to lead the way in the house-price recovery into 2010. With low levels of stock and growing confidence and demand, buyers will be forced to broaden their search to find value. Areas that have been lagging in the recovery will benefit from this effect and there will be a direct impact on prices as family movers push up house prices in metropolitan suburbs and major towns. City centres, burdened with an over supply of flats, will take longer to recover but as the buy-to-let market gathers pace these areas will also begin to show signs of improvement.
All Wales Auction Success at Daily Post Awards 2009
17th December 2009
The North & South Wales partnership between Williams & Goodwin The Property People and Peter Alan Estate Agents this year appears to have created an excellent recipe for success that has been recognised with the brand, created in January this year being awarded the Best New Business Start Up award at the Achievement Wales Daily Post Awards held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno recently.
Offering a National property auction for Wales, the team have bucked the trend with their last sale in South Wales selling all the properties creating an enviable 100% success rate. (Wales average 68% last quarter - figures from Ei Group)
Peter Roberts (centre in photo) the coordinator of the North Wales Region commented
"We trust we have now firmly established The All Wales Auction has THE national property auction centre of Wales and would be delighted if anyone considering selling by auction would give us an opportunity to discuss their requirements"
For further information contact
North Wales 0845 087 11 11 or South Wales 0800 905 905
Photo L to R
All Wales Auctioneer Melfyn N Williams; Peter Roberts and Ieuan Wyn Jones who presented the award.
7 year Old Auctioneer knocks down his first sale
13th December 2009
Just for info - from a proud Dad!
It was an evening to celebrate the life of Eisteddfod blue ribbon singer Aeron Gwyn who unfortunately past away this year at the age of 31.
Midway through the memorial concert, a small auction of prints by the famous Welsh artist William Selwyn was held to assist in the fund raising . The auction was conducted by Melfyn Williams of All Wales Auction ably assisted for the first time by his son, Joe - aged 7.
Joe, brought the gavel down on the last lot of the evening, which was his first ever lot @ £200
The Balloon Goes Up
2nd November 2009
Melfyn N Williams of Williams & Goodwin looks into the options presented by the property market this autumn.
In the same month that a helium balloon in Colorado made its famous flight - without its supposed young passenger - the balloon also went up in the UK regarding mortgage lending, not that this generated quite so much global publicity. The news that the Financial Services Authority was to hold banks and other mortgage lenders responsible for their conduct in providing funds for house buyers was, however, met at the same time with both partial agreement and sharp criticism.
Some were pleased that no one would now be able to borrow beyond their means. Others were anxious that this would be yet another factor to help stall the market - along with VAT going up, the Stamp Duty holiday coming to an end, the general election next year and a new taste for austerity that might deter buyers from moving up market.
Some commentators predicted that the market would go into the dreaded double dip and there were even those that predicted Armageddon - especially, like the builders of the Colorado balloon, those that wanted to seek some extra publicity for themselves.
The reality will probably be less headline-making. All the above factors may have a slowing effect on the market. There may be less choice in some areas and this could keep prices artificially high. But even the most pessimistic headline grabber must agree that the market shouldn't return to its position of last year. The factor that the doomsayers always seem to neglect is human nature. We are an ambitious species and those in our islands are an ambitious people. We like to better ourselves. We like to invest for the future and, if possible, for our children's future.
As for the FSA, not to agree that some sort of onus should be put on the banks to lend in a responsible manner rather suggests that they should act irresponsibly. It was irresponsible banks with irresponsible lending policies that partly got us into all this financial mess in the first place. As the banks seem to have forgotten how to demonstrate fiscal responsibility it must surely then be up to others to ensure they do.
Banks and building societies telling us what we could and couldn't borrow served us well for hundreds of years before the customers' financial wellbeing was overtaken by greed. That we return to those days of responsible banks and lending should be a comforting frustration for most house buyers, even if it does mean some may have to save a little longer and the steam will be taken out of the market for a while.
But the problem with this new regulation is that it may well go too far. It will make it harder for the self-employed to obtain a mortgage without established proof of earnings. This is unhelpful at a time when we should surely be encouraging brave new initiatives and entrepreneurs. Those with self-certification mortgages - which made up 10% of all mortgages agreed in 2007 - will find it harder to re-mortgage when their fixed terms come to an end. Perhaps just as importantly first time buyers will certainly have to jump through a great many more hoops to buy a property than those who bought over the past twenty years. Cold comfort that their parents may well have experienced the same difficulties, but they at least have had the advantage of seeing their bricks and mortar assets accumulate at an extraordinary rate - albeit with a couple of glitches on the way.
We are entering a new era of mortgage lending. It will take a while for things to settle down but one thing does seem certain: for those with the funds and the ambition investing in property is still one of the soundest investments we will make for ourselves and our families, and that is worth getting the balloons out for.
LOCAL FIRM SHORTLISTED AS FINALIST FOR THE PREMIER ESTATE AGENCY OF THE YEAR AWARDS
19th August 2009
Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd has been short listed in an amazing FIVE categories of The Negotiator Awards 2009, organised in association with The Digital Property Group, FindaProperty.com and Primelocation.com. In this UK wide awards Williams & Goodwin have been short listed as
* Best UK Residential Auctioneers
* Best Independent UK Estate Agents
* Best Independent UK Letting Agents
* Best UK Estate Agency Employers and,
* Best UK Estate Agency Leaders
The event is the premier nationwide estate agency awards scheme in the UK, and the trophies will be presented at a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in London's Park Lane on Wednesday 11 November.
Williams & Goodwin were short listed in 4 categories at the 2008 awards winning the Best UK Auctioneers title. So far this year, they have gone one better by being short listed in 5 categories. They will now have to wait to see if they scoop another award this year.
Clare Bettelley, The editor of The Negotiator, the leading magazine for the world of estate agency, said: "We've had a terrific response and Williams & Goodwin The Property People has done brilliantly to get shortlisted from such a huge field. Britain's estate agents are certainly having a tough time at the moment, but this is an industry awash with talent, entrepreneurialism and creativity, so we're delighted we're able to organise a ceremony to reward those firms that are delivering industry best practice".
The sponsors of the awards include The Digital Property Group, FindaProperty.com, Primelocation.com and the Fully Furnished Group.
For further information contact Melfyn N Williams on 07771 900 253
If you want to find out more about the Negotiator Awards go to
www.negotiator-magazine.co.uk/events/awards or contact Ted Stevens on 07860 336087.
Best Agents in Wales improve further with new recruit:
19th August 2009
Williams & Goodwin The Property People are proud to announce the arrival of Rhian Williams as an additional member of staff at their Llangefni Sales office.
Williams & Goodwin who this week were again short listed amongst the best in the UK for the Negotiator Awards to be held in London in November have demonstrated their commitment to providing the best possible service by ensuring that staffing levels are increased to meet demand.
Rhian is a local lady who is bilingual and has an excellent sales and service sector history.
Melfyn N Williams commented
"As the market has become tougher we have increased our staff levels to maximize every opportunity for our customers. It is exactly at times like these that agents need to do more to secure buyer interest for their customers. Rhian has already settled in well in the successful Llangefni team, she is well known in the area and should assist in our continued improvement in service."
Best Agent in Wales to provide FREE H.I.P.s
30th June 2009
(Home information packs)
Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd with offices in Bangor Llangefni and Holyhead are to offer Home Information Packs for FREE for a limited period between 1st July and 30th September 2009.
