Whathouse Property section - Issue 39 MIE by Made In Essex

R AL E

C AP om LO P E TY M .c TH ER RO se OP F PR ou th ha w

EDITION JULY 17 2015

Star quality Quality homes in desirable locations across the Midlands For more information about our extensive range of quality homes, from first time buyer apartments to luxury executive houses visit

www.lioncourthomes.co.uk or call 01905 755167

AREA FOCUS WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM | 21

Managing director: Daniel Hill Editorial director: Rupert Bates Editor: Keith Osborne ko@whathouse.com Assistant editor: Stephen Maunder sm@whathouse.com Designer: Peter Rogers peter@39zero.co.uk Contributors: Tilly Rubens, Fiona Brandhorst, Nick Parkhouse, Richenda Oldham, Kate Faulkner Sales director: Adrian Talbot at@globespanmedia.com Head of sales: Andy Lunn al@whathouse.com Business development manager: Steve Coyle sc@whathouse.co.uk Sales manager: Murad Paloda mp@whathouse.com Property supplement published by: What House Digital Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG; 020 7940 1070 info@globespanmedia.com www.whathouse.com Printed by 39zero om .c se ou th ha w

L R CA PE LO PA E TY TH ER OM OP FR PR

EDITION JULY 17 2015

www.lioncourthomes.co.uk or call 01905 755167

What House?

@What_House

helmsford, while enjoying its role as county town, has striven for greater recognition for many years and now boasts the breadth and depth of amenities that more than justify its elevation to city status as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Strategically placed by road and rail, it has become a commuter hotspot, attracting house-hunters from around Chelmsford and from much further afield. Homeowners cashing in on burgeoning property values in east London, and would-be buyers completely priced out of the capital, are looking eastwards for better value for money and a convenient journey. The half-hour rail commute from Chelmsford compares favourably to a Tube journey from zone 4 in Greater London. Karl Manning of agent Fenn Wright notes that as the town’s station is being redeveloped to accommodate more passengers and bigger trains, demand for homes close to the city centre is getting stronger. That prices are around £600,000 for a central, period, four-/five-bedroom home has not placated demand. “Within a square mile of the centre, homes are selling over guide price, and quickly,” says Manning. “We are having to host more and more open houses to cope.” It’s not only the established stock that is doing well, adds Rob Chapman, new homes manager at William H Brown for the Essex region. “In general, the new homes market is doing incredibly well at the moment,” he says. “The first half of the year has seen a significant rise in new homes sales, up 74% on 2014. We have specifically seen a sharp

In the city

City status has not only raised Chelmsford’s regional and national profile, it has caused a boom in demand from property buyers rise in sales in June this year which was assisted by a short supply of homes available in the second-hand market, leading buyers to turn to new homes as a convenient and available option. “Chelmsford’s recent elevation to city status has sparked a trend – an increase in the development of high-end one- and two-bedroom apartments. However, this is accompanied by a sharp increase in prices in the area as well.” The demand for new homes, in places such as the Beaulieu Park area, has also resulted from a lack of re-sale stock being brought to market, he says. Manning points to Chelmsford’s excellent schools as a huge draw for ambitious parents, but Chapman is seeing a wide

demographic coming through the door. “There doesn’t seem to be a specific type of person looking for new homes, nor are our customers looking for a specific type of property – the region is so diverse that we see a wide variety of prospective buyers, from commuters in the towns and cities to retirees in the more provincial and coastal areas of the Essex.” The momentum has been started in Chelmsford and Manning can only see it gathering pace in the coming years, with “the talk of a new station in Beaulieu Park, (pictured above), John Lewis coming in together with a brand new cinema, and new resi and commercial development at the old Duke’s nightclub site” just a few of the big changes the city can expect to see very soon.

WHATHOUSE? PICKS...

New build option (from £240,000)

Re-sale option (c £850,000)

One of the most exciting new developments that William H Brown is offering to the market in the Chelmsford area is Danbury Palace. It is a conversion of the stately home to 13 luxury apartments, plus the conversion and new build elements of the coach house buildings to form six mews-style dwellings, and the erection of 26 high-end new build homes. All will benefit from a concierge service, tennis court and 8.5 acres of private grounds backing on to Danbury Lakes. The largest apartment in the palace exceeds 2,000 sq ft.

Fenn Wright is currently marketing this attractive five-bedroom home, set in 0.75 acres, located between Boreham and Hatfield Peverel. Two of the bedrooms are en suite and there is a delightful L-shaped orangery on the ground floor. The open-plan kitchen/breakfast room has a range of modern units and granite worktops. The grounds include a lovely landscaped garden, patio area, Jacuzzi and covered barbecue area to the rear and provide plenty of parking at the front of the house, which also has a double garage.

Find out more at www.williamhbrown.co.uk 01245 262266

Find out more at www.fennwright.co.uk / 01245 292100

Welcoming your home to ours !

A RE A OD O TSW R HA

Warley

GUIDE PRICE £730,000 - £760,000

OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY 18TH JULY - 11 AM - 1 PM BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Occupying a corner plot within the sought after Hartswood Area, is this detached family home. Entering through the enclosed porch you will find a spacious dining room with sliding doors providing access to a secluded patio area, along with a modern fitted kitchen. The upper ground floor offers a 22’ lounge with access to an elevated patio area, overlooking the beautiful rear garden. The middle floor offers two bedrooms and a modern family bathroom, whilst the top floor provides access to the fourth bedroom and master bedroom and en-suite shower room.

NT E TM AR P A RY U X LU

Brentwood

£695,000 £320,000

A SUPERB LUXURY APARTMENT WITH UNDERGROUND PARKING Set within the sought after Clements Park development and within a short walk to Brentwood High Street and Mainline Railway station is this stunning one bedroom third floor apartment. The property offers open plan lounge/kitchen area, balcony with superb views, master bedroom with fitted wardrobes, luxury four piece bathroom and underground parking.

