BIG
★★★★
ECHO
PROPERTY GUIDE
featuring properties in Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, West Lancs and the North West
Split the bill
Take advantage of a new shared equity scheme to buy an apartment in St Paul’s Square – Page 3
Keep your winter plants looking their best FOR SALE
Pages 8&9
My First Home with Pete Price
Page 4
TO LET
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2 PROPERTY
Saturday, January 1, 2011
GUIDE
★★★★
... to buying
Property News
Contents
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BUILDERS are hopeful that the recent big freeze will boost demand for energy-efficient new homes as they battle to reduce a backlog of unsold new properties built up in the final quarter of 2010. These key points emerge in the latest new homes index from SmartNewHomes.com, which says the number of new homes on the market “more than trebled” between September and November. But any price cuts in the autumn were apparently short-lived – for the survey says the average price of a new home rose from £212,000 in October to £220,600 in November. Steve Lees, marketing director of SmartNewHomes.com, says: “Many developers will have priced aggressively in October to tempt potential buyers with the possibility of moving in before Christmas. “In November, however, the timescale becomes too short and so those deals would have ended, nudging the average price of a new home back to the level of the recent trend. “We expect the gap between resale and new-build markets to narrow over the coming months.” Given the downbeat mood at the turn of 2009, the survey suggests 2010 was much better than expected fornew home sales. “Consumers are much more aware of the benefits of buying new. The new homes market consistently performed ahead of the resale market in the second half of the year and I expect this trend to continue in 2011”, Mr Lees adds. “With VAT going up to 20%, the cost of upgrading an older property will increase significantly from January, and with energy prices already rising sharply, the financial argument in favour of buying energy-efficient new homes is growing stronger.”
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LENDERS are playing down fears that the housing market could be significantly weakened in 2011 by a marked rise in repossessions – despite figures
GOOD NEWS: New home sales could be boosted by the VAT rise showing that 180,000 households are expected to fall into arrears on their mortgage repayments next year. The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) says home sales, which peaked at 1.6 million a year before the credit crunch, will fall to just 860,000 next year. But the CML, which has continually revised downwards its prediction for the number of repossessions in 2010 as the year has progressed, is confident 2011 will not see a significant rise in the number of families losing their homes. In 2010, says the CML, repossessions will total around 36,000. It thinks the figure might rise slightly, towards 40,000, in 2011. The body says: “Low interest rates will help the vast majority of households to manage to keep up with loan repayments and so will help to keep mortgage arrears and possessions in check.” Shelter chief executive Campbell Robb says: “The CML
RETIREMENT DREAM: The weak euro and low interest at home could make foreign property a good buy for older Brits
prediction reflects our real concern that 2011 will undoubtedly be an extremely difficult year for many homeowners. “The combination of cuts to vital support for homeowners, along with predicted job losses and increases in living costs, could end up pushing thousands of struggling households over the edge and towards a spiral of debt, repossession and ultimately homelessness.” Shelter research suggests the number of households in rent or mortgage arrears has more than doubled in the past year. Its research also found that 3.7 million households are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage – almost double the figure recorded in October 2009.
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IF THE problems of the euro deepen in 2011, could a stronger pound encourage British buyers back into overseas property markets which they quit in droves when the credit crunch hit in 2007? That's the question for thousands of older Britons who have virtually paid off the mortgage on their home in the UK, and might enjoy a home overseas to enliven their retirement. In theory, their money could soon stretch a bit further with the euro apparently set for deeper gloom. Portugal and Spain are rumoured to be next in line for possible multibillion bailouts, if the emergency fund set up by the European Central Bank (ECB) is large enough to cope. Stuart Law at Assetz, the property investment firm, says: "If money is earning nothing in the bank, many people wonder how they get some enjoyment out of their money. "When the pound approaches 1.20 euro, there's a pick-up of interest among potential buyers. We see a surge to 1.25 euro by the pound as possible in 2011, as euro worries continue." Some overseas agents also think a combination of soaring energy bills, student riots, and a return of strikes on the Tube and railways will also focus attractions on homes abroad.
Home of the Week 20 Woodvale Road, West Derby is on the market for £209,950
8-9
Flower power
How to care for your seasonal house plants
Interiors
4-5
Bargain buys to make your home look great
7
★★★★
GUIDE
Saturday, January 1, 2011
PROPERTY 3
... to buying
Speak to your tenants
PIECE OF THE ACTION: Inside the new apartments in St Paul's Square, on sale with a new shared equity scheme
Your chance to share and share alike C
ITY centre living has just got more affordable. If your New Year’s Resolution was to treat yourself to an apartment in the centre of Liverpool then you are in luck – because St Paul’s Square decided its New Year wish was to make it possible. Homebuyers are being offered a second chance to get their hands on an apartment with the launch today of a brand new shared equity scheme. It means buyers have the chance to purchase one of the brand new apartments in the heart of the city’s commercial district for 80% of the full purchase price. The scheme is aimed at helping individuals, couples and families get on the property ladder by funding the remaining 20% of the purchase price with a 10-year
by JANET TANSLEY interest free loan from the developer, secured against the property. All that is required is a 5% deposit. The scheme takes potential buyers through an affordability process, giving mortgage advice and helping to work out how much they can afford, which is particularly helpful to those worried about taking the leap and buying a property on their own. Martyn Green, partner at King Sturge, says: “The scheme at St Paul’s Square is a fantastic option for those who are having trouble collecting enough deposit to put down on a city centre apartment. “I think that it’s important to make it clear that, unlike shared ownership
CITY LIVING: St Paul’s Square schemes, shared equity allows the buyer to own 100% of their home from the day of completion. It’s that simple.” David Caught, marketing director at Muse Developments, adds: “We saw an amazing response to the Homebuy Direct scheme last year, and hope to offer the shared equity scheme to everyone who missed out. “Buying through the shared equity scheme makes it more affordable for people to own their own home with just a 5% deposit of their own money.” A two-bedroom apartment starts at £119,960, which is 80% of the open market price of £149, 950 under the shared equity scheme. For more information or to request a viewing contact King Sturge on 0151 242 6490.
