Stafford Johnson

3 Bedroom Flat, Goring-By-Sea £550,000.00

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 11:04:03 GMT

Chain free apartment directly opposite the beach and Greensward with sea views and contemporary interior. Fully refurbished with Share of Freehold, garage and own private entrance and garden.

2 Bedroom Flat, Goring By Sea £1,350.00

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:55:57 GMT

Stafford Johnson are pleased to offer for Rent, a Purpose Built Ground Floor Flat in the sought after area of Goring by Sea.

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Goring-By-Sea £575,000.00

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 03:03:32 GMT

Chain free superbly presented semi-detached house with a gated driveway, garage. Two interconnecting reception rooms and a conservatory opening onto idyllic gardens with a large timber pergola.

3 Bedroom Bungalow, Goring-By-Sea £350,000.00

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 01:40:09 GMT

A deceptively spacious semi detached bungalow with the benefit of a secluded westerly facing rear garden. The accommodation includes entrance hall, lounge, conservatory, kitchen, sunroom/utility room, 3 bedrooms, bathroom and separate wc.

1 Bedroom Flat, 185 Goring Road £210,000.00

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 04:39:30 GMT

Chain free ground floor flat with a garage merely half a mile from the beach and near to local shops. Excellent modern layout includes a large south-facing lounge/diner, fully fitted contemporary kitchen and luxury bathroom.

2 Bedroom Flat, Goring-By-Sea £219,950.00

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:22:35 GMT

Excellent 2 bedroom ground floor flat in a small purpose built block. Generous layout with a sunlit living/dining room opening onto a private south-west facing within superb communal gardens.

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Goring-By-Sea £450,000.00

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:23:02 GMT

Merely half a mile to the beach. With palm trees in the gardens and the added convenience of a garage and driveway parking this exceptional semi-detached house is impeccably presented and has a superb double aspect living/dining room.

3 Bedroom Detached, Ferring £530,000.00

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:56:24 GMT

Chain free and merely a stroll from the village green and a row of independent shops and cafes. Surprisingly spacious detached family property with wrap-around gardens, a detached garage, 2 reception rooms and a main bedroom suite.

2 Bedroom Flat, Goring-By-Sea £299,950.00

Fri, 23 May 2025 10:21:43 GMT

A chain free blank canvas just moments from the beach. Excellent opportunity for a garden flat in a hugely coveted coastal location with a private garage, fully fitted kitchen and double aspect living/dining room opening onto a patio.

3 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Goring By Sea £330,000.00

Tue, 27 May 2025 07:51:41 GMT

Chain free semi-detached property that`s a superb family home. Opening onto large idyllic gardens with a summerhouse and versatile outbuilding, a notably flowing layout has a spacious living room, adjoining dining room and enviably sized kitchen.

4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Worthing £450,000.00

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:27:56 GMT

Superbly extended semi-detached chalet bungalow with a versatile fully powered outbuilding and plenty of private driveway parking. A stylish layout includes an integrated speaker system, large living room and spacious kitchen/dining room opening onto a landscaped garden.

1 Bedroom Flat, Park Road £82,000.00

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:34:21 GMT

A spacious and very well presented, 1 bedroom ground floor retirement flat situated close to the seafront, hospital and town centre. The flat has been the subject of much modernisation and improvement with internal viewing highly recommended.

2 Bedroom Flat, Goring-By-Sea £275,000.00

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 05:41:12 GMT

Stylish two double bedroom ground floor flat with its own private street entrance, landscaped garden and garage. A large living/dining room has a focal point fireplace and there`s plenty of fitted storage.

2 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Goring-By-Sea £425,000.00

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:41:13 GMT

Impeccably presented bungalow equally ideal for a young family, working from home or anyone looking to downsize. Opening onto an enclosed westerly rear garden from the bi-fold doors and open-plan kitchen/living/dining room, this refurbished property benefits from an attached garage and large drive.

1 Bedroom Flat, 1 Union Place £120,000.00

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:27:03 GMT

Chain free retirement apartment in a peaceful spot in the very heart of Worthing. Stylish south facing layout with a large living/dining room, fully fitted modern kitchen, contemporary bath/shower room, residents` restaurant, housekeeping, gardens and much more....

0 Bedroom Flat, Downview Road £138,000.00

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:16:35 GMT

Excellent ground floor studio flat with 963 years left on the lease (999 years from 1963) and low ground rent. A wide glass framed balcony and designated car port parking within half a mile from the beach and perfectly placed for easy access to a mainline station and bus stops.

2 Bedroom Link-Detached, Goring-By-Sea £525,000.00

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:41:46 GMT

Chain free detached bungalow opening onto a lovely large secluded south facing garden. Tastefully presented and impressively proportioned layout with scope to be extended and updated (STNC). Highlights include open plan lounge and dining rooms along with driveway parking and a fully powered garage.

3 Bedroom Bungalow, Goring-By-Sea £399,950.00

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 02:53:04 GMT

Chain free link attached bungalow on a wide tree-lined road. Tastefully presented, a spacious layout opens onto a south facing garden with a fully powered home office/studio. With an integral garage, sunroom, bay fronted lounge and the versatility to have a dining room/home office, further key highl

3 Bedroom Detached, Salvington £575,000.00

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:21:00 GMT

Superbly extended and renovated detached property opening onto an enviably secluded garden with a timber framed gazebo. A spacious layout includes a duo of reception rooms, a large first class kitchen with bi-fold doors and the added convenience of integral garaging.

2 Bedroom Flat, Goring-By-Sea £250,000.00

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:00:03 GMT

Rare opportunity to acquire this freehold ground floor flat with large front and rear private gardens, a garage and driveway parking. Elegantly styled yet with ample chance to be refreshed, a superbly sized layout has 2 double bedrooms and a lovely large lounge with fireplace.

3 Bedroom Detached Bungalow, Goring-By-Sea £550,000.00

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:49:44 GMT

Impeccably styled chain free detached bungalow with solar panels, a private driveway and garage. A spacious open plan layout with a reception room, large Shaker kitchen and lounge/diner opens onto to an idyllic garden.

3 Bedroom House, Goring-By-Sea £300,000.00

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:01:28 GMT

A spacious 3 bedroom mid terrace house. The accommodation includes, entrance hall, good size double aspect lounge/dining room, modern kitchen, two double bedrooms and a further single bedroom. Bathroom/WC. The property is offered for sale with no ongoing chain.

2 Bedroom Flat, Goring-By-Sea £240,000.00

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 11:07:58 GMT

Chain free first floor flat in a prized purpose built complex with attractive communal gardens. Benefiting from the privacy of its own street entrance, a spacious layout opens onto a south facing balcony and has a superbly sized lounge/dining room and separate fully fitted kitchen.

3 Bedroom Detached Bungalow, Ferring £500,000.00

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:28:12 GMT

Impressive detached bungalow on a road leading down to the beach. Re-wired and re-decorated in 2025 with beautiful gardens to both the front and rear and plenty of private off- road parking, a double aspect lounge and attractive Shaker kitchen/dining room opening onto the south facing patio.

Introducing Worthing, Goring and Ferring Property Expert Richard Davis

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 12:00:00 GMT

At Stafford Johnson we are proud that our reputation as an independent estate agent means such a great deal to our clients. We`ve built up our relationships in Worthing, Goring and Ferring over more than 25 years and this relies heavily on our personal service style.

With that in mind, we thought it would be nice to let you know a little more about Area Manager Richard Davis.

Roots and branches
"My family relocated to Worthing when I was 8 years old, so I very much consider it my home town. I lived in Offington and then Goring by Sea as a kid," Richard explains by way of introduction.

So how did he start in the estate agency business?
"I worked for Halifax Property Services in Broadwater doing work experience and they obviously thought I did alright as they gave me a Saturday job mainly making the tea and photocopying," Richard says.

"I did a very brief stint working for Lloyds Bank when I left school but kept my estate agent Saturday job as I knew that was what I really wanted to do. A position at the branch then came up for a trainee negotiator, so I said goodbye to the bank and the rest is history!"

Working through the ranks is the time-honoured way to really get to know how a business runs.
"I remember my first area manager had me sweeping up leaves in the office car park as well as making the tea," Richard recalls.

Stafford Johnson
After 18 years at Stafford Johnson Richard is now Area Manager and he feels a sense of responsibility as the business has such a strong local profile.

"Being a smaller independent company our business has always been built on reputation and recommendation," he points out. "Neil Stafford & Ian Johnson worked hard, along with their wives Carole and Alison when they started the business from scratch in the 90`s. Having worked closely with them for a long time, I am very much committed to continuing their legacy and making sure the well respected reputation we have earned over the years continues!"

With Ian recently taking a step back the gradual hand over of the reins was a natural and organic process.

"I suppose because I have been such a permanent part of the furniture for so long, many of our past clients will have dealt with me as much as they did Ian," Richard says. "Even though it has been Ian`s name above the door, he has always considered me to be his right hand man which means a seamless transition has been straightforward."

Traditional aspects are a big part of the image of the company, so does Richard intend to ring the changes moving forward?

"Well we`ve had the decorators in and we`ve overhauled the office with new furniture which gives us a much more modern look," he explains. "But as far as how we work, I see very little change. We will continue to focus on working hard for our clients with what I like to call `good old fashioned estate agency`."

"I want our emphasis to continue to be on integrity and providing excellent customer service to make sure we maintain the reputation we have worked so hard for."

Having so much personal experience in the local area, Richard knows how important it is to stand out from competitors.

"My team all live locally and have great local knowledge to share," he says. "I see us as an agent for all of Worthing, Goring and Ferring and as our office is based in Goring, we naturally get called on by local residents for help. So as they are on our doorstep, I guess we will always be seen as specialists for Goring and Ferring as well."

Richard has an `out of hours` interest that mirrors the way he helps people in his day to day role.

"I had an early mid-life crisis in my mid thirties and got myself a personal trainer who over the space of a year got me fit and running half marathons!" he exclaims. "I was hooked and then at one gym an instructor suggested I should train for the position too."

"So I did my fitness qualifications and I have now been teaching a variety of group exercise classes in various gyms in the local area for the last 10 years," Richard says.

"I love doing it because it`s always satisfying to help people achieve their goals, whether it be in fitness or moving onto their dream home," he adds.

Starting out in the estate agency business at a young age means Richard also wants to help others follow a similar career path.

"It`s certainly a career that I love and I learnt what I know on the job," he says. "As estate agency is quite rightly to become more regulated over time, there are many opportunities now to study and gain job specific qualifications whilst working in the industry, which we certainly support here at Stafford Johnson."

Does he have any advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps today?

"I would encourage youngsters who have an interest in the business to start at the bottom, not be afraid to do the ground work, listen a lot, learn from colleagues and then the world is their oyster!" answers Richard.

As the personal touch is such a big part of the success of Stafford Johnson, Richard encourages people to contact him personally to discuss property matters of any kind.

"Anyone looking to sell, buy, let or rent in our area can come into our Goring office at 325 Goring Road BN12 4NX, call 01903 501105 or email richard@staffordjohnson.co.uk. I will be delighted to help as best I can!"

The Ilex Way - A Sussex Secret Nature Pathway

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Some of the most in-demand homes in the area around Goring by Sea and Ferring are to be found near the old Goring Hall estate. The attractions include being within easy walking distance of the sea, a nearby classic `high street parade` of shops and good transport links.

However, one of the most popular local features has more to do with the natural world and the way that it has been incorporated into the local community since the nineteenth century. So what`s the story of the Ilex Way?

Nature`s corridor

An area of open space is to be found just back from the beach, stretching between Sea Lane, Goring and Sea Lane, Ferring. The northern most boundary of this is the main part of the Ilex Way, noted for the magnificent collection of oak trees that have naturally created an awe-inspiring arch.

Adding more leafy vistas, the Plantation is a further avenue of trees which runs up from the seafront inland to connect with Ilex Way. This separates the edge of Goring from the Goring Gap.

The Gap itself is an important corridor for many different types of wildlife which allows clear passage from land to sea, avoiding built up areas.

History and development

When Goring Hall was built by David Lyons in 1840 the impressive new manor house became a focal point of the area. It is thought to have been designed by Charles Barry, who had a major role in rebuilding the Palace of Westminster in London.

The current building is in fact a replica of the original which was built around 1889 after a fire destroyed much of the first construction. Currently in use as a private hospital, it had previously been a private boarding school for many years.

Ilex Avenue was conceived as an impressive carriageway over a mile long, stretching from Goring Hall to St Mary`s Church. It was lined with Holm oak trees (Quercus ilex), a species of evergreen broadleaf which is usually found in the Mediterranean. However, the trees are known for their resistance to sea winds, making them a perfect fit for the winter climate in Sussex.

Legacy

Ilex Way Avenue is no longer used by traffic of any kind and is preserved as a local amenity that`s extremely popular with walkers, dog owners and wildlife enthusiasts. Forming a `T` shape with the similarly tree-lined Plantation, the whole area offers a unique mix of history, tranquillity and nature.

The urban build-up of Goring in the 1930s-1950s didn`t threaten the legacy of the trees, but they faced being cut down by the council in the early 1980s.

Angry residents formed the Ilex Group and fought the proposal to fell the trees and were ultimately successful. It is down to this perfect example of community action that the avenue can still be enjoyed by everyone today.

As a local estate agent with more than a quarter of a century`s experience helping people to buy and sell homes in Goring, we know and love things like the Ilex Way which make our area so special.

If you`d like to know more about anything to do with how special living here can be, get in touch and ask us - we`d love to talk to you!

Call 01903 501105, email goring@staffordjohnson.co.uk or pop into our office at 325 Goring Road BN12 4NX

How a Modern Business Can Still Have Traditional Values

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Along with most other areas of professional business activity, estate agents have had to adapt to new technologies in recent years. However, this has led some to neglect many of the traditional methods which worked so well previously.

Changing with the times is something that any business must do in order to be competitive and provide a first class service. Here at Stafford Johnson we pride ourselves on having created a unique mix of cutting edge methods which are seamlessly merged with traditional values.

So, how do we do it?

Marketing
There are actually two different sides to the art of marketing for an estate agent. The first is attracting buyers or renters to the properties we are representing on behalf of our clients. The second is to gain new business for ourselves.

When it comes to selling or letting property, things really have changed since `the old days`.

However, a perfect example of those `traditional methods` mentioned above is the way in which a picture in the window of an estate agent`s local office still has great value. It might not be the main way potential buyers find a new property these days, but it could be the way the right buyer finds yours. It`s certainly a good example of how some estate agents overlook tried and tested ways of doing things that can still have much to offer.

Even so, the internet truly did revolutionise this aspect of our industry. According to research from HSBC, UK home buyers are the most digitally active in the world, with 93% making use of a range of online resources in their search.

Other research from online traffic statistics expert Hitwise claims that 1% of all internet traffic in the UK is property-related.

Websites and portals
So it`s no surprise that the most popular property websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla enable your property to reach a great number of suitable potential buyers, which is why we have an established presence on both.

More than that though, our own website offers far greater detail on the services we offer and also features information giving an insight into what it`s really like to live in Goring, Ferring, Worthing and the surrounding areas.

Word of mouth
In the past the best publicity an estate agent could have was the traditional `word of mouth` recommendation. Today this is still an extremely effective way for people to find out about just how good we are at what we do. However, online reviews are essentially the contemporary version as they achieve the same results.

For more than 25 years a solid reputation amongst our clients for our professional and friendly service has meant a great deal to us. The fact that today word continues to be spread online from people we have successfully helped is something we are very proud to highlight.

Traditional values
In a world where so many professional services are carried out solely online, with little or no face-to-face personal contact, our traditional values can really come to the fore and set us apart from others.

For all the properties we offer for sale, every member of our team has visited each one. This means we can all answer any questions a potential buyer may have and we`re able to discuss things in detail.

As well as being active in sales, we also offer a comprehensive range of services for Landlords. Every owner of a rental property has different aims and requirements, which is why our packages allow flexibility for your individual circumstances and aims.

If you would like to find out more about our unique way of doing things call us on 01903 501105, email goring@staffordjohnson.co.uk or pop into the office at 325 Goring Road, Goring by Sea BN12 4NX and we`d be very pleased to accommodate you.

Property Valuation or Market Appraisal - Are They the Same?

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMT

One of the first things anyone thinking of selling their property expects from an estate agent is for them to explain what their property is worth in the current market.

Some agents call this giving a `valuation` while others offer a `market appraisal`. Although essentially two terms for doing the same thing, there is actually quite a difference in the way that various agents will go about reaching a figure to give you.

For some, market appraisal is simply seen as an old fashioned way of saying valuation and they really do go through the same process with the same degree of effort and experience.

In other cases, no matter which term is used, an estate agent with less experience or attention to detail will give you a far less personalised result.

Land Registry
The Land Registry is the official body which registers the ownership of land and property in England and Wales. It`s a non-ministerial department of Government and one of the things it does is make a record of what price property actually changed hands for, as opposed to what the marketed asking price was.

The general public can see some of this data through various websites and industry professionals have access to more recent information.

However, this only ever gives a snapshot of what happened in the past and although it can be used to help form an idea of current values, it doesn`t take into account current market conditions.

It might be a surprise to find that some agents use this data as the sole basis of their `guestimate` valuation of your home, especially if they rely on automated online applications.

Hyper local effects
This year the term `hyper local` has been much in use when it comes to the property market.

Essentially it means that even in the same postcodes and neighbourhoods there can be a large discrepancy in property values. This might be because one road is outside of a school catchment area for instance, or one side of the same street falls under a different council borough administration.

This is where a local estate agent with genuine knowledge of the area can take everything into account and give you an accurate sales figure for what your home will be able to achieve under current market conditions.

Highs and lows
The price you get from one agent might not always be the same as one you will get from another agent. Why is this? Sadly, the plain and simple answer can sometimes come down to honesty.

It`s easy to understand that some estate agents might desperately need new business and therefore will promise you that your home is worth more than others tell you it is, in the hope you will choose them.

The fact is that overpriced properties often need to be reduced in price after weeks or even months of being on the market.

The opposite is also true. Far from being a `stale` property through being underpriced, some agents will price deliberately low in order to achieve a quick sale. This is good for their turnover of properties, and if you are looking for a swift move it can work in your favour.

However, most people would feel put out if they were to learn that with a little more hard work and effort from their agent they could have achieved a significantly higher sales price.

How we do it
We pride ourselves on being straightforward and transparent and so by using our extensive local knowledge we always give all of our prospective clients an honest valuation reflecting current market conditions.

You might have seen a neighbour`s property on the market for a certain amount of money but the truth is that every property is different and needs to be assessed on its own merits.

Some people want to buy a home and move straight in and unpack. Others may want to buy a property with the express intentions of making major changes and alterations.

As part of our valuation process we give you an impartial view from a buyers` perspective. This can only be done by treating everything on a unique individual case by case basis. That`s where our attention to detail merges with our experience and allows us to really achieve the best price for your property.

If you`d like to know more about what makes us stand out from other estate agents please get in touch. The fact that we`ve been successfully serving the local community in Goring, Ferring and around Worthing for more than a quarter of a century must mean we`re doing things properly - talk to us and find out how we do things better!

The Remarkable Sussex Sistine Chapel Story

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:00:00 GMT

In common with most locations that boast a long historical record, Ferring and Goring have many wonderful examples of churches dating back through the centuries.

However, nowhere else in the country can claim to have what makes the English Martyrs Church in Compton Avenue, Goring-by-Sea so unique - a full-size hand painted replica of the Sistine Chapel`s ceiling!

A Roman Catholic parish church in the diocese of Arundel & Brighton, the building is relatively unprepossessing from the outside. The interior is wonderfully different as it features the only known reproduction of Michelangelo`s famous achievement.

A unique vision
The frescoes that Michelangelo painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome date from 1508. One of the wonders of the art world they are widely held to be amongst the greatest examples of human artistic accomplishments.

When Gary Bevans visited the chapel with his family in 1987 the local sign-painter realised that the English Martyrs` Church was the same width as the Sistine Chapel, although being slightly shorter in length.

