WhatHouse? Southern September 2015

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London & Southern Edition

September 2015

OVERSEAS HOME P3 INTERIORS P22 GARDENING P48 MORTGAGES P52 INVESTMENT P54

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overseas property 3

Buying a home overseas Welcome!

A More than a quarter of a million Brits buy a home abroad each year, but is it as straightforward as it seems?

I

t’s a good time to purchase an overseas property, with European markets improving, increased mortgage availability and favourable exchange rates encouraging Brits to purchase real estate on the continent. Indeed, the prices being paid by British buyers in Europe have dropped by around 10% since the start of the year, as the pound goes from strength to strength.

Each year, around 300,000 Brits take the plunge and buy a home overseas, but it’s not always plain sailing. The buying process varies from country to country, and some markets are more difficult to gauge than others. Here’s our guide to finding and purchasing your ideal overseas home.

CHOOSING A LOCATION The first thing you will need to clarify is the primary reason for your purchase. Are you moving abroad permanently, using the property as a holiday home, or purchasing as an investment to boost your pension pot?

Whatever your reason, you must thoroughly research everything from the climate to the attractions and the transport links of each area you are considering. If you’re planning on becoming a landlord, you also need to look in to the local schools and amenities in greater detail.

Buying in a desirable area with positive market growth is important whether you’re an investor or a settler, so get to grips with the local property market, and above all, always visit the area before you commit to anything.

TRANSPORT Do you need easy access to the UK for family or work commitments?

If so, find out how close the property is to the airport and train connections. Adding an extra day of travelling to each end of your journey might not seem too important right now, but could prove to be a major headache once you’ve moved.

Keeping a close eye on transport is also vital for those purchasing for buy-to-let purposes, with transport links ranked among the most important factors for renters.

BUDGET We’ll come on to the additional costs of purchasing a property later, but carefully outlining your purchasing budget should be at the top of your list before you start weighing up different locations. Having a degree of

BUYING TIPS certainty about what you can realistically afford could save you heartache and the danger of being drawn in to stretching your finances to their limits.

CLIMATE A place in the sun sounds perfect on a cold day in England, but what does it really constitute?

Consider how well you will adapt to the climate in your chosen area – perhaps it won’t be hot and sunny all of the time, or it could be sweltering. At the other end of the scale, you need to be aware of any extreme weather in rainy seasons, with countries such as America prone to hurricanes and tornadoes.

LOCATION One of the biggest allures of purchasing overseas is the promise of a change of scenery, so make a list of the things you are searching for in your new location. Do you want to be at the heart of the action in a large city centre, or are you in search of a rural escape in a small village away from everything?

The good news is that popular countries such as France and Spain offer a range of lifestyles suitable for all types of buyer.

LIFESTYLE Do you want to live among the locals and sample a truly unique atmosphere and way of living, or would you prefer living in a neighbourhood surrounded by other expats? When considering how you might fit in to an area, take a look at which amenities are most important to you, from the necessary – medical facilities and schooling if you have children – to the recreational.

MOST POPULAR PLACES FOR BRITS TO BUY HOMES ABROAD

BE WARY OF SALES TACTICS Never rush in to buying the first property that you visit. Ensure you view a range of homes and, if you are taking a trip with an agent, be wary of the hard sell. The best thing to do is take your time and wait until you have returned home before making any decisions. If you then want to purchase, visit again alone for a ‘warts and all’ viewing.

APPOINT AN INDEPENDENT LAWYER Even if the purchase seems relatively straightforward, you should always use an independent lawyer who will represent your interests throughout the transaction. Taking independent advice will offer a degree of protection when dealing with local agents, and although it could cost a sizable fee, this isn’t an area of your purchase to cut costs on.

BE CAREFUL WHEN BUYING OFF-PLAN Off-plan sales are very popular at home, particularly in busy city markets where great deals can be available for early birds who are willing to wait, or investors looking

to ‘flip’ a home. Off-plan purchases abroad involve are more risky, however.

If you choose this route, take legal advice and do not make any payments without a bank guarantee, and ensure all sales contracts involve a money-back guarantee if the development is not started, delayed, not completed or built to a poor standard. Always do background checks on the institutions involved and keep copies of all documentation. If in doubt, seek legal advice.

CONSIDER ADDITIONAL COSTS In the UK, the additional costs of purchasing a home average around £12,000, and you should budget similarly when purchasing abroad.

Surveyors, mortgages and taxes will need to be considered, as will financial advisor costs, international bank transfer fees, translation fees and legal fees.

Speak to estate agents and consider visiting international property trade shows to learn about the different processes in other countries. Some countries will offer tax breaks for purchasers to encourage growth, and lawyers’ fees vary significantly from country to country.

Existing owners: 1. France 2. Spain 3. USA 4. Cyprus 5. Portugal Future buyers: 1. Spain 2. France 3. Italy 4. USA 5. Portugal

s our supplement this month illustrates, there are plenty of genuine reasons for first-time buyers to be optimistic and the some of the statistics released over the summer have brought good news for homeowners, too.

Most regions are seeing a modest increase in property prices year-on-year, which is what most homeowners want to see. Mortgage rates are still pretty low, though nudging up slowly in anticipation of a base rate rise in the next few months – but there’s still an opportunity to grab a great fixed rate before they do.

Summer is usually a quiet time in the property world, and it usually jumps back into life in early September. Having said that, a development I visited in Horley, Surrey had 30 people move in throughout July (out of just over 90 apartments), so it was certainly a very busy month for the sales team there.

September is the time you really need to start getting your househunting shoes on if you hope to be in a new home by Christmas. The legal and financial processes can take much longer than you think and it’s never certain how long it may take to find a home you really want or to sell your existing one, if you have one. There is no reason for dilly-dallying if you’re serious about making that move by the end of the year.

My September will be peppered with visits to developments all over the country as part of the judging process for the WhatHouse? Awards, our annual celebration of the very best new homes in Britain. This housebuilding industry event is the biggest and most prestigious of its kind and you’ll be able to catch up on last year’s winners in our November issue and get the lowdown on this year’s prizes in the December issue.

If you’re interested in buying a new home, remember to keep visiting Whathouse.com for news and features about the latest developments around the country.

We’re relaunching the site this month, so you’ll see some snazzier graphics and find searching much easier, particularly on your smartphone or tablet. If you have any feedback about the new site, do drop me a line or tweet.

Happy house-hunting!

Keith Keith Osborne, editor. ko@whathouse.com @keithosborne69

Buying overseas?

Don’t miss out on your FREE overseas property guide Buying a property overseas can be easy when you’ve got the right team on your side.

To see what’s happening at your destination, or for tips and guidance on the overseas property-buying process, visit everythingoverseas.com.

Wherever you’re going, we’ve got you covered Australia Florida France New Zealand Portugal South Africa Spain Download your free guide at everythingoverseas.com

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23/02/2015 12:01

Rupert Bates, editorial director of WhatHouse? has been a property journalist for 25 years. He is an award-winning writer who started on local newspapers before becoming a columnist on The Daily Telegraph. He presents the annual WhatHouse?

Awards, edits leading housebuilding magazine Show House and is property correspondent of The Field magazine.

A chance to win £50 It couldn’t be simpler – just ‘follow’ us on Twitter (@What_House) One of our new followers from10th 3rd September August to 1st from to September 9th Octoberwill willwin win £50 in Marks and Spencer vouchers

Keith Osborne started writing about property 14 years ago and has been editor of Whathouse. com since 2010. He is currently a columnist in housebuilding trade magazine Show House and has previously written for Homes Overseas magazine. He has also been a part of the WhatHouse? Awards judging panel for a number of years.

Stephen Maunder is assistant editor of Whathouse.com, having previously spent 18 months there as a freelance special correspondent. He has a background in academic research and has worked at Sky News as a picture researcher. He has also written for BBC News, Huffi ngton Post UK and the Shropshire Huffington Star newspaper.

What House?

@What_House

Managing director Daniel Hill Editorial director Rupert Bates Editor Keith Osborne ko@whathouse.com Assistant editor Stephen Maunder sm@whathouse.com Chief sub-editor Suzanne Frost Designer Sarah Davies Contributors Marc Da Silva Nick Parkhouse Richenda Oldham Tilly Rubens Sales director Adrian Talbot at@globespanmedia.com Head of sales Andy Lunn Sales manager Murad Paloba al@whathouse.com mp@whathouse.com Business development Head of digital Simon manager Phillips Steve Coyle simon@whathouse.com sc@whathouse.com Sales manager Murad Paloba Cover photo: Great Minster House, Westminster, mp@whathouse.com London, from £975,000, courtesy of Head digital Simon Phillips BarrattofLondon; 020 3151 9326 simon@whathouse.com Cover photo: One Shore Road, Sandbanks, Dorset, from £1.3million, courtesy of Savills; 01202 708888

Published by: Globespan Media Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG T: 020 7940 1070 E: info@globespanmedia.com W: www.whathouse.com Printed by 39zero / Distributed by Royal Mail © 2015 Globespan Media Limited WhatHouse?, ISSN: 02691310

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers.

The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors and omissions.

NHBC – the mark of a quality home Before you buy a new home, make sure it has Buildmark, which provides you with 10 years’ warranty and insurance. Then you’ll know it’s good quality and that your investment is protected.

0844 633 1000 www.nhbcnewhomes.co.uk

NHBC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

NHBC is registered in England and Wales under company number 00320784. NHBC’s registered address is NHBC House, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK5 8FP. J441 09/15

6 six appeal

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

The Artist’s Cottage, Farr, Inverness from £650,000 The Artist’s Cottage is designed by world famous Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is a beautiful and unique property that was, according to literature, meant to be his retirement home, and it incorporates many features associated with the key architectural figure, including windows of traditional Mackintosh design.

The house is on the outskirts of the village of Farr, six miles from Inverness, in the quiet countryside with beautiful undisturbed panoramic views over the surrounding hills.

Despite its impressive historical connection, it is not a listed building and the buyer is free to keep it as it is or make changes to it.

The accommodation consists of the entrance vestibule, double-height dining hall with exposed beams, and a lattice staircase to

the first-floor accommodation. The drawing room has a large bow, stained glass window, there’s a modern fitted kitchen, study area adjacent to the stairs and a cloakroom. The single-storey wing provides four bedrooms, three of which have shower rooms and two bedrooms currently used as an office and hobby room.

The staircase leads to a large galleried landing with fitted book shelving and there are two bedrooms, both with en suite shower rooms and a generous studio/reception room with exposed beams and access to a balcony and stairs rising to roof terrace with magnificent panoramic views.

From: Urban.co.uk Contact: 0800 689 9955

Six appeal

Our pick of character homes currently for sale The Old Chapel, Noss Mayo, Devon £637,500

Foundry Field, Burnham Market, Norfolk From £615,000

Built in 1870, The Old Chapel has stone elevations, brick quoins surrounding the Gothic windows and is situated in an elevated position overlooking the creek. The property has been renovated to an exceptionally high standard to provide stylish reverse-level living accommodation using a combination of natural materials and quality fixtures and fitting, resulting in a contemporary property in the heart of this delightful waterside village.

The modern interior includes a kitchen with utility room and a range of integrated Neff appliances, three bedrooms and three en suites.

There’s an elevated deck, which not only

Foundry Field is a new development that will offer a selection of 27 new homes combining traditional design with modern interiors, including locally sourced exterior flintwork and brick, to sensitively reflect the charm and character of the village. The development will offer a selection of two-, three- and fourbedroom houses, all of which are surrounded by beautifully landscaped green spaces.

Known locally as Norfolk’s ‘loveliest village’, Burnham Market has been rated 2015’s seventh best place to live in Britain

by The Sunday Times. The village is part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding

makes for a great al fresco dining location, but also provides views over the creek.

The twin villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo enjoy a delightful riverside setting on the wooded slopes of the estuary of the River Yealm. This sheltered, deep water harbour is much favoured by yachtsmen and lies within a beautiful valley in the unspoilt South Hams countryside, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Special Area of Conservation.

From: Luscombe Maye Contact: 01752 872417

Natural Beauty, and benefits from easy access to a number of nearby beaches and breathtaking scenery.

It takes just a few minutes to walk to the village green, which plays host to an array of independent boutiques, delis and the popular hotel and restaurant The Hoste Arms. It is also well placed for exploring the coastline’s many other treasures; from wildlife reserves and pretty quaysides, to seal watching and iconic windmills, the attractions are plentiful.

From: Hill Contact: : 01263 712625

For the latest on the property market

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@What_House

The Old Wheelwrights, Modbury, Devon • £349,950 An attractive property with a rich and quirky history, as twice in ancient days it was used as the town’s brothel! It certainly has an unusual past, but its feature fireplace, vaulted ceiling, oak beams, two spiral staircases and Juliet balconies make it a truly charming home with plenty of character.

Located in the popular Devon town of Modbury, which is renowned for its natural beauty, this fourbedroom property is an excellent investment opportunity, being self-contained at ground floor level it offers separate accommodation for letting purposes.

Alderbrook Road, Clapham Common, SW12 £2.595m Situated on Alderbrook Road within the popular ‘Nightingale Triangle’ is this magnificent six-bedoom double-fronted family home.

Carefully refurbished by the current owners, it offers modern living without losing any of the period charm that makes these houses so special.

The entrance hall has been immaculately finished with tessellated flooring, ornate cornicing and traditional cast iron radiators throughout. Through to your left, you’re met with a reception room and cosy a snug – perfect for those

wintery evenings in front of the TV. Back through the hallway and into the substantial 30 ft kitchen/dining room, you’ll find the high ceilings, natural light and bespoke design all collate to instantly put you in the most relaxed of moods. The ample dining space, extensive storage, original fireplace, Corian worktops and fantastic central island complete this exceptional kitchen.

Accessed from both the kitchen and garden room is the paved, westfacing garden. Complete with raised mature flowerbeds, entertaining area and a cleverly placed wall

mirror which increases the feeling of space brilliantly. Upstairs to the first floor, which amounts over 1000 sq ft, you’re greeted with a superb master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and a sizeable en suite.

In addition to this you have two further double bedrooms and a beautifully finished shower room.

The top floor, almost mirrored in size to the first, has a further three double bedrooms, a handy office room and another large bathroom.

From:Douglas & Gordon Contact: 020 8673 0191

This first-floor annexe has recently been modernised and comprises a newly appointed kitchen, spacious lounge/diner, double bedroom and shower room. It is a versatile space that could be used as part of the main house or as a separate dwelling benefiting from its own access, underfloor heating, double glazing and separate electricity supply.

