Belfast Homes Property Paper (Issue 1)

10 Feature Homes Heating Your Home Ballyhackamore Focus Going Up - Loft Conversions Home Security

aQUAFORCE Aquaforce 2009 Ltd, 32 Boghill Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 4QS T: 028 9084 2202 E: info@aquaforce.org.uk W: www.aquaforce.org.uk

BATHROOMS AS UNIQUE AS YOU COMPLETE BATHROOM REFURBISHMENT

launching January 2014 SELL YOUR HOME WITH US www.milkestates.com

Belfast homes Property Paper

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VINTAGE CHIC We chat with Alistair Crossey about bringing new life to old furniture ROUNDUP More information about some of the great businesses who helped make BH happen

EDITOR’S LETTER

HEAT YOUR HOME FOR LESS Take a look at the different options for heating your home this winter FEATURE HOMES Ten of the best homes for sale in and around the Belfast area NEW HOMES We introduce you to an exciting new development called Coopers Mill AREA FOCUS Just on the outskirts of the city, we take a closer look at Ballyhackamore SECURE YOUR HOME Keep the burglers at bay this festive season, BH offer some practical tips

Hi Belfast!

I am delighted to introduce you to the new monthly Belfast Homes Property Paper. We invite you to sit down somewhere comfortable and have a good, long read. Inside our first issue you will find lessons in home security and home heating, tips for winter-proofing your property and information about loft conversions. For the arts and crafts lovers among you, Alistair Crossey from Vintage Chic NI talks you through how to source and successfully restyle old furniture, and we’ve compiled a list of our top ten quick and clever Christmas decoration ideas.

This month’s 10 feature homes are situated within a 10 mile radius of Belfast City Centre. You can read all about Coopers Mill in our New Homes section, and Northern Property in our Agency Focus section. Ballyhackamore in East Belfast is the subject of this month’s Area Focus feature.

Whether you’re looking for a home or just browsing, we hope you enjoy every single page.

Best wishes from everyone at Belfast Homes.

Beth Beth Evans

EXTENDING Utilise that empty space at the top of your house with a great loft conversion DECOR Publisher Contact:

Some hints and tips on getting your home ready for the man in red AGENCY FOCUS Find out what goes on behind the scenes at a local estate agency OUTSIDE Help on preparing your home for winter

Lamb Promotions Ltd. Conway Mill, Conway Street, Belfast, BT13 2DE Telephone: +44 (0) 7525 424 202 Email: info@lambpromotions.com Web: www.lambpromotions.com

All submissions to Belfast Homes Property Paper are made on the basis of permission to publish the submission in Belfast Homes Property Paper and its licensed editions worldwide.

In the case of a picture selection, the editor’s decision is final. Any material sent is at the owner’s risk and although every care is taken neither Lamb Promotions Ltd or its agents shall be liable for loss or damage. We take great care to make sure all elements of Belfast Homes Property Paper are accurate. However we accept no liability for misprints or mistakes that appear in this publication. Lamb Promotions Ltd 2013.

VINTAGE CHIC Belfast Homes Property Paper was on the hunt for inspiration. We had a room we needed to freshen up but we didn’t have a massive budget to blow on it. We stumbled across a charming chap called Alastair who runs Windmill Interiors NI and also a furniture upstyling company called Vintage Chic NI. We asked him for some style tips…….

Belfast homes Property Paper | page seven

I'm an interior designer with over 20 years’ experience in my field. I recently set up a company called Vintage Chic NI with my partner. Both of us bring our own little something different to the business.

I am passionate about every aspect of my job, be it redesigning a client’s whole house, focusing on one room or even just selecting new furniture for a space. I have found that over the past 4-6 years the household income has become a lot tighter and therefore outgoings have grown. This has led to my clients wanting to do much of the interior design work themselves. For this reason, I offer a consultation service during which I come to the client’s home and spend some time discussing their needs. It's a very relaxed and worthwhile meeting. We discuss their furniture and assess whether or not it's suitable for the room. I usually advise the client on how to restyle their furniture. Most clients don't have a clue about restyling furniture, but it's actually very easy to do – it just requires a lot of time. It can take around 7 full days to complete a simple side table. To do this, you would normally apply 3 undercoats followed by 3 top coats and it is always beneficial to finish it off with a coat of varnish. This seals the item and allows you to use it on a daily basis without damaging it.

These days I'm noticing more and more that we're having to source items of furniture for our clients. We receive 10-12 private messages a day from clients asking us to find an item and then restyle it for them.

This keeps the cost down and allows people to enjoy their very own stylish, one-off piece of furniture!

If you’re restyling your own items, use a colour that suits your room and, most

importantly, your personality. Bold colours create bold statements so only use them if your mind set allows you to. A neutrally painted piece of furniture is suitable for several rooms so if you feel like a change there’s no need to buy more furniture – just do a spot of rearranging!

We have recently started using Decoupage Paper. This is great as it totally changes the look and feel of any item. Use it on a table top, inside a chest of drawers or even on the side of a unit. Remember that when using this paper attention to detail is extremely important. Decoupage Paper is available in most local, family run craft stores. Look up your local college’s evening classes. Most offer useful arts and crafts classes.

Everybody wants a fantastic piece of furniture that creates a talking point and impresses visitors. Let Vintage Chic NI take all the hassle out of researching, planning and restyling. Save money and time…

Restyle with VNI...

Looking for vintage furniture? Have a look at: www.facebook.com/vintagechicni www.facebook.com/windmillinteriorsni

Belfast homes Property Paper | page nine

DRESS YOUR HOUSE FOR SUCCESS Dress This House is a highly successful home staging consultancy service based in Belfast that specialises in providing low cost staging services for your home to help you attract potential tenants and buyers.

Just like wearing a suit to a job interview, your house should smarten up to look its best when it’s on the market. Up until now, staging a home for the property market has been the responsibility of the owner. Where once it may have only involved cutting the grass and putting away the laundry, sellers are now having to work much harder to attract a buyer.

Dress This House promises to recommend all the changes, no matter how big or small, that are necessary in making a property stand out. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in home staging and styling, helping homeowners boost their property’s marketability for the purpose of sale or rent. We understand the importance of each of our client’s property needs and requirements, and allow them to be involved in the design process as little or as much as they desire.