Having created various artworks for the church, including a painting of the Last Supper which includes a Yorkshire Terrier, Bevans got the backing of the parish priest and then permission from Cormac Murphy-O`Connor, the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, to bring his unique vision to realisation.

Starting work in 1987 it took five and a half years to complete. Bevans worked evenings and weekends on his labour of love whilst maintaining his full time day job.

The artwork
The painted area is based on a wooden vaulted surface which is fixed to the church roof. This base was painted white and the frescos themselves are in acrylic paint.

At two-thirds the size of the original Bevans` work is no less impressive than the Renaissance-era art itself, as the scale of the frescoes instantly impresses with the thought of how much work went into this unique reproduction.

The bold colours are carefully matched to those found in Rome and the famous image of God reaching out a finger to spark Adam into life is a sight that is astonishing in its familiarity.

The whole 100ft painting was mapped out on a grid before the wooden vaulted base was built. In this respect, it is a mathematical feat that rivals the artistic aspects.

For someone more used to creating pub signs and adorning shop fronts, Bevans can justifiably be seen as having created his own masterpiece.

A local wonder
While for many of us a visit to Rome to see the original might be beyond our means, for local Worthing, Goring and Ferring residents this marvellous work of art is right on their doorsteps.

The Sussex Sistine Chapel is easy to find by following the A259 through Goring-by-Sea where you will find English Martyrs Church.

It`s free admission and all details can be found here.

If you`d like to know more about how living in Goring, Ferring and the surrounding areas has so much to offer talk to us - we`re the local property experts with more than 25 years experience in the community.

⁠
*Photo credit: By The Voice of Hassocks - Own work, Public Domain

Busting the Myths of the Winter Property Market

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMT

As with most things in life, the property market changes throughout the year. With Christmas just around the corner many people start to wind down a little as the joint pressures and pleasures of the festive season take hold.

So it`s reasonable to assume that estate agents start to take things easy too, although in fact nothing could be farther from the truth.

Having over a quarter of a century of experience we know that the changing tides of the industry are predictable to some degree. When it comes to the winter market for property there are some things that both sellers and buyers really should know.

One of the myths needing to be addressed is that it`s best to wait until the New Year to start getting things moving.

The Christmas effect
The winter property market is effectively split in two by Christmas. It`s quite true that most people probably won`t want to be going on viewings the closer we get to the day itself, and likewise many sellers don`t really expect to be entertaining potential buyers, no matter how attractive their decorations might be!

So the period leading up to Christmas does see some slowdown in activity on the face of things. However, behind the scenes we are actually in one of our busiest periods of the year.

This is because the festive lull soon turns into high levels of buyer activity on Boxing Day.

December 26th
We mix tried and tested traditional estate agency methods with up to the minute marketing tools and of course today this means making the most of the major online portals.

Rightmove is the biggest UK property website and for the past few years it has been reporting on what it calls the Boxing Day Bounce. For the past few years the company has seen more and more people browsing properties on their site during the post-Christmas Day festive period.

In 2021 visits to the website were 54% higher than the year before. Last year Rightmove said the number of new properties put up for sale on December 26 was the highest it has ever recorded for any Boxing Day. On top of that the 2022 year-end Boxing Day bounce also saw more than 51 million visits to Rightmove between then and the first working day of the New Year.

Get moving!
What this all means for sellers is quite obvious - if you wait until after Christmas to talk to an estate agent you could be making a big mistake.

The post-Christmas period is a valuable time if you want to make sure your home is going to be seen by the maximum number of potential buyers. You can really benefit by talking to us now because if you really want to sell we can put everything in place so that you are ahead of the pack.

A full marketing plan can be in place for Boxing Day, including professional photos, accurate floor plans, brochures, and much more, all ready to push the button to go live on the market at exactly the right time.

What`s more, if you instruct us to sell your property this December we`ll give you an M&S gift card worth £100!*

There are advantages for buyers too - by registering with us now it means we can also help you get ahead. We`ll give you priority notice of properties even before they go live on the main online portals so you can be first in line to view.

Christmas cheer
Waiting to put plans in motion, whether buying or selling, is a natural feeling at this time of year but hopefully you`ll now realise that it is far better to talk to us right now and make the most of the unique post-Christmas market conditions.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Remember, we can help your property plans get off to a great start in 2024!

*Terms and conditions apply – contact us for details

What Will Happen to the Property Market in 2024

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Everyone likes to know the value of their property at any given time. For those looking to sell or buy a home it`s even more important to have a good idea of how the market stands and in which directions it is likely to go in the year ahead.

At the start of a New Year it`s traditional to make predictions. For an established local estate agency like us, it`s also of great value to our clients for us to give them a professional overview of the situation as we see it.

So what will happen to the property market in 2024?

National versus local

The first thing to acknowledge is that when it comes to property things can look very different at a national level than they do in any given local area.

Interest rates set by the Bank of England are national news and mortgage deals reflect any changes in them. Of course this has a knock-on effect on property sales all over the country too.

However, it`s not always that straightforward. Last year was dominated by high inflation and a succession of increases that took the BoE interest rate to a fifteen year high. In spite of that, by the end of the year mortgage deals for popular two and five year fixes were cheaper than they were twelve months before.

For the year ahead, better than expected inflation figures are hinting at interest rate cuts happening earlier than expected. Obviously this will be good news for buyers in 2024

Two sides of a coin
Any property sale is a two-sided transaction, so anything that makes buyer affordability better in terms of mortgages is also good news for sellers.

Another big plus point for our clients is that our area is highly desirable. Whether it`s the larger traditional properties in the Goring Hall estate or single-storey homes in Ferring that are within minutes of the beach, such a wide range of wonderful homes means there really is something for everyone.

At the start of last year many pundits were predicting that house prices would crash with significant falls however by the end of the year values of property across the board largely held up.

In fact it`s the same old story - neighbouring properties might differ greatly in value due to many factors, so what really counts is having an experienced and honest market appraisal from an established local estate agent.

Looking ahead
Inflation looks likely to drop with interest rates following suit at some time this year. We`re highly unlikely to see either the huge levels of activity or the substantial property price increases that we saw over the past few years repeated.

Doubtless there will be many unexpected events that change other important details here and there, especially if a general election does take place this year.

Although the wider national picture always makes for good headlines, it`s what`s going on locally that really matters for anyone looking to move home in or around Ferring, Goring and Worthing.

So the question `what will happen to the property market in 2024?` almost becomes irrelevant if you take it down to the basic level of each individual decision to sell or buy a home. Moving is something that happens for so many different reasons that at a certain point it rises above all the trends, market conditions, facts and figures and simply needs to be seen as a personal life event.

Talk to us
For more than 25 years we`ve built up a solid local reputation for our professional and friendly service here at Stafford Johnson. That`s because we listen to our clients and understand what they want us to do for them.

Our unique mix of traditional values and contemporary marketing techniques really does set us apart. For instance, every property we offer for sale has been visited by each member of our team, meaning we know the details and can answer any questions a potential buyer may have.

If you would like to find out more call 01903 501105, email us, or visit us in the office at 325 Goring Road, Goring by Sea BN12 4NX.

Why Do Landlords Choose A Managed Lettings Service

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Being a landlord is a popular thing these days - there are more than two and a half million private landlords in the UK!

According to official figures from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, the private rental sector is now bigger than the social rented sector, having grown by 45% between 2008 and 2021.

Some landlords might own a single rental property, while others may have built a portfolio of a significant size.

Either way, being a landlord is all about running a business. That means there are many different aspects involved, whether it`s essentially a moneymaking hobby or a full-time way to make a living.

B2B

Business to business (B2B) connections keep the economy running. Wholesale outlets supply retail shops, banks supply business owners with funding, and a wide range of professionals provide ancillary help such as accounting, legal and management services.

Any successful business will always involve using specialist third party help in various ways and being a landlord is certainly no exception.

From start to finish, making sure that you get the best return on your rental property investments can rely on what kind of professional help you choose.

Tenants

There is far more to renting out a property than simply finding someone that would like to move in.

Vetting potential tenants to make sure they can afford the rent is a basic must-do. Finding out if they have a good track record as a tenant is an obvious bonus too. That`s before the various checks that need to be made by law are done...

Knowing your own legal responsibilities as a landlord is something that it is becoming increasingly hard to keep up with. Do you know the documents needed to prove someone has `the right to rent`?

Rents

You need to guarantee a return on your investment (ROI) and if you have a Buy to Let mortgage it will be something that will have been covered in the application process.

As anyone who owns their own home knows, there will always be various expenses and outgoings involved to maintain a property and not all of them can be planned for in advance!

So setting the rent at the right level is key to being a successful landlord. Too low and you might not achieve the ROI needed, too high and you might price yourself out of the local market.

Rent collection can be something many landlords don`t want to handle themselves. More than that, it can be time consuming to set up banking details, let alone making sure payments are made on time.

Lettings management

At Stafford Johnson we offer a comprehensive set of services for landlords that cover everything.
From finding the right tenant to managing their entire tenure in your property, you can rest assured knowing that all relevant laws, rules and regulations are being adhered to.

Much more than that, we listen to you and understand your aims and ambitions.

If you want to expand your portfolio at any time we`re here to help you acquire your next property.
On the other hand, if you want to make the most of a capital investment you`ll have a local specialist who you know and trust to sell at the best possible price.

We make life for our landlords as stress free as possible and aim to maximise your return on investment.

Call our lettings team today on 01903 501105 and find out why so many landlords in and around Worthing choose our Lettings services.

EPCs - Everything Anyone Selling Their Home Needs To Know

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMT

If you`re thinking of selling your home you`ll want to get all the paperwork in order and make sure everything you need is at hand.

However, you might not be aware of the rules surrounding Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which are now required by law whenever a property is sold.

Your estate agent should advise you about all aspects of setting yourself up for a successful sale, and even take on the tasks of getting much of the paperwork done for you. Your solicitor will take care of the rest.

However, an EPC for potential buyers must be ordered before you market your property to sell and you can even be fined if you don`t get it when you need one. Bearing all this in mind, it really is one of the first things you need to know about when you decide to sell your home.

EPC contents

The EPC is based on an assessment of your property and results in an energy efficiency rating, which ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This certification is valid for 10 years.

