Northfields

Flipsides of the Same Property Coin: Period or New Build Family Houses

Some people love the charm of period property while others like the low maintenance sheen of newly built properties.  Both certainly have their advantages. Whatever your preferred style of property, Northfields has a family house for you. Here are just 3 family houses for sale in West London - one with period features, one that is brand new and one with the best of both worlds.

Newly Built

 
If you love the idea of being the first people to live in a property, then this new four bedroom contemporary townhouse in the heart of Northfields, Ealing might just be the property for you.  Nestled in a lovely residential area, these townhouses are imaginative modern freehold town houses, all built to a high specification with off street parking.  Located within easy reach of the shops and restaurants along both the Uxbridge Road and Northfield Avenue, this property is also within walking distance of Northfields Station (Piccadilly Line).

The Property for sale: 4 bedroom townhouse

Where: Northfield Road, Ealing W13

The Price: £599,950

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this new build 4 bedroom townhouse in Ealing or to book your viewing online.

Period Property

Lover of period property will adore this exceptionally spacious bay-windowed Victorian house with accommodation over three floors, providing well-proportioned rooms with period features. The property comprises an attractive reception room, separate dining room, bright fitted kitchen, spacious master bedroom with plenty of storage and balcony, three additional sizeable bedrooms, family bathroom with separate shower cubicle and private rear garden with summerhouse. Curzon Road is a sought after quiet residential street located in the ever popular Pitshanger Village, moments from North Ealing School, the open spaces of Pitshanger Park and the shops, bars and restaurants along Pitshanger Lane. Transport links include local bus routes, Ealing Broadway Station (British Rail, District and Central lines) and for the motorist the M4 & M40 motorways. Other local schools include St Gregory's (RC) Primary School, Notting Hill & Ealing High and St Benedict's

 The Property for sale: 4 bedroom family house 

Where: Curzon Road, Ealing W5

The Price: £675,000

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this 4 bedroom family house in Curzon Road Ealingor to book your viewing online.

The Best of Both Worlds -  A Period House that Has Been Extended

A superb mid terraced freehold house located moments from Northfields (Piccadilly Line) tube station and the increasingly popular Northfield Avenue with its various restaurants, bars and boutique shops. The three bedroom home benefits from a full width extension across the rear ground floor and a fantastic loft conversion with en-suite shower room. On the first floor you find a further two bedrooms and bathroom while the ground floor includes a front reception, downstairs bathroom and rear kitchen diner with doors to the garden. Further benefits include being positioned within the Fielding School Catchment and a short walk to the open space of Lammas Park.

The Property for sale: 3 bedroom house

Where: Cranmer Avenue, Ealing W13

The Price: £450,000

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this 3 bedroom house for sale in the Fielding School Catchment Area of Ealing or to book your viewing online.

So whether it is a feature fireplace and ceiling cornices that makes your heart sing, or sleek contemporary styling that makes you feel at home, Northfields has the perfect property for you. To make sure that you find out about the best properties as they become available, call us on 0208 840 6666 to register now or click the link to register online. To see more properties that Northfields has for sale, click the link.

Calling All First Time Buyers – Get Your Mortgages Now!

The Bank of England has stated that first time buyers may be able to take advantage of the growing number of available mortgages in the first three months of 2012.

More Mortgages Available
Its latest Trends in Lending report The Bank of England stated that "lenders expect the availability of secured credit to households to increase slightly in 2012 Q1, with the rise concentrated on borrowers with high LTV [loan-to-value] ratios".  The greater amount of finance would help many people who are continuing to rent make their first steps onto the property ladder.  HSBC, alone has pledged to lend £3 billion to first-time buyers.

Less Deposit Required
Granted, that many of the mortgages on offer will focus on people with large deposits, but there are growing numbers of higher Loan to Value (LTV) mortgages being offered. 

Moneyfacts, the financial data provider has said that although lower LTV mortgages are making something of a comeback, there are not enough deals available to meet the demand.

The number of mortgage products available for residential purchases has increased from 2,527 to 3,180 in the past 12 months.  90% and 95% loans have made a noticeable resurgence.  However, many mortgage deals tend to be around for just 27 days before becoming fully subscribed, compared with a historic average of 30 days.

