Home Secretary Theresa May opens new Millgate development in Berkshire

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Theresa May, Home Secretary and MP for Windsor & Maidenhead has officially opened the new ´Victoria Mews´ development in Wargrave.

 

Millgate, the multi award-winning bespoke house builder officially launched their latest development, a private collection of 8, three and four bedroom semi-detached homes located in the sought-after village of Wargrave in Berkshire.

 

Theresa May, who enjoys a very active role in her local constituency, was invited to the launch on Friday 11th January alongside Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation.

 

Millgate had invited the original owners of the 1890 house named Ye Nest which still remains on the plot and was tastefully renovated by Millgate as part of the development plans. Ye Nest was originally owned by the Bird family, and Bird Gardens is now the formal name of the street, which was chosen in respect to one of the oldest families in the quintessential English village.

 

Vera Bird, who is now in her nineties  had a tour of the ´Ye Nest´ renovation and was delighted with how the house looks now, commenting that "she was proud to have lived long enough to see the house refurbished to such a high standard".  Vera and George Bird lived on this site for most of their lives, running a chauffeur business. A most enterprising man, George was a WW1 veteran who lost his arm during the war yet this never deterred him from running a busy and successful business in Wargrave.

 

Theresa May´s explained that her personal view was that a development should be sympathetic to the environment and she complemented Millgate in achieving just that and on the superb quality of the homes. She further commented on the current government initiatives to help overcome problems with housing shortages in the UK emphasising the government directive that focuses on handing over greater powers to local communities

 

The Home Secretary also actively supports the Coalition Government´s ´Mid-Term Review´ which promotes the progress of several large infrastructure projects that will boost the Maidenhead area such as the new western rail link to Heathrow Airport and the Crossrail project which are likely to bring more jobs and wealth to the area.

 

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director of Millgate, commented on the launch of Victoria Mews

 

"We were naturally thrilled to have the Home Secretary officially open this superb new development. It was wonderful for the 30 local residents, councillors and the Millgate team to have her show her support in this way"

 

 

About Bird Gardens

 

 

A private collection of eight, three and four bedroom semi-detached homes located in the sought-after village of Wargrave. Built by local developers Millgate, each home offers well planned accommodation over three floors with modern design featuring stylish kitchen and bathrooms, light filled conservatories, garage, balcony and landscaped gardens.

 

Victoria Mews is a development of luxury family homes built to include a garage, conservatory and balcony off the master bedroom. The gardens are fully landscaped and this is undoubtedly one of the best residential locations in the village of Wargrave. 

 

Price guide for the houses is from £649,950.  To find out more and register your interest contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk

‘City of dreaming spires’ bucks downward prime country house price trend

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

For many prime country house owners, 2012 ended on a sour note with the latest data from Knight Frank revealing that house prices in this sector fell 1.2% in Q4 taking the annual decline to 3.8%.
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom as certain pockets of the country such as Oxford, known as the ‘city of dreaming spires’, bucked the trend reporting an annual price rise of 3.3.% according to the Knight Frank Prime Country House Index Q4 2012.
Not only home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, the city of Oxford, just 60 miles from London, is a thriving economic centre with some huge businesses choosing to operate from here. Oxford is the principal production site of the Mini, Oxford University Press and Wiley-Blackwell publishing houses operate from here, as well as a number of large breweries and science-based industries.
And it is just this variety of academic and employment opportunities, not to mention the cultural and environmental appeals, which is leading to the population of Oxford growing steadily. Already at 150,000 people, Oxford and the surrounding area is attracting more and more families, especially those looking to relocate from central London and get more bang for their buck. 
This increasing demand for prime country homes at the £2 million plus mark has been witnessed by award-winning developer Millgate, who enjoyed a bumper year in Oxfordshire in 2012.
Focusing on the beautiful village of Boars Hill just 3 miles south west of Oxford city centre, Millgate completed an development of four prime country homes ranging from £4 to £6 million in 2012. Already three of the four homes which afford stunning views towards the dreaming spires have been sold and the last house has several interested buyers.
Indeed so successful has this development been that another prime site in the neighbouring village of Hinksey Hill has been purchased and developed to the same high standard by Millgate with a further four 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom detached homes approached by a private tree lined drive now available to purchase from £1.95 million.
Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate, Jonathan Cranley, comments:
“The prime country house market has indeed been under pressure in the last 12 months with concerns over the impact of increasing stamp duty however for Millgate 2012 has been a positive year.
“Overall, as reported by Knight Frank, stock and indeed viewing volumes are up across the board but buyers have become even more discerning, taking their time to select only the finest homes, in prime locations such as Oxfordshire which fortuitously for us, is at the heart of the Millgate ethos.“ 
For more information on prime country houses available in Oxfordshire from Millgate please call 01189 343 344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

