Sidcup Property News - June 2013 (7) by Drewery Property Consultants

S EA PL E KE TA A PY O C

SIDCUP

NEWS

JUNE 2013

INCO

DELIVERED TO

RPOR

OVER 7,000

ATIN G

HOMES, BUSINESSES AND SHOPS EACH MONTH

Covering a varied selection of property for sales and to let throughout the London Borough of Bexley (Sidcup. Welling, Bexleyheath, Bexley ), North West Kent ( Dartford, Crayford, Swanley ) & South East London (Etham SE9, Woolwich SE18) as well as surrounding areas.

Buying & Selling

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Newsletter June 2013

LATE TELEPHONE LINES A SUCCESS!!!! Drewery are delighted to report on the success of their telephone lines being open longer. Since April this year Drewery have extended their telephone lines to be open from 8.30am in the morning until 8pm in the evening Monday to Friday allowing the public to contact the company before or after work. Telephone lines have also been extended on Sunday. Paul Long, Director of Drewery Property Consultants commented “Our telephone lines are now open longer than most local agents and allow the public to contact us at a time that is best for them before or after work. The extended hours ensure that no leads are

RIGHTMOVE HOUSE PRICE INDEX FOR MAY 2013 Records tumble: National nears £250k, London passes £500k •

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New national average asking price record of £249,841, as new sellers raise prices by 2.1% (+£5,135) this month. Fifth consecutive monthly rise leaves prices 9.1% (+£20,852) higher year-to-date, the strongest price start to a year since 2004 South-led price surge as London, South East and East Anglia hit all-time highs. London passes the £500,000 milestone with jump to £509,870, leaving the typical property in the capital more than twice as expensive as the national average. Cheap money and more positive mood starting to release pent-up demand as evidenced by pressure: •

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Rightmove: “We’ve seen record activity – 1.25 billion pages in April, up over 20% on 2012” Surveyors: “We’re ﬂat out carrying out mortgage valuations, not seen this for several years” London agent: “Last year’s activity was crazy, this year’s is ridiculous”

lost and that anyone who is interested in one of our properties can contact us to arrange a viewing or discuss a property further. In a very busy world people now expect professional companies to be contactable at all different times and not just the old 9-5 it used to be” Instruct Drewery to sell or let your property and beneﬁt from our late telephone lines and ensure your property receives Maximum Exposure. Drewery continue to be at the forefront of technology and marketing ideas for the local property market. For further information on this service please call our Sales Team on 020 8300 6761 or our Lettings Team on 020 8269 6600.

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH As Featured On Front Page...... 3 bedroom, split level galleried apartment, full of character. Located in sought after building know as “The Clockhouse” on the popular Hollies development. The property is surrounded by parkland and offers access to the onsite leisure centre (compulsory separate charge). The apartment has been vastly improved by its current owner and briefly comprises: private entrance door, entrance hall, 19`8 lounge featuring a stunning character arched window, along with cathedral style ceiling, a modern kitchen featuring a range of appliances, a third bedroom/dining room, second bedroom with fitted wardrobes and modern bathroom. To the first floor is the galleried master bedroom featuring a character beamed ceiling and velux window and an ensuite shower room. Externally the property features well maintained communal grounds and parkland and 2 parking spaces. Internal viewing is highly recommended.

Rowanwood Avenue, Sidcup DA5 8WN Guide Price: £349,995

PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY SERVICES SINCE 1946

t: 020 8300 6761 www.drewery.co.uk

SIDCUP £450,000 St Denys, The Green, Sidcup, DA14 6BS We are favoured with instructions to offer for sale this 3 bedroom period semi detached house occupying a corner plot at the junction of The Green and Grassington Road and opposite St John`s Church. The property is within “The Green” conservation area and is ideally located for access to amenities including High Street, bus routes, schools, main roads and station. This property represents, we feel, a unique opportunity to purchase a period property with an abundance of period features which the present owner has improved substantially over recent years, yet still has potential, subject to the usual permissions, for further development. The centrally heated accommodation briefly comprises: entrance porch, entrance hall, bay fronted lounge and well fitted open plan kitchen/dining area to the ground floor. To the first floor is the spacious landing, 3 bedrooms and refurbished bathroom with traditional suite and claw foot bath. Externally there are gardens to the three sides and parking to the rear with access via Grassington Road. Period features include ceiling cornicing, high ceilings, fireplaces and stripped flooring, all making this a very desirable home. Unique properties such as this rarely become available. We would strongly recommend early internal viewing to appreciate the many fine features on offer here. (ref 3176).

