Phoenix Property Magazine December 2014

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Cover photo: Christmas gingerbread house.

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

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

Phoenix Property Magazine December 2014 FREE

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Well 2014 has been much like 2013 – an improving year with sales flowing at a much better rate and the biggest challenge being the need for more properties to offer. As always there are a lot of mixed messages about the conditions of the housing market being reported in the press including predictions for the year ahead. Some reporting a cooling of the market and some predicting further improvement. The housing market naturally cools this time of year where people get distracted with other priorities such as Christmas celebrations. So reports of a cooling off happening are to be expected this time of year. I’m all for seeing what tomorrow brings rather than trying to guess what’s going to happen. And always trust your local agent over national press stories – as the national press doesn’t always truly reflect what’s really happening in your local area. The biggest hurdles for sellers are pricing your property appropriately (not overpricing) and presenting it well. With all property and DIY related television programmes it is much harder these days for buyers to look past a cluttered or dated property and they speak with their money – by offering accordingly or not showing interest at all. So to help improve your chances act accordingly. The biggest hurdles for buyers are obtaining mortgage funding and finding a suitable property. The mortgage lending criteria has tightened this year so ensuring your credit rating is good and providing documents promptly to a lender improve your chances and speed up the process. As there is a shortage of properties coming on the market it can feel that there is a limited choice of available properties. But at least those that are out there for sale are motivated sellers. We are very proud of the level of positive customer reviews and feedback we’ve received this year and the volume of customer recommendation that has brought us new business – it means so much to us that so many of our customers speak so highly of us, return to us on more than one occasion and go out of their way to tell people about how we’ve gone above and beyond in our service to them. We gain formal customer reviews via the Referenceline/Property Ombudsman websites and can at the time of writing this boast 121 positive customer reviews since 2010. To look at our customer reviews & feedback follow this web link: www.referenceline.com/32272 This year I celebrated a decade of being an officially Sutton Bridge based estate agent. We also welcomed Becky to the team. Becky has completed all basic training and hit the ground running learning sales progression from the start, she has fast become a valued member of the team and is proving very popular with the customers and successful in sales! This year is set to be our best performing on record since the boom times of 2007. Which considering house prices are now lower and the fact that we work on a percentage commission – that says a lot about our sales success this year. May this success continue even more next year for us & for our customers. Thank you to everyone who has been there with us. For any more info or advice please contact us on 01406 359131.

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS

23rd Dec OPEN 9am – 4pm 24th – 26th Dec CLOSED 27th Dec OPEN 10am – 3pm 28th Dec CLOSED 29th Dec OPEN 10am – 4pm 30th Dec OPEN 10am – 4pm 31st Dec OPEN 10am – 3pm 1st Jan CLOSED 2nd Jan OPEN AS NORMAL

Thank you to all our customers past & present for your continued support, recommendations and custom - it means a lot to us!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all of the team at Phoenix Estate Agents.

TAVERNERS MEWS, LONG SUTTON

£51,995 EPC RATING:C

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

scheme, situated convenient for town centre amenities benefiting from

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

garden & no upward chain.

MARCH ROAD, FRIDAY BRIDGE

£53,000 EPC RATING: NA

Building plot situated on the outskirts of a popular village with field views front &

rear, planning permission for the erection of a 2 bedroom detached house. Plot measures approx. 270SqM. (Frontage: 37ft/11m Depth:68ft/21m approx.)

No upward chain.

CHARLES ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE

£69,950 EPC RATING:TBC

3 Bedroom semi detached house requiring modernization in a no through road within walking distance of local primary school

benefiting from utility/sun room, gas central heating, upvc double glazing,

solar panels for water heating, enclosed rear garden, off road parking & no

upward chain. Aimed at cash buyers only.

NENE MEADOWS, SUTTON BRIDGE

£79,950 EPC RATING:D

2 Bedroom first floor leasehold flat situated in a cul-de-sac location

overlooking a green, refitted bath/shower room, modern fitted kitchen/diner, upvc double glazing, gas central heating, off road parking in residents parking area &

garden area in communal residents gardens. No upward chain. Viewing a

must!

NEW ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE

£80,000 EPC RATING: NA

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

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

trees on site. Golf course nearby.

PRINCES STREET, SUTTON BRIDGE


3 Bedroom semi detached house requiring further updating offering 2 reception rooms, attached outbuilding giving store/utility room & downstairs wc, upstairs wet-room, south facing rear garden, off road parking, gas central heating, majority upvc double glazed

windows & no upward chain.

WHARF STREET, SUTTON BRIDGE


Modern semi detached house situated convenient for local amenities offering 2

double bedrooms, kitchen/diner, majority wood effect upvc double

glazing, small low maintenance rear patio garden, allocated off road parking area &

no upward chain. Viewing advised.

PARK LANE, LONG SUTTON


Victorian 2 bedroom terraced cottage situated in a secluded lane close to

town amenities benefiting from lounge/diner with multi-fuel burner, downstairs shower room, rear porch,

garage, parking, south facing enclosed rear garden, upvc double glazing & gas

central heating. Viewing advised!

WEST STREET, LONG SUTTON


Victorian terraced house situated in Long Sutton town centre backing onto Winfrey

Park offering 2 double bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, modern fitted

kitchen, modern upstairs bathroom, enclosed rear garden, upvc double glazing

& gas central heating. Internal viewing strongly advised!

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ABOUT US. Chairman Mr. Tim Machin With a local presence of nearly 50 years, the Society exists to promote high standards of planning and architecture; promote civic pride; secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of historic structures or features and promote understanding of the geography, history, natural history and architecture of the area. As a registered charity, we cover the south east corner of Lincolnshire covering the communities of Long Sutton, Little Sutton, Sutton Bridge, Wingland, Tydd St. Mary, Sutton St. James, Gedney Broadgate, Gedney, Gedney Dyke, Gedney Drove End, Dawsmere, and Lutton. The Society meets every 3rd Monday of the month at the Market House in Long Sutton at 7.15 pm. With varying speakers and occasional outings, for further information call 01406 362310 or email [email protected] DIARY DATES FOR DECEMBER. 13TH December sees the traditional Long Sutton Christmas Fayre, but this time under cover. The Society will be holding a Craft Fair in the British Legion Hall inWest Street, while Santa's Grotto will be in St Mary's Church Hall. The Market House in Market Street will be hosting a seasonal food fair. Join us for all the traditional fun and gifts but this year protected from the weather! Admission free. 15th December, Our President Elect, Francis Pryor will give a talk at the Society's meeting at Peele College. Francis, the well known author, TV presenter, historian and sheep farmer will talk about the role and fortifications of the Home guard during WW2, following his TV series on Channel 4. Tickets are £5 each for non-members, from The Market House Long Sutton or call 01406 363310.

mailto:[email protected]

CHALK LANE, SUTTON BRIDGE


2 Bedroom terraced house on the outskirts of Sutton Bridge in a small cul-

de-sac with front field view, updated kitchen/diner, updated bathroom, rear porch, upvc double glazing, oil central heating, off road parking to the front &

rear, enclosed garden & no upward chain. Viewing a must!

ALLENBYS CHASE, SUTTON BRIDGE


3 Bedroom semi detached house requiring further updating offering 2 reception

rooms, upstairs bathroom & downstairs wetroom style shower room, kitchen,

utility/rear lobby, off road parking, gas central heating, majority upvc double

glazing & no upward chain.

NENE MEADOWS, SUTTON BRIDGE

OIEO £115,000 EPC RATING:C

Modern semi detached house situated in popular cul-de-sac location offering

2 double bedrooms, modern bathroom, kitchen/diner, upvc double glazing,

gas central heating, extensive off road parking and enclosed rear garden. Internal viewing strongly advised!

STATION ROAD, LONG SUTTON


Updated Victorian semi detached cottage offering 2 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms,

refitted kitchen, refitted downstairs bathroom, upvc double glazing, gas

central heating, garage, off road parking and generous rear garden. Viewing a must

to appreciate presentation!

BRIDGE ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE

OIRO £130,000 EPC RATING:E

Recently refurbished 3 bedroom detached bungalow convenient for local bus stop & amenities offering lounge/diner, refitted kitchen & bathroom, gas central heating

(with refitted boiler), upvc double glazing, garage & driveway giving off road parking, rear garden & no upward chain.

Viewing a must!

BRIDGE ROAD, SUTTON BRIDGE

£134,950 EPC RATING:E

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

bathroom, wet room/shower, 2+ reception rooms, utility room,

enclosed rear garden, garage/workshop, majority upvc double glazing & gas

central heating. Needs to be seen inside to appreciate layout & space of

accommodation offered.

LOWGATE, LUTTON


Modern link detached house situated in a popular village location with rear field

views offering 2 double bedrooms, kitchen/diner, lounge with open

fireplace, garage, driveway giving off road parking, enclosed rear garden, upvc

double glazing & gas central heating.

NEWGATE ROAD, TYDD ST GILES


3 Bedroom semi detached house in a popular village with front field views

offering lounge/diner, refitted kitchen with integrate fridge freezer and dishwasher, utility, downstairs

cloakroom, refitted upstairs bathroom, block paved driveway, tandem double garage, approx. 140ft/43m long rear

garden & no upward chain.

CHALK LANE, SUTTON BRIDGE

£145,000 EPC RATING:E

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

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

rear garden. View Now!

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ACROSS DOWN

3 WHERE WAS CHRIS REA DRIVING TO FOR CHRISTMAS?

6 WHAT WAS THE CHRISTMAS NUMBER ONE IN 1990?

10 WHAT DID MY TRUE LOVE GIVE ON THE 10TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS?

11 WHO CAME TRAVELLING?

12 ALED JONES SANG ABOUT THIS LINKED TO THE SNOWMAN CARTOON?

13 WHAT WAS BING CROSBY DREAMING OF?

14 WHAT ARE WE GOING TO ROCK AROUND?

16 WHO DID MUMMY KISS UNDER THE MISTLETOE?

17 WHO’S VERSION OF SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO TOWN PEAKED THE CHARTS IN 1985?

18 WHAT DID JONA LEWIE TRY NOT TO DO?

20 2013 CLASSIC FM VOTED MOST FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS CAROL?

21 WHAT CLIFF RICHARD CLASSIC HAS A CHRISTMAS THEME?

22 WHO ALSO FEATURED IN THE POGUES HIT FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK?

1 HOW MANY MILES DID THE PRETENDERS SING ABOUT?

2 WHICH ROCK GROUP WAS PLEADING COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS?

4 WHAT COLOUR BELLS FEATURE IN SIR TERRY WOGANS 2009 HIT?

5 BABY ITS _____ OUTSIDE?

7 WHAT BAND AID HIT DID BOB GELDOF ORGANISE?

8 LET IT_______?

9 WHAT CHRISTMAS SONG HAS BEEN SANG BY EARTHA KITT, MARYLIN MONROW & KYLIE MINOGUE?

15 WHICH ARTIST WILL BE LONELY THIS CHRISTMAS?

19 WHO WAS FROSTY?

23 NAME OF POPULAR RED NOSED REINDEER?

24 ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS?

ANSWERS: ACROSS: 3.HOME 6.SAVIOURS DAY 10.TEN LORDS A LEAPING 11.A SPACEMAN 12.WALKING IN THE AIR 13. A WHITE CHRISTMAS 14. THE CHRISTMAS TREE 16.SANTA CLAUS 17.BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN 18.STOP THE CAVALRY 20.O HOLY NIGHT 21.MISTLETOE AND WINE 22.KIRTST MCCOLL DOWN: 1.TWO THOUSAND 2.BON JOVI 4.SILVER 5.COLD 7.DO THEY KNOW IT’S CHRISTMAS 8.SNOW 9.SANTA BAY 15.MUD 19.THE SNOWMAN 23.RUDOLF 24.YOU

GARNSGATE ROAD, LONG SUTTON


Extended semi detached house situated in a no through lane offering 4 double

bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, downstairs shower room, upstairs bath/shower room, off road parking, generous rear garden,

upvc double glazing & gas central heating. Viewing advised!

LUTTON GOWTS, LONG SUTTON


3 Bedroom link detached house situated on the outskirts of Long Sutton & Lutton with rear field view offering extended lounge, dining room, modern kitchen,

modern bathroom, enclosed rear garden, extensive off road parking, upvc double glazing & gas central heating. Internal

viewing advised!

RAILWAY LANE, SUTTON BRIDGE


Detached bungalow situated convenient to local amenities offering 3 double bedrooms, refitted kitchen/diner,

refitted shower room, utility room/store, off road parking, majority upvc double glazing, gas central heating, workshops and established gardens & no upward

chain. Internal viewing a must!


£159,950 EPC RATING:F

Character detached house in a popular location offering 2 double bedrooms,

3 reception rooms plus study, majority upvc double glazing, gas central heating,

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

Viewing a must!

WRIGHTS LANE, SUTTON BRIDGE

£164,950 EPC RATING: D

3 Bedroom detached house in sought after cul-de-sac offering lounge/diner, 2 sun rooms, modern kitchen, downstairs

shower room, refitted upstairs bathroom with Jacuzzi bath, utility room & store room (both formerly garage), feature

enclosed rear garden, driveway giving off road parking, upvc double glazing, gas

central heating & no upward chain.

WOODLANDS, LONG SUTTON

£174,950 EPC RATING: C

4 Bedroom detached house situated in a popular cul-de-sac benefiting from 2 reception rooms, utility room,

downstairs cloakroom, garage, driveway giving extensive off road parking,

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

recommended.



3 bedroom detached house, 2 reception rooms, conservatory, kitchen/diner,

pantry, downstairs cloakroom, refitted bathroom, 2 driveways giving extensive

off road parking, 2 storey garage/outbuilding, additional

workshop/wc, upvc double glazing, gas central heating, enclosed garden & no

upward chain!

HALL BANK, TYDD ST GILES


Detached bungalow situated in a semi rural edge of village location with field

views offering 3 double bedrooms, kitchen/diner, utility room, upvc double glazing, oil central heating, garage, off

road parking, extensive gardens & no upward chain.

MILL LANE, SUTTON BRIDGE


Modern detached bungalow in a no through lane close to amenities & bus stop, 2-3 double bedrooms, refitted

bathroom, refitted shower room, lounge, dining room, sitting room/3

rd bedroom,

conservatory, refitted kitchen, utility, driveway, gas central heating, upvc double glazing, feature garden with

orchard area, redecorated throughout.

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NNoo..11 ccoonnssiiddeerraattiioonn ffoorr sseelllleerrss.. By Miles Shipside, Commercial Director at Rightmove.

An agent with good knowledge of the local area and market is most important to

prospective sellers deciding who to invite out to value their home, according to the

latest research among thousands of Rightmove users*.

The findings reveal that for 74% of sellers local knowledge is among the most important things they look for when short listing an agent to invite out for a valuation. This was the clear leader in spite of the survey giving sellers the ability to state more than one answer, but also of significance is the agent’s brand (41%), staff expertise (28%) and the range of services an agent offers (28%). The research forms part of the free Rightmove seminars that have been taking place across the country, to try and help agents differentiate themselves from their competition and ultimately to win more instructions. In lettings, a separate Rightmove landlord survey** found that staff expertise is the most important factor when they are choosing an agent (97% of landlords said it was important), followed by recommendation from others (94%), and the fees the agent charges (94%). Rightmove’s Commercial Director Miles Shipside says: “This research is intended to help make sure agents are communicating the parts of their business that are most important to sellers and landlords when they’re trying to win instructions, both on Rightmove and in their own marketing. The millions of visitors to Rightmove are engaged users who come back an average of four times per month, so it’s really important that agents keep their content updated and refreshed to impress their local target audience. There are already some great examples of quality agents differentiating their messaging, services, and property descriptions, but more could do more and agents say the seminars really help.”

DOCKINGS HOLT, LUTTON


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

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

off road parking.

LANCASTER DRIVE, LONG SUTTON

£209,950 EPC RATING:B

Individual 4 bedroom detached house built in 2012 and designed by current owners offering 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, en-suite to

master bedroom, downstairs cloakroom, utility room, upvc double glazing,

gas central heating, off road parking, rear garden & no upward chain.

KESTREL CLOSE, SUTTON BRIDGE


Modern (2006) Allison ‘Ely’ design detached bungalow in a sought after cul-

de-sac, 3-4 double bedrooms, lounge, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room,

utility, en-suite, upvc double glazing, gas central heating, integral garage, driveway

& feature enclosed gardens to side and rear. Internal viewing a must!

BROADGATE, SUTTON ST EDMUNDS


Modern detached house in a rural village location on an overall plot of

approx. 0.25 acre (sts), 4 double bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, refitted kitchen, utility room, en-suite, refitted bathroom, double glazing, oil central

heating, integral double garage, extensive driveway and enclosed rear

garden. View now!

CHALK ROAD, WALPOLE ST PETER


Modern detached house in popular village, 4 double bedrooms, en-suite,

bathroom, cloakroom, lounge, kitchen/diner, utility, upvc double

glazing, oil central heating, integral garage, off road parking, workshop, enclosed rear garden with feature

covered wooden terrace & no upward.

CHURCH ROAD, WALPOLE ST PETER

OIEO £250,000 EPC RATING:D

Individual 4 bedroom detached house on an overall plot of approx. 0.25 acre (sts),

field views front & rear, 2 reception rooms, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast

room, utility, cloakroom, en-suite, upstairs bath/shower room, double

garage, driveway, established gardens, upvc double glazing, oil central heating,

BROADGATE, SUTTON ST EDMUND


4 Bedroom detached house in a rural village on an overall plot of approx. 0.3

acre (sts) with rear field view, 3 reception rooms, utility room,

cloakroom, en-suite, integral double garage, off road parking, enclosed rear garden with summer house & hot tub.

Oil central heating, double glazing & no upward chain. View now!

CHALK ROAD, WALPOLE ST PETER


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

nd bedroom with en-

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

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

GEDNEY ROAD, LONG SUTTON


1930s 4 Bedroom detached house on an overall plot of 2 acres (sts) offering

lounge, sun room, kitchen/diner, walk in pantry, utility, boot room, upstairs and downstairs cloakrooms, bath/shower

room, gas central heating, double garage/workshop, office, storage

outbuildings, stable block & paddocks.

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Long Sutton Market House Corn Exchange is an excellent venue for family events and celebrations, for exhibitions, performances and concerts. The Corn Exchange is an ideal venue for a wedding reception, which can seat 80 comfortably. Call into reception or ring 01406 366767.

MARKET HOUSE RECEPTION OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9.30AM TO 4.00PM. Come and meet our friendly volunteer receptionists for tourist information, bookings, local information Housing and Benefit forms for South Holland District Council, recycling bags, bus pass forms.

CHRISTMAS CLOSING DATES FOR THE MARKET HOUSE Closing Friday 19

th December 4.00pm. Open in the New Year Monday 5

th January 2015 .

SOUTH HOLLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL CUSTOMER SERVICES Are in the Market House Reception Tuesdays and Thursdays if you have a concern, no need to travel to Spalding, come and meet an adviser on these days at the Market House.

MARKET HOUSE MOVIES The Love Punch 13

th December Come and enjoy the film, 2.30pm for 3.00pm start ring 01406 366767 for tickets or

information. Come and enjoy a film in the New Year: Belle on 31

st January 2.30pm for 3.00pm start ring 01406 366767 for tickets or information.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVE FOOD FAIR IN THE CORN EXCHANGE. Saturday 13th December 10.00- 4pm celebrating local artisan

producers and crafters, with festive refreshments and entertainment for all.

YOGA MINDFULNESS Mondays 1.30pm – 2.45pm Come and enjoy

LIMBA Tuesdays 11.30am to 12.30pm

DEMENTIA If you would like to help set up a support group in Long Sutton please call Joan Woolard on 01406 426508 or email [email protected].

LONG SUTTON YOUTH GROUP EVERY THURSDAY 6.30pm to 8.00pm ring 01406 366767 for more details.

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Every Monday and Thursday morning 10am to 1.00pm Mondays are a drop in, Thursdays are for booked appointments only.

LITTLE WARRIORS – MARTIAL ARTS FOR CHILDREN Every Saturday 11.15am to 12.15pm Turn up on the day or ring 07925244817 or email [email protected] Ring 01406 366767 for more information.

TAI CHI Every Thursday 12.30pm to 1.30pm call in to the Corn Exchange Market House Reception 01406 366767

THE LINCOLNSHIRE CREDIT UNION Is open at the Long Sutton Market House on Fridays NEW OPENING TIMES 11.00AM TO 1.00PM Think of us as a Community Bank that is run by professional volunteers, working under the strict regulations of the Financial Services Authority. When it comes to borrowing money, we make everything simple! We are able to offer loans of between £100 and £3000, with a typical monthly rate of 2% on a reducing balance. All loans are approved on a capacity to repay basis, so poor previous credit may not be a problem. If you would like to save then there are easy access savings accounts with a competitive rate of interest, call in and chat to us on Friday mornings.

AGAPE CARE FOOD BANK BRANCH AT THE MARKET HOUSE There is a collection point for donated food in reception open each day 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday. Please remember those in need this Christmas, any Christmas foods would be much appreciated, puddings, chocolates, crackers. Can you help with dried dog and cat food for those struggling with pets?

MIGRANT WORKERS ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LIFE SKILLS CLASSES Free, 7.00pm Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in the Long Sutton Market House ring Market House Reception for more details 01406 366767 .

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

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Coming up in the new year is the formation of a new group exclusively for beginners to learn about photography and how to operate their camera. The date for this new group is Saturday 17th January cost and location to be confirmed. To register your interest please email [email protected] or tel 01406 366767.

Our next group meeting takes place on Monday 12th January 2015 at 7.30pm. Annual subscriptions due £15 per year.

The group will be visiting RSPB Frampton Marsh on Sunday 25th January for a guided photography session.

We would like to wish all the readers a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

y, boot room, upstairs and downstairs cloakrooms, bath/shower room, gas

central heating, double garage/workshop, office, storage outbuildings, stable block

& paddocks. View now!

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In this edition I wanted to remind you all about keeping your homes safe over Christmas and New Year. Always make sure that you turn off all Christmas lights and check that all candles have been blown out before you go to bed. Never overload sockets or daisy chain extension leads. If you have mistletoe, holly or ivy hanging in the home, make sure that all berries that fall off are cleared up straight away to avoid children and pets eating them as they contain toxins that are poisonous to humans and animals. If you are going away, leave the heating on low and open the loft hatch to keep the void warm. Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your property. Use time switches for lights and radios to make the home look occupied. And lastly make sure the kids don't advertise the fact that your home will be empty over Christmas on facebook or any other social networking sites. If you follow this advice then hopefully you will all have a safe Christmas and a Claims free New Year!

If you would like a quotation today please contact Liz who will be more than happy to assist you. For a free no obligation quote please call us on: 0800 308 1140

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hhaanndd ffoorr ppuurrcchhaasseerrss?? By Anna Hall, Ward Gethin Archer Solicitors

The Government has introduced a number of schemes to assist people trying to get on the housing ladder. The schemes are targeted at potential buyers who can afford to meet mortgage repayments but are struggling to raise a deposit. At the outset there was concern that this would promote another housing bubble but current figures seem to indicate that this is not the case. The most prominent and newest scheme is the Help to Buy scheme which comes in 2 parts. The scheme is available on properties sold for up to £600,000. It is open to both first time buyers and home movers provided that the property purchased under the scheme is to be their residence. The scheme is sent to run until 2020. The first part of the scheme launched in April 2013 relates to new build properties only and is an equity loan by the Government. To qualify a purchaser must be paying a deposit of at least 5%. A Government equity loan is available for up to 20% and the remainder can come from a Mortgage Lender. Several high street lenders have agreed to participate in the scheme and your Mortgage Advisor should be able to tell you which lender is offering a deal most suitable for you. You may find that your conveyancing costs are slightly higher if you are using this scheme; this is because there is a lot of additional work to be carried out to satisfy the requirements of the Help to Buy Agent who will deal with the Equity Loan documents and there is a lot of additional advice to be given on the scheme. It is worth using a Conveyancer that has experience with this scheme to help minimise the additional costs and to ensure that you get the best advice. The equity loan is interest free for the first 5 years and on any sale of the property where the equity loan is still in place then the same percentage of the value of the property must be repaid to the Government meaning that they will take a share of any profit made. The later costs should be explained to you in detail at the time of application and again by your conveyancer. You should be provided with a personal worked example of the finances. The second part of the scheme which was launched later relates to all properties and not just new builds. This scheme is a “Mortgage Guarantee”. Again the purchaser is only required to have a 5% deposit but under this scheme the remainder of the money comes from a Mortgage lender (again several high street lenders have signed up to the scheme). The Government guarantees the Mortgage for a limited period. Again the scheme is only available to properties being sold for up to £600,000 which are to be used as a main home. There are other eligibility criteria which your financial advisor will be able to explain to you. There are other schemes which can be useful and include: New Buy – this is almost a combination of the two parts of the above scheme. It applies to new build properties where the builder is participating in the scheme. A 5% deposit is required from the purchaser who also takes a 95% mortgage with a lender which is again guaranteed in part. Shared Ownership – These are provided via Housing Associations. The purchaser buys a share of the home, usually between 25% and 75% of the houses value and pay rent on the remaining share. The purchaser will need to take a Mortgage on the remainder of the share. There are often options to purchase the remaining share although in some cases it is not possible to purchase a full 100% and your conveyancer should make you aware of this. Right to Buy – This is a scheme applicable to council tenants with at least 5 years tenancy. It offers a substantial discount and can apply to some housing association tenants. Ward Gethin Archer have a team of residential conveyancers who have experience with all of the above schemes and who can offer you advice and assistance on your purchase to ensure things run smoothly. Should you have any queries about the conveyancing process under one of the above schemes then please contact Anna Hall on 01553 667214.

Documents

Phoenix Property Magazine December 2014