LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PROPERTY NEWS
JULY 2020
BOSS THE BBQ! SUMMER IS HERE, WHICH MEANS MORE TIME IN THE GARDEN, AND THE GREAT BRITISH TRADITION OF BARBECUING SUMMER COCKTAILS TRY OUR DELICIOUS COCKTAIL RECIPES
SMART GARDEN DEVICES THE LATEST SMART GARDEN ACCESSORIES
SHORE-FIRE WINNERS NOW’S THE TIME TO HIT THE COAST
MAKE MONEY ONLINE SPOTTING COLLECTABLES ONLINE TO MAKE A PROFIT
CONTENTS 8
COVER STORY
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Boss the BBQ! Charcoal or gas? Read our BBQ guide to find the best grill for you this summer.
LIFESTYLE
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PROPERTY
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Garden tips during a dry spell How to make sure your garden isn’t dealt a knockout blow in this summer
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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
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FOOD & DRINK
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Tempting summer cocktails Bring your holiday to your garden this summer with our great cocktail recipes
BBQ rubs and marinades Simple rubs and marinades to bring your BBQ food to life
Smart garden equipment Smart accessories and devices to get the most from your garden this year. Top TV of 2020 so far A look back at some of the greatest shows of 2020 so far Quiz time If you think of yourself as the general knowledge master, try our tricky quiz for size Spotting collectables online How to spot a valuable to make a tidy profit…
TRAVEL
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Heading for the coast? A selection of some of the UK’s best beaches that are well worth a visit
WELCOME TO THE JULY EDITION
W
ith the summer having officially arrived, this month, on pages 4&5 we have a guide to help find you the ideal BBQ to give your garden an upgrade. We also have fantastic BBQ rubs and marinades which are sure to impress your friends and families.
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lifted, we have put together a list of the best beaches to visit in the UK. At the end of the day, when you’ve had enough sunshine, you can relax with our guide to the best TV of 2020 so far and a quiz to test your general knowledge.
It’s looking like a hot one this year, so we have all the information you need to protect your garden and keep it healthy in the hot weather, and after all that work, why not check out one of our mouthwatering summer cocktails on pages 6&7?
Inside, you will also find some of the fantastic properties that have come to the market recently as well as an opportunity to meet our wonderful team…
Are you looking to take advantage of the lockdown restrictions being
Jonathan Wheatley Editor
PROPERTY NEWS
So, sit back with a summer cocktail and enjoy this month’s magazine.
Spacing plants more widely apart allows each plant a greater area of soil to compete for moisture
It’s not only humans that suffer as the temperatures start to rise – gardens also feel the heat and get stressed, particularly if there is a long dry spell. Lack of rainfall can drastically reduce crop yield for vegetable and soft fruit growers. And while it may be simplistic to think that a watering can and a hosepipe will cure everything, that’s just a fraction of the solution. In fact, the first line of defence against any summer drought should be drawn at the ground preparation stage, where digging in two bucketfulls of well-rotted manure per square metre will add to the water-retaining capacity of the soil. That could add as much as two weeks’ moisture, as well as vital nutrients. Sowing early, preferably before May, will also allow crops to take root in moist soil and be prepared for when more severe conditions arrive generally in late June – and drought stress becomes a real issue. This is applicable to vegetables such as carrots, those that stay in the ground until ready to use. But it is less useful for the likes of spinach and salads where a continuity of supply is needed and later sowings, typically after May, might have to be made in dry soil. Here it is better to water into your drill before sowing to ensure good germination. Spacing plants more widely, usually by more than 50per cent of the recommended distance, allows each plant a greater area of soil to compete for moisture. Although this reduces the yield, it does mean they become drought resistant. Fertilisers are again very helpful to make plants stronger and better equipped to make the most of available water, but excessive quantities can do more harm than good.
DROUGHT FOR THE COUNT But the key is water retention because, in times of drought, a hosepipe ban is never more than a turn of the tap away. And, as water makes up a large percentage of the tissue in most fruit and vegetables, it doesn’t make much sense to let them go thirsty. The key to keeping moisture in the ground and around the roots is a good quality mulch.
How to make sure your garden isn’t dealt a knockout blow in the summer
When to water, though, is a bone of contention. Many gardeners argue it is best to go out in the evening when the heat of the day is gone so most of the moisture gets down to the shallow roots of salad plants and isn’t lost to evaporation. Others will say do it early in the morning because it helps prevent heat scald and other fungal diseases.
may be struggling to establish themselves. Also bear in mind a heatwave is hardest on transplants, those starter plants who have started life in pots
Raked leaves, compost, composted manure, dried grass trimmings, even bark chippings, can all be used to protect young trees and berry plants from summer stress and will create cooler micro-environments at the base of plants. However, anything that has not been aged will temporarily deplete the soil of nitrogen and hamper growth. It is also important to know your soil type. A sandy or chalk mix needs soaking at least every other day but clay may only need watering once a week or the roots may rot. If you have young fruit trees, try taking a leaf out of the 19th Century farmer’s handbook and circle them with large stones or pebbles for moisture conservation. Because, even then, they realised sunshine wasn’t the only thing to dry out surface soil; a warm summer breeze would be just as damaging. And, with that in mind, don’t be afraid to erect some kind of shelter to give your plants some shade in the afternoon. Beans and most green, leafy vegetables appreciate some respite from the sun.
The key to keeping moisture in the ground and around the roots is a good quality mulch
However, experts agree over methods of watering. For the likes of lettuce, radishes, and individual plants it is best to use a watering can so you can target and deliver the right amount. Anything where a mulch is concerned, use a hosepipe to get under the covering to give a good drenching, particularly for young fruit trees who
before moving out to the garden. Their root systems are shallow and therefore more susceptible to drying conditions in the top few inches of the soil. Obviously you could wait before moving them out, but if they have to be moved look for opportunities to put them in the partial shade of more mature plants.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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BOSS THE
BBQ!
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Summer is here, which means more time in the garden, and the great British tradition of barbecuing.
barbecue is a social event. A time to get together with friends and family under the hot sun and enjoy a meal Alfresco. Whether you are a BBQ aficionado or a BBQ newbie, our guide will help you pick the right equipment and provide you with some useful hints and tips.
