Tag Archives: Houses

View from new Mumbles development

Dawsons appointed as agents for forthcoming luxury Mumbles development

Dawsons Estate agents is delighted to have been named as sole agent for a prestigious forthcoming residential apartment development in Mumbles.

Along with the proposed Marks & Spencer store on the site of the old British Legion building in Newton Road, nine luxury apartments are being built above with the whole development expected to be completed in early 2019.

Not only are these spacious high spec properties situated right in the heart of Mumbles but they will enjoy a section of the beautiful 180 degree panoramic views over Oystermouth Castle, the sweep of Mumbles Bay and around to Mumbles Pier.

“Having been involved in this unique development since close to the start, it is with great excitement that we now see it becoming a reality, with pre-building activity already on site” said Tim Kostromin, Partner with Dawsons Land & New Homes.

“This is a spectacular opportunity for people to own a private luxury apartment, set just off the hustle and bustle of a vibrant village of Mumbles, which is continually improving with its eclectic mix of shops, eateries, and bars.

“Located above the Marks & Spencer store will be the nine luxury apartments, all of which will boast sea and/or castle views, and all having the distinct advantage of parking.”

The construction company Andrew Scott has just begun on site with the main building works to continue right through 2018, with an anticipated completion date of March 2019.

The spacious nine apartments of varying size, some of which will be duplex, will be built to a high specification.

It is anticipated that the official launch will be Summer 2018 however, Dawsons will be releasing information to all database clients when prices are confirmed.

Tim added: “Anyone wishing to register their interest to be informed with more specific detail and prices when launched, is advised to contact either myself, or our Land and New Homes staff, based in our Marina Office on 01792 653100, and we will be pleased to keep them updated.”

Boxing Day rush

One step ahead: Dawsons ready for the Boxing Day bounce – busiest day for property searches online

You might think that December is when the property market goes into hibernation but figures over the past three years prove Boxing Day is the busiest day of the year.

Boxing Day last year saw one popular property portal receive more than 25 million page views, exploding the myth that home buyers, sellers, landlords or tenants wait until spring. Zoopla, the leading portal in South Wales, also saw one property receive more than 8,000 views on Boxing Day alone, proving even more this is a time to access the Dawsons Property portal.

And to cater for that increase in interest Dawsons Property is prepared for this year’s post-Christmas Day rush and have a bumper database of quality properties ready for customers to browse online come Boxing Day.

“With the rise in digital traffic, interest in the property market around Boxing Day has been growing year on year. With the advent of online portals and market leading websites, the way we search for property has changed dramatically,” said Dawsons Director of Residential Lettings, Ricky Purdy.

“Think about it: the Christmas break is a time when Mr and Mrs Jones will have a lot more time together, time they will likely use to browse online for potential properties to view in the New Year, and if your property isn’t on the market, or is waiting to be marketed in the New Year, they won’t see it”.

“What better time of the year for all to put their feet up with a glass of Sherry and mince pie, to see what’s available on the market and to kick-start their search before many many still do in early January.

“Historically, this is also a time of year where there is less property on the market so as a landlord or seller, your competition levels are lower.

“If you’re not a Dawsons client yet, why not give our website a whirl this Boxing Day, search through our numerous properties new to market being launched this weekend and make sure you don’t miss out on this advantageous time to find that perfect property you are looking for in 2018.”

You may also be asking the question: ‘is it worth waiting until spring to sell?’ the simple answer is no. If your decision has been made, the sooner you put your property on the market the better. Gone are the days when the seasons impact on the property market.

Surely the smart move is to put yours on the market now, giving your property the added advantage over the spring competition, when buyers are in abundance, meaning you are very likely to achieve more for your property.  Contact us online to ‘Request a Valuation’, it really is as easy as that.

 

Screen Shot 2017-11-21 at 10.47.24

Customer satisfaction of Fine & Country outlets close to 100%

Fine & Country, of which Dawsons, Swansea, is an outlet, says it has a customer satisfaction rate which is up by almost 1% to nearly 99%.

Property Industry Eye is reporting that almost all (98.96%) of people surveyed who had used Fine & Country in the past would recommend their services to family and friends.

It has also increased its target audience brand awareness to 47.79%, a rise of 8% since April 2016.

Word of mouth also showed up as a powerful tool for the company, with 23% of respondents hearing about Fine & Country from family and friends.

Tom Hope of Fine & Country, Swansea completely supports the recent survey findings.

