Category Archives: Dawsons

tollgatehousenafter

Historic auction property in Houses Under the Hammer-style revamp

An 18th century Swansea Toll House is on the market after going through a spectacular renovation which would not look out of place on BBC’s Homes Under The Hammer programme.

The historic Georgian Tollgate House in Sketty, dating back to the 1770s, has been transformed into a fine four-bedroom home by award-winning Swansea property developer Ben Shepherd.tollgatehouseoldpicture

Having bought the semi-detached townhouse from a Dawsons Estate Agents’ auction Ben is now selling it on through Dawsons again.

After purchasing the house and then refurbishing it he has put the house on the market with Dawsons for £369,950.

Originally, the property was the tollgate house for Gower – known as the Upper Sketty Cross tollgate – and a photograph of it is on the front page of a book covering the Rebecca Riots during the mid-19th century.

The Rebecca Riots took place in South and Mid-Wales and were a series of protests undertaken by local farmers and agricultural workers in response to perceived unfair taxation through tolls.

The rioters, often men dressed as women, took their actions against tollgates as they were tangible representations of high taxes and tolls.

“It was only after we bought the property that was up for auction with Dawsons estate agents that we fully uncovered the history of the house,” said Ben.

“It is a fascinating story and I think it adds some extra historical value to the property.

“For instance, I think people coming from Gower to Swansea had to pay 1d (one old penny) which paid for one person and 20 sheep.”

“But as time went on the tolls were resented by people hence the onset of the Rebecca Riots.”

Added Ben: “After buying the property from Dawsons’ auction department they were the right choice to market the property, especially as the Gorseinon branch sold my last development in Loughor in less than 48 hours, and was happy with the selling process undertaken with Dawsons’ Sketty branch.”

A carpenter by trade Ben spent around seven months transforming the three-storey house into a four-bedroom property with two separate bathooms.

Ben has transformed properties in Rhossili and Limeslade and won an award for excellence in 2009 as self build development of the year from the Local Authority Building Control (LABC).

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Leading South Wales estate agent picks up prestigious national award

Dawsons has been presented with the Gold Rateragent “Agent of the Year Award” in the Swansea category for 2015.

Their marina branch Swansea Marina took the gold award for Swansea. Not only that but the Swansea Sales office also lifted the Silver Award and the Swansea Lettings office walked away with the Bronze award.

Based on reviews from clients compared across Rateragent’s website, combined with ratings from elsewhere across the UK, the awards recognise quality of service.

“These accolades reaffirm the high standards we strive to achieve each working day,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons Director of Lettings.

“It is great to see that our clients are receiving and benefiting from the service we provide throughout our branches.

“What is also nice to see is that these customers are taking time out of their busy lives to acknowledge the individual and group efforts our staff make.

“Our staff who work so hard to achieve such high standards will ensure that every effort is made to continue the good work.”

The award comes on the back of two staff at Mumbles lettings office being awarded Rateragent agent of the week for outstanding customer service.

Mal McCallion, Rateragent’s CEO, said: “Dawsons Marina Branch has beaten off dozens of local competitors to win this gold award.

“It’s based upon hand-checked reviews on Rateragent, a site devoted to providing those researching the right agent to sell or let their home with comprehensive information about the best agent for them.

“Knowing that Dawsons has not only engaged with such a transparent and trustworthy site – but also that they have won the Gold award based upon their reviews on it – tells you all you need to know about their approach to their service.

“Dawsons has delighted clients, ones happy to publicly praise the service that they’ve been provided with this year. At the very least this should encourage anyone looking to move in the area in 2016 to consider Dawsons as their agent in the process.”

Santa edit

Time running out to enter Dawsons’ Christmas competition

Why not get involved in Dawsons’ Christmas competition – you still have until Sunday at noon to enter.

In the spirit of the festive season, we are giving you the chance to WIN a £50 voucher for the Swansea Waterfront Winterland.

We have placed a number of Santa stickers on our ‘For Sale’ or ‘To Let’ signs around Swansea.