The current vendors have previously let the annexe for £495 pcm.

From: Luscombe Maye Contact: 01752 872417

Evergreens, Otley, Leeds, West Yorkshire • From £575,000 Evergreens used to be the offices of Dawson, Payne and Elliot, the company which famously revolutionised the printing industry more than a century ago by creating the Wharfedale Printing Machine, which now stands today in the Yorkshire Museum.

Following the invention, the names Dawson, Payne and Elliot are now synonymous with the name of Otley.

Evergreens was recently owned by the late Frederic William Whyte, a former director of Dawson, Payne and Elliott and includes the original air raid shelters built for the factory workers during WWII.

The property is an individual three-bedroom detached home set within generous and wellestablished gardens. It boasts an abundance of impressive character features along with three reception rooms, a kitchen and downstairs cloakroom, three double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally there are gardens to four sides incorporating a large driveway, double garage, stables, out buildings and orchard to the rear.

From: Hunters Contact: 01943 660002

WE CAN GET YOU MOVING Mastermove helps you buy at Kingston Riverside while we take the hard work out of selling your existing property, by arranging valuations, appointing an estate agent, taking care of all the paperwork and even paying the agents’ fees.

Mastermove helps you move into your brand new Redrow home in three simple steps: Step 1 - Choose your Redrow home at Kingston Riverside and register on Mastermove.

Step 2 - We’ll appoint an estate agent to market your property.

Step 3 - When a sale is agreed, Redrow will pay the agent’s fees leaving you free to reserve your new Redrow luxury apartment.

Call now to find out how simple your move could be.

13334 Kingston Riverside - Whathouse - 340x265 wc060415.indd 1

Luxury 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with stunning panoramic views over Kingston with prices from £750,000

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Kingston Upon Thames

kingstonriverside.com

sales@kingstonriverside.com

01/04/2015 15:41

Octagon is truly delighted to extend a personal invitation for you to view and admire the hand crafted perfection and unrivalled quality of Burford Place, an impressive new country house set within 5.5 acres of mature, secluded grounds.

Located on the Surrey/Hampshire border, this elegant family home offers luxurious countryside living with 5 reception rooms including a cinema room, 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and a detached triple garage.

The house is set back behind electric gates with a sweeping main drive and beautiful grounds ideal for a pony paddock and stables with additional storage barn, if desired.

Pickets Hill is within 5 miles of the A3, to the west of Haslemere and to the south of Farnham.

There is a choice of mainline train stations at Liphook, Haslemere, Bentley and Farnham, with regular services into London Waterloo taking approximately 1 hour.

Octagon has other fine properties for sale in North London and the Home Counties with prices currently ranging from £3.25m.

Please see our website for details.

www.octagon.co.uk

Price £4.75m Burford Place, Picketts Hill, Hampshire GU35 8TD Open weekends 10am – 4pm or by appointment Octagon: 020 8481 7500 Strutt & Parker Farnham: 01252 821102

In The Country

Vista, Drayton Garden Village

Creating new communities across the South

Inland Homes are currently regenerating areas across the South providing quality homes with an emphasis on design and sustainability. Visit our fabulous range of Showhomes to discover more.

Charterhouse Mews, Chelmsford

DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDE: Carter’s Quay, Poole 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses

Abbeywood Park, Markyate 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom houses

Vista, Drayton Garden Village, West Drayton 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses

COMING SOON: The Comptons, Wooburn Green 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom houses

St John’s, Chelmsford 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses Charterhouse Mews, Chelmsford 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2 bedroom houses

Carter’s Quay, Poole

The Comptons,Wooburn Green

For further details call 01494 762 450 or email sales@inlandhomes.co.uk Showhome open at this development

Please check website for current availability. Computer generated illustrations are indicative only and subject to change.

Alexandra Gardens, Iver 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses Rutherford Park, Stanbridge 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses

St John’s, Chelmsford

www.inlandhomes.co.uk

london

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

11

Agent insight We speak to John Morley of JOHNS&CO about Embassy Gardens, property technology and the London market Could you please give us an introduction to your agency and your recent expansion?

I founded the agency two years ago after heading up the international sales team at Ballymore. I was disappointed in the follow-up services offered to investors, especially those looking to let their investment, and so I set up JOHNS&CO to fill that gap in the market, providing on-site lettings and management for luxury London apartment schemes.

Alongside the core lettings business, we also look after resales.

We have recently opened our fourth office, on-site at Embassy Gardens in Nine Elms, following the launch of the development in May. Our fifth office in Canary Wharf is due to open before the end of the year.

What role is your company taking in the Embassy Gardens development in Wandsworth?

Embassy Gardens is the latest development in our portfolio to launch and we are the only agent to

have an office at the development.

We look after all of the lettings, property management and resales at the development, working with Ballymore to ensure that buyers, landlords and tenants have a smooth and seamless experience and receive the service you would expect from a luxury development.

What is DETAILS, and how important is technology to modern estate agency?

DETAILS is an enhanced day-to-day living app for occupants, tenants and owner-occupiers, offering a conciergestyle service at the touch of a button.

Tenants can arrange to have their laundry taken care of or their flat cleaned, all within 24 hours. An app such as this is unique to the estate agency market and has been well received by work-rich and time-poor tenants – it is certainly a big USP for us, as we want to offer as much as we can to the residents of our developments.

There is no doubt that technology is becoming more prominent in the

world of estate agency. We now have 3D virtual tours, increasingly interactive websites, and FaceTime and Skype have meant the need for overseas travel has been significantly reduced. However, in our experience, technology is only as good as the staff behind it and it still plays second fiddle to the personnel on the ground.

That being said, we are very active in trying to make life as easy as possible for buyers and tenants and will be rolling out our Landlord Login in the next few weeks. This will provide direct access to all documents, tenancy agreements, bills and paperwork regarding the property, keeping everything neatly in one place. A number of our landlords are already trialling it but the perfected product will be launching imminently.

What do you expect to see happen in the property market over the remainder of the year?

Certainly there is a lot more clarity now the election has passed, people have adjusted to the changes in taxation and

once the holidays have finished we will see some liquidity come back to the top end of the market. However, from 2017 the ability to write off expenses incurred by a property against taxation is being phased out, and I think this will make UK property less appealing to some investors. That being said, the reversal of landlord exemption from capital gains tax could have had a big impact but people learn to cooperate

and find a way around it.

Another trend I predict becoming more apparent is savvy investors seeking out property in Zones 2, 3 and even 4 where there are opportunities for greater capital appreciation and far better rental yields than in central London.

You can find out more at www.johnsand.co; 020 7118 0200

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• Less than a mile from Fryent Country Park offering 254 acres of open space*

Prices from £280,000† Flexible buying options available Marketing Suite & Show Home open Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm Viewings by appointment only

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Computer generated image of Lime Walk. Internal images of previous Network Living developments. *Travel times and distances approximate only taken from Google maps and TFL. †Prices correct at time of press.

The Hyde Housing Group Making a lasting difference, Working with Local Authorities The Hyde Group is an award winning provider of The Hyde Group is an award winning provider of homes and makes a significant contribution to homes and makes a significant contribution to meeting housing needs and improving people’s meeting housing needs and improving people’s quality of life. quality of life.

Hyde is one of the largest housing associations working in England, Hyde is one of the largest housing associations working in England, owning or managing circa 50,000 homes with a focus on London, owning or managing circa 50,000 homes with a focus on London, Kent and the South Coast of England.

Kent and the South Coast of England.

Hyde built high quality new homes for 4,413 people in 2014/15. Of these, Hyde built high quality new homes for 4,413 people in 2014/15. Of these, 83% pay a subsidised price, with 3,643 people housed in a new Hyde 83% pay a subsidised price, with 3,643 people housed in a new Hyde affordable home. affordable home.

Hyde is acutely aware of the housing crisis in the UK. A continuing Hyde is acutely aware of the housing crisis in the UK. A continuing decline in levels of house building, combined with increased demand, decline in levels of house building, combined with increased demand, particularly within London and the south east of England, has increased particularly within London and the south east of England, has increased housing costs significantly and impacted on local economies. housing costs significantly and impacted on local economies.

Members of our team will be at MIPIM 2015 promoting New Members of our team will be at MIPIM 2015 promoting New Challenges; Challenges; New New Partnering Partnering Solutions our Local Authority Offer launched earlier this year.

Solutions our Local Authority Offer launched earlier this year.

CGI CGI of of proposed proposed Hyde Hyde HA HA Development Development in in Harrow, Harrow, London London

Hyde Hyde is is committed committed to to tackling tackling the the housing housing shortage shortage and and reducing reducing some some of of these these impacts impacts by: by: • • Developing 1,000 mixed tenure homes a Developing 1,000 mixed tenure homes a year with a focus on increasing this further year with a focus on increasing this further • • Delivering quality management services Delivering quality management services across all tenures and uses across all tenures and uses • • Maximising life chances for residents Maximising life chances for residents through Hyde Plus’ support service through Hyde Plus’ support service • • Retaining a strong financial covenant and Retaining a strong financial covenant and commitment to invest for the future commitment to invest for the future

We believe that the answer to delivering more We believe that the answer to delivering more homes, particularly ones that are affordable homes, particularly ones that are affordable or are available for low cost ownership, is to or are available for low cost ownership, is to work collaboratively with local authorities. A work collaboratively with local authorities. A partnership approach allows local authorities partnership approach allows local authorities to match their assets with our experience of to match their assets with our experience of mixed tenure development and regeneration, mixed tenure development and regeneration, to create housing and communities in the to create housing and communities in the most cost-effective and sustainable way. most cost-effective and sustainable way.

True True partnerships partnerships can can be be achieved achieved in in aa number number of of ways: ways: • • A joint venture model with sharing of risk A joint venture model with sharing of risk and reward and reward • • Sharing the build programme: Hyde Sharing the build programme: Hyde develops and sells the commercial develops and sells the commercial elements of a mixed tenure scheme and the elements of a mixed tenure scheme and the local authority develops and retains some or local authority develops and retains some or all of the affordable/social homes, to deliver all of the affordable/social homes, to deliver an ongoing revenue an ongoing revenue • • Hyde acts as the development and/or Hyde acts as the development and/or sales agent for the local authority sales agent for the local authority • • Traditional regeneration projects Traditional regeneration projects • • Stock transfer opportunities Stock transfer opportunities

We have the financial capacity, A1 Moody’s We have the financial capacity, A1 Moody’s credit rating and the highest validation credit rating and the highest validation from the Homes and Communities Agency. from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Equally, our reputation for innovation and Equally, our reputation for innovation and creativity in designing new solutions for creativity in designing new solutions for delivering affordable homes means we are delivering affordable homes means we are an ideal partner for local authorities. an ideal partner for local authorities.

We are committed to communities and We are committed to communities and places for the long term, supporting our places for the long term, supporting our developments with high quality, coordinated developments with high quality, coordinated management services. These core objectives management services. These core objectives as a registered provider distinguish us from as a registered provider distinguish us from other market housing developers. other market housing developers.

We are open to ideas, so let’s do more to We are open to ideas, so let’s do more to work together, pooling resources, ideas and work together, pooling resources, ideas and ambitions, to create homes for people that ambitions, to create homes for people that need them the most. need them the most.

We look look forward forward to to working working with with you you We in the the future. future. To To arrange arrange aa meeting, meeting, in please contact: contact: please Simon Vevers Vevers Simon Development Director, Regeneration Development Director, Regeneration simon.vevers@hyde-housing.co.uk simon.vevers@hyde-housing.co.uk Tom Shaw Shaw Tom Development Director, South Coast Development Director, South Coast tom.shaw@hyde-housing.co.uk tom.shaw@hyde-housing.co.uk Mike Johnson Johnson Mike Development Director, London and Kent Development Director, London and Kent mike.johnson2@hyde-housing.co.uk mike.johnson2@hyde-housing.co.uk

Time to Move In. Time to Get Connected.

Final Opportunity to Buy at an Award-Winning Development by St James Last few 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses remaining. Prices from ÂŁ685,000 Visit our new Showhome to see the high quality design and find out how well connected you are to the places you want to go. Moments from Kew Bridge Rail Station with regular trains to London Waterloo in under half an hour, and across the River Thames to Kew Green. Enjoy the best of both worlds: city living in a beautiful setting. Complete with concierge service, exclusive gym and secure underground parking.

Speak to a Sales Consultant: 020 3813 5966 or visit www.kewbridgewest.co.uk

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Sales and Marketing Suite, Kew Bridge West, Kew Bridge Road, TW8 0EF. Open daily 10am - 5pm

Prices and details correct at time of going to print. Travel times taken from www.tfl.gov.uk. Photography of completed development.

london

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

In the spotlight: Hammersmith and Fulham New homes aplenty in London’s fourth most expensive borough

WHERE IS IT? The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham is located in the west of the capital, with Kensington and Chelsea to the east, Brent to the north, Wandsworth to the south and Ealing and Hounslow to the west. In addition to Hammersmith and Fulham, the borough covers notable areas such as Parsons Green, Shepherd’s Bush, West Kensington and White City.

Major landmarks here include Westfield Shopping Centre, Olympia, The Hurlingham Club and Fulham Palace. Chelsea and Fulham football clubs also ply their trade in the borough.

WHO LIVES THERE? At the time of the 2011 census, the borough’s population was 182,493, with the average resident aged 32.

WHAT IS THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE LIKE? The borough has two MPs, Greg Hands (Conservative – Chelsea & Fulham constituency) and Andrew Slaughter (Labour – Hammersmith constituency), who both retained their seats in this year’s general election. In the most recent council election in 2014, Labour achieved 26 seats and the Conservatives 20, a swing of 22 seats towards Labour since the previous election. Overall vote share saw 41.9% to Labour and 38.1% to the Conservatives.

WHAT DO HOUSES COST? Hammersmith & Fulham has the fourth most expensive property prices

in London, after Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, and Camden. Average prices here are £788,000, according to recent Land Registry data. House prices are more than 20 times the average local earnings, considerably above the UK average multiple of 8.8.

With everything from period homes to trendy riverside flats, the borough is in high demand with both local and overseas buyers. House prices are up by around 9% annually, although they have shown signs of decelerating in recent months.

WILL THE NEW GOVERNMENT CHANGE ANYTHING? The National Housing Federation has suggested that 18,000 homes in the borough could be sold off under the government’s Right to Buy scheme.

Labour has expressed concerns over the number of properties that will be replaced, with London mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan launching a petition to ensure that no homes are sold off without a guaranteed replacement nearby.

REGENERATION The council plans to regenerate some of the most deprived areas of the borough over the next 20 years, with several key areas earmarked.

Old Oak Old Oak Common and Park Royal are undergoing significant regeneration, with High Speed 2 and Crossrail stations earmarked for Old Oak and

up to 24,000 new homes planned by 2026. It is predicted that the overall project could fetch up to £6.2bn for the London economy.

White City The White City Opportunity Area is focused to the east of Wood Lane and the north of the Westfield shopping centre, and includes the BBC Television Centre site. In addition to focusing on creating new jobs in the biomedical industry, the plans also include new homes and improved facilities for local people.

15

NEW HOMES

Queen’s Wharf by Mount Anvil Hammersmith Located next to the Grade II listed Hammersmith Bridge on a muchcoveted stretch of unspoilt Thames riverside, Queen’s Wharf will incorporate the redevelopment of the world-renowned Riverside Studios – the original home of Doctor Who and a cornerstone of English artistic, cultural and television heritage. Three brand new, state-of-the-art studios will be provided, together with a cinema, café and restaurant.

A quintessentially British collection of 165 studio, one-, two- and threebedroom apartments, the development will be arranged across more than 100 metres of uninterrupted river frontage, offering breathtaking views of the Surrey Bend – the perfect place to watch the world-famous Boat Race.

Price: From £585,000 Find out more at www.queenswharf.co.uk; 020 7205 2973

Farm Lane by Affinity Sutton Fulham Situated in the heart of Fulham, just five three-bedroom apartments at Farm Lane remain, available on a Discounted Market Sale (DMS) basis. Housed in a contemporary-style building, these apartments are perfectly designed for modern lifestyles, with open-plan living areas and most apartments boasting private balconies or terraces.

The development is just a fiveminute walk from Fulham Broadway station, from which residents can

easily reach central London.

Through DMS, prices for the remaining three-bedroom apartments are fixed at £263,681. Applicants will need a mortgage and/or savings to cover the discounted price of the property and must also live or work in Hammersmith and Fulham.

Price: From £263,681 Find out more at www.affinitysutton.com; 0300 100 0303

South Fulham Riverside Regeneration Area In the south of the borough, this regeneration area covers a total of 40 hectares, with a south-facing river frontage of 1,700 metres, and will provide a mixture of residential, commercial and leisure facilities.

Earls Court The previous Conservative administration in Hammersmith and Fulham gave the green light to the £12bn redevelopment of Earls Court, including the destruction of Earls Court Exhibition Centre.

Residents from the West Kensington and Gibbs Green estates have recently launched a legal bid to scupper the demolition of their homes as part of the wider development, and with the new Labour administration believed to be considering alternative development plans, the saga looks set to continue.

Fulham Riverside by Barratt London Fulham When complete in 2019, Fulham Riverside will boast 401 homes, from apartments and duplexes to family townhouses. Residents here will enjoy a wealth of amenities on their doorstep including a proposed waterfront café, badminton court, fitness suite and a lobby with 24-hour concierge service.

The development will also open up one of the last undeveloped waterfront locations to the public by way of a riverside walk.

The apartment buildings at Fulham Riverside are set in beautifully designed grounds around an expansive communal garden.

The open-area facing the River Thames has a three-metre waterfall and a provision for croquet, table tennis and chess in the gardens.

Price: From £769,995 to £2.33m Find out more at www.barrattlondon.com/ fulham; 0844 811 4334

16 london

For the latest on the property market

New homes round-up – the pick of today’s new build property in London

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he mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has announced that he has met his target of 50,000 new homes for Londoners, with three new Housing Zone schemes, in Brent, Westminster and Sutton. He has now revealed 18 out of 20 schemes promised by the end of this summer.

The three new schemes bring the total number of properties for construction to 50,965 across Greater London. The Housing Zones are a joint project with the Greater London Authority, central government and local boroughs, freeing up brownfield land for redevelopment and speeding up the planning process. The £44million earmarked for the latest three Zones will go towards improved transport links for the growing population as well as new homes.

Elsewhere, the latest London

New Homes Monitor from Stirling Ackroyd reports that the number of new homes approved by the planning system in the first quarter of 2015 represents an annualised figure of 47,460 new homes across Greater London as a whole.

That figure is almost 20,000 higher than the last quarter of 2014, a rise of 73%.

There’s a great variety in the success of planning applications across different boroughs. For Q1 2015, Greenwich and Tower Hamlets led the way, approving 99% of the planned homes put before them.

They were followed by Camden and Southwark, which both allowed 97% of homes decided by their respective planning offices.

At the other end of the spectrum, Hillingdon approved just one in five potential new homes (20%), followed by Croydon (32%) and Barking & Dagenham (33%).

Birchwood Grange in Northwood (David Wilson Homes)

Brook Valley Gardens in Chipping Barnet (Countryside)

No less a dignitary than the mayor of Hillingdon opened the show home here recently, giving house-hunters the chance to see one of just 10 luxurious detached five-bedroom houses being built on a private cul-de-sac off the prestigious Duck’s Hill Road.

Councillor Carol Melvin, representing the Northwood Ward, was among the guests at the event: She says: “I was delighted to be invited to the ribbon cutting of this lovely development. I was really pleased to see how spacious and well laid-out the houses are and the gardens are a nice outside amenity space for family use. Birchwood Grange is definitely a nice addition

Buyers looking for their own unique green space in London may find it at this development. Inspired by the original garden suburbs of the early 20th century to provide residents with a modern interpretation of the traditional garden suburb, the three- and four-bedroom houses all have rear gardens, while the development as a whole is bordered by leafy residential areas, playing fields, open space and golf courses.

A new show home, ‘The Lancaster’ has recently opened at the site. This is a four-bedroom, three-storey home with a private rear garden where buyers can create their own oasis of tranquillity with lots of plants, flowers and even

to Northwood housing.”

The ‘Moorcroft’ show home has accommodation across three floors. The ground floor has a study, lounge, dining room, the kitchen with a separate utility area and a cloakroom, and French doors opening onto the garden from both the kitchen and lounge. A bathroom and four bedrooms are located on the first floor, including the master with an en suite, and there is a second en suite on the second floor, along with a flexible space which could be used as a den or hobby room.

Price: From £1.075m Find out more at www.dwh.co.uk; 0844 854 7767

219 Park Road in Kingston upon Thames (Featherstone Leigh)

This new development of six four- and five-bedroom contemporary homes is set back from Park Road and is just moments away from Richmond Park and a few minutes’ walk from the local rail station, which is less than half an hour by train from Waterloo.

These generously proportioned family homes are set around a courtyard within a private gated community with a very high specification, which includes a stylish kitchen by Schüller with integrated Siemens appliances and a three-way tap providing hot, filtered cold and ‘instant’ boiling water; porcelain floors; underfloor heating to ground and lower ground floors; integrated sound and lighting technology; and beautiful contemporary bathrooms and en suites.

vegetables, and entertain friends with a barbeque on the patio.

Richard Cherry, chief executive of Countryside’s Partnerships division, says: “We have designed Brook Valley Gardens to create a modern garden suburb, with gardens for each house where buyers can enjoy gardening, as well as simply relaxing at the end of a busy day.

Once complete, the development will also include shared communal gardens, children’s play areas and public open space for the community to enjoy.“ Price: From £560,000 Find out more at www.brookvalleygardens.co.uk

These homes are eco-friendly, too, having achieved a Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 standard, boasting features including photovoltaic roof cells, energyefficient appliances, high levels of insulation, and high-performance windows and bi-fold doors.

Russell Mann, director of new homes at Featherstone Leigh, says: “These properties…are perfect for families or couples who are looking to move or settle in a place that offers city convenience and country charm; the capital’s largest Royal Park is almost on your doorstep.”

Price: From £1.475million Find out more at www.featherstoneleigh. co.uk; 020 8549 9449

@What_House

The Renaissance in Cockfosters (Heronslea Group) Representing the height of luxury in one of north London’s most sought-after areas, Hadley Wood, The Renaissance offer the rare chance to buy a luxury apartment on Cockfosters Road. The show home was launched just a fortnight ago and demonstrates the exceptional quality that has been lavished on every part of the development, from its spacious (1990 sq ft to 2743 sq ft) and impeccably specified apartments to the landscaped grounds and underground car park.

Nick Staton, from local selling agents Statons, says: “Everyone in the area is talking about The Renaissance, this unique collection of eight three-bedroom apartments offer the ultimate in luxury, which is simply unparalleled in Hadley Wood.”

The three-storey block features a spectacular galleried entrance and provides a high level of security with electronic gated entrance, secure basement parking with ample visitor spaces, lift access to all homes, a video entry system, alarm systems and CCTV throughout, making it ideal as a ‘lock-up-and-leave’ property for those who spend time elsewhere throughout the year.

There’s a hotel-style concierge service, too, and shops, parks and transport links close by.

Price: From £2m Find out more at www.heronslea-group. co.uk; 020 3327 0298

Harrow

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Hillingdon

Ealing

Hounslow

Richmond up Thames

King up Tha

This collection of 20 brand new one- and two-bedroom apartments, located close to highly sought-after Hampstead, has been designed by the multi award-winning PCKO Architects in a striking contemporary design with a brick façade, architectural recesses on the upper storeys and glass-encased balconies.

Inside, each apartment has an open-plan kitchen/living/dining room with bespoke kitchens by Commodore, a range of fully integrated appliances, and Silestone Cemento Spa worktops. There are high-quality wood-effect floors in all living areas and hallways, while the

bedrooms are carpeted with fitted wardrobes and the bathrooms come with stylish tiling and sanitaryware.

All properties have private outdoor space in the form of a balcony or terrace, and each has a space in the underground car park.

The development’s ecocredentials are high, too, as it meets Level 4 in the Code for Sustainable Homes, meaning an environmentally friendly build and reduced running costs due to its energy efficiency.

Price: From £442,500 Find out more at www.axisapartments.co.uk

This development is based around a brand new Four Seasons Hotel, with 41 spacious and highly specified luxury residences on floors three to seven of this conversion of a muchadmired Grade II listed building.

The new residences range in size from one to five bedrooms, offering views of the Square Mile, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the River Thames. The designs have been inspired by the building’s origins in the 1920s (think mid- to late-series Downton Abbey) and will evoke the refined luxury, prosperity and glamour of that time. Marble and parquet flooring, marble bathrooms, bespoke kitchens and the latest home technology all feature in each home.

Residents also have the unique facility to call on the services and amenities of the Hotel at Ten Trinity Square, including its restaurants, bars and spa. There’s also a 24-hour concierge looking after the needs of the residents.

Price: From £5m Find out more at tentrinitysquare.co.uk; 020 3297 9300

Enfield

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Great Minster House in Westminster (Barratt London) Located in a prime position in the heart of Westminster, in a top-class conversion of a former government building, Great Minster House comprises 61 spacious studio, one, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses. This prime location is just minutes from some of London’s most iconic landmarks, providing residents with everything they could want from a central London residence, with high ceilings, parquet floors, terraces and a 24-hour concierge.

The properties are fitted with individually designed kitchens, a full range of top-end appliances, bathrooms and en suites with

natural stone tiles, polished chrome, marble fixtures and illuminated mirrors, and pure wool carpets in most rooms.

Some of the apartments are ready to move into straight away, while the final touches are being carried out on the rest of them, which will be ready to move into later this year.

Barratt London is offering £27,000 of complimentary furnishings for any one-bedroom apartments or suites reserved before 28 August 2015.

Price: From £975,000 Find out more at http://whathou.se/ a8CxNc; 020 3151 9326

Artisan in Dalston (Bellway) Located just two miles from Shoreditch’s vibrant nightlife, an apartment at Artisan could be the perfect choice for someone who wants to be close to the heart of the countless leisure opportunities on offer in the capital.

It’s a collection of one-, twoand three-bedroom apartments close to a range of local amenities on Stoke Newington High Street, including the bars and restaurants of Shoreditch to the south and Stratford and Westfield City to the east. The spacious mater bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and an en suite and the chic fitted kitchens have a comprehensive range of

built-in appliances.

Peter Knights, sales director for Bellway Homes Thames Gateway division, says: “Artisan is perfectly placed for those who work in the City, who want a trendy location with everything on the doorstep.

The apartments are perfect for enjoying the best that London has to offer – residents can enjoy an easy commute from Stoke Newington Overground and never be far from the action.”

Price: From £440,000 Find out more at www.bellway.co.uk/ new-homes/thames-gateway/artisan; 0845 257 6064

Sundridge Park in Bromley (Millgate)

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Axis in Finchley Road (Origin Housing)

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Ten Trinity Square in the City of London (Reignwood Investments)

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london

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

Croydon

This exclusive development is set in 275 acres of Kentish parkland and is approached along a half-mile secluded driveway, nestled between two renowned championship golf courses.

It offers 14 townhouses, 25 apartments and two exclusive detached homes. As Jonathan Cranley, sales and marketing director for Millgate, says of this Georgian-influenced scheme: “The Millgate philosophy is simple; if someone is looking to buy a beautiful home then it must be set within a beautiful plot.

At Sundridge Park we are carefully enhancing and improving the masterpieces of two of history’s greats – Humphry Repton and John

Nash – by holding true their vision in maintaining an exclusive English country estate environment.”

A recently launched show home is open to view by appointment with selling agent Savills and it provides the perfect opportunity to experience the setting first-hand and take a close look at the build quality and typical interior layout of these new homes, and their high-end specification. The developer is also inviting buyers to use the expert skills of interior design company Alexander James to add the personal finishing touch to each home.

Price: From £695,000 Find out more at 020 8313 9163 (Savills)

18 surrey

@What_House

For the latest on the property market

Triple crown We take a look at the best Shanly Homes developments currently available in Surrey

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i nce it was founded in 1969, Shanly Homes has created developments across the South East with beautifully designed, high-quality, quintessentially British homes.

Operating across the Home Counties, this year the housebuilder is set to complete over 50 developments.

In Surrey alone, Shanly Homes is regularly working

on a number of developments, including Halsard Park in Tadworth, Ditton Place in Thames Ditton and Abbot Point in Guildford, all of which have proved particularly popular.

HALSARD PARK Halsard Park, set back from Tadworth Street and neighbouring the Jubilee Woodlands, offers a desirable location, being within walking distance of both Tadworth and Walton on the Hill villages. The Surrey Hills, recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are less than a 15-minute car journey away and give locals unrivalled panoramas of the whole county from the summit of Box Hill.

Halsard Park grants residents the best of both rural and urban living, as the nearby Tadworth station has trains to London Victoria every half hour.

