Martyn Gerrard Property Review - Autumn2013

AUTUMN 2013

YOU R PROPE RTY RE VI E W

insi d e this issue . . .

N E W H OMES I N BA R N ET ‘CARTER CLOSE’ Mar tyn Gerrard’s Summer in your Community The award-winning agency . . . where integrity counts.

BARNET • crouch end • east finchley • finchley central • north finchley • hendon • kentish town • mill hill • muswell hill • whetstone

Photography

Competition

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

N

orth and North West London is a fascinating, vibrant place to live, so to celebrate this great area Martyn Gerrard is delighted to launch a photographic competition allowing professional and amateur photographers alike to capture the essence of your local area.

We are looking for photos of local landmarks, arty shots and photos that show off each area. The competition is free to enter and open to photographers of all ages. We are looking for pictures that showcase the beauty in our local areas.

Photo by: Louisa Peacock

Photo by: Daniel Degnal

W e are loo k in g for photos o f all our areas : Finchley Central inc: Church End and West Finchley.

North Finchley inc: Woodside Park and New Southgate.

East Finchley inc: Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Crouch End inc: Highgate, Whitehall Park, Hornsey and Stroud Green.

Muswell Hill inc: Alexandra Park and Bounds Green.

Mill Hill inc: Mill Hill East.

Kentish Town inc: Camden, Dartmouth Park, Upper Holloway.

Hendon inc: Hendon Central and Brent Cross.

Whetstone inc: Totteridge.

Barnet inc: Hadley Wood, Arkley and Cockfosters.

Email your entry or entries on or before 31st December 2013 to comp@martyngerrard.co.uk

T he P ri z es The winning entry will receive £100 in M&S Vouchers as well as a short biography about the winner on our website (if you wish) and appropriate accreditation when the photo is used on our area guide pages.The best photo from each of our ten areas (see right) will receive a £25 M&S Voucher and will also be used on our area guide pages with the photographer credited.

Please include your name, age, email address and the location of your photo. For more information call 0208 343 4340 Ext:230 or email als@martyngerrard.co.uk We reserve the rights to use any submitted material in future advertising and marketing material in print or digital form. Full terms and conditions are available on request.

page 2 • Photography Competition Photo by: Louisa Peacock

Simon Gerrard President Elect NAEA

n

Introduction • page 3

simon ’ s LO CAL mar k et comment The press are now reporting healthy growth in house prices across the country, as the general economy recovers. This is not news for us at Martyn Gerrard, as the popularity of North & North West London has meant house prices have been steadily increasing for a few years and have now risen to above pre credit crunch levels.

This high level of demand has led to a 30% increase in sales being agreed by us across the 10 offices.

Indeed figures from the leading property portal ‘Zoopla’ shows that out of the top ten agents in the area, we have been responsible for the sale of over 40% of properties sold in Finchley in the year so far.

The excellent schools in our areas mean that 3 and 4 bedroom family homes continue to receive a very high level of interest. At the same time an active and solid First Time Buyer market means 1 and 2 bedroom properties are also achieving premium prices. So things are definitely looking good for the property market in your area.

Martyn Martyn y Gerrard Gerard 41.5% 41.5%

Demand from buyers has built over the year as confidence in the market continues to rise. We have seen 60% more buyers registering with us in the first nine months of 2013 than in the same period in 2012.

The medium term outlook for interest rates looks settled as made clear by Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, whose stated position is to hold interest rates at current levels until the jobless rate falls below 7%.

At the time of writing we have over 21,000 buyers registered across our network of 10 offices who have a combined spending power of over £8 Billion. Of these, over a quarter are what we regard as HOT buyers as they are able to make an immediate decision and proceed with a purchase as soon as they see the right home.

If you are a home owner who is thinking of moving, you may be surprised at how sought after your property is and what price it could command. (So please feel free to call us for a free valuation)

Source: Zoopla

As the sales market goes from strength to strength, the rental market also continues to be strong with high demand for well maintained property, although prices have leveled after the recent boom as more property is coming to the market to satisfy the strong demand.

This is expected to continue, as more people see renting as a practical alternative to buying. A recent report from the Centre of London Think Tank showed that the proportion of people renting in London has risen over the past 2 years 18% to 25%. This is set to continue as the Private Rental Sector continues to grow. Many are looking at investing in a buy-to-let property, if this is of interest turn to pages 12-13.

contents 2 3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17

Photography Competition Simon’s Local Market Comment Barnet Office Carter Close – New Homes Crouch End Office East Finchley Office Buy-To-Let Finchley Central Office North Finchley Office

18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31 32-33 34-35

A Day in the Life of....

Hendon Office Kentish Town Office In the Community Mill Hill Office Muswell Hill Office Block Management & Professional Whetstone Commercial

• martyngerrard.co.uk •

BARNET

4 Exchange Buildings, High Street, Barnet EN5 5SY EN5@martyngerrard.co.uk

Nick Teare

LETTINGS 020 8440 2444 E: EN5@martyngerrard.co.uk

Rowley Green Road, EN5 • • • • •

Four double bedrooms Bright reception and separate dining area Lovely fitted kitchen Beautifully maintained rear garden Energy rating – F

Oakwood Avenue, N14 •

• • •

£875 pw

£692 pw

Five bedroom, three bathroom semi-detached house Three reception rooms Beautiful fully fitted kitchen Energy rating – F

The Croft, EN5 • • • • •

Beech Hill Avenue, EN4 • •

• •

£681 pw

Five double bedrooms Three bathrooms (2 being en-suite) Three bright reception rooms Garage with driveway to front Energy rating – D

£795 pw

Four double bedrooms Large reception with separate dining room Close to Hadley Wood BR station Energy rating – E

page 4 • Barnet • Hadley Wood • Arkley • Brookmans Park

Louise Spendiff

A welcoming and quiet suburb, comprising of an interesting mix of Victorian through to modern homes, makes Barnet popular with families and young professionals who are looking to escape the bustle of central London. There are many notable schools and the shopping is excellent. High Barnet tube station lies at the end of the Northern Line giving access to London, coupled with easy access to major road networks including M1 & M25.

Sebright Road, EN5 • • • •

£265 pw

Two bedroom maisonette Bright reception room Private rear garden Energy rating – C

E: EN5@martyngerrard.co.uk

Rachel Taylor

SALES 020 8440 2444

Gershon Williams

Susan Bradford

Barnet • Hadley Wood • Arkley • Brookmans Park • page 5

High Street, EN5 £295,000

King Edward Road, EN5 £300,000

Park Road, EN4 £625,000

Two double bedroom, two bathroom newly converted luxury apartment. Energy rating – B. The owners love... “We carefully chose the fittings and finish to compliment the original features”

Three bedroom split level period conversion flat with garage & communal gardens. Energy rating - E. The owners love... “We love the impressive views from our flat”

Four double bedroom Victorian home with double garage. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “The outlook onto Victoria Park opposite, it’s a lovely walk through to Hadley Common”

Freston Gardens, EN4 £929,950

Wood Street, EN5

Kentish Lane, AL9 £1,925,000

Victorian semi detached family home with 4 bedrooms. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “After living here for 25 years, I have only good memories of this wonderful family home”

Five bedroom semi detached family property with many period features. Energy rating – E. The owners love... “Our private garden is very tranquil, the only sound being the birds singing”

£1,250,000

A substantial six bedroom detached house with double garage & heated pool. Energy rating – C. The owners love... “Brookmans Park Village is still a proper village with a butcher and a baker, if not a candlestick maker”

Elmscott Gardens, N21 £650,000

Barnet Road, EN5 £1,950,000

Four double bedroom semi detached property with garage and 130ft south facing garden. Energy rating – F. The owners love... “This was a wonderful house to grow up in and has been much loved by four generations of our family”

Four double bedroom detached bungalow with two garages and heated swimming pool. Energy rating – E. The owners love... “The property is spacious with plenty of storage which makes it fantastic for our family”

For futher information or to arrange a viewing, please call 020 8440 2444 or email EN5@martyngerrard.co.uk

New Homes New H o me s

a new home for you......

carter close , barnet

M

artyn Gerrard are delighted to announce the release of our new development at Carter Close in Barnet. This exclusive 14 unit development is made up of Detached, Semi-detached and Linked Terrace houses. The show house is now open and we’ve been receiving a great deal of interest from buyers.

