Property October 2019
NEWS
Get cosy Warm up your home using colour Page 4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Prepare your home for autumn
How to enjoy firework celebrations - safely
Page 6
Page 8
Spooktacular things to do with the kids
Page 12
Editor’s letter Welcome to the October issue! The clocks are set to change this month which can only mean one thing – the colder weather is on its way! But fear not; inside this issue is lots of advice to help ensure your property doesn’t fall foul of the cold weather. Now is the time to focus on preparing your home and garden against the elements. Doing so will ensure you don’t get any nasty surprises, such as burst pipes, or the death of your favourite garden plants you’ve lovingly tended to over the summer.
Prepare your property for colder weather Autumn is here; the leaves are falling and it’s getting colder. Here are some handy tips for preparing your home for the colder months
And as the dark nights draw in, it’s also time to start planning for the seasonal events coming up on the calendar; Halloween and Bonfire night! To get you inspired, inside we feature a winter-warming recipe, perfect for either event. And if you’re looking for something frightfully good to do to celebrate Halloween, our travel pages feature enough spooky events around the country to help you plan spooktacular fun! We hope you enjoy reading this issue and we look forward to sharing more property-related and lifestyle articles with you next time. Enjoy! Linda McKeown Editor
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By turning your central heating back on now, you will be made aware of any issues with your heating before the cold weather really hits
You can lose as much as 30% of heating through seals and gaps in your loft
Boilers and radiators With the changeable weather over the summer, you will have probably turned your boiler on earlier than normal, only to turn it back off again with the warmer weather returning in September. If, however, you haven’t turned it on again, now is the time. By turning your central heating back on now, you will be made aware of any issues with your heating before the cold weather really hits. It may be wise to get your boiler professionally serviced to check for any problems that may appear further down the line. An engineer will identify problems with your thermostat that you may not be aware of. Your radiators may have had a build-up of sludge over the summer months – an engineer will flush through the dirty water and replace it with clean water ready for the harsher winter months; helping to ensure you never have to go without heating.
Draughts The last thing you need is pesky draughts letting cold air in and hot air out. You can check for draughts yourself using a lit candle around door frames and window frames. When
there is a draught, the flame will blow towards you. You can then either fix the draught yourself using hardware from a store or by calling in the professionals. You can lose as much as 30% of heating through seals and gaps in your loft. Check under the insulation for cut-outs, pipes, wires etc, and seal them from the inside. If you have a log burner or multifuel burner, remember to close the flue after use, (when the fireplace has cooled) to avoid heat escaping.
Create a cosy ambience Even sealed windows can allow heat to escape. By using good quality curtains, you can better insulate your windows. Close them at nighttime and when you’re not at home to conserve heat. With the nights getting darker, light up your windows with some warm fairy lights to create a cosy ambience. If you feel cold, you will be cold; trick your mind and make your home as cosy as possible! If you don’t have a real fireplace, light some scented candles. Choose autumnal scents such as wild pumpkin, cinnamon or cookies to create a cosy atmosphere in your
home. Spoil yourself with some fleecy blankets to wrap up in during the evenings. This will stop you from fiddling with the thermostat and making your house too warm.
Re-arrange the furniture Move your sofa, and any other furniture, away from the radiator; your sofa absorbs heat from the radiator which stops it from circulating around the room. The same goes for big TV units, dressers etc: try to keep your radiators unblocked by furniture so they can release heat just as they should. In bedrooms, long curtains can have the same effect. If possible, tuck the curtains behind the radiator and move beds away from radiators too. Waking up with your arm on a scalding radiator isn’t an enjoyable experience for anyone! If you have a conservatory clean it too and make it winter-ready; if you have vinyl flooring, invest in a thick shaggy rug. A conservatory can get cold even with a heating system installed, so opt for a plug-in heater too!
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Be inspired by
autumn’ s new colour trends
We love
Ha n d ma d Wo o l Y a r e Ch u n k n Bl a y M n k et e ri n o Y e llo w
The bedroom
Ochre is a beautiful mustard yellow that is taking the high-street by storm, and it’s perfect for brightening up a room while adding a cosy feel of autumn too. Either opt for block colour or items featuring it as hints of colour. There are a whole host of ways of incorporating ochre into your bedroom, but we can’t resist a lovely, chunky, throw to snuggle up to help survive the colder nights coming our way! Handmade Chunky Merino Wool Yarn Blanket Yellow Handmade from Merino wool, The Handmade Chunky Wool Yarn Blanket is incredibly soft and luxurious. The intricate craftsmanship gives the blanket a beautiful look and lush texture. Throw it at the end of your bed to add warmth to your bedroom. £44.95 www.tastitch.com
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Top pick Ideal Home Papillion Contour Fabric Accent Chair
The living room If you’re feeling brave and want to add colour to your living room, then opt for a colourful piece of furniture, such as a signature sofa or chair.
