London Property South February 2018 by TypeStart Ltd

LONDON PROPERTY

HOUSE & HOME

FEBRUARY 2018

LONG-TERM RENTALS

Now a lifestyle choice

ONTHE HOUSE

How to profit from your home

Loved it, now listing it Inspiring cottage renovation in Barnes South Cover.indd 1

COUNTRY from page 105

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MOVE. Faster. Sell with Knight Frank. Our understanding of the everchanging market enables us to price your property accurately, so you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving. Call us today to arrange your free market appraisal. KnightFrank.co.uk/clapham clapham@knightfrank.com 020 8022 6116 Guide price: £2,750,000

Clapham Common North Side, Clapham SW4 A charming Georgian family house with views over Clapham Common. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, dining room, dressing room, utility room, guest cloakroom, garden, off street parking. EPC: E. Approximately 284.7 sq m (3,065 sq ft). clapham@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8022 6116

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £1,200,000

Clapham Common South Side, Clapham SW4 A spectacular split level apartment with a private terrace opposite Clapham Common. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, eat-in kitchen, study, guest cloakroom, store room, roof terrace. EPC: E. Approximately 114 sq m (1,227 sq ft). clapham@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8022 6116

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Property Review South Sales - Feb 2018 SALES

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A VERY IMPORTANT DECISION We pride ourselves on exceptional service and unrivalled market knowledge, with a global network of 418 offices across 60 countries that can showcase your property to the widest possible audience. To arrange for a free market appraisal, please call us on 020 3641 5936 or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/battersea

Guide price: £675,000

Palm House, Southwark SE11 A well-proportioned and well-presented 2 bedroom apartment on the second floor of this purpose built development in Vauxhall. 2 beds, 2 bathrooms, kitchen/dining/reception room, balcony. EPC: B. Approximately 68.7 sq m (740 sq ft). battersea@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3641 5936

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

Price on Application

Rosenau Crescent, Battersea SW11 An exceptional and unique 5 bedroom house that has been finished to the highest standard throughout, with excellent living space, high ceilings and private garden and balcony. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, Reception room, kitchen/dining room, family room, utility, balcony, garden. EPC: B. Approximately 261 sq m (2,089 sq ft). battersea@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3641 5936

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PRS February Issue 2018

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0621 PR SOUTH (February).qxp_Layout 1 15/01/2018 10:49 Page 1

LONDON PROPERTY

PUBLISHING Publishing Director Alison Hurcombe 07718 982736, ahurcombe@londonpropertysouth.co.uk

Your Local Letting & Management Specialist

EDITOR Jane Stevens, a journalist who has worked for many national and regional magazines, has been a stylist, writer and editor covering a diverse range of subjects including fashion, food, travel, interiors and property. jstevens@londonpropertysouth.co.uk DESIGN & PRODUCTION TypeStart Dan Thompson 01536 418181, southpr@typestart.co.uk www.typestart.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS info@londonpropertysouth.co.uk HEAD OFFICE The Studio, 370 Old York Road, London SW18 1SP CONTRIBUTORS Jenny Knight is an award-winning journalist, specialising in property and education. During her long career she has written news and features for nearly every national paper. Duncan Farmer is an experienced journalist specialising in finance, business and property. Duncan writes for a wide range of newspapers including the Daily Telegraph, Sunday Times and Mail on Sunday. See his Finance report.

London Property South is a monthly magazine distributed to AB homes in: Battersea, Wandsworth, Earlsfield, Southfields, Streatham, Clapham, Balham, Tooting, Kennington, Putney, Wimbledon, Coombe Hill, Barnes, Dulwich Village, East/ West Dulwich, Camberwell, Herne Hill, as well as being available from leading South London and Country estate agents. Distribution by Regal. Copyright @ 2015 London Property South. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Materials are accepted on the understanding that no liability is incurred for safe custody. All prices are correct at time of going to press, but are subject to change. London Property South cannot be responsible for unsolicited material.

ONTHE COVER Cover image courtesy of www.modishliving.co.uk

Letting and managing properties locally since 1993 Balham:

Battersea:

80 Balham High Rd Balham SW12 9AG

134 Northcote Rd Battersea SW11 6QZ

020 8675 5050

020 7978 4404

Visit our website to see the reviews

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INSTA GALLERY

Shellwood Road, SW11 – £675 per week

A well presented three bedroom house near Clapham Junction. The house has a large open plan kitchen reception room with doors leading to the garden, three bedrooms, one ensuite bathroom, one separate bathroom with a shower and a roof terrace. EPC-B

Spectacular views over the Thames - with ﬂoor to ceiling windows! We love Skylon at the Royal Festival Hall - Fab food and cocktails. Kick start your weekend with with an amazing brunch. #ﬁnedining #foodie#southbank#thames#southlondon

The Polygon SW4 – £675 per week

A stunning modern two bedroom top floor flat in Clapham Old Town. The flat comprises of a bright large open plan reception and modern fitted kitchen with bi-folding doors leading to a roof terrace, two double bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room and a further main bathroom. EPC-C

ers beautiful flow oma of these cal lo ur Intoxicating ar yo to ad e today... He ist surrounded m shop#localflor owers#flower fl t!# hi a r fo florist s riankirbyflower #Wimbledon#B

Earlsfield Road, SW18 – £345 per week

A fabulous large split level one bedroom flat in Earlsfield in a Victorian conversion close to the station. The flat has a large, bright open plan reception room and modern kitchen with a dining area, one double bedroom with built in wardrobes and one bathroom with a shower. EPC-C

For advice on letting your property please contact your local office: Clapham:

Earlsfield:

1 The Polygon Clapham Common SW4 0JG

370 Garratt Lane Earlsfield SW18 4ES

020 7720 5588

020 8879 6205

www.PalaceGateLettings.com

Fab picture in Hicks Gallery Window - The Godfather of British pop Art - Sir Peter Blake - Love this variation on his Sgt Peppers Album cover - The cover includes artists such as David Hockney and Damien Hurst and Rock legends such as David Bowie and Eric Clapton - See who you can spot! #contemporaryart#albumcover #popart#Wimbledon

@LondonPropertySouth 5

Contact_This Issue.indd 2

25/01/2018 14:10

ABELS WORLDWIDE REMOVALS UK RESIDENTIAL, EUROPEAN & INTERNATIONAL MOVING

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Inside

FEBRUARY 2018

104

38 25

NEWS & VIEWS 8

Home Front. If you’re struggling with mortgage payments there are ingenious ways in which your home can pay for itself, explains Jenny Knight 8 Kitchen Glory. An impressive kitchen with masses of space for family living and entertaining in Sydenham 9 The Word. Sam Sproston expects more enthusiasm in the market for 2018 22 Heads-up. The US embassy says ‘hey’ to its Battersea neighbours, improving connections and backing for good causes 23 Word on the Street. Is it a first-time buyers market? 24 Ask the Expert. Abels Moving UK Services give

@LPropertySouth Follow us in Twitter to get the heads up on everything property!

