The last 18 months have seen unprecedented government action to save the property market from the devastating effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic - and the market’s done more than rebound.

In June 2020, a [Stamp Duty Holiday](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/property-news/first-time-buyers-pay-more-due-to-stamp-duty-holiday "First time buyers pay more due to Stamp Duty Holiday") was introduced to galvanise the property market and incentivise first time home buyers to continue spending. Meanwhile, lockdown-induced mortgage payment holidays and low mortgage approval ratings saw the monetary gap between homeowners and renters widen. Combined with an acute shortage of housing, these actions have set the property market ablaze, with house prices soaring across the country. 

While the boom means it’s a good time to be a homeowner (and even better, a home seller), it’s important to remember its effect on other areas within the industry, especially where estate agents are concerned.

## Are estate agent’s fees on the rise?

Estate agent’s fees have risen due to an increase in the value of property. Most high street agents earn a percentage cut from the sale of properties. Average rates usually range from 0.75 to 3% (including VAT) based on the following factors:

* Location
* Property type
* Property value

While location and property type often dictate property value, it’s also affected by the state of the housing market. During the Great Recession for example, house prices dropped by nearly 19% between the third quarter of 2007 and the first quarter of 2009. In other words, the market became what’s known as a ‘buyer’s market’.

### What is a buyer’s market?

A buyer’s market describes conditions where purchasers have distinct advantages over sellers. In the Great Recession, house prices plummeted. This meant that while it was theoretically easier than ever to buy property, it was a lot harder to sell because less people could afford to buy. In a recession, people are much more likely to be frugal with their money than invest in property. 

In a buyer’s market, estate agent fees usually decrease because the industry is suffering from a lack of sales.

### Why have estate agent fees risen now?

Currently, the property market is a ‘seller’s market’ - meaning that it’s a very good time to be a home seller, but not so much a buyer. House prices are on the rise, meaning that agents can not only earn more from their commission, but they can adjust their rates accordingly to boost their earnings.

## How much do estate agents charge in your city?

Using our handy [Estate Agent Fees Tool](https://www.getagent.co.uk/estate-agent-fees "Estate agent fees"), we looked at agent rates across the most popular cities in the UK, and how they equate to current house prices:

![How much are estate agents in your city?](//images.contentful.com/us6n8ous4bz0/5FUjry7SavOevbbcVzTaB3/5514d2337df6200ceb9d3e715ccf41ed/estate-agent-fees-city-uk.png)

[See the full table of data below](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/research/how-much-are-estate-agent-fees#average-estate-agent-fee-by-uk-city)

## What do the results show?

To help you decipher our findings, we’ve picked out some juicy snippets:

### Cities with the most expensive agent fees

* London is still by large, the most expensive city in terms of property price and estate agent fees. At 1.7%, with an average property price of £525,893, the average agent fee is £8,940, just shy of £10,000.
* The second-highest cost to sell is found in Cambridge and Oxford. Despite charging just a 1.1% fee, estate agents take home £5,426 and £4,711 due to the higher value of properties.
* Bournemouth also ranks within the top five, where the average agent earns £3,768 from an average fee of 1.2%. Meanwhile, the same percentage fee in Bristol equates to a cost of £3,690.

### Cities with the least expensive agent fees

* On the other end of the table, Glasgow is currently the most affordable city to sell your home with an estate agent. Their 1.1% fee charged on an average property price of £162,081 equates to just £1,783.
* Bradford (£1,873), Newcastle (£1,957), Nottingham (£2,233) and Liverpool (£2,304) also rank amongst the most affordable cities to sell in the current market. 

## Do estate agent fees matter?

While it might be tempting to view agent fees as a major consideration when selling your home, it’s important to remember that **fees don't matter as much as you think**.

Our research shows that agent rates often vary without relation to average house price. Residents in Liverpool are charged an average rate of 1.4% to sell their homes. This is the second highest agent rate from our data, despite Liverpool being a city with historically low house prices. 

However, our research also shows that Liverpool ranks among the most affordable cities to sell in the current market, despite high agent rates. This is because agents charge a proportional cut from property sales. The 0.7% difference between the lowest agent rates (Glasgow, Newcastle, Edinburgh) and the highest rates (London, Liverpool) is negligible in comparison to the £363,812 disparity between properties in London and Glasgow. Ultimately, you can still pay higher agent rates without truly impacting your sale. 

What’s more, quality high street agents view their commission as an incentive to get your property sold. This means it’s in their best interests to achieve the best final sale price for your property. 

However, this doesn’t mean you should get complacent. Estate agents handle the most important transactions of our lives. Their level of expertise could result in a sale well above asking price, or a bungled opportunity. Although fees shouldn’t be a primary consideration, you should still get your money’s worth. 

The main thing you should take into account is **agent performance**.

