The Right Move? The leading property podcast.
By Andrew Simmonds
The Right Move? The leading property podcast.Apr 19, 2024
CGI for property, Open Houses and Selling Somerset !
Want to see the most luscious architectural visualisations for your next dream build ?
Michael Hall of NVision Studios is your man.
They produce such stunning imagery that brings a house to life. We're glad to say that Michael is our guest this month - just wait until he talks about their most "out there" project!!
We're also tackling the question of Open Houses as a marketing / sales tool. Could it work for you? Simmo runs the rule over their potential to get your house sold.
Charlie Lamdin is back with us for a Charlie Says that analyses the latest outburst from Kevin McCloud and Alan the self builder is back on with news of Silver Birch Cottage.
Oh and if you've ever seen Selling Sunset, strap in for our own version - Selling Somerset!
Estate Agents - Time for a Code of Conduct NOW
28 week agreements - can there be any justification for them?
The argument to see the back of them is gathering pace and the voices against them are loud and convincing.
A sense that the sector has to change is in the air. Our guest John Durrant is proposing it has a complete overhaul and that a code of conduct should be driven by PropertyMark and RICS.
Simmo has his thoughts - and you're about to get them both barrels ( as long as he's not too busy thundering around a karting track!)
Self builder, pub owner and chef Alan Bonar-Drake has some news about the roof and porch and promises not to mention his Inglenook fireplace.
Charlie Says with Charlie Lamdin runs the rule over 28 week agreements; will he agree with John?
And
New rules around holiday lets - who will they help?
Hear it all on THE property podcast.
Conditional Selling - An Epidemic
First time buyers are strong armed into a situation that benefits no one ( well apart from the big name, corporate estate agencies ). Vendors suffer, low grade call centre " conveyancers " screw it all up and reputable agents also get the brunt of it.
Conditional selling. It's a racket and Malcolm Davidson of UK Moneyman, Charlie Lamdin of Best Agent and of course, our very own Andrew Simmonds are calling it out for what it is.
Unethical, despicable and illegal.
So why are some still getting away with it?
Mortgage Rates - Breaking News
Barclays and Santander have played their hand. What about the other lenders?
In a move that's seen as encouraging for remortgaging, we're bringing out this short special to further examine this latest news.
With a real life case study and an agency overview from Simmo, the leading property podcast leads the way.
Again.
Is this the death of the skip?
Whether it's ripping out the bathroom or replacing a whole bunch of windows, the skip is the ultimate symbol of waste building material.
BUT
We've found the organisation that may be bringing about the untimely demise ( or certainly lessening the use ) of the skip.
The Rebuild Site in Carlisle has a great story to tell about commitment to the planet and the community. They even helped to realise the real Club Tropicana.
Emma Porter talks to us about sustainability in construction.
For all things self build, our friendly neighbourhood pub owner and chef Alan Bonar-Drake describes his site's progress and Charlie Says sees Charlie peering into his housing market crystal ball.
We also chat over the listings that either bounced or hopped feebly!
ITV's This Morning - Georgina Burnett
Great interiors come naturally to Georgina as you'll hear from our chat. What a pleasure it is to have such a talented and well known guest; our Xmas wish has come true!
What is good taste when it comes to decorating a room and should you stop at one? This Morning's very own Home Genie has some unmissable pointers and a great track record when it comes to upcycling.
Amongst our other essential talking points :
- Government intervention in the housing market - should there be less, more or none at all? Charlie Lamdin tells us what he thinks in no uncertain terms.
- Chef and first time self builder Alan Bonar-Drake brings us another snappy audio diary of how their home is progressing.
- Which property portal is a "protection racket" according to Russell Quirk and does Simmo agree?
and
- Does the "Boxing Day Bounce" actually work, or is it about as good as a brussel sprout and advocaat puree?
The Motorhome, a house rat and some truffle oil
No, we haven't gone completely mad - those three do have something in common!
Saying goodbye to bricks and mortar is something Rebecca Hanlon, her husband Andrew, their dogs and domesticated rat are accustomed to.
Find out which vehicle they chose, what's being done to it and how they're going off at the deep end when it comes to #vanlife.
Now even if you've got only a passing interest in the property market, you're probably aware that OnTheMarket has been sold for an eye watering sum.
Have they got their act together if they want to topple RightMove?
Simmo thinks not and tells all.
You'll also get the up to date news on Alan's self build in Northamptonshire and we pay homage to the Guild of Property Professionals!
It's the Off Grid special !
