Wigwam Magazine Issue No.11

ISSUE

No.11

PROPERTIES, INTERIOR INSPIRATION, EXPERT OPINION, BALLOON DOGS, WHAT'S ON AND MORE.

SUMMER 2022 wigwampropertynews.co.uk

IT’S ONLY NATURAL Wigwam Property News is supported by:

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www.optps.co.uk

Specialists in conveyancing, property law and wills

The legal team at Optimum are specialists and experts, so we really know the ins and outs of our area of property law and wills. And because we specialise in these areas, we can focus on the real issues that affect our clients daily: property sales and purchase (residential and commercial), buying land, and drawing up a will.

We offer the same approach to all our clients: we listen carefully, we use our expertise to come up with the best course of action for you, and we deal with your issue in a professional and responsive manner, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Straightforward legal advice from an experienced law team you can trust.

01793 538198 | info@optps.co.uk | www.optps.co.uk

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Sum

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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FREE

VALUATION

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mmer.

r property this

Thinking of selling or letting your home this summer?

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 5 | ISSUE No.11

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brand. design. digital. social. film.

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Propel your business with awardwinning brand, design and digital solutions tailored to suit your budget and requirements.

Jazzbones offer a FREE review of your brand and marketing strategy, so speak to our brand and digital experts today, we'll be happy to offer any support and advice.

Call:

01793 847300

Email: info@jazzbones.co.uk Visit: jazzbones.co.uk

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INTRODUCTION

From the Editor When we returned to the UK, we bought a spacious 3-bedroom, modern semi-detached house with a good size garden next to the Swindon stretch of the Wilts & Berkshire Canal. All for a lot less than we’d paid for our Barcelona shoe box.

As I type these lines, we are in the middle of a heatwave, which given the vagaries of the English weather means that as you read this it’s probably raining!

On the subject of hot weather, when I tell people I gave up life in Barcelona for Swindon they tend to enquire after my mental health.

In reality, it’s not such a crazy move. When they visit Barcelona on holiday, most Brits spend their time in the Ramblas and the surrounding city-centre streets; full of funky tapas bars, great architecture and local colour. Either that, or they head for the beach.

However, most locals can’t afford to live in the expensive centre. For the most part they live in small homes in soulless apartment blocks in unattractive neighbourhoods. And when I say small, I mean really small. The last Barcelona apartment I lived in with my wife and daughter measured 53 square metres. And it cost us a King’s ransom.

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

Being able to live in a decent sized house with outdoor space is something you don’t really appreciate until you haven’t got it and have no prospect of ever having it. And you get a whole lot of house for your money in Swindon compared to elsewhere in the South West, let alone Barcelona.

Once again, a big thank you to Wigwam sponsors Optimum, Home Finders, Awdry Bailey & Douglas, Jazzbones Creative and Visit Swindon.

Jeff King Wigwam Editor

CONNECT

ADVERTISING 01793 847 300 nathan@wigwampropertynews.co.uk

Wigwam® is published by Jazzbones Creative Ltd. Registered In England No: 0658 6564 VAT Reg No: 891 859463 2nd Floor, Cornmarket House, High Street, Swindon SN1 3EB 01793 847300 www.jazzbones.co.uk

The content of Wigwam is for informational purposes only, and you should not construe any such information as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

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ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

ISSUE No.11

HIGHLIGHTS 16

NATURAL TONES

Juliette Wills looks at earthy colours for the home.

22

SWINDOGS

Balloon dog sculptures will raise money for Julia’s House charity.

30

EXPERT OPINION

Our experts from the property sector in Swindon give their tips.

38

FIRST-TIME BUYERS

The heads-up on chains, conveyancing, gazumping and more.

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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.11

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GET INVOLVED

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.

Property News

Property Search

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Business Directory

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.

List your property related business in the Wigwam business directory.

There are hundreds of property related businesses in our directory and the listing is free of charge.

Business Reviews

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E-Newsletter

Advertising

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.

From property tours and product showcases to case studies and expert interviews we can share your property related film and video content. Need help creating video content? We can help.

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.

11 | ISSUE No.11

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.

Premium Property £600,000

FOR SALE

Groundwell West, Swindon.

A fantastic investment opportunity to purchase four, self-contained maisonettes comprising two one-bedroom apartments and two, two-bedroom properties.

This block is positioned centrally within a lawned setting with allocated parking. All four of the properties have well appointed kitchens in open plan living areas, family bathrooms with shower over bath and benefit from gas fired central heating.

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£650,000

4

4

S O L D S TC

Lawn, Swindon.

Detached, family home with generous accommodation over three floors and located in the ever popular and desirable area of Lawn. The property provides three reception rooms with log burner to the snug, large master bedroom with dressing room and full ensuite bathroom, plus four further bedrooms.

5

5

5

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

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FOR SALE

£330,000

FOR SALE

Royal Wootton Bassett

£400,000

Old Town, Swindon.

A fantastic modern townhouse offering in our opinion deceptively spacious accommodation. Offering easy access to local motorway links, Primary and Secondary schools, shops and amenities.

A detached, family home situated on an elevated position with far reaching views across Swindon. The property enjoys dual aspect sitting/dining room, large and well-appointed kitchen, four bedrooms, family bathroom and more.

4

4

2

1

FOR SALE

£325,000

2

1

S O L D S TC

Nythe, Swindon.

£475,000

Old Town, Swindon.

An exceptional, detached, bungalow positioned in a quiet cul de sac location on the popular residential area of Nythe. The property has undergone a total transformation and boasts beautifully presented accommodation.

A beautifully presented Edwardian, semi-detached home situated in this very sought-after location in Old Town, within walking distance to all local amenities. The property benefits from many original features.

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4

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

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PROPERTY NEWS

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MOVE IN 2022?

THERE ARE CURRENTLY MORE THAN HALF A MILLION HOMES SOLD SUBJECT TO CONTRACT, WITH BUYERS EAGERLY AWAITING COMPLETION. We’re sorry for mentioning Christmas at this time of year. But bear with us.

If you’re thinking of moving, chances are you’ve pictured yourself in your new home in time for the end of the year. What better place to spend the festive season, and kick off 2023, than in your new pad.

And according to Rightmove, the good news is, based on the average time it takes to buy a home, there’s still time to get over the threshold before Christmas if you start your search now.

Why is moving home taking so long at the moment?

From the time a home is marked sale agreed, it currently takes 150 days on average to reach that all-important completion day. But that’s 50 days longer than during the same period in 2019.

It’s taking longer for home-buyers to get into their new homes because there’s a backlog in the conveyancing process: the thing that happens between having an offer accepted, and getting the keys to your new home. With so many people looking to move home right now, this part of the moving process is taking much longer than usual.

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And there are currently more than half a million homes sold subject to contract, with buyers eagerly awaiting completion. That’s 44% more than in 2019.

While there’s been a slight easing in buyer demand since last month, this isn’t going to be enough to ease the delays we’re currently seeing. With lots of people still wanting to move, estate agents are still looking for buyers who are likely to result in a sale going through as quickly as possible.

How to give yourself the best chance of moving before Christmas If you have a home to sell and want to move before the end of the year, Rightmove's property expert Tim Bannister says one thing you should do is get your home on the market before looking for your next place.

Tim says: “Existing homeowners looking to buy again will still need to put themselves in the best possible position to secure their next home in this strong market by making sure they find a buyer for their current property before looking for their next home.

This is all the more important for those hoping to complete the process as quickly as possible and enjoy Christmas in a new home this year”.

And whether you’re buying a home, selling a home, or both, there are things you can do to try and prevent any delays.

If you’re a first-time buyer, make sure you have a mortgage in principle in place before you go on viewings. A seller’s estate agent will want confirmation from a lender that you are able to apply for a mortgage, and that you have the funds to cover a deposit.

Once you’ve instructed a conveyancer, there are also things you can do to keep the process moving.

Let your conveyancer know as early as possible if you need answers to specific questions, and press for regular updates on how the sale is going. You can also tell them when you’d ideally like to exchange and complete, so all parties have a date to work towards.

Other than that, it's a case of fingers crossed, bonne chance and hope for the best! rightmove.co.uk

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MONEY

NATIONWIDE EXTENDS COST OF LIVING SUPPORT FOR CUSTOMERS COST-OF-LIVING FREEPHONE HOTLINE INTRODUCED SO THAT THOSE STRUGGLING CAN ACCESS SUPPORT QUICKLY.

Swindon-based Nationwide Building Society has launched a new dedicated freephone hotline to help customers struggling with the cost of living.

The Society is encouraging its customers to get in touch as early as possible for support and aims to answer hotline calls inside ten minutes.

“That’s why we provide expert help from our branches, and now through the new hotline, as well as by video. We can do all of this because we are a mutual and our singular focus is our members, and we use all profit for their benefit.”

Nationwide is committed to a range of services, including:

Nationwide is investing in a range of services to help its 16 million customers – including giving colleagues bespoke training, offering financial health checks and providing education and support through trusted experts. Assistance will be available in branch, on the new freephone helpline or video direct to customers’ devices.

Dedicated hotline From August, a freephone cost-of-living hotline for customers experiencing money worries will be answered by dedicated, trained experts based across the Society’s main branches. The service will be available from 9am-4.30pm weekdays and 9am-12pm Saturdays. Nationwide aims to answer calls to the hotline within ten minutes.

The helpline is the latest intervention from the Society and follows its Promise to not leave any town or city where it is based without a branch until at least 2024.

Further initiatives will be launched in the coming months.

Checking in on struggling members From August, Nationwide’s inbranch experts will contact customers demonstrating obvious signs that they may be struggling. The calls' aim is to better understand their situation and where relevant, support will be offered to help get them into a better position. This expands on the existing work done through the Society’s centralised ‘Money Worries’ team.

Debbie Crosbie, Chief Executive of Nationwide, said: “We know the challenges that many of our members face from the cost-of-living crisis. We’re here to help and will make it as easy as possible for people to get the right support when they’re worried about their finances.”

cost-of-living help for customers, whether in branch or on the telephone. Customers will be directed to the right resources, including the Society’s Cost-of-Living hub, product support and help with money management via Nationwide experts and trusted third parties, such as StepChange - the UK’s leading debt charity.

Financial health checks From October, Nationwide’s cost-of-living experts will be able to offer face-to-face, telephone and video appointments. As well as directing customers to relevant support, they will offer financial health checks, helping them manage their money, save and build resilience.

Cost-of-living education From the autumn, regular virtual and in-branch events will be held for customers, providing practical help with managing money and avoiding financial pitfalls. nationwide.co.uk

Cost-of-living training From September, all Nationwide's frontline staff will receive the necessary training to provide additional 15 | ISSUE No.11

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IT’S ONLY NATURAL JULIETTE WILLS GETS DOWN TO EARTH. We’ve had dark blue, dark green, coral and periwinkle blue topping the colour trend charts over the last five years, but change is a-comin’. Interior designers are predicting that we’ll be drawn to earthy, natural tones – think taupe, mink, olive or leafy greens (cabbage, kale, spinach… wait, that can’t be right) terracotta and even chocolate brown. That’s right, brown, the go-to colour from 1972-1978. I grew up surrounded by the stuff. Even my duvet cover was brown.

The new way to style out chocolate brown is to pair it with soft neutrals – off white, pale green, a hint of terracotta or taupe, rather than the bold oranges of yesteryear. If it’s really not your thing, but you feel drawn towards earthy, natural tones, then warm walls – blush pink, pale coral, for example – will work beautifully with mid-greens, such as sage or olive.

Armchair £349, dunhelm.com

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LIFESTYLE

Sideboard £549, cultfurniture.com

Magazine rack £32, habitat.co.uk

Chandelier £1990, sweetpeaandwillow.com As well as being lured by the comforting feel of natural tones on walls, 2022 has seen an increase in people turning to natural materials such as metal, suede and marble. There’s been a big trend for panelling on walls, too, sometimes painted but often in its natural state. We’re living in troubled times and in such times often feel drawn towards a calm environment over a mad one. It makes perfect sense when you think about it.

Coffee table £649, sofology.com

I’ve picked some living room pieces that reflect these trends, all of which work with a variety of base colours as well as against a minimalist white background. The wing-back armchair from Dunhelm would be perfect on its own by a window (if you’ve got a decent view, that is) and the soft green sofa from Sofology is so stunning it wouldn’t look out of place in the foyer of a five-star hotel. This brand makes lousy adverts but they have great designers, as demonstrated not only with things you can sit on but with this fabulous marble and gold table. It’s on my wish list (sadly nothing ever gets crossed off said list) and again, brings a natural material into play. Hang a dramatic chandelier such as this one from Sweet Pea & Willow – it’ll go with pretty much anything – and stick your copy of this magazine in this shapely, beautifully designed magazine rack from Habitat, a brand that had a massive wobble for about a decade but have come back all guns blazing. I’ve also chosen one of their rugs for its simplistic yet eye-catching design.

Marks and Spencer have come up trumps with these beautiful cushions that not only look good but feel good, too – here we see those natural, tactile materials at play again in florals and rich neutrals. Velvet has taken a back seat for linen, and touchy-feely bobbly stuff. Stick your artisan gins in this knockout marble and walnut sideboard and you’re good to go.

Cushions from £15, marksandspencer.com

Rug £175, habitat.co.uk Mirage sofa £2990, sofology.com 17 | ISSUE No.11

MONEY

BANK OF MUM AND DAD TO THE RESCUE RISING BILLS, RENTS AND MORTGAGE PAYMENTS MEAN PARENTS FEEL MORE INCLINED TO HELP.

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The number of young Britons relying on the Bank of Mum and Dad is set to surge over the coming months with many struggling due to rising living costs.

One in four over-50s expect to support their adult children financially through the cost of living crisis, according to new research

by Saga.

Almost two thirds believe the current crisis will affect their children's finances more than the Covid-19 pandemic due to rising bills, lack of savings and increasing rent and mortgage payments.

As of June, inflation hit a 40-year high of 9.4 per cent. This means the 'real' value of £10,000 a year ago would have shrunk by £900.

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MONEY

However, while prices are up across the board, young adults will likely be feeling the pinch even more, given that many are renting. On top of energy prices, rents are up 11 per cent year-on-year outside of London, whilst in the capital rents are up by a whopping 14 per cent.

Saga's analysis also chimes with separate research carried out by the DIY investment platform, Interactive Investor.

It similarly found that a quarter of parents are worried about their adult child's ability to stay financially afloat amidst the cost of living crisis, with three in ten having already given their children financial support as a result.

How are parents planning to pass on wealth?

Many over-50s are reevaluating their inheritance plans, according to Saga, with a quarter saying the cost of living crisis has changed how they plan to share their estate with their family.

Roughly one in 10 over-50s gifted money during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, 15 per cent say they will do so due to the cost of living crisis. Typically these gifts will amount to 9 per cent of their total wealth.

Parents can gift up to £3,000 each year without any threat of incurring inheritance tax in the future.

Outside the £3,000 gifting allowance, parents can make gifts of any size (known as potentially exempt transfers) and as long as they live for at least seven years after handing it over, it falls outside of their estate for inheritance tax purposes.

If they die before the seven years are up, and their estate is subject to inheritance tax rules, they will have to pay tax on some of this.

Why are some giving early inheritances with equity release?

Not all parents are in a position to help their children, as they may be asset rich - often due to their home - but not flush with retirement income.

This is a situation exacerbated by rising bills and the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis.

Although two-fifths of parents are open to the idea of gifting financial support, they are simply unable to do so, according to research by the mortgage lender, Generation Home.

The main source of wealth that would give the ability to pass on money to children and grandchildren for many people is their family home. Decades of high house price inflation have left many long-term older homeowners in properties worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, or more.

However, unless they downsize or move to a cheaper area they cannot access this wealth to help their own adult children with property deposits. More are now turning to equity release as a way of borrowing against their home to give early inheritances and give their descendants a leg-up on the property ladder.

Anyone considering it must take financial advice and beware the traps, with interest potentially rolling up and eating into the eventual value of the property that can be left on death, while lenders turn profits on the loans.

Saga's study found that 5 per cent of parents aged over-50 are considering equity release, rising to 13 per cent for those aged over 80, with the main reasons being to release funds to support family as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

Equity release unlocks the value built up in your home, allowing you to access it in the form of tax-free cash.

This is then repaid through the sale of your property when you pass away, go into long-term care or sell the home for another reason. Lifetime mortgages are the most popular type of equity release product, and are available to homeowners who are aged 55 or over.

mortgages allow you to take cash out of your home as and when you need, rather than in a single lump sum.

Lump sum equity release mortgages allow you to access all of the cash from your home in one go. Equity release allows homeowners to avoid having to make monthly payments, unless they choose to, as the entire balance can be repaid when the home is sold.

If you choose to make no interest repayments the unpaid interest is added to the loan, meaning the size of the loan will increase over time.

That means that equity release leaves less for your loved ones as an inheritance, so it may be worth looking at alternative ways to raise income.

Alternatively, you can opt for products which allow you to pay the interest each month. There are also products that allow you to pay off both the interest and the loan amount each month.

According to Saga's own data, the average amount of equity drawn down by its equity release customers has risen by 12 per cent since 2020.

The decision to release cash from your home should never be taken lightly. There will typically be a set-up cost, whilst interest on the loan will roll up and need repaying when the property is sold. The longer someone lives, the more the interest will cost.

Therefore, it's always best to get financial advice before going ahead as you need to be certain that you'll have enough money in retirement.

There may also be a better option. For example, selling up and downsizing to a smaller property may free up cash without any interest payments or charges attached. saga.co.uk

Homeowners can opt for a drawdown lifetime mortgage or a lump sum lifetime mortgage. Drawdown equity release

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LIFESTYLE

IT'S HOT IN HERE - DON'T TAKE OFF ALL YOUR CLOTHES! CHECK OUT OUR TIMELY TIPS TO KEEP COOL INSTEAD. The British weather loves to play games with us. One minute it's grey and wet. The next we are in the middle of a heatwave.

This helps create a better flow of air. To make it go further keep doors open. Just remember to drop your blinds down to stop sunlight directly coming through.

As we know, temperatures in parts of the UK have surpassed 40 degrees and the hot weather looks set to continue. Crack out the ice pops and keep cool!

Place bowls of water around the house

Keeping cool in hot weather can be a challenge. Especially when you have children and pets too! Follow these easy steps from online estate agent Sold.co.uk and keep you and your family cool indoors this summer!

Close your curtains Most of us do this and it works! When the sun hits the glass of your windows it turns it into a greenhouse! It is common to want to open your windows but don't! You'll only be letting hot air in. If you do open a window though, don't let it be a south facing one!

You'll get hotter!

Open a limited number of windows We said above about not opening windows as it will only be warm air coming in. The rule is, if the tempertature outside is warmer than indoors then keep them closed. If you do need to open them, just make sure they are at opposite ends of the building.

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Old wives' tale or genuine advice? It's real advice! Simply place some bowls of icy water in various parts of the house. It won't be fast working but it will help bring some cooler air into the house. Plus it'll save on using fans and driving up the electricity bill!

Use hot water bottles What? Yes hot water bottles - Put some water in them, put them in the freezer and there you have it! A ready made ice pack.

You could even put a few in different areas of the house for a quick cooling pick me up!

Use LED lights You won't be using your lights as much as you would in cooler months but when you do, think about the heat they give off. When you change a bulb you have felt the heat from that right?

Now multiply that by the number of bulbs you have on! LED bulbs reduce temperature significantly and also save you money on your electricity bill.

Be tactical with your fans Don't have them on all day! That will cost a fortune. Instead, point it upwards, and direct it towards the opposite wall with no obstructions. The air will then bounce off the wall and make for a cooler air temperature as it mixes with the already present warmer air. For added effect, add a bowl of ice in front of the fan!

Invest in some house plants Nature works in many ways and some plants are great at making your house cooler. Pick up some peace lillies and through a process called transpiration, they increase humidity in the area and bring moisture into the room. Plus they look nice!

Cotton sheets Cotton sheets work wonders as it is such a breathable material. If night time is still a few degrees too high, pop the sheets in a bag into the freezer for a bit. The cool cotton will refresh you when you hit the hay!

Consider cooler dinners The oven typically operates at 200C, why add that blast of heat to your surroundings?

A salad or similar will keep you healthy and keep the house cooler.

Sold.co.uk

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PROPERTY NEWS

IS LEASE RE-GEARING FOR ME? Lease re-gearing, put simply, is the process of re-negotiating the terms of an existing lease and, whilst there is unlikely to be any obligation on either party to a lease to enter into any re-negotiation, re-gearing usually benefits both a landlord and tenant. Indeed, there’s unlikely to be any agreement on new terms unless there is something in it for everyone.

For example, a landlord might agree to the payment of rent on a monthly basis instead of quarterly or agree a rent free period, which might help with a tenant’s cash flow. In exchange, a tenant’s break right could be removed or the contractual term lengthened or a new rent review provision agreed, which provides a longer period of a guaranteed rental income for the landlord or the chance to benefit from market increases in rent at an early time.

Essentially, a landlord and tenant can agree to renegotiate any clause in the lease including the permitted use, the right to assign the lease, alteration provisions etc.

But, ultimately, effecting these changes will probably mean incurring some costs, so there has to be a real benefit.

So, how should a re-gear be carried out?

Professional advice may be needed at an early stage. A solicitor, surveyor or valuer may need to advise on any wider implications of the proposals.

Certainly, once an agreement has been reached, any changes should be formally documented by the parties’ solicitors. This might necessitate a deed of variation, the grant of reversionary lease (where a new lease is granted to start at a date in the future but the term of the existing lease continues to apply for the remainder of its contractual term), or even by the surrender and grant of a new lease on new agreed terms. It is highly likely that new land registry applications will need to be made and where there are changes to the rent or term of the lease, Stamp Duty Land Tax may have to be revisited.

It is important to remain transparent throughout the process and communication between all parties will be vital to maintaining and improving goodwill between a landlord and tenant.

Lease re-gearing can facilitate changing business needs for both landlord and tenant and as the economy changes it might be worth considering this as an option as your business needs evolve.

For more info on how our specialist Real Estate team can assist, please get in touch with Gardner Leader - we're here to help. gardner-leader.co.uk

It is particularly important to note that some variations to the lease will, in fact, effect a surrender of the existing lease by operation of law and this can, in some circumstances have devastating effects in terms of each parties’ rights and obligations.

Any guarantors will need to be a party to new documents to ensure that their guarantee obligation remains enforceable, security of tenure provisions need to remain the same (unless renegotiated), and that may mean that contracting out processes need to be repeated. It is important to check if any additional consents will be required – the landlord’s mortgagee and any superior landlord and so on. There are other considerations to bear in mind and ensuring you have a solicitor instructed will be helpful to ensure nothing is missed.

Karron Whitter Partner, Real Estate k.whitter@gardner-leader.co.uk

Maya Peat Paralegal, Real Estate m.peat@gardner-leader.co.uk

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COMMUNITY

THE UK’S FIRST-EVER BALLOON DOG ART TRAIL IS COMING TO SWINDON

MORE THAN 30 LARGER-THAN-LIFE BALLOON DOG SCULPTURES – THE SWINDOGS – WILL BE UNLEASHED ACROSS THE TOWN, AND ORGANISERS ARE CALLING ON BUSINESSES TO SPONSOR A BALLOON POOCH.

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COMMUNITY

The uniquely decorated sculptures will create the UK’s first-ever balloon dog art trail and will raise essential funds for the local children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House.

The Big Dog Art Trail will create a free walking trail through some of Swindon’s most well-loved and historic parks, landmarks and streets and will shine a light on art and culture in the heart of the town. As well as encouraging local residents to re-discover the town they love, the paw-some public art spectacle is expected to attract thousands of visitors from outside the town, providing a welcome boost for local businesses.

Each of the two-metre-high balloon dogs will be adopted by different wellknown and undiscovered artists, who will hand paint their own eye-catching and innovative designs on the sculpture.

The very first painted Swindog, decorated by local artist Hannah Dosanjh, was unveiled at a special launch event at STEAM museum for businesses interested in sponsoring their own balloon dog sculpture.

Running from 15 July to 3 September 2023, the art trail will end with a grand farewell finale where all of the Swindog sculptures will be brought together under one roof.

The giant one-of-a-kind sculptures will then head off to their forever homes after being adopted at a special auction event to raise money for Julia’s House children’s hospice.

The Big Dog Art Trail is being brought to Swindon by Julia’s House and global public art producer, Wild in Art, which has previously hosted trails in cities across the UK and worldwide,

including the recent elephant parade in Worcester and cows in Cambridge.

Martin Edwards, CEO for Julia’s House, said: “We’re so excited to bring this bold and unique event to Swindon in 2023. It will give the local business community a huge boost and will attract a throng of visitors to see the super-sized Swindogs. We’re delighted to be supporting the thriving art scene in the town and encouraging families to explore their local area.”

“The balloon dog sculpture was the perfect match for Julia’s House, as art and play enable us to make fun and special memories for families, which is an important aspect of our care for the most seriously ill children in Swindon and throughout Wiltshire.”

Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of Wild in Art said, “We are delighted to be working with the team at Julia’s House on this exciting art trail which will bring a brand new Wild in Art sculpture to Swindon.”

“I have no doubt that the balloon dog will capture the imaginations of residents and visitors alike, while helping to raise vital funds for Julia’s House.

With your support we can create an event that will have significant impact during the summer of 2023.”

Swindon businesses are now being invited to sponsor their own Swindog and show their support for this positive community event. The Wiltshire-based specialist travel agency, Imagine Cruising, was the first company to sponsor a Swindog sculpture.

Imagine Cruising CEO, Robin Deller, said, “I know I speak for the whole Imagine Cruising team when I say that we are continually humbled by the care and support that Julia’s House provides to local children and their families. Their tireless work provides hope and a little happiness for families in unthinkable situations, and we are very proud to sponsor them. We’re so excited to be a part of this brand-new initiative coming to Swindon in 2023.”

Councillor Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for culture, heritage, leisure and town centre experience, said, “We are fortunate in Swindon to have a fantastic arts and cultural scene where we are proud of our creativity. So when the organisers of the Big Dog Art Trail chose Swindon to host their eight-week arts extravaganza, they chose the perfect place to unleash their creations.”

“I personally cannot wait to see all the fabulous designs on the Swindogs as part of the trail next summer and I am sure it will prove to be a big draw for families and visitors to our town centre, promoting civic pride and providing an important boost to our local economy.”

Find out more at: bigdogarttrail.co.uk

Photography: Simon Ward Photography

23 | ISSUE No.11

PROPERTY NEWS

HOW BUYERS CAN NAVIGATE THE CURRENT PROPERTY MARKET MOVEABLE CREATES A DEFINITIVE FIVE-STEP GUIDE FOR HOMEBUYERS STRUGGLING TO KEEP UP WITH CHANGING HOUSING TRENDS.

A severe imbalance between supply and demand has driven house prices to the highest levels in almost two decades.

Alongside this, soaring inflation, a record-breaking living squeeze, an energy crisis, and the repercussions of last year's Stamp Duty Holiday have

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resulted in a 'boom or bust' rhetoric, further emphasised by contradictory advice from experts all across Britain.

Earlier this month, house prices increased for the seventh consecutive time, while interest rates went up for the fifth time in June – and are expected to continue rising in the coming months.

In one of the toughest socio-economic periods and markets of British modern history, property concierge platform, Moveable, has created the definitive guide to help struggling buyers navigate the peaks and troughs of the ever-changing trends of the UK's housing market.

wigwampropertynews.co.uk

PROPERTY NEWS

How to beat the competition As a buyer in today’s market, competition is one of the main factors holding back prospective buyers from securing a home.

Because of this, demonstrating how prepared you are when looking to buy a property, and being 'contract ready', will always be an attractive feature for sellers.

If you can approach the seller and validate that you have everything prepared – like having your mortgage agreed, conveyancer lined up, and if you’re selling a property, have that organised – it can make you a more attractive buyer.

Some sellers won’t mind knocking the price down if buyers come in being contractready. Many people are looking to sell their property as quickly as possible due to various financial reasons – especially in the current economic climate – so if you have everything ready, it may result in the option to negotiate a lower price.

A guide to conveyancing Research from The Law Society reveals that over a third of home-movers have limited knowledge when it comes to conveyancing, while one-in-four homebuyers are willing to pay more for a faster conveyancing experience due to lengthy delays. With a severe backlog within the process – fuelled by last year's stamp duty rush – homebuyers are still facing significant delays in this area.

It is important to ensure that you're wellprepared for this process - make sure you have money on account (around £400) before the conveyancing process begins, have proof of ID ready, check and provide your source of funds, remain proactive and communicate with your conveyancer, and don't forget to apply for buildings insurance.

Many home-movers lack the knowledge around conveyancing; therefore, being as prepared as possible could assist with shortening delays in this area.

Keep your eye out for regeneration projects When looking for an area to buy in, be wary of any regeneration projects that are going on as houses in these parts of the

country enjoy almost 5% above the average price growth. This means that your home will likely grow in value after purchasing which could provide you with some muchneeded spending power when moving to your next and potentially bigger property.

This also represents a significant opportunity for any budding developers who are looking to flip their first home for a profit.

Proprietary research from Moveable shows that a staggering 24% of millennials are looking to buy a home to develop, rather to live in, highlighting the desire amongst young Brits to capitalise on booming prices.

Shared property ownership Surging house prices and the turbulent nature of the housing market have noticeably shifted societal connotations when it comes to owning a property. As a result, fractional ownership amongst friends and family is serving as an innovative way of stepping onto the property ladder without breaking the bank.

A study from Moveable found that over 1-in-10 Brits are buying a home together with their friends, siblings or family members, while a further 36% of millennials are waiting to get into a partnership/ marriage before purchasing their first home – because they simply can't afford it on their own.

Owning a property as beneficial joint tenants means that the property belongs to both owners jointly. The tenants must act together as a single owner for all transactions, including re-mortgaging and selling. As joint tenants, the owners do not own specific shares in the property and do not have the ability to give away a share of the home in a will. If either owner passes away, their interest in the property passes automatically to the other party.

Remortgaging to release equity A new study from Moveable has found that 1-in-5 millennials are looking to re-mortgage their home in order to buy a second one. Rising house prices are welcome news for those looking to remortgage as their loan to value (LTV) percentage decreases, meaning they can get a much more competitive deal than the one they were previously on.

The number of borrowers using another stream of property income to pay off their mortgage almost doubled from 20% in 2020 to 38% last year, and those using it to pay off unsecured debt remained steady at around 27%. These trends were largely driven by the significant rise in the number of people releasing equity to not only lock in better interest rates, but also to access a larger pool of capital and secure a second property.

Simon Bath, property expert and CEO of iPlace Global, the creators of Moveable, discusses how homebuyers can weight the odds in their favour amidst rising prices: “Prospective buyers must take the time to understand the different aspects of the property market in order to secure a home given the current climate. Having all your ducks in a row will ultimately save you from overpaying by thousands, gain a significant advantage over your competitors, and prevent any delays that may occur.”

“Sellers will often choose a buyer that is ‘contract ready’, over and above someone who isn’t but is offering a higher purchase price. People should also ensure they’re on the lookout for up-and-coming areas, as this could provide an affordable purchase and mean your house significantly grows in value in the ensuing years.” moveable.uk

You can also own the property as tenants in common, meaning that the property belongs to the owners jointly, but each owner also owns a specific share of its value. An owner can give away, sell, or mortgage their share, and if an owner dies, their share of the property passes to the beneficiary in their will.

25 | ISSUE No.11

PROPERTY NEWS

JUST THREE MONTHS LEFT TO APPLY FOR THE HELP TO BUY SCHEME AS THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS DEEPENS, FIRST-TIME BUYERS HAVE NO TIME TO WASTE. Would-be homeowners have just three months left to apply for the government’s Help to Buy scheme in order to make the deadline on October 31st.

With the clock ticking, the mortgage experts at money.co.uk have put together a guide explaining what prospective homeowners need to do to apply for the scheme, alongside a number of their top tips and tricks when it comes to saving for a mortgage.

Claire Flynn, mortgages expert at money. co.uk said: “The Help to Buy scheme is an equity loan intended to help first-time buyers purchase their first home. Successful applicants can borrow up to 20% of their property’s purchase price, interest-free for five years, rising to 40% for Londoners.”

Applicants must be: • • •

18 or over A first-time buyer Able to afford the fees and interest payments

“It’s also worth noting that if you’re planning on living with a partner, regardless of your marital status, you must make a joint application.”

“The next step is to check if your property is eligible. Your property must be a new-build, must not have previously been lived in, and needs to be sold by a registered Help to Buy homebuilder.”

“There is also a maximum property purchase limit, which depends on your location.”

“The government recently announced that the scheme will be ending in March 2023, meaning first-time buyers only have until 6pm on October 31st to reserve a property and submit their application.”

“You should also be aware that you will still need to make repayments on your equity loan once you’ve made your purchase.

Plus, after the initial five years you will start paying interest.”

“Given the cost of living crisis and stretched finances for many, this could be seen as worrying news. However, if you start your application now you can still make the deadline.”

“Once you’re confident in these steps, you need to contact your local Help to Buy agent.”

“When applying, the first thing you need to do is check eligibility for the scheme.

26 | ISSUE No.11

“While the Help to Buy scheme can be a great way to reduce the pressure of your mortgage, you will still need to put down at least a 5% deposit on your property.

Luckily, there are a few quick tricks you can do to help boost your deposit savings.”

“When it comes to saving for a deposit, keep your savings in a separate account.

The right account can boost your deposit fund because it will pay more interest if it has a higher rate.”

“Options include regular savings accounts, which often have some of the highest interest rates as long as you pay in a set amount each month, and fixed rate savings accounts, which guarantee their interest rates for a period of three months to seven years.”

“Next, you need to work out how much you need to save in order to get on the ladder. A 10% deposit will give you a wide choice of mortgage providers, whereas a 5% mortgage means you can put down less money up front, but that the interest rate will be higher.”

“Remember, when you’re saving to buy a property, your deposit isn’t the only large expense. Legal fees, mortgage fees, the cost of furnishing your home and more can add thousands on to the real-world cost of your property, so make sure you have some extra cash put aside beyond your deposit.”

“To compare a range of mortgages from different providers, visit money.co.uk/ mortgages.”

wigwampropertynews.co.uk

VISIT SWINDON

KIDS CAN ENJOY SWINDON’S STEAM MUSEUM FOR JUST £1 THIS SUMMER TICKETS INCLUDE ENTRANCE TO THREE EXHIBITIONS AND THE CHANCE TO MEET FORMER RAILWAY WORKERS. The discount at the Swindon Borough Council-owned museum is now available and will mean that up to four children (aged three to fifteen) can visit STEAM for just £1 each when accompanied by a full-paying adult.

To claim the discount, visitors must book a timed slot in advance through the STEAM Museum website. Simply select the required number of adult and child tickets and enter the discount code ‘K4Q22’ at the checkout.

The offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer or promotion including the purchase of family tickets.

Tickets are now available to book online all the way up to Sunday, 4th September.

Visitors to Swindon’s award-winning museum can view three new special exhibitions exploring the story of modernisation on the Great Western Railway. ‘High Voltage’ illuminates the story behind the electrification of the Western network; ‘The Diesel Decades’ looks at the early diesel experiments by various railway companies; and ‘Changing Trains’ explores the series of events that led to the end of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Broad Gauge system.

Families are also invited to take part in educational STEM workshops on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout August. Children can learn about Morse code, semaphore signals and the art of deciphering secret messages. In a separate session, budding civil engineers and designers will have the opportunity to build bridges using Polydron construction materials. Sessions last 30 minutes and cost £3.50 per person, in addition to STEAM admission.

What’s more, STEAM’s fortnightly Meet the Railway Workers experience is back!

Hosted by the museum’s friendly and knowledgeable volunteers, this activity offers visitors the chance to enjoy guided tours of STEAM and climb aboard iconic Swindonbuilt locomotives, including: No. 3717 City of Truro, No. 6000 King George V and No. 2818! Get involved on 20th August, or 3rd September.

experiences for everyone to take part in at STEAM this summer, from museum trails, to guided tours by former railway workers and workshops covering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”

“These educational activities bring Swindon’s rich history to life and I would encourage all families to visit STEAM this summer.”

STEAM is open Monday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm, and on Sundays between 11am and 4pm. Last entry is one hour before closing time. steam-museum.org.uk

Councillor Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage, Leisure and Town Centre Experience, said: “We’re delighted to be running our Kids for a Quid offer once again over the school holidays. There is a whole host of engaging exhibitions and

27 | ISSUE No.11

PROPERTY NEWS

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BUYING A NEW-BUILD HOME? ANNIE BUTTON LOOKS AT THE ADVANTAGES OF CHOOSING A NEW PROPERTY. You can’t fail to have heard about the chronic under-supply of housing in England and the government’s target to commit to building 300,000 new homes a year as a way to address the problem.

Despite periodic media reports forecasting a housing market slowdown, demand continues to outstrip supply. After all, home ownership is what everyone aspires to and therefore new homes must be built.

According to the local press, Swindon is set

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to grow by a fifth, with 20,000 more homes due to be built by 2036.

Of course, the purchase of any property is a huge financial commitment that should be considered carefully by each individual buyer. With new residential developments popping up all over Swindon and the surrounding areas, the choice of new-build homes has never been greater. This is good news for buyers who can take advantage of the many benefits that a brand-new home can offer.

New-built homes are a popular choice for all property buyer demographics – from first-time buyers to growing families, downsizers and retirees, and not forgetting buy-to let-investors. There are plenty of different styles and sizes of homes available in the marketplace, and many are marketed with added financial incentives that can make a new-build a more attractive proposition than many a resale property.

wigwampropertynews.co.uk

PROPERTY NEWS

You’ll be the first person to live there One of the main advantages of buying a brand-new flat or house is that everything is pristine, new and unused, having had no previous owners or residents. Expect the property to have a modern layout and be freshly decorated in a pleasing, neutral interiors scheme, complete with modern new fixtures, fittings and the latest appliances. You may even have been offered a choice of options, additions and upgrades by the developer for things like kitchen fit-outs, bathroom tiles and sanitaryware, carpet or hard flooring and built-in storage.

It's good value for money There’s been some concern about off-plan sales and new-build properties being more expensive than comparable resale properties. However, what many pundits fail to mention is that savvy buyers are often able to negotiate some truly fabulous deals on top of the options and upgrades mentioned above.

Cash back offers, free holidays, additional white goods and even getting stamp duty paid are just some of the incentives offered by motivated developers to tempt prospective buyers into committing to the purchase. What’s more, at the luxury end of the property scale, amenities offered in the price could include in-house gym facilities, underground car parking, the latest home security features or 24/7 concierge services, all of which add to the value of the property.

Peace of mind is guaranteed New-build developments are typically sold with a 10-year new home warranty from providers such as NHBC (National House Building Council), LABC (Local Authority Building Control) and Premier Guarantee. These policies are designed to provide protection and peace of mind to property owners in case of faults with the building arising from poor workmanship or materials.

Many housebuilders also offer to put right any post-purchase snagging issues that might be encountered. Of course, a belt and braces approach is always best – homeowners should protect their investment with an independent property survey as a matter of course. The financial risks of not bothering with any kind of home survey are simply not worth taking.

Your new home is energy efficient Investing in a new build property means you will be getting a home that’s been built to the latest energy efficiency standards.

This includes double-glazed (or even triple-glazed) windows, high-quality home insulation, the latest central heating boiler model and other desirable sustainability features. All of this makes the building more environmentally responsible while reducing the cost of heating your home makes it more affordable to run.

The low energy consumption of a brandnew property not only decreases its carbon footprint but will make it a more valuable asset when you come to sell. As a rule, new homes tend to have higher EPC ratings than older properties, which can be a key selling point.

Good investment potential If you are considering investing in a house or flat in an up-and-coming location, a new-build property can be an excellent way to take advantage of the positive trend.

This applies to owner-occupiers looking for capital growth opportunities as much as property investors looking for long-term rental returns in addition to capital growth.

And if you buy off-plan in an area where property prices are rising, it is possible that you may be able to benefit from equity growth of your asset before you’ve even set foot across the threshold!

The new-build housing market is set to remain strong for the foreseeable future and purchasing a reliable, low-maintenance property can be an excellent investment.

Whether you are looking to get your first foot on the property ladder, upsizing or downsizing, or hoping to expand your portfolio, it is difficult to see how you can go wrong with a brand new property.

Your house will be a freehold property

Annie Button

Property in England and Wales is usually owned on a leasehold (flats and maisonettes) or freehold (houses) basis.

While freeholders own the building and the land it stands on, leaseholders merely own the right to occupy the property for the duration of the lease and are required to pay ground rent, service and other charges to their landlord.

Freelance Writer anniebutton.co.uk

Until 2020, it was possible to sell new-build houses as leasehold properties, a practice uncovered by the recent leasehold scandal along with many cases of onerous lease terms imposed on property owners. The good news is that the government has put a stop to this, meaning all new-build houses must now be sold as freehold properties.

29 | ISSUE No.11

ASK THE EXPERT

DEALING WITH DELAYS IN THE CONVEYANCING PROCESS www.optps.co.uk

30 | ISSUE No.11

wigwampropertynews.co.uk

OPTIMUM PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Buying or selling a home is a major undertaking in anyone’s book, and you’ll want to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. But conveyancing is complicated, and issues can arise that cause delays or even halt the process altogether.

To help you steer a smooth path through the move, here are some of the most common problems, and how you might be able to overcome them.

One frequent cause of delay is a misunderstanding of the conveyancing process. Many people think they should engage a lawyer only once an offer has been accepted on a property. However, this can slow the process. It’s far better to find a lawyer early on in house-hunting, so they can get things moving.

Gazumping – where you have an offer accepted, only to discover another buyer has jumped in afterwards and made a higher offer, which has also been accepted – is an issue. Many believe gazumping should be made illegal.

To try to avoid this happening to you, ask the seller’s estate agent to take the property off the market, and (ideally) remove it from their listings. If you are gazumped, you could consider matching the higher offer.

Stay in contact with the estate agents throughout the process.

You should find out whether there is a chain. Is the seller moving somewhere as well? Have they made an offer?

The property chain you are in has a big influence on the length of the conveyancing process. You may be ready to go, but buyers and sellers elsewhere in the chain may be a way off that stage. It takes just one buyer to pull out, and the whole process is slowed or can even collapse.

Buyer and seller not seeing eye-to-eye can also slow the process. Lawyers for both sides will liaise to agree certain aspects, such as what contents the seller might be prepared to leave (such as white goods, curtains etc) but these are ultimately a decision that the buyer and seller need to make, as is the completion date.

Agreeing a date for completion can often cause tension. Speak to the agents early in the process to see if there is a chain, and whether people are expecting to move during school holidays.

You may need to be flexible, particularly if there is a long chain.

Make sure your paperwork is in order. Conveyancing creates a great deal of paperwork so ensure you complete everything correctly, and provide necessary information as soon as possible.

Arrange a mortgage valuation and (if you’re having one) a survey as soon as possible. Lenders and surveyors can take a while to book a valuation or survey into their schedule, so the more notice you can give, the better. Keep your lender updated, so they can arrange a valuation as quickly as possible; begin arranging the survey with an RICS certified surveyor as soon as you have an offer accepted on a house.

A survey may reveal issues with the property, anything from subsidence risk to rising damp. This may well cause a delay which is hard to plan for. You might consider reducing your offer, to account for the remedial work which will need to be done once you move in, and this should help overcome this delay.

If you have Agreement in Principle from your mortgage lender, there will be an expiry date (many are valid for 90 days, and others for up to six months). If the conveyancing process is moving slowly, with a risk that the Agreement in Principle will expire before completion, talk to your conveyancing lawyer about expected time frames and consider taking steps to secure a new Agreement in Principle.

Local searches, conducted by the local authority, can often cause a delay, particularly if there is a backlog.

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about this.

However, it does make sense to engage the services of a local lawyer, who will have first-hand knowledge of how long the local authority takes to complete searches.

In reality, the answer to any delay is to be patient, and always keep in close contact with your lawyer, to find out how the process is going.

If you’d like help with buying or selling a property, please get in touch with Optimum Professional Services. optps.co.uk

Tara Screen

Karen Gleed

Chartered Legal Executive tscreen@optps.co.uk

Conveyancing Executive kgleed@optps.co.uk

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ASK THE EXPERT

WHAT SEARCHES WILL YOU NEED WHEN BUYING A PROPERTY? AWDRY BAILEY & DOUGLAS SOLICITORS EXPLAIN...

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wigwampropertynews.co.uk

AWDRY BAILEY & DOUGLAS

• •

The purpose of a conveyancer is to ensure that when buying a property, you as the buyer are not going to be taking on any unexpected legal problems which could affect your use or ownership of the property, or which could cause problems when you come to sell it.

2. Environmental Searches. The searches will include: • • •

To enable your conveyancer to provide you with the necessary legal information, they will need to carry out a number of ‘searches’ on the property you are looking to purchase.

• •

What are searches?

Searches are a crucial part of the property buying process.

Essentially, searches are enquiries your conveyancer makes to identify any potential problems with the property you are planning to buy. They are designed to protect the buyer from discovering serious issues with the property they are buying; at the point it is too late.

• • •

Searches are highly important as they provide essential information about the property you are buying and the local area. They can be the difference in the buyer deciding to proceed with the purchase, negotiate on price or even abort the transaction.

•

For example, if the house currently looks out on to beautiful countryside views but a planning application for a block of apartments has been proposed, a Planning Search would discover this. However, a Planning Search is not part of the standard searches, you would need to expressly ask your conveyancer to order a Planning Search.

• • • • •

We provide conveyancing services which prioritise communication at each stage. We will complete your searches, review them, and provide you with a detailed report of our findings which will include any potential issues with the property you are looking to purchase.

The three main searches we will carry out are: 1. Local Authority Searches. The searches will include: Are there any Planning Permissions or Building Regulations Approvals for the property?

Is the property located in a conservation area?

Is the property a listed building?

What is the planning history of the property?

Are there any pending planning decisions on the property?

Are there any environmental issues, such as the property being on contaminated land?

Ellie Mewse

Residential and commercial planning applications – specific house extensions and larger scale projects Detailed planning project descriptions Primary and secondary school league tables in the local area Large location maps with data overlays We will also alert you to any additional searches that we deem necessary to carry out on your property.

How can we help?

What searches will my conveyancer carry out?

Debbie Jennings

Drainage issues and distance/connections to sewers Connection to main water supply which would affect quality of drinking water and water pressure Searches about who is responsible for the sewerage and water services for the property Confirmation of whether a public sewer or drain runs through the property – if they do, you will not be able to build over or within 3 metres of such pipe

We can also provide you with a planning search.

The searches will include:

Without searches, your mortgage lender (if obtaining a mortgage) will not release the funds and you will not be able to move forward with your purchase. In theory, cash buyers could purchase their property without searches, but this is highly risky and therefore not recommended.

• • • • •

Risks of flooding Contaminated land – including landfill sites Risk of ground subsidence and factors such as soil type and trees close to the property Existing or proposed energy site Whether the property is at risk from Radon

3. Water and drainage searches.

The searches will include:

Why are they so important?

•

Does the property abut a public highway?

Have any planning enforcement notices been served on the property?

When it comes to moving home, time is often of the essence and a good conveyancer can make all the difference.

Our dedicated team of conveyancing lawyers in Swindon always focus on three things: working promptly, being proactive and keeping in touch with you every step of the way.

Get in touch today and we’ll get moving – call 01793 384140, email info@awdrys.co.uk or visit awdrys.co.uk

Hannah Davidson

Jas Chahal

Matthew Brewer

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ASK THE EXPERT

HOME FINDERS ARE THRIVING AGAIN AS SWINDON’S LEADING INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENT AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT EXPERTS FRIENDLY TEAM BOASTS DECADES OF EXPERIENCE WORKING IN THE SWINDON PROPERTY MARKET.

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wigwampropertynews.co.uk

SWINDON HOME FINDERS

After several years working under the umbrella of a larger estate agency chain, the multiskilled team at Home Finders is enjoying life as an independent agency again and is happy to report that its landlords and sellers in Swindon are loving what they do for them.

What Home Finders do best is match the perfect tenants with the perfect property in Swindon, and as they say, a happy tenant makes for a happy landlord.

Some of its landlords choose Home Finders to find suitable tenants before taking on the property management tasks themselves, but a high number of landlords – whether professional landlords with a portfolio of properties or landlords with one or two properties – prefer to put the property management into their hands.

Home Finders Property Management team make owning an investment property in Swindon a stress-free experience. They handle every last detail of property management, including references, maintenance, property inspections, rent insurance and legal compliance. All landlords have to do is sit back and watch the rent go into their bank account every month.

There is currently a very high demand for lettings properties in Swindon and the surrounding area. Home Finders have quality tenants looking for flats and apartments to rent and quality tenants looking for family houses.

Demand is high for rental properties in every neighbourhood in Swindon, from established neighbourhoods like the town centre, Old Town, Rodbourne, Ferndale, Gorse Hill, Dorcan and Covingham to newer neighbourhoods like Wichelstowe, Canalside, Tadpole Garden Village, Redhouse and Taw Hill.

Do you have a property to let in Swindon or the surrounding area? Why not speak to Home Finders today? Staffed by Swindon’s most experienced lettings professionals, they can tell you what kind of rent you can achieve for your property in the current market.

Home Finders works for the landlord of a property to find a suitable tenant. They will draft property particulars, market the property, conduct viewings and deal with the formalities of referencing and drafting the tenancy agreement. As mentioned, they can also manage the property for the landlord, handling all the complicated legislative matters and any maintenance issues.

Are you thinking of investing in a buy-to-let property? Decades of experience in the lettings sector in Swindon means Home Finders know what kind of property and what areas will secure you the best rental yield on buy-to-let properties.

They also understand that no two landlords in Swindon are the same. From experienced portfolio investor landlords to those who are looking to let their family home, they take the time to get to know each of their landlords and their specific needs, and work together with them to ensure their properties are let and managed in the way that suits them best.

For Swindon landlords who do not currently let their properties with Home Finders, its lettings professionals can also provide a full compliance review of their property and any existing tenancies.

Looking to sell a property in Swindon? Home Finders’ sales team are equally experienced.

They will carry out an initial appraisal of your property, taking into account local and wider market trends, similar properties on the market and recent sales in your area, as well as the design, size and appearance of the property. They will also make recommendations that may help maximise your property’s appeal.

To ensure your property is marketed to its very best potential, Home Finders will ensure high quality copywriting and marketing and can offer professional property photography, videos, floorplans, 3D images and drone photography.

Your property will appear on all of the major property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla and Wigwam as well as additional digital advertising (including Home Finders’ busy social media outlets). They also understand the core values of old school estate agency, and so also drop cards, leaflets and property brochures, and will also ensure your property is advertised to its extensive database of clients and property investors.

Whilst most of Home Finders properties are in and around Swindon itself, they do also cover villages and the surrounding areas.

The team at Home Finders love everything that living in and around Swindon brings, and they know the best schools, local transport links, parks, fantastic restaurants and bars. They also have extensive links with local companies and businesses. They use all this knowledge to ensure your property is marketed to the widest possible audience.

Thinking of selling your home? Book a FREE valuation today.

Home Finders’ team of local property experts have decades of experience selling homes in Swindon.

If you have any questions related to lettings, property management or sales please call 01793 299135.

Sue Gidney

Susan Leeburn

Managing Director sue@swindonhomefinders.com

Director of Sales susan.leeburn@swindonhomefinders.com

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PROPERTY NEWS

MAKE SOME EXTRA CASH THIS SUMMER - AIRBNB YOUR HOME! YOU COULD TOP UP YOUR INCOME BY WELCOMING PAYING GUESTS INTO YOUR HOME. The increased cost of living is causing many to consider how best to save or earn money. With the rise in enquiries, online estate agent sold. co.uk looked at how easy it is to turn your home into a hotel of sorts.

Renting a room to holidaymakers You may not have a second house but you may well have a spare room! Giving people the chance to rent out a room is a win-win.

For you, there is the extra income, and for the guest, a cheaper stay than a hotel. As long as you are not renting the property yourself, you could be golden.

To generate interest, location is important.

If you live in an area that opens up great options for tourists, all you need to do is make your price point right and you are halfway there! Just remember, you need to keep on top of the housekeeping more than usual when hosting. The first impression is the lasting one and will help hugely with positive reviews.

However, if it is yours, check your mortgage terms.

a thing. If you earn more, just complete a tax return.

There are some mortgage lenders that say no, there are others that review on a caseby-case basis. Those that do say yes will often state it can only be for a set number of weeks per year. You may also have a fee to pay!

Alternatively, you can leave the scheme alone and just complete a tax return anyway and record all income and expenditure.

You can earn more this way than through the rent-a-room scheme but because the deductible expenses are varied, it is worth checking gov.uk/renting-out-a-property/ paying-tax.

Will it affect my house insurance?

You may have been told that you can indeed rent out your home, or room.

Before drawing up ads to go on Airbnb and adding up the possible income, check your insurance policy. Letting strangers into your house could invalidate your insurance especially if the provider is not aware of your intentions.

Many companies will not allow you to rent out a room or your house. Having unknown people in your home makes your house more susceptible to damage or theft. You can seek out different policies or may have to find a new provider altogether.

Renting your home to holidaymakers Maybe you own more than one home but currently have one empty. Could you benefit from letting it out for short term visits?

As with letting out rooms, if your house is rented, you will be unlikely to be in a position to let travellers stop over.

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How much can I earn?

You could always take advantage of the government rent-a-room scheme. This means you can earn £7500 letting out a room or property before having to pay any tax. If you earn less, you don't need to do

To get the best earnings, look at your location and compare prices to hotels. If your area has seasonal peaks, factor them in. Don't go too low, you'll lose some great revenue. Don't go too high, you'll price yourself out!

What about health and safety rules?

Fire safety means a risk assessment is needed as well as marked fire escape routes. Your local fire service can help you with the risk assessment.

In addition check your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is in date and that the heating is working. Nobody likes a cold room or cold bath! sold.co.uk

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You can find us at 2 Gateway North, Latham Road, Swindon SN25 4DL T: 01793 384140 E: familylaw@awdrys.co.uk 37 | ISSUE No.11 Chippenham | Devizes | Marlborough | Royal Wootton Bassett | Swindon

PROPERTY NEWS

THE FIRST-TIME BUYER CHEAT SHEET HERE'S THE HEADS-UP ON CHAINS, CONVEYANCING, GAZUMPING AND MUCH MORE. 38 | ISSUE No.11

Looking to buy your first home can be a daunting prospect, especially when it comes to working out how the buying process works, the various hoops that need jumping through, and the complex terminology used by professionals.

In an attempt to help first-timers overcome this disadvantage, Stipendium, the platform that simplifies life’s complex events, has produced a comprehensive, jargon-busting guide to the buying process to add transparency to the complex language and discourse used by property professionals.

Previous research from Stipendium revealed that 66% of those to have purchased a home in the last six months were unaware of how the actual process worked. Because of this, 72% think property should become part of the national curriculum in order for people to have a better understanding of how the buying process works when the time comes for them to step onto the ladder.

Sadly, that’s not going to happen any time soon, so Stipendium has created a cheat sheet to help first-time buyers get ahead of the game.

wigwampropertynews.co.uk

PROPERTY NEWS

LTV - loan to value

Conveyancing

LTV, or loan to value, is part of mortgage jargon. It’s basically a percentage figure that measures the proportion of your property that is mortgaged and the amount that has already been paid for with the deposit. For example, a £100,000 deposit on a £200,000 home would be 50% LTV.

There are a lot of legal processes involved when buying a home. The process of completing them all is called conveyancing and is essential.

The work is done by specialist property solicitors often called conveyancers.

Ground rent

Some first-time buyers presume LTV means ‘long term value’ and that the percentage figure refers to how much the value of the property will increase over time. Sadly, this isn’t the case.

Exchange Exchange refers to the moment when contracts are signed and both parties are legally bound to the sale. It is not, as many people believe, referring to the exchange of house keys on moving day.

Buildings insurance Buildings insurance is different to home insurance. While home insurance covers everything inside the home, buildings insurance covers the physical structure itself.

If the house burns down, for example, it’s buildings insurance that will help you rebuild it. It’s best to organise buildings insurance to kick in at the point you exchange contracts because that’s when you become liable for the property.

(Mortgage) Agreement in principle A mortgage agreement in principle is basically confirmation from the mortgage provider that they are willing to lend to you.

You can show this to a seller as proof that you can afford to buy their house.

You will still have to get your final mortgage approved, but this should be a fast process having already been accepted in principle.

Chain When a homebuyer needs to sell their existing home in order to fund the purchase of a new home, it creates a chain where each sale is dependent on another sale.

First-time buyers won’t contribute to the chain because they don’t need to sell a home to be able to afford a new home, but they can still get caught in a chain.

If you’re buying a leasehold property (very common with flats), ground rent is a fee you’ll have to pay to the freeholder who is often the building owner.

Gazumping When a new buyer swoops in to trump an existing offer that the seller has already accepted from another buyer, it is called gazumping and it happens all the time!

Deeds The legal paperwork which states who owns a property.

Disbursements When you hire a conveyancer, they’ll give you a quote for how much their services will cost. However, it’s very likely that you’ll also have to give them extra money now and then to complete vital parts of the conveyancing process. These are called disbursements and are completely normal, but you should make sure your conveyancer outlines how much they’ll cost at the beginning of your relationship.

Christina Melling, CEO of Stipendium, comments: “First-time buyers are always dropped in at the deep end. But more so today than ever before. The housing market has been so busy and competitive since the pandemic that first-timers can easily feel overwhelmed and frustrated, pushed and pulled in every direction by various property professionals, sellers, and rival buyers.”

“However, a little knowledge can be a powerful thing and simply understanding the sometimes confusing industry terms that are frequently used is a massive help.”

“We really believe that people should be given a basic education in property from a young age, but this isn’t likely to happen any time soon. That’s why Stipendium was created - we help to simplify the process, clearly explain the most intricate parts, and connect you with professionals who are going to support you as you navigate your way towards your first ever purchase.” stipendium.io

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) This is a tax paid when you buy a property.

The amount depends on the value of the property. As a first-time buyer, however, you don’t have to pay SDLT unless you’re buying a home worth more than £500,000.

Surveys Property surveys are vital. They tell you everything you need to know about the structural state of the property. Is there damp in the property? Is the roof safe?

Are there any planning restrictions in place which will stop you being able to extend the property? And so on. Your conveyancer should oversee organising surveys for you.

39 | ISSUE No.11

BLOCKBUSTER EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN SWINDON Festivals aside, summer can be a quiet time on the entertainment scene, but looking ahead there is plenty to look forward to in Swindon.

If Shakespeare gets you excited then Midsummer Night’s Dream should entice you to Theatre At The Bowl at Swindon’s Town Gardens on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th August.

As the King and Queen of the Fairy Kingdom become entwined with the human world, a night of madness, mayhem, magic, love and hilarity ensues (don't forget the donkey!). After all, the course of true love never did run smooth.

This new, ambitious production for summer 2022, with live music, stunning design and theatrical magic, promises to delight audiences with Shakespeare's most comic and celebrated fairy tale.

Another much-loved classic coming to Swindon is Jane Eyre at the Swindon Arts Centre on Friday 19th August.

Heartbreak is delighted to present this original adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic. Follow our favourite Victorian heroine through her many ordeals, using the backdrop of a carnival, as she escapes from her aunt’s house, her school, the fire, the moors, and finally finds safety with her true love, Mr Rochester.

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Music at the Bowl at Swindon’s Town Gardens is also back and Abba fans will be overjoyed at the return of the renowned tribute group 21st Century ABBA on Monday 29th August.

The band faithfully recreates all the greatest hits of one of the world's most famous groups, combining stunning vocals, live musicians, and glittering costumes.

This will be an evening of hit after hit with songs you know and love from Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Take a Chance on Me, Super Trouper to many, many more!

Another perennial favourite returning to Swindon is the Sausage & Ale Trail 2022 taking part on Wood Street in Old Town on Sunday 4th September.

The outdoor food and drink festival will once again be packed with local traders selling BBQ based local and international delicacies, as well as several stalls for the sweeter tooth, activities for the kids and live music. For the adults, there will be multiple ales on tap, gin, prosecco and cocktails!

gifts. A considerable number of local and national heritage railway organisations will also attend the event.

When it comes to power pop, XTC are definitely Swindon’s finest, and the XTC Convention 2022 at STEAM on Friday 16th September- Sunday 18th September will pay tribute to the cult band.

Originally planned for 2020 and postponed due to the pandemic, it builds upon the exuberant virtual conventions of 2020 and 2021, and will be the first in-person XTC Convention since 2017.

To join in the buzz leading up to the event and for further information on the live music line-up, visit the XTC Convention 2022 Facebook group.

For more details on all these events including ticket information go to visitswindon.org.uk

The Swindon Railway Festival takes place at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway on Saturday 10th and Sunday, 11th September 2022.

Exhibitors at the show include trade stands selling model railway locomotives, kits and accessories, tools, plus railway books and wigwampropertynews.co.uk

ARTS & CULTURE

21ST CENTURY ABBA

SAUSAGE & ALE TRAIL 2022

Music At The Bowl, Town Gardens

Wood Street, Old Town

29th August 2022

4th September 2022

Music at the Bowl at Swindon's Town Gardens is back.

Following on from last year's sell-out shows, this is an evening of hit after hit with songs you know and love from Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Take a Chance on Me, Super Trouper to many, many more!

The food and drink festival will once again be packed with local traders selling BBQ based local and international delicacies, as well as several stalls for the sweeter tooth, activities for the kids and live music. For the adults, there will be multiple ales on tap, gin, prosecco and cocktails!

musicatthebowl.co.uk

thisisoldtown.com

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

XTC CONVENTION 2022

Theatre At The Bowl, Town Gardens

STEAM Museum

9 September 2022

16th - 18th September 2022

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Award-winning theatre company, Calf2Cow, brings you the outdoor theatrical experience of the summer with a retelling of Kenneth Grahame's classic story: The Wind In The Willows. So let's all get out, have a laugh and enjoy the sun set as we dress up, and play you some folk rock tunes!

The XTC Convention 2022 is a not for profit gathering of XTC fans from around the world over 3 days, created by fellow fans. Originally planned for 2020 and postponed due to the pandemic, it builds upon the exuberant virtual Conventions of 2020 and 2021.

theatreatthebowl.co.uk

eventbrite.co.uk

Find out more about what's on in Swindon at visitswindon.org.uk/events

41 | ISSUE No.11

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