Property Today by Blackpool Gazette

A Gazette supplement

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Country life Farmhouse on the market - page 40

property today

news

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

An agent’s ‘Penalise quick home seizures’ view Justin Allitt, of Allitt Estate Agency, answers readers’ property questions Being environmentally friendly, is there any thing we should think about when buying a property? PRIVATE cars produce around 13 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions. When looking for a new home, think about how you can cut down the distances you will need to travel by car which will help reduce climate change effects. Good public transport links can help you cut car journeys. If you’re buying a property built since 2002, you could ask the seller about the property’s ‘SAP rating’ (Standard Assessment Procedure rating). The SAP rating is based on the energy costs associated with heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting. Rating is on a scale of one to 100. The higher the number, the greater the energy efficiency and the lower your running costs would be. When looking at properties, ask whether there is wall and loft insulation, and find out how old the boiler is. If the boiler is more than 10 to 15 years old it is unlikely to be very efficient. Replacing it could save you a third off your energy bills. When you’ve moved in, get advice on how you could save energy, by doing the Energy Saving Trust’s online home energy check

I would like to find a similar house to the one I now own but which is a bit bigger as I have outgrown the one I am in. The problem is I don't know whether to move house, with all the hassle that it entails or stay put and extend. IF YOU’RE moving because you need more space, you might be able to create the space needed within your existing property through a loft or garage conversion or extension. Before you can make this decision, you need to get a quote for the costs and make sure no planning permission problems are likely to pop up. It is also a good idea to remind you that the extension or conversion won’t happen overnight. You are likely to be living in a building site for some time and that brings its own stresses and strains. An estate agent can usually give you a good idea of how much the changes will add to your property's worth. Once you have calculated the cost of moving versus extending, you can make an informed decision about what to do.

In association with Allitt Estate Agency Send your queries to Justin Allitt at 12 Wood Street, St Annes, or email stannes@allitt.co.uk

MORTGAGE lenders should face penalties for repossessing homes too quickly, MPs have urged. The Commons Communities and Local Government Committee criticised the “precipitate’’ action being taken against the increasing numbers of people getting into arrears. And it said in a report that attempts by the Government to limit repossessions cannot be enforced. It welcomed measures to help secure mortgage holidays for people who lose their jobs in the credit crunch and a new protocol for lenders considering action. But it went on: “We are concerned, however, that the Government seems powerless to affect lender behaviour, with Financial Services Authority guidelines and the Government’s new pre-action protocol on repossession

lenders’ repossession behaviour. “It should consider what sanctions should be imposed upon lenders if they fail to comply with FSA guidelines or the new pre-action protocol.’’ The committee raised concerns about funding for social house-building in future years after £975 million was brought forward from 2010/11. It said the construction target of 45,000 for that year was already inadequate, while more money would have to be found even to achieve that. The committee said a greater proportion of new homes ought to be stipulated as social housing. It backed the Government’s decision not to give up its housing targets - even though they are now unlikely to be met because of the credit crunch - as they still reflected demand.

Home sales up across county

ESTATE agents in Lancashire are reporting increased sales and activity in the property sector, according to an expert. Now Simon Ainsworth (right), head of residential property at Napthens solicitors, can report that the amount of new work coming into his department doubled between December 2008 and January 2009, and February looks set to top the January figure by another 25 per cent. Napthens have clients locally, regionally and nationally from offices across the county including Springfield Road, Blackpool, Preston, Blackburn and Chorley. The news comes shortly after the Halifax announced the average price of UK homes rose by 1.9 per cent between January and December – a sign which some have taken to mean that the market is beginning to stabilise. Even more recently, Northern Rock announced it was to begin offering mortgages again – to the tune of £14billion over the next two years. But while the news is positive, Mr Ainsworth warns that there is still a long way to go before confidence is

residential agents 3-25 focus: Oystons 8 focus: Independent 23 new developments- 27-30 focus: Newfield Jones 27

