With 2021 drawing to a close, we look back at the year for our South East offices. Most branches report the same issues: limited stock leading to higher demand and higher prices, and the importance of keeping in touch with us if you’re searching for your new home.

 
While our website lists many of our properties, it isn’t reflective of all our activity, with many properties going under offer before they hit the property portals. Registering with us means you’ll be the first to hear about new properties coming to market and can take advantage of our discreet matching of applicants and homes.

Oxted

Stuart Routledge, director at our Oxted branch:

“We’ve had a very busy year at the Oxted branch, despite the imposed restrictions. People have still wanted to move home, and we’ve seen an increase in activity compared to the previous year. The local market has seen an increase in owners looking to downsize, with children flying the nest and the need to move to smaller, more manageable properties. 

SOLD - sold discreetly/only marketed on the Jackson-Stops website 
Pains Hill, Limpsfield - Beautifully appointed character property with swimming pool and large gardens. 
 

“The exodus from Greater London has meant that those looking to benefit from green space and more square feet have been searching for larger properties in the country, where they have been able to get more for their money. We have many qualified applicants looking to move into the area and a shortage of family properties coming to market.”

SOLD - very fast sale
High Drive, Woldingham, Caterham - an exceptional family home with enchanting landscaped gardens. 

Sevenoaks 

Gaynor Cooper, director at our Sevenoaks branch:

“Despite a buoyant market, with an increase in valuations undertaken by our team, we’ve seen a real imbalance of supply and demand with vendors holding off putting their properties on the market due to the lack of stock for them to choose from to move to. Many of those who have taken the plunge and sold their homes to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday are now living in temporary properties while they search for their next long term home, so are now in a great position to buy.

SOLD - sold very quickly and over the asking price 
Bullpits, Penhurst, Tonbridge - a beautifully presented Grade II listed family house.

“As at our Oxted branch, we have many Londoners looking for more space in Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas, which has meant the competition for family homes and town centre properties has been fierce.

“The market will self-regulate in 2022, with more properties coming to market. Our advice is to bring your property to market, and we will manage the expectation of buyers.”

SOLD - 28 viewings, went to sealed bids  and sold for over the asking price 
Church Cottage, Ightham, Sevenoaks - a most attractive Grade II listed character cottage in the centre of Ightham village.

Tunbridge Wells 

Tim Oatley, director of our Tunbridge Wells branch:

“2021 has been a quieter year locally, although with increased competition for the properties that come to market. Indeed, the market has adapted over the past 12 months, with buyers understanding the pressures faced by sellers and we’ve seen flexibility on timescales to accommodate sellers finding their next home after they’ve accepted an offer.

SOLD - sold on first viewing to a chain free buyer
Birling Road, Tunbridge Wells - an exceptionally spacious five bedroom detached family house.

“We’ve noticed an increase in discreet marketing where low key marketing has led to success through the use of our national database of applicants and our ability to market homes far and wide. 

“Buyers and tenants are still looking to move from the Greater London area, attracted by the wide open space and more bang for your buck that Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas offer, and we’re very keen to hear from sellers and landlords with three/four bedroom properties in the £650,000-£1M or £1,500-£3,000 price point. Larger family homes are always in demand and homes close to good schools will always appeal.”

SOLD - sold on first viewing at guide price 10% higher than the previous listing price
 

Cranbrook

Rupert Newcomb, director of our Cranbrook branch:

“While the Cranbrook property market reflect the national picture of a shortage of stock this year, we’ve carried out an increased number of valuations, with sellers keen to sell but struggling to find properties to move to. This has meant a huge demand for properties in the £600,000-£1.2M price range and a definite increase in applicants looking for such homes.

SOLD -  sold off market for approximately 10% over the asking price
Coach House, Benenden - an individual contemporary residence finished to a high specification set amid a beautiful landscaped garden.

“Activity is customarily quieter towards the end of the year, after a busy year for both our sales and lettings departments, and we look forward to the traditional surge in sellers looking to market their homes from the end of December well into the New Year.

‘Similar to our other South East branches, while the market appears quieter, we have been extremely busy behind the scenes promoting properties through discreet marketing for sales and lettings. I would reiterate the advantages of registering your interest with us to ensure you hear about new instructions first.”

LET - let without public marketing and at the asking price 

Canterbury

James Henley, director of our Canterbury branch:

We've seen a huge demand for character country properties within 5-10 miles of Canterbury with an acre of grounds and lots of interest in coastal properties. The sea air or countryside living are high on the agenda for home movers.

LET - Let on first viewing for the asking price 
Pett Hill, Bridge - a stunning five bedroom detached, Grade II listed period farmhouse. 

While people are still prioritising a move out of urban areas, they still definitely want links to the City, and Canterbury and the surrounding areas offer a great balance for exactly that. 

We've been extremely busy wi​​​​​​​th market appraisals, with busy vendors planning for 2022, and we've also witnesses success in low key marketing/discreet sales so please do register your interest ​​​​​​​and your property to get your 2022 off to a flying start. 

SOLD - sold at 10% over the asking price 
The Street, Ickham - a pretty Grade II listed four bedroom semi-detached cottage. 

If you're considering a sale in the New Year oour South East teams would be delighted to discuss your individual requirements and put together a bespoke marketing package to support the successful sale of your home. With strong regional and national networks of branches and property professionals and excellent regional and national marketing, Jackson-Stops is in an excellent position to market your home to a wide geographical audience.
Find your local branch