WITH the recent cold snap and the Met Office warning that the freezing temperatures and ice are set to continue well into the New Year, Landlords need to keep tenants prepared. Antoni Dmochowski, Lettings Manager at Independent estate agent HomeLets & HomeSales knows only too well the problems that can occur. “With so many people taking breaks, and combined with the rush and stress of the Christmas and New Year holidays tenants often forget the simplest of tasks”. One of the most important things landlords need to consider as the temperatures drop is to make sure they have informed their tenants, whether it be in an empty property, or a tenant in occupation, that the heating is not turned off and is set no lower than around 12C. “It is tempting to turn the heating right down when a property is vacant,” says Antoni, who is based on Allerton Road, “Especially when people are cutting costs at such an expensive time of year, and of course to save on gas and electricity bills. “However, the cost involved from frozen and burst pipes is a much higher.
“By communicating everything fully to your tenants, in person and in writing, it allows the landlord to be fully in control of their property. “We also advise that you leave a full list of reliable contacts including emergency numbers for plumbers and electricians.” Advice (for landlords and home owners too) ● Be sure to write to your tenants explaining the dangers of frozen pipes and what precautions they should take to prevent such damage. ● Make sure that you lock all outside doors and windows and set your burglar alarm. ● Always make your home look as though someone is living in it, eg don't close your curtains. In daytime this shows your house is empty. Also, use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights and radios on when it goes dark. You can do this even if you are just going out for the evening. ● If you normally leave valuable bicycles or similar items in your shed, think about putting them in the house.
Antoni Dmochowski, lettings manager
4 PROPERTY
Saturday, January 1, 2011
GUIDE
★★★★
... to interiors
My First
HOME
Bargain looks With a little help at home, you can make and stick to those New Year’s resolutions. Eve Kelly, editor of HomesAnd Bargains.co.uk, picks the items that will strengthen her resolve by GABRIELLE FAGAN
Pete Price Where was the family home you grew up in and what was it like? I grew up in West Kirby in a beautiful cottage called Vine Cottage in Darmens Green – we had an acre of land and orchards. My dad went bankrupt and after my parents separated we moved to 5A Bridge Road, West Kirby, The Chandlers Shop. Too many memories to write about here ... and all featured in my book, Pete Price – Namedropper. What is your clearest memory of the house? The smell of the shop – firelighters, soap powder, Aunt Sally, paraffin and vinegar and sandpaper. Where was the first house you bought yourself and what did it cost? The first home I bought was £8,000 and it was on the Wirral, where I have always stayed. What made you want to buy it? I just fell in love with it – it was one of the properties that when you go and see it you just say “this is for me”. What are the important things you look for when buying a house? Character and warmth, and it speaks to me: “I want you … buy me!” Are you a DIY trier or do you leave it to the experts? Pass – I realised when I wired a coffee machine up the wrong way and it blew me across the room it was time to leave it to the professionals. What is the one thing you love most about your current home? The view of Liverpool waterfront – everyday it changes – it’s a piece of living art BY JANET TANSLEY ● Pete Price is appearing in Aladdin at the Empire Theatre, Liverpool, until tomorrow.
G
OODBYE 2010, hello 2011. With a brand new year comes the daunting list of resolutions. But no matter how often you make those vows, some are just too hard to keep.But help is at hand in the shape of some great affordable homeware. Eve Kelly rounds up those items which will help you keep your New Year’s resolutions longer than a few weeks.
