Northfields

Five to View: Properties to Let with Parking

1.  One with Underground Parking

A three bedroom apartment with a 24 hour concierge and underground parking within this gated community.

The Property for let:  3 bedroom apartment

Where:  West 3, Acton, W3

The Price:  £1,850 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this 3 bedroom flat for rent in Acton including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

 

2.  One with the Best Value Parking

A well-presented studio apartment right across from the beautiful Walpole Park and within minutes of Ealing Broadway.  This studio also benefits from communal gardens as well as off street parking.

The Property for let:  studio apartment

Where:  Mattock Lane, Ealing W5

The Price:  £725 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this studio flat for rent in Ealing including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

 

3.  One with Room for Two Cars

A 3-4 bedroom house close to Gunnersbury Park and within short a distance from Acton Town station.  This property boasts a private garden and off street parking for two cars.

The Property for let:  3-4 bedroom house

Where:  Popes Lane, Ealing W5

The Price:  £1,800 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this house for rent in Ealing including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

 

4.  One with Off Street Parking and a Garage

Spoiled for choice - with this charming two double bedroom mews house you get off street parking and a garage.  Plus a courtyard private entrance and a patio. 

The Property for let:  two bedroom mews house

Where:  Keswick Mews, Ealing W5

The Price:  £1,700 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this 2 bedroom mews house for rent in Ealing including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

 

5.  One with Off Street Parking and Close to the Tube

Whether you choose to use the tube or take the car, this property is perfect.  This well presented one double bedroom apartment with private balcony is located on the first floor of a residential development minutes from Hanger Lane tube station.

The Property for let:  1 bedroom flat

Where:  Garrick Close, Ealing W5

The Price:  £975 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this one bedroom flat for rent in Ealing including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

Click here to see all the properties Northfields Estates currently has for rent or better yet, call us now on 0208 567 6660 to register and ensure that you don't miss out on the newest properties to the market.

Five to View: Top Priority Properties for Sale in West London

Everyone has a priority when looking for properties.  For some it is access to transport links for others space is more important.  Whatever your over-riding priority Northfields has the property for you.

1.  One with Good Transport Links

This two bedroom, two bathroom apartment has so much going for it.  Not least the property is within walking distance of Ealing Broadway station.  The overground train at Ealing Broadway takes you into Paddington within 10 minutes with trains to Heathrow also available.  The Central Line and District Line are also available at this station, making this property particularly well connected.  If you still want to use the car there is an allocated parking space.

The Property for sale:  2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment

Where:  Victoria Road, Ealing W5

The Price:  £289,950

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

 

2.  One with Lots of Space

This semi-detached home has 4 bedrooms (one with an en-suite shower room), two receptions, conservatory with utility/shower room, a family bathroom, plus a brick studio or workshop at the back of the garden.  There is plenty of space to park in the private driveway too.

The Property for sale:  4 bedroom house

Where:  Crossway, Ealing W13

The Price:  £289,950

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this property for sale in W13 or to book your viewing online.

 

3.  One with Parking

This two double bedroom conversion flat is situated near the very popular Wendell Park.  With a private West facing garden, a share in the freehold and immediate vacant possession, this house is already appealing, but when you add on the off street parking that is so rare for this area the property becomes even more appealing.

The Property for sale:  2 bedroom conversion flat

Where:  Agnes Road, Acton W3

The Price:  £299,950

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this property for sale in W3 or to book your viewing online.

4.  One with a Garden

An attractive, cottage-style terraced house, set back from the road around a small green, within 2 minutes walk of East Acton tube station (Central Line).  As well as fronting onto a pleasant green, there is an enclosed rear garden laid mainly to lawn.

The Property for sale:  3 bedroom cottage-style terraced house

Where:  Mellitus Street, Shepherd's Bush W12

The Price:  £299,950

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

 

5.  One with a Garage

A very keenly priced semi-detached family house with 3 bedrooms, two receptions, a 55' garden and a garage.  And if that isn't enough space there is potential for an extension (STPP).

