l r, or ca e o lo ap r d ur y p ou Yo ert to y op d pr ere liv de
London & South Edition
May 2015
.co.uk
Prices from ÂŁ425 + VAT get a free personal property manager with promo code whathouse
.co.uk
Prices from ÂŁ425 + VAT get a free personal property manager with promo code whathouse
l r, or ca e o lo ap r d ur y p ou Yo ert to y op d pr ere liv de
London & Southern Edition
May 2015
GARDENS P16 INTERIORS P26 HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS P29 AUCTIONS P61 MORTGAGES P62
Olden, but golden - buying a listed property P59
Properties in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty P6
Time for tee golf properties for sale P24 A specialist Land & New Homes department providing a unique and professional service
Unrivalled network of 38 Sales and Lettings branches within the M25 and a further 300 nationally
0208 394 2993
Dedicated Land team
focusing on the acquisition and disposal of land and development opportunities
Specialist team of New Homes Managers
www.barnardmarcus.co.uk
co-ordinating and overseeing the sales of New Homes developments through our network of high street branches
@BarnardMarLNH
Whatever your requirements we can tailor make a service for you
London, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Isle of Wight – Find your new home at Whathouse.com
ELLERTON ROAD, WIMBLEDON GUIDE PRICE £6,950,000
WEYBRIDGE, SURREY GUIDE PRICE £4,250,000
FO R E N Q U I R I E S C O N TAC T T H E A H E ATO N +4 4 (0) 2 0 7 2 0 5 2 8 0 4 S A L E S @ N E W C O U RT.C O.U K
general election 3
Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes
Manifesto watch The parties publish their property pledges
W
ith the days ticking down until the general election vote on May 7th, the main political parties have published their manifestos as they try to secure crucial votes. Unsurprisingly, property is high on the agenda, with the majority of parties focussing strongly on the lack of supply of new homes across the country. Here’s our guide to the key property-related pledges in each manifesto. CONSERVATIVES The Conservatives have put property at the heart of their manifesto by announcing the extension of the Right to Buy policy, which they claim will help a further 1.3 million families. Prime Minister David Cameron has also promised a £1bn fund to build 400,000 new homes on brownfield sites. The Thatcherite Right to Buy policy was originally introduced in 1980 and allows housing association tenants to purchase their homes at a discount. The policy had previously only been available to those in council homes, with some association tenants accessing the weaker “right to acquire” and others having no rights at all. Under the new plans they will all be able to apply for the main scheme, which can lead to a discount of up to 70%. The Conservatives will fund their brownfield regeneration plans and replace properties sold under Right to Buy by requiring local authorities to manage their housing assets more efficiently. These policies follow the announcement of the Help to Buy ISA, which will provide first-time buyers with a 25% savings boost on their deposit fund, up to a maximum of £3,000.
UKIP UKIP aims to build one million homes on brownfield sites and will restrict the Right to Buy and Help to Buy schemes to British nationals. Nigel Farage has also pledged to: •P rioritise social housing for people with parents born locally • Protect the greenbelt by making it easier to build on previously developed land •E stablish a brownfield agency to provide grants and loans •H ave referendums on major planning decisions •R emove stamp duty on the first £250,000 for new homes built on brownfield sites
LABOUR In addition to his controversial Mansion Tax proposal, Labour leader Ed Miliband has announced plans to build 200,000 new homes a year by 2020. Following the recommendations of a review carried out last year by Sir Michael Lyons, the party plans to double the current level of homes built each year and give local authorities the power to give first option to first-time buyers in areas of housing growth. This headline announcement was the first in a series of policies outlined in the Labour manifesto Other pledges include: • To create a ‘Future Homes Fund’, which would require that the billions of pounds saved in Help to Buy ISAs be invested in increasing housing supply • To reduce the number of empty homes by giving local authorities increased powers, including the option to increase council tax on empty properties • To build a new generation of garden cities • To build more affordable homes by prioritising capital investment for housing • To make three-year tenancies the norm and impose a ceiling on excessive rent rises • To create a national register of private landlords
GREEN PARTY
LIBERAL DEMOCRATS The Liberal Democrats have announced plans to build 300,000 new homes each year. Under their proposals, the government would directly commission new housebuilding, with the party claiming this would result in fewer stalled developments. Announcing the plans, leader Nick Clegg said: “Liberal Democrats believe everyone should have the opportunity to have a decent home at a cost they can afford. We have increased housebuilding in government, but we want to go much further. And we will help young people who want a home of their own with radical plans to help them buy or rent.” Other pledges include: • Bringing forward the creation of at least 10 new garden cities in England • A new Housing Investment Bank to provide long-term capital for major new developments • New Rent to Own homes, where monthly payments steadily buy you a stake in your house • A new Help to Rent scheme to help young people put down a deposit to rent their first property
SNP
Deputy first minister John Swinney says:
The Greens want to build 500,000 homes for social rent across the country by 2020, which they believe will cost £27bn. This would be funded partly by removing mortgage rate relief for landlords and partly by lifting the cap on council borrowing.
“Pushing the case for more UK Government investment in affordable housing will help grow the Scottish housebuilding industry, providing jobs, economic growth and much-needed quality housing across the country.”
Other pledges include:
The party will also:
• T o bring 350,000 empty homes back into use • To cap rent costs and introduce five-year tenancies • To abolish the right to buy council homes
• Push for an end to the “bedroom tax” policy • Build 30,000 new homes in the lifetime of the parliament • Abolish the right to buy social housing
PLAID CYMRU
Plaid Cymru want to change planning laws to ensure that local people benefit from housing developments, increase the supply of social housing and improve the quality of homes in the private rented sector. The party also pledges to: • Implement rent controls to help tenants • Support energy-efficient housing improvements to reduce family energy costs
Welcome!
W
i th ‘anti-gentrification’ protesters disrupting a property awards ceremony this week, there was once again a certain amount of press coverage about the lack of affordable homes and social housing available, particularly in London. It’s true that some developers really don’t help themselves by marketing their properties to overseas investors in preference to local buyers, or in the case of at least one, boasting about “no social housing” in their adverts to foreign purchasers. But there are plenty of developers doing some great work in the social housing sector that don’t get the credit that they deserve – not just in London, where arguably the shortage of homes is at its most evident as the capital reaches a record population, but across the UK. As government subsidies disappeared in recent years, housing associations have had to innovate and the answer for many is to build homes for private sale and use the proceeds to finance the homes they build for shared ownership and social rent. With no shareholders to please, they can use their surplus to provide homes tailored to their local housing waiting list, often personalising a home to cater for a specific need, perhaps for disabled tenants or larger families. This work is crucial but rarely makes any national headlines. These housing associations were generally scathing about David Cameron’s proposition to extend the Right to Buy scheme to their properties, should the Conservatives come to power following the general election. The introduction of Right to Buy in the early 1980s is seen by many to be the start of the decline in social housing that puts us in the position we are in now – woefully short of the number of homes we need. None of the political parties that have been in power over the past 35 years comes out of our current housing predicament with much glory, all of them having studiously ignored the need to replace council properties that have been sold off the changing demographics of our country. Our housing associations should be congratulated for the work they have done in the face of political apathy to the needs of their tenants.
Keith Keith Osborne, editor. ko@whathouse.com @keithosborne69
l a n t a n a estates sales
lettings
* 1 & 2 b e d ro o m a p a r t m e n t s n o w a v a i l a b l e t o re s e r v e ‘ o ff p l a n ’ a t Tr a m w a y P a t h , M i t c h a m . Completion Summer 2015. E n q u i re N o w.
A chance to win £50 It couldn’t be simpler – just ‘follow’ us on Twitter (@What_House) One of our new followers from 4th May to 1st June will win £50 in Marks and Spencer vouchers
Rupert Bates, editorial director of WhatHouse? has been a property journalist for 25 years. He is an award-winning writer who started on local newspapers before becoming a columnist on The Daily Telegraph. He presents the annual What House? Awards, edits leading housebuilding magazine Show House and is property correspondent of The Field magazine.
Managing director Daniel Hill
Keith Osborne started writing about property 12 years ago and has been editor of Whathouse. com since 2010. He is currently a columnist in housebuilding trade magazine Show House and has previously written for Homes Overseas magazine. He has also been a part of the What House? Awards judging panel for a number of years.
Head of Sales (London) Andy Lunn al@whathouse.com
Stephen Maunder is assistant editor of Whathouse.com, having previously spent 18 months there as a freelance special correspondent. He has a background in academic research and has worked at Sky News as a picture researcher. He has also written for BBC News, Huffington Post UK and the Shropshire Star newspaper.
What House?
@What_House
Editorial director Rupert Bates Editor Keith Osborne ko@whathouse.com Assistant editor Stephen Maunder sm@whathouse.com Chief sub-editor Suzanne Frost Designer Sarah Davies Contributors Marc Da Silva Nick Parkhouse Richenda Oldham
Sales manager Jay Ali ja@whathouse.com Business development manager Steve Coyle sc@whathouse.com Account manager Ann Chaloner ac@whathouse.com Head of digital Simon Phillips simon@whathouse.com Cover photo: ‘Wuthering Heights’ in Eltham, London courtesy of Alan de Maid, 020 8467 2205
Published by: Globespan Media Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG T: 020 7940 1070 E: info@globespanmedia.com W: www.whathouse.com Printed by 39zero / Distributed by Royal Mail © 2015 Globespan Media Limited WhatHouse?, ISSN: 02691310
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.
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 H391 08/14
H391 - What House? advert_Sept_FINAL.indd 1
8/14/14 9:38 AM
6 six appeal
Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes
Hanger Cottage, Ivybridge, Devon Guide price £650,000-£675,000
Hanger Cottage is an impressive, charming, spacious, well-designed and well-presented four-bedroom detached cottage sitting in extensive, beautifully maintained gardens of around 1.2 acres in an idyllic setting in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Ivybridge, in the south Devon countryside. It has a gated driveway leading to a gravelled parking area for several vehicles, a four-car garage with potential for conversion into an annexe subject to consents, unspoilt views over open countryside and looks gorgeous from every angle. The grounds also currently benefit from having a generously sized fruit and vegetable garden, greenhouse and outbuilding. Inside is a cloakroom, kitchen/breakfast room with Aga, utility room, living room with character features including a ceiling beam and a wood burner with stone surround, separate dining room, hallway, conservatory/
sun room, four bedrooms (master with dressing room and built-in wardrobes) and family bathroom. The property would make a wonderful family or extended family home being situated in a private secluded location while still being accessible to main routes. The centre of Ivybridge, the largest town in the desirable South Hams district, is just 10 minutes’ drive away. The town provides a good range of shops and amenities, including a station, which is on the Exeter-Cornwall line. The nearby A38 links many towns in Devon and Cornwall to the M5.
From: Hennings Moir Contact: 01752 850440
Six appeal Our favourite properties in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the market right now Chillerton Farm, Newport, Isle of Wight £850,000
The Sailor’s Retreat, Lymington, Hampshire • £POA to rent
This charming Grade II listed farmhouse is believed to originate from around 1800, and retains many period features including sash windows, a veranda and flagstone floors. It is both spacious and light and nestles within the downland. This large family home comprises a kitchen/breakfast room, dual-aspect drawing room, dining room, conservatory, study and bathroom on the ground floor, with five bedrooms on the first floor served by a further
Located in the Georgian market town of Lymington, The Sailor’s Retreat is a threebedroom property perfectly situated for exploring the local high street, marina and nearby nature reserves. Guests can venture further afield to explore this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty including the woodlands and heathlands of the New Forest to the north and the Solent and Isle of Wight to the south. The Dorset countryside and market towns of Wimborne Minster and Blandford Forum on the river Stour, also famed for its Georgian architecture, are nearby. Further along the coastline the historic town of Christchurch
two family bathrooms. One of the bedrooms also features a large dressing room. The property also benefits from wonderful countryside views, with the gardens and a paddock extending to approximately five acres and incorporating several outbuildings.
From: Watson Bull & Porter Contact: 01983 822822
offers access to sandy beaches for those keen to explore the coastline. The property is a Georgian mews house. Sleeping six, it comes complete with two double rooms and one twin room. The lounge area features a wood-burning stove and the well-equipped kitchen offers all the modcons, in addition to a separate utility room. The enclosed garden offers a private space to relax in after a day exploring with patio, garden furniture, lawn and summer house.
From: holidaycottages.co.uk Contact: 01237 426 256
For the latest on the property market
Plot 2, Oakwood Farm, Fairseat, Kent £1.1m
Talhenbont Hall, Chwilog, Gwynedd £1.545m Talhenbont Hall was built in 1607 and is steeped in history, having been used as a garrison for Cromwell’s army during The Civil War. The estate stands in the privacy of its mature gardens and grounds (extending to about 75 acres, including a paddock and woodland), has been sympathetically restored by the present owners over the last 30 years and enjoys a magnificent location in glorious, unspoiled countryside in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
six appeal 7
@What_House
Set in the heart of the beautiful and popular Llyn Peninsular, the property is on the periphery of the Snowdonia National Park. The property provides over 8,600 sq ft of accommodation, with six bedrooms, three bathrooms and three reception rooms. There is also separate staff accommodation and a number of outbuildings. There is a tennis court in the garden and the grounds offer the opportunity to fish. Talhenbont Hall and is within easy reach of the popular towns of
Criccieth and Abersoch. The seaside resort of Criccieth offers many local amenities including public houses, restaurants, school and a variety of shops. Abersoch and Pwllheli are both renowned sailing centres and both offer excellent 18-hole golf courses. Porthmadog is approximately five miles from the property and offers excellent shopping facilities and a leisure centre.
From: Strutt & Parker Contact: 01244 354888
Fairseat is a delightful village in Kent situated just 10 miles from Sevenoaks and 10 miles from Maidstone. Fairseat, near Vigo, is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that ribbons for miles to the coast. This beautiful rolling countryside rises in parts to over 240m, cresting in a prominent escarpment above the Weald to the south. Oakwood Farm, on Vigo Road, Fairseat, is an enclave of just eight properties. All have been architecturally designed to reflect the Kent vernacular, creating a superb quiet location of exceptional homes. Within the first week of launch a magnificent five-bedroom property was reserved and interest is high for the remaining properties. There is a show home available for those visiting the site to
enable potential buyers to fully appreciate the quality of the build and the fixtures and fittings, which include luxury fitted kitchens with Silestone worktops, AEG integrated appliances, bi-fold doors to patios, remote control electric garage doors and large gardens with views of the surrounding countryside. Fairseat, as a place to live, is splendid: less than a mile from the M20/M26, the village is quiet and tranquil and, being elevated, there are magnificent views Prices for other four-bedroom, detached barn style homes range from £965,000 to £1.2m. Incentives to assist purchase include Part Exchange and Home Change.
From: Hillreed Homes Contact: 01684 237 246
St Aldhelm’s Chapel, Cranborne, Dorset • £795,000 St Aldhelm’s Chapel is an imaginative conversion of a listed chapel in the heart of the stunning Cranborne Chase, among beautiful rolling Dorset countryside. Believed to date from 1838, the chapel is mentioned in Pevsner’s Buildings of England and it has been sympathetically converted and extended to provide spacious and versatile accommodation. Large leaded windows allow light to flood into the kitchen/ breakfast room and the sitting room is triple aspect with a wood burner
and French doors out to the garden. There are three bedrooms, offering beautiful views of the garden and fields beyond, and two bath/shower rooms. The chapel is set at the centre of a mature gardens extending to about 0.6 acres and next to the main building is a timber-framed outbuilding with a slate roof.
From: Savills Contact: 01722 426820
DESTINED TO BE A LONDON LANDMARK
+ 360 aspirational apartments + Award-winning development team + Superb connectivity + Sustainable design + Near London’s new 3rd business district + Ideal investment property See for yourself at the Hoola Marketing Suite – now open! The Pavilion 1 Siemens Brothers Way Royal Victoria Docks London E16 1GB Images are artists impressions for indicative purposes
Tel: 0207 474 1121 www.hoola-london.co.uk newhomes@strawberrystar.com
More news and interviews at whathouse.com/news
advertorial 9
Strawberry Star launches iconic development in Royal Docks
A
w ard-winning London property consultant, Strawberry Star, has this month brought Hoola London to market. Developed in partnership with midmarket specialist HUB, Hoola London is transforming a brownfield site in Royal Docks into two near-identical 23- and 24-storey towers surrounded by rippling glass balconies. Designed by celebrated CZWG Architects, the towers offer 360 studios, one-, two- and three-bed apartments, available in no less
than eleven layouts. Interiors from Johnson Naylor, specialists who have worked at Battersea Power Station and King’s Cross Central, will bring a “Zone 1 finish to Zone 3 pricing”, complemented by breathtaking skyline views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Set in immaculate landscaped gardens and benefitting from a range of facilities on-site including a gym, residents’ business lounge and concierge services, Hoola fulfils the appetite for aspirational homes at mid-market prices. An innovative link-up will pipe excess
heat from the neighbouring ExCeL Centre into the development, providing all heating and hot water requirements, while the building’s concrete frame will also act as a heat sink – absorbing heat on warm days and releasing it back into apartments when it cools. Assessments by HUB’s technical team show Hoola is likely to produce 57% less CO2 emissions than current building regulations require, meaning homes that are great to live in while being cheaper to run. Hoola London reflects Strawberry Star’s commitment to investing in
previously overlooked areas of London, poised for regeneration. It is located close to the planned £1.7bn Asian Business Port – the transformation of a 35-acre site into London’s third business district, creating 20,000 jobs and contributing £6bn to the UK economy. Strawberry Star’s focus on high-end design and strategic location ensures these properties have the potential to appreciate considerably in value. As well as high population growth, the Royal Docks’ proximity to Crossrail, due in 2018, will further drive capital value in the area. Prices could rise by around
25% above baseline projections, according to an impact survey.* Hoola is a remarkable development that promises to deliver both exceptional design and unparalleled quality, in a remarkable location poised to thrive over the coming years. Prices from just £359,000. Hoola London Marketing Suite now open – Hoola Pavilion, Royal London Dock, E16 1GB (behind the Siemens Crystal Building). Find out more at www.hoola-london.co.uk; 020 7437 1000 * GVA Crossrail Property Impact Study
GE T MOV IN G WITH N ETW O RK LIVING Offering a stylish selection of homes across well connected locations with a number of flexible buying options available.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS...
S T R E AT H A M S W 2
Warehouse SW2
The Junction SW9
Alpine Place NW9
1, 2, 3 bedroom apartments Prices from £312,500
1 & 2 bedroom apartments Prices from £333,000
2 & 3 bedroom apartments & duplexes Prices from £355,000
020 7704 5618
0300 373 3000
0203 667 1518
LIME WALK WEMBLEY
243 Ealing Road HA0
Wykeham Place NW2
Lime Walk HA9
2 & 3 bedroom apartments Prices from £355,000
1 & 2 bedroom apartments Prices from £255,000
1, 2 & 3 bed apartments Prices from £280,000
020 7704 5618
0808 168 7900
0203 667 1516
networkliving.co.uk Full asking prices referenced and correct at time of press. Shared Ownership and Shared Equity options available on selected homes. Computer generated images and photography of developments.
london
Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes
11
In the spotlight: Brent This month we take a look at North West London’s regeneration hotbed, which is home to the UK’s most marginal constituency seat
NEW HOMES
Silver Works by Galliard Homes Colindale
WHERE IS IT? The London Borough of Brent is located in North West London, bordering Harrow and Ealing to the west and Barnet and Camden to the east. Its major areas are Wembley, Cricklewood, Willesden and Kilburn. Harlesden, Neasden, Dollis Hill, Kenton and parts of Colindale also fall within its boundaries.
WHO LIVES THERE? The 2011 census showed Brent to have a population of 312,200. The borough is densely populated and is one of only two in the country where the majority of its residents are from a Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) background.
WHAT IS IT FAMOUS FOR? The borough is home to Wembley Stadium and the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple in Neasden, the largest Hindu temple outside India.
marginal seat), Brent North (Labour) and Hampstead and Kilburn, which was the most marginal seat in the 2010 election, with Labour winning by 42 seats.
WHAT DO HOUSES COST? The average property in Brent costs £427,628, with a detached property averaging £764,751, a semi-detached home £516,147, a terraced home £486,995 and a flat £345,614. Huge price increases in early 2014 in Queen’s Park sent a ripple throughout the borough, aided by the gentrification of Kensal Rise and Willesden Green. In the past five years the average house price increase in the borough has been £156,731. Last month, Brent experienced the highest monthly price rise of all London boroughs, with prices going up by 1.9%.
ARE THERE ANY REGENERATION WHAT IS THE POLITICAL PROJECTS UNDERWAY? LANDSCAPE LIKE? Of the 63 councillors in the borough, Labour boasts a significant majority, with 56 seats, while the Conservatives have six and the Liberal Democrats have one. After the abolition of the Brent South and Brent East seats before the 2010 election, three constituency seats will be fought over in this year’s general election – Brent Central (currently a Liberal Democrat
Wembley
Wembley is currently undergoing one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in the UK, with plans afoot to build 10,000 more new homes (including affordable housing) in the next 10 years. Since 2001, there has already been a 10% increase in the number of households in Wembley, and this is set to continue apace with
475 new homes currently being built and 4,000 more in the pipeline.
Alperton There are several developments either proposed or underway here, including Minavil House (55 flats), 243 Ealing Road (441 new homes, 111 affordable/ shared ownership), 255 Ealing Road (125 homes, 38 affordable/shared ownership), Alperton Canal and Northfields Industrial Estate.
Silver Works is an elegant courtyard development of 191 new homes located at Grove Park in the heart of Colindale, with prices starting at £262,500. Silver Works comprises six elegant and individual apartment buildings integrated into a landscaped environment of communal courtyards and gardens. The high-specification homes here comprise energyefficient suites, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments,
plus six executive four-bedroom town houses. Private entrance lobbies and lifts serve each apartment building, with apartments and townhouses benefiting from highly refined and superior specification. Ideally located so as to benefit from excellent local transport links, Silver Works is just 10 minutes’ walk from Colindale underground station. Find out more at www.galliardhomes.com; 020 3370 6274
South Kilburn The South Kilburn Regeneration Programme aims to complete 2,400 new homes by 2021, 1,200 of which will be made available to existing residents.
Burnt Oak and Colindale Planning permission has been granted for five developments at the following locations: Grove Park (227 homes), Capitol Way (460 flats), Oriental City – Edgware Road (183 homes), 3 Burnt Oak Broadway (76 flats) and 5 Burnt Oak Broadway (53 completed flats).
Church End Around 800 homes are expected to be built on eight hectares of brownfield land here by 2026.
Barham Park Estate Upon completion of the Barham Park Estate project in 2017, 338 new homes will have been provided. The third phase (offering 27 homes for social rent, 34 for Shared Ownership and 61 private sale units) began in March.
Maple House, Emerald Gardens Wembley Park Designed by Grid Architects, Emerald Gardens is the current phase of the North West Village development and offers 427 private apartments in seven buildings, set in almost an acre of gardens. Maple House is one of the stunning apartment buildings within Emerald Gardens, ranging across six storeys, and has a range of studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments available, priced from £305,000 to £560,000.
Architecturally, all of the Emerald Gardens buildings look back to the golden age of skyscraper buildings as seen in 19th century Chicago, but updated to the contemporary surroundings, and Maple House follows this precedent. The majority of the Maple House apartments have their own private balcony or terrace. Find out more at www.northwestvillage.com; 020 3151 8601
12 london
For the latest on the property market
@What_House
Regeneration starts at Canada Water Work is under way to provide over 1,000 new homes in Southwark
D
emolition work has started on the existing Decathlon warehouse, a major site at Canada Water in Southwark, signalling the beginning of a significant regeneration of the area, including the provision of a new town centre. The scheme is a joint venture partnership between Notting Hill Housing (NHH) and Sellar Design + Developments, and it will deliver 1,030 new homes across the seven-acre site, ranging in size from studios to fourbedroom apartments and townhouses. The development will include a mix of tenures, addressing demand from property buyers and those who need affordable housing in the borough. There will be 453 private sale homes, 346 private rent homes, 162 affordable rent homes and 69 shared
ownership homes. Visiting the site to see the start of the work recently was councillor Mark Williams, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transport at Southwark Council; Kate Davies, chief executive of NHH; and James Sellar, chief executive officer of Sellar Design + Development. Kate Davies remarked: “Demolition is never as exciting as putting up new buildings, but it’s a start. We are so looking forward to working with Southwark Council and Sellar to make this area a super new place to live, work and enjoy the waterside.” James Sellar added: “We are delighted that work is now underway on the regeneration of Canada Water town centre. Our vision is to create a vibrant new urban neighbourhood through thoughtful design, the introduction of green spaces, enhancement of the
water’s edge, independent retail, and events benefiting both residents and the wider community.” The site occupies a very convenient location, adjacent to Canada Water underground station and the Dock, between London Bridge and Canary Wharf. When completed, the new development will also include 150,000 sq ft of retail and commercial space, including a cinema, bars, restaurants, office space, plus a new a 100,000-sq-ft Decathlon store. Alongside these amenities, a community sports facility and health centre will complement new public areas featuring open spaces, landscaped gardens, walkways and cycle paths with a new waterside town square. Find out more at www.nottinghillhousing.org.uk
Knowledge with the personal touch
Specialists in new homes sales, lettings, management
020 3589 0250
hello@wigmorejones.com
www.wigmorejones.com
1 NG E VI N I L ZO RY
XU U L
THE FINEST OF THE FINEST
EXCLUSIVE
PARLIAMENT
reach
FINAL PHASE
APARTMENTS
southside
THE ARC TOWER BRIDGE SE1
LONDON BRIDGE SE1
Authentic penthouse view
BLACK PRINCE ROAD • LAMBETH SE11
TANNER STREET • BERMONDSEY SE1
Few 2 bedroom luxury apartments and a single 3 bedroom duplex remaining at this highly successful development, located within Vauxhall Gardens Conservation Area.
This dynamic development is located around 60 metres from Tower Bridge and a stone’s throw from London Bridge, its transport hub and The Shard.
• Exclusive specifications including kitchens by Manhattan. • Each with balcony or terrace. • Concierge, CCTV security and coomunal gardens. • 10 minutes walk from Northern and Victoria tube connections. IMMEDIATE OCCUPATION WITH PRICES FROM
£625,000
The best has been saved for last at this highly acclaimed South Bank development, 5 minutes walk from both Southwark and London Bridge tube connections.
• One singularly stunning 2 bedroom apartment remaining. • Over 1140 sqft of luxurious living space. • Large terrace overlooking podium garden. • Exclusively finished and equipped including Smeg integrated kitchen appliances. COMPLETION MID 2015
£850,000
VIEWING STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT
PRESENTED BY
UNION STREET • SOUTH BANK SE1
• A fabulous 2 bedroom duplex penthouse. • 1493 sqft of high end living space with 10th floor balcony and 11th floor terrace. • Extended void ceiling over dining area. • Superb views across City skyline. A UNIQUE ACQUISITION AVAILABLE NOW
020 7781 7781 sales@london-residences.com
£1,650,000
WE CAN GET YOU MOVING Mastermove helps you buy at Kingston Riverside while we take the hard work out of selling your existing property, by arranging valuations, appointing an estate agent, taking care of all the paperwork and even paying the agents’ fees. Mastermove helps you move into your brand new Redrow home in three simple steps: Step 1 - Choose your Redrow home at Kingston Riverside and register on Mastermove. Step 2 - We’ll appoint an estate agent to market your property. Step 3 - When a sale is agreed, Redrow will pay the agent’s fees leaving you free to reserve your new Redrow luxury apartment. Call now to find out how simple your move could be.
13334 Kingston Riverside - Whathouse - 340x265 wc060415.indd 1
Luxury 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with stunning panoramic views over Kingston with prices from £750,000
020 3581 2003
Kingston Upon Thames
kingstonriverside.com
sales@kingstonriverside.com
01/04/2015 15:41
Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes
A day in the life of a London estate agent
Vivienne Harris of Heathgate in Hampstead tells us about her working day as a London estate agent
O
n e of the reasons I love my job is because it offers variety and no two days are ever the same. Working in Hampstead I am truly blessed, as the area is so picturesque and the people so eclectic. Today is a good day to talk about what I have done, as it has been nonstop, and I am in my element when I’m busy. Early morning, I was on a Skype call with an overseas client, which I did from home due to the timing of the discussion. Once complete, I headed to the office so that I could deal with my numerous emails before my first morning appointment. This was a meeting with a new client who may be considering selling his property, buying a new smaller home and investing the remainder of funds.. A long-standing client had recommended me to him and although he is not quite ready he was interested to establish whether his ideas had merit. Once back in the office I was on the
phone returning calls and chasing up buyers and sellers in connection with viewings, offers, sales progressions and the like. One of my vendors asked me to pop in to his flat for my opinion regarding his new renovations and to establish the best way to re-market the property. Afterwards, it was back to the office to write up some adverts for the magazines in which we advertise and answer yet more emails. A couple of buyers wandered in and stayed chatting for a while and then I had to go to a market appraisal locally. Being in a village, I tend to walk to most of my appointments and one of my favourite parts of the day is bumping into and catching up with clients, applicants and the friendly faces of the area. Heathgate has been established in Heath Street, Hampstead for almost 25 years, but when I first opened my office I knew very few local people and was always a little envious of those who were well integrated into the social side of the area. Now of course I am considered an elder stateswoman and always find
someone to chat to on my various forays out of the office. Today was no exception and I met up with two young men who are City asset managers. They are hoping to bring me some new properties to sell and rent, whereby we can work together and build a lasting business relationship. The market appraisal went well and I am hopeful that an instruction will ensue over the next few days. It was a lovely two-bedroom flat and should be relatively easy to sell. At about 5pm I speak to some of my overseas clients who are up and about (due to time differences) and some of my Russian connections who are discussing buying some property locally. We have worked with these people many times. Then it’s more desk work, letters, emails, details and phone work until 7pm when I realise it’s time to go home. Although tonight it’s the gym before home – and gosh – look at the time – I need to be there for 7.30pm, so I’d better run out the door.
Reaching new heights in selling and letting every type of property. Your property is probably one of your most valuable asset, when it comes to selling or renting your property, an agent with considerable knowledge and experience is essential. As such, we are fully committed to providing you with a top quality service and ensuring that things move along as swiftly and smoothly as possible. We provide our service at competitive commission rates, and on a no sale no fee basis.
tel: 0203 743 0333 | email: info@canaryproperties.co.uk
london
15
Contact www.heathgate.co.uk; 020 7435 3344
16 armchair gardener
For the latest on the property market
@What_House
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme Growing herbs is a rewarding yet simple form of gardening that can be done equally well in pots or flower beds. Richenda Oldham explains how
H
ow many times in the past year have you forked out for a packet of overpriced wilting parsley or coriander in your local supermarket? The money you spent could have been far better used towards helping you cultivate your own supply of fresh, aromatic herbs, which look and smell wonderful and can’t be beaten on flavour. Herbs are just like other plants and come in annual varieties (such as basil, coriander and marjoram) and perennials (such as rosemary, lavender, sage and chives). They are simple to grow, too, regardless of whether you have only a windowsill at your disposal, containers on a patio or a formal herb garden. For extra convenience, grow them just outside your kitchen door, which will ensure that they are within convenient reach for when you are cooking – because there is nothing
more satisfying than using homegrown herbs to flavour your dishes. You can propagate herbs from seeds or cuttings or divide varieties such as marjoram, oregano, mint or thyme in late spring. They will do best growing in a hot, sunny spot and prefer well-drained soil – just make sure you feed them throughout the growing season. Alternatively, go to the garden centre and buy plants that are big/ strong enough to pick the leaves from straightaway. Bring them home and re-pot them, but don’t overwater them. Some plants (chives and mint) like moisture, while perennials such as rosemary and lavender prefer dry conditions. As a general rule, when harvesting herbs, don’t pick more than a third of a plant’s foliage – this will allow the plant to recover. Should you have a glut of herbs, remember you can freeze fresh herbs very successfully for all year-round use.
Parsley is an essential ingredient for all types of cookery and will thrive equally in sun or shade
Herbs can be easily grown in all kinds of containers, pots and planters, £3.99-£19.99, Dobbies Garden Centre, www.dobbies.com
Sage is a native Mediterranean evergreen plant with grayish leaves and blue to purplish flowers that have both medicinal and culinary uses
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub, so its leaves are available fresh all year round
The mild, garlic-like flavour of chives makes it a popular chef’s gardening choice
TYPES OF HERBS TO GROW Annual and biennial herbs: • Basil – regular sowings are needed for a summer-long supply. • Coriander – likes well-drained sunny soil. Use the leaves in Asian cooking and the seeds in curries.
• Parsley – this is an essential across all forms of cooking. • Dill – the fine leaves are used fresh or dried in Scandinavian cookery. • Sweet marjoram – use in Italian, Greek and Mexican cookery.
Perennial herbs: • Mint – delicious, fresh-scented leaves that can be used in teas, drinks and cooking. • Thyme – can thrive in stony, poor soil. Well-known for use in
French cuisine. • Sage – excellent accompaniment to pork and other meats. • Rosemary – particularly good with lamb, but the leaves can also be steeped in olive oil.
• Chives – use the leaves and flowers, all of which have a mild flavour. • Tarragon – really good with chicken, salad dressings, sauces and egg dishes.
Unlock your holiday home’s potential Take the first step today and find out how we can make your property a success.
01237 426 712
5|
4|
3
Bideford - North Devon
£735,000
• Stunning elevated position • Long private gated drive • 5 Bedrooms / 3 en-suite
• 2.6 Acres
• 3 Reception rooms
• Detached one bed. annexe
• Breathtaking river views
• EPC E
For full details, or to view more of our portfolio, visit our website
morrisandbott.co.uk 01237 459 998 | Grenville Wharf, 6a The Quay, Bideford EX39 2HW
Morris and Bott - HC - What House.indd 1
29/04/2015 15:08
.co.uk
Prices from ÂŁ425 + VAT get a free personal property manager with promo code whathouse
For the latest on the property market
@What_House
surrey 19
Help to Buy event coming soon to Camberley Developer dedicates a day to explain the scheme for first-time buyers and home movers
H
o mebuyers in Camberley will have a chance to find out how they can buy a brand new home with just a 5% deposit at a special event taking place at a new homes development in the town on Saturday 16th May. Award-winning Hodson Developments is hosting the event at its Viridium development on Frimley Road from 10.00am. The government–backed Help to Buy scheme has already helped over 73,000 people in the country buy a brand new home since its launch two years ago and the scheme has been taken up by many of the purchasers at this Camberley development. Christie Alaimo, sales director for Hodson Developments, says: “Help to Buy has been an enormous success, not just for homebuyers in Camberley but for tens of thousands of purchasers throughout the country. As it requires just a 5% deposit, Help to Buy proves very useful to those either looking to get onto the property ladder or to any homebuyer looking to get a bigger property for less upfront cost.” Help to Buy allows any homebuyer to buy a brand new home under the value of £600,000 with as little as a 5% deposit. The homebuyer receives
a 20% interest-free equity loan from the government which, combined with their deposit, allows them to gain access to more affordable interest rates available with a 75% mortgage. The scheme makes buying a new home a much more affordable prospect and means that homebuyers at Viridium will currently only require £14,750 to secure a brand new apartment. Newly-weds Sofia and Tom Brzostowski, both in their midtwenties, have recently purchased a top-floor two-bedroom apartment at Viridium. Like many first-time buyers they had struggled to save enough of a deposit to buy their first property. “We had been saving hard while living in rented property for several years and so we did have a decent amount saved but our money wasn’t going very far,” says Sofia. “It looked like the most we were going to be able to afford was a small one-bedroom flat that required plenty of work doing to it, in an area of Surrey that we didn’t really want to live in. So when we discovered Help to Buy at Viridium in Camberley, we were delighted to find out that we could afford to buy a beautiful twobedroom apartment – it’s been like a
dream come true.” Tom and Sofia will soon move into their new home, where they will be paying less in monthly mortgage payments for their two-bedroom apartment than they were previously paying in rent for their one-bedroom property. Alaimo adds: “This weekend we are inviting anyone who wants to find out more about Help to Buy to come and speak to the experts. They will be able to speak confidentially to one of our financial experts and fully understand how the scheme can help them buy one of our apartments here with just a 5% deposit. Homebuyers will have the opportunity to ask any questions they like and see for themselves the quality of home they can afford to buy. We are expecting it to be a busy event and so would recommend anyone wishing to attend to get in touch to register their interest.” Viridium is a gated development of one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses, with a large terrace garden or contemporary glass balcony, with every home offering far-reaching views across Camberley and the Surrey countryside. Each home also comes with private parking. Prices start at £295,000.
Find out more at www.hodsondevelopments.com; 01276 66693
20 surrey
@What_House
For the latest on the property market
It takes all sorts...
Linden Homes’ Hepworth Court is attracting a myriad of homebuyers to the good life in Surrey
W
a lton-on-Thames has long been one of the most desirable places to live in Surrey – which, given the abundance of wellto-do towns and villages within the county borders, is quite some accolade. The Elmbridge district in which it sits is often close to the top of any ‘Quality of Life’ lists, indeed it came second in the 2014 Halifax survey for the whole of the UK, which takes into account factors such as health, life expectancy, crime rate, employment and education standards. Consequently, it’s a magnet for all sorts of homebuyers, including families, executives and downsizers. Award-winning housebuilder Linden Homes certainly has a range of house-hunters in mind at its boutique Hepworth Court development in
Manor Road, which comprises just ten three- and four-bedroom homes with prices currently starting at £710,000. These two- and three-storey houses are within a stone’s throw of the River Thames and under ten minutes’ walk from The Heart, the hub of Walton’s shops, cafés and restaurants. Such has been the popularity of this exclusive development that just a few plots remain unsold. These detached and semi-detached homes have traditional, Arts & Craftsinspired exteriors but inside have been fitted to the high, modern standards, combining the practicalities of generous room dimensions, energyefficient build and triple glazing to the sleek fixtures and fittings that discerning house-hunters demand. As standard come chic fitted kitchens with granite worktops and
high-quality integrated appliances, stylish and durable tiles and splashbacks, elegant sanitaryware and top-brand flooring, while all master bedrooms have an en suite. Early-bird buyers can personalise their home in many ways from Linden’s Enhance range of options, from kitchen units and bathroom fittings to lighting, flooring, storage and security features. For families, there’s an ‘outstanding’ primary nearby (Ashley C of E Primary School) and a ‘good with outstanding features’ secondary academy (Thamesmead School) in the public sector and a number of day and boarding schools, both single-sex and co-educational, in and around this part of Surrey in the independent sector. Whatever your interests are, the local area has plenty to offer, including messing about on the river, cycling or running through a local park or the Surrey countryside, an abundance of golf courses and other sports clubs, a choice of theatres and cinemas and some exceptional pubs and restaurants. Central London is little more than half an hour away on the
train from Walton-on-Thames station. With a superb range of local amenities, convenient transport links and proximity to the river and many park and recreation facilities, Waltonon-Thames will continue to offer an
enviable lifestyle to homebuyers – but you’ll have to be quick to bag a home at Hepworth Court. Find out more at www.lindenhomes.co.uk; 0843 781 7298
LET’S TALK LANDSCAPING FLAG PAVING BLOCK PAVING PERMEABLE PAVING NATURAL STONE PAVING DECORATIVE AGGREGATES SPECIALIST KERB SYSTEMS
Let’s talk great looking gardens Homeowners want the best for their outdoor spaces. That’s why our extensive portfolio of domestic landscaping products for gardens and driveways allows consumers to choose their look from contemporary, modern and traditional designs. If you want to achieve good-looking, cost-effective paving solutions. Talk to us.
LANDSCAPING AND BUILDING PRODUCTS
Call 0845 60 80 570... ...and talk to us direct. Alternatively, email us at: landscaping@brett.co.uk Brett Landscaping Ltd. @brettpaving BrettPaving
www.brettpaving.co.uk
Property at your fingertips, from Clapham to Cornwall...
Available to download
NOW
south LONDON PROPERTY REVIEW
MAY 2015
SALE & RENT EXCLUSIVE HOMES FOR
PUTNEY CT PROJE TV doctors Saved by
THAMES ER TOtersW ea and sky Bat
Secret garden Gateway to Wandsworth
COUNTRY DREAMS See pages 143–166
wonderland
Download to your tablet, PC or phone now...
WhatHouse Ad.indd 1
21/04/2015 14:46
22 surrey
More news and interviews at whathouse.com/news
Rural living
Chobham Park Lane, Chobham • £1.65m Dating back to 1874, this exceptional and unique family home has been thoughtfully extended and offers wellplanned accommodation over two floors. The principal house is complimented with a detached former dairy barn, which now provides extensive garaging and a workshop along with a utility room and an open-plan games/ media room. The mature gardens are accessible from all around the house and barn, enjoying views over paddocks and fields.
Our favourite countryside properties in Surrey
T
h is month, we take a look at three of the best rural homes currently on the market in Surrey, with Waterfords in Chobham and JacksonStops & Staff in Weybridge.
The Old Manor House, Little Shepperton • £1.5m This historic listed property has 10 bedrooms and comes with over two acres of land, including an island on the river at the bottom of the garden. The house is known for its royal connections; there are associations with Lady Catherine Grey (sister of Lady Jane Grey) and her husband Lord Hertford and William IV is said to have stayed here on a number of occasions. It has been in the same family for 120 years and is now on the market for the first time, ripe for reconfiguration and updating.
Find out more by calling Jackson-Stops & Staff in Weybridge on 01932 821160
Artist’s impression. For illustrative purposes only
Prices from
£575,000 Sat Nav: W7 3ST
Find out more by calling Waterfords in Chobham on 01276 858589
Bourne Farm, Chobham • £1.6m Bourne Farm has an abundance of retained period features including fireplaces, wooden floors and latched doors, combined with a floorplan that is ideal for 21stcentury family living. Outside, its century-old barn could be used for business or residential purposes, subject to planning. The grounds here are accessed via a long gravelled driveway and feature formal entertaining areas, a vegetable garden, a pool and a substantial paddock. Find out more by calling Waterfords in Chobham on 01276 858589
BentleyCourt UXBRIDGE ROAD
Bentley Court is a new development of nine, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes tucked away in a gated court located off Uxbridge Road in Hanwell, Ealing. All the properties have private gardens and parking making this a fabulous environment for London living. For more information please contact Lea Valley Homes
The development is located next to St Mellitus Church, an imposing Gothic style building of the Edwardian period situated in the heart of Hanwell.
E | sales@leavalleyhomes.co.uk W | leavalleyhomes.co.uk
Specification includes Paula Rosa Manhattan kitchens with granite worktop, integrated AEG appliances, flooring throughout, contemporary fully tiled bathrooms and en-suites.
T | 01923 251799
Vista, Drayton Garden Village
Creating new communities across the South
Inland Homes are currently regenerating areas across the South providing quality homes with an emphasis on design and sustainability. Visit our fabulous range of Showhomes to discover more.
Charterhouse Mews, Chelmsford
DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDE: Carter’s Quay, Poole 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses
Abbeywood Park, Markyate 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom houses
Vista, Drayton Garden Village, West Drayton 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses
COMING SOON: The Comptons, Wooburn Green 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom houses
St John’s, Chelmsford 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses Charterhouse Mews, Chelmsford 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2 bedroom houses
Carter’s Quay, Poole
The Comptons,Wooburn Green
For further details call 01494 762 450 or email sales@inlandhomes.co.uk Showhome open at this development
Please check website for current availability. Computer generated illustrations are indicative only and subject to change.
Alexandra Gardens, Iver 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses Rutherford Park, Stanbridge 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses
St John’s, Chelmsford
www.inlandhomes.co.uk
24 golf properties
For the latest on the property market
@What_House
‘September Song’, Wentworth, Surrey • £3.9m
Time for tee
“Just a 9-iron away from the course,” according to Rupert Wyatt, partner of selling agent Barton Wyatt, September Song is situated on one of the most prestigious roads on the Wentworth Estate, West Drive, on the ‘Main Island’ of Wentworth with the golf courses and clubhouse very nearby. This unique property was designed by Lewandowski Willcox Architects and built to an ultra-
high specification in 2008, with a gorgeous contemporary feel throughout, including a fabulous glass staircase. The house boasts four reception rooms, five bedrooms (three en suite), laundry, study, lift from the five-car garage and landscape gardens of 1.86 acres. Find out more at www.bartonwyatt.co.uk; 01344 843000
We take a look at some of the UK’s best golf properties
A
r ound 3.5 million Britons consider themselves ‘golfers’, whether they play every week or just occasionally. The greens and fairways are a great escape, and for many of these enthusiasts, a property next to a scenic
and challenging course is on the wish list. Undoubtedly, the climate is a major reason why many dream of a golf property overseas, but let’s not overlook the UK: we have a terrific range of courses and the weather really isn’t that bad (often)! Here are some of our current favourites...
Holland Park, Exeter, Devon • From £350,000 This collection of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom premium properties from Heritage New Homes stands on the perimeter of the Exeter Golf & Country Club, with a great specification and strong eco-credentials. Catering for a wide spectrum of budgets (up to £1.95m), the scheme features a mix of property types from two-bedroom flats to five-bedroom luxury houses. It is
Brambles, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex • £650,000
set in serene surroundings, adjacent to the beautiful grounds of listed Newcourt House. The first tee is just minutes from the front door here, and it’s also easy to head further afield, with regular bus services to the city centre, a direct cycle route to Topsham and a new railway station being built just up the road. Find out more at www.heritagenewhomes. co.uk; 01392 822066
‘Wuthering Heights’, Eltham, London • £2.6m
Brambles is a substantial four-bedroom detached family home set within a sought-after location in the cul-de-sac of Clavering Walk. The big draw for golfers is the gated access leading directly onto Cooden Beach Golf Club from the good-sized back garden. The property offers abundant living space, including a triple-aspect living room with feature fireplace and a dining room with folding doors to the full-length orangery, which has French doors to the garden. There is also a beautiful kitchen/breakfast room with separate utility room. The master bedroom has fitted wardrobes and an en suite bathroom, with the bonus of views over the golf course. The property is close to Cooden mainline station and a short distance from Cooden Beach.
Perhaps even more notable than its position backing on to (and with direct access to) the Royal Blackheath Golf Course is this property’s musical connection. As the name suggests, this was once the home of Kate Bush, who lived here from 1985 until 2003. This imposing detached residence stands on a substantial plot and offers approximately 5,734 sq ft of accommodation. The property is accessed via electronic gates and offers extensive off-street parking to the front. Internally, the property is in excellent decorative order. Arranged over three floors, it has six bedrooms and five reception room as well as a large reception hall and landing. A large side extension could easily accommodate a swimming pool and gym area.
Find out more at www.freemanforman.co.uk; 01892 6157573
Find out more at www.alandemaid.co.uk; 020 8467 2205
Heathlands, Camberley, Surrey From £1.299m Heathlands is a collection of just four five-bedroom detached family homes situated in a leafy, secluded location on the edge of the exclusive Camberley Heath Golf Club, with impressive views out over the first tee of the Harry Coltdesigned golf course. The homes are accessed from a private entrance via Golf Drive, off Portsmouth Road, and have been individually designed to be in
keeping with their surroundings. Located in a private area of the golf club, previously the greenkeeper’s compound, each home is surrounded by trees and hedgerows. Properties at Heathlands have large double garages, generous gardens and more than 3,000 sq ft of living space. Find out more at www.cala.co.uk; 01276 685544
New id Show House Ad_Layout 1 28/04/2015 10:13 Page 2
Introducing
THE DESIGNER COLLECTION Featuring Kelly Hoppen London Furniture and Accessories
AN EXCLUSIVE FURNITURE PACK AGE FROM NEW I.D INTERIORS CONTACT
020 8200 5556
WWW.NEW-ID.CO.UK
26 interiors
Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes
BentleyCourt Full steam ahead Artist’s impression. For illustrative purposes only
Prices from
£575,000 Sat Nav: W7 3ST
UXBRIDGE ROAD
If you have a pressing engagement, try not to get too steamed up – there are plenty of irons to take the creases out of your laundry, says Richenda Oldham
Bentley Court is a new development of nine, Russell Hobbs Easy 20330 steam generator has a 1.2-litre removable 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homesiron tucked away inwater tank and can be used on a vertical steam setting a gated court located off Uxbridge to remove creasesRoad from hanging items. This model features a ceramic sole plate that in Hanwell, Ealing. All the properties have uses a rapid heat function to remove creases, £129, ao.com private gardens and parking making this a fabulous environment for London living.
For more information please contact Lea Valley Homes
T | 01923 251799
The development is located next to St Mellitus Church, an imposing Gothic style building of the Edwardian period situated in the heart of Hanwell.
Specification E | sales@leavalleyhomes.co.uk | leavalleyhomes.co.uk Swan’sManhattan S19031N is a powerful steam For those in pursuit of ironing perfection, includes Paula Rosa Morphy Richards’W Power Steam Elite With its powerful steam feature and precision tip, the Braun TS765A promises ‘flawless’ results and switches off automatically if left unused for eight minutes in a vertical position, £79.99, www.braunhousehold.co.uk
301016 iron is a sleek looking 2600W black and red iron with an Ionic sole plate that reduces static and helps the iron glide over fabric easily. It has a 55g per minute steam rate and a 200g per minute steam shot for a pristine finish, £53.98, www. appliancesdirect.co.uk
iron that produces a continuous kitchens with granite worktop,generator integrated AEG jet of steam at 90g per minute with up to four bars of steam pressure. Ready to use in appliances, flooring throughout, contemporary less than five minutes, it has a fully 1.3-litre water capacity and adjustable temperature control, tiled bathrooms and en-suites.£279.99, www.swan-brand.co.uk
Miele’s FashionMaster all-in-one steam ironing system delivers a highly professional finish thanks to four-bar steam pressure and an ActiveCare steam ironing board complete with two-speed fan, £1,499, available from all good electrical retailers
Eight unique Grade II listed 2, 3 and 4 bedroom barns converted to a high specification, retaining many original features. All properties have private gardens with plots 1, 2 and 8 having the added benefit of a paddock.
Prices from £650,000
‘The Barns’ Merton Grange is situated in an idyllic rural location on the edge of Gamlingay in South Cambridgeshire. The approach is via a private drive with far reaching views either side across fields.
Specification includes: Fully fitted kitchens with integrated appliances including range cooker and wine cooler Flooring throughout Contemporary fully tiled bathrooms & en-suites, including vanity units and heated towel rails Oak panelled internal doors with pewter finished handles.
Tel : 01923 251799
Email: sales@leavalleyhomes.co.uk www.leavalleyhomes.co.uk
For the latest on the property market
interiors 27
@What_House
1
2
5
4
3
Come dine with me Richenda Oldham reveals how to create inviting spaces for both formal and family-friendly dining
W
h at on earth has happened to the dining room? Has it really been pushed aside in favour of eating in the kitchen? Is there still a place in our lives for a dedicated dining room? Dining rooms have been with us since the Middle Ages when nobility banqueted in a large, multifunction room known as the Great Hall. In time this became a smaller, more intimate parlour, which eventually became the dining room as we know it. While current trends favour a large open-plan kitchen incorporating a
dining area, there is still much to be said for a room that is dedicated solely to eating. Sunday lunches become occasions full of cheer and good food, dinner parties become feasts, while family celebrations, such as Christmas, become special treats as befits a seasonal festival.
A WELL-PLANNED DINING ROOM To plan the perfect dining room you need a clear sense of purpose to avoid a mishmash of styles, which will put off your guests rather than welcome them. There are plenty of themes that
work well for a dining room. For example, a period style, such as Victorian, can feature deep red walls, handsome mahogany furniture and formal, full-length curtains with deep pelmets. The effect will be reassuringly traditional, while rich red shades are colours that stimulate the appetite. Terracotta tones and earthy hues are also good choices and would suit a Mediterranean dining room scheme complete with rustic furniture, a tiled floor and iron candle sconces. A Scandinavian dining room could be light and airy with cool blond wood furniture, sheer curtains and bleached wooden floorboards. Ring the changes
with upholstered chairs in textured fabrics such as linen or leather for a chic yet hardwearing finish.
LIGHTING Because dining rooms often have nocturnal use, you need to choose lighting that will help create plenty of atmosphere. Chandeliers and low-hanging pendants above the dining table are ideal for this, as are uplighters, which cast pools of light. Candles placed on sideboards and small side tables are excellent for an intimate dining experience. And of course, in the depths of winter, you can’t beat a roaring log fire.
SHAPE AND SPACE It makes sense to draw out the dimensions of the room before embarking on any costly furniture mistakes. The shape and size of your dining room will dictate the shape of your table, too. Would rectangular, square, round or oval suit you best? If space is an issue, then perhaps an extending dining table, with leaves that can be taken out/added as required, is the most practical solution. The size of the chairs need to be consider carefully, too - do you really need arms on your chairs if it means less elbow room for your guests?
1. Upholstered dining chairs are both smart and comfortable. The silver grey linen fabric of these Chatsworth chairs contrasts beautifully with the ebony-coloured dining table and chair legs; chairs £280, dining table £1,220, www.blackorchidinteriors.co.uk; 2. Cool industrial interiors need unfussy contemporary furniture just like this Italian-designed, glass-topped Lema 3 Pod round dining table, which has an elegant steel tripod base formed from a continuous unbroken line in each section; £1,890, www.gomodern.co.uk; 3. With a nod towards Baroque, this handsome table with its distressed paint finish and complementary shell-embellished chairs makes a charming period dining set; Raffaella table, £1,191, chairs £273 each, www.sweetpeaandwillow.com; 4. This vintage dining table and chairs set is made from the environmentally friendly and extremely hardwearing acacia wood, which is also stain-resistant; £245 (dining chair), £495 (dining table), £845 (sideboard), www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk; 5. Good design doesn’t have to be sacrificed just because you don’t have much room for a dining table. The Skovby A102 is a stylish and space-saving table that seats two to six people; £1,100, www.wharfside.co.uk
M23
M23
M23
M23
M23
Help to Buy
RS_AD_117012_30AW.indd 1
13/2/15 1:25 AM
For the latest on the property market
@What_House
housing associations 29
Affordable homes come to prime London location Origin Housing tackles housing need in style in fashionable Fitzrovia
Clockwise from left: Exterior of Suffolk House in Whitfield Place; Interior of one of the shared ownership apartments at Suffolk House; John Davies of Derwent London, Gareth Jones of Origin Housing, The Mayor of Camden, Councillor Lazzaro Pietragnoli, Karen Wilson of Origin Housing and Paul Williams of Derwent London at the opening of Suffolk House.
A
Camden-based housing association that has been helping its local community for over 90 years has provided an increasingly rare opportunity for local people to move into new, affordable properties in the heart of central London. Origin Housing has just completed
Suffolk House in Whitfield Place, a stone’s throw from the iconic BT Tower and just two minutes’ walk from Warren Street tube station. The local area is known as Fitzrovia and it is one of London’s most fashionable addresses, with properties there commanding considerable prices, which makes the provision of affordable homes there a notable occurrence.
Suffolk House is a Victorian former warehouse which has been restored and converted into a 100% affordable housing. Meeting the London Borough of Camden’s pressing housing need, the new development is a collection of six duplex shared ownership apartments and seven affordable rent homes, including two five-bedroom,
split-level units, designed to house families of eight. The former commercial building had fallen into disrepair and was bought by real estate investment trust Derwent London plc. Derwent received planning consent for the 13-unit affordable scheme, which acts as part of the ‘Section 106’ affordable housing provision for its wider development programme in the Charlotte Street area, just a few minutes to the south. Subsequently, Origin Housing acquired a 999-year lease on the building and have built out the consented scheme. The original, late 19th-century façade has now been fully restored and the building extensively refurbished. In order to accommodate the shared ownership properties, an additional
Help to Buy. As government subsidies have dwindled, Origin, like many housing associations and affordable housing providers, has had to find other ways of financing its core work. It has done this by growing its private sale arm and using the proceeds for the full market price homes to subsidise the affordable homes it builds. Distinct from private developers,
housing associations are not driven by the expectations and demands of shareholders and investors and can channel their surpluses towards providing homes for those that need them rather than dividends. Origin has a current and future pipeline of 900 new homes in highprofile areas. Among its current and planned projects with affordable home elements are schemes in
floor was added, which was designed by DSDHA Architects to reflect the surrounding ‘butterfly’ roofs of the existing buildings. Additionally, there is space on the lower ground floor, where the local charitable organisation Fitzrovia Youth In Action will be based and carry out its work to extend community involvement in the local area. The charity organises events and initiatives for young people in the local area, involving everything from sport to mentoring and work experience to tackling drug- and gangrelated problems. Gareth Jones, development director at Origin Housing, remarks: “Suffolk House has given us the opportunity to deliver another much-needed, fully affordable housing scheme in central London. We have worked with the borough to maximise affordability of the units, and have developed large family units, an increasingly rare offer in central London.” Prices for the shared ownership homes at Suffolk House started from £198,750 for a 25% share, based on a full market price of £795,000. Of course, at this price point, the standard shared ownership model simply couldn’t work, as the deposit and rental requirements would be beyond the means of those at whom the partbuy/part-rent initiative is aimed. In order to make them truly affordable, Origin Housing came up with a unique financial model for Suffolk House, which has reduced the deposit and rental payments to a more viable level. Perhaps unsurprisingly, all homes were reserved within weeks of launching. All the affordable rent homes have now been allocated, with tenants already starting to move in. Paul Williams, director of Derwent London plc, adds: “Derwent London is delighted to work with Origin Housing on delivering a dedicated building of much-needed affordable homes in Fitzrovia. We are also pleased to support Fitzrovia Youth in Action’s potential relocation to the building and to work with them on creating opportunities and amenities in the area.”
ABOUT ORIGIN HOUSING Origin Housing is one of the UK’s longest-established housing associations, with over 90 years’ experience of creating high-quality, affordable homes across central and north London and Hertfordshire. Throughout its history, the organisation has had to adapt to an ever-changing housing market, never more so than in the past few years as soaring prices have challenged
the ability of ordinary Londoners to afford a home in the capital. Today the housing association works closely with local authorities to offer affordable and supported housing solutions to meet housing need. The organisation also gives first-time buyers the opportunity to buy or rent their dream homes, through schemes including shared ownership, intermediate rent and
Harrow, Kensal Green, Finchley Road and New Barnet. Find out more about them at www.originhousing.org.uk
The Hyde Housing Group Making a lasting difference, Working with Local Authorities The Hyde Group is an award winning provider of homes and makes a significant contribution to meeting housing needs and improving people’s quality of life. Hyde is one of the largest housing associations working in England, owning or managing circa 50,000 homes with a focus on London, Kent and the South Coast of England. Hyde built high quality new homes for 4,413 people in 2014/15. Of these, 83% pay a subsidised price, with 3,643 people housed in a new Hyde affordable home. Hyde is acutely aware of the housing crisis in the UK. A continuing decline in levels of house building, combined with increased demand, particularly within London and the south east of England, has increased housing costs significantly and impacted on local economies. Members of our team will be at MIPIM 2015 promoting New Challenges; New Partnering Solutions our Local Authority Offer launched earlier this year.
CGI of proposed Hyde HA Development in Harrow, London
Hyde is committed to tackling the housing shortage and reducing some of these impacts by: • Developing 1,000 mixed tenure homes a year with a focus on increasing this further • Delivering quality management services across all tenures and uses • Maximising life chances for residents through Hyde Plus’ support service • Retaining a strong financial covenant and commitment to invest for the future
We believe that the answer to delivering more homes, particularly ones that are affordable or are available for low cost ownership, is to work collaboratively with local authorities. A partnership approach allows local authorities to match their assets with our experience of mixed tenure development and regeneration, to create housing and communities in the most cost-effective and sustainable way. True partnerships can be achieved in a number of ways: • A joint venture model with sharing of risk and reward • Sharing the build programme: Hyde develops and sells the commercial elements of a mixed tenure scheme and the local authority develops and retains some or all of the affordable/social homes, to deliver an ongoing revenue • Hyde acts as the development and/or sales agent for the local authority • Traditional regeneration projects • Stock transfer opportunities
We have the financial capacity, A1 Moody’s credit rating and the highest validation from the Homes and Communities Agency. Equally, our reputation for innovation and creativity in designing new solutions for delivering affordable homes means we are an ideal partner for local authorities. We are committed to communities and places for the long term, supporting our developments with high quality, coordinated management services. These core objectives as a registered provider distinguish us from other market housing developers. We are open to ideas, so let’s do more to work together, pooling resources, ideas and ambitions, to create homes for people that need them the most.
We look forward to working with you in the future. To arrange a meeting, please contact: Simon Vevers Development Director, Regeneration simon.vevers@hyde-housing.co.uk Tom Shaw Development Director, South Coast tom.shaw@hyde-housing.co.uk Mike Johnson Development Director, London and Kent mike.johnson2@hyde-housing.co.uk
32 shared ownership
Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes
The simple guide to Lynda Clark of First Time Buyer magazine looks at how this part-buy/part-rent scheme could help first-timers to get a foot on the ladder WHAT IS SHARED OWNERSHIP? Shared ownership, also called part-buy/partrent, is a government-backed scheme that allows you to buy a share of a home, which you live in as if you owned the whole property outright. The benefit of this scheme is that the initial purchasing costs of a shared ownership property are generally lower than that of a property purchased on the open market, particularly when it comes to the deposit you will need. Shared ownership properties are available through housing associations, or registered providers as we call them. The registered provider that sells you your home will become your landlord, owning the part of the property you do not. With shared ownership you initially
AM I ELIGIBLE? AND WILL I HAVE PRIORITY FOR A SHARED OWNERSHIP PROPERTY? Each applicant is assessed individually but generally speaking you are eligible for shared ownership if: •Y our household income is less then £60,000 per year or £71,000 a year or less in London for a one- or twobedroom home or £85,000 or less in London for a three-bedroom or more property. The minimum salary requirement is around £20,000. •Y ou are a first-time buyer or you used to own a home but cannot afford to buy one now. •Y ou rent a council or housing association property.
buy between a 25% and 75% share of a home. You buy your share with a mortgage and a deposit, just like you would if you were buying a home on the open market – only both are likely to be less than if you were buying the property outright. You then pay a subsidised rent to your landlord on the share that you have not yet bought. For example if you buy 25% of a property you will pay subsidised rent on 75%. As and when you can afford it you can buy more shares – read more about this in the ‘staircasing’ section later in this guide. As you purchase more shares your rent reduces and when you own 100% of your home you will not need to pay rent at all.
If demand is high and a shared ownership property is oversubscribed, the registered provider will look to prioritise applicants. If you currently rent a housing association or council property or you are serving military personnel you will have higher priority than other applicants. Depending on the area you are buying in there may also be other priority groups, ask the register provider selling the home you’re interested in for further details. In order to find out whether you are definitely eligible for shared ownership you need to contact your local Help to Buy agent. The Help to Buy agent will work through your personal circumstances with you, which will include your income, savings, need for housing, a basic check on your expenditure and any local connections you might have. This is a free service so it’s well worth contacting them.
• You have good credit history
HOW DO I FIND MY LOCAL HELP TO BUY AGENT?
In addition to the above, different properties will have different eligibility criteria so you should expect the minimum earnings for example to differ depending on the value of the property you are looking at. You may be able to buy a shared ownership property if you used to own a home, but can’t afford to buy one again now, often this situation arises when a relationship breaks down and the two involved cannot afford to buy another home on the open market on their own.
You can find out who your local Help to Buy agent is by logging onto www. helptobuy.org.uk and clicking on your area on the map. Your local Help to Buy agent will have information on all of the shared ownership properties available in your area. They’ll also pass your details on to registered providers that request information from them of people who are interested in purchasing shared ownership properties. Think of them as a matchmaker linking those searching for properties and those selling them.
•G enerally you must live or work within the area you want to buy.
IS THE SUBSIDISED RENT I PAY INCREASED REGULARLY? It is important to find out at an early stage what rent you will need to pay on the initial share of the property you won’t own, and how much this will increase by on an annual basis. Housing associations calculate rents initially based on a percentage of the value of the share you don’t own, this percentage generally ranges between 2% and 3%. Every year the housing association will look at increasing the rent. Rents cannot be arbitrarily increased and are regulated, so don’t worry about extortionate rises. The calculation used for increasing rents is shown in your lease and will be linked to inflation. Make sure you have a good read of the lease before you buy.
YOU SAID EARLIER I WOULD HAVE TO PAY A SERVICE CHARGE? In nearly all cases you will need to pay a service charge. The service charge covers looking after and cleaning the communal areas, buildings insurance and often things like window cleaning and lift maintenance. It is important to check out what amount the service charge will be before committing to buying a home to ensure you can budget for it.
For the latest on the property market
@What_House
shared ownership
33
shared ownership SO WHAT EXACTLY DO I NEED TO BUDGET FOR? Before buying a property make sure you set two budgets, one for purchasing costs and one for ongoing costs. To cover purchasing costs you’ll need to allow for: • Mortgage valuation and possible arrangement fees • Legal fees – it is a good idea to use a specialist fixed-fee solicitor who is experienced in shared ownership • Deposit – this is usually 5-10%
of the value of the share you are purchasing. • To cover ongoing costs you’ll need to allow for: – Mortgage payments – Rent on the share you do not own – Service charge – Utility bills – Council tax – Contents insurance
The table below* gives you an example of how buying 50% of a property valued at £150,000 would initially cost you £7,250 and £630 per month as an ongoing cost:
PROPERTY VALUE £ Open market price of new home Equity purchased @ 50% Value of the share you do not own @ 50%
150,000 75,000 75,000
INITIAL OUTLAY £ Deposit** 3,750 Approximate costs of purchasing (legal & valuation fees etc) 3,500 INITIAL OUTLAY 7,250
ONGOING MONTHLY COSTS
£
Mortgage per month @ 6% average interest rate*** 460 Rent per month @ 2.75% of retained equity 170 TOTAL PER MONTH (RENT + MORTGAGE)
630
* Illustrative purposes only, your agreement will detail the exact rent and services charges. **Based on 5% deposit ***Figures based on a repayment mortgage type, over a 25-year term
WHAT IS ‘STAIRCASING’? IS IT BUYING MORE SHARES? One of the great things about shared ownership is that you can buy more shares at any time until you own the whole property, this is known as staircasing. A range of circumstances could lead to you staircasing: whether you have a partner move in with you, you inherit some money or you receive a good pay rise – all could allow you to purchase more shares in your home. When you’re ready to buy more shares you just need to contact to your
landlord who will guide you through the process. The cost of your new share will depend on how much your home is worth when you want to buy the share. If property prices in the area have gone up, you will pay more than you did for the initial shares you bought. But, if your home has dropped in value, your new share will be cheaper. Your landlord will arrange to have the property valued, although you will need to pay the valuer’s fee. Once the property has been valued, your landlord will contact you to confirm the costs involved. It’s worth talking to your mortgage lender at an early stage if
you’re considering staircasing to see what mortgage options are available to you.
WHAT ABOUT WHEN I’M READY TO SELL?? You are able to sell your home at any time but you must first inform your landlord. Your landlord will have a period of time in which to find a suitable buyer for your property. This is generally eight weeks. If in that time a buyer is not found you will be free to approach an estate agent and ask them to help you sell your home. If you have staircased and own
100% of your home, you can sell it yourself, although you must still notify your landlord first. Sometimes registered providers like to buy properties back, hence why you need to let them know you wish to sell. This will be highlighted in your lease.
I’VE HEARD PEOPLE TALK ABOUT ‘RESALES’, WHAT ARE THEY? ‘Resales’ is the term used by registered providers to describe properties that aren’t new, i.e. properties being sold as above. Generally you will need to buy
at least the minimum share that the current shared owner owns. Buying a resale is just like buying a new build shared ownership property in that you’ll need to pay monthly rent and service charges. Some people prefer to buy a property that has been previously lived in rather than one that’s brand new. You could ask the current owner questions such as what are their current running costs and what is the landlord like to give you a feel of what it’s like to live there. You’ll find that each Help to Buy agent lists resale properties as well as new ones so you’ll be able to see all of the options available to you.
34 housing associations
For the latest on the property market
@What_House
Design for life Shared ownership through Affinity Sutton helps young architect buy her first property
L
i ke many people of her age, Clementine Griggs was desperate to get on the property ladder in her home city of Chichester but didn’t think it was possible due to the high property prices in the area. It was only when she discovered Affinity Sutton’s shared ownership apartments at Graylingwell Park that she started to learn that she didn’t need the deposit or disposable income she required to buy a home outright. Architect Clementine, 30, says: “I had originally looked at shared ownership with the intention of getting a two-bedroom apartment and sharing with someone else, but this eventually turned out not to be possible. A while later I looked at shared ownership again and discovered it was financially viable for me to get a place of my own.” Happy with her new plan, Clementine soon moved into a ground floor, one-bedroom apartment situated
in one of the renovated original buildings at Graylingwell Park. “I loved the apartment from the moment I saw it,” she says. “It’s a period property so it looks very pretty but inside it is equipped with high-quality modern fittings and has a great open-plan living space.” Through the shared ownership scheme, Clementine purchased a 35% share of her new home for £60,375, considerably less than the full market value of £172,500 and requiring a much lower deposit. She currently pays £700 a month, far less than she was paying while renting, which incorporates both her mortgage repayments and the rent owed on the remaining share of the property. “It’s so nice to finally be on the property ladder having been forced to rent for so many years,” says Clementine. The Graylingwell Park project that is regenerating the former Graylingwell Hospital site and is providing buyers
with a selection of newly built and refurbished homes, set in 85 acres of green parkland. There is also a community garden and the Residents’ Association organises a range of community events. Working for an architectural firm in
POPULAR LOCATION
Rosendale Road SE24
Chichester, Clementine drives to work but also makes use of the regular bus service, which runs every half hour from Graylingwell Park to Chichester city centre. “It’s great being so close to Chichester, I love the theatre and there
are lots of good restaurants. There’s also a gym just a few minutes’ drive from my apartment. I’m also really close to my friends and family here and it’s easier to get to work. Overall I’m a lot happier here!” Clementine was impressed by the help and service she received from the housing provider’s team: “All the Affinity Sutton sales staff who I dealt with were very good and I was really happy with the way everything was handled. The whole process went very smoothly and I didn’t have any problems at all.” Graylingwell Park is a joint venture between Affinity Sutton, Linden Homes and the Homes and Communities Agency and offers a variety of homes through shared ownership, with prices starting from £41,250 for a minimum 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment with a full market value of £165,000. To find out more visit affinitysutton.com; 0300 100 0303
EXCELLENT TRANSPORT LINKS
Merchants Walk E3
2 bed apartments and cottages Prices from £490,000
Studio,1,2 & 3 bed apartments Prices from £310,000
Call: 020 3369 8725
Call: 020 3369 8684
LAST REMAINING HOUSE AND APARTMENT
The Peltons SE10 2 bed apartment and 3 bed house Prices from £478,500
Call: 020 3369 8677 Computer generated images are indicative only and subject to change. Prices correct at time of going to press.
FINAL PHASE JUST RELEASED
More West W10
1 & 2 bed apartments & duplexes Prices from £433,000
Call: 020 3369 8782
For the latest on the property market
housing associations 35
@What_House
Stepping up W Tony Harker of Genesis explains how shared ownership can be the perfect platform to become a fully-fledged owner-occupier
i th average first-time buyer deposits soaring to over 30% of the property value, affordable house purchase schemes have rocketed in popularity. For example Help to Buy has helped over 88,000 buyers, and over 40,000 people have taken advantage of alternative housing solutions, such as shared ownership. The G15, a collaboration of London’s largest housing associations, including Genesis, collectively manages over 410,000 affordable homes and build 10,000 more annually, illustrating how popular these options are becoming. Shared ownership in particular has both short-term and long-term benefits for those who want to get on the property ladder but are struggling to raise a deposit or secure a traditional mortgage.
on the remaining share to the housing association, who then in effect become your landlord. As and when you’re able to afford it, you can take steps to buy additional shares until you own 100% of your home. This is known as staircasing.
How does shared ownership work?
Purchasing further shares works much like a typical house purchase, with valuations required for each ‘step’, and you will of course need to pay the legal fees, and any mortgage fees, if applicable, too. On the plus side, you’ll not need to pay any Stamp Duty on staircasing up to 80% ownership if the value is less than £125,000. How you fund the purchase of additional shares is up to you, although typically this is done through a mortgage lender – most building societies and high street banks offer
Providing you meet the criteria (see P32), shared ownership schemes are a great way to get onto the property ladder and you may find you can buy a bigger home than you would otherwise have been able to afford, especially with the opportunity of staircasing. When you first buy a new home through shared ownership, you purchase a share of the property, typically between 25-75%, paying rent
COMING SOON
Do all housing associations offer staircasing? Most housing associations will allow their tenants to staircase up to three times, until you reach 100% ownership. As well as owning more of your home, staircasing also means the amount of rent you pay decreases, so it can help free up more of your disposable income. As the rent is affordable from the start, it should make it easier to save money towards further staircasing. Will staircasing cost me?
these types of mortgages. Some providers will allow you to borrow up to 95%, meaning you only need a 5% deposit to secure the next slice of ownership. Speak to an independent mortgage advisor to find out what options you have. As an outright owner, although you no longer need to pay any rent on the property, it is worth noting as leaseholder of an apartment, you’re still required to pay management charges, such as ground rent, as the housing association will remain the freeholders of the land. If you’ve bought a house, the freehold can be transferred to you upon reaching 100% ownership. What would I need to do when I come to sell my shared ownership home? When you want to sell the property, you can sell the share you own through your housing association, or if you’ve staircased up to 100%, you can sell it in on the open market, through an estate agent of your choice. When you sell your home, the greater percentage you own, the more profit you will make if the value of your home has increased, so there’s a benefit to staircasing in getting more equity back when you sell up.
Find out more at www.genesisha.org.uk; 033 3000 4000
London has been our home for over 150 years. Make it yours.
St John’s Way SW11 A new way of life is emerging in the heart of Battersea 1, 2 & 3 bed apartments and 3 & 4 bed triplexes Prices coming soon
Call to register: 020 3369 8728
peabodysales.co.uk
36 housing associations
More news and interviews at whathouse.com/news
Buying a home a real PLUS for Carla Young house-hunter bags a new home in Tooting through innovative Thames Valley Housing Association scheme
C
a rla Rosser’s story was familiar to many young people in London. The 31-year-old clinical scientist wanted to live close to her work and was desperate to escape ever-increasing rent, all the while struggling to keep up the pace of saving for a deposit to buy a place of her own in her favourite area of Tooting. Thankfully, she found out about shared ownership from a friend, who had used the scheme to get on the property ladder elsewhere in London. Carla registered with Thames Valley Housing (TVHA) and was soon offered a new two-bedroom apartment at XVII, a smart contemporary development in Tooting. The property was available under TVHA’s own innovative twist on the standard shared ownership model, which it call Shared Ownership PLUS. In addition to giving her the opportunity to split her housing costs under a part-buy/part-rent arrangement, Shared Ownership PLUS allows Carla the option to buy just 1% more of her property each year over the next 15 years, potentially increasing her ownership to 60%. She bought a 45% initial share
in her flat and was delighted to find out that she could gradually increase the proportion of her home that she owns. The scheme has been designed to be as cost-effective as possible, so that Carla won’t have to pay a solicitor to revalue her property every time she wants to buy an additional share and the amounts she has to pay are predetermined, so the cost of buying the extra equity can be included in her budget. She can also buy additional shares, in increments of 10%, should she wish to do so, just like the standard shared ownership model. Notably, all the purchasers at XVII chose to buy through Shared Ownership PLUS. Carla says: “Shared Ownership PLUS is a very easy way to own more of my home over time, almost without noticing it. And after 15 years, I can continue to build towards full home ownership. I’m buying my home gradually, but at a pace I can afford to do so. “I’d been renting a one-bedroom apartment in Streatham Hill but rising rent was pricing me out of the area. I’m often on call with my work for the NHS Blood and Transplant service at St George’s Hospital, so moving
further out would have made life and work difficult. My apartment at XVII is just brilliant. Shared Ownership PLUS is a fantastic way of getting on the property ladder – I’d never
have been able to buy in this area without it.” Carla’s two-bedroom apartment, with off-street parking, has a market price of £380,000. Her 45% share
Search thousands of brand new homes on the UK’s leading new homes portal.
No.1 whathouse.com/new-homes The UK’s leading new homes portal
cost £171,000, which she was able to fund with a £55,000 deposit, a mix of her own savings of £25,000 and a top-up from her parents. Compared to her old rent of £1,183 per month, her outgoings are now £1,101, made up of a £492 mortgage, £478 rent on the share she doesn’t own and service charges of £130. “I’m paying less for a brand new home with an extra bedroom, and I own a large share of it too. My apartment’s fully carpeted and the kitchen is fitted with integrated appliances, which saved a lot of extra expense. The second bedroom is a double, and I can use it as a home office to study for my exams, as well as have friends and family to stay. There’s a communal terrace, above the commercial units on the ground floor, and it’s a real bonus having private outside space.” All the homes at XVII are now sold, but TVHA has numerous new developments (as well as resale properties) that are available on a shared ownership basis.
Find out more at tvhsales.co.uk; 020 8607 0550
For the latest on the property market
award winners
@What_House
37
THE WINNERS:
Best Medium Development Winner: Catalyst Highly commended: Newlon Housing Trust
Winner: Hodson Developments - Viridium, Camberley, Surrey Highly commended: Family Mosaic - Park View, Southwark
Private Developer of the Year
Best Show Home
Winner: Countryside Highly commended: Lovell & Muse developments
Winner: L&Q - The Schoolyard, Wandsworth Highly commended: Catalyst – Waterside, Kew
Affordable Housing Provider of the Year
Most Innovative Redevelopment of an Existing Property Winner: Inspired Homes - Green Dragon, Croydon Highly commended: Genesis - Shortcroft Mead Court, Dollis Hill
Best Urban Regeneration Project Winner: Swan New Homes - Bow Cross, Bow Highly commended: Catalyst - Portobello Square, Notting Hill
Best Small Development Winner: Octavia Housing - Illumina House, Wandsworth, London Highly commended: Genesis - Shortcroft Mead Court, Dollis Hill, London
Best Housing Alliance Winner: Berkeley East Thames & Viridian Highly commended: Taylor Wimpey East London and L&Q
Best Law Firm for Conveyancing
Best Large Development Winner: East Thames Group - Kings Park, Harold Wood, London Highly commended: Kier Living Eastern – Riverside Mill Lane, Little Paxton, Cambridgeshire
Winner: Beaumont Legal Highly commended: Cavendish Legal Group
Best Architectural Design Winner: STOCKWOOL - Gunmakers Wharf, Bow Highly commended: NEAT Developments and RLAM – TNQ, Colindale, London
Most Innovative Marketing Campaign Winner: Origin Housing Highly commended: Metropolitan
First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards 2015 F i rst Time Buyer Magazine held its annual Readers’ Awards event at The Landmark London hotel on Friday 24 April, honouring the great work done by housing associations and private developers for people trying to get on the property ladder. It was a record year for entries
and attendees at the event, reflecting just how important the sector is to the housebuilding industry as a whole. Lynda Clark, editor of First Time Buyer Magazine, says: “This is the sixth year that we have held the First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards and every year we see the design and quality of new homes and services for first-time buyers taken
up a level; this year was no different. With a record number of entries, the judges were impressed with everything they saw and we were delighted to present the winners with the recognition they deserved at the ceremony. “These awards demonstrate the great lengths that so many companies go to in order to help and support
first-time buyers, the lifeblood of the property market. Providing stylish and high-quality homes, as well as a range of useful services aimed to help the less experienced buyer, it’s good to know that first-time buyers are in good hands when it comes to buying their first home.” Find out more at www.ftbawards.com
38 sussex
Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes
Home-grown happiness A new home at St Irvyne’s could be good for your wellbeing and bank balance
M
a rket towns are more popular than ever for homebuyers, not least because they are the happiest places to live in Britain, according to findings by the Office for National Statistics. Furthermore, properties in market towns also enjoy better equity gains, as revealed by Lloyds Bank, which suggested homes in this setting see on average £25,000 more uplift in value than their counterparts. So the scene seems set for Countryside’s new St Irvyne’s development in Broadbridge Heath, near the market town of Horsham, which itself was named the secondbest market town in Britain by the Times just a month ago. St Irvyne’s is in a vibrant new village, Wickhurst Green, which has already proved to be popular with family buyers. Combining elements of traditional
West Sussex architecture and New England style with a modern openplan interior, the ‘Wentworth’ is one of Countryside’s executive five-bedroom property types at St Irvyne’s. It boasts over 2,000 sq ft of accommodation, making it the ideal home for a family wishing to move to a market town. Andrew Loveday, sales director at Countryside, says: “Over the past ten years, the average house price in market towns has risen by 34% – around £505 per month – making the homes at St Irvyne’s a great long-term investment. The Colonial Collection, our range of executive homes at St Irvyne’s, are truly unique properties; the ‘Wentworth’ house design in particular offers plenty of adaptable space perfect for families to enjoy. With the continued price growth providing a healthy cushion of equity, purchasers can cash in and downsize once their children have grown up
and moved out.” St Irvyne’s showcases a range of homes, all arranged in a picturesque, village-style development. The exclusive four- and five-bedroom executive homes of the Colonial Collection all benefit from grand entrance halls, impressive staircases, chimneys and feature glazing to front and rear elevations, generous living spaces and French doors opening out onto beautiful gardens. The ‘Wentworth’ is a detached five-bedroom home, radiating charm through its grand double door entrance into a formal living room. The kitchen/dining area and lightfilled orangery provides space for all the family to relax, while the first floor boasts a striking master suite with fitted wardrobes, an en suite bath and shower room and an additional separate space known as the ‘owners retreat’.
Two additional bedrooms are situated on this floor, both having access to the family bathroom. Two further double bedrooms rooms can also be found on the second floor, which benefit from their own shower room. So, what about the local area? Horsham’s local market is a great asset, attracting shoppers from miles around to sample the produce on offer. Every Thursday and Saturday, Piries Place and Carfax are lined with a great selection of market stalls, with traders old and new, serving fresh local produce and exclusive crafts and gifts. For a breath of fresh air, Southwater Country Park is nearby. This 85acre former brickwork site includes three lakes, wildlife-rich grassland and pockets of flowering woodland. Alternatively, Parham House and Gardens in Horsham is host to major park events throughout the spring
and summer months. St Irvyne’s provides an ideal location for those who are looking to enjoy the countryside lifestyle without losing the connections to London and the continent. By road, the A24 provides direct access into London to the north and Worthing to the south. Gatwick is only 17 miles away and Heathrow just under an hour distant. There are regular bus routes from Broadbridge Heath into Horsham, where frequent rail services operate from Horsham to London Victoria and London Bridge in around 55 minutes. Prices for the ‘Wentworth’, part of the Colonial Collection, start from £679,995. The range of other threeand four-bedroom homes starts from £340,000. Find out more at www.st-irvynes.co.uk; 01403 242142
Featuring The Wentworth: An impressive 5 bedroom executive home for ÂŁ710,000 including flooring throughout
40 sussex
Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes
West Sussex – a buyer’s guide with King & Chasemore
Ed Rawson, senior sales manager at King & Chasemore Country Homes Department in Horsham, discusses the differences between the popular villages and towns in West Sussex and why people choose to live there.
INTRODUCTION West Sussex has something for everyone. Its close proximity to London and the coast are attractive to those who want to live in a place that offers the best of both worlds. Property prices are much more competitive than those of neighbouring Surrey, making it highly attractive to people looking to move out of London but wanting to remain within a commutable distance. Those who move to West Sussex tend to stay here and move within the county itself, and those who do move away tend to move outside the Home Counties, for example to Cornwall or East Anglia. There is a lot of new build development taking place throughout the county, especially between Crawley and Horsham, offering a range of properties from apartments with the latest technology to large executive homes.
HORSHAM Horsham is one of the largest towns in West Sussex and is the main hub of the region with its vast range of restaurants, boutiques, shops, cafes and bars. The town continues to grow in popularity and is about to add John Lewis to its list of high-end high
street shops. With excellent road and rail links, Horsham is well placed for those looking to commute to London in approximately an hour or those who fancy a trip to the south coast. In fact, the whole of West Sussex has excellent road and rail links. With the majority of its main trunk roads being dual carriageways, it is typically less congested than neighbouring Surrey. Horsham has something for everyone but is particularly popular with young couples and young families who are moving out of London and looking for more for their money in terms of property and good schooling. Pennthorpe and Christ’s Hospital schools are highly sought after and many families move into the area to be close to them. Due to its excellent transport links, buyers can expect to pay a premium for property compared to neighbouring Storington, Steyning and Horley.
STORRINGTON A large village located south of Horsham, Storrington is a picturesque location with a bustling high street featuring a range of boutiques and high street brands such as Waitrose. Storrington is popular with commuters
because of its proximity to Pulborough, a village just five miles away which has a good rail service to London.
STEYNING Steyning is a very pretty village situated closer to the coast than Horsham and Storrington. It is popular with older buyers who are moving from Horsham or other nearby towns and are looking for a picturesque village location offering character properties and thatched cottages.
WEST CHILTINGTON A prestigious, highly sought-after location and one of the most expensive villages in the region, West Chiltington is a quaint and very pretty village with a pub, tennis and bowls clubs and a village shop. Due to its popularity, properties sell quickly; for example, we sold a thatched cottage with a swimming pool for £1.1 million within a week of the property going on to the market. The average price of an estate style executive house is around £750,000 and a four-bedroom bungalow with lots of land would cost around £675,000. Find out more at www.kingandchasemore. co.uk; 01403 264444
42 kent
Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes We spoke to Mark Bailey, managing director of David Wilson Homes in Kent, about Poppy Fields and his company’s future plans for the county...
Fresh fields High-quality new homes come to the quintessential Kent village of Charing
P
oppy Fields is the latest development of new homes by national housebuilder David Wilson Homes, located in Charing, a delightful village on the edge of the North Downs, a few miles northwest of Ashford, Kent. The scheme comprises a mix of three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, mostly detached, totalling 41 private properties. The homes have been sensitively designed with traditional façades in harmony with the local vernacular. A blend of brick, weatherboard and tile-hung exteriors are complemented with contemporary, spacious interiors;
everything modern, discerning buyers would hope for from company that has, uniquely, been honoured with a five-star accolade from the House Builders Federation six years in a row. The properties at Poppy Fields are to be built to a Code Level 3 industry standard, which ensures they are more eco-friendly, with designs that consider energy efficiency to save both money and the environment, from recycling and high-specification insulation to energy-efficient boilers. Poppy Fields is just a short walk from the local amenities Charing village has to offer, including a local library, post office, doctors and primary school, and quaint coffee shops.
The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside, yet its close proximity to Ashford makes access to the town’s leisure centre, designer outlet and shopping malls, extremely easy. For further peace of mind to purchasers, properties by David Wilson Homes come with a 10-year NHBC warranty and an additional, exclusive five-year warranty on fixture and fittings. To see the charm and character Poppy Fields has to offer, the show home is open five days a week, Thursday to Monday. For more information search for Poppy Fields at www.dwh.co.uk; 0844 6626 404
How have your new homes been welcomed by the village and those who want to enjoy the lifestyle which living there can bring? We acquired a former agricultural field on the western fringes of Charing village with the benefit of existing outline planning permission. Ashford Borough Council had identified and allocated the field for up to 90 dwellings. Following our pro-active engagement with local residents and Parish Council, it became clear that their aspirations were for a lowdensity, informal development with high-quality, family housing. We held a number of local consultation workshops and a presentation to the Kent Design Panel. Through this process, we positively responded to local wishes and reduced the density by a third. We have delivered a scheme which is both sympathetic to the desires of the local community, positively shaping the future of their village, and delivering a viable, high-quality development to leave a positive lasting legacy. It’s fair to say that when we started the planning process there was a degree of opposition; however, as we met with local residents and took on board some of their concerns, a more supportive relationship developed. By the time the planning application was considered, the local councillor and adjacent local residents were happy to see the scheme progress. During the construction phase we have built on these relationships and like to think we have become an accepted part of the community; indeed, an integral part of it, from our ongoing support and work with local organisations, such as Charing Primary School and the community therapy garden currently being developed by the Gardening Group at Charing Surgery.
incorporate elements found in older houses within the village. Even the hedge boundary treatments were incorporated to produce a distinctive development appropriate to the village location.
What kind of house-hunters have been expressing an interest in these homes? eg local, moving from London, downsizing, investors? Our first purchasers have been local residents, which is testament to the lifestyle David Wilson Homes can bring. Demand for the development has been high since build started on site this year, with the first release selling well. Our purchaser profile so far includes downsizers; these are purchasers who don’t need to move due to financial requirements, rather choosing the quality and lifestyle a new home by David Wilson Homes has to offer.
Are there more David Wilson Homes developments in the pipeline in similarly desirable locations in and around Kent? Yes, several. There will be a small development of houses in Preston, near Canterbury, and an impressive collection just outside Kent in Coulsdon.
Has building in a village environment affected the design choices for your homes there? Every site is different and all our developments are heavily influenced by their location and the characteristics of the surrounding area. In the case of Poppy Fields, the whole layout is designed to reflect a more informal village character. The elevations
The local community was involved in naming the site how did that come about? As part of our ongoing commitment to the local communities where we build, at David Wilson Homes we often ask local schools to help name a development or street names, often in conjunction with the council, which will stipulate themes sensitive to the area. For Poppy Fields we asked the local Charing Primary School if they would like to get involved and the reaction was phenomenal, starting an ongoing relationship which has extended to include a safety and walk-to-school campaign. Poppy Fields was chosen as a fitting name, encapsulating positive futures while remembering the past. All purchasers of our beautiful homes at this development will be given a fitting commemorative poppy from the recent Tower of London exhibition to continue the symbolic theme. What are your favourite features at Poppy Fields? There are many features about Poppy Fields, from distinctive architecture with impressive façades yet retained country charm, to thoughtful landscaping fitting to the character of the local area. My favourite element of Poppy Fields is the central area of open space. This area will become an everyday feature in the lives of our future residents, whether it’s used for informal amenity purposes or residents simply to enjoy the view on their way to work; it is a distinctive individual feature which will contribute to this high-quality development.
Although everyone is agreed that there aren’t enough new homes being built, it’s still a competitive market. How is David Wilson Homes trying to stay one step ahead of other housebuilders? At David Wilson Homes we aim to stay one step ahead – this includes our commitment to putting customers first, our attention to thoughtful design, sensitivity to the areas where we build, ongoing engagement at every stage of planning, emphasis on detail, and building quality, desirable homes. These are qualities we have proven in our achievement as a fivestar housebuilder for the last six years and we aim to lead the way in homebuilding and raise industry standards for the years to come.
44 kent
Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes
Agent insight We speak to Tony Rogers, local property specialist for EstatesDirect.com in Kent Could you please tell us a bit about Estates Direct? We combine the best of both online and traditional high street agents. Our clients benefit from fixed fee packages, while receiving expert assistance through the process by meeting with qualified local property specialists such as myself, who provide local knowledge, free market appraisals, valuations and viewings to clients. Our hybrid model offers property owners fixed fees, choice and flexibility to rival the leading high street agents and we give a hands-on, personalised service that many homeowners need and appreciate. What is your USP? We offer a personal service and charge a fair fixed-fee to sell or let any property. Clients can choose how much they wish to pay up front and on completion, giving them control over how they sell their home. We can offer lower fixed-fee prices because we don’t have high street offices.
We have a range of packages, including a full tailored support service. Tiered packages include taking photos, accompanying viewings, producing floor plans and brochures to name just a few. Which areas of Kent do you cover? Our operation in Kent is based in Maidstone, and from here we cover mid-Kent, including Ashford to the east, the Medway towns to the north and the Wealden villages to the south. We’ve also marketed properties across the Gravesend/Dartford area. The great thing about Kent is the sheer diversity of the type of property available. We’re selling anything from a one-bedroom flat in the east of the county at £100,000 to country estates in the Weald at £1-2m. What is the market currently like in Kent? From 2012-2014, we experienced rapid growth in mid-Kent with property prices increasing by around 10% each
year. In the latter half of 2014 and into 2015, we’ve seen the market settle to a steadier pace, with growth of about 5% over the last year. Prices are now slightly ahead of pre-recession values, which is a really positive sign for the market. Is it currently a good time to sell your home in Kent? Yes it is. In Kent we are enjoying a period of stability, with prices rising steadily, though it’s definitely a sellers’ market. Properties coming onto the market in good areas, at the right price, are attracting a lot of interest quickly and are selling well, which only services to highlight the confidence of people in this area to make the move. And as we all know, spring/early summer has always been a good time to sell. What trends are you expecting to see in the remainder of 2015? It is likely that we will see a steady market for the rest of the year, and I anticipate that we’ll see an overall rise
of around 2-3% by the end of 2015. We are starting to see the bottom end of the market moving, which is integral to give the right balance in the market. What effect do you expect the upcoming election to have on the property market? For any party, the priority will be ensuring economic stability and instilling confidence that the country is moving in the right direction by cutting the deficit. From our point of view, the knock-on effect of that is maintaining a buoyant property market.
Apart from the economic downturn of the 80’s and early 90’s, the property market in Kent has been broadly resilient and has flourished regardless of political parties in power, due to the relative wealth of people choosing to live in the area. Whatever happens, I believe 2015 will remain bright with the majority of house prices still holding their value, if not increasing steadily in certain pockets of the country.
Find out more at www.estatesdirect.com; 08456 313131
LIME WALK WEMBLEY
SHOW HOME NOW OPEN LIME WALK COMPRISES A CONTEMPORARY COLLECTION OF 1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS • Intelligently designed layouts offering a fantastic specification
• A 5 min walk from Wembley Park Station with links to the West End within 30 mins on the Jubilee line*
• Moments from Wembley Stadium, the SSE Arena and the London Designer Outlet
• Less than a mile from Fryent Country Park offering 254 acres of open space*
Prices from £280,000† Flexible buying options available Marketing Suite & Show Home open Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm Viewings by appointment only
networkliving.co.uk
0203 667 1516
LIME-WALK.CO.UK
Computer generated image of Lime Walk. Internal images of previous Network Living developments. *Travel times and distances approximate only taken from Google maps and TFL. †Prices correct at time of press.
o o
Oakwood FARM
Fairseat WROTHAM • KENT • TN15 7LT
Just eight luxury 4 and 5 bedroom homes
Marketing Suite
NOW OPEN
Mill House
Prices from
£965,000 Featuring - luxury fitted kitchens and bathrooms, integrated appliances, large gardens & surrounded by farmland Viewings by appointment only
01622 822505
Farmstead
marketing@hillreed.co.uk
Also at Iwade, Sevenoaks and Kings Hill
Ask us about Part Exchange or our Home Change scheme
www.hillreed.co.uk
46 hampshire
Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes
Persimmon opens new show home in Lower Drayton Fully furnished home gives a flavour of the Parkside lifestyle
H
o use-hunters in and around Portsmouth are now able to discover for themselves what it could be like to live at a new housing development in Lower Drayton, thanks to a newly opened show home. The professional interior designers have worked hard to create a stunning, modern home at Parkside which has been built by Persimmon Homes South Coast. It will now be the ‘shop window’ for the development, a collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes which will appeal to a wide crosssection of buyers. Sales director Mark Docherty says: “It is always exciting when a new show home opens as it can put a real stamp on the feel of a development. This show home is due to later this month and we hope people will pop down and take a look. Buyers will be able to gain a real feel for what it would be
like to live at Parkside.” Parkside has excellent transport links as well as being close to the New Forest and South Down National Parks. In fact, there’s plenty for people to do in the local area, especially if they have children. A short distance away in Portsmouth is Hayling Island Beach, which has been awarded the International Blue Flag. There’s also the Funland theme park, Portsmouth’s Natural History Museum, the Royal Marines Museum, the Blue Reef Aquarium and Portsmouth City Museum. Docherty adds: “A real draw for families is the selection of excellent educational facilities in this area – from nursery and infant provision right through to respected secondary schools and colleges. The transport links from Parkside are fantastic. Cosham train station is a short walk away, the A27 connects to the M27 and M3 motorways, and, for
journeys further afield, ferries link to France and Spain, and Southampton Airport has a good choice of European destinations. “We have had a lot of interest in this development and sales are going well so we would urge people to hurry if they want to live here.” Potential buyers who may be worried that they can’t afford one of these brand new homes are invited to contact the Persimmon team, or visit the development, to find out about the range of schemes available to help people onto the property ladder. This includes the government-backed Help to Buy scheme. Under the successful initiative, it is possible to buy a new Persimmon Homes property with a deposit of just five per cent.
To find out more visit www. persimmonhomes.com; 02392 008169
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.com/value-my-property/value-myproperty-now or call us now on 01245 835 053.
WhatHouse? works with a team of reputable agents that will carry out the free valuation
£?
48 hampshire
Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes
Property of the month with Carter Jonas in Winchester
S
e t back from the village road, Copper Beech is a beautiful red-brick period family home with great proportions and outside space, currently on the market for £875,000. The accommodation is wonderfully balanced, with a dining room and sitting room at the front of the house, both with bay windows. Beyond the dining room is a tranquil library/study. On the north side, the current owners have extended the property to create
a superb vaulted-ceiling kitchen/ breakfast room. On the first floor, you will find three double bedrooms, a single bedroom and a family bathroom. Outside, there is a terraced area with reclaimed York stone paving, perfectly suited to dining and entertaining. Copper Beech is situated in the Conservation Area of the picturesque village of Hurstbourne Priors in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Kevin Prince of Carter Jonas
comments: “Copper Beech is the complete village house: it is situated in a lovely picture-postcard location overlooking the cricket pitch, 2.5 miles from a mainline train station from which London can be easily reached. It has great period charm and character with oodles of curb appeal plus a pretty garden and a really useful double garage. All you need.” Find out more at www.carterjonas.co.uk; 01962 842742
★★★★★
From a five star builder
OOM HOME 4 BEDR – FR OM
4 bedroom homes from
£ 424,995! at time of print
in partnership with
Off Greenway Lane, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 6SL Open Thursday to Monday, 10am – 5pm For more information: 01395 444434 horizon@cavannahomes.co.uk
www.cavannahomes.co.uk
£4
34
5
TH E
K
– OK RO B S ER
9 ,9
3 & 4 bedroom new homes Greenway Lane EX9 6SL
Available on this site
NEW IS GETTING YOUR NEXT HOME WITH HELP TO BUY With the Government-backed Help to Buy scheme you could take your next step up the property ladder sooner than you think. Buy any new Barratt home in England worth up to £600,000 and you could be eligible. Here’s how it works: you provide a 5% deposit and the Government gives you an equity loan of up to 20% of the property’s value. That means you only need a 75% mortgage and you’ll still own 100% of your new home.
St Mary’s Park, Dilly Lane, Hartley Wintney RG27 8EG The exclusive Rowling design is now released from £419,995 Marketing Suite open Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun 10am - 4pm
barratthomes.co.uk 01252 842 867
Help to Buy
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. Limited availability, selected plots only. Subject to status, terms and conditions apply. See www.barratthomes.co.uk for full details. BDW Trading Limited (number 03018173) whose registered office is at Barratt House, Cartwright Way, Forest Business Park, Bardon Hill, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1UF (“BDW”) BDW is a subsidiary of Barratt Developments PLC. The Homes and Communities Agency (“HCA”) provides an equity loan for 20% of the purchase price of the property. The equity loan provided by the HCA is secured as second charge on your property. The amount you have to repay to the HCA may be more than the amount of the equity loan provided. Help to Buy England Scheme is available in England only and on properties up to £600k. Prices correct at time of going to press. Advertising images may include upgrades as home spec can vary.
EWT
PACKAGE DEAL
£1259 WORTH OF VALUE
YOURS FOR ONLY £575 YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
✓ EWT Gold Range Water Softener ✓ EWT G1 filter system with stylish tap upgrade ✓ EWT professional installation ✓ EWT hardness test kit ✓ EWT 15 years warranty ✓ EWT ultimate customer experience ✓ 30 day money back guarantee ✓ Online video
GOLD SERIES Limescale Elimination System from EWT
£760 WORTH OF SAVINGS – ORDER NOW! THIS PACKAGE OFFER IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS
CALL NOW 0203 199 5042 Alternatively, text: ‘EWT ORDER NOW & POSTCODE’ to 60066 Or discover even more online at
www.ewtechnologies.co.uk EWT, 11 Viewpoint, Boxley Rd, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 2DZ. See www.ewtechnologies.co.uk/how-much-can-a-water-softener-save-me for more details. Savings depend on usage. The EWT water softener system needs softener salt, at additional cost, approx 1 bag every 8 weeks based on family of 4.
bathrooms 51
More news and interviews at whathouse.com/news 1
2
3
Splashdown! Richenda Oldham dips her toe into the latest selection of bathrooms 1. En suite bathrooms needn’t be dark and poky as Woodstock furniture’s bespoke circular motif design demonstrates with its extensive use of mirrors, which help reflect light around the room, www.woodstockfurniture.co.uk; 2. A simple white bathroom suite provides the perfect starting point for anyone with a yen for a bold decorative scheme. Here, sea blue walls are teamed with black and white checkerboard-effect floor tiles for the ultimate wow washroom, www.diy.com/cooke-and-lewis; 3. With sustainable interiors being all the rage it makes sense to create an eco-friendly bathroom. This bespoke spa tub is made from teak and comes complete with lights, bubbles and jets, www.williamgarvey.co.uk 4. Pale woods and simple clean lines are the hallmark of Scandinavian style interiors - epitomised perfectly here by Frontline Bathrooms’ Aquatrend Avola White collection of understated, functional furniture, www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk; 5. The Classic Suite is everything you could hope for in an elegant period-style bathroom with a traditional freestanding round soaking tub, £1,300, pedestal basin,£389, and lavatory with a mahogany soft close seat, £540, www.burlingtonbathrooms.com
01276 408495
4
5
HOW SMALL CHANGE COULD MAKE YOU BIG RETURNS There aren’t many investment opportunities with a 2,000 year old heritage. But this is a coin with the seal of approval from the first Emperor of Rome. It is a gold ‘Aureus’ struck in 15-13 BC, featuring both Augustus, the Emperor and a butting bull. This Augustan Aureus is priced at £32,000. In 2013 an Aureus from 15-13 BC was auctioned for US $425,500, 227% up on its $130,000 estimate. Another, with a unique heifer design, sold for £300,000 in 2014. Uncorrelated with other asset classes, rare coins and stamps provide several thousand Stanley Gibbons Investment clients with strong portfolio diversification and the potential for capital growth.
To find out more call 0845 026 7170 or visit sginvest.co.uk/whathouse The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back what you put in. Stamps and certain other collectibles are not designated investments for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 and as such are not subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or otherwise. Stanley Gibbons Investment does not provide valuations.
STATION ROAD, AYLESFORD, ME20 7JH
HO ME I T ’S A S M A L L WO RD W ITH A BIG M E A N I N G A stunning new gated development of 4 & 5 bedroom houses in the picturesque village of Aylesford, Kent. Beautifully landscaped with a mixture of imaginatively designed homes Ashlin Quarter is the perfect place to call home.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
W E B : W W W. A S H L I N Q U A R T E R . C O M / K E N T TEL: 01622 790 090
EMAIL: INFO@ASHLINQUARTER.COM
Help to Buy
MARKETING SUITE/SHOW HOUSE OPENING HOURS, 10AM – 5PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK Prices are correct at time of going to press. Computer Generated Imagery is for illustrative purposes only. Interior pictures are of the show house at Ashlin Quarter, the Blackwell and furnishings are not included. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Available on new build homes up to £600,000 subject to the Government’s ‘Help to Buy’ terms and conditions and only available to customers where a primary mortgage is secured. Not available on second, additional homes, buy-to-let or let-to-buy properties. The equity loan is interest free for the first five years and needs to be a minimum of 10% of the purchase price up to a maximum of 20%. After five years, an annual fee of 1.75% of the outstanding equity loan is charged. This is increased annually at + 1% RPI. Subject to status, terms and conditions apply. 014767 ASHLIN WHAT HOUSE? AD D2 (PRINT).indd 1
07/01/2015 11:20
150392H Composite 340x265_150392H Composite 340x265 27/10/2014 14:58 Page 1
Inspired by tradition
TRADITIONAL CHARACTER, CONTEMPORARY LIVING If you're searching for a new home with traditional charm as well as all the internal features you desire for comfortable, convenient and stylish living, look no further than Hopkins Homes and Hopkins and Moore. We are East Anglia's leading developers, building collections of homes to exceptionally high standards, each one individually designed to complement its setting, be it town, village, countryside or coast.
Call us or visit our website for further information hopkinshomes.co.uk • 01394 446860 Hopkins Homes builds traditional award winning homes throughout Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex
For the latest on the property market
@What_House
flooring 55
Treading the boards Having problems choosing the right hard flooring for your home? Richenda Oldham’s guide will point you in the right direction
F
l ooring has been undergoing a recent shift in the fashion stakes, with hard surfaces emerging as an increasingly popular choice over carpet. There is a feeling that carpet is not as clean as wood or tiles. Stains soak in to carpet, dust settles permanently and bacteria get caught in the fibres. Hard flooring on the other hand has a sense of timelessness, plus it looks and feels clean. Spills can be easily wiped away and high-quality materials – with the right care – can last for generations, which means that your original investment pays off over time. More so than a carpet, which has a life of approximately five to ten years. Worn or scratched hardwood floors can also be revitalised by sanding, polishing, staining and finishing, so that they look almost good as new.
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE Before embarking on a purchase, first consider the purpose of the room. How much traffic will it receive from the people living in your home, not to mention pets and visitors? Rooms or areas with a high level of footfall will require tough hardwearing flooring, such as ceramic and stone tiles or hardwood. These are, however, the more expensive options, so alternatively you could opt for vinyl or laminate, which come in all kinds of finishes and different qualities, but which are less expensive.
HARDWOOD Wood flooring is one of the most enduring popular choices and it’s not hard to see why. It has a natural, elegant beauty that works well in any surrounding and comes in a wide choice of different species from oak, maple and walnut to imported varieties such as iroko, jatoba and kempas. Make sure though that the flooring you buy is harvested from sustainable, managed forests.
ENGINEERED WOOD Engineered wood features a top veneer of real wood, backed by layers of
Wood-effect porcelain tiles allow bathrooms and kitchens to benefit from the warmth and variety of natural timber to this bathroom, yet are low maintenance and ideal for high traffic areas; Boardwalk Kauri 02 tiles, £90 per sq m
plywood. It is easy to install and can be fitted over underfloor heating. More manufacturers are producing selflocking flooring that doesn’t require glue or nails. It is not recommended for high moisture content areas such as bathrooms.
BAMBOO This sustainable flooring is actually a grass and not a hardwood. Its ecofriendly status makes it an increasingly popular choice, particularly as it is tough and durable.
LAMINATE Laminate flooring has improved enormously and now comes in a huge range of styles and finishes. It features a top layer that is essentially a photograph, sealed with a plastic coating. This enables some excellent look-alike finishes to be created. Its attraction - apart from low cost - is most types come as floating floor systems, which means they can be installed over existing old flooring.
Flagstones have a rustic charm all of their own and age spectacularly well - perfect for country living; Greyfriars Abbey limestone 12-tile set (2.718 m2), £69.95, www.originalstyle.com
Wooden floorboards painted white with the grain showing through are a stylish choice for either contemporary or period homes...or you could just opt for laminate lookalikes; £20 per 1.99 per m2 pack, from B&Q
These vintage lookalike floor tiles are actually modern ceramic versions with a riven texture; Bristol encaustic effect floor tiles, £14.96 per sq m, www.tilemountain.co.uk
Marmoleum floor tiles are made from renewable resources and are an eco-friendly as well as hardwearing type of flooring; Click tiles in Barbados/Pineapple, £63.35 per m2, www.urbaneliving.co.uk
LINOLEUM Another environmentally friendly choice made from biodegradable materials and available in a wide choice of colours and designs.
CERAMIC TILE Ceramic tiles come as four basic types including glazed ceramic, quarry (unglazed), porcelain (very hard and durable), terracotta (unglazed with a rustic, earthy appearance).
STONE Beauty and luxury - at a price - but a worthwhile investment if you want to create a truly elegant home. Natural stone types include granite, marble, limestone, slate and travertine. Make sure they are sealed to resist moisture.
VINYL A less expensive option than the rest, but tough and almost maintenance free. This is a flexible type of flooring with a cushioned backing. Good vinyl can last up to 20 years.
You can keep in the picture with Veyo Chain View Launching in Spring 2015, Veyo is a comprehensive conveyancing portal that will enable Estate Agents and their clients to view the status of other transactions in the housing chain. Find out more at www.veyo.co.uk
“The portal will offer greater transparency to everyone involved in the sale and transaction of a property�
OUR NEW DEVELOPMENT HAS ARRIVED!! SUPERB OFFERS INCLUDING HELP TO BUY AVAILABLE* This much anticipated new development opens 28th February. Consider yourself invited to come along and see the first release of stunning homes available to reserve now. We’re sure you’ll find the perfect home for you.
Timperley Place Church Lane, Deal, CT14 9QG Our Marketing suite opens 28th February to 2nd March from 11am to 6pm
2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes. Prices from £185,000 FOLLOWING THE LAUNCH, MARKETING SUITE OPEN THURSDAY TO MONDAY 11AM TO 6PM. CALL US 01622 626 816† FOR EXCLUSIVE OFFERS VISIT PERSIMMONHOMES.COM Imagery is for illustration purposes only. External elevations including treatments, materials, window positions and sizes are subject to change at any time. *Available for a limited period only, subject to status. Terms and conditions apply, including full asking price. Some offers may be subject to availability and/ or stage of construction, and offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice. This offer may not be available in conjunction with any other promotions or schemes. *The Help to Buy scheme has specific terms and conditions and is subject to affordability criteria as defined by the Homes and Communities Agency. Help to Buy equity scheme is available on all plots in England, with a full purchase price up to £600,000 subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. This scheme is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Not to be used in conjunction with any other purchase assistance scheme, offer or promotion. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE, YOUR EQUITY LOAN OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Full details available on request. †Calls will be charged at fi ve 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.
B UY YOUR DREA M HOM E WI TH J U ST A 5% DEPOSIT USING HELP TO BUY* s on
•
e
•
c
H I G H S T R E E T, E T C H I N G H A M
ag
pa r
PARSONAGE CROFT
r oft
TN19 7AD
3 bedroom family homes priced from £350,000 *(Example: £350,000 less Help to Buy at 20% equals just £280,000)
Over 50% Reserved - A delightful collection of 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes in the picturesque village of Etchingham Show Home Open Thursday - Monday 11am - 5pm Call 01580 388007 | www.parsonagecroft.com
Help To Buy is subject to scheme rules
listed properties 59
More news and interviews at whathouse.com/news
Buying a listed property A ll of the talk in property circles at the moment seems to be about new homes – how many can we build, where can we build them and why haven’t we built enough in recent years? With estimates on housebuilding numbers
varying wildly, homes can almost seem disposable – so why not take a look at the properties that definitely aren’t going anywhere? There is currently in excess of 375,000 listed buildings in the UK – but is it really realistic to purchase one of your own?
EXPERT OPINION
while a more relaxed attitude may be adopted when it comes to other less important features or areas of the property.”
Here’s our beginners guide.
WHAT IS A LISTED BUILDING? Buildings are awarded listed status to mark their architectural or historical interest, and to give them protection against any alterations that may affect this interest. All buildings that retain their original structures built before 1700 have listed status, while most buildings constructed before 1840 do too. Listed buildings don’t have to be hundreds of years old, but the status is usually reserved for those at least 30 years old.
WHAT ARE THE GRADES? Grade II listed buildings are structures of ‘special interest’. Grade II* are ‘more than special interest’ and Grade I are ‘exceptional interest’. 92% of listed buildings in the UK are Grade II, 5% Grade II* and just 2.5% Grade I.
WHY ARE SOME PEOPLE RELUCTANT ABOUT PURCHASING LISTED HOMES? There is a misconception that listed buildings cannot be altered. Changes can be made in some circumstances,
Who can I advise me? but carrying out unauthorised alterations or extensions to a listed building is a criminal offence, and can lead to a huge bill to restore the building to its original state.
WHY IS THE CONSERVATION OFFICER IMPORTANT? The Conservation Officer will be an employee of the local council, whose job it is to ensure the character of a property remains intact. The Conservation Officer will have the power to grant or deny permission to make changes to your home, and may also dictate which materials you can use to make the changes. Listed Building Consent is comparable to planning permission, although no fees are involved.
IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO BE PARTICULARLY CAREFUL OF? Buyers should check carefully for any unauthorised work on their prospective property by previous owners, as once the home is purchased the buyer is responsible, regardless of when this work was carried out. Home insurance
can help you get past this issue, but can be significantly more expensive for listed buildings.
“Make an early appointment with a Listed Buildings Officer or Conservation Officer, who will give an indication of whether your proposed changes seem appropriate.”
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE BUYING A LISTED HOME? Consult specialists on the relevant architectural period to get advice on what kind of changes might be allowed on your property. These groups include The Georgian Group, Victorian Society and Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Ensure you are totally up to date with the current planning advice and guidelines, which can change over time. The English Heritage website should be your first port of call, and will also be your first point of contact should you experience a dispute with your local planning authority. Find out who your neighbours will be. Any decisions made on your proposed changes or renovations will take the wider community into consideration – so if you are surrounded by similar listed properties your scope could be limited considerably. Good neighbours can also be valuable allies should any planning disputes occur.
Grade I or Grade II James Greenwood of Stacks Property Search Should I buy a listed property? “Whether you decide to buy a listed property should depend on whether you love the house as it is, or whether you want to make significant changes. Remember, the curtilage, and all buildings within the curtilage, fall into the category, so any grand designs you have for the gardens and outbuildings need to be passed by the Listed Buildings Officer. “It is worth checking if there is any specific feature that underpins the status of the property, as this is likely to be completely nonnegotiable in terms of modifications,
“Grade I Listed properties and Grade II* Listed properties are a much more serious matter than Grade II Listed. The chances of getting permission to make changes to these properties are remote, so purchasers need to be sure that they love the property as it is. The kudos of owning one of these properties is also much greater.”
Can I make changes without listed building consent? “Making changes without Listed building consent would be making a big mistake. An enforcement notice is an expensive piece of paper, and even if you get away with internal changes at the time, they will become a big problem if you come to sell.” Find out more at www.stacks.co.uk; 01594 842880
EXAMPLE PROPERTIES Hazel Tor Barn, Lower Soar, Malborough, Devon £675,000
Thirston House, West Thirston, Morpeth, Northumberland £3,000,000
A charming Grade II listed four-bedroom barn conversion with sea views, located within a ten-minute walk of Soar Mill Cove and the South West Coastal Path. The current owners oversaw the conversion of the slate stone farmhouse and barns, which has resulted in a picturesque group of dwellings.
Thirston House is an exceptional Grade II listed country house, which was extensively renovated by the present owners in 1996. Constructed in 1820 by John Dobson and internally remodelled in 1902, the property provides generously proportioned and versatile accommodation. It is set within eight acres of private, landscaped grounds but is accessible to local amenities and the A1.
Find out more at www.marchandpetit.co.uk; 01548844473
Find out more at www.smithsgore.co.uk; 01434 632001
AUCTION
Five Day Sale - 133 Lots 05 May - Kent & SE London 06 May - Sussex & Surrey 07 May - Hampshire & Isle of Wight 08 May - West Country 11 May - Essex and North & East London
Sussex & Surrey Lots - Wednesday, 6 May at the The Hilton Brighton Metropole - commencing 11am
Freehold residential and commercial investment Guide: £200-210,000 epc:e
House in need of improvement Guide: £60-70,000 epc:tbc
TICEHURST
Residential block for investment Guide: £250,000+ epc:f,e,d
BRIGHTON
HASTINGS Detached Cottage in rural location Guide: £125-135,000 epc:f
HASTINGS
EASTBOURNE
BURWASH WEALD
A range of Sussex & Surrey Lots including:-
Village property with Planning Guide: £345-355,000 epc:e
Semi-detached house with potential Guide: £320-330,000 epc:tbc
Guide: £35-37,000 epc:e
N
0m
50m
100m
Ordnance Survey©Crown Copyright (2014). All Rights Reserved. Licence Number LIG1016. Plans are for location purposes only. 150m
18.8 Acres of woodland Guide: £70-75,000
LANCING
Bampfylde Cottages
Flat in town centre
GUILDFORD
HASTINGS
Epsom Road
End of terrace house for improvement Guide: £180-185,000 epc:tbc
Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432. Plotted Scale - 1:3225
Wildwood, Epsom Road, West Clandon, Guildford, Surrey
Guides are provided as an indication of each Seller’s minimum expectation. They are not necessarily figures which a property will sell for and may change at any time prior to Auction. Unless stated otherwise, each Lot will be offered subject to a reserve (a figure below which the Auctioneer cannot sell the Lot during the Auction). We expect the reserve will be set within the guide range or no more than 10% above a single figure guide. Please check our website regularly at cliveemson.co.uk, or call 01273 571853, in order to stay fully informed.
Catalogue Hotline LAND & PROPERTY AUCTIONEERS
View Lots and download catalogues via our website cliveemson.co.uk
(60p per minute at all times)
09068 517744 Follow us on:
auctions 61
More about auctions at whathouse.com/property-auctions
Political parties bid for votes with a housing agenda Brendons Auctioneers predicts the ‘Property Party’ could win election
B
rendons Auctioneers, the London-based property experts, predicts that the party with the best policies on property could well triumph at next month’s general election. The state of the nation’s housing has rarely been so high profile. It’s been making the headlines month after month, whether it’s the new homes shortage, regulating landlords, tax on larger properties or increasing inheritance tax thresholds on family property. In fact, says Phil Arnold, managing director of Ealing-based Brendons Auctioneers, pretty much every aspect of buying, renting and selling has come under the scrutiny of the political parties’ policymakers. Arnold says: “The general election has come at a time of rapid change in the UK property sector and the London market highlights all the
issues that are happening but in a magnified way. This has helped take property to the top of the political agenda.” With a 99% increase in auction sales last year, Arnold’s company is well placed to see the real impact of
policies on property. For example, the recent changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax has shown purchasers the impact that politics can have on property, and in the recent party leader debate, the new build shortage and Help to Buy featured prominently. As you can read on page 6 of this edition of WhatHouse?, all the major parties are promising to increase the number of new houses being built. So are some of the minor parties. However, with prices rising now in many regions, they will also have to help people buy these homes. April’s pension reforms have just come in to force and it may be some time before the real impact on property and buy-to-let will come to light. But it will come in one form or another, says Arnold. He points out that the parties are also at loggerheads over the so called
‘Mansion Tax’, which would affect London disproportionately as it is likely to affect all properties valued at over £2m. “This has raised another question on what to do with your property asset when you want to pass it on to your family as part of an inheritance. Some parties are now looking to raise the thresholds for inherited property, to keep pace with increasing values, particularly in London.” Arnold believes another big impact on London property prices will be the new Crossrail project. It’s predicted that houses near one of the new stations will increase in value by 10-15%, increasing the need for assistance to buy a home and pushing up rental prices in the capital. One party is also proposing a Help to Rent scheme to make it easier for young working people to move out of the family home. Landlords and those that own multiple properties have also come
under the political microscope, with parties looking at regulating tenancy agreements and the quality of private rental property. There is also the issue of owning a property and having it vacant for a year or more, which could mean you would have to pay double the Council Tax. Arnold concludes: “Soaring property values mean potentially more tax and a shortage of new houses will result in an ever-growing rental market. The whole process has been scrutinised and is being turned into policy for the soon to be released manifestos. Those people affected by any aspect of the property sector will probably be voting for the party with the best property policies for them or their businesses.”
Find out more about Brendons Auctioneers at www.brendonsauctioneers.co.uk; 0845 652 5251
Buying overseas? Don’t miss out on your FREE overseas property guide Buying a property overseas can be easy when you’ve got the right team on your side. To see what’s happening at your destination, or for tips and guidance on the overseas property-buying process, visit everythingoverseas.com.
Wherever you’re going, we’ve got you covered Australia Florida France New Zealand Portugal South Africa Spain Download your free guide at everythingoverseas.com
EO - Advert v2.indd 1
23/02/2015 12:01
62 mortgages
Find a great mortage deal at whathouse.com/mortgages
Mortgage fees set to be made easier to understand
Comparing mortgage deals could be set to get easier, says Nick Parkhouse
I
f you’re thinking of taking out a new mortgage, one of the biggest challenges facing you is to accurately compare the cost of one deal with another. While mortgage rates are easy enough to compare, associated costs and fees can be confusing with many lenders giving these charges different names. However, things could be set to change. The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has claimed that progress has been made in standardising fees and that new rules about fee descriptions could be in force by the end of 2015.
LENDERS TRYING TO IMPROVE TRANSPARENCY OF MORTGAGE FEES A three-page report from the CML and consumer group Which? has suggested to the Chancellor that lenders are in the process of trying to improve the transparency of mortgage fees.
compare the cost of particular mortgage deals over specific periods, not just the upfront costs •A common approach from banks and building societies to make their tariff of fees more easily available and to provide clearer information about mortgage costs • I ntroduce a better explanation of whether fees are compulsory or avoidable and when they will be charged In a letter accompanying the report, the CML told the Chancellor: “We have been working closely together over the last few months to identify what opportunities there are to help customers when they are trying to compare mortgages. A summary of this work and our resultant proposals accompanies this letter.” The final report is expected later this year, following on from a 2014 briefing from Which? that called for action from lenders to make the
comparison of mortgage prices more straightforward and to make the full cost of a mortgage clearer. The letter added: “Our hope is that our proposals will both allow customers to have a better understanding of what is available in the mortgage market and ensure they will be able to make a more informed choice of what option they want to pursue.” The Building Societies Association and the Association of Mortgage
Intermediaries are also to be kept informed of developments, and the findings will be discussed with price comparison websites. The key proposals are: • More consistent use of terms to describe the same type of fees and charges in order that consumers can accurately compare them • To provide clearer ways of presenting information in order to help borrowers
Commenting on the new proposals, Keith Osborne, editor of WhatHouse?, says: “We welcome this ongoing debate as it is important that consumers are able to accurately compare mortgage deals. By standardising terms and making it clearer what fees are payable it will be easier for borrowers to find the cheapest overall product.”
Found a house you love? We’ll find you the perfect mortgage to match. We specialise in all types of mortgages including: • New Home purchases • First time buyers • Remortgaging • House Moves
• Self employed • Landlords • Buy to Let • Specialised bespoke options
whathouse.com/mortgages Prolific Mortgage Finance Ltd is a registered company in England & Wales under company number 06334944. Prolific Mortgage Finance Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Home Counties Mortgage Protection and Finance Ltd who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. There may be occasions where we may charge a fee which will depend on your circumstances. In these situations we will inform you at an early stage, the fee typically being no more that 1% of the total loan amount.YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED UPON IT. The actual premium for protection products will depend upon individual circumstances. Please ask us for a specific customer illustration be contacting us by completing our enquiry form or telephone the office directly. *The above mentioned products are not regulated by the FCA and accordingly the protection normally afforded does not apply.
The future. Covered. If you are in the construction industry, then we can help with all your insurance needs. Whether you want to cover the computers in your office, your onsite equipment, your tools or your motor fleet, we can help. KL’s reputation has been built on our expertise in providing cover to all the trades within the construction industry. From sole traders through to multi-nationals, we can provide the right cover to remove the risks that can harm your business. To find out more and discuss your particular circumstances email info@kerrylondon.co.uk
OF 1 % SE LD 60 A SO PH W NO
Historical Beauty Contemporary Living
A stunning collection of 36 uniquely converted 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom luxury apartments, houses & villas located within the beautiful Jacobean style Preston Hall Double height inner hall with grand staircase | 2.5 acres of gardens and landscaped grounds Stunning long carriage entrance drive | Fully restored period features
Prices from ÂŁ200,000 Telephone: 01622 715245 Email: preston.hall@weston-homes.com Visit: www.weston-homes.com Marketing Suite open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm Interior photographs of Preston Hall Show Apartment.
.co.uk
Prices from ÂŁ425 + VAT get a free personal property manager with promo code whathouse
.co.uk
Prices from ÂŁ425 + VAT get a free personal property manager with promo code whathouse