Ideal Home Papillion Contour Fabric Accent Chair Inspired by the classic mid-century contour chairs, Papillion features decorative button detail and soft rounded edges in pastel pink. The beautifully shaped leg section is wrapped in a naturally toned wood-effect that creates an eye-catching contrast against the felt-effect fabric above them. £219 www.very.co.uk
Think of autumn and warm tones of reds, browns and yellows come to mind. Celebrate the season by adding the latest trends to your home
Key colour trends for the home are shades of yellow, rustic reds, dusky pinks and geometric colourways
Great value
On trend ni ng i D d re e t ls o h M a rg a ret U p li a & C o. C h a i r Op h e
The dining room
Now’s the time to be bold with your colour choices for the home. Nothing is out of bounds, so try the likes of burnt reds with navy. Experiment and you’ll be surprised! And when it comes to your dining room, it’s no different. Update your entertaining and dining space to make an impact. Margaret Upholstered Dining Chair Ophelia & Co. These chairs will add a comfortable, sophisticated feel for a formal or casual dining room. Honey finished legs made from hardwood offer modern simplicity and a rich tone to complement the seat of the chair. And at a price that won’t break the bank either! £183.99 – set of 4 www.wayfair.co.uk
Bo n e ood s W ric a n dle t e m Ge o wit h H
x
The Kids’ room
There’s no need to let the kids miss out on the latest trends this autumn. Give their room an uplift with fun, geometric furniture that’s practical as well as fashionable! From shelving units, funky cushions and rugs, there is plenty of inspiration out there. Why not try some geometric themed storage boxes? Geometric Wooden Box with Handles Bring adorable design to your home with this decorative wooden storage crate from Happy Little Folks. Perfect for a children’s room, it’s ideal for holding little bits and pieces. Each box has been carefully hand-painted with the bold geometric shapes having been created by using nontoxic, water-based paint and sealed with non-toxic varnish. Simply choose your colour scheme and off you go! £28 By Happy Little Folks www.notonthehighsstreet.com
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How best to prepare your garden for the colder months We are currently grasping onto the last ounces of sunny weather, and now your garden will need some attention and preparation for autumn and winter With the hottest day ever recorded in the UK having just passed us by (38.7 degrees Celsius in Cambridge on 25th July this year), your garden will have had its work cut out this summer, and is likely now feeling rather dried-out and exhausted. With the colder months just around the corner, here are our top tips as to how best to prepare your garden for the cooler times ahead.
Put away garden furniture Your outside furniture will have done you proud throughout the summer months, but now you need to ensure it doesn’t become needlessly wet, rusty, and perhaps even frozen in parts. Pack away any chairs and tables, as well as the barbeque if it’s a movable one, to prevent them from becoming victims to the elements throughout the winter season. A dedicated storage space or a garage would be ideal places to store them.
Protect your low-growing plants from wet weather by covering them with a sheet of glass or a cloche, and surrounding them with a slightly elevated layer of gravel or grit
The final cut of the grass It’s advised that any good gardener should keep their lawn generally well-maintained throughout the winter months, keeping it tidy and well-looked after. Late October or early November is generally the ideal time to give your lawn its final trim before winter hits. However, if you live in a particularly mild area you may be able to get away with cutting your grass in December.
Rotting plants Rotting and dying plants and other vegetation in your garden don’t only look untidy, they can also spread disease to other, healthier, plants in the surrounding area. Pests and fungi are also likely with old plants and could incur further problems for your garden. Insects feeding on your crops throughout the summer may lay eggs on the stalks and leaves, so removing any finished plants prevents pests from getting a head start come springtime. It’s also useful to note that burying old plants in your garden adds organic matter to your soil, which improves soil tilth and overall health.
Regenerate your compost A rich heap of compost can go a long way, and can be used to top up garden beds, amend deficient soils, and fertilize lawns. If you’re making way for another batch of compost and cleaning out the previous load, it’s likely to be insulated against winter’s chill, meaning microbes fester for longer into the winter. To prevent the microbes from festering further, compile your autumn compost heap with plenty of autumn leaves, straw or sawdust, layered with kitchen scraps and other active, green matter.
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Prepare the soil Autumn is a great time to add in new additions to the soil, such as manure, compost, kelp and rock phosphate. It’s often best to wait until your soil dries out before deciding to work it and add in extra nutrients: doing so in autumn means you won’t need to do as much in spring. Once you’ve added your additions, cover the bed of soil with sheets of plastic or other coverings to help prevent winter rains from washing the nutrients below the active root zone. The soil should be ready to be uncovered in dry spring, ready to work its magic.
Protect vulnerable plants from frost You can protect your low-growing plants from wet weather by covering them with a sheet of glass or a cloche, and surrounding them with a slightly elevated layer of gravel or grit, to ensure swift drainage of any potential rainwater. Some outdoor containers are frost-proof, and it’s advised you use these to prevent them cracking.
Plant cover crops Late summer or early autumn is an ideal time of the year to sow crops like rye, vetch and clover because, as well as adding nutrients, such crops as these help prevent soil erosion, break up compacted areas, and increase levels of organic matter in garden beds. Also, one way to increase the levels of available nitrogen for garden vegetables is to plant legumes in your garden, such as clover or field peas. Although some cover crops are hardier than others, it tends to be a general rule of thumb to plant cover crops around one month before your first killing-frost.
Late October to early November is generally the ideal time to give your lawn its final trim before winter hits
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A guide to
staying safe
on Bonfire night
Bonfire night can be one of the most exciting nights of the year and for very good reason. It’s a night filled with pretty firework displays, traditional bonfire treats and cosy hot drinks. However, it’s important to stay safe Whether you’re attending a firework display or celebrating at home, it’s important to remember that there are certain things you should and should not do.
You should: • • • • • •
build your bonfire far away from your home stand far enough away from fireworks and the bonfire make sure an adult checks the bonfire for hidden animals have a bucket of water nearby for emergencies keep your beloved pets inside during the celebrations remember to wrap up warm
You should never: • return to a firework after it’s been lit • let off fireworks after 11pm, (or midnight on the 5 Nov), as it’s illegal • build a bonfire near to any trees, fences or your home • leave before ensuring the fire and surroundings are put out • pour petrol or paraffin on the fire
According to the RSPCA 45 percent of dogs show signs of fear when they hear a firework set off
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Firework safety
!
Bonfire night stats
Firework displays can be great for the whole family. They can also be very dangerous, so here are a few tips on how to stay safe: • Only adults should; set up firework displays, light fireworks and safely dispose of them • You should only buy fireworks which show the CE mark • Read and follow the instructions • Use a taper to light the fireworks • Have a bucket of water at hand • Use a board or other non-flammable rigid surface for flat-bottomed fireworks • Stand at a safe distance whilst fireworks are going off
4, 436 people used the NHS A&E services for firework related injuries in 2017/2018 Around half of all firework injuries happen to children under the age of 16 (gov.uk) Over the past five years over 350 preschool children have been hospitalised due to firework injuries (UK fire service)
Tips to help keep your pets safe Fun with sparklers • Find somewhere safe and open • Make sure you wear gloves when handling sparklers • Sparklers shouldn’t be given to children under the age of five • Hold the sparkler away from your face and body • Never touch the end of the sparkler • Once it’s no longer burning, put it in a bucket of water
Bonfire night can be a very scary night for your furry friends. According to the RSPCA, 45 percent of dogs show signs of fear when they hear a firework set off. So, to help, we’ve put together a few useful tips to keep them safe and happy. • If you have a dog, make sure you walk them in daylight hours before the fireworks start • Close all your windows and curtains, to help muffle the sound • Put the telly or radio on to provide distraction • Create some hiding spaces around the house and if they do hide under furniture, leave them there • Make sure your pet is microchipped in case they escape • For small animals, partly cover their cages with blankets: this will help with soundproofing
Spooktacular soup! If you’re planning on carving pumpkins this Halloween, make the most of the whole pumpkin! There are plenty of recipes out there to try, but we love this soup which uses both the flesh and seeds Pumpkin & lentil soup
Serves 4 Kcals per serving: 233 Suitable for vegetarians and gluten free
Ingredients • • • • • • • • •
1 tbsp olive oil, plus 1 tsp 2 onions, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped approx 800g chopped pumpkin flesh, plus the seeds 100g split red lentils ½ small pack thyme, leaves picked, plus extra to serve 1l hot vegetable stock pinch of salt and sugar 50g crème fraiche, plus extra to serve
Method 1. Heat the oil in a large pan. Fry the onions until softened and
starting to turn golden. Stir in the garlic, pumpkin flesh, lentils and thyme, then pour in the hot stock. Season, cover and simmer for 20-25 mins until the lentils and vegetables are tender. 2. Meanwhile, wash the pumpkin seeds. Remove any flesh still clinging to them, then dry using kitchen paper. Heat the 1 tsp oil in a non-stick pan and fry the seeds until they start to jump and pop. Stir frequently but cover the pan in between to keep them in it. When the seeds look toasted, add a sprinkling of salt and a pinch of sugar. Stir well. 3. Whizz the cooked pumpkin mixture with a hand blender or in a food processor until smooth, then add the crème fraiche and whizz again. Taste for seasoning. 4. Serve with a spoonful of crème fraiche, a few thyme leaves and the toasted seeds scattered on top.