The Property for sale:  4 bedroom semi-detached family house

Where:  Long Drive, Acton W3

The Price:  £399,950

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this property for sale in W3 or to book your viewing online.

 

These are only a few of the properties Northfields has to offer.  Check out the rest of our properties for sale by clicking the link.  Or call us to register on 0208 840 6666 and tell us what your top priority in a property is, we'd be happy to suggest properties that meet your criteria.

Five to View: Properties to Let Under £1,000 pcm

1.  Best Value

A modern studio apartment with all the bills included in the rent. 

The Property for let:  studio apartment

Where:  High Street, Acton, W3

The Price:  £600 pcm with all bills included in the rent

Click on the link for more info on this studio flat for rent in Acton including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

2.  Log Cabin Living

Pretend that you're on holiday all year round with this unique and self-contained studio accommodation.  The shower room with sauna will add to the holiday feel.

The Property for let:  self-contained studio

Where:  The Ride, Brentford TW8

The Price:  £850 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this log cabin in Brentford including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.



3.  Private Patio Garden

As the weather warms up we'll all be heading out to the garden to fire up the barbie and get some sun - with this 1 bedroom flat you get a private patio garden to enjoy the warm weather as well as a stunning interior.

The Property for let:  1 bedroom flat

Where:  Abbeyfields, NW10

The Price:  £900 pcm

Click on the link for more info on renting this 1 bedroom flat including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.



4. Luxury for Less

Would you believe that you can have a luxury one bedroom flat with access to a private balcony, private gym and concierge for such a great price?  Believe it.

The Property for let:  1 bedroom luxury apartment

Where:  Parkwest

The Price:  £900 pcm

Click on the link for more info on letting this luxury 1 bedroom apartment including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

5.  Two Bedrooms and a Balcony

This two bedroom flat is excellent value for money with two double bedrooms and a private decked balcony. 

The Property for let:  2 bedroom apartment

Where:  Medway Parade, Perivale UB6

The Price:  £875 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this two bedroom flat for rent including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.


Click on the link to see more properties to let for under £1,000 pcm from Northfields or call our award winning lettings team on 0208 567 6660 to register now.  The best properties go quickly so make sure that you don't wait to see the perfect property online, make sure our team know to call you first.

Home Information Packs Officially Suspended as of Today

The Coalition government has officially suspended the use of Home Information Packs (HIPs) as of today.

First introduced in 2007 in England and Wales, HIPs were supposed to speed up the house selling process by obliging sellers to provide much of the required conveyancing information when properties are first put up for sale.

The packs are paid for by vendors before putting their property on the market.  The packs contain property information, title deeds, an energy performance report and local searches.

Today the BBC quoted the new Housing Minister Grant Shapps, "Today the new government is ensuring that home information packs are history,".

"By suspending home information packs today, it means that home sellers will be able to get on with marketing their home without having to shell out hundreds of pounds upfront.

"We are committed to greener housing so from now on all that will be required will be a simple energy performance certificate," he added. 

Although the coalition are eager to point out their green credentials, the reason that the new government has not be able to scrap the Energy Performance Report element of HIPs is due to EU regulation.  

If you have been thinking about listing your house for sale, now you can list your property without the need for paying the upfront cost of a Home Information Pack.  Call now to request your free valuation on 0208 840 6666 or request your valuation online by clicking here.

Home Information Packs to be Abolished

Part of both the Conservative party and Lib Dem platforms during the election was the promise to abolish Home Information Packs (HIPs) which the Labour government introduced in 2007. David Cameron and Nick Clegg announced in their joint policy statement that:  “The parties agree to implement a full programme of measures to fulfil our ambitions for a low carbon and eco-friendly economy, including retention of energy performance certificates while scrapping HIPs.”

HIPs have been the subject of controversy since they were first introduced. The idea behind the introduction of HIPs was to provide home buyers with a pack which effectively told them everything they needed to know about the property they were interested in buying. The packs were meant to include details of the area and, at one point, were also set to include a Home Condition Report, which was effectively a survey that would inform the buyer of the condition of the property, including any problems with it such as damp, foundation problems, etc. Before HIPs were rolled out, the Home Condition Report was made voluntary - a move that many argue made HIPs completely useless.

