Sears - October 2019

Property news October 2019

Get cosy Warm up your home using colour PAGE 4

INSIDE THIS ISSUE How to enjoy firwork 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

7

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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quality homes

The Robins, Jennett’s Park £575,000

This five bedroom family home has been tastefully upgraded by the current owners and is situated within a cul-de-sac in a prime location on Jennett’s Park overlooking Tarman’s Copse. The ground floor comprises of the kitchen/breakfast room, open plan living/dining area and w/c. The kitchen/ breakfast room has been modernised to a high standard and includes a 5 ring NEFF induction hob, Miele dishwasher, oven and microwave, an oversize stainless steel sink and Quartz work tops. The entrance hall and living room also benefit from hard wood flooring. To the first floor there are three bedrooms all of which are of generous sizes and share the family bathroom. The fourth bedroom also benefits from built in wardrobes. The master and second bedroom are spread across the entire top floor with both bedrooms benefiting from being dual aspect along with having fitted wardrobes. The master bedroom boasts an En-Suite shower room. Outside, the south facing garden has been professionally landscaped.

The walls have been raised to create additional privacy, a new patio area has been laid with ceramic tiles and there is side access to the garage.

Brownlow Drive, Bracknell £730,000

This impressive and well presented five bedroom detached property is ideally situated only a stones throw away from the new Bracknell town centre with all the benefits of a wide range of amenities. To the rear of the property there is Braybrook park with gated access allowing ease of use to the park whilst being positioned down a no through road makes it an ideal family location. Over the years the current vendors have extended, adapted and improved this family home to a very high standard offering very flexible accommodation. All rooms are of generous proportions along with good size family gardens, there is off road parking and a large double garage.

hello@searsproperty.co.uk

01344 481111

in Bracknell

in Berkshire

in South East

Multi award-winning property experts

Chiffchaff Corner, Jennett’s Park £1,700pcm

LET

Located in a quiet part of Jennett’s Park is this four bedroom town house. The ground floor comprises of the entrance hall, w/c, open plan kitchen/living area and conservatory with patio doors to the garden. Available from the 1st November 2019 on an unfurnished basis.

Ouzel Chase, Jennett’s Park £1,575pcm

Modern three bedroom detached property set in the popular Jennetts Park development close to local amenities and local schools. This spacious home is offered in fantastic condition with benefits including: Kitchen/dining room, large Lounge, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, private rear garden and driveway and garage for parking. Available from the 9th October on an unfurnished basis.

searsproperty.co.uk

Roebuck Estate, Binfield OIEO £400,000

Tern Hill, Jennett’s Park OIEO £475,000

Situated within a quiet location in Jennett’s Park, this four bedroom detached family home is presented in immaculate condition. Downstairs comprises of a guest w/c, a dual aspect dining room with double doors opening into the living area, kitchen with integrated appliances and separate utility room. Upstairs the master bedroom is a generous size with inbuilt wardrobes and an En-Suite shower room. Bedrooms two and three are both good size double rooms and the fourth bedroom is a good size single, the family bathroom comprises of a three piece suite. Outside is a landscaped garden which benefits from side access and provides access into the double garage which has two up and over doors, power and light.

Offering a huge amount of scope and potential is this three double bedroom Semi-Detached family home. Set in the highly desirable Village of Binfield with its great sense of community and excellent nearby amenities makes it a favourable place to live.

Pondmoor Road, Bracknell £285,000

Set in the popular Easthampstead area and only moments away from local schools, shops and amenities is this stunningly presented two double bedroom end terrace home, The spacious property has the enviable benefit of facing greenery from the front

Wokingham Road, Bracknell £425,000

This rarely available three bedroom semi-detached family home benefits from a generous plot of circa 260’ in depth and is located within close proximity of Bracknell town centre and mainline railway station. The property offers excellent potential for extension and development with numerous features and benefits.

hello@searsproperty.co.uk

01344 481111

in Bracknell

in Berkshire

in South East

Multi award-winning property experts

Kelvin Gate, Bracknell £950 pcm

John Place, Warfield £1,200 pcm

This well presented modern apartment is situated in the Kelvin Gate development in Bracknell town centre. The location provides easy access to local schools and amenities as well as transport link. Available mid-November on an furnished basis.