50 50

some tips for making your house move as stress-free as possible On Reflection. Darren Baker of Lauristons gives his market overview Money Matters. Duncan Farmer looks at the options for borrowers whose fixed rate is coming to an end Secret Agent. Carrie Scott of Savills revealed Events – 5 of the best things to do around SOUTH

HOME

28 The Trend. On display 29 Home Hot List. The ups and downs 32 The Project. Hidden gem in Barnes

35 43

@LondonPropertySouth See our brilliant instragram page for a pick of the best posts from South London

ON THE MARKET

26 Home Compare. Edwardian excellence EXCLUSIVE. Three properties set to impress NEW HOMES. Nick Vaughan, director in Savills Residential Development Sales, sees the market in the southwest going from strength to strength South West London. Fine family homes in KT2 and Coombe South West London Desirable houses in Wandsworth, Battersea and Putney Robert Holmes Wimbledon. An exceptional 1920s’ house, full of character Robert Holmes Coombe. An

Facebook.com/ LondonPropertySouth Like us on Facebook and follow our property news, views and inspiration for homes and modern living

octagonal house with a royal connection 95 South East London. An architect-designed flat in East Dulwich and a stunning family house in Camberwell 102 Lettings Lowdown. Sophie Levy, Marsh & Parsons Barnes, considers the state of the market 104 Luxe Lettings. Two impressive lets in Coombe and Putney

COUNTRY

105 A Victorian garden flat in East Molesey 110 A family home in Northampton with views over the golf course

FINALLY

117 Last Word. Dominic Pasqua, Knight Frank has the final say

www.londonpropertysouth.co.uk Missed a copy of the magazine? Keep up to date with South London’s Prime property on the London Property South website

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The gloomy news that house prices fell in London by 0.5% last year will depress people struggling to pay oﬀ mortgages – but there are ingenious ways in which a home can be made to pay for itself, explains Jenny Knight

side from taking in a lodger or deciding to become an airbnb host there are other less intrusive ways to turn your home into a money-spinner. Using a spare room, the garage or the attic for storage space brings in monthly cash without any of the troublesome elements of a lodger – slamming front doors, crashing footsteps when you want to go to sleep, cooking smells and lost door keys. The site Storemates collects the monthly fees and organises insurance. They claim that renting storage from people letting their lofts, garages, spare rooms and sheds costs about half as much as going to commercial self-storage units, while still bringing in a useful income for the house owner. Storage places being offered on the site include an eightfoot square cupboard in Battersea for £25 a month and an attic in Richmond for £88 a month. Another money-making wheeze is to let your property out by the day as an office, studio or conference centre. The advantage is that you don’t have to vacate the house property, or you can arrange times so that guests arrive while you are at work. Naturally the section of the property being let needs to be immaculately tidy and equipped with wi-fire, heating and tea and coffee making facilities. Income from these deals ranges from the £20 a day – 9am to 5am – for a flat in Putney, to £80 a day for a large kitchen in a house in Richmond with disabled access, to £100 a day for a open plan flat in Clapham with a vast

kitchen with a table that seats eight people – ideal for a mini-conference thanks to the wall mounted plasma that can be used for presentations. Best of all is the £150 a day it costs to hire a luxury yacht on the Thames half a mile from Hampton Court Palace. The boat boasts a dining area with a printer/scanner that seats up to six, plus super-fast broadband and multi-charge phone cables. Coffee and biscuits thrown in.

ven the rich and starry are struggling to sell as house prices take a downward turn. Rod Stewart’s sixbedroom manor house in Epping, Essex (which he’s owned since 1986 and shared with two wives and a few more girlfriends) has been on the market for 18 months with a price tag of £7.5m. Now he has dropped the price By £1.5m. The house, which also has a connection with Winston Churchill, was flamboyantly re-decorated by Nicky Haslam. Apart from the boating lake, tennis courts, swimming pool, stable and huge gardens within the 28 acres, the grounds famously boast a football pitch. Rod has already moved with wife Penny Lancaster and their children to another Essex mansion and he owns other properties around the world.

HOMES

©Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock

HOME FRONT

www.storemates.co.uk www.spacehop.com

wonderful lateral, four bed maisonette in a detached house, offering a special sense of grandeur and elegance. Double doors lead on to the incredibly impressive kitchen/reception room, with great ceiling height and beautiful period features. The spacious open plan kitchen with island can be separated from the grand reception room with sliding doors, making it perfect for entertaining and family living. Large windows overlook the charming communal gardens, which can be accessed directly from the covered terrace, which offers lovely further outdoor space. Sydenham Hill, Sydenham SE26, £1,725,000, Knight Frank Dulwich 020 3815 9410

KITCHENGLORY

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OUTOF TOWNBUY...

THE WORD

Guide price £1,995,000

Sam Sproston, Partner and Oﬃce Head, Knight Frank Wandsworth, expects more enthusiasm in the market in 2018

appy New Year SOUTH readers. I am writing this after a short week back in the office. We opened on January 2nd and as ever we were wondering what was going to happen in week 1. In past years we have agreed sales on the first day back and so I was sanguine about the return to the office. Hardly spotting another car on the journey to work put a small dent in my optimism but we agreed a number of houses in the week before Christmas and I had to do the memorandum of sale for one of them so knew I had paperwork to do. It was in some respects the best end to the year we could have hoped for and I was recently recalling a conversation I had with a friend’s dad at the football. I was at the Bridge for the Chelsea v Stoke game (December 30 and Chelsea won 5-0!) I was asked how the market was doing. He finished his question with the now fairly typical assumption “nothing’s happening is it?!” I replied by saying that in the week before Christmas our office put together £10,500,000 worth of new deals. Furthermore, as a region (SW London) we agreed more new business than any other month in the calendar year prior AND had our best month of exchanges too. So things were looking pretty positive for us. So what does the future hold? In my opinion there seems to be less horror on the horizon than there was a year ago, or two years ago for that matter. Mortgage money is

A stunning and imposing classic Edwardian family home, Haddon House, in Weybridge, has five bedrooms and is presented in immaculate condition throughout, retaining many character features, including fireplaces,high ceilings, spacious reception rooms and large picture windows. Knight Frank Weybridge 01932 548000

still super cheap but the threat of rates going up will help focus buyers to get on with a move sooner rather than later and prices are (on the whole) lower than a year ago too, so there is some extra value for buyers to take advantage of. The success we have had over the last year has been, in part, down to accurate pricing but more than ever we have seen the merit of our network, domestically and internationally. As a private partnership we really do work as a team ensuring maximum exposure for our clients and our Hamlet focus on delivering unrivalled 10 Streatham High customer service is helping Road, drive our business. To London, SW16 1DB that end I think we will see more enthusiasm thehamlet-village.co.uk in the market What’s it like? and a return to Now established for over five years, a more positive this is one of south west London’s sentiment. hidden gems. With a really classy yet However, all quirky speakeasy-like interior, it is very I can say for welcoming and you feel like you are in certain is that a top London restaurant without the Chelsea’s 5-0 pretentiousness. win won’t help them win the And the food? league this year. The menu is varied but my favourite is the Rib Eye Steak, but when hunger is calling the Seafood Platter is very appealing. The best thing? You can finish your meal off with an Espresso Martini in its sister cocktail bar next door!

BEST BITES

Gary Howorth Sales Manager Foxtons Streatham

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Tower Bridge Road, SE1 Spacious three bedroom period apartment Located by the River Thames in the heart of Tower Bridge, this spacious apartment features very high floor to ceiling space. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room and kitchen. EPC: D. Approximately 123.75 sq m (1,332 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 99 years remaining

Guide price: £1,290,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/towerbridge towerbridge@knightfrank.com 020 7768 0807

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/TWB160046

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Property Review South February 2017

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MOVE Faster. Sell with Knight Frank Our understanding of the ever-changing market enables us to price your property accurately, so you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving. Call us today on 020 8022 1358 to arrange your free market appraisal.

KnightFrank.com/wimbledon wimbledon@knightfrank.com

Guide price: £2,250,000

Cottenham Park Road, Wimbledon SW20 A well presented house with planning permission to demolish and construct a pair of 5 bedroom semidetached houses. 5 bedrooms (1 en suite), family bathroom, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, garden. EPC: D. Approximately 233 sq m (2,508 sq ft). wimbledon@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8022 1358

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £8,995,000

Coombe Park, Kingston Upon Thames KT2 A beautifully appointed detached house, set in over 0.5 acres. 6 bedrooms (all en suite), 4 reception rooms, kitchen/family room, cinema, gym, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, garden, garage. EPC: B. Approximately 1,058 sq m (11,388 sq ft). wimbledon@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8022 1358

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Property Review South February 2018 new

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FOUND. Your perfect tenant.