In 2007 the implementation of HIPs began. The roll out was slow and started with just very large houses with five or more bedrooms. This was gradually rolled-out to include other sized properties and by 2008 all properties, regardless of their size, had to have a Home Information Pack in order to be sold.

Along with the "dumbing down" of HIPs when Home Condition Reports were made voluntary, the first day marketing rule that came into effect last year has caused a great deal of criticism.  The first day marketing rule states that a property must have a fully completed HIP before it is even put on the market.  Critics of the HIP argue that the introduction of HIPs prevents potential sellers from "testing the market", by offering the property for sale just to see what happens.  With first day marketing the seller must pay the up-front cost of the HIP before taking a further step.  However, some argue that the first day marketing rule ensures that only serious sellers enter the market, so that agents don't waste time and money on vendors who are not actually motivated to sell.

Since the roll-out of HIPs the Conservatives have been very critical of the packs, accusing the Labour government of creating excess paperwork, expense and bureaucracy for home sellers.

The Telegraph quoted Nicholas Leeming, a director of the website Zoopla, as saying: “The abolition of HIPs is a positive move for the housing market. Sellers see them as an annoyance, buyers don’t ask to see them and solicitors often refuse to rely on the information they contain.”

However, the Conservative/Lib Dem coalition can not rid the property market of every part of the Home Information Pack - the Energy Performance Certificate will have to stay for both properties being offered for sale or rent.  Although the coalition say they are keeping energy performance certificates “to fulfil our ambitions for a low carbon and eco-friendly economy” part of the reason that Labour pushed the HIP through in the first place was to fulfil compulsory energy assessments for every home which were required under European Union law. So the Coalition's eco-friendly claims are not so righteous as they would have us believe.

Will the New Budget Help the Property Market?

The BBC reported today that the new Chancellor George Osborne has said the government will announce next week how it plans to make £6bn in spending cuts this year.  The coalition government's "emergency Budget" will be released on Tuesday 22 June, he added.

Mr Osborne was quoted as saying: "The Treasury's assessment is that there is a strong economic case for an immediate spending reduction of £6 billionn. So we are in no doubt that this action is advisable. By tackling wasteful spending now rather than later, we can demonstrate our commitment to tackling the deficit."

The coalition's changes could "enhance" front-line services, he argued, saying: "In the end this is about value for money."

The chancellor said he would like his first Budget to be about "handing out goodies", but the UK had to "live within its means" and the deficit was the "most urgent issue" facing the government.

Critics of the coalition government have already issued warnings that severe cutbacks could curtail the economic recovery of Britain. 

The Times Online goes so far as to predict that the funding gap for first time buyers could widen after the cuts expected in the latest budget, with housing issues unlikely to prominently feature in the financial plans of the coalition government.

It looks as though first time buyers will continue to struggle to save large enough deposits to satisfy the demands of mortgage lenders.  Added to that, with funding for affordable housing likely to be reduced as public services are cut and the money that was brought forward starts to run out.

During the election campaign property was not a major contender.  And with the Chancellor tightening the purse strings, schemes to build new council houses and set up shared-ownership schemes look likely to be victims of the cutbacks. 

The Times reported that "Labour pledged to provide extra funding for Kickstart and shared-ownership schemes to help to build more affordable homes. But it remains to be seen when the new coalition will be in a position to clarify its position on continuing these schemes and the extent to which funding for affordable housing will be cut when the Treasury’s axe falls."

Many feel that the property market will not be greatly affected by the expected budgets cuts. 

What do you think?

Flipsides of the Same Coin: Move-In Ready or Properties Needing Work

Whether you would prefer to buy a picture perfect property that is move in ready or a fixer-upper that allows you to add value and make your own mark. Northfields has a property for you.  Check out this selection of properties that are flip-sides of the move-in ready/work needed coin.

3 Move-In Ready Homes

1.  Stunning First Time Buy

This stunningly presented one bedroom ground floor flat is located on the ever popular Azalea Close.  The recently updated flat means that you can move in and enjoy. The property further benefits from communal gardens, so you can enjoy the green space without the work. 

The Property for sale:  1 bedroom flat

Where:  Azalea Close, Hanwell W7

The Price:   £195,000

 
  
Click on the link for more info on this 1 bedroom flat for sale in Hanwell including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

2.  Great Looks & Great Space at a Great Price

A three bedroom house at a price accessible to even a first time buyer.  Close to Boston Manor Piccadilly line tube station for easy transport, the property also offers plenty of indoor living accommodation and further benefits from outdoor space in the south facing garden.

The Property for sale:  3 bedroom house

Where:  Humes Avenue, Hanwell W7

The Price:   £275,000

 
Click on the link for more info on this 3 bedroom house for sale including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

3.  A Property that Looks Good on Several Levels

This purpose built apartment is set over two levels and comprises of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, spacious reception and large fitted kitchen. Added to that, the property benefits from a parking space and lockable storage area.  Not to mention the great location close to the transport links of Ealing Broadway (Central, District and Overground lines) and the amenities of the ever popular Pitshanger Lane.

The Property for sale:  4 bedroom apartment

Where:  Sandgate House, Ealing W5

The Price:   £399,950

 
Click on the link for more info on this 4 bedroom apartment for sale in Ealing including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

3 Opportunities to Add Value

1.  At the Heart of Ealing Broadway

A one bedroom flat that will make a buy-to-let investor or first time buyer with DIY tendencies the perfect property.  In need to cosmetic updating, this flat is moments from the centre of Ealing Broadway with its shopping and transport links (Central/District tube lines and mainline to Paddington and Heathrow). The long lease and vacant possession add to this property's appeal.

The Property for sale:  1 bedroom flat

Where:  Corfton Road, Ealing, W5

The Price:   £249,950

 
Click on the link for more info on this 1 bedroom flat for sale in Ealing including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

2.  Things are Looking Up

This fixer-upper is in an up-and-coming area, so there is a great deal of value to be added.  The three bedroom house with scope for modernisation is also well placed for the Northfields/Boston Manor Tube Station (Piccadilly Line) and the A4/M4. Plus, the property has a good sized rear garden and comes to the market chain free.

The Property for let:  3 bedroom house

Where:  The Ride, Brentford TW8

The Price:  £425,000

 
Click on the link for more info on this 3 bedroom house for sale including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

3.  Central Location

Imagine what you could do with this deceptively spacious first floor conversion flat with adaptable accommodation and situated in this lovely period property moments to the heart of Ealing Broadway shops and amenities (Central/District tube lines and mainline to Heathrow).

The Property for let:  1 bedroom flat

Where:  Corfton Road, Ealing W5

The Price:  £259,950

 
Click on the link for more info on this 1 bedroom property to buyincluding more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

To see more properties for sale ranging from properties that need nothing doing to properties that need some tender loving care, click here to see everything Northfields has on offer.  Whatever your taste or needs Northfields'  sales team has a property that you need to view today, so call to register your details to make sure that you don't miss out on your perfect property 0208 840 6666.

Ask the Agent: What is Negative Equity?

Negative equity occurs when the value of an asset used to secure a loan is less than the outstanding balance on the loan.  In relation to property, you are in negative equity if your property is worth less than the amount you still owe to your mortgage lender (or any other lenders who have given you a secured loan). It may be difficult to sell your home or to get credit.

What causes negative equity?

Equity is the difference between the value of your home and the amount you borrowed to buy it. If you get a £75,000 mortgage to buy a home worth £100,000, you have £25,000 in equity. If property prices fall and the value of your home drops to £50,000, you would probably have £25,000 in negative equity.

You will be more at risk if you have:

    - fallen behind on your mortgage payments
    - borrowed a large proportion of the property's value
    - increased the size of your mortgage when property values were high
    - taken out other loans using your home as collateral
    - a mortgage with high interest rates

Selling your home with Negative Equity

If you have negative equity and you sell your home, you could still end up with a large debt to your lender. The money from the sale is unlikely to cover the cost of your mortgage.  However, you will still be expected to pay back the full amount that you originally borrowed. Your lender can take legal action against you even after your home has been sold. If you are in this situation, it is likely to affect your credit rating. You probably won't be able to get a new mortgage with a different lender or take out any other loans using your home as collateral.

If you have enough savings (or other assets) to pay off the negative equity and the costs involved in selling a home, you can sell your home in the normal way. If you don't, you should get advice before you make a decision. If you can, it may be better to wait until property prices rise and your home increases in value.

If you are worried that you are in negative equity, first check the current value of your home before making the decision to sell.  Call Northfields now to request a free valuation on 0208 840 6666.  We can recommend an agent anywhere in the UK to provide you with an up-to-date valuation.

Buying or Renting Property: Which is Better?

The answer is that there are pluses and minuses to both.  Which is better really depends on your situation.  Consider the following points:

When renting might be better

-  if you don't have enough money for a deposit, other buying expenses, furniture and so on.  Many people are in this situation due to lack of available mortgages.   If you are not sure if you could afford to buy, why not check with an expert to see what you would need to qualify to buy.  Call Northfields now on 0208 840 6666 and we'll recommend an independent mortgage broker to give you some advice.

-  if you have moved into a new area and you want a little time to get to know it, so you don't make the mistake of buying a property that turns out to be in the 'wrong' part of town.

- you may want to retain some flexibility because you are not sure if you will need a property in that exact area for very long and don't want to have to try and sell the property when it is time to move on.

- you don't want to take on the responsibility and financial burden to fix the property when there is a problem.

Looking for property to rent?  Click the link to see the properties Northfields has available to let in West London.

Nevertheless, you just can't beat owning your own home. It's yours, for a start, and there are huge benefits, many of which are actually financially extremely good for you.

Why You Might Want To Buy

- owning a home is a substantial financial asset.  Given enough years your property is very likely to grow in value, and when you make the last payment on your mortgage, you will be sitting on (and in!) a house that is an investment in your future.

- you can decorate and renovate your home to your own tastes and needs.

- you can add value to the home by extending your living space with a loft or other extension, making your investment that much more valuable.  Want to see which renovations add the most value to a home?  Click the link to find out.

- you have a stable location to raise a family, knowing where your children will be attending school.  School catchment areas can affect the value of the home you buy and will affect the future of your children.  Click the link to read more about school catchment areas and their affect on property values.

- you are not dependent on a landlord to make repairs quickly, so if your boiler breaks down you can have it fixed just as soon as you make the call.  If you would like a recommendation for good plumbers, builders and other contractors, ask our property management team for a recommendation from our preferred contractors list.  We know all the best local trades-people.  Call 0208 799 4367.

Looking for property to buy?  Click the link to see the property Northfields has for sale in West London.

Ask the Agent: What is the Tenancy Deposit Scheme?

Answer:  The Tenancy Deposit Scheme falls under a piece of legislation called the Housing Act 2004. this legislation requires landlords to register details of the start and end of all Assured Shorthold Tenancies (not sure of what an Assured Shorthold Tenancy is?  Just click the link for more info) on which they take a deposit. The Dispute Service (TDS) runs this particular scheme and is required to supply summarised details of all tenancies to [the Department of] Communities and Local Government (CLG).

 The Tenancy Deposit Scheme was set up to do three key tasks:
1.  To protect deposits through the tenancy
2.  To ensure the return of the deposit promptly at the end of the tenancy, where there is no dispute about the deposit
3.  Where there is a dispute about the deposit at the end of the tenancy, ensure it is dealt with fairly and quickly by the Independent Complaints Examiner (ICE)

The TDS helps to protect tenant's and their deposits.  You can even check if your deposit is registered online.  Click on the link to check if your letting deposit is registered on the TDS.