Real Estate & Other News in United Kingdom from Propertyshowrooms.com

UK home buyers are 'satisfied'

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

New home buyers in the UK are satisfied with the all-round quality of their purchases, the results of a new survey have found.

This is according to the latest House Builder Federation's (HBF) 2011 customer satisfaction study, which reported that some 88 per cent of buyers are very or fairly satisfied with their new home.

A similar number, 86 per cent, added that they would recommend their builder to a friend - underlining the standard of workmanship on offer in the UK construction sector.

"These results are truly outstanding and a testament to the efforts made by our industry to deliver ever increasing satisfaction levels to new home buyers," said Stewart Baseley, executive chairman at HBF.

"All the evidence we now have demonstrates categorically that as an industry we are delivering in the overwhelming majority of cases the type of product our customer's want, in a manner with which they are satisfied."

The results of the survey follow figures released by the Land Registry which show that average house prices in the UK fell by 1.7 per cent in February.

Average UK property values fall, Land Registry claims

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The latest figures have revealed that average house prices in the UK fell during February, although there are a number of regional differences.

According to statistics released by the Land Registry, the value of a residential property in England and Wales has dropped by 1.7 per cent.

However, house prices in London were up 3.2 per cent in the year and in the east of England values went up by one per cent.

The biggest fall in prices over the year was seen in the north-east of England, at 7.1 per cent. The region also had the biggest month-on-month decline, dropping by four per cent in February.

London had the biggest annual rise in prices, although properties in the capital did drop in value by 0.5 per cent in February month-on-month.

The IPD UK Residential Index recently claimed that property in England offered investors double-digit annual returns last year.

Standing at 10.4 per cent, the index shows that individuals with real estate in the UK enjoyed capital growth of 7.4 per cent and income growth of 2.8 per cent in 2010.

UK home values rise in October

Tue, 9 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

According to the latest Halifax house price index, home values rose in October following a fall the previous month.

The average price of a residential property in the country climbed by 1.8 per cent over the period, although analysts say the increase does not represent a turn-around in the sector's fortunes.

"Does the 1.8 per cent rebound in house prices in October reported by the Halifax significantly change our view that house prices are likely to soften by around ten per cent by the end of 2011? In a word, no," said Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight.

"It is not inconsistent with our view that house prices will trend down gradually through the final months of 2010 and during 2011 rather than crash [and] to lose around ten per cent of their value," Mr Archer added.

Earlier this week, Nationwide released their monthly price index which reported a quarterly decline of 1.5 per cent over the past three months, those looking for property in the UK may be interested to learn.

Over 90 per cent of Britons with holiday homes abroad are underinsured

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many British owners of property abroad are underinsured following a change in legislation. The Rome II legislation came into effect this month and owners risk facing challenges in UK courts if they have inadequate public liability insurance.

The change in legislation particularly affects owners of European property owners, Tonic Insurance told Overseas Property Professional (OPP). As a result of the change, over 90 per cent of Britons with homes overseas are now underinsured, particularly those who rent out their holiday home to guests.

Insurance cover for public liability in Europe is traditionally at a very low level. However, should a UK national injure themselves in a European property and both owner and tenant reside in Britain, action can be brought in the UK. Awards in the British courts are often higher than in mainland Europe and typically exceed the level of cover offered by local insurance companies.

Tonic Insurance's chief executive and chairman, John Newman, explained the problem to OPP: "The liability cover for Spain and Portugal is often extremely low, frequently in the region of €100,000 to €160,000. This would leave a client very dangerously exposed, as any meaningful claim would potentially exceed this limit."

The company has recently branched out into the overseas market and provides a £5m limit of indemnity for mid range homes to the largest properties, Newman added. Its insurance product provides coverage for holiday villas in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Greece as well as holiday cottages in the UK and Ireland.

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 for holiday homes worldwide.

Squatters occupy Park Lane houses

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Squatters are occupying two houses in London's Park Lane. The seven-storey properties are worth up to an estimated £30m and are said to be owned by the Duke of Westminster.

The 20 squatters said they gained access to the houses in London through an open basement door, according to The Sun. The two properties are said to be close to Madonna's Park Lane home.

The squatters in the Mayfair residences enjoy impressive views over Hyde Park and moved into the houses two months ago. One of the occupants, a 27 year old male from Cape Town, told the paper: "The view at sunset over Hyde Park is just magic - especially from the penthouse. I really love it here."

