Help to Buy is working as online estate agency records 28% increase in viewings in just 7 days of scheme launching

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

It may only be a week since the second phase of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme launched but its aim to help more people get on the UK property ladder is clearly working according to leading online estate agency, My Online Estate Agent.

  • Help to Buy launched on Tuesday 8th October 2013
  • Government scheme aims to get more people onto the UK property ladder
  • 28% increase in viewings arranged by My Online Estate Agent in 7 days since launch 

In the 7 days since launch on 8th October 2013, My Online Estate Agent has recorded an impressive 28% increase in the number of viewings arranged for properties for sale across the UK compared to the last 7 days preceding Help to Buy.

Richard Patterson, Director of My Online Estate Agent and hands on landlord, comments,

 

“With all the hype surrounding the launch of the Help to Buy scheme, we expected to see a rise in interest levels but nothing on this scale. Enquiries have literally been flooding in from first time buyers and second steppers alike, all keen to arrange property viewings now that they have been able to access mortgage finance.”

 

Indeed the rush to step up or on the property ladder as a result of Help to Buy has also been witnessed by mortgage lenders. The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) reported taking 10,000 calls in the first 4 workings days and booking 5,000 mortgage appointments within just 3 hours of the scheme going live.

 

With Barclays the latest bank to sign up to the scheme at the end of last week, over two-thirds of lenders in the UK mortgage market are now committed to helping those who can afford mortgage payments but are struggling to raise the deposit to get onto the ladder.

 

Richard Patterson continues,
“It is very encouraging to see the likes of RBS/NatWest, the Halifax, Santander, HSBC, Virgin Money, Lloyds, TSB, Aldermore and now Barclays all committed to offering Help to Buy mortgage products by the start of January 2014.

 

“All too often past Government housing market stimulation initiatives have fallen flat on their face due to a lack of external support but this time, things might just be different and allow everyday, hardworking Britons the opportunity to own their own bricks and mortar.”

 

For more information on the impact of Help to Buy on My Online Estate Agent please contact Richard and the team on 0845 257 1101 or visit www.myonlineestateagent.com. 

Star pupil: Luxury house builder Millgate renovates Wargrave Pre School

by Viv United Kingdom

When Penny Simmons left city life in London and headed west to Wargrave in Berkshire, she had no idea of the impact that she and a few like-minded folk could have on a quaint English Village.

Penny moved from London to Wargrave 4 years ago and before long she had two small children who were filling her time.  She enrolled the boys into Wargrave Pre School and was happy with the loving environment that this tiny little community school could offer her children.

However, Penny was very conscious of the lack of funds that this school had and before long she was signed up to the PTA and fundraising like mad.  The school needed a huge overhaul and it would have taken this small group of local parents years to accomplish what they felt the children needed.

At this time Millgate, the Berkshire-based award-winning house builder, was also busy in Wargrave, erecting a very beautiful small development on Victoria Road – just across from where Mrs Simmons lived.  Penny was very impressed by the quality of the building work and that the developers seemed to really care about how they integrated themselves during the build, creating as little disruption to the local community at possible.

This led Penny to the conclusion that Millgate might be exactly the right local company to help her son’s school with the renovation works.

David Simpson, Managing Director at Millgate, was delighted to be asked to help with such a wonderful cause.  He assigned Kyle Burgess Millgate’s Quantity Surveyor to the project and before long a plan was in place.

Due to the hard work already undertaken by the supporters of Wargrave Pre School, a fund of £5,000 was already in place to start the renovations.  The council generously contributed a further £5,000 in the form of new carpets, flooring and external fixtures and fittings, they also kindly gave the school a small piece of land to increase the playground size.  With the donation of a further £14,500 worth of time and goods from Millgate and their contractors/suppliers this has meant a world of difference to the school development.

Commenting on the renovations, Penny Simmons says,

“The difference in the school before to after is like night and day. The school was previously adequate but the building was tired, dull and oppressive. There was a slightly unpleasant damp smell as you walked in and I always felt rather gloomy in there – I can’t imagine how the staff kept the children so cheerful.

“Now however it is like walking into a happy, cheerful, sunshine room.   The staff appear to be positively beaming and full of renewed energy.  This renovation is going to attract more people to use the local school and not feel the need to pay for more expensive Montessori type nurseries locally.  This makeover has put the life blood back into this community school.”

The work that has been carried out by this this amazingly committed team from Millgate has included a great deal of restoration work for the internal roof, walls and partitions.  The floor donated by the council was fitted by Millgate and they installed a bright and airy new kitchen area, new bathroom facilities throughout and created a quiet area, a den and a changing area internally to allow different activities to happen simultaneously throughout the school day.  With new electric and plumbing Wargrave Pre School is now a safer, cleaner and happier place to be.

