Auction lot: The Grange

Property auctions bidding to be as popular as conventional house sales

Just ask Dawsons: the increase in the popularity of the property auction is there for all to see.

With TV programmes like the BBC’s Homes Under the Hammer increasing its profile, the property auction provides an interesting and exciting environment for buyers and sellers.

And on Wednesday afternoon (October 5th) at the Marriott Hotel in Swansea Dawsons are expecting plenty of interest in their latest auction, especially as they have a variety of lots on offer.

Property auctions are in vogue and are becoming an increasingly popular avenue for buyers and sellers, and are fast catching up with the more conventional ‘for sale’ route for homeowners.

Dawsons Senior Partner Chris Hope insists: “Nowadays it’s a successful way of selling properties and getting the full price the market will pay. It is now not all about a property which is battered and bruised, which no-one wants to buy.

“Not only that but a property auction provides a rich variety of property types.”

That is reflected in some of the lots up for offer in Wednesday’s auction, which includes both houses, flats and commercial property.

Here is a selection of the lots going up for auction:

74a + 74b Port Tenant Road: Mid-terrace property comprising of two self-contained flats, one with a sitting tenant. The ground floor flat is a one bed while the first floor flat is a two bed. Other benefits include gas central heating, double glazing and a single garage. Current rental income of £395pcm for the ground floor flat and £400pcm for the first floor flat, with potential to increase. Ideal investment opportunity.

Auction lot: Glanmor Road
Auction lot: Glanmor Road

Mayals Road: three-bedroom traditional semi-detached property located on the gateway to the Gower. Ideally situated to take advantage of all local amenities of Mumbles. The property briefly comprises of hallway, lounge, extended dining room, kitchen/breakfast room to the ground floor with three well-proportioned bedrooms and family bathroom to first floor. The property also benefits from large front and rear gardens, a single garage and a driveway providing off road parking.

Auction lot: Mayals Road
Auction lot: Mayals Road

 

Imperial House: offered for sale this large investment opportunity on Neath Road, Plasmarl. The property comprises 14 self-contained flats all varying in size which have been recently renovated to an extremely high standard. We have been advised there are parking facilities for each flat and the potential for additional development. All 14 flats are currently occupied under Assures Shorthold Tenancy Agreements, all varying in lengths and rents. There is currently an income of £75,000 per annum exclusive with the potential to achieve based on the current guide price, a Gross Initial Yield of 11.54%.

Auction lot: Imperial House
Auction lot: Imperial House

Glanmor Road: semi-detached three-storey property offering versatile accommodation. Currently utilised as two flats, the ground floor flat comprises of entrance hall, two bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and a bathroom. The first floor flat comprises of three bedrooms, lounge, bathroom, w.c and kitchen. Ideal investment opportunity.

Auction lot: Glamor Road
Auction lot: Glamor Road

The Grange: This two-storey mixed use building has recently been renovated to a high standard and is occupied by local covenants. The ground floor is predominantly occupied by a café and restaurant, and a child day care centre. The first floor is used as office space. There is currently an income of £126,000 per annum exclusive with the potential to achieve based on the current guide price, a Gross Initial Yield of 18%. This large investment opportunity is situated on Vauxhall Road, Llanelli approximately two minutes from Llanelli town centre.

Auction lot: The Grange
Auction lot: The Grange

Here are a couple of useful auction tips:

  • There are a number of builders and developers who attend auctions looking for properties that is in need of refurbishment. Therefore, if your property falls into this category, you might well achieve a higher price at auction than by way of a private sale.
  • Auctions are useful for selling properties which are difficult to value. From a realistic reserve price, the auction process allows bidders to compete with each other based on their own impressions of the property’s value. This generally results in the property achieving its market price.

 

Joanne Roberts, Charlotte Waddell, Lauren Peschmann, Kimberley Jones, Katie Scott, and Angelique Deias

Dawsons announces recruitment of six new staff members

Dawsons has announced the appointment of six experienced members of staff as the leading South Wales estate agency shows continued expansion.

The growth in the business has seen the need for the recruitment of Joanne Roberts, Kimberley Jones, Lauren Peschmann, Charlotte Waddell, Angelique Deias and Katie Scott in their Marina, Mumbles and Llanelli branches.

“These six appointments highlight our continued expansion and the continued appointment of experienced staff at all levels as we continue the high customer service standards we set ourselves,” said Ricky Purdy, Dawsons Director of Residential Lettings.

“New staff like this will help us in what is expected to be another busy 12 months for us.”

Joanne joins Dawsons’ Llanelli office as a residential lettings administrator having had previous experience within the industry, while Kimberley joins the Marina office also as a residential letting negotiator. This is a new role created as a result of recent success within our department and the need to expand our team.