CHARCOAL OR GAS? One of the biggest questions when it comes to buying a new BBQ, is whether to go with gas or charcoal? If you are looking for the simplest option, then you will want to go with a gas BBQ. Gas grills will get you cooking in under 10 minutes and with them, you can control the temperature ensuring all your food is cooked to perfection. However, as gas burns quicker than charcoal, this restricts the efficiency of the heat and can leave your food without those delightful burntends and smokiness. For traditionalists, a charcoal BBQ is the only way to go. On a summer’s day, the smell of the smoke on the air is what we
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all crave, and with charcoal, BBQ smoke is what you will get. Charcoal gives you a more consistent heat, helping you to perfect those perfectly smoked and seared ribs, burgers and sausages. With charcoal, you can also add extra touches such as pieces of hardwood and woodchips.
TYPES OF BBQ Okay, so you’ve decided on gas or charcoal, now you need to decide which type of BBQ you want. There are a huge variety of BBQs on the market, ranging from disposable BBQs available at most shops to large brick-built BBQs and of course standard gas BBQs. Gas BBQs generally come in rectangular or circular options, usually with a lid to help keep heat. The shape and size is dependant on your own personal preferences, although with a rectangular BBQ you can keep certain foods away from each other easier.
BBQs to build into your garden. These come in a range of sizes and shapes, some with domes, some open to the elements. The beauty of a brick-built BBQ is in the aesthetics. Not only will they cook incredible food, but they become a decorative statement. You can even make a DIY BBQ with bricks and cement blocks you already have lying around. All you need is some cement, the grills and some time.
ADDED EXTRAS
Charcoal BBQs again range in size and shape. Small kettle BBQs are perfect for small gatherings, while larger drumshape BBQs are great for bigger garden parties. Both are fairly easy to transport from different areas of your garden, and The beauty of a brick-built BBQ is in the aesthetics. Not only will they cook incredible food, but they become a decorative statement. with smaller portable grills, you can even take these with you on days out and are a lot less fiddly than the disposable BBQs you buy in shops. If you are looking for more of a showpiece for your garden, you can buy
If you are looking for that true smoky flavour, invest in some hardwood or woodchips. Woods such as Sweet Chestnut, Silver Birch and Applewood are some of the most popular and by adding these to your BBQ, you can create incredible smoky flavours which will go deep into your meat. These can be added directly on the gas or charcoal or by using a smoker box. Alternatively, for different flavour smoke, try adding rosemary, mint or even lavender leaves and stalks directly on to the flame. To get the most out of your BBQ invest in some high-quality utensils, such as metal spatulas, tongs, forks and a cleaning brush and kit. Remember to clean your grill after every time you cook using a metal brush. Invest in a scoop to remove any debris from the charcoal area too. If you take your BBQs really seriously, invest in a meat injector. This is a needle that you use to inject flavours directly into large cuts of meat. Some popular options to inject are simple beef stocks into lumps of beef, and cider and apple vinegar into joints of pork. For more ideas for BBQ marinades and rubs, see page 8 in this month’s magazine.
If you are looking for the simplest option, then you will want to go with a gas BBQ
So, with your BBQ questions answered, now’s the time to make some summer cocktails using our incredible recipes on pages 6 and 7, sit down with our quiz on page 13 and wait for the burgers and bangers to be ready…
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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SUMMER COCKTAILS Bring your holiday to your garden this summer with our great Summer Cocktail recipes…
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here’s nothing better than sitting in the sun, with the smell of a BBQ in the air, the sound of birds all around, and a refreshing cocktail in your hand. Did you know, most of the ingredients for a summer cocktail can be picked from your own garden and be mixed to create drinks that take you to another place.
FROZEN PINEAPPLE DAIQUIRI This cuban based cocktail was created by an American engineer, Jennings Stockton Cox. Born in the iron mines of Daiquiri, where it got its name, the Daiquiri can be made with a multitude of different fruit flavours and can come as either a frozen beverage or a liquid.
INGREDIENTS
Frozen Pineapple chunks Sugar syrup Lime juice Bacardi
METHOD
Add the frozen pineapple chunks to a blender with the Bacardi, sugar syrup, ice and lime juice and blend until smooth. It’s as simple as that. You can make your own sugar syrup by simply mixing one part of hot water with one part sugar.
Handy Tip: Leave out the ice and use fresh pineapple for a non-frozen version and mix in a cocktail shaker instead.
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MOJITO The mojito has Cuban origins, Havana to be precise and has become one of the most popular cocktails around. A favourite of the author Ernest Hemmingway, the mojito has come a long way since, although, the main ingredients stay the same.
INGREDIENTS
Juice of 1 lime 1 tsp of granulated or brown sugar A handful of mint leaves White rum Soda water
METHOD
Add the sugar, lime juice and mint leaves to a small jug and muddle with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon, ensuring you release all the juice from the lime wedges. Pour into glasses and add crushed ice. Pour over the white rum and top up with soda. It’s as easy as that. You can even add other fruit to the mix when muddling to explore different flavours. Strawberries work especially well.
Handy Tip: Use lemon mint leaves from your garden for an extra special taste.
TRADITIONAL RED SANGRIA
LONG ISLAND ICED TEA
Once the drink of choice served in every restaurant and bar in Spain, Sangria has made its way to these shores and become a popular summertime drink. The drink itself dates back a thousand years using grapevines planted by the Phoenicians. It all but disappeared though until the 1500s. Meaning ‘blood’ in Spanish, today, under European law, all Sangria must be made in Spain or Portugal.
Take it easy with this famous cocktail. One origin story about this liquor-loaded cocktail is from the 1920s. During the prohibition era, Old Man Bishop, a native of Long Island created this super potent, yet tasty cocktail disguised as a simple Iced tea. However, after a couple of these, you won’t be able to remember the story anyway!