All you have to do when you ‪#‎SpotSanta is post a photo of yourself with the sign to Dawsons’ Facebook hashtag ‪#‎DawsonsChristmas

So why not get involved? Happy hunting!

*Competition entries must be in by 12pm on the 20th of December 2015 with the winner to be announced on the 21st. T’s & C’s apply*

Continue reading

dawsonsnewmanagerspic

Leading estate agent appoints new managers

Dawsons have made two key managerial appointments amid a reorganisation of branch managers.

Brett Hampton joins the leading estate agent as the manager of their Llanelli branch, while Kristian Davies is appointed lettings manager at Morriston.

With those significant appointments and the recent promotion to Sales director of Jo Summerfield-Talbot it has meant a change in key personnel.

Taking over Jo’s branch manager role at Gorseinon is Nicola Fulford, whose previous role as Swansea manager is being taken over by Lorraine Evans, who was previously manager at Llanelli.

“I am thrilled to see that staff are recognised for their achievements and these moves enables them to further develop and grow the business from all an already established and successful stand point,” said Jo.

“Brett Hampton is a great addition to our team and we are delighted to welcome him on board.

“It is pleasing that Brett recognises the very high standards and professionalism that Dawsons represents and being Swansea’s leading agent, he chose us over other offers of employment with our competitors.

“Brett is moving his family down from Somerset, where he has worked for leading estate agents and not only brings his passion but a wealth of experience, having worked some 15 years in the business.

“Brett will take up his new role officially on the 4th January 2016 as Manager based at our Llanelli branch, operating both sales and lettings.”

Kristian joins at a managerial level bringing with him several years experience in South Wales along with a great understanding of Dawsons’ immediate catchment and surrounding areas, together with the industry as a whole.

“Kristian strengthens even further our lettings team of more than 45, which use their vast experience and knowledge to provide an unrivalled service,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons Lettings Director.

“Several important additions to our lettings department across all offices which include Kristian, from our accounts team through to property management, assures that 2016 will once again be a successful year of accomplishments and achievements.”

Continue reading

DSC_0126

Dawsons’ Angie raises funds for hospital Intensive Care Unit

Angie Bastin of our Llanelli Branch has been busy fundraising for the Intensive Care Unit at the town’s Prince Philip Hospital as a huge thank you for the care her husband received.

On 11th November, Angie raised £985 with a Curry Night at the Masala Restaurant in Llanelli that included a raffle, bingo and auction. Prizes were kindly donated by local business, friends and family including Chris Hope, Senior Partner of Dawsons, who donated a Gower Boat Ride.

Last August, Angie’s husband was taken to Prince Philip complaining of numbness in his hands and feet. Overnight he was diagnosed with Gullain Barre Syndrome, an illness where the immune system attacks the central nervous system stripping all the nerves of insulation.

He was moved to the Intensive Care unit and within 48 hours was completely paralysed and placed in a medically induced coma. Over the course of five weeks he woke up and learnt how to eat, sit up and eventually walk again. He is home now and is making amazing progress with the ICU nurses calling him their ‘miracle patient’.

On 16th November, Angie and her husband returned to the Intensive Care Unit to present them a cheque for £1000 as a thank you for the help and care they received during the difficult time.

To find out more about Guillain Barre Syndrome please go to http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Guillain-Barre-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Or if you would like to help us donate to Prince Philip Hospital Intensive Care Unit please contact Angie on 01554 784400 today!

Chris Hope

Dawsons re-affirmed as Llanelli and Swansea expert by Relocation Agent Network

Dawsons estate agent, who cover both Swansea and Llanelli, has been re-affirmed as the area’s local expert by Relocation Agent Network (RAN).

Dawsons’ impressive RAN credentials were praised at the 2015 Relocation Agent Network Conference, which took place at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel in London.

RAN is a national network of selected estate agents across England, Scotland and Wales and Dawsons was handpicked to be a member of the Network, based on strict criteria such as quality of service, local knowledge and professionalism.

