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NOV 18th 2014
For all your local property news www.whathouse.com
www.whathouse.com
Local
Just 5% Deposit
A CHANCE TO BUY A PIECE OF HISTORY
Exceptional homes, Picturesque location, Easy access to Central London Visit www.marcityhomes.com or
A unique opportunity to purchase a contemporary apartment in a Grade II listed building. The Malt House offers a collection of 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments & duplexes. √
Integrated fridge/freezer
√
Integrated washer/dryer
√
Integrated dishwasher
√
Porcelanosa tiling
√
Master bedrooms with ensuite
Call 0154 325 6647 to find out more. The Malt House Cairns Close Lichfield, WS14 9TP themalthouse@marcityhomes.com
Connells Office 01543 262376
Local
WELCOME www.whathouse.coM NOV 2014 | 3
essentials
Published by: Globespan Media Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG Tel: 020 7940 1070 info@globespanmedia.com Colmore Plaza, 20 Colmore Circus,Queensway Birmingham B4 6AT Tel: 0121 2624146 www.whathouse.com Managing director: Daniel Hill Editorial director: Rupert Bates Editor: Keith Osborne ko@whathouse.co.uk Assistant editor: Stephen Maunder sm@whathouse.co.uk Designer: Peter Rogers peter@39zero.co.uk Sales director: Mark Edmondson me@whathouse.co.uk Sales manager (Midlands): Ben Marklew bm@whathouse.co.uk Sales executive (Midlands): Tori Collett tc@whathouse.co.uk Head of sales (London) Andy Lunn al@whathouse.co.uk Sales manager (London): Jay Ali ja@whathouse.co.uk Business development manager Richard Woodruff rw@whathouse.co.uk Business Development Manager, Steve Coyle sc@whathouse.co.uk Account manager: Ann Chaloner ac@whathouse.co.uk Printed by: 39zero | Citrus Distributed by: Team © 2014 Globespan Media Limited No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors and omissions.
Win
Say What?
a bathroom suite!
T
his Friday, I’ll be one of 1,640 people squeezing into the Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane for the WhatHouse? Awards 2014. It’s our flagship annual event and it’s been going for over 30 years. Known as the ‘Oscars of the housebuilding industry’, they represent the most coveted new homes awards in the country. As one of the judging panel, I know first-hand that this year’s Awards have been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to sift through, as the standard has been exceptionally high across all categories, from starter homes to retirement property to luxury developments. If you’re considering buying a new-build home, it is arguably the bestever time to purchase one – particularly one that has won a WhatHouse? Award. If you see a plaque or flag denoting that a development or company is an award-winner, you’ll have the prestige and peace-of-mind to know that what you buy will be one of the best of its kind in the UK. The winners will be announced at the event, just past our deadline for the next issue, so we’ll bring you a full run-down of this year’s honours in WhatHouse? Local in our 2nd December issue. Happy-house-hunting!
This November we are giving away a complete luxury Amsterdam bathroom suite, courtesy of joyou.co.uk – part of the Grohe Group.
Entering is easy: 1. Visit WhatHouse? on Facebook and ‘Like’ our Facebook page (double your chances by adding a ‘Share’!) 2. Answer the question at the bottom of that page 3. Enter your details
Only one lucky household will win. Don’t miss your chance to win this lovely Joyou bathroom suite. Go to www.facebook.com/whathouseproperty Competition closes Friday 28 November. See whathouse.com for terms and conditions.
Keith Osborne Editor, WhatHouse?
Agent of the week Andy Thomas, director of Hunters in Harborne Could you please give us a brief introduction to your company and the area in which you operate? Hunters Harborne launched earlier this year following the rebranding of Knightstone Estate Agents in Harborne. Myself, Simon Redhead and Dean Meyrick are franchise owners of the branch and between us we have 60 years’ experience in the industry. We are proud to be part of the UK’s fastest growing independent estate agency group, and are excited that we are part of a network which has over 125 branches across the UK. The branch operates throughout Harborne and Edgbaston and within a 2/3 mile radius of these areas.
