Beresfords Blog

Hot Properties

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:49:00 +0000

Hot properties from around the County

Heavenly home in Herongate

Located in a development of six houses, set behind electric gates in one of the most exclusive turnings in the village of Herongate is this impressive Georgian style detached family home.

The property offers well presented accommodation including an impressive galleried hallway, three reception rooms, modern kitchen/breakfast room, games room leading to a double glazed conservatory and a gymnasium.

There are five well proportioned bedrooms with the master bedroom having a luxury ensuite shower room and there is a further luxury family bathroom.

Situated in a quiet position with a 100' rear garden backing on to Thorndon Park Golf Course and there is ample parking via an in and out driveway and double garage. The property is situated within St Martins school catchment area subject to acceptance and Ingrave Johnstone primary school.

• Three reception rooms
• Games room and gym
• Backing Thorndon Park golf course
• Kitchen/breakfast room
• Integrated speaker system
• Gated development

Price: £1,595,000

For further information contact Beresfords Brentwood office on 01277 231515

Prime location in Upminster

Situated on the South side of Upminster is this modernised three bedroom semi detached family home.

With off street parking to the front as well as a well proportioned rear garden. The internal accommodation comprises of two reception rooms and a kitchen to the ground floor and three bedrooms and a bathroom to the first floor.

The property is conveniently situated for access to Upminster town centre and station, as well as local bus routes leading to the town centre. Viewing is highly recommended.

• Approx 100 ft rear garden • Two reception rooms
• Modern fitted bathroom
• Popular south side
• Residential turning
• Gas central heating
• Off street parking
• Double glazing

Price: £450,000

For further information contact Beresfords Upminster office on 01708 222200

Unusual gem in Southminster

Situated in a semi-rural location is this impressive detached, four bedroom bungalow which is nestled within its own grounds with lawns, ponds and swimming pool area. The property is located on a bus route to Maldon and there are footpaths which provide walks to neighbouring villages & public houses.

The property is offered for sale, in our opinion, in excellent decorative order and offers potential for a home office, granny annexe/teenager suite or therapy room either above the garage or by converting the accommodation surrounding the pool (STTP).

• Detached bungalow
• Four double bedrooms
• Impressive kitchen/breakfast room
• Double garage & room above
• No chain
• Ensuite to master
• Lounge and study with vaulted ceiling
• Swimming pool

Price: £480,000

For further information contact Beresfords Chelmsford office on 01245 500555

Period pleasure in Stock

A very attractive and quite substantial detached five bedroom family house with origins dating back some 300 years with later additions and which enjoys a beautifully established westerly facing plot of about 0.75 acre (stls).

Located on the borders of Stock and Billericay the property offers spacious living accommodation over two levels and is also ideally situated for the commuter with Billericay railway station and mainline service to London Liverpool Street being within 3 miles. No onward chain.

• 5 bedrooms
• Spacious living accommodation over 2 levels
• Lawned tennis court
• Double garage
• 3 reception rooms
• Beautifully maintained garden
• In-ground heated swimming pool
• Billericay Railway Station within 3 miles

Price: £955,000

For further information contact Beresfords Country Homes office on 01245 397475

Star property in Shenfield

Offered to the market for the first time in over 30 years is this superbly presented detached house situated in this prime Old Shenfield location convenient for the Broadway with it mainline railway station to London Liverpool Street and also St Marys Primary School.

The contemporary styled accommodation retains a blend of original features and quality design features including Phillippe Starck shower room and separate w.c. and Leicht fitted kitchen with Siemens appliances.

Also includes two reception rooms, ground floor cloakroom, four bedrooms, integral garage and a stunning West facing garden which is within 120 ft.

• Sought after location
• Four bedrooms
• Kitchens with Siemens appliances
• Phillippe Starck shower room

Price: £795,000

For further information contact Beresfords Shenfield office on 01277 212111

Investment

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:19:00 +0000

As rents continue to rise due to significant interest for rental properties from tenants, demand for investment property is increasing.

For our latest list of properties that maybe suitable for investment click here.

Daily Express: shock rise in house prices

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:15:00 +0000

Figures from Nationwide showed how house prices recorded an unexpected rise

Taken from the Daily Express, Saturday 31st December 2011

HOUSE prices have defied gloom-mongers to record an unexpected rise. They ended 2011 up by a healthy one per cent compared with this time last year.

The figures from Britain’s biggest building society show a marked improvement from 12 months ago, when prices were down 0.5 per cent year on year.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, said the housing market had performed remarkably well considering the very tough economic climate.

