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Sean Harris of Haart on getting a home ready for sale in the New Year P2

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The Herald, Thursday December 19 2013

news

HomeSeeker

■ HomeSeeker’s Get Moving campaign to re-instill confidence in the local property market continues...

Christmas viewing

Keep up-to-date on property news with Myra Butterworth, web content editor at Zoopla.co.uk

Be sure to lock up your valuables for Christmas HOMEOWNERS are being urged to lock up their valuables and be aware of burglars in the run up to Christmas.

Traditionally, thefts rise dramatically during the first week of December, up 25 per cent in 2012 on the previous year, according to insurers RIAS – with the average claim cost being just under £2,500.

It is hardly surprising as many of us have just invested time and money in our first - if not finally - bout of Christmas shopping, with dozens of new gadgets and pieces of jewellery staked on top of wardrobes ahead of the big day just weeks away.

It means extra precautions are needed at this time of year to ensure those goods get to the intended receipients.

And should the worse happen, make sure that you’ve checked your contents insurance documents to see what you are and are not covered for.

If you have no contents insurance, now is the time to consider getting some.

Zoopla offers crime statistics for areas, which can be found in the area stats tab on each property listing.

Here are some of Zoopla’s top tips to safeguard your property during the festive period: ● It may be tempting to leave your windows closed but unlocked. However, take extra time to ensure they are secured with a key. ● Back doors are among the most common points of house entry (source RIAS) and so avoid leaving them unlocked – even if you are popping out for just five minutes. ● Jewellery, cash and laptops are highly desirable items for burglars and so make sure they are out of view. ● Use timers on lights if you are leaving the property during the evening to help give a sense that there are people in the property. An unlit property can be an invitation to burglars. ● Avoid leaving your keys by the front door even if they are on a table that is more than an arm’s length from the letter box as they can still be reached by using a fishing rod. ● Invest in motion sensor lighting outside of your property as it triggered by anyone walking past and can act as a deterrent.

Christmas offers many opportunities for getting your property seen by prospective buyers.

Denise O’Leary asks agents how to prepare a home for a sale in the New Year...

ASKED for advice on how to prepare a home for a sale in the New Year all the estate agents we spoke to were in agreement: Don’t wait!

The Christmas holidays offer optimum opportunities for getting your property seen by prospective buyers.

“Boxing Day is the biggest day of the year when it comes to traffic on property websites with people surfing the internet and looking for property,” said Matthew Curtin of Fulfords in Mutley, Plymouth.

“People have time on their hands. They are home from work, Christmas is over and they are sitting around looking for something to do and they start to think about moving home.

“So if you want to get your house seen and sold get it on the market as soon as possible.”

There was similar advice from Sean Harris at Haart.

“It is actually a very good time to sell at the moment,” he said.

“There are a lot of good buyers out there. We have had one of the best Decembers for three or four years but at this time of the year there is less property around so less competition from other sellers and over the ten days or so of the Christmas holidays a lot of people will have time on their hands and one of the things they will be doing with that time is looking at what property is available for sale.”

Sian Bates, assistant manager at Miller Countrywide’s Mutley branch, was in agreement.

“Now is the time to call your agent and get your house out there. Don’t wait,” she advised.

“You would be surprised at how many people

■ Matthew Curtin of Fulfords sit and surf the net looking for properties even on Christmas Day and certainly on Boxing Day and over the Christmas holidays.

“We are optimistic that 2014 is going to be a very good year with a steady, level and active market but we are still doing deals now and there are plenty of buyers out there looking.”

When it comes to preparing your home for the market the other piece of advice which unites the agents is the need to create a favourable first impression.

“Those first ten minutes when people visit your home to view are the most crucial,” said Mr Curtin.

“Make sure the windows are clean, the gutters are clear and the pathways swept.

“First impressions count and if you can show that your house has been well cared for it makes all the difference.

“Work your way around the ground floor, especially the first thing that people see when they enter.

“If there are lots of coats hanging up in the hallway move them, get rid of the muddy boots and piles of shoes. Put them all away.

“De-clutter and create a feeling of space. Keep everything clean and tidy.

Meet the team Jolyon Stiff Account manager 01752 293035

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Gillian Adams Property editor 01752 293137

■ If there are coats in the hallway move them, get rid of muddy boots and piles of shoes

■ Sean Harris of Haart

“If you start getting it ready now you will be ready for those first viewings in the New Year.

