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LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PROPERTY NEWS

NOVEMBER 2020

THE BEST HOME EXTENSIONS A GUIDE TO INCREASING SPACE AND VALUE TO YOUR HOME ADVENT CALENDARS UNIQUE CALENDARS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS TIPS TO MAKE EVERYBODY ENVIOUS OF YOUR TREE

SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP THE UK TOURNAMENT STARTS THIS MONTH

BLACK FRIDAY FEVER ARE WE TO EXPECT BIGGER REDUCTIONS THIS YEAR?

CONTENTS LIFESTYLE

COVER STORY

Finding more space Our guide to the best, most beneficial extensions to consider for your home

PROPERTY

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

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

FOOD

Winter Warmer Soups Warm up this winter with some fresh and hearty homemade soups

Preparing for Christmas Rekindling the atmosphere of those quaint mid-20th century yuletides

Unique advent calendars A variety of advent calendars to suit all the family

Treating your tree How to make everybody envious of your tree this year

12 14

The return of The Crown The multi-award-winning drama is back on our screens on the 15th of November Black Friday fever Top tech tips for Black Friday bargains

SPORT

Snooker UK Championship One of snooker’s most prestigious Triple Crown events starts this month

WELCOME TO THE NOVEMBER ISSUE!

he property market is still thriving, and with the Stamp Duty Holiday ending in March, and the average house sale taking longer than usual, there is no time like the present to finally move and take advantage. The clocks have changed and the nights are drawing in, which can only mean we’re on the countdown to Christmas! Inside, with the uncertainty over what Christmas will be like this year, we have an article about how to make it extra special this year alongside our guide to the best advent calendars available for all the family. However, it’s not all about Christmas, we have an informative

PROPERTY NEWS

article about how best to extend your home as well as our top tech tips for Black Friday! Looking for cosy nights in? Check out pages 8 and 9 for our winter warmer soup recipes which you can relax with in front of The Crown when it returns check out our preview on page 12. And finally, we have a sports preview of the UK Snooker Championships on page 13. In these strange times, stay safe, enjoy your time with your family and look after yourselves. Jonathan Wheatley Editor

The country may still be in the grip of a pandemic, but there’s no reason we can’t avoid a bleak midwinter

ost people are thinking Christmas is likely to be a bit of a non-event this year. The continual struggle to combat the Covid-19 pandemic means an everchanging landscape of guidelines and restrictions, although the “rule of six” could be with us for some time. So, where does that leave the season of goodwill to all men in a facemask, the non-stop round of departmental parties which go on well past office hours, and those big family gatherings? Well, if you’re working from home the office party will be you, the cat, a mug of tea and slippers on before The One Show has started; the family get-together will be via Zoom; and social bubbles will be something more important than having the girls round for Prosecco. While Millennials may be tempted to shut up shop, do their best Scrooge impression and pretend Christmas has been cancelled, Baby Boomers and Generation X will be: “Hold our mince pies, we’ve got this”.

WILL WE KNOW IT’S CHRISTMAS? Because back in the Dark Ages - before the internet or even Channel 4 Christmases were localised, family-centric and far less commercialised with the countdown starting this month rather than early September when the tubs of biscuits and chocolates start appearing on supermarket shelves. So, how do you rekindle the atmosphere of those quaint mid-20th Century Yuletides? For a start, make your own Christmas cake instead of buying one. Set aside a Sunday afternoon and get baking, as early in November as possible because every consumer knows a good cake needs feeding regularly – as in a liberal dousing of brandy every week – before it is iced. And while you’re at it, get to work on your own Christmas pud (once again, nice and early to let it mature, more brandy etc) or a gingerbread house. The aroma alone will get you longing for Christmas Day. As for the not insignificant issue of decorating the house, leave it as late as

possible, do it together and make it an occasion not a chore with a “yeh, that’ll do” end product. Make it better by designing your own decorations… and cards. Set aside a good few hours, devise a festive playlist, and finish the day with hot chocolate or mulled wine. Or, as we are likely to be advised to spend more time at home, wind down with a night of Christmas films … and no, Die Hard doesn’t count. It’s not a proper Christmas film is it? As for the day itself, you can still FaceTime the relatives before settling in for games and quality time after lunch; admittedly, Exploding Kittens will never replace Kerplunk and Find Out Who is no Charades, but they’re still a lot of fun and will get you in the mood for a Morecambe and Wise Special on UK Gold. And if you still feel it’s the season for giving, donate to charity. After all, you could have saved a small fortune by not buying enough food and drink to feed a small army for a week.