ION S S SSE O TP N CA VA

Blackmore

£625,000

A SIX BEDROOM DETACHED BUNGALOW BACKING OPEN FARMLAND Situated in a non-estate position backing onto open farmland is this 6 bed detached bungalow, which incorporates a 1 bed annexe with its own access & has further potential through a loft room conversion to be seven bedrooms or more. Sitting on a large plot with excellent off st parking.

EN D AR ’G 0 6

Ongar

£695,000- £450,000 £445,000

3 DOUBLE BED CHARACTER SEMI DETACHED COTTAGE BACKING FIELDS Backing onto open fields is this attractive character semi-detached cottage with 3 double bedrooms & 60’ landscaped rear garden. Well maintained throughout with a wood burning stove to the lounge and luxury bathroom. Ongar town centre & Epping central line station are 3.7 and 4.2 miles respectively.

E TH

EN RD A G ING C A F UTH SO

ES RI E L AL G

Warley

£395,000

GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT WITH ITS OWN COURTYARD

Kavanagh Court forms part of the award winning Galleries Development, itself set within stunning manicured gardens. This particular ground floor two bedroom apartment offers its own small courtyard area to the front and delightful views of the gardens to the rear. Internally is the perfect blend of old meets new, from its arched ceilings to its modern fully fitted kitchen. Viewing is strongly advised.

N W O T

E TR N E C

Brentwood

8TH FLOOR APARTMENT WITH FAR REACHING VIEWS

Located in the heart of Brentwood’s town centre, Becket House is a modern development of apartments, perfectly positioned, with residents parking. This particular one bedroom apartment is located on the 8th floor and therefore offers fantastic views across west Brentwood and towards the City of London. Viewing is strongly advised.

This delightful 2 bedroom semi-detached bungalow is situated in an established road of similar properties. Two reception rooms which can also be opened into one by French doors giving, in our opinion, a lovely spacious feel in addition to a conservatory of 10’10 x 10’ and a separate lobby area of 10’9 x 5’2 both overlooking a well-tended garden.

N IO SS E SS PO

Doddinghurst

GUIDE PRICE £300,000 - £320,000

OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY 18TH JULY 12.00-1.30 - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Set well back from the road is this three bedroom semi-detached bungalow with a 184’ rear garden backing onto open fields. Offering excellent scope for improvement and being offered with immediate vacant possession.

IN HA C ING -N GO O NO

S M O O DR E B

Doddinghurst

SITUATED ON THE SOUGHT AFTER POETS ESTATE

NT CA A V

£239,995

£375,000

Hutton

£399,995

BACKING ON TO OPEN FIELDS AND WITH A 196’ REAR GARDEN

Backing onto open fields and with a 196’ rear garden is this 3 bed chalet style bungalow with 2 double bedrooms to the first floor & a further double bed to the ground floor. A wide road frontage, currently allowing parking for two cars, but with the potential for more. Short walk of Doddinghurst main shops & schools.

Doddinghurst

GUIDE PRICE £380,000 - £400,000

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 18TH JULY 10AM – 11.30AM – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

We are delighted to offer this 3 bed semi detached house which has been extended to the rear & is maintained in immaculate condition throughout, including a luxury kitchen & shower room, all complimented by an attractive block paved driveway to the front and a landscaped rear garden.

26 | WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM HERITAGE HOME

ings Mill, in the sought-after village of

large cellars, including a wine cellar. The bedrooms are arranged over two

Littlebury near Saffron Walden, is attached to the fascinating Grade II listed former mill building with its own

floors, three on the first floor and a master bedroom with dressing room and en suite bathroom on the second floor. Bathrooms and cloakrooms have been replaced and are finished to the highest standards. The

water feature - the original mill race. Standing in 3.82 acres with river

third bedroom can be accessed via a separate staircase and has its own bathroom, so could be used as a guest suite. There is a viewing pane from the main corridor which

frontage and meadows, the site is of significant historical note and features in the Domesday Book. The architect Henry Winstanley is also associated with the property. Winstanley was the first person

overlooks the mill race as it drops away, having run through the former wheel site. There are delightful views over the river, the grounds and open countryside. The main house is connected to the

to build a lighthouse on Eddystone Rock in Devon and part of the garden at Kings Mill belonged to him. A mound on the site of a building used as a viewing point over the river still exists in the garden and is said to be where Winstanley constructed his prototype of the famous lighthouse. Kings Mill owner Nick McCaffrey, who has lived there for 17 years, adds: “Our children have grown up using it for building dens to battlefield scenes. We often get

original mill building, hay barns, grain store and associated working rooms which are still intact. The magnificent mill race runs through it and millstones provide authenticity to this historical building. The

History lessons

mill provides a great entertaining space, against a backdrop of running water and with some investment this building could be transformed. Littlebury has a public house and parish

callers at the door looking for the lighthouse so we direct them to the village hall, where there are some drawings they can look at.” The house has been painstakingly restored retaining many original features.

Kings Mill is an elegant 18th century five-bedroom house and former mill oozing with charm

and recreational facilities nearby. The mainline railway station at Audley End provides train services to London’s Liverpool

dining and boot rooms on the ground floor

to the rear of the property and features a

The accommodation is set over three floors with the drawing room, music room,

featuring oak flooring and open fireplaces. The Mark Wilkinson-designed kitchen is

twin oven Aga, walk-in pantry and separate utility room. There is also access to two

Street in around 55 minutes. Kings Mill is on the market for £1.85m

church with Saffron Walden’s shops, schools

with Mullucks Wells; 01279 755400

NHBC – the mark of a quality home

...Buying a new home is a big decision, so you’ll want to know that your property is of good quality and your investment well protected. Only builders approved and registered by NHBC can offer Buildmark, and they must build to the detailed technical standards we have been developing and updating for more than 75 years. It will give you peace of mind to know that all new homes with NHBC’s Buildmark have been independently inspected at key stages during construction, and come with 10 years’ warranty and insurance. This gives you the reassurance that, on the rare occasion when something does go wrong, we’re here to help you.