Lauren, who hails from South Africa and previously worked on various roles on cruise ships, has been appointed our Mumbles branch as residential negotiator, to support an already and well established and strong team.

Charlotte joins the company as a property inspector, working out of both the Llanelli and Mumbles offices. Charlotte’s role requires a high standard in both administrative and customer services levels. Angelique will be working out of Mumbles as a property maintenance coordinator for both Mumbles and Llanelli offices. Angelique comes with several years’ experience within the industry, while Katie has been recruited as an administrator within the Mumbles branch.

Kimberley said: “It’s such a great opportunity for me and it’s great to join such an established firm as Dawsons.”

Lauren said: “I am so glad to have got this role at Dawsons. The people are very friendly and the work is different from day to day.”

Katie said: “The Mumbles branch is such a lovely office and a really friendly atmosphere. I definitely made the right move in joining Dawsons.

Angelique said: “I used to work for Dawsons a couple of years ago and I’m just so glad to be rejoining them. It’s great to be back!”

Charlotte said: “I am very impressed how professional and organized Dawsons are and just delighted to joined a company with so many friendly people.”

Joanne said: “I am absolutely loving working for Dawsons – the people are so friendly and I’m really enjoying my new role.”

CAPTION: L-R Joanne Roberts, Charlotte Waddell, Lauren Peschmann, Kimberley Jones, Katie Scott, and Angelique Deias

Zoe Westerman and Ricky Purdy

Dawsons staff bid to win The Wallich’s charity fundraising challenge

Dawsons Estate Agents has just 50 days to turn £50 into a small fortune.

The challenge – known as Clash of the Corporates – is a competition run by homeless charity The Wallich.

Twenty businesses across Wales are competing to see who can turn a £50 loan from The Wallich into the most money in 50 days.

Dawsons has hit the ground running with a programme of money-raising events that includes a cake sale, a curry night, an auction and Halloween fundraising activities.

“We’ve got lots of other ideas in the pipeline,” Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings, Dawsons. “Suggestions have included car washing and pop up shops – it’s going to be a lot of fun and visitors to our branches should find it amusing.”

The £50 to start the competition was presented to Ricky by Zoe Westerman, corporate strategic relationships manager for The Wallich.

“Clash of the Corporates is a great way to bring the local business community together through some healthy competition,” said Zoe. “We’re looking forward to seeing what innovative and creative fundraising ideas the Dawsons team will come up with to help raise vital funds for our charity.”

Any money raised will boost the £1,300 Dawsons has already raised for the Wallich, which is its chosen charity of the year.

“Our staff selected The Wallich as the company’s charity of choice for the year because it has a number of shelters in Swansea,” said Ricky.

“The staff have really thrown themselves into it, and the Clash of the Corporates will be their biggest challenge yet. It’s going to be a really interesting 50 days! We just want to get the staff involved to have as much fun as they have in recent months and raise money for a good cause along the way.”

(CAPTION: L-R Zoe Westerman, corporate strategic relationships manager for The Wallich with Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings at Dawson)

Lisa Davies with husband Matthew and daughters, Tegen and Seren

Dawsons negotiator has a family of lifeguards

Lisa Davies, Senior Negotiator and Valuer for Dawsons’ marina branch, has just gained her National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification from Rest Bay Surf Life Saving Club in Porthcawl, as has her husband Matthew.

Their two daughters, Tegan, age 12, and Seren, eight, are following hot on their heels as members of Rest Bay Nippers Lifeguard Club.

The family, who live in Margam, decided to join Rest Bay Life Saving Club to ensure that they could enjoy the sea safely.

“Living near the coast, I wanted to make sure that we were all safe in the sea.  Matthew and myself also help out with coaching, and represent the Rest Bay Masters in competitions,” said Lisa.

“The most challenging part of the training was the practical rescues – consisting of four simulated rescues out at sea. The most enjoyable part was learning all about first aid, and learning about the different sea conditions.”

Matthew, a Director of Development for a Housing Association, previously held a Lifeguard qualification, and renewed his at the same time as Lisa gained her qualification. Their daughters hope to become qualified lifeguards too.

“It’s useful and enjoyable and we’d encourage other people to get involved,” said Lisa.

“Rest Bay Surf Life Saving Club is a friendly club that welcomes all ages from seven upwards.”

CAPTION: Lisa Davies with husband Matthew and daughters Tegen and Seren

Dawsons Director of Residential Sales, Joanne Summerfield-Talbot with Zoe Westerman, Corporate Strategic Relationships Manager at The Wallich

Dawsons presents cheque to homeless charity The Wallich

Dawsons Estate Agent has presented a cheque for £677.05 to The  Wallich, a homeless charity with several shelters in Swansea.

This brings the total amount Dawsons has raised since March for The Wallich to more £1,300. Dawsons’ staff selected The Wallich as the company’s charity of choice for 2016, which sees the estate agency celebrate its 25th anniversary.

