phoenix estate agents - property magazine february 2014

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Cover photo: property for sale, Chalk Road, Walpole St Peter

206 Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE12 9SG Tel: 01406 359131 Fax: 01406 359939 Email: [email protected]

Open: Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm. Saturday 9am – 4pm. Closed: Sundays & Bank Holidays

Phoenix Property Magazine February 2014 FREE

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We are often approached by customers who are new to the buy to let investment market or curious about how it works. I obviously won’t have space to go into full detail in this article but thought a few initial tips would be of help to those new to it or considering it with regards to the costs and background research to do. Whether looking to buy a property outright with cash or considering a buy to let mortgage it is handy to have an idea of your associated costs of purchasing a property i.e. how much deposit you will have to put down, what the legal fees will be, what mortgage repayments might be, household/landlords insurance etc.

RENTAL YIELDS & THE PROFITABILITY OF YOUR INVESTMENT: As your decision to purchase will be for an investment, it’s important to understand the relationship between the cost to purchase the property and the rental income it could generate. But sometimes there’s a bit more to it that you might think and as it is an investment decision you may be surprised that some properties have a better investment potential to others. Lots of investors use rental yield as a guide. Rental yield is a calculation that gives a rough guide to the potential profitability of a property. Yields are expressed as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the better the yield. There are two types of yield you need to think about. Gross Yield & Net Yield. Understanding the two types of yield could also assist you in examining the effect that borrowing has on your potential returns, such as deciding between buying a property in cash or using a buy to let mortgage to fund the purchase. GROSS YIELD: This is calculated by dividing the properties annual rent by the property value/price and then expressed as a percentage. For example: If a properties annual rent is £6,000 and the value/price of the property is £80,000 then the gross yield is 7.5% (£6,000 divided by £80,000 x 100 = 7.5% gross yield) NET YIELD: This also takes into account all the operational costs which if you are getting a buy to let mortgage can also take into account mortgage payments. It is calculated by taking away the properties annual operational costs from it’s annual rent to calculate annual gross profit. You then divide this figure by the property value/price and express the value as a percentage. For example: based on if the value/price of the property is £80,000 with mortgage at 75% LTV interest only 5% (putting down £20,000 deposit) = monthly mortgage payment of £250 (annual £3,000). If a properties annual rent is £6,000, £1000 for annual costs (tenancy set up, insurance & maintenance), The annual rental income – annual mortgage payment = £3,000 (annual gross profit). The Net yield can then be calculated as follows: Annual gross profit £3,000, divided by amount invested so far £21,000 (deposit & costs) x 100 = 14.2%. (£3,000 divided by £21,000 x 100 = 14.2% net yield)

GET FINANCIAL/MORTGAGE ADVICE: We often get investors approach us looking to buy an investment property outright with cash & then end up getting mortgage advice and finding out that they could spread that lump sum as deposits with buy to let mortgages and increases their investment return buy owning more than one property. So well worth getting the advice & looking at all the options to help you decide what best fits with you. Typically most lenders offering buy to let mortgages will expect 25% deposit to be put down (75% LTV) and will expect the rental income to be calculated on an interest only basis and will look for the rental income to be greater that 125% of your repayment (e.g. 125% of the interest only payment of 5%). Example: £100,000 mortgage x nominal rate of on average 5% divided by 12 x 125%. Therefore rental income would have to be at least £520.00 or more for the lender to lend the full £100,000. For more accurate advice we can put you in touch with a firm who would be able to give you such advice – just ask us.

GET LETTINGS ADVICE. You’ll also want to know what it will cost to get the property in a rentable condition and any continued maintenance, any required certificates such as gas safety certificates or electrical test certificates plus other costs to set up the tenancy agreement. You’ll need to decide whether you will manage the tenancy yourself or employ a managing/letting agent to handle that for you. I’d always advise you speak to an ARLA (Association of residential letting Agents) registered letting agent who would be able to give such advice. We can also put you in touch with an ARLA registered letting agent – just ask us.

INSURANCES. Aside from standard property insurance there are other insurance policies available that are tailored for the buy to let property owner – it is well worth speaking to an insurance advisor on the insurance options that are out there for you. We have a relevant article on this from Coversure Insurance in this issue of our magazine.

ESTABLISH LEGAL FEES. Talking to any residential conveyancer/solicitor will enable to you to get a rough quotes as to the legal fees in purchasing the property.

FIND A PROPERTY. Obviously some of your research on funding takes place at the same time as considering a particular property, as property values, rental incomes & outgoings will vary per property. With the benefit of all the research you will have done it will be much easier for you to spot a good investment or decide the profitability of one property from another and hopefully we can look forward to speaking to you and helping you with your property search! If you would like any additional advice about properties, or would like us to assist putting you in touch with mortgage, insurance, legal or letting specialists please get in touch we have established working relationships with such firms.

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It’s a given that borrowers want to ensure that they have the right mortgage at the right price, but do not necessarily want to or have time to – or the inclination – to search for the best deal. After all, it’s certainly not easy being a borrower these days! At first glance, the availability of mortgages may have increased in terms of products on the market, however, navigating the minefield of accessing them is an altogether different matter. With a wide variety of personal circumstances, often multiple income streams and a difficult and unpredictable economic climate, the added value service that mortgage brokers can offer is more important than ever for borrowers looking to secure the best deal. It is also worth bearing in mind that information and documentation required in connection with a mortgage application may vary from lender to lender but the earlier in the process this is collected can have a significant outcome on the speed to offer. Last year nearly a third of UK adults who unsuccessfully applied for a mortgage directly with a bank subsequently used a broker and their mortgage application was then successful. This is due to the fact that a good mortgage broker will take information for their ‘fact find’ and then source a suitable mortgage based on that information. They will know just who to approach, for maximum affordability, low credit scoring and particularly self employed applicants ensuring that no time is wasted applying to totally unsuitable lenders and clocking up pointless credit scores on your credit file. If you are thinking of remortgaging, moving home or if you are a first time buyer your best option would always be to consult a mortgage broker in the first instance. So give us a call here at Tophouse Mortgage Solutions Ltd and we will be only too happy to help you through the whole process ensuring that your journey is as stress free as possible. For a free no obligation consultation, please call: 01945 773945

YOUNGS ROW, SUTTON BRIDGE

£22,500 EPC RATING:C Modern (2011) leasehold terraced house available on an affordable housing 25% shared ownership scheme offering

2 bedrooms, downstairs cloakroom, upstairs bathroom, lounge/diner, kitchen, enclosed garden, allocated parking space, upvc double glazing and modern electric

radiator central heating.

TAVERNERS MEWS, LONG SUTTON

£55,950 EPC RATING:C

Modern (2006) 2 Bedroom terraced house available on a 50% shared ownership

scheme, situated convenient for town centre amenities benefiting from

kitchen/diner, downstairs cloakroom, upvc double glazing, gas central heating, allocated parking space, enclosed rear

garden & no upward chain.

MARCH ROAD, FRIDAY BRIDGE

£60,000

Building Plot on the outskirts of the popular village of Friday Bridge. Full

planning permission for a 3 bed detached house, Plot measures approx. 37ft/11.2m frontage x 59ft/17.9m depth (sts). Field

views front & rear. No upward chain.

NEW ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE

£80,000

Building plot. Approx 0.5 acre site, Lapsed outline planning permission for a

single storey dwelling. Popular residential location, field view to one side, mature

trees on site. Golf course nearby.

CHESTNUT TERRACE, SUTTON BRIDGE £92,950 EPC RATING:D

Edwardian terraced house benefiting from

2 double bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, modern refitted kitchen & bathroom, gas central heating, upvc double glazing &

approx 100ft long enclosed rear garden. Internal viewing essential.

HARRYS WAY, WISBECH

OIEO £94,000 EPC RATING: C

Modern (2001) semi detached house situated on the outskirts of town

offering 2 bedrooms, lounge, conservatory, kitchen, shower room,

southerly facing enclosed low maintenance patio garden, off road parking, electric heating and double

glazing. View now!

YOUNGS ROW, SUTTON BRIDGE

£97,500 EPC RATING:E

Recently renovated Victorian 2 bedroom end terraced house offering 2 reception

rooms, refitted kitchen & refitted upstairs bathroom, upvc double glazing,

gas central heating, enclosed rear garden with field views & no upward chain.

Viewing essential!

BRIDGE ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE


Modern 3 Bedroom semi detached house conveniently located for local amenities.

UPVC double glazing, Electric night storage heating, Off road parking,

Kitchen/Diner & Enclosed south facing low maintenance patio garden. No

Upward Chain.

HARRYS WAY, WISBECH

£99,995 EPC RATING: C

Modern 2 bedroom terrace house situated on the outskirts of town offering lounge,

conservatory, kitchen, refitted bathroom, upvc double glazing, electric night

storage heating, allocated parking space, enclosed rear garden & no upward chain.

Viewing advised!

INDIVIDUAL CONVERSION DEVELOPMENT OF 12 PROPERTIES CONVENIENT FOR LOCAL AMENITIES & BUS STOPS, FITTED KITCHEN & BATHROOM, FLOOR COVERINGS, GAS CENTRAL HEATING, UPVC DOUBLE GLAZING

& 2 ALLOCATED PARKING SPACES. ALL PROPERTIES READY NOW. CALL FOR MORE INFO & TO BOOK AN APOINTMENT

PLOT 1: £79,950 1 bedroom end terraced coach house. Open plan lounge/diner, kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, en-suite bathroom.

PLOT 2: £79,950 1 bedroom terraced coach house. Open plan lounge/diner, kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, en-suite bathroom.

PLOT 10: £69,950 2 bedroom first floor apartment. Open plan lounge and kitchen.

LEASE DETAILS: The vendor advises that the lease is a 125 year lease. The maintenance charge including ground rent and building insurance is £850 per annum. SPECIFICATION: - Kitchens: Fitted units plus oven, hob with extractor, space for fridge/freezer, space/plumbing for washing machine. - Bathroom/Cloakroom/En-Suite: Fitted with white suite. - Double glazing & Gas central heating - Carpets/floor coverings included. *All information subject change.

PRINCES STREET, SUTTON BRIDGE

OIEO £100,000 EPC RATING:D

1920’s 3 Bedroom semi detached house, lounge/diner, downstairs bathroom, generous enclosed rear garden with

off road parking & outbuildings include utility, store & coal store, UPVC double

glazing, gas central heating with refitted boiler.


OIEO £100,000 EPC RATING:E

3 bedroom end terraced house convenient for bus stop & local amenities benefiting

from upvc double glazing, downstairs cloakroom, downstairs shower room,

upstairs bathroom, open plan kitchen/dining room, utility room, gas

central heating, carport & off road parking & enclosed rear garden.

WICKFIELD COURT, WISBECH

£109,950 EPC RATING: C

Modern (2005) 2 bedroom terraced house situated in a popular residential

location offering kitchen/diner, downstairs cloakroom, upstairs

bathroom, upvc double glazing, gas central heating, southerly facing enclosed rear garden & allocated parking space. Internal viewing

essential!

RAILWAY LANE SOUTH, SUTTON BRIDGE £115,000 EPC RATING:E

3 Bedroom end terraced house, refitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, downstairs bathroom with separate

cloakroom, double glazing, gas central heating, off road parking, enclosed

courtyard garden & further 92ft/28m (sts) long lawned garden area with decking.

CHURCH GATE, SUTTON BRIDGE


Modern 3 bedroom detached house offering kitchen/diner, downstairs

cloakroom, en-suite to master bedroom, double glazing, gas central heating, south facing enclosed rear garden, garage & off road parking. Internal viewing advised.


OIRO £125,000 EPC RATING:E

3 Bedroom detached bungalow convenient for local bus stop and

amenities requiring further updating and benefiting from kitchen/breakfast room, upvc double glazing, gas central heating, garage and off road parking, lawned rear

garden & no upward chain.

KING STREET, SUTTON BRIDGE

OIEO £125,000 EPC RATING:C

Modern detached bungalow situated within walking distance to amenities & bus stop offering 2 double bedrooms,

bath/shower room plus additional separate cloakroom, kitchen/diner,

utility room, off road parking, enclosed rear garden gas central heating, upvc

double glazing & no upward chain.

WRIGHTS LANE, SUTTON BRIDGE

£126,000

Residential development opportunity. Popular residential location with field view. Approx 0.5 acre site with lapsed

planning permission to demolish existing buildings & erect 4 dwellings & integral

garages. View Now!



End terraced 3 storey house with accommodation providing, 4 bedrooms,

bathroom, wet room/shower, 2+ reception rooms, utility room, enclosed rear garden, garage/workshop, majority

upvc double glazing & gas central heating. Needs to be seen inside to

appreciate layout & space of accommodation offered.

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Like any business, one of the critical things for any landlord is getting proper landlords insurance. As a landlord you are effectively running your own business and your main asset is obviously your buy to let property investment so it is crucial you safeguard the value of this with the correct insurance. Because of the nature of buy to let it is necessary to have specialist landlord insurance. This is because ordinary household policies will offer no cover for buildings, contents and third party liability while it is being let out. Lately, as people are trying to save money we have had several requests for a landlords quotation and then the customer tells us that they can get it cheaper elsewhere, however, when we actually get to the bottom of this they had all been quoted basic residential insurance as if they were living in the property and not renting it out. If you are renting out a property it is essential to cover yourself against the tenant falling down the stairs and blaming it on loose carpet or tripping over an uneven manhole cover in the garden and then deciding to claim from you. Not only that, if there was a flood or fire at the property and the tenant had to move out because of it, the landlords policy covers loss of rent up to 12 months while the property is being made habitable again and it will also have the correct legal protection you need. Here at Coversure we specialise in buy to let insurance and have agencies with the Countries leading insurers who offer all levels of cover for both commercial and residential landlords insurance. We also have a price match facility with one particular insurer. We are very experienced in this type of insurance and have several large portfolios on our books which we manage for the landlord, dealing with all claims as and when they arise. So my advice to you would be don’t be tempted to cut corners – it won’t help you in the event that you need to claim. Give us a call today for a free no obligation quotation – we are always happy to help! Please give us a call on 08003081140 to speak to Jane, Liz or Kat. Coversure Insurance, the cover you want, the service you expect, the advice you need.

PRINCES STREET, HOLBEACH


Modern detached bungalow situated convenient for local amenities & bus stop

offering 2 double bedrooms, kitchen/diner, double glazing, gas central heating, garage, 2 off road parking areas, established & secluded rear garden with

patio areas. Internal viewing a must!



Detached bungalow situated in a popular location, 2 double bedrooms,

conservatory/utility, majority UPVC double glazing, gas central heating,

bathroom with corner bath & separate shower, garage & off road parking, good

size rear garden.

CHALK LANE, SUTTON BRIDGE


Modern 3 bedroom detached house with field views benefiting from lounge/diner,

separate dining room, utility, conservatory, downstairs shower room, upstairs bathroom, upvc double glazing, off road parking & south facing enclosed

rear garden. View Now!



3 Bedroom detached house situated in a popular residential location offering

lounge/diner, refitted kitchen, utility room, downstairs cloakroom, modern upstairs bathroom, garage, driveway,

enclosed gardens, upvc double glazing, gas central heating & now upward chain.

View now!

GRANVILLE TERRACE, SUTTON BRIDGE


3 Bedroom detached house offering lounge/diner, conservatory, refitted

kitchen open plan to family room with breakfast/utility area, refitted upstairs

bathroom, block paved driveway/parking area, enclosed rear garden, upvc double glazing & gas central heating. Internal

viewing essential!

SOUTH DROVE, LUTTON MARSH


Semi detached house in a rural location with field views to front, side and rear.

Offering 3 double bedrooms, lounge/diner, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, downstairs shower room, detached barn/outbuilding, off road parking, gardens, oil central heating,

upvc double glazing & no upward chain.

CHALK ROAD, WALPOLE ST PETER


Extended 1830s Period 3 bedroom semi detached cottage in a sought after village

offering 2 reception rooms plus conservatory, downstairs bathroom plus

separate cloakroom, utility room, oil central heating, double glazing, enclosed

lawned garden with decking areas, summer house & off road parking.

DICK TURPIN WAY, LONG SUTTON


Modern 3-4 bedroom detached house on a corner plot convenient for local primary

school & town centre. 3 reception rooms, conservatory, downstairs shower room, upstairs bathroom, upvc double glazing, gas central heating, extensive off road

parking, enclosed rear garden & no upward chain.

BRIDGE ROAD, LONG SUTTON

OIRO £160,000 EPC RATING:C

Modern (2004) detached chalet style house, 3 bedrooms, en-suite to master,

family bathroom & downstairs cloakroom, L-shaped lounge/dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility, detached single garage, extensive off road parking, gas central heating & upvc double glazing.

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BATHROOM CARPET CAVITY WALL CENTRAL HEATING CONSERVATORY DECLUTTER DECORATING DEPERSONALISE DOUBLE GLAZING EXTENSION FENCING FLOOR GARDENING KITCHEN LANDSCAPING LIGHTING LOFT INSULATION PRESENTATION SOLAR PANELS SPRING CLEAN

SPALDING ROAD, HOLBEACH


1930s 3 bedroom detached house convenient to town centre amenities,

schools and bus stops, 2 reception rooms plus conservatory, downstairs cloakroom,

upstairs bath/shower room, extensive block paved driveway, garage, south

facing enclosed rear garden, upvc double glazing & gas central heating.


£175,000 EPC RATING:D

Modern 4 bedroom detached house benefiting from 2 reception rooms,

kitchen/dining room, en-suite bathroom to master bedroom, upstairs family

bathroom & downstairs cloakroom, wood effect upvc double glazing, gas central

heating, garage, off road parking, enclosed rear garden & no upward chain.



Modern 4 bedroom detached house, 3 reception rooms, modern kitchen, refitted bathroom, refitted en-suite

shower room & downstairs cloakroom, garage, off road parking, enclosed rear garden, gas central heating & majority

wood effect upvc double glazing.

ANNE ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE


3 Bedroom detached bungalow with field view to the rear, upvc double glazing, gas

central heating, bathroom with corner bath & double shower cubicle,

cloakroom, conservatory, open plan gardens to the side/rear, garage &

extensive off road parking. Viewing a must to appreciate size & layout.

WOAD LANE, LONG SUTTON


Modern4 bedroom detached chalet house, front field views, lounge/diner, family

room, kitchen, utility, downstairs cloakroom, upstairs bath/shower room, en-suite & walk in wardrobe to master

bedroom, en-suite shower/sink to ground floor bedroom, double glazing, oil central heating, off road parking & enclosed rear

garden. Internal viewing essential!

LONG ROAD, TERRINGTON ST CLEMENT £189,950 EPC RATING:D

1930s semi detached house on an overall plot approaching approx. 1 acre (sts) in a

rural location with field views front & rear, 2 double bedrooms, 2 reception rooms plus conservatory, downstairs

bath/shower room, upstairs cloakroom, utility room, extensive parking, upvc double glazing, oil central heating.



Period (1850) 3 bedroom detached house, 2 reception rooms, utility, downstairs

bathroom, en-suite to master bedroom, cloakroom facilities to guest bedroom,

garage, off road parking, feature established gardens, upvc double glazing & gas central heating with refitted boiler.

Internal viewing a must to appreciate!

DOCKINGS HOLT, LUTTON


Extended detached cottage, overall plot of 0.57 acre(sts), semi rural location on

outskirts of Long Sutton, 3 double bedrooms, en-suite to master bedroom, bath/shower room, 3 reception rooms, conservatory, utility room, upvc double glazing, gas central heating & extensive

off road parking.

WRIGHTS LANE & NEW ROAD,

SUTTON BRIDGE £205,000

Residential development opportunity, 2 sites together. Total of 5 plots. Popular

residential location with field view. Approx 0.5 acre site with lapsed planning permission to demolish existing buildings

& erect 4 dwellings with garages. Plus further approx 0.5 acre site with lapsed

outline planning for a single storey dwelling.

RICHARD BUSBY WAY, LUTTON


Modern (2005) detached house in a popular village cul-de-sac, front field

views, 3 double bedrooms, 3 reception rooms plus conservatory, en-suite to master bedroom, bath/shower room, downstairs cloakroom, utility room,

double garage, landscaped gardens, upvc double glazing & gas central heating.

STATION ROAD, LONG SUTTON


Detached house, original part dating back to mid 1800s, part field views,

4 double bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, upstairs bath/shower room, downstairs

cloakroom, majority UPVC double glazing, gas central heating, off road parking, side

gardens, no upward chain.

RICHARD BUSBY WAY, LUTTON

FIXED PRICE £249,975 EPC RATING:C

Modern (2006) detached house in a popular village cul-de-sac location, 4 double bedrooms, 2 reception rooms,

kitchen/diner, utility, downstairs cloakroom, en-suite, upstairs bathroom, upvc double glazing, gas central heating,

double garage, enclosed garden with feature summerhouse & no upward chain.

NORWICH ROAD, WISBECH


Individual detached house built in 1956 in an elevated position on an overall plot of

0.33 acre (sts), renovated throughout offering open plan lounge & dining room,

fitted kitchen with pantry, 3 double bedrooms, upstairs & downstairs

cloakrooms, bathroom, tandem garage, driveway & feature tiered rear garden.

CHALK ROAD, WALPOLE ST PETER


Modern detached house, 4 double bedrooms, dressing room & en-suite to master bedroom, 2

nd bedroom with en-

suite, downstairs cloakroom, 3 reception rooms & conservatory, kitchen, utility

room & breakfast room, integral double garage, established enclosed rear garden, upvc double glazing & no upward chain.

SALTS ROAD, WEST WALTON


Modern 5 bedroom detached house, overall plot 0.19 acre (sts), 2 en-suites,

kitchen/diner, conservatory, study, utility, downstairs cloakroom, workshop, double garage & extensive parking, oil central heating, UPVC double glazing & secluded rear garden with decking area.

HUNGATE ROAD, EMNETH


Modern detached house overlooking fields to the front offering 4 double bedrooms,

en-suite & dressing area to master bedroom, 2 reception rooms,

kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, downstairs shower room & upstairs

bathroom, galleried landing, garage, off road parking & enclosed garden.

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Long Sutton Market House Corn Exchange is an excellent venue for family events and celebrations, for exhibitions, performances and concerts. The Corn Exchange is an ideal venue for a wedding reception, which can seat 80 comfortably. Call into reception or ring 01406 366767. MARKET HOUSE RECEPTION Come and meet our friendly volunteer receptionists for tourist information, bookings, local information Housing and Benefit forms for South Holland District Council, recycling bags, bus pass forms. Reception is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm. SOUTH HOLLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL CUSTOMER SERVICES are in the Market House Reception Tuesdays and Thursdays if you have a concern no need to travel to Spalding come and meet an adviser on these days at the Market House. CLOTHES SALE SATURDAY 1

ST FEBRUARY 9.30AM TO 1.00PM In the Corn Exchange.

LONG SUTTON YOUTH GROUP EVERY THURSDAY 6.30pm to 8.00pm ring 01406 366767 for more details. BRM DRAMA An opportunity for young people to enjoy drama EVERY WEDNESDAY 7.00pm to 10.00am LONG SUTTON TOWN ARTS PRESENTS Garrick and Etheridge 7

th February 7.30pm An exciting evening of music as Garrick

and Etheridge return once more to the Corn Exchange. Contact Reception for Tickets 01406 366767 MARKET HOUSE MOVIES Casablanca Saturday 15

th February 2.00pm Tickets available from Reception 01406 366767

LINCOLNSHIRE VOLUNTEER CARD Childrens Links This Free course is for all Volunteers aged 16 plus. The Lincolnshire Volunteer Card programme gives you essential volunteering skills and you will receive a certificate and Lincolnshire Volunteer Card recognised across the county. Join in and come to the Market House course. Wednesdays 5th, 12th 19th February 6.30pm to 8.30pm ring 08453730645 or email [email protected] or visit at http://www.childrenslinks.org.uk/ WEA GARDENING COURSE Every Wednesday 10.30am ring Market House reception for more details 01406 366767 CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Every Monday and Thursday morning 10am to 1.00pm Mondays are a drop in, Thursdays are for Booked appointments only. CAB will be available on Monday 23

rd December Drop in. 10.00am to 1.00pm. The Market House

then closes. TAI CHI every Thursday 12.30pm to 1.30pm call in to the Corn Exchange Market House Reception 01406 366767 THE LINCOLNSHIRE CREDIT UNION Is open at the Long Sutton Market House on Fridays at 10.00am. The opening times will be every Friday 10.00am to 12 noon. Think of us as a Community Bank that is run by professional volunteers, working under the strict regulations of the Financial Services Authority. When it comes to borrowing money, we make everything simple! We are able to offer loans of between £100 and £3000, with a typical monthly rate of 2% on a reducing balance. All loans are approved on a capacity to repay basis, so poor previous credit may not be a problem. If you would like to save then there are easy access savings accounts with a competitive rate of interest, call in and chat to us on Friday mornings., AGAPE CARE FOOD BANK BRANCH AT THE MARKET HOUSE There is a collection point for donated food in reception open each day 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday. Please remember those in need this Christmas, any Christmas foods would be much appreciated, puddings, chocolates, crackers. Can you help with dried dog and cat food for those struggling with pets. MIGRANT WORKERS ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LIFE SKILLS CLASSES Free, 7.00pm Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in the Long Sutton Market House. ring Market House Reception for more details 01406 366767 .

Come and see what else we have going on, Craft groups, Citizens Advice Bureau, Photographic Group.

www.longsuttonmarkethouse.org

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We can clear anything from a full house to a single item. The old adage really is true of 'No job to big or to small'.

We offer a totally professional, trustworthy and utterly reliable service, with many of our clients including Solicitors, Estate Agents, Bank Trusts, Charities, Retirement & Care Homes and of course Private Clients, using us over many years.

We regularly donate clearance items to local charities.

We are fully licensed by the Environment Agency and local authorities, are dedicated to recycling as much as possible and all rubbish is disposed of in a responsible manner.

From the moment you first make contact with Benjamins house clearance, we will relieve you of the unwelcome stress that comes with a house clearance.

SSuuttttoonn BBrriiddggee iinn BBlloooomm

‘‘BBiigg BBlloooommeerrss’’ NNeewwss By Mrs Rocki Freezor, Chair of SBiB Big Bloomers.

What a dismal start to 2014, but we have been lucky to escape from the flooding that has affected other parts of the Country. 2013 was an eventful year, we benefited from donations made by the Co Op and The Nisa Store, not forgetting the sponsorship by local businesses.

We were also successful in our application for funding from the National Lottery to landscape and plant up a piece of land near the Curlew Centre, you can see the changes made in the pictures above.

We plan to continue the work during this coming year. One Flower bed known by us as” Pat’s Bed” is to be reassessed and tidied up, and the tubs and containers will soon be filled with new plants for the summer months.

Do look on our notice board near the Curlew Centre for more news and pictures throughout the coming months.

LLeeggaall aaddvviiccee::

rreennttiinngg pprrooppeerrttyy.. BByy SStteepphhaanniiee CCoonnnnoorr,, SSoolliicciittoorr aatt HHaayyeess && SSttoorrrr..

It has become popular to purchase houses as ‘buy-to-let’ properties. However, before renting out property

a Landlord has a number of legal obligations to satisfy, some of which are detailed below.

Landlords are required to pay tenants’ deposits into one of two available schemes: a custodial scheme

where the deposit is paid into a designated account held by the scheme administrator, or an insurance

backed scheme, where the landlord retains the deposit but takes out an insurance policy to protect the

tenant's deposit. This is intended to safeguard deposits for the tenant and to help with the resolution of

disputes arising in connection with deposits. If a Landlord does not comply with these requirements he then

will lose the ability to obtain possession of the property on two months notice under Section 21 of the

Housing Act 1988, and can be ordered by the Court to pay back an amount equivalent to three times the

deposit.

Landlords are also required to ensure that the tenants of their property are living in a safe environment and

there are specific obligations relating to gas and electrical equipment, and furnishings. All furniture

supplied by the Landlord must be fire resistant. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £5000 and/or a

prison sentence where death or injury to a tenant occurs. Landlords are required to have safety checks

carried out on all gas equipment every twelve months. A copy of the up to date safety certificate must then

be supplied to the tenant.

It is also necessary for Landlords to supply all prospective tenants with an Energy Performance Certificate,

although there is no obligation on the Landlord to carry out any of the energy saving measures

recommended in the certificate. The certificates are valid for 10 years. Failure to comply can result in a

£200 fine through the Trading Standards Authority.

There are other additional requirements for Landlords and it would be advisable to seek expert advice

before letting your property.

This article aims to supply general information, but it is not intended to constitute advice. Every effort is made to ensure that the law referred to is correct at the date of publication and to avoid any statement which may mislead. However no duty of care is assumed to any person and no liability is accepted for any omission or inaccuracy. Always seek our specific advice” If you require advice on this matter please contact our Conveyancing Department on 01553 778900 or email [email protected]

GGOOTT AA PPRROOPPEERRTTYY

TTOO SSEELLLL IINN OOUURR AARREEAA??

As well as all the usual services you’d expect, we also offer:

No sale no fee & no hidden fees

Free floorplans

Free in house property magazine

Extensive property website advertising

Social media website advertising

Regular communication

Viewing feedback

Full sales progression

Ombudsman registered & regulated

SSPPEEAAKK TTOO AA MMEEMMBBEERR OOFF

SSTTAAFFFF FFOORR MMOORREE IINNFFOO

phoenix estate agents - property magazine february 2014

Documents

types of yield

gross yield net yield

property valueprice

investment decision

better investment potential

rental yields

investment market

potential profitability