Williams and Goodwin News

Williams & Goodwin recognised by Network She Awards 2011

1st December 2011

Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd whose employees are 60% female were recognised in November by the Network She Awards being a finalist in the North Wales Business category.

The lavish awards took place in Llandudno on the 18^th November where Williams & Goodwin were delighted to be nominated and successful as a finalist.

Estate Agent take the monopoly on the Island

2nd November 2011

Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd with offices at Holyhead, Llangefni and Bangor have landed themselves a prime position on the new Anglesey Edition Monopoly game board that was launched last week.

Marketing includes their for sale board being displayed on the box, their offices taking a yellow square on the game and being prominently displayed next to the "Pass Go" corner in addition to a community Chest card.

Sales & Lettings Director Tim Goodwin commented

"We are absolutely delighted to be included on the game, as estate & letting agents it is so relevant. We understand the game is already selling well and trust it will be the perfect Christmas present this year".

Company Auctioneer Melfyn Williams added

"We agreed at an early stage to be involved with the game and also agreed to keep quiet about it until launch. We employed local professional photographer Glyn Davies of Menai Bridge to take an evening shot of the offices and remember at the time, advising Glyn it was for something big, but we couldn't tell him what. The result we believe is superb, it is an honour to be part of the first Anglesey Monopoly game".

For more information contact

M Williams on 01248 751000

Auction raises £1,840

4th October 2011

A Charity Auction recently held in Amlwch was conducted by Tim Goodwin of Williams & Goodwin The Property People to raise money for the friends of Sankwia.

Raising £1,840 on the night, Tim conducted the auction in traditional Gambian robes. With over 100 lots being sold the annual auction has continued in its popularity to raise funds and the organiser’s wishes to express their gratitude to all who donated items for sale and to those who attended the evening.

Williams & Goodwin The Property People shortlisted as a finalist in The UK Property Awards:

4th October 2011

Williams & Goodwin The Property People are delighted to announce that they have again been shortlisted in the finals of the Best UK Estate Agents in association with Bloomberg television and Google.

The estate agency from North West Wales have twice won The Best UK title in 2005 and 2009 and are delighted that their hard work through the current economic market has been recognised across the UK.

The team will discover at an awards gala dinner on October the 28^th in London of the final results.

Tim Goodwin, Director or Residential Sales and Letting commented:

“We are honoured that the industry is again recognising the hard work and commitment that we are demonstrating through the current marketplace. All our team we believe, have a passion for connecting people to property and that we try to do more to make things happen.”

Managing Director, Melfyn Williams added:

“Despite the doom and gloom reports of the economy, we have continued to strive forward, bring new products to the marketplace and improve our sales ratios this year. We must also take this opportunity to thank our valued customers who continue to support and use our services; be it for lettings, sales or indeed our auction department, All Wales Auction.”

Anyone considering selling or letting their property should contact Williams & Goodwin The Property People at either

Holyhead 01407 760500; Llangefni 01248 751000 or Bangor 01248 355333 or of course visit their online office www.tppuk.com.”

It's time to Move On...

5th September 2011

Julie Owen from the Williams & Goodwin The Property People Holyhead Office is due to relocate to The All Wales Auction and Peter Alan office at Wrexham.

Julie (centre) who has successfully operated in Holyhead for a number of years is beginning a new life with her partner at Wrexham and is looking forward to the move. Whilst retaining her link with Williams & Goodwin who partner Peter Alan in the All Wales Auction - The Property auctioneers Of Wales.

It's time to Move On...

5th September 2011

Williams & Goodwin The Property people have recently re-launched their website www.tppuk.com with a new and improved version of its award winning online office.

The website, which provides information in relation to the company, the services it offers and most importantly excellent display functionality and marketing for properties, either for sale or to let in agricultural, commercial, residential or business transfer.

Tim Goodwin, Director of Sales and Lettings commented:

“It is important to our brand and the ethos of continuing to improve and develop that we have re-launched a new and improved website at this time in the market cycle. Whilst the market is continuing to improve it is just now when you need a proactive estate agent who is moving on and moving forwards to be ahead of the game, and to ensure that we are doing everything we can to make the best marketing opportunities for the properties we offer for sale or to let.”

Williams & Goodwin, two times winners of The Best UK Estate Agency and four times in the last six years winners of the gold award for Best Welsh Estate Agency, also take this opportunity to extend an invitation for free without obligation market appraisal to anyone who is thinking of selling or letting.

Interested parties should contact Williams & Goodwin either through the online office tppuk.com or alternatively visit or calling the local offices at Bangor 01248 355333; Llangefni 01248 7511000 or Holyhead 01407 760500.

For more information contact Tim Goodwin on 01248 355333 or

Melfyn N Williams MD on 0771 900 253

A Lovely Catch

23rd June 2011

The 14^th July 2011 could prove to be an excellent day to go fishing for your own piece of Snowdonia and Fishing Rights along the River Gwyrfai. The stretch of river together and including a small island is being offered for sale by public auction by All Wales Auction The Property People at The Carreg Mon Hotel at 3pm.

Complete with right of way access from the highway and rights to park, the opportunity we believe is excellent for fishing enthusiasts.

All Wales Auctioneer Melfyn Williams commented:

“The Fishing Rights are located along the River Gwyrfai just outside the village of Waunfawr. Set in the countryside close to the foot of the Snowdonia Mountains, it is truly a picturesque location where I am sure river fishing would be enjoyed.”

Catalogues and further information are available either online at www.allwalesauction.com or the Auctioneer’s office on 0845 087 1111.

It's official. Williams & Goodwin are among the best in the business.

15th June 2011

Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd have just received the ultimate industry accolade, becoming GOLD winners for Best single office Lettings Agent in Wales in the 2011 Lettings Agency of the Year Awards.

These prestigious awards are the only ones in the industry that are specifically focussed on Lettings and are in association with The Sunday Times and The Times.

The win provides recognition of the exceptional standards that are achieved at Williams & Goodwin The Property People. The awards are judged by an independent panel, overseen by The Property Ombudsman Christopher Hamer, and thus provide expert acknowledgement that we really are among the best in our field.

It means you can trust Williams & Goodwin when they say they deliver the best when you are looking to rent your property.

