Hf sept 2014 whole issue final by homefocus

homefocus SEPT/OCT 2014

FLY THE NEST

TV personality

ANTHEA TURNER ‘I think the saddest thing is property vacant and not being used’

It’s time to take off on your own

‘The house is fabulous and it’s changed our lives’ says Sabrina

WAYS TO HELP YOU BUY

Shared ownership and Help to Buy

MADE MORE AFFORDABLE

Cover photograph: John Lawrence

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

Publisher’sComment

PRIVATE SALE - MARKET RENT - SHARED OWNERSHIP

WHO KNEW THERE WAS

homefocus You’d like a smaller 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 John McManus GLA Yvette Ruggins AFFINITY SUTTON GROUP Isabel Saville CONCORDIA HOUSING CONSULTANCY Simon Scott ORIGIN HOUSING Sharon Shaw EAST THAMES GROUP Jo Short HOMES IN HANTS Richard Stone CENSEO LTD Andrew Theoff DIRECTION LAW Helen Towner HOMES AND COMMUNITIES AGENCY Greg Warner-Harris SPECTRUM HOUSING GROUP Chris Winfield LONDON BOROUGH OF BRENT

SO MUCH

CHOICE?

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

At Genesis, we offer more homes for more people, than ever before, in a wide range of styles, to suit all budgets. We provide more ways to get the home you want, including shared ownership, open-market renting and outright purchase. Our new and refurbished homes are exceptionally well designed and carefully located.

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

deposit and lower mortgage payments? Be realistic. But find a way!

A short while ago The Times quoted research showing that more homes on sale than ever before, are now unaffordable for first time buyers. ‘The property boom is spreading out of London and the south east with hotspots in York, Exeter, Cambridge, South Lakeland, Herefordshire and Christchuch in Dorset. In more than half of the country fewer than one in ten homes on the market is affordable for a young family trying to buy their first home.’ It’s not the role of homefocus Magazine to consider why the problem exists or how it can be resolved in the longer term, but it is our view that those of you aspiring to become homeowners should be persistent and creative in pursuing your dream. And we hope that the information and the success stories you find on the following pages will inspire and help you to do just that. At the same time, be realistic! Just a 5% deposit will make it much more likely that you’ll be able to consider the first step onto the ladder. But it will also mean that you’ll need to accept higher monthly mortgage repayments. Buying a share of a shared ownership home will mean paying a rent (albeit subsidised) as well as paying your mortgage. And buying with a flat-mate has implications that could take practical decisions out of your control. You’ll find some differences between buying a share and ‘sharing to buy’ outlined on pages 48 & 49 of the issue. But don’t lose heart. One of the schemes outlined in homefocus might just get you the home you want, in a way you can afford.

0800 954 0147

Happy home hunting

genesishahomes.org.uk

Jeffrey Gritzman • Publisher Supports the aims of homefocus

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 3

homefocus

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.

BUCKS

Contents SEPT/OCT 2014

From house hunting to house war ming

Buyers’ Guide

Hot properties

Celebrity Status

8 Fly the nest

12 South

32 In Conversation with

Now could be the time to branch out on your own

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

TV’s Anthea Turner

HERTS Welwyn

Ealing

Bracknell

BERKSHIRE

London

Islington Fulham S Southwark LLewisham Bromley

Kingston

SURREY

Orpington Croydon

Guildford Godalming

HAMPSHIRE Eastleigh Southampton

Oxted Crawley Down Cranleigh

Haywards Heath WEST SUSSEX Midhurst Hurstpierpoint Hassocks Barnham Chichester

GREATER LONDON

Kensington

Barnet Chiswick

Yapton Littlehampton

Caterham

10 Compare the schemes

EAST SUSSEX Lewes

Brighton

Which scheme works best for you?

16 London

Hailsham

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.com

0300 100 0303

www.affinitysutton.com Follow us on Twitter

‘I’m a big fan of knocking down walls and making things quite open plan’

Join us on Facebook

34 Spot the difference

Some from the London boroughs

Can you find the differences between a shared ownership and Help to Buy house?

20 Midlands

38 Ready to spread your wings? Do some research before going out on your own

44 Be part of something new! Living alone doesn’t mean being alone. Shared ownership for ‘seniors’ means more than an affordable home

46 Buying more shares You can start with a share, but then buy more!

Properties in the east & west midlands

24 South west And some from the south west

28 East & south east And finally, properties in the east & south east

Just for you 3 Publisher’s comment Be creative and persistent and become a homeowner

Where next?

Homefinder Directories Your search for an affordable first home can start here or at www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-costhomes-near-you

54 Introduction 55 Shows and Events 56 Property listings 59 East and south east 61 South west 62 London 64 Midlands 65 South 66 Legal and financial directory

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 5

100 HOMES FOR SHARED OWNERSHIP SALE IN TOTTENHAM

LIVE THE HIGH LIFE

homefocus

Contents

Do you need help to buy a new home?

SEPT/OCT 2014

WIN Lifestyle

Competition

36 Store in style

52 Win a £50 National Garden Gift Voucher

Affordable ways to keep everything in its place

In our easy to enter competition

Great Advice 40 Budget Buster Our most requested guide: it’ll help you get control of your finances

42 Let there be light Lighting to make the most of every room

Orbit Homes has developments of new homes right across the South East, Midlands, and East of England.

What’s the difference between buying a share and sharing to buy?

So whether you’re looking for a one bedroom apartment, a two bedroom house or a three bedroom family home we’re here to help you get your feet on the property ladder.

50 Moving checklist

To find out more call:

48 Ask the Experts

With Help to Buy Shared Ownership you purchase a share in a brand new home and pay a subsidised rent on the part you don’t own.

Who to tell you’re on your way

0845 600 3674

or email: homes@orbit.org.uk www.orbithomes.org.uk

Terms and conditions. Percentage shares offered vary by development and are subject to personal financial circumstances. Following a full financial review applicants will be offered the maximum share they can afford. Full details are available from Orbit Homes.

E-MAIL: info@homefocusmagazine.co.uk PHONE: 0845 474 4734

Priority will go to those living or working in the London Borough of Haringey

Tel: 0800 058 2544

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

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 7

Buyer’sGuide

FLY THE NEST

where your landlord could decide not to renew your tenancy, LCHO means your home will always be there for you (as long as you pay the bills, of course!).

Nest building Making home ownership truly affordable starts at the beginning – with the deposit. For many people, saving enough to put down is the real stumbling block. The good news is that in almost every case, you’ll need a smaller deposit when buying through LCHO. Once you’ve found your home through LCHO, the schemes are flexible enough to suit you as your circumstances alter. You can buy more of your home until in most cases you own it outright – this is called staircasing. And when you come to sell, your Help to Buy Agent will have a ready-made list of potential buyers in your area. People who are in the same position you’re in now – keen to become home owners for the first time.

Now could be the time to branch out on your own!

et’s face it, if you’ve got ambitions to buy a home of your own, then nothing else will be quite good enough. Maybe you’re still living at home with your family or sharing with friends, dreaming of the time when you can finally have that house-warming party and say ‘Right, all back to mine!’ Or perhaps you’ve already got a family but are renting, stuck paying someone else’s mortgage and living with someone else’s décor. Wouldn’t it be great if you could buy a home of your own? Somewhere you can make an investment in your future? Well, there IS a way?

Are we out of our tree? Nope. We know all about high deposits and difficulties getting a mortgage, but there really are ways. There are schemes available that allow you to come up with just a percentage of the cost of your home. Collectively, these deals are known as Low Cost Home Ownership (LCHO), and because they’re designed to make home ownership affordable, they’ll leave you a little over to ‘feather your nest.’

LCHO gives you wings! Don’t believe us? Take a look at the comparative figures on page 39 for buying or renting homes around the country. And when you’re checking out some of the properties available through LCHO from page 12 onwards, you’ll see we give a guide for monthly costs, and the deposit you might need. The key to getting off the ground through LCHO is to

8 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

Two strong branches contact your local Help to Buy Agent. In London, things are slightly different, but in the rest of the country Help to Buy Agents are organisations appointed by the government to promote and co-ordinate LCHO in a particular area. Think of them as the LCHO ‘one stop shop’ - there’s a list of Help to Buy agents and the areas they cover on page 54. The Help to Buy Agent will have the details of every new LCHO home on their patch and will deal with your application in the first instance. They will check that you’re eligible for the LCHO schemes, and give you a basic affordability check to see just how much you could afford. Once you’ve found a home you want, you’ll have a more detailed affordability check through the housing association or developer you want to buy from.

Cockney sparrows London is slightly different, because the responsibility for LCHO in the capital comes under the umbrella of the Mayor. There’s still a one-stop-shop website to go to, but once you find a property on there, you contact the relevant housing association or developer to take you through the process. To take into account the high house prices in London, there are different income thresholds for the first time buyer schemes - see ‘Ticking the right boxes’ on these pages.

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 development and even on the same property. 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, less than market rent on the remainder, which is owned by a housing association. You’ll be expected to buy the largest share you can afford – but don’t worry, the key word there is ‘afford’, so you’ll be able to discuss what share is right for you.

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.

A soft landing

As the crow flies?

The majority of LCHO schemes are backed by the government, so you can be sure that the help you receive will be there for the long term. And unlike renting privately,

Maybe you’ve already heard of LCHO but thought ‘it’s not going to be a straight road. It’ll be 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.

Ticking the right boxes… For shared ownership, the eligibility criteria is pretty wide. And for the Help to Buy equity loan scheme, it’s even wider. For shared ownership, if you’re a first time buyer and your household income is less than £60,000 (£66,000 if you’re looking for one or two bedrooms in London and £80,000 for three bedrooms or more), chances are you’re eligible.

You COULD be eligible 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 onebedroom flat – and you can’t afford to buy somewhere bigger • You can’t otherwise afford to buy a suitable home in the area you need to live in • You’re working even though it’s not full time (you’ll have to show that you earn enough to cover your housing and living costs though. And you might be able to count longterm 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 if… • You already own a home that you’re living in and it’s adequate for your needs, or you own one but are renting it out • You can already afford to buy a suitable home of your own in your area • You want to buy a property to rent out. LCHO funding is there to help people to buy a home, not to become a landlord • You already own a home and now want to help your adult child or children to get on the ladder. You can help them with their deposit BUT it’s your children who would have to apply and be eligible. • CCJ’s or a bad credit rating make it unlikely that you can pass financial assessments

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 9

Buyer’sGuide

WAYS TO BUILD YOUR

NEST

Finding the right LCHO scheme can be a bit daunting, but don’t worry, homefocus will help get you on the right flight path.

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

There’s more than one way to get yourself on the housing ladder, and building your nest through Low Cost Home Ownership (LCHO), opens up your options. This guide gives you an outline of all of the schemes on offer... Scheme type

Shared ownership

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

Equity loans

Try before you buy

Mortgage Guarantee

Scheme name

New Build

Resales

Help to Buy Equity Loan

Developers’ own schemes

Rent to Buy

NewBuy

Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee

FLIGHT PLAN

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

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

Available on newly built properties up to a value of £600,000. You buy 100% of your home but only have to pay for 80% initially. The rest is covered by an equity loan from the government. There’s nothing to pay on the equity loan for the first five years, after which there’s a small interest charge. There’s more info on pages 40-41.

Many private housing developers have their own equity loan scheme, and the details vary but in general you pay for between 70% and 90% of the value of your property, and the rest is covered by an equity loan. There’s often nothing to pay for this loan, but you’re expected to buy the remaining equity within ten years.

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

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

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.

FLYING HIGH

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

Not limited to recently-built homes so properties are likely to be in established communities and you may have a wider choice of styles. There could be more flexibility with regards to who is eligible. There’s more about resales on pages 38-39.

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

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

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

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

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

NOT QUITE AIRBOURNE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUY FROM JUST 25% WITH A SMALL DEPOSIT

WIDE CHOICE

NOT JUST FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS

ASK THE DEVELOPER

SAVE TO BUY YOUR HOME

FOR HIGHER WAGE EARNERS

NOT JUST FOR NEW PROPERTIES

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

10 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 11

South Properties

South

THE CLOISTERS Southampton from £50,000 for 40%

Starting to think that you can buy your own home? Could buying in the south 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 58 and our south directory on page 65. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-costhomes-near-you.

