Homes Across Kent Supplement by Across Kent

February

Issue 1

Launching Soon: www.homesacrosskent.co.uk

TO THE LAUNCH ISSUE of Homes Across Kent. No matter what type of home you are looking to purchase or rent, be it a one bedroom starter home, a lavish Country Estate dream home or a home to retire in, Homes Across Kent is the place for ideas and to find the locations where they are. With a complete mixture of new developments to period & resale homes, find it fast in Homes Across Kent!

Why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to buy property in 2010 The down turn of the economy in 2008 caused mortgages to become increasingly difficult to obtain, deposits too became higher and stock markets dropped dramatically. But 2010 is a new year and with it comes the end of the credit crunch and the start of new property opportunities. Annual house price inflation is now running at 8.6 percent which is up from 5.9 percent last month; the highest reading since October 2007 well over 2 years ago. Despite a stock market correction, (unsurprising due to the up-move in the last 9 months of 2009), these statistics give a promising indication for the rest of 2010. Lenders are now more likely to offer favourable loan-to-value rates, becoming less strict with new and existing borrowers. It is also likely that the Bank of England will keep the base rate at a

record low of 0.5% throughout 2010. For buy-tolet investors 2010 is looking particularly good.

60% think property prices outside London will rise in 2010.

According to Ludlow Thompson's survey, buy-tolet investors are generally far more confident about the residential property market with 73% of them expecting house prices to rise over the next six months and 89% expecting rents to stay the same or increase.

Although the economy is on its way up, it is still wise to prepare before you commit to buying a property. Speak to a financial adviser to discuss the options for financing, use professional advice and remember that house prices go up as well as down.

The Young Index have also revealed 59% of buy -to-let investors are willing to expand their property portfolios in 2010 by purchasing new properties in London, while 43% of investors are looking to buy new properties outside the capital. These figures have altered significantly from the same poll taken last year, when they stood at 33% and 8% respectively.

By Kristy Kelly

More than 75% of buy-to-let landlords said they believe that property prices in London will stay the same or rise within the next 12 months, while

To Advertise Tel: 0844 588 7611 (Local Rate)

BLOOR HOMES LAUNCH event goes ahead after snow delay If you haven’t seen the new show home at Spencers Park yet, it’s now open 7 days a week, 10am til 5pm. Bloor’s friendly representative will be happy to show you around and tell you about the range of amazing deals including part exchange, Homestart2 85/15 shared equity scheme, discounts and deposit paid.

In celebration of Bloor Homes’ stunning new Spencers Park development situated within the historic village of Minster, family owned Bloor held a special launch event on 23rd and 24th January with drinks, canapés and goody bags for the children. 10 lucky locals also won £50 restaurant vouchers for the fabulous Ferry House Inn in a free prize draw. Andrea Smale from Bloor Homes said, “The bad weather forced us to postpone our launch party by a week, but in spite of the delay we had a fantastic turnout and great weekend was had by all.“ Just three miles from Sheerness with its recently awarded European blue flag, Spencers Park is a safe and highly desirable development of 95 affordable houses, ranging from two-bedroom properties ideal for first-time buyers to two and three-bedroom family homes.

0845 6046605 or visit www.bloorhomes.com To find out more, call Bloor Homes on

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Artists Impression

ORBIT FIRST STEP LAUNCHES AFFORDABLE NEW APARTMENTS IN BROMPTON

bedroom apartments are new builds and one is a unique refurbished duplex apartment. Each includes a contemporary fitted kitchen complete with an oven, hob and cooker hood, washing machine and fridge, as well as central heating and allocated parking. A viewhome will be open throughout the event to give visitors a real feel for the high standard of accommodation on offer. A team of staff from Orbit First Step will be on hand, along with an Independent Financial Advisor to provide no-obligation advice if required and, as the event is expected to attract a lot of visitors, you are advised to make an appointment prior to visiting by calling 03458 50 20 50. The apartments are being offered under the popular New Build HomeBuy scheme which enables buyers to purchase a share of the property with a minimum 40 per cent currently available from just £40,000. Most purchasers will need to raise a mortgage to purchase their share and then pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share. They can also ‘staircase’ purchasing additional shares in the future, if they wish, until they own the property outright. Orbit First Step estimates that you would need a household income from around £17,900 for these properties to be affordable.

Come along to our open event on Saturday 13 February to find out more

Sales and Marketing Manager, Diane Webster said: “Affordable homes are hard to find so the launch of these apartments will be great news for people who either live or work in the Medway Borough district and who are in need of affordable housing. Many people wrongly assume that they wouldn’t be eligible for our assistance, however, as long as your household income is less than £60,000 we may be able to help you. We have already helped thousands of people take their first steps towards home-ownership and you could be next. You could be a Key Worker, a First Time Buyer, in need of a new home following a relationship breakdown, or you could be looking for a larger, but still affordable, home for your growing family; the easiest way to find out if we can help, is to come along to our event and we can quickly assess your eligibility. What have you got to lose?”

