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Are you home yet?
BRIGHTON FREE | the no.1 place to buy or rent a property
23 – 29 January 2018 ★ Issue 863
Be moved by
the experienced
Find your home with Brighton & Hove’s leading estate agent
01273 243 561 www.surepropertysolutions.co.uk
COMMUNITY BEST Brighton Unitarian Church takes centre stage in Project Brighton Page 5
ALWAYS BE PREPARED Can landlords future proof their investments? INHERITANCE TACT Landlady on what she might leave her brood
Claim £100 recommending a seller or landlord www.princetonsps.co.uk
01273 606326
We only do lettings... it’s what we’re good at!
01273 724000 www.harringtonslettings.co.uk
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LH CONTENTS 4 | NEW HOMES Luxury apartments at Lace House by the seafront, with Oakley New Homes
5 | PROJECT BRIGHTON The eyecatching Brighton Unitarian Church is a hub of activity all year round. They explain more...
6 | MOULD SOLUTIONS
4
How to make sure your winter is clean and fresh
7 | NOW & THEN Andy Garth on maps, maps and more maps
7 | LANDLADY Inheritance Tact
8 | HOMES ACROSS BRIGHTON & HOVE A wide range of homes to rent or buy from page 8
12 | LANDLORD ADVICE Can landlords futureproof their investments – asks Khalil Properties
5
HOT PROPERTY High life Live life on ‘Cloud 9’ in this top floor three bedroom apartment, with panoramic views that take in the sea, the city and all the way to the downlands. With two private balconies, your modern spacious home lets you stretch out to the wide world, keeping you high above the bustle of the crowds. £485,000 01273 771111 www.phillipsandstill.co.uk
LH
LATEST GROUP
To advertise call
01273 687171
1 PAGE OF PROPERTY ON PAGE 8
LATEST 7/HOMES
Managing Director Bill Smith Editor Victoria Nangle Business Director Angi Mariani Design/Production Kyle Moon Creative Director Andrew Kay Head of Sales & Marketing Lesley Lawrence
LATEST TV
LATEST MUSICBAR
CEO Bill Smith TV Team Jamie Walker, Leon Gerigk, Matthew Enderby, Jodie Allan TV Academy Tracey Davidson TV Scheduling Dan Roberts
Ali CluneyHickford Jeff Hemmings Charly Stringer
LATEST HOMES, 14-17 MANCHESTER STREET, BRIGHTON, BN2 1TF Editorial: editorial@thelatest.co.uk
Advertising: lesley@thelatest.co.uk
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PROJECT BRIGHTON The Brighton Unitarian Church is a hub of activity all year round. Marion Bance explain more...
M
any people see our building in New Road, with its giant columns and large red doors, and wonder what such a place could stand for and what its services might be like. So what does happen behind the red doors? We have services every Sunday at 11am. We are an openminded community of spiritual seekers so our services differ from one week to the next. There is usually music, stillness, and meditation or prayer but no set format. There might be candlelighting and quiet reflection one week and a traditional sermon with hymns the next. Over the years we have played a part in many people’s lives, not just the Sunday services, but all the ceremonies that mark the passage through life – weddings, childnaming and funerals. Our weddings provide couples with a unique opportunity to create a ceremony that reflects their beliefs and attitudes. Our celebrants
“ The building has been placed on the ‘At Risk Register’ by Historic England ” work with couples to design a service that honours their love for each other and their hopes for the future. Wedding ceremonies can include the familiar elements of a church wedding; for example the exchange of vows and rings. However, music and readings can be drawn from both traditional and modern sources. Brighton Unitarian Church is, undoubtedly, a special place and its members are committed to looking after it for future generations. The elegant, Grade II listed building, was completed in 1820 on land bought from the Prince Regent, and Unitarians have been meeting here ever since. The architect, Amon Henry Wilds, designed much of Regency Brighton, and the Church is an important building within New Road’s streetscape and Brighton’s architectural heritage. The iconic portico at the front of the building (the columns and steps) is a wellknown Brighton landmark but need urgent repairs. The building has been placed on the ‘At Risk Register’ by Historic England. The Church has applied for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other grantgiving bodies to fund the repair work and it is hoped that construction work will start in April 2018. LATEST TV | VIRGIN MEDIA 159 | FREEVIEW CHANNEL 7
