While our high street doors are closed we’re still very much open for business offering virtual property valuation appraisals and viewings, as well as marketing properties to potential buyers.

Our investment in the latest IT technology means our team can continue working remotely in exactly the same way as if they at one of our offices throughout Mid Wales and Shropshire.

You can still telephone any of our office numbers where a member of the sales and lettings team will be able to help with any enquiries.

Here’s what we can do for you:

• Home and property valuation appraisals via Facetime, Skype and other video conference systems and apps. Just telephone one of our offices and we’ll get the process underway.

• Virtual viewings of properties. Our website provides comprehensive information, descriptions, photography and floorplans of all our properties for sale.

• We will also be able to provide virtual video tours in some cases, working with our vendors. Contact us for more information.

• Lettings. We are taking expressions of interest in all our properties for let. However, we are not currently processing applications.

• Landlords and owners of properties for let can still contact us.

• We are working with solicitors and others involved in the sale, exchange and completion of properties

“These are unprecedented times. But our investment in the latest technology, our website and online tools means we are very much open for business for our existing customers and those looking to consider buying a home,” said Andrew Turner, a Partner at Morris, Marshall and Poole with Norman Lloyd.

You can still have your property appraised or viewed 'virtually'

“Much of the process, other than visiting a property, can still be undertaken and we work closely with our mortgage advisor Stuart Potts to provide information on current deals and applications for mortgages.

“We are also working closely with solicitors and others on the completion of sales that are ongoing.”

You can find all the information you need on our website and contact us via telephone, email or video calling.

The success of the first phase of an exclusive 62 development of family homes in Kerry, near Newtown, Powys, has led to the release of another 10 properties ahead of their completion.

Work on Dolforgan View began last summer with 16 properties initially released for sale. Fourteen of these have already sold and now six two-bedroom semi-detached family homes will be built along with four three-bedroom semi-detached properties, which have their own garages.

The two-bedroom properties start at £150,000 and the three-bedroom ones start at £190,000.

Demand for good quality family homes

Andrew Turner, a Partner at Morris, Marshall and Poole with Norman Lloyd, who are agents for developers WYRO Developments, said the success of Phase 1A demonstrated the need for such quality homes in communities such as Kerry.

“When we released the properties for sale last year we were inundated with enquiries that lead to the majority being sold early and off-plan. It highlighted the demand for good quality family housing in communities like this on the Powys/Shropshire border. Work on Phase 1B has begun and we’re anticipating the same level of interest,” he said.

Choice of kitchens and bathrooms

“The advantage of buying at this stage is that purchasers have the choice of kitchens and bathrooms, including tiling.”

The properties are eligible under the Welsh Government’s Help to Buy scheme which offers a shared equity loan of up to 20 per cent of the purchase price. The purchaser must provide a five per cent deposit and will need to take out a repayment mortgage to cover the remaining amount.

10-year LABC New Home Warranty

Each home will include UPVC double glazing, a choice of kitchens and tiles, central heating, energy-efficient and will come with a 10-year LABC New Home Warranty.

WYRO Developments Ltd, a joint venture between local companies Wynnstay Group Plc and SJR Group, is constructing the homes.

Mark Bamber, Managing Director of WYRO, said: “The properties we’re constructing suit everyone from first-time buyers through to those looking to upsize into larger homes. We’ve ensured we have a good mix of homes on the development.”

Anyone wanting to find out more about the latest properties or the complete development can email newtown@morrismarshall.co.uk, telephone 01686 626160 or visit www.morrismarshall.co.uk.

In the current situation, many people are working from home. To some this will be the first time and adjusting to a new way of working isn't necessarily as easy as you might think.

Here at Morris, Marshall and Poole with Norman Lloyd we've got together with our colleagues at The Guild of Property Professionals to put together some tips on how best to work in what is normally a place of relaxation.

From creating the right environment to even dressing for work, yes, don't break such habits or routines.

Create a dedicated workspace

It is important for your routine and productivity to have a dedicated space to work in. Working from your bed or the sofa might seem tempting, but you are likely to be less productive in the space you associate with relaxing.

A home office is perfect if you have one, but any consistent area with a table and chair will help you associate a home space with work. Have the right equipment and technology all set up and organised to help you remain focused. Try to find somewhere with lots of natural light, as this sends signals to your brain to help you feel positive and awake.

Finally, if you can, close the door to eliminate distractions or have a rule with family to ensure you are left to concentrate when necessary.

