Move or Improve

Summer 2018 | www.rmcmedia.co.uk

ON THE MOVE

Five steps to finding the home of your dreams

BE BRAVE

GET OUTSIDE

Top 10 garden trends

Bold colours can transform your home

MOVE OR IMPROVE A SPECIAL PUBLICATION FOR HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS

Designer Kitchen Direct Kitchens Bedrooms Studies

NEW EXTENDED SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

WINNER

– ‘Best of Houzz 2018’ for Best Customer Service ***** 5 star rated business – Google Reviews “They completed the plastering, tiling, electrical work and fitting and everything was done seamlessly and to a fantastic quality” Matthew Jackson, customer, S7 “They have an innovative approach to design, and attention to detail is second to none” Phillippa Peasegood, customer, S10 “Designer Kitchen Direct were outstanding from start to finish” Ben Winslade, architect “The completed kitchen is a stunning feature – we have already placed another order” Dave Kinlin, property developer / builder “If you are thinking of buying a kitchen, visit DKD first... they did a first class job” Roger Lownsbrough, Baslow, retired kitchen retailer

THE DKD DIFFERENCE: • 40 years experience in designing and fitting kitchens • Fully qualified designers – two have degrees in interior architecture.

• Our prices beat everyone else for this level of quality and finish – bespoke, designer, British-built rigid kitchens at mass distributor prices.

• All cabinets and drawers will stand the test of time – 18 millimetre solid backs and sides, to hold them square and provide a firm base for the high quality doors. All detailing on the doors are hand crafted into the wood.

• Our ranges are truly bespoke – any style or colour you desire, clever storage solutions, stunning worktop finishes and lighting designs for a unique look.

• Free, no obligation advice. We can come out and measure up, draw plans, and work out cost options for your new kitchen working within any budget, whilst giving you the very best quality and finish.

• Take the first step in creating your dream kitchen by calling into our showroom, or telephone us to book one of our designers for a free survey. They will then add life and inspiration to your ideas by creating a 3D walkthrough, assisting you in choosing colours, style and layout.

• If you need any building work, to maximise or improve your space, DKD also have their own building team who can assess, quote and complete any necessary preparation work in readiness for your new kitchen.

Designer Kitchen Direct Millennium House, 30 Junction Road, Sheffield, S11 8XB Tel: 0114 349 1454 www.designerkitchendirect.co.uk

CONTENTS

12 Interior design tips

6 Garden trends

Make sure your outdoor space is bang up-to-date with our guide to the latest thinking in garden design

12 Better by design Designing your home has never been more exciting, with summer 2018 bringing fresh trends and unique styles into the light

18 A buyer’s guide Five top tips to get you living in the home of your dreams in no time

22 Reasons for optimism

28 Concept Interiors

What does the future hold for Sheffield’s property market? We asked three of the region’s premier experts

Find your dream kitchen with the help of Concept Interiors

24 Tips for selling your home All you need to know about putting your house on the market and getting the best possible price for it

26 Spencer celebrate

30 Home & Garden Create a party vibe with festival-inspired home accessories

32 Bubble & Soak Luxury and style on tap at Bubble & Soak

Local property experts Spencer are celebrating 25 years of success.

MANAGING EDITOR Chris Wilson EDITORIAL Phoebe Seymour, Rachel Martin, Hannah Sanders DIGITAL REPORTER Ashley Birch CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Richard Abbey SUB-EDITOR Richard Smith STUDIO MANAGER Chris Brierley DESIGN Dan Wray, Steve Levers, Charles Bradshaw OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Jillion Wood PUBLISHING MANAGER Sam Warsop SALES EXECUTIVES Mandy Ogle, Sally-Anne Sharp DIGITAL COMMERCIAL MANAGER Melanie Jackson DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Chris Clayton ACCOUNTS Paul Barrett Published by: RMC Media, 6 Broadfield Court, Broadfield Business Park, Sheffield, S8 0XF Tel: 0114 250 6300. Email: westside@rmcmedia.co.uk. Website: www.westsidemagazine.co.uk Not connected with any other company or group. Printed by Buxton Press, Buxton, Derbyshire. www.buxtonpress.com The publisher takes no responsibility whatsoever for the safe keeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other material. Any submitted material should be accompanied by an SAE. All material is the copyright of the RMC Media and is not to be reproduced without permission. The placing of an order for the insertion of an advertisement in this publication shall amount to an acceptance of our terms and conditions, copies of which are available on request.

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Fine Joinery by Philip Hodgson Call 0114 2855817 Email info@philiphodgson.co.uk Dressing Rooms • Bedrooms • Bespoke Kitchen Furniture • Windows • Doors • Stairs • Orangeries • Conservatories

GARDEN TRENDS

Pantone colours

Make it GREAT outdoors

Those trend-setters at Pantone have created a cool and calming colour palette perfect for gardens. The 'verdure' palette features colours naturally found in vegetation and woodland.

This means berry-infused purples, wood reds, eggshell blues and foliage greens are sure to look great in any garden. Couple coloured clay pots with flowering herbs such as lavender, rosemary and Thai basil or paint your fences and furniture in these key colours.