95% Mortgages
Moneyfacts found 49 mortgages available at 95% loan-to-value (LTV).  This figure is more than double the 24 mortgage products on offer in January 2011, and gigantic increase from the mere three products you would have been offered in April 2009.

90% Mortgages
There are also 280 deals on offer at 90% LTV.  This number shows a rise from the 199 mortgage products on the market in January a year ago and a staggering improvement on the 72 mortgages available in April 2009.

Why First Time Buyers Shouldn’t Wait to Buy

1.  End of the Stamp Duty Holiday - The higher number of lenders willing to lend to first time buyers as well as the low-deposit deals on offer might tempt first time buyers to get the property transactions underway,  but add to that the end of the current stamp duty holiday and there should be plenty of motivation to get first time buyers viewing properties.  As of the March 24th, first time buyers who make a property purchase up to the value of £250,000 will be spared the expense of stamp duty.  That is a saving of up to £2,500.

2. Concerns that Lenders May Further Tighten Lending Criteria– With the weak economy, particularly considering fears created by the crisis in Eurozone countries, there is a concern that banks and building societies may further tighten their criteria as 2012 progresses.  So, it is best to take advantage as a first time buyer of a period when lenders are focused on lending to you, before conditions change.

Currently, there is the biggest choice of mortgages for those with 40% deposits, with 393 mortgage products found by Moneyfacts.  This figure is up from 271 deals in January 2011 and 280 in April 2009.

"First-time buyers are always going to struggle to find an often unrealistic 40% deposit, so thankfully we are seeing the 90% and 95% LTVs start to return to the market," Moneyfacts spokeswoman Sylvia Waycot was quoted as saying in the Guardian. But she adds: "A lot of providers still prefer the assurance of a proven track record, which is shown by some of the incentives offered to those remortgaging such as free legal fees, free valuations or cashback.

"Despite an increasing number of mortgages appearing on the market, they are only around for an average of 27 days before being fully subscribed, which just goes to show there are still not enough mortgage deals around to satisfy demand."

Moneyfacts acknowledges that the improved figures remain a "far cry" from the choice available before the financial crisis, with nearly 12,000 deals offered in 2007.  However, these figures call to mind the conversation one of our Northfields Sales Managers had with a vendor at the beginning of the credit crunch.  Our Sales Manager explained that the number of mortgage products had dropped and quoted him a three digit number that would have disappointed most people.  Surprisingly, he laughed.  He said that when he had bought his property just after World War II there had been 3 mortgages available – total.  In light of that, with 3,180 mortgages available today, we are 1000 times better off.

If you want to take advantage of the increasing number of first time buyer mortgages available before they become over-subscribed, contact Northfields and we can refer you to an independent mortgage advisor who can look at all the mortgages available and find the best deal for you.  Remember that independent advisors will often have access to deals that won’t be available from high street banks.  Don’t leave it too late, call us on 0208 840 6666 or e-mail at sales@northfields.co.uk to be referred for your free, no obligation mortgage consultation.

Save, Splurge, Split the Difference: 4 Bedroom Properties to Let in West London

When one of our negotiator's sits down with a prospective tenant on the hunt for the perfect property to rent, one of the first things that will come up is the budget. No matter what you want to spend, whether you are looking to splurge, save or split the difference, Northfields can help you find the right property at the right price for you.

Here are just three 4 bedroom properties for let in the West of London that Northfields Estates currently has available for rent. There's one to suit every budget.

Splurge

Luxury penthouse living in a central location.

 
£2,200 per week - Molyneux Street

The essentials:

• 4 beds
• 4 bathrooms
• Private terrace

The "wow" factor

• Stunning newly refurbished penthouse apartment situated on the fourth floor of a classic art deco building
• Stunning contemporary decor throughout
• Designer kitchen
• Walking distance to Marble Arch underground station (Central Line)
• Within easy walking distance to Hyde Park

Click the link for more photos, a map, and information on this 4 bedroom penthouse to let in W1 or to book your viewing online.

Save

If your budget doesn't quite stretch to living in W1, then this lovely property in Ealing with period features might be the perfect fit for your budget and your needs.