## Why agent performance matters

Like any type of service we purchase (insurance packages, phone contracts), estate agents should be compared. Although an agent’s marketing and negotiation abilities may vary considerably, home sellers often mistake fees as the main indication of an agent’s reliability. This is because many people find agents difficult to distinguish from one another at face value.

So how do you find the right estate agent for your property sale? Our free [Agent Comparison Tool](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor) uses data from the Land Registry and property portals to rank local estate agents according to:

* Their expertise in selling your property type
* How likely they are to achieve your asking price
* How fast they sell properties in your area

Everyone has different motivations for selling their property. Whether you’re after a quick sale or the most money possible, hard data allows you to easily distinguish which agents perform best in your local area.

## Average estate agent fee by UK city

| Location    | Average estate agent fee % | Average house price | Average fee £ |
| ----------- | ------------------- | ------------------- | ------------- |
| London      | 1.7%                | £525,893            | £8,940        |
| Cambridge   | 1.1%                | £493,297            | £5,426        |
| Oxford      | 1.1%                | £428,298            | £4,711        |
| Bournemouth | 1.2%                | £313,983            | £3,768        |
| Bristol     | 1.2%                | £307,523            | £3,690        |
| Edinburgh   | 1.0%                | £314,042            | £3,140        |
| Birmingham  | 1.4%                | £209,176            | £2,928        |
| Cardiff     | 1.2%                | £241,321            | £2,896        |
| Leeds       | 1.3%                | £216,580            | £2,816        |
| Portsmouth  | 1.2%                | £227,590            | £2,731        |
| Leicester   | 1.3%                | £206,498            | £2,684        |
| Southampton | 1.2%                | £220,826            | £2,650        |
| Manchester  | 1.3%                | £203,835            | £2,650        |
| Plymouth    | 1.3%                | £197,944            | £2,573        |
| Sheffield   | 1.2%                | £192,236            | £2,307        |
| Liverpool   | 1.4%                | £164,550            | £2,304        |
| Nottingham  | 1.3%                | £171,762            | £2,233        |
| Newcastle   | 1.1%                | £177,877            | £1,957        |
| Bradford    | 1.2%                | £156,076            | £1,873        |
| Glasgow     | 1.1%                | £162,081            | £1,783        |

A couple review an estate agent contract in their home.

How much are estate agent fees in your city?

Using our handy Estate Agent Fees Tool, we looked at agent rates across the most popular cities in the UK, and how they equate to current house prices.

How much do estate agents charge? Average fees in your city

Using our handy Estate Agent Fees Tool, we looked at agent rates across the most popular cities in the UK, and how they equate to current house prices.


Ahead of Bonfire Night celebrations, we reveal how much it costs to repair damage caused to the home. From scorched grass to smashed windows, we analysed all of the common fireworks mishaps. 

Bonfire Night, with its accompanying fireworks displays, continues to be one of the most widely-celebrated events in the calendar. 

Towns and cities across the country will be hosting public displays, but with COVID-19 still a concern, more people than ever are expected to host their own celebrations at home.

However, doing so comes with a series of risks, the biggest of which, aside from the safety of the people in attendance, is the potential damage caused to the home and garden. 

![Repair costs of the most common bonfire night accidents](//images.contentful.com/us6n8ous4bz0/5Ceik9GZEqAZeLDjZAyeLc/cc339c053963eb83bf40958ce8d452e7/Screenshot_2021-11-04_at_16.51.06.png)

__Carpet cleaning - £30__

Any time guests come round, and especially if they’re moving between the garden and home, there is a good chance carpets will be damaged from spills and muddy shoes. 

A professional clean will set you back around £30 per room, a price that can vary depending on the size and number of rooms that require cleaning. If the damage is severe enough for the carpet to need replacing, the cost grows much bigger.

__Guttering - £30__

Should a stray firework cause damage to your guttering you could also be looking at about £30 to replace depending on the size of the job. 

__Roof tiles - £85__

Wayward fireworks can also cause roof tiles to crack or dislodge and a single tile averages £85 to replace. 

__Fencing - £100__

Bonfires and fireworks pose a risk to any wooden structures in and around the garden. If a fence catches fire, it can cost, depending on the type of fencing, around £100 to replace each individual panel. 

__Garden Furniture and sheds - £250 - £290__

Garden furniture is at risk, too, and if it catches fire or is damaged and needs to be replaced items can start at £250 while the garden shed, most likely to be damaged by out-of-control bonfires, costs around £290 to replace.

__Windows - £450__

If a stray firework smashes or cracks a window, the cost of replacing it starts at £200 for double-glazing, with the average price being around £450 although the damage that could occur once a stray firework enters your home could be far greater.

