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Published: 22 February 2026

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Enhancing & Revolutionising Property Sales Through Social Media

In the contemporary era of digital marketing, social media isn’t just a tool—it’s a powerhouse. Acres Estate Agents, as the ares market-leading independent agency, has embraced this revolution to redefine how properties are marketed, discovered, and sold. By harnessing the power of platforms like Facebook and Instagram, Acres delivers a seamless, visually compelling experience that resonates with today’s buyers and sellers.

Maximising Facebook’s Reach

Facebook’s vast user base gives Acres an unparalleled opportunity to connect locally and regionally. Each property listing is presented with professionally curated photography and thoughtfully crafted descriptions. Beyond simply showcasing homes, the platform becomes a lively hub where potential buyers discover new listings in real time, boosting visibility and engagement.

Instagram: A Visual Masterpiece

When it comes to visual storytelling, Instagram is the ideal platform, and Acres excels at leveraging it. High-resolution imagery, immersive video tours, and interactive 360-degree walkthroughs let potential buyers “step inside” a property virtually. This engaging content not only captivates audiences but also generates serious interest, making properties stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Thought Leadership Through Market Insights

Acres goes beyond mere listings. Every month, we share market insights—covering trends, property values, and investment opportunities. These updates position Acres as a trusted advisor, empowering clients with the knowledge they need to navigate the property landscape with confidence.

Introducing Our Team and Community

A home is more than bricks—it’s about the people and the place. Through social media, we highlight our friendly, expert team and showcase the local area, from amenities to community spirit. Buyers don’t just see a house—they experience a lifestyle.

A Proactive, Personable Service

At the heart of Acres is a commitment to proactive, friendly service. Our social presence reflects this, with timely responses, expert advice, and a genuine dedication to supporting every client. Whether it's an initial enquiry or post-sale follow-up, we’re there every step of the way.

Leading with Innovation

Innovation isn’t an option—it’s our standard. We constantly explore new social media tools and creative ideas, ensuring that our marketing is fresh, dynamic, and effective. By staying at the forefront of digital marketing trends, we give our clients a competitive edge.

Explore Our Social Media Platforms

We encourage you to visit our Facebook and Instagram pages. There, you’ll see firsthand how we bring properties to life, offer valuable market insights, and showcase what makes Acres the trusted name in property.

Conclusion

As Nigel Deekes, partner at Acres Estate Agents, I can proudly say that our approach to social media is just one example of our commitment to excellence. As a family-owned business, we’ve been serving our local community for over 34 years—through changing markets, growing platforms, and evolving customer needs. Our roots in the area have kept us grounded, and our forward-thinking approach ensures we stay ahead.

We don’t just market properties; we sell them, as very real differnce, we build relationships—rooted in trust, local knowledge, and genuine care. We’ve helped generations of families buy and sell homes, and we understand that real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about people’s lives and futures. Our longevity speaks to our commitment, and our embrace of cutting-edge tools—like our social media strategy—is simply the next chapter in our story of innovation. When you choose Acres, you choose decades of expertise, paired with modern, innovative marketing. We are deeply rooted in this community, and we’ll continue to bring local expertise and cutting-edge service for decades to come.

 Are you thinking of selling your property and want to check how much your home is worth? You can get an Instant Valuation here.

If you would like to discuss selling your home, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks                              0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield                  0121 321 2101

Walmley                                 0121 313 2888

Great Barr                             0121 358 6222

Lettings                                  0121 312 4997

Thank you for reading this article, and your interest in Acres and our property for sale. 

Nigel & Jayne  Deekes – Acres Partners

Acres; proud to be family owned, managed, run and to have been serving the North Birmingham community for 33 years.

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Published: 26 January 2026

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UK Housing Market Update – January 2026 Outlook

January has once again demonstrated the underlying resilience of the housing market following a period of modest but steady growth through 2025.

Much of this growth was concentrated in the second half of 2025, driven by a gradual easing of mortgage rates, continued wage growth, and improving buyer confidence. Together, these factors helped stabilise affordability and encouraged both first-time buyers and movers back into the market.

The reduction in mortgage rates during late 2025, with some products falling to their lowest levels in over 18 months, has been a key factor in reviving buyer interest. This has resulted in a noticeable increase in new buyer registrations, viewings booked, and sales agreed when compared with the same period in January 2025.