 
£1,800 pcm - Salisbury Road

The essentials:

•  3/4 bedroom house
• Front reception room/fourth bedroom
• Back reception room leading on to kitchen/diner
• Two double bedrooms plus a single bedroom with TWO bathrooms

The "wow" factor

• Period fireplace in front reception room/4th bedroom
• South facing garden
• Walking distance to Northfields Station (Piccadilly line)
• Conveninetly located close to the shops and restaurants along Northfield Avenue

Click the link for more photos, a map, and information on this 3-4 bedroom house for let in Ealing or to book your viewing online.

Split the Difference

If you want something that sits happily in the middle, budget-wise but still has four bedrooms and lots of appeal this may be the property for you.

 
£3,000 pcm - Elers Road

The essentials:

• Four double bedroom house
• Stunning open planned kitchen and dining area
• Front drive for two cars

The "wow" factor

• South facing garden with two roof gardens backing onto Lammas Park
• Situated on one of the premier roads in Ealing
• Within walking distance to Northfields Station (Piccadilly Line)
• Conveninetly located close to the shops and restaurants along Northfield Avenue

Click the link for more photos, a map, and information on this 4 bedroom house to let in Elers Road Ealing or to book your viewing online.

Click here to view more properties that Northfields currently has available for let.

Call our lettings team on 0208 567 6660 and tell us what your budget is and we'll find a property that suits you within your price range. Or take a minute to register your interest in letting property in West London online, so that we can start hunting for the perfect property for you and your budget, just click the link.

Rightmove Reports Record Number of People Searching for Property

In the first 10 days of 2012, property portal Rightmove reported record levels of people searching for property.  Searches were up by 27% on figures for the same period of 2011, equating to 44 million property searches on Rightmove alone.  These figures don’t take into account other property search websites such as FindaProperty.com, Globrix or Zoopla.   

Does this mean the market will pick up?

The high levels of searches being done by potential buyers does not necessarily translate to those potential buyers becoming proceedable buyers.  While buyer interest is strong, it is more likely that property searchers are intensely researching the market.  Potential buyers are scouring property portals for many purposes including seeing what they could afford, how much they might be able to sell their own property for or to simply find to that one-in-a-million property that offers the best combination of value, potential, location or the “wow” factor.  In many cases, online house-hunters are looking through properties for a combination of all these reasons. 

Although many of these buyers will be constrained by the lack of mortgage availability, the surge in buyer interest does show there is a pent-up demand for many to move.

As the Rightmove report also comments:
“It also emphasises the fact that, were a larger number of mortgages available to the market, the interest, confidence and necessity to buy would lift the current muted sales transaction numbers from the virtual subsistence level of the last three years.”

Not enough properties on the market

Despite the fact that the number of searches for properties for sale is at a high, Rightmove has also recorded the lowest level of new supply per estate agency branch ever recorded by the property portal– an average of less than one new listing per branch per week.

That means there are more people searching for far fewer properties.

Miles Shipside, director of Rightmove shared his thoughts on the current market outlook: “Old records are being shattered as search activity is up by a staggering 27% on this time last year. Potential buyers and sellers are looking more often and researching more thoroughly. In areas where there is a lot of property up for sale, buyers are looking hard for properties that tempt them with something really special in terms of value, potential, location or quality of finish. If it doesn’t shout ‘special’ then they are unlikely to overpay for the privilege of buying an average property in these mortgage-constrained times. In locations where there is little stock for sale, they appear to have become online junkies, ready to pounce on fresh property coming to market to see if it will satisfy their housing need. This search-addiction is in part caused by each estate agency branches currently listing an average of less than one new property per week, an all-time low and around half of pre-credit crunch levels. The market is stuck in a low transaction volume pit that will be hard to escape from without the mortgage funding to satisfy what appears to be strong pent-up demand.”
 
Less Property Already on the Market

The shortage of property has also been compounded by the fact that there were fewer properties already available for sale during the same period in 2011.  According to Rightmove, the average level of unsold stock per estate agency branch sits at 66.  This figure is the lowest recorded by Rightmove since February 2010.
Rightmove states that the 36,433 properties coming to market this month across the country means that the average will sit at less than one new listing per estate agency branch per week. This number of new instructions represents half of pre-credit crunch levels.

Why the shortage of new property?

In a Catch-22 situation, sellers are being deterred by lack of choice of property for them to trade up to, lack of confidence in the market and the lack of readily available finance. 

How Will Property Prices Be Affected?

