Fine & Country Abode - Issue 1

CONTENTS

the property and lifestyle magazine - Spring 2017 Boost your home's value / 14 Properties for sale / 18 Top tips for selling your home / 30

Brought to you by:

WELCOME

- welcome Welcome to the first edition of Fine & Country’s Abode Magazine.

Fine & Country celebrated its 10th year in business in 2016, so what better way to mark the occasion than to launch a brand new publication?

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n this, our first edition, we will be discussing some important matters such as how Brexit will affect house prices, as well as giving you some top tips on selling and furnishing your home.

For those of you who are not familiar with our business, let me tell you a little more about us…

Adrienne Dobson Regional Sales Manager

We understand that selling your home is one of the most important decisions you can make and that’s why we like to offer a unique approach to property sales. A home is both a financial and emotional investment, so we use a lifestyle approach to marketing to help people see your home as you see it.

Fine & Country has offices in over 300 locations worldwide, enabling us to share knowledge, experience and best practice from around the globe, however our office focuses on the County Durham, Teesside and North Yorkshire area.

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With more than 10 years’ experience in the sector (I myself have over 20 years’ experience), we’re confident that our experts can turn your home into a bestseller.

So, on behalf of all of us here at Fine & Country, I do hope you enjoy reading.

the property and lifestyle magazine - Spring 2017 Boost your home's value / 14 Properties for sale / 18 Top tips for selling your home / 30

Brought to you by:

- what’s inside -

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Home style

Places to eat

Boost your home's value

Make a house a home with our guide to interior trends which make a statement in 2017.

The Stables at Wynyard is a high class eatery which can please even the hardest-to-please of customers.

Looking to ensure a high price for your property? Check out our top tips before putting your home on the market.

Office Addresses

Editorial & Advertising

Partners

Fine & Country

Narrative Communications

136 The Stables, Wynyard Village Wynyard TS22 5QQ

For editorial please contact Kristy Harmer

Tel: +44 (0) 1740 645 444 Email: info@fineandcountry.com

Tel: 07543 325 049 Email: kristy@narrativecommunications.co.uk

www.fineandcountry.com

Design & Publishing Narrative Communications www.narrativecommunications.co.uk

For advertising please contact Alan Dickinson Tel: 07982 719 373 Email: alan@narrativecommunications.co.uk

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CONTENTS

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30

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Properties for sale

Top tips for selling your home

From investment properties to forever homes, we have something for everyone this season.

When it comes to selling your home, making the right first impression is key. Follow our top tips to attract buyers more easily.

Brexit - How will it affect house prices We look to summarise what you can expect when we leave the EU.

What's inside

the property and lifestyle magazine - Spring 2017 Boost your home's value / 14 Properties for sale / 18

Home style - Interior design trends

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Good food guide - The Stables, Wynyard

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Boost your homes value

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Properties for sale

18

Top tips for selling your home / 30

Sold properties 24 Top tips for selling your house Brought to you by:

Brexit - How will it affect house prices?

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30 31

- HOME STYLE -

Interior design trends

When it comes to making a house a home it’s the extras that really count, but with ever-changing styles, it can be difficult to keep track.

From the opinions of interior design gurus, to the best of interior design magazines, we’re bringing our favourite interior trends for 2017…

> Flooring

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Dark floorboards: In the past year, bolder colours have been popular choices for furniture and home accessories so using a darker, richer coloured floorboard creates a good balance.

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Ceramic/porcelain tiles: This is a great look, particularly in kitchens, and was the most popular choice for updating flooring last year.

An average of 29 per cent of homeowners are looking to invest more into their flooring in 2017, and the most frequently found trends include:

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Statement floorboards: You’ve heard of a feature wall, so why not go for a statement floor instead?

Some homeowners are designing their rooms from the floor up and we think it looks fantastic.

HOME STYLE

> Colour schemes

> Bathrooms

> General home styling

If you’re looking to decorate this year, Kelly Hoppen has suggested that these colours are set to be big next season:

Whether you prefer a modern or vintage theme, these tips can work for everyone.

Pinterest is a huge influencer for home styling, so here are some of their predictions for 2017:

• • Burgundy •

Dark grey

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Pastel pink

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Emerald green

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Burnt orange

Don’t worry, you don’t need to paint a wall or invest in a large piece of furniture to stay on-trend. Adding subtle accessories can make a big difference to the overall look and feel of any room.

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Create the illusion of space: No matter what size your bathroom is, using light and bright colours can help to create the illusion of extra space. We’d also recommend adding a large mirror.