Mortgage approvals have remained at healthy levels into early 2026, broadly in line with, and in some cases exceeding, long-term averages. This suggests a market that is no longer in recovery mode but has instead moved into a more stable, sustainable phase.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Looking forward, we anticipate modest house price growth during 2026, likely in the region of 2–4%, depending on location and property type. This outlook is supported by expectations that mortgage rates will continue to ease gradually over the course of the year, alongside continued income growth and a persistent imbalance between supply and demand in many local markets.

The stamp duty changes introduced in April 2025 did influence buyer behaviour last year, particularly among first-time buyers, many of whom brought forward their purchases to take advantage of lower thresholds. As a result, early 2026 activity is expected to be more measured, but nonetheless stable.

West Midlands Market Overview (January 2026)

As of late January 2026, the West Midlands housing market continues to show encouraging trends in both pricing and transaction levels.

Property Prices

• The average property price in the West Midlands is now approximately £285,000–£290,000, representing steady annual growth.
• Detached properties continue to command the strongest values, followed by semi-detached, terraced houses, and apartments, with family homes remaining in highest demand.

Market Dynamics

• While the urgency created by stamp duty deadlines has now passed, buyer confidence has improved compared to early 2025.
• Realistic pricing and well-presented homes are continuing to attract strong interest and achieve agreed sales.

Buyer Activity

• First-time buyers remain active, often supported by family assistance.
• Home movers are returning to the market with greater confidence as borrowing costs stabilise.

Rental Market

The rental sector remains under significant pressure, with demand continuing to outstrip supply across much of the region. Landlords are facing ongoing challenges including higher borrowing costs, increased compliance requirements, and regulatory changes, which has led some to exit the sector. This has contributed to continued upward pressure on rents.

Mortgage Rates and Affordability

Mortgage rates through early 2026 remain higher than the historic lows seen earlier in the decade but are expected to trend downward gradually. Rates are likely to average just under or around 5% for much of 2026, which, combined with wage growth, should slowly improve affordability for many buyers.

General Market Forecasts

• Existing home sales are expected to increase modestly during 2026 as confidence improves.
• New-build activity is forecast to rise slightly, supported by incentives from developers and improved lending conditions.

Conclusion

In summary, the 2026 housing market is expected to be characterised by steady, sustainable growth rather than rapid price inflation. Buyers and sellers alike should take confidence from improving stability but remain mindful of pricing, affordability, and local market conditions.

For tailored advice, up-to-date valuations, or guidance on buying or selling in your area, please contact any of our local offices.

If you would like to discuss selling your home, our proactive approach and ideas please get in touch with us; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks                              0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield                  0121 321 2101

Walmley                                 0121 313 2888

Great Barr                             0121 358 6222

Lettings                                 0121 312 4997

Thank you for reading our latest article, your interest in Acres, and our property for sale. 

Nigel & Jayne  Deekes – Acres Partners

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Published: 26 January 2026

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Mistakes to avoid when selling your house & Essential tips for a smooth sale

As exceptionally experienced agents we are able to highlight the most common mistakes to avoid when selling your house. 

We know that there’s a lot to consider when you’re selling your home. And there are some easily made mistakes that often crop up when trying to find that all-important buyer.

We’ve have put together some insights to help make that next-life-step run that little bit smoother. So, let’s take a look at some of the things that can be easily overlooked when selling — but are also just as simple to put right before the next potential owner comes to view your home.

First impressions matter

Think about the first thing viewers will see when they arrive, and whether there’s anything you can do to make sure the viewing starts on the most positive note possible. You don’t want to lose a buyer’s interest before they’re even inside.

Nigel Deekes Partner of Acres says: “I firmly believe many buyers make their minds up about whether the property is potentially the “one” within the first 20 to 30 seconds of the viewing. With this in mind, the front driveway, condition of the garden, and external paint work are more important than people realise –  you might have lost your prospective buyer before they are even inside the property.”

Don’t leave clutter on show

Clutter can be a major turn off. When it comes to selling appearance matters. A cluttered and untidy home can deter potential buyers, as it gives the impression of a poorly maintained property. 

Declutter and organise your belongings. While we’re not talking bare rooms and walls here, it’s a given that more of a pared-back, tidier space will help a buyer to envisage how their own possessions might fit within a space.

