A boom in summer sales of exclusive residential homes has bolstered a North East property market that's traditionally slow and quiet during the summer period
All the signs show 2019 is bucking that trend, with leading independent estate agent Sanderson Young experiencing an increase in transactions managed by its exclusive Rare! brand, which markets high end and luxury residential properties with a minimum value of £700,000.
“We’ve never experienced such a busy summer with Rare! properties, where we’ve been dealing with multi-million-pound house sales, week in week out,” says Duncan Young, Chairman of Sanderson Young, which has offices in Alnwick, Gosforth and Ponteland.
“Over the last six months, the market for luxury homes has been extremely active. Completions on houses have been carried out swiftly with buyers moving quickly to secure their next home.
“There’s certainly been a summer boom in high end properties and our Rare! team have been at the very centre of it; driving sales through and meeting the housing desires of our clients.”
In the last three months alone, Sanderson Young has received 42 instructions to sell within the Rare! estate agent team. The total value of this property is over £37 million, with average house sales ranging from one and a half million pounds to three million pounds.
Duncan continues: “Just three sales in Jesmond, Gosforth and Northumberland had a combined value of £15 million.
“We aren’t talking about small change here; wealthy people within the region are focused on their next move up the property ladder and eager to pay beyond the asking price; with many properties proving to be so popular they’re going to what we call in the industry best and final’ stage and selling for way beyond the asking price.”
Exclusivity
Rare! is marketing several exclusive developments including West Farm Steading, an extraordinary boutique residential development in Earsdon, Whitley Bay and Ashford Grove, an exclusive set of eight detached country homes in Mitford, Morpeth. “The new Earsdon development is a luxurious set of six houses that combines a rustic and modern design, set within a beautifully converted farm steading,” explains Duncan.
“Four are already sold; a great result given the high value of the homes and the time of year.”
Rare! has also just brought to the market Ashford Grove, an opulent and innovative residential development in Morpeth. The homes are built within a secluded retreat, with the largest plot 1.4 acres, that also offers a wildlife pond, ancient woodland and idyllic river frontage including fishing rights.
“Ashford Grove is a fantastic development,” adds Duncan. “We’ve already received huge interest in the homes there despite only being on the market for just four weeks or so.”
A trusted and experienced agent
The Rare! team includes eight senior estate agents, handpicked on their experience and knowledge of the North East luxury homes market. Greg McCarthy is the latest addition to the team, joining in the summer as a regional valuer.
Rare! is managed by Sales Manager Ashleigh Sundin, who has over 30 years’ experience as an estate agent and has been the driving force behind the brand for the last seven years.
“It’s not only our experience within the high end North East residential market that appeals to clients,” explains Ashleigh. “It’s also our connections within the business community and our focus on providing a highly personalised customer service based on our expertise and knowledge of premium properties.
“Many of our clients don’t want to go out and search for an estate agent who will heavily market their current home via online portals and for sale boards. “They want to work with a trusted and knowledgeable agent who understands their unique needs and respects their wishes of discretion in finding a new home.
“If you’re looking to buy your next home and need advice on selling your current property and evaluating your buying options, then please do get in touch with our Rare! team.
“I’ve personally seen some stunningly unique houses go onto the market that are being snapped up really quickly. Buyers aren’t holding their breath and although it’s been an unusually busy summer, we don’t expect the market to quieten down any time soon.” For more information about Sanderson Young’s rare! office and team, please visit:
