Hf march 2015 single page version by homefocus

homefocus MARCH/APRIL 2015

Escape to the Country’s

SARAH

BEENY ‘Buying a house is still possible’

LOOKING TO BUY YOUR OWN HOME? Shared Ownership and Help to Buy

MORTGAGE & MONEY MATTERS

‘It really can help you get onto the property ladder’ says Alex and Nicola

Strengthen your credit rating

MADE MORE AFFORDABLE

IN W WIN ONE OF SIX £50 NATIONAL GARDEN GIFT VOUCHERS 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

PRIVATE SALE - MARKET RENT - SHARED OWNERSHIP

WHO KNEW THERE WAS

SO MUCH

CHOICE?

HOMES TO FIT YOUR POCKET HOMES TO FIT YOUR NEEDS We know how hard it is to get a foot onto the property ladder. It’s why we’re here – to help make that first step a little easier. Whether you’re looking to buy outright, for a partner to buy a share or a supportive landlord to rent from, Genesis can help. All of our properties are built to the highest standards and in a wide range of styles.

Building quality new homes and services across London, Essex & Suffolk to enable our customers to build better futures.

0800 954 0147 genesishahomes.org.uk

Publisher’sComment

homefocus ISSN No 1470-0360 ADVISORY PANEL Maddie Cross LONDON BOROUGH OF BEXLEY Dave Evans BE CREATIVE LONDON Tony Harker GENESIS HOMES Dave Lakin GRAND UNION HOUSING GROUP Trevor Morley DIRECTION LAW Yvette Ruggins AFFINITY SUTTON GROUP Isabel Saville CONCORDIA HOUSING CONSULTANCY Simon Scott ORIGIN HOUSING Sharon Shaw MARTIN SHAW CONSULTING Richard Stone CENSEO LTD Helen Towner HOMES AND COMMUNITIES AGENCY Greg Warner-Harris SPECTRUM HOUSING GROUP Chris Winfield LONDON BOROUGH OF BRENT

EDITOR Alex Randell e-mail: info@homefocus.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS & GENERAL ENQUIRIES Julie Baugh Tel: 01622 772407 e-mail: julie@homefocus.co.uk PUBLISHER Jeffrey Gritzman Tel: 01622 772407 e-mail: jeffrey@homefocus.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.homefocus.co.uk www.facebook.com/homefocus www.twitter.com/homefocus

IT’S SPRING

So it must be time to start house hunting! Spring is here and by tradition, it’s prime moving season. Everything is conspiring to get you thinking about where and how you live. The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, flowers are blooming, and any time now, the clocks will be springing forward. No wonder that this is the time that the housing market springs into action. So what’s holding you back? Could it be house prices? If it is and you’re a first time buyer, then think about buying through shared ownership. It’ll not only get you started on the homeownership ladder, but could cost you less each month than renting from a private landlord. Is it the size of deposit you’ll need? Then look for a Help to Buy property where a 5% deposit is acceptable or a shared ownership home where you only need 5% of the share you buy. It’s amazing what a difference a more manageable deposit can make to you. If you can afford to pay a realistic payment to a mortgage lender each month, but can’t see how you’re going to save even 5% of the property’s price then maybe a Try before you Buy or Intermediate Rent plan will give you the momentum you need. And don’t think you’ll be the first to look into it. Singletons, couples and families in all kinds of jobs and from all walks of life are now enjoying being in their very own home, thanks to initiatives that made home ownership affordable for them. I hope that Springtime will energise your ideas to buy your own home and that Summertime will see you well on the way to having your own front door. Happy home hunting

Jeffrey Gritzman • Publisher Supports the aims of homefocus

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 3

Contents MARCH/APRIL 2015

From house hunting to house war ming

Buyers’ Guide

Hot properties

Celebrity Status

6 Time to make your move

12 South West

34 In Conversation

A selection of affordable homes in the south west region of the country – as defined by the Homes & Communities Agency

with property expert and TV presenter Sarah Beeney who says that buying a house

How to play the home ownership game.

8 Land on the right property A brief comparison of the available schemes

16 South And some from the south

20 Midlands 10 Snakes and ladders

Affordable properties in the midlands

The ups and downs of buying a shared ownership home

24 East & south east

50 Finding your place on the ladder Low cost home ownership brings buying opportunities to all kinds of people

Where next?

Homefinder Directories Or search affordable homes at www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-costhomes-near-you

And some from east & south east region

54 Introduction

28 London

55 Shows and Events

Finally, find affordable homes in the Capital

56 Property Listings

44 Regeneration There are lots of winners when you buy with an eye to the future

‘is still possible if you really want to’

60 East and South East

Before and after 32 Preparing to buy

61 South West 62 London

Intermediate rent helps you save for the deposit you’ll need

64 Midlands

3 Publisher’s comment

46 What happens when you’re ready to move on?

66 Legal Directory

Time to start home hunting

Selling your share

Just for you

4 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

65 South

homefocus

WIN

36 Lifestyle

Great Advice

Competition

36 Spring Greens

38 Money Money Money

52 Competition

Green is a soothing and rejuvenating colour that can add balance and energy to any room

How to help yourself to get the best possible mortgage

Win one of six £50 National Garden Gift Voucher

42 Moving Checklist

40 Kitchen Essentials

Who to tell you’re on your way

Your style reflects your personality. Homefocus offers some suggestions that will suit any budget

48 Ask the Experts You’ve decided to go for low cost home ownership (LCHO) but what do you do next?

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

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 5

TIME TO MAKE YOUR

MOVE

How to play the home ownership game...

ed up with playing austerity Monopoly? Going round and round the board desperate to buy a home and wondering when your luck will change so you can finally afford to get a place of your own? Maybe you’re still living at home, or perhaps you’re already renting, stuck paying someone else’s mortgage and living with someone else’s décor. Wouldn’t it be great if you could get a foot on the ladder? Well, it could be possible. We can’t give you £200, but we can help you at least get past ‘Go’… Sounds too good to be true? Not so. There are schemes that allow you to buy just a percentage of your home, and still move in – and you don’t have to rob a bank to do it so there’s no chance of needing a ‘get out of jail free’ card! Collectively, the schemes are called low cost home ownership (LCHO) and are a great opportunity. And they’re affordable, which means you not only do you get your own property but you’ll have something left over each month, just in case you get caught on the electric company card!

Community chest… So if you want to put down roots and be part of the community by buying your own home, LCHO is a bright idea. For a start, it makes buying a home an affordable option. It means you need a smaller mortgage and a smaller deposit too. In many cases, it works out cheaper than renting a similar property privately.

Playing the game… 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

6 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

most cases you can staircase until you own 100%. For equity loan schemes, you can pay off some or all of the equity loan. And when you come to sell, your Local Help to Buy Agent will have a ready-made list of people who are hoping to buy through LCHO in your area. People who are in the same position you’re in now - keen to become home owners for the first time. It’s also secure. The majority of the schemes are backed by the government so you can be sure that the help you receive is there for the long-run. So unlike renting privately, where your landlord could end your tenancy even if you’ve paid your bills on the dot, LCHO means your home will always be there for you.

Pass Go… 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 them of page 54. Outside of London your Help to Buy Agent will process your application so you don’t need to apply to every housing association, and they have a list of every government-funded LCHO home in their area too. In London, things are slightly different, but there’s still a LCHO online portal to get you started. Wherever you are, Help to Buy Agents are the double six to get you started.

Two ways to play There are two basic types of LCHO scheme – shared ownership and equity loans. Both will help you get a place of your own, and the scheme to go for depends on your personal 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 on the same

Buyer’sGuide

development. There are more details of the specific 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, capped 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 there is ‘afford’, so you’ll be able to discuss what share is right for you.

• 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’ve got a large chunk of money to put down (for example if you have equity from a previous home after a relationship split and use that towards buying your share outright. Again, you’ll have to show you have enough coming in to cover your housing and living costs)

You’re NOT eligible for shared ownership if... Equity loans You own 100% of your home, but only have to cover a percentage of the cost initially with your mortgage and deposit. You can defer the rest for a while as it’s covered by an equity loan. There’s nothing to pay on the equity loan for a few years, and the scheme you choose will determine whether you pay any interest after this and when you have to pay the loan back.

Can anyone play? You may have already heard of LCHO but thought ‘it’s just for people with specific jobs or it’s social housing by a different name.’ Well, you couldn’t be more wrong! It’s home ownership, and you’ll take on all the responsibilities, and have all the benefits, that go with it. LCHO is designed for a whole range of people who’ve been otherwise priced out of the market.

Who is the winner? For the schemes such as shared ownership and resales, it’s all first time buyers with a household income of 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). And for Help to Buy, the criteria is even wider.

• You already own a home that you’re living in and it’s adequate for your needs • You can already afford to buy a suitable home of your own in your area

You’re NOT eligible for any affordable home ownership scheme if... • 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

Sounds good? Check out the next two pages and see if

one of the LCHO schemes is right for you. You’ll find examples of people that did throw double sixes and moved on to home ownership throughout the magazine.

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

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 7

TIME TO MAKE YOUR

MOVE

There’s more than one way to play the low cost home ownership game! This page gives you an at-a-glance reference to all the schemes on offer, so if you find a home you like, you can check out the key points of the scheme... Scheme type

Shared ownership

Help to

Scheme name

New Build

Resales

Help to Buy Equity Loan

RULES OF THE GAME

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.

RIGHT MOVE

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.

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.

CHANCE CARD

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.

BUY FROM JUST 25% WITH A SMALL DEPOSIT

WIDE CHOICE

NOT JUST FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS

WANT MORE INFORMATION? Call homefocus on 0845 4744734 or e-mail enquiries@homefocus.co.uk

8 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Buyer’sGuide

Finding the right LCHO scheme can be a bit daunting, so focus on this question...

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 right for you

Around 70% or more

Consider Help to Buy or an equity loan

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

Buy offers

Try before you buy

Discount offers

Mortgage Guarantee

Rent to Buy

Discounted Market Sale

Intermediate Market Rent

Designed to make 95% mortgages available to a wide range of people. More importantly it means that you only need to raise a 5% deposit. These mortgages will be available on new and older properties costing up to £600,000.

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.

Allows you to buy a new build property at a discount against market value. For example, the purchase price may be 50% of current market value (the precise discount changes property to property), but when you sell, the same discount is applied to the current market value. So the discount percentage is carried forward forever.

Offers you the chance to rent a brandnew or refurbished home or a home that is being re-let for a reduced rent. The rent charged is usually around 80% of the rent that you would expect to pay if you were renting from a private landlord

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.

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.

Ideal in really high value areas such as central London. Particularly helpful if you can’t afford to buy on the open market or aren’t keen on paying rent.

Great if you’re looking to rent for the short term whilst building a deposit to buy your first home.

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 an expensive area.

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.

Only available on a small number of new-build properties. The scheme is still in its infancy and the number of lenders and the choice of mortgage products is limited.

This is a shorthold tenancy agreement only, initially covering just 6 months, after which the agreement can be extended.

FOR HIGHER WAGE EARNERS

SAVE TO BUY THE NEW HOME YOU’RE LIVING IN

OPENS UP PRICE RESTRICTED AREAS

TYPICALLY 20% LESS THAN MARKET RENT

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 9

SNAKES & LADDERS THE UPS AND DOWNS OF BUYING A SHARED OWNERSHIP HOME...

Nothing in life is perfect! It’s no different when you’re buying a property, there is often a price to pay for getting the home you want. But buying a shared ownership home might mean that the ladders take you higher and the snakes are less slippery than you thought.

Shared ownership homes are just tiny starter flats. Some of them may be starter homes, but they’re not tiny… In fact, they have to meet higher standards of space, storage and eco-efficiency than typical new-builds, so you’re actually getting more home for your money.

You have to be a big earner to cover the cost of a mortgage. Well, buying a home does cost... but then so does renting. In many cases, the cost of buying through shared ownership could cost you less per month than privately renting a property of similar size in the same area.

But there’s an income ceiling so you can’t earn too much. Shared ownership is designed for first time buyers, specifically those that can’t stretch to buying the

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HomeOwnership

home they need without a little leg up on the ladder. So you’ll need to earn enough to cover a mortgage and other household outgoings, but earn less than £60,000 per year. You can earn more in London and still be eligible, reflecting London’s higher prices.

Don’t you need to show that you’ve got lots of savings? You’ll need to have enough to cover removal costs, setting up home costs and of course, a deposit. That’s the case when buying any home. But here’s something. With shared ownership you only need 5% of the price of the share you’ll be buying – not the full price of the home.

Aren’t lenders making it harder than ever to get a mortgage? It’s no harder to get a mortgage for a shared ownership property than it is any other. Especially since the recent Mortgage Market Review has laid down guidelines for anybody getting any sort of mortgage.

Rent AND mortgage – isn’t that more expensive? Not really, that’s why we refer to it as Low Cost Home Ownership (LCHO)! If you buy through shared ownership you’ll have a mortgage on the share you buy, and pay a subsidised rent on the share you don’t, so it generally works out less per month than renting privately, and definitely less than buying the full 100% of your home.

Shared ownership? Does that mean sharing with someone else? No! Although you can, if you want to! You’re sharing the ownership of your home with the housing association, and you’ll pay them rent on the share you don’t own. Plenty of people buy their shared ownership home with a friend or sibling though. But no one from the housing association will move in with you, it’s the ownership you share, not the living space.

