Category Archives: Property News

Moving to the Future: How Digitising the House-Buying Process Benefits You

12 February 2025 Colin Batt Removals Comment

The UK government recently announced a groundbreaking initiative to digitise the house-buying process. This initiative aims to streamline transactions and reduce the stress and costs associated with property purchases. This 12-week project focuses on establishing “design and implementation of agreed rules on data” to facilitate seamless sharing between conveyancers, lenders, and other stakeholders. As a leading removals and storage company, Colin Batt Removals is excited about the potential benefits this modernisation brings to our clients.

Speeding Up House Sales

One of the most significant advantages of digitising the house-buying process is the potential to speed up transactions. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook highlighted that the current system is “too costly” and “too stressful,” with many house sales falling through, costing the economy around £400 million. By implementing agreed rules on data sharing, the government aims to reduce these delays and make the process more efficient. This means quicker move-in dates and less time spent in limbo for homebuyers.

Reducing Moving Costs and Stress

The traditional house-buying process is often bogged down by paperwork and manual procedures, leading to increased costs and stress for buyers and sellers alike. The government’s initiative to modernise this “cumbersome” system will help alleviate these burdens. For the removals and storage industry, this translates to more predictable moving schedules and happier clients who can focus on settling into their new homes rather than dealing with administrative headaches.

The Role of Colin Batt Removals

At Colin Batt Removals, we understand that moving can be stressful, and we’re committed to making it as smooth and hassle-free as possible. With the government’s push towards digitising the house-buying process, we anticipate a more streamlined experience for our clients. Our expert team is ready to assist you every step of the way, from packing and storage to transportation and unpacking.

Conclusion

The government’s initiative to digitise the house-buying process is a welcome development for everyone involved in property transactions. By reducing delays, costs, and stress, these reforms promise to make moving a more pleasant experience. At Colin Batt Removals, we’re excited to see these changes unfold and are here to support you through every stage of your move. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your next move.

01233 740395 or info@colinbattremovals.co.uk

Property News

Kent house prices: The neighbourhoods where house prices are rising the fastest

6 November 2019 Colin Batt Removals Comment

Ten places in Kent where prices are rising the fastest

We hear all the time that the housing market is slowing down – but these parts of Kent would beg to differ. The Office for National Statistics released figures last month showing how house prices in each council ward across the country had changed over the past year. Here are the ten places in Kent where prices are rising the fastest – and what we love about them. Prices are for the year to March 2019 and the year to March 2018.

10. Biddenden, Ashford

A pretty Wealden village near Tenterden with an award-winning vineyard, historic centre and church thought to date from the 13th century.

March 2019: £410,000
March 2018: £335,000
Increase: 22 per cent

9. Capel-le-Ferne, Dover

Sitting on top of the White Cliffs overlooking the Channel, Capel is best known for its Battle of Britain Memorial.

March 2019: £352,000
March 2018: £285,000
Increase: 24 per cent

8. Hawkhurst and Sandhurst, Tunbridge Wells

Two pretty, historic villages close to the border with East Sussex in the High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty.

March 2019: £464,995
March 2018: £373,500
Increase: 24 per cent

7. Birchington North, Thanet

A seaside resort whose Blue Flag beach Minnis Bay is secluded and family-friendly, with a play area and a paddling pool.

March 2019: £339,000
March 2018: £267,000
Increase: 27 per cent

6. Little Burton Farm, Ashford

This quiet housing estate has generous family homes and a green space by the river with dragonflies, birds and wetland plants.

March 2019: £343,000
March 2018: £270,000
Increase: 27 per cent

5. Kingsgate, Thanet

Part of lovely Broadstairs, Kingsgate has a quiet sandy beach with impressive caves, overlooked by striking chalk cliffs.

March 2019: £445,000
March 2018: £350,000
Increase: 27 per cent

4. Ringwould, Dover

Just outside the seaside town of Deal, this historic village has a Grade I listed 12th-century church and a 17th-century pub.

