LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
NOVEMBER 2020
THE BEST HOME EXTENSIONS A GUIDE TO INCREASING SPACE AND VALUE TO YOUR HOME ADVENT CALENDARS UNIQUE CALENDARS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS TIPS TO MAKE EVERYBODY ENVIOUS OF YOUR TREE
SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP THE UK TOURNAMENT STARTS THIS MONTH
BLACK FRIDAY FEVER ARE WE TO EXPECT BIGGER REDUCTIONS THIS YEAR?
CONTENTS LIFESTYLE
COVER STORY
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Finding more space Our guide to the best, most beneficial extensions to consider for your home
PROPERTY
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Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market
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About us Get to know our team a little better and see why we are your agent of choice
FOOD
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Winter Warmer Soups Warm up this winter with some fresh and hearty homemade soups
Preparing for Christmas Rekindling the atmosphere of those quaint mid-20th century yuletides
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Unique advent calendars A variety of advent calendars to suit all the family
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Treating your tree How to make everybody envious of your tree this year
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The return of The Crown The multi-award-winning drama is back on our screens on the 15th of November Black Friday fever Top tech tips for Black Friday bargains
SPORT
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Snooker UK Championship One of snooker’s most prestigious Triple Crown events starts this month
WELCOME TO THE NOVEMBER ISSUE!
T
he property market is still thriving, and with the Stamp Duty Holiday ending in March, and the average house sale taking longer than usual, there is no time like the present to finally move and take advantage. The clocks have changed and the nights are drawing in, which can only mean we’re on the countdown to Christmas! Inside, with the uncertainty over what Christmas will be like this year, we have an article about how to make it extra special this year alongside our guide to the best advent calendars available for all the family. However, it’s not all about Christmas, we have an informative
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article about how best to extend your home as well as our top tech tips for Black Friday! Looking for cosy nights in? Check out pages 8 and 9 for our winter warmer soup recipes which you can relax with in front of The Crown when it returns check out our preview on page 12. And finally, we have a sports preview of the UK Snooker Championships on page 13. In these strange times, stay safe, enjoy your time with your family and look after yourselves. Jonathan Wheatley Editor
The country may still be in the grip of a pandemic, but there’s no reason we can’t avoid a bleak midwinter
M
ost people are thinking Christmas is likely to be a bit of a non-event this year. The continual struggle to combat the Covid-19 pandemic means an everchanging landscape of guidelines and restrictions, although the “rule of six” could be with us for some time. So, where does that leave the season of goodwill to all men in a facemask, the non-stop round of departmental parties which go on well past office hours, and those big family gatherings? Well, if you’re working from home the office party will be you, the cat, a mug of tea and slippers on before The One Show has started; the family get-together will be via Zoom; and social bubbles will be something more important than having the girls round for Prosecco. While Millennials may be tempted to shut up shop, do their best Scrooge impression and pretend Christmas has been cancelled, Baby Boomers and Generation X will be: “Hold our mince pies, we’ve got this”.
WILL WE KNOW IT’S CHRISTMAS? Because back in the Dark Ages - before the internet or even Channel 4 Christmases were localised, family-centric and far less commercialised with the countdown starting this month rather than early September when the tubs of biscuits and chocolates start appearing on supermarket shelves. So, how do you rekindle the atmosphere of those quaint mid-20th Century Yuletides? For a start, make your own Christmas cake instead of buying one. Set aside a Sunday afternoon and get baking, as early in November as possible because every consumer knows a good cake needs feeding regularly – as in a liberal dousing of brandy every week – before it is iced. And while you’re at it, get to work on your own Christmas pud (once again, nice and early to let it mature, more brandy etc) or a gingerbread house. The aroma alone will get you longing for Christmas Day. As for the not insignificant issue of decorating the house, leave it as late as
possible, do it together and make it an occasion not a chore with a “yeh, that’ll do” end product. Make it better by designing your own decorations… and cards. Set aside a good few hours, devise a festive playlist, and finish the day with hot chocolate or mulled wine. Or, as we are likely to be advised to spend more time at home, wind down with a night of Christmas films … and no, Die Hard doesn’t count. It’s not a proper Christmas film is it? As for the day itself, you can still FaceTime the relatives before settling in for games and quality time after lunch; admittedly, Exploding Kittens will never replace Kerplunk and Find Out Who is no Charades, but they’re still a lot of fun and will get you in the mood for a Morecambe and Wise Special on UK Gold. And if you still feel it’s the season for giving, donate to charity. After all, you could have saved a small fortune by not buying enough food and drink to feed a small army for a week.