To support the application for funding we have put together a lively communications programme, to help us raise awareness of the building, its heritage, and place in the community. These are some of the events we plan to stage in the Spring 2018: • Lectures from respected historians: Derek McAuley – ‘Unitarian Women Who Made a Difference’, 6pm, 16 March. Dr Geoffrey Mead – ‘History of Brighton Unitarian and the Cultural District of Brighton’, 2pm, 7 April. Dr Sue Berry – ‘Amon and Amon Henry Wilds – architects and builders of places of worship and other buildings in Brighton’, 2pm, 21 April. • A photographic exhibition featuring images of the life of the building, inside and out. • A soundscape documenting events and ceremonies that occur within the Church and provide a historical archive of memories. • A sitespecific drama running over two nights, 2 and 3 March. Fundraising activities have been ongoing for some time now, with a weekly highlight being the Friday lunchtime concerts. The concerts are diverse, mostly classical, but also jazz and folk. The performers are very talented and, most importantly, enjoy what they do; they engage with the audience and always try to make their concerts a special event for everyone. It is a great way to spend a Friday lunchtime – among friendly people, enjoying lovely music. We serve coffee/tea from 12 noon with the aim of turning our lunchtime concerts into a regular social engagements for lots of local people. The concert is 12.30 – 1.15pm. Tickets £3.50 on the door. On other days of the week the church and its hall are busy hosting local community and charity groups, choirs, craft fairs, musical and theatre productions and, more recently, providing recording opportunities for upandcoming artists. If you are interested in finding out more about Brighton Unitarian as a sacred space, a community centre and music/arts venue please go to our website www.buc@brightonunitarian.org.uk or call 01273 696022.
LATEST HOMES | 5
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MOULD SOLUTIONS
T
he NHS, the Department of Health and the World Health Organisation all regard exposure to excessive mould as a
threat to health. That’s why the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) has classified mould as a Category 1 health
Mould Solutions Professional Mould Removal & Prevention 01273 589 689 | 077 2929 6969 mould-solutions.co.uk
hazard. Living with mould can have a detrimental effect on one’s health which is why mould problems should be dealt with quickly and effectively. Paint isn’t your solution As tempting as it may be, heading for the mouldy wall with a bucket of paint and a brush in hand isn’t going to solve the problem. In actual fact, painting over existing mould won’t kill it. Painting over the mould is simply a waste of time and money, as mould will continue to grow, resulting in the continuous dispersion of mould spores. Even the thickest coats of paint won’t mask your mould trouble. Unless you
DID YOU KNOW? Mould is a Category 1 Health Hazard If left untreated MOULD can: • Trigger asthma attacks • Cause allergic reactions • Cause sinus infections • Make you more susceptible to colds and flu
If your home, let or business is affected by mould, don’t delay – call us today
invest in a proper and professional mould removal procedure, the mould will only just continue to grow! Out with the mould! MOULD SOLUTIONS specialise in mould removal, prevention and ventilation solutions. They can identify the cause, treat the mould and give you advice on how to keep you homes healthy and mould free. For more information call MOULD SOLUTIONS on 01273 589 689 or visit mouldsolutions.co.uk
6 | LATEST HOMES
BEFORE
AFTER
LATEST TV | VIRGIN MEDIA 159 | FREEVIEW CHANNEL 7
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LANDLADY Inheritance Tact
I
recently heard, via the very trustworthy portals of BBC Radio 4, that socalled ‘Millennials’ are due to inherit more than any generation since before the First World War. A Millennial is typically anyone agreed between the ages of 16 and 35, which pretty much encompasses all of my children from The Big Daughter down to The Small Daughter. Their collective sick
“ This stately old bird
approaches the stairway with the greatest of caution ”
sense of humour enables my children to crack all too frequent jokes pertaining to my imminent death, involving 'terrible accidents on the stairs', which would be hilarious, if only Landlady Towers didn't specialise in precarious staircases and rickety banister rails.
