whathouse? west midlands december 2015

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INTERIORS P15 NEW HOMES P20 AGENT INSIGHT P28 MORTGAGES P28 GARDENING P30

West Midlands EditionNovember / December 2015

West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire – Find your new home at Whathouse.com

WhatHouse? Awards – preview P23

Six appeal – our pick of converted homes for sale P6

Put it away! – how to save effectively for your deposit P3

Share in our SuccessAward winning Lioncourt Homes have just been recognised as the second fastest growing company in the Midlands.Visit one of our sites and find out why! For more information about our current and up-coming developments

Call 0845 873 2880† or visit www.lioncourthomes.co.uk

The UK’s fastest growing housebuilder

www.lioncourthomes.comHelp

to Buy†Calls will be charged at seven pence per minute from a BT landline and may cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your service provider for more details.

*Interior Design Consultation provided by Bloor Homes chosen interior designer. Interior Design Consultation + £1,000 towards upgrades and VIP removals package offers given for completion by 18th December only. †Help to Buy price represents 80%of purchase price. Help to Buy and all Bloor Homes’ incentives and schemes are subject to terms and conditions and are available on selected developments and selected plots only. Help to Buy is only available on developments in England, up to the value of £600,000 subject to contract, status and eligibility. Help to Buy is not available with Home Exchange. Prices and details correct at time of going to press. Images shown for illustrative purposes only.

Move in for Christmas at Kineton Meadows and enjoy an extra special treat.Celebrate Christmas in style this year by making the move to a new Bloor Home in Kineton. Move in by 18th December on selected 4 bedroom homes and choose from an Interior Design Consultation* plus £1,000 to spend on upgrades OR a VIP Removals Package*.

The Thornsett – Available from £495,000 or just £396,000 with Help to Buy†

The Osterley Sp – Available from £515,000 or just £412,000 with Help to Buy†

The Osterley – Available from £525,000 or just £420,000 with Help to Buy†

Kineton Meadows, Southam Road, Kineton, Warwickshire CV35 0LG

Book a viewing today. Call 01926 671348 or visit bloorhomes.com. We’re open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Making your Christmas perfect this year

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes saving tips 3

Saving for a deposit or many homebuyers –

particularly first-timers – saving the deposit is the toughest part of the purchase

process. Even with tough new mortgage

lending rules, getting the money together to put down on your new home will probably be even more difficult. For many, the last few years have brought scant increases in wages, even as house prices have surged ahead.

In England and Wales, the average property now costs £186,553, according to September’s Land Registry data, and in London, you’re looking at a pocketful of change from half a million, at £499,997. With the average deposit at around 30%, the sums involved are considerable. If you’re not on a big salary, they are even harder to attain against rising rents and bills and low savings interest rates.

Of course, schemes such as Help to Buy are one alternative – the deposit required can be as little as 5%, if you’re buying a home under this government initiative. (Read about it at www.whathouse.com/advice/help-to-buy). But you’ll also need to factor in your other costs – legal fees, removal costs, stamp duty etc.

So, how can you maximise your savings to reach your deposit target?

START EARLYIt’s never too early to start saving. Putting money to one side is a great habit to get into, even if buying a home may not be your initial aim. Whether it’s putting spare change into a jar or diligently transferring money from your current account every month, every little really does help right from the word go.

SET A TARGETBe realistic in your expectations. Aim for a property at a price that you think you can afford (you might want three bedrooms but could you cope with a place with two?) and a timescale that you can achieve. If you can save £400 a month and need £15,000 in all, it’s

going to take you three years. Aiming for a shared ownership property (www.whathouse.com/advice/shared-ownership) will reduce your deposit requirement and get you on the property ladder at the same time.

REDUCE YOUR SPENDINGYou’ll need discipline to do this, but even small sacrifices can add up to a lot. Forgoing the posh coffee on the way into work might save you £2 a day or more – upwards of £500 in a year. Cancelling any underused subscriptions (magazines, clubs etc) will also reap benefits that will quickly accumulate.

REDUCE YOUR RENTPaying rent is probably the biggest hindrance to saving the cash to buy your own place, and rents are rising quickly in many regions. Could you cope with downsizing to a smaller place for a while? Is it possible to move back in with parents for a period of time? There’s a sacrifice to be made

here that won’t suit everyone, but could mean boosting your monthly savings considerably.

SAVE AUTOMATICALLYIf you don’t have access to the money in the first place, you’ll miss it less. Set up a standing order or regular transfer (usually free of charge) out of your current account into a separate savings account every week or month. It’ll stop you being tempted to overspend.

LOOK AROUND FOR THE BEST RATESThe biggest brands spend a fortune on marketing and advertising, so it would be easy to get the impression that they are your best bet for saving your money. But there are lots of other large and small organisations that don’t spend savers’ money on adverts and offer better returns instead. Look at comparison websites and check on the internet for a lesser-known brand that will pay you more.

CHECK YOUR RATES REGULARLYMany of us have put our money into accounts that have promised the world, only to find a year or two later that the rates have been slashed without us really noticing. Keep your eye out for the rates on your existing accounts and compare them to the best deals. Don’t be afraid to move your money around if you can see a better deal elsewhere.

HELP TO BUY ISAHelp to Buy Isas were announced by George Osborne in the March 2015 budget. They are specifically aimed at people saving for their first home and are set to launch in December. Like normal Isas, these provide a tax-efficient way of saving. There’s a contribution limit of £200 per month (to which the government adds £50) and a total limit of £12,000 (£15,000 once your tax is added back). If you’re buying with a partner, you can both take out a Help to Buy Isa and double the benefit.

What’s the best way to build up your deposit funds?

F

Welcome!

t comes around quick enough, doesn’t it? The end of a busy year in the housing industry – and one which ended on a

flurry of new and renewed measures by Chancellor George Osborne to boost the property market.

Most of his housing announcements in the Autumn Statement were broadly welcomed: the introduction of Help to Buy London to assist buyers in the capital; expansion of the Shared Ownership initiative; extending the Right to Buy scheme; and suggesting that the government can fund 400,000 new starter homes at discounted prices to buyers under 40.

For some, his introduction of a 3% stamp duty levy for second homes and buy-to-let property was applauded, while others pointed out that it seemed an unnecessary to amateur investors who have opted to use their savings in an additional property rather than a more traditional pension fund, for example.

Many spectators, however, pointed out that the announcement of new starter homes was not new, having already been proposed a year ago, and that the numbers of homes to be constructed which the Chancellor has proposed are unachievable due to a chronic shortage of skilled labour in our workforce.

Our editorial director Rupert Bates made a rallying cry to the new homes industry at our WhatHouse? Awards event last month, to be brave and pioneer a substantial and long-lasting structure of attracting talent and teaching skills to housebuilding, so that the crisis of new homes numbers can start to be alleviated.

From bricklayers to quantity surveyors to managers, we simply can’t build enough homes without them, and it will take a concerted effort from all the parties involved, including government and the employers, to build our workforce to be able to achieve the task.

Our housebuilders are working hard to produce new homes, whether they be starter homes, houses for growing families or properties aimed at retirees. If your search for a new home hasn’t ended in success in 2015, keep looking at whathouse.com for more listings of new plots coming to the market over 2016.

Merry Christmas, a prosperous New Year – and happy house-hunting!

KeithKeith Osborne, editor. [email protected] @keithosborne69

I

A chance to win £50

One of our new followers from 10 December 2015 to 9 January 2016 will win

£50 in Marks and Spencer vouchers

It couldn’t be simpler – just ‘follow’ us on Twitter (@What_House)

Managing director Daniel Hill

Editorial director Rupert Bates

Editor Keith Osborne [email protected]

Assistant editor Stephen Maunder [email protected]

Chief sub-editor Suzanne Frost

Designer Sarah Davies

Contributors Marc Da Silva Nick Parkhouse Richenda Oldham

Sales director Adrian Talbot [email protected]

Sales manager Murad Paloba [email protected]

Sales Ian Richardson [email protected]

Head of digital Simon Phillips [email protected]

Keith Osborne started writing about property 14 years ago and has been editor of Whathouse.com since 2010. He is currently a columnist in housebuilding trade magazine Show House and

has previously written for Homes Overseas magazine. He has also been a part of the WhatHouse? Awards judging panel for a number of years.

Rupert Bates, editorial director of WhatHouse? has been a property journalist for 25 years. He is an award-winning writer who started on local newspapers before becoming a columnist on The Daily

Telegraph. He presents the annual WhatHouse? Awards, edits leading housebuilding magazine Show House and is property correspondent of The Field magazine.

@What_HouseWhat House?

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors and omissions.

Published by: Globespan Media Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG T: 020 7940 1070 E: [email protected] W: www.whathouse.comPrinted by 39zero / Distributed by Royal Mail © 2015 Globespan Media Limited

WhatHouse?, ISSN: 02691310

Managing director Daniel Hill


Editor Keith Osborne [email protected]

Assistant editor Stephen Maunder [email protected]

Chief sub-editor Suzanne Frost

Designer Sarah Davies

Contributors Marc Da SilvaNick ParkhouseRichenda OldhamTilly Rubens

Sales director Adrian Talbot [email protected]

Head of sales Andy Lunn [email protected]

Business development manager Steve Coyle [email protected]

Sales manager Murad [email protected]

Head of digital Simon [email protected]

Cover photo: One Shore Road, Sandbanks, Dorset, from £1.3million, courtesy of Savills; 01202 708888

Keith Osborne started writing about property 14 years ago and has been editor of Whathouse.com since 2010. He is currently a columnist in housebuilding trade magazine Show House and

has previously written for Homes Overseas magazine. He has also been a part of the WhatHouse? Awards judging panel for a number of years.

Rupert Bates, editorial director of WhatHouse? has been a property journalist for 25 years. He is an award-winning writer who started on local newspapers before becoming a columnist on The Daily

Telegraph. He presents the annual WhatHouse? Awards, edits leading housebuilding magazine Show House and is property correspondent of The Field magazine.

Stephen Maunder is assistant editor of Whathouse.com, having previously spent 18 months there as a freelance special correspondent. He has a background in academic research

and has worked at Sky News as a picture researcher. He has also written for BBC News, Huffi ngton Post UK and the Shropshire Star newspaper.

@What_HouseWhat House?

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors and omissions.

Published by: Globespan Media Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG T: 020 7940 1070 E: [email protected] W: www.whathouse.comPrinted by 39zero / Distributed by Royal Mail © 2015 Globespan Media Limited

WhatHouse?, ISSN: 02691310

A chance to win £50

One of our new followers from 3rd August to 1st September will win

£50 in Marks and Spencer vouchers

It couldn’t be simpler – just ‘follow’ us on Twitter (@What_House)

Buying overseas?

Wherever you’re going, we’ve got you coveredAustralia Florida France New Zealand Portugal South Africa Spain

Buying a property overseas can be easy when you’ve got the right team on your side.

To see what’s happening at your destination, or for tips and guidance on the overseas property-buying process, visit everythingoverseas.com.

Don’t miss out on your FREE overseas property guide

Download your free guide at everythingoverseas.com

EO - Advert v2.indd 1 23/02/2015 12:01

Cover photo: The Coppice in Leegomery, Telford, Shropshire, from Redrow Homes; 01952 324046

NHBC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

NHBC is registered in England and Wales under company number 00320784. NHBC’s registered address is NHBC House, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK5 8FP.

NHBC – the mark of a quality home

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0844 633 1000 www.nhbcnewhomes.co.uk

6 six appeal Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

The former Battersea Police Station building is being converted into new apartments and extended with a brand new building, which will be linked to the red-brick Victorian original by a glass atrium.

Eleven of the one-bedroom apartments are being offered for purchase by shared ownership, seven in the police station and four in the new building. The apartments in the converted police station are spacious, with high ceilings and full-height sash windows and homes on the ground floor open onto a garden terrace. Full-height windows in the new building mirror those of the original building and most have a balcony with plenty of room to enjoy a drink or meal outside.

The homes are arranged around a large landscaped south-facing courtyard, a perfect retreat for residents to relax in and socialise with their neighbours.

Kush Rawal, salers and marketing director at Thames Valley Housing, says: “This is an amazing opportunity. Homes with such character and in a hotspot like Battersea are far beyond most people’s reach, but shared ownership makes it accessible to buy one of these very special apartments. I’ve no doubt that interest will be very high.”

From: Thames Valley HousingContact: 020 8607 0550

The Star and Garter, Richmond-upon-Thames, London • From £1.3m

No two apartments are quite the same at this former sanatorium and hospital, which was built on a Napoleaonic-era Martello Tower, but each property shares a high standard of finish with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, integrated appliances, a choice of floorings and paint colours to walls, and in-built technology cabling.

The show home in the Grade II* listed building includes a Bang and Olufsen’s Smart Home system, where you can listen to your favourite music through speakers on the terrace, when taking a shower in the “walk-in” wet room, or simply while relaxing in the spacious lounge.

The development is perfect for those looking for a lock-up-and-leave home,

set within the genteel Edwardian charm of Old Felixstowe. The communal, landscaped, south-facing gardens have views out to sea and, as they are tended by the maintenance team at the development, there’s no need for residents to lift a finger to get the most from them.

In the local area, there’s plenty to do to stay active with tennis, golf, windsurfing and sailing and an uninterrupted four-mile walk along the promenade.

From: Gipping Homes/Banham Dark Contact: 01394 272728

The Bartlet, Old Felixstowe, Suffolk From £299,950

Located just a stone’s throw from the gates to Richmond Park at the top of Richmond Hill, the Star & Garter is a meticulous refurbishment of a Grade II listed landmark building – a former hotel and hospital for injured servicemen.

The developer is retaining the imposing period features as it converts the building into luxuriously specified one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments. It has a magnificent setting, with an iconic view across meadows to the River Thames and beyond and visible from the building’s

restored gardens. It was once painted by Turner and other artists and is the only view in England protected by an Act of Parliament.

An immaculate interior specification and numerous private facilities, including a leisure suite with a pool, spa and treatment room, Harrods concierge service, and town car, ensure an incomparable lifestyle for residents.

The sales suite and show apartment are open daily, with viewings by appointment.

From: London Square Contact: 0333 666 0102

Battersea Police Station, Battersea, London • From £490,000

Six appealOur pick of conversion properties currently for sale

For the latest on the property market @What_House six appeal 7

York House, Farnborough, Hampshire • From £177,500

King Edward VII Estate, Midhurst, West Sussex From £252,500

The Fitzbourne, Fitzrovia, London W1 • From £2.995mThis scheme comprises three two-bedroom and three three-bedroom apartments together with two triplex penthouses, which have been created by this award-winning boutique developer from a Victorian former office building.

The Fitzbourne dates from 1894 and has been fully refurbished to make the most of its high ceilings, triple-aspect living areas and handsome red-brick build. It occupies a double corner plot and with captivating views over the West End.

The interiors have been bestowed with a lavish, no-compromise specification, with bespoke Häcker kitchens, in-built Miele appliances and Crestron automated home systems that can be controlled via your smartphone or tablet.

While interior designer Louisa Penn Interiors has utilised the original features of the building,

such as the glass framework fanlight above the dedicated entrance doors, there is a distinctive, elegant, contemporary feel to the properties, with concealed lighting, hi-tech electronic controls and modern classic materials and finishes throughout.

The development is well connected, too, with Great Portland Street and Oxford Street underground stations a short stroll away, just like the open spaces of Regent’s Park.

Purchasers also automatically receive one year’s membership of Quintessentially lifestyle concierge services on completion, helping to maximise the enjoyment of central London living.

From: Oakmayne Bespoke Contact: 020 7486 8866 (Carter Jonas) / 020 7420 3050 (CBRE)

Built in 1901, the King Edward VII Estate has a fascinating history. Designed to serve as a specialist tuberculosis sanatorium, the building was officially opened by King Edward VII on 6 June 1906, and heralded as “one of the three finest buildings of the time”.

The design for the hospital and its grounds was undertaken by an important triumvirate of the day: Charles Holden, Percy Adams and Gertrude Jekyll - a partnership which played a pivotal cornerstone

of the Arts & Crafts Movement.Having lain empty and at risk of

decay for a number of years since it officially closed, the estate has now been given a new lease of life, with City & Country fully restoring and converting the majestic Grade II and II* listed buildings. This includes the transformation of the outstanding central tuberculosis sanatorium and an Arts & Crafts style chapel. The gardens - originally designed and planted by highly acclaimed horticulturalist Gertrude Jekyll - are

also being lovingly restored and reinstated.

The homes juxtapose contemporary, high-quality specifications with interior decoration that has been influenced by the Arts & Crafts period. Owners also have access to the surrounding 165 acres of grounds as well as a concierge service.

From: City & CountryContact: 01730 817979

York House is a four storey, 12,735 sq ft modern development, which has recently been converted from an office block into 23 one- and two-bedroom apartments located within walking distance of Farnborough town centre.

Each apartment has been designed to a high specification for comfortable modern living, including individually designed fully fitted kitchens, with high-gloss units and black granite work surfaces, engineered oak flooring to the hallway and contemporary bathrooms with white sanitaryware and ceramic tiling to walls and floors.

The developers, Plymouth Residential, are a specialist asset management company based in London that formed in 2005. York House has been converted with great care and attention to detail. The company’s vision was to design homes for their customers that feel light and spacious and will offer modern contemporary living, not just to accommodate, but also enhance the lifestyles of its residents.

From: RomansContact:01344 753 110

We’re open for business, whatever the climate.

For the last 40 years, through all market conditions, we’ve consistently lent to residential property developers. So if you’re looking for funds, you won’t find a more experienced, flexible and reliable business partner.

To find out how we can help your development, please call Close Brothers Property Finance on 020 7655 3655 or visit closepropertyfinance.com

Close Brothers I Modern Merchant Banking

C54427 CBPF_EG_Blue_297x210.indd 1 23/04/2015 11:38

A new development of 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes in Dartington

Prices from £219,000*at time of print*as of 02.11.15

Marketing Suite open Thursday to Monday 10am-5pm

[email protected] | 01803 868911 Sat Nav TQ9 6JY

The Boatyard, The Old WharfOreston, Plymouth PL9 7NP01752 [email protected] Thursday to Monday, 10am–5pm

View from ‘The Clipper’ properties

2, 3 and 4 bedroom contemporary homes built to a high specification near Plymouth, South Devon

LET US HELP YOU TO SELLMove Assist available. Please ask for details.

www.cavannahomes.co.uk Available on this site

Current prices from

£229,995**as of 02.11.15

GREATLOCATION

Just off the A385!!!

The Westcombe Show Home

Make your move in 2016

Hyde is committed to tackling the housing shortage and reducing some of these impacts by:

•Developing1,000mixedtenurehomesayearwithafocusonincreasingthisfurther

•Deliveringqualitymanagementservicesacrossalltenuresanduses

•MaximisinglifechancesforresidentsthroughHydePlus’supportservice

•Retainingastrongfinancialcovenantandcommitmenttoinvestforthefuture

Webelievethattheanswertodeliveringmorehomes,particularlyonesthatareaffordableorareavailableforlowcostownership,istoworkcollaborativelywithlocalauthorities.Apartnershipapproachallowslocalauthoritiestomatchtheirassetswithourexperienceofmixedtenuredevelopmentandregeneration,tocreatehousingandcommunitiesinthemostcost-effectiveandsustainableway.

True partnerships can be achieved in a number of ways:

•Ajointventuremodelwithsharingofriskandreward

•Sharingthebuildprogramme:Hydedevelopsandsellsthecommercialelementsofamixedtenureschemeandthelocalauthoritydevelopsandretainssomeoralloftheaffordable/socialhomes,todeliveranongoingrevenue

•Hydeactsasthedevelopmentand/orsalesagentforthelocalauthority

•Traditionalregenerationprojects

•Stocktransferopportunities

Wehavethefinancialcapacity,A1Moody’screditratingandthehighestvalidationfromtheHomesandCommunitiesAgency.Equally,ourreputationforinnovationandcreativityindesigningnewsolutionsfordeliveringaffordablehomesmeansweareanidealpartnerforlocalauthorities.

Wearecommittedtocommunitiesandplacesforthelongterm,supportingourdevelopmentswithhighquality,coordinatedmanagementservices.Thesecoreobjectivesasaregisteredproviderdistinguishusfromothermarkethousingdevelopers.

Weareopentoideas,solet’sdomoretoworktogether,poolingresources,ideasandambitions,tocreatehomesforpeoplethatneedthemthemost.

We look forward to working with you in the future. To arrange a meeting, please contact:

Simon Vevers DevelopmentDirector,[email protected]

Tom Shaw DevelopmentDirector,[email protected]

Mike Johnson DevelopmentDirector,[email protected]

TheHydeGroupisanawardwinningproviderofhomesandmakesasignificantcontributiontomeetinghousingneedsandimprovingpeople’squalityoflife.

HydeisoneofthelargesthousingassociationsworkinginEngland,owningormanagingcirca50,000homeswithafocusonLondon,KentandtheSouthCoastofEngland.

Hydebuilthighqualitynewhomesfor4,413peoplein2014/15.Ofthese,83%payasubsidisedprice,with3,643peoplehousedinanewHydeaffordablehome.

HydeisacutelyawareofthehousingcrisisintheUK.Acontinuingdeclineinlevelsofhousebuilding,combinedwithincreaseddemand,particularlywithinLondonandthesoutheastofEngland,hasincreasedhousingcostssignificantlyandimpactedonlocaleconomies.

MembersofourteamwillbeatMIPIM2015promotingNew Challenges; New Partnering SolutionsourLocalAuthorityOfferlaunchedearlierthisyear.

Making a lasting difference, Working with Local Authorities

The Hyde Housing Group

CGI of proposed Hyde HA Development in Harrow, London

Hyde What House Ad 08.indd 1 23/02/2015 13:29

Hyde is committed to tackling the housing shortage and reducing some of these impacts by:

•Developing1,000mixedtenurehomesayearwithafocusonincreasingthisfurther

•Deliveringqualitymanagementservicesacrossalltenuresanduses

•MaximisinglifechancesforresidentsthroughHydePlus’supportservice

•Retainingastrongfinancialcovenantandcommitmenttoinvestforthefuture

Webelievethattheanswertodeliveringmorehomes,particularlyonesthatareaffordableorareavailableforlowcostownership,istoworkcollaborativelywithlocalauthorities.Apartnershipapproachallowslocalauthoritiestomatchtheirassetswithourexperienceofmixedtenuredevelopmentandregeneration,tocreatehousingandcommunitiesinthemostcost-effectiveandsustainableway.

True partnerships can be achieved in a number of ways:

•Ajointventuremodelwithsharingofriskandreward

•Sharingthebuildprogramme:Hydedevelopsandsellsthecommercialelementsofamixedtenureschemeandthelocalauthoritydevelopsandretainssomeoralloftheaffordable/socialhomes,todeliveranongoingrevenue

•Hydeactsasthedevelopmentand/orsalesagentforthelocalauthority

•Traditionalregenerationprojects

•Stocktransferopportunities

Wehavethefinancialcapacity,A1Moody’screditratingandthehighestvalidationfromtheHomesandCommunitiesAgency.Equally,ourreputationforinnovationandcreativityindesigningnewsolutionsfordeliveringaffordablehomesmeansweareanidealpartnerforlocalauthorities.

Wearecommittedtocommunitiesandplacesforthelongterm,supportingourdevelopmentswithhighquality,coordinatedmanagementservices.Thesecoreobjectivesasaregisteredproviderdistinguishusfromothermarkethousingdevelopers.

Weareopentoideas,solet’sdomoretoworktogether,poolingresources,ideasandambitions,tocreatehomesforpeoplethatneedthemthemost.

We look forward to working with you in the future. To arrange a meeting, please contact:

Simon Vevers DevelopmentDirector,[email protected]

Tom Shaw DevelopmentDirector,[email protected]

Mike Johnson DevelopmentDirector,[email protected]

TheHydeGroupisanawardwinningproviderofhomesandmakesasignificantcontributiontomeetinghousingneedsandimprovingpeople’squalityoflife.

HydeisoneofthelargesthousingassociationsworkinginEngland,owningormanagingcirca50,000homeswithafocusonLondon,KentandtheSouthCoastofEngland.

Hydebuilthighqualitynewhomesfor4,413peoplein2014/15.Ofthese,83%payasubsidisedprice,with3,643peoplehousedinanewHydeaffordablehome.

HydeisacutelyawareofthehousingcrisisintheUK.Acontinuingdeclineinlevelsofhousebuilding,combinedwithincreaseddemand,particularlywithinLondonandthesoutheastofEngland,hasincreasedhousingcostssignificantlyandimpactedonlocaleconomies.

MembersofourteamwillbeatMIPIM2015promotingNew Challenges; New Partnering SolutionsourLocalAuthorityOfferlaunchedearlierthisyear.

Making a lasting difference, Working with Local Authorities

The Hyde Housing Group

CGI of proposed Hyde HA Development in Harrow, London

Hyde What House Ad 08.indd 1 23/02/2015 13:29

We’ve just been named the second fastest growingcompany in the Midlands by the Sunday Times.

Help to Buy

Share inOur Success!Artisan’s WalkOff Delph Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 2RP

Manor ParkPark Hill Drive, HandsworthWood, B20 1DJ

Park EdgeOff Noose Lane, Willenhall,WV13 3BU

Tannery CourtTasker Street, Walsall, WS1 3QW

Orton GardensOff New Road, Water Orton,Birmingham, B46 1QP

Heritage ViewSommerfeld Road, Trench,Telford, TF1 5RY

Saxon MeadowsOff Main Road, Kempsey,Worcestershire, WR5 3LH

COMING SOON:Linley Grange, Coalport Road,Broseley, TF12 5AW

Visit one of our developments and find out why:

For further details visit www.lioncourthomes.com or call 0845 873 2880†

†Calls will be charged at seven pence per minute from a BT landline and may cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your service provider for more details.

National recognition for West Midlands housebuilderSunday Times honours Worcester-based business as one of the most dynamic in the UK

P

12 housebuilder news For the latest on the property market @What_House

Lioncourt is currently working on 15 new homes sites

Colin Cole (front centre) with finance firector Neil Chandler (front left) and non-executive Chairman David Andrews (front right) with the Lioncourt Homes team

henomenal growth at Lioncourt Homes has been recognised as among the fastest-growing businesses in the UK by the Sunday

Times, which has put them in 25th place in their annual national survey.

The housebuilder, whose headquarters are in Warndon, north-east Worcester, is the fastest-growing pricvately owned housebuilder in the entire survey and has been ranked second in all businesses in the Midlands region.

t is now one of the largest new homes builders and landowners in Central England, having seen rapid turnover and profit growth and a near doubling of staff each year over the past two years. The company is currently building on 15 sites and has

a land bank of over 6,000 plots.For founder executive directors

Colin Cole and Neil Chandler, the challenge has been to manage this exceptional growth while maintaining the culture, work ethic and expertise of everyone in the Lioncourt team.

Cole, chief executive of the group, says: “There is no doubt that the growth of Lioncourt Homes is attributable to the tremendous commitment of the Lioncourt staff, who work tirelessly to achieve our growth plans. As a consequence we have an excellent culture which makes Lioncourt such an enjoyable and challenging place to work.”

Quality is still the primary focus of the company, he adds. “The whole business is based on our quality approach and everyone in the business

is focused on quality of build, quality of design and quality of service to our customers. This quality approach has been recognised by HBF (House Builders Federation) and Lioncourt are holders of the coveted five-star Quality Award, one of only 15 developers in the whole of the UK to hold the award.”

Despite this national recognition, Cole is determined that the company’s ambitions show no sign of diminishing. He says: “We are only at the start of the Lioncourt story. We have significant growth planned for the period ahead and we have excellent managers and staff developing throughout the business as part of our succession plans. But for now it is time to reflect and celebrate this latest success.”Find out more at www.lioncourthomes.com

At Moving Made Easy, we have a reputation for providing an unbeatable service in Part Exchange and Assisted Sales. We are proud to operate on a national scale with some of the largest housebuilders in the UK, Barratt Homes, Berkeley, Bellway and Redrow Homes to name just a few. Our promise is to communicate with you effectively and pledge to keep you informed of our progress every step of the way.

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Barts Square is bringing new homes to an historic but long-neglected part of the Square Mile

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interiors 15For the latest on the property market @What_House

Shock and AuSay goodbye to bland, and grasp the gilded lily. Richenda Oldham explains how to make the most of gold in your home n the world of interior design

trends, gold is proving a keeper as Dulux has demonstrated with their chosen Colour of the Year 2016 - Cherished Gold.

It’s a warm, intense, gold-influenced ochre that works beautifully with other tones and demonstrates perfectly the scope that gold offers in decorating.

Gold has taken the design world by storm and it is exciting to see how its influence comes across in everything from accessories and fabrics to wallpapers, paints and furniture.

Interior fashionistas certainly know how to get the most out of this hot metal, which can be teamed with warm earthy colours, pastels or rich jewel shades. But the less confident should not be afraid to have a go, too. If you haven’t got the courage to embrace the colour of the hour wholeheartedly, then try adding touches of gold to a neutral scheme. You will be amazed at how just a small nod to the trend will give instant lift and sparkle to a room.

Gold lightens and brightens rooms, adding interest to dark corners, creating warm and inviting spaces instantly. It’s amazing how even a sprinkle of gold

can have such an impact. Don’t think of gold in terms of

its shiny, hard metallic form, golden colours expressed in fabrics and wallpaper are equally magical. Above all, this is a seriously versatile shade.

GOLD + PASTELS/NEUTRALSA simple scattering of golden cushions, lampshades, occasional chairs and rugs can bring a neutral scheme to life. A sprinkling of gold will give greys and creams a boost, resulting in a scheme that is upbeat and contemporary, as opposed to bland and lifeless.

RETRO GOLDThroughout history gold has had an important role to play in buildings and interior design with fabulously opulent results. Owners of period properties can take inspiration from the past and yet still be bang on trend. Victorians loved deep, rich jewel colours, such as burgundy, olive green, Prussian blue, shades of purple and of course these are all perfect for combining with gold.

Try gold-tasselled tie-backs and fringing, button-back furniture with gilded wood, gold flocked wallpapers, gilt carved mirrors and porcelain with gold highlights.

GOLD IN A CONTEMPORARY SETTINGDon’t for one minute think that gold should be restricted to heritage interiors. Uber-cool, super-white modern schemes look absolutely fabulous with a blast of earthy gold. It adds warmth and prevents a room from becoming antiseptic and clinical. White kitchen units can be transformed by gold mosaic tiles or a golden ochre glass splashback.

GOLD AND BLACKBlack and gold is a classic combination beloved by designers. It offers elegance and sophistication and is an effortlessly grown up choice. Team black lacquered chinoiserie furniture featuring gold decoration, with golden walls, pale creamy gold upholstery and inky black curtains.

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Metallic curtains - whether in gold, silver or bronze – will add a glamorous sparkle to any room; faux silk curtains, £57, Colours at B&Q

Black and gold is a classic colour pairing as this sleek contemporary chandelier demonstrates; Hexagonal polished brass and black glass chandelier, £6,560, www.touchedinteriors.co.uk

Pineapples were once a sign of luxury and affluence and make eye-catching decorative accessories; gold pineapple, £89.95, www.miafleur.com

Cherished Gold is Dulux’s Colour of the Year for 2016

Bask in a golden glow with this stunning, hand-drawn wallpaper that mixes English gardens and birds with vibrant colours evocative of Rajasthan; Golding Bunting Birds Wallpaper, £88 per 10m roll, www.occipinti.com/shop

16 interiors Find a great mortage deal at whathouse.com/mortgages

Winter wonderlandChristmas decorating trends for 2015 range from homespun natural to the unconventional and wildly extravagant. Richenda Oldham is torn between going eco friendly and using recycled materials and romantic notions of feathers and fur with lashings of metallics

hristmas has a grand old tradition of storytelling and none more so than when it comes to festive decorating. This is the

time of year when drama and glamour can really take hold, veering from the traditional to quirky, breathtaking schemes. One of the strongest colours to emerge this year is blue, which can be used as a primary colour and teamed with gold and champagne tones.

FROSTEDThe Disney film Frozen has had a knock-on influence on Christmas decorations, and frosted fantasy wonderland themes are particularly prevalent. Look out for icicles, snowballs, polar wildlife (bears, deer, foxes and owls). The ice can be broken with soft pastel tones of mint green, pale blue and champagne, or can be keep pure and simple, with dashes of silver for added lift.

BOLD BLUEAll kinds of shades of blue are here this season, offering a rich and varied palette from which to choose. Schemes range from vivid royal blue, teamed with gold, for a royal and powerful look, to pale tones of frosted turquoise and pale, ice blue. Azure blue brings added Mediterranean warmth and a relaxed, more informal atmosphere.

METALLICSMetallic tones have been a prevalent trend in interiors for several years now and form a key part of Christmas decorating. Although gold remains perennially popular, warmer tones of copper and bronze have crept in, as well as pewter and silver. Copper and bronze work beautifully with natural

themes that focus on materials such as wood and woollen fabrics. Metallics offer an injection of sophistication and elegance and give all the colour palettes a real ‘lift’.

RETRO NOSTALGIAThis is where Christmas gets really fun. Embrace kitsch and indulge in a good old yesteryear wallow. Look out for the many fabulous lustre-painted glass decorations that are available, including dogs, vintage cars, santas and snowmen. Make your own paper chains and make sure you hang those iconic paper lanterns from ceiling lights. Decorations dating from a core period of the 1950s are particularly hot and make a welcome change from the usual Victorian style baubles.

PEPPERMINT CANDYRed and white is striking trend that is taking prime position this season. Think of the traditional peppermint candy cane, but on a wider scale. Christmas stockings, reindeer, snow boots, paper napkins, candles, hearts and stars all look terrifically fresh, as then white and red contrast creates a light and bright effect. A dash of green complements this look perfectly. The Nordic trend looks particularly good using red and white.

NATURE’S OWNNatural materials such as wood and textured fabrics such as sackcloth and wool offer a restful and charming alternative to all the festive bling. Use contrasting white decorations, such as pine cones against wood backgrounds and bring on the woodland creatures, such as foxes, deer, squirrels and owls, which are a strong and prevalent influence.

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1. The vibrant blue of the Mediterranean has been carried through to Christmas with this vivid blue and silver themed tree. Midnight Christmas decorations, from £2.99 and Bluffton tree, 6.5ft, £169; www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

2. The traditional Christmas colour of red looks fabulous when teamed with white – the result is a dazzling festive scheme, bursting with warmth. Use spray snow to create an icy backdrop then decorate with red ornaments interspersed with turquoise/blue and silver baubles. Keilder Snowy Spruce tree, £169.99, red stockings, £11.99; www.dobbies.com

3. Sparkling white decorations contrast beautifully with green foliage edged in frost – together they form a striking yet simple theme that picks up from the nature scene trend. Christmas ornaments from 99p, 6ft pre-lit Nordic tree, £59.99; www.dunelm-mill.com

4. Nordic style has really taken off for Christmas decorating as well as an interior trend generally. You’ll see plenty of reindeer, of course, as well as snowflakes, stars and Christmas trees. Nordic Grey Christmas Collection; www.janconstantine.com

5. Be eco-friendly and trendy this Christmas by making your own decorations using natural materials, evergreen boughs and recycled materials. Homesense from www.tkmaxx.com

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For the latest on the property market @What_House interiors 17

Close callGood, old-fashioned telephones are now considered funky accessories in their own right. Richenda Oldham goes nostalgic and picks her favourite cool handsets

The 746 was the standard phone design

used by the GPO (General Post Office) from the 1970s until

it was privatised; ivory replica wall telephone,

£36, www.black-by-design.co.uk

This stunning retro purple phone is straight out of the 1970s, with a few alterations of course. You can control the volume of the ringer and the earpiece, plus it plugs into a standard phone socket. Purple Plum Wild and Wolf Trim phone, £29, www.redcandy.co.uk

This American diner three-slot style payphone was first introduced in the 1950s. It plugs into a standard telephone socket, but features an original mechanical bell ringer, push buttons and has a coin bank; £79, www.4living.co.uk

Who could resist the grey and orange colours of this Wild and Wolf 746 model, which comes with push dial buttons in the shape of a rotary dial, £37; furnish.co.uk

4Deer, oh deerGlittering reindeer are key players as Christmas decorations andaccessories. Silver, gold or diamante, they look stunning as table centrepieces, says Richenda Oldham, who has tracked down five of her favourites

1. Silver sitting deer with gold antlers, £19.99, www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk; 2. Gold sparkle resin reindeer, £4.99, www.melodymaison.co.uk; 3. Gold reindeer ornament with sequins and glitter, £9, www.tch.net; 4. Gold glitter stag, £6.25, www.berryred.co.uk; 5. Prancing deer, £16.95, www.adventino.co.uk

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18 interiors Find a great mortage deal at whathouse.com/mortgages

A world of colour

he name Sir Terence Conran is synonymous with modern classic design, from architecture to interiors and home

accessories. Paint by Conran, a collaboration with Master Paintmakers, sees the world-renowned founder of Habitat lending his name to the home decoration market, with 96 handcrafted, environmentally friendly paints in five collections.

The company’s research found that homeowners spend around £120m per year in the ‘designer paint’ sector and that in all, 30m of us in the UK don a brush every year, collectively using 200m litres of paint.

Paint by Conran’s hues are available in three different finishes: eggshell (for interior and exterior), matt

emulsion and gloss (for interior and exterior), available online and from a range of specialist retail stockists up and down the UK, such as Brewers, Bennett and Bowman, The Conran Shop, John Charles Interiors and Painthouse.

The company has looked at ways of differentiating itself from some of the established brands by aiming for excellence in every aspect of its product, making them easy to apply, quick to dry and hardwearing.

The colours of the current Paint by Conran collections (Cottage Garden, Harvest, Highland, Kitchen Garden and Orchard) have been inspired by British landscapes, ranging from the pales and neutrals, such as Nutty Shiitake and Pippin in Spring, to vibrant, statement colours such as the

rich blue Cornflower Heart and sunny Dandelion Puff.

Sir Terence Conran says: ”Master Paintmakers, with their impeccable pedigree and attention to detail, were the perfect choice for us to develop this beautiful range of colours. I have wanted to have a paint range for many years and colour has the power to transform lives and this range is the very best for consumers in palette and quality and reflects my values.”

Chairman of Master Paintmakers, Arnie Kosky, adds: “Deciding on a colour scheme for your home can be one of the most challenging tasks but we help you get that important look just right. Paint for beautiful homes is what we do”.

Find out more at www.paintbyconran.com

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Blue Kale, Dandelion Puff and Winter Rocket

Aloe Spike and White Floret

Viola’s Bloom and November Gorse

The nature of Britain inspires the shades of the luxury products from Paints by Conran

Cornflower Heart and Seed Pod

Mon Amie and November Gorse

he notion of downsizing – moving out of an old family home to a new, smaller and more easily maintained property later in life – is a

hot topic in the property industry, and the sector which looks set to thrive as our population grows older.

While there are an increasing number of dedicated retirement properties for older people, it’s not the only option for those looking for a brand new home in which to enjoy their retirement years.

Retired children’s nursery owners, Alistair and Rosemary Lee, took a wide look around the market before choosing to sell their old property and buy a new home at Lakeshore at Burton Waters, a park home scheme in Lincolnshire.

“I really want to enjoy my retirement,” says Alistair, “and maintaining our house and gardens was becoming more and more of a chore. I certainly didn’t want to spend my retirement mowing the lawn.

“Our children have grown up and long flown the nest so we don’t need a large family home - we should be freeing it up for a younger generation who can look after it more easily and use all the rooms as they should be.

“It is also important for us to release some equity so we can travel and enjoy our retirement without worrying about home maintenance and high utility costs.”

In fact, the couple were the very first buyers at Lakeshore, a development for over-55s run by Arbor Living. Graham Richardson, who heads the company, says: “We set up Arbor Living to create a smarter lifestyle option for a new generation of over 55s. The concept is driven by five critical elements: design, quality of life, community, security, and pricing attractive to those wanting to free up equity.

“As experienced residential developers, we realised today’s high-end park homes offered fantastic potential to deliver all these and more.

There has been a real gap in this sector for a professional developer to come in and do things properly and that is exactly what we intend to do. We intend to set the benchmark for a real quality park home offering.

“We are not owner-operators, instead we are approaching this market as a professional house builder with a national approach.”

The high-specification and fully furnished homes have been created by Pathfinder Homes, with an array of services, including phone lines, cable, high-speed broadband, Nest intelligent heating controls and a Sky box.

The secure, gated development offers residents a wide variety of facilities close by, such as a large health and fitness resort, a collection of small shops and a lively marina.

Alistair, 66, adds: “This is the perfect solution for couples who are looking to downsize but want to keep all of the comforts of home. It’s an idyllic place where our five

grandchildren can visit and play in a secure environment.”

Lakeshore currently offers four different property types, with the homes set in 20 acres of beautiful parkland and with great views over a lake. The site also benefits from all

the amenities that renowned Burton Waters inland marina has to offer and has classic Lincolnshire fenland countryside on the doorstep.

Find out more at arborliving.co.uk; 01522 561450 (Pygott & Crone)

It’s a shore thingThe Lees find downsizing uplifting as they retire to a brand new home at Lakeshore in Lincolnshire

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20 new homes For the latest on the property market @What_House

Cbeebies star helps open new woodland walk here was a big surprise for

a group of schoolchildren invited by Redrow to explore the new woodland walk at The Coppice in

Leegomery, Telford – TV presenter Andy Day, star of Cbeebies series such as Andy’s Wild Adventures and Andy’s Dinosaur Adventure.

The presenter joined a class of 30 youngsters from Apley Wood Primary School, who had been invited by the housebuilder to officially open the walk at the development on the outskirts of Telford.

Pauline Turnbull, sales director for Redrow Homes (Midlands), says: “Teaching children about the environment around them is important and so we wanted to invite them to be the first to explore the new woodland walk we’ve created at The Coppice. What they didn’t realise is that we’d also invited TV presenter Andy Day to surprise them. They all had great fun building hedgehog houses, participating in a quiz, searching the woods for things, painting and having stories read to them by Andy.”

Day had hidden some ‘dinosaur eggs’ for the children to find along the walk, and he also entertained the class with a reading of What Happens on Redrow Green, a book written by Turnbull to teach children about natural habitats and the things different creatures want and need for a home. The children were encouraged to join in by miming actions for the characters in the story.

Day said afterwards: “The woodland walk is a fantastic place to explore and it’s a great thing for families to have on their doorstep.”

Class teacher Rachel Gould added: “It’s been a fantastic experience for the children and they’ve loved every minute of it. The activities complement what we’ve been learning about in science about wildlife and the local area.”

Redrow has built the nature walk within a 1.3-acre area of mature woodland at the corner of The Coppice, giving residents the chance to learn about the protected trees there, including English oaks, common ash, common alder and crack willows, and

the wildlife that live with the habitat.Balancing ponds and swales

have also been created to preserve and enhance the ecology of the area. These areas will be overseen by a management company in the long-term.

“Many people don’t realise just how much of a positive impact developers can have on the environment,” adds Turnbull. “Last year, Redrow created 209 hectares of public open space in England and Wales and planted a huge number of new trees and shrubs within our developments, as well as protecting existing woodland like that at The Coppice. We’ve also committed to key initiatives to protect and enhance the UK’s bumblebee and bird populations.”

The Coppice still offers homebuyers in Telford a choice of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes from Redrow’s Heritage Collection. The show homes are open daily from 10.00am to 5.30pm.

Find out more at http://whathou.se/Zb4ZtL; 01952 304242

TYoungsters learn about habitats and wildlife on new Redrow development in Shropshire

new homes 21For the latest on the property market @What_House

Sweet charityServices for older people win Midlands-based charity an innovation award

oventry-based ExtraCare has been awarded for its care services for older people at the Chartered Institute Of

Housing Midlands Awards. The organisation’s Well-being Service was named Innovation of the Year.

The Well-being service sees that charity’s team of advisors – all registered general nurses – speaking with residents of the ExtraCare villages about their individual health issues and the decisions they can make to improve their health and lifestyle.

Testing residents for conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, as well as general fitness allows the advisors to pinpoint areas which can be treated independently and when doctors or other professionals need to get involved.

Suzanne Jones, care manager at ExtraCare’s Hagley Road Village in Edgbaston, Birmingham, accepted the award for the charity. She says: “Our Well-being Service enhances people’s quality of life. Our Well-being Advisors have been able to pick up on previously undiagnosed conditions. We’re saving the NHS money and improving our residents’ lives.”

The Service was the subject of a long-term research project with Aston University, which found a number of benefits to the people receiving them. Among the findings were that NHS costs for residents were cut by 38% over 12 months compared with

their costs when they first moved in; that residents experienced a significant reduction in the duration of unplanned hospital stays from 8-14 days to just 1-2 days; and that routine GP appointments for residents fell 46% after a year.

ExtraCare provides schemes and villages across a large swathe of the North and Midlands, with services provided in areas from Buckinghamshire to Merseyside and Herefordshire to Yorkshire.

The charity’s latest village launched in October. Bournville Gardens is a partnership between Birmingham City Council, Bournville Village Trust and The Homes and Communities Agency and will offer specialist care for some 300 residents. ExtraCare’s five villages will provide homes for of 1,152 homes for older people by 2017.

Properties at the new site start at £220,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Of the 212 homes, 44 are rented out by the Bournville Village Trust and 168 are available for outright purchase or through Shared Ownership.

As well as their specially designed new home, residents at the £39m scheme also have access to a range of communal amenities such as a café bar, hairdressing and beauty salon, fitness suite, greenhouse, library and IT suite. ExtraCare staff will provide care for up to a third of residents within the village. Find out more at www.extracare.org.uk; 0300 303 2333

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New residents Maureen and Michael Rickards lived in their house for 47 years before moving to a home at this state-of-the-art village. Michael, now 75, had a stroke when he was 39 while 71-year-old Maureen has looked after hime for many years; they now want the security of knowing that the village team will provide care if necessary.

“We’ve got children who would help him pay the bills, but he wouldn’t be able to do things like prepare meals if I wasn’t there,” says Maureen, a former primary school teacher. “The care team could do that for him, or he could go to the restaurant. The whole concept of having everything on site is perfect. Even if you don’t drive, you can still have a life.”

Margery Crampton is another of the new residents. She has been living alone in her old three bedroom house since her husband died in 2010. Feeling lonely, unsafe and insecure in her property, she has found a welcoming and happy environment at her rented home in Bournville Gardens.

“I was nervous in a house that had three outside doors, especially during the winter months,” says 73-year-old Margery. “I wouldn’t put on my light in the kitchen because I was frightened someone might be in the garden watching me.”

Margery has already made new friends and she is sleeping better now she is in a secure home. “I’m looking forward to everything: the atmosphere, the friendship, the security, the peace of mind. It’s going to be absolutely great,” she says.

Mark Curran, acting chief executive of the ExtraCare Charitable Trust, says: “We admire our new residents for the partnership they have shown in forming a vibrant new community at Bournville Gardens. The village represents a celebration of independence and opportunity and offers people a shared sense of community. For those wishing to downsize, knowing there is a support if they need it, a comfortable and affordable apartment at Bournville Gardens is an inspired move.

“As a result of demand for apartments at our three existing Birmingham villages in New Oscott, Newtown and Edgbaston, at least 457 homes have been released back into the community for family housing.”

Peter Roach, chief executive of Bournville Village Trust, adds: “George Cadbury didn’t just build the homes in Bournville for the workers of his factory as many believe; he wanted everyone to have the opportunity to live in high-quality housing with the benefits of open space and community facilities.

“Bournville Gardens, which we are very proud to be a part of, continues this legacy by offering homes for a range of different tenures, including affordable rent, and fantastic facilities to help people to keep active and healthy.

“This is the first phase of our ambitious plans for the creation of the wider £60m care village which we believe will be a national exemplar of how to integrate housing, health and social care.”

BOURNVILLE GARDENS

Right: New Bournville Gardens residents Maureen and Michael Rickards

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Morris and Bott - HC - What House.indd 1 29/04/2015 15:08

i d l a n d s - b a s e d developer Walton Homes is calling on charities, organisations and individuals

across the Midlands to make a wish as it celebrates 30 years in business by making 30 dreams come true.

The business, which has built quality new homes throughout the region for the past three decades, wanted to share its success with the communities it works so closely with, and is inviting applications from anyone with a dream that they can support.

Walton Homes aleady has an established track record supporting causes within the areas where it builds new developments, but Helen Rollason, sales manager for the business, said that the initiative would widen the net to encompass the whole of the Midlands.

“While Walton Homes is based in Lichfield, we provide homes as far north as Nottingham and as far south as Worcestershire, so we’re keen to get

applications from every region, and we want to make sure that everyone is aware of the opportunity so that they’re in with a chance.

“We want to hear from teams, schools, charities, groups, businesses and individuals with special requests that we might be able to help deliver. It could be a football team seeking a new sponsor, a gardening group wanting new supplies, an intrepid explorer raising money to climb Everest or a charity needing a boost – but we want to know about it!

“We will fulfill 30 wishes over the coming months, one for every year we’ve been in business, and we hope to forge a host of great new contacts and connections across the region as we progress with the campaign.”

Walton Homes is currently promoting a range of developments in Staffordshire and the West Midlands, each sympathetically constructed to fit in with the heritage of the towns and villages where they are located.

To register a wish, visit waltonhomes.co.uk/30wishes

Midlands housebuilder aims to make wishes come trueWalton Homes celebrates 30 years of trading with special charity boost

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22 housebuilder news For the latest on the property market @What_House

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It’s a quick and easy process that you can carry out online or over the phone.

Visit www.whathouse.com/value-my-property/value-my- property-now or call us now on 01245 835 053.

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Eyes on the prize avid Walliams was a

very popular celebrity host at this year’s WhatHouse? Awards, as the great and the good

of the UK new homes industry descended on the Grosvenor House Hotel to take part in the biggest event in the UK housebuilding industry.


urged the industry to up its game in the recruitment of the workforce needed to tackle our severe shortage of new homes before introducing author, actor and charity D

WhatHouse? honours the very best new homes in Britainfundraiser Walliams, whose exuberant character won over the audience of some 1,700 people – the biggest event in its 34-year history.

Prizes were handed out in 20 categories to new homes and housebuilders from across the UK

before the blue riband prize – the title of WhatHouse? Housebuilder of the Year – was announced.

Read our supplement here to get the low-down on this year’s event and find out more about the WhatHouse? Awards at www.whathouse.com/awards.

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whathouse? awards 25For the latest on the property market @What_House

“And the winners are...”

WHATHOUSE? HOUSEBUILDER OF THE YEARHill

BEST LARGE HOUSEBUILDER – SPONSORED BY ZOOPLA PROPERTY GROUP

Gold: Redrow

Silver: Berkeley

Bronze: Barratt Developments

Bronze: CALA

BEST MEDIUM HOUSEBUILDER – SPONSORED BY ROCA

Gold: Hill

Silver: City & Country Group

Bronze: Churchill Retirement Living

Bronze: Weston Homes

BEST SMALL HOUSEBUILDER – SPONSORED BY ALEXANDER JAMES GROUP

Gold: London Square

Silver: Spitfire Bespoke Homes

Bronze: Regal Homes

Bronze: Millwood Designer Homes

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY BRITISH GYPSUM

Gold: Barratt Developments

Silver: Linden Homes

Bronze: Hill

HOUSING ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY SHOW HOUSE

Gold: L&Q

Silver: A2Dominion

Silver: North Wales Housing

Bronze: Network Housing Group

BEST STARTER HOME – SPONSORED BY ALDERMORE

Gold: Thames Valley Housing Association, Russell Square, Horley, Surrey

Silver: Places for People, Roman Fields, Twechar, East Dunbartonshire

Bronze: Hill, 243 Ealing Road, Alperton, London HA0

Bronze: Notting Hill Housing, Camberwell Fields, Camberwell, London SE5

BEST HOUSE – SPONSORED BY NHBC

Gold: Q Developments, The Longfords, Teddington, London TW11

Silver: Kilpark Properties, Bronlei Woods, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey

Bronze: Habitat First Group, The Water Garden, Lower Mill Estate, Somerford Keynes, Gloucestershire

BEST APARTMENT SCHEME – SPONSORED BY WARWICK ESTATES

Gold: St James, Riverlight, Nine Elms, London SW8

Silver: London Square, London Square Putney, London SW15

Silver: Oakmayne Bespoke, 10 Soho Square, London W1

Bronze: Martins Properties (Chelsea), 195-197 King’s Road, London SW3

BEST LUXURY HOUSE – SPONSORED BY LAUFEN

Gold: Q Developments, Laurel Grove, Kingston upon Thames, London KT2

Silver: Searchfield Homes, Waverley House, Farnham, Surrey

Bronze: CALA Homes, Glenthorne, Bentley Priory, Stanmore, London HA7

Bronze: Antler Homes, Archdale Manor, Cheam, Surrey

BEST RENOVATION – SPONSORED BY ZOOPLA PROPERTY GROUP

Gold: City & Country, King Edward VII Estate, Midhurst, West Sussex

Gold: City & Country, The General, Bristol

Silver: PH Property Holdings, Hulme Hall, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire

Bronze: Comer Homes, Royal Connaught Park, Bushey, Hertfordshire

BEST DEVELOPMENT – SPONSORED BY SPICERHAART & NEW HOMES

Gold: Hill/Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association, The Scene, Walthamstow, London E17

Silver: Habitat First Group, Lower Mill Estate, Somerford Keynes, Gloucestershire

Bronze: Hopkins Homes, St Michael’s Place

Bronze: Bure Place, Aylsham, Norfolk and Freeman Homes, The Avenue, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

BEST PARTNERSHIP SCHEME – SPONSORED BY COLLYER BRISTOW

Gold: Cavanna Homes/Clinton Devon Estate, Horizon, Budleigh Salterton, Devon

Silver: Hill/Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association/Waltham Forest Council, The Scene, Walthamstow, London E17

Bronze: Lovell/Stroud District Council, The Paddocks and Old Common Mews, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire

Bronze: City & Country/Millgate Homes/CALA Homes, King Edward VII Estate, Midhurst, West Sussex

BEST LUXURY DEVELOPMENT – SPONSORED BY NOLTE KITCHENS

Gold: London Square, London Square Fulham, London SW6

Silver: Millgate Homes, Sundridge Park, Bromley, London BR1

Bronze: Ultrabox, The Woods, Kings Wood, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire

BEST MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT – SPONSORED BY BEKO

Gold: Hadley Mace, Greenwich Square, London SE10

Silver: Inland Homes, Drayton Garden Village, West Drayton, London UB7

Bronze: Hyde New Homes, The Barrows, Brighton

BEST SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – SPONSORED BY GREEN LIGHTING

Gold: Igloo, Four Hundred Caledonian Road, London N1

Silver: Hill/Cambridge City Council, Virido Concept Houses, Trumpington, Cambridgeshire

Bronze: Radian, Exhibition Mews, Whitehill & Bordon, Hampshire

BEST RETIREMENT DEVELOPMENT – SPONSORED BY LOCAL WORLD

Gold: BEN, Lynwood Village, Sunninghill, Berkshire

Silver: Renaissance Villages/Helical Bar, Durrants Village, Faygate, West Sussex

Bronze: Adlington, Adlington House, Portishead, Somerset

BEST BROWNFIELD DEVELOPMENT – SPONSORED BY ZOOPLA PROPERTY GROUP

Gold: Hill, The Scene, Walthamstow, London E17

Silver: Catalyst by Design, Portobello Square, London W10

Silver: Berkeley Homes, Holborough

Lakes, Snodland, Kent

Bronze: Hyde New Homes, One Hove Park, Hove, East Sussex

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN – SPONSORED BY NICHOLLS & CLARKE GROUP

Gold: Newcourt Residential, Alderbrook House, Weybridge, Surrey

Silver: CALA Homes, Hurlingham House, Ascot, Berkshire

Bronze: Berkeley Homes, One Tower Bridge, London SE1

BEST EXTERIOR DESIGN – SPONSORED BY COINS

Gold: Regal Homes, Banyan Wharf, London N1

Silver: Bernard Construction, The Warren Apartments, Tulse Hill, London SE27

Bronze: Octagon, The Grove Villas, Highgate, London N6

BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN – SPONSORED BY TCL

Gold: Beechcroft Developments, Orchard Gardens, Storrington, West Sussex

Silver: Countryside, St Irvyne’s, Wickhurst Green, Broadbridge Heath, West Sussex

Bronze: Redrow Homes, Lucas Green, Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley, Lancashire

Green Park

Chelsea Embankment

Battersea Park

The CityThe Shard

F I N A L T W OH O M E S N O WR E M A I N I N G

T H E T O W N H O U S EC O L L E C T I O NSTUNNING 4 & 5

BEDROOM TOWNHOUSES

IN BATTERSEA PARK ROAD

PRICES FROM £1,795,000TO £1,995,000

CALL: 0207 228 0174 OR FIND OUT MORE

ONLINE AT SHANLYHOMES.COM

SHOW HOME AVAILABLE

Location photography of Battersea and surrounding areas. Prices correct at time of press.

The Townhouse Collection is an exclusive selection of elegant 4 and 5bedroom homes perfectly located moments from Battersea Park withexcellent transport links into the city.

These impressive townhouses have been built to the highest standardfeaturing a luxury specification, flexible layouts as well as private gardens,terraces and secure underground parking accessible via a car lift.

The Townhouse CollectionBATTERSEA PARK ROAD, SW11 4NB

Land & New Homes

ver recent years, the cost of a new mortgage has fallen dramatically, with homebuyers having benefited from

record low interest rates. Now, a leading buy-to-let mortgage lender has launched the first ever fixed-rate mortgage below 2%.

Accord Mortgages, part of the Yorkshire Building Society, have become the first lender to offer a buy-to-let fixed rate mortgage with an interest rate at 1.84%, although you will need a 40% deposit (or 40% equity for remortgages).

While there is a £2,495 fee plus an application fee of £130, it means that a landlord can fix a £150,000 interest-only mortgage at just £230 per month for two years - leading to a substantial monthly rental profit.

This Is Money reports that in comparison a first-time buyer choosing a deal at the same interest rate would typically have to pay both capital and interest and would face a monthly payment of £628.

As the cost of residential mortgages has fallen, so have buy-to-let mortgage rates. According to financial analysts Moneyfacts, the lowest fixed rate available in 2011 was 3.25%. This fell to 2.99% in 2012 and 2.49% in 2013 and 2014.

Rachel Springall of Moneyfacts, says: “Buy-to-let is booming, with rents high and interest rates low, there is great potential for perspective landlords to buy and let out a property as a form of income. Now that pensioners have more flexibility with their pension pot, the buy-to-let market will be an attractive area for

them to get a regular return on an investment in property.

“Anyone looking into buy-to-let must seek out independent financial advice to be certain they get the most cost-effective deal for them.”

While the new Accord Mortgages deal can slash your mortgage payments, experts have warned that you should compare the total cost of all deals before simply picking the lowest rate.

Keith Osborne, editor of Whathouse.com, says: “Just as we encourage residential mortgage borrowers to compare the total cost of a new deal, so landlords must do the same. Fees on low-rate deals can be very high and so it can pay to choose a slightly higher mortgage rate and a lower arrangement fee, particularly on smaller mortgages.”

O

Buy-to-let mortgage rates fall below 2% for the first timeLandlords have been able to take advantage of some of the most competitive deals in history, says Nick Parkhouse

28 mortgages Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Dixons has a wide network of 35 branches covering sales and lettings across the region, from Coventry to Wolverhampton.

How is the market doing at present, and what is your outlook for 2016? We have seen improving house prices within the Midlands, dictated by supply and demand, with the former far less than the latter. The knock-on effect is that multiple offers are being received on our properties. We believe demand will continue to outstrip supply into 2016, so anyone seriously considering a move should not waste time. The new year is a particularly busy time for the housing market once everyone has recovered from the Christmas festivities and we expect 2016 to be no different.

What’s the growth potential on your patch? Birmingham city centre has become really exciting with the new Grand Central Station and redevelopment of wasteland close to the M6 links via the expressway. Land that has been vacant since the downturn in 2008 is now starting to be developed, which is a great sign of improvement and investment in the city.

There has been a lot of discussion in the media about investment in London

and Manchester but now Birmingham is on the map, which is great for local and wider sentiment. Apartments are now the same price they were prior to the 2007 market downturn, which is attracting investors. Always a good sign in my book.

The latest Land Registry data figures show growth of 4.8% in the West Midlands with the average price of £141,470 and 3.8% in the East Midlands where the average price is £136,643. Average prices in Birmingham are £120,428.

Are there any other factors that are good for Birmingham?Foreign students choosing University of Birmingham as their first choice is also bringing investment to the city and having a knock-on effect on housing/rent prices and demand, as well as the quality of the accommodation.

Average monthly rents are being dictated by the growing demand from tenants for rental accommodation, not only in the city centre but also in surrounding areas. More tenants are looking to rent for longer, which is good news for landlords who are worried about void periods.

Find out more at www.dixonsestateagents.co.uk

Agent insightFiona Brandhorst speaks to Louise Wright, regional manager for Dixons

The smart money knows when to move,

we provide the where.

For further information telephone 0131 226 1780 or visit www.amahomes.co.uk

If you’re looking to buy an Edinburgh property valued over £325,000, then now is time to make your move.

From 1 April 2015, Stamp Duty will be replaced in Scotland by the Land & Buildings Transaction Tax, which will benefit purchasers of

lower priced properties, but will cost buyers of higher priced homes thousands of pounds more. Fortunately, at AMA, we have a

range of superb detached family homes and award-winning apartments throughout Edinburgh available to purchase now. If the

prospect of saving thousands of pounds in tax wasn’t enough, many have additional incentives to make your purchase smoother.

Transactions must be completed before the 1 April 2015, so contact Behnam Afshar today on 0131 226 1780

or email behnama@amahomes, to discuss your options and view our range of homes.

Main image:

Caer Amon Apartments, Cramond

Images (clockwise from top left)

Caer Amon, Cramond

Shandon Garden

Springside

Marchmont School

Printhouse, Canonmills

30 armchair gardener Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Spring into action

ulbs are one of the easiest and most rewarding garden plants to grow, adding a wide variety of colour and shapes to spring borders.

If they are planted at the right time of year, then they can provide reliable blooms year after year. They also bring a welcome splash of colour to gardens during dark winter days, when little else is flowering.

Planting times vary, depending on the flowering time of the bulb. Spring flowering bulbs should be planted from early autumn, so they have time to develop new roots before the winter frosts set in, whereas summer flowering bulbs are best planted from late spring onwards.

As a general rule, most bulbs

should be planted at least three times their height, but it is worth checking planting depth for each species. Most bulbs need well-drained soil that won’t become waterlogged in the winter, which will cause them to rot.

Bulbs can be planted in borders, containers or in grass, which can be particularly effective as it is a more natural setting for spring flowers. Make sure you plant each bulb with the pointed growing tip facing upwards. Although if it’s not obvious which end is which, plant the bulb on its side.

There are many different varieties of spring bulbs to choose from, but here are some eternal favourites:

To beat those long dark days, Richenda Oldham recommends planting bulbs to give your garden an

injection of colour during spring

B

TULIPS –these are one of the most popular bulbs, with many colourful varieties to choose from. They make ideal bedding plants or can be planted in containers. Tulips are hardy and easy to grow, usually flowering between March and May.

DAFFODILS – regarded as one of spring’s most iconic plants, daffodils burst forth in all their glory between February and early May. These hardy flowers are easy to grow and need to be planted in September and October in sunny or lightly shady positions.

SNOWDROPS – there are at least 75 different varieties/species of snowdrops, all of which are early spring flowering types. They are distinctive for their bell-shaped, drooping white flowers and blue-green leaves. Snowdrops prefer to grow in full sun, in a rich, well-drained soil. They work best when planted in small groups in the early autumn.

CROCUS – this plant belongs to the iris family and is represented by over 80 different species. Crocuses are usually yellow, white, mauve or lilac in colour and the female stigmas (reproductive organs) produce a yellow pigment that is used to make the spice saffron. Although beautiful and delicate in appearance, crocuses are able to tolerate low temperatures and can even survive snow.

BLUBELLS – the bluebell is a member of the lily family and has adapted to survive in the shade of woodland. Because bluebells grow very slowly, their presence in woodland is often indicative that there has been a wood on that site for a long time. One of the most beautiful seasonal indicators is the transformation of woodland floors by these stunning, sweetly scented, violet-blue flowers.

Spring into action RETIREMENT VILLAGES INCHESHIRE AND WARWICK.

MADE FOR HAPPINESS, HEALTHAND COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND

FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.NOW THAT’S INSPIRED.

To discover more about Inspired Warwickcall Linda on 07468 697 822

To discover more about Inspired Tattenhall, Cheshirecall Trish on 07469 856 190

www.inspiredvillages.co.uk

VISIT OUR SALES SUITES: WARWICK CV34 6AF | TATTENHALL CH3 9DN

CGI OF WARWICK CGI OF TATTENHALL

ASK FORDETAILS

FREEMOVINGSERVICE

F_IGA_0030 What House-FP-26.11.15.qxp_Layout 1 26/11/2015 16:31 Page 1

WHAUG *CALA will obtain 2 independent valuations based on achieving a sale in a 4-6 week period, part exchange considered subject to CALA’s purchasing criteria, terms and conditions. Visit cala.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions and purchasing criteria. Up to 100% part exchange and other incentives available on selected plots, subject to terms and conditions and not in conjunction with each other or any other offer.

WYCHBURY FIELDS, HAGLEY, DY9 9LG CALL 01562 569 771 CALA.CO.UK

Com

puter generated image - The G

loucester

Call to register your interest or we would be delighted

to welcome you to the development.

BUY OFF PLAN, ENJOY FIRST CHOICE COME TO CALA NOW

4 BEDROOM DETACHED HOMES FROM £460,000

Available with up to 100% part exchange* to help make your dream move happen

whathouse? west midlands december 2015

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