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For all your local property news www.whathouse.com

Connells Office01543 262376

The Malt HouseCairns Close

Lichfield, WS14 [email protected]

Exceptional homes,Picturesque location,Easy access to Central London

Just 5% Deposit

Visit www.marcityhomes.com or

Call 0154 325 6647 to find out more.

A unique opportunity to purchase a contemporary apartment in a Grade II listed building. The Malt House offers a collection of 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom

apartments & duplexes.

√ Integrated fridge/freezer √ Integrated washer/dryer √ Integrated dishwasher √ Porcelanosa tiling √ Master bedrooms with ensuite

A CHANCE TO BUY A PIECE OF HISTORY

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essentiaLsLocal WELCOME www.whathouse.com nov 2014 | 3

Could you please give us a brief introduction

to your company and the area in which you

operate?

Hunters Harborne launched earlier this year

following the rebranding of Knightstone Estate

Agents in Harborne. Myself, Simon Redhead

and Dean Meyrick are franchise owners of

the branch and between us we have 60 years’

experience in the industry. We are proud to be

part of the UK’s fastest growing independent

estate agency group, and are excited that we are

part of a network which has over 125 branches

across the UK. The branch operates throughout

Harborne and Edgbaston and within a 2/3 mile

radius of these areas.

What types of properties do you sell?

We have a significant range of property in the

Harborne area. We market anything from one-

bedroom flats at £100,000 right through to £1

million houses. Our main business is currently

homes priced between £225,000 and £650,000.

What is the property market currently like in

your area?

We’ve had a very active year. Prices are still

fairly buoyant and the market is strong, and

this can be attributed to Harborne’s great

location. It’s close enough to Birmingham to

benefit from easy access into the city but avoids

the high price points in the city centre. Queen

Elizabeth Hospital is just outside this area too,

as is Birmingham University, both of which

generate a large need for housing. I expect

prices to remain the same next year, if not

increase.

What are the current buying and renting

trends in your area?

We are mainly seeing professionals buying in

Harborne; with the area popular with medics

due to our close proximity to Queen Elizabeth

Hospital. The rental market here is also very

strong, with much of the demand coming from

tenants on short term contracts at the hospital

or studying at Birmingham University.

how much do properties typically cost to buy

and rent?

A two-bedroom flat would start at around

£150,000, a two-bedroom terrace at £250,000

and a family home at £300,000. On the rental

side, a two-bedroom flat would cost roughly

£800 per calendar month and a four-bedroom

family home would cost £1,700.

Where is the best place for first-time buyers

to purchase a home?

The area is so affordable that there are

properties available for first-time buyers pretty

much everywhere in and around Harborne.

Are there any particular areas in which

investors should be looking to buy property?

Properties throughout the area find tenants

fairly quickly, especially if they have easy access

to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Birmingham

University.

What do you expect to see happen in the local

market during the remainder of the year?

We have just had a flurry of activity, and despite

getting nearer to Christmas we are still selling

a number of properties at their asking price and

sometimes above it. The market will obviously

slow down as we get nearer Christmas, but we

certainly expect it to pick up again in the New

Year.

Find out more at huntersnet.co.uk;

0121 647 4233

t his Friday, I’ll be one of 1,640 people squeezing into the

Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park

Lane for the WhatHouse? Awards 2014.

It’s our flagship annual event and it’s been going for over

30 years. Known as the ‘Oscars of the housebuilding industry’, they

represent the most coveted new homes awards in the country.

As one of the judging panel, I know first-hand that this year’s Awards

have been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to sift through, as the

standard has been exceptionally high across all categories, from starter

homes to retirement property to luxury developments.

If you’re considering buying a new-build home, it is arguably the best-

ever time to purchase one – particularly one that has won a WhatHouse?

Award. If you see a plaque or flag denoting that a development or

company is an award-winner, you’ll have the prestige and peace-of-mind

to know that what you buy will be one of the best of its kind in the UK.

The winners will be announced at the event, just past our deadline for

the next issue, so we’ll bring you a full run-down of this year’s honours

in WhatHouse? Local in our 2nd December issue.

Happy-house-hunting!

Keith Osborne

Editor, Whathouse?

Say What? Win

a bathroom suite!

Only one lucky household will win. Don’t miss your chance to win this lovely Joyou bathroom suite.Go to www.facebook.com/whathouseproperty Competition closes Friday 28 november. See whathouse.com for terms and conditions.

This november we are giving away a complete luxury Amsterdam bathroom suite, courtesy of joyou.co.uk – part of the Grohe Group.