So, before you buy a new home, make sure it has Buildmark.

Talk to us...

Call us now on 0844 633 1000 and ask for ‘Customer Services’. Or visit www.nhbc.co.uk/myhome H82 02/14

H82_What House? advert_v1.indd 1

19/02/2014 12:15

28 | WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM NEW HOMES

Work, rest and play

floor includes a stylish contemporary kitchen with a convenient separate utility room, lounge with French doors leading to the rear garden, study and dining room off the kitchen. The first floor has three double bedrooms, including the master bedroom with its ‘musthave’ dressing area with built-in wardrobes and en suite. Two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom are found on the

Buyers are giving the thumbs up to Arcadia the new Bloor Homes development in Laindon on the outskirts of Basildon

top floor with far reaching views from the picturesque attic-style windows. Priced at £499,995, ‘The Willerby’ comes

n the doorstep of the local beauty spot Langdon

with a sought-after double garage plus an

Hills Country Park, with its panoramic views over the Thames Estuary and across to London, more

impressive six parking spaces – ideal for families with teenage drivers and ample

than half of the homes at Arcadia are already sold,

room for when friends and family visit.

with new releases just announced. Families, retirees and young professionals are

‘The Osterley’, a three-bedroom detached house priced at £307,995 will be available

being wooed by the select range of just 98 three-,

soon closely followed by two three-bedroom

four- and five-bedroom character homes with

semi-detached homes, ‘The Studland’ and

landscaped gardens and plenty of parking. Laindon station, with trains to Fenchurch Street every 15 minutes,

‘The Chastleton’ townhouse. Specifications for all homes at Arcadia are

is a major plus for commuters and retail therapy is on hand at Basildon’s popular Eastgate Shopping Centre, just a 10-minute drive

high with a choice of kitchen units, worktops and tiling for those buyers reserving early

away. Southend-on-Sea is only a short drive away and golf clubs

in the construction stages. Arcadia is open

and a range of sporting amenities are also close by, so keeping fit is

daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm,

definitely an option for new residents. The latest release at Arcadia is ‘The Willerby’, a five-bedroom

Find out more at

double-fronted detached home reminiscent of a prime London villa,

www.bloorhomes.com 01268 857834

set across three floors. Spacious living accommodation on the ground

Electrolux Group:

Industry Leaders in Household Durables for eight consecutive years.

Electrolux is the only company in the Household Durables category to qualify for Dow Jones Sustainability Indices World, and has been included in DJSI every year since the index was launched in 1999. For more information, go to www.sustainability-indices.com

‘‘

Sustainability is an integral part of the Electrolux Group’s strategy, and we are therefore especially proud to have achieved the highest score of the Household Durables category for our efforts in the environmental area.

‘‘

Electrolux has retained its position as Industry Leader in the Household Durables category for the eighth consecutive year in the latest Dow Jones Sustainability Indices.

Henrik Sundström

Head of Sustainability Affairs at Electrolux.

We’re open for business, whatever the climate.

For the last 40 years, through all market conditions, we’ve consistently lent to residential property developers. So if you’re looking for funds, you won’t find a more experienced, flexible and reliable business partner. To find out how we can help your development, please call Close Brothers Property Finance on 020 7655 3655 or visit closepropertyfinance.com

Close Brothers Modern Merchant Banking

30 | WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM NEW HOMES

Wild things A wildlife haven of bugs, hedgehogs and wild flowers is being encouraged in Ingatestone

urchasers and residents at CALA Homes’ exclusive Trueloves Grange development will be given a selection of wildlife habitat for birds, insects and hedgehogs to attract wildlife to their new gardens in support of the RSPB’s Give Nature a Home campaign. Each kit includes two bird nest boxes, a ladybird bug house and a hodgitat hedgehog shelter, all made from regulated timber. Michelle Relton, sales manager for CALA Homes says: “It’s so important to give nature a helping hand when we can, so we want to do our bit to help take care of local wildlife and make it fun at the same time.” The RSPB campaign urges residents to provide a place for wildlife in their gardens and outside spaces. Whether it’s installing habitats like bug boxes, hedgehog homes and nest boxes, or planting wildflowers – little actions can make a massive difference.

RSPB’s top tips for encouraging wildlife • Give the mower a rest - The flowering plants that bugs and beasts love to hide in will benefit and longer grass won’t dry out so quickly • Grow flowering plants - Pollinating insects will be attracted by planting a variety of traditional plants such as cornflowers, foxgloves, honeysuckle, guelder rose and English lavender • Build a bug hotel - A wildlife stack – made from crates, canes, newspaper, and plant pots provides insects with somewhere to live • Create nature corridors - Plant a mix of trees and flowers on your doorstep to create corridors for wildlife to move and get from place to place • Add some water - A water feature with different depths is great for wildlife. Shallow areas are used by bathing and drinking birds, dragonflies and amphibians to lay eggs. Deeper areas help aquatic insects survive cold spells and are good for newts

Discover the heart of Trueloves Grange TRUELOVES GRANGE is a bespoke gated development of five, six and seven bedroom detached family homes in an idyllic setting overlooking beautiful open countryside. Each home is built to CALA’s high quality design and specifications with between 3,217 and 4,970 square feet of living space. Prices start from £1,695,000. Ingatestone, on the edge of Fryerning, is a charming village surrounded by open countryside. Its thriving centre offers all the essential shops, pubs and cafés and is neatly located between Brentwood and Chelmsford, so it’s is easy to swap rural charm for cosmopolitan glamour. Trueloves Grange sales office and showhome is open daily from 10am to 5pm, call 07823 341611 or visit www.cala.co.uk.

Carter’s Quay, Poole

Creating new communities across the South

Inland Homes are currently regenerating areas across the South providing quality homes with an emphasis on design and sustainability. Visit our fabulous range of Showhomes to discover more.