The local agents who scooped both Letting and Sales agents Best in Wales awards this April at the Estate Agents of the year awards in London, have been renowned for their marketing and keeping themselves ahead of the field.
With early signs showing that the market is turning again (one of the Williams & Goodwin offices is up 40% on sales agreed on the same period last year). Generally, most people are now accepting that we've hit the bottom and the market appears to be moving forward again.
Tim Goodwin, Director commented
"We seen a noticeable increase in activity selling far more that expected and require new stock of property to replace the ones we are selling"
Currently, The Property People market trends index shows that available property for sale in the North West Wales area is down by around 27%, demand is up and with many sellers now taking professional advice and pricing realistically, the sale agreed price is again being achieved closer to the asking price.
Melfyn N Williams added
"We are a pro active agency who have excelled in doing more to make it happen for our customers. We remain the highest advertiser in our area, have further developed our web site with ipod style downloads this month; and now bring this offer of FREE HIPs and a NO Sale No Fee policy"
These incentives coupled with the experience, qualifications and industry award endorsements consistently over the last 5 years must make Williams & Goodwin The Property People a serious consideration to anyone thinking of selling in their area.
Williams & Goodwin - doing more to make it happen for You!
For further information please book a market valuation with
Llangefni 01248 751000; Bangor 01248 355 333 or Holyhead 01407 760 500
Institute to go under the hammer
18th June 2009
With 28 lots on offer in the next All Wales Auction held by local auctioneers Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd bidders will have a wide range of choice in property types. Of particular interest to some will be the Institute building along the high street at Llangefni on Anglesey. With its imposing and interesting frontage this large building should offer many opportunities.
"If you fancy a small parcel of land, a terrace house to do up or even a country home then we have them all on offer at the next North & South Wales sale rooms" said All Wales Auctioneer
Melfyn N Williams
Other properties of note is the 20 acre site on the edge of Caernarfon, three properties in one at Capel Coch, and The Full Moon public House at Aberdare.
Catalogues are available for the 16th and 23rd July auctions from any Property People or Peter Alan office or on line at
www.allwalesauction.com
Full property details are also available on
www.tppuk.com and
www.peteralan.co.uk
Entries are now being invited to the September sales. With the Negotiator award of Best UK Residential Property Auctioneers no one is better placed to meet your needs.
For further information call
0845 087 11 11 (North Wales) or
0800 905 905 (South Wales)
Local Agents scoop both Gold honours at National Awards.
11th May 2009
Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd have won top honours in both Estate Agency and Letting categories at the prestigious 2009 Estate & Letting Agent Awards supported by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and sponsored by the Property Search Group (PSG), Globrix.com.
The results of the competition are determined by research carried out amongst customers who are asked a series of questions about the service they have received from their agent. Over 30,000 questionnaires were sent out to customers during the competition. The Gold awards were presented by Phil Spencer from Channel 4's Location, Location at a lavish ceremony in London on 8th April at the Marriott Hotel in Mayfair, London.
This is the third year in succession that Williams & Goodwin has scooped the highest marks in Wales for their letting agency at these awards and follows the companies success last year winning the UK title for their auctioneering service.
All Wales Auction Success!
8th May 2009
Following two excellent auctions, the All Wales auction team sold over £1,000,000 of property in fewer than 2 hours.
86% - twelve of the fourteen lots offered successfully sold between the North & South Wales sales held via Williams & Goodwin and Peter Alan, partners in the All Wales venture.
All Wales Auctioneer Melfyn N Williams commented:
"Not all auctions of properties in Wales are achieving this rate of success, so we are naturally delighted with our result. The All Wales Auction is increasing in both its success and popularity with every sale and we are now accepting entries into our July and autumn sales"
The Next All Wales Auction will be held in 10 weeks time on 16th and 23rd July in North and South Wales respectively.
Melfyn Williams has been conducting property auctions over the last 14 years and has consistently achieved excellent results for property owners. Since 2009, the new all Wales set up has increased the profile of the auction team and is believed to be the only auction house in Wales to offer local and national marketing with offices in both North & South Wales.
For more information visit
http://www.allwalesauction.com
Reasons To Be Cheerful - Parts One to Eight
5th May 2009
Melfyn N Williams of Williams & Goodwin The Property People takes a look at the property market as we look forward to the summer.
In the depths of depression it is often hard to find reasons to be cheerful - especially in the property market. Prices dropping, few selling, precious few buyers - all these factors combine to deflate enthusiasm and erode confidence.
But this is all part of an established pattern. Many of us will have been through these ups and downs before and are experienced enough to know that these recessions are cyclical and generally follow an eight-stage format.
The first stage is optimism, the period when people get excited about buying a home. When the market is so strong property increases quickly in value, and this heralds the second stage - fever pitch. Sadly it is this gold rush excitement that leads people to make rash and sometimes unwise decisions and it is these that lead to a downward cycle. At first nobody wants to believe that the bubble has burst and go to stage three, denial, not believing that their own property can lose value even when all others are.
Then comes fear, as prices continue to slide, followed by panic then stage six, resignation. Finally acceptance leads to hope and from hope we are back to optimism. And so the property market lifecycle is complete.
Right now we have gone through stages one to five. We are probably now hovering between resignation and acceptance. But this is not as bad as it may sound. It is actually a good moment. When the market is at fever pitch it is a time of minimum opportunity and maximum risk. Conversely when the market is between resignation and acceptance it is the time for minimum risk and maximum opportunity.
Early signs this year clearly show that wise investors, people with deposits and people cleaver enough to see the opportunities are now back buying. So now is clearly a time to think very positively indeed about buying a property. This is probably one of those periods in life that many people will look back on and say, 'I wish I had bought in 2009'! The strongest property market advice we can give is - don't be one of them.
Experience matters in this market, Melfyn Williams & Tim Goodwin have been advising clients through the 80's; 90's and 00's. If you are looking for sound advice from a team of experienced individuals then please contact Williams & Goodwin The Property People, recent winners of the 2009 Best Estate Agents in Wales and 2009 Best Letting Agents in Wales awards.
Confusion Reigns and April Showers
1st April 2009
Tim Goodwin of Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd takes a look at the property market over the first quarter of 2009 and discovers that, despite conflicting signals, there are sure signs of activity.
April is the month when it is foolhardy to forget one's umbrella. But despite the news that mortgage lending is now on the gentle increase, many of us still think that the real showers this April are the banks for grabbing all that money from the public purse, only to resist recycling it as mortgage funds in the public interest.
But is the downturn in the property market all down to the banks, and to the government for that matter?
John Maynard Keynes, the brilliant Edwardian economist argued that in times of impending recession governments should spend money to stimulate their economies - and even spend money they don't have! They should also urge the public to spend more. As our government seems to embrace this view we may soon know if Keynes was right. If he was, then we may also receive the answer to the question many house owners are anxiously asking: when will the property market turn for the better?
Of course Keynes had his detractors - most of them anxious to disprove the great man's theories. Winston Churchill famously said of Keynes, "If you put two economists in a room, you get two opinions, unless one of them is Lord Keynes, in which case you get three opinions."
But to be fair Keynes never saw this current market, although he did experience the Great Depression. He never had to grapple with financial institutions falling over themselves not to lend money despite the lowest interest rates ever. Nor did he need to ponder on the law of supply and demand in a property market which has precious little of either.
But we who have lived through such historic events are now much more optimistic. The signs this April are very clear. When the banks have once more slipped into the habit of lending and are urging their customers to borrow - and this is happening - the market will move forward. But canny buyers already know this, which is why property is beginning to move now. These buyers are aware that if they wait too long they will be too late and, in the middle-to-long term theirs will be a good investment.