March 2019: £433,500
March 2018: £340,000
Increase: 28 per cent

3. Frittenden and Sissinghurst, Tunbridge Wells

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, the former home of MP Harold Nicolson and journalist Vita Sackville-West, is among the south east’s most famous gardens.

March 2019: £565,000
March 2018: £435,000
Increase: 30 per cent

2. Eynsford, Sevenoaks

Eynsford’s attractions include Lullingstone Castle, a Tudor manor house with a garden of plants from around the world, and Lullingstone Roman Villa.

March 2019: £505,000
March 2018: £363,000
Increase: 39 per cent

1. Downs West, Ashford

This delightful expanse of Stour Valley countryside includes several charming and quintessentially English villages and the Eastwell Manor hotel and spa.

March 2019: £443,500
March 2018: £245,000
Difference: 81 per cent (if that wasn’t bad enough, the average price of a house here in 1999 was £98,000).

And finally Kent’s most expensive ward is Sevenoaks Kippington, where the average house cost £1,123,500 in the year to March 2019.

At family-run Kent removal firm Colin Batt Removals, we’ve been helping people settle into their new homes across the county for 40 years – and are very proud of the many lovely towns and villages it offers to those wishing to move here. We’re based in Ashford, but cover all of Kent, particularly Maidstone, Canterbury, Folkestone and Tonbridge, and indeed work further afield. Call 01233 740395 for an informal chat or a free quote.

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Property News

Four property hotspots in Kent

16 October 2019 Colin Batt Removals Comment

Best places to buy a property in Kent

Beautiful countryside, golden beaches, pretty villages and historic attractions … the question isn’t why would you swap London for Kent, but why haven’t you done so already? Not only can people actually afford houses here (yes, really!), transport links from some parts of the county are so good you might even be able to spend less time travelling to and from work than you do now.

These are just four of the best places to buy property in Kent …

Goudhurst

Goudhurst is probably the prettiest village in Kent. The views of the Wealden countryside as you drive down the hill into the main street are delightful, and combined with the period buildings, 14th-century church and tranquil pond, make you feel as if everything stressful has just disappeared from your radar. There are several good pubs here, including the Star and Eagle at the top of the hill, independent shops and a spa – and Bedgebury Forest, Bewl Water and Scotney Castle are all nearby.

Sevenoaks

Featured in the Sunday Times’ list of best places to live this year and last, Sevenoaks is one of the most affluent towns in Kent. It’s fantastically placed for commuting to London – the M25 runs past the edge of the town, or on the train, it’s 25 minutes to London Bridge – yet surrounded by green belt countryside, with the 1,000-acre Knole Park close by. It feels family-friendly and safe yet still lively, with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants, and an arts centre with a theatre and cinema.

Deal

Deal has become fashionable over the past decade or two, but retains an understated charm. As well as restaurants, cafes, galleries and independent shops, the town has a small theatre, two castles and of course the beach and seafront promenade, which you can follow from the impressive houses on The Marina at the north end all the way into neighbouring Walmer. A stroll to the end of the pier, from where you can look back at the pastel-coloured buildings lining the seafront, will warm anyone’s heart.

Brenchley

Lying in the High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty, and surrounded by orchards and farmland, pretty Brenchley is a prime example of why Kent is still the garden of England. If you love country walks, you’ll be happy here. With timbered houses and a church with an avenue of 400-year-old yew trees, it’s a place where you can step back in time while staying connected to the modern world – the A21 is three miles away, or Tunbridge Wells is around 45 minutes from London Bridge by train.

Persuaded? At family-run Kent removals company Colin Batt Removals, we’ve been helping people settle into their new homes for more than 40 years – and we’re always pleased and proud to welcome people into our beautiful county.

We aim to make the whole process as stress-free as possible for you – we offer a packing and unpacking service, so that’s one big task off your hands, and we also have our own storage facility in Kent if you’re not able to move all your belongings into your new home straightaway.

We’re based in Ashford, but cover the whole county, particularly Maidstone, Canterbury, Folkestone and Tonbridge. Call us on 01233 740395 for an informal chat or a free quote.

