whathouse? west midlands october 2015

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

West Midlands EditionOctober 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

What makes a property hotspot? P23

Spooky – homes with secrets

and mysteries P6Play it safe – home security tips P3

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

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

Welcome!

ur section on property hotspots this month reflects just how varied our property market is,

with a myriad of considerations for the many types of buyer and investor out there.

In the run-up to the end of the last tax year in April, there was a lot of speculation about how many people would take advantage of new pension fund freedoms, and many headlines generated by comments from pensions minister Steve Webb about pensioners buying Lamborghinis.

As it has turned out, the spending frenzy expected by some has not materialised, either in terms of Lamborghinis driven off dealers’ forecourts or property speculation, from our older population.

Pretty soon, it became clear that while the freedom was suddenly there, so were some pretty hefty tax penalties for withdrawing money from the pension pot to spend or invest in the free market.

At a recent property investment event, I was surprised at the demographic of the attendees, which included far fewer people of pension age than I had expected to see. There were one or two young couples there with pushchairs, but the majority were singles or couples in their 30s and 40s.

Buy-to-let has recently caught the eye of the Bank of England (BoE), with a report suggesting that the burgeoning market has the ability to destabilise our whole economy if interest rates start to cause problems for investors who can’t cope with increased payments

The Bank published data showing that buy-to-let mortgage lending has increased by more than 40% since the 2008 banking crisis, compared to an increase of 2% to owner-occupiers.

The BoE’s financial policy committee (FPC) said: “Buy-to-let investors may further exacerbate a downturn if they expect rental incomes to fall below their interest payments, and consequently add to selling pressure.”

The FPC estimated that 40% of buy-to-let investors would try to sell their property if their rental income fell below their interest payments.

So, buy-to-let is certainly not a guaranteed way to make money, though in the long term, property has historically out-performed banks and stock markets. Take independent advice before jumping into it and don’t expect to make a quick buck.

KeithKeith Osborne, editor. [email protected] @keithosborne69

O

Home security

GOING ON HOLIDAYBurglaries aren’t always opportunistic, and some burglars scope out properties in advance. With this in mind, it is important to ensure your property always looks occupied. When you go on holiday, your curtains being open and unopened post piling up are telltale signs that you’re away.

If you don’t have an alarm, get a neighbour to come in and pull the curtains, and invest in timer switches to turn the lights on and off. Cancel any newspaper deliveries and consider asking Royal Mail to hold on to any post until you return, if you lack a trusted neighbour to do so. You could also enlist the help of the local neighbourhood watch or ask a neighbour to park on your drive occasionally to give the illusion that people are coming and going.

DOOR AND WINDOW SECURITYDoors and windows are the easiest routes in to your property, so it is important to be vigilant. Increasing your window security can be as simple as making you keep your window keys out of sight, or as complicated as installing laminated glass or plastic glazing film, which will make it more difficult for burglars to break in. As a basic rule, for easily accessible windows, homeowners should always install double glazing where possible.

In 73% of burglaries, entry is gained via a door, and in 3% of instances the door was even left open. Burglars would rather force their way in

through the door than smash windows, so ensure yours are secure.

Doors should be fitted with a five-lever mortise deadlock, while wooden doors can be made stronger with steel strips fitted to the frames. If you happen to be replacing your doors, opt for door sets that are PAS 24 certified.

For addition protection, consider using an internal cover plate on your letterbox and don’t leave any keys or valuables nearby. It should also go without saying that you should never leave a spare key in a visible or obvious place, such as under a plant pot or above a door ledge.

LIGHTS AND ALARMSIn addition to using timers for lights around the home, consider purchasing an outdoor light, which depending on the specification can cost as little as £10. You can either use a light that is operated manually or one with a motion sensor. These sensors can be set off in various circumstances, such as a cat walking across your drive, but they could also help you avoid burglaries.

When it comes to house alarms, there is a significant range of options. A good alarm system should always have a visible ‘bell box’, which will let burglars know you have security installed and act as a visual deterrent. If you can’t afford or don’t want a full alarm system, you can install a fake ‘dummy’ alarm box, which you can pick up for around £20.

Alarms come in many shapes and sizes, from motion sensors to smartphone activated systems and specialist shed alarms.

SMART SECURITYThe face of home security is changing, with a range of technology being introduced to the market to give homeowners increased peace of mind. Video monitoring via smartphones is an increasingly popular method, using apps that remotely inform the homeowner when there is motion in the house. Smart bulbs, meanwhile, remember how often you switch the light on and mimic it while you’re away. Even more elaborate options are available – such as devices that release smoke upon smartphone command to confuse burglars.

Smartphone-controlled door locks are also available, although there is still some debate about quite how safe they really are. If you do choose to invest in home security tech, stay savvy by always changing default passwords and find out where the security company is storing your details.

t’s National Home Security Month, and with the nights about to start drawing in and the festive period rapidly approaching, now is a great time to consider whether you are really

doing all you can to keep your home safe. Securing your home can involve everything from being extra careful over locking each of your

windows to installing a smart security system which can be operated remotely from your phone. Security solutions don’t have to be expensive and time consuming, and can offer great peace of mind to homeowners.