How much do properties typically cost to buy and rent? A two-bedroom flat would start at around £150,000, a two-bedroom terrace at £250,000 and a family home at £300,000. On the rental side, a two-bedroom flat would cost roughly £800 per calendar month and a four-bedroom family home would cost £1,700. Where is the best place for first-time buyers to purchase a home? The area is so affordable that there are properties available for first-time buyers pretty much everywhere in and around Harborne. Are there any particular areas in which investors should be looking to buy property? Properties throughout the area find tenants fairly quickly, especially if they have easy access to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Birmingham University.
What types of properties do you sell? We have a significant range of property in the Harborne area. We market anything from onebedroom flats at £100,000 right through to £1 million houses. Our main business is currently homes priced between £225,000 and £650,000. What is the property market currently like in your area? We’ve had a very active year. Prices are still fairly buoyant and the market is strong, and this can be attributed to Harborne’s great location. It’s close enough to Birmingham to benefit from easy access into the city but avoids the high price points in the city centre. Queen Elizabeth Hospital is just outside this area too, as is Birmingham University, both of which generate a large need for housing. I expect
prices to remain the same next year, if not increase. What are the current buying and renting trends in your area? We are mainly seeing professionals buying in Harborne; with the area popular with medics due to our close proximity to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The rental market here is also very strong, with much of the demand coming from tenants on short term contracts at the hospital or studying at Birmingham University.
What do you expect to see happen in the local market during the remainder of the year? We have just had a flurry of activity, and despite getting nearer to Christmas we are still selling a number of properties at their asking price and sometimes above it. The market will obviously slow down as we get nearer Christmas, but we certainly expect it to pick up again in the New Year. Find out more at huntersnet.co.uk; 0121 647 4233
R7176 What House Ad Oct DPS.indd
1-2
21/10/2014
16:50
Power of the network, 16 Award winning offices across the region! me dium agency
me dium agency
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Long Street, Stafford • Large Detached Bungalow • Three Double Bedrooms • Two Large Reception Rooms • Conservatory OIRO £375,000
Balford Grove, Stafford • Spacious Detached House • Four Spacious Bedrooms • Master En Suite • Cul-de-sac Location OIRO £249,950
Fernwood, Stafford • Spacious Detached House • Four Bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Sun Room £194,950
St Peters Close, Stonnall • Detached House • Four Bedrooms • En Suite • No Upward Chain
Old Western Road, Bishops Wood • Deceptively Spacious House • Three/Four Bedrooms • Master En Suite • No Chain
OIRO £350,000
Pentland Gardens, Wolverhampton • Four Bedrooms • Spacious Lounge/Diner • Conservatory • Landscaped Rear Garden
OIRO £319,950
Clark Road, Wolverhampton • Detached Property • Three Bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Shower Room
£235,000
£225,000
Creswell Farm Drive, Stafford • Three Bedrooms • Extended To Rear • Storage Room/Office • No Chain
Church Walk, Wolverhampton • Three Bedrooms • Double Glazing • Original Gas Fires • Great Location
OIRO £179,950
£169,000
Rookery Road, Lanesfield • Detached Bungalow • Plot Just Under 1 Acre • Loft Room/Study • Workshop To Rear OIRO £269,995
Bridgeside Close, Clayhanger • Detached Townhouse • Four Bedrooms • Guest WC • Single Garage OIRO £215,000
Bush Grove, Walsall • Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Front and Rear Gardens OIRO £167,500 £125,000
Goldthorn Road, Wolverhampton • Detached House • Four Bedrooms • Loft Room • Double Garage £250,000
Westfield Drive, Alderidge • Three Bedroom Townhouse • Kitchen/Diner • Family Bathroom • Two En Suites £214,995