The location of Carter Close offers the best of both worlds, situated close to the Hertfordshire countryside, yet just a few minutes’ walk to the bustling high street and High Barnet underground station (Northern Line). The nearest overland station is to be found at New Barnet which offers a fast and frequent service to London King’s Cross and Moorgate.

Each of the homes has four bedrooms, large open plan living areas and generous gardens, with an interior and exterior finish to a very high specification.The homes have been designed with optimum light in mind and clean lines throughout. The lounge areas have state-of-the-art glass bi-fold doors that concertina open allowing access onto the patio and garden area – ideal for entertaining.

The surrounding area is lush with woods, parks and fields, ideal for peaceful walks and activities, while Barnet High Street provides its residents with supermarkets, shops, amenities and an array of culinary hotspots. There are a number of excellent golf courses in the vicinity, both public and members, including Arkley, Old Fold, The Shires, Hadley Wood and Dyrham Park.

Computer generated image of Plot 1

page 6 • Carter Close

s

Carter Close • page 7

Just two miles away is Totteridge where leafy roads, duck ponds and excellent pubs provide a friendly, family-orientated ambience. Totteridge and the other surrounding areas of Mill Hill, Whetstone and Arkley, as well as Barnet itself, all provide parents with a wide choice of schools and colleges including the outstanding Queen Elizabeth’s Boys’ Grammar and Whitings Hill Primary.

With easy access to the A1 and M25, Carter Close is conveniently located for London and beyond, as well as being a wonderful locale in which to live.

Prices at Carter Close start from £575,000 and if you would like to see the excellent build quality and finish for yourself, pop down to our show home or call our Barnet office for more information on 020 8440 2444.

Floorplan of Plot 2

Computer generated image of Plots 1-6

• martyngerrard.co.uk •

CROUCH END

45 The Broadway, Crouch End, London N8 8DT N8@martyngerrard.co.uk

E: N8@martyngerrard.co.uk

Glasslyn Road, N8 • • • • •

£610 pw

Extremely spacious one bedroom flat Completely refurbished Modern kitchen Private garden Energy rating – E

Baden Road, N8 £300 pw • One bedroom • One living room • Private garden • Energy rating – E

Quernmore Road, N4 • • • • •

Bryanstone Road, N8 • Four double bedrooms • Two receptions • Spacious modern kitchen • Energy rating – D

page 8 • Crouch End • Stroud Green • Highgate • Upper Holloway

Natasha Braham

Anthony Spittle MARLA

LETTINGS 020 8348 5130

Andrew Martin MARLA

Crouch End is established as a fashionable and vibrant Urban Village. Centred round the Broadway with the famous Clock Tower as a focal point, there is a wide variety of independent shops and an abundance of restaurants, cafes and pubs. The area is extremely well served by major bus routes and mainline stations such as Hornsey and Finsbury Park are close by.

£390 pw

Two double bedrooms One big reception Modern bathroom and kitchen Period features Energy rating – D

£700 pw

Haslemere Road, N8 • • • •

£360 pw

Two large double bedrooms One reception room Period features Energy rating – D

E: N8@martyngerrard.co.uk

Wolseley Road, N8

£525,000

Nick Heyes MNAEA

Mark Fordham MNAEA

SALES 020 8348 5135

Andre Vidot MNAEA

Crouch End • Stroud Green • Highgate • Upper Holloway • page 9

Thorpedale Road, N4 £699,950

Frobisher Road, N8 £795,000

A two double bedroom period conversion with grand reception room and a southerly facing roof terrace. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “Summer barbeques on the roof terrace in the sunshine”

A three double bedroom family home with kitchen/diner and two bathrooms.

Energy rating – D. The owners love... “It has lots of space and light and the garden adds an oasis too”

Four bedroom period house with south facing garden. Energy rating – E. The owners love... “The ground floor has been extended and provides a versatile layout”

Crouch Hall Road, N8 £849,950

Clifton Road, N8

Redston Road, N8

A large three/four bedroom maisonette, located in central Crouch End. Energy rating – E. The owners love...

“So much natural light practically no need for lightbulbs”

A spacious three bedroom conversion flat with two balconies. Energy rating – E. The owners love... “The unique, eccentric layout and split-levels, with a great flow of light throughout”

Mount Pleasant Crescent, N4

£750,000

A beautiful and spacious two double bedroom Victorian cottage with large open-plan living space and southerlyfacing garden. Energy rating – E. The owners love... “Secluded and private cul-de-sac with great neighbours yet so close to transport, shops and restaurants”

£650,000

£999,950

A five bedroom Edwardian house with off-street parking. Energy rating - E. The owners love... “A spacious family home with many original features and a beautifully designed kitchen”

Hillfield Avenue, N8

£1,100,000

A wonderful four double bedroom late Victorian family home in excellent condition and with spacious and light accomodation over three floors. Energy rating – F. The owners love... “There is something special about this house”

For futher information or to arrange a viewing, please call 020 8348 5135 or email N8@martyngerrard.co.uk

EAST FINCHLEY 66/68 High Road, East Finchley, London N2 9PN N2@martyngerrard.co.uk

Eastern Road, N2 £625 pw

Fortis Green Cottages N2

• • • • •

• • • • •

Three bedrooms Two receptions Modern kitchen with granite worktop Good size rear garden Energy rating – D

Denison Close N2 • • • •

Two bedrooms Modern bathroom Modern fitted kitchen Energy rating – D

£320 pw

Neale Close N2 • • • •

One bedroom Private garden Available now Energy rating – E

page 10 • East Finchley • Hampstead Garden Suburbs

Yasmin Vahabi

Colin Hickey

E: N2@martyngerrard.co.uk

Ashley Herman MARLA

LETTINGS 020 8883 0076

Greg Tsuman MARLA

East Finchley provides a friendly village atmosphere combining many ages and styles of property. It is situated in zone 3 on the Northern line and has many cafes, arts and crafts shops as well as attractive areas of open space at Cherry Tree Woods with Kenwood House situated close by. Local schooling is excellent with the highly regarded Brooklands and Fortismere Schools.

£340 pw

Two bedrooms Two receptions Fitted kitchen Courtyard garden Energy rating – D

£285 pw

Witcomb Lodge N2 • • • •

£340 pw

Two bedrooms Secure underground parking Open plan kitchen Energy rating – B

Colby Perlmutter

Ercan Aziz

E: N2@martyngerrard.co.uk

Chris Fairclough MNAEA

SALES 020 8883 0077

Mark Stern MNAEA

East Finchley • Hampstead Garden Suburbs • page 11

Sylvester Road, N2 £679,950

Lyttelton Court, N2 £320,000

Creighton Avenue, N2 £1,565,000

A five bedroom semi-detached period family home located in East Finchley.

Energy rating – E. The owners love... “Two separate large reception rooms are great with a growing family”

A two bedroom apartment in a mansion block located adjacent to Hampstead Garden Suburb. Energy rating – C. The owners love... “The playground behind the block is handy to take our son”

Four bedroom semi detached family home with off street parking and garage. Energy rating – C. The owners love... “Our 110ft south facing garden - We have good memories of our kids playing tennis on the lawn”

East End Road, N2 £550,000

Doran Manor, N2 £299,950

Leslie Road, N2 £425,000

A three bedroom semi-detached house.

Energy rating – E. The owners love... “Our home is full of character. Always impresses guests when they come to visit”

A two bedroom ground floor flat in a purpose built block. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “Our living room and kitchen look straight to the communal gardens”

Three bedroom Edwardian maisonette located off the High Road.

Energy rating – D. The owners love... “The maisonette is spacious and having a private garden is ideal”

Edmunds Walk, N2 £3,500,000

Greenfield Drive, N2

A substantial six bedroom detached family residence located with easy access to East Finchley Tube Station.

Energy rating – E. The owners love... “Edmunds Walk houses have a distinct design guests always complement how pretty the street is”

A three double bedroom detached family home located in a private gated road on the peripheral of East Finchley and Muswell Hill. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “It feels like we are living in the rural countryside with fantastic views to Highgate Woods”

For futher information or to arrange a viewing, please call 020 8883 0077 or email N2@martyngerrard.co.uk

£1,450,000

Buy-to -Let

Lettings BU Y-TO - L E T Entering the Buy-to -Let Market – Should I or Shouldn’t I?