Disappointingly for them, this stately old bird approaches the stairway with the greatest of caution, and I haven't fallen downstairs since the 10th anniversary party of The Hippodrome in Leicester Square. I tumbled spectacularly from the Star Bar to the peasant’s dance floor, breaking a heel and several nails, yet managing to keep an entire glass of complimentary champagne gripped fiercely in my painted claw, completely upright. In those days, I was a consummate professional when it came to stairfalling. Interestingly, although I'm about 20 years too old to be a Millennial, there is a rumour going round my workplace that I inherited 'a lot of money', some vague time ago in my life. This is probably because I swan around the world so much. It is true that, five years ago, my kids and I sold my mum's house in StokeonTrent, thus inheriting a tidy sum of £30,000 each. I paid off my mortgage with my share and my kids still more or less have theirs, or so I'm led to believe. The swanning around the world is entirely due to hard work and low interest rates. So actually, my Millennial offspring don't actually need my money. Which is just as well, as I already have it earmarked for spending the remainder of my life as disgracefully as my life has been spent so far... Only it might cost a bit more, as I may need some assistance in my debauchery.
NOW & THEN Andy Garth on maps, maps and more maps
A
t one of my other day jobs a heavy discussion was taking place about the age of a client’s house. Now I don’t know much, but ages of houses in Brighton and Hove is one thing I have a clue about. Apparently the house was built in 1827 so out came my trusted map collection, which meant a point could be proved and
“ In the space of 45 years
Our next Auction is in March and we have a good collection of local maps in the mix. We are still taking entries but it’s filling very quickly, which again confirms the interest levels don’t seem to be waning in the desire to own some history of Brighton, Hove and Sussex. So if you think you may have something, email me Brightonandhovestuff@gmail.com Or pop in the shop 28 Western Road Hove
it’s as if the whole area was a constant building site ”
also meant the description on the details was correct and not full of waffle and piffle – that is sometimes seen these days. The three maps shown here are from 1830, 1851 and 1875, so if you look to the right of each one you can just see the edge of Queens Park. In the space of 45 years it’s as if the whole area was a constant building site. In fact there was probably another 40 years of constant construction. LATEST TV | VIRGIN MEDIA 159 | FREEVIEW CHANNEL 7
LATEST HOMES | 7
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NEW in
NEW in
NEW in
College Gardens
Holton Hill
Stafford Road
£550,000 Freehold • Fantastic 2 bedroom Victorian house • Stylish modern kitchen & bathroom • Impressive landscaped gdn & glass balcony • Sought-after Kemp Town location. EPC D55 Call Lewes Road office 01273 677001
£310,000 Freehold • 3 Bedrooms • 22'3 through lounge/diner • Views to Downland • EPC D68 Call Woodingdean office 01273 2788866
£365,000 Share of Freehold • Two bed, ground floor flat • Modern fitted kitchen and bathroom • Rear patio • EPC D64 Call Fiveways office 01273 566777
NEW in
NEW in
Upper Lewes Road £200,000 Leasehold • One double bedroom first floor flat • Open plan lounge/kitchen • Polished floorboards, double glazing • Available chain free. EPC D63 Call Lewes Road office 01273 677001
NEW price
Hamilton Road
Holtview Road £385,000 Freehold • 3 Bedrooms • Sought after North Woodingdean • Lounge/dining room and Conservatory • Great views to the sea. EPC D68 Call Woodingdean office on 01273 278866
£675,000 Freehold SIMPLY STUNNING A 5 BEDROOM, 3 STOREY, 2 BATHROOM, MID-TERRACED FAMILY HOME SITUATED IN THIS EXTREMELY POPULAR RESIDENTIAL AREA. The house benefits from many features with spacious accommodation arranged over 3 floors. The property is considered to be in excellent decorative order throughout and must be viewed to be fully appreciated. Energy Rating: D57 Call Fiveways office 01273 566777
009_LH863_Sure-FP-17_FP Ad 19/01/2018 10:02 Page 1
IN N ST E RU W CT IO N
www.surepropertysolutions.co.uk 01273 243561 Stanford Road, Seven Dials For Sale
£290,000 Share of Freehold
A one double bedroom, split level, first floor flat with views across roof tops, the railway viaduct and over Brighton racecourse with period features including sash windows, ceiling cornicing, picture rails and high ceilings. This flat is within walking distance of Brighton station and the highly sought after Seven Dials and has a share of the freehold.