INGREDIENTS
½ Orange ½ Apple ½ Lemon ½ Lime ¾ cup Orange juice 4 tbsp Brown or Cane sugar 1/3 cup Brandy or rum 1 750ml bottle of bold, fruity Spanish red wine (Tempranillo or Rioja)
METHOD
Add all the chopped fruit and the sugar to a large pitcher and muddle with a wooden spoon. Then add the orange juice and the brandy or rum and muddle for 30 seconds. Finally, add the whole bottle of red wine. Taste and adjust the flavours as necessary and when happy, add ice.
Handy Tip: Once made, the Sangria will last for 48 hours if you cover it and keep it in your fridge. In fact, by making it early and leaving it in your fridge the flavours will come together better.
INGREDIENTS
50ml vanilla vodka 50ml dry gin 50ml tequila 50ml white rum 50ml triple sec (Cointreau) 50-100ml fresh lime juice Ice 500ml Cola 2 limes
METHOD
Pour the spirits together into a large jug and add the lime juice. Half fill the jug with ice and stir. Once cold, add the cola and drop in the lime wedges. Serve straight away with lime wedges on the side.
Handy Tip: Due to the alcohol content, reduce the measures needed. It’s never a good idea to combine so many spirits at one time. Enjoy these cocktails responsibly, while you enjoy the warm summer evenings with friends and family.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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HOMEMADE
BBQ RUBS
AND MARINADES To create the perfect BBQ, it takes more than fire and coal‌ Looking to create some tasty, inspired dishes on your BBQ this summer, then look no further than these simple recipes that will bring your food to life!
JUICY AND SWEET MEDITERRANEAN BBQ MOP This super simple, ready-in-minutes BBQ mop, perfect for basting your meat or veg while cooking, will bring chicken, pork chops, vegetables and kebabs to life with an explosion of Mediterranean taste.
INGREDIENTS Balsamic Vinegar Lemon Juice Olive Oil Salt Pepper Maple Syrup
METHOD Combine 2 tbsp of Balsamic, Olive Oil and Maple syrup with 1 tbsp of Lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Stir and using a basting brush, mop the meat or vegetables often while they are on the grill. Once cooked thoroughly, mop one more time before serving.
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SMOKY BBQ RUB
This dry, smoky rub will add a lovely sweet and spicy flavour to your burgers, ribs and chicken drumsticks. Easy to make and perfect for cooking on a charcoal BBQ with the added smokiness of Hickory Hardwood.
INGREDIENTS Smoked Paprika Onion Granules Garlic Granules Brown Sugar Chilli Flakes Salt Pepper
METHOD Combine 1tbsp of the onion and garlic granules, the chilli flakes and the brown sugar with 2tbsp of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In a freezer bag add the meat and fully coat in the seasoning. Leave to marinate for 1-2 hours before cooking on the grill. Cook on high heat to sear the meat and the flavour in, before moving onto a cooler heat to fully cook through.
HONEY-GINGER STICKY BBQ SAUCE This wonderfully sticky sauce will bring your food to life with a zing! A sweet and tangy sauce with an Asian influence, perfect for grilled meats, seafood and veggies.
INGREDIENTS Apple Cider Vinegar Mild Honey Ketchup Tabasco Sauce Garlic Cloves Minced Ginger Salt Pepper Olive Oil
METHOD Fry 4 large garlic cloves and 2 tbsp of minced ginger in the olive oil. Add 350ml of apple cider vinegar, 120ml of both ketchup and mild honey and 1.5 tbsp of Tabasco sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally. Marinade the meat in the sauce for as long as possible before frying on a hot BBQ grill. When the food is cooked through, add one final topping of the sticky sauce. Remember, when cooking any meat or vegetables on the BBQ to turn frequently to stop the food from sticking to the grill, check the juices run clear, and for added taste use woodchips, fresh herbs or hardwood directly on the coals‌
THE SMARTEST OF THE
SMART GARDEN
The digital age in which we live demands convenience and immediacy, and since so many of us are stuck in our homes right now, with reduced opportunity to mingle in public places, smart accessories and devices for your garden will make life so much nicer.
SPEAKERS
WEATHER STATION
An audio system planted in your outdoor space can bring your garden to life. Working away to music or radio makes labour so much easier, and why wouldn’t you want to be singing along to your favourite song whilst you weed!?
Keeping track, being up-to-date and knowing all the details about how the weather is behaving is important in planning your moves as a gardener. Because every garden is dependent on the weather’s dynamic changes throughout the year, a weather station is a fabulous contraption for any gardener to own.
ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT
This is the best-selling outdoors speaker available with the highest customer ratings on Amazon. It’s a wireless, mobile speaker, Which also offers the ability to pair it with a second speaker. tinyurl.com/y8u45lo4
This is one of the most popular smart weather stations on Amazon. It allows your station to wirelessly transmit data to the world’s largest personal weather station network, ‘Weather Underground’.
tinyurl.com/ybnedofs
IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Watering your lawn, bushes, plants and flowers can prove to be less efficient than using irrigation systems, due to unintentionally over-watering certain areas compared to others by hand. An automatic system will always be programmed to get every single strand of the beautiful life in your garden. This is one of the most popular smart irrigation systems on Amazon, incorporating a rain skip feature which saves you water by automatically skipping watering cycles before or after it rains. tinyurl.com/yda5z6ue
LAWNMOWER
HOT TUBS
You’re not a respectable gardener unless you have that all-essential lawnmower to hand. But multitasking is a massively useful commodity for any horticulturalists, which is why trimming your bushes whilst the lawn’s getting cut will save bags of precious time.
After a hard day of gardening, you will have earned a nice warm soak at the end of the day. With hot tubs, there are some amazing ones out there, and some pretty average ones too. You should be careful when looking for a ‘smart’ hot tub because you don’t want to just be paying for the smart feature, whereby the quality of the hot tub ends up being mediocre.
This is the best-selling smart lawnmower with the highest customer ratings on Amazon. This particular one comes in four different sizes with two different models and boasts an automatic charging system too. tinyurl.com/yatzvqdy
This particular hot tub, from ‘Hot Tub Master,’ is of good quality, and includes built-in luxury Bluetooth speakers. tinyurl.com/yc6q3hr5
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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T
SHORE-FIRE
hat blast of warm spring weather which coaxed us outside to bring welcome relief during the dark days of the COVID-19 lockdown merely whetted the appetite for the real thing – long sunny days, even longer beach
walks with a cooling breeze just taking the edge off the simmering heat.
and some of the highest-rated beaches in Europe are almost on your doorstep.