Before they moved in, the properties were empty, claim the squatters. "There's quite a large squatters' community in London and we always pass on information. We'd noticed these houses had been empty for about two years. We got in through an open basement door," he added.

Public opinion of the squatters is negative. A local estate agent told the paper: "It's a real waste. Each of these properties is worth £12m to £15m, even in a state of disrepair."

Meanwhile, a member of the Westminster Homeowners' Association said: "I'm very upset. We don't want this sort of thing blighting such a beautiful part of London."

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 for holiday homes worldwide.

Virgin Galactic on course to begin commercial space flights in 2011

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The world's first and only private space-liner Virgin Galactic will begin its commercial flights into space in 2011 with 300 passengers already booked for the gravity-defying journeys...

RICS urges action on abandoned homes

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Government could house tens of thousands of families if it took steps to help to bring Britain's empty homes back into use, according to a report by the RICS...

Sarkozy and PM in economy talks

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Nicolas Sarkozy and Jose Manuel Barroso are to meet Gordon Brown at Downing Street for talks on the global economy...

Kensington and Chelsea home to 'most expensive street'

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Vale in London's Kensington and Chelsea is Britain's most expensive street, with an average property price of £4,677,500...

Leona Lewis buys apartment in Hackney

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Leona Lewis is buying an apartment in Hackney. The X Factor singer grew up in Hackney and was renting in the area before buying a home with her boyfriend.

23 year old Lewis told Hello! magazine that, despite her success in the US, she wants to stay in London's East End near her family.

Lewis explained: "We were renting it but the landlord [told us] 'You have to get out now'. I talked him into selling it to me. When you're really settled it's hard to move."

"I really love the place - it's really private and the neighbours are cool. And it's very close to my parents."

Talking about the option of moving to the US, Lewis added: "I don't think I'd move permanently. I love going to America, there are so many great people there, [but] I'm not sure I could permanently uproot myself from the UK, it would be too hard."

The singer is buying the apartment in Hackney with her boyfriend Lou Al-Chamaa.

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 holiday home website.

Expats should research new home

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Prospective expatriates have been encouraged to spend time in their destination of choice before committing to a move.

Shelter Offshore said people who are planning to move abroad would benefit from taking the "longest vacation" they possibly can.

The website stated that this would allow potential migrants to engage with the local expatriate community and look at practical lifestyle considerations beyond the quality of the area's beaches.

For example, Shelter Offshore said people need to take into account matters such as how they plan to generate an income while living overseas.

"By far the biggest problem most of us face when we consider moving to better places is how do we fund our new life?," it commented.

The online portal added that meeting expatriates who have already relocated to the area would help possible new arrivals make sure they are well-prepared for such a move.

According to a poll by NatWest, many British expatriates believe they are fitting into their new communities very well.

People from the UK were said to be adopting a different way of life in order to help them assimilate and becoming an "integral" part of the place in which they now live.

50 best places to retire in Britain

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you're planning on simply relaxing, or looking for adventure, Caroline McGhie explains where to start...

DREI launches new real estate degree programmes

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Govt body says it wants to ensure sustainability through homegrown talent...

Richard Hammond buys haunted Herefordshire castle

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Richard Hammond has bought a castle in Herefordshire. Hammond and his family may not be the only occupants of his new home; the 18th century castle is said to be haunted by its first owner.

Top Gear star Hammond paid £2m for his Herefordshire castle, according to HELLO! magazine. The luxury castle is set in 20 acres and has six bedrooms.

Hammond, wife Mindy and their two daughters will be moving from their home in Gloucestershire to the "sprawling" property, which has an indoor pool, stables and extensive outbuildings.

However, the family may not be alone; it is said that the castle is haunted by the ghost of its first owner, an English man who died heartbroken after being jilted by his Spanish lover.

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 holiday home website.

Spare rooms 'worth £63m'

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners are missing out on an estimated £63.4 billion by not letting spare rooms out to lodgers, according to the latest research from Abbey...

Gerrard's new gym is so big it has different postcode to his house

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Steven Gerrard's new gym is so big that it has a different postcode to his house. The gym in Gerrard's back garden has been greeted with mixed opinions from his neighbours.

Gerrard's £350,000 two-storey gym in the Merseyside suburb of Freshfield is almost complete following eight months of construction, according to The Times.