EnTErinG iS EASy:1. Visit Whathouse? on Facebook and ‘Like’ our Facebook page

(double your chances by adding a ‘share’!)2. answer the question at the bottom of that page3. enter your details

Agent of the weekAndy ThomAs, director of hunters in harborne

R7176 What House Ad Oct DPS.indd 1-2 21/10/2014 16:50

medium agency medium agency

Silver Street, Brownhills• Two Bedroom Mid Townhouse• Open Plan Lounge/Kitchen• Master Bedroom with En Suite• Family Bathroom

OIEO £139,995

Balford Grove, Stafford• Spacious Detached House• Four Spacious Bedrooms• Master En Suite• Cul-de-sac Location

OIRO £249,950

Old Western Road, Bishops Wood• Deceptively Spacious House • Three/Four Bedrooms• Master En Suite • No Chain

OIRO £319,950

Brownhills 1 High Street, WS8 6ED

01543 226710

Cannock33 Market Place, WS11 1BS

01543 226673

Wolverhampton42 Queen Square, WV1 1TX

01902 907973

Walsall7 Queens Parade, WS3 2EX

01922 666683

For a free Market Appraisal call Your Local Office or text GOODCHILDS to 60607

Silkmore Lane, Stafford• Semi Detached• Three Bedrooms• Extended Kitchen• No Chain

£125,000

Goldthorn Road, Wolverhampton• Detached House • Four Bedrooms• Loft Room • Double Garage

£250,000

Homestead Court, Stafford• Barn Conversion • One Bedroom• Spacious Lounge/Diner • Galleried Landing

OIRO £116,500

Waite Road, Willenhall• Semi Detached• Three Bedrooms• Modern Bathroom• Double Glazed

OIRO £125,000

Park Lane, Wolverhampton• Two Bedrooms• Newly Re-fitted Kitcehn• Newly Re-fitted Bathroom• Conservatory

£94,950

Sorrel Close, Wolverhampton• Two Bedrooms • Modernised Throughout• L Shaped Conservatory• Carport

£130,000

St Peters Close, Stonnall• Detached House• Four Bedrooms• En Suite • No Upward Chain

OIRO £350,000

Westfield Drive, Alderidge• Three Bedroom Townhouse • Kitchen/Diner• Family Bathroom• Two En Suites

£214,995

£125,000

Lichfield Road, Brownhills• Three Bedroom • Two Reception Rooms• Luxury Family Shower Room • Utility

OIRO £139,995

Creswell Farm Drive, Stafford• Three Bedrooms• Extended To Rear• Storage Room/Office• No Chain

OIRO £179,950

Cherwell Drive, Walsall• Two Bed Terrace• Porch• Kitchen/Diner• Frone and Rear Gardens

OIRO £94,995

Church Walk, Wolverhampton• Three Bedrooms• Double Glazing• Original Gas Fires• Great Location

£169,000

Fernwood, Stafford• Spacious Detached House• Four Bedrooms• Two Reception Rooms• Sun Room

£194,950

High Street, Brownhills• Two Bed Terrace• Open Plan Lounge Diner• Family Bathroom• Cellar

OIRO £99,995

Lawn Road, Wolverhampton• First Floor Flat• One Bedroom• Family Bathroom• Double Glazing

£64,500

Ivy Cottages, Stafford• Park Home• Two Bedrooms• One Reception Room• Far Reaching views

OIRO £73,000

Raby Street, Wolverhampton• Three Reception Rooms• Three Bedrooms• Downstairs WC• Family Bathroom

OIEO £105,000

Rookery Road, Lanesfield • Detached Bungalow • Plot Just Under 1 Acre• Loft Room/Study • Workshop To Rear

OIRO £269,995

Mount Road, Wolverhampton• Semi Detached• Three Bedrooms• Kitchen/Diner • Off Road Parking

£105,000

Marston Road, Stafford• Spacious Terrace• Two Double Rooms• Kitchen/Diner• No Upward Chain

OIRO £115,000

Churchill Way, Stafford• Large Family Home• Five Bedrooms• Re-styled Kitchen/Diner• Master En Suite

£165,000

Power of the network, 16 Award winning offices across the region!