Rightmove reported in its last House Price Index that prices will be very much dependent on local conditions, referring to “micro-markets” which would dictate price.  Where demand is high, in areas with a good school catchment area for example, the shortage of property being offered for sale will buoy up new sellers’ asking prices in those locations.
January is often the beginning of the lead-up to a traditionally busy spring period for sales.  This period often sees a slight rise in prices.  Rightmove has already collected evidence of this with an increase of 1.4% in the first week of 2012.   Rightmove cautions that this upswing is obscured within the overall monthly price fall of 0.8%. In spite of the challenging market, year-on-year asking prices remain virtually unchanged, up by a nominal 0.4%, though with RPI running at 5.2% this represents a fall in real terms.

The Mico-Market Means You Need Expert Help

Shipside explains how micro-market conditions will affect sales: “The increased market fragmentation caused by the credit crunch means that success in selling now requires a very careful and complex micro-market analysis, rather than a wishful price-punt to see what happens. There can be hotspots and blackspots by property type within the same geographic location depending on local buyer confidence, demographics and their ability to obtain a mortgage, so doing your research and taking expert advice are critical. There will be upwards price pressure where the local market is short of a type or style of stock. In these areas, getting your property onto the market soon could be to a seller’s advantage given the strong upsurge in property search activity.”

If you want to take advantage of the record numbers of people searching for property, get your property on the market now.  Start by getting some free, no obligation expert local advice from Northfields, your multi award-winning agent.  Call  Northfields now to arrange your free valuation on 0208 840 6666 or request your property valuation online by clicking the link.

Does HSBC’s panel of solicitors signal the death knell for choosing your own conveyancing solicitor?

The Guardian reported yesterday that, “Customers can no longer use legal representation of their own choice when getting a mortgage through HSBC”.

If you choose to buy your home with a mortgage provided by HSBC you will be limited to using one of a selected panel of 43 firms or face paying extra.  The  chosen panel has been handpicked by the bank to do their legal work.

Prior to this point, customers were free to choose whatever solicitor most appealed to them, from a family lawyer, the solicitors with the best fees or the solicitor that inspired the most faith.  Previously, customers could choose their own legal representation and the firm would act for HSBC too.

HSBC decided to change the status quo after warnings over mortgage fraud from the National Fraud Authority.  Mortgage fraud costs the industry £1bn a year, prompting an edict from the Financial Services Authority instructing lenders  to work with conveyancing solicitors with whom they have a relationship. 

If a house buyer chooses to use one of the HSBC solicitors panel, they will have a fixed legal cost.  If, the borrower elects to choose to use their own solicitor they must pay a separate fee of £192 (£160 plus VAT) for HSBC's lawyer. In most cases that will be more expensive than using the panel.

These measures by HSBC may seem a bit draconian, but they are not the first mortgage lender to dictate who they would like to carry out their end of the legal work.  Lenders, including Santander and Nationwide have been becoming increasingly more picky about which solicitors they will work with.

However, HSBC’s panel is the smallest.  The smallness of the panel has come into question, after the Law Society cast doubt on the ability of such a small selection of firms being able to adequately handle the volume of work.  The Guardian quoted, Chief executive Desmond Hudson said: "Although HSBC has a relatively small share of the mortgage market, such a low number of firms could struggle to provide for all consumers – those [customers] who struggle to communicate other than in person or those who would prefer to use a local solicitor with the service they seek.

"The disabled, those living in rural areas or even those wishing to simply use their family solicitor will either have little choice but to opt for the same solicitor as HSBC – one of their panel firms – or pay twice over, for their own solicitor as well as HSBC's legal fees."

HSBC has said that they will take applications from firms who want to be added to the panel.  The panel itself will be managed by Countrywide. 

What are the benefits to you?

If you were to use a set panel of solicitors you may have the advantage of:

-          Lower conveyancing costs

-          Fixed rates (there would be no surprise costs at the end of the process)

-          “valuable guarantees”, as HSBC puts it,  should the seller pull out

-          Less time and hassle to find a reputable solicitor

-          Guarantee of better quality service as all firms are approved through the Law Society’s quality scheme

What will it cost?

Costs are usually related to the value of the home being purchased. 

Property costing up to £100,000 - £399 (plus the usual costs for stamp duty, searches and other disbursements)

Property costing from £300,000 - £500,000 - £549 (plus the usual costs for stamp duty, searches and other disbursements)

For customers selling as well as buying they could get a separate quotation for the work to be carried out for the second transaction.

Is this the new norm?

Eddie Goldsmith, chairman of the Conveyancing Association, said that the lower cost of using the panel will convince most buyers to use the panel.  Goldsmith also predicted that more lenders will begin to do the same as HSBC, so we could be seeing a trend that will become the new norm. S

If you are looking for a reputable and affordable conveyancing solicitor, Northfields can help by recommending one of the solicitors we have worked with for many years.  As estate agents are constantly working along with conveyancing solicitors to make your property transaction as smooth as possible, we know all the best solicitors who offer value and great service.  Call us on 0208 840 6666 or email us at sales@northfields.co.uk to be referred to a solicitor that we think will help you best.

Five to View: 3 Bedroom Properties for Sale in West London for Under £350,000

Whether you are looking for a family home, more space or perhaps you are looking for an investment property, here are just 5 properties available for sale through Northfields Estates, all with three bedrooms and all for under £350,00.

1. Cloister Road - £330,000 - A great investment property

 
An excellent opportunity to purchase a 3 bedroom apartment set in a cul-de-sac location close to North Acton Playing Fields. Available with no onward chain, this property, arranged over 2 floors, represents a fantastic chance to get onto the property ladder or buy to let. With this property you could achieve a rental value of £1700 pcm (£20,400/ annum). The property is within a mile of both North Acton and West Acton tube stations, making this property attractive for tenants and owner/occupiers alike..

The Property for sale: three bedroom flat

Where: Acton, W3

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this three bedroom apartment for sale in Acton or to book your viewing online.

2. St. Paul's Close - £319,950 - Opportunity to Add Value

 
Ideally located close to Ealing Common and Ealing Broadway, this three bedroomed end of terrace family home is offered to the market in need of some updating, giving the buyer opportunity to add value to the property.The property is comprised of generous reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, three sizable bedrooms, shower room, a separate WC and a private garden. St Pauls Close offers a fantastic location as it is within easy access of Ealing Broadway, which offers a wide range of shops, restaurants and bars and local transport links are available nearby from Ealing Common Station (Piccadilly and District lines) and Ealing Broadway Station (National Rail, Central and Distict lines). This property is offered to the market chain free, making it an attractive buy.

The Property for sale: three bedroom house

Where: Ealing, W5

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this three bedroom house for sale in W5 or to book your viewing online.

3. St. Andrew's Road - £339, 950 - Charming Period Cottage

 
A charming two bedroom period cottage located in this much sought after peaceful cobbled street in the heart of Olde Hanwell.  This characterful Victorian cottage offers spacious living accommodation including two reception rooms, fitted kitchen, family bathroom, two double bedrooms and further room currently being used as a bedroom. Further benefits include a pretty private rear garden. The property is ideally situated for pleasant canal side walks, plus you can enjoy the good local pub, the highly regarded St. Marks primary school catchment area, local shops and bus services, along with Boston Manor Piccadilly line station.

The Property for sale: three bedroom cottage

Where: Olde Hanwell, W7

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this 3 bedroom period cottage for sale in W7 or to book your viewing online.

4. Valetta Road - £339,950 - In the Popular Wendell Park Area

 
A 3 bedroom garden flat located on the popular Valetta Road close to Wendell Park. Benefits include a private entrance, rear garden, kitchen with space for a dining table and a good size reception room with a bay window. This property is available with no onward chain.

The Property for sale: 3 bedroom flat

Where: Shepherd's Bush, W12

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this three bedroom flat for sale in W12 or to book your viewing online.

5. Ellesmere Road - £299,950 - Priced to Sell

 
A three bedroom first floor conversion flat with a private balcony which benefits from light and airy accommodation and the use of a communal garden. Briefly comprising a 14ft reception room, modern shower room, fitted kitchen, 2 double bedrooms and a 3rd bedroom. Located approximately half a mile from Turnham Green and the amenities of Chiswick High Road, this is an excellent opportunity to purchase a property of good size, in a well regarded location at a price to sell..

The Property for sale: 3 bedroom conversion flat

Where: Chiswick, W4

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this 3 bedroom flat for sale in Chiswick or to book your viewing online. 

If you are trying to beat other buyers to the best priced properties, we recommend that you call us on 0208 840 6666 to register your details so that we are sure to call you as soon as new properties become available. Often, family homes and investment properties sell more quickly than others, particularly if they are well priced, so be sure to register to avoid missing out. If you aren't able to call us to register, make sure to click the link to register online now.

Top Property Blogs and Websites

Chances are that if you reading this blog, you are interested in all things property related.  Maybe you are currently looking to sell property.  Or maybe your a tenant looking for a new home to rent.  Or maybe you are a landlordtrying to keep on top of the rental market.  Or maybe you are one of those people for whom property is a passion.  Whatever your interest in property Northfields has collected a group of blogs and websites that we think are worth having a look at. 

For the House Hunter

This site is one of the top UK property portals where you can search a vast number of properties for sale or let in the UK and abroad.  Any estate agency worth their salt should be advertising on this site. Northfields always advertises properties on Rightmove.  If you are selling property and your agent isn't using Rightmove, you might want to reconsider your agent.  Rightmove also has a blog which has some very interesting content.  Rightmove also releases its House Price Index once a month to reveal its take on the facts and figures collected from its website.  This report is often interesting, but keep in mind that it mostly looks at national averages which may not necessarily reflect what is going on the in the property market in your area.  Its always best to get a valuation if you are not sure what your property is worth at the moment.

www.rightmove.co.uk

FindaProperty is another major property portal that people searching for property to let or buy should be aware of.  Again, if you are selling your property and your estate agent is not advertising your property on this website, you may want to question your choice of agent.   Northfields advertises all its properties on FindaProperty.  As well as its property search pages, FindaProperty also has its own blog full of interesting and often first-person accounts of buying or renting property.

 

As well as featuring listings of property for sale or rent in the UK, this blog also covers the latest property news updates, and answers to property questions that run the gamut from the ins and outs of planning permission to selling at auction. 

http://blog.thebigpropertylist.co.uk/

For the All-Round Property Lover

 
Whether you are interested in decorating, building your own home, crafting, buying, selling or developing property, Channel 4Homes has something that will interest you.  Full of helpful advice, DIY ideas and sources for finding what you need, Channel 4Homes has it all.

http://www.channel4.com/4homes/

The Guardian newspapers online edition is full of property news for house buyers, sellers, tenants, and landlords.  One of the most interesting features of this website are the Ask the Experts articles which answer readers questions, such as What's the Best Way to Save for a Deposit? The advice is always interesting.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/property

The London Evening Standard's Homes and Property Website is full of news of the property market and so will appeal to anyone interested in property.  One of the most interesting and helpful regular features which will particularly appeal to home movers, is the "Spotlight on..." section.  These area guides give readers the low-down on property prices, schools, transport and other facilities of each of its chosen areas, such as its feature on Shepherd's Bush property, an area which the Standard called the "best in the West".  If you are looking to buy or let property in Shepherd's Bush, then do call our Shepherd's Bush office on 0208 740 8833.

http://www.homesandproperty.co.uk/

Up My Street is a fabulous website if you are planning on moving to a new area.  You can research everything from crime rates to transports to school via this website. 

http://www.upmystreet.com/

For Mortgage Seekers

For all the latest mortgage news and available rates, we like the Mortgage Advice Bureau's blog.  Being the UK's leading independent award winning mortgage and protection brokers, you can count on the advice being given as it won't be limited to one lender's products and is backed by FSA regulation.

http://blog.mortgageadvicebureau.com/?ID=68 

What are your favourite property blogs and websites?

Five to View: Properties for Let in West London with Gyms

If you are planning on starting out the New Year in a new home, you might want to consider renting a property that might help you to meet your other New Year's goals. So if your New Year's resolution was to get fit, Northfields has a rental property for you with a gym as part of the package. Here are just 5 properties across a range of budgets that Northfields currently has for let that may help you with your fitness goals.

1. Roland House - £395 per week

 
If your New Year's resolution is to get fit in 2012 then this spacious studio apartment located on the second floor of this conveniently located 24 hour portered block will be perfect for you.  Only moments from South Kensington tube station this property includes the free use of the gym and spa.   After your workout, relax and enjoy the free broadband, free sky TV and free weekly linen and towel supply.   It will be easy to fit in your workouts with Gloucester Road and South Kensington tube stations only 5 minutes away, making your commute that much more convenient.  The Natural History Museum and V&A museum are only 10 minutes walk away.