More than that, the EPC also contains information about a property`s energy use and the typical energy costs that will be associated with this. There are also helpful recommendations regarding ways to reduce energy use and therefore save money too.

Getting an EPC – We can help!

As the EPC is based on an assessment of the property it has to be carried out by an accredited person, who will also issue and sign off the certificate. Our in-house domestic energy assessor can provide you with an EPC from as little as £95, depending on the size of the property.

The EPC rating you are given will depend on the amount of energy used per m² and the level of carbon dioxide emissions, which is given in tonnes per year.

Compare EPCs

You can look at an EPC for other properties free of charge. It`s a good way to compare your home`s energy performance with that of other similar ones and give you an idea of what to expect.

When you get an EPC you can opt out of this public register if you don`t want other people doing the same! You simply have to contact the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).

Of course, there are things you can do to try and make sure you get the best EPC rating for your home. It can be an important step in finding the right buyer, because the details have to be included in the marketing of your property by law. This means having a higher EPC score is a good way to make sure you are competing on the same level as other sellers and making your home more attractive to potential buyers.

EPC Tips

Because the EPC rating is based on energy efficiency it means there are some common sense things you can do to prepare for the assessment.

The most common recommendations on EPCs include insulating hot water cylinders, installing heating controls such as thermostatic radiator valves, insulating walls and lofts, and making sure double glazing is in good order.

Of course, if you`ve got solar panels fitted or have a combi boiler you`ll already be ahead of the game. Even so, paying some attention to how you might be able to make the most of the positive aspects of you EPC is well worth doing.

If you are thinking of selling your home in Ferring, Goring or around Worthing and would like to know more about EPCs we`d be happy to help - get in touch by calling 01903 501105, email us or visit us in the office at 325 Goring Road, Goring by Sea BN12 4NX.

Is it Worth Renovating your Home For a Sale

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Renovation brings to mind repairing or restoring a dilapidated property back to being in a good condition, although in fact it means much more than that.

It also means making something new or bringing it back to life and that`s why many people ask us if it`s something they should consider before putting their home on the market.

Both interior and exterior renovation projects can take many forms, some can be large scale projects and others much smaller. However, when building work of any kind is going on around you in your home it can be disruptive and stressful - let alone costly!

However, the end results can end up making your property worth much more than the costs involved, so how can you decide whether it`s a good idea for you or not?

Gain versus cost
Almost any improvement work will increase the potential sale price of a home as long as it is done to a high standard and actually adds something of value.

Another major consideration is to make sure that any work is fully compliant with all the relevant rules and regulations, which can cover everything from building control, planning permission and health and safety laws.

Taking all of this into account, there are several tried and tested ways to add value to your home over and above the outlay involved.

Loft conversion
A loft conversion can be quite a large building project and having it done by a reputable specialist firm won`t be cheap. However, if it is purposed as a bedroom it will definitely add value to your home and in many cases this can mean as much as 15% extra on the market value.

Options include a fairly straightforward `roof light conversion`, which needs the least amount of structural work and is therefore the most cost-effective. A mansard conversion where one or both slopes of the roof are replaced with a new structure with steeper sides and an almost flat roof is more expensive but results in a much larger space being added to your floor plan.

The type of conversion and the location of your home will affect whether the work falls under permitted development rules or if it needs planning permission.

A new bathroom
Having scaffolding up and potentially removing and remodelling your roof might be a little more than you had in mind when you thought about adding value to your home in preparation for selling it!

Thankfully there are less disruptive options that are also less costly too. For instance, updating your bathroom can add in the region of 3-5% to the value of your home and be done on a tighter budget.

Keeping your existing layout will help lower outlays as repositioning a bath, shower or basin can involve relocating outlet pipes and water inlets. Adding a shower enclosure or updating your existing one to a modern frameless design can make an impressive difference, and simply choosing a full modern suite can be an easy fix for a tired and dated look.

Time and effort
As well as cost, any work that is significant enough to add value to your property is bound to come at a cost that involves time and effort as well as money. This can be an important part of making a decision, because your timescale might mean that you want to get things moving now as opposed to three or four months down the line.

The state of the local property market also pays a part - the time it takes for the work to be done might mean the percentage points you add to the value now might be lost when you`re ready to go to market.

As with every other aspect involved with selling your home, we`re happy to offer advice on whether it would be a good idea for you to think of doing any work on your home. Get in touch today and we can help you make the decision that`s right for you.

Call 01903 501105, email us, or visit us in the office at 325 Goring Road, Goring by Sea BN12 4NX.

We Can Help You Sell Your Home with Discretion

Tue, 07 May 2024 12:00:00 GMT

It`s great to live somewhere that has a nice sense of community. However, you might not always want your neighbours to know everything and that can certainly be the case when you are thinking of selling your home.

A big sign outside with `for sale` written on it isn`t the only giveaway and there are many perfectly valid reasons for wanting to keep things low-key. That`s where our `discreet marketing` approach comes into play and it might be just what you`re looking for if you want a different approach to selling your home.

Big and bold

The usual estate agent way of approaching a new instruction is to turn up for a valuation in a brightly coloured branded car, loudly and obviously announcing their presence. That`s before you`ve even chosen them as your agent and perhaps haven`t even fully decided whether or not it`s the right time to sell!

We think that`s quite intrusive for any potential seller so we only ever visit your home in normal vehicles, without attracting any attention.

The next big and bold way an agent usually tries to sell your home for you is by putting you on the major online property portals, complete with address, interior and exterior photographs, along with maps and streetview links.

This is of course the accepted way of mass marketing in property today and there is no doubt that it does work - we do it all the time! However, we only go down that route with the full blessing of the seller after we have fully discussed things to find out exactly how they want to go about marketing their home.

Your home

That`s the most important thing for us - we never forget that it`s your home. There is no `one size fits all` that works for selling property, every building and everybody involved is unique. We understand that you might want a certain amount of discretion to be used in your sale, without harming the chances of achieving a premium price and a swift route through to completion.

So how does our discreet approach to marketing work? Essentially, we probably already have potential buyers who have registered their interests with us who are looking for a home like yours.

This means that once you have instructed us to work on your behalf and we have created the relevant marketing materials we can let these people know directly, without `going live` online.

It`s an approach that really works and can result in `off market` offers that are a perfect match for your own plans and timescales.

Not an open house

If the idea of an `open house` day sends shivers down your spine, you`re not alone. Although in some cases it can be exactly what the seller wants to happen, often it can also be the easy option for some agents.

If you want a level of privacy maintained in your sale this is obviously something that wouldn`t be appropriate, but it doesn`t mean that viewings by potential buyers can`t take place.

Of course we always accompany anyone who comes to view your home and again we`ll always be in unbranded cars. A big part of our bespoke approach is building it up with you, so that you can have control over how your property is marketed and what methods are used at each stage in the process.

If you would like to know more about how we can help you sell your home without shouting about it from the rooftops, call us on 01903 501105, email us or visit us in the office at 325 Goring Road, Goring by Sea BN12 4NX.

It goes without saying that everything will be kept in the strictest confidence.

Healthy Living by the Sea in Sussex

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMT

The whole British tradition of visiting popular seaside locations is built on the health benefits that can be gained. In Victorian times people of all classes and backgrounds took time to visit the coast all over the country and `take the air` away from the smoggy major cities.

Most of today`s established towns on the Sussex coast have been built up on the back of this idea and Worthing and the surrounding areas are a perfect example of this.

Miles of coastline that stretches from east Worthing right across to Ferring offers the choice of a lovely traditional seaside promenade through to wild nature-filled beaches. There really is something for everyone to be found here and it`s why so many people are still choosing to leave city life behind them and head down to our shores.

The great outdoors

The health benefits of living near the sea come in many shapes and sizes. From taking a leisurely stroll to energetically body surfing the waves, enjoying a relaxing tea or coffee in one of the many beachside cafes or paragliding above the sea - the choices are all there and are yours to make.

Simply getting out and about in the fresh air and ozone-rich atmosphere beside the sea offers a health boost that has been known about throughout the ages. What`s more, taking any kind of vigorous exercise is so much more enjoyable in these lovely surroundings than it can ever be in a stuffy gym too!

Work/life balance

A healthy lifestyle is all about balance, whether that means watching what you eat and drink or looking after your stress levels and mental health.

Coastal living offers a perfect way to set up your time to take in work requirements and general life well-being too. It`s great for families to be able to grow together appreciating nature`s outdoor world away from screens and online activities.

For older people the chance to relax and take time to enjoy their safe and secure surroundings is something that many bigger cities just can`t compete with.

Tourists?

Some might think that the summer months become unbearable in well-known seaside towns as tourists take centre stage. Hard to find parking spaces, busy beaches and packed-out venues could totally change things.

Although this might be true of Brighton and Eastbourne further along the coast, it certainly doesn`t apply to Worthing, Goring and Ferring.

Even central Worthing`s seafront remains a great place all through the summer and although it might be busier there are still plenty of `secret places` along the beach further west that only locals really know about. Plus, many homes in Goring and Ferring have the added benefit of off-road parking whilst still being only moments from the beach and Greensward.

At Stafford Johnson we are based in Goring and for more than a quarter of a century have specialised in the sale of seafront properties to be found here and in Ferring.

We know the area because we live and work here - it`s where we`re from and where we love.

If you`re thinking of selling your property and would like an award-winning independent agent who understands what makes living here so special, get in touch today.

Call 01903 501105, email or visit us in the office at 325 Goring Road, Goring by Sea BN12 4NX.

What Does An Estate Agent Mean By `Honesty`?

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 12:00:00 GMT

It seems strange that any kind of business would feel the need to tell you that they are `honest`. Likewise, making a selling point of being `transparent` might appear to be unnecessary because both are attributes we would simply expect from a company offering a professional service.

Estate agents often use both these words in their own marketing. In part, it stems from a past where our profession had some bad apples that gave it a bad reputation. Thankfully today things are very different.

However, we believe it is important to stress that we act in an honest way, because it goes far further than simply meaning we are above board in our business dealings.

Friendly honesty

There`s an old adage about a friend being the only person who can tell you something.

There are always going to be subjects that you might not want to hear about but are really in your own interests to know. When it comes to selling and buying property this can definitely be the case and that`s where an honest estate agent comes in.