The exclusive development of just 13 individually designed homes is made up of three-, four- and fivebedroom houses and the rare addition of one detached bungalow. Each property features high-quality kitchens with contemporary high-gloss units and top-of-the-range appliances.

Synonymous with the Shanly Homes name, the interiors and the exteriors have been crafted to accommodate modern living with a traditional feel.

Prices start from £680,000 for a three-bedroom home with garage and the show home is now open.

ABBOT POINT, GUILDFORD DITTON PLACE, THAMES DITTON A stone’s throw away from the River Thames and at the heart of this suburban village, only one five-bedroom property remains at Ditton Place on Portsmouth Road.

The development enjoys a prime position for the numerous sporting events which take place on the river through the year, including the Thames Ditton Regatta, which

finishes at Hampton Court Palace – just a five-minute drive away.

For keen shoppers, Thames Ditton combines the best of both worlds with a wide range of local retailers and easy access to Kingston by car or central London via train.

The last remaining property, Seymour House, is currently the show home and so has the added

benefit of coming ready-made with high quality furnishings. Spread over three storeys, Key features include the generous living spaces and a ground-floor lounge with beautiful bay windows.

Seymour House is available for £1.225m and is available to view five days a week.

Abbot Point, which occupies a prominent spot on the corner of Epsom Road and Albury Road in Guildford, offers buyers the rare opportunity to purchase a spacious luxury apartment off-plan. Since launching only a few weeks ago, there are now only five of the nine apartments remaining in this beautifully designed building.

Appealing to both young professionals and downsizers alike, Abbot Point is ideally located just a 10-minute walk from Guildford’s charming town centre with its

To register your interest or for more information visit www.shanlyhomes.com or call: 02087 866440.

picturesque cobbled stoned streets and historic buildings. Central London is only a 45-minute train ride away.

All apartments come with private parking and outdoor space through the provision of either a terrace or balcony. Spacious open-plan layouts meet modern living needs and each master bedroom is made complete with a contemporary en suite.

Prices for available off plan two-bedroom apartments start from £500,000.

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For the latest on the property market

surrey 19

@What_House

Property of the month with JacksonStops & Staff

R

e ygate House is a beautifully converted mill townhouse situated in Betchworth, Surrey in prime countryside with far-reaching views over the old millpond and across the local landscape.

Originally a water mill, the building

has been meticulously converted into modern contemporary townhouses finished to a high specification, yet still retaining their period features.

The result is a seamless and effortless blend of new and old, with exceptional features such as the natural old brick, and exposed wooden trusses, beams and ties contrasting

against the engineered oak flooring, luxury bathrooms and zoned underfloor heating.

The three-bedroom, three reception room house provides extremely versatile living space over three floors.

The paved courtyard area on the ground floor serves as a light well for the first and second floors, flooding

VIRIDIUM Camberley, Surrey Luxury collection of 1,2 & 3 bedroom apartments.

the house with natural light.

“This area of Surrey is extremely desirable with buyers as it is provides picturesque rural countryside living within close proximity of the excellent facilities and transport links in nearby Reigate and Dorking,” says Alan King, partner of Jackson-Stops and Staff Dorking.

“The property has managed to retain all original period features while nonetheless providing a high-spec luxury finish. In terms of design and build quality it is outstanding.”

Price: £895,000 Find out more at www.jackson-stops.co.uk; 01306 887560

JUST 5% DEPOSIT* Prices from £285,000

• Award winning development 2015 FTB awards • Gated entrance with parking • Stunning spacious apartments with Balcony or terrace

To book an appointment call: 01276 66693

• Carpets included • Luxury fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms • Help to Buy available *Available with Help to Buy subject to terms and conditions

HODSON

DE VELOPMENTS

Communication is the key to success At Moving Made Easy, we have a reputation for providing an unbeatable service in Part Exchange and Assisted Sales. We are proud to operate on a national scale with some of the largest housebuilders in the UK, Barratt Homes, Berkeley, Bellway and Redrow Homes to name just a few. Our promise is to communicate with you effectively and pledge to keep you informed of our progress every step of the way.

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t 01787 222700 e info@mme.uk.com www.moving-madeeasy.co.uk

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@What_House

Part exchange your way to luxury

Halsart House

Rare opportunity to swap your old home for brand new in Tadworth

M

i llwood Designer Homes is offering homebuyers in Surrey the chance to part exchange their current property for a brand new executive home in Tadworth – and ‘upsize’ their garden at the same time.

Situated on Downs Way, close to the Epsom Downs racecourse, the new development from the reputed housebuilder features just two homes.

Harenwood House and Halsart House are both substantial, five-bedroom detached family homes, and both come with the added benefit of an extensive rear garden, perfect for a growing family or for the green-fingered.

“This is a rare opportunity for purchasers to buy a beautiful family home in the highly sought-after area of Tadworth, with plenty of outside space and the option of part exchanging your existing property to help eliminate the stress associated with finding a buyer and moving home,” says sales director Philip Brown.

“As with all Millwood Designer Homes’ properties, the stature and specification of these two new properties is second to none and purchasers will also be perfectly located for good private and public schools and leisure pursuits.”

With the part exchange scheme, designated agents provide an independent valuation of the buyer’s existing property and an offer is made on the basis of those valuations. As there are no estate agents or advertising fees to pay, and the housebuilder is a cash buyer (eliminating an onward chain), the benefits to the homebuyer are the savings on expenses – potentially thousands of pounds – and a stressfree move.

Harenwood House has its own driveway, leading to a large parking area at the front of the property. This well-proportioned five-bedroom family home is set over three floors. On the ground floor are an open-plan kitchen with breakfast area and informal family area and bi-fold doors leading to the rear garden, a formal drawing room, dining room, utility room and

integral double garage accessed from the utility room.

The first floor has the master bedroom, with fitted wardrobes and a luxurious en suite with twin basins, walk-in shower and bath, along with a guest suite with private shower room, two more bedrooms and a family bathroom. Perfect for teenagers, guests or an au pair, the bedroom on the second floor also has an en suite bathroom.

Its neighbour, Halsart House, also has its own private drive. Inside, this home boasts substantial proportions, with the spacious open-plan kitchen/ breakfast/family room providing a hub for family life or entertaining, with the bi-fold doors blurring the delineation between inside and outside. The first floor has four double bedrooms and a family bathroom while the luxurious master bedroom suite features large fitted wardrobes and en suite with twin basins, walk-in shower and bath. The third floor once again offers separate flexible accommodation for guests or live-in staff.

Both properties have been fitted to very high standards, including elegant Stoneham kitchens; a full range of integrated luxury appliances including two single ovens, microwave combi-oven, coffee machine, wine cooler, fridge, freezer and dishwasher; and white suites for bathrooms, en suites and the downstairs cloakroom.

Both have attractive, landscaped gardens to the front and double garages with electronically operated ‘up and over’ doors.

Downs Way is a highly desirable residential area in Tadworth and well placed for a number of excellent schools and amenities in the local area.

For those who like outdoor pursuits, Banstead Common, Walton Heath and Epsom Downs are close by. Commuters will appreciate easy accessibility to the M25 and a rail commute of just under an hour into London.

The guide price for Harenwood House is £1.425m and for Halsart House, £1.49m.

Find out more at sales@mdh.uk.com; 01732 770991

Harenwood House

surrey 21

22 interiors

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

Paler shades of pastel Bring out your soft pastels and use your minty greens, bubblegum pinks and powder blues to make fresh but stylish interior statements. But don’t overdo it – less is more, recommends Richenda Oldham...

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1 Shabby chic: these vintage inspired large porcelain mugs in Pink and Blue come from the Katie Alice Candy Flower Collection; £4.50 for a set of two mugs, www.creative-tops.com; 2 Sitting pretty: inspired by Charles Eames’ revolutionary DSW design, this side chair looks amazing in Baby Pink – a Pantone inspired shade; £59, www.culturefurniture.com; 3 In the frame: show off your pictures in a pretty pastel frame – old floral prints will look doubly evocative; from a selection, www.oliverbonas.com; 4 Pack it up: These delightful little cardboard suitcases in retro pastel shades are perfect for storing toys or stationery and can tidy away inside each other when not in use; £17.95, www.tittlemousegifts.co.uk; 5 Shimmer shimmer: the delicate aqua shade of this 100% silk beaded cushion will make a classy statement in both vintage or contemporary settings; £29.50, www.shimu.co.uk

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interiors 23

@What_House

This contemporary hallway has been painted a vivid shade of strong blue, which makes a striking entrance statement; Marine matt emulsion from B&Q, currently £5 per 1 litre tin, www.diy.com

Vibrant aquamarine glass tiles with a translucent quality provide a shot of vibrancy in this chic modern kitchen; large format tiles in Colarado, www.originalstyle.com

Elegant and serious, navy blue is highly versatile and can be teamed successfully with any shade. It works brilliantly with pink, which provides a soft - but not harsh - contrast; Blue Print No 5 and Osterley No 25 matt emulsion, £38 per 2.5 litres, www.mylands.co.uk

Dusk blue is one of Pantone’s 2015 colour tones. It’s a nostalgic hue whose inspiration comes from the sky and is ideal for a stairway in a busy household; Cordwell 5 wool flatweave runner, £79.96, www.urbaneliving.co.uk

Use daffodil yellow cushions on a smoky blue sofa to evoke a sophisticated coastal look; www.tom-tailor.com

Bolt from the blue Blue isn’t just a major interiors trend in 2015, it’s also a hugely popular colour that represents calm and serenity. Richenda Oldham explains how to make the most of this healing hue

B

lue is fabulous, that’s a fact.

It has been proven as one of the world’s favourite colour for centuries, appreciated for its qualities such as calmness, stability, authority, wisdom and loyalty.

The healing restorative attributes of blue are well known – lapis lazuli stones were highly prized by the Egyptians, who believed they denoted royalty and spirituality, as well as bringing feelings of peace and harmony.

Some cultures believed that blue had protective properties; hence doors, fences and exteriors were painted this hue as protection against evil.

On the spectrum, blue is a cool colour and therefore one that calms the emotions, allowing us to concentrate

better and work well, making it perfect for offices. As a restful shade, blue is ideal for bedrooms, while its natural association with water makes it a good choice for bathrooms. You will certainly find you sleep better in a blue bedroom than in a room painted in strong, warm tones such as yellow or red.

Because it is a colour of the mind, blue is also known for suppressing the appetite, so avoid using it in the kitchen or dining room - unless you are permanently on a diet!

Despite being a cool hue, blue has the potential to be extremely uplifting and can offer much inspiration in nature – think blue skies studded with clouds, the intense blue of a bluebell wood, the crystal clear azure blue of the

Mediterranean Sea...

BLUE COMBINATIONS

So don’t avoid blue because of its cool properties, instead use its strengths to create beautiful rooms:

Try teaming blue with other colours and prepare to be amazed: • Feature – create a blue splashback in an all-white kitchen or bathroom, it will become an eye-catching feature.

• Refreshing – shimmery blue/aqua mosaic tiles in a white bathroom, will add to the room’s invigorating appeal.

• Country – team cornflower blue with sunny yellow for a pretty farmhouse feel.

• Striking – use dark blue with gold highlights for a sophisticated look.

• Coastal – navy blue and white

• Bring warmth and elegance to a room with dark blue shades, such as navy.

• Pale blue shades such as powder blue can create a soft and harmonious look. This is especially effective in coastal/beach schemes, which have casual, windswept, sun-bleached qualities.

• Blues that have red added to them will obviously be warmer than those containing yellow.

• Use blue in rooms in south-facing rooms as it will diffuse the glare.

stripes is a crisp and nautical combination.

• Highlight – switch the accent around – white walls with pictures framed in navy, or furniture such as a dining table/chairs or a bookcase painted blue.

• Pattern – white and blue/blue and white printed wallpaper will add personality, particularly if used on a feature wall. Add yellow accessories for extra impact.

BLUES TO INSPIRE Dusty aqua – brilliant azure – cobalt blue – denim blue – navy blue – powder blue – sky blue.

24 interiors

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Rough with the smooth Mixing different textures can create some surprisingly pleasing and highly effective results says Richenda Oldham.

There’s a wealth of materials to experiment with, so why not give it a go?

Y

o u may be wondering what all the excitement is over texture? And even whether you should be bothered? After all, what

is texture?

Everything has a texture, which is to say, a physical composition or structure. Even smooth plastics and shiny metal have their own texture.

Great interiors have many elements, from furniture to lighting and accessories. But the one thing that takes them to a different level – and one that professional interior designers know how to maximise really well – is texture.

Using texture to great effect doesn’t have to be complicated. Things that have pattern and movement, or an inviting, tactile finish will all help bring a room alive. This could be something as simple as wooden floorboards, a rattan chair or a velvet, embroidered cushion.

The trick is knowing what combinations work and creating the right balance. Texture will help generate a cosy, natural atmosphere and stops a room from being too sterile. But it doesn’t have to mean messy or cluttered. Some of the best really classic interiors combine a feeling of tranquillity with wow factor, by mixing textural elements in a structured and carefully planned way.

Here are some texture ideas to help get you started:

TEXTILES Natural fabrics such as linens, cottons, silks and wools can all be woven with different finishes from flat to open

Fun Lovetwo Rattan sofa, £460, www.outthereinteriors.com

White Glass Mosaic Bubble candleholders, £37 for a set of three cylinder or ball candleholders, www.in-spaces.com

weave and used as curtains, upholstery, cushion covers or even wall-hangings.

Try: quilts, linen bedding, kilim rugs, tapestries, velvet or silk cushions, woven wall-hangings, sheepskin rugs, Merino wool throws.

FLOORING AND FLOOR COVERINGS A wooden floor with wide, open grained planks will create a warm feeling, while smooth marble tiles will be cooler. However, when you add a coarsely woven jute rug to the tiles, for example, the dynamics are changed.

Try: plain ceramic tiles with a geometric patterned wool rug for impact, or a deep pile fitted carpet in a neutral colour for serenity.

Reversible Midnight Stripe Flat Weave Cotton rug, £34, www.dashandalberteurope.com

Handcrafted luxurious Alpaca Fur cushion covers, £140 each, www.samanthaholmes.com

FURNITURE The rich patina of antique wood is a perfect way of adding texture to open, plain spaces. A carefully chosen piece of furniture provides a grounding effect and will allow the item’s qualities to really shine.

Try: a worn leather sofa and velvet cushions, modern glass/chrome/brass coffee tables with coarse ceramic accessories.

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS Original plaster mouldings if you are lucky enough to own a period house are features to be treasured as they add instant definition and structure to a room.