“Against a backdrop of anaemic economic growth and a deteriorating labour market, UK house prices were surprisingly resilient in 2011,” he said.

“Thanks to continued low interest rates, the number of forced sales remained low. Together with a dearth in building activity in recent years, this prevented a glut of unsold homes from accumulating on the market.

The figures provide further evidence of the long-term investment strength of bricks and mortar, with property values far outstripping shares, which were six per cent down over the year.

The rise in house prices has been fuelled by record low Bank of England interest rates and increasing mortgage availability. A BBC poll of 27 leading economists yesterday provided further hope that rates will stay at their current 0.5 per cent through 2012 and beyond.

The Nationwide end-of-year report showed that nine out of 13 UK regions saw house prices rise during 2011.

London saw rises of 5.5 per cent but prices were down in north and north-west England and in Scotland. Northern ¬Ireland was the worst performing region with prices falling 8.7 per cent. Separate figures from the Land Registry yesterday showed a monthly house price rise of 0.3 per cent in England and Wales. They also revealed that 729 homes sold for £1million or more in September, one per cent more than the same time last year.

To request a free, no obligation market appraisal of your property contact your local branch, details of which can be found by clicking here.

Sell or let your property with 0% VAT!

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:11:00 +0000

Pay 0% VAT with Beresfords

Beresfords are offering clients the opportunity to sell or let their property without having to pay VAT for newly signed instructions up until the 29th February 2012.

Following on from the huge success of last year’s promotion, Beresfords will once again cover the cost of the VAT, terms and conditions do apply.

Paul Beresford, Chairman/Managing Director of Beresfords, commented: “The housing market remained resilient throughout 2011, despite a difficult economy overall, and we are therefore looking at initiatives to help support the market and clients as we enter a New Year.

“Our 0% VAT campaign proved very popular at the start of 2011 as it enabled us to market more properties on behalf of clients and gave purchases and tenants a wider choice of potential new homes. We therefore had no hesitation in bringing the promotion back.

For further information contact your local Beresfords office, details of which can be found by clicking here.

Monthly mortgage availability best for eight years

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:39:00 +0000

Data recently published by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) shows that monthly interest payments for first time buyers have continued to fall and now typically consume 12.3% of income, the lowest level since 2004.

The affordability of monthly interest payments for movers also improved, with this group paying an average of just 9.2% of income, the lowest level since monthly records began in 2002.

What’s more gross mortgage lending in November totalled an estimated £13.0 billion, with the monthly figure showing its fourth consecutive year-on-year rise. This is 5% higher than in October, and 13% higher than in November 2010.

Despite the uncertain economic backdrop there is no denying that lenders have improved mortgage availability in 2011.

For further information contact Beresfords Mortgages on 0800 389 9986.

Latest mortgage rates

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:33:00 +0000

A selection of the latest mortgage rates

Residential rates from 2.19% (APR 4.8%)

Fixed rates from 2.75% (APR 4.0%)

Five year fixed rates from 3.49% (APR 5.3%)

Buy to let from 2.94% (APR 5.3%)

Buy to let fixed from 3.25% (APR 5.0%)

For further information contact 0800 389 9986.

How to get your house ready for January viewings

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:27:00 +0000

With a new year upon us many people’s thoughts turn to moving home, remember the famous saying – new year, new start?

January is a great time to get out there and see what’s available before the rush begins in spring, traditionally the busiest time of the year for house hunting.

Our message to buyers and sellers is ‘don’t hold back’ – if moving is on your mind then take steps to make it happen!

There are plenty of ways to dress your home if you are putting it on the market:

• Bedrooms add value. If there is a room that you use for storage, or a playroom that could be used as a bedroom, clear it out and put a bed in it. If you want to demonstrate dual usage, put in a sofa bed to show how easily it could be converted.

• The fabric of the home. Not everyone shares the same taste in interior design or soft furnishings. Unusual patterned carpets or sofas with plain rugs or throws add a new dimension and a fresh look.

• De-clutter. It may not be easy at this time of year, with a new batch of Christmas toys taking up space – but de-clutter where you can. Draw up a room by room list and work through methodically.

• Make your home welcoming. Fresh flowers always make a lovely touch and show you care about the home.

• Kerb appeal. First impressions count. Make sure the front of your home looks appealing. Some planted up containers add a splash of much needed colour during the winter months.

• Maintain it well. Don’t forget to keep on top of maintaining the property and do try and make it feel homely even if it’s not occupied, for example table lamps on a timer and keeping the heating ticking over.

