The Property Adviser

Going on a summer holiday? Tips to secure and protect your home!

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:55:00 +0000

Summer is here! Many of us will be going on a well-deserved and long-awaited holiday. Before departing, we enjoy planning activities and what to take with us. So remember to take a bit of time to include plans for protecting your home during your absence. Then you will be able to relax and enjoy your time-off knowing that that you have done your best to make your property safe from criminals or from potential incidents.

Avoid incidents in the home
• Make sure the gas is turned off.
• Turn the water off at the mains stopcock.
This is normally located in your kitchen or in the under stairs cupboard. This ensures that should you have a water leak or a burst pipe whilst you are away, the water will eventually stop.
• Unplug mains sockets and TV aerials from televisions, videos, computers and any electronic equipment that does not need to be left on.
Not only will you save money on your electricity bill, but such items will be protected from lighting strikes, as the aerial could receive a substantial charge if lightening hits.

Engage the help of a friendly neighbour
At a minimum, let a trusted neighbour know that you going to be away. You could ask them to keep an eye on your house and help make it look lived-in whilst you’re away. Promise to do the same for them in return.

Ask the neighbour if they would be willing to help with the following:
• push post and junk mail completely through letter box, rather than leaving it visibly stuck half-way through
• open and close curtains
• switch on lights in the evenings
• collect post
• mow the lawn
• park their car or their visitors cars on your driveway.

They may also be willing to water plants and look after pets.

Postpone deliveries
If you don’t want to rely on a neighbour then cancel any milk or paper deliveries for the duration of your holiday, and make use of Royal Mail's letter and parcel holding service.

Put lights on a timer
Putting lamps on a timer is an excellent way to give the appearance that someone is at home. These simple and useful electronic devices can be used to set particular times at which the lights go on and off. Why not use them all year round?

Basic precautions before departure
Before leaving on your travels it is worthwhile taking extra care to run through the following checklist:
• Ensure that all doors and windows are locked securely, and any burglar alarms are set.
• Never leave keys near the letterbox or doors
• Don’t leave keys on window handles or on window ledges
• Make sure ladders and tools are locked away, out of sight.
• If you have valuable items in the shed, such as bikes or tools, then it might be a good idea to store them in the house over the holiday period.
• If there are any items of particular value in the house, such as important confidential documents, and you don’t have a safe, then it is worth leaving these things with family or in a bank safety deposit box.
• Leave a key and/or contact telephone number with a trusted neighbour or nearby friend or family member. In case of need, they will be able to access your property and contact you.

Now all you have to do is enjoy your holiday knowing that you have taken necessary precautions before leaving. Have fun!

(Note: this blog has also been posted on the following sister blog sites: www.thePropertyAdviser.com & www.thePropertyStylist.co.uk)

Landlords should ensure they use a legitimate tenancy deposit scheme!

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Many landlords and other property professionals have recently been made aware of online sites which are offering tenancy deposit schemes, but which, unfortunately, are not government authorised.

Landlords, and agents, should be aware that if they use non-official companies to hold tenant deposits, then they are not complying with regulations and may be subject to significant fines.

The Government has awarded contracts to only three companies to run tenancy deposit protection schemes. Find out more information about these companies and the schemes at Directgov.

Find out how Chez-Vous HomeSearch can help you with property finder and relocation services.

Are you paying too much Council Tax?

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:32:00 +0000

Council tax bills have increased yet again. But many households could be in the wrong band and paying too much!

Council tax bandings are based on property valuations made in 1991. If your property is incorrectly valued, like an estimated 5 per cent of households you could be in too high a band and paying more council tax than necessary. Bandings could also be out of date where properties have been converted into flats.

So in these challenging economic times, it's worth checking your council tax band and claiming any discounts you are entitled to.

Lower your tax band

There is a free “check and challenge” guide for lowering your council tax band at www.moneysavingexpert.com/council.

A key step is to find out if your band is higher than that of neighbours in similar properties. This can be confirmed online at no charge via the government’s Valuation Office Agency: www.voa.gov.uk.

You could also calculate what your property might have been worth in 1991 and see if that figure is lower than the values given for your band.

If these checks point to you being in too high a band, you could get a reduction by appealing to the VOA. Some households have succeeded in getting properties moved down by two bands, cutting bills by hundreds of pounds a year and reclaiming as much as £5,000 for past overpayments.