Even though the industry has cleaned up its act, there are still agents who need your business and might tell you want you want to hear in order to get it.

For instance, if you have your home valued by three different agents you may well get three prices that vary significantly.

One reason might be the agent really doesn`t know the area well, another might be they tell you an unreasonably high value to get your business.

An honest agent will give you an accurate valuation based on local market conditions at that time.

Best offer

You might wonder why any this really matters. Why not go on the market high and see what happens?

The fact is that if a property is priced too high it won`t get any offers and then need to be re-marketed at a reduced value. Potential buyers then see this as a `stale` property and it takes significantly longer to attract acceptable offers at a rate much lower than initially promised.

So it stands to reason that a good estate agent knows it`s in everyone`s best interests to give an honest valuation right at the start.

Likewise, there may be some problems that need to be brought to the seller`s attention that can easily be addressed. Let`s face it, no one likes to be told their home is a bit dated, or untidy, or in need of a little redecoration.

We know that if you take an honest approach and speak about these things it can help the seller achieve a better price, often with very little outlay. It`s just another example of honesty really being the best policy.

Trust

You need to trust someone who is selling your home for you. Trust is built on honesty. That`s why we`re happy to tell you that we have an honest approach, because it doesn`t reflect badly on other agents, it simply means we really do things our own way.

It`s an approach that seems to work - we`ve been helping people sell and buy homes in and around Worthing for more than a quarter of a century.

If you`d like to know more get in touch today - call 01903 501105, email us or pop in to visit us - our office is at 325 Goring Road, Goring by Sea BN12 4NX.

Fabulous Ferring - The Best Kept Seaside Secret in Sussex

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMT

We are one of the few estate agents who are truly local when it comes to Ferring. That`s why so many people trust us to sell their homes in this wonderfully unique little corner of Sussex.

When you discover Ferring it`s like stepping into a different world, somehow magical in its uniqueness.

There`s such a story to be told that it`s far too big for one blog. People have lived close by since the Stone Age and the earliest remains found in Ferring are from the Bronze Age around 1000 BC.

The parish has many Roman sites too, although it is from Saxon times that the village really seems to have taken on an identity of its own.

Ferring?

The name definitely has Saxon roots and shows it was the settlement of a leader called Ferra.

Most of Ferring`s documented history is provided by ecclesiastical records, manor courts and Parish registers. This means there is a wealth of material dating back centuries that gives an accurate picture of the village.

Villagers` crops are revealed in the tithes they paid to the relevant authorities and it wasn`t until 1836 that these were abolished and regular rents put in place.

Between 1841 and 1911 census return data provides rich detail, making it possible to trace individual families through successive generations to the modern day.

Modern Ferring

The population was around 250 for nearly all that period but things changed in the mid-1920s when transport links saw a boom in holiday homes along the Sussex coast.

By 1931 the West Drive/Ferringham Lane/Ocean Drive/South Drive area had many bungalows and the population grew to 795. The population tripled again before the outbreak of the Second World War and afterwards in the 1950s there was another spurt of building development. The population at the 2011 census was 4,480 and is still around that today.

You can find many more fascinating details about Ferring by clicking here

Seaside living

The shore at Ferring maintains a feel of the past as there is no road or paved walkway. In fact, the 1941 pillbox machine-gun post stands out because it is the only evidence of man-made construction along the still-wildly natural stretch of coastline. It is one of only two surviving pillboxes on the West Sussex Coast and one of the best preserved in the whole country.

Set just back from the beach you can find the fantastic Blue Bird Cafe
which is massively popular with the locals, while a walk west along the path or shingle also reveals some stunning beachfront houses.

With its unique atmosphere and close-knit community Ferring really does feel like a hidden secret that you can discover. It`s no wonder so many people want to live here.

If you`re thinking of buying or selling in Ferring talk to us - we`re local experts!

Call Richard on 01903 501105, email us
or pop into our nearby office at 325 Goring Road, Goring by Sea BN12 4NX.

Photo Credit: Nitin Tulswani (@nitintulswani)

The Upside to Downsizing Your Home

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMT

There are lots of reasons that people decide to move home and `downsizing` is sometimes a big factor. So called because it refers to selling a larger property and buying a smaller one, it can be a perfect solution for people in various scenarios.

It might be a way of reorganising finances, perhaps fuelled by a desire to become mortgage free or simply to release pent-up funds gained by rising property values over the years. It could also be driven by the realisation that your home might simply too big for your current needs.

Whatever the positive reasons for choosing to downsize, there are a number of things people worry about too.

Emotional experience

When you are deciding whether to move to a smaller property there can be a strong set of emotions you might be dealing with.

Leaving the home in which you`ve lived in for a long time and had become a part of your life will always have an impact. Memories will have been made and built up over the years, but these are things that will always be with you, wherever you live.

Downsizing can actually bring with it many positive emotions too, as it signals a whole new chapter in life, one that will make new happy memories.

Friends, family, familiarity

Part of our job as estate agents is to understand what our clients are going through. Everyone we help to sell or buy a home will have different reasons for moving and different hopes and concerns too.

Moving at a certain stage of life doesn`t mean losing touch with family, friends and the familiar locations that you have enjoyed for years. That`s one of the many ways we use our own skills and experience to help you, because there are plenty of opportunities to stay in Ferring, Goring and the wider Worthing area
when you make this type of move.

It really doesn`t have to mean you will be moving away from the areas, people and facilities that you know and love. We help people stay in the same location all the time.

Practicalities

Downsizing is often a sensible and thought-out solution to managing the practicalities of life.

Having a four bedroom home is a great idea where you`re bringing up a young family, but when they are now adults with their own lives a larger property can bring its own worries.

Simply keeping every clean and tidy can be a tough job, while heating bills are now a consideration for everyone. On top of that, rumoured changes to the way council tax charges are levied could be a major headache for some in the near future.

There are so many advantages to downsizing that it`s hard to fit them all into a blog - so call us on 01903 501 105, email us or come into our office at 325 Goring Road next time you`re passing. We can give you all the help and advice you need to come to an informed decision.

Choose the Right Estate Agent in Ferring and Goring

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Selling your home is a big decision to make. Once you`ve set your mind on it there`s another considerable one that quite naturally follows on - choosing your estate agent.

As with most things these days there`s a wide variety on offer! It`s pretty easy to rule out the tacky gimmicks, the `online only` and `no cost` options. Of course there are fees involved or they wouldn`t be trying to get your business - it`s just never transparent and will mostly end up costing you more.

Dealing with all that happens even before you get down to the basics of whether or not they can actually sell your property for you.

A real estate agent

Once the non-starters are out of the way you will be left with a number of professional, reputable options wherever you live. In and around Ferring and Goring it`s no different, with several firms competing for your business.

So how do you make the right choice?

A good recommendation is worth its weight in gold and that`s why we at Stafford Johnson are proud of our local reputation. We`ve built it up over more than a quarter of a century and it`s something that simply can`t be bought `off the shelf` by a new company.

Experience of selling in your local market is of course another key element that is needed. We have one office to concentrate on the area we know everything about - namely Goring and Ferring.

Better is not bigger

A big brand name often relies on a `shock and awe` approach in which they boast about how many offices they have and how many different parts of Sussex they operate in. The question to ask is how involved are they in your area?

Do they live in Ferring or Goring? Do they know the local market on a street by street basis? A fleet of flashy branded cars doesn`t mean much if the people driving them don`t know why someone would love to buy your home.

On a similar note, the biggest valuation you get might not be the best. That might sound counterintuitive, but sadly there are still some agents who will tell you your home is worth more than they know it is just to get your business.

This always leads to a price reduction further down the line and usually means many months of trying to find a buyer. Often the end result is moving to another agent who may well have given you a more realistic valuation in the first place!

Competition

Of course the world of estate agency is a competitive one. That`s true at any time, whether the local market is strong or slow.

Commission fees are the most common payment structure, where the agent receives a percentage of the sale price. It`s important to check what the fees include and if there are likely to be any additional costs to you.

At Stafford Johnson we pride ourselves on being clear and transparent about our costs - we don`t offer `premium packages` or additional marketing add-ons - every single one of our clients receives the same level of attention for our agreed fee. We offer a premium service as standard!

Our use of traditional values hand in hand with a modern approach means you have the benefits of forward-thinking marketing merged seamlessly with tried and tested methods.

That`s what sets us apart and makes us the right choice for anyone who wants to sell in Ferring and Goring. Call us on 01903 501105, email us or come into our office at 325 Goring Road to find out more.

Why Small Local Estate Agents Beat Big Brands

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Sometimes people fall for the old `bigger is better` illusion when it comes to professional services. In reality the opposite is usually the case, especially if you are choosing an estate agent to sell your home.

A big brand name means more employees, which always means less personalised attention. This usually comes with higher staff turnover too, which isn`t a good thing when your business is based on having experience at a hyper-local level.

In fact there are so many ways a small, local estate agent can beat their bigger rivals that we thought we`d write this blog about it!

Marketing

It stands to reason that a large chain is able to access financial resources and budgets that simply aren`t available to a smaller firm. Often this is a consequence of more successful offices and branches being used to support those in the same chain that are far less successful.

It also leads to a strange situation where the estate agency is spending more money, time and effort advertising themselves than they are on marketing your property.

At Stafford Johnson we have the experience to know that tried and tested traditional methods are always effective. When you then take the best of new contemporary innovations and mix it all together you have our unique marketing approach
.

We think this is a sensible way to do things, far better than simply falling for all the latest fads only to drop them a few months later.

Small is beautiful

We`re not saying that our single high street office is a more attractive building than any other, or that the people who work in it are better looking than other estate agents! What we do pride ourselves on is our ability to fully dedicate our working methods to the job in hand.

For instance, all of our team visits each of our properties so that they are able to answer any questions potential buyers may have. An agent with an ever-rotating larger pool of staff can`t offer this kind of personalised attention.

Bespoke

The same applies to tailoring what we do to each and every one of our clients - it`s a bespoke approach that, at the risk of pushing the metaphor, really isn`t the same as the `one size fits all` style of bigger brands.

