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e m op m co Pr o l fr e. ca er s Lo p e pa ou th th ha w
NOV 25th 2014
For all your local property news www.whathouse.com
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Just 5% Deposit
A CHANCE TO BUY A PIECE OF HISTORY
Exceptional homes, Picturesque location, Easy access to Central London Visit www.marcityhomes.com or
A unique opportunity to purchase a contemporary apartment in a Grade II listed building. The Malt House offers a collection of 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments & duplexes. √
Integrated fridge/freezer
√
Integrated washer/dryer
√
Integrated dishwasher
√
Porcelanosa tiling
√
Master bedrooms with ensuite
Call 0154 325 6647 to find out more. The Malt House Cairns Close Lichfield, WS14 9TP themalthouse@marcityhomes.com
Connells Office 01543 262376
Local
WELCOME www.whathouse.coM NOV 2014 | 3
essentials
Published by: Globespan Media Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG Tel: 020 7940 1070 info@globespanmedia.com Colmore Plaza, 20 Colmore Circus,Queensway Birmingham B4 6AT Tel: 0121 2624146 www.whathouse.com Managing director: Daniel Hill Editorial director: Rupert Bates Editor: Keith Osborne ko@whathouse.co.uk Assistant editor: Stephen Maunder sm@whathouse.co.uk Designer: Peter Rogers peter@39zero.co.uk Sales director: Mark Edmondson me@whathouse.co.uk head of sales (Midlands): Ben Marklew bm@whathouse.co.uk Sales executive (Midlands): Tori Collett tc@whathouse.co.uk Head of sales (London) Andy Lunn al@whathouse.co.uk
Win
Say What?
I
a bathroom suite!
nteresting figures came to light last week from house-share website SpareRoom.co.uk. Its survey of over 10,000 users of its website indicated that one in six shared homes in the UK doesn’t have a living room, up from one in ten just three years ago. In London, it’s an even higher proportion, with 19% of shared homes bereft of a communal reception room. Matt Hutchinson, director of SpareRoom.co.uk, said “the demise of the living room is symptomatic of the private rented sector struggling to cope with intense demand. It’s not simply a case of landlords chasing higher yields. Many flat and house sharers tell us they’d compromise on a living room out of choice, if it meant paying less to keep a roof over their heads.” Other data from the survey states that in London, ten people are searching for every room available. It’s no surprise that in circumstances like this, coupled with inflation-busting increases in average rents, desperate people find themselves having to settle for a less-than-ideal place to live. It would be comforting to think ‘Rising Damp’ style accommodation was a relic of the 1970s, but these figures suggest an accelerated return to the bad old days.
Keith Osborne Editor, WhatHouse?
This November we are giving away a complete luxury Amsterdam bathroom suite, courtesy of joyou.co.uk – part of the Grohe Group.
Entering is easy: 1. Visit WhatHouse? on Facebook and ‘Like’ our Facebook page (double your chances by adding a ‘Share’!) 2. Answer the question at the bottom of that page 3. Enter your details
Only one lucky household will win. Don’t miss your chance to win this lovely Joyou bathroom suite. Go to www.facebook.com/whathouseproperty Competition closes Friday 28 November. See whathouse.com for terms and conditions.
Property of the week From Hunters in Hereford
Sales manager (London): Jay Ali ja@whathouse.co.uk Business development manager Richard Woodruff rw@whathouse.co.uk Business Development Manager, Steve Coyle sc@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.
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TY ER OP M PR O L FR CA ER LO P E PA TH
NOV 25TH 2014
www.whathouse.com
Local
For all your local property news www.whathouse.com
T
his week, our featured property comes from the delightful village of Peterchurch in Herefordshire. Located close to the renowned Fairfield School and 12 miles from Hereford town centre, Dorefield House is a luxury five-bedroom property that would represent an ideal purchase for a growing family. On the market with a guide price of £875,000, the footprint of this expansive home extends to over 2.5 acres, with its stunning grounds including a beautiful lake and an enclosed paddock. Inside, the spacious accommodation perfectly combines the old and the new. The grand drawing room features a wood burning stove
and the master bedroom suite boasts oak flooring and a vaulted ceiling, while the family bathroom and en suite shower room are both of a contemporary design. The luxurious kitchen includes bespoke oak units and exposed timbers and serves as the centre point of the house, with its doors leading to an open-plan breakfast/garden room. Dorefield House enjoys a secluded edge-ofvillage location within each reach of the local
amenities. In addition to Hereford, Hay-on-Wye and Ross-on-Wye are both nearby, with the latter providing easy access to the M50 motorway.
