40 minute read
DR RANJ SINGH
M EDICINE MAN
Dr Ranj Singh has won over the nation on breakfast TV, Strictly and CBeebies, yet he still puts in the hours as an NHS paediatrician. Absolutely Sussex finds out more
By LIBBY NORMAN
DR RANJ SINGH STILL WORKS IN NHS PAEDIATRIC CARE – HIS BOOKS REACH OUT TO THE AUDIENCE HE KNOWS
PHOTO: DOMINIC TURNER
Dr Ranj Singh follows in a fine tradition of medics who also entertain the nation (Harry Hill, Graeme Garden, Jonathan Miller, to name just three). He can sing and dance really well, he acts and now he writes books. Yet he still finds time to be a doctor – these days part-time – working as an NHS clinician specialising in paediatric emergency medicine. It is, he says, a terrific ice breaker when worried families turn up at his
London hospital to find ‘that man o Strictly’. Dr Ranj doesn’t see media work and medicine as strange bedfellows. “A lot of medics – even though they are highly academic people in a very vocational job – are multifaceted. I went to university with people who had many di erent skills: writing, performing, music, dance, you name it. So, we are multifaceted, and that for me lends itself really well to paediatrics. You have to have that approach as you’re dealing with kids, families, communication and complex medicine.” His desire to be a doctor started really young. Indeed, he settled on medicine shortly after the typical childhood astronaut phase. “Ever since I was a few years old I just had a fascination with the way things work. I used to take all my toys apart, much to my parents’ frustration,” he says. “Also,
I always had this desire to help people – I wanted to make things better for people.” While Dr Ranj was always dedicated to getting good grades – he says you have to be on such an academic pathway – he also had performing in his bones. “Music was the very first thing I was told I was good at,” he says.
His singing got him picked for the school choir and he won second place at Kent Music
Festival. “That was the first ever certificate
I got, so music was always something that was special to me,” he says. “While I was a really creative kid, that was something I put to one side and had as a hobby.”
His path into medical school was easier than the transition to real-world medicine. “It was a complete culture shock. Studying medicine is very di erent to practising medicine and that first year was a baptism of fire,” he says. “I thought, ‘this is completely di erent to what I expected and I’m not sure this is the right thing for me. I’m not getting that sense of achievement and satisfaction that I thought I would’.”
Having decided on a six-month sabbatical, Dr Ranj was clearing his mind by redecorating his parents’ house when he was asked to interview for a paediatrician role. He got the job, which meant house decorating at
speed, but the payback came in the realisation he’d found his passion. “I suddenly got this sense of, ‘this is why I became a doctor’,” he says. “It was fascinating medicine – every day was interesting. I was working with amazing people – paediatric teams are just the best people – and all of a sudden, I felt reinspired. I was destined to be a paediatrician after that.”
Paediatrics was the perfect fit not least because there is a creative side when you are working with children. They may be frightened, and they often can’t tell you what’s wrong. For children lucky enough to encounter Dr Ranj at his London hospital, there’s a friendly and very empathetic manner. Little wonder then that his ability to engage with young people took him beyond hospital. CBeebies viewers learnt that doctors are there to help on Get Well Soon – a fun factual programme for very young children. He co-created this with Kindle Entertainment and it first aired in 2012, picking up a BAFTA in 2016.
Dr Ranj soon came to prominence for adult viewers too, as resident medic at ITV’s This Morning, and with a multitude of appearances over recent years on everything from Good Morning Britain and Inside Out to 5 News – even Cooking with the Stars, where he showed he’s no slouch in the kitchen. Other media work includes contributions and columns for NetDoctor, Al Jazeera and Attitude.
He has become, in short, one of those doctors trusted to dispense sound advice to the nation. But his performing ability has been the secret surprise. While he hoofed like a pro on Strictly, the voice he revealed in ITV’s All Star Musicals in March 2021 was a revelation and led to a one-o West End show in aid of Make a Di erence Trust Theatre Fund. He has loved these opportunities. “It’s given me a chance, I guess, to be the fuller me!”