Offered to the market in excellent decorative order throughout is this two double bedroom first floor executive apartment built by Millgate homes.

This property is available from 1st November on an unfurnished basis.

Robins Gate, Bracknell £1,200 pcm

Silk Court, Wokingham £1,050pcm

This two double bedroom apartment is situated in a secluded development located within short walk of Bracknell town centre and train station. The apartment is available now on an unfurnished basis.

A well presented executive penthouse apartment, located in the heart of Wokingham town centre. The property is available from the 4th October on an unfurnished basis.

searsproperty.co.uk

Giving you peace of mind every time When it comes to selling or letting your property, not only are Sears Property local but we truly believe we are the best value estate agent you will find.

Sears Property are the only family-owned & run independent estate agent in the heart of Bracknell.

Our innovative approach to marketing, together with our exceptional customer service, makes us the perfect choice to market your property and guide you through your move.

Selling your property A multi-award winning, family-run, independent agent covering Bracknell, Warfield, Binfield, Jennett’s Park and surrounding areas, we can’t wait to meet you and offer our assistance with all your moving needs.

We’re very proud of our reputation and with decades of experience, our friendly, enthusiastic and professional service ensures that our clients return to sell and buy through us. If you’re thinking of selling, Sears offer a free, no-obligation market appraisal from an experienced member of our valuations team. We will provide you with an accurate market appraisal based on different criteria and we pride ourselves on not being pushy, there’s no obligation to put your house on the market.

Sears believe in using the latest available tools and technology and recognise the importance of excellent marketing. Your buyer will likely see your property on the internet, so it will be advertised on all the main online property portals, our website and social media sites.

However, we never underestimate the power of local marketing, so we offer traditional placement in our high street window display, bright and smart "For Sale" boards and through our database of registered applicants, giving your property the attention it deserves.

Exclusively to us in our area, your property will receive its very own FREE microsite showcasing a property video, OFSTED reports, and a property brochure. The ability to share your personalised website across social networks widens the audience for your property, helping to find the right buyer and increasing the chances of a quicker sale.

We don’t make the moving process any more complicated than it needs to be. Our database of registered applicants will be notified of your property coming to the market on their dedicated search websites where they can book viewings and offer feedback.

Quite simply we endeavour to sell your home for the best

Multi award-winning property experts

price, in the shortest possible time. We’re proud of our reputation and have worked hard to become recognised for the exceptional service we deliver. We are officially the “Best in the South East” according to allAgent’s. For two years running we are thrilled to be the leaders across the local region. We’re building on our success and not resting on our laurels.

Letting your property When it comes to letting, Sears Property are members of ARLA Propertymark. Entrusting Sears Property with your property you can be confident that the highest conduct and best practices are being adopted.

Whether you’re a first time landlord, considering a buy-to-let or already have a portfolio of investment properties, Sears offer a free, no-obligation market appraisal to provide you with an accurate market appraisal based on recent rentals, your property’s condition and it’s current letting potential.

We offer a comprehensive range of services for you to choose from including our Fully Managed Service, Rent Collection Service, Tenant Introduction Service, Landlords insurance, Client money protection, Gas Safety Checks, in-depth Inventory reports, Deposit registration, insurancebased Rent Guarantee and Legal cover policies.

As with selling, when you choose to let through us, your property will be advertised on the major online property portals, our website and social media sites, as well as traditional placement in our prominent window display and smart and bright “To Let” boards.

This will ensure that your property gets seen by as many people as possible - helping you to clinch that let. What sets us apart from other agents is that we offer the same high level of property presentation to our lettings as we do our sales properties.

Sears Property lead the way, offering three different packages when it comes to letting your property, helping to ensure that there is a service suitable for everyone.

The power of social media Your property will also receive its very own FREE property website showcasing a property video, OFSTED reports, and property brochures; something that we are proud to say is exclusive to Sears Property in our area.

