36 minute read
TREND
Flora terrarium gold pendant lamp, £97 beaumonde.co.uk
ANTON STUDIO
Set of two bronze wine glasses, £26
notjustjugs.com COX & COX
Two textured standing planters antique bronze, £145
coxandcox.co.uk
DOWSING & REYNOLDS
Connaught ceiling light, £539.99
dowsingandreynolds.com
BEAUMONDE
LED cordless table light, £145
beaumonde.co.uk
EDITOR’S PICK
AUDENZA
Gold helix side table, £234
audenza.com
BOBBI BECK
Mystica occult pattern wallpaper gold, £75
bobbibeck.com
ICONIC LIGHTS
George monkey table lamp in metallic gold, £52 iconiclights.co.uk
METAL GURU
Metallics for every room
By PENDLE HARTE
MINT & MAY
Mini gold round poppy picture frame, £25
mintandmay.co.uk
FRENCH BEDROOM COMPANY
Versailles gold bedside table, £445
frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
VON HAUS
Metallic cowhide pouffe, £119 vonhaus.com
FRENCH BEDROOM COMPANY
Versailles gold gilt dressing table, £1125
frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
DOWSING & REYNOLDS ARLEY HOUSE
Gold linen blind, £85
arleyhouse.com
BJORN WIINBLAD
Eva vase pink, £50
black-by-design.co.uk black-by-design.co.uk HUBSCH
Green glass vase, £49
vivalagoon.com
ROSE & GREY
Face vase, £25
roseandgrey.co.uk ROSE & GREY
Terracotta vase with handles, £35
roseandgrey.co.uk
EDITOR’S PICK
ANNABEL JAMES
Circular test tube vase, £79.95
annabeljames.co.uk MONDAY
Baariq vase, £42
mondayonline.co.uk
NISI LIVING
Aqua and amber belt vase, £45
nisiliving.co.uk JONATHAN ADLER
Versailles puzzles vase, £310
sweetpeaandwillow.com STEM
SUBJECT SUBJECT
The loveliest vases for the prettiest bouquets the prettiest bouquets
THE HAPPY BLOSSOMS
Droplet vase in sunrise, £16 thehappyblossoms.com
By PENDLE HARTE PENDLE HARTE
NUDE GLASS
Mini magnolia rock and pop vase, £39
nudeglass.com CULT FURNITURE
Brown glass vase, £30
cultfurniture.com
DARTINGTON CRYSTAL
Bloom wide windfl ower vase, £39
dartington.co.uk
HABULOUS
Handmade ceramic dome vase, £22
habulous.co.uk
BEAUMONDE
Yellow tide glass vase, £42.90 beaumonde.co.uk
S L E E P S C I E N C E
Finding the right sleep solutions for better sleep
Words CASPAR DAVID
Move over, complicated yoga poses and green smoothies for breakfast. A good night’s sleep is rapidly becoming the biggest wellness goal. But if it’s not just about closing your eyes and hoping for the best, what actually goes into eight hours of peaceful shut eye?
Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day (weekends too) helps you to get into a regular sleep pattern, setting your internal body clock. Ideally, you should start to wind down an hour before going to bed and set the scene for a restful night’s sleep by dimming the lights and relaxing your body.
“When we talk about what creates a good night’s sleep, we say that everyone
needs a bit of TLC – temperature, light and comfort,” says Silentnight’s sleep expert, Hannah Shore. “Temperature is very important: we need to cool down our core temperature to encourage the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Light impacts us too; use of screens and phones at night discourage melatonin and keep us pumped with cortisone, try to resist the urge to scroll through social media and instead do something relaxing like reading or listen to some soothing music.” Then there’s comfort – that’s what Silentnight really focuses on as a sleep brand.
Silentnight have delved deep into spine alignment, pressure points on a mattress and even the microclimate created under a duvet, giving them a complete understanding of what mattresses and bedding work for what kind of person and why. This is key because it turns out we need more support on this than you might think. “Our research found that when given the choice, 68% of people would choose the wrong firmness for their body shape,” says Shore. Make sure you are choosing the right mattress firmness for your body type: softer mattresses are more suitable to smaller, lighter people, while those with a larger body type will feel more supported with a firmer mattress. Then look at the comfort layer and choose a mattress with a layer of breathable fibres if you tend to overheat in the night. Silentnight offers a 60 night comfort exchange, to give you a few weeks to settle into your mattress and make sure it’s the right one for you.
Silentnight, the UK’s most trusted sleep brand, have been creating mattresses for over 75 years and are on a mission to improve the nation’s rest. They have embraced the science of sleep, combining research with rigorous testing to create total sleep solutions to suit every type of sleeper.
@silentnightbeds #MySilentNight silentnight.co.uk
FURTHER EXAMPLES OF THEIR WORK
Grand Designs
We find out more about a recent project by Tarmec and Croft Fencing and Gates Ltd
THE RECENT STAND OUT PROJECT BY TARMEC AND CROFT
Q What does your business offer?
A We manufacture small side gates up to large driveway gates and can fit fencing at the properties as well to provide a complete entrance solution. All gates are manufactured by hand using time proven construction techniques in our workshops in Earls Colne. We also offer a full installation service using our own in house team rather than subcontractors, which enables us to ensure continuity of service. All the gates are suitable for automation and we fit both sliding and above ground high quality Italian made automation as well. This means the clients can have the whole project from design through to install and automation if required completed by our teams.
Often gates provide security to the back of a client’s property and it isn’t always a standard size opening. We are able to advise on design solutions to fit almost any situation. If the gates are not automated we offer either keyed access or mechanical digital access locks, as well as security strips to add to the tops of gates and fencing. The strength in a gate comes from the way it is manufactured, the size of the bracing and the timber profiles used. Our framed gates are mortice and tenon jointed as well as glued and dowelled, which means they are stronger than gates which are just screwed together.
Q What was the brief for a stand out project recently?
A To design a gate to provide security to the property, but so that the customers’ dogs can still see out of the drive. Install a reliable automation system to enable the client to access easily from the road.
Q What challenges did you face?
A Getting the design aesthetically proportioned to fit the existing brick opening on site, but with the correct bracing required to support the gate over time. Our clients wanted a hardwood gate and came to us initially with some photographs that they wanted modified to suit the size of the opening created by their new brick entrance pillars.
Q How would you sum up the final design?
A The final design manufactured in treated Sapele hardwood was fitted with CAME Axo automation for reliability and also fitted with a GSM intercom allowing visitors to press a call button and our client to then speak to them directly and open their gates from anywhere in the world with their mobile phone. They can also call the gates on approach using the hands free in their vehicles and the gates will be open when they arrive. The gate is a solid design that enhances the entrance way as well as providing an additional security deterrent and safety for the dogs.
The clients said this about the project: “It was great that we were able to order the gates from a family business who could design, manufacture, fit and automate them as one seamless project. The service is excellent and the workmanship is simply the best, the quality of the gates is first class.”
tarmecfencingandgates.co.uk
THEY HAVE COMPLETED MANY PROJECTS ACROSS THE COUNTY AND BEYOND
stressing they wouldn’t be able to get it for two months, so we took the cladding installation off their hands as we knew the client wanted the roof done as quickly as possible. We had to clad after we had put the new roof on, so we had to scaff old everything over the new roof to do the job.
Grand Designs
Steve Rawding of SEH BAC discusses a project that provided the perfect blend between home and extension
THE SUCCESSFUL RECENT PROJECT
Q What was the project brief?
A The homeowner wanted a solid replacement conservatory roof to transform their existing conservatory and provide a much warmer space, plus they also wanted a solid roof with no glass in it. We specifi ed the UltraRoof380 with the existing base and frames to remain. The homeowner was also due to get an outside company to clad the gable frame and the house wall too but, after being let down by them, we agreed to do it alongside the roof installation.
Q What challenges did you have to overcome?
A Removing the existing timber/glass roof and taking it apart while making sure we didn’t damage any of the timber windows beneath was a challenge and was extremely time-consuming as it was a wellbuilt structure. The gable frame required replacing due to the size of the insulation and box beam. The whole project was threatened with delay due to having to wait for the cladding, with the outside company
Q What was enjoyable about the job?
A Not only did we help transform the conservatory to a space that can be used all year round, we were also able to do all the cladding at such short notice to make sure the job was not delayed. It meant that we were able to tie everything together, which the homeowner appreciated, and it was brilliant to be able to not only provide the right home improvement solution to achieve what the homeowner wanted while also going the extra mile for them in the process.
Q How would you sum up the design?
A The transformation has been stunning. The new roof complements the client’s existing home, seamlessly blending in with the exterior and the midnight black Hardie Plank Cladding, which we brought in to clad to the gable frame and the outside render of the house wall, also complements both the conservatory and property.
Q What does the client love best about it?
A The homeowners love the amazing transformation of their property and the warmer, brighter space the new roof has provided, and they also love how the Hardie Plank Cladding makes the conservatory and the roof look like it’s always been a part of the property. The client was so delighted they now want us to do the conservatory on the other side of the property.
SEH BAC 0800 666 444 sehbac.com
GRAND DESIGNS
Debbie Driver of Harveys Quality Garden Buildings in Rayleigh on one of their stand out projects
Q What does your business offer?
A Harveys supply quality buildings to enhance and add practical space to any outdoor environment. The past year has seen an increased demand in home working and Harveys offer bespoke garden office/studios.
Harveys can install air conditioning in our buildings, which is refreshingly cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making your office truly inviting throughout the year. We have also seen families wanting to make more all year use of their gardens with fun buildings such as our rotating pods and barbecue cabins becoming increasingly popular.
We have seen families wanting to make more use of their gardens with fun buildings like our rotating pods
HARVEYS CREATE ALL MANNER OF GARDEN ROOMS
Q What has been a stand out project recently?
A Harveys were recently approached by a large day care provider to install 12 garden rooms at selected properties throughout Essex to give outside space for families to meet and clients to relax in.
Q What challenges did you have to overcome?
A There were challenges to overcome as site visits highlighted that new bases were required for many buildings as they were to be situated in grassed areas, but by working closely with the individual care home managers Harveys arranged every aspect of the project from design of buildings, suggested best location, provision of suitable bases and installation of the buildings with as little disruption as possible. The ability to work with our customers with the aim of offering them exactly what they want is one of the most enjoyable aspects of our job and to think our buildings will bring much pleasure to the day care clients over the years is an added bonus.
Q What was the client feedback like?
A At the end of the project we were heartened to hear that the project manager was so happy with the finalised buildings that he is coming back to discuss further building requirements, which make it all worthwhile.
HARVEYS QUALITY GARDEN BUILDINGS 01268 775770
harveysgardenbuildings.co.uk
Guiding
HAND
Do you have questions about probate? Attwells Solicitors offer tips to put your mind at ease
Words ELIZABETH HENDRY
PROPERTY PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN PROBATE
If you have recently lost a loved one, you may be going through probate. Probate refers to administrating a person’s estate after their death and can typically take 6 to 8 months to complete for a simple estate.
The responsibility of administering the estate can be daunting for an executor especially at such an emotional time. To help, we have set out a step-bystep process.
1. LOCATE THE WILL
After the relevant people have been notified of the death and it has been registered, you should start with the deceased’s Will. If you cannot locate it, you should check if the deceased’s bank, solicitor or accountant has it. If there is no Will, the people who are entitled to inherit under the Government’s intestacy rules have the right to apply to become executors of the estate.
2. SPEAK TO THE BANK AND FINANCIAL COMPANIES
You should then start getting financial information together. You will also need to contact the bank and other financial companies and notify them.
3. VALUE THE HOUSE
If there is a property within the estate, you will need to get it valued.
4. REPORT THE VALUE OF THE ESTATE
To get a Grant of Probate, you need to complete an Inheritance Tax (IHT) form (whether tax is payable or not). This form sets out any assets and debts of the estate and is where you can work out its overall value. There are two forms and which one you need to complete depends on the value of the estate and if there is any tax to pay.
5. PROBATE
Following this you can apply for the Grant of Probate. This is a document that gives you the right to access the deceased’s funds, organise their finances and divide their assets.
6. DISTRIBUTE THE ESTATE
You can then distribute the assets to the beneficiaries. You should also take into account Capital Gains Tax, Income Tax and IHT – these will have an effect on the amount of money that is distributed.
7. CONSIDER ENLISTING LEGAL SUPPORT
While you can carry out probate yourself, it is a lengthy and complex task that can present many a pitfall if it’s not undertaken properly. The best thing to do is to speak to an experienced lawyer that can guide you through the process. Attwells Solicitors offer two options for probate, depending on what suits you best. Their Fixed-Fee Probate service means you can do parts of probate yourself with the help of a lawyer. This is used in the majority of situations, but may not always be suitable for more complex estates. Alternatively, they offer a Complete Probate service, where your lawyer will undertake all aspects of probate.
For sympathetic legal support, call Attwells Solicitors on 01206 766 333
PROPERTY
CHINGFORD LANE
E4 £650,000
et back o Chingford Lane and adjacent
Sto Elm Grove is this spectacular fourbedroom Victorian house. The property has been maximised and extended to a high specification and is in stunning condition throughout. This elegant home benefits from a large bright and airy 22ft lounge leading to a 16ft modern fitted kitchen diner. The top floor has a large master bedroom and en-suite bathroom.
WILLIAM ROSE
020 8504 2440 william-rose.com
Balancing ACT
There may chaos reigning around the UK and the globe, but the property market in Essex appears to be one stable element of modern day life
By HAYLEY HUNT
There can be no doubt about it, we are living in strange and uncertain times. On the back of the pandemic we have rapidly rising energy prices, a government in turmoil and uncertainty in the Ukraine. But has all this doom and gloom dented confidence in the property market? Not a bit – in fact, if anything, it’s the exact opposite, with average house prices rising to over 11 per cent in the past year. Indeed, confidence is such that There is even some good news that’s come out of the current set of circumstances and that is the fact that the market is slowly, but surely, beginning to selfcorrect the imbalance between supply and demand that has been driving prices. In the last two weeks of January alone, the supply of new properties entering the market increased by ten per cent compared to the same time last year.
The fact that more stock is finally coming to market after nearly two years of demand far outstripping supply is very welcome. And it shows no sign of abating if the latest figures from Rightmove are anything to go by, with valuation requests from potential sellers to estate agents up 27 per cent on last year, 53 per cent on 2020 and 52 per cent on 2019.
It would seem that finally sellers are getting o the fence they’ve been forced to sit on due to the lack of choice available to them for their onward purchase. It’s exciting to see this choice finally opening up to meet the demand, as those sellers themselves have the confidence to come to market.
At Hunt we are delighted to be gearing up for a very busy early spring market where we’ll be helping our sellers find the right buyer, negotiating and holding together some very complex chains and all the while securing the highest price the market will pay. Why not join them so you can get moving? Please feel free to call us today for the right advice for you and your property.
last month saw buyer demand up 16 per cent in 2021 and up 24 per cent in 2020.
Not even rising inflation – now predicted to reach up to 7 per cent this year (more than three times the government’s target) – is having the usual e ect on the market. It may have prompted the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee to increase the base rate by 0.25 per cent to half a per cent this month, with more rises seeming likely; however, this is still an exceptionally low interest rate, with little sign that this will have any significant impact on what remains a very robust property market.
HUNT PROPERTY SERVICES
Hayley Hunt is the founder of Hunt Property Services, located at 732 Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 8AL 020 8502 7667 huntpropertyservices.co.uk
Sible Hedingham, Essex Guide Price £1,575,000 Downham, Essex Guide Price £1,475,000
A charming double-fronted Edwardian family home in a popular location
A spacious four-bedroom detached family home set within open countryside
5 Bedrooms | 4 Reception rooms | 5 Bathrooms Kitchen | Utility | Holiday barn comprising kitchen/dining/ living area and two bedrooms with en suite shower rooms Store | Garage | Carport | Driveway EPC rating D | About 3.5 acres 4 Bedrooms | 5 Reception rooms | 3 Bathrooms | Kitchen/breakfast room | Utility | Double garage | Cart lodge Summer house | Swimming pool | Pool house EPC rating C | About 1.3 acres
Mark Davies Director 01245 254618 mark.davies@struttandparker.com John Seward Associate Director 01245 254606 john.seward@struttandparker.com
Mundon, Essex O ers In Excess Of £1,400,000 Great Waltham, Essex Guide Price £775,000
A beautifully presented detached chalet bungalow with outbuildings and established vineyard
4 Bedrooms | 2 Reception rooms | 3 Bathrooms | Kitchen/ breakfast room | Garden | Garage | Outbuildings EPC rating F | About 12 acres 4 Bedrooms | 4 Reception rooms | 2 Bathrooms | Kitchen/ breakfast room | Conservatory | Garden | Garage
A charming Grade II listed cottage, set in the grounds of a manor house, surrounded by countryside
Stephen Howard Associate Director 01245 254626 stephen.howard@struttandparker.com
Nelmes Crescent, Emerson Park
Boasting over 2,300sqft of living accommodation, this spacious four to five bedroom detached family home is close to Nelmes Primary School which boasts an outstanding Ofsted rating.
Balgores Hornchurch | Guide Price £1,000,000
Clermont Place, Romford
This modern, semi-detached home offers four double bedrooms and is available for sale in Romford. The property offers an en-suite and dressing room to the master bedroom.
Balgores Romford | Offers In Excess Of £750,000 Marlborough Gardens, Upminster
Our team in Upminster sold the first of a pair of four bedroom, detached family homes. With two en-suites and approx. 1,530sqft of living accommodation, we strongly recommend booking a viewing for the final remaining unit!
Balgores Upminster | Asking Price £850,000
Harris Close, Romford
Our expert Upminster team sold this beautiful five bedroom home early this year. Also features views over the Upminster golf course and a spacious 200ft rear garden with a heated swimming pool.
balgoresproperty.com
Burnt Mills Road, Basildon
Offering a four piece en-suite to the master bedroom, two reception rooms and a 58’ south facing rear garden with summerhouse, be sure not to miss this stunning five/six bedroom home.
Balgores Basildon | Guide Price £825,000
Haylands Farmhouse, Pilgrims Hatch
This beautiful, Grade II listed house was sold by our Brentwood branch and is set on a substantial plot measuring some four acres with beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning views.
Balgores Brentwood | Offers In Excess Of £2,000,000 Everwood, High Road
This large, modern, five bedroom, contemporary home was sold by our Basildon office. Also offers a swimming pool area, 22’ orangery and three en-suites.
Fairway Drive, Chelmsford
Situated in a sought-after location is this immaculately presented five double-bedroom family home. With two luxurious en-suites and a landscaped garden, this home is sure to impress!
Balgores Chelmsford | Asking Price £750,000
Farthingale Lane, Waltham Abbey
Available for sale in Waltham Abbey is this four bedroom detached home, boasting 1,450sqft of living accommodation and an attached garage. Also offers two reception rooms and an en-suite to the master bedroom. Balgores Loughton | Asking Price £675,000
Harts Grove, Woodford Green
This stunning six bedroom home was sold by our team in Loughton. Situated on the highly regarded Harts Grove development, this property has an extensive feature list and its very own putting green! Balgores Loughton | Guide Price £1,500,000 - £1,750,000 Colson Road, Loughton
Sold by our expert team in Loughton, this greatly extended, seven bedroom home is set over three oors and has been modernised to a high standard throughout and features a well maintained rear garden. Balgores Loughton | Offers In Excess Of £800,000
Starling Close, Buckhurst Hill
A stunning four bedroom detached family home, recently extended and refurbished to an exceptional standard. Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac with access to highly regarded state private schools. eaturing a ground oor cloakroom, utility room, two reception rooms and high quality kitchen/diner. Balgores Loughton | Guide Price £1,250,000
balgoresproperty.com
Stewarts Cross, Ongar
Available for sale in Ongar is this delightful, semi-detached cottage located in an idyllic, semi-rural position. The property features an impressive frontage with private driveway and an attractive landscaped garden. Balgores Ongar | £875,000
Charles House, Carters Yard
Sold by our Ongar team, this four bedroom home is set over three floors and is just a stones throw from Ongar’s vibrant high street. Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £725,000 - £750,000 Oakdale, Ongar
This deceptively spacious home offers two formal reception rooms, a 100’ landscaped garden and a contemporary kitchen/dining room. Balgores Ongar | Guide Price Of £700,000
Sandon Lodge, Ongar
Sold by our team in Ongar, this contemporary style five bedroom home offers spacious and flexible accommodation with state of the art communication facilities. Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £975,000
Traps Hill, Loughton £2,500,000
Located on one of Loughton’s most coveted roads, this four-bedroom detached residence with far reaching views over Loughton and the City of London is within walking distance to the High Road, an excellent range of private and public schools, Epping Forest and two Central Line Underground Stations. In addition, this property is proximate to the M11, M25 and several international airports. This impressive home occupies a large mature plot which has huge potential for extension or redevelopment. The substantial rear garden gives a wide range of development possibilities subject to the usual planning consent. Externally there is a wonderful mature garden which is made up of two sections, with an orchard at the rear boundary. Once landscaped this garden will o er a fabulous space for alfresco dining in the summer months.
The Drive, Buckhurst Hill £1,450,000
A superb fi ve-bedroom, three bathroom detached family home in the heart of Buckhurst Hill. This impressive home is located on an extremely sought-after road close to Buckhurst Hill Central Line Station, forestry, local amenities such as Waitrose and local boutiques and the well-regarded St John’s primary school. The accommodation is arranged over three fl oors with the ground fl oor comprising of spacious entrance hall, integral garage, cloakroom with automatic lighting, bright open kitchen featuring breakfast bar and door leading onto the rear patio and a capacious dual aspect through lounge which is arranged as a dining room at one end and a living room at the other. It is also important to highlight that the ground fl oor benefi ts from solid wood fl ooring throughout. To the rear, the property features 105-foot private garden with direct access to the nature reserve. There is also the possibility to extend, subject to the usual planning permission.
0208 0165 333 | 165 High Road, Loughton IG IO 4LF
THIS PROPERTY ON FOREST AVENUE IS TYPICAL OF WHAT WILLIAM ROSE HAVE ON THEIR BOOKS
On a HIGH
The directors of william rose, Jay Williams and AdrianSinclair, on why now was the right time to open their second o ce
THE TEAM AT WILLIAM ROSE
OAK HILL CLOSE
Q Tell us a little bit about the background to william rose…
A We were both working for a large independent estate agency and were responsible for the management of multiple o ces, but decided the time was right to go our own way: william rose was born in 2018 with the vision of being very service driven, meaning us being hands on and personally involved with clients on a dayto-day basis. We moved to our High Road Woodford o ce with the intention of standing out from the crowd in August 2020, and since then things have really taken o .
Q What makes you di erent?
A At william rose you will have an experienced property contact throughout the process. We believe in building relationships, so you’ll have one agent to call on as and when you need them. We recognise that every customer is unique, and we take the time to listen and understand your personal property requirements in order to fully ascertain how we can help you meet these needs.
Q Why is now the right time to open an o ce in Highams Park?
A We feel a strong connection with Highams Park having both lived and gone through school there. The market has gone through such a change with Highams Park firmly on the map, popular with East London buyers looking for a well-connected area with many open green spaces for the family to enjoy. We felt with our ties to the area it was the right move and time to bring our award-winning service to Highams Park.
Q Why do you think the area is popular with buyers and renters?
A When discussing the key reasons for liking Highams Park, locals speak of the friendliness of their neighbours, the feeling of safety, and the diversity of its people. With excellent rail links to London, a wide range of cafés, amenities and leisure activities, and the open green spaces of Epping Forest, Highams Park really does provide its residents with a wonderful place to live and invest.
Q Do you have a favourite local place to visit?
A There are a good few, but the two that stand out are The Royal Oak pub, which is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a warm, friendly and cosy atmosphere for a few drinks and some tasty pub food. Also No. 1 The Avenue where the food is fantastic, o ering great Indian cuisine in a relaxed environment.
Q What kind of properties in the area do you have on the market?
A We have recently sold properties in Beech Hall Crescent and Nelson Road, which were both three-bedroom family homes. Like most properties in Highams Park they were popular with high viewing numbers generating many o ers all over asking prices.
Q How has business been in your Woodford Green o ce?
A We have had a remarkable 2021 with the o ce going from strength to strength gaining a huge market share in the Woodford area. This was topped o by winning a Gold Award at the Best Estate Agency Guide, where it was great for the team to be recognised for their hard work.
Q What message would you have for buyers and sellers out there?
A It is very di erent for buyers as it is such a sellers’ market. Buyers need to make sure they put themselves in the best possible position, being financially ready with proof of deposit and an agreement in principle available as early as possible. Not to get too despondent as finding a property can be brutal, but we are finding most of our clients do finally get the right property for them.
Sellers need to understand that the market is great for selling as long as the property is valued correctly and the right marketing strategy is used. Sellers are starting to be aware that agents do work in a di erent way, so doing research on the agent is important in getting the best buyer at the best price.
Q And what can you o er landlords?
A Our bespoke service and prior experience is at the very forefront of our business. Between us, we have over 40 years' lettings experience in the local market. We are Propertymark (ARLA) and Property Ombudsman members. Being a landlord can be a satisfying and profitable experience when you work with the right team.
Q Do you have predictions for 2022?
A This has been the strongest start to a year for growth in house prices since 2005, new Nationwide data revealed. Annual growth rose 11.2% in January, up from 10.4% in December, making it the fastest growth rate in January for 17 years so the signs are for a busy year.
3D WALKTHROUGH
The Broadway, Loughton
£700,000 • Three Bedroom Family Home • Central Line Location • Over 1700 sq. Ft • Large Driveway • Spacious Garden
3D WALKTHROUGH
Alderton Way, Loughton
£2,250PCM • Fantastic Location • Large Driveway • Spacious Garden • Detached Garage • 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
Balmoral House, Woodford Green
£1,325PCM • Seconds From Station • Unfurnished • Available Now • Modern • 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom
CALL TO ARRANGE YOUR MARKET APPRAISAL
ANNABEL KABEL ELLIOTT LAWLOR NICOLA LAWLOR FREDERICK CASSFORD GRACE PERRY
HEIDI FOSTER HOLLY DUNCAN JAMES LAWLOR REBECCA HAWES HOLLY DONALDSON
3D WALKTHROUGH 3D WALKTHROUGH
Hainault Grove, Chigwell
£2,350PCM • Close To the Station • Detached House • Recently Refurbished • Garage Included • 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
Landmark House, Loughton
£1,800PCM • Available in March • Parking Included • Newly Refurbished • Unfurnished • 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
0208 0165 333 | 165 High Road, Loughton IG IO 4LF
Step into the UNKNOWN
The co-founder of Durden & Hunt reveals his tips to becoming a residential landlord this year
By JAMES HUNT
People become residential landlords for a variety of reasons. Here are a few things you should look to consider when thinking of becoming a first time landlord:
TAXATION
When becoming a landlord for the first time it is important to consider how the income will be taxed and how it may a ect your overall tax code. Property purchased in your personal name is considered personal income, and this new income can even move you into the next tax bracket, which could determine how much tax you pay on your regular income. It is important to consult a qualified tax advisor on this matter before making a decision.
STAMP DUTY
In England the government have introduced an additional 3 per cent surcharge on stamp duty for those purchasing a buy to let investment or a second home. It is important to consider how this might a ect the amount of funds needed to make the purchase and also how it might a ect future purchases. There are lots of online calculators for stamp duty, but your solicitor will confirm the final amount.
MORTGAGE
When purchasing a buy-to-let or converting your existing property into a buy-to-let, it is important to ensure you have the correct mortgage product. You cannot rent out a property that you purchased on a residential mortgage without consent from your lender. To do this on an existing property you can re-mortgage from residential mortgage product to a new buy-to-let product, or in some cases you can speak to your lender and explain and they may o er you ‘consent to let’ on your existing product.
FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED
You must decide whether you want to rent out a completely furnished or unfurnished property early on. If you’ve inherited a furnished property, the decision may be straight-forward. However, if it is currently empty you will need to make a decision as to whether providing furniture may achieve more rent or not. Don’t forget, carrying out an inventory is a smart idea because it will impact your insurance coverage and may help to avoid disagreements at the end of a contract.
LEGALS AND RESPONSIBILITY
There is a fair bit of legal documentation you will need to be able to rent your home. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following: you’ll need an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate for a property before it can be let; each gas appliance in the property must have a gas safety certificate, and each property must have smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector; any appliances or furniture must also meet the required safety standards; there are other regulations concerning a tenant’s deposit and how it is held in a governmentapproved programme; and there are now electrical certification also needed.
Renting your home can be a great investment, but if it is not done properly then it can become a headache. Contact James Hunt on
james.hunt@durdenandhunt.co.uk
if you have any questions.
JAMES HUNT