Isn’t there a whole load of repetitive form filling to do. Well perhaps, but the result is being able to find a home of your own. Outside of London, you will have to register with a Help to Buy Agent and what this means is that you don’t have to track down and register with every housing association in your area. You just fill in ONE set of initial registration forms, undergo ONE basic affordability and eligibility check, not the same thing over and over again. In London, things are a bit different, less centralised. But

it’s perfectly usual to register with Rightmove and Zoopla and every estate agent they redirect you to. So if you’re in the market to buy, you’ll be used to form filling.

They tell you how much you can afford and what share to buy! Yes, housing associations have always given their buyers an affordability check and it helps make sure that they don’t over-stretch themselves financially and try to borrow more than they can pay back.

You have to live or work in the same borough as the property you want. New-build shared ownership properties are often made available first to local people. But after quite a short period of time, it is opened up to others. Anyone may apply for an existing or resale shared ownership property.

Housing associations won’t let me keep a pet. What do I do? That’s the case for most leasehold properties, shared ownership or not! In some circumstances, if the property is a house or a ground floor property with a garden/patio a small pet would be allowed.

Buying shared ownership is more complicated. Buying any property isn’t easy. That’s why there’s a whole industry of conveyancing solicitors and independent mortgage advisors (IFAs). Fortunately, some specialise in shared ownership transactions. And you’ll find a number of them advertising on pages 66 & 67.

They make buying easy but what about when I want to sell. Shared ownership reflects the market. When the market is good, it’s good for all properties - when it’s bad, then it will be bad for shared ownership too. The one difference is that your housing association will have first opportunity to find you a buyer. When the market is good, they’ll have a ready-made list of those people wanting to apply and in difficult times, they are still honour-bound to try to find you a buyer in a few (usually 8) weeks.

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 11

South West

Starting to think that you can buy your own home? Could buying in the south west be more cost effective than renting? Then take a look at this selection of low cost home ownership (LCHO) homes. There are more listed on page 59 and helpful contacts on our South West directory on page 61. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-cost-homes-near-you.

QUAY WEST One-bedroom apartments from £124,000 for 80% Burton Property is releasing brand new apartments at Quay West in the heart of Poole – available with Help to Buy. Quay West comprises a select collection of 27 one and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses. There is allocated car parking for all of the apartments, together with additional visitor spaces. All of the homes above the ground floor have balconies and, even though Quay West is in the heart of the town, some of the upper floor apartments have sea views. The four-storey Quay West building is

stylish and each home has an open-plan layout of the living/dining/kitchen area to create a light, airy space. The designer kitchen is well equipped with integrated appliances, including a hob, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and washerdryer. From Quay West it’s just a short walk to the Old Town, sea front and lively Poole Quay and just minutes from the

High Street, Dolphin Shopping Centre and a choice of bars, restaurants and entertainment. One-bedroom apartments start from £155,000 (£124,000 with Help to Buy) and twobedroom apartments from £225,000 (£180,000 with Help to Buy). The homes will be ready for occupation from late summer 2015. www.homefocus.co.uk/Quay-West

One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £155,000 • Minimum equity: 80% • Cost of equity: £124,000 5% deposit: £7,750 • Mortgage on 80% equity*: £714 • Total costs: £714***

Want to know more? Then email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with the name of the development that interests you in the subject line and don’t forget to include your contact details. * Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%. **Assumes rent is charged at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year.; *** Help to Buy property, interest on the equity loan starts in year 6. Please note: monthly outgoings do not include service charges

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South West Properties

PARC HENDRAWNA Two, three, and four-bedroom houses in Perranporth, prices to be confirmed for 80% With a selection of two, three and four-bedroom properties, Taylor Wimpey is making Help to Buy available at their Parc Hendrawna development in Perranporth, Cornwall. Parc Hendrawna is a stylish collection of 120 properties off Liskey Hill which enjoys a fabulous location on the north coast of Cornwall, seven miles away from Truro. The town benefits from a selection of shops, pubs and restaurants, and the local Perranporth Community Primary School, which neighbours the development, was rated good in its latest Ofsted inspection. For commuters, there is easy access to the A30 for journeys to Truro, just a 15-minute drive away, and beyond, and Truro railway station offers services to Plymouth, Exeter and London Paddington. Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Parc Hendawna” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Parc-Hendrawna

CRANBROOK Exeter from £131,996 for 80%

Taylor Wimpey is offering Help to Buy on a selection of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses on their Cranbrook development, located eight miles from Exeter. Illustrated is the four-bedroom ‘Welford’ detached house and there are plenty of other styles available. Cranbrook is a brand new community of eco-friendly homes and is the first new town of its kind in Devon. There’s a choice of new primary and secondary schools in the area and a health centre and a central shopping street are being created as part of this new development. Junction 29 of the M5 is just minutes away for journeys to Exeter and Bristol and a new railway station will be built offering direct services to London Waterloo. Two-bedroom house: Full value: £164,995 • Minimum equity: 80% • Cost of equity: £131,996 5% deposit: £8,250 • Mortgage on 80% equity*: £760 • Total costs: £760

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Cranbrook” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Cranbrook

THE OLD COAL YARD Sparkford from £66,000 for 40% With completion expected at the end of the year, Stonewater is offering two and three-bedroom homes for shared ownership at The Coal Yard in Sparkford. These are traditionally designed houses with their own private garden and parking, and feature stylish kitchens with integrated oven, hob and chimneystyle extractor hoods along with attractively designed bathroom suites and fitted carpets throughout. A unique design feature is an opened-up roof-space providing extra accommodation with a Velux roof window to allow more natural light into the house. Set within stunning rural countryside with good road and rail transport links, The Coal Yard is close to Yeovil which offers excellent schools, healthcare, shopping, business and leisure facilities. Two-bedroom house: Full value: £165,000 • Minimum share: 40% • Cost of share: £66,000 • 5% deposit: £3,300 • Mortgage on share*: £385 Rent on remaining share**: £227 • Total costs: £612

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “The Old Coal Yard” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/The-Old-Coalyard

* Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%. **Assumes rent is charged at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year.; *** Help to Buy property, interest on the equity loan starts in year 6. Please note: monthly outgoings do not include service charges

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 13

Alex and Nicola Previous situation: Home owners on the same development Scheme:

Help to Buy

Location:

Weston-super-Mare

Provider:

St Modwen Homes

Help to Buy Agent: www.helptobuysw.org.uk

ack in the summer of 2012, Nicola had bought one of the apartments in the first phase of St Modwen’s development at Locking Parklands just ten minutes from Weston-super-Mare. Not only was it a lovely property but they made lots of really close friends over the two years. So when it came time to purchase their first home together, Alex said ‘we didn’t really consider anywhere but Locking Parklands’.

‘it really can help you get onto the property ladder’ More and more people are citing community spirit as a major reason for choosing a home and location, and the recently married Alex and Nicola were able to stay in the community where they had put down roots and purchase a three-bedroom ‘Maple’ house at Locking Parklands, thanks to Help to Buy. Alex continues, ‘The high ceilings, big open spaces and large windows in

the houses all helped to really make the properties stand out to us, it just seemed so spacious compared to other new build homes. We purchased the house using the Help to Buy scheme which meant we only needed a deposit of 5%. I’d recommend the scheme to anyone looking to buy a new home as it really can help you get onto the property ladder.’

Will this story inspire you to become a homeowner? See the list of low cost home ownership (LCHO) properties on pages 56-59. Or go to www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-cost-homes-near-you. Or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk

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Map

South West Properties

Taunton from £87,500 for 50%

Bloor Homes is offering a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes under the Help to Buy scheme in Cannard’s Grave Road, Shepton Mallet. The properties all boast large open-plan living areas, high quality fitted kitchens and spacious double bedrooms. Each of the homes has a landscaped garden at the front and a single/double garage, carport or driveway. Shepton Mallet is full of history, with a variety of listed buildings, a beautiful Parish Church and evidence of a Roman settlement. The town centre provides a mix of shops, restaurants and cafes, with an excellent selection of well performing schools, supermarkets and health services. The M4 and M5 are within easy reach.

Heathfield Gardens in the village of Monkton Heathfield, has a range of two and three-bedroom homes available via shared ownership from Yarlington Homes. Monkton Heathfield has good road links, being close to the A38 and M5 and the main station at Taunton is on the London-Penzance line. The village is fine for local shopping and enjoys a real community feel and for more serious shopping and entertainment, Taunton is ‘on the doorstep’. And to make sure that Heathfield Gardens fits nicely into the community feel, careful attention has been paid to architectural features and building materials, to make sure that the new homes complement their surroundings.

Maple Walk

Shepton Mallet from £123,960 for 80%

a l k W e

HEATHFIELD GARDENS

Mapl

Maple Walk

DUKES RISE

Two-bedroom house: Full value: £154,950 Minimum equity: 80% • Cost of equity: £123,960 5% deposit: £7,748 • Mortgage on 80% equity*: £714 • Total costs: £714***

Two-bedroom house: Full value: £175,000 • Minimum share: 50% Cost of share: £87,500 • 5% deposit: £4,375 • Mortgage on share*: £511 Rent on remaining share**: £200 • Total costs: £711

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Dukes Rise” in the subject

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Heathfield Gardens” in the subject Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Heathffield-Gardens

Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Dukes-Rise

* 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 *** Help to Buy property. Interest on equity loan starts after 6 years

fantastic new homes from £71,000

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for a 40% share plus a monthly rent and service charge

Ma p l

k crac nch ru thethce get move-in lus rt P rt-st+a a m s ! ree kage with

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subje nditions and co

0800 316 3316 get.move-in@spectrumhousing.co.uk

Plymouth

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 15

South

Starting to think that you can buy your own home? Could buying in the South be more cost effective than renting or commuting? Then take a look at this selection of low cost home ownership (LCHO) homes. There are more listed on pages 58 & 59 and helpful contacts on our South homefinder, page 65. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-cost-homes-near-you.

CENTENARY QUAY Woolston from £45,500 for 35% How about this for choice? Two housing associations are offering shared ownership on one and two-bedroom apartments at Centenary Quay in Woolston. Both Spectrum and Radian have announced a new phase at the stunning new development on the east bank of the River Itchen, a stones throw away from Woolston town centre. All apartments have been built to a high standard with a range of fixtures and fittings that include a fully fitted kitchen, built in oven, gas hob, and cooker hood and washer/dryer.

Kitchens have a vinyl floorcovering as do the bathroom areas whilst the rest of the apartments are carpeted throughout. And for security, there’s a video entry system to all communal areas. Centenary Quay is part of the vibrant waterfront area of Southampton but the

city centre with its wider shopping experience, is easily accessible via the nearby Itchen Bridge. www.homefocus.co.uk/Centenary-Quay

One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £130,000 • Minimum share: 35% • Cost of share: £45,500 5% deposit: £2,275 • Mortgage on share*: £265 • Rent on remaining share**: £224 • Total costs: £489

Want to know more? Then email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with the name of the development that interests you in the subject line and don’t forget to include your contact details. Or you can visit www.homefocus.co.uk. * Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%. **Assumes rent is charged at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year.; *** Help to Buy property, interest on the equity loan starts in year 6. Please note: monthly outgoings do not include service charges

16 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

South Properties

THE CEDARS Reading prices to be confirmed from 35% Southern Home Ownership is offering shared ownership at their new development, The Cedars, in Reading. The 14 one and two-bedroom apartments, and the 3 three-bedroom houses all have a bright, modern, high spec finishes. The Cedars is sited in a leafy, green suburb of Reading, off Tilehurst Road, with easy access to Reading town centre, and the good news for commuters is that Reading’s main railway station will get you to London Paddington in less than half an hour. Being just off of the M4, there’s also great road links to London and the South West. And a half hourly coach service will get you to Heathrow Airport in around 40 minutes. All Saints Junior School is just three minutes from The Cedars and Prospect Park is lose by. Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “The Cedars” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/The-Cedars

WESTERN RIVERSIDE Bath from £86,000 for 40% Bath Riverside is Bath’s newest residential quarter. When completed it will be a vibrant community with around 2,000 homes, a new primary school, student accommodation and a choice of cafés. And Curo Homes is offering one and twobedroom apartments on a shared ownership basis. Each kitchen provides an electric oven, hob and cooker hood, plumbing and space for a washing machine or washer dryer and dishwasher. The bathrooms offer a white bathroom suite with shower over the bath and shower screen and both kitchen and bathroom have vinyl flooring. Selected apartments benefit from allocated parking and a balcony. The Bath Riverside development is a five minute walk from a supermarket and ten minutes from Oldfield Park railway station. One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £215,000 • Minimum share: 40% • Cost of share: £86,000 • 5% deposit: £4,300 • Mortgage on share*: £502 Rent on remaining share**: £296 • Total costs: £798

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Riverside” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Riverside

MAYFLOWER MEWS Southampton from £124,000 for 80% One and two-bedroom apartments are on offer at Lovell’s Mayflower Mews development in Sholing, Southampton – and Help to Buy is available on all of them! The apartments are sited in the development’s attractive gated courtyard, and provide a high specification and quality finish. The show apartment provides an illustration of open-plan living with the spacious kitchen/dining room and living room plus Juliet balcony, creating an impressive and flexible space for cooking, entertaining and relaxing. Mayflower Mews is only three miles from the M27 and just under four miles from Southampton Central railway station. The city centre, with its shops, bars, clubs and restaurants is only a short drive away along the A3025. One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £155,000 • Minimum equity: 80% • Cost of equity: £124,000 • 5% deposit: £7,750 • Mortgage on 80% equity*: £714 • Total costs: £714***

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Mayflower Mews” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Mayflower-Mews

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 17

Paul Beverley Previous situation: Renting Scheme:

Shared ownership

Location:

Church Crookham

Provider:

Thames Valley

Help to Buy Agent: www.helptobuysouth.co.uk

urning 39 made IT specialist Paul Beverley think seriously about buying a home. He had been renting a house in Ash Vale and says, ‘I’d never been able to afford to get on the property ladder. I know it’s a common theme, but approaching 40 really made me stop and think. I realised I’d paid £100,000 in rent over ten years and had no equity to show for it.’ Determined to buy a home, he contacted a mortgage broker. ‘He assessed my finances and it was clear that I couldn’t borrow enough to buy a

‘I’d paid £100,000 in rent over ten years and had

no equity to show for it’ home – so I was in trouble!’ said Paul. It was finding out about shared ownership that made all the difference. Paul had spotted some resale or existing shared ownership properties being offered locally by Thames Valley Housing and called to find out more. The result was that Paul bought a two-bedroom mid-terrace house in Church Crookham, where he grew up, on the popular Zebon Copse development. The full market price was £205,000 and Paul bought a 50% share from the current owner who was ready to move on.