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Find your style with faux materials: Natural materials such as granite, marble and stone are a beautiful addition to any bathroom, however the overall cost and practicality of their use can often put people off.

However new technology means that faux materials are becoming increasingly realistic, meaning you can get the same look for a fraction of the cost.

> Window dressing If you want to bring a sense of personality into a room, but are worried about going over the top, window dressing is the perfect solution. This gives you the opportunity to create a focus point, without changing your entire room design.

These are some of our favourite ideas: •

Geometric design roller blinds

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Solid colour block blinds or curtains

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Dark blackout blinds (this will create a relaxed atmosphere in bathrooms and bedrooms)

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Window shutters

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Metallic blinds

Swap tiling for panels: Panels are a slightly more expensive option than tiles, however due to their reduced need for maintenance or grouting we’d argue that in the long run, they’re actually more cost effective.

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Marble effect wallpaper/ murals: Marble was huge in 2016 and it appears to be here to stay. For those who are looking to be a little more daring with their interiors, this could be a fabulous choice.

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Hygge in the home: Whilst it is stated that the Danish concept ‘hygge’ is not something you can buy, but rather a state of mind; we believe by adding a sense of simplicity to a room, you can create a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere.

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Hanging plants: This is a stunning way to bring the outside, in, and it is proven that houseplants are good for your health.

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Acrylic furniture and home accessories: If you’re looking for something sleek and stylish, it doesn’t get better than this.

So, which interior design trend will you put to the test this year?

Design & Manufacture of bespoke furniture layouts for discerning individuals.

HG Bespoke Furniture - the Durham based company responsible for the design and creation of some of the North East’s most iconic house interiors. Designed and manufactured in our own purposely built premises, we can supply market leading luxury kitchens at a surprisingly affordable cost. Customer driven interior solutions for modern living, personal to you.

The HG Building, Mercantile Road, Rainton Bridge Houghton le Spring, Tyne & Wear, DH4 5PH t: 0191 5849855 e: office@hgbespokefurniture.com www.hgbespokefurniture.com

- GOOD FOOD GUIDE -

The Stables, Wynyard Whether you’re looking for somewhere new to eat or have visited previously, The Stables at Wynyard is the place to go.

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Newely refurbished relaxing rooms ideal for a catch-up

PLACES TO EAT

T

he Stables was born from an ambition of Marc and Julie Everson, to deliver fantastic quality food within a relaxed, welcoming environment; nine years ago they decided to make their ambition a reality.

By offering a widespread menu with dishes influenced from across the globe and a keen eye for detail, Marc and Julie have created a high class eatery which satisfies even the hardest-toplease of customers.

The Stables strongly believe in sourcing their ingredients locally and all dishes are freshly prepared on site, meaning you can rest assured that you will be receiving the finest quality food.

Opening hours:

Their extensive menu of starters, main courses and sweets is complemented by a small specials board and often, following positive customer feedback, the specials are incorporated into their standard menu.

Mon to Sat, 12pm - 2:30pm and 5:30pm - 9pm Sunday lunch: 12pm - 5pm

For those of you who believe a Sunday wouldn’t be the same without a traditional roast, you will be pleased to know that this is provided alongside their standard menu.

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Mon to Sat: 12pm - 11pm Sun: 12pm - 10:30pm Food served:

For delicious food and an amazing customer experience, we’d highly recommend a visit to The Stables. But don’t take our word for it, book yourself a table by calling 01740 644074 or visit www.stableswynyard.co.uk for more information.

NOW YOU’VE CHOSE YOUR DREAM HOME Let us help you choose your

DREAM SMILE Join our new exclusive luxury clinic in Wynyard Business Park We are now accepting new patients and are delighted to welcome you and your family into our state of the art Dental Suite for routine care & Cosmetic Dentistry.

Fully comprehensive Denplan Care packages available from ÂŁ14.50 per month.

Children under 16 receive free dental treatment with a Denplan registered parent.

Unit 1, Chapel Lane South, Wynyard Business Park, Billingham, TS22 5TB | Open 8am-8pm Tel: 01740 644044 | Email: Burgesshyderwynyard@gmail.com www.burgesshyderwynyard.co.uk

Welcome to the new luxurious Dental Clinic situated in Wynyard Business Park Burgess & Hyder Dental Group, a well established group of 12 practices across the North East & Cumbria, now offer Dentistry at Wynyard Business Park. Wynyard Business Park offers the ideal location with great links from the A19 and A1. Access is so easy our patients visit us from all over the North East.