If your property is in need of a revamp, get in touch today. We are known for going above and beyond our clients’ expectations!

07966 876 859 frances@dressthishouse.info www.dressthishouse.info

ROUNDUP ABOUT THE EXPERTS

DORIS AND JEANNIE INTERIORS Doris and Jeannie Interiors, situated on the Belmont Road, Belfast, offers home accessories, furniture, fabrics and local crafts. They are the Belfast stockist of Chalk Paint™, a decorative paint by Annie Sloan™. It is a unique formulation in a range of heritage colours which can be used on furniture and walls for a distressed look, without priming or undercoating. Kathy Carter, the owner of Doris and Jeannie, has a background in Art and Design, having been head of Art at a local school and provides help and advice on how to use the paint. She also offers workshops in a friendly, relaxed environment, demonstrating the different finishes the paint can achieve. The shop is packed with quirky, interesting home accessories and furniture. You can be sure that you will find something a bit different if you come in!

25 Belmont Road, Belfast | www.dorisandjeannie.co.uk 028 9543 8177

BARR SECURITY SOLUTIONS

CAREFREE CANDLES

RJS PATTERSON & SONS

Barr Security has been providing solutions to both domestic and commercial clients since 2003 and has SSAIB certification, the quality standard within the industry. Our engineers have over 20 years’ experience within the electrical trade as well as the access control sector. Thanks to our well-established relationships with security suppliers, we can offer our customers a vast range of security products to meet their own specific needs. Total security solutions available include intruder alarms, access systems, CCTV security, anti-theft, fire security and maintenance.

Scentsy is the new, safer way to fragrance your home or workspace. With NO flame, NO soot and NO worry, it’s the perfect alternative to candles and tealights. Scentsy Wax Warmers are handcrafted ceramic units with built in LED bulbs, which emit an ambient light, and a warming plate on which you can melt a choice of Scentsy fragrances including CocoLemongrass, Sweet Pea and Vanilla, and Clean Breeze. Scentsy fragrances are made using foodgrade wax which does NOT evaporate into your home’s environment like conventional wick candles.

Plumbing and Heating Engineers

028 9023 2824 info@barrsecurity.co.uk 5-7 Conway Mill, Conway Street, Belfast

07866 886 620 carefree-candles.scentsy.co.uk

RJS Patterson & Sons is a third generation family business which has become one of Belfast’s leading plumbing and heating companies during its 40+ years of quality service. All RJS Patterson employees are fully qualified, reliable tradesmen who are trained to deal with every aspect of plumbing and heating (both oil and gas). Based in South Belfast, RJS Patterson covers all of Belfast, Bangor, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Glengormley, Holywood and more. Ÿ Free estimates Ÿ Weekend work Ÿ All types of plumbing and heating work carried out at reasonable cost lisa@rjspatterson.com 028 9081 7899

Belfast homes Property Paper | page eleven

GMS INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS

GRAEME KERR BOILER SERVICES

GMS Intelligent Systems specialise in the management and integration of intelligent home solutions, via a structured cabling system (at building stage), to future-proof your home. Thus enabling incorporation of Digital Lighting, High Definition (HD) Distribution, Aquavision TV, SONOS, Hi-Fi systems, Home Cinema systems, Telephone, Wireless Networking, Security Systems, Intruder Alarms, CCTV (linked to your smartphone) and Electrical Installations.

Winter can spell disaster for boilers. Cold weather causes condensate pipes to freeze and blockages can lead to leaks which, if ignored, could result in the complete shutdown of your boiler. If you are experiencing any problems with your boiler, give Graeme Kerr a call. A family run business, Graeme Kerr Boiler Services has been installing, maintaining, servicing and commissioning boilers across Co. Antrim and North Down for 40 years.

As of 2008, GMS Intelligent Systems are official, authorised SONOS installers/retailers. SONOS wireless Hi-Fi systems let you play music in every room of your home, effortlessly. GMS Intelligent Systems can offer you a full SONOS guarantee, all the latest SONOS equipment and updates, and the expertise needed to install a state of the art system such as this in your home.

Tel: 07518 871 395

11 The Oaks, Armagh, BT66 6NY T: 0800 2985009 M: 07754789163 george@gms-intellsys.co.uk www.gms-intellsys.co.uk

LEATHER CLINIC

DISABILITY CENTRE

AQUAFORCE

Professional Leather Repairs

This one-stop-shop provides an important resource in the community offering customers everything from remote control stair lifts, walking aids and scooters, to shower tray enclosures for level and easy access. Walk-in baths featuring a special hydrotherapy system are also available at the Disability Centre, and are ideal for those suffering from rheumatism, arthritis and circulation problems.

A wide range of accessories are also available. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in store, the friendly team will be happy to source it for you.

Aquaforce 2009 Ltd are an established local building contractor offering a reliable and professional service to both private and commercial clients. We are the complete building contractor who can take on any project with confidence.

We can help you with:

You can be sure that we possess the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to accommodate your specific requirements. We operate out of our custom built workshop in Belfast, and can accommodate large and small jobs alike. Services supplied by the Leather Clinic comprise as: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Leather Car Interior Repair Biker Leather Repair Leather Sofa Repair Leather Sofa Restoration Leather Alterations Damaged Leather Repair

Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs: 07793 462 072 www.leatherclinicbelfast.co.uk

Castle Street, Portaferry 028 42728580 07802 298 910

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Building Works Extensions Renovations Loft Conversions Bathroom Refurbishments Home Insurance Claims Heating and Plumbing Conservatories UPVC Double Glazing Damp Proofing Woodworm Treatment Disabled Adaptations PVC Fascias and Soffitts

T: 028 9084 2202 | www.aquaforce.org.uk

Belfast homes Property Paper | page thirteen

HEAT YOUR HOME FOR LESS In the current climate home heating costs mount as the weather grows colder.

If you’re worried about the cost of heating or you think you’re paying more than you should be, you might find it beneficial to hire an energy auditor. They will take everything into account from the efficiency of insulation and appliances to the overall structure of your home. They should also assess your needs, daily family lifestyle and energy usage patterns. Once the audit is completed you should be told what needs to be changed in order to promote improved energy efficiency in your home. Implementing these changes should help to reduce your energy bills.