“The one thing that does take a little bit of time is the EPC certificate but if you are organised and pay for this up front it can be ready quickly and you can have it within seven days of your house going on the market. Again, get organised now.”

Mr Harris suggested viewing your house with fresh eyes as if the Queen was about to pay a visit.

“Keep everything neat and clean,” he said.

“If you have pets pay particular attention to things like hairs and smells. Make sure everything is light and bright.

“At this time of year people will often be viewing in the dark so make sure all the light bulbs are working and that they are bright so people can see clearly. Make sure the lights are on everywhere before they come to view.

“And make sure that the house is warm before they arrive.

“It has to be said that some vendor’s ideas of cleanliness are different to others but a good rule of thumb is to view the house as if you were visiting it as a prospective buyer yourself.

“Be prepared to take the advice that your agent offers you. They are not trying to insult you, just giving you the benefit of their experience by advising you on which issues need addressing to make your house look as appealing and attractive as possible.”

Sian Bates also emphasised the need to listen to the advice of your estate agent.

“Work with us, allow us to do our job,” she said.

“If you have a viewing, please go out and let us show the house off to its best advantage.

“You’d be surprised at the number of vendors who stick around and say the wrong things!

Let us market your house and sell it for you.

“Meanwhile you can be playing your part by using the Christmas holidays to tackle all those niggling little repair jobs to get your house looking spick and span.”

Making sure your agent uses the best possible pictures to show off your house and catch the eye of prospective purchasers is also vital.

You don’t want photos of your kitchen with dishes in the sink or bedrooms with unmade beds.

“Now is the time to get your house on the market,” emphasised Mr Curtin.

“The Help to Buy scheme is now in full swing.

We have done three deals this week and we are still active. I did a deal yesterday and I have got two offers to deal with today.

“There are some genuinely serious buyers out there.”

The Herald, Thursday December 19 2013

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HomeSeeker

Help to Buy is benefiting first-time buyers, says Connells ALMOST 90 per cent of the mortgages that Connells’ mortgage consultants have arranged using the second phase of the Help to Buy scheme have been for first-time buyers, according to the agent.

Indeed, since the extension of Help to Buy to cover most types of property at the beginning of October, a high proportion of buyers using the scheme have been getting on the property ladder for the first time, with the average age of buyer coming in at 31 years old.

“Our nationwide figures show that first-time buyers are really getting the benefit of Help to Buy which is great news,” says Area Partner Julian Evans.

“As the housing market continues to recover, nothing can be more important than helping prospective buyers with that first step into home ownership.

Moving time of year James Clarke of Lang & Co takes a timely look at a highly popular seasonal pastime – looking for a new home...

DECEMBER is a month of two moods for those wanting to move home.

For the first few weeks seasonal preparations can take over and, for a little while at least, moving may take a back seat.

But when all the hoo-ha is over, family and friends have departed and fallen pine needles hoovered up from the carpet, thoughts may

turn again to the benefits of a home that better suits one’s changing needs and lifestyle for the coming year.

So the end of December can be about getting online and window-shopping for a new home.

It is also a good time to shop for an estate agent.

Now, this is the important bit. Get it right and the sale of your property will certainly run a great deal more successfully than if you get it wrong.

A good estate agent may sound like an oxymoron to some but those who have benefited from employing a good one in the past will know that a tense and critical time can be made so much easier through an agent’s expert advice – especially if a good price has

Mortgage Best Buys For more information visit www.thisismoney.co.uk SCHEME TYPE

“This isn’t just good for them but the whole market as it has a ripple effect for home movers who wish to sell their homes and move on.”

been secured through his or her skilled and experienced negotiation.

To help find the right estate agent, ask around.

Get feedback from friends and neighbours in your area.

Take a note of For Sale boards – or, more especially, Sold Boards.

Look for experience, capability, a bit of humour – without flippancy – some youthful enthusiasm backed up with mature direction and lots of wisdom and kindness.

These are all attributes of a good estate agent and can be found if you take a little time and trouble to look for them.

It’s best to avoid the patronising, the ignorant, the arrogant and the pushy. It will be worth it.

Remember, a good estate agent is for the life of your sale, not just for Christmas!

The second phase of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme offers a mortgage guarantee to the lender of 15 per cent of the property’s value.