If you don´t know your EPCs from ABCs, Upad are here to help…

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

With the property advertising display rules being recast again as of, 9th January 2013, EPCs are once again on the industry´s radar. But what exactly are EPCs?

 

EPCs or Energy Performance Certificates are documents which give a full rundown of the energy efficiency of a property and its environmental impact. It also offers tips and advice as to how to improve the energy performance of the property as well as giving contact details for the person who carried out the assessment.
 
 
Does everyone need one? If you´re just living in your property, you´re okay but should you decide to sell or lease it out, you definitely will need to have an assessment carried out, one requirement often overlooked by landlords.  
 
 
James Davies, CEO of Upad, leading online lettings agent comments,
 
 
"A valid EPC is a legal requirement for every rental property. Estate agents and other third parties must ensure that an EPC has been commissioned before they can market a property for rent.  Landlords must provide a copy free of charge to the person who takes up the tenancy.  It is not necessary to commission a new EPC each time there is a change of tenant, or the property is sold.
 
 
"Although agents will have had to include EPC details on all property advertising since January 9th 2013, the requirement to include the front page of the EPC will be dropped. Furthermore, listed buildings will no longer need to have an EPC at all."
 
 
With these changes in mind, Upad have strived to make it even easier for landlords across the country to meet the legal EPC requirements by removing the hassle that comes with the paperwork. Simply list a property online at just £99+VAT and receive a free EPC, with the process normally completed in 48 hours. 
 
 
For further information please visit www.upad.co.uk or call 0333 240 1220. You can also now follow Upad on Twitter @Upad or like the dedicated Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/upadUK 

Essential winter reading for landlords! 7 top survival tips for the big freeze…

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Britain is set for freezing temperatures as the mild weather ends, with reports from The Met Office predicting snow in some parts of the country!

 

As a landlord you are ultimately responsible for the upkeep of your property and therefore it’s vital to remember to protect your bricks and mortar during the winter months.
 
 
James Davis, CEO of Upad, leading online lettings agent, has utilised his 12 years of hands-on experience to provide landlords with his 7 top tips on caring for your property this winter and avoiding any costly surprises:
 
 
1.       Make sure your tenants are informed
Keep your tenants well informed about potential winter property damage. Do not assume that your tenants know how to deal with the cold weather.  It is your responsibility as a landlord to make sure they have the information they need. Put together an information pack including details such as basic boiler operation etc and remind tenants to periodically turn the heating on using the timer if they are not in the property for several days.
 
2.       Think about insulation
A fully insulated property is crucial for the winter. Make sure the basics such as the obvious draft points are covered and loft insulation is in good condition. Invest in some draft excluders to keep gaps underneath doors and between windows secure. Also check the cladding around your pipes and make sure that taps are not leaking.
 
3.       Check your pipes
Inspect all external pipes and guttering for breaks and blockages. Blocked pipes can quite easily freeze during the cold months, expand and then burst, which can cause expensive water damage. Check that all pipes are in good order and that they are correctly secured to the walls and also have a look at the brickwork around your property for cracks, which could potentially allow water in. Clear out any guttering regularly especially if there are trees overhanging your property.
 
