First Time Buyer Feb/March 2021

the Ultimate Guide to... GETTING ON THE LADDER, THE PROPERTY MARKET AND HELP TO BUY February/ March 2021 £3.95 firsttimebuyermag.com

PRESENTS

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22 – 27 MARCH 2021

A GTECH CORDLESS LAWNMOWER 2.0 WORTH £499.99

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A SIMPLE GUIDE TO STAIRCASING

BOOST YOUR CREDIT SCORE

WHAT YOU WANT IN A HOME, FTB SURVEY RESULTS

“Keep a very watchful eye on your credit rating” Prue Leith

Restaurateur, chef, TV presenter, cookery writer and novelist

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EDITOR’S LETTER

E D I T O R I A L – 020 3488 7754

Editor-in-Chief SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk Editor LYNDA CLARK lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk Editorial Assistant DAWN HARKER Junior Editorial Assistant KATIE WRIGHT Creative Director RYAN BEAL Sub Editor KAY HILL Social Media DAWN HARKER Contributors SARAH CLANCY, CHRIS CLARK, DEBBIE CLARK, ADAM CRAWFORD, MARILYN DICARA, DAWN HARKER, KAY HILL, JONNIE IRWIN, LAURA DEAN-OSGOOD, LESLEY PRICE, GINETTA VEDRICKAS, JOHN WEBB A D V E RT I S I N G – 020 3488 7754

Director of Advertising/Exhibition Sales LYNDA CLARK

lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk

Welcome Happy New Year! As we enter 2021 the situation in the country is still very serious but with the vaccination being rolled out now, I do see a light at the end of the tunnel. I am glad to report that the housing market is still as buoyant as ever and many first time buyers are getting a foot on the ladder and realising their dream of buying their own home.

Spring is always a time when everyone starts seriously thinking about house hunting. The process can be challenging, especially for ftbs, as there are many steps to take on the route to homeownership. So, we are launching the National Home Buying week from 22 March to try to help, inform and guide you along the way.

We have a dedicated website – nationalhomebuyingweek.co.uk – which will have lots of information about the stages involved, covering everything from deposits and mortgage advice to conveyancing, the affordable Government schemes, buying on the open market and much more. There will be seminars to watch on key topics, webinars to take part in and podcasts. TV celebrity Jonnie Irwin will be doing a masterclass on how to view a property together with our Headline sponsor, Catalyst Homes, and influencer Jade Vanriel will also be visiting a SO Resi show home – we are really excited, so do make a date in your diary and join in.

This issue is full of fascinating features and guidance on buying your first home and I hope you enjoy it!

Until next time, happy house hunting!

Special Events EILIDH MACLEOD – First Time Buyer Home Show – First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards boom@squarepegmedia.com

22-27 March

@firsttimebuyer

Accounts accounts@ultimateguidecompany.com Managing Director SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk Public Relations RACHEL COLGAN

firsttimebuyeronline

If you work for the NHS we would love to give you a year’s free subscription to the magazine – simply email us from your NHS email at nhs@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk with your name and address and you will receive six free issues

rachel@building-relations.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS 020 3488 7754

EDITOR’S PICKS…

We’ve registered our interest and contacted a mortgage broker to discuss mortgage options

SWITCHBOARD 020 3488 7754 All advertising copy for April/May 2021 must be received before 5 March 2021.

Send all copy to: lynda@ firsttimebuyermag.co.uk The content of this publication, either in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a data retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission from the publishers. Opinions expressed in First Time Buyer magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. © The Ultimate Guide Company Ltd 2008-2021. The Ultimate Guide Company Ltd t/a First Time Buyer magazine will take no responsibility for any loss/ claim resulting from a transaction with one of our advertisers/media partners.

Do your research; there are plenty of us out there who are willing and able to support you through the process!

Vikki Walker, 20 Questions, page 102

Be prepared to look at up-andcoming areas and be open to making some sacrifices Hayley Sparkes, At home with, page 14

Claudia Chatterton, House Hunter, page 16

It’s a great time to buy, particularly with the current low mortgage rates

I’ve done my 10,000 hours, as they say, and after 20 years in the industry would class myself as an expert Jonnie Irwin, Jonnie’s World, page 9

Kush Rawal, Developer’s Doctor, page 18

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CONTENTS

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 / ISSUE 87 / FIRSTTIMEBUYERMAG.CO.UK

What’s in…

68

Ayo Adigun and Wariara Waireri, together with their daughter, Tobi, were renting a two bedroom apartment in Maidstone, Kent. With the current lockdown situation, they are both working from home and needed extra space, plus, they longed for a home near to the countryside. They have now bought a spacious three bedroom home at Dandara’s Willow Grove development in Kent, which ticks all their boxes, and they couldn’t be happier.

64

For sale HOMEPAGE

9 Words from Jonnie

14

TV presenter and property expert Jonnie Irwin gives his views on the housing market.

11 FTB loves…

A round up of our favourite hot buys.

12 Living We bring your favourite travel hotspots into your home with these gorgeous accessories inspired by the colour palettes around the world.

14 At home with… Hayley Sparkes International TV and live events presenter Hayley Sparkes specialises

12

in travel, fashion and property and was the resident beauty expert on ITV’s This Morning. She talks to Lynda Clark about her exciting new projects, her first home, her passion for the business and gives some great advice for ftbs.

20 The View: Prue Leith The wonderful Prue Leith has had the most fascinating and highly successful career. She is a very successful chef, cookery school founder, restaurateur and writer and is one of the judges from Channel 4’s very popular show, The Great British Bake Off. She talks to Lynda Clark about her life, her first home and her passion for writing novels.

12

24 You Can Buy Your First Home Debbie Clark looks at the interesting results of our recent FTB survey and highlights the Government schemes available to first timers to help them get on the property ladder.

30

24

16 House Hunter We try to find Claudia and Nico Chatterton a home close to Southall, west London.

18 Developer’s doctor Kush Rawal, Director of Residential Investment at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, answers your property question.

4

FEATURED

30 Going up the ladder If you are buying through shared ownership then the ultimate goal is to staircase and buy more shares in your home. Our simple guide gives all the information you will need.

First Time Buyer February/March 2021

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CONTENTS PRUE LEITH, PAGE 20

OTHER COUNTRIES DON’T HAVE THIS OBSESSION ABOUT OWNING YOUR OWN HOME

20

Prue Leith

REGULARS

63

For Sale The best FTB properties.

78 Buying a shared ownership home in 2021

36 Hotspot We look at Bristol as a place to live.

70 Give your credit score a boost John Webb, Consumer Affairs Executive at Experian, explains what its new free service, Experian Boost, is all about and how it can instantly increase your credit score.

72 Legal Beagle

75

Competition Win a Gtech cordless lawnmower 2.0 worth £499,99.

inspired dishes from the UKs leading supermarkets to find out which are the tastiest.

Lesley Price FCILEx, of CGM Solicitor, explains the legalities of a Help to Buy: ISA and explains buying off-plan.

Censeo Financial outlines some handy tips to help first time buyers get on the ladder.

80 Finance Kay Hill looks at the many and varied financial scams that have made such an impact in recent months and has advice on staying safe when saving and investing.

82 Market What does 2021 hold for the property market? Ginetta Vedrickas takes a look at what’s in store.

84 Agony Agent All your property questions answered by our panel of experts.

87 Buyer’s Guide Check out FTB’s Buyer’s Guide, which walks you through the property process.

92 The simple guide to conveyancing 76 First home, first meal Packed full of flavour and easy to make, this delicious pork dumpling recipe created

by Prue Leith, in partnership with Lakeland, is a great way to try this traditional Chinese dish.

77 Fast food Food from all over Asia is now more accessible than ever before. FTB has tried and tested some Asian-

Sarah Clancy, Solicitor at Prince Evans, guides you through the conveyancing process.

94 Directory Where and how to contact your Help to Buy Agents or providers.

102 20 Questions We ask 20 quick-fire questions to a property expert and in this issue Vikki Walker, Head of New Homes Sales & Marketing for Southern Housing Group, is in the spotlight.

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LETTERS

Mailbox DIFFERENT MORTGAGES

INSURANCE

FTB: Most people opt for a repayment mortgage.

This is the “traditional” mortgage whereby every month you pay back both the interest on your mortgage and some of the loan itself. By the end of the mortgage term, usually 25 years, you have paid off the entire debt. An interest-only mortgage is less common. Here you only pay back the interest on your loan. This means your monthly payments are much lower, but you will still need to pay off the loan at the end of the term. You will need to remember that at the end of your mortgage you will still owe the lender the initial amount you borrowed, so you need to have a plan in place for how you will pay back the capital, otherwise you may lose your home.

Do your research carefully and speak to an independent mortgage adviser who will help you decide which will work best for you.

This issue’s star letter wins a Lakeland 6 Boiled Egg Cooker & Poacher worth £17.99. This compact electric egg cooker will satisfy any egg lover.

Letting you boil up to six eggs at once, you can ensure your egg is just how you like it and can choose from soft, medium and hard settings.

Also included are trays for poaching two eggs or making an omelette. To keep your electric egg cooker in the best condition, the egg tray, poaching dish and omelette dish can all be put straight in the dishwasher. It also includes some recipes for everything from poached eggs to scrambled eggs and rich mayonnaise. lakeland.co.uk *If the prize is not available the winner will be given a voucher of the same value

Can you outline deposits and how they affect your mortgage?

Is there a minimum or maximum amount you must have? Do I need to pay a deposit?

Jordan Waters FTB: If you want to take out a mortgage you will need a deposit.

Typically for first time buyers this is anything between 5% to 15% of the total market value

Please send us your questions, comments and suggestions concerning property, or the articles in First Time Buyer magazine.

First Time Buyer Letters, 37 Ivor Place, London NW1 6EA lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk

I am currently looking for a mortgage for my first property. I have come across both repayment mortgages and interestonly mortgages. What is the difference and is one any better than the other?

Sandra Polton

DEPOSITS

WRITE TO US!

of the property, but it could be more. The bigger your deposit, the smaller your mortgage will be as you will need to borrow less, which means there will be less interest to pay as well. If you are able to get a large deposit together you could be eligible for more competitive mortgage rates.

The larger the deposit you can save up, the stronger position you will be in. It isn’t easy but will pay off in the end.

While I am nearing the end of my first time buyer journey and have almost secured a property, I am wondering what kinds of insurance do I need to take out? I have heard lots of things being said but not sure what is required and what is optional.

Tasmin Henry FTB: Insurance is a key part of buying a property and will cover you if something were to happen to you or your home. The more insurance you have the more secure you will feel, but this obviously comes at a cost. Without buildings insurance no lender will ever loan you money, so this is the bare minimum you have to have. It is very good advice however to get more than this. Contents insurance is not a necessity but will protect anything inside your home in case of accident or theft.

No doubt you will be offered income protection insurance and this will cover your mortgage repayments if you cannot work due to sickness or injury. There is also specialist insurance that will cover anything that isn’t an everyday circumstance such as if your house is in a highrisk area, will be unoccupied for long periods of time or has a special design feature in it.

ADDITIONAL COSTS When buying a new home, what additional costs do I need to factor in that perhaps I haven’t thought about? I don’t want any nasty surprises later down the line that I haven’t thought about.

Phoebe Heaton FTB: You are right to be wary of additional costs as they can add up, and if you haven’t factored these in then you could be in for a bit of a surprise. Firstly, there is Stamp Duty, although at the moment there is a Stamp Duty holiday until the end of March 2021. You will need to get a valuation for lending purposes but this may not be charged for, depending on your mortgage product. You will also need to get a survey done such as a homebuyer report or a full

structural survey. You will need to find a conveyancer to do all the legal work involved in buying a home, and it is advisable to ask for a quote. If you use a mortgage broker they will charge a fee for their services and depending on what mortgage you take out this may also incur a fee. Again, check this at the start of the process. Finally, think about removal fees – depending on what you have to take with you to your new home you may consider hiring a van and doing it yourself.

Do your research early on to ensure you know what costs you will have to pay for.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE For everything you need to know about buying for the first time, go to firsttimebuyermag.com

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OPINION

WORLD

TV presenter and property expert Jonnie Irwin gives his thoughts and views on first time buyers and the housing market

We all love a box set, don’t we? For those of us without small children, you probably got the chance to binge watch quite a few over the lockdowns. Due to work and since the twins landed, my TV viewing has been curtailed to an hour each night, so I’ve wanted to make it count. A current favourite in our house is The Crown. I must say I quite enjoyed the scene where Maggie T was made to feel awkward and rebuked by Princes Margaret who scolded her for merely saying “I beg your pardon”!

For some reason, this struck a chord with me, and I’ve thought about it a few times since. I think as a general rule, most of us are fairly apologetic. It’s seen by many as good manners. Of course, there are some people who are plain rude, but lets politely usher them to one side for a moment (while whispering “I’m so sorry” to them in their ear).

I use apologetic phrases all of the time, and it’s this deference that I’m sure some might find disarming, but perhaps has a side effect of making me, at least subconsciously, not always feel as confident as I might. Sure, we all get moments of self-doubt, but there’s an argument for taking stock of ourselves or our position and acting accordingly.

Take the world of property as an example. I’ve done my 10,000 hours, as they say, and after 20 years in the industry would class myself as an expert. In this field, I’m pretty confident.

When I recently put an offer in to buy a house, I was met with a whole host of questions from the selling agent. I remember feeling a little put-out that they were treating me this way, but on reflection they were doing their job for their client, the owner.

The reality is that I’ll need to get a mortgage, and while my house that I’m selling is close to exchange, it is admittedly in a small chain.

Obviously, I know the system and have confidence in my ability to perform as a buyer, but like many people who offer on a property, mine comes with a few strings attached and is dependent on a veritable stranger buying my house, who in turn is equally reliant further down the chain and so on.

First time buyers have little experience or their knowledge of the process is anecdotal at best. I don’t blame you for not being confident, and the fact that you are reading this marvellous (award-winning) publication is testament to your diligence. Ironically, it’s you, however, that should be bowling into an estate agent with an eager expression, as you have the power to make swift decisions

Photo © Mike Prior

and “perform” quickly. Obviously, there’s a little leg work to do prior to this, in getting a mortgage in principle from your lender, but armed with that in your back pocket your walk should be more of a swagger!

In light of the recent mini boom, we have witnessed, I believe, some agents are taking their eyes off the ball and concentrating on the bigger deals that pay the larger fees.

This, of course, is understandable – but the bigger the deal the longer the buying chain can be, and you offering on a property to an estate agent should be a very welcome sight, no matter what the rest of the market is doing.

Admittedly, your biggest hurdle, once you’ve secured your finance, is competition from other first time buyers, but agents will at least see you as more of a sure thing. So, with that in mind, walk tall and be proud of being a first time buyer – after all, you’re the ones propping up the rest of the property market.

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FTB LOVES

What’s hot in the shops? Always on the lookout for exciting and innovative new ideas and accessories that will help create the perfect space, here are our favourites this issue

Tea-rrific tea towels

ckdo Love Lo

There is nothing quite as offputting as a pile of washing up.

Of all the household chores it can be the most tedious – so why not spice it up? We love these bold and colourful tea towels, with their retro prints of some of our favourite artists. So, whether you fancy belting out Wuthering Heights or Another One Bites the Dust, you can be sure that your dishes will rock! The tea towels are also 100% cotton and machine washable.

Celebrity tea towels towels, £12.50 each, Red Candy redcandy.co.uk

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lockdown, but that We may be facing another in style. Valentine’s ting bra cele you stop shouldn’t s, but you card the off day meals out may be to create a e hom r you te ora dec ly can definite fect for making per is ting bun romantic setting. This to add a sense and , cial spe feel one d your love ked (or takeaway) of occasion to your home coo ge designed to ran zing ama an of t dinner. Par rooftops – or at the from help you shout your love ls! wal the from it g least han garland, £5.99, Rose Gold Happy Valentines Ginger Ray gingerray.com

Delicious Dumplings

Part of Prue Leith’s new range with Lakeland, this dumpling pan is inspired by her trips around the world, and particularly to Denmark.

Crisp golden brown on the outside and fluffy on the inside, it’s hard to beat the delicious flavours of stove-top dumplings. This cast iron pan means you can make seven traditional Danish Aebleskiver balls at once, so whether you’re a sweet or savoury person, you’re sure to have enough dumplings for both options. The pan comes with a fabric handle to allow you a more comfortable grip and a recipe for double cheese and spring onion bites with sour cream dip. The non-stick enamel coating is BPA free. The pan is compatible with most stove tops and also includes Lakeland’s three-year guarantee.

Prue’s World cast iron dumpling pan, £24.99, Lakeland lakeland.co.uk

Flippin’ Lovely

Whether you are a flipper or prefer the safety of a spatula, we can all agree there’s nothing quite like a traditional British pancake. It doesn’t matter if you like lashings of lemon with sugar, or you prefer golden syrup – this Shrove Tuesday make sure you whip up the perfect batch of batter to get creative with, using this range of pancake tools. The radiant crepe pan is perfect for getting a quick and even bake, and the non-stick coating means an easy flip (even for beginners). Plus, we all know the secret to the best pancakes is the batter, and this balloon whisk will make sure your pancake mix is whisked to a smooth consistency with ease.

Pancake tools, from £12, Judge horwood.co.uk

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Homepage LIVING

r C o l o uw ! d l r o r u yo

ux on a feature wall will bring A coat of Lost Lake paint by Dul e Tasman Sea to life. Accessoris the gorgeous blue waves of the Lemon Drop and add a with shades of Butterscotch and l ch of nature to the room as wel succulent plant to bring a tou as reducing toxins in the air.

With all our travel plans on hold, why not bring your holiday to your home? Transport your dream location indoors with these eye-catching accessories inspired by colour palettes from destinations around the world. With the perfect mix of both warm and cool tones, you can add that splash of adventure needed to refresh any room

Marine Splash 25L, £29.16, Dulux

Lost Lake 25L, £29.16 ,Dulux

Trellis rug, £40, Argos

Slogan planter, £10, Argos Landau cushion cover, £16.99, Wayfair

Succulents in terrarium, £45, Next Marco office chair, £120, Habitat

Hazel Face poster, £8.95, Desenio

Subconscious Mind poster, £8.95, Desenio

Ceramic table lamp, £39.50, Oliver Bonas

This deep, rich colour palette instantly transports you to the iconic road that is Route 66. Choose a statement chair and add accessories in accents of Citrus and Peach Bloom to complete the look.

Rope lampshade, £22, Argos

Pepper Red 25L, £29.16, Dulux

Pure Cocoa 25L, £29.16, Dulux

Cheetah knitted cushion, £49, Sophie Allport

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First Time T Buyer February/March 2021

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Homepage LIVING ed palette This vibrant blue and green-bas vibe to any will immediately add a Scandi themed room. Accessorise with oceanl Blue rke Sno colours of the Fjords like osphere. atm and Opal to create a calming

Tarragon Glory 25L, £29.16, Dulux

Royal Regatta 2 25L, £29.16, Dulux

Foamy Ocean poster, £14.95, Desenio

Pedestal plant pots, set of 2, £29.50, Oliver Bonas

Midnight Blue lampshade, from £40, Mint&May Large snake plant, £56, Leaf Envy

Hamilton adjustable bar stool, £125, Next

Mustard metal storage trunk, £37.99, Beautify

Teal tassel cushion, £5, Poundland Doris accent armchair, £249, Made.com

Eden Deboss Fern ceramic planter, £12, Habitat

Inspired by the majestic highla nds and glittering lochs of Scotlan d, choose natural, earthy tones like Molé, Courtyard and Antique Moss to form a backdrop to your Scottish-them ed room.

Citrus Zing 25L, £29.16, Dulux

Hawaiian Blue 2 25L, £29.16, Dulux

Peacock bedding, double, £21, Argos

CONTACTS » Argos argos.co.uk » Beautify beautify.co.uk » Desenio desenio.co.uk » Dulux dulux.co.uk » Habitat habitat.co.uk » Leaf Envy leafenvy.co.uk » Made made.com » Mint & May mintandmay.co.uk » Next next.co.uk » Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com » Poundland poundland.co.uk » Sophie Allport sophieallport.com » Wayfair wayfair.co.uk

Destination photos courtesy of uswitch.com

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UCH

Homepage LIVING

At home with:

Hayley Sparkes

Hayley Sparkes is an international TV and live events presenter, specialising in fashion, travel and property. She has a raft of new presenting projects including co-hosting an Amazon Prime Travel series, Global Child Child, and was the resident beauty expert on ITV’s This Morning. She talks to Lynda Clark about her passion for the business, her first home and gives some excellent advice for first time buyers

FTB:: Tell us about your first step on the property ladder HS: I was quite young when I bought my first home. I was 21 and it was just after I left university. I bought it with my expartner and we managed to buy a three bedroom semi. I remember how excited I was to get the keys to my own home! I have always been a workaholic and worked three jobs throughout the time I was studying.

You get long holidays as a student and so I always volunteered to do extra shifts.

I worked for a cruise line company and in retail as well – I would honestly take anything on! I managed to save, and with the help of the family who lent us a little bit towards our deposit, which we paid off in six months, we were able to buy a home of our own. We lived there for about five years and then moved up the property ladder. I was with my ex-partner for 16 years and when we eventually split up I bought his share of the house we lived in. It is a lovely four bedroom detached house on the Essex/Suffolk border and has everything you could wish for in a home. I rent it out now and I am going to buy a new place just for me!

FTB:: What is your new home like?

HS: I have been staying with a friend near Epping and I really love the area. I have found a house on a beautiful estate in Newhall near Epping which I can afford and it’s perfect – it backs on to forest and

countryside. I am going to buy a four bedroom semi which is on a very modern eco estate and is near the Overground, which will be perfect to get around. I decided to look at a different area, which I would advise anyone buying to do, as if you compromise you get so much more for your money. It’s very exciting and I am really looking forward to moving in!

FTB: Tell us about your career HS: I always wanted to be a TV presenter even as a child – we were constantly putting on shows and entertaining our family. I began a law degree at university but soon decided fashion marketing was more for me and changed courses. I worked in marketing and PR for a beauty company, which I enjoyed, but then suddenly it felt like I had a tap on the shoulder and somebody saying, ‘you

“I DECIDED TO LOOK AT A DIFFERENT AREA, WHICH I WOULD ADVISE ANYONE BUYING TO DO, AS IF YOU COMPROMISE YOU GET SO MUCH MORE FOR YOUR MONEY” 14 First Time Buyer February/March 2021

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Homepage LIVING

“BE PREPARED TO LOOK AT UP-ANDCOMING AREAS AND BE OPEN TO MAKING SOME SACRIFICES”

have lost your way and you are not on the right path’. So, I decided to go for it and left a very steady job and set up my own PR company, which was pretty brave but it really paid off. I did everything from building a website to the accounts. I started presenting about 11 years ago and I worked for the Property Channel for Sky for about three years and it was great. We travelled all around the UK showcasing properties and doing features on the area. It was a great insight into property prices as we looked at apartments which were going for a million pounds to homes in the north where you could get six bedrooms for £400,000. I also specialised in beauty at the time and ITV asked me to present on This Morning which I absolutely loved. I then did a five-part documentary on Taiwan for Sky and as I adore travelling this was a dream job.

FTB: What are you working on now?

HS: I have been working with Global Child which is a hugely successful travel series on Amazon Prime. For series three I will be co-presenting some wonderful shows from places like Malta, Mauritius, Belgium and the Seychelles. It has been very hard during the pandemic and obviously travel has suffered a great deal. We give a snapshot of what these places have to offer and why people should consider visiting them and as they all rely on tourism hopefully it will encourage people to go when they can.

FTB: You are also an influencer – how has that worked for you?

HS: Well, I had about 25,000 followers which was amazing but recently I got hacked and blackmailed which has been horrendous. During this crisis there have been so many scams and problems and sadly I was targeted. I had to go to the police who took this very seriously as these people had access to all my contacts and my address. I tried to stay positive but in the end I had to start again from scratch. I am building up my followers again now, but it has been a complete nightmare and has had a negative impact on my income and earning potential!

FTB: Apart from your presenting do you do anything else?

HS: I am a brand ambassador and I do some modelling part time which is really fun. I present for some fantastic beauty brands on Ideal World shopping channel.

I also have a weekly music show on Sky channel Spotlight TV called Hayley’s Happy Hour. We only play feel-good music across the decades and I take requests and play some really uplifting music. During this very difficult time I know it has helped a lot of people, which is wonderful, and it is lovely to know I am doing something which lifts people’s spirits.

coming areas and be open to making some sacrifices. Sometimes if you look outside your chosen area you will find some really affordable homes in an area that is going to be regenerated. If you are in a position where you can’t afford to buy your own dream home then you could buy in a cheaper area and rent it out, which will bring you an income and enable you to have some time to save up and eventually buy the property you want to live in. Think creatively, so you might consider buying with a friend, and look at the Government schemes too. Research is key, and be openminded and never overstretch yourself.

FTB: What advice do you have for first time buyers?

