Our House - Chandlers Estate Agents Property Magazine

The best property for sale and to rent locally

Our House issue 1 | 2012

Ampthill, Shefford & Stevenage Homes Signature Homes Investment Property Lettings Financial Services Customer Reviews

Get your own

PERSONAL ESTATE AGENT the one to one service you deserve

www.chandlers-estates.co.uk

for the best advice on the market talk to Chandlers Ampthill t. 01525 406035 e. ben@chandlerspersonal.co.uk

Shefford t. 01462 712050 e. ian@chandlerspersonal.co.uk

Stevenage 18 Market Place, Stevenage, Herts SG1 1DB t. 01438 356635 sales t. 01438 340449 lettings t. 01438 233233 e. sales@chandlers-estates.co.uk e. lettings@chandlers-estates.co.uk

homes

this issue 4 Stevenage Homes 6 Chandlers Personal 7 Ampthill/Shefford Homes 8 Signature Range 12 Lettings Property 14 Financial Services 15 Investment Property 16 Customer Reviews

Ben South

16 years of success It’s hard to believe how much technology has changed estate agency over the last 16 years, Chandlers are pleased to still be #attheforefront

Ian Paxton

Design & Print | www.prestigeprint.biz

David Golding

16 years of success in Hertfordshire was marked with the exciting launch of our personal estate agents service into Bedfordshire, a modern approach to selling houses. Our first edition of ‘Our House’ property magazine will number 10,000 copies delivered to homes, businesses and railway stations. This regular publication will feature all aspects of residential property, it will shortly feature on our website and be e-mailed to our large mailing list of waiting buyers,tenants and subscribers.

Our comprehensive property marketing focuses on top quality images and presentation, featured on www.chandlers-estates.co.uk, all of the top property portals, Facebook and Twitter.

Chandlers have a track record of leading the way with technology, launching their web site in 1997 it has been viewed by thousands of prospective purchasers.

Of course, the fundamentals of estate agency have nothing to do with technology – they are about people and our experienced team of estate agents are on hand to offer advice and information for your property requirements.

Our aim is to provide the best possible service, assist you from start to finish and communicate regularly through the whole process. Here is an example of feedback from our customers posted on the Property Ombudsman website: www.tpos.co.uk

Satisfaction Ratings Professional:

9.8/10

Knowledgeable:

9.8/10

Friendly:

9.8/10

Helpful:

10/10

Our House

Stevenage Town Centre

£42,000

An immaculate modern ground floor apartment just a short walk from the Town Centre & Station. The purchase price represents a 35% share of the ownership.

Spacious lounge diner, kitchen with integrated oven and hob, gas heating to radiators and double glazing. Allocated parking, communal gardens and bike store.

Poplars, Stevenage

£187,500

A spacious three bedroom end of terrace home with a garage situated in the Poplars area of Stevenage. The property benefits from gas heating to radiators, double glazing, living room, kitchen, three bedrooms, bathroom, gardens and a garage nearby. Offered chain free & is located on the outskirts of Stevenage.

Pin Green, Stevenage

£167,500

A spacious 3 bed home situated in the Pin Green area of Stevenage. The property offers a large entrance hall, cloakroom, large utility room, kitchen, dining area, living room, three bedrooms, bathroom, double glazing, gas warm air heating, gardens and general parking. Offered chain free.

Stevenage Sales 01438 356635 sales@chandlers-estates.co.uk 4

Old Town, Stevenage

£267,500

An attractive 3 bedroom semi-detached home situated in the sought after Old Town area of Stevenage. Gas heating to radiators(new boiler), pvcu double glazing, downstairs cloakroom, refitted kitchen, garage, gardens and block paved driveway. Just a short walk from Stevenage Town Centre, the Old Town High Street and railway station.

Symonds Green, Stevenage

£189,950

A spacious and well presented three bedroom home situated in the popular Symonds Green area. The property offers entrance hall, cloakroom, study, lounge, kitchen diner, three double bedrooms, bathroom with shower cubicle, double glazing, gas heating, gardens and allocated parking.