Director of Residential Lettings Neil Pritchard commented

“We are delighted and honoured to have won this award. Naturally we will have to focus to ensure we maintain exceptional service and continue to improve the service we offer landlords and tenants in the area. We have now expanded our lettings into our offices at Holyhead and Bangor to provide improved customer service and look forward to being of service to you.

Thinking of letting - please call in to our offices and experience our difference first hand or visit www.tppuk.com

Williams & Goodwin Offices in sales and lettings are located at Bangor 01248 355333; Llangefni 01248 724040 or Holyhead 01407 760 500.

Church Street Llangefni has never looked so good

2nd June 2011

Williams & Goodwin the Property People continue to re invest in the company to ensure the properties in marketing receive all the best attention. In May this year we completed a major refurbishment of our Residential Lettings office located next door to our sales office. Now boasting a magnificent shop frontage, it truly must be the best place to promote your property.
Thinking of selling or renting call Williams & Goodwin now or visit www.tppuk.com. For more information contact Melfyn N Williams 07771 900253

Gwynedd Business Awards: Community AWARD goes to...... Williams & Goodwin.

2nd June 2011

At a prestigious dinner held at Galleri Caernarfon last week the Gwynedd business Awards celebrated the best of business in Gwynedd providing a fantastic opportunity to bring local businesses together to share ideas, experiences and aspirations.

Several awards were presented on the evening with Williams & Goodwin The Property People receiving the top award for Community Contribution recognising the charity and sponsorship work undertaken by the company in the area.

Managing Director Melfyn Williams commented

"Without the community who support and provide business to our company we wouldn't survive and it is essential that we as a business give something back to the local comunity. It is an honour to have been recognised for this work and truly appreciated."

Bangor Boys receive new kit

5th May 2011

Bangor junior rugby team are now playing smarter with new kits sponsored by Williams & Goodwin The Property People.

As they reach the end of a successful season the squad has grown from strength to strength with the catalyst of players who have been at the club from the earliest of days at under 6’s now been strengthened with many new faces in the last 12 months.

Since Christmas a real turnaround has occurred (perhaps something to do with our kits?), and notable success has included an away victory at Colwyn Bay, and success at being the first side to beat Pwllheli at this age group in over 4 years.

The team also reached the semi final of the Anglo Welsh Cup with outside centre Phil Smith nominated player of the tournament in their age group.

The team have also provided an excellent supply of players to the North West Wales squad incorporating: Luke Jones, Alex Philips, Will Parry, Steffan Davis, Nick Dundee, & Sam Goodwin.

Local Estate Agent & Auctioneer becomes a Dragon.

4th May 2011

Melfyn Williams Managing Director of Williams & Goodwin The Property People and auctioneer for the All Wales Auction brand has been selected to become a UK representative for the new one off property edition Dragon’s Den for the up and coming PPS live property computer show to be held in London.

Williams & Goodwin The Property People are awarding winning estate agents based in North West Wales having won the Best UK Estate Agency title twice and Best Welsh Estate Agency four times in the last six years.

The aim of the event is to scrutinise up and coming innovative ideas in the estate agency property world with Melfyn being selected as one of the panel to assess candidates.

Filming took place last week in Knightsbridge London with the final cut being screened at the Property Computer show awards dinner on 10^th May 2011.

Melfyn Williams commented:

“Naturally it is an honour to be selected as a person to scrutinise new ideas into the industry, it was an enjoyable experience and interesting to see some of the new ideas coming forward in the industry. It will be equally interesting to see the final cut on screen.”

Naturally, results will not be announced until the first screening at the awards on 10^th May at the PPS live dinner to be held at Grosvenor House Mayfair London. The PPS Live exhibition is held on 10^th and 11^th May at London’s Olympia

Initiative to Speed Up Home Sales Announced

18th April 2011

With an estimated 1.3m homes for sale and an average of 50,000 completed transactions per month, the typical vendor has a ‘1 in 20’ or 5% chance of successfully selling their home in any given 4 week period. In response to this Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd, a member of The Guild of Professional Estate Agents is today announcing the launch of a new ‘Accelerated Marketing Programme’ which has been developed and specifically designed by The Guild to improve the presentation of its vendors’ property.

This exciting and innovative new marketing service is available via all of The Guild’s 600 plus UK offices and will help maximise the impact, appeal and resonance of the property in today’s stable but challenging market.

Given the vast choice of properties available for purchase, simply being attractively priced and available to view on the major portals is no longer a fundamental discriminator, and certainly not sufficient to guarantee a quick and successful sale.

As part of the Accelerated Marketing Programme an agent at Williams & Goodwin will interview the vendor to explore their motivations and aspirations, including capturing any unique characteristics of the property and following this, a highly innovative marketing programme can be brought into play.

The package consists of a short film ‘videoette’ which provides a life-like glimpse into what it might be like to live in the property. This, along with an electronic page-turning brochure can easily be emailed to friends and family to gage their opinion. The home will also reach more prospective buyers via a dedicated full page feature in the agents’ own regional property magazine and high quality personalised brochures and canvassing cards will be distributed to carefully selected potential buyers.

These activities will help animate and narrow-down a property search and save time on assessing properties of potential interest as well the time required by the agent to facilitate this. Additionally, regular appraisals during which the vendors will assess the marketing and sales process of their property will help keep the sale on track and the momentum high.

This new programme combines the best of old and new media, to ensure the maximum possible exposure for the property, encourage high levels of viewings, and help to secure a quick and successful sale at an attractive price. Most importantly, this powerful and integrated campaign can be equally effective for properties already on the market as for new listings, which bodes well for vendors whose home has already been on the market for a length of time, and will help avoid the potential stigma of a ‘stale’ home that psychologically no-one wants to buy.

Tim Goodwin Sales Director at Williams & Goodwin comments:

"I am delighted that once again, we have led the way in providing compelling and innovative marketing solutions which benefit vendors selling their home and that Williams & Goodwin can provide this service in Gwynedd & Anglesey. As Guild Agents, we pride ourselves on upholding the highest standards of expertise and customer care and now more than ever are striving to explore ways in which we can secure the result that vendors deserve for their property."

For further information see: www.tppuk.com

Father and son team win prestigious three royals trophy

1st April 2011

Huw and Melfyn Williams of Brynsiencyn, Anglesey were recently announced as the winners of the prestigious North Country Cheviot Society “Three Royals Trophy”, winning the most points at the Royal shows incorporating the Royal Highland Show and Royal Welsh Show in 2010.

It is the second time that J H Williams & Son have won this award with their pedigree stock of North Country Cheviots.

Huw Williams (Huw Bugail as he is known to many) was delighted with the award that was presented to them at the North Country Cheviot Society at Lockerbie recently.

PRESS RELEASE: Empty Home given chance of life

11th March 2011

A mid terraced property in Talysarn was sold for £30,500 by the All Wales Auction house in a packed auction room on 10th March against a price guide of £17,500.

The property which was placed into the sale by Gwynedd Council who had recently paid for a new roof and were able to used enforced sales procedures being a procedure used as a last resort to prevent further damage occurring, and to recover the cost of the work carried out.

Tim Goodwin, Sales director at Williams & Goodwin The Property People said

"The sale of this property stimulated considerable interest with over 40 viewings being carried out at the property and has achieved a win win situation for everyone; with the council able to recover their costs for the repairs they carried out to prevent further damage occurring at adjoining properties, as well as bringing a further vacant property back into use to provide a home once renovated by the purchasers".

The auction also generated considerable interest in other properties being offered on the day with a fire damaged property in Caellepa, Bangor fetching £21,000 above its guide price selling at £66,000 and a mid terraced house in Llanerchymedd achieving £17,000 in excess of its guide selling at £52,000. A lovely Cottage overlooking the estuary at Conwy sold at £250,000.

This proves that even in these difficult economic times realistically priced properties are still highly popular and the auction process continues to achieve sales. Average selling price at the 10th March sale was £97,700

All Wales Auctioneer Melfyn N Williams concluded:

Our two auctions have both been a success with both rooms attracting high levels of interest. Again, the competitively priced properties sold best, exceeding seller expectations. Auction works well; price has to be right coupled with a committed national auction team to achieve the best results. We are now accepting entries into our 10th and 12th May auctions"

For more information call
North Wales 0845 087 11 11 or South Wales 0800 905 905
Auctioneer Melfyn N Williams 07771 900 253

Charity Auction raises over £1,200 for Hope House & Willow Foundation:

5th March 2011

PRESS RELEASE:

An auction held by Williams & Goodwin The Property People in association with Arsenal North Wales Supporters Club raised just over £1,200 at the beginning of March.

Held at The Victoria Hotel Menai Bridge, the guest speaker was Bob Wilson OBE. The former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV personality entertained the 100+ guests who then purchased several items kindly donated by local business.

Melfyn N Williams, auctioneer commented:

"I believe everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening, excellent food, wonderful speaker and superb comedian rounded off an evening to raise money for charity."

Williams & Goodwin aim to hold several auctions in 2011 to raise money on the whole for local charities - anyone wishing to donate an item to be sold should contact hq@tppuk.com

The next auction will be at Meifod Hotel Bontnewydd on 2nd April 2011 with Lee Sharpe as guest speaker.

For more information call
Auctioneer Melfyn N Williams 07771 900 253

Top Tips for “greening” rented properties

14th February 2011

Landlords overseeing residential properties should consider measures to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, according to the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA). The Government’s Green Deal will encourage landlords to take advantage of up-front financing to make their properties more energy efficient, where tenants request improvements be made. For those landlords who don’t comply however, the Government has stated that it may introduce regulations to force landlords to improve their properties by 2015. The Government’s aim is for all properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G to be improved beyond that grading, which may be a significant challenge for older properties. So ARLA has come up with these simple tips to make your properties more efficient, thus saving money and further financial outlays in the future:

Cavity wall and floor insulation: This can often be a disruptive process, but effective insulation will represent a significant step towards improving the energy efficiency of your property.

Ensure you have effective loft insulation: Although many properties now have loft insulation installed, check the depth and quality. The recommended thickness is between 250-300mm for optimum energy efficiency.

Insulate your water fittings: ARLA recommends that lagging should be installed around water pipes and boilers to minimise heat loss. As many will have experienced this winter, water pipes are also prone to freezing, so insulation should help to prevent this.

Prevent draughts: Landlords should seek to block draughts in various parts of their properties, through draught proofing doors and windows, as well as reducing heat loss through floorboards.

Should landlords Do It Themselves?

14th February 2011

Renting is becoming increasingly popular, according to research by the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA). In ARLA’s fourth-quarter survey of 2010, 71% of landlords asked said they felt renting was more popular now than a year ago (in ARLA’s fourth-quarter survey of 2009, the figure was just 35%). That’s good news for anyone in the buy-to-rent sector: it looks as though there are plenty of potential tenants out there.

Still, we’re all trying to save money these days, and that goes double for landlords because they have extra costs. That’s why many landlords want to do all the letting and day-to-day management work themselves. The alternative is to use a letting agency or management service who will do some or all of this work on a landlords’ behalf — for a fee.

If you are going down this route, select an agency that has been recommended to you by another landlord, and make sure that he or she is a member of ARLA, and therefore governed by a strict Code of Practice. And make sure you find out exactly what the agency can do for you, be it a ‘let only’ service (including market analysis, viewings, referencing, etc) or full management of the property. Different agents will have different definitions of a ‘let only’ service, so it’s important to know what you will be paying for.

Variable or fixed-rate?

14th February 2011

With the economy in the shape it is, many householders are asking themselves the same searching question: if we’re about to remortgage, what’s best for us? A fixed rate mortgage deal or a variable rate one?

Of course, one positive result of the worldwide financial crisis for variable rate mortgage holders has been the base rate tumble, which has fallen to an historic (300-year!) low of 0.5% and hasn’t changed for 22 months (not changing again in January). This means that savers have been hammered – but anyone with a variable rate deal over the past few years will have seen their mortgage rates plummet. However, with a potential for looming inflation, some commentators expect the Bank of England to put interest rates up sooner rather than later, with variable rate owners exposed to higher mortgage repayments as a result.

A fixed rate deal, then, with fixed monthly payments, may give you more peace of mind. If you are going to swap your variable for a fixed-rate, there is evidence that you should do this quickly in order to catch the cheapest deal. To check how much you can afford to borrow, go to the mortgage affordability calculator at This is Money (www.thisismoney.co.uk/mortgage-affordability-calculator/). And, of course, whatever you choose to do, discuss it fully with your provider first in order to ensure that you can meet the payments; and that the deal — be it fixed or variable — is the right one for you and your individual circumstances.

Scrap stamp duty says OECD

14th February 2011

Let’s be honest. No house buyer likes the idea of paying stamp duty, which adds at least £7,500 to families' bills for purchasing a home costing more than £250,000. A new threshold of 5% for properties above £1million is also set to be imposed from April, introduced by the Labour government, but retained by the coalition.

So there will have been cheers up and down the land last month when the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) launched its new Housing the Economy report and called for stamp duty to be abolished. Mind you, it then rather unravelled this good work by suggesting stamp duty be replaced with an annual property tax based on a home's value, which could, actually, add up to more over the years.

Elsewhere, approvals for home loans — notably for people remortgaging their properties — picked up slightly in November, Bank of England figures showed. And The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors provided data which suggests that house price falls have steadied. Oh, and spring is just around the corner...

We hope you enjoy our latest newsletter from all the team at the Property People

Director sentiment defies property market pessimists

11th January 2011

Finance directors of the UK’s largest companies have revealed an optimistic outlook for 2011, which flies in the face of property doom merchants' market stagnation warnings.

The 126 chief financial officers polled by accountancy firm Deloitte between December 7 and 17, which included the CFOs of 35 FTSE 100 and 45 FTSE 250 companies, reveal a renewed confidence and focus on growth for the New Year, with their fears of a double dip having now abated.

Their focus, the survey reveals, has shifted from defensive to expansionary strategies, including taking on new staff and undertaking capital expenditure in line with a growth in their risk appetite.

Margaret Ewing, a Deloitte partner and vice chairman, says: “If 2010 was the year of balance sheet rebuilding and cost cutting, then 2011 looks set to be the year in which corporates start spending again.

“A new emphasis on expansion by the UK’s large companies lends support to the idea that the recovery is likely to broaden out during 2011 aided by growth in private sector hiring and capital spending.”

The survey follows the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors' 2011forecast http://www.negotiator-magazine.co.uk/article/rics-forecasts-sales-stagnation-1597, which suggests that prices and transactions are likely to return to around the same level as that seen last month by the end of this year.

Deloitte's survey also claims that CFOs are optimistic about revenue growth for 2011, with their most frequently cited opportunities being investing or undertaking acquisitions at lower prices, growing organically and expanding in emerging markets.

New implementation arrangements for housing benefit changes

11th January 2011

Renters and residential landlords take note: the Government has announced a common implementation date for changes to Local Housing Allowance (LHA): 1st April 2011. Changes coming into force include the end of the maximum £15 weekly Housing Benefit excess that some people can receive under the Local Housing Allowance arrangements; and the removal of the five bedroom Local Housing Allowance rate so that the maximum level is for a four bedroom property. The Government also plans to introduce absolute caps so that Local Housing Allowance weekly rates in any area cannot exceed £250 for a one bedroom property, £290 for a two bedroom property, £340 for a three bedroom property and £400 for a four bedroom property.

For a full round-up of how this might affect you, log onto the www.direct.gov.uk website.

Snow, ice – and frozen pipes

11th January 2011

You expect Jack Frost to nip at your nose in winter – but when he starts on your property’s water pipes... well... frankly, he’s going too far.

We take it for granted that when we turn on a tap, water is going to gush out. When it doesn’t, it can cause headaches for homeowners or landlords who have to fix the problem (and their renters who have to suffer it). There’s no water for washing, cooking, or cleaning; your heating may not work – and you can’t even flush the loo.

Prevention is better than cure, so as the temperature drops, lag outdoor water pipes and know where your stop-tap is located. Keep your home heated during a very cold snap; set your timer to constant or 24 hours and use your thermostat to maintain some warmth through the night and while you're out.

Even so, if the worst happens, and if the problem is not obvious, you may need to call in a professional rather than tackle it yourself. The frozen pipe may need to be exposed and heated; and, as owner, you are generally responsible for your water supply pipe - the pipe that brings fresh water into your home from the street boundary. After freezing has occurred in pipes there's a risk of a burst if heat is applied suddenly. Don't switch on water heating appliances including boilers and immersion heaters until you're sure the system has thawed out.

The property forecast for 2011 is...?

11th January 2011

That’s a good question, and one that’s tackled head-on by the soothsayers at the National Association of Estate Agents. Recently, they revealed their property predictions for 2011, stating that interest rates and lending will be key to boost the property sector over the next year. Peter Bolton King, NAEA chief executive, also predicted the rise of ‘postcode power’ as premium areas emerge from the slump at a faster rate than others, and warned that Bank of England decisions on interest rates will have a major effect on the market. Even so, he says: “We do not believe that there will a widespread fall in house prices over the next 12 months. There will be ups and downs, but I’m confident that we won’t see a plunge.”

We hope you enjoy our latest newsletter from all the team at the Property People

Seasons Greetings and a prosperous 2011.

What does The New Green Deal mean for you?

14th December 2010

Legislation to establish The Green Deal is due to be introduced into Parliament this month. This is the Government’s plan to make energy efficiency in the home available to all, whether people own or rent their property.

“The Green Deal’s about making people feel as warm as toast in their homes,” says Chris Huhne, the Energy and Climate Change Secretary. “I want Britain to say goodbye forever to leaky lofts and chilly draughts. At a time of increasing gas prices, energy efficiency is a no-brainer.”

Under the deal, households will be able to take out ‘pay-as-you-save loans’ of up to £10,000 from accredited providers, to pay for double glazing, solar panels or other energy efficiency measures. These will be paid pack over time through savings on fuel bills.

The Government also announced measures to improve the energy efficiency of the private rented sector, which have the very lowest F or G energy ratings. Under The Green Deal, landlords will face no upfront costs when improving their properties; but powers will be giving to tenants who ask for reasonable energy efficiency improvements to receive them from 2015 onwards.

Bye Bye 2010; Hello 2011...

14th December 2010

So that was 2010. Was it a good 12 months to be a property watcher? Well, as we approach Christmas, we’re pretty much where we were when we began the year, with slowish mortgage lending and rental demand on the rise. In fact, one set of statistics claims that, currently, seven people are chasing every room that’s available to rent.

Of course, you do need to stand back and take a look at the bigger property picture – something the doom and gloom mongers in the Press are never very good at. The fact is that housing generally slows at this time of year because people wait until January or spring to put their homes onto the market, and as Michael Jones, President of the National Estate Agents Association, said: “It is reassuring that sales seem stable and we have actually seen a slight increase in the percentage of sales made to first-time buyers.

“But mortgage restrictions will need to be eased if we are to see any real increases across the market moving into the early part of 2011.”

One other good bit of news for residential landlords in the UK: they’re having to deal with fewer tenants who have fallen into arrears. While rents continued to increase in October by an average of 0.4 percent, the amount of outstanding rent owed to residential landlords fell.

Thank you to everyone who again has supported Williams & Goodwin The Property People in 2010, we trust we will be of service to you in 2011.

We hope you enjoy our latest newsletter from all the team at the Property People

Seasons Greetings and a prosperous 2011.

AUCTION RAISES £8,500 FOR LOCAL CHARITIES.

13th December 2010

An auction of promises at Tre-Ysgawen Hall held on Saturday the 27th November 2010 raised £8,500 towards local charities with the top priced item of the evening selling at £2,000 being an original oil painting of Fron Deg by Wilf Roberts.

The auction, which has now been held for several years, has donated over £20,000 in the last 12 months to local causes and this year the charity fund will be split three ways between

Gorwel Domestic Abuse for Children and Young People on Anglesey receiving £4,250;

Alaw Day Ward Ysbyty Gwynedd receiving £2,125 and

The Hospice at Home Charity receiving £2,125.

The coordinators of the evening are absolutely delighted with the response and donations received and wish to express their gratitude to all who donated items to be auctioned and in addition all those who attended the wonderful evening and purchased the lots.

Auctioneer Melfyn Williams of All Wales Auction and Williams & Goodwin The Property People commented:

“We have now been involved with this dinner and auction of promises for the last three years and encouraged to see the commitment and enthusiasm from the bidders on the evening all willing to assist and raise money for the charities and at the same time benefitting from early Christmas shopping!”

The organisers included Gruff Owen and daughter, Mair Jones of Dolmeinir, Wilf and Sue Roberts from Mynydd Bodafon and Linda and Dafydd Roberts from Rhosmeirch.

It is intended to hold the evening again in 2011 on Saturday the 26th November at Tre-Ysgawen Hall. Anyone who wishes to donate an item to be auctioned should contact the auctioneer’s office auctions@tppuk.com.

Mair Jones concluded:

“A big thank you to everyone who has donated and helped the evening over several years. We look forward to 2011 and trust that people will continue to be generous with their donations.”

For more information contact Melfyn N Williams 07771900253 or Office 01248 751000.

Photograph

From left to right

Gruff Owen, Dolmeinir; Wilf Roberts, Mynydd Boadafon; Mair Jones; Melfyn Williams (auctioneer); Sue Roberts, Mynydd Bodafon; Linda and Dafydd Roberts, Rhosmeirch.

Williams & Goodwin retain top spot in North Wales and voted winner at the ‘Oscars’ of the estate agency industry, the 2010 Estate Agency of the Year Awards

8th December 2010

Williams & Goodwin The Property People received the ultimate industry accolade on Friday 3rd December winning the Silver Award in Wales for agents with 2 to 5 offices at the 2010 Estate Agency of the Year Awards in association with The Sunday Times and The Times, held at the Lancaster London Hotel.

The event, now in its eighth year, is recognised as one of the most important event in the industry calendar and attracted agents from across the country representing over 4,000 branches. It was once again supported by The Sunday Times and The Times and for the first time, property website Zoopla.co.uk with the winners presented with their awards by one of Britain’s most successful athletes, James Cracknell.

Following their initial submissions, each of these winners were subjected to rigorous scrutiny by a panel of independent industry experts and the whole judging process was once more overseen and supported by the Property Ombudsman Christopher Hamer.

Williams & Goodwin were delighted to receive the award. Llangefni Area Manager, Caron Swann, commenting: “An excellent end to a steady year where our team of property people have worked hard to achieve sales, and market properties, we are delighted to receive this award”

The Judges’ Report highlighted the particular qualities of Williams & Goodwin stating, “Williams & Goodwin practice what they preach, with training and personal development at the core of their business. The culture is one of continual improvement for all aspects of the business and all staff have their development tied into the company goals and results”

In addition to title sponsor, Zoopla.co.uk, the 2010 awards sponsors included: My Home Move, Mortgage Talk, Reapit, Property on Video, goview.co.uk, Moneypenny, Dove & Hawk, Whathouse.co.uk and The Property Academy.

Peter Knight, Chairman of the event organisers Estate Agency Events comments, “I would like to congratulate all those who have won awards at this year’s event. There is no doubt that the market is still very tough, with record lows in the number of mortgages being lent, but these awards clearly demonstrate the absolute commitment to excellence within our industry. This will be vital to help the industry return to growth and thrive in the future.

“I would also like to add my grateful thanks particularly to the team at The Sunday Times and The Times whose continued support has helped make the 2010 Awards the biggest and best event yet.”

For a full list of all the award winners please visit: www.estateagencyoftheyear.com

NEW LICENCE TO HELP CONSUMERS CHOOSE QUALIFIED ESTATE AGENTS

18th November 2010

A LICENCE for estate agents was introduced on Wednesday 17th November 2010 for the first time in a major push to raise standards in the industry.

The licence, launched at the House of Commons by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) has already received industry support with local estate Agents Williams & Goodwin The Property People of North Wales being one of the first to qualify and become registered as an agent licensed to sell.

The NAEA says more must be done to protect consumers from unqualified agents.

A licensed estate agency branch means consumers are guaranteed that at least one agent within that branch is qualified in residential property sales, either through a formal qualification or through length of service in the industry.

Currently there is no barrier to anyone setting up and practising as an estate agent. There is no legal requirement for estate agents to obtain the new licence, leaving consumers with a clear choice over whether they choose a licensed or unlicensed agent.

Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the NAEA, said: “Nobody would knowingly get into an unlicensed taxi. However thousands of people are willing to entrust one of most important transactions of their life to people who are not qualified or experienced.

“We would like all sellers and buyers to ask their prospective agents, ‘Do you have a licence?’. If they don’t, they should ask themselves whether that’s the best place to market their property.

“From today estate agency in the UK is a two-tiered industry – those agents who are licensed and those who are not. I think the public will welcome the distinction and I believe that this move will raise standards across the industry.”

