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LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PROPERTY NEWS

APRIL 2021

KITCHEN GADGET GUIDE MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR KITCHEN THIS YEAR EARTH DAY 2021 MAKE YOUR HOME GREENER

ST PATRICK’S DAY RECIPES KEEP YOUR CHILDREN BUSY THIS HALF TERM

SPRING CLEAN GET YOUR HOUSE READY FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

SHED DIY CONVERT YOUR SHED THIS SPRING

CONTENTS COVER STORY

Kitchen Gadget Guide Create stunning, restaurant quality dishes with the latest kitchen aids

PROPERTY

Get your house Spring ready Now is the perfect opportunity to freshen things up in your house

16 25

6 8

Holiday activities Help the kids get creative in the garden and with their wet weather gear Earth Day 2021 Tips to make your home more climate clean this Earth Day

April gardening tips Time to roll up your sleeves and put in the groundwork

Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market

World Book Day Reading is perhaps one of best commodities we have

About us Get to know our team a little better and see why we are your agent of choice

Shed DIY The humble outbuilding can be put to a number of uses

FOOD

LIFESTYLE

Springtime salads Check out some of our best Spring salad recipes that are sure to make your body smile

SPORT

Golf European Tour We look ahead at what’s to play for, and who might be in with a chance of winning

WELCOME TO THE APRIL ISSUE!

e’re into the fourth month of the year. The clocks have changed, the weather is warming up and the world is opening again! This Spring promises a lot and in this month’s magazine so do we! On pages 2 and 3 we go in-depth looking at the best ways to get your home Spring ready, and if that’s not enough, continuing inside the home, we also have a fantastic kitchen gadgets guide ready to create the Spring salad recipes from page 15. On the 22nd April we are celebrating Earth Day, so we have put together a guide to make your home more environmentally friendly. Moving outside, on pages

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10 and 11 we have your April gardening guide and well as some ideas of how to turn your shed into a office/bar/sauna.

START FROM THE BEDROOM

What better place to start, than in the room where you spend more time than any other? Let’s start with the bedding. If you’ve opted for rich, dark colours over the winter months, then throw these away in exchange for neutral green or sky blue colours, accompanied with added pops of colour. Or if you want to make the extra effort in the season of Spring, then select some sheets with floral patterns. If you’ve been used to covering your bed with blankets and throws to keep warm, then switch to lightweight sheets and pillowcases. This will help to add some brightness to your room, and more importantly, stop you from feeling overheated as the weather warms up. And if you’ve made these changes, and still want to go further, then replace your pillows altogether! Swapping your pillows not only aids a more comfortable night’s sleep, but can simultaneously make your bedroom look completely different.

DECLUTTER

This may sound very obvious, but giving your house a good, old-fashioned Spring clean can go a long way to revitalising your home. First, start with cleaning from top to bottom. It can be a laborious job, but will benefit your home in the long run by adding freshness to every space. Next, move on to removing things that you no longer need. For instance, root through your

Finally, we have some fantastic ways to keep busy during the Easter holidays, a feature about World Book Day and a preview of the Men’s European Golf Tour. We’re all excited that the world is starting up again, and are all hopeful for the summer, however, for now, stay safe and take care of yourselves. For now, make yourself a cuppa, pull up a chair in the garden and enjoy! Jonathan Wheatley Editor

Once the tidying is done, turn your attention to adding items which freshen up your home

SPRING INTO ACTION fridges and cupboards, and throw out expired products that didn’t make it onto your plate over the winter period. And when rearranging the foodstuffs, do so in a way as to categorise everything, and make different items much easier to locate. If you have a garage, then organising it can prove a very satisfying project to get your teeth stuck into. Group all of your winter items into boxes, label them, and then place into the garage. This will make things much easier when it comes round to retrieving them again. And while you’re at it, look to declutter your garage. Throw out items you don’t need, and aim to create as much space as you can. Doing this will not only help you feel that your possessions are organised, but will allow you to think of the garage as a space other than just one of storage!

SEARCH FOR SCENTS

Once the tidying is done, turn your attention to adding items which freshen up your home. Spring is associated with the smells of nature, so lean into this tradition with some citrus, rose, lavender, or other floral scented candles or wax melts. These will help to air out the house, and will match the aromas of the outside world. And don’t neglect fauna. As well as bringing in natural, fresh scents into your home, displaying a set of flowers will also help to fill your room with colour, and will complete any kitchen or living room.

FOCUS ON FLOORING

Another great way to completely transform your home, heading into the summer, is to focus on the backbone of any interior. If your carpets have seen better days, then get round to getting them professionally cleaned. As well as making any room look brand new, removing any stains will really brighten up your home. Or, if you feel like a complete makeover, change your flooring completely. Tiling is very resistant for wear and tear, and so is a great option for a room which is likely to be used a lot, such as a kitchen or conservatory. Or, if you love the unmistakable aromas and textures that come with hardwood flooring, then opt for this.

PRIORITISE LIGHT

If there’s something missing from your ideal Spring home, then consider whether you’ve done all you can to take advantage of maximising the amount of natural light in any space. Replace your dark, thick curtains with light ones, or if the room permits, do away with curtains altogether. Without requiring much effort, this will completely transform any room in time for Summer. And also consider changing bulbs. With the greater amounts of light that come with this time of year, switch to darker lights, to create a cosy atmosphere in the evenings, and let natural light do the rest!

As the days get longer, and the weather begins to brighten, now is the perfect opportunity to freshen things up in your house

Sp ring INTO ACTION

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Stand out from the crowd and create stunning, restaurant quality dishes with the latest kitchen aids

INSPECT THE

GADGETS

Instant Pot Duo V2 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Breville HeatSoft VFM021

t is an inescapable fact that the kitchen is the heart of the home. More than just a collection of units, it is the place where memories are forged and culinary disasters are celebrated as much as the triumphs; the venue for gathering at either end of the day, where the aroma of freshly-ground coffee cuts through the lingering whiff of curry from the night before. It is also a place of work, a hive of experimentation. And key to that creative process are the tools of the trade, either a worktop full of the tried, tested and much loved, or an ever-changing procession of ‘must-haves’ which are casually discarded when the next big thing appears.