SIDCUP £395,000 Bexley Lane, Sidcup, DA14 4JG

We are pleased to have been instructed as sole agents to market this charming 3 bedroom detached house. The property is set back from the road and is located within easy access of local train stations, shops and bus routes. The property also offers access to some of the boroughs sought after schools and in our opinion would make an ideal family home. The accommodation briefly comprises: entrance hall, 22`9 x 11 through lounge and kitchen leading to utility room. To the first floor are 3 bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally the property features a large lawned rear garden, front garden, off street parking and garage. Charming detached properties such as this are rare to the market so we would advise your earliest appointment to avoid missing out. ** CHAIN FREE ** (ref 3254).

PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY SERVICES SINCE 1946

t: 020 8300 6761 www.drewery.co.uk

SIDCUP £230,000 Montague Court, Station Road, Sidcup, DA15 7DQ

SIDCUP £475,000 Lewis Road, Sidcup, DA14 4NA

Generously proportioned 2 bed purpose built first floor flat. Superb condition t/out. DG. GCH. 25`0 lounge with balcony. Recently refitted kitchen. 2 double bedrooms. Large shower room. Well maintained communal gardens. Garage en bloc. Early viewing to avoid disappointment. (ref 3365).

1930`s chalet style house, extended to offer 4/5 bed family accommodation. C/htg. Mostly DG. 2 receptions. Study/bed 5. Conservatory. Kitchen. D/s bathroom & sep wc. Master bedroom, 2 further double bedrooms & 1 single bedroom. Shower room. 80` rear garden. 22` garage & car port. OSP. Close to Sidcup station & schools. (ref 3434).

SIDCUP £285,000 Shirley Road, Sidcup, DA15 7JW

THE HOLLIES £215,000 The Beeches, Acacia Way, The Hollies, Sidcup, DA15 8WW

Attractive & deceptively spacious 3 bed semi detached period house. Well maintained by current owner. 2 receptions. Modern kitchen. D/s family bathroom. 3 good size bedrooms. Rear garden. Easy access for local shops and schools. (ref 3461).

Superb Edwardian 1 bed top ﬂoor conversion apartment in sought after “Hollies” development with its own onsite leisure complex (photo of pool shown). Lounge. Dining area. Modern kitchen. Double bedroom. Modern bathroom. Communal grounds. Allocated parking. Walking distance to Sidcup station. (ref 2231).

PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY SERVICES SINCE 1946

t: 020 8300 6761 www.drewery.co.uk

SIDCUP £379,999 Birchwood Avenue, Sidcup, DA14 4JU

SIDCUP £179,995 Medlar House, Longlands Road, Sidcup, DA15 7LY

SIDCUP £85,000 Heron House, Lansdown Road, Sidcup, DA14 4EG

2 double bedroom, split level ﬂat. 16` x 15` lounge with door to small balcony. Well presented kitchen. 2 double bedrooms. Bathroom & sep wc. Communal grounds. Allocated parking space. Long lease. Close to Sidcup station, shops & schools. (ref 3027).

Well presented one bed retirement ﬂat. Lounge. Kitchen. Bedroom. Bathroom. Communal lift, gardens and lounge area. Easy access to local amenities, including Sidcup station and High Street. Early viewing recommended. (ref 3073).

Spacious 3 bed family home in one of Sidcup`s most desirable roads. DG. GCH. 2 receptions. Modern kitchen. Master bedroom. 2 further bedrooms. Family bathroom with bath and shower cubicle. Rear garden with summerhouse and shed. Single garage & OSP to front. Easy access to Sidcup station, shops and schools. (ref 3308).