Housing Minister Grant Shapps said:

"For years I’ve been calling for better standards throughout this industry, so I’m delighted the NAEA are taking matters into their own hands and launching a licensing scheme that will ensure their members become known for their professionalism and integrity. I call on all estate agents to sign up and make sure they’re not left behind when consumers vote with their feet."

"This is exactly the sort of measure the housing market needs – simple and sensible changes that are driven by industry and designed to deliver results. By ensuring they enjoy the trust of people buying and selling homes, estate agents will inject greater confidence and movement in the housing market. In future anyone looking to buy a home or sell theirs should ask the simple question of their estate agents - "are you licensed?"

Melfyn N Williams, Managing Director at Williams & Goodwin added: “We are naturally delighted to be among the first agents to receive this new licence and trust that property owners will recognise the difference on the high street by choosing an agent who has qualification, experience and a license to sell”

The licence will also guarantee the agency is covered by required amounts of Professional Indemnity Insurance. They will also undertake 12 hours of Continuing Professional Development every year, commit to keeping up to date with industry developments and be bound by the NAEA’s rules of conduct.

The NAEA represents around one in three estate agents in the UK. It has proposed to get as many members as possible licensed by June 2011.

The Spending Review hits home?

2nd November 2010

After all the media speculation, did George Osborne’s Spending Review seem like a bit of an anti-climax?

Obviously, the Chancellor’s measures will have an impact across all sectors, especially cuts which threaten jobs. But for the property sector, the main point of contention was the housing benefit cuts in England. In his speech, George Osborne sweetened the pill by promising to “reform the planning system so we put local people in charge, we reduce burdens on builders and encourage more homes to be built, with a New Homes Bonus scheme.”

Away from the Spending Review, an upbeat report from the Young Group focussed on the private rented sector, and highlighted that professional Property Management – and its impact on asset value - is highly regarded. “In a sector that is characterised by large numbers of ‘amateur’ landlords,” said Neil Young, the Young Group’s CEO, “it is encouraging to see that they appear to wholeheartedly value professional property management and indicate that they believe it results in higher rents, enhanced capital values, longer tenancies and encourages tenants to take better care of their rental property.”

We hope you enjoy our latest newsletter from all the team at the Property People

Zero Carbon Homes for 2016: Unrealistic expectations?

2nd November 2010

According to government figures, more than a quarter of all CO2 emissions come from residential properties. So it wasn’t a surprise when new housing minister Grant Shapps re-confirmed the UK’s commitment to a strict target established by the then Labour government in 2006: ie, to make all new-build homes ‘zero carbon’ by 2016.

However, there’s still confusion over what this means in practical terms. Indeed, some in the house building industry claim that the lack of a clear definition of ‘zero carbon’ homes is hampering the achievement of targets.

Back in July, the Home Builders Federation (HBF) asked for ‘further clarity’ from the government, especially when there seemed to be some back-pedalling from Grant Shapps, who announced ‘new flexibilities for builders and councils to make new homes zero-carbon’.

We do know the coalition has confirmed the introduction of the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard - proposals which were developed by a Hub-lead Task Group last year.

Grant Shapps also said he would explore the feasibility of the community energy fund, where developers would make payments to support local energy schemes as part of allowable solutions.

For other details, yet to be announced, you’ll have to watch this (zero carbon) space…

Auctioneer to mark 25 year service with charity auction:

2nd November 2010

This year Melfyn N Williams celebrates 25 years as an Estate Agent and Auctioneer in North Wales. To mark the event, a charity dinner will be held in 2011 to raise money for local charities.

Over the years Melfyn who is also a qualified chartered surveyor has become one of the areas leading estate agents and auctioneers. He has also voluntarily served the estate agency profession with the National Association of Estate Agents for 20 of these years, with the last 12 being on a national level, in 2003 acting as there UK President. Melfyn is currently the National Chairman for the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers.

With Williams & Goodwin The Property People he has provided auctioneering services to the community at charitable events and together with sponsorship provided by Williams & Goodwin The Property People has assisted in raising over £100,000 for North Wales charities.

Now to celebrate the 25th anniversary, a charity dinner and auction of promises is aimed to be held.

Williams & Goodwin seek your assistance to offer items for the auction. Ideally they are seeking donations of items that “you cannot buy on the High Street”.

A draw will be held in the New Year to discover which three local charities will benefit from the event and invite North Wales based charities or clubs to write to our Llangefni Office to participate in the draw. Anyone who may have an item they wish to donate to the event or a charity, local club or school interested in participating in the draw should write to “25 Year Auction”, Williams & Goodwin 23 Church Street Llangefni Anglesey LL77 7DU

ENDS:

For more information about Williams & Goodwin visit www.tppuk.com Or call Melfyn Williams on 07771 900253

Special Collection

2nd November 2010

Individual features for individuals like you...

Each property within our Special Collection has its own unique fingerprint. Just like you. Stone spiral staircase... Inglenook fireplace... Avant garde decor...no two homes are the same.

So if you're looking to stand out from the crowd, look no further than the Special Collection. Where everything is special. Especially the service.

The collection is not dictated by the price of the property, they are properties that all kinds of people in all price ranges will aspire to own and naturally as they are special, they will receive an extra special service from The Property People.

Ones' to Watch

14th October 2010

We've always known that cuts are coming - but we don't know how fast and deep they'll be. Later this month, though, all will be made clear when George Osborne announces his spending review and the full scale of the coalition cuts (and the possible effect on the housing market) will be unveiled for the first time. Watch this space, as they say.

The other big news comes from the Financial Services Authority which is currently consulting on ways to stop "excessive" mortgage lending. This is fair enough: to avoid the mistakes of the past things will have to change. The Council of Mortgage Lenders wants to make sure that the FSA doesn't make things worse, however.

"New conduct rules for mortgage lenders will not help borrowers meet their aspirations to become home owners," warns Michael Coogan, Director General of the Council of Mortgage Lenders. "Indeed, the unintended consequences of new mortgage regulation are likely to stifle innovation and opportunity."

We hope you enjoy our latest newsletter from all the team at the Property People

Special Collection

14th October 2010

A Dragon Roars

14th October 2010

This month, we talk to James Caan, easily the smoothest and suavest of the multi-millionaire big beasts on TV entrepreneur hit, Dragons’ Den. James has seen plenty of bumpy markets and rough economic rides in his time – that’s the businessman’s lot, after all. But even he has been stunned by the financial turbulence of the last couple of years.