Outside in the playground Millgate have constructed a new sand pit and a pagoda which has given the children plenty of options for enjoying their break times.

Kyle Burgess, Quantity Surveyor from Millgate comments,

“As much as my team and I love building luxury new homes, this project has been such an incredible assignment.  The support of the local community, the staff and the never-ending enthusiasm of the schools’ PTA has made this a superb project to work on.

“This project would not have been possible without the bigheartedness of some of Millgate’s suppliers and contractors.  Their enthusiasm to help on this project made it all possible.  It has been a team effort from so many people, their generosity has been overwhelming.

 “I genuinely feel that we have made a difference to lives of the staff and children at Wargrave Pre School and I hope for many years to come that children will still be using and enjoying the fruits of our labour.”

For more information on the project please contact Millgate on 01189 343 344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk. To talk to Penny Simmonds contact her on chair@wargravepreschool.com or visit their brand new website on www.wargravepreschool.com.

Open all hours: Award-winning Surrey estate agent employs 24/7 telephone response service

by Viv United Kingdom

A record number of overseas clients has driven award winning Surrey estate agent, Barton Wyatt, to invest in a new state-of-the-art, 24 hour telephone response service.

Already to date in 2013, Barton Wyatt, located in affluent Virginia Water, Surrey, has seen a 15% increase in the number of clients based overseas looking to buy and rent property in the area, a record for the family-run estate agency boasting over 200 years’ experience.

Despite the popularity of email, social media and other forms of modern communication, James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt felt that it was important that his clients were able to speak to a real person at any time of the day or night. He explains,

“Here at Barton Wyatt we handle property sales and rentals for clients from all around the world. From the US to Russia, Kazakhstan and Malaysia, it’s not just people looking to move to the area, we also work with dozens of landlords posted or living overseas who need to keep in touch regards their properties.

“When you are living in a different time zone to the UK, it is easy to forget that not everyone is working to the same time agenda.  This led us think that the very best service possible to our clients would be to use a telephone service which operates 24/7, relieving any frustration that clients might get from not being able to speak to one of our team during normal office hours.”

The partner agency that Barton Wyatt is using, Moneypenny, is based in Wexham in the UK in the day and in New Zealand during the night.  Moneypenny send fully trained staff out to New Zealand on a three to six month rotation ensuring that the customer service level is of the same high standard whatever the time of day or night.

MrSouth, a landlord from Singaporewho appoints Barton Wyatt to manage his properties, comments,

“It is just another thoughtful level of service that I have come to enjoy from the team at Barton Wyatt.  They strive to always be one step ahead and this is yet another example as to why Barton Wyatt stands head and shoulders above the competition.”

For further information about Barton Wyatt call +44 1344 843 000 24/7 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

What price experience? Multi award-winning Surrey estate agency Barton Wyatt boasts over 200 years

by Viv United Kingdom
  • The team at Barton Wyatt boasts 206 years combined estate agency experience
  • Using an experienced estate agent could add an extra 12% to the value of your house sale
  • Barton Wyatt has been awarded over 10 national property accolades

Tot up the amount of estate agency experience at award winning Barton Wyatt and you reach a staggering 206 years.  This exclusive family-run agency is located in the heart of Virginia Water in Surrey with a reputation as elongated as its experience.

Casting our minds back 200 years ago it would have been the 1800s when life was hard and buying and selling houses a pastime only for the rich.  1807 saw British parliament abolish the slave trade, the first railway passenger service begin in England and London´s Pall Mall become the first street to be lit by gaslight.

Just a few years prior to this, in 1797, William Blake wrote the poem “The Price of Experience”.  His bleak outlook on life has thankfully been left in the dark ages and in today’s modern world we can regularly rejoice in the tents of prosperity.

But what price experience when it comes to selling your home?

According to Bennie Waller, professor of finance and real estate at Longwood University in Virginia, USA you should “use an established veteran agent” for the best outcome. His study examined 10,065 real-estate listings with the findings revealing that if you use a veteran (estate) agent with over 10 years’ experience in property sales then you should achieve 12% more for your home than if you use a rookie.

James Wyatt, partner of Barton Wyatt comments,

“Success comes with experience and here at Barton Wyatt we have buckets of it!  My joint partner (and dear brother) Rupert and I have over 50 years’ experience in house sales and rentals with our dedicated team making up the other 150 plus years.  They are incredibly knowledgeable about our local area, our properties, how to market a home and help our clients achieve the maximum potential for their house sale.”

Barton Wyatt have been recognised for their successes time and time again by winning 10 nationally recognised estate agency awards with James Wyatt in situ as Chairman for the Surrey branch of the NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents). His wealth of knowledge and charismatic charm has ensured that James has been quoted countless times in the media both locally and at a national level.