Our local expertise and global network mean that we can find a reliable tenant for your property and with the lettings market in full flow now is the time to maximise your rental income. Contact us today on 020 8022 6119 to arrange your free market appraisal or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/clapham

Guide price: £530 per week

Bromells Road, Clapham SW4 A newly refurbished apartment in an excellent location near Clapham Common. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room/kitchen. EPC: D. Approximately: 63 sq m (678 sq ft). claphamlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8022 6119

All potential tenants should be advised that as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £1,000 per week

St Alphonsus Road, Clapham SW4 This contemporary family house has been finished to a high standard and offers excellent living space throughout. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, utility room, roof terrace. EPC: C. Approximately 203.55 sq m (2,191 sq ft). claphamlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8022 6119

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Property Review South Jan 2018 - Lettings

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Birley Street, Shaftesbury Estate SW11 Fully refurbished house, situated over three floors in the heart of Battersea A beautiful family terraced house located in the sought after Shaftesbury Estate. 3 bedroom, an additional single bedroom or study area, 2 bathrooms & guest WC, reception room and kitchen. The property also benefits from a west facing garden / patio area which flooding the kitchen with natural light. EPC:D. Approximately 115.45 sq m (1,243 sq ft) Available unfurnished

KnightFrank.co.uk/battersea battersealettings@knightfrank.com 020 3551 4456

Guide price: £795 per week KnightFrank.co.uk/battersealettings All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

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PRS Febuary Battersea LET

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

24/01/2018 10:58

23/01/2018 15:38:00

riversidelettings@knightfrank.com 020 3589 4028

Guide price: £675 per week

Queens Wharf, Hammersmith W6 Brand new interiorly designed apartment presented on the fourth floor overlooking the developments private gardens. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception / kitchen room and 2 balconies and a 24 hour concierge. EPC: B. Approximately 75 sq m (808 sq ft) riversidelettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3589 4028

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £1,150 per week

Thames Quay, Chelsea Harbour SW10 This Modern apartment in the desirable Chelsea Harbour is located on the first floor of Thames Quay. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, reception room and two balconies, with both harbour and River views. EPC: C. Approximately 136.10 sq m (1465 sq ft) Riversidelettings@knightfrank.com Office: 0203589 4028

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fEBUARY prs

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FOUND. Your perfect tenant. Let with Knight Frank. We pride ourselves on exceptional service and unrivalled market knowledge. With a global network of 418 offices over 60 countries we can showcase your property to the widest possible audience. If you are considering renting your property this year, please contact us on 020 3641 7650 or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings

Guide price: £1,800 per calendar month

Sycamore Road, Wimbledon SW19 Spacious top floor flat within this character building on the edge of Wimbledon Common and close to the village. 3 bedrooms, family bathroom, large reception room, kitchen with breakfast bar, balcony and communal garden. EPC: D. Approximately 77.3 sq m (832 sq ft). wimbledonlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3641 7650

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £4,200 per calendar month

Springfield Road, Wimbledon SW19 Beautifully presented period family house situated a short distance from Wimbledon town centre. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, cellar and a pretty south facing garden. EPC: E. Approximately 206.2 sq m (2,219 sq ft). wimbledonlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3641 7650

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Property Review South - February 2018 - Lettings

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Fairmount Road, SW2 £1,299,995 This impressive, five-bedroom family home features a spacious double reception that leads out to a private, low-maintenance back garden. Freehold. EPC=E

• Bay window • Underfloor heating • Period property Brixton Sales: 020 8033 7413 sales.brx@marshandparsons.co.uk

LOCATIONS ACROSS LONDON

Propertyparsons review south.indd Marsh output.indd1 1

MARSHANDPARSONS.CO.UK

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Property

19th century Georgian terrace oozes regency charm.

O.UK

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Archway Street, SW13 £1,350,000 An extensively refurbished and extended four-bedroom house, located in the heart of Little Chelsea. EPC=C Barnes Sales: 020 8033 9040 sales.bar@marshandparsons.co.uk

Rectory Road, SW13 £2,250,000 A charming and larger-than-normal, end-of-terrace Edwardian house with four bedrooms, positioned on one of the most desirable roads in Barnes Village. EPC=E Barnes Sales: 020 8033 9040 sales.bar@marshandparsons.co.uk

LOCATIONS ACROSS LONDON

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Property

New build. Accoustic insulation throughout.

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savills.co.uk

JEYPORE ROAD, SW18

FONTAINE ROAD, sw16

Double reception room ø open plan kitchen/ dining room ø study ø master bedroom suite ø 3 further bedrooms ø 2 further bathrooms ø cloak room ø garden ø balcony ø 174 sq m (1,873 sq ft) ø EPC=D

3 reception rooms ø entrance hallway ø kitchen ø 5 bedrooms ø 2 bath/shower rooms ø off street parking ø 80ft garden ø 208 sq m (2,237 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £1.395 million Freehold

Guide £1.15 million Freehold

Savills Wandsworth jcolliver@savills.com 020 8877 1222

Savills Clapham carrie.scott@savills.com 020 8018 770

BRACKEN AVENUE, SW12

RAMSDEN ROAD, sw12

Reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 3 bedrooms ø family bathroom ø cloakroom ø 20ft x 24ft garden ø 112 sq m (1,205 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Open plan kitchen/reception room ø 2 double bedrooms ø family bathroom ø 35ft garden ø 76 sq m (823 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £1.075 million Freehold

Guide £815,000 Leasehold, 174 years remaining

Savills Clapham mgreen@savills.com 020 8673 4111

Savills Northcote Road dzendra@savills.com 020 3428 2222

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savills.co.uk

ORBEL STREET, SW11

FULLERTON ROAD, sw18

Reception room ø dining room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø study ø master bedroom suite ø 2 further en suite bedrooms ø conservatory ø garden ø 154 sq m (1,658 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Double reception room ø dining room/kitchen ø master bedroom ø 4 further bedrooms (one en suite) ø family bathroom ø garden ø 133 sq m (1,428 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £1.65 million Freehold

Guide £1.225 million Freehold

Savills Battersea Park mshort@savills.com 020 3402 1900

Savills Wandsworth jcolliver@savills.com 020 8877 1222

SHUTTLEWORTH ROAD, SW11

SALCOTT ROAD, sw11

Double reception room ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms (one en suite) ø family bathroom ø eaves storage ø patio garden ø 138 sq m (1,481 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Open plan reception room/kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø further double bedroom ø further bathroom ø wraparound balcony ø 94 sq m (1,012 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Guide £1.1 million Freehold

Guide £899,950 Share of Freehold

Savills Battersea Park adpeck@savills.com 020 3402 1900

Savills Northcote Road dzendra@savills.com 020 3428 2222

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HEADS-UP THEY’RE OVERHERE!

Over the past few weeks the US Embassy has gradually moved around 1,000 members of staff into the striking new building in Nine Elms and opened to the public for consular services for the first time. US Ambassador Woody Johnson said he is excited to welcome the public to the new Embassy and looks forward to being good neighbours in Nine Elms. Wandsworth Council Leader Cllr Govindia said: “The opening of the Embassy comes at an exciting time for Nine Elms, a time when we are moving away from the area being seen as a huge building site to the fruition of various projects such as the new Embassy – which is turning Nine Elms into a premium destination for London as a whole.” Nine Elms is a £15billion transformation project that’s bringing 20,000 new homes and 25,000 permanent jobs to Wandsworth and the surrounding area.

HOSPICEHELP T

he Wandsworth Friends of Royal Trinity Hospice Christmas Fair have presented a cheque to Trinity for the grand sum of £30,613 raised at the fair held at St Luke’s Church last November. The cheque was presented to Dallas Pounds, Chief Executive, of Royal Trinity Hospice and Ben Ansell, Head of Fundraising, by Lucinda Harding-Rolls, Melissa Taylor, Elizabeth Burke-Murphy, Robert French, Partner and Emma Payne, Office Manager at Knight Frank The Polygon, Clapham Old Town.

THENEXTTRAINARRIVINGIS...

AIR AMBULANCE

oxtons held a fundraiser for London’s Air Ambulance and raised £2,465, across its 67 offices and its headquarters at Chiswick Park. London’s Air Ambulance is a long-term partner of Foxtons, who holds fundraising events throughout the year. The London Marathon is the next sponsored event with a Foxton’s athlete running to raise funds.

The very first train has travelled on the extension of the Northern Line to Nine Elms and Battersea. Two new junctions which will connect the extension to the existing Northern Line have been completed, and the first train has made its journey. The extension, targeted for completion in 2020, is the first major extension to a Tube line since the Jubilee line in the late 1990s. When it opens trains will join the Charing Cross branch of the Northern line via the new junction on the Kennington Loop. The extension will bring Battersea to within 15 minutes of the City and the West End and is central to the regeneration of the area, which is bringing in thousands of new homes and jobs. Apple, the American Embassy and Penguin Random House have all announced they are moving to the area. Last month designs for a new underground station at Battersea Power Station were approved by Wandsworth Council. There will also be a new station in Nine Elms in Pascal Street.