Great Ashby, Stevenage

£179,950

An immaculate two bedroom home situated in this popular cul-de-sac in the Great Ashby area of Stevenage. The property benefits from gas heating to radiators, double glazing, entrance hall & cloakroom, living room, kitchen diner, 2 large bedrooms, garden and two park spaces to the front. Must be viewed.

Poplars, Stevenage

£199,995

Vastly improved three bedroom end terrace in a quiet cul-de-sac in the Poplars area of Stevenage. Spacious entrance hall, refitted kitchen diner, living room, full width double glazed conservatory, three good sized bedrooms, refitted bathroom, garden with summerhouse and a garage with several parking spaces to the side. Offered chain free.

Chells Manor, Stevenage

£169,995

An attractive and well presented two bed end home situated in a private cul-de-sac location in Chells Manor. The property offers an entrance hall, living room, kitchen diner, two bedrooms, bathroom, gas heating to radiators, double glazing, gardens and a garage with parking space. Chain free.

Retirement Flat, Town Centre

£135,000

A spacious one bedroom first floor flat situated within this select development located in the Town Centre of Stevenage. Large entrance area, living room with balcony, kitchen with appliances, bedroom with fitted wardrobes, bathroom, electric heating and double glazing. Facilities that include a lift, lounge, laundry room and residents parking.

Old Town, Stevenage

£325,000

A spacious four bedroom town house located within a small gated development just off the Old Town High Street. Generous adaptable accommodation and could easily accommodate an office for a home worker. Bedrooms one & two have en-suite bathrooms and to the front there is a garage and drive. Close to station and High Street.

Chells, Stevenage

£169,950

A spacious three bedroom home with a garage in the Chells area, with many improvements. Entrance hall, lounge and separate dining room, refitted kitchen, three bedrooms, refitted bathroom, rewiring and a renewed gas heating system, gardens, shed (can be used as office) and a garage(with access from garden) in a block to the rear.

Retirement Bungalow, Stevenage

£175,000

A well presented 2 bedroom semi detached bungalow situated within private gardens in the Pin Green area of Stevenage. Offered to the over 55’s with independent living with the support of the Aldwych housing association. Entrance hall, lounge, kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom, secure parking and well maintained communal gardens.

Stevenage Sales 01438 356635 sales@chandlers-estates.co.uk 5

what is a personal estate agent?

August saw Chandlers exciting expansion into Mid Bedfordshire with personal estate agents Ben South & Ian Paxton selling houses in Ampthill, Flitwick, Shefford, Stotfold, Barton and surrounding villages.

Our personal estate agents practice in the area they live, our modern approach to selling & letting houses embraces technology and provides the very best property presentation for your property. We operate a flexible appointment system for accompanied viewings and will be on hand to progress your sale through to completion.

We have the ultimate desire to succeed – its our business, so there it is, you have your own estate agent, the buck stops with us and you will receive the one to one service you deserve and expect and all for a very competitive fee.

We look forward to speaking to you in the near future .

Ben South

moved to Ampthill when he married and brought up his family there. With 30 years in estate agency he is now pleased to be working in his home town.

Ian Paxton

was born and brought up in Ampthill and surrounding villages and has been an estate agent for over 30 years, working in Flitwick and Hitchin before joining Chandlers in 2002.

AMPTHILL | FLIT WICK | BARTON

SHEFFORD | SHILLINGTON | STOTFOLD

ben@chandlerspersonal.co.uk

ian@chandlerspersonal.co.uk

01525 406035

01462 712050

www.chandlerspersonal.co.uk

6

Upper Gravenhurst

£129,995

A delightful 1 bedroom character cottage situated in the sought after village of Upper Gravenhurst. The property offers exposed beams, double glazing, rear utility/porch, feature fireplace with log burner, re-fitted upstairs bathroom, rear garden and storage shed. Many nearby walks and offered chain free.

Hitchin

£118,000

A well presented 1 bedroom purpose built ground floor maisonette situated in this popular location just off Old Hale Way. Benefits include upvc double glazing, fitted kitchen with oven and hob, spacious 4.25m lounge, bedroom and re-fitted bathroom with shower.

Shillington

£374,995

Hillfoot House is a fabulous detached character home situated within the highly regarded village of Shillington. The property has potential to extend (STP) yet provides comfortable family accommodation with off road parking and secure, established gardens. For further details see Signature page.