1
1
EPC: E
CH NO AI N
Gladstone Place, Lewes Road For Sale
£265,000 Share of Freehold
A one bedroom, garden flat occupying the entire garden floor of this period building with a large, south facing rear garden and front patio and its own street entrance. Further benefits include gas central heating and double glazing and its own street entrance. The property is offered for sale with vacant possession, no onward chain, a share of the freehold.
ST NE RU W CT IO N
1
1
EPC: D
Downland Drive, Hangleton
IN
For Sale
£250,000 Leasehold
This two double bedroom, first floor maisonette with its own street entrance and rear garden is the perfect first time buy or BTL investment and properties like this are rarely available. Improved by the current owners, GCH, uPVC D/G and a contemporary kitchen. A modern bathroom and ample storage both inside and out, a long lease and low maintenance costs.
ST NE RU W CT IO N
2
1
EPC: C
Woodland View, Bevendean
IN
For Sale
£190,000 Leasehold
A second floor (lift in block), one double bedroom purpose built apartment with balcony enjoying views over green open spaces. Entrance hallway, a modern open plan kitchen/sitting room with balcony, bathroom and double bedroom. The property has gas central heating, double glazing a passenger lift in the block and is offered for sale with no onward chain.
1
FREE professional photos and floor
plans for all sales and lettings properties
31 Upper St James Street Brighton BN2 1JN 01273 243561
info@surepropertysolutions.co.uk
1
EPC: C
010_011_LH863_Harrington-DPS-W2-P1-2_FP Ad 18/01/2018 16:04 Page 1
Student Properties Available 2018 Springfield Road, Brighton Coombe Road, Brighton Hartington Road, Brighton LET Bear Road, Brighton Hollingdean Terrace, Brighton LET Sharpthorne Court, Brighton Ditchling Rise, Brighton LET Davigdor Road, Hove LET Coombe Road, Brighton Ingham Drive, Brighton Lower Bevendean Avenue, Brighton Brunswick Place, Hove Lucraft Road, Brighton Islingword Street, Brighton Bevendean Crescent, Brighton Wolverstone Drive, Brighton Lambourne Road, Brighton LET Wakefield Road, Brighton LET Gladstone Place, Brighton Arundel Street, Brighton Ringmer Road, Brighton LET Springfield Road, Brighton Nyetimber Hill, Brighton Hartington Road, Brighton Shaftesbury Place, Brighton LET Rushlake Close, Brighton LET Beaconsfield Road, Brighton Osborne Road, Brighton Hollingdean Terrace, Brighton Roedale Road, Brighton LET Bevendean Crescent, Brighton The Avenue, Brighton Stanmer Park Road, Brighton
2 Bedroom Properties Part Furnished Part Furnished 3 Bedroom Properties Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished 4 Bedroom Properties Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished 5 Bedroom Properties Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished 6 Bedroom Properties Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished 7 Bedroom Properties Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished Part Furnished 8 Bedroom Properties Part Furnished
Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available August 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available August 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available August 2018 Available August 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available August 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018 Available September 2018
PLUS MANY MORE… CALL US TO ARRANGE A VIEWING OR TO DISCUSS PUTTING YOUR STUDENT PROPERTY ON THE MARKET!
www.harringtonslettings.co.uk 109 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1FA Telephone: (01273) 724000 valuations@harringtonslettings.co.uk
We only do lettings... it’s what we’re good at!