The copper and glass gym has been built on the site of a former bungalow in Gerrard's back garden; despite several objections Gerrard was granted planning permission to build the structure behind his £2m home. However, the footballer's neighbours are still divided over the new gym.

"The gym is not to my taste, but my husband and two sons love it. There are always going to be people who are going to object but there are a lot who love the fact that he is here - and I'm sure that Gerrard doesn't care what others think," said a woman who lives directly opposite the gym.

Others are not so pleased: "I cannot begin to understand why anyone would want to build an eyesore like this in their back garden. It is not in keeping with the properties in this area," said one, while another felt that the new gym was nothing more than a "glorified garden shed" that happened to be worth more than the average semi-detached house.

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 holiday home website.

Brits behaving worse abroad

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Foreign Office has reported this week that the number of British citizens arrested overseas has risen significantly in some countries, and has laid the blame at the door of irresponsible drinking.

In Spain alone, the number of Briton arrested rose by nearly a third to 2,032. Spain also accounted for the most passports lost (6,710) and the highest number of hospital admissions (695). This figure should be viewed in the context of the estimated 17 million Brits who traveled to Spain in the past year, the most popular destination for UK travelers in the world.

Cyprus has the highest proportion of arrests compared to visitor numbers, and Thailand the highest number of injuries or deaths among tourists – much of which is put down to the notoriously-dangerous roads. France, with a reputation for quieter, more civilized holidays, saw the sharpest increase in arrests, up 42 per cent. This, however, comes against a background of just 153 arrests in total among 15 million visitors fr...

Residents challenge Heron’s ‘Black and Bling’ Barbican tower

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Barbican Association has challenged Heron International over its plans to alter the external appearance of its residential tower Milton Court in the City of London...

City licks wound over JP Morgan defection to CanaryWharf

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Investment bank deals hammer blow to Square Mile...

Eco homes: 'Our meter is going backwards'

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sarah Lonsdale meets a couple who got rid of the oil tank and put in solar panels...

Johnny Depp could be moving to the UK

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Johnny Depp may be looking to move to the UK. Depp has reportedly been house hunting in England, viewing a mansion near Norwich.

Hollywood actor Depp has been looking for a home in the English countryside, according to Celebrity Wonder News. Depp, star of Pirates of the Caribbean, is said to have viewed a £5.5m mansion just outside of Norwich.

"We can't confirm who we've been talking to about the estate. There has been a lot of interest but we cannot disclose the name of any potential purchaser," said the estate agent handling the Norwich property, refusing to confirm any rumours that Depp is buying the East Anglian estate.

Depp currently lives in France with his long-term girlfriend Vanessa Paradis and their two children.

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 holiday home website.

Lifestyle over investment motivates Brit buyers (05 August 2008)

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Second home purchasers rely far more on mortgages than savings according to research...

Households revamping homes to add value

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Estate agents are losing out on sales as more and more people take out loans to improve their existing homes, a new survey shows...

Savills to value the Queen’s 600,000 acre farm

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Savills has been appointed to value the Queen’s portfolio of around 600,000 acres of rural land...

Newham kicks off search for £600m regeneration partner

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The London Borough of Newham has formally started its search for a partner for a £600m vehicle to regenerate the area as an Olympic host destination and beyond...

Brum council leader does not want library listed

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Birmingham council leader Mike Whitby has written a letter asking culture minister Margaret Hodge not to list Birmingham’s city centre library...

Beach huts echo housing slump

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mudeford Spit Beach huts gained new status in recent years as they soared in price. Now, however, their value is falling faster than a dead seagull...

Business park wins top ‘green’ award

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A BUSINESS park in Powys has won an environmental award...

Bush approves housing rescue bill

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

US President George Bush signs a rescue bill designed to help Americans at risk of having their homes repossessed...

Fishing hooks the buyers

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As estate agents boast of huge prices for homes at top angling spots, Jonny Beardsall uncovers which are the best catches on the riverbank...

Survey reveals homeowner desire

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Most Britons still wish to become homeowners despite the recent problems in the mortgages market, a new survey has revealed...

David Ireland: Empty properties could fill housing gap

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Empty properties could fill the housing gap, says David Ireland...

Record Numbers Choose UK Coast

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Oh they do like to be beside the seaside - and a study shows Britons are opting to spread a towel on their own beaches in record numbers this summer...