He's OffGridPath on Tik Tok and Youtube and to us, he's Benn Berkeley and has converted a static caravan in a field so he can realise his long held off grid dream.
Benn's even brought out a book that helps to make UK planning law more accessible. He has some really interesting things to say around his building self education and why this way of life appeals to him and his girlfriend.
Whoever would have thought that Charlie Lamdin has some off grid experience? This episode's Charlie Says is full of revelation and intrigue!
Remember how we looked at self build in the previous ep? Well we've got an update from Alan and some wise words about Facebook Marketplace.
Plus - a unique discount code for the Motorhome and Caravan Show later this month at the NEC in Birmingham.
Listen very closely and nab it!
The Self Build Dream
Owner and chef at The White Hart in Grafton Regis ( Northants ), Alan Bonar-Drake set his sights on building his own home and now, after long and drawn out planning tussles, work has started.
We're covering the build at every step and as the builders worked on the footings, we had a chat in their pub garden ( nice work if you can get it! )
Stay with us for all the updates on self build - they're really useful, especially if you've got the desire to build your own place.
Also
The media and the property market; do they like a party pooper story a bit TOO much?
Simmo picks over how the housing market is depicted in the press and property journalist, the excellent Marc Shoffman gives us his take.
Charlie Says isn't short of an opinion or two when it comes to the media and housing, so we've let him rip!
Ah yes and there's one more thing to listen out for - what Zoopla is saying about sales trends.
( I say one more thing, but who can forget the chippy and the floor for all the wrong reasons! )
The house move done properly
We actually surprised ourselves. Why hadn't we done this before now? A smooth move from one home to the next takes a lot more than you'd think and so it's about time we talked about removals.
Richard Batten is MD of Move On Removals and Storage and talks you through just how to get moving house spot on. Do his staff have superhuman powers of spatial awareness and are they all Pilates devotees? Have a listen and the answers will all be here.
Meanwhile, Charlie Lamdin has become increasingly frustrated by estate agents pulling a price from thin air just to try and win business. Charlie has his say on valuations and as you'd expect, it's audio dynamite!
Unequivocal opinions always play well on The Right Move? podcast and Simmo tells it like it is about the Mayor of Bristol and the news story about rents in the city. Let's just say Marvin won't be best pleased.
We're also going to treat you to something BRAND NEW!!
Star Spotting keeps tabs on the great and good of the property industry and relays where these bricks and mortar celebs have been seen schmoozing.
Alex Tan for Vice President, mortgage offers being pulled and is Harry Styles buying the saddest Grand Designs House?
The momentum for her candidacy is really building. She's a dynamo who's great at collaboration and even has a selfie with Phil Spencer! Alexandra Tan is on the campaign trail to become Vice President of NAEA Propertymark.
We've even given her an audio present - you HAVE to listen!
So what's all this about a certain H Styles and Chesil Cliff House? We check back in with the brilliant Nic Chbat to see if the rumours are true.
Now and again, the property market delivers some truly unexpected and sad news - we'll let you in on what's happening to the Singing Estate Agent.
Plus there's a solid assessment of banks pulling mortgage deals at the last minute from Charlie Lamdin and which city is going to see fantastic growth over the next decade?
Oh yes and Simmo walks into a window!
RICS - The Residential Market Survey & 100% mortagages; should you go near them?
It's trusted at the highest levels. The Bank of England, Government and a vast range of institutions lean on some of the widely acknowledged credibility it has garnered.
It's the RICS Residential Market Survey, which is published every month and is undoubtedly the most reliable and significant picture of what's happening with house prices and market habits.
How pleased are we then that their Chief Economist Simon Rubinsohn is with us to explain how it does what it does and why key decisions rest upon the accuracy of the survey?
Very.
100% mortgages. Where do you stand on them? Simmo knows what he thinks and so does Charlie Lamdin. Pick up their wisdom in this incredibly useful episode.
There's also a delve into Simmo's contribution to This Is Money and the Strike / Purplebricks deal going through.
Did somebody say "insolvent"?
Watch this space.
Do NOT use online conveyancers !
Pretty please!!
If you take away only one thing from this episode, make sure it's that. Simmo is adamant that you give the "factory conveyancers" a wide berth.
Use them and it will be a whole world of hurt.
Take the advice from a RICS associate member and walk away.
Speaking of RICS - Charlie Lamdin calls their UK Residential Market Survey his favourite indices and backs this up by a Charlie Says that goes into the key reasons this is the most important regular examination of house buying and selling.