Get a discount

There are also a range of council tax discounts and exemptions available if you meet certain criteria. Visit www.direct.gov.uk for a guide.

A new regime for UK domestic gas safety

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:57:00 +0000

From 1 April 2009, Gas Safe Register replaces CORGI gas registration as the UK's official gas safety body.

This means that from 1st April, by law, only Gas Safe registered engineers should carry out work on gas appliances or installations in your home.

To find a Gas Safe registered engineer in your area from 1 April visit:
www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk

Gas safety warning for landlords

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:20:00 +0000

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to all landlords to ensure that gas appliances are safe for tenants. This follows the successful prosecution of a landlady who failed to safely maintain gas appliances in one of her properties.

The landlady in question pleaded guilty to a breach of Regulation 36(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 in December and was fined £5,000 and costs exceeding £3,700.

The HSE commented, "This case sends out a clear message to landlords who may be tempted to cut back on safety. This is a time when many buy-to-let landlords are under a lot of pressure, but they must make sure they don't put their tenants in danger".

For more help and information regarding gas safety visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/index.htm

What are your options if squatters move into your property?

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:05:00 +0000

One of today’s big news headlines is about the court order forcing squatters, who took over a £22.5m house in Mayfair, to move out.

At least six people have occupied the property since last autumn, hosting free art workshops during their time there.

Unfortunately, squatting is not illegal in England as long as the entry has not been forced and no criminal damage is caused!

So which kinds of properties are most at risk? Obviously, buildings that have been empty for a while make an attractive proposition. Unlocked doors, gaps in the roof and open windows will all make it easier for squatters to get inside. Some will also take-up residence by gaining permission to enter the property for a purpose such as maintenance work.

Make your property less of a target for squatters by shutting and securing all means of access. Ensure that someone visits regularly, as prospective squatters monitor their target buildings in advance.

And if a squatter stakes a claim on your property, what can you do about it? Unfortunately, thanks to an ancient right, it is not possible to simply eject the uninvited resident. The correct legal procedures must be followed. You will need to obtain a Possession Order, which will be issued by your local county court. If the squatters then refuse to leave, you are within your rights to call in the bailiffs.

A note of warning: don’t leave it too long before engaging the legal process. In a relatively recent case, squatters were permitted to keep a £1 million property in London, although it belonged to a London borough council, as the group had been living there for over 31 years!

Plumbing, heating and electrical services now available from Chez-Vous

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:19:00 +0000

Question:

Name something you need from time to time, but when you do it’s hard to find a good one?

Answer:

A reliable, qualified plumber!

Solution:

Next time, simply contact Chez-Vous Property Services!

We are delighted to inform you about the introduction of our range of property maintenance services - plumbing, heating and electrical - for domestic and small commercial clients in Berkshire.

This is a very exciting time for Chez-Vous. The introduction of these maintenance services constitutes the final part of our vision for Chez-Vous: to help people with a package of property-related assistance, from finding a property through to styling it and maintaining it.

You may not know this about Laurent but he is a qualified plumber and so will get involved in many client projects himself.

Chez-Vous will take care of all those tasks that you never have the time, inclination or ability to do yourself! From sorting out a dripping tap, to replacing radiators, to fitting a whole new bathroom, and much more..

Those of you who know us well already know how seriously we take customer service. From the way we communicate with our customers to the quality of our professional workmanship are all underpinned by our Service Guarantee.

So make sure that your home (or premises) is well-maintained and set for a cold winter - call us now on 0118 977 0215.

Find out more about our plumbing, heating, electrical and other services: www.ServicesForProperty.co.uk .

Find out more about other Chez-Vous businesses: www.PropertyToHome.co.uk

Don’t let the media talk you into recession!

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:37:00 +0000

In the September 2008 edition of “911 & Porsche World” magazine, Henry Firman - a Porsche trader based near London - wrote a column about his experience of the credit crunch. He blamed the media for being “hell-bent on taking us into a recession, digging out stories that fall into the ‘look how bad things have got’ camp while, at the same time, ignoring the good news.”
Henry’s business (setup in the mid 90s) doesn’t seem to be affected too badly by the existing economic situation (at least for the moment), as he continues to sell approximately one used Porsche per day.

In order to take advantage of the economic downturn, Henry described how he recently went to Bicester Outlet Shopping Centre one Sunday afternoon, expecting to have the building to himself. On arrival, the place was so busy that it took him ten minutes to find a parking space. And his shopping experience wasn’t what he initially anticipated, given the quantity of people buying expensive labelled clothes. With a note of cynicism, Henry commented: “I didn’t see too many reporters interviewing people at Bicester Shopping Village.”

Henry’s column also described his experience of buying a little place on the South Coast and how he “felt as though he was committing a criminal act, given current media sentiment.” Given the ‘credit crunch’, Henry assumed he wouldn’t be able to get a mortgage for his new flat. However, he was pleasantly surprised to obtain a better deal through a high-street lender than the one he currently has on his main residence, which he “got after much hunting around several years ago?” Henry noted: “Yet, the media reports that banks have run out of cash”.

Through Chez-Vous HomeSearch we continue to meet mortgage brokers who are still able to provide a variety of competitive products. They have recently seen notable signs of an improvement in the mortgage market, something that has been overlooked as bad news travels quicker than good news. The most obvious sign is an improvement in rates, several top lenders having cut them twice in the past month or so.

As a successful sports car trader, Henry Firman naturally deals with a specific section of the market. But what is certain is that much of the media is obsessively focusing on blanket doom & gloom across the board. Unfortunately negativity sells but it has a spiral effect on people, wrapping them in fear instead of looking for opportunities in these current challenging times.

Laurent Stadelmann
The Property Finder & Relocation Professional

Too busy to hunt for your next home?
Let Chez-Vous HomeSearch remove stress from the relocation process!
Tel: +44 (0) 1189 770215

PROPERTY FINDING FOR BUYERS / HOME SEARCH FOR TENANTS / CORPORATE RELOCATION SERVICES / PURCHASE PRICE NEGOTIATION SERVICE / LOCATION REPORTS / FREE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU HOUSE HUNT

Stamp duty threshold raised to £175,000 to help first-time UK home buyers

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:38:00 +0000

Buyers of homes worth up to £175,000 are exempt from stamp duty for 12 months.

Announced yesterday by the Chancellor Alistair Darling, this is part of a package of measures designed to revive the UK housing market.

The change, which comes into effect from today, raises the threshold on which 1% stamp duty is paid from its current level of £125,000.

The move will save eligible home-buyers up to £1,750 when they purchase a property, and relates only to buildings entirely for residential use.

Read more on the BBC News website.

Laurent Stadelmann
The Property Finder & Relocation Professional

Too busy to hunt for your next home?
Let Chez-Vous HomeSearch remove stress from the relocation process!
Tel: +44 (0) 1189 770215

PROPERTY FINDING FOR BUYERS / HOME SEARCH FOR TENANTS / CORPORATE RELOCATION SERVICES / PURCHASE PRICE NEGOTIATION SERVICE / LOCATION REPORTS / FREE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU HOUSE HUNT

How to buy property in the credit crunch

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:35:00 +0000

Interesting recent article from the Times: http://tinyurl.com/6ff6ft

Laurent Stadelmann
The Property Finder & Relocation Professional

Too busy to hunt for your next home?
Let Chez-Vous HomeSearch remove stress from the property process!
Tel: +44 (0) 1189 770215

PROPERTY FINDING FOR BUYERS / HOME SEARCH FOR TENANTS / CORPORATE RELOCATION SERVICES / PURCHASE PRICE NEGOTIATION SERVICE / LOCATION REPORTS / FREE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU HOUSE HUNT

Chez-Vous HomeSearch becomes Full Member of the Association of Relocation Professionals

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:17:00 +0000

The Association of Relocation Professionals (ARP) is the professional body for relocation service providers throughout the UK and internationally and promotes a quality standard throughout its membership. Members are subject to professional vetting, arbitration and disciplinary processes and undergo extensive, externally accredited training programmes, so clients of ARP members know that they are getting a standard of service that reaches the highest levels.

Laurent Stadelmann, owner and Managing Director of Chez-Vous HomeSearch, commented: “We are delighted to be members of the ARP. The ARP’s belief in the importance of promoting a strong code of conduct within the industry fits well with two of the fundamental reasons we began Chez-Vous HomeSearch – to contribute to the improvement of service standards within the property industry and to remove some of the stress from the process.”

Laurent Stadelmann
The Property Finder & Relocation Professional

Too busy to hunt for your next home?
Let Chez-Vous HomeSearch remove stress from the property process!
Tel: +44 (0) 1189 770215

PROPERTY FINDING FOR BUYERS / HOME SEARCH FOR TENANTS / CORPORATE RELOCATION SERVICES / PURCHASE PRICE NEGOTIATION SERVICE / LOCATION REPORTS / FREE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU HOUSE HUNT

Book review: “Property Development for Profit”

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:48:00 +0000

In my recent blog - Renovation advice to boost property profits - I reported on an excellent property seminar I attended, in which Dr. Dennis Coote talked about "Renovation Techniques to Boost your Property Profits”.

Dr. Dennis Coote is passionate and extremely knowledgeable about property and has developed, renovated, bought and sold over 400 properties during his 40 year career. Dennis and his partner
Book review: “Property Development for Profit”
Hazel Reed are currently renovating another property in Reading.

I highly recommend Dennis' excellent e-book - “

Property Development for Profit” - for anyone who is involved in, interested in or considering renovating property.

The e-book (or e-course) takes you through each stage of Property Development: searching for properties to renovate, dating them, inspecting them, assessing and developing what may need doing. It also covers project management, costing, budgeting, how to deal with tradesmen, solicitors and estate agents, and more.

Having read the e-book, I have found it very informative and so easy to read. It is written in a practical style, with everyday language, no jargon. This e-course will give you the confidence to renovate property and will prevent you from making many costly mistakes! It is a mine of useful information, tips and advice.

The course comes with five separate free bonus e-books: All about Kitchens, All about Bathrooms, The Art of Negotiation, All about the Legal Stuff and How to Sell Your House without an Estate Agent.

Furthermore, if you need help in the first three months after buying the e-course, you can email Dennis who will answer all your questions free of charge!

“Property Development for Profit” e-book is available for purchase by instant download.

Laurent Stadelmann
The Property Finder & Relocation Professional

Too busy to hunt for your next home?
Let Chez-Vous HomeSearch remove stress from the property process!
Tel: +44 (0) 1189 770215

PROPERTY FINDING FOR BUYERS / HOME SEARCH FOR TENANTS / CORPORATE RELOCATION SERVICES / PURCHASE PRICE NEGOTIATION SERVICE / LOCATION REPORTS / FREE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU HOUSE HUNT

The South East property market seems to be holding its own

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:20:00 +0000

We listen to the media and things look bleak: property prices are sliding; mortgages are more difficult to obtain and more expensive; energy and fuel prices keep on rising, and so on. After so many years of growth in the UK, times have become harder.

However, the property market in the South East appears to be holding its own, at least at the moment. I meet many propertyprofessionals during the course of running my home search business - estate agents, mortgage brokers, solicitors, surveyors, to name a few. Following quieter times during the last few months, several of these tell me that they are now very busy, with the number of property transactions in the Thames Valley apparently on the increase.

For example, a local estate agent told me last week that her experience with the house sales market is looking brighter. Although homes are now achieving from 5% to 10% less than they would have at the peak of last year’s market, sales were 20% higher in May compared to April. And buyer enquiries have increased in a similar pattern over the last few weeks. Some surveyors in the region, who were struggling for business at the beginning of the year, are now overwhelmed with work.

However, there are some increases that are not so good. Cases of gazundering are also on the rise as some buyers try to take advantage of market conditions. (See my blog - Is gazundering ever justified?).

The message that is repeated time and time again by any property professional is that the best quality properties sell! And purchasers are fighting over those. If sellers want to achieve a quick sale at the best price, then they need to make sure that their property is in tip-top condition and meets buyer expectations. Use the services of a good property stylist to maximise opportunities to sell: Chez-Vous HomeStyle specialises in helping sellers achieve this.

While there has been a downward adjustment in house pricing, the Thames Valley is very popular and therefore, still expensive. The Financial Times recently reported that “Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Berkshire are now among the top 35 most expensive property areas in the world”. Given such circumstances, it becomes even more important for buyers to use the services of a property search agent who will identify over-priced properties and will help their clients to negotiate the right purchase price.

In these more challenging times, clients of Chez-Vous HomeSearch appreciate our expert advice, independence and local property market knowledge. Not only do we save them time and stress on the search for the right property, they can also benefit from financial savings with effective purchase price negotiation, which is when our services become particularly cost-effective.

Laurent Stadelmann
The Property Finder & Relocation Professional

Too busy to hunt for your next home?
Let Chez-Vous HomeSearch remove stress from the property process!
Tel: +44 (0) 1189 770215

PROPERTY FINDING FOR BUYERS / HOME SEARCH FOR TENANTS / CORPORATE RELOCATION SERVICES / PURCHASE PRICE NEGOTIATION SERVICE / LOCATION REPORTS / FREE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU HOUSE HUNT

Landlords, remember your Energy Performance Certificate!

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:25:00 +0000

In December 2007 I wrote about the requirement to provide a HIP (Home Information Pack), which must contain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), when selling a property.

From 1 October 2008, all buildings, whenever they are built, sold or rented out, will require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

This new piece of legislation will affect landlords starting new tenancies (many landlords are still unaware of this – please do not Landlords, remember your Energy Performance Certificate!
hesitate to forward this information).

If you are a landlord and you:

already have a tenancy agreement on 1 October 2008; you will NOT require an EPC.
plan to let for the first time or re-let your property(ies) after 30 September 2008; you will have to provide a copy of the EPC (a photocopy of the original is acceptable) to serious prospective tenants, either prior to or at the viewing of property.

- If you let a property to several individuals each of whom has free use of the whole property (from a contractual point of view), then only one EPC will be required
- If you let a HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) – a property with shared living amenities plus individual contained bedrooms (with locks) – to 5 people, for example, then six EPCs will be required: one for the property, and one for each self-contained room
- I advise you to commission an EPC for each property you plan to let as soon as possible, as it is very likely that there will be huge demands for new EPCs in August and September.

An EPC is produced after an inspection of a property is carried out by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor. The landlord is responsible for ensuring this is done. An EPC is likely to cost between £50 and £100, and will be valid for 10 years.

However, if modernisations are carried out, it may be advantageous to have the property re-assessed to reflect the improvements.

EPCs only apply to England and Wales. Northern Ireland and Scotland are producing their own regulations.

The rationale behind EPC and its characteristics
EPCs are part of measures being applied across Europe and are in line with the European Directive for the Energy Performance of Buildings to help cut buildings’ carbon emissions and tackle climate change.

EPCs are measured using the same calculations for all properties, enabling comparison of the energy efficiency of different homes. Part of the EPC is a recommendation report which lists the potential rating that a property could achieve if changes are made. The report lists improvements that one could carry out and how this would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property.

An EPC (see sample) provides ‘A’ to ‘G’ ratings for the building, with ‘A’ being the most energy efficient and ‘G’ being the least, with the average to date being ‘D’.

Measures you can take now to improve your property energy efficiency
If your rental property is already energy efficient, the EPC will help it stand out compared to those not so energy efficient: potential tenants will be re-assured of lower energy bills – very important in these days of rising energy and fuel prices.

There are some measures you can take now to improve your property energy efficiency, and improve your EPC rating:
1: Replace light-bulbs with low-energy versions
2: Ensure the hot water cylinder has a jacket
3: Insulate the loft
4: Insulate cavity walls
5: Replace an old boiler (15 years+) with a new high efficiency condensing unit, which could save around a third on heating bills straight away.

To find out more about EPCs, visit Directgov.

Laurent Stadelmann
The Property Finder & Relocation Professional

Too busy to hunt for your next home?
Let Chez-Vous HomeSearch remove stress from the property process!
Tel: +44 (0) 1189 770215

PROPERTY FINDING FOR BUYERS / HOME SEARCH FOR TENANTS / CORPORATE RELOCATION SERVICES / PURCHASE PRICE NEGOTIATION SERVICE / LOCATION REPORTS / FREE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU HOUSE HUNT

Do you want to rent the oldest, smallest and prettiest council house in Britain?

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:35:00 +0000

It is available to rent for £75 a week in Rayleigh, Essex. However, the tenant must agree to open this tiny 17th-century thatched Dutch Cottage to the public one day a week.
It has one bedroom, a living room with a kitchen and a small bathroom.

It is administered by a trust through Rochford Council, Essex. There is one day left to apply.

Watch a video or read more.

Bank of England keeps interest rates at 5%

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:33:00 +0000

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided yesterday (10 July 2008) to keep interest rates on hold at 5% in order to balance growing evidence of an economic slowdown against the problem of rising inflation.

Graeme Leach, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, said: "If the MPC reduces interest rates, it risks losing control of inflation. Conversely, if it increases interest rates it risks losing control of growth and could trigger a recession."

The MPC’s decision caused a lot of reactions. Amongst them, Ray Boulger, mortgage adviser from John Charcol, said: "With the economic news from nearly all sectors of the economy getting worse by the day, a rate cut is badly needed to help restore some confidence to consumers and reduce the financial pressure on both them and industry."

In April 2008 the MPC cut the base rate of interest by 0.25% - down from 5.25% to 5%. This followed a similar cut, from 5.5% to 5.25%, in February 2008.
Many experts expect interest rates to remain at 5% for the rest of the year.

Don't forget to ask what the neighbours think

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:34:00 +0000

Friends of mine had found their perfect house. A renovated 3-bedroom Victorian property with original period features: slate roof tiles, Victorian fireplaces, large sash windows, etc.

Before making an offer the friends asked for my professional opinion. The property had been completely refurbished to an excellent standard and it looked sound. And on the face of it, at that moment in time, the neighbourhood looked good too.

When I search for property I always do a lot of research, including asking neighbours what they think of the area.

So after the viewing I suggested that this is exactly what we should do. Although the friends were not very comfortable with the idea, we nevertheless stopped to speak with a couple of locals and asked if they were happy living there. Well, we discovered more than we bargained for - cars regularly stolen (including theirs!), police chases, burglaries... These particular locals concluded that they wished they had never bought their houses and feared they would be difficult to sell.

My friends could not believe their ears. These little conversations probably saved them a lot of hassle - potential car theft and burglary, expensive insurance, not to mention stress and worry. Needless to say, they didn’t make an offer on that house, but they now realise that the neighbours can be a source of valuable information.

Laurent Stadelmann
The Property Finder & Adviser

Too busy to hunt for your next home?
Let Chez-Vous HomeSearch remove stress from the property process!
Tel: +44 (0) 1189 770215

PROPERTY FINDING FOR BUYERS / HOME SEARCH FOR TENANTS / CORPORATE RELOCATION SERVICES / PURCHASE PRICE NEGOTIATION SERVICE / LOCATION REPORTS / FREE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU HOUSE HUNT

Renovation advice to boost property profits

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:59:00 +0000

Last week I attended an excellent property seminar in which Dr. Dennis Coote talked about “Renovation Techniques to Boost your Property Profits”.

Dennis is passionate about property, having developed, renovated, bought and sold over 400 properties during his 40 year career. Dennis and his partner Hazel Reed are currently renovating a property in Reading.

Dennis reminded his audience of the first golden rule when investing in property: “To make a profit, you must buy at the right price. The profit you make is made when you buy, not when you sell.” This is even more appropriate in the current climate!

During the seminar he covered a wide range of subjects, aimed at helping investors looking to buy and renovate property: types of property to consider and to avoid; basic tool kit to take with you when viewing properties; location considerations; how to find, select and save money when dealing with tradesmen; sequence of work during the renovation process; etc.

Dennis also described some simple renovations and repairs which can be carried out by those skilled in DIY. Did you know that instead of paying a plumber to repair a toilet that is not flushing properly due to a damaged diaphragm, you can create a replacement plastic diaphragm yourself and save at least £50? Or that if you need to drain your central heating system but the draincock is blocked, you can buy a special clamp-on tap called a tee-valve (costs about £5), and fit it yourself on the pipe with a spanner. No leaks, no mess! And a lot of money saved! One very strong piece of advice: don’t play with gas!

Dennis recommends a visit to The National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon (M4 Junction 16).

To find out more about Dennis Coote, visit: Property Development for Profit - Dr. Dennis Coote's ecourse on property

More time to search for property

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 07:19:00 +0000

A chain of estate agents in Berkshire has decided to make available sales personnel to answer enquiries until 10pm from Monday to Friday.

According to the company, customer feedback and activity levels on its website have led to the decision to longer opening hours. Its research highlighted that more people do their property searching from home between 7pm and 10pm weekdays than any other time. This is not surprising given that potential buyers are busy doing their own work during conventional office hours, with companies getting strict on internet access for personal reasons. And, of course, if you spot a property of interest outside of agents’ traditional opening times, you would usually have to wait until the next day to ask for information, make an appointment or even an offer.

It is also likely that this estate agent seeks to gain some competitive advantage in a much more challenging property market. It will be interesting to see how many other estate agents will follow suit.

As a professional property finder and relocation services business, longer estate agent opening hours mean that, where time is of the essence, we will be able to act for our busy clients - sourcing the fine detail on shortlisted properties, organising viewings, negotiating the best price - the same day. This greater flexibility will be advantageous for both our UK and overseas clients.

Selling property in a buyer’s market – You could even gain in cash terms

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:47:00 +0000

Last month I gave some recommendations for purchasing property in a buyer’s market. This month I will look at selling property in a buyer’s market.

As a seller, be realistic with your asking price. If you have to accept a lower offer for your own home, it does not mean that you should lose out. In fact, if you are selling because you want to move up the property ladder, make a lower offer on your next home too. You could even gain in cash terms.

Let's assume your house is on the market for £400,000 and your next property is for sale at £650,000. If you agreed to sell your home at £380,000 (5% off), then make an offer on your next one for no more than £617,500 (5% off minimum). You could gain at least £12,500 (subject to your negotiations).

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Laurent Stadelmann
The Property Finder & Adviser

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PROPERTY FINDING FOR BUYERS / HOME SEARCH FOR TENANTS / CORPORATE RELOCATION SERVICES / PURCHASE PRICE NEGOTIATION SERVICE / LOCATION REPORTS / FREE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU HOUSE HUNT

Do you know someone would like to appear on channel Five's series "Build a New Life in the Country"?

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:17:00 +0000

I was contacted at the end of last week by the producers of channel Five's TV series "Build a New Life in the Country". They are looking for people interested in appearing on series 4.

They would like to film people who have just bought or are about to purchase a run-down property to renovate or restore in order to turn it in to a successful business.

For more information and contact details I can provide two press releases (one general and one tailored for people looking to start a new business).

Make sure you sign-up now to receive our FREE quarterly Property Matters! newsletters containing market news, Chez-Vous news, stories, features, tips and property events.

Laurent Stadelmann
The Property Finder & Adviser

Too busy to hunt for your next home?
Let Chez-Vous HomeSearch remove stress from the property process!
Tel: +44 (0) 1189 770215

PROPERTY FINDING FOR BUYERS / HOME SEARCH FOR TENANTS / CORPORATE RELOCATION SERVICES / PURCHASE PRICE NEGOTIATION SERVICE / LOCATION REPORTS / FREE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU HOUSE HUNT

Purchasing property in a buyer’s market

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:52:00 +0000

Since the UK credit crunch began in summer 2007, mortgages and property have rarely been out of the news. These two topics have become the constant topic of conversation all over the country.

A year ago we were in a seller's market. Now it is the opposite: a buyer's market. So what does this really mean for you if you are a residential property buyer?

In general terms the market has moved in your favour. The Halifax announced that house prices fell by 2.5% last month from February 2008. The other main housing index, Nationwide, indicated that prices fell by 0.6% in March. According to Peter Hogan of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, "Sellers are having to reduce by between 5% and 10% of the asking price. Many buyers are biding their time to see what will happen."

In reality it depends on which rung of the property ladder you are on and your current mortgage situation as to whether you can immediately benefit from this buyer’s market. If you are looking for a first-time mortgage or need to remortgage then it has become more complicated and expensive. Get plenty of advice from expert advisors. A good mortgage broker will seek to find you the best deal appropriate to your circumstances. Mortgage lenders are currently withdrawing many offers and putting up their rates and fees on new ones (even though the Bank of England decided this month (April 2008) to cut the base rate of interest by 0.25% - down from 5.25% to 5%). When you find a mortgage that is right for you, act quickly to secure it.

If you are ready to purchase now, I recommend that you do your homework and negotiate on price. Make a lower offer based on your research (market conditions, how long the property has been on the market, potential structural problems to fix, poor presentation, etc.), and that you feel comfortable with. If you believe that a property is over-priced then make an offer that you consider realistic. No one can predict the future but if you can’t purchase at a price that you are confident with, then walk-away from potential financial problems and negative equity. The last thing you want to be worrying about is a possible future house price slide and killer mortgage payments.

Remember, a property is only worth what somebody is willing to pay for it! If you are at all uncertain or uncomfortable about doing the negotiation yourself then get someone who is a confident negotiator to do it for you - a friend, a family member or an expert professional property finder and purchase price negotiator.

Next time I will be discussing vendors selling in a buyer’s market.

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Laurent Stadelmann - The Property Finder & Adviser
Managing Director - Chez-Vous HomeSearch

Ten tips when buying leasehold flats

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:02:00 +0000

After reading our last issue of “Property Matters!” Newsletter Andy Szebeni of A&P Sales Training and Telemarketing replied to our “Share your property stories” section. Andy suggested sharing amongst our readers ‘10 tips when buying leasehold flats’, collated by one of his clients, Leasehold Solutions Limited.

Would you be surprised to know that if you were to ask the average buyer what issues they are considering with regard to the leases on the flats they are viewing, you may be met with silence? Many buyers do not realise or consider the implications that purchasing a leasehold property may have. But they should! Issues relating to the leasehold of flats can have a significant impact on the value and future marketability of a flat. So if you are considering purchasing leasehold, I strongly suggest you read these “10 top tips about leases” first.

Read more about issues to consider when buying a leasehold flat.

Make sure you sign-up now to receive our FREE quarterly Property Matters! newsletters containing market news, Chez-Vous news, stories, features, tips and property events.

Laurent Stadelmann - The Property Finder & Adviser
Managing Director - Chez-Vous HomeSearch

The 20 best places in Britain to buy a property

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:50:00 +0000

Estate agent Knight Frank has conducted some research for The Sunday Times to identify the 20 most recession-proof towns in Britain.

By taking in account factors such as affordability, wages, employment growth, population growth, qualifications and employment rate, Knight Frank’s top 20 “fail-safe” investment towns in Britain are:

1. Cambridge
2. York
3. Oxford
4. Milton Keynes
5. Guilford
6. Reading
7. Edinburgh
8. Bristol
9. Bath
10. Crawley
11. Worthing
12. Southampton
13. Brighton
14. Chester
15. Bournemouth
16. Portsmouth
17. Swindon
18. Telford
19. Norwich
20. Warrington

Laurent Stadelmann
Managing Director - Chez-Vous HomeSearch

Property investors, landlords - are you claiming all your expenses?

laurent@chez-vous.biz (Chez-Vous HomeSearch) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:00:00 +0000

Here are some tips that I published in my last newsletter that I thought may be useful.

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Some investors or landlords may not be aware of some of the expenses and allowances they can deduct from the taxable rental income. Ensuring that you offset all your legitimate costs will help minimise your tax bill.

Some of the expenses that can be offset against rental income are:

Finance charges: any interest paid on the loan/mortgage taken out to purchase a rental or buy-to-let property is tax deductible, as is interest on any secured or unsecured loans taken out to obtain the property or to finance repairs.
Legal & professional fees: if you use the services of accountants and letting agents, their fees are tax deductible.Legal expenses associated with preparing tenancy contracts and dealing with tenant disputes are also tax deductible. However legal expenses associated with purchasing property cannot be offset against rental income (these expenses are offset against your capital gains tax liability when you sell the property).
Council Tax, electricity, water & gas: if all rooms are rented out, all the usual running costs are fully tax deductible, assuming that none of the tenants makes a contribution to the bills. If you let your property exclusive of all the bills, then you cannot claim.Between tenancies the landlord is responsible for paying council tax and utility charges, which are tax deductible.
Insurance: buildings insurance, contents insurance, rental guarantee, as well as maintenance insurance policies for gas boilers, plumbing cover and white goods are also tax deductible.
Ground rent & service charges: on a leasehold property there is usually a ground rent and a service charge to pay to the freeholder; these are deductible.
Marketing and advertising costs: any costs associated with finding tenants or selling your property are tax deductible. Other tax deductible costs include expenses such as setting up a website or having some “to let” boards made up.
Managing / letting agent fees: if you use agents to let and/or manage your property, their fees are tax deductible.
Cleaning between tenancies
Garden maintenance
Wear and tear: if you let furnished accommodation, you can claim 10% of the gross rental income (minus rents, rates, council tax, water rates).
Administration expenses: any stationary, office and administration expenses such as telephone, all paper and envelopes, printing, postage, office consumable and any other costs incurred in connection with running your property business are fully tax deductible.

I would like to clarify that I am not a tax expert. Please check with an accountant or Tax Office if there are issues that are particular to your personal and property circumstances.

Laurent Stadelmann
Managing Director - Chez-Vous HomeSearch