RESOLUTION: will make packed lunches to take to work SOLUTION: Set of Storage Pots, £6.25 for 12 from North Rock Gallery. Visit www.northrockgallery.co.uk or call 01595 694 644 RESOLUTION: I will not waste energy SOLUTION: Dog Draught Excluder, £25 from Cath Kidston. Visit www.cathkidston.com or call 08450 262 440
RESOLUTION: I will not waste food, I will make compost SOLUTION: Kitchen Compost Bin, £16.95 from Beth Stevens. Visit www.bethstevens.co.uk or call 0844 888 9522 RESOLUTION: I will de-clutter and tidy SOLUTION: Set of Two Chalkboard Storage Boxes, £10 from STORE. Visit www.aplaceforeverything.co.uk or call 0844 414 2885 RESOLUTION: I will relax more and de-stress SOLUTION: Set of Three Mini Votive Spice Candles, £11.95 from EthicalSuperstore.com. Visit www.ethicalsuperstore.com or call 0845 00 99 016 RESOLUTION: I will become a domestic goddess SOLUTION: Kuhn Rikon Cookie & Cupcakes Icing Set, £14.99 from Lakeland. Visit www.lakeland.co.uk or call 01539 488 100 RESOLUTION: I will become an eco-warrior SOLUTION: Recycling Bag with Compartments, £4.95 from Dotcomgiftshop. Visit
CUT PRICE STYLE: Ginka Double Duvet Set, £24, Tesco (www.tesco.com / 0845 600 4411), inset, Rooster Alarm Clock, £18, Aspace (www.aspace.co.uk / 0845 872 2400)
www.dotcomgiftshop.com or call 020 8746 2473 RESOLUTION: I will grow my own SOLUTION: Windowsill Planter, £26.90 from Greenhouse Sensation. Visit www.greenhousesensation.co.uk or call 0845 602 3774 RESOLUTION: I will not be late for work SOLUTION: Rooster Alarm Clock, £18 from Aspace, Visit www.aspace.co.uk or call 0845 872 2400 RESOLUTION: I will detox and treat my body like a temple SOLUTION: Judge Juice Extractor £47.75. Call 0117 940 0000 for stockists
RESOLUTION: I will read more books SOLUTION: London Skyline Bookends, £19 from Lifestylebazaar. Visit www.lifestylebazaar.com or call 020 7739 9427 RESOLUTION: I will not lose my keys SOLUTION: Multi-coloured Key Holder, £24.99 from The Gifted Penguin. Visit www.giftedpenguin.co.uk or call 01642 763 000 RESOLUTION: I will support fair-trade products SOLUTION: Purple Heart Memo Board, £19 from Fairwind. Visit www.fairwindonline.com or call 0845 196 0256 RESOLUTION: I will make tea in a pot and not in the cup SOLUTION: True Romance Foot Tea for One, £25 from Laura Ashley. Visit www.lauraashley.com or call 0871 230 2301
RESOLUTION: I will be a clean fiend SOLUTION: Candy Dust Pan and Brush, £10 from John Lewis. Visit www.johnlewis.co.uk RESOLUTION: I will ditch the microwave meals SOLUTION: Three-piece Ready Steady Cook Aluminium Saucepan Set, £33 from Sainsbury’s. Visit www.sainsburys.co.uk RESOLUTION: I will inject more colour into my life SOLUTION: Ginka Double Duvet Set, £24 from Tesco. Visit www.tesco.com or call 0845 600 4411 RESOLUTION: I will not eat dinner on my lap SOLUTION: Melltorp/Herman Table and Four Chairs, £77.96 from Ikea. Visit www.ikea.com RESOLUTION: I will organise my time more effectively
Saturday, January 1, 2011
★★★★
PROPERTY 5
for your home
DINE IN STYLE: Melltorp/Herman Table and Four Chairs, £77.96, Ikea (www.ikea.com)
MORE GREAT LOCAL DEALS THERE are plenty of bargains to be had at Rapid Liverpool and Taskers the Home Store, which both now have sales on.
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GO GREEN: Kitchen Compost Bin, £16.95, Beth Stevens (www.bethstevens.co.uk 0844 888 9522)
Taskers has this beautiful Nero dining set down from £1,999 to £899.99.
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SOLUTION: Custom Name Chalkboard/Blackboard Wall Sticker, £20 from Spin Collective. Visit www.spincollective.co.uk or call 01242 255 244 ● For budget homeware ideas and advice on interior trends which won’t break the bank, visit www.homesandbargains.co.uk
Rapid has a three seater faux leather sofabed reduced from £299 to £149 (inc VAT).
SAVE UP TO 75% OFF HIGH STREET PRICES PLUS WE ARE A .co.uk The largest and finest lighting store in Liverpool
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Or shop online at litecraft.co.uk
6 PROPERTY
Saturday, January 1, 2011
GUIDE
★★★★
... to home improvement
DIY News
How to... Spruce up your home for the new year
RAPID’s sale has already ● started with savings of up to 70% on certain lines. You can also
buy now and pay as late as 2012 on selected bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms.
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TASKERS the Home Store is offering savings of up to 50% on many of its lines in homeware, kitchens and bathrooms. DIY chain B&Q has already ● started its biggest and earliest ’January’ sale. You’ll find up to 60%
off all kitchen door and drawer fronts and Cooke & Lewis bathroom suites, shower enclosures and modular bedroom door and drawer fronts, with an extra 15% off the entire purchase when you buy kitchen cabinets, worktops, tiles, flooring and appliances (minimum £50 spend). You’ll also find 50% off selected indoor lighting, 50% off all carpets and more than 50% off selected power and hand tools. See the offers at www.diy.com.