Property team

lacking enforceability.’’ The Council of Mortgage Lenders has predicted 75,000 repossessions during 2009, compared to 45,000 in 2008. Citizens Advice has warned that some lenders are treating repossession as a first resort rather than last. The cross-party committee called for the Government’s new Lender’s Panel, which is to improve the monitor of lending, to look also at repossession action. “We have received worrying reports of the precipitate behaviour of lenders when dealing with customers who have fallen into arrears with their mortgage payments, implying a lack of commitment to the principle of using repossession as the last resort,’’ it added. “We recommend that the Government use the establishment of its new Lenders’ Panel closely to monitor

Editorial: 01253 400888 EDITOR : Steve Singleton 2244

restored and the housing market begins to get back to normal. He said: “I speak to a lot of estate agents in the course of my work, and all

INSIDE

focus: Chelford 28 focus: Moores Builders 29 focus: Taylor Wimpey 29 lettings 31-37 focus: Place2let 32

SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Michelle Disley 2735

are reporting increased sales, and in one case, massively increased activity – such as viewings, and houses coming on the market. “This is a marked change from last year, when even in the usually busy Christmas period when many house buyers are rushing to complete sales, we were seeing nowhere near the levels of previous years. “However, so far in 2009 we may be starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. With the news that house prices increased in January, many buyers and vendors are looking at the situation and deciding that prices may not continue to fall at the same rate as last year. “This is by no means the end of the slowdown the market has been facing, but the industry is hoping that it is a sign people are beginning to have confidence in the property sector again. “With the news that Northern Rock is to offer mortgages again, it may become easier to obtain the funds to buy a house. One of the reasons the market has stalled is because first time buyers simply cannot obtain mortgages, and this news could help.”

focus: Letts Rent-A-Home 34 focus: Headway 36 38-39 commercial 40 Housecall

Advertising: 01253 361810

TELEPHONE SALES: Darren Stacey 2748 COPY PROCESSOR: Tracy McCormaic 2759

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

property today

Thursday, February 26, 2009

advertiser focus

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Signs of recovery Agency seeks properties to satisfy rising demand FOLLOWING the recent announcement from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, who have confirmed that property market queries have increased for the third month, the National Association of Estate Agents is confirming a similar story. The chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents, Peter Bolton King said: “Our members reported a slight upturn in activity towards the end of December, with both buyers and sellers showing an increase in interest. “Furthermore, early indications are that the market has picked up significantly in January.” Hayley Claber, director of the six office Oystons group said she couldn’t agree more. “January was much busier than

anticipated and February is beating all expectations. “We have seen investors back in the market for the last few months and recently which is really good to see, is a significant level of interest from first time buyers. “We had thought until now they were an endangered species,” joked Hayley. “Our major difficulty at the moment is the lack of properties coming on the market.” If you have been waiting to see if the market improves Oyston’s advice is not to wait any longer. If you are thinking of selling in Blackpool, Cleveleys or Fleetwood please call without delay for your free valuation on Blackpool 622225.

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

advertiser focus

Demand to rent is so great WITH more than 200 properties under management and 16 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in letting properties in the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde areas, Independent Estate Agency is well placed to advise landlords on how to make the most of properties they want to rent. The demand for rented properties is so great that Independent Estate Agency is constantly looking to increase its list of properties to suit growing demand. Within the last few weeks alone, there have been more than 200 applicants looking to rent who have been added to the mailing list. Independent has become the specialist agent for Thornton Cleveleys

and Anchorsholme area, and is committed to rent only to quality tenants. All prospective tenants are interviewed and references thoroughly checked. Control is the watchword. If the right tenant is chosen initially, the possible pitfalls to renting are eliminated. Independent Estate Agency offers a full management service where eveerything is taken care of, from property maintenance and repair to regular inspections and rent collection. Alternatively, Independent Agency offers a tenant finding service where the same care is taken in tenant selection and the landlord is free to manage the property.

