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Front cover photo: Tydd St Giles Church.

206 Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge, Spalding, Lincolnshire. PE12 9SG Tel: 01406 359131 Fax: 01406 359939 Email: phoenixea@btconnect.com

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

Phoenix Property Magazine February 2012

LLOOCCAALL AARREEAA IINNFFOORRMMAATTIIOONN::

TTyydddd SStt GGiilleess By Tonia Humberstone, Phoenix Estate Agents

Tydd St. Giles is a village in Cambridgeshire, England. It was founded in the late 1000s with the building of the church of St. Giles in 1084 on a natural rise in the land of the Fens. The church itself is built of Barnack stone, known to be the gift of the Bishop of Peterborough. The village has a population of around 603. The village is roughly square shaped (formed by the four main roads of Church Lane, Hockland Road, High Broadgate and Newgate Road). Although the village is officially recorded at an altitude of 0 metres, the age of the settlement, and the vowels "i" and "y" in the village name suggest that it stands on a low mound that would have been above the surface of the fen. It is certain that the village was inhabitable before the 16th and 17th Century draining of the fen, because of the age of the church. The Norman church dedicated to St. Giles, dominates the eastern side of the village. The church, although extensively redesigned in the 1800s, still retains its Norman architecture and feel. The West Window was designed by Alan of Walsingham, the designer of the famous "octagon" lantern on Ely Cathedral, this rare clear glass medieval window (which survived the depredations of Oliver Cromwell) fills the whole of the western end of the building. All of the woodwork and pews in the church are later Victorian additions. In the Lady Chapel there are still some remnants of the church's original medieval stained glass, the rest of the church's stained glass is Victorian. The East Window shows the life and passion of Christ, while the North-Western Window depicts the church's (and village's) patron saint, Saint Giles and St. Paul (one of the patrons of the Church of Ss. Peter & Paul in Wisbech). The outer southern wall of the church still has the remains of a medieval sundial, which was in use when the church was a cell of the priory in Wisbech. The church is one of the few in the area to have a separate tower. The tower fell away form the eastern end of the church in the 18th century (due to poor foundations and strong wind), and was rebuilt by Sir George Gilbert Scott when the building was extensively renovated in the 1880s. Local legend has it that the tower was pushed over by the devil, as he could not abide the sound of the church bells. The tower has a ring of six bells with a tenor weight of 8-2-8cwt tuned to A. The bells were recast for the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria, from the original ring of 5, six bells were cast. The bells hang in a wooden frame, and are rung in the traditional English full circle ringing system. In the 1880s the church was renovated by the famous architect and designer of the "K" Class red telephone boxes, Sir George Gilbert Scott. The church was shortened, where the collapse of the tower had destroyed the original sanctuary (The east wall of the building still has the original blank arch). The nave roof was built up to its present level, and a new clerestory was installed (the original can still be seen on the inside where the builders filled the Norman windows. The side aisles were also extended and the roof was re-leaded. The original plans, drawn by Scott can be seen on display at the back of the church, where they are now displayed after being found in a drawer in the church vestry. The church's roof was repaired in 2001–2002, as the original Victorian tiling and structure had decayed, letting in rain water along the whole of the nave and the side aisles. At the request of English Nature (now Natural England) the woodwork in the new roofs had holes bored into them to allow the resident colony of pipistrelle bats in and out of the building. The nave roof was blessed by the Right Rev'd Anthony Russell (retired) Bishop of Ely and Lord Spiritual, and the then incumbent of the parish, Rev'd Nigel Whitehouse, the roof was baptised using a bottle of specially brewed ale by Elgood & Sons Ltd., called Tydd St. Tiles. The village has seven listed buildings in its "historic centre" (around Church Lane and Kirkgate). Two of these are the Church and Tower. Also included are the "Old School", a Victorian primary school building and school master's house on Church Lane, which unfortunately has fallen into a state of considerable disrepair. The Old Tithe house (also on Church Lane) is a Grade I listed building, that formerly was part of the parish properties (and used as a parish hall). For centuries it was not used, but was bought by a local member of SPAB, and restored it to its former glory. The other notable building is the Grade 1 listed Elizabethan manor house (Tydd Manor). On Hockland Road is Paget Hall, a Grade II listed building. It was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott for his brother Rev'd Canon John Scott, then Rector of the parish. It was built around the same time as the church was renovated. Paget Hall is most famous for 'The Barn' or 'Party Barn'. Large gatherings were once held, and the tradition is still kept going. People such as Charlie Wood, Bertie Wearing, Zekeriya Keskin and Lawrence Davis have been known to show their faces around there from time to time. The village also has a popular golf and Leisure estate, which includes an 18 hole golf course, two 9 hole practise putting areas, 3-4 mile nature trail, a purpose built fishing lake for keen anglers & holiday lodge homes to buy or rent for short breaks. Plus a restaurant. The estate which is still expanding has a leisure complex being built which will include an indoor swimming pool and beauty therapy spa. Current village amenities also include: Coffee shop/village store, Pub/Restaurant, Community centre, Golf club with 3-4 mile nature trail & restaurant, Church, Primary school, Barbers & Norfolk Green bus service route no.50 running various times between Wisbech and Long Sutton Monday to Saturday.

*Information taken from Wikipedia website January 2012.

TAVERNERS MEWS, LONG SUTTON

£65,000

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

scheme, situated convenient for town centre amenities benefiting from

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

garden & no upward chain.

MAIN ROAD, FRIDAY BRIDGE

£60,000

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

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

views front & rear. No upward chain.

DAWSMERE ROAD, GEDNEY DROVE END

OIRO £69,995

Residential property of breeze block construction requiring extensive

refurbishment or offering development potential in a rural village location, on an overall plot of approx 0.2 acre with field views front and rear, double glazing, oil

central heating. See full details for further info. No upward chain.

NEW ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE

£80,000

Building plot. Approx 0.5 acre site, outline planning permission for a single storey dwelling. Popular residential location, field view to one side, mature trees on

site. Golf course nearby.

QUEEN STREET, SUTTON BRIDGE

£80,000

Victorian terraced house requiring some further cosmetic updating, 2 double

bedrooms, lounge/diner, rear lobby/utility, refitted white bathroom suite, gas central heating, part UPVC

double glazing, off road parking, enclosed south facing patio garden with 2 outbuildings & no upward chain.

WITHINGTON STREET, SUTTON BRIDGE

£84,995

ATTENTION BUY TO LET INVESTORS - PROPERTY WITH TENANT IN PLACE!

Recently refurbished 2 bedroom terraced house, UPVC conservatory, refitted

kitchen & bathroom, lounge/ diner, UPVC double glazing, gas central heating &

enclosed rear garden.

CROSBY ROW, SUTTON BRIDGE

£85,000

ATTENTION BUY TO LET INVESTORS - PROPERTY WITH TENANT IN PLACE! 3 bedroom terraced house, modern kitchen & bathroom, UPVC double glazing, gas central heating, low maintenance patio garden, brick

workshop/shed & no upward chain.

QUEEN STREET, SUTTON BRIDGE

£89,950

Terraced house benefiting from 2 double bedrooms, modern upstairs bathroom,

modern kitchen with sun room, lounge/diner, upvc double glazing, gas

central heating & enclosed low maintenance rear garden with summer

house & off road parking. Internal viewing a must to appreciate

presentation!

ROYAL CLOSE, SUTTON BRIDGE

OIRO £95,000

3 Bedroom semi detached house requiring further updating, 2 reception rooms, outbuilding giving store room &

wc, approx. 130ft/40m long rear garden, off road parking, gas central heating,

upvc double glazing & no upward chain.

LIME STREET, SUTTON BRIDGE

£96,000 FIXED PRICE

ATTENTION BUY TO LET INVESTORS - PROPERTY WITH TENANT IN PLACE! Refurbished 2 bedroom period end terraced house, 2 reception rooms, modern fitted kitchen & bathroom,

enclosed rear garden, allocated parking space, upvc double glazing, gas central

heating & no upward chain.

WEST PARADE, WISBECH

£102,500

3 Bedroom end-terraced house situated close to the town centre, 2 reception

rooms, downstairs shower room, majority double glazing & gas central heating, off road parking, rear garden & no upward

chain.

LONDON ROAD, LONG SUTTON

£109,950

2 Bedroom semi detached house conveniently situated for local amenities,

kitchen/diner, utility, cloakroom, re-fitted bathroom, off road parking

potential, enclosed rear garden with workshop, UPVC double glazing & gas

central heating. Viewing strongly advised!

NEW ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE

£109,950

Circa Edwardian 3 bedroom semi detached house, 2 reception rooms & conservatory,

downstairs cloakroom, modern fitted kitchen & bathroom, part upvc double glazing, gas central heating & feature approx 100ft long (stms) enclosed rear garden with wooded area. No upward

chain. Viewing essential!

PRINCES STREET, SUTTON BRIDGE

£109,995 1920‟s 3 Bedroom semi detached house,

lounge/diner, downstairs bathroom, generous enclosed rear garden with off

road parking & outbuildings include utility, store & coal store, UPVC double glazing, gas central heating with refitted

boiler. No upward chain.

HOLBOURNE SITE, GEDNEY DROVE END

OIEO £110,000

Re-furbished 3 bedroom semi detached house on a generous plot in a rural village

location benefiting from 2 reception rooms, refitted kitchen, bathroom & flooring, redecorated throughout, 2

garden areas: one being 190ft long (sts), off road parking, oil central heating & UPVC double glazing. No upward chain.

BRIDGE ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE

£112,000

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

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

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

Upward Chain.

LITTLE LONDON, LONG SUTTON

OIEO £114,000

Semi detached house convenient to leisure centre & secondary school

benefiting from 2 double bedrooms, lounge/diner, kitchen with separate

utility/garden room, upvc double glazed windows, gas central heating, feature

enclosed rear garden, garage & off road parking. View now!

KENZIE DRIVE, SUTTON BRIDGE

£121,950

Modern (2006) 3 bedroom terraced house benefiting from kitchen/diner,

downstairs cloakroom, en-suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, enclosed low maintenance garden, garage, parking space, upvc double

glazing & gas central heating. View Now!

KINDERLEY CLOSE, SUTTON BRIDGE

£121,950

Recently redecorated modern (2005) terraced house benefiting from

kitchen/diner, downstairs cloakroom, en-suite to master bedroom, enclosed garden, garage & parking, upvc double

glazing & gas central heating. No upward chain. Viewing advised.

BRIDGE ROAD, LONG SUTTON

£124,950

Edwardian 3 bedroom semi detached house convenient for bus stop benefiting from lounge/diner, refitted downstairs bathroom, gas central heating, UPVC

double glazing, approx 180ft long enclosed rear garden (sts) & no upward

chain. Internal viewing essential to appreciate fully.

ISLE ROAD, UPWELL

£124,995

3 Bedroom detached cottage in a popular village, 2 reception rooms, majority double glazing, oil central heating, extensive off road parking, enclosed

paved/hard landscaped garden with pond feature, outbuildings include

workshop/garage, 2 dog runs, cat runs & shed. No upward chain. View now!

WRIGHTS LANE, SUTTON BRIDGE

£126,000

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

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

garages. View Now!

STATION ROAD, TYDD GOTE

£129,995

3 Bedroom detached bungalow with field views to the rear, re-fitted kitchen &

shower room, conservatory, UPVC double glazing, oil central heating, garage & off road parking, enclosed rear garden. No upward chain. Viewing strongly advised.

MAIN ROAD, GEDNEY DROVE END

£132,250

Detached bungalow situated in a rural village location, 2 double bedrooms, 2

reception rooms, conservatory, generous enclosed relatively low maintenance rear garden offering

extensive off road parking, garage & workshop. UPVC double glazing, LPG central heating. Viewing a must!

BEAUPRE AVENUE, OUTWELL

£134,995

Detached bungalow situated in a popular village benefiting from 2 double

bedrooms, kitchen/diner, lean to, bathroom with cloakroom separate, garage, extensive off road parking,

enclosed rear garden, majority UPVC double glazing, oil central heating & No

upward chain. Viewing advised!

WRIGHTS LANE, SUTTON BRIDGE

£135,000

2-3 Bedroom detached bungalow situated in a popular location, extended dining room/bedroom3, re-fitted shower room, UPVC double glazing, gas central heating, low maintenance rear garden, garage, driveway & no upward chain.

FALKLANDS ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE

£139,950

Modern 3 bedroom detached house on a corner plot benefiting from refitted

kitchen/diner, downstairs cloakroom, part upvc double glazing, gas central

heating, enclosed south/east facing rear garden, garage & driveway.

SSeeaarrcchh aaccttiivviittyy uupp bbyy 2277%%,,

bbuutt lloowweesstt eevveerr nnuummbbeerr

ooff nneeww sseelllleerrss By Miles Shipside, Director, Rightmove.

Rightmove‟s early indicators of housing market activity in 2012 show that interest in buying is strong despite the lack of mortgage finance, though the willingness or ability of new sellers to come to market remains weak. Search activity on Rightmove during the first 10 days of 2012 reached new record heights, up by 27% on the same period in 2011, as prospective movers intensively research the market. Miles Shipside, director of Rightmove comments: “Old records are being shattered as search activity is up by a staggering 27% on this time last year. Potential buyers and sellers are looking more often and researching more thoroughly. In areas where there is a lot of property up for sale, buyers are looking hard for properties that tempt them with something really special in terms of value, potential, location or quality of finish.” There have been more than 44 million property searches on Rightmove during the first ten days of 2012. While this doesn‟t necessarily indicate a surge in proceedable buyer numbers, it does highlight a strong pent-up demand to move and is also a reflection that value-seeking buyers who can proceed are taking extra care to research the market. It also emphasises the fact that, were a larger number of mortgages available to the market, the interest, confidence and necessity to buy would lift the current muted sales transaction numbers from the virtual subsistence level of the last three years. The number of properties coming to market this month equates to an average of less than one new listing per branch per week. This is the lowest recorded in the ten years of Rightmove‟s House Price Index and around half of pre-credit crunch levels. Agents report prospective sellers are being deterred by a combination of a shortage of confidence, lack of choice of property to buy and restrictive mortgage lending. Shipside explains: “The increased market fragmentation caused by the credit crunch means that success in selling now requires a very careful and complex micro-market analysis, rather than a wishful price-punt to see what happens. There can be hotspots and blackspots by property type within the same geographic location depending on local buyer confidence, demographics and their ability to obtain a mortgage, so doing your research and taking expert advice are critical.” Depending on local market conditions, there will be differing pressures on the direction of prices. The lack of property coming to market in some areas will help to underpin new sellers‟ asking prices in those locations, especially as estate agents compete to attract fresh stock for the new year. January often sees the beginning of a „spring bounce‟ in the asking prices of properties coming to market, and there is again evidence of this with an increase of 1.4% in the first week of 2012. This is masked within the overall monthly price fall of 0.8%.

CHURCH DROVE, OUTWELL

£139,995

3 Bedroom detached house situated convenient for local primary school and village amenities, 2 reception rooms,

conservatory, downstairs cloakroom, lpg central heating, part upvc double glazing,

attached garage, extensive off road parking, enclosed gardens & no upward

chain.

WOODLANDS, LONG SUTTON

£139,995

Recently refurbished detached bungalow in a no-through cul de sac, 2 double

bedrooms, re-fitted kitchen/diner, utility room & „wet room‟ shower room, pantry cupboard, integral garage & driveway,

lawned gardens, upvc double glazing, gas central heating & no upward chain.

Viewing is essential!

BRIDGE ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE

£145,000

Detached bungalow requiring some further modernisation, 2-3 double bedrooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room,

bath/shower room & separate cloakroom, gas central heating, double glazing, integral garage & extensive off road parking, enclosed rear garden with feature patio & no upward chain.

WEST STREET, LONG SUTTON

OIRO £150,000

Detached circa Edwardian cottage in a town centre location with permitted use as chiropody clinic on the ground floor with reception room, treatment room, kitchen, utility & cloakroom. Plus self

contained residential 1 bedroom apartment on the first floor. UPVC double

glazing, gas central heating, off road parking, gardens & no upward chain.

FOLDS LANE, LONG SUTTON

OFFERS OVER £150,000

2 Bedroom detached bungalow situated convenient to town centre facilities in a secluded position with generous south

facing rear garden, 2 reception rooms & conservatory, utility, detached garage &

off road parking, UPVC double glazing, gas central heating.

LIME WALK, LONG SUTTON

OIRO £155,000

Detached bungalow in a popular location with field views to the front, benefiting from 3 double bedrooms, 3-4 reception

rooms, Majority UPVC double glazing, oil central heating, garage/workshop & multi

vehicle off road parking, generous enclosed rear garden. Overall plot

approaching ¼ acre (stms)

WRIGHTS LANE, SUTTON BRIDGE

£157,950

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

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

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

size rear garden.

LUTTON GOWTS, LONG SUTTON

£164,995

3 Bedroom detached bungalow situated on the outskirts of Long Sutton, 2 reception rooms & conservatory,

bathroom, shower room, UPVC double glazing, gas central heating, off road parking , feature enclosed garden.

LIME WALK, LONG SUTTON

£165,000

Modern extended 4 bedroom detached house on a corner plot, convenient for

local amenities, 38ft long lounge/diner, majority UPVC double glazing, gas

central heating, enclosed rear garden, garage & driveway.

GEDNEY ROAD, LONG SUTTON

£184,950

3 Bedroom 1930s detached house on an overall plot of 0.15 acre (sts), 2 reception rooms, conservatory, refitted kitchen with

integral appliances, utility, refitted upstairs bathroom & downstairs shower room, gas central heating with refitted

boiler, upvc double glazing, garage, extensive parking & enclosed rear garden

with part field views.

MAIN ROAD, TYDD GOTE

£184,995

Period detached cottage with accommodation layout giving potential to

separate into 2 parts. 5 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, 2 bathrooms, downstairs

cloakroom, central heating, separate workshop/garage building & enclosed

garden.

STANLEY DRIVE, SUTTON BRIDGE

£185,000

Modern 4 bedroom detached bungalow in a sought after location, en-suite to master

bedroom, conservatory, kitchen/diner, utility room, UPVC double glazing, gas

central heating, double garage & off road parking, enclosed front & rear gardens.

ANNE ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE

£185,000

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

central heating, bathroom with corner bath & double shower cubicle, cloakroom, conservatory, side and rear garden areas,

garage & off road parking. view to appreciate size & layout.

LONGDON CLOSE, SUTTON BRIDGE

£189,995

Modern (1997) detached bungalow situated in a popular cul de sac benefiting

from 3-4 double bedrooms, en-suite, conservatory, refitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, garage & driveway,

south facing enclosed rear garden, wood effect upvc double glazing & gas central

heating.

CHURCHGATE, GEDNEY

£199,995

Detached bungalow in a non estate village location with rear field view, 3 double

bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, double garage, extensive

driveway, UPVC double glazing, oil central heating & enclosed south facing rear

garden. No upward chain.

WRIGHTS LANE & NEW ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE £205,000

Residential development opportunity,

2 sites together. Total of 5 plots. Popular residential location with field view.

Approx 0.5 acre site with full planning permission to demolish existing buildings & erect 4 dwellings & integral garages. Plus further approx 0.5 acre site with

outline planning permission for a single storey dwelling and separate access

CHURCH STREET, GEDNEY DAWSMERE

£210,000

3 Bedroom detached former school masters house in a rural village location

with field views, overall plot approaching 0.3 acre (stms), character features, 2 reception rooms, majority

UPVC double glazed windows, oil central heating, extensive parking, detached

barn: workshop & garage.

EAUDYKE BANK, TYDD ST GILES

OIRO £215,000

4 Bedroom semi detached cottage, edge of village rural location, overall plot of

3/4 acre (sts), feature views, 3 reception rooms, downstairs wetroom, upstairs bathroom, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, wash room, double glazing,

double garage, workshop & gardens.

LLeeggaall AAddvviiccee::

EEqquuiittyy rreelleeaassee mmoorrttggaaggeess By Anna Hall, Ward Gethin Solicitors

These mortgages had a very bad press in the late 1980‟s but in recent years have become increasingly popular. Many older people who have owned their home for a number of years have seen the value increase significantly since they first purchased. Even in the current downturn the returns on property have in some cases far exceeded investments in the stock market and savings schemes. With the increasing cost of living the attraction of releasing capital from property rather than living on retirement savings is clear.

The schemes can be very complicated and have many implications including tax and inheritance planning. In recent years Equity Release schemes have gone through a number of changes and are more strictly regulated by the Financial Services Authority to provide customers with greater protection. Safe Home Income Plans (SHIP) also provides guidance to Equity Release Scheme Providers and has a number of strict guidelines for its members. It is worth checking that your proposed scheme provider complies with these requirements as one of the most important requirements is the “no negative equity” guarantee. This means that the mortgage together with the interest will never be more than the value of your home.

To qualify for most schemes you will need to own a property in a reasonable condition and be over 60 although some schemes are offered to the over 55‟s. Types of Equity Release Scheme:

There are a number of schemes but most work by giving you a loan on the value of your property. You will usually receive the loan as cash either in a lump sum or monthly payment, depending on the type of scheme chosen. You will continue to live in your home.

The money is recovered when your home is sold either after your death or if you sell the property and move into a care home.

Home Reversion: A reversion company buys a share of your home and on the sale of the property the company takes a share of the profits. Technically you become a tenant and may pay a small rent, although a number of schemes will not require any rent.

Home Income Plan: The provider takes a mortgage on your home giving you a lump sum payment which you use to buy a lifetime income or annuity. Interest payments are taken from the income and the original loan amount is repaid from the final sale of the property.

Interest only Mortgage: A lump sum loan against the value of your property which is repaid on the sale of the property. Interest payments on the mortgage are paid monthly.

Lifetime Mortgage: Lump sum or monthly income plans are available to be borrowed and the full amount including any cumulative interest is paid back on the loan amount. What to do next:

Equity Release Schemes can be very complicated. It is extremely important that you get independent financial and legal advice to make sure the plan does what you want it to do. You should also consider discussing your plans with your family. Important things to consider are:

Whether the scheme allows you to move home. You may want to move in any number of circumstances including being closer to your family. You should also consider what arrangements will need to be made for anyone that lives with you.

The plans are considered to be long term, you should check what penalties there are if you repay the plan early. What is your life expectancy? Some plans are more beneficial to older borrowers than others. What do you want to leave your family? If you use your home for an equity release plan this will reduce the total value

of your estate on your death.

A lump sum payment may affect your eligibility for means tested benefits. Do you wish to draw the money as and when you need it or do you want a lump sum? Are you happy to transfer the ownership of your property or to have a mortgage secured on it? The effect on your tax or benefit position. There may be other options available to you. You should consider checking whether you qualify for any other benefits and even whether it might be more suitable for you to move to a smaller, cheaper property. Downsizing could release money tied up in the property without costly interest charges. You should bear in mind that the Local Authority may assist you if you need money to repair or adapt your property.

Ward Gethin Solicitors can offer you a number of forms of help if you are thinking of taking an Equity Release Plan. Our Private Client department can help you consider all of your options and advise on inheritance planning giving you impartial advice based on your own individual circumstances. Our conveyancing specialists can assist if you decide that you do wish to proceed with the Equity Release Plan.

For more information please contact Anna Hall at Ward Gethin on 01553 660033

FIRDALE CLOSE, PEAKIRK

£220,000

Detached chalet bungalow in a cul-de-sac location with rear field views, 2-3

bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, garden room, UPVC double glazing, oil central heating, garage & driveway, en-suite

cloakroom, downstairs cloakroom.

STATION ROAD, LONG SUTTON

OIRO £239,950

Detached house with original part dating back to mid 1800s, part field views, 4 double bedrooms, 4 reception rooms,

downstairs cloakroom, upstairs bath/shower room, majority UPVC double

glazing, gas central heating, off road parking, side gardens, no upward chain.

CHURCH LANE, TYDD ST GILES

£239,995

New build 4 bedroom detached house situated opposite the village church &

with field views at the rear, overall plot of 0.14 acre (stms), lounge/diner, study, kitchen/diner, utility, en-suite, family

bath/shower room & downstairs cloakroom, detached garage, off road

parking & no upward chain.

NIGHTINGALE WAY, SUTTON BRIDGE

£249,950

Detached Allison 'Mayfield' design house built 2005 and situated in a sought after

location benefiting from 4 double bedrooms, en-suite, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room,

cloakroom, double garage, upvc double glazing, gas central heating & low

maintenance gardens.

NIGHTINGALE WAY, SUTTON BRIDGE

£259,950

Detached Allison 'Canterbury' design house built 2005, sought after location, 5 double bedrooms, 2 en-suites, 3 reception rooms,

kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom, integral double garage, upvc

double glazing, gas central heating & enclosed rear gardens with part field

view. Viewing a must!

STABLE COURT, LEVERINGTON

£275,000

Modern 4 bedroom detached chalet style house offering open plan kitchen/family room plus 2 formal reception rooms, en-

suite to master bedroom, downstairs cloakroom, utility, upvc double glazing,

gas central heating, south facing enclosed side/rear garden, detached double

garage, extensive parking.

SALTS ROAD, WEST WALTON

OIEO £294,995

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

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

STONEGATE, GENDYE (SOTUH)

£299,950

Executive detached bungalow, 4 bedrooms, en-suite cloakroom,

2 conservatories, kitchen/diner, utility, bath/shower room, double garage with

office & cloakroom, extensive block paved driveway, landscaped low

maintenance gardens, non-estate village location with rear field view. Internal

viewing a must!

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tthhaann rreennttiinngg By Jane Sutton, Director Top House Mortgages Buying a home in the UK is over a £100 a month cheaper than renting, according to research by the Halifax. The typical monthly cost of buying a three bedroom house in the UK was £600 in December 2011. This represents a significant turnaround compared with three years ago when the average cost of buying was 29% higher than the average rent paid. The monthly costs associated with buying accounted for 29% of average UK disposable income in 2011, compared to 47% in 2008. Home buying costs have fallen by more than a quarter since 2008, driven by a decline in the average monthly mortgage payment of nearly one third due to the marked fall in mortgage rates and house prices. The mortgage rate for a new borrower has been reduced to an average of 3.63% in 2011 from 5.75% in 2008, while the average house price has dropped by 11% over the same period. Meanwhile, the average cost of renting has risen by 9% since 2009. Higher demand for rental property, driven partly by the difficulties for potential buyers entering the housing market has pushed up rents. Another glimmer of hope this week came from the Ipswich Building Society who launched a two year fixed rate deal at 95% loan to value after research from the BSA showed that over 61% of those living in the east of England felt that raising a deposit was the biggest obstacle in the house buying process. This mortgage is not only an ideal solution for first time buyers but those looking to move home or even remortgage as well. Despite all of the doom and gloom heaped upon us every day by the media this is a real breakthrough in the mortgage market as the last time we saw a 95% loan to value was back in 2008. And now the Ipswich has decided to lead the way it‟s only a matter of time before other lenders do the same which will in turn mean more choice for us all.

MMMOOORRREEE PPPRRROOOPPPEEERRRTTTIIIEEESSS NNNEEEEEEDDDEEEDDD Due to recent sales success we urgently need more

properties to offer potential buyers.

Do you have a property to sell in our area? If so, please contact us for an informal chat or to arrange a free no obligation appraisal

on your property. Tel: 01406 359131 or email: phoenixea@btconnect.com

If you have instructed another agent on a sole agency basis, the terms of that agreement must be considered.

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wwiitthh aa HHoommee MMoovvee BBooxx By Miranda Flack, Home Move Box

With what can seem like 101 things to organise when you‟re moving house, it‟s easy to forget to do the little things that could make all the difference – such as packing a box of household essentials for move day. This may not even make it onto your „to do‟ list, but when the big day arrives and you‟re madly diving into boxes searching for tea for the removal men and toilet roll for the kids, you‟ll probably wish it had! But now help is at hand with the Home Move Box – a free box of essential household products for home movers, which is hand delivered to you on the first day in your new home. Packed full of handy items, such as tea, coffee, milk and various cleaning products, it means that you‟ll have one less thing to worry about on move day. The Home Move Box also contains some great offers designed to help you settle quickly into your new home. This includes valuable offers from leading utility companies, as well as discounts and promotions from DIY and home improvement specialists. If you‟re moving house in England, Scotland or Wales, buying or renting, you‟re entitled to a free Home Move Box. All you need to do is request one from your estate or letting agent, who can then register with us (if not already registered) and order one on your behalf. The Home Move Box is also completely free to your agent. To order your free Home Move Box, your agent can visit www.homemovebox.com or call 0845 658 6050.