Chris Harvey, of Acres Four Oaks office comments “ Make sure everything is hidden away when the photos are taken – not only will viewers see your home as close to a blank canvas as possible, but it will also make the space look bigger! “

Asking too much

Chris Deekes, manager of Acres Great Barr, and associate partner has often found that “ Becoming fixated on a certain value that you think your home is worth can put a death sentence on any potential sale. “ According to rightmove.co.uk, 70 per cent of interest in a house comes in the first three weeks of putting it on the market. “ If the price is too high, your property will appear expensive and people will be instantly put off.  In contrast, if your property appears to be really good value, then you will attract lots of attention and viewings “.  The right price will drive competition and create a buzz about your place, which in turn will push up any offers to the max.

Accepting the highest offer not the right offer

In many scenarios when selling a home, especially in a competitive market where the property being sold is particularly sought after, or great value for money it might be that there is more than one offer put forward. 

In this instance it can be appealing for a vendor to simply accept the highest offer but a good estate agent will always advise that a seller considers all aspects of an offer. 

From the desired timeframe and whether this aligns with the sellers plans to whether or not a buyer is actually proceedable, and of course their financial position there are multiple elements to consider. 

When selling a house, it’s crucial to consider the various aspects of each offer instead of simply accepting the highest bid. In some cases, a lower offer might be the better option for a smooth and successful business transaction.

Choose the right agency to act for you

Choosing Acres Estate Agents means choosing honest, experience-led advice rather than inflated promises designed simply to win an instruction. Overvaluing a property may sound appealing initially, but it often leads to lost momentum, fewer viewings, and ultimately a lower final sale price. At Acres, we focus on accurate pricing, informed by deep local knowledge and real buyer demand, to generate strong early interest and competitive offers. This proactive, transparent approach consistently helps our clients sell more quickly, with less stress and better results.

Not accepting early offers

Every offer should be considered on its individual merits. As Matthew Tubb, manager of Acres Walmley says “ Just because it’s the first one, placed days after marketing doesn’t mean it’s a bad one. Many buyers will call an estate agent within one hour of walking out of a viewing to ‘lock down’ any other offers. Or they might be first in with an offer because they have been waiting months for the right house to come on the market and are therefore highly motivated to move. “ It Is not uncommon to hear clients regretting the refusal of an early offer weeks later if interest falls away, sometimes in it is a case of the right buyer in the right place at the right time. 

Showing buyers round yourself

Surely the best person to show potential buyers round the house is the person that’s lived there? Right? Often not. As tempting as it is to wax lyrical about the joys of your home, sellers can often be too emotionally attached to pointing out all the finer details of their beloved home. Having your agent show prospective buyer allows us to take the stress out of your move, and allows the buyers to perhaps provide more honest feedback, people are generally inherently nice, and so often give the impression to sellers of loving a property that perhaps wasn’t quite so great.

Don’t ignore the season

Make sure everything fits with the time of year you’re selling in, including how you prepare your home for viewings. For instance, if the weather’s starting to warm up and you’re normally lounging on an outdoor sofa in summer, set it up for viewings so buyers can see how you use the

Don’t overly renovate right before coming to market, but do fix any issues

While you’ll want your home to look its best for viewings, it doesn’t make sense to make a high-cost renovation right before listing your home for sale. Sharron Smith, manager of Acres Sutton Coldfield says “ As well as it being unlikely that you’ll recoup the cost as part of your selling price, it could end up being something that’s removed by the new owner shortly after you’ve handed over the keys. “

That being said, any minor repairs should be fixed before viewings (and before you have pictures taken).

Don’t overlook your home’s best bits

Got a light-flooded kitchen, or a home office with a show-stopping view? “If there’s a ‘best room’ in the house, make sure this is shown early on, buyers usually make a decision quickly so make sure you set the right impression from the start.

Taking the “I’m in a no rush” approach

While you might be happy to wait for that big offer to land on your mat, if you keep your property on the market for too long, it can start to give the impression it’s a tough sale and will put people off. The best time to sell is within the first three to four weeks, while the house will feel fresh and new. Leave it on for too long and it could become stale amidst newer listings

Article courtsey of Rightmove https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/seller-mistakes-to-avoid/

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Published: 04 January 2026

Hits: 1849

Dreaming of a move, perhaps you’re looking for a larger family home, downsizing or perhaps looking for something a little different ?