Find us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter

Bush Grove, Walsall• Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms• Family Bathroom • Front and Rear Gardens

OIRO £167,500

Pelsall Road, Walsall• Semi Detached • Three Bedrooms• Kitchen/Diner• No Upward Chain

OIRO £145,000

Long Street, Stafford• Large Detached Bungalow• Three Double Bedrooms• Two Large Reception Rooms • Conservatory

OIRO £375,000

Bridgeside Close, Clayhanger• Detached Townhouse • Four Bedrooms• Guest WC • Single Garage

OIRO £215,000

Clark Road, Wolverhampton• Detached Property • Three Bedrooms• Two Reception Rooms • Shower Room

£225,000

Pentland Gardens, Wolverhampton• Four Bedrooms• Spacious Lounge/Diner• Conservatory• Landscaped Rear Garden

£235,000

For more information on promoting your property in our Park Lane office or for a free valuation, please contact Fine & Country Solihull on 0121 746 6400 or email [email protected]

Your property in Park LaneShowcase your property to the lucrative London market

Landlords and Property Owners:We can let and manage your properties on a three, five or seven year lease. From the moment you sign the lease you can sit back and relax and let us take care of your property for you.

So if you are a landlord with a good quality property – let us do the work for you.

www.whomes.org.uk/city-homes

• Rent covered by Wolverhampton Homes

• Full tenancy management

• Full property management “City Homes manage

all my properties. In the three years I have been with City Homes they’ve surprised me and proven

straightforward to deal with, and flexible where necessary. The removal of the hassle and the long term certainty of

income stream is essential for the smaller landlord.”

Matt Davies, Property Entrepreneur

Help to Buy is a Government backed initiative in partnership with housebuilders. *Shows price with 20% loan assistance. Available on selected plots, subject to status, terms and conditions. Help To Buy cannot be used in conjunction with any other scheme. It is highly advised, for a swift,smooth transaction that an IFA/Solicitor advised by Redrow Homes is used. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Redrow offer. Image typical of a Redrow homes. Price correct at time of going to press. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UPREPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. CHECK THAT THIS MORTGAGE WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS IF YOU WANT TO MOVE OR SELL YOUR HOME OR YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY TO INHERIT IT. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, SEEK INDEPENDENT ADVICE.

Chestnut Walk, Bilston

Visit: redrow.co.uk/chestnut Call: 01902 471172

HELP TO BUY

Chestnut WalkBankfield Road, BilstonWest Midlands WV14 0TWOpen Daily, 10am ~ 5.30pm

2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes available from only

PURCHASE PRICE HELP TO BUY PRICE

£124,995 £99,996*

AT

4 & 5 bedroom detached family homes from

Part Exchange and our assisted move scheme Mastermove are available.

Compton Park in Compton

£444,995

Compton ParkCompton Road West,Wolverhampton WV3 9DX. See website for opening times

OUTSTANDING NEW

FAMILY HOMES

Visit: redrow.co.uk/compton Call: 01902 47115 3

Your mobile operator may charge data usage for scanning QR codes, please ensure you have the appropriate data plan. Offers available on selected plots only subject to availability, contract and status and on completions on or before the agreed date. Terms and conditions apply.See website for details. Redrow reserve the right to withdraw or alter this offer at any time prior to the payment of a reservation fee. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Redrow offer. Image typical of a Redrow home. Price correct at time of going to print.

AT

12 | nov 2014 www.whathouse.com NEW hOMES

With more

than half of

the homes

at Redrow’s

exclusive

Compton Park

development

now sold, opportunities are diminishing for

house-hunters in the Midlands to find the

property of their dreams at the development.

Many of those who will be considering

one of these high-specification homes have

properties of their own to sell and they may

be delaying taking action because they think

it might be difficult to get a good price for

their home or because they can’t face the

hassle of dealing with estate agents and

potential buyers.

To speed up the buying and selling

process, Redrow offers practical help

through its Mastermove service. The

WhatHouse? award-winning housebuilder

may even consider part exchange in certain

circumstances.

Pauline Turnbull, sales director for

Redrow Homes (Midlands), says: “Compton

Park is now an established neighbourhood

where people aspire to live. We’ve seen an

increase in enquiries as people see the homes

taking shape and more homeowners moving

in.

“They love the homes but while they long

to move here, they often have a property

they need to sell before they can commit to

buying. What they perhaps don’t realise is

that we can help them sell up quickly, with

the minimum of fuss and hopefully achieve

full market value for the house they’re

moving from.”

Customers who sign up for Mastermove

will have their property independently

valued and, once a selling price is agreed,

Redrow instructs a local estate agent and

online agent to market the property on their

customer’s behalf. Redrow keeps in regular

contact with all parties to ensure the sales

process runs smoothly, taking the pressure

off their buyer.

The housebuilder may accept the

customer’s property in part payment for a

brand new home at Compton Park. Generally

speaking, to take advantage of part

exchange, customers must be upgrading

from a property that’s worth at least 35%

less than the home they want to buy.

