KBC Your Home Magazine

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INSIDE: How the new mortgage rules may affect you Will 2015 be the year you find your dream home?

Top mortgage advice Tips on how to improve your home in 2015 PLUS: The latest interior design trends

02 YOURHOME

February 22 2015

Contents 03

WHAT DO THE NEW MORTGAGE RULES MEAN FOR PROPERTY BUYERS? We profile the ins and outs of the Central Bank’s new lending rules

04

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME FROM A-Z Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or are looking to freshen up your current one, there are a range of things you can do. Need inspiration? Turn to page 4

06

YOUR PERFECT GARDEN Gardens are seen more and more as extensions of the home. Paul Doyle is one of Ireland’s leading garden designers and a multiple gold medal winner at Bloom.

He explains how to make the most of your outdoor space

07

MAXIMISE YOUR HOME’S POTENTIAL Not 100 per cent satisfied with your current house? You don’t always have to move away to find your ideal home

08

MOVING INTO A DREAM HOME “This house is exactly what we wanted”

10

SIZE ISN’T EVERYTHING! Space is at a premium around urban areas like Dublin or Cork. If you want to live close to a vibrant city you might have to compromise on space

A BeCreative Editorial Production www.becreative.ie EDITOR Mark Corcoran mark@becreative.ie CONTRIBUTORS Tara Leigh Eric Davidson ADVERTISING Rachael Taylor Fawsitt fawsitt@independent.ie, 01 7055241 DESIGN INM Design Studio, Belfast studio@production.ie REPRO Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Ltd, 27-32 Talbot Street, Dublin 1

Moving house in 9 easy steps Will 2015 be the ‘Year of the Move’ for you?

BUYING a new home is one of the most exciting things you can ever do, but it can also seem a bit overwhelming – especially if you are a first time buyer.

But don’t worry – by breaking down the process into manageable steps – your new home is within easier reach than you might think.

1

AFFORD

Before you can start thinking about a mortgage, you need to know exactly where you stand with your money. The easiest way to figure out what you can afford is simply to write down what money is coming in and what needs to be paid out.

It is important to evaluate all costs involved in buying a home, for example, mortgage costs, legal fees, registration of deeds and stamp duty. If you have calculated that you can afford to buy a property taking into account all of these costs, then you are ready to buy.

And, if you are hoping to sell your current house and move up the ladder, it’s important to remember that other fees may come into play. The two main costs of selling a house will be the auctioneer’s fees and the solicitor’s fees. It’s well worth paying for professional expertise and experience in these areas and this should avoid the potential for later hiccups in the process.

2

SEARCH

Once you have a good idea of how much you can afford, you can begin the property hunt. Property websites, auctioneers and estate agents are all great ways of finding properties for sale. Make a list of what’s most important to you and put your requirements in order as buying a home usually involves some sort of compromise.

Depending on the mover, criteria for the dream home can differ greatly. While first time buyers are likely to prioritise proximity to a city, town or certain amenities, growing families may be hoping to move closer to schools or open spaces.

3

If you are trying to sell a house that has a mortgage on it you will need to give authorisation to the solicitor to take up the title deeds from the lending institution in order to prepare the contract for sale. It is important to do this as early as possible to give the solicitor time.

5

SOLICITOR

Conveyancing is the legal work involved in buying or selling a property. So whether you are buying your first home or looking to sell to move up the ladder, you’ll need a solicitor to help you with this. The best way to find one? For starters it’s a good idea to get some personal recommendations – try asking some friends and family. Conveyancing charges can vary between solicitors, so it is worth contacting several solicitors to compare prices.

6

VALUATION

Before securing a mortgage, you will need to carry out a valuation. A valuation is designed to give you an idea of the property’s condition and value.

It’s also advisable to get a copy of the property’s Building Energy Rating (BER) survey from the estate agent. A BER will inform you how energy-efficient the home is. It will help you make an informed choice when comparing properties. It also offers guidance on steps that can be taken to improve the energy efficiency of a property. You may also want to conduct a structural survey. It is very thorough and will highlight any problems with the property – such as dry rot and damp. While a structural survey will add cost to the initial process of buying a house, it could save thousands down the line.

7

INSURANCE

It’s essential to have life assurance and buildings insurance in place before the mortgage is finalised. Keep in mind, the amount of buildings cover you choose is based on the ‘rebuilding’ cost and not on the value of your home.