Charterhouse Mews, Chelmsford

DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDE: Carter’s Quay, Poole 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses Vista, Drayton Garden Village, West Drayton 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses St John’s, Chelmsford 2 & 4 bedroom houses

Alexandra Gardens, Iver 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses Park House, Loudwater Studio & 1 bedroom apartments

Charterhouse Mews, Chelmsford 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2 bedroom houses

The Comptons,Wooburn Green

Vista, Drayton Garden Village

For further details call 01494 762 450 or email sales@inlandhomes.co.uk Showhome open at this development

COMING SOON: The Comptons, Wooburn Green 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom houses

Please check website for current availability. Computer generated illustrations are indicative only and subject to change.

St John’s, Chelmsford

www.inlandhomes.co.uk

RETIREMENT WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM | 33

or many coming up to retirement age, the decision to sell the family home and be the first person to move into brand new retirement development 50 miles away would be a daunting task.

However, for one former plucky land girl, it was a decision which has given her a whole new lease of life. Betty Newon purchased a one-bedroom apartment from Churchill Retirement Living in Saffron Walden, at the company’s Saffron Lodge development, in May of last year, after deciding the time had finally come to downsize.

the stress out of such a major upheaval by

The first lady

offering a range of moving options. “It was a huge step for me to take, to leave my family home with all its memories and downsize. Churchill made the move as easy as possible, helping me as much as they could at every turn. It’s also given my daughter greater peace of mind, to know there’s always someone around if I need anything.” Betty says she took advantage of the housing developer’s Move for Free offer. This package includes up to £5,000 towards

New lease of life for former Land Army girl Betty in Saffron Walden

the cost of estate agent fees, up to £1,500 towards legal fees, up to 1% stamp duty paid, an Energy Performance Certificate

She says: “After more than 60 years of

included, along with support with removals

marriage and family life, I found myself living alone in a three-bedroom house in

and downsizing. The move has also given her the

Dagenham. The upkeep and maintenance was getting more expensive and challenging

opportunity to make a lot of new friends, and the residents regularly get together for

each year.”

coffee mornings and other social events that

Betty decided the time had come to

the lodge manager organises. She has also

downsize and find a more suitable property. During the war years, she says she

in the area and on contacting them, was

atmosphere here is warm and welcoming

had time to spend on her hobby, quilting, which involves making decorative objects

spent three years as a Land Army girl in Northamptonshire and briefly thought of

invited to the pre-launch information day. She was so impressed by the scheme that she

and we have a wonderful community here at Saffron Lodge.”

from strips of paper. She says moving to the lodge was “the best thing I’ve ever done”.

returning to the area. However, she also

reserved a one-bedroom property just a week

wanted to be near her daughter and family

later.

emotional time at the best of times, but even

who live in Newport, a village just a few miles outside Saffron Walden.

She says: “I was the first owner to move into Saffron Lodge. Shortly afterwards

more so for those who are moving away from the home where they have raised a

By chance, Betty saw an advertisement for the new Churchill Retirement development

others started to move in and we would meet daily in the beautiful lounge for coffee. The

family and lived for over half of their life. Betty says Churchill tries to take some of

Moving can be a very a stressful and

Now on Sale:

an exciting range of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes in Brierley Hill. Choose from 10 different designs! Artisan’s Walk is a whole new community, perfectly placed almost equidistant from Wolverhampton and Birmingham, just off Brettell Lane, with views towards the Clent Hills. Beautifully built to an exacting specification using energy saving technology, all the homes at Artisan’s Walk will be economic to run. The careful design and well thought out interiors will make them practical and comfortable to live in too.

Ask about our launch incentives 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes from £155,000

Showhome open daily 10.00am - 5.30pm

Artisan’s Walk, off Delph Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 2RP Call: 0845 873 2887 or visit: www.lioncourthomes.co.uk

One-bedroom apartments are available for sale at Saffron Lodge priced from £249,950.