4.       Fix underlying problems in advance
Deal with those little snagging problems such as a drafty door, a flimsy pipe or damp room now, rather than later. By sorting the little problems before the really cold weather sets in, you can help to prevent bigger, potentially expensive problems later on.
 
5.       Minimise void periods
If your property is going to be empty over the winter, you need to make extra plans to ensure it is maintained and no disasters happen. Void periods are a major threat during the cold months to landlords. Make sure that you visit regularly, ensure the heating is kept on at a low level and that condensation does not build up.
 
6.       Stock up for emergencies
It is a good idea to keep a few key items in your property just for emergencies such as a torch, a fan heater and basic tool kit; this will help to ensure that minor disasters can be dealt with quickly and effectively.  Remember that your tenants may not be able to deal with all issues on their own therefore make sure that they also have contact numbers for you and local tradesmen.
 
7.       Check your insurance policy
Maintenance-related issues are often not always covered by certain insurance policies. Make sure that you ready thoroughly and understand the terms of your insurance policy, both for your own peace of mind and for your tenants! Specialist landlord insurance is available from a number of brokers.
 
 
As one of the UKs largest and fastest growing letting agencies, Upad now receives around 20,000 tenant enquiries per month and specialise in helping professional tenants rent properties from landlords directly by allowing landlords to manage their own viewings, an approach which 90% of tenants are in favour of according the latest Upad research.
 
 
Offering a complete lettings service for a flat fee of only £299 (+ VAT) which includes professional photography and a floor plan, a ´To Let´ board erected outside the property and advertising across all major UK lettings sites as well as comprehensive tenant referencing, drawing up of the tenancy agreement, deposit registration and crucially, rent collection.
 
 
For more information please contact Upad, on 0333 240 1220. You can also visit www.upad.co.uk or the dedicated Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/upadUK  and now follow @Upad on Twitter. 

Blast away those January blues with new flights announced to the Spanish sunshine!

by Charlotte Ashton Spain

The tinsel´s come down, the nights are cold and dark and your bank balance is about as healthy as you are after the Christmas and New Year excesses. It´s not surprising you´ve got an attack of the January blues. But help is at hand to make it through that difficult first month of the year…

 

Despite money being tight, having a holiday is still important for Britons and seeking a guaranteed good time with plenty of sunshine, many return to destinations they know and trust such as the Costa Blanca, famed for its dazzling white coastline. Stretching for over 200 Km along the east coast of Spain, the Costa Blanca has long been a favourite destination to enjoy a beach break in the Mediterranean sun.
 
 
And now it will be even easier to reach this popular destination with British Airways launching 17 flights per week from London Gatwick to Alicante in the heart of the Costa Blanca from 31st March 2013, increasing to 21 flights per week for July, August and September.
 
 
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading house builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,
 
 
“Spain’s climate, infrastructure, ease of access to the UK, combined with sandy beaches, turquoise seas and affordable housing market draws tourists and potential buyers in their droves.
 
 
“Despite falling domestic real estate prices, overseas demand for Spanish property certainly hasn’t. If last year’s performance of Taylor Wimpey España is anything to go by, with a record amount of sales in December alone, 2013 is set to be a great year!
 
 
“And indeed low cost carriers can help make the dream of reaching sunnier climes a reality. New airlines are springing up and old standbys are constantly fine-tuning their networks, making it easier for holiday makers to visit their home away from home.”
 
 
Budget airlines JetXtra and Monarch have also announced the introduction of several new routes for 2013, with Monarch adding two extra weekly flights to Alicante and JetXtra offering both Alicante and Palma as new destinations from Humberside Airport.
 
 
So, if you are on the hunt for the perfect property in the Spanish sunshine, look no further than Brisas de Alenda Golf from Taylor Wimpey España in Elche, Alicante.
 