How do you rekindle the atmosphere of those quaint mid-20th Century Yuletides?

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

MOST UNIQUE AND PRESTIGIOUS ADVENT CALENDARS

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS Believe it or not, Christmas is coming, and it’s perhaps come around quicker than most Christmases before it… So it’s time to start thinking about advent calendars!

t’s true that we usually prefer to be eating chocolate each morning of December on the lead up to good ol’ Christmas, for it’s a time to indulge in the naughty stuff, indeed one of the few times of the year when it’s deemed completely socially acceptable. But if we’re purely talking about generating excitement and intrigue throughout the festive month, then there are some fantastic alternatives to advent calendars, ones without edible treats.

FOR GIRLS

FOR KIDS IN GENERAL This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the release of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This advent calendar is one of the most thematic, solid celebrations of the film on the market. £12.99, with chocolates. https://tinyurl.com/y4r8r4x2 This calendar would prove perfect for any Despicable Me fan out there. It contains buildable Minion characters with interchangeable parts including goggles, arms, feet and holiday outfits. £36.15 https://tinyurl.com/y65abpxf

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In 2013, Frozen graced the silver screen and captured the hearts of little girls everywhere, especially those with sisters. This epic Disney Frozen advent calendar contains 24 surprises with an abundance of jewellery, 22 charms and accessories. £16.98. https://tinyurl.com/y48yht76 Another great advent calendar for girls is the L.O.L. Surprise! advent calendar, which contains 24 Surprises with a bracelet, a necklace and 22 LOL charms and accessories including a Queen Bee and Unicorn. £16.98 https://tinyurl.com/y6e7lv4l

FOR BOYS This advent calendar features PlayMobil top agents who are working on various gadgets and weapons, and includes a powerful LED super weapon and two PlayMobil figures and accessories. Any boy who’s a fan would be head over heels for this at Christmas. £15.71

https://tinyurl.com/y5tlcek3 Your son can accelerate to Christmas day in style with the SINCO Hot Wheels advent calendar, perfect for any roadster. Boys love their toys, right? This calendar offers 24 surprise gifts with mini cars, bikes, toys and stickers. £14.69 https://tinyurl.com/y5syzvlx

FOR MUM AND DAD The Glittering Galaxy of Makeup Magic beauty advent calendar from Charlotte Tilbury contains 12 full size and travel size makeup and skincare icons, with two dazzling looks built into one show-stopping treasure trove of beauty marvels. £150 https://tinyurl.com/y585qcxg This other festive beauty from Charlotte Tilbury, Charlotte’s Bejewelled Chest of Beauty Treasures, contains full size and travel size magic makeup and supercharged skincare secrets. £150 https://tinyurl.com/y2t4h9bx

Meanwhile, Fortnum and Mason offer some incredible advent calendars, and not all of them are of a naughty price tag! Some of them are of a sweet fee, and absolute bargains if you ask us! Fortnum’s Truffle Selection Advent Calendar. £35 https://tinyurl.com/y3ruhr4s Fortnum’s Bawden Stag & Santa Advent Calendar. £99 https://tinyurl.com/yxsq33sg Fortnum’s Filled Wooden House Advent Calendar. £135 https://tinyurl.com/yxrpnl53 And for the ultimate, decadent advent calendar for any adult this Christmas… Fortnum’s Feasting Advent Calendar. £200 https://www.fortnumandmason.com/fortnumsfeasting-advent-calendar

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

TREAT YOUR TREE

THIS CHRISTMAS Your Christmas tree is the centrepoint of your decorations so here is our guide to getting it right this year

s the winter season approaches, attention will soon turn to adorning the house during the busy Christmas period. And there is no bigger opportunity to nail decoration than ensuring that the Christmas tree radiates splendour throughout the home. So here are some tips on how to make everybody envious of your tree, this year.

FAKE VS. REAL?

Every year, the question of a real or fake Christmas tree raises much debate through households. There are, indeed, pros and cons for both, making that key decision all the more difficult. Real trees provide an unmistakable, authentic Christmas feeling through their smell, as well as their individual shape and size. However, they do require extensive maintenance throughout the festive season, as well as the hassle of getting rid of them after itâ€™s all over.