W

hen the credit crunch hit in 2008, many experts warned that Buyto-Let investors might run scared, as house prices started to fall. This didn’t happen – in fact whilst the First Time Buyer market was curtailed, it was the Buy-toLet market that underpinned prices as larger numbers of people were renting, as a simpler, more flexible alternative to home ownership.

Between 2001 and 2013, the number of households renting the home that they live in has more than doubled, and experts predict that the supply of tenants will continue to increase over the coming decade. Changing demographics, more mobile working patterns and relaxing attitudes to home ownership are driving more people to consider renting.

There is now a generation of renters. A recent survey by Rightmove found that while over 90% of tenants want to eventually own their own property, obtaining a mortgage is still a hurdle for many. This is why 60% of those tenants feel that renting remains their long term option.

Changing demographics, changes to housing benefit rules, more mobile working patterns and relaxing attitudes to home ownership are driving more people to consider renting, and leads experts to predict that the supply of tenants will continue to increase over the coming decade.

Whilst in the past there was a pressure on tenants due to fewer properties being on the market, there is now a more even balance between properties and tenants.

Q. Is it the right time?

The result of this is that rental prices remain steady, following huge increases over the past few years. There was a feeling that a ‘rent bubble’ was being created that could not be sustained, but we are happy to report that this has not been the case.

A. The Buy-to-Let sector is growing. The three key reasons for an increase are:

Q. What benefits are there to becoming a landlord?

Such attractions help to explain why over the past 5 years, letting property has become a growing business.

•

The younger generations find it more convenient to rent rather than buy

A. There are a number of potential benefits: • Long term investment

• Deposit requirements and restricted availability of residential mortgages

•

• More opportunities for people seeking flexibility and mobility with rented properties

• Considerable tax advantages (tax breaks offered to landlords who rent out their property)

A steady source of income, depending on where your property is and rental charges

Residential Investment Portfolio for Sale We are proud to offer a rare opportunity to acquire an investment company owning 10 flats situated across the London Borough of Barnet.

The flats comprise of a mix of studio, 1 and 2 bedroom flats, which we are informed are fully let, income producing and capable of rental increases.

Price £1,500,000

Please contact Saul Gerard MRICS on 020 8343 4340 ex 202 page 12 • Buy-To-Let

Buy-toLet • page 13

Do the maths Sit down and do your sums and talk to your mor tgage advisor. Buy-to-Let mor tgage deals are often more expensive than normal residential mor tgages and require a bigger deposit. Think of the other costs involved including the ongoing costs such as insurance, maintenance and service charges, fees and the tax obligations. You should also remember there may be void periods, where the proper ty is empty between tenants. If you use an experienced letting agent, these void periods will be minimised. Tax is payable on the profit made from a letting but there are many deductions that can be made to offset the tax liability, so make sure you take proper professional advice.

Landlord’s Legal Obligations There is a significant amount of regulation that a Landlord must comply with, such as the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993 and tenants’ deposit protection legislation. The legal requirements can be a minefield for an unwary landlord.

However if you use the services of a “Licensed Agent” member of ARLA, such as Martyn Gerrard, they can easily guide you and make sure you and your property fully comply.

Do your research When you know that the finances work, you then need to consider which property to buy. It is dangerous to look to buy a property that suits our personal taste, so check what is in demand and the prices being achieved (rather than just looking at the asking prices, which some agencies will inflate to gain an instruction) and ask about

demand from potential tenants for the type and size of property you are thinking of buying. One of the most important things to remember is that you should look on your Buy-to-Let as a business. Instead of thinking of what you would like to live in, you must put yourself in the shoes of your target tenant.

For example, as tenants look at renting to be a long term option, tenants expect a better standard of property.

Good quality well presented property commands a premium price that tenants are willing to pay. So landlords need to look at their property – does it need a fresh coat of paint, is the kitchen or bathroom dated? Investing in decorative or remedial works can add as much as 20% to the rent.

Buy-to-Let Mortgages Buy-to-Let mortgages are specifically designed for investors to borrow money to purchase property in the private rented sector in order to let it out to tenants.

Typically the interest rates that are offered on Buy-toLet mortgages will be slightly higher than residential mortgage rates, and the fees charged in connection with these mortgages will also be higher. This is due to the perception amongst banks and other lending institutions that Buy-to-Let mortgages represent a greater risk.

It is therefore essential that potential investors seek independent mortgage advice to ensure they secure the most suitable deal for their circumstances.

For further information on Buy-to-Let mortgages, you can contact Michael Lawlor on 020 8883 2631 or visit him at 146 High Road, East Finchley, N2 9ED.

Top 5 buy-to-let deals . . .with a 25% deposit:

. . . with a 40% deposit:

1. Lender A 2 year tracker at 3.35% with £1495 arrangement fee (can be added to the loan). Free basic valuation and £250 cash back.

1. Lender A 2 year fixed at 2.99% with £1495 arrangement fee (can be added to the loan). Free basic valuation and £250 cash back.

2. Lender A 2 year fixed at 3.49% with £1495 arrangement fee (can be added to the loan). Free basic valuation and £250 cash back.

2. Lender E year tracker at 3.29% with £995 arrangement fee (can be added to the loan). £500 cash back.

3. Lender B 2 year fixed at 3.79% with £199 arrangement fee (payable on application). £500 cash back.

4. Lender C 2 year fixed 3.89% with £0 arrangement fee.

5. Lender D 2 year fixed at 3.99% with £199 arrangement fee (payable on application).

3. Lender F 2 year fixed at 3.39% with £999 arrangement fee (can be added to the loan).

4. Lender D 2 year fixed at 3.40% with £999 arrangement fee (£199 payable on application and £800 can be added to the loan).

5. Lender G 2 year fixed at 3.38% with £1999 arrangement fee (can be added to the loan). £750 cash back on completion.

Please note these rates were available at the time of going to print (25/9/13) please call to check if thay are still available.

• martyngerrard.co.uk •

FINCHLEY CENTRAL 365 Regents Park Road, Finchley Central, London N3 1DE N3@martyngerrard.co.uk

E: N3@martyngerrard.co.uk

Cedar Court, N3 • • • • •

Gloucester Gardens, NW11

Two double bedrooms Grade two listed building Large communal landscaped garden Secure gated parking Energy rating – D

Stanhope Avenue, N3 • • • •

£360 pw

£695 pw

Four bedrooms Large through reception room Garden Energy rating – D

• • • • •

Queens Road, N3 • • • •

Two bedrooms Large reception room Clu-de-sac Energy rating – D

page 14 • Finchley Central • Church End • Temple Fortune

Kasia Musial

Anthony Cooper MARLA

LETTINGS 020 8346 0102

Nathan Reddy

Finchley Central is a leafy suburb offering a mix of period Victorian and Edwardian properties through to the 1930s and later contemporary homes. The area is well serviced by the Northern Line as well as good road links into the City. There are lots of open spaces and sought after schools for most ages.

£950 pw

Five spacious bedrooms Two reception rooms Modern fully fitted kitchen Secluded garden Energy rating – E

£320 pw

Church Crescent, N3 • • • •

Three bedrooms Off street parking Heart of Churchend Energy rating – D

£405 pw

Marlon Brown MNAEA

Sophie Henry

E: N3@martyngerrard.co.uk

Daniel Da Silva MNAEA

SALES 020 8346 0102

Warren Price MNAEA

Finchley Central • Church End • Temple Fortune • page 15

Lichfield Grove, N3 £375,000

Long Lane, N3 £410,000

Dollis Park, N3 £549,950

A recently refurbished one bedroom garden conversion with an abundance of period features. Energy rating – E. The owners love... “The beautiful, grand rooms”

Two bedroom extended cottage style property with off street parking. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “Having off street parking for two cars has been a real bonus”

Four bedroom first and second floor maisonette with south facing garden and private balcony. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “Living in an apartment that is as big as a house”

Queens Avenue, N3 £632,500

Church Crescent, N3 £925,000

Crooked Usage, N3 £1,275,000

A three bedroom terraced period house with driveway. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “Having multiple schools and amenities so close by”

Four bedroom Edwardian halls adjoining semi. Energy rating – F. The owners love... “The dining room was a wonderful place for family Christmas lunches”

A refurbished four bedroom three bathroom double fronted semi.