Although your favourite hotspot on the continent may currently be out of bounds, don’t forget we are an island
So, with the softening of the Government’s health warnings, now’s the time to start planning where to feel
SANDSEND, YORKSHIRE
BLACKPOOL SANDS, SOUTH DEVON
RHOSSILI BEACH, WALES
You will find this sheltered and peaceful crescent of fine shingle three miles southwest of Dartmouth backed by wooded hills. It can be popular with families, but it is a great spot for swimming because the turquoise waters are so clean and usually calm. You can also hire kayaks and paddle boards.
Never disappoints, whatever the weather. Voted Wales’ best beach, this spot on the south-west tip of the Gower Peninsula bears the brunt of some Atlantic swells so it is perfect for surfers and paragliders. But although access is tricky, there are more than three miles of golden sands at the end of it.
The crowds are more likely to go to its more famous neighbour Whitby, but you don’t have to follow the herd. Sandsend is set against a backdrop of grassy hills and is much quieter – and prettier – than Whitby. It’s also a great place for fossil hunting at low tide when the children tire of playing in the little becks that flow across the sand.
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the sand between your toes, relish the breeze soothing sunburnt skin and, with luck, you won’t have to put up with that unique tang of sea air and fish ‘n’ chips. In no particular order, then …
FORMBY, LANCASHIRE Formby’s sand dunes are the stuff of legend and are even classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. From their peaks you can see the Cumbrian Mountains and, on a really clear day, Blackpool Tower. Again, you get to the beach through a pine wood where there is a reserve for red squirrels, but once you get to the beach, you won’t have to walk far to to get to wide, open, flat sands.
WINNERS
As the pandemic restrictions start to ease, now’s the time to hit The Great Outdoors to shake off that lockdown lethargy.
HOLKHAM, NORTH NORFOLK
PORTHCURNO, NEAR LAND’S END
BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET
WEST WITTERING, SUSSEX
Big skies, even bigger beach and you’re unlikely to have any issues with social distancing. Holkham’s shore is fringed by pine forest but, once through that, it’s just you, the North Sea, and a vast expanse of golden sand. Holkham is also where the Household Cavalry come for summer camp in July, to give the horses respite from ceremonial duties and to let them have a good blow-out cantering through the surfline. And it’s a handy spot to explore neighbouring Wells-next-the-Sea (first-class crabbing over the sea wall), spotting grey seals and birdlife at Blakeney, or hitting familyfriendly Hunstanton, the only east coast resort to face west.
If the sun is beating down and you squint, maybe, just maybe, you can kid yourself you are in one of those picturesque coves beloved by designers of Greek holiday brochures. However, this is, in its own way, the most beautiful bay in the region: a funnel of fine, white sand sitting between granite cliffs. Easily accessible, it is popular with families and the beach really opens up when the tide is going out. Then you can walk to other sandy spots in the area and sit on sandbars beneath the ancient cliff fort of Treryn Dinas.
Yes, Bournemouth, voted Britain’s best beach two years on the trot in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. However, there are 11 miles of golden, pristine sand stretching from Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks so you should be able to avoid crowds. And even if the weather turns there is plenty to do including the secluded Fisherman’s Walk and the Oceanarium – providing all the pandemic restrictions have been lifted.
The road to this Sussex beach isn’t the best – and it does get busy - but the journey is worthwhile: at the end you are greeted with a fine, open stretch of sand which is clean and leaves lots of lovely little pools when the tide goes out. It overlooks the Solent and Chichester harbour, but for peace and quiet head to the western end where you can walk a narrow ridge to East Head which is a remote, sand spit at the mouth of a harbour.
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TOP TV OF 2020 SO FAR
GANGS OF LONDON Gangs of London looks like a Hollywood movie set in London. With a cast including well-known British TV faces from the past few decades, it is the epic story of loss, power and greed. Directed by Gareth Evans, best known for his blistering martial arts movies, The Raid and The Raid 2, Gangs of London has some hard-to-watch, brutal fight scenes and runs at a blistering pace with twists and turn at every corner.
Dixon and Amanda Holden as the judges once again, BGT never fails to bring a smile to the faces of the nation.
British Thespian legend, Sir Patrick Stewart returns as the iconic Jean-Luc Picard in this expansion of the Star Trek franchise. It follows the retired Picard 20-years after his last appearance in Star Trek: Nemesis and shows him deeply affected by the destruction of the planet Romulus. It is a story of redemption within the stunningly recreated Star Trek universe.
AFTER LIFE SEASON 2
BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT The live auditions were filmed before lockdown, so we have been lucky enough to have the episodes available weekly of this blockbuster Saturday entertainment show. Presented by Ant & Dec and with Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Alesha
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Gangs of London has some hard-to-watch, brutal fight scenes and runs at a blistering pace
STAR TREK: PICARD
BGT live auditions were filmed before lockdown, so we have been lucky enough to have the episodes available weekly
Ricky Gervais returns with the second season of the surprisingly uplifting tale of a local newspaper editor dealing with the death of his wife. With Gervais’s unique brand of humour, the first season achieved cult status. And with an incredible British cast, Gervais has created something both shocking in its humour and sweet in the way it honestly deals with grief.
Lot of us have been watching more TV over the past few months. We thought we’d look back at some of the greatest shows of 2020 so far…
THE OUTSIDER TIGER KING Love it or hate it, with its unique range of real-life characters, Tiger King has become a cult show on Netflix. Following Joe Exotic, a collector of exotic animals in America, the show follows his escalating row with Carole Baskin, the owner of Big Cat Rescue. With threatening videos, legal allegations, protests, targeted harassment and allegations of murder, it is the must-watch Netflix show of the year.