OFFER

8

CONTRACTS

Once you have set your heart on a Provided there are no problems with property it is time to make an offer. the survey, the solicitors on both sides Remember though, the price the will draw up formal legally binding seller asks for is not always the one contracts for both you and the seller to sign. they finally accept. Your offer can On the day agreed by both parties the bank be lower than the asking price. will release the mortgage funds to your However, if there’s been a lot of solicitor who in turn will transfer them interest in your chosen property, to the seller’s solicitor. Congratulations, There are many costs to consider when it could be wise to make an offer the property is now yours! buying a new home including: closer to the asking price.

Solicitor’s fees: for the legal work involved in

DON’T FORGET

4

MORTGAGE

Very few people can buy a home without getting a mortgage. So, once you’ve found the property for you it’s time to organise your paperwork. For more information on the mortgage application process, see page 3.

9

MOVE! buying your new home.

While moving day is inevitably Stamp duty: a tax you pay when purchasing a very exciting, it can also property. be very stressful. Consider Valuation fees: what your mortgage lender enlisting the help of family and friends, charges to value your new home. or even the services of a removal Moving costs: don’t forget to put some company, particularly if you have a lot of money aside if you’ll need to hire a possessions. van or use a removal firm to bring your possessions to your new home.

February 22 2015

What do the new mortgage rules mean for property buyers?

We profile the ins and outs of the Central Bank’s new lending rules

T

he new mortgage rules have been introduced and they are not as rigid as the rumours were suggesting.

While the new rules may cause initial concern, the reality is, in the long-run it will actually cost you less to buy. This is because you are putting more equity in to your home. The simple fact is that the more equity you put in upfront the less interest you will have to pay overall, thus bringing down the overall cost of borrowing.

Below we take a look at what you need to know.

Getting on the property ladder

If you’re a first-time buyer and concerned about the new mortgage rules hindering your opportunities, the good news is that Central Bank has offered some relief for you. The reason is simply that a blanket 80 per cent loan-to-value limit would make it next to impossible for first time buyers to save enough for a deposit.

Alan Nolan, the second secretary general for the Department of Finance made the point that an 80 per cent loan-to-value limit would lead to a situation “where the only people who get on the property ladder are those who have parents who can give them a big lump sum”.

As a result a compromise was reached whereby banks will be able to lend 90 per cent to first-time buyers up to a value of €220,000.

Above that the 80 per cent limit will apply. That said, a clause has also been included that loans should not exceed 3.5 times income.

Moving up the property ladder

Those already on the property ladder looking to trade up because they’ve outgrown their current home will be restricted to borrowing 80 per cent of the property’s value. As with first-time buyers, loans will not be able to exceed 3.5 times the burrower’s income.

There are, however, restrictions. Those in negative equity, switching loans or restructuring mortgages in arrears will be appraised on a case-by-case basis.

Looking for a Mortgage?

If you are buying your first home, moving home or simply looking for a better deal on your current mortgage KBC has a mortgage package for you including: n 50% off KBC Home Insurance for year one* n Set a 2% discount with the KBC current account on any fixed or variable residential mortgage rate. n Competitive suite of New Business Fixed and Variable Mortgage Rates.

KBC also offer customers a range of flexible repayment mortgage options.

KBC Bank Ireland plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

If you would like to know more about this offer, including the conditions, visit www.kbc.ie or call 1800 51 52 53

YOURHOME 03

04 YOURHOME

February 22 2015

How to improve your home from A-Z W hether you’ve just moved into a new home or are looking to freshen up your current one, there are a range of things you can do. Need inspiration? Keep reading.

ART: There are so many options available

– from affordable prints to original art from student shows, or galleries, says Elaine McHale of home&interiors.

“Large art can really add a wow factor to a room whereas groups of pictures will create a more relaxed mood. Plus as you build up a collection, you’ll begin to get great enjoyment out of it.”

BLACK IS BACK: According to Elaine, it’s time to think of black

as a neutral.

“It’s grounding, reassuring and solid, while also being very stylish and modern. It’s very in vogue at the moment and works so well with a huge palette of colours. But remember, for black to work well on walls you need lots of light. It can look really fabulous in an open bright extension, adding immediate glamour and also sharpening the surrounding hues whether bright or muted.

“If you’re not brave enough to use it on walls, add it through furniture and accessories.”

COLOUR: “Painting your home is relatively inexpensive but has a big impact on the look and feel of your property,” says Gwen Kenny of Divine Design.