Situated in a leafy residential area, just two miles north of Southampton’s bustling city centre, is a new development comprising 10 two and three-bedroom houses and 8 one and two-bedroom apartments. This selection of contemporary houses and apartments has been designed to suit a wide range of buyers. Not only are these houses and apartments at The Cloisters in a fabulous location, (once the setting for Poor Clares Convent) but they are affordable for any first time buyers or professionals – they’re being offered for shared ownership via Affinity Sutton. Each home comprises a high-specification kitchen with integrated appliances including a fridge/freezer and washing machine/tumble dryer, fitted carpets and an allocated parking space. One-bedroom apartments: Full value: £125,000 • Minimum share: 40% • Cost of share: £50,000 • 5% deposit: £2,500 • Mortgage on share*: £292 Rent on remaining share**: £172 • Total costs: £464

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “The Cloisters” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/The-Cloisters

SOUTHSIDE EMBANKMENT Kings Worthy from £94,000 for 40% Located in the pretty Hampshire village of Kings Worthy, just two miles from historic Winchester, Southside Embankment is a collection of 10 brand new homes, specifically designed for first time buyers. Southside Embankment is available on a shared ownership basis from Hyde New Homes. The village of Kings Worthy, set in the Itchen Valley, is a traditional Hampshire village which provides the perfect backdrop for family life. Living here, you won’t have to travel far to meet your daily needs. The village is home to a good selection of shops and services including a Tesco Express, doctor’s surgery and a good primary school. Two-bedroom house: Full value: £235,000 • Minimum share: 40% • Cost of share: £94,000 5% deposit: £4,700 • Mortgage on share*: £548 • Rent on remaining share**: £323 • Total costs: £871

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Southside Embankment” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Suthside -Embankment

MAYFLOWERS MEWS

QUEENSWAY Southampton from £66,000 for 40%

Apartments and three-bedroom houses in Southampton from £119,996 for 80% Lovell has made available a new selection of homes under the Help to Buy scheme at its Mayflowers Mews development in Sholing, Southampton. The first available properties at the development were reserved very early on, but now Lovell has released a further range of homes, to include one and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom houses, so there could be something for first time

buyers and those looking to move up the ladder with Help to Buy. All of the homes benefit from an exclusive gated courtyard setting and ‘early reservers’will get a choice over fixtures and fittings, with Lovell’s Inspirations range. A main attraction of Mayflower Mews is the location, offering easy access to the M27

and to Southampton city centre. It’s also an opportunity to live in a brand-new home in an established residential neighbourhood with plenty of green space, including Mayfield Park and the Miller’s Pond nature reserve. Visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Mayflowers-Mews

One-bedroom apartment: £149,995 • Minimum equity: 80% • Cost of equity: £119,996 • 5% deposit: £7,500 Mortgage on 80% equity*: £691 • Total costs: £691***

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

Forming part of the major regeneration of Southampton City centre, Queensway will provide 10 apartments and 2 contemporary styled mews houses to the market – all available for shared ownership from Raglan These new homes will be finished to a high standard and will enjoy a modern, stylish ambience. There is choice of one, two and three-bedroom apartments (all but one with balconies/terraces) and just 2 mews houses with roof terraces. Southampton City centre is just moments away and includes West Quay with a huge array of shops and eateries and a soon to be developed leisure area. The mainline rail station is within easy reach and the waterfront, ferry terminal and Ocean Village are close by. One-bedroom apartments: 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? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Queensway” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Queensway

forget to include your contact details. Or you can call 0845 474 4734. * 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

12 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

* 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

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 13

South Properties

WILDWOOD

LODDON PARK

Downend from £76,000 for 40%

Woodley from £316,000 for 80%

Looking for a family home near Bristol? These two and three-bedroom homes are located in the desirable area of Downend, less than ten miles outside of the city. Built by Cotswold Homes for Merlin Housing Society, these two high-quality shared ownership homes are part of an exclusive development of 31 homes on the site of the former Blackhorse Day centre. All properties benefit from off-street parking, a fully fitted kitchen with built-in oven, hob, extractor, washer/dryer and fridge freezer, gas central heating, lovely gardens, and are fully carpeted.

Taylor Wimpey is offering three and four-bedroom detached houses at Loddon Park under the Help to Buy equity loan scheme. Each property offers a generous interior layout, the larger homes featuring a kitchen/ breakfast/family room opening through French doors to the private rear garden. There’s also a spacious living room with French doors to the garden, a dining room and a guest cloakroom off the entrance hallway. Loddon Park is located at Sandford Farm, off Mohawk Way, Woodley, where picturesque waterways border the development and a large area of public parkland provides open space.

Two-bedroom house: Full value: £190,000 • Minimum share: 40% Cost of share: £76,000 • 5% deposit: £3,800 • Mortgage on share*: £443 Rent on remaining share**: £261 • Total costs: £704

Three-bedroom house: Full value: £395,000 • Minimum equity: 80% Cost of equity: £316,000 • 5% deposit: £19,750 • Mortgage on 80% equity*: £443 Rent on remaining share**: £261 • Total costs: £1,819***

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

“Wildwood” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit

“Loddon Park” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit

www.homefocus.co.uk/Wildwood

www.homefocus.co.uk/Loddon-Park

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

Pan Meadows

Sabrina Cooke and her daughter

Isle of Wight

Previous situation: Back at home with parents Scheme:

Shared ownership

Location:

Basingstoke

Provider:

Sentinel

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

fter splitting up from her partner, Sabrina Cooke and her daughter had to move back in with Sabrina’s parents whilst she saved up for place of her own. More recently, housing association, Sentinel, handed them the keys to the first shared ownership home at New Horizons, part of a £20 million regeneration project to transform a corner of Basingstoke into a vibrant new community with play areas, open space and parking. There’s even a new centre piece of public art being specially created for the development and Sabrina and other new residents will get a chance to work on its design with artist Helena Roden.

‘The house is fabulous and it’s changed our lives’ ‘It’s wonderful to be here! The house is fabulous and it’s changed our lives’ said Sabrina. ‘I saw this house in February, the shared ownership process was really quick and easy and I got the keys on 9 July. I’ve already met some of my new neighbours, who are really nice. And we’re so excited about creating our new community. I can’t wait to see the development finished – especially the children’s play areas’ The first phase at New Horizons is due to be finished by March 2015 and the second in the spring of 2016. In total there’ll be 67 two and three-bedroom homes for low cost home ownership.

Will this story inspire you to become a homeowner? See the list of low cost home ownership (LCHO) properties on pages 56-58. Or go to www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-cost-homes-near-you. Or you could call 0845 474 4734

14 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

** 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

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homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 15

London Properties

London

CHISWICK POINT Chiswick from £95,550 for 25%

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 our London directory on pages 62 & 63. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-cost-homes-near-you.

A collection of apartments are now available at Chiswick Point – offered by Affinity Sutton under the shared ownership scheme. Chiswick Point comprises 23 one and twobedroom apartments and each home within the seven-storey apartment building comprises a high-specification kitchen with integrated appliances, including a fridge/ freezer and washing machine/tumble dryer, fitted carpets and private balcony. The development is just 150 metres from Chiswick High Road with its eclectic mix of shops, bars and eateries and is also just a few minutes’ walk from Chiswick Park Gunnersbury Station tube stations on the District Line providing excellent access to Hampstead Heath and Highbury & Islington. One-bedroom apartments: Full value: £382,000 • Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £95,500 5% deposit: £4,775 • Mortgage on share*: £557 • Rent on remaining share**: £656 • Total costs: £1,213

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Chiswick Point” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Chiswick-Point

Open the

door Affordable housing open day 2014

23 October, 2-8pm

RATHBONE MARKET Newham, prices and shares tbc Notting Hill Home Ownership is offering one and two-bedroom apartments through shared ownership in the second phase of Rathbone Market (formerly known as Millennium Horizon). Located on Barking Road in Newham, this development is part of a major redevelopment scheme that includes around 650 new homes and approximately 35,000 sq ft of new shops and cafés wrapped around the ground floors of the site, bordering a new, central market square. Perfectly placed for travel across the city and beyond, the development enjoys a zone 2 location, served by the Jubilee and DLR lines from nearby Canning Town station. Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Rathbone St” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Rathbone St

MONDRIAN

One and two-bedroom apartments in Shoreditch from £110,000 Bosch appliances. The homes are built with a Fabric First heating system, triple glazed windows and denser walls, making Mondrian affordable to run, as well as buy. With a buzzing nightlife, Brick Lane, Spitalfields and Columbia Road Flower Markets all only minutes from the development, it’s a vibrant area. And with Hoxton and Shoreditch High Street Overground stations less than a 10 minute walk away and multiple bus routes running from adjacent to the development

through to Liverpool Street, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Waterloo, Holborn and Battersea, it’s great for commuting. Mondrian is only seconds from a Boris Bikes docking station, and the area is part of the London Cycle Network. One-bedroom apartments are available from £110,000 for a 25% share and priority for all the homes will be given to those living or working in Tower Hamlets. Visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Mondrian

One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £440,000 • Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £110,000 5% deposit: £5,500 • Mortgage on share*: £642 • Rent on remaining share**: £756 • Total costs: £1,747

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

KINGS HIGHWAY Plumstead, prices and shares tbc Hyde New Homes are offering a selection of three bedroom houses at Kings Highway, available for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme and a further phase of one, two and three-bedroom apartments will launch winter 2014. Kings Highway is conveniently located for local amenities and there are plenty of green open spaces at Plumstead Common and Winn’s Common, and at nearby Bostall Woods. Applicants must live or work in Greenwich, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley or Bromley to be eligible to purchase at Kings Highway. Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Kings Highway” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Kings-Highway

AD.903HF (8.14)

Genesis has launched new homes in the heart of Shoreditch. The first phase at Mondrian is made up of 14 one and twobedroom apartments, all available under the shared ownership scheme. The development is located on the site of the former Mildmay Mission Hospital, off Shoreditch High Street, and has taken account of the historical surroundings. Mondrian apartments are designed to a high specification, with wood flooring, white gloss walls and private balconies to all apartments. Kitchens boast granite worktops, chrome fittings and integrated

* 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

16 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 17

London Properties

PADDINGTON HOUSE Alperton from £110,000 for 40% A new development of apartments has just been launched in Alperton, West London. Homes at Paddington House are available from Network Living via shared ownership scheme. It’s the latest phase in a £520 million regeneration, a joint venture between Network Living and Hill, to build 441 apartments alongside the Grand Union Canal. There’s a choice of spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments and each home benefits from under-floor heating, custom designed fitted kitchens and boutique hotel-style bathrooms. Paddington House is within 200 metres of Alperton Piccadilly Line station; for motorists, the Hanger Lane gyratory system is less than a mile away and there are also 240 underground parking spaces available to purchase. One-bedroom apartments: Full value: £275,000 • Minimum share: 40% • Cost of share: £110,000 5% deposit: £5,500 • Mortgage on share*: £642 • Rent on remaining share**: £378 • Total costs: £1,020

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Paddington House” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Paddington-House

RIVERS APARTMENTS Tottenham, prices and shares tbc Sections of an ambitious Tottenham project with hundreds of highquality homes, much-needed school places for children, and support for entrepreneurs who want to create jobs for local people are moving closer to completion. And a tower of 100 apartments to be available for shared ownership by Newlon on the site of the old Cannon Rubber factory is being offered now. The tower will be close to White Hart Lane station and part of the regeneration area around Spurs’ new stadium. All of the homes at Rivers Apartments flats will have a balcony, access to a rooftop garden, as well as 268 cycle spaces.