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WORD ON THE STREET BETTERBRIDGE A competition to smarten up Thessaly Road Railway Bridge is being organised by Wandsworth and London Festival of Architecture to improve the look of Thessaly Road Railway Bridge in Battersea near New Covent Garden Market. Wandsworth has organised community cleanups and improved lighting under the bridge, but now wants to completely transform it. The competition, which is open to architects, designers, artists and students, is an opportunity to turn the underpass into an attractive and user-friendly route for pedestrians and cyclists. The competition hopes to attract fresh ideas to improve the built environment, and act as a demonstration project for similar sites across London. Local residents will help decide on the winning idea. The winning team will be awarded £20,000 to develop the design which, subject to planning, will be installed beneath the Thessaly Road Railway Bridge as part of the London Festival of Architecture in 2019. The overall budget for the project is £200,000.

NEWFACE Savills has appointed a dedicated expert to cover Streatham and Tooting out of its existing south west London region. Carrie Scott joins Savills following nearly two decades of working across south west London. She already has a well-established network across the region. According to Savills: “The flow of buyers from Clapham, Balham and Wandsworth out to neighbouring locations as they look to stretch their equity, makes Streatham and Tooting natural locations for Savills to establish a presence and grow its south west London network”

TOPPING IDEA The first phase of one of the biggest council house building programmes in the country has been announced, with hundreds of new homes proposed at discounted rates to rent and buy for people working or living in Wandsworth. The £150million Building Homes for Wandsworth People was launched last year. The plan is to build 1,000 new homes, of which more than half will be available at discounted rates. Rented council homes will be available from 35% of market rents while shared ownership housing will help people buy for a fraction of the usual deposit. Innovative ways of delivering this include providing new homes on top of existing blocks, which replaces old roofs at no cost to residents, and can reduce service charge by spreading it among a greater number of households. The revenue from the sales will be reinvested in building more homes for local people at discounted rates. With shared ownership, buyers only pay a deposit on the value of the percentage being bought, so a 5% deposit on a 25% share works out as a 1.25% deposit on the total property value. Shared ownership can also work out cheaper than renting privately.

Is it a ﬁrst-time buyers market? KRIS ERICSSON KNIGHT FRANK 2018 could be a very good year for firsttime buyers. The council for mortgage lenders expect lending for buy to lets to fall below 80,000 in 2018, this is down from 120,000 in 2015, allowing first-time buyers wider and more choice when it comes to purchasing their first property with less competition. The new stamp duty relief for first-time buyers (up to £300,000) will save four out of five first time buyers as much as £5,000 on their purchase. This, coupled with another £10bn boost from the government’s help to buy scheme, should put first-time buyers in a good position to finally jump on the property ladder.

JOHN-PAUL BURROUGH MARSH & PARSONS We’ve certainly seen a considerable increase in first-time buyers looking to step onto the property ladder following last year’s changes to stamp duty levies. This is partly due to areas in south-west London having a wide selection of properties that fall into the desired £300k to £500k bracket. With the continued low mortgage rates, young professionals are quickly figuring out that buying can often be cheaper than renting. If we consider these factors, it’s easy to see why this area of the market is booming, especially with the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ now being the sixth biggest lender in the UK. Indeed, we’ve already agreed three sales within the first two weeks of 2018 to first-time buyers!

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Q&A ASKTHEEXPERT

How do you choose a removal ﬁrm for your house move?

Royal Warrant holders Abels have decades of experience in making one of life’s most stressful experiences as worry-free as possible. Abels Moving UK Services Managing Director John Watson oﬀers some advice on selecting the best moving partner

oving day is a critical step in the demanding, and stressful, process of relocating. That’s why you’ll need to plan it thoroughly well ahead and choose your moving partner with the same care as you would your estate agent and solicitor. There are several key stages: • Start talking to moving companies as soon as your house is on the market and do some research – unfortunately the industry is unregulated! Make sure the remover belongs to the BAR: British Association of Removers or FIDI. Three quotes will give you a good comparison. • Ask for the company’s moving surveyor to visit you. Make a list of any special points (high value or personally precious items, access challenges) and have questions ready. Give the same brief to each company so that you will be able to compare quotes like for like. It’s from this visit that the quotation will be prepared.

COMMUTER HEAVEN

et in a sought-after residential road that is only a short walk from South Wimbledon underground station, this four-bedroom house is ideal for commuters. The house, in the tree-lined road of period houses, is also close to many good local schools and Wimbledon town centre with its wide range of shops, bars and restaurants. Merton Park tram stop is also within easy reach. This family home has a front reception room and a large kitchen dining room with doors that open out onto a private rear garden. On the first floor are three bedrooms and the family bathroom. The fourth bedroom is on the second floor with its own en suite bathroom. The house is on sale with no onward chain – ideal for those looking for a quick and uncomplicated purchase. Winifred Road, Wimbledon, SW19, £900,000, Lauristons 020 8946 9468

• Be wary of websites that suggest you can get a price by ticking boxes online. It’s unrealistic to expect a fair and accurate quote without a home visit. Expect extra costs hidden in the small-print from this method. • The removal crew should be highly-trained staff – all DBS security checked to ensure peace of mind and a stress-free move. • Visit the remover and ask to see their vehicles and warehouses (or at least view through Google Earth). Look for a fleet of modern well-maintained removal trucks. It will give you a good idea of their facilities and the level of care they’ll take with your possessions. You will be amazed how many “removal companies” trading do not have a single truck or warehouse and purely subcontract the task to the cheapest bidder. Please call John Watson on 020 8900 9448 www.abels.co.uk

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TORENTAND NOT TOBUY... In his role as head of Knight Frank Lettings for South West London and Home Counties, Neil Cunningham meets famous footballers looking for swanky pads in Cobham and high net worth individuals looking for family homes near one of the international schools west of London. He sees a shift in tenants’ requirements Monoxide and Smoke Alarm checks and to even sending out prescribe information to all tenants, means landlords need to be working with regulated and compliant estate agents who can take them through this process. In many ways it is getting harder for landlords. Some tax advantages have been removed and there is also the 3% extra stamp duty for second-home owners coming into the market place today. Even in the wealthy areas of Surrey, where huge mansions can bring in stratospheric rents, life is tougher. “Tenants have to perceive they are getting good value. Landlords have got used to rents going up every year but these things are cyclical and influenced by economic events. They have to be realistic about rents and know they are competing for tenants. If properties are fatigued they need more than a lick of paint – maybe a new kitchen and bathroom.” At the moment, Neil and his teams are experiencing the heightened activity that often kicks off the first months of a new year. The signs so far are positive for 2018 and Neil is looking forward to another successful year with Lettings. Like many at Knight Frank, Neil is keen on helping charities and especially the homeless. He is a volunteer for Crisis and this Christmas he worked running coordinating supplies, medical services and catering at one of the Crisis Centres. He says: “I’ve volunteered for the last four years because I want to give something back. Crisis helps people who are homeless to recover and maybe get off the streets.” Jenny Knight

PROFILE

THE

enants used to be the ‘poor relations’ of the property industry – people who longed to get on the property ladder, but were unable to make the leap. Now all that has all changed. Neil says, “There has been a shift in what people want. More people want to rent whereas before people felt they had to buy by a certain age. Now the reality of purchasing is that if you are in a transient profession and may be moving to another location within three years it doesn’t make financial sense to buy. By the time you have paid stamp duty, it might be cheaper to rent. That also goes for families who move for international schools and may only want to be nearby for five years. “London is an international city and it is a place where people come to get experience or to create wealth and who often move on at the end of their contract.” Eight months into his new job with Knight Frank he says that the outlook for lettings is strong with plenty of tenants looking to move – but he warns the market is also very price sensitive. “Tenants tend to be able to move location and if they see they can get a better deal in west London compared with south west they will take it. Tenants want to be sure they are getting good value and because rents are high, they want an up-to-date home in excellent condition. They are very discerning and tenants will shop around. “Our job is to see landlords get a top notch tenant and to guide the landlord through all the legal difficulties and hassles. It’s not easy being a landlord today. Various legislation changes for example, Right to Rent Checks, Carbon

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FU_Advert narrow.qxp_2 23/01/2018 15:16 Page 1

EXCELLENT!

