October 2019
Property NEWS Get cosy Warm up your home using colour PAGE 4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE How to enjoy firework celebrations - safely
Prepare your home for autumn
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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CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
Larken Close £425,000
Situated in a peaceful cul de sac is this spacious and light filled TWO DOUBLE BEDROOM, TWO BATHROOM FIRST floor maisonette with parking and garage. The property is set within close proximity to Bushey Heath High Road with its shopping facilities, restaurants, places of worship and transport links making it an ideal purchase for downsizers or first time buyers. The interior of the property briefly comprises of own entrance, open plan kitchen/breakfast room, lounge/dining room, two double bedrooms en suite to master bedroom and guest bathroom. The property further benefits from a spacious part converted loft area with potential to add additional living accommodation subject to usual consents and a garage in block. An internal viewing is highly recommended.
Coldharbour Lane £850,000 This impressive double fronted THREE BEDROOM DETACHED house is ideal to accommodate the growing family in absolute comfort with spacious rooms and open plan living. The property has been extensively modernised and extended by the current owners and is situated close to Bushey Village with its excellent High Street providing transport, shopping and recreational facilities. Further planning permission is granted for a ground floor side extension (Reference 17/0203/ HSE) The accommodation briefly comprises of porch, entrance hall, sitting room, family room, downstairs WC, spacious open plan kitchen breakfast room with integrated appliances and bi-fold doors to rear garden and utility room. To the first floor there is a family bathroom and three double bedrooms. Outside the rear garden is approximately 116ft in length and to the front the property benefits from ample off street parking. An internal viewing is highly recommended.
King Edward Road £515,000 CHARACTER THREE BEDROOM TERRACE HOUSE positioned on a sought after road, offering an attractive and welcoming appearance with unique and traditional features. Bushey Station is within close proximity and Watford Town Centre is approximately one mile. The property is also well placed for access to the motorway network via the M1 at Junction 5 and the M25 at Junctions 19, 20 & 21. The accommodation comprises 13’2 x 12’5 lounge with large bay window to front, dining room and spacious 14’3 kitchen. The first floor comprises of a large master bedroom with bay window to front, two further bedrooms and bathroom off landing. Outside the property has pretty cottage style rear garden of approximately 45’
bushey@jwandco.co.uk | stalbans@jwandco.co.uk | parkstreet@jwandco.co.uk | londoncolney@jwandco.co.uk
Bushey Heath 020 8950 3434 St Albans 01727 844444 Park Street 01727 875555 London Colney 01727 824311
Orchard Drive £1,000,000
LUXURY DETACHED Chalet house, finished to a high standard and situated in a sought-after location in Park Street. The accommodation comprises; a large OPEN PLAN kitchen/dining room with large pantry, separate UTILITY room with plant room, living room, CLOAKROOM, four DOUBLE BEDROOMS all with EN-SUITES and WALK-INWARDROBES to master. The property benefits from ample OFF-STREET PARKING and a good-sized landscaped garden. Within easy reach of the villages local amenities and a short drive to the Thames link station at Radlett. Offered for sale with NO ONWARD CHAIN. Vendors enjoy RURAL views.
Tippendell Lane £1,200,000
Park Street Lane £875,000
Impressive FIVE bedroom LUXURY SEMIDETACHED house, finished to a high standard and situated in a sought-after location in a development of just two homes. The accommodation comprises; a large OPEN PLAN kitchen/day room with separate UTILITY ROOM, home office, music room/ library, cloakroom, WC, GAMES ROOM, four bedrooms on the first floor with a family bathroom and two EN-SUITES & two WALKIN-WARDROBES, plus a double bedroom and EN-SUITE plus walk-in-wardrobe on the second floor. The property benefits from ample OFF-STREET PARKING and a good-sized LANDSCAPED GARDEN with summer house, total measuring approx 3700 sq ft.
JW&Co Langleys are delighted to offer for sale this Impressive FIVE bedroom LUXURY DETACHED house, which is finished to the highest of standards and situated in a sought-after location in a development of just two homes, accessed by an ELECTRIC CONTROLLED GATE linked to Home Control 4. The accommodation comprises; a large OPEN PLAN kitchen/family room with separate utility room, lounge, cloakroom, STUDY, four bedrooms on the first floor with a family bathroom and master bedroom with EN-SUITE, plus a double bedroom and EN-SUITE on the second floor. The property benefits from ample OFF-STREET PARKING and a good size landscaped garden with shed base ready, measuring to approx 1700 sq ft, 10-year New Home Guarantee. The luxury specification includes; Home Control 4 automation system, Rako remote control lighting to Kitchen/Family Room and Lounge, five CCTV setup, 19” Aquavision TV to the main bathroom. Porcelanosa titling and sanitaryware for all bathrooms, wired for Cat 6 throughout and wired for sound in key rooms with AV rack in the loft ready for hardware.
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Napier Close £250,000
A beautifully presented one bedroom cluster home situated in a peaceful and serene location. Within easy reach of local amenities, public transport and great motorway links, this property would make an ideal purchase for a first time buyer or as a buy to let investment. The accommodation comprises, porch, lounge/diner, fully fitted kitchen, modern bathroom suite and double bedroom with built in wardrobes and vaulted ceiling. To the outside of the property, well-maintained grounds with allocated and visitor parking.
High Street £525,000
Tovey Close £595,000 Four bedroom detached house situated in the highly sought after cul-de-sac of Tovey Close and within
A sophisticated three bedroom detached property situated in the popular area of London Colney, just a stone’s throw away from local shops and convenient transport links. Offering ample living and entertaining space split over two floors, the contemporary design and tasteful décor throughout gives the space a truly unique feel. Downstairs, a large open plan lounge/diner opens up into the light and airy kitchen/breakfast room. Double doors to the rear and a skylight above flood the kitchen with natural light, showing off the Italian porcelain tiling, granite work surfaces and high spec integrated appliances. There is a utility room leading off from the kitchen and also a downstairs shower room. On the first floor there are three well proportioned bedrooms and an upstairs W/C. To the rear, an enclosed ‘sub-tropical’ garden offers a private space in which to entertain guests equipped with a fully tiled patio with electric awning, raised foliage beds and an automatic sub-surface watering system. Towards the end of the garden there is a self-contained outdoor kitchen & bar complete with BBQ, extractor, power and light. To the back of the outdoor kitchen, a large workshop leads onto a rear driveway with space for several vehicles. In addition to this you will find a secure steel office and storage cabin. Viewings by appointment only.
easy reach of local amenities, public transport and well-regarded local schools. The accommodation comprises, entrance hall, lounge, dining room, fitted kitchen, utility room, cloakroom and integral garage. On the first floor you have the master bedroom with en-suite shower room and a further three bedrooms and a family bathroom. Outside you benefit from a large secluded well maintained rear garden and off street parking for two cars to the front.
bushey@jwandco.co.uk | stalbans@jwandco.co.uk | parkstreet@jwandco.co.uk | londoncolney@jwandco.co.uk
Bushey Heath 020 8950 3434 St Albans 01727 844444 Park Street 01727 875555 London Colney 01727 824311
Watling Street £1,400PCM
6 MONTH LET ONLY A particularly spacious THREE BEDROOM DETACHED HOUSE, with TWO large reception rooms and a STUDY on the first floor, the accommodation also includes a fitted kitchen, bathroom and TWO separate W/C’s, the property also boasts a large family garden, DETACHED GARAGE and ample OFF-STREET PARKING.
Deans Lawn £400,000
Kings Road £1,400PCM
An exceptional opportunity to acquire a stunning
SHORT TERM LET (6 MONTHS) - A BEAUTIFULLY
top floor, two bedroom apartment in this highly
PRESENTED
sort after and convenient residential location in the
BEDROOM TERRACED HOUSE situated in a sought
heart of Berkhamsted. This immaculate property,
after location close to the village centre. The
with lift access, offers residential and visitor parking,
accommodation comprises of living room, modern
communal gardens and views across the town. The
full fitted L shape kitchen and dining area, family
apartment boasts superb living space consisting of
bathroom, cloakroom, two double bedrooms and
two large bedrooms with built in wardrobes, separate
one single. The property further boasts an enclosed
high spec kitchen, family bathroom and good sized
rear garden and off street parking for two cars.
lounge.
FURNISHED.
jwandco.co.uk
AND
WELL
MAINTAINED
THREE
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION VALUATION
David Smith
Tom Smith
Jack Smith
David is a fully qualified chartered surveyor who has 35 years’ experience in dealing with all aspects of property including sales, lettings and property management. He has worked exclusively In the St Albans area for the last 20 years and has been active in dealing with new developments and conversion schemes for many large financial institutions. He is a keen sportsman and is a single figure handicap golfer. Email: davidsmith@jwandco.co.uk
Tom has had a successful career as a professional footballer and has always had an interest in property. The purchase of two existing businesses with extensive local interests was too tempting to resist. This gives him the opportunity to combine his football career with sales and property management. Tom lives in Berkhamsted with his wife Nina and three children. Email: tomsmith@jwandco.co.uk
Jack is very proud to be involved in this exciting and vibrant Company. He has always had an interest in property and is delighted to be able to transfer his skills from professional football to this new area. “We have a very strong team of employees and I am looking forward to working closely with them”. Jack has played professional football for Swindon, Watford, Millwall and AFC Wimbledon and currently lives with his wife Sophie and beloved dog, Lola in Berkhamsted. Email: jacksmith@jwandco.co.uk
CEO
Chairman
Director
PARK STREET
ST ALBANS
Danielle Saville
Ruth Bearne MNAEA
Lauren King Lettings Manager
Property Negotiator
Having joined the company in 2018 Danielle has already flourished in her role as a Trainee Negotiator bringing an enthusiastic approach to sales in addition to bringing buyers and sellers together. Under the management of Tim Griggs, she hopes to climb the ranks in the company and become a fully-fledged member of the National Association of Estate Agents, helping her bring an unrivalled level of professionalism to her clients. Danielle enjoys spending her spare time with her young family and reading, her favourite author being Deborah Harkness. Email: daniellesaville@jwandco.co.uk
Ruth joined JW&Co Langleys in 2014 as a Trainee and has quickly progressed to a Sales Negotiator at our Park Street branch. Ruth passed her NFOPP exams with flying colours and is now a member of the National Association of Estate Agents; with over 6 years in the property industry, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team. Ruth’s interests include travelling to new places, cooking and seeing friends and family. Email: ruthbearne@jwandco.co.uk
Lauren joined our company as a trainee in 2011 and has worked her way through the ranks. Lauren quickly became a very valuable member of our team. Lauren is now part of our busy lettings team and is a successful negotiator, and prides herself on being helpful, professional and efficient. As a local, born and raised in St Albans, she is an ideal team member, able to offer insight into the local market and what the area could offer you. Email: laurenking@jwandco.co.uk
Catherine joined the company in September 2018 as a Trainee Sales Negotiator in our St Albans Branch. St Albans born and bred, attendee of some of the top local schools - she has an extensive knowledge of the area and is a strong advocate for living in Hertfordshire. A variety of roles in both corporate companies and experience working abroad, has helped her to cultivate a number of different skills. Her knowledge of the local area, work experience and a penchant for property has resulted in Catherine quickly becoming an active and valuable member of staff. Email: catherinegrimer@jwandco.co.uk
Trainee Sales Negotiator
Sales Negotiator
Catherine Grimer
bushey@jwandco.co.uk | stalbans@jwandco.co.uk | parkstreet@jwandco.co.uk | londoncolney@jwandco.co.uk
Bushey Heath 020 8950 3434 St Albans 01727 844444 Park Street 01727 875555 London Colney 01727 824311
BUSHEY HEATH
Meet our team
Tim Griggs
Nick Tidball
Tim is Bushey born and bred after attending local schools and still lives in the Bushey area. In 1998 Tim joined JW&Co Langleys. and brings with him his seventeen years’ experience and continues to bring the company forward and develop the business with his initiative and marketing ideas. Whilst Tim currently works in the Bushey Heath office, he has also previously established offices in Bushey and Oxhey village making his knowledge of the surrounding area second to none. Tim goes the extra mile for his clients and builds up great rapport with those he works with. Email: timgriggs@jwandco.co.uk
Nick started his career in estate agency here at JW & Co twelve years ago, working alongside Tim Griggs across multiple offices. Having left the company in 2006 Nick pursued his career in the buoyant London market selling luxurious homes in Hampstead and surrounding areas. Re-joining the team in our Bushey Heath office for 2017, he returns with a wealth of knowledge and experience within the industry, keen to help drive the business forward. Born and bred in Bushey, Nick’s extensive local knowledge and history of the area is an asset to building new and existing relationships when both valuing and selling properties. Email: nicktidball@jwandco.co.uk
Sales Negotiator
LONDON COLNEY
Sales Director
Mark Antony Saville
Debbie King
Nina Smith
Mark joined JW&Co Langleys in 2011 as a Senior Sales Negotiator. He quickly progressed to become Sales Director of both St Albans and London Colney. As a member of the National Associations of Estate Agents, Mark takes an active part in ensuring that the emphasis on training and the expected high levels of customer service, are being delivered. Having worked within the property industry for 15 years, he brings a wealth of experience and insight to the company. He has an excellent knowledge of the St Albans area, and lives locally. In his spare time Mark enjoys travelling, running, going to the gym, watching F1 and dreams of one day, attending the Monaco Grand Prix.
Debbie joined JW&Co Langleys in March 2015, having previously worked in St Albans in an accounts-based role. Having lived in and around St Albans all her life, Debbie is very familiar with the local fraternity and also brings valuable accounting and administrative skills to the Company, across our Lettings and Sales businesses. Debbie is also involved in processing all Tenant and Landlord payments for our rental properties. Keeping with the family trend, Debbie’s daughter Lauren is also employed in our St Albans office
Nina joined the company in 2017 as a member of our Administration department. Since joining, Nina has taken on the challenging role of dealing with all letting’s administration; whilst the role is very much behind the scenes, her contribution certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. Nina prides herself on providing an efficient and high level of customer service to both landlords and tenants, which has made her an essential part of the team. Outside of work, Nina lives with her husband Tom and their three children in Berkhamsted.
MNAEA Sales Director
Accounts Manager
Email: debbieking@jwandco.co.uk
Email: marksaville@jwandco.co.uk
jwandco.co.uk
Lettings Administrator
Email: ninasmith@jwandco.co.uk
Scale of Charges SCALE OF CHARGES FULL MANAGEMENT SERVICE
INTRODUCTION ONLY SERVICE PLUS RENT COLLECTION
INTRODUCTION ONLY SERVICE
12% (INC VAT)
11% (INC VAT)
10% (INC VAT)
amount to be deducted from the monthly rental payments received by the Agent
amount to be deducted from the monthly rental payments received by the Agent
of the rent collected for the first six months. Payable for each individual letting where the tenant is introduced through JW&Co Langleys, hereafter referred to as ‘the Agent’
CONTINGENCY RESERVE
A minimum reserve amount of £150.00 (amount to be confirmed) will need to be obtained prior to the initiation of the tenancy as a contingency in the event of any maintenance work. The contingency reserve will be deducted from the first month’s rent and will be held by the Agent. The fees under the above service are payable when any one individual or organisation enters into an agreement to rent the Property as a result of our promotion, introduction, or viewings conducted by the Agent.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
FEE
Tenancy set up and referencing (managed) Inc deposit registration
£230.00 (INC VAT)
Tenancy set up and referencing (let only) Inc deposit registration
£275.00 (INC VAT)
Deposit Registration Fee
£60.00 (INC VAT)
Inventory Service plus check-in & smoke alarm and sensor testing
From £190.00 (INC VAT)
Inventory update plus check-in & smoke alarm and sensor testing
From £150.00 (INC VAT)
Checkout Fee (payable at the end of each tenancy)
From £115.00 (INC VAT)
Legionella Risk Assessment
£130.00 (INC VAT)
Property inspections (Introduction Only Service)
£60.00 (INC VAT)
Utility set up (Introduction Only)
£60.00 (INC VAT)
Energy Performance Certificate
£90.00 (INC VAT)
Annual Gas Safety Certificate
From £75.00 (INC VAT)
Annual Gas Safety Certificate and service
From £135 (INC VAT)
Section 21 Notice
£108.00 (INC VAT)
Section 8 Notice
£108.00 (INC VAT)
Accelerated Possession Order & Court Attendance Rent & Legal Protection for a period of 6 Months
From £840.00 (INC VAT) £96.00 (INC VAT)
Rent & Legal Protection for a period of 12 Months
£192.00 (INC VAT)
Rent & Legal Protection Renewal for a period of 6 Months
£121.00 (INC VAT)
Rent & Legal Protection Renewal for a period of 12 Months Short Lets (Of a duration less than 6 months)
£217.00 (INC VAT) 18% of the rent due (INC VAT)
Tenancy Renewal (Managed)
£90.00 (INC VAT)
Tenancy Renewal (Let only Service)
£250.00 (INC VAT)
Change of tenant
£250.00 (INC VAT)
Arranging Contractors/Maintenance Works (let only)
£45.00 (INC VAT)
PAT testing for the first five appliances
We are required by law to disclose all the charges you will incur during the set up procedure. Please do not hesitate to contact us and one of our dedicated team members will be happy to talk you through the process.
FEES IN RELATION TO A TENANCY THAT STARTED PRIOR TO THE TENANT FEE BAN ON THE 1ST JUNE 2019, UNTIL THE 1ST JUNE 2020 l Checkout fee – from £60 - £102 INC VAT (as stated in the tenancy agreement) l Renewal fee £90 INC VAT (as stated in the tenancy agreement)
TENANCY SET UP & DEPOSIT l Holding fee – one weeks rent that can be refunded or taken off the first month’s rent/deposit l Security Deposit – Up to five weeks rent
ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS FOR TENANTS
l Higher rent payment for pets – additional £50 rent per calendar month l Lost keys / security devices from £2.50 £175 INC VAT
From £150 (INC VAT) price on quotation From: £60 (INC VAT)
l Early exit charge £50 INC VAT
l Tenancy set up and referencing l Deposit protection fee l Inventory make/update and check-in l Checkout Fee l Rent & Legal protection for 12 months
Where the Landlord cancels the Agent’s instruction to provide a management service the Agent will charge. The Landlord will then be subject to to pay a fee of 8.4% (Inc VAT) of the agreed rent for the period not exceeding six months from the commencement date of the tenancy. VAT is payable at the prevailing rate on all our fees. In accordance with consumer legislation it is quoted as included in the prices stated above.
jwandco.co.uk
You should always choose your agent with care, only considering those displaying these trusted accreditations which provide the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge your money is protected and your agent abides by a strict code of conduct.
l Change of sharer / amendment to contract £50 INC VAT (plus the cost of any charges incurred by the company)
DISCOUNTED BUNDLE OPTION £750 (INC VAT) FOR THE SERVICES LISTED BELOW MINIMUM FEE
With nearly 40 years’ of experience and full membership of UKALA, the national Lettings Association (NLA) and The Property Ombudsman, JW&Co Langleys are experts in all aspects of lettings. We care about our Tenants and for that reason we pride ourselves on the level of service we provide.
l Fee for late rent payments – £TBC (up to 3% above the Bank of England base rate)
In the event that a dispute arises under the tenancy deposit scheme, we will undertake all of the administrative responsibilities in resolving said dispute (Introduction Only Service)
Electrical Fixed Wire Testing
TENANT PERMITTED PAYMENTS AS PER THE TENANT FEE ACT 2019
COMPANY LETS l Set up fee £450 INC VAT T&C – A holding deposit is non-refundable when an application is rejected due to incorrect/misleading information given prior to the commencement of references.
Here’s what our customers have to say...
Bob & Pauline
There were no problems; we were kept informed at all times and there was a satisfactory result for everyone. We would recommend this agent to family and friends.
Heidi
I heard of JW&Co Langleys through word of mouth. They’re a real part of the community so they were a natural choice for us to approach. In terms of what we’re looking for in our agent is someone looking out for us and anticipating and helping us with the needs of the whole process - and that’s what Neil gave us, including liaising with our solicitors, and really advocated us through the process.
Carol
I’ve always dealt with them and found their standards to be very, very high and they’ve always been extremely helpful and professional whenever I’ve dealt with them in the past.
Jude
I think the reason JW&Co differs from other lettings agent is that you really do get that personal touch and it’s all a very relaxed situation.
Mark
We met a couple of agents within our area and felt that JW&Co stood out, just because of their professionalism. As soon as they walked through the door, and the advice and the preparation they came with, is what stood out for us.
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Hello
AUTUMN
Hello
NEW HOME Turn over a new leaf this autumn and market your property with JW&Co. Contact us about your FREE VALUATION and FREE PROPERTY WEBSITE.
CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS
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INSTANT VALUATION ONLINE I’m marketing my property with JW&Co.
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St Albans T: 01727 844444 E: stalbans@jwandco.co.uk
Bushey Heath T: 020 8950 3434 E: bushey@jwandco.co.uk
Park Street T: 01727 875555 E: parkstreet@jwandco.co.uk
London Colney T: 01727 824311 E: londoncolney@jwandco.co.uk
Incorporating
LANGLEYS