Energy rating – C. The owners love... “It feels like living in the countryside, but having all the urban benefits so nearby”

Hertford Lodge, N3 £1,295,000

Beechwood Avenue, N3 £1,495,000

Larger than the average house is this luxury three bedroom apartment set within a gated Grade II listed development adjacent to Avenue House.

Energy rating – C. The owners love... “Being so close to the beautifully maintained Avenue House grounds”

A four bedroom three bathroom detached family residence situated in tree lined Avenue off Regents Park Road. Energy rating – E. The owners love... “The leafy aspect; all we can see for miles from each south facing room is greenery”

For futher information or to arrange a viewing, please call 020 8346 0102 or email N3@martyngerrard.co.uk

NORTH FINCHLEY 773 High Road, North Finchley, London N12 8JY N12@martyngerrard.co.uk

E: N12@martyngerrard.co.uk

Ravensdale Avenue, N12 • • • • •

Luxury semi-detached family home Five double bedrooms Three reception rooms Large, established garden Energy rating – D

Park Court, N12 • • • •

£795 pw

£276 pw

First floor maisonette Two double bedrooms Private garden Energy rating – D

Holdenhurst Avenue, N12 • • • • •

Cairn House, N12 • • • •

£600 pw

Edwardian terraced house Four double bedrooms Designer kitchen Studio room to back of garden Energy rating – E

£270 pw

Modern first floor flat One double bedroom High specification throughout Energy rating – B

page 16 • North Finchley • Woodside Park • New Southgate • Friern Barnet

Jess Innes

Julian Jacobs MARLA

LETTINGS 020 8445 6682

Jack Morris

North Finchley provides residents with a diverse range of styles and periods of properties. It has many major retailers along with the main building societies and banks and a vast array of fine eateries. Woodside Park tube station has direct links to the city, and there are also some of the best schools in the borough.

Greenway Close, N11 • • • •

£288 pw

First floor flat Two bedrooms Laminate floors throughout Energy rating – B

E: N12@martyngerrard.co.uk

Stewart Willerton MNAEA

Craig Thompkins MNAEA

SALES 020 8445 2222

Scott Henderson MNAEA

North Finchley • Woodside Park • New Southgate • Friern Barnet • page 17

West Finchley, N12 £300,000

North Finchley, N12 £365,000

Friern Barnet, N11

Two bedroom second floor apartment located close to West Finchley underground station Energy rating – C. The owners love... “We really love our new modern kitchen!”

Two bedroom, two bathroom garden conversion, close to West Finchley station.

Energy rating – E. The owners love... “The wildlife in the garden; lots of birds including woodpeckers”

An Edwardian three bedroom family home close to many local schools.

Energy rating – E. The owners love...

“We have been happy here for over 30 years”

Friern Barnet, N11

West Finchley, N12

North Finchley, N12 £650,000

£575,000

Detached four bedroom family home close to New Southgate station.

Energy rating – C. The owners love...

“It is a great family neighbourhood, really friendly”

£650,000

A three bedroom family home in the catchment area of Moss Hall.

Energy rating – E. The owners love... “It’s so convenient having Waitrose around the corner”

£525,000

Detached four bedroom family home situated close to Friary Park.

Energy rating – E. The owners love...

“The west facing garden is ideal for entertaining in the summer”

Friary Park, N12 £975,000

Woodside Park N12

Refurbished, modernised and extended five bedroom, three bathroom family residence with south facing garden. Energy rating – C. The owners love... “The view from the master suite, you could be in the countryside”

Detached Victorian family residence with six double bedrooms, four reception rooms and south facing garden situated close to Woodside Park station.

Energy rating – E. The owners love...“I love my Victorian tiled floor in the entrance hall”

POA

For futher information or to arrange a viewing, please call 020 8445 2222 or email N12@martyngerrard.co.uk

A D ay in th e L ife

A Day in the day li fe A in the o f an estate ag ent

T

he process of selling your home can be a complicated one involving numerous parties. At Martyn Gerrard we recognise that we’re working with people making probably their biggest financial decision. As qualified NAEA professionals we liaise with solicitors, surveyors and other agents to make the process flow as smoothly as possible, with as little stress as possible for you the homeowner or buyer.

“So what does an estate agent actually do?”!!!

In this first of a new series of articles focusing on different areas of our business, we hope to answer that question!

Although every day is different, here is an idea of a normal day at Martyn Gerrard for our agents.

8.30am • Arrive at the office and check the emails that came in overnight – property valuation enquiries, property enquiries and new applicants registering online – we’ll need to give those new applicants a call this morning to go through their specific requirements.

8.45am to 9.15am • Morning office meeting.

• Review feedback (reported to vendors) from the previous

us, but is going away in two weeks. She thought it would take us time to take the property on the market, so wanted to wait till she gets back. I reassured her that we can move very quickly. Once we have our Marketing Authority signed we can have potential buyers viewing straight away. We suggest an ‘Open House’ at the weekend so we can show many suitable buyers in quick succession. If all goes well we’ll find a buyer and have a sale agreed before she goes away. She is delighted with this and gives us the go ahead.

valuation done of his house. It has to be today as he has a day off work. I take his details and ask a few questions about the house. The valuation appointment is booked for 11.00am with the office manager.

We are valuing another house near Mrs Healy’s at 11.00am, so I agree I’ll pop round afterwards to pick up our copy of the signed Marketing Authority.

• I arrange a time for the following day for an energy assessor to visit and prepare an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and the colour floor plans.

• I then call our Head office so that they can call Mrs Healy and arrange the appointment for our in-house video grapher to film our unique HD quality property video.

• I alert the other negotiators in the office that Mrs Healy’s house is coming on the market and about the ‘Open House’ at the weekend.

• Email the other 9 Martyn Gerrard offices with details of the house and the times of the “Open House”.

• Prepare a list of all my suitable buyers to call as soon as we get formal instructions.

• Prepare an email alert ready to be sent out to those buyers we can’t get through to by phone.

9.50am • Mr Kipson calls. He viewed a house with me

10.15am • Preparation for the 11.00am market appraisal.

yesterday and would like to make an offer. Mr Kipson is renting at the moment and his tenancy ends at the end of November. He’s spoken to our mortgage broker and we know his finances are in place. I call the homeowner, Mr Denon, to tell him the good news and check if he’s ok with the timescales. Mr Denon is happy with the proposed moving date but needs to discuss the offer with his wife.

Using information I have about the house, I look through our archive and find similar properties we’ve sold in the area, then cross reference with Land Registry data and confirm prices of other properties that have been sold.

Search all other relevant properties being marketed so I know what else buyers will be considering. These comparables give the price range the house should fall into.

10.00am • Scheduled follow up call to Mrs Healy.

The final asking price will come down to a variety factors such as how the house is presented, our knowledge and

day’s viewings noting the vendors we haven’t managed to speak to – make sure they get a call this morning.

• Discuss requirements of yesterday’s new applicants.

• Today’s diary, in particular property valuations and viewings. If we need to pick up keys from one of our other branches, confirm they will be available when we need them. Our 9 other branches are in constant contact in order to find a buyer registered with them for one of our properties or the right property for one of our buyers.

• Then discuss which of the buyers on our register best match the properties we are valuing, this is so we are ready to call them as soon as we’re instructed to sell.

9.45am • Phone call from Mr. Gates. He would like a

We gave her a valuation last week. She wants to instruct page 18 • A Day in the Life

e Life

experience of the area, and the number and strength of buyers registered with us for similar property as well as the owners circumstances. I upload all the data onto our iPad so we can present the information in a clear way at the appointment. Copies are printed and put into our valuation pack which I will leave with Mr Gates.

10.30am • Mrs Brown pops in with her keys. We sold her house in Union Road and completion is due today. I check if they have any last thoughts of helpful information for the new purchasers. I call their solicitor to let them know we have the keys to release once they inform us the property has legally completed.

them yesterday about three new properties that I thought would be of interest. They want to know if they can view them this afternoon, one is in Barnet and the other two are in Finchley.

We have keys for one of the properties; I call the owner to check it’s OK to view today. The one in Barnet is vacant, so I call the Barnet office and book their keys out. I then call the owners of the third property, but no reply, so I leave a message. When the vendor calls back, he says it’s not convenient and suggests an alternative day. After some to-ing and fro-ing we settle on a viewing at the weekend.

offer. I call Mr Kipson to let him know.

2.00pm • Mrs Brown’s solicitor calls back to let us know that her house on Union Road has completed. I call the new owner to let them we have the keys for them to pick up.