Books for young people have been a natural progression. “Kids and young people are who I work with. They’re the ones I know how
ALL DR RANJ BOOKS HELP CHILDREN TO FOCUS ON THEIR INHERENT STRENGTHS
came picture books for young readers. A Superhero Like You was written as a thank you to front-line workers. “Also, a reminder to little ones about all the joy and positivity out there, even in a pandemic-stricken world. A Superpower Like Mine is a step on from that and is designed to inspire little ones to think about themselves and their own inherent superpowers and human skills that they can discover, build on and nurture.”
He’s been open in the past with his own journey as a gay man from a Sikh background. His advice to parents of children who may be struggling with identity or confused about growing up is straightforward: “Give them a space to explore who they are safely and be able to come to you when they are in trouble. Also, acknowledge the fact that children are very open minded and they get diversity – let them learn about it,” he says. “There are so many resources out there to help, and so many helplines for parents if they are panicking. But kids are pretty good at working out who they are and settling, eventually, on what they want to be. And we’ve just got to let them explore and discover for themselves.”
The doctor hasn’t hung up his stethoscope or his pen, nor indeed his mic and dancing shoes. With more books for children and young adults planned for next year, there’s also been a Celebrity Cruises gig this summer and he was in pantomime, “which I loved”. And he’s still pursuing his first-love career, putting in the hours in the emergency room of a London hospital and helping children. “I still get to exercise that part of my brain and do my bread and butter. It’s the thing that drives me, the bit that gives me a sense of purpose.”
to communicate with. I thought to myself: ‘I want to write books that they find helpful and useful, that they can turn to for information or reassurance’.” Dr Ranj chose a subject close to his heart with How to Grow Up and Feel Amazing: The No Worries Guide for Boys. “There was a need for a modern, up-to-date guide for boys and young men going through a very challenging time in this world.”
Brainpower followed this and was written to help counter some of the mental health and wellbeing impacts of the pandemic. Then
A Superpower Like Mine is published by Hachette Children’s (£6.99)
Smart MONEY
A new book for young people sets out to demystify money and help them unlock their entrepreneurial flair - and the timing is spot on
Talking to young people about money is tricky. Schools usually shoehorn personal finance within PHSE. For parents, it’s even harder – we want our children to understand its value, its pitfalls and the importance of securing their own future financial stability without alarming them.
Despite best intentions, often we approach the subject with our own baggage (guilt, cynicism and anxiety included). What makes it more complex today is that all bets are o on old certainties – safe career trajectory, job for life, cast-iron pension.
But money has leaped from business to front page news recently – so a good time for a financial heart to heart. A new book, Max Your Money, makes a great starting point for honest conversations. The book takes an international perspective and is aimed squarely at ‘tweenies’ and teens, pitching content at a level young people relate to. Its authors are old hands in the world of high finance. Larry (Laurence) Hayes runs an investment fund when he’s not writing books for children (including How to Survive Without Grown-Ups), while Rachel Provest is a family o ce and private equity director based in Singapore, and with a special interest and expertise within education.
As the book reveals, there’s some good news. During their research, the two discovered a rich vein of optimism and entrepreneurial flair bubbling up among the young. “Larry and I were just amazed by the number of case studies we came across of children in the target age group, from 11 upwards, who had started their own business and were running it brilliantly,” says Rachel. “Having really taken the time to do the groundwork on this area, we’re convinced – and quite blown away – by the power of children to build their own businesses without that adult cynicism.”
Rachel puts some of it down to the ease with which an internet connection enables young people to carry forward brilliant ideas, learning and researching as they go. “YouTube is the great educator these days,” she says. Rachel also believes young people see the business opportunities adults can’t spot. “Adults are almost in their shadow trying to keep up with the way they are thinking.” And thanks to crowdfunding and other new avenues of funding, the traditional barriers are down. “Historically, you had to have money behind you otherwise it was impossible to catch up – you never had that advantage – so very few children could get beyond that and be successful o their own back. Whereas now, there’s really nothing stopping children as long as they have a good idea. With that, it’s more important than ever to make sure that they do have this basic understanding – how do you understand a profit and loss account, what’s the bottom line, how do you budget?” says Rachel.
This is where the book does a brilliant job. Divided into Earn it, Grow it, Use it, it o ers the kind of useful information every young person needs. For instance, it has
a comparison of certain jobs and what they pay. Who knew a Lego Master Builder can make £19 an hour and an English League 2 footballer makes £25? Fascinating facts indeed, but the book goes deeper, including explanations about why some salaries are much higher than others, which jobs may disappear in the future and how to boost your earnings. There’s advice on how to work out what sort of job would suit you, and how to approach interviews. Also, how to negotiate a pay rise and know your own worth – a section many parents may also find useful. The book covers savings and investment, spending money wisely, e ective charitable giving and – in the most exciting part – testing your own brilliant entrepreneurial ideas like a business pro to see if they could be winners and learning about other successful young entrepreneurs.
The authors got their own children involved as critical readers to ensure the text was clear and engaging. “If they didn’t understand what we were talking about, we’d go back and try and clarify it a bit more. So that helped us ensure we had a form of bulletproof book that was definitely child friendly,” says Rachel. One thing that amazed them both during their research was young people’s openness to business ideas and their ‘can-do’ spirit of optimism. “It’s wonderful because with children there’s no cynicism there – no negativity. They naturally don’t think that way, they just go into things with best and honest intentions.”
Read the book’s case studies of young entrepreneurs and you will agree that there’s something wonderful going on. From the super earner Ryan (of YouTube channel Ryan’s World), who earned $29.5m in 2020 as an unboxer to the Argentinian ethical hacker Santiago Lopez who netted a more modest $1million plus, young entrepreneurs around the globe outline how they have spotted opportunities and gone for it. The Max Your Money authors have a companion book on its way for young would-be millionaires and Rachel is looking to use some of their research so far as the basis for a curriculum to help young people unlock their entrepreneurial talents.
One side benefit of Max Your Money is that Rachel’s own daughter – one of the book’s critical readers – has taken its ideas to heart. Aged just 12, she is now running a startup that utilises her digital skills and creative spark. “She makes TikTok videos for companies,” says Rachel. “It started with a friend who needed help. It has gone from one to seven people. She sets their videos up for them, which is fantastic. I’m looking forward to retiring quite soon!”
RACHEL PROVEST
Max Your Money by Laurence Hayes and Rachel Provest is published by Welbeck Children’s Books, price £14.99
LIFE STUDY
How the all-round educational approach at St Joseph’s College will prepare your child for what lies ahead
Looking at your happygo-lucky 11-year-old you might struggle to picture them at work in industry or forging their way in a creative profession. It can even be hard to imagine them deciding on a university course or facing an interview panel. But parents of older children will tell you, time begins to fly once pupils leave their primary years behind them.
Learning matters and so, too, do examination results. At St Joseph’s
College Ipswich they want every student to achieve their potential; to have the broadest range of choices when the time comes to make those grown-up decisions.
Crucially, they understand that all learners are di erent and that’s why the education they o er is tailored to the individual.
Senior school years are laden with new experiences for students – specialisation, personal growth, trips away, deepening friendships and developing awareness of their place in the world. That’s a lot to take on board, but the school will support them at every stage.
Their able students are stretched and mentored. They o er Foundation, Higher and Extended Project Qualifications, allowing them to carry out research on topics of particular interest to them. Their courses of study include traditional GCSEs and A-levels, but also technical and vocational courses, such as BTECs and CTECs for those who prefer continuous assessment. With annual rugby, netball and cricket festivals, plus valued links to Ipswich Town FC, there’s always a sporting goal to drive for, while their brilliant musicals and groundbreaking all-comers’ summer arts festival feed creativity. St Joseph’s o ers a plethora of exciting clubs and activities too, allowing children to try their hand at new things and delve deeper into personal passions.
Head of Enrichment, Dr Briege Rice, states: “Whether in Textiles or Performing Arts, critical thinking in the Higher Project Qualification or First Aid training, public speaking or experiencing bushtucker challenges, our students get the opportunity to acquire a repertoire of life skills.”
There is still time to apply for Year 7 September 2023 entry. Sign up for their Open Day on 18 March to gain first-hand experience of their warm, welcoming and inclusive community.
Angela Hall, Head of Year 7 Support, promises: “In addition to the support o ered to parents, after a June ‘Moving Up’ day and a September ‘Settling In’ day, Year 7 students, guided by their form tutors, are seamlessly established into the routines of St Joseph’s College. Nobody is a newbie for long!” “Our students get the opportunity to
acquire a repertoire of life skills”
Contact the admissions team on 01473 694576 or to find out more, visit stjos.co.uk
MOYO, PICTURED CENTRE, LOVES SCHOOL LIFE AT LOYOLA
Discovering POTENTIAL
Absolutely heads to Loyola Preparatory School in Buckhurst Hill to meet one pupil who is being supported to realise his ambitions
Moyo is one of two brothers who is currently in Year 6 at Loyola Preparatory School. He has attended Loyola (as did his brother) from the age of three years. At the moment, he is in the middle of taking his entrance exams for secondary school, and
Moyo has already received o ers for Year 7 at New Hall and Caldicott School. He is also through to the second stage for Harrow and
St Edward’s School. Absolutely sat down with him to find out more about his school life.
Q Tell us about Loyola Preparatory School….
A Loyola Preparatory School is fun and friendly. It is a very supportive environment and I have had kind teachers who really care. I have made good friends and I feel lucky that I am in a school where the big boys are always looking out for the younger boys (even when we are outside of school!). We do lots of work in the classroom and have many sporting opportunities and clubs that help us to spend more time with friends. I also like the fact that there are opportunities to take on duties like playground leader as you progress through the school. This helps us to know more boys at school and inspire those who can’t think of what to do at playtime. We also have many fun school trips.
Q How do you feel about the whole exam process including the preparation?
A The exam process has been good because the teachers don’t make it too stressful. We have been practicing lots of past papers for the schools that we are applying for so that we are familiar with the exam process and get help with things we might not understand. I like the fact that Mrs Brown (our Deputy Headteacher and Year 6 teacher) sends a letter home to our parents about what we should do the night before and on the day of our exams. This has been very helpful.
Q What extra-curricular activities do you take part in? How key are these to you?
A I am involved in many clubs including: CAFOD club – this gives me an opportunity to support others who are less fortunate; Lego club – this is a weekly opportunity to get creative and doing this with my friends is fun; Sketch Club – allows me to put the ideas that are on my mind on a piece of paper, and I find it relaxing; Rugby and Cricket Club – helps me to get exercise and spend time with my friends after school.
Q What does the rest of your time at Loyola look like once the 11+ entrance exams are completed?
A Just a lot of fun! We have activity week coming up, which is a week full of various activities, some of which we get to do with our parents. We have an enterprise week where we get into teams and come up with a business idea that will raise profits to give to charity. We get to tell the rest of the school about our business idea and encourage them to buy from us! Finally, we have a school trip to Jersey, where we visit di erent places throughout the working week. We will also be writing our SAT exams somewhere in between all the fun!
‘Flourishing, successful and well-led school in a glorious, green setting with consistently strong results that don’t require pupils to sacri ce happiness or wellbeing on the way to achieving them…an education that’s so genuinely rounded you could make hoops from it.’ - e Good Schools Guide
A co-educational independent school for pupils aged 4-18. Forest - Where People Grow
Embracing E-LEARNING
Sitting in the classroom isn’t the only way to improve yourself…
E-learning – it's a phrase that few of us had even heard of a couple of years ago. But since a global pandemic forced schools and universities to move online, E-learning has become a mainstay of education for people all over the world.
Like most sudden changes in education,
E-learning has been met with some scepticism. But rest assured, as the world continues to change, learning online is here to stay. Rather than trying to deny it, we should be embracing it as a tool which makes education easier to achieve for many people. Here’s why…
IT FITS AROUND YOUR LIFE
Remember, E-learning isn’t just for school children. Plenty of adults have turned to online classes to earn qualifications or satisfy their thirst for knowledge. In the busy worlds of adulthood and parenthood, it can be di cult to find time to attend in-person classes. Learning online in your own home solves this problem by removing the commute and making sure all the materials you need can be accessed at the click of a mouse.
IT REMOVES ANY GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES
Found the perfect course, but it’s only taught at an institution hundreds of miles away? This is no longer a problem with E-learning. By moving online, education has become accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.
This isn’t solely an issue of convenience either. People from developing countries can now access education online that wasn’t previously available to them. All they need is a laptop and an internet connection.
IT PREPARES YOUNG PEOPLE FOR REMOTE WORKING
Just as children have always been taught how to dress for job interviews and behave in an o ce environment, they now need to be coached on how to act in a remote working environment. Zoom meetings may have been new, unfamiliar territory for those already in the workforce, but for people who’ve grown up with E-learning, the challenge of meeting and working with people through a camera is a familiar one.
NO MORE SNOW DAYS
School children may bemoan this point, but E-learning will save countless hours of lost schooling. Things that once might have blocked children from attending lessons (snow, floods, chicken pox etc.) are a thing of the past. E-learning means no one ever has to miss out on their education due to factors outside of their control.
Of course, E-learning isn’t completely infallible. To learn online you need a fast, reliable broadband connection – one that won’t cut out during a class discussion on Zoom or bu er during a streamed lecture.
With Swish Fibre you can get lightningfast Full Fibre broadband throughout your home, no matter how many devices are connected. So you can be learning online while others in your home are watching TV or gaming – you'll still be able to work and learn without disruption or delay.
PROPERTY
ALGERS ROAD
IG10
GUIDE PRICE £1,475,000
urden & Hunt are delighted to o er this
Ddouble fronted detached family home. Rarely available to the market, this charming period home o ers scope for potential while occupying a prominent position in the road. Internally the layout lends itself towards family living with multiple reception areas and an open plan kitchen/diner, plus fi ve bedrooms.
DURDEN & HUNT
020 3026 0160 durdenandhunt.co.uk
Hunt Property Services is an independent boutique estate agency with a portfolio of luxury properties for sale and rent in London and Essex. We are also the agent for Repton Park, an exclusive gated development in Woodford Green, where founder and Director Hayley Hunt has been a resident for over 20 years.
Our award winning team of experts will provide you with an outstanding bespoke service to guide you through every aspect of buying or selling a property.
We have also been recognised for providing excellence in property renovations, proudly winning Woman in Build Award two years running.
The Hunt team are available for consultations, market appraisals and viewings seven days a week.
REPTON PARK
Four bedroom, three bathroom, three reception Harrow Style townhouse in an enviable position within the prestigious gated development Repton park.
Guide Price £1,250,000
Boasting stunning interior throughout this charming property which is immaculately presented with many upgraded fixtures and fittings.
Kitchen with an abundance of storage space and integrated appliances. Pretty conservatory for breakfast dining, with open views and french doors to the exquisitely designed low maintenance garden with morning sunshine to enjoy.
Two reception rooms on the ground floor, one a formal dining room and the other a tv room. Integral garage also on the ground floor which can be converted into another room if desired. Separate utility and cloakroom.
First floor is the main lounge with two sets of french doors with juliette balconies and a small terrace overlooking the garden and views to Brandesbury Square. Family bathroom and two double bedrooms.
Top floor sits the principal bedroom with ensuite bathroom, bedroom two also boasts ensuite bathroom.
Private driveway for two cars and a private parking space.
020 8504 9000 buckhursthill@butlerandstag.com 020 8524 3333 chingford@butlerandstag.com 020 4542 2999 primeoffice@butlerandstag.com
Sunset Avenue, E4 Chingford O ce Guide Price £675,000 – £700,000
3 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 1 Bathroom
This loft converted bungalow enjoys a prime spot on one of North Chingford’s most desirable residential turnings and has been well looked after to make a bright and airy living space.
Whitehall Gardens, E4 Buckhurst Hill O ce Asking Price £675,000
3 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms
A beautifully presented end of terrace family home in a quiet North Chingford location. Excellent schools, transport and Epping Forest.
St. Catherine’s Road, E4 Chingford O ce Asking Price £625,000
3 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 1 Bathroom
A beautifully presented family home in an elevated North Chingford location. Superb access to local schooling, parkland and Epping Forest. Chingford (TFL 5).
Cherry Tree Rise, IG9 Buckhurst Hill O ce Guide Price £650,000 – £675,000
4 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms
A beautifully presented family home set on a quiet turning with excellent access to local schooling and transport.
5 Bedrooms | 3 Receptions | 4 Bathrooms
A stunning five bedroom detached home set within an executive residence with easy access to all major transport links.
3 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms
Butler & Stag are delighted to offer this fantastic three bedroom family home that is located in the heart of Woodford.
HOW MUCH IS YOUR PROPERTY WORTH?
Contact one of our team for a face to face valuation, or get an online valuation in just 60 seconds.
B&S BUCKHURST HILL & CHINGFORD SALES & LETTINGS TEAM
01992 667 666 theydon@butlerandstag.com 020 4542 2999 landandnewhomes@butlerandstag.com
6 Bedrooms | 3 Receptions | 4 Bathrooms
St Vincent’s Farm is a simply stunning character house on a fabulous plot of approx. 8.5 acres. Boasting a gross internal living space of 3700 sq. ft, this period home has undergone an extensive program of further enlargement.
2 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 1 Bathroom
This immaculately presented two bedroom Victorian family home is in a premier location positioned off Epping High Street.
Hoe Lane, RM4 eydon Bois O ce Guide Price £2,300,000 – £2,400,000
4 Bedrooms | 3 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms
Situated in the highly sought-after village of Abridge on arguably one of the most premier roads, this detached family home has planning permission for a spacious 6,000 sq ft house.
Mott Street, IG10 eydon Bois O ce £3,750 Per Calendar Month
5 Bedrooms | 3 Receptions | 4 Bathrooms
Located on a prestigious turning and surrounded by Epping Forest is this exceptional five bedroom detached family home.
Elizabeth Drive, CM16 eydon Bois O ce O ers over £1,000,000
4 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms
This fabulous semi-detached house offers flexible living accommodation coupled with a superb garden and first class location. The house has potential to extend the living space and convert the loft subject to usual planning consents.
Rookwood Gardens, E4 Land & New Homes O ce Due for completion Summer 2023
4 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms
A chance to acquire one of just two stunning newly built, four bedroom, two bathroom, detached family homes set within the sort after location of North Chingford.
B&S THEYDON BOIS SALES & LETTINGS TEAM B&S LAND & NEW HOMES TEAM
BELLWAY'S NEW HOMES ARE ENERGY-EFFICIENT
HELPING HAND
Why Bellway are o ering up to £24,000 in mortgage payments to support Essex homebuyers
Bellway Essex is o ering house-hunters across the region up to £24,000 towards their mortgage payments to help reduce their cost of living. The developer is o ering to pay £1,000 a month towards mortgage payments for up to two years for buyers of designated plots at its developments in Essex and Su olk.
Bellway has launched the o er, which will run to the end of March, to help customers as the cost of living puts pressure on domestic budgets. The housebuilder is also reminding people that buying an energye cient new-build house from Bellway would also save an average of £2,600 a year on their fuel bills, when compared to an older property of a similar size.
Jenny Walker, Sales Director at Bellway
Essex, says: “We have launched this mortgage contribution initiative to lend a helping hand to homebuyers as a response to the cost-of-living pressures on people’s budgets. Bellway Essex is building hundreds of new homes at 15 active developments across the region and we are o ering to pay £1,000 a month towards buyers’ mortgage payments for up to two years on selected plots.
“People who buy a new-build Bellway house can also save a further £220 a month on their energy bills, compared to an older property of the same size,” Jenny continues. “Modern construction techniques and new technologies allow us to build homes which are more energy e cient and less expensive to run, thanks to improved insulation and appliances that use less gas, electricity and water.
“In addition to these savings, purchasers know they are buying a home from a company which has retained its five-star status with the Home Builders Federation for the sixth year in a row – which means that more than 90% of customers say they would recommend Bellway to a friend. By combining our mortgage contribution o er and the energy savings which come with a new-build home, buyers of selected plots could save a total of up to £29,200 over two years. We would advise potential purchasers wanting to take advantage of these benefits to get in contact with us as soon as possible.”
Bellway’s mortgage contribution is available at the following 15 Essex and Su olk developments: Bourne View, Hatfield Grove, New Gimson Place, Ridleys Orchard, Sapphire Fields, Priory Grange, Novello, Poppy View, Aspen Walk, Eve Meadows, Hollytree Walk, Willow Park, Rivenhall Park, Lockwood Place and at Saxon Heath, which is being built by Ashberry Homes, part of the Bellway Group.
For more information about the mortgage contribution o er, visit
bellway.co.uk/new-homes
POPPY VIEW
Managerial ROLE
James Hunt, co-founder of Durden & Hunt, on what to consider if investing in a property
Whether you are a seasoned investor or are looking to purchase a rental home for the fi rst time, there are several aspects to consider before committing to a property.
An initial consideration is whether you intend to manage the rental and tenancy yourself or would be better placed to work with a lettings agent who can handle it for you. Agents can typically o er di erent levels of service from a fully managed o ering, including fi nding tenants and maintenance, to just collecting the monthly rent. Some will also have a sales team in the o ce, so if becoming a landlord is something you are thinking about reach out and they should not only be able to talk you through renting processes, but they may also be able to point you in the direction of suitable properties available on the market.
This being said, securing the right house at the right price will not only be critical in providing a good return on your investment, but also ensure you are not borrowing excessively so that the expected letting yield doesn’t cover the costs.
In addition to the purchase, there are associated costs with renting properties so do acknowledge these when budgeting. You will
JAMES HUNT
have certain obligations, such as safety certifi cates, as well as ad hoc expenses, such as appliance repairs, so creating a spreadsheet for the potential rental income, anticipated and unexpected expenditures and any mortgage repayments will help keep things clear.
Considering the scope of the property and area it is located in is equally essential. Is it in a desirable area? Is it close to local amenities and transportation? Does it need much renovation? Is there scope for future development? Finding a great property in a place with both rental and residential homes will likely present options in the future, whether continuing to let it or deciding to sell.
On the market
Durden and Hunt welcome to the market an immaculate fi ve bedroom detached Edwardian home in North Chingford
Internally this beautiful property has been extensively refurbished throughout. On entry you are greeted with a large hallway and three spacious reception rooms. Additionally there is a good size modern kitchen and a contemporary downstairs bathroom. On the fi rst fl oor you will fi nd fi ve double bedrooms and a newly fi tted family bathroom, consisting of a freestanding bathtub, wet room shower, vanity unit with mirror and WC. Externally a good sized landscaped garden can be found whilst to the front of the property there is a private drive. There is also a large detached garage.
Off ers over £1,650,000
Kings Avenue, Woodford Green
Guide Price £820,000
Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill
A beautifully presented halls-adjoining three bedroom family home on the Monkham’s Estate which retains much of its original charm and character. The property sits on a good size plot with an attached garage and a good size garden, so plenty of scope for extension if required. The location is excellent for families with a range of state and independent schools close by and for commuters the Central Line Station is a stroll away.
Guide Price £362,000
Tucked away behind Queens Road itself is this charming one bedroom detached freehold house which is beautifully presented to the market. The ground floor offers a superb open plan kitchen/living space, whilst upstairs is a double bedroom served by a luxury bathroom. The location is right in the heart of Buckhurst Hill with the shops and the Central Line station literally on the doorstep.
FORWARD PLANNING
Hayley Hunt, founder of Hunt Property Services, on why now’s a good time to get your home ready to rent out
With February upon us and Valentine’s Day fast approaching, love is most definitely in the air. However, for those looking to sell a property in the current market, frustration is more often the key emotion, as many potential buyers have understandably put their plans on hold.
But as with so much in life, with every challenging situation comes opportunity, and that’s what’s being a orded by the lettings market right now. Indeed, with rents skyrocketing and prospective tenants certain safety regulations, which we at Hunt will happily advise you on and can even arrange. For the record, however, you will need an Energy Performance Certificate, ensure all electrical goods meet the Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations, undertake annual gas safety checks, have installed and tested smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and have made sure that all furniture and furnishings meet regulation standards.
For extra peace of mind, you may wish to consider taking out a landlordspecific buildings and contents insurance and a rent guarantee policy.
If you’re thinking of renting out a property in Repton Park, Woodford Green, Chigwell and the surrounding environs please do get in touch. As well as having expert knowledge of the local rental market, we also o er a full property management service.
IT'S A GOOD TIME TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME clamouring for decent homes, many stymied vendors are deciding to take advantage of the situation and let their property out instead. But for such first time landlords, the prospect of preparing their property for rental can feel quite daunting. However, from my experience this needn’t be the case – it’s simply a question of planning ahead and being organised.
Obviously it’s vital that your property is well presented, which could mean bringing in a painter and decorator to freshen everything up. Just remember to keep colours neutral. In addition, everywhere should be spotlessly clean. Indeed, you might want to consider getting in a professional cleaner.
Depending on the sort of tenant you are seeking to attract, you have the option to o er your property furnished or unfurnished. For long-term renters and families, the latter is usually preferable as they often have their own furniture.
Even if you do go down the unfurnished route, it’s still important to conduct a proper and thorough inventory as this will help protect walls, doors, floors and ceilings as well as any fixtures and fittings. In a similar vein, you will reduce the risk of damage to white goods by making all necessary user manuals available.
Being a landlord means adhering to
GET YOUR HOME EPC READY
HAYLEY HUNT
Why everyone’s talking about…
Chigwell Place
Where work and play comes together in perfect harmony
An exciting new concept for those looking to achieve a healthier work/life balance has been created in the heart of leafy Chigwell. The new work/life space and community hub is set in 42 acres of beautiful gardens and woodland, just 20 minutes but feeling like a million miles from the grind of the City.
Inspired by the benefits of nature, Chigwell Place is an environment designed to stimulate mind and body: improving productivity, physical health and overall wellbeing.
At launch, Chigwell Place will provide four private workspaces, each for up to six people, on a flexible short or long-term rental basis. There will also be a large hotdesking space for member drop-ins. Founder members, who will be assigned their own unique 3mx3m space on their member cards by geo-location wonderkids What3Words, will be o ered the further opportunity to shape and benefit from exciting future developments planned for 2023. The ambition is to grow a diverse community of like-minded souls, where members are encouraged to meet, support and potentially collaborate for mutual benefit. A programme of regular, thought-provoking member events will be curated to help foster this.
A ‘frictionless’ philosophy that looks to minimise stress and optimise time underpins the entire member experience. The journey to Chigwell Place is served by excellent public transport links and there is ample free parking for members and client guests. All spaces are keycode accessible, enjoy superfast WiFi and all utility bills are covered.
When R&R is called for, one can choose between working out one’s stresses in the high-spec gym, taking a reviving stroll in the acres of grounds or enjoying barista co ee, fresh smoothies, and breakfast and lunch menus in the all-day café. In
THERE IS A GYM ON-SITE
the same way, all workspaces have been designed to allow natural light to flood in, aiding focus during the day and improved sleep at its end. Dog friendliness only adds to the easy community atmosphere.
Founder James Gilzean says: “The pandemic has accelerated the call for greater flexibility in how people run their businesses and balance work and play. And while there are many successful co-working spaces in London o ering nimble alternatives to long leases, none are designed around member wellbeing in the way that we, in 42 acres of grounds, can be. So, I am excited to meet the rising demand for new ways of working with a concept that brings something new to West Essex, and I welcome early applications for founder membership to help us shape the next phase together.”
THERE'S 42 ACRES OF OUTDOOR SPACE
IT'S PET FRIENDLY TOO
YOU’RE LOCAL, WE’RE LOCAL
For you and your business
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Employment Law Our complete HR and Employment Law service offers bespoke advice and support designed to meet the needs of your business. We specialise in advising on business restructures, redundancies, insolvency and TUPE.
Debt Recovery Our robust system for collection gets your money and it needn’t cost you a penny. Insolvency Our experts work with professional advisers and clients ranging from individuals seeking IVAs or averting bankruptcy, to family-run companies and major multinationals. Commercial Litigation Our specialist team gets quick results where necessary or seek alternative resolution channels that save you money and disruption to your business. Intellectual Property Our expert brand management team are here to help you protect and exploit your valuable intellectual property assets.
For you and your family
Divorce, Separation and Child Issues It takes years of training and experience to handle sensitive personal problems. We’ve got more than our fair share of both.
Wills, Trusts, Probate and Tax Planning You’ve worked hard for your money. We’ll protect it for you and your future generations.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution Our Specialist team can help you resolve disputes over land, property or money. We keep the costs in check and end in sight.
Property If you’re moving home or own a property portfolio, our property solicitors are as safe as houses.
Employment Our specialists advise employees and directors on all aspects of their employment including discrimination and unfair dismissal and frequently advise on exit packages and contractual restrictions. We provide representation for Employment Tribunal claims and mediations.
Personal Injury Claims Our team of claimant lawyers are among the best negotiators of injury settlements in the business, from relatively minor road traffic accidents to complex brain injury cases.
N 03300 585 222 E info@btmk.co.uk www.btmk.co.uk
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Offices in Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea and Rayleigh. Meeting space available by appointment in London.
ALAN SIMPSON