The process was much easier and quicker than he anticipated. He says: ‘I was told that it would take six months from enquiry to exchange, but in fact it was all dealt with incredibly fast and was completed within four months.’ Paul’s mortgage costs £568 per month, and the rent and service charges he pays on Thames Valley Housing’s half share of the home come to a further £356. He says: ‘In total, I’m paying £924 each month, which is only £149 more than I was paying in rent. What’s more, it’s my own home and I’m building equity.’

18 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

South Properties

WATERLOO HOUSE

THE LARCHES

Walton-on-Thames from £118,500 for 50%

Bracknell from £308,000 for 80%

Thames Valley Housing is offering shared ownership at Waterloo House, a collection of 26 one and two-bedroom-apartments in Walton-on-Thames. The homes are just over a mile from the town centre and a short stroll from Walton-on-Thames train station, giving commuters an easy journey to London Waterloo. Sited on Mayfield Road, Waterloo House is an attractive fourstorey building characterised by soft red brick and cream render, and set in landscaped grounds. Each home features an open-plan living/dining/kitchen area that maximises the space. The smart kitchen is very well equipped with fully integrated appliances including a hob, oven, fridge/ freezer and washer/dryer.

Taylor Wimpey is offering Help to Buy at The Larches, a collection of three, four and fivebedroom detached houses. It’s part of the Parks development in Bracknell. All new homes at The Larches at The Parks are finished to a high standard specification, including energyefficient central heating, double glazing and a fitted kitchen with integrated oven, hob and hood. The Larches is only a mile from Bracknell town centre and well placed for a wide selection of supermarkets and leisure amenities, including Princess Square Shopping Centre.

One-bedroom apartment (without parking): Full value: £237,500 Minimum share: 50% • Cost of share: £118,750 • 5% deposit: £5,938 Mortgage on share*: £693 • Rent on remaining share**: £272 • Total costs: £965

Three-bedroom house: Full value: £385,000 • Minimum equity: 80% Cost of equity: £308,000 • 5% deposit: £19,250 Mortgage on 80% equity*: £1,773 • Total costs: £1,773***

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Waterloo House” in the

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with

subject. Remember to include your contact details.

“The Larches” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details.

Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Waterloo-House

Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/The-Larches

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

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homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 19

Midlands

Starting to think that you can buy your own home? Could buying in the midlands be more cost effective than renting or commuting? Then take a look at this selection of low cost home ownership (LCHO) homes. There are more listed on pages 58 and helpful contacts on our Midlands homefinder, on page 64. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-cost-homes-near-you.

UPLAND MILLS

Biddulph from £61,650 for 50% Staffordshire Housing Group offers shared ownership at Uplands Mill, a range of high quality two-bedroom homes at Biddulph in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Each home has a family-sized kitchen, living room with dining area, two bedrooms and a family bathroom. All homes have off-road parking, uPVC double glazing and gas central heating. Uplands Mill is well-placed for local shops and Macclesfield’s Grosvenor Centre, just thirteen miles north, has

more than thirty High Street and independent stores. Stoke-on-Trent is only a twelve mile drive and offers great city centre shopping. Young families will find four first schools within a mile of Uplands Mill, taking pupils from aged three to nine

years old, with two middle schools for pupils aged nine to thirteen. Biddulph High School takes thirteen to eighteen year olds and there are a further four 6th form centres in a five mile radius. Biddulph has many pubs, restaurants and cafes, its own Biddulph Valley Leisure centre and a huge choice of community clubs and associations. www.homefocus.co.uk/Uplands-Mill

Two-bedroom house: Full value: £123,300 • Minimum share: 50% • Cost of share: £61,650 • 5% deposit: £3,083 Mortgage on share*: £360 • Rent on remaining share**: £141 • Total costs: £501

Want to know more? Then email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with the name of the development that interests you in the subject line and don’t forget to include your contact details. Or you can visit www.homefocus.co.uk. * Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%. **Assumes rent is charged at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year.; *** Help to Buy property, interest on the equity loan starts in year 6. Please note: monthly outgoings do not include service charges

20 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Midlands Properties

ELLIOTT SIDE Selly Oak from £61,250 for 35% Singles, couples and small families can find affordable homes at Selly Oak, where Midland Heart has a few two-bedroom homes available under the shared ownership programme, at Elliott Side. Each home offers spacious rooms, parking and all the extras such as carpets, oven, hob, washer/dryer and fridge/freezer come as standard. Elliott Side has a variety of amenities with local supermarkets, pubs and restaurants and is only a stone’s throw from Birmingham City Centre. It is also close to major public transport links with easy access to London, Coventry and Leicester. Two-bedroom house: Full value: £175,000 • Minimum share: 35% • Cost of share: £61,250 • 5% deposit: £3,063 • Mortgage on share*: £357 Rent on remaining share**: £261 • Total costs: £618

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Elliott Side” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Elliott-Side

HIGHAM FERRERS Northampton – prices tbc for 80% Westleigh Homes has begun to transform a former factory site on Midland Rd, Higham Ferrers, by building a mix of two and threebedroom semi-detached houses and three and four-bedroom detached properties. The properties will be built to a high specification, offering a variety of layouts including kitchen/dining rooms and en-suite bathrooms and all of the homes will be made available on the Help to Buy scheme. The development is located just a short walk from the village centre and also benefits from good transportation links with the A6 and A45. Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Higham Ferrers” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Higham-Ferrers

THE LEYS Wellingborough from £39,750 for 30% Metropolitan is offering attractive two and three-bedroom family houses in Wellingborough, available through shared ownership. All of the light and airy homes feature fitted kitchens, incorporating integrated Bosch and Smeg appliances and oak worktops. The fully fitted bathroom has a heated towel rail and each home comes with a downstairs w.c, carpet and tiles throughout. The living/diner leads into a rear garden and outside, is allocated parking (two spaces for the three-bedroom homes). Wellingborough provides a number of good schools, a wide selection of shops, bars and restaurants, as well as The Castle Theatre. Rail links from Wellingborough will get you to into London St. Pancras (47 minutes), Nottingham (65 minutes), Corby (20 minutes) and Leicester (30 minutes). Two-bedroom apartment: Full value: £132,500 • Minimum share: 30% • Cost of share: £39,750 • 5% deposit: £1,898 • Mortgage on share*: £221 Rent on remaining share**: £213 • Total costs: £434

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “The Leys” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/The-Leys

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 11 21

Helena Cooke and Ricardo Whyte Previous situation: Living with Parents Scheme:

Shared ownership

Location:

Worcester

Provider:

Nottingham Community

Help to Buy Agent: www.helptobuymidlands.co.uk

elena Cooke and Ricardo Whyte from Arnold in Nottingham were both living with their parents but dreaming of finding a home they could call their own. The young couple were keen to get on the property ladder but were struggling to afford the right house in the right location. Then Helena, a customer service advisor at TSB spotted a two-bedroom house online. It was nearby, just what they were looking for and affordable, offered

‘We wanted to move out but didn’t want to rent as this seemed like dead money’ via Nottingham Community Housing Association on a shared ownership basis. The couple openly admit that when they first came across the term shared ownership they had no idea what it meant. Ricardo, who is studying film at Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies in Nottingham, said, ‘None of our friends and family knew what it was. Everyone thought it was moving in with other people!’ Helena and Ricardo were delighted to learn that they could become home

owners sooner rather than later. Helena commented, ‘We wanted to move out but didn’t want to rent as this seemed like dead money, not allowing us to grow. Thanks to shared ownership we’ve got our first home and are already investing in our future.’ Now happily settled in their new home, the couple are inspiring others to consider home ownership. ‘Even our friends have started saving so they can get their own place too!’

22 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Midlands Properties Orbit Advert 22/10/2014 16:19 Page 1

POPPYFIELDS CLOSE Matlock from £35,000 for 25% Waterloo Homes is offering shared ownership on a handful of twobedroom terraced houses near Matlock. The homes have been built to high energy efficient standards with one double and one single bedroom. They also feature a living room, downstairs toilet/cloak room, together with a stylish bathroom and a quality fitted kitchen to include oven, hob and extractor. Outside is a turfed rear garden with shed and water butt, security alarm and satellite dish, plus a parking space and visitor parking. The nearby town centre has a good variety of shops, supermarkets, public houses and leisure facilities, as well as primary and secondary schools. Two-bedroom house: Full value: £140,000 • Minimum share: 25% Cost of share: £35,000 • 5% deposit: £1,750 • Mortgage on share*: £204 Rent on remaining share**: £241 • Total costs: £445

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Poppyfields-Close”

Help to Buy Midlands delivered by Orbit Help to Buy Agents

Want Help to Buy in the Midlands? We’ve opened the door to home ownership for thousands of people, just like you. Just get in touch to find out more. 03458 50 20 50 @HelptoBuyMids @HelptoBuyMidlands

because we’re all different...

hba@orbit.org.uk

...tailored options to help you find your perfect home

in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Poppyfields-Close

www.helptobuymidlands.co.uk

KINGS MEADOW Wingerworth prices tbc for 80% Rippon Homes is offering Help to Buy on a collection of 51 homes on Deerlands Road, Wingerworth. Illustrated is the Hatfield show home, a high specification property featuring interior design from interior design company Fiona Nix.

DO YOU WANT TO PAY LESS FOR YOUR ENERGY

A cream and vintage floral theme runs throughout the main living areas with a fully fitted kitchen from bespoke kitchen designer David Charles Kitchens. Upstairs, is a spacious master bedroom complete with en-

With energy bills on the rise, call us free on 0800 0014 706 or visit www.myhomeenergyswitch.org.uk and quote MHES1 to find the best price for your gas and electricity.

suite, bedroom two, which has been dressed as a guest suite plus two more bedrooms. Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Kings-Meadow” in the

It’s free, fast and simple to switch and we’ll take care of all the paperwork.

subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Kings-Meadow

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 23

East & South East

Starting to think that you can buy your own home? Could buying in the east and south east be more cost effective than renting or commuting? Then take a look at this selection of low cost home ownership (LCHO) homes. There are more listed on pages 56 & 57 and helpful contacts on our East & South East homefinder on pages 60 & 61. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-cost-homes-near-you.

THE APEX

St Albans prices and shares tbc The Apex building in St Peter’s Road, part of the prestigious Oaklands development in St Albans has two properties offered for shared ownership by Hightown Homes. The first is a two-bedroom ground floor apartment with ensuite to master bedroom; the second, a one-bedroom lower ground floor apartment with its own patio. Each property comes with an allocated parking space and access to the residents’ private gym.