Installing proper insulation both in the attic and between inside walls will make a dramatic difference to the cost of your heating bills. Insulation is measured by the amount of heat allowed to pass through it, therefore high value insulation will ensure very little heat can escape.

Identifying and sealing air leaks in your home will help to save energy and reduce heating bills. Leaks can be quite apparent, like under-the-door drafts, but some can go unnoticed for years, and this will cost you. It is possible to hire a fully qualified technician to carry out air leak tests in your home (they are usually carried out as part of your energy efficiency audit). The blower door test pressurizes the house and can reveal the location of many air leaks.

Alternatively, there are ways to locate air leaks yourself: go around the inside and outside of your house inspecting all corners and any other areas where two building materials meet, look for gaps around pipes and wires, and check to see if windows and doors rattle – if they do they are letting air out. Once you have located leaks you can caulk or weatherstrip them, which should fix the problem.

Have radiators fitted with thermostatic controls to regulate heat in each room.

Heavy window drapes help to insulate bedrooms and living rooms, keeping out the chill in the evening air.

Often used as prominent design features, heavy area rugs serve another far more practical function – they add an extra layer of insulation to the floor, trapping cold air and preventing it from cooling the room. All the more reason

to buy a nice big, plush rug for the living room.

Always remember that there is such a thing as being too hot. You don’t want to live inside an oven, do you? When you’re in the house keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature, so that you’re not too cold, but you’re not overheating either. Every degree bumps up the cost of the bill.

Which home heating method is best for you?

Electric can be expensive and will cost more than other heating methods on this list unless you get it from an environmentally-friendly source such as solar PV. Gas - According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) approx. 69% of UK homes have a gas boiler. It is one of the most cost effective home heating methods: it can cost up to a third less than electric.

Oil is becoming scarcer, so prices can only rise. Oil boilers are not very ecofriendly or cost effective. Over the last 12 months, home heating oil has been 26.38% more expensive than natural gas (Consumer Council for Northern Ireland).

Wood fired boilers or stoves are relatively inexpensive and eco-friendly, provided you get your wood from a sustainable, local source. You might well need 2 tonnes of wood to get you through one winter, though, and fetching it could burn a lot of your own energy.

Renewable technologies such as solar water heating systems, heat pumps and biomass boilers may seem expensive, but in the long run they may be worth it as electricity, gas and oil prices are constantly rising. The Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme provides domestic households in Northern Ireland using renewable heat sources with financial funding.

For further information regarding the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s RHPP scheme, visit www.nidirect.gov.uk

FEATURE HOMES 10 INSPIRATIONAL HOMES FOR SALE

28 Lyndhurst Avenue, Belfast

77 Northwood Road, Belfast

Stunning contemporary designed luxury split level detached villa commanding a spectacular site affording panoramic views over Belfast City and beyond.

Completely refurbished to create a luxury family environment, the dwelling overflows with magnificent features with the highest standard of finish and fitments. The spacious interior comprises 4 bedrooms, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, 3 reception rooms with feature Bi-fold doors leading to a full width balcony overlooking Belfast, stunning newly fitted luxury kitchen with granite work surfaces, dining area and Ivory bathroom suite. The dwelling further offers furnished cloakroom, utility room, walk-in wardrobe / dressing room, PVC fascia and eaves, uPVC double glazed windows, gas central heating and extensive use of solid wood strip floors, new exterior doors and landscaped gardens with brick paved double driveway.

An immaculately presented semi-detached villa extended to provide superb family accommodation set within this most sought after and established location and completely refurbished and presented to 'show home' standard. The bright and contemporary accommodation comprises 3 bedrooms, superb roof space with Velux style roof light, lounge, extended luxury fitted kitchen with dining area with built-in oven and hob, integrated fridge, integrated dishwasher and luxury fully tiled bathroom with double width shower and pvc fascia and eaves. The dwelling further offers uPVC double glazing throughout, oil fired central heating, cavity wall insulation, extensive use of quality flooring throughout, solid oak interior doors and has undergone comprehensive refurbishment to include landscaped gardens.

With secure off street parking for several cars and garage, this immaculate family home offers so much to the demanding buyer.

Selling Agent: Ulster Property Sales - 028 9072 9270

Selling Agent: Ulster Property Sales - 028 9072 9270

Belfast homes Property Paper | page fifteen

17 Richmond Avenue, Holywood

3 Helgor Park Mews, Belfast

This exceptionally well presented town house boasts ease of access to a range of local amenities, Holywood exchange Retail Park and an excellent array of primary and secondary schools whilst Belfast City Centre is a short commute. Internally, this home is beautifully presented and comprises four well proportioned bedrooms, separate lounge and bathroom with contemporary white suite. Other benefits Include front and enclosed rear gardens and driveway with ample parking, gas heating and PVC double glazed windows. This property is sure to create instant interest with little to do but move in.

Located in a cul-de-sac off Helgor park, Circular Road, Belfast this attractive three bedroom town terrace is an ideal opportunity for a young professional or first time buyer to acquire a home of their own in this popular locale. Comprising open plan living/dining room, three bedrooms, modern fitted kitchen and white bathroom suite this property also benefits from a private, easily maintained pebbled garden at rear, oil fired heating and PVC double glazed windows.

Selling Agent: Cucou - 028 9065 5999 Selling Agent: Cucou - 028 9065 5999

6 Meadowhill Grange, Belfast

40 Forest Street, Belfast

Very rarely do homes in such pristine condition come onto the market, leaving prospective new home owners little to do but move in. Externally, to the front of the property there is a good sized driveway and lawn. Once entering it is immediately clear this is a property that has been maintained to a very high standard. Quality sandstone style tiling runs throughout the hallway. Entered directly from the hallway is the convenient downstairs W.C. To the front of the property is a generous sized living room, with laminate flooring and beautiful feature fireplace. Double doors provide access to the second reception room which also benefits from laminate flooring. The kitchen can be described as being the nicest room downstairs with its range of luxury walnut and cream units. Its clear the owners have taken pride and consideration to create a room which really is 'The heart of the home'. The kitchen units are complimented by tasteful tiling, integrated appliances and designer lighting. A breakfast bar over looks the rear patio and decking area, with fantastic views of the Mourne Mountains. The excellent standard of this property continues upstairs, where the spacious landing leads to all three bedrooms and family bathroom. Externally to the rear is a fully enclosed patio and large south facing decking area which offers breathtaking views.

