Our Portsmouth branch got together for a Macmillan coffee morning. We have had a few new starters this month so this was a great opportunity for everyone to chat and mingle whilst also helping an incredible charity.
We had many different treats with some homemade goodies from the team. We managed to raised just over £80!
Our original goal was £100 so if you would like to donate please follow the link.
Every year the Southsea Castle Rotary Club has a shoebox collection and this year they will be going to eastern European children.
There was a total of 270 boxes that were donated from various schools so thank you to Trafalgar School, Court Lane Infant School, Kingscourt schools and Mayville School. These boxes were filled with gift for the children. Michael, along with other members of the Rotary club took them to Bournemouth ready for their long trip!
The overall total for our Rotary district collection this year is 18,669 boxes, a slight increase above our collection last year. That is an incredible achievement considering the financial climate we find ourselves in.
If you would like to get involved with the collection for next year please contact us or pop into our PS&B Portsmouth Branch.
The Semmens Family Light Show started in 2021 and gets bigger and better every year! The Semmens family transform their house in Highbury Grove in Portsmouth into an incredible light show with music for different occasions throughout the Autumn and winter months.
We have been lucky enough to support them this year, starting with their magnificent Halloween display. Our team donated a bunch of sweets for the occasion – really for the hundreds of children that come to visit. They have managed to raise £150 so far and we will be supporting them again during the Christmas period to help them reach their goal.
Their chosen charity for this year is Motiv8 South, which helps to support vulnerable young people by providing them with a safe space and mental health support in Portsmouth and surrounding areas. As well as helping them find employment opportunities.
If you would like to see their newest display please check out their Facebook page.
If you’d like to make your own donation to their causes then you can do so.
1. Determine your budget: Assess your financial situation and determine how much you can afford to spend on a house. Consider factors like your income, savings, and monthly expenses. Are you selling a property to raise the finance and if so, how much is this likely to raise? Remember to account for additional costs like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Use our online calculator to help.
2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Investigate a range of lenders to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Bear in mind that there are different types of mortgage and each suit different personal circumstances. Pre-approval gives you a better understanding of your budget and makes you a more attractive buyer to sellers.
3. Define your needs and preferences: Make a list of your requirements for buying a house. Location can be critical so consider factors such as which neighborhood you’d like to live in, the size of the house and garden, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, proximity to amenities, and any specific features you would like. Consider the priorities and where you’d be willing to compromise.
Many homes in the south of England have beautiful Victorian features. Is architectural style important to you or are you all about the pragmatic aspects of a home? Do you need parking? A drive or a garage can be hard to get so ask your estate agent to advise. Asking the right questions and being as specific as you can will help us help you find the right property faster. This will help you narrow down your options and focus your search.
4. Research the local property market: Explore the local property market to understand trends, prices, and availability. Look for areas that match your priorities and your and ensure that you are clear on which aspects you are willing to compromise on. Online platforms such as Zoopla and Rightmove can provide valuable information about buying a new property, but nothing can beat talking to a property professional.
If you are thinking about buying a house in the south of England then do talk to us as. We are based in the area and our team have excellent local knowledge; PS&B are the leading property professionals in the south of England and have decades of experience, so give us a call or pop in.
5. Start house hunting: Begin your search for potential houses that meet your criteria. Utilise online listings, estate agents like ourselves, and drive around neighbourhoods to find suitable options.
Schedule viewings to physically inspect properties and get a better sense of their condition.
6. Conduct thorough inspections: Once you find a house you’re interested in, hire a professional surveyor to conduct a thorough survey. If you are applying for a mortgage then the lender will often arrange an independent survey themselves but you will often want a more detailed survey to more thoroughly assess the condition of the property, identifying any potential issues or repairs needed. This step is crucial in making an informed decision and negotiating the price.
7. Evaluate the neighbourhood: Take the time to evaluate the neighbourhood where the house is located. Consider factors such as safety, schools, proximity to work or transportation, amenities, and future development plans. Visit at different times of the day to get a sense of the area’s atmosphere. Raise these matters with a locally based estate agent such as PS&B asking what they know about each neighbourhood.
8. Make an offer and negotiate: If you’re buying a new property and have found one that meets your criteria, then work with the estate agent to make a formal offer to the seller. Research comparable sales in the area to determine a reasonable offer price. Be prepared for negotiations, and consider including contingencies such as further surveys or finance approval.
9. Secure financing: Once your offer is accepted, work with your lender to finalise your mortgage and secure financing. Provide the necessary documentation and complete the required paperwork within the agreed timeframe.
10. Complete due diligence and closing: During this phase of buying a home in Portsmouth, conduct any additional inspections, finalise the contract, and review all the necessary legal documents. Work with a conveyancing solicitor to ensure a smooth and legally binding closing process. Pay attention to details, such as title searches, insurance, and the transfer of utilities.
Remember, buying a house is a significant investment, so take your time, do thorough research, and seek professional advice when needed.
We have vast experience in the buying and selling of property in the south of England, so if you have any questions, we’re here to help.
1. Determine your budget: Assess your financial situation and determine how much you can afford to spend on a house in Portsmouth. Consider factors like your income, savings, and monthly expenses. Remember to account for additional costs like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Investigate a range of lenders to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Bear in mind that there are different types of mortgage and each suit different personal circumstances. Pre-approval gives you a better understanding of your budget and makes you a more attractive buyer to sellers.
3. Define your needs and preferences: Make a list of your requirements for buying a house in Portsmouth. Consider factors such as which neighbourhood you’d like to live in, the size of the house and garden, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, proximity to amenities, and any specific features you would like.
Many homes in Portsmouth have beautiful Victorian features. Are these important to you or are you prioritising pragmatic matters such as parking? Portsmouth is notorious as a difficult place to park and where properties with their own parking space are as rare as hen’s teeth. However, with the introduction of residents’ parking permits in many areas across the city, it will be less of an issue in certain specific locations. This is where real, up-to-date local knowledge is helpful and where PS&B can help you.
4. Research the Portsmouth property market: Explore the local property market to understand trends, prices, and availability. Look for areas that match your priorities and your and ensure that you are clear on which aspects you are willing to compromise on. Areas like Southsea, Old Portsmouth and Eastney, can be great for those looking for nearby amenities and proximity to the seafront but this will usually come with higher price ranges. Online platforms such as Zoopla and Rightmove can provide valuable information about buying a house in Portsmouth, but nothing can beat talking to a property professional.
If you are thinking about buying a house in Portsmouth then do talk to us as we are based in the Cosham part of the city and our team have excellent local knowledge. PS&B are the leading property professionals in the Portsmouth and Southsea areas and have decades of experience, so give us a call or pop in.
5. Start house hunting: Begin your search for potential houses that meet your criteria. Utilise online listings, estate agents like ourselves, and drive around neighbourhoods to find suitable options. You may spot a hidden gem or we may know of properties that aren’t yet on the market but might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Schedule viewings to physically inspect properties in Portsmouth and get a better sense of their condition.
6. Conduct thorough inspections: Once you find a house you’re interested in, hire a professional surveyor to conduct a thorough survey. If you are applying for a mortgage then the lender will often arrange an independent survey themselves but you will often want a more detailed survey in order to more thoroughly assess the condition of the property, identifying any potential issues or repairs needed and it will also help when it comes to insurance. This step is crucial in making an informed decision and negotiating the price.
7. Evaluate the neighbourhood: Take the time to evaluate the neighbourhood where the house is located. Consider factors such as safety, schools, proximity to work or transportation, amenities, and future development plans. This can be difficult to assess in a flying visit and so it is again worth speaking to a local agent like ourselves as we will often know the schools, their reputations, traffic issues, scheduled works and other issues. We can advise on the advantages and disadvantages of different areas – from Cosham, to North End, Milton to Southsea. Each neighbourhood has it’s unique features and knowing these is crucial when it comes to choosing the right one for you.
8. Make an offer and negotiate: If you’re buying a home in Portsmouth and are satisfied with a property, work with the estate agent to make a formal offer to the seller. Research comparable sales in the area to determine a reasonable offer price. Be prepared for negotiations, and consider including contingencies such as further surveys or finance approval.
9. Secure financing: Once your offer is accepted, work with your lender to finalise your mortgage and secure financing. Provide the necessary documentation and complete the required paperwork within the agreed timeframe.
10. Complete due diligence and closing: During this phase of buying a home in Portsmouth, conduct any additional inspections, finalise the contract, and review all the necessary legal documents. Work with a conveyancing solicitor to ensure a smooth and legally binding closing process. Having been in business for almost 200 years, we know which solicitors have great reputations with customers so talk to us and we can help.
Remember, buying a house in Portsmouth, or anywhere else, is a significant investment, so take your time, do thorough research, and seek professional advice when needed.
Our Portsmouth-based team are here to make buying a home in Portsmouth a great experience for you.
The latest Zoopla House Price Index for September recently dropped, and it paints an intriguing picture of the current property landscape. Here are the key takeaways:
When considering selling a house, there are several important factors to take into account. We have set out a brief guide below outlining key considerations and you can also view and download our Brochure which sets out exactly how we can help you sell your home:
1. Market Research: Begin by researching the property market in your area. Look into recent selling prices of comparable properties, market trends, and the average time it takes to sell a house. This information will help but it is crucial to work with a local expert estate agent such as PS&B to make an accurate valuation. An accurate valuation will be the foundation of a successful sale. Contact us to arrange a free valuation.
2. Financial Assessment: Evaluate your financial situation and determine how much you still owe on your existing mortgage, if any. Consider any outstanding liens or loans against the property. This will help you understand your equity and potential proceeds from the sale.
3. Timing: Assess the current market conditions and local economic factors that might affect the sale. Determine if it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market. Additionally, consider personal circumstances, such as job changes or family needs, which could influence the ideal timing of the sale.
4. Home Improvements: Evaluate your home’s condition and identify any necessary repairs or renovations. While major renovations may not always be necessary, simple updates and maintenance can improve your home’s appeal and value. Talk to us at P S & B about how to enhance your property’s marketability.
5. Estate Agent selection: Most people still prefer to sell their home with a locally based estate agent who really knows the area and has a great local network. PS&B has been in business for almost two hundred years and so our local expertise and network simply cannot be beaten. We can provide valuable guidance, market knowledge, and help with marketing your property most effectively.
6. Pricing Strategy: In liaison with the estate agent, set a competitive yet realistic listing price. Overpricing can lead to a prolonged sale process, while underpricing may result in financial loss. Consider the condition of your home, location, recent sales data, and market demand when determining the price. This is where our expertise comes into play as an accurate valuation is the foundation of any successful sale.
7. Marketing Plan: Work with your estate agent to develop a comprehensive marketing plan. This may include professional photography, virtual tours, online listings, open houses, and advertising in relevant publications. Ensure your property is well-presented in marketing materials to attract potential buyers. With P S & B you can be sure that your property will be marketed in the most effective way to your target buyers.
8. Negotiations: Be prepared for negotiations with potential buyers. Familiarise yourself with local laws and regulations regarding disclosures and surveys – we can help here too. Consider factors such as offers received, financing conditions, and contingencies. Our expertise, vast experience and careful negotiation skills all work to your advantage here.
9. Closing Process: Once you’ve accepted an offer, work closely with your agent and legal professionals to navigate the closing process. This includes finalizing paperwork, arranging surveys, addressing any contingencies, and coordinating with the buyer’s agent and lender.
10. Moving Plans: As the sale progresses, begin planning your move, including packing, hiring a removal company, and notifying utility companies of your change of address. Make a checklist to ensure a smooth transition. Don’t leave this to the last minute. Factor in plenty of time for the move and ensure your appointed removal firm arrives when they say and suitably equipped.
Remember, this guide provides a general overview, and each home-selling process can vary. Talking to expert estate agents such as ourselves as well as related property professionals such as surveys and conveyancers are all important in ensuring a successful sale.
PS&B and Parsons Son & Basley are trading names of:
PS&B (Sussex) Limited
Company no. 10466386
PS&B – Auctions Limited
Company no. 11551316
PS&B – Commercial Limited
Company no. 11551404
PS&B – Estate Management Limited
Company no. 11551488
PS&B – Lettings Limited
Company no. 05226237
PS&B – Surveying and Valuations Limited
Company no. 06879901
Companies are wholly owned subsidiary of PS&B (Sussex) Limited.
The address in all cases is 338 London Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 9JY, and they are all registered in England and Wales.
PS&B – Auctions Limited is regulated by NAVA.
Commercial Limited is regulated by NAEA.
Estate Management Limited is regulated by ARMA.
Lettings Limited is regulated by ARLA.
Surveying and Valuations Limited is regulated by RICS.