Your local

property paper,

delivered to your door

AUCTIONS P4 SHARED OWNERSHIP P10 INTERIORS P14 MORTGAGES P30

West Midlands EditionMay 2015

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

For more information about our extensive range of quality homes, from first time buyer apartments to luxury executive houses visit

www.lioncourthomes.co.ukor call 01905 755167

Quality homes in desirable locationsacross the Midlands

Properties in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty P6

Olden, but golden –buying a listed property P27

Time for tee – golf properties for sale P23

If you are not on the market and want to sell or let your property, give us a call to find out how we helped these home owners market their’s.

Our telephone lines are open 7 days a week between 8am-10pm or alternatively email your inquiry to harborne@haart.co.uk

- the agent that gets results

We consider ourselves to be a proactive estate agent with innovative ideas that get results.

The properties below have all recently come on the market. They all decided to instruct haart to assist them with the marketing of their homes and we are pleased to announce we have them all available for immediate viewing.

For

Sale For

Sale For

Sale

For

Sale For

Sale For

Sale

Follow your ... pop in or call us today for your

free valuation or to discuss your property on Sales 0121 426 1876

Lettings 0121 426 2931

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes general election 3

Welcome!

ith ‘anti-gentrification’ protesters disrupting a property awards ceremony this week,

there was once again a certain amount of press coverage about the lack of affordable homes and social housing available, particularly in London.

It’s true that some developers really don’t help themselves by marketing their properties to overseas investors in preference to local buyers, or in the case of at least one, boasting about “no social housing” in their adverts to foreign purchasers.

But there are plenty of developers doing some great work in the social housing sector that don’t get the credit that they deserve – not just in London, where arguably the shortage of homes is at its most evident as the capital reaches a record population, but across the UK.

As government subsidies disappeared in recent years, housing associations have had to innovate and the answer for many is to build homes for private sale and use the proceeds to finance the homes they build for shared ownership and social rent. With no shareholders to please, they can use their surplus to provide homes tailored to their local housing waiting list, often personalising a home to cater for a specific need, perhaps for disabled tenants or larger families.

This work is crucial but rarely makes any national headlines.

These housing associations were generally scathing about David Cameron’s proposition to extend the Right to Buy scheme to their properties, should the Conservatives come to power following the general election. The introduction of Right to Buy in the early 1980s is seen by many to be the start of the decline in social housing that puts us in the position we are in now – woefully short of the number of homes we need.

None of the political parties that have been in power over the past 35 years comes out of our current housing predicament with much glory, all of them having studiously ignored the need to replace council properties that have been sold off the changing demographics of our country.

Our housing associations should be congratulated for the work they have done in the face of political apathy to the needs of their tenants.

Keith

Keith Osborne, editor. ko@whathouse.com @keithosborne69

Manifesto watch

W ith the days ticking down until the general election vote on May 7th, the main political parties have published their manifestos as they try to secure crucial votes.

Unsurprisingly, property is high on the agenda, with the majority of parties focussing strongly on the lack of supply of new homes across the country. Here’s our guide to the key property-related pledges in each manifesto.

The parties publish their property pledges

CONSERVATIVESThe Conservatives have put property at the heart of their manifesto by announcing the extension of the Right to Buy

policy, which they claim will help a further 1.3 million families.

Prime Minister David Cameron has also promised a £1bn fund to build 400,000 new homes on brownfield sites.

The Thatcherite Right to Buy policy was originally introduced in 1980 and allows housing association tenants to purchase their homes at a discount. The policy had previously only been available to those in council homes, with some association tenants accessing the weaker “right to acquire” and others having no rights at all.

Under the new plans they will all be able to apply for the main scheme, which can lead to a discount of up to 70%.

The Conservatives will fund their brownfield regeneration plans and replace properties sold under Right to Buy by requiring local authorities to manage their housing assets more efficiently.

These policies follow the announcement of the Help to Buy ISA, which will provide first-time buyers with a 25% savings boost on their deposit fund, up to a maximum of £3,000.

LABOURIn addition to his controversial Mansion Tax proposal, Labour leader Ed Miliband has announced plans to build 200,000 new homes

a year by 2020. Following the recommendations of a review carried out last year by Sir Michael Lyons, the party plans to double the current level of homes built each year and give local authorities the power to give first option to first-time buyers in areas of housing growth.

This headline announcement was the first in a series of policies outlined in the Labour manifestoOther pledges include:

• To create a ‘Future Homes Fund’, which would require that the billions of pounds saved in Help to Buy ISAs be invested in increasing housing supply

• To reduce the number of empty homes by giving local authorities increased powers, including the option to increase council tax on empty properties

• To build a new generation of garden cities

• To build more affordable homes by prioritising capital investment for housing

• To make three-year tenancies the norm and impose a ceiling on excessive rent rises

• To create a national register of private landlords

LIBERAL DEMOCRATSThe Liberal Democrats have announced plans to build 300,000 new homes each year.

Under their proposals, the government would directly commission new housebuilding, with the party claiming this would result in fewer stalled developments.

Announcing the plans, leader Nick Clegg said: “Liberal Democrats believe everyone should have the opportunity to have a decent home at a cost they can afford. We have increased housebuilding in government, but we want to go much further. And we will help young people who want a home of their own with radical plans to help them buy or rent.”

Other pledges include:

• Bringing forward the creation of at least 10 new garden cities in England

• A new Housing Investment Bank to provide long-term capital for major new developments

• New Rent to Own homes, where monthly payments steadily buy you a stake in your house

• A new Help to Rent scheme to help young people put down a deposit to rent their first property

UKIPUKIP aims to build one million homes on brownfield sites and will restrict the Right to Buy and

Help to Buy schemes to British nationals. Nigel Farage has also pledged to:

• Prioritise social housing for people with parents born locally

• Protect the greenbelt by making it easier to build on previously developed land

• Establish a brownfield agency to provide grants and loans

• Have referendums on major planning decisions

• Remove stamp duty on the first £250,000 for new homes built on brownfield sites

GREEN PARTYThe Greens want to build 500,000 homes for social rent across the country by 2020,

which they believe will cost £27bn. This would be funded partly by removing mortgage rate relief for landlords and partly by lifting the cap on council borrowing.

Other pledges include:

• T o bring 350,000 empty homes back into use

• To cap rent costs and introduce five-year tenancies

• To abolish the right to buy council homes

SNPDeputy first minister John Swinney says:

“Pushing the case for more UK Government

investment in affordable housing will help grow the Scottish housebuilding industry, providing jobs, economic growth and much-needed quality housing across the country.”

The party will also:

• Push for an end to the “bedroom tax” policy

• Build 30,000 new homes in the lifetime of the parliament

• Abolish the right to buy social housing

PLAID CYMRUPlaid Cymru want to change planning laws to ensure that local people benefit

from housing developments, increase the supply of social housing and improve the quality of homes in the private rented sector.

The party also pledges to:

• Implement rent controls to help tenants

• Support energy-efficient housing improvements to reduce family energy costs

W

4 auctions More about auctions at whathouse.com/property-auctions

Managing director Daniel Hill

Editorial director Rupert Bates

Editor Keith Osborne ko@whathouse.com

Assistant editor Stephen Maunder sm@whathouse.com

Chief sub-editor Suzanne Frost

Designer Sarah Davies

Contributors Marc Da Silva Nick Parkhouse Richenda Oldham

Head of Sales (London) Andy Lunn al@whathouse.com

Sales manager Jay Ali ja@whathouse.com

Business development manager Steve Coyle sc@whathouse.com

Account manager Ann Chaloner ac@whathouse.com

Head of digital Simon Phillips simon@whathouse.com

Cover photo: ‘Folly Cottage’ in Coln St Aldwyns, Gloucestershire courtesy of Butler Sherborn, 01285 883740

Keith Osborne started writing about property 12 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 What House? 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 What House? 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, Huffington 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: info@globespanmedia.com 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 4th May to 1st June will win

£50 in Marks and Spencer vouchers

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

rendons Auctioneers, the London-based property experts, predicts that the party with the best policies on property could

well triumph at next month’s general election.

The state of the nation’s housing has rarely been so high profile. It’s been making the headlines month after month, whether it’s the new homes shortage, regulating landlords, tax on larger properties or increasing inheritance tax thresholds on family property. In fact, says Phil Arnold, managing director of Ealing-based Brendons Auctioneers, pretty much every aspect of buying, renting and selling has come under the scrutiny of the political parties’ policymakers.

Arnold says: “The general election has come at a time of rapid change in the UK property sector and the London market highlights all the

issues that are happening but in a magnified way. This has helped take property to the top of the political agenda.”

With a 99% increase in auction sales last year, Arnold’s company is well placed to see the real impact of

policies on property. For example, the recent changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax has shown purchasers the impact that politics can have on property, and in the recent party leader debate, the new build shortage and Help to Buy featured prominently.

As you can read on page 6 of this edition of WhatHouse?, all the major parties are promising to increase the number of new houses being built. So are some of the minor parties. However, with prices rising now in many regions, they will also have to help people buy these homes.

April’s pension reforms have just come in to force and it may be some time before the real impact on property and buy-to-let will come to light. But it will come in one form or another, says Arnold.

He points out that the parties are also at loggerheads over the so called

‘Mansion Tax’, which would affect London disproportionately as it is likely to affect all properties valued at over £2m. “This has raised another question on what to do with your property asset when you want to pass it on to your family as part of an inheritance. Some parties are now looking to raise the thresholds for inherited property, to keep pace with increasing values, particularly in London.”

Arnold believes another big impact on London property prices will be the new Crossrail project. It’s predicted that houses near one of the new stations will increase in value by 10-15%, increasing the need for assistance to buy a home and pushing up rental prices in the capital. One party is also proposing a Help to Rent scheme to make it easier for young working people to move out of the family home.

Landlords and those that own multiple properties have also come

under the political microscope, with parties looking at regulating tenancy agreements and the quality of private rental property. There is also the issue of owning a property and having it vacant for a year or more, which could mean you would have to pay double the Council Tax.

Arnold concludes: “Soaring property values mean potentially more tax and a shortage of new houses will result in an ever-growing rental market. The whole process has been scrutinised and is being turned into policy for the soon to be released manifestos. Those people affected by any aspect of the property sector will probably be voting for the party with the best property policies for them or their businesses.”

Political parties bid for votes with a housing agenda

BBrendons Auctioneers predicts the ‘Property Party’ could win election

Find out more about Brendons Auctioneers at www.brendonsauctioneers.co.uk; 0845 652 5251

...Buying a new home is a big decision, so you’ll want to know that your property is of good quality and your investment well protected.

Only builders approved and registered by NHBC can offer Buildmark, and they must build to the detailed technical standards we have

been developing and updating for more than 75 years.

It will give you peace of mind to know that all new homes with NHBC’s Buildmark have been independently inspected at key stages

during construction, and come with 10 years’ warranty and insurance.

This gives you the reassurance that, on the rare occasion when something does go wrong, we’re here to help you.

So, before you buy a new home, make sure it has Buildmark.

NHBC – the mark of a quality home

H391 08/14

Talk to us... Call us now on 0844 633 1000 and ask for ‘Customer Services’. Or visit www.nhbc.co.uk/myhome

H391 - What House? advert_Sept_FINAL.indd 1 8/14/14 9:38 AM

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

Folly Cottage is an attractive, south-facing property situated on the edge of the hugely desirable village of Coln St Aldwyns. Originally a farm workers’ cottage, it has undergone a substantial and detailed renovation to the highest of standards.

It is constructed of Cotswold stone under a natural stone roof and sits in an unequalled location overlooking the village. The rooms are all well proportioned and mostly overlook the attractive gardens to the front and the adjoining countryside towards the centre of the village. The cottage has been restored sympathetically and retains many architectural original period features while introducing a natural blend of contemporary design.

The property comes with a self-contained annexe/office, landscaped gardens, a double garage and a paddock with two stables.

Coln St Aldwyns is one of the most sought-after villages of the Cotswolds,

boasting a shop/post office/cafe and the village pub, The New Inn, together with a small play area and cricket ground at the nearby Williamstrip Estate. Fairford, about three miles away, has a good range of shops, banks, post office, chemist and surgery – everything to cater for everyday life.

More extensive facilities and cultural activities are available in Burford and Cirencester (both eight miles away). Communications are excellent in the area, with Swindon (15 miles away) providing access to both the M4 at Junction 15 and the mainline railway station (London Paddington in about 55 minutes). The larger centres of Bath, Oxford and Cheltenham are all within easy driving distance with access to Oxford via the A40/M40 at Burford.

From: Butler SherbornContact: 01285 883740

Orchard Place, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria • From £259,950

This classic thatched New Forest cottage of period origins has a traditional symmetrical appearance and a wealth of exposed beam-work, and has been beautifully restored, enlarged and refurbished.

The ground floor accommodation comprises an elegant triple-aspect drawing room with a feature Jetmaster fire, a conservatory/garden room clad with an ornamental wisteria, study, dining room with feature fireplace and a bespoke, L-shaped kitchen/breakfast room. The master bedroom is located on the first floor, and features an en suite bathroom and dressing area.

There are a further two en suite bedrooms on the floor, one with delightful views of the garden and the other with an extensive range of fitted wardrobes.

The beautiful gardens extend to just over 1.3 acres. They are mainly laid to lawn with well-maintained, deep herbaceous borders that have been designed for seasonal colour and interest. There are also areas of light woodland, incorporating a small ornamental pond and

delightful woodland walks. The property also benefits from a double garage, and several outbuildings forming a small courtyard adjacent to the property, incorporating an open-fronted field shelter, stable block and tack room store.

The White Cottage is situated on the western periphery of the popular village of Brockenhurst, in the heart of the New Forest. Brockenhurst has an extensive range of local shops, restaurants and the renowned Brockenhurst Golf Club. The Georgian market town of Lymington is approximately four miles south, with extensive yachting facilities. The property is ideally located for the fantastic walking, cycling and horse riding offered by the New Forest.

Brockenhurst also has a mainline station with direct access to London Waterloo, which takes approximately 1 hour 34 minutes.

From: John D Wood & Co Contact: 01590 677233

The White Cottage, Latchmoor, Brockenhurst, Hampshire • £975,000

Set in the beautiful town of Appleby in the North Pennines AONB, Orchard Place by Story Homes is an executive development offering a superb range of new build homes to the market. The 142 homes will be a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties, beautifully finished to a high specification.

There is a great selection of apartments, detached, semi-detached and terraced houses as well as detached and semi-detached bungalows, with 16 different house types on offer.

As with any Story Homes development, the design and aesthetics of Orchard Place are very much in keeping with the area’s heritage,

incorporating brick, render and red sandstone, for which the district is renowned.

New homes in the picturesque setting of the Eden Valley are proving to be in high demand and the village of Appleby is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of the countryside. As well as giving easy access to the Lake District National Park, the town is situated on the scenic Carlisle to Settle Railway line, creating a direct link with the city of Leeds.

From: Story Homes Contact: 07711 463439

Folly Cottage, Coln St Aldwyns, Gloucestershire • £1.95m

Six appealOur favourite properties in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the market right now

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

The Paddocks/Old Common Mews, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire • From £190,396 (with Help to Buy)

1 Stonehouse Cottages, Lower Swell, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire • £460,000

Avocet View, Blakeney, Norfolk From £625,000

Avocet View is a collection of 12 traditionally designed three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, built by Hill in Blakeney, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is part of the Blakeney Point nature reserve, famed for its seals and migratory birds. The development has sea views and is next to Blakeney playing field.

The homes are modelled on the local vernacular and built using traditional materials such as cobbled flint, red brickwork, and natural clay roof tiles. They also benefit from high levels of insulation, an air source hear pump and underfloor heating to reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills.

Avocet View is a short walk from the centre of Blakeney, which feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern living. The town is known for its narrow streets leading down to the quay and its range of boutique shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants. Blakeney is approximately one hour’s drive from Norwich and Kings Lynn, both of which have good rail connections to London. Also within easy reach are the bustling market towns of Holt and Fakenham.

From: HillContact: 01263 710777

1 Stonehouse Cottages is a deceptively spacious, traditional Cotswold stone end-of-terrace cottage in a Conservation Area and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This cottage once was a granary and the old loft access can still be seen.

The listing is Grade II of architectural and historical interest and dates the cottage back to the 18th century, with remodelling in the 19th century and more modern updates like the gable porch.

This homely cottage has good feeling of space, with views out over farmland. It has an enclosed lawned

garden with a west-facing terrace. This cottage has many of its original period features, such as a Cotswold-stone fireplace, a Victorian-style feature fireplace, window seats, some period wooden doors, wooden floors and exposed beams.

It would be a perfect main or weekend/holiday home and suit a couple or family. 1 Stonehouse Cottages benefits from a super master bedroom on the second floor with far-reaching views over the village and exposed ‘A’ frame beams, a delightful tiled porch, wood burner, parking at the rear and a garage.

The popular Daylesford Farm Shop and numerous award-winning village public houses and restaurants are only a short drive away. There are theatres at Stratford-upon-Avon, Chipping Norton and Oxford, National Hunt racing at Cheltenham, Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon and golf at Broadway, Burford, The Wychwoods and Naunton Downs. There is also an extensive network of rights of way providing exceptional walking.

From: Butler Sherborn Contact: 01451 830731

Picturesque Minchinhampton in Gloucestershire – situated in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – is home to these two developments by Lovell.

Recently seen in the television adaptation of J K Rowling’s novel The Casual Vacancy, the hilltop town is just over three miles from Stroud and 9.5 miles from Cirencester. “Located between two valleys, Minchinhampton is surrounded by glorious countryside and common land,” says Lovell field sales manager Julie Bowen.

As part of the scheme, Lovell is also building the first new council homes in the Stroud district for over 30 years, creating much-needed affordable homes in this rural location. The housebuilder recently launched two new show homes and has a range of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes for sale.

For buyers looking for a detached family home, the four-bedroom ‘Chelmsford’ house style is available at £429,995 (£343,996 with a Help to Buy equity loan). The semi-detached three-bedroom ‘Northwood’ house type – with single garage – is available at £309,995 (£247,996 with a Help to Buy equity loan) and Lovell also has a selection of two-bedroom semi-detached homes available from £237,995 (£190,396 with a Help to Buy equity loan).

While the town has its own shops and amenities, it’s also easy to get to other nearby Cotswold centres such as Stroud, Cirencester or Nailsworth. Stroud and Stonehouse railway stations provide direct access to London in a little over 90 minutes.

From: LovellContact: 01453 557 297

Tel : 01923 251799 Email: sales@leavalleyhomes.co.uk www.leavalleyhomes.co.uk

Eight unique Grade II listed 2, 3 and 4 bedroom barns converted to a high specification, retaining many original features. All properties have private gardens with plots 1, 2 and 8 having the added benefit of a paddock.

‘The Barns’ Merton Grange is situated in an idyllic rural location on the edge of Gamlingay in South Cambridgeshire. The approach is via a private drive with far reaching views either side across fields.

Specification includes: Fully fitted kitchens with integrated appliances including range

cooker and wine cooler Flooring throughout Contemporary fully tiled bathrooms & en-suites, including vanity

units and heated towel rails Oak panelled internal doors with pewter finished handles.

Prices from £650,000

Bentley Court is a new development of nine, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes tucked away in a gated court located off Uxbridge Road in Hanwell, Ealing. All the properties have private gardens and parking making this a fabulous environment for London living.

The development is located next to St Mellitus Church, an imposing Gothic style building of the Edwardian period situated in the heart of Hanwell.

Specification includes Paula Rosa Manhattan kitchens with granite worktop, integrated AEG appliances, flooring throughout, contemporary fully tiled bathrooms and en-suites.

BentleyCourtU X B R I D G E R O A D

T | 01923 251799For more information please contact Lea Valley Homes

E | sales@leavalleyhomes.co.uk W | leavalleyhomes.co.uk

Prices from

£575,000Sat Nav: W7 3ST

Artist’s impression. For illustrative purposes only

The future. Covered.If you are in the construction industry, then we can help with all your insurance needs. Whether you want to cover the computers in your office, your onsite equipment, your tools or your motor fleet, we can help.

KL’s reputation has been built on our expertise in providing cover to all the trades within the construction industry. From sole traders through to multi-nationals, we can provide the right cover to remove the risks that can harm your business.

To find out more and discuss your particular circumstances email info@kerrylondon.co.uk

The simple guide to shared ownership10 shared ownership Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

Shared ownership, also called part-buy/part-rent, is a government-backed scheme that allows you to buy a share of a home, which you live in as if you owned the whole property outright. The benefit of this scheme is that the initial purchasing costs of a shared ownership property are generally lower than that of a property purchased on the open market, particularly when it comes to the deposit you will need.

Shared ownership properties are available through housing associations, or registered providers as we call them. The registered provider that sells you your home will become your landlord, owning the part of the property you do not. With shared ownership you initially

buy between a 25% and 75% share of a home. You buy your share with a mortgage and a deposit, just like you would if you were buying a home on the open market – only both are likely to be less than if you were buying the property outright.

You then pay a subsidised rent to your landlord on the share that you have not yet bought. For example if you buy 25% of a property you will pay subsidised rent on 75%. As and when you can afford it you can buy more shares – read more about this in the ‘staircasing’ section later in this guide. As you purchase more shares your rent reduces and when you own 100% of your home you will not need to pay rent at all.

WHAT IS SHARED OWNERSHIP?

AM I ELIGIBLE? AND WILL I HAVE PRIORITY FOR A SHARED OWNERSHIP PROPERTY? Each applicant is assessed individually but generally speaking you are eligible for shared ownership if:

• Your household income is less then £60,000 per year or £71,000 a year or less in London for a one- or two-bedroom home or £85,000 or less in London for a three-bedroom or more property. The minimum salary requirement is around £20,000.

• You are a first-time buyer or you used to own a home but cannot afford to buy one now.

• You rent a council or housing association property.

• Generally you must live or work within the area you want to buy.

• You have good credit history

In addition to the above, different properties will have different eligibility criteria so you should expect the minimum earnings for example to differ depending on the value of the property you are looking at.

You may be able to buy a shared ownership property if you used to own a home, but can’t afford to buy one again now, often this situation arises when a relationship breaks down and the two involved cannot afford to buy another home on the open market on their own.

If demand is high and a shared ownership property is oversubscribed, the registered provider will look to prioritise applicants. If you currently rent a housing association or council property or you are serving military personnel you will have higher priority than other applicants. Depending on the area you are buying in there may also be other priority groups, ask the register provider selling the home you’re interested in for further details.

In order to find out whether you are definitely eligible for shared ownership you need to contact your local Help to Buy agent. The Help to Buy agent will work through your personal circumstances with you, which will include your income, savings, need for housing, a basic check on your expenditure and any local connections you might have. This is a free service so it’s well worth contacting them.

HOW DO I FIND MY LOCAL HELP TO BUY AGENT? You can find out who your local Help to Buy agent is by logging onto www.helptobuy.org.uk and clicking on your area on the map. Your local Help to Buy agent will have information on all of the shared ownership properties available in your area.

They’ll also pass your details on to registered providers that request information from them of people who are interested in purchasing shared ownership properties. Think of them as a matchmaker linking those searching for properties and those selling them.

IS THE SUBSIDISED RENT I PAY INCREASED REGULARLY?

It is important to find out at an early stage what rent you will need to pay on the initial share of the property you won’t own, and how much this will increase by on an annual basis. Housing associations calculate rents initially based on a percentage of the value of the share you don’t own, this percentage generally ranges between 2% and 3%.

Every year the housing association will look at increasing the rent. Rents cannot be arbitrarily increased and are regulated, so don’t worry about extortionate rises. The calculation used for increasing rents is shown in your lease and will be linked to inflation. Make sure you have a good read of the lease before you buy.

YOU SAID EARLIER I WOULD HAVE TO PAY A SERVICE CHARGE?

In nearly all cases you will need to pay a service charge. The service charge covers looking after and cleaning the communal areas, buildings insurance and often things like window cleaning and lift maintenance. It is important to check out what amount the service charge will be before committing to buying a home to ensure you can budget for it.

Lynda Clark of First Time Buyer magazine looks at how this part-buy/part-rent scheme could help first-timers to get a foot on the ladder

The simple guide to shared ownershipshared ownership 11For the latest on the property market @What_House

Before buying a property make sure you set two budgets, one for purchasing costs and one for ongoing costs.

To cover purchasing costs you’ll need to allow for:

• Mortgage valuation and possible arrangement fees

• Legal fees – it is a good idea to use a specialist fixed-fee solicitor who is experienced in shared ownership

• Deposit – this is usually 5-10%

of the value of the share you are purchasing.

• To cover ongoing costs you’ll need to allow for:

– Mortgage payments

– Rent on the share you do not own

– Service charge

– Utility bills

– Council tax

– Contents insurance

SO WHAT EXACTLY DO I NEED TO BUDGET FOR?

The table below* gives you an example of how buying 50% of a property valued at £150,000 would initially cost you £7,250 and £630 per month as an ongoing cost:

Open market price of new home 150,000Equity purchased @ 50% 75,000Value of the share you do not own @ 50% 75,000

PROPERTY VALUE £

Deposit** 3,750Approximate costs of purchasing (legal & valuation fees etc) 3,500

INITIAL OUTLAY £

INITIAL OUTLAY 7,250

Mortgage per month @ 6% average interest rate*** 460Rent per month @ 2.75% of retained equity 170

ONGOING MONTHLY COSTS £

TOTAL PER MONTH (RENT + MORTGAGE) 630

* Illustrative purposes only, your agreement will detail the exact rent and services charges.

**Based on 5% deposit

***Figures based on a repayment mortgage type, over a 25-year term

WHAT IS ‘STAIRCASING’? IS IT BUYING MORE SHARES?

One of the great things about shared ownership is that you can buy more shares at any time until you own the whole property, this is known as staircasing. A range of circumstances could lead to you staircasing: whether you have a partner move in with you, you inherit some money or you receive a good pay rise – all could allow you to purchase more shares in your home.

When you’re ready to buy more shares you just need to contact to your

landlord who will guide you through the process.

The cost of your new share will depend on how much your home is worth when you want to buy the share. If property prices in the area have gone up, you will pay more than you did for the initial shares you bought. But, if your home has dropped in value, your new share will be cheaper. Your landlord will arrange to have the property valued, although you will need to pay the valuer’s fee. Once the property has been valued, your landlord will contact you to confirm the costs involved.

It’s worth talking to your mortgage lender at an early stage if

you’re considering staircasing to see what mortgage options are available to you.

WHAT ABOUT WHEN I’M READY TO SELL?? You are able to sell your home at any time but you must first inform your landlord. Your landlord will have a period of time in which to find a suitable buyer for your property. This is generally eight weeks. If in that time a buyer is not found you will be free to approach an estate agent and ask them to help you sell your home.

If you have staircased and own

100% of your home, you can sell it yourself, although you must still notify your landlord first. Sometimes registered providers like to buy properties back, hence why you need to let them know you wish to sell. This will be highlighted in your lease.

I’VE HEARD PEOPLE TALK ABOUT ‘RESALES’, WHAT ARE THEY?‘Resales’ is the term used by registered providers to describe properties that aren’t new, i.e. properties being sold as above. Generally you will need to buy

at least the minimum share that the current shared owner owns. Buying a resale is just like buying a new build shared ownership property in that you’ll need to pay monthly rent and service charges.

Some people prefer to buy a property that has been previously lived in rather than one that’s brand new. You could ask the current owner questions such as what are their current running costs and what is the landlord like to give you a feel of what it’s like to live there.

You’ll find that each Help to Buy agent lists resale properties as well as new ones so you’ll be able to see all of the options available to you.

Best Small DevelopmentWinner: Octavia Housing - Illumina House, Wandsworth, LondonHighly commended: Genesis - Shortcroft Mead Court, Dollis Hill, London

Best Housing AllianceWinner: Berkeley East Thames & ViridianHighly commended: Taylor Wimpey East London and L&Q

Best Law Firm for ConveyancingWinner: Beaumont LegalHighly commended: Cavendish Legal Group

Most Innovative Marketing Campaign Winner: Origin Housing Highly commended: Metropolitan

THE WINNERS:

Affordable Housing Provider of the YearWinner: CatalystHighly commended: Newlon Housing Trust

Private Developer of the YearWinner: CountrysideHighly commended: Lovell & Muse developments

Best Large DevelopmentWinner: East Thames Group - Kings Park, Harold Wood, LondonHighly commended: Kier Living Eastern – Riverside Mill Lane, Little Paxton, Cambridgeshire

Best Medium DevelopmentWinner: Hodson Developments - Viridium, Camberley, SurreyHighly commended: Family Mosaic - Park View, Southwark

Best Show HomeWinner: L&Q - The Schoolyard, WandsworthHighly commended: Catalyst – Waterside, Kew

Most Innovative Redevelopment of an Existing PropertyWinner: Inspired Homes - Green Dragon, CroydonHighly commended: Genesis - Shortcroft Mead Court, Dollis Hill

Best Urban Regeneration Project Winner: Swan New Homes - Bow Cross, BowHighly commended: Catalyst - Portobello Square, Notting Hill

Best Architectural Design Winner: STOCKWOOL - Gunmakers Wharf, BowHighly commended: NEAT Developments and RLAM – TNQ, Colindale, London

First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards 2015 irst Time Buyer Magazine

held its annual Readers’ Awards event at The Landmark London hotel on Friday 24 April, honouring

the great work done by housing associations and private developers for people trying to get on the property ladder. It was a record year for entries

and attendees at the event, reflecting just how important the sector is to the housebuilding industry as a whole.

Lynda Clark, editor of First Time Buyer Magazine, says: “This is the sixth year that we have held the First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards and every year we see the design and quality of new homes and services for first-time buyers taken

up a level; this year was no different. With a record number of entries, the judges were impressed with everything they saw and we were delighted to present the winners with the recognition they deserved at the ceremony.

“These awards demonstrate the great lengths that so many companies go to in order to help and support

first-time buyers, the lifeblood of the property market. Providing stylish and high-quality homes, as well as a range of useful services aimed to help the less experienced buyer, it’s good to know that first-time buyers are in good hands when it comes to buying their first home.”Find out more at www.ftbawards.com

F

12 award winners Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

Best Law Firm for ConveyancingWinner: Beaumont LegalHighly commended: Cavendish Legal Group

Most Innovative Marketing Campaign Winner: Origin Housing Highly commended: Metropolitan

.co.uk

Prices from £425 + VAT

get a free personal property manager with promo code whathouse

Full steam ahead14 interiors Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

If you have a pressing engagement, try not to get too steamed up – there are plenty of irons to take the creases out of your laundry, says Richenda Oldham

Morphy Richards’ Power Steam Elite 301016 iron is a sleek looking 2600W black and red iron with an Ionic sole plate that reduces static and helps the iron glide over fabric easily. It has a 55g per minute steam rate and a 200g per minute steam shot for a pristine finish, £53.98, www.appliancesdirect.co.uk

With its powerful steam feature and precision tip, the Braun TS765A promises ‘flawless’ results and switches off automatically if left unused for eight minutes in a vertical position, £79.99, www.braunhousehold.co.uk

Swan’s S19031N is a powerful steam generator iron that produces a continuous jet of steam at 90g per minute with up to four bars of steam pressure. Ready to use in less than five minutes, it has a 1.3-litre water capacity and adjustable temperature control, £279.99, www.swan-brand.co.uk

For those in pursuit of ironing perfection, Miele’s FashionMaster all-in-one steam ironing system delivers a highly professional finish thanks to four-bar steam pressure and an ActiveCare steam ironing board complete with two-speed fan, £1,499, available from all good electrical retailers

Russell Hobbs Easy 20330 steam generator iron has a 1.2-litre removable water tank and can be used on a vertical steam setting to remove creases from hanging items. This model features a ceramic sole plate that uses a rapid heat function to remove creases, £129, ao.com

01276 408495

interiors 15

Come dine with meRichenda Oldham reveals how to create inviting spaces for both formal and family-friendly dining hat on earth

has happened to the dining room? Has it really been pushed aside in

favour of eating in the kitchen? Is there still a place in our lives for a dedicated dining room?

Dining rooms have been with us since the Middle Ages when nobility banqueted in a large, multifunction room known as the Great Hall. In time this became a smaller, more intimate parlour, which eventually became the dining room as we know it.

While current trends favour a large open-plan kitchen incorporating a

dining area, there is still much to be said for a room that is dedicated solely to eating. Sunday lunches become occasions full of cheer and good food, dinner parties become feasts, while family celebrations, such as Christmas, become special treats as befits a seasonal festival.

A WELL-PLANNED DINING ROOMTo plan the perfect dining room you need a clear sense of purpose to avoid a mishmash of styles, which will put off your guests rather than welcome them.

There are plenty of themes that

work well for a dining room. For example, a period style, such as Victorian, can feature deep red walls, handsome mahogany furniture and formal, full-length curtains with deep pelmets. The effect will be reassuringly traditional, while rich red shades are colours that stimulate the appetite.

Terracotta tones and earthy hues are also good choices and would suit a Mediterranean dining room scheme complete with rustic furniture, a tiled floor and iron candle sconces.

A Scandinavian dining room could be light and airy with cool blond wood furniture, sheer curtains and bleached wooden floorboards. Ring the changes

with upholstered chairs in textured fabrics such as linen or leather for a chic yet hardwearing finish.

LIGHTINGBecause dining rooms often have nocturnal use, you need to choose lighting that will help create plenty of atmosphere. Chandeliers and low-hanging pendants above the dining table are ideal for this, as are uplighters, which cast pools of light. Candles placed on sideboards and small side tables are excellent for an intimate dining experience. And of course, in the depths of winter, you can’t beat a roaring log fire.

SHAPE AND SPACEIt makes sense to draw out the dimensions of the room before embarking on any costly furniture mistakes. The shape and size of your dining room will dictate the shape of your table, too. Would rectangular, square, round or oval suit you best?

If space is an issue, then perhaps an extending dining table, with leaves that can be taken out/added as required, is the most practical solution. The size of the chairs need to be consider carefully, too - do you really need arms on your chairs if it means less elbow room for your guests?

W

For the latest on the property market @What_House

1. Upholstered dining chairs are both smart and comfortable. The silver grey linen fabric of these Chatsworth chairs contrasts beautifully with the ebony-coloured dining table and chair legs; chairs £280, dining table £1,220, www.blackorchidinteriors.co.uk; 2. Cool industrial interiors need unfussy contemporary furniture just like this Italian-designed, glass-topped Lema 3 Pod round dining table, which has an elegant steel tripod base formed from a continuous unbroken line in each section; £1,890, www.gomodern.co.uk; 3. With a nod towards Baroque, this handsome table with its distressed paint finish and complementary shell-embellished chairs makes a charming period dining set; Raffaella table, £1,191, chairs £273 each, www.sweetpeaandwillow.com; 4. This vintage dining table and chairs set is made from the environmentally friendly and extremely hardwearing acacia wood, which is also stain-resistant; £245 (dining chair), £495 (dining table), £845 (sideboard), www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk; 5. Good design doesn’t have to be sacrificed just because you don’t have much room for a dining table. The Skovby A102 is a stylish and space-saving table that seats two to six people; £1,100, www.wharfside.co.uk

1 2

3

4 5

Now on Sale:an exciting range of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homesin Brierley Hill. Choose from 10 different designs!

Artisan’s Walk is a whole new community, perfectly placed almostequidistant from Wolverhampton and Birmingham, just off BrettellLane, with views towards the Clent Hills.

Beautifully built to an exacting specification using energy savingtechnology, all the homes at Artisan’s Walk will be economic to run.The careful design and well thought out interiors will make thempractical and comfortable to live in too.

Ask about our launch incentives

Showhome open daily 10.00am - 5.30pmArtisan’s Walk, off Delph Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 2RPCall: 0845 873 2887 or visit: www.lioncourthomes.co.uk

Help to Buy

2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homesfrom £155,000

16 housing associations For the latest on the property market @What_House

ince its launch two years ago, the government’s Help to Buy scheme has provided assistance for tens of thousands of house-hunters

who couldn’t afford to buy a home without some financial help. Most of

these have been first-time buyers and most have been outside of the heated property market of London and the South East.

One first-time buyer who used the 5% deposit scheme to purchase a one-bedroom apartment at Park

Central in Birmingham is Chris Bayliss, aged 27. Having previously rented for two years, Chris moved back into his parents’ home to save money for a deposit and then took the plunge and stepped on to the property ladder last summer.

Chris is one of dozens of buyers at the award-winning Crest Nicholson development to use Help to Buy to secure their home. Around one third of purchases there have been under the scheme, the majority with the equity share option, which provides a loan for 20% of the price of the property, interest-free for the first five years.

Chris says: “At first I was looking for a place to rent in the city centre that was within easy walking distance to work but, when I realised that I could purchase my own home with a deposit of just 5%, I discovered that I could actually afford to buy instead. By using the initiative I only had to save £6,600 for my deposit.

“The whole house-buying process was quick and easy and, thanks to the savings I made on my deposit, I also had some money left over, which meant I could really personalise the apartment with my own furniture and décor. The Park Central team was great as well, going well beyond their role and recommending local blind suppliers and the best places to go out for dinner.

“The location of Park Central is

ideal for me as being an engineer means I need to travel by motorway every day. My apartment also came with a parking space included, which is really unusual in the city centre.”

Adding up all these factors, Chris is delighted to have taken the plunge with the Help to Buy scheme: “I’d certainly recommend using the 5% deposit schemes to other people, after all, without it I wouldn’t have been able to get onto the property ladder.”

Park Central is located off Lee Bank Middleway, just five minutes from the bars and restaurants at Brindleyplace. The business quarter is situated less than a 30-minute walk away and New Street railway station is just a 15-minute walk away.

The current phase of homes at Park Central is Madison Walk, a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom freehold houses.

Find out more at www.crestnicholson.com; 0121 666 4666

A walk in the park

S

A young house-hunter gets Help to Buy home at award-winning Birmingham development

A walk in the park

his month’s featured property is a unique double-fronted cottage dating back to the late 1600’s, located in the

desirable village of Belbroughton and available now for £450,000.

Conveniently located for road and rail links to Birmingham, this delightful cottage boasts a wealth of charm and character.

Downstairs, the sitting room features an open fire and exposed brick and timber walls, while the spacious

kitchen overlooks a patio area perfect for entertaining guests. The property also benefits from a garden room with French doors to the rear.

On the first floor, you will find three double bedrooms and a family bathroom, while the fourth bedroom

is located in the loft. Outside, the property is set back

from the road behind a gravel driveway with a mature hedgerow border to one side and gated access to the rear of the property from the other.

The cottage is located walking

distance of two local schools, and Hagley and Blakedown rail stations are around two miles away.

Find out more at www.dixonsestateagents.co.uk; 01384 370341

T

Property of the month with Dixons in Stourbridge

property of the month 17More news and interviews at whathouse.com/news

s a l e s l e t t i n g s

1 & 2 bedroom apartments nowavai lable to reserve ‘off plan’ at Tramway Path, Mitcham.Complet ion Summer 2015.Enquire Now.

l a n t a n a e s t a t e s

*

18 interiors Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

Treading the boardsHaving problems choosing the right hard flooring for your home? Richenda Oldham’s guide will point you in the right direction looring has been

undergoing a recent shift in the fashion stakes, with hard surfaces emerging as an increasingly popular

choice over carpet. There is a feeling that carpet is not as clean as wood or tiles. Stains soak in to carpet, dust settles permanently and bacteria get caught in the fibres.

Hard flooring on the other hand has a sense of timelessness, plus it looks and feels clean. Spills can be easily wiped away and high-quality materials – with the right care – can last for generations, which means that your original investment pays off over time. More so than a carpet, which has a life of approximately five to ten years.

Worn or scratched hardwood floors can also be revitalised by sanding, polishing, staining and finishing, so that they look almost good as new.

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICEBefore embarking on a purchase, first consider the purpose of the room. How much traffic will it receive from the people living in your home, not to mention pets and visitors? Rooms or areas with a high level of footfall will require tough hardwearing flooring, such as ceramic and stone tiles or hardwood. These are, however, the more expensive options, so alternatively you could opt for vinyl or laminate, which come in all kinds of finishes and different qualities, but which are less expensive.

HARDWOODWood flooring is one of the most enduring popular choices and it’s not hard to see why. It has a natural, elegant beauty that works well in any surrounding and comes in a wide choice of different species from oak, maple and walnut to imported varieties such as iroko, jatoba and kempas. Make sure though that the flooring you buy is harvested from sustainable, managed forests.

ENGINEERED WOODEngineered wood features a top veneer of real wood, backed by layers of

plywood. It is easy to install and can be fitted over underfloor heating. More manufacturers are producing self-locking flooring that doesn’t require glue or nails. It is not recommended for high moisture content areas such as bathrooms.

BAMBOOThis sustainable flooring is actually a grass and not a hardwood. Its eco-friendly status makes it an increasingly popular choice, particularly as it is tough and durable.

LAMINATELaminate flooring has improved enormously and now comes in a huge range of styles and finishes. It features a top layer that is essentially a photograph, sealed with a plastic coating. This enables some excellent look-alike finishes to be created. Its attraction - apart from low cost - is most types come as floating floor systems, which means they can be installed over existing old flooring.

LINOLEUMAnother environmentally friendly choice made from biodegradable materials and available in a wide choice of colours and designs.

CERAMIC TILECeramic tiles come as four basic types including glazed ceramic, quarry (unglazed), porcelain (very hard and durable), terracotta (unglazed with a rustic, earthy appearance).

STONEBeauty and luxury - at a price - but a worthwhile investment if you want to create a truly elegant home. Natural stone types include granite, marble, limestone, slate and travertine. Make sure they are sealed to resist moisture.

VINYLA less expensive option than the rest, but tough and almost maintenance free. This is a flexible type of flooring with a cushioned backing. Good vinyl can last up to 20 years.

F

Marmoleum floor tiles are made from renewable resources and are an eco-friendly as well as hardwearing type of flooring; Click tiles in Barbados/Pineapple, £63.35 per m2, www.urbaneliving.co.uk

These vintage lookalike floor tiles are actually modern ceramic versions with a riven texture; Bristol encaustic effect floor tiles, £14.96 per sq m, www.tilemountain.co.uk

Flagstones have a rustic charm all of their own and age spectacularly well - perfect for country living; Greyfriars Abbey limestone 12-tile set (2.718 m2), £69.95, www.originalstyle.com

Wooden floorboards painted white with the grain showing through are a stylish choice for either contemporary or period homes...or you could just opt for laminate lookalikes; £20 per 1.99 per m2 pack, from B&Q

Wood-effect porcelain tiles allow bathrooms and kitchens to benefit from the warmth and variety of natural timber to this bathroom, yet are low maintenance and ideal for high traffic areas; Boardwalk Kauri 02 tiles, £90 per sq m

www.inlandhomes.co.uk

Carter’s Quay, PooleCharterhouse Mews, Chelmsford Vista, Drayton Garden Village The Comptons, Wooburn Green

St John’s, Chelmsford

Showhome open at this development Please check website for current availability. Computer generated illustrations are indicative only and subject to change.

For further details call 01494 762 450 or email sales@inlandhomes.co.uk

Inland Homes are currently regenerating areas acrossthe South providing quality homes with an emphasison design and sustainability. Visit our fabulous rangeof Showhomes to discover more.

DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDE:

Carter’s Quay, Poole1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses

Vista, Drayton Garden Village,West Drayton2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses

St John’s, Chelmsford2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses

Charterhouse Mews,Chelmsford1& 2 bedroom apartments and 2 bedroom houses

Abbeywood Park, Markyate1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom houses

The Comptons, Wooburn Green1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom houses

COMING SOON:Alexandra Gardens, Iver2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses

Creating newcommunitiesacross the South

20 armchair gardener For the latest on the property market @What_House

ow many times in the past year have you forked out for a packet of overpriced wilting parsley or coriander in

your local supermarket? The money you spent could have been far better used towards helping you cultivate your own supply of fresh, aromatic herbs, which look and smell wonderful and can’t be beaten on flavour.

Herbs are just like other plants and come in annual varieties (such as basil, coriander and marjoram) and perennials (such as rosemary, lavender, sage and chives).

They are simple to grow, too, regardless of whether you have only a windowsill at your disposal, containers on a patio or a formal herb garden.

For extra convenience, grow them just outside your kitchen door, which will ensure that they are within convenient reach for when you are cooking – because there is nothing

more satisfying than using home-grown herbs to flavour your dishes.

You can propagate herbs from seeds or cuttings or divide varieties such as marjoram, oregano, mint or thyme in late spring. They will do best growing in a hot, sunny spot and prefer well-drained soil – just make sure you feed them throughout the growing season.

Alternatively, go to the garden centre and buy plants that are big/strong enough to pick the leaves from straightaway. Bring them home and re-pot them, but don’t overwater them. Some plants (chives and mint) like moisture, while perennials such as rosemary and lavender prefer dry conditions.

As a general rule, when harvesting herbs, don’t pick more than a third of a plant’s foliage – this will allow the plant to recover. Should you have a glut of herbs, remember you can freeze fresh herbs very successfully for all year-round use.

H

Sage is a native Mediterranean evergreen plant with grayish leaves and blue to purplish flowers that have both medicinal and culinary uses

Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme

Growing herbs is a rewarding yet simple form of gardening that can be done equally well in pots or flower beds. Richenda Oldham explains how

Annual and biennial herbs:• Basil – regular sowings are needed

for a summer-long supply.

• Coriander – likes well-drained sunny soil. Use the leaves in Asian cooking and the seeds in curries.

• Parsley – this is an essential across all forms of cooking.

• Dill – the fine leaves are used fresh or dried in Scandinavian cookery.

• Sweet marjoram – use in Italian, Greek and Mexican cookery.

Perennial herbs:• Mint – delicious, fresh-scented

leaves that can be used in teas, drinks and cooking.

• Thyme – can thrive in stony, poor soil. Well-known for use in

French cuisine.

• Sage – excellent accompaniment to pork and other meats.

• Rosemary – particularly good with lamb, but the leaves can also be steeped in olive oil.

• Chives – use the leaves and flowers, all of which have a mild flavour.

• Tarragon – really good with chicken, salad dressings, sauces and egg dishes.

TYPES OF HERBS TO GROW

The mild, garlic-like flavour of chives makes it a popular chef’s gardening choice

Herbs can be easily grown in all kinds of containers, pots and planters, £3.99-£19.99, Dobbies Garden Centre, www.dobbies.com

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub, so its leaves are available fresh all year round

Parsley is an essential ingredient for all types of cookery and will thrive equally in sun or shade

You can keep in the picture with Veyo Chain View

Launching in Spring 2015, Veyo is a comprehensive conveyancing portal that will enable Estate Agents and their clients to view the status of other transactions in the housing chain.

Find out more at www.veyo.co.uk

“The portal will offer greater transparency to everyone involved in the sale and transaction of a property”

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

‘September Song’, Wentworth, Surrey • £3.9m

Holland Park, Exeter, Devon • From £350,000

Heathlands, Camberley, Surrey From £1.299m

‘Wuthering Heights’, Eltham, London • £2.6m

“Just a 9-iron away from the course,” according to Rupert Wyatt, partner of selling agent Barton Wyatt, September Song is situated on one of the most prestigious roads on the Wentworth Estate, West Drive, on the ‘Main Island’ of Wentworth with the golf courses and clubhouse very nearby.

This unique property was designed by Lewandowski Willcox Architects and built to an ultra-

high specification in 2008, with a gorgeous contemporary feel throughout, including a fabulous glass staircase.

The house boasts four reception rooms, five bedrooms (three en suite), laundry, study, lift from the five-car garage and landscape gardens of 1.86 acres.

Find out more at www.bartonwyatt.co.uk; 01344 843000 Time for tee

round 3.5 million Britons consider themselves ‘golfers’, whether they play every week or just occasionally. The greens and fairways are a great escape, and for many of these

enthusiasts, a property next to a scenic

and challenging course is on the wish list.Undoubtedly, the climate is a major reason why many

dream of a golf property overseas, but let’s not overlook the UK: we have a terrific range of courses and the weather really isn’t that bad (often)! Here are some of our current favourites...

AWe take a look at some of the UK’s best golf properties

This collection of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom premium properties from Heritage New Homes stands on the perimeter of the Exeter Golf & Country Club, with a great specification and strong eco-credentials.

Catering for a wide spectrum of budgets (up to £1.95m), the scheme features a mix of property types from two-bedroom flats to five-bedroom luxury houses. It is

set in serene surroundings, adjacent to the beautiful grounds of listed Newcourt House.

The first tee is just minutes from the front door here, and it’s also easy to head further afield, with regular bus services to the city centre, a direct cycle route to Topsham and a new railway station being built just up the road.

Find out more at www.heritagenewhomes.co.uk; 01392 822066

Brambles is a substantial four-bedroom detached family home set within a sought-after location in the cul-de-sac of Clavering Walk. The big draw for golfers is the gated access leading directly onto Cooden Beach Golf Club from the good-sized back garden.

The property offers abundant living space, including a triple-aspect living room with feature fireplace and a dining room with folding doors to the full-length orangery, which has French doors to the garden. There is also a beautiful kitchen/breakfast room with separate utility room. The master bedroom has fitted wardrobes and an en suite bathroom, with the bonus of views over the golf course.

The property is close to Cooden mainline station and a short distance from Cooden Beach.

Find out more at www.freemanforman.co.uk; 01892 6157573

Brambles, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex • £650,000

Perhaps even more notable than its position backing on to (and with direct access to) the Royal Blackheath Golf Course is this property’s musical connection. As the name suggests, this was once the home of Kate Bush, who lived here from 1985 until 2003.

This imposing detached residence stands on a substantial plot and offers approximately 5,734 sq ft of accommodation. The property is accessed via electronic gates and offers extensive off-street parking to the front. Internally, the property is in excellent decorative order.

Arranged over three floors, it has six bedrooms and five reception room as well as a large reception hall and landing. A large side extension could easily accommodate a swimming pool and gym area.

Find out more at www.alandemaid.co.uk; 020 8467 2205

Heathlands is a collection of just four five-bedroom detached family homes situated in a leafy, secluded location on the edge of the exclusive Camberley Heath Golf Club, with impressive views out over the first tee of the Harry Colt-designed golf course.

The homes are accessed from a private entrance via Golf Drive, off Portsmouth Road, and have been individually designed to be in

keeping with their surroundings. Located in a private area of the golf club, previously the green-keeper’s compound, each home is surrounded by trees and hedgerows.

Properties at Heathlands have large double garages, generous gardens and more than 3,000 sq ft of living space.

Find out more at www.cala.co.uk; 01276 685544

golf properties 23For the latest on the property market @What_House

Splashdown!

24 interiors Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

Richenda Oldham dips her toe into the latest selection of bathrooms1. En suite bathrooms needn’t be dark and poky as Woodstock furniture’s bespoke circular motif design demonstrates with its extensive use of mirrors, which help reflect light around the room, www.woodstockfurniture.co.uk; 2. A simple white bathroom suite provides the perfect starting point for anyone with a yen for a bold decorative scheme. Here, sea blue walls are teamed with black and white checkerboard-effect floor tiles for the ultimate wow washroom, www.diy.com/cooke-and-lewis; 3. With sustainable interiors being all the rage it makes sense to create an eco-friendly bathroom. This bespoke spa tub is made from teak and comes complete with lights, bubbles and jets, www.williamgarvey.co.uk 4. Pale woods and simple clean lines are the hallmark of Scandinavian style interiors - epitomised perfectly here by Frontline Bathrooms’ Aquatrend Avola White collection of understated, functional furniture, www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk; 5. The Classic Suite is everything you could hope for in an elegant period-style bathroom with a traditional freestanding round soaking tub, £1,300, pedestal basin,£389, and lavatory with a mahogany soft close seat, £540, www.burlingtonbathrooms.com

1 2 3 4

5

Off Greenway Lane, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 6SLOpen Thursday to Monday, 10am – 5pm

For more information: 01395 444434 horizon@cavannahomes.co.uk

www.cavannahomes.co.uk

From a fi ve star builder★★★★★

Available on this site

in partnership with

3 & 4 bedroom new homes

Greenway Lane EX9 6SL

THE K

ERSBROOK – 4 BEDROOM HOME – FROM £434,995

4 bedroom homes from

£424,995!at time of print

GOLD SERIES Limescale

Elimination System from EWT

EWTPACKAGE DEAL

£1259 WORTH OF VALUEYOURS FOR ONLY £575

YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:✓ EWT Gold Range Water Softener

✓ EWT G1 filter system with stylish tap upgrade✓ EWT professional installation

✓ EWT hardness test kit ✓ EWT 15 years warranty

✓ EWT ultimate customer experience✓ 30 day money back guarantee

✓ Online video

THIS PACKAGE OFFER IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS

CALL NOW 0203 199 5042

EWT, 11 Viewpoint, Boxley Rd, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 2DZ.

See www.ewtechnologies.co.uk/how-much-can-a-water-softener-save-me for more details. Savings depend on usage. The EWT water softener system needs softener salt, at additional cost, approx 1 bag every 8 weeks based on family of 4.

£760 WORTH OF SAVINGS – ORDER NOW!

Alternatively, text: ‘EWT ORDER NOW & POSTCODE’ to 60066

Or discover even more online atwww.ewtechnologies.co.uk

Hopkins Homes builds traditional award winning homes throughout Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex

hopkinshomes.co.uk • 01394 446860

TRADITIONAL CHARACTER,CONTEMPORARY LIVING

If you're searching for a new home with traditional charm as well as all the internal features you desirefor comfortable, convenient and stylish living, look no further than Hopkins Homes and Hopkins and Moore.

We are East Anglia's leading developers, building collections of homes to exceptionally high standards,each one individually designed to complement its setting, be it town, village, countryside or coast.

Call us or visit our website for further information

Inspired by tradition

150392H Composite 340x265_150392H Composite 340x265 27/10/2014 14:58 Page 1

Should I buy a listed property?“Whether you decide to buy a listed property should depend on whether you love the house as it is, or whether you want to make significant changes. Remember, the curtilage, and all buildings within the curtilage, fall into the category, so any grand designs you have for the gardens and outbuildings need to be passed by the Listed Buildings Officer.

“It is worth checking if there is any specific feature that underpins the status of the property, as this is likely to be completely non-negotiable in terms of modifications,

while a more relaxed attitude may be adopted when it comes to other less important features or areas of the property.”

Who can I advise me?“Make an early appointment with a Listed Buildings Officer or Conservation Officer, who will give an indication of whether your proposed changes seem appropriate.”

Grade I or Grade II“Grade I Listed properties and Grade II* Listed properties are a much more serious matter than Grade II Listed. The chances of getting permission to make changes to these properties are remote, so purchasers need to be sure that they love the property as it is. The kudos of owning one of these properties is also much greater.”

Can I make changes without listed building consent?“Making changes without Listed building consent would be making a big mistake. An enforcement notice is an expensive piece of paper, and even if you get away with internal changes at the time, they will become a big problem if you come to sell.”

WHAT IS A LISTED BUILDING?Buildings are awarded listed status to mark their architectural or historical interest, and to give them protection against any alterations that may affect this interest. All buildings that retain their original structures built before 1700 have listed status, while most buildings constructed before 1840 do too. Listed buildings don’t have to be hundreds of years old, but the status is usually reserved for those at least 30 years old.

WHAT ARE THE GRADES?Grade II listed buildings are structures of ‘special interest’. Grade II* are ‘more than special interest’ and Grade I are ‘exceptional interest’. 92% of listed buildings in the UK are Grade II, 5% Grade II* and just 2.5% Grade I.

WHY ARE SOME PEOPLE RELUCTANT ABOUT PURCHASING LISTED HOMES?There is a misconception that listed buildings cannot be altered. Changes can be made in some circumstances,

but carrying out unauthorised alterations or extensions to a listed building is a criminal offence, and can lead to a huge bill to restore the building to its original state.

WHY IS THE CONSERVATION OFFICER IMPORTANT?The Conservation Officer will be an employee of the local council, whose job it is to ensure the character of a property remains intact. The Conservation Officer will have the power to grant or deny permission to make changes to your home, and may also dictate which materials you can use to make the changes. Listed Building Consent is comparable to planning permission, although no fees are involved.

IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO BE PARTICULARLY CAREFUL OF?Buyers should check carefully for any unauthorised work on their prospective property by previous owners, as once the home is purchased the buyer is responsible, regardless of when this work was carried out. Home insurance

can help you get past this issue, but can be significantly more expensive for listed buildings.

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE BUYING A LISTED HOME?Consult specialists on the relevant architectural period to get advice on what kind of changes might be allowed on your property. These groups include The Georgian Group, Victorian Society and Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

Ensure you are totally up to date with the current planning advice and guidelines, which can change over time. The English Heritage website should be your first port of call, and will also be your first point of contact should you experience a dispute with your local planning authority.

Find out who your neighbours will be. Any decisions made on your proposed changes or renovations will take the wider community into consideration – so if you are surrounded by similar listed properties your scope could be limited considerably. Good neighbours can also be valuable allies should any planning disputes occur.

listed properties 27

Buying a listed propertyMore news and interviews at whathouse.com/news

EXPERT OPINION A ll of the talk in property circles at the moment seems to be about new homes – how many can we build, where can we build them

and why haven’t we built enough in recent years? With estimates on housebuilding numbers

varying wildly, homes can almost seemdisposable – so why not take a look at the properties that definitely aren’t going anywhere? There is currently in excess of 375,000 listed buildings in the UK – but is it really realistic to purchase one of your own?

Here’s our beginners guide.

EXAMPLE PROPERTIES

A charming Grade II listed four-bedroom barn conversion with sea views, located within a ten-minute walk of Soar Mill Cove and the South West Coastal Path. The current owners oversaw the conversion of the slate stone farmhouse and barns, which has resulted in a picturesque group of dwellings.

Find out more at www.marchandpetit.co.uk; 01548844473

Hazel Tor Barn, Lower Soar, Malborough, Devon £675,000

Thirston House is an exceptional Grade II listed country house, which was extensively renovated by the present owners in 1996. Constructed in 1820 by John Dobson and internally remodelled in 1902, the property provides generously proportioned and versatile accommodation. It is set within eight acres of private, landscaped grounds but is accessible to local amenities and the A1.

Find out more at www.smithsgore.co.uk; 01434 632001

James Greenwood of Stacks Property Search

Thirston House, West Thirston, Morpeth, Northumberland£3,000,000

Find out more at www.stacks.co.uk; 01594 842880

DESTINED TO BE A LONDONLANDMARK

+ 360 aspirational apartments+ Award-winning development team+ Superb connectivity+ Sustainable design+ Near London’s new 3rd business district+ Ideal investment property

See for yourself at the Hoola Marketing Suite – now open!The Pavilion1 Siemens Brothers WayRoyal Victoria DocksLondon E16 1GB

Tel: 0207 474 1121www.hoola-london.co.uk newhomes@strawberrystar.com

Images are artists impressions for indicative purposes

ward-winning London property consultant, Strawberry Star, has this month brought Hoola London to market.

Developed in partnership with mid-market specialist HUB, Hoola London is transforming a brownfield site in Royal Docks into two near-identical 23- and 24-storey towers surrounded by rippling glass balconies.

Designed by celebrated CZWG Architects, the towers offer 360 studios, one-, two- and three-bed apartments, available in no less

than eleven layouts. Interiors from Johnson Naylor, specialists who have worked at Battersea Power Station and King’s Cross Central, will bring a “Zone 1 finish to Zone 3 pricing”, complemented by breathtaking skyline views from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Set in immaculate landscaped gardens and benefitting from a range of facilities on-site including a gym, residents’ business lounge and concierge services, Hoola fulfils the appetite for aspirational homes at mid-market prices.

An innovative link-up will pipe excess

heat from the neighbouring ExCeL Centre into the development, providing all heating and hot water requirements, while the building’s concrete frame will also act as a heat sink – absorbing heat on warm days and releasing it back into apartments when it cools.

Assessments by HUB’s technical team show Hoola is likely to produce 57% less CO2 emissions than current building regulations require, meaning homes that are great to live in while being cheaper to run.

Hoola London reflects Strawberry Star’s commitment to investing in

previously overlooked areas of London, poised for regeneration. It is located close to the planned £1.7bn Asian Business Port – the transformation of a 35-acre site into London’s third business district, creating 20,000 jobs and contributing £6bn to the UK economy.

Strawberry Star’s focus on high-end design and strategic location ensures these properties have the potential to appreciate considerably in value. As well as high population growth, the Royal Docks’ proximity to Crossrail, due in 2018, will further drive capital value in the area. Prices could rise by around

25% above baseline projections, according to an impact survey.*

Hoola is a remarkable development that promises to deliver both exceptional design and unparalleled quality, in a remarkable location poised to thrive over the coming years. Prices from just £359,000.

Hoola London Marketing Suite now open – Hoola Pavilion, Royal London Dock, E16 1GB (behind the Siemens Crystal Building).Find out more at www.hoola-london.co.uk; 020 7437 1000* GVA Crossrail Property Impact Study

A

Strawberry Star launches iconic development in Royal Docks

advertorial 29More news and interviews at whathouse.com/news

f you’re thinking of taking out a new mortgage, one of the biggest challenges facing you is to accurately compare the cost of one deal with another. While

mortgage rates are easy enough to compare, associated costs and fees can be confusing with many lenders giving these charges different names.

However, things could be set to change. The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has claimed that progress has been made in standardising fees and that new rules about fee descriptions could be in force by the end of 2015.

LENDERS TRYING TO IMPROVE TRANSPARENCY OF MORTGAGE FEESA three-page report from the CML and consumer group Which? has suggested to the Chancellor that lenders are in the process of trying to improve the transparency of mortgage fees.

In a letter accompanying the report, the CML told the Chancellor: “We have been working closely together over the last few months to identify what opportunities there are to help customers when they are trying to compare mortgages. A summary of this work and our resultant proposals accompanies this letter.”

The final report is expected later this year, following on from a 2014 briefing from Which? that called for action from lenders to make the

comparison of mortgage prices more straightforward and to make the full cost of a mortgage clearer.

The letter added: “Our hope is that our proposals will both allow customers to have a better understanding of what is available in the mortgage market and ensure they will be able to make a more informed choice of what option they want to pursue.”

The Building Societies Association and the Association of Mortgage

Intermediaries are also to be kept informed of developments, and the findings will be discussed with price comparison websites.

The key proposals are:

• More consistent use of terms to describe the same type of fees and charges in order that consumers can accurately compare them

• To provide clearer ways of presenting information in order to help borrowers

compare the cost of particular mortgage deals over specific periods, not just the upfront costs

• A common approach from banks and building societies to make their tariff of fees more easily available and to provide clearer information about mortgage costs

• Introduce a better explanation of whether fees are compulsory or avoidable and when they will be charged

Commenting on the new proposals, Keith Osborne, editor of WhatHouse?, says: “We welcome this ongoing debate as it is important that consumers are able to accurately compare mortgage deals. By standardising terms and making it clearer what fees are payable it will be easier for borrowers to find the cheapest overall product.”

30 mortgages Find a great mortage deal at whathouse.com/mortgages

I

Mortgage fees set to be made easier to understandComparing mortgage deals could be set to get easier, says Nick Parkhouse

Found a house you love?

We’ll find you the perfect mortgage to match.

Prolific Mortgage Finance Ltd is a registered company in England & Wales under company number 06334944. Prolific Mortgage Finance Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Home Counties Mortgage Protection and Finance Ltd who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. There may be occasions where we may charge a fee which will depend on your circumstances. In these situations we will inform you at an early stage, the fee typically being no more that 1% of the total loan amount.YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED UPON IT. The actual premium for protection products will depend upon individual circumstances. Please ask us for a specific customer illustration be contacting us by completing our enquiry form or telephone the office directly. *The above mentioned products are not regulated by the FCA and accordingly the protection normally afforded does not apply.

whathouse.com/mortgages

We specialise in all types of mortgages including:

• New Home purchases• First time buyers• Remortgaging• House Moves

• Self employed• Landlords• Buy to Let• Specialised bespoke options

HOW SMALL CHANGE COULD MAKE YOU BIG RETURNS

There aren’t many investment opportunities with a 2,000 year old heritage.

But this is a coin with the seal of approval from the fi rst Emperor of Rome. It is a gold ‘Aureus’ struck in

15-13 BC, featuring both Augustus, the Emperor and a butting bull.

This Augustan Aureus is priced at £32,000. In 2013 an Aureus from 15-13 BC was auctioned for US

$425,500, 227% up on its $130,000 estimate. Another, with a unique heifer design, sold for £300,000 in 2014.

Uncorrelated with other asset classes, rare coins and stamps provide several thousand Stanley Gibbons

Investment clients with strong portfolio diversifi cation and the potential for capital growth.

The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back what you put in. Stamps and certain other collectibles are not designated investments for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 and as such are not subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or otherwise. Stanley Gibbons Investment does not provide valuations.

BIG RETURNS

To find out more call 0845 026 7170 or visit sginvest.co.uk/whathouse

.co.uk

Prices from £425 + VAT

get a free personal property manager with promo code whathouse