Affordable asking price and high rental demand provides an excellent opportunity for both first time buyers or investors seeking a well presented property within a desirable location just off the Falls Road in West Belfast. This good sized, midterrace consists of a bright lounge with laminate flooring and french doors leading into the kitchen which boasts a good range of high and low level units. Its white bathroom suite consists of a white three piece suite, partially tiled with vinyl flooring. On the first floor you will find two well proportioned bedrooms, both with laminate flooring. No doubt this property will appeal to a wide range of potential purchasers. If you are seeking a property that requires little work, and is within close proximity to Belfast City Centre and all local amenities, then 40 Forest Street will be perfect. Additional features include and oil heating...

Selling Agent: Northern Property - 028 9032 4555

Selling Agent: Northern Property - 028 9032 4555

Belfast homes Property Paper | page seventeen

23 Pineview Road, Newtownabbey

12 The Firs, Newtownabbey

This well presented detached property is situated off the Whitewell Road, Newtownabbey. The property offers generous family accommodation with a good garden to the rear. Close to shops, schools, public transport and the Abbeycentre, this property is conveniently located.

Located within minutes walk of Whiteabbey village offering local shopping, restaurants, schools and churches, Shore Road leading to Belfast and Carrickfergus allows easy commuting as Whiteabbey Train Station is within a short walking distance.

Selling Agent: McMillan - 028 9080 0000 Selling Agent: McMillan - 028 9080 0000

Belfast homes Property Paper | page nineteen

43 Glenmore House, Lambeg

41 Leverogue Road, Drumbo

'Glenmore House' was the 18th Century former residence of the first Viscount Conway, one of the Province's leading Linen Barons. This historic listed building set within enclosed grounds has been in recent years meticulously restored and converted into a luxury apartment complex.

Constructed in 1997 this substantial detached home is positioned on a 1/2 acre landscaped site with fantastic views over surrounding countryside. Although in a very rural setting the property is only 4.5 miles from Forestside Shopping Centre and easy access to Carryduff, Drumbo, Lisburn and Malone. An excellent family home in an idyllic location.

On entering the magnificent common reception area one begins to appreciate the quality and ambience of the property. Ideally situated for commuting, Glenmore House is within a minutes walk from both rail and bus routes and only a few minutes drive from Lisburn and South Belfast.

Accommodation Comprises: Reception Hall, WC, Lounge with gas fire, Kitchen, 2 Bedrooms overlooking Lounge, Bathroom. Specification includes:- Double glazed windows; Gas fired central heating; low voltage lighting; door intercom with C.C.T.V. Shared features include:- Remote controlled entrance gates into courtyard; ample parking area; landscaped gardens with views over the surrounding region and extending to the River Lagan.

Selling Agent: Fred Dalzell & Partners- 028 9266 6638

Selling Agent: Ulster Property Sales - 028 9064 1264

COOPERS MILL STUNNING NEW HOMES

Belfast homes Property Paper

You’re onto a winner at Coopers Mill.

With over 80 homes sold this year, the success at Coopers Mill shows no signs of abating. So much so, that the McGinnis Group have brought forward a brand new phase of homes and invite you to join them on Thursday 5th December to celebrate. Two spectacular new show homes will be unveiled that evening and there will be live music and festive treats for you to enjoy.

At the 2012 UK What House Awards, Coopers Mill, Dundonald was awarded the ‘Best Starter Home’ accolade. Battling against all the major UK house builders, Coopers Mill stole the show and was said to ‘offer something extra special.’

The judges recognised the ‘high specification and attention to detail throughout' and deemed it ‘a clear winner’ of the Gold Award. They were sold on the ‘quality of finish for such a reasonable price’. This is another major achievement for Coopers Mill, which last year won silver at the same awards.

John Paul McGinnis from the McGinnis Group said; “We are thrilled with this Award. We strive every day to provide well designed, high specification and affordable homes and we are delighted that this hard work has been recognised by What House”.

“We recognise that customers are more discerning than ever before and we want to offer them a house that they can love living in. We hope that this Award will give purchasers additional reassurance that buying a good home at Coopers Mill means they are buying the best in the UK.” A visit to Coopers Mill makes it clear why it was the clear winner and many happy residents will also testify to this.

“The house is completely kitted out and the quality is just amazing which makes this a great investment for our family’s future” - Paul McGilloway “We watched our house being built on a weekly basis - seeing what changes had been made. The

excitement of picking our kitchen really allowed us to imagine our dream house. We were so impressed with the standard of finish when we got our keys in June. For a newly married couple who didn’t have much, moving into a house with all the appliances included was a godsend! The show house was like a dream for us - so well finished and homely.” - Sarah McAuley “We’d recommend Coopers Mill to everyone as there is a huge variety of house types and prices to choose from, every one of them individual, with landscaping, superior finish, private driveways and gardens giving the development a real ‘community’ feel.” - Adam Cartlidge “The prices here are really good and they are lovely houses. We knew we wanted a brand new home and these are turnkey which is brilliant.” - Heather Hoey “The quality of turnkey finish is second to none. The value for money is incredible.” - Ian Todd

Belfast homes Property Paper

Continued from previous page…

Price: Starting from £115,000 Size: In excess of 750sqft to approximately 1225sqft Address: Coopers Mill, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast Showhouse: Sundays 2-4pm. To arrange a viewing or for more information contact joint selling agents.

Situated in the East of the City, Coopers Mill is located just off the Belfast - Newtownards dual carriageway.

The development is only 15 minutes from Belfast City Centre, 5 minutes from Newtownards, 10 minutes from Comber and 2 minutes from Dundonald. It enjoys an enviable location convenient to the Ulster Hospital and Stormont with the George Best City Airport only 15 minutes away. www.themcginnisgroup.com Price: Starting from £115,000 Size: In excess of 750sqft to approximately 1225sqft Address: Coopers Mill, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast Showhouse: Sundays 2-4pm. To arrange a viewing or for more information contact joint selling agents.