Compton Park features a range of energy-

efficient four- and five-bedroom homes with

prices currently from £444,995. A five-

bedroom ‘Buckingham’ (pictured), priced at

£599,995, features two reception rooms and

an open-plan kitchen, breakfast area and

family room with adjoining utility room.

Four of its five

bedrooms have

their own en

suite, with the

master bedroom

enjoying the added glamour of a dressing

room.

to find out more, visit the sales office and

show home at Compton Park which are

open daily from 10.00am to 5.30pm

or call 01902 238 330

(www.redrow.co.uk/compton).

+ This Denford 3 bedroom home is ideal for first time buyers and growing families.

+ Includes flooring, upgraded Kitchen and turf to rear garden.

+ Buy with Help to Buy, and you could buy with as little as 5% deposit.

+ Ready to move into. You could be moved into your brand new home just in time for Christmas!

Visit our sales centre today to find out more, and to view our stunning new show home!

Available for just

£139,995

Move into your brand new home just in time for Christmas with plot 109 at Spring Walk, Willenhall

Move in for Christmas

* Taylor Wimpey terms and conditions apply. The images on this page show a typical Taylor Wimpey home and include optional upgrades at additional costs.

Call 01902 544 473or visit taylorwimpey.co.uk/springwalkSales centre open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm

SPRING WALKSpring Lane, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV12 4HW

2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes from £133,500

5% deposit is all you need

Ready to move into

35786-TWWM-WhatHouse-SW-HPH-Ad.indd 1 27/10/2014 16:44

Mastermove to a new Redrow home at Compton Parkhousebuilder’s scheme takes the strain out of finding a buyer

1. Servis’ new FG 8kg HydroDrive model is ideal for large family washes and comes with the Allergy UK Seal of Approval, as well as an LED screen, £419, www.servis.co.uk; 2. Smeg’s WMFABAZ1 7kg washing machine comes in a choice of funky colourways – pastel blue, pink, cream and black – and offers a range of washes that includes a gym setting, £813, www.smeguk.com; 3. Amica’s AWN912DJB is a 9kg machine with 15 different programmes, including a super-fast 12-minute wash for smaller loads, £329, www.amica-international.co.uk; 4. Whirlpool’s 9kg WWDC 9444 was voted best model in a review of 18 washing machines by the Swiss test institute EMPA, £479.99, www.whirlpool.co.uk; 5. The stackable Maytag 10kg MWA10149WH features IntelliSense technology, which can save up to 70% on energy, water and time, £650, www.maytag.co.uk

14 interiors Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Sleek, eco-friendly and available now in rainbow colours, washing machines are bigger and smarter in more ways than one. Richenda Oldham looks at some of the latest models

Life on the fast spin

1 2

3

4 5

Thinking of selling your home?

Do you know how much your home is really worth? Find out with our FREE valuation service.

It’s a quick and easy process that you can carry out online or over the phone.

Visit www.whathouse.co.uk/free-valuation or call us now on 0121 262 4146.

£?

WhatHouse? works with a team of reputable agents that will carry out the free valuation

£1000 HOMEWARE VOUCHERS

£1015 INCLUSIVE FLOORING

£ZERO RESERVATION FEE

2015 GIVEAWAY*RESERVE IN 2014 FOR OUR

Heathside Walk, Walsall WS3 1PE

Walton Homes all new canalside development of 3 & 4 bedroomed homes

Prices starting from £129,950 or £103,960 with Help to Buy

Show home open daily 11am-5pm

Complete, ready to move in

Call 01922 496748 | Visit www.waltonhomes.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply

LIMITED

AVAILABILITY

38205_Walton_new_year_ad_3.indd 1 05/11/2014 15:38

3-11 Interior photographs from a typical showhome. * Terms and conditions apply, available on request. **En-suites to selected plots.

t: 0845 652 2491sales hotline: 0800 285 1082

e: [email protected]

SaleS office and Showhomeopen ThurSday To monday, 10am - 5pm

www.kierhomes.co.uk

THE BIRCHES Willcock Road, off Dixon Street, Wolverhampton WV2 2DA

your home, your location

amazing specification includes: Contemporary kitchen with upstands Integrated dishwasher & fridge/freezer Stainless steel oven, hob & hood Fitted wardrobes & en-suite to master bedroom** Turfed garden & block paved driveway

Visit The Birches, off Dixon Street, this weekend to view the beautiful new showhome at this exciting development of 2, 3, & 4 bedroom homes.

Prices start from only £94,396* through Help to Buy (purchase price £117,995).

SHoWHome NoW oPeNThe wait is over!