Kenneth’s special story Previous situation: Privately renting Scheme:

Shared ownership

Location:

East Village

Provider: Triathlon Homes – with support from MySafe Home

or Kenneth, who has both cerebral palsy and enduring mental health issues, life was becoming increasingly difficult in his old home, a privately rented flat in a block where the lift was out of order more often than it was working and the glass wall and gaps in the floor of his balcony terrified him. With the breakdown of the lift becoming a frequent event, his carers were forced to physically carry him up and down 4 flights of stairs. What’s more he had to pay a ‘top up’ fee of £150 per month in addition to his Housing Benefit (which was insufficient to cover his rent) to remain there. So, Kenneth’s Care Manager at London Borough of Hackney suggested that they

‘Kenneth is actually £35 per month better off now than he was in his old flat!’ contact MySafeHome to see if Kenneth was eligible to buy a shared ownership home using the HOLD (Home Ownership for people with a Long-term Disability) model. Having completed a simple one page form he did indeed qualify and, encouraged by this news, his mum applied to the Court of Protection so that she could help him secure a home that finally suited his needs. This process took four months to complete during which time they found the perfect two-bedroom property (the extra bedroom’s for an overnight carer) on the site of the Olympic Village. It was closer to mum too, meaning she could visit him more often and contribute towards his ongoing care and support too. As Kenneth had no savings of his own

mum paid the initial start up costs and deposit (around £15,000) to secure a 25% stake in his new home and he now pays rent on the remaining share to housing association, Triathlon Homes. Now that he’s in his new home the change in Kenneth’s health and wellbeing has been remarkable. ‘Kenneth is more settled now – not so nervous and he even uses his balcony!’ observes his mum. But the benefits don’t end there ‘We don’t have to worry every year about signing another tenancy agreement. That was really worrying, not knowing if the new rent was going to be affordable or even whether the contract would be renewed’.

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Rivers Apartments” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.riversapartments.co.uk

ROSEBERRY STREET South Bermondsey from £163,500 for 30% We’ve said elsewhere in the magazine, that it’s unusual for homefocus to report fourbedroom homes for offer under the shared ownership scheme. But here’s some more. And they’re in London! Metropolitan has a development of three and four-bedroom homes at Roseberry St in Southwark Ideal for families, or friends looking to buy together rather than rent, these homes have been built to a high quality specification. Roseberry Street is in a convenient central location just a few minutes walk from South Bermondsey station. With London Bridge one stop away by train, journeys to central London are both quick and easy. To the west, buyers can enjoy the emerging arts and café culture in bustling Bermondsey Spa – and to the north, the River Thames, Butler’s Wharf and the City are all within easy reach. Three-bedroom apartments: Full value: £545,000 • Minimum share: 30% • Cost of share: £163,500 5% deposit: £8,175 • Mortgage on share*: £954 • Rent on remaining share**: £874 • Total costs: £1,828

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Roseberry St” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Roseberry-St

18 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 19

Midlands Properties

Midlands

UPLANDS MILL Biddulph, Staffordshire Moorlands from £66,250 for 50%

Starting to think that you can buy your own home? Could buying 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 58 and our Midlands directory on page 64. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-cost-homes-near-you.

Staffordshire Housing Association is selling two and three-bedroom houses in the first phase of a new development at Uplands Mill in Biddulph in Staffordshire Moorlands. More houses will be available later in the year and all of the properties are available, on a shared ownership basis. Each home has a modern kitchen with integrated white goods and the lounge in the threebedroom homes is large enough to incorporate a dining table – great for those of you who enjoy entertaining in their new home. There is a downstairs toilet and family bathroom on the 1st floor and each property has a drive or 2 allocated parking spaces. Uplands Mill is located on the north side of Biddulph but close to the town, local amenities schools and leisure activities. Two-bedroom house: Full value: £132,500 • Minimum share: 50% • Cost of share: £66,250 • 5% deposit: £3,313 • Mortgage on share*: £386 • Rent on remaining share**: £152 • Total costs: £1,004***

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Uplands Mill” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Uplands-Mill

HARDY’S YARD Cosby, price of 80% equity to be advised Westleigh has begun construction work on its latest development of 22 brand new homes in the Leicestershire village of Cosby. And when ready, they’ll all be offered under the Help to Buy scheme. The development, which is situated in the heart of the picturesque village, will combine rural living with the convenience of local amenities including pubs and shops located just two to three minutes walk away. Nearby are the larger villages and towns of Whetstone and Blaby. And there are good public transportation links with Leicester. There are two two schools, Cosby Primary School and Brooke House Day School and football, rugby and cricket teams which all participate in Leicestershire sporting leagues. Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Hardy’s Yard” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Hardy’s-Yard

CENTRAL PLAZA

CASTLEWARD

Birmingham City Centre from £103,200

Two and three-bedroom houses in Derby from £37,500 for 25%. Compendium Living is working together with Riverside Home Ownership in the launch of Derby’s £100 million Castleward development. Compendium offers Help to Buy on a range of apartments and houses and Riverside is offering shared ownership on some two and three-bedroom houses. Between them there’s a range of homes for first time buyers and families. All homes feature a spacious open-plan

design and a first class specification with the threebedroom houses benefitting from an en-suite to the master bedroom. Castleward sits on the edge of the city centre, right on the doorstep of the Intu shopping centre, bars, restaurants and much more. And when finished, residents

will enjoy a tree-lined boulevard, linking the city centre with Derby railway station. www.homefocus.co.uk/Castleward

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

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

Crest Nicholson announce the central phase at the development, Central Plaza – which is made up of two 13 storey ‘eye-shaped’ buildings. However, most of the properties have been sold off-plan and just a few remain under the Help to Buy scheme. Crest Nicholson currently has available a selection of one and two bedroom apartments offering city centre accommodation with views right across Birmingham and leafy Edgbaston. All the apartments have been built with high quality fixtures and fittings, including designer kitchens and contemporary bathrooms. Additionally, each apartment benefits from a large balcony or spacious terrace and the majority come with an allocated parking space. One-bedroom apartments: Full value: £129,000 • Minimum equity: 80% • Cost of equity: £103,200 5% deposit: £6,450 • Mortgage on 80% equity*: £594 • Total costs: £594***

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Senwick Rd” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Central-Plaza

20 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 11 21

Midlands Properties

GOLDEN PARK

CITRUS GROVE

West Bromwich from £131,996 for 80%

Kegworth from £28,750 for 25%

Kier Partnership Homes is offering three-bedroom properties with single garage at Golden Park, off Claypit Lane, West Bromwich with the Help to Buy equity loan option. Homes come in a range of styles and the threebedroom ‘Bluebell’ features a contemporary kitchen, which includes integrated dishwasher, fridge-freezer, oven, hob and hood. The master bedroom benefits from fitted wardrobes and en suite. The driveway is block paved and the garden is turfed.

Citrus Grove is

Three- bedroom houses: Full value: £164,995 • Minimum equity: 80% Cost of equity: £131,996 • 5% deposit: £8,250 Mortgage on 80% equity*: £760 • Total costs: £760***

a development of spacious two-bedroom apartments in Kegworth, available for shared ownership from Hello Homes. The apartments feature an open plan living, dining and kitchen area which makes for excellent, flexible living space.A thriving village, Kegworth has its own primary school, library, chemist and supermarket. The village is well connected to locations throughout the east Midlands. so homes at Citrus Grove are perfect for commuters. Two-bedroom apartments: Full value: £115,000 • Minimum share: 25% Cost of share: £28,750 • 5% deposit: £1,438 • Mortgage on share*: £170 Rent on remaining share**: £198 • Total costs: £368

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

“Golden Park” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit

“Citrus Grove” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or

www.homefocus.co.uk/Golden-Park

visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Citrus-Grove

Phil & Lauren Wright Previous situation: Renting Scheme:

Help to Buy

Location:

Northampton

Provider:

Persimmons Homes

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

fter many years of renting, Philip and Lauren Wright from Northamptonshire together with Digby, their Miniature Schnauzer wanted to get their foot onto the property ladder. But soaring rental costs meant they had little money left at the end of the month to save enough for a deposit. ‘We wanted to start saving, but the rent we paid out made it just unrealistic for us to save anything like the amount we needed’ said Philip. Being together for over seven years and

‘the rent we paid out made it just unrealistic for us to save anything like the amount we needed’ not long married, they really wanted to have a home they could call their own. This is where Help to Buy came in. They did some research and after talking to a mortgage advisor, applied for the Help to Buy equity loan scheme. After their initial paperwork was sent in, they were able to start the process of buying a home. And after a 10 mile trip down the road to a new development being built by Persimmon Homes, they were able to pick their new house.

Without the help of the scheme they would have been saving for at least another five years. Additionally, they now find they are paying less in mortgage payments than they were when they were previously renting. ‘We’d love to have a family in the future and now we have better financial security and our own family home, ready for when that time comes’ said the couple. So now Phil and Lauren are able to think of what the future holds and have peace of mind.

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. Billscutter is part of the

group

22 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 23

South West Properties

South West

TRAFALGAR COURT Theale, prices and shares to be advised

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 our South West directory on page 61. Or visit www.homefocus. co.uk/Low-cost-homes-near-you.

Work has got under way to build 30 new affordable homes for older people in Theale. Sovereign Housing Association is building a new development of one and two-bedroom apartments, specifically for older people and three of the homes will be offered under shared ownership scheme. The apartments will be ideal for older people wanting to downsize and the development will incorporate a communal lounge and garden. Sovereign has been working closely with West Berkshire Council to meet the needs of older people on the area and The Homes and Communities Agency is investing almost £640,000 in this development. Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Trafalgar Court” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www. homefocus.co.uk/Trafalgar-Court

DUKES RISE Shepton Mallet from £123,960

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. 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***

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Dukes Rise” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Dukes-Rise

TREGORRICK VIEW

COAL YARD Two and three-bedroom houses in Sparkford from £66,000 for 40% Raglan Housing is due to release 6 stylish two and three-bedroom homes for shared ownership at The Coal Yard in Sparkford, one of the most popular and picturesque villages in South Somerset. These are traditionally designed houses with their own private garden and parking, and will appeal to first time buyers and families looking for an affordable property in this sought-after village. The new homes, due for completion

in November this year, feature stylish kitchens with integrated oven, hob and chimney-style 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. The properties will also have Code for Sustainable Homes

Level 3 efficiency ratings, meaning that energy bills will be kept down. Set within stunning rural countryside with good road and rail transport links, The Coal Yard is close to the bustling market town of Yeovil which offers excellent schools, healthcare, shopping, business and leisure facilities. www.homefocus.co.uk/Coal-Yard

Two-bedroom house: Full value: £165,000 • Minimum share: 40% • Cost of share: £66,000 • 5% deposit: £3,300 Mortgage on share*: £385Rent on remaining share**: £227 • Total costs: £612

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

Three bedroom houses in St Austell from £199,996 for 80% Help to Buy is ensuring great value homes at Tregorrick View, Taylor Wimpey’s development in St Austell. A new selection of homes has just been released for sale, each ideally suited to contemporary family lifestyles, with plenty of space for day-to-day living as well as for entertaining or working from home. The ‘Danbury’ features an open-plan ground-floor layout, including a large living/dining room opening through French doors to the private rear garden, a kitchen/breakfast room and a guest cloakroom. Upstairs, the first-floor landing leads

a well-proportioned guest bedroom and a bathroom. An en-suite master bedroom, two further bedrooms and a shower room occupy the top floor, while outside, the property benefits from two allocated parking spaces. The new homes at Tregorrick View occupy a convenient location just to the north of the town centre. Four-bedroom houses: Full value: £249,995 Minimum equity: 80% • Cost of equity: £199,996 5% deposit: £12,500 Mortgage on 80% equity*: £1,151 Total costs: £1,151***

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Tregorrick View”

to a spacious family room with attractive Juliet balcony overlooking the garden, plus

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

24 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

* 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 equity loan starts in year 6

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 25

South West Properties

HEATHFIELD GARDENS

WHITLEY COURT

Taunton from £87,500 for 50%

Paignton from £103,125 for 75%

Heathfield Gardens in the village of Monkton Heathfield, has a range of two and threebedroom 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 LondonPenzance 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.

Sanctuary Group has built an extra care scheme for the over 55s, in Hayes Road, Paignton and is making homes available there, through the shared ownership scheme. Whitley Court is made up of individual self-contained apartments, some with sea views, plus bungalows and they’re all designed to give residents maximum independence with care and support on site as needed. Living in an age exclusive development means that alongside the benefits of continuing to live on your own. And even though you’re able to buy a 75% share at Whitley Court on a shared ownership basis, under the terms of this extra care scheme, there’s no rent to pay each month. As with all leasehold properties, service charges will be applied.