Russell Hobbs Sous Vide Slow Cooker

Sage The Smoking Gun

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Something which falls in the latter category but could soon become the former is the Instant Pot Duo V2 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker. It doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue but what it does will keep the tongue very happy. America’s home-chefs blew a fuse over this little multi-cooker and its not difficult to see why – it’s an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, rice cooker, yogurt maker, saute pan and a warming pot, which is easy to use and clean.

Devotees of programmes such as MasterChef and The Great British Menu will be familiar with the waterbath and the sous vide process, where food is placed inside a sealed pouch and cooked at an accurately-regulated temperature. It helps meat and vegetables retain their flavour, vitamins and keeps prep-time low. Described as ‘a Michelinstarred chef’s worst-kept secret’, the waterbath can now adorn your kitchen in the form of the easily-affordable Russell Hobbs Sous Vide Slow Cooker. And if you really want to go for drama with your fine dining, get Sage The Smoking Gun. Using cold smoke, it lets you infuse a range of food and KitchenAid Food drinks with a natural Processor smoky flavour, while the dual speed helps increase the intensity of the smoke. Best of all, it is sold with, or without, a glass cloche to cover your dish and heighten the effect. If you are in the market for a hand mixer, take a look

De’Longhi Magnifica Illycaffe 6636 Francis

Santoku 180mm Blade Knife at the Breville HeatSoft VFM021 and wave goodbye to that time-consuming wait for the butter to soften. This handy tool warms butter up to 12 times faster than just leaving it in the mixing bowl, although it can also be used without the heating function. It also comes with an attachable clear case, so the attachments don’t go wandering. An even more flexible bit of kit is the KitchenAid Food Processor which can chop, shred, puree and slice food. It comes with an easy to install reversible medium shred/slice and thick slice blades as well as a dough blade should you want to knead bread or pasta dough. And it comes in a rather fetching Empire Red finish. There’s nothing that sets the smoke alarm off quite like burnt toast, so the Magimix Vision Toaster could be the best thing you’ll ever invest in. A see-through panel allows you to see how your breakfast is doing, ensuring ideal results every time. Possibly the best thing since, well, sliced bread. On the subject of breakfast, let’s talk coffee. We’re not all barista maestro-standard but machines such as the De’Longhi Magnifica help paper over the cracks. With seven adjustable coarseness levels within

an integrated grinder, the Magnifica can customise the type of coffee you want… plus it has a dual cup option. For eye-catching looks, the Illycaffe 6636 Francis is a bit of a head-turner while the Sage Oracle Touch Fully Automated Coffee Machine is the business. However, you’ll need something a bit stronger than an espresso when you see the price tag. No kitchen is complete without a decent set of knives or a pro-standard knife (singular). The Santoku 180mm Blade Knife, from Blenheim Forge, isn’t cheap but will last for years. Made with a Japanese Blue Paper Steel Core with folded iron cladding, it comes with a walnut handle and solid copper ferrule for added strength. Finally, they say baking is all about precision, so that means you’ll need a decent set of kitchen scales. Salter’s Heston Blumental Precision Scales have a dual platform – one for measuring up to 10kg in 1g increments and the other for measuring up to 200g in 0.1g increments. There’s an add- and-weigh feature and also an aquatronic feature for measuring liquids, just to help you get ‘weigh’ ahead of your competitive friends.

Sage Oracle Touch Fully Automated Coffee Machine

Magimix Vision Toaster

Salter’s Heston Blumental Precision Scales

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JUST BOOT-IFUL

Help the kids get creative in the garden and with their wet weather gear

pril, as the saying goes, is the month for showers. And not only does it bring May’s flowers, it can also provide inspiration for some great craft activities for kids and adults alike. It’s the time where it’s always best to have boots and a brolly close at hand. And there’s no better way of making a splash in those quick-to-appear springtime puddles than in customised wellies.

your favourite anymore, tie brightly coloured ribbon about halfway up and gently bend the brolly support wires outwards.

Insert a block of florists’ oasis for water and support then add the flowers so they are peeping over the top. Freshly-cut tulips, with their bold colourful petals, are ideal and will last for a few days but for a longer lasting display, try artificial blooms. And then hang from your door knocker – or insert spike down in the garden - for an eye-catching display that should make any passer-by smile.

Boots are very much a blank canvas and you can really let your imagination run riot, creating colourful and simple yet effective flower patterns, rockets and scenes from outer space for the kids – who also might want a jazzy take on their initials - or graffiti-led slogans for the not so young who might be missing their Glastonbury fix again this year.

So, if they are not getting wet, kids love nothing better than getting their hands dirty… literally. So, put them to good use by designating an area of the garden for them to cultivate with summer-blooming wild flowers or, particularly as the weather is likely to be indifferent, by planting a herb garden inside. Its an easy way to get the younger members of the family hooked on planting, It’s the time where nurturing and tasting what it’s always best to they have grown in their meals, have boots and a and is a little more advanced brolly close at hand and not as smelly as growing cress seeds on blotting paper!