Just minutes from the centre of St Albans, Oaklands is a unique place to live - a stunning urban parkland setting, combining ultra-modern new buildings with distinctive listed buildings beautifully restored. The mainline St Albans city railway station is within walking distance of Oaklands and has direct services to London St Pancras in less than 20 minutes. For road commuters, St Albans has easy access to the A1M, M1 and M25.

www.homefocus.co.uk/The-Apex

Want to know more? Then email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with the name of the development that interests you in the subject line and don’t forget to include your contact details. Or you can visit www.homefocus.co.uk. * Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%. **Assumes rent is charged at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year.; *** Help to Buy property, interest on the equity loan starts in year 6. Please note: monthly outgoings do not include service charges

24 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

East & South East Properties

EMPIRE REACH Medway Riverside from £40,500 for 30% Empire Reach is a collection of one and two-bedroom waterside apartments located in the heart of Medway Riverside. And Golding Homes is offering shared ownership on the 21 apartments there. Finished to a high standard, these apartments offer open plan living with built-in appliances. All of the apartments have a private balcony or roof terrace with stunning views across the River Medway. Empire Reach is located close to shopping, dining and entertainment facilities. It has excellent travel

reliable train services to the capital for commuters. The apartments are named after the Empire Theatre which previously stood on the site. One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £135,000 Minimum share: 30% • Cost of share: £40,500 5% deposit: £2,025 • Mortgage on share*: £238 Rent on remaining share**: £232 Total costs: £470

connections by road and rail. Chatham and Rochester railway stations are both within walking distance and provide fast,

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Empire Reach” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Empire-Reach

RED HOUSE PARK Milton Keynes from £65,000 for 50% Lea Valley Homes is offering 12 twobedroom apartments in Redhouse Park, Milton Keynes under the shared ownership scheme. All apartments come with one allocated parking space and gas central heating. They also include carpets to the living areas with vinyl flooring to the kitchen and bathroom. Red House Park provides a wide range of traditional and contemporary homes and is set to become part of the landscape amongst existing trees, lakes and bridleways. Central Milton Keynes is only 4 miles

is closer still, less than a mile away. For commuters to London Euston and Birmingham, the train station is under 5 miles from the development and junction 13 on the M1 less than 4 miles away. Two-bedroom apartment: Full value: £130,000 Minimum share: 50% • Cost of share: £65,000 5% deposit: £3,250 • Mortgage on share*: £379 Rent on remaining share**: £149 Total costs: £528

away with a range of shops, restaurants, bars, theatre and The Center MK. The thriving market town of Newport Pagnell

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Red-House-Park” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Red-House-Park

GRAYLINGWELL PARK Chichester from £62,500 for 25% Affinity Sutton is offering shared ownership on a selection of two and three-bedroom houses at Graylingwell Park in Chichester. Set within 85 acres of parkland less than a mile from the city centre, Graylingwell Park will provide 750 new and converted homes from one-bedroom apartments up to five-bedroom houses. Graylingwell Park has been designed for a carbon-neutral lifestyle that will help to protect the environment for generations to come. So every home will

integrate green technologies. Heating to all homes will be supplied by a central heating and power plant within an onsite energy centre and the homes will use 33% less water than usual. Other environmentally-friendly features include bus and cycle routes to key local areas plus a car and cycle club. Two-bedroom house: Full value: £250,000 Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £62,500 5% deposit: £3,125 • Mortgage on share*: £365 Rent on remaining share**: £430 Total costs: £795

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Graylingwell Park” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Graylingwell-Park

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 25

Garry Hill Previous situation: Living with family Scheme:

Shared ownership

Location:

Cranleigh

Provider:

Affinity Sutton

Help to Buy Agent: Helptobuyese.org.uk

arry Hill works for a charity that supports people with severe epilepsy to attain their own goals in life and has now achieved a dream of his own - a new home at The Cranes in Cranleigh, Surrey. Having spent some time living in his family home in the village, Garry, 41, was keen to get on the property ladder and have his own space in which to spend quality time with his four-yearold son, who stays with him every other weekend.

‘The new home has really enhanced my life, it’s given me a space to spend quality time with my son’ With high house prices locally but not wanting to waste money on renting, his search was proving difficult. That was until he found Affinity Sutton’s The Cranes, where a 25% share of a two-bedroom apartment cost him £56,250. ‘I really wanted to find somewhere I could call my own, and when a friend recommended this development to me it all just clicked into place – it was brilliant!’ says Garry. ‘I’m a local lad so staying close to my family and friends

was very important, The Cranes ticked all the right boxes.’ Garry put down a hefty deposit so pays just £260 for his mortgage and a rent of £420 each month, far less than he could expect to pay renting in the area. And Garry’s new home gives him ample space to entertain his son. Although his family home was larger, privacy was hard to come by so Garry comments, ‘The new home has really enhanced my life, it’s given me a space to spend quality time with my son.’

26 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

East & South East Properties

ESCALA Wickford from £121,596 for 80% Escala in Wickford, Essex, is a development of one and two-bedroom apartments within a 40 minute or so commute from London and Bellway Homes is offering Help to Buy to make it affordable as well as commutable. Wickford has plenty to offer with its mix of independent shops and high street favourites, as well as three markets every week in the town centre. There’s also plenty of nightlife, with a range of bars and restaurants to choose from and the nearby town of Basildon, just ten minutes away. The apartments at Escala provide open plan living and dining area, fitted with modern kitchen and laminate worktops, integrated appliances such as a fridge/freezer, Washer/Dryer, and a Zanussi stainless steel single oven. One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £151,995 • Minimum equity: 80% • Cost of equity: £121,596 • 5% deposit: £7,600 Mortgage on 80% equity*: £700 • £700***

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Escala” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Escala

STOKE QUAY Ipswich from £29,375 for 25% Genesis is offering shared ownership on modern homes in a historical setting at Stoke Quay on the River Orwell Marina. A collection of one and twobedroom apartments is available as part of the regeneration of Ipswich docks. These waterfront homes are designed to a contemporary specification for spacious living. Most apartments have balconies, many of which enjoy riverside views. Kitchens in all properties boast fitted units including integrated appliances such as an oven/hob and washing machine. Parking, pram and bike storage is also available at Stoke Quay providing all the essentials for modern living. One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £117,500 • Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £29,375 5% deposit: £1,469 • Mortgage on share*: £171 • Rent on remaining share**: £202 Total costs: £373 Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Stoke Quay” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Stoke-Quay

WEST GATE Maidstone, prices to be confirmed Heart of Medway is developing 37 one and two-bedroom apartments on the site of the former Maidstone Borough Council offices in Tonbridge Road, for completion in the Autumn. Marketed as West Gate, 12 of the homes will be set aside for shared ownership. Heart of Medway plan further developments in the area and will include Buckland Hill, near Maidstone Barracks and a former factory site in a riverside location in Eccleston Road, both due for completion in 2016. Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “West Gate” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/West-Gate

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 27

London

Starting to think that you can buy your own home? Could buying in the Capital be more cost effective than renting or commuting? Then take a look at this selection of low cost home ownership (LCHO) homes. There are more listed on pages 57 & 58 and helpful contacts on our London homefinder, pages 62 & 63. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-cost-homes-near-you.

LIME WALK

Wembley from £98,000 for 35% Lime Walk, a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments situated just around the corner from Wembley Stadium, is available on a shared ownership basis from Network Living. It’s also just a five-minute walk from the buzzing leisure and retail hub of Wembley Park, and yet it is situated down a leafy, tree-lined avenue and surrounded by landscaped communal grounds. Families are particularly well catered for with the provision of no less than six dedicated play areas across the development. Internally all apartments feature openplan living spaces and a high specification,

including white gloss or cashmere grey kitchen cabinets with integrated SMEG fridge/freezers and washer/dryers, while bathrooms feature Hansgrohe brassware. Transport links from Lime Walk are fantastic offering excellent access into central London. Wembley Park tube station – serviced by the Metropolitan and Jubilee underground lines – is a five minute walk away; trains to Waterloo take 23 minutes while the service to Kings Cross takes just 19 minutes. Wembley Stadium station can be reached by foot in less than a quarter of

an hour, where overground trains head into Marylebone in 14 minutes. Families have a choice of nearby independent and state schools including the Ofsted rated ‘outstanding’ Byron Court Primary. www.homefocus.co.uk/Lime-Walk

One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £280,000 • Minimum share: 35% • Cost of share: £98,000 5% deposit: £4,900 • Mortgage on share*: £572 • Rent on remaining share**: £417 • £1,189

Want to know more? Then email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with the name of the development that interests you in the subject line and don’t forget to include your contact details. Or you can visit www.homefocus.co.uk. * Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%. **Assumes rent is charged at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year.; *** Help to Buy property, interest on the equity loan starts in year 6. Please note: monthly outgoings do not include service charges

28 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

London Properties

PEARMAIN HOUSE Harrow from £77,000 for 35% Pearmain House comprises 25 one-bedroom and 13 two-bedroom apartments, beautifully designed and arranged across seven floors. Each apartment comes with its own outdoor space/ balcony and is fully kitted out to a generous specification, with fitted kitchens and bathrooms, parking and bike storage as well as a 10 year NHBC guarantee. And Metropolitan is making them affordable by offering them on a shared ownership basis. The homes at Pearmain House are located in a quiet retreat in an established residential area with access to plenty of local green space and leisure amenities. Pearmain House is just five minutes walk from Rayner’s Lane London Underground station which serves the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines. One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £220,000 • Minimum share: 35% • Cost of share: £77,000 5% deposit: £3,850 • Mortgage on share*: £449 • Rent on remaining share**: £328 • Total costs: £777

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Pearmain House” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Pearmain-House

THE POINT Croydon from £72,000 for 40% Affinity Sutton is offering shared ownership at The Point in Croydon, an eight-storey landmark building incorporating a glass tower on one corner of the building. 35 one and two-bedroom apartments will be available. The apartments will be modern and contemporary, many will have their own balconies, and all will come with an allocated parking space. The development is close to local amenities, with a Tesco Express nearby. West Croydon Train Station is around a 15-minute walk away, and offers services to London Bridge in as little as 19 minutes. The nearby A212 offers good access to the wider road network and the M25. One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £180,000 • Minimum share: 40% Cost of share: £72,000 • 5% deposit: £3,600 • Mortgage on share*: £420 Rent on remaining share**: £248 • Total costs: £668

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “The Point” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/The-Point

GREENGATE LODGE Plaistow from £49,125 for 25% Less than two miles from the hub of Stratford, Genesis’ brand new development Greengate Lodge in Plaistow, E13, is available for shared ownership. Located off the Barking Road between Canning Town and Barking, Greengate Lodge offers one and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom houses. Situated in a peaceful residential area, just minutes from the high street, Greengate Lodge is in a commutable

location in an up and coming area. All of the homes offer wooden floors, modern brushed stainless steel finishes and gloss kitchen units inclusive of integrated appliances such as fridge/ freezer and dishwasher, full height tiling to bathrooms and fitted wardrobes to master bedrooms. One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £196,500 Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £49,125 5% deposit: £2,457 • Mortgage on share*: £287 Rent on remaining share**: £338 • Total costs: £625

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Greengate Lodge” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Greengate-Lodge

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 29

GREENWICH MILLENNIUM VILLAGE (GMV) Greenwich from £77,500 for 25% Greenwich is a stunning place to live with bars and restaurants overlooking the Thames and the O2 providing an amazing centre for events. And making it affordable to live within striking distance of all the excitement is shared ownership offered by Moat on a range of one and two-bedroom apartments. The apartments at GMV have been thoughtfully designed with a high internal specification and just one mile away is North Greenwich station on the Jubilee Line, making commuting to central London fast and easy. Other transport options include local bus routes and riverboat services. One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £310,000 • Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £77,500 5% deposit: £3,875 • Mortgage on share*: £476 • Rent on remaining share**: £533 Total costs: £1,009

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “GMV” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/G-M-V

PARKSIDE PLACE Wembley from £192,000 for 80% Countryside is making Help to Buy available at Parkside Place, a collection of stylish one, two and three-bedroom apartments in Wembley. Situated opposite Barham Park, Parkside Place combines a great location, convenient transport links and all of the benefits of buying a high quality new-build home. The apartments are set across a series of buildings and come in a variety of thoughtfully planned layouts that make the most of space and natural light. All of the homes have private outdoor space in the form of balcony or terrace, many

overlooking the park, while ground floor properties have enclosed gardens for a bit more space. The apartments come with fully fitted kitchens featuring composite quartz worktops, contemporary gloss units and energy efficient integrated appliances. One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £240,000 Minimum equity: 80% • Cost of equity: £192,000 5% deposit: £12,000 • Mortgage on 80% equity*: £1,005 • Total costs: £1,005***

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus. co.uk with “Parkside Place” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Parkside-Place

ERITH PARK Erith from £63,000 for 35% Orbit is offering one, two and three bedroom apartments at Erith Park through the shared ownership programme. Smart and modern, these energy efficient homes are low-cost to run and many of them enjoy their own outdoor space/balcony. Erith Park has been designed to give an established community feel and Orbit’s development is close to the shopping centre, library, sports centre and public transport links. Just north of Erith Park is The Dell, a small woodland area that is being enhanced and transformed into an ecology hub for all to use and enjoy. And nearby Danson Park is another popular outdoor area, often the setting for community events like fireworks displays. Two-bedroom apartment: Full value: £180,000 • Minimum share: 35% • Cost of share: £63,000 • 5% deposit: £3,150 • Mortgage on share*: £368 Rent on remaining share**: £268 • Total costs: £636

Interested? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Erith Park” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Erith-Park * Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%. **Assumes rent is charged at 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year.; *** Help to Buy property, interest on the equity loan starts in year 6. Please note: monthly outgoings do not include service charges

30 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

London Properties

CANNON ROAD

‘There were fairly few places in our price range available to us’

lzbieta and Rafal had been renting privately with their 2½ year old daughter Lena in Hounslow. When their landlord served notice on them they were keen to make the next move and own their own home. But having looked around, they soon realised that many properties in their area were out of their price range. Initially the family worried about leaving the area they knew and Elzbieta said ‘We had been looking to buy our own home but property prices were quite high so there were fairly few places in our price range available to us. Then we heard about some properties that the London Borough of Hounslow had, not too far from our rented home, and we decided to take a look.’ They saw and bought 45% of their new home and after putting down a £5000 deposit, their monthly outgoings on mortgage and rent come to around £880 – less than on their previously rented property.

Rafal and Elzbieta Previous situation: Renting Scheme:

Shared ownership

Location:

Hounslow

Provider: London Borough of Hounslow

‘Our new home is a stunning, spacious two-bedroom apartment on the top floor with dual aspect that gives us beautiful views. We have felt homely and settled since we first moved in, it is just fantastic.’ Elzbieta also says that buying has given them a real boost. ‘Owning our own property has really helped our self-esteem. There was a time when we thought we would never be able to do that, but shared ownership has made it come true. We are in a new phase of our lives now and are investing in ours and our daughter’s future, one that we feel secure and in control of.’