__The lawn - £495__

Finally, if the bonfire leaves nasty burns or scorch marks on the garden grass, replacing it costs between £3 and £7 per square meter, depending on the quality of the turf. This means, on average, a medium-sized lawn will cost £495 to replace should an out of control bonfire spread

In the worst-case scenario, fireworks and bonfires can cause major fire damage to the home itself. Any such damage can be incredibly expensive to repair, reaching as much as £50,000, if not more. 

Founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented:

*“Who doesn’t love Bonfire Night? Aside from our four-legged friends, of course, and while it’s always advisable to attend a formally organised and managed fireworks display, it’s understandable that some people will want to avoid crowded spaces by hosting their own this year.

*“But the decision to host a fireworks party should not be taken lightly - it comes with very real risks that need mitigating and managing with some basic safety rules inspired by a heavy dose of common sense. But even with all the caution in the world, accidents can happen and homeowners should have a good think about how they can prevent them, as well as afford to rectify them should the worst happen.”**

Fireworks

Repair costs of the most common bonfire night accidents

Ahead of Bonfire Night celebrations, we reveal how much it costs to repair damage caused to the home. From scorched grass to smashed windows, we analysed all of the common fireworks mishaps. 

The Bonfire Night accidents that could cost homeowners hundreds of pounds

For most people, winning a lottery or raffle is only a pipe dream. Not so for Marilyn Pratt, who in April won a £3 million townhouse, as well as £10,000 cash, with just a £10 raffle ticket. The townhouse, situated in Fulham, comes with three bedrooms, a gym, an office, and a walled garden. While the house is worth much more than her home in Kent, Pratt wants to sell the house to give her daughter a chance on the property ladder.

_’The house is beautiful, but I think the most likely outcome is that I’ll sell it (...) That would be fairest as I have another daughter, too. But it makes me so happy.’_

House raffles see thousands of UK residents purchase tickets for a chance to win the home of their dreams. While having been around for decades, these competitions have exploded in popularity during recent years. Though clearly worth a ticket for some lucky players, are these raffles actually a good investment? What do they mean for the wider property market as a whole?

## How do property raffles work?

In a house raffle, participants may buy a number of tickets to secure a chance of winning the prize home. Omaze, an American for profit fundraising company, offers five types of entry for their current [‘Win a house in Ascot’ draw](https://omaze.co.uk/pages/enter-ascot):

* **Postal entry**: No purchase necessary
* **320 entries**: £150
* **85 entries**: £50
* **40 entries**: £25
* **15 entries**: £10

Buying more tickets will help boost your chances of winning. At the specified date (in this case 30th January 2022),  the tickets are drawn and a winner is announced.

## The rise of raffles

[According to Loqaux](https://www.loquax.co.uk/win-a-house.php), in 2019, there were just 8 property competitions. In 2020, there were 93, and in 2021 there were over 96. More than ever, people are looking for a quick win to seal their place on the property ladder. But why are property raffles on the rise?

When Covid 19 reached UK shores in March 2020, the impending tribulations for the property market seemed enough for government intervention. Chancellor Rishi Sunak introduced the Stamp Duty Holiday as a stimulus for home buyers to continue buying. 

While the holiday was somewhat successful, consequential lockdowns encouraged vendors to look for new ways to sell their homes. Friends and family found innovative ways to communicate with one another, leading to the popularisation of apps like Zoom and Houseparty. This revitalisation of social media no doubt galvanised giveaways and prize draws throughout the course of the pandemic.

Though certainly a catalyst, the pandemic cannot wholly be to blame for the house raffle phenomenon. At their core, these competitions offer home buyers an exciting chance to ‘win big’ through inexpensive means. Earlier this year, researchers from both the University of Liverpool and the National Centre for Social Research [found that people from poorer areas were more likely to be high-risk online gamblers](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/mar/12/people-from-poor-uk-areas-more-likely-to-be-high-risk-online-gamblers-study). Bleak prospects often precede gambling and speculation, and the property ladder has been a luxury venture for years.

## Lack of affordability in the property market 

Since plummeting in the 2009 recession, house prices have been on the rise. Many ordinary people are finding themselves out-priced by the housing market. How has this happened?

**1. Low-interest rates**

Low mortgage rates have made buying a house more attractive than renting. Since 1992, interest rates have fallen from 15% to 0.5%, making the cost of getting a mortgage lower. Despite rising house prices, low-interest rates have made buying relatively affordable, meaning more people have been able to buy property.

**2. Low supply**

Due to an increasing number of households, the government has estimated that we would need 250,000 houses a year just to keep up with our growing population. Unfortunately, house building is at its lowest since World War Two. There are several reasons why:

* Shortage of supply around popular cities like London
* The government is committed to preserving the green belt across the UK
* The government has cut social housing (Margaret Thatcher’s privatisation of council properties)

Economics, at its most basic level, tells us that if demand increases faster than supply, then prices will rise. 

