The property market in Lincoln could boom once again despite the impact of the coronavirus crisis, as estate agents begin to return to work this week.
The government set out plans to restart the industry on Wednesday.
The Lincolnite spoke to Simon Bentley, Senior Partner, at Mundys and Ben Sykes, owner of The New Homes Agent, about being able to resume viewings and valuations, and the impact of the pandemic on the industry.
Mundys has two offices in Lincoln and one in Market Rasen. It is re-opening its Lincoln offices on Monday, May 18 with a phased return to the office in limited numbers over the next two weeks. Others will continue to be based at home, whilst those who were furloughed will gradually return to work.
Twenty two staff were furloughed and 12 continued to work from home.
Only a small number of completions and moves took place during lockdown and only where absolutely necessary. Mundys also helped move some key workers into properties, including two doctors at a flat in Lincoln around three weeks ago.
Simon Bentley, Senior Partner, at Mundys. Photo: Mundys
When restrictions were put in place towards the end of March, a lot of people were left in limbo and dates for completion or moving were put on hold.
Simon told The Lincolnite: “It is already getting busier again and we are working very hard to co-ordinate getting people completing on their properties and tenants moved in, and the safety of staff and clients is most important.
“Prior to lockdown the housing market in Lincoln was very good and Lincoln was performing as well as, if not better than, anywhere in the East Midlands.
“I think we are entering a period of uncertainty, but prior to this happening many people had spoken about this being Lincoln’s golden era, with so many amazing things happening and so much investment.
“The housing market will be affected, but we had the uncertainty of Brexit before and the market was good. We can see some positive signs for the Lincoln market and it offers excellent value for money and we may see more people relocating to the area.”
Simon added that people that do external appointments, the valuers and viewers, will have gloves, masks and hand sanitisers. There will also be spare PPE for clients.
Additional measures will also be introduced into its offices including perspex screens, floor markings and hand sanitiser stations.
Ben Sykes returned to his Lincoln roots from Dubai to start his business – The New Homes Agent Limited.
Ben Sykes, owner of The New Homes Agent, said the phone has not stopped since his team returned to the office on Wednesday, where desks have been moved to be two metres apart.
Viewings are already being booked for the coming days, with staff and customers given gloves and face masks to wear before entering a property, which will have also been disinfected. Viewings can also be offered at early mornings and late at night to help accommodate key workers.
Ben, who was named as one of The Lincolnite‘s 30 Under 30 rising stars, said: “At the beginning of lockdown we did virtual tours, but now we are back in the office we are able to proceed with client enquiries. We are putting precautions in to make people safe, but housing is such an important part of the economy it’s important to get money flowing again in the industry.
“Throughout April, enquiries were steadily rising and by the weekend just gone we were back to pre-lockdown enquiry levels through phone and email.
“Since the government’s announcement the phone has been off the hook.
“There is a general consensus in the industry that house prices will hold steady before rising in 2021. Several reports coming out show there has been an increase in buyers from the south looking at relocating to Lincolnshire as it is better value for money.
“I think now that we’re able to carry out valuations and agents can list properties there will be a surge in new properties coming to the market. I’m fairly confident that Lincolnshire is going to be very popular because of the value for money compared to other areas of the country.”
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We have arrested a 34-year-old woman on suspicion of attempted murder following an altercation which has left a man with multiple wounds requiring hospital treatment.
Officers were called to reports that a man had suffered what were described as stab wounds at an address in Kenner Close, Lincoln. The exact cause of the wounds is under investigation.
On arrival, officers found a man in his 60’s with significant injuries to the neck and face area. He received treatment at the scene and is now being treated in hospital. His condition is described as life-threatening.
The call came in at 12.49pm today (Sunday 7 August). Acting on intelligence, officers arrested a suspect eight minutes later. She remains in police custody.
We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident, and we would ask people not to speculate about the circumstances and allow officers the time to investigate this thoroughly.
Specially trained investigators, response officers and forensic investigators will remain on the scene for at least the next 24 hours while they carry out initial enquiries.
We would like to appeal to anyone who may have information about the incident to get in touch and help us piece together what has happened. Any piece of information, no matter how big or small, may prove crucial.
If you can help, there are a number of ways to get in touch:
• You can call us on 101 quoting incident number 214 of 7 August.
• You can email: [email protected] adding incident number 214 of 7 August in the subject line.
• If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or you can give information anonymously online
We are investigating following a house fire where a man has sadly died.
Officers were called to the incident in Farrow Road, Spalding, at 1.03am today (7 August) following reports of what was described as an explosion. The property has suffered 100% damage.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public who offered assistance, a man in his 50’s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
His next of kin have been informed.
Another man who is thought to have been passing by the property and offered his help suffered burn injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and we are keeping an open mind as experts from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service investigate today. We would encourage people not to speculate while we investigate the cause.
Officers will remain in the area for the next few days carrying out enquiries.
Anyone who saw or heard anything, or captured the incident on doorbell camera or dashcam is asked to contact us. There are a number of ways to get in touch:
You can call us on 101 quoting incident number 43 of 7 August.
You can email: [email protected] incident number 43 of 7 August in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or you can give information anonymously online
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