Hf jan 2014 whole issue by homefocus

homefocus JAN/FEB 2014

Architect & TV Presenter

PIERS TAYLOR

‘How do you know what you want if you haven’t seen it’

LIKE TO BUY YOUR OWN HOME? Shared ownership and Help to Buy will help!

YOUR NEXT STEP

‘We couldn’t believe that we could afford it’’ says Christina

to owning your own home

WI N

Cover photograph: John Lawrence

MADE MORE AFFORDABLE

BOSCH DIY’S BUNDLE OF CORDLESS POWER TOOLS… AT T R ACT I V E , ACC E S S I B L E , A F FOR DA B L E HOM E S

RENTING SHOULDN’T MEAN

PAINTING YOURSELF INTO A CORNER

Publisher’sComment

homefocus WHAT HELPS WHO? ISSN No 1470-0360

ADVISORY PANEL Maddie Cross LONDON BOROUGH OF BEXLEY Gail Davies EM HOMEBUY Dave Evans BE CREATIVE LONDON Dave Lakin GRAND UNION HOUSING GROUP John McManus GLA Paul Negi GENESIS HOMES Yvette Ruggins AFFINITY SUTTON GROUP Isabel Saville CONCORDIA HOUSING CONSULTANCY Simon Scott ORIGIN HOUSING Sharon Shaw MARTIN SHAW CONSULTANCY LTD Jo Short HOMES IN HANTS Paul Stagnell-Howe STAGNELL FOX Richard Stone CONSULTANT, CENSEO LTD Andrew Theoff DIRECTION LAW Helen Towner HOMES AND COMMUNITIES AGENCY Greg Warner-Harris SPECTRUM HOUSING GROUP Chris Winfield LONDON BOROUGH OF BRENT EDITOR Alex Randell e-mail: info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS & GENERAL ENQUIRIES Julie Baugh Tel: 01622 772407 e-mail: julie@homefocusmagazine.co.uk

Does it ever feel like the home you’re renting isn’t really your home? Maybe you want to hang up a picture? Or paint the walls a brighter colour? But because it’s rented, you’re not sure if you can. Renting from Genesis is different. When you rent from us, we want it to feel like your home. So if you’d like to make any changes, you just need to ask your dedicated property manager. Putting up that framed ‘Pulp Fiction’ film poster in your living room? No problem. Want the kitchen a nice shade of Tea Dance (look it up, it’s red)? That’s OK. As long as you return the apartment to us at the end of your tenancy in the same state as when you moved in, you can make most non-structural changes with the approval of your property manager. If that makes you want to rent for longer, you can do that too. On most of our properties we offer rental tenancies for 1, 2, 3, 4 or even 5 years, giving you peace of mind and security.

Our rental properties are also different. They’re new or well-maintained apartments featuring contemporary bathrooms and kitchens and a great specification. They come with a host of quality white goods as standard, and if you need furniture, we can provide a range of great options. Add in features like a transparent fee structure and the experience and resources of one of the UK’s leading housing providers, and it’s clear to see why we think we’ve come up with a better way to rent. We have fantastic properties available to rent now, including our iconic Stratford Halo development in east London, just minutes from the Olympic Stadium and Westfield shopping centre. And at Zenith House in Colindale, our latest collection of new apartments offer breathtaking views and spacious living – an ideal place to enjoy a welcoming neighbourhood life.

PUBLISHER Jeffrey Gritzman Tel: 01622 772407 e-mail: jeffrey@homefocusmagazine.co.uk PUBLISHED BY Graid Publications, Kent House, Romney Place Maidstone, Kent ME15 6LH Tel: 01622 772407 DESIGN & PRODUCTION John Eldridge Design Associates

Website: www.homefocusmagazine.co.uk www.facebook.com/homefocus www.twitter.com/homefocus

Call us today to book a viewing.

BECAUSE IT ALL DEPENDS... Homefocus champions all forms of low cost home ownership (LCHO) in the firm belief that helping people onto the home ownership ladder is good for them, good for communities, good for the economy and good for local businesses. And that’s all very well and fine but our readers want something more specific, something that tells them what to do and how to help their circumstances. Big in the news for sometime now, has been the Government’s Help to Buy scheme. But is it the right option for homefocus readers? We asked Richard Stone, Consultant, Censeo Ltd and long time member of the homefocus advisory panel to give us his views. Richard says, ‘Help to Buy has received a great deal of publicity, good and bad. There’s no doubt Help to Buy has helped developers sell high numbers of new build properties but is it really an ‘affordable’ scheme and is it actually helping the typical first time buyer to get a foot on the housing ladder? Under the Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme, the government lends up to 20% of the cost of a newly built home interest free for five years with a small interest charge commencing in year six. The balance of 80% is funded by a combination of 5% deposit and 75% mortgage. Although the property is wholly owned, the 20% government loan is repaid from any future sale proceeds. This magazine also talks a great deal about traditional shared ownership schemes, provided through housing associations, who allow first time buyers (or previous home owners who can’t afford to buy now) to buy a share of the home’s value. A discounted rent is payable on the balance with the option to acquire further shares in the future until outright ownership is achieved. The main difference between the two schemes is that under Help to Buy, the purchaser needs to be able to raise a mortgage equivalent to 75% of the property’s value whereas under shared ownership, the mortgage can be as low as 23.75% of the value (95% mortgage based on a 25% share). Take a property valued at £200,00. Under Help to Buy, a deposit of £10,000 is required and a mortgage of £150,000 would need to be raised, whereas under shared ownership, the deposit would reduce to £2,500 and the mortgage would only be £47,500. In rough and ready terms and just as a guide, for the first scheme, you’d need a household income of £50,000 and for the second just £20,500’. Richard also told us that to buy a £200,000 property through the Government’s latest innitiative, Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee Scheme (yes it’s called Help to Buy again but it is different) a couple need a household income of £62,000. So there isn’t an easy answer or a single best option. It depends. You’ll find more general info on all the available schemes on pages 8&9 and I hope you’ll use homefocus to help you decide how best to become a home owner in 2014. Everything has its drawbacks, but home ownership gives you an important stake in your future. Happy home hunting

0800 954 5376

Jeffrey Gritzman • Publisher Supports the aims of homefocus

genesishahomes.org.uk/for-rent homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 3

homefocus

Contents JAN/FEB 2014

From house hunting to house war ming

48 Buyers’ Guide

Hot properties

Celebrity Status

Lifestyle

Great advice

Competitions

6 Destination home ownership

14 Midlands Move

34 In Conversation With

36 Home is where the heart is

46 Ask the Experts

Perfect pads for central dwellers

Architect and BBC2 presenter, Piers Taylor

With Valentine’s approaching, show your home a little love

Top tips from those in the know

48 Win a bundle of Bosch DIY Power Tools valued at £329.99

Sat nav your way to an affordable home

18 London Life 8 We’ll get you there

Put down roots in the capital

Explaining the affordable schemes

‘the best houses are simple and straightforward, and adaptable’

22 East of England 10 Where does the journey start?

Settle down in the East

Low cost schemes are there to help, but what do you do first?

26 South East Focus Great town, country and coastal homes

Your search for an affordable first home in your area starts here...

12 Which way to turn?

30 South West Corner

Buy or rent? The figures will help you decide

Find your home in the West Country

54 Introduction

Buyer’s guide 40 Living longer, living better

Where next?

Homefinder Directories

56 Property listings

3 Publisher’s comment

59 East

Where you live = how you live

42 Stepping up and buying more shares

52 Moving checklist Who to tell you’re on your way

35 Grab yourself one of 5 pairs of tickets to The National Home Improvement Show Details at the bottom of page 35

64 Midlands

E-MAIL: info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk

44 Not just during the January sales

66 Legal and Finance

4 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

Get control of your finances

62 South East 65 South West

Get 20% off your house price

Create a stylish living room that won’t break the bank

60 London

Selling on or taking a larger stake

38 Sitting pretty

55 Shows and Events

Just for you Shared ownership and Help to Buy.

50 Budget Buster

WIN

Directory

PHONE: 01622 772407 MAIL: homefocus magazine, Kent House, Romney Place, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6LH

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 5

Buyer’sGuide

DESTINATION HOME OWNERSHIP Sat nav to a more affordable way to buy H

eading in the direction of home ownership? Need to find the right place in the right price range and steer through the minefield of deposits and mortgages? Have you already taken a turn down one road and found out it’s a dead end? Have house prices gone up, so after saving for ages, you still can’t afford to buy? It drives you round in circles doesn’t it? So maybe you need a bit of guidance? You know where you want to end up....in a place of your own. One you can love and decorate how you choose. And if prices continue to rise, one that you can build some equity in, along with a real stake in your future. So now we’ve established where you want to go, let’s help you plan the route to get there.

Starting point… The key to finding a home through LCHO is your Help to Buy Agent. These are organisations appointed by the government to promote and co-ordinate LCHO in a particular area, and there’s a list of who they are and what areas they cover on page 54. Things work a little differently in London, but wherever you are, Help to

6 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

Two routes to home ownership… There are two main types of LCHO – shared ownership and equity loans. Both will get you to a place of your own and the one you choose depends on your particular circumstances. There’s no guarantee that both options will be available to you, although there are developments where both shared ownership and equity loans are available, sometimes even on the same property. There are more details of the schemes on the next two pages, but essentially they are:

Shared ownership Also known as part buy/part rent. This works by allowing you to buy a share of your home and pay a subsidised, less than market rent on the remainder, which is owned by a housing association. You’ll be expected to buy the largest share you can afford - but don’t worry, the key word here is “afford”, so you won’t be squeezed until you squeak!

Equity loans You own 100% of your property, but initially, you’ll only have to cover a percentage of the cost with your mortgage and deposit. You can defer the rest for a while as it’s covered by the equity loan. You won’t have to pay anything on that equity loan for a few years, and the scheme you choose will dictate whether you pay any interest on this loan, and when you have to pay it back.

The highway... There are schemes to get you on the road to home ownership far quicker than you might have thought possible. But don’t think it must be a toll road and come at a premium price, these schemes are far from expensive and may end up costing you less than renting privately. Sometimes a lot less. The schemes are collectively called Affordable or Low Cost Home Ownership (LCHO) and buying through one of them could be just what you need to get out of the culde-sac you’ve found yourself in and into your own home. And remember, it’s called affordable home ownership for good reason; it’s not cheap or smaller, but it’s made affordable. It’s programmed to allow you to live your life and leave enough over to take a little detour every now and again! If home ownership is your dream trip then take a look at some of the new-build LCHO homes we’ve found for you on our regional property pages from page 14 onwards. You’ll see we’ve given them estimated monthly costs – so you can check them against what you’re paying now, or what you might have to pay to rent a similar property. It’s good to have an idea of what you could be spending each month, to buy a home of your own. And just look at the figures on page 13. They compare buying and renting homes in different parts of the country. You may be pleasantly surprised at how often buying is the more cost efficient option.

to move to a different area, or have a pressing need for a larger or smaller home, you can look to move to another shared ownership property. And when you come to sell, your Help to Buy Agent is likely to hold a ready-made list of people who are hoping they can buy from you.

Is this the route for you? Maybe you’ve already heard of LCHO and thought ‘it’s only for those with specific jobs or specific needs or specific places to go. I’m stuck here in the traffic and it’s not for me!’ Or maybe you’ve been thinking ‘it’s social housing by another name and I’m not after that sort of help’. Buy Agents will give you directions to get you going towards your own home.

The right direction... The majority of LCHO schemes are backed by the government, so you can be sure that the help you receive will be there for the long run. And unlike renting privately, where your landlord could decide not to renew your tenancy, leaving you needing to start your journey all over again, LCHO means that your home will always be there for you, just as long as you pay your bills. So you and your family can start your journey to becoming part of the community.

Next journey... Once you’ve found your own place through LCHO, it’s flexible enough to change with you when your circumstances alter. You can buy more of your home until you own it outright – this is called staircasing. If you have a shared ownership home, in most cases you can staircase until you own 100%. For equity loan schemes, you can pay off some or all of the equity loan. If you need

Well, think again. It’s home ownership, and you’ll take on all the responsibilities and enjoy all the benefits that go with it. It’s an opportunity to get onto the housing ladder when circumstances mean that you’ve been priced out of the market in your area. And you’ll see all kinds of people driving along this route. If you’re a first time buyer, or buying on your own for the first time and your household income is less than £60,000, (£66,000 if you’re looking for one or two bedrooms in London and £80,000 for three bedrooms or more) chances are you’re eligible for LCHO.

You COULD be eligible for the schemes if… • You’re a first time buyer • You’ve owned a home in the past but don’t own one now • You need to buy a home of your own for the first time, for example after a relationship breakdown • You own your own home but it’s far too small for your needs – for example you have two children in a one-bedroom flat – and you can’t afford to buy somewhere bigger • You can’t otherwise afford to buy a suitable home in the area you need to live in

• You’re working even though it’s not full time (you’ll have to show that you earn enough to cover your housing and living costs though. And you might be able to count long-term benefits towards your income) • You don’t need a mortgage (for example if you have equity from a previous home after a relationship split and use that to buy your share outright. Or maybe you’ve been left some money or had a small lottery win. Again, you’ll have to show you have enough coming in to cover your housing and living costs)

You’re NOT eligible if... • You already own a home that you’re living in and it’s adequate for your needs, or you own one but are renting it out • You can already afford to buy a suitable home of your own in your area • You want to buy a property to rent out. LCHO funding is there to help people to buy a home, not to become a landlord • You already own a home and now want to help your adult child or children to get on the ladder. You can help them with their deposit BUT it’s your children who would have to apply and be eligible. • CCJ’s or a bad credit rating make it unlikely that you can pass financial assessments

Jargon-buster LCHO Stands for low cost home ownership. Many organisations also use affordable home ownership, and this is an umbrella term for schemes designed to help you buy a home. We use LCHO throughout homefocus, so you’ll know we’re referring to the schemes on pages 8-9. And when you’re looking for a home, anywhere you see any of the ways to describe the schemes, you‘ll know that the information in homefocus is relevant.

Housing provider A ‘shorthand’ term used to describe any organisation which offers LCHO. This organisation can be a housing association, private developer, local council or charity.

Eligibility The LCHO schemes are mostly backed by the government, which means there are rules for who can benefit. When you apply to your Home to Buy Agent they’ll make sure you tick all the right boxes.

Allocation Just because you’re eligible, doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get the first property you’re interested in! If more than one family applies for the same property, the housing association will allocate it to the most suitable according to set criteria. But don’t worry – even if you don’t get the first one you want, if you’re pro-active chances are you’ll get there in the end.

Specialist IFA & Solicitor An IFA is an independent financial advisor, while a solicitor is the person who acts for in the legal side of your home purchase. We recommend you use ones who specialise in LCHO because they will know the schemes. Your IFA will know where to find the best mortgage, and your solicitor will help things run smoothly. There’s a list of specialists on pages 66 and 67.

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 7

Buyer’sGuide

WE’LL GET YOU THERE... There’s more than one route to becoming a homeowner...

Finding the right LCHO scheme for you can be a bit daunting. Relax! We’ve put together this quick guide to help keep you cool, calm and collected. First of all, we need to ask you one question…

This page gives you an at-a-glance reference to all of the Low Cost Home Ownership (LCHO) schemes on offer. It may not give you the shortest or quickest options, but it will help you plan your way to a home of your own. Scheme type

Shared ownership

What percentage of the home you need do you think you could buy with your deposit and mortgage? Between 25% and 75%

Shared ownership could be your route to home ownership…

At least 70-80%

Looks like an equity loan could be the right deal for you…

Equity loans

100%, but I can only afford a 5% deposit

Check out the mortgage guarantee schemes…

I haven’t got enough for a deposit yet Time to start saving! Or take a look around for a try before you buy option…

Try before you buy

Mortgage Guarantee

Scheme name

Shared ownership

Resales

Help to Buy Equity Loan

Developers’ own schemes

Rent to Buy

NewBuy

Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee

DESTINATION

You buy the share of your home you can afford (between 25% and 75%) and pay a subsidised rent on the remainder. You can buy more shares over time until in most cases you own 100% of your home. You may see shared ownership referred to as part buy/part rent.

These are properties that have already been bought through shared ownership in the past, and where the owners are now looking to sell their share and move on. You buy the share they are selling and pay a subsidised rent on the remainder. You might see resales referred to as ‘existing shared ownership’.

Available on newly built properties up to a value of £600,000. You buy 100% of your home but only have to pay for 80% initially. The rest is covered by an equity loan from the government. There’s nothing to pay on the equity loan for the first five years, after which there’s a small interest charge. There’s more info on pages 44-45.

Many private housing developers have their own equity loan scheme, and the details vary but in general you pay for between 70% and 85% of the value of your property, and the rest is covered by an equity loan. There’s often nothing to pay for this loan, but you’re expected to buy the remaining equity within ten years.

This is available on selected new developments and gives you the opportunity to rent the home you wish to buy at a reduced rate, on the understanding that you’ll buy it through shared ownership within a specific time. In London there’s a similar scheme called Rent to Save, ideal if you want to buy a home in the city.

NewBuy allows you to buy a newlybuilt home with just a 5% deposit. The initiative is run through many of the larger housing developers, so you’ll find it available at some new developments.

Wasn’t due to start until January but was brought forward at the end of 2013. Its aim is to make 95% mortgages available to a wide range of people. Mortgages will be available on both new and existing properties costing up to £600,000.

FREEFLOWING TRAFFIC

Ideal if you live in an area where prices are high as you only need to buy the percentage you can afford (just as long as it’s over 25%). This means you need a smaller mortgage. It’s also perfect if you don’t have much in the way of savings as you only need to find the deposit for the share you’re buying.

Not limited to recently-built homes so properties are likely to be in established communities and you may have a wider choice of styles. There could be more flexibility with regards to who is eligible. There’s more about resales on pages 42-43.

Great if you can almost afford your home but don’t have a thumping great deposit to start you off. You only have to find a 5% deposit. Not restricted to first time buyers, and doesn’t have the same income restrictions as shared ownership, so you can use the scheme to move to a larger home or one in a more expensive area.

Good for anyone who is confident of their ability to buy the remaining equity within the timescale they need to. In addition, the eligibility criteria might be less strict.

Perfect if you can demonstrate that you could afford to buy 25% of your home, but are not in a position to do so straight away – for example you earn enough for a mortgage but don’t have a deposit saved. It gives you a chance to put down roots and move into your new home sooner.

It’s perfect for you if you can afford the mortgage for 95% of your home, but don’t have more than a 5% deposit. So you can get on the housing ladder without having to save for ages to boost your deposit. If you earn too much for some of the other LCHO schemes you might be able to buy through NewBuy.

Like NewBuy, it’s perfect if you can afford a mortgage for 95% of your home, but don’t have a large deposit. And as it’s available on existing properties as well as new ones, you can still benefit even if you want to live in an older home or somewhere that’s seen no new homes for a while.

TRAFFIC ALERT

As with the most of the schemes on these pages, the properties are all new-builds, which might not be to your taste. If you’re looking for period features, though, you might find a shared ownership home that’s a conversion of an older building.

You’re unlikely to be able to buy a smaller share than the previous owners are selling, though it may be possible to buy more. And you’re buying someone else’s taste in décor – though it’s fun to change it!

You still have to be able to afford 80% of your home with your mortgage and deposit, so if you live in a very expensive area house prices could still be out of reach.

You have to approach each developer individually as they don’t need to advertise their homes through the Help to Buy Agent. But if there’s a new development going up in your area that takes your fancy, it’s always worth asking about an equity loan scheme.

There are very few Rent to Buy properties available, and no more are planned outside London. You have to be disciplined to use the discount on your rent to save for your deposit.

Not available in conjunction with other LCHO schemes. Generally only available from the larger property developers.

You still have to be able to get a mortgage for 95% of your home, so might not be right for you if you want to live in a very expensive area.

BUY FROM JUST 25% WITH A SMALL DEPOSIT

WIDE CHOICE

NOT JUST FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS

ASK THE DEVELOPER

SAVE TO BUY YOUR HOME

FOR HIGHER WAGE EARNERS

NOT JUST FOR NEW PROPERTIES

WANT MORE INFORMATION? Call homefocus on 01622 772407, Facebook us at www.facebook.com/homefocus,

8 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

or e-mail info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 9

Buyer’sGuide

WHERE DOES THE JOURNEY START? S

o you think that low cost home ownership (LCHO) might be for you? You might have seen the figures on page13 that show that your money could be better spent on buying rather than renting, or you might just be ready to leave home and strike out on your own, or you might be fed up paying someone else’s mortgage whilst they build their property portfolio or plain tired of someone else’s taste in décor... The journey to home ownership can start anywhere, but the destination is the same. Finding a place to call your own. How do you get there? What’s your first step? Well, once you’ve read the rest of homefocus (obviously) there are a number of ways you can start on your LCHO journey. Bear in mind that unless you’re buying through a developers’ own scheme, it’s a government-funded opportunity so there may be hoops you have to go through..

Help to Buy Agent If you know you want to get to home ownership but haven’t yet found a property you like, your best bet is to go straight to your local Help to Buy Agent, or if you’re in London, take a look at the LCHO online portal. Yes, navigating in London is a bit different, but wherever you are, the online portals will give you an idea of every LCHO home available in your area. There are details of the Help to Buy Agents, London’s First Steps portal and all their web addresses on page 54.

What do they do? The Help to Buy Agent for a particular area is like the ‘one stop shop’ for LCHO. They’ll give you an idea of what’s on offer, how much you’ll have to come up with and what you need to do to become a homeowner. The hard fact is that outside London you MUST register with your Help to Buy Agent before you buy a government-funded LCHO property. It sounds like a chore, just another box you have to tick, but it’s relatively painless and the benefits far outweigh the few minutes it will take you to register. Generally you can register online, or ask for a form to be sent to you. You’ll be asked about your finances, your living circumstances etc, to make sure you’re eligible for the LCHO schemes. The Help to Buy Agent will also undertake what’s known as a baseline affordability check. This will give you a ‘ball park’ figure of what you might be able to afford when buying an LCHO home. This is reassuring, because it means you’ll have an idea of what’s within your budget and what isn’t. You might find that you can afford more than you thought, or you can afford to buy a larger property than you imagined. Once you’ve identified a property you’d like to buy, a more detailed affordability check will be carried out. If you’re buying through shared ownership from a housing association, it’ll determine just what percentage of the home you can afford. The key word here is ‘afford’ and you’ll be asked to maximise the share you’re buying, but not take on more than you can afford. The point is to make home ownership the sensible option for the long run, not to squeeze you so tightly that you have to go through the winter worried about paying the heating bill!

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OK, so you’ve done the first thing and registered with your Help to Buy Agent. Now have a look at their website, because they list every new LCHO property available on their patch. There’s a good chance they’ll be listing quite a few resales or existing shared ownership homes too, where the current shared owner is ready to move on. So have a browse, and hopefully you’ll find somewhere that ticks all the right boxes – right area, right size, right price. What now? Now, you get in touch with the housing association or developer who’s selling the property – normally there’s a link right there with the listing. But who are the housing associations and what do they do?

Housing Association These are the organisations who sell LCHO homes. Sometimes, they’ve built them themselves, but sometimes they take responsibility for the LCHO portion of a larger development. So you may find that part of the development is being sold by a private developer and the shared ownership properties by a housing association but the whole development is built by the same company. When this happens, you’ll be hard pressed to tell the difference between which properties are which. Maybe the spec and finish might be a little higher on the privately sold ones, sometimes there’s more storage and floor space in the shared ownership homes. It’s possible that the view is better from the private ones or the shared ownership ones have a higher energy efficiency rating. More likely than not, you just won’t know. Whilst housing associations generally deal with shared ownership homes, a number are now building Help to Buy equity loan homes too, and a few have homes available on a rent-to-buy basis so you can rent for a few years before you buy through shared ownership or outright. They’ll also have ‘resales’ or existing shared ownership homes available – probably listed on their website. There’s more about resales on page 42. It’s ok to start your home ownership journey at this point, especially if you’ve seen a new development going up and spotted a housing association hoarding offering shared ownership or equity loans deals.

What do they do?

Specialist Financial Advisor

They’re the people you’re buying from, so once you’ve found a house you love, you get in touch with the housing association and they’ll take you through the whole of the rest of the process. First, if you’re outside of London, they’ll check you’re registered with your local Help to Buy Agent. After that, there may be some eligibility criteria with the homes they’re selling too. For example, some homes specify that you have to have close links to the area – either working or living there, or having family there. Next comes the much more detailed financial assessment we referred to earlier, to decide what percentage of the home you can afford. So even though the advert might say ‘buy from 25%’ you could find you can afford 55%! Be aware that even if you pass all the ‘checks’ you aren’t guaranteed to be offered a particular property. There may be someone else more suited to it than you. If this is the case, keep trying! Often, the housing association will have a host of other benefits when you buy from them. For example, they may have negotiated a special deal with a mortgage lender, or offer a moving in package that helps with insurance etc. And if you do buy a shared ownership property, then the housing association will be the organisation you pay rent to, on the share you don’t own.

This is the person who will get you your mortgage. You could go to any independent financial advisor (IFA) or even stroll into your bank, but we highly recommend using a specialist. Some people actually start their journey here by finding out what kind of mortgage they might draw on, based on their income and savings. It’s a very rough and ready calculation at this stage, but it might save some serious disappointment later on when you’ve found your dream home, only to discover it’s out of your price range. Earlier we talked about the affordability check; this might be called the reality check!

Property Developer If you’re looking for an equity loan home, you’ll almost certainly be buying from a property developer, although some housing associations are building them too. It’s always worth asking the developer if they are offering an equity loan scheme, as sometimes they operate their own scheme. But the likelihood is they’ll know all about the government’s Help to Buy scheme and if it’s available, you’ll see the Help to Buy logo somewhere in the promotional material.

What do they do? They’re the people who build the homes! On a larger development where a housing association is selling some shared ownership properties, the developer is likely to have built them, too. But if you’re looking to buy through the Help to Buy equity loan scheme (more about that on page 44) it’s more than likely to be a developer you buy from. You might have seen their development on a website, on your Help to Buy Agent’s website, or just from a development going up near you that you like the look of. However you found them, they’ll take you through the process of buying an equity loan home, including registering with your Help to Buy Agent if you haven’t done so already. So, now you’ve found your own home, you’ve been assessed by the Help to Buy Agent and accepted by the housing association or developer. What next? Well, you’re almost certainly going to need a mortgage and someone to organise the legal side of things. And for that, we heartily recommend using LCHO specialists.

What do they do? Well, apart from giving you an early indication of what you might be able to afford, a specialist IFA may be able to get you a better deal on your mortgage than a normal IFA or your bank could. Your specialist IFA will know every deal that’s on offer for LCHO properties, and may have some specially negotiated “specials” up his sleeve – you could even find that your specialist IFA could get you a better deal with your own bank than you can! Just as importantly, they’ll make sure that all the financial boxes are ticked because they will be thoroughly aware of what your housing association or developer expects. It may make the journey a little smoother is the later stages.

Specialist Solicitor This is the person who will deal with the legal aspects of purchasing your home – what’s referred to as conveyancing. You can find some excellent specialist solicitors on pages 66-67.

What do they do? Like a specialist IFA, a specialist solicitor will know the LCHO industry inside out. They’ll almost certainly have worked with the legal team representing your sellers (housing association or developer) on numerous occasions and will know exactly what is needed to make sure your purchase goes through without too many hold ups. Buying through LCHO isn’t complicated, but it isn’t quite as simple as buying a property in the normal way. If you were to go to a high street solicitor they may not have experience of this type of house purchase, so they may take longer and charge more. For a specialist solicitor, there are no surprises and they’ve done it all before – often for properties on the same development. So if you’re buying an LCHO home, you’re not on your own! At every turn, there’s someone to advise you, someone to route you through to finding a home of your own. It’s a long road leading to the biggest purchase you’ll probably make in your life – and it can be daunting. But we hope it’ll go quickly and smoothly, making you a home owner in far less time than you thought possible…

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 11

CostCompare

DO THE FIGURES... We’ve been checking different routes to putting a roof over your head and compared the price to rent a typical two-bedroom apartment with the cost of buying outright, buying different shares through shared ownership, and buying through an 80% equity loan deals like the Help to Buy scheme. We know which way we’d go, but only you will know which path suits you best.

Telford £105,000 Deposit

WHICH WAY TO

‘Renting was frustrating as I felt I was throwing money away’

TURN? W

hen you reach a crossroads you just have to make your mind up and turn one way or the other. Easily said, but sometimes hard to do. None of us likes getting it wrong, do we? Or looking back and thinking, if only we’d gone the other way. Or hearing our mates in the pub say ‘I wouldn’t have done that’! So sometimes it’s easier to just carry on the way we’ve been going. But when your crossroads decision is, do I carry on living in someone else’s property and paying them rent?, you might want to take a different direction. The figures on the next page suggest that if you can come up with that all important deposit, then the financially sensible thing might be to head towards home ownership. And if you have trouble begging, borrowing or finding the full amount of deposit and repaying a huge mortgage, then low cost home ownership (LCHO) will be the way to go. And with a couple of government backed schemes available to many buyers, you could find yourself with the best kind of choices. Yes, you’ll still be at a crossroads and have to decide which way to go, but whichever direction you decide on, you’ll reach home ownership. And when you do buy through LCHO, you’ll be able to afford to live where you finish up at. The affordability checks that housing associations insist on before offering you LCHO mean that rather than paying every penny you

12 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

earn just to keep a roof above your head, you can live comfortably. They won’t offer you an easy option where you can go out clubbing every night, but the financial hoops that they ask you to jump through mean you’ll get through each month and reach payday intact! If you’ve got plans to buy your own place eventually, renting somewhere as a stop-gap might mean your dreams have to take a back seat. After forking out everything you can afford to pay someone else’s mortgage, you’re often left with nothing at the end of the month to save for a deposit. So home ownership slips further and further away. That will just jam you up for the future. So avoid the holds ups. Look into all of your options and decide what works best for you. With LCHO you’ll need a far smaller deposit than you might think - in fact, you may have enough saved already! And if you haven’t, start saving now and have a solid base to start your home ownership journey from. You will see from the figures on the next page, LCHO means that as well as needing to put together a smaller deposit, you’ll need a smaller mortgage too – one you can actually afford! In fact, LCHO gives you lower monthly costs in almost every case. So make sure you turn the right way when you decide where and how you are going to live.

When looking to buy his first home at Affinity Sutton’s The Residences in Coulsdon, Adam Brock, 28, knew he had options when it came to home ownership, it was just deciding which route would suit him better – shared ownership or equity loan? Buyers at The Residences are given the choice to purchase their new home through either of these two distinct LCHO products. Initially, Adam was drawn to the equity loan scheme, attracted by the thought of owning one hundred per cent of a new one-bedroom apartment. But when he discovered he was able to afford an extra bedroom by going down the shared ownership route, he jumped at the chance. Adam purchased a 35 per cent share in his two-bedroom apartment for £75,000 and by living with his sister in Kenley, while his new home at The Residences was being completed, Adam was able to save a 20% deposit to put down. Adam had been renting for four years previously, but had been unable to save for a deposit. He says: ‘Renting was frustrating as I felt I was throwing money away, so when my sister suggested I move in with her, it made complete sense – I was able to save money and just one year later, thanks to shared ownership and Affinity Sutton, I was in a position to buy my first home.’ Remaining in the Croydon area was also important for Adam, he has many friends and family living there. And he works there too, he’s an immigration officer for the Home Office’s Enforcement Arrest Team. Adam says “Living at The Residences is convenient for my work, as the development is on really good bus routes. It’s also great having Coulsdon South Train Station within walking distance – for the days when I am running late! ‘Buying through shared ownership has been the most affordable way for me to get onto the property ladder and there has been no downside for me buying through the scheme – I would recommend it to anyone!’

Mortgage

Mortgage pcm

Rent pcm

Total monthly costs

Shared Ownership 25% share

£1,313

£24,937

£154

£181

£335

Shared Ownership 50% share

£2,625

£49,875

£307

£120

£427

Help to Buy 80% equity loan

£5,250

£78,750

£484

Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee

£5,250

£99,750

£613

Renting Privately

£520

Deposit

Mortgage

Mortgage pcm

Rent pcm

Total monthly costs

Bedford £152,000

Shared Ownership 25% share

£1,900

£36,100

£222

£262

£484

Shared Ownership 50% share

£3,800

£72,200

£444

£175

£619

Help to Buy 80% equity loan

£7,600

£114,000

£701

Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee

£7,600

£144,400

£887

Renting Privately

£650

Mortgage

Mortgage pcm

Rent pcm

Total monthly costs

Wandsworth, London £505,000 Deposit Shared Ownership 25% share

£6,313

119,937

£737

£868

£1605

Shared Ownership 50% share

£12,625

£239,875

£1,474

£578

£2,052

Help to Buy 80% equity loan

£25,250

£378,750

£2,326

Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee

£25,250

£479,750

£2,947

Renting Privately

£2,000

Mortgage

Mortgage pcm

Rent pcm

Total monthly costs

Bournemouth £204,000 Deposit Shared Ownership 25% share

£2,550

£48,450

£298

£351

£649

Shared Ownership 50% share

£5,100

£96,900

£596

£234

£830

Help to Buy 80% equity loan

£10,200

£153,000

£940

Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee

£10,200

£193,800

£1,191

Renting Privately

£795

Deposit

Mortgage

Mortgage pcm

Rent pcm

Total monthly costs

Chelmsford £215,000 Shared Ownership 25% share

£2,688

£51,062

£314

£370

£684

Shared Ownership 50% share

£5,375

£102,125

£628

£247

£875

Help to Buy 80% equity loan

£10,750

£161,250

£991

Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee

£10,750

£204,250

£1,255

Renting Privately

£855

The small print We’ve used an average repayment mortgage over 25 years at 5.5% to get our figures. Deposit amounts are 5% which reflects what is available in the market at the moment. Please note that Help to Buy Guarantee Mortgages are NOT available in conjunction with LCHO schemes. But we have used 5% deposits for 100% purchases assuming that the mortgage will be attained using a Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee. Rent for shared ownership is based on 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year (we then divide this by 12 to get a monthly rate). Private rents and property prices are based on averages in the area, taken from popular property websites not specific properties.

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 13

Midlands

Midlands Move

BOOTH PARK Northampton, prices to be confirmed

MANOR KINGSWAY

Telford is the fastest growing town in the midlands. And if you’re fast off the mark, you might be able to find one of the four houses, available on a shared ownership basis, in this first phase of a £5 million Blossomfields project from The Sanctuary Group. Two of the shared ownership houses have twobedrooms and the other two have three bedrooms. Traditionally, Telford has built its image as “The Birthplace of Industry” with international recognition of its importance to the Industrial Revolution, but more practically for those who live there, it offers a shopping centre with more than 150 outlets including House of Fraser, Debenhams and Marks and Spencer.

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.

Interested? Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@

co.uk with ‘Booth Park’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include

homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Blossomfields’ in the title and we’ll do the rest.

your name.

Remember to include your name.

en-suite and fitted wardrobes to the master bedroom. All homes come with allocated parking, carports or garages. The street scenes will be a mix of treelined avenues, boulevards and crescents, designed around a central hub to create an exciting new environment for modern living. Bramble Brook, to the west of the development, is being developed and landscaped into a delightful public open space with walkways, sports courts, equipped play areas, allotments and a wildlife area. A commercial and retail zone, expected to provide 450 jobs, is an integral part of the development. With shops, schools, employment, recreation facilities and local public transport all within easy walking

Three-bedroom house: Full value: £102,500 • Minimum share: 50% Cost of share: £51,250 • 5% deposit: £2,563 • Mortgage on share*: £360 Rent on remaining share**: £118 • Total costs: £478

** Assuming rent at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year

Spread the word! You can now get Help to Buy! Thanks to the brand new Government-

Apartments and two, three, four and five-bedroom houses in Derby. Coming soon is Derby’s exciting new place to live, offering contemporary homes and a new business park, with offices and shops, all in a great location. Manor Kingsway is Kier Partnership Homes’ new development on the site of the former Manor & Kingsway hospital in west Derby. The residential development will comprise modern apartments, and two, three, four and five-bedroom homes built in a variety of styles on the central location of the old hospital complex. The scheme has been sensitively designed to meet specific local housing needs and takes into account pedestrian and vehicular access. Each home on the development will have a highly specified kitchen with integrated appliances, downstairs cloakroom, plus

Telford from £51,250 for 50%

Situated in the popular Northampton suburb of Boothville, Booth Park is an exciting new development of two and three bedroom homes, available via shared ownership from Orbit Homes. A selection of house styles are available and all new homes at Booth Park come with a high specification and include contemporary Lemongrass fitted kitchens with integrated Bosch appliances. The bathrooms are modern in style with chrome fitments, and there’s a downstairs cloakroom. Each house has allocated parking. Booth Park is located close to the range of leisure, entertainment and shopping facilities in Northampton and access to excellent road and rail links make Booth Park an excellent choice for commuters.

* Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%

Are you looking for somewhere to call your own in the Midlands? Tired of renting? Then this is the section for you. Check out some of the great homes available in the region here, then turn to our property listings from page 56 to see what else is available. Our Midlands directory on page 64 can also give you all the contacts you need…

BLOSSOMFIELDS

distance, Derby’s vision for modern living will come to life in a flourishing and sustainable new community. Manor Kingsway has been singled out by the government as one of the first five UK developments to meet Building for Life 12 (BfL12) – the revised national benchmark for well-designed housing in England. The homes are being built to Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, which demonstrates a high standard of environmental sustainability. This will reduce running costs significantly and benefit the local environment The government’s Help To Buy, and the developer’s own NewBuy 95% mortgage scheme will be available on all homes at Manor Kingsway.

backed equity scheme Help to Buy, first time buyers and existing home owners now only need a 5% deposit to buy a new home. For more information visit www.emhomebuy.org.uk or call us on 0844 892 0112.

T 0844 892 0112 E emhomebuy@emha.org EMHomeBuy is run by East Midlands Housing Group in our role as a Help to Buy Agent. East Midlands Housing Group has been awarded the Help to Buy Agent status by the HCA (Homes and Communities Agency).

* Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5% ** Assuming rent at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year We may get back to you and ask a few relevant questions to help direct your enquiry to the right organisations, but we’ll only pass your details on to those you want to hear from.