“To get an even bigger wow factor paint all the walls bar one. By just papering one feature wall with striking wallpaper you will immediately update that room. The good thing about painting or papering your home is that if you get tired of the pattern or the colour you can always change it.”

DRESS YOUR WINDOWS: Did you know that long and wide

curtains will make your windows appear larger in scale. When selecting colours, consider the look and feel of the entire room.

If you want a soft look choose one solid colour and keep to the colour tones already used in the room.

ENTRANCE: The hall is often the most overlooked space when

it comes to re-decorating, but it is also the one that visitors see most. That said, it can be a difficult space to get right because it is usually quite narrow. One thing halls have is ample wall space – so a photography gallery can work particularly well.

FRUGAL FIXES: Don’t let a tight budget hold back your home improvements. There’s a quick and thrifty fix for every room.

For example, Gwen recently added a patio door to a small cottage she was working on that cost next to nothing. “The door was bought on a second-hand website,” says Gwen. “It was a lovely, very good value, triple glazed door but we got it at a much reduced price because the owner had ordered it in the wrong size. So we took advantage of that. If you’re willing to shop around, and use a second-hand website, you can find amazing things that won’t bust the budget.”

GO GREEN: Plants can be used well to soften harder spaces.

Since corners tend to look sharp and unfinished, adding a plant is an ideal way to create drama.

HANDLES: Don’t have enough money to replace all of the

cabinets in your kitchen and bathroom? Change the handles.

This small change may be cheap but it has a big impact. A well finished handle can make your cabinet look more expensive. A top tip is to match the metal used in your light fixtures to your handles to tie the whole room together.

INTERIOR DESIGNER: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you

are considering making improvements to your home but don’t know where to start, consider enlisting the help of an interior designer. A consult with an interior designer early on can help you avoid making expensive mistakes.

JUNK: According to Elaine most people need to de-clutter. Her advice is to get stuck into it one day or room at a time.

“Too much clutter in our head or in our space is draining on our energy. A good clear out will make you feel more alive and in control. If you’re very organised you can turn your clutter into cash by selling it online on Amazon or DoneDeal or try Auctioneers like Buckley’s in Sandycove for bigger items.”

KITCHEN CABINETS: Are your current cabinets old and dingy?

Repainting them in a bright colour is a simple and cost-effective way of transforming their look.

LIGHTEN UP: If, due to the orientation of your house, your

home doesn’t receive much light, there are a number of things you can do. Gwen recommends utilising artificial light to make the room look bigger and brighter. “For example, if you have a very dark kitchen, you can hide fluorescent tubes on the top of units. This way they will be hidden from view but when the light bounces off the ceiling it will be reflected back down onto the room, giving the impression of natural light.”

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February 22 2015

IF YOU’RE NOT CONFIDENT, KEEP YOUR COLOUR PALETTE SIMPLE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE WORKING WITH A SMALL SPACE RUG: “Adding a rug with a pattern will make a real impact on a room,” says Elaine. “You will also be able to introduce an additional colour to the room but make sure to work this colour into the rest of the room.”

SLIP COVERS: They may have a bad rep but they are a great

way of changing your furniture’s look inexpensively. As they are easily removed, they allow you to have a sleek sophisticated look without worrying about spills.

THROW: Not only can they be functional on cold evenings but throws can add pattern and colour to any room. How do you use them? There are many ways but two favourites are to drape a thin throw over the arm of a neutral-coloured chair to add warmth or display a long throw across the end of the bed to add style and personality.

UNAFRAID: According to Elaine you shouldn’t be afraid to break the rules. “Follow your heart when it comes to decorating.

I recommend trying larger items in a small room. A small sofa in a small room can look boring, whereas large statement pieces add a wow factor. You could choose a statement rug, a huge canvas or an unusual cabinet. Have some fun!”

VISION: “You’ve heard it before but that’s only because it

makes sense. Plan, plan, plan,” says Elaine. “Look through some magazines, look up styles on the Internet, gather together some looks that you really love. Once you’ve done some research you’ll get a better idea of what you like and don’t like.”

WICKER BASKETS: The great thing about these stylish baskets is that they are multifunctional. Not only are they stylish but they can be used to store books, blankets and anything cluttering your home.