Provided they meet the criteria of the scheme and mortgage lender, it means buyers can purchase a new or previously owned home with just 5 per cent deposit.

The scheme is designed to overcome what has been the single biggest stumbling block for first-time buyers in recent years, that of saving a huge deposit to buy a home.

“Interestingly, Help to Buy is also having an impact in terms of allowing buyers to purchase a slightly bigger home than they might have done without the scheme,” Julian continues.

“If we consider the changing demographic of first-time buyers and the average age being 31, they may be looking for a slightly larger family home so it’s great that Help to Buy can enable this type of purchase rather than having to take many small steps up the property ladder.”

Here is a selection of the best mortgage deals currently available

Fixed Mortgages

Variable Mortgages

Buy-To-Let Mortgages

Fixed until 31/01/16

Fixed for 2 years

Fixed until 30/11/15

Base +1.89% until 30/09/15

Base +1.99% until 31/10/15

Base + 1.44% until 31/08/15

Fixed until 31/07/15

Fixed until 30/09/16

Fixed until 30/09/15

INITIAL RATE

2.49%

2.49%

2.49%

2.39%

2.49%

1.94%

3.79%

4.19%

3.68%

SUBSEQUENT RATE

3.49%

3.69%

3.99%

4.99%

5.79%

4.49%

4.7%

5.99%

5.69%

COST FOR COMPARISON (APR)

3.8%

3.5%

3.8%

4.6%

5.3%

4.2%

4.7%

5.5%

5.7%

Free Basic Valuation Free Basic Legal Work

Free Basic Valuation Free Basic Legal Work

Free Basic Valuation Free Basic Legal Work

Free Basic Valuation Free Basic Legal Work

Free Basic Valuation Free Basic Legal Work

Free Basic Valuation Free Basic Legal Work

Free Basic Valuation Free Basic Legal Work

Free Basic Valuation Free Basic Legal Work

70%

65%

60%

75%

75%

60%

65%

75%

70%

£0

£0

£0

£0

£875

£995

£500

£199

£995

HELP WITH COSTS

MAX LTV LENDER FEE

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■ Wonderful rural views can be enjoyed from this stunning reverse-level property adjoining farmland near Millbrook, situated in an Area of Great Landscape Value...

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Facts Location: Plymstock Price: £475,000 Bedrooms: 3 Agent: Stratton Creber Contact: 01752 813189

House offers open-plan living Scan me using your smartphone for more details of this property

THIS stylish barn conversion on the Rame Peninsula boasts three bedrooms – the master en suite – oil-fired central heating, double glazing, gardens, a workshop and plentiful parking.

The open-plan lounge/dining room are on the first floor, with all the other accommodation on the ground floor.

The master bedroom is a spacious room with down-lighting, fitted wardrobes, a storage cupboard and French windows to the rear offering countryside views.

Its en suite has a double shower cubicle, a counter-top basin and a wc.

The flooring is tiled and there is a towel warmer and an extractor.

Like the master bedroom, the larger of the

other two bedrooms has French windows, a beamed ceiling with down-lighting and fitted wardrobes.

The third bedroom is L-shaped and enjoys countryside views.

Tiled walls and flooring are features of the family bathroom, which has a beamed ceiling with down-lighting, an extractor, a shower bath with a folding shower screen, a counter-top basin, a wc and two towel warmers.

The lounge/diner is a triple-aspect room enjoying views to the front, side and rear over the surrounding countryside, with steps leading down to the garden.

The room has a beamed ceiling and downlighting, the focal point being a wood burner-effect gas fire and hearth.

An open doorway leads to the kitchen, which has dual-aspect windows to the front and side and skylights.

The fitted kitchen has tile-effect laminate flooring, a breakfast bar and a utility cupboard with space for a tumble dryer and a washing machine.

There is a one-and-a-half bowl sink and drainer with a roll-edge work top and matching splashback.

The cooker has a steel splashback and hood, and there are spaces for a dishwasher and a fridge/freezer.

At the front of the property is a five-bar timber gate with a lighted parking area laid to chippings.

There are hedge and tree borders, a lawn, a

tap and a pond, with outside power and a pump house which processes the property’s private water supply.

The right side of the property has a double car port and an adjoining work shop, both with light and power.

This area of the garden also houses the boiler.

