Lang in the Community

Braveheart

It’s a new year and Marc Rees of Lang & Co offers some thoughts on the property market and what we should expect in the coming months.

It must be hard for all those long-term home owners, who have benefited so much from the property market's rich bounty over the years, to come to terms with the fact that for some time to come homes won't be the cash cows they have been in the past.

First-time buyers in their twenties and early thirties are perhaps more fortunate. The last time property was surging in value most of this group weren't taking much notice. For many of them what went on during the hours of darkness was more interesting than what went on in the cold light of day.

So, not for them an early step onto the property ladder - as the generation before them had been so keen to do. This older group had had the benefit of received wisdom from the previous two generations. Property was a sure fire winner they were told. Nothing could ever go wrong they were assured. Except it could and it did. So much so that property ownership for young adults of the noughties became something of a pipe dream.

But now it is this very generation who are leading a small recovery in the property market. They have proved property ownership is possible before they are forty, or even thirty, by price adjustment, some careful saving, calling on benevolent parents and even grandparents, or perhaps through shared ownership schemes - all mixed together with a little more money being available at very low interest rates.

In recent years it has become apparent to all generations that property ownership through inheritance is not always a given. Inherited property is a notion last fully understood by the Georgian and Victorian aristocracy who, as life expectancy was a lot less than it is now, didn’t have to take into account the cost of elderly care and its eroding effect on legacies.

Yes, there are hot spots where property values are increasing steeply and money will be made. But this is largely in Central London, buoyed up by foreign investment with some home-grown city/hedge fund bonuses thrown in. We learn that there are now 300,000 property millionaires in the UK today. But again, these are mainly in and around London.

For those living outside the capital, where according to Nationwide an average of £1,500 was sliced off house prices last year, the ripple effect frequently has come to financial aid in the past. But it looks as if there will not be many ripples in the near future. And none at all if foreign investors pack up and go home for any reason. Then the London market may find itself built on sand rather than anything more substantial.

So let's hear it for the younger property generation. They are making the sorts of moves that will help to get the market going - but not for all the same reasons as their parents. This new generation are concentrating on space, style, convenience and the latest home techno-gadgets. If, in the future, the market begins to improve and they receive some capital appreciation then that will be a bonus. But for them there are more important reasons for property ownership than making money, and those are the security and enjoyment of living under their own roofs.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUSTING YOUR AGENT

A survey recently completed by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has shown a lack of trust in agents due to some giving the profession a bad name. Our Managing Director, James Clarke, appeared on BBC Radio Devon’s breakfast show on 1st November to talk about the new survey.

“As an estate agent myself, I am personally saddened by the current study’s findings. At Lang and Co, we are an independent estate agency and hold our heads up high in regards to the advice and service we offer our customers.”

“When working in a profession that deals with such an important aspect of people’s lives, emotions do tend to run high. Moving home is a difficult part of your life – everything is on hold while you wait to sell and buy. Being such an important time, it’s imperative that you instruct an agent that you can trust to achieve your aspirations.”

“At Lang, we are members of both the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and the Property Ombudsman, and as a result we abide by a clear code of conduct. We are dedicated to providing the best advice possible. We’re proud to be a member of an association like the NAEA, and hope that it gives our customers confidence in our service.”

“Becoming a member of such an association helps to drive away those that give our profession a bad name. I personally think each agent should belong to a professional body to ensure that standards are maintained and homeowners are given the correct advice and service.”

With no statutory regulation currently in place to ensure sales agents are suitably qualified to sell property, an overwhelming 91% of buyers believed they would be better protected if a form of compulsory regulation was introduced for agents. If an agent is a member of a regulated body, such as the RICS, they are bound by an ethical code that, if broken, can result in investigation and sanctions if they’re found guilty.

Any agents that are not a member of any professional body do not have to meet any minimum standards, and as such are not subject to regulatory monitoring. The RICS are urging those buying or selling to check that their estate agents are bound by an ethical code, to safeguard themselves against any incompetency.

To find out more about the study, visit: www.rics.org

We’re delighted to announce that this year Lang and Co will be sponsoring UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders’ star Jeremy Bell. To celebrate our sponsorship, we’re offering you a chance to win four tickets to see Jeremy in action this season.

For your chance to win, follow Lang and Co on Twitter (@LangProperty) and re-tweet the following message before noon on October 31st:

Jeremy Bell joined the Raiders in late 2011 from Cheshire Jets where he achieved an average score of 23 points per game and was named the British Basketball League’s Most Valuable Player of the Year for 2011.

Since joining the Raiders in late 2011, Jeremy has proven his worth as the team’s leading point scorer last season and, after renewing his contract earlier this year, he’s set to continue to make an important contribution to the Raiders’ success this season.

James Clarke, Director at Lang and Co, expressed his excitement for the sponsorship: “Lang and Co understands that the Plymouth Raiders are growing in reputation and success, so to be a part of that is fantastic. With such a buzz around sport in Plymouth at the moment, after the success of our Olympians and the opening of the new Life Centre, being able to sponsor a player like Jeremy is incredibly exciting.”

“Plymouth’s sports teams are an excellent way to showcase the talent Plymouth has to offer. Jeremy’s performance this year for the Raiders has only increased popularity for basketball in Plymouth, and has created another event that families and the community can enjoy.”

“We look forward to seeing what happens throughout the season this year, and can’t wait to see the Raiders in action.”

The Plymouth Raiders’ BBL Championship campaign continues with a home match against Jeremy Bell’s old club the Cheshire Jets, on Friday October 19th at 7.30pm.

Terms and conditions: Competition closes at 12 noon on Wednesday October 31st. The prize is for four tickets to a home game of your choice this season. Prize to be taken by April 6th 2013. Winner must be aged 18 or over.

View properties on the move with our new mobile website

We’re delighted to announce that you can now find the latest properties to come to market in Plymouth on our new mobile-enabled website.

Gone are the days when searching the web for houses was confined to sitting at home on the computer. Looking at the growing number of visitors to our website who are viewing it on a mobile phone or tablet, we’ve invested in a new version of our website which delivers the same functionality of our main website, but with better usability for those on any mobile device.

Marc Rees, Director at Lang & Co explained the new mobile-friendly website: “The process of looking to buy or sell a home has changed considerably in recent times. For several years now, more and more people are choosing to search via the internet rather than more traditional forms of advertising such as in newspapers.”

“We’ve made the investment to make the process of looking for a new home for sale in Plymouth an easier and more convenient experience. Not only can you see the latest details of the current properties on the market, you can find out more with photos, brochures, floor plans and more.”

To take a look at the new mobile-enabled website, simply visit www.lang.co.uk from your mobile or iPad or find us on the App Store.

March 2012

February 2012

Tour de Moor 2011

Click here to download an application form

Plymouth Half Marathon 2011

Two local gentlemen, Ian Saxby and Jon Treharne, who are also clients of Lang & Co decided to take up the gruelling task of running the 2011 Plymouth Half Marathon.

Jon Treharne said, "It was a tough challenge but we are delighted to compete in this year's marathon, the support along the route was superb, along with the pride and achievement of crossing the finish line.”

Ian Saxby commented "There was a fantastic atmosphere on the day and although the run was challenging for me as an ageing and occasional runner, it was a pleasure to support Lang & Co and their nominated charity.".

Tour de Moor 2010

Sponsored by Lang and Co Sales & Lettings, the eventset off from the beautiful Plym Valley at Coypool, enjoying the fresh Westcountry air and admiring the local wild ponies, whilst cycling through the stunning surroundings of Dartmoor National Park.

You wereable to choose from a leisurely fun 7 mile cycle in Plym Valley or an assorted terrain route of 35 miles taking you out to historic Princetown.

For more information on any future events contact the Fundraising Team on 01752 492626

Plymouth Half Marathon 2010

Casey and Sophie took part in the Plymouth Half Marathon on Sunday, May 30th and with the help of Lang and Co raised £320 for The Oncology Department in Derriford Hospital.

‘We wanted to raise money for this ward after close family member and a close friend fell ill with Cancer both within the last 12 months and had to use the Ward for Chemo and Radiotherapy.

This is very close to our hearts and want to thank everybody for their support.

We hope the money will help others who will be using the Ward and help with new equipment’

Charity Tag Rugby Tournament 2010

A hand picked team of Lang & Co employees and a couple of "extras" took part in the first Plymouth Charity Tag Rugby Tournament which was held on the 28^th March 2010 at the Plymouth Albion Ground in aid of St. Luke’s Hospice.

James Clarke, Director at Lang & Co, who was part of the organising committee, said "It was a fantastic day and a great success with the rain holding off and a superb turn out. It was a great opportunity to raise money for an inspirational charity which cares for more than two thousand people across Plymouth and surrounding areas.”

The Plymstock branch of Lang & Co is delighted to be able to sponsor Wembury Primary School, with their new range of school sports kits.

Paul Preen, Director, commented “Since opening in November 2006 in the Plymstock Broadway Shopping Centre, we have been really well received by the local Plymstock and South Hams community and we felt this was a great opportunity to give back to the local area”. The kit includes rugby shirts, polo tee-shirts, and full tracksuits.

Pictured with the children (from left) are Paul Preen, Director of Lang & Co [Plymstock] Ltd., Co-Head Teacher, David Fieldsend, Lucy Smith and Sandra Byrne, of the PTA, and James Clarke of Lang & Co.

Phoenix City FC was formed in April 2006 and offered players from all over the City to join.

The club started with an under 14’s team and has gone from strength to strength now offering under 8’s, 9’s10’s and under 15’s and the new under 11’s girls team all looking forward to the 2007/8 season.

Lang & Co are delighted to have sponsored the under 14’s in there first season and are continuing to do so in the under 15’s 2007/08 season.

Lang & Co were invited along to the presentation evening in June 07 to hand out various awards to the players.

Lang & Co are proud to sponsor Plymouth Raiders.

Lang & Co proudly sponsor Plymouth Albion Rugby Club.

We are proud to sponsor Plymouth Marjon Hockey Club.

@LangProperty are sponsoring @officialraiders star Jeremy Bell this season. RT before noon October 31 for chance to win four tickets.

Calling all Plymouth Raiders fans - your chance to win tickets to a home game of your choice