“Selling clients who look for the highest quality of property marketing and customer service, realise after a conversation with F&C, that there is no better company who can put together ‘local knowledge and expertise’ along with a proven UK and international specific marketing approach, to reach the widest audience,” said Tom.

“There is no better offering than being the ‘go to person’ when looking for that special and specific home, whether selling or buying.

“The vast majority of our clients instruct F&C as we are known as agents who market ‘individual’ properties and attract buyers who are looking for something very special.”

The new results mean that almost half of Fine & Country’s demographic is now aware of the brand.

The survey also shows that 87% of people who invited the agency to value their home chose to instruct Fine & Country.

The rise in brand awareness comes after a year of advertising on multi-channel platforms, including in print, online and TV.

The brand regularly advertises agents’ properties in national newspapers including The Times, Sunday Times and Telegraph.

The survey was run on SurveyMonkey and targeted adults aged over 35 who are in Fine & Country’s target demographic of home owners who earn over £50,000.

33 Smithfield Road, Pontardawe

Dawsons’ agent re-selling transformed property after 20-year gap

When Andrew Davies decided to use Dawsons Estate Agent to sell his house he did not expect to be dealing with the same member of staff who he bought the property from 20 years before.

“In these days of where you see the growth of online estate agents it’s nice to see that you can still get a personal touch from a local estate agent like Dawsons,” said Andrew.

“I think it’s great that we are dealing with the same company and even the same staff we did two decades ago.”

Tracy Sturgess, an associate at Dawsons’ Morriston branch, remembered only too well handing over the keys to Andrew back in 1997.

“It is great to be dealing with Andrew again and it’s fantastic to see how the property has been transformed and developed in the past 20 years since we sold it,” said Tracy.

33 Smithfield Road 20 years ago
33 Smithfield Road 20 years ago

“Having sold the property all those years ago it really is fantastic that Andrew has come back to us after all this time. It really does go to show the local touch does count for a lot these days.”

Quite a lot has changed since Andrew and his wife Anna moved into 33 Smithfield Road in Pontardawe on the same day that newly elected Prime Minister Tony Blair moved into No. 10.

The property has undergone significant development and improvement since the original purchase. It is now back on the market for £285,000 but is almost unrecognisable from the house Mr and Mrs Davies purchased 20 years ago.

“When we saw the property we fell in love with it and some 3 months later purchased from Dawsons. We saw its potential, and the space available – especially with the size of the garden,” revealed Andrew.

“Over the years we have extended the house three times in 1999, 2005, and 2012.”

In that time they have added an extra bedroom and utility room, later a new dining room and lastly  a new kitchen as well as adding an office, master bedroom, playroom and lounge.

It is now an immaculate four double bedroom detached family home. The accommodation comprises a 23′ lounge, 26′ fitted ‘Cream’ kitchen/diner family room with integrated appliances, a further sitting room, utility room, ground floor cloakroom, family bathroom, master suite with bedroom, en-suite and study.

The property benefits from gas combination heating and UPVC double glazing. Externally there is a good size private mature enclosed garden together with driveway and garage.

So why are the Davies family selling?

“We have two children who have never lived anywhere else, one is starting University this year and the other is in his second year of A levels. So, both will have fled the Smithfield nest quite soon,” explained Andrew.

“And it has always been our desire to live by the sea so we are looking to move to the Gower area.”

Added Andrew: “The house in Pontardawe has been a great family home full of fantastic memories but we just feel it’s time to move on.”

2 Pen y Waun Cottages

Unique and charming cottage comes onto market

It’s hard to believe a home as tranquil and picturesque as 2 Pen y Waun Cottages could exist just a mile and a half from the M4 and a short drive from Swansea City Centre and other key locations including Morriston Hospital and Swansea University’s Bay Campus.

Set in pretty Felindre, the house has the added benefit of stunning reservoir walks nearby and a pub in the village – yet it feels as though it exists in its own rural idyll, with green fields all around, a pond and nearly an acre of gardens.

Sian O’Neill and her husband Hugh have helped raise ten grandchildren here, and it’s been a wonderful place for the children to play and explore. The house itself was originally a barn for the adjoining farmhouse and later became a row of miners’ cottages, before being converted into the four-bedroom family home it is today.

“It’s a wonderful home as it is but, there is potential to do so much with it,” says Sian. “We have space to add more bedrooms, and it could quite easily be converted into two properties, or into a B&B.”

