Countrywide Signs South Lincs reported that in April this year it erected a total of 95 sold boards compared to just 10 in the same period in 2019
The news has been rife over the past weeks, and even months, highlighting the success of the property sector during the pandemic. For Countrywide Signs, a business that is inextricably linked to the property industry, its network has been appreciating the knock-on effect.
The surge in house sales and lettings means busy days and busy order books for the property signage business. Group director Justin Pearce said about the impact of the property boom across the network: “The past few months - the same as all businesses - seemed so uncertain, especially at the beginning of the first lockdown. However, the past few months have been manic for all involved across the network which has provided us with great reassurance as a franchisor and for our dedicated franchisees.”
The property boom has been attributed to a number of factors. The first being the announcement from Chancellor Rishi Sunak about the stamp duty threshold increasing to £500,000. However, according to PropertyIndustryEye.com in a recent interview; estate agent Chestertons’ MD Guy Gittins, told them that the rapid pace was also due to properties “being relatively good value”. He also stated that “people continue to be incentivised by the need for a larger home”. Adding: “We have seen a phenomenally strong market over the summer and into the autumn and still believe that this will continue into the spring next year.”
Chestertons’ Richard Davies, the firm’s head of lettings, also said: “Generally, we see a dramatic drop in viewings in November, but this year is different and we are still doing a similar number of viewings as we were during the height of the market in summer.”
This is all positive and welcomed news for Countrywide Signs.
The property signage experts have also noticed numerous trends and changes in requirements from its clients – the estate and lettings agents. In some cases, agents have needed to completely bypass the ‘for sale’ or ‘to let’ signage, and instead have required the installation of ‘sold’ or ‘let’ signs right away. Justin added: “In fact, to add some context, Countrywide Signs South Lincs, reported that in April this year it erected a total of 95 sold boards compared to just 10 in the same period in 2019!
“It really shows just how much the property sector is thriving as part of today’s new normal.”
The property sector looks set to continue to grow, and with the latest news on two potential COVID-19 vaccines, springtime could easily see it continue. Having to spend so much time at home has made homeowners and renters gain a whole new understanding of the importance of ‘the home being where the heart is’.