SIDCUP £158,750 Gillies Court, Stafford Road, Sidcup, DA14 6PP

SWANLEY £199,950 Longlands Park Crescent, Sidcup, DA15 7NE

SIDCUP £345,000 Hurst Road, Sidcup, DA15 9AH

Spacious 2 bed top ﬂoor ﬂat with additional study/hobby room. Lounge. Kitchen. Bathroom. Communal garden. Sought after location with easy access to shops, schools, bus routes and stations. GCH. DG. Early viewing recommended. (ref 3054).

Well presented 3 bed EOT house situated within a short walk of Swanley Park. 13`9 x 12`9 lounge with patio doors to garden. Modern kitchen. 2 double and 1 single bedroom. Family bathroom. Lawned rear garden with decked area. Allocated parking. Ideal FTB or Buy to Let Investment opportunity. (ref 3444).

4 bed semi det house offering spacious living accommodation. Easy access to Sidcup station, shops & schools. GCH. DG. 23`4 lounge. Kitchen/diner. Utility area. Downstairs cloakroom. Master bedroom with ensuite shower room. 3 further bedrooms. Family bathroom. OSP. Garage. Well maintained rear garden o/looking playing ﬁelds. (ref 2722).

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SIDCUP £399,950 42 Marlborough Park Avenue, Sidcup, DA15 9DP Extended 4 bed semi det house. Popular and convenient location for schools, The Oval & Sidcup shopping facilities, Sidcup station, Marborough Park. Lounge. Dining room. Kitchen. Family bathroom. Master bedroom with ensuite, 3 further bedrooms. Rear garden. Single garage. Multiple OSP. (ref 3433).

DREWERY RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENTS

t: 020 8269 6600 www.drewery.co.uk

Tenants Looking for a Property?

Come and talk to your local Licenced ARLA Agent and benefit from the experience of the longest established letting agent in the local area – Established. 1946 Have confidence in consulting with a qualified and trained agent who can give you up-to-date advice and guidance.

SIDCUP RENTAL: £750 PCM Oak House, Manor Road, Sidcup, DA15 7HX

SIDCUP RENTAL: £750 PCM Lewis Road, Sidcup, DA14 4NB

SIDCUP RENTAL: £750 PCM The Firs, Longlands Road, Sidcup, DA15 7LG

SIDCUP RENTAL: £1,175 PCM Fold Apartments, Station Road, Sidcup, DA15 7AP

Well maintained 1 bed 2nd ﬂoor ﬂat. Sought after residential road and close to amenities, including shops, High Street, bus routes and Sidcup station. DG. GCH. E/phone. Lift. Lounge. Fitted kitchen. Bedroom. Modern bathroom. Allocated parking space. Communal gardens. Avail early June. Unfurnished. (ref 728).

Spacious 1 bed first floor flat above commercial premises. Close to shops, schools, bus routes and walking distance to Albany Park station. GCH. DG. Lounge. Fitted kitchen. Double bedroom. Spacious bathroom. Avail end May. Unfurnished. (ref 1347).

1 Bedroom purpose built ﬂat. Close to all local amenities. GHC & DG. Spacious living room. Kitchen with range of wall & base units. Double size bedroom. Bathroom with over bath shower. Communal gardens. Garage en bloc. Avail end May. (Ref 3079)

Spacious & luxury 2 bed seventh ﬂoor apartment in “The Fold” development. Easy access for Sidcup station, shops, bus routes. GCH. DG. Video e/ phone. Lift. High standard of decor. Lounge with open plan kitchen. Master bedroom with ensuite. 2nd bedroom. Luxury bathroom. Communal roof terrace with views over London & Kent. Allocated parking space. Avail now. Unfurnished. (ref 3389).

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO CREATE THE PERFECT KITCHEN Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery stock a variety of high quality rigid kitchens, appliances, doors and flooring to make purchasing your new kitchen or home improvement an exciting and enjoyable experience.

