LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
AUGUST 2020
UK ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT THIS YEAR CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO THE OLDEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL CASTLES IN THE UK LOCKDOWN EXCESS? LOSE WEIGHT AND GET FIT NOW!
JAMS AND CHUTNEYS SIMPLE PRESERVE AND CHUTNEY RECIPES
STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR FINANCES
DISTANCE LEARNING HOW DISTANCE LEARNING CAN HELP YOUR CAREER
CONTENTS COVER STORY
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UK attractions to visit Check out our guide to the oldest and most beautiful castles in the UK
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PROPERTY
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Stamp duty holiday We explain what the announcement means for sellers and buyers
FOOD
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Jams and chutneys Some fantastic jams, preserves and chutney recipes to make at home
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LIFESTYLE
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Upcycling for the garden Household cast-off’s can be transformed into great garden features
Protecting yourself in the sun Top tips for staying safe during the hotter months
Fruit foraging It’s time to hit the hedgerows and roadsides for nature’s free feast
Inspirational Books We’ve picked five books, of the 21st century that are worthy of comment
Online distance learning A look into the endless possibilities of distance learning
HEALTH
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Lose the lockdown weight We take a look at some workouts and exercises to get you fit for the summer
WELCOME TO THE AUGUST ISSUE!
W
here has this year gone? This month, on pages 4&5, we have a guide to help you lose any weight you may have put on over lockdown. We also have fantastic upcycling ideas for your garden using materials readily available. It may not have been as hot as expected so far, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look after your skin in the sun – check out page 6 for our handy tips. Has the Stamp Duty Holiday got you in a muddle? On page 13 we have a breakdown of what it means for you… Looking for interesting days out with the family now the school holidays are here? Check out our article on the most interesting
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castles to visit in the UK this year. We have also put together some recipes for stunningly simple preserves and chutneys. At the end of the day, when you’ve had enough sunshine, you can relax with our breakdown of the most inspirational books of the 21st century and a guide to online distance learning. So, sit back and relax with your copy of this months magazine… As we are all getting used to the new normal, remember to Stay Safe and Stay Alert at all times. Jonathan Wheatley Editor
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t doesn’t work now. There’s a hole in it. It’s not fashionable. I don’t need it anymore… bin it. No, hold that thought. Whatever ‘it’ is probably doesn’t need to be dumped in a skip, it could become a decorative feature to brighten the backyard. Thousands of inventive gardeners have been breathing new life into household items by rescuing them from an uncertain future at the local dump by upcycling to create practical – and whimsical – focal points among the shrubs. For instance, an old chest of drawers can be repainted, the drawers lined and filled with potting soil to show off just about everything from trailing bedding plants to flowers and ferns. Got a lot of paint pots leftover from those DIY projects during lockdown? Why not paint them and use them as colourful planters for spring bulbs or herbs? And if you are having a new kitchen or bathroom fitted, why not rescue the porcelain pieces? There’s nothing quite like a cluster of phlox or geraniums in a white cistern, shower tray, or basin to brighten even the shadiest of corners in your plot. You could also, quite literally, throw the kitchen sink at the garden to make a quirky – and colourful talking point. Although
Why one man’s household cast-off is another man’s upcycled feature for the garden
recycling the loo might set the neighbours chattering for all the wrong reasons… But the thing is any household item can be given a new lease of life with just a little thought.
solar-powered lights and positioned at strategic points to bring added brightness to borders. For those at their wits’ end desperate to add a little colour and life to their minute courtyard garden, find yourself a pallet. Stand it on end, cover the back with a piece of landscape fabric, fill it with soil and there you go… a vertical garden ready for herbs, alpines and dainty bedding plants.
Old wellies which don’t fit or leak can become planters and would be particularly effective with a trailing plant such as ivy or lobelia cascading from them, while those old Crocs you wished you’d never bought can be filled with soil, hung Thousands of on the wall and filled inventive gardeners with winter pansies to provide a bit of have been breathing winter colour. new life into
Or you could scour your local recycling centre for a wooden stepladder, paint it a nice Cambridge Blue or grey, fix it to a wall, attach household items Take the handle off a some pots and it’s a plastic colander and tiered garden, while potentially you have a planted wheelbarrows hanging basket, complete with drainage and rusty bikes with a basket on the front points, while a battered tin bucket, which add colour and a certain industrial cum has rusted and leaks like a sieve, could rustic charm to barren spaces. make a new home for a dramatic hosta and give the slugs that dine off it And if you think those old dining room something to think about. chairs are past their best, think again. Simply give it a coat of wood stain or There’s no need to fork out for a bamboo protective varnish, remove the seat and windchime because you can drill holes in attach some chicken wire to create a the handles of that old stainless steel basket-like shape. Line that with sheet cutlery set great aunt Nora bought you as moss, inlay some landscaping fabric or a wedding present, thread them with even newspaper, fill with soil and plant twine, and hang them from a stick to away with Alpine leeks, Saxifraga and create a less clunky alternative. other ground-coverers. Old glass containers, particularly Mason jars, can be painted to use as planters or, more effectively, filled with twinkling
DIY projects, failed or just past their use-by dates, can also be revitalised with a little sympathy rather than a sledgehammer.
A brick-built barbecue, for instance, can be painted and have planted trays inserted instead of wire shelves while yesterday’s old kettle barbie, which has been sitting at the back of the garage gathering dust and rust since the arrival of the new gaspowered toy, can also be upgraded with a lick of paint to become tomorrow’s must-have garden accessory.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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LOSE THE LOCKDOWN WEIGHT Let’s face it, over the lockdown period we have all gotten a little less fit, and maybe a little rounder around the sides…
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espite the best efforts of Joe Wicks, as lockdown went on, people’s motivation started to drain, and without gyms and swimming pools open, and JustEat and FoodHub offering no-contact delivery direct to your door, a lot of people are now finding themselves in worse shape than three months ago. However, now some gyms are open again with outdoor space, we thought we’d take a look at some workouts and exercises to get your heart pumping and to get fit ready for the summer…
CARDIO
Jogging and cycling have been great for people to build their cardio over the past few months. To get the most from a cardio session, there are a few things you can do… HIIT – HIIT means High-Intensity Interval Training. Which in simple terms means switching between high-intensity work and lowintensity work, for example… 1-minute sprint – 2-minute jog – 1-minute sprint – 2-minute jog – 1-minute sprint, for a total of twenty minutes. Steady State – Steady State cardio is the best form if you have a high percentage of body fat to lose. The aim is to get your heart rate up enough and to get sweating and to stay there for 30-45 minutes.
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PROPERTY NEWS
10-minute warm-up on a rower, a stationary bike or a jogging machine, followed by 30-minutes at a steady pace that keeps your heartbeat up. Interval Training – Interval Training is the bridge between HIIT and Steady State. Mixing high-intensity bursts with longer steadier states of training, for example… 5-minute warm-up – 2-minute sprint – 5-minute steady pace – 2-minute sprint and so on…
RESISTANCE TRAINING
If you think resistance training is all about lifting heavy weights while grunting like a meathead, then think again. Resistance training combined with cardio is the best way to lose weight and tone up at the same time.
A lot of people are now finding themselves in worse shape than three months ago
Compound Movements – Compound exercises, otherwise known as full-body exercises, are the fastest way to burn fat and get toned. Squats – Squats are one of the best exercises for weight-loss. Start with a heavy weight on a barbell balanced on your shoulders. Bend your knees, while keeping your back straight, go as low as you can, and then push up. Deadlifts – Start with a barbell on the floor and your legs at shoulderwidth. With your knees slightly bent, and your back straight, grip the bar an equal distance apart and raise to standing position keeping your core tight. Incline Bench Press – With a weight bench set at an incline of 45 degrees, using a pair of dumbells
A lot of people are now finding themselves in worse shape than three months ago
or a barbell, lay back on the bench (you may need a partner with a barbell) and slowly raise them above your chest, keeping the motion fluid and steady. Pull-Ups – Using either a pull-up machine, which makes pull-ups easier using weights inside, or a standard pull up bar, grip it with either an overhand or underhand grip and pull yourself up towards the bar to your chin. Isolation Movements – Isolation movements, otherwise known as Isolation exercises, are those which involve just one muscle group. Cable Push-Down – Cable PushDowns are perfect for working the triceps. Using a pull-down machine, add a rope bar, grip at both ends, and while keeping your
core tense, pull down bending at the elbows. Triceps are more important than biceps if you’re looking for toned arms. Standing Lateral Raise – If you’re looking to improve your shoulders, Standing Lateral Raises are the best exercise for you. With a dumbbell in each hand (don’t go too heavy) raise each dumbbell to the height of shoulders outwards. Keep your elbows locked to keep your form good and avoid injury. Dumbell Fly – The perfect accompaniment to the Incline Bench Press, the Dumbell Fly will work other parts of the pectorals and shoulders. Lay back on a flat bench with a dumbbell in each hand. Keeping your arms straight, with a slight bend at the elbows, bring your arms together
in a wide arc above your chest. Standing Barbell Curl – Simply the best exercise for your biceps. Go with a heavy weight if you’re looking to build strength, or a lower weight if you’re looking to tone up. Standing with your legs shoulderwidth apart and your grip the same on the bar, slowly raise the barbell to your chin, and then slowly lower it again to the starting position. A mixture of cardio and resistance training will work best if you are looking to lose weight and tone up. Remember, for any weight/ resistance training, it isn’t how much you can lift, but how good your form is. Don’t be intimidated by the weights, mixing low weight with high reps, and high weight with low reps will offer you the best overall outcome.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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TOP TIPS FOR PROTECTING
YOURSELF IN THE SUN A bit of sun is what we all need at the moment as we slowly come out of our lockdown, but staying safe is still high priority because the sun, bright and wonderful though it is, can have its dark side too…
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lready on record as being approximately 1C hotter than the long-term average temperature of British summertime, we are emerging from lockdown feeling a trifle stifled yet grateful for the warm sunshine on our faces. Though this may make us feel good short term, long term there are potentially negative side effects from absorbing too much sun. Staying safe, as we’ve learned better than ever over the past few months, is paramount, so here are our top tips for staying safe during the hotter months.
STAY HYDRATED
* Whether you’re playing sports, travelling or just sunbathing, getting enough to drink is more important than you might think, particularly for your heart health because keeping the body hydrated helps the heart pump blood more easily through the blood vessels to the muscles.
Stay
HYDRATED THIS
er m m u S
Wearing white clothing means the heat from your body gets reflected right back towards it, whereas black coloured clothing absorbs everything coming in from the sun
SUNTAN LOTION
* Spread the lotion onto the skin thickly, not thinly, as it’s much better to be safe than sorry. * Apply a new batch onto the skin every few hours, and after you’ve been in the water, and apply it before you’re exposed to the sun, not during. * Keep a note of when you first opened your bottle of suntan lotion. Each bottle of lotion comes with an expiry date, which is symbolized on the bottle with a small image of an open jar with a number followed by an ‘M’ beside it, like ‘12M’, for instance. This means that, after 12 months, the ingredients in the lotion begin to decompose and can become inactive and ineffective.
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PROPERTY NEWS
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
* It’s a point that’s often overlooked or dismissed as trivial, but wearing the correct clothing under the sun is far from trivial. Wearing white clothing means the heat from your body gets reflected back towards it, whereas black coloured clothing absorbs everything coming in from the sun.
SUNGLASSES
* There’s a reason why the majority of good quality sunglasses today are polarized. With polarized sunglasses, the filter creates vertical openings for light, meaning that only light rays that approach your eyes vertically can fit through those openings. So, for instance, the lenses will block out all the horizontal light waves bouncing off a smooth pond or a shiny car.
RICH PICKINGS It’s time to hit the hedgerows and roadsides for nature’s free feast
We are heading into the season of mellow fruitfulness. It may not seem it in this crazy year, but in what seems like a bat of an eye, we are already into August, a month where we traditionally hang on to summer but mentally start to prepare ourselves for autumn. And that means bringing in the harvest – and not just those f ruits we slavishly grow in our gardens. It’s time to step beyond the larch-lap fence panels and hit the hedgerows.
Foraging has been around for thousands of years – indeed, the ability to find wild foods was the key to survival long before formal agriculture and animal husbandry – but has enjoyed something of a revival as we turn our back on the processed for more organic produce. Plus it’s free and fun . . . as long as you are prepared for the scratches and stinging nettles. So, what are we looking for? Well, blackberries, the fruit of the prickly brambles that are prevalent along country lanes and heathland, are the obvious favourite. Those beautiful deep purple-black berries have been ripening slowly in the summer sun with gentle rains helping them to swell and ready to pick in late July and August. Bursting with vitamin C, they can be eaten raw or cooked in pies, crumbles, jams and jellies with micro varieties creating subtly different flavours. However, it may seem obvious, but they need to be washed thoroughly before eating, particularly if picked from a busy roadside. Although lead is absent from car fuels, the exhaust fumes can still lay on thin-skinned fruit, even if health risks are considered low.
The same warning applies to another foraging favourite, elderberries. Easy to recognise as the small dark reddish black berries hanging from trees in neat clusters in August and September, this fruit is also packed with vitamins and is loved by cordial and winemakers. It also makes a nice hedgerow jam. Crab apples are another staple for the roadside huntergatherer between August and October. But, although it may be the ancestor of the cultivated apple, it should carry a health warning: Do not eat raw unless you wish to enter the British Gurning Championship - they can be extremely sour. Once cooked, though, they make an incredible sunsetcoloured jelly which is gorgeous on bread and as an accompaniment to many meats. Hazelnut trees are also common in woods and hedgerows, and if picked early in the season when green they are good to nibble on and are lovely roasted. Any later and you’ll have to beat off the squirrels … But don’t limit your foraging to fruit. Try weeds, such as the Greater Plantain, the rosetteshaped plant found in lawns, roadsides and waste ground. The young leaves are best for salads, and although older growth is tough, blanched and sautéed with butter they are quite tasty.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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TOP UK D CASTLES TO VISIT THIS YEAR
uring medieval times castles were built primarily to serve as protection for the nobility and were generally a symbol of the power of the ruling family at the time. Their intimidatingly majestic-looking structures and grounds served as an active and effective defence against potential intruders or attackers. Today they symbolise the power of history, and more particularly a nation’s desire to hold onto it. Castles radiate a special kind of glow, and in the evenings many literally do glow with outside lighting illuminating walls which have served so many leaders in our past, leaders who made us who we are today as a people.
When it comes to castles, beauty is enhanced with age, and here are the oldest, and most beautiful, castles to visit in the UK
Marvelling at them from the outside, though, is just the tip of the iceberg, for the sheer sense of age, tradition and antiquity is prevalent in the air when you step inside, and can thus only truly be experienced via a tour, or indeed a wedding. From the dungeons to the castle Keeps, these castles in the UK have it all and are probably some of the very best castles Britain has to offer.
WINDSOR CASTLE It’s difficult to establish definitively what the oldest castle in Britain is due to lack of evidence, but the oldest occupied castle (and not only in Britain but in the world) is Windsor Castle.
Inaccurately considered by many to be the oldest castle in Britain, Warwick Castle, built in 1068, is, like Windsor Castle, one of the more popularly visited in the UK
Built around 1070, Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel was the venue for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding on 19th May 2018. The castle occupies 13 acres of land and combines the features of a fortification, a palace and a small town. It was built after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror, and since the time of Henry I, it has been used by all 39 reigning monarchs, being the longest-occupied palace in Europe.
TOUR TICKET PRICES Adult: £23.50 Over 60 / Students: £21.20 Under 17 / Disabled: £13.50 Under 5: Free Family (2 adults and 3 under 17s): £60.50
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PROPERTY NEWS
WARWICK CASTLE Inaccurately considered by many to be the oldest castle in Britain, Warwick Castle, built in 1068, is, like Windsor Castle, one of the most popularly visited in the UK, and again was built by William the Conqueror. Originally a wooden Motteand-Bailey castle, and then rebuilt in stone during the 12th century, the structure is situated on a bend of the River Avon enjoying scenic views. The facade opposite the town was refortified during the Hundred Years War, resulting in one of the most recognisable examples of 14th-century military architecture today.
TOUR TICKET PRICES
PORTCHESTER CASTLE, BEESTON CASTLE, AND COLCHESTER CASTLE These are some of the very oldest castle sites in Britain, and the historical significance of them stems from their structural origins. Portchester Castle still comprises habitable areas and was formed from a Roman fort built on the same site in the 3rd century. Though now inhabitable, Beeston Castle has a largely intact gatehouse, the site starting out as a Neolithic settlement in c3500 BC. Colchester Castle was previously a 1st Century Roman temple and was transformed into a castle between 10691076, making its Keep older than the Tower of London.
Castle, Grounds & Gardens: from £20 Standard Warwick Castle annual pass: from £35 Premium Merlin annual pass: from £139 A ‘stay overnight’ package is also offered.
OTHER PARTICULARLY OLD AND BEAUTIFUL CASTLES IN THE UK WHICH SHOULD BE VISITED AT LEAST ONCE: Cardiff Castle – constructed in the 11th Century. Edinburgh Castle – constructed in the 12th Century. Bunratty Castle – constructed in the 15th Century.
The oldest occupied castle (and not only in Britain but in the world) is indisputably Windsor Castle
Pictured: Edinburgh Castle
BERKHAMSTEAD CASTLE AND NORWICH CASTLE In line with the most reliable information we have, these two castles are officially the oldest castles in the UK, both on record as being built in 1067. Like what Warwick Castle was originally, Berkhamstead Castle is a Motte-and-Bailey castle, built to obtain control of a key route between London and the Midlands during the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century. Robert of Mortain, William the Conqueror’s half-brother, was probably responsible for managing its construction, after which he became the castle’s owner. William the Conqueror plays a key role in yet another one of Britain’s most beautiful castles, Norwich Castle, a royal fortification, which was founded in the aftermath of the Norman conquest of England when William the Conqueror ordered its construction in alignment with his campaign to subjugate East Anglia.
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SUMMER FRUIT AND VEG
JAMS AND CHUTNEYS With the incredible amount of fresh fruit on offer in the UK during the summer, here are some fantastic jams, preserves and chutney recipes to make at home…
750g Mixed baby tomatoes 175g mixed sweet peppers 350g red onion 1 tsp salt flakes 2 tsp mustard seeds ¼ tsp crushed chillies 2 garlic cloves 300ml cider vinegar 90g sultanas 225g light muscovado sugar
SPICY BABY TOMATO & SWEET PEPPER CHUTNEY This is an easy to make sweet, sour and spicy chutney that is perfect for autumn. It tastes even better with homegrown tomatoes and peppers from the garden…
METHOD 1. Add all the ingredients to a large preserving pan except the tomatoes. 2. Bring to the boil and simmer for 25 minutes. 3. Add the tomatoes and simmer for a further 35-minutes, stirring occasionally. 4. Ladle into hot jars and seal.
2kg plums, stoned and roughly chopped. 2kg white granulated sugar. 2 tsp ground cinnamon. 1 tbsp lemon juice. 3 cinnamon sticks. Knob of butter
CINNAMON-SCENTED PLUM JAM Plums are in abundance this time of year, and this recipe with a warming cinnamon twist is incredible on toasted teacakes.
METHOD 1. Put the plums in a large preserving pan and add 200ml water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-minutes. 2. Add the sugar, ground cinnamon and lemon juice and allow to dissolve without boiling. 3. Increase the heat and bring to the boil. After 5-minutes spoon a little jam onto a cold saucer and wait. If it wrinkles it is ready. 4. Remove from heat and add the cinnamon sticks and the butter. Let cool before ladling into jars and sealing.
8 Red Onions 1 Red Chilli 2 bay Leaves 25 ml Olive Oil 200 g brown sugar 2 teaspoons Mustard Seeds 150 ml Balsamic Vinegar 150 ml Red Wine Vinegar
CARAMELISED RED ONION CHUTNEY This really easy caramelised red onion chutney is perfect with cold meats and crackers any time of the year.
METHOD 1. Cut the onions and chilli into thin slices and put into a pan with the bay leaves and olive oil. Cook gently for 20-minutes. 2. When the onions have browned, add the sugar, vinegars and mustard seed, and simmer for 30-minutes until the chutney is thick. Stir occasionally. 3. Pour the hot chutney directly into hot, sterilised jars and seal.
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Image for illustrative purposes only
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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INSPIRATIONAL BOOKS OF THE 21ST CENTURY Just twenty years in, the 21st Century has already gifted us with so many inspirational pieces of literary work worthy of comment. So we’ve picked f ive books, of different styles and genres, which embody this overarching theme.
THE KITE RUNNER
THE 4 HOUR WORK WEEK
KHALED HOSSEINI, 2003
This thriller, which became a New York Times Bestseller, focusses on the story of Amir, from childhood into adulthood, against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s political history. Centred around correcting the mistakes of his childhood, this story is based on the themes of guilt, bravery, and redemption, all against a dangerous, but all too real backdrop.
TIMOTHY FERRISS, 2007
This New York Times Best Seller self-help book tears up the traditional ‘retirement plan’, in favour of increasing income and controlling one’s own working hours. In the most recent edition, the author recounts his own drastic changes to his working week, whilst also providing case studies of families who have used this method as a framework for their lives.
PROUD
GARETH THOMAS, 2015
In 2009, Gareth Thomas, the Welsh Rugby star, came out as the sport’s first openly homosexual player. In this autobiography released a few years later, Thomas recounts the guilt created by keeping his sexuality a secret within the context of a culture dominated by masculinity, and the dangers that revealing his true self might pose to his career, and his personal life.
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PROPERTY NEWS
THE BOY IN THE DRESS
DAVID WALLIAMS, 2008
This children’s book, which has since been made into a play by the Royal Shakespeare Company, aims to break down gender barriers at a young age. Telling the story of Dennis, who enjoys cross-dressing, this novel informs youngsters that a hobby, such as this, is acceptable, and nothing to be ashamed of.
WHY I’M NO LONGER TALKING TO WHITE PEOPLE ABOUT RACE RENI EDDO-LODGE, 2018
This novel, which sparked international conversation, was originally a blog, focussing on how those who discussed racism in Britain were led by those who racism did not affect. In this novel, Eddo-Lodge explores racism throughout history, right up to what it is like to be a person of colour today. Such has been the positive reception since release, this novel has been used as a core material during the Black Lives Matter movement.
STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY: WHAT IT MEANS FOR SELLERS AND BUYERS Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a temporary holiday on stamp duty for property sales in England and Northern Ireland As part of the government’s plans to boost the economy, especially the property market, Sunak announced a temporary holiday on stamp duty until next March starting from the 8th of July. In reality, what the Chancellor has actually done is increase the stamp duty threshold to £500,000 for property sales in England Northern Ireland. This means anyone completing on a main residence under £500,000 from now until the 31st March 2021 will not pay any stamp duty, and anyone completing on a property over £500,000 will only be taxed on the amount above £500,000. A move which could save buyers as much as £15,000.
Stamp duty is a lump sum payment for anyone buying a property and is paid upon completion, so from now on, if you’ve exchanged, but not completed you will be eligible for the stamp duty holiday.
With more buyers out there, it is expected that more properties will come to the market. For example, Mr and Mrs X, who already own a home, will now have no stamp duty to pay for an onward purchase up to £500k. With the saving, they come to the market offering a property perfect to a first-time buyer who now has a larger deposit knowing they won’t have to pay stamp duty. Mr and Mrs X have the confidence that their property will get plenty of interest with more buyers out there looking to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday. First-time buyers, will now no longer have to figure stamp duty into their finances for a move, so will have more money to put towards a deposit, which may, in turn, increase their budget. First-time buyers who were just short of having a deposit may wake up this morning now ready to move.
What do you think about the news? Has it affected you? Let us know today…
This could be an average saving of £4,500 with just under nine out of 10 people buying a main residence this year paying no stamp duty at all
Y UT P D AY AM ID ST HOL
The Chancellor has suggested this could be an average saving of £4,500 with just under nine out of 10 people buying a main residence this year paying no stamp duty at all. Before the announcement, stamp duty was due on any property over £125,000, while first-time buyers didn’t pay stamp duty up to £300,000.
teetering, unsure of whether to make the jump due to financial reasons, will hopefully be tempted by the saving on offer, especially as, for now, it is only in place till the 31st March next year.
This is huge news for the property market affecting all sections. Buyers who were
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LEARN SOMETHING NEW THIS AUTUMN If during the lockdown you’ve had second thoughts about your career, or you want to beef up your CV, why not look into online distance learning.
O
nline distance learning offers you the opportunity to get an Undergraduate or Postgraduate degree from the comfort of your own home. Allowing you to add something new to your CV and move closer to your dream career.
An Open Degree isn’t for everyone, however, the positives are there for all to see
Distance learning is offered by countless universities in the UK. The most popular is The Open University, who have helped over 2 million people to get a degree. They offer Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees in a huge array of subjects including Arts and Humanities, Business and Management, Politics, Health Sciences, Education and many more. With over 120 undergraduate qualifications available, you will be able to find the right course for you and your career. And with 70% of Open University students working full time, you won’t be the only one struggling to manage your time. Luckily, The Open University has a handy Time Planner to check it’ll work for you.
The team at The Open University are fantastic and very helpful. If you have an idea where you want to get to in your career, their Careers and Employability service will guide you to the right course to get you there. Each course has a range of optional and compulsory modules which as a part-time student will be completed in a specific order over six years. However, if you are struggling for a year, you can defer. Each annual module is broken down into Teacher Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Examiner Marked Assignments (EMAs). TMAs are basically coursework assignments whereas EMAs are an exam based assignment done from your own home. Some degrees do have an actual exam where you will have to travel to a nearby Open University registered building to take your exam. At the start of each module, you will receive a study pack with study materials and your study guide. If you are proactive you can get ahead of the curve or you can follow the dates suggested to spread the module out over the term period. You will also have direct contact with a dedicated tutor, student forums and optional learning events to ensure you’re never alone. Once you finish your degree, if you choose, you can keep on studying and maybe even get a Masters in your subject. Having a degree on your CV will open doors that were previously closed during your career, however, you do need to check you have the right work/ life balance to complete the degree. ‘But I won’t get accepted for a student loan’ or ‘I can’t afford it,’ I hear you say… Well, actually, you can apply and will be eligible for Student Finance UK if you’re a UK national
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ORIGAMI
(or have settled status). If you’re currently working and are looking to study part-time you may be eligible too as long as the course intensity is 25% or more – which is around 18 hours a week. You will only start repaying your student loan when your income is over the threshold amount for your repayment plan. The threshold amounts change every April. The earliest you’ll start repaying your course is the April after you leave your course or the April 4 years after the course started.
With over 120 undergraduate qualifications available, you will be able to find the right course for you and your career
Registration for this year closes on the 10th September for courses starting in October, and you can order a prospectus online
Most students will only start paying once their income is over £511 per week before tax and deductions. Generally, once you are over the threshold you will pay back 9% of the total you are over the threshold. Your payments will be automatically taken out of your salary and you will be able to see the payments on your payslip. An Open Degree isn’t for everyone, it is a lot of hard work over a long period, however, the positives are there for all to see… If you can’t get a Student Finance loan you do have the option to pay upfront or in instalments. Notable alumni of the Open University include Lenny Henry, Mylene Klass, Talulah Riley and Meles Zenawi the 8th Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
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THE MORTGAGE SHOP
01843 600 666 info@themortgageshop.co.uk
“The Process Was Smooth and Stress-Free” “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for all you have done for myself and Clair whilst selling and buying our houses. The service you provided whilst selling our house to organising the mortgage and insurance for our new house has been first-class. We have been kept well-informed at every stage of the process and keeping all of this under 1 roof has meant the process was smooth and stress-free! Please congratulate and thank your team for their hard work and professionalism. which has been much appreciated. Many thanks.”
Glenn Leach Gary Fairhall started our sister company, The Mortgage Shop (Kent) Ltd, in Broadstairs in 1996 with his then business partner, Mike Friend. They opened TMS Estate Agents in 2009. The Mortgage Shop is now completely independent from TMS Estate Agents and isn’t linked to a particular lender, so the service is tailored to clients’ exact needs, instead of those of the mortgage companies.
A Comprehensive Service Their full ‘housing package’ involves arranging: • Competitive quotes from solicitors • Buildings and Contents Insurance • Income Protection • Life and Critical Illness Solutions With many financial options available that the average estate agent will not recommend, they can arrange finance on buy-to-let and unencumbered properties, meaning you can move house without the need to sell. They treat you as an individual and not a number.
Matt Watson
Tammy Palmer
TMS Estate Agents and TMS The Mortgage Shop continue to have a close working relationship supporting each other’s clients to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. Gary has a very successful team of mortgage advisors who provide an outstanding service – Matt Watson, Mike Friend, Tammy Palmer - and they are ably assisted by the highly experienced admin team of Heidi Mallon, Andrea Studden and Henry Tucker who has recently passed his exams and is well on his way to becoming a fully qualified Mortgage Advisor. Call them now on 01843 600666 and find out what The Mortgage Shop can do for you!
“There Is Always a Solution… Together We Will Find it”
Gary Fairhall Company Director
Disclaimer: The Mortgage Shop (Kent) Limited is an Appointed Representative of the PRIMIS Mortgage Network, which is a trading name of Personal Touch Financial Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Sales, lettings and holiday lets are not regulated by the FCA. Registered Address: Sutherland House, 6 Nelson Place, Broadstairs. CT10 1HQ Registered in England No: 03783582
Heidi Mallon Andrea Studden Henry Tucker www.themortgageshop.co.uk
Mike Friend
TMS Supports Local charity
TMS Estate Agents have proudly supported Age UK Thanet for several years. On receipt of our first donation to them, their Chief Officer wrote to us to say:
Their service can help with a variety of issues including: •
Understanding allowances and benefits
•
Help with completing claim forms
“Age UK Thanet Limited provides • Housing and community care issues vital services to older people in our community The service is provided “My team will never put you enabling independence at their Community Hub under pressure to make a decision and social interaction. in Margate from Monday to to sell and we will make sure With regular support from Thursday. you get all the support you need. local companies such You are free to start the process Opening hours are from as TMS Estate Agents it and change your mind without 9.00am - 4.30pm. enables us to continue a sense of obligation or hidden fees. Our free advice will be tailored our much valued work.” At TMS Estate Agents we promise all our clients, especially the vulnerable and disabled, a free valuation which is fair & honest. Age UK Thanet provides confidential information and advice on a wide range of issues for people aged over 50, their families and carers.
to suit your needs as we want you to feel 100% comfortable so you do not have to worry.” Vicki Andrews, Managing Director
sales@tmsestateagents.com
The centre has an open door policy, so please feel free to visit them at: Age UK Thanet, Randolph House, Zion Place, Margate, Kent CT9 1RP.
Please feel free to call on: 01843 223881
SALES HOLIDAY LETS
LETTINGS MORTAGES
Don’t just take our word for it...
Mr Rawles - Landlord
The reason I chose TMS is because they made me feel comfortable. If you phoned up and the person you were dealing with wasn’t available, the next one was up to speed and knew exactly what the deal was.
Mr & Mrs Fearn - Seller
We chose TMS to market the home because they gave us an honest opinion of how much it was worth. We would not hesitate to use TMS again because they were so good.
Mr Howarth - Seller
I think TMS are very different to other estate agents. They’re family run and they do care for your property and they will do the best for the client.
Ms Hicks - Buyer & Seller
I couldn’t have wished for a better estate agent, they’ve helped me every step of the way, talked me through if I ever had a problem and reassured me. If I was to ever move again, I would definitely use TMS to promote my property.
Mr Whelan - Landlord & Seller
They’re the sort of company that give estate agents a good name. They’re a very ethical and considerate company, and employ good staff. I’d definitely recommend TMS to both business people and to family and friends.
MrPayne - Seller
I liked the family-friendly service that TMS offered compared to the high-pressured sales of other agents.
Mr Hughes-Jones - Seller
Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting - there’s professionalism in all aspects with every single person in the office.
sales@tmsestateagents.com
Your property, our passion
SALES HOLIDAY LETS
LETTINGS MORTAGES
TMS joins online portal to offer more secure, faster sales TMS Estate Agents has joined forces with Under The Hammer to offer customers a unique online platform to buy and sell properties online, making the process quicker and more secure. Through Under The Hammer, we will now be able to host properties through online traditional auctions and through a private treaty sales service called “Secure Now”, which allows buyers to purchase a property for a fixed price instantly.
Both solutions provide an excellent opportunity to sell quickly and securely, while ensuring that you get the best value for your property. The portal works with hundreds of agents across the country, and we’re delighted to bring its advantages to Thanet and beyond. Here are four reasons why you should buy and sell with online auctions or Secure Now:
1. Get the right price
3. Secure transactions
With the platform being online, it allows you to buy and sell properties from anywhere in the world, whenever you are able.
All transactions are secured by an exchange of contracts at the fall of the hammer at auction, or by payment of an exclusivity deposit for Secure Now purchases, meaning that there is no gazumping nor dropping-out, as both sides are obliged to complete transactions.
This opens up properties to more people, meaning that private sales are made quicker, and auction properties have a better potential to achieve and go beyond their guide price.
4. Fixed timescales for exchange & completion
2. Sell for free That’s right, there are no seller’s fees when you choose to sell through the Secure Now method.
For auctioned properties sold in the portal, properties exchange on the same day and complete within 56 days to allow time for buyers to secure finance.
Online auction sales are also very competitively priced, meaning that you are able to maximise the potential of your property’s value.
Secure Now purchases exchange in 28 days and complete 28 days after that.
Interested in finding out more about our new online auction and Secure Now services? Call us today on 01843 866055 for more information. We’re open 7 days a week!
tmsestateagents.com
SALES HOLIDAY LETS
LETTINGS MORTAGES
TMS Team... Vicki Andrews - Mother Hen, will take you under her wing How long have you lived in the area? 15 years
What do you love most about your job? Working with people I love who share my values Tell us something about you I love Elvis!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Be true to yourself
Max Andrews - Ball of contagious energy How long have you lived in the area? 10 years
What do you love most about your job? Making things happen
Tell us something about you Spending time with family, music, training hard & active sports What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Happiness is an inside job!
Rachel Bone - Focused, tenacious & hard-working How long have you lived in the area? All my life
What do you love most about your job? Every day is different Tell us something about you I love to cook
What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Honesty is the best policy
Melissa Friend - Conscientious, loyal and outgoing How long have you lived in the area: All my life
What do you love most about your job: The thrill, no day is the same! Tell us something about you: I have two wonderful children
What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Why worry about something that might never happen
sales@tmsestateagents.com
Your property, our passion
Meet The Team.
John Bush - Competitive yet compassionate How long have you lived in the area? I was born in the area, travelled & returned when I got married. What do you love most about your job? Love looking round people’s houses! Tell us something about you I enjoy both teaching & the discipline of Iaido! What’s the best advice you’ve been given? It may be difficult at first but everything is difficult at first - Miyamoto Musashi
Michelle Palmer - Caring, wise & adventurous How long have you lived in the area 5 years after relocating from London What do you love most about your job? Helping people Tell us something about you I’ve jumped out of 2 perfectly good planes! What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Love yourself
Kirsty Todd - Positive, friendly & motivated How long have you lived in the area: A very long time What do you love most about your job? Helping people make dreams a reality. Tell us something about you Have a love for fast, sports and classic cars! What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Always look on the bright side.
Shane du Barrie - Always interesting never predictable! How long have you lived in the area? 20 years What do you love most about your job? Meeting people Tell us something about you I like crisps What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Don’t talk about Brexit
Morgan Payne - Beware... a very dry sense of humour How long have you lived in the area? All my life! What do you love most about your job? Seeing happy people move into their new homes! Tell us something about you My Mum and Dad were also estate agents and that is how they met What’s the best advice you’ve been given ? My Dad once told me how to pick up girls. He said to lift with your knees, not your back.
tmsestateagents.com
to move
NOW’S THE TIME
The time is now! The property market is bouncing back and with us, you will get the exceptional customer service and innovative marketing you deserve, including a FREE personalised property website to share with friends and family.
Take advantage of the stamp duty holiday and contact us today.
FREE
01843 866055 sales@tmsestateagents.com tmsestateagents.com
property website