Posts with tag: property

Tips for keeping energy bills down…and heat in!

Published On: December 20, 2015 at 11:15 am

Winter is upon us and for many over 50’s, this can lead to months of worrying about their energy bills.

As temperatures plummet, one in five people in this age bracket said that they will struggle to pay their bills, with one in ten saying that they would go to bed earlier or get up later to avoid putting their heating on.

Concern

Despite energy prices remaining fairly constant from the same period this year, over half of over 50’s are concerned about the cost of their energy bills ahead of the coldest period. The greatest concerns are from those living in the North East, Scotland and Wales.

61% of over 50’s said that they would have to wear extra clothing or just put the heating on at certain times of the day in order to economise. 30% said that they would only heat certain parts of their home, while 30% said that they would only heat specific rooms.

Shockingly, one in eight people said they wouldn’t go in some rooms of their home due to the cold!

Lisa Harris, head of communications for Saga, said, ‘keeping warm in winter is not a luxury it’s essential for many to keep fit and well over the winter months. People shouldn’t be afraid of putting the heating on, but one in ten admit that they would only put their heating on as a last resort. However, there are often lots of relatively simple measures that people can take to help keep control of their energy bills.’[1]

Tips for keeping energy bills down…and heat in!

Tips to stay warm!

Before it is too late and Jack Frost and his friends take their grip on proceedings, here are five top-tips to keep heat in and costs down:

Properly seal windows and doors

20% of heat from a home escapes through cracks in doors and windows. Using draught excluders, curtains and efficiently sealing windows can massively help in keeping properties toasty warm

Put heating on a timer

By setting a central heating timer, bills can be slashed. Setting the heating to come on for a couple of hours on the morning and in the evening is much-more cost effective than leaving it on all day! What’s more, those chilly showers in the morning will be a little more bearable when the heating has been on for a while!

Insulate your loft

It has been proven that loft insulation is effective for at least 40 years and can save up to £250 on energy bills every year. Those living in bungalows should look at getting their loft insulated as a priority, with the larger surface area of the roof in comparison to a house meaning heat can escape at a faster rate.

Get walls insulated

Insulating walls properly can save the average property owner £460 per year on energy bills. It is important to get the correct type of insulation installed. Either Cavity Wall Insulation or Internal/External Wall Insulation will reduce heat loss.

Turn off electrical items

The Energy Saving Trust suggests that homeowners in the UK could save £1.7bn per year by turning off electrical items. Turning off lights, TV’s, phone chargers and game consoles are all measures that could save money. Don’t think that by putting something on standby means that it is off…turn it off properly!

[1] http://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/household/top-tips-to-save-energy-and-cut-fuel-bills.html

Create your own natural Winter Wonderland!

Published On: December 17, 2015 at 9:00 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Property News

Tags: Christmas,property,winter,winter wonderland

With the festive season beginning to get into full swing, the majority of us will have already taken our decorations out of the loft and battled with tinsel, baubles and broken lights.

However, the last bit of Christmas sparkle missing from your home could be in the garden. There is no better time to look outside and see how some greenery could be used to add to final festive touches to your windowsill, hearth or front door.

Happy Holly-days

‘If you have common plants like holly, cotoneaster, rosemary and ivy, they can all be put to good use in Christmas displays both inside and out,’ said Emma Hardy, author of The Winter Garden. ‘Little pine conifers will be fine to have indoors over Christmas. I bought some Picea glauca (white spruce) from Ikea, which are really good for Christmas displays. Look indoors at garden centres and they will have those little conifers,’ she continued.[1]

Have a Mossy Christmas

Hardy believes that by people should add, ‘softer greenery like bun moss or even moss from your lawn to add to a trough for the table.’ She added that, ‘you can pick moss off the lawn or if you have a lovely bit on the roof of your shed, use that. You may need to mist it a bit to keep it moist.’[1]

Create your own natural Winter Wonderland!