On the other hand, an artificial tree requires no regular maintenance, the proportions are all symmetrical, and they can be used for many years. Although, a study has shown that as a result of the carbon footprint caused from making artificial trees, a single tree would need to be used for ten Christmasses to keep the environmental impact lower than that of a real tree. But whatever your decision, itâ€™s the decoration which is the most important thing.

Red goes well with gold and green and is a classic Christmas combination with warm white lights.

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COLOUR SCHEMES

If you fancy changing up your tree theme this year, then here are a couple of ideas to brighten up your home. 1. Keep it Traditional If you’re someone who usually prefers to go bold with colour schemes, why not go back to the traditional colours of Christmas. A traditional Christmas tree makes a home feel extra festive and homely with a splash of red, so why not warm up the room this winter?

Red goes well with gold and green and is a classic Christmas combination with warm white lights. 2. Bring the Snow inside Even if the weather flatters to deceive, give the inside of your home the full winter experience and pick a white colour scheme to go with your tree. This stark colour compliments the lush green of the tree and also pairs perfectly with the blue or white of an artificial tree.

A traditional Christmas tree makes a home feel extra festive and homely

Snow spray is a great way to turn a boring tree into something more special. 3. Add Some Luxury If your home boasts darker tones to the walls and furniture continue in this vein with your tree and choose rich gold and black decorations. These colours work well with the dark green of a tree and really add a sense of class to proceedings.

Wooden tree decorations complete the scene with some natural material added to the luxury.

DIY DECORATION

Making Your Own Baubles If you can’t find the perfect coloured decorations for your chosen colour scheme then have a go at designing them yourself. This can be easily done by buying transparent baubles and then filling with whatever you like! You can combine glitters, confetti and stars, and after giving it a shake, you’ll have your very own custom bauble to complement the colours of your tree. Mason Jar Display Perhaps not one for the tree itself, but when decorating, if there are baubles or other trinkets left over, place them in mason jars and arrange on the mantelpiece in a pyramid shape, resembling a Christmas tree. This is a great way of adding vibrancy to every area of your home, whilst also ensuring that every ornament is on display. How to Complete your tree? We’ve already mentioned the importance of picking a colour

scheme and fully utilising all of your ornaments, but what else can be done to really make your tree the talk of the town? Less is More There’s nothing worse than a Christmas tree that looks disorganised. So ensure that the lights are evenly layered around the tree so that every branch is given a warm glow. Likewise, with other ornaments. It’s great to see an array of baubles and other trinkets adorning a tree, but don’t forget that the tree itself is a sight to behold, so don’t let your decoration become too busy. Add Different Textures Baubles are a staple of any Christmas tree, but that doesn’t mean that there can’t be more going on. If you’re looking for other items to spruce up your tree with, ribbons and bows can provide a neat and tidy alternative and if your tree is looking especially sparse, then dress your tree in tinsel, which can take it to a different dimension altogether, in terms of its boldness.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

HOMEMADE WINTER WARMER SOUPS W ith the grey and dreary weather outside, now’s the time to warm up with some fresh and hearty homemade soups made from simple ingredients that are sure to heat your insides on a cold day.

2 tbsp olive oil 2 onions 2 garlic cloves ¼ tsp hot chilli powder 1 tbsp ras el hanout 1 butternut squash 100g red lentils 1l hot vegetable stock 1 small bunch of coriander Natural yoghurt, to serve

30g butter 2 onions 3 garlic cloves 100ml scrumpy cider 1 small potato 2 thyme sprigs 450ml chicken stock 50ml double cream ½ Granny Smith apple 2 slices of baguette 20g grated mature cheddar 10g dried apple 1 spring onion

SPICED LENTIL AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP This healthy and low-fat vegetarian soup is perfect for freezing to keep for a speedy supper another day. Heat the oil in a casserole dish or saucepan over a medium heat. Fry the onions with a pinch of salt. Add the garlic, chilli and ras el hanout and cook for a further minute. Stir in the squash and lentils. Pour over the stock and season to taste. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and cook, covered, for 25 minutes until the squash is soft. Blitz the soup with a hand blender until smooth and then season to taste. Serve with a dollop of natural yoghurt and coriander leaves.