Dress for work

To help you get in the right mindset, you’ll want to dress for the part. Wearing your pyjamas all day might seem appealing but taking the time to get dressed properly is not only better for your productivity, but your mental health too.

Structure your day

Implementing routine simplifies your day and makes it easier to keep yourself organised. You could start your day with checking your emails and creating a daily to do list while having your morning coffee. Consistency will make it easier to get into the flow of work.

Learn to communicate effectively

There are lots of different mediums to communicate and send information to people, such as instant messaging, emails, phone calls, video calls and more.

Learn to use each medium practically for what you need to achieve. Video chats are useful for meetings, while instant messaging is more useful for a quick question or update. Figure out which mediums are most practical for what you need to achieve and for the people you are communicating with.

Remember, working from home can feel isolating at times, so a quick video chat or phone call can make all the difference.

Take breaks

Breaks are vital to create a distinction between work and personal time. Just like working in an office, allow yourself a proper lunch break so you can walk away from your work area and have some time for yourself. Having a break will clear your mind, allowing you to get back to work with a fresh perspective and more energy.

Limit your work hours and stick to them

Working from home can mean your work can creep into your personal life, which can be detrimental to your productivity and psychological health. You are more likely to stay motivated when you set yourself work hours and stick to them. Create a mini routine for the end of the day, such as having a call with your manager or employees, to set a cut-off time.

Residential property owners near the Newtown bypass could claim compensation if their homes have been affected since the opening of the road.

Homes affected by noise, vibration, fumes, artificial light and other factors since the road was opened can claim compensation from the Welsh Government under the Land Compensation Act 1973, said estate agents Morris, Marshall and Poole with Norman Lloyd.

Mid Wales and Shropshire-based chartered surveyors have already acted for property and landowners who were directly affected by the construction of the road before it was opened.

Homes impacted since February 2019

Now, anyone who believes their residential property has been impacted since the bypass opened in February 2019 can seek compensation.

“Since the bypass opened many residential property owners might have noticed more nuisance from vehicle noise, fumes, vibration, vehicle or road lights and other factors that might have also affected the value of their property,” said Joe Powell, a Chartered Surveyor at MMP/NL.

Owners of residential property can seek compensation

“Owners, including landlords, of any residential property can seek compensation providing they owned the property on the 14 February 2020, the day the Newtown bypass opened. They must also own the property on the day the compensation is served, and it has to be occupied on that day.”

The Land Compensation Act defines the physical factors like noise, vibration, smell, fumes, smoke, artificial lighting and the discharge of any solid or liquid matter onto a local resident’s property.

Lights, noise and fumes

“Artificial light, both from vehicle headlights and street lighting, can cause considerable nuisance and can result in a diminution in the value of a property,” added Mr Powell.

Anyone who believes their residential property has been affected can have a free no-obligation consultation with a specialist at Morris, Marshall and Poole with Norman Lloyd.

They can be contacted on 01686 626160 or email newtown@morrismarshall.co.uk.

Photo: Joe Powell of Morris, Marshall and Poole with Norman Lloyd

Here at Morris, Marshall and Poole with Norman Lloyd we have set our sights on helping more rural businesses grow through the expansion of our role as an agent for the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC).

We've covered Mid and South Wales and the South West Midlands as an AMC agent and now we've been appointed to cover North Wales and the northern part of the West Midlands for the corporation.

AMC is one of the UK’s leading providers of long-term funding for the agricultural sector and rural business through the provision of standard and rural business loans. It was established in 1928.

Helping farmers and rural enterprises grow

From helping farmers buy land or improve buildings, to supporting rural businesses with tourism enterprises and diversification, to fishing lakes and activity centres.

Tony Evans and Rob Hudson, both Partners at MMP/NL, have been agents for AMC for a number of years. Chartered surveyor Tom Davies, who is part of the company’s Rural Team, has joined them as an agent as part of the expansion.

Investing in growth and diversification

“We’ve helped many rural businesses to invest, expand and diversify over the years, supporting growth and new employment through AMC loans,” said Mr Evans. “So, expanding into North

 Wales and the northern West Midlands will allow us to build on that and support many more businesses and enterprises seeking the right investment.”

Tom Davies said he was excited to be expanding his role as an AMC agent. “I work closely with farmers and rural businesses through my work at MMP/NL and Welshpool Livestock Sales as an auctioneer, and so being able to work with and advise them on ways of developing and expanding their businesses through financial support with AMC is a great opportunity.”

Tony can be contacted on 01686 626160 or Tom on 01938 552371.

More details can be found here: www.morrismarshall.co.uk/agriculture