Selling your home is a huge and emotional decision, it can be daunting. Understanding the process of selling will really help ease any stress. In this guide, we outline the steps you’ll need to go through, helping you to prepare for each stage, and potentailly speeding up the process.

Find out the estimated value of your home

One of the first things you can do is get an online estimated value of your property. Enter your postcode into our Instant Valuation here. to gain an approximation.  Our online valuation tool is based on powerful market data, although values do vary depending on the style of house, and variety of properties in your road.

Much better - Arrange a physical property valuation  

An in-person valuation allows Acres to see your property and to get a feel for the space, presentation, improvements made helping us to understand its features so as to highlight them to potential buyers, when ready. Nothing beats having Acres come to your home to have a comprehensive  look around thus giving an accurate property valuation.

Check your mortgage documents

You’ll also want to know how much you can borrow with a mortgage. Contact your current lender, if needed,  to check  your options with your current mortgage, as well as any potential redemption fees. You may be charged a fee if you’re ending your current mortgage early, so need to factor that into your budget. If you have a ‘portable’ mortgage product, you may be able to transfer your current mortgage to a new property, and top it up. It is always worth taking independent whole of market advice, here at Acres we are delighted to be able this service for you, please ask for details or click here to use our extensive mortgage, fees, stamp duty and other calculators

Choose the right estate agent

Choose an agent you feel you can trust to guide you through this process. Hopefully this will be Acres, we would be thrilled act for you.

Don’t choose an agent on fees alone. This is the sale of your biggest asset and you need to have an agent you feel confident in, has a proven sales record in your road / area and have you a rapport with. Their approach, market strength, depth of knowledge market exposure and methods should be just as important.  Acres will of course provide a proactive sales strategy, realistic asking price, and extensive, high calibre marketing. Please contact your local office to arrange a No obligation, Free Valuation  

Prepare your home

Getting your home ready for viewings is one of the most important things you can do, helping to create a sense of space and a blank canvas to help your buyer imagine themselves living there. The better your home looks, the more appealing it will be. First impressions count, it is amazing how many purchasing decisions are made within the first minute or two of a viewing commencing. Location is key, schooling, transport, and the general feel of the area.

Decluttering inside is hugely effective, so make sure it’s looking great for both the photos, and if possible viewings. Many buyers work from home, so it could be worth setting up an office or children’s play room, if space allows. Light, airy and spacious is the look buyers are after, And gardens are a big draw so a good tidy up and you’ll be onto a winner. 

Decide when to put your home on the market

Springtime is the best time for marketing your home. Between late January and June, the housing market bursts into action as buyers start looking for somewhere new.

The next best time is autumn, between September and October, as people hope to get settled into a new place in time before Christmas, and ready for the ever important school pacemnet offers in the new year.

The quietest times of the year for the housing market are in the summer, from July to August, when people are on holiday, or before Christmas, from November to December.

Set the right asking price

Once you’ve ready to market you need to decide the asking price. We will of course advise, and guide however if you feel it right to perhaps try a little higher to give some “ wiggle “ room, we will happy to try this for you perhaps for the first few weeks to test the market.

Nigel Deekes partner of Acres comments “ there is a fine line between a price that will generate interest, and one that won’t. “It’s all about footfall. Price your property too high and you won’t generate the necessary viewings. Reducing later on may send the wrong message to buyers  “

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

You legally need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Your EPC provides information about your property’s energy use. If you don’t have a current certificate, for a small charge we can provide this for you.

How long will it take to sell my property and move ?

Once you’re on the market, the first few weeks are the most crucial time for your home to go under offer.

‘That first four to six weeks of marketing a property is so important,  says Chris Harvey manager of Acres Four Oaks ‘Your property is fresh on the market and it’s the best time to capture the maximum interest.’ Featured property listing on Rightmove, provided by Acres for all New Instruction means your property will top of the listing page for the first 7 day, BOOM ! Statistics show this can treble response compared to a “ normal “ listing.   

The whole process of selling a home, from the moment it’s first listed to the moment you hand over the keys to your buyer takes around 26 weeks on average.

However, selling a home is dependent on many factors and the process can be quicker, or of course take longer.

Find a solicitor

Getting a solicitor to act for you is as important as picking your agent. Once you have accepted an offer, they will administer the sale, and onwards purchase. Acres are able to offer referrals to excellent local solicitors at competitive fees, on a No Sale No Fee basis.