Find out more at

www.churchillretirement.co.uk 01799 282 635

Help to Buy

Dream move For the latest on the property market

@What_House

Stepping up W

ith average on the remaining share to the housing these types of mortgages. Some first-time buyer association, who then in effect become providers will allow you to borrow deposits soaring your landlord. As and when you’re up to 95%, meaning you only need a to over 30% of the able to afford it, you can take steps 5% deposit to secure the next slice of property value, to buy additional shares until you own ownership. Speak to an independent purchase schemes 100% of your home. This is known mortgage advisor to find out what in popularity. as staircasing. options you have. For example Help to Buy has helped As an outright owner, although all housing associations Basildon,Do Romford and Southend on to. offer Unfortunately not the case over 88,000 over 40,000 you this no islonger needwith to allpay any landlords and tenants and it’s fabulous to be buyers, andBelvoir Sea is urgingoflandlords and tenants to protect agents, andrent thereonare some rogue itindividuals staircasing? people the property, is worth noting able to build the business and guide it inhave a new taken advantage themselves unscrupulous that who will give professional agents bad name andyou’re alternative housing solutions, such against as Most as leaseholder of aan apartment, housingagents associations direction.” may be charging hidden fees. will take advantage of vulnerable clients. shared ownership. allow their tenants to staircase still required to pay management Keeley is just one of many new The franchise G15, a collaboration of up to three times, until you reach charges, such as ground rent, as the May 2015, all lettings and management “Our message to landlords and tenants is owners for Belvoir who have been a successful London’s largest housing“Since associations, 100% ownership. As well as owning housing association will remain the firms in England and Wales are legally required simple check that the letting agentland. you choose lettings agency with an award winning service for including Genesis, collectively manages more of your home, staircasing freeholders of the If you’ve to prominently all their fees and charges has listed allbought of their fees clearly on their over 410,000 affordable homes display a house, the freehold can nearly two decades. also means the amount of rent to landlords and tenants, as well as displaying website andbe in their office. Also that the and buildKeeley 10,000 more annually, transferred to check you upon reaching so it can help Offices across the UK such as the one whether or not theyyou are pay part ofdecreases, a recognised agent offers client money protection because illustrating how popular these options 100% ownership. free up more of your disposable runs in Basildon, are individually owned by local Client Money Protection Scheme,” says Keeley this is the only way to ensure that tenant are becoming. Shared ownership in income. As the rent is affordable Taylor, who is Director of the High Street based deposits are protected. people, which the company believe ensures the particular has both short-term and from the start, it should make What would I need to do when I Belvoir Basildon lettings agency. “This is best combination of knowledgelong-term and marketing come to sell my shared ownership benefits for those whothat want easier toas itsave towards a move Belvoirit welcomes, helpsmoney to “There is a link on the Citizen’s Advice Bureaux effectiveness, such as the franchisee’s familiarity home? to get on the property ladder but are protect clients, butfurther we are staircasing. concerned that some (CAB) website to a Letting Agent Complaint with the local schools and facilities; knowing the struggling to raise a deposit or may secure Whenpeople you want to sell the property, people still be dealing with agents that are Tool that enables to report agents a traditional Will cost leave me? who are failing better areas to live in and why some houses mortgage. are youtocan sell the you own failing to comply with thestaircasing law, which could comply withshare the news laws.through your housing or if you’ve them vulnerable toPurchasing paying hidden charges andworks more attractive to locals whilst others will attract Trading Standards can takeassociation, action against further shares much How does shared ownership staircased up to 100%, you can sell it in losing their deposits. letting agents that hide their fees by fining them newcomers to an area. like a typical house purchase, with work? to £5000.on the open market, through an estate valuations required for eachup‘step’, “I always felt strongly supported by the Basildonand belongs a recognised Providing you meet “Belvoir the criteria you towill of course need to pay agent of your choice. When you sell staff and the management at Belvoir’s Central your the renting greaterproperties percentage you Clientschemes Money Protection Scheme, andand our any mortgage “More people thanhome, ever are (see P32), shared ownership the legal fees, Office and have good relationships with them, fees onto are clearly our websitetoo. andOn the own,sothe profithey t you willwith make if in this area and it ismore vital that work are a great way to get the displayed fees, if on applicable, plus so the decision to become a franchisee once the in our office so clients can be reassured that professionals who have their interests at heart the value of your home has increased, property ladder and you may find side, you’ll not need to pay any their than moneyyou is not Stamp at risk and they will only pay clearly inform themahow much theirstaircasing costs possibility arose was an easy one,” so there’s benefi t to in you Keeley can buysays. a bigger home Duty on staircasing up and to 80% for services that they know about and agree are going to be.” getting more equity back when you “I couldn’t wait to be part of a network. I would would otherwise have been able to ownership if the value is less than sell up. afford, especially with the opportunity £125,000. recommend anyone looking into a Lettings www.belvoirlettings.com email: basildon@belvoirlettings.com www.belvoirlettings.com of staircasing. How you fund the purchase Franchisee role to contact Belvoir’s head office in new 01268 home of411110 additional/ 01702 shares is 334466 up to you,/ 01708 730077 Grantham, they’ve been fantastic.”When you first buy aTel: through shared ownership, you although typically this is done through Keeley adds: “I am very enthusiastc about BelvoirBasildon purchase a share of the property, a mortgage lender –BelvoirBasildon most building Find out more at www.genesisha.org.uk; growing Belvoir Basildon and its future.” typically between 25-75%, paying rent societies and high street banks offer 033 3000 4000

Moving house needn’t be a nightmare just make your move with Belvoir. Made speak to Belvoir Basildon’s new house Tony HarkerinofEssex Genesis explains how shared affordable have rocketed Franchisee and director Keeley Taylor

ownership can be the perfect platform to With 16 years of lettings become a fully-fl edged owner-occupier industry experience, and

five years working for Belvoir, 30-year old Keeley Taylor was the perfect candidate to take over as franchisee of the Belvoir Lettings Franchise in Basildon. She is now director of Belvoir Basildon which covers the territories of Basildon, Romford and Southend-on-Sea. Her loyalty to the Belvoir brand and love for all things lettings meant that she elected to take over the business when the franchise became available. “It really felt like the right step for me when I was offered the chance to become the Franchisee,” she explains, “having worked at the office in Basildon since 2006 (primarily when it was known as ‘Let it Be and then as part of Belvoir when it was bought out by them in 2010). The company initially started nine years ago and it was just the director and me at that time. We had no properties and strived to create and grow a client-base. Since then the business has grown tremendously.” Keeley’s contacts have held her in good stead. “I’ve worked at the office for so long so I have some great relationships with the existing

housing associations 35

Don’t risk your money, warns Belvoir!

Let. us do the work

COMING SOON

London has been our home for over 150 years. Make it yours.

St John’s Way SW11 A new way of life is emerging in the heart of Battersea 1, 2 & 3 bed apartments and 3 & 4 bed triplexes Prices coming soon

Call to register: 020 3369 8728

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Making sure 1 your home is safe for the summer holidays

ith the summer approaching, most people will be off abroad or around the UK to take a week or two off, says property expert Kate Faulkner. And it’s important to enjoy your time away without any worries or fears of anyone breaking into your home and leaving a mess for you to clear up when you get back.

There are five really easy ways to protect your home from unwanted visitors... 1. Make sure you put away ladders It’s easy to leave things out which we’d never think could be used to help break into our home, but things like ladders, anything which could be used to prize open doors or throw through windows is essential to make sure your property remains safe. 2. Put your post on hold If you have good neighbours, they may take your post in or put it through your letter box, but if you don’t know then too well, the Post Office run a great service called KeepSafe. It does take five days to set up, but can help prevent identity fraud and they deliver everything to you the day after you return. 3. Night lights and a radio There are some great timers you can use which automatically switch lights on and off and even a radio while you are away. This is great deterrent for burglars – they won’t want to take the risk. I make sure I have lights switching on and off at night even when I’m in the house too so they don’t just come on when I’m away.