“We are delighted to have been re-affirmed as the ‘best of the best’ within Swansea and Llanelli,” said Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons.

“No other Swansea or Llanelli-based agent can offer this unique service, and we are actively helping clients throughout the region find their next new home, whether they are moving into the area or a little further afield,” explained Chris.

Relocation Agent Network Managing Director, Richard Tucker said: “We are proud to have re-affirmed Dawsons’ Relocation Agent Network membership. They were specially selected to join us and in our opinion, are Swansea and Llanelli’s Local Expert for buying and selling.”

Through its affiliation to Cartus, the premier provider of relocation services, RAN members help Cartus assist relocating families, offering Dawsons customers an additional channel of buyer when selling their property.

In addition, members also help their customers through their ‘Referral Network’, which allows Dawsons to help people who are looking to move out of the local area by referring them to a Relocation Agent in the location they are moving to.

“Besides dealing with clients’ relocation needs, there are many advantages to being involved in such a scheme,” added Chris.

“With regular forums of representatives from individual regions, Dawsons is in a positive position to receive first-hand information regarding how market trends are changing giving us and our clients the means to adapt to current market conditions.

“Those selling will also have a distinct advantage thanks to direct access to the network of motivated buyers who are moving from other parts of the country into Swansea and Llanelli.

“These buyers are initially only introduced to Dawsons as agents of the network, therefore Dawsons clients get the first opportunity to find the right buyers who are moving into the area from around the country.”

Continue reading

penmaen1

INCREASING POPULARITY OF HOUSE AUCTIONS AS AN EFFECTIVE SELLING OPTION

Selling at auction is becoming an increasingly popular avenue and is fast catching up with the more conventional ‘for sale’ route for home owners.

In the recent past the houses under the hammer environment was an area of the property market that was often reserved for run down and unglamorous properties that people wanted to get off their hands with a quick sale.

Dawsons senior director Chris Hope believes that attitudes have changed dramatically when it comes to utilising auctions.

“In the current market auctions are now a specific method of selling you house – a change from 20 or 30 years ago when it was a dumping ground if you could not be sold by private treaty,” he said.

“It’s nowadays a successful way of selling properties and getting the full price the market will pay. It is now not about a property which is battered and bruised, which no-one wants to buy.”

In highlighting the change in attitude Dawsons have one particular property coming up for auction at The Marriott on November 25th which clearly demonstrates the shift in attitudes.

The lot comprises of a semi-detached property located in the Gower village of Penmaen. It is situated on the cliff top with uninterrupted views over Three Cliffs, Tor and Oxwich Bays. The three-bedroom property has a guide price of £250,000.

“We are expecting to have a lot of interest especially because of the spectacular views it offers and this is a prime example of what goes to auction in the current climate,” added Chris.

Dawsons Auction manager Julie Lawry adds, “To get the right market level, auction is the best way to gauge market prices. So basically, with an auction you get true market value and it is simple process. Added to that, auction is by far the most successful way to sell houses within a fixed time frame which clients may need.

“And with regards the Penmaen property, these types of quality property and position, tend to sell for more at auction than if sellers just deal with buyers on a ‘one-to-one’ basis.”

Continue reading

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

Make Sure Your Home has the Kerb Appeal it needs

Autumn is upon us and winter is just around the corner. This can mean more work tending to those gardens and nearby trees.

Whether your home is new to the market or has been on there for some time, the endless task of making your property look its best for the next viewing can be frustrating.  But do not forget the importance of ‘Kerb Appeal’.

Although it may seem like there is little interest in your property at times, there will still be buyers looking at it online and then going to see it. Or simply there are those who drive past and spot the ‘For Sale’ sign. How many of them do you think have driven past your property to see overgrown lawns, leaves scattered around the gardens and generally feeling the full effects of our Welsh weather?