The rear garden has a chipping patio with a feature stone wall and a seating area.

From the lawn, steps lead down to a decked patio area with a pergola and a decked sunbathing area with conifer borders.

Available from Stratton Creber (01752 813189) for £475,000.

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finance

HomeSeeker

â– Vicky Shaw looks at new research highlighting the ongoing struggles of savers...

BRIGHTER news about the economy and signs of growing consumer optimism gave Chancellor George Osborne an early Christmas present.

But, for those of us struggling to build a savings nest egg to protect against unexpected emergencies, there are few signs of the financial gloom lifting.

Research from Lloyds Bank has found that nearly nine in 10 (88 per cent) of us believe it’s important to have money put by for an unexpected event, like a surprise household repair bill or redundancy.

But, in practice, less than half (49 per cent) of consumers actually feel they have enough set aside to cover unforeseen eventualities.

Experts generally recommend everyone should have at least three months of their salary saved in a ‘rainy day’ fund, but with wages remaining largely stagnant, many people are struggling just to make ends meet, never mind finding spare cash to squirrel away.

Building up savings is even more difficult at this time of year, with the cost of buying Christmas presents and paying for festive celebrations putting greater pressure on our finances.

The string of gas and electricity bill hikes recently announced by large energy companies will make this season’s challenge particularly tough.

Two-fifths (43 per cent) of consumers who have been unable to save over the past year said they simply don’t have enough cash left at the end of the month.

Nearly 30 per cent of these people were aged between 45 and 54, suggesting that even those wellestablished in their careers are often still far from financial security.

Meanwhile, separate research from the Treasurybacked savings body NS&I suggests that even those who do have a ‘rainy day’ account are being tempted to break into it just to cover everyday living costs – essential home maintenance, paying bills and becoming unemployed were the most common reasons for dipping into a fund.

Even savers who do manage to put aside some money – and leave it there – are struggling to find bank accounts which give them a real return on their hard-earned cash.

The Bank of England base rate has been held at a

historic 0.5 per cent low for more than four-and-ahalf years, and there is little prospect of this being raised any time soon.

However, despite the apparent gloom, there is one small but significant glimmer of hope on the horizon.

The Bank has just announced that a scheme called Funding for Lending, which was launched in August 2012 to help struggling borrowers, will be re-focused away from helping the housing market and onto helping small business borrowing – a sector which remains muted.

Funding for Lending has been blamed for making savers’ plight worse as it gives banks and building societies access to cheap funding, meaning they’ve become less reliant on attracting savers’ deposits.

Experts now believe that this could lead to a small improvement in savings rates in the coming months, just in time for the new Isa season, when savings account providers traditionally increase competition.

Sylvia Waycot, editor at Moneyfacts.co.uk, says: “It will take a little while for better savings rates to hit the Moneyfacts best-buy tables, but as Isa season is almost upon us that would be the obvious place to see the first signs of rate recovery. “2013 has been a dismal year for savers – 2014 is already sounding so much better.�

Consumer group Which? highlights how the returns on cash Isas, a tax-free way of saving your money, have become “unrecognisable� in recent years.

Back in 2000, the best rate on a cash Isa peaked at 7.25 per cent, meaning that if you had invested ÂŁ6,000 into this account, you would have earned ÂŁ435 a year in interest, provided the rate stayed the same over that period.

Nowadays, an instant access deal offering a rate of 1.75 per cent is among the top-paying accounts for a cash Isa. Investing ÂŁ6,000 in a cash Isa with this rate would earn you just ÂŁ105 a year in interest.

Which? says that despite plummeting Isa rates though, it’s always a good idea to make full use of a tax-free account before turning to one on which tax has to be paid.

You have until April 5, 2014 to use up the cash Isa limit of ÂŁ5,760 for the current tax year.

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Many people still struggling to save money for a rainy day

■AS more people are out celebrating or shopping for Christmas presents, it’s not a surprise that bank cards are more likely to go missing.

Indeed, building society Nationwide says one in five new credit cards it sent out over last year’s festive season were to replace lost or stolen cards.

Paul Carvell, head of credit cards at Nationwide, says: “Christmas is traditionally a busy time for replacement cards. There are a few easy precautions people can take to ensure a lost or stolen card can’t be used if they fall into the wrong hands though.�

People should not let their card out of their sight when making a transaction and should never give their Pin number to anyone, not even friends or family.