HOMECOMPARE

21 Battersea Square SW11 3RA

EDWARDIAN EXCELLENCE

telephone 020 7771 7100 email battersea@first-union.co.uk

£2,250,000

THESMOKE

A beautiful period house with great proportions and details – all restored to high standards – a short walk from Barnes Common. It has wonderful family living space over three floors, three double bedrooms and a master suite. Close to good local schools and great transport links. Marsh & Parsons 020 3542 2172

£1,795,000

THEBURBS

Built in 1905, this six bedroom house in Castle Road, Weybridge, has retained some wonderful Edwardian features – high ceilings, wooden floors, stained glass windows, ornate details. In the heart of Oatlands, the centre of the town is only mile away with connections. Hamptons International 01932 964595

£1,500,000

370 Old York Road SW18 1SP telephone 020 8480 4444 email wandsworth@first-union.co.uk

“Excellent. Issues are dealt with quickly with known tradesmen and costs are reasonable.” L.R. 2018

THESTICKS

The major portion of an Arts & Crafts manor house, Cotheridge, on the edge of Brenchley, is full of restored period features. It has 6-8 bedrooms and a luxury handcrafted kitchen. There’s more potential in the house’s generous space. Set in 1.7 acres of parkland-stye grounds, seven miles from Tunbridge Wells. Fine & Country 01580 468908

BAT TERSEA AND WANDSWORTH first-union.co.uk

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HOME

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IT’S FUNKY

THE TREND

Black Pug vase, £41 audenza.com

ON DISPLAY

Bud vase, £13.95 annabeljames.co.uk

Visage face vase, £25 habitat.co.uk Florino vase, £14.99 GettingPersonal.co.uk

Vase Glasilium, £112 each www.nordickind.com

Omedelbarvase, £22 ikea.com (from March)

IT’S THRIFTY

Silver and green striped vase, £24 persora.com

Tom Dixon Bump vase, £100 amara.com

IT’S RITZY

The Countess vase, £99 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

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HOME HOTLIST UP >>PURPLE REIGNS It’s official – Pantone’s colour of 2018 is ultra violet. They say ‘it’s dramatic, provocative and thoughtful’. A bold choice. Martela FlyMe Chair, £1,440, wharfside.co.uk

SOSOUTH S

o 70s – but updated rattan perfectly fits the current trend for craft techniques and natural textures in interiors. The raw material for rattan furniture is a close relative of the palm tree. It’s a type of a vine that rapidly grows in the jungles of south eastern Asia – up to 100ft high. Rattan has a strong core and so it’s durable and hard to break. It is usually steamed to bend it into various shapes and the outside skin of the rattan pole, which is the peel, is generally used to bind the furniture joints together. Habitat has been championing rattan furniture for several years. Their new Spring/Summer collection includes a stylish range of bedroom furniture. A modern twist on the material and an alternative look to the ubiquitous upholstered bed frames. Nadia rattan bed, £550; Nadia rattan bedside table, £95; Nadia dressing table and stool, £295. www. habitat.co.uk

>>DISHING IT UP Traditionally set on the kitchen dresser, plates can be little works of art. Take them from the table to the wall for a delicious design feature. Deco Collection 1 plate, £15, ArtWow.co

>>SHIP SHAPE Prepare to get on board with the V&A’s latest show on ocean liners opening February 3. All set for an art deco revival?

>>FEEL IT It’s about crafts and the texture that comes with it (see So South, left). New pottery, fabrics and even wallcoverings pass the touch test – high street and high end

>>GREY MATTERS It still does! But when it’s flat it’s just a bit too cool. Add some texture and contrast to that neutral designer staple

>>CHILD LIKES I give you Urban Outfitters Furry Sloth cushion! Too cute for comfort. Isn’t it time for grown ups to grow up.

>>ROLLOVER Functional but rather lacking in style statement, don’t all windows deserve better treatment than roller blinds?

>>ALL FOR ONE We’ve got used to collecting a group of artworks in a pleasing arrangement on our walls but this visual clutter should now make way for one large statement picture

DOWN By Jane Stevens

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AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH

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PERIODPRIZE A cottage in a conservation area now offers comfortable modern living, complete with an abundant sense of history, tucked away in a pedestrian passageway

he delightful cottage is now in immaculate condition but when Steve and Laura Orford decided to buy it was far from a dream home. The couple lived next door in a rental property and were used to chatting about how their own cottage could be improved – how they would move this and open up that, put in the other. Then the cottage next door went on sale and they realised they had missed an opportunity. Shortly after they heard the sale had fallen through and, as Laura explains: “On the spur of the moment we put in an offer.” The offer was accepted and because they still had three months to go on their rental they planned to get the bulk of the work done before moving in. It was not to be. “Our planning permission didn’t come through until a day before we had to leave the rented cottage. We moved in with friends and then once we had one bedroom and the bathroom ready I moved in. Steve, who is a data consultant, was on a three-month contract in Australia. It wasn’t ideal living with the builders working underneath and we shipped our cat Malcolm out to the country for the duration.”

When they bought the home it had a long thin extension on the ground floor housing the kitchen and toilet. Upstairs, the two bedrooms were divided by a Jack and Jill style bathroom with bath and washbasin. They got the builders to take out the bathroom and toilet and install a proper one upstairs in the attic. “This made the bedrooms more spacious, even with the additional flight of stairs and also gave us some storage space under the stairs. The builders did all the big stuff, like plumbing, rewiring, replastering, the loft extension and knocking down the extension and putting in a new one with bi-fold doors out into the little patio garden. Then we helped with tiling and painting. “We bought three years ago at the beginning of the year and by November it was all finished and the cat could move back in.” Since then the couple have had a baby, nine-monthold Baxter and are looking for a larger house. “We love this area and Malthouse Passage is beautiful. You can’t hear the road. It’s in a conservation area so we couldn’t make any major exterior changes – but we

“Our planning permission didn’t come through until a day before we had to leave the rented cottage”

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THE

PROJECT BEFORE

didn’t want to. We kept the window frames and the shape of the windows and put in new glazing to make them double-glazed. “ As befits an atmospheric older property, the couple didn’t want a conventional fitted kitchen and instead installed the free-standing pieces they had already collected. As well as the two bedrooms and bathroom upstairs, the downstairs area consists of a gravelled front garden with shed, a front reception room with solid wooden floors and a feature fireplace with a dining/living room leading to the rear glazed extension with the kitchen which overlooks the patio garden. Malthouse Passage, Barnes, SW13, £899,950, Marsh & Parsons, 020 8563 8333

GETTHELOOK... >>BLACK HINGES (UNDER PURPOSE-BUILT SHELVING) The blacksmith at the London Steam Museum >>KITCHEN ISLAND Eastburn Country Furniture >>KITCHEN FLOOR TILES Fired Earth

Strandmon chair, £179 www.ikea.com

>>BLUE KITCHEN UNIT Fired Earth >>BATHROOM TILES Tile Flair >>PAINTS Farrow & Ball

WORDS: JENNY KNIGHT

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Matching people to homes 020 8299 3021 | roybrooks.co.uk

BELLENDEN ROAD, SE15

ÂŁ899,995

Thoroughly foxy 3-bed house on bohemian Bellenden Road. Wonderfully enhanced, period features, kitchen/diner, double reception and very pretty rear garden. Zone 2 trains/Overground links are seconds away as is Peckhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thriving centre.

