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Thursday, November 30 - Wednesday, December 6, 2017
This property showcased courtesy of Hodsons Didcot. To view property details, see inside.
MOVING HOME? There are many things to think about when moving house. Don’t let choosing the wrong solicitor make buying or selling your home harder than it needs to be. Talk to Slade Legal about our specialist Conveyancing service. Abingdon 01235 521920
Didcot
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Stamp duty reform is good news for the local market, says Connells LOCAL estate agency Connells in Cowley welcomes news in the recent budget to abolish Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for fi rst-time buyers. According to Connells, the Chancellor’s announcement will stimulate buyer activity from those who may have previously thought homeownership out of reach, and instill confidence in the local housing market. In his budget, Chancellor Phillip Hammond announced stamp duty will be permanently abolished on all fi rsttime buyer purchases up to ÂŁ300,000 and waived on the fi rst ÂŁ300,000 of properties up to the value of ÂŁ500,000 in high priced areas such as London. This is effective immediately, and means that there will be no stamp duty for 80% of all fi rst-time buyers from today. “The desire from fi rst-time buyers to purchase a property is as strong as it has ever been, and we believe that this good news will instil confidence in buyers who may have thought they were frozen out of the market,â€? says Omar Nawaz, branch manager at Connells in Cowley. “We expect a ripple up effect in the local market as an influx of fi rst-time buyers enter the market,â€? continues Omar. “People with a property under ÂŁ300,000 who are looking to upsize would be wise to take advantage of increased demand for their property.â€? If you are thinking of buying for the fi rst time, have a property to sell and would like to know more about the local market, please contact the Connells branch on (01865) 748448 or email: cowley@connells.co.uk
Front cover property
OIEO Freehold ÂŁ475,000
Home puts on a real show POSITIONED in a desirable cul-de-sac location is this substantial detached property, which was formally the show home, and is now presented to the market in immaculate condition. This four-bedroom family home boasts an exceptional master bedroom suite, a larger than average study/ family room, elegant sitting room leading into the dining room, with a
Housing front and centre in 2017 Budget, but what will it mean for Oxford? Bill Cooper, co-author of The Oxford Property Blog and managing director of Martin and Co, Oxford
The Budget has been announced and analysed, so far with relatively few unannounced ‘nasties’ having been found. It is welcome that housing is receiving the attention it deserves, recognising: the challenge faced by ďŹ rst-time buyers; that too few new houses are being built; and, that renting is now a preferred alternative for many people. But, are the Chancellor’s plans going to serve Oxford and the county well? No Stamp duty for ďŹ rst-time buyer for the ďŹ rst ÂŁ300,000 spent
Oxford is well known as having one of the largest gaps between average property price and average salary anywhere in the UK. With one-bedroom apartments in central Oxford selling for ÂŁ385,000 or more, even without stamp duty, most ďŹ rst-time buyers can’t afford to live in the city. But places such as Littlemore, Greater Leys, parts of Marston and Barton do provide realistic opportunities, particularly where a shared ownership option is available. But, the changes to stamp-duty do not beneďŹ t those looking for
modern kitchen, utility, and useful downstairs cloakroom. The wide rear garden stretches behind the double garage and summer house where there is currently a separate vegetable garden, whilst a slate patio and raised wooden decking provide two entertaining areas surrounded by a manicured lawn and subtle planting. In front of the garages is ample driveway
parking for several vehicles, along with side access to both the house and garden. Within close proximity to both Didcot Parkway mainline station and the Orchard shopping centre, and providing excellent commuter links to A34, M4, M40. The modern and popular Ladygrove development benefits from two primary schools along with a range
of facilities including Oaktree Health Centre, Willowbrook Leisure Centre and Didcot Town Football Club. There is a range of shops including a convenience store and two takeaway outlets, along with a pub. To arrange a viewing or for further details contact selling agent Hodsons Didcot on 01235 511406, didcot@hodsons.co.uk or go to www. hodsons.co.uk
their second home, who need to vacate their starter homes to make way for ďŹ rst time buyers. House building takes time, and consideration should be given to a tapered reduction in stamp duty beneďŹ tting 2nd and 3rd time buyers encouraging them to move. Only then, would these measures really beneďŹ t Oxford’s market where 97% of sale transactions are within existing housing stock.
sent signiďŹ cant opportunities to build with easy access to the city centre, and transport links to the Midlands and London.
and 30 months. Longer tenancies beneďŹ t both landlord and tenant where each is satisďŹ ed with the other (the majority of tenancies). This suggests to me that no consultation is required to stimulate a trend that is already occurring under current arrangements. It is great that housing is getting the Government attention it deserves, but our local authorities must seize the day, facilitate the planning process and secure their fair share of the new funds. For more commentary on Oxford’s property market visit: www.OxfordPropertyBlog.co.uk
100,000 new homes for Oxfordshire As part of plans to connect Cambridge and Oxford, one million homes are planned between these great University cities. Of those, 100,000 are expected in Oxfordshire. Oxford must ďŹ ght, and ďŹ ght hard for the lion’s share of those new homes. Without them, the local property market will remain supply constrained. With Oxford Parkway train station, North Oxford – Kidlington, Marston and Wolvercote pre-
A consultation on longer tenancies The Chancellor announced a new consultation on how to encourage longer tenancies. This will bring the total housing consultations to 16! Oxford, like most places in the UK is experiencing a trend towards longer tenancies. Once student tenancies are removed from the average tenancy length is between 24
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CALA H O ME S
BUY OFF-PLAN FOR THE BEST OF EVERYTHING JUST ASK CALA
Computer generated image of Edward Park
Edward Park, Manor Farm, Abingdon Road, Drayton, OX14 4HY
CUSTOMER INFORMATION CENTRE NOW OPEN THURSDAY TO MONDAY 11AM-5PM EARLY RESERVATIONS BEING TAKEN
01235 313 467
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A collection of 2, 3 and 4 bed family homes together with 4 beds with first floor study situated in the desirable village of Drayton.
C A L A . C O. U K
HS25OCT Telephone calls within the British Isles will be charged at local rate. Telephone calls may divert to a mobile service in which case call charges may vary. Prices are accurate at the time of going to print.
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Found your dream home?
Our experienced and outcome focused lawyers have helped hundreds of peoples property dreams come true. But don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of our clients have said… “I would like to thank you for the excellent service you have given us in recent months. We were impressed with your service when we sold our property last year, which is why we returned to you for our next purchase. Again, we have been impressed.” “I have completed a number of property transactions in recent years and want to let you know that the service we have received from you by far exceeds that of others that I have dealt with. It is a pity that we didn’t discover you sooner!” Abingdon 01235 521920
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The Budget brings good news for young house buyers in Oxfordshire IF you appro ached last week’s Budget with a certain level of apathy, then the chances are (at least if you’re a first-time buyer) you came out the other side with more optimism. The Chancellor’s announcement that Stamp Duty would be abolished for first-time buyers on property purchases of up to £300,000 really was the headline news of the day and will, no doubt, have come as welcome news to many struggling to get on the property ladder. Here in Oxfordshire, we find that the average value of a property which would appeal to a first-time buyer ranges between £250,000 and £300,000 although this obviously varies depending on your exact location, size and style of home. With this in mind, the Chancellor’s announcement should make a difference and for that reason, we welcome it. He could, however, have gone further in our view. Quite simply, Stamp Duty is one of the biggest, if not THE biggest, obstacles in getting our housing market really moving and along with many others in the industry, we’d have welcomed
the removal, or at least reduction, of the surcharge on second properties. But whilst the Stamp Duty announcement applied to the whole of England, here in Oxfordshire, we were singled out for special attention in other ways too. As you can’t have failed to have noticed, Oxfordshire is now lined up to see the construction of 100,000 new homes in the period to 2031. Whilst these are essentially the homes already referenced in Local Plans, the £215m of funding that has now been committed by the Government, means that the vital infrastructure to support these homes will now make these homes more viable. Your views on further housing development will depend on factors including where you live and the impact the new homes will have on your area, but that aside, there’s no doubting that many more new homes are needed across the country - not just here in Oxfordshire. A lack of supply has been skewing the market for a long time and it’s positive to see
this now being addressed. So, whilst the Chancellor could have done more, we must embrace the announcements made in this latest Budget.
If you’re looking to purchase your first home in Oxfordshire, why not pop in to one of our five branches across the county or visit our website,
www.andrewsonline.co.uk, for plenty of advice and insight in to taking your first step on to the property ladder.
Thursday, November 30 - Wednesday, December 6, 2017 47
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Andrews
Abingdon
01235 888393
NEW INSTRUCTION
PRICE REDUCTION
Abingdon
£279,950
Whitecross, Abingdon
£475,000
Perfectly positioned in a cul-de-sac on the popular Peachcroft development in North Abingdon is this charming two bedroom house. EPC - TBC
A superb four bedroom house, extended and updated creating a versatile family home with an abundance of light and space. EPC Rating C.
Fyfield £895,000
Nestled in the heart of this picturesque Oxfordshire village, is this exquisite double fronted, five bedroom detached cottage. EPC Rating D
NEW INSTRUCTION
Burcot
£675,000
Sutton Courtenay
£555,000
Detached Family Home, extended and upgraded to create generous and versatile accommodation in a prime South Oxfordshire Village. EPC Rating D
Drayton £330,000
A three bedroom home positioned on the edge of the sought-after village of Drayton, with a superb 180' rear garden. EPC Rating D
Open everyday 12 hours in-branch, 24 hours online at Andrewsonline.co.uk
3 Bedroom bungalow set in grounds totalling approximately 14,000 sq. ft. EPC Rating D
To view more properties and other services available visit Andrewsonline.co.uk
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Davis Tate – Your local estate agent, supporting local people all year round.
Abingdon 01235 526 907 • Burghfield Common 0118 983 1201 • Didcot 01235 818 371 • Goring on Thames 01491 873 456 Henley on Thames 01491 412 345 • Pangbourne 0118 984 5333 • Reading 0118 958 7979 • Shinfield 0118 988 5000 Sonning Common 0118 972 4242 • Twyford 0118 934 4433 • Wallingford 01491 833 323 • Wantage 01235 772 670 • Woodley 0118 969 3969
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Curious to know how much your property is worth? Visit our website for a free instant online valuation. www.davistate.com/instant-valuation
Prefer a face-to-face valuation?
Contact your local office to arrange a free valuation of your property: Abingdon 01235 526907 Burghfield Common 0118 983 1201 Didcot 01235 818 371 Goring on Thames 01491 873456 Henley on Thames 01491 412345 Pangbourne 0118 984 5333 Reading 0118 958 7979 Shinfield 0118 988 5000 Sonning Common 0118 972 4242 Twyford 0118 934 4433 Wallingford 01491 833323 Wantage 01235 772670 Woodley 0118 969 3969
If you have instructed another agent on a sole agency and/or sole selling rights basis, the terms of those instructions must be considered to avoid a possible liability to pay two commissions. However asking us to visit is FREE. For T&C’s please visit our website www.davistate.com
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GREAT WESTERN PARK COMINGOPEN SOON NOW Thinking of selling or renting your home? Ask Martin.
NEW OFFICE COMING SOON!
Martin & Co have an office close by in Abingdon, and already work with many property owners in your area. FREE VALUATION
We are opening our new office soon on the Great Western Park.
We will be pleased to assist you NOW by offering a free property valuation for the sale or for the rental of your property. If you have already instructed an agent to sell your property on a sole agency basis, you must consider your current agreement to ensure you do not pay more than one commission.
Martin & Co Abingdon 8-10 West St. Helen Street • Abingdon • Oxfordshire • OX14 5BL
Martin & Co Didcot abingdon.martinco.com
164 Greenwood Way, Harwell Didcot, OX11 6GD didcot@martinco.com
01235 524300
01235 524300 didcot.martinco.com
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A L C H E S T E R C H E S T E R T O N
•
P A R K
O X F O R D S H I R E
29 THE GREEN, CHESTERTON CALL 01869 244761 TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT
YOUR 5% DEPOSIT £30,000
20% SHARED EQUITY LOAN £120,000
4 double bedroom detached home finished to a high specification Open-plan stylish kitchen/dining room including integrated appliances by Zanussi Separate living room with French doors leading out onto the garden Master bedroom benefits from a stylish en-suite shower room and a walk-in dressing room Family bathroom with a walk-in shower and separate bathtub Study | Integral double garage | Fitted flooring is provided throughout
BUY WITH JUST A 5% DEPOSIT PRICE £600,000
75% MORTGAGE £450,000 YOUR 4 BEDROOM DETACHED HOME £600,000
Green Lane, Chesterton, Bicester, OX26 1UU
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N O R T O R E G I S T E R Y O U R I N T E R E S T P L E A S E CA L L 01869 244761 O R E M A I L A LC H E S T E R PA R K @ H I L L . C O . U K HILL.CO.UK
*Help to Buy is subject to terms and conditions. Please speak to a Sales Executive for further information. External image is 29, The Green. Internal photography from Alchester Park Show Home. Prices correct at time of going to press.
Excited about autumn? We are!
If you are thinking of moving then contact Louise, Warren & the team for a wealth of experience in successfully valuing & selling property in Didcot & the surrounding villages on 01235 511406.
www.hodsons.co.uk
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Modern living for over 55s
* Apartment details available on our website www.grandunionhomes.co.uk Viewings available by appointment; to arrange a viewing please contact the Sales Team on 01525 844460
* Prices correct at time of printing. Rent + service charge payable on unowed share