“In the current economic environment, the risk element is compounded far more significantly because the market is so volatile,” he says. “So today, the things that we used to think were fairly safe — like property and Blue Chip stocks — have been dramatically affected. The swing on property prices — a drop of 40 or 50 per cent and then a bounce back by the same amount in such a short period of time — has been shocking.”

However, James thinks that the 2012 Olympics could help put the country back on track. “I think the general economic environment is very sentiment–driven,” he says. “Probably, by the summer of next year I expect the markets to improve significantly. I’m putting a lot of emphasis on the Olympics and the impact it will have on the UK economy. We’ll have tourism and the country will be in the spotlight… and consumer spend will be high. Maybe the Olympics will be the catalyst of the UK recovery.”

So, while we wait, where do you put your spare cash — if you have any? Well, says James, now is a good time to refurbish properties because the number of people buying houses has dropped significantly.

But — and it’s a big but — you have to know what you are doing. “If you know and understand the property market,” says James, “I think you can find some very interesting opportunities because volatile markets create opportunities. If you’ve never traded in property before, however, now is not the time to get in.”

Take a Dragons’ advice. Do your homework and get experience before you take the plunge.

The nuclear ‘sale and rent back’ option

14th October 2010

On 30 June, new regulations published by the Financial Services Authority came into force to help protect financially-strapped homeowners from falling prey to predatory ‘sale and rent back’ companies. If you are struggling with your mortgage, perhaps you’ve wondered about the ‘nuclear’ sale and rent back option, too.

Essentially, it means you would swap the ownership of your home for a tenancy under a ‘sale and rent back’ agreement, then use the funds to settle outstanding debts. The attractive bit is that you get to stay in your own home while you do.

The problem is, you sell your home a vastly discounted price to a company which then rents it back to you at the market rate; and some unregulated firms have been censured for taking advantage of cash-poor homeowners in what are difficult times.

However, the new FSA rules mean that sale and rent companies can no longer use high-pressure sales techniques or emotive terms like "mortgage rescue" in promotional literature. Consumers now have space to change their minds in a 14-day cooling off period — and be guaranteed a tenancy for a minimum of five years.

HOUSE SALES UP BY 30%

17th September 2010

Williams & Goodwin The Property People are pleased to announce that half year results confirms Sales in the Bangor and Anglesey areas have increased by 30% over the first 6 months of this financial year compared to 2009.

The market appears to remain rather static, yet results prove positive signs with results on sales up by 30% over the same period last year. Properties covered in the region from their 3 sales offices at Holyhead, Llangefni and Bangor have all experienced increased enquiries and performance with particular note is increase activity in the first time buyer and investor sector.

While mortgages remain difficult to obtain and high deposits required purchasers are determined not to miss excellent opportunities in the current market while prices are at their lowest level for several years. Competitive and realistic pricing by some sellers are securing sales.

The company also reported increased activity in their auction division - All Wales Auction a partnership with South Wales estate agents, Peter Alan - with their last sale in July 2010 reporting a 91% success rate, well above the current industry average of 71%.

Activity in the residential lettings market has also increased with new let deals agreed up by around 22%.

Melfyn Williams, managing director commented

"Naturally we are pleased with the half year activity of the company and trust that the market will continue to grow steadily forward as it has done over the last 6 months. We believe that the combined determination of our negotiator skills and professional marketing is assisting our sellers to achieve their objectives and trust that anyone who is contemplating marketing their property in the near future will consider the property people."

Williams added

"Of particular note is the significant improvement of our Holyhead office since April 2010".

For more enquiries please contact www.tppuk.com or one of the local offices at Holyhead 01407 760500; Llangefni 01248 75 1000 or Bangor 01248 355 333

Mortgage Lending Up - But Is Golden Era of Home Ownership Over?

6th September 2010

With the summer silly season coming to an end, the property news picture seems a little. well. mixed.

Any bad news, obviously, makes front page headlines; while any good news appears in a small column on the bottom of page 24. Next to the horoscopes.

For instance, mortgage-lending actually rose in July (we didn't hear much about that) although the housing market itself remained subdued (we heard PLENTY about that). Meanwhile, a report by the Chartered Institute of Housing said that the 'golden era' of home ownership is over - and called on housing providers and government to focus attention on developing a wider range of rented housing options.

Then in strides the Bank of England, reporting that UK homeowners increased the value of their stakes in their properties by £3.2bn in the first three months of 2010. What everyone seems to agree on, though, is that there have been less repossessions in the 2nd quarter of the year.

Which - surely? - has to be good news.
We hope you enjoy our latest newsletter from all the team at the Property People.

Beeny's About

6th September 2010

This month we talk to Channel 4 property queen Sarah Beeny about house renovation. This is quite timely because, in October, Sarah will be renovating a home - her own home, actually - for a new TV series called (with typical Channel 4 understatement), Beeny's Renovation Nightmare.

It turns out that Sarah's pad is a 97-room stately home in Yorkshire which had been left to crumble for a long time and is at risk (hence her renovation intervention). But, for the rest of us, what should we be looking for when we buy a renovation project?

"The survey should highlight any problems - although I won't say 'it will'," she tells us. "To me, though, renovation comes down to making sure you haven't underestimated how much the project is going to cost. and overestimated what you can sell your house for - if you're planning to do so.

"Plus, if you are doing it up to sell on, make sure you have a guaranteed 20 per cent profit, which is what you need to be safe.

"If you're doing renovation work to make the house your own - and you can afford it - then it doesn't matter too much."

And what about using eco-friendly materials in your plans? "We went through a huge trauma with our house," groans Sarah. "But the truth is, the figures were so expensive (a 'green renovation') just didn't stack up. I mean, if you have a choice between a £300,000 boiler room or a £20,000 boiler room. well, we're just not that rich." She did, however, take a step towards going green by buying the most efficient oil-fired boiler on the market.

Have Landlords benefited from the Coalition Government?

6th September 2010

That's a good question.

And the answer: probably.

Certainly (favourable) changes have taken place over summer which may encourage more people to become landlords and boost further investment in the private-rented sector.