Many people suggest sanding down the area you intend to decorate as this creates a smoother surface and allows the paint to make a stronger bond. As for your decorating agent, acrylic paint is easily available and straightforward to use, particularly if you are going for a funky, bright and intricate design. Waterproof marker pens are also handy for applying finer details, while if a broad sweep of colour is required, rubber spray paint will do the job. And although the paints will dry to a good finish, applying a layer of hairspray will also help your colours stick. Continuing the wet weather theme, how about sprucing up your front door with an extension of the Christmas wreath: a brolly brimming with spring flowers? Younger members of the family can do the backbending stuff by picking the flowers while all you have to do is select an umbrella that’s not

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The easiest – and probably the most useful herbs to grow are parsley, basil, coriander, chives and dill, and all you will need are peat-free, multi-purpose compost; small pots (such as yoghurt) or a used plastic tray from a Chinese takeaway … and an array of helping hands. Making sure the containers have been pierced to guard against over-enthusiastic watering, fill with the compost and tamp down gently to remove the air pockets. Water and allow to drain before scattering the seeds sparingly over the surface before covering with a thin layer of compost. Ideally the pots can be covered with a clear plastic bag to recreate a mini greenhouse and speed the growth process, before placing

April is the month for showers, it can also provide inspiration for some great craft activities

on a windowsill. Once germinated, remove the plastic and water at least once a week before potting outside in late May. A further way to enrich a child’s understanding of the garden is to construct a bug mansion out of discarded pallets and log the varieties of creepy crawlies who come to stay. Some insects like cool, damp conditions, while others like the sun, so try to site the home where it will get a bit of both, under a hedge or tree. Give it a firm base and start stacking, filling the gaps with dead wood and loose bark, straw, dry leaves, and corrugated cardboard which, when stuffed into a plastic bottle with its top removed, creates a nice nest for lacewings. And if you plant some nectar-producing flowers around the outside you can bring in winged guests, such as butterflies and bees.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Join in with millions of people around the world and make your home more climate clean this Earth Day

EARTH DAY 2021

HOW TO MAKE

YOUR HOME MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

his year celebrates the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. Originally conceived in 1970 by peace activist John McConnell as a day of education about how to look after our Earth, in 1990, Earth Day went International and has been celebrated ever since in all four corners of the world. It is one of the few holidays that transcends all national borders and religions, yet preserves all geographical integrities and brings people together all over the world. It is quite simply devoted to the preservation of the harmony in nature and yet draws upon the triumphs of technology. There are hundreds of ways of making your home more environmentally friendly, big and small. Here, in celebration of Earth Day, are our top tips.

WASH YOUR CLOTHES IN COLD WATER

90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes towards heating water. By skipping the heating and using your washing machine on the cold water setting, you will reduce carbon dioxide emission as well as keeping your clothes in top condition for longer, as hot water can deteriorate your clothes and make colours less vibrant.

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DIY INSTEAD OF BUYING NEW

DIY isn’t only a truly great skill to have, but it helps towards creating an environmentally friendly home as opposed to buying new. With just a few tools and a little time, you can crack-on with all sorts of projects. You could tile your kitchen yourself, build home-made planters for the garden or even lay your own flooring.

SWAP YOUR LIGHT BULBS

Invest in the right energy-efficient light bulbs and you won’t only be helping the Earth, but you’ll be saving money too. LED bulbs are the best alternative to regular light bulbs and as well as lasting longer, they are eco-friendly. They are readily available in most shops and you can even get dimmable ones and colour-change ones.

USE YOUR RECYCLING BIN AND GET A COMPOST BIN

We are all well-versed of the importance of recycling by now, so use your recycling bin and you are truly helping towards our world’s future, and if you find yourself with an excess of normal waste, buy a compost bin, which will not only help you get rid of the excess waste but will give you free fertiliser for your garden.

PLANT HERBS AND VEG

Ah, what to do with all that free fertiliser? How about growing your own herbs and vegetables? Not only will you always have wonderful, better-tasting food, but you will massively cut down on plastic used in shop-bought veg and herbs. Some of the most popular are basil, oregano and peppers and tomatoes.

TURN OLD PALLETS INTO PLANTERS

But where do I plant these herbs and veg? Simple, don’t ditch any wood or pallets you have lying around, get creative instead. With just a few screws and a drill, you can make home-made planters for your garden or windowsills. Just measure four pieces of wood to equal lengths, screw together and line with bubble wrap.

22nd April 202 1 www.earthday.org DITCH THE COFFEE PODS

Coffee pod machines have been around for a while now, however, did you know the plastic capsules aren’t usually recyclable? For better tasting and more environmentally friendly coffee, invest in a good-quality espresso machine that takes freshly ground coffee. You can also sprinkle the used ground coffee onto your compost to keep bugs away.

INSULATE YOUR PIPES

Not the quickest or flashiest jobs, but by insulating the pipes that run from your boiler throughout your house can make a huge difference. Your best bet is to use felt or wool pipe insulation that is pre-cut into sleeves and then use some good-quality pipe wrap insulation tape.

COLLECT YOUR RAINWATER

Finally, what is more natural than rainwater? Exactly. If you could collect and store all the rainwater that falls on your property throughout a year and use it around the home, you would see a huge drop in your water bills. Okay, so a full-blown rainwater collection servicing your house is a huge job, but start small with a water butt and you can at least water your herbs and veg without touching a tap. Earth Day is on Thursday the 22nd of April and you can find out more by visiting www.earthday.org

It is one of the few holidays that transcends all national borders and religions, yet preserves all geographical integrities

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

&REAP

WEED IT Time to roll up your sleeves and put in the groundwork

nd so here we are. April, the great transitional month where we’ve not quite shaken off winter’s icy grip, but with brighter evenings and significantly warmer days, its hold is definitely weakening. For gardeners, this is where the hard work starts; this month’s input dictates output for the rest of the year. The four-day Easter holiday weekend gives us time to prepare the ground, assessing and repairing the damage inflicted by a particularly harsh start to the year, taking the time to restake trees, secure climbing shrubs, and clear any lingering storm damage, particularly checking fences for damage to panels, support posts and slats. And then you can get on your hands and knees for some serious weeding, gently turning over ground flattened by heavy rain and snow, and clearing away any remaining dead leaves, twigs and winter debris, as well as dead-heading daffodils,

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tulips and late-flowing crocuses, and trimming frost-damaged shoots from evergreens. Once cleared, nourish the soil with compost or well-rotted manure which will add beneficial micro-organisms to the soil, making it richer and encouraging the right kind of insect activity. The wrong kind – slugs, snails and aphids – may be found loitering around the crowns of perennials preparing to wreak havoc so it’s best to deal with them now. Early infestations of aphids can be pinched out by hand but pests such as vine weevil will need chemical or biological intervention to keep under control. Your lawn will need the most attention early in the early growing season. If you’ve not already done so, now’s the time for that initial cut, taking the top off the winter growth before the first decisive crop. Once that’s done, apply a high nitrogen spring lawn fertiliser to encourage good, strong growth and if

moss has become a problem, choose a combined moss killer/fertiliser and lightly rake out the dead a couple of weeks after application.