Churchill Way, Stafford • Large Family Home • Five Bedrooms • Re-styled Kitchen/Diner • Master En Suite £165,000
Brownhills
Cannock
Walsall
Wolverhampton
1 High Street, WS8 6ED
33 Market Place, WS11 1BS
7 Queens Parade, WS3 2EX
42 Queen Square, WV1 1TX
01543 226710
01543 226673
01922 666683
01902 907973
Pelsall Road, Walsall • Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms • Kitchen/Diner • No Upward Chain OIRO £145,000
Waite Road, Willenhall • Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms • Modern Bathroom • Double Glazed OIRO £125,000
High Street, Brownhills • Two Bed Terrace • Open Plan Lounge Diner • Family Bathroom • Cellar OIRO £99,995
Lichfield Road, Brownhills • Three Bedroom • Two Reception Rooms • Luxury Family Shower Room • Utility OIRO £139,995
Homestead Court, Stafford • Barn Conversion • One Bedroom • Spacious Lounge/Diner • Galleried Landing OIRO £116,500
Cherwell Drive, Walsall • Two Bed Terrace • Porch • Kitchen/Diner • Frone and Rear Gardens OIRO £94,995
Silver Street, Brownhills • Two Bedroom Mid Townhouse • Open Plan Lounge/Kitchen • Master Bedroom with En Suite • Family Bathroom OIEO £139,995
Marston Road, Stafford • Spacious Terrace • Two Double Rooms • Kitchen/Diner • No Upward Chain OIRO £115,000
Park Lane, Wolverhampton • Two Bedrooms • Newly Re-fitted Kitcehn • Newly Re-fitted Bathroom • Conservatory £94,950
Sorrel Close, Wolverhampton • Two Bedrooms • Modernised Throughout • L Shaped Conservatory • Carport £130,000
Mount Road, Wolverhampton • Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms • Kitchen/Diner • Off Road Parking £105,000
Ivy Cottages, Stafford • Park Home • Two Bedrooms • One Reception Room • Far Reaching views OIRO £73,000
For a free Market Appraisal call Your Local Office or text GOODCHILDS to 60607
Silkmore Lane, Stafford • Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms • Extended Kitchen • No Chain £125,000
Raby Street, Wolverhampton • Three Reception Rooms • Three Bedrooms • Downstairs WC • Family Bathroom OIEO £105,000
Lawn Road, Wolverhampton • First Floor Flat • One Bedroom • Family Bathroom • Double Glazing £64,500
Your property in Park Lane Showcase your property to the lucrative London market For more information on promoting your property in our Park Lane office or for a free valuation, please contact Fine & Country Solihull on 0121 746 6400 or email solihull@fineandcountry.com
• Rent covered by Wolverhampton Homes • Full tenancy management • Full property management
“City Homes manage all my properties. In the three years I have been with City Homes they’ve surprised me and proven straightforward to deal with, and flexible where necessary. The removal of the hassle and the long term certainty of income stream is essential for the smaller landlord.” Matt Davies, Property Entrepreneur
Landlords and Property Owners: We can let and manage your properties on a three, five or seven year lease. From the moment you sign the lease you can sit back and relax and let us take care of your property for you. So if you are a landlord with a good quality property – let us do the work for you.
www.whomes.org.uk/city-homes
HELP TO BUY AT
Chestnut Walk, Bilston 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes available from only
£124,995 PURCHASE PRICE
£99,996
*
HELP TO BUY PRICE
Visit: redrow.co.uk/chestnut Call: 01902 471172 Chestnut Walk Bankfield Road, Bilston West Midlands WV14 0TW Open Daily, 10am ~ 5.30pm Help to Buy is a Government backed initiative in partnership with housebuilders. *Shows price with 20% loan assistance. Available on selected plots, subject to status, terms and conditions. Help To Buy cannot be used in conjunction with any other scheme. It is highly advised, for a swift, smooth transaction that an IFA/Solicitor advised by Redrow Homes is used. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Redrow offer. Image typical of a Redrow homes. Price correct at time of going to press. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. CHECK THAT THIS MORTGAGE WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS IF YOU WANT TO MOVE OR SELL YOUR HOME OR YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY TO INHERIT IT. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, SEEK INDEPENDENT ADVICE.