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

One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £137,500 • Minimum share: 75% Cost of share: £103,125 • Rent on remaining share: n/a on this scheme

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

“Heathfield Gardens” in the subject. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/HeathffieldGardens * Approximate figures only, assuming a 25 year mortgage at 5.5%

“Whitley Court” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Whitley-Court

** 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

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Ryan May and Nadine Gray

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

Previous situation: Living with parents Scheme:

Help to Buy

Location:

Plymouth

Provider:

Taylor Wimpey

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

hanks to Help to Buy, Ryan, 24, a paralegal and Nadine, 18, a jeweller’s assistant, are moving into their very own house at Taylor Wimpey’s Cherry Tree Gardens development in Plymouth. Ryan says: ‘we’re both really looking forward to moving in as we’re currently living between our parents’ houses in Plympton and Mannamead. We had been looking at 50/50 shared ownership, so it was nice to find out that we would be able

‘We would have to wait longer, and save up harder, before we could afford to buy our own place’ to own a two-bedroom house outright.’ The couple had been saving up for a deposit and were delighted that their financial position meant that both buying options were available to them. ‘We didn’t initially realise we would qualify for Help to Buy and thought we would have to wait longer, and save up harder, before we could afford to buy our own place.’ The ‘Canford’ style house they bought, features a spacious living/dining room

opening through French doors to the private rear garden, with a kitchen and a guest cloakroom off the entrance hallway. Upstairs, the landing leads to two double bedrooms and a main bathroom, while outside, the property has allocated parking and solar panels. The couple bought off-plan, ‘which was great’ explains Ryan, ‘we could pick our favourite plot, which was an end-terrace with a south-facing garden’.

26 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

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 • SEPT/OCT 2014 27

East & South East Properties

East & South East

Starting to think that you can buy your own home? Could buying in east and south east areas of the country 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 pages 56 & 57 and our East & south east directory on pages 59 & 60. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Low-cost-homes-near-you.

COZENTON POINT Rainham from £40,250 for 25% One and two-bedroom apartments are up for sale on this site of the former police station at Rainham in Kent. But mhs homes are making sure that first time buyers won’t be handcuffed to their mortgages. They are offering them on a shared ownership basis! The development, built by mhs homes in partnership with Chartway Group, has 12 one and two bedroom apartments available. One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £161,000 • Minimum share: 25% Cost of share: £40,250 • 5% deposit: £2,013 • Mortgage on share*: £235 Rent on remaining share**: £277 • Total costs: £512

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Cozenton Point” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Cozenton-Point

RUSSELL SQUARE

Zanussi appliances including a fan oven, hob, integrated washer/dryer and fridge/freezer. Cool white bathroom suites by Roca are fitted with ceramic wall tiles. Some apartments include a second bathroom en suite to the master bedroom.

Horley from £83,250 for 45% Russell Square, a new apartment scheme close to the town centre in Horley provides 75 one and two-bedroom homes for shared ownership, from Thames Valley Housing. At the heart of the development is a beautifully landscaped courtyard including lawns where residents can relax. Below the courtyard is undercroft parking and each home has been allocated a dedicated car parking space, as well as room in the secure cycle store. Designed for a great lifestyle, each apartment has its own private balcony

One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £185,000 Minimum share: 45% • Cost of share: £83,250 5% deposit: £4,163 • Mortgage on share*: £486 Rent on remaining share**: £233 Total costs: £719

and the large penthouse apartments on the top floor, feature a roof terrace. Russell Square is built to high standards with light and airy interiors. The designer kitchens come with

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Russell Square” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/RussellSquare

SUPER B

One, two and three-bedroom apartments in Brighton, from £81,000 for 30% Everyone loves Brighton. The Pier, the Royal Pavilion, the beach, the quirky little shops and alleyways in The Lanes; but can anyone afford to buy their first home there? Well Hyde New Homes is making it affordable, by offering one, two and three-bedroom properties at the brand new Super B development in New England Square, available through the shared ownership scheme. It’s a superB location, just a stone’s throw away from Brighton Rail Station in the recently developed New England Quarter. It’s walking distance to North

Laine, less than a mile away and full of independent boutiques and artisan cafes. And all the famous landmarks are close by. It’s superBly stylish too, with many of the well appointed apartments featuring a private balcony or terrace. Wheelchair accessible apartments are available with parking and there is a car club for all Super B residents. You’re likely to need a household income of over £38,000 to be considered

for the one-bedrooms, and more than £50,000 for the two-bedroom apartments. But if that means that you’ll have to work in London to earn that kind of salary, take heart! The £6.5 billion Thameslink rail scheme which will modernise services between Brighton and London, will be up and running in the next three years. And that might take Brighton house prices prices even higher. Visit www.homefocus.co.uk/Super-B

One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £270,000 • Minimum share: 30% • Cost of share: £81,000 5% deposit: £4,050 • Mortgage on share*: £473 • Rent on remaining share**: £464 • Total costs: £937

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

STOKE QUAY Ipswich from £47,500 for 25% Wow. Four-bedroom houses on a shared ownership basis! We don’t often talk about them in homefocus. The houses form part of the Stoke Quay development in Ipswich built by Genesis, located in a prime position overlooking the River Orwell and situated mere minutes from the town centre. With an abundance of leisure facilities just a stone’s throw away, Stoke Quay should attract families looking to find spacious and affordable homes. Family needs are considered throughout, with a spacious layout over three floors including a kitchen/diner and separate

living room as well as car parking and bike storage. The specification at Stoke Quay shows integrated appliances, downlighters and luxurious bathrooms. Upon completion residents at Stoke Quay will enjoy trees and landscaped green areas to encourage a real sense of community where children can play together. One-bedroom apartment: Full value: £190,000 Minimum share: 25% • Cost of share: £47,500 5% deposit: £2,375 • Mortgage on share*: £227 Rent on remaining share**: £327 Total costs: £554

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or 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

28 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 29

East & South East Properties

BUCHANS MEAD Crawley from £200,000 for 80% Buchans Mead is Countryside’s brand new development in Crawley, where there is a range of two and three-bedroom properties, ideal for young families or professionals. The homes are located near the vibrant town centre, which has a great range of local amenities, a 45 minute train service to London and stunning countryside just minutes away. The three-bedroom houses boast spacious living accommodation, comprising an open plan kitchen/living/ dining room with French doors opening

Two-bedroom house: Full value: £250,000 Minimum equity: 80% • Cost of equity: £200,000 5% deposit: £12,5000 Mortgage on 80% equity*: £1,151 Total costs: £719

onto the rear garden and a cloakroom on the ground floor. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms, a single bedroom and a family bathroom. Contemporary kitchens are fitted

KINGS COPSE Hemel Hempstead. Prices and shares to be advised Nestled next to the pretty village of Leverstock Green, Kings Copse enjoys all the advantages of town and country living. There are beautiful views of open countryside to the south and easy access to the village, with its village green, school, library and a selection of shops including a delicatessen, butchers and pharmacy. Leverstock Green also boasts sports clubs, a lovely primary school, parish church, and numerous local

Andy Wells & daughter Grace Previous situation: Living with Parents Scheme:

Shared Ownership

Location:

Whitstable

Provider:

Orbit

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

oung dad Andy Wells thought that buying a two-bedroom house in Whitstable might never happen. ‘I had been registered with the Help to Buy agent for nearly a year, as I knew shared ownership was the only way I was ever going to have a house of my own on my salary,’ explains Andy, 28, who is a service engineer. ‘I work hard, but my home town, Whitstable, has become so fashionable that home ownership in the area was becoming out of reach for anyone on a lower income. I was living with my parents, but always dreamt of a house of my own.’

‘shared ownership was the only way I was ever going to have a house of my own’ ‘When Grace arrived it made it even more important to have my own place, with space for her to play as she grows up and for her to have her own room. So, it was perfect timing when Orbit Homes’ development at Aurum Way came up. I had almost given up hope of finding something I could afford, in the right area for my work and to be near my daughter.’ Andy is impressed with amount of space he has in his new home, ‘I love my lounge and diner’ he enthuses, ‘I’ve got plenty of room to relax and it’s my house and my rules. But I have to do my own housework now and realise I just might have been a bit

lazy when my Mum cleared up after me!’ As well as the inside space, Andy is pleased with the outside space at Aurum Way. ‘I’d thought about flats as a cheaper way to get on the property ladder’ he explains, ‘but I kept coming back to the fact that I would desperately miss having a garden and that matters even more now that I have Grace to consider. My own garden is another benefit that buying a house through shared ownership has given me.’ Andy has bought a 30% share of his house and can buy more shares as his income increases.

Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Russell Square” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/RussellSquare

scheme by Hightown Homes and are less than one mile from the local shops. The area is popular for commuters, being close to the M1 and M25. Each new home has been carefully designed to reflect traditional village life, with pitched roofs and slate tiling. Yet each also benefits from the best of modern design to bring a light and airy feel and minimise energy use. Interested? Call 0845 4744734 or email

gastro-pubs and restaurants. The new two-bedroom apartments are being offered under the shared ownership

AMHERST HEIGHTS

enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Kings Copse” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/St-AndrewsPark

builders, Charles Church. All kitchens are fitted to an exceptionally high standard and include integrated appliances. Homes are carpeted and decorated neutrally throughout and each has a garden. Allocated parking is available with one space for the two bedroom houses and two spaces for the larger homes.

Chatham £77,000 for 35% Overlooking the iconic Fort Amherst, this development from Heart of Medway Housing Association offers a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses for shared ownership in Brompton, Kent. The homes have excellent transport links to the surrounding towns, with Chatham Dockside shopping and leisure complex a five minute drive away. Bluewater, the largest shopping centre in Kent, can be reached in 20 minutes. There are a number of direct train lines to popular London stations. Local educational establishments include nurseries and primary schools, as well as the multi-million pound Mid Kent

with handleless driftwood effect units and come equipped with the full range of integrated appliances, including microwave, electric oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and dryer. Bathrooms have quality white sanitaryware, chrome accessories and ceramic tiling.

College, opened in 2009, and campuses for the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Greenwich. The family-friendly homes have been developed by one of the UK’s top house

Two-bedroom houses: 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? Call 0845 4744734 or email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk with “Russell Square” in the subject. Remember to include your contact details. Or visit www.homefocus.co.uk/AmherstHeights

30 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 31

TV PERSONALITY

ANTHEA TURNER

Inconversationwith...

32 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

Anthea Turner has been in the TV spotlight for over twenty years. Whilst best known for her two year role as a presenter of the BBC children’s programme Blue Peter, she has also starred in many other television hits including the highly acclaimed Perfect Housewife series. With the expertise and passion for keeping an organised, tidy home, Anthea has recently turned her hand to designing a range of home storage products, so we thought this would be the perfect time to catch up with her and ask about her first home and how she likes to live. What attracted you to becoming a TV presenter and what do you like most about what you do? It was all a bit of an accident really, I came down to London to work for a record company, and whilst at a company party, I met someone who was looking for a girl to do some VideoJocking (A video jockey is an announcer who introduces videos on commercial music television stations). This was during the eighties when it was all the rage. Just for a bit of a laugh I went along for the audition and got the job, and the rest, as they say, is history. I never really set out to be a television presenter, I actually trained as a dancer, and then by another fluke ended up working in press and public relations. My work has enabled me to meet some great people and visit some amazing places. I love the communication aspect of my work, and when you’re doing something like Blue Peter, you know, it’s been a blast, it’s been really good, and there has never been a dull moment.

When did you buy your first home, what was it like, and what made you choose it? My very first home, it’s a strange one really, but the first home I actually bought and didn’t rent, was one that I had built. I bought a plot of land with some plans already drawn up, which sounded like a bright idea at the time, but it was a lot of stress! It was a beautiful house in the end and I’m glad I went through it because I now know an awful lot about building houses and it is something I would do again.

What do you believe are the most important aspects of a home? Space, open space, I’m a big fan of knocking down walls and making things quite open plan, but do appreciate that this isn’t always possible or practical. Whatever space you have the most important thing to consider is that all the different areas have their own unique style which will help to differentiate between them.

for a charity at the moment called ‘Oasis’, who would happily take some of those properties and attempt to refurbish them as homes for those who need them the most. Oasis helps to create homes largely for teenagers who are too old to be in foster care, but too young to live on their own.