The message is clear, sit this one out and the sitting could be costly. Get on and make the move into that first home, dream home, larger family home, etc. and you may yet, in this month of showers, be home and dry.
100 year old house on the market for the first time at next All Wales Auction
27th March 2009
Set about a mile or so from the long sandy beach of Rhosneigr is this imposing period property built by the parents of the current owner and believed to be on the market for the first time ever. The current owners are now down sizing, a testament they say, to how good the area is to live in, is that they are only moving next door.
"The property requires refurbishment work now, hence the realistic guide price of £250,000"
Says
Peter Roberts of Williams & Goodwin The Property People, North Wales coordinator of the All Wales Auction.
All in all 15 properties will be offered under the hammer in the spring All Wales Auction -
"A good mix of fine country property and town houses are available," added Peter
Melfyn N Williams All Wales Auctioneer commented
"Catalogues are now available on line at www.allwalesauction.com and on the Peter Alan and The Property People web sites (www.peteralan.co.uk or www.tppuk.com ). We have another excellent selection of affordable properties, ideal for perhaps the first time buyer, investor or indeed someone looking for a home"
Anyone wishing to sell or enquire, should contact the All Wales Auction team on
0845 087 11 11 North Wales or 0800 905 905 South Wales
Peter Passes Auction Exams
25th March 2009
Peter Roberts of Williams & Goodwin The Property People has this week passed the NAVA (The National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers) Technical Award in Auctioneering and will now be able to become a member of the Association.
Mr Roberts who is well known in the area being involved in sales for the last 35 years is based at the companies Llangefni office with one of his duties coordinating the North Wales area for the All Wales Auction.
Peter commented
"I'm pleased to have passed the industry exam in an area of our work I particularly enjoy and with a team of people all committed to succeed "
Melfyn N Williams All Wales Auctioneer commented
"We are naturally delighted that Peter has passed the qualification particularly with his 100% mark which he is too modest to say. At Williams & Goodwin we have always been committed to training and indeed make it a condition of employment for people in specialist areas to pass the relevant qualifications. Our success has proven that qualification plus experience is the perfect ingredients to deliver the best service to property people in our area."
Anyone wishing to sell or let should contact the All Wales Auction team on
0845 087 11 11
Estate Agency increases staff at Bangor
12th March 2009
Williams & Goodwin The Property People are proud to announce the arrival of Liz Lewis as an additionally member of staff for their Bangor office.
Williams & Goodwin who this week were again short listed amongst the best in the UK for the sales and letting service have demonstrated their commitment to providing the best possible service by ensuring that staffing levels are increased to meet demand.
Despite continued bad reports in the media, Williams & Goodwin have continued selling at a consistent level through the winter months.
Tim Goodwin commented
"We are delighted to have Liz join our team at Bangor who should assist in further improving the levels of service we offer from this office. Liz has an excellent sales background and is well known in the area. In February our sales were up by 30% on last year and our aim is to ensure this momentum is maintained into the spring market"
March Winds could set sails in direction of recovery:
11th March 2009
Melfyn N Williams of Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd takes a fresh look at the property market and suggests that all is not quite so depressed as many commentators would have us believe.
March is traditionally the month of high winds: and already there is some wind of change in the market. The recent half a point interest rate reduction presages another record low and is the sixth time that UK borrowing costs have fallen since October.
The recent announcement that Northern Rock will, once again, offer mortgages came as good news. However the caveat that this £14 billion lending spree - to be spread over the next two years - is not targeted at first time buyers, but will primarily serve to provide 'relatively small loans to unlock chains', came as a bit of a kick in the teeth to those wanting to climb onto the housing ladder. Surely it makes more sense to unfreeze the market by initially helping first time buyers and getting the market moving from the bottom rather than trying to kick start it in the middle. Nothing ever started in the middle.
Of course any measure to improve the supply of lending is good. But the aid should be targeted at where it will be most beneficial for everyone. It should also be introduced within a mix of other measures designed to take advantage of the market position we are in. A moratorium on Stamp Duty, key worker mortgages, the reintroduction of local authority housing and imaginative joint ownership schemes could all help to provide new, exciting and affordable homes for many that have been locked out of the market through spiraling prices over the past five years. If this group were helped the rest of the market would surely follow on. If they are not we will only increase our housing problems. On their own the Northern Rock mortgages will not be enough to help the housing market.
But it is a start: and perhaps, along with greater activity in the market, a sign that we are entering the first stage of recovery. Our offices are showing clear indications that there is a fresh wind this March and that it is blowing a certain amount of good. Enquires are up, particularly on properties correctly priced. Sales are happening as shrewd investors are now seizing opportunities. Perhaps not the green shoots of recovery yet, but the buds are there. Without doubt, hindsight will prove, given time, that 2009 will be the year to buy.
So, if you are thinking of selling, call one of our offices now at Bangor 01248 355 333; Llangefni 01248 75 1000 or Holyhead 01407 760 500
BEST ESTATE AGENTS IN THE UK ANNOUNCED
10th March 2009
Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd has again been short listed as one of the best estate agents in Wales and possibly UK at the Estate & Letting Agent Awards sponsored by PSG
The results of the competition are determined by research carried out amongst customers who are asked a series of questions about the service they have received from their agent. Over 30,000 questionnaires were sent out to customers during the competition. There were 14 Regional Categories - Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, North West, North East, Yorkshire & Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South West, Southern, South East and London.
The Gold & Silver awards will be presented by Phil Spencer from Channel 4's Location, Location at a lavish ceremony in London on 8th April at the Marriott Hotel in Mayfair, London.
Phil Spencer who presents the Awards said: "This is the 6th year of the Estate Agent and Letting Agent Awards and I've increasingly enjoyed being part of the celebrations on each occasion. It's fantastic to see agents getting the credit they deserve after all the negative press they receive. Throughout the property industry there is a constant need to improve customer service and these awards go along way to help agents focus on keeping clients happy. He adds "After all the most powerful marketing tool for Agents is word of mouth so customer satisfaction is key."
Tweedie Brown, Group Managing Director of PSG, the headline sponsor and one of the biggest HIPS providers in the UK adds: "On behalf of PSG I would like to congratulate all the agents in their quest to help raise standards through their ability to deliver excellent service to both customers buying and selling homes."
Daniel Lee, Chief Executive of Globrix, the online media sponsor said "Getting involved with the Estate Agent Awards was a natural fit for us. Our business model is centered around helping estate agents because unlike the legacy portals we do not charge agents to be included on our site. By working with agents large and small throughout the UK we have quickly built important partnerships, brand recognition and trust amongst the agent community and so our involvement with these awards was an obvious choice."
The Awards are organised by Awards for Business Ltd
www.estateagentoftheyearawards.com
For more information contact Awards For Business on 01892 610245 or 01892 610398.
House that could have been a £1 with a guide of £35,000 sells for £70,000
27th February 2009
A good result yesterday for Day 1 of the All Wales Auction in North Wales with The Property People Auctioneers selling a house without reserve at Bangor for a staggering £70,000 - double the price guide. The mid terrace house was been sold without a reserve price which technically meant that it could have been sold for a £1. Bidding was strong with several people battling to purchase the lot.
Other properties sold at the auction included a terrace house at Caernarfon selling just prior, an end of terrace house with a price guide of £55,000 selling for £77,000 and a property at Llaneilian on Anglesey selling at £112,000 amongst others. A couple of the remaining lots are now also in the course of receiving new interest.