This could apply in any number of ways. For instance, for whatever reason you might not want the whole neighbourhood knowing that you`re putting your home on the market . We offer a discreet way of working that doesn`t involve a team of agents in shiny blue suits and brown shoes turning up at your door in loudly branded cars.

It goes much further than that though - we are `people` people, we want to get to know you as individuals with your own unique plans and dreams. We`re simply there to help you achieve them.

In a big company of any kind there is always the push for staff to do things a certain way, which results in their clients being treated as all being the same. We do things differently.

All of this is why we`re the right choice for anyone who wants to sell their property in Ferring and Goring. Call us on 01903 501105, email us or come into our office at 325 Goring Road to find out more about your local property experts.

2024 Property Year in Review

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMT

At the start of every year pundits, commentators and speculators in the media make their forecasts for the next twelve months. The strange thing is that for the property market it is usually voices of doom and gloom that shout loudest.

Take the start of 2024 - nation-wide average new seller asking prices had seen the biggest December to January increase since 2020 and buyer demand in the first week was 5% higher year on year.

Yet still banks, building societies, surveyors and property portals were speaking of a tough year ahead.

Now as it comes to a close the reality is that we`ve actually had yet another extended period of strong activity. It has surprised some and proved many negative soothsayers very wrong indeed.

Benefits of Experience
Gaining local knowledge is one of the advantages of having served the community in and around Ferring and Goring for more than a quarter of a century.

As we said in our own forecast back in January "although the wider national picture always makes for good headlines, it`s what`s going on locally that really matters for anyone looking to move home."

The bigger economic picture will always have effects on property. One of our predictions at the start of 2024 was "inflation looks likely to drop and interest rates follow suit at some time this year." We suggested that this would lead to greater mortgage affordability which in turn always stimulates the market.

That`s one of the reasons we`ve seen such a strong end to the year, with sales agreed up by 29% and the number of potential buyers contacting agents 17% higher in October/November compared to the year before.

2025
All the statistics and data from this year mean little to anyone who is looking to move home early in 2025.

When it comes to our area, Ferring and Goring are highly desirable locations so homes of all kinds are always in demand. We see the proof of this every day and our feedback and reviews highlight how many people achieve their desired outcomes.

The simple fact is that people want to live here and for many different reasons other people will want to sell at any given time. The tricky part is matching the two and that`s where we come into the picture.

Having an estate agent who is truly local is the only way that both sellers and buyers can be confident they are in safe hands. It`s important because it gives peace of mind and effectively buffers against the twists and turns that every year brings to the market.

If you would like us to help you call 01903 501 105, email us or visit us in the office at 325 Goring Road, Goring by Sea BN12 4NX.

The Year Ahead For Property in 2025

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Having served the community in Ferring and Goring-by-sea as local estate agents since 1996 we`ve seen many changes in the property market in the area over the years.

One thing that`s been a New Year constant is the natural desire for people to ask us to predict what will happen in the twelve months to come.

The main point to remember when any property forecasts are made is that what`s happening at a national level isn`t always reflected in the local market.

With this in mind we`re happy to gaze into the tea leaves and give our crystal ball a polish - here`s our take on what`s likely to happen in 2025.

Moving

Our area is a highly desirable one and that means it will always have an active property market, simply because so many people want to live here. The other side of the coin is that others will always want to sell their home for any number of different reasons.

Working in such a dynamic local market means that it can often defy the `doom and gloom` portrayed in national news stories. This year though things do seem a little different, as many commentators and industry sources are predicting a busy and strong time ahead for a change!

On the up

Although 2024 ended with house prices higher than they were the year before it was a modest increase along the lines we had predicted in our blog back in last January.

Looking ahead we are going to see a "stronger year for prices in 2025" according to Rightmove. In fact their prediction of average new seller asking prices going up by 4% is their highest figure since 2021.

Elsewhere Zoopla anticipates a 2.5% increase and estimates that housing transactions will see a
5% increase overall compared to 2024.

This sounds like very good news indeed for sellers, but it does come with a caveat.

Price reductions

By the beginning of December last year 38% of properties for sale had at least one price reduction, according to Daily Telegraph.

When your home is marketed at a price that doesn`t attract offers it becomes `stale`, meaning that the pool of suitable buyers have likely been aware but rejected it. This leads estate agents to suggest a price reduction.

What`s missing in this equation is the importance of getting the valuation right at the start and it`s something that will certainly apply throughout 2025 too.

Making sure that you get an honest market appraisal from an experienced, established local expert estate agent is the only way to avoid this all-too common pitfall.

The fact is that neighbouring properties might command quite different prices due to many factors. A faceless chain-name agent will likely not have the local knowledge to fully understand this.

Big picture

As we predicted at the start of last year inflation came down, as did interest rates. Although more Bank of England base rate reductions are expected to be in the pipeline, there does seem to be a slightly more cautious approach emerging as to exactly when this will happen.

However, HSBC seems to be sticking with their earlier prediction that interest rates will come down to 2.75% at some point in 2025, which is a full 2% lower than the current figure.

If this is the type of reduction we can expect then that will be very good news for buyers indeed. And what`s good news for them is good news for sellers, and so it continues.

As always, there are certain to be unexpected developments along the way, some which will have positive impacts and some not, but in general confidence seems high amongst all parties that this year will be another strong one for property.

As an independent estate agent that specialises in Goring and Ferring property we are proud that our reputation and experience means such a great deal to our clients. Hopefully we can help you this year too.

Call 01903 501 105, email Richard or visit our office at 325 Goring Road BN12 4NX and find out why so many others value our no-nonsense straightforward approach.

Get To Know Goring-By-Sea Like a Local!

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Unless you already are a local, when you travel west along the Worthing seafront you probably won`t know where Goring begins. In essence, it`s much like Brighton and Hove`s relationship in that way.

In fact the similarities with the sister town eleven miles east along the coast are many, even though Worthing overall only has around a third as many residents as the city of Brighton and Hove.

We are the local estate agent for Goring so who better to tell you everything you need to know about this very special part of the Sussex coast?

Town square
Just as Brighton`s seafront actually does have a distinct demarcation point where it becomes Hove - the boundary line is marked by the famous King Edward Peace Statue - so it is that George V Avenue is where Worthing ends and Goring begins.

If you continue along the coast for another one and a half miles the middle of the famous Goring Gap, a protected area of fields and woodland, marks the boundary with Ferring.

Also around one and a half miles to the north, the A2032 is roughly the `top` border making Goring essentially quite a neat square town of its own!

High Street
Although Worthing town centre is only around two and a half miles away, there are plenty of local independent shops and eateries in Goring that means you really don`t need to bother going very far. The A259 cuts right to left across the middle and is essentially its very own high street, with classic style retail parades at both ends.

For pub fans, The Mulberry is a great local just at the top of Sea Lane, whilst a short walk along the famous Ilex Way takes you to The Bull`s Head on Goring Street, with its original beams and fireplaces dating from the 1600s. For those who prefer a freshly brewed coffee, lunch or afternoon cake, The Verandah Cafe Bar is a much loved destination for local residents and an independent family run business at the eastern end of Goring Road.

The Seaside
Called Goring-by-Sea mainly to differentiate our location from Goring-on-Thames in South Oxfordshire, the coastline however does play a big part in the day to day life of the community here.

Classic beach huts and the ever popular Sea Lane Café right on the beachfront set the scene, whilst the shingle beach itself is the perfect out of doors setting for everyone from kite surfers to dog walkers.

Having already mentioned the Goring Gap, its protected status reflects the importance of local wildlife habitats, providing a corridor from the sea to further inland that allows nature to literally run wild.

Property matters
With all this going for it you might be surprised to find that property in Goring covers a wide range of different possibilities for all budgets, from bungalows to iconic Art Deco residences and charming period properties there`s plenty to choose from.

As the local estate agents with more than a quarter of a century`s worth of experience helping people sell and buy homes in Goring, we can help you make the most of its enduring appeal.

So whether you`re thinking of upsizing, downsizing, renovating or moving straight in, call 01903 501 105, email Richard or visit us at our office at 325 Goring Road to find out more.

Why Local Community is Important to an Estate Agent

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMT

The old proverb charity begins at home is sometimes misunderstood although at heart it`s a positive message. For estate agents, whose day to day work revolves around people and their homes, it is a saying that carries particular importance.

Any business which is involved in dealing with members of the local community should always do their best to play a positive role helping others wherever possible. That`s why at Stafford Johnson we`re proud to be taking part in supporting The Sussex Cancer Fund this month and the Goring by Sea Methodist Church 80th Anniversary Flower and Craft Show in June.

Local matters
We`ve been helping people to buy and sell homes in Ferring, Goring and West Worthing for more than a quarter of a century. During that time we`ve met so many people who love our area and understand exactly why it is such a desirable place to live.

One of the things that stands out is the sense of community that people have. That might show itself by helping keep the local environment in such great shape, or by taking an active role in looking after the wellbeing of those less fortunate than themselves. Whatever the actions are, they are all tied together by the thread of wanting to make life better for others in the community.

Get togethers
Local communities are built around the idea of coming together. Whether that is to take part in a particular activity or simply to just talk and communicate with other people, it`s that sense of being involved that makes all the difference.

We`re hosting a coffee morning at our office on Goring Road on Friday 14th March to support The Sussex Cancer Fund. It`s an important cause that many people in our area have benefited from and we`re hoping to raise much needed funds and awareness for them, so please pop along if you can.

Stereotype image
We love being estate agents but don`t like the classic stereotype image that many people still have about those who work in our profession.

Our day to day job is essentially helping people to go through what can be a stressful, although ultimately very rewarding process. Moving home, whether you are buying, selling or both, is one of those `big moments` in life that usually doesn`t happen too often to people.

It`s something we always remember and we like to think that sets us apart from others in the same job.

That`s why we`re proud to be part of the community and play an active role in helping wherever and whenever we can.

Call 01903 501 105, email Richard or visit us at our office at 325 Goring Road to find out more.

Richard Davis - Your Local Goring Estate Agent

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Being an estate agent is all about knowing your local area and those who live there. It`s a job that only a `people person` can do well.

If you live in Ferring, Goring or anywhere towards the west side of Worthing you might already recognise Richard Davis because he`s been helping people buy and sell homes here for more than 30 years.