HS: Be prepared to look at up-and-

Follow Hayley on Instagram @hayleymsparkes hayleysparkes.co.uk

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Homepage FIRST RUNG

The

HOUSE HUNTER

What we found…

THE NORTHERN STAR Parkside Place, Wembley, north west London

FROM £80,000*

THE COMMUNITY FEEL Evolution Southall, west London

FROM £65,625*

This month FTB goes on the hunt with Claudia and Nico Chatterton who are after a one bedroom home close to Southall, west London

PROFILE

Names Claudia Chatterton, 29, Nico Chatterton, 36 Occupations Teaching assistant and store manager Maximum budget £200,000 Requirements A home with one or more bedrooms close to Southall in the London Borough of Ealing. Outdoor space, good bus links and plenty of options to eat out are essential, along with some nice parks and open spaces close by

What she wanted…

After renting a tiny studio for the past 18 months, we are really excited about buying our first home together. Our main requirement is that we’re nice and close to our workplaces. Nico is a manager at a large 24-hour supermarket near Southall, and works on a rota, so because he sometimes works nights, it’s nice to live quite close by to cut down on travel times. I work at a school in Acton, so I just need good bus or train links. Although we like to cook, we do often find ourselves either going out to eat or ordering in, and we’d love to have some good restaurant choices nearby. We do also like to get out and go cycling, jogging or just exploring at weekends, so some lovely parks and places to run and walk would be a great option. We have been saving together and have a deposit of £20,000, and a budget of around £200,000.”

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This appropriately named development close to Wembley is surrounded by green space, with several parks within just moments of the front door. The one and two bedroom apartments feature bright open-plan living areas, sleek fitted kitchens, en suites in the larger properties, and balconies or garden terraces on the ground floor for enjoying some private outdoor space. From Sudbury and Harrow rail station, central London can be reached in less than 20 minutes, while Wembley is around a 15-minute walk for an extensive range of shops and eateries.

Lively Southall provides the setting for this new mix of studio, one, two, three and four bedroom properties. The nearby town centre provides plenty of shopping and eating, while green space and parkland, as well as the Grand Union Canal, lie just a few moments away. The properties are spacious and contemporary, with engineered wood flooring and stylish fitted kitchens. Residents also have access to a raised courtyard garden and communal spaces. From Southall station, central London can be reached in around 18 minutes by train.

nhillsales.comk

networkhomessales.co.uk

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £320,000

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £262,500

What she thought…

Although Wembley is a little further north than we’ve been looking, it’s actually quite an easy journey to Southall, which makes it a good contender. There are also lots of cool things happening in the area.

BOXPARK Wembley, for example, has loads of new pop-up restaurants we could try out, which is quite exciting.

The homes themselves are really lovely – they’re bright and airy with lots of natural light, and we love that the ground floor properties have garden terraces – just perfect.”

The homes here are chic and modern, and the central garden area, with the planting and communal seating, really appeals. It looks like the perfect place to build a strong community feel and get to know the neighbours. It’s a great location, too, as it’s really quite close to Nico’s work, which would mean very short journeys and much more time at home together. There’s also quite a lot to explore in the area, including great local parks and the many amazing Indian and South Asian restaurants.”

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Homepage FIRST RUNG

THE CANALSIDE VIEWS ARRO at Southall Waterside Southall, west London

FROM £76,875*

THE COMMUTER’S DREAM Junction West Southall, west London

FROM £91,200*

First choice!

THE NEW VILLAGE

FROM £66,000*

Union Walk Southall, west London

This new collection of one and two bedroom homes is perfectly located for enjoying the best of vibrant Southall – with the town centre to one side and the Grand Union Canal to the other. Featuring more than 3,000 new properties, this project forms part of the area’s ongoing regeneration, which will see the creation of a thriving new community as well as new local facilities including an on-site park.

New Crossrail services will cut travel times from Southall to Bond Street to as little as 17 minutes, making commuting even easier than it is now.

Just moments from Southall station, and with the town centre and canal on the doorstep, these new properties are in an ideal spot for enjoying all the area has to offer. Travel connections are great, too, making it a perfect spot for commuters. The apartments range from one to three bedrooms, all with bright open-plan living areas and floor-to ceiling windows, plus en suite bathrooms in the bigger properties. Residents have access to a central landscaped garden, while Southall Park is a short walk away, and Osterley Park a short drive or cycle.

catalyst.homes

junction-west.co.uk

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £307,500

This really does look like such an exciting time for Southall, with lots of new homes and developments in the area, and these apartments look so great! We’re really keen on being close to the canal as it has great paths for cycling and jogging. The development is really close to Minet Country Park, which is lovely. And it’s perfect for getting into the town centre and into work. The apartments are nicely designed – the rooms are spacious and the wooden flooring is just gorgeous – very stylish indeed!”

*Based on a 30% share of the full market value of £304,000

These homes are certainly good for commuting and getting around the city! The station is really close, which would make it so easy not only for travel but for when friends come to visit. The apartments are very stylish, and spacious – such a far cry from our current cramped studio flat. We really like the central gardens, too, as having a green space that’s just for residents is really appealing to us. And of course, the balconies and terraces would be ideal for summer evenings eating alfresco.”

t of the ion of homes forms par This popular new collect st mo ’s don ject, one of Lon larger Green Quarter pro ge villa new The es. programm extensive regeneration luding a inc – ties eni am of ge ran will eventually include a be located ps, many of which will cinema, school and sho The . nal Ca the Grand Union along a 1km stretch of ms and roo bed two to studio properties here range from with energy d, min in g livin n der mo have been created with green as views over the local efficient features as well s. conies and terrace spaces and private bal unionwalk.com *Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £264,000

THE NEXT STEP

“Having got a good feel for Southall, its vibrant town centre and the new developments, we’re sure we’d like to put down roots here. Union Walk is a fantastic option and we’ve registered our interest and contacted a mortgage broker to discuss our mortgage options. We’re now feeling very positive.”

We have a really good feeling about these apartments – we like the design of the buildings, the communal green spaces and the open-plan living areas. We’re also excited that there are so many on-site facilities – meaning we’d never have to venture far for essentials and things to do. Southall has a lot to offer and we love the upbeat and friendly vibe in the town centre, which is always buzzing. Of course, Crossrail will really add to the good points, too, and will mean we’d be able to travel quickly to east London, where Nico’s family live, as well as to south London, where I have lots of friends.”

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ADVICE

Kush Rawal has worked in the housing sector for more than 15 years, beginning at Thames Valley Housing Association in 2005 as a Marketing Executive and working his way up to director level, initially as Commercial Director at the company before embarking on his current role as Director of Residential Investment at the merged Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing

Q

I’m currently renting and would like to buy my first home this year.

I hope to stay in south London but will be unable to afford to buy outright. I have heard about shared ownership and I think this will be my route to owning a home. Where should I start my search for a shared ownership home?

A

It’s positive to hear that as a first time buyer, you have ambitions to get on to the property ladder this year. After a challenging 2020, there is a lot to feel optimistic about this year as we hopefully begin to return to normality, so it is a great time to buy if you are in a position to do so, particularly given the current low mortgage rates and availability of homes.

You have quite rightly mentioned shared ownership as a route to homeownership.

For those unfamiliar with the scheme, buyers can purchase a minimum 25% with a low 5% deposit. Buyers will then have the option to increase their shares over time through a process known as staircasing.

Shared ownership is an excellent product and has enabled thousands of first time buyers to get on to the property ladder and gain the security that comes hand-in-hand with homeownership.

You are currently renting in south London, and feel that this is the part of the capital you would like to buy a new home in. South London is home to a number of boroughs where getting on to the property ladder is affordable thanks to the availability of shared ownership, such as Croydon, Lambeth and Sutton. At SO Resi, our most searched for location is Croydon.

Croydon has great potential for first time buyers looking to make a real return on their investment, with house prices more affordable than inner city areas. The area has a lot to offer thanks to its combination of excellent transport links into central London, pockets of restaurants and bars including BOXPARK, and green beauty

18

spots. Croydon is also being supported with grant funds from the Mayor’s Regeneration Fund in a bid to make major changes to the town over the next 20 years.

It can be difficult to know where to search for your first home, which is why we have launched SO Resi Agency – an innovative new shared ownership sales agency offering properties from ourselves and external parties, be it other housing associations, local authority housing

Kush Rawal, Director of Residential Investment at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing

providers, investment funds or private developers. As a buyer you will have access to a wide range of homes across the country, and will be able to narrow your search down to south London to explore the homes available.

I would encourage you to get in touch with our dedicated SO Resi team, who will be able to help with your property search and answer any questions you may have about the homebuying process.

Brick By Brick – s Heathfield Garden

FROM

£TBC

Located in central Croydon, Heathfield Gardens offers a collection of 20 new one, two and three bedroom apartments and maisonettes available through shared ownership. All homes benefit from their own private outside space alongside access to a communal landscaped area.

Heathfield Gardens is close to the restaurant quarter and a short walk from Croydon town centre, offering access to the high street, independent shops and cafes, cinemas, libraries, parks and BOXPARK. The local area benefits from excellent connections around Croydon and beyond to central London and Gatwick airport, with a number of buses, trams, trains and London Overground within easy reach. soresi.co.uk

First Time Buyer February/March June/July 2018 2021

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THE VIEW

"I NEVER UNDERSTOOD THAT YOU SHOULD ONLY BE INTERESTED IN JUST ONE THING. OF ALL THE THINGS I HAVE DONE AND ACHIEVED, I AM MOST PROUD OF MY BOOKS, AND I WOULD LIKE ONE WORD ON MY TOMBSTONE – NOVELIST"

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THE VIEW

p u g n i k o o C a Storm

Unless your TV has been turned off for the last few years, you’ll instantly recognise Prue Leith as one of the judges from Channel 4’s much-loved show, The Great British Bake Off. Here she talks to Lynda Clark about her first home and her incredible career as a successful chef, cookery school founder, restaurateur and writer

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THE VIEW

"OTHER COUNTRIES DON’T HAVE THIS OBSESSION ABOUT OWNING YOUR OWN HOME, BUT IN ENGLAND WE ALL ASPIRE TO BUY A HOME"

T

o anyone with a keen interest in cookery, Prue Leith is a legend. Just like millions of other people who tune in to watch her on The Great British Bake Off each week, I knew Prue was one of the biggest names in the world of food, but when I did some research in preparation for our interview, I was astounded by Prue’s story – she has had the most incredible life.

It might surprise you to know that Prue didn’t have much of an interest in cooking growing up... “I was born in South Africa, and my childhood there was very happy.

We were a privileged family with a lovely lifestyle, and we had a great Zulu cook called Charlie, who ran the kitchen and cooked our meals. It never really occurred to me that I would become interested in cooking, and I really didn’t know yet what I wanted to do.

“We lived in a bit of a backwater, and when I was about 16 or 17, I was desperate to get away and dreamt of going to London, Paris and Rome, where I imagined life would be much more glamorous and fun.

My mother was an actress, so I had an idea that I should go to drama school, but that didn’t work out. I went to an art school too, but was told by the director that I really wasn’t any good and to stop wasting my time. Luckily, my father was very tolerant and so I managed to persuade my parents to let me go to Paris and attend the Sorbonne University.

“I started off by going to a language school so I could learn to speak French and be able to understand the university lectures, and after that I studied the Cours de Civilisation Française at the Sorbonne. I loved living in Paris; the food was amazing, and I suddenly realised I was actually very interested in cooking.

“To study at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris would have been really expensive, so I moved to London where the course was much more affordable. To do the advanced course, you really needed to have had some cookery experience. Even though I’d worked in a restaurant, it was only to wash the dishes, but I somehow bluffed my way in, and they didn’t ask too many questions.

We had friends in London, and I was lucky enough to be able to live with them while I settled in, which was a great help.

"We worked in twos at Le Cordon Bleu, and my partner was a cafe and restaurant owner who wanted to hone her skills. I was great at anything savoury, but not so good at much else; this lady was really excellent – she was a great baker, and I wish I had taken more interest. I often stand next to Paul Hollywood on the Bake Off and I know I’m really not a very good baker like he is!”

Prue eventually moved out of her friends’ home, and into a bedsit in Earls Court. “Around then I started a little

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THE VIEW catering company cooking for dinner parties, which was quite stressful, but I like a little stress, and I really enjoy cooking in large quantities. I was doing a lot of the preparation and cooking in my flat, which I had to hide from the landlady, but luckily I was on the fourth floor so she never really came up there.

“I longed to have my own restaurant but had no money, so my mother helped me out, and I opened Leith’s, my Michelin-starred restaurant in Notting Hill, which I ran for over 25 years. In 1975, I also founded Leith’s School of Food and Wine, which trains professional chefs and amateur cooks, and on the schools 40th birthday we won The Best Cookery School in Europe, which was absolutely incredible. I was very proud, as most top hotels and restaurants had their own cookery school and the competition was fierce, so it was quite an accolade.

“In 1995, I helped found the Prue Leith College, which has since been renamed as the Prue Leith Culinary Institute, in South Africa. Up until then, catering colleges were run with no government funding, and for some dishes they had to use props like plastic lobsters as they just couldn’t afford the real thing. The London school was very successful, and we knew they would run this school under the same set of ideals that we did, so we decided to help them out. The school is based in Pretoria and is now the best college in South Africa. Whenever I visit, everyone is wearing their chef whites with great pride and it is wonderful to see what we have achieved.”

Apart from being passionate about food, Prue has written eight novels, of which she is – quite rightly – very proud.

“I never understood that you should only be interested in just one thing. Of all the things I have done and achieved, I am most proud of my books, and I would like one word on my tombstone – Novelist. When you write a book, you are on your own and you are responsible for everything, from creating the characters to coming up with an interesting storyline. You have to keep on track and remember what you said in chapter one, for example, so timelines are very important. My books are stand-alone novels, but I’ve written a trilogy, too – some are loosely based on things that have happened to me, but they are not at all autobiographical.”

Adding yet another string to her bow, Prue has recently been working with Lakeland, the Lake District-based kitchenware retailer, to design a fabulous new cookware range influenced by her many global adventures. “Initially, I was thinking of doing a range of crockery, but when the lovely people from Lakeland came to visit me at home, they looked around my kitchen and were fascinated

"WHEN WE BOUGHT THE HOUSE, LIVING IN THE COTSWOLDS WASN’T FASHIONABLE LIKE IT IS NOW, BUT WE RENOVATED THE PROPERTY AND LOVED IT" by some of the cookware I’d collected from around the world. Together we picked out some of my favourites, and we decided on a range of really interesting kit – tools that many people might not have already.

Lakeland are absolutely lovely to work with and, like me, they insist everything must be perfect before production. The range is doing really well – the tortilla pan is a bestseller, and the dumpling press is going very well too. I’ve been a Lakeland customer for over 30 years, and I’m delighted that its customers are enjoying cooking with my products.”

Home to Prue is a stunning house in the Cotswolds, which she and her first husband bought in 1976, and where Prue has lived ever since. “When we bought the house, living in the Cotswolds wasn’t fashionable like it is now, but we renovated the property and loved it. My first husband was a writer who was seeking peace and quiet – his idea of hell was a neighbour knocking on the door to borrow a cup of sugar – but the house is on the outskirts of a village, and you literally can’t see another house around it – it’s very private. “Sadly, my husband died in 2002, then five years ago I married again, which was marvellous. We have eight grandchildren between the two of us; John is a whizz at building things, and has created all sorts of wonderful things for the children in the garden. It’s their idea of paradise, with a zip wire, tree walk and climbing wall – they love it!”

Prue knows how hard it is to get on the property ladder and said, “Other countries don’t have this obsession about owning

your own home, but in England we all aspire to buy a home… Back when I was running my little catering company from my bedsit, my husband-to-be was the chairman, but also a property developer.

We found a couple of mews properties in Paddington which were tiny and had garages below them. In Victorian times, horses would have lived in stables where the garages were, and their grooms would have lived in the rooms above.

"The properties were very small, and unconverted, so I borrowed some money from my mother and bought them for £4,000. We renovated them and eventually sold them for £9,000. My advice today would be to keep a very watchful eye on your credit rating – if you have any sort of blip on it, it could be very hard to get a mortgage. I don’t think people realise just how vital it is to keep up with every payment without missing one; everything is tracked, so it could prove tricky when you want to buy your first home; but things worked out well for us.”

Prue has done so many things throughout her life (I haven’t even mentioned her jewellery range!), and it doesn’t look like she’ll be taking her foot off the gas any time soon – even as we wrap up our chat, she is getting ready to do some filming. She puts heart and soul into everything she does, and that’s what makes Prue Leith a legend! We can’t wait to see what she does next. lakeland.co.uk/brands/prue-leith lakeland.co.uk/info/prue-leith

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GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

You Can Buy Y Your our First Home Our research shows that half of you plan to buy your first home using a 5% deposit. Suffice to say, securing a 95% mortgage isn’t as easy as it used to be and, particularly for the 71% of you renting privately while saving for your deposit, making that up to 10% just might not be realistic at the moment.The Government’s Help to Buy and shared ownership schemes offer more affordable routes to getting on the property ladder in the UK and have some key benefits for first time buyers.

Help to Buy: Shared Ownership enables buyers to purchase a share in a home (between 25% and 75%) and pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share of the property.

This could be a newly built home or an existing one through resale programmes from housing associations. Buyers still need a 5-10% deposit to obtain a mortgage, but, since the mortgage is only for a share of the property, this figure is significantly less.

The general eligibility criteria for shared ownership are:  Your annual household income must be less than £80,000 (£90,000 in London)  You are a first time buyer, you used to own a home but can’t afford to own one now or are an existing shared owner looking to move All shared ownership properties are leasehold but while there is a service charge to pay, most buyers find their total monthly costs are still lower than renting on the

24

Here at First Time Buyer magazine, we like to make sure we are giving our readers what they want. Our recent survey has helped us to find out exactly what that is, so we can give you all the support you need to take that all-important first step on the property ladder. Debbie Clark looks at the research and highlights the Government schemes for first time buyers open market. There is the opportunity to buy further shares at any time, known as staircasing, up to 100% ownership of the property. This is a fairly straightforward process. Usually the minimum extra percentage you can buy is 10% but as there are fees involved each time, most people try to buy in larger chunks. In order to staircase, an up-to-date valuation is needed as the additional percentage will be purchased at the current market value. Owners will also need to cover legal fees and any Stamp Duty, so it is advisable to talk to a conveyancer who will assist with the practicalities.

The Government’s Help to Buy: Equity Loan Scheme was also designed to help buyers on to the property ladder. However, as the name suggests, this support comes

in the form of a loan. This scheme will be of particular interest to the 54% of you planning to buy a new home; the Government lends buyers up to 20% of the cost of their newly built home (40% in London) so they only need a 5% cash deposit and can secure a mortgage at a lower LTV (loan to value) to make up the rest. No interest is charged on the loan for the first five years but there are conditions attached, for example buyers cannot sub-let their new home or buy using a part-exchange deal on a previous home.

During the scheme, equity loans have been available to first time buyers as well as homeowners looking to move and have enabled buyers to purchase new build properties priced at up to £600,000. However, important changes to the scheme are

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GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

imminent (1 April 2021) and the scheme is due to end completely in March 2023. While half of our readers hoped to buy under the old scheme, a third planned to use the new scheme. With a view to ensuring that those who most need support to achieve homeownership are targeted in the final two years of the scheme, the Government has made some significant changes and it is important to understand what’s different:  The scheme will only be available for first time buyers, defined as those who haven't previously owned or purchased a property  The scheme will introduce regional property price caps based on local markets, which will set the maximum price of a new build home that can be bought with Help to Buy in any region.

The regional caps are set out below: North East £186,100 North West £224,400 Yorkshire and The Humber £228,100 East Midlands £261,900 West Midlands £255,600 East of England £407,400 London £600,000 South East £437,600 South West £349,000 As a first time buyer, you are still eligible for an equity loan and can utilise this scheme to get your foot on the property ladder.

However, you will perhaps need to look more carefully at what properties are within your budget. The scheme is run by Governmentappointed Help to Buy agents who will guide you through your purchase, including providing general information about the scheme, helping you to identify suitable properties and dealing with your application.

Alternatively, if you see the Help to Buy logo on a new build development, you can enquire directly.

Of those of you looking at new build developments, 50% plan to buy off-plan, 37.5% would not consider it and for the 12.5% wishing to find out more, we urge you to do so! With so many developments selling out off-plan, you could well miss out on your dream home by refusing to do so. Buying offplan can also mean you get more say in the finishes of your new home making it more personal to you.

Our research also showed that 83% of our readers plan to buy a house for their first home. Whatever your plan, we are confident we can help you find your dream home.

Finally, and perhaps unsurprisingly, given the unprecedented year we have all just had, 100% of you said that living near family and friends is important or very important to you.

We have found some great developments across the country to help you make the move wherever those loved ones may be!

ON THE MARKET WINCHESTER, HAMPSHIRE Knights Quarter

FROM £315,000

Situated close to the historic city centre, this impressive development from Berkeley Homes boasts over 200 homes including one, two and three bedroom apartments, penthouses and four and five bedroom townhouses. The development offers generously proportioned layouts, high quality finishes and beautiful architecture and grounds, in addition to an exclusive on-site gym. Knights Quarter is perfect for commuters, with Winchester train station just a 10-minute walk away, with regular services to London Waterloo taking approximately one hour. knightsquarter.co.uk 01962 658 634

BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET The Wessex

FROM £225,000

This new landmark development of 94 one and two bedroom apartments is situated in the heart of Bournemouth. The stylish, spacious apartments are finished to a high specification and benefit from a great location just a short walk from the iconic seafront and famous sandy beach. Residents will also enjoy large expanses of landscaped green spaces and lawn areas, in addition to the practicality of secure underground parking and cycle storage. Bournemouth station is just a 7-minute drive away with access to London Waterloo in two hours. inlandhomes.co.uk 01202 096 864

CASE STUDY

The latest English Housing Survey revealed that for the first time since 2012, the proportion of 25- to 34-year-olds buying a home has risen above those renting. For Veneza Ruiz, 33, and her partner Bruno, who were renting a one bedroom flat in Willesden Green, there were a number of incentives to move: “We did like it there, but we wanted to live somewhere quieter and, more importantly, we wanted to buy a property. Renting felt like a waste of money.”

The couple started looking for a property in August and looked at a few developments before settling on a two bedroom shared ownership apartment at Network Homes’ The Grove in Borehamwood. Veneza recalls, “It was the location that sold us. We were looking for somewhere more relaxed than our previous area – somewhere that had the best of country and town – and Borehamwood is the perfect blend of the two.”

Veneza couldn’t be happier with their new home, saying, “The finishes are amazing; such great quality.” She also loves the apartment’s outside space and says, “We have a wrap-around balcony, one of the biggest in the block. We’ve got a sofa outside and the sun reaches this area for most of the day, so it’s perfect for sitting outside in the evenings.”

Discussing the shared ownership scheme, Veneza comments, “We found out about the scheme while we were researching Help to Buy, and felt shared ownership was better suited to our needs. We then purchased a 40% share of the property and pay a subsidised monthly rent of £544, with a service charge of £111. We’d definitely recommend the scheme to other people who want to get on the property ladder.”

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GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

CASE STUDY

FROM £112,500*

BECKTON PARKSIDE, NEWHAM Greenway

The two and three bedroom apartments and duplexes at Beckton Parkside offer podium gardens, a residentsonly gym, private outdoor space, concierge service, roof terrace, allocated parking (selected homes) and secure cycle storage. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is just a bus ride away and Royal Albert DLR station only a mile, affording travel to Canary Wharf in 23 minutes and Bank in 26 minutes. Families are well catered for with a selection of fantastic schools within walking distance. There are also a range of financial incentives on offer to support with legal fees, if completing before 31 March 2021.

New research has found that around 14% of first time buyers across the UK have moved back in with their parents in order to save for a deposit, with the average stay likely to last nine and a half years. This approach certainly paid off for solicitor Will King, 27, who continued living with his family in Sittingbourne, Kent, after graduating from university in a bid to save and has recently bought a three bedroom house at Barratt Homes’ Perry Court development in nearby Faversham.

Will comments, “I was careful with what I spent my money on, but living with my family was a huge help. Although I was still paying my way, I was able to save more than if I had been privately renting.”

Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt Kent, adds, “First time buyers are becoming increasingly reliant on their family’s support in helping them get on the property ladder – and the Hotel of Mum and Dad has just as big a role as the more popular Bank of Mum and Dad. We know that average rental costs are rising month-on-month, putting more financial pressure on would-be first time buyers – so the choice to live with parents while saving for a deposit is a great option for many.”

Armed with a sizeable deposit, Will reserved his home off-plan in the summer of 2019, making use of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme. He moved in to the property in August 2020 and says, “By reserving off-plan, this gave me more time to save up for other costs associated with moving and buying your first home, like furniture.”