11.00am • At the Marketing Appraisal. Mr Gates has a

2.15pm • Mr Kipson calls back to increase his offer. I call

lovely four bedroom house with a big garden. He’s looking to downsize. I give him a realistic figure reflecting the strong market. I explain we want to get him the best price, but don’t do what some agents will, giving an over-inflated price just to get the instruction, as this could prove detrimental to the final figure he’ll achieve. We agree that I will confirm our opinion in writing and call back after the weekend.

Mr Denon to let him know but have to leave a message.

10.35am • Mr Denon phones back declining the first The events described are indicative of a normal day. Names, addresses and information in this article have been changed but are based on real events and people.

A Day in the Life • page 19

Back in the MG mini I turn my mobile phone back on (we turn them off when with clients), there’s a message from Ms Kerrigan. We found a first time buyer for her flat and the sale is getting close to exchanging contracts. There is a long chain beyond the flat she is buying in Finchley and I’ve been negotiating with all the links keeping everything on track.

There was an issue at the top of the chain as the buyer was worried about a tree in the garden. The agent dealing with that sale wasn’t proactive so we had recommended an aboriculturalist to inspect and prepare a report, which confirmed it was safe, so that sale and ours could go ahead.

It always astounds me how some agents only worry about their own section of the chain, at Martyn Gerrard we are trained to be aware and involved with the whole chain to keep both our vendor and buyer fully informed of progress and to steer the sale through successfully.

In her message Ms Kerrigan says that she’s signed contracts and is going to post them to the solicitor. I call her straight back and offer to pick them up from her and drop them at the solicitor myself – this will save a lot of time. I call the buyer and let them know. They are really excited about buying the flat and have been getting quite anxious about the time it’s been taking.

Stop off to collect the Marketing Authority from Mrs Healy, she confirms that our Head Office has called her and the video is booked for 3pm tomorrow. Call the office to let them know to start arranging viewings.

12.00 • Mr and Mrs Jones pop into the office. I called

2.30pm • Time to call my prospective buyers on our register. We set asside two hours most days for this, as it keeps them updated of the market and us updated on their requirements. We often see buyers requirements change as their property search progresses.

Our ethos dictates we must ensure that everyone on our register is contacted within strict time parameters. This is on top of the email alerts buyers receive as a suitable property becomes available.

After two hours I have made 45 calls, spoken to 12 buyers and left 33 messages.

5.00pm • Mr Denon calls back and he accepts the offer.

I give Mr Kipson the good news, and take his solicitor’s details. We now write to all parties confirming the agreed price, putting the solicitors in touch. Mr Denon has agreed to take the house off the market to allow Mr Kipson time to arrange for his survey. I update the back office system so all 9 branches know the house is “under offer”.

6.30pm • Mr and Mrs Woods the new owners of Union Road come into the office to pick up the keys. I congratulate them on their purchase, offer them the last minute info from the sellers and let them know that they can call us at any time for assistance if they need it. They leave with a big smile.

6.50pm • Home! and I receive an email on my Blackberry from Mr Bird requesting a market appraisal. I call him straight back to thank him for coming to us and confirm I will call him first thing in the morning to arrange a visit.

7.25pm • Another email on my blackberry – Mr and Mrs Woods wanted to let me know how happy they are in their new house and thanking us for all our help and hard work to get the sale through.

Another day at Martyn Gerrard comes to a good end!

• martyngerrard.co.uk •

HENDON

59 Brent Street, Hendon, London NW4 2EA NW4@martyngerrard.co.uk

Aaron Weintraub

LETTINGS 020 8203 2012 E: NW4@martyngerrard.co.uk

Cedars Close, NW4 • • •

• •

Caledonia Court, NW4 £320pw

Six bedrooms Three receptions Four bathrooms including three en suites and a separate WC Large kitchen Energy rating – E

Vincent Court, NW4 • • • •

£1,200pw

Three bedrooms Separate kitchen Communal gardens Energy rating – E

£420pw

Wingate Court, NW4 • • • •

Lily Hopkins

Hendon offers a diverse range of property styles from Victorian to classic suburban 1930s and modern homes.

The area is well served by public transport with numerous bus routes and a Northern Line station. There are plenty of open spaces and Parks and highly regarded schools serving all ages. Shopping is excellent with a variety of local shops and Brent Cross nearby.

Two bedrooms Ground floor flat Eat in kitchen Energy rating – C

page 20 • Hendon Central • Golders Green • Shirehall Estate

• • • • •

Two bedrooms Ground floor flat Modern kitchen Off street parking Energy rating – B

£280pw

Chatsworth Avenue, NW4 £600pw • • • •

Four bedrooms Garden Driveway Energy rating – D

Paul Harwood MNAEA

SALES 020 8203 2012 E: NW4@martyngerrard.co.uk

Ryan Chan MNAEA

Hendon Central • Golders Green • Shirehall Estate • page 21

Peaberry Court, NW4 £325,000

Great North Way, NW4 £269,900

Algernon Road, NW4 £275,000

A modern two bed, two bath (one en suite) first floor flat. Energy rating – C. The owners love... “It is perfect having such a lovely park on your doorstep especially in London”

A chain free, two bedroom ground floor flat.

EPC rating – D. The owners love... “The garden was ideal as we had a young child when we bought the flat”

A two bedroom ground floor flat with its own share of the garden. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “The flat has an excellent layout with high ceilings and a corridor giving access to every room”

Claydon House, NW4 £310,000

Hendon Hall Court, NW4 £599,950

Watford Way, NW4 £475,000

A two bedroom first floor flat with its own garage. Energy rating – C. The owners love... “Our neighbours are very friendly and all the communal areas have always been maintained to a high standard”

Three bedroom, three bathroom (two en suite) flat set over three floors.

EPC rating – D. The owners love... “We love the facilities available, especially the size and finish of the bathrooms”

Four bedroom, two bathroom mid terrace house with garden and garage. Energy rating – E. The owners love... “The property still has the original fireplace making winter nights feel really cosy”

Jubilee Lodge, NW4 £450,000

Chatsworth Close, NW4 £640,000

A two bedroom two bathroom, first floor purpose built flat. Energy rating – B. The owners love... “Having secure underground parking was fantastic it’s not only convenient but also offers a safe place to park the car”

A three bedroom semi detached house with garage located in a cul-de-sac. Energy rating – E The owners love... “Being in a cul-de-sac gave us the privacy we needed”

For futher information or to arrange a viewing, please call 020 8203 2012 or email NW4@martyngerrard.co.uk

KENTISH TOWN

304 Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town, London NW5 2TH NW5@martyngerrard.co.uk

Keshia Nzonza Delgado MARLA

LETTINGS 020 7284 4880 E: NW5@martyngerrard.co.uk

Lady Somerset Road, NW5 • • • • •

Two double bedrooms Spacious reception Private terrace Furnished Energy rating – C

Evangelist Road, NW5 • • • •

£450pw

Two double bedrooms First floor Furnished Energy rating – C

£450pw

Torriano Avenue NW5 • • • • •

Pleshey Road, N7 • • • •

£300pw

One double bedroom Reception Separate kitchen Furnished Energy rating – D

£360pw

Two double bedrooms Close to Tufnell Park underground station Part furnished Energy rating – C

page 22 • Kentish Town • Tufnell Park • Dartmouth Park • Camden Town

Kate Cygan

Kentish Town is an exciting and cosmopolitan area with much to offer no matter how diverse your taste. Set between fashionable Camden Town to the south and the open spaces of Hampstead Heath to the north, Kentish Town is well served by local transport with buses, tube and over ground giving easy access to central London.

St Pancras Way, NW1 • • • •

Four double bedrooms Excellent location Part furnished Energy rating – D

£650pw

E: NW5@martyngerrard.co.uk

Grafton Road, NW5

£499,950

Anthony WilkinsonDenny

Craig Thompkins MNAEA

SALES 020 7267 3737

Oliver Virdee MNAEA

Kentish Town • Tufnell Park • Dartmouth Park • Camden Town • page 23

Leverton Street, NW5 £575,000

Montpelier Grove, NW5 £700,000

A two double bedroom apartment. Energy rating – C. The owners love... “Being close to the buzz of Camden, the green expanses of the heath and the café culture of Primrose Hill”

A light and spacious two bedroom converted garden flat. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “Really close to transport and a short walk to the Heath”

A period converted garden maisonette.

