The events of 2016 are likely to send ripple effects into the coming years, and we can expect Baby Boomers to begin making way for Millennials in what appears to be a major generational shift of attitudes. For how these and other factors will impact real estate, we wanted to share this Market Comment from London courtesy of Nick Churton of Robert Paul Properties’ London office with you… Continue reading
Most of our news channels are focused on the presidential election, but across the pond in the UK they face a referendum in June as to whether they stay in the European Union or not. Needless to say it could have implications on the housing market amongst everything else so we wanted to share this Market Comment from Nick Churton of Robert Paul Properties’ London office with you…
Something significant is happening in Cape Cod’s luxury home market, and it is benefiting sellers and buyers alike. The “luxury market,” which is defined as the top 10% of the market, comes in at $2 million and above on Cape Cod. 2007 was the Cape’s best year for luxury sales, but a surge in high-end activity has propelled 2012 into potential record-setting territory.
Luxury sales through May 31, 2007 were 31 sales with a volume of $178 million. As of May 31, 2012 there have been 30 sales with a volume of $180 million. Furthermore, the average luxury sale price in 2012 is $3.03 million compared to $2.86 million in 2007. By the end of 2007, there were 94 sales over $2 million, with a total volume of $600 million. Only time will tell if 2012 can hit that extraordinary benchmark, but the early indicators are quite promising.
How can you explain this rejuvenation? “Confidence,” says Paul Grover of Robert Paul Properties. “We haven’t seen this type of buyer confidence since 2005. Some premium listings are receiving multiple offers, buyers are placing back-up offers on estates they were watching but missed, and deals are closing nearer to the asking price.” And it’s happening throughout the Cape. Osterville and Chatham have anchored the high-end market for the past decade (Osterville has sold 30 homes over $5 million and Chatham has sold 10), but other towns have joined the list. Orleans and Yarmouth Port have achieved landmark sales in 2012 at $5.7 million and $6 million, respectively.
Robert Paul Properties is at the epicenter of the Cape’s luxury home market and reports an unprecedented flurry of activity in May alone. “The beachfront properties are drawing younger families to the Cape once again,” notes Robert Kinlin. “Moderating prices and the potential scarcity of exceptional offerings in the future has helped savvy buyers understand that market conditions are now optimal.” While the $10 million benchmark for the sale of an individual estate has not yet been broken in 2012, Mr. Kinlin expects to see several such sales by the end of the year.
Buyers are also drawn to the Cape’s luxury market due to the unique investment opportunity. Inventory levels are essentially unchanged over the past four quarters, but Mr. Grover observes there is greater movement with new listings more accurately priced compared to what came on in 2010 and 2011. “Sellers are much more realistic,” he says. “We now have complimentary sales to point to and determine correct prices.” With incredibly low interest rates and volatile capital markets, it is clear that the increasing price stability of high-end real estate makes the present a compelling time to come off the sidelines.
Since 2007, consumers have become more sophisticated and informed. The advent of real estate websites and databases have allowed potential buyers to conduct their own extensive due diligence. At the same time, buyers recognize the value of on-the-ground expertise and wisdom, which accounts for a shift away from large corporate brokerage agencies to boutique firms with an established market presence.
In 2009, Robert Kinlin and Paul Grover opened Robert Paul Properties with a new vision for luxury real estate sales. “People told us we were crazy for starting a company in the middle of a recession,” Mr. Grover recalls, “but we knew we were offering something different.” Mr. Kinlin and Mr. Grover hand-picked a roster of experienced agents who could contribute to a team-first culture of delivering comprehensive service while obtaining strong results for clients.
In 2011, Robert Paul Properties ranked number one on Cape Cod with $130 million in home sales over $1 million. The company may have started during a recession, but a sound and unique model has positioned them to best help clients navigate the rising tide in luxury real estate.
About Robert Paul Properties
Robert Paul Properties, owned by Robert Kinlin and Paul Grover, is the most recognized and respected name in luxury real estate across Cape Cod and the South Coast. Built on a tradition of excellence and fueled by an elite team of talented agents, Robert Paul Properties is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World™ with offices in Barnstable, Chatham, Falmouth, Osterville, Marion and Provincetown. Their extensive portfolio of waterfront, village and golf course properties is available at www.robertpaul.com.
BostonHerald.com’s Real Estate article – High-end home sales surging – says that according to market data provided from MLS PIN “The volume of Massachusetts residential sales increased in the third quarter by 13 percent compared to the same period last year, creating an overall picture of stability in the Bay State’s housing market.”
BostonHerald.com features the largest home sold in the third quarter – a luxury property listed in Osterville with Robert Kinlin of Robert Paul Properties for $13.5 million and on the market for 157 days.
This spectacular waterfront estate is sited on 11.2 acres overlooking North Bay in the Seapuit area of Osterville with 22 rooms, 11,500 square feet of living area with top-of-the-line appliances, custom detail work and panoramic water vistas. Its features include a private dock and in-ground pool, surrounded by lush gardens.
The luxury waterfront property was sold for $11.6 million. Bob Kinlin said, “Buyers with money to spend are bolstering the luxury end of the market, which is showing improvement.”
Read the complete article by Jennifer Athas at
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/real_estate/view/2011_1007high-end_homesales_surging on www.bostonherald.com
Multiple Listing Service, Property Information Network, MLS PIN is Realtor® owned and the largest Multiple Listing Service in New England and one of the largest in the nation.
Robert Kinlin and his business partner Paul Grover are recognized as leaders in the sale of waterfront properties and luxury real estate and have sold some of the most expensive and prestigious homes on Cape Cod, the Islands, and South Coast of Massachusetts. Their company, Robert Paul Properties is a boutique real estate firm with six offices and over fifty experienced agents dedicated to creating outstanding results and providing luxury service at every price.