Gas bills 'to top £1,000 a year'

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Energy bills could rise by more than 60% within the next few years, the UK's biggest domestic energy supplier warns...

IMF says Britain will dodge recession

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The International Monetary Fund has signalled that Britain is likely to avoid recession, upgrading its economic forecast for both this year and next...

Gas bills to soar as oil link strengthens-report

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

LONDON (Reuters) - Gas prices are going to be more strongly influenced by global oil markets for the foreseeable future and householders will have to get used to spending much more on energy unless the surge in oil costs is reversed, Eclipse Energy Group said...

Empty homes u-turn angers campaigners

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A campaign group has expressed its concern that the government has done a U-turn on its empty homes policy...

Donald Trump to give Smart Cars to buyers at his planned new Scottish development

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Donald Trump is to give away a free Smart Car to everyone who buys one of the houses on his planned Scottish estate. Trump is hoping to win over environmental opponents to the Aberdeenshire development.

Trump is thought to be working on a deal to secure a fleet of electric-powered Smart Cars to give away with each of the 500 planned homes on the Scottish estate near Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, reports The Scotsman

Neil Hobday, project director, said: "We've been in discussions with a major distributor of Smart Cars for about a year on this idea. Each house would have a plug point in the garage. This would be a major step to lead the way as developers delivering on sustainability."

Trump is keen to promote his eco-credentials; George Sorial who works for Trump said: "Mr Trump went to some lengths at the enquiry [into whether the homes should be built] to underline our environmental credentials and our track record on this issue, and those weren't empty words...Every part of the development would be progressed in line with the best environmental standards."

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 holiday home website.

Will the London Olympics boost the value of our Hackney flat?

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We have more than 15% equity in our buy-to-let flat in Hackney due to the current price. Should we sell now to realise the equity in the property and avoid the 20-30% downturn in prices that are expected by 2010-2011? Or do we hold off until 2010-2011 to reap the potential benefits and increase in prices that the Olympics could bring?

Martinsa Fadesa files for administration

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Spanish property group seeks creditor protection with debts of more than €5bn, adding impetus to a stock market sell-off and forcing banks to announce an initial €550m in related bad loan provisions...

Landlords in the dog house as pets banned from properties

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A charity for dogs says more animals are being abandoned because landlords refuse to allow pets...

More first-time buyers 'to turn to parental help'

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

More first-time buyers will be forced to turn to their parents for help with purchasing a property in the coming months, it has been predicted...

First-time buyer scheme announced

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Government's Rent to buy plan allows people to rent at a discounted rate while they save the money to buy a portion of a property...

BA Chiefs Face T5 Grilling

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British Airways shareholders are to finally get the chance to grill the airline's hierachy following the Heathrow Terminal 5 opening day debacle...

Sir Simon Milton lined up for deputy mayor job

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Boris Johnson has nominated Sir Simon Milton to be his deputy mayor for policy and planning...

Martinsa Fadesa to file for administration

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Spanish property group Martinsa Fadesa filed for creditor protection with debts of more than €5bn, adding impetus to a stock market sell-off and forcing banks to announce an initial €350m in writedowns...

Young children have travelled the world-110708

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Younger people in the UK are becoming increasingly well-travelled, according to a new study.

Research by Insurance.co.uk found that under-11s have been to as many countries as those who are aged over 60.

Figures also showed that nearly two-thirds of children aged under three have already been abroad at least once.

By contrast, one in three over-60s have never been abroad, while almost three-quarters said they regretted not travelling more.

Steve Grainger, head of Insurance.co.uk, commented: "Whilst our research clearly shows the over 60s wish they'd seen the world, evidently something's holding them back from fulfilling that dream now."

Traditional European markets such as Spain and France were found to be the main hotspots for both families and retirees.

Last month, a study by eDigitalResearch revealed that nearly three-quarters of British consumers plan to spend at least a week abroad later this year.

Deal rescues home-owners at peril from floods

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The insurance industry and the Government have come to an agreement to ensure that householders are able to obtain protection against flooding, it was revealed today...

Would-be bankers set for bruising ride

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FRANKFURT/LONDON - (Reuters) - Before they even start working 80-hour weeks, graduates sense tougher times in investment banking, and either by choice or necessity, some are already planning careers elsewhere...

JP Morgan’s Barbican brawl escalates

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

US investment bank’s top brass hit back at resident association accusations...