CIDER & ONION SOUP WITH CHEESE & APPLE TOASTS Try this slightly different version of classic French onion soup to give your household a warming glow this winter. Heat the butter in a saucepan until foaming, then add the onions and cook for 10 mins until soft and golden. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute. Pour over the cider, then add the potato and thyme and simmer for another 2 mins. Stir in the stock cream, bring to the boil and simmer for 15 mins or until the potato is soft. Remove the thyme sprigs. Transfer the soup to a blender and blitz until smooth. Heat the grill high and toast the baguette on both sides. Mix the cheese, dried apple and spring onion together. Put the mixture, thickly, onto the toast and grill until melted and golden. Once ready, serve the soup and toasts together.

90g butter 2 medium onions 1 garlic clove 500g mushrooms, finely chopped 2 tbsp plain flour 1l hot chicken stock 1 bay leaf 4 tbsp single cream A small handful of flat-leaf parsley

MUSHROOM SOUP Try this comforting mushroom soup as a starter or on its own with crusty bread for a perfect winter’s evening. Heat the butter in a large saucepan and cook the onions and garlic until soft but not browned. Add the mushrooms and cook over a high heat for another 3 mins until soft. Sprinkle over the flour and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken stock, bring the mixture to the boil, then add the bay leaf and simmer for a further 10 mins. Remove and discard the bay leaf, then remove the mushroom mixture from the heat and blitz with a hand blender until smooth. (Now is the time to freeze the soup if you want to save any) When ready to serve, gently reheat and stir through the cream before pouring into bowls and scattering parsley over the tops.

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Tantalise your tastebuds with these full-of-flavour winter warmer soup recipes as the weather gets colder

All recipes are from www.bbcgoodfood.com Images for illustrative purposes only

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

THE BEST

EXTENSIONS FOR YOUR HOME Moving home isn’t always the solution to finding more space.Here’s our guide to the best, most beneficial extensions to consider for your home

xtending your home can be one of the greatest things you can do as an owner of your home, potentially adding value to your property whilst also generating precious space, which is especially important if you’re a growing family. You may settle upon a two bedroom semi, for example, situated within a cul-de-sac position. It may not have the three bedrooms you required but given its location, you

The ground floor offers more options than upper floors, and if you require extra living space, an additional reception room, perhaps with an open plan layout to your kitchen

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can’t resist snapping it up. The third bedroom extension gets sorted, and you now have your dream home. The flexibility of creative freedom extensions can offer new buyers and current owners should never be underestimated. Here is our guide to the most popular extension ideas.

CONSERVATORY

Although many properties already have conservatories attached, thus being inherited by the buyer, there

are some shrewd advantages to having a conservatory extension yourself. Having one installed yourselves affords you creative freedom over the style of it, the size of it, and the height, as well as its internal decoration and layout. Indeed, a buyer inheriting a conservatory might not like what’s already there, and it’s much more expensive, of course, to have a conservatory knocked down and a new one built, as opposed to just the latter.

ADDITIONAL RECEPTION ROOM

If you find you only have enough room within your plot for one extra reception room, you may decide to opt against a conservatory and go for a separate dining room, a playroom for the children, perhaps a large office space, or a games room accommodating enough space for a pool table. The ground floor offers more options than upper floors, and if you require extra living space, an additional reception room, perhaps with an open plan layout to your kitchen, can add flow and precious space for entertaining, dining or anything else. If you wanted to consider having patio or French doors installed to open out to the gardens, this will obviously also need to be accounted for financially. This prospective reception room might also offer versatility in the nature of a potential annex, with an en suite and/or dressing room complementing the self-contained accommodation.

ADDITIONAL BEDROOM

Many families decide to move homes entirely as the children get older, and/or if another child is in the making. But a simple extension can be enough to create that extra dwelling space, and is usually the most cost-effective solution too since it will also add value to your home. You could extend into your rear garden, reducing the amount of garden space but gaining that extra bedroom you need.

KITCHEN

Kitchens can be the absolute hub of your home, or it can be the place you escape into to exercise your gastronomical creative juices. Either way, having a big enough kitchen for your needs is pretty much essential. It may be you simply need a new cooker, and youâ€™ve decided to change your induction hob cooker to a range style cooker, which would mean shifting the base unit cupboards over to create enough space for the larger appliance, thus extending the kitchen as a whole would really help with this process. Or perhaps you want the kitchen to incorporate an open plan family living area, with French doors opening out to the gardens. The potential available to a kitchen, in terms of creating extra space, is almost infinite, and can add some serious value to your home by doing so.