Energy rating – E. The owners love...

“It’s great for entertaining with lots of space and a beautiful West facing garden”

Kingswear Road, NW5 £399,950

Croftdown Road, NW5 £370,000

Tally Ho Appts, NW5 £339,950

A one bedroom ground floor garden flat.

Energy rating – C. The owners love... “Quiet neighbourhood, a great place to live”

A two bedroom second floor flat.

Energy rating – C. The owners love... “The communal gardens are great for summer BBQ’s or lovely to relax in”

A one bedroom third floor apartment.

Energy rating – B. The owners love... “The development is extremely secure and private with fantastic neighbours”

Bartholomew Villas, NW5 £1,299,950

Corinne Road, N19

A four bedroom mid terraced Victorian house arranged over three floors with a West facing garden.

Energy rating – E. The owners love... “A very quiet, friendly neighbourhood with Camden School for Girls close by”

A two bedroom lower and raised ground floor garden maisonette. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “The road is quiet but really close to the tube, the local organic farmers market, shops and great pubs”

£699,950

For futher information or to arrange a viewing, please call 020 7267 3737 or email NW5@martyngerrard.co.uk

community

M

artyn Gerrard has long been established in North and North West London and our work in the local community is something that we have always prioritised. Here are just some of the events and activities that we have sponsored so far this year.

Coleridge School, Crouch End Victorian House Project This year we have taken on one of our largest challenges, helping fund and project manage the restoration of a derelict 3 storey Victorian building. The building stands in the grounds of the school and is being transformed into a multi-use building.

MP Mike Freer getting in on the fun at ‘Soak an Estate Agent’ at the St Mary’s Summer Fair in July.

Martyn Gerrard sponsored the event and ran a ‘guess the number of Jelly Beans’ stall, with one lucky child winning the entire jar with his guess, which was incredibly close to the actual number of sweets.

With the sponsorship and logistical support of Martyn Gerrard, the event raised over £5,000 for the school.

Dragons’ Den comes to Courtland School, Mill Hill

Martyn Gerrard Estate Agents offered to help by providing £50,000 worth of direct funding and continued technical support, together with project managing the site, which has helped to get the project off the ground. We are now obtaining support from parents and other local businesses to complete the project.

GanAlon Fundraiser, Finchley GanAlon is the pre-school at the New North London Synagogue. Each year, to raise funds, the parents’ committee invite a theatre company to put on a show for families. This year they secured Tall Stories, famous for their production of the Gruffalo at the Arts Depot, to perform their production of ‘My Brother the Robot’. The event is accompanied by a fair with a variety of stalls, refreshments and arts and crafts activities. page 24 • Community

As part of our Courtland School’s ‘Entrepreneurial Week’ the children were invited in their Tuesday school assembly to come up with new and innovative ideas for both inside and outside the home to be pitched to four dragons. Included among the dragons were Jamie McIver, Branch Manager at Martyn Gerrard’s Mill Hill Office and Warren Price, Martyn Gerrard’s Sales Director. The pupils from years one to six took part and the best ideas were voted for by each of the classes and the winning ideas were pitched to the Dragons on the Thursday afternoon. The winning pitch and drawing was from year 1 for their ‘Any flavour speedy ice cream maker.’

Community • page 25

we have ALSO sponsore d . . .

Crouch End Festival Martyn Gerrard were delighted to be main sponsor of this event for the second year. The festival was held over a two week period in July and highlighted local talent, with art exhibitions at venues across Crouch End as well as bands and theatre performing over the fortnight. Simon Gerrard opened the festival with local celebrity Cliff Parisi on the main stage outside the Town Hall. The event was a huge success.

Other scools and events we have supported this year St Mary’s C of E Primary School – Finchley Independent Jewish Day School – Hendon Moss Hall Summer Fair – North Finchley Alyth, North Western Reform Synagogue 80th birthday celebrations Duchenne Research Fund Charity Dinner Inderwick Road Street Party – Crouch End Monken Hadley Dog Show High Barnet Music Festival St John’s School & St John’s Church Summer Fair – Whetstone St Peter’s & St Gilda’s Summer Fair – Crouch End Courtland School – Mill Hill

Martin School, Centenary Day, East Finchley

Eden Primary School Summer Fair – Muswell Hill Christchurch Primary Summer Fair in Whetstone

This event took place on Saturday 15th June. Every stall was themed as a decade from the last century and Martyn Gerrard were the 1970’s. We used our headed paper from the 1970’s and mocked up details of 6 properties, running the “guess the price in 1975”, which was won by local resident Clare Saul.

Winner of guess the sweets in the jar Bastian Willicott – year five, who was celebrating his tenth birthday the weekend of the fair.

Presenting another sponsorship cheque.

North London Hospice Golf Day

North London Hospice We have supported the North London Hospice for over twenty years and this year donated almost £10,000. The North London Hospice supports the people of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey through a range of services including an inpatient unit, specialist home care nursing teams, a day centre, family support and spiritual care.They provide help over 1,400 terminally ill patients each year and rely on donations for the bulk of the £6 million plus every year it costs.

Martyn Gerrard is a proud supporter of the Hospice. In particular we have been the main sponsors of their annual Golf Day. Over the many years we have supported this event we have donated tens of thousands of pounds.

In addition we are backing the Hospice by donating a percentage of our fee for any property we sell or let where the vendor/landlord has come to us because of their connection with the hospice. The latest property sold was in Ferney Road, East Barnet which resulted in a £500 donation.

• martyngerrard.co.uk •

MILL HILL

109 The Broadway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 3TG NW7@martyngerrard.co.uk

Jatin Shah BSc MARLA

LETTINGS 020 8906 0660 E: NW7@martyngerrard.co.uk

Morphou Road, NW7 • • • • •

Thirleby Road, NW7

Three double bedrooms Two bathrooms and downstairs guest wc Living room and conservatory Integral garage Energy rating – B

Uphill Road, NW7 • • • •

£575pw

£875pw

Five bedrooms Two living rooms Two bathrooms and downstairs guest wc Energy rating – D

• • • • •

Victoria Road, NW7 • •

• •

£650pw

Four bedrooms Two bathrooms and downstairs guest wc Modern kitchen-diner Living room with step out balcony Energy rating – B

£575pw

Four bedrooms Spacious kitchen with separate dining room Beautiful garden overlooking St Joseph’s Energy rating – E

page 26 • Mill Hill • The Village • Mill Hill East • Edgware

Alice McDermott

Mill Hill provides different styles of living, whether you are in the main hub of Mill Hill or in Mill Hill Village surrounded by green belt. The area has a diverse range of properties from Edwardian and Victorian through to new build developments. The Broadway offers an abundance of cafes, restaurants, major retailers and banks together with transport links to Central London.

Bloomsbury Close, NW7 • • • •

£235pw

One bedroom ground floor flat Open plan kitchen living En-suite with guest wc Energy rating – C

E: NW7@martyngerrard.co.uk

Tom Sexton

Jamie McIver

SALES 020 8906 0660

Jamil Ashgar

Mill Hill • The Village • Mill Hill East • Edgware • page 27

Highview Avenue, HA8 £500,000

Longfield Avenue, NW7 £399,950

Wise Lane, NW7 £750,000

A chain free three bed semi detached house. Energy rating – F. The owners love... “Our neighbourhood has a real community feel and is a safe and quiet place to live”

A two bedroom semi detached bungalow offered with no upper chain.

Energy rating – D. The owners love... “I love Relaxing in the conservatory looking out on the garden”

A recently refurbished four bed, two bath semi detached family home.

Energy rating – D. The owners love... “The open plan living downstairs is ideal for entertaining guests”

Hammers Lane, NW7 £625,000

Morphou Road, NW7 £625,000

Littleberry Court, NW7 £449,950

Four bed, three bath end of terrace town house. Energy rating – D . The owners love...

“Our beautiful garden is so secluded and is a haven of peace & tranquillity”

A rarely available three bed, on the popular Ridgemont development. Energy rating – B. The owners love... “The development is safe for children to play and there is a fantastic playground”

Luxury three bedroom flat. Energy rating – F. The owners love... “The feeling of being in the middle of the countryside, yet only 20 minutes away from the chaos of Camden Town”

Francklyn Gardens, HA8

£725,000

A five to six bed detached family home situated on a corner plot on a quiet residential road in Edgware.