There are also many warm-season vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, which can be moved outdoors

If you discover some bumps and hollows, peel back the turf and remove or add soil as necessary before replacing the grass, while any bare patches can be prepared for reseeding: if the ground is still wet and cold, though, the germination will be poor so it might be better to postpone this until early May. And, while we’re at it, don’t forget the lawn edges. Using a spade or a half-moon edging iron, create a gutter of around

three inches to prevent the grass creeping back into your borders. It is also important to prune trees and deciduous shrubs, removing dead and sickly-looking leaves or branches to stimulate new growth and spring flowering. Also add fertiliser while a good organic mulch, laid in a circle around the trunk, will not only provide moisture for good growth but will also conserve moisture and encourage strong, drought-resistant roots, something worth bearing in mind for the likes of rhododendrons, azaleas and camelias where flowering can be severely impaired if allowed to dry out. Otherwise, a good balanced fertiliser (such as blood, fish and bone) can be sprinkled over the root area around ornamental trees, shrubs and hedges before hoeing in, particularly beneficial for young, weak or damaged plants. Once the warmer days are set in and the risk of a late sharp frost has gone, plant out

the flower seedlings you’ve been cultivating since March, and if you haven’t, you can still sow petunias, zinnias, marigolds, purple cornflowers and other seasonals you might fancy in your flowerbeds. Summerflowering bulbs should also be going in, ensuring the likes of anemone tubers have well-drained soil. Containers can also be planned, topped up with fresh compost and planted – an alpine trough can be particularly attractive as many are starting to look their best - while you may be able to start on your hanging baskets in the latter stages of the month if you’re in a temperate part of the country. Otherwise, pot-on plants that are showing signs of becoming pot-bound or generally just look a bit forlorn. There are also many warm-season vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, which can be moved outdoors while radishes, carrots, peas and lettuce can also be planted, along with your favourite annual herbs.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

WORLD BOOK DAY

– WHY IT WILL

SHINE ON

Reading is perhaps one of best, if not the very best, commodities and widely accessible resources we have as a people, and therefore so is World Book Day

ental health and the recognition of its facets and depth has never been as prevalent as now, so when you consider how strong the scientific research is in favour of how reading can help mental wellbeing – by reducing your heart rate and thus stress levels, easing muscle tension, and wholly altering your state of mind – World Book Day this year is surely a campaign more important than ever before. World Book Day annually takes place on 23rd April. This is because the Spanish

writer Vicente Clavel Andrés wanted to call for a day which would recognize the life and career of one of his greatest heroes, fellow Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, who still is widely regarded as the greatest ever writer of the Spanish language. Cervantes death date was 23rd April, which also marks many other great writers’ birth and death dates, including William Shakespeare who passed away on exactly the same day as Cervantes, 23rd April 1616.

World Book Day this year is surely a campaign more important than ever before

The first World Book Day was celebrated in 1995 and has been going strong ever since. It’s a day to celebrate all things books, especially your favourites! One of my personal favourite novels is The Shining by Stephen King. King has always been associated with horror, and I suppose that’s justified. But many people overlook (pun intended) the fact that much of King’s stories contain some real character depth and interpersonal relationships, which can often be extremely intense and moving. The Shining, for instance,

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for me, isn’t necessarily primarily a horror. It could be considered a psychological thriller or drama about what happens when an alcoholic becomes victim to cabin fever. The paranormal presence in the hotel is an effective way to convey this cabin fever process Jack Torrance undertakes, but I suspect many readers agree that a good argument can be made that the paranormal activity can merely be considered a metaphor for Jack’s psychological transformation into illness. Indeed he knows he’s becoming unhealthy at the behest of cabin fever, as there is a point near the end of the novel where he tries to cry out from underneath his new, murderous exterior to tell his would-be murdered son to leave before it’s too late. Why I talk about this book in particularly is because cabin fever is something many of us have had to endure over the past many months, and, more troubling still, domestic abuse, so it’s an interesting insight into cabin fever and the effects it can have on relationships, especially if alcoholism is involved. The Shining is an example of a great novel, and certainly one to celebrate, as the book often gets inaccurately judged by its better-known cover, that of the film by Stanley Kubrick, which told a rather different story. Jonathan Wheatley, British Author

If a home-working space is the objective, you will need to insulate, drywall and think about heating

SHED YOUR

INHIBITIONS T

o paraphrase rock giants Motorhead, a shed used to be a place of spades. Or lawnmowers. Or half-empty tins of paint and discarded outdoor toys. A handy little store, generally made of glorified fencing panels, that gets a coat of creosote when you remember but generally sits, unloved, at the end of the garden waiting to be battered by the next named storm. Times and lifestyles, however, change, and now the humble structure has become the fashionable ‘must-have’, graduating from the often-outlandish man caves and she-sheds to offices, studios, outside bars and even saunas and cinema rooms. If the prospect of turning your forlorn shed into a rustic home extension appeals, there are some things to bear in mind, not least checking with the local authority to see if you need permission for change of use. Then see how structurally sound it is or whether you might be

better off biting the bullet and getting a new summerhouse or log cabin, depending on size of budget, garden… and ambition.

Having checked the damp-proofing, if the roof is watertight, walls are in good condition and doors and windows fit properly, clear the shed out and look for signs of mould, damp, wood rot or pest infestation around the floor. Once satisfied, the big decision now is whether it’s a DIY project or needs to be turned over to an expert, as you would be advised to do for a sauna. If you’re going it alone, the first job will be to get the outside treated or painted to make it weatherproof, then think about sealing any cracks you may have discovered with caulk or weatherstripping to help prevent draughts, bugs and any other undesirables. Depending how you plan to use the shed, you might want to pop in a skylight window, particularly if you’ve got the professionals in and

The humble outbuilding can be put to a number of uses

you’re designing an office. If a home-working space is the objective, you will need to insulate, drywall and think about heating for those slightly less-than idyllic days. Heating means power and while it may be tempting to connect to the supply from your home, don’t rule out solar panels, which provide a simpler, cheaper and energy efficient solution. If it’s a bar you’re after, you’ll need plumbing too. For flooring, think durable coverings such as cork, tile and carpet - a wood floor might be attractive but may not be practical. After that, it’s all about preferences: LED or halogen lights for an office, a string of novelty lights for your personal pub; shelves and versatile cabinets for work, a good service area and racks to attach the optics for the bar. And finally, make sure you’ve got some good locks.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR ON THE

EUROPEAN TOUR IN APRIL As this year’s European Tour begins to crank up, we look ahead at what’s to play for, and who might be in with a chance of winning

WHAT’S HAPPENED SO FAR?

The 2021 European Tour began in January, when it was announced that at least fortytwo events would be played in twenty-four different countries, including eighteen which were either postponed or cancelled in 2020.

The first tournament of the season, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, was won by Englishman Tyrell Hatton. Since then, fellow countryman Paul Casey and American Dustin Johnson have walked away with the other two titles.

WHAT ARE THE EVENTS?

The month of April includes four of the forty-two European tour events. On the 15th, Golf’s biggest names travel to Spain, to take part in the Tenerife Open. From there, they make the short journey for the Gran Canaria open, beginning on the 22nd, highlighting this year’s focus on reducing travelling where possible. And finally, the 29th April marks the beginning of the Portugal Masters.

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But of course, the main event of the month is right at the beginning. On April 8th, all eyes will turn to Augusta, Georgia, for the 2021 Masters. The first of the four ‘majors’ of the year, this tournament is steeped in tradition, with every winner since 1949 receiving an iconic green jacket. Last year, the imperious Dustin Johnson won by five-shots, whilst simultaneously breaking the course record, in a tournament which was pushed back several months due to the pandemic. But fortunately, this year’s competition will go ahead as planned, and is set to be as equally enthralling as any other instalment.

The first tournament of the season, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, was won by Englishman Tyrell Hatton

WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES?

As already mentioned, Johnson won the tournament by a landslide last year, and still sits at the head of the world rankings, and so cannot be written off. Otherwise, world numbers two Jon Rahm and world number three Justin Thomas have nine European Tour victories between them, and so will both feel confident come April 8th. And for a slight outsider, consider Bryson DeChambeau’s chances. The big-hitting American, currently ranked inside the world’s top ten, hasn’t enjoyed much success at Augusta thus far in his career. However, his analytical approach in gaining significant muscle in 2020 has made him the longest driver of the ball on the PGA Tour, which may stand him in good stead when battling the famously difficult course in Georgia.

SPRING INTO LIFE

Put a spring in your step with these wonderful, healthy salads perfect for Springtime

ne of the best things about Spring is the chance to create wonderful, healthy salads with some of the finest and freshest veg available at this time of the year. So, without delay, check out some of our best Spring salad recipes that are sure to make your body smile. Salad leaves – mixed Vine tomatoes Red onion Feta cheese Olive oil Lemon Salt and pepper Fresh oregano

GREEK SALAD Wash and rinse the salad leaves and chop the vine tomatoes in half (depending on their size) and slice the red onion so you have wonderful whole onion circles. Toss the tomatoes, salad leaves and onion together in a bowl ensuring it’s all mixed. Then mix the olive oil, the juice of half a lemon and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add the olive oil mix to the salad bowl, toss again before finally adding the crumbled feta on top. To finish garnish with the fresh oregano and another pinch of pepper.

Orange juice Lemon juice Honey Salt and pepper Olive oil Mixed carrots Radishes Celery Small beet Fresh mint leaves Small oranges

Mixed salad leaves Dried apricots White wine vinegar Shallot Dijon mustard Olive oil Feta Cucumber Dill

SHAVED CARROT AND RADISH SALAD Whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper to your taste, before adding olive oil. Peel and then shave the carrots lengthways and finely slice the radishes before peeling the oranges and slicing them into half-moons. Then thinly slice the celery and small beet. Mix together in a large bowl before adding the olive oil mix. Serve with the freshly chopped mint leaves on top.

SPRING SALAD WITH APRICOT VINAIGRETTE Place the apricots in a bowl while bringing the white wine vinegar to a simmer. Once simmering, pour over the apricots and leave for ten minutes. Finely slice the shallot, then add to a bowl with some Dijon mustard before then adding the apricots to the mustard mixture. Add a little white wine vinegar to taste and then mix in the olive oil. In a large bowl, toss together the salad leaves, cucumber and apricot mixture. To serve, crumble the feta cheese over the top before adding the fresh dill.

Images for illustrative purposes only

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Manor Road £825,000

* Located Within Easy Walking Distance To Dorridge Village & Station * Three Double Bedroom Traditional Detached * Absolutely Stunning Throughout & Maintained To The Highest Standard * Large Block Paved Driveway * Open Plan Kitchen / Diner / Family Room * Living Room * Beautifully Landscaped Rear Garden & Patio * Garage & Large Utility * Three Bedrooms & Refurbished Shower Room * EPC Rating D *

Lady Byron Lane £1,975,000

** NO UPWARD CHAIN ** Significantly Extended & Completely Updated Five Double Bedroom & Four Ensuite Detached Property Backing Onto Copt Heath Golf Course * Absolutely Stunning Throughout & Finished To The Highest Possible Standard Including Lutron Lighting / Underfloor Heating / Duravit & Hans Grohe Bathrooms / Audio System / CCTV / Air Conditioning / Porcelain Tiled Flooring * Magnificent Open Plan Kitchen / Dining & Family Room With Bi-Fold Doors * Offering Superb Versatility * Set Behind In and Out Driveway * Large Double Garage * Southerly Facing Landscaped Rear Garden * Internal Inspection Required To Fully Appreciate This Stunning Family Home * EPC Rating C *