**3. Lack of first-time buyers**

While the percentage of first-time buyers has fallen, the property ladder remains an extremely attractive prospect. Property value is on the rise, and the UK maintains a strong cultural desire for housing. As Omaze Winner, Marilyn Pratt, demonstrates, most first-time buyers need help from parents, whether it’s a deposit or mortgage in their name. Ordinary people, without help from their parents, are being phased out of the housing market.

[According to Statista](https://www.statista.com/statistics/755701/average-age-first-time-home-buyers-england/), the average age of first time house buyers in London and outside of London has increased by at least two years since 2005, from 32 and 30.6, to 34.5 and 32.6 respectively. In August 2021, the UK House Prices Index found the [average house price in the UK](https://landregistry.data.gov.uk/app/ukhpi) was worth £264,244. It’s clear that property buyers are older than ever, and [average house prices are reaching the upper echelons](https://www.theguardian.com/money/2021/sep/07/uk-house-prices-stamp-duty-august-halifax) of 2015 (£270,000). Naturally, many people would jump at the opportunity to win a house - however small their chances.

## Property raffles: a breakdown

The two most popular house raffles in the UK are currently Omaze and Raffle House.

**How do property raffles decide a winner?**

Some companies, like Raffle House, pay a third-party to make the final draw, whereas other companies, like Omaze, use an in-house computer program to randomly select a winner.

**Do all proceeds from house raffles go to charity?**

This depends on the raffle runner. With Omaze draws, 80% of the net proceeds go to charity, while 20% go to Omaze. Raffle House, on the other hand, does not automatically donate proceeds to charity. Users must manually input their wish for purchase money to be donated.

**What types of properties can be sold in property raffles?**

There’s a big variety in the types of properties listed in raffles. Omaze tends to advertise opulent properties, while Raffle House advertise more affordable houses. Properties aren’t the only commodities on offer however, with cash prizes, vehicles, and entertainment systems also up for grabs.

**What are the odds of winning a house raffle?**

The odds of winning a house raffle completely depend on the competition in question. They are significantly higher, however, than winning the lottery. While a lotto jackpot is 45,057,474 to 1, the odds of winning a house raffle depend on the number of tickets sold, and could be closer to 30,000 to 1.

**Do you need to pay tax if you sell a prize home?**

If you sell a prize home, [Capital Gains is the only tax you will have to pay](https://www.getagent.co.uk/guide/selling-your-house/capital-gains-tax). You only have to pay it if the house has accumulated in value since coming into ownership. This means if you sell the home immediately after winning it, you won’t have to pay any Capital Gains.

**Is it legal to raffle a house in the UK?**

It is legal to raffle a house in the UK but they must follow strict regulations in accordance with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Gambling Commission standards. Failure to abide by these regulations have led to many competitions being shut down, so most organisers follow these regulations _to the letter_.

Some of the biggest issues for competition runners are the terms ‘property raffle’ and ‘property lottery’. Lotteries and raffles are required by law to donate all proceeds to charity. To avoid this, raffle runners avoid describing themselves as such. For instance, Omaze states that, under no certain terms, should it be referred to as a property lottery, but rather, as a ‘prize draw’.

To avoid being penned as a raffle or lottery, competitions must also allow for a ‘free entry’ option. How clear this is, is an important part of meeting ASA and Gambling Commission standards.

**Omaze ‘free option’**

Postal entries, while not immediately clear, are available on the far left of the ticket menu. The ‘40 Entries’ option is depicted as the ‘most popular’.

![Omaze free ticket option](//images.contentful.com/us6n8ous4bz0/233frL1YejOeJSGviKLoWw/a4fbe52a6da2303eb8538936007c71f5/omaze-free-sign-up-option.png)

**Raffle House ‘free option’**

Unlike Omaze, Raffle House does not include a ‘free ticket’ option in their ticket menu. Instead, entrants can click ‘Free Entry’ in the corner of the homepage next to the ‘Sign up’ widget. 

![Raffle House free ticket option](//images.contentful.com/us6n8ous4bz0/1ZqyAgWZaPPbxHQzmxz9uv/73f6cb4c8adc9e483c96db74849ab2e9/rafflehouse-free-ticket-sign-up.png)

 ## Can you raffle your house with Omaze and Raffle House?

Unfortunately, because Omaze is a US-based for profit company, you can’t raffle your property through them. Most of the properties listed on Omaze’s raffles exceed a value of £1 million. Raffle House however, allows interested vendors to contact them on their FAQS. Vendors must provide:

* Estimated sale price
* Location
* Ideal completion date
* Brief description 
* Photos

## Are property raffles safe to take part in?

Raffles are generally safe to take part in, however, there have been some big issues with their legitimacy.