All Wales Auctioneer Melfyn Williams commented
"Bidding for the Bangor property in particular was like being back in the boom days, competition was strong and the auction was again well attended, we now look forward to Day 2 on Tuesday next (2nd March) at the Copthorne Hotel Cardiff and the entries from Peter Alan Estate Agents"
Welsh property training launched by Minister
13th February 2009
A project to train 150 estate and letting agents has been officially launched by Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) Deputy Minister for Skills, John Griffiths AM. Under the scheme, property professionals will get half their course and exam fees paid for after Asset Skills secured funding as part of the WAG's Step Up Sector programme.
The industry-related qualifications they can take include the Technical Award Sale of Residential Property, Residential Letting and Property Management, run by the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP) awarding body.
Awards in Auctioneering and Commercial Property can also be studied by using WAG's Step Up Sector Funding. The Technical Awards are part of the Apprenticeship framework and are the qualifications of choice in the industry.
Speaking on behalf of NFoPP at the Cardiff event was past President Melfyn Williams of Williams & Goodwin The Property People, he stated
"... now is the time for property professionals to lead the industry and let Welsh Agents take advantage of this funding to create an industry where a qualified professional is available in all, not a few agents offices"
For further information please contact Gail Fleming on 01887 829171 or visit the Asset Skills website here for an online application.
Photo: left to right, Richard Beamish, John Griffiths AM, Deputy Minister for Skills and Melfyn Williams of the National Federation of Property Professionals
Feb 2009 Market Comment - Direct From The Front Line
5th February 2009
Tim Goodwin of Williams & Goodwin assesses the first few weeks of property market activity in 2009 and suggests that while the economic picture may be still grave, local market activity in the housing sector is far from moribund.
The shiny chrome pinball of bank failure still crashes around the machine, ringing up eye-watering losses as it goes.
But each piece of negative news makes one fewer bad headline in the future. This downturn will end, just as certainly as the Great Depression of the 1920s ended. Already, in 2009, there are signs of increased activity in the property market. These are not 'green shoots' - heaven forbid one should announce that just now! But there are signs that people who have to move are getting on with it. These signs also show that many sellers have brought their hot price expectations more into line with cold reality.
It is never easy for anyone to come to terms with a loss of some equity in their home - especially those who have never had to come to terms with this in the past. But before long the desire to move on in life overcomes even the most steadfast seller when faced with the proposition that getting on is better than holding on - especially when what they are holding on to might still be sinking. It's rather like asking comfortable passengers on the Titanic, before it hit the iceberg, if they would like to freeze in an over-laden lifeboat and then asking them again after the collision. Same question. Different answer.
We are living through a dramatic piece of economic history that will be mentioned as much in the future as the Great Depression has been in the past. Indeed it is probable that the two events will be forever linked as the classic examples of modern cataclysmic economic and commercial breakdown.
But those of us living through such shattering events are being forced to make decisions that few of our grandparents and great grandparents ever had to make. Mass home ownership, we have all learnt, can wear two masks - one of comedy and the other of tragedy.
The media is often two, and sometimes three, months out of step with property market news. Experts as they may be, news reporters are not working day-by-day in the front office of a high street estate agent, and they are often the innocent mouthpieces of received wisdom. Property statistics and trends do not have the immediacy of the stock market, they take months to filter through and then distort the up-to-date truth. Since the New Year estate agents up and down the country have been describing greatly increased levels of enquiry and property viewings unseen for over twelve months.
Nobody can say if these numbers will be sustained or even increased. Much depends on how quickly that shiny pinball comes to rest. But meanwhile there are sure signs that the house buying and selling public are fed up with this recession, they are not prepared to put their lives on hold while the governments in the UK or even the US get their policies sorted out, or until the banks get their houses in order or even until the price correction ends and property regains its upward momentum.
Buyers are once again filling agents' offices, checking online and visiting property. And why shouldn't they be? There is great choice, prices have come down dramatically and those with enough deposit can enjoy the lowest interest rates for over three hundred years.
To speak with the leading estate agents & auctioneers call Williams & Goodwin.
Bangor 01248 355 333
Llangefni 01248 75 1000
Holyhead 01407 760 500
Your chance to buy a home for a £1
3rd February 2009
Catalogues are now available on line for the first All Wales Auction to be held over two days in North & South Wales on 26th February and 3rd March respectively.
A range of properties will be available from a small parcel of land in Merthyr Tydfil with a guide of £7,000 to a period home in the historic castle town of Beaumaris with a guide of £250,000. However, the 9th lot of the sale is a terrace house in Bangor to be sold without a reserve price.
All Wales Auctioneer & Managing Director of Williams & Goodwin,
Melfyn N Williams commented
"This is the first sale with our new auction partners Peter Alan in South Wales, interestingly one of the lots is being sold without reserve which means that if the highest bid in the room is only a £1 - it will be sold. Naturally we are expecting to sell for a higher price and the property has a guide price of £30,000 to £40,000 which, given the condition of the property, still provides a great chance to buy at an affordable price"
www.tppuk.com or www.peteralan.co.uk
To enter a property or for further information please call
North Wales 0845 087 11 11 or South Wales 0800 905 905
ENDS:
ABOUT PETER ALAN
Peter Alan is possibly the best known estate agent in South Wales, having almost 40 years experience in house sales. With a proven track record of success and 22 branches across the region, we are the estate agents to talk to if you are interested in buying, selling, letting, or renting houses in the local property market. Peter Alan Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Principality Building Society.
Our wide coverage and extensive marketing enable us to promote properties for sale to best effect, and, we work hard to be the preferred agent and primary source of mortgages and personal insurance advice in the south Wales property market. We know that it is our role to deliver the best that the company can offer to all of our customers, all of the time.
ABOUT Williams & Goodwin
Are a general practice company that offers services in sales letting valuation and surveying. Our sales directors have been in the area for over 24 years each. Based in North Wales and with regional offices on the Isle of Anglesey at Llangefni and Holyhead and in Bangor on the mainland, Williams & Goodwin - The Property People UK has been overseeing property sales since 2001. Winner of the Daily Mail Best UK Estate Agent Marketing 2006; 5 Star UK Property Award in October 2005 and 2006; Short listed as the best small business in Wales in 2004, the company has met the standard for Investors in People; twice received the bronze award for the European EFQM excellence in customer service and silver Award in 2005. In 2008 we are probably the most decorated agents in Wales - Best Wales Estate Agent, Best Residential Auctioneers in the UK, Silver Award in UK for Lettings.
We currently have a vacancy for another person at our Bangor Office.
29th January 2009
Please pass the word around.
Do you enjoy being in an ever changing environment where the goal is to delight customers with outstanding service, passing targets & being part of our award winning team at Bangor.
Responsible for helping to continue to expand market share throughout the area and spending your time effectively liasing with buyers & sellers, landlords & tenants. You will need to be hard working and have a passion to provide excellent customer service, with superb communication, IT and interpersonal skills and a proven track record demonstrating a flair for sales whilst maintaining detailed admin logs, which will be rewarded with an incentive driven salary.
Please write with CV incorporating your Photograph to:- The Directors, Williams & Goodwin The Property People, 23 Church Street, LLANGEFNI, Anglesey. LL77 7DU.
February 2009 auction lots North Wales - Provisional Announcement
26th January 2009
Melfyn N Williams of Williams & Goodwin reflects on the latest interest rate news and comments on the great opportunities offered in the current property market.