Whether you are selling or letting your property, Independent Estate Agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friendly qualified staff will provide you with an individually tailored marketing package to highlight features and gain maximum attention in order to achieve your sales or lettings objective in the shortest possible time. This now includes a part exchange scheme to further promote sales during the present difficult economic period. If you are searching for a property to rent or purchase, Independent Estate Agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique easy to nav-

Thursday, February 26, 2009

igate website www.ieahomes.co.uk will assist you to find just the home you are looking for. Or you can phone or visit

property today

Independent Estate Agency to discuss your requirements with experienced and friendly staff. Telephone (01253) 822227.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

advertiser focus

www.propertytoday.co.uk AWARD-winning developers of new homes, St Annes-based Newfield Jones Homes remain positive in the challenging market conditions. Regional Director Mark Chadwick says: “We are confident that our product provides purchasers with luxury accommodation finished to the highest standards of design, construction and specification, there are excellent deals available at all of our developments and we will be delighted to welcome you to visit our show homes.” The first two months of 2009 have brought a wealth of visitors to all of Newfield’s developments as purchasers are finding there are some fantastic deals available and schemes such as Easymove can make selling your home completely stress free as expert advice and 100 per cent support is available to you. Two of Newfield Jones Homes’ prestigious developments available in the area are Ashton View in St Annes, a managed development of beautifully planned one and two bedroom apartments, and Victoria Mansions, Blackpool, which offers two bedroom apartments in an impressive four storey block set in landscaped gardens off Newton Drive. Ashton View is located on St Georges Road, right in the heart of St Annes. Each apartment provides a fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, a comfortable lounge, beautifully fitted tiled bathroom and many other exclusive features. The development offers the security of a “speak and see” video entry system, a 24-hour emergency call system, a carefully chosen

Thursday, February 26, 2009 property today

A life of luxury

GREAT DEALS: Ashton View and (right) Victoria Gardens house manager, two laundry rooms, two passenger lifts and guest suite for those occasions when friends and family visit. The central location of Ashton View makes it the perfect location for residents, allowing them the independence of being within

walking distance of all local shops and amenities but surrounded by the peace and tranquillity of Ashton Gardens. Recent purchasers said: “We absolutely love living here, and have to keep pinching ourselves. We are over the moon with the

whole lifestyle at Ashton View.” Not only offering comfort and security, Ashton View offers great value with prices starting from only £101,212*. You could have it all at Ashton View. Only three exceptional two bedroom apartments remain at the

Victoria Mansions off Newton Drive Blackpool. These stunning homes are finished to the usual Newfield Jones Homes standard of excellence and are set within landscaped gardens boasting delightful open views across the playing fields at the front. The development features a secure electronically controlled entry system and all apartments have either a garage or allocated parking space. The apartments are appealing to a wide range of purchaser all with one common goal; quality at affordable prices and with prices now starting at £139,950 there are huge savings available. Newfield Jones Homes are sure you will be delighted with either of these two fantastic developments and invite you to visit their sales negotiators today, who will be pleased to welcome you to site and show you around the show homes. Opening times to visitors are 11am to 5:30pm, Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) or alternatively telephone for more information. Ashton View 01253 721272 or Victoria Mansions 01253 391212. * Shared ownership scheme where you can pay 75 per cent of the price now with no interest or rent to pay on the remaining 25 per cent.

property today

Thursday, February 26, 2009

new developents

Buying’s never been better with Chelford PROSPECTS may generally look bleak for buyers either entering the property market or trying to move but with no success, but not at Westminster Gardens, Kincraig Road, Bispham or Warbreck Gardens, Coopers Way in Blackpool. Chelford can offer an attractive range of special incentives to assist buyers in securing and moving into their home. Chelford will not only show how you can make that leap but also give you considerable financial, material and moral support. Chelford’s special packages range from paying deposits, legal fees, assistance with the first two years of mortgage payments and even carpet, curtains and furniture packages. As part of Chelford’s commitment to buyers, they can also offer independent financial advice. (subject to conditions).

Advertiser focus With the housing market considered by some never to have been bleaker, with Chelford the opportunity for buyers has never been brighter. To assist existing property owners Chelford also offer its highly regarded part exchange scheme on its range of attractive house styles (subject to terms and conditions). For further information on Chelford’s very attractive incentives to keep the property market moving, then visit Westminster Gardens in Bispham open 10.30am – 5.30pm Thursday through to Monday or telephone 01253 350430 or Warbreck Gardens, Coopers Way open 12.00 noon to 5.30pm Thursday through to Sundays or telephone 01253 621783.