Growing up in an area doesn`t make you a specialist in the local property market but it does help. In today`s world of so many professional services being carried out solely online, personal contact and human interaction really matters even more.

At Stafford Johnson we put a great deal of importance on the human side of things. When you talk to a member of our team you are communicating with a real person, not an AI bot!

In his own words...

My name is Richard Davis and I`m Sales Director at Stafford Johnson Estate Agents in Goring. I started working here as a negotiator in May 2005. Over the years we`ve built up a reputation as the go-to independent local estate agent, specialising in Goring by Sea, Ferring and the west Worthing area.

I`ve been in estate agency my entire working life, since starting as a trainee negotiator at 16 years old. I am passionate about what I like to call good old fashioned estate agency, which basically means using my knowledge and expertise of selling property built up over 35 years.

Of course, that also includes embracing the advances in new technology - my laser tape measure makes life much easier measuring properties! – It goes much further though when you start to talk about the constant flow of new marketing techniques.

That sums up exactly how Stafford Johnson stands apart from others - the service we provide is forward thinking, whilst always remembering that tried and tested traditional methods also still have great value.

One aspect of that is teamwork. I am lucky to be working alongside exceptional people who all have many years of local knowledge and estate agency experience.

Being local...

Goring is simply just a great place to be. It`s by the sea and the South Downs are so close too, it`s got the best of both worlds. Personally, most of my family are here too, which is why I feel so close to the area.

There`s so much to talk about in terms of what`s on offer - the Sea Lane Café for coffee, cake and the best views! The Verandah on Goring Road do a great lunch (and even better as it`s right across the road from our office), Kendricks in Ferring supply the best coffee in Sussex... there`s so many other things I could mention.

Outside of property I`m also a qualified group fitness instructor, so I love teaching classes at Worthing & Splashpoint Leisure Centres. I`m a big believer in keeping in shape, and one of my proudest moment was achieving a personal best time of 1 hour and 51 minutes for a half marathon.

Perhaps my strangest non-property related claim to fame is that I used to play keyboards in a band and we once played Wembley the same night as David Bowie!

Connections

Being a successful local estate agent is all about making connections. Whether that`s supporting charities and causes that do great work in the community or simply knowing so many people by name because we`ve helped them in our own way, it all comes down to making connections.

Talking about things in detail is really important, so if you`d like to find out more about our unique way of doing things call 01903 501 105, email us or pop into the office at 325 Goring Road, Goring by Sea BN12 4NX

`Sold` Isn`t The End Of Your Estate Agent`s Work!

Mon, 05 May 2025 12:00:00 GMT

It`s a great feeling when you accept an offer on your home. Seeing a `For Sale` sign changed to `Sold` or ‘Spoken For` can be quite a relief for you and it also shows your estate agent has done a good job... so far...

It`s a shocking statistic, but in 2024 around 30% of property transactions `fell through` and didn`t proceed to completion. This can happen for many different reasons, some of them are totally unpredictable and to be honest quite impossible to avoid.

However, in many cases it simply comes down to your estate agent taking their foot off the pedal and not seeing things through to completion with dedication and more hard work!

Stale properties

Facing going back on the market to try and sell all over again can be tough to deal with. What`s more, it often leads to missing out on the new home you wanted to move to yourself
. Even worse, your home might now look `stale` to potential buyers who might think there is a problem with the property itself.

We believe that one of the key things that separates a good estate agent from a bad one is the effect that `Sold` sign can have. A big chain that has a multitude of properties `on the books` might simply mark it down as `done` and move on to the next.

When you choose an independent local business like ours you know that we will do our very best to make sure your sale goes all the way to moving day. It`s something we think our clients should expect us to do.

It`s also worth remembering that the work we`ve put into getting that `sold` sign up doesn`t earn us anything - we don`t get paid until the keys change hands!

Sales Progression

So there is a lot of work that still has to take place and it`s known as `sales progression`. It is as important as any other aspect of what a good estate agent does and we place a very high value on doing it well.

The first way we can minimise the risk of a sale falling through is by advising sellers on which offer to accept. We make sure we weed out buyers who do not have the funds or might be in too difficult a position to be serious contenders. A complicated property chain is one of the biggest reasons for the fall through rate being as high as it is.

Solving problems

Few things in life are totally problem free and selling homes is certainly not one of them!

A buyer`s survey can often cause a hiccup by bringing to light an issue. However, there are few things that can`t be solved with a little negotiation and experience. That`s one of the areas where our knowledge that`s been built up over a quarter of a century of selling homes in the area really comes into its own.

A slow solicitor or a local government search can sometimes hinder proceedings, but these are also things we`re highly experienced in looking after on behalf of our clients.

In fact, most of the things that can crop up usually have simple solutions, but you need an agent who is looking after your interests and is really on top of their brief to make sure a small drama doesn`t become a full blown crisis.

We`re here for you

We think it`s heartbreaking that almost a third of people who think their sale is done and dusted have to suffer the added stress and pressure of a fall-through.

One of the reasons that we`ve built up such a strong reputation in West Worthing, Goring and Ferring is because people know we care - and we see things through.

Call 01903 501 105, email us or visit us at our office at 325 Goring Road to find out why choosing an independent local estate agent is the best way to minimize the risk of your sale falling through.

How to Move to a New Location Properly

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Moving to a new area can apply to both sellers and buyers. When you make the change to living in a new location it can be due to many different reasons and it`s always a big step to take.

Sometimes work-related matters can influence a change of place, other times it may be to do with family developments. Whether it`s for a new job, a growing family or a move to a long-held dream home in a special place, it will be a new chapter in your life.

Moving to or moving away from somewhere both have different impacts and things that need to be taken into account, especially when the locations involved are as special as West Worthing, Goring by Sea and Ferring!

Moving to...
The first thing to be settled when you`re moving into a new area is where you are actually going to live! Finding and choosing your new home is an exciting thing to do and one that gives us great joy to be involved with.

The satisfaction that comes from finding a buyer the right home is a big part of what makes being an estate agent so worthwhile. At Stafford Johnson we pride ourselves on our local knowledge and extensive experience - it`s something that an online portal simply can`t compete with.

Schools, transport links and other services and amenities will all be things that can play a part in choosing a new area to live in and we`re here to let you know the answers to any questions you might have.

After you`ve made your move there`s still lots to do before you really feel at home. Simple things such as knowing where the nearest branch of your favourite supermarket might be, or learning how to navigate the school run in the quickest way, or maybe just finding a pub that you want to make your new `local` - it`s all part and parcel of moving to a new location.

Moving from...
When it comes to moving away from a great area such as ours it can be hard. The familiarity built up over years, the local shops and business that you`ve grown to know, just the feeling of being `at home` that you`re become so used to - all of these things can be difficult to deal with.

Of course, depending on why you`re selling you might be able to look at staying nearby. For instance, downsizing doesn`t have to mean leaving a place that you love just to find a more manageable property.

That`s another way that we can help - we`ve been serving our local community for more than a quarter of a century, so we know how much the area means to people.

Take it easy...
Taking the stress out of buying and selling a home is what we do every day. However, making sure that a move goes smoothly entails much more than simply matching a seller with a buyer and waiting for completion day.

Dealing with solicitors, local searches, property chains and unpredictable events can all be stressful for someone who is already under the strain of moving to a different location. We`re customer focused because we know it`s our job to take the weight off your shoulders in whatever way we can.

If you`re thinking of selling in West Worthing, Goring or Ferring, or you`ve fallen in love with our area and want to move here, then talk to us today. We`re the local independent property experts and we`ll help you move properly.

Call 01903 501 105, email us or visit us at our office at 325 Goring Road.

Flying High in Goring By Sea!

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT

One of the great things about living in and around West Worthing is the miles of coastline that runs through to Ferring. Typical shingle pebbles interspersed with wooden groynes, along with wide stretches of sand exposed at high tide, it all comes together to make a pristine example of a classic West Sussex beach.

Popular with dog walkers, nature lovers and anyone looking for a relaxing experience at any time of the year, there`s also another aspect of Goring beach that may come as a surprise - it`s an extremely popular windsurfing location!

Picture the scene
The layout of the area is well suited for watersports because just back from the beach is a path lined with traditional wooden beach huts, so there`s an element of seclusion. Then there`s a large wide grassy area before you get to the road, so it`s a very different scenario from central Worthing where you will find a more traditional British seaside promenade.

Here in Goring instead of amusement arcades or beaches crowded with holiday makers it`s more likely that you`ll find fishing boats with fresh for sale and windsurfers!

From the beach it`s only a short walk to reach the laid back feel of Goring town centre with its selection of shops and cafes, although the famous Sea Lanes cafe is right on the beach so you don`t really need to look elsewhere.

Sea breeze
It`s not so much that it`s particularly windy here at any given time of the year, it`s more that the sea breeze is just right for creating the conditions for safe windsurfing.

At the Goring end of this long beach there`s a car park next to the Sailing Club
, which is the focus of activity. Windsurf Magazine notes that the ideal winds are east through the south to west and conditions range from those suitable for newcomers right through to those challenging enough for professionals.

A very gentle sloping seabed means that launching or landing at low tide can involve a long walk across a patchwork of rocks and sand, so a spare fin can come in handy for the shallow conditions after reaching the water – a potential fin wrecking experience!

At high tide the slope compliments sailing as the least choppiest water in the area is to be found here, according to the magazine.

Perfect place
Kitesurfing is restricted to clearly marked zones around Worthing and the large grassy area at Goring beach is perfect for setting-up and launching. These are only two of the reasons the sport has made such a home here, because intermediates and above, flat water cruisers, wingfoilers, kite loopers and wave riders can all find conditions suited to their preferences.

It`s a popular pastime with locals too, as there`s no noise pollution or exhaust fume by-product of this graceful pastime. In fact, watching the colourful spectacle can make for a relaxing and enjoyable time for anyone.

As local property experts it`s our job to know all about the different aspects of our area that add to the overall appeal. If you`re interested in selling or buying a home in and around West Worthing, Goring and Ferring talk to us - call 01903 501 105, email Richard or pop in to see us at our office at 325 Goring Road.

