WhatHouse? West Midlands Dec/Jan 2014/15 by WhatHouse? Local

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West Midlands Edition

December 2014/January 2015

AUCTIONS P4 AGENT OUTLOOK P6 GARDENING P12 INTERIORS P13 MORTGAGES P29

How to be the Bank of Mum and Dad Helping your kids buy a home, P3

– review P19

Stamp duty reform – how does it affect you?, P14 Royal Park | The Long Shoot | Nuneaton | CV11 6JD

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bank of mum and dad 3

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Parental guidance D

e spite the success of the government-backed Help to Buy scheme, first-time buyers are still finding it difficult to get on to the property ladder, with rising prices only part of the problem. The pension reforms announced in this year’s Budget and interest rates remaining at historic lows have nudged more people into property investment, with cash-rich investors enjoying preferential mortgage rates and targeting the same properties as first-time buyers. Indeed, in a market

PAY THE DEPOSIT The simplest way to help (if you have the money available) is to gift your child enough money to pay the deposit for a home. While an ideal figure would be around 20-25% of the overall value, acceptable mortgage rates can be achieved with a 10% deposit, and the Help to Buy scheme can be accessed with just 5%. If you don’t want to simply gift the money, you can instead loan it your child. If you choose to take this route, ensure you protect your interests by setting up a clear repayment schedule. Alternatively, you could have a ‘deed of trust’ drawn up by a solicitor allowing you to get your money back when the property is sold.

GUARANTOR MORTGAGE A guarantor mortgage is partially underwritten by another person. Typically aimed at those who lack a high enough income to meet lender criteria, these loans allow the income and any debt from the guarantor used as part of the application

This type of mortgage is a longterm commitment for both sides and the credit rating of both the borrower and parent can be damaged in the event of a default. Becoming a guarantor can also lock up your longterm borrowing power.

where demand for affordable property far outstrips supply, the average age of a first-time buyer has reached 36. It is natural that many parents want to help in any way they can. Around of half of first-time buyers receive help from their parents, with statistics from the housing charity Shelter showing they contribute an average of £23,000 each, an increase of £6,000 on last year’s figure. So what can parents do to help their children take this crucial step? the money in the future should your needs change. Quite simply, your contributions will reduce the overall debt, while any withdraws you make will see it rise again.

JOINT OWNERSHIP

These mortgages allow you to earn interest on your savings while helping your child on to the ladder. If you have a minimum of £20,000 in a savings account, the money can be used as a guarantee against mortgage debt, allowing your child to secure a 95% mortgage at a preferential rate. The only downside is that the savings set aside must remain untouched until the specified amount of the mortgage debt is paid.

Take out a joint mortgage and officially share responsibility for its monthly repayments, with a deed of trust laying out repayment terms and consequences for each party. The major caveat to joint ownership is the considerable tax implications at stake: you will be subject to capital gains tax and possibly inheritance tax. Even though you are related, you should still seek advice and consider your options very carefully before choosing joint ownership, as if your child fails to make their repayment you will be required to take on the debt.

OFFSET MORTGAGE

BUY-TO-LET

An offset mortgage allows you to pay some of your child’s mortgage either as a lump sum or by making fixed payments, under the understanding that you will be able to withdraw

If your child cannot access the property ladder even with your help, you could consider purchasing a second home and allowing your child to live there, either rent free or otherwise. This

MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE MORTGAGE

course of action is particularly popular with parents whose children are heading to university. Of course, a buy-to-let investment has different considerations of its own. Investors become landlords, so you will need to pay income tax on any rental income, and as the property isn’t your main residence you could also be subject to capital gains tax when you come to sell.

USING YOUR OWN HOME You can use your current home to raise cash for your child by borrowing money in the form of a secured loan. Finding the right deal is absolutely vital, and remember to do your research as your both your own home and your child’s will be at risk if things go wrong. Alternatively, you can use a Lifetime Mortgage to borrow money against your home. These equity release schemes essentially boil down to giving you child their inheritance early, with the money being repaid from your estate on your death. You will not have to make any repayments, but interest will of course be added to the lump sum due.

EXPERT ADVICE

FINANCE Adrian Anderson, director of mortgage broker Anderson Harris

“ Deposits remain the biggest barrier to first-time buyers getting on the housing ladder. A gifted deposit sits better with a lender than a loan, as the latter will affect how much the applicant can borrow as the repayments will be factored into their affordability. “ A joint mortgage is another option. The parent goes on the mortgage as a joint applicant but not on the deeds, so there should be no capital gains tax liability when the property is sold. Lenders tend to favour this ahead of the guarantor option. “ A family offset mortgage allows a family member to link a savings account to a mortgage so that the interest that would have been earned on the savings is offset against the loan. The advantage to this is that savings remain the possession of the saver and can be accessed at any time.”

INCENTIVES Andrew Loveday, sales director of Countryside Properties

“ We understand the difficulty firsttime buyers face in raising a deposit for a new home, especially if they are already renting and struggling to save each month. With the government-backed Help to Buy scheme continuing to prove to be very successful, buyers need only raise a 5% deposit for a properties under £600,000, but we realise that hopeful buyers might still need some extra help to put an end to renting. “ Therefore we’ve introduced a scheme across some of our sites that if they are still short on their deposit and they can get help from their mum and dad then we will give them £2,000 upon completion of their new home. We’re committed to helping people get that first step on the ladder, so we hope that this offer will see plenty more buyers settle in their new home in 2015.”

Welcome! ecember is often cited as a quiet month for property but try telling that to the estate agents, conveyancers and removal firms who are trying to get their clients into their new home before the festive season. Housebuilders, too, have a very busy run-up to Christmas, as they try to maximise sales and build completions before their year-end. And those of us who write about property will find ourselves in just as much demand over the holiday season as ever. Most property websites have a bumper period, starting on Boxing Day, so your WhatHouse? editorial team won’t be lounging in front of the TV for too long. Of course, for many young people the chances of getting on the property ladder are slim, particularly if they can’t get parental help with a deposit. Some will have been helped by the Chancellor’s revision of Stamp Duty, which could save them several hundred pounds, but for many there’s another 12 months of hard saving to do. They’ll also be keeping their fingers crossed that property prices don’t go racing ahead faster than they can save. Some property experts have predicted a quiet market until the general election in May 2015, which might mean that prices will remain largely static until people know who ends up in power. George Osborne’s changes to Stamp Duty may well have taken the wind out of the sails of some of his political foes, who had been calling for a ‘mansion tax’, though of course it doesn’t rule out the possibility of an additional levy on multi-million pound homes altogether. Meanwhile at the other end of the market, house-hunters in their 20s and 30s might be very glad to sacrifice the usual Christmas fayre of novelty socks and large quantities of chocolate for cold, hard cash to add to their savings. Where there’s a Bank holiday, there’s inevitably a sale and judging by the level of expenditure reported on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, plenty of people are feeling able to spend, spend, spend. So it could be a good winter for traders offering furniture, carpets, appliances and home improvement gear. However you enjoy the festive season, have a happy one and I’ll see you on the other side.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Keith

Teuco hydrosonic bath, Bagno splashproof TV and Duravit fittings John Savina from the KeithLewis Osborne, editor. Continental Collection ko@whathouse.com Temperature-controlled wine storage @keithosborne69 in white American oak

4 auctions

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First-time buyers’ guide to buying at auction Is a property auction a good option when buying a home for the first time? Marc Da Silva investigates... of Network Auctions. “All parties have an equal opportunity to bid and contracts are exchanged on the fall of the gavel, which means no gazumping or gazundering. “Any property anywhere can be sold successfully at auction.” To help prepare you in your quest to buy your first property at auction, we asked Roger Lake, founding director Auction House UK, to offer some tips on how to get started:

Try to view the property (open days are listed in the catalogue) more than once and if possible take someone with you whose opinion you value as this will help you make a better judgement on the property. against more experienced purchasers, including property investors, can be a rather daunting experience, but it is also one that offers purchasers a real opportunity to bag a bargain. “Both buyers and sellers are waking up to the fact they both benefit from the speed, certainty and transparency of an auction sale,” says Toby Limbrick

When buying property you should always consider having a survey, quotes or reports from builders and specialist tradesmen before you decide to bid on a property, especially if the

It couldn’t be simpler – just ‘follow’ us on Twitter (@What_House) One of our new followers from 9th December 2014 to 15th January 2015 will win £50 in Marks and Spencer vouchers.

