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Published:
17:08 13 June 2022
A newly opened estate agent in Wells said he would like to only sell to more local people – but fears that may not be a reality.
Nick Bird has opened a new branch of Bailey Bird and Warren along Station Road in the coastal town and is in the process of renting his first property, a two-bedroom house.
The house, located at Bluebell Gardens in Wells, received many inquiries, but Mr Bird was delighted the successful candidate was a Wells resident.
Mr Bird hopes his presence in the city will secure him his first house for sale, as well as a new apartment which he hopes to put up for sale in August.
Nick Bird outside the new Bailey Bird & Warren branch along Station Road in Wells.
– Credit: Nick Bird
He also hopes to be able to sell these properties to residents of Wells, but fears that demand and the price of desired homes will see many residents lose out.
“I think locals are going to have a hard time finding anything to buy, they’re not earning enough to buy property because prices in town have gone down, there’s a lot of money coming in from outside of Wells,” he said. .
“We would like to sell to locals, but, for example, we recently marketed a property in Walsingham.
“We had 20 people wanting to buy it and invited the ‘best and latest bids’. Although the owner wanted to sell to someone local, the top four bids were all from people outside.”
Mr. Bird is also surprised at the lack of available housing in the town. Despite or because of the cost of living crisis: “….people seem to be holding on to their properties”.
“With the cost of living crisis, you don’t know if people want to cut or sell, but there’s no sign of that.
“There is still high demand for properties but little stock, and that goes for rentals as well.”
Polly Carmichael, negotiator for Bailey Bird and Warren.
– Credit: Bailey Bird and Warren
Wells Realtors is currently training a new member of staff to oversee the Wells office full time.
They also dabble in life in Wells, including participating in the local carnival, sponsoring a high school award, and sponsoring the town’s soccer club.
They are looking forward to securing more new properties for sale and for rent in and around the Wells area in the coming weeks.