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL: Mirrors reflect rather than absorb light and as a result they can be used to make the most of the light in a room. You can open up dark rooms and corners with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. A good tip is to position the mirror on a wall opposite a window so that you can double the light that streams in and reflect the light deeper into the room.

NAVY: In both the fashion and interior design world, navies and indigos are on-trend at the moment. These hues are all about luxe and creating a rich depth in a room. For example, navy upholstered chairs give a dramatic edge to a clean, cream room.

OPEN PLAN: “An open floor plan can be a great way of making

your living area seem more spacious,” says Gwen. “But that’s not all, since in an open plan space many interior walls are reduced to half their size or removed entirely, natural light can reach further into your home making it seem brighter. For best effect choose the same finish for walls and floors throughout the house.”

PAINT: According to Elaine, in 2015 we will see fewer statement

X-FACTOR: To give your home the x -factor incorporate the colour of the year. “Marsala 18-1438 is the Pantone colour of the year so you will see a lot more of it in soft furnishings and accessories,” says Elaine. “It’s a brick colour and a change from the cooler greys and taupe’s.”

painted walls and a return to the more classic and simple decorating styles. “If you’re not confident, keep your colour palette simple, especially if you’re working with a small space.

Three to four colours are enough to make a space look really pulled together and sophisticated.

“My top tip is to never paint a dark room, with very little natural light, a bright colour. A very light colour in a dark room will only make it grey and lifeless.”

YOU: “Your home should be full of personal touches and mementoes of you, the people in your life and the places you’ve been,” says Elaine. “That includes photos, a vibrant dish from Morocco, a carved sculpture from Kenya or prints from your holidays. Once you start filling your home with things that make you smile and inspire you, you’ll really start to love it more and more.”

QUALITY: For many people furniture shopping is either based

great way to do this is to not go for the conventional matching table and chair set in the dining room or kitchen. The eye will instantly be drawn to the differences in furnishings.

on emotion or price. While liking a piece and staying within your budget is important, you also have to choose something that is going to last. For example not all wood is equal so make sure you buy a variety that is going to stand up to maintenance and the conditions of your home. Similarly, leather may be dearer than polyester varieties but it is also more durable.

ZANY: Lastly, don’t be afraid to be quirky and mix it up. A

For more great tips and advice contact Elaine McHale on 087 6102428, elaine@homeinteriors.ie or visit www.homeinteriors.ie Or Gwen Kenny on 087 6794147 or visit www.interiordesigner.ie

06 YOURHOME

February 22 2015

Your perfect garden Gardens are seen more and more as extensions of the home. Paul Doyle is one of Ireland’s leading garden designers and a multiple gold medal winner at Bloom.

He explains how to make the most of your outdoor space

A

ccording to Paul, no matter what kind of space you’re dealing with there’s always a way to turn your garden into a haven.

“Any open space that engages the senses by getting people out doors can only be viewed as a positive. Whether you have a city apartment balcony or rambling country garden, a well designed garden allows people to stamp their own personal style on an outdoor space and call it home.”

Below are Paul’s top 5 ways to make the most of your garden space, no matter the size and function

1. Get professional help

“Never underestimate the value of engaging a skilled professional. Whether it’s just for guidance, or a full-scale bespoke design service, an expert is key.

“The most important step in the process is for a homeowner to be clear in his or her own mind what he or she wishes to achieve from their garden and to ensure that it works to meet his or her lifestyle needs.”

2. For the family

When it comes to family time, the garden can be one of the most important parts of the home.

Paul is certain that fun should come first when it comes to kids.

“Children love layered interest in gardens.

This allows them to run through, past and under planting, not forgetting the fun of tree climbing!

“Larger play items like trampolines can be cleverly anchored in even the smallest garden, either through sinking them in the ground or part enclosing with an elegant hedge. Then, when the trampoline years have passed, the circular spaces can be transformed into a lovely enclosed patio or herb garden with a central water feature.”

3. All gardens, great…

When designing large gardens Paul says it’s crucial to embrace the use of scale.

“Think, act and plan big in larger spaces, while also creating the surprise of enclosed intimate spaces. Gardens that don’t reveal everything at once hold more interest.

“Bold block planting and confident repetition of key plants can work well. It is important not to forget to engage with the local surroundings through sympathetic planting schemes.”

aries with sight lines from boundary to boundary without the use of bulky shrubs, enhance the awareness of space.”

In this type of smaller space, the eyes are drawn to particular shrubs and plants.

4. And small…

5. For the less active

There are two schools of thought in the garden design community when it comes to smaller spaces, and Paul believes both can be beneficial.

“Large, textured and over sized foliage can be used to create an enclosing jungle feel, with deliberately clipped sight lines that generate curiosity and blur the recognition of boundaries.

“Equally, light layered planting on the bound-

As we get older, making the most of a garden space can become more difficult. However, that doesn’t mean you still can’t have a wonderful outdoor retreat.

“Raised beds offer the elderly the chance to garden without having to stoop to ground level,” says Paul. “The choice of plants available is also key.

These range from high maintenance herbaceous

plants that must be cut down annually, to more sedate yet equally colourful shrubs and seasonal bedding plants and bulbs that require little care.”

Paul also recommends Dwarf Tete-a-Tete daffodils and short Spring bulbs as they come back year after year with little maintenance.

“Moreover, increasingly convincing fake lawns are making an appearance. This is ideal for those who wish to decommission the lawnmower!”

For more information on Paul Doyle’s work, or to get some advice on getting the perfect garden visit www.pauldoyledesign.com

YOURHOME 07

February 22 2015

Maximise your home’s potential Not 100 per cent satisfied with your current house? You don’t always have to move away to find your ideal home

S

ometimes the best solution is to work with what you have got. But where to begin?

“Sit down and create a wish list of five or 10 realistic goals that you would like to achieve,” says Alan Burns, Director, Bright Design Architects.

Ask yourself; what do I want from my home? Is it a playful area for curious kids, a practical home for a busy lifestyle or perhaps a comfortable homestead to grow old in?

Brief

“As an architect, I will start by measuring the existing house. Looking very closely at my brief I will produce some sketches. These designs may include ways to maximise existing spaces or to extend and create new space. I will then sit down with the client and discuss the cost of the project. This is where the client’s budget comes in.”

When planning to undertake an extension on your home, it’s always important to factor both direct and indirect costs into your budget. Aside from the bricks and mortar, decorating your new space may come at a significant cost. Are you going to have to redecorate other rooms? Will you be upgrading the house’s insulation? There are many things to consider.

“It’s important to not overstretch your budget. However, I wouldn’t make an extension slightly smaller just because of money. If anything, I’d look at saving money short term on fittings and finishes. These can and will be changed in the future but you won’t be able to add another two square meters to an extension, for example. And the savings you would see at construction phase would be minimal.”

Light

When constructing his designs, Burns always takes natural light into consideration.

“Obviously it brings light and makes the place brighter, but sunlight can have a number of other positive effects on a home.

For example, you can save on your heating and electricity costs.

In winter, on a clear and bright day, if there is enough glazing in a south facing room, it will not need as much heat to keep warm as a north facing room of the same size. That can’t be underestimated.”

After you have created a wish list you will need to enlist the help of the right architect.

“Start by asking your friends to recommend an architect. You should also speak to past clients of that architect. You have to be very comfortable that you can work with that architect over a long

period of time. You won’t be dealing with them for just a few weeks during the design process, you could be dealing with them for a year and a half or even two years until the final snags are all complete.”

Planning

Burns says that Planning Permission comes up early in the conversation with every client. However, it is important to keep in mind that not every extension will require Planning Permission.

“It’s not quite as simple as the ‘40 square metre’ rule that everyone knows. But you can do a lot without Planning Permission, particularly if the house has not been extended before and the garden isn’t going to be reduced to less than 25 square metres.

“But I’d always say that if you are deciding between building a 39 square metre extension or a 45 square metre extension, I wouldn’t avoid the latter just because you want to steer clear of Planning Permission. The process will only last 12 weeks and usually goes very smoothly. Clients should also be aware of the Building Control Regulations and the additional responsibilities it places on them.

Again this shouldn’t put them off.”

Incentive

Burns describes the Home Renovation Incentive (HRI), which will run until 31 December 2015, as a “great success”. The Incentive provides an Income Tax credit at 13.5 per cent of qualifying expenditure on repair, renovation or improvement works carried out on a home. The works must cost a minimum of €4,405 (before VAT) per property, which will attract a credit of €595 per property. Where the cost of the works exceeds €30,000 (before VAT) per property, a maximum credit of €4,050 per property will apply. The credit is payable over the two years following the year in which the work is carried out and paid for.

For more information visit brightdesigns.ie

Doing a spot of home improvement?

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Terms and Conditions apply.

If you would like to know more about this offer, including the conditions, visit www.kbc.ie

08 YOURHOME

February 22 2015

Moving into a dream home “This house is exactly what we wanted”

P

urchasing a ‘dream home’ is one of those life accomplishments that tops nearly everyone’s bucket list. No matter if you are looking for a modernised urban loft or a sprawling suburban home, most of us hope to find an abode that feels like it was made specifically for our family.

And let’s face it, few things in life are as exciting as purchasing a new home. Especially if you are on the market for your first house.

Few people know this to be true more than Ciaran and Edyta Jozwiak McMullan, who moved into their new home in Rathcoole, Co Dublin on Christmas Eve! Both Ciaran and Edyta work in IT. Having met 12 years ago, they got married in 2010.

Soon afterwards they found themselves on the lookout for a location to settle as a family.

“I had bought an apartment towards the end of the boom times,” says Ciaran. “We had lived there for seven or eight years.

More space

“We are a young couple. We had gotten bored with living in an apartment. Simply put, we needed more space. We had been thinking about getting a house for about 18 months – two years. We started to think about our future.

We knew that we might want to start a family at some point. It became clear that it was the right time for us to start looking for somewhere that was better suited to our needs.”

As the McMullans started thinking more and more about moving into a house, they began to get increasingly serious with their preparations. Like anyone who is considering purchasing a new home, Ciaran and Edyta sat

down and carefully set out the criteria they were looking for from their new home.

“We started to get very serious about saving and putting money away. Initially we said that we would love to get a house that was a fixer upper – something that we could add value to, and that we could change and adapt to our requirements. After some time we gradually started to lean towards more modern houses which were better insulated and had nicer furnishings.”

When viewing potential properties to purchase it is common for house-hunters to ask themselves ‘how will I know that I have found the right one?’ Ciaran says he knew straight away.

“When we stumbled across the house we eventually went for – we fell in love with it. We thought it would be exactly what we would

YOURHOME 09

February 22 2015

SHORTLY AFTER WE STARTED THE MORTGAGE PROCESS, MY WIFE MOVED OVER TO KBC. I HAVE RECOMMENDED KBC TO SEVERAL OF MY COLLEAGUES AND THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT I WOULD RECOMMEND THEM AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH FRIENDS OF MINE, WHO ALSO HAVE MORTGAGES AND THEY TELL ME THAT THE RATE THAT WE GOT FROM KBC IS EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE doctoring to do to the branches but in the end it looked great.”

Happier

need and something that we could add value to. When we have finance available we can renovate, and when we don’t, there’s no need to do anything. It’s perfect!”

Ciaran says that the search process was stressful and tiring at times. “It was nervewracking waiting to find out if bids were successful or not. It was very frustrating when we were getting outbid for houses which subsequently went back on the market at a later stage.”

Dream

However, he says that KBC took the stress out of the buying process.“KBC were a dream to deal with. We were very lucky to work with them.

“I had used KBC before when I bought my apartment. And when myself and Edyta went to the KBC Hub on Baggot Street, we found the

staff a joy to deal with. They went through the process of buying a house with us step by step.

Dealing with KBC was so easy. Everything went smoothly. The staff were all extremely helpful to us and really made us feel at ease.

“When we received mortgage approval, they really helped us by extending it by an extra three months. We needed time to keep searching for potential homes and they gave us the support that we needed. In fact, that really helped us to close on the house in Rathcoole.

We could not have had a better experience with a bank.”

Recommend

Ciaran says that both he and his wife have and would recommend KBC to their friends and relatives.

“Shortly after we started the mortgage

process, my wife moved over to KBC. I have recommended KBC to several of my colleagues and there is no doubt that I would recommend them again in the future. I have spoken with friends of mine, who also have mortgages and they tell me that the rate that we got from KBC is extremely competitive. I really can’t fault them.”

The McMullans moved into their new home just in time for Christmas. Ciaran says it was a very exciting time and that it will certainly be a Christmas they will always remember.

“It was definitely very hectic trying to get everything ready before Christmas,” he says. “My wife is Polish and in Poland they celebrate on Christmas Eve. We wanted to have everything perfect for the celebrations. Believe it or not we ran out to the village and bought the only tree that was left! We had a bit of

Ciaran says that he feels very lucky. He and his wife could not be any happier in their new home.

“Of all the houses that we looked at this one suits us the best. It’s perfect for what we need and where we are in our lives at the moment.

It’s exactly what we wanted.

“Rathcoole is the ideal destination for us. It is a very nice town and we couldn’t be happier with the neighbours. And the new flyover at Newlands Cross has made a big difference to my commute to work in Sanydford every morning.”

The McMullans didn’t waste much time making adjustments to their new home. Ciaran says their plans for the house in the coming years are still very much up for discussion. He is taking things one step at a time.

“We do have big plans for the house in the future,” he says. “But we’re not going to rush into anything.

“Already we have started to make adjustments to the bathroom and we have moved walls inside. We are doing the work ourselves and we are loving every moment of it.

“Eventually we would like to build a little extension out the back and open up the rear of the house with some sliding doors. We have a lot of ambitions for this house.”

10 YOURHOME

February 22 2015

Size isn’t everything!

Space is at a premium around urban areas like Dublin or Cork. If you want to live close to a vibrant city you might have to compromise on space

Protecting what’s yours Here are 5 tips to get big results from what you have

Shelves are key

A small apartment’s worst enemy is clutter. So it’s always a good idea to have as much shelving as you can to keep your floor free from mess. Shelves can go above doorframes, over your bed, just about anywhere.

They’re highly functional and if done right can be a stylish way to show off your collection of books and trinkets.

Divide to conquer

Open plan apartments can look great, but sometimes dividing up your space can be just the key to getting the most out of it.

An open bookshelf is a great alternative to constructing a wall. The shelf unit will split up your room while still maintaining that open plan feel. It also doubles up as extra storage to de-clutter.

Another way to split up a room without committing to a construction project is to use curtains. A ceiling curtain will split your dining room and kitchen into two rooms or even change that single bedroom into two smaller spaces.

Keep it hidden

Nothing makes an already small apartment smaller than having everything on display.

There are some fantastic modern storage solutions that can conceal all of your belongings. Sofas and beds with built-in hidden storage are ideal and worth the investment.

However, for something a little easier on the budget simply purchase a vintage box or some baskets. Fill them with your least used possessions and slide them under your bed or into your wardrobe. You could even invest in a concealed bed, which can be pulled out or pushed away at will.

Top design tip: Have clean lines

Furniture pieces with simple angles tend to create a sense of flow in a room. Clean lined chairs and tables reduce the feeling of clutter making the most of your smaller space.

Accompany these clean lines with equally clean colours. Neutral and basic shades will soften your apartment making it look clean and uncluttered. Too many different colours will overpower your space, giving it a claustrophobic effect.

Mirror image

A well-placed mirror can extenuate any small abode. They make walls seem bigger and strengthen light.

Place a mirror behind a candle or lamp and it will amplify the light giving the room a warm glow. You could also give the illusion of a second window by putting a mirror across from the existing window, giving you extra natural light.

Another top tip is to put a mirror behind the stove. It will liven up your kitchen, the stove area of the kitchen is traditionally quite dark but a mirror will bounce light all around the room.

Multi-functional

Having dual-purpose furniture is one of the most efficient ways to save space in an apartment. If you’re in your apartment for the foreseeable future, investing in dual-purpose pieces will benefit you in the long-run.

A good quality table or island in your kitchen can be used for preparing food, for hosting guests, for morning coffee or even to eat at.

Place it next to a plug socket and it could also be used as an at-home desk to get some weekend work done.

The importance of having adequate home insurance Your home is often your most valuable possession and along with the building itself, the contents are usually of great personal value. Without adequate protection, one simple incident can have a devastating impact.

Home insurance can’t stop the incident taking place, but it provides peace of mind that things can be put back the way they were, quickly and with the minimum of fuss.

If you have ever been in the position of needing to make an insurance claim when you have suffered a loss, you will know how important it is to have the right amount of coverage so that you are not left counting the cost through your own pocket.

Giving you peace of mind Home insurance can be one of the greatest investments you make, but you could be paying too much for yours.

KBC aims to beat your existing quote based on like for like cover. If they can’t beat your quote, and if you do take out your Home Insurance with KBC, they will give you a €75 One4all voucher*.

Other features of KBC’s current Home Insurance offering include : n 24/7 Home Emergency Helpline n 0 per cent APR on our Direct Debit Option. They don’t charge you extra to pay monthly n Only €50 excess all risks cover for Specified Items (€65 for Smart Phones) and €100 excess for unspecified items Visit kbc.ie for more information.