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For sales, please call Felicity, Stacy, Elaine or Wallace 24/01/2018 11:29

EXCLUSIVE

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PRESTIGIOUS ESTATE A stunning contemporary home designed to exacting specifications that overlooks a wooded copse on the edge of Coombe Hill Estate

he family home, with five bedrooms four bath or shower rooms and three reception rooms, is fitted with the latest designs and fittings and has wonderful open-plan living space. The bright and appealing home is filled with light and arranged around two floors. The three reception rooms fold well into each other thanks to carefully placed internal windows. The open plan sitting/ dining room has lovely views to the gardens through a triple aspect room and leads through to the well fitted kitchen. The study and breakfast rooms overlook the front walled garden creating relaxing areas. The five bedrooms are arranged around a large landing, which has a study area.

The two main suites are an excellent size and the master bedroom also has a walkthrough dressing room leading to another beautiful bathroom. The gardens are a particular feature of the fine home with a sheltered paved terrace to the rear and manicured gardens, sheltered by one of the original walls of the Coombe Estate. The property is near Coombe Hill and Coombe Wood golf courses. There are excellent schools in the vicinity, including Rokeby and Holy Cross, Coombe Girls as well as Coombe Infants and Juniors.

‘Fitted with the latest designs and fittings’

The Pavilion, Coombe Lane West, Kingston upon Thames, KT2, £3,000,000, Robert Holmes 020 8947 1100

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DAZZLING VIEWS This luxurious three-bedroom penthouse apartment on the banks of the river Thames has some of the most iconic views in London with tremendous outdoor space

he apartment also has three bathrooms and two reception rooms with high-end internal finishes. It is ideally located over the tenth and eleventh floors of Tudor House, looking down on Tower Bridge. The cleverly designed living/dining area offers fantastic vistas of the City skyline, Tower Bridge and the river. It leads out onto a spacious terrace, which wraps around the penthouse apartment. The roof terrace provides generous entertaining space with spectacular views of London. It also has a conservatory with a built-in oil fire-place, an outdoor kitchen and sheltered dining area, two lounge areas and an opulent mosaic hot tub. The open plan designer kitchen features handle-free cabinets with integrated lighting and is fully equipped with Miele appliances including an oven, microwave, coffee machine, dishwasher and wine cooler.

The master bedroom benefits from a large walk-in wardrobe and en suite bathroom. The second bedroom is flooded with light and also has an en suite bathroom. The third bedroom has far-reaching, east-facing views and a separate guest shower room. The flat has underfloor heating, comfort cooling, built-in speakers and electric blinds. Tudor House is on the banks of the Thames between Tower Bridge and More London, less than a quarter of a mile from the City of London financial district. Nearby amenities include the Tate Modern, National Theatre, Hayward Gallery, Festival Hall, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Imax cinema.

‘The roof terrace provides generous entertaining space with spectacular views of London’

Tudor House, Duchess Walk, Southwark, SE1, £6,450,000, Knight Frank 020 3837 1520

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VICTORIAN CHARACTER A recently refurbished Victorian property, just off the slopes of Wimbledon Hill, with bright and spacious accommodation throughout

inished to the highest possible standard whilst maintaining the wealth of Victorian character and charm, the property has two reception rooms, conservatory, modern kitchen with marble flooring and a private landscaped garden on the ground floor. The master bedroom has a stunning en suite bathroom and there’s even a walk-in wardrobe. There are a further four double bedrooms and three full bathroom suites to complete this exceptional house. Bernard Gardens is a pretty tree-

lined road in between Woodside Road and Leopold Road. There are great local schools nearby as well as the local amenities on offer on Leopold Road. Wimbledon town centre is just under half a mile away and offers a range of bars, restaurants and High Street shops. Wimbledon station offers transport links on the District Line, National Rail and Tramlink.

‘A wealth of Victorian character and charm’

Bernard Gardens, Wimbledon SW19, £6,500 pcm, Lauristons 020 8405 5340

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ONREFLECTION By Darren Baker, Director, Lauristons

After several consecutive years of political upheaval, both at home and abroad, could the relatively settled outlook for 2018 help return the property market to a period of normality?

ince 2014 and the Scottish independence referendum, the annual return to the ballot boxes for two general elections and another referendum, has clearly had a dampening effect on the property market. With each successive announcement of yet another election, a collective groan could be heard from property professionals, commentators, developers and vendors. Whilst there has been no significant impact on property values, predominantly due to low supply levels and a robust economy otherwise, the slow down in the market can be seen through falling unit turnover levels throughout each year. The outcome of the EU referendum and the second general election, whilst not returning the expected results, don’t appear to have ultimately damaged the confidence of potential homebuyers. Property values have continued to grow each year, despite there being fewer completions. Meanwhile, the government has rolled out several initiatives to support homebuyers and stimulate demand, including the Help to Buy schemes and stamp duty relief for first time buyers. The recent and potential future interest rate rises are also

unlikely to have a negative impact on demand. In fact, in the short term, first time buyers or those sellers moving ‘up the ladder’ may seek to take advantage of the lower rates currently available, make the move now and fix their rate for a longer term. Whilst 2018 has a long way to go before we will be able to truly understand what the market looks like, the early signs are certainly promising. At Lauristons, we have seen a significant increase in the number of buyers registering to find their new home as well as the number of sales being agreed. Our new digital marketing initiatives, including campaigns across social media are driving more of the buyers in the market to our vendors’ properties, helping us to ensure we can deliver the best value back to our clients. And with no new elections on the agenda for 2018, we expect the coming year to be one that is full of opportunity working with buyers and sellers who had put their plans on hold in recent years. For more information, please visit www.lauristons.com or email sales@lauristons.com

‘’Property values have continued to grow each year, despite there being fewer completions”

VIEWSOVER THERIVER A stunning three-bedroom modern apartment set within a sought-after modern complex with beautiful views overlooking the river. This larger than average property benefits from three double bedrooms, two modern bathrooms, fully fitted kitchen, spacious reception with river view, allocated parking and 24-hour concierge. Perfectly located within the new Nine Elms development offering new shops bars and restaurants nearby and only a short walk to Vauxhall station which gives the Overground to Waterloo and the Victoria line into the city. Offered to the market with a share of freehold and chain free, overall, this property makes a great purchase. Riverside Court, Nine Elms Lane, Vauxhall SW8, asking price £1,200,000, Lauristons Battersea 020 7978 5800

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NEW HOMES

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Naturally bespoke At Octagon, we have nearly 40 years experience and an unrivalled reputation for building magnificent, one-of-a-kind homes with the finest contemporary materials. Our discreet bespoke service provides expert advice, support and ingenuity throughout every step of the design and build process. We have a highly skilled in-house team of architects, interior designers and project managers, who interpret our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; particular style and tastes, making the journey from planning to completion an unforgettable and enjoyable experience. Whether you have a piece of land already secured, wish to replace an existing property or completely renovate your current home, Octagon Bespoke can help you transform your vision into something truly unique. Bespoke projects start from ÂŁ1m.

Uniquely Octagon

020 8481 7500 | OCTAGONBESPOKE.CO.UK

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NEWHOMESUPDATE Nick Vaughan, director in Savills Residential Development Sales, sees the market in the south west going from strength to strength

he south west London new homes market continues to go from strength-to-strength with a number of new developments due to complete over the coming months and years. What is most interesting about the market here is that it remains resilient even within tricky conditions elsewhere. This is due to the number of well-established residential areas here such as Clapham, Battersea, Putney and Wandsworth. These areas are consistently popular with domestic buyers, leaving them less exposed to wider market conditions, such as tax implications for investors and international buyer sentiment. This creates a great deal of stability which in turn means that buyers are more aware of the value of properties in the area and any fluctuations in value that they may have faced. This is compared to areas undergoing residential transformations where pricing tends to be more varied as there isn’t a huge amount of existing property to judge against. With this in mind, buyers in the south west are looking for good quality properties at a fair market price. This has meant that over the last few years we have seen increasing numbers of people looking to areas like Wandsworth, Balham and Tooting, which offer relatively

better value than their neighbouring residential hubs and where developers are bringing high quality homes to the market. The Ram Brewery development in Wandsworth, for example, is nearing completion and will breathe new life into the area, providing an exceptional residential and social hub, proving the final piece of the puzzle for that area. Another example is Bedford House in Balham. It has a high quality finish and design that you would expect to see in a central London development, which appeals to the discerning buyers here, who will include young professionals, owner-occupiers and investors alike. It is located on Balham High Road, equidistant between two tube stations and within a stone’s throw of the numerous shops, restaurants, cafés and bars, so it really ticks all the boxes. This desire for high quality property has meant that we have also seen an increase in the number of buyers seeking completed or nearly completed developments. Having a show home available, even if the rest of the homes aren’t ready, gives buyers something tangible to look at and picture themselves in. My advice to developers, therefore, is to try and be the best house on the best street and don’t cut corners. When developments have an exceptional finish, the buyers are there.