OUTSTANDING NEW
FAMILY HOMES AT
Compton Park in Compton 4 & 5 bedroom detached family homes from
ÂŁ444,995
Part Exchange and our assisted move scheme Mastermove are available.
Visit: redrow.co.uk/compton Call: 01902 471153 Compton Park Compton Road West, Wolverhampton WV3 9DX. See website for opening times Your mobile operator may charge data usage for scanning QR codes, please ensure you have the appropriate data plan. Offers available on selected plots only subject to availability, contract and status and on completions on or before the agreed date. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details. Redrow reserve the right to withdraw or alter this offer at any time prior to the payment of a reservation fee. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Redrow offer. Image typical of a Redrow home. Price correct at time of going to print.
12 | NOV 2014 www.whathouse.coM NEW HOMES
W
ith more than half of the homes at Redrow’s exclusive Compton Park development now sold, opportunities are diminishing for house-hunters in the Midlands to find the property of their dreams at the development. Many of those who will be considering one of these high-specification homes have properties of their own to sell and they may be delaying taking action because they think it might be difficult to get a good price for their home or because they can’t face the hassle of dealing with estate agents and potential buyers. To speed up the buying and selling process, Redrow offers practical help through its Mastermove service. The WhatHouse? award-winning housebuilder may even consider part exchange in certain circumstances. Pauline Turnbull, sales director for Redrow Homes (Midlands), says: “Compton Park is now an established neighbourhood where people aspire to live. We’ve seen an increase in enquiries as people see the homes taking shape and more homeowners moving in. “They love the homes but while they long to move here, they often have a property
valued and, once a selling price is agreed, Redrow instructs a local estate agent and online agent to market the property on their customer’s behalf. Redrow keeps in regular contact with all parties to ensure the sales process runs smoothly, taking the pressure off their buyer. The housebuilder may accept the customer’s property in part payment for a brand new home at Compton Park. Generally speaking, to take advantage of part exchange, customers must be upgrading from a property that’s worth at least 35% less than the home they want to buy. Compton Park features a range of energyefficient four- and five-bedroom homes with prices currently from £444,995. A fivebedroom ‘Buckingham’ (pictured), priced at £599,995, features two reception rooms and an open-plan kitchen, breakfast area and family room with adjoining utility room. Four of its five bedrooms have their own en suite, with the master bedroom enjoying the added glamour of a dressing room. To find out more, visit the sales office and show home at Compton Park which are open daily from 10.00am to 5.30pm or call 01902 238 330 (www.redrow.co.uk/compton).
Mastermove to a new Redrow home at Compton Park Housebuilder’s scheme takes the strain out of finding a buyer they need to sell before they can commit to buying. What they perhaps don’t realise is that we can help them sell up quickly, with the minimum of fuss and hopefully achieve
full market value for the house they’re moving from.” Customers who sign up for Mastermove will have their property independently
SPRING WALK Spring Lane, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV12 4HW 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £133,500
Move in for Christmas
5% deposit is all you need
Ready to move into
Move into your brand new home just in time for Christmas with plot 109 at Spring Walk, Willenhall + This Denford 3 bedroom home is ideal for first time buyers and growing families. + Includes flooring, upgraded Kitchen and turf to rear garden. + Buy with Help to Buy, and you could buy with as little as 5% deposit. + Ready to move into. You could be moved into your brand new home just in time for Christmas!
Available for just
£139,995
Visit our sales centre today to find out more, and to view our stunning new show home!
Call 01902 544 473 * Taylor Wimpey terms and conditions apply. The images on this page show a typical Taylor Wimpey home and include optional upgrades at additional costs.
35786-TWWM-WhatHouse-SW-HPH-Ad.indd 1
or visit taylorwimpey.co.uk/springwalk Sales centre open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm
27/10/2014 16:44
14 interiors
RESERVE IN 2014 FOR OUR 3
* Life on the fast spin 2015 GIVEAWAY Sleek, eco-friendly and available now in rainbow colours, washing machines are bigger and smarter in more ways than one. Richenda Oldham looks at some of the latest models 1
£1000
2
HOMEWARE VOUCHERS
£1015
INCLUSIVE FLOORING 4 1PE Heathside Walk, Walsall WS3
ED TY IT LI M BI LI LA I A AV
Find your new home at Whathouse.com
£ZERO
RESERVATION FEE 5
Walton Homes all new canalside development of 3 & 4 bedroomed homes Prices starting from £129,950 or £103,960 with Help to Buy Show home open daily 11am-5pm Complete, ready to move in
1. Servis’ new FG 8kg HydroDrive model is ideal for large family washes and comes with the Allergy UK Seal of Approval, as well as an LED screen, £419, www.servis.co.uk; 2. Smeg’s WMFABAZ1 7kg washing machine comes in a choice of funky colourways – pastel blue, pink, cream and black – and offers a range of washes that includes a gym setting, £813, www.smeguk.com; 3. Amica’s AWN912DJB is a 9kg machine with 15 different programmes, wash for smaller loads, £329, www.amica-international.co.uk; 4. Whirlpool’s 9kgandWWDC 9444 Callincluding 01922a super-fast 49674812-minute | Visit www.waltonhomes.co.uk *Terms conditions applywas voted best model in a review of 18 washing machines by the Swiss test institute EMPA, £479.99, www.whirlpool.co.uk; 5. The stackable Maytag 10kg MWA10149WH features IntelliSense technology, which can save up to 70% on energy, water and time, £650, www.maytag.co.uk 38205_Walton_new_year_ad_3.indd 1
05/11/2014 15:38
Thinking of selling your home? Do you know how much your home is really worth? Find out with our FREE valuation service. It’s a quick and easy process that you can carry out online or over the phone. Visit www.whathouse.co.uk/free-valuation or call us now on 0121 262 4146.
WhatHouse? works with a team of reputable agents that will carry out the free valuation
£?
SHoWHome NoW oPeN
The wa it is over!
Visit The Birches, off Dixon Street, this weekend to view the beautiful new showhome at this exciting development of 2, 3, & 4 bedroom homes. Prices start from only ÂŁ94,396* through Help to Buy (purchase price ÂŁ117,995).
Be quick and take your pick! SaleS office and Showhome open ThurSday To monday, 10am - 5pm
amazing specification
includes:
Contemporary kitchen with upstands Integrated dishwasher & fridge/freezer Stainless steel oven, hob & hood Fitted wardrobes & en-suite to master bedroom** Turfed garden & block paved driveway
t: 0845 652 2491
THE BIRCHES
e: kph.thebirchessales@kier.co.uk
www.kierhomes.co.uk
sales hotline: 0800 285 1082
Willcock Road, off Dixon Street, Wolverhampton WV2 2DA
3-11 Interior photographs from a typical showhome. * Terms and conditions apply, available on request. **En-suites to selected plots.
your home, your location
The Cottage at Hall Farm Estate, Knowle
Prestigious homes in prime locations take a look at the Spitfire difference From apartments and townhouses in towns and cities to country retreats and family residences in semi rural locations, all Spitfire homes benefit from a superb high specification as standard. Offering a peerless level of quality in design and construction you’ll find Spitfire homes located in some of the most desirable locations in Central and Southern England. For further details visit our website www.spitfirepg.co.uk.