Our guest is the fantastically knowledgeable Claire Russell Lartaud of Taylor Rose and Domus Homes - she's qualified to practice property law both here in the UK and Australia. Her opinions and anecdotes just ooze common sense and professionalism. Claire's well worth a listen. Just don't ask her about renovation!
Simmo and JP also report on the ridiculous news that online estate agency Strike ( already in eye watering debt ) are still looking to acquire the equally ailing Purplebricks. Sheer madness.
And
The brilliant property tips and tricks we've found on the Guild of Property Professionals Facebook page.
#Vanlife - The Motorhome Special with Motorhome Matt and added Singing Estate Agent!
We did say we'll talk about any kind of property and just because this one's got wheels, why should we ignore it?
So many people are hiring or buying motorhomes and taking themselves off for weeks, months and sometimes years to sample a bit of off grid living. A few even live out the digital nomad existence - something you'll hear Charlie talk about in Charlie Says.
The UK's foremost authority on vans, Motorhome Matt spends some time with us to pick over the options, practical advice and why he picked motorhomes over caravans.
Then we hear from Buckinghamshire businessman Andy Dunkley, who took time out with his partner and daughter just after the first lockdown and travelled around Europe for almost a year.
He has some VERY sound advice about toilets!
Never one to miss a fantastic and viral story, the podcast also meets up with Claire Cossey, who owns and runs Just Knock estate agents - not only is she a property professional, but she's a professional singer and she's managed to combine the two in the most imaginative way possible!
You have GOT to hear this.
Never ones to duck a challenge, Simmo and JP have produced their own property song too, but in a slightly unexpected style.
Good news - The best time to sell your house!
When is it?
March? August? 12.30 on a Wednesday?
It gives us great pleasure to tell you all about the optimum window to sell your house ( assuming you're on the market or about to be! ) If anyone knows when the market conditions are at their best, it's Simmo.
What an excellent guest we have in Iain McKenzie, CEO of the Guild of Property Professionals. Iain chats through the purpose of The Guild and how their reputation and members mean you'll be dealing with trained and trustworthy professionals.
Charlie Says sees Charlie Lamdin give his keen analysis over a statement made about London renters by Foxtons. Did they go too far?
And did someone say they have sympathy for landlords? On this podcast?
The Purplebricks Saga & The Agent is The Star
Someone isn't happy with Purplebricks.
Actually that's probably a honking great understatement.
Vendors and former staff are seething. So what happens next in this ruinous episode - will it be bought for a quid? That may sound like a joke, but Charlie Lamdin of Best Agent and Moving Home with Charlie is spitting feathers. Not a fan of "Sporting Ken" ( or Michael ), this month's Charlie Says is a no holds barred rant that lays into the whole sorry saga of the " we'll sell your home with no commission " smoke and mirrors.
It won't be pretty.
On a much more happy note, we catch up with Toby Greenhow of Savills aka Tik Tok Toby - he has some really interesting things to say about what's expected of an estate agent in 2023 and how we, the house buying public see green homes.
Oh yes and some bright spark thinks the general public would pay £7 to swim in Bristol harbour.
We'll take a raincheck.
Modular, eco - friendly housing and Kelsey Grammer.
With a "right first time" ethos, WElink are responsible for a fascinating new development of homes in Cambridgeshire ( amongst other places ).
Adam Norton, who is the UK Head of Land for the company talks us through their innovative approach, the precision and effectiveness of what they do and how a Tik Tok by Savills opens up all sorts of opportunities for podcast greatness !
It's a win / win for new homebuyers and the planet.
The man increasingly known as "The Martin Lewis of property", Charlie Lamdin brings his monthly wisdom to Charlie Says - there's opinion on the divide between house buyers and sellers.
We've also bring you a collision of Hollywood and the South West in a tale of poppadoms, Bristol football and Sideshow Bob!
Oh yes and Simmo springs a leak.
Jasmine Birtles, Charlie Lamdin and a mischievous Elf !
She's the founder of Money Magpie and you'll catch her extensive financial wisdom frequently on tv, radio and in print.
Jasmine Birtles is arguably the most switched on person you'll ever meet when it comes to money management. She's straight talking, has some great stories and well thought out ideas on how we can become better educated around ££.
Simmo and JP chat to Jasmine about the way we learn the financial stuff at school ( or not ), what her advice would be for property buying / investment and whether politicians should " be more Jasmine ".