PHOEBE SEYMOUR’S GOT SOME HINTS AND TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN THIS SUMMER. espite the unpredictable British weather, the UK is embracing an outdoor lifestyle like never before, with sales of garden furniture, barbecues and garden accessories expected to grow by three to four per cent annually right up to 2021.

And with summer finally in full swing, it’s time to dress our gardens with all the latest on-trend accessories and plants to impress our family and friends in time for the garden party season.

Here are 10 of the biggest garden trends sweeping the nation in 2018.

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Grow your own veg With the emphasis on more ecologically and naturally grown produce in recent years, we have seen a huge increase in people growing their own vegetables.

Whether you have a big garden or a small balcony, you’re sure to find seeds and grow bags to fit your outdoor space. Carrots, green beans, tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuces are said to be the easiest vegetables to grow in the UK climate, and with plenty of books and YouTube tutorials on the web, even those without green thumbs are sure to succeed.

Pizza ovens

Japanese gardens The Japanese art of wabi-sabi is an acceptance of the natural cycle of growth, decay, and death.

Wabi-sabi is nothing new to the Japanese, who have practiced this art since the 15th century. However, it is becoming an increasingly appealing trend to busy westerners, who have little time to perfect their gardens.

This trend is all about balancing nature and nurture and celebrating the beauty of imperfections such as overgrown perennials, moss-covered stones and weathered pots.

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Move over barbeques – outdoor pizza ovens are the latest outdoor culinary trend sweeping the nation.

There are now a wide range of wood-fired ovens on the market, from stand-alone smaller models, to bigger brick-built ovens to suit your garden. So embrace al fresco dining and invite your loved-ones over for a pizza party this summer.

GARDEN TRENDS

OUTDOOR STRUCTURES With al fresco dining being popular and the British climate being unpredictable, outdoor structures are a must for 2018 – but not just any awning.

Pergolas with integrated drainage, lighting and heating will be the must-have garden feature, while outdoor kitchens will also continue to grow in popularity, with dedicated spaces for cooking, eating and entertaining becoming a central focus.

Copper accents If metallics are more your style, copper is back in a big way this year. Real and rusty copper accessories that were once shunned to the back of the shed can now be brought to the forefront.

But if you’d rather introduce sparkling new items, coppercoloured lanterns and copper-effect stainless steel structures will bring your garden right up to date.

SOLAR LIGHTS To keep your garden parties going long into the evening, you’ll need some good lighting. Solar lights mean your lamps and fairy lights are charged and ready to go with no need for plug sockets and batteries. From stylish ornamental lamps, to more practical lanterns, there’s now a huge range of lighting options to choose from.

PRACTICAL SHEDS Sheds have become so much more than just a place to store your lawn mower. They have become rooms for our hobbies and businesses to flourish.Some use garden rooms as yoga studios, while others just need a ‘man shed’ to relax in and while away a couple of hours. What’s more, there are plenty of compact multipurpose sheds with clever storage solutions to make full use of what little space you have.

Exotic shrubs As well as native plants in Pantone colours, exotic plants in bright shades are also taking centre stage.

Euonymus oxyphyllus, an elegant, slow-growing shrub from Korea is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its rich, emerald green leaves which turn to shades of yellow, bronze and red in the autumn, and produce a spectacular show of colour in the summer from its cherry-like fruits.

Limestone After featuring in James Basson’s award-winning garden at the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show last year, limestone is making a comeback.

But rather than the bright white variety, we will be seeing a range of harder-wearing stones in mid-tones to bring out the warmer tones in our gardens. Expect to see a mix of different coloured pebbles in complementary shades

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INTERIORS

GET YOUR HOME ON-TREND ISABELLE OSBORNE ON HOW TO BRING YOUR INTERIORS BANG UP TO DATE. Classic earthy shades are on the palettes of many designers

esigning your home has never been more exciting, with summer 2018 bringing fresh trends and unique styles into the light. Whilst metallic shades, naturalistic features and floral prints were the highlights of 2017 decor, the times are quickly changing. Gone are the floral and damask patterns white kitchens and bathrooms. Read on for tips and tricks for styling in line with the expected trends if you’re thinking about giving your property an extra sparkle.

First impressions are crucial, with colours and shades defining a home upon arrival.

Colours invite people into a home, so it’s important to get them right. Although rich pigments and dark furniture are appearing in many homes, bold and moody colours seem to have set the trend this year. Inspired by travel and adventure, daring gelato and classic earthy shades are featuring on designer’s palettes, as well as eye-catching tropical and botanical wall

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prints to give a vibrant carnival feel.

Symbolic of the retro style, darker tones have replaced pale, bleached woods to modernise homes. Ombre colouring, meaning ‘to shade’, on fabrics, cushions, rugs, bedding, lampshades and artwork, alongside two-toned cabinets in the kitchen. Why not freshen the paint in your bathroom as well, using soft plums and dusty blues to create a sense of space and calm. Avoid the heaviness of thick window dressings to complement the colours of your new home. Pastels are a subtle way to enhance the feature pieces of any room, so consider mustards, jades and olives when updating your home. Brass is a sophisticated metallic to replace the copper and rose gold of 2017 and can be added to mirrors and other accessories for a luxurious finish to any room.