In its present form, the house is a spacious and truly characterful family home that combines the charm of a cottage with the all luxury of space. From the large, light entrance hall to the vast main lounge, it really allows space to spread out and unwind. It’s also wonderful for entertaining.

“We’ve had some great parties here,” says Sian. “We can easily feed 15 in the lounge, and the garden makes it easy to hold bigger gatherings: we had our wedding reception here and Hugh, who was a member of Morriston Orpheus Choir, has hosted choir barbeques here. We have a lot of land for parking and in the evening it’s lovely to sit people around fires in the garden.”

Another huge bonus is that the property is so tranquil. A tall hedge separates it from the neighbouring house, meaning you feel entirely secluded, and the garden backs onto green fields.

“We’ve really enjoyed the peace and quiet,” says Sian. “We’ve also loved that it is such an interesting house – it has a lovely interior.”

The accommodation is highly flexible: as Hugh now has difficulty getting around, he has his own ground floor room and bathroom, and the first floor has a long walk-in attic running alongside the hallway which could easily be converted to add more bedrooms.

After spending a quarter of a century there, Sian and Hugh will be sad to leave, but the need to be closer to family is forcing the move.

“It’s been a perfect place to live, and I think it will appeal to a lot of people, from a multigenerational family to someone who wants to develop it or turn it into a business,” says Sian. “The lovely thing about it is that you have all the benefit and seclusion of living in the country but you have the city and excellent transport links nearby.”

Shorelands in Penmaen, Gower

Dawsons Auction lot: Shorelands in Penmaen, Gower

Here’s a sneak preview of one of Dawsons’ lots ahead of our next auction at the Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, October 4 at 3pm.

The video is of an impressive lot: Shorelands situated in Penmaen, Gower with a guide price of £450,000. The property, which is a three-bedroom detached, benefits from stunning views across from Three Cliffs Bay to Oxwich Bay.

Dawsons believe the true market value of the property is between £600,000 to £650,000.

2 Pen y Waun Cottages, Felindre

Dawsons delighted to present a true one-off property

It’s not often a property as unique and charming as 2 Pen y Waun cottages comes onto the market. Jenny White paid a visit.

It’s hard to believe a home as tranquil and picturesque as 2 Pen y Waun Cottages could exist just a mile and a half from the M4 and a short drive from Swansea City Centre and other key locations including Morriston Hospital and Swansea University’s Bay Campus.

Set in pretty Felindre, the house has the added benefit of stunning reservoir walks nearby and a pub in the village – yet it feels as though it exists in its own rural idyll, with green fields all around, a pond and nearly an acre of gardens.

Sian O’Neill and her husband Hugh have helped raise ten grandchildren here, and it’s been a wonderful place for the children to play and explore. The house itself was originally a barn for the adjoining farmhouse and later became a row of miners’ cottages, before being converted into the four-bedroom family home it is today.

“It’s a wonderful home as it is but, there is potential to do so much with it,” says Sian. “We have space to add more bedrooms, and it could quite easily be converted into two properties, or into a B&B.”

In its present form, the house is a spacious and truly characterful family home that combines the charm of a cottage with the all luxury of space. From the large, light entrance hall to the vast main lounge, it really allows space to spread out and unwind. It’s also wonderful for entertaining.

“We’ve had some great parties here,” says Sian. “We can easily feed 15 in the lounge, and the garden makes it easy to hold bigger gatherings: we had our wedding reception here and Hugh, who was a member of Morriston Orpheus Choir, has hosted choir barbeques here. We have a lot of land for parking and in the evening it’s lovely to sit people around fires in the garden.”

Another huge bonus is that the property is so tranquil. A tall hedge separates it from the neighbouring house, meaning you feel entirely secluded, and the garden backs onto green fields.

“We’ve really enjoyed the peace and quiet,” says Sian. “We’ve also loved that it is such an interesting house – it has a lovely interior.”

The accommodation is highly flexible: as Hugh now has difficulty getting around, he has his own ground floor room and bathroom, and the first floor has a long walk-in attic running alongside the hallway which could easily be converted to add more bedrooms.

After spending a quarter of a century there, Sian and Hugh will be sad to leave, but the need to be closer to family is forcing the move.

“It’s been a perfect place to live, and I think it will appeal to a lot of people, from a multigenerational family to someone who wants to develop it or turn it into a business,” says Sian. “The lovely thing about it is that you have all the benefit and seclusion of living in the country but you have the city and excellent transport links nearby.”