What advice/design tips would you give to those looking to purchase their first home? New builds are a great buy as you know that essentials such as your boiler and electrics are all in pristine condition leaving you to focus on the interior décor that helps make a house feel like a home. Keep all your basics such as walls, curtains, and floors plain, and have fun with accessorising. That way the majority or things you spend money on can be taken with you should you choose to move. I’m a big fan of American shutters, and the clean New England costal look, it works really well in new houses and looks homely, whilst being easy to create on a budget by shopping around. My last word will always be to de-clutter, remember less is more, and a crammed house is not relaxing to be in and a nightmare to clean!

Tell us about what you have been working on?

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

My most recent project has been working on a storage collection with Ideal World, it launched in the summer, and is called NEAT. It’s designed for solving every day dilemmas of not having enough space. And for me, at home, I’m always struggling to find storage so that’s why I decided to work with the team at Ideal World, and create the range. It’s very stylish and simply helps remove clutter in a practical way. I really loved creating it.

I think the saddest thing is when you see property that is vacant and isn’t being used. Many local authorities have a lot of vacant properties, but they can’t afford to refurbish them. I’m working

More information about Anthea’s NEAT storage collection can be found at www.idealworld.tv

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 33

SmartBuyer

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE (with apologies to all puzzle and puzzler type magazines)

Of course the pictures are the same, you can’t spot any differences! And that’s one of the great things about low cost home ownership (LCHO). From the outside, no one can tell. There might be some subtle differences, like the view from the traditional sale home may be better. Or regulations may insist that there is extra storage space in the shared ownership home. But essentially, the properties are the same. Please note that some developments offer all buying options. Others may not run the Help to Buy equity loan or shared ownership schemes or only make them available on some of the properties.

For sale

Likely household income required £41,000

Likely household income required: £52,000

New home – traditional transaction £230,000 Typical 20% deposit: £46,000 Mortgage: £184,000 Cost of mortgage*: £1,002

New home using a Help to Buy mortgage £230,000 Typical 5% deposit: £11,500 Mortgage: £218,500 Cost of mortgage**: £1,342

For sale

New home using the Help to Buy equity loan scheme £230,000 Typical 5% deposit: £11,500 Equity loan provided by the Government: £46,000 Mortgage: £172,500 Cost of mortgage**: £1059 Likely household income required: £38,350

For sale

New home through the shared ownership scheme £69,000 for a 30% share of this home valued at 230,000 Typical 5% deposit on share: £3,450 Mortgage: £65,550 Cost of mortgage**: £403 Cost of rent on the share not owned***: £369 Total monthly outgoing: £772 Likely household income required: £19,000

THE REAL DIFFERENCE You should have no trouble spotting the difference now. It’s the amount of deposit you need and how much you have to pay out each month. But take advice! An experienced mortgage advisor will advise on how much you can afford, what sort of mortgage you’re likely to get and the implications of buying in different ways. The figures above are examples only for illustrative purposes. *We have assumed the interest rate on an 80% mortgage to be 4.3% ** We have assumed the interest rate on a shared ownership or Help to Buy mortgage to be 5.5% ***Assumes rent to at 2.75% of the share not owned, per year.

34 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 35

Style

HomeStyle

STORE IT IN If keeping your home tidy with everything in its place can sometimes appear an endless task, then a few simple storage solutions might be just what you need to help create a neat, stylish home. If you start by considering the storage space available and then think about how it can be best put to use, this will help maximise your efforts. Remember, good storage doesn’t have to be hidden away, with the minimum of effort you can even create a feature with it. We searched the high street for some smart ideas that not only look great but won’t break the bank, here’s a few of our fab finds.

Slatted bathroom storage shelf £35, storage cupboard £40, and mirror unit £30 www.matalan.co.uk

36 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

1 PS 2014 storage table £50 www.ikea.com

2 Orange iron storage shelf £60 www.oliverbonas.com

3 Butterfly by Matthew Williamson storage cases from £35 www.debenhams.com

4 Industrial magazine rack £55 www.vincentandbarn.co.uk

5 Dutch house cupboard £135 www.clareloves.co.uk

6 PS 2014 wall rail with mirror £35 www.ikea.com

7 Wire basket set £24 www.sainsburys.co.uk

8 Castor box £20 www.aspace.co.uk

9 House shape storage £16 www.next.co.uk

10 Kitchen storage baskets set of three £10 www.next.co.uk

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 37

SmartBuyer

READY TO SPREAD YOUR

WINGS? Going out on your own can be scary. So do some research to make sure you’re taking the best financial option.

e all reach the point when we’re ready to go out on our own. But let’s not pretend it’s easy! None of us likes getting it wrong, do we? Or looking back and thinking, we should have done it differently. So if your decision is, when I leave home do I live in someone else’s property and pay them rent, you might want to do a bit of research? The figures on the next page suggest that if you can come up with that all important deposit, then the financially sensible thing might be NOT to rent at all. Which may come as a bit of a surprise. And if you have trouble finding the full amount of deposit and repaying a huge mortgage, then low cost home ownership (LCHO) may give you the courage and the opportunity to fly towards becoming a homeowner. With LCHO, you’ll be able to afford to live, as well as own the place where you can live it from. The affordability checks that housing associations insist on before offering you LCHO mean that rather than paying every penny you earn in housing costs, you can have a life too. No, you won’t be able to be out every night, but the housing association will make sure you can get through the month and reach payday intact! If you’ve got plans to buy your own place eventually, renting somewhere as a stop-gap might mean delaying your

38 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

dreams. After forking out everything you can afford to pay someone else’s mortgage, you’re often left with nothing at the end of the month to save for a deposit. So home ownership slips further and further away. And that’s the wrong flight path. Look into all of your options and decide what works best for you. With LCHO you’ll need a far

smaller deposit than you might think - in fact, you may have enough saved already! And if you haven’t, don’t flap, start saving now. You will see from the breakdowns on page 39, LCHO means you’ll need a smaller mortgage too – one you can actually afford! In fact, LCHO gives you lower monthly costs in almost every case than renting privately or buying outright.

CHECK THE FIGURES IN YOUR AREA We’ve done a bit of checking around, and compared the price to rent a typical twobedroom property with the cost of buying outright with a 95% mortgage, buying different shares through shared ownership, and buying through the 80% Help to Buy equity loan scheme. So do the sums and see what works for you.

Cambridge £337,700 Deposit

‘Compared to renting privately we will probably save £300 per month’ Daniel Coleman, aged 25, is buying a two-bedroom apartment at the award winning Kings Park, Harold Wood in Havering with his fiancé Kerry. Daniel and Kerry currently live with his parents, and plan to get married later this year. They had been in search of their perfect home to start off their married life. ‘I came across shared ownership at Kings Park on the East Thames website, liked what I saw and went along to the show home launch event’ said Daniel. Having a home to start off their married life was really important for Daniel and Kerry, but Kings Park offered so much more ‘It’s a great location, with lots of greenery, a balcony to spend time on a sunny day, close to the mainline station and a big supermarket’. The development is convenient for both of them to travel to their jobs, they like all the space that it offers and thanks to fitted kitchens with integrated appliances, the couple can move in quickly and easily. Buying shared ownership was the perfect option for the couple. They have bought a 30% share of a £222,500 twobedroom property for £66,750. Daniel said, ‘it means that we can afford to get on the property ladder, and have our own space. Compared to renting privately we will probably save £300 per month, it’s really affordable’.

Mortgage

Mortgage pcm

Rent pcm

Total monthly costs

25% share

£4,222

£80,204

£493

£580

£1,073

50% share

£8,445

£62,700

£985

£387

£1,372

80% Help to Buy equity loan

£16,885

£253,275

£1,555

£0

£1,555*

100% buy

£16,885

£320,625

£1,969

£0

£1,969

Private rent

£610

£1,086

Deposit

Mortgage

Mortgage pcm

Rent pcm

Total monthly costs

Newquay £213,400

25% share

£2,668

£50,683

£311

£367

£678

50% share

£5,335

£101,365

£622

£246

£868

80% Help to Buy equity loan

£10,670

£160,050

£983

£0

£983*

100% buy

£10,670

£202,730

£1,245

£0

£1,245

Private rent

£680

Deposit

Mortgage

Mortgage pcm

Rent pcm

Total monthly costs

£5,473

£103,978

£639

£752

£1,391

Surrey Quays £437,800

25% share 50% share

£10,945

£207,955

£1,277

£502

£1,779

80% Help to Buy equity loan

£21,890

£328,350

£2,016

£0

£2,016*

100% buy

£21,890

£415,910

£2,554

£0

£2,554

Private rent

£1,656

Deposit

Mortgage

Mortgage pcm

Rent pcm

Total monthly costs

Rugby £111,000 25% share

£1,388

£26,262

£162

£189

£351

50% share

£2,775

£52,725

£324

£126

£450

80% Help to Buy equity loan

£5,500

£83,250

£511

£0

£511

100% buy

£5,500

£105,450

£642

£0

£648

Private rent

£592

Deposit

Mortgage

Mortgage pcm

Rent pcm

Total monthly costs

Reading £215,000 25% share

£2,688

£51,062

£317

£370

£687

50% share

£5,375

£102,105

£634

£246

£880

80% Help to Buy equity loan

£10,750

£161,250

£1,002

£0

£1002*

100% buy

£10,750

£204,250

£1,269

£0

£1,269

Private rent

£895

The small print We’ve used an average repayment mortgage over 25 years at 5.5% to get our figures. Deposit amounts are 5% which reflects what is available in the market at the moment. Please note that Help to Buy Guarantee Mortgages are NOT available in conjunction with LCHO schemes. But we have used 5% deposits for 100% purchases assuming that the mortgage will be attained using a Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee. Rent for shared ownership is based on 2.75% of the share you don’t own, per year (we then divide this by 12 to get a monthly rate). Private rents and property prices are based on averages in the area, taken from popular property websites not specific properties. * Please note that with a Help to Buy equity loan, you will be paying back some interest from year 6 onwards.

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 39

MoneyMaestro

BUDGET BUSTER

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

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

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

40 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

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

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

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

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

BUDGETPLANNER If you’re trying to get to grips with your finances, you must do a budget – it’s so easy to miss off important expenses. Remember to budget everything on a monthly basis, even if you only get and pay the bill once a year! So we’ve come up with a handy sheet to help. Our advice? Photocopy it a few times so you’ll have something to fill in as your budget changes. Or go to www.homefocus.co.uk/Budget_Planner to download an electronic version and print off as many times 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 • SEPT/OCT 2014 41

HomeStyle Soyuz 3 spotlight ceiling plate £35 www.johnlewis.com

Kiki bamboo shade £25 www.sainsburys.co.uk

Tesco Cologne table lamp in copper metallic £35 www.tesco.com

LET THERE BE

LIGHT

Zella floor lamp in antique brass and steel £85 www.johnlewis.com Macey floor lamp £39 www.very.co.uk

Amara Fishing lamp in charcoal £75 www.amara.com

Whilst usually treated as an afterthought, lighting can help make the most of every room in your home. We often spend many hours choosing how we decorate a space, but forget that it’s actually the light that will show it off to its best advantage. Each room in your home has its own role to play in your daily life so you need to take this into account when thinking about lighting, and find a good balance between being functional and decorative. The best lighting schemes are those that are made up of several layers so we’ve gathered together a few examples here of what’s available on the high street to give you a helping hand.

Rex table lamp £35 www.next.co.uk

42 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

3D FX Basketball wall light £24.95 www.glow.co.uk

Austin table lamp £49 www.made.com

Chandelier in smoke with teal £60 www.wilko.com

Mitford three shade ceiling light £39 www.tesco.com

Gyllen wall lamp £58 www.ikea.com

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 43

MaturePeople

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

BE PART OF SOMETHING NEW

Living alone shouldn’t mean being alone According to a survey by the NHS, 51% of all people over 75 live alone and 5 million older people say the television is their main form of company. Now shared ownership is designed to help people find an affordable home of their own. But in many situations, it can provide much more! Like independent living in a caring environment where you can live as part of like-minded community. Some developments are being designed exclusively for an older age group, and some apartments are being offered under the shared ownership scheme. An example is The Liberty at Royal Arsenal Riverside where the focus is on high quality communal facilities that include a restaurant and licensed bar. Also on site is a GP, a dentist’s

surgery and pharmacy. And of course, due to the location, it’s got great views over The Thames. Close by Woolwich Arsenal station gives access to National Rail and DLR, and Crossrail is due to connect to Woolwich in 2018. A Thames Clipper River Ferry Pier is actually onsite and for car owners, parking space can be rented in the secure underground car park. Viridian Housing is offering shared ownership at The Liberty and it works here as anywhere else. You buy a share in the property and pay a rent to Viridian of the share you don’t own. You’re able to buy more shares (and reduce the rent element) if you choose – but applicants at The Liberty must be over 55.