4. Don’t advertise you are away! This is really hard not to do if you enjoy posting on social media, but the fact remains that telling everyone with access to your accounts you are away a good idea as it can easily tip people off that you aren’t in. 5. Think about what you leave on and off Depending on how long you are away for, it might be worth turning off the gas and water and making sure most electric sockets are off too, just in case. Talk to your plumber if you are unsure of how to turn things off and whether it’s a good idea. Finally, if you are away for more than 30 days, check your insurance – not all policies will cover your property if you are away for that length of time. For more help and advice on keeping your property secure and useful checklists, then visit www.propertychecklists.co.uk or email your query to enquiries@designsonproperty.co.uk

LOTS of properties going under the hammer in Clive Emson’s July Auction Britain’s top land and property auctioneers forthcoming auction takes place on July 22. LOT 1

LOT 2

LAND NEXT TO FARM UP FOR AUCTION A freehold parcel of land at South Ockendon is going up for auction with a guide price of £15,000£20,000. The 0.04 hectare (0.09 acre) plot adjoining Ponds Farm on Purfleet Road and close to the A13 is currently used as a storage yard. It is among the Essex and North and East London lots listed for sale by the regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson this month (July). Paul Bridgeman, auctioneer and former president of the National Association of Auctioneers and Valuers, said: “This land is likely to interest anyone who can see the potential in possibly obtaining planning consent in the future. “Land is always popular at auction. These plots may be used for recreational and amenity purposes or the new owner may have an alternative use in mind.” Last month’s round of five Clive Emson auctions across southern England, of which the Channels Golf Club was one, raised £21m, with an 83% success rate. Paul added: “It was our best June auction series since the heady days of 2006 and comes on the back of political stability, record-low borrowing costs and an improving economy. “The shortage of new homes and the increased demand for rented property is fuelling demand - the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors predicts that average house prices will rise by 25% over the next five years.” The independent company holds eight rounds of auctions at five locations from Essex to Cornwall on consecutive days every six weeks, this time with a total of 145 lots. Starting at 11am, the fourth of Clive Emson’s regional Essex and North & East London auctions in 2015 takes place at the Channels Golf Club, Little Waltham, Chelmsford, on Wednesday, July 22.

LOT 5

LOT 4

GOING UP IN THE WORLD FOR TWOBED FLAT A two-bedroom former local authority flat on the third floor of a high-rise block in Dagenham is up for auction at a guide price of £100,000-£110,000 leasehold. The self-contained apartment, with security entry system, is in Hawkwell House, Gosfield Road – just off the A124 and within two miles of Chadwell Heath railway station. It is among the Essex and North and East London lots listed for sale by the regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson this month (July). Paul Bridgeman, auctioneer and former president of the National Association of Auctioneers and Valuers, said: “I am expecting a lot of interest for this flat in such a popular area.” The flat has the remainder of a 125-year lease from 2002.

FLAT WITH EASY TRANSPORT LINKS A conveniently-situated three-bedroom ground floor flat in Westcliff-on-Sea is to be auctioned with a leasehold guide price of £100,000 plus. In an established residential location, the Fleetwood Avenue flat is in easy reach of shops, main roads, railway stations at Westcliff-onSea, Prittlewell and Chalkwell and London Southend Airport. It is among the Essex and North and East London lots listed for sale by the regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson this month (July). Paul Bridgeman, auctioneer and former president of the National Association of Auctioneers and Valuers, said: “This flat, with vacant possession, would make an excellent investment opportunity having previously been let at a rent of £8,700 per annum.”

REDUCED PRICE PUTS STAMP ON POST OFFICE INVESTMENT A Post Office and convenience store, three-bedroom maisonette and semi-detached garage in Billericay are up for auction with a reduced freehold guide price of £290,000. The property in the popular Grange Road parade of shops is among the Essex and North and East London lots listed for sale by the regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson this month (July). The property is let at a total rent of £23,260 per annum. Paul Bridgeman, auctioneer and former president of the National Association of Auctioneers and Valuers, said:

LOT 6 - LOVELY FLAT AT ‘AMAZING’ PRICE A lovely ground floor maisonette in Sawbridgeworth, Herts, is up for auction with an amazing leasehold guide price of £120,000 plus. The two-bedroom property, being sold on the instructions of bankruptcy trustees, is just half a mile from the town’s mainline railway station. It is among the Essex and North and East London lots listed for sale by the regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson this month (July).

an office, guest room, studio or teenage crash pad – has a guide price of £5,000-10,000 Leading straw bale building company Straw Works is selling the 4m by 3m energyefficient hut that can be used all year round with little or no heating. It is among the Essex and North and East London lots listed for sale by the regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson this month (July). Paul Bridgeman, auctioneer

and former president of the National Association of Auctioneers and Valuers, said: “This is yet another unusual lot for us following our sale of a former nuclear bunker earlier this year. “The building is built to a high standard with natural materials – straw bale walls and sheep’s wool and wood fibre board insulated roof and floor. “Its clay and lime plasters create a healthy atmosphere with no toxic gases and the building will keep cool in

summer and warm in winter as long as it is positioned facing south.” The building requires some finishing – clay plaster inside and an external finish of lime render – and a quote can be

LOT 7

Paul Bridgeman, auctioneer and former president of the National Association of Auctioneers and Valuers, said: “This is a lovely flat, with use of the garden, up for an amazing price – and with vacant possession.”