92 HOMES FOR INTERMEDIATE RENT IN TOTTENHAM Ambrose Court, Beachcroft Court and Mallory Court are part of the transformation of Tottenham comprising of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for Keyworkers and Intermediate Rent Priority for the these homes will go to Keyworkers or those that live or work in the London Borough of Haringey

Apply on our website: www.newlonlettings.org.uk/ intermediate-rent/ beachcroft-court

Tel: 020 7613 8080 (8am – 5pm)

Will this story inspire you to become a homeowner? See the list of low cost home ownership (LCHO) properties on pages 56-59. Or go to www. homefocus.co.uk/Low-cost-homes-near-you. Or you could call 0845 474 4734

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 31

IF ONLY I HAD A DEPOSIT! If you’re paying out a substantial amount in rent, you may find that buying through shared ownership means that you won’t have to pay out any more each month than you already do. But you will have to put down a deposit. We spoke to Kimberley Whitehead, who saved some money on an intermediate rent programme and was then able to move onto shared ownership. 32 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

What brought you to Tottenham and the intermediate rent programme

Actually I can’t remember – I may have heard through my employer, the NHS, otherwise probably through a newspaper like the Guardian. I like reading the Money section etc. As a result, I rented from Newlon in Hale Village in Tottenham for about 12 months, taking advantage of ‘intermediate rent’, meaning that I was paying less than I would have expected to pay to a private landlord. During this time I got to know the area, the transport links, and had made some friends locally, so I wanted to stick around. But I also wanted to own my own home.

IntermediateRent

‘I might be able to put together a deposit for a 50% share’ What made you decide to ‘move on’ to shared ownership

Do you have any tips for others about how best to save for a deposit

I didn’t have enough in savings and couldn’t see how I’d ever get a full deposit, but Newlon had some shared ownership apartments coming up right behind the Tottenham Town Hall and I felt that I might be able to put together a deposit for a 50% share on a home there. My reduced (intermediate) rent left me with a little over each month to add to my savings, but even then it was going to be a struggle. But a sad event gave me some good fortune: my Grandma left me some money in her will. I was settled in Tottenham, had made friends and felt committed to staying here long-term. Also I was living in a new-build rented flat at that stage, the first new-build I’d lived in, so I knew that I liked the layout and the feel of a new-build, plus it was so much warmer and more economical than the Victorian terraces I’d lived in before.

In truth, the inheritance from my Grandma made the difference. But in terms of how I save money generally, in order to overpay my mortgage: • I go to the cinema on weeknights and often do happy hour or ‘early bird’ drink or food deals • I try to see a handful of my friends on one evening. Not only does it mean I can introduce them to each other, it means that I’m not paying for several nights out to see each friend individually • I put money aside as soon as I get paid • I sign up to ‘offers’ listings, e.g. Time Out offers • I only buy clothes rarely and only in the sales and often buy food that’s on offer or reduced If you’d like to know more about intermediate rent, contact www.homefocus.co.uk/Intermediate-Rent

How did you find out about the specific shared ownership development you moved to Through the First Steps website which advertised it. I signed up to their e-mail update service. The development was being offered off-plan but I felt confident of the quality of the eventual flats because it was a development by the same people (Newlon) that had built my (intermediate rent) flat.

Has it made any difference to you I’m much happier in shared ownership. I feel like the flat is mine and I’ll be here for a long time, whereas since I was 18 I’ve never lived anywhere for longer than 2 years (I’m 29 now). So I’ve bought new furniture, fittings, put art on the walls etc so it feels much more personal and lived-in.

Has it made much difference to your monthly outgoings The outgoings are similar to when I was renting. In fact the mortgage offer I was given was based on the outgoings I could prove I could commit to and manage. However, now that I feel more committed to living here and generally in London long-term, I overpay my mortgage each month.

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 33

TV PRESENTER & PROPERTY EXPERT

SARAH

BEENY 34 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Inconversationwith...

Television presenter and property expert Sarah Beeny is best known for presenting programmes such as Channel 4’s Property Ladder and Double The House For Half The Money. More recently however she has put her property knowledge to another use, and set up an online estate agency. We asked Sarah to share her experience and thoughts with us about buying a home in the UK. When did you buy your first home, what was it like, and what made you choose it? The most important aspect of the home is how it makes you feel - if you feel safe and secure then it is a no brainer. Your home should be a sanctuary and a place where you can relax and unwind. It should also help you to do all sorts of things you like, for example, give you space to entertain your friends, be near your family or walk to work if that’s important to you.

What is your vision/ opinion on the lack of affordable housing in the UK? There is an issue with the lack of affordable housing in the UK, but I also think that we are under the impression that there was a time when everyone was able to nip out and buy a house when they wanted one. In reality it has never been easy to buy a house, but it is still possible if you really want to. In my opinion we can’t

fix the affordable housing problems just by building new homes - the only solution is to loosen up planning controls on existing buildings in this country. Why not just make it easier for families to extend their homes and have more family members living there? Intergenerational living is another possible option where tax breaks can be rewards for those who live with more than one generation. This helps with care for children and the elderly as well as housing. It’s not for everyone but it’s definitely an option that I believe should be considered.

What advice would you give to those looking to purchase their first home? For those who looking to buy their first home, my advice would be not to panic - there is nothing wrong with renting a home for a while whilst you decide what will suit you best. However if you really want to buy I would suggest you think carefully what you can afford. It’s easier to save for a deposit and cover a mortgage with more than one of you - and more fun as well. Head a bit further out of town and you may well find that you can afford more of what you are looking for.

What are you currently working on and what’s next for you? I’m pretty manic with my online estate agency www.tepilo.com at the moment, as we have been working on a new campaign over the last few months. It’s an emerging market and I’m finding it really exciting being involved in something that will genuinely shape how people sell their homes from now on. I’m also still involved in my dating site, My Single Friend and there’s always something exciting going on at Rise Hall, my wedding and events venue in Yorkshire - but my main mission is to try to free up a bit more time to spend with the children - though that has been the plan for a long time now!

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 35

2 Luxaflex metal venetian blinds www.luxaflex.co.uk

Spring Greens 36 homefocus â&#x20AC;˘ MARCH/APRIL 2015

HomeStyle

5 1 Birdy Thrush cushion £20 www.magpieline.com

2 Crystal pitcher £12.50 www.homecandy.com 3 Kenwood Kmix boutique jug kettle £59.99 www.amara.com

4 Stella love seat £399 www.furniturevillage.co.uk

5 Kallax shelving unit £30 www.ikea.com 6 Emerald green chandelier £140 www.frenchbedroom company.co.uk

7 Lulu footstool £159 www.made.com 8 Retro phone £55 www.berryred.co.uk 9 Birdhouse jewellery holder £13 www.retreat-home.com

10 Saga green mix floor runner £39 www.skandihome.com 11 Green wood double hook £9 www.tch.net

12 Apple green Swallow candle £12.50 www.berryred.co.uk

Green is a soothing and rejuvenating colour that can help add balance and energy to any space. Whether harnessing zesty lime for the wow factor, or selecting a deeper shade of mint for a more relaxed atmosphere, green is the ideal colour for a living room, hallway, study, or bedroom. If you like the idea of a green room, but don’t want to go as far as painting the walls then try introducing the colour through your furniture and accessories. We’ve chosen a few of our favourite green items here to give you some ideas of where to start.

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 37

MONEY MONEY MONEY Before you worry about location, location, location, think about money, money money! Money for your deposit, money for your mortgage and money to get through each month. The budget planner on the right hand page will

• Check with your council to see that you are on

help you work out your income and outgoings each

the electoral roll. Not being on the electoral roll

month so you’ll know how much you can afford to

reduces your chances of being accepted.

pay in mortgage (or mortgage and rent on a shared

• Try to pay off existing debts before you apply,

ownership property). And if you need to build

or at the very least reduce them by as much as

up a deposit, it will also help you work out how

possible.

much you can save to put towards it. But the rest of

• Don’t miss or make late repayments on any loan,

this page will help you get the best mortgage deal

credit card or utility bill. Missed or late payments

available by making sure your credit rating is as

can stay on your credit file for up to 6 years and

high as possible.

can play havoc with your chances of obtaining a mortgage.

Credit ratings

• Keep within your bank overdraft limit and

A below average credit rating will affect the

preferably keep in credit for at least 6 months prior

mortgage terms you’re offered or perhaps even

to applying for a mortgage. Lenders will ask to

lead to your mortgage application being turned

see between 3 and 6 months of your most recent

down altogether. And there’s no way round it.

bank statements and if you have overstepped

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will

your authorised limit this is likely to lead to an

carry out a credit check which provides them with

automatic decline.

a breakdown of all historical financial transactions

• If you’ve never had credit before, it can be

held in your name. This records how much you

difficult for a lender to assess you. Consider taking

have borrowed and how you have dealt with each

out a credit card, make a couple of purchases on

commitment, i.e. are you a good payer and have

it each month and repaying them in full within

you paid on time? This check also provides a “credit

the prescribed time limit. This will help to build a

score” to help the lender make a decision on your

good credit history.

application. Unfortunately, the scoring systems

• Having too much credit available can work

aren’t published and differ lender to lender and

against you. Close any accounts you don’t need or

product to product. But we do know that the higher

use anymore.

your score, the better chance you have of obtaining

• Lenders want to see a settled financial history

a mortgage and being offered a good interest rate.

so don’t take out any loans or new credit cards shortly before applying for a mortgage.

38 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Easy steps to maximise your credit score

• It’s not always easy, but avoid a job change

• Obtain a copy of your credit report (the 3 major

application. Before agreeing to a loan most

agencies are Experian, Equifax and Callcredit) and

mortgage providers like a borrower to have held a

check the content. The reports can occasionally

job for a few months to show that a steady income

contain mistakes.

is being received.

immediately prior to submitting a mortgage

MoneyMaestro

BUDGETPLANNER Get to grips with your finances and plan to have a little left over each month to build a deposit or to buy those finishing touches for your home. Budget on a monthly basis, even if it’s an annual bill. This handy planner will be useful when your mortgage lender asks you about your outgoings. Go to www.homefocus.co.uk /Budget_Planner and download an electronic version to print off as many as you need.

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 • MARCH/APRIL 2015 39

KITCHEN ESSEN MUST HAVE APPLIANCES TO SUIT EVERY

hether you’re a first time buyer looking to set up a kitchen, or simply moving home and taking stock of what you have, there are certain small appliances that you can guarantee every home in the country will want. Here we’ve taken a look at the real essentials such as a kettle and toaster, alongside everyone’s favourite time saving device, the microwave oven. We’ve also considered a couple of luxury items for coffee lovers and budding chefs.

Time For A Brew Kettles

Pop up Toasters

BEST BUY

Two slice purple toaster £10 www.wilko.com Illuminated kettle £20 www.wilko.com

GREAT VALUE

Breville VKJ596 kettle £49.95 www.johnlewis.com

Breville two slice toaster £35 www.tesco.com

INVESTMENT

Smeg KLF01 kettle £89.99 www.currys.co.uk

40 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

INVESTMENT

Morphy Richards Accents four slice toaster £60 www.debenhams.com

RoomFocus

TIALS BUDGET

Speedy Solution Microwaves

Smell The Aroma Coffee Machines

Mix It Up Food Processors

BEST BUY

Krups Dolce Gusto Melody 3 hot drinks machine £49.99 www.currys.co.uk

Compact food processor £21 www.sabichi.co.uk

GREAT VALUE

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Jovia By De’Longhi £89.99 www.dolce-gusto.co.uk

Hotpoint FP1005AB0UK food processor £79 www.ao.com

INVESTMENT

Illy Frances Y3 coffee machine £149 www.espressocrazy.com

KitchenAid 5KFP0925BAC 2.1 Food Processor £139.99 www.currys.co.uk

Samsung ME711K freestanding microwave £49 www.ao.com

GREAT VALUE

Retro microwave 23L £70 www.wilko.com

INVESTMENT

Gusto Microwave Oven with Crisp function £145.20 www.whirlpool.co.uk

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 41

MOVING

CHECKLIST PRACTICAL PLANNING FOR MOVING DAY Finally, after all the searching and dealing with mortgage advisors and solicitors, you’ve exchanged contracts and have been given a date 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

42 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

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!

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

n Arrange for utility connections at your new

1 WEEK BEFORE… n Arrange to transfer bank and savings

home

accounts

n Contact your new local authority about

n Tell credit and store card companies your

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 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

n Check parking arrangements at your new

n Get to know your new area and work out the

home and apply for permits if necessary

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

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 help you tick off the organisations you’ll need to tell you’re moving, go to www.homefocusmagazine.co.uk/Moving_Checklist and download a copy to print off and stick on your fridge!

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 • MARCH/APRIL 2015 43

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE

FUTURE If you’re looking for a home that will increase in value as well as be a great place to live, conventional wisdom says, look for the places where coffee shops are being planned, or boutique shops that’ll bring in a new trendy audience of shoppers, workers and residents. We are all familiar with the local estate or an area that has been neglected or is simply no longer fit for the demands of today’s modern living. The aim of regeneration is to give places like this a facelift or even a wholescale regeneration depending on the job to be done and the funds available. The vision is to create something new that will last and that people will be proud of. Depending on the scale of the regeneration, there may be an aim to attract inward investment, create more of a community,

enhance transport; build a new school or a Doctors’ surgery and possibly create new places of work or retail areas. And common to regeneration areas is the opportunity to buy brand new quality homes with shared ownership or other affordable home ownership options alongside rent and sale.