Be the Ivy of your friends

‘Ivy, especially if it has the berries on it, looks great and lasts for ages,’ Hardy notes. ‘Pussy willow can be used, as can rosemary which keeps its shape. For a cheap display, consider bulbs. I bought some hyacinths the other day which were 69p each. Get a few of those, pot them up in an old vase with pine cones round them and it makes a special display.’[1]

Holes, holes, holes

Hardy warns that, ‘making holes in the bottom of any trough is essential for drainage, but ensure you put a drip tray underneath or the Christmas table’s going to get wet! Add a thick layer of gravel to the bottom of the container, leveling the surface, then half-fill the trough with potting compost before adding your plants.’[1]

‘If you want a bit of sparkle, put some of those battery-operated fairly lights around the tree and it’s just the sweetest thing,’ she suggests. ‘Use succulents from an existing rockery to make a fantastic wreath which should look good all year round and can be refreshed and reused next year too, ‘she suggests.[1]

Deck the trough with potting compost

For finishing touches for displays, Hardy says, ‘Use moss to line a metal wreath frame, pulling the moss into pieces and laying it in a ring shape slightly larger than the wire frame, root side up on the table. Lay the wire wreath frame on top of the moss and place handfuls of potting compost on the frame, then wrap the moss around the frame and the compost, securing it with copper wire. This should provide enough nutrients to keep the succulents happy.’[1]

Festive cheer…for the rest of the year

Hardy concluded by saying that when the festive season is over, she hangs her wreath in a sheltered spot outside. ‘Succulents can survive quite dry conditions so make sure the wreath doesn’t become waterlogged. In very dry weather, just moisten the moss and potting compost a little, she explains.[1]

She concluded by saying, ‘with all winter displays, it’s not worth doing anything that you can’t see from your house. If you have space by your front door, back door or back window, position your plants so you can see them.’[1]

Follow Hardy’s lead and create your own Winter Wonderland from your own surroundings!

[1] http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/property/make_your_own_festive_displays_the_natural_way_1_4344925

Homes Near the Best Christmas Markets

Published On: December 16, 2015 at 3:55 pm

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Property News

Tags: Christmas,Christmas markets,homes for sale,Poland,property

One of the best ways to get into the festive spirit is a trip to one of the UK’s many Christmas markets. Even better, imagine having one of these merry delights on your doorstep!

Here, we take a look at some properties currently for sale near some of the country’s best Christmas fairs.

London

The Southbank’s Winter Market runs from 20^th November to 24^th December this year. Set along the picturesque riverbank of the Thames, its wooden chalets are full of Christmas food, drinks and gifts.

Valentine Place in SE1 is just a short walk from the market. Choose from one, two and three-bedroom apartments or mews houses in this brand new development, set around a former bakery. Prices start at £735,000, with

Homes Near the Best Christmas Markets

more details at Crest Nicholson: https://www.crestnicholson.com/valentineplace/

Lincoln

Lincoln’s Christmas Market began in 1982, making it the oldest of this type of winter fair in the UK. It has grown from hosting just 11 stalls to 250 traders this year. The market can be found on the cobbled square between the cathedral and the castle.

The Quays on Burton Waters is a modern, three-bedroom family house close to the cathedral. Wrap up warm and head over to the market with your family and friends. The mews house is on the market for £435,000 through Mundys: http://mundys.net/properties/the-quays-burton-waters-lincoln-ln1/

Exeter

Last year, the Christmas market on Exeter’s cathedral green won the National Association of British Market Authorities’ best specialities award. It offers unique, handmade gifts and decorations, alongside wintery foods.

If you’d like to bring some Victoriana Christmas spirit home, why not look at this old-meets-new, two-bedroom cottage? The quirky property would make any festive season truly special. It is up for sale at £210,000 by Your Move: https://www.your-move.co.uk/property/house-for-sale-st-andrews-road-exeter-ex4-id-528445169/search

Birmingham

Birmingham is home to the UK’s largest Christmas market and has been transforming the city at this time of year for a decade. The fair celebrates all things local, with musicians and schools participating to create a community feel.

No.10 Clement Street is a unique development of six large, contemporary apartments within an original Victorian redbrick building. Spread the festive spirit by inviting friends and family to your new pad. A two-bedroom apartment is £395,000 through Wolf’s: http://www.wolfs.co.uk/property/details/1225/10-clement-street

Krakow, Poland

Do you fancy a visit to an overseas Christmas market? Or maybe you’d like to move there! The ancient market square of Krakow becomes a winter wonderland at this time of year – enjoy some traditional Polish treats by heading out before the fair ends (sometimes it can last until January 6^th, the Epiphany).

This two-bedroom apartment is within the Old Town, where the market is held. With exposed beams and plenty of light, this home makes the perfect Polish property purchase for anyone venturing abroad. It is on the market for £92,786 through Hamilton May: http://www.property-krakow.com/Sale-Apartment-Dluga-Stare-Miasto-62m2,5910.html

How have property prices changed throughout Star Wars franchise?

Published On: December 16, 2015 at 3:51 pm

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Property News

Tags: property,property market,property values,star wars

Unless you have been living in a galaxy far, far away, you will know that this week marks the release date of the new Star Wars film.

To celebrate the occasion, the Halifax has looked at how property prices have performed since the first film made the big screen in 1977.

Revenue

Since A New Hope was released, Star Wars has generated gross box office revenues of $4.4bn. However, this is dwarfed by when compared to the increase in value of privately owned British housing stock.

The first movie of the franchise was released in May of 1977, where housing stock stood at £194.4bn. In the present day, this value has increased at the speed of the Millennium Falcon to £5.1 trillion, representing a change of 2519%.

Home purchasers in the UK in 1977 faced average property prices of £13,650-which is less than the average price of a car in today’s market! The latest Halifax House Price Index puts average prices at £204,552, equating to an increase of 1,399%.

Those buying homes in Britain in 1980, the year of the next Star Wars release, would have seen values up by 767%. In 1983, homebuyers would have seen prices rise by another 566%.

How have property prices changed throughout Star Wars franchise?

Attack of the Homes!

It took 16 long years from then for The Phantom Menace to hit our screens in 1999, where prices had risen to 75,844, an increase of 170%. Attack of the Clones came shortly after in 2002, where a further 93% in value had been recorded. Finally, between the Attack of the Sith in 2005 and the present day, prices have risen by a more mediated 26%.

The table below highlights how much property prices have changed by year of Star Wars film release:

House Price £	% Changes to Nov 2015***
1977 May (Annual)**	13,650	1399%
1980 May (Annual)**	23,596	767%
1983 May (+Q2)	30,725	566%
1999 May (+Q2)	75,844	170%
2002 May (+Q2)	106,195	93%
2005 May (+Q2)	162,783	26%

[1]

‘For Star Wars fans the promise of new trilogy means the circle is now complete,’ noted Craig McKinlay, Mortgages Director at the Halifax. ‘Box office receipts are likely to cement the franchise’s place as one of the most successful series of all time. However, it’s no Jedi mind trick to say even the returns here have been dwarfed by increases in the value of UK housing stock.’[1]

[1] http://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/hero/the-force-has-been-strong-for-uk-house-prices.html

Keep your property safe this Winter

Published On: December 14, 2015 at 12:51 pm

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Property News

Tags: burglary,buy-to-let landlords,property,securing property,tenants

As Autumn turned to Winter, there were precious few people looking forwards to the months of cold, dark nights.

However, November and December typically see burglars licking their lips. During this time period, burglaries across Britain rise by an average of 25% each year, with Christmas gifts their main target.

Homeowners and tenants alike then must make sure they follow key guidelines in order to keep their properties safe from these mindless few.

Keeping your property safe

‘As the night’s draw in, burglars are likely to try and take advantage of the darkness,’ observed Steve Coyle, Operations Director at Edinburgh based property management specialist Cullen Property. ‘To prevent the upset and damage caused by break-ins, both owners and tenants can take a few simple measures to make their home safer, especially if they are planning to go away for a few days.’[1]

8 top-tips for keeping property safe during the dark nights are:

Lock up properly

This sounds obvious but a surprising number of burglaries occur as a result of a homeowner or tenant not fully locking doors or windows. Yale or mortice locks should be used where possible. In addition, leaving keys out under a doormat or plant pot are also leading to more break-ins. Police figures show 6,000 burglaries during 2014 involved intruders using keys to enter a home.

Don’t assume

Those living in top floor flats or above the ground floor could assume that their property is safe. However, burglars are undeterred by location and go to often extreme measures to target certain homes. Regardless of location, owners and tenants should make sure their homes are secure.

Safeguard Valuables

If a householder or tenant knows that they are going to be away from a property for a considerable period, they should look at taking jewellery, laptops and other expensive items with them.

Keep your property safe this Winter

Secure windows

By closing all property windows and making sure all latches are attached, people can drastically reduce the chance of burglars being able to gain access to the home.

Let there be light

People living in a property should put lamps on a timer when they are out to give the impression there is someone in, particularly in the afternoons and evenings.

Store inside

Things such as bikes that are commonly left outside or in a communal stair should be brought inside the property. Landlords should also check their landlord insurance to check what things are covered on their policy.

Get a little help from friends

When away from a property for a considerable amount of time, people should ask their landlord, a neighbour or friend to check on the property while they are away.

Don’t broadcast that you aren’t there!

Another obvious one but don’t broadcast holidays or trips away on social media, unless you are confident your posts can only be seen by trusted friends!

[1] http://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/landlords/tips-to-keep-your-property-safe-during-burglars%C3%A3%C2%A2%C3%A2%E2%80%9E%C2%A2-busiest-weeks.html

Housing Scheme Wins Turner Prize

Published On: December 12, 2015 at 11:51 am

Author: Em Morley

Categories: Property News

Tags: architects,architecture,art,housing,Liverpool,property

A regeneration project for derelict homes in Liverpool has won the Turner Prize.

The £25,000 contemporary art award was given to the London-based architecture and design group, Assemble, who revived ten properties in the area of Toxteth.

The Turner Prize’s judge, Alistair Hudson, says the collective is “part of a long tradition of art working in society”¹.

However, some have questioned whether the scheme should have been eligible for the prize.

Assemble after winning the Turner Prize

After the announcement on Channel 4, author and broadcaster Muriel Gray said: “I think it’s changed the nature of the Turner Prize, because I don’t think it is modern art. I think it’s socially responsible, beautiful architecture. But it’s a very peculiar year.”¹

Assemble includes between 14-18 members, who were joined by Liverpool residents at the ceremony.

The group was a surprise inclusion in this year’s shortlist, but it now joins artists such as Damien Hirst, Grayson Perry and Steve McQueen as a winner of the prestigious prize.

All of the members are in their mid-20s and all but three studied architecture together.

Lewis Jones, a member of the group, described it as “the real antithesis of the conventional model of a Turner Prize nominee being a single genius artist”.

Assemble impressed the judges and Liverpool residents alike by working alongside locals to create unique designs for the interiors of terraced houses in the Granby Four Streets part of Toxteth.

They created mantelpieces from brick and construction waste from the streets; ceramic door handles fired in barbecues fuelled by sawdust left over from building work; and hand-decorated tiles and hand-pressed terracotta lamps.

Working with the Granby Four Streets Community Land Trust, Assemble used these fixtures and fittings to renovate ten derelict homes on Cairns Street.

Jones explains the significance: “Only a few years ago you’d go around and stuck on the front of each house would be a sign saying, ‘All objects of value have been removed from this property.’ So I guess this has been part of putting those things back in.”

The group has also proposed turning one rundown house into a glass-roofed winter garden.

Jones believes that Assemble arrived after “20 or 30 years of cynical, top-down regeneration attempts”¹.

Assemble has used the profile of the Turner Prize to set up a social enterprise workshop to make and sell their home improvement objects to the general public.

In the group’s acceptance speech, member Joseph Halligan, said: “I think it’s safe to say this nomination was a surprise to all of us and the last six months have been a super surreal experience.

“But it’s allowed us this amazing opportunity to start something – Granby Workshop – which we hope will live on for a very, very, very long time. We’re really really grateful. Thank you.”¹

The Turner Prize was set up in 1984. It is presented to a British artist under the age of 50 for “an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work”¹ in the previous year.

¹http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35031707