BATHING BEAUTY: B&Q is offering big discounts on the Narissa bathroom suite by Cooke & Lewis from B&Q to make painting easier. The handles are rubberised to help prevent sore fingers, and the micropile fabric sleeves are super-soft and produce a great finish. If you've
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DULUX has launched a new range of paint rollers called Perfect Cover. You may think that a roller's just a roller, but these have clever features
ever cleaned a roller sleeve, you'll know that it takes a lot of time and effort, but the 9in medium-pile roller – the Perfect Cover star player – has a built-in plastic squeegee. Prices start at £5.99 for an Easy Reach Mini Roller (radiator roller and two sleeves) and they are available from Focus DIY and Homebase. See www.dulux.co.uk or call the customer advice line on 0870 444 1111.
ROLL UP: The new Perfect Cover roller from Dulux
SAVE £100s OF POUNDS. DON'T BUY UNTIL YOU HAVE VISITED
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● Is your front door letting you down? It’s the first thing that visitors see, and hanging a holly wreath on it won’t necessarily smarten it up. You probably don’t have time to do a proper revamp, but you should be able to do a quick coat of paint, or at least touch up the parts of the door that need it, providing you use quick-drying wood and metal paint. ● If your wall-tile grout is white, it can easily be discoloured by things like shampoo and cooking splashes and even water, if you live in a hard-water area. Give discoloured grout a good scrub with grout-cleaner spray and if that doesn’t work, use a grout pen to refresh it (apply when the grout’s dry). This is the easiest and quickest way to whiten grout. ● Got marks on your wooden worktops? If cleaning doesn’t remove them, sand them off with sandpaper or an electric sander, clean with a cloth dampened with white spirit and then apply wood oil suitable for worktops. It’s important to protect the worktop before using it again, so only start this job if you’ve got time to do enough coats of oil (see the manufacturer’s instructions for drying and recoating times). You can test the worktop by splashing a few drops of water on it – if they sit on the surface as beads, you’ve applied enough oil. ● Wipe off any marks on your walls and woodwork – door frames get particularly grubby. Marks that remain should be painted over – make sure you use quick-drying wood and metal paint on woodwork for speed (and fewer fumes). If your woodwork’s chipped or cracked, you need to fill it with wood filler and then sand, clean and paint the filler when it’s dry. Wood filler sets quite quickly, but if you don’t have time, you could just paint over the problem and deal with it properly in the new year. ● Cracked kitchen or bathroom silicone sealant not only looks bad, it’s also not doing its job properly because it could let water in where you don’t want it. Ideally, you need to remove the sealant and start again, but if your guests are arriving soon, you could just apply quick-drying sealant over what’s already there.
Seasonal Task If there's one thing that has to be done at this time of year, it's hitting the sales – expect a lot of decorating and home improvement bargains from DIY stores and websites
Ask The Expert Q Is it a good idea to decorate with wall stickers, or do I risk damaging the walls when I remove the stickers? A Most wall stickers are designed to be removed without damaging the paintwork, but
there’s still a risk. If you’re worried about this, the safest thing to do is to put them on your windows and glazed or melamine doors,. John Lewis does a range of festive window stickers for £7.99 a pack. Visit www.johnlewis.com.
HOME
Saturday, January 1, 2011
★★★★
PROPERTY 7
of the Week
by JANET TANSLEY
Lost in space ATTRACTIVE BUY: 20 Woodvale Road, West Derby is for sale with Sutton Kersh at £209,950
O
SPACIOUS: The lounge has Amtico flooring
NE of the main things you look for in a family home is space and this one in West Derby has got bags of it. A well presented four bedroom detached house, it has everything you would want in a modern home: double glazed windows and central heating, fitted kitchen and conservatory. But to make it even more attractive, the garage has been converted to create an extrra living space for you and your family. Much of the house is flooring with Amtico flooring, from the entrance porch, to the hall, the dining room, kitchen and the garage coversion - which makes it look fresh, clean and elegant. Even the lounge has Amtico flooring which means it looks luxurious and is practical too. The dining room has double doors leading to the conservatory. The spacious kitchen, which has double glazed french style doors to the rear, has a bespoke central heating radiator. There is a range of wall and base units with granite worktop surfaces and a breakfast bar, a built in double oven and microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, ceramic hob,
by JANET TANSLEY and it is plumbed for an American-style fridge freezer. On the first floor is the family bathroom with a central heating towel rail, a panelled bath and overhead shower, pedestal hand wash basin and low level wc. The walls are tiled. The main bedroom has an ensuite shower room with central heating towel rail, step in shower, low level wc and pedestal hand wash basin. Bedrooms two and three also have fitted wardrobes. The rear garden is laid to lawn, with twin level patio areas, one paved and one block paved. And there are planted borders with shrubs and trees. The front garden is also laid to lawn, with established borders with shrubs and tree. There is off road parking. The property is for sale at £209,950 with Sutton Kersh. For more details contact them on 0151 256 7837 or log onto www.suttonkersh.co.uk
FULLY FITTED: The high spec kitchen
8 PROPERTY
GUIDE HOT
Saturday, January 1, 2011
★★★★
... to outside
Keep houseplants by HANNAH STEPHENSON
I