Situated in the East of the City, Coopers Mill is located just off the Belfast - Newtownards dual carriageway.

The development is only 15 minutes from Belfast City Centre, 5 minutes from Newtownards, 10 minutes from Comber and 2 minutes from Dundonald. It enjoys an enviable location convenient to the Ulster Hospital and Stormont with the George Best City Airport only 15 minutes away. www.themcginnisgroup.com

BALLYHACK’ MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

East Belfast has a diverse and interesting past, just like those who sprung from it: it is the shared birthplace of author and scholar C.S Lewis, footballer George Best and singer Van Morison. The East Belfast we know today was once a major contributor to the city’s industrial success. It was home to a glassworks, a foundry, and the world’s largest ropeworks. On top of this, almost every family in East Belfast had links to Harland and Wolff, which, at its peak, employed over 30,000 people. Nowadays East Belfast is home to the Northern Ireland Assembly which holds its meetings in the Parliament Buildings at Stormont.

Photograph by Steo Linden

Belfast homes Property Paper | page twenty-five

Often looked upon as a miniature city in itself, Ballyhackamore on the Upper Newtownards Road in East Belfast is a flourishing, vibrant area. In recent years, Ballyhackamore has become a boom village, boasting a large, growing community of quality shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. The main street houses every convenience imaginable, including a library with disabled access, a post office, and several banks and supermarkets. Strandtown Baptist Church, Belmont Presbyterian Church and St. Colmcille’s Parish are all situated nearby.

Getting into Belfast from Ballyhackamore couldn’t be easier: the number 4 Translink Metro line operates a full service. Stops include Donegall Square West, Albert Clock (Queen’s Square), Central Station, Short Strand and Connswater – a full journey lasting between 5 and 10 minutes depending on traffic. A taxi from the City Centre takes under 10 minutes and typically costs approx. £6 - £7.

When it comes to nightlife, Ballyhackamore is near the top of the pile. Thanks to its many trendy bars and restaurants, the village hums with activity in the evenings. Horatio Todd’s is a hugely popular, awardwinning bar named after a local pharmacist who owned a shop nearby. The décor reflects the bar’s namesake – genuine prescription bottles and flyers from Horatio’s shop adorn the walls. Horatio’s offers a huge selection of delicious food and drinks, live music during the week, and DJ sets at weekends. The

Point Bar & Grill, just a 4 minute walk away from Horatio’s, is another busy venue offering great drinks promotions throughout the week.

If you love pampering yourself, Ballyhackamore is the place to be: beauty salon, Lust, offers a huge variety of beauty treatments while Peter Oliver’s and Jason Shankey’s Male Grooming shops cater to the modern man. Avid shoppers won’t be disappointed either: Ballyhackamore village is lined with a bustling array of shops and businesses. You will find gift shops, interior stores, coffee houses, bistros, chemists, travel agents and much more. The neighbouring Belmont Road has its own shopping village, and although it’s smaller and quieter than Ballyhackamore, it’s definitely worth the short trip.

You needn’t travel too far to enjoy high quality cuisine, either. Niell’s Hill (formerly Aidens) is known as one of the best restaurants in Belfast, and is familiar to those with a passion for fine dining. Neill’s Hill has recently brought out a new, more affordable menu, so it can be enjoyed by everyone. Il Pirata serves simple, rustic Italian food in a cool, minimalistic setting, and Red Dragonfly offers a huge menu of mouthwatering Asian cuisine. Pizza lovers will be glad to know that Little Wing and Greens Pizza can also be found on the Upper Newtownards Road. As if Ballyhackamore wasn’t already coming down with good food establishments, it has plenty of popular takeaways to choose from, such as the busy

Kebab House and highly praised Mexican eatery, Baja Cantina. With prices to suit every budget, and good quality food to suit every taste, Ballyhackamore is fast becoming a top destination among food lovers.

Parents with young children are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the right school: there are a number of local nurserys close by, all under 10 minutes away by car. Children can then make an easy transition into ‘big school’, as there is an abundance of reputable primary and secondary schools nearby.

There is a wide range of properties available in Ballyhackamore. Earlswood Road and Cyprus Avenue are among the most sought after leafy suburbs in Belfast. These attractive, tree lined avenues offer stunning Victorian and modern red brick villas. Elsewhere in East Belfast you will find detached and semi-detached family homes, bungalows, apartments, town terraces, and period residences. Ballyhackamore is a burgeoning area of Belfast which currently has plenty of attractive properties on offer, to rent and to buy.

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o Kn Take a look at this area map of Ballyhackamore which shows some of the many things you can see and do there.

Ballyhackamore is brimming with schools, churches, bars, shops and restaurants. A cross section of these are highlighted above (all locations are approximate).

Entertaining / Shopping

Schools

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1 - Horatio Todd’s

1 - Braniel Primary School

1 - Strandtown Baptist Church

2 - The Point Bar and Grill

2 - Greenwood Primary School

2 - Belmont Presbyterian Church

3 - Peter Oliver

3 - Our Lady & St Patrick’s College

3 - St Colmcille’s Parish

4 - Jason Shankey

4 - Grosvenor Grammer School

5 - Neill’s Hill Brasserie

5 - Campbell College

6 - Il Pirata

6 - Bloomfield Collegiate

7 - Red Dragonfly

7 - Strandtown Primary School

8 - Little Wing

8 - Castlereagh Nursery

9 - Greens Pizza 10 - Kebab House 11 - Baja Cantina 12 - Strand Cinema 13 - Connswater Shopping 14 - Doris and Jeannie

SECURE Y HOME is where we eat, sleep and live, not to mention where we store all our worldly possessions. It is absolutely essential that we do our best to protect our homes and everything in them. Most burglars are opportunistic and will look for houses that appear unoccupied and unprotected. If you’re going away for a few days or just nipping out for a while, taking the following precautions should help to deter thieves: ONE: Leaving a few lights on can make it look as though someone is in the house.

Be careful if you are away for a long time though, as some burglars will recognise that a light staying on all night usually means there’s nobody home. Using timer switches is a better idea – lights turn on and off at intervals around the house, just as they do when there are people inside. Digital light timers are reasonably priced and readily available from electronic shops, in store and online.