For further tips contact your local Beresfords office, details of which can be found by clicking here.

Interesting development opportunity in Ingatestone

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:07:00 +0000

Development site with planning consent in Ingatestone

The site comprises of an elongated plot with an unoverlooked southerly aspect to the rear where plans have been approved for a striking, contemporary detached one bedroom property with high “green” credentials integrated into its design.

Apart from developers, the project could be suitable for downsizers who may wish to undertake a self-build project.

On the southern side of the highly desirable village of Ingatestone, the site not only provides nearby access to the A12 but is also only about 0.75 mile to both the High Street and Ingatestone mainline railway station (direct service into London Liverpool Street in less than 30 minutes).

Subject to contract offers are sought with a guide price £150,000.

For further information contact Aaron Breakwell on 01245 397497.

First time buyers - stamp duty holiday is coming to an end

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:54:00 +0000

With only two months of the Stamp Duty ‘tax holiday’ remaining, first time buyers must act quickly to avoid paying Stamp Duty Land Tax on their home purchase.

From March 2012 the holiday is over, once the Government ends the tax exemption first time buyers will face a tax of 3% on all home purchases over £250,000.

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) have the following advice for all first time buyers:

• Stay affordable. The key word for any lender is affordability, and it should be for you as well. The amount you can borrow should depend on how much you can afford to repay each month. Beresfords Independent Financial Advisers will prepare a detailed budget planner with all clients to look at their monthly income and expenditure.

• Don’t forget about fees. Experienced home buyers will remember to include professional costs in their budget, but when buying your first home it can be easy to forget the need to set aside cash for fees, insurers, surveyors and other professionals. Remember to look for Independent Financial Advisers who do not charge a fee for arranging a mortgage, such as Beresfords.

• Choose the professionals. When buying your first home remember to think about who is selling it to you. Buying your first home can often be a stressful experience, as well as the biggest financial transaction of a person's life. Choose an NAEA Member, such as Beresfords, and make this process as stress free as possible.

• Keep a paper trail. There can be a lot of paper to keep track of when buying a home, but it's important to keep an organised file with all your documents associated with the purchase in it. It is also sensible to keep detailed notes about the properties that you've viewed including important information such as possible repairs needed to the kitchen or bathroom as these can eat significantly into your budget if urgent work is required.

• Know your maximum offer. When you've made your mind up, and it is time to put in an offer, always remember what your maximum offer is. The amount you decide to open with is vital, so work out what your absolute maximum purchase price and then work backwards. If your first bid is turned down, then be flexible where possible with your second offer, but don't automatically jump to your maximum affordability. Meeting the buyer half-way can be a good response to show you are serious.

For further tips contact your local Beresfords office, details of which can be found by clicking here.

What's on in Essex

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:40:00 +0000

Here is a selection of upcoming events that are happening throughout the county over the next couple of weeks.

Saturday 14th January:
The Hole in the Wall: Colchester in the 1970s – Firstsite, Colchester

Sunday 15th January:
Black Dyke Band – The Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch

Monday 16th January:
Discovery Centre Stargazing – Great Notley Country Park, Braintree
Food Frenzy: The Chutney & Jam Series – Hylands House, Chelmsford
Hadrian’s Wall Souvenirs – Colchester Castle Museum, Colchester

Friday 20th January:
Motown’s Greatest Hits – The Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch
Sleeping Beauty – Maldon Town Hall, Maldon
Under Milk Wood – Civic and Cramphorn Theatres, Chelmsford

Saturday 21st January:
Magic of Musicals – Braintree Arts Theatre, Braintree
Mosaic Glass Mirror – Hylands House, Chelmsford
The Briefcase Blues Brothers - Civic and Cramphorn Theatres, Chelmsford

Sunday 22nd January:
Barges, Birds, Bangers and Mash – Topsail Charters Ltd, Cooks Yard, Maldon

Thursday 26th January:
Oklahoma! – Mercury Theatre, Colchester

Friday 27th January:
Unplugged – High Barn, Chelmsford

What's on in Essex

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:32:00 +0000

Here is a selection of upcoming events that are happening throughout the county over the next couple of weeks.