Property News

MOVING HOUSE TO CANTERBURY? LEARN ABOUT THE CITY

9 February 2018 Colin Batt Removals Comment

Are you thinking about moving to Canterbury, Kent or have you just moved there? This beautifully historic city has much to offer. In fact, some call Canterbury the jewel in Kent’s crown. It has some amazing history, combined with a youthful vibrancy that is hard to match. Whether you’re into café culture, architecture, education or an energetic nightlife, Canterbury is hard to beat.

Canterbury Tales

The heart of the historic city is obviously the Cathedral. You only have to walk around the grounds, through the cloisters and view the stain glass windows to realise why this city is ranked as a World Heritage Site. Other cultural attractions you should visit include the Marlowe Theatre and Canterbury Museums and don’t forget to visit Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales .

Canterbury is the second most visited city in England. This brings lots of benefits and money into the area but the downside is overcrowding at times. Over 160,000 vehicles enter the city every day, creating lots of congestion around the ring road and feeder routes. The good news is there is a plentiful supply of museums, shops and entertainment for all to enjoy. If you are into shopping check out the cobbled streets around The King’s Mile, the Millennium Shopping and Leisure Centre or you could visit the refurbished Marlowe Arcade.

Cost of Moving

At the time of writing the average property price in Canterbury, according to Zoopla, is £341,219. Semi-detached properties were selling for £280,825 and terraced houses achieved an average value of £275,336. Over the last year the city has seen house prices increase by 4.42%, period properties demand a premium. If you can afford it, check out the areas around St Dunstan’s or Old Dover Road. Moving out of the city – check out Chartam or Wye.

Education

If you are worried about education, the city has 11 schools rated good or above by Ofsted. The primary schools Blean and St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic and secondary schools Simon Langton’s Boys’ Grammar and Barton Court Grammar are all rated as ‘outstanding’.

Don’t forget that Canterbury is also served by a great family removal company, us – Colin Batt Removals. So if you like what you’ve read, give us a call and we’ll come and give you a free no-obligation quote for your move. Click here to read more about our removals services.

Leave us a comment and let us know what you think of this great city and what it is like to live there.

Property News

Thinking of Moving Home to Wye?

15 September 2015 Colin Batt Removals Comment

Thinking of moving home? Have you checked out Wye in Kent or the surrounding villages? Wye is a great medieval village on the outskirts of Ashford in the fold of the picturesque North Downs. In 2013 Wye was voted the third best place to live in the country by the Sunday Times and you may have seen the village in the TV series Perfect Village.

The village cum town is quintessentially British, with a farmers market twice a month. At Christmas you can also enjoy a street party and in the summer take walks along the Devils Kneading Trough.

Wye History

Wye has been an important crossing in Kent for centuries lying on the Pilgrims’ Way. The Romans built a settlement at the fording point of the River Stour on their road between Canterbury and Hastings. The village grew a meeting point and resting place for the weary medieval travellers. Since then the village has grown and now the travellers are mainly commuters.

Wye Properties

Like many of the villages in Kent, Wye boasts some beautiful houses, check out the medieval houses on Bridge Street. In fact in Wye you can find almost any type of property you fancy, from Georgian to 60s.

Transport Links

The train station allows you to get to Canterbury in 15 min and Ashford in a mere 6 min away, you can also reach London by train in 90min. By road Canterbury is only 12 miles away with the coast, Maidstone and London easily accessible from the M2 and M20.

Wye Schools

If you are looking for a primary school Lady Joanna Thornhill’s is graded as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted as is Challock Primary School, which is only a few miles away. For secondary schools Highworth (Girls) in Ashford and Canterbury’s Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys and Barton Court Grammar are all also graded as ‘outstanding’.

Activities

Enjoy a walk along the North Downs and enjoy the views from the Devil’s Kneeding Trough or the Wye Chalk Crown. Further afield you have some great golf courses in Ashford or check out Chart Hills Golf Club in Biddenden. After all of this you might want to refresh yourself with a meal or a drink in the Tickled Trout or the New Flying Horse Inn.