19th January 2009
Interest rates have now been cut to 1.5 per cent. The last time they were as low as this was 1694 when the Bank of England was established to manage mounting debts. Nothing changes.
In England at that time William III was on the throne - it was the beginning of the William and Mary period. Peter the Great was the Russian Czar. Handel and Bach were young music prodigies, and Isaac Newton was greatly influencing scientific thought. Following the Pilgrim Fathers, British and Dutch settlers were continuing to colonise North America, where two years before 19 women were hung in the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts.
If history repeats itself it could be 2324 before interest rates are as low again. This rather suggests that now is as good a time as any to take advantage of these rates and enter the property market. With prices back to 2003 levels - when there was huge activity in the market - this makes even more sense.
When prices are high the media delight in charting the plight of key public sector workers in nursing, the police, the fire brigade and other essential services who are unable to climb on the housing ladder close to their work. Well, now is the chance to end that. Sadly many people are being placed into negative equity by the price downturn - with all the attendant problems this brings. But for the many hundreds of thousands of people waiting for the opportunity to move out of rented property or their parents' homes this could be the perfect moment. Shrewd investors have already appeared, seeking to buy now, before talk of recovery strengthens prices.
Yet a large hurdle remains - securing a mortgage. Mortgages are available, but deposit demands from the lenders remain high. Wouldn't it be sensible for the government and the lenders to recognise the opportunity this price correction brings, and to start helping first time buyers now through easing mortgage demands or a Stamp Duty moratorium, or preferably both? This would create the best opportunity to kick-start the housing market and, through the knock-on effect, a significant portion of the service and retail economy.
The truth is, the only time you'll know its recovering, is when it has. Then, it will be too late to purchase at the best price.
FIRST ALL WALES AUCTION HOUSE LAUNCHED
8th January 2009
Two of the most experienced estate agents in Wales, Peter Alan for South Wales and The Property People for North Wales are working together to create the first 'All Wales' auction house.
Commenting on today's launch of a National Auction House, Mick McGuire, Managing Director of Principality Property Company which includes Peter Alan said,
"The 'All Wales Auction House' is an exciting development for everyone in Wales who is looking to buy or sell homes at auction. We believe that this is the first auction house based in Wales that covers the whole of the country and that this will help local Welsh people to buy and sell property at our twin auction sites in Cardiff and Bangor without having to travel out of Wales. It will mean that it is no longer necessary for any properties in Wales to be sold at London auctions".
Peter Alan, the largest estate agents in South Wales with 23 offices and over 25 years experience has joined up with Williams & Goodwin, trading as The Property People in North Wales, who are experienced and successful auctioneers having won the 'Best Residential UK Auctioneers' at the Negotiator Awards in 2008.
Managing Director of Williams & Goodwin, Melfyn N. Williams, both a Chartered Surveyor and a Past President of the NAEA will be the auctioneer at both North and South Wales auction days. He believes that his experience, allied to Peter Alan's strength and reputation in South Wales provides a unique opportunity for auctions in Wales
"Our 'All Wales' auction will give sellers a superb nationwide marketing opportunity, promoting property in North & South Wales in one catalogue that should help increase enquiries and hopefully achieve the best sales prices and success rate in the current market place. If you are thinking of selling by auction in Wales, then we believe this partnership will increase your chances of success".
The first 'All Wales' auction takes place on 26th February 2009 in Bangor and 3rd March in Cardiff and entries are invited for this auction by 23rd January via Peter Alan in South Wales and Williams & Goodwin in North Wales. Corporate and private sellers who wish to maximise their marketing coverage will benefit from the wider expertise of a national auction team with detailed local knowledge.
Properties will be marketed both locally and nationally across Wales and clients will benefit from this expert knowledge.
The partnership is also seen as an opportunity for corporate institutions that until now may have chosen to auction Welsh housing stock outside Wales. While the debate over National v Regional auction houses continues, with our 'All Wales Auction' people will have the best of both worlds.
As Melfyn Williams continues:
"Our vendors will benefit from interest created by national marketing and advertising while local buyers will find it easier to travel to one of our twin sites to make bids. This should help realise the best price while ensuring that Welsh properties are sold within Wales".
Photo: Left to right - Melfyn Williams & Mick McGuire
Triple Crown for Williams & Goodwin:
3rd December 2008
Local auctioneers estate agents & chartered surveyors Williams & Goodwin The Property People have again been recognised for their outstanding performance on a national scale. The last event of the industry award season was held at the Queen Elizabeth II centre London on Friday 28th November with Williams & Goodwin adding the GOLD award for best Welsh Estate Agency and SILVER award for their letting team in the UK wide category. These awards follow on from the top UK Residential Auctioneer award earlier in the month.
Williams & Goodwin who are members of the RICS, NAEA, NAVA, ARLA and ICBA maintain high standards and follow codes of practice as they conduct business for people of North Wales. The judges were particularly impressed with the quality of the marketing material and web site.
The judges stated "Williams & Goodwin The Property People are a group of highly motivated and well trained professionals, where nothing is too much trouble".
Presenting the awards was TV personality Melissa Porter, the agency was entered in the one to three office company category and fought off stiff competition to scoop the awards.
Managing Director Melfyn N Williams commented:
"Winning these awards are a lovely endorsement that has now shown a winning consistency unmatched in our area. It is a great reward for the hard work of our dedicated staff. Once you reach the top, you have to work even harder to stay there, and believe me, we are already setting in motion new initiatives to further improve the marketing we give our clients. Naturally we are not perfect, but we strive for perfection and when we get close, we move the goals posts again.
In the current climate our team are well equipped to assist people in their property requirements and trust that by winning these awards, people will be proud that local people running a business locally are winning on a national basis. On days like today, we are proud to be a Welsh company doing our bit to put Anglesey & Gwynedd on the UK map"
Best UK Residential Auctioneer Award goes to North Wales firm
14th November 2008
North Wales auctioneers chartered surveyors and estate agents Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd were awarded the top UK award at the prestigious London Hilton on Park Lane on Tuesday evening by The Negotiator Magazine. These inaugural awards hosted on the evening by famous celebrity Rory Bremner
Tim Goodwin Director, commented:
"We are pleased to have received this recognition of being not only the best in Wales but also the UK, our auctions have been very successful over a number of years and this year in a tougher market we have maintained a superb sales success rate. Naturally we hope that anyone considering selling by auction in North Wales will give the opportunity for the best UK auctioneer to act on their behalf"
Williams & Goodwin also short listed in 3 other categories can be proud of their achievements being nominated too as Best Estate Agents and Best Estate Agent Employers. Their MD and company auctioneer, Melfyn N Williams was also nominated for the UK Estate Agency leader of the year. The company also made the top 6 finalists in the Best Of The Best Award.
Tim Goodwin added "Our staff make things happen and have helped bring us to this position, in one way as the only Welsh agency short listed in the categories we can say that in addition to the UK Auctioneer award we are also the Best in our Country in the other three categories"
NOW
13th November 2008
After eighteen months of the harshest peacetime trading conditions in the UK property market for sixty years Melfyn Williams of Williams & Goodwin dares to look forward and sees a great opportunity.
Already we are being served up with plenty of 'expert' opinions about how much further the property market will drop, when the market will turn and how long any period of recovery will take. From newspaper and broadcast journalists to eminent economists, they all have something to say. Even one or two estate agency research departments have jumped in with their two-pennyworth. The trouble is, not one of them seems to agree. This is hardly surprising as none of them is a clairvoyant and none has ever encountered this sort of crisis before. So, no matter how expert anyone thinks they are, nobody really knows.