What makes us different is our on-site laboratory is located next door to our Dental Clinic which ensures a quick turnaround on restorations for our patients. Our dentists can speak face to face with the technicians and can also see the progress as restorations are being made.

The quality of the laboratory work is exceptionally high and everything that you would expect from a full service laboratory, with up to the minute technology and fully trained technicians.

Arrange an appointment with our Treatment Coordinator to discuss how we can help you achieve your dream smile and start smiling with confidence.

- Boost your home's value -

Property is one of the biggest investments you make in your life, so when it comes to selling your home everyone wants to give themselves the best chance of boosting their sale value.

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e have put together some top tips to help you maximise the potential of your home before it comes to putting it up for sale.

Fix problems: You may have problems such as damp, roof leaks or structural cracks.

While you might get away with covering them up on a viewing, this won’t fool a valuer. Some jobs may be expensive and some may be as simple as a lick of paint, but all are essential.

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First impressions count: Some potential buyers can be put off by a house before they even step out of the car. Spruce up your home’s exterior by repainting doors and windows, repainting walls, replacing old garage doors or replacing/ adding a house sign or door number.

Driveway space: With qualified driver numbers ever increasing many people are now looking for parking to be included at a property.

If you live in an area which features only on-street parking, converting a front garden space into a driveway could add great value to your home.

BOOST YOUR HOME'S VALUE

Open up your home: If you have a number of smaller rooms, knocking down walls and making larger spaces can add to a property. For example, buyers are more interested in a large kitchen/dining space rather than separate dining room. Pulling these together can make a more open attractive space.

Show a home you would buy: Little things such as deep cleaning, upgrading lightbulbs, cleaning windows and adding a lick of paint can go a long way to showing your home in a good light to potential buyers.

It’s hard to put a price on the rise in value brought about by cosmetic changes, but they will stand out to a buyer.

Get green fingered: Giving your garden a makeover can feel like an extension outside.

Along with tidying up your lawn and greenery, adding a welldesigned decking can extend a buyer's perception of the amount of useable living space.

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Get ready to cook up a storm: An attractive looking kitchen can be a real winner in upping your home’s value. Nowadays people see the kitchen as the centre of the home, and there’s nothing more appealing than a big welcoming room in which to cook up a feast and entertain.

More room, more value: Adding more room to your home will obviously add more value. Building an extension or converting a loft to create an extra room, which could be used as an extra bedroom, play room or office.

Woodside House 3

Harperley ÂŁ795,000

- For Sale Woodside House is the perfect combination of period property with the luxury and layout for a 21st century family. Extended three times and refurbished throughout, it offers a superb and spacious detached family home of five bedrooms, three reception rooms and self-contained annex accommodation set in stunning established gardens extending to just under an acre. All the best features of its Victorian origins have been retained, from the molded cornicing to deep skirting boards, the tiled porch and lantern room to parquet flooring, while recent renovations have enhanced the property to bring in natural light and add comforts such as contemporary bathrooms and a fabulous orangery. Approach to Woodside House is through an electric gated entrance that leads to extensive parking and a garage. The house is surrounded by landscaped gardens with mature trees, planted borders, lawns and pathways providing yearround interest and sunshine and shade in equal measure.

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FOR SALE PROPERTIES

Portland House Wolsingham Price on Application

- For Sale Portland House is a stunning, individual residence designed to provide the highest quality luxury living within the spectacular rural landscape of Weardale.

Set in its own landscaped grounds, an indoor swimming pool, outdoor terracing with a hot tub, a cinema room, gym, and private bedroom suites befitting such prestige accommodation are all to be found here. The reception space is substantial; indeed the entire three-storey interior is presented with no expense spared in creating a home of enormous proportions to fit several generations and to provide magnificent entertaining space. The property consists of five vast bedrooms located on the first floor, all with en suite facilities and one has a separate lounge area heading to an office. It is located via a private road and is bound by high hedging. With town amenities, wild moors and dramatic waterways all on the doorstep, this is the ultimate dream home.

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The Station House 3

Brancepeth ÂŁ775,000

- For Sale The Station House is a beautiful family home of scale, space and flexibility. With the potential to be up to a five bedroom home with generous living and social accommodation, it also has a large, attractive garden that's perfect for growing your own or simply a delightful place to relax and enjoy the countryside views. Located within the sought-after village of Brancepath, The Station House is a solid, stone-built home as befitting its original function and, since the railway needed to be kept secure, lies privately behind gates and high hedging with a generous parking area and a double detached garage. Inside, the property is all about light, space and versatility with a layout that means room functions can be adapted according to need. Enclosed with walls and hedges, it is private and secure for children and pets ensuring the perfect village home within easy reach of Durham City.

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FOR SALE PROPERTIES

Rose Cottage 3

Wynyard ÂŁ999,950

- For Sale Rose Cottage is a fabulous five bedroom, detached bespoke property with interiors straight out of a glossy homes magazine. Located within a peaceful and tranquil setting, the property offers an extremely well designed home with every luxury feature you can think of, making this a perfect forever home. No expense has been spared nor any desirable detail overlooked in the creation of this stunning property which is packed with high quality fixtures, fittings and design features.

The spacious accommodation provides luxury for every member of the family, while the reception space is perfect for entertaining. Approached via a private drive that leads up to the integral double garage, the entrance is protected by a covered porch and opens into a welcoming hallway with a sweeping curved staircase with bespoke wrought iron balustrade. The cottage stands in its own grounds with gardens to all sides set against a woodland backdrop.

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SCOTT NUTTALL | Mobile: 07772 007 647 | Email: siberianstoves@outlook.com

THE FUTURES BRIGHT

THE FUTURES WARM At Siberian Stoves Showroom in Shildon we can provide over 600 types of stoves straight from the manufacturer, ensuring that you get the most from your guarantee. > Provide Rip out & Rebuilds

HETAS accredited in:

> Twin-wall Systems

> Hot Water Systems and Safety Course

> All aspects of Tiling, Hearth, Inserts, Oak Beams and bespoke surrounds undertaken > Free Survey to discuss your needs and what you envisage for the completed look > Knowledgeable and enthusiastic team

> Water Supply Regulations > Solid Biomass Heating Systems > Part L Energy Efficiency in Domestic Heating > H003 Dry Appliance > H004 Wet Appliance

Come and visit us at our showroom for excellent knowledge and exceptional professionalism.

> H006 System Chimney

SIBERIAN STOVES PROFESSIONAL STOVE INSTALLER SHOWROOM | Unit 25 South West Durham Business Park Dabble Duck Industrial Estate | Shildon | DL4 2QN | www. siberianstoves.co.uk

10 Wellington Drive Wynyard SOLD

selling some of the region's finest homes

LD SO

10 Wellington Drive occupies a prime location, overlooking the woodland backdrop of the golf course, in one of the most sought after streets in the exclusive Wynyard Village. Built in 1998, this grand property comprises of nine bedrooms and boasts rooms of generous proportions, space and light, making it perfect for family life. Its whitewashed exterior makes it unique within the estate and the property is complemented by extensive parking, a detached double garage, front and back gardens and a private gated entrance. Well presented with neutral dĂŠcor, the property can be enjoyed from the outset while offering the potential to enhance it still further to create a bespoke home meeting individual requirements and style.

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SOLD PROPERTIES

Hinkleside Middleton Tyas SOLD

selling some of the region's finest homes

LD SO

This stunning 1970s property is set amid a five acre plot and offers privacy, peace and tranquility close to the North Yorkshire village of Middleton, Tyan, Hinkleside.

With four double bedrooms, three modern bathrooms and three reception rooms, the property is as spacious on the inside as its external surroundings. The layout of the property is extremely versatile, with all bedrooms situated to one side and the living and reception rooms facing the garden. It is especially well set up for entertaining guests with the dining room taking centre stage. The wow factor is provided by the dining kitchen with its light oak units and granite worktops, a centre island and breakfast bar, a range cooker, stainless steel appliances including an American-style fridge freezer, a large pantry cupboard and a dresser unit. There are also facilities providing horticultural opportunities, including a large greenhouse, barn and vegetable plot.

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Greystones Seaham SOLD

selling some of the region's finest homes

LD SO

Whether utilized as a family residence or for its business potential, Greystones has a wealth of possibilities. A calming coastal retreat, an exclusive boutique hotel or a unique home for several generations, the opportunities of this exceptional grade II listed former rectory are limited only by imagination. The five bedroomed property has been extensively refurbished and modernized, however the renovation has ensured that original features have been preserved and its grand country house proportions enhanced by sensitive interior design, giving an overall feel of space, elegance comfort.

With wall and fence boundaries, the landscaped grounds offer complete privacy and a secure garden for children and pets. It is a rare and magnificent property, a home to be proud of in which to entertain friends and family or a place to stay that visitors will surely be reluctant to leave.

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SOLD PROPERTIES

Hoppetty House Durham SOLD

selling some of the region's finest homes

LD SO

Hopperty House is an exceptional and unique property which provides its residents with the breathtaking view of Durham Cathedral from its garden. Offering two addresses in one, it can meet a range of family scenarios, is an excellent opportunity to invest within an exclusive area of the city and, principally, provides a private and comfortable home. Located at the end of prestigious South Street’s cobbled terrace, it appears at first glance to be three dwellings, which offers some clue to the versatility of the substantial accommodation inside. It is principally a generous two or three bedroom home with excellent family and reception accommodation along with an annex with its own entrance and providing further bedrooms and a first floor living room and kitchen. Although the property has been beautifully renovated, there remains plenty of flexibility in how the different spaces are used in this home of exceptional versatility in an outstanding location.

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Darlington & Newton Aycliffe

01325 301840 Durham & Newcastle

0191 800109

MAKE YOUR MOVE

THE RIGHT MOVE Moving house can be one of the most stressful times you can encounter - your whole life and your cherished possessions are uprooted and transported somewhere new.

At Parnaby Removals we do everything we can to eliminate the stress giving you time to feel excited and positive about your new move.

Our experienced staff members have dealt with all kinds of removals and always use our top quality packing materials and techniques to ensure your household goods are safe and free from the risk of damage.

We offer a range of services for our expanding customer base in the North East including, County Durham, Teeside, North Yorkshire and also the rest of the UK. Our professional removal services include, House Removals, Corporate Relocation, Packing, Storage, International Moves and Student Moves. We are based in the North East but have completed moves for customers all over the UK, Europe and Internationally.

STORAGE | REMOVALS | PACKING

Teesside

01642 688005 Bishop Auckland

01609 710433

Northallerton

01609 710433 www.parnabyhouseremovals.co.uk

- top tips FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE For most people, your home is your biggest asset and consequently, you expect a good price when you wish to sell on. However the mistake sellers often make when putting their home on the market, is going in with the attitude “we’ll just see what they say”.

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2. First impressions count

4. Say goodbye to your clutter

Here are our top tips on getting the right price for your home:

Most buyers know within a matter of minutes, whether they could envisage a property as their new home, so it’s important to make a good first impression – including the exterior. Make sure your windows and doors have been freshly cleaned, tidy any paving leading up to your property and ensure your garden is neat and healthy.

Potential buyers want to see how much space is available in the home. If you hold on to unwanted items, your home will look messy, disorganised and subsequently, appear smaller.

However, don’t go overboard or you run the risk of making the property seem unwelcoming.

The trick is to make the room to look neat and tidy, but also appear “lived in”.

hen selling your home, it’s important to focus on presentation. Whilst there are lots of things for buyers to consider before purchase, their decision will be highly influenced upon their first viewing.

1. Neutral is crucial Having a neutral colour scheme throughout the home can be a big selling point. Buyers can immediately picture how to put their stamp on the property without having to worry about removing yours. In turn, this can also help you achieve a higher price because buyers won’t need consider how much it could cost them to redecorate.

3. Spring clean This may seem like an obvious one, however putting in that extra bit of elbow-grease can truly pay off. A clean floor, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, can instantly lift a room.

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- Brexit HOW WILL IT AFFECT HOUSE PRICES?

This is a question that, like so many others when it comes to Brexit, is met with some uncertainty.

A worst-case scenario of an 18 per cent crash in house prices was suggested in one Treasury report, but whilst the housing market did suffer some unrest following the referendum, there was no major disaster. That is, however, because there will be little to no material change until Article 50 is triggered by the UK Government.

As the EU attempts to balance the interests of the remaining member states, it is likely that the negotiations are going to be a complex process, particularly with the UK’s effort to keep open vital trading routes. When investment begins to stall, it is anticipated that the economy will weaken and therefore, may affect the residential housing market.

Mortgage lender Nationwide believes house prices will continue to rise, but at a modestly slower rate thanks to the current uncertain climate.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist, said: "Looking forward, house price prospects will depend crucially on developments in the wider economy, around which there is a larger degree of uncertainty than usual.

"Like most forecasters, including the Bank of England, we expect the UK economy to slow modestly next year, which is likely to result in less robust labour market conditions and modestly slower house price growth.

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"But we continue to think a small gain (around 2 per cent) is more likely than a decline over 2017 as a whole, since low interest rates are expected to help underpin demand while a shortage of homes on the market will continue to provide support for house prices."

Unfortunately, no one really knows for certain how Brexit will affect property prices until the terms of any UK-EU agreement has been made, other than to say it is likely they will be affected due to an uncertain economy, so if you’re thinking of selling your home in the immediate future, our advice would be to act fast!