 
The private complex of beautiful 3 bedroom townhouses of Las Brisas de Alenda is located in the peaceful and quiet area adjacent to the Alenda Golf Course. The wonderful beaches of the Costa Blanca are just a 15 minute drive. 
 
 
This stunning development has generous private gardens, a communal swimming pool and a club house. A gym, bar and restaurant are all incorporated into this development. 
 
 
These properties are available now from 155.000€. For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com  for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244 
 

Watch your profits shoot up with an ethical bamboo investment

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Alternative investments are on the increase, with clients demanding morally and ethically responsible choices, while still making a healthy financial return. The continuing rise in global demand for timber has led to escalating prices and the emergence of new green investment markets for materials such as bamboo.

 
The fastest growing plant in the world and an ideal source of sustainable timber, bamboo has captured the attention of leading investors, with the world market expected to quadruple over the next four years.
 
Property Frontiers has been one company with the vision to engage with this exciting new development in the timber industry. With their established partner, EcoPlanet Bamboo, the company has been offering bamboo investments in Central America for the past two years, with early investors already seeing excellent returns.
 
The partnership places a high value on the ethical and socially accountable aspects of renewable timber growth. As Property Frontiers´ Chief Executive Ray Withers explains:
 
"Our clients are looking for alternative investments that allow them to generate profits at the same time as doing something socially responsible. Bamboo investment offers just that – our plantations create jobs, produce sustainable products and have programmes for educating and up-skilling the local communities with which we work."
 
Environmental awareness is a key feature of the plantations. Sustainability and respect for the local ecosystem are paramount, with vermiculture, biogreen fertilizer and other techniques used to grow the bamboo in harmony with nature. The commitment to the environment is such that the Nicaraguan plantations offered by Property Frontiers have just received accreditation from both the Forest Stewardship Council and the Verified Carbon Standard. The certification process of the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance is also underway, with this prestigious accreditation expected to follow shortly.
 
Property Frontiers is delighted with the news and is now offering a final phase of investment for those looking to make ethically conscious returns. The plantation lots in Central America are available on 15 year commercial leases from as little as $55,000 with 26% base case annualised returns. Realistic market returns are forecast to be considerably higher, at 293% or more over the 15 year term.
 
Ray Withers continues:
 
"Our bamboo plantations in Nicaragua offer impressive financial returns, at the same time as combatting the global issues of deforestation and climate change. On a local level, we are improving communities and working with native populations to create a lasting programme of positive social change. This means that our investors can make considerable returns on their investments while contributing positively to environmental issues and social change."
 
Property Frontiers remains at the forefront of emerging ethical investment markets, such as bamboo. Their carefully considered and researched approach to international opportunities provides clients with the certainty of knowing that they can enhance their social conscience as well as their finances.
 
For more information about how you can invest in bamboo, contact Property Frontiers today on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com  

North Vs South – let the rent battle commence

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Location is one of the key issues facing prospective landlords when deciding to purchase a new buy to let property. Of course, the condition of the building, its price and the number of bedrooms will be major considerations but its location will eventually determine whether prospective tenants will want to rent it and how much they are prepared to pay.

 

 
A recent Association of Residential Lettings Agent (ARLA) report suggests that rental returns in the North East and North West have been rising steadily since the end of 2011. Throughout the last few months they hit 5.7 per cent and 6 per cent respectively, making the North West the region with highest rental return in the UK.
 
 
James Davis, CEO of Upad, leading online lettings agent comments,
 
 
"One of the biggest issues within the UK rental market today is that rising rents in many locations have put significant pressure on tenants. The cost of renting continues to rise month on month, in some places at nearly twice the speed of the average salary increase, with many tenants needing to dedicate a growing portion of their disposable income to cover the cost of accommodation."
 
 
With this in mind, landlords looking to expand their portfolios in 2013 might be interested to learn that it is the North of England rather than the South which is currently providing the highest yields.
 