But with so many people conjecturing different things - and by the law of averages one of them eventually will get it right - forecasting seems to be a rather fruitless exercise. Like polls before elections, perhaps it is best just to wait and see.
But we local property experts do know a thing or two. We know, in the end, the market and prices will recover. We also have a bit of a feel for how things are in our own markets today, and this helps us to give some timely advice that many of these other commentators can't. So here are some things to consider.
Now is not the time to buy if you have to borrow too much money or are worried about your job or the financial well being of your family.
Now is the time to buy property - interest rates are falling and could yet go to their lowest ever.
Now is the time to buy property - prices have fallen dramatically. (They could fall further but it's never smart to wait until they are rising.)
Now is the time to buy property - there is so much choice in the market and it will be years before there is again.
Now is the time to buy property - sellers are in an autumnal depression and it will be a long hard economic winter. (Sellers are always more optimistic in the spring.)
Now is the time to buy property - there is great turmoil in the financial world. In chaos there is opportunity.
Now is the time to buy property - the financial institutions are just recovering from their credit difficulties and are beginning to offer mortgages again.
Now is the time to move up market - prices have come down further pro rata.
Now is the time to buy your first home - prices are at their lowest for years.
Now is the time to buy-to-let - prices have slumped and rents have risen.
Now is the time to buy new property. If ever there was a time builders and developers may take an offer for a quick sale this is it.
Now is the time to buy - not when things have changed for the better. Then it will be too late to take full advantage of current opportunities.
Now is the time that you have always dreamed of - the time when you are ahead of the curve. The time that you know it's right to buy: when you can make the smart move while many others don't.
Now is the time. If you are in property for the medium or long term the future benefits should heavily outweigh any short-term loss.
But otherwise the time to buy property is now. For more information contact Williams & Goodwin The Property People - pro actively doing more for you in the market place.
PROPERTY MARKET CELEBRATES AS WILLIAMS & GOODWIN WIN IS HOPEFULLY FIRST TOWARDS A GRAND SLAM OF WINS IN NOVEMBER 2008!
7th November 2008
November is awards season in the Property World with three sets of industry recognition events being held. The first chance for the best players in the UK property market to shine was the results of the world's biggest property competition last Friday night (October 31st).
Williams & Goodwin WON THE BEST GWYNEDD ESTATE AGENT AWARD and have also been short listed for four awards at The Negotiator UK event on the 11th November. The team at Williams & Goodwin are also awaiting results of the Estate Agents of the Year event on the 28th November.
It's imperative that, to succeed in such a highly competitive industry, estate agents, developers and others involved in the property business are naturally competitive. This desire to be the best has been channelled by a large number of professionals entering the Daily Mail UK Property Awards in association with Yamaha. As with all competitions there are only a select number of winners and these were revealed at a gala presentation dinner at The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The turn out was tremendous with 400 guests who had travelled from all corners of the UK. Presenter for the evening was the former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond.
The Daily Mail UK Property Awards are part of the globally respected International Property Awards, which have been running for 14 years. A staggering 95 different countries are represented within this year's entries - almost twice as many as in 2007.
Supported by a host of well-respected professional bodies such as FIABCI, NAEA, NHBC and NAR to name but a few, the awards are judged by an independent team of experts in the property, design and construction fields, together with property writers and sponsors.
For further information visit www.tppuk.com or call the winners 07771 900 253
6th November Melfyn Williams was 40 - Don't you think he looks older!
6th November 2008
STOP PRESS Sales Up on last Year in October at Williams & Goodwin
5th November 2008
Despite the economic uncertainty our success rate for achieving sales is increasing and again in October 2008 we have exceeded our sales agreed figures for the same period of 2007.
Proving that in this market experienced agents providing accurate marketing advice are getting results for their clients.
Quantum of Sales
3rd November 2008
2008 Daily Mail Winners & Negotiator Award Nominee - Williams & Goodwin
Best UK Auctioneers; Best UK Estate Agency; Best Estate Agency Employer; Best UK Estate Agency Leader; Best Welsh Letting Agents
Starring: Sales, Lettings, Surveys, Auctions & Mortgages of Residential & Commercial Property.
Life, Confidence & the Property Market
16th October 2008
Melfyn N Williams of Williams & Goodwin The Property People assesses the extraordinary financial events of the past few weeks and looks at what effect these will have on the property market.
Some financial commentators already argue that it will take many years for confidence in the banking system to return. As the Prime Minister said recently, "The greatest asset of all, and the one that has been missing in the last few weeks, is confidence itself."
But does this mean that it will take years for confidence in the property market to return? The economic system may well require confidence but life is a different matter. Most people's lives, while affected by the economy, are not dominated by it. Babies will still be born, people will marry or co-habit, divorce or break up, retire and, sadly, die. People will lose their jobs or get other jobs - sometimes in other areas. A lucky few will win the lottery. These events usually presage a property sale and/or purchase. These potential movers are not affected so much by confidence but by life - or death.
We have seen the sharpest period of property market turmoil in living memory. The market will not correct overnight and there will still be uncertainty. Prices in some areas may well have to fall further before they reach their optimum sales level and the point where the market can really begin to rally. As an example, for an average two bedroom town centre house to sell its price should reflect three times an average person's income. At this price even cash-strapped and nervous lenders will be prepared to lend. Until prices reach this average level lenders will be wary and the market for two bedroom houses will remain stalled.
But this does not mean there is no activity in the meantime. In fact September was, in many parts of the country, a relatively good month for sales and so far in October, only mid way through the month Williams & Goodwin have sold the same amount as a full month last October. Why is this? Well, firstly life continues. The second reason is more profound. As both the banks and the stock market are hardly attractive places to deposit hard-earned cash at the moment, investors are seeking sounder alternatives. Some are putting it under the mattress or buying gold, while others are favouring financial institutions that are newly backed with government guarantees.
But others concede that the one place that has consistently performed as a sound investment, despite several ups and downs over the past fifty years, is the UK property market. Some canny investors are already entering the market.
There is an old adage in investment circles, 'trend is your friend'. It is well to heed this. The UK property market has seen a strong upward trend over the past half century. In fact over this period values have risen at an average annual rate of more than ten per cent.
It is, as ever, impossible to predict the future but there is one key pointer. According to statistics, throughout the UK there will be an inadequate supply of housing over the next few years, made more acute by the rapid slow-down in new home starts. House builders have been unable to find adequate finance and have shelved or mothballed projects. This paucity will create high demand and, in turn, a stronger housing market. So much so that despite the fall now some property industry professionals predict that house prices could rise by up to 25% over the next five years. This may seem wishful thinking at a time we are all so shocked and despondent, but previous bust-to-boom examples prove such a rise to be a distinct possibility.
For more information call the agents who are selling and letting in this market - call Williams & Goodwin Llangefni 01248 75 1000 or Bangor 01248 355 333 or Holyhead 01407 760 500 or Lettings 01248 72 40 40. Alternatively visit www.tppuk.com
LOCAL FIRM SHORTLISTED AS FINALIST FOR THE PREMIER ESTATE AGENCY OF THE YEAR AWARDS
10th October 2008
Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd have been short listed in 4 categories - Best UK Estate Agent; Best UK Residential Auctioneer; Best UK Employer and Best UK Estate Agency Leader at The Negotiator Awards 2008, organised in association with Findaproperty.com and Primelocation.com.
