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September 2014

Surrey, Hampshire, Isle of Wight – Find your new home at Whathouse.com

AUCTIONS P4 AGENT INSIGHT P6 INTERIORS P13 MORTGAGES P19 OVERSEAS P22

t h i s s e a s o n ’ s m u s t h a v eView of the paddock from Blomfield House

blomfield HousE, Swissland Hill, Dormans Park, RH19 2NH

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Retirement propertiesDownsizing, P3, and homes to suit retirees, P8-9

– preview P7

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Richard and Susan Shord

“Although we were downsizing from a larger property with very large gardens, we still wanted a three-bedroom house as we often have friends

and families to stay. We also wanted a good-sized garden, but something more manageable than our previous plot. We have already attended a garden party and a number of barbecues. It’s a very good and relaxed way to meet our new neighbours.”

Roy and Frankie Todd

“A great benefit of buying a new home is the low maintenance. Everything is finished to a very high standard and you can move

straight in without having to do any work. You really notice people putting a lot of effort in to get to know their neighbours here. We can’t wait to get involved in all the events.”

“I was at a stage in my life when I wanted to sell my property and downsize so that I could release some capital to fund my retirement. Initially,

I was thinking of buying a retirement property, but when I looked at the prices I realised that renting would be more affordable. Girlings Retirement Rentals offered me an

apartment to rent for life on an assured tenancy and this option immediately appealed as it gave me the same level of security as ownership.”

“Since moving here I am financially better off. I pay a monthly rent, which includes the development service charge and general maintenance costs, so there are no unexpected bills. As a tenant, I don’t need to worry about property maintenance and spending my spare time fixing anything that goes wrong. This means I can now relax in the comfort of my new home and enjoy the additional social benefits of living in a retirement community.”

O nce the domain of empty-nesters approachingretirement age, downsizing is now on the minds of a range of UK homeowners, with the average age of a downsizer just 40, and

one in four aged between 26 and 35. The financial benefits offeredby downsizing can be attractive, with over 55,000 households a year currently downsizing and 2.3m households

aged over 55 considering doing so. Here we take a look at the main issues

surrounding this hot topic and speak to people who have been through the process.

Find your new home at Whathouse.com downsizing 3

Are you ready to downsize?

Teuco hydrosonic bath, Bagno splashproof TV and Duravit fittings John Lewis Savina from the Continental CollectionTemperature-controlled wine storage in white American oak

’ve never really “got” Twitter but under advice from a number of friends and colleagues I recently reactivated my account

(keithosborne69, if you’d care to follow me) and am starting to get to grips with it all.

I’m not a Luddite but sometimes it takes me a while to catch on to some of the latest IT trends. Social media has changed the life of many of us to one extent or another, for good or bad, but I still have the underlying feeling that it’s led to us all shouting at each other across the ether rather than engaging properly on a more personal level.

For this reason alone, I think that this month’s inaugural WhatHouse? Show in Brighton is worth the trip for serious house-hunters as it provides a rare opportunity to meet a number of companies face-to-face under one roof. It’s an occasion that the internet simply doesn’t afford for one of life’s most significant purchases.

Uncertainties and queries can be sorted out in moments in a conversation, in a manner that electronic media can’t replicate and, more importantly, you can really get a sense of someone’s credibility and trustworthiness in a one-to-one situation that you simply can’t online.

In which case, you may want to defer your decision to follow me on Twitter until after you’ve met me at the exhibition!

In the property market at large, there appears to be a consensus of opinion that the market is slowing down a little in London and the South East and continuing a slow but steady rise elsewhere in the country. Altogether I think this is a good thing. The capital and Home Counties passed their 2007 peak some while ago; elsewhere, property values are still catching up to pre-crash levels.

The common factor everywhere is still the dearth of properties on the market: not enough existing homes being put up for sale and insufficient new properties being built. Uncertainties over interest rates are being blamed for the current inactivity of would-be vendors, unsure as to whether the grass would be greener in a new home with a new, but potentially more expensive loan, or whether they should stick with the home and mortgage they have.

There are significant numbers of downsizers in the current market, however, who own their homes outright and are releasing equity by moving somewhere smaller. Rising interest rates will only be good for the lump sums they end up with in their savings accounts.

Enjoy this issue of WhatHouse? and happy house-hunting!

KeithKeith Osborne, editor. ko@whathouse.com

IWelcome!

Stephen Burke, director of downsizing direct.com “One of the main barriers to downsizing that older

homeowners frequently tell us about is having too much ‘stuff’. They say they need help clearing out their home before they can even think about moving. There are a number of agencies and charities that can help with decluttering. But there’s a lot that homeowners can do themselves.

“Making a pledge to yourself to declutter and setting aside time has to be the key starting point. Have a plan and allow a few months before

you move; don’t leave it all to the last minute. Begin with one room. Some people suggest creating four boxes/piles in the room: throw away; give away; keep; relocate. Consider each and every item in that room and which box to put it in.

“It shouldn’t just be a chore. Decluttering can be very liberating and a new start, just like downsizing. It will empty your home and your mind and make it a lot easier to clean as well.

A decluttered home will also be much easier to sell because it looks fresh and full of space. Whatever you do, don’t leave decluttering until after you move home. Why pay someone to move ‘stuff’ you don’t need?”

DECLUTTERING

Two couples have recently downsized to three-bedroom properties at Graylingwell Park by Linden Homes in Chichester, Essex.

CAsE sTUDIEs

WHY DO PEOPLE DOWNsIZE?The average homeowner releases £97,722 by downsizing, and doing so can provide you with significant savings towards your retirement. In total, downsizers release around £7bn of equity in their properties each year.

With property prices on the increase, many parents are downsizing to provide their children with the opportunity to get on the housing ladder. More than three million adults aged 20-34 currently live with their parents, and with the average age of a first-time buyer now as high as 36, downsizing to fund a deposit is likely to increase in popularity.

Younger downsizers are attracted by the opportunity to cut mortgage repayments, gas and electricity bills and council tax, as well as the chance to live a more minimalist lifestyle. According to research by Lloyds, 43% of downsizers move to a smaller property to cut their bills.

A more traditional form of downsizing comes from older people who perhaps feel their home has become too big to manage and want to move somewhere that offers care and support as their needs change.

THINGs TO CONsIDER

The process of downsizing could cost you as much as £10,000 by the

time estate agent fees have been factored in, eating in to valuable equity. This is a serious drawback to downsizers hoping to use their lump sum to fund their retirement. Those who tend to make the most profit from downsizing are homeowners in expensive areas such as London or the South East, who are selling up to relocate to a more affordable region.

In a market where house prices are on the up, downsizing sees homeowners trade future capital growth in their current property for an immediate lump sum.

Moving in to a smaller home can be an emotional wrench, and involves parting with

possessions that may not fit in a smaller home. A change of lifestyle may also be required when moving to a property with greater space restrictions.

EQUITY RELEAsE

Equity release is a popular alternative to downsizing, but it’s not for everyone and needs to be carefully researched. Equity release allows homeowners to unlock the capital value of their homes in the form of a loan, while continuing to live in the property for the rest of their lives. On death, the proceeds of the loan interest are repaid. The average customer releases £57,800.

Peter Ford, chairman of Rangeford Holdings, on the current market conditions for those looking to

downsize or move in to retirement property:

“People are now more confident of selling their current property and being able to downsize. This year, approximately eight million baby boomers have reached 65 years of age and many of these, who are frequently empty nesters, are likely to be seeking to transfer their wealth.

