Whathouse? Local Solihull by WhatHouse? Local

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Solihull town centre & surrounding areas

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Sept 23rd 2014

www.whathouse.com

Local

West Midlands Edition September 2014

AUCTIONS P4 AGENT INSIGHT P6 MORTGAGES P11 INTERIORS P13 OVERSEAS P22

Agent of the Week New homes focus Retirement properties

Parkgate Mews, Shirley

Downsizing, P3, and homes to suit retirees, P8-9

For all your local property news www.whathouse.com With prices from £79,950 at Ettingshall Place and £95,950 at Akron Gate, there’s never been a better time to buy a new home in Wolverhampton.

Enjoy a nEw homE this Christmas

For more information call Ettingshall Place on 08444 901872† or Akron Gate on 08432 082802† Alternatively, visit us at persimmonhomes.com

†Calls will be charged at five pence per minute from a BT landline and may cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your service provider for more details. Details correct at time of going to press.

NHBC – the mark of a quality home

...Buying a new home is a big decision, so you’ll want to know that your property is of good quality and your investment well protected. Only builders approved and registered by NHBC can offer Buildmark, and they must build to the detailed technical standards we have been developing and updating for more than 75 years. It will give you peace of mind to know that all new homes with NHBC’s Buildmark have been independently inspected at key stages during construction, and come with 10 years’ warranty and insurance. This gives you the reassurance that, on the rare occasion when something does go wrong, we’re here to help you.

So, before you buy a new home, make sure it has Buildmark.

Talk to us...

Call us now on 0844 633 1000 and ask for ‘Customer Services’. Or visit www.nhbc.co.uk/myhome H309 06/14

H309 - What House? advert_FINAL.indd 1

6/16/14 9:30 AM

Local essentials

Welcome

Published by: Globespan Media Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG

…to the third edition of WhatHouse? Local.

Tel: 020 7940 1070 info@globespanmedia.com 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 Southern sales director: Lesley Lawrence ll@whathouse.co.uk Sales manager (Midlands): Rebecca Vincze rv@whathouse.co.uk Sales executive (Midlands): Tori Collett tc@whathouse.co.uk Sales executive (Midlands): Wayne Smith ws@whathouse.co.uk Sales manager (London): Jay Ali ja@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.

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SEPT 23RD 2014

www.whathouse.com

SOLIHULL AND SUTTON COLDFIELD

Covering: Walmley, Minworth, Hampton-in Arden, Four Oaks, Shirley, Olton, Sutton Trinity

There haven’t been many headlines over the past couple of weeks that were not associated with the Scottish referendum, but there was a fair bit of coverage on the new house price figures from the Office of National Statistics. The July numbers showed a 7.3% annual rise in house prices in the West Midlands, quite a way short of the 11.7% national increase, which is admittedly severely skewed by huge price surges in and around London. The adjusted average price for the West Midlands is now £198,000, up £4,000 from June and a whopping £14,000 from just a year previously.

Interestingly, across the nation, the average price paid by first-time buyers increased by 13.5% year-on-year to £209,000, demonstrating more than ever that assistance schemes such as Help to Buy and Shared Ownership are invaluable to first-timers struggling to make their savings keep up with ever-higher deposit requirements. Separately, estate agency group Countrywide reported that average rents in the Midlands went up £4 between July and August this year, from £662 to £666. Year-on-year, average rents in this region actually went down 0.6%. On a national level, the group reported five tenants chasing each rental property, up around 25% from just a year ago. Remember you can find daily news and features about the property market at www.whathouse.com. You can of course catch up with us on Facebook and Twitter (@What_House), too. We hope you find this and every issue of WhatHouse? Local a useful tool in your property search. Happy house-hunting!

Keith Osborne Editor, WhatHouse?

Agent of the week Lee Edwards, owner of Anchor Estates

Account manager: Ann Chaloner ac@whathouse.co.uk

Local

ESTATE AGENTS www.whathouse.coM Sept 2014 | 3

West Midlands Edition September 2014

AUCTIONS P4 AGENT INSIGHT P6 MORTGAGES P11 INTERIORS P13 OVERSEAS P22

Agent of the Week New homes focus Retirement properties Parkgate Mews, Shirley

Downsizing, P3, and homes to suit retirees, P8-9

For all your local property news www.whathouse.com With prices from £79,950 at Ettingshall Place and £95,950 at Akron Gate, there’s never been a better time to buy a new home in Wolverhampton.

Enjoy a nEw homE this Christmas

For more information call Ettingshall Place on 08444 901872† or Akron Gate on 08432 082802† Alternatively, visit us at persimmonhomes.com

West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire – Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Cover picture: Parkgate Mews by Bloor Homes, Shirley. Prices from £140,000, 0121 704 0100

In this week’s column we speak to Lee Edwards, owner of the successful West Midlands agency Anchor Estates. It is an exciting time for Anchor, with a new branch in Streetly in Sutton Coldfield set to be opened in October. Here, Lee gives us an introduction to Anchor Estates and chats about the local property market. Could you please begin by telling us a bit about your company and the area in which you operate? We first opened three years ago with a high street branch in Aldridge, near Walsall, and have been successfully selling homes in a radius of about three miles since then. We are residential sales specialists with vast experience across our six members of staff, and on October 1st we will be opening a new branch in Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, where we are hoping to repeat the success we have had in Aldridge. What is your USP? We’re like a family business in the way we deal with people, and we are always available to offer advice and a personal service to our clients. We market our properties very thoroughly using all available avenues including portal websites, and we always offer our clients a competitive price. What types of properties do you sell?

We sell all types of property right across the board, with our core range being from £80,000 to £500,000. To give an example of the range of properties we sell, on our website we are currently listing everything from a one-bedroom flat in Aldridge priced at £65,000 to a sixbedroom detached new build property in Stonnall priced in excess of £750,000. How have market conditions been this year? It’s been a superb year for us, with a significant increase in sales. Although stock has been an issue for some agents, we have always had a very decent level available to us due to our excellent local reputation. What are the current market trends in your area, and have you dealt with many first-time buyers? The Help to Buy scheme has not had a major effect here, although we have seen plenty of first-time buyers getting on to the ladder, with funding often coming from the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’. People are attracted to this area by our excellent schools and convenient transport links to Birmingham city centre.

What are you hoping to achieve over the next 12 months? We’re hoping to build on a very successful year by taking the same model forward to our new branch in Sutton Coldfield. We want to continue to offer value for money to our customers and maintain our current selling rate. Contact www.anchor-estates.co.uk; 01922 288800 (Aldridge), 01213 146588 (Streetly)

Burchell Edwards Solihull 0121 705 7551 Solihull@burchelledwards.com

Willow Road Solihull £300,000 Widney Lane Solihull £375,000 Hermitage Road Solihull £210,000 Alcester Road, Portway £500,000 Widney Lane, Solihull £375,000 Berkswell Close, Solihull £459,995 A Bedroom spacious, Semi Detached House In A AAwell well presented and spacious bedroom wellpresented presentedand semispacious detachedthree property set inThisA delightful AnThree exceptionally extended semi extended detachedthree family Most Sought After Road Close To Both Solihull close proximity to Solihull town centre. traditional style detached residence situated in detached country home set in grounds of bedroom traditional style detached home is situated in a convenient and most And Shirley Town Centres. a popular location. approx 1.1 acres. The property has been residence situated in a popular location. sought after position off Dovehouse Lane. modernised to a high standard.

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Properties urgently required

Hampton Lane Solihull £189,000 Wharf Lane Solihull £125,000 Second floor two double bedroom apartment An ideal buy to let investment with the rental Castle Lane £175,000 Chattock Avenue, Solihull £449,950 in the sought after presented Albany Gardens potential of 600pcm This fully furnished two bedroom semi NOsituated UPWARD CHAIN! A well development. detached home in immaculate condition is double fronted four bedroom detached offered to investors only as there is a sitting family residence situated in a sought tenant paying £695 pcm. after location.

Longdon Road, Knowle A well presented andSolihull modernised and spacious Hobs Meadow, £170,000 two bedroom first three floor apartment, overlookA well presented bedroom mid ing well maintained landscaped grounds to the terraced property, situated close to local rear of Byron Court. amenities and with pleasant views over the green and woodland beyond.

Sandhills Crescent SSTC

Book your FREE MARKET APPRAISAL Damson Lane, Solihull today SSTC

Berryfields, Fillongley SSTC

Similar properties required please call to book your free market appraisal 0121 705 7551

Summerfield Road Solihull SSTC

0121 705 7551

Kineton Lane Hockley Heath SSTC

Burchell Edwards Shirley 0121 733 3553 Shirley@burchelledwards.com

Butterworth Close,Shirley Wythall £249,000 £139,750 Stanway Road, SHARED OWNERSHIP Traditional family home in a most A great opportunity to get onto the housing convenient location. Currently in Tudor ladder! Three bedrooms, lounge/diner and Grange School catchment. Very close modern kitchen. Viewing essential so that you proximity to Shirley town centre. don’t miss out.

Gracewell Court, Hall Green choice fromGreen, £120,000Shirley £190,000 Cole Fantastic retirement complex with greatend of A well presented three bedroom transport links and local amenities. Security terrace property in a popular location in and comfort in later living! Call now to arrange Shirley. The local area offers amenities a viewing such as schools, shops, bus links and a train station.

Druids Lane, Maypole £210,000 Tremendous good bedrooms, Westhayvalue! RoadFour £210,000 two reception extended kitchen, study, ***A MUSTrooms, VIEW PROPERTY*** A well off road parking and good sized rear garden. presented four bed semi detached home Well worth a further inspection! in a sought after location!

Westley Road, Acocks Green SSTC Similar properties urgently CALL Tilehouse Lane, required Shirley–SSTC 0121 733 3553 for your FREE market appraisal Similar properties required please call to book your free market appraisal 0121 733 3553

FREE NO OBLIGATION MARKET APPRAISAL

Grafton Road, Shirley SSTC

Similar properties required please call to book your free market appraisal 0121 733 3553

TC SS

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SELL NOW TO COMPLETE BEFORE CHRISTMAS!

Highters Heath Lane, Maypole £125,000 Three bedroom end terraced property – Gospel Farm Road £125,000 the Aabsolutely perfectthree first time purchase well presented bedroom endor ofa sound investment with a good rental potential. terrace property in a convenient location for local amenities . This fantastic property is offered with no chain and ideal for first time buyers and families.

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Westridge , ShirleyGreen £145,000 Broad Manor Road, Acocks £325,000Myton Firs Drive, Drive,Shirley Shirley£125,000 £145,000 Superbly floor apartment, Ground floor maisonette, twobedroom good first *** located A REALfirst MUST VIEW *** A well A well presented two with double comprising two double bedrooms, bedrooms, garage en bloc and a fabulous rear presented four double bedroom family floor flat. Located in the most convenient lounge/diner and fitted kitchen. Perfect for garden. Must be viewed to appreciate! home. of locations for Shirley Town centre and the first time buyer or Investor alike commuting links.

Alexander Road, Acocks Green SSTC Similar properties urgently requiredSSTC – CALL Welford Road, Shirley 0121 733 3553 for your FREE market appraisal Similar properties required please call to book your free market appraisal 0121 733 3553

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

PRNE IC W E

1Z6834W90447542380.

‘Highview’

Call Burchell Edwards today to register your interest 0121 742 1725

ASPIRATIONAL? INSPIRING? DESIRABLE?

H R Las ur em t ry ai Plo ni t ng

Help to Buy available

A Luxurious Collection of 3 storey 4 bedroom family homes

There is just one, three storey, four bedroom home left for sale at our successful Spire View development. From the top floor master suite, with en-suite shower room and dressing room, right down to the open plan dining kitchen, separate lounge and study, it is every inch all of the above.

SPIRE VIEW CHURCH ROAD I YARDLEY I B33 8PA Sales Centre Open

4 bedroom residence for £325,000 Help to Buy and Part Exchange Available*

Help to Buy

Thursday to Monday between 11am & 5pm Telephone: 07896 886 448 www.kendrickhomes.co.uk

Don't miss out contact Selling Agents Burchell Edwards on 0121 742 1725 *Part exchange available subject to terms and conditions please ask our sales negotiator for full details. Help to Buy can not be used in conjuction with Part Exchange.

Distinct Quality Since 1880

Featured Lettings

£825

£2,495

pcm

2 bedrooms

5 bedrooms

Broomfields Avenue, Solihull

Station Road, Knowle

A conveniently located and spacious 2 double bedroom cottage comprising 2 reception rooms, fitted galley kitchen, downstairs w.c, bathroom with shower, pleasant lengthy rear garden (gardener provided) and roadside parking.

A substantial, superbly located family home which benefits from; 5 bedrooms (2 ensuite), fitted kitchen, well proportioned lounge, impressive garden room, dining room, utility, downstairs shower room and large, private rear garden.

LET AGREED £1,650

pcm

£1,100

pcm

£2,300

pcm

LET AGREED £1,250

pcm

4 bedrooms

3 bedrooms

5 bedrooms

4 bedrooms

Althorpe Drive, Dorridge

Widney Road, Bentley Heath

Lavender Hall Lane, Berkswell

Copt Heath Drive, Knowle

A spacious family home, conveniently situated in Althorpe Drive, Dorridge. The property has 3 reception rooms, fully fitted kitchen, utility room, guest cloakroom, 4 double bedrooms with en-suite to the master and family bathroom. This superb family home is situated in a most convenient location within Dorridge, being in close proximity to local amenities and Dorridge Railway Station which offers commuter services to Birmingham & London.

The property is conveniently situated on Widney Road within easy walking distance of the local shops of Bentley Heath. Having been extended to the rear the property offers 3 double bedrooms, lounge, dining area and fitted kitchen.There is a bathroom on the ground floor and a shower room with hand wash basin and W.C. to the first floor. The rear garden is well proportioned and has a large patio area. Ample off-road parking is available to the front.

A very-well presented character property situated in a soughtafter and convenient location in Berkeswell with stunning, panoramic countryside views. 5 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, superb open-plan kitchen, 2 ensuites, double garage and established, spacious grounds.

A 4 bedroom, detached family home, situated on a corner plot, with off-road parking, double garage, through lounge/dining room, guest cloakroom, fitted kitchen, shower room, double garage and easily maintained, private rear garden.

W: claremontpropertygroup.co.uk

Redhill Road, Kings Norton B38 9EL

ON LY

EM AI NI NG

Starting from £350,000

The luxury 4 & 5 bedroom homes to include: ● Turn Key Finish with carpets and wooden floor included.

● Porcelanosa Bathrooms

● Electric garage doors

● Fully integrated kitchens with granite worktops

● Under floor heating to tiled areas

● Landscaped gardens

● Low Rated Energy design

● 10 year NHBC Warranty

Producing only the best in high quality, desirable homes.

To book a viewing, please call 0121 236 3310

E: info@claremontpropertygroup.co.uk

New Coventry Road, Sheldon, B26 3BB

on ! i t en tors t t A es Inv

Starting from ÂŁ84,950

Block B & C Now available Studios, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments available.

For more information, please call 0121 236 3310

SPRING WALK Spring Lane, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV12 4HW 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £139,995

Show home now open

5% deposit is all you need

Help to Buy available

Our brand new Denford show home is now open at Spring Walk, an exciting new development in Willenhall. Priced from only £139,995, the 3 bedroom Denford is ideal for first time buyers and is available to purchase using the fabulous Help to Buy scheme, meaning you could buy this stunning new home with a 5% deposit of only £7,000. Take a look around our brand new show home, and get a feel for this superb family home.

Available for just

£139,995

Visit our sales centre today to find out more.

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.

RING

or visit taylorwimpey.co.uk/springwalk Sales centre open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm

O’BELLS

A collection of 3 & 4 bedroom properties on a select development.

Help to Buy available

Call Burchell Edwards today to register your interest

0121 742 1725

PRNE IC W E

16 | Sept 2014 www.whathouse.coM NEW HOMES

ecent research undertaken by Bloor Homes has revealed that the main drive for one in ten homeowners looking to move is to find a new property within the catchment area of high quality schools. Furthermore, some 24% of homeowners surveyed considered a school as ‘the heart of the community’

Parkgate Mews by Bloor Homes Bloor Homes is encouraging parents in the Shirley area to make their move now so that they are settled in time to get their children into the school they want for the 2015 intake.

The housebuilder’s Parkgate Mews development in Shirley, near Solihull is situated in the perfect location for families looking to live within close proximity to great schools. Within walking distance of this development are three

primary schools with ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings. Haslucks Green School, Blossomfield Infant School and Streetsbrook Infant School are all less than half a mile from the development. Anne Cadman, sales director of Bloor Homes, says: “Needing additional space for a growing family and being within the catchment of a great school goes hand-in-hand for many families. That’s why finding a modern home in a desirable location is on the wish list for many house-hunters at this time. With recent changes to the mortgage application process, anecdotal evidence also indicates it is taking longer for people to secure their dream home. So if you want to ensure you are living in the correct area ahead of January applications, now really is the time to be making the move.” Parkgate Mews overlooks Shirley Park and offers a mix of apartments alongside three- and four-bedroom family homes. It is part of a larger development incorporating new retail and leisure amenities in addition to the new residential homes, so there will be a wealth of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés right on the doorstep. Excellent links to Birmingham, Stratford and beyond make the development ideally situated for commuters. Contact Ruxtons Estate Agents ; 0121 704 0100

So ld 30% O ff Pl an

and being able to walk to school was also high on parents’ wish lists when looking for a new home. Ahead of the school application deadline in January,

Development of the week:

BEECH HILL ROAD ROYAL SUTTON COLDFIELD B72 1BY

4 & 5 bedroom homes from £375,000 Help to Buy and Part Exchange Available*

SALES CENTRE OPENS FRIDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER Longmoor Grove is a collection of stunning 4 & 5 bedroom homes set around a private drive in select Sutton Coldfield.

Sales Centre Open Thursday to Monday between 11am & 5pm Tel: 07814 170 950

Distinct Quality Since 1880

Help to Buy

www.kendrickhomes.co.uk *Part exchange available on selected plots only. Subject to terms and conditions please ask our sales negotiator for full details. Help to Buy can not be used in conjuction with Part Exchange. Photographs show a typical Kendrick Homes interior.

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