2nd December – Ingatestone Victorian Evening - Ingatestone

2nd December – Epping Christmas Market – Epping

3rd December – Cairngorm Reindeer – Grove Shopping Centre, Witham

3rd – 4th December – Christmas Festival Weekend – RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford

4th December – Santa Special – Museum of Power, Langford, Maldon

8th & 15th December – Maldon Christmas Shopping Evenings – Maldon

10th – 11th December – Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival – All Saints Church, Brightlingsea

11th December – Santa Special – Museum of Power, Langford, Maldon

12th December – Santa Hunt – Museum of Power, Langford, Maldon

20th – 24th December – Children’s Christmas Decoration Workshop – RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford

To buy or not to buy

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:24:00 +0000

Whilst the lettings market surges ahead, don’t run away with the idea that it’s at the expense of property sales.

Beresfords who have both sales and lettings branches across the region say that so called ‘experts’ who have forecast that renting is the future for the UK property market seem to have missed one very important point; every property has to be owned by somebody!

‘The fact is that whilst the number of people in private renting has increased substantially there has still been growth in the owner occupied property sector in recent years according to figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government’ says Beresfords Director, Terry Holmes. ‘However the numbers in social rented property have declined so that there’s now little to choose between the private and social rented sectors’.

The significant increase in buy to let mortgage products and good rental levels has led to many people seeing this type of investment as a viable alternative to poor performing pensions or the volatile equities market.

‘Buy to let is certainly back’ added Terry. ‘Most people are more confident in their knowledge of property than they are other investments and it is something that you have total control over. ‘Whilst a few years ago people were looking for capital growth, today low interest rates and high rents can give a good rental profit but with the additional prospect of capital growth in the medium to long term.’

As an example as to how the sales and lettings sector can co-exist, Beresfords Brentwood sales office recently agreed a sale on a brand new apartment, the buyer completed on the sale 10 days later and within 4 days their lettings team in Brentwood had found a tenant at a rent generating a 6.5% yield.

However, Beresfords have some cautionary advice for long term tenants.

‘According to the Building Societies Association, over 80% of young people aspire to buy their own home and in the medium to long term that is a sensible approach’ continued Terry.

‘Renting when you are younger serves a purpose. It’s flexible and the amount of deposit needed is easier to manage. Today, for many, that is a necessity.

‘But I do fear for those renting in the longer term when they could afford to buy but choose not to because there is a time bomb ticking away. ‘If you don’t leave yourself enough time to get a mortgage over a reasonable term, you need to be asking yourself whether, with pension performance being a worry to many, you could afford to carry on paying out rent from your pension.’

Beresfords go on to say that those that have bought and whose mortgage is geared to be paid on or before retirement will have the same concerns over pensions as others but they will be mortgage free when they retire so their outgoings will be significantly less.

‘It’s about choice’ added Terry. ‘Many homeowners choose to buy something cheaper after retiring and use the funds released to their supplement their pension.’

‘You could buy a smaller property locally or maybe even a similar size property a little further out, and use the equity released to supplement the pension. Freeing up £200,000 from the move would provide £20,000 a year for the next 10 years, tax free’.

For further advice contact your local office, details of which can be found by contacting 01245 397497.

Beresfords continue to support Kids Inspire

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:06:00 +0000

On Thursday 17th November women gathered from throughout Essex to attend the Kids Inspire Fashion Show at Ingatestone Hall.

The event was a big success and all those who attended not only got to watch the tremendous fashion show with clothes donated by local shops including Pellini, Philomena, Doddy's and Maggies of Ingatestone, they also got to purchase some fantastic local fashion.

All money raised went to help the disadvantaged and troubled young people of Essex become valued members of society.

The children supported by Kids Inspire vary widely – some have suffered trauma, neglect or abuse and as a direct result, may feel disconnected from society. Because their behaviour challenges teachers and support staff, these children are often labelled, neglected and are either not in education or are at risk of exclusion.

Kids Inspire steps in by helping to heal the wounds of trauma and to reconnect these individuals with both themselves and society. By doing so they aim to increase feelings of self-worth and prevent individuals from joining gangs or becoming involved in youth crime.

This process takes time, patience and commitment. But, by taking an inclusive, holistic approach, Kids Inspire is helping turn kids lives around and in turn, positively influencing society around them.

They provide a high level of expertise in meeting the needs of young people and children and have over 100 years of combined professional experience in providing family therapy, mental health services, arts therapies, psychotherapy and therapeutic and relational social work to complex families. We also have access to local volunteers with a huge variety of experience and skills.

Beresfords is always proud to support local organisations and we had no hesitation in helping support this and other events held by the Charity. During the Fashion Show a raffle was held and Beresfords donated one of the prizes, a Kindle and we hope the recipient enjoys their prize.

We are looking forward to helping with future fundraising events as the charity strives to raise further funds.

For further information on Kids Inspire visit www.kidsinspire.org.uk.