 
Independent research commissioned by specialist buy-to-let mortgage lender Paragon revealed that the north-west is the region in which landlords will enjoy the greatest yields. Typical yields of 6.6 per cent were recorded in this area in Q1 2012, up from 5.9 per cent in Q4 2011. And it is a similar story amongst many northern regions, with the north-east recording an average yield of 6.5 per cent.
 
 
The North´s undoubted success however does not necessarily mean that there is nothing to be gained from investing in southern buy-to-lets. Eastern England registered healthy 6.3 per cent yields, the south-east 6.1 per cent and London 5.9 per cent.
 
 
Indeed, London was recently picked out by experts as a location in which the rental market is currently performing particularly well. Jon Neale, head of residential research at Jones Lang LaSalle, said the capital is currently the perfect destination for landlords, suggesting the lack of housing in the city making it easier to rent homes to tenants.
 
 
So with tenant demand for privately let properties increasing by 6% over the last decade as revealed in the 2011 England & Wales census figures landlords across the UK should look no further than the UK´s market leading online lettings agency, Upad, on which to list their vacant properties.
 
 
As one of the UKs largest and fastest growing letting agencies, Upad specialise in helping professional tenants rent properties from landlords directly by allowing landlords to manage their own viewings. In the Last year alone, 107,000 tenants asked Upad for help finding a home.
 
 
For more information please contact Upad, on 0333 240 1220 or visit www.upad.co.uk 

Thinking of buying in Southern Spain in 2013?

by Charlotte Ashton Spain

The last quarter of 2012 saw a positive end to the year with a flurry of British and international buyers taking advantage of falling prices and a reduced VAT rate, snapping up properties in Spain left, right and centre. 

 

But if you are thinking of buying in southern Spain, one of the most popular second home destinations in the world in 2013, first get some expert advice by downloading your free copy of the Andalucía Market Report 2013 from The Property Finders. 
 
 
This new and impartial ‘must read’ guide, written by Andalucian property market expert with over 25 years’ experience, Barbara Wood of The Property Finders, looks back at 2012, how property prices have performed, examines the formation of the ‘Bad Bank’, considers the good and not so good news as well as highlighting important issues for buyers such as building inspections.  
 
 
As Barbara explains, 
 
 
“It is important that those trying to decide if buying a property in Spain in 2013 is a good idea really understand how fragmented the market is. 2012 very much highlighted the difference in performance of the domestic and second homes market in Spain and it is fundamental issues such as this that buyers should and will be made aware of in my report.”
 
 
As well as looking back, Barbara also looks forward and offers her predictions for the southern Spanish property market in 2013, especially the prime sector and the growing numbers of international buyers. 
 
 
So before you buy, be in the know and download your free Andalucía Market Report from The Property Finders here http://bit.ly/V6tryu. 
 
 
For more information or expert market comment from Barbara Wood please call 0800 622 6745 or visit www.thepropertyfinders.com. 
 
 
You can also follow Barbara on Twitter @wecanfindit and http://www.facebook.com/thepropertyfinders to get all the latest news as it happens.
 

With a 30% increase in sales volume this year, the future’s bright for Taylor Wimpey España!

by Charlotte Ashton Spain
Despite falling property prices in many areas and concerns over further contraction of the Spanish economy in 2013, it seems the sun is still shining for some with leading house builder, Taylor Wimpey España enjoying increasing sales volumes in 2012. 
 
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España comments,
 
“There is no denying that in the current economic climate Taylor Wimpey España has faced challenging market conditions however I am pleased to report that our 50 years of market experience and commitment to building high quality homes, in prime locations, at affordable prices has ensured that we have not only survived but thrived over the last 12 months.  
 