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

Ashford House £1,100,000

* Semi-Rural Location * Surrounded By Open Fields * Easy Access To Solihull Town Centre, M42, Birmingham International Airport & Railway Station * Individually Designed Five Bedroom Detached House * Spacious Living Room * Modern Re-Fitted Breakfast Kitchen * Separate Dining Room * Extensive Landscaped Gardens * Five Bedrooms * Three Ensuites * Family Luxury Bathroom * Triple Garage (one currently converted into utility) * LPG Central Heating * Double Glazing * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating E *

Northwick Crescent £850,000

* Impressive Five Bedroom Detached * Tudor Grange Academy Catchment * Early Viewing Essential * Built By Bryant Homes To The Paragon Design * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Enclosed Porch * Impressive Entrance Hall * Large Through Lounge * Dining Room/Snug * Refitted Breakfast Kitchen * Utility Room * Five Bedrooms * Ensuite Shower Room * Dressing Room * Family Bathroom * Double Garage * Landscaped South Facing Garden * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating D *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

KNOWLE T: 01564 777284 | E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk Withington Grove £674,950

* Stunning & Extended Five Bedroom Detached Property Located Within A Quiet Cul-De-Sac Of Dorridge * Three Reception Room Including Living / Dining & Family Room * Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen Within Feature Central Island & Silestone Work Surfaces * Five Bedrooms & Three Luxury Bathrooms * Garage * Easterly Facing Rear Garden * Arden Academy Catchment * Walking Distance To Dorridge Station Via Conker Lane * Beautifully Presented Family Home * EPC Rating C *

Dassett Road £315,000

** NO UPWARD CHAIN ** Completely Refurbished Three Bedroom Terraced Property * Open Plan Living / Dining Room & Modern Kitchen * Three Good Sized Bedrooms & Refurbished Family Bathroom * Set Behind Block Paved Driveway * South Easterly Facing Rear Garden * Viewing Essential * EPC Rating C *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

Oakhall Drive £475,000

* Three Bedroom Detached Property Located Within A Quiet Cul de Sac Of Dorridge * Internally Remodelled & Completely Updated * Gas Central Heating & Double Glazed Throughout * Open Plan Living & Dining Room * Conservatory * Modern Breakfast Kitchen * Three Good Size Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Principal Bedroom With Luxury En-Suite * Single Garage * Located Behind Block Paved Driveway * Landscaped South Facing Rear Garden With Recently Constructed Home Office * EPC Rating D *

Blackberry Avenue £479,950

* Well Presented Four Bedroom Detached * Located Within The Sought After Village Of Hockley Heath * Benefits From A Westerly Facing Garden With Views To Open Fields * Set Back Behind A Tarmacadam Driveway And Lawned Fore Garden * Entrance Hallway * Guest Cloakroom * Living Room * Dining Room * Breakfast Kitchen * Four Bedrooms To The First Floor * Master Bedroom With Shower And Wash Hand Basin * Family Bathroom * Garage * Westerly Facing Rear Garden With Paved Patio Area * Views To Open Fields * Early Viewing Is Recommended To Fully Appreciate The Quiet Cul-De-Sac Location Of This Desirable Family Home * EPC Rating D *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

KNOWLE T: 01564 777284 | E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk Starbold Crescent £750,000

* Viewing Absolutely Essential To Fully Appreciate This Significantly Extended Five Double Bedroom Detached Family Home Located Within A Quiet Cul-De-Sac Of Knowle & Within Arden Academy Catchment Area * Finished To The Highest Standard Including Bespoke Karndean Flooring Throughout The Ground Floor * Magnificent Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen & Dining Room With Feature Central Island & Opening Into A Separate Family Room * Full Width Sliding Doors Opening Onto To Southerly Facing Rear Garden * Separate Living Room * Master Bedroom With Luxury Ensuite * Large Utility & Garage / Store * Internal Viewing Essential * EPC Rating C *

Station Road £499,950

** NO UPWARD CHAIN ** Significantly Extended & Absolutely Stunning Three Bedroom Detached Cottage Located In The Heart Of Knowle Village * Completely Refurbished & Updated To Include New Central Heating, New Double Glazed Windows, Complete Re-Wire, Cat 6 Cabling, New Flooring & Completely Redecorated Throughout * Driveway Parking For Two Vehicles * Magnificent Open Plan Kitchen / Dining & Family Room * Separate Living Room * Large Side Courtyard & Westerly Rear Garden * Three Bedrooms & Refitted Bathroom With Underfloor Heating * Internal Inspection Highly Recommended * EPC Rating D *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

Mill Lane £224,950

* NO UPWARD CHAIN * Absolutely Immaculate Throughout * Two Bedroom First Floor Maisonette * Significantly Updated & Improved * Private Garden & Garage * Breakfast Kitchen * Living Room * Boarded Loft * Extended Lease * Walking Distance To Dorridge Village & Station * EPC Rating C *

Mill Lane £415,000

* Three Bedroom Semi Detached * Immaculately Presented Throughout * Popular Location * Walking Distance To Dorridge Village & Station * Entrance Porch * Hallway * Guest Cloakroom * Living Room * Breakfast Kitchen * Three Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Private Rear Garden * Off Road Parking * EPC Rating D *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

SOLIHULL & SHIRLEY 0121 712 6222 | E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk | E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk

Cherrington Way £625,000

Chancel Court £275,000

* Popular Hillfield Estate * Four Bedroom Detached * Originally Built By Bryant Homes To The Richmond Design * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Gas Central Heating * UPVC Double Glazing * Quiet CulDe-Sac Location * Tudor Grange Academy Catchment * Through Living Room * Dining Room * Fitted Breakfast Kitchen * Ensuite Shower Room * Family Bathroom * Wide Landscaped Rear Garden * Double Garage * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating C *