The Facts Property: Where? How much? Agent: Contact:
Five-bedroom lakeside home Peterchurch, Herefordshire, HR2 £875,000 Hunters 01432 278278
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Do you know how much your home is really worth? Find out with our FREE valuation service.
Visit www.whathouse.com/value-myproperty/value-my-property-now or call us now on 0121 262 4146.
It’s a quick and easy process that you can carry out online or over the phone.
WhatHouse? works with a team of reputable agents that will carry out the free valuation.
Thinking of selling your home?
ÂŁ?
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
• Rent covered by Wolverhampton Homes • Full tenancy management • Full property management
“City Homes manage all my properties. In the three years I have been with City Homes they’ve surprised me and proven straightforward to deal with, and flexible where necessary. The removal of the hassle and the long term certainty of income stream is essential for the smaller landlord.” Matt Davies, Property Entrepreneur
Landlords and Property Owners: We can let and manage your properties on a three, five or seven year lease. From the moment you sign the lease you can sit back and relax and let us take care of your property for you. So if you are a landlord with a good quality property – let us do the work for you.
www.whomes.org.uk/city-homes
Maximum exposure, area expertise and high demand has left us with buyers ready and waiting for new homes.
Contact the Midland’s Leading Estate Agent andrew-grant.co.uk
New
12 | NOV 2014 www.whathouse.coM new homes
Part exchange event coming up for new homes in Hereford detached homes starting from the ‘Beech’ at £249,995 through to the ‘Walnut’ from £365,000. Using an existing home in part exchange is the most convenient way to buy a new Lioncourt home. The Lioncourt scheme makes it easy for buyers to move and a firm offer for the buyer’s home can be made in under seven days. There will be expert advice available at the special weekend event to help all potential buyers understand every aspect of the process. The key benefits of Lioncourt’s Part Exchange scheme are: • The certainty of purchasing your new home • Your purchase can be made as quickly or slowly as you require, so you get a seamless move from your old property to the new • It’s a hassle-free buying and selling experience • High-value properties will also be considered by Lioncourt Colin Cole, chief executive of Lioncourt Homes, says: “We already have a wide range of incentives available to our purchasers when they wish to buy a Lioncourt home. The addition of this new option means that we now have a complete range of incentive packages that we can tailor to suit our individual purchasers.” “We have launched a brand new range of homes at Meadow
View following extensive customer research. These homes are designed to provide aspirational living in well thoughtout accommodation and attractive looking street scenes. We have consulted widely to make sure that we incorporate
“
Using an existing home in part exchange is the most convenient way to buy a new Lioncourt home. The Lioncourt scheme makes it easy for buyers to move and a firm offer for the buyer’s home can be made in under seven days.
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L
ioncourt Homes is holding a special Part Exchange weekend at its new show homes at Meadow View, off Attwood Lane, Hereford on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November 2014. Unlike similar schemes offered by many other housebuilders, the company will even consider taking part exchange (PX) properties that are of a higher value or similar in price to the new home that is being sold. This makes the benefits of a PX deal available to buyers whether they are trading up, trading down or looking to move to a new home of the same value. Meadow View is a development situated in a setting with a delightful backdrop. There are a range of four-bedroom
all the latest ideas from other housebuilders, professionals, planning authorities and most importantly our customers. We are delighted with the end result and the extremely positive comments that we have received from potential customers.” There are currently two show homes to visit at Meadow View, the ‘Oak’ and the ‘Chestnut’. For further information please contact Sue on 0845 873 2885 or meadowview@lioncourthomes.com.
Littleton View, South Littleton - Prices from £250,000
Part Exchange available on our range of detached 3 & 4 bedroom homes and bungalows
Beautiful marketing suite & show home open from Thursday - Monday 9am - 4.30pm
Call now 0845 873 2886 or email littletonview@lioncourthomes.com Lioncourt Homes - Littleton View, off Shinehill Lane, South Littleton, Worcestershire, WR11 8TR Web: www.lioncourthomes.com Email: littletonview@lioncourthomes.com
An enviable reputation, built on quality and commitment. With over 20 years’ experience of building outstanding new residences, we understand what it takes to create a home. Our reputation is founded on a dedication to offering an exceptional customer experience, tailored to suit the individual needs of each buyer.