14 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 15

Midlands

SENWICK ROAD

CITRUS GROVE Kegworth from £28,750 for 25%

Wellingborough prices to be advised

Citrus Grove is a development of spacious two-bedroom apartments in Kegworth, Leicestershire, available for shared ownership from Hello Homes. The apartments feature an open plan living, dining and kitchen area which makes for excellent, flexible living space. The kitchens include a stainless steel oven and extractor. A thriving village, Kegworth has its own primary school, library, chemist and supermarket. The village is well located for connections throughout Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, so the homes at Citrus Grove are perfect for commuters who would rather not live in the city. Two-bedroom apartment: Full value: £115,000 • Minimum share: 25% Cost of share: £28,750 • 5% deposit: £1,438 • Mortgage on share*: £170 Rent on remaining share**: £198 • Total costs: £368

A new development of affordable homes in Senwick Road, Wellingborough, is now complete thanks to a partnership scheme between Westleigh Partnership Homes and Derwent Living . The former allotment site has been transformed, and six shared ownership properties will be made available to provide local people with high quality affordable living. Senwick Rd is on the outskirts of Wellingborough, a popular market town boasting major high street chain stores in its town centre. Supplementing these town centre shops are several out-of-town retail parks and supermarkets including a Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Aldi and Morrisons. The town has a market three times a week.

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407, go to www.homefocusmagazine.co.uk

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.

or e-mail property@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Citrus Grove’ in the title and

co.uk with ‘Senwick Rd’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include

we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

your name.

* Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%

** Assuming rent at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year

Marna Perrigo Previous situation:

Renting

Scheme:

Shared Ownership

Location:

Abthorpe, Northants

Provider:

Grand Union Housing

Help to Buy Agent: emhomebuy

arna Perrigo had been living in a privately rented home in Abthorpe for over two years as she couldn’t afford to buy back into the property market. On the one hand, home ownership looked to be out of Marna’s reach and on the other, she had been told that she didn’t qualify to get onto the local register for social housing. But Marna did not want to move out of the area to find a more affordable home. Her friends and family had always been in the South Northamptonshire area and that was where she belonged. She wanted to remain close to her nephews and nieces to see them often, and to continue to be involved in their lives. Marna, 62, a former marketer, looked for ‘a way to bridge the gap’ and when she

‘it makes much more financial sense to be buying a third of the home’ heard that Grand Union Housing Group was building some shared ownership homes as part of a new development just across the street from her rented home, she was keen to see if she could get one. ‘I had to pursue it for 18 months as it went through planning and construction. Now I am about to move in and am delighted to be able to stay in the area. It makes much more financial sense to be buying a third of the home and paying rent on the remaining two thirds, rather than renting privately – it’s a much better use of my resources.’ Marna, who now makes curtains and blinds professionally, is relying on a close network of local friends to walk her belongings across the road when she moves in to her new two-bedroom home.

‘The houses are really high spec and really well insulated which is important these days,’ she added. Whilst stepping across the road might seem like a small move for Marna, it was a big and important step forward in her life. The Abthorpe development is a rural exception site, which means it has been built outside of the existing village boundary after a local survey revealed the need for more housing in the village, as well as in the nearby villages of Bradden, Slapton and Wappenham. And other people with a connection to the area or the surrounding villages are also eligible to apply for the homes, with priority given to those living in Abthorpe itself.

More like this? If you’re looking for more homes in the East, why not get in touch and let homefocus help you? Ring us on 01622 772407 or e-mail info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk and let us know what you’re looking for.

16 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 17

London

London life

STADIUM REACH Wembley from £119,025 for 45%

Looking for a home in the capital? Fed up with super-high rental prices or tired of commuting? This is the section for you. Check out some of the great affordable homes on offer here, then turn to our property listings from page 56 to see what else is available. Our London directory on pages 60-61 can also give you all the contacts you need…

As part of the regeneration surrounding the world famous Wembley Stadium, Network Living is offering buyers the chance to buy between 45%-75% of two and threebedroom apartments at Stadium Reach. And only a small number remain. The bright and roomy apartments have fully-fitted kitchens with brushed steel splash-backs above the hob, and contemporary open-plan layouts. Every apartment has its own private balcony, and some have spectacular views of Wembley Stadium. A large, communal roof terrace encourages a neighbourhood feel and

Two-bedroom apartments: Full value: £264,500 Minimum share: 45% • Cost of share: £119,025 5% deposit: £5,951 • Mortgage on share*: £695 Rent on remaining share**: £455 • Total costs: £1,150

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Stadium’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

ZENITH HOUSE Colindale from £60,937 for 25%

EAST VILLAGE One, two and three-bedroom apartments in East Village from £67,500 for a 25% share. Of course you remember the razzmatazz that went with The Olympics, but what do you remember about “The Legacy”– the whole new London post code (E20) that was going to come after it? Well, it’s becoming a reality and the first residents are moving in. So it’s great to know that there are plenty of opportunities for shared ownership buyers to find what they’re looking for in this high-profile development. Triathlon Homes is offering 348 (yes 348!) shared ownership homes in East Village, a mix of one, two and three bedroom homes.

During the summer of 2012, the transport links to The Olympic Village coped with visitors from all over the world, so it’s not surprising that its legacy, East Village, is now one of the best connected places in London. If you work in the City, you’ll get to Canary Wharf in 12 minutes, St Pancras is half that time by High Speed 1, and the West End around twenty minutes away. And if you want to stay home when you’ve finished work or at the weekends, there’s a world of

entertainment, history and leisure right on your doorstep – from the biggest urban shopping centre in Europe to canal-side cafes, boutique galleries and some amazing restaurants. Surrounding it all are landscaped gardens, public squares and waterways with nature trails connected by paths for jogging, cycling and walking. But don’t get carried away assuming that East Village is only for work-hard, play-harder singletons. Families are acknowledged as vital to the new community. So the new Chobham Academy will have around 1800 places for students aged 3 to 19 and the medical centre is state of art, with a full range of healthcare services.

One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £270,000 • Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £67,500 • 5% deposit: £3,375 Mortgage on share*: £394 • Rent on remaining share**: £464 • Total costs: £858

18 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

A collection of one and two-bedroom apartments with impeccable green credentials is available in Colindale from Genesis. Zenith House will ensure that once you’ve bought your affordable home, you’ll find it affordable to run too. Zenith House incorporates community heating, solar panels and ventilation and heat recovery systems. Within the homes, low energy lighting and superior insulation also play their part. Comprising several buildings set around a central open courtyard, Zenith House is a 16-storey tower offering sweeping views

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email

of London. Within the tower are several enclosed winter gardens providing a

Canning Town £42,500 for 25%

* Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%

peaceful place to relax, while the buildings have living garden roofs to provide a habitat for wildlife. Inside, each apartment is designed with an open plan living space and all homes have their own private balcony. The development also provides gated security, a secure underground car park and a video entry system in each home. One-bedroom apartments: Full value: £243,750 Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £60,937 5% deposit: £3,047 • Mortgage on share*: £356 Rent on remaining share**: £419 • Total costs: £775

EAST CITY POINT Located in the heart of Canning Town, East City Point offers 16 one, two and threebedroom apartments available on a shared ownership basis from Affinity Sutton. East City Point is at the forefront of a £3.7 billion regeneration and redevelopment programme. The new homes will make up just part of the development. East City Point will also have a brand new, state of the art primary school and incorporate a traditional London Square, a roof garden, hall and dance studio. There will also be full-time day care and family support services.

there’s a dedicated underground parking space for each property. Wembley Park tube station – serviced by the Metropolitan and Jubilee underground lines – is just a few minutes walk away and Wembley Stadium station (where overground trains head into Marylebone in 14 minutes), can be reached by foot in less than a quarter of an hour.

info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Zenith’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

Canning Town DLR, Underground and Bus Station is around a ten minute walk away with services reaching Canary Wharf, Westfield Stratford and The O2 in approximately 5 minutes. The A13 is also nearby, providing links to the M25 and beyond to Basildon in the East and central London to the West. One-bedroom apartments: Full value: £170,000 Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £42,500 5% deposit: £2,125 • Mortgage on share*: £248 Rent on remaining share**: £292 Total costs: £540

Just a short distance away is Gallions Reach Shopping Park with its wide choice of cafes, restaurants, supermarket and many popular high street stores.

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘ East City’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

** Assuming rent at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 19

London

St MARGARET’S LOCK Hanwell £142,500 for 50% If you think west London is a bit pricey, take a look at the “hidden gem” of Hanwell in Ealing where A2Dominion New Homes is offering two and three-bedroom properties at its St Margaret’s Lock scheme. The nearby Hanwell Railway station will get you to London Paddington in around 15 minutes. And when Crossrail arrives in 2018, your journeys into central London will get even quicker. Nearer to home, you’ll find that local facilities are pretty good too, with green open spaces, canalside walks, shops, restaurants, farmers’ markets, fitness centres, local cinema,

theatre, music and comedy venues. The shared ownership apartments at St Margaret’s Lock are contemporary in style and each home comes with a dedicated parking space and there’s

ACRE LANE

Previous situation: Renting Scheme:

Shared ownership

Location:

Wandsworth

Provider:

Notting Hill Housing

imone Martorina, a sales manager, purchased his first property at Battersea Reach in Wandsworth, using Shared Ownership with Notting Hill Housing. He opted for a two bedroom apartment at the waterfront development. Simone says, ‘I had been renting in the area but decided that it was about time to make my move into the property market. With the higher property prices in London and current deposit requirements, the scheme was the ideal way for me to get a foot in the door, particular in this popular area.’ Simone had previously rented a one bedroom apartment in Wandsworth, liked being in the area, and was determined to stay there. ‘I spent three or four months looking for my ideal home, and was immediately impressed with Battersea Reach when I saw it. The properties are well sized, and enjoy a fantastic riverside location just a few minutes from the train station, which saves me both time

‘the ideal way for me to get a foot in the door’ and money in my daily commute. I was particularly taken with the quality of finish and the fact everything was quick, easy and ready to use. ‘The extra space is great. Not only do I have more room for myself, but I can now have my family come to visit and stay more often than before.’ Battersea Reach is a waterfront development by St George with the shared ownership apartments being sold by Notting Hill Housing. Each apartment is finished with a high specification and features bright open plan living and dining room with fully fitted kitchen. Set within four acres of award-winning communal gardens, Battersea Reach offers a complete riverside lifestyle with a host of new onsite amenities, including Young’s waterfront bar, a health and beauty salon, a nursery, a coffee shop and boutique French patisserie, Cake Boy. There is also a Hudson’s grocery store and Tesco Express, along with a fitness suite

and 24-hour concierge service for optimum convenience. In addition to the landscaped grounds and newly created piazzas, the development runs parallel to the Thames Path and provides seamless access to the promenade. Situated in Zone 2, Battersea Reach is extremely well connected with Wandsworth Town train station just a few minutes’ walk, providing direct connections to Clapham Junction and London Waterloo in 13 minutes.

More like this? If you’re looking for more homes in the London, why not get in touch and let homefocus help you? Ring us on 01622 772407 or e-mail info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk and let us know what you’re looking for.

Genesis has launched a collection of one and two-bedroom apartments on Acre Lane in buzzing Brixton. The interiors are carefully planned to make the most of the space and natural light and each apartment has its own private balcony. The interior specification includes white gloss kitchen units with granite effect worktops and a full range of integrated Bosch appliances, along with a Hoover washer/dryer. Bathrooms feature white Roca suites, complemented by cool grey ceramic wall and floor tiling. Engineered wood flooring and neutral

20 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘St Margarets’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

One-bedroom apartments: Full value: £260,000 Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £65,000 5% deposit: £3,250 • Mortgage on share*: £380 Rent on remaining share**: £447 • Total costs: £827

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email

wool carpets are fitted as standard, while for peace of mind, a video door entry

PARKSIDE VIEW Canning Town £53,125 for 25% Gallions Housing is offering one-bedroom apartments on a shared ownership basis, in the third phase of a regeneration project at the former Royal London Docks. Parkside View is just minutes from the City and is to be found alongside the amazing Thames Barrier Park. All homes have a high specification and each apartment features a contemporary kitchen and bathroom with an array of integrated appliances and energy efficient fittings. Open plan living areas can extend onto private balconies when you need that extra bit of space for entertaining. * Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%

Two-bedroom apartments: Full value: £285,000 Minimum share: 50% • Cost of share: £142,500 5% deposit: £7,125 • Mortgage on share*: £832 Rent on remaining share**: £326 • Total costs: £1,158

phone provides extra security. High eco standards, including solar panels on the roof, full double glazing for extra insulation and low energy lighting, all add up to a significant saving on utility bills. The apartments are set in communal landscaped grounds for all residents to enjoy, containing a playground and ample secure cycle storage.

Brixton from £65,000 for 25%

Simone Martorina

bicycle storage for residents. Kitchens in the apartments are white high gloss with a built in oven, ceramic hob, fridge freezer, washing machine and dishwasher whilst the bathrooms come with a quality white suite and heated towel rails. The homes also have a 12 year NHBC (National House Building Council) warranty.

info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Acre Lane’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

A video door entry system gives extra piece of mind, and being right by Pontoon Dock DLR ensures good commuting and transport links right across East London and the City. A cycle storage unit is available and allocated parking is available on some of the properties. One-bedroom apartments: Full value: £212,500 Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £53,125 5% deposit: £2,657 • Mortgage on share*: £310 Rent on remaining share**: £365 Total costs: £675

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Parkside View’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

** Assuming rent at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 11 21

East

East of England

If you’re tired of renting, but high house prices in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Hertfordshire are making you wonder whether you’ll ever get on the housing ladder, this is the section for you. Check out some of the great homes in the area here, then turn to the property listings from page 56 to see a selection of other properties in the east. Our Eastern directory section on page 59 can give you all the contacts you need…

GREENKEEPERS MEWS & PILGRIMS REST

DE-VESSEY VILLAGE

SAXON FIELDS

Sleaford from £16,500 for 25%

Biggleswade from £238,000 for 80%

Two-bedroom homes on the DeVessey Village development in Greylees, Sleaford can be purchased from Acis from as little as £16,500 for a 25% share. There are various types of property available, all with lounge, kitchen, two bedrooms, gas central heating, UPVC double glazing and allocated parking. Ground floor flats also have the added benefit of enclosed gardens. The De-Vessey village development at Greylees is located within three miles of the town of Sleaford in Lincolnshire. Sleaford enjoys a range of local amenities including schools, shops, bars and restaurants, and as a variety of other leisure and entertainment facilities. Sleaford has good road and public transport links and is well situated for access to the city of Lincoln.

Saxon Fields is a collection of new homes, available through the Help to Buy equity loan scheme from Taylor Wimpey. This is a new phase in a development of that has already proved popular. The accommodation is ideal for families. Taking the fourbedroom, semi detached ‘Kentdale’ as an example, there’s an open-plan kitchen/dining room and a spacious lounge, opening through French doors to the private rear garden. A guest cloakroom completes the ground floor layout. Upstairs, the landing leads to an en-suite master bedroom, three further wellproportioned bedrooms and a main bathroom. Outside there’s a garage and additional parking. For commuters, Biggleswade railway station is only a mile from the development, whilst the A1 is just half a mile away.

Three-bedroom house: Full value: £66,000 • Minimum share: 25% Cost of share: £16,500 • 5% deposit: £825 • Mortgage on share*: £97 Rent on remaining share**: £113 • Total costs: £210

Three-bedroom house: Full value: £297,500 • Minimum equity: 80% Cost of equity: £238,000 • 5% deposit: £14,875 • Mortgage on 75%*: £1,371 Total costs: £1,371

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk

with ‘De-Vessey’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

with ‘Saxon Field’ in the title and we’ll do the rest.

* Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%

** Assuming rent at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year

Searching for a home of your own?

Two and three-bedroom homes in Great Denham and Kempston from £90,000 Buying a home of your own in the Bedford area is notoriously expensive, and saving for the deposit could leave you wondering whether you’ll ever get on the housing ladder. This is particularly true if you’re looking for something other than a typical first time buyer’s studio or tiny one-bedroom apartment. But now Aldwyck have not one but two developments in the area – both offering a choice of properties suitable for singletons, couples and families alike. At Greenkeepers Mews in Great Denham there are two bedroom houses from £90,000 for a 50% share while a similar share of a three-bedroom house is £105,000. Nearby, there’s Pilgrims Rest, in Kempston, and if you’re looking for

a large family home in which to settle down, a four-bedroom house could be yours for only £112,500 for 50%. So whatever your circumstances, there could be a home in the area for you. Shared ownership means you only have to find a deposit on the share you’re buying, rather than the full asking price of your home, so you could buy your home now if you’ve already saved 5% of the share. Great Denham is a quiet village on the banks of the River Great Ouse, in a loop carved out by the river flow. There’s a GP surgery in the village, and the nearby golf club offers facilities including a bar and meeting rooms.

Kempston is a larger town with a great sense of community. There’s a good range of shops both large and small, and several excellent schools, plus an Adult Education Centre. The town boasts leisure facilities including parks, riverside walks, a library, indoor swimming pool and teenage recreation centre. There’s a multiscreen cinema, museums, a country park and children’s farm. Both Kempston and Great Denham are well-placed to allow residents to enjoy the pleasures of the Bedfordshire countryside while still being with easy reach of Bedford and all it has to offer.

Two-bedroom house: Full value: £180,000 • Minimum share: 50% • Cost of share: £90,000 5% deposit: £4,500 • Mortgage on share*: £526 • Rent on remaining share**: £206 • Total costs: £732

Your search starts here... Lea Valley Homes, part of the Aldwyck Housing Group, can help you find a place of your own. Opposite are options* currently available through the Government’s Help to Buy initiative.

Shared Ownership Shared Ownership Resales Help to Buy - Equity Loan Intermediate market rent

APP ON LY NOLINE W!

Rent to Buy

For further information please call

01582 869440

Help to Buy

leavalleyhomes@aldwyck.co.uk www.leavalleyhomes.co.uk

*Subject to the Government’s ‘Help to Buy’ eligibility criteria. YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOANS SECURED ON IT

* Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5% ## We may get back to you and ask a few relevant questions to help direct your enquiry to the right organisations, but we’ll only pass your details on to those you want to hear from

22 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 23

East

TANNER’S WHARF Bishop Stortford from £70,000 for 40%

Christina and her family Previous situation:

Living with family

Scheme:

Shared Ownership

Location:

St Albans

Provider:

Rowan Homes

Help to Buy Agent:

Lea Valley Homes

ou know those jokes that go along the lines of...good news-bad news. Well, sometimes true life stories move in a similar way, and fortunately for Christina, her partner and their baby, we can all smile at the punch line, because they’re now all living happily, in a shared ownership home from Rowan Homes. Christina, 29 was living and working in London when she and her long-term boyfriend heard the great news that a baby was on the way. They moved into a privately rented home in St Albans so they could be nearer to Christina’s parents and grandparents, but unfortunately the property had a bad damp problem which became unbearable for them and their new born. For health reasons they had to move out, and ended up living with Christina’s parents

SILSOE GRANGE Silsoe from £200,000 for 80%

If living by the water appeals to you, then the two remaining two-bedroom apartments available through shared ownership from Paradigm Living could be just what you are looking for. Situated in a canal-side location, the apartments are priced at just £70,000 for a 40% share and come complete with under croft parking. Each of the apartments features a fully fitted kitchen complete with fridge/freezer and washer/dryer, carpet throughout the living areas and vinyl flooring to the kitchen and bathroom The development has a lift to all floors. Bishop Stortford is a thriving town well positioned for road travel north to Cambridge or south to Harlow and the M25. By rail, London-bound commuters could be at Liverpool Street in around 45 minutes.

Silsoe Grange is a development from Bloor Homes where every property is available through the government’s Help to Buy equity loan scheme. Three, four and five-bedroom homes can be bought through the scheme, which allows you to put down just a 5% deposit and raise 75% through your mortgage. The remaining 20% is covered by an equity loan from the government on which there’s nothing to pay for five years. All of the homes at Silsoe Grange are generously-sized and many have en suites to the master bedroom. The development is set in a village location within easy reach of the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside and nearby Wrest Park. The village has a range of amenities, including a pub, hotel, newsagents and other local retailers. Bedford is close, offering a wider range of amenities.

Two-bedroom apartment: Full value: £175,000 • Minimum share: 40% Cost of share: £70,000 • 5% deposit: £3,500 • Mortgage on share*: £413 Rent on remaining share**: £241 • Total costs: £654

Three-bedroom house: Full value: £250,000 • Minimum equity: 80% Cost of equity: £200,000 • 5% deposit: £12,500 Mortgage on 75% equity*: £1,152 • Total costs: £1,152

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407, go to www.homefocusmagazine.co.uk or

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407, go to www.homefocusmagazine.co.uk

e-mail property@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Tanner’s Wharf’ in the title and

or e-mail property@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Silsoe Grange’ in the title

we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

* Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%

** Assuming rent at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year

‘we were amazed, we couldn’t believe that we could afford it’ meaning there was suddenly a very full house with five adults and a baby. Christina and her boyfriend were keen to buy their own home, but despite a good job and a long time saving, St Albans was just too expensive and the market didn’t provide them the opportunity. To make matters worse, Christina’s boyfriend had been diagnosed with leukaemia and was unable to work during his treatment. That meant they only had Christina’s wage to rely on. While visiting her mum, Christina noticed a development of new homes, Brandon Mews, being built just around the corner. She googled the development’s location and saw the homes advertised on the Lea Valley Homes website. Lea Valley are the Help

to Buy Agent – a sort of one-stop shop for low cost home ownership (LCHO) for St Albans. She filled in an online application form and was delighted that they met the criteria for shared ownership. The next step was to contact Rowan Homes who were selling the property and Christina says, ‘When we viewed the property, we were amazed. We couldn’t believe that we could afford it.’ Thanks to shared ownership, Christina and her boyfriend moved into their three-bedroom home last year. Mum child-minds the little one so Christina can keep on working. The good news is that her boyfriend is in remission and when they are both back working, they will start to save money to buy more shares. ‘Our intention is to own 100% - we want a long term home’ says Christina.

More like this? If you’re looking for more homes in the East, why not get in touch and let homefocus help you? Ring us on 01622 772407or e-mail info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk and let us know what you’re looking for.

24 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 25

South East

South East Focus

THE GATEHOUSE Horsham from £66,000 for 40% The Gatehouse offers a selection of one and two bedroom apartments available through shared ownership from Southern Home Ownership. The Gatehouse is set in the heart of Horsham, a busy market town which acts as a commuter town serving London, Brighton and Crawley. There is a wealth of things to see and do in Horsham. If it’s exercise and fresh air you’re after, explore Horsham Park. Featuring an 18th century country house, the Park contains formal gardens

Two-bedroom apartments: Full value: £165,000 Minimum share: 40% • Cost of share: £66,000 5% deposit: £3,300 • Mortgage on share*: £386 Rent on remaining share**: £227 Total costs: £613

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Gatehouse’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

LANDGUARD PLACE Southampton from £70,000 for 35% Are you tired of renting? Wondering whether you’ll ever be able to buy a home in the expensive south east? If you’re looking to buy in Essex, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire, then this is the section for you. Check out some of the great homes available in the region here, then turn your attention to our property listings from page 56 to see what else is available. Our south east directory on pages 62-63 can give you all the contacts you need…

OAKGROVE VILLAGE

Two bedroom apartments in Middleton from £65,000 for 40% Designed to be within easy reach of all the amenities central Milton Keynes has to offer, Hyde New Home is offering shared ownership on a number of two-bedroom apartments in Oakgrove Village. Each apartment has been thoughtfully designed with stylish fitted kitchens by Symphony to include a Zanussi electric hob, oven and extractor hood and the contemporary white fitted bathrooms come with shower over bath and chrome monobloc mixer taps. You’ll find vinyl flooring in the kitchens and bathrooms and neutral coloured fitted carpets elsewhere. The heating system is electric via a Duplex convector and each apartment has allocated parking. Oakgrove Village is in Middleton, south east of Milton Keynes and the new development offers potential for singles,

couples and young families alike. Shops, restaurants and a community centre are planned as local alternatives to the major facilities to be found in Milton Keynes. There are currently three schools, two primaries and a secondary, all less than three quarters of a mile away and there’s a plan for further schools to be built in the heart of this community. Perfectly situated to make the most of the great outdoors, there is plenty to keep you busy in and around the local area. Thrill-seekers can take on the challenges provided at Plus Aerial Extreme at nearby Willen Lake, where there are 50 exciting obstacles including high ropes, zip wires and climbing walls. And for those of you who enjoy less energetic pursuits, there

are a wide variety of entertainment venues and places of interest close to Oakgrove. Enjoy West-End productions on a slightly smaller scale at the Milton Keynes Theatre. Step back in time with a trip to Bletchley Park – a site of historic importance where the Enigma code was cracked during World War II. Commuters will be very pleased to hear that the transport links from Oakwood Village are convenient, quick and efficient. From the development, buses will transport you into Milton Keynes where you can connect with commuter rail services into London, Birmingham, Coventry and Northampton. And, if you are going by car, Junction 14 of the M1 is very close by, opening up the wide motorway networks.

Two-bedroom apartment: Full value: £162,500 • Minimum share: 40% • Cost of share: £65,000 5% deposit: £3,250 • Mortgage on share*: £380 • Rent on remaining share**: £223 • Total costs: £773

Interested? Getting the information you’re after can be quick and easy. Just give us your details once and we’ll ask the organisations you want to know about (and ONLY the organisations you want to know about##) to contact you with information about their developments. Just call us on 01622 772407 or e-mail us at info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk – remember to include your name and the name of the development or developments you’re interested in. * Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5% ## We may get back to you and ask a few relevant questions to help direct your enquiry to the right organisations, but we’ll only pass your details on to those you want to hear from

26 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

Southampton is buzzing at the moment. And Landguard Place, Park Centrale, Archers Road – just to the north of the city, offers buyers the opportunity to get a step on the property ladder right now. First Wessex has two, two bedroom apartments with balconies, to offer under the shared ownership scheme. Conveniently located just off The Avenue, (one of the main routes into Southampton), these apartments are ideal for anyone looking for a home that combines the convenience of city living with easy access to transport links. The development is just five miles from the M3 or 3.5 miles from the M27 and

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Landguard Place’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

Billingshurst from £120,000 for 50%

* Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%

within walking distance of Southampton Central mainline station. The apartments feature high gloss white kitchens with grey slate worktops, a Zanussi oven, hob and integrated fridge/freezer, white bathroom suite and an en-suite to the main bedroom, fitted carpets to living areas, vinyl floor coverings to the kitchen and bathroom and one allocated parking space. Two-bedroom apartment: Full value: £200,000 Minimum share: 35% • Cost of share: £70,000 5% deposit: £3,500 • Mortgage on share*: £409 Rent on remaining share**: £298 Total costs: £707

CERESTON Situated just half a mile from the mainline station, Cereston in Marringdean Road, Billingshurst, offers two and threebedroom houses, available to purchase via shared ownership, from A2Dominion. For professionals, Cereston has excellent commuter links via rail and road. For families, there’s a primary school, The Weald Community School and Sixth Form, a Children and Family Centre, nursery and pre-school. And for everyone, there’s a library, Community and Conference Centre, a country market, sports facilities and lovely, green open spaces.

and a leisure centre, with gym and swimming pool. The Park also boasts a BMX and skate park, together with space for leisure activities like tennis, football and rugby. Applicants for The Gatehouse must live or work in Horsham District Council.

bathrooms are high spec with Hansgrohe chrome mixer taps. Outside, the gardens are turfed front and rear, and each house has a shed. Different properties have different car parking options – but there is private parking, a car port, car barn or garage space for each house. Two-bedroom houses: Full value: £240,000 Minimum share: 50% • Cost of share: £120,000 5% deposit: £6,000 • Mortgage on share*: £701 Rent on remaining share**: £275 Total costs: £976

Stylish fitted kitchens include Neff oven and hob, stainless steel chimney, hood and splashback with a Franke sink. And the

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Cereston’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

** Assuming rent at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 27

South East

TRENCHARD GARDENS

NEWTON LEYS

Hersham from £171,000 for 60%

Bletchley from £105,000 for 50%

Thames Valley Housing is offering just nine stylish twobedroom apartments in Hersham, Surrey. With direct train links to central London in under 30 minutes, Trenchard Gardens is ideal for buyers needing to commute whilst having access to the beautiful rolling Surrey countryside. Each apartment comes with a fitted kitchen with an integrated washer dyer, fridge freezer and gas hob and oven. The apartments also come with an allocated parking space and access to a residents only lockable cycle store.

Hightown Homes is selling three-bedroom terraced houses at Newton Leys in Bletchley, through shared ownership. Newton Leys combines a scenic rural setting with easily accessible road and rail links. Trains run from nearby Bletchley Station to London Euston with a journey time of 40 minutes, and there are also regular services to Bedford and Northampton. Bletchley offers an array of high street shops and a shopping centre, ideal for essentials, but for serious retail therapy head to Milton Keynes where you will find John Lewis and House of Fraser. Closer to home, Bletchley Leisure Centre offers a swimming pool, gym and fitness classes.

Two- bedroom apartments: Full value: £285,000 • Minimum share: 60% Cost of share: £171,000 • 5% deposit: £8,550 • Mortgage on share*: £998 Rent on remaining share**: £489 • Total costs: £1,487

Three- bedroom houses: Full value: £210,000 • Minimum share: 50% Cost of share: £105,000 • 5% deposit: £5,250 • Mortgage on share*: £613 Rent on remaining share**: £240 • Total costs: £853

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.

co.uk with ‘Trenchard’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include

co.uk with ‘Newton Leys’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include

your name.

* Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%

Pan Meadows

Emma Yates Previous situation:

Student Accommodation

Scheme:

Help to Buy

Location:

Isle of Wight

Provider:

Barratt Homes

Help to Buy Agent:

Homes in Hants

uring the three years she spent studying to become a physiotherapist at Oxford Brookes University, Emma Yates lived in student accommodation. But as soon as she could, Emma figured out a way to buy a home of her own on the Isle of Wight, where she grew up. Soon after graduating, Emma secured a role as a physiotherapist at St Mary’s Hospital, back on the island. And just 15 months later, Emma is now celebrating the purchase of her first home at Barratt’s Newport development, thanks to Help to Buy. ‘I didn’t think I’d be able to afford my own home so soon after

‘I didn’t think I’d be able to afford my own home so soon after graduating’ graduating, but when one of the Barratt sales advisors told me about the Help to Buy scheme I quickly discovered just how easy it could be,’ said Emma. Emma had lived on the island since she was a child and by buying her first home there, she has managed some of her main ambitions. She says, ‘I’m pleased I have been able to take the first step onto the property ladder in an area I wanted, surrounded by my family and friends and close to my dream job’. Emma’s new home is at the Bluebell Meadows development where Barratt is offering a range of two and three bedroom homes. Emma fell in love with

a Garnet style two-bedroom house priced at £132,500 and the Help to Buy scheme meant that she only had to find £5,300 as a deposit. Having discovered the home of her dreams, Emma was given the chance to lay the first brick. ‘I jumped at the chance - it was exciting to know that I had placed the first brick in my own property - I also put a penny inside to add the personal touch.” Bluebell Meadows is just a short distance from Newport town centre and also benefits from being set in a peaceful location with the nearby country park – the best of both worlds for Emma.

More like this? If you’re looking for more homes in the South East, why not get in touch and let homefocus help you? Ring us on 01622 772407 or e-mail info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk and let us know what you’re looking for.

28 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

** Assuming rent at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year

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homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 29

South West

South West Corner

If you’re hoping to put down roots in the south west but despair of ever being able to afford a home of your own, this is the section for you. Check out some of the great affordable homes on offer here that could help you get on the ladder. Then turn to our property listings from page 56 to see what else is available. Our directory section on page 65 can also give you all the contacts you need…

QUEEN ANNE’S QUAY Plymouth from £37,500 for 25% Queen Anne’s Quay is a new development in Plymouth, within secure gated grounds occupying a perfect central location adjacent to the popular Queen Anne’s Battery Marina and within easy walking distance of the National Marine Aquarium and new fish market. If you walk over the lock bridge to the historic Barbican with its array of cobbled streets, Tudor dwellings and Elizabethan gardens, you’ll find art galleries, bistros, restaurants, popular bars and a range of unique and individual shops. And if you’re trying to find an affordable way to live here, then Affinity Sutton is

Two-bedroom apartments: Full value: £150,000 Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £37,500 5% deposit: £1,875 • Mortgage on share*: £219 Rent on remaining share**: £258 Total costs: £477

offering two-bedroom apartments on a shared ownership basis. The apartments have quality bathrooms and high gloss design, fitted kitchens with

MALBOROUGH PARK Swindon from £32,250 for 25% Just on the edge of Swindon, Malborough Park has a range of two-bedroom apartments offered through shared ownership, by Places for People. All of the apartments have been finished to a high specification and include a wide range of added extras. Kitchens include an integrated hob and oven plus a washer dryer, fridge and freezer. The well proportioned apartments have an open plan living, kitchen and dining area and many of the spacious master bedrooms have an en-suite shower room.

BEECHFIELDS VIEW Two-bedroom apartments and one three-bedroom house in Torquay from £52,000 for 40% The English Riviera is a fabulous area to live in, but if you’re struggling to buy your first home there, you may up to now, have found it distinctly short of affordable homes. So great news from Sovereign Living who is offering shared ownership opportunities in their prestigious Beechfields View development in Torquay. The award winning development offers a mix of apartments and houses for sale and rent and almost half of them are suitable for first-time buyers. The properties at Beechfields View have contemporary flint facades and free flowing layouts. Open plan lounge, kitchen, and dining areas are ideal for modern day

living and whilst French doors lead out into gardens, the apartment dwellers can make use of attractive balconies with great views. Apartments and houses have been finished to the highest specifications, with modern Symphony kitchens and stylish bathrooms and a choice of quality fixtures and fittings. Outside, there are gardens to go with every home, even the apartments having pretty courtyards; the houses have integrated garages and the apartments underground car parking. Beechfields View is in the residential

Two-bedroom apartment: Full value: £130,000 • Minimum share: 40% • Cost of share: £52,000 • 5% deposit: £2,600 Mortgage on share*: £304 • Rent on remaining share**: £179 • Total costs: £483

Interested? Getting the information you’re after can be quick and easy. Just give us your details once and we’ll ask the organisations you want to know about (and ONLY the organisations you want to know about##) to contact you with information about their developments. Just call us on 01622 772407 or e-mail us at info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk – remember to include your name and the name of the development or developments you’re interested in. * Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5% ** Assuming rent at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year ## We may get back to you and ask a few relevant questions to help direct your enquiry to the right organisations, but we’ll only pass your details on to those you want to hear from

30 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

For home entertainment, you’ll enjoy integrated digital terrestrial and satellite TV and for peace of mind, there is an

Taunton from £239,996 for 80% There is just one house left at Taylor Wimpey’s Brunswick Green development in the pretty village of Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, Devon and it’s available under the Help to Buy equity loan scheme The four-bedroom detached ‘Kingdom House’, is ready to move into straight away and boasts a living room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room and cloakroom off the entrance hallway. Four well-proportioned bedrooms, including two with en-suite, and the main bathroom can be found upstairs. The property also benefits from a garage and parking outside. Situated in an Area of Outstanding * Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Queen Anne’s’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

audio-visual door entry system. Malborough Park offers views over the countryside, yet is conveniently close to Swindon’s old town. If you’re a commuter, you’ll find the development well connected to London, Bristol and Reading. Two- bedroom apartments: Full value: £129,000 Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £32,250 5% deposit: £1,613 • Mortgage on share*: £189 Rent on remaining share**: £222 Total costs: £411

BRUNSWICK GREEN area of Barton, just two miles from the centre of Torquay and only two miles from the Blue Flag, Oddicombe Beach. Local facilities include The Willows Shopping Centre with Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Mother Care outlets. Barton Primary School is just moments away and there are cricket, sports and gym clubs nearby.

stainless steel appliances. Every apartment has allocated parking. The development is situated three miles away from Plymouth train station, which offers services across the South Coast and into London (London Paddington in three hours). There is also a good road network, with the A38 and A374 close by.

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Malborough Park’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

The village of Bishops Lydeard has local amenities including a Co-op, local pub and post office. A unique feature of the village is its proximity to the West Somerset Railway, offering the sights and sounds of vintage steam trains.For a wider choice of high-street shops and supermarkets, the town of Taunton is approximately six miles away from the development. Four bedroom house: Full value: £299,995 Minimum share: 80% • Cost of share: £239,996 5% deposit: £11,999 • Mortgage on share*: £1,401 Total costs: £1,401

Natural Beauty, Brunswick Green offers the tranquillity of village life while still being close to all the amenities required for 21st Century living.

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk with ‘Brunswick Green’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

** Assuming rent at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 31

South West

Previous situation: Renting Help to Buy

Location:

Weston-super-Mare

Provider:

St Mowden Homes

Help to Buy Agent: South West Homes

irst time buyers Ashley and Chelsea Evans, and their nine month old daughter Nevaeh, had been looking for just the right property for ages, one that was affordable, child friendly and big enough for them to grow into. So they were pleased when they found Locking Parklands, an award winning development of homes offered by St Mowden. This new community on a former RAF site, is tucked behind mature woodlands, enjoys views over beautiful open parkland, and is less than 15 minutes from the Weston-super-Mare seafront. Chelsea said: ‘We’d been looking for a house for over a year, but when we saw the green spaces on offer at Locking Parklands we knew the development would be a safe, welcoming and beautiful

FORTUNA

Barnstable from 95,000 for 50%

Cirencester from £56,250 for 25%

Available on the outskirts of Barnstable are nine stylish two and three-bedroom houses, offered for shared ownership by The Sanctuary Group. These spacious houses come with a downstairs cloakroom and a fitted kitchen with oven and hob. The homes are fully carpeted, with vinyl flooring in the kitchens and bathrooms. There’s an open plan layout on the ground floor, with patio doors opening out onto a fenced, turfed and spacious rear garden. And here, you’ll find a useful shed. Each home has allocated parking and a couple of the houses have garages. St Josephs Close is just over a mile from Barnstable town centre and enjoys fine views of the North Devon countryside.

Just three apartments remain for sale at this development of one, two and three bedroom apartments, available for shared ownership from Bromford Homes. They’re ideal for couples or singletons, those who want to leave the family nest or get away from private rented housing and take the first step on to the property ladder in this really sought-after, and generally most expensive area, part of the Cotswolds. Carefully constructed using materials chosen to fit in with the local environment, many of the facades are faced in natural cream-coloured local stone and where applicable, real slate is used on the roofs..

Two-bedroom house: Full value: £190,000 • Minimum share: 50% Cost of share: £95,000 • 5% deposit: £4,750 • Mortgage on share*: £561 Rent on remaining share**: £218 • Total costs: £779

Three-bedroom houses: Full value: £129,000 • Minimum share: 25% Cost of share: £32,250 • 5% deposit: £1,613 • Mortgage on share*: £190 Rent on remaining share**: £222 • Total costs: £412

Interested? Call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.

co.uk with ‘St Josephs’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include

co.uk with ‘Fortuna’ in the title and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include

your name.

* Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%

Ashley and Chelsea Evans Scheme:

ST JOSEPHS CLOSE

‘we have been able to buy a larger house than we were originally looking at’ place to bring up our daughter’. Chelsea acknowledges that getting a mortgage and saving for a deposit is a struggle for the majority of young families nowadays so, when the St Mowden sales office told them about the Help to Buy scheme, they were keen to check it out and see if it was a feasible option. Chelsea and Ashley looked at two and three-bedroom homes, all with high or vaulted ceilings and large windows and great external facades – all gains from the previously military style of the RAF buildings. They settled on a three-bedroom terrace house, with a designer kitchen, open plan dining and living areas, and high quality fittings throughout. ‘Purchasing under Help to Buy has

meant that we have been able to buy a larger house than we were originally looking at. The extra space is great when you have a baby in the house, especially the open plan living, and it means we can really start planning for our future. The St. Modwen Homes sales team took us through the process step by step, explaining everything along the way and helping us decide what options worked best for our own situation. I would certainly recommend Help to Buy to other people searching for a new property, it really has helped us buy our perfect home.’ When complete, Locking Parklands incorporate a district centre will shops, a library, school and additional leisure facilities

More like this? If you’re looking for more homes in the South West, why not get in touch and let homefocus help you? Ring us on 01622 772407 or e-mail info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk and let us know what you’re looking for.

Don’t miss out... Get the next 6 issues of homefocus delivered through your door Published every other month to keep you up to date with the latest opportunities in shared and affordable home ownership Just £12.95 for the next 6 issues n The latest affordable developments in your region n Who to ask and where to find an affordable home n Advice on legal and mortgage matters from specialists n Information about shared ownership, New Build HomeBuy, FirstBuy, and all low cost home ownership schemes PLUS MUCH, MUCH MORE; celebrity interviews, competitions and reader offers, jargon busters and homestyle articles To be sure of receiving the next 6 issues of homefocus, fill in the form and send your cheque* for £12.95 to:

Graid Publications Ltd, Kent House, Romney Place, Maidstone, ME15 6LH

Payment options: n I’d like to receive the next 6 copies of homefocus and my cheque is enclosed

*Please ensure that your cheque is made payable to Graid Publications

n I’d like to receive the next 6 issues of homefocus and would like to pay electronically. Please call me or email as above for me to make an electronic payment.

Call us on 01622 772407 for our bank details and you can pay online * Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%

32 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

** Assuming rent at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year

Remember you can call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk for the info you need.

** Assuming rent at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 33

Inconversationwith...

– with too many mean little cellular spaces, and too many add ons – porches, dormers, hips, valleys, eaves and so on. The best houses are simple and straightforward, and adaptable – which is why the Victorian and Georgian housing stock that is still the mainstay of the United Kingdom has fared so well. They are well planned, with big windows, simple forms, local materials and without gimmicks. New houses could learn a great deal from them. Developers too often think that housing is about a mix and match approach to materials and style with rigid road layouts, whereas good vernacular villages and towns have an incredible consistency and a limited palette of materials, with adhoc roads, paths and layouts that evolved over time. So, they’ve got it the wrong way round!

What is your vision/opinion on the lack of affordable housing in the UK?

Piers Taylor Piers Taylor is the co-presenter of BBC2 series ‘The House that £100k Built’. He also owns an award winning architectural practice, Invisible Studio. As someone who is passionate about homes we asked Piers to share his views with us and were not surprised to find some of them thought provoking and controversial.

What attracted you to becoming an architect? I’d enrolled at university to be a graphic designer, and the first semester was common between all design disciplines including architecture. Day one, week one, was a whole school lecture, by an architect called Glenn Murcutt. I was utterly and completely captivated by him, and his world that he described so beautifully. I left the lecture, and re-enrolled in architecture that day. Glenn gave me the road map, and I’ve stayed in touch with him ever since. His mantra was ‘touching the earth lightly’. He’s an enormous figure in architecture, but his buildings are unbelievably simple and modest. He’s found an astonishing poetry in things like rainwater collection, solar control and relationship to site, which is still overwhelmingly inspiring. I still make pilgrimages back to see him, and his buildings. He’s shown me a world where there’s poetry in practical things and beauty in simple gestures. I discovered that houses aren’t about showy, grand designs, features, or big statements. It’s a world without gimmicks, and one without pretension. His houses are generally made from readily available, low cost materials such as galvanized corrugated metal and local timber. They are devastatingly direct and efficient, yet supremely sophisticated.

34 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

When did you buy your first home, what was it like, and what made you choose it? My first home is the one that I live in now with my wife and four children. It was an extraordinary tumbledown wreck with no car access, and I made an offer without even going inside. I was sold by the site, the views, the remoteness, and, of course, the potential to build. No one else was interested because of the structural dilapidation, and the lack of access, but I knew that if we were to build, a site wasn’t going to come to us on a plate – and I loved it more because of its quirky eccentricities. I’d always wanted to build a lightweight house that felt like camping in the tree tops, in a place that reminded me of the Sydney bushland, and this was the place. We camped in the old stone building for a few years until our third child was conceived and we realised we needed more space. I knew that because access was so tricky, it made sense to build as much as I could in one go. We built a very simple, raw, low cost shed that the kids can rattle around in. It’s made out of metal sheet and lined in the cheapest possible, lowest grade plywood. My thinking has moved on a lot, but the house remains a kind of mini manifesto for me. It doesn’t have any finishes and all the materials are commonly available and cheap as chips. It doesn’t even have any doors between the room.

What do you believe are the most important aspects of a home? Light and sense of space, without a doubt. There’s a misconception that ‘things’ are important – but designing a house isn’t about going shopping. It’s far more important to consider how the light comes in and what the quality of the spaces are. Most new houses seem astonishingly over complex

I do think that there needs to be a credible political will for change – much like there was after World War II. With that – architecture is key, we need exceptional designers who can reimagine the mainstay of affordable housing. Scandinavia and Holland have shown how to do this effectively – they’ve used the best architects to make extraordinary environments, and these low cost housing schemes have a beauty and dignity often lacking in the UK. As well as it just being about the buildings, we need to focus on place making – how communities are built, what the shared spaces, the streets, the open spaces, the pedestrian connections are like. If these things are thought through, the buildings can be simple, straight forward, and good ‘backdrops’ to civic place making.

What advice would you give to those looking to purchase their first home? Try and spot some potential for where you can add value. I don’t mean financial – but emotional value. Try and avoid thinking of a quick make over to make a profit – if you do what you love, not only will it make you happy, but someone else will also love it when you come to sell. The most important things are potential quality of space and light – everything else is relatively superficial and can be changed over time, including kitchens and bathrooms. It may be better to invest in taking out walls, making new openings or adding roof lights rather than throwing money at fittings. Don’t be frightened of a quirky project – unusual spaces are often more interesting.

Tell us about the recent series ‘The House That 100k Built’ and why you chose to present it My main interest was trying to take architecture to people that are typically excluded from the world of design and ideas. Anyone nowadays can buy a well designed car, shirt, phone, etc, but most people have no access to architecture – they get what they are given by mainstream housing developers. Most of the contributors of ‘The House That £100k Built’ were not using architects, and I wanted to show that they didn’t need to lavish money on their house to have a well designed building and that a well designed house was available to them for the same cost as a badly designed one. I’m nervous that architecture is seen as an unaffordable, luxurious and indulgent add-on, rather than a set of key principles that can empower people to make their environments better. It was astonishing, to me, to see the power

that architecture has. Taking Sumati Bala, one of the participants of the series, to see some exemplar houses, and then explain that she could do similar, was extraordinary. It was also fascinating to challenge people’s preconceptions about design. I do think it is important to go beyond what you already know, and unpick your immediate aspirations. As Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple) once said – ‘How do you know what you want if you haven’t seen it?’ To share this journey of discovery and adventure with all six contributors was fantastic, and I can’t wait to begin the next series.

What’s next for you? Well, mainly, it’s carrying on what I already do with my practice Invisible Studio – trying to push a few boundaries with building design, and make a small difference. The last fifteen years of practice have been a rollercoaster for me, and I think I’m getting better at knowing which projects to say yes to. An interesting project needs to have a client that is up for a really demanding process of self questioning, and they need to work hard too. I’m realising now how to say ‘no’ to projects where there isn’t any opportunity to do things differently. My practice is conceived of an organisation that can change, adapt, collaborate and reinvent itself as necessary, rather than staying the same. I’ve recently moved my studio into the 100 acre woodland around my house, and I love having my work, life and family all bound up together (with hopefully, just enough separation between them!) In terms of actual projects, I’d love to work with the big, mainstream housing developers, trying to encourage them to do something different on a big scale. I’ve got a work ‘family’ that I’ve been working with for the last 15 years or so, but I also love working with new people, in new situations. I have a creative restlessness and I need to make sure I keep moving. I crave new challenges, in new places, with new people, on new building typologies. For more expert advice from Piers, visit the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show from 27-30 March 2014 at NEC, Birmingham. Piers will be hosting daily seminars to share his knowledge on striking the balance between high quality architecture and amazing value when building your own home, including the importance of investing time and money in design detail and recommendations on selecting the right designer.

We’ve got five pairs of tickets to giveaway to the show. If you’d like to be in with the chance of winning a pair please send your name and address on an email to comps@ homefocusmagazine.co.uk and mark the subject line ‘ Nat Homebuild Show’. Standard tickets are £12 if booked before 3pm on 26 March 2014 or £16 on the door (a £1.75 transaction fee applies). Children under 16 go free. Tickets also allow entry into both The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show and the new Home Improvement Show, taking place in the same hall. For more information on seminars, masterclasses, features and tickets, visit www.homebuildingshow.co.uk

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 35

HomeStyle

Home is where the heart is, so show yours a little love.. 5 6 7 4

With Valentines’ day in everyone’s mind now is the perfect time to add a little love to your home. So whether you’re a cooking enthusiast wanting to bake your way into a loved one’s heart or an avid TV watcher looking to bring a little romance into your living room, even the smallest of additions will help create the mood. And in case you’re stuck for ideas, here are several of ours that won’t break the bank.

36 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

Whatever your tipple the Red Heart Shaped Bottle Stopper £7 adds the perfect finishing touch, from www.justslate.co.uk

Serve something delicious in this Sagaform Heart Bowl & Ladle £32.50, from www.cloudberryliving.co.uk

As well as being decorative, a mirror can help reflect light around a room. The Bolzano £155, from www.chandeliersandmirrors.co.uk

Pretty bone china can be both practical and decorative. The Romany range is priced from £9.95 for a small dish, from www.janconstantine.com

Dining alone or with friends, cheer up your table with the addition of a With Love Tablecloth £55, from www.villeetcampagne.co.uk

Snuggle up with soft merino wool, this Hearts Cushion is reversible, £35, from www.adventino.co.uk

Keep your toes cosy under a warm Fluffy lined Red Throw £12, from www.bhs.co.uk

Feel the love under your feet with this classic design Red Tartan Rug, £40, from www.next.co.uk

Add character to your walls with a Personalised Love Frame £75, from www.vintageplayingcards.co.uk

Store your copies of HomeFocus in style with an ABC Magazine Rack £30, from www.theliterarygiftcompany.com

10 2 8

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 37

RoomFocus

SITTING PRET TY

CREATE A STYLISH LIVING ROOM THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK...

he living room is a space to relax in and spend quality time with friends and family. It’s the room in which you can express your personality and style. So where do you start when choosing key items to furnish it? Perhaps the best place is the floor – whether carpeted or a hard surface such as wood or laminate, you can enhance its look with the addition of a rug. There is a huge variety of rugs available so whether you love bold pattern, or prefer subtle shades, there will be plenty to choose from. Generally, the most expensive piece of furniture in any living room will be the sofa. We expect a sofa to be really comfortable, durable and last for several years, so set a budget, decide on the design, and look out for special offers. Remember you may have to wait a while for delivery, so order in plenty of time. A coffee table can be both stylish and practical. Consider the shape and finish before selecting a design that will best suit the layout of your room. You can set the mood of your living room with the lighting you use. Ensure there is adequate light in the areas in which you might read a book or use a computer, and then splash out on a couple of table lamps that complement your other furnishings. With space at a premium in modern homes, there is always a need for additional storage. Shelves are an obvious option, but consider other ideas such as modular bookcases. Many high street retailers have some really innovative storage solutions, so shop around to find something that suits your needs. Finally add those little extras that express your personality, candles, family photos, a vase or ornament. Look for pictures that enhance your room theme. These need not be expensive and often browsing in junk or charity shops can unearth just what you are looking for.

38 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

Take A Seat Sofas

Lighten Up Lamps

Top Table Coffee tables

Step On It Rugs

On Display Shelves

BEST BUY

Boksel Oak Veneer Coffee Table £100 www.ikea.com

Perth Rug £50 www.johnlewis.com

Stanton Cube Wall Shelf £50 www.next.co.uk

House Napa Sofa Bed £299 www.johnlewis.com

Alisa Bronze Table Lamp £15 www.johnlewis.com

GREAT VALUE

Solid Oak Coffee Table £167 www.hampshirefurniture.co.uk

Orson Two Seater Sofa £399 www.made.com Medium Lotus Lamp £45 each www.shimu.co.uk

INVESTMENT

Ebury Two Seater Sofa £849 www.alisonathome.com

INVESTMENT

Teal Feathers Oak Lamp £95 www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk

INVESTMENT

Loafian Coffee Table £225 www.loaf.com

GREAT VALUE

Turquoise De Poortere Deco Rug £84 www.naken.co.uk

INVESTMENT

Totem Durrie Hand Printed Rug £145 www.idyllhome.cu.uk

GREAT VALUE

Opus Oak Tall Corner Shelf £110 www.next.co.uk

INVESTMENT

Axis Green Shelving Unit £235 www.made.com

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 39

MaturePeople

Article sponsored by - a leading provider of homes for the over 55s www.viridianhousing.org.uk Tel: 0800 012 1442

LIVING LONGER, LIVING BETTER Where you live can influence how you live. We know we’re living longer these days, and one of the reasons is improved living conditions. For many of us, living better is even more important than living longer, and we think about the steps we can take to ensure that we lead a healthy lifestyle. It’s not just about fitness, it’s about the way we live and one of the great innovations of recent times, something that could help the ‘more mature’ to live well, is the opportunity to buy a home in a development specifically designed for the over 55’s. Statistically, not only are more people living long into old age than ever before, but more of them are likely to do so on their own, following a relationship break up. They’re fit and active, a good proportion of them are still working, and whether or not they were home owners in the past, many of them want the confidence and security of owning their own home now. And some developments being built specifically to help this group enjoy the benefits of older age, offer the chance to buy shared ownership in these carefully thought through communities. These new build developments are much more than a high specification apartment building, they

incorporate communal facilities that make living there practical, convenient and enjoyable. The building becomes a destination where you can live independently amongst like minded people. And as with any community, you can choose to be as active or otherwise within it. Most of the developments encourage participation through restaurants, café bars, games rooms, hairdressing salons, libraries, IT suites, lounges, laundry rooms, communal gardens and often there is a guest room and guest lounge for your personal friends and visitors. So buying into a development focused on the needs of the over 55’s really is a lifestyle choice, one that could help you live well, and well into, the future. Generally speaking the rules of shared ownership are the same for over 55’s as anyone else and if you are eligible for the scheme, you’ll be given the chance to buy between 25%-75% of the property. And if the scheme is funded by the Government, then 75% will be the maximum share you’ll be allowed to buy and after that, you’ll have no rent to pay. However, some schemes are restricted to the over 55’s only by local planning controls, rather than Government funding and in these cases, you may well be able to ‘staircase up’ (more about that on page 42) until you own 100%.

Parkside A range of contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments with a strong emphasis on low maintenance and sustainability, is being offered on a shared ownership basis by Viridian, exclusively for the over 55’s. And just as important as the array of integrated kitchen appliances and high quality interiors, is the fact that every apartment has been ‘future proofed’ so there is no need to worry about moving again if health or mobility becomes not quite what it used to be.

Each apartment provides bright, airy and beautifully modern living spaces and many of the apartments have balconies or a patio area. Parkside is in the heart of Cheam Village, next to Cheam Park and within walking distance of Cheam train station and close to bus routes and local amenities. The Parkside scheme comprises four buildings, none of them higher than three stories. The buildings are traditional in style and incorporate gables and pitched roofs with dormer windows. The exteriors are finished in a range of brick, render, weather boarding and wooden balustrades. Shares are available from £118,200 for a 60% share.

St Bede’s

Centurian House

One and two-bedroom apartments at St Bede’s in Bedford from Orbit Homes. Prices start at £120,000 for a 75% share.

The ExtraCare scheme in Bicester from bpha is a flexible option for over 55’s who want to live independently.

Halton Court Two-bedroom apartments at Halton Court in Kidbooke Village, south east London from Viridian. Prices start at £81,250 for a 25% share.w

40 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 41

MoveandMore

STEPPING UP AND BUYING MORE SHARES YOU’VE BOUGHT YOUR FIRST SHARE...WHAT NEXT?

or most people, shared ownership is simply the first step. For some, perhaps older people who’ve traded down, or established families who won’t grow out of their homes, they’re happy to stay put and they can’t see themselves moving on...and that’s fine, shared ownership will work for them as long as they want it to. But for most, shared ownership is the route to somewhere else. So some of the first questions people ask about becoming shared owners are ‘what happens when I want to move and, can I buy more shares?’

What if...

Selling On

Some people choose to buy more shares in their property and there are two good reasons for doing so. First of all, every time you increase your share (in a process called staircasing) you reduce the amount of rent you pay to the housing association. And in most cases you can carry on buying shares until you own 100% of your home, leaving you with no rent to pay at all. The second reason is that providing the value of your property has increased since you purchased, (and press coverage and the pundits predict that this is the case at the moment), then the more of the property you own, the more of the equity that’s gained will go to you. So you’ll have more to put down on your next home. You’ll see (again on the right hand page) the story of Pete Lockley who totally changed his situation in preparation for buying his next home with his wife Jo and their family. It’s important to know that shared ownership is flexible enough to alter with you when your personal circumstances change. Buying, selling, having a family, paying less (or no) rent and getting ready to move on – shared ownership can be the foundation for whatever you want to do.

Well, unless you have found just the right place for the long term, you will want to move on, and for as long as it stays hard to get onto the home ownership ladder, there could be a line of people looking to buy your share. They’ll be people in the same position you’re in now: keen to buy, but needing some extra help to become home owners. And it’s probable that your housing association and Help to Buy Agent will have a list of them. Better still, some of the potential buyers will be more interested in an established home than in a new build. So selling on your share to one of them will be your first option. When the time comes, ask your housing association how to go about it. They’ll help you value your share, advertise your property, line up buyers and assess their suitability to buy your share under shared ownership rules. The story about David Loach on the right hand page, is proof that not everyone wants to buy a new home. For some, location or room size or neighbourhood is more important.

There are examples after examples when shared owners found no problem selling on. But just suppose that isn’t the case. Well, that happens sometimes and shared owners have to try something else. It’s usual for the housing association to be given 8 weeks (sometimes more, sometimes less - it’ll be logged in your documentation) to find the most appropriate buyer for your share. But after that you can go out to the market through an estate agent or any way you choose.

And there is another way...

Just a taste 50% share of the two bedroom apartment in St Albans from Hightown for £120,000

42 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

Here’s just a sample of the kind of properties you could find as a resale...

50% share of the twobedroom house in Kesgrave from Flagship for £67,500

‘I no longer have to worry about someone increasing my rent’

‘The only result it came up with was a car parking space West London!’

David Loach, 54, had been living alone in a rented bedsit with shared bathroom facilities. Having decided that he wanted to invest in a property, David was really pleased when he found one a one bedroom apartment on Dominion Road in Worthing, offered on a shared ownership basis through Affinity Sutton. David had previously signed on with his local Help to Buy Agent and regularly checked the website until the ‘resale’ (second hand or existing shared ownership) apartment on Dominion Road came up. Before committing to the purchase, David was able to organise two visits to the apartment. ‘The previous tenant showed me round and was really helpful and spoke highly about the development. It was great to hear from someone who has experienced living there’. The apartment was built in 2008 and it’s perfect for keen musician David, as it is big enough to house his piano. He says he is a lot happier now and that his lifestyle has improved. ‘It’s my own home, I feel settled. I no longer have to worry about someone increasing my rent and I’m no longer cooking where I’m sleeping as if I were a student.’ David opted for a 40% share (worth £48,000) and provided a deposit of just over £6,000. David’s mortgage is £369 per month and the rent is £288 with all service charges included.

Pupil barrister Pete Lockley, bought a 50% share in an apartment at Amberwharf by Origin Housing, East London, in 2006. Recently, Pete took the decision to buy the remaining 50% via the staircasing process, and now owns the property outright. Pete comments: ‘When I first started looking to buy a property, I put my budget and the area I wanted to live into a property portal, and the only result it came up with was a car parking space in West London! I could see it was going to be difficult to buy on the open market, and I knew I wanted to bag myself a shared ownership property. Having lived very happily in the property for 7 years, my circumstances have changed. I have since got married and moved jobs, so ultimately the opportunity arose for me to staircase up, and my wife and I now own the property outright’. The whole staircasing process from start to finish took less than 3 months. It was pretty simple, involving filling out a few basic forms for Origin and sorting out a mortgage for the remaining 50 percent’. Pete continues ‘We have just had our second child, and we’re outgrowing our two bedroom property, so we are looking to move up the property ladder to somewhere bigger. Owning the property outright allows us to sell the home on the open market. For me, shared ownership has been a great way to get on the housing ladder’

70% share of the one-bedroom apartment in Brighton from Affinity Sutton for £87,500

25% share of the twobedroom apartment in Midhurst from Affinity Sutton for £36,250

35% share of a onebedroom apartment in Chigwell from East Thames for £84,000

Get in touch...If you want more information about the resale homes here, or any of the properties featured in homefocus, or you want more information about low cost home ownership in general, email us at info@ homefocusmagazine.co.uk or call us on 01622 772407.

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 43

HelpToBuy The Laurels Two-bedroom luxury apartments in Fazeley

‘We wanted lots of space for the family to grow into’

near Tamworth, available through David Wilson Homes from £122,000. Full asking prices start at £152,500

NOT JUST DURING THE JANUARY SALES The Help to Buy equity loan scheme always gives you 20% off!

k, you’re earning good money and hoping to buy a home of your own. You can pay for a good chunk with a mortgage, which is great and you can find something towards a deposit. You’re nearly there. But what about the last bit? How are you going to cover that? It’s so frustrating. If only there was a way to fill the gap. Well, that’s where the Help to Buy equity loan scheme comes in. It’s designed to give you a ‘cut price’ – not forever but for the short and medium term, just when you need the help. On page 3 of this magazine, our financial expert Richard Stone, talks about a £200,000 property. To buy that property under Help to Buy, you arrange a 75% mortgage of £150,000, find a deposit of £10,000, and the remaining 20% is covered by an equity loan from the government. So right now, you get a £200,000 home but pay just £160,000. Cut price? Sale? Loan with nothing to pay for 5 years? Call it what you like. But you get to own 100% of your home right now and it’s only after five years do you start to pay a small interest charge on the equity loan. It’s perfect if you’re caught between being eligible for shared ownership, and being able to afford your home in the normal way. Help to Buy is available on brand new properties where the developers are participating in the scheme – and a lot of them are, so if there’s a new development going up in your area it’s worth asking. Properties up to a full value of £600,000 are included, and there are no maximum income limits for you to think about.

44 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

First time buyer or not… The scheme helps people buy the home they need, whether they already own a home or not. So yes, you can use it if you’re a first time buyer. But you can also take advantage of the opportunity it offers if you’re already a home owner. Say, for example, you’ve already bought a home but have a new job and need to move to another, more expensive area. Or perhaps your family has grown, but your income hasn’t. So you need more space for the same money. Maybe you even bought your home through shared ownership and are looking to move on to the next stage in your home ownership journey – the Help to Buy equity loan could be a great next step on the property ladder for you. It means you could get the home you need far sooner than you might have thought possible. And if you’re already a home owner but need to trade up, Help to Buy will help you get there.

Moving on… When it comes to selling up, you simply sell your home through an estate agent as you normally would, and split the proceeds. If you’ve paid no lump sum towards the equity loan, that means you get 80% of the value, and the government gets 20%. If you’ve already paid off the equity loan, you get 100%. Simple. Crucially, if you sell up within the first five years, you’ve had the benefit of the equity loan without having to pay anything at all towards it.

Like many property buyers, retail operations manager Wayne Harrand and his wife Polly thought that they’d have to compromise on the size of house they could afford. But by using Help to Buy, Wayne and Polly were able to secure their first choice, a detached, four-bedroom property with spacious kitchen and breakfast area with separate dining room from Miller Homes at Weavers Court in Castle Donington. “Location was key for us,” commented Wayne. “With a young family, the quiet village life and high performing schools, really appealed to us. It also has the benefit of being close to the motorway to get to work. “The problem was that we wanted lots of space for the family to grow into and that isn’t always achievable when you’re a first time buyer with a limited budget. We found ourselves with no other option but to rent in the village. “Last spring, it was a case of good news coming all at once as we found out that Miller Homes was preparing to launch a new development on the edge of the village and the Chancellor announced Help to Buy at the same time. “When we visited the sales office and viewed plans for Weavers Court, we knew it would offer us the lifestyle we wanted. Help to Buy turned a dream into a reality as it allowed us to secure the mortgage we needed to purchase the property. Without the support of both Miller Homes and Help to Buy, we would probably still be making do with a property that didn’t really meet the needs of us as a family.”

THE HELP TO BUY MORTGAGE GUARANTEE Yes, there is now another government scheme called Help to Buy. But don’t mix them up. This one is the Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee Scheme. And it lets you buy a place with just a 5% deposit. But this scheme relates just to your mortgage. And you can’t get a Help to Buy Mortgage for a Help to Buy equity loan property! Eh? You can’t get a Help to Buy mortgage for a Help to Buy equity loan property! Basically, you can’t have it both ways. If you get yourself a Help to Buy equity loan on a new property, you can’t then pay for it with a Help to Buy Mortgage. Ok? The Help to Buy mortgage will let you buy any property, new or old, up to £600,000 and the Government guarantees 15% of the loan for 7 years. Now that’s not making any guarantees to you, it’s making them to your mortgage lender. Effectively it’s making you a better bet when they lend you money. So in theory, the bank or building society should be able to offer you a better interest rate than if you were applying for a 95% loan in any other way.

Here’s a few of the fantastic homes you could purchase through Help to Buy right now… Domus, New Festival Quarter Three-bedroom apartments in Poplar, available through Bellway Homes £203,995. Full asking prices start at £254,995

The Arcus

Eaton Park

One-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom houses in Ifield Green near Crawley, available through Affinity Sutton from £124,000. Full asking prices start at £155,000

Three and four-bedroom houses in Long Eaton, available through Rippon Homes from £119,960. Full asking prices start at £149,950

Ferraro Court One, two and three-bedroom apartments in Hounslow, available through Lovell from £142,000. Full asking prices start at £177,500

Beauchamp Mill Four and five-bedroom houses in Stotfold near Hitchin, available through Taylor Wimpey from £322,800. Full asking prices start at £403,500

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 45

ASK THE EXPERTS

ExpertAdvice

‘I’ve been checking out shared ownership and it looks like the only way, I’ll get on the ladder. So what do I do now’. Asks Barbara Barter from Telford

Actually a few people have told homefocus that they’ve read and understood why shared ownership could be great for them, but they aren’t sure how to follow it up. So we asked our experts to give some advice.

Can we help?

Got a burning question you need to ask? Don’t know anyone in the know? Each issue we’re putting your questions to our panel of experts. So if you’ve got a question you’d like our experts to answer – whether it’s a legal conundrum, a financial issue, or a general question about low cost home ownership, then send your question to info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk

46 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

HOUSING ASSOCIATION

HOMEBUY AGENT

FINANCE

Yvette Ruggins

Richard Stone

Sales Director at Affinity Sutton

Consultant, Censeo Ltd

o learn more about shared ownership or other affordable home ownership options available or just see what new and resale properties are for sale, then the best thing to do is to go to helptobuy.org.uk and click on a map of England where you would like to live. This takes you through to the local Help to Buy Agent’s website. If there’s a particular property that catches your eye, there’ll be lots of information and you can see if you are eligible (you may need to live or work in the area or earn a minimum salary). Next step is to contact the Housing Association that’s selling the property for further details. You’ll need to have an application registered with the relevant Help to Buy Agent to apply for a home so why not do that straight away? You’ll also then get on the mailing list for when new properties become available. If you’re in London then it’s slightly different and you need to go to sharetobuy.com/firststeps. You’ll not need to register with them unless you want to receive property alerts. You’ll just need to contact the relevant Housing Association that is selling the property you’re interested in and you’ll probably have to complete their application form to proceed. Or alternatively if you see an ad or hoarding for a specific housing development in your area – it’s worth checking them out too as most developments offer affordable home ownership options or just go to the website of a housing association such as Affinity Sutton - affinitysutton.com

here is no rule-book or correct way of proceeding with a shared ownership purchase, but a few pointers might help minimise the risk of missing out on a property you have set your heart on. First, carry out some research into the areas you wish to live, check out any new build shared ownership schemes on the market and get an idea of prices. In the good old days, people would walk or drive round the area, or check out ads in the local papers and this would give you a feel for what’s on offer. These days you can check online and if you live outside London, you must register with the local Help to Buy Agent. A full list of Help to Buy Agents appears on page 54 and they will hold a register of all the shared ownership properties in your area. Having got an idea on the cost and availability of suitable properties, you now need to check out what’s affordable for you - you don’t want to be disappointed later! Additionally, the majority of house purchases involve you parting with money in the form of fees and deposits early on in the process, some of which may be non-refundable if you don’t proceed. So don’t commit yourself before checking that you have the financial wherewithall to complete the process. It is equally important to establish that you can afford the monthly repayments and that may necessitate a few life style changes. So have your finances checked over by a qualified independent mortgage adviser. To make sure you receive the right advice, speak with the housing association selling the property and ask to be put in touch with an adviser experienced in shared ownership. Not all mortgage advisers will have this knowledge base although you may not realise this until later in the process.

Gail Davies Head of HomeBuy Agency EM HomeBuy

irst of all you should widen your knowledge about the scheme and find out how shared ownership could help you purchase a home. The next step to purchasing a shared ownership home is to find one! You can do this by looking on any of the Help to Buy Agents or housing association websites, visiting a ‘new homes’ site and enquiring whether or not there are shared ownership properties on there, or visiting well known property websites such as Zoopla or Find a Property. Once you have found a home that you would like to purchase you will need to talk to a financial advisor to find out if you are able to obtain a mortgage, and you will need to apply to your local Help to Buy Agent by completing an application form to see if you are eligible for the scheme. Applications for shared ownership can be completed online through your local Help to Buy Agent and are assessed within 3 working days to check your eligibility, affordability and sustainability for the scheme. Fingers crossed that you meet the criteria, your application will then be passed to the housing association that you will be buying from. They will then contact you to carry out further checks. This is nothing to worry about, they just check that you are able to pay for the mortgage, rent and if applicable, a small service charge and still have money left at the end of the month to live off. Shared Ownership could be the answer to get you onto the property ladder and a way out of the rent trap.

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 47

homefocusCompetition

POWER UP FOR 2014! N I W

BOSCH DIY’S BUNDLE OF CORDLESS POWER TOOLS...

Innovation experts Bosch DIY’s new 10.8 system range of power tools are designed to tackle both common and complex tasks that arise in the home so whether you’re a DIY novice, or a decorating diva, this new range will make a great addition to your new home’s toolbox. Powered by ground-breaking Lithium-Ion technology, each tool is compatible with the same battery for interchangeable use across the range. The nine tools in the 10.8 system range offer versatility and accuracy, ensuring that both amateur and experienced DIY-ers can use them for a professional finish. n The PSB 10.8 LI-2 cordless impact drill driver – ideal for interior design and home improvement. With two gears and twenty torque settings, this drill’s versatility lends itself to drilling into wood and steel, and it’s great for modifying garden decking, assembling furniture or hanging a coat rack. n The PST 10.8 LI – perfect for delivering precise, straight and short cuts across multiple materials in the home including wood, plastic, metal and plasterboard. Boasting lightweight compact design, an ergonomic handle and soft grip, it makes sawing with just one hand possible. n The PMF 10.8 LI – the all-rounder that offers countless possibilities. Tackling common DIY tasks such as sanding wood, scraping old paint off walls, shortening door frames and removing grout can be achieved with this tool. And the cordless element means it’s great for those hard to reach areas too!

To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question: How many tools are there in the Bosch 10.8 family range? A: 9 B: 11 C: 13

How to enter: Email your answer, along with your name and address to: comps@homefocusmagazine.co.uk and don’t forget to include ‘Bosch’ in the subject line. The winner will be picked at random from correct replies.. TERMS AND CONDITIONS • The closing date is 10th March 2014 • The Editor’s decision is final • No purchase necessary • There is no alternative cash prize • We accept no responsibility for entries not received

This bundle of essential DIY power tools retails at £329.99, but we’ve got a set to give away to one lucky reader. For more information on Bosch DIY’s range of products visit www.bosch-do-it.com 48 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 49

MoneyMaestro

BUDGET BUSTER

Are you a spender or a saver? Do you feel like your money trickles through your fingers? Are you always struggling at the end of the month? We can’t give you more income to play with, but if you follow our simple steps, we can help you get your finances under control. And that’s important when you’re saving for that vital deposit, and the fees you’ll need to buy your home. Keep it up once you’ve bought your home, though, and you could still manage to fund the things that make life fun, whether that’s a spot of retail therapy or a week in the sun. Don’t know where to start? Read on…

At the beginning… Get to grips with your budget right from the start. Not only will it make saving for your deposit and moving costs easier, it’ll also make life much more relaxing once you move. If you have your money sorted, that’s one less thing to panic about. First and most importantly, know yourself. Think about your money management history. Have you always been able to make ends meet or save for a special purchase? Ask friends and family what they think you’re like with money, too (and tell them to be honest, not kind!) and then plan your budget plan accordingly. Make sure you’re not spending on anything you don’t have to. If you’re already responsible for utility bills, head off to a price comparison site and switch to the cheapest. Same for broadband, phones and car insurance.

Plan of action... Make a plan of what you have coming in each month and what you spend. If you’re a serial fritterer then keep a money diary for at least a month. Write down everything – and we mean EVERYTHING – you spend. This will give you a good idea of what you spend on and where you could save. Secondly, think about what to do with your

50 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

savings so you’ve got them available for your deposit. If you’ve worked out how much you can save each month, make sure you transfer that out of your account as soon as you get paid – a standing order is ideal. Don’t pay tax on your savings if you don’t have to – take up your full ISA allowance and choose your savings account carefully to receive as much interest as possible. Next, clear your debts. It might seem tempting to put any spare money you have straight into a savings account so it can go towards your deposit, but it’s a false economy if you’ve got credit cards, loans and store cards to pay off. No savings account will bring you the rate of interest you’ll be paying on your cards. Transfer your existing credit card balances to new ones with zero percent on balance transfers, and pay it off as soon as you can. Then start saving. That way, when you do move into your new home, you won’t be taking your debts with you. Finally, make sure your credit rating is as good as possible. That could be the difference between you getting a mortgage for your dream home or not, or influence the rate you have to pay. Check your rating online in case your records are not correct. Make sure you don’t miss payments on loans, cards or bills, as that’s the biggest influence on your credit rating. If you’re having problems, it’s always better to contact the organisations concerned and sort out a manageable payment plan.

Get moving… If you’ve followed our advice, got your finance under control and saved for your deposit, now’s the time to make the scary decision to go ahead and buy a home. The first step is to find an independent financial advisor (IFA) who specialises in Low Cost Home Ownership (LCHO) and they will be able to get you’re the best mortgage and know the industry inside out. The affordability assessment carried out through your Help to Buy Agent or housing

association will make sure that you don’t sign up to pay out more than you can afford on your home, which is reassuring.

Keep it up… Once you’ve bought your home, it’s very easy to go out and splurge on things for it – after all, you don’t have to save for that deposit any more! Don’t be tempted spending or borrowing more than you can afford, no matter how nice the sofa and how good the deal. By now, you’ll have plenty of experience in setting yourself a budget and keeping to it, as well as making sure you’re getting all the best deals. So make a new home owner’s budget – and be realistic. Don’t scrimp on the amount you set aside for bills. If you have no idea what your bills are likely to be, ask your new neighbours – it’s a great way of introducing yourself! You’ll find that your budget changes now that you’ve got your own space. Instead of going out, you might want to entertain at home more. Or perhaps your travel expenses are less if you’ve moved closer to work and don’t have to pay to commute. It’s a good idea to keep the savings habit going to create a bit of a cushion. Paying your deposit is likely to have wiped your savings out, so create a fall-back fund so your bills are covered for at least three months. And make sure that things like your mortgage and even your income are covered by insurances should the worse happen and you lose your job. It might seem like wasted money, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. If it all sounds too simple, that’s because it really is – your money makeover doesn’t have to be difficult, time-consuming or stressful. It’s just a matter of organisation and being realistic, and getting to grips with your budget could just put you in a great position to finally buy a home of your own. Now that HAS to be worth a go…

BUDGETPLANNER

If you’re trying to get to grips with your finances, it’s always best to do a budget – but very easy to miss off important expenses or even sources of income. Remember to include everything in your monthly budget, even if you only have a bill once a year! So we’ve come up with a handy sheet to help you. Our advice? Photocopy it a few times and then you’ll have something to fill in as your budget changes. Or you could e-mail us at info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk and we’ll send you an electronic version for you to print off as many times as you like!

1 – Income

4 – Everyday expenditure

Wages or salary (net after deductions) Partner’s wages or salary (net) Tips, commission or overtime Other earnings (net) Maintenance/child support Working Tax Credit Children’s Tax Credit Child Benefit Any other benefit income Interest on savings Other income

Food & Drink Housekeeping Travel & fares Car expenses (tax/petrol/servicing etc) Childcare (nursery/minder/babysitter) Children (pocket money, activities, events) School meals Pets (food, vet’s bills, insurance) Cigarettes and other ‘vices’ Clothes and shoes Household items (repairs etc) Health costs (dentist, optician, prescriptions)

TOTAL INCOME (BOX 1)

£ TOTAL EVERYDAY COSTS (BOX 4)

2 – Housing and utilities

5 – Other expenditure

Mortgage payments Rent Other loans on your home Council tax Service charge and/or ground rent Buildings/contents insurance Life or redundancy insurance Water and sewerage rates Gas Electricity Other fuel costs Other housing costs TOTAL HOUSING COSTS (BOX 2)

Religious and charitable giving Entertaining, eating out Holidays Hobbies (activities, gardening, books etc) Gifts (eg birthdays) Christmas or festivals and presents Courses and professional fees Catalogue/mail order payments TOTAL OTHER COSTS (BOX 5)

3 – Important expenditure Telephone and internet (including mobiles) Credit card payments Loan repayments Maintenance payments Pension TV licence HP or rental payments (car, tv etc) TOTAL IMPORTANT COSTS (BOX 3)

6 – Your budget Total income

BOX 1

Housing costs Important expenditure Everyday expenditure Other expenditure

BOX 2 BOX 3 BOX 4 BOX 5

Total Outgoings (add boxes 2,3,4,5 & 6) BOX 6

MONEY LEFT OVER (BOX 1 – BOX 6)

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 51

OnTheMove

When you’re due to move there always seems like an endless list of things to do, people to inform, boxes to pack and things to organise, so here’s a helpful guide to make sure you don’t forget anything…

4 WEEKS BEFORE… n complete a change of address form at the Post Office to re-route mail (www.royalmail.com)

n inform magazine subscriptions and clubs of

your new address and moving date

n decide which items you’re keeping and which

you can chuck or donate to charity

2 WEEKS BEFORE… n discontinue regular services such as

newspapers, window cleaners etc

n arrange to have your satellite dish moved to

your new property if necessary

n arrange to discontinue your phone service

and broadband and have it installed at your new address

n arrange to transfer your TV licence to your new address (www.tvlicensing.co.uk/moving) n complete the relevant section on your car

registration document and licence and send them to the DVLA (more info at www.dvla.gov.uk)

n call your vehicle insurance to keep cover

valid. The price may change due to the new area, new parking arrangements and type of home you’re moving into

n notify water, gas and electricity suppliers to

have your services turned off at your present address

MOVING

n arrange for utility connections at your new home

Practical planning for moving day...

