The Willmott & Lake blog

2025 has kicked off with a positive surge in market activity, with new seller asking prices increasing by 1.7% (+£5,992) this month to an average of £366,189. This marks the largest January price jump since 2020. However, prices

As we edge closer to April 2025, significant changes are coming to Stamp Duty, which will have a notable impact on homebuyers across England. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving to a new home, or purchasing an additional...

Have you been wondering if it’s time for a change? Here are a few signs that might mean now’s the perfect moment to put your home on the market: Outgrowing Your Space If your family is expanding, or you simply feel like...

2024 Year in Review: The Local Housing Market and Predictions for 2025 As the year draws to a close, we’ve been reflecting on what has been a challenging yet intriguing year for the housing market in Bishop’s Stortford and the

A Night to Remember: Supporting Essex & Herts Air Ambulance On the 21st of November, the Willmott & Lake team hosted our first-ever Charity Quiz Night at The Belgian Brewer – and what an incredible evening it was! The event...

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has presented the Autumn Budget, marking the first Labour Budget in 14 years. With ongoing cost of living concerns and high mortgage rates, this budget has been under close watch. Recent studies reveal...

If you're thinking about investing in property, you’re likely aiming for either regular income (rental yield) or an increase in your property’s value over time (capital growth)—or perhaps both. Here’s a quick rundown of...

The property market in CM23 has seen some interesting shifts over the past month, with 130 new instructions hitting the market. Notably, 19 of these properties have already gone under offer, which highlights just how crucial it is...

When is the best time to sell a house? There’s plenty of advice on the best time to sell a home, and while market timing can be important for investors, selling a home is often more about what works best for you personally...

If you're thinking about buying a new property, many homes can now be bought off-plan, meaning you commit to the purchase before the home is actually built. While you won’t be able to see the physical property, developers...