THE LOCAL

PROPERTY PAPER

FROM

whathouse.com

Anyone for tennis? Homes with their own courts, P26

EDITIO

N A

UG

UST 7 2015

ith average fi rst-time buyer deposits soaring to over 30% of the property value,

affordable house purchase schemes have rocketed in popularity. For example Help to Buy has helped over 88,000 buyers, and over 40,000 people have taken advantage of alternative housing solutions, such as shared ownership.

The G15, a collaboration of London’s largest housing associations, including Genesis, collectively manages over 410,000 affordable homes and build 10,000 more annually, illustrating how popular these options are becoming. Shared ownership in particular has both short-term and long-term benefi ts for those who want to get on the property ladder but are struggling to raise a deposit or secure a traditional mortgage.

How does shared ownership work?

Providing you meet the criteria (see P32), shared ownership schemes are a great way to get onto the property ladder and you may fi nd you can buy a bigger home than you would otherwise have been able to afford, especially with the opportunity of staircasing.

When you fi rst buy a new home through shared ownership, you purchase a share of the property, typically between 25-75%, paying rent

on the remaining share to the housing association, who then in effect become your landlord. As and when you’re able to afford it, you can take steps to buy additional shares until you own 100% of your home. This is known as staircasing.

Do all housing associations offer staircasing?

Most housing associations will allow their tenants to staircase up to three times, until you reach100% ownership. As well as owning more of your home, staircasing also means the amount of rent you pay decreases, so it can help free up more of your disposable income. As the rent is affordable from the start, it should make it easier to save money towards further staircasing.

Will staircasing cost me?

Purchasing further shares works much like a typical house purchase, with valuations required for each ‘step’, and you will of course need to pay the legal fees, and any mortgage fees, if applicable, too. On the plus side, you’ll not need to pay any Stamp Duty on staircasing up to 80% ownership if the value is less than £125,000.

How you fund the purchase of additional shares is up to you, although typically this is done through a mortgage lender – most building societies and high street banks offer

these types of mortgages. Some providers will allow you to borrow up to 95%, meaning you only need a 5% deposit to secure the next slice of ownership. Speak to an independent mortgage advisor to fi nd out what options you have.

As an outright owner, although you no longer need to pay any rent on the property, it is worth noting as leaseholder of an apartment, you’re still required to pay management charges, such as ground rent, as the housing association will remain the freeholders of the land. If you’ve bought a house, the freehold can be transferred to you upon reaching 100% ownership.

What would I need to do when I come to sell my shared ownership home?When you want to sell the property, you can sell the share you own through your housing association, or if you’ve staircased up to 100%, you can sell it in on the open market, through an estate agent of your choice. When you sell your home, the greater percentage you own, the more profi t you will make if the value of your home has increased, so there’s a benefi t to staircasing in getting more equity back when you sell up.

Find out more at www.genesisha.org.uk; 033 3000 4000

Stepping upTony Harker of Genesis explains how shared ownership can be the perfect platform to become a fully-fl edged owner-occupier

housing associations 35For the latest on the property market @What_House

W

peabodysales.co.uk

London has been our home for over 150 years.

Make it yours.

St John’s Way SW11A new way of life is emerging in the heart of Battersea

1, 2 & 3 bed apartments and 3 & 4 bed triplexesPrices coming soon

Call to register: 020 3369 8728

COMING SOON

ith average fi rst-time buyer deposits soaring to over 30% of the property value,

affordable house purchase schemes have rocketed in popularity. For example Help to Buy has helped over 88,000 buyers, and over 40,000 people have taken advantage of alternative housing solutions, such as shared ownership.

The G15, a collaboration of London’s largest housing associations, including Genesis, collectively manages over 410,000 affordable homes and build 10,000 more annually, illustrating how popular these options are becoming. Shared ownership in particular has both short-term and long-term benefi ts for those who want to get on the property ladder but are struggling to raise a deposit or secure a traditional mortgage.

How does shared ownership work?

Providing you meet the criteria (see P32), shared ownership schemes are a great way to get onto the property ladder and you may fi nd you can buy a bigger home than you would otherwise have been able to afford, especially with the opportunity of staircasing.

When you fi rst buy a new home through shared ownership, you purchase a share of the property, typically between 25-75%, paying rent

on the remaining share to the housing association, who then in effect become your landlord. As and when you’re able to afford it, you can take steps to buy additional shares until you own 100% of your home. This is known as staircasing.

Do all housing associations offer staircasing?

Most housing associations will allow their tenants to staircase up to three times, until you reach100% ownership. As well as owning more of your home, staircasing also means the amount of rent you pay decreases, so it can help free up more of your disposable income. As the rent is affordable from the start, it should make it easier to save money towards further staircasing.

Will staircasing cost me?

Purchasing further shares works much like a typical house purchase, with valuations required for each ‘step’, and you will of course need to pay the legal fees, and any mortgage fees, if applicable, too. On the plus side, you’ll not need to pay any Stamp Duty on staircasing up to 80% ownership if the value is less than £125,000.

How you fund the purchase of additional shares is up to you, although typically this is done through a mortgage lender – most building societies and high street banks offer

these types of mortgages. Some providers will allow you to borrow up to 95%, meaning you only need a 5% deposit to secure the next slice of ownership. Speak to an independent mortgage advisor to fi nd out what options you have.

As an outright owner, although you no longer need to pay any rent on the property, it is worth noting as leaseholder of an apartment, you’re still required to pay management charges, such as ground rent, as the housing association will remain the freeholders of the land. If you’ve bought a house, the freehold can be transferred to you upon reaching 100% ownership.

What would I need to do when I come to sell my shared ownership home?When you want to sell the property, you can sell the share you own through your housing association, or if you’ve staircased up to 100%, you can sell it in on the open market, through an estate agent of your choice. When you sell your home, the greater percentage you own, the more profi t you will make if the value of your home has increased, so there’s a benefi t to staircasing in getting more equity back when you sell up.

Find out more at www.genesisha.org.uk; 033 3000 4000

Stepping upTony Harker of Genesis explains how shared ownership can be the perfect platform to become a fully-fl edged owner-occupier

housing associations 35For the latest on the property market @What_House

W

peabodysales.co.uk

London has been our home for over 150 years.