Energy rating – D. The owners love...“We love the south west facing rear garden, so much sunshine and so secluded”

Russell Grove, NW7

£1,395,000

A detached four bedroom, two bathroom family home located close to Mill Hill Broadway. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “We love the fact that we are so close to the shops, cafes and restaurants on the Broadway”

For futher information or to arrange a viewing, please call 020 8906 0660 or email NW7@martyngerrard.co.uk

MUSWELL HILL

300 Muswell Hill Broadway, Muswell Hill, London N10 2QR N10@martyngerrard.co.uk

E: N10@martyngerrard.co.uk

Curzon Road, N10 • • • • •

Osier Crescent, N10

Five bedrooms Separate modern kitchen Garden Unfurnished Energy rating – F

Queens Avenue, N10 • • • •

£900pw

Two bedrooms Off street parking Video entry system Energy rating – B

£419pw

• • • • •

Muswell Hill Broadway, N10 • • • •

Two double bedrooms Spacious & modern flat Sole use of terrace Energy rating – D

page 28 • Muswell Hill • Alexandra Palace • Highgate Borders • Bounds Green

Natalie Bannerman

Andy Christophi MARLA

LETTINGS 020 8442 2140

Thomas King MARLA

Muswell Hill provides residents with views of the metropolis to take your breath away. The area has become increasingly popular as a wide variety of independent traders carry out their business alongside established high street names. Coupled with a plethora of cafes and restaurants there is a vibrant village atmosphere, all above the expanse of London.

£650pw

Four bedrooms Open plan kitchen/diner En-suite master bedroom Unfurnished Energy rating – C

£355pw

Conley Hatch Lane, N10 £315pw • • • •

Two bedrooms 30sq ft open plan living/dining Patio garden Energy rating – C

Daniel Millet

Charlotte Melville MNAEA

E: N10@martyngerrard.co.uk

Anthony Godelman

SALES 020 8444 3388

Rowland Slinn MNAEA

Muswell Hill • Alexandra Palace • Highgate Borders • Bounds Green • page 29

Sydney Road, N10 £375,000

Alma Road, N10

Two bedroom two reception room ground floor period maisonette with its own garden.

Energy rating – D. The owners love... “The abundance of original features, fireplaces and exposed floor boards”

Three bedroom semi detached house with a garage and a south facing garden.

Energy rating – D. The owners love...

“We have great neighbours and are close to good local schools”

A unique three double bedroom Edwardian garden maisonette with parking.

Energy rating – E. The owners love...

“Having our own front door really gives you the feeling of living in a house”

Alexandra Park Road £350,000

Alexandra Park Road £699,950

Creighton Avenue

Two bedroom church conversion with patio garden situated near Alexandra Palace. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “Having a large patio which is great for summer Barbeques when friends come round”

A three bedroom split level conversion with a large South East facing garden. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “The exceptional size of the garden with potential for an annex or garden room”

Six bedroom semi detached Arts & Crafts home with off-street parking and a 115’ South facing garden. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “The beautiful garden when it’s lit up in the evening”

Coppetts Road, N10

£1,400,000

Five bedroom Semi detached house with an additional two bedroom annex and parking for several cars situated close to popular schools. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “Our huge back garden which has open views over allotments”

£525,000

Wellfield Avenue, N10 £895,000

Muswell Hill Road, N10

£1,500,000

£1,450,000

A five bedroom semi detached period home arranged over three floors on the Highgate side of Muswell Hill Broadway. Energy rating – E. The owners love... “The tranquillity and privacy of our garden and close proximity to adjacent Parkland Walk”

For futher information or to arrange a viewing, please call 020 8444 3388 or email N10@martyngerrard.co.uk

Professio n a l &

Block Manag pro f essional & block management

T

his summer has seen us combine the talents of two of our depar tments.

The increase in business and type of proper ty we have been taking on has seen both our Professional and Block Management Depar tments working more closely together, so it has made perfect sense to bring them together under one roof. They are now based at our Head Office in Finchley and are headed by Saul Gerrard MA MRICS FICBA. Having represented our clients’ interests in both commercial and residential property for over 49 years there is no one in the North London market that is able to offer such a range of services, together with our proven level of expertise and experience.

The Block Management Department is made up of experienced property managers, engineers and accounts staff. They handle a variety of property of all ages and sizes from small blocks of three flats to large estates of over fifty flats. They deal with the day to day running of the block from the smallest detail. We understand that every block is different and we are able to tailor our service to individual needs.

page 30 • Professional & Block Management

Professional advice from an RICS member is essential in effectively managing your property assets. We help landlords to maximise the investment potential of their property or portfolio.

Our Professional Department consists of two RICS qualified surveyors who handle everything required on the surveying side including valuation surveys for such things as lease renewals, probate, dilapidation and condition surveys.

We undertake valuations and negotiations for Rent Review and Lease renewals on commercial property and have huge experience negotiating on behalf of landlords and tenants. Over the many years that we have been in practice, we have valued or dealt with property on nearly every major high street in the area and have a unique in depth knowledge of property and values.

We have produced professional valuations for court proceedings, probate and tax purposes, and carry out professional valuations for Lease extension and freehold enfranchisement.

As members of both ALEP and ARMA and being overseen by the RICS you can have complete peace of mind that your property is being handled by professionals.

agement

Professional & Block Management • page 31

Are you one of the many thousands of people in the area who own a flat in a residential block?

Have you appointed a managing agent and are now wondering what happened to the service they promised and where your service charge is going?

Are you running the management of the block yourselves and are being swamped by the organisation required and confused by the ever changing legislation?

Has your freeholder appointed a managing agent and you feel you have no say on escalating costs?

Are you considering taking over the running of your block from your freeholder?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, Martyn Gerrard Estate Agents Block Management Department is able to offer you a simple, straight forward and cost effective solution.

Our Block Management Department, based at our Head Office in Finchley, and headed by Jon Wolbrom MCIOB, are able to handle every aspect of this specialist service for you.

When asked to manage a property we will first carry out an audit of records and leases and other legal documents. A site survey will be undertaken by the head of the department for us to understand or identify any maintenance requirements. We will then be able to provide a detailed budget and ongoing maintenance programme.

Local Specialists Unlike many other managing agents, we are a local company who have, over the last 49 years, acquired a detailed knowledge and experience of all types of property across North and North West London. This understanding of the local area means we are able to provide cost affective solutions to many of the problems experienced by local residents. We have a list of local, reliable, qualified and experienced tradesmen who can deal with a multitude of issues from blocked drains to broken lifts.

Comprehensive Service We look after a range of properties including modern blocks, older converted buildings and mansion blocks in which flats share communal facilities such as hot water and central heating boilers.

We are fully up-to-date with current legislation, so that our clients have complete peace of mind that their legal responsibilities are being met. So as well as providing the day to day administration, legal compliance, accounting, insurance, company secretarial duties and organising hosting AGMs, we are also well versed in helping residents set up Right to Manage (RTM) companies to acquire the right to run their own block.

Over the past 49 years there are very few situations we have not come across and successfully dealt with for our clients.

Call Jon Wolbrom on 020 8343 4340 ext 4 or email bm@martyngerrard.co.uk and we will be happy to discuss in more detail your situation and how the Martyn Gerrard Block Management Department can assist you. • martyngerrard.co.uk •

WHETSTONE

1286 High Road, Whetstone, London N20 9HH N20@martyngerrard.co.uk

Sam Ibgi

LETTINGS 020 8446 2111 E: N20@martyngerrard.co.uk

Southway, N20 • • • • •

£580 pw

Marlborough Gardens, N20

Four Double bedrooms Two Family bathrooms Large double reception room Off street parking Energy rating – E

• • • • •

Knoll Lodge Gloucester Rd, EN5 £276 pw

Raleigh Drive, N20

• • • •

• • • •

Two double bedrooms Large kitchen Privet balcony Energy rating – C

page 32 • Whetstone • Totteridge • New Southgate

Three bedrooms Two double receptions Off street parking Energy rating – E

Hannah Salem

Totteridge and Whetstone is a pleasant ‘leafy’ suburb of North London offering the full spectrum of properties and is renowned for having good schools and excellent transport links. The High Road offers a wide variety of shopping facilities, restaurants and bars with countryside walks, parks and golf courses close by.