F YOU’RE one of those people who just has to look at a Christmas pot plant for its leaves to start wilting, perhaps it’s time to consider whether you might be killing it with kindness. So many of our Christmas favourites, including poinsettias, forced bulbs and cyclamen, hate being overwatered or placed near radiators or in draughts. A little thought about where you place your plant can go a long way. Many festive plants, including indoor azaleas, pot chrysanthemums and cyclamen are virtually hardy and are happiest in a cool room such as a porch, cold hallway or in an unheated conservatory. Most, apart from the Christmas azalea, can be watered once every few days, so that the compost doesn’t dry out but isn’t sodden either. The azalea, however, can be watered daily to keep the rootball moist. Stand it in a bowl of water for 20 minutes, then tip away the excess water. Cineraria and calceolaria also prefer cool conditions such as an enclosed porch. As they are annuals, they’re better placed in an area you want to brighten up during the festive season rather than risk placing a much-loved permanent specimen there. Poinsettias, the traditional plants of Christmas, come in other colours apart from red, including salmon pink and cream. They should thrive in bright filtered light, ideally in a bright living room, but don’t put them in direct sunshine or they may wilt, and all hate draughts. Again, don’t overwater them. Wait until the leaves show signs of wilting and then give the compost a good soak, but don’t allow the plant to stand in water for any length of time. Cyclamen, which come in a wide range of colours, like cool conditions and will flower longer at temperatures around 13-18C. Wait until the leaves just start to wilt before watering and always water from below, by standing in a deep saucer of water for a few minutes before allowing to drain. Forced bulbs are popular during the festive season, particularly hyacinths, whose fragrance can fill a room, as well as bright and cheery dwarf narcissi and bold, brassy hippeastrum. They are easy to maintain indoors as you can just treat them like annuals and throw them away afterwards because if they’ve been forced, they won’t make much of an impact if you replant them in the garden. If you’ve forced your own, as soon as the buds have grown and are about to show their real colour bring them indoors. If you do it too early they may produce inferior flowers on short, stunted stems. For me, among the best value-for-money houseplants which look elegant for many months of the year are orchids. Those who are under the impression that they are difficult should think again. Price has often been an issue, but in recent years the price of orchids has come down and in the new year there are likely to be special offers on spectacular ones. Phalaenopsis, the
WINTER WONDERS: The right conditions keep your Orchid Phalaenopsis looking its best and inset, a white hyacinth moth orchid, can repeat-flower virtually all year, its arching spikes producing graceful flowers in shades of pink and white. They need a steady temperature of around 16-21C (60-70F) and high humidity. Mine thrive on my kitchen windowsill and I am convinced the steam from the nearby kettle gives them as much humidity as they need, although you can stand the pot on a dish of
damp pebbles to provide the humidity. You must never overwater orchids. Give them a good soak once a week from below, dunking them in a bowl of water for 20 minutes and then placing them on a draining board for the same amount of time. Hopefully, if you give your houseplants the care they need, they should be flowering well into the new year.
What to do in the garden this week ● Check that fuchsias packed in compost for the winter do not become completely dry and protect the crowns of hardy fuchsias outdoors with garden compost. ● Open greenhouse ventilators on sunny days but close them early in the afternoon before the temperature drops. ● Check plants in the greenhouse, in cold frames and
under cloches to see if they need watering. ● Check over all crops in store and remove any which show signs of rotting. ● Enrich soil with compost where beans are to be grown, if weather permits. ● Use cloches to protect alpine plants from damage by winter cold and rain. ● Take cuttings from greenhouse chrysanthemums.
● Plant lilies in patio pots, keeping them in the greenhouse to develop. ● Avoid pruning fruit trees if they are covered in frost. ● Take root cuttings from oriental poppies, acanthus, verbascum, Primula denticulata and Phlox paniculata. ● Make a polythene tent to stop rain falling on wall-trained peaches and reduce attack by peach leaf curl.
Three ways to ... improve your soil
1 2 3
Add grit or sand to heavy, clay soil to help improve the drainage.
Dig plenty of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into sandy soils to bulk them up and improve their nutrients. Water sandy soil well in the summer as it does not retain moisture as well as heavier soil. If you have extremely acidic soil add lime or chalk to it from time to time to neutralise the acidity and give you more chance of success with a wider range of plants.
PROPERTY 9
Saturday, January 1, 2011
★★★★
at their best
Good enough to eat Parsnips
WHETHER you like them dipped in maple syrup and then roasted, or coated in freshly grated Parmesan, or simply mashed with butter and pepper, parsnips are among the winter staples you shouldn’t be without – and you can have them from summer onwards as a baby vegetable. Parsnips need deeply dug, fertile soil, slightly on the acid side, with few stones unless you want odd-shaped roots. Ideally, they should follow a previous crop that has been well manured rather than adding the manure when you plant them. Sow seed directly into the ground in April, in drills 1cm deep and 30cm apart. Sow several seeds at 15cm intervals to limit the amount of thinning later. Seedlings will be slow to appear and can’t compete with weeds, so hoe between rows regularly and water well until the young plants are established, making sure the soil doesn’t dry out in consistently hot weather. By August you should be harvesting baby parsnips when the top of the root is between 1.5cm and 5cm deep. Start harvesting winter parsnips when the tops have died down and lift them for storing under cover. Alternatively, leave in the ground until you need them, but harvest enough to keep you going before the ground has completely frozen and they become difficult to lift. Good varieties include ’Tender & True’ and ’Avonresister’.