Developing in these prime locations: BERKSHIRE BIRMINGHAM GLOUCESTERSHIRE OXFORDSHIRE SOMERSET WARWICKSHIRE
www.spitfirepg.co.uk
Ascot Sutton Coldfield Cheltenham, Chipping Camden, Stow on the Wold Banbury, Henley on Thames Bath Knowle (near Solihull), Leamington Spa, Stratford upon Avon
Computer generated image - Copper Beech Close
C OM I NG S O ON , L I F E WI T H S T Y L E TWO EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENTS OF 5 BEDROOM DETACHED HOMES IN DORRIDGE
C OME TO C A L A
COPPER BEECH CLOSE, MANOR ROAD & BUSHWOOD GARDENS, BUSHWOOD DRIVE, DORRIDGE CALL 01564 797640. CALA.CO.UK
CALA H O ME S
5 star customer service 5 years running
WH13NOV
Distinct Quality Outstanding Locations
Help to Buy
across the West Midlands...
B17 Harborne
The Bloomery
Kings Court
Lime Grove - Coming Soon
Longmoor Grove
Superbly specified 4 bedroom townhouses within walking distance of the High Street. Northfield Road, Harborne, B17 0SU
A prestigious development of just nine 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes in a sought after location. Giggetty Lane, Wombourne, WV5 0AX
An exclusive enclave of just ten 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes set within a private gated driveway. Heathfield Road, Kings Heath, B14 7BU
Twelve 4 and 5 bedroom homes set around a private driveway. Weoley Park Road, Selly Oak, B29 6RB
Just thirteen distinctive 4 and 5 bedroom homes set around a private driveway. Beech Hill Road, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1BY
Malferna View Coming Soon
The OrieI
Spire View
A stunning collection of fourteen 4 and 5 bedroom homes. Whittington Road, Stourbridge, DY8 3BL
Twelve luxury homes in the beautiful Old Yardley Park conservation area. Church Road, Yardley, B33 8PA
A delightful development in a secluded location. 3 & 4 bedroom homes available. Victoria Avenue, Bloxwich, WS3 3HT
Seven 4 & 5 bedroom homes set around a private driveway. Astwood Bank, Worcestershire
For information on all our developments call 01384 446 201 or visit our website www.kendrickhomes.co.uk *Help to Buy available on homes up to ÂŁ600,00. Terms and conditions apply. Photographs show a typical Kendrick home interior.
Victoria Gardens
Help to Buy Available*
Distinct Quality Since 1880
Do you know how much your home is really worth? Find out with our FREE valuation service.
Visit www.whathouse.com/value-myproperty/value-my-property-now or call us now on 0121 262 4146.
It’s a quick and easy process that you can carry out online or over the phone.
WhatHouse? works with a team of reputable agents that will carry out the free valuation.
Thinking of selling your home?
ÂŁ?
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d ou Pr
Approved Contractors Scheme
AY HD !!!
No. C7070
No. 6008204007
s er
No. 3832
Witlodge wishes all the WhatHouse? Awards nominees the best of luck! TRADITIONAL OR NEW OUR QUALITY COVERS.. • Proud history 37 years trading as Plumbing and Heating specialists • Commercial and residential work • Traditional gas and plumbing work • Renewable technologies design team • Biomass boiler installations • Solar pv installations • Heat pumps installed • RHI and FIT applications
www.witlodge.co.uk
T: 0871 2222 813 • E: info@witlodge.co.uk • Isis House, Smith Road, Wednesbury, WS10 0PB
Just 5% Deposit
SPECIAL INCENTIVES THIS WEEKEND
Reserve today and be in your home before Christmas!!!
All Alexandra Grange properties feature a range of benefits already included making it easier for you to settle into your new home faster. √
2, 3, 4 bedroom homes
√
Integrated fridge/freezer
√
Integrated washer/dryer
Visit www.marcityhomes.com or
√
Integrated dishwasher
√
Porcelanosa tiling
Call 0845 605 7773 to find out more.
√
Master bedrooms with ensuite
Alexandra Road, Tipton. Sandwell DY4 8TD alexandragrange@marcityhomes.com
Connells Office 0121 556 2338