The Property for let: studio apartment

Where: South Kensington, SW7

The Price: £395 per week

Click on the link for more info on thisstudio apartment for rent with gym use included in South Kensington including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

2. Cavalier House - £1,595 pcm

You won't be so tempted to skip the gym, when you live in this luxury two bedroom apartment situated in a prestigious development complete with swimming pool and residents gym on site.  You'll also be able to cook healthy meals in the kitchen with granite work tops and NEFF appliances.  Enjoy the luxury of a private balcony and the security of underground parking as a tenant in this stunning building in Ealing.

The Property for let: 2 bedroom flat

Where: Ealing W5

The Price: £1,595 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this two bedroom flat for let with access to a resident's gym in Ealing including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

3. Brompton Park Crescent - £2,175 pcm

Start  2012 off right by renting this two double bedroom apartment in a private gated development.  After a tough day at work, blow off steam in the development's own swimming pool, gym and sauna.  Then, enjoy the modern kitchen with integrated appliances and master bedroom with en-suite that the flat itself offers.  The property is within walking distance to shopping amenities, with West Brompton station a 10 minute walk away.

The Property for let: two bedroom flat

Where: Fulham, SW6

The Price: £2,175 pcm

Click on the link for more info on thistwo bedroom flat for rent in Fulham with gym including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

4. Dorey House - £1,600 pcm

 
Get your New Year's off to a rousing start with this two bedroom luxury apartment situated in a gated development. The property not only features a private gym, but also boasts a private balcony with views over Brentford Lock.  Cook your meals in the modern open plan kitchen/lounge.  The stylish bathroom (one en-suite shower room), wood floors throughout, concierge service and underground parking will all make your home a desirable one in which to spend 2012.

The Property for let: two bedroom flat

Where: Brentford, TW8

The Price: £1,600 pcm

Click on the link for more info on thistwo bedroom flat for rent in Brentford with a private gym including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

5. Westbourne Grove - £750 per week

 
A modern, light and spacious two double bedroom, two bathroom apartment that will provide the perfect start to your New Year.   With wood floors throughout and a private patio, this property is comprised of a 22' reception room with an open-plan kitchen.   Westbourne apartments boasts communal swimming pool, gym and squash court, the perfect feature for meeting all your fitness goals.  The closest underground stations to the property are Bayswater (District and Circle lines) and Queensway (Central Line).

The Property for let: two bedroom apartment

Where: London, W2

The Price: £750 per week

Click on the link for more info on this two bedroom apartment for let in W2including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

Let Northfields help you make a new start in 2011 by finding you a property that will get you started on the right foot. Check out all the properties Northfields currently has for rent here. Call us on 0208 567 6660 or click the link to register with our lettings team.

British Attitudes Towards Renting Rather Than Owning Changing

For the past few decades the vast majority of British people have aspired to be home owners, seeing bricks and mortar as the best investment and a symbol of independence.  But a recent report published by FindaProperty.com, one of the property websites that Northfields advertises its properties through, revealed that recently attitudes towards renting seem to have shifted.  Britons seem to have relaxed their attitudes towards long term tenancy.

Even as recently as April 2011, Northfields reported that 9 out of 10 tenants did not want to become lifelong tenants, as are many of our continental European counterparts.

However, Findaproperty.com's recent research seems to suggest that this attitude may have changed.  With Britain's rental market over-taxed with demand, it looks as though more and more people may be long-term, if not lifelong tenants. This new research found that when over a thousand young home movers were asked about their property plans half said "they didn’t expect to own their first home until they are into their 40s and 38% said owning a home ‘wasn’t critical’ to them".  26% of those who responded to the survey said they had ‘no issue’ with the prospect of renting long-term.  It seems from this survey that the state of the economy has shifted priorities quite significantly in quite a short space of time.

With fewer people able to save up the deposit required by mortgage lenders, more and more people are continuing to rent.  This delay in moving up the property ladder has driven rents across the UK up as more people were seeking rental properties.  According to FindaProperty.com, the average rent in the UK now stands at £880 a month, the highest price for renting a property ever recorded by the property website.