Bedford House is the latest residential apartment scheme from the award-winning Ipsus Developments, designed to reflect the smart sophistication of the area. Ranging over eight floors, the 41 private apartments offer high specification with well-proportioned rooms which are flooded with light. Bedford House, Balham High Road, SW17 – prices from £480,000. Savills London New Homes 020 7409 8756 www.savills.co.uk/development-showcase/national-new-homes-and-developments/london/west-and-south-westlondon/bedford-house.aspx

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BRIXTON SHOWHOME

RIVERSIDETOWNHOUSES

ctagon has launched Bishop’s Row, a terrace of nine grandly proportioned townhouses situated alongside the Fulham banks of the River Thames. These spacious homes, ranging from 4,375-6,150 sq ft, come with four to five bedrooms, plenty of family living space, and access to the river footpath running between Putney and Hammersmith bridges. Included in the renowned Octagon specification are bespoke kitchens, marble flooring in the entrance halls, elegant bespoke staircases and fully landscaped and planted gardens. The contemporary Beckermann kitchens feature modern linear handleless cabinets, quartz worktops and top-ofthe-range integrated Miele appliances, as well as a bespoke wall hung cabinet with Porcelain Statuario back panels and underlit floating lacquered shelves. The drawing rooms come with a modern limestone fireplace complemented by a timber-bordered flooring and inset carpet. Timber flooring also features in the studies, gyms and cinema suites. All bedrooms are fitted with carpets. Innovative outdoor space includes covered lower courtyard gardens with

a “walk on” glass floor, and landscaped green space to the front and rear of the property. Drawing rooms and master suites feature private balconies, while plots eight and nine have roof top terraces with views over the river. Nearby Putney Bridge station provides access to Sloane Square and London Victoria, whilst Fulham Broadway and Parsons Green takes 17 minutes to Oxford Circus and 30 minutes to Canary Wharf. Heathrow Airport is 32 minutes away from nearby Hammersmith Underground. Bishop’s Row, Stevenage Road, Fulham, SW6, from £4.995m, Strutt & Parker 020 7731 7100 or www.octagon.co.uk

ambridge Homes has unveiled a stylish new show home at its latest development, Elm Park Gardens, in Brixton. The four bedroom house is one of six three-storey homes complete with high spec interiors and private rear gardens. They are at the end of a quiet residential street within walking distance of the centre of vibrant Brixton. Measuring 1,370 sq ft, the newly dressed townhouse has a basement level living/kitchen/ dining area and cloakroom. The master bedroom suite with en suite bathroom and a second bedroom are on the ground floor, whilst the first floor has two more bedrooms and a spacious family bathroom. Parquet flooring is laid throughout the living area, kitchen, entrance hall and stairways. Bedrooms are carpeted with high quality fixtures and fittings. The bathrooms are fitted with Duravit sanitary ware and taps with thermostatic showers and floor to ceiling porcelain tiling. James Overton, Managing Director at Hambridge Homes says: “We are thrilled to unveil the stylish new show home. The newly dressed show house is one of just two remaining at the development. Current buyers include families and couples and we expect that this property will sell to a family looking to be close to central London but who will also appreciate its residential location.” Brixton underground – running 24 hours a day into central London – is the closest station. Showhome at Elm Park Gardens, Brading Road, Brixton, SW2, £799,000 with one year free Zipcar membership, Peddar 020 7738 6839 or www. elmparkgardens.info

2 Bedroom Apartments from £649,950 Middleton Court, Worple Road, SW20 Contact the new homes specialists on 020 8879 9099 www.lauristons.com

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24/01/2018 12:41

MONEYTIP

s we settle into 2018, lenders keen for their share of a sluggish housing market have been slashing their rates. Barclays, Yorkshire Building Society and Skipton Building Society have all announced cuts to their product ranges. November’s Bank of England Base Rate rise dampened an already slow housing market when those considering a move up the property ladder decided to hold fire. However, the interest rate rise did focus the mind of those who already had a mortgage, with a significant increase in the number of borrowers remortgaging. This trend is expected to continue into the spring as homeowners take advantage of some very competitively-priced mortgage deals, particularly fixed rates, With no significant increase in activity expected in the housing market this year, we forecast that lenders will continue to entice new customers by keeping their rates down. This is great news for borrowers and will make for a very interesting year.

MONEY MATTERS

GARETH LOWMAN, SPF PRIVATE CLIENTS

WAITLOSS

2.33% 39,507

hen most people look at which mortgage to take out they usually concentrate on the interest rate and the fees, but service – and speed – are also important, as some people applying to Clydesdale Bank have discovered. Brokers have complained that they have been left hanging on the phone for up to 50 minutes to discuss applications with the bank and some have even just been cut off. This “awful” service as some have described it can add delays to an already fraught and complex process. Clydesdale, which has an attractive two-year fix at 1.59 per cent, apologised for the delays and said that it was aware of “call handling issues” and was working hard to resolve them.

The average rate on a two-year fixed-rate mortgage today

The number of mortgage approvals in the month after the latest interest-rate rise. The lowest figure for more than a year.

NUMBERCRUNCHING

£8,500 2.56%

The amount a borrower could save by overpaying a £300,000 mortgage by £200 a month

The average rate on a two-year fixed-rate mortgage two years ago

BESTBUYMORTGAGES

Fixed Rates

Lender

Rate

Until

Reversionary Rate

APR

Max. LTV

HLC

ERC

Product Fee

Exit Fee

Notes

Sainsbury’s Bank

1.19%

3/31/2020

4.24%

3.7%

60%

n/a

2%/1% until 31/03/20. 10% overpayments p.a. without penalty

£745 Product Fee

£100

Mx £1m. Free Valuation. Free legals for remortgages.

Santander

1.25%

4/2/2020

4.74%

4.2%

75%

n/a

3% until 02/04/20. 10% overpayments p.a. without penalty

£1499 Product Fee £225

Min/Max loan £250k / £1.5m. Free Valuation. Free legals for remortgages.

Principality BS

1.65%

4/30/2023

4.90%

3.7%

65%

n/a

5/5/3/3/1% until 30/04/23. 10% overpayments p.a. without penalty

£1395 Product Fee £155

Mx £750k. Purchase Only

TSB Bank

2.34%

1/31/2028

3.99%

3.0%

60%

n/a

6/6/6/6/6/5/4/3/2/1% until 31/01/28. 5% overpayments p.a. without penalty

£995 Product Fee

Purchase Only. Remortgage (Free Valuation & Legals) @ 2.39%

Source: SPF Private Clients

Money.indd 1

24/01/2018 11:56

AREYOUINAFIX? Duncan Farmer looks at the options for borrowers whose ﬁxed rate deals are coming to an end

his year about half a million homeowners will have to remortgage as the two-year fixedrate deal they took out at the beginning of 2016 comes to an end. The alternative is that their lender simply transfers their loan to its standard variable rate, which, unless they have a very small mortgage, will be expensive. The good news is that for the moment at least, fixed-rate mortgages are now cheaper than they were back in 2016. In January of that year the average two-year fix came with an interest rate of 2.56 per cent. Today the average is 2.33 per cent. For those prepared to shop around there are cheaper deals to be had. Sainsbury’s Bank, for example, has a range of two-year fixes with rates starting from 1.24 per cent for a borrower with at least 25 per cent equity in their home. Santander is advertising an even lower rate – 1.09 per cent – for borrowers with at least 35 per cent equity. In spite of a sluggish market recently, property prices in London have risen on average by about ten per cent since the start of