CHECKLIST PRACTICAL PLANNING FOR MOVING DAY Finally, after all the searching and dealing with mortgage advisors and solicitors, you’ve exchanged contracts and you have a day to move in! And then you get to thinking… ‘Who do I need to tell? What do I need to find out? What about moving all my stuff?’ Supposedly, moving home is one of the most stressful things you can do. But the actual process doesn’t have to leave you sitting up in bed at night, eyeballs out, panicking because you haven’t told the library your new address! So take a deep breath, make yourself a cup of tea and have a quick browse through our moving checklist. We’ve come up with all the people you generally need to inform about your move – if you have extra people we haven’t thought of, we hope you remember to tell them! Consider yourself reminded by homefocus…

Pack it in! It’s a fact of life that you ALWAYS have more ‘stuff’ than you ever believed possible! Now is

52 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

a good time to weed out things you don’t want any more – if you think you might be able to sell them put them all in a separate box marked ‘Sell’ so you don’t unpack it and put it all away again when you get to your new place! It goes without saying that you should use strong boxes – and don’t make them too heavy to lift! Use smaller boxes for books, photo albums and other heavy items or they might as well be bolted to the floor – and mark on top that they’re heavy to stop you doing yourself an injury when you try to pick them up. Label each box clearly with the contents and which room it’s to go in. Surprises are lovely, but unpacking nineteen boxes the day you move in just to find the TV remote is beyond the pale…

The Move First of all, have a look at how much you have in the way of possessions. If you’re in furnished rented accommodation, or live with family and aren’t taking much in the way of furniture it can be cheaper to move everything yourself. Just

enlist anyone you can find to help, particularly if they’ve got transport. A friend with a van is a very good friend indeed when you’re moving. If you don’t have this luxury, then renting a van is likely to work out cheaper than a removal firm. If you’ve got lots of furniture to move, then professional movers are essential. Look for ones that are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) which has a code of practice that protects you and your possessions. Get at least three quotes and make sure your contents insurance covers moving – get it set up for your new place to cover it if need be. If you’ve got children or pets it can be less stressful to have them looked after by someone else on the day. Keep all the essentials (we’ve called it your ‘First Night Kit’) in one box and make sure you know where it is! If you make sure your bed is one of the first things you put together when you get to your new home you can just collapse on it, exhausted, at the end of the day – and leave all the unpacking until the next morning!

n contact your new local authority about

schools and colleges in the area

n notify schools, churches etc of your

impending move

n notify your own and research alternative

doctors, dentists in your area and liaise with your hospital if you’re undergoing any regular treatment

n check parking arrangements at your new

home and apply for permits if necessary

n get to know your new area and work out the

best routes to work and school. Check out www.upmystreet.com to find out more

1 WEEK BEFORE… n arrange to transfer bank and savings accounts

n tell credit and store card companies your

n finish up your frozen food supply or give it away

n pack! n find and label keys n send out change of address cards, text

new areas regarding council tax and electoral registration

n defrost and thoroughly clean the fridge and n Request packing materials from your

removals company, or buy some if you’re doing it yourself

n return things you’ve borrowed from friends n start to run down the contents of your freezer n arrange to transfer home insurance, or set

up new policies to begin the day you move in. Arrange transit insurance if necessary

n research car boot sales to get rid of stuff

you’re not taking with you

Friends and family Post Office Inland Revenue Schools and colleges Local councils House insurance company Electricity and gas suppliers Water and sewerage companies Telephone company Internet supplier Satellite/cable TV provider TV Licensing Banks and building societies Credit card/store cards Doctor Dentist Car insurance company DVLA Car breakdown company Library Milkman Newsagent/magazine subscriptions Sports and social clubs Church/place of worship Children’s clubs

messages and Facebook or MySpace alerts

1 DAY BEFORE…

friends, van rental etc

3 WEEKS BEFORE…

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

n notify relevant authorities in your old and

n book removals company or arrange help from

new address

People to tell

freezer

n take down pictures, mirrors, non-essential

curtains and blinds

n disconnect your cooker, washing machine

and dishwasher

n confirm minders for children and pets

ON MOVING DAY… n make sure you personally take cash and

jewellery with you

n lock all windows and doors when you leave

If you’d like a copy of our moving checklist to print off and stick to the fridge, then e-mail us at info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk and ask for one!

First night kit n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Kettle Mugs, cutlery, plates, glasses Coffee, tea, milk, sugar, water Washing-up bowl and liquid Rubber gloves Map Vacuum cleaner/dustpan and brush Tea towels and cloths Toilet roll Bin liners Towels/soap/shampoo Lightbulbs Candles and matches Fuses Screwdriver Local takeaway menus! Bottle of champagne

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 53

ShowDiary

WhereNext

homefinder

FORTHCOMING

EVENTS

Yours steps to making all the right moves… WHERE NOW?

Now you’ve read all about low cost home ownership (LCHO), and you want to know where to head next – we can help with that as well. Step 1 – Get registered If you want to buy and think you’re eligible (more about that on pages 6-9), you should register with your Local Help to Buy Agent. They’ll process your application so you don’t need to apply to every housing association. They also have a list of all the LCHO properties available in their area. In London, things are slightly different, but there’s still an LCHO online portal to get you started. Step 2 – Money matters Time to work out how much you can afford! Outside London, your Help to Buy Agent will undertake a basic financial check to make sure you’re eligible and work out what’s affordable for you. In London, your housing association will do this once you’ve found a home you like. Now’s the time to find out what mortgage you can get, too, so you don’t fall in love with a home that’s unaffordable. We recommend you go to a specialist financial advisor who understands LCHO inside out and will know the best mortgage product for you. Step 3 – Home hunting This is the fun part! Take a look at some of the affordable homes around, including the ones we feature in our regional property sections from page 14 and our listings on pages 56-58. If you find one you love, go and have a look at it! Step 4 – Details, details Getting down to the nitty-gritty! At this point, whether you live in London or elsewhere, you’ll formally apply for your home through the housing association or developer, and a more detailed affordability check will work out what share you can afford. Step 5 – Check the small print If you decide to go ahead, you’ll need to get in touch with a specialist solicitor to help smooth the buying process. You can find a specialist on pages 66-67. Step 6 – Get moving This is the exciting part! Once you’ve bought your new home you can move in, safe in the knowledge that it won’t cost you every penny you earn to live there! The great thing about affordable home ownership is just that – it’s affordable. It’ll allow you to have a life as well as somewhere to live it from. Good luck!

LOOK FOR THE LOGO! For most of England, the government-backed schemes will have the Help to Buy logo - so wherever you see it, you’ll know that there are LCHO options available. In London you should look for the First Steps logo!

(to help you on your way to getting the keys…) We’ve colour-coded our developments sections on pages 14-33 and our homefinder property listings on pages 56-58, to make finding a property in your area even easier! The key is as follows:

n London n South East n East n South West n Midlands

54 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

Homematch Property Show Saturday 8th February Between 11.00 – 16.00 London’s Hotel Russell WC1B 5BE

Ideal Home Show

LONDON

19-20 March 2014

www.sharetobuy.com/firststeps

The National Homebuilding and Renovating Show NEC Birmingham 27th – 30th March

Low Cost Home Ownership Conference 21 May 2014

14-30 March 2014

Housing Finance Conference

SOUTH EAST www.helptobuy.net Kent, Sussex & Essex www.catalysthomebuy.org.uk Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire www.homesinhants.co.uk Hampshire

EAST www.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk www.leavalleyhomes.co.uk Hertfordshire

SOUTH WEST www.southwesthomes.org.uk Devon, Cornwall, Avon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire

MIDLANDS www.emhomebuy.org.uk Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Rutland, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire www.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk West Midlands, Warwickshire, Hereford & Worcester, Shropshire, Staffordshire

Homefocus magazine doesn’t cover the north of England but if you go to helptobuy.org.uk you can find your local Help to Buy Agent

WANT MORE INFORMATION? Call homefocus on 01622 772407, e-mail info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk

or Facebook us at www.facebook.com/homefocus

2014

Your local HELP TO BUY AGENT will have a comprehensive list of LCHO properties in your area.

REST OF THE COUNTRY

But don’t worry, wherever you are in the country, the information in homefocus is all relevant!

FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS NEAR YOU!

HERE’S THE KEY

Can we help? Don’t forget you can contact homefocus if you’ve got a question about low cost home ownership or are interested in any of the properties we’ve featured. Just call us on 01622 772407 or e-mail us at info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk and we’ll do our best to help! Until the next issue of homefocus… happy homehunting!

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 55

PropertySearch

AFFORDABLE PROPERTIES

NEAR YOU!

HERE’S JUST A FEW OF THE HOMES IN YOUR AREA Location

Name of Development

No of Units

Type of Properties

Available From

Provider

EAST Help to Buy Agent: LEA VALLEY HOMES www.leavalleyhomes.co.uk Borehamwood Knebworth Path Borehamwood Coopers Crescent Borehamwood Balmoral House Bushey Queens Acre Bushey Mayfield Court Hemel Hempstead Nash Mills Hemel Hempstead Aspen Park Hemel Hempstead Gade Place Hemel Hempstead Oatridge Gardens Hitchin Lavender Place St Albans Mistral Court St Albans Lime Tree Court St Albans Radley Court Stevenage Miller Way Stevenage Nokeside Watford Nascot Grange Watford Warhol Court Wheathampstead Beech Crescent Help to Buy Agent: ORBIT HOMEBUY www.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk Bedford St Bede’s Independent Living Biggleswade Saxon Fields Brogborough Leeward Point Bury St Edmunds Vinefields Cambourne Spitfire Road Cringleford Aura, Round House Park Diss Frenze Hall Mews Dunton Boot Lane Everton Sandy Road Great Blakenham Blakenham Fields Hadleigh Hadleigh Park Harlington Hillside Road Henlow Park Farm Close Ipswich Scholars Quarter Norwich Rosary Point Papworth Everard The Ridgeway Sandy Sunderland Road Shefford Stanford Road Upper Caldecote Biggleswade Road Wymondham Oakfield Green

1 Studio Now Affinity Sutton 1 3 bed house Now Affinity Sutton 1 1 bed flat Now Affinity Sutton 9 2 bed flats Now Hightown Homes 1 2 bed flat Now Hightown Homes 4 2 bed flats Now Hightown Homes 5 2 bed houses Now Hightown Homes 1 2 bed flat Now Hightown Homes 3 2 bed flats Now Hightown Homes 10 1 & 2 bed flats Now Origin Housing 1 2 bed flat Now Hightown Homes 1 3 bed flats Now Hightown Homes 1 2 bed flat Now Hightown Homes 1 2 bed flat Now Affinity Sutton 1 1 bed flat Now Affinity Sutton 4 2 bed flats Now Hightown Homes 8 2 bed flats Now Hightown Homes 2 2 bed houses Now Hightown Homes 53 1 & 2 bed flats - for over 55’s Now Orbit Homes 4 2 bed flats, 3 bed houses Now Hightown Homes 6 3 bed houses April Orbit Homes 7 2 & 3 bed houses Now Orbit Homes 9 2 & 3 bed houses Now Metropolitan 6 2 & 3 bed houses April Orbit Homes 5 2 & 3 bed houses Now Orbit Homes 3 2 & 3 bed houses End of 2014 Aragon 2 2 bed houses August Aragon 25 3 bed houses Now Orbit Homes 14 2 bed houses Now Orbit Homes 2 1 & 2 bed house March Aragon 1 2 bed house Now Hightown Homes 4 2 & 3 bed houses Now Orbit Homes 4 2 bed flats Now Orbit Homes 2 2 bed houses Now Metropolitan 13 1 & 2 bed flats, 2 & 3 bed houses 2014-2015 Aragon 15 1 bed flats, 2, 3 bed houses & bung. 2014-2015 Aragon 4 2 & 3 bed houses, 2 bed bungalow 2015 Aragon 12 2 & 3 bed houses Now Orbit Homes

LONDON Help to Buy Agent: FIRSTSTEPS www.sharetobuy.com/firststeps Barnet The Lexington Bexleyheath Albion Way Bow, London The Courtyard Bromey The Ridge Bromley Rokewood Apartments Bromley The Ridge Bromley Hardwick House Bromley Warwick House Bromley Brosse Way Camden Twyman House Canning Town East City Point Croydon Affinity Sutton at Saffron Square Ealing The Garden Court Apartments Elephant & Castle L&Q @ Trafalgar Place Eltham Eltham Springs Enfield New River House

56 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

4 43 10 21 16 1 1 1 1 7 16 36 23 20 45 8

1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats & duplexes 1 & 2 bed flats 2 bed flat wheelchair accessible 1 bed flat 1 bed flat 1 bed flat 1 & 3 bed flats 1, 2 , 3 bed flats & houses 1 & 2 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats, 3 & 4 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 bed houses 2 bed flats

Summer Coming soon Now Summer Spring Summer Now Now Now 2014 Winter/Spring Spring Spring 2014 Now Now

Affinity Sutton Hyde New Homes Gateway Housing Affinity Sutton L&Q Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Origin Housing Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton L&Q L&Q Origin Housing

Location

Name of Development

Help to Buy Agent: FIRSTSTEPS www.sharetobuy.com/firststeps Enfield The Bloc Enfield St Paul’s Court Fitzrovia W1 Cleveland Street Gidea Park Dreywood Gardens Greenwich L&Q @ Greenwich Square Greenwich Halton Court Hackney Shakespeare House Hackney Canalside Apartments Haringey/Tottenham River Heights Harold Wood Kings Park Harrow 74 High St, Wealdstone Harrow High St, Edgware Hornsey Rise Ujima Court Isle Of Dogs Fairwater Isle of Dogs Pier St Islington Zoffany Street Islington QN7 - Phase 2 Kensington The Baronets Kingston Affinity Sutton at Kingston Heights Kingston The Langley Apartments Lewisham Goldcrest House Lewisham The Aurora Apartments Leyton Cornwell Square Leyton Capworth Court Merton Mitcham Park Paddington Basin Merchants Square Southwark Roseberry Street Southwark Union Street Stepney So Stepney Sutton The Lavenders Tower Bridge The Arc Walthamstow The Grangeway Walthamstow Abbots House Wandsworth Sesame Apartments Wandsworth Wandsworth Village Wembley Elizabeth House Woolwich L&Q @ Woolwich Central

No of Units 28 11 14 4 30 20 8 31 11 74 12 15 14 1 10 1 30 9 18 8 29 32 32 83 1 10 14 8 1 27 15 12 27 7 7 21 60

Type of Properties 1 & 2 bed flats 1, 2, 3 & 4 bed flats 1 bed flats 2 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 2 bed flats - for over 55s 1 & 2 beds flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 2 bed flats, 3 bed maisonettes 1 & 3 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1 & 2 beds flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 2 bed flat 1 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 & 4 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 3 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats, 2 bed w/chair units 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats

Available From

Provider

Now 2014 Summer Now 2014 Now Early 2014 Summer 2014 Coming soon Autumn Now 2014 Spring Now Spring Now Available off plan Summer Now Spring 2014 Winter Spring Now Now Summer Coming soon Summer Now Spring 2014 2014 Spring Coming soon Now Now Now

Origin Housing L&Q Octavia Living East Thames L&Q Viridian Stagnell Fox Stagnell Fox Metropolitan East Thames Origin Housing Origin Housing L&Q East Thames Gateway Housing Stagnell Fox Newlon Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton L&Q Affinity Sutton L&Q L&Q Affinity Sutton Octavia Living Metropolitan Affinity Sutton East Thames Affinity Sutton L&Q L&Q L&Q Metropolitan Octavia Living Octavia Living L&Q

MIDLANDS Help to Buy Agent: EM HOMEBUY www.emhomebuy.co.uk Burbage Brittania Road 3 3 bed houses Now Elmesthorpe Elmesthorpe 2 3 bed houses Now Hathern Terracotta Gardens 5 2 & 3 bed houses Now Hinckley Leicester Road 1 2 & 3 bed houses Now Husbands Bosworth Husbands Bosworth 2 2 bed houses Now Kegworth Citrus Grove 4 2 bed houses & flats Now Leicester Leicester Square 11 2 bed flats Now Leicestershire Watermead 5 2 bed flats Now Lincoln Cherry Bank 1 2 bed flats Now Northampton Chapel Lane, Blisworth 2 2 & 3 bed houses Nov 2014 Northampton Upton Square 82 1 & 2 bed flats, 2, 3 & 4 bed houses Now Northampton Booth Park 56 2 & 3 bed house Now Northampton Queens Court 10 3 bed houses Now Northamptonshire Paling Close 5 1 & 2 bed flats Now Nottingham Southreef 4 1 & 2 bed flats Now Quorn Meynell Road 8 2 & 3 bed houses Now South Northants Chaplins Yard, Roade 10 2, 3 & 4 bed houses Nov 2014 Stoke Golding St Martins Convent 2 2 & 3 bed houses Now Help to Buy Agent: ORBIT HOMEBUY www.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk Hockliffe Watling Street 4 3 bed houses Now Long Marston Beaufort Mead 29 2 & 3 bed houses & maisonettes April Stratford-upon-Avon Brooklands @ Poppy Meadow 3 3 & 4 bed houses Now

Raglan Housing Hello Homes Hello Homes Raglan Housing Hello Homes Hello Homes Metropolitan Metropolitan Metropolitan Orbit Homes Metropolitan Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Hello Homes Metropolitan Raglan Housing Orbit Homes Raglan Housing Raglan Housing Orbit Homes Orbit Homes

SOUTH EAST

Help to Buy Agent: CATALYST www.catalysthomebuy.co.uk Alyesbury Oasis 2 2 bed flats Now Bletchley Newton Leys 3 3 bed houses Now Epsom Fusion 21 1, 2 & 3 bed flats Now Epsom Noble Park 16 1 & 2 bed flats Now Epsom Noble Park 9 1 bed flats Dec-14 Horsham Gatehouse 16 1 & 2 bed flats Now Milton Keynes Oakgrove Village 11 1 & 2 bed flats Now Milton Keynes Yorkshire Close 2 1 & 2 bed flats Now Milton Keynes Addenbrookes 2 2 bed flats Now Reading Kennet House 10 1 & 2 bed flats June Reading Southern at Portman Square 5 1, 2 & 3 bed flats Now Reading The Cedars 17 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 bed houses Coming Soon Redhill The Kilns Canalside 12 1 & 2 bed flats Coming Soon Tandridge Oakgrove 18 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 bed houses Spring/Summer

