Surrey sees property prices stabilise as domestic buyers return in droves

by Viv United Kingdom

Barton Wyatt, the award-winning estate agency in Surrey, has seen a 33% increase in the number of domestic buyers over the past year. Back in Q2 2012 the percentage of domestic buyers was wallowing at a mere 40% however this figure has dramatically risen a year later to 60% in Q2 2013 reflecting a marked improvement in domestic buying confidence in the UK market.

  •  Leading Surrey estate agency Barton Wyatt sees number of domestic buyers rise 33%
  • Increased access to mortgage finance attributed to movement in small – mid market
  • Average sale price for properties on Wentworth Estate at £6.01 million reports agent

James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt and Chairman of NAEA Surrey, comments:
“These figures all point to the change in attitude of the money lenders in the last quarter. Yet again financial institutions are driving the market and the recent decisions which enables UK buyers to borrow money more easily again has positively turned the market. This has aided sales in the small to medium sized end of the market as most of these properties are purchased with mortgages and in turn we have seen a 33% increase in domestic buyers over the past year in north Surrey.

“On the other side of the coin, prime and super prime (£2 – £5 million plus) house purchases are rarely, if ever, made involving funding; we have hardly seen any difference due to the increased availability to finance at this top end of the market. In fact property prices on the exclusive Wentworth Estate continue to soar seemingly unabated with one particular property selling this April for 26% more than it did a year ago without a single thing being done to it!”

James and the team at Barton Wyatt are predicting a very strong Q3 2013 with the number of domestic and overseas continuing to rise steadily and the average sale price for properties on Wentworth currently standing at a whopping £6.01 million.

Indeed this growth in the prime market is echoed by figures from the latest Knight Frank Prime Country House Index, which reported that prices rose 0.4% in Q2 2013, the second consecutive quarter of growth. However Knight Frank did also note that prime property values remain down by 1.2% on an annual basis and are 21% below the market peak in Q3 2007.

Despite the recent positive news regards Surrey house prices, the prevalent feeling in the market is still one of uncertainty and transactions remain slow as buyers consider their options.

James offers this advice for vendors,
“Our advice in today’s market is to maximise the benefits of your house. Drooping perennials on the approach, an unkempt patio and unpleasant smells within have never been an asset to a vendor but now more than ever sellers need to take a good look at their home with a fresh set of buyer’s eyes.

“And once you have done everything you can to maximise buyer appeal, you would be well advised to check the speed of your lawyer; we see all too often house sales fall through due to tardy legal personnel. Ask lots of questions before you employ a lawyer and ring them persistently to ensure they are as keen as you are to push the deal through as quickly.”

For more information on the Surrey property market contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Growing food for those in need while growing your income – how agricultural investment in Senegal is leaving a long-term legacy

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom
The world’s population is growing by almost 80 million people each year, which equates to approximately 150 more mouths to feed every minute,Mulberry Outlet UK according to the US Census Bureau. In West Africa, the population has doubled every 20 years since 1960.
  • World population growing by 150 people per minute (US Census Bureau)
  • Senegal imports 60% of all food stuffs
  • Over 1 million Senegalese food insecure (UN World Food Programme)
The result of these huge increases is a growing level of food insecurity in a number of African countries. In Senegal, for example, where agricultural production has lagged behind the growing population due to an increasingly urban lifestyle, over 1 million people are currently classed as food insecure according to the United Nations’ World Food Programme.
The situation has led to some exciting new investment opportunities for those looking to grow their good karma as well as their profits.
Ray Withers, Chief Executive of leading investment company Property Frontiers, explains,
“The demand for food in Senegal has risen dramatically in the past few decades, but agricultural production has not kept up. Senegal has seen movement towards a far more urban demographic in recent years, meaning a rising level of food needs to be imported each year in order to meet demand. In fact Senegal currently imports 60% of food stuffs, a staggering amount.
“For the Senegalese, this means rising prices, with many families able to afford less food now than they could last year. The result is growing food insecurity within the country, which is why we at Property Frontiers are so pleased to present our latest alternative investment opportunity.”
Mr Withers is referring to his company’s latest alternative investment opportunity, which he sees as one of the most exciting to have been made available for quite some time. The structured agricultural investment consists of a rotational farming system of three fast-growing and highly sought after crops – maize, onion and sweet potato. The crops are insured and re-insured by Swiss Re.
As well as providing much-needed food for the Senegalese, the investment will also create long-term jobs for the local community, with those involved learning life-long skills in farming, as well as the latest methods and techniques for increasing efficiency and boosting production levels.
As a socially responsible project with such a positive legacy, Property Frontiers’ Senegalese structured agricultural investment is causing quite a stir. With a low entry point (just £20,000 for membership of a UK company) and expected returns of 239% over 5 years, it’s clear to see why investors are lining up to be involved.
World food prices have remained at almost record levels since the dramatic increases of 2007/08, according to the World Bank’s Food Price Index, making the high level of food imports in Senegal an expensive and unsustainable practice. While government initiatives are attempting to address the problem, the solution is not yet in place, meaning structured agricultural investments are even more important in feeding and securing the future of families across Senegal.
For more information on how to be involved in this exciting new opportunity, call Property Frontiers on +44 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

A word from our sponsors: Shameem Golamy, Head of Overseas at Rightmove Plc

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

With event sponsorship a proven brand building and lead generation exercise and OPPLive being the world’s biggest expo for international property professionals, it is no wonder that organizer Xavier Wiggins was overwhelmed with offers for this year’s show.

Keen to partner with the best in the business, Rightmove Overseas, the UK’s leading overseas property portal displaying over 100,000 properties in over 65 countries, was successfully selected as a sponsor of OPPLive 2013.
In this exclusive interview we hear from Shameem Golamy, Head of Overseas at Rightmove Plc and well-known character in the international property arena on what sponsorship of OPPLive means to him:
Rightmove Overseas is a lead sponsor of OPPLive, when and how did you first hear about the event?
When I joined Rightmove back in the autumn of 2007, the OPPLive took place on my second day in the job. I remember thinking it was a great place to do business and I’ve been a great supporter of OPP and OPPLive ever since.
You’ve sponsored a number of other industry events in the past, what made you choose to support OPPLive in particular?
When I heard OPPLive was coming back as a stand-alone exhibition I was very excited. The Gala Dinner in 2012 was a massive success and the OPP team has proved themselves time after time as being the leaders in putting on a great trade event.
Why do you feel that it’s important for Rightmove Overseas to be a sponsor?
The overseas property market is growing and evolving at a phenomenal rate with lots of new agents and developers coming to market. Whilst Rightmove.co.uk is the 7th most visited website in the UK and a household name here, Rightmove Overseas is practically unknown in most other parts of the world. With that in mind we have to work just as hard as any other company trying to establish themselves with the trade as a market leader in the industry and due to its global delegate attendance, it’s essential that we are at OPPLive.
What do you hope to gain from sponsorship / exhibiting at the show?
It’s often hard for agents and developers to take the time out and really think about the high level marketing activity such as branding and lead generation. Being highly visible at OPPLive with a working area is going to be useful for us to sit with our existing advertisers and offer them a full account review.
Enquiry levels to agents have nearly doubled year-on-year so we’ll be talking to our advertisers to ensure that they are getting their fair share of leads. We’ll also enjoy the opportunity to meet with people in the industry we don’t directly work with today to share with them market insight from our perspective and hopefully form some new business relationships.
Do you think that sponsorships still have a place in property marketing today?
Absolutely, I have no doubt in my mind we are strongest when we work together.  There are so many companies out there to talk to it is important to use as many opportunities to build your network as possible. Sponsorships of events such as OPPLive are a great way to put the team in front of people face to face which is the fastest way to build trust and strong relationships.
Aside from being a sponsor, how else will Rightmove Overseas be involved in OPPLive?
We are going to lend our support in any way we can. We are on the judging panel for the OPP Awards of Excellence – it’s always exciting to see overseas property professionals putting their best foot forward – and I’ll be presenting a “how to go mobile” seminar which hopefully will provide an insight into the importance of mobile communications now and in the future.
The most important thing we’ll be doing is having our “working area” at the exhibition. We will have a number of PC stations set up and we want to go into depth with our customers or anyone who is interested to share insights into the marketplace, our website and demonstrate just how easy it is to access a huge pool of buyers through a portal like Rightmove Overseas.
Why do you think international property professionals should attend OPPLive?
The industry is going through massive change and it is a case of evolve or die. OPPLive through its seminar program has picked up on the hot topics right now and will be useful to anyone trying to grow or establish their overseas property business.
Do you have any top tips for your fellow exhibitors?
Sure, we are seasoned professionals at the exhibition game now! Experience has taught us to come armed with energy drinks and painkillers as well as an extra box of business cards. The ladies in the office have told me that they always stash an emergency pair of flat shoes, high heels always seem like a good idea on day 1 (apparently)!
Delegate passes are now available to purchases online here http://www.opp-live.com/buy-delegatepasses/ with a special Early Bird Rate of £195 for one ticket or two tickets for £295 available until Friday 6th September 2013.
—————————ENDS—————————-
About Rightmove Overseas 
 
Rightmove Overseas is the UK’s leading overseas property portal, displaying over 100,000 properties in over 65 countries. We are the place for people looking to invest abroad or make the move overseas. Our advertisers are overseas property estate agents, developers and private owners who are keen to showcase their property listings to potential buyers from all over the globe. We are delighted to be sponsoring OPPLive and are looking forward to meeting many of our customers and friends within the overseas property industry at the show.

Britain’s becoming an upwardly mobile nation as popularity of home parks soars

by Georgina United Kingdom
The national housing market may now be showing much-welcomed signs of recovery as house prices rise at the fastest pace for 6 years but one sector has been enjoying a less well publicized boom even in the face of the worst recession for 40 years.
The mobile or park home sector has risen in popularity in recent times attracting not only those in their golden years but also younger individuals, couples and even families keen to take advantage of the lower purchase and running costs as well as strong community feeling present on many home parks.

•200,000 Britons now live in park homes (BHHPA)
•95% of residents are 55 years of age or older (BHHPA)
•New Mobile Homes Act introduced to protect mobile home owners in May 2013 
According to the John Boston, spokesperson of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BHHPA), some 200,000 Britons now live in park homes and whilst the dominant demographic, some 95%, is those over 55 years of age, the proportion of younger residents is growing.
Boston comments, “Far from the negative images of ‘trailer parks’ often portrayed by the media, holiday and home parks are aspirational not desperate places offering individuals, couples, families and retirees alike good quality, affordable housing within a community in some of the most stunning parts of the country.”
Yet despite their growing popularity, the supply of new mobile homes has not kept up with demand and waiting lists are now common at many parks.
Richard Patterson, Director of leading online estate agency, My Online Estate Agent which has just listed yet another mobile home, this time located in Preston, comments,
“Mobile homes have become somewhat of a rarity in today’s marketplace. Due to planning restrictions, few new mobile homes are constructed so when a property such as the 3 bedroom home now available in Preston comes up for sale, we always see a flurry of interest with a sale often agreed quicker than traditional bricks and mortar homes.”
Indeed so fierce is the competition for park homes that a new law designed to protect mobile home residents in England has just been introduced. The Mobile Homes Act, passed in May 2013, aims to stop park owners from interfering with mobile home transactions and purchasing homes themselves at knock-down prices. As mobile home owners do not own the land upon which their property sits, they had previously been vulnerable to unscrupulous or unfair practices by park owners but ministers insists that this new Act will no longer be able to block sales.
Patterson comments,
“The new Mobile Home Act 2013 can only be a positive step forward for mobile home owners. For too long park home residents have been at the mercy of park owners but now, as numbers grow, their voices are being heard with this new government Act offering much needed legal protection.”
On the market: 3 bedroom mobile home, Preston – £85,000
My Online Estate Agent is delighted to present this lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom mobile home located in Preston. The spacious property comprises master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, two further double bedrooms, family bathroom, shower room, new kitchen and living room as well as new carpeting throughout, large decked area, private parking for up to four vehicles and storage shed.
For more information please contact My Online Estate Agent on 0845 257 1101 or visit MyOnlineEstateAgent.com 

Germany Leads Eurozone Out of Recession with €30 billion Commercial Property Market

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Property Frontiers are feeling pretty happy about the news that Germany and France are leading the Eurozone out of recession. Particularly Germany, which has seen its economy grow at its fastest pace for more than a year.

The property investment experts have had their eyes on the German market for a few months now due to its stable economy, strong growth and low unemployment rate. It ranked as the most popular country in the world in a BBC World Service poll; and as the most attractive destination for foreign investors in a 2013 Ernst & Young report. While Savills reports a 155% increase in German hotel investment alone.
Popping the corks for Germany’s impressive comeback
Figures released last week reveal that the German economy has expanded a further 0.7% in Q2 2013. France followed with 0.5%, beating economists’ expectations.
Carl Brzeski at multinational finance giant ING, comments: “Popping the corks. The German economy has staged an impressive comeback. The whole Eurozone is expected to emerge from an 18-month double dip recession.”
One reason for this is said to be a catch-up effort in construction, which contributed 0.3% to the growth. Another is export trade, which has always been one of Germany’s strong points.
Commercial property to hit €30 billion
It’s easy to see what makes German investment so attractive right now. Savills forecasts total turnover in the German commercial property market to hit the €30 billion mark in 2013, up from €25.3 billion the year before.
Savills says there is ongoing demand from risk-averse investors who are looking to buy assets which retain their value in economically challenging times. Around €12.5 billion was invested into commercial property during the first half of this year, making a 36% year-on-year rise.
Private investors and listed property companies each accounted for €1.3 billion and developers are also an active party, selling property worth over €2.3 billion. This is triple the total of the first six months of 2012, highlighting such strong demand.
An exceptional economic position
Marcus Lemli, head of both Savills Germany and European investment, explains: “Germany’s exceptional economic position is increasingly reflected on the local investment market and real estate as an asset class is becoming increasingly attractive.”
Matthias Pink, associate director of research at Savills Germany, adds: “Currently the German property market, with its manageable risk, is extremely liquid and never before has such a large amount of equity been available for investments into core product.”
Germany market the strongest performer on the continent
The recent RICS Global Commercial Property Survey also shows Germany and Belgium as the only European markets to record a positive increase in both occupier and investment commercial property during Q2 2013. As Europe’s largest economy, Germany continues to shine in terms of growth and sentiment within real estate, with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Investment Sentiment Index (ISI) also showing a growth from 18 to 22.
Simon Rubinsohn, chief economist for RICS, says: “The results of the survey show that the weak economic picture across much of Europe is continuing to be reflected in the lack of demand to occupy property space … [but] the German market continues to be the strongest performer on the continent.”
Join the party in Europe’s most enticing and reliable sector today
Ray Withers, Chief Executive at Property Frontiers comments,
“We have been backing Germany as an investment location for some time now and our top tip is currently hotel room investment. We particularly like the 4* Alpen Club in Bavaria, the most popular tourism destination in Germany. Rooms start from £47,198 and it comes with a 10 year fixed return leaseback and assured net yield averaging at 10.33%”
For more information contact Property Frontiers today on +44 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

80 years on and Orwell’s North/South divide remains very much alive and well

by Viv United Kingdom

In the 1930’s George Orwell, wrote about the chasm that grew between the North and South of England; he noted the indifference which southerners often appeared to express over the fate of those living in northern areas – the places that had become most blighted by economic downturn.

80 years on from Orwell’s observations, research suggests that there remains real hard evidence of a North/South divide. Life expectancy is one year less north of the dividing line, adolescents in the south are much more likely to attend red brick universities than from the north and if you view a political voting map, the line often separates red from blue.

Looking at property prices, which are often thrown into the discussion of a North/South divide, it is a little less clear cut. House pricing differentials are said to create a gap that prevents people from the north venturing south but where realistically is the line and how does it affect where you buy a house?

Town

Average house price in last 3 years*

Population

Distance north of London

Cobham

£857,768

16,724

N/A

Gerrards Cross

£655,402

7,333

27 Miles

Leighton Buzzard

£219,563

11450

33 Miles

Chapeltown

£145,946

11,717

48 Miles

Desborough (close to Kettering)

£148,939

10,697

50 miles

Long Eaton

£127,524

13,632

58 Miles

* Figures taken from Zoopla

The below graph of house prices over the past three years charts a line that heads roughly north from Cobham in Surrey revealing a decline in average house prices until you hit the Leighton Buzzard area where pricing appears to level out suggesting perhaps that the North/South divide might occur somewhere between Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.

Title: House Prices

Gerrards Cross sits just 33 miles south of Leighton Buzzard and yet average house prices are 60% higher cementing this ever popular town’s position firmly in the south. Indeed with commuting distances to London often cited as key house price factors, it’s no wonder that towns and villages such as Gerrards Cross which can speed workers into the Capital in under 35 minutes command such a premium.

Recent research also shows that living close to a top notch High Street can add pounds to your property and if you have a Waitrose nearby then you really are onto a winner as Savills, the real estate services provider compared average house prices in postcodes where Waitrose branches have opened in the past five years to other districts elsewhere in the same county and discovered that prices near a branch of the supermarket were on average 25.3% higher.

Gerrards Cross is blessed with both a bustling High Street and the hallowed Waitrose as well as the wider amenities of Beaconsfield on its doorstep with the BBC’s Declan Curry even going as far as to describe it as “Britain´s richest town”.

Millgate, the luxury house builder recently finished a development of town houses and detached houses just a mile from Gerrards Cross High Street. Alderbourne Place enjoys a perfect blend of seclusion and comfort offering the very best of town and country living, nestled in rolling green-belt countryside. 

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate comments:

“It is with pride that we hear that the show home at our newest development, Alderbourne Place, being referred to as ‘Best in Bucks’.  If I was commuter looking to leave the hustle and bustle of London then Gerrards Cross would be high of my list of places to consider, it is rural yet sophisticated, there are great schools in the area and Buckinghamshire is blessed with still having the grammar system in place which is a huge benefit for some.”  

This fabulous new Millgate development consists of eight impressive country homes and four town houses of unrivalled pedigree in the area with the show home hailed as the ‘Best in Bucks’ by locals and agents in the area.

Priced from £930,000 for a town house and from £2,100,000 for a detached country house, contact the sales team for further information or to arrange a viewing on 0118 934 3344or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk. 

Last chance to be an industry award winner: OPP Awards entry deadline extended

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

With already twice as many entries as last year, the 2013 OPP Awards are proving popular with those in the international property industry. So popular in fact that, due to demand, the entry deadline for this year’s wards has been extended to Friday 16th August 2013.

 

Free to enter, the OPP Awards for Excellence, which have been running since 2008, recognise the best talent in the international property arena with more categories than ever before including new accolades for best small, large and new estate agency as well as the best property investment advisors.
OPP Award organiser, Xavier Wiggins, comments,
“The Awards team has quite simply been inundated with calls and emails from overseas property professionals from all over the world asking us to extend the OPP Awards entry deadline so that they can get their entries just right and, as part of our commitment to raise standards within the industry, we think they should be.
“For this reason we have extended the entry deadline by a fortnight to Friday 16th August with the independent judging process headed up by John Howell commencing swiftly afterwards.”
Being an OPP Awards of Excellence winner bring clear benefits whether you are a developer, agency or service provider. Leading international agents and businesses want to work with the best and a holder of an OPP Award of Excellence clearly identifies those companies with which to do business.
As Tan Sri Dato’Sri Leong Hoy Kum of Mah Sing Group Berhad, winners of Best Developer Worldwide 2012, comments,
“This award will definitely raise our profile in the international property market.”
Sponsored for the second year running by website Rightmove Overseas and foreign exchange specialists Smart Currency Exchange, the OPP Awards for Excellence will be presented at the glittering OPP Awards Gala Dinner on Wednesday 27th November in London´s Natural History Museum.
To enter please visit www.opp-connect.com/awards/index.php/enter-the-awards to download your application pack or call +44 208 540 2224 for more information.

Property Inspector: What next for Detroit?

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Earlier this month, Detroit became the biggest US city in history to file for bankruptcy after the city clocked up an estimated total deficit of $18.5 billion. As the application awaits approval, TheMoveChannel.com’s podcast asks what is next for Detroit.


–    Bankruptcy offers “fresh start” for Detroit, say estate agents
–    Bankruptcy is “exactly what Detroit needs – it couldn’t continue on this path”
–    Property prices predicted to rise in certain locations
–    Values up 13pc in last 12 months, 30pc below market peak
–    3 US cities filed for bankruptcy last year; all have seen house prices rebound
–    “The population has declined, but so has the size of the city… There are some streets where people just don’t go.”

 

The Property Inspector interrogates Chris Stead, Director of Property Investment House, who specialise in Detroit real estate, to find out where Motor City goes from here.

 

Click here to listen to the full investigation.

 


$18.5 billion. It’s a big number. Was it expected?
“Certainly, it is a big number and Detroit is obviously well documented now for being the biggest city in the US to file for bankruptcy. For people on the ground, the whispers have been going around for a number of years that it was on the cards. And yes, although the figure is a big one, $9 billion, just over half of the total debt is legacy costs. One of the reasons why Emergency Manager Kevin Orr decided to go this route is it gives the city a chance for the majority of this debt to be sort of taken off.”

 

So this is a chance for a fresh start?

 

“If it goes according to plan, Detroit will be coming back a lot stronger and leaner, which is the whole point of a bankruptcy.”

 

It’s better to be honest about the level of deficit rather than just pretend everything’s fine…

 

 

“And they have been for decades – that’s been the problem. They have been going on and hoping things will get better. The reality is that if you don’t do something about it, it can’t get better. So Kevin Orr had very little option: this is exactly what Detroit needs – it couldn’t continue on this path, it was getting deeper into debt. To file for bankruptcy and wipe the slate clean is certainly the way to go.”

 

Detroit isn’t the first city to file for bankruptcy…

 

“It’s just the largest. Three cities in California lastyear filed for bankruptcy and their housing markets have all rebounded very strongly. San Bernardino filed in August 2012, house prices increased just over 30pc year on year. Stockton was another. They filed in June 2012 and house prices there rose 24pc year on year. Mammoth Lakes was the other one and a year later their house prices were 13 per cent higher. So there is no correlation between a bankrupt city and a housing decline. It looks like it tends to go the other way. It’s the uncertainty that doesn’t drive growth. If you take that off the table that will give a lot of confidence to local people and investors from other states and other countries.”

 

There have been a lot of foreclosures in Detroit. A house last year was up for sale for just $1…

 

“It’s well documented that there are parts that you wouldn’t want to buy in! There are some streets and neighbourhoods where people just don’t go. There are a lot of homes that are rundown and vacant. Those homes, you could sell them for $1 all day long, because no one wants to buy them. Nobody wants to live there. If you want to make money in the Detroit market, and wherever you buy, it’s about the location. Certainly, he houses that we offer at Property Investment House are good houses on good streets in good neighbourhoods. When we advertise them for rent, we get 20 to 30 phone calls from people wanting to live there.”

 

Is that tenant demand still high, despite the population drop? The population was at 2 million in the 1950s. Now, it’s nearer to 700,000. There are something like 78,000 abandoned buildings…

 

“If you think the population has declined, so has the size of the city. There are blocks that the city has already allocated to rezoning and demolishing. What I will also say, again, just like in London and other parts of the world after the recession, a lot of people lost their jobs. They were forced into rented accommodation. Rental demand has been very strong because the majority of tenants cannot qualify for a mortgage because the banks aren’t actively lending. That’s why there’s a real opportunity for investors who have the liquid cash to go in and buy a home. These homes are solid brick homes – the first time we went to Detroit we were very pleasantly surprised by the leafy streets and how well the homes are built.”

 

 


Rewind 12 months and in July 2012 house prices climbed by 12.2 per cent year-on-year. What’s happened since then? Have they continued to climb?

 

“Absolutely. They’ve grown around 13 per cent in the last year but are still excellent value at 65% to 70% of the peak of the market. We believe, and a lot of wealth businessmen in the area are seeing, this is a buying opportunity.”

 


Do you think house prices will drop again if the bankruptcy application is approved?

 

“A temporary blip maybe, for a few months, who knows? But again, if you look at the three cities that filed in California last year, certainly on a 12 month chart whether there was a little dip or not, the 12-month chart shows they rebounded upwards of 13 and 30pc. There’s nothing to suggest that house prices will come down at all in the next six to 12 months.”

 

Subscribe to the TheMoveChannel.com´s podcast in iTunes.

 

 

Notes to Editors

 

Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

 

The website address is http://www.themovechannel.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.

My Online Estate Agent presents the half million pound home

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

With data from Experian revealing that the number of £500,000 homes available for sale has risen by almost 20%, leading online estate agency My Online Estate Agent reveals what half a million pounds will buy you across the UK. 

Richard Patterson, Director of My Online Estate Agent comments on the recent lift in number of £500,000 houses on the market:

 

“Back in May this year we saw the average asking price for a home in London reaching the £500,000 marker (Rightmove) and whilst this might not come as a surprise for the Capital, readily heralded as a top global city, the significant rise in the number of half million pound homes coming onto the market across other parts of the UK was an interesting trend especially given the increase to 4% in stamp duty at this level.

 

“Here at My Online Estate Agentwe have certainly seen the number of half million pound homes listed for sale rise over the last quarter with properties from all four corners of the country represented.”

 

On the market for c. £500,000:

 

Tredean Cottagein Chepstowbacks onto open fields and hills with truly magnificent views to the rear of the property. The house is perfectly situated being only 9 miles from Monmouth and 6 miles from Chepstow. Although a cottage in name, all of the rooms are of a well sized with high ceilings and the property has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Priced at £480,000.

 

This luxury four bedroom house in St Albans was built only 2 years ago by developers Martin Grant Home.  A high specification property which is set in a private cul-de-sac in the much sought after area of Chiswell Green on the south side of St Albans.  Designed for easy family living the house has a big open plan area on the ground floor and a delightful garden with inbuilt seating.  This house is likely to sell fast at just £530,000.

This character smallholding with around 4 acres of land in Monmouthshire comprises a large barn conversion, newly built 2012, as well as separate holiday cottage which sleeps 6, ideal for those wishing additional income or for dual family occupation.  There are also outbuildings and a hay barn plus another small stone barn which could be converted. The main dwelling has a very large kitchen/dining /family room which is partly vaulted to the roof as well as 3 bedrooms, a bathroom and shower room. Priced at £499,950.

As featured in the forthcoming movie “A Life in August“, this substantial detached 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom property in Ashfield, Carnbo in Scotland combines the charm of a traditional country home with all the comfort and efficiency of 21st century living. Traditional in appearance with Welsh Slate roof, exterior stone detailing, timber windows and natural hard floor coverings it was recently completed in 2012 to an exceptional build standard with a highly efficient eco heating system, providing underfloor heating, and an independent eco hot water system. Cat 6 and Digital Coax installed throughout the home. Guide price of £499,000.

 

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

Summer movie screenings in your very own Somerset House

by Viv United Kingdom

“Watching a movie under the stars in Somerset House’s beautiful courtyard on a balmy summer evening is a near-perfect London experience.” TimeOut

 Barton Wyatt, leading Surrey Estate Agent is selling Somerset House – not however the WC2 version but a stunning home affording the same iconic name nestled in the leafy enclaves of Wentworth, North Surrey.

 Impress your friends by inviting them to exclusive film viewings in your very own cinema on the lower ground floor of this incredible four storey house. The superbly equipped cinema adjoins a garden room – with cocktail bar – which opens onto the garden logia.   The cinema in Somerset House comfortably seats 8-10 people on two tiers and has been professionally designed.  With a 3D high definition  5 meter projection screen and a high quality surround sound system you will feel like you are at the flicks.

Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House opens on 8th August with the World Premiere: About Time.  In the open courtyard film fans come armed with picnics, blankets and a passion for film.  London’s best-loved open-air cinema is presented in the magnificent 18th century courtyard on a giant screen with full surround sound, and this year features comedy, romance, musicals, thrillers and much loved classics.

So if you are keen on owning a home that offers a fabulous chance to host blockbuster nights, this house could be your dream home.

The ground floor comprises a vast kitchen / breakfast room and four further receptions plus a utility and access to the triple garage.

The first and second floors are awash with luxury bedrooms and bathrooms – totalling six.  A further annexe sits above the garage for staff or an au-pair.

Somerset House supports the latest multimedia requirements with Sonos sound system, Wi-Fi, hi-definition video distribution together with mood lighting systems and air-conditioning. Security is provided by 2m fences, keypad gate-entry, full alarm system, security lighting and CCTV.

This lovely house is a light and airy, sitting on high ground as the gardens fall away to the rear, with the southerly aspects it is a tremendously bright and inviting home, ideal for the contemporary family lifestyle of today.

Priced at £6,495,000 – For more information please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.