How do you rekindle the atmosphere of those quaint mid-20th Century Yuletides?
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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MOST UNIQUE AND PRESTIGIOUS ADVENT CALENDARS
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS Believe it or not, Christmas is coming, and it’s perhaps come around quicker than most Christmases before it… So it’s time to start thinking about advent calendars!
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t’s true that we usually prefer to be eating chocolate each morning of December on the lead up to good ol’ Christmas, for it’s a time to indulge in the naughty stuff, indeed one of the few times of the year when it’s deemed completely socially acceptable. But if we’re purely talking about generating excitement and intrigue throughout the festive month, then there are some fantastic alternatives to advent calendars, ones without edible treats.
FOR GIRLS
FOR KIDS IN GENERAL This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the release of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This advent calendar is one of the most thematic, solid celebrations of the film on the market. £12.99, with chocolates. https://tinyurl.com/y4r8r4x2 This calendar would prove perfect for any Despicable Me fan out there. It contains buildable Minion characters with interchangeable parts including goggles, arms, feet and holiday outfits. £36.15 https://tinyurl.com/y65abpxf
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PROPERTY NEWS
In 2013, Frozen graced the silver screen and captured the hearts of little girls everywhere, especially those with sisters. This epic Disney Frozen advent calendar contains 24 surprises with an abundance of jewellery, 22 charms and accessories. £16.98. https://tinyurl.com/y48yht76 Another great advent calendar for girls is the L.O.L. Surprise! advent calendar, which contains 24 Surprises with a bracelet, a necklace and 22 LOL charms and accessories including a Queen Bee and Unicorn. £16.98 https://tinyurl.com/y6e7lv4l
FOR BOYS This advent calendar features PlayMobil top agents who are working on various gadgets and weapons, and includes a powerful LED super weapon and two PlayMobil figures and accessories. Any boy who’s a fan would be head over heels for this at Christmas. £15.71
https://tinyurl.com/y5tlcek3 Your son can accelerate to Christmas day in style with the SINCO Hot Wheels advent calendar, perfect for any roadster. Boys love their toys, right? This calendar offers 24 surprise gifts with mini cars, bikes, toys and stickers. £14.69 https://tinyurl.com/y5syzvlx
FOR MUM AND DAD The Glittering Galaxy of Makeup Magic beauty advent calendar from Charlotte Tilbury contains 12 full size and travel size makeup and skincare icons, with two dazzling looks built into one show-stopping treasure trove of beauty marvels. £150 https://tinyurl.com/y585qcxg This other festive beauty from Charlotte Tilbury, Charlotte’s Bejewelled Chest of Beauty Treasures, contains full size and travel size magic makeup and supercharged skincare secrets. £150 https://tinyurl.com/y2t4h9bx
Meanwhile, Fortnum and Mason offer some incredible advent calendars, and not all of them are of a naughty price tag! Some of them are of a sweet fee, and absolute bargains if you ask us! Fortnum’s Truffle Selection Advent Calendar. £35 https://tinyurl.com/y3ruhr4s Fortnum’s Bawden Stag & Santa Advent Calendar. £99 https://tinyurl.com/yxsq33sg Fortnum’s Filled Wooden House Advent Calendar. £135 https://tinyurl.com/yxrpnl53 And for the ultimate, decadent advent calendar for any adult this Christmas… Fortnum’s Feasting Advent Calendar. £200 https://www.fortnumandmason.com/fortnumsfeasting-advent-calendar
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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TREAT YOUR TREE
THIS CHRISTMAS Your Christmas tree is the centrepoint of your decorations so here is our guide to getting it right this year
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s the winter season approaches, attention will soon turn to adorning the house during the busy Christmas period. And there is no bigger opportunity to nail decoration than ensuring that the Christmas tree radiates splendour throughout the home. So here are some tips on how to make everybody envious of your tree, this year.
FAKE VS. REAL?
Every year, the question of a real or fake Christmas tree raises much debate through households. There are, indeed, pros and cons for both, making that key decision all the more difficult. Real trees provide an unmistakable, authentic Christmas feeling through their smell, as well as their individual shape and size. However, they do require extensive maintenance throughout the festive season, as well as the hassle of getting rid of them after it’s all over.
On the other hand, an artificial tree requires no regular maintenance, the proportions are all symmetrical, and they can be used for many years. Although, a study has shown that as a result of the carbon footprint caused from making artificial trees, a single tree would need to be used for ten Christmasses to keep the environmental impact lower than that of a real tree. But whatever your decision, it’s the decoration which is the most important thing.
Red goes well with gold and green and is a classic Christmas combination with warm white lights.
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PROPERTY NEWS
COLOUR SCHEMES
If you fancy changing up your tree theme this year, then here are a couple of ideas to brighten up your home. 1. Keep it Traditional If you’re someone who usually prefers to go bold with colour schemes, why not go back to the traditional colours of Christmas. A traditional Christmas tree makes a home feel extra festive and homely with a splash of red, so why not warm up the room this winter?
Red goes well with gold and green and is a classic Christmas combination with warm white lights. 2. Bring the Snow inside Even if the weather flatters to deceive, give the inside of your home the full winter experience and pick a white colour scheme to go with your tree. This stark colour compliments the lush green of the tree and also pairs perfectly with the blue or white of an artificial tree.
A traditional Christmas tree makes a home feel extra festive and homely
Snow spray is a great way to turn a boring tree into something more special. 3. Add Some Luxury If your home boasts darker tones to the walls and furniture continue in this vein with your tree and choose rich gold and black decorations. These colours work well with the dark green of a tree and really add a sense of class to proceedings.
Wooden tree decorations complete the scene with some natural material added to the luxury.
DIY DECORATION
Making Your Own Baubles If you can’t find the perfect coloured decorations for your chosen colour scheme then have a go at designing them yourself. This can be easily done by buying transparent baubles and then filling with whatever you like! You can combine glitters, confetti and stars, and after giving it a shake, you’ll have your very own custom bauble to complement the colours of your tree. Mason Jar Display Perhaps not one for the tree itself, but when decorating, if there are baubles or other trinkets left over, place them in mason jars and arrange on the mantelpiece in a pyramid shape, resembling a Christmas tree. This is a great way of adding vibrancy to every area of your home, whilst also ensuring that every ornament is on display. How to Complete your tree? We’ve already mentioned the importance of picking a colour
scheme and fully utilising all of your ornaments, but what else can be done to really make your tree the talk of the town? Less is More There’s nothing worse than a Christmas tree that looks disorganised. So ensure that the lights are evenly layered around the tree so that every branch is given a warm glow. Likewise, with other ornaments. It’s great to see an array of baubles and other trinkets adorning a tree, but don’t forget that the tree itself is a sight to behold, so don’t let your decoration become too busy. Add Different Textures Baubles are a staple of any Christmas tree, but that doesn’t mean that there can’t be more going on. If you’re looking for other items to spruce up your tree with, ribbons and bows can provide a neat and tidy alternative and if your tree is looking especially sparse, then dress your tree in tinsel, which can take it to a different dimension altogether, in terms of its boldness.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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HOMEMADE WINTER WARMER SOUPS W ith the grey and dreary weather outside, now’s the time to warm up with some fresh and hearty homemade soups made from simple ingredients that are sure to heat your insides on a cold day.
2 tbsp olive oil 2 onions 2 garlic cloves ¼ tsp hot chilli powder 1 tbsp ras el hanout 1 butternut squash 100g red lentils 1l hot vegetable stock 1 small bunch of coriander Natural yoghurt, to serve
30g butter 2 onions 3 garlic cloves 100ml scrumpy cider 1 small potato 2 thyme sprigs 450ml chicken stock 50ml double cream ½ Granny Smith apple 2 slices of baguette 20g grated mature cheddar 10g dried apple 1 spring onion
SPICED LENTIL AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP This healthy and low-fat vegetarian soup is perfect for freezing to keep for a speedy supper another day. Heat the oil in a casserole dish or saucepan over a medium heat. Fry the onions with a pinch of salt. Add the garlic, chilli and ras el hanout and cook for a further minute. Stir in the squash and lentils. Pour over the stock and season to taste. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and cook, covered, for 25 minutes until the squash is soft. Blitz the soup with a hand blender until smooth and then season to taste. Serve with a dollop of natural yoghurt and coriander leaves.
CIDER & ONION SOUP WITH CHEESE & APPLE TOASTS Try this slightly different version of classic French onion soup to give your household a warming glow this winter. Heat the butter in a saucepan until foaming, then add the onions and cook for 10 mins until soft and golden. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute. Pour over the cider, then add the potato and thyme and simmer for another 2 mins. Stir in the stock cream, bring to the boil and simmer for 15 mins or until the potato is soft. Remove the thyme sprigs. Transfer the soup to a blender and blitz until smooth. Heat the grill high and toast the baguette on both sides. Mix the cheese, dried apple and spring onion together. Put the mixture, thickly, onto the toast and grill until melted and golden. Once ready, serve the soup and toasts together.
90g butter 2 medium onions 1 garlic clove 500g mushrooms, finely chopped 2 tbsp plain flour 1l hot chicken stock 1 bay leaf 4 tbsp single cream A small handful of flat-leaf parsley
MUSHROOM SOUP Try this comforting mushroom soup as a starter or on its own with crusty bread for a perfect winter’s evening. Heat the butter in a large saucepan and cook the onions and garlic until soft but not browned. Add the mushrooms and cook over a high heat for another 3 mins until soft. Sprinkle over the flour and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken stock, bring the mixture to the boil, then add the bay leaf and simmer for a further 10 mins. Remove and discard the bay leaf, then remove the mushroom mixture from the heat and blitz with a hand blender until smooth. (Now is the time to freeze the soup if you want to save any) When ready to serve, gently reheat and stir through the cream before pouring into bowls and scattering parsley over the tops.
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PROPERTY NEWS
Tantalise your tastebuds with these full-of-flavour winter warmer soup recipes as the weather gets colder
All recipes are from www.bbcgoodfood.com Images for illustrative purposes only
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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THE BEST
EXTENSIONS FOR YOUR HOME Moving home isn’t always the solution to finding more space.Here’s our guide to the best, most beneficial extensions to consider for your home
E
xtending your home can be one of the greatest things you can do as an owner of your home, potentially adding value to your property whilst also generating precious space, which is especially important if you’re a growing family. You may settle upon a two bedroom semi, for example, situated within a cul-de-sac position. It may not have the three bedrooms you required but given its location, you
The ground floor offers more options than upper floors, and if you require extra living space, an additional reception room, perhaps with an open plan layout to your kitchen
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PROPERTY NEWS
can’t resist snapping it up. The third bedroom extension gets sorted, and you now have your dream home. The flexibility of creative freedom extensions can offer new buyers and current owners should never be underestimated. Here is our guide to the most popular extension ideas.
CONSERVATORY
Although many properties already have conservatories attached, thus being inherited by the buyer, there
are some shrewd advantages to having a conservatory extension yourself. Having one installed yourselves affords you creative freedom over the style of it, the size of it, and the height, as well as its internal decoration and layout. Indeed, a buyer inheriting a conservatory might not like what’s already there, and it’s much more expensive, of course, to have a conservatory knocked down and a new one built, as opposed to just the latter.
ADDITIONAL RECEPTION ROOM
If you find you only have enough room within your plot for one extra reception room, you may decide to opt against a conservatory and go for a separate dining room, a playroom for the children, perhaps a large office space, or a games room accommodating enough space for a pool table. The ground floor offers more options than upper floors, and if you require extra living space, an additional reception room, perhaps with an open plan layout to your kitchen, can add flow and precious space for entertaining, dining or anything else. If you wanted to consider having patio or French doors installed to open out to the gardens, this will obviously also need to be accounted for financially. This prospective reception room might also offer versatility in the nature of a potential annex, with an en suite and/or dressing room complementing the self-contained accommodation.
ADDITIONAL BEDROOM
Many families decide to move homes entirely as the children get older, and/or if another child is in the making. But a simple extension can be enough to create that extra dwelling space, and is usually the most cost-effective solution too since it will also add value to your home. You could extend into your rear garden, reducing the amount of garden space but gaining that extra bedroom you need.
KITCHEN
Kitchens can be the absolute hub of your home, or it can be the place you escape into to exercise your gastronomical creative juices. Either way, having a big enough kitchen for your needs is pretty much essential. It may be you simply need a new cooker, and you’ve decided to change your induction hob cooker to a range style cooker, which would mean shifting the base unit cupboards over to create enough space for the larger appliance, thus extending the kitchen as a whole would really help with this process. Or perhaps you want the kitchen to incorporate an open plan family living area, with French doors opening out to the gardens. The potential available to a kitchen, in terms of creating extra space, is almost infinite, and can add some serious value to your home by doing so.
INTEGRAL GARAGE
Parking is not an insignificant factor for any driver when looking for their new home, and perhaps the addition of a garage can not only provide much needed extra parking, but versatility too, having it be an occasional gym, storage area or workshop, especially if the vehicle in question is a motorcycle rather than a car. Having the garage attached means you’d be able to access the garage from inside, which would, again, increase the level of flow throughout the ground floor.
Extending your home can be one of the greatest things you can do as an owner of your home
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This period will also cover the marriage between Prince Charles and Princess Diana, with Emma Corrin playing the People’s Princess
THE CROWN RETURNS
The return of TV royalty this November
W
ith the number of scheduled TV shows that have been forced to be put on hold this year, it’s a good job that Netflix’s The Crown film their show in two seasons chunks, so that Series 4 of the hit show has been ready to go since the early part of this year. And it isn’t long until the multi-award-winning drama is back on our screens with the show returning on the 15th of November.
WHO’S IN SEASON 4?
As fans of the show will know, The Crown explores all of the major historical events which the Royal family and the corresponding governments have had to face since Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne. The end of the third series concluded with the Queen celebrating her Silver Jubilee in 1977, so assuming that the fourth series picks up around this time, one can assume that Gillian Anderson (The X-Files, Sex Education), will be at the centre of the action, in her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher. This period will also cover the marriage between Prince Charles and Princess Diana, with Emma Corrin playing the People’s Princess. Otherwise, the core cast from the third series will return for the latest instalment including Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth, Tobias Menzies as Prince Phillip, and Helena Bonham-Carter, who will, once again, play Princess Margaret.
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PROPERTY NEWS
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE FOURTH SERIES? The fourth instalment will mainly cover the 1980s, which could mean that the series may kick off with Margaret Thatcher’s rise to Prime Minister in 1979. One of the other major storylines will be the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, as well as the birth of their sons, William and Harry.
Netflix has also hinted that an infamous incident, which took place in 1982, in which a man was able to break into Queen Elizabeth’s room will also be included. The Falklands War is also expected to play a key part of the latest series, as well as key events which took place towards the end of the decade, such as the Queen’s 1989 flight on Concorde. The series will be released on November 15th, and if previous series are anything to go by, all ten episodes will be released together, allowing viewers to binge to their heart’s content.
SNOOKER UK
CHAMPIONSHIP KICKS OFF THIS MONTH One of snooker’s most prestigious Triple Crown events, the UK Championship, starts at the end of November. It is the second-biggest ranking tournament after the World Championship. First held in 1977 in Blackpool, this year’s competition will take place at two venues to comply with Covid-19 social distancing guidelines. The qualifiers and first round will be staged at the Marshall Arena in Milton keynes before reverting back to its usual home at the York Barbican. The first round will begin on the 23rd-26th November, while the second round starts on the 28th November till the 6th December.
The UK Snooker Championship will see big-hitters Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Selby battling it out to take Ding Junhui’s crown
Ronnie O’Sullivan holds the record for the most wins in the tournament with seven titles, closely followed by Steve
Davis with six and Stephen Hendry – who has just announced his return to the sport – with five. Last year saw Ding Junhui beat Stephen Maguire in the final, 10-6. It was Ding Junhui’s third UK Championship title, and despite Covid-19 restrictions, he should be in York to defend his title. He is currently ranked 10th in the world, with Judd Trump number one. Famous names such as O’Sullivan, Selby, Allen, Higgins and Murphy complete the top 10 and should be in this year’s tournament.
This year’s tournament is sponsored by Betway and offers total prize money of £1,009,000 with £200,000 for the winner.
FIRST ROUND
23rd - 26th November – Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes
SECOND ROUND AND FINALS
28th November - 6th December – York Barbican
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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THAT FRIDAY
FEELING It was once the term used to describe the day when American workers would call in sick so they could extend Thanksgiving into a long weekend, but it is now more associated with a global shopping phenomenon.
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Bargain hunters will be out in force towards the end of the month as Black Friday fever sweeps the retail market. But what’s it all about?
pandemic may see a drastic reduction in footfall, so expect the phrase ‘slow-moving traffic’ to relate to your broadband rather than the roads as bargain hunters let their fingers do the walking on the web to secure the best deals.
Black Friday, America’s high-octane version of our Boxing Day sales, will again explode on to the UK’s hardpressed retail sector on November 27, although in reality the first shots in the discount price war may be fired somewhat earlier and continue well past Cyber Monday, reputedly the busiest online shopping day of the year.
This year analysts are expecting bigger reductions than normal as retailers try to make the best of what has been a pretty dismal year; certainly the notion that Black Friday was coined to describe the day shopkeepers tried to get back “into the black” will certainly have a harsh element of truth to it.
However, restrictions imposed following the second wave of the Covid-19
Traditionally, tech, electricals and gadgets are the big winners over the
PROPERTY NEWS
period – certainly online giants Amazon and high-profile retailers such as Currys PC World and Argos shifted huge numbers last year – although all-rounders such as John Lewis and Very have flexed their muscles and brought clothing, furniture and other lines into the picture – the latter reporting more than 92.5million online visits in 2019. Last year, toys and games consoles, particularly the Nintendo Switch, proved popular and this year is not likely to deviate from that trend as the PS5 and Xbox Series X come on to the market, with their predecessors expected to come almost gift-wrapped in bargain bundles.
Big-ticket items such as 4K TVs with HDR support could see some promising discounts as 8K sets have started to work their way on to the shelves. As an indicator, one of the big sellers last year was a Philips Ambilight 75inch 4K Smart TV which had its price slashed by almost £600. And it’s no surprise that the likes of Apple launch new mobile phones in early autumn to offer a slight discount for Black Friday, although the iPhone 12 delay may just cloud the issue this year and could affect iPhone 11 deals. Ah well, there always good deals on fans’ favourites like AirPods. In short, if a new product has been launched, you’re likely to find older models carrying hefty discounts. And if the main online retailers are offering good deals, you can expect the shops to wade in with a competitive alternative. Elsewhere beauty products and non-electricals may continue to increase in popularity as more brands look to take advantage of passing interest from savvy shoppers who have
one eye on Christmas. But it would be a brave man who bets against technology-based items being the hot sellers.
be and can recognise if it’s a bargain. And that is also where you need to keep your options open. It’s best to keep in mind the features you want, rather than a specific model number which may not be discounted while an almost identical set with the spec you want, probably will be. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that something which looks like a five-star set-up is the same but cheaper – certain elements, often screen quality or image processing, might be inferior.
So, how do you get the best deals on Black Friday? Simple. Do your homework… and be flexible. Industry insiders say some retailers gradually increase prices from August through to October, so they can offer ‘amazing’ discounts towards the end of November, something which is particularly prevalent in expensive consumer electronics such as TVs or laptops. If you’ve been tracking a particular item, you’ll know what the maker’s recommended retail price will
As for snapping up a Black Friday bargain, your consumer rights should be the same as when shopping at any other time of the year, although it may pay to be aware of return policies and warranty periods. And also only shop with retailers you trust. If a deal seems too good to be true, you might just be on the wrong website.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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SALES LETTIN GS HOLIDAY LETS MORTGAGES
Wayborough Hill, Minster OIRO ÂŁ875,000 TMS Estate Agents are thrilled to market this absolutely stunning residence set on approximately an acre of garden. Situated on Wayborough Hill, Minster and offering seclusion, space as well as easy access to the A299 Thanet Way and the local train station with its high speed service to London St Pancras in as little as 1hr 30mins. The property itself is offered in pristine condition throughout with two receptions to the left of the entrance hall and the most glorious Kitchen/ Dining/Day Room to the right. This room opens through French doors to the alfresco dining patio area which has views over your garden. The first floor boasts three large double bedrooms with master having an en suite shower room and French doors to the expansive roof top balcony. The balcony is big enough to accommodate a hot tub where you can enjoy an evening glass of wine with views of your garden, over fields and in the far distance the sea.
tmsestateagents.com
SALES LETTIN GS
Your property, our passion 01843 866055
HOLIDAY LETS
e. sales@tmsestateagents.com
MORTGAGES
Percy Avenue, Broadstairs £629,995 TMS ESTATE AGENTS are delighted to market this substantial and versatile FOUR Bedroom detached house on the ever popular Percy Avenue, Broadstairs. Situated just a ‘stones throw’ from the sandy beach of Botany Bay, this large family home has been loved, cherished, improved and extended over the many wonderful years the current owner have lived there. Whether you are looking for a to a larger home, seaside location or even as a fabulous holiday home, then look no further as this home has it all. The ground floor boasts a beautiful bay front lounge to the front of the property, central dining room that would suit being an office, playroom or as an additional reception room. To the rear of the property is the glorious family room that opens out to the garden through bifolding doors. The family room is also open to the fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room. There is a very useful utility room that has access to the garage and that all important downstairs cloakroom! The first floor enjoys four double bedrooms with the master having a walk through dressing room to the en-suit shower room. There is also a stunning four piece bathroom suite that completes the living accommodation of this truly fabulous residence.
tmsestateagents.com
SALES LETTIN GS HOLIDAY LETS MORTGAGES
Godwin Road, Cliftonville £450,000 IDEAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY~ 4 FLATS TMS Estate Agents are delighted to offer to the market this fabulous investment opportunity. This is being sold as one freehold property split into FOUR separate apartments. 4 x 2 Bedroom flats with a current monthly rental income of £2200.Situated in a popular location close to shops, town centers and the seafront. Having recently been refurbished through out the building is in good order along with the flats, all flats are currently let under standard Assured Shorthold Tenancies. All flats are council tax band A and EPC’s are available for each unit on request.
tmsestateagents.com
SALES LETTIN GS
Your property, our passion 01843 866055
HOLIDAY LETS
e. sales@tmsestateagents.com
MORTGAGES
Grange Road, Broadstairs OIRO £375,000 TMS Estate Agents are delighted to market this large THREE bedroom DETACHED house with a GARAGE on the ever sought after Grange Road, Broadstairs. Grange Road is perfectly located for both junior and senior schools, local transport links as well as St Peter’s Recreation Ground with its various sporting activities is located just along the road. Broadstairs mainline train station is a little over 1km away ‘as the crow flies’. This wonderful family home is in need of updating. If you are looking for a fabulous location and a property that you can put your own stamp on, then look no further. The ground floor enjoys a light and airy bay windowed living room to the front, large dining room that opens to a garden room and out to the southerly facing garden to the rear, galley style kitchen and that all important downstairs cloakroom. The first floor boasts three bedrooms (two of which are very large doubles and a single), family bathroom with a separate WC. Outside there is a southerly facing garden to the rear, garage and parking to the front via an in-out drive and rear of the property in front of the garage.
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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
STRONG. CARING. SECURE.
Supporting you through all of life’s little ups and downs. When you market your property with us, we treat you like part of the family! We offer you exceptional customer service as well as your own FREE personal property website to share with friends and family.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY AND CONTACT US TODAY
01843 866055 | sales@tmsestateagents.com | tmsestateagents.com