TWO: Before you go on holiday for a considerable amount of time you should either have your mail redirected to another address or ask a neighbour or friend to collect it for you. The last thing you want to do is advertise the fact that your house is empty, and newspapers piling up on the doorstep are a telltale sign that you’re away. The Royal Mail offers a mail redirection service on their website: www.royalmail.com THREE: When stepping out for a short time, leave the TV or radio on just loud enough for anyone approaching the house to hear it. This old trick is effective as most burglars will wait until they are absolutely certain a household is unoccupied before breaking in.

FOUR: If you don’t have a garage, an empty driveway can be an open invite to burglars. If possible, arrange for a neighbour to park a car in your driveway while you’re out of town.

FIVE: If you have a dog, communicate its presence by putting up a clear sign on a gate or another prominent place at the front of your property.

SIX: Spare keys are best left far away from the door. Instead of leaving a spare outside your house, give it to a trustworthy neighbour to mind.

SEVEN: Install motion-sensor security lights outside your home to startle would-be intruders and eliminate dark hiding places.

EIGHT: Probably the most effective thing you can do to prevent break-ins is invest in a decent monitored alarm. If you don’t have an alarm you are at much greater

Belfast homes Property Paper | page twenty-nine

YOUR HOME risk of being targeted by burglars. In fact, in 2012, security company ADT found that approx. 94% of burglars would avoid houses with monitored alarms.

You should therefore display your alarm on the front of your house for all to see. As well as this, always try to remember to set it before leaving and only give the code to close and trusted family members. If your alarm is looking rundown and old it’s definitely worth replacing as burglars may take this as a sign that your security system is compromised.

The Christmas season can be a gift to burglars, so in the coming months it is important to be extra vigilant when it comes to home security. Although burglaries have decreased in Britain in recent years, the festive season tends to bring a spike in the numbers. Expensive, unopened presents sit under the tree waiting to be robbed while homeowners are out celebrating at numerous parties and dinners. In addition to the above, over the Christmas period make sure you: ONE: Don’t leave presents on show. If your Christmas tree is near a window, try to hide the presents or put them somewhere else until Christmas Day. They are a big temptation to thieves.

TWO: Lock your windows. Outdoor Christmas lights are often attached to an indoor power source and wires are fed through windows. Always make sure windows and doors are locked before leaving your house. Carry out regular maintenance checks on your locks to ensure they are all functioning properly. Deadbolts are recommended for all outside doors. Sliding glass doors, which are especially vulnerable, should be fitted with specialised locks.

THREE: Don’t leave boxes that once contained expensive items outside your home after Christmas (ie. iPad, iPhone, TV and Computer packaging).

Advertising the valuables you keep inside your house is not a good idea. Statistically, January is the month during which most domestic break-ins take place in the UK. Finally, there are a few very simple things you may not have thought of which could prevent a burglary taking place in your home: ONE: Stand outside your house. What is visible through the windows? Are your valuable possessions on show? If your Plasma Widescreen TV is on display you might want to rethink its positioning within the room.

TWO: Hide external wiring. Savvy thieves are always on the lookout for copper to sell. Some thieves also look for external wiring so that they can cut off alarm systems, electricity or phone lines before entering a house. If external wiring cannot be removed completely, ensure that it is well-protected and difficult to reach.

THREE: Be careful not to share too much. Social media networks are now a big part of our daily life, whether you like it or not. If you use social media it is vitally important that you remain aware of the dangers it can pose. If you are not selective about who you accept friend requests from, you could be handing classified information to strangers. Checkins, public RSVPs, a countdown to your next holiday, and pictures of the inside and outside of your home will give thieves everything they need to plan a break in.

According to the PSNI’s Crime Statistics, there were 2,385 recorded domestic thefts in Belfast during the financial year 2010/11, 2,131 during 2011/12, and 1,839 during 2012/13. Overall in Northern Ireland, recorded thefts have dropped by 4.2% between 2012 and 2013 (Police Recorded Crime in Northern

Ireland: Monthly Update to 31 August 2013).

Numbers of domestic thefts are decreasing each year as advances in home security make it increasingly difficult for burglars to carry out successful break-ins. Always remember to be sensible and remain vigilant.

Have a safe and happy Christmas!

GOING UP….

THE PERFECT LOFT CONVERSION

Loft Conversions: Add Light, Value and Character to your Home Have you always dreamed of having an impressive spare room, a studio bathed in natural light, a games room, an office or just a bit more space? A loft conversion could be exactly what you’re looking for.

It’s the easiest and most effective way of adding considerable value to your home and is far less invasive than most extensions, as, depending on the type of conversion, much of the work can be done from the outside.

The loft is usually the brightest, airiest room in the house, so it makes sense to use it. If you have any kind of view from your property you’re throwing it away by not putting your loft to good use. The loft provides a vantage point – it’s the highest room in the house. Putting in good quality, large windows would bring in lots of light, provide vistas, and make your home more attractive to buyers should you ever wish to put it on the market. In fact, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a loft room has the potential to increase the value of your home by up to 25%.

If you’re seriously thinking of converting your loft and you have a clear idea of what you want, it is important that you inform your neighbours of your plans. Under the Party Wall Act 1996, you are required to give your neighbours complete information regarding what work will be done and how long it is expected to take. The Party Wall Act also prohibits you from using, for your loft conversion, any wall shared by neighbours without their adequate permission.

To save time and hassle in the long run, be sure to check the following regulations can be adhered to before you start altering your loft: Fire resistance – stairs must be enclosed with a fire resistant door.

Access and escape routes – escape/access skylights and stairwell must be installed.

Structural stability – load bearing walls and ceiling joists may need to be reinforced.

Ventilation – it’s vital that clean air is provided and moist or stale air is vented. If this does not happen, condensation can occur which can lead to numerous structural problems.

Energy Conservation – loft walls and roof must retain heat via efficient insulation.

If a conversion doesn’t meet these 5 building regulations then it cannot be classed as an extra bedroom (just storage), which may decrease its potential value.

Soon almost every house on the market will be expected to boast a good looking, renovated loft.

Loft conversions have been in demand for many years and there are plenty of trustworthy companies who specialise in converting these spaces into rooms. It is best to use a specialist company for everything from checking planning restrictions to clearing up after the job is done. Be aware that most loft conversions can be done without planning permission, but if any kind of extension to the roof space is proposed, it will most likely be required.

For years loft conversions have been boring, bland and beige. But, thankfully, this is changing. Loft conversions are becoming avant-garde – people are beginning to bring bold colours schemes, unusual furniture and daring designs to their lofts. The most

popular loft conversions are master/guest bedrooms complete with en suites/ shower rooms. With more and more people working from home nowadays, home offices are becoming a necessity, and a loft room makes the perfect setting: out of the way of the chaos of the kitchen and the tempting luxuries of the living room.

The function and design of the room is entirely your decision. Have fun, try to be adventurous and really get into it. Converting your loft should be an exciting and rewarding experience.

With house prices finally rising there’s no better time to maximise space and increase the value of your home.

For further information about building regulations in Northern Ireland, visit: www.dfpni.gov.uk

DECK THE HALLS CHRISTMAS DECORATING TIPS

‘O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! Thy candles shine so brightly!’

The practice of decorating houses for Chrismas has been around for a long time, with the tradition being recorded in London as far back as the early fifteenth century. The modern Christmas tree tradition is widely believed to have its roots in eighteenth century Germany, thought many argue the Martin Luther introduced it during the sixteenth century.

Originally, Christmas tree decorations rarely differed from traditional edible treats, such as apples, oranges, dates and nuts. Think of the multitude of weird and wonderful items that can be found on Christmas trees today!

Nowadays almost every house on every street glistens and glows, adorned with shiny baubles and twinkling lights. Christmas decorations enhance your home, getting everyone into the Christmas spirit, and they needn’t use up much of your time, effort or money.

Here’s our top ten simple, cheap and cheerful Christmas decoration ideas: ONE. Decorative table centrepieces look impressive in either the living or dining room. Fill a glass bowl with shiny silver baubles and place white candles around it for a classic, elegant look.

TWO. Collect pinecones and paint them silver or gold. Use glue mixed with water and glitter to make

them sparkle. You can then hang them from windows, put them into bowls, or, for an outdoor decoration, place them in a flower trough on the windowsill.

THREE. Get out your best glassware and fill it with brightly coloured, hardboiled sweets. So simple, so sweet.

FOUR. Fill vases with pretty plants and twigs.

Cranberry twigs and poinsettias are really Christmassy. Spray dry branches silver and put them in a large vase in your dining room or hallway. Hang baubles and ornaments from them for a mini Christmas tree look.

FIVE. Stick stencilled letters to the wall. Spell out whatever you like – ‘Merry Christmas’, ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’, ‘Bah Humbug!’ Stencilled letters are available from most craft shops.

SIX. Build an edible indoor snowman! Stack three small oranges on top of one another, using toothpicks to hold them in place. Use candy sticks for arms, strawberry laces for the scarf, cloves for the eyes and nose, and layer sweets, wafers and icing to make the hat.

SEVEN. After you’re finished making cookies, utilise those tin cutters! Tie pretty ribbons in cheerful Christmas colours to cookie cutters and hang them from your window or your tree. You’ll love looking at those silver angels, bells and stars! Print out old

photographs and stick them inside the cookie cutters for an original way to display your cherished family memories.

EIGHT. Clothes pegs make wonderful decorations for your tree. Simply glue cardboard shapes or tinsel to them and peg them on the tree! If you’re feeling more artistic, cut a mini Santa suit out of red felt and create a jolly Christmas character.

NINE. Pretty jar luminarias. Make a snowflake pattern by punching holes in black card. Next wrap the card around a jam jar and put a tea light inside.

Make a number of these to illuminate your driveway or front doorstep.

TEN. Spell it out. Score big creativity points by making the tiles from your Scrabble set into low-key Christmas decorations. Paint the green tile holders white and spell out ‘Welcome Santa’ above the fireplace.

Kids will love making these quick and clever trinkets.

Experiment, get creative and have fun this Christmas!

Situated in the heart of the Falls Road Gaeltacht Quarter, Northern Property have recently opened another office at Hamilton Street in Belfast City Centre. Having grown a reputation as West Belfast’s leading estate agent and property consultants, they plan to expand their services to the Greater Belfast area.

A family business combining experience and enthusiasm. Northern Property prides itself on its friendly, professional, down to earth approach, offered to both clients and tenants. Whether you’re buying, selling or a landlord with one or multiple properties, our dedicated team will aim to establish individual relationships to make your experience hassle free. Both offices will offer a “one stop property shop”, enjoying the services of Northern Mortgages, our in house independent financial advisor. Northern Mortgages can provide customers with not just free mortgage advice, but a range of financial services such as co-ownership, buy to let mortgages, life insurance, landlord insurance and much more. Coinciding with the opening of our new Hamilton Street office we will be offering 50% off our letting fees and reduced sales fees, with free marketing. If you would like to avail of our excellent offers or simply just want more information then please do not hesitate to contact Northern Property at info@northernpropertyni.com

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LETTING AND RENTING

A Basic Guide to Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities Whether you are letting a property or renting one, it is important that you are aware of your legal rights and responsibilities.

Anyone who is letting, selling or managing a property in Northern Ireland must adhere to certain legislation: the Disability Discrimination Order 2006, the Race Relations Order 1997 and the Sex Discrimination Order 1976. Warning: none of these important documents make for light reading.

If you are in doubt about anything stated in the legislation listed above, contact the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, who will be happy to help: 028 9050 0600 information@equalityni.org www.equalityni.org

a period of over 14 days, and the tenant breaches the terms of the tenancy or becomes bankrupt. Ÿ be given proper notice to quit the tenancy by the occupant of the property. Ÿ dispose of any items left unclaimed (for a specified period of time) after the tenant leaves the property.

The tenant has the right to…

Before renting out a property, you must check that you have adequate permission from your house insurance company and your lender, if the property is mortgaged.

Know your rights!