The event is the premier nationwide estate agency awards scheme in the UK, and the trophies will be presented at a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in London's Park Lane on Tuesday 11 November.
More than 185 entries were received for the awards, which will be hosted by top impressionist Rory Bremner.
Clare Bettelley, The editor of The Negotiator, the leading magazine for the world of estate agency, said: "We've had a terrific response and Williams & Goodwin has done brilliantly to get short listed from such a huge field, they are the only company who have been short listed in 4 categories. Britain's estate agents are certainly having a tough time at the moment, but this is an industry awash with talent, entrepreneurialism and creativity, so we're delighted we're able to organise a ceremony to reward that firms that are delivering industry best practice".
The sponsors of the awards include Findaproperty.co, primelocation.com, Thames Water, My HomeMove, PSG, SimplyHip, Evolvin, Homelet, the National Association of Estate Agents, The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks and the Association of Residential Letting Agents.
For further information contact Melfyn N Williams on 07771 900 253
If you want to find out more about the awards go to www.negotiator-magazine.co.uk/events/awards
STOP PRESS - interim auction report.stop press...interim auction report...stop press
3rd October 2008
Standing room only as over £1,000,000 of property sell at Williams & Goodwin on 2nd October 2008
Over £1,0000,000 worth of property sold yesterday at the packed auction rooms of Williams & Goodwin The Property People.
Whilst bidding was slow at the rostrum, the auction room was attended by over 150 people. Some properties had sold prior with a couple going under the hammer then many properties immediately selling post sale, and unbelievably fresh competitive bidding resulting in a few lots now being under offer due to conclude a sale within the next 48 hours.
Full report to Follow..
For more information contact leading North Wales Auctioneers Williams & Goodwin 0845 087 11 11
Property People set trend with latest innovation - Property People TV (PPTV)
22nd September 2008
Williams & Goodwin The Property People have consistently led the field in agency innovation in North Wales and are now to launch on 23rd September 2008 their very own TV channel located on www.tppuk.com
PPTV will feature top tips for house sellers and buyers, give tips on Hips and assist young people getting their feet onto the property letting market. The TV channel will initially launch with six programmes that will be expanded upon in the coming months, including a news channel giving the latest factual information on the local housing market.
Melfyn N Williams of Williams & Goodwin stated
"This latest development will further improve the marketing of our properties and will include films of properties available for sale and to let, anyone wanting to maximise their marketing should really now consider using PPTV to find their buyer and find out what's going on in the local market place. Some of the ideas for programmes we have are exciting and no doubt will be of interest to people following the property market. When you think back to our company origins in 1863 its mind blowing the advances that have been made in 145 years"
To view the latest film clips on PPTV visit www.tppuk.com. If you want the potential of your property being featured call one of our offices today at Holyhead 01407 760 500; Llangefni 01248 75 1000 or Bangor 01248 355 333
PHOTO L to R
Melfyn N Williams & Tim Goodwin
Big Bang Theory Exploded
15th September 2008
Take millions of particles - let's call them houses, and load them into a particle decelerator - let's call it the Atlantic. At the other end of this tunnel get morally and financially bankrupt financial institutions to load up their own particles - let's call them sub-prime mortgages.
Then run both sets of particles up to enormous speeds and smash them into each other. It was one of the greatest economic experiments, with other people's money, of all time. Would the whole thing backfire? Would the result be a black hole into which all things disappear or would there be life after the big bang?
Well it did backfire but there was no extinction event. All the particles were very shaken up and, to a certain extent, continue to be so. But there is new life after the explosion. First to climb out of this newly-created soup seem to be investors. They recognise that hardening rents and softening house prices are having their own beneficial collision.
Then first time buyers will benefit from those correcting prices and from an easier mortgage environment. Also they will notice that rents are rising, making buying more attractive. Add some lowering of fuel prices and, while life may not return to how it was, a brand new life will evolve.
It is already evolving, helped by savvy sellers who understand about the basic building block of life in the property market - competitive pricing. People still need to buy and sell and those that are sensible to this are making the decisions that mean their lives will flourish after the big bang. Better still, this is the time to take advantage of so much choice in the market. After the experiment life, and the property market, goes on.
AT THE START OF THE NEW SCHOOL TERM, THE GOVERNMENT HAS - "ROOM FOR IMPROVMENT!"
3rd September 2008
Following yesterday's announcement from the Government on a package of measures to help the current market including the stamp duty threshold being increased on properties worth £175,000 and under for the next 12 months, Melfyn N Williams, Managing Director of local Chartered Surveyors, Estate Agents & Auctioneers Williams & Goodwin The Property People, comments:
"We are pleased that the Government has brought to an end the speculation in relation to Stamp duty and should allow those people who were delaying decisions to now move forward, which in turn should assist to boost consumer confidence. Whilst the announcement is a step in the right direction, we do believe more could have been given to assist people in the current market.
The stamp duty threshold has risen from £125,000 (£150,000 in "disadvantage areas") to £175,000 and this will be good news to in particular to local first time buyers.
"In addition, an offering of 'free' five year loans of up to 30 per cent of the property's value for first time buyers when buying a new home from developers and those who earn less than £60,000 will qualify. In the current market this comes as good news but, it is a shame the proposals do not cover the whole market.
With little option in the financial Government purse, one may have hoped for more and perhaps the government could have done better. At the end of the day, in the current climate, this has to be good news!"
AUCTION PRESS RELEASE - One of Llangefni finest to go under the hammer
2nd September 2008
Arguably one of Llangefni town finest period properties is to be offered by public auction on 2nd October 2008 amongst 15 lots offered by North Wales Property auctioneers The Property People.
Bryn Celyn was undoubtedly a property of its time and still offers much of its traditional period charm and feel. With its double stair to rear quarters, veranda front porch and landscaped grounds, this spacious house commands views towards the Snowdonia Mountains.
Other lots include a freehold public house in a roadside location close to Pwllheli at little more than the cost of a terraced house; two excellent apartments reduced by over 30% from the price previously advertised and a range of investment, first time buyer and speculative opportunities.
Catalogues are now available on line at www.tppuk.com or from the auctioneers office 01248 75 1000
WILLIAMS & GOODWIN THE PROPERTY PEOPLE WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD IN THE RUN UP TO THE 'PROPERTY OLYMPICS'
22nd August 2008
At last there's some good news for the UK property market! Amid all the doom and gloom hitting the headlines in recent months, the results of the Daily Mail UK Property Awards 2008 have just been revealed. What's more, UK property professionals are achieving a great amount of success in their respective fields, just like athletes at the Beijing Olympics! These awards are linked to the world's largest and most prestigious property competition and a number of this year's UK winners will be chosen to represent the UK at the finals in the USA this November.
Williams & Goodwin The Property People are delighted to announce that they have won an award in the category of Best Estate Agency. The award will be presented at a glittering gala dinner to be held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on 31st October.
Having been given this high recommendation Williams & Goodwin is now entitled to display the Daily Mail UK Property Awards' logo with pride. This symbol of excellence will be recognised and appreciated by the public who are becoming increasingly well informed and discerning about the properties they seek to buy.
Entries were judged by a panel of independent professionals, chaired by Eric Pickles, British Shadow Secretary of State. Their collective knowledge of the property industry is second to none and unsurpassed by any other property awards.
All in all, there are 21 different categories and up to two of the most outstanding entries in each category are given a four-star award, while the best overall entry will be given a five-star. But the success story doesn't end there - every five-star winner's entry will then be re-examined to determine who is to go forwards for the ultimate World's Best Award. These outstanding international accolades will be announced at a grand presentation dinner in America on November 10th.