Try: plants – but not too many – to complement the plasterwork.

Custom built bookcases and of course books, will add definition to a featureless room.

Geometric design Woven Wool wallhanging, made to order, www.xavierandme.com

Getting on the property ladder isn’t easy – but it’s probably easier than you think it might be

Special feature supplement

Step on

W

i th the number of first-time buyers (FTBs) at its highest level since the onset of the global financial crisis, there’s good reason for those hoping to buy their first property to be optimistic.

The years immediately after the crash were very tough for people trying to get on the property ladder, as mortgage lending became extremely restrictive and demanded huge deposits, particularly from FTBs. But the latest figures from Your Move/Reeds Rains reveal, the number of FTB property sales have reached 29,700, its highest level since August 2007.

There’s now a huge choice of mortgages for FTBs to consider and keen competition between lenders has meant interest rates have been kept in check. Our mortgage columnist Nick Parkhouse has revealed elsewhere in this issue that around a quarter of buyers have a deposit of under 10%.

One thing FTBs will be looking at as keenly as other house-hunters is the likelihood of mortgage rates rising. Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, has hinted that base rate will be rising in the coming months. Though a slow increase over the next couple of years

is forecast by most, the rise will have an impact on mortgage rates and affordability.

There can be no doubt that government-backed schemes such as Help to Buy and Shared Ownership have been a huge boost for FTBs. Both schemes reduce the deposit requirement – to as low as 5% of the property price in some cases – and also the monthly payments, through an equity loan or below-market-value rent element.

Nearly 50,000 new homes were purchased with the Help to Buy scheme in the first two years since its launch in April 2013. Though funding for it has stopped in Scotland, the government has pledged to support the scheme in England until 2020, so that number is likely to grow significantly over the next five years. Wales, though late to the party with the scheme, has also benefited well from its eventual introduction.

If you’re looking for your first property, the message is – keep the faith. While it will inevitably mean a lot of discipline to save money, and may even require a ‘Yes’ from the renowned Bank of Mum and Dad in some cases, there are ways to make homeownership a reality, even for those on a modest budget.

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We’re open for business, whatever the climate.

For the last 40 years, through all market conditions, we’ve consistently lent to residential property developers. So if you’re looking for funds, you won’t find a more experienced, flexible and reliable business partner.

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property ladder 27

Help to Buy – dispelling some myths Lynda Clark, editor of First Time buyer magazine, helps clear up some misconceptions about the popular government-backed scheme IT’S NOT JUST FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS Whilst Help to Buy has helped thousands of first-timers, the scheme is also available to any homebuyer looking to buy a brand new home under the value of £600,000. This also makes the scheme ideal for secondsteppers who are looking to make their move into a bigger more spacious home and who perhaps don’t have enough equity in their property to do so through typical means.

NOT JUST A LOW DEPOSIT Help to Buy has two main benefits: firstly, the low deposit requirement; secondly, because of the 20% equity loan, homebuyers can enjoy more reasonable interest rates that are normally associated with a 75% loanto-value mortgage. So this means lower monthly mortgage repayments as well as low upfront costs.

INTEREST FREE FOR FIVE YEARS The sound of a loan might scare some people off but the equity loan with Help to Buy is interest free for five years. After five years, this increases year-on-year by a fee calculated at 1.75% of the equity loan plus 1%. So whilst it is probably a good idea to pay it back as soon as you can or when you sell the property, the loan is still cheaper than most mortgages – which, after all, are essentially loans anyway.

AVAILABLE TO ANYONE

T

h e latest figures released suggest that the current Help to Buy scheme is going from strength to strength and has been taken up by just over 50,000 purchasers since it was launched in April 2013 – the equivalent of 131 households a day.

The popular equity loan scheme allows homebuyers to buy a brand new property with just a 5% deposit.

Buyers receive an interest-free equity loan for five years of up to 20% of the value of the property, which then allows them to access more affordable 75% loan-to-value interest rates.

Despite its apparent success, reports suggest that there is still room for improvement, as it had been suggested that by now Help to Buy could have helped 60% more purchasers move home.

Help to Buy has been a lifeline for thousands of homebuyers across the country since it was launched two years ago. Giving many firsttime buyers a helping hand onto the ladder, the scheme has also helped other buyers move up and into their next home. You only have to speak to a handful of purchasers, who without Help to Buy would not have been able to buy, to know how helpful the scheme has been.

THERE ARE NO CATCHES OR HIDDEN CLAUSES Help to Buy is a genuine scheme that only requires a 5% deposit. Certainly you will have to pay the 20% loan back to the government but this isn’t required until the buyer sells the property – and its interest free for five years, so you can’t lose.

A common misperception is that you have to be in a certain profession to benefit from these schemes. The reality is that Help to Buy is open to any homebuyer looking to buy a property to live in, up to the value of £600,000.

Of course, you still need to be able to qualify for a mortgage in the same way but other than that you certainly don’t need to be a nurse or a teacher – or live in a certain postcode - to benefit from Help to Buy.

LONDON FIRST-TIME BUYER HOME SHOW For further information about Help to Buy, why not visit the London First Time Buyer Home Show at the Business Design Centre in Islington on Saturday 10 October?

The show, which is sponsored by Nationwide, is an opportunity to find out how the scheme works and speak to the professionals, who can also show you a range of stylish new homes available with the popular scheme. One lucky first-timer who registers and attends the show will be in with a chance of winning £5,000 towards the cost of their first home.

The free-to-attend exhibition has already received hundreds of enquiries and is set to be the biggest event to date.

Lynda Clark, editor of First Time Buyer Magazine, says: “While the headlines continue to report an impossible market for first-time buyers, the reality is actually quite different.

“Certainly, first-time buyers may need a deposit of £70,000 upwards if they are looking to buy a traditional terraced house in one

of the most popular areas of London. However, the First Time Buyer Home Show is designed to provide hardworking first-timers with all the information they will need to beat the market and get on the ladder.

“This includes explaining schemes such as Shared Ownership, Help to Buy and also highlighting up-andcoming areas where property prices may prove cheaper.”

Exhibitors on the day include: Barratt London Nationwide, Centra Living, Experian, Help to Buy, Viridian Housing, Affinity Sutton, Direction Law, Property Checklists, Metropolitan, Lighthouse Mortgages, Southern Homeownership, Beaumont Legal, Site Sales, Genesis Homes, PLFS, Pocket Living, Inspired Homes, TMP Sherwins, Prince Evans Solicitors, Plentific, Countryside, East Thames, Nottinghill Housing, PLS Solicitors, Peabody, Fabrica, Newlon Housing Trust and Fairview.

To find out more register here www.ftbhomeshow.com.

VERY EXCITING

Redrow homes have undeniable kerb appeal with distinctive, detailed architectural touches that set them apart from the competition. Very Inviting, Very Inspiring, Very Redrow.

NEW SHOWHOMES

COMING SOON TO

Hinckley and Tamworth We are pleased to announce that we will be opening the doors to our beautiful showhomes at Park View, Hinckley and Pennine Grange, Tamworth in July. Come along to Park View, Hinckley, today where the Marketing Suite is now open and we have a selection of 3 and 4 bedroom homes available from £224,995

Park View

Pennine Grange

Coventry Road, Hinckley LE10 0NU Visit: redrow.co.uk/parkview Call: 01455 698336

Pennine Way, Tamworth B77 4JF Visit: redrow.co.uk/pennine Call: 01827 902025

Image typical of Redrow homes. Price correct at time of going to press.

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property ladder 29

Home, sweet home Help to Buy gives Louisa Steer the keys to a brand new home

F

o r Louisa Steer, the government’s Help to Buy scheme has been a decisive factor in her search for a new home, giving her the chance to purchase a two-bedroom Barratt property close to family and a place she knew from her childhood.

“I chose Sandpiper Walk because it’s close to where I grew up,” says Louisa about her new home in Witterings, just southwest of Chichester, West Sussex.

“It’s wonderful because I also have family living nearby. The development itself is perfect for me. It’s just a small and select number of homes – but the landscaped grounds here provide a real feeling of space.”

Sandpiper Walk provides a choice of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes close to the West Sussex coastline and just nine miles from the heart of the cathedral city of Chichester, makes it a sought-after development among local people and those wishing to move to the coast from further afield.

“When I decided I wanted to

buy here, I knew it was a popular development, so I went to talk to the Barratt sales team to see what was available. From the very beginning, the guys here have been really good,” says Louisa. “They kept me updated on everything - even sending me pictures of my new ‘Tiverton’ design home’s progress as it was being built.”

The ‘Tiverton’ is a two-bedroom home, featuring an open-plan lounge and dining room with French doors leading out to the rear garden.

The kitchen comes complete with an array of quality units and appliances – and by buying early enough, purchasers can choose from a selection of finishes to put a personal touch on their new property.

On the first floor are two double bedrooms (with an en suite to the master) and a family bathroom fitted with bath and electric shower.

“This home offers the perfect amount of space for me - and I knew it was within my price range,” continues Louisa, who only had a small deposit

and needed some financial assistance to purchase – which is where Help to Buy came in.

This government-backed scheme helps first-time buyers and existing homeowners purchase a property with a deposit as small as 5%. It is available

on new-build homes priced up to £600,000 in England, for sale from hundreds of national and regional housebuilders.

“I’m delighted to be moving in at Sandpiper Walk,” adds Louisa. “As I was brought up here, I know the area

really well and have always enjoyed living here. I think it’s an incredibly attractive area and everything you need is nearby.”

To find out more visit http://whathou.se/ OfIwpH; 01243 630241

FOR A COMPLIMENTARY BROCHURE OR A DESIGN CONSULTATION CALL 0800 328 0033

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property ladder 31

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“You want to make sure you acquire your property at a bargain level and auctions are the way how.”

A wide range of people are now acquiring all sorts of properties at auctions, from bargain hunters to private investors, as buy-to-let consolidates itself as the investment of choice, partly due to the dismal returns savers are currently receiving from banks and building societies.

Despite genuine opportunities to bag a bargain, buying property at auction is not for the faint-hearted and, like any major investment, it requires appropriate due diligence, especially as some properties may have problems that are not obvious, including a degree of uncertainty around legal issues and their condition. Careful planning and focus is therefore needed.

DEVELOP AN AUCTION STRATEGY Before buying at auction, you should develop a clear, well-thought-through strategy that suits your aims and objectives.

In essence, there are three key components to consider when buying property at auction: planning, understanding and action. Here is an outline of the process and a few things to watch out for.

PLANNING: Make sure you conduct your own research before attempting to purchase a property at auction, which includes arranging a number of things in advance:

Viewing Buyers generally have 21-28 days between catalogue release and the auction day to view a property.

Viewings are usually at set times ¬– listed in the auctioneer’s catalogue – and so you will need to be free at that time or you may not be able to view.

Due diligence

Want a cheap first property?

Get hammered!

Buying at auction can be a great way to bag a bargain first home, if you do your homework, says Marc Da Silva

T

h e popularity of property auctions in the UK has increased enormously in recent years, supported by popular TV shows such as Homes Under The Hammer and a sharp rise in the number of national

and regional property auction firms popping up across the country.

With great rental returns achievable and vast opportunities to potentially purchase property at below market values, at a time when residential property prices in some parts of the

country are at or near an all-time high, auctions are an obvious place to buy property.

“Buying property at auction is a way of ensuring I don’t have to pay more than I need to pay,” says Michael Roe, a buyer of residential properties.

Once you have found your ideal home, undertake detailed research about the property pre-auction. You should also instruct a solicitor and appoint a surveyor.

Finance If your bid is successful, you will, at the fall of the auctioneer’s gavel (hammer), enter into an immediate and legally binding contract to purchase the property. You will need to pay a deposit of around 10% of the final purchase price on the day of the auction, with the remaining balance due within a relatively short timescale - typically 28 days.

“You often buy at better prices at auction than through private treaty but then you are taking a greater risk in terms of timing,” says Roland Wallate, a property investor. “You have to be organised if you’re buying at auction as you don’t have the luxury of time and have to make quick decisions, which are binding in a saleroom.”

Aim to get an ‘in principle’ agreement with a mortgage lender before you bid at an auction. However, the fast-paced auction process means that some buyers turn to short-term finance lenders for an instant loan,

at an inflated borrowing rate, before eventually securing a more attractive deal from a conventional mortgage lender.

UNDERSTANDING Because auctions can be rather intimidating, you should aim to get a feel for how auctions work by attending one in advance of bidding – a ‘dummy run’. Look, listen and learn by sitting at the back of the auction room. Take note: • Properties are sold one at a time.

• Because an auctioneer acts on behalf of the sellers, they will aim to dictate the increments in the bidding, by seeking to make them as large as possible - usually 2-5%.

But as the price rises they will almost invariably reduce when the bidding slows down and the sale price nears.

• When the auctioneer’s gavel falls the successful bidder is immediately under a binding, legal contract to complete the purchase in line with the auction house’s terms and conditions.

• The ‘guide price’ is often lower than the ‘reserve price’ (the minimum bid acceptable to the seller) to stimulate interest among buyers.

• Pre-auction sales: You can cut out the competition by attempting to purchase property before the auction. Lucky buyers can acquire bargains in this way but they do run the risk of ‘disclosing their hand’ to the auctioneers and they can be passing the initiative to them.

ACTION By the time the auction day comes round, you should have a good idea of how the auction process works. If you are sure that you have found the right property, have conducted all necessary due diligence and have funding in place, it is time to make your move.

• At the auction of the property you want, arrive early.

• Take at least two forms of identification, a chequebook and your bank details with you.

• Register with the auction house upon arrival so that you can bid.

• Obtain an ‘addendum sheet’ upon arrival, as this will detail any additional information or amendments to the catalogue.

• When bidding on a lot, make sure you catch the auctioneer’s attention. If you are unable to attend the auction in person you can always register to bid by telephone or set a proxy bid.

• Set a ‘maximum bid’. You will be competing with other buyers on the auction day, which could mean encountering somebody determined to purchase the lot that you are interested in at any price. But it’s important to stick to your budget.

• Finally, look out for unsold lots.

Bidding post-auction can be a good way to pick up a below market value property, as both the seller and the auctioneer will generally be willing to sell and may accept a lower offer.

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Offices in London, Bristol, Cardiff, Southampton and Newquay For more information contact us on:

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hampshire 33

New apartments launched in Horndean

Charles Church follows sold-out homes with a new phase of flats

W

i th all of the houses at the scheme sold out, Charles Church South Coast is now launching new apartments within its Gales Park development in Havant Road, Horndean, with just 15 properties being built.

Demand for these homes is expected to be as strong, says Mark Docherty, sales director for Charles Church South Coast: “Horndean is a charming village with a rich history and we were always quietly confident that this development would be popular and we were proved right.

Now we are offering these stylish new apartments, which will be ideal for first-time buyers, young professionals and investors.”

These new homes are likely to

appeal to a wide variety of househunters, Docherty believes.

“There are many reasons why apartments appeal to people. They provide a great modern way of living.

They can be much more cost-effective than a house, as heating a smaller home can save money on gas and electric bills.

Plus, gardening is another major factor to consider: most apartments don’t have private gardens, which means your weekends can be spent doing whatever you please rather than mowing lawns or planting bulbs. And with fantastic road and rail links, especially the A3 linking London and Portsmouth, Gales Park is ideal for commuters.”

Priced from £179,995, each of the one- and two-bedroom apartments comes complete with a parking space.

Find out more at www.charleschurch.com

Artist’s impression. For illustrative purposes only

Prices from

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Bentley Court is a new development of nine, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes tucked away in a gated court located off Uxbridge Road in Hanwell, Ealing. All the properties have private gardens and parking making this a fabulous environment for London living.

For more information please contact Lea Valley Homes

The development is located next to St Mellitus Church, an imposing Gothic style building of the Edwardian period situated in the heart of Hanwell.

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hampshire 35

Hampshire – a buyer’s guide PERFECT FOR FAMILIES Good schooling and easy commutes certainly hold property values in Hampshire, particularly for families, who will always require these factors when searching for a home. Hampshire offers fantastic rail links, taking approximately one hour to London, and a range of highly regarded schools, with Farleigh School, Prince’s Mead, The Pilgrims’ School, Twyford School and St. Swithun’s among the most popular independent schools in the area.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Bobby Hall, partner (Southern Counties) at The Buying Solution explains where buyers should be looking to purchase a home in Hampshire.

There is a large second home market here where properties are primarily being purchased by families with young children looking to enjoy the open countryside over the weekends and holidays.

We also see downsizers relocating from London while still maintaining a base in the country. We are really witnessing both ends of the spectrum – those moving out of the country but retaining a base, and those also moving back in.

We are also seeing more lifestyle choices, with both younger and older

families growing their own produce and keeping chickens and various farm animals, although this trend is often counterbalanced by a combination of infinity pools and the ever soughtafter Smallbone kitchens.

VILLAGES AND MARKET TOWNS IN HIGH DEMAND Aside from educationally driven international buyers, the majority of active participants in this market are UK nationals. Important factors for buyers seeking their perfect home are peace and quiet, being on the edge of an unspoilt village and the holy grail of being near a friendly local pub and village shop.

Alton is an example of a popular market town, home to a period-style high street and with great transport links via Alton station and the A31 leading up to the A3 or M3 into London. The train journey from here takes approximately 70 minutes to London Waterloo, making it a viable option for commuters. The core of the town is relatively unspoilt and includes period housing and a great range of shops, with larger superstores and modern developments on its fringes.

Alton is surrounded by the beautiful countryside known as the Hampshire Downs, making it a desirable choice for buyers looking to do more hiking, cycling and equestrian pursuits. Locals in search of more of an adrenalinefuelled adventure can even consider gliding at Lasham airfield.

While the majority of buyers wish to benefit from the amenities offered

by Alton, many would prefer to live in the slightly more rural surrounding villages of Long Sutton, Upton Grey, Wield, Bentworth or Upper or Lower Farringdon.

You can find out more about The Buying Solution at www.thebuyingsolution.co.uk, or contact Bobby Hall on 07733 314326

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It is now a year since Steve and June Bradley moved into their new home in Durrants Village in Faygate, near Horsham – one of the latest being built by award- winning retirement lifestyle specialist Renaissance Villages.

A life changing move H

aving witnessed parents leaving it too late to cope well with downsizing in their advancing years, Steve and June were keen to make their own move in good time, while they were still well able to manage the process themselves and deal with the inevitable accompanying upheaval.

Take a break in the games room

“We had never been to Horsham and found we really liked what we saw, plus we loved the show home. We investigated and found a great church nearby too – which is very important to us – and so, with all those things in place, we put down a deposit very quickly!”

EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY The Bradleys chose a two/three bedroom home at Durrants Village and were very pleased with the size of not only the bedrooms and en- suite bathrooms, but also the living areas. “Most of the houses we had seen with a similar number of rooms were small starter homes and, whilst we wanted to downsize, we definitely did not want to downgrade. The rooms are not only a good size but are all exquisitely fitted. The finish is of a very high standard, which is important to us.”

Steve is still working parttime as a business consultant and says his new lifestyle lends itself well to those who still have a job.

He says, “I do book-keeping and scheduling for a lighting control company which can be done from home or from a local coffee shop in Horsham! Essentially, moving to Durrants Village has given me time more than anything.”

“The fact that we no longer have to do the gardening and general maintenance is such a plus point. Now we can enjoy our

020 8781 6111

Cheers, relax in the clubhouse bar

Steve and June Bradley: “We simply love life at Durrants Village. We feel as though we are on holiday all the time!” leisure days knowing that everything is taken care of. We have a small patio with our herb and flower pots, which are our responsibility, and which we enjoy doing, and a seating area and barbecue. We simply love it.

We feel as though we are on holiday all the time!”

TOTAL PEACE OF MIND Security is also important to the Bradleys – not only when they are at home but just as vital when they are away. Durrants Village is a gated development and as the couple plan to go away for extended periods of time, knowing that they can simply ‘lock up and leave’ is something that greatly appealed to them when they first considered such a move.

01293 851935

STUNNING CLUBHOUSE The recently opened clubhouse is a focus of social activities with fitness centre, pool, library, medical centre, games room, meeting room, bar and restaurant. A wide range of clubs and societies will be organised by the residents themselves such as art, table tennis, dancing, bridge, coffee mornings, wine tastings and parties – ideal for those living on their own, as well

Lead role, pets are welcome

as couples, looking for company and friendship.

Horsham, with its beautiful surroundings, historic buildings and modern facilities has also been a pleasant discovery for the couple – In a recent survey Horsham was voted the second happiest town in the UK. For fans of the British seaside, Brighton, Lewes and Worthing are a comfortable drive away and for those who

EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE OVER 55s* Luxury two- and three-bedroom cottages and two-bedroom apartments “We would highly recommend Durrants Village for anybody who is looking to downsize and enjoy a good lifestyle.

Taking that first step is often the most difficult and we would strongly advise not putting it off for years and years.” enjoy jetting off to warmer climes, Gatwick and Heathrow airports are also within easy reach. Steve and June have made new friends too – not only at Durrants Village but also through their church, which has given them a new social life and one which is close by. “We would highly recommend Durrants Village for anybody who is looking to downsize and enjoy a good lifestyle. Taking that first step is often the most difficult and we would strongly advise not putting it off for years and years. We have seen too many people who have left it too late and then it becomes stressful and overwhelming. We are so glad we moved when we did.”

The development enjoys an idyllic setting in 30 acres of parkland with beautifully maintained grounds and Faygate’s semi-rural location is ideal for those wishing to take walks in the nearby countryside, yet only a short drive away from all the facilities in the nearby pretty market town of Horsham.

WITH PRICES STARTING FROM JUST £249,950, THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BUY For more information or to arrange a viewing of the show homes, contact the sales and marketing suite, open every day from 10am – 5pm.

Call 01293 851935 or visit www.durrantsvillage.co.uk

01392 275335

020 8781 6111

01789 508021

For more information about any of our developments visit www.renaissancevillages.co.uk *Subject to conditions. Prices correct at time of going to press.

For the latest on the property market

@What_House

A life of luxury

sussex

37

Hollow Wall Oast, Robertsbridge, East Sussex • £750,000

with Freeman Forman and King & Chasemore

This month, Freeman Forman in Tunbridge Wells and King & Chasemore in Horsham share their favourite luxury homes currently on the market.

Weston Place, Horsham, West Sussex • £2.45m

This imposing Grade II listed family home has been completely restored by the current owners. The property dates back to 1450 and retains many original period features, such as an impressive large inglenook fireplace, priest hole, Elizabethan carvings and oak panelling.

The accommodation here is arranged over three floors with an additional cellar.

Downstairs, there is a sizable reception hall with open fireplace, oak-panelled walls and doors leading to reception rooms and inner hallway, a sitting room with a woodburning stove and parquet flooring and a stunning kitchen/breakfast room.

Upstairs, the master bedroom features a range of fitted wardrobes and an en suite bathroom. There are four further bedrooms, and three of these feature en suite bath or shower rooms. On the second floor are two further bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Horsham town centre is just 2.6 miles away and boasts a range of shops and restaurants and a mainline railway station with regular services to London in approximately 55 minutes.

Find out more at www.kingandchasemore.co.uk; 01403 264444

Hollow Wall Oast is an attractive, detached, twin-roundel oast house situated between the pretty villages of Staplecross and Bodiam. The property has been the subject of refurbishment and provides a spacious family home in a rural location with outstanding views. The immediate area is particularly sought after by London buyers due to its excellent selection of schools and transport links.

The property offers generous accommodation including a spacious sitting room with wood burning stove, roundel dining room, kitchen/breakfast room with

Retirement village shines at star opening New clubhouse opens with TV celebrity glamour and glitz

T

V celebrity Nicki Chapman brought an air of excitement, anticipation and style to the grand opening of our new £2m luxury retirement village clubhouse at Durrants Village, in Faygate near Horsham, West Sussex.

Alongside chief executive Bill Gair and managing director Iwan Jones, Chapman cut the ribbon to officially open the impressive new three-storey Durrants House, which lies at the heart of the village.

Well known for hosting property programmes such as Escape to the Country and Wanted Down Under, the TV star welcomed distinguished guests, residents and VIPs, who were all treated to a

range of entertainment. This included displays from ballroom dancers, lessons from snooker players, jazz music and pieces from a fabulous string trio. There were tricks and illusions from an exceptional magician and laughs provided by a great light entertainer. Guests were able to relax and enjoy the weekend with fantastic food from the resident restaurateur Strong Flavours and drinks from an expert mixologist.

Guests had the opportunity to discover the impressive facilities provided in Durrants House including the fitness centre, pool, gym, meeting and games rooms, library, guest suite and show apartment. They were also able to enjoy the new Durrants Village restaurant and cocktails in the bar.

Ms Chapman was particularly impressed with the facilities, commenting: “I can quite see why a clubhouse of this standard is such an attraction to anyone looking to retire. It fosters interests, friendships and active living. For anyone over the age of 55 looking for a stimulating lifestyle and highquality housing, safe in the knowledge that there is always someone there to help, Durrants Village clearly has a lot to offer.”

The sales and marketing suite is open at the development every day, from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

Find out more at www.durrantsvillage.co.uk; 01293 851935

a range of wall and base units and fitted appliances, utility room and ground-floor cloakroom. The first floor features a master bedroom with en suite shower room, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The historic abbey town of Battle is five miles away, with its comprehensive range of high street shops and facilities, established state and private schooling and rail station offering services to London Charing Cross and Cannon Street.

Find out more at www.freemanforman.co.uk; 01892 615757

For the latest on the property market For the latest on the property market

hampshire sussex 35 39

@What_House @What_House

A life of luxury Star quality in

Holmfield House, Chilworth • £2.295m Holmfield House is an imposing detached property built in 2000 on a charming one-acre plot. No expense has been spared with the property, which extends to over 8,500 sq ft.

The extensive accommodation has been designed with entertainment in mind, including a substantial kitchen, wonderful dining room with doors that open out to the rear garden and an elegant drawing room.

There are seven bedrooms arranged across the first and second floors, one of which is the wonderful master bedroom suite which features a dressing room, en suite bathroom and a further shower room and sauna.

with Morris Dibben T

West Sussex his month, Simon Edser of Morris Dibben in Southampton talks us through his three favourite luxury properties currently on the market in Hampshire.

Find out more by contacting Morris Dibben on 02380 228822; www.morrisdibben.co.uk

Chilworth Grange, Chilworth • £1.275m

A new home at Wickhurst Green is food for thought for gastronauts Forest Row, East Grinstead • £2.55m

I

t ’s a well-worn – but thoroughly Matt Gillan. For foodies and fans of restaurants, while also enjoying a true – maxim that buying a home fine cuisine, the mix of new homes fantastic lifestyle within this beautiful is about three things – location, available at The Lanes at Wickhurst rural setting. This area is highly location, location. And one of Green are tempting, as they’ll put sought-after as purchasers enjoy a those locations at least refers to these acclaimed restaurants within just countryside lifestyle yet still have the amenities surrounding the place a few minutes’ reach. easy access to the capital and where you’re actually buying your Wickhurst Green is a large surrounding areas.” new property. development of new homes extending Many of the homes are available For a nation obsessed with food, the village of Broadbridge Heath, just through the government-backed Help the cafés, gastropubs and restaurants west of Horsham. Award-winning to Buy scheme. The ‘Wakeford’ is Situated half an grounds the with galleried islanding, which one leadsexample, to five a four-bedroom, This impressive within easyinreach of acre our ofhome are indeveloper Countryside providing three- detached property offers heart of a wooded valley, Chilworth Grange double bedrooms on the first floor, two of extensive The charming very important and fortunately for much-needed new homes and storey family home that offersaccommodation. over boastsata wonderfully and tranquil are en the kids, which approach one acre in size, buyers The Lanes secluded at Wickhurst communitywhich facilities, withsuite. two, Perfect three-, for1,500 sq ftthe of spaciousgrounds, living quarters. location.

IdealHorsham for a family, the property floor provides a fun to games room. are southerly facing and lightly wooded.

Green, nearby is home to four- andtop five-bedroom homes The market price is £435,000, but with provides an abundance of living space, Edser comments: “The spectacular finish The central reception hall leads off to two Michelin-starred restaurants and appeal to a wide array of homebuyers. Help to Buy, a buyer only needs to with a17 substantial kitchen/breakfast the rooms the pièceforde résistance of the ground floor accommodation, which another fine-dining venues within roomAndrewofLoveday, salesis director provide a deposit of 5%. adjoining thissays: fantastic incorporates a kitchen/breakfast room, thewith Michelin guide.utility room, dining room, Countryside, “Our family buyers home. enjoy The bespoke and drawing room, and study on the handmade kitchen is certainly at the heart family room, lounge and dining room, while The town’s twolibrary most-noted eating the finer things in life, including an You can be part revolution ground floor. of of thefine home, while master bedroom en of the foodie the upper floors hold six bedrooms, four of experiences are at Restaurant Tristan, appreciation food.