In addition, our qualified database of buyers and tenants will also be notified of your property coming to market on their dedicated search websites where they can book viewings and offer feedback.

All our home hunters are fully referenced and vetted, making sure the highest of standards are met to find the right match for you.

By sharing your personalised websites with family and friends across the social networks you will be widening the audience to find the right buyer or tenant for your property, increasing the chances of a quicker sale or rental.

By instructing Sears Property to sell or let your property, you’ll benefit from an unrivalled quality level of service and expertise. £300,000 Binfield Road,

shire, RG42 2AW

Bracknell, Berk

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searsproperty.co.uk

Your ONLY local family-run Estate Agent in Jennett’s Park!

We’re delighted to be

your neighbour...

Sears Property are extremely proud to be your only Estate Agent in Jennett’s Park!

Still family run and still offering the same award-winning customer service we're known for we are proud to support Jennett's Park and The Jennett's Park C of E Primary School.

Sears Property believes the school is at the heart of the local community and as such, we were very excited to sponsor the summer fayre where our family met with yours.

Sears Property is the award-winning expert, offering you a quick and stress-free purchase and sale (if needed) along with local knowledge you can trust. So, if you’re looking at buying a new home, we will make the process clear and simple; as a family owned and run estate agent, we're very proud of our reputation and believe there is no-one better in the local area.

We also use the latest tools and technology alongside good old-fashioned customer service to help you move to your perfect home.

If you need to sell to move home, we offer a free no-obligation valueadded valuation from an experienced,

Multi award-winning property experts

local member of our valuation team to make sure you get what your property is worth.

So, if you decide to come to the market, Sears Property will offer you the latest innovations in property marketing to help you get an offer for the best possible price. Our Gold standard customer service includes a free personalised website for your property, that you can share with friends and family, social media marketing, expert accompanied viewings and quality photographs, to name but a few…

We never underestimate the power of local marketing, so we also offer traditional placement in our window displays, bright and smart ‘for sale’ boards and, through our database of registered applicants, we promise to give your property the attention it deserves.

We understand the importance of a local agent, with local knowledge of Jennett’s Park and we are excited to be part of this thriving community!

The level of service from Sears Property was over and above what I received from a previous company and certainly more than I expected from any company.

I have already recommended Sears to numerous friends and family members who are thinking of moving.

RICHARD, SELLER

The valuation they gave us was in line with our expectations and it was virtually hands-free for us because we weren’t required to do anything; the whole process was handled by Sears Property.

THEO, SELLER

I chose Sears Property to market my home simply because of the friendly feel I got when the valuation took place, and they weren’t pushy at all so I felt very relaxed with them. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Sears to anyone, just simply because of the whole service they provide; they really are the whole package.

LIAM, SELLER

They have been friendly and I’ve been kept informed all the time of what’s been happening.

The service, I’ve been very pleased with, they’ve done what I’ve needed; produced a tenancy agreement following the vetting of suitable tenants.

Would I use Sears again with letting a property? The answer is undoubtably “yes”.

BOB, LANDLORD

DAVID, SELLER

They are very personal and add a very personal experience.

I felt that I was kept in the loop the whole time.

CATHRIN, SELLER

searsproperty.co.uk

GOLD SERVICE AS STANDARD!

in Bracknell

in Berkshire

in South East

in Bracknell

in Berkshire

in the UK

When Selling or Letting through us, you will receive our award-winning GOLD level of service as standard. We are your local, independent and family-run Estate Agents who love to talk property!

We are extremely proud to be recognised as the Estate Agent that offers the BEST level of customer care to its clients in the whole of the South East of England!

Our friendly and professional team are on hand throughout the process and offer a warm and welcoming smile every time. Combining old-style customer service with innovative marketing techniques, our local knowledge and expertise will help you get a move on!

Bracknell

Jennett’s Park

01344 481 111

01344 309 990

hello@searsproperty.co.uk

jennettspark@searsproperty.co.uk

12 High Street, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1LL

34 Falcon Way, JennettÕs Park, Bracknell, RG12 8DQ

Call Sears Property today to book your free no-obligation valuation!

searsproperty.co.uk