Why Teamwork is Essential for a Local Estate Agency

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMT

When you choose an independent local estate agent to sell your home you`ve made the right choice. As well as getting the benefit of their in-depth knowledge of the area, you`ll also have a close knit team working on your behalf.

In fact, this element of teamwork is what sets a local agency apart from a franchised `big name` chain.

Better Customer Service
At Stafford Johnson we`ve always placed the highest emphasis on customer satisfaction. When a team is working together properly the client is obviously going to receive better service than if staff are working in competition with each other to get commission based results.

Everyone in our office brings different skills to create the whole and that means each one can tap into another`s expertise to get the best outcomes. Essentially it`s a case of different personnel each with the same shared goal - which is basically how all the best and most successful teams operate.

Sharing the load
Each member of our Stafford Johnson team knows all about every property we sell. That means when you speak to us you don`t have to wait for someone else to take your call.

It also allows us to share the work load so that no single member of staff gets overwhelmed with anything from going on viewings through to the myriad of paperwork our job entails. For our clients, the result is that things get done faster and more efficiently than in a company with a different approach.

Networking
In the estate agency business building up networks is key to success. That might include working with mortgage brokers, property solicitors, planning departments, local council clearances and much more. Essentially, established local connections can make things happen and having a team that works together and shares their contacts is the optimal way to do it.

This goes further too - having a self-supporting team based in one office allows everyone to maximise each others` potential, simply by being there to offer help and `get stuck in` when needed.

Motivation
Working for some estate agencies can be a soulless job. When the office environment is based around competition amongst staff, with a results-fixated commission culture, any prospect of teamwork will be non-existent.

On the other side of the coin, a good team provides support for each other and helps keep motivation and morale levels high. It creates a happier, more productive workspace and allows each member of staff to shine

Expansion
Obviously, at certain points success leads to growth and teams get bigger as an independent agency finds itself being busier and with greater demands on the team.

Having a strong and established office culture helps this to happen with the best possible results. A team that already knows what it is doing and how to work together can offer new additions a springboard that allows them to hit the ground running.

It makes it far easier to maintain an already high standard of customer service as the business grows and expands.

At Stafford Johnson we know that our strong team ethic is one of the reasons we`ve been so successful in serving our clients in West Worthing, Goring and Ferring over the past quarter of a century. We are proud that our traditional approach includes putting a high value on collaboration and working together with the same aim - making sure that our clients get the results they want!

As we move forward into our next 25 years we know that we`ve built a strong base for the future.

So If you`re interested in selling or buying a home in and around West Worthing, Goring and Ferring do talk to us first - call 01903 501105, email Richard or come in to see the team at 325 Goring Road.

The Power of Words and the Human Touch

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMT

The old saying of `a picture paints a thousand words` came well before the online era. Today it seems that memes, gifs and short videos are the modern shorthand for those with short attention spans.

When it comes to selling homes, of course images matter. The big internet property portals are the gateway for many buyers and an attractive, professionally shot photograph is essential to grab initial interest.

However, in many cases it is the words that accompany the pictures that really draw potential buyers in and make them want to book a viewing.

Selling a lifestyle
It`s an open secret in the world of estate agency that our job often involves selling a lifestyle that goes with a property.

It`s simple when you think about it. A young family might be more interested in what Ofsted makes of the local schools than how many cars they can fit in the garage, whilst a couple downsizing might actually want a smaller more manageable garden.

Then there are other aspects such as commuting, local amenities, access to beaches or open spaces and so on. All of these things can come together in a different mix for each potential buyer - and the only way they`ll find out about them is by reading the words that go with the images.

Words sell homes
When 95% of buyers find their next property online it`s obvious that listings need to be carefully crafted to include expertly written descriptions.

In today`s world it`s already far too easy to use a free online AI to write something. You might be surprised at how many estate agents already use these applications for their content, with everything from property listings to letters and emails being `written` by an automated process.

This goes against everything we stand for! At Stafford Johnson we have always taken great pride in our person to person, face to face human touch. It has always been something that has set us apart from others and today it is even more important.

Our property descriptions tell you the story of a home, how it stands out from other properties in the area, what the location has to offer and sets out why it will appeal to buyers who will be serious about making the right offer.

Say no to AI
This is something that an AI simply can`t do. The fact that it is simply an algorithm, albeit a very sophisticated one, means that it can never truly create anything. It will always simply rewrite what it has `read` online.

For a lazy estate agent this is absolutely perfect - it even saves them the bother of personally copy and pasting a previous or similar listing!

For us it is unthinkable to use a tool that simply has no appreciation of what it is writing about, or how the property might appeal to a real person.

Modern methods
Having said all of this, of course we are not Luddites. We embrace new ways of doing things and mix them with our tried and tested traditional methods. But one thing always has to be clear - our values will not be compromised, and chief among them is giving all of our clients a truly personalised service.

If you are thinking of selling your home in and around West Worthing, Goring and Ferring talk to us - we`re real people! Call 01903 501105, email Stewart or come in to see us in the office at 325 Goring Road.

It`s Called `The Property Market` For a Reason

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Anyone who has walked along the beach westwards from Worthing, along past Goring to Ferring knows how it changes season by season.

This year it`s been quite a fast and smooth transition from summer to autumn and the local landscape reflects this beautifully. It`s just one of the many reasons that people choose to live in our area.

The property market also has seasonal changes that are usually quite predictable and these apply nationwide and on a local level too.

The thing that is sometimes overlooked is that the word `market` is used for a reason when it comes to buying and selling homes and that`s all due to the old laws of supply and demand.

Market values

As anyone who has used online auction sites knows, something is only ever `worth` what a potential buyer is willing to pay for it!

Thankfully in the vast majority of cases selling a home doesn`t involve an actual auction, but market activity at any given time does weigh heavily on how things work.

When there is limited supply, whoever is selling can expect to charge a premium price due to the competition amongst buyers to purchase their desired item. When there is an abundance of similar items for sale it becomes a `buyers market` where choice is high and the chance to pick and choose is available.

It`s literally the law of the marketplace, whereby one stall will sell more if their produce is priced more accurately than that of a rival.

Market data

The latest industry benchmark data from Rightmove reports that average new seller asking prices are 0.1% below those of this time last year.

Even so, prices are actually up by a very small margin of 0.4%. When you judge that against the expected seasonal average uptick of 0.6%, it becomes obvious that we have a relatively stable market right now.

The number of sales being agreed is up around 4% nationally too, so activity is healthy. Buyers have been helped by the Bank of England interest rate cuts over the past year leading to cheaper mortgages.

This improvement to buyer affordability has helped keep the market stable, but the high numbers of properties for sale is where things start to get interesting.

Competition

For the past few months there have been a decade-high number of properties for sale. Following supply and demand rules, this naturally means that sellers are effectively in competition with each other.

Taking into account relatively static house prices, rising wages and lower mortgage rates, this definitely puts potential buyers in the better position when it comes to being choosy about which properties they choice to offer to purchase.

Although it`s not quite a `buyers market`, anyone wishing to sell a property needs to be aware of the current situation and that means they must go on the market with an attractive asking price.

Local matters

Of course what really matter to our clients is how this really effects them in West Worthing, Goring and Ferring. The fact is, all of the talk about `market forces` and supply and demand is as relevant on a local level as it is on a national one.

The only way that you can possibly know what your home is worth `on the market` at any given time is to ask for a valuation from an experienced local estate agent.

At Stafford Johnson we`ve been serving our local community for more than a quarter of a century. We know our area, we know the people who live here and we know why so many want to buy a home here too.

So if you want to sell your home in a crowded marketplace talk to us -

Call 01903 501 105, email Stewart or come in to see us for a chat in our office at 325 Goring Road.

Over a Quarter of a Century Old and Still Moving Forward

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

At Stafford Johnson we have been helping people sell and buy their homes in Goring, Ferring and all over the greater Worthing area for more than a quarter of a century. Our reputation for transparency, results and good old fashioned hard work built up over that time is second to none.

We are also known for our unique blend of tried and tested traditional methods used together with the most modern and up to date ways of doing things. It`s what has always set us apart from others.

Over the past three years we`ve been working closely with another local estate agent with the same work ethic and values, offering the very best service to clients of both companies. It now seems a very natural progression to make this bond even stronger by fully merging our teams and combining our resources.

So it`s with great pleasure and excitement that we announce that going forward we will all be operating out of our newly extended office on Goring Road under the new banner of `Matthew Anthony incorporating Stafford Johnson`.

Changes

When Neil Stafford and Ian Johnson decided to join forces and launch a brand new company in 2000 it was an exciting time. The turn of a century will always have a feeling in the air and the two experienced estate agents tapped into a positive and creative wave to create their new business.

Focusing exclusively on the local Goring and Ferring communities, the name Stafford Johnson soon became known for getting results and treating clients and customers with the utmost respect.

Over the past twenty five years we have continued to honour Ian and Neil`s ethics even after they themselves have passed on the baton.

Of course, changing with the times is something that any business must do in order to be competitive and continue to provide a first class service. In fact, here at Stafford Johnson we have always taken pride in having created a unique mix of merging traditional values and methods with brand new cutting edge ways of doing things.

Quarter of a century

The whole of society has undergone great changes in the first quarter of this century. The internet is now a fundamental part of how we do so many day to day activities and communications and marketing methods have evolved greatly over a relatively short space of time.

Looking back it`s hard to believe that when Neil and Ian started the company smartphones didn`t exist and the online property portals were still years away from becoming reality.

Today the notion of looking into an estate agent`s shop window and asking for a printed brochure is certainly not the first thing most people moving home will do, but both still do have a role to play.

It`s this kind of pragmatic mix of old and new ways of doing things that has helped us make such a name for ourselves in our area. It`s also something that will continue as we move forward as part of a larger team.

Same place, new times...

The last few years that we`ve been working closely with the team at Matthew Anthony have shown both companies that sharing responsibilities really does benefit clients. Estate agents are by nature `people people` so all being based in one location makes for far more efficiency than communicating between two offices.

When the space next to our office on Goring Road became vacant it was decided that we would expand and take on the extra space to accommodate both teams.

So we will be moving forward into 2026 by making exciting changes whilst also staying in the same place. It`s almost a perfect way to sum up the last twenty five years of the way Stafford Johnson has always mixed the old and new to create something special.