We're also blessed to have the company of Charlie Lamdin. A high priest of social media when it comes to property and finance, Charlie is on YouTube, Tik Tok, Twitter and all the places you'd expect a great analyst and forecaster should be. Charlie's just agreed to be a monthly contributor to this podcast and in this episode, you'll heard the first " Charlie's Takeaway ".
Oh yes and there's the small matter of an Elf. Literally.
Happy Xmas from all on the podcast.
The benefits of a buying agent and THAT 9% drop in house prices
It's completely normal when buying property in the USA.
A buying agent could be worth their weight in gold and in various countries, it's standard practice. We've met a brilliant one based in the South West of the UK, Jerome Lartaud - he co owns and runs Domus Homes and you can hear about his expertise in the podcast.
Plus
A 9% fall in house prices. That's what the Office of Budget Responsibility predicts, but how accurate will that be? Simmo picks over their forecast and gives his experienced verdict of what might play out in the housing market. Will Charlie Lamdin and Nic Chbat see eye to eye?
Sustainble, eco housing is naturally high on the agenda at the moment and with one scheme given the go ahead in Horfield, Bristol, we pick over the plans - will we give the designs our thumbs up or not?
And
Simmo is fast becoming the media go to guy - so does that explain why the cameras of Panorama were in his office, or is he about to go on reality tv?
Estate Agents, the Stamp Duty cut and the sweetest Linkedin property post ever
The redoubtable Christopher Watkin bills himself as " The UK's No.2 Lettings and Estate Agency Business Growth Specialist " but we can say without fear of contradiction that his advice on this episode is No.1
- What should you expect from an estate agent?
- How can you temper your approach to get the best from the relationship?
and there's the question that can't be avoided :
- Where is the property market heading?
Christopher has a fantastic and comprehensive Youtube channel here - have a look.
Another Youtube ( and now Tik Tok ) favourite is Charlie Lamdin.
In a move to rival 24 hour rolling news, we cross to Charlie to get his reaction to the stamp duty cut. What difference will it make?
What he has to say is always measured, thoughtful and a keen analysis.
Then there's Linkedin's most touching story, as told by proud Dad Simmo.
The Grand Designs Special - Chesil Cliff House
The saddest episode ever.
That was how this particular episode of Grand Designs became known. Even Kevin McCloud couldn't fail to be moved. With over £7,000,000 of debt and a broken marriage, Edward Short wanted Chesil Cliff House to be a wonderfully unique family home. Sadly his children grew up and flew the nest before the project was completed. His Wife Hazel subsequently split.
So have you got £10,000,000 to spare?
That's what this Croyde super house is on the market for and we're speaking to the agent marketing the house - Nicholas Chbat of Match Property in Devon.
But what does it actually take to design and build your own dream home successfully? Dan Grimshaw, who owns and runs Beam Development will share his expertise and experience.
And you'll also hear about the council buying up homes to stop more Air BnBs coming along.
Plus Simmo has ( another ) new qualification!!
Mortgages lowdown, Zoopla and 2nd homes in Whitby ( WARNING : episode may contain Rupert Murdoch gags )
Samuel Gee of Manning Gee Investments shares some of his wisdom with us as we chat about mortgages
He's got a great way of making all the complicated and often difficult stuff really conversational, so if you need to fill in some of the blanks around property finance, this is the episode for you.
I'm sure you've heard us talk in previous episodes about 2nd / holiday homes. We were intrigued to hear how Whitby council have voted to limit the purchase of 2nd homes in theory. David Haycox, MD of Shoreline Cottages Ltd gives us some of his time to give us a well placed and unique view on this ongoing story.
There's been some difficult news for anyone who works for Zoopla in the UK this week - Andrew and John pick over that.
PLUS
There's dog show news and a Mystic Simmo on the Murdoch story we couldn't ignore!!
Your home's energy efficiency = how much more ££ when selling? Plus new friendships when you move.
How is it possible to cover the most popular coastal locations for buying property, energy efficient homes, the challenge of making friends in a new area and nicknames?
Reaching the height of their considerable podcasting powers, property expert Andrew " Simmo " Simmonds and general voice-on-a-stick JP fuse these addictive elements with great insight and extremely fine guests.
Alan Collins from Round Table comes on to say how RT and Ladies Circle can help you find your feet in a new community and journalist Marc Shoffman gives us the inside view of his recent piece for Estate Agent Today on energy efficient homes. Would you pay more for one? Many are, so now's the time to consider just how eco friendly your place is.
Whitby, Cornwall and a choice selection of seaside towns have come out as the ripe for house buying, so see if you fancy relocating off the back of our lowdown on this story.
And how can resist a good nickname? Why did we even mention Gums and Creamer?!