I

TOP TEN TIPS FROM NATIONAL HOME SECURITY MONTH

1) How many people have the keys to your home? If you’ve recently moved house, it’s advisable to change the locks as you never know who may have a copy

2) Thieves don’t need to use force in 3 out of 10 burglaries, as they can instead take advantage of unlocked doors and open windows. Ensure that all windows in your home, upstairs and downstairs, are fitted with at least one appropriate lock

3) Get an alarm – 60% of burglaries attempted on homes with alarms are unsuccessful, yet 71% of UK homes still don’t have one installed

4) Store valuable items and confidential documents/paperwork in a home safe that is bolted to a floor or wall

5) Don’t leave ladders or tools lying around in your garden as burglars could use them to break in to your home. Always secure these kinds of items in a shed

6) The average value of an outdoor burglary is £850. Work out the value of your shed and whether it is sufficiently covered as part of your home insurance plan

7) Be extra vigilant when the clocks go back this month – the darker evenings result in burglaries increasing by up to 20%

8) Only 5% of bikes stolen in the UK are ever returned, so always secure your bike in a shed with a good cycle lock

9) Computers, cash, electrical goods and jewellery are among the most commonly stolen items in domestic burglaries, so keep yours safe and out of sight

10) Secure external timber doors with a lock and/or nightlatch

For more tips, visit www.homesecuritymonth.com

A chance to win £50

One of our new followers from 10th October to 9th November 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 Tilly Rubens

Sales director Adrian Talbot [email protected]

Sales manager Murad Paloba [email protected]

Sales executive Andrew Sinclair [email protected]

Sales Ian Richardson [email protected]

Sales Steven Benjafield [email protected]

Advertsing sales David Wright [email protected]

Head of digital Simon Phillips [email protected]

Cover photo: Wychbury Fields in Hagley, Worcestershire, from £460,000 from CALA Homes; 01562 881855

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, 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: [email protected] W: www.whathouse.comPrinted by 39zero / Distributed by Royal Mail © 2015 Globespan Media Limited

WhatHouse?, ISSN: 02691310

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 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

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

J441 09/15

Before you buy a new home, make sure it has Buildmark, which provides you with 10 years’ warranty and insurance. Then you’ll know it’s good quality and that your investment is protected.

0844 633 1000 www.nhbcnewhomes.co.uk

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

From properties with secret passageways to one that is a secret in its own right. Linton Hills is hidden away in the middle of 100 acres of woodland in a privately protected valley running down to the sea on the north coast of Devon.

The property itself is a large and attractive home perfectly equipped for modern living and boasting a separate two-bedroom cottage that would be ideal as a holiday home or weekend retreat.

All of the rooms here face south, and the original part of the property is believed to be around 400 years old. Buyers are sure to

be particularly impressed by a superb studio/library which takes up the whole second floor.

Much of the setting here is a designated nature reserve, with dramatic cliffs and small remote beaches. For explorers, the network of footpaths which lead to the sea at Marsland Mouth will be a real attraction.

From: Knight Frank Contact: : 01392 248898

The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent £950,000

Consort House in Brighton is the perfect place to enjoy a property fairytale. Not only does the crescent boast a secret tunnel in the communal grounds leading under the road to the seafront and one of the upper promenades, but it was reputedly the inspiration for the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland.

This Grade I listed townhouse is arguably one of the finest examples of regency architecture in the country, and features four reception rooms, six bedrooms and three bathrooms. Lying in the centre of the crescent are well kept gated gardens of around seven acres, which are known as the ‘Kemp Town Enclosures’ and are for exclusive use by the residents.

The cosmopolitan marina, with its cinema, sports complex and restaurants, is less than half a mile away; East Brighton golf course is just over a mile away, and the stunning South Downs National Park is visible from the rear of the property.

From: Savills Contact: 01444 446000

Consort House, Brighton £3.65m

Originally built in 1727, this delightful Georgian home features a secret staircase which leads to a hidden walled garden to the rear of the home. The secret garden is accessed via a flight of granite steps and extends to 130 feet.

The terrace of 12 properties was constructed to provide homes and offices for the officers of the dockyard, and occupies a prominent position overlooking the tennis lawns. After careful renovation work, the property offers great peace and tranquillity.

This home has range of period features, including panelled doors, high corniced

ceilings and feature fireplaces. A separate staircase gives alternative access to the rear wing, with an en suite bathroom and library which lends itself to a self-contained annexe for relatives or an au pair.

Although the property is located in a quiet, tucked away position, the historic Chatham Dockyard is ideally situated close to the local restaurants, pubs and cinema at Chatham Marina.

From: Fine & Country Contact: 01474 700009

Linton Hills, Welcombe, Devon £1.1m

Six appealOur pick of the very best homes with secrets and mysteries

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

Papillon Hall, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire • £4.995m

Bembridge House, Fareham, Hampshire £900,000

West Wing, Meopham, Kent £975,000West Wing is a charming four-bedroom property with many character features dating from the Elizabethan period, including a stunning castellated tower and a secret garden.

The property boasts high ceilings, exposed timbers and open fireplaces, as well as a striking encaustic tiled floor in the music room. Arranged over three fours and with a flintstone outbuilding, the accommodation provides versatile living suitable for modern families.

The property is approached through double wooden gates

leading to a gravel drive, while the established gardens and secret garden amount to a total of just under 2 acres.

Accommodation here is arranged on the first and second floors. The master bedroom has high ceilings, a square bay window, a fireplace, wardrobes and a dressing area. Among the highlights is the second floor bedroom, which is located in the tower and features a triple aspect with a vaulted ceiling.

From: Savills Contact: 01732 789700

To Hampshire, for a unique opportunity to purchase a detached period residence with an interesting twist. Bembridge House, in Fareham, is a stunning family home with distinctive period features such as high ceilings, picture rails and extensive period cornicing.

For mystery lovers in search of a property with a real talking point, the dining room can be accessed by

moving the red book on the third shelf of a bookcase, which works as a mechanical trigger for a hidden door.

The extensive property boasts two storeys to the front, which have distinctive features such as high ceilings, picture rails and extensive period cornicing.

The rear of the house consists of three storeys which are the original

servants’ quarters. Externally Bembridge House has grounds consisting of a beautifully tree-lined, lawned garden with shrubs and a patio affording privacy in a quiet space.

From: Fine & CountryContact: 02393 277277

This contemporary English ‘Chateau’ in the Warwickshire countryside has its own cinema and pool rooms hidden in the depths of the house. The plot of this seven-bedroom luxury home extends to around 18 acres, including gardens, outbuildings and stables.

Set over three floors, the property is perfect for buyers looking for a taste of luxury living, with a stunning leisure and recreational suite and an indoor/outdoor infinity swimming pool among the main draws.

The suite offers the ideal workout solution, with a sauna and steam room among its features. For those

who want to relax, the semi-subterranean cinema room is an unexpected and versatile place to chill out or even use as a party space or club.

The dominant elevated setting allows for stunning views over the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills, with the master suite on the first floor opening onto a wide balcony. The hall is also ideally located for easy access to the motorway network and the surrounding towns.

From: Fine & CountryContact: 0121 746 6400

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

Hip to be square

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 [email protected]

Images are artists impressions for indicative purposes

Park ViewCoventry Road, Hinckley LE10 0NU

Visit: redrow.co.uk/parkviewCall: 01455 698336

Pennine GrangePennine Way, Tamworth B77 4JF

Visit: redrow.co.uk/pennineCall: 01827 902025

Image typical of Redrow homes. Price correct at time of going to press.

VERY EXCITING

Redrow homes have undeniable kerb appeal with distinctive, detailed architectural touchesthat set them apart from the competition. Very Inviting, Very Inspiring, Very Redrow.

NEW SHOWHOMES

COMING SOONWe are pleased to announce that we will be opening the doors to our beautiful

showhomes at Park View, Hinckley and Pennine Grange, Tamworth in July. Come alongto Park View, Hinckley, today where the Marketing Suite is now open and we have

a selection of 3 and 4 bedroom homes available from £224,995

Hinckley and TamworthTO

14104 Park View+Pennine Grange WHMN 340x265 wc220615.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2015 12:13 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

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

HIGHBANKSSouthend-on-Sea Essex SS1 2LB

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW

+44 (0)1279 873 300 | [email protected]/highbanks

PRICES FROM £159,995

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Discover Highbanks, an exclusive development of one, two and three bedroom apartments situated in the heart of Southend-on-Sea. With

stunning picturesque views of the coast and high-end specifi cation, you’ll fi nd Highbanks is a special place to live.

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Computer generated photomontage of Highbanks.

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

interiors 15For the latest on the property market @What_House

The art of deceptionTrompe l’oeil architectural features and finishes are a way of creating optical effects that are both sophisticated and entertaining. Richenda Oldham talks about the history behind faux-effect wallpapers

ince as far back as Pompeii (c 70AD), artists have been using a fascinating art form known as trompe l’oeil to amuse their customers.

Quite literally, trompe l’oeil means to ‘deceive the eye’ and it uses lifelike images to form optical illusions, which encourage people to think that the object being viewed is three dimensional - in other words, real.

During the Renaissance, when the use of perspective reached a highly sophisticated level, trompe l’oeil was used to great effect by artists such as Andrea Mantegna and Melozzo da Forli to paint illusionistic ceiling paintings to create the impression of three-dimensional space on otherwise flat surfaces (known as Quadratura). Some of the most outstanding examples use foreshortening techniques to produce domes and even open skies, such as Mantegna’s ceiling fresco in the Palazzo Ducale in Mantua.

On a smaller scale, artists used amusing trompe l’oeil details to startle and challenge the people viewing a painting. Examples such as a fly, which appears to sit on the edge of picture frame or a fake curtain concealing part of a picture, blur the boundary between the subject of a picture and reality. For pure beauty, though, the lifelike

paintings of fruits and vegetables from this era, provide us with some of the most fascinating studies of what our ancestors ate.

In the 17th century, Flemish and Dutch painters produced astonishing pieces of trompe l’oeil still-life art (known as quodlibet), which was particularly popular. These focused on everyday objects and produced beautifully executed and highly realistic paintings of items such as combs, ribbons, pin cushions, notebooks, jewellery, stationery, scissors and even a deck of playing cards laid out on a table.

Ever since Michelangelo used trompe l’oeil on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, this fakery technique has played an important role in architectural detail. Walls, floors, and ceilings have all benefited from painted illusions, which, when skilfully executed, become an important part of the building itself.

Fake stonework, windows with vistas, doorways, columns, stonework, statues, fountains, ornaments, trees and plants, can all be painted on to flat surfaces. A spectacular example of how the ordinary can be elevated into something extraordinary, is the Italian Chapel, which was built inside two Nissen huts by Italian prisoners of war on Orkney during World War Two. The interior of the chapel was transformed

by outstanding trompe l’oeil murals featuring columns, angels, sky, arches and stone block work.

For those of us not blessed with either artistic talent or a hefty budget to commission a trompe l’oeil specialist to transform our homes, the modern world has fortunately given us trompe l’oeil wallpapers. These are now more widely available and consequently are more affordable than they were ten or 15 years ago. In fact, the range is so good that it now offers limitless scope to metamorphose plain interiors into, well, anything you wish.

So for a library, you can create bookshelves packed with tomes that can never be read but will look the part. Fancy a Georgian panelled dining room? No problem, there are many fake panelling wallpapers in different colours to choose form. Or are you hankering after something more baronial, with stone blocks? Again, there are a number of very fine wallpapers depicting stone blocks to which you can add columns and even a fresco or two.

Alternatively, why not opt for something more contemporary in the shape of concrete-effect walls. Then if that’s too brutal for your taste, how about driftwood planks for a beach hut look? You can even add a fake window with a sea view!

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1 Sometimes the simplest effects are the best; white panelling wallpaper inspired by Georgian architectural details, £70 per roll, www.housejunkie.co.uk2 The clarity of this wallpaper, which features a photographic snapshot of reclaimed wood cladding is quite exceptional; Scrapwood, £199 per roll, www.theorchardhomeandgifts.com3 Create your own reading room with

this vintage bookshelf wallpaper; £70 per 250cm (l) x 50cm (w) roll, www.lukuhome.com4 Beautifully lifelike, classic trompe l’oeil stone-effect wallpaper; £40 per roll, www.digetexhome.co.uk5 This stunning wallpaper is designed to mimic the look of vintage painted tiles found in North American warehouses; Brooklyn Tins Wallpaper by Merci, £219 per roll, www.vivalagoon.com

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16 interiors For the latest on the property market @What_House

Rustic rulesDo you secretly long for a bit of floral? Do you lust after tweed and belfast sinks? Resist no longer, embrace the chintz and become a rustic rebel, says Richenda Oldham. ountry style is one of

the most enduring looks in interior design and it’s not hard to see why this versatile mode

has sailed through endless changing trends just doing its own thing. Unpretentious, comfortable, relaxed and welcoming are all words that epitomise this much-loved trend, which can move effortlessly in any direction from cosy traditional with coordinated chintzes and the ubiquitous Aga to an edgier, more contemporary style with bleached wood, natural fabrics and heaps of texture.

It is also an extremely forgiving style in terms of proportions and even the age of a house doesn’t alter its ability to go with the flow. So, while properties oozing wooden beams, panelled walls and flagstone

floors are the perfect canvas for classic country style, so too can a modern box benefit from a rustic makeover, particularly as the materials for such character transformations are now readily available.

All sizes of property can be accommodated within the country style genre equally well. So whether your home is a castle or a farmhouse, a modern semi or a coastal cottage, there is an element of country that will suit the architectural framework.

For grander properties that are more manor house, everything needs to be on a larger scale with generously proportioned furniture, including oversized sofas and armchairs, floor-length curtains with bold tie-backs, substantial tables, oversized artwork and capacious lanterns or chandeliers.

Colours should be elegant, muted

and graceful. High ceilings lend themselves to more dramatic effects such as striped fabrics and tweed, vast fireplaces with painted overmantels. The odd, stuffed stag’s head or pheasant wouldn’t go amiss either…

A rural farmhouse, featuring lower ceilings and heavy, chamfered wooden beams is a different proposition altogether, which needs sensitive treatment if it is not to become stuffy and cluttered. This type of house can benefit greatly from soft cream tones, which work well where there is plenty of wooden texture. It requires a simpler treatment, so team sofas upholstered in soft checked fabrics with distressed painted chests or dressers. Animal motifs, whether on cushions, paintings or china are a classic ingredient that always fits the bill. An Aga or range cooker, preferably in classic cream, will

warm the kitchen. Use stone flags and loose rugs made from coir or seagrass to finish the look.

Modern new builds should be viewed as blank canvases with heaps of potential, rather than as boring characterless boxes. They are, in fact, just waiting for someone to inject some personality. Starting with the hallway, make sure it has plenty of robust storage in the form of a traditional peg rail with shelf above. Always try and use good-quality pieces made by traditional craftsmen. Add in plenty of wicker baskets and storage for welly-boots, plus limestone flags. A comfortable chair piled with traditional weave blankets or cushions and big bunches of cottage garden flowers will all add to the charm. Continue this look throughout the rest of the house and you are on to a winner.

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1 This floral bed set is based on the classic chintz pattern but its charcoal and pink colour combination gives it an appealing and fresh twist; Roseneath double side quilt, www.wallacecotton.com

2 This charming, country-style kitchen has all the right ingredients: oak beams, cream Shaker-style units, beech worktop, a range cooker, belfast sink and poultry-themed roller blind (Feathered Friends Apple) from www.directblinds.co.uk

3 Made from pure wool, tweed is an impeccable upholstery cloth being smart, warm and hardwearing; Hebrides chairs in Harris Tweed, £899 each, www.darlingsofchelsea.co.uk

4 Accessories play a big part in achieving a country look – be brave and openly display everyday items such as kitchen utensils so that they become part of the overall design; www.ikea.com

5 Stag prints are still very much in vogue and are perfect for rustic style rooms; Stag hug rug, £39.99, www.modern-rugs.co.uk

543

21

For the latest on the property market @What_House

Some like it hot

Bring your dining table alive with these neon candleholders; www.aprilandthebear.com

Neon colours are a fun and vibrant way to bring excitement to your home. Just a splash of neon will give added lift to a plain living space, says Richenda Oldham

Toast of the townThe classic toaster has been replaced by progressive models that do everything bar the washing up. Richenda Oldham picks some likely winners

1 The Delonghi Distina Black is a four-slice toaster with extra lift position for easy removal of small slices. It has electronic controls, which allow you to reheat, defrost, one-side bagel and cancel; £99.00, www.housingunits.co.uk; 2 The Hotpoint TT44E AB0 is a four-slot digital toaster with electronic controls that allow the user to choose between eight different browning levels; £49.99, www.hotpoint.co.uk; 3 Tefal’s Toast ‘n Egg is a fabulous breakfast gadget, as it features two slots for toast, as well as a steamer tray for boiling eggs and a poaching tray for poaching eggs. It has wide slots too for muffins, bagels and croissants; £33.99, domu.co.uk; 4 Russell Hobbs 18954 two-slice toaster in grey is a budget-priced appliance with extra wide slots and a defrost function – all for just £19.99; Currys PC World; 5 Hot stuff – Morphy Richards Accents 2422004 is a four-slice toaster in a striking red finish. It has a defrost and warming function and has a high-lift eject; £39.99, Currys PC World;

12

4

5

3

Have fun cooking with these fluorescent pink retro-style kitchen scales; £32.95, www.rigbyandmac.com

Twinkle twinkle little star - LED lights in neon colours light up when you squeeze this pillow;

£19.99, www.tesco.com

Get the cutting edge with this Acacia chopping board with neon pink border; £25, www.berryred.co.uk

This charming house-shaped wire magazine rack is ideal for introducing a spot of neon into your living space; £29, www.oliverbonas.com

interiors 17

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

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

New home designs already selling fast off-plan in Hagley ith four homes

already sold off-plan, house-hunters in the West Midlands are

showing their approval of the new home designs now released by award-winning housebuilder CALA Homes at Wychbury Fields.

The new second phase features a range of four- and five-bedroom family homes in designs that haven’t been seen before on the development. The Hagley scheme is an Arts and Crafts-inspired collection of 192 two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, with 26 unveiled in this current phase.

Robert Monkman, sales and marketing director for CALA Homes Midlands, said: “We’ve enjoyed huge success with the first phase at Wychbury Fields. We have designed a high-quality scheme here in an aspirational location of Hagley. It is traditional in design and sensitive to its village location, which means Wychbury Fields is having broad appeal.

“We’ve listened to customer feedback since work started last July and we’ve included a few new designs in this selection, which are a first for the region, so we’re expecting a great deal of interest in this second phase. So if you are considering Wychbury Fields we’d advise you to come and talk to us now to reserve your perfect family home.”

One of the brand new designs included in this phase at Wychbury Fields is the four-bedroom ‘Hazelmere’, which features a spacious hallway, large sitting room to the front of the property, and an open-plan kitchen diner and garden room to the rear. With French doors opening up onto the patio, this space is perfect for everything from summer barbecues, to relaxed family meals.

Upstairs are the master bedroom with contemporary en suite, a further three bedrooms and the family bathroom. Prices on the new phase range between £460,000 and £535,000.

Wychbury Fields is located in 30 acres on the border of Hagley village, on land that was previously part of Lord Cobham’s estate, and is surrounded by mature woodland. It has been designed around a garden village concept within a parkland setting, and many of the properties offer views over the open countryside.

Hagley is a large and well-regarded village, situated around seven miles from Dudley and Kidderminster and just 15 miles from Birmingham, making it popular with commuters. Hagley itself offers a broad range of amenities including convenience stores, pubs and restaurants with a further range of shops just four miles away in Stourbridge.

Purchasers at Wychbury Fields will also benefit from a good standard of local education, with the village offering reputable infant and junior schools.

CALA is currently offering a variety of purchase assistance schemes, including its popular part exchange

initiative whereby CALA will effectively act as a cash buyer, saving time, hassle and money and offering the peace of mind of being chain-free. Homes under

£600,000 are also available under the government’s Help to Buy scheme. Find out more at www.cala.co.uk; 01562 881855

WHomebuyers already snapping up new phase at Wychbury Fields

The rub of The Green

he Green is a development of 11 new build family homes situated in a cul-de-sac on the Botteville Road. These three- and four-

bedroom homes are located in the leafy suburb of Acocks Green in Birmingham.

This collection of homes is marketed by investment specialists Claremont Property Group, a family-owned company with 15 years of experience, who have worked with Headland Developments to create house types with a design and specification that will appeal to owner-occupiers and investors alike.

Inside each home is a stylish interior that includes a modern fitted kitchen/dining room with sleek high gloss white units, built-in electric oven and grill, gas hob with a stainless steel extractor hood and dishwasher; a sleek bathroom, en suite and downstairs WC; and Virgin Media installed. Every property has a driveway and garage space and comes with a ten-year Premier Guarantee new home warranty.

The development is an ideal place to live with its cul-de-sac setting, offering privacy to its residents long with the convenience of being just a few minutes’ walk from Acocks Green High Street on Warwick Road. The High Street is home to several supermarkets and is an important shopping centre for the local community.

Botteville Road is within easy reach of Acocks Green station where you can travel to Birmingham city centre in less than 10 minutes.

Nearby primary schools include Acocks Green School, The Oakland and Holy Souls Catholic Primary School; all of which are within a 10-minute walk from The Green. Secondary schools in the local area include Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School and Ninestiles School. In mid-October, Claremont will start to promote a new development close by on the Coventry Road, which comprises 40 properties.

Find out more at www.thegreenb27.co.uk; 0121 236 3310

T

Investors and owner-occupiers attracted to new Birmingham scheme

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

New show home unveiled in Kineton Four-bedroom house at Kineton Meadows impresses house-hunters in Warwickshire

he launch event for Bloor Homes’ brand new show home at the Kineton Meadows development attracted scores of keen

property seekers when it opened a couple of weeks ago. The housebuilder welcomed visitors with some canapés and a live jazz band to celebrate the first opportunity to see the professionally decorated ‘Berrington’ house.

The ‘Berrington’ is one of five house types currently available at Kineton Meadows, all with four bedrooms and priced between £425,000 and £525,000. For those looking for something a little smaller, Bloor has also released a three-bedroom ‘Studland Special’ house type, which is available from £259,950.

The ‘Berrington’, priced at £450,000, features a spacious lounge

with French doors opening onto the rear garden, an open-plan kitchen/dining area with a second set of French doors to the rear garden, and a separate study.

On the first floor, there are four generously sized double bedrooms, two of which have fitted wardrobes, with the master bedroom also including en suite facilities. The sizeable family bathroom features

sumptuous Swarovski crystal detailing.Anne Cadman, regional sales

director for Bloor Homes Midlands, says: “The ‘Berrington’ is a truly stunning property so it was extremely exciting to welcome house-hunters to our brand new show home at Kineton Meadows. We were very pleased with the turnout and the feedback that we received from visitors, who were clearly impressed with the property’s open-

plan layout and finishing touches, not to mention the development’s location in one of the most desirable areas in the West Midlands.

The sales centre at Kineton Meadows is on Southam Road, Kineton, Warwickshire, CV35 0LG and is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm every day.

Find out more at www.bloorhomes.com; 01926 640580

TStreet scene at Kineton MeadowsThe ‘Berrington’ four-bedroom house type

Leaseback a new home for a 6% yieldBarratt Homes offers investors a guaranteed return at Staffs development arratt Homes West Midlands

is continuing its successful show home leaseback scheme with the opportunity for an investor to buy a

four-bedroom house at Yarnfield Park, near Stone, and rent it back to the housebuilder, with a guaranteed return of 6% per annum.

The ‘Lincoln’ show home on plot 66 is priced at £289,950 and the potential buyer will need to be able to offer the full asking price. Barratt will then rent the house from the investor for two years while keeping the professionally interior designed property in pristine show home condition at the site. This

buyer could earn a return over two years of around £1,450 per month (correct at time of going to press).

The ‘Lincoln’ is a detached family home with two sets of French doors leading out to the rear garden. There is access from the dual-aspect lounge from one set and from the kitchen/family/breakfast area from the other. The dining room sits separately, giving

flexibility for formal or informal entertaining. Three double bedrooms, one with en suite, can be found on the first floor, along with a single bedroom.

“Our ‘Lincoln’ show home offers great value for anyone who is looking to invest in property with minimal risk – as you have a guaranteed tenant for the full duration of the lease,” says

Andrea Shotbolt, senior sales manager for Barratt Homes West Midlands. “And rather than having to worry about untidy tenants, the investor knows that we will maintain the property in pristine condition. We will also guarantee internal fixtures and fittings for a full five years.”

Potential investors can go to see the Staffordshire development in person

on Mondays, 12.30pm to 5.30pm, and Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00am to 5.30pm.

Find out more at http://whathou.se/KsUe6e; 01785 630115

Pictures: The kitchen of the ‘Lincoln’ show house’Barratt’s Andrea Shotbolt

B

01237 459 998 | Grenville Wharf, 6a The Quay, Bideford EX39 2HW

morrisandbott.co.uk

Take the first step today and find out how we can make your property a success.

01237 426 712

Unlock your holiday home’s potential

Bideford - North Devon

£735,000

5 | 4 | 3 • Stunning elevated position• 5 Bedrooms / 3 en-suite• 3 Reception rooms• Breathtaking river views

• Long private gated drive• 2.6 Acres• Detached one bed. annexe• EPC E

For full details, or to view more of our portfolio, visit our website

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

Special feature supplement

hat makes a destination a ‘property hotspot’? Perhaps it’s part of our national

property obsession, but we seem to be inundated with new and reports naming the latest “best” place to buy a home.

In truth, a spot is only hot if it closely fits your idea of where you want to live, and of course that very much depends on your circumstances. What a young, single person looks for is quite different from the wants and needs of a family, which in turn are different from the priorities of an older person.

And if you’ve got an investment hat on, your criteria for selecting a place to buy a home will most likely differ from the qualities you’d be considering if you were buying a property to live in yourself.

Among the more recent ‘hotspot’ reports is one from online estate agent HouseSimple, which looks at data on transport links, places to eat and a young demographic to determine the places likely to see the best growth in prices over the next few years. It identified a wide spectrum of desirable places with potential, from coastal resorts such as Hove and Hythe to cities such as Manchester and Leicester.

Prudential looked at retirement locations in its report this summer, for which its considerations included estimated longevity, crime levels and the per capita number of healthcare professionals in each county. Its top destinations were topped by Devon,

Dorset and Powys.Investors look at a number of

variables when weighing up the risk of a property and those relying on cash flow will look at high annual yields to keep the coffers full month-to-month. HSBC’s annual buy-to-let report named its top 50 towns and cities for the best yield, topped by Manchester, Kingston-upon-Hull and Blackpool. This is based on hard data on average house prices and average rents.

Amenities and infrastructure, present and future, pay a big part in an area’s potential. Central Birmingham has benefited from big investment around New Street station and would hope to see even more with the arrival of the mooted HS2 rail link. HS2 is also one of the keystones of the government’s push to grow the ‘Northern Powerhouse’, its epithet for a collection of urban areas across the north of England.

Around London, Crossrail is just a few years away from launching and this new link between east and west London has sparked considerable property price growth from Shenfield in Essex and Abbey Wood in southeast London to Reading in Berkshire. Talks of Crossrail2, linking southwest with northeast London, could provoke similar increased demand, despite being little more than a concept at the moment and many years away from completion.

In this month’s supplement, we hope to inspire you to consider what your property hotspot might be, whatever kind of home you’re after.

W

What is a ‘property

hotspot’?

Thinking of selling your home?

Do you know how much your home is really worth? Find out with our FREE valuation service.

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.

£?

WhatHouse? works with a team of reputable agents that will carry out the free valuation

buy-to-let 25For the latest on the property market @What_House

Buy-to-let tips for first-time buyers uy-to-let is a potentially

very profitable way to invest cash. In the last 20 years, the property market in the UK has outperformed the

the stock market and traditional bank/pension investments. In a country where we are not building enough houses and where getting mortgage finance is by no means a guarantee for many, there’s strong rental demand and steady appreciation of property values.

If you think you’d benefit from putting your hard-earned money into property, take the time to consider a few key points that will help make your first buy-to-let property a success.

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH – Before taking the plunge, study the different types of investment property and consider what you’re hoping to get out of it (eg are you looking for regular income, or more interested in capital growth over a period of time). Look at as many options as possible before handing over

any money.

2. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION – Just as you would if you were planning to live in the property yourself, weigh up the pros and cons of different locations. Ask yourself whether you need or want to be close to your investment property, or are happy to be many miles away.

3. USE YOUR HEAD – Of course, it’s an exciting prospect, but don’t let your heart rule your head when it comes to making your mind up. Property investment is a business and you need to detach some of your personal feelings from the decision-making process. Look at the property and local area as a potential tenant would and act accordingly.

4. WATCH YOUR FINANCES – The profit potential of a good buy-to-let portfolio is considerable, but be sensible when it comes to your investment finances.

Don’t always think in terms of the maximum returns – take into account the running costs, professional fees and tax implications of your portfolio, and that there might be times when you don’t have a tenant (a ‘void period’), which may tilt profit into loss.

5. MANAGED OR SELF-MANAGED? – One major consideration is whether you are happy to take care of the property and tenants yourself, or whether you pay someone else to do it for you. If your time is precious, it may be worth the extra expense to have a reputable agent look after all the paperwork, rent collection and tenant issues for you. Do you really want calls about a broken boiler at 3am?

Take at look at all our buy-to-let advice and search for a buy-to-let property at www.whathouse.com/advice/buy-to-let

B

hen it comes to buy-to-let property, there are so many options that you might not know where to start. The major points we mentioned above

– location, short- and long-term financial aims, personal involvement with your buy-to-let property – are just the start. From a cheap “doer-upper” to a prime new residence, your choice of investment property, even just in the UK, is enormous. Add the option of an overseas home and the possibilities are even greater.

As part of your research process, take a look at the table and think about the advantages and disadvantages of investing in different types of property before taking the next step.

W

Investment property – pros and cons

Type of propertyNew build

Off-plan

Student property

Renovation

Overseas

Pros Cons

• Potential for capital growth• Regular income• A ‘hands-off’ option – it

doesn’t matter where the property is located

• High potential for capital growth

• Choice of plot• Able to personalise areas of

specification

• Strong UK student market• Often guaranteed income

• Potential to increase value

• Many potential growth areas to consider

• Personal use of the property• Potential to take

advantage of favourable exchange rates

• Large deposit required, typically minimum 25%

• Won’t be seen until complete

• Potential for delays to completion may slow income and capital growth

• Rent guarantee built into price

• No exit strategy• Unmortgageable?

• Should be close to home for ease of renovation

• Experience needed• Time requirements

• Viewings are a necessity• Distance and language

can mean limited communication with agents

Hotspot hotlistYour property hotspot of choice will very much depend on your buying situation. Here are some great new homes for sale in some of the most recently announced hotspots, with appeal to a wide range of property hunters...

Holyshute Lodge (Churchill Retirement Living, from £177,950)The South West held seven of the 20 top spots in Prudential’s survey, which looked at the best places for over 65s to live. Developer Churchill says: “Holyshute Lodge is a beautiful retirement development of 41 one- and two-bedroom senior apartments...Well located on the edge of the town centre the development is ideally placed for the high street which is home to a number of independent and specialist shops.”

http://whathou.se/hNlMLn

PENSIONER WELLBEING – HONITON, DEVON

Abbot Gardens, Moston (Redrow, from £114,995)HSBC’s annual review of rental returns is led by northern towns and cities, with Manchester just edging it from Kingston-upon-Hull and Blackpool. Redrow says of this development: “With a welcoming, community feel and friendly atmosphere, Moston is ideally placed for those who want easy access to the city, without any of the city stress.”

http://whathou.se/qh5yT6

BEST RENTAL RETURNS – MANCHESTER

One Hove Park, Hove (Hyde New Homes, from £425,000)Online estate agency HouseSimple’s survey had a distinctly youthful basis, with places boasting trendy eateries, good transport links and a young population scoring strongly. Hyde New Homes says of these apartments: “Sympathetic to the surroundings of the Hove Park Character Area, One Hove Park is truly one of a kind... You are quite literally on the doorstep on of Brighton and Hove’s most appealing open spaces.”

www.hydenewhomes.co.uk

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS – BRIGHTON & HOVE

Drayton Garden Village (Bellway Homes, price TBA)JLL have named a few of the stops on the new Crossrail route as especially ‘hot’, including Woolwich and Whitechapel. Bellway says of this soon-to-be-released development: “Exciting one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses set in an award-winning 21st-century village...benefitting from excellent transport links into central London.”

www.bellway.co.uk

THE CROSSRAIL EFFECT – WEST DRAYTON (LB OF HILLINGDON)

26 property hotspots Find your new home at Whathouse.com

www.inlandhomes.co.uk

Carter’s Quay, PooleCharterhouse Mews, Chelmsford The Comptons, Wooburn Green St John’s, Chelmsford

Vista, Drayton Garden Village

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 [email protected]

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

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

Alexandra Gardens, Iver2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses

Rutherford Park, Stanbridge1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses

Creating newcommunitiesacross the South

28 mortgages Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Our favourite properties With R.A Bennett & Partners and Dixons estate agents

This magnificent eight-bedroom Grade II listed Georgian Manor house is located close to all of Solihull’s amenities. Boasting a welcoming country feel, the property has been sympathetically renovated and modernised to combine original features with the best of modern day living.

Solihull offers an excellent range of amenities, including its top class shopping centre and Tudor Grange swimming pool/leisure centre, park and athletics track. There is also a range of great public and private schools in the area to suit all age groups. In addition, the NEC, Birmingham International Airport and railway station are all within a 10-15 minute drive.

Find out more at www.rabennett.co.uk; 01213 692436

The Manor House, Shirley • £1.5m

This month, two leading West Midlands estate agents share their favourite properties currently on the market.

Lodge Cottage is a characterful detached one-off property with amazing gardens, located in the triangle formed by Warwick, Leamington and Kenilworth. The property possesses real charm throughout, and is one of the oldest properties in this idyllic village, with a delightful garden room and three-bedrooms featuring en suite facilities among its highlights.

The property lies in the heart of Leek Wootton and offers easy access to the local village amenities including the exclusive Warwickshire Golf and Country Club, shop, village sport and social clubs, local gastro pub and the school.

Find out more at www.rabennett.co.uk; 01926 270284

Lodge Cottage, Leek Wooton • £875,000

Queens Hill is a unique cottage in the desirable village of Belbroughton. This delightful property dates back to the late 1600’s, and boasts a stunning sitting room with a feature open fire, a garden room perfect for entertaining guests, four double bedrooms and a spacious rear garden.

The property sits back from the road and is approached via a gravel driveway with a mature hedgerow border to one side and gated access to the other. The village of Belbroughton is ideally located for commuters, with easy access to road and rail links to Birmingham and beyond.

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

Queens Hill, Belbroughton • £POA

even years after the global financial crisis all but ended high loan-to-value (LTV) mortgages. Santander and Nationwide

have announced that they are going to offer mortgages for borrowers with a 5% deposit, increasing the choice of high loan-to-value deals available.

There are a number of 95% deals available at the moment through the government’s Help to Buy scheme but these two high street lenders have decided to go it alone by offering deals directly to consumers.

NATIONWIDE OFFERS STANDARD 95% MORTGAGE FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 200895% mortgages were one of the first casualties of the global financial crisis and there have only been a handful of these products available in recent years. The Help to Buy scheme increased the choice of deals to homebuyers but now Santander and Nationwide are set to reintroduce 95% mortgages as part of their core offering.

It the first time Nationwide has offered a 5% deposit mortgage of this

kind to all customers since 2008. The two-year fixed-rate deal has an interest rate of 3.99% and a fee of £999.

“Nationwide’s move significantly increases the society’s lending in the first-time buyer market and widens consumer choice,” says Henry Jordan, Nationwide’s head of mortgages.

‘HEALTHY MARKET’ FOR LOW-DEPOSIT MORTGAGESSantander have also announced that it is launching 95% mortgages ahead of the withdrawal of the Help to Buy mortgage

guarantee scheme in 2016. The lender said it was “ready to extend our commitment to lending up to 95% loan-to-value without the need for government support”.

Miguel Sard, Santander’s managing director of mortgages adds: “Help to Buy 2 has achieved its goal ahead of its three-year term. The government’s guarantee scheme has been successful in encouraging lenders to re-enter the 95% LTV space and in giving confidence to prospective borrowers who don’t have a large deposit.

“After almost two years’ lending in the scheme and given the quality of loans issued over the period, we’re ready to

extend our commitment to lending up to 95% LTV without the need for government support. “There is now a healthy market for customers with smaller deposits.”

Keith Osborne, editor of new homes portal Whathouse.com, welcomed the news: “Many first-time buyers struggle to find a 10% or 20% deposit in order to get onto the property ladder and so it’s brilliant news that there are going to be more 95% deals available.

“With Help to Buy ending in 2016 it’s vital that some mainstream lenders start offering these deals on a permanent basis and Santander and Nationwide have done exactly that.”

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The return of the 95% mortgageTwo of the UK’s biggest lenders have announced that they are expanding their range by reintroducing 95% deals

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Let’s talk great looking gardensHomeowners want the best for their outdoor spaces. That’s why our extensive portfolio of domestic landscaping products for gardens and driveways allows consumers to choose their look from contemporary, modern and traditional designs.

If you want to achieve good-looking, cost-effective paving solutions. Talk to us.

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

1 Gravel and paving are a key feature of Mediterranean style-gardens (image courtesy of www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk)

2 Terracotta pots in warm pinky orange colours and assorted colours are ideal for helping create a Mediterranean feel in your garden

3 A pergola is perfect for creating a shady spot – better still, use it to support a grape vine

4 Grow aromatic evergreen herbs, such as rosemary (shown here), lavender and thyme for both colour and culinary use

5 Half-hardy geraniums (pelargoniums) cope well with heat and drought, yet still produce plenty of colourful flowers, and can be grown in pots or window boxes

Temperatures rising

arm summers and dry winters are becoming a prevailing trend here in the UK and

not surprisingly this is having an effect on the traditional British garden, which isn’t used to long periods of drought followed by a drenching.

So rather than do battle with our changing climate, why not embrace it and use it as an opportunity to try a new form of gardening, using plants that thrive in drier conditions? In other words, why not try creating your own Mediterranean garden?

The great thing about a Mediterranean garden is you don’t need a villa in Tuscany to reap the benefits of one. Even the smallest English backyard, as long as it is

sheltered and sunny, will do just as well and you can have lots of fun putting a framework in place for the plants you are going to choose.

Structure, as with any garden, is key. Grass is out and gravel, paving and terracotta tiling together with clay pots are in. Because Mediterranean gardens are all about outdoor living, it is important to incorporate living areas, both for dining and just relaxing, into your design.

Café-style tables and chairs, rustic benches and rattan loungers should be accompanied by plenty of colourful cushions, tablecloths and lanterns.

Shade is an important feature of the Mediterranean lifestyle. A pergola is an essential purchase as it fulfils a number of tasks, including providing shade, a structure for climbing plants

such as a grapevine or colourful flowers such as wisteria, bougainvillea or campsis.

Scent plays a vital role, too. Orange and lemon trees, jasmine, herbs such as rosemary, bay, thyme and lavender all have their own striking and Mediterranean evocative smells, plus are useful culinary ingredients.

Natural materials are key if you are to create the right ambience, because a Mediterranean garden is not a modern setting. Avoid concrete paving slabs and choose sun-kissed terracotta tiles, offset by flat, pebble-style gravel. Natural stone as well as wood in the form of benches and pergolas will all help set the tone. Containers such as terracotta pots in varying sizes, but grouped together, will be another major asset.

Our changing climate is giving British gardeners the ideal opportunity to experiment with Mediterranean planting, says Richenda Oldham

W

Geraniums (or pelargoniums) – look wonderful planted in terracotta pots or window boxes, especially if there are lots of them grouped together.

Olive trees – should be planted in pots, too, so they can be brought indoors for wintering.

Euphorbia – this large evergreen is a sun-loving species with small amber flowers.

Aromatic herbs – rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme and bay are all superb for colour, scent and culinary use.

Santolina – otherwise known as cotton lavender, this plant has silvery grey foliage and contrasting small yellow flowers. It can be cut into round balls or low hedges.

Cypress – the classic tree which epitomises Mediterranean garden style.

PLANTING SUGGESTIONS

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Temperatures risingGreen Park

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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.

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Land & New Homes

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01252 356000

Why choose ELM Group?• Higher sales & rental values achieved with our outstanding

property management service

• We advise & assist with RTM & self-enfranchisement setup for our clients

• We offer bespoke leasehold property management to our clients

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• Two months FREE property management fees on a minimum fixed one year contract

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Ethical Leasehold Management – leading the way in leasehold property management Ethical Leasehold Management – leading the way in leasehold property management

whathouse? west midlands october 2015

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