INTEGRAL GARAGE

Parking is not an insignificant factor for any driver when looking for their new home, and perhaps the addition of a garage can not only provide much needed extra parking, but versatility too, having it be an occasional gym, storage area or workshop, especially if the vehicle in question is a motorcycle rather than a car. Having the garage attached means youâ€™d be able to access the garage from inside, which would, again, increase the level of flow throughout the ground floor.

Extending your home can be one of the greatest things you can do as an owner of your home

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

This period will also cover the marriage between Prince Charles and Princess Diana, with Emma Corrin playing the People’s Princess

THE CROWN RETURNS

The return of TV royalty this November

ith the number of scheduled TV shows that have been forced to be put on hold this year, it’s a good job that Netflix’s The Crown film their show in two seasons chunks, so that Series 4 of the hit show has been ready to go since the early part of this year. And it isn’t long until the multi-award-winning drama is back on our screens with the show returning on the 15th of November.

WHO’S IN SEASON 4?

As fans of the show will know, The Crown explores all of the major historical events which the Royal family and the corresponding governments have had to face since Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne. The end of the third series concluded with the Queen celebrating her Silver Jubilee in 1977, so assuming that the fourth series picks up around this time, one can assume that Gillian Anderson (The X-Files, Sex Education), will be at the centre of the action, in her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher. This period will also cover the marriage between Prince Charles and Princess Diana, with Emma Corrin playing the People’s Princess. Otherwise, the core cast from the third series will return for the latest instalment including Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth, Tobias Menzies as Prince Phillip, and Helena Bonham-Carter, who will, once again, play Princess Margaret.

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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE FOURTH SERIES? The fourth instalment will mainly cover the 1980s, which could mean that the series may kick off with Margaret Thatcher’s rise to Prime Minister in 1979. One of the other major storylines will be the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, as well as the birth of their sons, William and Harry.

Netflix has also hinted that an infamous incident, which took place in 1982, in which a man was able to break into Queen Elizabeth’s room will also be included. The Falklands War is also expected to play a key part of the latest series, as well as key events which took place towards the end of the decade, such as the Queen’s 1989 flight on Concorde. The series will be released on November 15th, and if previous series are anything to go by, all ten episodes will be released together, allowing viewers to binge to their heart’s content.

SNOOKER UK

CHAMPIONSHIP KICKS OFF THIS MONTH One of snooker’s most prestigious Triple Crown events, the UK Championship, starts at the end of November. It is the second-biggest ranking tournament after the World Championship. First held in 1977 in Blackpool, this year’s competition will take place at two venues to comply with Covid-19 social distancing guidelines. The qualifiers and first round will be staged at the Marshall Arena in Milton keynes before reverting back to its usual home at the York Barbican. The first round will begin on the 23rd-26th November, while the second round starts on the 28th November till the 6th December.

The UK Snooker Championship will see big-hitters Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Selby battling it out to take Ding Junhui’s crown

Ronnie O’Sullivan holds the record for the most wins in the tournament with seven titles, closely followed by Steve

Davis with six and Stephen Hendry – who has just announced his return to the sport – with five. Last year saw Ding Junhui beat Stephen Maguire in the final, 10-6. It was Ding Junhui’s third UK Championship title, and despite Covid-19 restrictions, he should be in York to defend his title. He is currently ranked 10th in the world, with Judd Trump number one. Famous names such as O’Sullivan, Selby, Allen, Higgins and Murphy complete the top 10 and should be in this year’s tournament.

This year’s tournament is sponsored by Betway and offers total prize money of £1,009,000 with £200,000 for the winner.

FIRST ROUND

23rd - 26th November – Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes

SECOND ROUND AND FINALS

28th November - 6th December – York Barbican

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

THAT FRIDAY

FEELING It was once the term used to describe the day when American workers would call in sick so they could extend Thanksgiving into a long weekend, but it is now more associated with a global shopping phenomenon.

Bargain hunters will be out in force towards the end of the month as Black Friday fever sweeps the retail market. But what’s it all about?

pandemic may see a drastic reduction in footfall, so expect the phrase ‘slow-moving traffic’ to relate to your broadband rather than the roads as bargain hunters let their fingers do the walking on the web to secure the best deals.

