ESPC FIRST TIME BUYERS’ SUPPLEMENT First Time Buyers’ Event details
Cost effective decorating
A selection of properties featured inside.
New build incentives
Space saving tips
Something for everyone At ESPC we have hundreds of homes for sale suitable for first time buyers. We have chosen a few to give you an idea of the varying styles and locations which are on offer through espc.com For a full selection of properties for sale visit the main section of The Paper, pop into our showroom or visit espc.com
No.1 for property in East Central Scotland
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A room with a view
Stunning views of the Firth and the Ochils 76a Stewart Avenue BO'NESS Fixed Price £62,000 1 Reception Room 1 Bedroom Garden
Fantastic value - £2,500 cash back plus £13,000 below Home Report value. This one bedroom flat has panoramic views across the Firth of Forth. It comprises a modern fitted kitchen, livingroom and bathroom with a shower. The property is close to amenities.
Viewing:By appointment through Sneddon & Son on 01506 821144. Selling Solicitors: Sneddon & Son SSC 01506 826 232 REF: 285970
Own front door and garden This ground floor flat is ideally located for a short walk to the town centre 104 Thistle Street, DUNFERMLINE Offers Around £62,000 1 Reception Room 1 Bedroom Main door, ground floor flat within walking distance of the town centre. The property comprises entrance vestibule, reception hall, lounge, kitchen, bedroom and shower room. It also benefits from double glazing, electric heating and a garden. It is an ideal first time/investor buy.
Viewing: By appt with Sols 01383 629720 or ESPC Sat pm/Sun 01383 605000 Selling Solicitor: maloco + associates 01383 629720 REF: 301793
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Beautiful attention to detail in the finishes 39e Mayfield Place, MAYFIELD Offers Around £79,995 1 Reception Room 3 Bedrooms Spacious top floor flat ideal for first time buyers, families, investors with superb views across the area. The property has an entry phone, drying area and off street parking to rear. Internally it benefits from gas central heating and double glazing. It comprises hall, lounge/dining, kitchen, balcony, three good sized bedrooms and a bathroom with a shower.
Viewing: By appt, tel agents on 0131 229 3399 Selling Solicitor: Drummond Miller LLP 0131 229 3399 REF: 298422
Finishing touches
*The cush i the l iving ons in r o om o this f prop erty add a sim ple stylis h fin yet ish.
Cost effective interior design tips Redecorating or giving your home a bit of a make-over doesn’t have cost the earth. Here are a few cost-effective ideas which can transform a room from non-descript to right on trend. y ropert *This p nt a d vibr has use t a ure s on fe colour the o bring walls t to life rooms
3. If you are creative think about sewing some of your own pillowcases and matching accessories. Remnants of material can be bought for a fraction of the price of material off the roll.
1. An updated colour on the walls will go a very long way to updating your look. Paint is one of the most cost effective ways of creating an impact when it comes to a basic makeover. It's one of the most effective interior design tips for any room in your home. It is so simple and very easy to do.
2. By replacing some dated accessories with some fresh, new items it can add a reviving touch to a tired room. How about some new wall art? Black and white framed photos can add a distinguishing look to any room style. Fresh, cut flowers always add a nice accessory touch. Don’t overlook this simple interior decorating tip.
4. Improve lighting! Lighting is a cost-effective way to transform dark, cave-like rooms into warm inviting spaces. Update an old lamp with a new lampshade or more decretive chandeliers. 5. Try rearranging your furniture to make the most of the space the room. Even removing an item of furniture can make a more efficient use of space.
ADVERTORIAL
MAKE A STYLISH START WITH MILLER HOMES sharing with friends to enjoy their own space. Apartment owners will also benefit from lift entry to all floors and car parking.
Style-conscious homes Situated in Stockbridge, midway between the Leith Waterfront and the city centre, Miller Homes’ Varcity development combines vibrant, urban living with quick access to the stunning Inverleith Park and Royal Botanic Gardens. With bustling bars, restaurants, shops and riverside walks along the Water of Leith, these developments offer a stylish range of homes which are also ready to move straight into. For those on the lookout for an aspirational new home located in the heart of the city centre, Miller Homes also has a range of brand-new Cityhouses at its popular Varcity South development, based on Crewe Road South.
Young professionals and couples hunting for a glamorous new home in the vibrancy of Edinburgh should look no further than Miller Homes’ range of stylish one, two and three bedroom apartments and four bedroom Cityhouses. The award-winning housebuilder has two stylish developments in the capital - Varcity and Bonnington - with many of the properties being ready for you to move straight into in time for summer. The housebuilder is also lending a helping hand to buyers at each development by throwing in stylish carpets, £1,000 towards your legal fees and stamp duty paid into the deal, plus fully furnishing the apartments.†† However, to make the most of this fantastic deal prospective buyers had better act fast because it only applies to those who complete by the end of June 2011.
Thanks to the sell-out popularity of the development’s original phase of townhouses, stylish four bedroom homes will be released later this year – perfect for those who are looking to upsize or cater for a growing family.
Get your foot on the ladder now with MiWAY Making these stunning properties much more affordable, Miller Homes’ hugely successful Shared Equity initiative, MiWAY, will be available on selected plots. Those who take advantage of MiWAY could receive a loan from Miller Homes for up to 25 per cent of the purchase price of their selected property, leaving them to arrange a mortgage for the more affordable remaining amount*. To further add to its appeal, MiWAY also offers firsttime buyers the chance to own 100 per cent of their home and there are no loan repayments for up to 10 years.* To find out more, please call the sales team on 0800 840 8415 or visit the Varcity South sales office which is open daily from 11am to 6pm.
Situated on Bonnington Road, just a few minutes’ walk from Leith Waterfront and within walking distance of Edinburgh city centre, Miller Homes’ Bonnington development features a selection of contemporary two and three bedroom apartments. Prices at Bonnington start from just £166,000 for a two bedroom apartment; however for eligible purchasers who take advantage of MiWAY Shared Equity, a new apartment at Bonnington can be secured from only £124,500* now. Many of the apartments at Bonnington have fitted wardrobes in the bedrooms and dedicated storage cupboards in the hallway. The majority of master bedrooms have en-suite facilities, which, along with a separate bathroom, makes it easy for those who are
Fettes, Edinburgh
PR EM I U M LO CAT I O N . PR I C EL ES S L I FEST Y L E . C i t y c e n t re l u x u r y a p a r t m e n t s f ro m £ 1 6 1 , 0 0 0 .
Stunning 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are available at Varcity, Fettes. You could pay from only £120,750* now with MiWAY Shared Equity. MiSWAP Home Exchange† is also available. Varcity North and our spectacular Cityhouses both coming soon. Show Apartments open daily, 11am – 6pm. Telephone: 0800 840 8415 | www.millerhomes.co.uk
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP THE REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT
*Subject to status and qualification for the maximum 25% loan. Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. Credit is subject to security over your new home. See our website for full details – www.millerhomes.co.uk/miway. Credit provided by Miller Homes Limited of Miller House, 2 Lochside View, Edinburgh, EH12 9DH. †MiSWAP is the name of the standard Miller Homes’ Home Exchange scheme, consequently the swap would be a Home Exchange. MiSWAP does not guarantee a like for like exchange. Your present home must meet certain basic qualifying criteria to be eligible for Home Exchange. ††Available for June 2011 completions only. Legal fees would be paid up to a value of £1000, following legal completion. Furnishing options are from Miller Homes’ own range. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other incentive and cannot be exchanged for a cash alternative. Prices and availability are correct at time of going to print. Photography represents typical Miller Homes interiors at Varcity. Exterior views are only representative of certain Varcity plots.
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Here’s hoping
21 Hope Park HADDINGTON
Attractive upper villa flat ideal for first time buyers or as a rental investment opportunity. The property comprises shared enty porch, kitchen/diningroom, bathroom and a bedroom. It also benefits from gas central heating, double glazing, external storage and rear gardens. Viewings highly recommended.
Offers Over £86,000
Viewing:
Quaint upper villa
1 Reception Room 1 Bedroom, Garden
Tel GSB Properties 01620 825368
Selling Solicitor: GSB 01620 825368 REF: 297996
Top garden spot Two bedroom flat with a roof top garden 8/7 Constitution Street, LEITH Fixed Price £140,000 1 Reception Room 2 Bedrooms, Garden Home Report value £150,000. Attractive second floor flat in modern development, situated in popular residential area, close to excellent amenities. The flat is in immaculate order. The property comprises hall, lounge, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, en-suite and a bathroom. It also benefits from electric storage heating, double glazing, video entryphone and an allocated parking space. There is a communal roof terrace garden.
Viewing:
Sun 2-4pm or by appt tel 07909 757 579 or sols on 0131 225 4082.
Selling Solicitor: Sturrock, Armstrong & Thomson 0131 556 0159 REF: 295635
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Create your own stamp 31 Broomhouse Avenue, BROOMHOUSE Offers Around £90,000 1 Reception Room, 3 Bedrooms, Garden Part exchange available. Ideal home with excellent development opportunity. The property requires modernisation and redecoration. It is an upper villa comprising entry hall, large lounge, kitchen, three bedrooms and bathroom with a shower. The property also benefits from gas central heating, double glazing and private gardens to the rear.
Viewing:
By appointment with McEwan Fraser Legal on 0131 524 9797
Selling Solicitor: McEwan Fraser Legal 0131 523 1546
e any *Secur oards, loor b loose f ny which a replace n before e k are bro ing. n sa d
REF: 299428
A blank canvas Below are a few tips if you fancy turning your hand to a bit of DIY to make a property your own
the *Hang gth n first le aper on lp l a w o f o with n a wall rs or doo ws if windo ble. i s s po
*Only p over w aint allpape r if it is v ery firmly stuck to the wall. Updating a kitchen: A few simple changes such as replacing tired looking door and drawer fronts can bring your kitchen back to life. Try integrating new handles and taps and fix cracked or broken tiles to complete your look. Applying wall tiles: Bed whole tiles so that their faces are level as any unevenness will spoil the look. Work on no more than 1 sq m at a time or the adhesive may harden before all the tiles are in place. Always spread the adhesive horizontally. Place the first tile on then start working upwards, then outwards against an even right angle to ensure the tiles are straight. Use a tile spacer in the angles to ensure that all the tiles are evenly spaced and straight.
Have you been weighing up the options to see if it’s a better idea to buy a home in walk-in condition, or buy a property where you can put your own stamp on it? Here are DIY tips to help you get started.
Hanging wallpaper: Try to hang the first length of wallpaper on a wall that has neither door nor window, so you can hang a full length from the ceiling to the top of the skirting board.
Preparing walls: Walls almost always need some surface preparation before you can apply paint. Any cracks or holes must be filled. Surfaces must be clean, smooth and dry. If there is any peeling, paint should be stripped back or sanded until there is a smooth finish. Only paint over wallpaper if it is very firmly stuck to the wall.
If the wallpaper has a pattern, you should hang the first length over a fireplace or other focal point and then work away from it in both directions, so that you can control what part of the design is central and symmetrical. Complete this area before papering the rest of the room.
Floors: There is a wide range of options when it comes to floor coverings, from carpets to easy to install wood laminate. However if you are lucky enough to find a property with natural wood flooring, bringing it back to it’s former glory should not prove too difficult for even an inexperienced DIY enthusiast. Before starting, you should check that there are no loose boards, these should be secured and any broken ones replaced. Floor sanders can be hired from tool hire shops. After sanding, any gaps between the boards can be filled with a draughtproof filler and finially seal the wood with a good quality varnish.
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Let ESPC do the work for you
Ask the experts
Everyone knows that mortgages are harder to find these days, but don’t assume that there are no mortgages available. A real financial expert scours the whole of the market and comes up with many different options available for you based on your circumstances. ESPC Money Management as independent financial advisers can help you with this. Here’s how they helped one first time buyer couple secure their first home.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of securing a mortgage, why not get in touch? One of ESPC Money managment’s friendly advisers will be able to guide you through the process.
Call 0845 111 1911 or email fsenquiries@espc.com for more details.
Mortgages made easy Mike and Carole’s ESPC story… Mike and his finance Carole weren’t sure where to start when it came to buying their first property. Knowing they wanted to buy, but not having done anything further they decided to attend one of ESPC’s regular First Time Buyers Events to gain more information. At the event they met with David Lauder, an ESPC Money Management Financial Adviser. On leaving the event they felt, due to his honest approach, that when they did get the ball rolling, they would they would instruct David to arrange their mortgage. Once Mike and Carole had found a property they liked they contact David, as planned, to arrange the mortgage. The couple were pleasantly surprised by the breadth of choice offered and rates available through the independent adviser at ESPC. Previously they had only completed a Lloyds TSB online assessment which provided them with limited options by comparison.
ESPC MONEY MANAGEMENT
David led the couple successfully through the whole process and answered any queries they had quickly and informatively. The couple were extremely satisfied with the service they received and felt completely comfortable he was acting in their interests. Mike and Carole are looking forward to meeting with David again when their mortgage is up for renewal!
Brian McCarthy
Paul Demarco
Douglas Turnbull
David Lauder
The initial consultation with an adviser is obligation free. Thereafter, ESPC Money Management’s charges for mortgage advice are usually £350 (£250 for First Time Buyers). YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP THE REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
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Central perk Ideal flat for city centre living 21/7 Orwell Place, HAYMARKET Offers Around ÂŁ145,000
he est in t s * A ch s e c e r w windo s multi e provid l storage a n io t c fun ating. s and e
1 Reception Room, 2 Bedrooms Spacious traditional second floor flat in a refurbished block. It is close to the city centre/Haymarket Station. The property comprises hall,separateWC,dining/kitchen,Lounge/bedroom2 with a feature gas hob and multi burn stove, ome bedroom and a contemporary bathroom. It also benefits from double glazing, gass central heating and a communal garden. There is permit parking for residents.
Viewing: Sun 2-4pm or by appt with sols 0131 337 1800 Selling Solicitor: Blair Cadell 0131 337 1800 REF: 296517
Space saving tips You might think city living means sacrificing space to find the ideal location. Here are a few simple space saving tips to make your city pad feel more spacious and airy.
shelves * High ake also m a nice feature
1. Look out for other multi-functional furniture such as fully enclosed sideboards to act as an additional cupboard, similarly with coffee tables or side tables. 1. You can see this property has used chests in the window to generate additional storage, plus additional seating space. It also creates a lovely spot to sit on an evening to read a book or enjoy a glass of wine, watching the world pass by outside! 2. Add shelves above doorways or as a run-around high up within a room. 3. Use fewer, larger pieces of furniture and accessories to reduce visual clutter. 4. Eliminate obstructions: the further you can see into and through a space, the larger it'll seem. 5. Hang a large mirror across from a window to open up the space and double the amount of natural light.
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Fashion fix Lovely flat in the fashionable Stockbridge area 47/8 Raeburn Place STOCKBRIDGE Fixed Price £145,000 1 Reception Room, 2 Bedrooms £10k under Home Report valuation! Charming and beautifully presented top floor flat situated in the heart of Stockbridge and within walking distance of the City Centre. The property comprises hall, living/diningroom, fitted kitchen plus appliances, two bedrooms, showerroom and separate WC. It also benefits from double glazing and electric heating.
Viewing
Sunday 2-4pm or by appointment with Solicitors 0131 667 0232
Selling Solicitor: Warners LLP 0131 667 0232 REF: 297731
Space, and more space Deceptively spacious two bedroom house
28 South Gyle Gardens CORSTORPHINE Offers Around £150,000 1 Reception Room 2 Bedrooms, Garden
Bright and deceptively spacious end terrace house in tranquil setting. Accommodation is in move in condition and comprises hall, lounge with feature fireplace, modern fitted kitchen/diningroom, two double bedrooms and bathroom. The property also benefits from gas central heating double glazing and private secluded gardens to the rear. There is also on-street parking.
Viewing: Sun 2-4pm or by apt 0131 466 6226. Selling Solicitor: Leslie Deans & Co 0800 917 6948 REF: 298740