**Failure to reach completion**

The number of raffles that actually reach completion is extremely low. As mentioned earlier, in 2020 there were over 93 competitions, and in 2021 there were 96. Of these competitions, 25 people won a house in 2020 (27%) and only 13 (13.5%) have won so far in 2021. Indeed, [research by Winmydreamhouse.com](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/homes-property/property-news/warning-over-house-raffles-offer-20763458) found that, while the raffle sector is currently popular, only 19% of all competitions end with a winner. Many end up terminated with an undisclosed cash sum being awarded at the end. 

**Why do so many property raffles fail to complete?**

Unlike lotteries, raffles rely on a certain amount of tickets being sold to participants. The owner of the property needs to make back its value in ticket sales (and hopefully a little extra), otherwise the whole point of the raffle becomes obsolete. If tickets are especially cheap, then organisers must sell large quantities in order to justify the competition.

**What do winners get if raffles fail to complete?**

The prize depends on the terms and conditions of each independent competition. 

Some raffles, thanks to increased funding, are more scrupulous than others. Accomplished, long-running prize draws like Omaze have taken great lengths to remain palatable in the public eye. According to their [FAQS](https://omaze.co.uk/pages/faqs), there will always be a ‘guaranteed winner for the Omaze Million Pound House Draw’, and a minimum donation to charity will be guaranteed ‘no matter what happens’. In their ‘Win a house in Ascot’ draw, the small print reads: ‘_80% of the net proceeds of the draw will go to the charity, with Omaze being paid 20% (....) irrespective of sales, Omaze has guaranteed a minimum total payment of £100,000 for the charity_.’ 

Other raffles, such as Raffle House have been engaged in a number of controversies regarding prize money. [As reported by ThisIsMoney](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-7314947/Raffle-House-winner-given-173k-home-instead-promised-650k-London-flat.html), Raffle House competition winner Lois Wright received only £173,000 despite winning the draw for a £500,000 property in Brixton. Meanwhile, the company took 50% of the funds raised by ticket sales, citing that it needed the funds to ‘get up and running’.

**Undisclosed problems with the properties**

One question you should always ask yourself before entering a raffle is: why has the homeowner decided to enter their property in a raffle, rather than sell it the traditional way through an estate agent?

Properties won through raffles have a history of being fraught with problems. In one well publicised case, a multi-million pound property in the Cotswolds offered by Omaze, was found to be [extremely prone to flooding](https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-9266547/The-2-5m-prize-draw-dream-home-leave-winner-marooned.html), costing at least £35,000 to fix.

In traditional transactions, properties are investigated thoroughly through surveys sanctioned by mortgage providers and buyers. In a prize giveaway, terms are much murkier, so problems can be concealed or omitted. 

**What can you do if the prize property has undisclosed problems?**

If you win a prize property, but a survey reveals undisclosed problems, you have a few options. You could contact the raffle company or vendor, and see if they’re willing to make amends. If they are unwilling, you could hire a solicitor and discuss your next options.

The ASA makes it clear that:

* The award prize must be described or a reasonable equivalent.
* Runners should not mislead participants by leaving out significant conditions.

**Potential to lose money on the property**

Another problem with property raffles is their potential for extra costs and expenses. Traditional fees like Stamp Duty Land Tax, property searches, and conveyancing can crop up when you least expect them.

## Our advice to raffle participants

If you’re thinking about entering a property raffle, remember to check the following:

**How much are tickets?**

One of the main attractions of these raffles is that they are relatively low-risk, meaning they cost little to enter. That being said, the cheaper the tickets are, the less likely the competition is to, statistically, reach completion. 

**Has the house already been on the market?**

Use the Land Registry to find out if the property has been on the market before. You can see if there’s been previous issues with the property, or whether there are any outstanding bills.

**What do the terms and conditions say?**

Check the small print and see if there are any underlying terms and conditions that hinge on the success of the property raffle. Ideally, the winner should receive the prize property no matter how many tickets are sold.

## Are house raffles here to stay?

Throughout the history of competitive television, houses have been a common prize. As far back as 1968, the NBC show Dream House (1968 - 1984) saw US couples compete for the home of their dreams. Today, shows like Interior Design Masters, Grand Designs, and Dream Home Makeover garner thousands of viewers every episode. Like house raffles, they reflect the public’s enthusiasm for property and escapism. Where they differ, of course, is monetary input. 

While televised property competitions are likely here for the long haul, are house raffles to join them?