This recipe, and more, can be found at www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/creamy-pumpkin-lentil-soup
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O T E TI M GET COSY! cold Don’t let the oors. keep you ind gainst Snuggle up a in soft the elements and chunky knits ories. stylish access faves… Here are our
2-Piece Squirrel Print Hat & Mittens Set With this cute crocheted hat and matching mittens, they’ll be ready for splashing through all the puddles! Featuring ribbed cuffs, for a snuggly mitten fit. Embellished hat features a fun pom pom and squirrel motif. £14 www.marksandspencer.com
Girls grey padded belted longline coat Featuring zip pockets and detachable faux fur trim, this padded and belted long-sleeve coat is ideal for any fashion-conscious girl. Made from 100% polyester fabric. £50 www.riverisland.com
Monsoon Space Stripe Novelty Gloves Simply fun at their fingertips! These novelty gloves feature space-themed appliqués – perfect for any space-loving child. Available for ages 3 - 13 years. £12 www.very.co.uk
Boys’ Tech Parka Made from a shower-resistant material, this parka features a zip-through front, pockets for stashing essentials and a faux-fur lined hood to help protect against the elements. Available in bright blue, navy and red colourways. £55 - £61 www.johnlewis.com
Barbour® Leather Black Utility Gloves Invest in these 100% leather gloves to keep your hands warm and protected against the cold. £60 www.next.co.uk
Accessorize Devonshire Check Blanket Scarf In a classic check, this Devonshire blanket scarf by Accessorize is sure to lift your winter looks with tones of pink and yellow. 100% acrylic. L190 x W70 cm. £20 www.very.co.uk
Chilton Short Padded Wellies Don’t let the rain dampen your mood, or your style! These mid-height wellies from Joules are super stylish and have been finished with a faux fur collar for warmth. An anti-slip sole gives extra grip for those frosty mornings. £49.95 www.joules.com
Accessorize Nude Chunky Cable Poncho Ponchos are still on trend for the colder months, and this chunky knit poncho, made from 100% acrylic, is a must-have to help defend against the cold. £32 www.next.co.uk
SD-3 Parka Jacket Dress your man in style while keeping him cosy. With removable faux fur trim, a zip and toggle button fastening, five outer pockets, one inner pocket and ribbed cuffs, what more could he want in a jacket! £90.99 www.superdry. com
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Shrieks
ahead! Grab your broomsticks, it’s Halloween! Here’s how to keep your little coven spellbound and the not-so-little monsters in your life cackling at some of Britain’s top haunts
Apparently, we have the Celts to thank for Halloween and its creepy traditions. According to some scholars, the last day of October marked the end of the Celtic calendar and was the day they chose to honour their dead. Unfortunately, the Celts also felt this was the time when the barrier between worlds became wafer thin, allowing spirits to cross over and mingle with the living in order to destroy their recently gathered crops. So, to prepare themselves for this medieval fright night, the Celts across Britain and Europe
disguised themselves as ghosts and ghouls to wander unopposed, further arming themselves with lanterns carved from large seasonal vegetables and lighting bonfires. Sound familiar?
– the night before All Saints Day, which is November 1 – and, with the Church starting to restrict Pagan practises, Irish settlers heading to America took their traditions with them.
Of course, the well-to-do were far too important to indulge with such supernatural superstitions, so the poor offered to pray for their dead as well – in return for a small cake or, if you like, a treat. Conversely, in Irish mythology the Pooka (think Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream) would also be around to play pranks. Of course, you can’t miss the trick.
And that’s how a festival dedicated to death snowballed into the multi-million-pound fun night we know and love today.
The name Halloween originates from the mid-1700s and is derived from the Scottish All Hallows’ Eve
BOLSOVER CASTLE
Warwick Castle WARWICK From October 19 until November 3, the castle becomes a dead cert for those looking for bloodcurdling tales. With a choice of scare levels – Plucky Pumpkins, Daring Dukes and Brave Knights – you can meet a host of bizarre characters, wondrous witches and even the crew of the Paranormal Encounters TV show as they try to discover why the ghosts of Warwick cannot leave. Further details: warwick-castle.com
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Given such a macabre backstory, it’s really no surprise the best places to get spooked at Halloween are Britain’s mythladen stately homes and castles. We feature five which we are sure will help raise the chill factor.
DERBYSHIRE
It’s really no surprise the best places to get spooked at Halloween are Britain’s mythladen stately homes and castles
Said to be one of the country’s most haunted castles – which encouraged staff to keep a special ‘ghost book’ to record the eerie experiences of visitors! You may even bump into the ghost of Sir Charles, said to wander the corridors of his former home, or catch the distinct whiff of horses coming from the empty riding school. Further details: english-heritage.org.uk and search for Bolsover Castle
The name Halloween originates from the mid-1700s and is derived from the Scottish All Hallows’ Eve – the night before All Saints Day
oxford Castle
OXFORD Visitors to Oxford Castle, another of Britain’s most haunted buildings, will be met by a host of Halloween-themed fun; from Bill Spectre’s ghost trails and midnight ghost tours of the castle, to the jailbreak escape room puzzle game, as well as Trick or Treat evenings, pumpkin carvings and ghost hunts for families and children.
Whitby Abbey
Further details: oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/events/ event/ghostfest/
NORTH YORKSHIRE
Fancy exploring the darker side of history among bright lights? No better place than an illuminated tour of the ruins which inspired Dracula, Bram Stoker’s classic horror story where you can meet witches and witchfinders. Further details: english-heritage.org.uk and search for Whitby Abbey
Other events Added to the above, the London Dungeon is promising something terrifyingly spectacular in their Halloween show (thedungeons. com) while younger thrillseekers will love Brick or Treat, the spooktacular sleepover event at LEGOLAND Windsor (legolandholidays.co.uk). And just to prove ghostly goings-on aren’t confined to dry land, the skeleton crew of a ghostly pirate ship has moved into Portsmouth Historic Dockyard bringing with them Halloween crafts, face painting, a deathly disco, kids trail and lots of competitions (historicdockyard.co.uk).
margam CASTLE SOUTH WALES
Margam Castle in Port Talbot can be a chilling location at the best of times and is said to be the home of the nasty and angry spirit of a gamekeeper who really throws his weight around! The castle has seen a lot of paranormal activity so their after-dark Halloween Ghost Hunt should be a ghoulish experience. Further details: eeventbrite.co.uk/e/halloweenat-margam-castle-ghosthunt-south-wales Of course, if you prefer your Halloween to be more home-based there are several things to keep the youngsters occupied before they go Trick or Treating. The English Heritage website (English-heritage.org.uk) carries helpful guides to making creepy lanterns and masks, as well as proposing a change to the modern trend of carving pumpkins by reverting to the more traditional turnips.
