At Home for the Christmas holidays

Read the latest issue of our Newsletter for what we expect from the property market in 2025.

Plus the latest New Homes, upcoming Stamp Duty changes, and Judy and Patricia’s highlights from their ten years of ownership.

 

Sign up below to receive the next issue direct to your inbox.

At Home with Monks is our regular Newsletter, available to pick up in our offices or via email direct to your inbox.

Our aim is to share timely, original and relevant information about the local property market and about Monks – whether you are buying, selling or letting.

 

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Sell your home  –  Property search

As we move into 2025, we would like to remind all our clients about the forthcoming changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT or Stamp Duty).

Our team will be happy answer any questions you may have about the new amounts and how this affects your property purchase.  This will impact everyone planning to move, not just first-time buyers.

 

On all property purchases completed after 31st March 2025, the temporary thresholds on Stamp Duty implemented in September 2022 will come to an end.  These are the key changes:

 

  • For all movers, the current zero rate threshold is lowering from £250,000 to £125,000.
    • All purchases up to £125,000 will continue to pay 0% SDLT.
    • Stamp Duty of 2% will be payable on purchases between £125,001 to £250,000.  Buyers will pay up to £2,500 more.
  • For First Time Buyers, the current zero rate threshold is lowering from £425,000 to £300,000.
    • All First purchases up to £300,000 will continue to pay 0% SDLT.
    • Stamp Duty of 5% will be payable on First Time purchases between £300,001 to £500,000.  First Time Buyers will pay 5p more for every £1 over £300,000, up to £500,000.  For example, a property of £350,000 will pay £2,500 in SDLT.
    • The maximum purchase price on which First-Time Buyers can claim relief is lowering from £625,000 to the previous level of £500,000.
  • For Second Home Buyers, a new rate of 7% will be introduced on properties between £125,001 to £250,000.  Second Home buyers will pay up to £8,750 more.

 

Can I avoid Stamp Duty increases in 2025?

Property purchases must be completed before 1st April 2025 to avoid these changes.  With a timescale of 12-16 weeks for conveyancing, we advise all clients who have not yet agreed a sale to budget for the increased amounts.

 

What is not changing?

At the upper end of the Stamp Duty table, on properties above £250,000, there are no changes to the SDLT rates:

  • £250,001 to £925,000, the rate remains at 5% (10% for Second Homes)
  • £925,001 to £1.5 million, the rate remains at 10% (15% for Second Homes)
  • Over £1.5 million, the rate remains at 12% (17% for Second Homes).

 

Please speak to our agents about the new amounts and how this affects your property purchase.

Read next:  New homes  –  Selling your home  –  What makes us, us?

Ten years on from taking on the ownership of Monks Estate and Lettings Agents, Directors Judy Bourne and Patricia Baila have narrowed down their ten biggest achievements and most memorable moments:

 

  1. Relocating to new brighter offices in Shrewsbury just a few doors down from our old home – then expanding into the neighbouring office and knocking through to create an inviting reception area and double the window space.
  2. Introducing our iconic ‘crown’ logo as part of our successful rebranding initiative, which is now recognised across Shropshire.
  3. Growing our team across three offices with excellent staff retention.  We are proud to say our longest serving team member has been with Monks for 23 years!
  4. Encouraging all of our staff to become members of our professional body PropertyMark,  supporting their recognised MARLA and MNAEA qualifications covering sales and lettings, and ensuring our business is ready for regulation and our team has up-to-date knowledgeable of their respective fields.
  5. Promoting our staff from within, combined with fostering a female-empowered and parent-positive workplace so our staff can progress their careers at all stages of their lives.
  6. Launching the Shropshire New Homes Exhibition (Judy’s special baby) for three very successful years – taking a break during the pandemic – watch this space for a re-launch!
  7. Rising from the ashes in Oswestry after our newly-opened office suffered a fire. After moving twice in one year, we are delighted to say we are happy and settled in our new home on Church Street.
  8. Supporting and becoming one of the main sponsors of the hugely success Shropshire Festivals calendar, of the award-winning Shropshire Oktoberfest and the Shrewsbury Food Festival.
  9. Getting behind the next generation as the first local estate agent to join the new specific Estate Agency apprenticeship programme.  Our first apprentice joined us in September and our second starts in our Oswestry office in January.
  10. And finally… Appreciating our position as we continue to feel excited for the future with new ideas and plans for bringing people and property together over the next ten years!

Read next:  New homes  –  Selling your home  –  What makes us, us?