Will visits offices in Chatham, Canterbury and Whitstable, so Faversham, being convenient to all, is ideal. The development is also close to the train station when he wants to get into London. Like many of us, however, Will has spent the last few months working from home and has now converted the third bedroom into a study. “I was working remotely occasionally pre-Covid, so I always wanted to have a separate workspace in my home,” says Will. “It means I can shut the door at the end of the day and maintain a good work life balance!” Sounds perfect.

peabodysales.co.uk 020 7021 4842 *Based on a 30% share of the full market value of £375,000

FROM £141,750*

KNIGHTS ROAD, SILVERTOWN The Refinery

This superb collection of two and three bedroom apartments in east London are all ready to move into! Situated in the heart of the rejuvenated Royal Docks, The Refinery is just a stone’s throw from West Silvertown DLR station, so well connected too. The apartments feature open-plan kitchen/living rooms and contemporary decoration. The homes also benefit from oak plank wood-effect laminate flooring and a built-in wardrobe and en-suite in the master bedroom.

Residents can enjoy some private outdoor space in the communal rooftop garden. shosales.co.uk/therefinery 0300 555 2171

*Based on a 35% share of the full market value of £405,000

FROM £TBC

FROM £129,000*

ACTON LANE, NW10 LEIGH, GREATER MANCHESTER

Acton Works

This contemporary collection of 39 two, three and four bedroom homes are part of a larger Countryside development called Lindley Place.

Launching soon, the smart, modern homes with allocated parking are well placed, with the nearby town of Leigh providing a wide range of convenient amenities.

This new development, due to be completed in winter 2021, offers a wide range of one, two and three bedroom apartments, including wheelchair-accessible apartments with a car parking space. The homes are part of the wider Old Oak and Park Royal regeneration, making this a great opportunity to buy, particularly for those who live or work in the boroughs of Brent, Ealing or Hammersmith and Fulham, who will be given priority.

plumlife.co.uk/development/lindley-village 0161 447 5050

networkhomesales.co.uk 0300 373 3000

Lindley Village

*Based on a 40% share of the full market value of £322,500

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GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

FROM £91,000*

CRANLEIGH, SURREY Rose Garden

CASE STUDY

This development of modern houses and apartments offers a choice of spacious one and two bedroom apartments alongside substantial two, three and four bedroom houses. The homes offer the convenience of contemporary living in an idyllic location. The pretty market town of Cranleigh lies amid the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; a patchwork of woodland, historic parks, picturesque villages and small farms. The development is also just a short distance from the Surrey Hills and the South Downs so, in addition to a high-quality home, private outdoor space and off-road parking, residents will enjoy some of England’s finest scenery. shosales.co.uk/rosegarden 0300 555 2171

*Based on a 35% share of the full market value of £260,000

FROM £67,375*

LANGHO VILLAGE, RIBBLE VALLEY Petre Wood

FROM £110,000

FELTHAM Centrum

Petre Wood consists of two bedroom bungalows and two and three bedroom houses.

The homes feature high-quality kitchens and bathrooms, turfed gardens and two parking spaces. Known for its scenic countryside, Ribble Valley also has excellent transport links with good motorway connections and public transport options, including a railway station and bus stop with regular services to Blackburn, Preston and beyond.

Coming soon, this contemporary collection of one and two bedroom apartments is located in the charming town of Feltham. Strategically located opposite Feltham station, residents will benefit from journeys to London Waterloo in under 30 minutes, in addition to being at the hub of many local bus routes. The area also benefits from easy access to outdoor space, including local parks and the river. Priority will be given to those who live or work in the London Borough of Hounslow.

plumlife.co.uk/development/petre-wood 0161 447 5050

networkhomesales.co.uk 0300 373 3000

*Based on a 35% share of the full market value of £192,500

NORTHAMPTON

*Based on a 40% share of the full market value of £275,000

FROM £55,625*

My Resi Upton Square

Comprising two bedroom apartments that are beautifully finished, this new development is conveniently located just outside Northampton’s historic centre. Upton Country Park and the River Nene are nearby, with the city centre just a 10-minute drive away. Residents benefit from a wide range of local amenities including shops, eateries, a cinema and bowling lanes. The development is also well connected, with a regular 22-minute bus service to Northampton. Castle Street station is easily accessible for train services to London and Birmingham, and the M1 is close by. myresiuptonsquare.co.uk 020 8607 0550

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £222,500

The Helios Park development by Bellway in Hawley, Hampshire, offers a stunning range of two, three and four bedroom homes within easy reach of Farnborough, Camberley and major transport links for Greater London. This makes it the perfect location for a wide range of purchasers. However, for teachers Ben, 30, and Charlotte, 29, the real appeal was its proximity to both their schools and Charlotte’s parents and twin sister.

So keen were the couple to secure their dream home, they visited the development weekly for six months to talk to the sales advisors and select their property, a three bedroom semi-detached home called The Wyatt. Ben comments, “We love the threestorey design of the townhouse, as our master bedroom suite extends across the whole of the second floor with a dressing area and en suite shower room, and there are two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor for friends and visitors. We also selected this particular property as it has a side-by-side driveway.”

As teachers, Ben and Charlotte’s commitment to the education of the young people they teach has been their priority for the last year.

Within weeks of moving in, Ben was working from home delivering virtual lessons to his Year 4 class, pre-recording YouTube classes and rotating with colleagues to ensure children of key workers could continue to attend school.

Charlotte, a special needs teacher, was working in extraordinary circumstances in school, balancing teaching with supporting those pupils shielding at home, and their families. Thankfully, their new home offered some escapism from the stresses of 2020. Ben says, “We have both been enjoying walking and running in the surrounding woodland and I have set up a gym in our garage.”

Ben and Charlotte used the Government’s Help to Buy scheme to purchase their new home which was invaluable in allowing them to get on the property ladder. Charlotte adds, “We were also assisted by the excellent sales team at Bellway Homes who really helped guide us through the process and even kept the sales office open late so we could collect our keys after work.”

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STAIRCASING

Moving up the housing ladder

Buying through shared ownership is a great way to get on to the property ladder. But the ultimate goal is to buy more shares in your home and own your home outright; this is called staircasing. This simple guide will give you all the information you need to get you started It is most people’s dream to own their home outright and, with shared ownership, it is a good idea to think about staircasing from day one. This is because over periods of time, in most cases*, property values tend to rise more rapidly than people’s incomes. If you park the idea and delay getting around to it, you might find that buying more shares becomes too expensive and unaffordable.

Remember, the more shares you own, the less rent you pay. When you buy all the shares, in some cases, if you live in a house, you will own 100% of the freehold; if you live in an apartment, you will own 100% of the leasehold.

The rent you pay will be re-calculated and, the more you buy, the lower the rent – if you buy 100% of your shares, you will no longer pay ground rent if any is payable. Service charges remain the same, as shared owners pay for these in full right from the start.

HOW TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR HOME IS WORTH The amount you pay for buying extra shares depends on the market value of your property at the time when you staircase. Do take into consideration that the value may be higher or lower than when you first bought shares in the property.

You can get a good idea of your home’s value by browsing through property websites like Zoopla or Rightmove. Local estate agents also provide valuations.

If you decide to go ahead and buy more shares, you will need to get an independent RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) qualified surveyor to provide a written valuation report; this involves a fee. Most housing associations arrange this RICS valuation for you – so make sure you speak with them first.

CAN YOU AFFORD TO BUY MORE SHARES? Stay in touch with your independent mortgage adviser for advice about when you should take the first step on the staircasing ladder. Speak to your adviser about staircasing when you first buy your shared ownership home and make sure you have made it clear that you intend to staircase sooner rather than later. Your adviser is there to work through your affordability and could recommend ways by which you could make staircasing happen.

Saving up to staircase is always difficult, especially at times like this when interest rates on savings are so low. Unless you are lucky enough to receive a cash windfall, staircasing often means borrowing extra money on your mortgage.

People’s circumstances change over time and, if you receive a promotion at work with a hike in your salary, a renewed affordability assessment could work in your favour to make buying more shares a reality.

If you bought your home on your own on a single income, you might find yourself in a relationship with a second income contributing towards your joint household – another key trigger that could make staircasing possible.

Bear in mind you will need to account for legal fees, and Stamp Duty Land Tax may

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STAIRCASING

CASE STUDY

also apply. It is important to note that there are costs involved each time you staircase, therefore if you can do one transaction rather than three, these costs will impact less when working out your budget.

In the first instance, have a chat with your independent mortgage adviser, contact your landlord/housing association and get in touch with your solicitor.

GETTING AN OFFICIAL HOME VALUATION REPORT Start by doing as much research as you can to get a good idea of the value of your property.

You should do this at no cost and without any commitment to spending money. Then get in touch with your provider and find out what the process is. In most cases, housing providers have a panel of independent RICS surveyors who, for a fee, can provide you with a written home valuation report.

WORKING OUT THE COST OF THE EXTRA SHARES The value of the extra shares is determined by the surveyor’s valuation report and, once the housing provider has received the report, they will confirm exactly how much you will have to pay for the share. The valuation report is valid for three months, starting from the date it is written.

If you have made significant improvements to your property that you have paid for yourself, the added value of these will be taken into account in your favour. Improvements considered significant are usually structural improvements such as major works like a new central heating system. Please check with the housing provider before making major improvements.

Improvements from decorating are not normally taken into account.

Shared ownership homeowners have a legal right to staircase, however unless they are staircasing to 100% ownership, affordability will still be assessed. The housing association has to approve the terms of the mortgage offer and to provide approval so that the mortgage lender can benefit from the Mortgage Protection Clause (MPC). The MPC allows the lender to recover certain losses if they ever have to re-possess the property, and the lender will not proceed without approval under the MPC. Housing associations will only give mortgage approval provided they are satisfied on the affordability as otherwise they expose themselves to a greater risk of loss under the MPC. If staircasing to 100% ownership the MPC clause is removed as it is no longer a shared ownership lease so in this case the housing association cannot prevent staircasing based on affordability checks.

EXPERT COMMENT A common misconception is that shared ownership isn’t a real form of homeownership. True, you may not initially own 100% of your property, but when the time is right you can increase your equity by buying more shares in your home – this is called staircasing – which could eventually lead to you owning your home outright. The greater the share you own in your home the less rent you will pay. If you staircase to 100% ownership you become an outright owner and will no longer have to pay the shared ownership rent. However, remember when the shared ownership

COMPLETION The speed of completion depends on the speed of the mortgage offer. It could take as little as one month but it could also take longer. Stay in close contact with your housing provider, your independent mortgage adviser and your solicitor to track progress from start to completion and successful staircasing. * The value of properties can, and does, go down as

rent stops, the yearly ground rent becomes applicable.

Emir Mehmet Staircasing & Resales Manager, Network Homes

Tom O’Connor, 34, was one of the first purchasers at Notting Hill Genesis’ landmark scheme, Royal Albert Wharf, which occupies a superb waterside location within London’s Royal Docks. Tom initially purchased a 40% share in a two bedroom shared ownership apartment for £178,000, and has since increased his share to 70%, on a home with a full market value of £445,000.

Tom explains, “I was astonished at how peaceful Royal Albert Wharf was when I first arrived; it feels like a little village centred around the water. I viewed a show home, but already knew this is where I wanted to be. I was able to buy a two bedroom apartment overlooking the water, which I absolutely adore. My monthly outgoings are around the same as what I was paying in just rent before moving, but I get so much more for my money here, and best of all it’s all mine!

Marketing Data Analyst Tom adds, “Being one of the first to settle here, I was really keen to buy into the regeneration of the area. It has been great to see the surrounding area progress and come up, and it’s been really exciting to have been one of the first few people to see the new facilities here. There are now several local cafes, a new gallery, a CrossFit gym, the new Lockside Kitchen, and the local Gallions Bar, so there is plenty to choose from.”

Talking about his commute he said, “I work at Canary Wharf, so this location is perfect for me as my commute is really easy – Gallions Reach DLR is just a few minutes’ walk away, or I can even walk in around 30 minutes. There is a real sense of community here, which has grown over the last few years, and I’m really excited to see what other facilities will come along and how the area will develop over the years to come.”

Shared ownership homes are still available at Royal Albert Wharf go to nhgsales.com/ sales-developments/royal-albert-wharf/?sharedownership=1 or call 020 3733 1152

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CASE STUDY

It’s often the case that homebuyers are priced out of popular areas in London where they really want to live. Ines Stuart-Davidson, 29, was living in Twickenham with her parents and thought that high property prices would make it impossible for her to buy a home locally. This changed when her mum alerted her to the shared ownership homes at SO Resi Twickenham and, instantly impressed by their central location and modern design, she bought a 25% share in a new one bedroom apartment.

Ines said, “I wanted to live close to my family and to Kew Gardens, where I work as a graphic designer. Prices have rocketed in this area since my parents bought their home here 20 years ago, and I would never have been able to buy a home outright by myself. Lots of my friends have moved to east London where it’s cheaper, but I never wanted to move so far away.”

Although Ines had looked at plenty of apartments online, nothing had caught her eye before she saw SO Resi Twickenham. She says, “Building works were still going on when I first visited, but I felt confident in putting down a deposit straight away. When I walked into the finished apartment for the first time and saw how light, spacious and airy it is, I knew I’d made the right decision – it’s the best place ever!”

Ines paid £105,625 for a 25% share in her apartment (full market value £422,500). Although she only needed a 5% deposit, she put down £65,000 funded by her savings and gifts from her parents and grandparents.

She adds, “Each month I pay around £800 in total which covers my mortgage, my payment to SO Resi and the service charges. Paying a larger deposit has kept my monthly outgoings at a level that I can afford on my salary and have money left over to live on.”

Ines is also keen to buy more shares in her home. Shortly after moving in she increased her share to 26%, thanks to SO Resi’s Shared Ownership Plus scheme which allows her to buy an extra 1% share of her apartment annually for 15 years; the price is fixed at the time of purchase, which saves the cost of valuation, a survey and solicitors fees which are usually required each time you buy more of your home.

“Shared Ownership Plus is a very easy way to buy more shares of my home and saves a lot of expense and hassle – you don’t really have to think about it but you’re always moving forward,” she says.

Ines cycles to work when she can, but she has a good choice of local transport services and catches the bus in winter. Twickenham station is less than five minutes’ walk away and it’s a quick 20-minute train journey to Waterloo to meet friends in central London.

Ines concludes, “Once the building was completed, everything progressed very quickly. I had lots of support from SO Resi and my parents which helped a lot. Shared ownership is a great way to buy and stay in your chosen area; I’d definitely recommend it.”

All the homes at SO Resi Twickenham have been sold, but SO Resi has a wide selection of shared ownership homes across London and the South East. For more information, please visit sharedownership.co.uk or call 020 8607 0550.

CASE STUDY

One million more 20 to 34-year-olds in the UK are living with their parents than they were 20 years ago, according to research from thinktank Civitas.

CJ Glover was among this number when he moved back home with his parents after finishing university. CJ was keen to find a place of his own and live independently again, but this seemed a remote prospect until his mum showed him an article about SO Resi’s shared ownership homes at nearby Cardew Court in Bracknell. The modern apartments and convenient location at this development fitted the bill perfectly and CJ moved quickly to buy the last two bedroom apartment.

CJ, who runs a sports coaching company called In2Sport, comments, “Bracknell is my home town and I wanted to stay in the area to be close to my family and friends, as well as my work. I knew it would be difficult to buy a home because I’m self-employed and wanted to live by myself. Even though I’d been saving hard for two years, I couldn’t afford to buy a property outright in Bracknell, so shared ownership was a great option.”

CJ initially bought a 55% share in his apartment (full market value of £287,500) for £158,125. He only needed a 10% deposit and rounded this up to £16,000, all funded by his savings. His monthly payments were originally around £600 for his mortgage and a payment of £394 to SO Resi on the share he didn’t own, which included service charges.

Since buying that first share in his home, CJ has increased his mortgage and now owns 100% of his property. He said, “I always wanted to own my home outright, but I couldn’t afford to do this initially. That’s what’s great about shared ownership, it allows you to buy in stages, to fit your financial circumstances – it’s perfect for homebuyers who need a helping hand at the start.

“My home is really high quality and brilliant value. I enjoy having a balcony, and with a second bedroom it’s easy for friends and family to stay. It’s ideal for me – I’m five minutes from my parents’ house and from my work. Work takes up most of my time, so it was very important to be close by.”

CJ found the process of buying a shared ownership home very straightforward. He adds, “It was very simple and quick. Everyone at SO Resi sales was friendly and helpful, and once my mortgage was approved, everything progressed very smoothly. As my apartment was new and ready to move into, it was just a case of picking up the keys and moving in. It feels great to have my own space and live independently again. I couldn’t have bought a home in this area without shared ownership – it’s made a huge difference to my life.”

All the homes at Cardew Court have been sold, but SO Resi has a wide selection of shared ownership homes across London and the South East. For more information, please visit sharedownership.co.uk or call 020 8607 0550.

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LOCATION

HOTspot Bristol

5 REASONS WE LOVE…BRISTOL

1. Gloucester Road’s vintage shops 2. Banksy-spotting in Stokes Croft 3. The year-round festival culture 4. Inland surfing at The Wave 5. Clifton’s elegant Georgian architecture

The cosmopolitan city of the South West UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

Bristol is the largest city in the South West, with a long and flourishing history dating back to Roman times, governed today by Bristol City Council, a unitary authority with its own elected mayor. Set on the tidal River Avon, the city is sandwiched between Somerset and Gloucestershire, just over 100 miles from London and 26 miles from Cardiff.

Occupied since the Stone Age, Bristol rose to prominence in the Norman era when it gained charter and county status, and the remains of a Norman castle can still be seen in Castle Park.

During the 17th and 18th centuries the industrial revolution, thriving transatlantic trading and, sadly, the slave trade, brought huge prosperity to the area and led to the building of many of the magnificent Georgian houses that still stand here today.

Everywhere you look in Bristol there is history – its wealth of Tudor buildings, including the Red Lodge Museum with its Elizabethan Knot Garden and Thornbury Castle, have made the city a favourite with film makers, with the BBC drama Wolf Hall filmed in the area, as well as more contemporary shows such as Dr Who and Being Human.

For those looking for an escape from London, Bristol has much to offer, with a chance to enjoy the peaceful surrounding countryside while also making the most of its extensive network of rail services. From the main station, Temple Meads, services reach London Paddington in as little as 1hr 35m. To the north of the city, Bristol Parkway station has services via Swindon and Reading that reach Paddington in 1hr 14m, as well as services to Wales, Gloucester and Birmingham.

The city has a well-developed bus service and its own airport serving a wide range of

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destinations in Europe and beyond.

There is plenty of local employment as well, with large firms and organisations such as the Ministry of Defence, GKN Aerospace, Airbus and Rolls Royce employing thousands of people in the suburb of Filton, just north of the town centre.

Bristol has a population of 463,400, with 16% of the population belonging to BAME groups. According to the council, more than 91 languages are spoken across the city, creating a lively, culturally diverse atmosphere with food and entertainment from around the world. The LGBT+ community is well catered for as well, with a range of popular festivals and nightlife options. Bristol is a young city, with more under-16s than pensioners, promising a thriving, growing economy into the future.

Housing in Bristol is as diverse as the population, and while prices increased by 445% between 1995 and 2019, there are still some modestly priced areas once you step away from the Georgian glories of Clifton Down. There are bargains to be had in Knowle West, particularly former council-owned semidetached and terraced houses, while St George and Hengrove both have a wealth of affordable apartments on offer. It’s also worth looking in Bishopston, where terraced houses have remained very good value, while St Philip’s, a rapidly up-and-coming former industrial area by the harbour, might also turn up some gems.

OUT AND ABOUT Residents of Bristol enjoy a wide range of attractions from museums and cultural visits through to the wet and wild inland surfing venue The Wave where you can put your skills to the test on artificially created breakers up to 2m high.

Two of Bristol’s best-loved attractions celebrate one of the area’s most famous sons, the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, whose masterpiece the Clifton Suspension Bridge offers beautiful views over the gorge.

You can also visit his iconic steam ship SS Great Britain that was rescued from decay in 1970 and restored to its Victorian glory.

Some of the best family entertainment can be found around Millennium Square, including We The Curious, a hands-on, interactive playground with a planetarium and the Bristol Aquarium. Just outside the city, near the vast shopping venue of Cribbs Causeway, you can find Aerospace Bristol with fun for all the family, including the chance to walk through an original Concorde aircraft. Shopping at Cribbs Causeway is a day out in itself, with more than 150 stores including John Lewis, M&S, Next, Boots and other high street favourites, all in an indoor mall.

For more individual options, Gloucester Road has Europe’s longest street of independent shops, including a wide range of retro and vintage stores, while Park Street & The Triangle is the place to head for quirky boutiques.

For top-end designer shops visit Clifton Village’s Regency streets.

LOCATION

FA C T F I L E

Average property price in Bristol (October 2020) – £304,209 Property breakdown Detached – £575,790 Semi-detached – £373,882 Terraced – £314,240 Flats – £238,220 *According to the Land Registry House Price Index

FA M O U S R E S I D E N T S • TV presenter James May • Author J K Rowling • Actor Maisie Williams • Artist Banksy (allegedly) • Actor Patrick Stewart

Some of the most interesting shopping is in the oldest parts of town. Old Market Quarter, for instance, offers vintage fashion, antiques, furniture and specialist shops, plus a range of LGBT-friendly pubs, bars and clubs. St Nicholas Market and the Grade I listed Glass Arcade have a maze of stalls and street food, as well as a rotating diary of specialist markets from vegan to local crafts.

In a city as eclectic as Bristol you could probably eat a different cuisine every day for a month; but one of the trendiest places to eat out is Wapping Wharf, the city’s newest district with a host of small restaurants in shipping containers by the harbour. You can enjoy Mexican street food, Japanese dining, Asian-fusion and tapas, or make a meal out of small-plate Chinese dishes on the rooftop.

There's fine dining by the harbourside as well, although you will need to book ahead to get a table at Casamia, famous for its seasonal cuisine. Lovers of Caribbean food can find plenty of choice in the St Pauls area, while St Mark’s Road in Easton is famed for its Middle Eastern and Asian restaurants.

If you are drinking rather than eating, Welsh Back is popular for local beer and cider (there are more than 20 breweries in Bristol, plus numerous microbreweries) and you can even enjoy a drink on a houseboat, such as The Apple, which specialises in cider.

Bristol is famous for its cocktail culture; The Rummer, for example, has more than 500 different spirits and its own gin distillery!

Bristol is known for its many festivals including Bristol Harbour Festival of maritime life, Upfest, Europe’s largest graffiti art festival, and the world-famous four-day International Balloon Festival.

HOMES ON THE MARKET...

FROM £430,000

BRISTOL

The General

The General is the award-winning transformation of Bristol’s former general hospital. The Grade II listed buildings have been restored and redesigned to create stunning homes, which have been imaginatively crafted within the original building, while an additional range of luxurious new apartments have been added to the site. The last few remaining one and two bedroom apartments in the listed building overlook the Bathurst Basin and the River Avon. As well as the apartments, there are a small number of commercial units on the lower ground level. cityandcountry.co.uk/development/properties-in-the-general-bristol/6

FROM £245,000

BRISTOL

Factory No.1

Factory No.1 offers 271 new apartments, many of them crafted within the buildings that were once the headquarters of Imperial Tobacco. Now City & Country is writing a new chapter for the site with new homes being created from two Victorianera buildings called Consort House and Regent House and five stylish new apartment buildings designed around attractively landscaped courtyard gardens. Imperial Arcade on East Street will also be restored and transformed into a collection of creative workspaces and new retail premises. The apartments in this gated development boast a range of original features, including fireplaces, cornicing and plasterwork, as well as large windows and generous ceiling heights. All of the one, two and three bedroom homes feature a contemporary yet original interior design and kitchens come with integrated appliances. cityandcountry.co.uk/development/properties-in-factory-no1-bristol/18

FROM £199,995

FISHPONDS, BRISTOL

COMING SOON

Vistry Partnerships is transforming the former Blackberry Hill hospital in Bristol into 346 one, two, three and four bedroom new homes, including 100 affordable homes. As well as new homes, the project will also create retail and start-up business units, a community building and extensive green spaces. The development is just a short walk from local amenities including independent stores, cafes, a GP surgery and Post Office.

Help to Buy is also available.

BoKlok on the Brook is a new collection of environmentally friendly apartments and houses in Bristol. While BoKlok is well established in Sweden this will be its first UK scheme. This new collection of homes, which comprises 173 houses and apartments, is set to become a new community in its own right.

Well connected by road and rail, Bristol Temple Meads railway station is just four miles away. Built using modern methods of construction and designed to reduce energy use, they are an affordable route into homeownership.

lindenhomes.co.uk/developments/bristol/ blackberry-hill-bristol

To find out more about the scheme go to boklokonthebrook.co.uk

Blackberry Hill

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

GET A TASTE OF LIFE IN MOTION Waltham Forest, one of the greenest boroughs north of the River Thames¹, is fast becoming one of London’s up-and-coming locations; with an abundance of leisure amenities, 18 miles of segregated cycle lanes², and conveniently placed rail links piquing the interest of city dwellers in search of a dynamic new home. Situated within the heart of this exciting east London district is Peabody’s attractive development, Motion Comprising a chic collection of two and three bedroom shared ownership apartments, this latest phase at the scheme is now more than 60% sold. Buyers can visit the development’s stunning show home, which can be found on the eighth floor of an impressive landmark tower, and was designed by esteemed interior design company SUNA. Rebecca Hunt, interior designer for SUNA comments, “We felt it was important to ‘bring the outside in’ by incorporating leafy patterns into the design. We used tropical mural wallpaper as a feature wall for bedroom two, and a striking jungle print on the living/dining room wall. We continued this theme further by using a similar colour palette on the terrace, along with comfortable, modern furniture. We completed the property with rich green and burgundy wall paint, unique artwork, and a sophisticated banquette table and seating in

the dining room. Overall, the decor gives the apartment a distinctly modern feel – perfect for 21st century buyers.”

Properties at Motion have been thoughtfully designed with flexible openplan living arrangements and floor-toceiling windows to create an impressive sense of space and light. Residents will also have access to a dedicated concierge service and a beautifully landscaped courtyard garden at the centre of the development.

The show home at Motion features two well-proportioned bedrooms – the master coming complete with an en suite, and the second being served by a stylish main bathroom. The large open-plan kitchen/living/dining area is extended further via sliding doors leading out to an extensive balcony. North-east facing, the property benefits from dual aspect views, guaranteeing a spectacular spot to relax no matter the time of day.

Kitchens feature a selection of Bosch and Zanussi integrated appliances, LED feature lighting, and soft closing doors and drawers. Bathrooms come with Ideal Standard sanitaryware, Hansgrohe showers and mixer taps, and dark wood-effect vanity tops. Thoughtfully designed by SUNA Interior Design, the new show home is complete with dramatic feature paint and wallpaper, striking velvet chairs, minimalist coffee tables and dining furniture, outdoor seating and tropical houseplants.

East London is well-renowned as the creative hub of the capital, with an abundance of art and culture options nearby; including Broadway Market in Hackney, ideal for purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables from independent retailers.

Residents in search of that all-important green space are also well-catered for, with the green spine of the Lee Valley Regional Park situated just moments from their doorstep, giving access to stunning landscapes, active waterways and regional sporting facilities.

For those who need easy access to public transport, Lea Bridge station is just a few minutes’ walk from the development.

From here, it is a direct six-minute journey to Stratford, where shopping and leisure options are abundant. The location is also ideal for cyclists, with the Mayor of London’s Mini-Hollands fund providing extensive investment into new cycleways and footpaths, including a new cycle superhighway that passes by Motion.

Prices for homes at Motion start from £135,000 for a 30% share of a two bedroom apartment, or £130,000 for a 25% share of a three bedroom apartment.

For information visit peabodysales.co.uk 1 london.gov.uk/in-my-area/waltham-forest 2 enjoywalthamforest.co.uk/about-mini-holland

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ON THE MARKET

EXPERIENCE NEW! EXPERIENCE INLAND!

With spectacular homes available across the South and South East from just £180,000, Inland Homes’ luxury one, two and three bedroom properties are perfect for first time buyers looking to take their first step on the property ladder Randalls

Centre Square

The Wessex

CAREFULLY DESIGNED, INSIDE AND OUT Offering a contemporary specification, thoughtfully planned layouts and stylish open-plan kitchen/living areas, every Inland home is designed to maximise light, space and versatility. Contemporary kitchens with integrated appliances and premium bathrooms are included to add to the quality feel.

CENTRE SQUARE, HIGH WYCOMBE Set in a prime position in the centre of High Wycombe, the newest phase at Centre Square offers one and two bedroom apartments within a gated development. All apartments feature a premium specification and private balconies or terraces are available, with many overlooking the beautifully landscaped communal gardens.

Each home boasts light and airy open-plan interiors with designer features and an unrivalled specification.

Homes at Centre Square are available from £227,500.

RANDALLS, UXBRIDGE Integrating the iconic art deco facade of this Grade II listed former department store, Randalls is located in the heart of Uxbridge with a plethora of shopping facilities, restaurants and bars on the doorstep and Uxbridge tube station just a few minutes’ walk away.

Chapel Riverside

Dalloway House and Charleston House present a boutique collection of one and two bedroom apartments. Boasting an exceptional specification throughout, homes here offer buyers a place to retreat while maintaining easy access to all that Uxbridge has to offer.

Homes at Randalls are available from £350,000.

THE WESSEX, BOURNEMOUTH The Wessex is a landmark development of 94 one, two and three bedroom apartments, with easy access to Bournemouth’s very best facilities right on the doorstep and the world-famous sandy beach just a short walk from the front door. These desirable new homes blend seamlessly with the art deco architectural heritage of the area while offering thoughtfully designed interiors, access to secure underground parking facilities, landscaped green spaces and lawn areas for residents to enjoy.

Homes at The Wessex are available from £225,000.

VENUE, MAIDENHEAD Venue comprises a charming collection of just 39 one and two bedroom apartments in the heart of Maidenhead.

Offering fast and direct links into London, a range of leisure facilities and doorstep access to the River Thames, residents will be well-equipped to enjoy a stylish new home in a flourishing location.

Set behind private gates, each home is

Meridian Waterside

finished to a high standard and completed with Inland’s signature specification.

Homes at Venue are available from £299,999.

CHAPEL RIVERSIDE AND MERIDIAN WATERSIDE, SOUTHAMPTON Inland Homes offers two award-winning waterside developments in vibrant Southampton city.

Chapel Riverside is situated along the west bank of the River Itchen and offers contemporary one and two bedroom apartments. All residents at Chapel Riverside can enjoy the landscaped podium gardens, riverside walkways and easy access to an abundance of nearby amenities. Waterfront homes offer breathtaking views of the River Itchen from private balconies and stylish full-length windows.

Homes at Chapel Riverside are available from just £180,000.

A short distance along the River Itchen is Meridian Waterside, a bespoke collection of one and two bedroom apartments offering spacious open-plan kitchen/living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows and allocated parking, with private balconies available.

Homes at Meridian Waterside are available from £195,000.

Enquire at Inland Homes today to discover more and book a viewing. Call 01494 546 772 or email sales@inlandhomes.co.uk. You can follow Inland Homes on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to keep up to date with the latest news and offers

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SHARED OWNERSHIP

HOT PROPERTY

Kush Rawal, Director of Residential Investment at Metropolitan Thames Valley takes a look at the state of the property market and in particular shared ownership – the affordable way to get on the ladder It is clear that now more than ever before first time buyers need shared ownership.

Despite the pitfalls of 2020, SO Resi continues to report a strong demand for shared ownership – with November 2020 being a record-breaking month for us. We saw enquiries soar by 88% when compared to the previous November, received more than 6,600 enquiries, and had our highest sales week of the year the week commencing 23 November 2020.

Yet this is not an anomalous month.

After the initial lockdown last March, we reported record figures for shared ownership homes, which continued apace throughout 2020, and into the new year.

With lending becoming more challenging at entry level, and an economic backdrop that presents challenges to homebuyers, more and more people are looking to shared ownership as a way to get on to the property ladder, or upsize without the risk of taking on a burdensome mortgage.

Unsurprisingly, we are continuing to see a strong demand this year for new homes at our developments in the commuter belt, with SO Resi Ware and SO Resi Forster Oaks in Hertfordshire, and SO Resi Arborfield in Berkshire proving to be particularly popular with buyers.

These locations are ideal for first time buyers as they offer better value for money when compared to inner-city postcodes, yet still offer excellent commuter links to the capital and other key destinations.

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This increasing demand for affordable homes cannot be ignored, and so to support the affordable homes market, we launched SO Resi Agency at the start of the year.

The website is an innovative new shared ownership sales agency for external parties, be it other housing associations, local authority housing providers, investment funds or private developers. SO Resi Agency will be invaluable to first time buyers looking to buy a home as they will be able to access a range of properties in locations across the country. We will be using our skillset to guide customers every step of the way up to legal completion to help get sales across the line and help to streamline the

process of buying your first home.

We passionately believe in supporting first time buyers on to the property ladder, and through SO Resi Agency we can collaborate with other funds, housing associations and local authority providers to offer more choice to buyers. We are looking forward to sharing best practice, but most importantly providing buyers with access to more affordable homes and promoting the many benefits of shared ownership.

The housing crisis will not be solved single-handedly and as an industry we need to work as a collective to ensure we provide the next generation with quality homes at an accessible cost. We are pleased that SO Resi Agency can play a small part in helping to provide affordable homes for first time buyers.

As we continue to see an increased awareness among buyers of the benefits of shared ownership, and with affordable housing seemingly at the forefront of the Government’s housing agenda, I expect to see the product continue to grow in popularity this year and help even more first time buyers on to the property ladder. sharedownership.co.uk

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

A PLACE TO CALL HOME! Tottenham Hale is rapidly developing into one of London’s new property hotspots, particularly for buyers looking for new homes within easy reach of central London

This substantial regeneration project is led by the London Borough of Haringey and the Greater London Authority with over a thousand new homes, commercial opportunities, new retail and open public spaces. With prices in the area now more affordable than 80% of London’s zone 31, there is no better time to consider Tottenham Hale as a place to call home.

Being built on the site of a former garage, this exciting transformation into a 22-storey residential tower will be one of the first developments to be delivered as part of the Tottenham Hale dynamic masterplan. At the same time, Newlon Living is currently offering a second development adjacent to its headquarters, named Hale Works, in partnership with Anthology.

Millstream Tower is a new collection of attractively designed one, two and three bedroom apartments, comprising 117 shared ownership and 11 private sale homes, with priority given to buyers who live or work in Haringey. The new homes are light, with spacious open-plan living areas. The kitchens are modern and well equipped, with high-spec appliances included, while the bathrooms are fully tiled with stylish chrome brassware.

Standing in this new tower’s shadow is Station Square – a unique site which will be a renewed focal point of the new Tottenham Hale District Centre and the central point in a new complex linking these residential developments. The square will bring a new social hub to the local community, including plans for a cinema, restaurants, coffee shops, retail and office space.

Tottenham Hale station provides access to the Victoria Line taking you to King’s Cross in just 10 minutes or Oxford Street in 15 minutes2 and is part of the night tube network. Furthermore, the station is served

by National Rail and is transforming into a significant piece of this central zone’s regeneration, providing direct travel to London Stansted airport via the Stansted Express. Or head to trendy east London via Greater Anglia trains; you can reach Westfield Stratford in just 12 minutes2.

This developing neighbourhood is a well-connected part of London with a

significant outlay currently being invested in this interchange. Crossrail 2 is planned, further enhancing this location’s growing reputation as a desirable place to live.

There is also a bus station opposite with a variety of routes to surrounding areas and beyond.

Tottenham Hale is already home to many parks and wetlands for those who like to explore the great outdoors. The nearby Walthamstow Wetlands is within walking distance, offering everything from fishing to bird watching, with a well-established cafe in a 19th century listed building.

You will find a strong presence of local independent businesses set in the vibrant locale. An array of markets, coffee shops, trendy bars, breweries and a thriving nightlife scene has cemented its reputation as one of the pioneering influences behind the contemporary pop-up scene.

For more information about Millstream Tower visit the Newlon Living website at newlonliving.co.uk Images are computer generated As reported by City AM

1

Travel times research from tfl.gov.uk

2

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

OH BROTHER! MEET THE SIBLINGS WHO BOUGHT THEIR FIRST HOMES IN THE SAME STUNNING APARTMENT BLOCK It seems an impossible dream to find a beautiful and affordable apartment on the banks of the River Thames. But through shared ownership with Optivo this became a reality for brothers Ben, 24, and Nick, 26, who chose two one bedroom apartments, just one floor apart, at Waterway in Wandsworth

It’s fair to say they’re both happy with their stunning new living quarters in one of the most sought-after districts in south west London… and they admit there are perks to living so close to one another.

Nick said, “You look over the balcony and you’ve got a great view of the London skyline. I was looking at places for the same amount of money which were half the size.

This is absolutely amazing.”

Ben explained, “The views you have of the River Thames – it’s perfect. At night time you can see the ripples of the water, it really is a beautiful sight. I feel very lucky. It’s handy because if I’m out and I’m expecting a delivery I can ask Nick!”

Ben, a quantity surveyor, had been living with his mum near the Waterway development and was keeping a close eye on the construction work. He explained, “I could see the building going up so I knew the views would be great. I love Wandsworth and wanted to live close to all my family. I was fairly persistent about getting my application in!”

Nick had been renting and spending over £900 a month. Having researched all of his housing options it was clear that shared ownership was the best way forward.

Both siblings knew a bit about shared ownership as other family members had

Optivo’s one bedroom show apartment at Waterway

gone down this route before. And for the brothers, Waterway ticked lots of boxes including the ideal location, being spacious and providing value for money. The area is also home to a colourful mix of shops and restaurants, bars and boutiques – making it the perfect choice.

Nick, who works as a solutions analyst, said, “If I bought a property with an outright mortgage it wouldn’t be anywhere near the quality of the place I’m in now. With shared ownership it’s not a waste of money. You have a mortgage so it is a form of saving.”

Ben described how moving was made easy by Optivo, even through the Covid-19 health crisis. “Elaine and Rohel (from the Sales and Marketing Team at Optivo) were so helpful.

“Both were fantastic and supportive.

With Covid-19 I felt everything would be up in the air, but the process actually went very well. I was expecting it to be a lot harder, but it was great having that point of contact and being given that reassurance throughout. Moving is always stressful, but Optivo took a lot of the stress out of the whole situation.”

Both Ben and Nick have each bought a

Ben and Nick celebrating after completing on their apartments

25% share of their one bedroom apartments.

To find out more about Optivo’s homes at Waterway visit waterway-wandsworth.co.uk, email sharedownership@eu.jll.com or call 020 7853 4300.

To find out more about shared ownership with Optivo visit optivosales.co.uk

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OPEN MARKET

MEET THE DEVELOPER BRINGING HIGH-TECH HOMES TO FIRST TIME BUYERS Established in 2012, Tailored Living Solutions (TLS) is a forward-thinking developer building high-quality modern housing for first time buyers in south London. Its homes are designed and finished to an exceptional standard, showcasing the latest in sustainable smart-home features using market-leading integrated technology to enhance the wellbeing of homeowners From their offices in Southwark the TLS team start every project from scratch finding the right balance of affordability, sustainability and high-tech features you would not find as standard in your typical starter home.

This focus on quality has impressed first time buyers taking advantage of the Stamp Duty holiday and Help to Buy scheme, as TLS quickly sold out at Greenwich High Road development in just a month and impressively sold 50% in the first week at its newest launch, Two Three Seven Brixton Hill.

Launched in May 2020, Greenwich High Road comprises 14 one, two and three bedroom apartments, with prices starting at £435,000. The homes are at the forefront of design, featuring spacious dual aspect open-plan layout, south-facing balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, maximising internal light and providing pleasing vistas out across Greenwich.

Every home delivered by TLS includes a range of high-tech features to enhance everyday life, including the Bticino audio/ visual entry system for increased security, which can be conveniently operated from a smartphone app wherever you are, Sonos wireless sound system in the living area and master bedroom, electronic parcel locker and ultra-fast fibre optic broadband for homeworking.

Residents can also experience the stateof-the-art Wondrwall home-automation system, which adapts to their routines – automatically controlling heating, lighting, security, safety and music with voice control technology to override for any adjustments at any time.

Other state-of-the-art technology includes NOX filters to improve air quality in the apartments and across the building, ultra-efficient PV panels and heat pumps that cost less to run and SMART systems to help purchasers monitor energy usage.

Autumn 2020 also saw the launch of

Secret Garden

Greenwich High Road

Two Three Seven Brixton Hill

Greenwich High Road

TLS’s first development in Brixton, Two Three Seven Brixton Hill, introducing stylish loft-style living to the area. A fivestorey building occupies a prime position on the popular Brixton Hill, with a distinctive pillared frontage comprising 14 one, two and three bedroom apartments with prices starting from £450,000.

The interiors are a blend of modern fixtures and warehouse aesthetics, creating an urban loft ambience.

Front-facing apartments all benefit from wide balconies that function as an extension of the living spaces, while the homes at the rear feature Juliet balconies looking out on to the secret garden.

All residents enjoy access to the secret garden, a green sanctuary which has been designed using a combination of hard and soft landscaping. Hidden within the garden is a series of unique and thought-provoking

landscapes by graffiti artist Jimmy C, best known for his David Bowie memorial and Borough Market’s Wall of Hearts.

The next development from TLS, 301-303 Ilderton Road, part of the Old Kent Road regeneration scheme, is launching in spring 2021 and is set to be its most ambitious yet.

The elegant 14-storey building will provide 54 homes and includes a communal rooftop garden offering panoramic views over London, as well as a creative flexible office space on the ground and first floor for local businesses and residents who work from home.

For further information on the latest homes available through Tailored Living Solutions contact the sales team on 020 3817 3334 Email info@tailoredlivingsolutions.com or visit tailoredlivingsolutions.com

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

TOR

’S

ICE O H C TOP ★ ★ ★ EDI

As a real south Londoner who was brought up and still lives very near to this exciting development, and as a football fan who had watched Wimbledon play at the nearby ground on many a Saturday afternoon, I was fascinated to see what this new development was all about.

For me, it was a real trip down memory lane but when I arrived I was completely bowled over at the incredible transformation that has taken place.

Part of a landmark joint venture with Galliard Homes, providing 633 homes alongside new retail and leisure space set around a new 9,000-seat stadium for AFC Wimbledon, Catalyst has created 181 studio, one, two and three bedroom shared ownership apartments which are perfect for first time buyers. I don’t know why Catalyst decided to call the development The Switch, but the name seems perfect to me, as the change this had made has switched it from a rather run-down space to an exciting and vibrant one.

What is so special about south London is that there are so many green spaces.

The Switch is no exception as it is close to Wimbledon Park, Wandle Meadow Nature Park and Garratt Park – all perfect for a Sunday afternoon stroll. There are also great transport connections on the doorstep, with Earlsfield station just a 17-minute walk away, providing a direct train service into London Waterloo in around 13 minutes.

Closer by, Haydons Road station has a 28-minute service into Blackfriars, while

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GO SOUTH!

Lynda Clark discovers a new sporting and cultural hub in south west London where Catalyst has just launched the first phase of shared ownership apartments at The Switch

for tube connections, both Wimbledon Park and Tooting Broadway can be reached in 20 minutes on foot.

The Catalyst apartments are finished to a very high specification and the private outside space to most apartments is lovely.

I particularly liked the communal roof garden, which has lovely views and would be the perfect place to meet the neighbours and enjoy some “down time”.

The kitchens are impressive, with gloss grey designed units, stone worktops and integrated appliances, and the bathrooms have a real sense of luxury about them with oak-veneered vanity units and tiled floors and walls. Some of the two and three bedroom apartments are set across two floors, which is very special indeed – they offer so much space which I hardly ever see in London new builds.

I have spent many hours in beautiful Wimbledon and it is right on the doorstep and offers a large range of restaurants and bars, four theatres, a huge selection of shops and of course the world-famous All England Tennis Club. There is also a vibrant

food and culture scene at Tooting Bec Food Market which is just a 20-minute walk away.

I know from experience that you won’t be disappointed with the huge choice of gourmet street food available there.

Any first time buyer looking to move into a vibrant and exciting area should consider The Switch. Buying through shared ownership is an affordable way to get on the ladder and deposits for a studio apartment are under £4,000 and for a three bedroom apartment are just £7,653 – in my view they tick every box!

My visit was definitely a memorable one and this exciting new south west London district is on the map in a big way!

Prices start from £77,500 for a 25% share of a studio apartment (full market value £310,000), £92,500 for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment, (FMV: £370,000), £123,750 for a 25% share of a two bedroom apartment (FMV: £495,000), and £151,250 for a 25% share of a three bedroom apartment (FMV: £605,000). catalyst.homes

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

NEW HOMES LAUNCHING IN NORTH WEST LONDON’S REGENERATION DESTINATION Located in the metropolitan London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and just a short walk from the transport hub of Willesden Junction, is one of London’s newest regeneration destinations, Old Oak Common. With local investment aiming to deliver 45,000 new homes, along with new community services, commercial spaces and transport infrastructure, this corner of north west London is rapidly growing in popularity among homebuyers looking to take up early residence. One of the first schemes to come out of the ground is Oaklands Rise, where Notting Hill Genesis is set to launch a stylish collection of shared ownership apartments in early 2021 – and with deposits starting from just £10,825, stepping on to the property ladder may be more affordable than many local residents believe James Munson, Head of Marketing at Notting Hill Genesis, comments, “London homeownership may feel out of reach for aspiring homeowners; however, thanks to the help of the shared ownership scheme, this goal may be more achievable than first thought. With investment in the Willesden Junction district set to transform the local area, Oaklands Rise offers an excellent opportunity for buyers to kick start their property journey. The shared ownership homes at Oaklands Rise will provide a chance for prospective homeowners to purchase their own home with deposits at a much more affordable level, without the need to compromise on lifestyle.”

The striking curved building is complete with landscaped roof gardens as well as panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline. Podium gardens have also been incorporated into every building, and a landscaped Green Street with play and seating areas guarantees that outside space is plentiful. Oaklands Rise offers a leafy retreat while still benefiting from the bustling atmosphere of the UK’s muchadmired capital city.

Communal facilities are second to none.

A residents’ lounge offers a dedicated home working area and there’s a separate meeting room for private work calls, and a concierge service is on hand around the clock. Upon completion, Oaklands Rise will further benefit from an on-site community hub for exercise classes, cinema nights and exhibitions as well as a nursery, coffee shop and convenience store.

All of the two bedroom apartments on offer at Oaklands Rise are spacious in design, benefiting from flexible open-plan kitchen/living and dining areas, complete with a range of integrated appliances, so

homeowners will have plenty of space to relax and unwind. All bedrooms are spacious and many profit from built-in wardrobes and an en suite to the master bedroom. In addition to the bounty of shared gardens/roof terraces, all homes feature their own private balcony.

Locally, there is plenty for residents to take advantage of. Food lovers are spoilt for choice here with a wide selection of bars, restaurants and cafes to choose from that offer an excellent variety of options. Nearby Wormwood Scrubs Nature Reserve is home to 200 acres of open green space to explore.

For a trip further afield, the popular Royal green spaces of Hyde Park and Regents Park are a short tube or bike ride from home.

For commuters, Willesden Junction station is a just a 12-minute walk away,

offering both Overground and London Underground services, while East Acton tube station is just a 17-minute walk away and is home to the Central Line. The development is also served by a number of regular bus routes, meaning residents can easily travel around and across London with ease. Eager cyclists will be pleased with the number of cycle routes on offer here, as well as the secure underground bicycle storage available at Oaklands Rise.

Prices at Oaklands Rise start from £108,250 for a 25% share of the full market value of £433,000 for a two bedroom home.

For further information or to register your interest visit nhgsales.com or call 0204 502 3254 Prices correct at time of publication

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OPEN MARKET

RESTORED TO GRANDEUR

Elegant Victorian architecture combined with modern technology work together to create a stunning new boutique development in Tunbridge Wells

Broadwater House in Royal Tunbridge Wells dates back to the 1850s, when it was built as a mansion for the gentry by William the 4th Earl of Abergavenny. When taking the waters at the historic spa town fell out of fashion, the splendid home ended up being sub-divided into five flats which suffered from a lack of upkeep as the years went by.

Now Clearview Developments has won planning permission for a scheme to completely refurbish, upgrade and extend the building to create a range of 14 apartments designed to capture something of the grandeur of the original property.

The company’s aim is to be as true as possible to the original building, while updating it for modern lifestyles. So, for example, the apartments will be accessed through grand wooden doors into a communal foyer with a beautiful reinstated wooden staircase and original preserved fireplaces, while alongside it there will be an eight-person lift and a Smartbox contactless parcel delivery station.

Inside the apartments, which comprise one, two, three and four bedroom homes, the living spaces are open plan reflecting modern tastes, but include reinstated ornamental ceilings, fireplaces and decorative stucco that reflect the original grandeur of the building. The kitchens have a similar blend of traditional and modern, with bespoke wooden cabinetry, brass fittings, range cookers and Belfast sinks sitting perfectly alongside built-in

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Bosch appliances and boiling water taps.

Bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows to allow light to flood in, along with fitted wooden wardrobes.

The original building has been sensitively extended, with careful use of key architectural details from the Victorian period, including red brick banding and timber sashed windows. An elegant conservatory has also been added, looking out over the established gardens.

The developer has taken particular care to preserve the trees, with 14 different varieties on the site, and has added additional planting to create a communal garden that will be beautiful all year round.

Jason Tema, Director at Clearview Developments, comments, “With high demand for housing in the local area, it is our priority to find existing properties that can be transformed into modern homes for today’s discerning buyer. We have previously redeveloped The Old Bank on London Road, which was a well-received project. With Broadwater House, we want to create something equally special and are absolutely delighted to have been given planning permission.

“The property has true potential to be transformed into an attractive home for families and downsizers alike but also professionals, who seek access to good transport links. As builder-developers with our own in-house construction arm, we are incredibly proud to be able to deliver an unrivalled premium quality.”

Broadwater House has a superb location, set within a conservation area and with direct access to Broadwater Down which leads into Hargate Forest, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that was once part of the great medieval forests of the Sussex High Weald. It now has marked walking and cycling trails and is a haven for wildlife. The apartments are also convenient for local shops; The Pantiles, with its boutique retail, restaurants and cafes, is a five-minute drive away. There is a good selection of schools nearby, and for those who commute, Tunbridge Wells station is 10 minutes away by car and offers regular services to London Bridge in around 45 minutes. Electric car charging points and secure bike storage lockers at Broadwater House add to the versatile transport options.

The apartments, which will be completed in the spring, start from £450,000 for a one bedroom apartment. broadwaterhouse.com 0333 444 2220

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

GREEN LIVING AT HARROW ONE Offering an affordable route on to the property ladder in the heart of Harrow, Origin Housing has launched Harrow One, a contemporary collection of 54 shared ownership studios and one, two and three bedroom homes in the highly soughtafter north London town

A joint venture between Origin Housing and Hill, Harrow One offers buyers a chance to purchase a brand new home in one of London’s greenest boroughs, with one fifth of the London Borough of Harrow dedicated to green outdoor spaces.

Wrapped around a landscaped podium garden, complete with planting designed to encourage wildlife, all apartments at Harrow One will benefit from private balconies – many with extraordinary views of the London skyline along with nearby open green spaces.

Simon Scott, Assistant Director, Commercial and Property Marketing for Origin Housing, comments, “We are pleased to be able to offer more, much-needed shared ownership properties in the very

green and sought-after London Borough of Harrow – an area Origin Housing has strong connections with.

“Delivering fantastic homes, Harrow One is our second joint venture in Harrow with Hill. This shared ownership launch follows huge demand for the private sale units, which are now 80% sold. We’re thrilled to be offering shared ownership on site, providing an alternative route on to the housing ladder, and are very pleased to welcome the new residents.”

With strong eco-credentials, each apartment at Harrow One comes with two allocated cycle spaces and modern energyefficient appliances. Other energy-saving features include photovoltaic panels on the roofs and efficient communal heating plants serving each of the apartments.

Inside, each of the apartments will

include floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the rooms with natural light. Sleek energyefficient appliances, high gloss kitchen units and worktops will feature in the kitchen.

The high quality homes offer Amtico flooring in the entrance hall and openplan living area, and underfloor heating throughout. Bathrooms are complete with stylish white sanitary ware, Hansgrohe showers and sophisticated LED lighting.

Just moments away from Harrow-on-theHill Metropolitan Line station, residents at Harrow One will enjoy swift connections into central London in under 20 minutes. Nearby Kenton station on the Bakerloo Line will take residents into the heart of the West End and Oxford Circus, and the Overground rail service from the station offers trains to Marylebone in 17 minutes. By car, the M1, M25, M40 and North Circular routes can be accessed in around 30 minutes. Harrow bus station is around a six-minute walk from Harrow One, and for international journeys, Heathrow airport is just an 11-minute drive away.

Residents at Harrow One are moments from accessible parkland, with Harrow Recreation Park and Kenton Recreation Ground both a short walk from the development. Meanwhile, the independent boutiques and coffee shops of Harrow on the Hill are just a five-minute stroll away, with local favourites including Battels Art and Coffee and Eighty Six Restaurant both of which are easily accessible. Local Ofsted Outstanding rated schools include Marlborough Primary school and Vaughan Primary School, as well as the renowned independent secondary, Harrow School.

Shared ownership prices start from £71,250 for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment (full market value: £285,000), and £113,750 for a 25% share of a two bedroom apartment (full market value: £455,000).

Local eligibility restrictions apply.

For more information visit originsales.co.uk/ harrow-one

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AFFORDABLE HOMES

BE WEST – WELL PLACED LIVING

Waterside Heights

If you thought that buying your first affordable home in west London was out of reach, then think again! Shepherds Bush Housing Association is ahead of the game and wanted to enhance the homebuying experience and cut through the sometimes complicated jargon – hence the launch of Be West The route to buying your first home can be rather daunting, but this exciting new brand, Be West, has the customer at heart and is there to hand-hold you through the homebuying journey. It wants to create long-lasting relationships with its buyers that goes way beyond the day you pick up the keys to your home. Be West’s aim is to provide impartial advice and options in a very honest and straightforward way and to support first time buyers every step of the way and beyond.

Its residents even had a say in shaping the new brand, as it was felt to be very important to get it just right. Asha Agarwal, Interim Head of Sales, said, “Home is the heart of the family. We believe being genuine, relatable, and honest goes a long way to building long-lasting relationships.

We communicate to our people and customers in an open and no-nonsense way, caring for our people and their choices. We bring positivity to the process of buying a house and are just as excited as they are when they make their move. We hope to see people grow and flourish in their new community, and we will be around to help out anyway we can. Our aim is to make the journey as simple as possible. No grey areas, just black and white.”

Homes from Be West will be available through both shared ownership and private sale across all four west London boroughs.

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WEST DRAYTON Waterside Heights

Waterside Heights in West Drayton is a stunning collection of one and two bedroom shared ownership apartments, located opposite West Drayton station and with fantastic views of the Grand Union Canal.

There is underground parking to selected apartments. A stunning new show home is opening soon, so potential buyers can take a step into Waterside Heights and all it has to offer.

A one bedroom apartment costs £91,500 for a 30% share with a full market value of £305,000 and a two bedroom apartment is £115,500 for a 30% share with a full market value of £385,000.

Register your interest at bewest.co.uk or email sales@bewest.co.uk or call 020 8996 8925

FULHAM NORTH The Apex

Coming soon is The Apex in Fulham North, which is expected to have launched off-plan at the end of January, offering a selection of two bedroom apartments. These contemporary and stylish homes feature open-plan living/dining areas, a double and single bedroom, family bathroom and integrated appliances in the kitchen. Some apartments will also benefit from an en suite to the master bedroom.

West Brompton underground station is only an eight-minute walk from the development, providing easy links to central London.

Prices start from £165,000 for a 30% share with a full market value of £550,000  Applicants must live or work within the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham  Applicants must be registered and approved by Hammersmith & Fulham council using the following link and clicking “register now” to complete the application form: handfhomebuy.org/choice  Your household income must be less than £90,000 Register your interest at bewest.co.uk or email sales@bewest.co.uk or call 020 8996 8925 handfhomebuy.org/choice

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REAL LIFE

FA C T F I L E

Property: Two bedroom apartment Full market value: £320,000 25% share: £80,000 Deposit: £15,000

Shared ownership: Ware, Hertfordshire The latest figures reveal that first time buyers need on average a 15% deposit to get on to the property ladder – costing just under £35,000, according to Land Registry data¹. For Helen Lambert, 30, the staggering deposit costs made it seem that homeownership was out of reach.

However, after discovering shared ownership, Helen quickly realised that she could buy her first home

A

fter finishing university and returning to her mum’s home in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, Helen opted against renting privately and decided that she wanted to save for her own home. With a graduate job secured, Helen opened a Help to Buy: ISA in 2015, depositing the maximum initial amount of £1,200, and then continued to pay in £200 a month.

Helen, who works as an architect in London, said, “I knew that renting wasn’t for me, so I started being more mindful of my spending. As I was living at home, my outgoings were slightly reduced, meaning that it wasn’t too difficult to put the money aside each month. I paid a £15,000 deposit in July, which was more than the amount required, but meant that I could access better lending rates. By putting down a higher deposit than required, this also meant that my monthly outgoings are significantly reduced, which helped me to qualify for the scheme. I also then had the Help to Buy: ISA bonus paid into my account, which has gone towards other moving costs.”

While Helen paid a higher deposit, a minimum 5% deposit on her 25% share would have cost just £4,000.

“I did a lot of research on buying my first home, talking to friends and family and seeking mortgage advice. Buying a home on the open market was out of the question, so I was left weighing up either using shared ownership or Help to Buy. They are both great schemes, but shared ownership was the better option to go for in my current position – I liked the fact that I wouldn’t have to pay off an equity loan, so it means less

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“I KNEW THAT RENTING WASN’T FOR ME, SO I STARTED BEING MORE MINDFUL OF MY SPENDING. AS I WAS LIVING AT HOME, MY OUTGOINGS WERE SLIGHTLY REDUCED, MEANING THAT IT WASN’T TOO DIFFICULT TO PUT THE MONEY ASIDE EACH MONTH” stress if and when I want to sell my home further down the line.”

For Helen, her criteria for a first home were simple – walking distance from the train station, and a second bedroom to work from home. After exploring a number of developments in the Lea Valley area in Hertfordshire, Helen found out that SO Resi Ware was due to launch its latest phase imminently – and put her name down as soon as the books opened.

“A second bedroom was a must-have for me so that I could transform the room into a workspace that I could close the door on at the end of the day – something which is even more important now that working from home regularly seems set to become the new normal,” she said. “My job means that I still have to travel to site in London, so I also needed to be close to the station – and SO Resi Ware is literally opposite the train station so it’s perfect!”

SO Resi Ware is situated next to the picturesque River Lea, offering peaceful waterside walks, yet is just a short walk from supermarkets, independent retailers, GPs

and other amenities. Ware also has a range of cafes, restaurants and bars to enjoy, with a number of sporting, cultural and music events running all year round.

The new development is well connected, with the rolling Hertfordshire countryside, nearby towns and London all within easy reach. Ware station is just a few minutes’ walk from the development, with direct trains to London Liverpool Street in around 45 minutes.

There are just a few one and two bedroom apartments remaining at SO Resi Ware, featuring modern, open-plan living/ dining/kitchen areas with large windows.

Prices start from £55,000 for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment with a full market value of £220,000.

To find out more, or to arrange a viewing, call 020 8607 0550 or visit soresi.co.uk/ware.

Viewings are strictly by appointment and for members of the same household only 1 thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/ article-8557121/How-buy-property-pandemic-guide-timebuyers.html

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FOR SALE

FOR SALE THE CREAM OF THE CROP Each month, FTB scours the market for the best starter homes for first time buyers. So, whether you’re hoping to find your first dream home on a budget, or a location that brings the perfect mix of town and country, we hope you will enjoy our selection

REAL LIFE

Help to Buy p68 WIMBLEDON, SOUTH WEST LONDON

HOIC FIRST C

E

VILLAGE LIFE★ ★★

Affordable homes p64-65

EPSOM, SURREY

HOIC FIRST C

E

TOWN AND

COU★ N★ T★RY

Best of both worlds p66-67

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FOR SALE

AFFORDABLE HOMES WIMBLEDON, SOUTH WEST LONDON

HOIC FIRST C

VILLAGE LIFE

FROM £131,250*

E

★★★

Ambrose Apartments at Wimbledon Hill Park Set on the edge of beautiful parkland, and close to Wimbledon Village, this new collection of one and two bedroom apartments occupies an enviable spot in a coveted part of the capital. The properties have been created beautifully, with stylish interiors and spacious living areas that lead to private outdoor space. With sprawling Wimbledon Common and an abundance of great pubs, cafes and shopping facilities, the local area has a great deal to offer. Travel into London or to the South West is made easy with a choice of four train or underground stations nearby.

Clarion Housing 0300 500 8000 clarionhg.com *Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £525,000

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FOR SALE CANNING TOWN, EAST LONDON

FROM £102,500*

FROM £TBC*

FA R N H A M , S U R R E Y

Brunel Street Works The 167 shared ownership apartments here form part of the wider Brunel Street Works development, which leads a major regeneration programme bringing thousands of new homes, public spaces, facilities and workspaces to the area. The high-spec properties range from one to three bedrooms and lie

close to the Thames and Canary Wharf for iconic sights, endless options for days out and simple travel connections. Residents also have access to a shared roof terrace and podium garden as well as a 24-hour concierge.

L&Q 020 8189 7591 lqhomes.com

*Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £410,000

T H O R N B U R Y, G L O U C E S T E R S H I R E

FROM £TBC

SO Resi Farnham The Surrey town of Farnham is home to this new collection of properties, perfect for first time buyers. Part of a wider development, the 72 one and two bedroom apartments will join a new shopping centre, cinema, restaurants and more homes in the town centre. The apartments have been designed with sustainability

in mind, with a natural living wall and roof providing an ecosystem for insects and birds. Good local facilities and an abundance of beautiful countryside are within easy reach, along with great rail links to Guildford and London.

SO Resi 020 8607 0550 soresi.co.uk *Shared ownership available

GREENWICH, SOUTH EAST LONDON

FROM £449,995

Cleve Wood Set to launch this summer, this collection of two to five bedroom homes offers a perfect setting for families, with countryside on the doorstep and Bristol, Newport and Gloucester within easy reach. The spacious properties have been created in a range of styles, and all feature well-sized living areas and fitted kitchens

with integrated appliances, while outside there are garages and driveways to the larger properties.

The homes lie just outside the market town of Thornbury, which is home to a pretty high street and a good range of amenities.

Miller Homes 0870 336 5000 millerhomes.co.uk

67 Park Central at Greenwich Millennium Village This range of one to three bedroom apartments occupies a prime Thameside position in a sought-after village. The properties boast panoramic views of parkland, the river and the capital. Residents enjoy private outdoor space and communal landscaped areas including a playground. Finished to a

high specification, homes have open-plan living/dining areas, beautiful kitchens and integrated appliances. The O2, shops and restaurants lie a few minutes away, with Greenwich nearby.

Countryside Properties 020 8108 2162 greenwichmillenniumvillage.com

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FOR SALE

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS EPSOM, SURREY

HOIC FIRST C

FROM £330,000

E

TOWN AND

COU★N★ T★RY

Epsom Reach With beautiful rural sights close by, a bustling and well-equipped town, as well as great rail links to London and beyond, residents are able to achieve the perfect work-life balance at Epsom Reach.

There are just 21 new one, two and three bedroom apartments here, all thoughtfully designed, with contemporary living spaces, built-in storage, private, outdoor space and off-street parking to some plots. The homes lie within walking distance of the town for access to the leisure centre, theatre, restaurants, cafes and plenty of shopping facilities.

Shanly Homes 01372 885 503 shanlyhomes.co.uk

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FOR SALE ARBORFIELD GREEN, BERKSHIRE

FROM £245,000

FROM £327,000

WATFORD, HERTFORDSHIRE

Victory Fields Surrounded by open fields and waterscapes, a children’s play area and allotments, the homes at Victory Fields enjoy a tranquil setting. The properties, which range from one, two and three bedroom apartments to four bedroom houses, form part of a larger garden village which will deliver 2,000 homes as well as

schools, shops and parks. For shopping and entertainment, Reading and Slough can be reached in around 10 minutes by car, while London Paddington is less than an hour by train from nearby Wokingham station.

Millgate Homes 01184 305 863 millgatehomes.co.uk

TWICKENHAM, WEST LONDON

FROM £525,000

The Arches Town, country and city life all lie within easy reach of the 92 one and two bedroom apartments at the Arches. The contemporary properties lie close to the River Colne and pretty Oxhey Park for tranquil walks, while Watford and Bushey are a few minutes on foot for high street shopping and entertainment. Direct trains

from Bushey station reach London in around 20 minutes. The welldesigned homes are arranged around communal landscaped gardens and all enjoy private outdoor space in the form of a spacious balcony or terrace.

St William 020 3797 0461 berkeleygroup.co.uk

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HERTFORDSHIRE

FROM £274,950

Twickenham Gateway Travel connections couldn’t get much better at this development, part of the Twickenham Station redevelopment. With train links less than a minute away, getting into the city centre is very swift indeed. The one, two and three bedroom homes sit above the reimagined building, with a new shopping plaza and cafes on the

ground level. Superbly located, the apartments are a stone’s throw from the high street, with a great range of restaurants, supermarkets and eateries, and a five-minute wander to the Thames and some good riverside pubs.

Hamptons 020 3369 4382 hamptons.co.uk

The Gade Situated in the heart of old Hemel Hemsptead this new collection of one and two bedroom homes sits in peaceful surrounds, while the thriving town centre is just a few moments away. The thoughtfully designed properties overlook the River Gade. Inside, the open-plan living/dining areas are bright and spacious, and open to a

private balcony or terrace, while the sleek kitchens include quality integrated appliances. The high street is a short walk away, while in the other direction, a stroll takes you to lovely Gadebridge Park and the rolling Chilterns.

Hill 01442 979 599 the-gade.co.uk

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REAL LIFE

Help to Buy: Maidstone, Kent With 52% of people wanting to improve their work-life balance following the pandemic, there have been increasing numbers of people relocating to bigger homes and more green spaces – particularly as working from home becomes the new normal1. One family that has done just this are Ayo Adigun, Wariara Waireri and their daughter, Tobi, who previously rented a two bedroom apartment in Maidstone, Kent. They have now bought a spacious three bedroom house at Dandara’s Willow Grove, Collier Street development

FA C T F I L E

Property price: £440,000 Deposit:: £22,000 (5%)

A

yo, Wariara and Tobi were the first purchasers and the first people to move into the Willow Grove development last autumn. Ayo, a Principal Electronics Design Engineer, and Wariara, a Senior Manager in International Development, are both currently working from home due to the pandemic. They are appreciating the additional living space a larger property affords, while enjoying the tranquillity of their new countryside surroundings. The move has not only allowed them to be more productive with work, but also find more balance with family life.

Ayo commented, “The garden was a big draw for us, the property overlooks a meadow which provides amazing views and lots of privacy. After the first lockdown, it was important for us to live in the countryside and have that escape and fresh air right on our doorstep – especially with a younger child.

“The move couldn’t have come at a better time as myself and Wariara are working from home more than ever and we needed the extra space. We have turned one of the rooms into a study which works perfectly.”

When life does return to normal, Willow Grove also benefits from appealing commuter links such as fast access to the M20, A21 and M25 motorways. London is also accessible by train in under 40 minutes via Paddock Wood station, which is only

five miles away. These links will not only be useful for future work commitments, but will enable Ayo and Wariara to see family and friends with ease.

Ayo continued, “We have rented in Maidstone for 10 years and we’ve always known we wanted to buy in the area, but it has been a long search to find the right property. After looking around Willow Grove, we felt it was the perfect fit for our young family as it is spacious and surrounded by beautiful countryside, which is exactly what we were looking for following lockdown. We also felt like we could trust Dandara, which made all the difference. Dandara has a very personal approach and kept in constant communication with us, which made the whole process a lot easier.”

Louise Norman, Associate Sales & Marketing Director at Dandara South East, commented, “We’re so pleased that Ayo, Wariara and Tobi were able to finally find a home they loved and to have them as our first residents. The layout of the homes at Willow Grove are perfect for those needing more space to work from home, so it is no wonder that it attracted them. The development is now over 50% sold and is proving to be very popular with families as well as first time buyers. Buyers are coming

“THE MOVE COULDN’T HAVE COME AT A BETTER TIME AS MYSELF AND WARIARA ARE WORKING FROM HOME MORE THAN EVER AND WE NEEDED THE EXTRA SPACE. WE HAVE TURNED ONE OF THE ROOMS INTO A STUDY WHICH WORKS PERFECTLY” 68

from as far afield as London, reflecting a shifting of priorities following lockdown.”

Willow Grove is located in Collier Street, between the popular villages of Laddingford, Yalding and Marden in Kent. It’s perfect for those who want the best of both worlds in an idyllic corner of the “Garden of England”. Aside from the nature and fresh air, the area benefits from an array of local farm shops, the Yalding Farmers’ Market – which is ideal for food lovers and only sells produce from within a six mile radius, craft breweries, vineyards, specialist butchers and countryside pubs.

Ayo adds, “We love the community spirit in Maidstone; it’s a very safe area and we have friends and family close by. The local area has everything we need within easy reach. There are excellent schools for Tobi that are just down the road and lots of activities for her like horse riding and cycling, as well as parks nearby. It’s a very convenient and family friendly place to live!”

Paddock Wood and Maidstone offer a range of independent shops and cafes.

There are a wealth of shopping and leisure opportunities available, with Bluewater Shopping Centre and Ashford Designer Outlet less than an hour away.

The area is particularly popular with families looking to buy due to the five Ofsted-rated Good local schools, and notable grammar schools, including Maidstone Grammar School and Invicta Grammar School, within a five-mile radius.

Prices at Willow Grove currently start at £535,000 for a four bedroom home. For further information, or to arrange an appointment to view a show suite, call 01892 621 852 or visit dandara.com propertyreporter.co.uk/property/42-of-potential-buyers-want-

1

to-try-before-they-buy.html

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CREDIT

Give your credit score a BOOST We want to help as many people as possible to take control of their credit scores and improve their financial health, especially during these challenging times. For this reason, we’re delighted to be launching a ground-breaking, FREE service called Experian Boost which can instantly increase your credit score WHY IS YOUR CREDIT SCORE IMPORTANT? When you apply for credit, such as a mortgage, the lender will assess your financial health. When lenders assess your “creditworthiness” they want to make sure you’re likely to repay credit on time. They do this by checking your past payment history, to predict whether you’ll repay credit in the future.

The lender will also check your affordability and look at any records they might have if you bank with them already. They’ll use this information to calculate a credit score, and this determines not only whether credit is granted, but also the interest rate and amount they’ll lend.

So, it’s important that your credit score is in top shape, and your payment history shows a strong track record of repaying agreements on time.

If you don’t have a strong track record of managing credit, for example you’ve had a few missed payments or haven’t used any credit previously, this can make getting credit, at the best rates, more difficult.

For this reason, we’ve launched Experian Boost. The service will focus on total payments in and out of your bank account, and regular payments to council tax, savings accounts, and even digital entertainment services such as Spotify and Netflix. We’re also excited to be the first credit reference agency to offer this service.

WHAT IS EXPERIAN BOOST Boost enables customers to connect their banking current accounts to their Experian credit report, using the safe and secure Open Banking platform, enabling their credit scores to benefit from additional financial information.

Typically, lenders share information on

credit reports for accounts such as credit cards, loans, mortgages, bank accounts, utilities and mobile phone contracts. Now, lots of everyday payments you make can be included in your Experian Credit Score, like digital streaming subscriptions.

Recent research revealed that households in the UK spend more than £550 a year, and sign up to an average of seven services.

That’s why your digital streaming services can now be included in your Experian Credit Score. Regular payments to council tax will also be included, in addition to savings and investments. All of these regular financial commitments, which have not been used before, help to calculate credit scores. We will also calculate the total amount paid in and out of your account. So, having a healthy balance and good income versus expenditure can also help give your score a boost.

HOW DO YOU USE BOOST? Using Boost is simple and free. Here’s a step by step guide to boosting your score.

9 Sign up for a free account at Experian. co.uk (or use your existing account) 9 Connect your bank account securely using Open Banking

John Webb, Consumer Affairs Executive at Experian helps deliver the company’s consumer education programme. This is focused on explaining credit reports and scores, and promoting a range of financial education initiatives. John studied International Business with Japanese at Nottingham Business School and later undertook a Master’s degree in Corporate Social Responsibility at Nottingham University. John first joined Experian in 2012 and performed a number of customer service roles before moving to Consumer Affairs in 2017.

We’ll then scan your account for payments such as: 9 Digital streaming services like Netflix, Prime or Spotify 9 Savings and investments 9 Council tax (local property rates) 9 Total paid in and out of your account We’ll check the payment details and if there’s enough information we’ll instantly Boost your Experian Credit Score by up to 66 points.

Importantly, Experian Boost won’t make your score go down, so we encourage everyone to give the service a try, to see if they can get a score boost Having a strong credit score generally means you’re more likely to get access to credit at the best rates.

It’s also important you can take control of your finances, and your credit score, and get a Boost for making regular payments on time.

That means, when it’s time to apply for credit such as a mortgage, you can give the lender a clear picture of your financial health. Thankfully, this now includes rewarding you for making lots of everyday payments. experian.co.uk

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LEGAL

Legal Beagle!

Here Lesley Price FCILEx of CGM Solicitors explains the legalities of a Help to Buy: ISA and buying off-plan How do I apply for my Government bonus for my Help to Buy: ISA and how will I know if my property is eligible?

To qualify for the Government bonus the property you are buying must: 9 Be in the UK 9 Have a purchase price of up to £250,000 (or up to £450,000 in London) 9 Be the only home you will own 9 Be where you intend on living 9 Be purchased with a mortgage You can use your Help to Buy: ISA with other Government schemes, including the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme and shared ownership.

As you near exchange of contracts your solicitor will ask you to close your Help to Buy: ISA. Your account provider will provide you with a closing statement. Some lenders do take up to five working days to provide the funds and statement, so it is important that you confirm to your solicitors at the outset that you have a Help to Buy: ISA. Your solicitors will also ask you to sign the First Time Declaration Form ahead of applying for your bonus as this completed document, along with your closing statement, are the two documents that the solicitors must have to request the bonus from Help to Buy. Help to Buy will send your solicitors the bonus amount but the savings accumulated in the ISA account will be sent to the bank account in your name that you have given to the provider of your ISA. There must be a minimum of £1,600 in the account at the time of closing to qualify for any bonus and any withdrawals made before closing the account are not counted towards the final figure.

The calculation is simply 25% of the closing balance.

The request to Help to

Buy should be made five working days prior to completion but there is an escalated option, but with no guarantee that the funds will be available. Completion cannot take place before the funds have been agreed and released by Help to Buy otherwise the bonus will no longer be payable.

I’ve reserved a home off-plan. What happens if the development completion date is pushed back? Can I put something in the exchange contract to protect me?

When you reserve a new home off-plan there will be estimates in the completion timeframes. Developers try to ensure that these estimates are as reliable as possible, but as with anything, there can sometimes

be unforeseen delays. This may be in the building materials, contractor’s availability or because of a pandemic. These could have knock-on effects to the timeframes for the entire builds.

Prior to exchange of contracts there is no legal agreement in place, and no one is held to any dates or timeframes, but any reasonable developer would still keep you updated of timeframes and whether things are on track and give you general updates about the development.

Until you have exchanged you are able to withdraw from buying the property but may lose your reservation fee and may have to pay any reasonable costs incurred (this will depend on the agreements you have made).

In preparation to exchange with an offplan property there will be clauses to consider as to the necessity of adding or amending the clauses into the contract.

This could take into account: Your mortgage offer expiry date to ensure you are not left without a valid mortgage offer.

That you need an extended period for the Notice to Complete (which is usually 10 working days) as you are currently in a rental and cannot give notice until you have a confirmed completion date.

Whether there are any dates to avoid because of your current circumstances.

Usually these additional clauses are there to support, and failure to complete would result in a breach of contract, but we would always recommend that you discuss timeframes and/or restrictions you have with your developer and your solicitors or conveyancer as soon as possible so that they can advise you.

As with the unexpected delays, it is impossible for us to answer this question to cover all eventualities and circumstances that exist. enquiries@c-g-m.co.uk

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COMPETITION

Mowing, A C hore No More!

HOW TO ENTER Answer the following question:

How long does it take to charge the battery on the Gtech Cordless Lawnmower 2.0?

Send your answer with your full name, address and telephone number to: lynda@firsttimebuyermag co.uk Closing date: 12 March 2021

THE PRIZE… ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN ONE GTECH CORDLESS LAWNMOWER 2.0 WORTH £499.99 HELPING MOW THE LAWN QUICKER, MORE EFFICIENTLY AND EFFORTLESSLY. T&Cs • The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative will be given. Competition is open to UK residents only.

WIN !

WIN AG COR TECH DLES LAW S NM WOR OWER 2 TH £ .

499. 0 99

Gardens will soon be starting to burst into life after the winter hibernation, so make sure to keep your lawn in tip top condition this spring with the new Gtech cordless lawnmower. With the biggest ever grass bin and charging within an hour, mowing the lawn will no longer ever have to be a dreaded chore The Gtech Cordless Lawnmower 2.0 has been designed with convenience in mind. The upgraded mower has a runtime of up to 40 minutes and a charge time of just one hour. It automatically adjusts its speed to tackle thicker, longer grass. Its re-engineered blade is designed for power and efficiency. The blade maximises airflow, reducing the bogging down of grass by moving cuttings to the bin quickly and efficiently. The three-step set up is intuitive and makes using this lawnmower very simple – just insert the battery, push the activation button and pull the handle lever.

With Gtech’s biggest ever grass bin, this lawnmower is ideal for frequent mowers, along with a handy indicator flap that lets you know when the bin needs emptying. With no petrol to buy and no trailing charging cable, this mower helps you roam free.

Once you’ve finished mowing the lawn, simply charge the removable battery and fold the mower down. The lightweight frame and carry handle make it easy to transport to the shed for clutter-free storage.

Features Include: • Easy 3 step set up • Complete control over cutting height • Large wheels, allowing you to move more freely • Cordless • Battery powered • Charged within 1 hour • 50 litre grass bin • Safety key • Lightweight frame For more information visit gtech.co.uk

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FIRST MEAL

FIRST HOME, FIRST MEAL Packed full of flavour and easy to make, this delicious pork dumpling recipe created by Prue Leith in partnership with Lakeland, is a great way to try this traditional Chinese dish and a perfect way to celebrate the Chinese New Year

CHINESE PORK DUMPLINGS

INGREDIENTS For the dipping sauce  2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce  2 tbsp light soy sauce  2 tsp sesame oil  1 small pinch of chilli flakes For the filling  140g Chinese cabbage leaves, shredded and finely chopped  4cm ginger, peeled and finely chopped  3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped  225g minced pork  1 tbsp light soy sauce  1 tsp sesame oil  2 tsp oyster sauce  2 tsp rice wine or sherry  2 spring onions, finely sliced  ½ small red chilli, deseeded and finely diced  ½ tsp salt To make the dumplings  28 wonton or gyoza wrappers (available at Asian supermarkets – fresh if possible)  2 tbsp vegetable oil  6 tbsp water This stainless-steel dumpling press and cutter from the Prue’s World range at Lakeland makes

METHOD 1 2 3

4

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Place all of the dipping sauce ingredients into a bowl, mix together, then cover and set aside.

To make the filling, place all of the ingredients in a bowl, mix together, then chill.

Shape the wrappers using the cutter included with the Dumpling Press, place on to a tray and cover with a clean, damp cloth.

Place a wrapper in the Dumpling Press. Fill with 1 tbsp of the filling mix, moisten the edges of the wrap with a little water and close the dumpling press to

5

6 7

seal. Remove the dumpling and place back under the damp cloth. Repeat with all of the wrappers.

Fry half of the dumplings in 1 tablespoon of oil in a hot frying pan for 2 minutes, or until golden on the bottom. Add 3 tbsp of water to the pan and cover with a tight-fitting lid to steam-cook for 2 minutes.

Remove the dumplings and keep warm.

Clean the pan and repeat step 5 with the remaining dumplings.

Serve warm – brown side up – with the dipping sauce.

creating authentic dim sum and gyoza easier. It has corrugated edges so you don’t even have to crimp your own dumplings, plus the easy-to-use press comes with a cutter that trims pastry to fit, so you can impress your friends and family without any of the mess. £6.99 lakeland.co.uk

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FIRST MEAL

FTB’S FAST FOOD The nation’s favourite takeaway – the Chinese! Food from all over Asia is now more accessible in the UK than ever before. It’s no secret however that your average takeaway can be rather expensive. Supermarkets now have a huge selection of Asian-inspired dishes to cook at home which can taste just as good. But which ones are the tastiest? FTB has tried and tested some of the best selections that the UK’s supermarkets have to offer F A K E AW A Y S !

TEST WINNER

WAITROSE

SAINSBURY’S

MARKS & SPENCER

TESCO

Chicken Karaage, £2.75; Asian Fusion chilli chicken ramen, £4; Chinese Char Siu pork, £4; Asian green Thai chicken curry, £4

Singapore noodles, £2.75; My Goodness! chicken coconut Laksa noodles, £3.25; Love Your Veg! Sweet potato Katsu curry and rice, £3; Duck in plum sauce with egg fried rice, £3.50

Shanghai beef udon noodles, £4.50; Plant Kitchen 4 no chicken gyozas, £2.50; Taste Thailand chicken Pad Thai, £4; 6 steamed prawn dim sum, £3

Vegetable Chow Mein meal pot, £1.75; Plant Chef Thai inspired green curry, £2.50; chicken and black bean with egg fried rice, £2.50; 4 vegetable spring rolls, £1.75

Waitrose Asian selections stood out

Marks & Spencer’s Chinese fakeaway

due to their excellent flavour and are

Sainsbury’s has a wide selection of

selections were good, but they didn’t

Although the Tesco range had some

as close to the "real thing" as you will

dishes that will take you all over Asia.

quite live up to the heights of some of

nice flavours, it lacked the quality

probably find. By far and away the

The standout dish was the chicken

the other supermarket offerings in terms

of some of the other options that

best dish was the chicken karaage.

noodle bowl which, although quite

of flavour. Both the dim sum and the no

we tried. The Chow Mein pot had

Perhaps little known, they are like

simple and very healthy, was refreshing

chicken gyozas would serve as great

a good selection of vegetables in it

Asian chicken nuggets but with much

and flavoursome, especially with

starters or as side dishes for your meal.

but lacked in flavour with the sesame

more flavour and a real spicy kick.

the coconut flavours. The Singapore

The dim sum are packed with tasty tiger

and soy sauce not really coming

The ramen is very spicy but has an

noodles have a little bit of everything

prawns and oriental vegetables but are

through. The Thai green curry had

excellent variety of vegetables and

mixed in and the dish is well balanced

a little on the sticky side. The gyozas

all the recognisable flavours but was

plenty of chicken in it, with the broth

with fish, meat and vegetables and

are an excellent option for vegetarians,

slightly on the bitter side and we felt

bringing it all together nicely. The

a hint of spice. The sweet potato

with the addition of the soy, rice wine

that the rice portion was a little small.

char siu pork has an unmistakable

curry has a lovely spiced coconut

and lime dip making them even more

The chicken and black bean was

Asian flavour with tender pork and

flavour and the sticky jasmine rice is

tasty. The Shanghai beef udon noodles

aromatic with a lovely rich smell and

a warming hoisin sauce making it

a good accompaniment. The duck

have a nice spicy kick to them and

the dark sauce comes through nicely

delicious. The Thai green curry is

in plum sauce was the only slight

are covered in a very tasty sauce with

with the red and green peppers.

fragrant and will whisk you off to

disappointment with a bit too much

plenty of beef. The Pad Thai has a

The spring rolls are nice and crispy

Bangkok with its recognisable fresh

sauce and duck that had a little too

satisfying peanut taste but could do

with lots of filling, but the ginger is a

flavours. A lovely selection from

much skin left on. Overall though a

with a little more chicken in it. Overall a

little overpowering and overwhelms

Waitrose with dishes you should

really nice selection from Sainsbury’s.

good selection.

everything else.

definitely try.

★★★★★

★★★★★

★★★★★

★★★★★ Co-Op has a range of "fakeaway" box meals that include everything you might need for a tasty dinner for two. We tried the Thai menu and were not disappointed. It includes both a red and green curry, each packed full of flavour and with plenty of chicken in them. The fragrant jasmine rice goes very well with both the curries and the vegetable spring rolls are crispy and full of tasty filling. To top it all off, the slightly spicy prawn crackers have a nice heat to them and will have you battling over who gets the last one at the end of your meal. For just £8, you can’t really go wrong.

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FINANCE

Buying a shared ownership home in 2021 Buying your first home can be a massive step, and too often involves stress and uncertainty. However, with proper planning and the right advice, it should be reasonably pain free. So, here are some handy tips to help you get on the housing ladder 1. SORT YOUR FINANCES Work out exactly what you can afford and what your likely outgoings will be.

We’ve developed a simple online financial assessment which will give you a result in under 24 hours – you can find out more at portal.censeo-financial.com.

Making use of this will save you time down the line, because if you pass, you will receive an assessment certificate which can be shared with the organisation looking to sell you a home.

Censeo Financial also has a quick and easy financial calculator app for shared ownership available on Android or Apple which can give you an outline of what you can or cannot afford to buy – given your current financial circumstances.

For over 14 years, Censeo Financial has been providing an exemplary service to both our housing association and developer clients and our customers. We were set up purely as a mortgage provider specialising in providing homes to first time buyers and since then we have become a recognisable, trusted and award-winning brand.

Since 2007 we have helped over 25,000 people with affordability assessments and around 6,000 people to purchase a property through shared ownership.

2. GET PROPER FINANCIAL ADVICE Buying a shared ownership property is different from buying somewhere outright.

Therefore, we always recommend that you seek help from a professional mortgage adviser firm such as Censeo Financial, which specialises in this sector. It could well save you time and money in the long run.

Censeo has a team of full-time professional advisers with an in-depth knowledge of shared ownership. We also have strong relationships with all of the lenders operating in this sector – we even have our own exclusive deals.

Plus, we have a long track record of working with all the leading housing associations and developers in the affordable housing sector.

3. APPOINT A DECENT SOLICITOR Solicitors play a significant role in the whole process of buying a property. From making sure you have everything necessary to help you buy your home quickly, to checking the lease and speaking to both your mortgage broker and the solicitors acting for the housing association or developer.

In addition, they will also carry out searches, as well as ensuring the developer has all the correct legal documentation for the scheme it is selling.

Ultimately, your solicitor will need to check that all the paperwork and your mortgage are in place to allow you to purchase your new home. A lot of time will be spent liaising with all the different parties – that is why it is so important to choose a good, efficient lawyer with knowledge of shared ownership.

Censeo has a panel of law firms that we work with. You are under no obligation to select one of these conveyancing lawyers, but they do all have significant experience in this sector which should speed up the sales process.

4. BE PATIENT From reserving your property to completing usually takes around six weeks but can take anything up to 12 weeks, depending on

how quickly your chosen property is made available for completion.

5. BE PREPARED Work backwards from your expected completion day. Think about sorting out your change of address, do your homework on the best utility and insurance companies to use and of course book the removal van!

6. PLAN FOR THE FUTURE Buying your first home isn’t the end of the process though, as at the end of two years (or five years, depending on the mortgage you took out) you’ll have the option of either remortgaging or staircasing (where you can decide to buy a larger share in your home). With both of these scenarios, it is a good idea to seek advice from a qualified mortgage adviser. censeo-financial.com

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FINANCE

Let’s be careful out there…

EXPERT COMMENT In a year clouded in uncertainty, organised criminals have sought opportunity in misfortune by attempting to con investors out

The advice for the tough TV cops of Hill Street Blues going out on patrol is just as valid when you’re looking to find a home for your hard-earned cash. Kay Hill warns that the streets are meaner than ever, with criminals lying in wait for the unwary

of their hard-earned savings. The investment management industry is working closely with the police and regulators to stop these scams, and is collaborating with our partners in Government to close them down and prevent them being advertised in the first place. Fraud and scams come in many different disguises. That’s why we urge savers and investors to be

OK, we know it sounds a bit melodramatic, but when it comes to financial scams things have gone from bad to worse this financial year. The Investment Association sent out two increasingly worried warnings over the past six months reporting snowballing levels of fraud – up to July there had been around 300 investmentrelated scams, but by the end of October it had nearly quadrupled to 1,175, resulting in the loss of £9.4m of hard-earning savings.

We are not talking the kind of stupidity that falls for Nigerian princes wanting to give you their fortunes, or texts from the “Inland Revenue” promising money that you aren’t owed. Robert, for example – a degree-qualified IT professional – had his head in his hands when he recounted how a well-spoken “financial adviser” persuaded him to put most of his savings into a bond that paid a market-beating 8%. Except that it didn’t; and while the police and Financial Conduct Authority investigate, his savings have vanished without trace.

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Many careful customers have fallen victim to organised criminals who “clone” phone numbers, email addresses and websites to look like existing, reputable companies – big names including JP Morgan Chase, Allianz, Liverpool Victoria and Aviva have all been misused in this way, and usually the customer only realises they have been scammed months later when they try to draw out their money.

Alongside out-and-out criminal scams, there are also the investments that are simply far riskier than the marketing seems to suggest. Peer-to-peer lending, for example, is a legitimate way of making money but has considerable risks attached, as the 10,000 small investors who trusted Lendy with their money found to their cost when it went into liquidation owing £152m. People have been enthusiastically embracing risky investments in pursuit of profit since the days of tulip fever; these days it’s cryptocurrencies, binary options, graphene, parking spaces, art and wine

as vigilant as possible to protect their investments and think very carefully about the risks of fraud when making investment decisions. The advice of the National Crime Agency is to: Stop – Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

Challenge – Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you. Protect – Speak to your bank as soon as possible if you believe you have transferred money to a scam.

Chris Cummings Chief Executive of the Investment Association

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FINANCE

which promise the alluring glimmer of a fortune but usually fail to deliver.

The problem has become acute because of historically low interest rates on savings that have sent savers scurrying to the internet to look for better options – and far above the genuinely reliable advice and comparison sites such as moneysavingexpert.com come the sponsored ads. First Time Buyer’s internet search for “how to get a higher interest rate on savings” for example, returned at the very top an advert for unregulated investment bonds in things like energy and cryptocurrency, supposedly paying 10% a year, while the top “sponsored” answer to the question “best way to make my savings grow” was a company promising returns of more than 20% through investing in whisky. These may or may not be genuine investment opportunities – but they are not a way to grow savings as they aren’t actually savings at all.

Adverts like these rely on the fact that many people are unaware that “saving” and “investing” are not the same thing. Saving is putting money aside, bit by bit, towards a goal, such as a deposit for a house. It’s essentially the grown-up version of putting pennies in a jar – your money is kept safe in a bank or building society account. It could be instant access, fixed for a set period or in a wrapper like a cash ISA, but you will always get all of your money back at the end, with the addition of (at the moment) a very small amount of interest.

Investing, on the other hand, is risking your initial amount of money in the hope of much greater returns. While, for example, buying stocks and shares will almost always give you a better return in the longer term, bad things can happen very quickly. When coronavirus hit at the beginning of March, for example, investments in stocks and shares ISAs lost around 20% of their value overnight.

The most important thing is to understand exactly what you are doing. If you have only just started thinking about buying a home and expect it to take five years or more before you’re ready to buy, then you might consider that investing in something like a stocks and shares ISA is an acceptable risk (but take professional advice). However, if you plan to buy any sooner, then it is definitely safer not to gamble with your deposit (imagine if that

20% drop in shares had come days before you were due to exchange…).

SO HOW CAN YOU BEST AVOID GETTING SCAMMED?  The golden rule (true of most things in life) is that if it looks too good to be true, it usually is. With legitimate savings accounts paying well below 1% at the moment, anything much over that should raise alarm bells.  Be wary of ads that pop up on social media, calls to your mobile, emails and other unsolicited approaches. If you are interested in an offer, go directly to the organisation’s official website to check it is valid.  Don’t be swayed by time pressure – while it’s true that bonds can sometimes sell out quickly, taking half an hour to really make sure it’s both legitimate and appropriate for you is time well spent.  Check the company you are planning to save or invest with is on the Financial Services Register – register.fca.org.uk, and only use the contact details listed there. For example, if you search for the thoroughly legitimate Paragon Bank or Shawbrook Bank, which have both offered top interest rates in the recent past, you will see their correct phone numbers and also the telephone numbers recently used by criminals impersonating them to steal deposits.  Make sure that your money is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Don’t just assume because the logo is on the company’s paperwork that it is genuine, visit fscs.org.uk/checkyour-money-isprotected/ to be sure. This will mean that up to £85,000 is fully protected if the bank goes bust.

EXPERT COMMENT Whether it’s elaborate scams and attempts by criminals to con innocent victims into handing over their money or providing access to data which can then be used to gain illicit funds, stories of those impacted by fraud are becoming increasingly common.

This is demonstrated by a sharp rise in the number of impersonation scams, which nearly doubled in the first six months of the year, with almost 15,000 cases reported.

Such scams occur when the victim is convinced to make a payment to a criminal claiming to be from a trusted organisation such as the police, a bank or a Government department.

In some notable cases recently, fraudsters have tricked victims by pretending to offer Government grants to help with Covid-19.

Criminals have ruthlessly adapted to this pandemic with scams exploiting the rise in people working from home and spending time online.

These range from investment scams promoted on social media and search engines to the use of phishing emails and fake websites to harvest people’s data. Always follow the advice of our Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign and take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information, and don’t let a criminal rush or panic you into making a decision that you’ll later come to regret.

Katy Worobec Managing Director, Economic Crime, UK Finance

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MARKET

The year ahead Most of us were glad to see the end of 2020 but what does 2021 hold for the property market? Ginetta Vedrickas takes a look at what’s in store ENDING 2020 ON A HIGH Last year was filled with doom and gloom as concerns over Brexit, followed swiftly by the pandemic’s onset, threw the UK into freefall.

Yet – despite these unprecedented challenging conditions – few of us could have predicted that the property market would end on a high. Across the UK, agents reported a surge of sales as the pandemic in particular made many re-evaluate their lifestyles, while the Stamp Duty ( SDLT) holiday plus the prospect of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme ending in March also proved to be driving sales.

HOUSE HUNTER NUMBERS UP Data from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, RICS, showed that sales of homes continued to increase last November as buyers were busy house hunting. But, while demand rose across most of the UK, the pace of growth did appear to be slowing. Nationally, over 27% of surveyors told RICS they experienced an increase in new buyer enquiries during the November period; a positive trend but still down from the +42% peak seen in October. Regionally, agreed sales continued to rise across most areas, with Wales and Northern Ireland seeing particularly strong growth. Areas showing a slowdown

included the West Midlands, East Midlands and Scotland which all reported a flatter trend in agreed sales.

PRICE RISES RICS noted that house prices continued to rise last year – 66% of surveyors reported an increase in house prices and, when asked what they believed would happen next year, over 20% now think that prices will rise over the next 12 months, a substantial hike on the 8% who believed they would when previously asked.

EXPERT COMMENT It is time for the industry to look ahead and think about what comes next to ensure that first time buyers are still able to access homes at an affordable price in their preferred area. This is where shared ownership will really come into its own. Despite

REGIONAL DIFFERENCES

having been around for over 40

Zoopla also noted a spike in 2020 sales which it estimated as “an additional £62bn worth of sales agreed” compared to 2019 and equating to an estimated run rate of £300bn of sales for 2020.

Zoopla also put the spike in agreed sales down to a change in lifestyle aspirations driven by the pandemic. along with, to a lesser extent, the SDLT holiday. Zoopla estimated that national house price growth is now running at a three-year high of 3.9%, the highest rate since August 2017, and up from just 1.3% a year ago. Fastest house price growth was recorded in Manchester at 5.7%, followed by Leeds, Nottingham and Liverpool all at just below 5%. Zoopla points out that, in

knowledge about what it means,

years, there is still a real lack of and I hope to see the sector continue to take necessary strides to raise awareness of shared ownership.

Kush Rawal Director of Residential Investment, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing

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MARKET these cities, affordability remains less of a barrier to house price growth compared to southern England where house price growth was recorded at just 2.1% in Southampton and Oxford.

The portal also recorded 40% more demand for housing than the previous year, and this was despite the housing market closing for two months. Demand was up, but new supply of property coming on to the market only saw a 4% increase, which Zoopla says “put upward pressure on house prices”. And while the highest rates of price inflation were in northern England’s housing markets, the greatest increase in sales agreed was concentrated in the South East and the East of England, where agreed sales were more than 20% higher than 2019.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021 Halifax described last year’s housing market as “surprisingly robust” despite numerous challenges. The average house price is now £253,243 compared to £235,353 a year ago, a rise of £17,890, and equivalent to annual house price growth of 7.6%, the strongest since June 2016. MD Russell Galley said, “Despite the deepest recession for centuries, house prices have risen over the past year at their fastest rate since 2016, with mortgage approvals also at their highest level for over a decade. This growth has been driven by a shift in demand from buyers as a result of increased home working and a desire for more space, while the Stamp Duty holiday brought forward many transactions that might otherwise have been planned for next year.”

UNEMPLOYMENT AHEAD Halifax predicts that prospects for 2021 look weaker, with house prices expected to fall by between 2% and 5%. The bank says that the impact of the pandemic on household finances has been delayed by supportive Government policies but forecasts a rise in unemployment in 2021. Falling house prices might look like good news for anyone trying to get on the property ladder but some feel that first time buyers might be disproportionately affected by a worsening economy as the impact of reduced incomes has been felt most by the young and those in lower-paid service sector jobs.

Halifax believes that, while the economy should start to recover this year, helped in part by the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines, the jobs market will still struggle to adjust to the current situation and unemployment will inevitably rise. If the Stamp Duty holiday does end in March, the bank expects housing market activity to slow down. And, if we do see price reductions of between 2% and 5% next year, the bank

points out that this will only partially reverse the almost £18,000 (7.6%) increase in average prices experienced over the past 12 months.

CHANGES IN BUYING PATTERNS Many agents reported a change in buying patterns with more house hunters seeking to move further out of cities to more spacious properties where they could work from home. Data from property website Rightmove showed a 326% jump in use of the terms “office”, “workspace” and “working from home” in its property listings. There was also a jump of 90% in the number of buyers and renters searching for an “outbuilding” and a jump of 89% for “annex” or “annexe” searches.

EXPERT COMMENT Looking ahead to 2021, we expect to see continued stability in the London market as buyers bring to fruition exactly what they want in a property after the lockdown experience. Here in south London, the majority of our clients are expecting babies – they are starting to extend their families and are looking for

GOVERNMENT POLICY CHANGE ON NEW BUILD HOMES

larger homes to accommodate this, so

The Government recently scrapped plans to increase housebuilding in the south of England. An announcement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, MHCLG said, “A housing need formula is currently used to provide a starting point in the process of local planning for new homes. An updated method will now be introduced to help councils to enable the delivery of 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s, while prioritising brownfield sites and urban areas.” Under these proposals, the Government wants to see more family homes built in cities and towns and more empty buildings and brownfield sites used so that green spaces are protected.

The plans will encourage more homes to be built in England’s 20 largest cities and urban centres, “boosting local economies by supporting jobs in the building sector, and revitalising high streets with the footfall new residents bring”.

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick explained the reasons behind the policy change, “This Government wants to build more homes as a matter of social justice, for intergenerational fairness and to create jobs for working people. We are reforming our planning system to ensure it is simpler and more certain without compromising standards of design, quality and environmental protection.”

A new Urban Centre Recovery Task Force has been set up to advise on the development and regeneration of town and city centres and an allocation of over £67m will be given to the West Midlands and Greater Manchester areas’ local authorities to help them build new homes on brownfield land, as well as confirming an additional £100m of funding for brownfield development.

is becoming the norm, so obviously

we expect huge traction in the family housing market. Working from home homes that accommodate this are going to be popular too. We’re expecting the current Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday to be extended, which will help to ease the risk of any drastic price drops or sales falling through that don’t meet the deadline. Young buyers are now snapping up one and two bed flats again and we expect this trend to continue, particularly if the SDLT holiday is extended.

Becky Munday Managing Director, Munday’s Estate Agents

EXPERT COMMENT The key long-term issue for the housing market remains the inequality between generations and across the income spectrum, and specifically the ability of the young and lower-paid to access good quality housing that meets their needs. The impact on the economy of Covid-19 will therefore only increase the need to prioritise improved housing availability and affordability.

Russell Galley Managing Director, Halifax

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EXPERTS

Agony agent Readers put their property questions to our guest panel of experts: solicitors, mortgage advisers, property gurus and Help to Buy providers

THIS MONTH’S PA N E L O F E X P E R T S Sue Dance Sales & Commercial Manager, Grand Union Housing Group

Alice Bolton Sales Operations Manager, SiteSales

Gemma Harris Assistant Director of Sales and Lettings, CHP

T E S T T H E PA N E L

We need your questions...

If you have any queries, or difficulties in understanding the property buying process, our panel of experts is waiting to help. Send our team your questions on buying property, Help to Buy, legal issues, or your financial problems and we’ll find the best person from the panel to give the advice you need.

Email your questions to: lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk

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Working from home

Q

I am a first time buyer who is now going to be working from home indefinitely, as a result I’m looking for a home that offers a little more extra space. I’d really like a second room that could function as both a guest bedroom and an office, plus some outside space would be a massive plus. However, I’d still like to be based near to London if possible. Can you help me work out where I can afford to buy?

Zoe Cash, Hackney

A

With the lockdowns throughout the UK it is no surprise that buyers have been re-evaluating whether their existing home suits the way they want to live and what future lifestyle patterns are likely to look like.

The landscape of work life altered dramatically during 2020, with many of us now used to home working. It feels that home working is going to be a feature of our new working week and as a result, at SiteSales we have seen buyers showing more interest in features like a home office

space and crucially a good internet speed.

These factors are featuring higher on our buyers’ new home requirements than, for example, commuting distance.

We currently have a superb collection of homes that could fit your requirements perfectly. To view all our live developments, please visit site-sales.co.uk.

The two and three bedroom apartments at Montmorency Park in Arnos Grove all feature their own outdoor space, some with huge terraces and room inside to set up your home office. For when you do need to visit central London, hop on the Piccadilly Line for nine stops to King’s Cross. Shared ownership at Montmorency Park starts from £87,250 for a 25% share. To find out more, call 0344 892 0213.

In South Quay and overlooking Canary Wharf we’re selling a collection of apartments at Hampton Tower and the two bedroom apartments would work really well for your home office set up. The apartments are well appointed with floorto-ceiling windows and you’re surrounded by over 2.6 acres of landscaped gardens.

Shared ownership at Hampton Tower starts from £108,750 for a 25% share. Call 0344 892 0121 to find out more.

Alice Bolton

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EXPERTS

Resale or new build?

Q

I have been looking into buying my first home with the help of shared ownership, but I’m not sure whether a resale home or a brand new home is best for me. What would you suggest?

Stephanie Briggs, Colchester

There are pros and cons whichever option you choose, so it’s important to do your research to help you make the choice that’s right for you.

Resale homes (or secondhand homes) are readily available, so there’s no need to wait for the build to be completed before you can move in. However, the speed at which the sale can progress is subject to the legal conveyancing and, most importantly, the length of the chain involved. It’s a good idea to make sure that you understand the position of everyone involved in the chain so that you can pre-empt whether there could be any delays further down the line.

Resale properties are “sold as seen” and do not usually come with the benefit of a warranty as a brand new home would, but as they are older they are usually located in well-established neighbourhoods, which can be appealing to prospective buyers.

Brand new homes generally appeal to prospective buyers looking to buy into a lifestyle. Inevitably, buying on a new development will mean that it may take some time for the development to be fully build complete, so it’s important to have a clear vision of what the development is going to look like overall, and what facilities will available to the residents living there, before you commit to the purchase. New homes do come with the benefit of a warranty, so home maintenance and repair costs are

A

less likely to be required until a good few years after you’ve moved in. There is also no chain to worry about, unless of course you are selling an existing home in order to buy a brand new home, which is sometimes the case even with shared ownership.

My advice to you would be to look at the different web portals advertising shared ownership homes for sale in your desired location, including helptobuy.gov.uk and sharedownership.net.

At CHP we have a fantastic range of one, two and three bedroom apartments and houses for sale across Essex, both resale and new build, in great locations to suit everyone, so you can always visit chp.org.uk to take a look there too! If there are homes that catch your interest I would recommend that you contact the provider for more information.

Gemma Harris

Help to Buy?

Q

My girlfriend and I have been saving for some time to buy our first home together and were hoping to purchase with the Help to Buy scheme as we don’t have quite enough deposit otherwise. We just heard that this is coming to an end, so wondered if there are any other schemes in our area which would assist us? I am a trainee radiologist at Bedford hospital and my partner Holly is a veterinary nurse based in Sandy, also in Beds. Thank you Ben Northfield, Bedford

A

Shared ownership is a great solution for a couple who can’t quite reach the deposit needed for property on the open market, as the salary maximum income cap is for the annual household together and therefore allows flexibility.

Outside of London the cap is £80,000, or inside London it is £90,000. Also, you will only need to provide a 5% deposit of the share you are purchasing, so you may qualify already! Remember to allow enough for legal costs and moving expenses on top though.

The Old Orchard, Gravenhurst, Beds For example, you could buy a 35% share of a two bedroom apartment in central Bedford (very close to your work) from just £70,000 (full market value of £200,000) at Gatehouse Mews which will be launched soon.

Or, if you were willing to travel a little to live in a more rural location, then there is another scheme coming at The Old Orchard, Gravenhurst, where you could purchase a 35% share in a terraced house with garden for a price of £106,750 (guide price £305,000).

Speak to an independent financial adviser who specialises in shared ownership to check if you can qualify.

With both of these properties you could purchase more shares until you own 100%, as your careers progress and you can afford more. You pay rent on the balance you do not own, and this reduces as you buy more shares. Take a look at grandunionliving.co.uk for more information. Good luck with your search!

Sue Dance

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Buyers’ guide FTB EXPLAINS ALL THE OPTIONS TO HELP FIRST TIME BUYERS

Your options What are your funding options if you want to get on the housing ladder?

FIRST STEPS

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A GOVERNMENTBACKED SCHEME? The Government backs several schemes to help people get on to the property ladder. The best known is the Help to Buy: Equity Loan, which is open to all buyers purchasing a new home costing up to £600,000 from an approved provider. There are no income restrictions and you can use it to upsize, but not to buy an additional property. For more details, contact a Help to Buy Agent. There is also shared ownership, which is open to families with a household income of up to £80,000 (£90,000 in London).

BUYING ON THE OPEN MARKET Many people buy property on the open market. Homes are offered for sale by estate/sales agents or from private developers or house builders.

On new build developments there is usually a show home you can look around and a sales adviser, based on site, to answer your questions.

To buy on the open market, you will need a mortgage deposit of at least 5% to 10% of the full property value.

BUYING A NEW HOME OFF-PLAN

FUNDING OPTIONS

JARGON EXPLAINED

G O V E R N M E N T- B A C K E D SCHEMES

EQUITY LOAN

Help to Buy: Equity Loans The Government provides equity loans of 20% of the full property value (40% in London boroughs). The loan is interest free for the first five years with interest at 1.75% in year six, rising by RPI (retail price index) inflation plus 1% after that. The loan must be repaid when the property is sold or within 25 years. You will need to raise a deposit of 5% and a 75% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage. New build homes priced up to £600,000 can be bought. The current Help to Buy: Equity Loan Scheme runs until the end of March 2021 and will be restricted to first time buyers after that.

This is a Government loan for a percentage of a property’s value (20% outside London, 40% in London). If you remain living in the property, you repay the equity loan within 25 years. If you sell the property, you repay the percentage of the property price the loan was for. For example, if the equity loan was originally £30,000 on a £100,000 property (30%) and you sell the property for £200,000, you’ll have to repay £60,000 (30% of £200,000).

Shared Ownership or Part-Buy, Part-Rent The Government shared ownership scheme is available for households with an income of up to £80,000 (or £90,000 if buying in London.)

The scheme allows you the chance to buy as little as a 25% share in a property and pay a subsidised rent on the rest. Rent is calculated at 2.75% (sometimes less), with annual increases of RPI + 0.5%. In most cases, you can buy more shares after you move in with the opportunity to own the property outright.

This is called staircasing. The mortgage deposit you’ll need to buy with shared ownership is calculated on the share value; this works out at a lot less than if you were buying outright.

There are a few less well known Governmentbacked schemes; more details of these can be found on ownyourhome.gov.uk:

Rent to Buy or Intermediate Rent With this scheme you rent a newly built property for up to five years and pay a reduced rent. This gives you time to save up for a deposit so you can apply to buy a share of the home later. Homes available with Rent to Buy are few and far between.

Demand for new homes often outstrips supply; this means that new homes are often reserved before their construction is complete, sometimes several months before they are built and finished. This is called “buying off-plan”. Most providers market and sell their homes in this way. Do some careful research to make sure the home you reserve is the right one for you, especially as you may not have an opportunity to physically view inside it before your commitment to buy it becomes a legal obligation.

Older People’s Shared Ownership (OPSO)

PRIVATE INITIATIVES

*NEW!* First Homes

Some builders offer incentives on new build homes such as cashback, free legal fees, help with moving costs or money towards Stamp Duty. Some developers may offer shared equity, a private version of shared ownership.

This is a new option announced by the Government in late 2019. With First Homes, first time buyers and key workers will be offered discounts of 30% on new build homes. Further details are awaited.

This is designed for people aged 55 and over.

Scheme specific details vary, so check with the housing association provider.

Home Ownership for People with Long Term Disabilities (HOLD) HOLD is a specialist option designed to help people with long term disabilities to live independently in a shared ownership property where, in some cases, repairs and maintenance services are offered by the housing association provider.

HOMES ENGLAND This is a Government organisation tasked with increasing housing supply. They also fund affordable homes including Help to Buy.

STAIRCASING If you buy a home with shared ownership, you will be given the right to buy more shares at any time in the future. This is called staircasing. In most cases, you can buy shares up to 100% of the property and own it outright.

When you buy more shares, these are valued at the market value at the time. Because house prices tend to rise over periods of time, it is a good idea to think about staircasing right from the moment you move into your new shared ownership home.

FUNDING OPTIONS BUYING ON THE OPEN MARKET & P R I VA T E I N I T I A T I V E S

To buy on the open market or from a house builder you’ll need to get a mortgage from a bank or other mortgage lender. To do so you’ll need to save a deposit and meet the provider’s lending criteria.

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

The ftb process TIPS

Buying your first property can be a daunting experience. It’s a big decision, so it’s important to get it right. We take you through all the steps involved

F

Unless you have enough money to buy a property outright you’ll need a mortgage. A mortgage is a loan used to buy a property and is repayable over a number of years (usually 25-35 years). The loan is “secured” on the property, which means the mortgage lender could repossess your home if you fail to make repayments on time. For this reason, it’s vital only to buy a property you can realistically afford.

Before you start, find out how much money you can borrow. A mortgage adviser will need details of your income, outgoings, savings and credit history – they will then be able to give you an “agreement in principle”, which will state, in theory, how much they will be able to lend you. An agreement in principle, however, doesn’t tie you, or the lender, to anything. Instead, it will just give you a rough idea of how much money you’ll be able to borrow.

You’ll also need a deposit, normally around 10% of the property price. The bigger the deposit, the better the mortgage rate you’ll be offered. Each mortgage product will have a maximum loan-to-value or LTV.

inance

APPLICATION You will need at least three months of bank statements, payslips or tax returns, photo ID such as a passport or driving licence and details of any loans. Lenders will look at your outgoings to assess how much you can afford to pay on your mortgage each month. The bigger deposit you have and the better your credit score, the better mortgage rate you’ll be offered.

BUDGET Work out how much you can afford to repay each month, taking into account your normal living expenses and the bills, insurance and council tax on your new home. Don’t forget there is likely to be a service/ estate management charge on a new home, plus ground rent for a leasehold property, so find out how much they will be.

CREDIT SCORE Get a credit report from Experian or Equifax, and make sure there are no default accounts, CCJs (county court judgements) or missed payments. If you are making lots of enquiries to find the best deal, make sure the lenders log your enquiry as a soft search rather than a hard search as too many applications leave “footprints” on your credit score and can affect your rating.

To improve your score, make sure you’re on the electoral roll, and pay your bills and any loan repayments on time.

MORTGAGE BROKERS VS LENDERS You can apply for a mortgage via a mortgage broker (or financial adviser) or direct from a lender. A broker can look at the deals available and advise you which one would be best for your circumstances.

Some mortgage products are only sold through brokers, not directly to customers.

A broker will help you with the paperwork and deal with the lender on your behalf up until completion. You may have to pay them a fee or they may earn commission from the lender – find out how they are paid before committing to anything.

Mortgage advisers in banks or building societies can only sell you products offered by that company, so it’s unlikely they will be able to offer you the very best deal for your circumstances. It’s important to shop around. You can compare mortgages online at sites such as moneysupermarket.com or SET A BUDGET

FINANCE

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Work out how much money you have for fees, deposit and the monthly mortgage you can afford.

CREDIT SCORE

Make sure your credit rating is sound and there are no mistakes on your file, and pay off any debts you can.

moneysavingexpert.com, then apply directly to your chosen lender.

FIXED-RATE MORTGAGES Some mortgages are fixed rate. This means you’ll pay the same rate of interest for a defined period of time, and your payments won’t change. If interest rates go up, you’ll be protected from the increase, but you won’t benefit from any fall in interest rates.

Normally, at the end of the fixed period your mortgage rate will revert to the lender’s standard variable rate (SVR) for the rest of the term. You can either pay this rate (which is often quite expensive) or remortgage to another lender. Remortgaging to another lender can sometimes mean you have to pay a fee or early redemption charge (ERC).

VARIABLE-RATE MORTGAGES Variable-rate mortgages are either linked to the lender’s SVR or the Bank of England base rate, and the rate you pay can change.

Lenders can change their SVR whenever they want, but they normally only change it when the Bank of England base rate changes. Tracker mortgages are also variable, but they have repayment rates that are directly linked to the base rate so will go up and down with it. With variable-rate mortgages you need to be sure you could afford higher repayments if rates rise.

REPAYMENT OR INTEREST-ONLY Most mortgages available to first time buyers are on a repayment basis. With this type of mortgage, every monthly payment will pay off some interest and some capital (mainly interest in the early years). At the end of the term, you’ll own your home outright.

If you have a larger (25% or more) deposit you may be offered an interest-only mortgage, where you only pay interest on the loan. The monthly repayments are lower but at the end of the term you’ll still owe the original mortgage sum. You’ll need to prove you have a plan in place (such as an investment) to pay off the capital.

SHOP AROUND

Speak to a mortgage broker, but also look at lenders’ direct products and search the internet.

RESEARCH

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TIPS

RESEARCH AN AREA

T

Buying a property is a big investment. horough You need to make research sure you buy a home that you can afford and one you will be happy living in.

LOCATION IS KEY The first step is to shortlist the locations you feel you’d like to live in, then check if you can afford the house prices in those areas.

It’s also worthwhile visiting places you like: it may be that there’s an up-and-coming hot spot just down the road you didn’t know about that’s much more affordable.

Ideally, you will have rented in the area before buying, but if this isn’t the case, at least spend some time there, check out the commuting time to work, and look at local pubs, shops and leisure facilities. Visit the area at night, too.

PROPERTY SEARCH Once you have found the right location, go online and check out what’s on offer.

Most homes are listed on property portals such as rightmove.co.uk, onthemarket. co.uk, or zoopla.co.uk, plus estate agents’ websites. Properties featured have pictures, descriptions and a floor plan, and DECIDE ON A LOCATION

Be practical.

Think about the commuting time and whether you can afford to buy in the area.

RESEARCH THE AREA

Check out crime statistics, transport links, regeneration and, if relevant, schools.

sometimes a video. Also, sign up with as many local estate agents as you can. They should send you new properties that match your description, but it’s worth phoning them regularly. If you’re looking for a shared ownership property, search online at sharetobuy.com and propertybooking.co.uk.

Aerial shots of an area can be viewed at google.co.uk/maps; switch to “satellite view”.

VIEWING Once you see a property you like, arrange a viewing. Most people see at least 10 properties before putting in an offer. It’s worth bringing a friend or relative and also arranging a second viewing to check out any bits you may have missed. Don’t get taken in by the furnishings and decor too much.

Remember that a property that is slightly run down can still be a great investment and may only need a touch of paint and a change of furniture.

ESTATE AGENTS It’s a buyers’ market, so make use of agents’ legwork in finding properties that fit your requirements. Be aware that estate agents are paid commission by the seller on the sale, so try to inspect the property yourself rather than just the parts the agent shows you. Don’t get sucked in by the hard sell.

SEARCH

Register with local estate agents, and use the internet to search for properties. Set up alerts.

Check online for prices of sold properties in the area, and make sure properties you like fit your budget. You can search for recent sold prices of property in any area at nethouseprices.com, and also on property portals like rightmove.co.uk/zoopla.co.uk.

VIEWINGS

Look at several properties, and visit ones you like more than once and with someone else.

Take a checklist.

Before you put in an offer, visit the street at different times of the day and night. You could also ask neighbours and local shop owners about the area.

BEFORE YOU BUY When looking at buying apartments, check exactly what is included in the service charge and how much it is. Also, ask about the terms of the lease and its length. If the lease has less than 80 years left, use this as a negotiating tool and make an offer below the asking price.

OFFER

If the market is slow, when making an offer, don’t be afraid to offer less than the asking price.

If the property needs work done, you can use this as a negotiating tool.

SURVEY

BUYING

Make sure you have a survey – it could save you money in the long run by spotting any problems.

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BUYERS’ GUIDE

BUYERS’ COSTS

B

uying process

SURVEYS AND VALUATIONS

Once your offer is accepted, tell your mortgage lender. They will do a valuation to ensure the property is worth the money being advanced. At the same time, instruct a surveyor to carry out a survey. If this shows problems, find out how much they would cost to rectify and use this information to renegotiate the sale price. Or, tell the seller certain repairs need to be carried out before contracts are exchanged.

SOLICITOR’S/CONVEYANCING COSTS (ESTIMATED)

£700-£1,500

LOCAL AUTHORITY SEARCH FEES (ESTIMATED)

£200-300

LAND REGISTRY FEES: For an existing property: For a purchase of £80-£100k £40.00

For a purchase of £100-£200k £95.00 For a purchase of £200-£500k For a new build property: For a purchase of £80-£100k £80.00

For a purchase of £100-£200k £190.00 For a purchase of £200-£500k £270.00

SOLICITORS

A QUICK SALE Push the seller to take the property off the market. This will limit the chances of being gazumped (another buyer making a larger offer). The seller can insist on continuing to show the property, especially if you haven’t offered the asking price.

Once the mortgage offer is in place, the contract is satisfactory and buildings insurance has been organised, both parties will agree an exchange date. You will sign the contract with your solicitor, and at the point of exchange of contracts, you pay a deposit and a completion date is set. At this point, there’s no going back – the seller could sue you if you pull out, and you could lose your deposit. The completion date is usually around a week to 10 days after exchange, but can be done on the same day.

On completion, the final paperwork is done, and the property is legally yours.

Never get pressured into an exchange and completion date without knowing all your finances and documents are in place. If you can’t complete, you may have to pay the seller’s costs.

English property law is different to Scottish law: in England, if you put in an offer and then have a change of heart, you can legally back out of the deal or negotiate up until the exchange date. But, in Scotland, an agreed price is binding.

Compare quotes from solicitors, and ask your friends who they recommend. A good solicitor can make a big difference to whether a purchase completes or falls through. Online companies can be cheaper but are less personal.

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STAMP DUTY LAND TAX (SDLT) (UNTIL 31/03/2020):

£0-£500,000 Zero

£500,000 to £925,000 5% £925,001 to £1.5m 10% Above £1.5m12%

Example: on a £600,000 purchase SDLT would be £5,000 – 0% on £0-£500,000 and 5% on £100,000 (being the £100,000 above £500,000)

OTHER FEES TO CONSIDER (ESTIMATED, DEPENDENT ON CIRCUMSTANCES): MORTGAGE ARRANGEMENT FEE

EXCHANGE AND COMPLETION

Use a recommended solicitor who you know to be reliable and who can move fast.

SOLICITORS

For a purchase of £500k-£1m £540.00

After the offer is accepted, you will also need to appoint a solicitor or conveyancer who will oversee the contract, deal with the finances and exchange the deeds. Your solicitor will carry out searches, check the terms of any lease and restrictive covenants and tell you how much Stamp Duty you have to pay. The seller will also appoint a solicitor, and the two legal teams will be in regular contact to make sure the purchase goes as smoothly as possible.

TIPS

INSURANCE

You must have buildings insurance in place for when you exchange contracts (not complete). This will be a condition of your mortgage offer.

MORTGAGE VALUATION £0-£300

SURVEY £300-£700

MORTGAGE BROKER’S FEE £0-£500

BUILDINGS INSURANCE £200-£300 annually

GROUND RENT (LEASEHOLD ONLY) & SERVICE CHARGES £100-£4,000 annually charges for maintenance of communal areas

From offer to completion usually takes about six weeks to three months, but don’t feel pressured or rush into anything you’re not sure of just because the seller or estate agent wants you to exchange.

Look at the results of searches your solicitor has done. They will tell you, for example, if a main road is about to be built at the end of your garden.

£0-£1,500

New freehold homes may also have service/estate

TIME SCALE

SEARCHES

£135.00

For a purchase of £500k-£1m £270.00

REMOVALS

Shop around for a removals firm, and find one that can move your possessions on completion day. You could also look at van hire to do it yourself.

REMOVALS (IF REQUIRED) £1,000-£2,500

COMPLETION

Your solicitor or estate agent will call you to tell you the property is yours. The solicitor will have some final paperwork to do, and you will then have to pay the solicitor’s bill and your Stamp Duty payment (if applicable).

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Home buying glossary Confused by financial acronyms and industry terminology?

Buying your first house is daunting enough without having to decode property lingo. FTB’s homebuying glossary is here to make the process a whole lot easier to understand AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE

DISBURSEMENTS

The initial document that a lender will give you outlining the amount you are likely to be lent if you applied for a mortgage. An agreement in principle is not a guarantee of getting a mortgage.

These are additional charges incurred during the homebuying process such as Stamp Duty and Land Registry charges. You must give the money to your conveyancer or solicitor who will then pay the charges on your behalf.

APR APR stands for annual percentage rate.

It is the interest rate you’d pay over a year. It takes into account not just the interest on your loan but also any other additional charges.

EARLY REPAYMENT CHARGE

ARREARS

EQUITY

This is a term used to describe payments that haven’t been made on time.

The difference between the value of the property and the value of the mortgage you have secured.

BASE RATE The interest rate set by the Bank of England. Lenders usually use the Bank of England base rate to set their own interest rates.

BROKER

This is an amount of money you may have to pay a lender if you decide to move mortgage provider or if you pay off your mortgage quicker than expected.

EXCHANGE OF CONTRACTS This is when you exchange contracts with the seller. When this has happened, both sides are legally bound to complete the transaction.

A broker is someone who gives you advice on your mortgage. Some are independent, while others work for particular lenders.

FREEHOLD

BUILDING SURVEY

When a seller accepts an offer and then later on rejects it in favour of a higher offer from another bidder.

A survey carried out by a qualified surveyor to spot any structural problems or faults in the home you are buying.

COLLATERAL Something of value that is offered as a guarantee against a loan. With mortgages, your home is collateral.

COMPLETION The finalisation of the sale. Completion day is when the paperwork is complete, all money is transferred and you become the legal owner of your new home.

CONVEYANCING The legal process of transferring ownership of a property.

A freehold is when you fully own a property and the land it stands on.

GAZUMPING

GUARANTOR A person, usually a parent, who guarantees that you can pay your mortgage repayments. You often need a guarantor if you are struggling to get a mortgage based on your own income. If for some reason you cannot pay your mortgage, your guarantor has to pay it for you.

HIGHER LENDING CHARGE If you take out a large mortgage on a property, some lenders may charge a one-off extra fee. This funds an insurance policy that protects the lender (not you) from the additional risk.

LAND REGISTRY FEES This is a fee you have to pay in order to register your ownership of the property with the Land Registry.

LEASEHOLD A type of tenure where you buy the right to occupy a property for a fixed period of time. You usually have to pay annual ground rent each year.

LTV This stands for loan to value – the ratio between the amount of money you have taken out as a loan and the valuation price of the property.

LUMP-SUM REDUCTION In order to reduce your mortgage, you can make a lump-sum reduction. This is where you pay more than you owe each month in mortgage repayments.

REDEMPTION Paying off your mortgage in full is known as redemption.

REPAYMENTS The amount you have to pay back each month to your mortgage provider

STAMP DUTY Stamp Duty is a shortened name for Stamp Duty Land Tax, also called SDLT. This is a Government tax you may have to pay when you purchase a new property. Your solicitor or conveyancer will organise the payment for you.

TITLE DEEDS The legal documents that outline your rights and liabilities in relation to your new property. The title deeds also act as proof of ownership.

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LEGAL

First Time Buyer’s Guide to Conveyancing Buying your first home can be a daunting experience. It is, after all, the biggest purchase you will ever make in your life! In this article, Sarah Clancy, Solicitor at Prince Evans Solicitors LLP, explains the steps of buying your home for first time buyers

Of course you won’t be going through the buying process on your own. That’s where your conveyancer steps in to guide you and help you through the process, and why it’s so important to choose a conveyancer experienced in helping first time buyers.

WHAT IS CONVEYANCING? The term conveyancing refers to all the legal and administrative work associated with transferring the ownership of land or

buildings from one person to another.

Essentially, it dots the I’s and crosses the T’s and makes sure everything is in place legally when a property is bought and sold.

It begins once you have an offer accepted on the property you wish to purchase and doesn’t end until money has changed hands and you have been registered as the legal owner of your new home.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CONVEYANCER Choosing the right conveyancer can be like finding a needle in a haystack. How do you decide who to pick? First of all, make sure that your conveyancer is on the panel of the bank or building society you’re using for

your mortgage. Consider opting for a “nosale, no-fee” firm – this means you won’t have to pay the legal fees if the sale falls through. It’s also worth finding a “fixedfee” service, which means you only pay the amount that’s quoted when you sign up.

This avoids nasty surprises further down the line. Whatever you do don’t make your decision purely based on price. The firm you pick will be responsible for all of the legal work surrounding your property purchase, and if they miss anything, make a mistake or cause delays it could end up costing you a lot more than the amount you saved by choosing the cheapest service. Choose a firm experienced in the conveyancing process for first time buyers.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Once you have chosen your conveyancer that’s when the actual conveyancing process begins. Here we outline a simple guide to the next steps:

BEFORE EXCHANGE Your conveyancer will receive the draft contracts and other information about your property from the seller’s solicitors including details of the legal title. They will then begin working away in the background, undertaking their checks on the property to make sure all is well with your new home.

They will check the contract pack, raise any necessary enquiries, obtain a copy of your mortgage offer and carry out the conveyancing searches on your new home.

You might think your conveyancer is taking a long time undertaking their checks however there is a lot of work that goes into your purchase. A good conveyancer will keep you updated throughout so you should not be worried or fretting that nothing is happening.

Conveyancing searches will be carried out at the beginning of the conveyancing process, once contract papers have been received and before exchanging contracts.

Local authority searches are vital in

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finding out key pieces of information that could be the deciding factor on whether or not you buy the property. The searches will highlight anything in the local area that will affect you while living in the property.

Environmental searches will provide details of the land within the property’s vicinity and find out if the property was built on contaminated land. It will also be able to highlight if you’re at risk of flooding.

Drainage and water searches will also be carried out by your conveyancer and will uncover information on the area’s sewage system and the property’s water supply from your local water company.

Your conveyancer will usually carry out a chancel repair search as well – If there is a church near your property, a chancel repair search will find out whether you are liable for the church’s repairs and maintenance or not.

Your conveyancer will receive a copy of your mortgage offer, once issued by the lender. Your conveyancer will review the mortgage offer and report on the legal terms of this to you. You should check your mortgage offer carefully to ensure that the offer you received relates to the mortgage product that you applied for. You should also ensure that you are able to satisfy any conditions attached to that offer before you accept the mortgage offer. Don’t forget, your conveyancer is also acting on behalf of your lender, as your lender must be satisfied that your property is of good and marketable title and can be re-sold in the future.

EXCHANGE OF CONTRACTS Once you and your conveyancer are happy with everything following the enquiries and searches stage, it is then time to move towards exchange of contracts. Your

conveyancer will send you a contract to sign and then they will hold this signed contract until you give them your authority to “exchange” this contract with the seller’s solicitors. Before exchange of contracts, you are not legally bound to purchase the property. Once contracts have exchanged, however, you are then tied in to the purchase and backing out at that stage could have severe financial consequences for you, including losing 10% of the purchase price of the property.

In the run-up to exchange of contracts your conveyancer will ask you to send them your deposit. The deposit required at the point of exchange is normally 10% of the purchase price, or 5% if you are purchasing the property through the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme.

On the day of exchange of contracts, your conveyancer will call the buyer’s conveyancer and read out the contract over the phone to ensure they are identical. The contracts are then dated and a completion date fixed. If you are buying an already existing property, the completion date will usually be at least a week later on a date agreed by you and the seller. If you are buying a new build property, the completion date may be “on-notice”, meaning that you will receive a notice in the future from the seller’s solicitors when the property is ready for you to move into.

WHAT NEXT? Your conveyancer will now prepare their file for the completion date. This includes the final checks, such as a bankruptcy and Land Registry search on behalf of your lender, reporting to your lender and requesting funds in anticipation of the completion date.

Prince Evans specialise in all aspects of conveyancing.

Please contact Prince Evans for all your conveyancing needs and for a friendly no obligation quote on 020 8567 3477 or nbh@prince-evans.co.uk

COMPLETION DAY The day of completion is the day on which the property legally changes ownership, and the day you will receive the keys to your new home. At this stage, your conveyancer will be holding all the documents they need signed by you, they will be holding the remainder of your deposit and will have received your mortgage funds the day before, or on the morning of completion.

The purchase price will be transferred to the seller’s solicitors and they will formally confirm completion of your purchase. You can then go and collect your keys from the seller or their agents!

IS THAT IT FOR THE CONVEYANCING? Not quite! Your conveyancer will still have to finalise the transaction. If you are buying a leasehold property, they will have to send notice of your purchase to the freeholder.

On the day of completion, or shortly thereafter, they will submit your Stamp Duty return to HMRC and pay any money due. Once the seller’s signed documents are received by your conveyancer, they can then submit their application to the Land Registry to have you officially noted as the legal owner of your home.

It may take some time for the Land Registry to process this but don’t worry, no matter how long it takes, as of the day of completion the property is officially yours.

Once you have been registered at the Land Registry your conveyancer will then send you what is known as the “title” to your property. This shows, in writing, that you are now the legal owner.

Finding the right conveyancer can make the difference between a smooth and trouble-free house move and a stressful, time-consuming one, so choosing the right one is crucial. Selecting the wrong conveyancer could prove costly and could delay or derail the buying and selling process. No two conveyancers are the same, and service delivery can vary enormously.

Here at Prince Evans we have conveyancers with decades of experience in helping first time buyers purchase their first home.

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Directory HELP TO BUY - NORTH PlusDane Tel: 0300 790 0570 helptobuyagent1.org.uk Cheshire Cumbria Durham East Riding of Yorkshire Greater Manchester Lancashire Merseyside North Yorkshire Northumberland Tyne and Wear South Yorkshire West Yorkshire

HELP TO BUY - MIDLANDS AND LONDON bpha Tel: 03333 214 044 helptobuyagent2.org.uk

ZONES, HELP TO BUY AGENTS, HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS AND MORE...

HELP TO BUY - SOUTH Radian Tel: 0800 456 1188 helptobuyagent3.org.uk Bedfordshire Berkshire Bristol Buckinghamshire Cambridgeshire Cornwall Devon Dorset East Sussex Essex Gloucestershire Hampshire Hertfordshire Isle of Wight Kent Norfolk Oxfordshire Somerset Suffolk Surrey West Sussex Wiltshire

Derbyshire Herefordshire Leicestershire Lincolnshire London Northamptonshire Nottinghamshire Rutland Shropshire Staffordshire Warwickshire West Midlands Worcestershire

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USEFUL CONTACTS

ZONES, HELP TO BUY AGENTS & HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS – RECEIVE ADVICE ON PROPERTY FUNDING OPTIONS

NORTH

Shropshire Staffordshire

PlusDane

Warwickshire

Tel: 0300 790 0570

West Midlands

helptobuyagent1.org.uk

Worcestershire

Cheshire

SOUTH

Cumbria Durham

Radian

East Riding of Yorkshire

Tel: 0800 456 1188

Greater Manchester

helptobuyagent3.org.uk

Lancashire Merseyside

Bedfordshire

North Yorkshire

Berkshire

Northumberland

Bristol

Tyne and Wear

Buckinghamshire

South Yorkshire

Cambridgeshire

West Yorkshire

Cornwall Devon

MIDLANDS AND LONDON

Dorset East Sussex Essex

bpha

Gloucestershire

Tel: 03333 214 044

Hampshire

helptobuyagent2.org.uk

Hertfordshire Isle of Wight

Derbyshire

Kent

Herefordshire

Norfolk

Leicestershire

Oxfordshire

Lincolnshire

Somerset

London

Suffolk

Northamptonshire

Surrey

Nottinghamshire

West Sussex

Rutland

Wiltshire

ADVERTISE HERE Speak to our advertising team to find out the best ways to give your organisation maximum exposure.

Call 020 7258 0036 or email lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk

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USEFUL CONTACTS HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS – OFFERING NEW BUILD SCHEMES, INCLUDING HELP TO BUY (SHARED OWNERSHIP) AND RENT TO BUY PROPERTIES

LONDON Catalyst Housing

BMA Property Group

Hastoe Housing

Optivo

octaviahousing.org.uk

bmapg.com

Association

optivo.org.uk

020 8354 5500

020 8942 4062

hastoe.com

0800 012 1442

catalyst.homes 0333 444 3500 Clarion Housing

01235 515 900

Octavia Housing

Optivo

Chelmer Housing Partnership

optivo.org.uk

chp.org.uk

Home Group

originhousing.org.uk

0800 012 1442

0300 555 0500

homegroup.org.uk

0300 323 0325

myclarionhousing.com/

Southern Home Ownership shosales.co.uk

0300 123 2250 Origin Housing

0300 555 2171 Sovereign Housing sovereignliving.org.uk

0345 141 4663

0300 500 0926

sharedownership

Origin Housing

CHS Group

020 7378 5638

originhousing.org.uk

chsgroup.org.uk

Housing Solutions Group

Association

0300 323 0325

0300 111 3555

housingsolutions.co.uk

orwell-housing.co.uk

Stonewater

0800 876 6060

0345 601 0030

stonewater.org

Estuary Housing Association

Orwell Housing

01202 319 119

estuary.co.uk

Paradigm Housing

Clarion Housing

0300 304 5000

paradigmhousing.co.uk

myclarionhousing.com/

Hyde New Homes

PA Housing

0845 337 4877

sharedownership

hydenewhomes.co.uk

pahousing.co.uk

Swan Housing Association

Fabrica

Peabody

020 7378 5638

0345 606 1221

0300 123 2221

swan.org.uk

fabrica.co.uk

peabodysales.co.uk

0800 783 2159

020 7021 4842

Crown Simmons

L&Q

Paradigm Housing

crownsimmons.org.uk

lqgroup.org.uk

paradigmhousing.co.uk

Thames Valley Housing

Gateway Housing

Places for People

01372 461 440

0300 456 9998

0300 303 1010

Association

Association

placesforpeople.co.uk

gatewayhousing.org.uk

01772 667 049

Estuary Housing

Metropolitan

Peabody

Association

metropolitansales.org.uk

peabodysales.co.uk

020 3535 2555

020 7021 4842

Moat

Places for People

Fabrica

moat.co.uk

placesforpeople.co.uk

0300 323 0011

01772 667 049

Notting Hill Genesis

Rosebery Housing

Flagship Homes

nhgsales.com

Association

0333 000 4000

rosebery.org.uk

020 8709 4300

0300 303 2500

tvha.co.uk

Sanctuary London

estuary.co.uk

Guinness Partnership

sanctuary-homes.co.uk

0300 304 5000

guinnesspartnership.com

0800 916 1444

0303 123 1890 Site Sales

fabrica.co.uk

Hexagon

site-sales.co.uk

0800 783 2159

hexagon.org.uk

020 8502 5758

020 8778 6699 Shepherd’s Bush Housing

flagship-homes.co.uk

Home Group

sbhg.co.uk

0808 168 4555

homegroup.org.uk

020 8996 4200

020 8607 0550 Town and Country Housing tchg.org.uk 01892 501 480 Worthing Homes worthing-homes.org.uk 01903 703 108

SOUTH WEST

01372 814 000 Aster Group

Nu Living Guinness Partnership

nuliving.co.uk

Sanctuary South East

buyanasterhome.co.uk

Southern Home

(South)

0800 819 9390

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

01380 735 480

Hyde New Homes

Ownership

guinnesspartnership.com

hydenewhomes.co.uk

shosales.co.uk

0303 123 1890

0345 606 1221

0300 555 2171

0345 141 4663

Islington and Shoreditch

Swan Housing Association

Housing Association

swan.org.uk

isha.co.uk

0300 303 2500

0800 131 3348 Cornerstone Housing

One Housing Group onehousing.co.uk

Soha Housing

cornerstonehousing.net

0300 123 9966

Soha.co.uk

01392 273 462

0300 131 7300 Thames Valley Housing L&Q

Association

lqgroup.org.uk

tvha.co.uk

0300 456 9998

020 8607 0550

Metropolitan

Wandle Housing

metropolitansales.org.uk

Association

020 3535 2555

wandle.com 0300 200 0120

Newlon Living newlonliving.co.uk

SOUTH EAST

0800 058 2544 Accent Group Notting Hill Genesis

accentgroup.org

nhgsales.com

0345 678 0555

0333 000 4000 Aster Group Nu Living

buyanasterhome.co.uk

nuliving.co.uk

01380 735 480

0800 819 9390

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USEFUL CONTACTS HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS CURO

Rooftop Housing Group

Accord

Friendship Care & Housing

Nottingham Community

South Staffordshire

curo-group.co.uk

rooftopgroup.org

accordgroup.org.uk

fch.org.uk

Housing Association

Housing Association

01225 366 000

0800 042 1800

0300 111 7000

0300 123 1745

ncha.org.uk

ssha.co.uk

0800 013 8555

01785 312 000

Elim Housing

Sanctuary Southwest

Acis Group

Home Group

elimhousing.co.uk

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

acisgroup.co.uk

homegroup.org.uk

Orbit

Waterloo Housing

01454 411 172

0800 131 3348

0800 027 2057

0345 141 4663

orbit.org.uk

Association

0800 678 1221

waterloo.org.uk 0800 435 016

Green Square

Severn Vale Housing

Bromford Group

Guinness Partnership

greensquaregroup.com

svhs.org.uk

bromford.co.uk

(Northern Counties)

PA Housing

01249 465 465

01684 272 727

0330 123 4034

guinnesspartnership.com

pahousing.org.uk

WM Housing Group

0303 123 1890

0116 257 6716

wmhousing.co.uk 0300 790 6531

Guinness Partnership

Sovereign Housing

Caldmore Accord

(Hermitage)

sovereign.org.uk

caldmoreaccord.org.uk

L & H Homes

Places for People

guinnesspartnership.com

0300 500 0926

0300 111 7000

landh.org.uk

placesforpeople.co.uk

0345 309 0700

01772 667 002

0303 123 1890

NORTH WEST Accent Group

Stonewater

Clarion Housing

Hastoe Housing

stonewater.org

myclarionhousing.com/

Metropolitan

Riverside Housing

accentgroup.org

Association

01202 319 119

sharedownership

metropolitansales.org.uk

Association

0345 678 0555

020 7378 5638

020 3535 2555

riverside.org.uk

hastoe.com 0300 123 2250

Westward Housing

Liverty

westwardhousing.org.uk

Derwent Living Housing

Midland Heart

dchliverty.com

0300 100 1010

Association

midlandheart.org.uk

Rooftop Group

derwentliving.com

0345 602 0540

rooftopgroup.org

0300 123 8080

MIDLANDS

0345 155 9029

01332 346 477

Places for People

Adactus Housing Group adactushousing.co.uk

0800 042 1800

0300 111 1133 Arcon Housing Association

Muir Group

placesforpeople.co.uk

Accent Group

East Midlands Housing

muir.org.uk

Sanctuary Midlands

arcon.org.uk

01772 667 049

accentgroup.org

Association

0300 123 1222

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

0161 214 4120

0345 678 0555

emhhomes.org.uk

0800 131 3348

0300 123 6000

KEY WORKERS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AT COLINDALE GARDENS Peabody is thrilled to be offering key workers 5% cashback, £5,000 John Lewis vouchers and mortgage broker fees* paid at its well connected Colindale Gardens scheme in Barnet.

Avaliable through shared ownership, Colindale Gardens is positioned close to Hendon Police College, Hendon Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital.

Homeowners can secure a one bedroom apartment from £87,375 for a 25% share with full market value at £349,500.

Virtual tours are available visit peabodysales.co.uk *T&Cs: Mortgage broker fees paid up to the value of £495, 5% cashback and £5K John Lewis vouchers cannot be used together

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USEFUL CONTACTS HELP TO BUY PROVIDERS CDS Co-operatives

0117 407 2415

0345 678 0555

cds.coop 0333 321 3030 Eden Housing Association

Equity Housing

Guinness Partnership

Acis Group

manninghamhousing.co.uk

Accent Group

muir.org.uk

acisgroup.co.uk

01274 771 144

accentgroup.org

0300 123 1222

0800 027 2057

0345 678 0555

Places for People

Broadacres

muir.org.uk

Bernicia

placesforpeople.co.uk

broadacres.org.uk

0300 123 1222

bernicia.com

01772 667 002

01609 767 900

Progress Housing Group

Crucible Homes

placesforpeople.co.uk

Castles and Coasts

progressgroup.org.uk

cruciblesalesandlettings.co.uk

01772 667 002

castlesandcoasts.co.uk

0333 320 4555

0114 241 3430

0800 085 1171 Together Housing

Regenda Homes

Equity Housing

togetherhousing.co.uk

Erimus Housing Ltd

regenda.org.uk

equityhousing.co.uk

0845 077 0027

erimushousing.co.uk

0344 736 0066

0300 123 4460

Home Group

0300 111 1000 Sanctuary North

homegroup.org.uk

Riverside Housing

Guinness Partnership

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

Guinness Partnership

0345 141 4663

Association

(Northern Counties)

0800 131 3348

(Northern Counties)

riverside.org.uk

guinnesspartnership.com

0345 155 9029

0303 123 1890

impacthousing.org.uk

guinnesspartnership.com Stonewater

0303 123 1890

stonewater.org Sanctuary North

Home Group

sanctuary-housing.co.uk

homegroup.org.uk

0800 131 3348

0345 141 1663

Association

01202 319 119

Home Group homegroup.org.uk

Wakefield and District

0345 141 1663

Housing

irwellvalleyha.co.uk

Your Housing Group

Leeds Federated Housing

wdh.co.uk

Karbon Homes

0161 610 1000

yhghomes.co.uk

Association

0345 850 7507

karbonhomes.co.uk

0845 618 5008

lfha.co.uk 0113 386 1000

Knowsley Housing Trust k-h-t.org 0151 290 7000

0300 111 1000

0344 800 3800

0303 123 1890

Irwell Valley Housing

Thirteen

Places for People

guinnesspartnership.com

0344 873 6290

0800 131 3348

thirteengroup.co.uk

Muir Group

(Northern Counties)

Impact Housing

Sanctuary North sanctuary-housing.co.uk

Muir Group

equityhousing.co.uk 0300 123 4460

NORTH EAST

Association

edenha.org.uk 01768 861 400

Manningham Housing

YORKS/ HUMBER

L&H Homes

0808 164 0111 Your Housing Group yhghomes.co.uk

Places for People

0845 618 5008

placesforpeople.co.uk

landh.org.uk Liverpool Housing Trust

Accent Group

lht.co.uk

accentgroup.org

01772 667 002

0345 309 0700

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20 QUESTIONS Vikki Walker is the Head of New Homes Sales & Marketing for Southern Housing Group, a member of the G15 and one of south England’s largest housing associations, providing more than 28,000 homes for over 72,000 people.Vikki has worked in housing for 18 years, having started her career as a lettings consultant for an independent estate agent, progressing into various sales and marketing roles.

At Southern she works with a great team of people enabling first time buyers to find their dream homes

20 QUESTIONS W i t h Vikki

Walker

What room at home is your favourite?

My open-plan kitchen! We had the kitchen replaced and a wall taken down to make it a bigger family room. It’s now a lovely open-plan space where we can cook and play together. It’s such a transformation! I’ve bought a new sofa which I’m excited about.

What’s your favourite gadget or technology at home?

I love my Hive heating at the moment. If I’ve been out in the cold, I love that I can give it a boost before I get home. I’ve not yet ventured into the other features of it, but it’s on the cards.

What colour do you think everyone should have in their home?

I think it’s great to involve colour in home decor, so experiment with colour, even if you keep your decoration neutral and accessorise with it. I have rooms painted in red, white, grey and blue and I’ve accessorised with cushions, rugs and artwork with other bursts of colour. I’m working on a pink room as my next project!

Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests?

My fantasy guests would be Alex Horne from Taskmaster, as he would set us some great games to play. I’d also invite actress Catherine O’Hara, if she comes as Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek on Netflix. And probably Tom Hardy as well, just because I can!

What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home?

We had a walk-in wardrobe with a big sliding door in my brother’s bedroom, which became our toy room. It had all of our toys and it was our pretend house with our toy kitchen and dolls’ bedrooms!

We’d spend hours playing in there and I have very fond memories.

What interior trend do you hate?

Minimalism – I couldn’t live that way. I’m an organised maximalist!

I love to have things on show, especially plants, photos and objects that represent my travels. That’s what makes a home.

Would you rather have a garden or a balcony?

I would rather have a garden, as I love the extension it provides to the house, particularly for play time with my daughter. I love eating alfresco, and we use it for play in the winter as well. We enjoy watching birds, squirrels and the neighbour’s cat wandering through!

Do you prefer modern homes or period properties?

I have mostly lived in new homes and have found them easier to maintain. I live in an older house now, which has some lovely period features, but I am striving to modernise around those features!

Would you rather have a library room or media room at home?

I’m not a big reader, and I’d rather settle down in front of the TV with a glass of wine in my hand rather than a book. But since I’ve had my daughter, we’ve really enjoyed reading together. I’d love her to have a library as she grows up, so I’d sacrifice my media room for her!

Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower?

The days of having a bath are few and far between for me these days, life is too busy, so I’d rather have a luxurious shower.

Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country?

I’m on the outskirts of a town which has easy access into the city, and this suits me perfectly. I love the sense of coming home after work when I’ve been in the city; I get the best of both this way.

If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home?

We did a road trip in America for our honeymoon in 2015, travelling from New Orleans to New York. We went to some amazing places, but I loved Charleston with its beautiful and colourful architectural styles. I’d love to own one of those brightly coloured houses!

Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location?

Location, location, location! I had this dilemma when I moved from my last house. For me, location matters more than a bigger home.

You can be creative with your space, but you can’t move your home.

What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home?

My office space! I’ve set myself up with a desk space in my attic and being able to separate work from the rest of the house during lockdown retained my work-life balance.

What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work?

I love that time in the evening when I go and pick up my daughter from nursery. She is what makes everything worthwhile.

What’s your favourite thing about your home?

I love the location as I’m right by a historic high street and river. It’s a short walk to the shops and parks, and I’m close to the station.

Where did you buy your first home?

The first house I bought was a two bedroom terraced cottage in a village in Kent, on a road with three pubs! It needed lots of work which we did ourselves, and we were proud of what we achieved.

What advice would you give a first time buyer?

Giving your finances a once-over to make sure you’re in the best position you can be. Check your credit score and make sure you’re registered to vote, as these things make obtaining a mortgage easier.

What are your views on shared ownership?

It’s a great way to get started when you don’t have access to the deposit levels needed for Help to Buy or outright purchase. Do your research and make sure it’s right for you; there are plenty of us out there who are willing and able to support you through the process!

What are your views on the property market?

It’s been busy for us in the property market this year, and what’s been clear is the importance of home with the amount of time we’re now spending indoors. It’s great that the Government introduced the Stamp Duty holiday to support buyers with a much-needed boost to their savings, and that makes now a great time to buy, with shared ownership or Help to Buy making it even more achievable. shosales.co.uk

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