It is also important to involve your solicitors in the property buying process at the earliest possible point. Their advice and expertise could prove invaluable before committing to bid.

4. ARRANGE FINANCE • 10% of the purchase price available on the day of the auction (subject to a minimum on low-priced properties) • The remainder of the purchase price and fees in readiness for completion (usually within 28 days of the auction) You can organise this with your financial adviser, bank or through the use of a short-term finance firm.

2. SURVEYS AND REPORTS

A chance to win £50

3. LEGAL PROCESS

You will need:

1. VIEWINGS

f you are currently looking to buy your first home, there are a number of avenues you could go down in order to secure your dream property, but very few offer the sort of value for money properties that can be snapped up at an auction. Bidding for property at a live auction

property may require work, as is the case with many homes sold at auction.

5. BUYING COSTS When setting a budget, including a maximum bid level, also factor in all costs that will occur after a successful

bid, such as professional fees and stamp duty. There will also be an administration fee to be paid to the auctioneers for their services.

6. AUCTION DAY TIPS Always check before the auction that the property you are interested in has not been withdrawn. Arrive at the auction in plenty of time so that you can find the perfect spot offering a clear view of the auctioneer’s rostrum. Last-minute changes to catalogue entries will be handed out on an ‘addendum’ at the auction.

7. AFTER THE HAMMER FALLS Always check before the auction that the property you are interested in has not been withdrawn. Arrive at the auction in plenty of time so that you can find the perfect spot offering a clear view of the auctioneer’s rostrum. Last-minute changes to catalogue entries will be handed out on an ‘addendum’ at the auction.

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 Editorial director Rupert Bates

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.

Sales director (new homes) Mark Edmondson me@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

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 director (estate agencies) Andy Grimley ag@whathouse.com Head of Sales (Midlands) Ben Marklew bm@whathouse.com Head of Sales (London) Andy Lunn al@whathouse.com Sales manager Jay Ali ja@whathouse.com Business development manager Richard Woodruff rw@whathouse.com Business development manager Steve Coyle sc@whathouse.com Account manager Ann Chaloner ac@whathouse.com Sales executive Tori Collett tc@whathouse.com Cover photo: Park Central in Birmingham courtesy of Crest Nicholson, www.crestnicholson.com 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 © 2014 Globespan Media Limited

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors and omissions.

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6 estate agents

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Estate agent outlook: a year in review Four top estate agents from the West Midlands share their thoughts on how the regional property market has been in 2014. BIRMINGHAM

SUTTON COLDFIELD

Mark Evans of Knight Frank

“ The increase in demand for new homes and the lack of supply has been the main influencer of this year’s market in Birmingham. Birmingham City Council has predicted that between 2011 and 2031 there will be a shortfall of 32,900 homes. As you’d expect, this has led to a hike in prices, with the average cost-per-sq-ft for new build property rising to £250 in 2013/2014, from a low of just £160 in 2010/11. “ We anticipate it could take up to another two years before supply catches up with demand. I’d predict prices to continue to rise, albeit at a steadier pace, next year. We may even see the average price per sq ft reach £400 in 2015.”

WOLVERHAMPTON

Paul Ivens of Green & Co

Lee Cooke of Connells

“ The Royal town of Sutton Coldfield is still riding on the crest of a wave after being given back its historic royal status in 2014. This year also saw the creation of a new Restaurant Quarter and there are some exciting developments planned in 2015, including a scheme to convert the Grade A listed former Town Hall into luxury apartments. The town is set to benefit from significant investment in Birmingham city centre, including the £600million New Street Station refurbishment, which is due to be completed in 2015. “ Demand for homes in the immediate catchment areas of Sutton Coldfield’s Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ schools shows no sign of dropping, and this has a positive impact on prices.”

tch Ke

“ Sales increases of nearly 17% have helped us remain the top-selling estate agency branch in Wolverhampton for residential sales this year. We are looking forward to building on this success with the recruitment of an experienced mortgage advisor and an outstanding professional instructions manager. “ Exciting times are ahead as we approach 2015, with plenty of positivity and enthusiasm. From two- to six-bedroom homes, there is a fantastic selection of new build properties coming on to the market, offering flexible and affordable living throughout the city of Wolverhampton.”

TELFORD

Lucy Blythe of Savills “ It has been a year of two halves, with a very positive start and price rises in the mid-market being felt in the first six months. The second half of the year has been more challenging, with the impact of the Mortgage Market Review, the threat of a mansion tax and the upcoming general election giving cause for hesitation. “ Buyers now search for a home in a totally different way than they did 20 years ago. Most searching is done online and therefore pricing correctly is more important than ever. It is very easy for a buyer to dismiss a property based on price rather than picking up the phone and speaking to the agent – and this makes our job more difficult.”

LET US HELP YOU TO SELL Move Assist available. Please ask for details.

vie Actual

Show Home and Sales Office open Thursday to Monday, 10am–5pm. Please note the office will be closed from 5pm on Monday 22nd December and open at 10am Friday 2nd January.

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www.cavannahomes.co.uk *correct at time of print.

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8 six appeal

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Regent’s Wharf, Walsall, West Midlands From £99,950

Located in a highly popular residential area, just a mile north of Walsall city centre, Regent’s Wharf offers stylish and spacious two- and three-bedroom houses and apartments. Ideal for first-time buyers, it is also attracting interest from downsizers and growing families, with Help to Buy available on all properties. Its central location provides a perfect base for all city-destined commuters. The development offers residents an array of neighbourhood shops, community resources and additional amenities including good schools and local parks. The location also showcases canalside views from some properties, while other homes overlook picturesque village greens. The ‘Kingswood’ show home is a threebedroom, semi-detached property. The kitchen/dining room features contemporary units with all the integrated appliances that buyers will find as standard. The master

bedroom benefits from en suite shower room with Porcelanosa tiles. The two additional bedrooms have the advantage of a shared family bathroom with stylish white sanitaryware. The show home was designed by Mar City Homes’ in-house interiors team, headed by managing director Maggie Ryan. Regent’s Wharf provides motorists with an easy access to the M6 and M5 and fantastic public transport links, making it particularly convenient for professionals and families who are constantly on the go.

From: Mar City Homes Contact: 0844 417 3893

Six appeal Our favourite starter homes in this region, on the market right now The ‘Harrow’, Limekiln View, Telford, Shropshire • From £135,000

Chestnut Walk, Bilston, West Midlands From £124,995

There are few opportunities left to buy at this popular development in Mount Gilbert, but first-timers can still nab a good-value property in the shape of the ‘Harrow’ house type. This three-bedroom home comes complete with a spacious, fitted kitchen, dining area and parking space. The full market price for the ‘Harrow’ starts at £135,000 but by taking advantage of the government’s Help to Buy scheme, you could pay from as little as £108,000 upfront for this property with a deposit of under £7,000. The government provides a 20% equity loan for those who meet the qualifying criteria, meaning you only need to secure up to 75% mortgage

Even first-time buyers can achieve the best of both worlds at Chestnut Walk, where the canalside location provides a tranquil setting for a number of reasonably priced starter homes, within easy reach of the amenities of Bilston town centre. It’s a good location for commuters too, with easy transport connections to major Black Country routes, as well as the M6 and M5 motorways. Current prices start from £124,995 for the ‘Evesham’ two-bedroom house, which has a lounge/dining room, separate kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom and cloakroom. The Help to Buy scheme takes the upfront price of this property below £100,000. Even a

from a bank or building society. An alternative choice is the ‘Repton’, which is a three-bedroom mews-style terrace with a single garage, which starts at £149,950. This home features an en suite bathroom to the master bedroom, a study and spacious dining area. This property also benefits from the Help to Buy initiative. Pat Kimber, sales manager for Miller Homes Midlands, says: “Anyone thinking about moving into a new home in the new year needs to act quickly if they don’t want to miss out on Limekiln View.”

From: Miller Homes Contact: 0808 250 3910

three-bedroom ‘Broadway’ house, with a full price of £144,995, requires an initial outlay of only £115,996 using the equity loan scheme. Whichever option you choose, you can expect Redrow’s high standard specification, including stylish, well-equipped fitted kitchens with top-brand integrated appliances, and bathrooms featuring sleek modern suites with quality fixtures and fittings.

From: Redrow Homes Contact: 01902 276900

six appeal 9

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Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield £149,950

Situated close to Sutton Coldfield town centre, this ground-floor twobedroom apartment in a converted period property provides a fantastic opportunity for any first-time buyer. The lounge here is spacious enough for family living and features an array of stylish flourishes including an open fireplace, while the modern kitchen comes complete with base units and stainless steel fittings. Upstairs, you will find two bedrooms and a newly refitted bathroom. Outside, the property boasts a large and fully enclosed rear garden, offering plenty of space for entertaining or for the kids to play, and the single garage at the foot of the garden offers extra security for your vehicle.

An added bonus comes in the form of the apartment not being subject to a service charge – a rarity for town centre properties of this type. Sutton Coldfield regained its royal status in 2014 and provides a perfect location for young professionals and young families alike, with excellent transport links, the vast open space of Sutton Park, excellent schools and a new Restaurant Quarter.

From: Green & Co Contact: 0121 355 8828

Varley Road, Pype Hayes, Erdington £149,950 The ‘Pennington’ at The Lyng, West Bromwich, West Midlands • From £133,950 The ‘Pennington’ house is a threebedroom townhouse. The ground floor comprises a living and dining area with open-plan contemporary kitchen with French doors leading to the garden. An additional room provides the option of a study or fourth bedroom. Upstairs, alongside the family bathroom on the first floor is a large master and a light, airy living room with Juliet balcony. The second floor has a double and single bedroom as well as a shower room. This brand new home type is named after Jesse Pennington, a

West Bromwich Albion defender who played for the team for 19 years from 1903 to 1922. Pennington was a left back who made 455 appearances for his hometown club. He was named as one of Albion’s greatest ever players in 2004. He also represented England on 25 occasions, captaining the side for his final two games The Lyng is an award-winning development that is part of a project to rejuvenate an area of West Bromwich by enhancing the local infrastructure and creating

natural green open spaces, alongside a wide range of new properties to suit a broad spectrum of homebuyers. The Lyng offers a range of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses priced from £133,950 to £189,950. The sales centre is open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

From: Barratt Homes Contact: 0121 5530 419

Located in the Birmingham suburb of Erdington, this two-bedroom property is an ideal starter home for a couple looking to get on to the property ladder. This semi-detached home is situated close to the popular Pype Hayes Park, and offers both convenience and style. Downstairs, the homely lounge boasts a feature fireplace and a spindle staircase leading upstairs, while the spacious conservatory is the perfect place to entertain guests. The conservatory leads on to an enclosed rear garden with a paved sun terrace and lawned area surrounded by well-maintained shrubs. The master bedroom here features built-in double wardrobes,

while the second bedroom would be suitable for a child or for use as an office. This home is ideal for buyers who want to be close to all the action. It is located within easy reach of Birmingham city centre and Sutton Coldfield, near the Birmingham cross-city train line and less than 10 minutes from excellent motorway links including the M6, M6 Toll and M42.

From: Green & Co Contact: 0121 355 8828

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12 armchair gardener

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Gifts for gardeners

What do you give the gardener in your life for Christmas? Richenda Oldham reveals her favourite finds for the greenfingered

h oosing Christmas presents for family and friends is always a test of how well you know them particularly if they have a strong hobby or interest, such as gardening. In fact, this increases the pressure on the purchaser to get it right. Avoid panic present buying at the last minute - this is guaranteed to be a disaster as judgement can be impaired when you are forced to make decisions quickly. Instead, stay cool, calm and collected and ask for suggestions (in good time for you to order them) or take inspiration from the following ideas.

Off the cuff: What English Rose could resist the challenge laid down by these gardening gauntlets made from cream leather with English linen cuffs - ideal for protecting your arms from prickly plants, £27.95, www.annabeljames.co.uk

Tools of the trade: this superb Orla Kiely tool box is the perfect gardener’s gift - it looks good, yet is totally practical, being made from galvanised steel and complete with roof storage space and a carrying handle, £39, www.quinceliving.co.uk

Cherry ripe: Prunus incisa kojono-mai is an early flowering hardy dwarf cherry with attractive twisted branches. It’s easy to grow and features blush pink blossom and is often given as a good luck gift, £27.50, www.treesdirect.co.uk

Foot perfect: Wellington boots are a must for the British gardener, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish and practical. The Ilse Jacobsen Ladies rubber boots, shown here in Indigo, are both functional and smart, £110, www.scandinavianshop.co.uk

In the frame: a mini greenhouse could be just what someone with a small garden is looking for. Measuring just 143cm long, the Lacewing has a PVC cover that will protect plants against frost and UV rays, £49.95, www.primrose.co.uk

Herb garden: this is such a cute idea for flat dwellers with no garden or balcony. It’s a mini indoor herb allotment, complete with picket fence and a shed, plus miniature plant pots, seeds, soil pellets, £24.95, www.prezzybox.com

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interiors 13

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Go Natural – Let It Snow Hessian bunting, 2.5 metres long, £7.99, www.gingerray.co.uk

Reindeer – Set of 12 red and white reindeer decorations, £8, from The Contemporary Home www.tch.net; rustic natural wood Christmas reindeer, £11, www.simplyaddstyle.com; Dobbies champagne glitter reindeer head, £9.99, www.tesco.com

Sparkle – Let it Snow felt bunting, £12; silver stag snow globe; £25, glitter pillar candle; £16, Christmas decorations from £7 each; stag cards, £7; www.lauraashley.com

Vintage – Vintage postcard gift bags, £3.95, www.deepuddy.co.uk; festive retro car decorations, £10.75, www.berryred.co.uk; Christmas Story Book Nordic – Alpine Christmas decorations inspired by chalets, skiing and Fair Isle knitwear, tree decorations, £3 each, www.ellieellie.co.uk www.janconstantine.com

‘Tis the season to be jolly Get into the Christmas mood with Richenda Oldham’s top seasonal decorating trends

ut of all the yearly seasonal chores that a homeowner faces, decorating the home for Christmas arrives like a snowy blast of fresh air. For anyone who doesn’t slavishlyfollow interior fashions, changing their paint schemes/wallpaper religiously every year, Christmas decorating offers the change to be bang on trend without having to break the bank.

GO NATURAL Sackcloth or hessian is in full swing and offers a coarse texture, which looks gorgeous mixed with a little sparkle. It’s a big part of the overall back-tonature look, with twig Christmas trees and woodland creatures. Try making your own hessian bunting and printing it with snowflakes or stars using white or glitter stencil paint, finished off with red and white gingham bows.

NORDIC Nordic or Scandinavian style is an attractive style with a strong

folksy, homespun element. It’s rustic minimalist approach works well in contemporary homes looking for just a touch of the traditional. Fir trees, snowflakes and reindeer are familiar Nordic motifs, as of course, is a red and white colour scheme. Choose: pine cone baubles, hand-made felt tree decorations, fir tree wreaths with berries, rustic lanterns and knitted accessories.

REINDEER Reindeer have always been associated with Christmas, however they have also been taking centre stage as a decorative icon. In the seasonal accessories line-up, reindeer are appearing in every finish imaginable. Look out for knitted, felt, metal, diamanté, gold, tartan, wood, silver, plastic and glittery reindeer.

SPARKLE This is a very elegant look that’s light and feminine. It includes attractive champagne tones, as well as silver, white, diamanté and frosted

trimmings. Make sure you bring out your favourite silverware and crystal to get the best out of this look.

HIGHLAND FLING Tartan is strong theme that picks up on the eternally popular red and green Christmas colours. There are tartan bows, throws, baubles, stockings and garlands to choose from. Remember to add a touch of gold to give the tartan a lift.

VINTAGE This is pure nostalgia and is proving a great favourite, because it’s not about antique period style, it’s about vintage, so childhood retro favourites from the 40s, 50s and 60s are very much in evidence. You can decorate your Christmas table with delightful gingerbread men printed paper napkins, plates and cups or cheery red and white vintage font stationery with 1950s style Santas. Look out for clip-on vintage cars and old fashioned paper chains - either bought or homemade.

Highland Fling – Be a tartan terror this Christmas – perfect for period style properties, Rannoch 2.1m pine tree, £99; traditional baubles, from £2.99; LED lights, £40; wreath, £20; garland, £25; tartan stocking £10, www.dobbies.com

14 interiors

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Alternative Christmas trees Release your inner avant-garde spirit and think outside the box with Richenda Oldham’s selection of five alternative Christmas trees. Best of all, there will be no pine needles to clear up afterwards… 1

1. Table-top twig tree - This delightful, tiny wooden twig tree is just 65cm high and will make a charming table centrepiece, £39, www.tch.net. Try decorating it with mini felt decorations from www.poundland.co.uk or tiny feather bird clips from www.petraboase.com; 2. Contemporary tree - A string of fairy lights is all that this stylish modern wooden Christmas tree with star-shaped cut outs needs. Available in a range of colours including natural birch (shown), £220, www.bombus.co.uk; 3. Scandinavian tree - These beautifully simple but elegant Nordic trees will appeal to purists who prefer less glitz and glamour, Design Ideas Alpine Trees, £5.95, www.scandinavianshop.co.uk; 4. Inflatable disco tree - Shrinking violets should turn away now. This eye-catching inflatable Christmas tree, complete with star, stands a whopping 2.4m tall and contains two disco lights that project colourful light throughout the tree, £89.99, www.glow.co.uk; 5. Silver birch LED tree - The Dobbies Silver Birch LED tree looks stunning here teamed with blue cones and glass baubles. It’s ideal for small spaces and could be put on a table for added impact, LED tree from £24.99, blue cones, £3.99, www.tesco.com

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 0121 262 4146.

WhatHouse? works with a team of reputable agents that will carry out the free valuation

£?

interiors 15

Find your new home at Whathouse.com Hole-in-the-wall gas fireplaces have a streamlined, minimalist appeal, with no hearth or surround, www.platonicfireplaces.co.uk

An eco-friendly bioethanol fire will produce ambient heat that drifts across the room, Cocoon Vellum Bioethanol Fire, £2,100, www.gomodern.co.uk

Inglenook fireplaces add character to a room, but are more practical if fitted with a wood-burning stove, Hunter inglenook stove, £1,399, www.ludlowstoves.co.uk

Electric fires are convenient and can be highly sophisticated, complete with logs, flame and even smoke effects, www.dimplex.co.uk

For an open solid fuel fire use a simple freestanding fire basket to hold the logs and choose a surround that reflects the age and style of your house, Buckingham surround, £1,980, Cadogan fire basket, £594, www.chesneys.co.uk

Change of hearth

A fireplace will add life to a room, giving it a focal point. So whether you have your heart set on a hearth filled with burning logs or a simple gas fire, read Richenda Oldham’s suggestions

i res offer both warmth and comfort, not to mention being the centre of attention in a room and even improving it. But what type of fireplace should you choose to cosy up to in the depths of winter? First you should start by selecting the type of energy you want to use. • Natural gas - if you want clean, no fuss instant heat, then gas is a good choice - it’s also the cheapest form of heating. Always make sure you use a Gas Safe Register approved fitter. • Electric - these are simple to install and maintain – it’s literally a case of plug in and go. The best electric fires have a flickering flame appearance to create the atmosphere of a gas or real fire.

• Solid fuel - the different types of solid fuel used for domestic heating range from wood, biomass and biofuel pellets to coal or coke. Real fires and solid fuel stoves add atmosphere, but there will be ashes to clear up the next day and don’t forget to get your chimney swept twice a year.

KNOWING YOUR FLUE

• Bioethanol - these eco-friendly fires have an adjustable real flame and give out no harmful gases, sparks or soot, making them ideal for houses or apartments without a chimney. The flame is caused by burning bioethanol, a renewable energy source made from fermented sugar and starch from plant by-products. They are an ideal alternative to electric fires and don’t incur any installation costs.

This is a metal flue box, which creates a false internal chimney breast. The box is connected to a series of metal flue pipes, which end in a terminal that passes through the roof. This flue can be used with multi-flue gas fires and electric fires.

BRICK CHIMNEY A conventional brick chimney (also called a Class 1 flue) with a chimney stack on the roof is easily recognisable and allows you to install most types of fire.

CLASS 2 PRE-FABRICATED FLUE

CLASS 2 PRE-CAST FLUE Many new properties have rectangular pre-cast flues instead of chimneys.

They run up through cavity walls and are made from hollow concrete flue blocks, ending in a ridge vent on the roof. You can use this flue with multiflue gas fires and electric fires.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIREPLACE OPEN FIREPLACE (CLASSIC) An open recess in a chimney is known as an open fireplace. It can be complemented with different types of fire surrounds, from wood and stone to metal, usually with a mantelpiece. Always make sure your fireplace has a hearth, which should extend beyond the fireplace opening by around 300mm and 150mm on either side. You will also need a good quality fire

basket to hold the logs or coal.

OPEN FIREPLACE (INGLENOOK) Old-fashioned inglenooks are one of the best known types of open fireplace and are ideally suited to traditional stoves, which are designed to burn logs and smokeless fuel cleanly and efficiently.

HOLE-IN-THE-WALL Hole-in-the-wall fireplaces are becoming very popular and offer a stripped back to the basics look with no surround or mantel. They are literally just an opening in a wall with either a fire basket or a gas-fuelled fire bed.

DESIRABLE NEW HOMES in sought after locations

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An exclusive community of just 10, four and five bedroom detached, homes of exceptional quality

A characterful community of 19 beautiful family homes, ranging from two to five bedrooms, in the heart of this idyllic village

From £659,950 to £789,950

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MANOR FARM Up Hatherley, Cheltenham GL51 3ED

ROWDEN COURT off Coppice Close, Wiltshire SN15 2NN

Last few refurbished homes remaining – two, three and six bedroom (Grade II listed project)

A development of one, three and four bedroom homes, nestled on the edge of the historic market town of Chippenham

From £265,000 to £625,000

From £235,000 to £340,000

For further information about any of our developments please contact 01454 316633 or email info@redcliffehomes.co.uk

redcliffehomes.co.uk

news 17

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Stamp duty reform – what it means for you

ring his autumn statement, Chancellor u George Osborne surprised the property industry by announcing immediate and long-overdue changes to stamp duty, abolishing the ancient ‘slab’ system, which he described Stephen Rose, sales and marketing director for Bellway in the West Midlands “This is well overdue and will give power to the buyer’s arm once again. The government knows we need to sell more houses and this will only assist this in the same way as the introduction of Help to Buy has. The changes will take a lot of pressure off first-time buyers - prices have been rising and the stamp duty system has not kept up. This announcement will have a significant impact in addressing this.” Stephanie McMahon, head of research at Strutt & Parker “It was almost universally recognised that our stamp duty system was out of date and in desperate need of modernisation. The old thresholds were acting like invisible barriers and making

as a ‘badly-designed tax on aspiration’. Announcing an incremental system that will result in savings for 98% of homebuyers, Osborne said he was looking forward to implementing a “fair, workable, lasting reform to the taxation of housing”.

the market very sticky in places. In the short term, current ongoing transactions will also be impacted. Making this change immediate was sensible as it left no room for speculation and will not cause any further uncertainty. In the long-term this new system shouldn’t cause significant market disruption.” John Tutte, group chief executive of Redrow Homes “We welcome the reform of the stamp duty system, which will make buying a new home more affordable for many of our customers. The new system will be much fairer for the vast majority of homebuyers than the previous tiered approach. For those buying a home around the average UK price of £275,000, savings of £4,500 compared to the old system will make a huge difference, potentially enabling

them to put down a larger deposit and secure a better mortgage rate.” Kevin Hollinrake, managing director of Hunters estate agents “We have already had deals secured as a result of this change. In our opinion, this is great news. For too long, stamp duty has distorted the market deterring sellers from marketing their homes and buyers from buying them in the dead zones above the key thresholds such as £250,000 and £500,000. This should mean more property coming onto the market, and therefore, more sales which is good for the housing market and the economy as a whole.” Richard Lambert, chief executive of the National Landlords Association “The NLA has argued for many years that

We take a look at what the changes might mean for you, and get the lowdown from prominent housebuilders, estate agents and industry bodies on what effect the changes could have on the property market.

a progressive system would offer a fairer and far less distorting means of taxing property purchases. The introduction of a straightforward marginal system of taxation will mean private landlords will now not only face lower costs when acquiring property, but also have funds to implement property improvements and keep rents down.” Jeremy Blackburn, head of policy at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) “Finally we see long overdue reform to the stamp duty tax system – described by the Chancellor as the most damaging tax of all. Time and time again RICS has called for these changes to stamp duty structure, which now mean 98% of house buyers will benefit. These changes reduce distortion and ensure those at the top end of the market contribute fairly, while those at the bottom will be given a fairer chance to get on the ladder, cutting out ‘dead zones’ in the market.”

WHAT IS STAMP DUTY? Stamp duty is a type of tax charged on written documents. First introduced in 1694 to help fund a war against France and historically requiring the physical stamping of documents, the tax was charged on anything from newspapers to insurance policies in the 18th and early 19th centuries. In property terms, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) was introduced to replace the old system in 2003 as a ‘transfer tax’ on property transactions.

STAMP DUTY CHANGES – HOW WILL THEY AFFECT ME? FROM 4TH DECEMBER 2014 £160,000 £150,000 £140,000 £130,000 £120,000

Stamp duty payable

£110,000 £100,000 £90,000 £80,000 £70,000 £60,000

PROPERTY PRICE £0 – £125,000 £125,001 – £250,000 £250,001 – £925,000 £925,001 – £1.5m over £1.5m

NEW SYSTEM £153,750

% 0% 2% 5% 10% 12%

OLD SYSTEM

WINNERS AND LOSERS PROPERTY PAYABLE UNDER NEW PRICE SYSTEM £0 £125,000 £500 £150,000 £1,500 £200,000 £3,750 £275,000 £7,500 £350,000 £16,250 £525,000 £27,500 £750,000 £43,750 £999,999 £1,499,999 £93,750

PAYABLE UNDER OLD SYSTEM £0 £1,500 £2,000 £8,250 £11,250 £21,000 £30,000 £40,000 £60,000

SAVING/ INCREASE? NO CHANGE £1,000 SAVING £500 SAVING £4,500 SAVING £3,750 SAVING £4,750 SAVING £2,500 SAVING £3,750 INCREASE £33,750 INCREASE

£93,750

£100,000

£50,000 £36,250

£40,000

£30,000 £15,000

£20,000 £10,000

£2,500 £125,000 £250,000

£500,000

£925,000 £1m

Property price

£1.5m

£2m

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Explore all of our current and upcoming developments at www.cameronhomes.co.uk. To begin your journey, email our team at sales@cameronhomes.co.uk and discover how we can tailor a deal to suit you!

e h winners of this year’s WhatHouse? Awards have been announced at a glittering Gala Luncheon in the Great Room of London’s five-star Grosvenor House Hotel. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were bestowed on the winners in 20 categories before the biggest prize of all – Housebuilder of the Year – was announced. Essex-based developer City & Country Group took the top prize, in addition to two Gold awards, for Best Medium Housebuilder and Best Renovation, the latter recognising the company’s Bentley Priory development. The WhatHouse? Awards is simply the

most prestigious event in the new homes calendar, generally considered to be the ‘Oscars’ of the housebuilding industry. Hundreds of new build properties and housebuilding companies from all over the UK vie for recognition at this prestigious event. Winning companies will proudly display their plaques at their marketing suites and even fly WhatHouse? Awards winner flags on their developments. You’ll often find a WhatHouse? Awards logo on the website of successful developments too. If you’re in the market for a brand new home, keep an eye out for these signals that you’re looking at a prizewinning development. Read on to find out more about this year’s Award winners.

The First Lady How do you feel about City & Country being crowned Housebuilder of the Year? We are truly honoured to be named WhatHouse? Housebuilder of the Year 2014. This is a culmination of many years of hard work, commitment and dedication and the whole City & Country team deserves a huge amount of praise for their efforts. Further Gold awards for Best Medium Housebuilder and Best Renovation takes our tally to seven Gold awards in the last five years and reinforces our position as the leading housebuilder of 2014.

Helen Moore, managing director of our Housebuilder of the Year, City & Country Group, talks to Marc Da Silva

The last time we spoke, City & Country was in the process of bringing forward two new sites, Bristol General Hospital in Bristol and King Edward VII Estate in the South Downs National Park. How are those developments progressing? The General, the former Bristol General Hospital, officially opened to the public this September, and we have been very pleased with the positive response and the levels of interest we have received. It is apparent that the market is keen to see a high-quality, waterside development that has the historic charm of a Grade II listed building.

We are taking reservations off-plan at present and are set to launch our show homes in March 2015. The visitor centre officially opened at King Edward VII Estate in October, which marks a key stage of development. The centre, which is situated in the former gatehouse, is a classic example of prime Arts and Crafts architecture. It allows prospective homeowners the opportunity to understand the breadth of this fantastic estate, the benefits of living in this picturesque area within the South Downs National Park and to understand fully the type of properties that will be available for sale in the new year. What other schemes is City & Country working on? City & Country has experienced a sustained level of growth in 2014. Alongside our two new launches, we have acquired the iconic Playfair Building at Donaldson’s College, Edinburgh; Bramshill House, Hampshire (one of the most significant Jacobean ‘prodigy houses’ in Britain); the Grade I listed Sundridge Park Mansion in Greater London, and now three further buildings in south Bristol, two of which are listed.

What types of properties is City & Country building? Due to the nature of our heritage restoration work we build an eclectic range of properties at our various developments. These include restored and newly built apartments, duplexes and houses, as well as unique conversions such as chapels, temples and in one instance, a former WWII decontamination bunker. How much does a property by City & Country cost to buy? Prices range between developments, with prices for a unique one-bedroom mezzanine apartment at The Garden Quarter, Caversfield, Oxfordshire, from £212,500, up to £1.4m for a stunning three-bedroom mews house at Bentley Priory, Stanmore. What is City & Country’s USP? We painstakingly restore some of the UK’s most architecturally and historically significant buildings, creating luxury homes that feature a unique combination of period features with contemporary specification. Such a combination is rarely found in a modern development and, as a result, our homeowners can choose to live in truly astonishing buildings set within beautiful landscaped gardens.

Bentley Priory, Stanmore Luxurious terraced houses with a concierge and 24 hour security. All situated within registered gardens and 57 acres of parkland.

Prices from £1, 250,000 to £1,400,000 I 0208 950 59 59

The Galleries, Brentwood

The General, Bristol

Stylish apartments in beautiful red brick, Grade II Listed buildings.

A short walk from the city centre and set on the harbourside, The General offers a selection of apartments with all the character of a listed building coupled with light modern interiors.

Prices from £420,000 to £485,000 I 01279 817 882 Viewings by appointment only

Prices from £322, 500 to £560,000 I 0117 92 55 333

King Edward VII Estate, West Sussex

The Garden Quarter, Caversfield

King Edward VII Estate represents some of the finest Arts and Crafts architecture and will soon offer beautifully restored apartments and houses.

Art-Deco style converted apartments and new build houses.

Prices from £212, 500 to £340,000 I 01869 253 999

sales@cityandcountry.co.uk I Sales Suites open daily 10am to 5pm I Closed 24th December to 1st January 2015 Prices correct at time of going to press

www.cityandcountry.co.uk

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whathouse? awards 21

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Wulvern creating homes and communities where people want to live and stay! Affordable homes and services throughout Cheshire including properties to rent, shared ownership, sheltered accommodation and Extra Care.

Investing in people, investing in excellence, investing for the future!

WhatHouse? Awards 2014 – the winners in full HOUSEBUILDER OF THE YEAR City & Country Group

BEST LARGE HOUSEBUILDER Gold: Redrow Silver: Barratt Bronze: Berkeley

BEST MEDIUM HOUSEBUILDER Gold: City & Country Group Silver (joint): CALA Homes and Mar City Homes Bronze (joint): Mount Anvil and Weston Homes

BEST SMALL HOUSEBUILDER Gold: Stone Homes Silver: Antler Homes Bronze (joint): London Square and Octagon

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR Gold: Linden Homes

HOUSING ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR Gold: Affinity Sutton Silver: Sovereign Housing Association Bronze (joint): L&Q and Wulvern

BEST STARTER HOME Gold (joint): Crest Nicholson, Park Central, Birmingham and Berkeley, Victory Pier, Gillingham, Kent Silver: Lovell, Bryn Celyn, Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales Bronze (joint): Network Living, Langhorne Place, Dollis Hill, London, NW2 and L&Q, Capworth Court, Leyton, London, E10

BEST HOUSE

BEST DEVELOPMENT

Gold: London Square, ‘The Pembridge’, London Square Fulham, London, SW6 Silver (joint): Latis Homes, Greenfield Place, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 and Hill, Octavo Mews, West Kensington, London, W6 Bronze (joint): City Legacy Consortium, Cruden Homes, Mactaggart & Mickel Homes, CCG, Malcolm Group and Glasgow City Council, ‘The Hibiscus’, The Athletes’ Village, Dalmarnock, Glasgow and Altin Homes, Sylvan Bint, Timperley, Cheshire

Gold: Hill, The Avenue, Saffron Walden, Essex

BEST APARTMENT SCHEME Gold: Grainger plc, Macaulay Walk, Clapham, London, SW4 Silver (joint): United House, Paynes & Borthwick, West Greenwich, London, SE8 and Catalyst by Design, Portobello Square, North Kensington, London, W10 Bronze: Millgate Homes, Westbrook House, Ascot, Berkshire

BEST LUXURY HOUSE

Silver: St Edward, Stanmore Place, London HA7 Bronze (joint): Grainger plc, Macaulay Walk, Clapham, London, SW4 and Countryside, Abode, Great Kneighton, Cambridge

BEST PARTNERSHIP SCHEME Gold: Solum Regeneration, Walthamstow Central Station, London, E17 Silver: Kier Partnership Homes, Manor Kingsway, Derby Bronze (joint): Barratt Homes, City & Country and Banner Homes (CALA Homes), Bentley Priory, Stanmore, London, HA7 and Barratt London and Sainsbury’s, Fulham Riverside, London, SW6

BEST LUXURY DEVELOPMENT Gold: Millgate Homes, Holland Place, Sunninghill, Berkshire

Gold: Consero London, ‘Furzecroft’, St George’s Hill, Weybridge, Surrey Silver: Octagon, ‘Crossacres’, Wentworth Estate, Virginia Water, Surrey Bronze: Huntsmere, ‘Ambergates’, Alderley Edge, Cheshire

Silver: UNStudio, Canaletto, Islington, London, EC1V

BEST RENOVATION

BEST MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

Gold: City & Country, Marquess Villas, Bentley Priory, Stanmore, Middlesex Silver: Thomas Homes, Fair Mile at Cholsey Meadows, Cholsey, Oxfordshire Bronze: Linden Homes, Ashlar Court, Hammersmith, London, W6

Bronze (joint): Octagon, Long Walk Villas, Windsor, Berkshire and Pennyfarthing Homes, Nautica, Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire

Gold: Quartermile, Quartermile, Edinburgh Silver: Grainger plc, Macaulay Walk, Clapham, London, SW4 Bronze: Kier Partnership Homes, The Parade, Manor Kingsway, Derby

BEST SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Gold: Barratt, Hanham Hall, Hanham, Bristol Silver: Get Living London, East Village, Stratford, London, E20 Bronze: Morris Homes, Vista, Peterborough

BEST RETIREMENT DEVELOPMENT Gold: Audley Retirement, Binswood, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshireshire Silver (joint): Larkfleet Homes and Keystone Developments, The Croft, Bourne, Lincolnshire and Retirement Villages Group, Charters Village, East Grinstead, West Sussex Bronze (joint): Church Retirement Living, Steeple Lodge, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands and McCarthy & Stone, Lady Susan Court and Emma Court, Basingstoke, Hampshire

BEST BROWNFIELD DEVELOPMENT Gold (joint): CALA, Albert Dock, Leith, Edinburgh and Grainger plc, Macaulay Walk, Clapham, London, SW4 Silver (joint): Mar City, Green Point, Colindale, London, NW9 and United House, Paynes & Borthwick, Deptford, London, SE8 Bronze: London Square, London Square Fulham, London, SW6

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN Gold: Millgate Homes, Chart Ridge, Oxted, Surrey Silver: Countryside, Plot 24, Aura, Great Kneighton, Cambridge Bronze (joint): Berkeley Homes, Maltby House, Meridian Gate, Kidbrooke Village, Greenwich, London, SE3 and London Square, London Square Fulham, London, SW6

BEST EXTERIOR DESIGN Gold: Barratt Homes, Hanham Hall, Bristol Silver (joint): Redrow, Kingston Riverside, Kingston, London, KT2 and Hill, The Avenue, Saffron Walden, Essex Bronze: Antler Homes, Fairwater, Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire

BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN Gold (joint): Crest Nicholson, Bath Riverside, Bath and St Edwards, Stanmore Place, Harrow, London, HA7 Silver: Inland Homes, Drayton Garden Village, West Drayton, London, UB7 Bronze (joint): Richstone Properties, The Pembroke, East Sheen, London, SW14 and Beechcroft, Frenchlands Gate, East Horsley, Surrey

22 whathouse? awards

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WhatHouse? Awards 2014 Grosvenor House Hotel, Friday 21 November

Best Retirement Development – Audley Retirement

Our host, Rob Brydon

Best Starter Home Scheme – Berkeley Homes

Housing Association of the Year – Affinity Sutton

All pictures courtesy of Philippa Gedge Photography

Best Development – Hill

24 whathouse? awards

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Look to the future now SELLING THE LIFESTYLE Best Luxury Development Silver – Canaletto, Islington from UNStudio UNStudio’s futuristic tower on London’s City Road exemplifies the idea of selling more than just a property, with a host of exclusive facilities for the use of residents and their guests. The WhatHouse? judges say: “All residents have access to a 24-hour concierge, gym, pool, cinema room, games room and spa, with a private bar/dining club complete with landscaped terrace on the 24th floor. Canaletto successfully combines substance with style and sets an extremely high standard for its neighbours to match.”

Take a look at just a few of the winners of this year’s WhatHouse? Awards and you’ll see features and design principles that will be making their way into the mainstream in just a few years. Here are some of our favourites, with a few words from the Awards judges explaining why they won.

ZERO-CARBON HOMES Best Exterior Design Gold and Best Sustainable Development Gold – Hanham Hall, Bristol from Barratt Homes Hanham Hall has already won many awards and is a landmark development from Barratt, the first in England to achieve the 2016 zero-carbon standard. The WhatHouse? judges say: “The housebuilding industry needs exemplar schemes like Hanham Hall to act as a marker and knowledge base to drive sustainable understanding. Barratt Homes should be applauded for pushing the boundaries and setting a benchmark for sustainable living.”

STREET-SCENE LANDSCAPING Best Mixed-Use Development Bronze – The Parade, Manor Kingsway, Derby from Kier Partnership Homes The best developers are utilising a range of external designs and finishes to their mix of houses as well as creating beautiful street scenes with a bold choice of materials and landscaping. The WhatHouse? judges say: “The Parade illustrates this principle with a layout that, while integrating the car, provides a safe and attractive streetscape in which the pedestrian and cyclist have clear priority without the need for intrusive signage or the curse of speed bumps, through its sophisticated detailing use of materials and layout.”

USING BROWNFIELD SITES

THE DEATH OF THE RADIATOR?

DOUBLING UP

Best Brownfield Development Bronze – London Square Fulham from London Square

Best Apartment Scheme Gold – Macaulay Walk, Clapham from Grainger plc

Best Interior Design Silver – Plot24, Aura, Great Kneighton from Countryside

While there is pressure to build the houses we need on green belt and undeveloped greenfield land, London Square demonstrates how to revive a former industrial trading estate. The WhatHouse? judges say: “The result is a real sense of place and tranquillity and…the underground car park a technical triumph. The materials are subtle, soft and sophisticated; the layouts lifestyle-conscious. This is where green oasis meets London life.”

Underfloor heating used to be the preserve of high-end properties, but it’s now more prevalent in developments aimed at a more modest budget, as Grainger’s multi-award winning scheme shows. The WhatHouse? judges say: “All the mod cons that you’d find included at a higher price point are here. It is also admirable that the same specification from Assael Architecture and interior specialists MMM applies across the scale, from a studio apartment to a top-end penthouse.”

The use of double-height rooms and mezzanines is an increasingly popular way to add a ‘wow’ factor to family homes as well as luxury apartments, used to great effect in this show home by Countryside. The WhatHouse? judges say: “This is another housebuilder that has benefited from selecting a great firm of architects and interior designers. The master bedroom has a living room and the kitchen has a gallery – what more do you want from a house? Suna Interiors has…created a Mayfair-style home in Cambridge.”

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NEW YEAR, NEW HOME AT

Compton Park in Compton 4 and 5 bedroom detached family homes available from

ÂŁ444,995

Part Exchange and assisted move scheme Mastermove available.

Visit: redrow.co.uk/compton Call: 01902 471153 Compton Park Compton Road West, Wolverhampton WV3 9DX. See website for opening times Your mobile operator may charge data usage for scanning QR codes, please ensure you have the appropriate data plan. Offers available on selected plots only subject to availability, contract and status and on completions on or before the agreed date. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details. Redrow reserve the right to withdraw or alter this offer at any time prior to the payment of a reservation fee. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Redrow offer. Image typical of a Redrow home. Price correct at time of going to print.

11705 Chestnut Walk WHWM 265x340 wc241114.qxp_Layout 1 25/11/2014 11:53 Page 1

NEW YEAR, NEW HOME AT

Chestnut Walk, Bilston 2 & 3 bedroom homes available from only

£124,995 PURCHASE PRICE

£99,996

HELP TO BUY PRICE

Visit: redrow.co.uk/chestnut Call: 01902 471172 Chestnut Walk Bankfield Road, Bilston West Midlands WV14 0TW Open Daily, 10am ~ 5.30pm Your mobile operator may charge data usage for scanning QR codes, please ensure you have the appropriate data plan. Help to Buy is a Government backed initiative in partnership with housebuilders. *Shows price with 20% loan assistance. Available on selected plots, subject to status, terms and conditions. Help To Buy cannot be used in conjunction with any other scheme. It is highly advised, for a swift, smooth transaction that an IFA/Solicitor advised by Redrow Homes is used. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Redrow offer. Image typical of a Redrow homes. Price correct at time of going to press. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. CHECK THAT THIS MORTGAGE WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS IF YOU WANT TO MOVE OR SELL YOUR HOME OR YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY TO INHERIT IT. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, SEEK INDEPENDENT ADVICE.

28 interview

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In focus:Wolverhampton Homes We speak to Andy Hughes, PSL coordinator of Wolverhampton Homes rather than them being listed on the private market. There is also a strong urge to improve the private rented sector for tenants. All properties managed by Wolverhampton Homes must meet a specific set of standards, with everything from electrical safety to damp proofing considered, so we inspect all properties before use and ensure any improvements that are required are identified and carried out.

Could you please introduce us to your rental sector project?

improve standards in the rental market across the city.

Wolverhampton Homes is a social What is the main aim of this housing provider that manages the project? City Council’s stock of more than The demand for social housing far 23,000 homes. Our project, City outweighs its availability, and this Homes, sees us working in conjunction project aims to work alongside local with the council localadvert landlords to landlords allocate their properties LC10048 -and Whathouse 265x168mm.pdf 1 26/11/2014to 18:24:13 increase our supply of properties and to customers on our waiting lists,

What are the benefits for landlords? Landlords can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that they will receive guaranteed rent every month, regardless of any void periods or tenant defaults. Our service is unique in the sense that some estate agents will offer a rent guarantee, but this often comes as part of an insurance scheme and won’t cover all types of default. Landlords are also able to take a backseat, as we fully manage

the properties on leases of three, five or seven years, and only bother them if there is a major task that needs undertaking in the property. What are the main challenges you face in the rental market? We are tied to paying landlords the local housing allowance rate, and this can restrict our available pool of properties as we can’t compete with high street estate agents. We do believe, however, that our rent guarantee and the prospect of no void periods or defaults means landlords will receive a similar income over the life of a tenancy. Are there any property types that are in particularly high demand in Wolverhampton? Since the benefit reforms and the implementation of the so-called ‘bedroom tax’, two-bedroom properties have been in particularly

high demand, and there is always a sustained demand for one-bedroom homes. We are also currently seeing a shortage of four-bedroom family homes across the city. What are your plans for the next 12 months? We want to get a higher number and more diverse range of properties on our books and achieve our consistent aim of finding homes for our customers. In the coming year, we will also be launching a Gold Standard scheme, which will involve us getting involved in the private rented sector in a more traditional manner where we can offer properties at market rates. This project will give us access to a greater range of landlords across the city, and allow us to reinvest profits back in to the core aspects of our business. Contact: www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk; 01902 553253

Start the new year with a new home! 3 and 4 bedroom homes, prices from £250,000 C

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Call now on 0845 873 2885 or email meadowview@lioncourthomes.com Lioncourt Homes - Meadow View Oﬀ Attwood Lane, Holmer, Herefordshire HR1 1LJ Web: www.lioncourthomes.com Email: meadowview@lioncourthomes.com

mortgages 29

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Banks attempt to defuse Britain’s interest-only time bomb But some experts warn borrowers that the deals should only be taken as a ‘last resort’.

l der borrowers are to be offered new ‘lifetime’ mortgage deals as part of an attempt to help millions of people trapped on interest-only mortgages with no way of repaying their home loan. Plans to tackle Britain’s interestonly mortgage time bomb are set to see several major banks offer tailored deals to borrowers in their 50s and 60s who face a shortfall when their mortgage term ends.

Ros Altmann, the government’s older people tsar, remarks: “If you have an interest-only mortgage it effectively means your bank owns your home, you don’t, that’s the reality. Lenders are trying to keep people in their homes, rather than repossess them, and these new deals will ensure the bank still owns most of the house when they die.”

LIFETIME MORTGAGES SET TO ALLOW OLDER BORROWERS TO STAY IN THEIR HOMES

Steve Pateman, head of UK banking at Santander, says that lifetime mortgages would be one of a range of options that the bank planned to offer customers. “A lot of interest-only customers aged 65 to 75 will find they haven’t got enough to pay the lump sum and don’t want to move,” he said. “In our

Under the scheme, lenders will allow customers to repay just the interest on their debts until they die if they agree to hand the keys to the property over

BANKS WANT TO ‘WORK WITH’ OLDER BORROWERS

to the bank, rather than to a family member, when they die. Interest-only mortgages require a borrower to repay the interest on their loan on a monthly basis with the debt to be repaid in full at the end

of the term. However, the Daily Telegraph reports that around 130,000 interest-only mortgages are due to expire every year until 2020, with half facing a shortfall of £71,000 on average.

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view, extending their mortgage term for a few years is just kicking the can down the road, so we’d rather work with customers, offering a range of solutions, of which one could be a lifetime mortgage. “As long as customers go in with their eyes open, we don’t expect complaints from family that there is ‘no money left’ for an inheritance.” However, experts have warned borrowers that they should only consider this type of loan as a ‘last resort’. Steve Lowe of financial services firm Just Retirement says: “It would be unacceptable for borrowers to default to a lifetime mortgages as these type of loans require specialist advice, with families sitting down to discuss the consequences over many months before signing on the dotted line.”

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Heathside Walk, Walsall WS3 1PE Walton Homes all new canalside development of 3 & 4 bedroomed homes Prices starting from £129,950 or £103,960 with Help to Buy Show home open daily 11am-5pm Complete, ready to move in

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*Terms and conditions apply

05/11/2014 15:38

30 news in brief Birmingham among the least affordable major cities in the UK for tenants

ccording to new data from the HomeLet Rental Index, Birmingham is among the top three least affordable major cities to rent a home. The findings, which

West Midlanders spend over £5,000 making their new house a home

o meowners in the West Midlands spend an average of £5,026 making their house feel like a home according to research from Barratt Homes. Installing a new kitchen, upgrading

‘Right to rent’ checks launched in the West Midlands

he new ‘right to rent’ legislation has come into effect in the West Midlands. Originally announced in October, the new law means private landlords will have to check the right of prospective tenants to be in the country, or face a fine of up to £3,000.

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are determined by a tenant incometo-rent ratio, show London at the top of the table, closely followed by Birmingham and Edinburgh, where tenants spend 47% of their monthly income on rent. The data shows that although monthly rental costs in Birmingham are relatively low (£550 per month, compared to £700 in Edinburgh and £1,413 in London), annual salaries are also lower than most other major cities

(£18,777, compared to £23,614 and £50,193 for Edinburgh and London respectively). In contrast, Plymouth (27%), Cardiff (29%) and Leeds (34%) are among the cities offering the most favourable ratios between tenant income and rental prices. Martin Totty, chief executive of Barbon Insurance Group, remarked: “In some parts of the UK, such as Scotland and East Anglia, where rental prices are

now falling or stagnant, the data tells us that renting in some cities in these regions is still stretching tenant affordability. “Looking at the city data against the regional and national picture would suggest that areas that were previously very much the domain of homebuyers are becoming popular areas for renters too, as families move out of cities for a better quality of life but are unable to join the property market.”

the bathroom, or altering the layout were improvements undertaken by almost half (44%) of new buyers in the process of making a home their own. Decorating was another big project for many people stamping their own preferences onto their home, with the lounge being the priority room (40%) followed by the bedroom (23%) and kitchen (15%). The time and effort spent personalising their homes in these

ways meant that 20% of those surveyed only felt at home after 50 days, while a further 12% took more than three months to feel at home after moving in. Some 16% of recent homeowners spent more than twice the average, stumping up over £10,000 to turn the property into somewhere they can comfortably call their home. Kate Fox from the Social Issues Research Centre said: “Making a

property feel like a home is really important to establish an emotional connection with your house or flat, and it’s a shame to see that this is an expensive and timely process for many recent homeowners – making what should be an exciting and special time much more stressful. Prospective buyers should ensure they have considered this aspect before choosing the type of property they want to move into.”

The checks are being piloted in Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell Dudley and Wolverhampton, ahead of a phased introduction across the UK next year. Under the Immigration Act 2014, landlords now need to see tenant identification, for example, a passport or a biometric residence permit - an official form of identification provided by the Home Office. A Home Office spokeswoman said: “In most cases landlords will be able

to carry out the checks themselves by asking to see the passport or permit and then photocopying (and keeping) it, without having to request a check on a person’s right to be in the UK via the www.gov.uk website. In a limited number of cases, such as where tenants don’t have their documents due to an ongoing Home Office application, landlords can request a check using the ‘right to rent’ tool on the website.” Mary Latham of the National

Landlords Association (NLA) said: “As the lettings market is a very competitive arena, it is entirely conceivable that landlords could end up favouring ‘low-risk’ tenants or those whose legal right to reside in the UK is clear-cut. Therefore we advise all landlords to look at the Home Office’s guidance on unlawful discrimination as well as the Code of Practice, which includes a list of acceptable documents to use to verify a tenant’s immigration status.”

Bellway West Midlands doubles its workforce in five year

e recovery in the property h market has been a major factor in Bellway’s West Midlands division doubling its workforce in recent years. The Tamworth-based company employed 54 people in 2009 and has now reached the landmark of 100 employees. Sales and marketing director for Bellway West Midlands, Stephen Rose, said: “We’re delighted to be in a position where we can create jobs and we have found some really talented people. We always strive to attain the highest standards of build quality and customer care. To achieve this, we need to have excellent staff across every sector of the company.” Over the last year Bellway has taken on five apprentices as it looks to develop new talent and build for the future. One of them is Samuel Watson, 22, who lives in Solihull. He is now an apprentice at Chase Meadow in Warwick. He commented: “Qualifications are everything when you are looking for a job now, and to be able to pick some up while I’m learning a trade is a great opportunity. The apprenticeship has given me a good working knowledge of the industry, and hopefully now I’ll be able to push on and progress at Bellway.”

SPRING WALK Spring Lane, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV12 4HW 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £133,500

Move in for Christmas

5% deposit is all you need

Ready to move into

Move into your brand new home just in time for Christmas with plot 109 at Spring Walk, Willenhall + This Denford 3 bedroom home is ideal for first time buyers and growing families. + Includes flooring, upgraded Kitchen and turf to rear garden. + Buy with Help to Buy, and you could buy with as little as 5% deposit. + Ready to move into. You could be moved into your brand new home just in time for Christmas!

Available for just

£139,995

Visit our sales centre today to find out more, and to view our stunning new show home!

Call 01902 544 473 * Taylor Wimpey terms and conditions apply. The images on this page show a typical Taylor Wimpey home and include optional upgrades at additional costs.

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

27/10/2014 16:44

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