Dawsons ValPal digital property valuation service

New house valuation tool proving hit with homeowners

A new digital property valuation service rolled out by Dawsons Estate Agent is proving a big hit with homeowners across the Swansea area.

The ValPal service on Dawsons’ website has only been live for the past couple of months but already it has had a 50 per cent conversion rate with regards new instructions.

The digital tool gives homeowners a free instant online valuation which is based on postcode and area. You can also get a lettings valuation to see what rental you can achieve for your rental property.

“We are delighted at the success so far, and how well received this service has been,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons Director of Residential Lettings.

“We knew it was something many people could benefit from and on average we are having a free valuation enquiry every three hours, with many, many market appraisals as a result. What has been fantastic to see is the number of properties now on the market that simply wouldn’t have been without this new service.”

Added Ricky: “We have had a number of clients underestimate the potential value of their home, so with this service providing an above expectation indication, and our physical valuation sporting this their free to make the dream move previously thought out of reach.”

A client who has used the service said: “What a great service it is, so easy and user-friendly. Having a free online valuation encouraged us to book a valuation and there’s been no looking back.”

David Parton

Happy Dawsons customer praises local service having failed to sell via online platform

While they present themselves as a cheaper option, online estate agents cannot match the benefits of using a real local estate agent, according to one man who has tried both.

The happy Dawsons customer from Swansea originally placed his property with a well publicised online estate agent, before switching to Dawsons.

“I felt they had a good platform which made it easy to get feedback.  Also, we felt the house we were selling would do most of the work itself,” he said.

However, after two weeks of viewings, he started to doubt his choice.

“My wife and I were conducting the viewings and we were finding that some of the feedback we were getting related to things we had said during the viewings. While we were thinking these were very positive things, people were clearly thinking in a different way to us.”

He started to suspect that he and his wife were not well placed to handle the viewings and to answer potential buyers’ questions in the best way.

“It was making us think that maybe if we had local estate agents dealing with the viewings they would be better equipped to deal with those questions.”

Being keen to sell the house quickly, he put it on the market with Dawsons, and was immediately impressed by their proactive approach.

“Dawsons have a good presence in the area, and I was struck by how proactive they were: they will call people up to tell them they have something that might suit them, and they have a database of people looking to move to the area via the Relocation Agent Network.

“Their estate agents are well equipped to handle the viewing and answer any awkward questions, and I also think people generally feel a bit more relaxed viewing with an agent rather than the people who own the house.”

Just as he hoped, Dawsons secured a buyer very quickly and the sale progressed smoothly. He appreciated having easy, regular contact with Dawsons so that he could keep up to date with what was happening.

“I liked having that personal touch and it was good to have that local point of contact.”

In hindsight, he feels that the apparent cost savings of the online platform did not compare to the benefits of having a local agent on the case.

“The commission we paid Dawsons is a small percentage compared to what you get from the sale of the house so we were willing to take that hit to sell property – and they sold it very, very quickly.

“It’s a nice house in a good area so we were surprised we didn’t quickly get a buyer through the online platform. I think I underestimated the value of a local estate agent compared to an online platform.”

David Parton (pictured), branch manager for Dawsons, said that outperforming an online estate agent comes naturally for Dawsons.

“When the vendor described his issues with his experience to date and what he was looking for, we could clearly see we would be the ideal match for his needs,” he said.

“Our highly experienced Senior Negotiator/Valuer, who has spent 20 years with the company and lives in the area, carried out the market appraisal and clearly laid out what our strong team of 5 would do every step of the way, from ringing out to our database the same day to gain viewings, typing up the sale and progressing the sale up until exchange and completion.”

Although the vendor had paid an up front fee of several hundred pounds to the online estate agent, he could still appreciate that paying Dawsons’ fees, if they agreed a sale, would be well worth his while.

“We lined up six viewings within the first day, and the vendor appreciated the constructive feedback he received from us within 24 hours of them happening.”

Very quickly an offer was made which Dawsons negotiated and agreed the same day.

“Due to the complex nature of the chain and different dates required for different parties within the chain, it took a lot of my 14 years’ industry experience to progress the sale – even over the Christmas break which fell in the middle of it,” said David. “The vendor and I spoke almost daily on the run up to exchange of contracts and he commented at the time that it’s a good job we have a dedicated sales progressor within the team.

Dawsons finally completed the whole process and moved the vendor and his family to their new home.

“We are all thrilled to have been a part of and have enjoyed catch ups with him and his wife as we regularly bump into them within our local shopping area,” he said.