Make it yours.

St John’s Way SW11A new way of life is emerging in the heart of Battersea

1, 2 & 3 bed apartments and 3 & 4 bed triplexesPrices coming soon

Call to register: 020 3369 8728

COMING SOON

www.belvoirlettings.com email: basildon@belvoirlettings.com Tel: 01268 411110 / 01702 334466 / 01708 730077 BelvoirBasildon BelvoirBasildon

WITH OUR AWARD WINNING LETTINGS SERVICE WE HELP THOUSANDS OF LANDLORDS LET THEIR

PROPERTIES SUCCESSFULLY EVERY YEAR

• Be given the best advice - no one knows more about your local property market than Belvoir!

• Be hot property - no one finds you more reliable tenants than Belvoir!

• Be a Belvoir Landlord - no one has happier landlords than Belvoir!

With 16 years of lettings industry experience, and five years working for Belvoir, 30-year old Keeley

Taylor was the perfect candidate to take over as franchisee of the Belvoir Lettings Franchise in Basildon. She is now director of Belvoir Basildon which covers the territories of Basildon, Romford and Southend-on-Sea.

Her loyalty to the Belvoir brand and love for all things lettings meant that she elected to take over the business when the franchise became available.

“It really felt like the right step for me when I was offered the chance to become the Franchisee,” she explains, “having worked at the office in Basildon since 2006 (primarily when it was known as ‘Let it Be and then as part of Belvoir when it was bought out by them in 2010). The company initially started nine years ago and it was just the director and me at that time. We had no properties and strived to create and grow a client-base. Since then the business has grown tremendously.”

Keeley’s contacts have held her in good stead. “I’ve worked at the office for so long so I have some great relationships with the existing

landlords and tenants and it’s fabulous to be able to build the business and guide it in a new direction.”

Keeley is just one of many new franchise owners for Belvoir who have been a successful lettings agency with an award winning service for nearly two decades.

Offices across the UK such as the one Keeley runs in Basildon, are individually owned by local people, which the company believe ensures the best combination of knowledge and marketing effectiveness, such as the franchisee’s familiarity with the local schools and facilities; knowing the better areas to live in and why some houses are more attractive to locals whilst others will attract newcomers to an area.

“I always felt strongly supported by the staff and the management at Belvoir’s Central Office and have good relationships with them, so the decision to become a franchisee once the possibility arose was an easy one,” Keeley says. “I couldn’t wait to be part of a network. I would recommend anyone looking into a Lettings Franchisee role to contact Belvoir’s head office in Grantham, they’ve been fantastic.”

Keeley adds: “I am very enthusiastc about growing Belvoir Basildon and its future.”

Moving house needn’t be a nightmare - just make your move with Belvoir. Made in Essex speak to Belvoir Basildon’s new Franchisee and director Keeley Taylor

Dream move

Figures released recently by the

Office of National Statistics

showed that Southend is one of

East Anglia’s leading property

hotspots, based on price rises

between 1995 and 2014. The

average value of a home went up an amazing

334% during that time, putting it behind

only Cambridge and St Albans in the region.

In recent years, the town has started

to emerge from the doldrums, part of a

nationwide trend that has seen some long-

neglected seaside towns start to benefit from

regeneration and investment.

As prices in London have risen beyond the

means of many Londoners and commuters,

so areas within a reasonable time of the

capital have become more attractive.

Southend’s two commuter rail routes,

together with a brace of arterial roads

heading westwards to the M25 and beyond,

have naturally brought in people squeezed

out of living nearer London.

In contrast to Basildon, Southend doesn’t

currently have major sites of redevelopment,

so new homes tend to pop up on smaller sites

around the town, often disused “brownfield”

sites whose new use will usually bring up

property values in the surrounding area.

There are plans afoot for some major

works to take place and regenerate some

larger sites, however.

Construction firm Randall Watts has

bought two former offices in Victoria

Avenue, Heath House and Carby House,

and plans to convert them into a mixed-use

scheme with commercial units and around

280flats, complete with a rooftop garden,

concierge service, and gym, within the next

couple of years.

Mark Watts, managing director of Randall

Watts, is looking forward to the challenge

of transforming these “eyesore” buidings:

“We are going to put on an external skin,

which is like the sort of thing you see in

London. The...site, which will now be known

as Beaumont Court and Richmond House, is

an extremely exciting scheme for us, upon

which we have been working closely with

the council to ensure the development adds

to what will be a cosmopolitan and vibrant

new neighbourhood in Southend.”

Down on the seafront, adjacent to the

famous, listed Kursaal building, another

mixed-use development, called Marine

Plaza, was recently given the green light by

Southend council and will transform what is

currently a car park into new restaurants,

cafés and 282 brand new homes, of which

35% are to be affordable. Formed mostly

of apartments, this scheme will give most

residents extensive views of the Thames

Estuary along the river and over to Kent.

The reinvention of the county’s most

famous resort continues.

AREA FOCUS WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM | 21

Ekco Park (Bellway Homes)

Launching this month is this development of one-, two-,

three- and four-bedroom homes of contemporary design in

Prittlewell, on the northern fringes of the town.

These new homes will be on the doorstep of much-loved

Priory Park, a great place to take the kids, walk the dog or

go for a healthy jog. They’ll also be well located for access

to the town centre shopping and the seafront. Around the

corner are Southend High School for Boys, Westcliff High

School for Girls, the hospital and the adult community

college at Chase High School.

Guide prices are expected to start from £150,000 for a one-

bedroom apartment, and £245,000 for a two-bedroom house.

Find out more at www.bellway.co.uk

Roberts View (Blackshaw Homes)

This two-bedroom apartment on Camper Road, between

Eastern Esplanade and Southchurch Park, is on the top floor

of a low-rise block and has sea views.

With a guide price of between £260,000 and £280,000, the

property has an open-plan kitchen/living/dining room and

trifold doors out to a large balcony. The high-gloss which

kitchen, with black worktops, has a range of appliances

built in. The front bedroom also has a balcony, while the rear

bedroom has built-in wardrobes.

This apartment has a video entry system and keyless

secure underground parking, and there is lift access from

the ground floor.

Find out more at www.bellway.co.uk; 01268 412132

Centenary Park (McCarthy & Stone)

Like many other seaside towns, Southend is popular with older

buyers and retirees and this purpose-built development from

the UK’s leading retirement property specialist developer is

providing some much needed homes tailored to this audience.

Launching this weekend (on Saturday 6 August), these

apartments on Southchurch Boulevard have a stunning

modern exterior and an equally impressive interior

specification, with plenty of little touches to make life for

older residents as convenient as possible.

One-bedroom apartments will range from £214,950 to

£279,950 at the launch, while the larger two-bedroom flats

start at £267,950, rising to £349,950.

Find out more at www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk;

0800 201 4811

WHATHOUSE? PICKS...

Developers are looking beyond the promenade as they bring new homes to Southend-on-Sea

Managing director: Daniel HillEditorial director: Rupert BatesEditor: Keith Osborne ko@whathouse.comAssistant editor: Stephen Maunder sm@whathouse.comDesigner: Peter Rogers peter@39zero.co.ukContributors: Tilly Rubens, Fiona Brandhorst, Nick Parkhouse, Richenda OldhamSales director: Adrian Talbot at@globespanmedia.comSales manager: Murad Paloda mp@whathouse.comProperty supplement published by: What House Digital Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG; 020 7940 1070 info@globespanmedia.com www.whathouse.comPrinted by 39zero© 2015 What House Digital Limited

Cover picture: North End Place in Felsted from Knight Frank, £2.5million, 01279 213340

What House? @What_House

THE LOCAL

PROPERTY PAPER

FROM

whathouse.com

Anyone for tennis? Homes with their own courts, P26

EDITIO

N A

UG

UST 7 2015

Holy Trinity Church, Takeley (courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Beyond the sea

For something cool and refreshing this summer…

NO ONWARD CHAIN

£695,000Hutton

SEMI DETACHED BUNGALOW IN CUL DE SAC LOCATIONSituated in a quiet cul de sac is this lovely two bedroom semi-detached bungalow available with vacant possession. Surrounded by well maintained gardens the property boasts delightful views from the rear and offers a great degree of seclusion. Viewing is advised.

OPEN HOUSE

Warley GUIDE PRICE £450,000

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST BY APPOINTMENTAvailable for the first time in over 50 years. In need of modernisation, this three bedroom terraced family home, lays in one of Brentwood’s more sought after locations. Local schooling, playing fields, country park and mainline station are all within close proximity, making this a fantastic opportunity for the next owner.

£375,000

VIEWING ADVIS

ED

£695,000Hook End

ATTRACTIVE GEORIGAN STYLE 5 BED DETACHED HOUSE WITH VIEWS ACROSS OPEN COUNTRYSIDEAn attractive Georgian style, five bedroom detached house which has been extensively refurbished and extended including open plan kitchen / breakfast room, underfloor heating, superb lounge / diner, two en-suites and an additional family bathroom. The property enjoys country views to the front and viewing is highly recommended.

66’ RE

AR GARD

EN

Toot Hill GUIDE PRICE £440,000 - £470,000

3 BED CHALET BUNGALOW WITH MATURE GARDENS SITUATED AT THE END OF A PRIVATE ROADSituated at the end of a private road is this three bedroom chalet bungalow, set 30’ back from the road and with an attached garage with own driveway. The property is complimented by mature gardens measuring approximately 66’ in length, and offers great scope for further extension, subject to planning permission.

GUIDE PRICE £725,000 - £750,000

Warley

GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT WITH ITS OWN COURTYARDKavanagh Court forms part of the award winning Galleries Development, itself set within stunning manicured gardens. This particular ground floor two bedroom apartment offers its own small courtyard area to the front and delightful views of the gardens to the rear. Internally is the perfect blend of old meets new, from its arched ceilings to its modern fully fitted kitchen. Viewing is strongly advised.

£395,000

THE G

ALLERIE

S

Doddinghurst

A 4 BED DETACHED HOUSE SITUATED IN AN ESTABLISHED TREE LINED TURNINGConstructed in a beautiful yellow stock brick is this four double bedroomed executive style house, situated in an established tree-lined turning close to the centre of Doddinghurst, with two reception rooms, kitchen / breakfast room and utility room. The master bedroom has its own en-suite in addition to the main family luxury bathroom. The property has extensive off street parking plus a double length integral garage.

£575,000

EXECUTIVE ST

YLE HOUSE

Brentwood

A THREE BEDROOM HOUSE REQUIRING MODERNISATIONWith views over greensward and set back from the street, stands this three bedroom end terrace family home, needing a degree of modernisation. The Broad Walk North is a pleasant cul-de-sac, located within a short distance of local amenities and within reach of St Martins School.

£285,000Brentwood

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST 2 - 3 PM NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY25 ST JAMES’ ROAD, BRENTWOOD, CM14 4LH -In need of refurbishment, this two double bedroom end terrace property, is located within just a few minutes walk of Brentwood Mainline Station. Offering deceptively spacious accommodation by way of 23’2 x 13’2 sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, ground floor shower room, in addition to a 9’9 x 6’7 first floor shower room.

GUIDE PRICE £300,000

OPEN HOUSE

CUL DE S

AC

Kelvedon Hatch

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST BETWEEN 1.00PM - 2.00PM - BY APPOINTMENT ONLYThis two double bedroomed mid terrace house in the village of Kelvedon Hatch, close to local shop and amenities has been extended to the rear of the property, creating a second 14’5 x 10’ reception room. The property has been maintained in good order throughout and a viewing is advised.

GUIDE PRICE £280,000 - £300,000

TWO DOUBLE

BEDS

Kelvedon Hatch

ATTRACTIVE 4 BED DETACHED FAMILY HOME WITH AN UNOVERLOOKED 100’ GARDENWe are delighted to offer this handsome architecturally designed 4 bed detached house which has been well maintained throughout & offers a delightful un-overlooked 100’ rear garden. Spacious & well planned with excellent potential for further extension into a large 33’ loft area, which is currently boarded (STPP). Close to open countryside & yet still within easy walking distance of local shops, schools & bus routes.

£659,995

VIEWING ADVISED

26 | WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM HOMES WITH TENNIS COURTS

The Vinery, Kelvedon, £1.195millionThis charming four double bedroom, fi ve

reception room former vinery once served

nearby Felix Hall. Situated in around 4.5

acres, the house is approached via a private

gated sweeping drive and is on the rural

outskirts of Kelvedon village. A brick-built

stable block and tack room sit within the

gardens adjacent to the all-important tennis

court.

Agent: Beresfords 01245 807265

North End Place, Felsted, £2.5millionThe delightful Georgian North End Place

benefi ts from beautifully proportioned

interiors that enjoy magnifi cent views over

the formal garden and beyond. The fi ve-

bedroom, three-bathroom country house

has three receptions rooms and a stunning

bespoke kitchen/breakfast room. The

extensively manicured gardens include a

white rose-fi lled courtyard adjoining the

house. Outbuildings include a gym, adjacent

to the swimming pool, changing rooms and

an all-weather tennis court.

Agent: Knight Frank 01279 213340

Meadow Rise, Ongar, £1.1millionThis attractive detached cottage has

four bedrooms, including an en sui te to

the master, three reception rooms and a

farmhouse-style kitchen with Aga. The

grounds extend to just over one-and-a-quarter

acres incorporating a tennis court, an

impressive detached barn and games room.

Meadow Rise is situated down a country lane

within two miles of Toot Hill Golf Club.

Agent: Hetheringtons 01992 827063

Don John’s Farm, Earls Colne, £2.75millionAn immaculate Grade II listed 16th-century

country house set in about 14 acres, Don

John’s Farm has seven en suite bedrooms

and three reception rooms as well as a

separate one-bedroom cottage and a range of

outbuildings. Far-reaching views are enjoyed

over the Bourne Brook Valley and the house

offers numerous leisure pursuits including a

swimming pool and AstroTurf tennis court.

Agent: Savills 01245 293233

Hill Farm, Dunmow, £1.59millionHill Farm dates back to the 18th century,

providing versatile accommodation in a semi-

rural setting with a wealth of period features

including wood panelling in the reception

hall and dining room and exposed beams

throughout. There are six bedrooms and four

reception areas with a galleried drawing

room and inglenook fi replace. The Clive

Christian kitchen/breakfast room boasts an

Aga and meat or game room. Set in mature

gardens and land of nine acres, there is a

gym complex, swimming pool and tennis

court set on either side of the property.

Agent: Fine & Country 01279 757500

Game, set and match – Fiona Brandhorst fi nds fi ve ace homes which come complete with tennis courts

Meadow Rise, Ongar

North End Place, Felsted The Vinery, Kelvedon

Hill Farm, Dunmow Don John’s Farm, Earls Colne,

Sets appeal

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

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

been developing and updating for more than 75 years.

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

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

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

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

NHBC – the mark of a quality home

H82 02/14

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

H82_What House? advert_v1.indd 1 19/02/2014 12:15

www.inlandhomes.co.uk

The Comptons, Wooburn GreenCharterhouse Mews, Chelmsford Vista, Drayton Garden Village St John’s, Chelmsford

Carter’s Quay, Poole

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

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

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

DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDE:

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

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

St John’s, Chelmsford2 & 4 bedroom houses

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

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

Alexandra Gardens, Iver2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses

Park House, LoudwaterStudio & 1 bedroom apartments

Creating newcommunitiesacross the South

SECRET ESSEX WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM | 29

Do you hanker after an

orchard, outdoor pizza oven

or hot tub? Well, according

to estate agent Strutt &

Parker’s latest survey, having

a walled garden came top

of the wish list for outdoor

creature comforts with 21% of respondents

saying they would like to have one in their

dream home. Surprisingly, a water feature

or fountain was the least popular with only

2.2% of people wanting to hear the calming

tinkle of water. Closer to home, those living

in East Anglia sound a healthy bunch, with a

vegetable or kitchen garden the most wished

for. However, Londoners and homeowners in

the South East dream of entertaining in the

sun and would place outdoor seating areas

or entertainment space as their most desired

outside attribute. Seems like we just want to

have fun!

Quids-in commuting from EssexA one-hour commute to Colchester can knock

thousands of pounds off the average price

of a house according to new research from

Lloyds Bank. As soon as buyers head away

from London where the average

price for a property in Zones

1 and 2 is £722,000, property

is far more affordable. The

average price in Colchester

is around £272,000 and even

taking into account the cost

of travel, it would take a

commuter 91 years for the

total rail costs to wipe out the

difference in average house

prices. Billericay and Basildon

were also mentioned in the

report as cost-saving commuter

towns.

Jammy house huntersTiptree is Essex’s world-

famous jam capital and its

network of seven tea rooms

strategically positioned

across the county make

the perfect stop-off between

house viewings or even good starting points

for investigating our many towns and

villages. Anyone partial to a cream tea on

the hunt for a new home may get to taste

the “Little Scarlet” strawberry jam. Tiptree is

one of the few places in the world where this

flavoursome strawberry is grown and used

fresh from the fields in the delicious jam.

SECRET ESSEXParty animals form an orderly queue

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

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

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

Ask about our launch incentives

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

Help to Buy

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

SO YOU WANT A HOME WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM | 31

When in Romford...This one-bedroom, second-floor apartment is located right at the

heart of Romford town centre and a few minutes’ walk from the

mainline railway station, making it an ideal first-time-buy for city

workers. Not only that, but it’s been newly refurbished so there’s

nothing to do except move in and start enjoying the first rung of the

ladder!

The property has a security entrance phone in the internal

entrance hall that leads to the spacious living room with a double-

glazed box-bay window to the front. Doors off lead to the separate

kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. The well-fitted kitchen has a range

of wall and floor units, integrated oven, hob and fridge-freezer and

wood-effect vinyl flooring. The double bedroom has fitted wardrobes

and the bathroom is fully tiled with an electric shower unit over the

bath. Outside there are communal gardens, electric pedestrian gates

and an electric gated secure car park. Fast trains from Romford to

London Liverpool Street take just 27 minutes.

Price: £140,000Selling agent: haart 01708 730599

Coming in from the Col...Conveniently located within walking distance to Colchester town

centre, shops and station is this traditional mid-terrace cottage-

style house on Butt Road. Set in a street of similar properties, and

handily next to the real ale pub the Fat Cat, the house features a

living room to the front and a spacious kitchen-breakfast room to

the rear with built in double oven and space for a fridge/freezer and

washing machine. On the first floor are two double bedrooms and a

family bathroom with electric shower over the bath. The property

has uPVC double glazed windows and gas central heating. To the

front there is a gate with a few steps up and to the rear there is an

enclosed garden with small patio and lawned area. Fast trains from

Colchester to London Liverpool Street take around 53 minutes.

Price: £149,995Selling agent: Beresfords 01206 808791

Comfortable ShoeFirst-time buyer commuters will love stepping off the train knowing

that there’s only a short walk to this well-presented 1930s one-

bedroom flat and then straight onto the beach at Shoeburyness!

Located on the first-floor via its own front door, this apartment has

a light spacious living/dining room to the front with feature bay

window and the original stained-glass upper panels. The double-

bedroom overlooks the rear garden and has ample room for double

wardrobes either side of the chimney breast. The good-sized kitchen

has smart white floor and wall units, attractive splashback tiling

and a wall-mounted boiler with space allocated for free-standing

appliances. There is also a shower room with an independent

tiled shower cubicle and integrated shower unit. There’s off-street

parking for one vehicle to the front and the property has its own

rear garden, complete with a timber shed, accessed via a side gate.

Fast trains from Shoeburyness to Fenchurch Street take just over an

hour.

Price: £120,000Selling agent: Hunt Roche 01702 290900

So you want a home...to commute from, costing under £150,000Fiona Brandhorst takes close look at three Essex properties priced below £150,000, ideal for first-time buyers commuting in London

Specification includes: A range of contemporary and traditional kitchens Stoves Richmond 900EI Stainless Steel Range Cooker* Stainless Steel Cooker Hood Integrated Neff appliances Integrated Prima wine cooler Utility rooms (not applicable to plot 3) come with either a washer/dryer

or washing machine and tumble dryer Bathroom and En-Suites have contemporary bathrooms with Ideal

Standard Sanitaryware and are fully tiled with Porcelanosa tiles

Floors are finished with Porcelanosa floor tiles to Kitchen, Utility, Bathroom, En-suite, Cloakrooms and Carpets to all other areas*

Oak panelled internal doors with pewter finished door handles Built in wardrobes to most bedrooms – please refer to sales layouts –

with oak panelled doors and pewter finished door handles Air Source Heating, offering reduced running costs, with under floor heating

to all ground floor areas and radiators to upper floor rooms with 5 year service and warranty package.

Eight unique Grade II listed 2, 3 and 4 bedroom barns converted to a high specification, retaining many original features.All properties have private gardens with plots 1, 2 and 8 having the added benefit of a paddock.‘The Barns’ Merton Grange is situated in an idyllic rural location on the edge of Gamlingay in South Cambridgeshire. The approach is via a private drive with far reaching views either side across fields.

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

www.leavalleyhomes.co.uk

*Where possible we will be able to offer buyers variations and choices on the internal finishes, although the availability of this will depend upon the stage of construction that each property has reached when a reservation is made. For full specification details please see the brochure.

ShowhomEopEn

wEEkEndS onlyfrom

march 7th-29th between

11am-3pm

prices from £610,000

INTERIORS WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM | 33

Oh, sit down!D&D’s essential guide to some of today’s most stylish chair designsDiscover&Deliver (www.discoverdeliver.com )

is a luxury lifestyle boutique dedicated to

fi nding and researching the most beautiful,

interesting and sought-after furniture,

lighting & accessories, as seen in global

design destinations.

Founders Isabel Rutland and Stephanie

Mähl began by reviewing the best-designed

hotels and restaurants around the world,

many by prize-winning architects and

leading interior designers.

They call it their “voyage of pure

discovery”, uncovering furniture, lighting

and design-objects by the most skilled of

craftsmen.

Here, Isabel and Stephanie pick fi ve sleek

chairs whose designers have revolutionised

the world of product design. “These pieces

are one of the things that makes mankind

magnifi cent!” they say...

Diz Chair designed by Sérgio Rodrigues made by LinBrasil, as seen in Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro. Prices start from £2,383.

Acapulco Chair designed by OK Design, as seen in the W Barcelona. Prices start from £315.

Lehnstuhl designed by Nigel Coates, made by GTV. Prices start from £1,371.

Flag Halyard Chair designed by Hans J Wegner, made by PP Møbler, as seen in Hotel Fasano São Paulo. Prices start from £5,542.

All prices exclude VAT and delivery from Discover&Deliver.

EJ5 Corona Chair designed by Poul M Volther, made by Erik Jørgensen. Prices start from £2,703.

INTERIORS WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM | 33

You spin me roundFood preparation has never been so much fun – or so fast – thanks to the latest mixers and blenders. Richenda Oldham gets a slice of the action

Sleek and glossy is the best way to describe the Bugatti Vela Food blender. It features a four-speed control and pulse function that is perfect for blending anything from soups and shakes to cocktails and smoothies, £170, www.redcandy.co.uk

The kMix from Kenwood makes baking a piece of cake with its 4.6 litre bowl and special fold function. It even stops automatically when the head is lifted, £399.99, www.amara.com

If you want a professional high performance machine then take

a look at the Herakles 8G-R. This powerful stand mixer will crush

anything from fruit ‘n’ veg to ice fast at the touch of a button,

£184.06, www.klarstein.com

The Russell Hobbs 14012 ‘Essentials’ is a simple to use lightweight jug blender with a useful pulse function to help you break down big chunks of food, £19.99, www.argos.co.uk

For a nostalgic look that is backed up by 21st-century precision, then the BLF01PBEU is a Fifties-style retro model, shown here in pastel blue, which has four speeds and three preset programmes,£146.37, www.smeg.com

On the doorstep of the local beauty spot Langdon

Hills Country Park, with its panoramic views over

the Thames Estuary and across to London, more

than half of the homes at Arcadia are already sold,

with new releases just announced.

Families, retirees and young professionals are

being wooed by the select range of just 98 three-,

four- and five-bedroom character homes with

landscaped gardens and plenty of parking.

Laindon station, with trains to Fenchurch Street every 15 minutes,

is a major plus for commuters and retail therapy is on hand at

Basildon’s popular Eastgate Shopping Centre, just a 10-minute drive

away. Southend-on-Sea is only a short drive away and golf clubs

and a range of sporting amenities are also close by, so keeping fit is

definitely an option for new residents.

The latest release at Arcadia is ‘The Willerby’, a five-bedroom

double-fronted detached home reminiscent of a prime London villa,

set across three floors. Spacious living accommodation on the ground

floor includes a stylish contemporary kitchen

with a convenient separate utility room,

lounge with French doors leading to the

rear garden, study and dining room off the

kitchen.

The first floor has three double bedrooms,

including the master bedroom with its ‘must-

have’ dressing area with built-in wardrobes

and en suite. Two further double bedrooms

and a family bathroom are found on the

top floor with far reaching views from the

picturesque attic-style windows.

Priced at £499,995, ‘The Willerby’ comes

with a sought-after double garage plus an

impressive six parking spaces – ideal for

families with teenage drivers and ample

room for when friends and family visit.

‘The Osterley’, a three-bedroom detached

house priced at £307,995 will be available

soon closely followed by two three-bedroom

semi-detached homes, ‘The Studland’ and

‘The Chastleton’ townhouse.

Specifications for all homes at Arcadia are

high with a choice of kitchen units, worktops

and tiling for those buyers reserving early

in the construction stages. Arcadia is open

daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm,

Find out more at www.bloorhomes.com01268 857834

Buyers are giving the thumbs up to Arcadia the new Bloor Homes development in Laindon on the outskirts of Basildon

Work, rest and play

28 | WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM NEW HOMES

Electrolux Group: Industry Leaders in Household Durables for eight consecutive years.

Electrolux has retained its position as Industry Leader in the Household Durables category for the eighth consecutive year in the latest Dow Jones Sustainability Indices.

Electrolux is the only company in the Household Durables category to qualify for Dow Jones Sustainability Indices World, and has been included in DJSI every year since the index was launched in 1999.

For more information, go to www.sustainability-indices.com

Sustainability is an integral part of the Electrolux Group’s strategy, and we are therefore especially proud to have achieved the highest score of the Household Durables category for our efforts in the environmental area.

Henrik SundströmHead of Sustainability Affairs at Electrolux.

‘‘

‘‘

your property, our business

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

• Advisory head-lease setup service for developers

• ELM Group are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Homes & Communities Agency

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

We are proud to present our partner for sales & lettings in the South East of England www.martinco.com

www.elmgroup.org.ukenquiries@elmgroup.org.uk

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

RETIREMENT WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM | 35

What kind of properties can buyers expect from Churchill

Retirement and who is eligible to buy one?

We pride ourselves on building beautiful, quality, purpose-

built one- and two-bedroom retirement apartments in

desirable locations across the UK for people aged 60 and

over, who are looking for an independent lifestyle.

What's the advantage of a Churchill home over an

ordinary new-build?

Our developments are specifically designed to meet the

needs of active, independent retired people. Apartments have

spacious rooms throughout, with a combination of design

and functionality. Our fully fitted, stylish kitchens include

a built-in fridge and freezer, hob and

an oven, all located at an easy-reach

height. All of the properties benefit

from illuminated light switches for

added convenience. Owners also enjoy

ultimate peace of mind from a fitted

camera entry system, offering the

highest level of security, and a 24-

hour emergency call system.

We also offer a range of communal

facilities for owners, such as the

owners’ lounge, which hosts regular

social events, and a guest suite for

when friends and family visit. We

also have wellbeing suites on selected

developments and new to 2015 are

coffee bars and fitness rooms.

A huge difference to an ordinary

new-build is that all our retirement developments benefit

from a lodge manager, who is there to provide support for

owners and run the building on their behalf, acting as a

good neighbour.

What sort of people do your developments attract?

When downsizing into one of our properties, people often

want to stay in the area they’ve lived for many years.

However, we also see people moving areas, perhaps to

be closer to their families or to be near the sea in their

retirement years. Location is really crucial in our business

to ensure we’re providing customers with everything they

need, right on their doorstep. We won’t build developments

more than a reasonable level walk from a town centre with a

good range of facilities and services.

It's often a long process for someone to leave a cherished

family home later in life - what do you find are the main

concerns of older buyers?

Leaving a family home is never an easy decision but for

many of our buyers, removing the hassle and stress involved

with maintaining a larger, older property is a huge relief.

I often hear owners say they wished they’d made the move

years ago and how moving to a Churchill development has

given them a whole new lease of life.

The idea of selling a home and going through the buying

process again is the main concern for many older buyers,

but we offer a number of packages to help make it a stress-

free move and our highly trained consultants are on hand to

guide them through every step of the process.

Are there ways in which you can help buyers sell an

existing home and make the move smoothly?

Our ‘Selling Made Easy’ service takes away the stresses

and strains associated with selling a property. We deal with

estate agents on the purchasers’ behalf to help ensure that

the property is being well marketed and viewings are being

arranged to secure a sale as quickly as possible, at a good

market price. We also offer significant sums toward estate

agents’ fees and panel solicitors’ fees. In addition we can help

pay for standard home removals, including packing and

unwrapping.

Alternatively, our Home Exchange service provides

a simple and effective alternative to selling on the open

market. It means homeowners can move into their new

property far faster, and takes away the hassle of selling an

existing property.

What do you think the appeal of Essex is, as a place

to live, and particularly the locations you're currently

selling in?

Essex has always been a popular place to seek that more

relaxing way of life. It offers a rich tapestry of everything

that makes Britain great – which makes it an excellent place

to live. The county has an abundance of picturesque towns

and villages such as Saffron Walden and Waltham Abbey, all

with their own individual history and character. The coast is

terrific, with something for everyone and there are a whole

host of places to visit and things to do, from spectacular old

houses and gardens such as Audley End, to country parks

and nature reserves. The larger towns such as Chelmsford

also offer fantastic amenities with great shopping and

leisure facilities on your doorstep.

Quality of life is especially important later in life - what

does a Churchill development offer in this respect?

A great deal of thought, research and planning goes into

selecting the location of every development. We ensure our

retirement properties are built in central locations within

easy access of public transport links, shops, local facilities

and essential services, all reducing the need to travel by car.

Alongside this, other benefits include companionship

and a community which reduces isolation, loneliness and

depression. Our apartments help to maintain an independent

lifestyle and heath and general wellbeing. The safety and

security features we have as standard also reduce anxieties

and worries experienced by many elderly people.

What are your current schemes in Essex and what others

are in the pipeline?

We currently have three selling developments, King Henry

Lodge in Chingford, Saffron Lodge in Saffron Walden and

King Harold Lodge in Waltham Abbey. King Henry Lodge

in Chingford has just one apartment remaining and Saffron

Lodge launched last year and is already over 70% sold, with

a wonderful, lively community now well established there.

We’ve just welcomed our first owners at King Harold

Lodge, which is a new development of 28 apartments in the

lovely market town of Waltham Abbey.

Construction work has also just started on a new

development of 55 one- and two-bedroom apartments on New

London Road in Chelmsford. We’re hoping to release the

first homes for sale here in April 2016.

We have exciting plans to increase our presence in Essex,

with contracts recently exchanged on a development site

200 yards from Hornchurch High Street and further land

purchases to come on the Essex coast. We have a big growth

phase planned in the Eastern region, so watch this space as

Churchill will be increasingly active in the years to come.

Home from home

Whathouse.com speaks exclusively to Greg Hilton, regional managing director (Eastern) of Churchill Retirement Living, to talk about the benefits of a brand new home on a purpose-built development for older buyers

Churchill in Essex

Saffron Lodge, Saffron Walden

Saffron Lodge is a development of 31 one- and two-bedroom apartments situated in the picturesque town of Saffron Walden. The development is over 70% sold with one-bedroom apartments available priced from £255,940. (01799 282 635)

King Harold Lodge, Waltham Abbey

King Harold Lodge is located on Broomstick Hall Road in the popular market town of Waltham Abbey. The development offers 28 purpose-built apartments with one-bedroom apartments available from £244,950 and two-bedroom apartments priced from £348,950. (0800 458 1847)

For more information on either development, visit the show complexes, which are open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm, or find out more at www.churchillretirement.co.uk.

ELEGANCE & ARTISTRY

*Price correct at time of going to press. Computer generated image of Barts Square.

CRAFTED RESIDENCES IN HISTORIC SMITHFIELD, EC1

PRICES FROM £815,000*

020 7726 8995 | BARTSSQUARE.COM

0661 BartsResi_ad_WH_FP_01June_ART.indd 1 27/05/2015 17:55

38 | WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM NEW HOMES

COVER STORY: use this Molly Mutt dog bed duvet to cover an old dog bed or fill it with redundant pillows to make a smart new bed for your pooch, £16.99, www.easyanimal.co.uk

King’sTime is running out to buy a high-quality new Redrow home in Lexden

Since its offi cial launch in

January, sales have been brisk

at Redrow’s King’s Park, a

development of 31 homes in

the village of Lexden, just west

of Colchester. Now, just seven

homes remain for sale – fi ve houses and two

apartments – so opportunities to buy a peach

of a home at the site are now limited.

With prices ranging from £278,995 to

£674,995, there’s plenty of variety, however,

which is bound to interest a diverse range of

buyers, says Kerry Jenkins, sales director

for Redrow Homes (Eastern).

“King’s Park continues to attract a good

mix of purchasers ranging from fi rst-time

buyers to growing families, downsizers and

everything in between,” she says. “They

all recognise that the development offers a

winning combination of high-specifi cation

homes in a sought-after village location with

good local amenities and strong commuter

links. These factors have helped make King’s

Park a success and now that availability

is limited we’re encouraging would-be

homeowners to contact us without delay.”

With everything from a two-bedroom

apartment to three- and four-bedroom

homes available, there are also two crucial

assistance schemes on offer from Redrow.

The Help to Buy scheme is open to all

buyers on properties under £600,000,

offering the chance to buy with a 5% deposit

thanks to a government-backed equity loan

of 20% of the property price. This means

a lower initial payment and then lower

monthly mortgage payments, as the loan is

interest-free for fi ve years.

For homeowners struggling to sell their

existing property – or simply wanting

to avoid the hassle of selling on the open

market – a part exchange might be the

answer. With this, the housebuilder makes

on offer based on an independent valuation,

which if accepted, eliminates a buying chain

and allows you to stay in your old home

until your new one is ready. Alternatively,

Redrow’s Mastermove option means they’ll

work with local agents to fi nd a buyer for you

– and pay their fees, so you won’t have to.

“Whether you’re an aspiring fi rst time

buyer or a homeowner looking to move up

the property ladder we can help make your

dream move a reality,” adds Jenkins.

The show homes and sales offi ce at King’s

Park are open from 10.00am to 5.30pm,

Thursday to Monday.

Find out more at http://whathou.se/NoUIhJ

01206 430241

peach

Harlow is not renowned for its

stunning architecture, but

national housebuilder Linden

Homes is certainly trying to

change that with the ultra-

modern designs of its new

homes at Edge, which are currently for sale

on the eastern fringe of the town.

The company has an established

reputation across the UK – and it is

currently the WhatHouse? Sustainable

Developer of the Year – and it is

strengthening its esteem in Essex with this

collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom

homes on the Newhall development.

The latest phase is no less eye-catching

than the earlier designs, with a range of

four-bedroom homes currently available that

blend elements of traditional homes with

contemporary finishes that blend in well

with their neighbours.

Among them is ‘The Moore’, a 1,254 sq

ft, four-bedroom detached home with a

spacious, open-plan kitchen/dining area to

the rear and a separate living room at the

front. Upstairs, the master bedroom has an

en suite bathroom and its own balcony. The

house is finished with a steeply pitched roof.

Prices for ‘The Moore’ start at £412,950.

‘The Hirst’ is another detached design,

with four double bedrooms and total

accommodation of 1,528 sq ft. Priced from

£474,950, this house type makes full use of

the extra space with a an open-plan kitchen

and dining room leading through double

doors to the living room. There is also a

separate study. On the first floor, there are

four generous double bedrooms, with an en

suite and balcony to the master bedroom at

the front.

Each of these new homes comes with a

fully fitted kitchen with integrated kitchen

appliances include a washer/dryer, a hob and

oven, a fridge/freezer and a dishwasher; the

Roca bathrooms and en suites are stylish as

well as practical.

Karen Roake is the sales and marketing

director at Linden Homes Eastern. She

says: “Edge has become a small and friendly

community in its own right. It’s so popular

with families that several households have

moved within the development because they

wanted more room to expand, but didn’t

want to leave Edge. It’s that sort of place.

Once you move here, you don’t want to leave.

We hope that by adding some unexpectedly

traditional styles to our selection of

contemporary homes, we will appeal to an

even broader audience.”

You can visit the sales and marketing

suite at Edge every day from 10.00am to

5.00pm (or 4.00pm on Friday).

Find out more at www.lindenhomes.co.uk;

0844 644 9562

NEW HOMES WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM | 39

On the EdgeSome striking new homes

are taking shape on the outskirts of Harlow

RETIREMENT WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM | 39

Helping hands

McCarthy & Stone, Britain’s

leading specialist developer of

private homes for retirees, is

employing a team of no fewer

than 26 local construction

workers as it shapes its new development of

apartments on Raglan Road, Frinton-on-Sea.

Victoria Gardens, which will bring 14 new

brand new flats for over-60s to the resort, is

using the expertise of many local contractors.

A fine summer has seen strong progress at

the site, which is expected to welcome its first

residents in early spring 2016.

Michael Hall, site manager at McCarthy

and Stone’s North London region, believes

that local talent is a vital factor in achieving

the companies ambitious expansion plans

for the coming years.

“The sheer importance and value of local

workforces simply cannot be underestimated

when it comes to housebuilding,” says

Hall. “I’m proud to have been able to recruit

a team of full- and part-time employees

from the local area for Victoria Gardens

in Frinton, and we are actively recruiting

skilled tradesmen in the local area as the

site progresses, including carpenters,

electricians and plumbers, to name a few.

“Each and every one of the employees,

from the construction teams laying bricks,

to the sales teams in the office, plays an

active role in turning the McCarthy and

Stone vision into a reality.”

The new two-bedroom apartments come

from the company’s Platinum Range, where

the specification has been raised to include

underfloor heating, oak-veneered doors

and fully-fitted kitchens with integrated

appliances. Each property also has a number

of emergency call points. The properties are

located just moments from Frinton’s seafront.

Local talent is creating new retirement property in Frinton-on-Sea

Residents also get the benefits of

communal facilities such as some delightful

landscaped gardens and a club lounge,

which acts as the social hub of the entire

scheme, where neighbours can meet each

other, and friends and family. There’s also

a concierge, who can help residents with

errands and ensure the smooth running of

the development.

Elaine Stratford, sales and marketing

director for McCarthy and Stone North

London region, adds: “As the only

housebuilder to have achieved the coveted

Housebuilding Federation’s (HBF) five

star status for the tenth year in a row – a

customer satisfaction award which is scored

independently by our own customers – we

are confident that by investing in high

quality local talent and skilled tradesmen,

we will continue to deliver stunning

developments which other developers

can hold up as an example of the kind of

accommodation that our older generations

truly deserve.”

Find out more at

www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk

0800 201 4811

The sheer importance and value of local workforces simply cannot be underestimated when it comes to housebuilding

VIRIDIUMCamberley, Surrey

Luxury collection of 1,2 & 3 bedroom apartments.

To book an appointment

call: 01276 66693

*Available with Help to Buy subject to terms and conditions

• Award winning development 2015 FTB awards

• Gated entrance with parking

• Stunning spacious apartments with Balcony or terrace

• Carpets included

• Luxury fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms

• Help to Buy available

JUST 5%DEPOSIT*

HODSONDEVELOPMENTS

Prices from

£285,000

The Financial Ombudsman (FOS)

has launched a stinging attack

on lenders, accusing them of a

'box ticking' approach which

'rarely leads to a fair outcome

for customers wanting to port

their existing mortgage deals.

In its latest news update, the FOS has

criticised lenders for making decisions based

on inflexible processes rather than looking

at what is in the best interests of customers.

It argues that the new Mortgage Market

Review rules, implemented in April 2014,

do not mean that lenders should not take

a borrower’s individual circumstances into

account when making their decision.

The FOS reported that in terms of

mortgages, there were 3,338 new complaints

from April to June 2015, compared to 3,467

for the previous three months with 32% of

these upheld.

“Over the last few years we’ve continued

to receive high numbers of complaints about

mortgages,” reads the document, adding

that “a disappointing proportion” of these

involved administrative or communication

errors which could have been sorted out

without their involvement.

Since April 2014, tighter mortgage rules

have led to more complaints that lenders

are applying the rules too rigidly – in some

cases leading to outcomes that are unfair on

customers.

“In particular, many of the complaints

we’ve seen about ‘porting’ – transferring

a mortgage to another property – stem

from the way lenders are applying the new

rules,” says the FOS update. “For example,

we hear from people who’d previously been

told they could port their mortgage – but

who have since been told that new lending

requirements mean they can’t.”

Shortly after the new rules came into force

in the spring of 2014, FT Adviser reported

that many home movers were being forced to

pay thousands of pounds in early repayment

charges because of their current lender

'over-interpreting' the regulations and

refusing to let them 'port' their mortgage.

However, changes to the original drafting

of the rules in 2012 meant that lenders

were not required to test affordability for

existing borrowers who wanted to port their

mortgage without increasing the size of

their outstanding loan.

As well as complaints about the way

lenders interpret the new rules, the FOS has

also said that many of the complaints they

receive may be rooted in something more

serious. “For example, complaints about the

suitability of interest-only mortgages tend

to arise towards the end of a mortgage term;

when someone recognises they don’t have a

way of repaying the capital.”

Mortgages remain the third most

complained about financial product, behind

Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) and

current accounts.

MORTGAGES WWW.WHATHOUSE.COM

Inflexible processes being adopted by banks and building societies are leading to unfair decisions for some borrowers, says Nick Parkhouse

Ombudsman hits out at lenders for ‘box-ticking’ approach to borrowers

Found a house you love?

We’ll find you the perfect mortgage to match.

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

whathouse.com/mortgages

We specialise in all types of mortgages including:

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

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

We’re open for business, whatever the climate.

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

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

Close Brothers I Modern Merchant Banking

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