Be quick and take your pick!

take a look at the Spitfire difference

Prestigious homes in prime locations

From apartments and townhouses in towns and cities to country retreatsand family residences in semi rural locations, all Spitfire homes benefit froma superb high specification as standard. Offering a peerless level of qualityin design and construction you’ll find Spitfire homes located in some of

the most desirable locations in Central and Southern England.

For further details visit our website www.spitfirepg.co.uk.

Developing in these prime locations:

BERKSHIRE AscotBIRMINGHAM Sutton Coldfield

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Cheltenham, Chipping Camden, Stow on the WoldOXFORDSHIRE Banbury, Henley on Thames

SOMERSET BathWARWICKSHIRE Knowle (near Solihull), Leamington Spa, Stratford upon Avon

www.spitfirepg.co.uk

The Cottage at Hall Farm Estate, Knowle

CALAHOME S

COPPER BEECH CLOSE, MANOR ROAD & BUSHWOOD GARDENS, BUSHWOOD DRIVE, DORRIDGE

CALL 01564 797640. CALA.CO.UK

TWO EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENTS OF

5 BEDROOM DETACHED HOMES

IN DORRIDGE

COMING SOON, L IFE WITH STY LE

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Computer generated image - Copper Beech Close

5 star customer service 5 years running

WH13NOV

Distinct Quality Since 1880

B17 HarborneSuperbly specified 4 bedroomtownhouses within walking distance of the High Street.

Northfield Road, Harborne, B17 0SU

Malferna View - Coming SoonSeven 4 & 5 bedroom homes set around a private driveway.

Astwood Bank, Worcestershire

The BloomeryA prestigious development of justnine 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes in a sought after location.

Giggetty Lane, Wombourne, WV5 0AX

The OrieIA stunning collection of fourteen 4 and 5 bedroom homes.

Whittington Road, Stourbridge, DY8 3BL

Kings CourtAn exclusive enclave of just ten 2, 3& 4 bedroom homes set within a private gated driveway.

Heathfield Road, Kings Heath, B14 7BU

Spire ViewTwelve luxury homes in the beautifulOld Yardley Park conservation area.

Church Road, Yardley, B33 8PA

Lime Grove - Coming SoonTwelve 4 and 5 bedroom homes setaround a private driveway.

Weoley Park Road, Selly Oak, B29 6RB

Victoria GardensA delightful development in asecluded location. 3 & 4 bedroom homes available.

Victoria Avenue, Bloxwich, WS3 3HT

Longmoor GroveJust thirteen distinctive 4 and 5bedroom homes set around a private driveway.

Beech Hill Road, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1BY

Help to Buy Available*

Distinct Quality - Outstanding Locationsacross the West Midlands...

For information on all our developments call 01384 446 201or visit our website www.kendrickhomes.co.uk*Help to Buy available on homes up to £600,00. Terms and conditions apply. Photographs show a typical Kendrick home interior.

Help to Buy

Thinking of selling your home?

Do you know how much your home is really worth? Find out with our FREE valuation service.

It’s a quick and easy process that you can carry out online or over the phone.

Visit www.whathouse.com/value-my-property/value-my-property-now or call us now on 0121 262 4146.

WhatHouse? works with a team of reputable agents that will carry out the free valuation.

£?

• Proud history 37 years trading as Plumbing and Heating specialists

• Commercial and residential work

• Traditional gas and plumbing work

• Renewable technologies design team

• Biomass boiler installations

• Solar pv installations

• Heat pumps installed

• RHI and FIT applications

T: 0871 2222 813 • E: [email protected] • Isis House, Smith Road, Wednesbury, WS10 0PB

www.witlodge.co.uk

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

WITLODGE !!!!

D.O.B. 20/10/1977

Proud to be serving all our customers

for the last 37 years...

TRADITIONAL OR NEW OUR QUALITY COVERS..

No. 3832

No. 6008204007

No. C7070

Approved Contractors

Scheme

Witlodge wishes all the

WhatHouse? Awards nominees

the best of luck!

Connells Office

0121 556 2338

Alexandra Road, Tipton. Sandwell

DY4 [email protected]

Just 5% Deposit

Visit www.marcityhomes.com or

Call 0845 605 7773 to find out more.

All Alexandra Grange properties feature a range of benefits already included making it easier for you to settle into your new home faster.

√ 2, 3, 4 bedroom homes √ Integrated fridge/freezer √ Integrated washer/dryer √ Integrated dishwasher √ Porcelanosa tiling √ Master bedrooms with ensuite

SPECIAL INCENTIVES THIS WEEKEND

Reserve today and be in your home before Christmas!!!

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