Thethe Lanes in West Sussex by visiting There’s also a wonderful reception hall suite offers the highest level of luxury.” which are en suite. run by Tristan Mason, and The Pass is ideally situated for those who like www.thelanes-wickhurstgreen.co.uk; at The South Lodge Hotel, headed by dining in some of the country’s top 01403 242142

A great advantage of the property is the two-storey guest annexe with two bedrooms, a kitchen and living room, perfect for visiting family or friends or even as a rental property.

Edser comments: “What makes this already impressive property even more special is the striking double-height glass atrium at the rear, which floods the property with light, providing a further reception space with wonderful views of the gardens”.

Electrolux Group:

Industry Leaders in Household Durables for eight consecutive years.

Electrolux is the only company in the Household Durables category to qualify for Dow Jones Sustainability Indices World, and has been included in DJSI every year since the index was launched in 1999.

For more information, go to www.sustainability-indices.com

‘‘

Sustainability is an integral part of the Electrolux Group’s strategy, and we are therefore especially proud to have achieved the highest score of the Household Durables category for our efforts in the environmental area.

‘‘

Electrolux has retained its position as Industry Leader in the Household Durables category for the eighth consecutive year in the latest Dow Jones Sustainability Indices.

Henrik Sundström

Head of Sustainability Affairs at Electrolux.

ELEGANCE & ARTISTRY CR AF TED RESIDENCES IN HISTORIC SMITHFIELD, EC1 PRICES FROM £815,000* 020 7726 8995 | BARTSSQUARE.COM

*Price correct at time of going to press.

Computer generated image of Barts Square.

0661 BartsResi_ad_WH_FP_01June_ART.indd 1

27/05/2015 17:55

NEW IS GETTING YOUR NEXT HOME WITH HELP TO BUY With the Government-backed Help to Buy scheme you could take your next step up the property ladder sooner than you think. Buy any new Barratt home in England worth up to £600,000 and you could be eligible. Here’s how it works: you provide a 5% deposit and the Government gives you an equity loan of up to 20% of the property’s value. That means you only need a 75% mortgage and you’ll still own 100% of your new home.

St Mary’s Park, Dilly Lane, Hartley Wintney RG27 8EG The exclusive Rowling design is now released from £419,995 Marketing Suite open Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun 10am - 4pm

barratthomes.co.uk 01252 842 867

Help to Buy

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. Limited availability, selected plots only. Subject to status, terms and conditions apply. See www.barratthomes.co.uk for full details. BDW Trading Limited (number 03018173) whose registered office is at Barratt House, Cartwright Way, Forest Business Park, Bardon Hill, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1UF (“BDW”) BDW is a subsidiary of Barratt Developments PLC. The Homes and Communities Agency (“HCA”) provides an equity loan for 20% of the purchase price of the property. The equity loan provided by the HCA is secured as second charge on your property. The amount you have to repay to the HCA may be more than the amount of the equity loan provided. Help to Buy England Scheme is available in England only and on properties up to £600k. Prices correct at time of going to press.

Advertising images may include upgrades as home spec can vary.

50% sold at the launch!

Join us to view the last remaining apartments

Pavilion Park North Foreland Road, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1EW

2 and 3 bedrooms, some with private gardens, some with balconies, off road parking with 2 garages available.

Step into a world of grandeur, ornate wood carvings, With sweeping balustrades and majestic views. Pavilion Park a truly unique development.

Prices from £250,000 For more information call 01843 860180 visit www.pavilionpark.co.uk

FABULOUS SHOW HOME AVAILABLE TO VIEW BY APPOINTMENT

Haine Lane

Broadstairs

Six 3 bedroom houses all with off road parking and gardens.

Price £225,000

BEACH WALK BEACH WALK, BROADSTAIRS CT10 1FA

AVAILA

3 bedrooms Ensuite to master bedroom Downstairs cloakrooms Lounge Kitchen Dining room/family room

Call haart Broadstairs 01843 860180

SOLD PRIOR TO LAUNCH

A stunning collection of New England style houses

O BUY HELP TE MESITE SCBLH E ON THIS • • • • • •

50% ALREADY

• • • • • •

Walking

3, 4 & 5 bedrooms distance to Private gardens beach All with garage, three having electric doors Off road parking Ensuites High specification

the

For more information call 01843 860180

Three bedroom townhouses available

from £335,000

For the latest on the property market

kent 43

@What_House

Area Focus

Why should I buy a property in Dartford?

SCHOOLS

Dartford is a bustling medieval market town and the principal centre of the borough of Dartford. It is situated 16 miles east of central London, on the border of Greater London and the county of Kent. Situated in a valley on the River Darent, the town enjoys excellent transport links as well as a plethora of local services and amenities.

Dartford benefits from many outstanding schools and is known for this throughout the local area, offering a selection of state, grammar and private options. Dartford Grammar School and Dartford Grammar School for Girls are both excellent, as is Wilmington Grammar School for Girls.

For younger children, Wilmington Primary School and Wentworth Primary School are both highly sought after.

and Victoria. Ebbsfleet International is located just a short drive from the town centre, offering a Eurostar service to Brussels and Paris. The road links are also excellent, given Dartford’s position at junction 2 of the M25, where the A2 meets the motorway.

ARTS AND LEISURE The town has an abundance of leisure facilities including a David Lloyd gym, swimming pool and racquet

Discover the freedom renting in retirement can bring...

www.girlings.co.uk

The east side of the town generally offers the best value for money, while the west side is often more popular with families due to the excellent selection of grammar schools there.

DID YOU KNOW? Half of rock band The Rolling Stones was born in Dartford! Keith Richards and Mick Jagger met when they both attended Wentworth Primary school in the town and later formed the most famous rock ‘n’ roll band in history.

Find out more at www.hunters.com; 01322 281191

Without doubt, the best property decision you may ever make...

55+? Did you know you can rent private retirement property on a Life Long Tenancy which gives you the right to remain living in the property for as long as you wish, with service charges and maintenance included in the rent? ty Spec r e

Peace of Mind

Independence Flexibility Choice

ists in le ial

0800 525 184

HOUSING STOCK

First-time buyers, renters and young professional are often drawn to the town because of its great transport connections, and properties close to the station prove popular with these clients. Waterside developments such as Ingress Park and Waterstone Park are also frequent choices.

ent prop m

ABOUT DARTFORD

sport facilities. Bluewater shopping centre is a short drive away, offering a multiplex cinema, a wide range of shops and restaurants. Furthermore, there are also regular French markets as well as a weekly market in the town centre. Dartford also benefits from The Orchard Theatre, a 920-seat, top-quality theatre. It is located in the centre of town and plays host to a wide range of dramas, dance shows and music performances.

ng retire tti

This month we get the low-down on moving to TRANSPORTS LINKS Dartford from Colin Carr, director of Hunters Estate Dartford has excellent transport links, rail and road. The mainline train Agents. Carr has headed up the Hunters branch here both station in the centre of the town since its launch in 2014 and is a local expert, having offers fast connections to five London stations: London Bridge, Charing worked in the Dartford area since 1992.

Cross, Waterloo East, Canon Street

ISLAND

Y U B O T P L E H !

AVAILABLE

ISLAND 1 NEWGATE, CROYDON, SURREY CR0 2FB

Spectacular London views minus the London prices.

A gated development of stylish 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

• Fantastic Investment opportunities • Stunning 17th floor terraced views • 24 hour concierge • 24 hour gym • Underground parking* • Outside space with every apartment • Show homes available to view

Contact haart Croydon 020 8680 0283 www.island-croydon.co.uk *Subject to availability

For the latest on the property market

kent 45

@What_House

Marden life is goodish

Steady sales since its launch show the popularity of Redrow’s Highwood Green development in Marden

W

i th over a third of the 71 homes planned already sold, buyers have already shown their attraction to Redrow’s collection of new homes in the village of Marden, just eight miles south of Maidstone.

Some have already taken the keys to the door and settled in, says Rachael Baillie, sales director for Redrow Homes (South East).

“More than a dozen people have now moved into homes at Highwood Green and as the development takes shape we’re seeing an increase in enquiries from would-be homeowners,” she says. “In fact there’s been a real surge in demand and in just one week we sold five homes to eager buyers.”

Redrow’s part exchange scheme has proved to be a useful option for many

buyers moving up from an existing home.

“Based on this recent success, those who need to sell their current home to fund their next move may worry they’ll miss out on their preferred property while they try to find a buyer,” explains Baillie. “The reality is that we may be able to take it off their hands in part exchange, effectively acting as a cash buyer so that they can climb the housing ladder quickly and simply.”

Highwood Green has a choice of three-, four- and five-bedroom homes that combine Arts and Crafts-inspired features such as white render, tile hangings and weatherboarding, in keeping with the local vernacular, with modern, high-specification interiors.

Prices start from £359,995 for a threebedroom semi-detached ‘Letchworth’.

Among the properties available with part exchange are the four-

bedroom detached ‘Balmoral’, priced from £622,995, and the five-bedroom detached ‘Highwood Special’, on the market at £634,995.

The ‘Balmoral’ features a spacious lounge with double doors leading to the open-plan kitchen/diner; a study that’s ideal for working from home or completing homework; a utility and cloakroom, all to the ground floor.

Upstairs, two of the four bedrooms have en suites, two others sharing the family bathroom.

Set out over three floors, the ‘Highwood Special’ enjoys a real sense of flow with an L-shaped kitchen/ dining/family room, complemented by a separate lounge. A utility and cloakroom complete the ground floor.

The master bedroom has a dressing room and en suite, with two more bedrooms and a family bathroom. Two

further bedrooms are on the top floor, along with a shower room.

These splendid family homes are located on Goudhurst Road, just a five-minute walk from Marden Primary School, making them ideal for buyers with children. There is also a commute

Now on Sale:

an exciting range of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes in Brierley Hill. Choose from 10 different designs!

Artisan’s Walk is a whole new community, perfectly placed almost equidistant from Wolverhampton and Birmingham, just off Brettell Lane, with views towards the Clent Hills.

Beautifully built to an exacting specification using energy saving technology, all the homes at Artisan’s Walk will be economic to run.

The careful design and well thought out interiors will make them practical and comfortable to live in too.

Ask about our launch incentives 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes from £155,000

Showhome open daily 10.00am - 5.30pm

Artisan’s Walk, off Delph Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 2RP Call: 0845 873 2887 or visit: www.lioncourthomes.co.uk

of around an hour by train from the village station.

The sales office and show homes at Highwood Green are open Thursday to Monday, from 10.00am to 5.30pm.

Find out more at http://whathou.se/ eDnyDY; 01622 410143

Help to Buy

150392H Composite 340x265_150392H Composite 340x265 27/10/2014 14:58 Page 1

Inspired by tradition

TRADITIONAL CHARACTER, CONTEMPORARY LIVING If you're searching for a new home with traditional charm as well as all the internal features you desire for comfortable, convenient and stylish living, look no further than Hopkins Homes and Hopkins and Moore.

We are East Anglia's leading developers, building collections of homes to exceptionally high standards, each one individually designed to complement its setting, be it town, village, countryside or coast.

Call us or visit our website for further information hopkinshomes.co.uk • 01394 446860 Hopkins Homes builds traditional award winning homes throughout Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex

Search thousands of brand new homes on the UK’s leading new homes portal.

No.1

whathouse.com/new-homes The UK’s leading new homes portal

48 armchair gardener

Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Be fruitful There’s a wealth of fruit trees that can be grown even in small spaces. Richenda Oldham suggests ways in which to create your own mini orchard

G Keep the soil around a fruit tree totally free of grass and weeds by applying a mulch

r owing your own fruit trees isn’t as hard as you might think, and there’s a fruit tree to suit every size of garden. So, if you’ve ever fancied picking fruit from a tree in your own garden, read on.

The key to a successful harvest is simple: sunshine and lots of it. This means checking that the spot where you intend to plant your tree(s) has sun for at least six hours a day.

If your garden doesn’t receive enough sunlight, then your crop won’t be as good.

Sunshine is necessary, as it dries the leaves out and helps prevent disease, as well as providing the tree with enough energy to provide a good crop.

Adequate drainage is also key. If rainwater takes a long time to seep away, keeping the soil soggy, then the

Fig trees have been grown in Britain since Roman times, but are best trained on wires or cultivated in containers

Espalier trees are perfect for small gardens, as the branches are trained to grow horizontally to form a compact, but productive tree

Plum trees produce fruit in mid to late September and should be grown in a sunny, sheltered spot

Apple trees grow fruiting spurs that produce flowers on the same shoots each year

roots of the tree will die. The alternative is to grow trees in containers.

Dwarf trees are ideal for small gardens or patios. If you have a suitable sunny fence or wall, you can try growing espalier fruit trees up against them. Espaliers have been specially trained to grow flat against a fence, wall or frame, by judicious pruning and tying of the branches against the structure. They look absolutely stunning when mature and are an excellent way of maximising limited available space.

BUYING A TREE Make sure you know the potential size of the tree that you are buying and also whether it is self-fertilising. If your tree is not self-fertile, it will need to be paired with another tree. Ask your garden centre which combinations work best to get fruit. If you only have

room for one tree, make sure you buy a multi-graft tree, which has four or five cultivars (parts of other productive trees grafted onto one tree).

Trees can be purchased either with bare roots or in containers, but make sure that the roots are well developed.

Avoid any trees that are showing signs of disease.

PLANTING FRUIT TREES Digging-in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost will help improve your soil. Make sure you make a goodsized hole that is at least one-third wider than the tree’s roots. Put a stake into the hole, ready to support the tree when it has been planted. Secure the tree to the stake and water your fruit tree thoroughly after planting. Trees grown in containers will need more frequent watering than those grown in the ground.

STATION ROAD, AYLESFORD, ME20 7JH

HO ME I T ’S A S M A L L WO RD W ITH A BIG M E A N I N G A stunning new gated development of 4 & 5 bedroom houses in the picturesque village of Aylesford, Kent. Beautifully landscaped with a mixture of imaginatively designed homes Ashlin Quarter is the perfect place to call home.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

W E B : W W W. A S H L I N Q U A R T E R . C O M / K E N T TEL: 01622 790 090

EMAIL: INFO@ASHLINQUARTER.COM

Help to Buy

MARKETING SUITE/SHOW HOUSE OPENING HOURS, 10AM – 5PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK Prices are correct at time of going to press. Computer Generated Imagery is for illustrative purposes only. Interior pictures are of the show house at Ashlin Quarter, the Blackwell and furnishings are not included. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Available on new build homes up to £600,000 subject to the Government’s ‘Help to Buy’ terms and conditions and only available to customers where a primary mortgage is secured. Not available on second, additional homes, buy-to-let or let-to-buy properties. The equity loan is interest free for the first five years and needs to be a minimum of 10% of the purchase price up to a maximum of 20%. After five years, an annual fee of 1.75% of the outstanding equity loan is charged. This is increased annually at + 1% RPI. Subject to status, terms and conditions apply.