“We are absolutely delighted with the amount of money raised so far by the team at Dawsons. Their fundraising activities have been varied and fun and it’s been wonderful to see each branch get so involved,” said Zoe Westerman, Corporate Strategic Relationships Manager at The Wallich, who received the cheque on behalf of the charity.

The cheque was presented by Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Director of Residential Sales.

“The money was raised as a result of our Wimbledon Day and our Euro Sweepstake,” said Joanne.

“The staff really threw themselves into it, and we are delighted to have raised so much money.”

Dawsons’ fundraising efforts for The Wallich will continue until March 2017.

Caption: Dawsons Director of Residential Sales, Joanne Summerfield-Talbot with Zoe Westerman, Corporate Strategic Relationships Manager at The Wallich

Martin Rodwell, Mumbles RFC chairman, with James Dawson, Partner at Dawsons Property

Dawsons continue loyal sponsorship of Cracker 7s in Mumbles

Dawsons Estate Agents are to continue their longstanding sponsorship of the ever-popular Cracker 7s, which takes place during a three-day festival of rugby over the August Bank Holiday weekend in Underhill Park, Mumbles.

And organiser Martin Rodwell, chairman of Mumbles RFC, has praised Dawsons’ loyal sponsorship of one of Mumbles’ best known social events.

“It’s only because of Dawsons’ continued support over nearly two decades that the Cracker 7s is still able to exist,” said Martin.

“The Cracker 7s has become an integral part of the Mumbles social fabric in its 27 years and we are really grateful for Dawsons’ sponsorship and input.”

Partner at Dawsons, James Dawson said: “It has been a pleasure to be associated with the Cracker 7s both as a sponsor and someone who played in the event in my younger years.

“It has been firmly established as one of the village’s main social events in the calendar along with such things as the Mumbles Raft Race.”

This year the event has special significance as the weekend of events begins on Friday (6.30pm) with a game in memory of Jonathan Thomas, who lost his life in tragic circumstances last November, between a Mumbles XV and a Jon Thomas Invitation XV.

The actual Cracker 7s tournament begins at noon on Sunday with a £300 prize on offer for the winners. That is after a junior and mini’s tournament and family fun day on Saturday.

There will be a barbeque and beer tent at Underhill and a live music playing after the rugby.

CAPTION: L-R Martin Rodwell, Chairman of Mumbles RFC, with James Dawson, Partner at Dawsons

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Swansea estate agent teams up with Sketty School to raise funds at their annual summer fair

Photo Caption: Children at Sketty Primary surround the Dawsons’ car as they try to figure out how many balloons were inside?

Leading estate agent Dawsons is no stranger to pledging their support to the local community, and after running a number of fundraisers in recent months for their chosen charity The Wallich, the firm turned its attention to Sketty School.

The school is close to many staff member’s hearts, in fact Dawsons’ very own Dan Guttery sits on its board of governors, and with the school’s summer fair coming up, he spied an opportunity to introduce some great family fun and raise essential funds in the same breath.

“The Sketty School Summer Fair is always a great day out and this year’s event was no exception. I came up with an idea that would help raise funds during the fair and offer something different for all who attended. Children were invited to guess the number of balloons in the car and whoever guessed correctly or closest won a prize. Overall the day was a great success, the weather held off and the ‘guess the number of balloons’ competition was a definite hit,” said Dan, who works in the lettings department at Dawsons’ Walter Road office.

The Dawsons’ balloon car competition cost £1 to enter and the winner won £25. The car contained 165 balloons and though competitors did not guess the exact total, the lucky winner’s guess was 161.

The summer fair was held on school grounds this month and was organised by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). With funds available to local schools considerably less than years gone by, ideas and events like these are being used to make up some of the shortfall. Money raised at previous fairs has supported various projects at Sketty School, including the creation of a new library, and the purchase of musical instruments and playground equipment.

A spokesperson for the PTA said: “Fundraising is an essential part of the PTA’s role and we make a significant contribution to the school’s activities.

So far this year we have funded £1000 per for the teachers to spend on sundries such as paint, paper, and other materials for crafts. Also, Annual school membership for Techniquest, the marking of the netball court, purchase of table tennis tables and an “Explorer’s Shed” for Years 1 & 2 and finally funding of the school’s Active Learn Reading Scheme.

“It is fantastic that we are able to support these local events, and we do so in any way possible as they are such important causes. I know the fair was a great success, and hopefully our small involvement helped on the day,” concluded Ricky Purdy, Director of Residential Lettings.

Staff 12th July

New promotions, appointments and staff moves as leading estate agent just keeps on growing

After winning the title of Wales Lettings Agency of the Year at The Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2016, independent estate agent Dawsons has gone from strength to strength.

