Hemsby – A great place to live.
Hemsby has become known in part for coastal erosion and tragedy this has caused to homeowners over the last few year.
However, only a very small part of the village is subject to erosion with much of the village situated way to the west away from the beach where a lot of land is taken up by the holiday industry.
The village has a lot to offer with independent shops & cafes and array of restaurants available to locals. There are also public houses, an independent butchers and a local school in the village. Great Yarmouth is only a few miles away, the centre of Norwich can be reached by car in around 45 minutes, and the Norfolk Broads is on your doorstep.
Properties available range from holiday chalets, small affordable starter properties, bungalows and large executive properties meaning there is something for all sized families and budgets.
If you are considering a move to the Norfolk area, give Hemsby a look. It is a real gem.
Proposed changes to the buying and selling process
This week the government has announced some proposed changes to the house buying and selling process in England and Wales!
What is being proposed
The UK Government has launched a consultation and set out a range of reforms intended to make the home buying/selling process quicker, cheaper, more reliable.
Here are the main proposals:
1. Upfront information from sellers & agents
Sellers (and their agents) would be required to provide key property information before the property is listed. This could include things like:
Condition of the property (i.e. structural, repair issues)
Leasehold costs, ground rent etc.
Whether there is a chain (people needing to move out/move in) or other factors which may delay the sale.
2. Binding agreements earlier in the process
Buyers and sellers might be able to enter into binding contracts sooner, to reduce the risk of deals falling through late in the process.
3. Digitalisation and data sharing
Use of digital identity verification and platforms to share trusted property data among agents, conveyancers, lenders etc.
Creating property “logbooks” or “property packs” (sometimes called digital property packs) that capture historical and current information about a property, so fewer surprises and more transparency.
4. Professional standards for agents
Introducing a Code of Practice for estate, letting, and managing agents, plus possibly mandatory qualifications. More regulation of agents’ performance, transparency about their track records, and enforcement of minimum standards.
5. Leasehold / Right to Manage reforms
For those owning leasehold properties: reforms aim to give leaseholders more control, transparency and lower costs. For example: extending leases more easily, letting homeowners take over management, challenging unfair charges.
6. Cost & time savings
Overall, the reforms are projected to reduce the typical transaction time by about four weeks.
First-time buyers could save around £710 per transaction; home movers slightly less (~£400) savings. Sellers might face some increased upfront cost.
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What problems these address
Some of the issues the government says it wants to tackle are:
Delays: Currently, it can take around 120 days or so to go from offer accepted to completion.
Failed transactions: Roughly 1 in 3 property sales fall through before completion. This causes wasted time, energy, costs for buyers and sellers.
Lack of transparency: Buyers often find out later about expensive or problematic issues (repairs, leases, chain delays etc.) which cause delay or renegotiation. Agents and other property professionals may have variable standards.
Costs: Both in direct fees (solicitors/conveyancers, searches/surveys) and incidental costs tied to delays or failed deals.
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Potential benefits & trade-offs
Here are what the reforms might mean in practice — the good, the less good, and what to watch out for.
Benefit
Faster sales Less waiting around for information to come through; earlier binding contracts reduce uncertainty.
Lower risk of deals collapsing If more parties are committed earlier, fewer “pull-outs” after big expenses have been incurred.
More predictable costs with more information up front, less chance of surprise survey or search costs. Better transparency from agents.
Better protections for leaseholders More ability to challenge unfair charges, take over management, extend leases without excessive costs.
But there are trade-offs / potential downsides too:
Upfront costs for sellers: Sellers may need to pay for surveys, condition reports etc earlier. These are shifts in when costs are incurred rather than always being avoided. Some sellers might find them burdensome.
Risk of higher listing price: If sellers know they need to provide more information or guarantee certain standards, some of that cost might be baked into asking prices.
Implementation complexity: Setting up digital identity services, property packs, shared data systems etc is technically and administratively non-trivial. Different regions (England / Wales / Scotland / Northern Ireland) have different legal regimes.
Effectiveness depends on enforcement: If professional standards or codes of practice are weak or unenforced, then bad behaviours or delays might persist.
Optionality may cause uncertainty: For example, binding contracts “optionally” earlier could create situations where some transactions use them and some don’t, which might confuse the market.
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What to keep an eye on
If you are buying or selling (or helping others to), these are things to watch as the reforms progress:
1. What becomes mandatory vs optional
E.g. will binding contracts be required, or just an option? How binding will the early commitment be?
2. Exact scope of “upfront information”
Details will matter — how much detail on condition, what types of searches/surveys, environmental risks, leases etc. Will those reports need to be professionally certified?
3. Costs allocation
How much sellers will bear vs how much savings accrue to buyers. Will sellers pass on costs in pricing? Will there be transitional arrangements (for people who have already begun the process)?
4. How digital systems are built
Reliability, access, security of data. How digital identity services will be used. Will there be inequalities (e.g., for people with less tech access)?
5. Regulation/enforcement of agents & solicitors/conveyancers
What bodies will enforce standards? What penalties for non-compliance? Will the code of practice be legally binding?
6. Regional variation
Laws in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales differ in property, conveyancing, and leasehold law. How reforms will interact with existing systems in those places.
7. Effect on timing
While the aim is to cut 4 weeks off, whether that is delivered will depend on how many of the processes are reformed together, how quickly professionals adapt, etc.
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Where we stand & timeline
The government has formally launched a consultation on the reforms (in October 2025). They want views from the public, buyers/sellers, property professionals.
Some reforms already in motion: e.g. digitalisation work, initial leasehold reforms, Right to Manage changes.
After the consultation, the government intends to publish a “roadmap” for implementation over the current Parliament.
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My take (and key questions)
From what’s been proposed, these changes seem broadly positive — especially for first-time buyers or anyone who’s felt frustrated by how long, opaque, and expensive moving home can be. The idea of more transparency, earlier binding, and using digital tools all look like things that could reduce friction.
But whether it will really make a big difference depends heavily on execution. If agents / sellers resist, or systems are poorly enforced, or the new burdens just get passed back to buyers via higher prices, then gains could be smaller than hoped.
Aldreds Estate Agents: Bringing Joy & Support to Circus Starr
At Aldreds Estate Agents, we believe that a community is more than bricks and mortar — it’s about people, connection, and lifting each other up. That’s why we’re proud to partner with and support Circus Starr, a charity whose mission resonates deeply with us: bringing the wonder of the circus to children and families who may otherwise miss out.
What is Circus Starr?
Circus Starr describes itself as “the circus with a purpose” — their goal is simple yet profound: to deliver inclusive, joyful performances for families, especially those who are disadvantaged, disabled, or facing challenges in their daily lives.
They tour across the UK, staging shows that are accessible, welcoming, and often free (or heavily subsidised) for the families they serve. Their offering isn’t just about entertainment — it’s about dignity, inclusion, and giving children moments of light-hearted magic and fun.
Aldreds’ Involvement: Sponsorship With Heart
We are delighted to support the “super guys at Circus Starr” by sponsoring a child and a carer to attend one of their events. This sponsorship is one small way we can bring smiles and shared experiences to families in our region.
In their own words, Circus Starr aims to “bring all the fun of the circus to children of families who may have found this difficult in the past.” For us, that mission aligns perfectly with our ethos: in business, in life, we’re stronger when we help one another.
There’s Still Time to Sell Your House Before Christmas.
As the year draws to a close, many homeowners assume it’s too late to sell their property before Christmas. But the truth is, there’s still time to put your home on the market ,secure a buyer and even move before the festive season begins. With demand remaining steady and buyers keen to move quickly, this can be an excellent time to sell.
Why Sell Before Christmas?
Motivated buyers – Many buyers looking in autumn and early winter are serious about moving and ready to act fast.
Less competition – Fewer properties tend to come onto the market at this time of year, meaning your home has a greater chance of standing out.
A new start for the new year – Selling now could mean you’re well on your way to completing and moving into your next home by the end of this year or early 2026
Festive charm – Homes often feel warm and inviting in the run-up to Christmas, with cosy lighting, tasteful decorations, and seasonal touches making them even more appealing to potential buyers.
How to Maximise Your Chances of a Quick Sale
1. Get your property valued promptly – An accurate, realistic valuation will help attract the right buyers straight away.
2. Present your home at its best – Tidy up gardens, declutter living spaces, and consider small improvements that make a big impact.
3. Work with a proactive agent – Choose an estate agent who markets properties quickly and effectively, using professional photos and strong online exposure.
4. Be flexible with viewings – Buyers’ diaries can be busy in the run-up to Christmas, so offering a range of viewing times can help secure interest faster.
Don’t Miss the Opportunity
Waiting until January to list your home can mean facing more competition when the market picks up. By getting your property on the market now, you’ll be showcasing it at a time when serious buyers are actively looking and keen to make progress before the year ends.
Ready to Sell?
There’s still time to make a move before Christmas. With the right preparation and a proactive approach, you could be agreeing a sale before the festive lights are switched on.
New Housing Secretary!
Yet another new housing secretary has been appointed!
The latest to come out of the revolving door is Steve Reed.
Hopefully he will stay in the job an long time and longer than his predecessors as the UK desperately needs a joined up and coherent housing strategy to help the country move forward!