This American horrorcrime mini-series based on a Stephen King novel stars the wonderful Ben Mendelsohn as a favourite recurring character from King’s multiverse, Det. Ralph Anderson. The story follows the investigation into the murder of a young boy which takes a turn when it is found the man they arrested was in two places at once. With some excellent performances and a twisted story by the horror master, this is one of the best shows of 2020.
QUIZ TIME
Let’s face it, over the past few months we have all probably been involved in a virtual quiz at some point. If you now think of yourself as the general knowledge master, try our tricky quiz for size…
ROUND ONE: GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Name the longest river in the UK. How many hearts does an octopus have? In which year did Twitter launch? True or false, The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands? Which fish is the most widely-eaten by humans?
ROUND TWO: MOVIES AND TV 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Dr Sleep is the follow up to which Stanley Kubrick movie? The TV show Stranger Things is set in which fictional town? Who played Indian Jones’s father in The Last Crusade? Who played Fox Mulder in the X-Files? In what yeard did Channel 5 launch in the UK?
ROUND THREE – SPORTS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What’s the maximum score you can achieve in 10-pin bowling? Which horse won the Virtual Grand National 2020? Name the only football team to sack Sir Alex Ferguson as a manager? Who scored the first-ever Premier League goal? How many points is the green ball worth in snooker?
ROUND FOUR – MUSIC 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
What is Elton John’s real name? What year did the Spice Girls release ‘Wannabe’? How many number one singles did Oasis have? What year did Robbie Williams leave Take That? Which city were the bands Arctic Monkeys, Pulp and The Human League formed in?
THE ANSWERS ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE. HOW DID YOU DO? 1-5 correct
Have you even done a virtual quiz during lockdown?
6-10 correct
Just making up the numbers and having a social chat!
11-15 correct
You take quizzing seriously, but there’s still a little way to go.
16 – 20 correct
ANSWERS
You are the quiz master. Everyone wants to be on your team.
ROUND ONE
ROUND THREE
1. River Severn 2. Three 3. 2006 4. True 5. Herring
1. 300 2. Potters Corner 3. St. Mirren 4. Brian Deane 5. Three
ROUND TWO
ROUND FOUR
1. The Shining 2. Hawkins, Indiana 3. Sean Connery 4. David Duchovny 5. 1997
1. Reginald Kenneth Dwight 2. 1996 3. Eight 4. 1995 5. Sheffield
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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HOW TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE
BY SPOTTING COLLECTABLES With many businesses temporarily closed due to the pandemic’s lockdown, many people are starting their own new online businesses, and spotting collectables online is a great place to start
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hether running a new business temporarily until the primary company they run or work for gets back up and running, or on a more permanent basis, many are getting creative during these extraordinary times and taking entrepreneurship into their own hands. Wheelers and dealers everywhere are spotting bargains and collectables to purchase online. Online shopping is very much all the rage at the moment especially valuable collector’s items which are worth surprisingly vast amounts of money.
GREAT PLACES TO SPOT THE MOST VALUABLE OF VALUABLES. Having already experienced an easing of lockdown measures in certain areas, car boot sales are back in business. Not quite in the same capacity as before COVID-19, but still. And there are an astonishing amount of hidden gems to be found at car boot sales – things the owners consider junk but are, in fact, considered rather prized in the antique dealership world.
Facebook Marketplace is another example of one of the more common outlets for people looking to offload their clobber online, as well as, of course, Amazon, eBay and Gumtree. The more popular the outlet, the more items there will be to peruse. Etsy, and Not on the Highstreet (NOTHS) are also up there in the top five most common online marketplaces in the UK. Particularly valuable items to keep an eye out for.
Video games and consoles are popular at the moment, due to people being stuck inside their homes, and they have only gotten better with age
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ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Old computers are highly sought-after pieces of vintage-ware, dating back to the mid-seventies, and if they’re still in working order their value could well be doubled, at least! Video games and consoles are popular at the moment, due to people being stuck inside their homes, and they have only gotten better with age, like a fine wine, with their ability to subdue you into a land of joy and youthful delirium. First being introduced to the public in the early seventies. Vintage toasters and vacuum cleaners, some of which
date back as early as the late nineteenth century, are also sometimes unsuspecting valuables.
BOOKS AND DOCUMENTS Only if you’ve gone through all of your grandparents’ old books, can you consider yourself a well-read antique-hunter. Check out what books your grandparents or greatgrandparents may have had, and you may come across some first editions, which are considered esteemed indeed. First edition books from the thirties, forties and fifties especially can be worth tens of thousands of pounds potentially. AbeBooks can be a great place to get an idea of the value of a book. Similarly, autographed books, signed yearbooks, land deeds, signed papers and postcards are all potentially of significant value.
If you’re lucky, you might find a pen which was used by a world leader
ART AND MUSIC Paintings are an item easily appraised if you’re not sure how much they’re worth, and you just never know if your painting was created by a prominent artist or not. Someone like William Blake, for instance, wasn’t a painter primarily, but a poet, and wasn’t very popular in his day either. Only many years after his death had he become, an icon from the romanticism period, in literature and art, and so some of Blake’s artworks can be worth a lot of money indeed these days, likewise with other artists of similar background. Same goes for musical instruments, flutes being the first ever created by man, and some of which date back tens of thousands of years.
ACCESSORIES, FURNITURE AND ORNAMENTS Old pens are one of those items which are more of a collectable item than many other things. If you’re lucky, you might find a pen which was used by a world leader to sign proclamations or laws. Due to their commonality, though, it can be challenging to find a particularly valuable pen, so patience is a virtue, as some great writer once said… Chippendale furniture, lamp bases, Christmas ornaments, ceramics, silver flatware, Louis Vuitton trunks and jewellery are also all fantastic items of sometimes surprisingly high value.
TOP TIPS FOR SELLING FROM ONLINE MARKETPLACES
Customer ratings are intrinsic to a seller’s credibility, so developing a great reputation as a seller, and retaining a positive delivery service to your customers, is a must for any online seller.
Customer service is second to none because the customer is always right. Make sure you keep your customers coming back and wanting to continue buying from you.
