Wigwam Magazine Issue No.10

ISSUE

No.10

TALKING HOMES WITH THE APPRENTICE FINALIST AND PYJAMA DESIGNER KATHRYN BURN.

SPRING 2022 wigwampropertynews.co.uk

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Sell or Let your

There is always something exciting going on in Swindon, and the property sector is no exception.

Home Finders are currently experiencing extremely high demand for all types of properties in Swindon, from grand Victorian houses in Old Town to modern apartments and town houses in North Swindon, so if you are a home owner with a property to sell or a landlord with properties to let in this fast-moving market, get in touch for a FREE property valuation.

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VALUATION

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r property this

Thinking of selling or letting your home?

Book a FREE valuation today.

Sue Gidney Managing Director

01793 299135 swindonhomefinders.com

Pop in and talk with an agent.

Eastcott House, 4 High Street, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 3EP

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From the Editor Welcome to the tenth edition of Wigwam, the only magazine focused on property and lifestyle news in Swindon and its enviable hinterland.

Our cover star this month is Swindon’s very own Kathryn Burn, dazzling finalist in the recent series of The Apprentice. Based on everything we’ve seen of Kathryn, we’re backing her to succeed in her pyjama business, and we’ve also got a feeling we haven’t seen the last of her on TV. She’s definitely got the chops to present programmes like The One Show and admits she’d love a crack at Strictly Come Dancing!

Kathryn tells us she has no plans to leave her hometown and why should she? Swindon is a great place for young entrepreneurs to call home with a highly skilled workforce and affordable commercial premises, as well as being ideally located in the South West, close to London, Heathrow, Bristol, Bath, Oxford etc.

As for Swindon property prices, they may have risen in the last year but they are still relatively accessible compared to anywhere else on the M4 corridor, another factor which should attract young professionals to our town. Check out how much bang you can get for your buck on the Wigwam website Property Search at wigwampropertynews.co.uk/properties.

Finally, a big thank you to Wigwam sponsors Optimum, Home Finders, Austen Dawson and Awdry Bailey & Douglas; you can find their latest Expert Opinion pieces starting on page 36.

Jeff King Wigwam Editor

CONTACT US jeff@wigwampropertynews.co.uk wigwampropertynews.co.uk

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ISSUE No.10

HIGHLIGHTS

12

PROPERTY LISTINGS

From premium properties to penthouse apartments, here's what the market has to offer.

22

MINT SAUCE

It’s time to drop some cool, pastel tones into the heart of your home, says Juliette Wills.

24

KATHRYN BURN

Talking homes with the pyjama designer and 2022 The Apprentice finalist.

36

EXPERT OPINION

Our expert panel from the property sector in Swindon give their property tips.

WIGWAM PROPERTY NEWS WHY WIGWAM?

Wigwam is an online property magazine that brings you the hottest property news from across Swindon and the surrounding areas.

10 | ISSUE No.9

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How to get involved with Wigwam Property News Wigwam is here for the Swindon community to enjoy. There are lots of ways that your business can get involved and here are just some of the ways. Speak to our friendly team for advice on getting the best coverage from Wigwam.

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Sharing your news with Wigwam is FREE! Simply send your news story relating to the property market to Wigwam and we’ll upload it to our website and share via our social media channels for you.

Search hundreds of properties from across Swindon and the Cotswolds available on the Wigwam Properties search page.

Show Wigwam readers why you are the go-to expert in your field through Expert Opinion pieces online, in print and through video.

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Our lifestyle editors love meeting the local business community and we love writing reviews of your products and services, from beauty salons and day spas to coffee shops and restaurants.

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Sign up to our weekly e-newsletter for the latest property news delivered straight to your inbox each week.

Advertise your property related business in our digital magazine or on our website and social media channels to give you maximum brand exposure.

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ON THE MARKET IN SWINDON & BEYOND Whether you are in the market for a new home or just enjoy fantasy house buying, there's always a huge variety of properties to look at in Swindon and its hinterland.

FOR SALE

Premium Property. £1,500,000 Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham.

This very substantial property has huge potential. It is currently presented as a large main house with three attached holiday cottages. Two of these have two bedrooms each, whilst the third has one bedroom. If required, there is space in the main house to create additional self contained units. Outside, there is a stable block and large garage / workshop.

S O L D S TC

£625,000 Old Town, Swindon.

An exceptional example of a rather fine Victorian terrace positioned within the heart of Old Town and on the tree lined Goddard Avenue. One of the larger and original three storey properties this superb home has been thoughtfully adapted and extended to combine a plethora of original features with modern family living.

View more featured properties at wigwamswindon.co.uk/properties

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

£325,000 Redhouse, Swindon.

£325,000 Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire.

Positioned on the popular Redhouse residential estate is this attractive red brick semi-detached family home within walking distance of a children's playpark, primary and secondary schools, shops and amenities.

The accommodation briefly comprises reception hall, cloakroom, and sitting room with double glazed double door providing access to the rear garden.

A four bedroom end of terrace house, situated in the popular development of Cricketers Close, within Royal Wootton Bassett which benefits from generous accommodation over three floors: to the ground floor, there is a modern kitchen/ diner, downstairs cloakroom and a bright lounge to the rear with double doors leading to the enclosed rear garden.

FOR SALE

S O L D S TC

£175,000 Angel Ridge, Swindon.

£295,000 The Sidings, Swindon.

A spacious top floor apartment situated within this modern development of Angel Ridge, off Okus Road and within Old Town. This well-appointed apartment offers a communal lobby with secure video entry with both lift and stairs access to the top floor where the apartment is situated.

Available with no chain is this modern, semi-detached house offering contemporary fittings throughout and benefits from a large sitting room with bay window feature and separate well appointed kitchen open to the dining room with full white goods including dishwasher.

View more featured properties at wigwamswindon.co.uk/properties

PROPERTY NEWS

SWINDON RANKED IN THE TOP THREE CITIES FOR GROWTH IN THE UK WEST OF ENGLAND SET TO GROW FASTER THAN ANY OTHER UK REGION IN 2022, PWC REPORT FINDS.

THE SOUTH WEST ECONOMY IS EXPECTED TO GROW FASTER THAN ANY OTHER REGION OF THE UK IN 2022 INCLUDING LONDON, ACCORDING TO A NEW REPORT.

The region's cities were all within the top half of the 50 locations profiled, with Swindon coming in at third place, only behind Oxford and Bournemouth.

The region’s recovery is being driven by the performance of its cities as they rebound from the effects of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Bristol ranked ninth on the list, Exeter at 11 and Plymouth at 18.

There is evidence that some of the West’s more rural areas are also doing well, with Cornwall and Dorset both scoring highly in the index.

The Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index estimates the South West’s GVA - a measure of economic output - grew by 8.2% in 2021 and will grow another 6.1% in 2022.

Meanwhile the South East's GVA is expected to grow by 5.9%, the East of England by 5.7% and London by 4.7%.

The report said the movement of city dwellers to commuter belts or rural areas amid a growing focus on wellbeing, the environment and income distribution is driving the South West’s performance.

The Good Growth for Cities Index measures cities’ performance against a series of 12 variables, with each one weighted relative to how important it is considered by the 1,000 people surveyed as part of the study.

Ben Pykett, director in PwC’s West practice, said: “These findings confirm the resilience of our cities; we have recovered more quickly than anywhere else in the UK as we enter the post-pandemic economy."

“Combine that with the success of our cities against other metrics such as safety, health, wealth equality and work-life balance, and the West is well-placed to continue delivering sustainable growth.”

Many cities with smaller populations have experienced - and are expected to continue to see - stronger GVA growth rates than larger metropolitan cities.

Mr Pykett said some of the West’s success since the pandemic was due to its ability to attract people work flexibly or remotely and who previously would have lived close to London or another major urban centre.

Cities in the West Country performed well in the index’s overall ranking, which takes into account factors such as health, worklife balance and income distribution.

“Local authorities and businesses in smaller cities and other areas now have to consider how they can capitalise on changing public preferences and ensure the move away

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from large cities isn’t a temporary one,” he added.

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NATIONWIDE INCREASES SUPPORT FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS WITH 'HELPING HAND' FIRST-TIME BUYER COUPLE WITH A JOINT INCOME OF £50,000 COULD NOW BORROW UP TO £275,000.

SWINDON-BASED NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY HOPES TO BOOST THE DREAMS OF FIRST-TIME BUYERS AS IT LENDS UP TO FIVE-AND-A-HALF TIMES INCOME TO THOSE WITH A FIVE PER CENT DEPOSIT. The Society’s 'Helping Hand' gives first-time buyers the option of borrowing more when taking one of the Society’s five or ten-year fixed rate mortgages. However, it will now be available on those mortgages up to 95 per cent Loan-to-Value (LTV), up from the original 90 per cent.

It means a first-time buyer couple with a joint income of £50,000 could borrow up to £275,000 rather than the £225,000 they could borrow with a conventional 95 per cent mortgage, assuming no other costs impacting affordability.

The move continues Nationwide’s efforts to help turn Generation Rent into Generation Buy by focusing on the needs of average earners. Unlike many other high loanto-income ratio mortgages, which are reserved for high earners, Helping Hand has wider appeal by offering focused support for first-time buyers on standard incomes.

The lending boost comes at a time when the house price to earnings ratio continues to rise. Over the last 10 years, this ratio for a first-time buyer has gone from 4.4 (Q4 2011) to 5.6 (Q4 2021), while the average first-time buyer house price has increased by 54 per cent - from £139,472 (Q4 2011) to £214,638 (Q4 2021).

Nationwide will continue to apply a lower stress rate and higher maximum loan-toincome ratio where applicants opt for one of the Society’s standard five or 10-year fixed rate products. This will enable an uplift in affordability of up to 20 per cent, allowing more people to buy their first property up to a maximum 95 per cent LTV. First-time buyers using Helping Hand for enhanced affordability will have access to the standard product range, with consistent product rates, fees and features. All firsttime buyers benefit from £500 cashback on completion of their mortgage.

To ensure the Society continues to lend responsibly, all Helping Hand applications will be subject to robust underwriting checks, including full assessment of credit score and additional credit commitments.

Henry Jordan, Director of Mortgages at Nationwide Building Society, said: “Alongside saving for a deposit, the ability to borrow enough on their mortgage continues to be a significant hurdle to home ownership. As one of the leading lenders to first-time buyers, we have played our part in tackling that key challenge through Helping Hand during a time when house prices have continued to rise."

“As a mutual, we were founded to support people into their first home and that remains at the heart of what we do. We know that raising even a 10 per cent deposit can be tough for some, which is why we are extending Helping Hand to our 95 per cent Loan-to-Value range and, in doing so, helping more people get a home of their own.”

ISSUE No.10 | 15

PROPERTY NEWS HOMEBUYERS

FIVE OF THE BIGGEST HOMEBUYER TURN-OFFS AND WHAT THEY COULD COST YOU NOISY NEIGHBOURS, PET SMELLS AND PARKING PROBLEMS CAN ALL CAUSE AN ADVERSE IMPRESSION. Estate and lettings agent, Barrows and Forrester, has revealed the five biggest homebuyer turn-offs and how much money each of them can remove from a home’s market value.

Bad/nuisance neighbours For most people, living next-door to nuisance neighbours is a worst case scenario. Sometimes they make loud noises long into the night; sometimes they’re constantly in the garden partying; and sometimes they’re committing rowdy, even abusive behaviour towards everyone living around them. Sometimes, of course, it’s all of the above and more.

Homebuyers will move heaven and earth to avoid moving in next door to bad neighbours, so much so that a property can struggle to even garner buyer interest and the seller ends up having to lower the asking price by at least 10%. With today’s average house price, this means bad neighbours reduce value by £27,376.

Poor upkeep of home’s exterior and gardens Unlike bad neighbours, this one is completely within the control of the seller, so there’s not really any excuse for letting it happen. General disrepair and shoddy appearance have a huge impact on first impressions, completely

16 | ISSUE No.10

turning off a buyer before they’ve even stepped inside the property.

It is easy to make a home look clean and tidy from the outside, requiring only a broom, a pot of paint, and maybe a rented power washer. When it comes to the garden, if it’s overgrown or being used as a dump site, buyers are likely to already have a negative opinion of the home before they’ve even stepped foot inside it. Such is the power of this turn-off that it can reduce the value of a home by more than 14%, or £38,600.

Evidence of pets We are a nation of pet lovers, but we’re also fastidious when it comes to cleanliness.

Evidence of pet hair in the carpets and strong odours in the air are big buyer turn-offs and can reduce their perceived value of a home by 4%, or £11,000.

Parking problems A convenient and secure parking space continues to be one of the most important things for homebuyers, so much so that a safe, private space can increase the value of a home by as much as £22,500 while the complete absence of a parking option will strip 7%, or £19,500, off the value of a home.

Dirty, cluttered and smelly It is absolutely essential that sellers clean and tidy their property before inviting prospective buyers to view it. It is easy

to do and improves first impressions ten-fold. In the days leading up to a viewing, it’s always good to open the windows for a few hours and let some fresh air in to make sure that the home doesn’t smell musty and to eliminate any odours that the current owners no longer notice but strangers are likely to clock.

If a house is not clean and tidy, it can again knock as much as 11% off the potential market value (£11,000).

Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, commented: “Homebuyers are an understandably picky bunch. They’re looking for their own version of perfection and this can differ wildly from one buyer to the next. So don’t take it personally if they aren’t all as enthusiastic about your house as you once were, or if it takes you a little while longer than expected to sell. " "Of course there are plenty of things you can do to increase your chances of impressing a buyer and securing a sale, as well as plenty of things that can do the opposite."

“Presentation is vital and you need to ensure you are presenting the best version of your property that you can, whether it be in the initial photos taken or during the viewing process. Failing to do so can not only reduce interest and see your home remain sat on the market for far longer, but it can also cost you when you finally do find a buyer.” barrowsandforrester.co.uk

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TOP TIPS

FOR PROPERTY SEARCHING WHEN YOU ARE SHORT ON TIME ARE YOU IN THE EARLY STAGES OF PLANNING TO BUY A PROPERTY? DO YOU NOT KNOW WHERE TO START? FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO SIMPLIFY THE PROCESS, REMOVE THE STRESS, AND ENJOY YOUR SEARCH FOR A PROPERTY. There are so many properties to choose from, you can't feasibly view every single one. The key is really to narrow down the options.

By setting some parameters for your search, you should cut down enough to find the perfect selection of properties for you to view.

In a busy world, we don't have time to view every property on the market at any given time. On average, a homebuyer will view around 7 or 8 properties before making offers. So how can you narrow down your search?

Needs and wants There is a BIG difference. You may NEED 4 bedrooms, or you might actually need 3 bedrooms and somewhere to have a study. Perhaps there is a second reception room to double up as a study, or somewhere to have a home office in the garden.

You may NEED a garage for your car. Or you may actually just need somewhere to store bikes and gardening equipment if you leave your car on the driveway anyway.

What could you compromise on, and what can you absolutely NOT compromise on? By setting these boundaries you have a starting point for narrowing down your search.

Budget Set a figure you are comfortable with and stick to it. Don't be swayed. If you technically could buy at £500k, but this is at the very top of your budget, consider the lifestyle you will have after purchasing the property. You may have the perfect home, but will you have to survive on baked beans for the rest of the year? Is that worth it to you?

Fundamentally, there will ALWAYS be better properties, you will NEVER buy the best house in the country. If you push it just a bit higher, there will always be ‘better’ properties - that is why they come with a higher price tag. You will have to cap your spending somewhere.

you are looking for, where and for how much. Make sure you tell them about the distinction between your needs and wants. They may just have the perfect property to show you!

Often agents will have an online registration tool so that you can complete it for yourself rather than having to call during office hours.

By setting parameters, you will narrow down your search considerably. This will save you time viewing properties that are not suitable for you. perrybishop.co.uk

It can be easy to get distracted and quickly end up buying at the very top of your budget. That is fine if you are aware and comfortable with the repercussions.

But you don't want to end up having to cut corners to your lifestyle to pay for the house.

Location Decide on where you want to buy. Often the area is dictated by external factors, such as work or the kids' schools etc.

After all, you can change most things about a property, but you cannot change where it is.

If this is too restrictive, consider having primary and secondary areas. There are hundreds, sometimes thousands of properties for sale in most towns. After size and budget, you need a way to narrow down what you are looking for.

Have an area you absolutely want and a secondary area that you would consider if the property was perfect.

Register Make sure that you are registered with the estate agents that cover the location you are trying to buy in. Tell them what

ISSUE No.10 | 17

PROPERTY NEWS INTERIOR DESIGN

FIVE HOME RENOVATIONS TO INCREASE YOUR PROPERTY VALUE NEVILLE JOHNSON AIMS TO SHOW HOMEOWNERS HOW TO ADD INSTANT DESIRABILITY TO THEIR PROPERTIES.

As the property market remains buoyant, there are several steps homeowners can take to make their property stand out and be sale ready. Premium home interiors brand Neville Johnson has worked closely with leading property experts to reveal the five renovations which could add value to a home.

According to commentary from Foxtons, the property experts know that when hosting viewings, the potential buyer will make up their mind on the property within the first 30 seconds of walking into the home, so a hallway with a well purposed staircase is a key element to any living space.

Clever storage: Fitted Wardrobes

With over 35 years’ experience in creating made-to-measure homes, Neville Johnson knows a thing, or two, about getting the best out of a home.

The brand has released its 2022 guide, helping to ensure that homeowners get the most out of their properties and investments this year, and it even includes additional tips and insights from property experts, Foxtons, along the way.

The Neville Johnson guide focuses on how sellers could potentially increase the value of their property in five key areas of the home by rethinking and repurposing spaces, including how a well organised, open space will add instant appeal to a buyer.

Stairway to heaven: Staircases Although often overlooked, the staircase is typically the first thing you see when you walk into your home. It can be a very dominant part of your décor and has potential to create an impeccable first impression to visitors.

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At a time when homeowners are putting a premium on space, fitted bedroom furniture is sure to help add value to the property.

A buyer expects to see clever storage solutions in properties of all sizes, especially as new home developments from national house builders are providing excellent storage solutions and setting a new benchmark for buyers.

In traditional properties, fitted wardrobes can be a great solution for maximising storage options, while being sympathetic to original features, and in more modern properties bold styling choices add standout.

A study in chic: Multifunctional Studies Multi-functional study space has historically added value to a property, and this is more evident today as working trends mean people need their homes to double as an office space regularly.

A bespoke study is of course a massive asset to a home these days and could be said to rival the bedroom that it might be replacing. Simon Tcherniak, Senior Designer at Neville Johnson said, “I’ve had clients say “We didn’t manage to buy the house with the Neville Johnson study - which is why we need you to design one for us here!”.

Dressed for success: Dressing Rooms A fitted dressing room can make people fall in love with a house. They imagine how they would use it if they were living there.

The popularity of dressing rooms is part of a resurgence in focusing on adult spaces in the home. A master bedroom with dressing room and en suite is high on a list of even family buyers now, adding value to a property, with buyers willing to pay for a dedicated space.

As with all luxury spaces, consumers expect the fitted furniture, that defines the space, to be well designed, functional, flexible and of exceptional quality and provide easy access to the content.

To see the full 5 Step Guide on Adding Value in the Home go to: wigwampropertynews.co.uk

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COTSWOLD SCULPTURE PARK IS NOW BACK OPEN ENJOY STUNNING WORKS OF ART IN A LOVELY RURAL SETTING NEAR SOUTH CERNEY.

GOOD NEWS FOR ART LOVERS WHO ALSO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS THE FABULOUS COTSWOLD SCULPTURE PARK IN SOMERFORD KEYNES, NEAR SOUTH CERNEY, HAS NOW REOPENED. With sculptures by more than 70 artists on show there really is something for everyone to not just enjoy but to buy - yes, all the sculptures on sale in the park are for sale with prices ranging from the hundreds to over £10,000.

Take your pick from stone, bronze, wood, glass and ceramics, metal, wind sculptures and even Zimbabwean sculptures.

Over to Sales Manager Tadd Hartland.

"A lot is new! We have over 200 sculptures on display at the park this season, with over 80 per cent of the work being new and never seen by our visitors. Of the brand-new sculptures, many are the very first edition of that particular piece."

"We have an extremely exciting piece this season – a bronze polar bear named Boris, by famous wildlife sculptor Adam Binder. ‘Boris’ is a life size copy of the world’s largest polar bear – it is a giant!

Weighing in at 1.5 tonnes, it is the heaviest piece at the park this year and took a lot of machinery to get it in place. ‘Boris’ was

famously shown at London Zoo in its early years."

"There are a lot of new artists to the park this season, too. Every year, we try to recruit new faces and I am very happy with who we have managed to bring in. We have at least 12 new artists in a list of 71 named artists."

"One artist who is fairly new and exhibiting for the first time with us this season is Anna Campbell, who is showing two beautiful bronzes. Another artist who is new to the park this season but not to the art world is New Zealand artist Dawn Conn, who sells very well with her lovely figurative characters in bronze and resins."

people for dinner, drinks and dancing.

And for art/nature lovers who really want to immerse themselves in everything the park has to offer there is even charming accommodation on site - in a water tower and three shepherd's huts.

Cotswold Sculpture Park is open until Friday 30 September 2022 (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Admission costs £7. cotswoldsculpturepark.co.uk

"Another new event we are hosting is local artist Adele Riley as an artist in residence, alongside a solo exhibition in our gallery space."

All that gazing at art is thirsty work. Luckily, the park's café, the Poppin Tearoom, serves hot and cold snacks and drinks throughout the day. There is a large seated area on the outside patio as well as a small sitting area within the gallery.

The Cotswold Sculpture Park also boasts a purpose-built wedding and party venue – a building that houses up to a hundred

ISSUE No.10 | 19

PROPERTY NEWS HOUSE PRICES

WHERE ARE THE MOST AND LEAST EXPENSIVE PLACES TO LIVE IN SWINDON? THE GOVERNMENT HAS RELEASED A HEAT MAP SHOWING THE COST OF DIFFERENT NEIGHBOURHOODS. We're not sure if the 'cost of living' and 'crisis' officially belong in the same sentence yet, but nobody can deny that the rising cost of energy, petrol, food etc. is causing millions of families around the country to worry about paying the bills.

Another cost that seems to keep increasing regardless of Covid, wars and retail sector woes is the price of property, with the average house price increasing by £33,000 in the last year alone to £265,312.

Clearly though, prices still vary from city to city and town to town.

Now thanks to a new government heat map we can break it down and see how much property prices are in different neighbourhoods.

So where can you get more bang for your buck in Swindon and where are prices higher than everywhere else?

South Swindon - average house price: £236,500 The five cheapest neighbourhoods: Walcot East - Median price: £177,900 Central North - Median price: £180,000 Park North and Park South - Median price: £180,500 Freshbrook South and Toothill - Median price: £200,000 Central South and Eastcott - Median price: £200,000 The five most expensive neighbourhoods: Broad Blunsdon, South Marston and Wanborough - Median price: £372,495 Wroughton, Wichelstowe and Chiseldon - Median price: £301,250 Lawn and East Wichel - Median price: £280,500 Kingshill and Okus - Median price: £275,000 Central East and Walcot West - £260,000

The five most expensive neighbourhoods: Broad Blunsdon, South Marston and Wanborough - Median price: £372,495 Groundwell and Abbey Meads - Median price: £275,000 Highworth - Median price: £265,000 Lower Stratton - Median price: £258,000 Mouldon Hill and Oakhurst - Median price: £255,000 What remains clear is that prices in Swindon are still cheaper than just about anywhere else in Wiltshire. Average houses prices are £265,00 in South West Wiltshire, £285,000 in Chippenham, £320,000 in Salisbury, £322,000 in North Wiltshire and £335,000 in Devizes.

As any Swindon estate agent will also tell you, housing stock is currently at a premium with high demand for all types of properties from detached houses in upmarket areas like Wanborough to doeruppers in the town centre.

Commenting on the figures, Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist, said, “Prices are now 21 per cent higher than before the pandemic struck in early 2020. The price gaps between different property types are now at a record high. This is particularly acute for those looking to move from flats to terraced houses, where the price gap has more than doubled since the onset of the pandemic, from around £12,000 to over £25,000."

Of course, this also depends on where you upsize to. If you are moving from say, a flat in 'expensive' Broad Blunsdon to a family terrace in 'cheap' Penhill, the price gap would be smaller.

Prices for all kinds of properties in Swindon have risen considerably in the last year. The big question is will they continue to rise as the cost of living crisis kicks in?

Heatmap of South Swindon (Image: UK Parliament/Commons Library)

North Swindon - average house price: £243,000 The five cheapest neighbourhoods: Penhill - Median price: £164,000 Rodbourne and Cheney Manor - Median price: £177,750 Gorse Hill - Median price: £185,500 Pinehurst - Median price: £215,000 Moredon - Median price: £215,000

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We listen, we care, we are here for you.

Arrange your free initial consultation today.

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INTERIORS INSPIRATION

MINT SAUCE IT’S TIME TO DROP SOME COOL, PASTEL TONES INTO THE HEART OF YOUR HOME, SAYS JULIETTE WILLS. Remember how five years ago everyone had dark blue kitchens, then two years ago dark green was the place to be? Well, get ready to hold onto your hats because 2022 is pastel city. I’m talking kitchen units, paint, rugs, accessories, the lot. It’s no surprise that baby pink, mint green, custard yellow and baby blue are so popular with a certain generation (coughs) who are old enough to have been around them in the ‘80s. For me, they take me back to the best time of my life, so evoke happy childhood memories. If you’re not old enough to remember the days of Walkmans, cassette tapes and Miami Vice, look up the latter and you’ll see what I’m talking about. It’ll all make perfect sense.

Milano Contour Ermine kitchen from £3857, wrenkitchens.com

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Bamboo and recycled cleaning kit from £7, pangeahome.co.uk

Ilaria Extra Large Cluster Pendant £325, made.com

Tinkisso Colour pop kitchen tap in neo mint and pink £139.99, dowsingandreynolds.com

Pastels are incredibly versatile, and there are a host of shades to choose from. The greatest thing about pastels is that they all fit brilliantly with one another. Pastels do two things simultaneously; they bring warmth and fun but also a sense of calm. The newest kids on the block are lilac and peach; both go with a multitude of other colours (mint green, baby pink, bubblegum pink, pale or punchy yellow and, of course, bright white) but if you’re not 100% into the idea of living in a quasi-Palm Springs pick one shade and pair with white for a clean, crisp look.

Livia dinner plates £60, coxandcox.co.uk

Kitchen accessories have also reacted to the popularity of pastels; Dowsing and Reynolds have come up with mint green and baby pink taps (FYI we’re going for one of the two when we renovate our hideous brown kitchen) and Wren have jumped on board by offering a custom-colour service on their kitchens - baby pink or spearmint green units your thing? Off you go. If you favour a white kitchen, compliment it with something from the glorious pastel range of eco paints from Yes Colours, or go straight to Pink 03 from Lick, a hot favourite right now. Accessorise with Kitchen Aid’s beyond fabulous pink or mint green mixer, this incredible cluster pendant from Made and Cox and Cox stone tableware.

Wrap things up with pale wood chairs such as this classic ‘80s style Cesca armchair from Cult Furniture. When it comes to the washing up, though, forget retro and embrace this most modern of sustainable kits from Pangea Home.

Artisan stand mixer in rose pink £529, kitchenaid.com

Maja stoneware dinner set from £40, coxandcox.co.uk

Kenton dining chair £149, cultfurniture.com

Paint in Pink 03 £40, lick.com

ISSUE No.10 | 23

TALKING HOMES WITH THE PYJAMA DESIGNER AND 2022 THE APPRENTICE FINALIST

After starring in The Apprentice, it’s now onwards and upwards for the Swindon entrepreneur.

WATCH THE WIGWAM TV PROPERTY TOUR

TALKING HOMES KATHRYN BURN

Swindon’s very own Kathryn Burn, 29, made a huge impact on the recent series of The Apprentice. She was smart, sassy and a natural on screen, making it all the way through the demanding process to the grand final.

Wigwam head honcho Nathan Sandhu sat down with Kathryn at her home in Swindon to talk all things property, and all things TV. Let’s take you back to your roots, Kathryn. Swindon born and bred, I believe?

Yes, I am Swindon born and raised, I still live in Swindon and here’s where I plan to be for the foreseeable future. I have always lived in Liden, went to Liden School, then Dorcan, and then New College.

What did you study?

Business and textiles – how funny! - and music. But I’m a hands-on person, not a classroom person. I just needed to get out into the big wide world and start earning money.

Let’s talk houses now. What was your childhood home like?

Just a normal 3-bedroom terraced house in Swindon. We are very fortunate now to live in a lovely house, but we loved that first home I grew up in and have so many happy memories. Now everyone is living with us - mum, dad, my mum’s mum, my dad’s dad, so it’s still a real nice family atmosphere.

I also bought a house in an auction and lived in it while I was doing it up - well weekends I went back to mum and dad! And then I lived in Sydney for a couple of years.

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TALKING HOMES KATHRYN BURN

I was extremely nervous! It was the biggest moment of my career and life.

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What kind of place did you have in Sydney?

It was an absolutely beautiful apartment overlooking the Sydney Harbour bridge, and I miss that place so much. I loved living in Australia.

Bringing it up to date, The Apprentice house looked lush on TV. It was in The Bishops Avenue (North London’s so-called ‘Billionaires Row’) and was absolutely stunning, the most beautiful house I’ve ever been in. It had a lift, a pool, a sauna, 7 or 8 bedrooms, it was massive, very modern, I think an interior designer had definitely been in there.

It had the kind of quirky décor I would have never thought to put there, but it looked really good. And really beautiful art. I hope I can have a property like that one day – that’s the dream!

I am motivated by money and obviously want a big house. I guess my dream property would be in Ham Road in Wiltshire (between Liddington and Wanborough, just outside Swindon). During the lockdown me and my family would go for a walk down there and we loved it and we’d get inspired, it’s a beautiful place.

What’s your interior design style?

Quite classic, but modern as well. I do like things like panelling and dark wooden floors, quite timeless I would say. I know greys and silvers had a moment and then they went, but I feel if you go with dark floors and neutral colours that stays on trend for a little bit longer. That said I am sat in a grey kitchen!

Let’s talk about The Apprentice now. How did you first get involved?

I have watched The Apprentice for many many years, and when I saw it advertised it just felt like the right time as I had been running my business for a few years and I thought it was ready to scale up. I thought I could do everything they were doing on TV, so I had nothing to lose by going to the audition. Then it just happened to fall that when I got offered the place, I had already gone self-employed with my work. I didn’t have to give up a job to go on the programme, so for me it all just fell into place.

Are the auditions quite vigorous?

There’s a lot of stages to get through, maybe seven or eight, they go through everything, they end up knowing everything about you.

Once the shooting started, did the fact that you had already been on TV on The Island with Bear Grylls help?

Not really, it was completely different and The Apprentice is a much bigger programme. Also, I have changed quite a lot as a person since I did the Bear Grylls show when I was 23. I am nearly 30 now so I feel I have changed. But I definitely took some things away from The Island.

I believed I could achieve anything I wanted to if I put my mind to it and it gave me confidence. So they were very different programmes but I’d say The Island was a lot easier than The Apprentice. Even before the actual shoot, I had to write a 50-page business plan in 3 weeks, plus sort everything out in case I was away for 3 months shooting the programme.

How nervous were you walking down the stairs in those high heels to pitch your business in the final?!

I was extremely nervous! It was the biggest moment of my career and life so I was definitely feeling the pressure, but once I started the pitch, I actually really enjoyed it.

You looked so relaxed all the way through?

It might have looked like that but I didn’t feel relaxed!

You had an amazing run to the final, what were your highlights?

I guess the final itself was amazing, because that was all about me and my business, whereas many of the others tasks I had no experience in, like video games which I’ve never played and had to design a video game, so I guess for me having a task based around what I love and what I am passionate about and what I do for a living, that for me was the perfect task so I really did enjoy it.

Even before the actual shoot, I had to write a 50-page business plan in 3 weeks.

ISSUE No.10 | 29

TALKING HOMES KATHRYN BURN

In the end, you were one step away from securing the £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar, how disappointing was that?

was her sister saying, yeah, go for it, and of course her sister will definitely benefit, she’s still remaining a director, it’s just that it was Harps that went on the programme.

Of course I was disappointed because that’s why I went on the show, but actually I was on such a high to be in the final. If you’d have told me that I was going to be in the final – I’ve got goose bumps just thinking about it – the final of The Apprentice when I was applying, I would have thought ‘Oh my God’, so for me to even get that far was such an achievement.

You managed to rise above the backbiting that some of the candidates resort to.

Have you always been that positive?

And I enjoyed the process, I made some amazing, amazing friends, and I’ve come away from the process having learnt so much. I didn’t get the investment but everything happens for a reason, and Harps so deserved to win, and I’m still on cloud nine.

Harpreet piped you at the post. She came across as a bit bossy during the challenges, but we hear you bonded off screen?

I don’t find her bossy at all (laughs), I don’t know if that’s because she’s literally one of my best friends, I speak to her day and night, every day, she’s one of the kindest, warmest, lovely people I have ever met in my life. I just think that when she has to get things done, she just gets them done, but she’s not even rude with it, even if it came across like that on TV, and if you ask anyone from The Apprentice they all loved working with her… …it was quite funny when she said I’ll just get rid of my sister, I will just cut her out, it seemed quite harsh …yes, but it’s not like that, I think people need to know that even before she went into the process, they had already had that conversation, and it

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I think I am just a very honest person, and I will always tell people how I feel. I think when it got to the boardroom people were never surprised by what I said because I had already said it throughout the task. I always tried my best, I respected every single one of the candidates, I don’t think that to be successful you need to put other people down. I think you can support other people while trying to be the very best version of yourself.

What would you say are the main lessons you learnt from taking part in the series?

God, I learned so much from it, maybe just believing in yourself, I didn’t realize how much I could do until I watched it back, and I was like ‘Wow!’. I was even shocked by what I was seeing myself do, so I think just to have a bit more belief in yourself and what I can do. Even when I was filming, I didn’t realize, it was only when I saw it with my own eyes on TV and had really positive feedback I was like ‘Oh wow!’ actually, I am OK at that.

What are the immediate plans for your pyjama business?

First of all, I’m rebranding from My Everyday Pyjamas to Pyjamily, the new name from the final. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before, I just think it’s so catchy. And then for me it’s about finding an investor, and just trying to grow the business, and, I want to get into retailers if I can.

I see the Beleaf pyjamas you designed for the final are on sale on your website now?

How are they doing?

They’re one of my top sellers actually.

I think it’s really cool for people to buy a product they’ve actually seen me hand draw and design on TV, and it is one of my favourite designs.

I think it’s a really cool pattern, I just love everything about it, it’s just a really special kind of pyjamas to do.

It’s been a journey to get here and that design kind of encapsulates that.

Where would you like to see your business in 5 years’ time?

I would love it to be everywhere, on all the department store websites, I’d like it to get it into Asda where one of the previous Apprentice winners has just launched her product all over the UK, which is incredible. I just want everyone to know who Pyjamily are and what we do. I want people to think pyjamas, think Pyjamily.

Finally, what are your favourite places in Swindon?

The Magic Roundabout, hah, no I’m joking! Coate Water is really nice to walk round, I went there on Sunday with my mum, dad and sister, it was just nice to get out in the fresh air. I also like Liddington and all the country pubs on the outskirts of Swindon and you can definitely have a good night out in Old Town.

Check out Pyjamily.co.uk

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WATCH THE WIGWAM TV PROPERTY TOUR

ISSUE No.10 | 33

WHAT HAVEN’T YOU CONSIDERED WHEN BUYING PROPERTY? FOR MOST OF US, BUYING A NEW PROPERTY IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENTS OF OUR LIVES. SO, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE HELP YOU TO GET IT RIGHT.

Here are a few important considerations to make before you take the leap.

1.

Is the right funding in place?

Is all the right funding in place?

Have you worked out the loan-tovalue (LTV) ratio if you are getting a mortgage?

2.

Can you save on Stamp Duty Land Tax? Is there scope to save on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) by applying for the Multiple Dwellings Relief for large properties with an annex?

3.

Are you buying with someone?

If you are buying with another person (Joint Ownership), it is vital that you understand how you wish to own the property. This should then ensure the necessary measures are in place for ring fencing the capital of the property, by setting up Trusts in their Wills.

4.

Have you updated your Will(s)?

It is also vital that the Wills and ownership of the property mirror each other to ensure that your money is protected.

5.

6.

7.

All checked for coal or stone mines?

Bristol was a previous coal mining city, Bath is used for stone mining as was Corsham. It is therefore important for you to have the extra searches relevant to the area. It is also important to consider nearby developments, especially in some of the market towns so that you are aware of what developments are being planned and at what size, and whether this would have a positive or negative impact on the value of your property.

Is it structurally sound?

The older the house, the more important a survey would be. When buying properties of high value, it is imperative for you to know the property is structurally sound early on to avoid further expenses post completion. This is particularly important for some of the cottage style country manors that are found in Wiltshire.

Are you local and do you know the area?

Or are you moving for the open space and countryside? It is

important to research network links, schools, and any other important local infrastructure. Bath, Bristol and Wiltshire have some incredible private and public schools and all have good transportation links with the train leading to bigger cities such as Reading and London.

8.

Have you found the right solicitor?

It will benefit you hugely to have a local solicitor who knows the history of the area, and who can apply their local knowledge when assisting with your purchase.

At Goughs Solicitors, as experienced specialists, we are able to minimise any problems which may occur, making sure that you are fully kept informed of situations as they arise so that you can make appropriate decisions and arrangements. With our local knowledge of the county and surrounding areas, and equally good relationships with local agents, we will help guide you through to a successful conclusion.

Get in touch with Goughs today by visiting www.goughs.co.uk or email info@goughs.co.uk

ISSUE No.10 | 35

ASK THE EXPERT AUSTEN DAWSON

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ASK THE EXPERT

AUSTEN DAWSON ARE THE GO-TO GUYS FOR QUALITY EXTENSIONS, LOFT CONVERSIONS AND MUCH MUCH MORE Founded by a very experienced team of construction professionals, Austen Dawson are fast becoming one of the most respected bespoke building contractors in the region.

bathroom, remodel or a general maintenance work, we have all the in-house skills you require for your high-end domestic or commercial project.

Our signature business is focused on design and build of domestic and commercial building projects. Working from our Wiltshire and Oxfordshire offices, the Austen Dawson team are specialists in all aspects of property new builds, extensions, loft conversions, refurbishment and alteration projects. Our vision, client focus and unrelenting attention to detail is what sets us apart from our competitors. Our signature services include:

Working with only the finest materials and providing the highest calibre, most experienced tradesmen, allows us to produce a truly luxurious end product. No project too big, no project too small.

• • • • • • • •

Extensions & Loft Conversions, Bespoke New Builds General Building & Construction Architectural Design Design & Build, Planning Services Project Management Property Maintenance

We directly employ and partner with only the highest calibre architects, designers, project managers, sub-contractors and tradesmen, so your project is in safe hands with Austen Dawson. Your highly motivated, dedicated project team will work seamlessly to bring your project in on time, on budget and to only the highest of standard. Our services are available all over the southern regions including Swindon, Oxford, the Cotswolds and London.

Our team of highly experienced tradesmen and project managers are available for all your general building and maintenance requirements. Whether it be a new kitchen,

Commercial projects are our added speciality. Whether it be a hotel, restaurant, bar, cafe or boutique, the Austen Dawson team of commercial experts can create a space to really give your business the wow factor. We take your initial vision and turn it into a reality that sets your business apart.

We employ and partner with only the highest calibre designers, project managers and tradesmen to produce luxurious end results that speak for themselves. Call our commercial team today to discuss your project requirements.

Bradley Quesnel Managing Director, Austen Dawson 01367 358080 austendawson.co.uk

ISSUE No.10 | 37

ASK THE EXPERT AWDRY BAILEY & DOUGLAS

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ASK THE EXPERT

NO FAULT DIVORCE BECAME LAW ON 6TH APRIL 2022 It’s never easy, coming to the realisation that your relationship has broken down. There are often arguments and recriminations, and you may both feel misunderstood and hurt.

The previous divorce process only added to the grief and hurt felt. This has been acknowledged and a new ‘no fault’ divorce became law on 6th April 2022.

This brings with it long-awaited reforms which aim to reduce conflict and allow couples to focus on their children, property and finances when seeking a divorce, civil partnership dissolution or legal separation.

Previously, when seeking to commence divorce proceedings, unless relying upon a prolonged period of separation there must have been an assignment of blame. You had to prove one of ‘five facts’ to establish irretrievable breakdown of the marriage – unreasonable behaviour, adultery, 2 years’ separation with consent, 5 years’ separation, or desertion.

These ‘facts’ rarely fitted into the actual reasons for the breakdown and left many couples feeling resentful.

Unreasonable behaviour was often used, as it was often the only ‘fact’ which could be used to commence proceedings without having to wait. However, this meant that the person applying for the divorce had to list, in detail, the unreasonable behaviour of their spouse, which understandably caused more upset.

These changes should hopefully minimise feelings of hurt and upset as a result of the previous “fact” based procedure and enable parties to address the relationship breakdown on an amicable basis.

What has changed?

•

It is no longer necessary to rely on one of the ‘five facts’ to prove that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

•

The possibility of contesting the divorce has been removed. This means a statement of irretrievable breakdown cannot be challenged or dismissed.

•

There is now an option to make a joint application for divorce, should you wish to do so. This can take a lot of animosity out of the process.

•

The language used in divorce proceedings is in plain English. Decree Nisi (confirmation that you are entitled to a divorce) will now be known as a Conditional Order and Decree Absolute will be known as the Final Order.

•

The new time period from submitting a statement of irretrievable breakdown is now 20 weeks. This allows the parties time to agree practical points surrounding the separation, such as child arrangements and finances. Once 20 weeks has elapsed a Conditional Order (previously Decree Nisi) can be applied for.

•

From the date of the Conditional Order there is an additional 6 week period before a Final Order can be applied for. This will then dissolve the marriage or civil partnership.

If you’d like advice about separation, divorce or financial settlements, we are here to help and offer a listening ear.

Peter Berry Chartered Legal Executive, Family Law Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitors 01793 384140 / peter.berry@awdrys.co.uk awdrys.co.uk

ISSUE No.10 | 39

ASK THE EXPERT OPTIMUM PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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ASK THE EXPERT

WHAT IS A CONVEYANCER AND WHAT DO THEY DO? If you are buying or selling a home, then there is no avoiding the legalities of the transaction. A property is a significant purchase, so you need to ensure all the correct procedures are carried out, and for that you need a conveyancing lawyer.

Conveyancers do far more than just deal with paperwork and ask you questions. Your conveyancing lawyer has many different tasks to complete, whether you are the buyer or the seller, and their goal is to ensure the transaction goes through as smoothly as possible.

Conveyancing lawyers on both sides will confer to resolve any issues and, importantly, help both parties agree a completion date.

If you are selling a property, your conveyancer will want to see the title deeds, which may be held by yourself (if you own the property outright), or reside with the lender if you have a mortgage.

Your conveyancer will transfer the title deeds, arrange searches and can offer guidance should any issues come up as a result of a survey. As a buyer, your conveyancing lawyer will carry out searches on the property, and help

you work out if you need to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax. A contract will be drawn up, outlining the Particulars of Sale, Conditions of Sale and the agreed date of completion. Once both sides are happy with the terms of the contract, it will be signed and exchanged; this exchange makes the sale legally binding, and it is also the point at which the buyer’s deposit is transferred.

On the date of completion – when the property is legally transferred to the new owner – the buyer’s conveyancer will arrange to transfer the outstanding money to the seller’s conveyancer.

There are different types of conveyancing lawyers, and as a buyer or seller it is useful to understand the difference.

Conveyancing solicitors are fully qualified practising solicitors who can undertake the conveyancing process on your behalf. They’ll generally have wider training in other areas of the law.

All practising solicitors are registered with the Law Society and the profession is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Licensed conveyancers may not have experience in other aspects of law, as solicitors do, but they are qualified lawyers, dealing solely with property law. They operate under a regulatory framework overseen by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.

Whether you are buying or selling, it is highly advisable to consult a conveyancing solicitor or a licensed conveyancer.

There is a third route - DIY conveyancing. In theory, it is possible for someone buying or selling a property to conduct their own conveyancing, but this is a highly risky approach and not recommended.

Additionally, there are legal restrictions as to what unqualified persons can do. The conveyancing process is complicated and if exacted poorly many issues could be missed. We’re reminded of the saying: “A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.”

If you are buying or selling a property and want expert help with the conveyancing process, please get in touch with Iain Mason, Head of Legal at Optimum Professional Services.

Iain Mason Head of Legal Optimum Professional Services imason@optps.co.uk optps.co.uk

ISSUE No.10 | 41

PROPERTY NEWS ESTATE AGENCY

ANTONY ASLAN REAL ESTATE LAUNCHES IN SWINDON The Swindon estate agency market may seem to be a crowded one but that hasn’t stopped young entrepreneur Callum Aslantepe launching a new contender, Antony Aslan Real Estate.

Callum’s self-proclaimed goal is to transform the buying and selling process for the better, focusing on three key areas that he describes as the company's “non-negotiables”.

He says: “First, we will provide a uniquely personal service which ensures the client deals with one point of contact throughout the entire transaction.”

“Secondly, we guarantee a constant stream of communication between agent and client, keeping the client up-tospeed from day one to completion.”

“Thirdly, we will harness the power of all the latest digital tools to get your property in front of more eyes – and the right eyes - than ever before.”

Callum, who previously worked for Richard James and Atwell Martin estate agents, continues, “Our goal is to make the process as stress free for our customers as possible whilst still achieving maximum market value through the use of traditional and digital marketing.”

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“We will put together a bespoke marketing strategy for each and every property.

A strategy created to deliver results no matter what the market is like.”

"Our philosophy is to be straight-talking and absolutely transparent in our negotiation and communication, making for a level of trust between agent and client that is rarely seen in modern agency."

Swindon; while the handsome website with its sober but attractive colour palette and layout has a real premium fee.

"Swindon is a great town and property here still represents value for money if you compare it to most other places in the south," says Callum.

The Antony Aslan branding was handled by Wigwam publisher, Jazzbones Creative, Swindon’s leading branding and design studio.

For the logo, Jazzbones created a sleek and contemporary identity using crossed keys in a circle, the keys referring to both the keys to a house and the clients’ ability to unlock their future with the guidance of Antony Aslan.

The flexible icon positioning means the logo can be rolled out nicely across different media while the key reference can also be used in headers and straplines, for example, “Unlock your future with Antony Aslan”.

The primary colour palette for the branding is a classy black, grey, light grey and gold complemented nicely by a smart sans-serif typeface. The For Sale boards are already popping up around

"I look forward to selling amazing houses in every neighbourhood in Swindon, from Old Town and Lawn to West Swindon and North Swindon, not to mention our lovely villages like Wanborough, Lydiard, Purton and Cricklade."

Antony Aslan also has an eye-catching introductory offer, £500 off the property fee on sales within the next 12 months. antonyaslan.co.uk

wigwampropertynews.co.uk

Building Contractors Specialising in Extensions, Loft Conversions and General Building Projects.

AU ST E N DAWS O N .CO.UK ISSUE No.8 | 43

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