Ultimately, the ongoing popularity of house raffles depends on two factors:

* How successful they are
* The state of the property market 

The general lack of success of house raffles has been well documented by many UK newspapers, including The Guardian, The Sun and The Metro. As a result, they have a rather low public opinion. In a [poll on PropertyInvestorToday.co.uk](https://www.propertyinvestortoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2021/6/house-raffles--are-they-a-bargain-of-a-lifetime-or-just-a-con#polls), only 9% of pollsters voted that they were ‘a legitimate route to homeownership on the cheap’, while 42% voted they were ‘a money-making unregulated con’, and 49% voted they ‘could be a good thing in a far more regulated, transparent market’. Meanwhile, a survey by Winmydreamhome.com indicated that nearly three-quarters of participants found house raffles to be either ‘very untrustworthy’ (39%) or ‘somewhat untrustworthy’ (37%). The majority of those surveyed (94%) felt there should be  more transparency on how ticket income is spent.

If the rise of raffles is linked to a lack of affordability in the property market however, then it’s likely that they’re here to stay. [The Telegraph’s Rachel Mortimer](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/buy/acute-shortage-homes-sale-last-2022/) has reported the ‘acute’ shortage of homes for sale could last well into 2022. With a depleted stock and a sustained demand, it’s unlikely that house prices will go down before the end of 2021.

## Can I raffle my house?

Yes you can, but raffles are still very much murky territory. At the very least, you would need to hire a solicitor to ensure everything is permissible with the Gambling Commission and ASA. You would need to apply for a license, and donate some of the proceeds to charity.

Property raffles: fad or future

House raffles see thousands of people buy tickets for a chance to win the home of their dreams. Though tempting for some, are they actually a good investment?

House Raffles | Everything you need to know

Property raffles: a fad or the future?

Do you have dreams of spending your days in an old country cottage or a huge stately home, but don't know where to start? 

Well, we can reveal in which cities homebuyers have the best and worst chance of purchasing a grade-listed building. 

Buildings are listed when they are considered to be of significant interest or importance to our culture and heritage. 

Such classification ensures that the buildings are protected against physical and environmental alterations. As such, there are often strict limitations on how owners can extend, adapt, or modernise the property. 

Despite these limitations, living in a listed home is still very appealing to most buyers. The unique charm and architectural significance of these buildings are difficult to resist. 

We analysed property listings to see how many grade-listed properties are currently for sale. We also looked into the level of buyer demand for these homes. 

# Buyer demand for grade-listed homes

Across the nation, the average demand for grade-listed homes is currently a staggering 52.7%. Meaning more than half of all listed homes are already under offer or sold subject to contract. 

Bournemouth takes the top spot for the demand for grade-listed homes, with 76.9% already snapped up. Closely followed by nearby Southampton (75.9%) and then Sheffield (66.7%) in third place. 
Rounding off the top 5, with Oxford (61.9%), and Portsmouth (60%). 

![Grade listed building table](//images.contentful.com/us6n8ous4bz0/JLyLQviFEuoTtGrggMbhA/b4f6e2e307144602abc0d61851ce4c49/Screenshot_2021-10-27_at_11.18.57.png)

# Grade-listed property availability

However, despite demand being high in many cities, the chances of actually buying a grade-listed home remain low.

This is because listed homes account for such a low percentage of the homes currently on the market - just 3.7% of all for sale stock across the nation. So to get your hands on one, you need to act quickly. 

There are four major cities where availability exceeds this average: [Southampton (6.9%)](https://www.getagent.co.uk/area/southampton), [Manchester (6.2%)](https://www.getagent.co.uk/area/manchester), [Plymouth (6%)](https://www.getagent.co.uk/area/plymouth), and [Liverpool (4.9%)](https://www.getagent.co.uk/area/liverpool). 

In all other major cities, grade listed availability is below average.
Specifically, in the Scottish cities of Glasgow (0.2%), Edinburgh (0.4%), and Aberdeen (0.5%), and the Welsh cities of Swansea (0.7%), Cardiff (0.8%), and Newport (0.8%).

Co-founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented:

“Housing market demand is incredibly high and buyers are going to extraordinary lengths to secure purchases and fend off competitors. For sellers, this is wonderful news; rarely have they been in a stronger position than they are today. 

But perhaps those in the strongest position of all are sellers with a grade-listed home. They are particularly hard to come by and their unique nature keeps them in high demand amongst the nation’s homebuyers. 

Of course, they aren’t for everyone and a grade-listed home comes with a range of rules, regulations and responsibilities to adhere to. However, for those that wish to own a small piece of the historic fabric of our nation, they are very sought after indeed.”

[Learn about selling listed properties here.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/listed-buildings)

Grade listed house

Grade listed properties | where to buy a grade listed house

We reveal in which cities homebuyers have the best and worst chance of purchasing a grade-listed building. 


Which city offers the best chance to buy a grade-listed building?

The spookiest night of the year is almost here: Halloween brings with it blood, witches, vampires, zombies and, of course, sweets. 

