y rt
e m op m co Pr o l fr e. ca er s Lo p e pa ou th th ha w
NOV 3rd 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
ESTATE AGENTS 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 Southern sales director: Lesley Lawrence ll@whathouse.co.uk Sales manager (Midlands): Ben Marklew bm@whathouse.co.uk Sales executive (Midlands): Tori Collett tc@whathouse.co.uk Sales executive (Midlands): Wayne Smith ws@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 rf@whathouse.co.uk Account manager: Ann Chaloner ac@whathouse.co.uk Printed by: 39zero | Citrus Distributed by: Team
Have you put your move on hold until after next year’s General Election?
I
f so, you’re one of a growing band of would-be movers who are hesitating about taking that step due to the uncertainty of what may happen when we go to the polls, probably next May. This week, agents Strutt & Parker said that in some places, the property market is cooling because people are unwilling to leave themselves open to a potentially costly fall-out, dependent upon who ends up in power after the election. Both Labour and the Liberal Democrats have signalled that they would introduce a Mansion Tax on highend homes should they win the 2015 election. The typical threshold mooted is a property value of £2m. Both parties have indicated that it would be a progressive tax, with the liability increasing with the value of the home, and that the threshold would change in line with property prices. While many of us may only dream about living in a property of that value, big rises in property values in some areas – especially London – have brought an increasing number of properties within, or dangerously close to, this threshold. Stephanie McMahon, head of research at Strutt & Parker, said: “Agents are reporting a continued slowdown in some areas as buyers and sellers nervously await news on the upcoming general election and the potential for Mansion Tax. This is beginning to feed through into transaction levels.”
Say What? With this year’s tightening of mortgage lending criteria and the prospect of higher interest rates early in 2015 also contributing to homeowners’ uncertainty, it looks like the surging month-on-month increases in property prices should be slowing in the coming six months or so. No-one wants the momentum in the property market to be lost completely, but I think it’s probably a good thing that people are being cautious at this time. Remember how much trouble a gung-ho approach to lending and property speculation got us into a few years ago? If you do your sums and weigh up the uncertainties carefully, however, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go ahead with your house-hunting in the mean time. I hope we can help in your search.
Keith Osborne Editor, WhatHouse?
Agent of the week Andrew Grant, principle at Andrew Grant estate agents Could you please tell me a bit about your company? I founded the company around forty years ago, at the age of 26. We started with one branch in Worcester and over the years we have expanded to twelve branches across the West Midlands in locations such as Stourbridge, Droitwich, Malvern, Hereford and Kidderminster, and we have recently opened new branches in Solihull and Ludlow. We have also acquired a rental business in Redditch and have an associate office in St James’s, London.
of more, especially given that we sell anything up to 45 properties a week. Are the recent pension reforms likely to result in more people investing in property? The pension changes could well have an effect as things progress. The market suffered from a long blip but confidence has returned and property usually represents a solid investment. I believe things will continue to improve, and we might well see more investors looking to build portfolios.
© 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.
om .c se ou th ha w
TY ER OP M PR O L FR CA ER LO P E PA TH
NOV 3RD 2014
www.whathouse.com
Local
For all your local property news www.whathouse.com
What kinds of properties do you sell in the West Midlands? We sell a bit of everything, but our stock varies from office to office. Our core range of residential sale properties are priced between £150,000–500,000. I mainly deal with the country homes department, where the highest priced property we are currently selling is £9.5m. We see a real range of buyers, including professionals in search of bigger properties for their families, people selling companies and investing the money in property, buyers moving from London in search of better value and overseas investors, especially from Dubai. What attracts customers to your company? We are the largest independent agency in the West Midlands, and customers
like to deal with local people with local knowledge. We have a range of specialist departments, highly experienced staff and a reputation built on a long period of success. What are the market conditions like for residential sales in the West Midlands? We have found that the lower end of the market has improved considerably of late, with lots of movement up to around the £1m mark, although we’re still not quite seeing 2007 prices. Stock levels are getting slightly better, but we’re always in search
Help to Buy has generally been seen as a success in the West Midlands – but do you support its extension? I feel very much for first-time buyers – it’s been a tough time for them and I think it’s a good thing that Help to Buy has been extended. The real problem is that the government seems to judge the market based on London and the Home Counties, and doesn’t seem to realise that prices aren’t jumping by the same levels elsewhere. They are also too quick to take incentives away as soon as they really start helping people. There is now talk of the Bank of England setting interest rates to 3% in the coming years, and this certainly wouldn’t be a good thing for the market. Contact www.andrew-grant.co.uk; 01905 734734
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
Find us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter
Barnfield Road, Wolverhampton • Two Bedrooms • Modern Re-fitted Kitchen • Spacious Conservatory • No Chain OIRO £109,000
Clothier Street, Wolverhampton • Spacious Family Townhouse • Four Bedrooms • Large Master Suite • Modern Throughout £135,000
Lichfield Road, Shelfield • Stunning Apartment • Two Bedrooms • Lounge • Kitchen OIRO £94,950
Ladymoor Road, Bliston • Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms • Two Family Bathrooms • Rear Extension
Neachells Lane, Wolverhampton • Three Bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Family Bathroom • Downstairs W.C.
£120,000
Church Walk, Wolverhampton • Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms • Original Gas Fires • Great Location
£124,999
Clark Road, Wolverhampton • Detached Property • Three Bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Shower Room
£169,000
Cherwell Drive, Brownhills • Terraced Property • Three Bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Double Glazing
Rookery Road, Lanesfield • Semi Detached • Four Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Two Reception Rooms £125,000
OIRO £105,000
OIRO £124,950
£130,000
Jeremy Road, Wolverhampton • Detached Dorma Bungalow • Three Bedrooms • Corner Plot • Stunning Gardens
OIEO £230,000
Chester Road North, Brownhills • Three Bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Family Bathroom • Rear Garden
Prestwood Road, Wednesfield • Four bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Fully Fitted Kitchen • Loft Conversion
IRO £265,000
Lindon Road, Brownhills • Two Bedrooms • Large Lounge • Family Bathroom • Off Road Parking OIRO £124,950 £125,000
High Hill, Essington Village • Detached Bungalow • Three Bedrooms • Master Bedroom with Wet Room • Detached Good Sized Garage OIEO £299,999
Pelsall Road, Brownhills • Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms • Kitchen/Diner • No Upward Chain OIRO £145,000
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
Bush Grove, Walsall • Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms • Entrance Hall • Front and Rear Gardens OIRO £167,500
Sandy Lane, Cannock • Corner Plot Detached House • Four Double Bedrooms • Breakfast Kitchen • Conservatory OIRO £499,950
Tennscore Avenue, Cheslyn Hay • Extended Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms • Conservatory • Integral Garage OIEO £150,000
Westfield Drive, Aldridge • Three Bedroom Townhouse • Kitchen/Diner • Two En Suites • Family Bathroom OIEO £214,995
The Spindles, Great Wyrley • Detached House • Four Bedrooms • En Suite to Master Bedroom • No Upward Chain OIRO £225,000
Broadmeadow Lane, Great Wyrley • Semi Detached • Two Bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Potential to Extend (STP) OIEO £130,000
Lichfield Road, Brownhills • Detached Bungalow • Four Bedrooms • Utility Area • Loft Room/Study OIRO £269,995
Pennine Drive, Cannock • Detached House • Generous Corner Plot • Three Bedrooms • No Upward Chain £220,000
Wolverhampton Road, Cannock • Mid Terrace • Two Bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Desired Location OIEO £100,000
Millers Walk, Pelsall • Spacious Detached Home • Four Bedrooms • Two Reception Rooms • Detached Games Room IRO £275,000
Broomhill Cottage, Cannock • Traditional Cottage • Three Bedrooms • Fitted Kitchen • Conservatory OIEO £200,000
Stafford Road, Cannock • Traditional End Terrace • Three Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • No Upward Chain OIEO £100,000
For a free Market Appraisal call Your Local Office or text GOODCHILDS to 60607
St Peters Close, Stonall • Detached House • Four Bedrooms • En Suite • Double Garage OIRO £350,000
Ansty Drive, Cannock • Extended Detached • Three Bedrooms • Kitchen Diner • Family Bathroom £170,000
Fieldhouse Road, Cannock • Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms • Lounge Diner • No Upward Chain £95,000
PRNE IC W E
PRNE IC W E
• 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
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
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
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 £600,00. Terms and conditions apply. Photographs show a typical Kendrick home interior.
Victoria Gardens
Help to Buy Available*
Distinct Quality Since 1880
12 | NOV 2014 www.whathouse.coM NEW HOMES
B
ellway Homes has opened its new sales centre at Digby Court in Solihull to prospective buyers. The development is being built upon the grounds of the former Bishop Wilson School in Pike Drive following the school’s move to new premises in nearby Chelmund’s Cross. Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council approved plans for the development in April and work was underway soon afterwards. Bellway will also fund 64 affordable rented homes for local people, invest £100,000 in an all-weather sports facility, pay for improvements at the nearby Meriden Park, create a landscaped green area within the homes and pay £178,000 towards a new drainage system. Bellway sales and marketing director Stephen Rose said: “North Solihull is growing in popularity due to the scale of the regeneration taking place here. Our previous developments in the area have all proved to be big successes and have sold extremely quickly. We’re expecting Digby Court to follow suit. “This development offers something for everyone. It provides a variety of properties ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses. We are also providing a substantial number of affordable homes for local people, which is an important part of
New homes coming soon to North Solihull Sales advisor Sheila Hawkins and site manager Alex Lacey at Bellway’s new Digby Court development in North Solihull.
our role in the regeneration project.” These stylish new homes in North Solihull are served by several local primary and secondary schools, including St Anne’s Catholic Primary School and
Windy Arbor Junior & Infant School, which are both located just a short walk from the development. Nearby secondary schools include CTC Kingshurst Academy and John Henry Newman Catholic School.
Digby Court is also served by excellent transport connections. Marston Green train station is located within a short drive and offers direct and regular services into Birmingham New Street and Coventry. These contemporary new homes also enjoy good road connections, with the M6 and M42 easy to access and Birmingham International Airport within a ten minute drive. Regeneration work in North Solihull began in 2005. Since then Bellway has built hundreds of private and affordable properties. New schools, shops, health centres, and community centres have been built thanks to money raised by the sale of land from Solihull Metropolitan Borough to Bellway. The company has also invested money to improve the infrastructure across the area. Bellway is also currently building at Centric Mews in Smith’s Wood, where there will be a range of one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom houses. Elsewhere, work is almost complete at Hazelmead in Lowbrook, a development which became Bellway’s fastest-selling in the West Midlands region. For more information ahead of the show home opening on November 22nd, you can visit www.bellway.co.uk or call the marketing team on 07805 745 878.
Canalside development of just 14, 3 & 4 bedroomed homes FREE CARPETS for reservations taken this weekend
PRICE FROM £129,950 OR £103,960 WITH HELP TO BUY
Goscote Lane, Walsall WS3 1PE www.waltonhomes.co.uk Telephone Number: 01922 496748
ONLY 5% DEPOSIT Move into your new dream home with help to buy Show Home open Daily: 11am to 5pm
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
10 3
Bo SH Ca ok OW y ou ll 01 r v HO 90 iew M 2 ing E 20 NO 1 W
W O N D E R F U L H O M E S
PRESENTS
A s u p er b develo p me nt of 3 & 4 b edroo m new homes i n Wi l l enha ll, Wa lsa ll
EX CLUSIVE SELLIN G A GENTS
Call NOW for details:
01902 201 103 Wonderful homes built with high standards and quality finish at affordable prices
For more information on this development and others follow us at
www.wonderfulhomes.co.uk
This development is backed by the governments Help to Buy scheme
Why Rent When You Can Buy? Yo u c a n ow n o n e o f t h e s e brand n ew h o me s w i t h a s l i t t l e a s a
*
£7,000 deposit
5
just
% deposit
The Help to Buy scheme makes it possible to buy a brand new home with as little as a 5% deposit. With a Help to Buy equity loan the Government lends you up to 20% of the cost of your new-build home, so you’ll only need a 5% cash deposit and a 75% mortgage. You won’t be charged interest on the 20% loan for the first five years of owning your home.
Buyer’s 5% deposit
Government’s 20% loan
75% mortgage from commercial lender
£7k £28k £105k
Example House Value
£140k
The above figures and diagram are for illustrative purposes only. For specific figures and further details please contact the selling agent. *Subject to individual circumstances and terms and conditions.
ShoWhome NoW oPeN
The wait 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. Excellent starter and family homes.
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
27-10 Interior photographs from a typical showhome. *En-suites to selected plots.
your home, your location
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.
m ! RT E 77 sto BI G 19 r cu ... Y OD /10/ ll ou ars PP ITL . 20 ng a 7 ye HA W O.B rvi st 3 D. se e la be th to for
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