“The modern downsizer is looking to maintain the living and

social spaces they have enjoyed all their life while reducing the number of bedrooms, gardens etc. They are in a stronger position because they can sell the current property but weaker as there is strong demand and short supply of great new homes. The market needs to develop and the client group needs more aspirational products that encourage them to right-size earlier.

“The current retirement property on sale tends to focus on downsizing, offering smaller properties where the release of cash is paramount. There is a real shortage of properties that older people want to live in rather than have to live in through economic necessity.”

MARKET COMMENTARY

BUYING

Pamela Fixter sold her flat in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, after 36 years and decided to rent in retirement.

RENTING

W hen a one-bedroom

terraced house in the former mining town of Brynmawr, near Ebbw Vale, in

Wales, was listed for sale by a local auctioneer at a guide price of just £8,000 earlier this year, it was inevitable that the property would attract a bidding frenzy. But not everyone bidding would have predicted that it would sell for almost double its guide price.

The final sale price of £15,500 may have surprised some people, but it would not have come as a surprise to the auctioneer.

The guide price (an indication of the price that the property is expected to sell for) is often set at a low level in an effort to conjure up

interest among buyers, driving the sale price significantly higher in the process.

To avoid paying over the odds for a property at auction, it is important not to get carried away with the euphoria in the auction room. Guide prices, after all, are for information only and should not be relied on as an indication of reserve price (the lowest price the vendor will accept), or representing professional valuations for any purpose.

Purchasers are deemed to have obtained independent, professional advice of others and relied on their own knowledge, which includes possessing an understanding of a property’s true value, and for that it is necessary to properly understand how a property is valued.

HOW Is PROPERTY VALUED?An insight into a valuer’s checklist will enable you to determine whether a guide price is realistic, not to mention set a price 0t you should bid up to.

Here are some of the key points that you need to consider from the valuer’s checklist:

• Obtain as much preliminary information about the property as possible, in particular: tenure of site; any tenancies; size and extent of accommodation and site; any peculiarities of the district or situation; recent sales, purchases or lettings of the building.

• Thoroughly inspect the property inside and out.

• Ascertain outstanding defects and deficiencies that need remedying to bring the property up to normal standards.

• Make a provisional estimate of the costs of curing those defects and deficiencies.

• Judge the effect of those costs on the mind of a hypothetical buyer.

• Obtain as many recent transactions concerning comparable properties as possible.

• Adjust those transactions for any rise or fall in the market over the period in which they have taken place.

• Compare and adjust the information from the ‘comparables’ so that it relates as closely as possible to the property being valued.

• For vacant properties use as far as possible transactions of vacant ‘comparables’.

• For investment properties, consider rental levels as well as yields of ‘comparables’.

• Allow for differing states of repair with particular reference to step 3 above.

• Come to a conclusion in the light of your analysis which you hope will equal that of a would-be buyer.

JUDGING THE MARKETAdditionally, you should get a good ‘feel’ of the market, enabling you to judge the ‘right’ price by comparing the auction lot with prices that have been paid for comparable properties in the past. This is fundamental to seeking out your bargain property.

There are a number of key techniques that professional valuers use to judge the value of a property and set a guide price, says Marc Da Silva

Property auctions: a guide to reserve prices

4 auctions Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Competition

Follow us at @What_House and tweet your response:

Which of these senior TV characters would you prefer as your next door neighbour?

Closing date Tuesday 30th September.

Four lucky readers will each win £50 worth of Marks & Spencer vouchers.

· Victor Meldrew · Dot Cotton

· Dad’s Army’s Corporal Jones · Uncle Albert Trotter

Managing director Daniel Hill

Editorial director Rupert Bates

Editor Keith Osborne ko@whathouse.com

Assistant editor Stephen Maunder sm@whathouse.com

Chief sub-editor Suzanne Frost

Designer Sarah Davies

Contributors Marc Da Silva Nick Parkhouse Richenda Oldham

Sales director (new homes) Mark Edmondson me@whathouse.com

Sales director (estate agencies) Andy Grimley ag@whathouse.com

Sales manager (West Midlands) Rebecca Vincze rv@whathouse.com

Sales manager Jay Alija@whathouse.com

Account manager Ann Chalonerac@whathouse.com

Sales executive Tori Colletttc@whathouse.com

Sales executive Wayne Smithws@whathouse.com

Cover photo, Wispers Park, Haslemere, Surrey, courtesy of Linden Homes

Keith Osborne started writing about property 12 years ago and has been editor of Whathouse.com since 2010. He is currently a columnist in housebuilding trade magazine Show House and

has previously written for Homes Overseas magazine. He has also been a part of the What House? Awards judging panel for a number of years.

Rupert Bates, editorial director of WhatHouse? has been a property journalist for 25 years. He is an award-winning writer who started on local newspapers before becoming a columnist on The Daily

Telegraph. He presents the annual What House? Awards, edits leading housebuilding magazine Show House and is property correspondent of The Field magazine.

Stephen Maunder is assistant editor of Whathouse.com, having previously spent 18 months there as a freelance special correspondent. He has a background in academic research

and has worked at Sky News as a picture researcher. He has also written for BBC News, Huffington Post UK and the Shropshire Star newspaper.

@What_HouseWhat House?

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors and omissions.

Published by: Globespan Media Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG T: 020 7940 1070 E: info@globespanmedia.com W: www.whathouse.comPrinted by 39zero / Distributed by Royal Mail © 2014 Globespan Media Limited

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Could you tell us a bit about your company and the area in which you operate?

Fine and Country primarily operates in the upper quartile of the market. Our properties start at around £450,000 and can be priced as high as £3-4m. My branch in Uckfield is a regional branch with a big patch covering all of East Sussex – which can extend 30 miles in some directions.

What are property conditions currently like in your area?

The market is surprisingly good, and we’re enjoying the busiest August we’ve had in a long time, following on from a quiet July. In the early part of the year we were seeing much more business than in recent years, but we haven’t seen mammoth price increases. Our stock is as high as we’ve had in quite a while, and properties priced at sensible prices are turning around quite quickly.

In some cases vendors who perhaps haven’t moved for a while might have unrealistic ideas of the prices their properties will achieve, and some

agents will overvalue properties in order to get instructions. As we deal with quite a lot of ‘quirky’ properties, it isn’t always easy to tell quite where the demand will come from, and sometimes you have to wait for the right type of buyer to come along.

Who buys properties in East sussex, and what attracts buyers to the area?

A lot of people are moving here from outer South London – towns such as Bromley and Croydon. These types of buyers are primarily attracted by the promise of better value in an area that is still within commuting distance. We see quite a lot of buyers who work from home part of the week, and don’t have to travel to London every day. There is also a very high proportion of private schools in East Sussex, as well as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and these factors make the area an enticing place to purchase a home.

Do you see many people downsizing their home?

We see quite a lot of people downsizing,

and the number of people doing so has certainly increased in the last couple of years. Most of these clients are traditional downsizers in their sixties who are choosing to downsize rather than having to. These types of buyers tend to be in no particular hurry and are happy to wait for the right type of property. The Mortgage Market Review changes haven’t made a vast difference in our sector, as around 75% of our buyers are people looking to get rid of a mortgage rather than take one on.

What changes do you expect to see in the market over the next 12 months?

Generally speaking, we are part of a fairly stable market, and we are unlikely to see any big price increases. The proposed interest rate upswing will not change the market too much. Any increases will be very slowly staged, and a rise of a quarter or half of one per cent will make very little difference to the overall market.

Agent InsightWe speak to Steven Goddard, area manager of Fine & Country in East Sussex

Find out more at www.fineandcountry.co.uk; 01825 767575

6 interview Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Net your dream home at the WhatHouse? Show

Hilton Brighton Metropole, Brighton,

Sussex 27-28 September from 10am to 5pm

Are you in the market for:

• your first home?• moving to a larger or

smaller home?• an overseas home?• investment property?• retirement property?

Searching for a property online or in a newspaper will only take you so far.

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Come to our 3 seminar theatres to find out about Help to Buy, Shared Ownership and many other aspects of buying and investing in property in the UK and abroad.

Entry is free – see you at the show!

Find out more at whathouseshow.co.uk or call 0207 940 1070.

Media partners

Agent Insight

How is business for estate agents in Brighton and Hove right now?

Business is steady. Vendors who listen to professional advice will achieve the best prices, but those who think they can talk the prices up, will be disappointed.

If you could implement one change to the local property market, what would it be?

Many property professionals, especially mortgage providers, are working to stringent new rules, which are making transactions very protracted. If I could wish for a single thing, it would be the speeding up of the mortgage application and mortgage offer process.

What are the most sought-after areas and property types in the Brighton & Hove area?

Anything relatively close to Brighton or Hove railway stations will be popular with commuters, and anything with a sea view carries a premium. Any property within a short stroll of the seafront will delight new city residents. To be honest that covers a large slice of the city’s property stock in itself! As to property styles, apartments will continue to be hugely popular for the foreseeable future – they are the backbone of the city, especially near the seafront. The city has a wonderful range of highly regarded private and state schools, so properties convenient for a good school will always be in high demand.

As a local resident, what’s your ‘best-kept secret’ about the B&H area?

Walking along the seafront as the sun comes up is one of the great secrets only experienced by Brighton & Hove residents. To watch this beautiful city gradually wake up, to smell the salt in the air and hear the early morning cries of the seagulls and the crunch of the waves on the shingle is a delight. The prospect of an early morning dip followed by a coffee in one of the myriad beach cafés before the daytrippers arrive is when any Brightonian realises how special it is to live here.

What advice would you give would be first-time buyers struggling to afford a home of their own in B&H?

My best advice is to make sure you stay within your affordability and to therefore consider the better value

parts of the city and if necessary go slightly further out of town. Brighton has a superb network of cycle paths and bus routes, so getting around is very easy. I would suggest looking at Portslade, Fishersgate, Hangleton, and east Brighton to remain within your affordability. Some new homes developers are offering the Help to Buy scheme, which is a wonderful incentive, if it is right for your circumstances. My best advice to first-time buyers is to seek independent professional financial services advice as the first port of call.

Do you have a “dream property” in the B&H area that you’d love to have, money no object?

This is a lovely question. As partner in Mishon Mackay New Homes, my ideal property is one I would build from scratch. I would buy the land, commission the architect, design the specification and get every aspect completely perfect.

If you were to buy a property overseas, where would it be?

This is a personal matter of course, but as I love skiing I would buy a ski lodge in Les Gets in the French Alps.

At Mishon Mackay, do you deal with many out-and-out property investors and is that a buoyant market?

There are many investors who come to Brighton with the intention of just buying one, or possibly two properties. There are of course the investors looking for reliable properties with a high yield, but there is also a strong market from families searching for a ‘multifunction’ property with potential for capital growth. This category is less motivated by the yield than by the flexibility and easy maintenance of the property. A good example would be a pied-à-terre property, which would suit a child to live in while at university, and which could be rented out after graduation. Or a property purchased for rental now, but intended to be a retirement property at a later date.

Do you see a growing trend for older homeowners downsizing to more manageable properties?

This is a very strong market in new homes, perhaps unsurprisingly, as new homes in Brighton must conform to Lifetime Homes standards. This requires a new home, even a three-storey townhouse, to offer access for a disabled occupant, even to the extent

of having ‘knock-out’ floor panels to install a passenger lift, if required.

Brighton hasn’t seen a multi-exhibitor property show for some years – how do you think house-hunters will benefit most by coming along to the WhatHouse? show?

Brighton & Hove is a city that is traditionally in love with property. We have always had a big turnover of population, and the city changes its character every decade, and has done so for almost 200 years. To have a prominent property show is a tremendously exciting prospect, and will encourage those who have been renting in the city for the last decade, to realise this is the perfect time to get on the property ladder.

Find your new home at Whathouse.com special interview 7

Interview with Julie FrithThe vice-president of the Brighton & Hove Estate Agents Association speaks exclusively to us ahead of The WhatHouse? Show

You can find Julie and the Mishon Mackay team – along with many other exhibitors offering UK and overseas property – at The WhatHouse? Show, Hilton Brighton Metropole on 27 and 28 September 2014, from 10.00am

whathouseshow.co.uk

Stokes Lodge, Camberley, SurreyFrom £TBA

Coming soon to Camberley is Stokes Lodge, a range of one- and two-bedroom retirement properties on Park Lane, conveniently located just a short walk from Camberley town centre, with its range of shops, restaurants and leisure activities, including the excellent covered shopping centre, which provides around 100 stores on one level for ease of access.

Stokes Lodge, named after the family farm previously located on the site, will comprise 61 apartments designed exclusively for the over-60s. Each property comprises one or two bedrooms, an open-plan lounge and dining room, a fitted kitchen with built-in oven, hob, fridge and freezer, and a modern bathroom. Design features that have been implemented with older buyers in mind include illuminated light switches and easy-turn lever taps.

There’s also a video entry system, intruder alarm and 24-hour Careline support system.

Owners living at the development will also be able to benefit from a central lounge, which can be used for events or as a meeting point. There is also a guest suite that can be hired for visiting family and friends, and all residents can enjoy the landscaped gardens without the exertions of doing all the maintenance themselves.

Camberley is surrounded by Surrey Heathland, a scenic area and habitat for wildlife, and has easy access to a wide variety of local towns and villages including Guildford, Windsor and Ascot.

From: Churchill Retirement Living Contact:0800 458 1857

8 six appeal Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Richmond Witney, Witney, Oxfordshire From £225,000

Situated on the doorstep of the Surrey town of Haslemere, Wispers Park is set within a 17-acre country park and is a collection of 30 one- and two-bedroom apartments exclusively for people aged 60 and over. Just seven homes remain for sale.

The apartments are laid out across three buildings – Howard Place, Wycombe House and Wallis Court – whose residents are entitled to free membership of a traditional country club housed separately within the impressive Grade II listed Oak Hall.

The site also has a 54-bed care home, Buckton Manor, for those who need extra support.

Buyers can expect to find a top-quality interior specification combining luxury and energy efficiency, housed within buildings of character. The rich history of the site goes back to at least 1799 when it was known as Puckshott Farm. Much later it became Wispers School, and from 1941 right up until

2008 ran as an independent boarding and day school for girls. Its motto was Fortiter Fideliter Feliciter – Bravely, Faithfully, Happily.

Oak Hall is home to a superb array of facilities including a luxury spa, a tennis club, fully equipped gym, full-service bar and bistro.

Wispers Park is just two miles from the heart of Haslemere and within easy reach of shopping, dining and culture provided by Guildford to the north, Midhurst to the south, and Liphook to the west. It’s also just 50 minutes by rail from London and a few miles from the A3.

From: Linden Homes Contact: 0844 488 1664

Wispers Park, Haslemere, Surrey From £190,000

This is the sixth development from specialist retirement living provider Richmond Villages, which has been operating for 18 years. Construction started recently, with completion expected late 2015/early 2016.

Richmond’s approach is for residents to be able to balance independence and a high quality of life with the security of a caring and safe environment and the benefits of being surrounded by like-minded and socially active neighbours.

The Richmond Witney village will include a wealth of high-quality facilities: a restaurant, bar and café (a great place to entertain visiting friends and family), a library, activities room, wellness spa (with pool, sauna and steam room) and IT suite. Outside, there’s a bowling green and landscaped gardens for all residents to enjoy.

There is a mix of property types available.

The large one- and two-bedroom Village Apartments are aimed at buyers looking for an independent lifestyle, with prices starting at £285,000. If you need a little more help with day-to-day living, the one- and two-bedroom Village Suites may be the better option and these start at £225,000.

There is a care home at the heart of the village providing nursing and dementia care and Richmond Witney will have its own domiciliary care team providing bespoke care packages for all residents as and when the need arises.

A sales and marketing suite is now open at the site, contactable on the number below. Some 40% of properties were reserved at the launch event, suggesting potential buyers should act quickly.

From: Richmond VillagesContact: 01993 768557

Six appealOur favourite properties on the market right now to appeal to retirees

Find your new home at Whathouse.com six appeal 9

The Racecourse Newbury, Newbury, Berkshire From £303,000

Hampshire Lakes, Yateley, Hampshire From £209,000

Lavington Park, East Lavington, West Sussex From £499.950

Lavington Park is a collection of individually designed homes nestling in the peace and quiet of the Sussex countryside, right at the foot of the South Downs, northeast of Chichester. New-build homes in such locations are a rarity.

Architect Neil Holland has designed 18 two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, a mix of terraced and detached property types, which sit in the private grounds of historic Seaford College. Externally, the houses are picturesquely inspired by the Sussex vernacular, with statement windows mirroring those of Seaford College’s music house, scalloped tile hangings and detailed cream and red brickwork. Every house at Lavington Park has at least one garage in addition to private outdoor space.

The two-bedroom Arts & Crafts lodge is one of the development’s

standout properties, with the large windows to the first floor adding bags of character and light to the master bedroom.

The four-bedroom show home typifies the specification with an open-plan kitchen designed by Wooden Heart of Weybridge, complete with integrated Siemens appliances. It is open between 10.00am and 4.00pm, from Friday to Monday and at other times by appointment.

Lavington Park lies close to the villages of Duncton and Graffham and around 15-minutes’ drive from the town of Petworth, famous for Petworth House, a National Trust property, and very close to the Goodwood Estate, famous for its race meets and motoring festivals.

From: shanly HomesContact: 01428 734017

This development is nestled in the heart of Hampshire, just a short distance from Yateley and Sandhurst. The apartments and penthouses are surrounded by wooded glades and 15 lakes.

There are three different types of apartment available here – village apartments, village-centre apartments and assisted living apartments. The village apartments provide a selection of one- and two-bedroom homes, each benefiting from beautiful views across the village centre and grounds. Village-centre apartments

provide luxury living in a central position, and for those needing a little extra help maintaining an independent lifestyle, the assisted living apartments offer added support services.

The village also has other amenities to provide a quality lifestyle for residents: Senses, a state-of-the art wellness centre and spa with an indoor pool and gymnasium; the Willow bistro; Zest juice bar and Cotton’s delicatessen.

Inside each home you’ll find an ergonomically designed kitchen with fitted units and a range of built-in

appliances, a walk-in shower and quality fittings in the bathroom, underfloor heating throughout, a flame-effect electric fire in the lounge and fitted wardrobes to the master bedroom.

For security and peace of mind, there is full 24-hour CCTV, outside lights and sensors to all communal areas and a 24-hour emergency call system to the on-site care team.

From: Anchor TrustContact: 0808 271 9180

The Racecourse Newbury is in a unique setting in the heart of one of the UK’s premier horse racing venues. The wide choice of homes and apartments offers value for money compared to London property prices, making it a good option for those longing to escape the capital.

With race days and events year round there is a sense of community yet there is privacy and quiet if desired. It’s not just the gee-gees that provide entertainment for residents; there is a golf course and a gym, which combine to make this a compelling option for the downsizer/retiree looking for maximum fun and minimum fuss.

Among the house types on offer is the ‘Kirkwood’, a thoughtfully

designed three-bedroom home offering generous space over three floors, a private garden and garage; the top floor could be utilised as a guest bedroom for when family and friends come to stay. Spacious rooms give a luxurious feel to a downsizer, who can retain a great deal of furniture and treasured possessions acquired over the years.

From £303,000, the apartments boast good-sized balconies, enabling owners to enjoy the outdoors and soak up the stunning views over the racecourse. Lifts to all floors are ideal for retirees.

The Racecourse Newbury is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm, seven days a week.

From: David Wilson HomesContact: 0845 388 5820

Our favourite properties on the market right now to appeal to retirees

Thinking of selling your home?

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

It’s a quick and easy process that you can carry out online or over the phone.

Visit www.whathouse.co.uk/free-valuation or call us now on 01245 835 053.

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

10 armchair gardener Find your new home at Whathouse.com

splish, splash

Don’t let limited space stop you from taking the plunge and

splashing out on a water feature, says our armchair gardener Richenda Oldham 1. Crystal-clear water, mosaic tiles

and underwater lighting all add to the appeal of this modern bubbling fountain2. This self-contained Cascading Pots outdoor water feature is frost resistant and ideal for restricted spaces, £49.99, www.charliesdirect.co.uk3. Ponds with water-loving plants, such as lilies, look wonderful but are higher maintenance than self-contained water features4. A cascade makes a striking focal point for your garden, Ammonite Stainless Steel Water Cascade, £309.95, www.primrose.co.uk5. Simple, yet elegant, this mini-fountain produces the soothing sound of falling water, Haddonstone Crucible Fountain, £399, www.ukwaterfeatures.com6. Use a wall-mounted fountain to add a dramatic cascade of water to a courtyard garden, Gecko Bowl Fountain, £255, www.haddonstone.com

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Amid the broad panoramas of the South Downs National Park nestles the prestigious development of Millford Grange offering two, three, four and five bedroom homes. Sweeping avenues, wide lawns and traditionally

inspired architecture create a development of peace and tranquility.

MOVE WITH A GUARANTEED BUYERPart Exchange gets you moving to a perfect new home

If you want to move fast but don’t want to miss out on David Wilson space and style then our Part Exchange scheme makes perfect sense. Simply choose one of our beautiful homes and we could be your buyer,

offering you fair market value for your current property, based on the average of two independent valuations*. That’s the David Wilson Difference.

4 and 5 bedroom homes from £474,995

Millford Grange, Storrington Road, Washington RH20 4AGShow homes and Marketing Suite open daily from 10.00am - 5.30pm

Offer available on selected plots only. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details, subject to contract and status. Prices correct at time of going to press if mentioned. * David Wilson obtain two independent valuations. To achieve fair market value, any offer made will be based on the average of these and on a sale within 8 to 10 weeks. Advertising images may include upgrades as home spec can vary, purchasers of David Wilson homes spend on average £3,514 on upgrades.

See the Difference at dwh.co.uk or call 01903 740 636

Call us for further information on (01483) 450180 or visit us on Saturday 27th or Sunday 28th September at The Whathouse? Investment ShowHilton Brighton Metropole

Specialists in land sale or acquisition, new homes sales & marketing and

residential investment.

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Spicerhaart (Generic Ad) 1.pdf 1 02/09/2014 09:55

t’s a sad fact that lighting receives far less consideration than furniture, curtains and paint colours when it comes to decorating and furnishing a home.

Yet lighting is an important part of the equation, providing both ambience and illumination for practical, task-based functions. Clever lighting can make small spaces seem larger, while spacious rooms with high ceilings can appear cosier and more intimate through use of the right lighting.

Strained eyes and headaches can be the symptoms of poor lighting, so it makes sense to invest in good lighting that will make all your activities – whether social or task-based – in the kitchen, office or living room, much easier.

There are a number of different

types of lighting, which will produce different effects and moods in a room. It’s worth experimenting until you achieve the desired result – for example, during the day you may want your living room to have an energetic, vibrant quality, while at night it needs to be calm and atmospheric with pools of light.

NATURAL LIGHTDon’t forget to include natural light – sunlight, candlelight and firelight – in your lighting plan. Sunlight has different qualities, depending on the seasons. Bright summer light can be uncomfortable to sit in, while winter light is harsh and has a flattening effect. You can make the most of natural light

by replacing heavy curtains with soft, gauzy fabrics such as voile and muslins, which diffuse the light. Mirrors are ideal for reflecting light and should be hung opposite windows.

AMBIENT LIGHTINGAmbient lighting provides background lighting and can be created through central pendant lights, wall lights, downlighters, uplighters and standard lamps. A dimmer switch can also help create ambient light.

ACCENT LIGHTINGUse accent lighting to complement your general lighting by highlighting specific aspects of a room such as architectural

features or objects. Accent lights, such as table lamps, halogen spotlights, downlighters, uplighters and tracks will add texture, depth and shade.

TAsK LIGHTINGLighting that is used to perform daily activities, such as cooking, reading, writing, working at a computer, sewing, or shaving, by is known as task lighting. The light needs to have a shade and should be focused on the place where you are carrying out the job. A classic example of a task light is the universally popular Anglepoise lamp, which has a fully adjustable arm. Task lights should be carefully positioned, so the user isn’t sitting within a shadow.

Clockwise from top right: A pendant light fitting is easy to fit and will create an instant focal point in a room, Red Fly Pendant Light, £165, www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk; The Cosmo light is an imaginative space-age variation of the traditional spot light and can be used for accent or ambient lighting, www.delightfull.eu; The Sensory Bubble Lamp uses changing coloured lighting, bubbles and balls to create a relaxing, almost hypnotic effect, £49.99, www.glow.co.uk; Use a standard lamp to provide background lighting, Oups floor lamp, £361, www.darwinshome.com; Don’t let the kids have all the fun with these funky Bungalow lights - they look incredible grouped as a little village in the centre of a dining table or on a patio, www.underthere.com.au

interiors 13

Trip the light fantasticThe importance of having good lighting in the home should not be underestimated. Richenda Oldham explains the principles of creating a well lit home

Find your new home at Whathouse.com

I

With so many to choose from, Richenda Oldham had a tough time picking her favourite cushions for the summer season

Cushy numberClockwise from left: Gorgeous velvet floral cushions that won’t break the bank, Olive and Aqua cushions, £19.90 each, www.redlilly.co.uk; The National Gallery is a good source of original cushions inspired by their exhibitions. Happy Union cushion, £35, www.nationalgallery.co.uk; All things bright and beautiful…these Daisy and Sunflower cushions are perfect for a conservatory, £39.50 each, www.karenzaandco.com; Rule Britannia is the theme for Swanky Maison’s eye-catching cushions featuring Union Jack, 1st Class and Queen’s Head cushions, £135 for all three, www.swankymaison.com; Layers of different fabrics give the Maple Cushions trio a cheerful handcrafted feel, £35 for set of three mini cushions, www.gigglinghedgehogs.co.uk

Remember that cool pug in Men in Black? Black Pug Clock with neon green hands, £21, www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk

The Newgate Pantry Wall Clock, shown here in Aqua Blue, has a colourful contemporary rubber finish, £30, www.whitemint.co.uk

14 interiors Find your new home at Whathouse.com

With the clocks due to go back next month, timekeeping takes on a new significance. Richenda Oldham selects her favourite clocks for the home

Moments in time

Petrol heads won’t be able to resist this funky green Steering Wheel Clock, £14.99, www.envo.com

For anyone who gets bright ideas in the middle of the night, the Scribble Clock will illuminate your notes perfectly, £11.95, www.red5.co.uk

Kids will love telling the time with these fun Little & Big Ben wall sticker clocks, complete with ‘silent sweep’ Quartz movement, £85, www.nubie.co.uk

“Beautiful things that make your life better” couldn’t be a better summary of the Scandinavian look that has been in existence since the early 20th century.

Inspired by the restrictions of the northern climate - limited light and limited materials - together with a love of nature, Scandinavian design has evolved into a pared back look that has turned functionalism into an art form.

Best of all, Scandinavian interiors are all about making flawless craftsmanship, using natural materials, available not just to the elite, but to the masses. The key words that epitomise the light, airy interiors and clean, elegant lines of Scandinavian design are simplicity, beauty and utility.

COLOURsWhile cool, calm shades of white, grey and blue are the classic colours associated with Scandinavia, vivid splashes of colour, such as bright reds and yellows are also an important part of the look. The work of the late 19th-century Swedish artist and designer Carl Larsson, who is famous for his bold and colourful folk art, has been extremely influential in Scandinavia.

DEsIGNScandinavian designers have been at the forefront of modern design for many years, being renowned for their bold creativity and high-quality, timeless masterpieces. Take Arne Jacobsen’s iconic 7 chair, Hans Wegner’s Wishbone chair, or Verner Panton’s Panthella Lamp.

The principles of good quality, mass-produced design is particularly evident in the furniture and accessories sold by the Swedish company Ikea, which is known for its affordable, modern architectural designs with an eco-friendly bias.

WINDOWsIn the northern countries it is important to let in as much light as possible, so window dressings are kept to a bare minimum. Opt for soft sheers such as voiles or linens and use them in combination with shutters in natural wood or painted white wood. The important thing to remember is that a Scandinavian room should work with the light and not against it.

FLOORsFitted carpets have never been popular in Scandinavia. For an authentic look,

select natural wooden floors with wide planks, preferably in light woods or bleached to show the grain.

FURNITUREScandinavian furniture has evolved over the years and features a mix of traditional period Gustavian pieces as well as iconic modern design classics that are renowned around the globe. So whether you are a looking to create a contemporary or classic interior, there is something to suit most homes.

HEATINGA simple column stove in the corner of a room is preferable to a grand fireplace - Norway’s Jotul and the Danish Morso are two well-known brands of stoves here in the UK.

ACCEssORIEsThe main rule of a Scandinavian room is no clutter, so keep accessories to a bare minimum. Remember form and functionality and you won’t go wrong. Choose colourful patterned, folksy accessories that add warmth and interest and add small touches of accent colour through cushions, lamps and rugs.

interiors 15

school for scandiScandinavian style is the essence of the three Nordic countries of Sweden, Denmark and Norway fused into one cool minimalistic look, says Richenda Oldham

Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Cushy numberClockwise from top right: Antler-themed accessories – preferably not the real thing – are superb Nordic finishing touches, Blue Stag Head, £50, www.arthouse.com; Traditional folk-inspired Swedish designs in bright reds will add vibrancy to cool neutral interiors, Jangneus dishcloth, £2.95, tea towel, £12, www.jangneus.co.uk; Natural materials are one of the chief inspirations of Scandinavian design, which combines functionality and beauty, armchairs covered in Nordic Stripe Reindeer Cornflower Nordic-54-16, £55 per metre, www.vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk; The clean lines and retro styling of the Lulu chaise longue give it a distinctly Scandinavian feel, £1,500, www.couchdesign.co.uk; Natural wood furniture and floorboards, together with crisp white sheets and neutral paint shades create the pared down Scandinavian look in this bedroom, www.fishpools.co.uk; The Swedish art deco movement is known for its supremely elegant designs, which have inspired the Sandberg Studio’s wallpapers, Kungsholm 203-27 wallpaper, £84 per roll, www.sandbergab.se/en

16 new homes Find your new home at Whathouse.com

It must be Lovell ituated in Sholing, on

the eastern side of Southampton, Mayflower Mews offers a good range of homes for sale, from

family houses and modern apartments to properties perfect for downsizers.

Buyers can choose from well-designed contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom houses. All homes currently available are situated in the development’s exclusive gated courtyard.

Residents will enjoy all the advantages of being in a friendly residential neighbourhood with a park and nature reserve both nearby. At the same time, Southampton’s buzzing city centre with its vibrant nightlife, numerous bars and restaurants and premier shopping facilities – including the destination WestQuay shopping centre - is just a short drive away.

Excellent transport connections ensure that the development would make an ideal choice for anyone working in Southampton or commuting east or west. It’s only three miles to the M27, just under four miles to Southampton Central railway station, and eight miles

to Southampton Airport.Even better news for cash-strapped

house-hunters is that the government-backed Help to Buy scheme is available across the entire development, making a move into one of these brand new properties even more affordable. One-bedroom apartments start from £119,996 with Help to Buy (full price £149,995) while two-bedroom apartments are available from £135,960 with the scheme (full price £169,950). Three-bedroom homes start from a Help to Buy price of £204,000 (full price £255,000).

Aimed at both first-time buyers and people looking to move up the property ladder, Help to Buy means purchasers need only find a 5% deposit to secure a new home, backed with a 20% equity loan from the government, which is interest-free for the first five years.

All homes at Mayflower Mews come with a 10-year NHBC warranty. Lovell is once again the bearer of a Gold Award for customer satisfaction, presented by In-house Research following a national independent survey of homebuyers.

If you can’t quite find what you’re looking for ay Mayflower Mews, you will soon find more new Lovell homes

for sale in Southampton when the company unveils its latest development, Mansfield Park this autumn. Mansfield Park, located off Exford Drive, features one- and two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom houses.

The marketing suite for Mayflower Mews is open on Monday from 11.00am to 5.00pm and from Thursday to Sunday, 10.00am to 5.00pm.Find out more at lovellnewhomes.co.uk; 0808 274 8246

SA combination of stylish, contemporary homes with a great location is drawing house-hunters to Lovell’s Mayflower Mews development

*Prices based on Plots 9, 14 and 6. Help to Buy Scheme prices are shown excluding 20% equity loan. Scheme available on selected properties in England, on homes up to £600,000. Subject to terms and conditions. Lovell cannot advise you on a mortgage. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON

YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY DEBT SECURED ON IT. Full details available on request. Prices and details correct at time of going to press, 26th August 2014.

/lovellhomes

@lovell_uk

NEW LOVELL DEVELOPMENT

Mansfield ParkExford Drive, Southampton

SO18 5DN

COMING SOON!

Mayflower Mews Interior, Southampton Mayflower Mews Exterior, Southampton

Whether a first time buyer or a second stepper, you could be buying your new Lovell home with just a 5% deposit.

Looking for

Help to Buy?1 bed apartments from £119,996 with Help to Buy (£149,995 full price),

2 bed apartments from £135,960 with Help to Buy (£169,950 full price)

and 3 bed homes from £204,000 with Help to Buy (£255,000 full price)*.

Marketing Suite and Showhome open: Thursday to Sunday 10am - 5pm, Monday 11am - 5pm.

Available on the iPad Tel: 02380 083 045lovellnewhomes.co.uk

Mayflower MewsLaxton Close, Sholing, Southampton SO19 9JA

Has trying to afford a home left you all at sea?We can Help to Buy your perfect place.

We will be attending the WhatHouse Property Show on

September 27th-28th. Please stop by and speak to us at

the Hilton Brighton Metropole, Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FU.

The event is free and open between 10am - 5pm.

There are a number of Help to Buy products to make buying a home more affordable, including

Shared ownership - Buy a percentage of a property and pay rent on the remaining share

Equity loan – Purchase specifi c new-build properties from participating developers with as little as a 5% deposit

For more information about Help to Buy in the East or South East visit www.helptobuyese.org.uk or call 03333 214044

A Will is not enough to protect your family...

The Station House, Station Approach, Otford, Kent TN14 5QY. The Will Associates Ltd. trading as Our Family Trust & Get a Will Today.

Texts are charged at your normal network rate.

Who inherits your Wealth?Do you want your home and wealth to go to your children and other loved ones?

Having a Family Trust ensures that your children and loved ones inherit

your property and wealth. Even if you have a Will, your property is not

fully protected – your assets could be taken from you in your lifetime,

leaving your loved ones with nothing when you die.

Trusts have been enshrined in law for over 600 years and are the most

effective way to protect the things you’ve worked hard for. Your home,

your assets, your wealth.

If you’re worried that your home may have to be sold and you’re worried

that your children won’t get what’s rightfully theirs, don’t wait until it’s

too late. Contact Our Family Trust today.

For your free consultation please call:

0800 9 500 700or text TRUST to 66777

www.ourfamilytrust.co.uk

Everybody wants to protect their assets for the benefit of their loved ones. People are motivated to provide for their children throughout their lives and want what is best for them. Many

people will draft a Will hoping to ensure that the assets that they have worked hard to acquire during their lifetime are passed on to their children and chosen beneficiaries after their death.

However, a Will can only dispose of the assets that you own at the date of your death and if the value of these is eroded during your lifetime, there will be little if anything left for your beneficiaries to inherit.

Lifetime Asset Trusts ( Trust ) are specifically designed to protect your assets for you during your lifetime and give you the peace of mind that they can be passed on securely and intact to your spouse, your children and their bloodline, or other named beneficiaries, after your death.

During your lifetime Once the Trust has been created, you can use it to ‘ring-fence’ your assets. Most people will protect their home and their savings, leaving capital in their bank or other savings accounts for ongoing living expenses. Income from savings protected within the Trust can be paid directly into your bank account to supplement income from earnings or pensions.

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Just like a safety deposit box, assets can be added and removed from the Trust during your lifetime. If you have large expenses that cannot be met out of normal income, like a new car, holiday, or house repairs, the appropriate sum can be transferred to your bank account from the Trust.

You are named as the ‘Principle Beneficiary’ of the Trust and retain full control of the assets within the Trust while you are alive and have mental capacity. You are free to move home, or release equity from the Trust at any time.

The Trust is a beneficial tool both for single people and married couples.

The Trust is fully reversible, so if you change your mind at any time in the future, you are able to return everything back to its previous situation.

More big names cut the cost of their mortgage deals

Find your new home at Whathouse.com mortgages / news in brief 19

f you’re looking for a cheap mortgage then there remain plenty of excellent deals to choose from. Two of the UK’s largest lenders have recently

cut their rates, meaning it’s now even cheaper to get a new mortgage if you have a small deposit.

One of the UK’s biggest high street names has cut its rates on a range

of home loans for borrowers with small deposits. Barclays has reduced the interest rate on its 90% loan-to-value fixed-rate deals to 3.99% for its two-year deal and 4.79% for its five-year product.

If you have a deposit of 15%, Barclays now offers you a five-year fixed-rate mortgage at a rate of 3.99%.

The lender has also cut the rate on its large loan lifetime tracker from 4.76% to just 3.99%. Andy Gray, managing director of mortgages at Barclays, said the 3.99% rate, which is based on the bank rate plus 3.49%, offers “much better value” for borrowers over the long term than the typical standard variable rate of 4.4%.

Over recent months, tracker rates have become more and more competitive when compared to fixed-rate alternatives. However, with the base rate set to increase in the next year experts are urging borrowers to think carefully about which type of deal to take.

Keith Osborne, editor of WhatHouse?, says: “Tracker deals look competitively priced at the moment and even if interest rates rise the chances are that they will creep up slowly. This means that you are likely to be able to take advantage of low rates for the foreseeable future. However, if you’re thinking of choosing a tracker rate it is important that you ‘stress test’ yourself against a sharp rise in interest rates. Ask your advisor to tell you what your mortgage repayments would be at a higher interest rate and make sure you can afford them before you commit to this sort of deal.”

Barclays are not the only big high street name to have reduced the cost of their mortgages in recent weeks. The Financial Times reports that Virgin Money has also reduced the rates across a range of residential and buy-to-let mortgages, following cuts by other lenders including the Yorkshire Building Society.

The lender has reduced the rates on

its two- and five-year fixed-rate buy-to-let mortgages by 0.80 and 0.50 percentage points respectively, and its two-year buy-to-let tracker by 0.40 percentage points.

Virgin Money has also reduced the cost of its two-year residential mortgage trackers by 0.10 percentage points on its 70% loan-to-value deals. It has also trimmed the rates on its range of “Freedom to Fix” trackers, which allow you to convert to a fixed rate during the life of the tracker without charge.

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Lenders are continuing to reduce the cost of some of their best deals, says Nick Parkhouse.

Redrow finalises planning submission for Addlestone ward-winning developer

Redrow is in the final stages of submitting a detailed

planning application for an 8.5-acre site in Addlestone, Surrey, where it hopes to build around 200 new homes.

Alistair Currie, land director for Redrow Homes (Southern Counties), said: “The site was previously earmarked for a business park and two HQ office buildings were completed and occupied. However, the park’s owners were unable to prove there was sufficient demand for the remaining offices and subsequently secured outline consent for 200 new homes.

“We’ve now acquired the site

and are preparing a reserved matters planning application to be submitted to the local authority in due course. Subject to getting the green light from planners, we hope to be building homes by the turn of the year and for sales to take off before the end of June [2015].”

Located on Station Road, within walking distance of Addlestone station, Redrow has named the

scheme Bleriot Gate and says that it plans to build a range of one- and two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom townhouses, with a London commute time of about one hour. The interior designs will be based on the company’s Regent Collection, but Redrow will apply a more contemporary street scene in order to complement the existing office buildings.

ATwo new executive homes launched unveiled in Virginia Water aterfords estate agency

has launched the show home for two brand new

five-bedroom family homes from award-winning Kirkby Homes. ‘Sanby’ and ‘Cumberland House’ are situated

on Wellington Avenue in Virginia Water, on the edge of the prestigious Wentworth Estate.

The detached properties provide versatile, luxurious accommodation split over three floors, including a substantial kitchen/breakfast room with orangery and bi-folding doors to the gardens, which were landscaped by a Chelsea Flower Show gold medal-winner and which back onto the King George V playing field.

The first floor has a master

bedroom with private en suite and dressing room as well as three further bedrooms, one with en suite and a family bathroom. The second floor is ideal for a separate guest suite with a 24ft bedroom, large dressing room and en suite shower room.

Katie Hunter, Waterfords’ senior new homes manager, said: “Virginia Water is a sought-after area and the launch sparked much interest from local families looking to upsize who were impressed by the quality and

finish of the show home. Integrated extras designed for convenience are certainly increasingly popular and these properties have been designed with this in mind to include Apple TV, a Sonos home music system, underfloor heating to the ground floor and automated garage doors.”

The show home on Wellington Avenue is available to view by appointment only. Contact Fay Brierley at the Waterfords New Homes office on 01276 903142 or email fay.brierley@waterfords.co.uk.

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David Wilson Homes continues sponsorship of a West sussex football club

ational housebuilder David Wilson Homes has announced that it is to continue its

community work in West Sussex with its ongoing sponsorship of a local football team.

“Broadbridge Heath Football Club are delighted that David Wilson Homes have agreed to continue their sponsorship of the club for the 2014/2015 season,” said Andrew Crisp, secretary of the club. “This type of sponsorship is vital for clubs at this level, they make it possible for Broadbridge Heath FC to provide the facilities, coaching and equipment needed to run these teams. We could not have had the success without sponsors like David Wilson Homes.”

Last season was an historic one for the club: the first team were promoted to the Sussex County League Division One for only the second time in their history and the reserve team won promotion to the Sussex County League Reserve Premier division for the first time ever.

Rob Allen, sales director for David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “We have a highly popular development of brand new homes at Wickhurst Green, Horsham, so we are very happy to sponsor the local football club to support with the local community. We wish them continued success in the coming season”.

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Hillreed Homes opens marketing suite for its new homes at Kings Hill illreed Homes has opened

the marketing suite at its brand new development, The Poppies,

at Kings Hill. It’s the latest collection of homes at the popular Kent village

from the award-winning housebuilder, which has been building homes there for over 20 years.

The Poppies is offering a choice of homes with pre-show home prices, starting from £280,000 for two-bedroom homes, £309,950 for three-bedroom homes and £419,950 for four-bedroom homes.

This new collection is located almost opposite Hillreed Homes’ previous development, close to the

cricket ground and the golf course, two of Kings Hill’s best-loved features. The village also has its own nursery and pre-school, as well as two primary schools for 4- to 11-year-olds. With numerous other educational facilities for all age groups within easy reach, Kings Hill is a firm favourite with family buyers in the area.

“This is an excellent opportunity to be one the first to visit the development and to see the site layout, the wide

choice of property types and discuss purchasing options,” says Jo Richards, head of sales and marketing at Hillreed Homes. “We have schemes such as part exchange or our Home Change service available. This means that we can help you to sell your house making the whole process less stressful and generally quicker than a standard sale.”

The Poppies is open seven days a week at Beacon Avenue, Kings Hill, Kent ME19 4LU.

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P lans to convert an iconic building in Sevenoaks into 91 apartments have been recommended for

approval by local planning authorities.The proposals for the iconic ‘twin

towers’ of Tubs Hill House on London Road will convert the commercial space into a residential scheme, including an

extra level on top of the buildings which will comprise four penthouses. The plans also involve the creation of a landscaped courtyard between the towers.

Concerns about the redevelopment has been expressed by neighbours about a potential breach of their privacy and fears for the ‘large amount

of small, high-density accommodation in close proximity’. In all, the Tubs Hill House redevelopment would provide 30 one-bedroom apartments, 57 two-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom penthouses.

The building is currently used as office space but is less than a third full.

Approval recommended for 91-home redevelopment in sevenoaks

20 interview Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Can you begin by telling us a bit about your company?

Clarke Gammon Wellers is a private independent firm with five offices in Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire. The company was founded in 1919 and deals in all aspects of property, from residential sales and lettings to auctions and land acquisition. This diversity allows us to concentrate on other aspects of our business if residential market conditions get difficult. In terms of second-hand sales, most of our stock is priced between £750,000 and £2m. I am based at our Guildford branch and have worked for the company for nearly 20 years.

What are property conditions currently like in Guildford?

The sales market has undergone a change in the last few months. For the previous 12 months things were very strong, with properties in Guildford achieving premium prices, especially those in the best locations close to the schools. Since then the London market has gone a bit quieter and with the anticipation of increased interest rates,

the froth has been taken off the top and we are heading back to a buyers’ market. The changes brought in by the Mortgage Market Review haven’t had a significant effect but may be holding potential sellers back a little as they consider whether moving is worth the extra hassle. We are seeing a real shortage of stock, with levels down 40% year-on-year and very few new-build properties in the pipeline. In the lettings market we are also experiencing a shortage of properties and we have a lot of potential tenants, which leads to rents increasing.

Who buys property in Guildford?

There are two distinct markets. Firstly there are people who move to Guildford and stay there for the long term, perhaps later moving home within the area. On the other hand, we see buyers heading into Surrey from the London market. These buyers see Guildford as a location that offers greater value for money, as well as some of the best schools and excellent commutability. The easy access we have to London Waterloo is a major

factor with our buyers. We also have a branch in Haslemere, the town that has more first-class season ticket holders than anywhere else in the country.

What do properties cost in Guildford?

A three-bedroom detached home will cost around £650,000-£850,000. As a rough guide, properties here tend to cost around £500-£600 per sq ft.

What do you expect to see happen in the local market over the next 12 months?

The market is currently fairly stable, and I think the likelihood of interest rate increases, the Scottish referendum and the upcoming general election next year will result in people taking stock and waiting to see what happens. There will also be pressure to build on green belt land and plenty of opposition to this, but new homes are going to have to go somewhere. There is a window for development, and hopefully it will follow.

Agent InsightWe speak to Tony Jamieson, senior partner at Clarke Gammon Wellers in Guildford

You can find out more at www.clarkegammon.co.uk; 01483 880900

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All imagery is illustrative and may vary from shown. Available incentives are subject to reservation criteria, scheme approval and restrictions (including the Government Help to Buy scheme) and can be development specifi c, please ask our Sales Consultants for more information.

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country comprising two islands, it is in the larger, Antigua, that development and tourism has flourished

and now offers a chance for sun-starved Brits to buy a slice of tropical paradise as a retirement or holiday home. And it’s not as expensive as you might think.

“Two-bedroom Jolly Harbour villas start at around US$220,000 for sale, or around US$900 per month (plus US$270 community charge) for a long-term rental, or around US$850 per month for a holiday rental. There’s a broad spectrum,” says Nadia Dyson of Luxury Locations, an award-winning specialist agent in Antigua and Barbuda.

With a number of regular flights from the UK, it’s part of the Caribbean that is particularly easy to get to, though Dyson’s colleague, Gemma Handy, editor of the magazine that the company produces, says there are many reasons why the British look there to buy or rent a home.

“We love the fact Antigua has maintained its individuality and culture while many of its neighbours have become very Americanised,” she says. “The people here are superbly friendly; visitors and new residents frequently cite

spontaneous acts of helpfulness and generosity as a major factor in making the decision to return or set up home here. It also feels very safe in Antigua and offers a decent standard of living.

She goes on: “High numbers of tourists haven’t mitigated its grassroots charm and innate culture, which can be seen and felt throughout the twin island nation. It offers something to suit everyone – from superb sailing and kite-surfing conditions, historical monuments, decent duty free shopping, five-star resorts, restaurants and spas, high-energy Carnival festivities and nightlife. Its superb array of beaches has spawned the tagline ‘a beach for every day of the year’.”

Dyson outlines a range of property hotspots that buyers could consider: “Jolly Harbour remains the most popular area. Other hotspots include the wider west coast area such as Tamarind Hills or Harbour View. English Harbour is popular with those attracted by action-packed seasonal nightlife or sailing. Many choose to buy within a resort, such as Blue Waters in the north of the island, or Nonsuch Bay on the east coast. The latter option grants access to all of the resort’s facilities plus maintenance of their home when they’re absent.”

Purchasing property is

straightforward and, in fact, there are incentives to encourage foreigners to invest in a home. “When buying a house you must apply for a non-citizen’s licence. For most properties, this costs 5% of the purchase price,” says Dyson. “However, if you choose to invest in a new development you will likely be offered a generously reduced rate. Getting official approval – which 99% of applicants do – takes anywhere from three to 12 weeks.

“Last year, a citizenship by investment scheme came into effect – those who purchase a home in an approved development for a minimum US$400,000 are eligible for an Antiguan passport.”

She also has good news for those looking for a financial return on their property investment in Antigua: “The rental market here is booming and gathering momentum all the time. Generally, owners can expect a 10% annual return on their investment if they enter it into the rental pool.”Find out more at www.luxurylocations.com; 00 1 268 764 5874

22 overseas Find your new home at Whathouse.com

AThe nation of Antigua and Barbuda is the archetypal luxury Caribbean getaway, but you won’t need a fortune to afford a holiday home there

Who needs to be a millionaire?

Right from top: English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard; Property for long-term rent in Jolly Harbour,

3 beds, 2 baths, US$2,000 pcm; Property for sale in Jolly Harbour,

2 beds, 2 baths, US$275,000

A contemporary lodge which is light and airy and unique in design and finish.

Whether you are looking for the serenity of a coastal retreat for yourself and your family, or planning a more adventurous style of outdoor living, purchasing a Bywaves luxury holiday lodge can give you the best of both worlds.

Bywaves in Bracklesham Bay, near Chichester West Sussex is situated at the end of a private no through road, and has access to the beach directly from the park itself. This highly sought after area on the south coast has spectacular views along the coastline of the Isle of Wight. The local area is steeped in history and hosts a diverse range of events and activities throughout the year.

SHOW LODGE TO GO!IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY - ENJOY THE REST OF THE SUMMER BY THE SEAREDUCED FROM £165,000 LOOKING FOR OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £150,000

The Bywaves team can offer advice on part exchange and finance. To find out more visit www.bywaves.co.uk or call 01243 629834.

No licence fe

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www.bywaves.co.uk East Bracklesham Drive, Bracklesham Bay, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 8JW

Tel: 01243 629831 • Email: enquiries@bywaves.co.uk

RESERVE DURING SEPTEMBER AND CHOOSE FROM ONE OF OUR SCHEMES DESIGNED TO

HELP YOU MOVE NOW!

Reserve during September to receive one of the following extra incentives

(Choose from a range of Finishing Touches such as carpets, kitchen or

bathroom upgrades or even a complete garden package)

Come and visit one of our developments below to find out more...

CALL US 01622 626816

OR VISIT PERSIMMONHOMES.COM

*Available on selected plots subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. A professional legal adviser is required to carry out the legal formalities of buying the home and to represent your interests. Persimmon can

provide you with a list of recommended solicitors and/or financial advisers as necessary. Persimmon cannot advise you on a mortgage. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON

YOUR MORTGAGE, YOUR EQUITY LOAN OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. For full terms and conditions of all schemes featured visit www.persimmonhomes.com/offers. Imagery is for illustration purposes only. External

elevations including treatments, materials, window positions and sizes are subject to change at any time. Details correct at time of going to press.

GET A MOVE ONWITH PERSIMMON HOMES

SOUTH EASTLess than 17 weeks until Christmas but still time to buy your brand new home!

Part Exchange* - to ensure your move is hassle free

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PLUS

£1000 toward solicitors fees

£2500 toward ‘Finishing Touches’

So don’t delay whether you have a house to sell or are a first time buyer you CAN MOVE NOW!

Cross QuaysManston, CT12 5ATLast 3 bedroom home from

£216,950 or

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Call 07957 837 659

The DriveHellingly,BN27 4AF3 & 5 bedroom homes from

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Wesley FieldAshford, TN23 5LJ2 & 3 bedroom homes from

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