Thirteen affordable new apartments will be launched to the public during an open event hosted by Orbit First Step on Saturday 13 February between 10am and 3pm.

For further information on Boleyn Court or any of the HomeBuy Schemes available through Orbit First Step in your region, please call a member of the sales team on 03458 50 20 50 or visit

Located at Boleyn Court, in Brompton, near Chatham, 12 of the 1- and 2-

www.orbitfirststep.org.uk

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Bank Base Rate Countdown -

IS IT TIME TO REMORTGAGE? Clare Gedge from Mortgage Advice Bureau comments on the Monetary Policy Committee’s decision to retain the Bank Base Rate at 0.5% for January, which is unchanged for the 10th consecutive month. “With many economic forecasters now firmly expecting the economy to have returned to growth, some are now expecting the Bank of England to start to increase the low Bank Base Rate that we have all enjoyed and benefitted from over the last twelve months.”

Many would be remortgage borrowers have quite understandably been put off from switching their mortgage, as many lenders’ standard variable rates have previously offered such great value in relation to any new re-mortgage products on offer. However, it is best not to be complacent as some of the smaller Building Societies have already started to increase their standard variable rates. Other borrowers have also been put off switching their mortgage due to lower equity levels as a result of house price falls during 2007/08. This has meant that some of the best remortgage rates were out of reach due to those customers with a high loan to value which lenders’ would not have considered.

more potential borrowers to start to re-examine their options in the market as we move into 2010. If you would like to consider your options and find out whether remortgaging would be the right thing to do, contact your local mortgage broker who will be able to advise you.

The last few weeks have continued to see the main high street lenders compete for business with almost weekly rate reductions on both tracker and fixed rate products and this is good news for home movers, and in particular those who are now potentially thinking of remortgaging for whatever reason. The question we all want to know now is

When is this likely to happen? Some forecasters still believe that the base rates will be maintained in the short term as the outlook for the wider economy is still far from clear. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors are forecasting bank base rates to be raised in the second half of 2010, but others believe that rates may start to be increased as early as March of this year.

So what does it all mean for home owners?

We have seen further encouraging news with both Nationwide and the Halifax reporting house prices increases in 2009 of 5.9% and 1.1% respectively. Although this change in house prices will not be a solution for all re-mortgage borrowers at the moment (as many will still have little or no equity), if prices do continue to rise, more borrowers will be able to take advantage of the offers out there and prevent any rapid rise in interest rates that may occur by locking into a fixed rate deal. We are also seeing an increase in the number of mortgage products available to brokers, with the total number of deals now available reaching the 3,000 figure which demonstrates that lenders must also be feeling slightly more optimistic about the market as the wider economy improves. The number of people remortgaging in recent months has been steady, but significantly below the levels that the market previously experienced. With change now considered more likely, we would expect

Clare Gedge is from Mortgage Advice Bureau. For more information regarding remortgaging please call 01634 868000 or visit www.mortgageadvicebureau.com/ claregedge Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. A fee of up to 1% of the mortgage amount may be charged depending on individual circumstances. A typical fee is £95.

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WANT TO RENT? HERE’S A BRIEF GUIDE TO COMPLETE THE PUZZLE! Visit the property at least twice at different times of the day, including rush hour. The earth tremors caused by a cleverly hidden rail track do not make for a peaceful and stress-free home life! Whilst looking around the property remember to ask yourself and the agent these key questions. Write them down if you have to, the excitement of finding a decent flat can often cause the most rational person to go giddy. · Is the area quiet or noisy? · What types of people live in the surrounding area? · Do you feel comfortable there? · Are the available transport links appropriate for your needs?

Whether you're the eternal tenant wise to every trick of the trade or a fresh-faced student taking the first tentative steps away from the family home, the mysterious world of renting can be a baffling one. Intro If you're not aware of your rights as a renter you are a sitting duck for the few dodgy letting agents and landlords lurking out there who will take any short cut possible to save themselves money. However, by visiting Letting Agents who are well established, belong to Governing Bodies and have built up a good reputation in the area you wish to rent in, renting a property can be a pleasurable experience as they will inform you of everything you need to know to make the right decision. No matter what your reasons for choosing to rent a property it simply makes sense to ensure that you're getting your money's worth. There's nothing more heartbreaking than handing out large sums of money every month when you're not entirely satisfied with your home. And a home it should be; somewhere you feel safe and happy. If you've taken the right steps to renting a place there's no reason, just because you chose not

to or are unable to buy, that this shouldn't be possible.

· How close is the property to the local shops, supermarkets or schools? · How much is the council tax?

Finding A Property · Is car parking easy? Why and what type of place you choose to rent can depend entirely on your circumstances. Perhaps you're a 'Young Professional', happy to delay the commitment of buying a property, looking for a self-contained flat with all the mod cons. Or perhaps you're a student, embarking on a new frontier, a place without home cooked food and where Breville toasties and super noodles are your main source of sustenance. ‘You might end up living in a rental property for as long as someone lives in a house they've bought, so you should set similar standards’

· Will the property be cheap to heat and light? · Does the property look to be in good condition? A badly maintained property can often reveal an illusive landlord and future problems. If the property is in a poor condition, but you still wish to rent it, use its faults to negotiate a lower rent.

properties beyond what you can comfortably afford. Other Costs Be aware, once you've found a rental property, letting agents will usually charge you a fee to handle administrative work, such as checking references. These administrative costs can range from £25 to £150 or more, depending on the agent, the property and the location. In addition, they may also ask for a holding deposit of £50 to £200 or more to secure the property for you, and will subsequently deduct it from your first month's rent. Try and establish these costs with the agents in advance of your search as they may vary. (A good Letting Agent will inform you of all costs). In Conclusion So long as you do your homework and do not simply rush into making a decision that you may come to regret in time, renting a property through a good Letting Agent can have its rewards. So whatever the reason for moving into rented accommodation, make sure you like the property, you like the area, the Letting Agent has informed you of everything and you can afford it comfortably!

· Is the property really worth the rent being asked for it? · Can you really afford it? Budget

If you're looking for a self-contained flat or the cheaper option of simply renting a room, it's important to make sure the place is right for you before committing (it's possible to spend hours meandering in the video shop, so give your home the same courtesy!) Make the same checks as if you were buying the property. You might end up living in a rental property for as long as someone lives in a house they've bought, so you should set similar standards.

Set yourself a manageable budget and stick to it. Letting agents market rental properties either by stating the weekly rental price or the monthly rental price. Be aware that a £400 a week rental price does not mean a cost of £1,600 a month. Multiply the weekly rent by 4.33 to get your monthly rental costs. Try not to be tempted (it’s very easy to think that few extra pounds will be easy to find) into looking at

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Brockman Road, £385pcm, two bedroom first floor flat, Folkestone

Cheriton Road, £400pcm, one bed top floor flat, Folkestone

Marshall Street, £400pcm, one bed ground floor flat, Folkestone

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Bradstone Road, £450pcm, 2 bed ground floor flat, Folkestone

Greengates, Marine Parade, £500pcm, one bed upper ground floor flat, Littlestone

Lennard Court, £525pcm, two bed first floor flat, Folkestone

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New Street, £600pcm, two bed cottage, Lydd

We have Customers waiting to move in

Mitchell Ave, £650pcm, two bed house with garage, Hawkinge

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WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN BUY FOR LESS?

Antler Homes at Bishop’s Field in

20th and 21st February, offering

worth up to £1749.50, or to choose

countryside, yet is still just 30

you the opportunity to view the

a furniture package for your new

miles away from the thrills of

apartments available and learn

home.”

central London, ensuring it is

more about how this renowned

Maidstone If you’re keen to move out of rented accommodation but don’t think you can afford to buy, now is the time to visit Antler Homes’ Bishop’s Field development in Maidstone. Offering a selection of luxury one and two bedroom apartments priced from just £134,950, it could actually be cheaper to buy rather than rent!

Antler Homes will be hosting a First Time Buyers’ Weekend on

housebuilder can help you onto

Conveniently situated within

itself offers a vast array of

the first rung of the property

walking distance of the train

restaurants, bars and cafes and a

ladder. Tim Foreman, Sales and

station, the apartments at Bishop’s

well

Marketing Director says: “At Antler

Field offer spacious living

Shopping enthusiasts won’t be

Homes we understand how difficult

accommodation and a superior

disappointed with the choice of

it has been for purchasers to buy

specification. Custom built

outlets and independent retailers,

their first home during the

kitchens are equipped with a range

not to mention major shopping

recession. However, now the

of Siemens appliances such as an

arcades Fremlin Walk and the

housing market is recovering,

oven, gas hob, extractor canopy,

Lockmeadow Centre.

we’ve come up with a selection of

fridge freezer and dishwasher,

offers to give first time buyers an

whilst bathrooms feature crisp

extra helping hand. You can

white sanitaryware with chrome

choose to have five per cent of

fittings and thermostatic showers.

your deposit paid by Antler Homes, your Stamp Duty paid,

easily commutable. Maidstone

Set in Maidstone, Bishop’s Field is surrounded by orchards and rolling

equipped

leisure

centre.

Prices at Bishop’s Field start from £134,950. To find out more, please call 01622

600110 or visit

the website at:

www.antlerhomes.co.uk

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GETTING THE BEST DEAL WHEN RE-MORTGAGING! RE-MORTGAGING is where a home owner renegotiates the terms of an existing mortgage, says Clare Gedge from Mortgage Advice Bureau.

histories are now, more than ever, a crucial part of the lenders' decision-making processes, and poor credit scores are the biggest cause of rejected applications. Even borrowers in a strong financial position, with large deposits or a lot of equity in their properties, are falling at the first hurdle. If you have recently missed your credit card payments, paid bills late, or made repeated failed applications for credit cards or unsecured personal loans, then this will have left a footprint on your credit history, which will be picked up by lenders.