* Central Solihull Location * Gated Development * No Upward Chain * Two Bedroom Ground Floor Apartment * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Communal Entrance Hall * Reception Hall * Dual Aspect Lounge * Fitted Kitchen * Two Double Bedrooms One With A Small Patio Area * En Suite Shower Room * Family Bathroom * Underground Parking Space * Communal Gardens * Easy Access To All Motorway Links * Viewing Essential * EPC Rating C *

Noble Way £589,950

Ladbrook Road £525,000

* Impressive Five Bedroom Detached * Originally Built By Bloor Homes To The Orford Design * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * No Upward Chain * Semi Rural Location * Corner Plot * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Canopy Porch * Impressive Entrance Hall * Large Through Living Room * Large Open Plan Kitchen/Diner/Family Room * Utility Room * Five Bedrooms * Two Ensuite * Family Bathroom * Garage * Lawned Rear Garden * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating B *

*No Upward Chain * Four Bedroom Link Semi-Detached * Walking Distance To Solihull Town Centre * Tudor Grange Academy Catchment * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazed * Recessed Porch * Entrance Hall * Two Reception Rooms * Fitted Kitchen * Four Bedrooms * Bathroom * Single Garage * Mature Garden * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating D *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

Calcutt Way £310,000

Grandborough Drive £725,000

* Popular Dickens Heath Estate * Impressive Three Bedroom Semi Detached * Ideal For A First Time Purchaser * Well Maintained Throughout * Early Viewing Essential * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazing * Living Room * Kitchen/Diner * Downstairs WC * Three Bedrooms * Bathroom * Garage & Parking To The Rear * Garden * EPC Rating D *

* Corner Plot * Spacious Four Bedroom Extended Detached * Tudor Grange Academy Catchment * No Upward Chain * Early Viewing Essential * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Spacious Living Room * Extended Dining Room * Extended Breakfast Kitchen * Four Good Sized Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Ensuite Shower Room * Double Length Garage * South East Facing Rear Garden * EPC Rating D *

Luddington Road £675,000

Lugtrout Lane £585,000

* Impressive Spacious Five Bedroom Extended Detached * Sought After Location * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Early & Internal Viewing Essential * Large Lounge/Dining Room * Fitted Breakfast Kitchen * Extended Family Room * Five Bedrooms * Two Ensuite Shower Rooms * Family Bathroom * Double Garage * Private Rear Garden * EPC Rating C *

* Large Corner Plot * Three Bedroom End Terraced With Two Bedroom Annexe * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazed * Main House Comprising Of Entrance Hall * Two Reception Rooms * Breakfast Kitchen * Utility Room * Downstairs Shower Room * Three Bedrooms * Bathroom * Annexe Currently Used As A Suitable Workshop * Two Beautiful Bedrooms With Ensuite Above * Further Potential For A Loft Conversion * Gated Entrance * EPC Rating E *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

BALSALL COMMON T: 01676 534411 | E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk

Bella Vista

Floyd Grove

£735,000

£495,000

*Five Bedroom Detached * Extended & Refurbished throughout * Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen * Lounge * Dining Area * Two Home Offices * Guest WC * Two Ground Floor Bedrooms * Three En-Suite Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Large Rear Garden * Garage * Off Road Parking For Multiple Vehicles * Far Reaching Countryside Views * EPC Rating C *

* Four Bedroom Detached * Well Presented Throughout * Close to Park & Village Centre * Breakfast Kitchen * Lounge * Dining Room * Utility Room * Downstairs WC * Principal Bedroom with En-Suite * Fitted Wardrobes Throughout * Family Bathroom * Wide Rear Garden * Garage * Off Road Parking * EPC Rating C *

Welsh Road

Shenstone Drive

£545,000

£475,000

* Four Double Bedroom Detached Property * Immaculately Presented Throughout * No Onward Chain * Secure Gated Development * Over 1900 sq ft * Lounge * Breakfast Kitchen * Family Room * Downstairs WC * En-Suite Principal Bedroom * Family Bathroom * South Facing Rear Garden * Garage * EPC Rating C *

* Four Bedroom Detached House * Well Presented Throughout * Potential to Extend STPP * Re-fitted Breakfast Kitchen * Through Lounge / Diner * Utility Room * Four Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Private South Facing Rear Garden * Garage * Off Road Parking * EPC Rating D *

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

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 Kilsby Grove, Solihull £1,295 pcm

Link Semi Detached Property* Well Presented* Three Bedrooms* Lounge* Fitted Kitchen* Conservatory* Dining Room* Cloakroom* Bathroom* Garage* Rear Garden* Ideally Located for Widney Manor Train Centre* EPC Rating C* Unfurnished* Available 15th April.

Cornwood House, Dickens Heath £825 pcm

First Floor Apartment* Two Double Bedrooms with Fitted Wardrobes and Juliet Balconies * Lounge/Diner with Juliet Balcony* Open Plan Kitchen* Bathroom with Shower* Two Gated Parking Spaces* Well Presented Throughout* Electric Heating* Walking Distance to Dickens Heath Centre* EPC Rating C* Unfurnished* Available 10th April

Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.

Monarchs Gate, Solihull £795 pcm

First Floor Apartment*Furnished/Unfurnished*Two Double Bedrooms* Lounge/Diner* Fitted Kitchen* Main Bathroom*En-Suite Shower Room* Electric Heating* Allocated Parking* Ideally Located for Solihull town Centre* Electric Heating* EPC Rating D* Available 29th April

Murdoch Road, Blythe Valley Park £895 pcm

Semi Detached Property* 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 24th April

Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.