SIDCUP RENTAL: £1,200 PCM Church Avenue, Sidcup, DA14 6BU

INGRESS PARK RENTAL: £1,100 PCM Portland Place, Ingress Park, Greenhithe, DA9 9FE

Spacious 3 bed mid terrace town house. Popular residential road close to Sidcup High Street. GCH. DG. Lounge/diner. Modern kitchen/breakfast room. D/s shower room/wc. 2 double and 1 single bedroom. Family bathroom. OSP to front for 4 cars. 50` south facing garden. Avail early May. Part furnished/Unfurnished. (ref 3451).

2 bed split level duplex apartment on sought after Ingress Park development. Stunning views over the River Thames and QE Bridge. DG. Elec htg. High spec. Lounge with doors to balcony. Open plan kitchen. Cloakroom. 2 double bedrms. Bathroom. 2 u/ground parking spaces. Avail now. Unfurnished. (ref 520).

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Homeowners urged to get their house in order before selling The latest statistics from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) indicate that competition in the housing sales market is increasing. In March, the number of homes for sale rose while the number of house hunters fell overall.* Mark Hayward, President of the NAEA said: “The housing market remains volatile, despite the raft of measures announced by the Government in the most recent Budget. For this reason home sellers may rightly be concerned about securing a good price for their property. “With demand remaining flat and competition rising, it is essential that sellers make the most of their property to ensure they have the best possible chance of securing a sale.” To help potential sellers make the most of their homes the NAEA has the following tips: Seek an accurate valuation: With competition on the increase, it is crucial to ensure that the valuation placed on your home is competitive in current market conditions. As well as potentially decreasing the chance of selling your home, an inflated asking price may result in mortgage providers refusing finance for would-be buyers if they believe the valuation is not realistic. Energy efficiency: As heating costs rise, many households are making their homes’ energy efficiency a priority. Despite the return of warmer weather, some buyers may use an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) as a bargaining tool when looking to negotiate down the price of a property. Taking simple steps such as installing draft excluders or improving the roof or boiler insulation are a few simple ways of improving

energy efficiency before a sale. Show off your property’s best bits: In NAEA members’ experience, it is regularly the smaller and often overlooked factors which actually help secure a sale. Often clearing up clutter is one of the best ways of increasing the saleability of your home. Making sure that the garden is well presented and redecorating are also factors which are likely to improve the attractiveness of your home to would-be buyers. Refresh, review and repair: If necessary, re-paint key rooms like the lounge and kitchen. Neutral decor generally appeals to buyers as they can project their own vision for the property on to this ‘blank canvas’. Cleaning marks from worn walls, re-grouting bathroom surfaces and replacing any broken fixtures can really help to perk up a property. It is also worth taking the time to ensure things like door bells and light bulbs function as they should. If you have a viewing in the evening, think carefully about how best to light each room - while natural light is usually a good thing, too much artificial lighting can seem stark. Choose the professionals: When deciding on the estate agent to sell your home always use an NAEA member, who will be able to provide the knowledge and professionalism required to give you peace of mind throughout the sale process. All members are also signed up to the NAEA’s client money protection scheme. Source: naea.co.uk

Landlords could become liable for tenant’s water bills The Government is reviewing legislation to tackle bad debt in the water industry, which is created mostly by tenants. In order to lower bills they propose that the liability for unpaid bills is transferred to landlords, unless they or their agent have supplied the required information to the water company. Most water debtors are tenants and the bad debt in the water industry currently adds an average of £15 to every water customer’s bill. In an attempt to deal with this issue, section 45 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 provides that landlords will be liable for water charges if they do not pass the details of their tenants to water companies. However this part of the Act is not yet in force. The Government has completed the Consultation process but not published the ﬁndings. We understand that the Consultation produced “divided responses” and the Government “will continue to work with all parties to support the development of the existing voluntary approach, whilst weighing the costs and benefits associated with regulation for all parties”.