Discover our current collections and take the first step towards your new Cameron home.
l y na rt Fi pe o pr
Seven contemporary new residences in a historic Stratford-upon-Avon setting. First releases now on sale. Alcester Road, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9QU
The Wells is complete with a carpet, curtain and lighting package. Dosthill Road, Tamworth B77 1JD
g inn m o Coso
Now on sale, this remarkable collection of three and four bedroom residences boasts an enviable Sutton Coldfield location. Worcester Lane, Sutton Coldfield B75 5NA
In a popular location near to Sutton town centre, Mill Rise offers a selection of eight three and four bedroom homes. Upper Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield B72 1RD
% old 75 s w no
Why rent when you can buy? These vibrant new three bedroom homes are ideal for first time buyers, with Help to Buy available. Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood WS9 9NP
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The Shires is an exclusive development of just ten four and five bedroom properties in the charming village of Yarnfield. Ash Lane, Yarnfield ST15 0GH
Settle down in Shropshire. Our Shrewsbury-based sister company, Galliers New Homes, has been building superb new residences in Shropshire for decades. Visit www.galliershomes.co.uk to discover their current collections and preview upcoming sites to launch in the New Year.
We are Cameron. We look forward to welcoming you home.
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!
MAKE YOUR*MOVE ... from just £94,396!
Also coming soon at: WOODlAnDs, BilsTOn 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes off Great Bridge Road t: 0845 652 2497 HEATH MEADOWs, WillEnHAll 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes off Pennine Way t: 0845 652 2457 THE COppiCE, BROWnHills 2 & 3 bedroom homes off Short Street t: 0845 652 2458
includes:
amazing specification Visit The Birches, off Dixon Street, Wolverhampton, this weekend to view the beautiful new showhome at Contemporary kitchen with upstands this exciting development of 2, 3, & 4 bedroom homes. Integrated dishwasher & fridge/freezer Prices start from only £94,396* through Help to Buy (purchase price £117,995). SaleS office and Showhome open ThurSday To monday, 10am - 5pm
Stainless steel oven, hob & hood Fitted wardrobes & en-suite to master bedroom** Turfed garden & block paved driveway
t: 0845 652 2491
sales hotline: 0800 285 1082 e: kph.thebirchessales@kier.co.uk
THE BIRCHES
Willcock Road, off Dixon Street, Wolverhampton WV2 2DA
www.kierhomes.co.uk
17-11 Interior photographs from a typical showhome. * Terms and conditions apply, available on request. **En-suites to selected plots.
your home, your location
Move in for Christmas and enjoy an extra special treat on us. You don’t just have to dream about the perfect home. It’s ready and waiting for you at Bishops Manor. You can enjoy £500 worth of John Lewis vouchers** or a Marks and Spencers Christmas Hamper** if you reserve and exchange or complete before 23rd December 2014. Based on 4 & 5 bedroom homes from £425,000.
Bishops Manor, Off Tudor Hill, Sutton Coldfield B73 6BE
Book a viewing today. Call 0121 354 9271 or visit bloorhomes.com We’re open daily from 10am to 5pm.
*Help to Buy and all Bloor Homes’ incentives and schemes are subject to terms and conditions and are available on selected developments and selected plots only. Help to Buy is only available on developments in England, up to the value of £600,000 subject to contract, status and eligibility. **£500 worth of John Lewis Vouchers or a Marks and Spencers Christmas Hamper received for reservations and exchange of contracts, or completion of contracts before 23rd December 2014, offer applies to new reservations received from 8th October 2014 only. Prices and availability correct at time of going to press. Terms and conditions apply. Images shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict any particular plot.
Great locations throughout the Midlands
New year, new home Reserve now at one of our stunning developments and you could be celebrating 2015 in style. Monarch Park, Cannock 3 bedroom homes Tel. 01543 331 968
West Heath Glades, Birmingham 2 & 3 bedroom homes Tel. 0121 514 8219
City Reach, Birmingham 3 & 4 bedroom homes Tel. 0121 222 1968
Priory Park, Dudley 3 bedroom homes Tel. 01384 500 471
Coming Soon... Eaton View, Nuneaton 2 & 3 bedroom homes Tel. 02476 480 320
Harvills Grange, West Bromwich 2 & 3 bedroom homes Tel. 0121 514 8778
Renaissance, Nuneaton 3 bedroom homes Tel. 02476 481 594
Coming Soon... Eden Valley, Walsall 2 & 3 bedroom homes Tel. 01922 460 891
Caldon Quay, Stoke-on-Trent 2 bedroom apartments and 4 bedroom homes Tel. 01782 484 936
@lovell_uk
/lovellhomes
Search ‘Lovell homes’ Available on the iPad
lovellnewhomes.co.uk *Details correct at time of going to press, 17th November 2014.
11585 Chestnut Walk WHWM 265x340 wc101114.qxp_Layout 1 10/11/2014 10:33 Page 1
HELP TO BUY 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 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.