£288 pw

Two Double bedrooms Newly refurbished Family bathroom Private cul-de-sac Energy rating – D

£392 pw

Great Bushy Drive, N20 • • • •

£450 pw

Three double bedrooms, two bathrooms Two large receptions Bright kitchen Energy rating – F

E: N20@martyngerrard.co.uk

Sam Lacey

SALES 020 8446 2111

Nick Franklin

Theo Stylianou NAEA

Whetstone • Totteridge • New Southgate • page 33

Buttery Mews, N14 £300,000

York Road, EN5 £429,995

High Road, N20

A first floor two bedroom purpose built apartment within close proximity to local amenities. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “We moved into the area primarily due to the excellent schools nearby”

A well presented three bedroom town house in a very convenient location.

Energy rating – D. The owners love... “I love the fact that I am a stones throw away from New Barnet overground station”

A two bedroom ground floor conversion with communal garden at the rear.

Energy rating – D. The owners love...

“The location is so close to local amenities and transport”

Ridgeview Road, N20 £485,000

Manor Court, N20

Green Lanes, N21

A four bedroom end of terrace family home within a short walk to all local amenities.

Energy rating – D. The owners love... “Being so close to St John’s primary, which was great for the kids when they were younger”

A two bedroom purpose built first floor flat that is currently being rented out. Energy rating – E. The owners love... “This property has made me a great income over the years and is a great investment”

Dalmeny Road, EN4

£485,000

A three bedroom semi detached family home recently refurbished throughout in a contemporary style.

Energy rating – D. The owners love... “It’s great living on a nice, wide road which is so quiet - ideal for families”

£219,995

£299,995

£249,995

A two bed split level first floor maisonette with entrances to front and rear. Energy rating – D. The owners love... “On the first floor we have generously high ceilings and the natural light bounces off the walls”

Gresham Avenue, N20

£699,995

A four bedroom semi-detached house situated on a sough after road opposite Bethune Park.

Energy rating – D. The owners love...“Being close to Muswell Hill amenities and Whetstone High Road amenities”

For futher information or to arrange a viewing, please call 020 8446 2111 or email N20@martyngerrard.co.uk

Michael Izzi Manager, Commercial

CO M M E RC I A L

I

s the state of the high street really that “bad”? It seems that every news report we hear and every article in the press, labours on “the death of the High Street”.Yes, the High Street is changing but by no means is it dying.

Every

week

Martyn

Gerrard’s

Commercial

department receives hundreds of enquiries from people looking to start, expand or relocate their businesses across North and North West London.

Traditionally busy high streets such as North Finchley and Finchley Central have seen larger multiple retailers enter the market such as Harris and Hoole, Baskin Robins and Costa over the last twelve months, which demonstrates positive movements in terms of the state of the High Street and the return of the multiple retailer.

Shop owners have to negotiate the delicate balance of ensuring their shop is inviting and window displays are regularly updated whilst not overspending with respect to shop fit-outs.

There has been a marked increase in the level of enquiry we have received this year in comparison to the last three years which is encouraging for Commercial Landlords and Tenants alike.

There is no doubt we have all changed our consumer habits since the explosion of internet shopping and as a result trading on the High Street has become more challenging, especially when combined with high rates bills and parking restrictions.

What we have found is that there has been an increased focus in areas such as Muswell Hill, Crouch End and Mill Hill from independent retailers looking to provide highend quality products and services.

The

level

of

enquiry

in

the

affluent

urban

villages in North London is still extremely strong and the last eighteen months has seen successful independent businesses introduced into the local area such as Bottle Apostle (Wine Merchants) and Niddle Noddle (Children’s Clothing).

page 34 • Lease Extensions

Interestingly, we have seen an increase in the less traditional high street retail uses and moving towards more service-driven businesses. The level of enquiry for Personal Training Studios, Nurseries and Physiotherapists has increased dramatically over the last few years.

Recently there has been a relaxation of the use class order, allowing occupiers the opportunity to take occupation of retail premises for a period of two years without the need for a change of use application. In short this permits any business to trade as retail, restaurant or office in any retail premises for that two year period regardless of the existing retail use class.

This initiative which primarily targets occupiers who are looking to start pop-up shops should see many of the empty units on our high streets become tenanted, increasing footfall and activity in our local areas and thus reinvigorate the High Street, and whilst this is purely a short term measure, if it leads to planners being more amenable to changes of use it is a positive.

£57,500 PAX

Eva Simon

E: comm@martyngerrard.co.uk

Stephen Stavropoulos

Michael Izzi

COMMERCIAL 020 8444 3445

Ben Alcock

Commercial & Professional Services Across North London • page 35

Hendon, NW4 £3,250,000 B1/B8 Buildings For Sale

Muswell Hill, N10 Retail Shop To Let

• Development opportunities STP • Total B1/B8 area 1128m2 (13,215ft2) appox

• Total G/F area of 67m2 (731 ft2) approx • High footfall location

• G/F area 163m2 (1760ft2) appox • Gated outside space

Crouch End, N8 £39,000 PAX A3/A5 Restaurant To Let

St Albans, AL4 B1 Office For Sale

High Road, N12 A1 Shop To Let

• Arranged over ground floor and basement • High profile trading position

• Net internal area 235m2 (2526ft2) approx • Nine parking spaces

• G/F area of 86m2 (930ft2) approx • Open plan retail area

Heath Street, NW3 £37,750 A3 Lease For Sale Premium £200k

Barnet, EN5 £399,950 PAX B1 Office For Sale

Whetstone, N20 £17,750 PAX A1 Lease For Sale £19,500 Premium

• Net internal floor area 77m2 (835ft2) approx • High profile position

• Total G/F area 145m2 (1,562ft2) approx • Possible development opportunity STP

• Net internal area 79m2 (825ft2) approx • Sold with a range of equipment

£445,000

Woodside Park, N12 £40,000 PAX D1 Nursery To Let

For futher information or to arrange a viewing, please call 020 8444 3445 or email comm@martyngerrarco.uk

£26,000 PAX

Computer generated image

A n ideal H ome

for you – available from £575,000

Carter Close is an exclusive development of four bedroom homes designed with individual characteristics and enjoying large open plan living areas with generous gardens.

See p7-8 inside this magazine for more details.

All enquiries exclusively through sole selling agents.

020 8440 2444

Please note: The Directors of Martyn Gerrard Estate Agents have a substantial interest in the Vendor company.

Map not to scale

BARNET 4 Exchange Buildings, High Street, Barnet EN5 5SY T: 020 8440 2444 Email: EN5@martyngerrard.co.uk

Finchley Central 365 Regents Park Road Finchley Central N3 1DE T 020 8346 0102 Email: N3@martyngerrard.co.uk

Kentish Town 304 Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town NW5 2TH T: 020 7267 3737 Email: NW5@martyngerrard.co.uk

Whetstone 1286 High Road, Whetstone N20 9HH T 020 8446 2111 Email: N20@martyngerrard.co.uk

Crouch End 45 The Broadway Crouch End N8 8DT T: 020 8348 5135 Email: N8@martyngerrard.co.uk

North Finchley 773 High Road, North Finchley N12 8JY T 020 8445 2222 Email: N12@martyngerrard.co.uk

Mill Hill 109 The Broadway, Mill Hill NW7 3TG T: 020 8906 0660 Email: NW7@martyngerrard.co.uk

COMMERCIAL 66/68 High Road, East Finchley N2 9PN T: 020 8883 3445 Email: comm@martyngerrard.co.uk Email: professional@martyngerrard.co.uk

East Finchley 66/68 High Road East Finchley N2 9PN T: 020 8883 0077 Email: N2@martyngerrard.co.uk

HENDON 59 Brent Street Hendon NW4 2EA T 020 8203 2012 Email: NW4@martyngerrard.co.uk

Muswell Hill 300 Muswell Hill Broadway, Muswell Hill N10 2QR T: 020 8444 3388 Email: N10@martyngerrard.co.uk

LETTINGS & BLOCK MANAGEMENT 197 Ballards Lane, Finchley N3 1LP T: 020 8343 4340 Email: management@martyngerrard.co.uk Email: bm@martyngerrard.co.uk

HEAD OFFICE, PROFESSIONAL AND LAND & NEW HOMES 197 Ballards Lane, Finchley N3 1LP

T: 020 8343 4340