“We are consulting on draft Regulations. However, we know that this measure will put a small burden on landlords of having to provide the details. We are therefore also consulting on an alternative, non-regulatory approach to tackling bad debt. This is a voluntary scheme where Government would ask landlords and other holders of data on occupancy to share information with water companies.” If enacted, this means that landlords who fail to notify the relevant water companies of a tenant’s details will be jointly and severally liable with their tenants for overdue and outstanding water charges. In the meantime we recommend that all landlords and trustees notify the relevant water company in writing when a tenant moves in and when a tenant vacates. The notiﬁcations should include all of the tenant’s names, dates, any meter readings and forwarding addresses where possible. Keep a copy of letters/emails sent. Source: let-insurance.net

Why use Drewery Property Consultants? Established Agent: Drewery are the most established agent in the local area (est 1946) with a proven track record and membership of the NAEA & ARLA. Prime Ofﬁce Location: Drewery occupy an unrivalled, prime location, close to Sidcup Station and major supermarket. Experienced Sales Team: Drewery employ the most experienced sales & letting team locally with 15 members of staff. Maximum Internet Exposure: Drewery has the most dominant internet exposure locally including Rightmove, Primelocation & Zoopla, plus 30 other property websites.

128 Station Road Sidcup DA15 7AF Telephone: Sales: 020 8300 6761 Lettings: 020 8269 6600 OUR LINES ARE NOW OPEN LATE 8.30am - 8pm Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Saturdays 10am - 4pm Sundays E: info@drewery.co.uk W: www.drewery.co.uk www.drewery.tv Ofﬁce Hours: 9am - 6pm Weekdays 9am - 4pm Saturdays

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If you thought that the Sidcup Town Team was our local football club – then think again! The town team is made up of traders, shoppers and residents all with the shared aim of helping Sidcup become a truly greater place. They aim to deliver new town centre projects and have a real say in how they are implemented. The team will also act as ambassadors for Sidcup, helping attract new businesses and growth in the town and deal with the problems posed by the recession as well as making the most of new opportunities. Ultimately they want to harness the experience, energy and passion within the community and focus it to do more! So if you are enthusiastic about Sidcup, then why not contact Chair Sue Petty on 020 8302 7711 today! For those of you who haven’t visited the Danson Festival before, you are in for a big treat with two days of fantastic free entertainment all set in a very beautiful park. This year’s Festival takes place at Danson Park on the weekend of 6th and 7th July and is acknowledged as one of the best free events in the country, but still maintains its community roots and continues to showcase fantastic local talent. There are lots of ways to get involved such as Main Stage performing, the Dance Stage, Classic Cars or simply exhibiting and trading. For more information plus various application forms, go to www.dansonfestival.co.uk May updates to the Blackfen & Lamorbey Safer Neighbourhoods Team (BLSNT) Blog included essential safety for kids i.e. if a child gets lost, plus information on the Bobby van project - a free service to make your home safer. To join the Blackfen & Lamorbey Contact Network go to http://allandaboutsidcup.blogspot.co.uk

Make a note in your diary that ‘Lark in the Park’, the premier community event run by local churches in Sidcup, returns this year to The Green DA14 6BS between Saturday 27th July and Sunday 11th August. You will ﬁnd everything you need to know about this year’s event at www.larksidcup.com On the subject of football - to mark their 150th birthday, the Football Association are searching for the descendants of one of their founding fathers - Herbert Steward of Crusaders F.C. However, do any readers have any information on the remarkable New Crusaders of Sidcup who were formed in 1905 and played on grounds off of Longlands Road and Sidcup Place before the outbreak of World War One? Consultation on ways to improve public spaces and shop fronts in Sidcup High Street might have ended on May 16th, but Bexley’s ‘In Store for Sidcup’ programme has extended the application deadline for grants for people looking to start a new business or social enterprise ((Package B) to Tuesday 2nd July. A grant of up to £11,000 is available and the package aims to support a minimum of ten new businesses to fund shop ﬁttings, small items of equipment, start-up advice and mentoring, business planning, training and promotional support. If you would like to know more about local business support visit www.instoreforsidcup.org or contact business advisor Sally Williams on 07889 173101.

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