014767 ASHLIN WHAT HOUSE? AD D2 (PRINT).indd 1

07/01/2015 11:20

50 investment

Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Spend or save... on bathrooms Michael Holmes from the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show shares his top tips on renovating your bathroom

K

i tchens and bathrooms are two of the most important selling points of a property, and are also among the most popular update and extension projects. Just how much value an

1. IS IT NECESSARY TO SPEND A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY ON PLUMBING? Getting the layout right is vital for a well functioning bathroom and this will usually mean altering the plumbing unless starting from scratch, even though this will usually add to the cost. If you want to fit oversize showerheads, power showers and mixer taps successfully, you will require good water pressure (at least 3 bar) and a plentiful supply of hot water, so discuss this with your plumber as you may need to upgrade your current heating and hot water system.

Solutions include fitting a highoutput combi boiler providing highpressure hot water on demand, a large pressurised ‘unvented’ hot water cylinder, or at least adding booster pumps to the flow from your existing hot water cylinder.

VERDICT: SPEND It will be more expensive if you have to replace plumbing due to poor quality fixtures or installation problems.

2. IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TOP RANGE BATHROOM CERAMICS AND DISCOUNT PIECES? When it comes to ceramic plumbing fixtures, it’s hard to tell the quality of simple white sanitaryware simply by looking at it. Most sinks, lavatories and toilet bowls appear to be manufactured in the same way and just the design counts.

Even if you don’t opt for expensive pieces, if you mix and match your ceramics with high-quality taps and fittings from different suppliers, you can successfully enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom.

VERDICT: SAVE

extra bathroom will add depends on the number already in the property, their current condition and whether they are conveniently located, but it can be as much as 6%.

Whether you want to add a new bathroom to maximise value, ease pressure on the existing facilities in the peak morning rush, or simply to indulge in a touch of luxury, it makes sense to ensure the project is cost effective.

Evaluate the deals that each supplier provides and then select the items to suit your budget and taste.

Tiles are a hardwearing finish and you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great look.

7. WHAT’S THE FUSS ABOUT UNDERFLOOR HEATING?

9. IS STYLISH BRASSWARE WORTH IT?

3. CAN I CONCEAL THE PLUMBING IN MY BATHROOM?

5. ARE EXPENSIVE SHOWERS WORTH IT?

There’s nothing like stepping out of the bath or shower onto a lovely warm floor, especially in the winter months when a tiled floor could be chilly, which is why underfloor heating is a must-have luxury in a bathroom update project.

Electric tile warming systems range from around £25 to £45 per square metre, and as they are only 3-6mm deep they can be installed beneath ceramic tiles or engineered wooden flooring without significantly increasing the finished floor height.

Another form of heating such as a radiator or heated radiator towel rail is still likely to be necessary in a smaller room without much floor area.

Poor quality taps wear out incredibly quickly and inferior metal castings can sheer in no time requiring replacement of the whole fitting and the result can be a messy leak and expensive repairs. It’s worth paying for quality brassware with ceramic disk valves.

If you are looking for a clean, uncluttered look in your bathroom that will maximise the sense of space, then concealing the plumbing runs, WC cisterns, and the body of shower and tap mixers will all help, as will using wall-mounted sanitaryware, frameless shower screens and large mirrors.

A false wall with a 100mm clear void behind it in which plumbing can be concealed is a simple tidy solution, built using either timber or metal studwork covered in tile backing board, or plasterboard.

Steel frame modules for wallmounted basins, WCs and bidets are a worthwhile investment, reducing costs through ease and speed of installation.

Modules for a WC or basin cost from £150-£400 when you use ranges from Geberit Duofix, Grohe Rapid or Screwfix.

VERDICT: SPEND To ensure the best possible use out of your space, house plumbing in a service void behind a false wall.

4. IS FLOORING IMPORTANT? Flooring can be relatively inexpensive with vinyl and ceramic tiles costing as little as £6 to £8 per square metre.

These surfaces can be installed on a DIY basis providing you take your time and practice first and ensure the substrate is well prepared. Ceramic tiling is a DIY skill you can master, but ensure you buy the correct adhesive, grout, tile spacers and tools, including hiring a good quality tile cutter.

VERDICT: SAVE

Shower trays and enclosures, if not installed correctly, can leak around the seals which can damage floor finishes and structure and the ceiling, decoration and furniture in any rooms below. It’s worth buying quality and making sure the installation is exactly in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions (especially for wet room trays, which can leak easily if the timber floor structure around it moves at all).

VERDICT: SPEND Investing in a high-quality shower tray and enclosure or door will be beneficial in the long term, as it will be less susceptible to wear and tear.

6. MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL, DOES IT PAY TO INVEST?

VERDICT: SPEND An inexpensive luxury that you can’t afford not to install.

A cleverly sized and positioned mirror is a great way to make a bathroom appear more spacious. This inexpensive feature is also a necessity. The best way to create the illusion of space is to have mirrors cut to fit wall to wall and or floor to ceiling.

Some fit a mirror under the vanity unit, or to the side of a bath too.

Mirrors are not expensive but having them template and predrilled for mixer taps or light fittings will add to the cost. Where a bathroom has no windows, a large mirror and good lighting will compensate.

8. IS PANELLING THE BE ALL AND END ALL FOR YOUR WET ROOM?

VERDICT: SAVE Mirrors are not an expensive feature, although having a fitted mirror templated or predrilled will add to the cost.

Panelling can be cheaper than laying ceramic tiles on your wall to achieve a watertight decorative finish.

Traditional wainscot tongue-and-groove boards or Georgian raised panelling are currently popular as is V-grooved moisture resistant MDF that looks like wainscot panelling. Any timber material must be painted to seal it from moisture if it is to last in wet conditions.

VERDICT: SAVE A designer look for less than the cost of ceramic tiles, and easy for the DIYer to install.

VERDICT: SPEND An inexpensive luxury tFocus your budget on the things you will use most.

10. SHOULD THERE BE LIGHT? Bright lighting can help a bathroom feel fresh and hygienic and it needn’t cost much money to upgrade from the typical single central pendant light fitting to a multi-directional spotlight fitting with four or five bulbs.

Make sure your new light fitting is fitting is IP-Rated (waterproof) for use in bathrooms. A dimmer switch fitted outside can allow you to change the atmosphere from wake-up bright, to relaxing twilight and is a simple and inexpensive (£25-30) replacement for a conventional switch.

VERDICT: SAVE You can upgrade a single pendant to a multiple spotlight fitting and dimmer for well under £100.

52 mortgages

Find a great mortage deal at whathouse.com/mortgages

Almost half of homebuyers have less than 20% deposit In fact, more than a quarter actually bought with a down payment of under 10%, discovers Nick Parkhouse

N

e w research from a building society has found that demand for high loan-to-value mortgages remains strong, with the average homebuyer in the last year having a deposit of 29%. The survey from the Nottingham Building Society has revealed that almost half of people who bought a property in the last 12 months or plan to do so soon had a deposit of less than 20%.

Research from the Nottingham has

found that thousands of homebuyers still need a high loan-to-value mortgage when it comes to buying a property. The average deposit last year was 29% although 48% had a deposit of less than 20% and just over a quarter (27%) of buyers completing had a deposit of less than 10% of their house price.

Demand for low-deposit mortgages therefore remains strong, and the choice of 90% and 95% loan-tovalue mortgage deals has increased from 325 in November 2011 to around

605 now.

Ian Gibbons, Nottingham Mortgage Services senior mortgage broking manager, says: “Homebuyers are demonstrating their commitment for a deposit as highlighted by the average 29% they are able to put down.

“Many will be using the equity they have built up in their home but it is also clear that people saving for deposits are succeeding in the market as well, with nearly half of those putting down 20% or less. Securing a deposit is of course only the first step,

as buyers then need mortgages and prices can vary considerably depending on the LTV, which is why searching the market is so important.”

The study also found that cash buyers are still a force in the market – around one in eight people (12%) who have bought in the past year or plan to buy in the next two years say they do not need to borrow.

The research from the Nottingham also found that, of the borrowers who have taken out a mortgage in the last three years, mortgage brokers were

the most popular way of securing a home loan.

Over the past year more customers are turning to intermediaries, with half of 25- to 34-year-olds using brokers to source their mortgage, a figure that drops to 40% of those aged 35 to 44, 28% who are 45 to 54 and 33% aged 55 to 64.

Gibbons adds: “There is undoubted growing use of brokers. Seeking an independent view on the best deal available to a customer is a very sensible approach.”

HOW SMALL CHANGE COULD MAKE YOU BIG RETURNS There aren’t many investment opportunities with a 2,000 year old heritage.

But this is a coin with the seal of approval from the first Emperor of Rome. It is a gold ‘Aureus’ struck in 15-13 BC, featuring both Augustus, the Emperor and a butting bull.

This Augustan Aureus is priced at £32,000. In 2013 an Aureus from 15-13 BC was auctioned for US $425,500, 227% up on its $130,000 estimate. Another, with a unique heifer design, sold for £300,000 in 2014.

Uncorrelated with other asset classes, rare coins and stamps provide several thousand Stanley Gibbons Investment clients with strong portfolio diversification and the potential for capital growth.

To find out more call 0845 026 7170 or visit sginvest.co.uk/whathouse The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back what you put in. Stamps and certain other collectibles are not designated investments for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 and as such are not subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or otherwise. Stanley Gibbons Investment does not provide valuations.

54 investment

Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Investing for pleasure T

Five sporting cities where you should buy a property he thrill of the live action thrown up by the best sporting events in the world makes them sought-after occasions that attract fans from across the globe. As any shrewd property investor will tell you, demand of any nature is good news when it comes to the future value of your property investment and the potential for it to gain in value or attract a regular source of rental income.

So, the sporting ‘demand’ around top events in the world of sport also makes for a lucrative avenue to explore for a property investor. As with any investment in bricks and mortar, location is key and never more so than when it comes to sport.

Here’s our guide to the five best places to invest and some of the factors you must consider when going into the market in each of them.

LONDON, ENGLAND

PARIS, FRANCE Like Melbourne, Paris benefits from being the home of an annual tennis grand slam tournament. There will soon be added interest in events at Stade Roland Garros, however, with work due to be complete on an expansion of the famous venue in 2019.

Not only will Paris enjoy a rejuvenated tennis showpiece, it will also be a major host city as France stages the Euro 2016 football tournament. Five games will be held at Parc des Princes while the Stade de France in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis will host seven matches, including the opening game, final and a quarter final.

Buying a property in the French capital involves a series of fees and charges set by the French government.

It’s worth noting that new build properties are subject to VAT of just under 20%, whereas those older than five years are not subject to any. The pound’s strength against the euro should ensure that a Parisian property is a shrewd investment.

The city itself is split into 20 numbered neighbourhoods (arrondissements). The 3rd and 4th are particularly attractive, being home to the fashionable Le Marais district and the Ile-Saint-Louis.

British shoppers shouldn’t ignore the fact that one of the world’s most attractive sporting cities is in fact the English capital.

Those looking for a sound sporting investment would be best advised to look to the south-west of the city, where green spaces and good schools have seen strong growth in property prices. Not only is this the home to the famous Wimbledon tennis grand slam tournament but it is also the part of the city that is home to Twickenham, home

to international rugby encounters.

Being close to those two will put you in a nice part of the city – and will still leave you handily placed to take in action at one of London’s five Premier League football teams or test match cricket at Lord’s – the home of cricket itself – or The Oval.

Just because London is in the UK, it’s not a cue to be complacent. Any sensible property investment involves the input of experts; while legal documents, frankly, feel like a different language anyway.

TOKYO, JAPAN Tokyo is just a few years away from an exciting sporting double header. It will be one of the host cities when the Rugby World Cup comes to Japan in 2019 and will then host the summer Olympic Games in 2020.

A Japanese government bondbuying programme has helped to encourage economic growth and lower the cost of borrowing in recent years.

Cheaper borrowing has coincided with strong demand and rising prices, meaning rental yields of about 5%. The yen is weak, meaning foreign currency has a greater purchasing power, and investors will also benefit from the

knock-on effect of infrastructure projects that go hand-in-hand with preparations for the major sporting events in Tokyo.

Foreign buyers should note that there is a mortgage premium that can add a couple of per cent to the rate for investors. Lenders such as Orix Trust, NAB Asia and the Bank of China offer loans to non-residents, although restrictions or lower lending ratios apply.

The trick when buying in Japan is to think of land values, rather than specifically about property prices themselves.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA MINNIEAPOLIS, MINNIESOTA Perhaps not the most obvious place in the US, Minnesota is, nevertheless, about to be thrust into the global sporting spotlight.

Golf’s premier team tournament, the Ryder Cup, will be held at the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, and Minneapolis is due to host Super Bowl LII in February 2018 and the NCAA basketball Final Four the following year.

There are no restrictions to buying houses in the USA as a foreign national.

Buyers will need to find a realtor (an estate

agent) to get help and should be aware that most mortgage firms will want a 20% down payment from a non-US national when it comes to buying a house.

Anyone investing in the USA also needs to look into visa and residency requirements. You can stay for 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program or you can opt to apply for a B-2 Tourist Visa, which can last for up to six months.

If you’re staying longer you’ll need to become a permanent resident – the famous Green Card.

Melbourne’s sporting credentials are almost unrivalled. It boasts five superb international standard sporting venues and is the place to be in Australia for the F1 Grand Prix, Australian Open tennis tournament and the annual Boxing Day test cricket match played at the 100,000-capacity MCG, also home to the Australian Football League Grand Final.

To buy a property near to the action you’ll first need to obtain permission from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) – provided you are not Australian or don’t have an Aussie spouse. This

normally takes 40 days but beware that it can drag on as much as 130 days. Further permission is required from the board before a property can be sold.

The FIRB isn’t the only piece of red tape involved in an Australian purchase and so, as with any international purchase, it is vital to seek legal support from someone with local knowledge.

Buyers must pay income tax once they are in the country for more than six months and must pay Capital Gains Tax unless the property is to be their main home.

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