Melfyn N Williams, Managing Director at Williams & Goodwin said of the award, "We have previously won in 2005 and 2006 then didn't participate in 2007, so naturally we are delighted that we have again won in 2008. This further helps demonstrate the consistency of our excellent service over the last several years."
ENDS
JUDGES
Helen Shield, editor-in-chief of International Homes magazine; Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents; Phil Spencer, property expert and presenter of Channel 4's Location and Relocation TV shows; Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of the National House Building Council; Christopher Hall, past president National Association of Estate Agents; Gillian Farr, designer from Laura Ashley; Thijis Staff, International Consortium of Real Estate Agents Association (ICREA); Alejandro Escurdero, SIMA; Kirkor Ajderhanyan, French Real Estate Federation (FNAIM); Jonathan Price, FIABCI; Hans-Ulrich Berendes, FIABCI; Graham Norwood of the Daily Mail; David Hoppit, property writer; Jill Keene, editor of International Homes magazine; Diana Yakely, chairman British Interior Design Association; and Tad Zurlinden, Association of Relocation Professionals.
Further Information
* Contact Melfyn N Williams Tel: 07771 900 253
Email: mel@tppuk.com
PHOTO (attached) L to R = Directors at Williams & Goodwin - Melfyn N Williams; Tim Goodwin & Neil O Pritchard
Supreme Champion Award at Anglesey County Show goes to J H Williams & Son
16th August 2008
Local auctioneer
Melfyn N Williams and father
Huw Williams scooped the top prize on the 2nd day of the Anglesey Show with their North Country Cheviot Ram
Caruthers Crusade.
J H Williams & Son currently sit on top of the league table with the Daily Post Sheep of The Year competition with three shows remaining.
PHOTO (left) Melfyn in the show ring
For more information contact -
Huw Williams on 01248 430548
or
Melfyn N Williams on 07771 900253
Property Market Ups and Downs
1st June 2008
Melfyn N Williams of Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd comments on the recent spate of national newspaper surveys that ask if readers would prefer property prices to rise or fall.
It is understandable that those who possess their own home feel good when they see the value of their investment rising. Conversely, those anxious to get their feet on the bottom rung of the property ladder are keen to see values fall as their first step would be made much easier.
But most would equate rising property values with a booming economy that strongly adds to a feel-good factor about the country generally.
In reality, whether prices go up or go down makes little difference to most home movers as, unless they are significantly trading down or leaving the market altogether, the differentials largely cancel each other out.
What is probably more important in our current UK market is that there is much less turnover, with sales in some parts of the country down roughly fifty per cent on last year. In many ways this is far more damaging than price fluctuations, as the knock-on effect is harshly felt in the overall economy.
Some people may not feel much sympathy for estate agents. But agents really are the tip of an iceberg that, for the time being, is melting. Removal companies, builders, decorators, kitchen and bathroom fitters, carpet suppliers and fitters, DIY shops, furniture shops, electrical appliance retailers and hundreds of other allied suppliers, professionals and trades people up and down the country rely for their livelihoods on a reasonable turnover of property.
The property market is cyclical and higher turnover will return - the big question is when? In the meantime a downturn in this sector damages the economy, not just in real terms but also in overall national confidence. National newspaper and magazine surveys may show that different people may have wildly differing views on whether it is better for the market to go up or come down, but ask Gordon Brown. In the real dark night of his soul he probably could do with a buoyant and rising market right now. For him the way the property market performs in the coming months could be the last chancellor's saloon.
What is evident is that you can take the "national" house price surveys with a pinch of salt. They reflect averages, which of course means some places are doing better than others and that the market is very patchy and regional. We are able to reveal that not only is the market place regional, but it varies from village to village and house type. Taking just three locations each 9 miles apart across Anglesey to Gwynedd reveals a fluctuation in both house price decline and growth, together with both decreased and higher transactions.
The importance now for many is to achieve a sale with the difference in the new purchase being the same, regardless of selling at a lower or higher than expected price.
Friends re united as Top Holyhead Team look forward to a successful future!
6th May 2008
Williams & Goodwin The Property People Holyhead Office have a double celebration this month. Following their success at the Estate Agents of the Year awards placing them as the highest-ranking agents in Holyhead, respected area valuer Julie Owen has now joined the team to re unite her previous successful partnership with Shirley Morris. The team is completed with Wendy and Sandra.
The all girl team, supported by the remainder of the 20+ Williams & Goodwin workforce with offices at Llangefni and Bangor now invite you to put their award to the test.
Shirley Morris, Area Manager commented
"Being voted by the customer as a top 10 agent in Wales and the highest placed agent in Holyhead will ensure that we will continue to strive to provide the best possible service in Sales & Lettings in the area. This coupled with our detached office block prominently located on Stanley Street and local lady Julie Owen as our valuer will further strengthen our ability to market the areas properties to the widest audience".
Melfyn N Williams, Managing Director stated
"It's remarkable how our Holyhead office continues to grow from strength to strength taking market share and even now in a tougher market increasing their sales performance. The team have done well this year. Now with Julie joining the staff, we should see the office improve further. All we need is for the people of Holyhead, Trearddur Bay, Valley and surrounding areas to provide us with an opportunity to serve them. Please contact us on 01407 760 500"
PHOTO: Rear = Julie Owen Area Valuer; Shirley
Morris Area Manager;
Front = Wendy and Sandra
100% again for leading North Wales Auction House!
1st May 2008
Williams & Goodwin The Property People auction department had another very successful day on Thursday 22nd May 2008 with all entries put forward selling under the hammer.
Bucking the national trend, the auction team are naturally pleased with the results ranging from a terrace house in need of renovation at Llangefni selling at £70,000 against a guide of £65,000 to a property in Moelfre achieving £227,000 against a £190,000 guide.
Company auctioneer and Chartered Surveyor Melfyn Williams commented
In 2007 we firmly established ourselves as the leading property auctioneers in North Wales and intend to retain that position. With both our 2008 auctions achieving 100% success this reinforces our position and a great news for our customers. Our auction clients are securing definite sales on the day, auction once again is proving to be a popular and successful method of selling for some property.
Entries are now invited to our next auctions in July and October. Please contact us on 01248 751000 or our auction hotline 0845 087 11 11
ENDS ,
For more information please contact Melfyn Williams on 07771 900 253
6 Lots offered - all 6 SOLD
Average sale price £137,166
Top Marks in Wales for 2nd year running at The Property People Residential Lettings!
8th April 2008
Williams & Goodwin The Property People Residential Lettings Division have again received the highest score in Wales and were awarded the Silver Award for the Central Region (covering Wales and the Midlands), retaining their position as No1 Letting Agent in Wales for the 2nd year in succession.
The Estate Agent of The Year event was held on Tuesday 8th April 2008 at the prestigious 5 Star London Marriott, where the depth of success at Williams & Goodwin was also noted with ALL of their sales and letting offices being short listed amongst the TOP 10 in their area displaying a consistency through all offices unmatched by other agents in the area.
Neil Pritchard, Director of Residential Lettings commented
"We have continued to improve and grow with now five members in the team supporting the portfolio of properties we manage for landlords. We would welcome the opportunity to achieve the best return for your property in Gwynedd & Anglesey. Please contact us on 01248 72 40 40
PHOTO: Rear = Becca; Hilary (with trophy); Jane;
Front = Neil Pritchard, Director & Arron