Chicksands Near Shefford

£205,000

A large 3 bedroom terrace home with conservatory extension, gas/radiator heating, double glazing, spacious kitchen/breakfast room, study, lounge, upstairs bathroom with shower, well maintained front and rear gardens. Ideal for dog lovers with many nearby walks. Offered chain free.

Ampthill

£350,000

A fabulous four bedroom detached house in Ampthill, see our Signature Homes page for more information and photos or check our web site www.chandlersestates.co.uk

Flitton

£565,000

A former farm house in a secluded location retaining many period features. See more photos and information on our Signature Homes page or go to our web site, www.chandlers-estates.co.uk

Ampthill Sales 01525 406035 ben@chandlers-estates.co.uk Shefford Sales 01462 712050 ian@chandlers-estates.co.uk 7

Individual & Characterful

Do you own a signature home, a property that buyers are searching for, a house with that little extra special something? It doesn’t have to be the most expensive house but a home that deserves extra presentation to include: • Branded ‘Signature’ brochures • Half page adverts in Chandlers ‘Our House’ property magazine • Premium Internet listings and features • High quality images • Mature experienced estate agents allow more time for accompanied viewings • Bespoke marketing campaign

We look forward to tailoring the presentation of your home and featuring it in our signature range.

So ld

Old Town, Stevenage £500,000 A four bedroom spacious detached family home located in a favoured residential location on the edge of the Old Town Stevenage. The property constructed in the 1970’s by the present owner occupies a generous plot. Although the light & airy accommodation requires some updating, the house in the past and will again in the future be a wonderful family home.

Four double bedroom detached house, lounge, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, en-suite bathroom, family bathroom with bath & separate shower, utility room, double garage, mature well stocked gardens.

Chandlers Signature 01438 233233

Individual & Characterful

8

Langford £465,000 A detached 4 bedroom 4 reception New Home situated in this select development backing onto fields within this popular village. A longstanding family firm will provide a high quality bespoke fitted kitchen of the purchaser’s choice funded by a generous allowance. Individual choices of bathrooms and ceramics are also available. Langford is a delightful village with local farm shop, 2 pubs, convenience stores, school, pharmacy, riverside walks, easy access to the A1m.

Sought after village location, Bespoke kitchen & bathrooms, Four bedroom detached, Four reception rooms, Bathroom & 2 shower rooms, Garden backing onto fields, Detached double garage, Ample driveway parking. Reputable local builder.

Chandlers Signature 01462 712050

Sandy £380,000 The former Rose & Crown public house has undergone an extensive refurbishment to provide large family accommodation and is situated on a sizeable plot on the outskirts of the town. This extended home enjoys contemporary living space whilst retaining many of the original features. The mainline railway station (0.8 miles approx.) provides access to London/Kings Cross and there is easy access to the A1m road links. The property is offered CHAIN FREE. Chain free detached house, Comprehensively refurbished, Four double bedrooms, Two reception rooms, Bespoke kitchen/breakfast, Downstairs cloakroom, Two luxury bathrooms, Detached double garage, Secure side & rear gardens.

Chandlers Signature 01462 712050

Individual & Characterful

9

Stevenage £329,950 A four bedroom detached family home built

by Mclean Homes and offered in show home condition, two refitted bathrooms, refitted kitchen, popular residential location on the outskirts of town, a must see house. The property has separate reception rooms and is located in the Poplars region of Stevenage, close to Sainsbury’s and neighbourhood shops.

Four Bedrooms, en-suite bathroom, family bathroom, feature refitted kitchen, lounge, separate dining room, downstairs cloakroom, Gardens, Garage with personal door to the entrance hall.

Chandlers Signature 01438 233233

Shillington £374,995 Hillfoot House is an attractive detached residence situated within the highly regarded village of Shillington. Offering comfortable family accommodation and suitably complimented by secure, established gardens. Shillington benefits from two convenience stores, three public houses, school, two petrol stations/garages and an abundance of walks in the surrounding countryside. The Main line railway station at Hitchin lies approx. 6 miles distant and provides access to London/Kings Cross.