Everyone wins Research shows that residents of regenerated areas tend to display a real sense of belonging to the new community and benefit from a reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour. There’s also a ‘halo’ effect which spreads to the neighbouring areas – they too benefit from an improved and attractive area. In fact everyone wins!

‘I could purchase my own home with a deposit of just 5%’ Roughly a third of the purchases at Crest Nicholson’s Park Central development in the regeneration area of Birmingham are made under an affordable home ownership scheme. One first time buyer who used the Help to Buy option to buy a onebedroom apartment at Park Central is Chris Bayliss, aged 27. Having previously rented for two years, Chris moved back into his parent’s home to save money for a deposit and then took the plunge and stepped onto the property ladder last year. Chris said: ‘At first I was looking for a place to rent in the city centre which was within easy walking distance to work but, when I realised that I could purchase my own home with a deposit of just 5%, I discovered that I could actually afford to purchase my own home instead. By using the initiative I only had to save £6,600 for my deposit. Chris continued ‘I’d certainly recommend using the five per cent deposit schemes to other people, after all, without it I wouldn’t have been able to get onto the property ladder.’

44 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Regeneration

Kidbrooke Village Since building began in 2009, Kidbrooke Village has established itself as a soughtafter place to live with a number of new neighbourhoods already completed and occupied.

In place is a Sainsbury’s Local, a First Coffee, and an established David Lloyd Sports and Leisure Centre. The planned ‘piazza’, with additional shops, bars and restaurants, along with new healthcare, community and sports facilities will be delivered during later phases. To accompany the 35-acre Sutcliffe Park

Chatham Three sites are planned by Heart of Medway Housing to help regenerate the Brook area of Chatham. Building has already started on a mixture of houses and apartments at a garage site in Upbury Way, and a

to the south of Kidbrooke Village will be Cator Park, a large section of which has already been landscaped with its own new lake. Viridian Housing is offering shared ownership at two of the developments at Kidbroke Village – Deering House and Wallace Court

planning application for 50 new homes in Cross Street has recently been submitted to Medway Council. Heart of Medway Housing plans to invest over £10 million over the next three years, delivering more than 75 affordable new homes for local people.” Additionally, 100 other homes in the Brook area will be improved and Chatham’s transport services have already benefited from a new, modern, bus station less than half a mile from the development.

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 45

TAKING THE NEXT STEP YOU’RE READY TO MOVE ON...

SO HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT IT?

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 will want to stay just where they are now ...and that’s fine, shared ownership will work for them as long as they want it to. But for most people, shared ownership is the first step to somewhere else. So one of the first questions they ask when looking into shared ownership is ‘what happens when I want to move?’

property. They’ll want to meet the current owners and ask their views as someone who really knows what it’s like to live there. 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.

Selling On

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 and offer your share through an estate agent or any other specialist. www.homefocus.co.uk/Sell-a-Home will tell you more.

Well, for as long as it stays hard to get onto the home ownership ladder, there could be a whole queue 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 ready- made list of them to contact. Better still, some of the potential buyers will be more interested in an established home than in a new-build

46 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

What if ...

MovingOn

‘We were really happy with how quickly our flat sold…’ Knowing that there’s a ready-made market for resale shared ownership homes is reassuring, even when you’re buying your first place and have no plans to sell up again for a while. After all, it’s good to know that there will be people who are excited to buy your share when you come to move on. That’s certainly how Shaun and Sarah Woodbridge felt when they decided to sell their home. The couple originally bought a 40% share of their one-bedroom apartment in Newbury (pictured above) from Sovereign. ‘Our flat was the first home we’d ever purchased, and back in 2008, shared ownership gave us the opportunity to buy a lovely, bright home in a complex with lots of character,’ says Shaun. ‘We’d never have been able to have bought here otherwise.

‘What attracted us to shared ownership in the first place was the affordability,’ he adds. ‘When we decided to sell, we thought others would think the same. And we welcomed all the help we could get. We had never sold a property before so it was all new to us.’ Sarah and Shaun’s property sold soon after they put it on the market! ‘We were really happy with how quickly our home sold,’ says Shaun. ‘

Just a taste...

Some current properties with the current owner’s share available to be resold.

HAWKE HOUSE 25% of this twobedroom apartment in Southampton from Affinity Sutton for £32,500

BUCKWELL’S FIELD 50% of this two-bedroom apartment in Bengeo from Hightown Homes for £122,500

OTTER DRIVE 25% of this one-bedroom apartment in Carshalton from Affinity Sutton for £48,750

SCHOLAR’S COURT 40% of this one-bedroom apartment in St Albans from Hightown Homes for £100,000

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 47

ASK THE EXPERTS

I’ve heard enough about shared ownership to know it’s the most likely way for me to get onto the housing ladder, but what do I do next? Writes Carrie Short from Colchester

Process! Knowing something can be the right thing for you is not the same as knowing how to go about making it happen. So we asked some experts about the next step.

Can we help? Got a question but don’t know anyone in the

know? Send it to us at info@homefocus.co.uk and we’ll put it to our panel of experts. Or

maybe we’ll find someone who has personal experience to answer your query. It could be a

legal question or a financial issue or a general query about low cost home ownership. We’ll

do our best to find you some great advice.

48 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

HELP TO BUY AGENT

Margaret Snook Head of Help to Buy Midlands

f shared ownership is for you and you live outside London, the first step is to check you’re eligible by

applying to your local Help to Buy Agent (HtBA). If you don’t know who your HtBA is, then go to www.helptobuy. org.uk and look under the Equity Loan tab or go to page 54 of this magazine. The HtBA will do a headline assessment based on your current circumstances. You can apply electronically on the internet, or request a hardcopy application form. The agent then checks you meet the ‘headline’ eligibility criteria for shared ownership. Once you have headline approval, you can start looking for a property. The Property Search facility on your local HtBA’s website will have a selection of shared ownership properties for sale. HtBA websites also market resales: these are previously owned shared ownership properties which are now being resold. When you find a property you like, contact the housing association marketing it, arrange a viewing and if you’re interested in going ahead, the housing association will do a more in-depth assessment. They will check you can afford the purchase and are maximising your contribution to the sale. It’s a good idea to talk to an independent financial advisor who will help broker a mortgage for you, if you need one. You’ll also need to instruct a solicitor. And then once you’ve completed on the sale, you’ll get the keys to your new front door!

ExpertAdvice

LONDON ONLY ADVICE

CUSTOMER

Simon Scott

David Loach

Chair London Home Ownership Group

David Loach found the property he wanted in Worthing

ll shared ownership and affordable home ownership properties in London are advertised

avid Loach, 54, had been living alone in a rented bedsit with shared bathroom facilities. Having

at www.sharetobuy.com/FirstSteps, so you can narrow

decided that he wanted to invest in a property, David was

down the search to the area and type of property that

really pleased when he found a one bedroom apartment

you’re after and also the kind of deposit and budget

on Dominion Road in Worthing, offered on a shared

you’re able to afford.

ownership basis.

Once you find something, register on First Steps and

David had been ‘signed on’ with his local Help to Buy

contact the Registered Provider (RP) otherwise known

Agent and regularly checked the website until the resale

as a housing association that is selling it. The RP will

(second hand or existing shared ownership) apartment

on Dominion Road came up. He contacted Affinity Sutton

criteria that may apply. You will then be invited to view the

(the housing association involved) and through them

scheme with a view to buy it on a shared ownership basis.

organised two visits to the apartment before committing to the purchase. David said, ‘The previous tenant showed

You will then need to have an affordability assessment

me round and was really helpful and spoke highly about

which can be arranged through an Independent

the development. It was great to hear from someone who

Financial Advisor (IFA), to ensure you can afford it and

has experienced living there’.

that you have enough to cover the deposit and general moving costs and that there are no restrictions on that

The apartment was built in 2008 and it’s perfect for keen

property to prevent you proceeding with the purchase of

musician David, as it is big enough to house his piano.

your new home.

He says he is ‘a lot happier now and that my lifestyle has improved. It’s my own home, I feel settled. I no longer have

The RP will then guide you through the purchase, step

to worry about someone increasing my rent and I’m no

by step, even suggesting a panel of solicitors that have

longer cooking where I’m sleeping as if I were a student.’

experience in helping first time buyers buy their first new home.

David bought a 40% share for £48,000 and provided a deposit of just over £6,000. David’s mortgage is £369

The RP will continue to be there for support and advice

per month and the rent is £288 with all service charges

for the long haul and will want to see your smooth

included.

transition to homeowner, even making more shares available to you through what is known as staircasing

David’s advice is to register with your local Help to Buy

when you can afford to buy them at a later stage.

Agent and keep checking their website!

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 49

FINDING YOUR PLACE ON THE

LADDER

Lots of people think that low cost home ownership (LCHO) is a great opportunity but it can’t be for them…can it? Surely it’s only for council tenants? Or keyworkers? Well, you’d be surprised at the different sorts of people who climb onto the home ownership ladder thanks to shared ownership and Help to Buy. Julie and Martin Moved back to UK after living abroad After living abroad for a few years Julie and Martin returned to their home town of Southampton and were renting privately when they came across an advert for Help to Buy South’s Open Day. And they were keen to find out what help was available to them. ‘It didn’t work out for us when we moved abroad, so when we returned we thought that we could no longer buy due to our age and how much working life we had left to accommodate a mortgage.’ said Julie. At the Open Day they filled out their application form and were delighted to be accepted for the shared ownership scheme. ‘We knew that we could afford a mortgage but unfortunately we didn’t have enough deposit saved. We were thrilled when a two-bedroom resale (or existing shared ownership) house came available.’ said Martin. Only needing a deposit at 5% of the cost of the share made it possible.

50 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

Elizabeth Thought even a tiny studio was beyond her means Fed up with living in a shared house, Elizabeth decided it was time to get a place for her own. But she thought she’d have to break the bank just to get a tiny studio, until she heard about shared ownership ‘I’d been living in house shares for years previously, and although it was fun, I was getting tired of living with other people’s mess and not having enough space in the kitchen,’ she says So Elizabeth decided to do a bit of research to confirm that buying a property in London was going to be hard. ‘I’d gone so far as to speak to some financial advisors and was really concerned about how I would manage to pay a mortgage that large each month,’ she admits. ‘On top of that, even by borrowing heavily I knew all I’d be able to afford was a small studio.’ Instead, she decided that shared ownership would be the right option for her, and is now the proud owner of a spacious A2 apartment just a stone’s throw from the River Thames in Wandsworth.

BuyerProfile

wasn’t hopeful he would be able to find something he could afford. Tony said, ‘After my marriage break-up, I didn’t have enough money to buy outright’, and then I heard about Raglan Housing’s shared ownership scheme in Portman Mews. I found out that I could buy 50% and pay Raglan a subsidised rent on the remainder. It seemed like a really affordable solution’ Tony continues ‘I thought my equity would be too much and I wouldn’t meet the criteria. It wasn’t the case, I’m glad I checked.’

Tanya and Chris Able to buy a three-bedroom First-time buyers Tanya and Chris found exactly what they were looking for when they began their search in Biggleswade. Tanya and Chris who were both previously living with parents had been looking at two-bedroom properties in the area, but says Tanya, ‘when we saw Taylor Wimpey’s three-bedroom house in Bramble Walk, we knew that was the house for us. We wanted a new-build for our first house because we wanted to move in and not have to do any work, which is exactly what we’ve got!’ Taking the 20% Help to Buy equity loan meant they could buy a three-bedroom home of their choice.

Tony Unable to buy outright after a relationship split Following the break up of his marriage, Tony was living in rented accommodation in Sherborne. As he and his wife share joint custody of their son, he wanted to remain in the town and ideally, buy a property of his own rather than continue to rent. But with high average house prices Tony

Christina, her partner and baby Living with parents in an over-crowded home After Christina and her long-term boyfriend found out that a baby was on the way, they moved into a private rent home in St Albans to be nearer to Christina’s parents and grand-parents. Unfortunately the property had a bad damp problem which became unbearable for them and their new born. So they had to move out, and ended up living with Christina’s parents, meaning there was suddenly a very full house with five adults and a baby. Christina and her partner were keen to buy their own home, but despite a good job and a long time saving, house prices in St Albans were beyond them. But Christina saw new shared ownership homes being advertised by North Hertfordshire Homes just around the corner, filled in the Help to Buy Agent’s online application form and was delighted that they met the criteria. Christina says: “When we viewed the property, we were amazed. We couldn’t believe that we could afford it.” Will these stories inspire you to become a homeowner? See the list of low cost home ownership (LCHO) properties on pages 56-59. Or go to www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-costhomes-near-you. Or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 51

52 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

homefocusCompetition

N I W

ONE OF SIX £50 NATIONAL GARDEN GIFT VOUCHERS Whether it’s a small patch of grass, window box, hanging basket, patio, or large garden with a rolling lawn and endless flower displays, National Garden Gift Vouchers let friends and family create their very own garden haven. Make a stunning outdoor area to enjoy all year round by choosing some new containers, refreshing flower beds or investing in new garden furniture. National Garden Gift Vouchers give your green-fingered loved ones the freedom to choose the plants

To be in with a chance of winning one of six £50 vouchers simply answer the question below: National Garden Gift Vouchers are available in how many denominations? A: 2 B: 5 C: 4

and accessories they really want

How to enter:

and can be bought and redeemed

Email your answer, along with your name, address, and confirmation that your are over 18 years of age to: comps@homefocus.co.uk don’t forget to include ‘National Garden Gift Vouchers’ in the subject line. Or go to www.homefocus.co.uk/competitions

at over 2,000 retail outlets around the UK including garden centres such as Dobbies, Hilliers, Notcutts, Squire’s and Homebase and hundreds of independent garden nurseries. Visit www.