In June, the Government announced it will be looking to end blanket shared housing planning regulations, which required landlords to gain planning permission before renting out a home to three or more unrelated people.

The Coalition also promised it would ditch the unpopular idea, created by the Labour government, of a register of landlords. "We are very pleased that the Government is rejecting previous attempts to introduce a register," said David Salusbury, Chairman of the National Landlords Association. "It was the wrong way to go about raising standards in the private-rented sector and would not have rooted out rogue landlords. In fac t, we believe the likely consequence could have been to penalise the law-abiding, while at the same time driving the worst landlords under the radar."

The Residential Landlords Association, meanwhile, notes that some landlords with large portfolios are still concerned by changes to the country's capital gains tax regime.

ACHIEVEMENT WALES WINNER ALSO SHORTLISTED AS FINALIST IN THE LEADING UK ESTATE AGENCY OF THE YEAR AWARDS

6th September 2010

Special Collection

6th September 2010

ACHIEVEMENT WALES WINNER ALSO SHORTLISTED AS FINALIST IN THE LEADING UK ESTATE AGENCY OF THE YEAR AWARDS

16th August 2010

All Wales Auctions has been shortlisted in the Newcomer of the Year category of The Negotiator Awards 2010, organised in association with The Digital Property Group, FindaProperty.com, Globrix.com and Primelocation.com.

The event is the leading nationwide estate agency awards scheme in the UK, and the trophies will be presented at a glittering awards ceremony hosted by TV and radio comedian Fred MacAulay, at the Hilton Hotel in London's Park Lane on Wednesday 10 November.

The All Wales Auction was established in 2009, when South Wales estate agents, Peter Alan and North Wales estate agents, Williams & Goodwin The Property People joined forces to create the first auction house based in Wales that covers the whole of the country with twin auction sites in Cardiff and Bangor.

Over the past year, the All Wales Auction has enjoyed huge success, winning the Daily Post Achievement Wales award in December 2009 and with the most recent South Wales Auction, held in July, selling 91 per cent of the properties that went under the hammer.

Clare Bettelley, editor of The Negotiator, says: "We've had a terrific response this year, so All Wales Auctions has done brilliantly to get shortlisted, particularly when up against such an extensive list of outstanding firms in its field. Agents continue to face a challenging market, but this doesn't seem to be enough to hold back their talent, entrepreneurialism and creativity".

She added: "The Negotiator Awards were designed by the leading residential agency magazine, The Negotiator, to identify, reward and celebrate industry excellence and promote best practice, so we're delighted to, once again, be able to organise and host a ceremony that continues to do just that."

Both Peter Alan Estate Agents and The Property People have recently reported growth in house sales for the first half of 2010.

Andrew Barry, Sales Director at Peter Alan Estate Agents, said: "We are delighted that the All Wales Auction has been shortlisted for one of the most prestigious awards in the industry. We believe that the development of a national auction house for Wales has not only helped local Welsh people to buy and sell property through one catalogue, but also increased enquiries and success rates."

All Wales Auctioneer, Melfyn N Williams added: "We are becoming known as The Property Auctioneers of Wales and are naturally excited at being recognised by the industry as one of the leading new brands in the UK. We have combined years of property auction experience with the marketing of the best estate agents in North & South Wales, coupled with superb commitment from our auction specialist teams, we trust anyone who is considering selling by auction will contact the All Wales auction team in either North or South Wales"

The next All Wales Auctions will be held on 7th and 12th October in North & South Wales.

The sponsors of the awards include Virgin Media, Endsleigh Let, The Property Jungle, The Digital Property Group, FindaProperty.com, Primelocation.com and Globrix.com.

Peter Alan notes to editors:

. Based at Culverhouse Cross in Cardiff, Peter Alan has a network of 23 estate agency offices across South Wales and the Valleys from Newport in the east to Gorseinon in the west.
. A new office was opened in Wrexham in July.
. This makes Peter Alan, the estate agency with most branch offices in Wales.
. The business currently records a house sale on average every hour of each working week.
. Led by Managing Director Mick McGuire and Sales Director, Andrew Barry, Peter Alan employs a staff of 200.
. Peter Alan is part of Principality, Wales' largest building society with assets of more than £6.2 billion.

Williams & Goodwin The Property People notes to editors:

. Based at Llangefni on Anglesey, Williams & Goodwin has a chain of 3 estate agency offices across North West Wales from Holyhead in the east to Bangor in the west.
. Auctioneer Melfyn Williams has 15 years property auction experience, and won the Best UK Residential Auctioneer award in 2008. Melfyn is currently the UK Chairman for the National Association of Valuers & Auctioneers (NAVA) & Past President of NAEA..
. Williams & Goodwin The Property People are currently the Daily Mails Best UK Estate Agency.
. Led by Managing Director Melfyn N Williams and Sales Director, Tim Goodwin, The Property People employs a staff of 25.

For more information, contact:

Emma Stanford, External Affairs Co-ordinator, Principality Building Society
Tel: 029 2077 3788; e-mail: emma.stanford@principality.co.uk

Andrew Barry, Sales Director, Peter Alan Estate Agents on 0845 045 5550

Melfyn N Williams, AWA - Auctioneer and MD, Williams & Goodwin The Property People on 0845 087 11 11

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.

The FSA get T-O-U-G-H

12th August 2010

It had to happen after the credit crunch melt-down: in July, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) proposed new rules to curb excessive mortgage-lending - specifically banning lending to those who cannot prove their income.

"There is a clear link between financial overstretch and mortgage arrears and repossessions," says Lesley Titcomb, the FSA director responsible for the mortgage market. "We are determined to protect vulnerable consumers by making sure that everyone who takes on a mortgage can afford to pay it back."

And about time too, you might say - although the proposed new rules will be scant comfort to first-time buyers who are still struggling to find a mortgage. There was good news for potential landlords this summer, however, because banks are reported to be lending to the buy-to-let market again.

Elsewhere, the press has gone into a feeding frenzy, talking up a story about a house price tumble over the next few months, thanks to a surfeit of sellers rushing to put their homes onto the market (the abolition of HiPs has been cited as part of the cause).

It might not be time to panic just yet, though. These reports don't seem to bear in mind that spring and summer is the season for sellers, while autumn or winter is the time for buyers to snap up a property bargain. Just a (positive) thought.

from all the team at the Property People

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.

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."

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 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