It’s never too early in the process to instruct your solicitor. You can ask them to prepare the contract, and if there is a managing agent, make sure they have the Seller’s Leasehold Information Pack ready, so everything is in place when you find a buyer.  Your solicitor is going to need some information from you – everything from title deeds and building control certificates for any work you’ve had done, to leasehold documents and boiler service history, so it’s a good idea to start digging them out. You will also be asked fill out forms about the property and what you're planning to include from it in the sale.

Offers received

It's an amazing feeling when the offers start coming in. So how do you know which one to accept ? We will advise if the offer is good, and take your instruction on and negotiate as needed with your buyers. We will check the chain, finance of the buyers, and seek to find how quickly the buyer is likely to be able to complete the purchase, particularly if you're in a hurry to sell.

Remember, you don’t have to accept the first offer you receive. If you receive more than one offer, we will seek the best buyer, at the best price and in the best position for you to help you make an informed decision.

Accepting an offer

When you get an offer, it doesn’t mean that the sale is finalised. Acres expert contract “ chasers “ will liase with you, both yours, and your buyers solicitors, surveyors and other parties to keep your sale on track. Be as flexible as you can about timings, and as efficient as you can about producing any requested paperwork. If needed we will arrange further reports and advice on the contacts of any of these. Once the joy of going under offer subsides, you may find yourself in the dreaded property chain.

This is the part when the surveys start happening and the solicitors get busy with all of the relevant searches they need to conduct on your property.

This phase can take anything between 8 to 18 weeks, depending on the complexity of the chain and the properties involved.

Delays in the conveyancing process are one of the biggest hold-ups in the buying-and-selling-a-home experience. 

Exchanging contracts

Once all parties are agreed there will be ‘Exchange of Contracts’, meaning that both parties are legally bound to the sale. Exchange of Contracts is the last stage of the legal process after which you cannot pull out (without losing your deposit and any legal costs you may have incurred).

At the point of contracts being exchanged, usually a 10% deposit from your buyer will be paid into your solicitor's account. The date agreed for completion is then fixed in the contract.

Between exchange and completion, you’ll be sent a statement showing the costs, the solicitor’s charges and the mortgage monies that are being repaid. If you are making an onward purchase at the same time, you may need to send a balancing payment.

Preparing to move out

The move will take a lot of preparation, and one of the advantages of having time between exchange and completion is that you can finalise your moving arrangements. This means you can do things like cancelling your home insurance in time for the move, and make sure you’ve read your meters. Sometimes there can be a very short time ( even the same day ) between exchange of contracts and completion ( moving day ) and so early preparation if this were the case will be needed

Completion and moving day

On completion day, the money for the sale of your home will be transferred from the buyer’s solicitor to your solicitor. You’ll need to remove all of your possessions from the property, apart from any items you’ve agreed to sell to your buyer, as they will be eagerly collecting the keys from Acres, or yourself dependant on the arrangements already made.

Once the cash has landed with your solicitor (it's usually done by CHAPS which can take a couple of hours), they’ll telephone you to confirm the completion and authorise key release.

Tax when selling property

If you’re selling a property that’s been your main home since you bought it, you shouldn’t  have to pay capital gains tax.

However, if you’ve previously rented out the property, capital gains tax may apply and will be calculated based on the amount of time it wasn’t your main home.

If you’re selling so you can buy a new home, you’ll also need to factor in stamp duty calculator here

What are the costs of moving home ?

Acres fees will vary dependant your properties value, and sometimes other factors, however rest assured they will always be highly competitive, and comprehensive, on a No Sale No Fee basis, in other words you only pay us a fee when you move ! That shows our confidence in being able to find a buyer for you.

• Next up it will be your conveyancing / solicitors
• Then your removal costs
• Mortgaging fees
• The costs for any other expenses, such as the EPC or survey
• Stamp duty – Use Acres calculator here
• This of course is not a full list as there may be other costs for your particular sale but these are the main costs

Are you thinking of selling your property and want to check how much your home is worth? You can get an Instant Valuation here.

If you would like to discuss selling your home, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks                              0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield                  0121 321 2101

Walmley                                 0121 313 2888

Great Barr                             0121 358 6222

Lettings                                  0121 312 4997

Thank you for reading this article, and your interest in Acres and our property for sale. 

Nigel & Jayne  Deekes – Acres Partners

Acres; proud to be family owned, managed, run and to have been serving the North Birmingham community for 33 years.