Staff at Barton Wyatt have the most incredible loyalty to their firm:

Victoria Holford, the PA to the Partners said:  “Barton Wyatt is like a second family to me.  We have a great team that are all committed to the same goal and it is rather fun spotting the odd celeb that comes to visit!”

Jo Parris, Lettings Manager thinks: “Barton Wyatt enables me to work in an interesting market, see some stunning property and work with a great variation of clients while continually developing professional relationships.  All with the support from the Partners in a professional yet friendly environment.”

Guy Edwards is on the sales team and he commented:  “The work environment is supportive and encouraging whilst our territory is always very interesting and challenging.  Wentworth attracts all sorts of successful and interesting people who expect the very highest level of service.  The Barton Wyatt name carries much respect in the area.”

Even with 200 years of experience under their belts, it doesn’t mean that Barton Wyatt sit on their laurels however. They have led the field numerous times embracing new technology such as QR codes on sign boards and property details, HD video tours of their properties, a dedicated TV channel to reach international buyers, a 24-7 international answering service and shortly embracing Augmented Reality.

One of the latest tools in the Barton Wyatt armoury is another cutting edge product. Taking the humble property brochure to a new level the team have embedded HD video tours of each property into the particulars enabling potential buyers to tour the property from the comfort of their armchairs.

James comments:

“Many of our buyers are looking to spend between £5 and £10 million pounds on a new home and much as static printed brochures remain an integral part of the sale, this new integrated video brochure will bring the houses to life in a way that a photograph could never do.”

Estate agents, like any retailer, must stay ahead of the game and be able to deliver an all-encompassing experience that adds value to the customer journey.  Keeping customers interested in Barton Wyatt and their products is the lifeblood of the business and their experienced team is definitely one of the tools.

To find out more about Barton Wyatt or to talk to an experienced team member call 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

A word from our sponsors: Jana Korpova, Head of Business Development, Smart Currency Exchange

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

With only 8 weeks until the opening of the overseas property industry’s biggest and best trade event, OPPLive, we speak with official co-sponsor, Smart Currency Exchange.

One of the fastest growing currency exchange specialists in the UK founded in 2004, the Smart Team focus on helping clients to effectively and efficiently send and receive payments internationally – an essential part of the international property buying process.

Striving to save their clients substantial amounts of money – especially when compared to banks – Smart also help clients to manage their risk associated to foreign currency movements. Now in their second year of sponsorship of OPPLive and the Awards of Excellence we hear from Jana Korpova, Head of Business Development, a well-known personality in the overseas property arena, about what being an official sponsor means to her and the Smart Team:

Smart Currency is a lead sponsor of OPPLive, when and how did you first hear about the show?

I first visited the show when I joined Smart Currency Exchange in 2007. Since then I’ve never missed an opportunity to either visit, exhibit or be a panellist at one of the many seminars. OPPLive really is more than an exhibition – it is a hub where professional, likeminded people working in overseas property can meet, do business and compare experiences. I would recommend attending to anyone who is looking for partners or is interested in what industry leaders have to say about the industry’s latest trends.

You’ve sponsored a number of other industry events in the past, so what made you choose to support OPPLive?

Smart sponsored OPPLive and its Awards last year and found it well worth it. As well as it being our way of giving something back to the industry and the OPP media platform, we see it as a great flag-waving exercise. Business to business partnerships and understanding what making our industry tick are crucial to the on-going success of Smart, so we want people to see our brand and name, and know we’re open for business. I think most people reading this will understand how valuable good partnerships have become over the last few years, given how tough the economic environment has been.

Why do you feel that it’s important for Smart to be a sponsor?

Personally, I believe that our partnerships with the industry leaders such as Rightmove, A Place in the Sun and indeed OPP are key to us achieving our vision, namely to become the UK’s number one foreign exchange provider for private individuals buying property or moving abroad. Sponsorship of the industry’s most recognised awards plays a key role in the message that Smart wishes to send out to everyone: We are proud to talk property before currency.

What do you hope to gain from sponsorship / exhibiting at the show?

In terms of business opportunities, I would like to see our business development team speaking with as many trade partners as possible. Our approach to potential partnerships is about much more than just gaining access to new clients’ databases, it is more consultative and long-term. It is important for us to understand how successful the industry professionals are, what their problems are and how we can help them. I hope my team will gain a lot of industry insight at the show and that conversely, other exhibitors, as well as visitors, will find our own information and talking to us both useful and interesting.

Do you think that sponsorships still have a place in property marketing today?

Previous to sponsoring OPPLive, I was sceptical about its long-term value and how it would assist us in marketing Smart and our partnership programme. But following the success we have had, I believe that sponsorship does have a place in property marketing. However, there is a fine balance between just paying for your brand to be displayed and being a true sponsor that believes and supports the industry on a day to day basis.