Positive comments from our clients validate our reputation as a hard-working, ethical and knowledgable local estate agent.

 

Let these recent reviews inspire your confidence in choosing Monks to sell or let your property.

“Dealt with Monks when buying our first house. Beth and the whole of the Monks Estate Agents Team were great! Great communication, fast responses, punctual, polite and professional – 5-star estate agents – nothing at all to complain about. If we ever sell a house we will sell it through them. Definitely recommend.”

  • Mr T Wade, Oswestry, October 2024

“Fantastic estate agents. Really helpful and super friendly from the evaluation to the sale. Always on the phone/email when needed (even after hours). Selling a house is an extremely stressful thing to do and both Beth and Ethan were always super helpful and friendly despite me, at times, being a little irrational! Would highly recommend.”

  • Mrs K Rippon, Oswestry, October 2024
Let these recent reviews inspire your confidence in choosing Monks to sell or let your property.

Read next:  New homes  –  Selling your home  –  What makes us, us?

For family-friendly dream homes, ask Monks about the New Home developments in your area.

Monks are Shropshire’s experts in new build homes.  We work with many leading companies including Cornovii Homes, Kendrick Homes and Shrewsbury Homes, as well as smaller site developers.

From dream kitchens and spacious sitting rooms, perfect for playing with the kids and entertaining friends…  to eco-friendly and bill-busting homes with solar panels, heat source pumps and electric vehicle chargers as standard…  whatever your dream home looks like, Monks will help you find it.

💚  Visit our Facebook page for events happening near you.

Buying a brand new home off plan is such an exciting and fulfilling experience.  Contact your local office in Shrewsbury, Oswestry or Wem or email welcome@monks.co.uk.

Read next:  New homes  –  Selling your home  –  What makes us, us?

There is something very relaxing about canal boats. It’s a romantic lifestyle with a slower pace…

 

Read the latest issue of our Newsletter where we share how we are bringing people and property together with our sponsorship and fundraising programme.  Also our staff achievements, and the latest new homes and incentive schemes available.

 

At Home with Monks is our regular E-Newsletter, sent direct to your inbox.  Sign up below to receive the next issue.

Our aim is to share timely, original and relevant information about the local property market and about Monks – whether you are buying, selling or letting.

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Sell your home  –  Property search

Monks have once again proven they are Oswestry’s leading estate and letting agent.

According to data on Rightmove, Monks is the Number 1 agent in the SY11 area across three categories – new instructions, sales agreed, and available stock.

 

Monks were recognised as the Number 1 agent for sales agreed, successfully selling more homes than any other local agent in August 2024.  In fact, more homeowners chose Monks to sell their property than any other local agent year-to-date!  This achievement underscores our ability to not only attract sellers but to close deals efficiently and effectively.

 

Our dominance on Rightmove is not just about numbers; it’s about the quality of service we provide. Our success is driven by excellent customer experiences and a strong reputation for integrity, professionalism and quality service. Clients choose Monks because they know they can trust us to handle their property with the utmost care and professionalism.

 

Online portals like Rightmove are vital tools when selling property today.  The team at Monks understands the power of these platforms, using them alongside our personal approach to maximise exposure for every property we list.

 

Monks offer world-wide advertising on other prominent portals such as Zoopla, OnTheMarket, and Prime Location. Properties are listed here on our own website, www.monks.co.uk, and on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to further enhance their marketing reach.

 

At Monks, we understand that your home is one of your most valuable assets. Choosing an estate agent is a significant decision, and with Monks you can be assured that you have made the right choice.

 

Data from 1.1.24 – 30.8.24, Rightmove.

 

Read next:  Sell with Monks  –  Why choose us  –  The Selling process

We are always proud to grow the team from within – and as our Oswestry branch goes from strength to strength we are delighted to announce the promotion of Beth Griffiths to Branch Manager/Valuer.

Beth is a qualified Member of the National Association of Estate Agents and with over 8 years experience in agency has sound knowledge of the local property market and values.

Beth has an incredible relationship with her clients and continuously receives stellar reviews on her levels of customer service.

To contact Beth, call 01691 674 567 or email beth.griffiths@monks.co.uk

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Welcome to Oswestry  –  Property search

Read the latest issue of our Newsletter for our insight into what’s driving the market forward this Autumn.

Plus, how Monks are prepared for a busy season with an exceptional record of recent sales success, ongoing staff recruitment and training, and a fresh new office make-over.

Sign up below to receive the next issue direct to your inbox.

At Home with Monks is our regular Newsletter, available to pick up in our offices or via email direct to your inbox.

Our aim is to share timely, original and relevant information about the local property market and about Monks – whether you are buying, selling or letting.

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Sell your home  –  Property search

Co-owner and Director of Monks Estate and Lettings Agency, Judy Bourne has reinforced her commitment to the Oswestry community by becoming a Director of Oswestry BID (Business Improvement District).

 

The Oswestry BID is an independent organisation working for the collective benefit of businesses in the town centre and local industrial estates.  They provide a clear, strong voice speaking on behalf of local businesses to help win funding in key areas.  Together, they have the network and experience to deliver the projects that grow out of this.

Judy is passionate about making Oswestry a successful place to live and work.  As an established business woman and much-like local personality, Judy brings honed leadership skills and a wealth of experience to the BID team.

 

“As a business owner, employer and supporter of the town, I am excited to be involved in BID and the delivery of the Second Term plans. 

Oswestry has a strong sense of community and a hard-working, diverse mix of businesses who really pull together. 

I am proud to be part of the Oswestry BID directorship who are committed to making this town the best place for businesses to thrive and for residents to live safely and happily.”

 

Judy and the team at Monks play a vital role in this network with their open lines of communication to the local community.  As the leading local estate agent in Oswestry, Monks talk directly to the residents living in and moving into the town.

With their prominent offices on Church Street, the Monks team are a familiar sight around Oswestry.  Monks employ local staff with expert knowledge of the property market and of local life in Oswestry.  Playing an active role in the community and its future success is at the heart of Monks’ ethos.

Oswestry BID is now in its second term and continues to build on its vision for Oswestry:  to be recognised regionally & nationally as a great place to live, work, shop, relax and be entertained; and to be a national destination of choice for business investment and a high performing centre for business growth.

 

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Welcome to Oswestry  –  Property search

Its our favourite time of the year!

 

Follow this link to our latest Newsletter including an interview with Kate Goddard, Ethan Lee-Birch’s tips on social media marketing, and the official opening of Stone’s Wharf, Weston Rhyn.

 

Sign up below to receive the next issue direct to your inbox.

At Home with Monks is our regular Newsletter, available to pick up in our offices or via email direct to your inbox.

Our aim is to share timely, original and relevant information about the local property market and about Monks – whether you are buying, selling or letting.

 

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Sell your home  –  Property search

One of the highlights of our year is meeting friends and clients at the annual Shrewsbury Food Festival.

Monks is a Main Sponsor of this fun, foodie event held on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June in the Quarry.  This year we are hosting the Chef’s School.  Meet us in the main tent to learn from talented chefs, cook along and try amazing food and drink.

We are also holding on to our ‘best seats in the house’ with our much appreciated sponsorship of the to-lets!

Shrewsbury Food Festival brings together independent food producers, quality street food vendors, top chefs, local brewers, and distillers, to serve up the finest food and drink which will have your taste buds jumping for joy!

Visitors can shop ‘til you drop in home and gardens, enjoy live music, and let the little ones go wild in the kid’s area.  Non-stop fun is guaranteed.

Tickets are on sale now from Shropshire Festivals.

Monks has seen an exceptionally busy start to 2024 with the same trends showing across Shropshire as the rest of the UK.

 

Follow this link to read our latest Newsletter including an interview with Patricia Baila, and foreword from Judy Bourne, Directors and Co-owners at Monks.

 

Sign up below to receive the next issue direct to your inbox.

 

At Home with Monks is our regular Newsletter, available to pick up in our offices or via email direct to your inbox.

Our aim is to share timely, original and relevant information about the local property market and about Monks – whether you are buying, selling or letting.

 

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Sell your home  –  Property search

Offering specialist mortgage advice and associated protection services, Ellis-Ridings Mortgage Solutions can provide the support you need when buying or selling your property with Monks.

 

Monks has chosen to partner with Ellis-Ridings Mortgage Solutions due to their up-to-date knowledge and conscientious approach to helping home buyers.  Co-owner Sarah Ridings worked with Monks for many years and has extensive knowledge of the property industry, especially New Homes and Shared ownership purchases.

 

Judy Bourne, Director of Monks, explains: “We are delighted to have Sarah back under the Monks umbrella!  It’s early days into the relationship but we are already receiving the feedback we expected from this great partnership.”

 

Mike Ridings is handling our mortgage – thank you for recommending him, he’s brilliantly efficient!” –  Ms R, Wem, February 2024

 

Michael Ridings has 15 years of expertise in the industry.  He possesses extensive qualifications in Mortgage Practice and Equity Release and specialises in delivering tailored guidance to suit individual requirements.

 

“We are delighted to be working with Monks who have a leading reputation in the industry for providing a high-level personalised service. Their business ethos of putting the customer first in what they do, matches our own. This allows us, as a team, to help every client with all aspects of their home moving journey“ added Michael.

 

Ellis-Ridings offer an initial free consultation to review your current circumstances and to understand what is required to move forward with a mortgage application.  All advice is whole of market and bespoke.

 

Their Specialist Mortgage Services include First Time buyers, Remortgages, Porting, Product Switching, Debt Consolidation, Buy to Lets, New Homes, Shared ownership and Offset Mortgages.  Specialist Protection Services include Life insurance, Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection, Buildings Cover and Contents Insurance.

 

If you are buying a property with Monks, contact Ellis-Ridings Mortgage Solutions to get the right advice and mortgage deal for you.

Read next:  Property search  –  The buying process  –  What makes us, us?

What a start to 2024!

The local property market has boomed this Winter and, here at Monks, we are prepared for a busy year!

Follow this link to read our first Newsletter of 2024 with a introduction from Judy Bourne and Patricia Baila, Directors and Co-owners, on what to expect for the year ahead.

 

 

At Home with Monks is our regular Newsletter, available to pick up in our offices or via email direct to your inbox.

Our aim is to share timely, original and relevant information about the local property market and about Monks – whether you are buying, selling or letting.

 

Sign up below to receive the latest issue direct to your inbox.

 

Read next:  What makes us, us?  –  Meet the personalities  –  Welcome to Oswestry

 

 

Beth Griffiths and the Oswestry team received this glowing customer review which epitomises what Monks’ service levels are all about.

 

“I am very happy that I chose Monks to sell my house.  Beth Griffiths provided a dedicated, professional and personable service from beginning to end.  I felt looked after throughout the whole process.

I chose two agents, and Monks rose above.  The level of communication and overall service I received reflected the dedication they had to sell my house.  There was never a time when I felt they lacked anything in respect of a high standard of service and professionalism.

Beth guided and oversaw the whole process and along with colleagues beside her whose efforts I appreciate, brought together what was a smooth, positive and stress-free process.

I am enthusiastic in recommending Monks without hesitation.”

 

At Monks we pride ourselves on being a people-centred business that operates with the highest integrity.  The business attracts like-minded, loyal and committed people who strive to exceed their customer’s expectations.  Our ethos can be refined down to HOME:  Honest, Original, Motivated and Empathetic.

Recent reviews and local recommendations are so important when selecting an Estate Agent you can trust.  Well done Beth for leading by example.

 

Wasn’t it satisfying to see Shropshire listed in ABTA’s 10 Destinations to Watch in 2024?  Rich in history, a gastronomic paradise, beautiful countryside and a lively calendar of family activities…  oh yes, we know!

 

At Monks, we consider ourselves ‘county connoisseurs’ and love to share our passion for the Shropshire lifestyle.  We use our lived experience of local geography, history and communities to paint a picture of the properties we bring to market and add depth to the unique story behind every home.

 

Our team’s love of Shropshire brings a genuine touch to our service.  Ask Lucinda about her outdoor adventures in the Shropshire Hills, chat to Beth about child-friendly trips to Ellesmere or ask Anne Marie for tips on dog-walking around Wem.  Our roots run deep with staff born and raised the area, like Ethan in Oswestry.  While others like Patricia have moved from afar to choose Shropshire as their home.

 

Sharing insider information with potential buyers helps sell the lifestyle of a future home.  Details of a local sports club, available allotment plots, or walks with panoramic views can all inspire a connection with the property.  And let’s not forget the essentials of schooling options, transport links and which pub serves the best Sunday Roast!

 

Shropshire is the first UK destination to appear on the ABTA list which is designed to inspire British holiday makers.  This predicted wave of tourists presents a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to invest in holiday lets, and these charming properties would all appeal to paying guests:  timber-framed townhouse in Shrewsbury and a former Post Office in Ruyton Xi.

 

“This idyllic English county on the Welsh borders has some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, towns and villages. Shropshire is not only a rural gem, it was also the birthplace of the industrial revolution.”

ABTA report, January 2024.

 

So, whether you’re looking to settle in this stunning county or invest in a thriving tourist hotspot, Monks are here to guide you every step of the way.  Our knowledge and enthusiasm are why so many customers choose Monks as their local estate agent.

 

Read next:  Explore Properties –  LocationsMeet the Team