The process simply involves redeeming an existing deal and switching to a different lender that is offering a more competitive rate or better terms. So re-mortgaging should be to a borrower's advantage. But the number of people doing this has slumped by 60% in the past year, according to figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). Over the past two years, property prices have stopped rising and started falling, mortgage finance has dried up, and higher loan to value mortgages have all but disappeared. It is now much tougher for borrowers because lenders are asking for deposits of 25-30% to secure the best deals. Improving your chances

If you want to re-mortgage you will find that lenders are being extremely picky about which borrowers they will lend to. Credit

It is important to check your credit score and if it is poor then you need to start taking steps to improve it. Firstly, make sure there are no errors on your credit history and if there are, correct them as soon as possible. Ensure all your debts are registered to your current address and that you are on the electoral register for that address. Also, cut up and cancel any credit or store cards that you are not using. Make sure you make at least the minimum payments on existing cards and try to avoid applying for too many new cards if you are likely to be rejected. Changing criteria It is worth noting that experienced mortgage brokers may know when lenders change their credit-scoring models, and be able to take advantage of this. Although poor credit histories account for a significant number of failed applications, they are not the only reason why borrowers are being turned down. A recent change of job can be a problem, and some lenders will require a probationary period of at least six months to have been served before considering an applicant. Also, some lenders are rejecting applicants based on a change in personal circumstances that is perceived as putting extra strain on their income. For example, some lenders will look at the impact on affordability of a new addition to the family. If a borrower is currently on an interest-only mortgage, many lenders when assessing affordability will apply their criteria using a capital and interest repayment basis.

Where this occurs, it may mean that the borrower will have to increase the term of the mortgage to ensure affordability. Also, lenders are now much stricter on interest-only borrowers demonstrating they have a suitable repayment plan in place. Reduced equity How much equity you have - in other words, the size of your deposit - is crucial. There are plenty of homeowners who have owned their properties for a number of years, and therefore despite the price drops in the past 12-18 months, are still likely to have built up a significant amount of equity in their homes.

To make sure you maximise your chances of securing a re-mortgage, it is more important than ever to have the correct documentation. That means ensuring that you can provide six months worth of original bank statements and wage slips, and your latest P60 tax form. The key is to be prepared and to expect your finances to be scrutinised. If it is possible to secure a competitive fixed-rate deal then it may make sense to take future likely interest rate rises out of the equation and to fix now, before it is too late. Remember though, that there are generally costs associated with re-mortgaging and these should be factored into the equation. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage. Although many homeowners, at the moment, are happy to revert to their lender's standard variable rate, the problem is that it leaves them at the mercy of the market and sudden interest rate rises.

They are actually in a great position to re-mortgage and take advantage of some very attractive fixed and tracker deals out there at the moment. As for homeowners who bought recently, and who have seen any equity they had in their properties eroded by falling prices, it is important not to panic. If a current mortgage deal is about to expire, the mortgage will probably revert to the lender's standard variable rate (SVR). With interest rates so low, a borrower may actually find that their lender's SVR is cheaper than the rate they are currently on. Be prepared

If and when interest rates do rise, many homeowners may not have budgeted for their monthly mortgage payments to shoot up if they are still on an SVR. Clare Gedge is from Mortgage Advice Bureau â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for a no obligation appointment to see if you could benefit from re-mortgaging, please call 01634 868000 or visit www.mortgageadvicebureau.com /claregedge

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. A fee up to 1% of the mortgage amount may be charged depending on individual circumstances. A typical fee is ÂŁ95.

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‘AWESOME’ ALPINE SKIING IS ON THE DOORSTEP FOR OWNERS OF NEW FRENCH MOUNTAIN HOMES “Awesome skiing” is the way Richard Deans – an enthusiast for the Alpine piste for 17 years who raced with the DHO (Downhill Only Club) at the age of 13 – describes the 249 km of slopes on the doorstep of the latest French Alpine development planned by MGM. Richard, a sales consultant in the firm’s London office, this month unveils plans for Le Cristal de l’Alpe, a new four-star residence de tourisme to be built by MGM at Alpe d’Huez in the Central Alps region of France. Occupying the former site of an English-owned hotel – now demolished – in the centre of the resort, close to shops and restaurants, the residence will comprise 68 properties ranging from studio apartments with floor areas of 15 sq m to four-bedroom homes of 82 sq m. When it opens at the end of 2011, the residence will incorporate an indoor swimming pool as well as a sauna, jacuzzi, steam and fitness rooms. A spa and beauty centre will provide a variety of massages and body treatments. Boasting the world’s longest black run – the 16 km Sarenne – Alpe d’Huez also has easy slopes which attract beginners. But the resort, which hosted the bobsleigh events of the 1968 Winter Olympics, has much more than skiing on offer. “This is a destination for sports lovers,” says Richard who points to the popularity of its public sports halls and open-air heated pool as well as facilities for a host of activities ranging from tennis and climbing to hiking and biking. Professional cyclists helped the village make its mark in the sporting world in 1952 when the Tour de France stopped there for the first time. Alpe d’Huez has been a stage finish for the race almost every year since 1976. Grenoble Airport is 90 minutes from Alpe d’Huez by car. Chambery Airport is a two-hour drive and