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Build more to beat slump

Housing alliance makes appeal to the Government THE Government has been urged to kick-start the economy by investing £6.3 billion into a scheme aimed at building more than 100,000 affordable homes over the next two years. The newly-formed 2020 Group said the credit crunch has meant a collapse in house prices and lending, a severe drop in housing building and an estimated 450,000 job losses in the construction industry between 2008 and 2010. The alliance of housing organisations, unions and local authorities said building more homes would give a desperately-needed boost to the economy, saving thousands of construction jobs and avoiding serious skill shortages. Leading economist Kate Barker, who chairs the group, said “significant’’ extra financial investment was needed to keep supply going, support private building and create 100,000 new social homes over the next two years. She said: “Support for housing today offers excellent value in terms of sustaining economic activity, and reduces the risk of a very severe loss of capacity in the housing and related industries. “There is real concern that the present fall in home building is sowing the seeds of the next boom.’’ She added: “Social housing waiting lists are rising. This package meets a real and urgent need.’’ Ms Barker, who sits on the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee, is a member of

the 2020 Group alongside the National Housing Federation (NHF), housing charity Shelter, the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC). David Orr, chief executive of the NHF, said: “Without radical action many people in construction will lose their jobs, and up to five million people could find themselves on housing waiting lists by the end of 2010 – this is the Government’s chance to help us to make sure that neither of these things happens.’’ The call by the 2020 Group comes as Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Chancellor Alistair Darling work on April’s Budget. The group has said it wants “major investment’’ in house building included in the Government’s figures as the certain way of supporting the economy. Adam Sampson, Shelter chief executive, said: “As house building dries up and thousands of construction workers face the dole queue, building the homes this country needs can not only help the thousands of people living in poor housing, it can also give a real and much needed financial injection to the economy.’’ TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: “When the private sector stops spending, the public sector must fill the gap, otherwise the recession will be deeper and longer than it need be. “With such obvious housing need, the case for more social and council housing is very strong.’’

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

advertiser focus

Don’t miss a great deal TOP SCHEME: Bridge House Road, Marton

MOORES Builders are proud to announce their latest release of two-bedroom semi-detached houses and townhouses situated in Bridge House Road, Marton. Prices start from £135,000. Early reservations are now being taken. Don’t miss this opportunity to buy at pre-build prices!

Moores are also offering shared ownership, and all properties come with fitted kitchens and carpets and fully tiled kitchens and bathrooms. Showhome opening hours are Monday-Friday 9am-3pm and Saturday and Sunday 1-4pm. For any more details please contact Michelle Moore on 07813 682467

Development offers room for a family to grow FYLDE househunters have the chance to enjoy a touch of solitude at Bryant Homes’ Crossing Gates development in Wesham, as there is a large range of detached homes available to buy. Such a rare phenomenon in new homes developments because of modern density regulations, Crossing Gates offers a number of four-bedroom detached homes in a variety of different styles which are perfect for growing families. Regional sales manager Elaine Smith explained: “Crossing Gates

comes as close as it gets to the traditional family developments that have been the cornerstone of Bryant Homes’ solid reputation. “With today’s planning restrictions it’s become more difficult to build this type of site, so it’s a joy to be able to offer homebuyers this type of prospect. The variety of different house designs on offer have always been popular with families. “Nearly all of them base the living space around a central hallway with open staircase, and the landing upstairs.

“Wesham is a fantastic location to set up home and I’m sure, in years to come, will be a place where people actively look out for the ‘For Sale’ boards going up, in the hope one of day living there.” Crossing Gates is a development of two, three and four-bedroom homes, located in the pretty countryside of rural Flyde, just a few miles from Preston and Blackpool. Nearby Kirkham offers all your day-to-day amenities, including village shops and a bank. For families with children there are good schools for all

ages, with primary, junior and secondary schools all within the immediate area. Situated just off the A585 on Weeton Road, the development benefits from easy access to the M55 at Junction 3, which is just a few miles from the M6 at Junction 32. Currently available is a collection of four bedroom detached homes priced from £241,950. For further information visit the marketing suite (open daily between 10am and 5.30pm), call 0845 071 8775 or log onto www.bryant.co.uk/northwest/ crossinggates

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

property today

Thursday, February 26, 2009

advertiser focus

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Rentals ride out financial crisis storm

LAST year saw a financial crisis never before seen in the banking history which affected the property market substantially especially with regards to selling property. Fortunately one of the few sectors in the property industry to ride through this financial upheaval was the rental market, which if anything became more stable and stronger through this uncertain period. Place2let acknowledges that at present there are slightly more properties available at the moment than there are tenants but because of this landlords are becoming aware of the need to be competitive both in the

quality of their houses and realistic in the rents they expect to receive.

This kind of competition can only be good for tenants in that they have a greater choice and place2let are seeing a vastly improved standard of home. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message therefore coming out of place2let to landlords, is that 2009 can be a very good year, regardless of all the negative opinions by financial and political commentators alike, as long as houses continue to be presented to a high standard and rents are kept at an realistic level.

We are now in a extremely competitive market and with all such markets it comes down to two basic principles, which are quality and price of the product and in this particular case the product being houses.

Place2let will always provide an honest opinion on what they feel a property will attain in rent, and also how it compares in standard to equivalent properties on the market. It is only then that place2let can achieve their aim of renting it out quickly and efficiently as possible for their landlords.

STRONGER MARKET: Staff at place2let in Highfield Road, South Shore

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

property today

Thursday, February 26, 2009

advertiser focus

Hunt for landlords

Letting agency wants properties LETTS Rent-A-Home are delighted to announce the imminent opening of their new office premises located at the Waterloo Road/St Annes Road, Blackpool, intersection. Watch this space for further details. Letts report that they are currently looking for rental properties as there is no shortage of tenants. Key points for landlords to consider with regard to Letts Rent-A-Home include: ● No Let - No Fee ● Free no-obligation rental valuation ● Competitive rates ● Discounts available for landlords with multi properties ● Let only service available ● Friendly and professional service ● 24 -hour service, 365 days a year ● Rent guarantees available ● All tenants thoroughly vetted

● Widespread advertising All Letts Rent-A-Home properties are listed on the nationally acclaimed Rightmove, Propertyfinder.com and Thinkproperty.com websites and they feature prominently as the main sponsor of the Yell.com “Lettings” website for the Preston Directory. Further advertising is feature4d in BT - The Phone Book, Yellow Pages and local property newspapers. Letts Rent-A-Home attribute much of their rising success to the production and airing of an “annoyingly memorable” jingle which accompanies their advert on Radio Wave. For a no obligations, free valuation and to find out about their competitive rates please call 08456 12 12 10 or e-mail letts-rent-a-home@ blueyonder.co.uk Dedicated Polish line: 08456 25 06 06.

AT YOUR SERVICE: Glenn Priestley, owner of Letts Rent-A-Home

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Thursday, February 26, 2009

property today Thursday, February 26, 2009

house call

www.propertytoday.co.uk

Farmhouse features FANCY enjoying life down on the farm? This detached Over Wyre farm house and working farm is situated within approximately 68 acres of land in a quiet rural location in Out Rawcliffe. A vestibule leads into a hallway which has a large straircase and original tiled floor. There are three lounges, two having marble fireplaces and the other a stone fireplace. The dining kitchen has a log burner. Additional accomodation is provided by two futher good sized rooms, a basement and a separate wc. Upstairs, an open lounge/ landing area has skylights and a coal burner set within a brick surround. There are four bedrooms and a bathroom, together with a further open plan room from which access to the bathroom and fourth bedroom are gained. The property also benefits from a basement. Outside there are six large units.

DETAILS Summary: Working farm with detached farmhouse Address: Markfield Farm, Whin Lane, Out Rawcliffe Price: ÂŁ1,700,000 Agent: Metcalf, 73 Topping Street, Blackpool (01253) 624047