Detached character home, Three double bedrooms, Potential to extend (stp), Kitchen/ breakfast room, Two reception rooms, Open fireplace, Bathroom & shower room, Established garden, Brick built utility store, Numerous walks nearby.

Chandlers Signature 01462 712050

Individual & Characterful

10

Flitton ÂŁ565,000 The White House is an attractive period farm house occupying mature and secluded gardens in the pretty and well regarded village of Flitton. The property requires an inspection to appreciate its location, layout and period features such as fireplaces in the reception rooms and exposed beamed ceilings. The Main line railway station at Flitwick lies just 2.4 miles away and provides access to Kings Cross/St Pancras. Flitton is a small village with an outstanding lower school and close to excellent middle and upper schools are in Ampthill, Flitwick & Harlington.

Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, sitting room with inglenook fire place, dining room with log burning stove, study/family room providing adaptable accommodation, kitchen, feature well stocked gardens, out buildings and long drive.

Chandlers Signature 01525 406035

Ampthill ÂŁ350,000 An immaculate four bedroom detached house in a quiet residential location and within walking distance of all local schools.

The accommodation boasts refitted kitchen with integrated appliances and refitted bathrooms. Conveniently located for Ampthills historic Georgian bustling town centre & within two miles of a main line station. Tavistock Avenue is a popular established residential location.

Four bedroom modern detached, lounge, dining room, refitted kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, refitted en-suite shower room, refitted family bathroom, attractive south facing gardens, garage and drive.

Chandlers Signature 01525 406035

Individual & Characterful

11

lettings department Chandlers letting department celebrated it’s seventh year in 2012 with the addition of Sharon Lister to the team, a property manager with a wealth of experience. Our lettings department can safeguard your investment, we have an unrivalled track record of tenant selection resulting in a large client portfolio of tenancies conducted without arrears.

Our managed service includes: • T he production of specialist professional inventories accompanied with check in and check out reports • Full particulars of your property • Rent guarantee insurance • Regular inspections • Industry regulatory compliance

Telephone our lettings team on 01438 340449 or 01525 406035 to discuss your requirements and book a free market appraisal

Stevenage

£1,000 PCM

Chells Manor, Stevenage

£795 PCM

A two double bedroom semi detached house with attached garage. The property occupies a generous plot and benefits from a gas heating system to radiators and double glazing. The unfurnished accommodation is in good condition throughout.

Stevenage

£700 PCM

A two bedroom, two bathroom second floor apartment providing modern unfurnished accommodation with kitchen appliances and allocated parking. To the rear the property overlooks Fairlands Lakes. The property is available in mid October.

A Le gr t ee d

A three bedroom property with an extension providing an additional adaptable ground floor room ideal for use as a family room or home office etc. In addition there is a large storage room.

Refitted kitchen and bathroom, double glazing and Gas heating.

Available for occupation from the third week in October.

Old Town, Stevenage

£650 PCM

A 2 bedroom cluster home unfurnished with kitchen appliances.

Benefitting off street parking, located in a prime position for access to both New and Old town and the main line station is within walking distance. New windows are to be fitted.

Poplars, Stevenage

Lettings Properties 01438 340449 lettings@chandlers-estates.co.uk 12

£830 PCM

This much improved three bedroom property is located in the Poplars region of Stevenage. Re-fitted kitchen with appliances, re-fitted bathroom incorporating a bath with curved shower end and a large conservatory off the lounge. Garden with patio and allocated parking. Available unfurnished with appliances.

Stevenage

£550 PCM

A one bedroom first floor spacious apartment located on the edge of the Old Town. Well presented, unfurnished with kitchen appliances and built in wardrobes to the bedroom. Convenient access to both old and new town centres as well as the station. A new bathroom will be fitted prior to the start of the tenancy.

Great Ashby, Stevenage

£750 PCM

A two bedroom terrace house located in a Great Ashby cul-de-sac with allocated parking to the front. The unfurnished accommodation has kitchen appliances. The property has a ground floor cloakroom and both bedrooms are double. Great Ashby has a neighbourhood shopping centre and Junior school.

Fairfield Park

£895 PCM

Two/three bedroom mews home on a parkland development approached from mature tree lined avenues. Ideal for professionals seeking maintenance free living in a ‘lock up and leave’ environment. Allocated parking, gardens, private patio area and communal lawns. Gym, Pool and Brassiere in the Main Hall.

A Le gr t ee d

The lettings market is very buoyant and Chandlers require more property to suit their waiting list of tenants. We offer a range of services from full management to tenant finding only. We look forward to meeting you to discuss your requirements. If you are a new landlord or looking to extend an existing portfolio turn to our property investments on page 15 where you will see a selection of properties for sale, many of which are available to buy with a tenant in place.

A Le gr t ee d

More property required

Ampthill

£550 PCM

Coreys Mill, Stevenage

£675 PCM

A spacious two bedroom flat situated in the popular, sought after Coreys Mill area of Stevenage, with good access to the Lister Hospital, town centre and main line railway station. The property will be offered unfurnished with appliances.

Little Wymondley

£650 PCM

A refurbished two bedroom first floor maisonette located in Little Wymondley . The accommodation is offered unfurnished with appliances and benefits from refitted kitchen and bathroom, new decor and floor coverings, in addition the property is double glazed and has gas heating to radiators.

A Le gr t ee d

Spacious one bedroom first floor apartment in an attractive courtyard development set amongst mature communal grounds. Private ground floor entrance, unfurnished. Kitchen with integrated appliances, lounge with door to a Juliet balcony.

Allocated and visitor parking spaces and communal gardens.

Chells, Stevenage

£725 PCM

Pin Green, Stevenage

£795 PCM

This three bedroom property offers spacious unfurnished accommodation available mid September with garage & garden.

The town centreís and station are within walking distance.

Ground floor Lounge, Dining Room, Kitchen, Toilet, Storeroom with three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor.

Poplars, Stevenage

£725 PCM

This two bedroom mid terrace property is located in the Poplars region of Stevenage. Improved and benefits from a re-fitted kitchen and bathroom, double glazing and the installation of a gas heating system to radiators. Downstairs toilet, allocated parking and is available unfurnished with appliances.

Symonds Green, Stevenage

Shephall, Stevenage

£850 PCM

This two bedroom mid terrace located in the Poplars region of Stevenage. Much improved and benefits from a re-fitted kitchen and bathroom, double glazing and the installation of a gas heating system to radiators. Downstairs toilet, allocated parking and is available unfurnished with appliances.

More property required

A Le gr t ee d

This spacious property provides two double bedrooms with wardrobes, a large lounge/diner, re-fitted kitchen and bathroom with bath and shower. The accommodation is available unfurnished with kitchen appliances, to the rear the property has its own garden and a shed for storage.

£550 PCM

A one bedroom first floor flat located close to Fairview Road and within walking distance to the station. The accommodation is double glazed and has gas heating to radiators, it also benefits from a re-fitted kitchen and is equipped with appliances. Both Old and New Town Centres are easily accessible.

The lettings market is very buoyant and Chandlers require more property to suit their waiting list of tenants. We offer a range of services from full management to tenant finding only. We look forward to meeting you to discuss your requirements. If you are a new landlord or looking to extend an existing portfolio turn to our property investments on page 15 where you will see a selection of properties for sale, many of which are available to buy with a tenant in place.

Lettings Properties 01438 340449 lettings@chandlers-estates.co.uk 13

Clear, Professional & Friendly Advice Buying a new home or simply re-mortgaging your existing property is a very time consuming and complex business.

That's why at IG Financial Services our expertise is at hand to guide you through the process.

We take care of every step for you, from the initial advice we give through to completion of your new mortgage.

To have all your questions answered on Mortgages, and Family or Personal Protection please call Laura on

07500 047295 or 01462 730816 igfinancialservices@hotmail.com

Our aim is to enjoy a long-term relationship with our clients ensuring we deliver: • Clear, Professional & Friendly Advice • Competitive Mortgage deals for you by comparing hundreds of deals from the whole market • Quick and efficient processes to help ensure a speedy mortgage application • Assistance and updates at every stage of your application • Effective communication with your solicitor, estate agent, new lender etc. so you don't have to. This will save you precious time & stress while you are busy at work!