ECHO Homes TRADITIONAL: A poinsettia plant at Christmas
Property Wanted
Best of the Bunch Solanum (Winter cherry) THESE bright berried houseplants are a welcoming sight at Christmas, their dark green leaves acting as a perfect foil to the orange-red berries which will remain on the plant for months if kept in a cool place. S capsicastrum is sold everywhere at Christmas and there are several varieties such as Cherry Ripe, which has bright red berries, and variegatum, with cream-splashed leaves. Place the plants in a cool spot in bright light with some direct sun and keep moist at all times, misting leaves frequently. Don’t let children near the berries, which can be poisonous. With luck, the plant should last until February. If the leaves drop early, it’s likely to be due to overwatering, while dropping berries might mean insufficient light or hot, dry air.
I WILL BUY YOUR HOUSE Local, friendly service. Call Chris: 08000 811 813 (24hrs)
T R Y U S F I R S T We buy property/ land. 07976 693731
SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE ECHO
Accommodation To Let FOURTH AVE L9 2 bed terr, unfurn, CH, new decor £110pw. Tel: 07989 560845. L11 3 bed house, fully furn, dep req’d £90 pw. 07793 369907 or 07878 945016
10 PROPERTY
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Agents’
CHOICE ★★★★
West Derby, £995pcm
Woolton, £1,000pcm
Mossley Hill, £1,000pcm
SET within a luxurious gated development, this second floor apartment offers spacious accommodation which has been finished to a high specification. The apartment has lift access and inside comprises a self-contained entrance hall, a fabulous open plan lounge which has a separate dining area and a fully fitted kitchen with appliances. The two well-proportioned bedrooms both have fitted wardrobes and the master bedroom benefits from en-suite facilities. The property also comes with off-road parking, an allocated garage and a secure intercom system. The apartment is offered for rent on a part-furnished basis. ● Whitegates, 0151 428 1357
OFFERED for rent on a part-furnished basis, this four bedroom semi-detached property is located within a popular residential area. Outside, there are gardens and a patio area to the rear, plus a driveway offering ample off-road parking and an integrated garage. Inside, there is an entrance hall, three well-proportioned reception rooms and a delightful fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances. Upstairs, there are four good-sized bedrooms and a principal family bathroom with a bath and a shower. The property also benefits from gas central heating and double glazing. ● Entwistle Green, 0151 734 2220
FORMING part of a delightful converted Victorian mansion, this two bedroom duplex apartment boasts a wealth of traditional features. Inside, a grand entrance hall gives access to the apartment, which includes a reception hall, an impressive lounge which has the original sash windows and high ceilings and an excellent kitchen/ dining room which is fitted with a range of white high gloss units, black granite work surfaces, integrated appliances and a breakfast island. The master bedroom has a luxury en-suite shower room and there is a second bedroom and a modern bathroom. The property stands in generous grounds and comes with parking. ● Logic Estates, 0151 920 2404
Waterloo £525pcm
Old Swan, £795pcm
Woolton, £1,100pcm
SET within the sought-after location of Waterloo, this two bedroom ground floor apartment is situated within a gated development. Inside, the apartment has a selfcontained entrance hall which opens into a fabulous open plan lounge/kitchen/ dining room. The kitchen is fully fitted with a comprehensive range of units, complementary work surfaces and a good selection of appliances. There are two well-proportioned bedrooms and a modern family bathroom. The apartment also benefits from gas central heating and double glazing throughout. Outside, there are delightful landscaped gardens and ample off-road parking. ● PLA Lettings, 0151 928 7731
LOCATED within a sought-after residential area, this three bedroom detached property is well situated for a good range of local amenities. Inside on the ground floor, there is an entrance hall, an extended lounge and an extensive fully fitted kitchen/diner. A wc and utility room complete the ground floor. To the first floor there are three double bedrooms, with the master bedroom having the benefit of a luxurious en-suite shower room, and to finish the property, there is a modern family bathroom. The property also benefits from having double glazing and gas central heating. There are front and rear gardens, an attached garage and a driveway. ● PLA Lettings, 0151 525 5785
PART of a luxurious gated development, this two bedroom apartment offers sumptuous and spacious accommodation. In the grounds there is secure gated parking, and entry to the building is through a secure entry system. Inside, the apartment has a delightful self-contained entrance hall, a fantastic open plan lounge and dining room. The kitchen is fitted to a high specification and includes a good selection of units, complementary work surfaces and integrated appliances. The master bedroom has access to an impressive balcony and benefits from an en-suite shower room. There is a second bedroom and a luxury bathroom with a Jacuzzi bath. ● Davis Beyga Estates, 0845 834 0388
Lettings
Allerton, £895pcm STANDING on a substantial plot, this attractive semi-detached property has an extensive paved driveway to the front providing ample off-road parking, and delightful gardens to the rear. Inside, the property has been sympathetically refurbished, is double glazed and has gas central heating. On the ground floor, there is an entrance hall, a lounge which has a fireplace and a separate dining room. The impressive fully fitted kitchen is newly installed and houses a good selection of integrated appliances. Upstairs there are two double and two single bedrooms plus a newly fitted modern family bathroom. ● Sutton Kersh, 0151 207 5923