Also keep the card issuer’s number in your phone so you can report any lost or stolen cards immediately.

It’s important to protect yourself from online fraud too, and only shop on secure, trustworthy websites and beware of “phishing� emails from fraudsters pretending to be from

â– TWO-and-a-half million British adults are planning to take out loans to keep their homes heated over Christmas.

Research by affordable housing provider Circle Housing found that around seven million British adults will take out a loan over the festive period, with more than a third of these borrowers (35 per cent) saying they’ll use it just to pay their winter energy bills.

Matt Gaskin, group financial inclusion officer for Circle Housing, says: “With the recent rises in energy bills we are more worried than ever before that people will turn to payday lenders or loan sharks, particularly some of the most vulnerable sections of society. “We urge anybody who is worried about managing their money to get help right away and deal with the debt quickly.�

a legitimate body, such as your bank, and tricking you into handing over personal details.

For extra tips on protecting yourself from online fraud, visit www.nationwide.co.uk/ internetbanking/fraudawareness

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Splendid listed Georgian house DENMARK is a splendid Grade II listed detached Georgian residence set in south-facing walled grounds in the village of Tamerton Foliot.

It is understood by the estate agents that the property has only been in the ownership of three families.

Built by Lt Francis Sparrow RN in about 1820, the land was purchased from Mrs Prudence Watts in 1820, on land commonly known as Joseph’s Orchard (formerly owned by Richard Jessops), a house by that name is located below Denmark.

Lt Sparrow died in 1837, his burial plaque is on the wall of the local church.

The accommodation has much character and style commensur-

ate with this era including fabulous full-length arched multipaned windows which have shutters, marble fireplaces and coved ceilings.

Although the property has gas central heating and some of the windows have been overhauled, the house is in need of some updating and modernisation.

The sitting room has south-facing full-length multi-paned arched windows with shutters which enjoy the views across the front gardens. There is an open marble fireplace feature and an archway through to the dining room.

A separate drawing room also has a full-length arched window with shutters and a marble fireplace.

There is a kitchen, a rear porch with pantry and a separate wc.

On the lower level of the property is a large playroom which has panelled walls and a wooden floor. On the first floor are four double bedrooms, a bathroom with shower and a separate wc.

From one of the bedrooms you can access the large loft/roof space which is boarded, has electric light and insulation.

Externally there are a range of outbuildings including a large garage, a further garage which has space for three or four cars, two stables, fuel store and loft area.

The walled south facing gardens are a magnificent feature of the property, with panoramic open views across Tamerton Woods.

Available through Lang & Co (01752 256000) for offers in the region of £450,000.

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Just perfect for first-time buyer THIS contemporary-style duplex loft apartment is in a converted Victorian doublefronted mid-terraced town house in Warren Street, Morice Town.

It is expected to appeal to first-time buyers and buy-tolet investors.

The flat has its own entrance hallway with a window and storage.

Stairs that lead up to the main living area, which has an openplan living/eating space with a modern U-shaped kitchen area, a double bedroom and a contemporary shower room.

The apartment has gas central heating and sealed-unit double-glazed roof windows offering plenty of light and fresh air.

Available from Fox and Sons (01752 367232) for offers over £70,000.

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Modern abode has big garden THIS new-build detached home in Derriford has accommodation over three storeys with four bedrooms and a driveway.

The entrance hall has oak flooring.

Bedroom three is a ground-floor double bedroom with an ensuite shower room.

There is also a downstairs utility room with a wc.

On the first floor is an open-plan living space.

The living room is to the rear of the property and runs the full width and there is a glass-fronted gas fire at one end of the room and oak flooring throughout.

There is open-plan access into the kitchen area while an openplan landing, with a large double-glazed window providing lovely views, leads to the front of the house.

The kitchen has high-gloss fascias and oak work tops, a stainless-steel range-style oven with five gas burners, three ovens and a grill.

There is a glass-fronted wine chiller, together with various storage solutions, plus a built-in fridge/freezer and a dishwasher.

There is also a study/bedroom four.

On the second floor are a family

bathroom and two bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room.

Outside is a brick-paved driveway providing off-road parking and access to the garage and the main front entrance.

The rear garden provides a substantial outside space, being mainly laid to lawn with a variety of mature trees.

A paved patio provides a high degree of privacy and seclusion.

There is also a garage.

Available through Julian Marks (01752 401128) with a price reduction from ÂŁ379,950 to ÂŁ349,950.

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Cottage sits on moorland fringe THIS three-bedroom mid-terrace cottage is at Wotter on the fringes of Dartmoor National Park.

The property at Dartmoor Cottages is in a quiet rural location

and enjoys stunning elevated views over the beautiful countryside.

Internal viewing is highly recommended, and it has an attractive long garden offering potential for

a a gardening enthusiast or playing space for a growing family.

Available from Fulfords (01752 347347) at a price reduced from £155,000 to offers over £135,000.

New four-bedroom family house TOO early for the January sales?

Bargain-hunters could snap up this brand-new four-bedroom family home at Auctioneer’s Close in Plympton.

Not only has the price been reduced by £29,000 but it comes with many showhome extras, including tiled floors, carpets, kitchen appliances, blinds, fitted wardrobes, light fittings, an alarm system and a landscaped garden.

The property enjoys open views towards St Mary’s Church and comes with two allocated parking spaces.

The kitchen/breakfast room has a square bay window and is fitted with a range of ultra-modern white base and wall units with roll-edge work surfaces, matching splashbacks and a stainless steel one-

and-a-half bowl single-drainer sink unit.

Free-standing appliances include a washing machine, a dishwasher and a fridge/freezer.

Built-in appliances are a gas hob with splashback, an electric oven and a cooker hood.

The dual-aspect lounge/diner has a tiled floor, an understairs storage cupboard and French windows to the rear garden.

On the landing is a cupboard housing the hot water tank.

On this floor are a single bedroom, two doubles, both with fitted wardrobes, and a family bathroom.

This has a panelled bath, a pedestal wash hand basin, a wc and part-tiled, part-mirrored walls.

On the second floor is the master suite, which has sloping ceilings,

spotlighting, contemporary fitted mirrored wardrobes, a storage cupboard and a square bay window to front with views over St Mary’s Church.

There is a dressing area with a roof window and an en-suite shower room with a shower cubicle and electric shower, a wc, a tiled floor and part-tiled walls.

To the front of the property are wrought-iron railings, while the landscaped rear garden has a patio area, a further garden laid to lawn, a variety of shrubs and bushes, an outside tap and a side gate.

There is allocated parking for two cars.

Available from Connells (01752 345135) at a price reduced from £249,950 to £220,950.

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THIS three-bedroom linkdetached house on Saltash’s Pillmere estate has a host of desirable features, including a good-sized lounge, a separate dining room with sliding doors to the rear garden, a garage and a private drive.

It also has uPVC double glazing, gas central heating, a modern kitchen and a white bathroom.

The lounge has an understairs storage cupboard and an archway into the dining room.

Sliding doors lead to an enclosed rear garden and decking.

The modern fitted kitchen has inset spotlights and a range of matching wall and base units

with roll-top work surfaces and a stainless steel one-and-a-half bowl sink and drainer with a mixer tap.

Integral appliances include a stainless-steel electric oven with a matching four-ring gas hob over and a matching extractor.

There is space and plumbing for a washing machine and space for an upright fridge/freezer.

The main bedroom offers farreaching views – plus, there is another double bedroom and a single.

The bathroom has a modern white suite comprising a pedestal wash hand basin, a lowlevel wc and a panelled bath,

with a chrome-effect heated towel rail.

A side garage door leads to the rear garden, the garage having an up-and-over door, power and light and a pitched roof offering overhead storage.

There is a tarmac drive and a storm porch over the front door.

The front garden is mainly laid to gravel with a boundary wall while the rear garden is fenced on all sides.

Laid to lawn and stone chippings, its main feature is a raised level decked area.

Available from Bradleys (01752 845488) at a price reduced from ÂŁ184,950 to ÂŁ179,950.

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First-floor flat has no onward chain THIS purpose-built first-floor one-bedroom flat in Manadon has its own private entrance and is being sold with no chain.

It has uPVC double glazing and gas central heating.

From the private ground-floor hall, stairs lead to the main landing, which has a smoke detector, a phone point and access to the loft.

The bathroom has a bath with a shower attachment with a curtain and rail, a wc and a wash basin.

Fully-fitted, the kitchen has a single-drainer sink unit with mixer tap and tiled splash-backs and a range of wall and base units with laminated roll top work surfaces.

There is a fitted oven with a fourburner gas hob, a larder cup-

board and a wall-mounted central heating boiler.

The living/dining room has a TV point and a gas fire.

There is one double bedroom with two storage cupboards.

Parking arrangements are to be confirmed.

Available from Connells (01752 664357) at a price reduced from ÂŁ79,950 to ÂŁ71,500.

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THX-E01-S3

Property full of desirable features

10 THX-E01-S3

L ettings plymouthherald.co.uk/property

Properties to rent in Plymouth and the surrounding area

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Top tips for renting out your home RENTING out your home is no small task, but it can be a handy alternative if you can’t sell it and need to relocate due to new job or a growing family.

It can prove to be a worthwhile stepping stone if you are moving to a new area and want to rent somewhere first before committing to a particular village or town that you do not know.

It effectively buys you time and flexibility to get to know a new location before you potentially spend a mini-fortune on the process of selling your existing home and buying a new one.

As such, it can also save you money in the long run.

The process has become increasingly common in the property market and one that can prove dividends is carried out successfully.

But there are things that you need to know before you proceed: ■ Let your mortgage lender know if you are going to rent out your property as you may be breaking the terms and conditions of your mortgage contract. You can normally obtain a consent for lease from your lender.

■ Research the lettings areas, by examining rental properties in your area on Zoopla.

■ Find an agent in your area on Zoopla to help advertise your property, show perspective tenants around, draw up a tenancy agreement and even deal directly with prospective tenants. Agent’s costs will vary, but tend to be around one month’s rent.

■ Decide on whether you want the agent to also manage the tenants once they have signed up to the tenancy. Agents tent to charge around 10 per cent to 15 per cent of the rental income you receive for this service.

■ An agent can also vet your prospective tenants, collect references and carrying out credit checks to help minimize potential risks going forward.

■ Let your insurance know you are moving out and the property is going to be rented.

■ Don’t forget to declare your income from the property to the taxman as it will be taxed.

But there are costs that can be offset against tax, such as repairs and maintenance to the property.

■ If they are not there already, you will need to have gas appliances tested and to have an energy performance certificate.

■ Landlords must also register with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, which holds the tenancy deposit independently. Your agent can also assist with this.

Scan me using your smartphone for more details of this property

Neutrally decorated IN North Hill is this four- to six-bedroom house which is fully furnished and available for short term.

It would make a perfect some for sharers and professionals.

There are wood-effect units in the kitchen and the property is neutrally decorated.

Available through Haart (01752 677230) for £999 pcm.

See the latest updates on our Get Moving campaign on Twitter at #plymgetmoving

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MUTLEY AREA CALLINGTON 1 BED FLAT Callington Town Centre.

Newly refurbished, kitchen, carpets. Pets at Landlords discretion.

DHS welcome. ÂŁ450 pcm.

Tel: 07836 325302

St Budeaux Lovely 3 Bedroomed house.

Just decorated. New carpets.

Living room, dining room, ďŹ tted kitchen. Bathroom, separate WC. Gch, storage.

Good sized gardens.

ÂŁ90 inc bills pw

ÂŁ605 pcm

Tel: 07909 877296 or 07864 028385

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Unfurnished 2 bed house. Modern kitchen & bathroom GCH DG Front & rear gardens. guarantor & deposit required

LOVELY THREE BED HOUSE

CATTEDOWN AREA Unfurnished 1 bed, self contained at, ch, dg, HB considered, Guarantor req

PLYMOUTH SALTASH PASSAGE Double room to let in large detached house. Fantastic water front views over the Tamar. Use of whole house and facilities. Deposit and references required. Would suit working persons. No pets. All bills paid. ÂŁ400 pcm

Tel: 07988 700909

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Taunton Avenue, Whitleigh, D/G, C/H, garden, available now,

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Tel: 07544 721429 or 07974 865458

ÂŁ100 pw

Tel: 01752 556434

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EFFORD Unfurnished 3 bed semi detached house. GCH. DG. Easy to manage lawned garden. Inc water rates.

Refs essential.

Sorry no dogs.

Please call after 7pm.

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Tel: 01752 215111

Shared house, with shared bathroom, kitchen/dining room. 5 rooms available.

Prices range from £290 - £350 pcm with all utility bills inc. Dep req’d.

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