Hightown Homes Hightown Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Rosebery Housing Assn Southern Housing Hyde New Homes Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Raglan Housing Southern Housing Southern Housing Southern Housing Affinity Sutton

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 57

PropertySearch

homefinder East

Location

Name of Development

No of Units

Type of Properties

Available From

Provider

Get on the property ladder with

SOUTH EAST CONTINUED Help to Buy Agent: CATALYST www.catalysthomebuy.co.uk Waverley Roberts Way 1 2 bed duplex Waverley Chilton Close 1 2 bed house Help to Buy Agent: HOMES IN HANTS www.homesinhants.co.uk East Cowes, Isle of Wight Victoria Walk 3 2 bed houses Emsworth Redlands Grange 2 3 bed houses Gosport Issac House 1 2 bed flat Gosport Alver Village 2 2 bed houses Lyndhurst Knightwood Lodge 2 1 bed flats Newport, Isle of Wight Pan Meadows 9 1 & 2 bed flats & houses Porchester King Richards Place 6 3 bed houses Southampton Compass Point 7 2 & 3 bed houses Southampton Centenary Quay 16 1 & 2 bed flats Southampton Bond Central 36 1 & 2 bed flats Southampton The Cloisters 18 1 & 2 bed flats, 2 & 3 bed houses Southampton Landguard Place 1 2 bed flat Southampton Studland Road 10 2 & 3 bed houses West End, Eastleigh Rosewood Mill 2 3 bed houses Winchester Southside Embankment 10 2 & 3 bed house Help to Buy Agent: MOAT www.helptobuy.net Ashford Wellesley View, Park Street 1 1 bed flat Ashford Broadview 1 3 bed house Ashford Tower Point, Godington Road 2 1 & 2 bed flats Bognor Bersted Park, North Bersted 1 1 bed flats Bognor Regis Harrington House, Nyewood Lane 2 2 bed flats Brentwood Casa 10 1, 2 & 3 bed flats Brighton Super B 53 1, 2 & 3 bed flats Brighton Woodland View 1 1 bed flat Brighton Coastal Place 1 1 bed flat Brighton Alexandra Apartments 14 1 & 2 bed flats Brighton Alexandra Apartments 1 2 bed flat w/chair adaptable Brighton & Hove The Edge 55 1, 2 & 3 bed flats Bristol Maytrees 1 2 bed flat Chichester Affinity Sutton at Graylingwell Park 22 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 bed house Chichester Middleton Gardens 1 2 bed house Chichester The Oaks, Forest Road 1 2 bed flat Chichester Apple Treed Road 1 2 bed flat Chigwell Grange Manor 9 2 bed flats Crawley Foundry Place 10 1 & 2 bed flats, 2 & 3 bed house Eastbourne The Ferns, Churchdale Road 5 3 bed houses Hellingly Roebuck Park 10 2 & 3 bed houses Henfield Southern at Bysshop Meadow 2 1 bed flats Horsham Dorset House 1 2 bed flat Horsham Kilnwood Vale 41 2 bed flats, 2, 3 & 4 bed houses Hove Coastal Place, Church Road 1 1 & 2 bed flats Hurstpierpoint Brewery Mews 1 1 bed flat Maidstone Westborough Mews 1 3 bed house Margate Sandhurst Place 5 3 bed houses Polegate Lynholm Road 10 2 & 3 bed houses Rochester Longley Road 1 3 bed house Rochester Summerson Close 1 2 bed coach house Shoreham Falconer’s Court 1 2 bed flat Strood Regent House 4 2 bed flats Whitstable Aurum Way 7 2 & 3 bed houses

Now Affinity Sutton Now Affinity Sutton May Spectrum Housing Now First Wessex Now Affinity Sutton Now First Wessex Now Raglan Housing Now Spectrum Housing Now First Wessex Now Spectrum Housing Now Spectrum Housing Now Hyde New Homes Now Affinity Sutton Now First Wessex Now Raglan Housing Now First Wessex Coming soon Hyde New Homes Now Affinity Sutton Now Affinity Sutton Now Affinity Sutton Now Southern Housing Now Affinity Sutton Spring East Thames Coming soon Hyde New Homes Now Affinity Sutton Now Affinity Sutton Summer Affinity Sutton Summer Affinity Sutton Now Southern Housing Now Affinity Sutton Spring Affinity Sutton Now Affinity Sutton Now Affinity Sutton Now Affinity Sutton Spring East Thames Now Hyde New Homes Now Affinity Sutton Now Orbit Homes Now Southern Housing Now Affinity Sutton Coming Soon Southern Housing Now Affinity Sutton Now Affinity Sutton Now Affinity Sutton Now Orbit Homes Now Raglan Housing Now Stagnell Fox Now Affinity Sutton Now Affinity Sutton Now Stagnell Fox Now Orbit Homes

SOUTH WEST Help to Buy Agent:SOUTH WEST HOMES www.southwesthomes.org.uk Bournemouth Broadway Mews Chard Great Western Road Dorset Melbury Grange Monkton Heathfield Monkton Heathfield Newton Abbot South Devon Mews Plymouth Reflections Poole Old School Place Sherborne Sherborne House Weymouth Destiny Fields

9 2 & 3 bed houses 4 2 & 3 bed houses 6 3 & 4 bed houses 16 2 & 3 bed houses 1 2 bed flat 5 2 & 3 bed houses 5 2 bed flats, 3 bed houses 2 2 bed houses 4 2 & 3 bed houses

Summer Now Now Now Now Now Summer Now Now

Spectrum Housing Raglan Housing Spectrum Housing Raglan Housing Affinity Sutton Spectrum Housing Spectrum Housing Raglan Housing Raglan Housing

Interested in any of the properties listed? Call 01622 772407 or email the name of the property to property@homefocusmagazine.co.uk and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

58 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

shared ownership from Hightown Homes

homefinder East A home of your own with Shared Ownership Bedfordshire, South Northants & Milton Keynes

Call us: 01442 292381 Visit us: www.hightownhomes.com

Beautiful Affordable New Homes Stunning new homes for outright sale, shared equity and shared ownership.

Tel. 01525 844460

www.grandunionhousing.co.uk Grand Union Housing Group comprises: Aragon Housing Association, MacIntyre Housing Association and South Northants Homes

Beautiful, Affordable New Homes Stunning new homes for outright sale, shared equity and shared ownership.

For more information, For more information call 02476 437 040 call 02476 437 040 or visit www.orbithomes.org.uk or visit www.orbithomes.org.uk

Don’t miss out...

Get the next 6 issues of homefocus delivered through your door Published every other month to keep you up to date with the latest opportunities in shared and affordable home ownership Just £12.95 for the next 6 issues n The latest affordable developments in your region n Who to ask and where to find an affordable home n Advice on legal and mortgage matters from specialists n Information about shared ownership, New Build HomeBuy, FirstBuy, and all low cost home ownership schemes PLUS MUCH, MUCH MORE; celebrity interviews, competitions and reader offers, jargon busters and homestyle articles To be sure of receiving the next 6 issues of homefocus, fill in the form and send your cheque* for £12.95 to: Graid Publications Ltd, Kent House, Romney Place, Maidstone, ME15 6LH

*Please ensure that your cheque is made payable to Graid Publications

Call us on 01622 772407 for our bank details and you can pay online

Name_______________________________ Address_____________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Postcode____________________________ Phone number _______________________ Email address _______________________ ____________________________________ Signature____________________________ Date________________________________ Payment options: n I’d like to receive the next 6 copies of homefocus and my cheque is enclosed n I’d like to receive the next 6 issues of homefocus and would like to pay electronically. Please call me or email as above for me to make an electronic payment. Remember you can call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk for the info you need.

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 59

homefinder London

Developing where people want to

0300 100 0303

email: sales@affinitysutton.com

...AND WIN A GYM MEMBERSHIP

Developing homes in London

octaviaafforDabLe homeownership for more information please call

020 8354 5601 www.octaviahousing.co.uk

3998 OH Home Focus Ad_V2.indd 1

affinitysutton.com

Get

feeLs gooD when you finD what you’re Looking for

homefinder London Homes for sale on a shared ownership basis across London

Feeling priced out of the London property market?

18/09/2013 14:45

Affordable homes throughout London

0845 130 1422 www.stagnellfox.co.uk

Viridian is now a major provider of shared ownership properties across leafy south west London, one of the most desirable areas for first time buyers.

or text

To get PricedIn register at

www.lqgroup.co.uk/pricedin

‘pricedin’ to 60123

Industrial and Provident Society 30441R exempt charity. Details correct at time of going to print 01/13. Your home is at risk if you fail to keep up repayments on a mortgage, rent or other loan secured on it. Please make sure you can afford the repayments before you take out a mortgage. Competition Terms & Conditions apply: Register to be entered into the prize draw to win a Gym Membership.

Tel: 0800 012 1442

www.viridianhousing.org.uk

Affordable Hyde New Homes Shared Ownership • Discounted Rent Call our sales team now! Tel: 0845 606 1221 Email: info@hydenewhomes.co.uk www.hydenewhomes.co.uk Follow us on

Shared Ownership

Call the sales team now

0800 058 2544 www.newlonhomeownership.org.uk

and

Origin HF directory ad 12.8.11:Layout 1

Intermediate Rent

12/8/11

14:57

NEWLON WELCOMES INTEREST FROM ALL FIRST TIME BUYERS EARNING Pa UP TO £66,000 FOR ALL OF OUR ONE AND TWO BEDROOM HOMES

MEET YOUR PERFECT HOME FOR LESS

We leave good advertising to the professionals.

Homematch is a new free service to help people buy or rent a good quality affordable home in London. www.homematch.org.uk 0845 230 8099* homematchinfo@metropolitan.org.uk *Calls charged at local rate, mobile operator charges will vary.

One application form | Hundreds of homes | Expert advice

Call: 0800 068 8990 sales@originhousing.org.uk www.originsales.co.uk

Providers of quality affordable homes Here at the Advertising Standards Authority, we judge ads on whether they’re harmful, misleading, or offensive. Not on whether they’re funny, clever or they look good. Which is just as well, really. Telephone 020 7492 2222 www.asa.org.uk

Telephone: 020 8709 4352 Fax: 020 8709 4400 Email: sales@gatewayhousing.org.uk www.gatewayhousing.org.uk 409-413 Mile End Road London E3 4PB

INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE PROPERTIES IN HOMEFOCUS? Call 01622 772407 or email the name of the property to info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

Keeping advertising standards high

60 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 61

homefinder South East

Affordable homes throughout the south east opportunities in London Shared ownership

Southern Housing Group New Build Homebuy opportunities across the South East

08456 12 12 71 08456 12 12 71 sales@shgroup.org.uk | www.shgroup.org.uk

0845 130 1422 www.stagnellfox.co.uk Beautiful Affordable New Homes Stunning new homes for outright sale, shared equity and shared ownership.

Beautiful, Affordable New Homes Stunning new homes for outright sale, shared equity and shared ownership.

sales@shgroup.org.uk | www.shgroup.org.uk

Exciting new homes A beautiful location 90% now reserved!

INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE PROPERTIES IN HOMEFOCUS? Call 01622 772407 or email the name of the property to info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

www.nobleparkhomes.co.uk 01372 814000

For more information, For more information call 02476 437 040 call 01622 633 241 or visit www.orbithomes.org.uk or visit www.orbithomes.org.uk

Affordable Hyde New Homes Shared Ownership • Discounted Rent Call our sales team now! Tel: 0845 606 1221 Email: info@hydenewhomes.co.uk www.hydenewhomes.co.uk Rosewood Mill, West End, Soton

and

Don’t miss out... get the next 6 issues of homefocus delivered through your door

Published every other month to keep you up to date with the latest opportunities in shared and affordable home ownership Just £12.95 for the next 6 issues n The latest affordable developments in your region n Who to ask and where to find an affordable home n Information about shared ownership, New Build HomeBuy,

Homes for sale on a shared ownership basis across the South East 0300 100 0303

affinitysutton.com email: sales@affinitysutton.com

62 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

Name_______________________________ Address_____________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________

FirstBuy, and all low cost home ownership schemes

____________________________________

n Advice on legal and mortgage matters from specialists

Postcode____________________________

PLUS MUCH, MUCH MORE; celebrity interviews, competitions and reader offers, jargon busters and homestyle articles

Phone number _______________________ Email address _______________________ ____________________________________ Signature____________________________

To be sure of receiving the next 6 issues of homefocus, fill in the form and send your cheque* for £12.95 to:

Date________________________________

Graid Publications Ltd, Kent House, Romney Place, Maidstone, ME15 6LH

n I’d like to receive the next 6 copies of homefocus and my cheque is enclosed

*Please ensure that your cheque is made payable to Graid Publications Call us on 01622 772407 for our bank details and you can pay online

Payment options:

n I’d like to receive the next 6 issues of homefocus and would like to pay electronically. Please call me or email as above for me to make an electronic payment. Remember you can call us on 01622 772407 or email info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk for the info you need.

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 63

homefinder Midlands

homefinder South West

‘hello homes’ throughout the EAST MIDLANDS…

homefinder Midlands Beautiful Affordable New Homes Stunning new homes for outright sale, shared equity and shared ownership.

CITRUS GROVE, KEGWORTH 2 BEDROOM GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT 25% SHARE AVAILABLE FROM £27,312

TERRACOTTA GARDENS, HATHERN 3 BEDROOM TERRACED HOUSE 25% SHARE AVAILABLE FROM £37,500

Say ‘hello’ to our dedicated sales team on: 0844 892 2506 / hellohomes@emhgroup.org.uk Click: www.hellohomes.org.uk Part Buy / Part Rent / For Sale / For You… ‘hello homes’ is part of East Midlands Housing Group Limited.

Need a helping hand to get on the property ladder?

Beautiful, Affordable New Homes

Affordable properties in various locations:

Stunning new homes for outright sale, shared equity and shared ownership.

If you want to know more about your government funded housing options contact your Help to Buy Agent. You can find out more details by accessing

www.direct.gov.uk/ontheladder

Hampshire Wiltshire Dorset, Devon Isle of Wight

For more information, For more information call 02476 437 040 call 02476 437 040 or visit www.orbithomes.org.uk or visit www.orbithomes.org.uk

We leave good advertising to the professionals.

homefinder South West

Call Today 0800 316 3316 www.getmove-in.com

Need Help to Buy? We can give it to you!

www.emhomebuy.org.uk for properties in your area T 0844 892 0112 E emhomebuy@emha.org EMHomeBuy is run by East Midlands Housing Group.

Here at the Advertising Standards Authority, we judge ads on whether they’re harmful, misleading, or offensive. Not on whether they’re funny, clever or they look good. Which is just as well, really.

If you want to know more about your government funded housing options contact your Local HomeBuy Agent. You can find out more details by accessing

www.direct.gov.uk/ontheladder

Telephone 020 7492 2222 www.asa.org.uk

Keeping advertising standards high

64 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 65

legal&financialadvice

• Shared Ownership

homebuyers

Put your conveyancing in experienced hands

GUIDE

Buying a new home requires essential legal and financial advice… contact a mortgage advisor or specialist solicitor

� Shared Ownership purchases � FirstBuy � Social HomeBuy � Right to Buy � Right to Acquire � Staircasing � Shared Ownership resales � Equity Loan redemption/remortgaging

www.directionlaw.co.uk Contact us for a friendly, no obligation quote:

• Shared Equity • First Buy • Resales • Staircasing • Right to Acquire Prince Evans has over 25 years experience in all types of housing association and private developer schemes. Our Specialist Team is ready to help you buy your new home.

Visit www.free-conveyancing-guide.co.uk to receive your FREE Guide to Conveyancing. Please contact our solicitors; Kerry Hicks, Sophie Treszka, Dorothy Johnstone or Rachel Turner on 020 8567 3477, or email khicks@prince-evans.co.uk

London Office: 020 7158 0031 Kent Office: 01227 812733 enquiries@directionlaw.co.uk

Don’t miss out...

HomeFocus ad-Shared Ownership_April13.indd 1

10/04/2013 17:00

Get the next 6 issues of homefocus delivered through your door Established over 60 years, Wiseman Lee has a dedicated department dealing with all Homebuy schemes, Resales, Staircasing and all Housing Association Schemes. Please contact one of our team for further information, advice and a quote for costs and disbursements: Janice Maskell 020 8215 1077 jmaskell@wiseman.co.uk Gary Gillespie 020 8215 1062 ggillespie@wiseman.co.uk

Property Solicitors (formerly GTCLaw)

Residential Conveyancing Commercial Conveyancing Affordable Housing Housing Association Schemes

Published every other month to keep you up to date with the latest opportunities in shared and affordable home ownership Just £12.95 for the next 6 issues n The latest affordable developments in your region n Who to ask and where to find an affordable home n Advice on legal and mortgage matters from specialists n Information about shared ownership, New Build HomeBuy, FirstBuy, and all low cost home ownership schemes

Debra Rose 020 8215 5040 drose@wiseman.co.uk

Staircasing

Ros Grant 020 8215 5041 rgrant@wiseman.co.uk

Right to Buy

9-13 Cambridge Park Wanstead E11 2PU (opposite Wanstead Station on the Central Line)

Lease Extensions Landlord & Tenant

To be sure of receiving the next 6 issues of homefocus, fill in the form and send your cheque* for £12.95 to:

Web: www.wiseman.co.uk

Personal Injury

Graid Publications Ltd, Kent House, Romney Place, Maidstone, ME15 6LH

Tel: 020 8215 1000

Family Law

HOMEBUY / STAIRCASING / RESALES ALL HOUSING ASSOCIATION SCHEMES RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL CONVEYANCING

66 homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014

Wills and Probate

T: 020 85096800 E: enquiries@clglaw.co.uk

PLUS MUCH, MUCH MORE; celebrity interviews, competitions and reader offers, jargon busters and homestyle articles

*Please ensure that your cheque is made payable to Graid Publications

Call us on 01622 772407 for our bank details and you can pay online

homefocus • JAN/FEB 2014 67

Affordable homes in fantastic locations CO SO MI ON NG

SO90% LD

Hyde New Homes makes the experience of buying your first home easy with new properties available for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme. It’s simple, you buy a share of the property and pay a subsidised rent on the remainder.

The Barrows

Albion Road

(Indicative interior)

Oakgrove Village

Open Market, Francis Street, Brighton, BN1

Albion Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 7LS

Atlas Way, Milton Keynes, MK10 9SG

A brand new development offering stylish 1,2 & 3 bedroom apartments for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme. Prices start from £83,250 for a 45% share.

1 & 2 bedroom apartments for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme. Register your interest at info@hydenewhomes.co.uk

2 bedroom apartments offered for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme. Prices start from £58,000 for a 40% share.

Bond Central

Foundry Place

New Capital Quay

Canal Walk, Southampton, SO14 3BH

Foundry Place, Crawley, RH10 6GL

Dowells Street, Greenwich, SE10 9FF

1 bedroom apartments in Southampton available for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme. Prices start from £27,500 for a 25% share.

1 bedroom apartments available for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme. Prices start from £62,000 for a 40% share.

Stunning 1, 2 & 3 bedroom Shared Ownership apartments located in central Greenwich. Prices start from £78,250 for a 25% share. Contact us now to register your interest.

Hyde New Homes properties also available in Buckinghamshire • Cambridgeshire • East & West Sussex Essex • Hampshire • Isle of Wight • Kent • Surrey

Call our sales team now to find out more on

0845 606 1221

or email: info@hydenewhomes.co.uk Terms and conditions apply. Hyde New Homes is part of The Hyde Group.