• Competitive protection policies for you sourced from a number of the UK’s leading Insurance companies • 9 years experience within the Mortgage Market • Flexible appointments – Office or home visits including evenings and weekends

IG Financial Services working in association with

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP THE REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

14

investment market The dynamics of the housing market continue to change with more and more people expecting to rent their home from the private sector and delay home ownership due to the continued difficulties in obtaining a mortgage and saving a large deposit. The UK housing market is attracting investors from home and abroad as the private rental sector records a dramatic increase of 56% since 2005, private monthly rents are more than double of those in the social sector.

Chandlers have advised hundreds of investment buyers and sellers and we recommend new entrants to property investment develop a strategy for their portfolio and prioritise some of the following before deciding what to buy; • How important is Yield, the percentage return on your investment • Is the potential for capital growth more important than Yield • Debt reduction (often ignored) if it’s your pension you will need to repay the mortgage • Freehold Versus Leasehold • May you have to sell the property one day or do you have a target date in mind We also, recommend future landlords consider, the strength of the rental market in your chosen area, remember you don’t have to buy to let where you live! – void periods are of a higher concern to seasoned landlords than the amount of rent achieved. And do remember to check your tax liabilities.

Chandlers experienced team are on hand to provide advise and information – we’re just a phone call away.

Town Centre, Stevenage

£167,000

Let to February 2013 at £830 PCM. A three bedroom terrace house located just a short walk to the town and station. Let by Chandlers since July 2009, had two tenancies with a total of two weeks void. This is a very popular location with tenants and will save them in excess of £1,000 PA in station parking fees.

Ripon Road, Stevenage

£99,950

A well presented one bedroom first floor flat with vacant possession featuring a large entrance hall, living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, gas heating, double glazing, communal areas including general parking. Viewing recommended. This type of flat will rent for around £550 PCM.

Old Town, Stevenage

£107,000

Let to the same tenant since august 2007 at £550 PCM+ water rates. A well presented one bedroom flat close to the station and High Street. No void period in over five years, low maintenance, block management fees of £50 per month [includes buildings insurance] + £12 for water, ground rent of £180 per annum.

Chells Manor, Stevenage

£122,500

Chandlers have let this property from November 2006 with only two weeks void period. A one bedroom cluster house with private front/side garden and allocated parking. The freehold property with vacant possession has recently been let at £575 per calendar month.

Martinswood, Stevenage

£129,950

Let on a three year tenancy to July 2014 at £675 PCM. A two bedroom spacious ground floor flat. Re-fitted kitchen and bathroom. Gas heating and entry phone, double glazing and parking. 999 year lease from 1981, £5 per annum ground rent, block management £55 per month including buildings insurance.

Poplars, Stevenage

£205,000

Let since November 2008 with only two weeks void, it is presently let at £830 PCM. The property has a garage which isnít included in the rental agreement which would increase the rent by approximately £50 PCM. Three bedrooms, refitted/ Kitchen & Bathroom and Conservatory.

Investment Properties 01438 356635 sales@chandlers-estates.co.uk 15

“To all the Chandlers team thank you for a most professional service in the disposal of my late parents property, you achieved exactly what you valued the house for and kept us updated through the whole process”

“Thank you for all your assistance with the purchase of our new house, I wished we would have used your services to sell our property”

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“Foun d the m ver friend y effi ly and appro cient, Woul d defi achab nitely le. again u se th to ma e m rket m prope y nex rty” t

ings me at the view ti r u yo r fo u “Thank yo nd and e other weeke th e ir sh rd fo in Bed for lunch the lovely pub g in d en m m ith reco w properties w fe a w sa e W s. afterward ost ts and were m en ag te ta es t differen ism we e professional th h it w ed ss impre Chandlers” experienced at

Our clients are our best advertisement

As great customer service is at the core of what we do, we appreciate hearing how the little details make such a big difference. We’re always happy to receive feedback from customers and we’d love to hear from you.

“Very consis tent & pushe d sale throug me. Ch h for ristine especi was ve ally ry help ful at t when I imes could not ge hold o t f my s olicito additio rs for nal inf o”