18 | NOV 2014 www.whathouse.coM AGENT COMMENT 14 interiors
Find your new home at Whathouse.com
Life on the fast Market spin Estate Agent Analysis 3
Rent costs up 3.7% foravailable new tenants demand remains strong Sleek, eco-friendly and now inasrainbow colours, washing machines are bigger and smarter in more ways than he cost of agreeing a new one. Richenda Oldham looks at some of the latest models tenancy rose 3.7% over
T
properties remain empty for longer, an average of 18 days a year, indicating the the past year, with rental additional time required to find a tenant. growth continuing to be Commenting on the data, Nick Dunning, driven by London and the group commercial director of Countrywide East of England, according to Countrywide plc, said: “Void periods offer landlords the Residential Lettings. opportunity to re-assess market conditions, In London, the cost rose 7.4% to stand at make improvements and adjust rent an average of £1,229 pcm in October 2014 on accordingly. Rental growth predominantly the back of a cooling sales market. The uplift occurs when a property is re-marketed and in rents when a tenant signs a new contract Rising occupancy rates property is empty tracks not only the time to let to a new tenant. An increase in rent for is a strong indicator of future sentiment The average rental property remains empty find a new tenant, but also the time needed someone moving into a new property will and prospective increases in rent for sitting for 14 days a year, one day less than in between tenancies to carry out repairs and filter through to the rest of the market more tenants, while for a new tenant it represents the first half of 2014. This represents an improvements. slowly, as and when tenants move and new the cost of accessing the rental market. occupancy rate of 97%, with half of all Properties in London, the South East contracts are negotiated. However, it does not automatically available properties let within two weeks. and the East of England remain empty for “While the level of demand means that follow that a rise in newly agreed rents is A reduction in the time a property remains an average of less than 14 days each year, the time taken to find a tenant is at a near immediately passed on to all tenants. The empty means there are fewer days when a serving to drive down costs and place a record low, landlords should still factor in average tenant in the UK saw their rent rise landlord is not receiving rent, which serves degree of upward pressure on yields. Across a short period when their property will be 1.7% over the past 12 months, below the 3.7% to push up net yields. The number of days a Wales, the North East and the North West, empty. While voids are often associated with seen by a tenant agreeing a new contract. the time taken to find a tenant, in stronger Tenants signing 12, 18 or 24 month deals markets property can be re let in advance during which the rent is fixed and landlords of it becoming empty. EvenWMFABAZ1 in these strong 1. Servis’ new FG 8kg HydroDrive model is ideal for large family washes and comes with the Allergy UK Seal of Approval, as well as an LED screen, £419, www.servis.co.uk; 2. Smeg’s choosing not to pass on increases to sitting markets, time to carry out repairs and 7kg washing machine comes in a choice of funky colourways – pastel blue, pink, cream and black – and offers a range of washes that includes a gym setting, £813, www.smeguk.com; 3. Amica’s tenants underpin the difference between the facilitate a handover between tenants is a AWN912DJB is a 9kg machine with 15 different programmes, including a super-fast 12-minute wash for smaller loads, £329, www.amica-international.co.uk; 4. Whirlpool’s 9kg WWDC 9444 was voted bestof model in growth. a review of 18 washing machines by the Swiss test institute EMPA, £479.99, www.whirlpool.co.uk; 5. The stackable Maytag 10kg MWA10149WH features technology, two rates rental cost which needs to beIntelliSense factored in.”
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2
4
5
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The average tenant in the UK saw their rent rise 1.7% over the past 12 months, below the 3.7% seen by a tenant agreeing a new contract.
which can save up to 70% on energy, water and time, £650, www.maytag.co.uk
Thinking of selling your home? Do you know how much your home is really worth? Find out with our FREE valuation service. It’s a quick and easy process that you can carry out online or over the phone. Visit www.whathouse.co.uk/free-valuation or call us now on 0121 262 4146.
WhatHouse? works with a team of reputable agents that will carry out the free valuation
£?
Just 5% Deposit
SPECIAL INCENTIVES THIS WEEKEND
Reserve today and be in your home before Christmas!!!
All Alexandra Grange properties feature a range of benefits already included making it easier for you to settle into your new home faster. √
2, 3, 4 bedroom homes
√
Integrated fridge/freezer
√
Integrated washer/dryer
Visit www.marcityhomes.com or
√
Integrated dishwasher
√
Porcelanosa tiling
Call 0845 605 7773 to find out more.
√
Master bedrooms with ensuite
Alexandra Road, Tipton. Sandwell DY4 8TD alexandragrange@marcityhomes.com
Connells Office 0121 556 2338