But not only are these words common halloween tropes, they are also the basis of many street names up and down the land. 

__But which of these terrifying streets is the most expensive?__

Based on price paid data from Land Registry over the past 12 months, our analysis shows the most valuable Halloween related street name is ‘Grave’, with an average sold price of £405,000. This is 53% above the national average of £264,244. 

![Spooky Streets](//images.contentful.com/us6n8ous4bz0/5dMyHrjW8jOGTZK9lcPR4H/3eef5d9dab2fe4349c2f775aff3d0f5b/Spooky_Streets.png)
Source - Gov.uk - Price Paid Data (Sep 2020 - Aug 2021)

For big fans of Halloween, having dreams of having a spooky sounding street address is still a possibility. There are many other potential Halloween sounding addresses across the UK. Could you live on one of the 15 'All Hallows' roads across the country? or on Pumpkin Hill? or perhaps you could make a home in Spiders Lane?

Street names featuring the word ‘Lantern’ command the second-highest average house price at £395,000. Which is 49% higher than the national average. 

For those people who are looking to buy a property on a road with the bleak sounding ‘Dead’ in the name, can expect to pay 15% more than the national average.

Whilst homes on roads containing any of the words ‘Trick’, ‘Sweet’ or ‘Hell,’ command a 14% premium. 

Other spooky street names, such as addresses with the word ‘Witch’ (9%), ‘Spider’ (8%), and ‘Broom’ (3%) have also seen homes sell for more than the national average.

But it’s not all bad news if you’re looking for a Halloween related home this autumn. Roads with Night (-1%), ‘Crow’ (-2%), Blood (-19%), and ‘October’ (-63%) have all seen sold prices come in below the national average in the last year.

Co-founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, said, “Although the celebration of Halloween as we know it has largely been adopted from our friends across the pond, it’s become a firm favourite for many and really marks the start of the winter festive season. 

It also marks the start of the winter market rush whereby homebuyers and sellers across the nation set their eyes on completing before Christmas. So we can expect the manic market conditions of the last year to continue for the next few months at least.”


Haunted House

We reveal which of the nation’s halloween-themed street names commands the highest average house price. 

Halloween street names | The cost of living on a Spooky Street

We reveal which of the nation’s Halloween-themed street names commands the highest average house price. 

Spooky Streets: What's the cost to live on a Halloween named street?

It’s time. You think you’re ready to move. Perhaps your family is growing, your career is taking off, or you just don’t feel at home in your neighbourhood anymore. That’s all well and good, but how do you decide where to live? or if it's a [good time to buy](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/property-news/is-now-a-good-time-to-buy-a-house), it’s a big decision which can dramatically affect your quality of life. 

Get it right, and you could significantly improve your wellbeing for years to come. Get it wrong, and the consequences could be disastrous. One recent study revealed that [40%](https://www.yopa.co.uk/blog/yopas-new-study-how-stressful-is-moving-home/) of homeowners found moving more stressful than divorce. 

Reducing moving-related stress relies on making careful decisions around where to live, what matters most to you and assessing the potential of your desired area. This article aims to help you figure out how to decide where to live and what makes the perfect up-and-coming areas in which to invest your future.

## How to decide if you should move

You should carefully consider the specifics of your situation. It can be overwhelming to appraise everything all at once, so we’ve provided a guide below to separate out the critical components. Assess each independently and you’ll be off to a great start on deciding if you should move.

### 1. Can you afford to spend a little more (or a little less)?

Price will always have a massive impact on where you live. It’s crucial to ask yourself whether you’re getting value for money. Central areas might not provide you with the space you need if you’re working from home more often. Likewise, could you spend a bit less on rent by living in the suburbs and still maintain the same degree of comfort you enjoy?

### 2. How safe do you feel in your current area?

When you first fly the nest, your options are limited. Rougher areas are likely to be cheap. But safety is vital. If you’ve been making do for a while in an area just because it was cheap, but you often don’t feel safe, that’s a problem. You can check local crime rates in the UK with a quick postcode lookup [using this online tool](https://www.adt.co.uk/crime-in-my-area).

### 3. Is there somewhere you’ve always enjoyed visiting?

Sometimes looking is the first step. If you’ve been daydreaming about a certain city or area you’ve visited when seeing friends or family, that could be a sign. You don’t have to stay put just because you currently live there. Other people already live in your dream location, so why can’t you?

It’s true that visiting isn’t the same as living in an area. That’s why it’s a good idea to visit semi-regularly to get a feel for the day-to-day culture. It could be worth staying in an Airbnb for a working week to suss out how your routine might look.

But can you guarantee that moving is right for you? Does moving make you happier or not?

#### 4. Does where you live meet your current needs?

If you like going out, are you able to easily get to and from the places you like to visit on a night out, if you have a child on the way, is it safe, are there good schools nearby within walking distance. If you're taking a job, is your current house located within easy commuting distance of your job etc.