Moving home made easy at Meadow View

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

When Sian Smith, 36, decided that she wanted to leave London and move back to the quieter surroundings of her home town Chipping Ongar, where she could be closer to her family, selling her old home was easy thanks to David Wilson’s part exchange arrangement. David Wilson Eastern bought Sian’s old three-bedroom house in Harlow and put the proceeds towards a larger brand new three-bedroom house at Meadow View, an attractive development of apartments and houses surrounded by beautiful open countryside, just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Chipping Ongar.

Sian says: “My mum and I went to have a nose around Meadow View when the show home opened. I’d visited other developments in the area, but most of them were very large, which I didn’t like, and a bit more expensive. Meadow View is lovely because it’s small and exclusive with a village atmosphere and in a much better location. I loved the show home and when the sales team told me about part exchange it seemed the ideal arrangement, and so I reserved a house straight away.”

She continues: “My old house was valued within two days and David Wilson made me an offer and agreed to pay the five per cent deposit towards my new home, which cost £309,995. The sales people at David Wilson were really helpful and organised everything for me. Using part exchange was very easy and took away all the stress and worry.”

Sian bought the house off plan and was delighted when her home was ready a few months earlier than she’d expected and she could move in immediately. Her new home has an open-plan kitchen/dining area with great views across the surrounding meadows, a living room with French doors opening on to the garden and a separate utility room. Upstairs, Sian’s bedroom has an en suite bathroom and there are two further good sized bedrooms and a second bathroom, providing plenty of space for friends to stay.

Meadow View is a charming development of stylish two bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom family houses. This exclusive development is close to good local schools and is within easy reach of excellent transport links with Shenfield main line train station, with direct links into London Liverpool Street in only 23 minutes, ten miles away and Epping Underground Station also less than ten miles away. Four bedroom houses from £319,995, with only two properties remaining.

For further information contact Beresfords Brentwood Office on 01277 231515.

Latest properties suitable for investment

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:49:00 +0000

For our latest portfolio of properties that maybe suitable for investment click here.

Buy to let market continues to grow

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:44:00 +0000

The number of new buy-to-let loans increased by 16% in the third quarter of 2011, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

Over the same period, the value of mortgages advanced in the sector grew by 19%. The data shows that the pick-up in buy-to-let lending that began in the second quarter has continued.

In the three months to September, a total of 34,500 buy-to-let loans were advanced, an increase from 29,700 in the preceding quarter. The value of lending totalled £3.8billion, up from £3.2billion. On both measures, buy-to-let lending was at its highest level since the final quarter of 2008.

The number and value of outstanding buy-to-let loans also continued to grow. At the end of September, there were 1,378,700 loans outstanding, worth £157billion, up from 1,296,700 (worth £150billion) 12 months earlier.

In the third quarter, there were 18,580 loans for the purchase of buy-to-let properties, accounting for almost 12% of all house purchase loans. But the proportion remains significantly lower than the former peak in the first quarter of 2008, when 32,650 mortgages for buy-to-let property purchase accounted for 19% of all loans for house purchase.

With tenant demand remaining strong in the rental sector, some existing buy-to-let landlords have been expanding their portfolios. Also many first time landlords have taken the plunge and invested in property after experiencing poor returns from more mainstream types of investment.

If you are considering investing in property contact Steven Bond, Director of Beresfords Property Investment Division on 01245 397497 or email investment-team@beresfordsgroup.co.uk.

Top tips for homeowners moving to a smaller property

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:15:00 +0000

With many homeowners choosing to downsize after children have flown the nest here are Beresfords top five tips for moving to a smaller property.

1. Plan your packing well in advance

Packing up a large home can be an off-putting chore, but planning well in advance can make it easier. Think about where you will be un-packing items and which room your belongings will be placed in, and then pack your boxes by the bookcase, shelf, or cupboard they'll end up in. If you haven't got it all mapped out just yet then simply make sure you label all your boxes clearly so when you unpack there aren't any surprises.

2. Don't take what you don't need

Downsizing is also your chance to have a thorough spring clean and focus on exactly what you want in your new home, and what you don't. You may have furniture which isn't suitable for your new home, or that could do with replacing. So think ahead and make sure you have taken proper measurements of your new property, so you don't struggle on moving day with items that you probably shouldn't have brought with you.

3. Set up your utilities as soon as possible

It isn't nice to move into a new property and spend ages getting the gas and electricity up and running. So get the details of the previous utility providers so you can call them to set up new accounts. Also, make sure that your phone and broadband services are ordered prior to moving in as these often take a number of weeks to become active.