In recent months the firm, which has eight sales branches throughout Swansea and south west Wales offering a wide range of property services, has made a number of new appointments. Dawsons is pleased to announce two new additions, Robyn Lewis and Dafydd Spear.

“Robyn joins our highly successful auction department bringing a wealth of experience, boundless energy and enthusiasm, three factors that mean Robyn can easily and confidently handle any residential or commercial property queries. With a very broad knowledge of the housing market and experience spanning a number of years in the industry we also welcome Dafydd to complement our very busy Morriston team,” said Joanne Summerfield-Talbot, Director of Residential Sales at Dawsons.

It’s not just new team members that Dawsons is celebrating, there has also been a variety of promotions and moves affecting current staff. Emma Bolton has transferred from the firm’s successful Marina branch, where she worked in sales and lettings, to their Mumbles branch to take on the role of Branch Manager. Emma’s drive, determination, energy, and vast knowledge and experience in the housing market makes her the perfect staff member for the job.

Joanne added, “Due to the continued growth of our business we have made a number of internal moves throughout our sales department for existing key staff to provide additional support with their vast knowledge and experience, and for some of our newer members these moves will help with their progression and advancement within Dawsons. We wish all of them the best of luck in their new roles.”

My view on recent EU events – by leading estate agent Chris Hope

Whilst for months the question leading up to the EU referendum revolved around whether you were in or out, the query currently on everyone’s lips, no matter what their personal or professional standpoint, has to be – “what now?” Here Chris Hope, Partner at Dawsons Estate Agents, provides his view on the UK’s recent exit from the European Union and helps you figure out what’s next for you, your clients and the wider property market…

Business as usual

My view on our recent Brexit is simply business as usual, but for professionals everywhere, regardless of their niche or agency size, it is important to remain clear and positive when it comes to our immediate business future.

Following the momentous decision of the British people to leave the EU I have discussed the potential ‘fall out’ calmly and positively with many of my RAN business contacts across the UK to give both fellow industry insiders and our clients a local expert opinion to help maintain confidence and ensure that we have a clear message to offer to all of our audiences.

The market’s reaction

It would appear that the money markets had not anticipated the ‘out’ vote, however, the Governor of The Bank of England, Mark Carney, has addressed the press with a very calm and confident statement reassuring all that there are contingency plans in place to shore-up the banks and avoid any immediate turmoil.

Key points to takeaway in light of our recent exit from the EU include:

  • The Bank of England has huge reserves & plans to react positively to the vote
  • The stock market has not crashed and it has been lower this year!
  • Intent from ‘overseas money’ clients to buy property has been immediate
  • We still have a 500,000-person strong population growth and evidently they have to live somewhere
  • The majority of the Great British public are very positive about the result

All the points mentioned above offer some reassurance for what for many has been a shock result, but what’s next for our economy, our security, our relationships with the rest of the world and, more importantly, factors that affect us and our clients a little closer to home?

In short…

Well maybe not that short! There may well be a period of re-adjustment, but people will always need a home and will still need to get on with their lives. If prices do need to adjust, we need to remember that if you lose £10,000 on your own house, you will gain it on whatever you buy next. There continues to be strong demand to live in this area and that will never change because this is a nice place to live.

Are people really wanting to put their lives on hold? I doubt it very much. Clients need to be thinking about other factors rather than just the financial consequences of not moving, such as not getting into the right school area, living in a cramped environment etc., plus what goes down will come back up – it’s just a timing issue. Most purchasers don’t purchase with a short time period in mind.

Will property still remain an asset?

The fundamentals underpinning property as an asset are largely unaffected by the vote. In fact, the UK’s population will continue to rise even if EU immigration is curtailed. But the fact remains we are still not building anywhere near enough new homes to meet the rising demand. These supply-side failures continue to cushion property values from other negative influences.

Currently on offer is a 5-year fixed, interest only mortgage at 2.45%, and potentially rates might come down even further. These are once in a lifetime mortgage deals and considerably offset any price reduction.

What’s next for you and your clients?

If you or your clients are waiting for a market that allows them to buy cheaply, with prices then rising, with low interest rates and a huge selection to choose from then they’re dreamers. That market has never existed, and our job is to highlight the pros and cons of current market conditions and make sure that our clients make informed decisions.

Whatever does happen next, the market will find its equilibrium. People will still die, divorce and decide to move, and whether they choose to rent or buy, let or sell, we shall still be in a position to give them professional advice enabling them to make the right choice to suit their circumstances. A difficult marketplace will mean a successful marketplace for us, and those without the knowledge, confidence and experience are likely to fall by the wayside leaving only the strong agents to deal with the transactions.

The market is what it is and as always Dawsons will find a way to make the best of it. We are very good at that having successfully traded for 25 years!

Swansea & south Wales estate agents blog