Keep optimising your online shopping experience, by increasing your site’s load speed, refining your site’s navigation system, focussing on informative and visual content, and removing checkout obstacles to simplify the buying process.
LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
15
exclusive
Knowle Wood Road £1,150,000
* Large Five Bedroom Detached Property Located On The Golden Triangle * Significantly Extended & Improved * Four Reception Rooms Including Living Room / Play Room / Study & Conservatory * Stunning Open Plan Kitchen / Dining and Family Room * Set Behind Stoned In & Out Driveway * Garage * Five Bedrooms & Three Bathrooms * Walking Distance To Dorridge Village & Station * EPC Rating C *
Kenilworth Road £1,150,000
* NO UPWARD CHAIN * Fantastic Location Within Easy Walking Distance To Knowle Village * Large Four Bedroom Detached Property Boasting Approx. 3,000 Sq. Ft. Of Accommodation * Open Aspect / Views To Fields To Both Front & Rear * Beautifully Presented Throughout * Three Large Reception Rooms & Breakfast Kitchen with Large Utility * Double Garage * Large Block Paved Driveway * Four Large Double Bedrooms * Master With Luxury Ensuite * Stunning Views * EPC Rating D *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
KNOWLE T: 01564 777284 | E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk SOLIHULL & SHIRLEY T: 0121 712 6222 | E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk | E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk BALSALL COMMON T: 01676 534411 | E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk
White House Green £825,000
* Walking Distance To Solihull Town Centre * Impressive Five Bedroom Extended Detached * Internal & Early Viewing Essential * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Easy Access To The School Campus Of Tudor Grange, Alderbrook & St Peters * Large Through Lounge * Luxury Fitted Extended Kitchen/Family/Dining Room * Utility Room * Five Bedrooms * Two Ensuite * Family Bathroom * Double Garage * Landscaped Garden * EPC Rating C *
Ravenshaw Cottage £825,000
* Stunning Four Bedroom Detached Cottage * Surrounded By Open Countryside * No Upward Chain * Double Glazed * Central Heating * Tastefully Extended * Fronted By A Sweeping Gated Driveway * Impressive Entrance Hall/Snug With Wood Burner * Living Room * Study * Superb Luxury Fitted L Shaped Kitchen/Dining/Family Room With Bi Fold Doors Leading Out Onto The Patio * Large Laundry/ Utility Room * Guest Cloakoom * Four Double Bedrooms * Ensuite Shower Room * Luxury Fitted Bathroom * Detached Double Garage * Superb South Facing Landscaped Gardens * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating F *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
KNOWLE T: 01564 777284 | E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk
Ullenhall Road £459,950
Glendon Way £700,000
* Four Bedroom Semi Detached * Significantly Extended & Updated * Located In Quiet Cul-De-Sac Of Knowle * Double Glazed & Well Presented Throughout * Master Bedroom With Ensuite * Extended & Open Plan Kitchen / Dining / Family Room * Utility & Garage * Landscaped Rear Garden * EPC Rating C *
* Four Double Bedroom Detached * Quiet Cul De Sac * Three Bathrooms * Three Reception Rooms * South Westerly Facing Rear Garden * Double Garage * Living Room * Dining Room * Breakfast Kitchen * Utility * Study/ Play Room * Conservatory * Arden Catchment * EPC Rating D *
Mill Lane £410,000
Hurst Green Road £475,000
* Three Bedroom Link Detached With Large South Facing Rear Garden And With Significant Scope For Extension (STPP) * Well Presented Throughout * Located With Catchment For Excellent Local Schools Including Arden Academy* Open Plan Living / Dining Room * Large Double Tandem Garage With Electric Up And Over Door * Three Bedrooms & Family Bathroom * Breakfast Kitchen * EPC Rating D *
* Traditional Semi Detached Property * Three Double Bedrooms * Large Rear Garden * Four Reception Rooms Including Study / Living / Dining & Conservatory * Breakfast Kitchen * Large Driveway With Ample Parking * Utility * Family Bathroom * Excellent Family Home * EPC Rating C *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
Oak Lane £495,000 (OIEO)
Montsford Close £500,000 (OIEO)
* Beautifully Presented Four Bedroom Semi Detached Property * Significantly Extended & Improved * Located Within the Sought After Village of Barston * Large Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen & Family Room * Living Room * Utility & Guest Cloakroom * Three Bedrooms To First Floor With Large Family Bathroom * Master Bedroom With Ensuite & Wardrobe * EPC Rating D *
* Beautifully Presented & Significantly Extended Three Bedroom Detached * Located Within A Quiet Cul-De-Sac * Double Glazed Throughout * Extended & Refitted Kitchen / Dining / Family Room With Feature Central Island * Living Room * Large Utility & Garage * Three Excellent Bedrooms * Refurbished Family Bathroom * Convenient Location * EPC Rating C *
Langfield Road £799,950
St Phillips Grove £579,950
** NO UPWARD CHAIN ** Significantly Extended Five Bedroom Detached Property * Superb Aspect To Both Front And Rear With Large South Facing Garden * Four Reception Rooms Including Dual Aspect Living Room / Dining Room / Large Office / Family Room & Stunning Conservatory * Five Bedrooms (Master With Luxury Ensuite) * Family Bathroom * Double Garage With Part Converted Into Utility * EPC Rating E *
* Four Double Bedroom Detached * Located Within Arden Academy Catchment Area * Open Plan Kitchen / Diner * Well Presented With Modern Fixtures & Fittings Throughout * West Facing Rear Garden * Master Bedroom With Ensuite * Fonting onto Bentley Heath Park * Balance Of NHBC Certificate * EPC Rating B *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
SOLIHULL & SHIRLEY 0121 712 6222 | E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk | E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk
Cheswick Way £430,000
Lugtrout Lane £295,000
* Impressive Four Bedroom Spacious Detached * Easy Access For All Amenities * Early Viewing Essential * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazed * Impressive Entrance Hall * Spacious Living Room * Large Fitted Kitchen/Dining Room * Utility * Four Good Sized Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * South Facing Garden * Garage * EPC Rating C *
