Many Villars property owners arrive with a plan, often centred around family skiing and a few winter seasons. Yet 15 or 25 years later, many are still here. Ease of access, a growing love for summer living, and the emotional pull of the landscape mean selling is rarely rushed. For many, letting go is less about timing the market and more about waiting for the moment, and the buyer, that feels right.

A property agreed this week for less than it sold for in 2018 tells a bigger story about today’s market.

Not one of bad luck, but of bad advice.

Overpricing to win instructions has quietly eroded trust in valuations across the industry. Inflated figures, online guesswork, and post-Covid hangovers have left sellers chasing numbers the market was never willing to pay. By the time reality catches up, momentum is lost and credibility goes with it.

Markets rise and fall. That’s normal.

What shouldn’t be normal is valuing property to flatter rather than to advise.

Because honest pricing at the start is always cheaper than false confidence over time.

A tenanted property left in poor condition doesn’t need hope or haste. It needs clarity. Why rushing to market rarely works, and why condition is just as important as price when positioning a property for sale.

George Street in Birmingham was my unofficial training ground. From managing short stay offices to redeveloping the building into six apartments, it was where I learned the fundamentals of property and made some of my earliest bold decisions.

A brief return to Switzerland proved to be both grounding and energising. From reconnecting with trusted local advisers to reigniting long standing client relationships, this visit marked the quiet beginning of an exciting new phase. With a longer stay ahead and a selection of exceptional chalets already mandated, momentum is building in the mountains once again.

Yesterday’s Budget gave the market something it has been craving for months. Clarity. And with clarity comes confidence. While we may not see an overnight surge, we will see a gradual return of activity as buyers, sellers and developers finally understand the playing field. The next few weeks will be about sentiment settling, decisions being made and momentum starting to build again. This is the moment where informed strategy matters more than ever.

Murfo has begun an exciting new project on Norton Green Lane, transforming a traditional family home through a full refurbishment, loft conversion and complete reconfiguration of the internal layout. The redesign will create a modern, intuitive and beautifully balanced space that supports everyday family life.

Dominic Murphy has stepped into a new chapter as Founder and Non-Executive Director of DM & Co., marking a planned evolution in the business. With a strong leadership team in place, Dom will now focus on expanding Murfo’s portfolio of property, design and development ventures while continuing to advise and support DM & Co. at board level.

As the UK approaches Budget day, much of the commentary around the property market has turned cautious. Yet the view from inside the market tells a very different story. At DM & Co. Homes, part of the wider Murfo group, we are seeing motivated sellers, engaged buyers, and stable demand. What we are experiencing is not a lack of confidence, but a short pause as homeowners wait for clarity. Well presented and well priced homes continue to sell, and the fundamentals of the market remain strong. Once the Budget is delivered, the clarity it brings is likely to unlock a renewed wave of activity. There is far more to be positive about than the headlines suggest.

Team Murfo took part in the Birmingham MoRun this November, running 10k in 1 hour and 12 minutes to raise awareness for men’s mental health. Dominic and Cherie were joined by Cherie’s father, Kev, for their second year supporting Movember — a cause close to their hearts.

murfo is proud to sponsor the Olympickle Games: Rally for Matt — a full day of fun, games, and community spirit in support of the Matt Gallagher Foundation. Together, we’re helping raise funds and awareness for those living with Motor Neurone Disease.

First impressions really do count when selling your home. At murfo, we help homeowners make small yet impactful changes that boost appeal and add value. From fresh paint and thoughtful detailing to creative design touches, these simple updates can transform how buyers see your property — proving that great design truly delivers.

There are some decisions you simply cannot make from behind a screen. Recently, we took clients to London to experience furniture first-hand — to sit, touch, and truly feel the pieces that would become part of their home. Choosing a sofa is about more than style; it’s about comfort, emotion and how your family lives day to day. By taking the time to test and explore, our clients discovered the difference between “nice” and “perfect.” And with the added benefit of designer guidance and trade-only pricing, it became clear that good design is not just about how things look, but how they live.

Quick Wins Consult is designed for homeowners who want maximum impact with minimal effort. Whether you are refreshing your current space or preparing your property for sale, this focused consultation gives you clear, practical advice on the small changes that make the biggest difference. From layout tweaks and styling tips to affordable touch ups that elevate presentation, Quick Wins Consult is a real win win — helping you love your home again or achieve the best price on the market.

It’s often the smallest details that leave the greatest impression. Explore how carefully chosen finishes — in homes, bars, or restaurants — transform design into lived experience.

No two journeys are ever the same. Some clients approach us seeking design advice and furniture supply to refresh a single room; others require a comprehensive refurbishment - whether a family home, a boutique restaurant, or a private bar. The scale and setting may vary, but our commitment to detail and quality remains constant.

A blueprint may map the structure, but true design lives in the atmosphere — the flow, the light, the materials. Discover how we move beyond drawings to create spaces that simply feel right.

Murfo Spaces is our way of opening the studio doors and sharing the stories behind our work. From elegant family homes to distinctive restaurants and bars, every project begins with a vision and evolves into an atmosphere. Here, we’ll explore the craftsmanship, principles, and details that transform a space into something extraordinary.