New Brighton, £500pcm ONLY a short stroll from the promenade and close to rail links to Liverpool, this splendid block of apartments is set in a large plot. All five apartments have been converted to a high standard and benefit from central heating, double glazing, parking bays, alarms, newly-fitted kitchens and bathrooms and are decorated to a very high standard. Inside comprises a communal hallway and stairs to apartment four. The apartment comprises an entrance hall, a kitchen with integrated appliances, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a lounge. Externally, there is ample off-road parking and communal gardens. ● The Property Centre, 0151 639 7500
CHOICE ★★★★
Agents’
Aigburth, £285,000 SET in the heart of the sought-after suburb of Aigburth, this beautiful and well-presented semi-detached property offers good-sized family accommodation. On the ground floor, there is an entrance hall, two reception rooms and a conservatory which has French doors leading outside. To complete this floor there is a fully fitted kitchen, which has a separate dining area. To the first floor are three bedrooms and a family bathroom, while to the second floor there is a fourth bedroom. Outside, to the front there is a garden with a driveway, and to the rear there is a garden and a garage. ● Venmores, 0151 733 9000
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Allerton, £225,000
Wavertree, £183,000 OFFERING delightfully presented accommodation, this terraced property is Grade II listed. Inside, there is a reception hallway, a front lounge, a rear dining room and a recently re-fitted kitchen. To the first floor there are three bedrooms and a recently re-fitted family bathroom. This property also has a cellar, which is accessed from the hallway. Outside is a front garden with on-road parking, while to the rear there is a well-maintained yard. This property is offered for sale with the benefit of no ongoing chain. ● Venmores, 0151 733 9000
RECENTLY modernised to a high standard, this semi-detached property is offered for sale with no ongoing chain, and part-exchange would be considered. On the ground floor is a hall, a lounge which has a feature stone fireplace, a sitting room with French doors leading out to the gardens and an attractive re-equipped modern kitchen complete with a range of integrated appliances. A stunning newly fitted conservatory with access to the gardens at the rear completes the ground floor. Upstairs, there are three wellproportioned bedrooms, with the master bedroom and guest bedroom both having fitted bedroom furniture. A refitted bathroom finishes the property Outside, there is a block paved driveway to the front and gardens to front and rear. ● Sutton Kersh, 0151 734 0666
Woolton, £179,950 Fazakerley, £120,000
Anfield, £239,950
ENJOYING a popular residential location, this semi-detached property benefits from no ongoing chain. Outside, there is a driveway offering ample off-road parking and an integrated garage to the front, as well as delightful gardens to the front and the rear. The ground floor briefly comprises an entrance hall, a good-sized lounge which has a separate dining area, and a fully fitted kitchen. To the first floor, leading off from the landing there are three well-proportioned bedrooms, a separate wc and a family bathroom. The property further benefits from gas central heating and double glazing. ● Entwistle Green, 0151 525 9050
OFFERING a superb investment opportunity, this attractive end terraced property has been converted into four self-contained apartments. In the basement there is an apartment comprising a lounge, a bathroom, a kitchen and a bedroom, while on the ground floor there is a shower room, a kitchen and a bedroom. To the first floor, there is an apartment which includes a lounge, a kitchen, a bathroom and two bedrooms, and on the top floor there is a one bedroom apartment comprising a lounge, a kitchen, a bathroom and a bedroom. Outside there are paved areas both to the front and to the rear. ● Farrell Heyworth, 0151 281 8181
SET in the enduringly popular area of Woolton, this two bedroom true bungalow offers well-presented and surprisingly spacious accommodation. The property stands on a substantial plot which includes off-road parking for a number of vehicles, a detached garage and delightful gardens to the rear with lawns and a good-sized paved patio area. On entering the property, there is an entrance hall which leads into the wellproportioned lounge which comes complete with a feature marble fireplace. The kitchen is fitted with a good range of units, complementary work surfaces and integrated appliances. The master bedroom has fitted wardrobes and the guest bedroom has attractive patio doors which open out onto the gardens. A bathroom completes the property. ● Sutton Kersh, 0151 734 0666
PROPERTY 11
Liverpool
Garston, £149,950 CONVENIENTLY located within a good range of facilities and amenities, this three bedroom semi-detached property offers ideal accommodation for a family. Externally there are gardens front and rear, plus a driveway providing off-road parking. Inside is an entrance hall, a downstairs wc, a spacious lounge and a fully fitted dining room/kitchen. To complete the ground floor, there is a conservatory which has French doors leading out to the gardens. On the upper floor there are three goodsized bedrooms and a modern family bathroom. Additional benefits include gas central heating and double glazing throughout. ● Entwistle Green, 0151 734 2220