* No Upward Chain * Two Bedroom Character Mid Terraced * Immaculately Maintained And Decorated * Internal And Early Viewing Essential * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazed * Dining Room * Lounge * Extended Breakfast Kitchen * Two Double Bedrooms With Fitted Wardrobes * Bathroom * Off Road Parking To The Front * Cottage Style Landscaped Rear Garden With Summer House * EPC Rating D *
Heyford Grove £400,000
Maywell Drive £300,000
* NO UPWARD CHAIN * Quiet Cul-De-Sac * Popular Hillfield Estate * Three Bedroom Detached * UPVC Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Tudor Grange Academy Catchment * Three Bedrooms * Fitted Kitchen * Conservatory * Ensuite Shower Room * Garage * South West Facing Rear Garden * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating C *
NO UPWARD CHAIN * Three Bedroom Link Detached * Further Scope For Extension To The Side * Immaculately Maintained * Redecorated * New Carpets * Lounge/Dining Room * Fitted Kitchen * Three Bedrooms * Bathroom * South Facing Garden * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating D *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
Meerhill Avenue £325,000
Ulverley Green Road £485,000
* Two Bedroom Linked Semi Detached * Totally Modernised And Upgraded Throughout * Internal Viewing Essential * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazed * Superb Open Plan Lounge/Dining Room * Luxury Fitted Kitchen * Utility Room * Two Double Bedrooms * Ensuite Shower Room * Modern Re-fitted Bathroom * Landscaped Garden * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating C *
* Impressive Three Bedroom Extended Detached * Easy Access To Olton Railway Station * Well Maintained * Internal Viewing Essential * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Enclosed Porch * Entrance Hall * Living Room * Extended L Shaped Lounge/ Dining Room * Fitted Kitchen * Three Double Bedrooms * Bathroom * Separate WC * Garage * Workshop * Easterly Facing Rear Garden * EPC Rating D *
Dorchester Court £267,500
Jacey Road £495,000
* Situated Within Easy Walking Distance Of Solihull Town Centre * Immaculate First Floor Apartment * Modernised Throughout * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Communal Entrance Hall * Reception hall * Spacious Lounge/Dining Room * Balcony * Fitted Kitchen * Two Double Bedrooms * Modern Bathroom * Garage * Communal Gardens * 131 Years Remaining On The Lease * EPC Rating C *
* Impressive Three Bedroom Extended Detached * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Entrance Hall * Guest Cloakroom * Living Room * Family Room * Luxury Fitted Kitchen/Dining Room * Study * Conservatory * Three Bedrooms * Luxury Fitted Bathroom * Superb Large South Facing Rear Garden Adjoining Palmers Rough * EPC Rating D *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
BALSALL COMMON T: 01676 534411 | E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk
Strawberry Fields, Meriden
Kenilworth Road, Balsall Common
Offers Over £650,000
£625,000
* Executive Five Bedroom Detached Family Home * Immaculately Presented Throughout * Breakfast Kitchen * Lounge * Dining Room * Two Studies * Utility * Master Bedroom with En-suite * Family Bathroom * Double Garage * Landscaped South Facing Rear Garden * EPC Rating C *
* Five Bedroom Detached Property * Immaculately Presented Throughout * Walking Distance To The Village * Breakfast Kitchen * Lounge * Dining Room * Study * Utility Room * Guest Cloakroom * Three Ensuite Bedrooms * Double Garage * Off Road Parking * Private Rear Garden * EPC Rating C *
Ashley Way, Balsall Common
Lapwing Drive, Hampton In Arden
£485,000
£585,000
* Well Presented Four Double Bedroom Detached * Ideally placed for Schools and Village Centre * Lounge * Dining Room * Conservatory * Kitchen * Utility * Master Bedroom With En-suite * Three Further Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Garage * Off Road Parking for 3 Cars * Gas Central Heating * EPC Rating D *
* Four Double Bedroom Detached Property * Quiet Cul-De-Sac Location * Through Lounge * Dining Room * Breakfast Kitchen * Utility Room * Guest WC * Master Bedroom With Updated Ensuite * Three Further Double Bedrooms * Fitted Wardrobes Throughout * Detached Double Garage * West Facing Rear Garden * EPC Rating D *
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
KNOWLE T: 01564 777284 | E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk SOLIHULL & SHIRLEY T: 0121 712 6222 | E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk | E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk BALSALL COMMON T: 01676 534411 | E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk
KNOWLE TEAM
BALSALL COMMON TEAM
SOLIHULL & SHIRLEY TEAM
MORTGAGES TEAM LETTINGS TEAM
Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.
LETTINGS T: 01564 781781 | E: knowle@xactlettings.co.uk Austrey Close, Knowle £1,295 pcm
Detached Property* Cul-De-Sac Location* Four Bedrooms* Dual Aspect Lounge/Diner* Fitted Kitchen* Utility* Family Bathroom* Garage* Walking Distance To Knowle Centre* Rear Garden* Off Road Parking* Gas Central Heating* EPC Rating D* Unfurnished* Available Now*
Bullivents close, Bentley Heath £1,995 pcm
Extended Detached Property* Immaculately Presented Throughout* Five Bedrooms* Lounge* Open Plan Kitchen/Dining Room/Family Room* Utility* Downstairs Cloakroom* En-Suite Shower Room* Family Bathroom* Large Rear Garden* Double Garage* Cul-De-Sac Location* EPC Rating C* Unfurnished
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.
Hampton Court, Hampton In Arden £750 pcm
Ground Floor Apartment* Immaculately Presented Throughout* One Bedroom with Fitted Wardrobe* Open Plan Lounge/Kitchen* Shower Room* Doors from Lounge leading out to small Patio Area *One Allocated Parking Space* Gas Central Heating* EPC Rating C* Unfurnished* Available Now *
Meer Stones Road, Balsall Common £825 pcm
Coach House* Immaculately Presented Throughout* Two Bedrooms* Open Plan Kitchen/Lounge/ Diner* Bathroom with Shower* Gas Central Heating* Cul-De-Sac Location* Allocated Parking* EPC Rating B* Available 5th July
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.