How to get Buy to Let spot on
What happens when you've done well enough in your early 20s to have money to invest, but don't know where to turn?
You invest in property.
Picking up a great instinct for buy to let, particularly in the Bristol area, former model Clare Wilson joins us to talk about her story and how you develop that keen eye and acumen for investment. Clare spent 15 years on the international modelling circuit working the runways of London, Paris, New York, Milan and Sydney alongside other stars like Naomi Campbell and Yasmin Le Bon. She now has an agency of her own - Gingersnap
An hugely successful model and businesswoman, Clare is a must listen and we're so pleased she could join us.
Look out for her forthcoming book and podcast.
Also
The Sunday Times has Bristol down as one of the best places to live in the UK and who are we to argue? Simmo and JP bring their unique take on the city and its constant appeal. We chat about DJ Derek, the creative scene and the docks - if we're not on commission for Visit Bristol, we should be!
And who can forget the man with predictive powers that are more effective than predictive text on a Nokia 8210 - Mystic Simmo!
Did someone mention Will Smith?
What makes for a trusted estate agent?
Charlie Lamdin doesn't dilute his opinions where property is concerned. He's quickly becoming the voice of fairness in the housing market and a champion for the homeless. Have a listen to Charlie laying out his thoughts, ideas and deeply held convictions. Why are those on low incomes treated with such contempt by certain utilities providers? Charlie tells all and more. You'll also hear about the hidden commissions that take advantage of one of the most stressful times in your life.
So how do you find the best agent for your property sale? Keep listening......
We'll also be discussing the concerning number of empty homes in North Somerset, how the colour of your front door may or may not affect the saleable value of your house and the story of the Poundland house (it's not a pound before you get too excited!)
Lap up Mystic Simmo's F1 predictions for the season ahead and hear all about the most perplexing mystery of
THE THUMPING GREAT SCREW.
Purple Bricks and Boomin co-founder Kenny Bruce
He's got something in common with Forrest Gump. So he tell us.
Is he good at American football? Maybe he carries a box of chocolates around, or is he partial to grilled shrimp, fried shrimp, shrimp soup and shrimp pate? There's only one way to find out and it involves the unquestionably pleasant task of listening to this episode of the podcast.
Along with his brother, Kenny Bruce MBE gave the property market a darn good shake up when he co founded Purple Bricks. Unique in the space and a breath of fresh air, PB was typical of Kenny's innovation and maverick style. He's now gone on to launch Boomin, which is taking prop-tech and bringing even more innovation. Kenny chats about estate agency and naturally, his beloved Larne FC ( the football club he owns ).
After some wfh with the "Bristol 'rona", Simmo makes an admission about Kirstie Allsop and the take out latte / Netflix controversy. We'll also pick over the latest developments with cladding, which has rumbled on since the Grenfell tragedy and there's even more good news for North Somerset ( particularly if you're a homeowner ).
As you've come to expect, we like to cover great community events and initiatives and at the end of the episode, Simmo and JP put the spotlight on a project that is Bristol through and through.
The Somerset Special
You've heard the buzz around Somerset? Taunton has been grabbing headlines all over the place for its desirable property. Good employment levels, a friendly atmosphere and all set in a beautiful and really historic and successful county - it's becoming the place to relocate to! The podcast has been taken over by Somerset, so spark up a sandalwood incense stick and pop some Glasto highlights onto your streaming service - it's going to be one heck of a ride !
John Turner and Ben Grant are, we're really pleased to say, our VIP guests this month.
John is CEO of Visit Somerset and Ben is a director of Gibbins Richards, an estate agent and letting agent for Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington and Wiveliscombe. Between them, they're a powerhouse of knowledge about the county, the growth it's seeing and the attraction of Somerset's many facets and natural attractions.
"Mystic Simmo" returns with a check up on predictions from the first episode and turns the tables to see what JP thinks of Simmo's likely press credits. We'll also cover a septic tank quandary from Mark who got in touch with the podcast.
We're here to take your questions on property - give our FB page a like, send a msg and we'll sort it!
Property hotspots in the South West and South Wales, saving landlords £££s and what becomes of Joey Barton?
It's our first one. What is it they say? Be kind.
Actually, don't worry - we can take it. As the know-it-all, edgy and fun new kid on the property podcast block, Andrew's ready for anything as we introduce the new show and tell you what we're planning.
Just how accurate will those Mystic Simmo predictions be and how will they play out with the old guy in the white beard ( Santa, not Phil Spencer ).