As a sponsor, how else will Smart be involved in the event?

Smart will have a stand at OPPLive, where we will be offering the chance to speak to potential partners about how they currently work with currency firms, what they ultimately would like to be achieving and how we could assist them. We all know that there are many FX companies operating in the overseas property industry, but only a few actually make extra effort to support their partners in achieving their goals, which are typically linked to selling more properties, getting more clients and adding value to the service they offer. At Smart we do our best to understand each individual partner’s needs and support them as best we can.

Why do you think international property professionals should attend OPPLive?

It’s a great place to network, meet like-minded companies and explore new opportunities for growing your business – or even set up a business – in the overseas property industry. It’s also fun and insightful bringing together visitors and exhibitors from all over the world.

Do you have any top tips for your fellow exhibitors?

The most important thing is to be enthusiastic and open minded to any propositions or ideas coming from either fellow exhibitors or visitors. The industry has suffered in the past few years, but there are reasons why this show is going to be a great place to share ideas and enter into great partnerships.

And here’s a practical tip from me, one I forget time and time again – ladies, wear flat shoes. It is going to be a long day followed by a great night at the awards, so bring flat shoes for the day and heels for the night!

OPPLive will be held on 27th and 28th November 2013 at Central Hall, Westminster, London with delegate passes are now available to purchases online at http://www.opp-live.com/buy-delegatepasses/. 

Working 9 to 5; what a way to make a living – now do it from home

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

The number of people working from home in the UK has increased by 13 per cent in the last 5 years according to a new TUC analysis of official figures assembled to mark National Work From Home Day, organised by WorkWise UK.

  • Number of people in UK working from home up 13% in last 5 years (Labour Force Survey)
  • Majority of new homeworking jobs created have gone to women
  •  By 2015 1.5 billion people will be undertaking mobile working (IDF)

The TUC analysis of unpublished data from the Labour Force Survey reveals that just over 4 million employees usually worked at home in 2012, a rise of 470,000 since 2007, with many millions more occasionally work from home. Geographically the South East, Scotland and Wales have seen the sharpest rise in homeworking over the last 5 years.

The report went onto state that nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of people who work from home are male with an increasing number of women making this choice. The research also showed that the majority of homeworking jobs created in the last 5 years have gone to women.

Further recent research from the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (ENEI) involving 55 UK companies found over 60 per cent believe a quarter of their staff will be making the most of mobile working practices in the next half a decade. Looking globally the International Data Forecast (IDF) predicts that by 2015, there will be 1.5 billion people across the world undertaking mobile working.

The Yahoo CEO, Marissa Mayer famously banned working from home earlier this year as she believes that the best ideas happen when workers are face to face and have the ability to collaborate with each other.  But it turns out that remote workers are more engaged according to Scott Edinger from Edinger Consulting Group.

So what does all this mean for us?

The problem that many will face when considering working from home is a reliable broadband connection and having the space to accommodate all the paraphernalia that goes with the 9 to 5.

Twitter enthusiasts will have regularly seen #wfh (working from home) where tweeters are happily munching on cupcakes, cuddling the cat and enjoying their favourite station on the digital radio without interference from traditional ‘colleagues’.

But the cold reality of home working comes down to comfort, space and the ability to shut the door and return to ‘home life’ at the end of your working day.  If your house is to become for work and for pleasure then it needs to be able to accommodate both without one part infringing on the other.

With the rise in popularity of working from home, house builders, retailers and interior designers have become incredibly inventive about creating work space in the home.

Many retailers are able to provide dinky desk arrangements to fit in the corners of a spare room, in alcoves and under bunk beds.  Some families have installed multiple desk suites in a room, creating space for Mum, Dad and the kids to all work/study together.

Richard Patterson, Director of My Online Estate Agent comments on requests he sees from buyers,

“Many purchasers are looking for an area in the home that is dedicated to ‘work’.  They are looking for a room where they can install filling cabinets, shelves, desks, an office chair and all essential Wi-Fi kit.  Most of our clients are content to ‘make do’ with turning over a spare room for this purpose although some need much larger spaces.”

Partner of award winning Surrey estate agency Barton Wyatt, James Wyatt comments,

“A good number of our clients have added a garden studio to their homes.  In Virginia Water there is often ample space in the garden and the choice of garden rooms is becoming far wider.  These multi-functional ‘sheds’ can be as simple or as sophisticated as you desire, from a plain insulated cabin arrangement to an all-singing, all-dancing heated, plumbed and networked suite that includes a bathroom, soft seating area and a small kitchen.  Clients working from home include architects that need huge drawing desks, Pilates instructors seeking floor space and beauticians who want an aesthetically pleasing and peaceful environment.”