The landlord has the right to: Ÿ agree the terms of the tenancy. Ÿ be swiftly informed about necessary repairs, so that they may be fixed without causing too much inconvenience for the tenant. Ÿ enter the premises during social hours to carry out repairs or inspection, providing that the tenant has been given reasonable notice. Ÿ receive rent exactly when it is due. Ÿ collect overdue rent payments from the tenant. Ÿ repossess the property if rent remains unpaid for

Ÿ know and be aware of all terms of the tenancy agreement. Ÿ know the name and address of the landlord. Ÿ freedom from harassment and illegal eviction. A tenant cannot be evicted without a possession order issued by a Court of Law. If an order is issued, however, a tenant may be liable for any legal costs incurred. Ÿ reside in a well maintained property which is in adequate condition for renting purposes. Ÿ have peaceable, private enjoyment of the property, free from interference without notice. Ÿ receive prompt repairs and upkeep of damaged items and appliances. Ÿ live in safe accommodation – all equipment and heating systems must meet safety standards. Ÿ a rent book, if rent is due weekly. Ÿ a reasonable statutory period of notice should the

Belfast homes Property Paper | page thirty-seven

landlord wish to end the agreement. Ÿ receive the security deposit within a reasonable period of time, providing all obligations have been met.

Accept your responsibilities!

The landlord is responsible for: Ÿ allowing tenants to reside in the property without disturbance. Ÿ promptly repairing heating and hot water systems, electric and household appliances. Ÿ making sure all electrical equipment is safe. Ÿ providing working smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors. Ÿ providing fire retardant fabrics and furniture that meets up to date fire-resistant regulations. Ÿ undertaking ongoing maintenance to the property if required. Ÿ keeping structural components (floors, walls, fireplaces, exterior) in good condition. Ÿ ensuring the property complies with current building regulations. Ÿ ensuring all gas appliances are safely maintained. Ÿ providing the tenant with a copy of the record of required safety checks to gas appliances or flues.

The tenant is responsible for:

A little help for landlords:

Ÿ paying the rent on time and in full. Ÿ ensuring no damage is caused to the property or its contents. Ÿ consulting the landlord about making any changes to the property, requesting written permission. Ÿ reporting any damage caused or repairs required. Ÿ providing the landlord with access to the property when inspection or repairs are required, when reasonable notice has been given. Ÿ giving the agreed period of notice if wishing to terminate the agreement. Ÿ not leaving the property for a period of more than 14 days without informing the landlord or managing agent.

Letting and maintaining a property is extremely time consuming and highly demanding. If you have a property for rent but you do not wish to take on the full physical role of the landlord, why not consider hiring an agent to manage your property instead?

Your rights, responsibilities and obligations remain intact and will not transfer to the agent. Letting or managing agents help landlords with finding tenants, securing and managing deposits, preparing tenancy agreements and furniture inventories, collecting rent, handling repairs, inspecting properties.

This is not an exhaustive list of landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities. The aforementioned regulations are widely acknowledged but individual cases may differ. Both parties should treat one another with respect and comply with all the obligations outlined in the tenancy agreement. It is absolutely essential that you read and understand the proposed contract before letting or renting any property. If you do not understand something in the contract, contact your legal adviser/ managing agent to clarify whatever is unclear.

It is important that you are clear about which duties you wish your agent to take on and which you will fulfil yourself. Fees and services vary depending on the agency. Shop around to find the right cost and services to suit your needs.

WINTER READY? WINTERISE YOUR HOME

When you picture Christmas 2013 what do you see?

Spiced mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and piping hot mince pies enjoyed by happy people in a toasty room? Sounds perfect…. But the winter of 2010/11 left a lurking fear in our minds. What if it happens again? Temperatures reaching ‐18˚, pipes freezing and bursting, homes flooding. A disaster! … A disaster that can be avoided.

It’s been relatively mild so far but we all know a cold snap is on the way. Carrying out the following tasks can greatly lower the risk of your pipes freezing during winter: Insulate your loft and the sides of your water tanks. If you have an older water tank, check that it has an R-value of over 24 – if it doesn’t, you should think about insulating it. If you don’t know the R-value of your tank, simply touch it – if it feels warm it probably needs insulation.

Insulate those pipes! Keep your pipes warm, save money, and increase energy efficiency in your home.

Easy-to-fit pipe insulation foam is available in most hardware shops.

Open the loft trap door for a while on cold days to let some heat in.

frost protection thermostat which will turn on should temperatures get dangerously low.

attractive fireguard.

Safety first!

Keep your heating system well maintained. If it hasn’t been checked in a while you may want to call someone in to give it a tune-up.

Keep winter outside! There are various measures you can take to keep the winter out and the warm air in: Clear out those gutters to avoid feeling gutted when water gets in! Clogged drains allow water to build up and overflow. If the weather is really cold this water can freeze, which can lead to leaking and serious damage. Gutter guards can be attached and used all year round to block out most of the debris. While you’re up there, it’d be a good time to check for leaks or misaligned pipes. As well as this, check that the downspouts are leading away from the house’s foundation – otherwise your house is more likely to flood.

Kill and remove any weeds growing against your house’s foundation. Dead weeds can start to mould and rot, causing damage to your house.

Check all taps for drips. Make sure you re-washer dripping taps – if they freeze they will block the pipes.

Statistics show that applying window insulation film can stop up to 70% of your heat leaking out of windows. It’s an affordable, temporary solution to heat loss.

If you’re going away during very cold weather, either leave the heating on very low or set it to come on a couple of times a day. Most modern boilers have a

If you have a fireplace you don’t use, block it off to prevent warm air escaping. You can use a sheet of cardboard to do this, then cover it up with an

Slippery ice causes a huge number of accidents in the UK every year. Buy rock salt (grit) for your driveway and the street outside your house. This will help to prevent anyone a having nasty fall as they walk past or approach your home.

For extra safety, install a motion sensor light outside so people can see where they are walking.

Keep heaters at least 30 cm (approx. 1 ft.) away from furniture and any flammable material.

Be prepared for power outages in extreme weather conditions: stock food that requires no heating or cooking, and keep a torch and extra batteries somewhere they can be easily reached. For entertainment’s sake, a pack of cards is a good idea.

Lastly, make sure you have the contact details of a trusted plumber and electrician to hand… just in case!

None of these preventative measures take too long to do, and doing them should help to see you through the winter catastrophe free.

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