Black Friday, America’s high-octane version of our Boxing Day sales, will again explode on to the UK’s hardpressed retail sector on November 27, although in reality the first shots in the discount price war may be fired somewhat earlier and continue well past Cyber Monday, reputedly the busiest online shopping day of the year.

This year analysts are expecting bigger reductions than normal as retailers try to make the best of what has been a pretty dismal year; certainly the notion that Black Friday was coined to describe the day shopkeepers tried to get back “into the black” will certainly have a harsh element of truth to it.

However, restrictions imposed following the second wave of the Covid-19

Traditionally, tech, electricals and gadgets are the big winners over the

PROPERTY NEWS

period – certainly online giants Amazon and high-profile retailers such as Currys PC World and Argos shifted huge numbers last year – although all-rounders such as John Lewis and Very have flexed their muscles and brought clothing, furniture and other lines into the picture – the latter reporting more than 92.5million online visits in 2019. Last year, toys and games consoles, particularly the Nintendo Switch, proved popular and this year is not likely to deviate from that trend as the PS5 and Xbox Series X come on to the market, with their predecessors expected to come almost gift-wrapped in bargain bundles.

Big-ticket items such as 4K TVs with HDR support could see some promising discounts as 8K sets have started to work their way on to the shelves. As an indicator, one of the big sellers last year was a Philips Ambilight 75inch 4K Smart TV which had its price slashed by almost £600. And it’s no surprise that the likes of Apple launch new mobile phones in early autumn to offer a slight discount for Black Friday, although the iPhone 12 delay may just cloud the issue this year and could affect iPhone 11 deals. Ah well, there always good deals on fans’ favourites like AirPods. In short, if a new product has been launched, you’re likely to find older models carrying hefty discounts. And if the main online retailers are offering good deals, you can expect the shops to wade in with a competitive alternative. Elsewhere beauty products and non-electricals may continue to increase in popularity as more brands look to take advantage of passing interest from savvy shoppers who have

one eye on Christmas. But it would be a brave man who bets against technology-based items being the hot sellers.

be and can recognise if it’s a bargain. And that is also where you need to keep your options open. It’s best to keep in mind the features you want, rather than a specific model number which may not be discounted while an almost identical set with the spec you want, probably will be. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that something which looks like a five-star set-up is the same but cheaper – certain elements, often screen quality or image processing, might be inferior.

So, how do you get the best deals on Black Friday? Simple. Do your homework… and be flexible. Industry insiders say some retailers gradually increase prices from August through to October, so they can offer ‘amazing’ discounts towards the end of November, something which is particularly prevalent in expensive consumer electronics such as TVs or laptops. If you’ve been tracking a particular item, you’ll know what the maker’s recommended retail price will

As for snapping up a Black Friday bargain, your consumer rights should be the same as when shopping at any other time of the year, although it may pay to be aware of return policies and warranty periods. And also only shop with retailers you trust. If a deal seems too good to be true, you might just be on the wrong website.

LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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

KNOWLE T: 01564 777284 | E: knowle@xacthomes.co.uk Buckminster Drive £585,000

* Well Presented Detached * Cul-De-Sac Location * Sought After Road in Dorridge * Four Good Size Bedrooms With Scope For Extension (STPP) * Dual Aspect Living Room With Log Burner * Dining Room * Breakfast Kitchen * Utility * Guest Cloakroom * Master With Ensuite * Family Bathroom * South Easterly Facing Rear Garden * Detached Double Garage * EPC Rating E *

Mill Lane £850 pcm

* Significantly Extended Detached Cottage Located Within Easy Walking Distance To Dorridge Station & Park * Offering Versatile Accommodation With Possible Downstairs Bedroom * Beautifully Presented Throughout With Stunning Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen With Semi Vaulted Ceiling * Large & Beautifully Landscaped Southerly Facing Rear Garden * Three Reception Rooms * Three Double Bedrooms * Master With Ensuite * Double Garage * EPC Rating D *

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

Widney Road £425,000

* Extended Three Bedroom Detached * Located Close To All Local Amenities & Schools * Open Plan Living Room / Dining Room * Conservatory * South Facing Rear Garden * Utility & Guest Cloakroom * Large Block Paved Driveway * Family Bathroom * EPC Rating F *

Darley Green Road £425,000

** NO UPWARD CHAIN * Rare Opportunity To Purchase A Significantly Extended End Terrace Cottage Situated On A Large Plot With Scope For Re-Development / Extension / Refurbishment (STPP) * Fantastic Location Close To Dorridge Village & Station * Double Garage & Carport To Rear * Three Bedrooms * Three Reception Rooms * Kitchen * Side Garden * EPC Rating F *

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

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

Browns Coppice Avenue £665,000

Valley Road £299,950

Sought After Location * Impressive Four Bedroom Detached * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Internal Viewing Essential * UPVC Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Attractive Lounge * Dining Room * Luxury Modern Breakfast Kitchen * Four Bedrooms * Modern ReFitted Bathroom * Spacious Driveway * Garage * Landscaped Rear Garden * Home Office/Art Studio (with Wi-Fi, light & power) * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating D *

* Impressive Three Bedroom Extended Traditional Semi-Detached * Well Maintained * Early Viewing Essential * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazed * Extended Lounge * Two Reception Rooms * Modern Re-Fitted Extended Kitchen * Three Bedrooms * Bathroom * Large South Facing Garden * Garage * EPC Rating C *

Chipstone Close £625,000

Summerfield Road £315,000

Popular Hillfield Estate * Tudor Grange Academy Catchment * Impressive Four Bedroom Extended Detached * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Internal Viewing Essential * Quiet Cul-DeSac Location * UPVC Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Open Plan Luxury Kitchen/ Dining/Family Room * Dining Room * Through Lounge * Four Bedrooms * Modern Ensuite Shower Room * Family Bathroom * Superb Landscaped Garden * Double Garage * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating C *

* Traditional Three Bedroom Extended Semi Detached * Immaculately Maintained * No Upward Chain * Internal & Early Viewing Essential *Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Ideal For A First Time Purchaser * Two Reception Rooms * Extended Lounge * Extended Breakfast Kitchen * Three Bedrooms * Bathroom * Large South Facing Garden * Garage * EPC Rating D *

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

Charterhouse Drive £529,950

Coton Grove £279,950

* Popular Hillfield Estate * Impressive Extended Four Bedroom Detached * Internal Viewing Essential * Immaculately Maintained * Gas Central Heating * Tudor Grange Academy Catchment * Entrance Hall * Guest Cloakroom * Attractive Lounge * Dining Room * Large UPVC Double Glazed Conservatory * Breakfast Kitchen * Laundry/ Utility Room * Four Bedrooms * Study/Fifth Bedroom * Ensuite Shower Room * Family Bathroom * Garage * South Facing Garden * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating C *

* Two Bedroom Semi Detached Bungalow * No Upward Chain * Early Viewing Essential * Double Glazed * Gas Central Heating * Spacious Driveway * Entrance Hall * Lounge/Dining Room * Kitchen * Utility Room * Two Double Bedrooms * Bathroom * Garage * South Facing Garden * EPC Rating D *

Grandborough Drive £855,000

Kiln Lane Fixed Price £500,000

* Impressive Four Bedroom Spacious Detached * Corner Plot * Tudor Grange Academy Catchment * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Gas Central Heating * Double Glazed * Originally Built By Bryant Homes To The Paragon Design * Large Through Lounge With Inglenook Fireplace * UPVC Conservatory * Breakfast Kitchen * Ensuite Bathroom * Family Bathroom * Double Garage * Large Landscaped Rear Garden * Early Viewing Essential * EPC Rating E *

* Impressive Four Bedroom Detached * Originally Built By David Wilson Homes * Edge Of The Popular Dickens Heath Estate * Realistically Priced To Sell * Double Glazed * Immaculately Maintained & Decorated * Internal Viewing Essential * Open Views To The Front * Entrance Hall With Karndean Flooring * Guest Cloakroom * Superb Open Plan Kitchen/Dining/Family Room * Utility Room * Four Good Size Bedrooms * Bathroom * Ensuite Shower Room * Single Garage * Landscaped Rear Garden * EPC Rating B *

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

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

Kenilworth Road, Balsall Common

Lavender Hall Lane, Berkswell

£750,000

£799,995

* Four Bedroom Detached Property * Exceptional Plot * Large South Facing Garden * Significant Potential to Extend STPP * Well Presented Throughout * Lounge * Dining Room * Kitchen * Study * Ground Floor Bedroom * Guest WC / Showeroom * Three First Floor Bedrooms * Ensuite Principal Bedroom * Family Bathroom * Large Rear Garden * Garage * Off Road Parking For Multiple Vehicles * EPC Rating D *

* Beautiful Character Property in Berkswell * Extended Four Bedroom Victorian Detached * Views Over Open Fields * Lounge, Dining Room & Family Room/Snug * Breakfast Kitchen * Utility Room * Four Fully Fitted Double Bedrooms * En-Suite Principal Bedroom * Garage * Large Driveway * EPC Rating D *

Fillongley Road, Meriden

Stoneton Crescent, Balsall Common

£575,000

£469,950

* Four Bedroom Detached Property * Immaculately Presented Throughout * Open Plan Breakfast Kitchen * Underfloor Heating * Lounge * Living Room * Utility Room * Study * Four Bedrooms * Master With En-Suite * Family Bathroom * Garage * Generous Off Road Parking * Private Rear Garden * EPC Rating D *

* Four Bedroom Detached * Well Presented & Maintained * Re-fitted Breakfast Kitchen * Through Lounge / Diner * Conservatory * Storage Room * Family Bathroom * South Facing Rear Garden * Solar Panels * Storage Garage * Off Road Parking * EPC Rating B *

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 Buckminster Drive, Dorridge £1,900 pcm

Extended Detached Property* Four Bedrooms* L-Shaped Lounge/Diner* Sitting Room* Breakfast Kitchen* Utility* Guest Cloakroom* Two En-Suites* Family Bathroom* Garage* Excellent School Catchments* Unfurnished* EPC Rating D* Available 23rd October

Buryfield Road, Solihull £1,550 pcm

Extended Detached Property* Four Bedrooms* Lounge* Dining Room* Family Room* Fitted Kitchen* Downstairs W.C* Family Bathroom with Shower* Garage* Further Separate Garage/Store * Rear Garden* Gas Central Heating* Ideally located for Local Schools and Solihull* EPC Rating C* Avail 20th Oct

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

Calcutt Way, Dickens Heath £850 pcm

Mid Town House Property* Two Bedrooms* Lounge/Diner* Re-Fitted Kitchen* Bathroom* Garage in Separate Block* Low Maintenance Rear Garden* Gas Central Heating* EPC Rating C * Unfurnished* Available Now *

Station Road, Balsall Common £695 pcm

Second Floor Apartment * One Double Bedroom* Lounge/Diner* Fitted Kitchen* Bathroom* Gas Central Heating* Lift Access* Gated Development* One Parking Space* Ideally Located for Local Shops* EPC Rating TBC* Unfurnished* Available Now

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

LETTINGS T: 01564 781781 | E: knowle@xactlettings.co.uk Kingslea Road, Solihull £725 pcm

Ground Floor Flat* Two Bedrooms* Lounge/Diner* Fitted Kitchen* Bathroom* Small Balcony Area* Ideally Located for Solihull Town Centre* Electric Heating* EPC Rating E* Unfurnished* Available Now*

Hampton Road, Knowle £1,150 pcm

Traditional Semi Detached Property* Walking Distance to Knowle High Street* Neutral Decor Throughout* Three Bedrooms* Dining Room/Sitting Room* Dual/Aspect Lounge* Re-Fitted Kitchen* Bathroom* Separate W.C* Utility* Rear Garden* GARDENER INCLUDED* Double Garage* EPC Rating E* Unfurnished* Available 30th Oct*

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

Four Ashes Road, Bentley Heath £1,095 pcm

First Floor Retirement Apartment * Over 70’s *Two Bedrooms* 24 Hour Cover * Residents Lounge* On-Site Restaurant* Communal Gardens* Lounge/Diner* Fitted Kitchen* Bathroom* Electric Underfloor Heating* Lift Access* Parking Available* EPC Rating B * Unfurnished * Available Now*

Ullenhall Road, Knowle £1,150 pcm

Semi Detached Property* Well Presented Throughout* Three Bedrooms* Lounge* Open Plan Kitchen Diner* Garden Room/Utility* Downstairs Cloakroom* Ideally Located for Local Schools* Garage* Gas Central Heating* 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.

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.

GOING THE

Extra Mile

Taking you further this year! We promise when it comes to marketing your property, weâ€™ll always go further than the competition. Offering you innovative marketing, that you can share with friends and family, as well as outstanding customer service on time, every time.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY AND CONTACT US TODAY 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