4. Maximise space

Your new home might have less elbow room, but think carefully about the layout, and look at ways you can get the most out of the space available. Often if a house has been occupied for some time, the owners may have used a bedroom for storage or a study.

5. Ask the professionals

Often the easiest way of getting the most up-to-date information that you need about moving home is to consult a respected, local professional estate agent. For further advice contact your local office, details of which can be found by contacting 01245 397497.

Mortgage market remains stable

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:54:00 +0000

Mortgage market remains stable

The overall mortgage market shows a stable picture according to new data released by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML)

The report showed 48,200 loans were taken out for house purchasers in September, up 3% compared to September 2010.

There were 34,200 remortgage loans advanced (£4.3 billion) in September, which showed a 25% increase on a year ago.

First time buyer activity also rose slightly in September, with 18,200 loans taken out which represented an increase from 18,000 (1%) on August and a rise of 5% compared to a year ago.

This rise revealed a drop in the average size of a deposit, where the average first time buyer is now taking out an 80% loan to value mortgage, compared with a 76% deal in September last year. Affordability also continued to ease with the proportion of income spent on interest payment was down to 12.7% from 13.4% in September 2010.

To discuss your mortgage requirements with one of our independent financial advisers contact 0800 389 9986.

Latest mortgage rates

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:40:00 +0000

A selection of the latest mortgage rates

Tracker rates from 1.99% (APR 4.6%)

Fixed rates from 2.24% (APR 4.6%)

Five year fixed rates from 3.49% (APR 5.3%)

Buy to let trackers from 2.49% (APR 5.2%)

Buy to let fixed rates from 2.99% (APR 5.3%)

For further information contact 0800 389 9986.

Million pound homes sales hit four year high

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:33:00 +0000

The number of property sales worth at least a million pounds has risen to the highest level since the peak of the housing market in 2007, according to research by Lloyds TSB.

There were 3,375 million pound property sales in Great Britain in the first half of 2011 – equivalent to 19 sales everyday over the period. This is the largest total since 2007 (3,680) and 10% higher than in the same period in 2010 (3,075).

Strong demand from wealthy cash rich buyers both in the UK and from overseas, as well as a limited supply of such properties, has helped to boost the level of activity at the very top end of the housing market.

An illustration of this buoyant market is The Springs in Wickham Bishops. Beresfords have recently agreed a sale on this seven bedroom, new build executive family home which was on the market for £3,750,000. This unique and very substantial country house offers in excess of 11,500sq ft of accommodation set over four floors, standing in a commanding position on a plot in excess of 2 acres (stls).

Beresfords are also delighted to announce that we are now marketing the most expensive new build property currently on the market in Essex (according to Rightmove) The Elms in Abridge, currently on the market for £4,500,000, is a quite outstanding eight bedroom property set within an elevated plot of about three acres (stls) with exceptional 180 degree panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Yet within only 3.5 miles of the nearest Central Line Underground rail connection to the Capital. This magnificent property with accommodation of circa 12,000sq ft arranged over four levels, features the latest technical and environmental features within the design and fabrication of the property.

For further information contact Beresfords Country Homes Division on 01245 397475 or visit www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk.

Hot properties from around the County

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:29:00 +0000

Seclusion in the heart of Upminster

Located behind its own remotely operated electric gates at the end of a private sweep in driveway is this four bedroom detached executive style family home with farmland to one side and a mature established wooded area to another. The property benefits from a secluded plot with the added benefit of a detached outbuilding as well as an indoor swimming pool complex. It is without hesitation that viewing comes highly recommended to fully appreciate this enviable plot.

£1,295,000

For further information or to view please call Upminster on 01708 222200

Dual family living in Little Waltham

Situated in a semi-rural location between Little Waltham village & Boreham village and within 5.5 miles of Chelmsford Town Centre, is this unique five bedroom family home. The property was converted approximately 23 years ago to provide interconnecting living accommodation for 2 families and was designed with the purpose of making it easy to change back to one family house.

The property is well located for access to the A12, Channels Golf Club and Chelmsford town centre. There are a selection of schools within the area (both state and private) and shopping facilities at Boreham, Chelmsford and Terling.

Guide price £720,000

For more information or to view please call Chelmsford on 01245 500555

Converted pub in Tillingham

The Old Cock is a four bedroom detached Grade II Listed house of 17th Century origins having later additions and alterations. Formerly The Cock public house, the property presents weatherboarded elevations relieved by multi-pane sash windows beneath a clay tile roof.

The house is pleasantly situated in a prime position overlooking the village square in the heart of Tillingham adjacent to the attractive Church of St Nicholas and with nearby country walks to the coast at the Dengie Peninsula being approximately 3 miles. For the commuter rail services can be found at Southminster, Burnham and South Woodham, with their links to London Liverpool Street.

Guide price £695,000

For more information or to view please call Country Homes on 01245 397475

Executive residence in Ingatestone

Exceptionally attractive, impressive four bedroom detached residence with double garage, appointed to a very high standard and well positioned within the village community on the High Street. Offering three receptions, study, two en-suites (one with bath and shower) and a large family bathroom with a double shower unit.

The vendors have in place, with both Planning and Building Regulations consent, plans for a second floor staircase with loft conversion to create a superb master bedroom and en-suite bathroom with four Velux windows already installed ready for the conversion. There will be two further lofts for storage.

The frontage offers a good degree of privacy with parking and mature garden with a rockery. The rear garden offers a high degree of privacy, is flood lit and planted with an abundance of flowering shrubs, bushes, evergreens and mature lime tree. Local shops and amenities, plus mainline railway station and schools are all accessible, with convenient access to the A12.

£1,050,000

For more information or to view please call Ingatestone on 01277 350505

Parkside Living in Gidea Park

Backing Lodge Farm Park and situated within a half mile of Gidea Park Mainline Railway Station and just over half a mile of Romford's Mainline Railway Station and shops is this spacious three bedroom semi detached house. The property has been extended providing a ground floor cloakroom and utility area. Whilst the first floor has three generously proportioned bedrooms and there is a modern bathroom/wc. The mature rear garden backs the park. The attached garage has own drive. Viewing is recommended.

£359,995

For more information or to view please call Gidea Park on 01708 730255

What's on in Essex

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:54:00 +0000

Here is a selection of upcoming events that are happening throughout the county over the next couple of weeks.

24 – 28 October – October Half Term Cooking and Crafts on the Farm – Barleylands Farm, Billericay

25 – 27 October – Children’s Welly Walk, RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford

26 – 30 October – Game Week, Audley End House, Saffron Walden

29 October – Essex Fashion Week, Woolston Manor Country Club, Chigwell

29 October – Children’s Pumpkin Carving, RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford

29 October – Southchurch Hall Tudor Halloween, Southchurch Hall Museum, Southend-on-Sea

30 October – 3 November – Haunted Hedingham, Hedingham Castle, Castle Hedingham

30 October – Antiques and Collectables Fair, Romford Shopping Hall

Courtesy of www.visitessex.com

Young still dream of homeownership

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:49:00 +0000

Young still dream of home ownership

We are delighted to announce that young people are still aspiring to own their own home, with nine out of 10 of those polled recently by YouGov claiming to have plans to take a step on the housing ladder.

The survey reveals that 89% of 18 to 34 year olds who don’t already own a property, want to own their own home, whilst 83% still see home ownership as a sensible long term investment, the fourth year in a row that the survey has shown the vast majority of Britons still want to invest in homes.

So how do you secure your first mortgage? Here are our top tips:

Use an independent financial adviser
They will be able to offer you impartial advice by going to any bank or building society depending on your needs and circumstances. You don’t have to walk up and down the High Street or make lots of ‘phone calls and most of all, being independent, they will make sure you get the mortgage that’s best for you, not the lender! They will also be familiar with other sources of funding aimed specifically for first time buyers such as shared equity schemes through housing associations.

Be realistic
Don’t try to borrow more than you can afford to pay back. When buying a home it is vital that you are able to comfortably meet your monthly repayments and that you could continue to make them should interest rates rise. It is possible to borrow 90% of the purchase price of a property, but it will cost you. The greater the deposit you can put down, the lower the mortgage rate you can expect to pay. Your mortgage adviser will run through your budget with you but you to should ensure that you are not biting off more than you can chew. Affordability is an important aspect of a Lenders decision making so complete a budget planner with your adviser.

Do a credit check
Your credit score is now very important – lenders use it when they decide whether to make you an offer and what interest to charge. Your adviser can assist you with a credit check. Keep all payments up to date and make sure your credit file is accurate.

Keep your records in check
Make sure you are on the electoral roll as lenders will use this to check that you live at your current address. Income multiples remain important, but the amount you earn is only the start. Lenders will look at your debts and other outgoings, along with your income. If you have a lot of credit or store card debt then be sure to keep up to date with your regular monthly payments.

Help and support
If you are unable to obtain a mortgage on your own income could family or friends help? They could assist you with the deposit or act as guarantors. If they are prepared to be guarantors then their income will be taken into account when deciding how much you can borrow. However do remember that they will be responsible for repaying the mortgage if you default. If your family cannot help then you may consider buying with friends. Some lenders will take the incomes of up to four friends into account but remember to get a legal document drawn up so that everyone knows exactly where they stand.

Don’t fire off multiple applications
Each one triggers a search of your credit report and lenders who see lots of them in a short period may think you are desperate for money or even think that fraud is being planned. It may also look as though you have been rejected previously.

Protection needed?
You will need buildings insurance and are strongly advised to take out contents cover and life insurance. You may also wish to consider payment protection insurance which your adviser can guide you on.

Read the small print
It is something that a lot of us avoid but it is vital that you look at the detail of your mortgage offer and the lender’s terms and conditions. Your adviser will run through this documentation with you.

For further information contact our financial services division on 0800 389 9986

Heading to the summit of Kilimanjaro

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:43:00 +0000

Chris Vale attempts to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro to help raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital

Chris will be swapping the office for the snow-tipped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro later this year when he attempts to conquer the highest freestanding mountain in the world in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Chris, who works at our Chelmsford office, has recently been interviewed and accepted to participate in the Kilimanjaro Challenge. It is an intense adventure that requires participants to tackle every eco-system known to mankind as they attempt to reach its summit, ascending over rough terrain and coping at high altitude conditions.

Chris said “I decided to participate in the charity trek as a means to help such a worthwhile charity and to experience an incredible, once in a lifetime adventure. It will take me five days to reach the summit and the whole trek will take seven days. However, what will keep me going is the fact that a few days of pain may just save a child’s life!”

Chris’s adventure begins on the 7th November.

Great Ormond Street Hospital is an international centre of excellence in child healthcare and together with their research partner, the UCL Institute of Child Health, they form the UK’s only academic biomedical research centre specialising in paediatrics. Since its formation in 1852, the hospital has been dedicated to children’s healthcare and to finding new and better ways to treat childhood illnesses.

Each year, there are over 175,000 patient visits to the hospital. Most of the children cared for are referred from other hospitals throughout the UK and overseas. There are more than fifty different clinical specialties at the hospital. Finding new and better treatments and cures for childhood illnesses has always been central to their work.

You can help Chris with his fundraising by making a donation on his online Charity Giving page at www.justgiving.com/chrisvale2011

Countryside living in Braintree

noreply@blogger.com (g.davis) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:40:00 +0000

Introducing Stilemans Acre in Cressing, situated on the outskirts of Braintree

Modern living is all about achieving balance - life and work, seclusion and convenience, comfort and carbon footprint. At Stilemans Acre, Knight Developments have created homes that capture the essence of the 21st century. These 14 stylish four-bedroom properties are conveniently located on the Braintree/Cressing border with easy access to shops, amenities and transport links, as well as open countryside close at hand.

Built to Knight’s usual high standards, the houses at Stilemans Acre have also been designed with the environment in mind. They are constructed to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3, which makes them at least 25% more energy efficient than most properties built before 2006.

Set on the River Blackwater in the heart of Essex, Braintree is a vibrant town with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, a great location and a good range of amenities. Dating back 4000 years, the town still has some fine old buildings, including the magnificent former town hall and the ancient St Michael’s Church. Yet, it’s by no means stuck in the past, with a contemporary, cosmopolitan feel created by tasteful modern development in the town centre. What’s more, there’s plenty going on throughout the year, with street festivals, a carnival and weekly food and produce markets, as well as traditional celebrations over the Christmas period.

The town’s focal point is the Market Square and George Yard Shopping Centre, which features a range of famous-name stores and a choice of restaurants and cafes. If you’re looking for designer bargains, there’s the Freeport Outlet Shopping Village, just out of town on the A120. Close by is the Freeport Leisure Complex, which has a multi-screen cinema, as well as the Namco Funscape, which offers fun activities for all the family, including bowling, computer games, pool, kids’ parties and karaoke. There are great restaurants here too.

Braintree’s location also adds to its attraction. Within easy reach are the County Town of Chelmsford or historic Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town, where you’ll find a much larger selection of shops, bars, restaurants, theatres and entertainment.

Trains run regularly from Braintree to central London . With Stansted Airport just down the road, it’s easy to jet off to a European city or sunnier climes without the hassle of a long journey before you fly.

Prices start from £237,500

For further information contact the Braintree office on 01376 348444.