“We have seen an impressive 30% increase in sales volume for the first 11 months of this year with a staggering 375% increase in the first three weeks of December alone compared to the same month in 2011, the best December sales for years! Indeed hotspots have been the Balearic island of Mallorca and the perennially popular Costa del Sol where two of our most recent developments, Los Arqueros Beach and Cala Estancia have sold 60% of units off-plan – unheard of in today’s market”
 
Indeed, the latest Knight Frank Spain & Portugal Insight report (Nov 2012) revealed that the first half of 2012 saw enquiries strengthen in line with a weakening Euro and despite house prices in Marbella falling by around 30% since the start of the global recession, stability has been seen over the last 18 months.
 
International appeal remains a key factor in both the growth of Spain’s tourism industry (which saw 52.05 million international tourists arrive between January and October 2012, 3.1% more than last year) and second homes market. According the the Knight Frank report, British, Russian, Benelux and Scandinavian buyers represent the key purchaser nationalities but interest from Arab and MENA countries is growing, a trend which has also been seen by Taylor Wimpey España. 
 
With this in mind, Spain is actively targeting affluent Middle Eastern states such as Kuwait where it intends to increase tourist arrivals from 16,000 to 19,000 by the advent of next year according to the Spanish ambassador.
 
Looking forward to 2013, Pritchard comments,
 
“There is no doubt the 1st January VAT increase on new homes from 4% to 10% will somewhat reduce demand for Spanish property however in an attempt to offload debts crippling Spanish banks and drive overseas investment for 2013, the government is taking proactive steps such as offering residency rights to foreign property buyers who spend more than €160,000 – highly appealing to non-EU buyers such as Russians, Chinese, Americans and Australians.” 
 
In terms of Taylor Wimpey España’s focus, Pritchard explains that, 
 
“Following the success of 2012, we will continue to lead the market, not get complaisant but better ourselves and our product offering which is why I am proud to announce two brand new beachfront developments in Mallorca and the Costa Blanca due to commence construction in the new year.”
 
For property hunters looking for high quality affordable property, Taylor Wimpey España has some excellent properties on offer at only 4% VAT until the end 2012 and half capital gains tax if you purchase before year end.
 
Los Arqueros Beach, located next to Puerto Banus in Marbella is a new residential complex of 24 apartments consisting of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, only 4 minute walk away from the sea front promenade and 3 minutes from the ancient part of San Pedro de Alcantara , from just €195,000.
 
Its privileged position allows you to be surrounded by 5 km of the best areas of entertainment, Marbella’s sunny beaches, fun and glamour of Puerto Banus and the 12 best golf courses on Costa del Sol.
 
For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 

Putting faces to names. Behind the scenes at Millgate

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

All too often in the property world the real people behind some of the UK’s most successful and admired homes are hidden from sight. Buyers will most likely meet the appointed selling agent or maybe the project manager but rarely the person who selected the site, the visionary behind the development or the team who brought it to market.
 
Things are proudly different at Millgate however with the luxury British house builder offering potential buyers rare behind the scenes access in their new corporate video launched today.
 
In this short film marking the company’s 25th anniversary, potential buyers and existing clients alike can put faces to the names they know, understand how Millgate’s award-winning house building process works and see the passion and dedication of the team in their quest to achieve perfection.   
 
Featured on the video is Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director of Millgate, who comments:
 
“At our end of the market, selling £2 million plus homes typically, I feel that is it important that clients know exactly who they are buying a property from. For them, it’s not just bricks and mortar, it is their new home, a life’s ambition achieved and getting to know and understand the people who built their dream home one brick at a time is all part of what makes Millgate stand out amongst the rest.”
 
Indeed online video content is becoming an ever more valuable asset to property companies such as Millgate as it is a great tool with which to engage with potential buyers and bring to life people, products and places.
 
The house builder has invested heavily in cutting edge technology in 2012 with bespoke video content produced for each of their superb Home County developments available to view online at www.millgatehomes.co.uk.  
 
To watch the new 25th anniversary corporate video and meet the team behind Millgate click on the link below:
 
 
 
Or for more information please contact the team on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk