Property
November 18
news
Time to get cosy Page 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Gift buying made easy
Top tips for moving at christmas
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Covers november.indd 15
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Christmas family fun
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31/10/2018 3:23 pm
Time to get cosy Welcome to the November issue of Property News! So, October half term has now passed which means the countdown to Christmas is officially on! Love it or hate it, Christmas is on the way. And if you are a lover of all that Christmas stands for, what better way to get you in the mood for the festivities than having a read inside this month’s issue. You’ll be spoilt for choice this month; from gift buying guides, fun Christmas activities and a tasty recipe. Plus, we give advice and top tips on moving over the Christmas period, as well as how to keep your property safe and secure while you enjoy the festivities. And when it comes to sport, this month we focus on the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup which will be played across three venues in the Caribbean between 9th and 24th November. As ever, enjoy reading this issue and we’ll see you again soon. Linda McKeown Editor
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The sun has packed its bags and the nights are getting darker. Make the most of the winter nights by creating a cosy retreat in your home
If the colder, darker nights are making you hanker for a cosier home environment and reaching for your slippers, then follow our simple steps to achieving a warm, inviting, living space that’ll have you cosied up in no time!
The bedroom Updating your living space doesn’t have to be an expensive exercise – you can achieve a lot on a small budget, starting with your bedding. Swap your linen bed covers for those made from flannel or jersey. They’re perfect for holding in the heat during the cold nights. There’s nothing better than being cosied up in bed! Why not invest in a thick blanket or throw too to keep at the end of your bed – perfect for those extra cold nights.
Even your kitchen can benefit!
Update your lighting
Kitchens are renowned for being areas that can seem cold due to having tiled floors and walls, which help you keep the area clean for food preparation and cooking. Why not add a carpet runner alongside the floor cupboards where you do the majority of your food prep? It’ll create warmth while also keeping your feet warm if you’ve forgotten to put your slippers on!
Something as simple as changing your light bulbs for ones that emit a softer glow is the perfect way of creating a cosy atmosphere in your home. You can also look at updating your light switches with dimmer switches which will allow you to control the amount of light coming into your rooms. Or if you’re on a tight budget, then opt for candles instead. There’s something mesmerising about the flicker of candle light. However, always ensure that candles are placed away from curtains and are put on a fireproof surface or mat to avoid the chances of fire (and never leave candles unattended).
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Opt for new cushions for your sofa which incorporate cool, wintry colours such as mustards, gold tones or bold checks
Accessorise yourself As well as making little changes around your home to create a cosy feel, there are plenty of ways to make yourself feel cosy too. Opt for a long-length dressing gown which feels super soft to touch. The same applies to your slippers too. In addition, invest in a super-soft throw which you can transport from room to room; whether you want to cosy up in front of your favourite TV programme or create an extra layer while tucked up in bed – it’ll be your new best friend!
Your living spaces There’s no need to update your whole living room to get that comfy, cosy, feel. Opt for new cushions for your sofa which incorporate cool, wintry colours such as mustards, gold tones or bold checks. Apply the same mantra to your living room curtains. It’s a super easy way to update your space. Opt for heavier weighted material to help block any cold breezes creeping in through your windows. And if you don’t have carpets on your floors, transform the feel with a fluffy rug to add instant warmth.
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Christmas gift buying
made easy !
For her 1.
Collagin Gin with added Collagen If you’re looking for a unique gift, then Collagin is the answer. A perfectly blended gin with added Collagen this 50cl bottle is sure to go down a treat with your loved one. As seen on Dragon’s Den, it will certainly hit the spot!
£34.95
www.prezzybox.com
3.
Selfridges: Beauty Lovers Selection Box A hand selected limitededition beauty selection box offering an extensive range of must have products, including the best-selling brands Zoeva, Limecrime and Too Faced. A perfect gift for those who love their cosmetics.
£70.00
www.selfridges.com
Christmas is fast approaching and with that the stress of finding the perfect gift for your loved ones. If you’re stuck for ideas, we’ve found some of this year’s top buys.
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Personalised Things I Love About Mum Pink Bold Print This personalised print would make the perfect gift for Mum. Your individual print can be personalised by adding up to five things you love about your mum. This stylish and thoughtful gift is the perfect way to show your mum how appreciated she is this Christmas.
£58.00
www.notonthehighstreet.com
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Wooden Bath Caddy Tray It would be hard not to include this stylish bath accessory on the list. Handmade from solid wood and finished in a waterproof oak wood stain. It would make the perfect Christmas gift for those who enjoy a long soak in the tub with a glass of wine and a good book.
£25.00
www.etsy.com
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For him 5.
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Spicy Bacon Sandwich Essentials
Nothing (For the Person Who Has Everything) What better gift for the man who tells you, “no don’t get me anything” than nothing. This empty ball of nothing is a humorous and unique gift – for the person who has everything!
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An ideal gift for the bacon sandwich worshipper! This hamper offers everything he will need to cure his own spicy bacon and create the perfect bacon sarnie. All that’s needed is the pork!
£35.00
www.notonthehighstreet.com
£6.99
www.iwantoneofthose.com
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Damn Handsome Beard Grooming Kit Should the man in your life be following the trend for facial hair, you need it to be kept trim. This pocket-sized tin contains all that is needed to keep his beard and moustache conditioned, moisturised and trimmed.
£24.99
www.prezzybox.com
8. 8.
Nintendo Classic Mini Console Why not release the inner child and return to the days when games featuring Mario and Luigi were the best things in the world, with this retro game console? It comes with two controllers and a number of classic games. Great fun for him.
£69.99
www.amazon.co.uk
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1.
s d i K r Fo
Crate Creatures Break into the crate and free your new best friend! There are loads of different creatures to choose from, all of which make funny noises, vibrate when their tongue is pulled and have glowing eyes.
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£31.99
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www.smythstoys.com
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Elasti Plasti Slime Found at number nine on Hamleys top toys list is Elasti Plasti. Its nonsticky and never dries out; slime without the stickiness. It comes in a variety of different colours and you can blow giant bubbles or create a huge plastic parachute.
3. 4.
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£12.99
www.elastiplasti.co.uk
3. Boxer Robot Topping this year’s toy list is the Boxer Robot. This mini robot has sensors on his sides, which allows him to easily follow your hand while in ‘Follow me’ mode. Not only that but he has a really cool personality and can play along to loads of games.
£69.99
www.argos.co.uk
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s t e P For
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Lean Mean running machine dog treat box
Cupid & Comet Christmas Dinner Cat Stocking
If you’re looking to spoil your canine friend this Christmas, then this nutritious treat box is the answer. Offering 4 trays of tasty goodies, keep your pooch’s heart, bones and body in shape.
The cat in your life also needs to be spoilt at Christmas and despite their aloof attitude they will not want to be left out. This stocking contains a feline friendly 3 course Christmas dinner with dessert, treats and toys.
£10.70
www.petspyjamas.com
£3.99
www.amazon.co.uk
Positive outlook for rental market According to Rightmove, a lack of new rental properties coming to the market in London in the second quarter of this year – which is down 3.5% on Q2 2017 – has helped push the annual rate of London asking rents to 3.4%, with rents outside London also rising 2.7% over the quarter This is the highest rate for three years and the first time since Q4 2014 that the capital has been the strongest performing region. The 2.7% national rise over the quarter is similar to the 2.8% rise in the same quarter 2017. However, the annual rate has fallen back to 0.7%, which has been dragged down by flat annual change in the South West and a negative rate of -0.4% in the South East. Meanwhile, new listings are up 2.4% outside London, offering some more choice to renters. “Nationally on average it takes a letting agent just over a month (36 days) from the time a rental property goes on Rightmove until it is marked let agreed,” says Rightmove, “which is the same length of time as this time last year.
“Often properties will start being advertised before they are available to help tenants looking for a place in advance, and to help landlords minimise any void periods.” The national average in masks some of the faster places to let such as Stirling, Bristol and Ashford, which all take 22 days. In London, the time it takes to find a tenant has sped up from 44 days to 40 days, with the quickest areas being Bexleyheath (23 days), Edmonton (25 days) and Blackfen (25 days). Miles Shipside, Rightmove’s Housing Market Analyst, adds: “After a few years of more plentiful supply in the London market we’ve now reached a point again where competition among tenants for a great rental home can be very high in the most popular rental areas of the capital. “This reduced choice could be symptomatic of fewer landlords buying and some selling up as rental returns are being diminished by more onerous tax, and little or no growth in capital appreciation, along with increased demand from tenants.
If you are looking to place your property on the rental market, then get in touch today to see what we can do for you.
“Outside London there looks to be more choice for tenants, but those looking to rent in the South West and Yorkshire and the Humber should note that properties are moving faster than this time last year so they may need to move more quickly to secure a good quality home.”
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PREPARING TO MOVE OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD Moving house is traditionally seen as one of the most stressful ventures in a person’s life. Couple that with Christmas, what’s meant to be a jolly time of year, could be a recipe for disaster. That is if you don’t have a good plan up your sleeve!
MOVING BEFORE CHRISTMAS The thought of moving before Christmas and enjoying the festive period in your new home is something many people dream about. And it’s something which is possible and doesn’t have to be stressful! Just like any house move, planning is essential. Arranging Christmas decorations into separate boxes and buying a tree in advance are both good ways to make sure your Christmas decorations are easy to unpack and decorate your house with. Storing your year-round ornaments and photo frames in a separate box means you can keep them to one side and unpack them after the Christmas period. If you prefer having a real tree rather than an artificial one, a small table top tree is a great way to enjoy a
real tree without the worry of moving a six-foot tree, or to save you from a last-minute scramble to find one! These are also easy to decorate as they don’t require a lot of baubles or lights. If, like Cliff Richard, you want to put logs on the fire, it is essential that the fireplace has been recently swept. Go back to the house to check the condition of the fireplace and ask the vendors when the last time they had the chimney swept. Booking the chimney sweeper before you move in means the fireplace will be ready to use. Additionally, if the property is powered by oil, make sure there is enough fuel in the tank to see you through the winter months.
Also check for any potential problems with lighting and electrics. Avoid the added stress of having to rush to the shops because of faulty fairy lights by checking these before you pack. The simple and quick job of plugging your lights in and checking they all work could save you a nasty last-minute shock. If you are a keen Christmas shopper then you may have already bought all your presents, if so make sure these can’t be seen by someone when packing or unpacking! And if you have time, wrapping your presents up early before the move
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will make sure no surprises are ruined if your children go on a hunt for presents! Try and collate your presents into the same boxes and make sure any valuable presents are safely wrapped in bubble wrap. For children, Christmas is a very exciting time and a house move may add to this heightened level. A move around Christmas is stressful enough so we would advise letting a family member take them shopping or to visit the Christmas festivities that are going on at this time of year, whilst you move. This welcome distraction will allow you to get on with the move without having over excitable children running around. Spending your first Christmas in your new home creates a magical cosy experience and one that your family will cherish for years to come, and we are here for you to help your move go smoothly.
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Spending your first Christmas in your new home creates a magical cosy experience and one that your family will cherish for years to come, and we are here for you to help your move go smoothly. MOVING AFTER CHRISTMAS If you’re moving home after Christmas, you can still have Christmas decorations, without having to worry about added stress! Try to keep the decorations to a minimum rather than turning your home into Santa’s grotto. Keep boxes aside specifically for decorations so they can be easily packed away. If you own an artificial tree, keep the original box so it can easily be stored away in the new home too. You should never under estimate just how much you have, so keeping decorations short and minimal won’t add to the pressures of packing! It is a good idea to plan Christmas dinner and the need to use kitchen appliances, crockery and glasses. If you can’t talk your way into going to a relatives house for Christmas dinner, you could suggest that visitors help with the cooking by bringing pre-cooked roasties, stuffing or veg to reduce the workload – and the washing up! Alternatively, for more peace of mind you can book a family meal out.
Only use rooms which you use day to day and use spare rooms, such as extra reception rooms or a study, for storage. That way you can pack things away whilst making space for Christmas decorations. Packing over the space of a few weeks and using spare rooms or the garage for storage will also help relieve the stress of packing. If it is possible, you could even ask your kids to room-share for a few nights, so you have extra rooms for storage. If you have been good this year you may expect to receive a sack full of presents. If you have a house move planned for after Christmas, keep the packaging they came in to make it easier to pack away and store. Or if you have the self-control, avoid getting your gifts out the packaging completely and start storing them away to avoid them getting lost or damaged.
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Christmas
family fun
The build up to Christmas can be fun and exciting, full of activities to getting the whole family ready for the festive season. If you’re stuck for ideas on where to go and what to do, we have some ideas here for you!
Not only do we have all the excitement at home of making Christmas cakes and decorating the house, there are events going on everywhere; from shopping centres, parks and marketplaces!
Christmas lights Most towns hold an event with a Christmas market, children’s activities and Christmas food and drinks. Then, later in the evening, as it starts to get darker they start doing a big countdown to the lights being switched on. It’s a great atmosphere and they often have a local celebrity attending the event to speak to the crowd and switch on the lights. Some also have fireworks after the event, while many also have funfairs or late night market.
Ice Skating Ice skating is all the rage at Christmas time and is the perfect past-time for all the family. It’s ideal if you are looking to do something that little bit different, before grabbing a nice hot chocolate to warm you up afterwards!
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Christmas markets Towns don’t just hold Christmas markets for a one-off light switch on. Some have a weekly Christmas market alongside their local market, and there are often annual markets dotted around the country. York, Winchester and Belfast have some of the largest ones in the UK. Hyde Park in London hosts a huge market every year full of attractions, stalls, food and fair rides for the children. This year it’s on from the 23rd November until the 6th January. The market itself is free to get in, and you can book tickets for the different attractions. New for 2018 are the Peter Pan on Ice show, The Snowman Experience and the Teletubbies Christmas Show, amongst other shows. There are so many markets around that usually span over a few days, so it’s extremely likely there will be one near to you! However, if you want to travel further afield, Germany holds huge Christmas markets. The Christmas markets here are popular amongst tourists because of how the country celebrates the festive season. Their Christmas food is always popular at UK Christmas markets, and their Christmas traditions such as Advent and Christmas trees have become standard around the world.
Santa’s Grotto Going to visit Santa’s Grotto is a great way to get the children out and about, letting them experience the magical build up to Christmas and, of course, getting them to meet the man himself! It makes a great day out looking at all the beautifully decorated venues with their fake snow, Santa’s helpers and some even have rides for the children, such as Santa trains or little boat rides. This means that children get to look at all the amazing décor around and then get to speak to Santa to tell him about what they want for Christmas and whether or not they have been a good boy or girl. Some Grottos, usually those in big rural areas or in garden centres, also have live reindeer, which really excites children as they get to meet Santa’s travelling companions before they are busy on Christmas Eve.
National Trust The National Trust regularly have events around the UK at their different properties. These range from markets, craft events for children, Santa visits and some places decorate their manors and houses ready for the Christmas period. So why not make a visit and truly experience what it would have been like to celebrate Christmas in years past!
Lapland UK Every child dreams of visiting Lapland to see Santa and his elves. Well, now we have our very own Lapland here in the UK, rather than having to travel to the North Pole! It’s located in Berkshire and is a big adventure for children and adults alike. It’s all about the Father Christmas story, the secret world of the elves and promises to give you amazing family memories.
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01344 860 121
Call us today for a free market appraisal
Harmans Water
£520,000
This impressive extended semi-detached home is set in one of Harmans Water’s most popular locations. The property offers extensive accommodation throughout, with four separate reception rooms, a kitchen and a downstairs shower room. On the first floor there is an en-suite to the master bedroom and a separate family bathroom. Outside there are well maintained gardens, a garage and driveway parking.
Binfield
OIEO £385,000
This beautifully presented three bedroom home is situated in the highly regarded Binfield Village and only a short walk to the high street. The property offers versatile and modern living space throughout, including a re-fitted kitchen, modern bathroom and a loft conversion. Furthermore there is a sunny aspect garden with a brick built outhouse and patio area. Locally the area offers schools, shops and convenient access to the motorway network.
sales@duncanyeardley.co.uk
Duncan Yeardley
are proud to have been selected to join The Relocation Network We are Bracknell’s only Estate Agent to be part of the Network Sounds expensive? Actually it costs you nothing. This is a standard part of the enhanced service Duncan Yeardley can now offer to our clients. Our difference is in the service, not the price!
Contact us today for more information: Tel: 01344 860 121 Email: sales@duncanyeardley.co.uk
Hanworth
OIEO £300,000
This well presented three bedroom end of terrace home is close to schools and occupies a pleasant traffic free position in the highly regarded Hanworth area.The property comprises of a spacious kitchen/dining room, a dual aspect living room and a downstairs cloakroom. Further benefits include a beautifully landscaped garden, modern bathroom and a nearby garage.
Bracknell
OIEO £290,000
This beautifully presented semi-detached bungalow occupies a delightful position in a highly regarded cul-de-sac, close to South Hill Park, Sainsbury’s Superstore and Swinley Forest. The property comprises of two bedrooms, a living room, a conservatory and a modern shower room. Further benefits include a private rear garden a garage nearby. A viewing is fully recommended.
duncanyeardley.co.uk | duncanyeardley.tv
01344 860 121
Call us today for a free market appraisal
Forest Park
ÂŁ290,000
This two bedroom home occupies a delightful traffic free position, close to schools, shops and Savernake Park, with easy access to the motorway network. The property is perfect for first time buyers and benefits from new double glazed windows, kitchen/breakfast room, living room, a modern bathroom and a garage. Furthermore there is a southerly aspect garden with gate access and driveway parking. A viewing is highly recommended.
Bracknell
OIEO ÂŁ250,000
This two double bedroom apartment is located in an established residential area close to local shops and amenities. In addition the area provides convenient access to the mainline railway station at Martins Heron and the major road network. Benefits include a living room with open-plan kitchen, an en-suite shower room to the master bedroom, underfloor heating, allocated parking and Juliette balcony. A viewing is highly recommended to be fully appreciated.
sales@duncanyeardley.co.uk
01344 860 121
Call us today for a free market appraisal
Bracknell
ÂŁ875pcm
This ground floor maisonette is situated on the outskirts of Binfield village, with easy access to the A329M and M4. The property comprises two double bedrooms, a living/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room with integrated appliances and a family bathroom. Further benefits include gas central heating, double glazing and allocated parking. Available from 7th December unfurnished.
Forest Park
ÂŁ1,050pcm
This two bedroom, two bathroom home is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in the Forest Park area.The property comprises a master bedroom with en-suite, second double bedroom, living/dining room, a re-fitted kitchen and a bathroom. With the added benefit of allocated parking and a south facing garden, the property is available unfurnished.
sales@duncanyeardley.co.uk
Martins Heron
ÂŁ1,150pcm
This two bedroom semi-detached home is situated in Martins Heron, close to the railway station and local amenities. Offers open-plan living with a sofa, table and chairs, kitchen with appliances. There are two furnished double bedrooms and a bathroom. Further benefits include parking for two cars, a rear garden and gas radiator heating.
The Warren
ÂŁ1,750pcm
This four bedroom detached home is close to Martins Heron railway station in a popular cul-de-sac.This property comprises two reception rooms, conservatory with underfloor heating, study, utility room, ground floor WC, kitchen and a large rear garden. Benefits from gas central heating, and a double length garage. Offered unfurnished and available from 14th December with pets considered.
duncanyeardley.co.uk | duncanyeardley.tv
Meet the team at Duncan Yeardley
Nick started his career as an estate agent in Bracknell after leaving school back in 1990. After taking over ownership of Duncan Yeardley in 2012 he has been ambitiously working hard to develop the business.
Nick Thring Director
Helen is Nick’s sister and has successfully set up and established our Lettings Department, which we launched back in 2013. Having spent much of her career working in marketing, she is very organised and has a keen eye for detail.
Judy has lived in Bracknell all her life and lives near South Hill Park with her family, which includes three dogs and two cats. She is great with people and has a real talent for spotting the right home for her clients.
Judy Henly Assistant Sales Manager
Helen Thring Lettings Manager
Tom has always lived in Bracknell and attended Garth Hill school and now lives on our doorstep in Forest Park with his wife Heather. His calm and friendly nature makes him a great person to help guide clients through the moving process.
Lee is a born and bread local chap. He studied at Easthampstead Park & went on to successfully gain a Diploma in Sport with Distinction. A big Liverpool FC fan and a fully qualified F.A. football coach, Lee dedicates much of his spare time to teaching local up and coming youngsters.
Lee Maynard Sales Consultant
Duncan Yeardley is an independent family-run business with over 30 years’ experience in helping people move home. We have worked hard to become one of the area’s most reputable estate agents who are proud to have a team of property experts with an in depth knowledge of the Bracknell area. Here you can learn more about some of our Sales and Lettings team.
Tom Doyle Sales Manager
You can learn more about the entire team
Caroline has been in the property industry for many years and has built up a wealth of experience having previously worked in the busy London markets, as well as internationally in Australia and New Zealand.
Caroline Franklin Assistant Lettings Manager
Lucy has enjoyed a successful career in estate agency with over ten years’ experience with the majority of this working in the local market. Another team member living in Bracknell she has an excellent knowledge of the market and a real ability to see the potential in a property.
Keith has proudly been an estate agent all his working life and therefore boasts an impressive knowledge of the industry and the local housing market. Having benefited from working in a variety of different markets, he is well placed to provide expert advice to clients wishing to move home. Away from work Keith enjoys spending time with his family, visiting the gym and when time permits – a round of golf.
Keith Sawyer Valuations Manager
Lucy Morrison Senior Sales Consultant
Danielle has successfully worked as a letting agent in Bracknell for several years and has an extensive knowledge to competently guide clients through the lettings process. Danielle is also a busy mum and enjoys spending time with her son and husband.
Keely has lived and worked in Bracknell for 30 years giving her a great knowledge of the area and what the community has to offer. Friendly and personable, she is always happy to go the extra mile to find out information to help a client.
Keely Benn Viewings Coordinator by visiting www.duncanyeardley.co.uk
Danielle Penfold Senior Lettings Consultant
Take comfort in what we can do for you
Relax and enjoy the warmth of the indoors while we do the hard work for you. We promise to get you the best possible price in the quickest possible time. Tel. 01344 860121 Web. duncanyeardley.co.uk Email. sales@duncanyeardley.co.uk