## Does moving make you happier?

Yes moving can make you happier, but it does depend on your circumstances. Generally speaking, moving can be an immensely empowering experience provided it represents a step forward in your life. Moving tends to coincide with [major life changes](https://www.healthline.com/health/stress-causes#personal-problems), so it’s no surprise that it’s stressful.

We all experience change one way or another. So the benefits are worth the bit of stress you’ll have along the way if the net effect is that you’re more fulfilled overall. 

You should bear in mind that there are important components you want to consider if you want to ensure your move is as positive as possible:

- **A little commute goes a long way:** Commuting is lost time on a regular basis, so ensure your travel time to and from work is as short as possible
- **Suburbia forever:** Suburban life can balance convenience without the price tag or non-stop foot traffic
- **Keep it personal:** Communities are essential to human happiness, so consider how easy it might be to make friends in your new destination. Are there lots of social activities or events you can get involved with to make new connections?

Keep the above in mind when you’re deciding where to live and you should be in great shape to move on to your next great adventure.

## Where should I live?

If you’ve read the above and decided that yes, now is the time to move, then that’s great! But picking a general location or county is just the start. Luckily, we’ve listed several considerations that can get you started on deciding where exactly you want to move to based on your personal preferences.

- **Lifestyle:** You typically know whether you’re a city-dweller or a country bumpkin, but are there amenities and services you’d miss if you weren’t close by? 
- **Local culture:** Every town and city has its own cultural identity, so what’s the reputation of your desired location? Does it match up to the hype?
- **Know your districts:** Just because you like the city centre doesn’t mean that the smaller residential areas will be a good fit for you. Be sure to check out different neighbourhoods. If you can’t visit in person, there’s always Google Earth
- **Transportation:** What are the connections really like? Can you take a bus trip as a test?
- **Price:** As a rule of thumb, you’ll get less for your money in city centres, but it’s always worth comparing average prices.

## Top 5 signs of up-and-coming areas

Timing is everything with up-and-coming areas, especially if you’re looking to buy. If you purchase at the right time, you can snap up a bargain and dramatically increase the value of your new home in line with the regeneration of the local area. 

Finding up-and-coming areas takes some savvy research techniques. But that’s what we’re here for! Let’s dive in to our picks for the top five tips to spotting up-and-coming areas in the nick of time

1. __Young love:__ If the area is popular with young people, it’s a good long-term investment; remember, young people’s disposable income generally increases over time
2. __New delis:__ Eateries matter; check out the types of local cafes and restaurants around the area
3. __Estate agents moving in:__ You’re looking for three to four [estate agents](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/first-time-sellers/how-estate-agents-value) in the area; they’re investing a lot of money in figuring out where hot properties are, so follow their example
4. __Make the link:__ Is the area just a few bus stops from an already developed area? It’s only a matter of time before someone else makes the link
5. __Beware the Bucks:__ Chain coffee shops and retailers are typically a sign that the area has maxed out its potential; retail is a high risk industry, so chain stores will only have locations in that area if there’s enough of a business case (and therefore revenue potential) already established to make it worthwhile.

### What is an up and coming area?

Up and coming areas are areas which haven't reached their full potential value yet, but show signs of increasing house prices and a increase in property sales and interest. By buying in an up and coming area you can end up paying a lot less for a house in a "desired" or "nice" area but you'll traditionally need to live in the area while this transition happens which can mean higher crime rates, lower initial property values and sales interest. The great part is that you get to be a part of your community and making it a better place.

## How to decide where to live: Start looking

It’s a huge step when you decide to move, but it really could be the start of a much happier future. Most importantly, remember you’re in control of how to decide where to live. Carefully scoping out areas you have an emotional attachment to is a great start.

By balancing your budget and personal lifestyle preferences with diligent research, you can identify up-and-coming areas with relative ease, provided you leverage the powerful online tools at your fingertips. If you’re excited about the idea of moving, there’s no better time than right now to start your journey.

__Move to your happy place with GetAgent__

Knowing where you want to live is just the first step. Finding the best estate agent can make all the difference to your search for the dream property. However, it can be a challenge if you’re unfamiliar with your desired location. You can [read our guide on relocating in the UK](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/properties/advice-moving-to-new-city) to help you too.

Use GetAgent’s helpful estate agent comparison tool to find your perfect agency partner. Add a postcode in the box below to get started right away!

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family packing boxes in living room to relocate

Learn how to decide where to live and whether moving will make you happier. Identify the best up-and-coming areas with GetAgent.

How to decide where to live and if you should move

It’s time. You think you’re ready to move. Perhaps your family is growing, your career is taking off, or you just don’t feel at home in your neighbourhood anymore.

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