The six winners will be picked at random from correct entries.

thevouchergarden.co.uk for an easy to use store locator or to buy online. National Garden Gift Vouchers are available in denominations of £5,

TERMS AND CONDITIONS • The closing date is 10th May 2015 • The Editor’s decision is final • No purchase necessary • There is no alternative cash prize • We accept no responsibility for entries not received

£10, £25 and £50.

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 53

WhereNext

homefinder

Your steps to making all the right moves… WHERE NOW? If you’ve got the feeling that affordable or low cost home ownership (LCHO) can help you, then here’s what to do next Step 1 – Get registered If you want to buy through shared ownership or Help to Buy Equity Loan you should register with your local Help to Buy Agent. They’ll process your application to make sure you’re eligible for the scheme and provide you with a list of all the LCHO properties on offer in your area. It’s a little different in London but there’s still an online LCHO portal to point you in the right direction. Or you can go to www. homefocus.co.uk/register and be taken to just the place you need to be. The homefocus website will help minimise the amount of duplication you have to go through and offer all kinds of practical help. Step 2 – Work out how much you can afford There’s no point falling in love with a place only to find out that it’s way above your price bracket. Outside London, your Help to Buy Agent will take you through a basic financial check, just to confirm that you’re eligible for shared ownership and/or Help to Buy and will give you an indication of how much you’re likely to afford. The figures will be more closely reviewed later on in the process. In London, your housing association will go over the figures with you once you’ve found a home you like. No matter where you live, we advise that you go to a specialist financial advisor who understands the LCHO market inside out.

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!

Your local HELP TO BUY AGENT will have a comprehensive list of all LCHO properties in your area. That includes shared ownership new build, shared ownership resales and Help to Buy properties. You can visit their website as listed below, or if you’re not sure which is the correct one for you, go to www.homefocus.co.uk/Help_To_Buy_ Agents and be redirected. homefocus will help make sure you get to the right place.

LONDON www.sharetobuy.com/firststeps

Step 3 – Home hunting Now for 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 12 of the magazine. There’s a fuller list on pages 56-59 or at www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-cost-homes-near-you. Or you can go to www.homefocus.co.uk/Search where you’ll get directions to a full listing of LCHO properties in the region you’re searching.

SOUTH www.helptobuysouth.co.uk

Step 4 – Details Getting down to the nitty- gritty! Once you’ve found the home you want, and whether you live in London or not, you’ll formally apply for your home through the housing association or developer and they’ll give you a more detailed affordability check, often asking an independent financial advisor (IFA) of their choosing to find out how much you can afford.

www.helptobuyese.org.uk

Step 5 – Check the small print If all goes ahead, then you’ll need to get in touch with a solicitor to take you through the legal side of buying a home. We advise using one with experience of LCHO transactions and you’ll find a list of them advertising on pages 66-67 of the magazine. Step 6 – Get moving Sorry, but there’s still more practicalities to go through before the excitement of moving into your own home, like telling DVLA to change the details on your driving license or registering with a new doctor, letting the bank know your new address and organising schools for your children. If you’d like a helpful checklist to make sure that you let everyone (who needs to know) that you’re on the move, go to www. homefocus.co.uk/Moving_CheckList and download a printable pdf.

SOUTH WEST www.helptobuysw.org.uk

EAST & SOUTH EAST MIDLANDS www.helptobuymidlands.co.uk

REST OF THE COUNTRY Homefocus magazine doesn’t cover the north of England, but if you go to www.homefocus.co.uk/Help_To_Buy_Agents, then you will be redirected to the appropriate website.

HERE’S THE KEY To help you on the way to getting the keys to your own door... We’ve colour coded our development sections on pages 12-31 and our homefinder property listings on pages 56-59, to make finding a property in your area a little easier. The key is as follows:

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

WANT MORE INFORMATION? Call homefocus on 0845 474 4734

e-mail enquiries@homefocus.co.uk or Facebook us at www.facebook.com/homefocus

54 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

ShowDiary

FORTHCOMING

EVENTS

FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS NEAR YOU! First Time Buyer Home Show Business Design Centre 52 Upper Street, London N1 0QH 7 March 2015

FIRST STEPS Home Show Spring 2015 This event is ticket only You will not be permitted entrance if you have not registered Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre Westminster, London 14th March 10am-5pm

Hampshire Show

Berkshire Show First Floor Grandstand Newbury Racecourse RG14 7NZ 11 April 2015

Gloucestershire Show Gold Cup and Festival Suites Cheltenham Racecourse GI50 4SH 18 April 2015

Hertfordshire’s Help to Buy New Home Show Ramada Hotel St Albans Road West, Hatfield AL10 9RH 16 May 10.30-4pm

Suffolk Help to Buy New Home Show Ipswich Town Hall Cornhill, Ipswich IP1 1DH 23 May 2015 10.30am-4pm

Bristol Area Show

The Gateway

Bristol BS1 5DB 25 April 2015

Gatehouse Road Aylesbury HP19 8FF 6 June 10.30-4pm

The Ageas Bowl SO30 3XH 14 March 2015

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 0845 474 4734 or e-mail us at enquiries@homefocus.co.uk and we’ll do our best to help! Until the next issue of homefocus… happy homehunting!

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 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 & SOUTH EAST www.helptobuyese.org.uk Ashford Wellesley View 1 Aylesbury Oasis at Buckingham Park 5 Bedford Aspire 9 Bexhill on Sea The Point Phase 2 8 Biggleswade Kings Reach, Biggleswade 9 Bognor Regis Harrington House 1 Brighton Super B 53 Brighton One Hove Park 30 Brighton Alexandra Apartments 1 Brighton Portside Mews 8 Broadstairs Hereson Place 5 Buxted Totease Mews 1 Canterbury Chantry Club 16 Chatham Upbury Way 3 Chatham Theatre Royal 8 Chatham Theatre Royal 2 Chatham Admirals Place 8 Chatham St. Marys Island 24 Chelmsford St John’s 3 Chelmsford City Park West 11 Chichester Affinity Sutton at Graylingwell Park 43 Chichester Bleaches Court 1 Chigwell Grange Manor 3 Crawley Down Woodlands Close 4 Cringleford Aura, Round House Park 6 Crowborough Sherlock Shaw 1 Croydon Hampton Mews 10 Dover Church Lane 21 Dover Caesar Court 19 East Grinstead Birch House 1 Eastbourne Churchdale Road 1 Eastergate Brooks Nursery 4 Faygate Kilnwood Vale 10 Gillingham Amherst Heights 2 Gillingham Amherst Heights 2 Gillingham Hayter House 2 Hailsham Arlington Road 14 Halling St Andrews Park 11 Halling St Andrews Park 18 Halling St Andrews Park 11 Halling St Andrews Park 18 Hassocks Affinity Sutton at Ockley Grange 2 Hastings Sycamore Chase 16 Hastings Kingswood Gate 11 Hatfield Princes Gate 13 Hatfield The Frythe 19 Haywards Heath Butlers Green Road 3 Horsham Novatis 25 Hove New Church Road 1 Hoveton Meadow View 11 Hurstpierpoint Chalkers Vale 6 Ipswich Stoke Quay 57 Kents Hill Bedgebury Place, Kents Hill 2 Lewes Yew Tree Court 10 Littlehampton Kingley Gate 8 Maidstone West Gate Apartments 12

56 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

1 bed flat 1 bed flats 2 & 3 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 2 bed flat 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 2 bed wheelchair chair adapted 2 & 3 bed houses 3 bed houses 3 bed flat 1 & 2 bed flats 2 bed houses 2 bed flats 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats, 2 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 & 4 bed houses 1 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 bed houses 2 bed flat 2 bed flats 2 bed houses 2 & 3 bed houses 2 bed flat 2 & 3 bed houses 2 & 3 bed 2 bed 2 bed flat 3 bed house 2 & 3 bed houses 2, 3 & 4 bed houses 4 bed houses 4 bed houses 2 bed flat 2 & 3 bed houses 3 & 4 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats 3 & 4 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats 2 & 3 bed houses 2 & 3 bed houses 2 bed flats , 2 bed houses 2 & 3 bed houses, 2 bed flats 2 & 3 bed houses 3 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 bed house 2 bed flat 2 & 3 bed houses 3 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats 3 bed house 1 & 2 bed flats 2 & 3 bed houses 2 bed flats

Now Now Now Now 2014-2015 Now Now Now Now Winter Now Now 2016 Autumn Now Now Now Late 2015 Now Now Spring 2015 Now Now Summer Now Now May Feb-16 July Now Now Spring 2015 Launch 2015 Now Now Now Summer June September June September Summer Now Now Now Winter Winter 2018 Now Now Spring 2015 Now June Now Summer Early 2015

Affinity Sutton Hightown Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Aragon Affinity Sutton Hyde New Homes Hyde New Homes Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Orbit Homes Affinity Sutton Orbit Homes Heart of Medway Heart of Medway Red Loft Orbit Homes Orbit Homes East Thames Genesis Housing Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton East Thames Affinity Sutton Orbit Homes Affinity Sutton Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Southern Housing Heart of Medway Red Loft Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Heart of Medway Heart of Medway Red Loft Red Loft Affinity Sutton Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Orbit Homes Affinity Sutton Orbit Homes Affinity Sutton Genesis Housing Aragon Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Heart of Medway

PropertySearch

Location

Name of Development

No of Units

www.helptobuyese.org.uk Maidstone Ellipse at River Quarter 6 Maidstone Buckland Hill 12 Maidstone Fairmeadow 12 Midhurst The Old School Apartments 14 Midhurst The Old School Apartments 14 Oxted Affinity Sutton at Meridan Square 2 Ramsgate Westwood Cross 78 Sandy Sunderland Road 2 Seven Oaks Dunton Meadows 49 Shenley Brook End Garthwaite Crescent 1 St Leonards on Sea Oakwood Rise 11 Stotfold Beauchamp Mill 5 Thanet Weyburn Place 4 Upper Caldecote Biggleswade Road, 2 Wadhurst Farthing Hill 1 Ware Clarendon Court 2 Westcliff-on-Sea Salisbury Mews 2 Yapton Emerald Gardens 4

Type of Properties 2 bed flats TBA flats TBA flats 2 bed flats 2 bed flats 2 bed houses TBC 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed TBC 3 bed house 2 & 3 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats 2 & 3 bed houses 3 bed house, 2 bed bungalow 1 bed flat 2 bed end terr house, 3 bed det. house 3 bed house 2 & 3 bed houses

Available From Winter Mid 2015 Late 2015 Spring 2015 Spring 2015 Summer 2016 2014-2015 October Late 2015 Now Now Soon 2015 Now Now Now Now

Provider

Heart of Medway Heart of Medway Heart of Medway Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Orbit Homes Aragon Orbit Homes Aragon Orbit Homes Hightown Homes Orbit Homes Aragon Affinity Sutton Hightown Homes Estuary Stonewater Homes

LONDON www.sharetobuy.com/firststeps Barking and Dagenham L&Q @ Barking Riverside IMR Barnet Axis Bexley Erith Park Bow The View Bromley Archery Lane Bromley The Berry Fields Bromley Krueger House Bromley William Petty Way Canada Water Quebec Quarter Chingford Mayfield Colindale Zenith Croydon The Point Croydon The Deacons Custom House DNA Docklands New Providence Wharf Ealing L&Q @ Liberty Quarter Ealing The Garden Court Apartments Ealing The Garden Court Apartments Enfield Bolingbroke Park Enfield Watermill Lane Epping L&Q @ Arboretum Fitzrovia Cleveland Street@Fitzroy Place Forest Hill City Walk Fulham Farm Lane Fulham Farm Lane Fulham Fulham Riverside Golders Green The Lexington NW11 Greenwich Ordnance Place Greenwich L&Q @ Greenwich Square Greenwich L&Q @ Greenwich Peninsula Greenwich L&Q @ Platinum Riverside Greenwich L&Q @ Enderby Wharf Hackney The City Mills Phase 2 Hammersmith Affinity Sutton at Ashlar Court Harold Wood Kings Park Harrow Essence Harrow Chandos Harrow Pearmain House Harrow Bridge Street Isle Of Dogs Triangle E14 Isle Of Dogs Parkland Place Islington Harrington Court Islington The Fable Apartments at the Lexicon Islington St Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre Kensington Grand Union Centre Kensington The Kells Kidbrooke SOKV Lewisham Goldcrest House Lewisham L&Q @ Greenland Place Lewisham Thurston Point Manor House Woodberry Park New Cross Spark Newham Chobham Manor

52 6 9 4 1 11 1 1 69 6 6 35 7 7 47 11 2 4 50 30 4 14 1 16 2 3 4 10 76 34 14 46 116 4 24 12 15 38 26 8 5 14 70 7 22 3 61 29 95 42 42 30 8

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L&Q Origin Housing Orbit Homes East Thames Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton L&Q East Thames Genesis Housing Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton East Thames Genesis Housing L&Q Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton L&Q Newlon Home Ownership L&Q Octavia Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton L&Q L&Q L&Q L&Q L&Q L&Q Affinity Sutton East Thames Origin Housing Origin Housing Metropolitan Metropolitan Gateway Living East Thames L&Q Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Viridian Housing L&Q L&Q L&Q Genesis Housing Hyde New Homes L&Q

homefocus â&#x20AC;˘ MARCH/APRIL 2015 57

PropertySearch Location

Name of Development

No of Units

Type of Properties

Available From

Provider

LONDON

www.sharetobuy.com/firststeps Orpington Amethyst Court 4 Orpington William Petty Way 2 Paddington Merchant Square 23 Plumstead Kings Highway 30 Putney Putney Plaza 34 Redbridge Westview Drive 9 Romford Victoria Road 24 Shoreditch Mondrian 2 Southwark L&Q @ Trafalgar Place 26 Southwark Harvard Gardens 27 Southwark L&Q @ The Arc Southwark 169-173 Blackfriars Road 10 Stonebridge Spring 27 Stratford Stratford Gate 52 Stratford Stratford Plaza 22 Tottenham Rivers Apartments 65 Tottenham John Cameron Court 9 Tower Hamlets The Dockyard 23 Waltham Forest Shernall Street 21 Walthamstow Stadium Place 99 Wandsworth Spectra Apartments 19 Wembley Forty Avenue 2 Woolwich The Liberty 98 Woolwich Cannons Corner 24

1 & 2 bed flats Now 2 bed flat Now 1 & 2 bed flats Now 1, 2 & 3 bed flats Now 1, 2 & 3 bed flats Summer 2 bed flats Now-Summer 1 & 2 bed flats 2016 1 bed flats Now 1, 2 & 3 bed flats, 2, 3 & 4 bed dupexes Spring 1 & 2 bed flats Summer 1, 2 & 3 bed flats Early 2015 1 & 2 bed flats Summer 1, 2 & 3 bed flats September 1 & 2 bed flats Summer 1, 2 & 3 bed flats Coming soon 1, 2 & 3 bed flats Now 1, 2 & 3 bed flats Now 1, 2 & 3 bed flats Coming soon 1, 2 & 3 flats Now-Summer 1,2 & 4 bed hses, 1, 2 & 3 bed flats, Summer 3 bed m’ettes 1 & 2 bed flats Now 3 bed maisonettes Spring/Summer 2 bed flats - over 55s Summer 1 & 2 bed flats Now

Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Octavia Hyde New Homes Octavia Metropolitan Estuary Genesis Housing L&Q L&Q L&Q Affinity Sutton Hyde New Homes L&Q East Thames Newlon Home Ownership Newlon Home Ownership East Thames Metropolitan L&Q Octavia Octavia Viridian Housing Hyde New Homes

MIDLANDS

www.helptobuymidlands.co.uk Bedworth Milliner Court 10 2 & 3 bed houses Now Bidford upon Avon The Waterways 5 2 & 3 bed houses Now Bishops Itching Hendry Place 3 3 bed houses October Bugbrooke The Willows 8 2 & 3 bed houses Early 2015 Burton Latimer Glade Gardens 8 2 bed houses June Burton-upon-Trent Steeping Place 18 2 & 3 bed houses Autumn Henley in Arden Henley Oint 1 2 bed flat Now Kenilworth Abbey End 1 2 bed house Now Kettering Waterside 11 2 & 3 bed houses Now Kettering Westhill 4 3 bed houses May Leamington Spa Fieldgate Lane 9 2 & 3 bed Jan-Jun 2016 Leamington Spa The Priors @ Chesterton Gardens 17 3 bed houses June Long Marston Beaufort Mead 29 2 & 3 bed houses, 2 bed m’ettes & flat Now Middleton Cheney Waters Lane, Middleton Cheney 6 2 & 3 bed houses March-May 2015 Northampton Booth Park 56 2 bed houses Now Northampton Carey Fields 14 2 & 3 bed houses May-16 Nuneaton Viscount Place 6 2 & 3 bed houses Now Pineham Butterfly Gardens 37 2 & 3 bed house Early 2015 Radstone Fields Radstone Fields, Brackley 27 2 & 3 bed houses 2015-2016 Rugby Lower Street 76 TBC TBC Rushden Woollard Gardens 8 2, 3 & 4 bed houses August Rushden Nightingale Place 4 2 & 3 bed houses Now Rushdon 17 Lawton Road 1 2 bed house Now South Northants Stonecutters, Roade 10 2 bed houses Early/Mid 2015 Stratford-upon-Avon The Chapelry 15 2, 3 & 4 bed houses Now Thrapston The Sidings 28 1 & 2 bed m’ettes, 2 & 3 bed houses Spring 2015 Warwick London Rd - Shipston on Stour 41 TBC 2015 & 2016 Warwick Hawkes Meadow 18 2 & 3 bed houses June Wellesbourne Ettington Mews 19 2, 3 & 4 bed houses Now

SOUTH

www.helptobuysouth.co.uk Aldershot Eastleigh Emsworth Farnborough Freshwater IOW Glastonbury Gosport Gosport Havant Lee-on-the-Solent Newport IOW Portsmouth Portsmouth Portsmouth Portsmouth Reading Southampton

Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Aragon Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Aragon Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes

The Orchards The Hub Redlands Grange North Farm Terrace Freshwater Fields Chilkwell Street Alver Village Issac House Nursery Fields & Manor Farm Sea Crest Gardens Pan Meadows Guardians Gate Southdown View Southdown View Graduate Court The Cedars Montague Place

58 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

11 9 1 3 14 3 9 1 5 5 9 2 24 10 1 17 11

2 bed flats, 3 bed houses 2 bed flats & duplex, 2 & 3 bed houses 1 bed flat 3 bed houses 2 & 3 bed houses 2 & 3 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats 2 bed flat 2 & 3 bed houses 2 & 3 bed houses 2 bed houses 4 bed houses 2 bed flats 2 bed flats 2 bed flat 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats

Now May Now Now Spring 2015 Now Now Now August Now Autumn Now April April Now Now Now

First Wessex First Wessex First Wessex First Wessex Spectrum Housing Stonewater Homes First Wessex Affinity Sutton First Wessex First Wessex Spectrum Housing First Wessex First Wessex First Wessex Affinity Sutton Southern Housing First Wessex

PropertySearch

Location

Name of Development

No of Units

Type of Properties

Available From

Provider

SOUTH www.helptobuysouth.co.uk Southampton Southampton Southampton Southampton Southampton Southampton Stanford in The Vale

Mayflower Mews Queensway Centenary Quay Centenary Quay The Cloisters Hawke House Faringdon Road

9 12 8 4 8 1 7

1 & 2 bed flats 2 bed houses, 1 ,2 & 3 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 bed house 2 bed flat 2 & 3 bed houses

Broadway Mews Maytrees Maple Walk South West Quadrant Cranbourne Heights The Old Coal Yard Monkton Heathfield Pemberley

9 1 9 4 3 6 3 2

2 & 3 bed houses 2 bed flat 2 & 3 bed houses 3 bed houses 3 bed house 2 & 3 bed houses 3 bed houses 2 bed houses

Now Coming Soon Now Now Now Now Coming soon

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Autumn Now Spring 2015 Now Autumn Now Now Now

Spectrum Housing Affinity Sutton Spectrum Housing Stonewater Homes Spectrum Housing Stonewater Homes Stonewater Homes Stonewater Homes

SOUTH WEST www.helptobuysw.org.uk Bournemouth Bristol Plymouth Poundbury Shaftesbury Sparkford Taunton Weymouth

Interested in any of the properties listed? Email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

DO YOU WANT TO PAY LESS FOR YOUR ENERGY With energy bills on the rise, call us free on 0800 0014 706 or visit www.myhomeenergyswitch.org.uk today to find the best price for your gas and electricity. It’s free, fast and simple to switch and we’ll take care of all the paperwork.

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homefinder East & South East

Southdown View, Portsmouth

Affordable Hyde New Homes Shared Ownership â&#x20AC;˘ Discounted Rent Call our sales team now! Tel: 0845 606 1221 Email: info@hydenewhomes.co.uk www.hydenewhomes.co.uk Follow us on

Brand new homes across London and the South East

08456 12 12 71

and

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A Ahome homeofofyour yourown own with withShared SharedOwnership Ownership

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Get on the property ladder with

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Bedfordshire, Bedfordshire, South Northants & & South Northants Milton Keynes Milton Keynes

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shared ownership from Hightown Homes

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

Award winning homes in North London and Hertfordshire

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60 homefocus â&#x20AC;˘ MARCH/APRIL 2015

10/11/2014 10:38

homefinder East & South East

Homes for sale, for rent, for you

Homes for on a leave We sale good basis shared ownership advertising across the South East

across Essex

to the professionals.

0300 100 0303

THAMES 0300 303 7333 THAMES www.east-thames.co.uk

affinitysutton.com email: sales@affinitysutton.com

THAMES

We leave good advertising to the professionals.

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

Keeping advertising standards high

homefinder South West 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.

homefinder South West Telephone 020 7492 2222 www.asa.org.uk

Keeping advertising standards high

Need a helping hand to get on the property ladder? Affordable properties in various locations:

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Hampshire Wiltshire Dorset, Devon Isle of Wight

Call Today 0800 316 3316 www.getmove-in.com homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 61

homefinder London

feeLs gooD when you finD what you’re Looking for Developing homes in London

octaviaafforDabLe homeownership for more information please call

020 8354 5601 www.octavialiving.org.uk 4745 OH Home Focus Ad.indd 1

Properties available now on a shared ownership basis. 0845 504 9960 sales@estuary.co.uk www.estuary.co.uk

20/01/2015 16:41

Brand new homes across London and the South East

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Developing where people want to 10/11/2014

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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.

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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

Award winning homes in North London and Hertfordshire

and

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62 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

10:38

homefinder London

Homes for sale, for rent, for you across east London

Call the sales team now

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THAMES

SALES & MARKETING CONSULTANCY AND AGENCY SERVICES

shared ownership homes in London & the South East

Find out more: 0844 225 3071 · www.redloftsales.co.uk

Providers of quality affordable homes Telephone: 0208 709 4409 Fax: 020 8709 4400 Email: sales@gatewayhousing.org.uk www.gatewayhousing.org.uk 409-413 Mile End Road London E3 4PB

If you want to find out about your government funded housing options, contact your local Help to Buy Agent. You can find out more details by going to:

Homes for sale on a shared ownership basis across London

www.gov.uk/affordable-home-ownership-schemes

0300 100 0303

affinitysutton.com email: sales@affinitysutton.com

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 63

homefinder Midlands

A Ahome homeofofyour yourown own with withShared SharedOwnership Ownership Bedfordshire, Bedfordshire, South Northants & & South Northants Milton Keynes Milton Keynes

Tel.Tel. 01525 844460 01525 844460

If you want to find out about your government funded housing options, contact your local Help to Buy Agent. You can find out more details by going to:

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64 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

homefinder South

homefinder South Southdown View, Portsmouth

Need a helping hand to get on the property ladder? Affordable properties in various locations:

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

Hampshire Wiltshire Dorset, Devon Isle of Wight

and

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

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,

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 • MARCH/APRIL 2015 65

legaladvice

homebuyers

GUIDE

Buying a new home requires essential legal advice… contact a solicitor who specialisies in shared ownership transactions

Put your conveyancing in experienced hands

� 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:

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

• Shared Ownership • 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; Niki Sims or Sandra Thomas on 020 8567 3477, or email nsims@prince-evans.co.uk

HomeFocus ad-Shared Ownership_April13.indd 1

66 homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015

10/04/2013 17:00

legaladvice

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:

We leave good advertising to the professionals.

Janice Maskell 020 8215 1077 jmaskell@wiseman.co.uk Gary Gillespie 020 8215 1062 ggillespie@wiseman.co.uk Debra Rose 020 8215 5040 drose@wiseman.co.uk Ros Grant 020 8215 5041 rgrant@wiseman.co.uk

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

Tel: 020 8215 1000

Web: www.wiseman.co.uk

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

Keeping advertising standards high

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

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:

homefocus • MARCH/APRIL 2015 67

Shared ownership: the affordable way ONLY* 5% to get on the DEPOSIT property ladder.

Fabulous apartments and houses for sale across London and the south east.

HERTS

Hatfield Barnet Kensington Fulham Islington Canning Town

London

Ravensbourne Park Ealing g

a Vauxhall allll Canada

Bracknell B ERKS HIRE

Waterr Lewisham

Kingston

St Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cray

SUR R EY Sutton

St Mary Cray

Hayes

Godalming

H AM PS HI RE

Oxted Crawley Down Cranleigh

Haywards Heath EAST W ES T SUS S EX Midhurst SU SSEX Hurstpierpoint Hassocks Barnham Southampton Lewes Yapton ptton n Chichester Hailsham e Littlehampton n Portslade Portsmouth Brighton i n Peacehaven Location of homes currently available

* Terms and conditions apply and a mortgage from a 3rd party is required. You will also need to fund stamp duty, legal costs and other costs associated with purchasing a home. Availability of this product is subject to eligibility and affordability assessments and criteria. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with repayments on your mortgage or rent/service charges. Affinity Sutton is one of the largest affordable housing providers in England. It is not allowed to sell mortgages or give financial advice. Independent financial advice should be sought. The value of your home can go down as well as up.

Your next step: Email sales@affinitysutton

0300 100 0303

www.affinitysutton.com Follow us on Twitter

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