Textures add another element of surprise to a house, giving friends and family an almost sensory experience whilst visiting. Accentuate

your new colours with geometric patterned wallpaper and tiles to add a touch of adventure. Fringe is growing in popularity and can be added to blankets, pillows, rugs and feature cushions for the extra wow-factor in addition to artisan patterns and marble surfaces. Textile wall hangings are being seen in many living rooms this year, which add another layer of character.

The flourish you desire may be found through combining textures within the home, adding interest to the decor. Velvet furniture and quilted chairs is a fresh look for 2018 which enhance the richness of the colours and add comfort, in comparison to the more organic textual experience found in the handmade, rustic feel of rattan and wicker.

Concrete is also stealing the limelight this year – an affordable and versatile option to enhance pendant lighting and other domestic accessories.

INTERIORS

For dramatic effect, follow the returning statement ceiling trend inspired by foreign history – an inventive way to transform a room using all surfaces available. Think Vienna, Versailles and Rome – for centuries, the statement ceiling was the ultimate indication of luxury and wealth. Get creative with wicker baskets, wooden boards and modern patterns for a decadent angle on any room. Or, if you think less is more, minimalist furnishings using neutral colour palettes may be your summer style.

Furniture and room décor is another key to a trend-following home. Stone sinks and allblack kitchens are highly popular this year to give a touch of glamour and the old-worlde to a home. A trend that has been appearing more and more is hidden electrical appliances in the kitchen, including fridges, dishwashers and stovetops, perhaps to show-off the

beautiful terracotta and glass finishes of nearby surfaces.

And the dark colours are not just found on the walls, with baths being cut entirely out of slabs of brown or black stone for an elegant finish. Light is another element of design that can revolutionise a room, especially with the vintage light fixtures of today’s trend, including lanterns, pendants and chandeliers.

Luscious green house plants with big leafy features bring a natural vibe to the house, the touch of outdoors freshening any room. In addition, plants also create a harmonious, mindful place for you to live and spend quality time in, so allow similar shades and textures to flow within your home and feel the stress of everyday life leave your mind.

Bold colours, dramatic textures and unusual styles will transform your house into a desirable and satisfying place to live.

Brown or black stone finishes give an elegant touch to the bathroom

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TIPS FOR BUYERS

WORDS: Isabelle Osborne

How to find your dream home FIVE STEPS TO LIVING HAPPILY EVER AFTER IN THE HOUSE OF YOUR DREAMS. uying a house for the first time is an exciting time, fulfilling your burning desires for independence. But the process of finding the right property with no experience can become stressful and overwhelming, making it easy for expensive mistakes to be made. We’ve compiled a selection of top tips to make your house-hunting journey happy, smooth and memorable.

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1 Know the house-buying process For a first-time buyer, it is unlikely you will know what to expect during the hunt for a house, but it’s imperative that you are able to anticipate what the next stage is before it’s upon you. This means you have plenty of time to prepare yourself and understand where you are in your journey.

After deciding buying a house is the right move, you must estimate the cost of moving house to see if you have the financial ability to do so. This includes researching the cost of a mortgage, a deposit, surveying and the move itself. Once you are convinced you can fund your move, the next stage is to search for a new house to buy.

After choosing your house, the next stage is to view the property and meet the seller. If you are confident you have found your dream home, make an offer before it sells. Cover yourself legally by applying for a mortgage, preparing financially and staying in close contact with your conveyancer. Once the legalities are complete, the keys are yours!

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2 CHOOSING A HOUSE Possibly the most enjoyable part of the journey is choosing a house to call your own. A simple internet search is a great place to begin, with websites like Rightmove and Zoopla providing you with plenty of information. Make sure you are searching for your house amongst available properties you can afford and that are suitable in terms of accessibility to close family and transport, location to your work place and schools if applicable, the quality of near-by facilities and space for domestic growth.

TIPS FOR BUYERS

3 VIEWING A HOUSE Finding what you believe to be your dream house can cloud your judgement, making it easy to overlook key problems. Before the official viewing, drive by the property in the day and evening to get a good feel for the neighbourhood. As questions come to you in the build up to the viewing, list the things that are important to you and any questions you want to ask as it’s easy for things to slip your mind in the excitement. A second opinion is always useful, so take a partner or an estate agent with you to the viewing. Most importantly, don’t worry about being nosy- this is a huge investment of your hard earned money.

There are also many red-flags that should put you off buying immediately, the main ones are: • Structural problems: The most costly repairs to a home are structural problems, and as a first time buyer it is unlikely you would have the savings to repair the damage. Looking at the door frames throughout the house to see if the doors seem to have difficulty closing usually highlights the possibility of hidden problems. If you can spare a few pennies, hiring a structural engineer to inspect the house will assist the process.

• Insects and Pests: Many pests can cause significant damage to a house. Molehills in the garden, scratching in the loft and an extraordinary number of birds perching on the roof are signs that the house may be under attack.

• Stains and mould on walls and ceilings: Damp marks on surfaces could be the result of a leaking roof, ice damming or plumbing issues, and it’s important to find out what has caused these stains.

In addition, mould can lead to major health problems, especially in young children. Both cost to rectify and should turn you away from a property.

4 Secure a mortgage A mortgage is a legal agreement by which a bank, building society or other financial body lends money at interest to be paid back over a period of time, and for the majority of people it’s impossible to buy a house without one. This is possibly the biggest purchase you’ll ever make and a mortgage will be your largest debt, so seeking professional advice is the sensible thing to do when deciding which the most suitable mortgage is for you.

5 Moving Even though the house is yours, moving into your new house is your final milestone.

• The date: Avoid setting your moving date at peak times such as Bank Holidays, Fridays or the end of a school term, as it’s likely you’ll want to make plans and the neighbourhood will be busier.

• Removal sssistant: Get quotes from three removal companies who are members of the National Guild of Removers and Storers for comparison. Check your home insurance so you are insured if your furniture gets damaged during removal. Find out what is included in the fee, such as packing materials and insurance, but be prepared to purchase packaging yourself.

• Last minute jobs: Defrost the contents of your freezer and arrange final readings for water and gas. Give your new address to anyone you want to have it and check all your belongings have been packed.

Remember that buying your first house is a great experience. Keep on top of your budgeting and bills, seek out support from family or experienced professionals if needed, and don’t rush into any big decisions. Happy home-hunting! www.rmcmedia.co.uk 19

DAVID J. MARTIN A.I.O.C.

CRAFTSMAN OF EXCELLENCE DESIGNERS & MAKERS OF BESPOKE FURNITURE

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PROPERTY

Burbage House – on the market with Blenheim Park Estates

Reasons for optimism WHAT DOES THE NEXT YEAR HOLD FOR THE PROPERTY MARKET IN SHEFFIELD? PHOEBE SEYMOUR ASKED THREE OF THE REGION’S PREMIER PROPERTY EXPERTS. JAMES MEE MANAGING DIRECTOR SAXTON MEE We tend to cover south-west Sheffield areas such as S7, S8, S10, S11, S17, S18 and the Peak District areas of Hathersage, Baslow, Bakewell and Matlock.

It’s interesting how things have developed in these areas over the last few months. The weather, up to a month ago, was not good.

The market has been there the whole time though, and since last month, it’s gone from strength to strength. Areas such as Millhouses and Ecclesall continue to be popular because there is a good catchment for schools such as Silverdale, Dore Primary, King Ecgberts and Tapton.

In the £300,000 to £600,000 and higher brackets, properties have been selling better than in previous years – certainly in S10 and surrounding postcodes. The demand is outweighing supply, so there are some incredible prices being paid. A property on at £475,000 will get offers of over £500,000 and many are going to best and final offers because there are multiple people making offers.

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The stock market has bounced back, but for the economy in general, a lot of people’s salaries haven’t gone up. However, shares are volatile so people tend to invest in property.

It’s amazing how many people now own properties other than their homes.

We still have a problem with first time buyers who can’t afford deposits without parental support, but that means the rental side is going from strength to strength. The terrace rental market at Hunters Bar and Crookes is particularly strong. But the sooner these people can get a deposit together and buy, the better, otherwise they’ll get stuck in a rental trap.

There are other areas where it is still hard, but these key postcodes are doing well. I think the market is going to be busy over the next few months – especially in the holiday period.

ALINE NEWTON SALES MANAGER BLENHEIM PARK ESTATES It was a fairly slow start

to 2018 compared to last year’s brisk first quarter. We have apportioned this to uncertainty around Brexit and the harsh winter weather.

Traditionally, however, sellers still tend to market their properties in the spring when the garden is spruced and green.

The market in Sheffield, especially the S10, S11, S17 and S32 postcodes, remain very strong. Affluent areas are popular locations for families, successful business people, consultants and sports professionals.

In terms of property prices, we have been very successful so far this year in securing sales at asking prices and above for our clients and we would expect prices to remain stable or improve slightly throughout the year.

It is a challenging time with fewer properties coming to the open market and demand is still outstripping supply, which has created stronger competition among local agents.

During 2018, the most popular option for potential sellers is to focus on achieving the highest price for the lowest fees. We would advise any potential seller to choose the agent who will work with them to receive the best service and advice. This will help them ultimately achieve the best possible price for their property within their preferred timescales.

PROPERTY

NICOLA SPENCER

WHAT YOU PAY… WHAT YOU GET

MANAGING DIRECTOR SPENCER, THE ESTATE AGENT

UP TO £100,000 A one-bedroom student flat at New Bank House on Queens Street makes for a great investment, as it is in the city centre, close to the University of Sheffield. For £75,000, a tenant can enjoy a modern kitchen and bathroom, as well as access to the gym.

First-time professionals will love a onebedroom apartment in the Metis building on Scotland Street, well-located in the heart of the city with the Cathedral Quarter only a short walk away. Coming in at £99,950, you get a double bedroom, open-plan living room/kitchen, as well as a roof terrace.

Sheffield has always had a remarkably robust property market. Even through troubled times, we haven’t seen the disastrous effects like some smaller cities and towns. Currently we have plenty of first time buyers looking and the Help to Buy scheme has definitely encouraged some to the market, as well as having encouraged some lenders to compete with similar products.

Aspirational movers are also on the up and up, and a shortage of supply in the most popular areas is meaning that there are multiple bids pushing the values higher, sometimes with extraordinary results. Largely this is led by school catchment, and is usually also a consideration for resale, even if the current buyers don’t have children of their own.

The right to extend without planning permission has been a luxury option for a lot of movers who couldn’t afford to actually move house but needed more space, and this comes to an end in May 2019, when you must have completed your project. The neighbour consultation scheme has been particularly useful, allowing you up to a 6m extension without planning permission, subject to approval including your direct neighbours.

This ending may encourage the mid-market movers to take the next step and actually upsize hopefully freeing up some second-time mover homes in the process and pushing the market on a little at the higher prices.

Investors are more cautious, with lots of investment stock coming to the market for sale currently. This is mainly down to the changes in regulations, especially the HMO changes due in October this year, and taxation, but there are still plenty of apartment buyers out there in their droves buying particularly one and two-bedroomed properties in the city centre.

“Aspirational movers are also on the up and up, and a shortage of supply in the most popular areas is meaning that there are multiple bids pushing the values higher, sometimes with extraordinary results.”

UP TO £200,000 Still in the city centre is a new, twobedroom apartment for £120,000. Based at Sheffield BTL apartments, these large luxury apartments will provide residents with high-end fixtures and furnishings, as well as a stunning enclosed garden.

On School Road in Crookes, a fivebedroom house has the potential to be rented out to tenants, or turned into a lovely family home for £200,000. The property benefits from uPVC double glazing and comprises an extended lounge/dining kitchen, bathroom and utility area on the lower ground floor, two bedrooms and a WC on the first floor and two attic bedrooms.

UP TO £300,000 On Guest House Road in Hunters Bar, a three-bedroom terraced house will set you back £245,000. This properly is full of character, with period features including original fireplaces. It includes two reception rooms, two bathrooms and a garden with a lawn and decking.

A short walking distance from Banner Cross is a second floor apartment at Weetwood Gardens, a modern residential development with two-bedrooms for offers in the region of £300,000. It benefits from both en-suite bathroom and a shower room, as well as a balcony where you can enjoy views of the gardens.

UP TO £400,000 A five-bedroom detached house on Crescent Road in Nether Edge for £375,000 has lots of space and plenty of potential. This three-storey property is an excellent opportunity for a family with a large living room, spacious dining room, an upstairs and downstairs shower room/WC and drive for off-road parking.

At the guide price of £300,000 to £325,000, is a fabulous three bedroom and two bathroom apartment with attractive views over paddocks and Ecclesall Woods. St Albans is a highstandard and secure development, electronically gated with allocated and visitor parking and communal gardens.

UP TO £500,000 On Springfield Road in Millhouses is an impressive, four double bedroomed Victorian semi-detached house. For the guide price of £475,000 to £495,000, you get a comprehensively refurbished and spacious property on three levels. The stylish interior complements the period features, while improvements include double-glazing, re-wiring and insulated walls.

Located on Brooklands Crescent, within a stone’s throw of Forge Dam and the amenities at Fulwood village, is a generously proportioned four double bedroomed extended semi-detached family home for £469,950. With a breakfast/dining room with patio doors that open onto decking and a good-sized garden, its lovely inside and out.

UP TO £1MILLION A stunning five-bedroom detached family home built in 2013 is located within the highly desirable area of Brincliffe for offers in the range of £600,000. It has generous living space matched by superb sized bedrooms over three floors, a drive and a large back garden.

With a more traditional feel is a magnificent five/six-bedroomed, detached family home in the region of £895,000 to £925,000. Located in the heart of Ranmoor on Riverdale Road, it enjoys a wealth of original features including exposed beams and an original oak staircase, plus a magnificent orangery.

OVER £1MILLION West Heys, within easy reach of Fulwood, is a six double-bedroomed family home steeped in history dating back to the late 1800s. The stained glass window on the staircase is thought to depict the Mayoral Crest, while the modern kitchen brings this property into the 21st century.

And if you’re looking for a fantastic investment, Ashton Works on Upper Allen Street was completed in summer 2017.

Weighing in at £4,330,000, this fullyrefurbished property made up of seven bedroom townhouses within walking distance of the city centre has a rental income of £82,488 PA. City centre apartment living

www.rmcmedia.co.uk 23

TIPS FOR SELLERS

HOUSE FOR SALE TOP TIPS

WORDS: Isabelle Osborne

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE JUMPING INTO THE PR0PERTY MARKET. BY ISABELLE OSBORNE.

Are you ready to make your move? utting your house up for sale can be as inspiring as choosing a house by opening up new opportunities.

But there is a lot more to simply selling your property and receiving the money, and the costs of selling a house can be considerable.

Having the knowledge and advice from professionals is vitally important.

We’ve compiled a selection of top tips to make your journey efficient and stress-free.

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1 SHOULD YOU SELL? Many people jump to the conclusion that selling is the right thing to do before assessing all their options. Here are a few different scenarios and things to consider: I need more space - why not create more space by building an extension, converting the attic or digging out the basement to save money? With prices rising rapidly, you may not be able to afford a place much bigger than the one you are already in.

I need to downsize because I can’t afford to live here - smaller houses are not necessarily cheaper, and you may be better off renting your home out rather than selling.

I am in negative equity so I need to sell - You might not be able to afford to sell your property.

It is important to analyse the circumstances and review all your options before jumping into a decision- you might surprise yourself and realise selling is a bad option.

TIPS FOR SELLERS

2 Assessing your finances Once you have decided to sell your property, it is important to get ahead of the financial matters, as planning each step will prevent any hold ups. Make sure to notify your mortgage lender and legal advisor that you are planning to sell your home as you must find out how big your outstanding mortgage is. To get a rough idea of how much your house is worth, source the best local estate agents and approach three of them for a comparison of prices. Remember- these quotes are reliable estimations but are not predications of how much you will sell your property for. Following this, make sure to consider another mortgage or a new house should you decide to buy. You could get an idea from a mortgage lender on how much they would be willing to offer you.

3 Decide on your next home It’s easy to focus your mind on selling your current property and lose track of your plans for after the exchange in regards to where you will live. Forgetting about this important factor will put you in a weak position. Renting for a while during the selling process can add to the overall expense however reduces the time pressures of buying a new house, so renting could be a factor for consideration. Have a few potential properties in mind whilst the sale is ongoing to give yourself a plan.

4 Decide on a seller and a price There are several options in regards to selling your house and in-advance research is vital when making a decision. You can sell your home yourself, using a local estate agent, using an online estate agent, and must choose between a sole agent or multiple agents. Using an independent party such as an estate agent is a lengthy process- recommendation is an excellent way of deciding, so ask family, friends and neighbours. Compare local estate agents based on how quickly they sell properties, whether they achieve the asking price or if they’re miles off and how successful they are in general. Remember- you are paying this estate agent, so make sure you are getting value for you money.

Or, if you’re patient, organised and have either experience or knowledge of doing so, selling your home yourself can save you money and may be more suited to your way of working.

Pricing your house is a monstrous decision and when done incorrectly can result in major loss of time and money. Researching the local market in depth and requesting several valuations from estate agents will put you on the right path. It is important to know that buyers usually try to negotiate a discount, and the highest valuation may not always be the most accurate.

5 Preparing your home, accepting an offer and moving out The preparation for the buyers cannot be brushed over, so check these tips to see how you can make the most out of the preparation time to sell your home successfully and efficiently, as well as increasing it’s value.

• Stand outside your home and see if it looks appealing- would you buy your house?

• Fix anything that needs it and modernise the design if it’s recommended.

• Decluttering, dusting, removing excess clutter, freshening the paint and keeping it clean will make your house feel more desirable to potential buyers.

• Make the house a home if it’s not already - light candles, put photo frames up and remove bad odours to make your house more attractive.

After an offer has been made, you are still in control. If you are not happy with the offer that has been made, you can reject it automatically, wait to see if a better offer arises or ask the estate agent to try and negotiate it upwards. When you are willing to accept an offer, you must formally accept it and ask the estate agent to take the property off the market. Accepting an offer is not legally binding and you can still change your mind.

Even though the house is sold, moving out of the house and into your next property is your final milestone. You can move out whenever suits you, even up until the day of completion (when the property changes ownership), although bear in mind that it is less stressful to move out beforehand. Make sure the property remains in the condition agreed at sale which the buyer and the estate agent can check between your moving out and completion.

Stay organised, in control and under the right guidance during the process, and selling your house will be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Good luck! www.rmcmedia.co.uk 25

PROMOTION

New ad campaign marks 25 years of success IF YOU ARE IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW HOUSE OR APARTMENT, YOU SHOULD BE TALKING TO THE PROPERTY EXPERTS AT SPENCER.

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he team at Spencer is not only dedicated to making sure your current home is valued correctly, but also finding the right property for you – without any of the hard selling usually associated with this industry.

“We have many, many contacts looking to buy or sell off-market,” says managing director Nicola Spencer,“And we offer complete discretion to our clients who may not wish to shout about their business.”

Spencer specialise in five areas of property: residential sales, property management (rentals), block management, development design, and interior design, including show homes.

Nicola Spencer has carved a name for herself in the industry and is well known by local developers and builders for her skills and abilities in valuation, off-plan pricing, and design, which she learned predominantly from her father, who worked in the Sheffield property market for 45 years.

The development design service includes

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discussions with developers in the initial planning stages and looking at layouts that are on-trend and fit in with the current market. The block management service involves managing the entire development and surrounding communal areas.

“Our aim is to make sure vendors, developers and homeowners all get what they want from us, hence us offering services to cover all bases,” continues Nicola. “And because we are an independent business, we don’t have to answer to anyone, meaning we can tailor our services to suit our client’s needs.”

Simply put, they are the go-to estate agent for new homes and property developments.

Spencer are also excited to be working on valuations and plans for various other properties and sites for clients too. And they are always looking for more development work to sink their teeth into.

Going the extra mile for their clients is the

PROMOTION

standard at Spencer, as is proved by the steady stream of thank-you cards and testimonials.

The team at Spencer is celebrating 25 successful years in the business with the help of a stunning new ad campaign.

Nicola believes that a happy work force equates to many happy customers and implements a ‘zero-tolerance approach to negativity’ in her office. And, as a working mother, she understands that her female employees need flexible hours in order to balance their work with their family life.

“We are proud to employ a number of strong, determined women,” adds Nicola. “The property world is still a male-dominated place, but it is possible to have a successful career and a family.

“I think a lot of our competitors expected me to crumble and leave the business when I had my twins a couple of years ago, but if anything, I’m working harder than ever before and am loving every minute!”

It all adds up to a complete package for a local independent business with strong roots in the area and a modern, dynamic approach that means Spencer, The Estate Agent is here to stay.

New homes and developments at Spencer – 24 new apartments in Queen’s Building – 13 New apartments on Queen Street – A new development in Loxley – A new development in S17 – Three new build houses in Totley – Two new schemes of high end apartments in S10 – New build scheme in S11 – New houses in S11 – New build block in S7

Managing director Nicola Spencer

Senior valuer Chris Spooner

Spencer Estate Agents, 467-469 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, S11 8PP Tel: 0114 268 3682 www.spencersestateagents.co.uk

www.rmcmedia.co.uk 27

PROMOTION

FIND YOUR DREAM KITCHEN WITH THE HELP OF THE EXPERTS AT CONCEPT INTERIORS.

Quality comes as standard f you’re thinking about a new kitchen, bedroom or any other interior renovation project this year, visit the team at Concept Interiors. They pride themselves on offering a thorough and bespoke service to help clients find their dream kitchen.

Based in Sheffield, just off Penistone Road, Concept Interiors design supply and install their own British handmade range of kitchens made in Sheffield as well as modern, highquality German kitchens. The family business has been trading for over 30 years and pride themselves on a friendly, professional service and attention to detail, from design to installation.

There is a huge range of styles and finishes to choose from, including options exclusively available through Concept Interiors in the UK. Their kitchen styles range from modern handleless kitchens to country style farmhouse kitchens. Their matt kitchen fronts are available in laminate, lacquer laminate, full lacquer and matt glass. Their gloss kitchen fronts are also available in laminate, lacquer and glass. Wood veneer fronts are also part of the collection.

All of their kitchens are constructed precisely to the millimetre on modern production lines with continuous quality control.

These kitchen units allow you to make the best use of the space you have available and include Le Mans swivel-mounted pull outs, heavy-load drawers, pull-out larders and waste sorting systems. Optional extras include non-

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slip mats, integrated LED lighting, drawer organisers and splashback hanging storage.

Mr and Mrs Jones’ kitchen showcases the quality of their design capability and craftsmanship.

Mr and Mrs Jones wanted a modern kitchen that was designed to be easy to use, and built from robust components and materials. German engineering was the perfect solution. They chose Concept Interiors due to their ability to provide a high-quality product, as well as the honesty and openness the team displayed when discussing their requirements.

After Mr and Mrs Jones chose a kitchen from the displays in the new showroom in Sheffield, the Concept team helped produce the best possible kitchen design to fit the space, using their extensive experience in designing, supplying and installing kitchens in

a variety of different sized and shaped spaces.

The handleless design makes for a clean and minimal look, making it perfect for the modern look Mr and Mrs Jones were looking for.

Following completion of the project, which included ripping out the existing kitchen, plastering, electrics, plumbing, furniture, worktops, flooring, glass splashbacks and decorating, here is what they had to say: “From the moment we walked into Concept Interiors showroom and saw the style and quality of the kitchen units on display, we just knew this was the kitchen we wanted.

Kieron in the showroom led us step by step through the procedure, listening and advising us on every stage of the planning and execution of the work and fitting. The work was done in a quick, efficient and clean and friendly manner.

“Special praise and thanks must go to the specialists and workmen who made everything special for us – especially Ian the fitter, Martin and Joe the electricians, Ryan the decorator, Lee the plumber and Alan Twelvetrees for fitting the flooring.

“If you are looking for a quality kitchen expertly fitted we would certainly recommend Concept Interiors.

Personally we couldn’t be more pleased.”

Concept Interiors Ltd 117 Bamforth Street, Sheffield, S6 2HE Tel: 0114 285 2762 Email: info@conceptinteriors.org.uk www.conceptinteriors.org.uk

HOME & GARDEN

LEFT: Add a splash of playful colour, with this ombre macrame plant pot hanger from www.etsy.com/shop/ balkybird.

RIGHT: This Moroccan pendant light is perfect for a harem-styled room. £245 from www.alexanderand pearl.co.uk.

Make an impact with this Moroccan mosaic wallpaper mural. £400 from www.zazous.co.uk.

Featuring on-trend pom-poms, this blanket will add bohemian vibes to your bed or sofa.

Matching cushions available for £75 each. Blanket, £145 from www.bohemiadesign.com.

Bohemian rhapsody CREATE A PARTY VIBE INSIDE AND OUT WITH THESE FESTIVAL-INSPIRED PIECES. BY PHOEBE SEYMOUR. hen it comes to festival fashion, bohemian never goes out of style. And it’s the same when it comes to summer home trends.

Get the look with Moroccan, Indian and Aztec accessories. Lighting features heavily when it comes to this festival inspired theme.

Middle Eastern-inspired lampshades give rooms in the home an ambient atmosphere, while an abundance of lanterns and fairy

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lights create a party vibe both inside and out in the garden.

Opt for throws, mats and blankets in bold colours, busy patterns and with fun fringes and pom-poms. Huge cushions with mandala designs are particularly on-trend at the moment and create great floor and lawn seating.

So go on – create your own festival without even leaving the house with our pick of these statement bohemian items.

This unique, upcycled car taxi sofa is sure to be the focal point of any room. £2,400 from www.smithersofstamford.com.

HOME & GARDEN

These lunar fairy light lanterns from the Iberian Summer Collection 2018 will give your garden a festival feel. £16.99 from www.lights4fun. co.uk.

Subtle rose gold detail brings a classic Aztec design right up to date. £285 from www.iansnow.com.

This insect cushion puts an interesting twist on the mandala design. £25 from www.thecuriousdepartment.com.

This pair of Moroccan lanterns will look good inside and outside the home. From www.lights4fun.co.uk.

Give your tea flower power with this 70s Orla Kiely tea pot. £50 from www.wildandwolf.com. www.rmcmedia.co.uk 31

T AF ER

Sheer style and luxury – on tap! ick and Rachel McKee from Holmesfield had decided their bungalow’s bathroom was looking dated, and after contacting a few bathroom companies, they were left feeling deflated at only being offered replacement units without any design or flair.

However, visiting Bubble & Soak at their Dronfield showroom opened their eyes to what could be achieved by totally redesigning their bathroom, even creating more space.

“Natalie, the showroom manager, was very creative with her designs, showing us how we would lose our cramped, raised shower unit and replace it with a walk-in wet room shower.” says Rachel. This created a larger shower area, whilst creating more floor space. “We loved all the design ideas and the bathroom looks much bigger.”

When Bubble & Soak removed Nick and Rachel’s old bathroom suite, they discovered the previous shower unit had been leaking for quite some time. Although this was a complication they could have done without, Bubble & Soak resolved all the issues by firstly drying out the affected area, then adding a damp proof membrane to ensure no future complications.

Using a selection of Villeroy & Boch rimless toilet, Hansgrohe shower, mixer and spout, Meryln shower screen and a luxury freestanding bath, this really is a Designer bathroom.

What’s more, the recessed, made-to-measure mirror was created by building out a false wall, which also created a luxury storage shelf.

All beautifully finished with Vogue radiator and classic, contemporary floor tiles, it certainly gives the ‘wow factor’, and the McKees are thrilled with their fabulous new wet room bathroom.

BE

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Since opening their Award-Winning Showroom back in March 2017, Bubble and Soak and have definitely made a name for themselves.

Bubble & Soak provide a professional, personal service, helping customers create their dream bathroom or wetroom. They offer a Free design consultation including survey, quotation and 3D renders. Contact their friendly staff for more details 01246 290463.

Luxury bathrooms at affordable prices

Bubble & Soak, Unit 6, Callywhite Business Park, Callywhite Lane, Dronfield, S18 2XP (turn right at The Tile Place) Tel: 01246 290463 www.bubbleandsoak.co.uk

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FINALIST New Bathroom Retailer of the Year

BKU AWARDS 2018

All images shown are genuine Leonide created Bathrooms

THIS KITCHEN FROM £2687.39 Including VAT & Delivery

GLOSS & MATTE FROM £3283.56 Including VAT & Delivery

HANDLE LESS FROM £3409.51 Including VAT & Delivery

PAINTED WOOD FROM £3703.03 Including VAT & Delivery

AllAll the shown include EVERY theprice priceexamples examples shown include EVERY item required to to complete above 10 unit item required completethe the above 10 unit meterkitchen kitchen for only!!!

5 x5 3x 3meter forsupply supply only!!!

Price alsoincludes includes free survey, plan & & Price also freehome home survey, plan design, delivery & free NEFF dishwasher. design, delivery & free NEFF dishwasher.

,+"$-0 +0$.',./ 0# !*%,.0& 0.$$0 &$%%'$)# ,10& ,.(/&'.$ Tel: 0114 285 2762 Email: info@conceptinteriors.org.uk

www.conceptinteriors.org.uk

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APPROVED AGENT FOR

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