The rental rise is not the only change in the rental market - properties are also snapped up more quickly.  FindaProperty.com has noted that the time between a new property being listed for rent on the website and being successfully let has reduced by 10% over the past three months alone.

Government statistics back up the data of how many more people are renting.  Home owner-occupation has dropped from 14.8m (71%) in 2005 to 14.5m (67%) in 2009-10.

FindaProperty also points out the irony of the situation, stating that with rising rents it is now more expensive to rent than it is to buy. While mortgage companies may be demanding higher deposits that many find difficult to amass in order to secure a mortgage, once a mortgage is granted, mortgage payments are made more affordable by the low interest rates currently available. 

Choosing whether to rent or buy property is largely down to personal circumstance.  Northfields can help find the right property for you whether you are looking to find the perfect property to rent in West London or whether you need to find just the right property to buy in London.  Call us on 0208 840 6666 or register your details online and we'll let you know when a new property becomes available that might be the perfect fit for you. 

First Time Buyers Expected to Be at Pre-Credit Crunch Levels in London in 2012

Rightmove released its Consumer Confidence Survey just before Christmas.  This report surveys the public and takes the temperature of would-be house buyers in a bid to guage what state the market might be in in the near future.

The latest report from Rightmove contained some dire news for the rest of London, but some extremely exciting news for Londoners.

The over-riding thrust of the Rightmove report was that "First-time buyers are to remain on the ‘endangered list’ in 2012".  Of the respondents who said that they had an intention to buy in the next 12 months only 23% fell into the first time buyer category.  This figure is down from 26% a year ago, meaning that first-time buyers will remain an endangered species in 2012. 

It is believed that for the market to thrive, 40% of all buyers should in fact be first time buyers.  These percentages keep the market moving and buoyant.

Certainly, if you were hoping to sell your first home and make your first move up the property ladder, this news would be quite unwelcome.  But here is where the figures get really interesting.

In London, the percentage of people intending to buy their first home was 41.9%.  This is slightly over the required number to keep the property market moving and far outpaces the rest of the country.

Who are the first time buyers in 2012?

The average age of those who plan to make their first property purchase was reported at 32 years of age.  However, there are many in the 35 plus age bracket who still find themselves renting without much prospect of moving on.  

A whopping 56% of the surveyed first time buyers are expecting to have a £20,000 or more deposit for a
property.

How Do You Attract a First Time Buyer?

According to Rightmove's survey 61% of would-be first-time buyers think property prices in their local area are above what they consider to be fair and reasonable.  So it stands to reason, that pricing your property competitively will make your property stand out from the crowd and will mean that you will be able to achieve a quicker sale and move on to bigger and better things.

Striking a Balance

Of course, if you are looking to sell your first home so that you can trade up, you want to strike a balance between achieving a quick sale and getting the most you can for your property.  Here's how to do it:

1.  Arm yourself with a bit of research.  What price would make your property stand out in a crowded market place?  Search property listings for properties similar to yours.  Try and think like a buyer.  Would you want to view the property listed at £249,950, below the £250K stamp duty level?  Or would you rather view the property that is £255,000?  Also remember that most property websites allow you to search for properties within a certain price range, so if you keep your price within that price range, rather than just exceeding it, you will get more hits, therefore more viewing, and more offers.

Search the properties Northfields currently has for sale to get an idea of what properties and prices you might be competing with. 

2.  Use an expert.  Not everyone sees estate agents as being your friendly local property expert, but that is exactly what they can be.  Remember that estate agents want to sell your property quickly and for the best price we can achieve ,just like you do.  However, not all agents are created equal, so make sure to choose an agent who is backed by regulatory bodies such as the Property Ombudsman and the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).  Agents, like Northfields, who belong to such industry organisations are voluntarily part of the membership and are expected to fulfil certain standards of professionalism which will give you more peace of mind.  Also look for award winning agents, who will have been recognised as the best in the business by property experts.  Again, Northfields is constantly striving to be the best in the business and is regularly recognised with awards.

Valuations are free from Northfields and there is no obligation, so you can take advantage of our expertise and award winning knowledge to find the right balance between a quick sale and getting the best price possible.  

Arrange your free, no obligation valuation now by calling Northfields on 0208 840 6666 or click the link to request your free property valuation online.