2016, so most borrowers will have built a fair bit of extra equity and therefore most likely to qualify for the best deals. On a £300,000 loan at 2.56 per cent, the monthly repayments would be £1,355, but at 1.24 per cent they fall to £1,164, a saving of just under £200 a month. If the money that a borrower saved was then used to overpay the outstanding loan – most lenders allow overpayments of up to ten per cent of the outstanding capital – they could repay mortgage more than four years early and save total interest of £8,500. The other advantage of making overpayments is that when the fixedrate deal ends the amount you need to borrow on your next loan has fallen and so you could qualify for better rates and, almost as important, lower fees. The Sainsbury’s deal comes with a charge of £745, but Yorkshire’s fee is £250 lower at £495. And if you have got used to making overpayments and rates have risen by the time you need to remortgage again you are at least cushioned by the blow.

ore than six months after the Grenfell Tower, in which 71 people died, mortgage lenders are being a little more cautious about lending to people buying flats in high-rise blocks. The problem pales into insignificance compared with the plight of those who lost their lives, loved ones and homes, but it is worth ensuring that if you are looking to borrow that the building has the right safety and fire certificates before making an application. According to Ray Boulger, of John Charcol, the broker, “valuers are now asked to provide additional information on cladding”. There are also reported instances of extra fire safety checks being required. David Hollingworth of London & Country, said that fire safety had been mentioned by one lender as a potential problem on a case, but later retracted the suggestion. Not all lenders take the same approach, so check first.

Variable Rates Lender

Rate

Until

Rev. Rate

APR

Max. LTV

HLC

ERC

Product Fee

Exit Fee

Notes

HSBC Bank

1.24%

Tracker over base for 24 months

3.94%

3.5%

65%

n/a

None

£99 Booking Fee £900 Product Fee

Mx £5m. Free valuation. Free Legals for remortgages

HSBC Bank

1.34%

Tracker over base for 24 months

3.94%

3.6%

75%

n/a

None

£99 Booking Fee £900 Product Fee

Mx £2m. Free valuation. Free Legals for remortgages

Coventry BS

1.64%

Variable rate for term

n/a

1.7%

50%

n/a

None

£999 Product Fee

£125

Mx £1m. Free Valuation. Free legals for remortgages.

HSBC Bank

1.49%

Tracker over base for 24 months

3.94%

3.8%

85%

n/a

None

£99 Booking Fee £900 Product Fee

Mx £400k. Free valuation. Free Legals for remortgages

Money.indd 2

24/01/2018 11:56

FIVEOF THEBEST 1

EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY

REHAB PARLIAMENTARY PANCAKE RACE Victoria Tower Gardens, Westminster

Wed 14 Feb-Sun 18 Feb

RIVOLI POP-UP CINEMA Rivoli Ballroom, Brockley Wed 14 Feb

KENNINGTON CONFIDENTIAL MOVIE Kennington Cinema Museum Wed 14 Feb

Catch a secret movie. The cinema says it won’t be a romcom, and there’s a 1980s’ dress code (‘shoulder pads, perms, denim shirts, blazers and leg-warmers’). All proceeds go to Walking with the Wounded, a charity that helps wounded service personnel back into work. www.cinemamuseum.org.uk

Where do you live? What and where was your first London home? At 23 I bought my first flat in Crystal Palace

Favourite open space in London?

Wandsworth Common in the summer – it has a real community spirit

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Bringing up two wonderful children

Head to the Rivoli for a Valentine’s screening of 90s’ favourite Pretty Woman to enjoy with popcorn, hot dogs and comfy chairs. Take a date or some pals. www.rivolipopupcinema.designmynight.com

Position Head of Streatham and Tooting Residential Wandsworth Common

I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS Polka Theatre

Wizard presents an enchanting tale about the power of books and one boy’s bravery by Michael Morpurgo. Tomas hates reading and school, but his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady in his local library, a place where the books hold more than stories within their pages… www.polkatheatre.com/event/i-believe-unicorns

Estate Agent Savills

Tue 13 Feb, 10am

A fixture for over 20 years, this pancake race features MPs, Lords and media folk in a relay race with professional commentary by ITN’s Alastair Stewart. All proceeds go to Rehab’s brain injury services. www.parliamentarypancakerace.co.uk

Name Carrie Scott

BRING YOU OWN BABY COMEDY The Half Moon, Putney Mon 19 Feb

Take your baby (soft flooring, toys, buggy parking and changing facilities provided) to a lunch-time comedy club for the parents, featuring two acts and a compere from the circuit. www.byocomedy.com

Tell us something that would surprise people about you.

I was part of building a successful independent business across south west London

Aside from property what’s your most expensive purchase? My car

Favourite book, film or album now? The Pursuit of Happyness

What did you want to be when you were growing up? RAF Pilot

What three things would take to a desert island? IPod, running trainers, water

What is your most treasured possession? My home and its contents

What is top of your bucket list?

To run the London and New York marathons

Who would you like to stuck in a lift with? Princess Diana

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Snoozing in the afternoon when I have lots of other stuff I should be doing

50 Events_SA.indd 1

24/01/2018 12:54

Cambria Road, Camberwell SE5

Guide Price: ÂŁ750,000 Freehold

A recently built property on the borders of Brixton and Camberwell, close to Loughborough Junction station. This very well presented end of terrace home is in excellent condition and features 2 double bedrooms, a downstairs W/C, private rear garden and off street parking for at least 2 cars. Cambria Road is a short walk to the grade 2 English Heritage listed Ruskin Park with its restored Bandstand, wild flower garden, ponds, sports facilities, playground and paddling pool. Denmark Hill and Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College University Hospital are approximately 0.5 miles away and Brixton town centre with its shops and amenities is less than 1 mile walk from the property. The property is offered with no onward chain and is available to view immediately. EPC EER C.

Kennington Sales: 020 7385 2296

Lauristons_FEB18_x7.indd 1

25/01/2018 09:35

Balham Balham 020 020 8772 8772 9373 9373 balham@lauristons.com balham@lauristons.com

Battersea Battersea 020 020 7978 7978 5800 5800 battersea@lauristons.com battersea@lauristons.com

Kennington Kennington 020 020 7385 7385 2296 2296 kennington@lauristons.com kennington@lauristons.com

Land Land 020 020 8943 8943 2211 2211 land@lauristons.com land@lauristons.com

New New Homes Homes 020 020 8879 8879 9099 9099 newhomes@lauristons.com newhomes@lauristons.com

Putney Putney 020 020 8780 8780 8780 8780 putney@lauristons.com putney@lauristons.com

Wandsworth Wandsworth 020 020 8417 8417 8054 8054 wandsworth@lauristons.com wandsworth@lauristons.com

Wimbledon Wimbledon 020 020 8946 8946 9468 9468 wimbledon@lauristons.com wimbledon@lauristons.com

Cromford Road, Wandsworth SW18

Guide Price: ÂŁ650,000 Share of Freehold

This beautifully presented two bedroom conversion flat is situated in a popular tree lined road and benefits from a private garden and a share of the freehold. The accommodation comprises a large bay fronted double reception room with high ceilings, wood floors and fireplaces, a spacious kitchen/breakfast room with direct access to the private garden, two double bedrooms and a modern bathroom. The property offers a number of commuting options being just 0.5m from both East Putney station (District Line) and Wandsworth Pier, where you can take the River Taxi into the City. With Wandsworth Park and the River Thames close at hand for those summer strolls, this is a highly convenient location all round. EPC EER D

Putney Sales: 020 8780 8780

www.lauristons.com www.lauristons.com

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25/01/2018 09:35

Prince George’s Avenue, Raynes Park SW20

Guide Price: £700,000 Freehold

This is a quite superb extended 3 bedroom Victorian family home situated in a popular residential location. Arranged over 3 floors, this wonderful period home provides spacious and well-proportioned accommodation throughout. Prince George’s Avenue is a Cul-de-Sac which is located in the sought after Apostles area of Wimbledon. The property is situated conveniently for the local shops at Raynes Park as well as a range of bars and restaurants . Raynes Park Station is only 0.25 miles away perfect for the commuters amongst you .The David Lloyd Leisure and Tennis Club is a short walk away as is Cannon Hill Common ideal for a stroll or just to exercise the family pet is less than 1 mile walk. EPC EER E.

Wimbledon Sales: 020 8946 9468

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