LETTINGS T: 01564 781781 | E: knowle@xactlettings.co.uk Damson Lane, Solihull £850 pcm

Mid Terrace Character Property* Well Presented Throughout* Two Bedrooms* Lounge* Breakfast Kitchen* Re-Fitted Bathroom* Rear Garden* Off Road Parking* Gas Central Heating* Ideally Located for local Transport and Motorway* Long Rear Garden* Unfurnished* EPC D* Available Now*

Chancel Court, Solihull £1,095 pcm

First Floor Apartment* Three Bedrooms* Walking Distance to Solihull Town Centre* Gated Development* Immaculately Presented Throughout * Lounge* Fitted Kitchen* Bathroom* En-Suite Shower Room* * One Allocated Parking Space* Unallocated Parking Spaces Available* EPC Rating B* Unfurnished* Available Now

Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details.

Blythe Court, St. Bernards Road £825 pcm

Second Floor Flat* Two Bedrooms* Lounge/Diner* Fitted Kitchen* Bathroom* Electric Heating* Ideally Located for Olton Train Station* EPC Rating E* Unfurnished* Available Now*

Hansell Drive, Dorridge £1,195 pcm

Detached Property* Three Bedrooms* Lounge/Diner* Kitchen* Conservatory* Cloakroom* Utility* Main Bathroom* En-Suite Shower Room* Storage Room* Rear Garden* Ideally Located for Local Schools* EPC Rating C * 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.

Update: Six-month notice period comes into law and “Winter Truce” on evictions announced Landlords will need to give tenants six months notice if they intend to regain possession of their property and no tenants will be evicted over Christmas.

The government has changed the law to increase notice periods to six months and confirmed that possession proceedings will resume on 21 September 2020. The only exceptions to the six-month notice period are the most egregious cases, including where tenants have demonstrated anti-social behaviour or committed fraud, where notice periods have been shortened. In these cases, “notice periods must be at least 4 weeks where over six months of rent is due (if less than 6 months is owed, then 6 months’ notice must be given).” A “winter truce” on evictions also means that no evictions will take place between 11 December 2020 and 11 January 2021. When possession proceedings resume, cases will be subject to new court processes and procedures, which will be in place until at least 28 March 2021. These include: • The prioritisation of cases, such as those involving anti-social behaviour and other crimes, as well as extreme rent arrears where landlords would otherwise face unmanageable debts.

• No cases from before 3 August 2020 will immediately proceed to hearing, but will have to be ‘re-activated’ by the landlord and then subject to a new review hearing, at least four weeks before the substantive hearing. • Landlords will also need to provide the courts and judges with information on how tenants have been affected by the pandemic. Where this information is not provided, judges will be able to adjourn proceedings until the information is provided. In addition, the government has announced a “winter truce” on the enforcement of evictions, meaning no evictions will be permitted in England and Wales in the run up to and over Christmas except in the most serious circumstances. Tenants are still liable for their rent during this time and should pay this as usual. If tenants are facing financial hardship and think they will have difficulty making a rental payment, they should speak to their landlord in the first instance.

Visit our website xactlettings.co.uk for more details

“

This article was updated on 24 September 2020. Although we endeavour to keep our coronavirus (COVID-19) content as up to date as possible, the situation is rapidly changing, so please ensure you refer to gov.uk for the latest advice and information.

The government is encouraging tenants and landlords to work together to put in place a rent payment plan. However, there is other support available for tenants facing financial difficulties: • There is an existing £180 million of government funding for Discretionary Housing Payments made available this year, an increase of £40 million from last year and which is for councils to distribute to support renters with housing costs. • A £500 Hardship Fund will go to local authorities in England so they can reduce the 2020 to 2021 council tax bills of working age people receiving Local Council Tax Support. Councils will also be able to use the funding to provide further discretionary support to vulnerable people. • Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the government will pay up to 80% of a worker’s wages, up to a total of £2,500 per month, until August. • Universal Credit and Housing Benefit will increase and, from April, Local Housing Allowance rates will pay for at least 30% of market rents in each area.

Here’s what some of our clients say...

”

Laura & Matt

We absolutely recommend Xact to any family or friends looking to buy or sell a house and we have done on numerous occasions. You watch the market, you see a house go up with Xact and it sells and it completes and that’s our experience, there’s lots of reasons why that happens, they get jobs done basically.

”

Beth

I decided to use Xact for both selling my property and eventually buying, simply because I had used them 20 years ago when I bought my first house in the area and that experience had been a positive one so it seemed sense to go back to them again. Also I am aware of the fact that they are a very popular estate agent within the village and everybody that I had spoken to recommended them highly.

”

Peter

Without doubt I would recommend Xact without any equivocation, they’ve done a great job for us.

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

”

Tony

Yes, wholeheartedly I would recommend Xact to anyone who seeks my opinion.

”

Jon

We contacted a couple of the old firms and they came to see us and gave us their advice and their marketing strategies and the prices were very similar. But we noticed with Xact more and more signs were going up and one of my neighbours had sold his property with Xact and he was really pleased with them, so I thought we’ll give them a chance.

”

Kathy

I found them a very approachable estate agent, they had plenty of staff, they were all very polite, they were proactive, very empathetic with the sale, when I had any issues they were dealt with very quickly, they were always willing to answer my questions. I just thought they kept me up-to-date on a weekly basis, sometimes more often where necessary. I like their attitude towards sales really, they made me feel very comfortable.

”

Anne

I would definitely recommend Xact to friends, family and my colleagues and I have already done that.

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk for more details.

Choosing the right agent is

Key Knowledgeable. Trustworthy. Innovative. Whether you are buying or selling, we’ve got the key ingredients to unlock a successful house move. Our unique marketing and professional customer service means that when you choose Xact Homes you are choosing the right agent. Call us today for your FREE valuation and FREE property website.

Visit our website xacthomes.co.uk to find out more. KNOWLE

SOLIHULL

SHIRLEY

BALSALL COMMON

T: 01564 777284 E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk

T: 0121 712 6222 E: solihull@xacthomes.co.uk

T: 0121 712 6222 E: shirley@xacthomes.co.uk

T: 01676 534411 E: balsallcommon@xacthomes.co.uk