No self-respecting party would be complete without apple bobbing, another game which can be traced back to the Celts, who tied apples to trees to encourage the sun god to return the following year. Then it’s off for the much-loved house-to-house procession where clusters of Grim Reapers, zombies, Captain Jack Sparrows, ghosts, skeletons and even Hulks knock on doors and demand: ‘Trick or Treat?’ Whatever would the Celts have made of it all?
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The EFL Championship: How are the promotion favourites doing so far? Promotion from the EFL Championship is the most lucrative prize in world football; worth around £170 million because of the enormous TV rights package on offer!
Last years’ promoted teams, Norwich City, Aston Villa and Sheffield United are already feeling the harsh realities of life in the Premier League. But, with masses of money paid out in transfer fees and player contracts upon promotion, they will hope to duplicate the success of teams such as Burnley, Bournemouth and Wolves in the long run. Two teams win promotion automatically every year, with a play-off for the final spot from the teams positioned third to sixth. It’s a long hard slog with 46 games in the league, (and cup games on top,) and the Championship always throws up some surprises along the way. Before the busy winter period, here is our handy guide to how the promotion favourites are faring so far.
Leeds United Promotion from the EFL Championship is the most lucrative prize in world football
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Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds were last years’ play off final losers; despite sitting at the top of the table for most of the season the players tired and they lost their way. Losing first-teamer Pontus Jansson and top-scorer Kemar Roofe, and without the funds to replace them, they have looked to youngsters on loan from the Premier League this season. With another preseason under his belt and described as the ‘best manager in the world’ by Guardiola, expect them not to
tire this year. They steamrollered over Swansea, only to lose in the 90th minute, so they will hope Eddie Nketiah and Helder Costa bed in and make an impact as they don’t want the same problems as last season, when they lacked the cutting edge in attack.
Cardiff City Swansea City may be flying high at the start of the season, but expect this to be a temporary surge, much like a 100:1 outsider out front in the Grand National. They will fade, but expect Welsh rivals, Cardiff City, to hold steady throughout the season. Neil Warnock is an old hand at getting teams promoted, holding the record with 8 promotions in his management career. Cardiff have a solid squad of players, ready to rotate over the busier periods; when other teams drop off. Don’t be surprised when they’re, at least, in the play-off spots come the turn of the new year. And with Will Vaulks catapult throws, expect some last-minute goals ruining everyone else’s party.
Fulham Fulham spent big last year to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Caretaker manager Scott Parker did enough at the end of last season to get the job full time. They have a large squad of players, most with Premier League experience who will itch to get back to the top-flight. Like Leeds, they have dipped into the Premier League loan market, bringing in the experience of Harry Arter and the exciting Ivan Cavaleiro from Wolves, and kept hold of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. Expect Mitrovic and Cavaleiro to be pushing each other in their own personal goalscoring competition to the end of the season and don’t be surprised if Mitrovic reaches the magical thirty.
THE
perks
OF
RENTING
Between 2007 and 2017, the number of people renting in the UK increased by 63% A record number of people now rent their home as opposed to buying; with a large selection choosing to rent even though they could afford to buy. Renting has a huge number of perks and, with owning a home not as much of a priority for younger generations, this will continue to rise. The largest group of private renters are those aged 25-34. However,
there has also been an increase in renting for 45-54-year-olds. With new measures introduced earlier in the year, tenants have never been better protected. The increase in private renters isn’t necessarily because buying a house is out of their budget, many rent instead of buying due to career, family and the huge number of benefits that come from renting.
SO, WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST BENEFITS OF RENTING? The world moves faster than ever before. On average, Millennials switch jobs more often than older generations; with 60% always open to new opportunities. The job market has changed with people rarely staying in one job throughout their life. Many now want the flexibility to move to new areas to pursue their career. Renting is the perfect choice for those that do, as there is no need to put your house on the market, await viewings, negotiate offers and then wait for conveyancing. Leaving a rental property entails handing in your notice, cleaning and then moving! QUICK PROCESS
Many rent instead of buying due to career, family and the huge number of benefits that come from renting
Moving into a rental property is quicker than buying a property too. When you rent, you calculate how much you can afford using your salary, go on some viewings and then confirm to us, the agent, that you like the property. After this, you can put down a deposit and wait for the reference checks to complete, which usually takes a week. Once referencing is complete, you will confirm your
move-in date, pay your deposit and usually your first month’s rent, and pick up your keys. In theory, with the process running smoothly, you could view a house on a weekend and move in the next weekend! NO REPAIR BILLS If you own your home and the boiler breaks, or the oven stops working, you will need to pay a professional to replace or fix the item and do the work. In a rental property, report these problems and the landlord will get them fixed quickly at no cost to yourself, (as long as you didn’t cause the damage). This is the same for smoke alarms, Carbon Monoxide alarms and any other problems that happen during your tenancy. INSPECTIONS HELP YOU KEEP ON TOP OF THE CLEANING That dreaded word every tenant fears: ‘inspection’. However, this is the perfect opportunity to remind you to do a deep clean every sixmonths. When you own your home, you have no-one coming around to check on the condition of the property, which can lead to laziness in the upkeep of your home.
