Whathouse? Local Solihull by WhatHouse? Local

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Sept 10th 2014

www.whathouse.co.uk

Local Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

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

Blank canvas

Eight reasons to consider a new-build

Property insider Maximise your rental income

For all your local property news www.whathouse.com Meadow View - Attwood Lane, Holmer, Herefordshire HR1 1LJ

New show home now open - call our marketing suite 0845 873 2885 Open 10:00am to 5:30pm

meadowview@lioncourthomes.com

www.lioncourthomes.com

Your property in Park Lane Showcase your property to the lucrative London market For more information on promoting your property in our Park Lane office or for a free valuation, please contact Fine & Country Solihull on 0121 746 6400 or email solihull@fineandcountry.com

Local essentials

Published by: Globespan Media Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG Tel: 020 7940 1070 info@globespanmedia.com www.whathouse.com Managing director: Daniel Hill Editorial director: Rupert Bates Editor: Keith Osborne ko@whathouse.co.uk Assistant editor: Stephen Maunder sm@whathouse.co.uk Designer: Peter Rogers peter@39zero.co.uk Sales director: Mark Edmondson me@whathouse.co.uk

ESTATE AGENTS www.whathouse.coM Sept 2014

Welcome to our very first edition of WhatHouse? Local, your weekly guide to the property world in your area. We’re a nation obsessed with property – buying, selling, investing and renting. Let’s be honest, even if we have no intention of moving home ourselves, we love to look around other people’s homes online, in print or on the TV, for inspiration or just out of sheer curiosity. Indeed, thousands of people go to property websites every day just to see what their neighbours are selling their home for! If you’re serious about finding a new home or just casually looking, we aim to bring you the very latest homes for sale and to let in your locality. We’ll also bring you some insight and advice on homeowning and investment as well as a view of the new homes market. This week, we have some tips for buy-to-let investors and look at the reasons why you should consider

Say What?

purchasing one of the new-build homes being created in your area. If you’re looking further afield, or want to catch up with property news and view on a daily basis, go to www. whathouse.com, where you can search through thousands of homes for sale and rent across the country. You will also find a host of articles and interviews on a range of property topics. You can of course catch up with us on Facebook and Twitter (@What_ House), too. We hope you find this and every issue of WhatHouse? Local a useful tool in your property search.

Happy house-hunting! Keith Osborne Editor, WhatHouse?

Southern sales director: Lesley Lawrence ll@whathouse.co.uk

Property Insider

Sales manager (Midlands): Rebecca Vincze rv@whathouse.co.uk

Five ways to maximise your rental income

Sales executive (Midlands): Tori Collett tc@whathouse.co.uk Sales executive (Midlands): Wayne Smith ws@whathouse.co.uk Sales manager (London): Jay Ali ja@whathouse.co.uk Account manager: Ann Chaloner ac@whathouse.co.uk Printed by: 39zero | Citrus Distributed by: Team © 2014 Globespan Media Limited

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors and omissions. Cover picture: Seven-bedroom home in Moor Green Lane, Moseley £850,000 through Fine & Country Solihull, solihull@fineandcountry.com; 0121 746 6400

In a busy market where demand is outstripping supply, rent costs are on the rise across much of the UK. Despite this demand, it remains important to ensure you are getting the best tenants you possibly can and are achieving the full rental potential of your property. Here are our top five tips to get you started. Consider furnishing your property A property that is ‘ready to go’ is sure to be attractive to a large pool of tenants. Furnishing a property rids tenants of the burden and cost of purchasing furniture, may increase your rental income by 5-10% and could enable you to let your home more quickly. You can also claim a ‘wear and tear’ tax allowance if you let a furnished property. The cons? Letting a furnished home is more labour intensive at both ends of the agreement, with careful consideration required before purchasing, insuring, assessing and upgrading your furniture. Tenants searching for a fully furnished property may also be less likely to stick around in the long term. You could consider offering greater flexibility by letting your home as part-furnished. Keep it neutral Whether you’re choosing to go furnished or unfurnished, it pays to keep decoration neutral. Laminate flooring or carpets of a serviceable colour combined with gentle magnolias on the walls and laminated work surfaces in the kitchen

are your best bet. Don’t narrow your target market by making your property a show home – your tenants will prefer to add their own touches (with your permission, of course). Include parking If your property is in an area with parking restrictions or on-road parking only, this may have an impact on its rental value. If you have no scope to add private parking, consider purchasing a yearly parking permit and factoring it in to the cost of the rent. Tenants may be put off by the prospect of paying £100 a year for parking, but will be attracted to a property where it is included. Think about extras While many guides will encourage you to include as few appliances as possible,

there is an argument for going a step beyond the standard specifications. A dishwasher or tumble dryer could increase your rental income slightly and also give you the edge when searching for the best tenants. Be wary of void periods Void periods between tenant occupancies will make a severe dent in your profits. All landlords are likely to face a void period at some point, but it is vital to keep these spells to a minimum. If you are experiencing a high turnover of tenants, consider whether the property is as attractive a proposition as it could be and make an effort to regularly spruce it up. You should also think carefully before increasing the rent – a tenant moving out because of a rent increase could lose you money until you find a replacement.

Burchell Edwards Solihull 0121 705 7551 Solihull@burchelledwards.com

An exceptionally spacious, extended semi detached country home set in grounds of approx 1.1 acres. The property has been modernised to a high standard.

A well presented and spacious three bedroom traditional style detached residence situated in a popular location.

This delightful extended detached family home is situated in a convenient and most sought after position off Dovehouse Lane.

Hobs Meadow, Solihull £170,000

Castle Lane £175,000

Chattock Avenue, Solihull £449,950

A well presented three bedroom mid terraced property, situated close to local amenities and with pleasant views over the green and woodland beyond.

This fully furnished two bedroom semi detached home in immaculate condition is offered to investors only as there is a sitting tenant paying £695 pcm.

NO UPWARD CHAIN! A well presented double fronted four bedroom detached family residence situated in a sought after location.

Berkswell Close, Solihull £459,995

Widney Lane, Solihull £375,000

Alcester Road, Portway £500,000

Sandhills Crescent SSTC

Damson Lane, Solihull SSTC

Berryfields, Fillongley SSTC

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

Burchell Edwards Shirley 0121 733 3553 Shirley@burchelledwards.com

A well presented two double bedroom first floor flat. Located in the most convenient of locations for Shirley Town centre and commuting links.

Traditional family home in a most convenient location. Currently in Tudor Grange School catchment. Very close proximity to Shirley town centre.

Cole Green, Shirley £190,000

Gospel Farm Road £125,000

Westhay Road £210,000

A well presented three bedroom end of terrace property in a popular location in Shirley. The local area offers amenities such as schools, shops, bus links and a train station.

A well presented three bedroom end of terrace property in a convenient location for local amenities . This fantastic property is offered with no chain and ideal for first time buyers and families.

***A MUST VIEW PROPERTY*** A well presented four bed semi detached home in a sought after location!

*** A REAL MUST VIEW *** A well presented four double bedroom family home.

Stanway Road, Shirley £249,000

Broad Road, Acocks Green £325,000 Firs Drive, Shirley £145,000

Tilehouse Lane, Shirley SSTC

Grafton Road, Shirley SSTC

Welford Road, Shirley SSTC

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

We have buyers urgently looking for properties in Solihull. Call us for a free market appraisal of your property.

LOCK COTTAGE, PRESTON BAGOT, HENLEY-IN-ARDEN

Tel: 0121 746 6400

ÂŁ640,000

A unique & extended barrel cottage dating back to 1810, situated alongside Stratford Canal within this highly desirable hamlet. Potential for mooring. EPC Grade F Magnificent Sitting Room with Spiral Staircase to Private Roof Garden l Refitted Kitchen/Breakfast Room l Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room & Refitted En-Suite & Bedroom Two with En-Suite l Potential to be a Three Bedroom To view over 100 prestige homes locally and over 3000 nationally see our website:

solihull.fineandcountry.co.uk

We have buyers urgently looking for properties in Solihull. Call us for a free market appraisal of your property.

OPEN HOUSE

Tel: 0121 746 6400

SATURDAY 13TH & SUNDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 10:00 - 14:00

No 1

MAPLE VIEW NOW AVAILABLE

PRICES FROM £650,000

An exclusive collection of four executive detached properties. Open plan living with SieMatic Kitchens and Siemens appliances • Porcelanosa bathrooms and sanitary ware Oak staircases • Beautifully finished throughout • Early viewing essential

No 2

No 3

No 4

Please call 0121 746 6400 to find out more and book your viewing To view over 100 prestige homes locally and over 3000 nationally see our website:

solihull.fineandcountry.co.uk

We have buyers urgently looking for properties in Solihull. Call us for a free market appraisal of your property.

ROOKERY LANE, LOWSONFORD

Tel: 0121 746 6400

OFFERS IN THE REGION OF ÂŁ1,100,000

This fabulous Grade II Listed five bedroomed period property sits in the heart of the countryside, with beautifully presented gardens and rolling views beyond. Superb Patio and Gardens l Five Double Bedrooms l Two Bedrooms with En-Suite Facilities l Three Reception Rooms l Gated Driveway with Intercoms l Stable Block and Store l Further Development Potential STPP l EPC Exempt To view over 100 prestige homes locally and over 3000 nationally see our website:

solihull.fineandcountry.co.uk

WELCOME TO EDEN ESTATES

Letting a property can be a smart move or investment, just as long as you research the market and get expert advice. Aman Sirpal and Sarika Sirpal (Managing Directors) at Eden Estates have the expertise and experience to give just that. Eden Estates offers a wide range of tailor made lettings solutions and will guide clients through the lettings process. From the moment a landlord decides to enter the lettings market Eden Estates will release the pressures and take away the hassle which letting can bring.

Anyone who has been either a tenant or a landlord will no doubt agree that the residential lettings market can be a daunting proposition especially to the uninitiated. The good news is that help is now available from Eden Estates office in Wolverhampton. Independently owned and operated, Eden Estates knows how to provide that personal service and attention to detail that all landlords are looking for, in the ever growing lettings market. As director, Mr Aman Sirpal explained â&#x20AC;&#x153;the continued growth of the residential lettings market over recent years has meant a rise in the number of tenants and landlords all of whom need sound advice and guidance in order to prevent potentially costly problemsâ&#x20AC;?. Unlike traditional lettings companies Eden Estates provides a tailored made management package to suite each individual landlord. Whether it is a single property or a large property development, Eden Estates has the experience and know how to give you the confidence and peace of mind you require.

We pride ourselves on giving sound, professional advice and meeting your expectations in all areas of property letting and management. Our main focus is to work together with our clients in the most friendly and helpful manner. We have considerable experience in the property letting sector and extensive local knowledge which is hugely beneficial whether you are a landlord or a tenant. The property market is ever expanding and we have prominent links with the main property newspapers and other advertising media. This ensures that we are one of the most high profile and recognised letting agencies in Wolverhampton. If you have a property to let in the Wolverhampton area or just require some advice, then please make us your first call.

For further information and advice on lettings matters call 01902 399 899 or visit the office at 88 Darlington Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 4EX www.edenestatesuk.com

Eden Estates â&#x20AC;Ś. Residential Lettings with a Difference!

Featured Lettings

£825

£2,495

pcm

2 bedrooms

5 bedrooms

Broomfields Avenue, Solihull

Station Road, Knowle

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

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

LET AGREED £1,650

pcm

£1,100

pcm

£2,300

pcm

LET AGREED £1,250

pcm

4 bedrooms

3 bedrooms

5 bedrooms

4 bedrooms

Althorpe Drive, Dorridge

Widney Road, Bentley Heath

Lavender Hall Lane, Berkswell

Copt Heath Drive, Knowle

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

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

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

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

12 NEW HOMES www.whathouse.coM Sept 2014

Eight reasons to consider a new-build property You may have read about the shortfall of new homes being built in the UK but with developers escalating their efforts to meet demand, have you ever considered buying one?

• Guarantees on workmanship. New-build homes are built to high standards of workmanship, energy efficiency and sustainability and must be covered by a long-term warranty, typically ten years or more, that covers the buyer against any faults that may arise later due to sub-standard work by the housebuilder.

• Other warranties. Some housebuilders provide further guarantees on items not covered by the NHBC warranty, providing further peace-of-mind to homebuyers. • Lower running bills. New-build homes are often sold with the latest fixtures and fittings included as standard, for example double glazing and modern kitchen appliances that are far more reliable and energy efficient, and therefore cheaper to run, than older models. The level of insulation provided by today’s building standards mean that homes are significantly less expensive to heat than older homes, even those just ten-years-old. • High specification. Housebuilders are providing ever-higher internal specifications to meet the demands of today’s homebuyers, which may include en suite facilities to at least one bedroom, separate kitchen utility rooms, fitted wardrobes, underfloor heating, multiple TV and telephone points, hi-tech multi-room audiovisual systems and open-plan family living areas. • Safety and security. Improved regulations mean that new-build homes are generally much safer and more secure than older homes, through the use of fire-retardant materials, smoke alarms, door and window locks and security lighting.

So ld 30% O ff Pl an

he choice is wider than ever. You may have thought they are too expensive, too small or lack character, but we live in competitive times and to be successful, housebuilders have to provide homes that people actually want to live in and can afford to purchase. More and more of them are achieving outstanding levels of customer service and recommendation and the choice of styles and designs available is very impressive. If you think that a new home isn’t for you, or are keeping an open mind about whether to opt for a brand new or period property, it’s worth considering that there are a number of advantages to buying a new-build home over a re-sale property: • A ‘blank canvas’. Many house-hunters simply love the idea of moving into a home that no-one else has lived in, in which everything is brand new and that they can then decorate to their own taste. • You avoid a chain. Buying a new home, you have no forward chain to worry about when you’re arranging to exchange contracts and move in. • Financial incentives. In today’s competitive housing market, housebuilders frequently offer incentives to buyers of their new homes that those buyers just won’t get on any re-sale property. Some of the special schemes and incentives offered include shared equity (including government-funded schemes such as Help to Buy), part exchange on an existing home, access to unique mortgage products, and the offer of deposit paid or deposit match, the payment of Stamp Duty or the inclusion of upgraded fixtures and fittings.

BEECH HILL ROAD ROYAL SUTTON COLDFIELD B72 1BY

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

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

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

Distinct Quality Since 1880

Help to Buy

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

Find out if we’re building in you’re area....

ALEXANDRA GRANGE Tipton, Sandwell A wonderfully presented mix of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom houses and 2 bedroom apartments.

0845 605 7773

THE MALT HOUSE REGENT’S WHARF Leamore, Walsall 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartA canalside development with a ments and duplexes mixture of 2 and 3 bedroom homes 605 7774 08450845 605 7774

THE MALT HOUSE Beautifully converted 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments and duplexes in a Grade II listed building

0154 325 6647

www.marcityhomes.com

Available with Help To Buy

GREAT DEALS ARE

COMING HOME SAVE THOUSANDS AND MOVE IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS! We’ve made great homes even more attractive with these superb deals. But this is for a limited period only sold on a first come, first served basis. So don’t waste any time, contact us now for more information. What’s more, the Help to Buy Scheme* and Part-exchange Service* are available with selected homes at both our developments.

Akron Gate

Ettingshall Place

Stafford Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 6DR 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes from £95,950

Ettingshall Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 2RB 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes from £79,950

Home of the Week Plot 3 - The Morden

Home of the week Plot 142 - The Marsh

2 bedroom home with carpets and floor coverings * NOW

2 bedroom apartment with £10,000 discount and carpets * NOW

Call 08432

Call 08444

£124,950

082802

†

£79,950

901872†

MARKETING SUITES OPEN THURSDAY TO MONDAY 11AM - 6PM

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. *For full details, terms and conditions for the Help to Buy Scheme and Part-exchange visit your nearest Persimmon development or log onto www.persimmonhomes.com/ offers. Available for a limited period only, subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Some details may be subject to availability and/or stage of construction, and this offer may be withdrawn at any time without notice. This offer may not be available in conjunction with any other purchase assistance scheme, offer or promotion. Full details available on request. †Calls will be charged at five pence per minute from a BT landline and may cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your service provider for more details. Details correct at time of going to press.

HELP TO BUY AT

Chestnut Walk, Bilston 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes available from only

£99,960

WITH HELP TO BUY

Bring this advert with you this weekend and we’ll include free carpets in your new home.

Visit: redrow.co.uk/chestnut Call: 01902 471189 Chestnut Walk Bankfield Road, Bilston West Midlands WV14 0TW Open Daily, 10am ~ 5.30pm Help to Buy is a Government backed initiative in partnership with housebuilders. *Shows price with 20% loan assistance. Available on selected plots, subject to status, terms and conditions. Help To Buy cannot be used in conjunction with any other scheme. It is highly advised, for a swift, smooth transaction that an IFA/Solicitor advised by Redrow Homes is used. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Redrow offer. Image typical of a Redrow homes. Price correct at time of going to press. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. CHECK THAT THIS MORTGAGE WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS IF YOU WANT TO MOVE OR SELL YOUR HOME OR YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY TO INHERIT IT. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, SEEK INDEPENDENT ADVICE.

NHBC – the mark of a quality home

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

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

Talk to us...

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

H309 - What House? advert_FINAL.indd 1

6/16/14 9:30 AM

NEW LOCATION, NEW SHOWROOM

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• Supply and Installation or supply only

• Additional sockets and lights

• 3D design service

• Burglar alarms and CCTV installations

• Wet rooms

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• Tiling

• Spare parts

• Central heating

• Repairs to most small electrical

• Underfloor heating

appliances and microwaves

• Service centre for Kenwood, Delonghi,

Magimix and Dimplex

• Plumbing

01902 426334

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