010_011_LH863_Harrington-DPS-W2-P1-2_FP Ad 18/01/2018 16:05 Page 2
An independent agent offering tailor made services 25 years of experience in purely lettings Transparency with all fees and processes guaranteed Quality tenants registered all year round Competitive landlord rates Lettings has been one of the safest and best performing investments for a long period of time. Many of our landlords’ relationships with us are of a long term nature so that we can maximise their investment. We understand that choosing your letting agent is one of the most important decisions that you can make and will have an impact on the value of your asset or investment. You will need an agent that you can rely on to help you, that has expertise in the field, resources and an ethos to deliver a consistently high quality of service and, more than ever, full knowledge of the law.
FOR A FREE VALUATION PLEASE CALL US ON 01273 724000 www.harringtonslettings.co.uk 109 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1FA Telephone: (01273) 724000 valuations@harringtonslettings.co.uk
We only do lettings... it’s what we’re good at!
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CAN LANDLORDS
FUTURE-PROOF
THEMSELVES AGAINST THE CHANGES THAT 2018 THREATENS? Always be prepared
2
018 promises to be a year of increased regulation for landlords. But what else lies on the horizon – and how can you futureproof your investments against what lies ahead? Let’s take a look at the storm clouds brewing, and offer you some ways to ensure you stay home and dry. Interest rate hikes Late last year the Bank of England announced the first base rate rise for over a decade. And many experts believe the increase from 0.25% to 0.5% will certainly not be the last. If you are on a tracker or SVR rate mortgage, now is a good time to consider shifting to a longterm fixed rate option. Stringent energy efficiency regulation From April new energy efficiency standards will make it illegal to let a property on a new tenancy with an EPC rating of F or below. As many as 300,000 properties may be affected. The best advice is to check your EPCs now – and make improvements if needed. Tenant fees ban A draft bill entered parliament in November 2017 seeking to ban letting fees. In addition, it proposes capping holding deposits at no more than one week’s rent, and limiting security deposits to no more than six weeks. The ban looks certain to be passed into law, but exactly when remains unclear. However, most agree that costs will, at least initially, fall on landlords.
You will need to have all financial records relating to your property investment portfolio clearly documented when you apply for any new mortgage. Expect the unexpected Last year saw a raft of legislation and changes that affected the buytolet sector. No doubt 2018 will see more of the same. It is increasingly difficult to keep on top of all the changing legislation that affects rental properties and your obligations as a landlord. But there is a way you can guarantee your income and wave goodbye to the need to worry too much about the ins and outs of the volatile climate we face. We call it Khalil’s Rent Guarantee Scheme – and in a time of storm clouds on the horizon, it’s a welcome ray of sunshine for landlords. Khalil’s Rent Guarantee Scheme lets you know exactly what to expect.
Changes to mortgage tax relief You should seriously consider how the changes to mortgage tax relief will affect your profits. You need to understand exactly how these changes will affect you before you can review what actions you may need to take.
At last, here’s something you can rely on. We lease your property and pay you an agreed rent every single month, come rain or shine, regardless of whether the property is occupied or not. We manage all maintenance and tenant relationships – we can even help you refurbish your property to maximise its rental potential. It’s the perfect way, in turbulent times, to futureproof your investment. And, unlike the regulatory landscape we face, its refreshingly simple!
Stricter lending requirements With the introduction of stricter affordability tests for portfolio landlords now being used by lenders, it is high time to get your books in order.
Phone: 01273 573960 Mobile: 07984 015669 Email: ahmed@khalilproperties.co.uk Address: 124 Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 3LG www.khalilproperties.co.uk
12 | LATEST HOMES
advertising feature
LATEST TV | VIRGIN MEDIA 159 | FREEVIEW CHANNEL 7
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KHALIL IS COMING TO
HOVE We will Guarantee the rent for Hove landlords and offer Maintenance cover.
Call 01273 573960