Geneva Airport is three hours by road. Prices of the properties at Le Cristal de l’Alpe depend on size and leaseback option (see below). Typically the price of a two-bedroom apartment with a floor area of 44 sq m is €242,000, excluding VAT which is waived under the leaseback scheme. For full details of the properties available from MGM call 0207 4940706, email london@mgm-immobilier.fr or visit the website www.mgm-constructeur.com For full details of the properties available from MGM call 0207 4940706, email london@mgm-immobilier.fr or visit the website www.mgm-constructeur.com Buyers of apartments at Le Cristal de l’Alpe in Alpe d’Huez will be among the first to benefit from a new range of leaseback options launched by MGM in response to demand from buyers of ski properties who are seeking greater flexibility in the periods they can occupy their Alpine homes. Under the new scheme, owners who choose the ‘lease with rental income’ method of purchase can opt for four weeks personal use, they can also choose three different weeks or, instead, increase the annual rental income they receive by around €1,000 by choosing to use the apartment for only two weeks in winter or summer. Longer periods of occupancy can be achieved by exchanging weeks and choosing to stay during the off-season when the spa and other residence facilities are closed. The terms of the ‘lease with price reduction’ scheme remain unchanged but these owners who buy on this basis also are entitled to exchange weeks and occupy their properties in the off season. If they wish to do so, owners can exchange their entitlements to occupancy for a stay in one the other 15 MGM-built residences de tourisme in

Pictured is MGM’s Richard Deans – an enthusiast for the Alpine piste for 17 years who raced with the DHO (Downhill Only Club) at the age of 13. the French Alps which are managed by the MGM Group’s management company CGH. For full details of the leaseback schemes available from MGM call 0207 4940706, email london@mgm-immobilier.fr or visit the website www.mgm-constructeur.com

This computer-generated image shows how Le Cristal de l’Alpe, a new four-star residence de tourisme to be built by MGM at Alpe d’Huez in the Central Alps region of France, will look when it is completed. For details call 0207 4940706 or visit www.mgm-constructeur.com

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The inspiration for the name of a new ski property development in the French Alps is far from being a shaggy-dog story! The region’s leading developer of ski properties, MGM, which plans to build a new residence de tourisme at Val Cenis in the Haute-Maurienne, close to the Italian border, has named the scheme Le Chalet de Flambeau in memory of a legendary local canine postman. The dog – a German Shepherd – ensured the arrival of the mail between the town of Lanslebourg (now part of Val Cenis) and Fort Sollières, perched high on Mont Froid, during the 1930s. Every day for ten years, summer and winter, at the same time of day, Flambeau – ‘The Torch’ – could be relied upon for the safe delivery of the military postbags. MGM’s proposed new four-star residence will comprise 197 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with floor areas ranging from 35 sq m to 75 sq m. Those in the first phase will be ready for occupation before the end of 2011. Located close to the ski lift – giving access to around 125 km of pistes – Le Chalet de

INSPIRATION FOR THE NAME OF NEW SKI PROPERTY IS FAR FROM BEING A SHAGGY- DOG STORY resort in the Haute-Maurienne. Located between two national parks – the Vanoise and Italy’s Gran Paradiso which together create Europe’s largest wilderness area of almost 500 square miles (1,250 square kilometres) – Val Cenis is described by Richard as “charming, unspoilt and, in some ways, a bit of a time-warp.”

Nearby Mont Cenis made its mark on history as early as 218 BC when Hannibal and his elephants crossed the Alps into Italy by this route. From the twelfth century onwards the Mont Cenis Pass was the main route to the Italian Piedmont region. In 1805, Napoleon ordered the construction of a road – now the N6 – to link Val

This computer-generated image shows MGM’s planned new residence de tourisme at Val Cenis which has been named the scheme Le Chalet de Flambeau in memory of a legendary local canine postman. For details call 0207 4940706 or visit www.mgm-constructeur.com Flambeau’s position in the sunny valley of the River Arc is expected to make it a destination for year-round holidays. Hiking, horse riding, climbing, paragliding and fishing are among the numerous outdoor activities on offer locally. As in most MGM residences, facilities will include an indoor pool with a glazed roof, fitness suite, gym, sauna, jacuzzi and steam rooms, as well as a beauty centre with a variety of massages and treatments on offer. For MGM, which currently has properties for sale in 24 mountain and lakeside locations, Val Cenis is a new region of the French Alps. Richard Deans, sales consultant in the company’s London-based UK sales office, says that the site in Val Cenis provides MGM with the opportunity to offer a new generation of ‘affordable-range’ ski properties in the biggest ski

All of MGM’s new leaseback homes are fully furnished and decorated. They have pine internal finishes with tiled and parquet floors. In keeping with MGM’s policy of using local natural materials wherever possible, the buildings are clad externally in timber and stone. Each home comes with cellar storage, a ski locker and underground parking. Although not yet announced, off-plan prices at Le Chalet de Flambeau are expected to start at around €150,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, excluding VAT at 19.6 per cent which is waived under the leaseback scheme. For full details of the properties available from MGM call 0207 4940706, email london@mgm-immobilier.fr or visit the website www.mgm-constructeur.com Two villages – Lanslebourg and Lanslevillard – were joined in 1967 to form the resort of Val Cenis.

Cenis Lanslebourg with Susa in Italy. The region’s winter tourist trade had its beginnings in the Middle Ages when the Marrons (sleigh drivers) towed travellers’ sleighs from one side of Mont Cenis to the other and invented a method of making the descent in a ramasse, a type of sled made of branches and the forerunner of today’s ski taxi.

MGM French Properties Kingsland House 122 - 124 Regent Street London W1B 5SA Tel: 0207 494 0706 email: london@mgm-immobilier.fr www.mgm-constructeur.com

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MGM MARKS TEN YEARS IN TIGNES WITH PLANS FOR YET ANOTHER NEW SKI PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT “We are committed to replacing ugly ’seventies-built accommodation with comfortable contemporary homes of the type which twenty-first century purchasers demand,” says Richard Deans ____ Leading French Alpine developer MGM, which has played a key role in the improvement of facilities and accommodation in Tignes since it arrived there in 1999, celebrates its tenth year in the ski resort with news of plans for another new residential property development. Located alongside La Ferme du Val Claret, one of MGM’s most successful residences de tourisme to date, the firm is to build a new residence of 30 apartments. Construction work will get underway in the new year and the residence will open for business at the end of 2011. Its name – Le Jhana – is a term which describes a meditative state of profound stillness Richard Deans, sales consultant in MGM’s London office, says that the scheme continues the firm’s long-term commitment to replace ugly ’seventies-built accommodation blocks with comfortable contemporary homes of the type which twenty-first century purchasers demand. MGM’s decision to build Le Jhana follows the success of five earlier schemes in Tignes. In addition to La Ferme du Val Claret, they include L’Ecrin de Neiges and the twin developments which flank the gateway to Tignes. They are Le Nevada, a residence de tourisme, and Les Suites du Nevada, a four-star hotel.

Meanwhile, about to open at Tignes Le Lac is a further residence de tourisme, Le Telemark. Currently available for sale off-plan at Le Jhana are two- and three-bedroom apartments with floor areas ranging from 59 sq m to 135 sq m. All the apartments come with underground car parking as well as secure cellar storage and ski lockers. Prices start at €339,000 for a twobedroom apartment. The price excludes VAT at 19.6 per cent which is waived under the leaseback scheme. Tignes, at an altitude of 2,100 metres, is one of Europe’s highest and most snow-sure ski resorts with direct access to the 300 km of slopes within the Espace Killy skiing area. The calibre of the slopes is underlined by the way the national ski team of France uses them to train for international competitions. The proximity of Tignes to the Vanoise National Park makes it an ideal base for walking and hiking holidays during the summer months. Other popular summer activities in the French Alps include climbing, fishing and horse-riding, as well as paragliding, hot air ballooning and white water rafting. Chambery Airport is less than two hours from Tignes by car and the airports at Lyon and Grenoble are two-and-a-half hours by road. For full details of the properties available from MGM call 0207 4940706, email london@mgm-immobilier.fr or visit the website www.mgm-constructeur.com Buyers of apartments at Le Jhana in Tignes will be among the first to benefit from a new range of leaseback options launched by MGM in

response to demand from buyers of ski properties who are seeking greater flexibility in the periods they can occupy their Alpine homes. Under the new scheme, owners who choose the ‘lease with rental income’ method of purchase can opt for four weeks personal use, they can also choose three different weeks or, instead, increase the annual rental income they receive by around €1,000 by choosing to use the apartment for only two weeks in winter or summer. Longer periods of occupancy can be achieved by exchanging weeks and choosing to stay during the off-season when the spa and other residence facilities are closed. The terms of the ‘lease with price reduction’ scheme remain unchanged but these owners who buy on this basis also are entitled to exchange weeks and occupy their properties in the off season. If they wish to do so, owners can exchange their entitlements to occupancy for a stay in one the other 15 MGM-built residences de tourisme in the French Alps which are managed by the MGM Group’s management company CGH. For full details of the leaseback schemes available from MGM call 0207 4940706, email london@mgm-immobilier.fr or visit the website www.mgm-constructeur.com This computer–generated image shows how MGM’s new residence de tourisme Le Jhana at Tignes will look when it is completed. For details call 0207 4940706 or visit www.mgm-constructeur.com

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FOR SALE!

Top house-selling tips

Wardrobes should be culled. Place out-of-season clothes in storage. It might seem like hard work but you have to move anyway and when the time comes the job will be easier if you’ve already reduced the rubbish. The entrance hall is where a buyer forms their first impression. It should be clean, uncluttered, bright and inviting. If any rooms appear a little drab a simple trick is to use a higher wattage bulb to brighten things up.

The Americans call it ‘Home Staging’. And it was popularised over here by Ann Maurice in her TV series The House Doctor. Staging a home is not redecorating it. Redecorating a home focuses on the home owner, staging focuses on the buyer: rearranging the furnishings, pictures and accessories to best enhance its appeal. It aims to help a broad range of buyers see how they, and their belongings, would fit into the space. First and most important DECLUTTER! Go through each room systematically. Organize toys in boxes and hide them in a storage room or the attic. You can always take them out again when you don't have any viewings booked. Bookcases should be neat and attractive, not overflowing with tatty paperbacks.

Remove personal photos from all rooms if possible and replace with prints or ornaments. You want the buyer to focus on your home, not be distracted by your personal life. A fresh coat of paint really helps. Use a neutral colour (white, beige or magnolia). You can add a splash of colour with bright accessories: pillows, throw rugs, candles, etc.

With the housing market quiet and fewer first time buyers around how can you make your house stand out from the crowd? With furnishings, less is more. Leave space for the buyer to move around. Stack CDs and DVDs out of sight and remove photos from the mantelpiece. Clear the garage and the garden too. Mow the lawns, prune the shrubs and use pots of flowers for an instant welcoming effect. Don't leave bikes or toys lying around. You want the house to look well cared for so a coat of paint on the front door works wonders. Finally, when showing potential buyers round, have soft music playing in the background and light a couple of scented candles to create a nice atmosphere. With just a little attention to detail your FOR SALE sign will soon read SOLD! If you are thinking of buying a new house then look on the next pages for some great ideas!

Bathrooms should gleam! No personal items should be visible. Use a grout whitener and wash or replace shower curtains and glass shower doors. Hang fluffy towels on the towel rails. Kitchens must also be spotless. Remove all notes, magnets, etc. off the front of the fridge. Keep work surfaces clean and clear out the cupboard under the sink. If cupboard doors are a bit out of date paint them with a neutral colour and buy new knobs for a fresh look.

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588 7611 IS THE CREDIT CRUNCH EATING AWAY AT YOUR SAVINGS?

IS the credit crunch eating away at your savings? Are you struggling to keep up your mortgage repayments? Are companies offering easy loan and mortgage repayments not quite fitting the bill? Do you really not want to move but feel you have no other option? Many of Britain’s home owners are struggling to pay off their mortgages, but there may now be hope with the latest craze to hit Britain. The sell-your-home-to-rent-it-back scheme is the newest revelation in selling your home without actually having to move. This revelation gives you the chance to sell your home enabling you to rent it back, and with a 5 year tenancy agreement there is even the opportunity to eventually buy back your home. It offers the owner no hassle of moving and settling into a new house, or adjusting to new surroundings and with so many of us jumping onto the bandwagon it’s set to be a revolution. This generation is set to struggle financially, with first time buyers finding it harder than ever to get even one step on the property ladder and at this rate there is little hope for the next generation with house prices ever rising. Professor David Blanchflower, former Bank of England policy maker describes the situation as “The biggest economic war we have faced in 100 years”. With the credit crunch still as bad as ever, there seems there is little hope for many of us, but even though Britain is still in recession we are all still spending our money like there’s no tomorrow and with high street shop windows

flirting with our eyes promoting sales it’s no surprise that we are. With some shops such as lingerie store Ann Summers noticing as much as a 30% rise in sales, we ask ourselves why are we spending so much and not doing anything about our homes. It’s a very worrying prospect and time to live in, but with America reporting that they are no longer in recession there is still hope for us. Professor David Blanchflower still worries however “There is very little sign employment improving at all, and to prepare for the worst and hope for the best”. All we can do is hope. Paul and Chris Beaufoy from Devon are just one of the many couples who are out of ideas. With a beautiful home in the seaside town of Torquay with breathtaking views across the English Riviera, it’s understandable why they wouldn’t want to move. With Paul just being made redundant and Chris registered disabled they feel that they have no other option but to sell.

out on the table, I can’t believe this is such a simple option and an easy way out of our misery. A huge weight has been lifted off of our shoulders,” Says a delighted and relieved Paul. Paul and Chris now share their experience with other mortgage owners who are in similar situations, urging them to reconsider and re-evaluate their options as there may just be hope around the corner. If you are no longer in a position of affording to pay back your mortgage fear not, as the easiest option of them all may just be a simple phone call or a click away. For more information about the sell-your-hometo-rent-it-back-scheme, visit www.rentbackmyproperty.co.uk Or for first-hand advice on mortgages and repossession call 0800 048 1779 or visit www.ukrepossessionhelpline.org.

“We can’t afford to make the mortgage repayments, we struggle enough as it is but we really don’t want to move. We have created this haven for our children to live in and to think that we have to lose it all to move somewhere that we can no longer call home is unbearable,” Describes Chris. But after a long time spent researching into the sell-your-home-to-rent-it-back phenomenon, Paul and Chris now feel that what was once a limited number of options available to them has now become numerous options. “I feel as if a new set of cards have been dealt

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SALES BOOM FOR PERSIMMON IN ASHFORD THE charisma and charm of Ashford combined with an offering of tasteful and traditional homes has proved to be a combination simply too enticing for house hunters in Kent as sales at Persimmon Home South East’s Millersgate at Repton Park have soared since the development launched in September. The newest Ashford based development offers a wide range of three, four and five bedroom family homes and it seems purchasers can’t get enough of these substantial properties after 16 homes were snapped up in the first two months alone. With interest in the properties at Millersgate rising every day, the marketing suite at the development has now increased its opening hours to having an on-site presence seven days a week to cope with the boost in demand. Jason Stokes, sales director for Persimmon Homes South East, comments on the success of the development: “We’ve always had a good reaction from buyers in Ashford and we are extremely pleased to see that Repton Park is proving to be no different. “The number of reservations received during the first few months, and the speed at which properties are continuing to be reserved, further demonstrates Persimmons ability to build quality, stylish and affordable homes and with the continuing improvements in the property market, I expect this to increase even further. “The number of first time buyer reservations is also encouraging and the offering of the HomeBuy Direct shared equity scheme has been a further draw for purchasers meaning we’ve seen a marked increase in market confidence amongst first timers as they realise that they can afford to buy.”

HomeBuy Direct is designed to help house hunters who are priced out of the housing market in their local area, buy a brand new home at a fraction of its market value. The scheme enables households with incomes below £60,000 who can not otherwise afford to purchase unassisted on the open market, to buy a new build home. House hunters will be required to raise funding, including a mortgage plus any deposit, of at least 70 per cent of the purchase price. The remaining 30 per cent is made up by an equity loan which is co-funded by the Government and Persimmon Homes. The market town of Ashford provides an idyllic setting for the development as picturesque scenery is combined with easy access to local shops and amenities. Ashford offers its residents a diverse selection of cafes, bars and restaurants in addition to entertainment venues such as the leisure centre, a 12-screen cinema and a popular nightclub, or if you travel a little further afield, you can opt for a range of more rural attractions. For further information on the range of properties and incentives available at Repton Park call the marketing suite on 01233 daily from 10am until 5pm. Alternatively visit:

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INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY NOT TO BE MISSED ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A GENUINE INVESTMENT IN A GROWING BUSINESS? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY THAT IS A WINNER? DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS & WOULD LIKE TO MAXIMISE YOUR ADVERTISING BUDGET?

WELL LOOK NO FURTHER! ACROSS KENT LTD HAVE HUGE PLANS FOR 2010 & ONWARDS. Because of the expansion plans we have set out, we are looking for investment from people who can see the vision and who would like to have a part of our growing company. We are predicting, and the signs are there, for tremendous growth over the next year or so due to the interest we are receiving about our on-line publications and our websites we are producing. You would have a financial interest not only in our popular monthly & fortnightly e-papers but also our branded websites that will deal within the areas of Cars, Property, Food, Recruitment and our exclusive Auction Site, all of which are created just for the people of Kent! All launching very soon. We are looking for very modest investment only so we can speed up our capture of the market place, however the returns look to certainly be substantial in comparison to the investment required. We would also be interested to talk to investors who would like to actually become more involved than simply investing financially but actually contribute towards the growth of not only the business but also their own investment, by becoming a working partner! If you are interested in either opportunities please get in touch so we can explain more about what an opportunity this is for you the investor. As a company we are fully incorporated & vat registered and have no debts or outstanding financial commitments. Telephone: 0844 588 info@acrosskent.co.uk

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Published by: Across Kent Limited Sales Telephone: 0844 588 7611 Address: 32 Buckthorne Road, Minster on Sea, Kent. ME12 3RP Email: info@acrosskent.co.uk Web: www.acrosskent.co.uk Produced: Monthly Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise. We are not responsible for any digital reproduction quality or any errors to adverts. Any views or opinions expressed here are those of their writers and do not reflect those of the Across Kent group of e-papers or its Director, staff or editor. Across Kent Ltd or any of its trading companies accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for the accuracy or content of any of its e-papers or other publications, past or present or future.

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