LOT 3 -EX-STRAW-DINARY BUILDING MADE OF BALES A straw bale building that was constructed at the Grand Designs Live event hosted by TV star Kevin McCloud at London’s ExCeL centre is being auctioned. The eco-friendly building – suitable for many uses, such as

“This property is in a popular part of town and comes with the advantage of a guaranteed return once the sale is completed.” The shop consists of a retail area with Post Office counter and storage area. At the rear is a courtyard. A double length garage with up and over door is behind the property. Communal stairs lead to the maisonette from the rear of the premises which has a dining, room, living room, kitchen and small balcony at the rear. The second floor includes three bedrooms and a bathroom. There is potential to split the maisonette into two separate flats, subject to all the necessary consents being obtained.

obtained from the seller. The purchaser will need to arrange delivery and have access for a low loader vehicle. The building is being stored in Suffolk and viewing is strictly by appointment.

IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITY AT END OF TERRACE HOUSE An established three-bedroom end of terrace house in need of modernisation in Westcliff-on-Sea is going up for auction with a freehold guide price of £160,000 plus. The Hainault Avenue property is close to shops and amenities, a mileand-a-half from three mainline railway stations and within easy reach of London Southend Airport. It is among the Essex and North and East London lots listed for sale by the regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson this month (July). Paul Bridgeman, auctioneer and former president of the National Association of Auctioneers and Valuers, said: “I am sure this property will generate great activity in the auction room. “It will suit a purchaser looking for a modernisation project as a possible investment opportunity.”

Guide: £290,000 Plus

Wednesday 22nd July at 11am at The Barn, Channels Golf Club Little Waltham, Chelmsford where these Lots will be offered for sale

Vacant Ground Floor Flat

Guide: £100,000 Plus

EPC: D

Freehold Parcel of Land Guide: £15-20,000

DAGENHAM, ESSEX

WESTCLIFF-ON-SEA, ESSEX

Our next auction will be held on

End Terrace House for Improvement Guide: 160,000 Plus EPC: TBC

Vacant Leasehold Masionette Guide: £120,000 Plus EPC: TBC

Eversley Road

PITSEA, ESSEX

Mixed Freehold Investment

SAWBRIDGEWORTH, HERTS

If you would like to discuss any aspect of buying or selling at auction call Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers.

WESTCLIFF-ON-SEA, ESSEX

The UK’s leading independent regional land and property auctioneer Clive Emson have expanded with an office covering Essex and North & East London, with an experienced auction team from the local area.

EPC: domestic - E and commerical - C

SOUTH OCKENDON, ESSEX

22nd July - Essex, North & East London 23rd July - Kent & SE London 24th July - Sussex & Surrey 27th July - West Country 28th July - Hampshire & Isle of Wight

MOVEABLE

BILLERICAY, ESSEX

AUCTION

Five Day Sale - 145 Lots

Vacant Self Contained Flat Guide: £100-110,000 EPC: D

Straw Bale Building Guide: £5-10,000

25m

50m

New Cottages

1 London Road

Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright (2014). All Rights Reserved. Licence Number Plans are for location purposes only. Ordnance Survey LIG1016. © Crown Copyright (2015). All Rights Reserved. Licence Number LIG1016. Plans are for location purposes only.

75m

Parcel of Green Belt Land

Guide: £110,000 Plus

Land 1 New Cottages, London Road, Pitsea, Basildon, Essex

Entries are continuously invited for our forthcoming auctions. Our next five-day auction series covering Essex & London, Kent to Cornwall and Isle of Wight to M4 will be in September with a closing date of 19th August 2015.

For professional friendly advice contact Paul Bridgeman or Martin Hardy on 01245 205778 Email: essex@cliveemson.co.uk Guides are provided as an indication of each Seller’s minimum expectation. They are not necessarily figures which a property will sell for and may change at any time prior to Auction. Unless stated otherwise, each Lot will be offered subject to a reserve (a figure below which the Auctioneer cannot sell the Lot during the Auction). We expect the reserve will be set within the guide range or no more than 10% above a single figure guide. Please check our website regularly at cliveemson.co.uk, or call 01622 608400, in order to stay fully informed.

Catalogue Hotline

0330 024 1044

LAND & PROPERTY AUCTIONEERS

View Lots/download catalogues at cliveemson.co.uk

38 | WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM ACCESSORIES

A hound night’s sleep Richenda Oldham goes in search of canine comfort and finds there are some seriously luxurious beds out there for discerning dogs...

f you were to spend around 12-14 hours each day sleeping, you’d make sure you chose a comfortable bed, wouldn’t you? Well, that’s how long dogs spend actually asleep. For 30% of the day they are awake, but inactive, which leaves just 20% to run around and exercise. So it makes sense to improve the quality of a dog’s life by providing them with the best possible bed, based on the simple (but commonsense) principles of warmth and softness. There are an unbelievable number of different types of dog bed on the market, from pads and mattresses to solid foam ‘nest’ style beds or even sofas, so it’s a good idea to

evaluate your dog and his needs first before going shopping. Even if your dog is allowed to share your chairs and bed, there will be times when you won’t want him to, but if he has a great bed of his own, he might actually prefer to sleep there... A simple checklist could be: • Breed • Size • Age • Habits

CLEANLINESS Unless you are prepared to buy a new dog bed every time your pet’s bed becomes too dirty and smelly to bear, then washability has to be top of a list of must-have dog bed

features. It’s also important to control fleas by keeping the bed clean. Check to see whether a dog bed is machine washable, or at the very least if its cover can be washed.

DESIGN It’s important that you choose a style that suits your dog. It’s not just a simple case of big bed for big dog and small bed for small dog. Some dogs like to curl up tight in round beds with raised ‘doughnut’ sides, which makes them feel secure, while others like to stretch out, in which case a mattress or pillow design is a better choice. Other dogs like to sleep under a blanket, in which case a ‘cave’ bed

SNUG AS A BUG: for dogs who love to sleep under a cover then a bed with a cosy pocket to burrow under is ideal, Charley Chau snuggle bed, £65, www.charleychau.com

(with a cover that is already attached) is ideal as it allows the dog to burrow beneath the cover. For old dogs with stiff joints, a wellpadded bed that is easy to climb in and out of is essential, while for a dog that feels the cold, a raised bed (off the floor and out of draughts) with high sides, will help keep it warm. For anyone tempted by a ‘designer’ sofa style bed, which will generally have a solid frame, covered in either leather, or fabric, make sure that your dog isn’t a serial chewer. The same applies to rattan beds, which are irresistible to some dogs.

t snuggling up on at dog could resis wh D: by IEN FR Y FURR g bed? Fofo bed x Silver Fox fur do s.co.uk es sin this luxurious fau tbu pe the , .99 Sasha & Me, £129

: WEAVE BASKET rley Chau a art Ch de this sm and ma bed is h n and g o d d e a tt rais le ashed ra in greyw s that it’s possib te a with t tr r s n fo o m m o de ec ine canin 210, to comb tting design, £ e s m o .c u trend a h arleyc www.ch

LADY IN RED: beechwood frame dog lounger, ideal for smaller breeds such as terriers, spaniels, pugs or poodles, £229, www.inspaces.com

COVER STORY: use this Molly Mutt dog bed duvet to cover an old dog bed or fill it with redundant pillows to make a smart new bed for your pooch, £16.99, www.easyanimal.co.uk

COUNTRY CLASSIC: Harris Tweed and leather basket on wooden bun feet, available in a choice of colours, £295, www.pinkwhiskers.co.uk

Show homE opEn

wEEkEndS only from

march 7th-29th between

11am-3pm

prices from £610,000

Eight unique Grade II listed 2, 3 and 4 bedroom barns converted to a high specification, retaining many original features. All properties have private gardens with plots 1, 2 and 8 having the added benefit of a paddock. ‘The Barns’ Merton Grange is situated in an idyllic rural location on the edge of Gamlingay in South Cambridgeshire. The approach is via a private drive with far reaching views either side across fields.

Specification includes: A range of contemporary and traditional kitchens  Stoves Richmond 900EI Stainless Steel Range Cooker*  Stainless Steel Cooker Hood  Integrated Neff appliances  Integrated Prima wine cooler Utility rooms (not applicable to plot 3) come with either a washer/dryer or washing machine and tumble dryer  Bathroom and En-Suites have contemporary bathrooms with Ideal Standard Sanitaryware and are fully tiled with Porcelanosa tiles  

 Floors are finished with Porcelanosa floor tiles to Kitchen, Utility, Bathroom, En-suite, Cloakrooms and Carpets to all other areas*  Oak panelled internal doors with pewter finished door handles  Built in wardrobes to most bedrooms – please refer to sales layouts – with oak panelled doors and pewter finished door handles  Air Source Heating, offering reduced running costs, with under floor heating to all ground floor areas and radiators to upper floor rooms with 5 year service and warranty package.

*Where possible we will be able to offer buyers variations and choices on the internal finishes, although the availability of this will depend upon the stage of construction that each property has reached when a reservation is made. For full specification details please see the brochure.

Tel : 01923 251799 Email: sales@leavalleyhomes.co.uk www.leavalleyhomes.co.uk

40 | WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM MORTGAGES

hanges to mortgage rules

if you have ill health. Or if you’re posting

in 2014 have made it more difficult to get a home loan.

about a messy separation on Facebook, but you told the lender you’re applying on a

Lenders are now asking

joint income.”

more questions as part of your mortgage interview

HIDING INFORMATION COULD LAND YOU A TERM IN PRISON

and are analysing your

While it may make sense for you to be

spending habits more closely than they have ever done before in order to ensure your

discreet with your private life, Lipnicki stresses that the answer is not to hide

new mortgage is affordable to you. A report in the Daily Mirror has also

important facts from the lender. He adds:

revealed that lenders are turning to social media to check that applicants are telling

“Clients should be aware that lying on an application form is committing mortgage

the truth in their applications. So, how could your LinkedIn profile or Instagram

fraud. It’s not just a case of being turned

account sabotage your mortgage application

down, it could be much more serious.” Keith Osborne, editor of new homes

– or even send you to jail.

website Whathouse.com agrees. He says: “Tweaking your application to make it look

USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO IDENTIFY MORTGAGE FRAUD

more favourable to a lender might seem innocent enough but it could land you in

Specialist trade magazine Mortgage

big trouble. Pretending you have fewer children to meet affordability

Solutions has revealed that lenders are increasingly turning to social media to establish that mortgage applicants are telling the truth. Underwriters at banks and building societies are browsing your Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and other social media accounts to make sure that the information you give to them is correct. The Daily Mirror recently reported a case

Why your mortgage lender might be checking you out on social media

considered mortgage fraud and if you are caught you could end up in

prison.” He adds: “Trying to pull the wool over a

If you’re applying for a mortgage, make sure your social media revelations don’t scupper your chances, warns Nick Parkhouse Mortgage broker Dominik Lipnicki says:

rules or exaggerating your job is

lender’s eyes often won’t work, especially if they can access information about you

on the internet can be available to everyone.

through social media. A better idea is to

where a lender found an applicant claiming

“Whether you’re applying for a job or you

Take your job history on LinkedIn. Lenders

change your spending habits before you

to be a UK resident only ever posted photos of Dubai on their Instagram account.

are applying for finance, especially a big commitment like a mortgage, what you put

can see if you’ve just recently resigned after saying you’re in full employment, or even

apply for a mortgage and to keep your current account in good order.”

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• Carpets included • Luxury fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms • Help to Buy available *Available with Help to Buy subject to terms and conditions

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Why choose ELM Group? • Higher sales & rental values achieved with our outstanding property management service • We advise & assist with RTM & self-enfranchisement setup for our clients • We offer bespoke leasehold property management to our clients • Advisory head-lease setup service for developers

• ELM Group are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Homes & Communities Agency • Two months FREE property management fees on a minimum fixed one year contract We are proud to present our partner for sales & lettings in the South East of England www.elmgroup.org.uk enquiries@elmgroup.org.uk