Kerb Appeal is the first glance a potential buyer will see of your home and they are only left to guess what to expect inside, making it a very important aspect to be aware of when selling your home. If you are selling your property here are three great tips to make sure you not only get people coming through the door, but also achieve the best price:

  • Neat front garden
  • Clean windows, fascia/guttering
  • Fresh paint work – railings/front door/wooden framed windows/garage door

SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA   SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA   SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

You will be surprised what a difference Kerb Appeal makes to sell your home! Give this a go and let us know what difference you see. Or if you are interested in selling your home contact your local Dawsons Branch today.

Continue reading

Dawsons_004

Independent mortgage broker unveils how the slowdown in GDP growth could affect interest rates

After months of telling buyers and owners to prepare for the ‘inevitable’ rate rise at the turn of the New Year, the UK and global economy has continued to slow down, resulting in many economists doing complete U-turns in their thoughts.

Most now predict an increase in Quarter Four of next year but with the jargon the industry is known for, it can be difficult for the average homeowner to understand exactly how economic growth trends will affect their mortgage products, a subject that independent mortgage broker Mortgage Advice Bureau is determined to shed some light on.

The interest rate rise is ultimately decided by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which consists of nine members, including Governor Mark Carney. The MPC’s main aim is to set a Bank Rate that will enable their pre-determined inflation target (which currently sits at 2%) to be met. Each member of the MPC has extensive knowledge and experience in economics, which is often where the problem lies.

“Currently, the members are divided over when the right time to start the interest rate rise is, and it is for this reason that an exact timescale cannot be predicted,” said Oliver Adair from Mortgage Advice Bureau.

“Firstly, it should be noted that, whilst some are predicting a later increase in interest rates, there are still many that say the latest the rise will take place is in February 2016.”

With oil prices continuing to fall, China’s ‘Black Monday’ stock market crash, the US Federal Reserve’s decision to keep its own base rate at 0.25%, and inflation in the UK returning to negative figures, many believe that hiking the UK Bank Rate could hinder the ongoing recovery. The UK also recently experienced a surprise slump in manufacturing and its biggest drop in construction output since 2012, leading to a slowdown in economic growth that was greater than predicted.

“Add all of this to the fact that the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show inflation falling back to -0.1% after its brief respite at 0.1% (still way below the Bank’s target of 2%), and you can begin to see why a rise could be less likely to happen, in order to help encourage consumer spending, thus boosting inflation,” added Oliver.

The slowdown in growth means that the MPC and policymakers will need to assess where the economy is at, which could postpone any likelihood of a rate rise for a little while longer.

The next MPC committee meeting takes place this month, and whilst we are unlikely to be given any clarity on their thoughts as they continue to debate among themselves, for now, we can only theorise on prospective dates.

Oliver Adair is from Mortgage Advice Bureau – for further information call: 07928 519901. Email: olivera@mab.org.uk or visit www.dawsonsproperty.co.uk

dawsonsrateragentpic - Copy

Dawsons staff pick up prestigious national award

Dawsons Estate Agent is celebrating after picking up a national award.

The Marina office has been named UK Letting Agent of the Month by Rateragent, who quantify success on the feedback they receive from estate and letting agents’ clients.

“This accolade reaffirms the high standards we strive to achieve each working day,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons Director of Lettings.

“It is great to see that our clients are receiving and benefiting from the service we provide. What is also nice to see is that these customers are taking time out of their busy lives to acknowledge the individual and group efforts our staff make.”

The award comes on the back of two staff at Mumbles lettings office being awarded Rateragent agent of the week for outstanding customer service.

“Backing that achievement up with our Marina office now being recognised as UK letting agent of the month, is fantastic,” added Ricky.

“Our staff who work so hard to achieve such high standards will ensure that every effort is made to continue the good work, first and foremost for our landlords and tenants.”

Marina Office Manager Emma Bolton said: “As a branch we are absolutely delighted to have received an award especially as it covers the whole of the UK. This supports being members of RAN (Relocation Agent Network) which gives us access to 700 plus agents in the network across the country that we are able to help.

“As a company we strive and take pride in giving continued customer service of the highest quality.”

Continue reading