Luxury developer, Millgate, create homes that already incorporate modern day working areas.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director explains,

“It is an essential today for most of our clients to have a spacious area to work from home; many are international business men/women who often work remotely at all hours of the day.  We endeavour to always include a room designed for this purpose with numerous electrical sockets and communication ports, a pleasing view and away from the noisy hub of the house.  Some of our homes afford rooms over the garages and these make excellent home offices; within these we create a large ‘living’ area, a bathroom and fully fitted kitchen enabling independence from the main house during the work day.”

Gallery of homes of the market that would be perfect for working from home:

Tavistock, Virginia Water, Surrey                             £1,995,000

This house has recently been subject to a complete modernisation programme including new heating system, rewiring, a magnificent new kitchen and luxurious bathroom suites throughout. The spacious accommodation is set over just two floors with generous room sizes and is well suited to contemporary family lifestyle with an enormous kitchen/breakfast/conservatory area, ideal for entertaining.

The house has a quiet study off the main entrance hall.  Being south facing, the house is incredibly light, with large windows and spaciousness being very much a theme throughout the property.

The rear of the house faces due south and has a lovely open view.

For more information please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

 

Alderbourne Place, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire                    £2,100,000

Alderbourne Place enjoys a perfect blend of seclusion and comfort which offers the best of town and country living, nestled in rolling green-belt countryside.  This fabulous new development consists of 8 impressive country homes and 4 town houses reflecting meticulous attention to detail with architectural integrity, yet again setting the benchmark for building excellence.

The town house have been snapped up already but country homes with spacious studies are available from £2,100,000.  For further information or to arrange a viewing on 0118 934 3344or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Henley Road, Haslemere, Surrey                                                             £685,000             

 

This lovely 4 bedroom 2 bathroom detached period cottage has been renovated and extended by its present owners to create a unique reverse level home.  If you think you might need working from home facilities for more than one of you then this property is perfect – it has a studio annexe, double garage and a garden office. The original part of the house is thought to be around 300 years old and retains a great deal of its original charm. The house sits in a wonderful elevated position with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

For more information please contact My Online Estate Agent on 0845 257 1101 or visit

http://www.myonlineestateagent.com/for-sale/surrey/haslemere/henley-1913/

Waterford House, Wentworth Estate
£4,250,000

Waterford House is superbly situated within the Wentworth Estate on arguably one of the most prestigious roads within Wentworth. Both the Wentworth clubhouse and the village are within easy walking distance.   This house has plentiful accommodation with five bedroom suites, five reception rooms, cinema room, games room and a three car garage.

If you are working from home within the main house there is study and a studio annexe sits over the garage which could be used as an office.

For more information contact Barton Wyatt on 0134 484 3000 or visit http://www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Geers Farm, Heathfield, Sussex
£640,000             

An beautiful detached 5 bed period house oozing with character.  Parts of the house date back to 1450 when it owned all the land in the vicinity surrounded by woodland and wheat fields. Geers Farm is privately located in its own large garden with access via a long drive and electrically operated gates. The house has been extensively refurbished and re-modelled by the current owners and is now presented in superb order throughout.

A welcoming entrance hall with slate flooring and under floor heating leading into a spacious utility and separate kitchen. A magnificent Drawing room with stable door to garden and sun terrace, heavily timbered and with fine large inglenook fireplace and raised brick hearth and with French doors opening directly onto the large patio.

The first floor the property has two ´wings´ leading off to the newer part of the building is a large open plan reception area with oak floorboards and double doors to a decked balcony terrace which leads down to the rear garden.

The triple integral garage would make the perfect spot to develop an area to work from home.  There is lapsed planning permission to convert all of the garages.  And whilst this work is being carried out why not use one of the 5 bedrooms as an office.

For more information please contact My Online Estate Agent on 0845 257 1101 or visit http://www.myonlineestateagent.com/for-sale/east-sussex/heathfield/pook-reed-lane-1911/

Holland Place Sunninghill, Berkshire
Guide Price from £3,500,000

Three luxury contemporary private residences in soon to be completed in a gated private road.  The houses are located just two miles from Ascot High Street in the picturesque village of Sunninghill.

These 6 bedroom residences each sit within substantial landscaped grounds, reflecting meticulous attention to detail in design, specification and architectural integrity – again setting the benchmark for building excellence.  Well thought out studies are on the ground floor of each home and large media rooms in the roof give options for setting out your home.

For more information contact Millgate on 01189 343344 or visit www.millgatehome.co.uk

Nice to see you, to see you nice! Sir Bruce Forsyth – Strictly on Wentworth

by Viv United Kingdom

It may have a reputation for exclusivity but on the 1750 acre Wentworth Estate in North Surrey, home to one of the UK’s most loved TV presenter’s, Sir Bruce Forsyth, it’s ‘nice to see you, to see you nice!’

A Wentworth resident for 30 years, Sir Bruce’s career has spanned a staggering seven decades; rising to fame in the 1950s series of Sunday Night at the London Palladium he went on to present series such as The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right, The Price Is Right and You Bet!

Sir Bruce made his first stage appearance back in 1931 at the age of just 3 in a local pantomime in Edmonton, North London, where his family lived.  The little boy, encouraged by his mother — who sang with the Salvation Army band — gave a hilarious rendition of the music hall song “I Lift up My Finger and say Tweet Tweet”. Even at such a young age Bruce was able to bring the house down.

He fell in love with dancing after watching Fred Astaire films aged 8 and went onto to train in dance in Tottenham and then Brixton starting in show business aged 14, with a song, dance and accordion act called “Boy Bruce, the Mighty Atom.”

Despite turning 85 this year, Bruce continues to pull the crowds. This year the showbiz vet was invited to perform at Glastonbury, joining the likes of the Rolling Stones and Dizzee Rascal.  Sir Bruce entertained festival-goers with songs from his solo album ‘These are my Favourites’.

The return of Strictly Come Dancing sees Bruce back in the thick of things with co-host Tess Daly for the eleventh run of this much loved family show. The star studded line-up of twinkle toed wannabe’s includes swimming star Rebecca Adlington, Bond girl Fiona Fullerton and close to Bruce’s heart, golf legend – Tony Jacklin.

Known also for his love of golf, Sir Bruce’s residence is situated on the main island of Wentworth and enjoys views towards the 1st fairway of the West Championship course. A familiar face in Virginia Water and at The Wentworth Club, locals love having his charming persona around town.  And his beautiful wife, Lady Wilnelia Forsyth, the 1975 Miss World Champion from Puerto Rico, is regularly spotted in Virginia Water doing some shopping and mixing with the locals.

James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt, the Virginia Water based estate agency, comments,

“We are quite used to rich and famous folk living around here however many of them hide themselves behind huge gates and acres of rhododendron bushes. Sir Bruce is not like that; he is very much part of our community and a loveable friendly face in the village.”

Although Virginia Water itself may not be a hub for dancing, there is a Stage Coach Centre in nearby Ascot and dance studies available in Chertsey. But if you are keen to Strictly Come Dance a little closer to home then foxtrot over to Wentworth and consider one of these fabulous houses to perfect your two-step within:

Shimmy over to September Song – built in 2008 for the current owners to a very high specification. The house is totally unique having been designed by Lewandowski Willcox Architects boasting contemporary design with interestingly shaped rooms and split levels giving the house an abundance of character and charm all of its own. The choice of bathroom fittings and the kitchen are all of a contemporary nature and flow consistently through the property.

September Song boasts four reception rooms, a master bedroom with en-suite dressing room and bathroom, two further bedrooms suites and a further two bedrooms with a shared jack and jill bathroom.  The house also has a laundry, study, lift from the garage which houses five cars and landscaped gardens of 1.86 acres. Available now at £4,250,000.

Or hip-hop over to Hill House, an exceptional brand new home in the very heart of the Wentworth Estate, siding onto the East Course. The property is situated in beautifully landscaped and private gardens of well over an acre at the rear.  Set over 4 floors the opportunities for hosting your own Strictly are extensive.

The house has been designed with ample room for a large family.  Five receptions on the ground floor, five bedroom suites in the main house and a large entertainment/games room in the roof.  The basement houses an indoor pool complex with steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, changing and shower rooms.  A one bedroom staff apartment perches above the garaging for three cars.  Available now at £11,000,000

Waltz on over to Waterford House, which is superbly situated on one of the most prestigious roads within Wentworth Estate. Both the Wentworth clubhouse and the village are within easy walking distance.

No expense was spared in the construction of this house using the finest materials and construction methods.  The amount of technology within the house is astounding so any dance parties here will go with a swing.  Crestron and Lutron systems control the audio visual, curtains and blind. Throughout the house there is a feel of sophisticated luxury with attention to detail and design.

The gardens were designed and created by landscape architects who have achieved a wonderful variety of changing colour throughout the seasons. An extensive terrace spans across the rear of the property to a slightly raised dining area off the concertina doors from the kitchen. A pathway leads around the perimeter of the rear garden to a sun terrace in the north west corner of the garden with an attractive pond and water feature. In the centre of the garden is a very attractive Rill which can be seen as you come through the front door of the property.  £4,350,000

For more information on any of these homes please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Property Inspector: Can you really advertise your home for free?

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

TheMoveChannel.com’s Property Inspector, taking a closer look at global real estate month.

 

Advertising property can be an expensive business. Online portals have helped to change that, allowing estate agents and developers to reach international audiences. Now, though, real estate lead generation company Lead Galaxy have introduced Nubricks – a portal that advertises property completely for free.
What’s the catch? Who can sign up? And does free real estate advertising actually work?
In this month’s podcast, TheMoveChannel.com’s Property Inspector quizzes Lead Galaxy’s Account Manager Kim Roberts about an unusual approach to property marketing.
Click here to listen to the full investigation. An abridged transcript of the interview follows.
Let’s start with the obvious one: what’s the catch?
“There isn’t one. You can advertise your property on Nubricks for free.”
How did Nubricks come about?
Well, Nubricks started life as an overseas property investment blog, with lots of tips and advice for investors. At first we planned to use Nubricks as a portal for new build property, but as everyone tries to recover from the global recession, what people need as much as information is something that won’t cripple their bank account. So we decided to reinvent Nubricks as a portal where everyone in the world can advertise real estate listings for free to an international audience.
You say “international audience”. Is that important?
Yes. There are several free property portals that will advertise your property in the UK, but even on certain popular classified sites, if you want to advertise a home to an international audience, you will be charged. Nubricks doesn’t do that: you can be seen by everyone in the world at no cost. After all, if you’re selling a house in London, someone in Russia may be just as interested in buying it as someone in Norfolk.
What kind of traffic does the site get?
Nubricks has visitors from around the world. UK buyers account for a third of visitors, but one-fifth comes from the USA, followed closely by Australia, Germany, Canada, Italy, France and the United Arab Emirates. Overall, Lead Galaxy´s network has more than 10 million buyers around the world, but while some sites are targeted at particular countries or sectors, Nubricks covers all types of property and an international group of investors.
So what´s the point? Are you saying your other services are too expensive? 
No, we have a range of services that are designed to be flexible for everyone´s budget. Advertisers can pay for every lead they receive – except for spams and scams, of course – or list properties on a fixed fee basis, but what we´ve been seeing from buyers this year is a major shift back towards the eurozone, not just from opportunistic investors but from budget bargain hunters – people are clearly still tightening their belts. Private sellers and estate agents are strapped for cash too. There are people who want to buy that struggle to buy, but there are also people who want to sell that struggle to sell. So we’ve introduced a service to help them.
 
Do you think free property advertising can work? You don´t think it might carry an image of inferior quality?
It could, but this isn’t a new site. Nubricks was an early-stage dotcom business. Because the domain has been active for a long time, it has a really strong SEO base and an existing, developed audience. People are already looking to the site as an authority on real estate: these are engaged users who are interested in buying property.
And will they ever have to pay further down the line? 
No – their listings can stay on Nubricks for free, although they will only be displayed on Nubricks. If they want to go on other portals within the Lead Galaxy network they will have to pay for one of our advertising packages, which are also affordable, starting from just £1 per lead. If they ever find they have money, it´s then easy for them to step up their marketing activity.
Notes to Editors
Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world.
Nubricks is part of the Lead Galaxy network and advertises property around the world on behalf of agents, developers and private owners for free.
The website address is http://www.nubricks.com and the office address is 24 Jack´s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN.
Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.

Award-winning developer, Millgate, appoints Knight Frank to sell outstanding new homes in Oxted

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom
  •  House prices have increased 8.4% over past 5 years in commuter village of Oxted, Surrey
  •  Annual train pass to London Bridge (only 30 minutes) costs £2,036 per annum
  •  The district of Tandridge has second lowest population density in the county

The district of Tandridge is the fifth smallest in Surrey and has second lowest population density in the county.  The District is almost entirely covered by the Green Belt (approximately 94%) and only 12% of the area is currently developed. The district is blessed with having nearly a third of its land as open space or woodland and two thirds for agricultural use, making this a truly peaceful and beautiful area.

However, building on designated Green Belt land is an on-going issue for councils and this chiefly rural district is no different.  With 19 conservation areas, 600 listed buildings, of which 20 are recognised as being of outstanding national interest and designated Grade I, eight Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), 6 Local Nature Reserves and over a third of the District designated as being either an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Great Landscape Value – all means that viable land for new homes is very limited.

Indeed, finding sites to build new homes in the area is so incredibly hard that it took award-winning house builder, Millgate, years to find the right location for their latest development in Surrey – Trevereux. Last year the Millgate acquisitions team finally purchased a property in Oxted, previously the Marie Currie Research Institute until 2010, perched on the edge of an escarpment with far reaching, grandstand views across Surrey and Kent.

The innovative new Trevereux development has transformed a derelict old building into six luxury apartments where Millgate have used one façade of the original building and three further indulgent country mansions.

Rupert Connell, Partner of Knight Frank, who has been appointed as selling agents of Trevereux comments:

“Trevereux is cutting edge. The older building has been redeveloped to incorporate six luxury apartments as good as any 5* hotel; you literally feel like you have stepped into a top end London hotel! The three separate dwellings are also incredible; two are traditional homes, kitted out with the very best in luxury fixtures and fittings and the third house has been designed with ultra-modern futuristic look. This house has jaw-dropping views through the largest floor to rooftop windows imaginable; the main ground floor living area is vast and would be an incredible venue for people that enjoy entertaining.

“The local village of Oxted is delightful with quaint shops, pretty coffee houses and good quality restaurants.  The area is awash with quality schools such as Woldingham Girls School, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge – all leading public schools.  Kent is blessed with grammar schools which are easily commutable from here – Judds at Tonbridge and Cranbrook are both outstanding schools.”

Oxted itself boasts a small cinema and a much-loved Waitrose, which earlier this year, according to Savills Estate Agency could possibly drive up property prices by as much as 50%. Zoopla suggests that house prices have increased by 8.4% in the past 5 years and are continuing to rise so property is looking good in this area of outstanding beauty.

Trevereux itself is situated just outside Oxted in a tiny hamlet known as Limpsfield Chart.  Blessed with its own pub selling locally brewed ale, a village green and a pretty church this really is rural Surrey at its finest.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate comments:

“Trevereux has been such an exciting development for us.  Converting a property that has a place in history makes it all the more special and the ultra-modern house on this development is a completely new design for us – we are very proud to be launching a state of the art home to our clients.”

Guide price for the apartments will start from £1,250,000 and the detached homes from £3,750,000. For more details on this incredible new development please contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.

Property rocks close to the Box – but choose your village with care

by Viv United Kingdom

Prior to the summer of 2012 and the Olympic Games few people had heard of Box Hill let alone visited this National Trust site unless you were a local, fortunate enough to live on the North Downs in Surrey.

Today, however the story is very different.

  • Walton on the Hill property prices up 8.27% in 5 years
  • Box Hill, owned by the National Trust, featured prominently in 2012 Olympic cycling events
  • Recommended as top London commuter village by Evening Standard

Ever since the infamous Zig-Zag was used as part of the 9 times loop on the Men’s long distance cycling event, Box Hill has become a national treasure.

During the week this sizeable hill retains the peace and quiet that it always enjoyed. The breath-taking views across the surrounding countryside are enjoyed by local walkers, runners and horse-riders. But come the weekend Box Hill is invaded by thousands of keen cyclists dedicated to beating their Zig-Zag personal bests.

More adventurous types use their mountain bikes to ride the off-road trails across the hill; one particularly challenging route involves dragging your two wheels up an almost vertical slope with the hope that the downhill does not result in any broken bones! Known locally as ‘soiled pants’, small groups of daredevils can be seen through the trees high above the River Mole attempting this gravity defying drop.

As reported by the BBC recently, the number of cyclists on Box Hill has increased dramatically since last summer with hundreds of thousands of cyclists now enjoying the North Downs however this volume of cyclists are having a knock-on effect, creating hazards for elderly or inexperienced drivers and environmentally impacting upon this Special Area of Conservation.

But it’s not all bad news for the residents in the area.  Admittedly if you live on the main cycle route you might be a little disgruntled about its new found fame but many local villages are positively benefitting from the attention. Property hunters seeking peace and quiet need to select a village just off the main route enabling you to enjoy this outstanding area for hiking, cycling or just good old fashioned observing – without the hassle of having to fight your way down a single track road with a peloton coming the other way!

One such village which sits just a couple of miles away from the madness is Walton on the Hill boasting one of the finest golf clubs in Surrey (Walton Heath hosts one of the qualifying rounds for the US open) and open footpaths to the North Downs Way and its stunning views. It was also recently cited by the Evening Standard as a top London commuter village.  Property stats according to Zoopla say that property prices are up 8.27% over the past five years here.

The area’s outstanding beauty was just one of the reasons that award-winning house builders Millgate chose Walton on the Hill as the location for their latest luxury development. Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate comments:

“A good number of our clients are affluent professionals who work in the city but wish to live in the countryside, surrounded by nature to relax and good schools for the children to attend. The village of Walton on the Hill is perfect for this. A great choice of local pubs and restaurants in the area coupled with a scenic undisturbed village boasting its own historic church and village pond is about as good as it gets in Surrey.”

Millgate has designed and built a collection of 6 luxury detached homes in this picturesque village.  The houses are each individual but all share the distinctive quality of design and specification that is synonymous with the Millgate marque.

Prices start from £1,495,000; for more details on these luxurious country homes contact Millgate on 01189 343 344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.