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London Road, Kessingland £197,500
**ATTRACTIVE SEMI DETACHED FAMILY HOME** coastal village location, extended kitchen/diner, loft conversion providing bedroom with en suite, spacious through lounge, large mature gardens, brick and tile garage with ample parking. E/R C.
Broadwaters Road, Oulton Broad £375,000
**AN AMAZING CONTEMPORARY BUNGALOW OFFERING FANTASTIC OPEN PLAN LIVING ACCOMMODATION** with bi-fold doors, superb grey/cream gloss fitted kitchen, log burner, en suite shower room, large garden room, private gardens, adjoining garage with remote door, viewing absolutely essential.
info@hardimans.co.uk
01502 515999 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Harrington Avenue, Lowestoft
SO S T LD C
Guide Price £295,000
**UNUSUALLY SPACIOUS BUNGALOW, DEFYING ITS OUTWARD APPEARANCE** rear extension with superb master suite, en suite shower room, re-fitted bathroom, lounge with superb log burner, generous size oak fitted kitchen/diner including appliances, upvc double glazing, gas radiator heating, immaculate condition, desirable location. E/R D.
Gainsborough Drive, Gunton £200,000
A highly desirable Georgian style semi detached house situated in the ever popular Gunton estate, comprising downstairs cloakroom, spacious through lounge/diner, kitchen, conservatory/utility extension, 3 bedrooms, upvc double glazing, gas radiator heating and on site garage. E/R C.
hardimans.co.uk
Corton Road, Lowestoft
SO S T LD C
£320,000
**ELEGANT PERIOD PROPERTY BEING IN HIGHLY DESIRABLE LOCATION** close to North beach, generous size reception rooms, large conservatory, downstairs cloakroom and utility, 3 good size bedrooms, re-fitted bathroom with shower, double glazing, gas radiator heating, delightful West facing gardens. E/R D.
Vermeer Close, Lowestoft £285,000
**GREAT 4 BEDROOM FAMILY HOME** in quiet cul-de-sac on a highly desirable gunton development, pleasantly overlooking woodland to the rear, spacious open plan lounge/diner, re-fitted kitchen inc. cooking range and appliances, utility/cloakroom, re-fitted bathroom, extended double garage, immaculate condition, must be viewed. E/R D.
info@hardimans.co.uk
01502 515999 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Westwood Avenue, Oulton Broad £250,000
**WONDERFUL EXTENDED 4 BEDROOM FAMILY HOME** with very well fitted kitchen, spacious through lounge/diner, fantastic sun room, well fitted family shower room, cloakroom, delightful gardens with summer house and covered loggia. Must be viewed to appreciate. E/R D.
Station Road, Beccles £410,000
GORGEOUS VICTORIAN PROPERTY lovingly renovated to very high standards, double storey rear extension, large gardens, off road parking, superb re-fitted kitchen/breakfast room, re-fitted utility, cloakroom, family bathroom and en suite, 4 good size bedrooms, many period features, MUST BE VIEWED E/R C.
hardimans.co.uk
Marsham’s Piece, Carlton Colville
SO S T LD C
£215,000
**SUPERB LARGER STYLE DETACHED 3 BEDROOM HOUSE** quiet cul-de-sac, in excellent decorative order, fabulous kitchen in light grey units including all appliances, spacious utility, downstairs cloakroom, some new fitted carpets, integral garage, good size gardens, must be viewed. E/R C.
Millfields, Wangford £220,000
**DELIGHTFUL VILLAGE LOCATION** modern 3 bedroom town house, renovated with brand new central heating, upgraded electrics, new carpets and re-decorated throughout, pleasant gardens, must be viewed. E/R C.
info@hardimans.co.uk
01502 515999 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Orchard Close, Blundeston £295,000
**EXCEPTIONAL 4 BEDROOM FAMILY HOME WITH DOUBLE STOREY EXTENSION** superb lounge/ diner with bifold doors, re-fitted Chippendale kitchen, bedroom 4/second sitting room, master bedroom with dressing area and en suite, superb family bathroom with stand alone bath, new double glazing, central heating and re-wired, everything has been done and must be viewed. EPC: C
Birch Close, Lowestoft Guide Price £350,000
**TRULY SUPERB CONTEMPORARY HOME** with 4 bedrooms, 2 en suite shower rooms, stunning kitchen/diner in white gloss units, sun lounge with vaulted ceiling, utility room, detached barbecue pavilion, secluded gardens. E/R D.
hardimans.co.uk
Pennygate, Oulton Broad £335,000
**SUPERB ECO FRIENDLY PROPERTY** this unusually LARGE chalet bungalow has been considerably EXTENDED to the ground floor and has a VERY SPACIOUS loft conversion, overall the property has 4 bedrooms, LARGE Lounge, dining room, pleasant gardens and GARAGE, situated in a quiet cul de sac, a parade of shops are nearby. E/R/ D.
Corton Long Lane, Lowestoft £475,000
**SUPERB 5 BEDROOM COUNTRY RESIDENCE** beautiful farmland views, particularly spacious accommodation, 4/5 bedrooms, en suite shower, great opportunity to update, extend and improve, double adjoining garage, large gardens, must be viewed.
info@hardimans.co.uk
01502 515999 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Waveney Drive, Lowestoft £180,000
VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND IMPROVED 3 BEDROOM HOUSE in non estate position, external insulation with new weather proof rendering, spacious through lounge/diner, modern fitted kitchen and conservatory, 3 bedrooms, large gardens, ample off road parking. E/R C.
Cotmer Road, Oulton Broad £485,000
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION - FABULOUS DETACHED RESIDENCE IN SOUGHT AFTER AREA set in idyllic gardens providing that wonderful space for all the family to enjoy. many period features, 4 generous size reception rooms, spacious kitchen/diner, 5 good size bedrooms, a box room and a large family bathroom. Potential for a building plot in garden STPP.
hardimans.co.uk
Meet our team... Rory Robertson
FNAEA MARLA DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER
I live and breathe property, my business philosophies are to keep it simple and provide professional and honest advice. I am passionate about getting the best result for my clients ensuring that my team provide the highest quality customer service from start to finish. My Staff, are in my opinion, the most qualified in the area and have proved themselves to be indispensable. I know that clients are in very capable hands when dealing with them, they have all built up excellent relationships over the years with our local Solicitors, Surveyors and other Property Professionals. There are many pitfalls throughout the selling, buying and letting process and believe me, my staff have seen them all! In my limited spare time away from the office, I enjoy hacking my way around the golf course and spending time with my wife and family.
01502 515999
rory@hardimans.co.uk
@
David Murphy
FNAEA OFFICE MANAGER
A dedicated and motivated estate agency professional, David’s entire working life has been in the property industry and his career spans some 40 years. Having worked for other local Agents across Norfolk and Suffolk, Hardimans feel very lucky that he chose to join us in 1999 as our Office Manager. He has an immense wealth of knowledge in property values having worked in Great Yarmouth, Beccles and Lowestoft areas and has gained extensive experience operating in a wide range of differing housing markets over the years. David’s way to relax is by walking his dog Louis through the Norfolk countryside finishing off with pint of ale at his local.
01502 515999
Maggie Godfrey
@
david@hardimans.co.uk
MNAEA SALES NEGOTIATOR
Maggie has been selling houses since 1985 and has a friendly ‘can do’ attitude. She is also one of our founder members and has gained priceless experience over the years. She is passionate about customer service and always goes that extra mile to help her clients achieve their home moving plans. She understands what her clients are looking for and ensures that they are the first to know when new properties come onto the market. She loves the fast pace of selling houses and feels a great sense of achievement on completion day when she hands over the keys. Out of work, Maggie likes nothing better than escaping on foreign holidays with her husband.
01502 515999
maggie@hardimans.co.uk
@
Denise Bjorck
FNAEA SALES NEGOTIATOR
Denise started her career in estate agency in 1979 as an “Office Junior” and hasn’t looked back since. She is one of Hardimans founder members and is proud to have been part of our success story. Denise is dedicated to giving a top class service to her clients. She enjoys speaking with our vendors and applicants and thinks it is important to listen to their needs and work with them to achieve their goals. Her attention to detail and customer care ensures strong results. Over the years, she has built good working relationships with the local Solicitors and speaks to them regularly to monitor ongoing sales. Denise loves playing practical jokes on us and her singing in the office is legendary but for all the wrong reasons!
01502 515999
@
denise@hardimans.co.uk
info@hardimans.co.uk
01502 515999 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Lisa Saunders
SALES NEGOTIATOR
Having grown up in Lowestoft, Lisa knows the area extremely well which has benefited her hugely in her work. She has been part of the Team since 1997. Her friendly and approachable personality resonates well with both buyers and sellers alike. Her role here involves all aspects of the sales process from arranging viewings, finding the buyer and seeing the sale all the way through to completion. She is a perfectionist and finds her job very rewarding and thrives on giving excellent customer care. One of Lisa’s hobbies away from the office is running and she is always looking forward to the next race.
01502 515999
@
Jane Jackson
lisa@hardimans.co.uk
SECRETARY/PERSONAL ASSISTANT
Jane has been an integral part of the Team since 1996. She runs the engine room! She is in charge of all of our marketing material. She oversees the preparation of our sales brochures, does all of our typing, arranges our Energy Performance Certificates/Floorplans, manages all of our IT needs and gives great support to the Sales Team. Jane has a wacky sense of humour and can be relied upon to lift our spirits when needed.
01502 515999
Dawn Mailley
@
jane@hardimans.co.uk
ARLA LETTINGS MANAGER
Dawn joined Hardimans in 2011 to further expand and develop our Lettings Department. She has been a Member of ARLA since 1998 and has gained a wealth of expertise in the rental industry. Dawn has an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of letting property, including your legal responsibilities as a Landlord. She is happy to advise you when looking for a buy to let investment, including what to buy and where. In short, she gives our Landlords the highest level of customer service and advice and since she has worked at Hardimans, our Lettings Department has gone from strength to strength. Dawn enjoys going to the Gym and dancing and also loves spending time with her family.
01502 516042
@
Matt Easton
dawn@hardimans.co.uk
LETTINGS ADMINISTRATOR
Matt is responsible for arranging and booking property viewings, referencing prospective tenants to ensure they qualify to rent and providing landlords with pre-vetted applications so they can make informed decisions about who to let their most important asset too. He also arranges move ins and helps resolve maintenance issues quickly for tenants and landlords. In addition, Matt carries out administrative tasks such as answering telephone calls, responding to emails and dealing with face-to-face enquiries. Matt’s interests out of work include playing football and going to the Gym.
01502 516042
Jonathan Snell
@
matt@hardimans.co.uk
IN HOUSE MORTGAGE BROKER
Jonathan is the newest member of our team. His mortgage and financial experience means he can offer a complete suite of advice and services to his clients, including mortgage advice, protection and insurance. The ‘total package’ of customer care is what Jonathan particularly likes where he is taking away the pressure and worry from his clients by looking after all aspects including liaison with solicitors, estate agents, surveyors etc. Jonathan plays football in his spare time and can also play a few tunes on the bass guitar!
07794 057095
@
jonathan.snell@rftfinancialservices.co.uk
hardimans.co.uk
RIGHT FIRST TIME FINANCIAL SERVICES Right First Time Financial Services is a company designed from the ground up to simplify your mortgage and protection needs. Our aim is to take what can be a challenging and complicated time and make it an understandable and enjoyable process by removing the stress whilst offering clear and unbiased advice.
MEET YOUR BROKER
JONATHAN SNELL
Jonathan has many years of experience in the Mortgage & Protection industry. If you would like more information or to arrange an appointment, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
07794 057095
jonathan.snell@rftfinancialservices.co.uk www.rftfinancialservices.co.uk
Right First Time Financial Services Ltd is an appointed representative of Openwork Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Your home/property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.
Celebrating 25 Successful Years! We were clear from the outset that we wanted Hardimans to be customer focused, building to provide a reliable, trustworthy service where we go that extra mile to make sure our clients transactions run smoothly. We were also clear that we would act with honesty and integrity, giving vendors and landlords alike an honest appraisal of what their property is worth and not go down the route of overpricing to gain instructions. Those principles hold true to this day and as a result a lot of our business comes from returning clientele and referrals.
With the increase of internet agents in recent times, Hardimans feel strongly that the High Street agents will always prevail as we can offer excellent customer service and a more personal touch with our local knowledge and an established local presence with our town centre office location. Simply picking up the phone and talking to a client makes all the difference. We treat everyone the same so that all of our clients feel special. There is a fine balance between agency internet work and good old fashioned values of picking up the phone and talking directly with the client. Our strength lies in the flexibility and ability to adapt to both approaches. We have always been a proactive agent and are always looking for innovative ideas and we are now delighted to be introducing the very latest social media marketing tools.
come and speak to our friendly and experienced team today‌ Uniquely, our strength is in our work ethic and ethos which makes us a formidable force within the industry. We boast unrivalled local knowledge to help you with your property transaction. Our proactive dedicated sales and lettings teams are committed to offering exceptional and unbeatable customer service to all of our vendors, purchasers, landlords and tenants. We pride ourselves on our personal and professional approach. Over the last 25 years, our team have built a strong reputation in helping our clients with either their sale, let or search for a new home by making it as exciting and stress free as possible .
New for 2019
Over the last 25 years, we have constantly evolved combining the very latest marketing tools with traditional estate agency and customer values
Brand new for 2019, we are proud to offer every client, new industry-leading technology including their very own FREE personalised property website, which is an exclusive service that no other agent offers in this area. Each property website will include its very own video tour and can be shared with family and friends on social media. Your property could also feature in our new exclusive monthly magazine which will be shared across our extensive database containing a wide range of contacts and home seekers.
Hello
AUTUMN
Hello
NEW HOME Turn over a new leaf this autumn and market your property with Hardimans. Contact us about your FREE VALUATION and FREE PROPERTY WEBSITE.
COPROYOUR M PERT PERSO IN Y W NA G EB LISE SO SIT D O E N
INSTANT VALUATION ONLINE
I’m marketing my property with Hardimans
Share with friends Request a viewing Local schools View on a map Value my home
CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS
01502 515999 | hardimans.co.uk