Dingle, £84,950 SET in a popular area, this delightful property has recently undergone an extensive programme of refurbishment and modernisation. Inside, there is an entrance hall with attractive laminate flooring, a good-sized lounge which has a fireplace, and a separate dining room with French doors. To complete the ground floor there is a newly fitted, high specification kitchen complete with a good range of units, complementary work surfaces and integrated appliances. Moving upstairs, there are three wellproportioned bedrooms and a modern family bathroom. Outside is a spacious yard to the rear, and the property further benefits from double glazing and gas central heating. ● Davis Beyga Estates, 0845 834 0388
12 PROPERTY
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Agents’
CHOICE ★★★★
across Merseyside
Skelmersdale,£164,950
Burscough, £149,950
Formby, £280,000
Hightown, £POA
REDUCED in price to encourage a quick sale, this detached two bedroom bungalow benefits from gas central heating. Inside, the entrance hall gives access to a lounge, a fully fitted breakfast kitchen and a utility room. The inner hallway leads to a master bedroom with an en- suite shower room, plus there is a second bedroom and a main family bathroom. Outside the driveway provides space for off-road parking and there is a garage and good-sized garden plot, mainly laid to lawn, to the rear. An early inspection is recommended. ● Farrell Heyworth, 01695 570 075
AVAILABLE with the benefit of no ongoing chain, this traditional end-terraced house has two bedrooms.. On the ground floor, the reception hall leads to a lounge and a formal dining room. The dining kitchen is fitted with a good range of units and complementary work surfaces. A third reception room and cloakroom/wc complete the ground floor. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms and a bathroom. There is also a boarded loft with ladder. Outside, there is a rear yard and garden. ● Moving Works, 01704 897 647
BEING offered for sale with no ongoing chain, this executive detached property offers spacious accommodation. On the ground floor, the lounge has a feature fireplace and sliding patio doors opening out onto the garden. The kitchen includes a good selection of units, matching work surfaces and an impressive range of appliances and there is also a separate dining room. Upstairs there are four well proportioned bedrooms, a modern family bathroom and a separate wc. Outside, the property has a driveway, a garage and gardens. ● Reeds Rains, 01704 878 545
SITUATED in a popular residential area, this property offers good sized family accommodation. On the ground floor, there is an entrance hall, a well-proportioned living room and an elegant dining room. The fitted kitchen incorporates a good selection of units, contrasting work tops and integrated appliances and there is an attractive conservatory with French doors and a utility room. Upstairs there are four bedrooms, a family bathroom and a wc. Externally, the property has a driveway, garage and gardens. ● Entwistle Green, 01704 831 755
Heswall £499,950
Thingwall, £525,000
Moreton, £137,500
Brimstage, £575,000
WITHIN easy reach of shopping facilities and popular schools, this dormer bungalow has beautiful gardens, a driveway providing ample off-road parking and a double garage. Inside there is a porch, an entrance hall, a cloakroom/wc, a formal dining room and a well-proportioned lounge and a games room. Plus there is a utility room, a study/bedroom five and a family bathroom. There is also a large breakfast kitchen boasting a good range of units and work tops and integrated appliances. Upstairs there is a landing, a modern bathroom and four bedrooms all of a good size. ● Karl Tatler, 0151 342 2300
SITUATED in a quiet location, this executive house stands on an impressive plot with a driveway offering ample off-road parking, a double garage and delightful gardens to the front and rear. Inside, the ground floor comprises a recessed porch, a reception hall, a lounge with a feature fireplace and a formal dining room. There is also a family room, a cloakroom, a downstairs wc, a conservatory and a utility room. In addition, there is a stunning breakfast kitchen. Upstairs there is a modern family bathroom and five bedrooms including the master suite which has a separate dressing room and an en-suite bathroom. ● Reeds Rains, 0151 342 6386
CLOSE to amenities and transport links, this three bedroom house has no ongoing chain and benefits from off-road parking to the front and delightful gardens. On the ground floor, there is an entrance hallway, a lounge with a feature bay window and a decorative fireplace and a formal dining room. There is also a conservatory with French doors leading outside and a newly fitted kitchen complete with integrated appliances. Also on the ground floor, the integrated garage has been converted into a gym. The first floor has three good sized bedrooms, two of which have fitted wardrobes. Plus there is a modern family bathroom. ● Karl Tatler, 0151 678 4300
SET amongst countryside in a semi-rural location, this detached, four bedroom property benefits from panoramic, far-reaching views. Inside, there is a reception hall, a cloakroom/wc, a good sized drawing, room, a cosy sitting room, a formal dining room and an impressive conservatory. There is also a stylish L-shaped kitchen/breakfast room which is fully fitted. To the first floor, there are four well proportioned bedrooms and a family bathroom. Outside, there is a block paved driveway and a forecourt which leads to a detached two/three car garage as well as gardens to the rear. ● Jones & Chapman, 0151 342 6262