The Liberty Royal Arsenal Riverside are exclusively for the over 55’s. It’s close to riverside walks and open spaces, and there’s an on-site Tesco Express, a pub, cafe and bistro.

‘I feel that moving to this development has given me my life back’ For Dorothy Cameron, downsizing to Viridian Housing’s Halton Court has not only given her beautiful green views from her balcony but it has provided a much happier social life. Before buying her two bedroom apartment at Halton Court Dorothy, 84, was living in Honour Oak, Lewisham. All her neighbours and relatives were working full time, so she spent most of her day sitting alone. Speaking about her move, Dorothy said ‘when my daughter suggested downsizing I was unsure, but when we heard about Halton Court my mind was put completely at rest, in fact my only worry was the thought of not purchasing quick enough’. All the residents have access to a 24 hour concierge service, village hall, cafe bar, hair salon, internet area, spa bath, restaurant, gardening room and residents’ library. Dorothy comments, ‘It’s like living in a hotel, I have the

pleasure of sitting on my balcony and looking out at all the greenery, but there is plenty to do outside of my apartment, including sewing sessions, dance classes and good old fashioned entertainment. I don’t leave the development much, but when I

do everything is so close by. It takes me less than ten minutes to walk to the doctors or local shops and at my age that proves how close the local amenities really are. I feel that moving to this development has given me my life back.

‘We needed a two bedroom home, so our daughter could live with us as we were very concerned about her well-being’. Mr and Mrs Wilson were living in a house in Romford with their daughter who suffers with a mental health illness. Mrs Wilson’s health deteriorated and Mr Wilson was left to provide support for both his wife and daughter. ‘I was looking after my wife and daughter by myself and cooking their meals for them. My days in the army as a chef helped me, but I was struggling with everything’. Unfortunately, Mr Wilson then suffered a heart attack, leaving the family in desperate need of care. It was then that the Wilsons were introduced to Dreywood Gardens, an East Thames shared ownership development for the over 55’s. ‘I was surprised by Dreywood Gardens and interested in what it could offer us. The onsite restaurant was one of the main things for us’ says Mr Wilson. The Wilsons sold their house and had enough to buy a 70% share at Dreywood Gardens. ‘We needed a two bedroom home, so our daughter could live with us as we were very concerned about her well-

44 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

Dorothy Cameron ‘at home’ at Viridian’s Halton Court, Kidbrooke Village, Blackheath

Mr & Mrs Wilson on their balcony at East Thames’ Dreywood Gardens, Gidea Park

being’ continues Mr Wilson. Another benefit is that the service charge covers hot water and heating, so we are left without the worry of high bills. The homes at Dreywood Gardens are adaptable to meet the Wilson’s future needs, with access to on-site care,

communal facilities and a hive of social activities; it’s the perfect setting for the family. ‘We are happy in our home, enjoy sitting in the communal lounge areas and have been to some of the activities. We have already recommended Dreywood Gardens to our friends’.

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 45

ABiggerShare

BUYING MORE

SHARES You’ve bought your first share...what next? F

or many people, shared ownership is simply the first step. It’s the road to bigger homes, different locations – maybe following a career path that will give you more money and take you to different areas of the country, or perhaps motivated by the demands of a growing family But if staying right where you are in your first shared ownership home is the right thing for you to do, then shared ownership will carry on working just as long as you want it to. Why move away from friends, family, your local network, the places you know and the home you’ve made your own? And just like owning any other home, with shared ownership there’s no obligation to move on and no obligation to increase your stake in the property.

Changing circumstances But what if you do want to increase your stake? Suppose you start earning more and can afford to buy a bigger share and would prefer to pay less out each month in rent to the housing association. Well, you can do that too, in a process called ‘staircasing’. Your housing association can best advise you on this, as can your shared ownership experienced solicitor and mortgage advisor, but the idea is that as your financial situation changes, you’ll be able to take new financial decisions that will work in your favour. Generally speaking housing associations will ask you to ‘staircase’ in reasonable chunks – like 10 or 20% and in most cases you’ll be able to ‘staircase’ until your own the whole 100%, when you won’t pay any more rent at all. But do check all the details – that’s where your solicitor and mortgage advisor will be helpful. You will be asked to pay for your extra share at the current market price – and this, of course, could be higher or lower than when you first bought. So if house prices do continue to go up and down (and who knows?), then clever timing could make it possible for you to buy a bigger share without paying out too much extra!

46 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

‘without a bigger deposit, we couldn’t afford to get a mortgage on the entire value of a property’

ianne Holtshausen and her husband, Brian, not only bought their first home thanks to Affinity Sutton’s shared ownership scheme but it provided them with a platform to go on and buy the place outright. After moving to the UK from South Africa a decade ago and renting a house in Borehamwood, Dianne, 32, and Brian, 35, were desperate to get on the property ladder and start a family. However, their deposit was turned down by mortgage lenders when the interest rates changed. ‘We were really tired of paying out money

to other people through renting and wanted to actually put our wages towards something of our own,’ explained Dianne. ‘But without a bigger deposit, we couldn’t afford to get a mortgage on the entire value of a property.’ And that’s when the couple, who now have a six-monthold daughter called Harper, came across shared ownership and staircasing. Dianne and Brian originally bought a 60 per cent share of an apartment in Manor Way, Borehamwood, in 2010 for £84,000 but within two years were able to purchase the remaining share costing

them £47,000. This was one of those examples where property prices had gone down and as a result, the couple were able to buy the property outright, meaning no more rent to pay, all for around £35 week more than they were paying in the first place. Dianne said: “We would never have been able to afford to buy a home on the open market because the banks just wouldn’t accept our deposit. We had always planned on buying 100 per cent of the property and this has given us the tools to be able to do that’.

Get in touch If you want to know more about how staircasing works, contact your housing association, a mortgage advisor or solicitor (a number of specialists appear on pages 66 & 67), email enquiries@homefocus.co.uk or call 0845 4744734.

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 47

ExpertAdvice

ASK THE EXPERTS

‘I can’t afford to buy on my own so am thinking about sharing the costs and mortgage with my flat-mate or alternatively, looking into shared ownership. Can you explain the difference?’. Writes Roz Whitehead from Palmers Green

Lots of people are uncertain about the difference between ‘sharing ownership’ and shared ownership. So we asked some of our experts to explain the difference Can we help?

Got a question but don’t know anyone in the know? Send it to us at info@ homefocusmagazine.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 • SEPT/OCT 2014

FINANCE

LEGAL

Richard Stone

Barbara Paul Roberts

Consultant, Censeo Ltd

Director New Homes Law

t’s a conundrum facing a growing number of young people, so let me start by saying that each situation is different and should be reviewed on its own merits. Both routes will make you a homeowner, but a key factor for me is that shared ownership will buy you a share in a property in your own name, using a tried and trusted government sponsored scheme. The other is based on the vagaries of a friendship and a set of circumstances which may or may not last the test of time. Buying with a flat-mate will work for some but it’s essential that all possible outcomes are fully considered before putting pen to paper. •Discuss all the possible ‘worst case’ scenarios i.e. what happens if you fall out, or if one of you is out of work for a period of time or is ill and unable to make you share of the repayments? •What happens if a change of circumstance means that one of you wants to sell and the other wants to stay? •Are you both contributing equal sums of money towards the deposit and purchase costs? If one of you is contributing more, then how is this accounted for? All these questions and more need to be discussed and preferably covered-off in the form of a legal agreement. With shared ownership, just so long as you pay your rent and service charge you are largely left to make your own decisions and the housing association is effectively a silent partner. The relationship is clearly defined and documented to last the test of time.

hared ownership is a scheme which makes owning a property affordable to people who wish to live on their own rather than co-own with another person. Buying with a flat-mate often means you can afford a larger place and you will own 100% of the property between you, but you will need to think about the legal and practical issues that might arise. Will you own it 50:50 or would one of you have put in more and own a bigger share? What happens if, say, your flat-mate was to die and their share passed to someone else and you finish up co-owning with someone you don’t know? And what happens if your flat-mate can no longer afford the upkeep of the property, or needs more space to start a family or has to move to another area for work? Will you be in a position to buy their share, or will the property have to be sold? Your conveyancer will help you agree this formally with a Deed of Trust. With shared ownership you have the comfort of having control over your share of the property. When you’re ready, you can move or increase the size of your share (this is called staircasing) until you perhaps finish up owning 100% of the property. This gives you the ability to adapt to life’s circumstances without the consent of others. Whatever route you take, your conveyancer will help you through the legal formalities.

Jim Munson Head of Marketing & Customer Care – Metropolitan Home Ownership

here are some big differences! If you’re buying a home outright with a flat-mate, you’ll be tying yourself into a longer term financial commitment (a 25 year mortgage) with both your names on the deeds (assuming an even split on the cost of the mortgage). You’ll need to make sure that you’ve planned around what should happen should your individual circumstances change, what happens if one of you wants to sell up and move on and the other one doesn’t? What happens if your flat-mate stops paying their half of the mortgage or if you fall out with each other or want to move a partner in? If you buy this way, you’ll also still be in a flat-share, sharing your bathroom, kitchen and living space. Shared ownership is a different kind of sharing and it doesn’t mean waking up in the morning to find that someone else has used all your milk. Through shared ownership, the home you buy is all yours to live in and enjoy. The term ‘shared ownership’ comes from the financial arrangement where you own a percentage of the home based on its value (normally between 25% and 75% depending on what you can afford to buy with savings and/or a mortgage) and pay a capped rent to the housing association. Shared ownership reduces both the amount of money that you need to save for a deposit (as you only have to pay a deposit on the share that you buy) and your monthly housing costs – usually your monthly costs through shared ownership will equate to around 80% of the costs of buying an equivalent home or renting it privately.

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 49

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

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

50 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

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

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

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

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 home

n Contact your new local authority about

schools and colleges in the area

n Notify schools, churches etc of your

impending move

n Notify your own and research alternative

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

n Check parking arrangements at your new

home and apply for permits if necessary

n Get to know your new area and work out the

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

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

n Tell credit and store card companies your

n Finish up your frozen food supply or give it away

n PACK! n Find and label keys n Send out change of address cards, text

new areas regarding council tax and electoral registration

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

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

n Return things you’ve borrowed from friends n Start to run down the contents of your freezer n Arrange to transfer home insurance, or set

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

n Research car boot sales to get rid of stuff

you’re not taking with you

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

messages and Facebook or MySpace alerts

1 DAY BEFORE…

friends, van rental etc

3 WEEKS BEFORE…

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

n Notify relevant authorities in your old and

n Book removals company or arrange help from

new address

People to tell

freezer

n Take down pictures, mirrors, non-essential

curtains and blinds

n Disconnect your cooker, washing machine

and dishwasher

n Confirm minders for children and pets

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

jewellery with you

n Lock all windows and doors when you leave

If you’d like a copy of our moving checklist to 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 • SEPT/OCT 2014 51

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: At how many retail outlets can you redeem National Garden Gift Vouchers A: Over 3,000 B: Over 2,000 C: Over 5,000

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.homfocus.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 November 2014 • 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.

52 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 53

ShowDiary

WhereNext

homefinder

FORTHCOMING

EVENTS

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. You can find one on page 67 of the magazine. 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 14 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. 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. 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.

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

SOUTH www.helptobuysouth.co.uk

SOUTH WEST www.helptobuysw.org.uk

EAST & SOUTH EAST www.helptobuyese.org.uk

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...

Help to Buy Show Salisbury

Help to Buy Show Wiltshire

Wednesday 10th September 2014 3.00pm - 7.00pm Salisbury City Hall, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7TU

Tuesday 14th October 2014 3.00pm - 7.00pm Oasis Leisure Centre, North Star Ave, Swindon SN2 1EP

Help to Buy Show Oxfordshire

Help to Buy Roadshow Cheltenham

Tuesday 16th September 2014 3.00pm - 7.00pm The Kassam Stadium, Grenoble Road, Oxford, OX4 4XP

Tuesday 21st October 2014 3.00pm - 7.00pm Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 4SH

Help to Buy Show Bristol, Bath and North Somerset

Wandsworth Affordable Housing Day

Saturday 27th September 2014 11am - 4.00pm AT-Bristol, Anchor Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5DB

Civic Suite Wandsworth High Street, SW18 2PU on Thursday 23rd October 2014 from 2pm to 8pm

The London Homebuilding & Renovating Home Improvement Show Olympia, London 26-28 September 2014

Help to Buy Roadshow Berkshire Saturday 10th October 2014 11am - 4.00pm Madejski Stadium, Junction 11, M4, Reading, Berkshire RG2 0FL

We’ve colour coded our development sections on pages 14-33 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 • SEPT/Oct 2014

FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS NEAR YOU!

LOOK FOR THE LOGO!

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 • SEPT/OCT 2014 55

PropertySearch

AFFORDABLE PROPERTIES

NEAR YOU!

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

Name of Development

No of Units

Type of Properties

Available From

Provider

EAST & SOUTH EAST Help to Buy Agent: Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association www.helptobuyese.org.uk Bedford St Bede’s Independent Living 53 1 & 2 bed flats - for over 55’s Now Orbit Homes Berkhamsted Old Oak Gardens 1 1 bed flat Now Hightown Homes Biggleswade Kings Reach, Biggleswade 18 1 & 2 bed flats, 2, 3 & 4 bed houses 2014-2015 Aragon Bognor Regis 4 Harrington House 1 2 bed flat Now Affinity Sutton Brackley Normandy Lodge, Brackley 4 2 & 3 bed houses 2014 Aragon Bracknell Forest The Parks 15 2, 3 & 4 bed houses Now Affinity Sutton Brighton Super B 53 1, 2 & 3 bed flats Now Hyde New Homes Brighton One Hove Park 30 1, 2 & 3 bed flats January Hyde New Homes Brighton Alexandra Apartments 1 2 bed wheelchair chair accessible Now Affinity Sutton Brighton Matthew House 1 1 bed flat Now Affinity Sutton Brighton Old Mill Mews 1 3 bed house Now Affinity Sutton Brighton & Hove The Edge 2 2 bed flats Now Southern Housing Brogborough Leeward Point 6 3 bed houses Now Orbit Homes Bury St Edmunds Vinefields 7 2 & 3 bed houses April Orbit Homes Buxted 3 Totease Mews 1 3 bed flat Now Affinity Sutton Caterham Oakgrove 18 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 bed houses Now Affinity Sutton Chatham Admirals Place 8 1 & 2 bed flats, 2 bed houses March Orbit Homes Chatham Amherst Heights 4 3 & 4 bed houses Now Red Loft Chatham Theatre Royal 9 2 bed flats January Red Loft Chelmsford St John’s 18 1 & 2 bed flats Coming soon East Thames Chichester Canal Walk 13 2 & 3 bed houses Now Affinity Sutton Chichester Affinity Sutton at Graylingwell Park 22 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 bed houses Now Affinity Sutton Chichester Bleaches Court 1 2 bed flat Now Affinity Sutton Chichester St Margarets 14 2 bed flats Spring Affinity Sutton Chigwell Grange Manor 9 2 bed flats Coming soon East Thames Cocking The Croft 4 2 & 3 bed houses Now Hyde New Homes Cranleigh The Cranes 12 2 & 3 bed houses, 2 bed flats Now Affinity Sutton Cranleigh The Cranes 12 2 bed flats, 3 bed houses Now Affinity Sutton Crawley Haweswater Place 1 1 bed flat Now Affinity Sutton Cringleford Aura, Round House Park 6 2 & 3 bed houses Now Orbit Homes East Wittering Hawthorn Close 2 2 & 4 bed houses Now Hyde New Homes Eastbourne Churchdale Road 1 3 bed house Now Affinity Sutton Eastergate Brooks Nursery 4 2 & 3 bed houses Winter Affinity Sutton Epsom Noble Park 16 1 & 2 bed flats Now Orbit Homes Gillingham Hayter House 2 2 bed flat Now Affinity Sutton Gillingham, Kent Amherst Heights 9 2, 3 & 4 bed houses Now Heart of Medway Godalming Riverside 12 2 bed houses, 1 & 2 bed flats Winter Affinity Sutton Great Blakenham Blakenham Fields PH2 TBC 2 & 3 bed houses 2015-16 Orbit Homes Guildford The Paddocks 9 1 & 2 bed flats Now Affinity Sutton Hadleigh Hadleigh Park 14 2 bed houses Now Orbit Homes Halling St Andrews Park 11 3 & 4 bed houses Spring Red Loft Halling St Andrews Park 18 3 bed houses, 1 & 2 bed flats Autumn 15 Red Loft Hastings Sycamore Chase 16 2 & 3 bed houses March Orbit Homes Hastings Kingswood Gate 11 2 bed flats, 2 bed houses December Orbit Homes Hatfield Princes Gate 13 2 & 3 bed houses, 2 bed flats Spring Affinity Sutton Hellingly Roebuck Park 10 2 & 3 bed houses Now Orbit Homes Hemel Hempstead Matis House 1 2 bed flat Now Hightown Homes Hitchin Lavender Place 10 1 & 2 bed flats Now Origin Housing Horsham Kilnwood Vale 4 2 & 3 bed flats Now Southern Housing Hove Flat 2, 50 New Church Road 1 2 bed flat Now Affinity Sutton Hoveton Meadow View 11 2 & 3 bed houses Now Orbit Homes Hurstpierpoint Chalkers Vale 6 3 bed houses Spring Affinity Sutton Ipswich Scholars Quarter 4 3 bed house Now Orbit Homes Kents Hill Bedgebury Place, Kents Hill 1 3 bed house 2015 Aragon Lewes Yew Tree Court 10 1 & 2 bed flats Spring Affinity Sutton Lewes 4 St Helen’s House 1 2 bed flat Now Affinity Sutton

56 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

Location

Name of Development

No of Units

Type of Properties

Help to Buy Agent: Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association www.helptobuyese.org.uk London Colney Lime Tree Court 1 3 bed flat Middleton Cheney Waters Lane, Middleton Cheney 6 2 & 3 bed houses Milton Keynes Felstead 1 1 bed flats Milton Keynes Yorkshire Close 2 1 & 2 bed flats Rochester Ruxton Square 1 2 bed flats Sandy Sunderland Road, Sandy 13 1 & 2 bed flats, 2 & 3 bed houses Shenley Brook End Garthwaite Crescent, Shenley Brook End 1 3 bed house St Albans Davy House 1 2 bed flat St Albans Whitley Court 1 1 bed flat St Albans Whitley Court 1 2 bed flat St Albans Lime Tree Court 1 3 bed flat St Albans Lime Tree Court 1 2 bed flat St Leonards on Sea Oakwood Rise 11 2 & 3 bed houses Stevenage Stephensons Mews 1 1 bed flat Stotfold Beauchamp Mill 5 1 & 2 bed maisonettes Strood De Montford apartments 1 2 bed flats Thanet Weyburn Place 4 2 & 3 bed houses Upper Caldecote Biggleswade Road, Upper Caldecote 4 2 & 3 bed houses, 2 bed bungalow Wymondham Oakfield Green 1 3 bed house Yapton Emerald Gardens 4 2 & 3 bed houses

Available From

Provider

Now 2014 Now Now Now 2014-2015 2015 Now Now Now Now Now Oct & Apr ‘15 Now Now Now March 2015 Now December

Hightown Homes Aragon Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Red Loft Aragon Aragon Hightown Homes Hightown Homes Hightown Homes Hightown Homes Hightown Homes Orbit Homes Affinity Sutton Hightown Homes Red Loft Orbit Homes Aragon Orbit Homes Raglan Housing

Now Late 2014 Now Now Now Coming soon Coming soon Coming soon Now Now Now Autumn Coming soon Now Now Spring Summer Now Now Now Coming soon Spring Now March Now Late Autumn Now Now Winter Now January Now Now Spring Spring December December February November February Now Now Summer Now Winter Now Now Now Autumn Now Early 2016

L&Q L&Q Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Hyde New Homes East Thames Gateway Living Gateway Living Red Loft Red Loft Affinity Sutton L&Q East Thames Affinity Sutton Orbit Homes Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Newlon Home Ownersp. Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton East Thames L&Q L&Q Newlon Home Ownersp. Red Loft Octavia Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton L&Q L&Q Origin Housing Origin Housing Metropolitan L&Q Red Loft Red Loft Red Loft Red Loft Red Loft Red Loft Gateway Living Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Viridian Housing Viridian Housing Metropolitan L&Q L&Q L&Q

LONDON

Help to Buy Agent: FIRSTSTEPS www.sharetobuy.com/firststeps Barking & Dagenham Academy Central IMR Barking & Dagenham Barking Riverside IMR Bexley Ratio Bexley Erith Park Bexleyheath Clock Tower Court Bow The View Bow LIVE3 Bow Bow Courtyard Brentford Brook Road South Brentford Lateward Road Bromley Hardwick House Bromley Rokewood Apartments Chingford Mayfield Chiswick Chiswick Point Croydon Scholars Place Croydon The Deacons Croydon Bedford House Dagenham Castle Green Place Ealing The Garden Court Apartments Ealing The Garden Court Apartments East Ham Butterfly Gardens Elephant & Castle L&Q @ Trafalgar Place Enfield St Paul’s Court Enfield Watermill Lane Feltham Chichester Fitzrovia Cleveland Street@Fitzroy Place Fulham Ashlar Court Fulham Fulham Riverside Golders Green The Lexington NW11 Greenwich L&Q @ Greenwich Square Hackney The City Mills Harrow Essence Harrow Chandos Harrow Pearmaine House Hornsey Rise Harrington Court Hounslow Hawker Terrace Hounslow Muntz House Hounslow Packwell Place Hounslow St Valery Place Hounslow Redwood Hounslow Crane Lodge Road Isle Of Dogs Triangle E14 Islington The Fable Apartments at the Lexicon Kensington The Baronets Kensington The Kells Kidbrooke SOKV Kidbrooke Halton Court Lambeth Annie McCall Lewisham Goldcrest House Mitcham Lavender Gardens Newham Chobham Manor

27 52 8 9 43 4 9 1 2 1 1 16 6 23 12 7 35 10 19 4 6 20 13 30 2 14 8 52 4 144 116 12 15 38 14 2 3 10 1 2 2 8 70 9 14 61 14 1 29 16 8

1 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 3 bed houses 2 & 3 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats,3 bed duplex house 1 bed flat 3 bed houses 4 bed house 1 bed flat 1 & 2 bed flats 3 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 3 bed houses 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 2 bed flat wheelchair accessible 1, 2, & 3 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats, 3 & 4 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 bed maisonette 4 bed houses 1 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats, 4 & 5 bed homes 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 2 bed flats, 3 bed maisonettes 3 bed house 2 bed flats 3 bed maisonettes, 2 bed flats 2 bed house 3 bed houses 3 bed houses 2 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 2 bed flats - over 55s 1 bed flat 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 bed flats, 3 bed homes

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 57

PropertySearch Location

homefinder East & South East Name of Development

No of Units

Type of Properties

Available From

Provider

52 4 1 20 30 24 13 4 13 14 20 1 1 27 22 100 9 23 27 19 20 7 4 24 98

1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 2 bed flat 1 & 2 bed flats 3 bed houses, 1, 2, & 3 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 2 & 3 bed flats 2, 3 & 4 bed flats 3 & 4 bed houses 1, 2 & 3 bed flats & duplexes. 2 bed flat wheelchair accessible 1 bed flat 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1, 2 & 3 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 1 & 2 bed flats 2 bed houses 1 & 2 bed flats 2 bed flats - over 55s

Late 2014 Now Now Now Now 2016 Now Now Now Now Now Now Now September ‘15 Coming soon March Now Coming soon Now Now Summer Now Coming soon January Summer

L&Q Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Octavia Hyde New Homes Octavia Affinity Sutton Newlon Home Ownersp. L&Q Metropolitan Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Affinity Sutton Hyde New Homes East Thames Newlon Home Ownersp. Newlon Home Ownersp. East Thames L&Q Octavia L&Q Octavia East Thames Hyde New Homes Viridian Housing

5 2 & 3 bed houses 1 2 bed bungalow 8 2 & 3 bed houses 14 2 bed houses 2 3 bed house 5 2 & 3 bed houses 4 2 bed houses & flats 90 1 & 2 bed flats - for over 55’s 29 2 & 3 bed hse, 2 bed maisonettes 1 2 bed house 56 2 bed houses 2 2 & 3 bed houses 5 1 & 2 bed flats 4 1 bed flats 37 2 & 3 bed houses 10 2 bed houses 10 2 bed houses 30 1 & 2 bed flats - for over 55’s 15 2, 3 & 4 bed houses 19 2, 3 & 4 bed houses

December Now Late 2014 Now Now Now Now Now Now Now Now November Now Now Late 2014 Early/mid 2015 Early/mid 2015 Now Now Now

Orbit Homes Hello Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Hello Homes Hello Homes Hello Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Hello Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Hello Homes Metropolitan Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes Orbit Homes

LONDON

Help to Buy Agent: FIRSTSTEPS www.sharetobuy.com/firststeps Newham Orpington Orpington Paddington Plumstead Putney Rotherhithe South Woodford Southwark Southwark St Mary Cray St Mary Cray St Mary Cray Stonebridge Stratford Tottenham Tottenham Tower Hamlets Walthamstow Wandsworth Wandsworth Wembley Woodford Green Woolwich Woolwich

Stratford Gate Amethyst Court William Petty Way Merchant Square Kings Highway Putney Plaza The Arc Chigwwell Road Old Kent Road Roseberry Street The Ridge BR5 The Ridge BR5 Cray View Close Spring Stratford Plaza Rivers Apartments High Road, Tottenham The Dockyard Abbots House Spectra The Schoolyard Elizabeth House Meadow Gate Cambridge House The Liberty

homefinder East & South East

Visit: www.mhs.org.uk

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

MIDLANDS Help to Buy Agent: Orbit www.helptobuymidlands.co.uk Bidford upon Avon The Waterway Breedon on the Hill Breedon Bugbrooke The Willows Burton Latimer Glade Gardens Enderby St Johns Hathern Terracotta Gardens Kegworth Citrus Grove Leamington Spa Queensway Court Long Marston Beaufort Mead Narborough Copt Oak Gardens Northampton Booth Park Northampton Chapel Lane, Blisworth Northamptonshire Paling Close Nottingham Southreef Pineham Butterly Gardens South Northants Chaplins Yard, Roade South Northants Chaplins Yard, Roade Southam Tithe Lodge Stratford-upon-Avon The Chapelry Wellesbourne Ettington Mews

For shared ownership in Kent and Medway

Redlands Grange, Emsworth

Location

Name of Development

No of Units

Type of Properties

and

Available From

Provider

SOUTH WEST Help to Buy Agent: www.helptobuysw.org.uk Bournemouth Broadway Mews Bristol Maytrees Plymouth Maple Walk Poundbury South West Quadrant Shaftesbury Cranbourne Heights Sparkford The Old Coal Yard Taunton Monkton Heathfield Weymouth Pemberley

9 1 9 4 3 6 4 2

2 & 3 bed houses Autumn Spectrum Housing 2 bed flat Now Affinity Sutton 2 & 3 bed houses Spring Spectrum Housing 3 bed houses December Raglan Housing 3 bed house Autumn Spectrum Housing 2 & 3 bed houses Now Raglan Housing 3 bed houses Now Raglan Housing 2 bed houses Now Raglan Housing

SOUTH Help to Buy Agent: Radian www.helptobuysouth.co.uk Aldershot The Orchard 1 Andover Locksbridge Park Banbury Longford Park 7 Basingstoke Englefield Way 1 Emsworth Redlands Grange 7 Freshwater IOW Freshwater Fields 14 Glastonbury Chilkwell Street 6 Gosport Alver Village 9 Havant Nursery Fields 1 Kingsworthy Southside Embankment 10 Lee-on-the-Solent Sea Crest Gardens 7 Newport IOW Pan Meadows 9 Portsmouth Guardians Gate 4 Reading Kennet House 10 Reading The Cedars 17 Southampton Centenary Quay 4 Southampton The Cloisters 18 Southampton The Compass 1 Southampton Queensway 12 Southampton Centenary Quay 8 Southampton Meggeson Ave 11 Southampton Laxton Close 9

58 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

1 bed flats Now First Wessex 2 bed flats, 2 & 3 bed houses Now Sentinel 2 & 3 bed houses Now Raglan Housing 1 bed flat Now Affinity Sutton 1 & 2 bed flats July First Wessex 2 & 3 bed houses Spring Spectrum Housing 2 & 3 bed houses November Raglan Housing 1 & 2 bed flats September First Wessex 3 bed houses June-October First Wessex 2 bed houses Now Hyde New Homes 2 & 3 bed houses August First Wessex 2 bed houses Autumn Spectrum Housing 3 & 4 bed houses November First Wessex 1 & 2 bed flats Now Raglan Housing 1 & 2 bed flats, 3 bed houses Coming Soon Southern Housing 1 & 2 bed flats Now Spectrum Housing 1 & 2 bed flats, 2 & 3 bed houses Now Affinity Sutton 4 bed mid terrace house Now Affinity Sutton 2 bed houses, 1,2 & 3 bed flats December Raglan Housing 1 & 2 bed flats Now Spectrum Housing 1 & 2 bed flats October First Wessex 1 & 2 bed flats October First Wessex

Interested in any of the properties listed? Call 0845 4744734 or email the name of the property to property@homefocus.co.uk and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name. homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 59

homefinder South West

homefinder East & South East 4281 Southern Housing HF ad_HR.pdf

28/03/2014

homefinder East & South East

homefinder South West

Continued

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

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

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

affinitysutton.com email: sales@affinitysutton.com

16:32

Get on the property ladder with

Need a helping hand to get on the property ladder? Affordable properties in various locations: Hampshire Wiltshire Dorset, Devon Isle of Wight

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

shared ownership from Hightown Homes

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

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

INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE PROPERTIES IN HOMEFOCUS? Call 0845 747 4734 or email the name of the property to enquiries@homefocus.co.uk and we’ll do the rest. Remember to include your name.

60 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

Name_______________________________ Address_____________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________

FirstBuy, and all low cost home ownership schemes

____________________________________

n Advice on legal and mortgage matters from specialists

Postcode____________________________

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

Phone number _______________________ Email address _______________________ ____________________________________ Signature____________________________

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

Date________________________________

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

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

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

Payment options:

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

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 61

homefinder London

Providers of quality affordable homes

feeLs gooD when you finD what you’re Looking for

Telephone: 0208 709 4409 Fax: 020 8709 4400 Email: sales@gatewayhousing.org.uk www.gatewayhousing.org.uk

Developing homes in London

octaviaafforDabLe homeownership

409-413 Mile End Road London E3 4PB

for more information please call

020 8354 5601 www.octaviahousing.org.uk 3998 OH Home Focus Ad_V2.indd 1

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

Origin HF directory ad 12.8.11:Layout 1

SALES & MARKETING CONSULTANCY AND AGENCY SERVICES

Find out more: 0844 225 3077 · www.redloftsales.co.uk

12/8/11

14:57

10/02/2014 10:44

Call the sales team now

shared ownership homes in London & the South East

and

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

0800 058 2544 www.newlonhomeownership.org.uk

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

Don’t miss out...

Get on the London property ladder with an Shared Ownership home

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

www.lqg roup.co.u k/pricedin

Developing where people want 06/02/2014 to

LAQ_044_HomeFocus_91x61mm_v3.indd 1

Homes for sale on a shared ownership basis across London 0300 100 0303

affinitysutton.com email: sales@affinitysutton.com

62 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

14:45

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

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.

Tel: 0800 012 1442

www.viridianhousing.org.uk

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

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

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 63

homefinder Midlands

homefinder South

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

homefinder South

Tel.Tel. 01525 844460 01525 844460

Need a helping hand to get on the property ladder? Affordable properties in various locations: Hampshire Wiltshire Dorset, Devon Isle of Wight

www.grandunionhousing.co.uk www.grandunionhousing.co.uk

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

Grand Grand Union Union Housing Group Group comprises: AragonAragon Housing Association, Housing comprises: Housing Association, MacIntyre Housing Association and South Northants HomesHomes MacIntyre Housing Association and South Northants

Affordable Hyde New Homes

‘hello homes’ throughout the EAST MIDLANDS…

Shared Ownership • Discounted Rent CITRUS GROVE, KEGWORTH 2 BEDROOM GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT 25% SHARE AVAILABLE FROM £27,312

Call our sales team now! Tel: 0845 606 1221 Email: info@hydenewhomes.co.uk www.hydenewhomes.co.uk

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

Say ‘hello’ to our dedicated sales team on: 0844 892 2506 / hellohomes@emhgroup.org.uk Click: www.hellohomes.org.uk Part Buy / Part Rent / For Sale / For You…

Redlands Grange, Emsworth

and

‘hello homes’ is part of East Midlands Housing Group Limited.

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

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.

64 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

group

____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________

n Advice on legal and mortgage matters from specialists

Postcode____________________________ 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 Billscutter is part of the

Address_____________________________

FirstBuy, and all low cost home ownership schemes

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

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

Name_______________________________

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

Payment options:

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 65

legal&financialadvice

homebuyers

Established over 60 years, Wiseman Lee has a dedicated department dealing with all Homebuy schemes, Resales, Staircasing and all Housing Association Schemes.

GUIDE

Please contact one of our team for further information, advice and a quote for costs and disbursements: Janice Maskell 020 8215 1077 jmaskell@wiseman.co.uk

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

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

• Shared Ownership

Property Solicitors

• Shared Equity (formerly GTCLaw)

Residential Conveyancing

• Resales • Staircasing

Commercial Conveyancing

• Right to Acquire

Affordable Housing

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.

Housing Association Schemes Staircasing Right to Buy Lease Extensions

Put your conveyancing in experienced hands

• First Buy

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

Landlord & Tenant Personal Injury Family Law Wills and Probate

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

66 homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014

www.directionlaw.co.uk

Visit www.free-conveyancing-guide.co.uk to receive your FREE Guide to Conveyancing.

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

Please contact our solicitors; Kerry Hicks, Sophie Treszka, Dorothy Johnstone or Rachel Turner on 020 8567 3477, or email khicks@prince-evans.co.uk

HomeFocus ad-Shared Ownership_April13.indd 1

We leave good advertising to the professionals.

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

10/04/2013 17:00

Keeping advertising standards high

homefocus • SEPT/OCT 2014 67

Affordable homes in fantastic locations

Clock Tower Court

Hookpit Farm

CO SO MI ON NG

AV HO LAS AI US T LA ES BL E

UN DE 50% RO FF ER

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

Kings Highway

(Indicative interior)

1 & 2 bedroom apartments for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme. Prices start from £75,600 for a 45% share.

Final 3 two bedroom houses in Kings Worthy available through the Shared Ownership scheme. Prices start from £94,000 for a 40% share.

1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom houses for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme. Price to be confirmed Contact us now to register your interest.

The Croft

Super B

CO SO MIN ON G

Kings Highway, Plumstead SE18

AV A NO ILA W BLE

Hookpit Farm Lane, Kings Worthy SO23 7NA

UN DE 25% R OF FE R

Albion Road, Bexleyheath DA6

Wyatt Approach

(Indicative interior)

The Croft, Cocking, West Sussex GU29

New England Square, Brighton BN1

Artillery Place, Woolwich SE18

Final 2 bedroom house and 2 bedroom apartments for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme. Prices start from £72,000 for a 40% share.

1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme. Prices start from £121,500 for a 45% share. Contact us now to register your interest.

1 & 2 bedroom apartments for sale through the Shared Ownership scheme. Prices to be confirmed. Contact us now to register your interest.

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

Call our sales team now to find out more on

0845 606 1221

or email: info@hydenewhomes.co.uk Terms and conditions apply. Hyde New Homes is part of The Hyde Group. Prices correct at time of going to print.