The necessary restrictions put in place by Government to slow the spread of COVID-19 have essentially paused property transactions in the UK.

Agents are currently only permitted to carry out “virtual viewings” on vacant properties, and mortgage lenders are putting a temporary stop to new mortgage applications whilst restrictions prevent their surveyors from valuing properties with usual accuracy, given that they cannot physically visit the vast majority of properties at present.

The only ones that are still moving home, are those that are well progressed with their sale or purchase and are contractually bound to move. The same more or less applies to those renting as well, with virtual viewings applicable to vacant properties only, and only those that absolutely have to move are able to do so.

Were you planning a move this spring like many others who have been waiting for the right time to sell?

Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, the property market was doing extremely well, and there was already strong evidence that the so called Boris Bounce was having a positive impact on the property market.

Our own data showed a 14% increase in the number of property viewings immediately following the election, and an overall increase of 32% when compared with the same period in 2019. This was also evident in the most recent property transactions for 2020, showing an increase in the average price paid for a property in Thames DItton, Esher, Claygate, Hinchley Wood and Molesey of £25,000.

Right now, we should be experiencing one of the busiest seasons for the property market, commonly known as the Spring Market, but restrictions are preventing people from bringing their property to market, causing a back log of people that were planning to move at this time.

Can you think of another recent event that was talked about in the news every day that may have also had a bottleneck effect, and created a back log of people that were waiting for more certainty before putting their property on the market…?

Brexit is relevant to property market predictions around COVID-19

The EU referendum in the UK along with amendments to how stamp duty land tax is calculated, reduced transactions in Molesey, Esher, Thames Ditton, Claygate and Hinchley Wood by around 30% and as a result, 2020 was expected to be a busy year for the UK Property market with pent up demand reaching critical mass.

We now have one bottle neck on top of another bottle neck, and if the data tracking property transactions in South Korea and China is anything to go buy, we can expect transaction levels and the health of the property market to snap back at an exceptional pace.

With the UK’s own specific set of circumstances leading up to this point, we are expecting a wave of new properties coming to market in the second half of 2020.

If you are one of those people that are planning to sell your property once life begins to return to normality, is there anything that you can do to beat the crowd?

Get yourself "Contract Ready"

You may or may not already know that you can instruct a solicitor before you find a buyer. Our panel of solicitors work just like our estate agents do, on a No Sale, No Fee basis.

Why does this matter? The initial process of setting up the sale of your home with a solicitor takes anywhere from 2-3 weeks. Most people wait until they have a buyer to begin this process, but if everyone is trying to do this at the same time, it will likely take longer than usual for the initial steps to be completed.

If you are serious about moving, why not put yourself in a position where you are up to 3 weeks further ahead than other properties that launch to market? There’s no catch, and you don’t even have to use Newton Huxley Estate Agents to sell your property to get access to this service. However, if you decide to take advantage of our award winning estate agency services, your solicitor fee payable upon the completed sale of your home will be absorbed into the commission we charge, saving you an average of at least £1000.00

For more information please contact our team on 01372 631 622 or email info@newtonhuxley.co.uk

We caught up with the new owners who took over the cafe in March, they are extremely welcoming and have quickly become huge fans of the Molesey community.

What type of food can visitors to the Courtyard Cafe expect to be treated with?

We serve many kinds of cakes, such as Victoria sandwich, Apple pie with ice cream on top, Non gluten Carrot cake, Non gluten brownie, Forest fruit cake, homemade fruitloaf and many others, we bake our croissants and pain au chocolate daily, we have freshly made sandwiches, paninis, wraps with a big variety of fillings,we do all kinds of breakfast as well.

What is your preferred choice for lunch here?

My favourite is the Chiken pesto panini.

What is it that you like about Molesey?

Lovely supportive people around. 

What would you recommend that people may not have tried before?

I would definitely advise Lamb Moussaka from our chef.

What is the best thing about your job?

Most of all I like the smell of fresh roasted coffee in the morning during prep, it is a real sign that the day is starting and it is a great way to start every day!

What would you recommend for a breakfast to get hard working Molesey residents through their busy day?

English breakfast which includes two eggs, crispy bacon, sausages, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, two slice of toast for only £6 + tea comes free.

The Courtyard Cafe are extremely welcoming to pets and children, it's the perfect place to pitch up after nursery, school, or dog walking!

You can find them at 105 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 0DR.

If you already live in Molesey, you already know where Musicland East is. We were lucky enough to have a chat with owner James Etherington to talk about Musicland East, Molesey, and what keeps him in love with music and teaching.

Yes that is a chrome guitar, and yes the only other time you may have seen one like it was on the cover of Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits!

The shop has an extremely welcoming feel, and you are instantly greeted by some amazing instruments (and musicians).

The workbench where James repairs and maintains instruments.

As soon as you enter the shop your are welcomed by the relaxed and unpolished vibe that is clearly perfect for the creative nature of teaching and experimenting with music. There is an array of stringed instruments that line the walls, along with amplifiers, straps, leads and retro festival posters amongst other things. The entire building is charming, even down to the work bench where James repairs and maintains their customer's instruments.

One of the teaching rooms at Musicland East, just look at those posters! How could you not be inspired!

Thats right. Thats a guitar made around a motor oil can. They are even cooler in real life!

Whilst there is a clear emphasis on the technical and theoretical side of music, the teaching/ practise rooms continue the relaxed vibes within the shop, and the staff have a superb knowledge of their respective crafts. This makes for a perfect, pressure free learning environment for any aspiring musicians, whether it be guitar, piano, or drums, this has to be one of the most charming and inspirational places to learn.

We asked James a few questions whilst we were there, we hope you enjoy reading what he had to say, and we've included contact details at the end of this article in case you want to start (or continue!) a passion for music at Musicland East.

How long has Musicland East been in Molesey for?

Since 1996, so about 22 years on the corner of Matham Road and Walton Road.

What services and products do you offer?

We do a lot of teaching here, with guitar, bass, drums, piano and ukelele lessons going seven days a week, out of four teaching rooms. We also stock new and second hand instruments and accessories, and I carry out repairs and setups on string instruments on site as well.

What is it that you like about working in Molesey and the general community?

 The people are cool and really get behind stuff. There's quite a few open mic nights in the area and we've had a massive response to our larger Musicland Live events, which give our students the opportunity to get together into bands and have them perform on a proper stage and gain some experience.  Its' a great evening and we always sell hundreds of tickets, and it can only grow off the back of the community that supports it. Luckily, Molesey has a great one!

What's your top tip for someone looking to get into music/learning an instrument?

Get a reasonable instrument but don't break the bank yet, make sure it's set up and tuned correctly, and play everyday for the love of it so you advance naturally. My main instrument is the guitar and there's such a range of approaches and styles you can play in and so much advice out there, but play the music you love to hear and you'll be on the right track.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

We get a real opportunity to make a difference. The shop meant a lot to me growing up, and I can see it means a lot to some of our younger students now. The community atmosphere gives way to the tendency to dream big, and it's great to have a shop full of musicians and those who support them, seven days a week, in a community that lets it thrive.

Musicland East

52-54 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 0DL

0208 979 9443

musiclandeast@hotmail.com

musiclandeast.com

Are you considering selling or letting in Esher, Claygate or Hinchley Wood this spring? Our new KT10 branch is here to help!

Since Newton Huxley first opened its doors in East Molesey in January 2015, our model of "off the high street" estate agency has proven an effective one, leading us to become the areas most recommended estate agent in KT8 on Google. We now plan to achieve the same with our new KT10 office and would like to invite those looking to sell or let, to try our highly recommended sales and lettings services at a discounted rate, with potential savings for sellers of over £6000 and 30% off letting fees for a limited time only.

Our innovative marketing strategies, proactive culture and friendly staff all come together to give you the best experience whilst achieving the best possible result for your sale or let.

If you would like to arrange a FREE sales or lettings valuation of your property, please contact our KT10 office on 01372 631 622 or email esher@newtonhuxley.co.uk.

You can also request a valuation here.

This is the week of "back to school", of new pencil cases, school uniforms and trips to the barbers. It is also the most popular time to sell for those looking to move before the end of the year.

The past two years have been somewhat unpredictable, we've had a general election, changes in stamp duty bandings, the EU refurendum, and a new Prime Minister. Depending on who you are, these recent events have brought about positive or negaitive news. One thing is for certain, all of the above gives would be buyers an excuse to sit on their hands and to wait and see what everyone else does before deciding whether or not to buy.

It appears now that buyers are ready to come out in force, perhaps this is due to the drop in interest rates to 0.25%, or perhaps those expecting the sky to fall down after the Brexit vote have realised that it's safe to come out of hiding and continue with business as usual.

In the past week we have seen a 466% increase in email enquiries compare to the previous 7 days, and a 75% increase in telephone enquiries specifically relating to properties for sale. All in all a 541% increase in enquiries for our properties in the past 7 days.

This is indisputable evidence that acitivty is increasing and that we are set for a busy September in terms of interest from buyers. If you've been strategically waiting to bring your property to market the end of Summer, it looks like you have made a very good call indeed.

For those that are planning to sell in the post-summer market this year, why not invite us out for a FREE no obligation market appraisal of your home?

Don't forget that our Sole Agency commission rate has been reduced to 0.75% + vat until the 30th of September!

Molesey & Thames Ditton:

0208 396 6717 | molesey@newtonhuxley.co.uk

Esher                    

01372 631 622  | esher@newtonhuxley.co.uk

Walton On Thames          

01932 481 338  | walton@newtonhuxley.co.uk

Over the past few years, interest in Molesey as an area for families moving out of London has increased significantly. Mainly driven by price, areas such as Molesey also offer great schools and a more "family paced" lifestyle. 

This is why we work incredibly hard to draw in the attention of these better budget buyers, many of whom have not considered Molesey as an area but are looking in surrounding towns such as Hampton, Thames Ditton, and Esher. Needless to say, they are soon converted to the idea of living in Molesey and as many you know, once you move into Molesey, you tend to stay forever!

So with all of the positives that and area such as East Molesey has to offer, and with recent events such as the change in stamp duty bandings, and the EU refurendum, London is going through a period of uncertainty, but people are still keen to buy. Combine this with a shortage of homes coming to market and you have a recipe for a quick sale at a great price.

Molesey residents will no doubt know The Buttonhole Florist on Bridge Road in East Molesey, we were fortunate enough to meet owner and long term Molesey resident Denise Hamer and her dog Elsa!

The Buttonhole Florist has been around for as long as I can remember, when were the doors first opened?

The Buttonhole was opened in 1947 by Mrs Maisie Pilgrim, and has always been a family run business. Her son took over when Maisie retired and I have owned the shop for 5 years having worked for the Pilgrims for 25 years.

What do you sell at The Buttonhole?

We have a wide selection of fresh flowers and plants which are delivered straight from Holland to cover all occasions.

What is it that you like most about Molesey?

I have lived in Molesey nearly all my life and is a wonderful place to live and work with so much to offer and the people in Molesey are so friendly with a real feel of village community spirit about it.

Do you have a special occasion coming up? Visit Denise and Elsa at The Buttonhole Florist!

117 Bridge Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9HT

Tel: 0208 979 3694 / 0208 979 9793     Email: sales@buttonhole.co.uk

Want to feature your local business in Molesey? It's completely free to do so!

Call 0208 396 6717 or email len@newtonhuxley.co.uk 

Will you show your support? Karen Lamb of West Molesey is fundraising for the Princess Alice Hospice with a target of £3000. She has already raised nearly £500.00 of her target and is training hard. Her heart felt story of what inspired her to take on this challenge is below along with details of how to donate.

"Three years ago, my partner Mike and I were leading a normal, happy life together when everything changed. Mike was diagnosed with esophageal cancer at the age of 50. Three weeks later, on New Year’s Eve, he died.

Mike didn’t have the chance to benefit from the wonderful care of the Princess Alice Hospice. I want to raise money so that this care is available to as many people as possible who find themselves in a similar position.

My name is Karen, I am 48 years old and I work in the Retail Department of Princess Alice Hospice.

A few months ago, the only reason I would get on my bike was to cycle to the pub! Now I’m training to do a 10 day, 500km cycle from Vietnam to Cambodia.

If you’d like to help me to achieve my goal, please donate whatever you can to this wonderful organisation.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story."

Karen

If you would like to make a donation please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/Karensbikechallenge/

Best of luck Karen!

If you live in Molesey, you'll know about Molesey Pets and Aquatic Centre. Here's what owner Paul Davidson told us about his locally renowned pet shop.

What does the Molesey Pets and Aquatic Centre offer to Molesey residents?

Everything to do with your pet or aquatic needs. We also offer an outdoor aquatic service which includes ponds and water features etc.

How long have you been trading for?

40 years! I was born in Molesey and my family has always had businesses here.

Who runs the shop on a day to day basis?

I do all of the leg work, Chris the Cockatoo takes on more of a "meet and greet" role with the customers.

What do you like most about Molesey?

It's still a village, so many areas close by are built up and have changed dramatically where as Molesey has retained its community feel.

Have a pet/pond related query? Contact Paul via the details below:

Molesey Pets and Aquatic Centre, 69 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 0DP

Tel: 0208 979 9083

moleseypets@gmail.com

Want to feature your business in Molesey? Contact us or call 0208 396 6717.

Welcome to the first edition of the Molesey Business Blog, this week we were lucky enough to speak to Matt and Tammy at Belle Epoque. Here's what they told us about their wonderful shop and how it came to be.

"focussed at the local community"

Belle Epoque opened in Walton Road in 2005 as an antique and vintage furniture shop, but over the past 10 years we have diversified to include our hugely popular antique chandeliers which have been shipped across the world, alongside other ranges which are focussed at the local community such as our selection of toys, books, home fragrance and jewellery.

"antique chandeliers which have been shipped across the world"

We opened in Molesey as it was where Tammy had grown up and her step-father had run a very successful antiques business in Bridge Road for a number of years. We believed in the benefits of being part of a community and now are very pleased to offer products from a number of local highly talented creatives. Matt also plays an important role in the Molesey Business Association.

"a very bespoke service"

We source antique and vintage furniture and decorative items and restore them in house, which allows us to offer our customers a very bespoke service. This is one of the key features that sets us apart from other vintage traders.

Over the past 8 years Matt has been very much at the front of the business, however with the children now at school Matt is going to retire into his workshop and let Tammy take over the running of the shop.

"We still love being part of the Molesey community"

We still love being part of the Molesey community alongside our fellow retailers and our lovely customers. It is important to support local businesses but on the same hand if they aren’t offering what you’re looking for, tell them! Every shop owner needs feedback and the smart ones act on it quickly. Some of our best decisions have been as a direct result of customers requests and we take on board everything we hear.

– Matt & Tammy Court – 

Belle Epoque, 88 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 0DL

020 8941 9269 | enquiries@belleepoque.me.uk

twitter – @BelleEpoqueShop

Want to feature your business in Molesey? Contact us or call 0208 396 6717.