LETTINGS T: 01564 781781 | E: knowle@xactlettings.co.uk Meriden Road, Hampton In Arden £750 pcm
Mews House* One Double Bedroom* Immaculately Presented Throughout* Kitchen with Integrated Appliances* Lounge with doors leading out to the garden* Bathroom* Guest Cloakroom* Attractive Rear Garden* Allocated Parking Space* Walking Distance to Hampton In Arden train station* Gas Central Heating* EPC Rating C* Available Now
Murdoch Road, Shirley £895 pcm
Semi Detached Property* New Build Located on the Blythe Valley Estate* Two Bedrooms* Lounge* Fitted Kitchen* Utility Area* Downstairs Cloakroom* Main Bathroom* En-Suite Shower Room* Off Road Parking* Rear Garden* EPC Rating C* Unfurnished* Available Now*
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.
Redlands Road, Solihull £850 pcm
Traditional Semi Detached* Conveniently Located for Solihull Town Centre* Three Bedrooms* ReDecorated Throughout* New Carpets/Flooring Throughout* Lounge* Open Plan Kitchen/Dining Room* Bathroom with Shower* Rear Garden* Off Road Parking* Gas Central Heating* EPC Rating D* Unfurnished* Available 10th July*
Warwick Road, Knowle £1,195 pcm
Extended Traditional Semi* Three Bedrooms* Lounge* Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen/Diner* Office* Utility* Downstairs Cloakroom* South Facing Garden backing on to Copt heath Golf Club* Gas Central Heating*Walking Distance to Knowle Village* EPC Rating D * Unfurnished* Available Now*
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.
LETTINGS T: 01564 781781 | E: knowle@xactlettings.co.uk
Meet our Lettings Team
Sarah Bent HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Over 6 years WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Meeting people SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I once appeared in a play at the Birmingham Rep when I was in a youth theatre group FAVOURITE FOOD? Chocolate FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? City break, New York
Lisa Davies
Wendy Clarke
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 3 weeks
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 4 years
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Looking forward to learning all about the industry and meeting new people
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The people I work with
SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? Has an O’Level in Latin
SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? Been cautioned by police for demonstrating about women’s rights
FAVOURITE FOOD? Chinese
FAVOURITE FOOD? Crème Brulee
FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Villa Mora in Portugal
FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? I like historic sites in Italy
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.
Sara Cope
Andrea Jones
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Nearly 2 years
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT?
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Meeting people
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The people I work with
SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I used to sing in a choir for 20 years FAVOURITE FOOD? Curry/spicy food
5 years
SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? I am double jointed FAVOURITE FOOD? Curry or anything spicy
FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Anywhere in the Carribean
FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? The Algarve or Vegas
Yvonne Williams
Julie Chinnery
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? 2 years in August WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Working as part of the team with Landlords and Tenants SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? Played county hockey until the age of 24 FAVOURITE FOOD? Pretty much everything FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? With family and like to travel to both the UK and overseas
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH XACT? Just over 10 years WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Organizing and helping put things in place so we can work more efficiently FAVOURITE FOOD? Curry FAVOURTIE TYPE OF HOLIDAY? Cape Verde
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.
UK rental market
bounces back
as restrictions lift
Goodlord’s Lettings Activity Tracker and latest Rental Index show a remarkable bounce back in lettings activity since restrictions around moving house were lifted in mid-May.
The latest data from Goodlord shows a remarkable bounce back in lettings activity since restrictions around moving house were lifted on 13th May. The first day of June saw new tenancies applications soar above 2019 levels to 111%. Volumes of new tenancy applications have now risen by over 82% compared to the activity levels seen in mid-April. As the market has picked up, the average cost of rent has held fairly steady, although void periods have understandably fluctuated.
Lettings Activity Tracker Following lockdown, market activity across the lettings sector plummeted, shows Goodlord’s Lettings Activity Tracker. In mid-April, demand was operating at just 28% when compared to the same day in 2019 representing a decrease in activity of 70% for new and completed tenancies. However, pent-up demand started to trickle out of the market from the first week of May onwards, ahead of the official Government announcement on 13th May that
house moves could go ahead once more. Since then, both new applications and completed lets have spiked. The busiest day so far has been Monday 1st June, when new applications reached 111% of the volumes recorded on the same day in 2019. Completed applications remain at 70% of 2019 levels, but continue to increase week on week. Whilst the market has yet to fully stabilised, this surge in demand is more than welcome for agents, landlords and tenants after weeks of shutdown.
Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.
Average rents Data for average rents in May gives a steadier picture than might be expected, shows the latest Goodlord Rental Index. There’s been little change in the overall UK average cost of rent, which now stands at £862.48, increasing ever so slightly from April’s average of £861.25.
Slight increases in average rents were recorded in the East Midlands (3%), North East (6%), and Wales (3%). However, the average cost of rent dropped by 2% in the capital and by 4% in the South East. Prices in the North West, South West, and the West Midlands held steady.
Average void periods & renter demographics The average UK void period held steady at 23 days, but there was a significant amount of change within the regions themselves. The East Midlands, Greater London, North East and South East all recorded increases in void periods. Whereas drops were recorded for the South West, Wales, and the West Midlands as the pace of market recovery was felt more keenly in some areas. The age of the average renter increased from 32 to 33 years old. And the average salary of a UK renter also increased; from £24,525 to £25,068.
Tom Mundy, COO of Goodlord comments:“The whole industry breathed a sigh of relief on 13th May. Since then, it’s clear that agents have gone above and beyond to ensure lettings can move ahead safely and that demand for new tenancies can be handled effectively. We predict a little more ebb and flow in the market as it works to find equilibrium, but it’s wonderful to see the industry springing back to life in this way. The rental sector will be keeping the whole property industry afloat over the coming months and possibly years.”
CONTENT SUPPLIED ©
step
MOVING A
IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Whatever your property needs, we’re here to help guide you - every step of the way. Ask us how we can support your move. Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk to find out more. KNOWLE
SOLIHULL
T: 01564 777284 E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk
T: 0121 712 6222 E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk
SHIRLEY
BALSALL COMMON
T: 01676 534411 T: 0121 712 6222 E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk