Northfields

Five to View: Studio and One Bedroom Flats for Sale in West London for Under £200,000

If you are a first time buyer or a buy to let investor,consider just 5 studio and one bedroom flats that Northfields has to offer, all available for under £200,000.  To see all the properties that Northfields is currently offering for sale, click the link.

1.  Excellent Value for Money

Located in Perivale is this attractively priced studio apartment with separate sleeping area, this flat would be an  ideal purchase for a first time buyer or rental investor. The property is situated in a purpose built block, which overlooks the Grand Union canal. The property benefits from a separate kitchen, sitting area and separate sleeping area located off the sitting room. Alperton Underground (Piccadilly Line) station is short walk away.

The Property for sale:  studio flat

Where: Brindley Close, Perivale HA0

The Price: £135,000

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

2. Luxury Living with Concierge, Lift and Long Lease

A stunning west facing 1st floor studio flat in this iconic building which allows you to embrace the City Living lifestyle; boasting a luxury bathroom, contemporary kitchen and pull down bed. This gated development also benefits from concierge, lift and beautifully maintained communal gardens. It is being offered for sale with immediate vacant possession and benefits from a lease over 990 years. The property also enjoys excellent access to Chiswick, Hammersmith and Shepherd's Bush including Westfield Shopping Centre. An ideal opportunity for first time buyers to get on the property ladder.

The Property for sale: studio flat

Where: Bromyard House, Acton W3

The Price: £159,950

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this studio flat for sale in Bromyard House, Acton or to book your viewing online.

3. Opportunity to Add Value

This purpose built studio flat is conveniently situated between Ealing Broadway and Pitshanger Lane. The property enjoys a large studio room with picture windows, separate kitchen and bathroom and the communal gardens. As the property needs some updating, the purchaser of this property will have the opportunity to add value to the property. The property is offered to the market with no onward chain.

The Property for sale: studio flat

Where: Clevelenad Road, Ealing W13

The Price: £169,950

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

4. Available Vacant or with the Tenant In-Situ

A one bedroom first floor conversion flat located on the Askew Road, with great access to local amenities and transport links to nearby Hammersmith. The property is currently let, with the tenant paying £240pw and is offered for sale with either the tenant in situ or vacant. Currently requiring a degree of refurbishment, this would be an ideal purchase for an investor or first time buyer looking to get onto the property ladder.

The Property for sale: 1 bedroom flat

Where: Shepherd's Bush Green, Shepherd's Bush W12

The Price: £179,950

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this 1 bedroom flat for sale in W12 or to book your viewing online.

5. Close to Transport

A modern top floor studio apartment, conveniently located on a popular sought after modern development. The accommodation includes studio room, fitted kitchen and modern bathroom. The property would make an ideal first time purchase or buy to let investment. The property is ideally located close to both Hanger Lane (Central Line) and Alperton (Piccadilly line) Tube Stations.  For the motorist there is easy access provided to the A40/M40 Central London and Heathrow Airport.

The Property for sale: studio flat

Where: Vicar's Bridge, Wembley HA0

The Price: £125,000

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

If you are thinking of making that leap from renting to home ownership, Northfields can help you to find the right property at the right price.  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.

If you are an investor looking to capitalise on the demand for studio and one bedroom flats in the rental market, call us on 0208 840 6666 to ensure that we have the details of what you are looking for, to make sure you never miss out on the best priced properties.

Properties that are competitively priced tend to sell very quickly, so if you aren't able to call us make sure to click the link to register online now.

To see more properties that Northfields has for sale, click the link.

Helping Your Children Onto the Property Ladder

The media is full of news about the lack of funding available to first time buyers.  While there are mortgages available to those with deposits, many would-be first time buyers are finding it difficult to save enough money to meet the deposit requirements of most lenders.

Currently, the average deposit required by lenders is 20%.  In August, the average asking price for property across the country was £231,543 which would mean that the average deposit required would be £46,308.  In London, where property prices are that much higher the average deposit required will obviously be higher again.

The good news for many first time buyers is that many lenders have started to offer more 90-95% mortgage products, making saving for a deposit that much more accessible to first time buyers.

What many first time buyers are doing to either augment their own savings or to fund the deposit entirely is by depending on the Bank of Mum and Dad.

The baby boomer generation born in the 20 years after World War II owns around half of all the UK's housing assets.  Some experts believe that more and more parents of this generation will be looking to pass this wealth onto their children while they are still alive.

Why Do Parents Fund Their Children’s Property Purchases?

There are many reasons why parents choose to give their children large lump sums to give them a much needed boost onto the property ladder.

Many parents say that they prefer to pass their inheritance onto their children so that they can enjoy seeing their offspring benefit while others want to avoid  inheritance taxes. 

It is worth noting that not everyone pays Inheritance Tax. At the time of writing, taxes are only due if your estate - including any assets held in trust and gifts made within seven years of death - is valued over the current Inheritance Tax threshold (£325,000 in 2011-12). The tax is payable at 40 per cent on the amount over this threshold.  So depending on the total value of your estate, there could be quite a substantial amount of your children’s inheritance that could be lost to taxes.

Other parents are coming to realise that their children’s generation will need the benefit of family money to make their first house purchase.  In an article for the BBC Professor Dominic Swords from the Henley Business School was quoted as saying,"For most of the 20th century, it was a story of the self-made man or woman who earned enough during their lifetime to finance a good and healthy retirement, but now we're almost going back to the 19th century where a lot of wealth was accumulated by families and passed onto their children."

"Over the next decade, we might see some of the wealth accumulated by the baby boomers during the 30-year housing boom not simply sticking with them but being passed on to their children."

Professor Swords say this might help put right the financial shortfall many young people face today - particularly when it comes to buying a home.

How Do Parents Fund Their Children’s Property Purchases?

Cash
One option is cold hard cash.  For parents who have considerable savings that can be passed onto their children, there would also be an immediate tax benefit if their savings were over the threshold for tax free savings plans such as ISA’s. 

Equity Release
Other parents capitalise on the increased value of their own homes by withdrawing some of the equity from the property.  This is known as equity release.  Equity release works like a loan against the value of a property, which is made either in monthly payments or in a lump sum and which accrues interest. When the homeowner or homeowners die or sell their house, the debt is paid off through the proceeds of the sale.

Reassuringly the sum owed can never be larger than the value of the property and, with most schemes, the borrower cannot be made to leave their home, even when there is no longer any equity in the property.

A word of caution though, over time the interest rate is compounding, so the loan will double roughly every 10 years.  This means that if you take out an equity release quite young, in your early sixties, then you could be selling up your nest egg which you might need in later years.  It will also mean that when you do die your children may not inherit very much, if anything at all.  If you decide to use equity release to fund your children’s property purchase it is vital that you do the maths.  This funding option makes the most sense if you are in your late 70s, into your 80s.

Downsizing
Another option is for parents to downsize to a smaller property.  When a larger family home is sold and a smaller, more modest home bought, the profit made can then be put toward starter homes for the next generation.  This option may have several appealing benefits for parents as well.  Downsizing to a smaller property means that there will be far less maintenance on both the building and in the gardens, meaning that more time can be spent on enjoying retirement or travelling.  Downsizing might also provide the opportunity to move to a more central area where amenities are closer, a factor that might very well appeal to people who have had to contend with lengthy commutes during their working lives.

If you are thinking of downsizing, call Northfields today for your free, no obligation valuation.  While we are there we can bring you the details of several homes that might suit people looking to downsize so you will be able to see how much equity you might be able to pass onto your children when swapping to your lower maintenance home.  Call us on 0208 840 6666 to arrange your valuation today or click the link to request your valuation online.

Five to View: Three Bedroom Properties to Let in West London

If you are looking for a three bedroom property for let in West London, Northfields has something that will suit you.  Here are just 5 three bedroom properties that are available to view right now.

1. Opposite Ealing Common Tube Station


If you are looking for an easy commute, look no further.  This well presented three bedroom first floor flat is situated directly opposite Ealing Common tube station (District and Piccadilly lines).  The three bedrooms are made up of two doubles and one single room.  The accommodation also includes a large reception room with balcony and a large modern eat in kitchen.  The property has wood flooring throughout.

The Property for let: 3 bedroom flat

Where: Wolverton Mansion, Ealing W5

The Price: £1,650 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this three bedroom flat close to Ealing Common Tube Station including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

2. Located in the Popular Hanger Hill Gardens Area


This beautifully presented THREE/FOUR bedroom Tudor style family home with garage is situated in the popular Hanger Hill Gardens area.  Besides its sought after location, the property benefits from a reception room to the front with a feature fireplace, a dining room/second reception room with patio doors leading to a beautiful half decked/half lawn garden and a modern kitchen with integrated appliances. 

The Property for let: three/four bedroom house

Where: Links Road, West Acton W3

The Price: £1,850 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this three/four bedroom house for let in West Acton including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

3. Excellent Transport Links


This top floor three bedroom modernised apartment is situated in this distinguished purpose built block refurbished to a high standard.  The property benefits from en suite bathroom and access to lovely communal gardens.  Added to that, the property is located moments from the amenities of Maida Vale with transport links at Maida Vale and Warwick Avenue underground stations (Bakerloo line).  The national and international connections offered by Paddington Station are also conveniently nearby.

The Property for let: three bedroom apartment

Where: Wymering Road, Maida Vale W9

The Price: £800 per week

Click on the link for more info on this 3 bedroom flat for let in W9 including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

4. In the Fielding School Catchment Area

This stunning three bedroom house is situated in the ever popular Fielding Primary School catchment area and as such will be much in demand with families.  Families will also enjoy the two reception rooms with open plan kitchen/diner and private garden.The property counts a master bedroom with en-suite as one of its three bedrooms.  The property is withing walking distance to Northfields (Piccadilly line) underground station.

The Property for let: three bedroom house

Where: Northcroft Road, Ealing W13

The Price: £2,250 per week

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

5. Recently Refurbished in Contemporary Style


This executive three bedroom house has been refurbished in a contemporary style.  Its position on a quiet residential road in Ealing, makes the stunning decked rear garden into an oasis.  The property boasts two large reception rooms with stunning wood flooring as well as a modern open-plan kitchen with integrated appliances.

The Property for let: 3 bedroom  house

Where: Castlebar Park, Ealing W5

The Price: £2,500 pcm

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

Let Northfields help you to find the perfect property to meet your needs. Check out all the properties Northfields currently has for rent here. Call our award winning lettings team on 0208 567 6660 or click the link to register your details with our lettings team. We recommend registering as you will be sure to receive notice of all the latest properties as they come onto the market.

Five to View: Investment or First Time Buyer Properties for Sale in Shepherd's Bush

The number of buy-to-let mortgages being approved now account for 12.4% of all mortgages. This figure is staggering as it is the highest proportion on record since the buy-to-let market took off at the end of the 1990s. 

Added to that, mortgage approvals for first-time buyers reached a 10-month high, up 24% from May to 18,100.  These figures seem to suggest that properties that will appeal to investment buyers and first time buyers alike will be more in demand than we have seen since the onset of the credit crunch.  Here are just five properties, all located in Shepherd's Bush, that will appeal to first time buyers and buy-to-let investors.

1 Excellent Value for Money

A 2 bedroom purpose built flat in the White City area of Shepherd's Bush which is located within close proximity to White City Tube Station (Central Line Zone 2) and Westfield Shopping Centre. Located on the 3rd floor, this property represents excellent value for investors and first-time buyers alike.

The Property for sale: 2 bedroom flat

Where: White City Estate, Shepherd's Bush W12

The Price: £199,950

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

2. A Share of the Freehold

Situated on the junction of the Askew Road and Uxbridge Road this spacious 2 bedroom split level flat is being sold with a share of freehold. The accommodation benefits from 2 double bedrooms on the first floor and an 18foot reception room as well as kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor. The property benefits from its own entrance and high ceilings.

The Property for sale: 2 bedroom flat

Where: Uxbridge Road, Shepherd's Bush W12

The Price: £289,950

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this two bedroom flat for sale in Shepherd's Bush or to book your viewing online.

3. Opportunity to Add Value

A one bedroom first floor conversion flat located on the Askew Road, with great access to local amenities and transport links to nearby Hammersmith. The property is currently let, with the tenant paying £240pw and is offered for sale with either the tenant in situ or vacant. Currently requiring a degree of refurbishment, this would be an ideal purchase for an investor wanting to add value to the property or first time buyer looking to get onto the property ladder.

The Property for sale: 1 bedroom conversion flat

Where: Askew Road, Shephderd's Bush W12

The Price: £179,950

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

4.  Priced to Sell

This three bedroom flat offers an excellent investment opportunity. Situated on the 6th floor of a centrally located development, this flat is close to Shepherds Bush Central Line Tube station and Westfield Shopping Centre. Requiring a degree of modernisation and offered for sale with no onward chain, this property is priced to sell.  With such a keen price and the opportunity to update the flat, value could certainly be added to this property.

The Property for sale: 3 bedroom flat

Where: Shepherd's Bush Green, Shepherd's Bush W12

The Price: £181,000

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

5. Newly Refurbished

 
If you prefer the idea of a move-in ready property, than this immaculately presented one double bedroom conversion flat in Shepherd's Bush is just the answer. Available with no onward chain, this recently refurbished property briefly comprises a good size reception room with wood effect flooring, a double bedroom with fitted wardrobes, a sleek, modern kitchen and a modern bathroom.

The Property for sale: 1 bedroom flat

Where: Askew Crescent, Shepherd's Bush W12

The Price: £279,950

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this newly refurbished one bedroom flat for sale in Shepherd's Bush or to book your viewing online.

If you are thinking of making your first foray onto the property market or are searching for a new property to add to your investment portfolio, call Northfields to register your details.  Properties that are competitively priced tend to sell very quickly so 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.

August 2011 Property Update: The New Norm

Rightmove.co.uk just released its August House Price Index. The latest review of the property market, starts off by reminding us that we are approaching the fourth anniversary of the demise of Northern Rock, formerly the UK’s fifth biggest mortgage lender. At the four year marker Rightmove notes that the country has settled into a new housing market normalcy “with an uneasy balance developing between those that have a pressing need to sell and those that have a good reason and the capability to buy”.

The housing market has remained at a very similar level to the levels of last year. This month as seen a 2.1% fall in new sellers’ average asking prices. With this drop asking price, prices remain almost identical to those of a year ago (-0.3%) and not much different to four years ago (-4.1%).

In other markets around the world who had housing markets as fast moving as the UK experienced during the property boom years, house prices dropped dramatically. Why has the same thing not happened in the UK? Why has the past four years seen very little change to the market conditions?

The Rightmove report theorises that “the unique upside factors of the country’s housing market have found an uneasy balance with the downside risks, which may well insulate it from major price falls or further deterioration in transaction volumes in spite of the ongoing financial crisis.”
Miles Shipside of Rightmove goes on to say: “We’re in a ‘limbo-land’, where a restricted number of motivated sellers are trying to match themselves up with the similarly restricted number of financially capable buyers. In many parts of the country transaction levels are limited to the number of sellers who are willing to price aggressively below the competition and can afford to do deals. It seems that this stalemate can continue indefinitely, until it is broken either by an improvement in upside factors, such as a relaxation of mortgage finance, or by a further marked deterioration in employment and a corresponding increase in forced sales at bargain-basement prices.”

What are the factors that are currently buoying up house prices in the UK?

On the Plus Side

Fewer people coming to market – there are fewer people offering their property for sale with the numbers of new vendors sitting 30% below the numbers we experienced in August 2007 Reasons such as a lack of equity or simple lack of confidence in the market may be stopping people from listing their property and therefore preventing an oversupply on the market.

Interest rates remaining low – The majority of economic and property experts now believe that the Bank of England base rate will remain at its current low until at least 2013. This has helped to maintain the uneasy balance we now have in the property market by a) Preventing those people who may not otherwise been able to keep up their mortgage payments from becoming forced sellers b) it makes mortgages cheaper for those people who have large deposits and lots of equity, facilitating a investing in larger homes or buy to let investments

Fewer new homes being built- in the UK, we now have fewer new properties being constructed than we need to meet the growing demand. In fact, half the number of homes that we need according to demographic models are not being built, meaning we will have a property shortfall. This factor is part of the reason that the UK has not seen drastic price cuts that places with a property surplus, like the US have seen.

Mortgage levels have remained consistent – Although mortgage lending has been limited, for the past 2 years mortgage approval levels have been running at a monthly average of just under 50,000. This steady if constrained flow or lending has helped to maintain the current status quo.

What factors might change the market?

As the collapse of Northern Rock taught us four years ago, there are factors that can upset the balance and drastically change the market. Here are a few:

A dip in employment levels – At the moment the UK has experience employment levels that are stronger than expected in light of the economic conditions. Factors that might upset that balance could be driven by issues with the debt in European countries and in the US which could trigger greater unemployment levels. With unemployment rising there would be a corresponding drop in the number of buyers and increase the number of forced sellers who would be forced to sell at knockdown prices.

A rise in interest rates – Mortgage arrears have been steady as interest rates have remained low and lenders have been willing to work to keep repossessions low. If however, property prices dipped or interest rates rose, lenders might have no other choice but to repossess properties. If the Bank of England increased base rates prematurely, many people might be forced to sell or have their property repossessed.

More sovereign debt risk- A further increase in sovereign debt risk would shake confidence in banking institutions and lead to less inter-bank lending. With less inter-bank lending would come increased inter-bank interest rates and the cost of borrowing would go up. In turn, the availability of mortgages would be limited and fewer buyers would have the finance to proceed to completion.

Shocks to the financial system- Any further shocks to the economic system could undermine confidence. People may put off buying or selling, at least in the short term, until they felt sure of their own financial situation and the state of the property market..

Shipside of Rightmove feels that we may continue to exist in this tenuous balance of supply and demand, saying,“We are four years into this journey, and it still looks like a long road ahead. The UK does not have the chronic over-supply of property seen in many other countries, due to restrictive planning laws and tight central control of local government finances, leading to low levels of new build in both social housing and the private sector. Demand for housing is high due to demographic changes, including net immigration, boosting household numbers. These factors give our housing market more balance and stability, but perversely prevent a possibly quicker but more painful route to recovery via lower prices with higher transaction volumes.”

If you are planning a move, get a realistic house price valuation from Northfield Estates. We’ll be able to tell you about the buyers we currently have registered who are looking for a property like yours and the best price and marketing strategy to get those buyers through your door. Call us 0208 840 6666 to arrange your free, no obligation valuation or request your valuation online now.

Mortgage Lending Up and Arrears Down

The Council of Mortgage Lenders had two pieces of good news this August. Firstly that mortgage arrears and repossessions are holding steady and secondly that that lenders approved more mortgages this past June.

With so much discussion in the news about the European debt crisis and US credit rating downgrade, it is great to hear some good news about the UK housing market. Although, neither of these revelations are big jumps that mark a major turnaround, they still very welcome.

Mortgage Arrears and Repossessions Steady

The Bank of England again decided in August to keep the base rate at the historic low of 0.5%. These low interest rates have the direct effect of keeping the level of mortgage arrears and home repossessions steady, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

The base rate remaining low has helped many people to continue paying their mortgage. This is particularly important in a financial climate where people may be out of work and where the cost of living is rising due to rising utility bills and petrol, for example.

On the whole, the number of people who have lost their homes owing to an inability to make mortgage payments was down by 7% in the first half of 2011 compared with the first half of 2010, and 28% down on the first half of 2009.

"Mortgage repayment problems have stabilised against a current backdrop of stable employment and low interest rates," said CML director general Paul Smee.

The CML has predicted that the number of repossessed homes will rise to 45,000 in 2012.

"Despite current uncertainty in financial markets, we see no need to revise our forecasts. Anyone with debt worries should take advice and speak to their lender at the earliest opportunity, as most temporary financial problems can be resolved," Mr Smee said.

More Mortgages Approved in June

The total number of new mortgages rose by 22% from May, to 46,700.

Although the rise in lending is relatively modest compared to pre-credit crunch levels or even to last year’s figures, the CML dubbed the statistics “encouraging”. The number of new mortgages arranged in June was back to the level recorded last October. The figures were 63% higher than in January 2011, when new mortgage lending levels were at their lowest monthly level for nearly two years.

We can look forward to more positive figures to come as it is expected that there will be more house sales completed in July, so these figures may continue for a while.

More Buy to Let Mortgage Approvals

The latest figures from the CML shows that the number of buy-to-let mortgages being approved have risen by 29,000 in the second quarter of the year, to 1,342,200.

Buy-to-let mortgages now account for 12.4% of all mortgages. This figure is staggering as it is the highest proportion on record since the buy-to-let market took off at the end of the 1990s.

At the same time that buy-to-let mortgage approvals are up, arrears among buy-to-let mortgage holders continue to fall.

Another historic high was revealed by the CML’s latest report because for the first time since 2088, arrears rates for buy-to-let mortgages were now lower than in the owner-occupied sector.

More First Time Buyer Mortgage Approvals

Even more optimistic is that mortgage approvals for first-time buyers reached a 10-month high, up 24% from May to 18,100.

The increase in first time buyer mortgages seems to indicate that more first time buyers seem to be able to amass the larger deposits required by lenders. The average deposit required by lenders currently stands at 20% of the value of the home. The figure has dropped slightly from the 25% that was the norm in 2009, but is still considerably higher than the historic average of 10%.

"If you consider the buy-to-let recovery alongside the increase in first-time buyer numbers, it appears that first-time buyers are not being displaced by buy-to-let landlords but are holding their own in a restricted market," Mr Smee said. This is surely good news for people who have been unable or delaying the sale of their first property to move up the ladder. With more first time buyers and buy-to let landlords securing finance, the chance of selling a 1 or 2 bedroom starter home increases.

Smaller Deposits Required

Some experts believe that the rise in mortgage approval numbers is down to lenders asking for smaller deposits.

The market now has plenty of competitive 90% products available with 95% LTVs (loan-to-value) mortgages also reappearing.

House buyers are also being aided by a fall in the interest being charged on new fixed-rate deals. The financial data service Moneyfacts said the average five-year fixed-rate deal was now at its lowest level since 1988 now at 4.99% - the first time in 23 years that the average rate was below 5%.

In real terms, that means that a person who chose the average five-year fixed mortgage today would be paying £117 per month less than someone who secured the deal in September 2009.

If you have been putting off buying or selling your property until the market looked better, now may be the time to make your move. If you are not sure if you could secure a mortgage, we can refer you to an independent mortgage broker who can find the most affordable mortgage product that suits your situation. Call Northfields today on 0208 840 6666 to register your details or register online by clicking the link.

Five to View: Properties to Let with En-suite Bathrooms

Having an en-suite bathroom may not always be the top of your wish list when you visit a letting agent to register your interest in renting a property, however, if you've ever had an e-suite bathroom, you'll find it difficult to cope without one.  Here are just five properties available to let from Northfields Estates that boast such a convenience.

1. Close to the Centre

 

This large two double bedroom penthouse flat is situated in a well maintained portered block.  The property's contemporary finish is complemented with wooden flooring throughout.   The residents of this flat will also enjoy the convenience of two bathrooms, one of which is an en-suite. With a location close to the amenities of Marylebone High Street and transport links to the City and Canary Wharf, this property could not be better connected.  For trips further afield, you can always use the car which can be stowed away in the resident's parking when you'd rather just enjoy the comfort of home.

The Property for let: 2 bedroom penthouse flat

Where: Chiltern Street, Westminster W1

The Price: £850 per week

Click on the link for more info on two bedroom penthouse flat in W1 including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

2. One with a Private Garden

 
 
This  amazing two double bedroom apartment is set in a private development.  The apartment has a huge reception room with doors leading to a private garden.  Added to that, there is a modern kitchen with integrated appliances, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and another double bedroom with a further bathroom.  The property also boasts wood floors throughout.

The Property for let: two bedroom apartment

Where: Ferry Lane, Brentford TW8

The Price: £1,950 pcm

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

3. One that was Recently Refurbished

 
 
A recently refurbished one bedroom apartment that not only has a en-suite bathroom but also has a guest WC.  The large and bright living area is separate from the kitchen, so cooking smells don't drift into the reception room.  Best of all, is this flat's location which is within easy walking distance to Marble Arch tube station as well as the shopping, restaurants and bars of Bond Street and Oxford Street.

The Property for let: one bedroom flat

Where: Seymour Street, Westminster, W1

The Price: £550 per week

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

4. One with a Private Balcony

 
 
A recently refurbished two bedroom top floor apartment set within this attractive block in W1. The large living room features an open plan dining area.  The modern kitchen is fully equipped and there are two bathrooms including one en-suite.  The spacious balcony overlooking the communal gardens offers the perfect spot to enjoy a Sunday morning breakfast with the paper or a coffee after dinner.

The Property for let: two bedroom flat

Where: Brook Mews, Westminster W1

The Price: £1,500 per week

Click on the link for more info on two bedroom flat for let in W1including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

5. Not One, Not Two, But Three En-suites

 

A grand seven bedroom double-fronted detached Victorian house - perfect for a corporate let or for a family.  Three of the bedrooms in this house are en-suites.  Not only that, the property has a grand total of three reception rooms,  a large kitchen/dining room, a large rear garden and off street parking for five cars.  The property is even more desirable as it is situated in a prime location in Ealing Broadway.

The Property for let: 7 bedroom detached house

Where: Gordon Road, Ealing W5

The Price: £6,000 pcm

Click on the link for more info on this 7 bedroom detached house in Ealing including more photos and information or to book your viewing online.

Let Northfields help you to find the perfect property whether you require an en-suite or not. Check out all the properties Northfields currently has for rent here. Call our award winning lettings team on 0208 567 6660 or click the link to register with our lettings team.

Property Market Update for July 2011

Rightmove’s latest House Price Index for July 2011 shows that house sellers who are hoping to sell their property this summer are going to have to ensure that their property makes the best first impression in order to attract a buyer.

Rightmove’s latest report reveals that across the nation, asking prices have dropped by 1.6% in July 2011. This drop is the first that we have seen in 6 months. While first time buyers will certainly welcome the news, sellers without significant equity in their homes will be somewhat disappointed.

However, there are a number of things you should remember, that the “doom and gloom” loving media will not always point out.

August is usually a slower month in the property market – The summer season is usually marked by a slow down in the number of new properties coming to sale and fewer buyers looking to buy them for the very simple reason that many people are on summer holidays. So seasonal fluctuations must be taken into consideration when evaluating the state of the market.

Having said that, nationally this is the largest July drop in asking prices for three years, since the 1.8% recorded in 2008. Sellers at this time of year traditionally show more pricing restraint than those in the first six months of the year but with buyers fewer and farther between that restraint has obviously been more marked in 2011.

London doesn’t usually follow all the national trends – While Rightmove’s House Price Index makes really interesting reading, remember that the figures represent national averages. What is happening in Ealing or Hammersmith is most often very different than what is happening in Newcastle or Cardiff.

For example, while asking prices dropped 1.6% nationally on average, asking prices in Ealing, enjoyed a modest 0.1% rise when compared to the previous month.

Ealing was in fact, only one of two London Boroughs that experienced a rise in asking prices in the month of July, but even the boroughs that didn’t make the top 5 of London’s best performing boroughs, fared better than the national average of a 1.6% drop in asking prices.

For example, Hammersmith and Fulham’ asking prices dropped just 0.6% while Hounslow dropped 0.8% Even London’s worst performing borough of Haringey dropped their asking prices by 1.4%, making London’s biggest loss in equity 0.2% less than the national average.

Competing With Other House Sellers

While Rightmove’s House Price Index focuses primarily on the general outlook of the property market across England and Wales and therefore may not apply exactly to the outlook in London, there are many factors that the report highlights which London house sellers should seriously consider when offering their property for sale.

70% of the property marketed so far in 2011 is still on the market

When new sellers come to the market they often feel that their property is the best and find it difficult to look at pricing and presenting the property realistically. At Northfields we understand that you are proud of your home and feel obvious sentimental attachment to it, but with so many other properties listed for sale by all the local estate agents in your area, new sellers will need to make their property so tempting to a buyer that the buyer can’t pass up the chance to book a viewing.

New sellers need to consider that the Rightmove report found that the average unsold stock per estate agency branch was at the highest level recorded for this time of year, currently standing at 78 properties.

With many buyers away on holiday and with mortgage approvals at half pre-credit crunch levels new sellers need to be canny and try to keep sentiment out of the equation as much as possible to make their property the one that stands out.

Rightmove’s research shows that the first week of marketing creates nearly double the interest of any subsequent week. If your property is not priced right to start with, your property may not get the attention of the right buyers when it is likely to generate the most interest.

If a you have been marketing a property at a price that was more hopeful than realistic, it may be that to it will go stale quickly and completely re-launching the property at its new price as though it were a new instruction may be the best way to revitalise the chances of making a successful sale.

Miles Shipside of Rightmove advises: “The highest level of interest in your property will be in the first week it comes on the market—and first impressions count. It’s often hard for sellers to be objective about their cherished property, so it’s important to look dispassionately at the three Ps: Presentation, Price and Promotion. Make sure it’s looking its best from day one, that you offer better value than any similar property locally, and when you’ve got those two right then make sure your agent markets the socks off it so it really stands out. If you didn’t price and present your property right the first time then you need to discuss a makeover of the price, appearance and marketing with your agent.”

Have you been marketing a property that has gone stagnant?

Speak to our sales team about re-launching your property so that you can take advantage of the interest generated by a new instruction. Call Northfields on 0208 840 6666 to discuss your options for re-marketing your property or e-mail us at sales@northfields.co.uk

If you want to market your property for the first time, make sure it is done right!

Request your free no obligation valuation by calling 0208 840 6666to find out what Northfields Estates would do to make your property stand out from the crowd. Or request your property valuation online here.

Five to View: Properties for Sale Close to Beautiful Parks in West London

With all of the beautiful weather we have been having many people having been spending their weekends sitting on picnic blankets in one of the beautiful parks that West London has to offer.  Living in one of these outstanding properties would mean that you would have the perfect picnic spot on your doorstep, not to mention a place for the kid's to play or to walk the dog.  Here are just 5 properties Northfields currently has available for sale that are situated close to a West London Park.

1 A Four Bedroom House

 
It is hard  to imagine a more perfect park-side location than this elegant semi detached house, over looking Lammas Park. Well situated to schools, Northfields Avenue, with excellent local shopping facilities, restaurants, bars and London Underground Station. The ground floor accommodation comprises a grand entrance hall, living area with many original features, open plan kitchen dining area leading onto a landscaped south facing garden and own drive. The first floor comprises 3 bedrooms one of which is leading onto a south facing roof garden over looking the park. The top floor has been extended creating a 16ft fourth bedroom leading onto a south facing Balcony

The Property for sale: 4 bedroom semi-detached house

The Park It is Near:  Lammas Park (with Walpole Park very nearby)

Where: Elers Road, Ealing W5

The Price: £1,000,500

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this four bedroom semi-detached house on Elers Road in Ealingor to book your viewing online.

2. A Three Bedroom Mansion Flat

 
 A substantial mansion flat situated in the heart of Pitshanger Lane. The accommodation comprises a front reception room separate kitchen and three well-proportioned bedrooms. The property benefits from high ceilings and many original features. Kenmure House is in an ideal spot for strolls around the open spaces of Pitshanger park and Scotch Common.  The property is also within reach of the local shops, restaurants and bars of Pitshanger Village.

The Property for sale: 3 bedroom flat

The Park It is Near:  Pitshanger Park and Scotch Common

Where: Pitshanger Lane, Ealing W5

The Price: £310,000

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this three bedroom mansion flat in Pitshanger Lane or to book your viewing online.

3. A Three Bedroom Victorian Conversion Flat

 
Set within this imposing four storey Victorian building, this beautifully presented three bedroom flat boasts a wealth of features and character. A 13’ Kitchen/diner with impressive stone flooring, a reception room with period style features, working fireplace, ‘Venetian marble effect plaster walls’ and lovely arched windows, a library/study and a stunning Jacuzzi style luxury bathroom suite. Located within a short walk of Acton Central Overland Station as well as the open spaces of Acton Park and within walking distance of Ealing Common and Chiswick W4, as well as additional transport links to Ealing Broadway, Shepherd’s Bush, including the new Westfield Shopping Centre and Chiswick High Road. In our opinion, this spacious property is an excellent opportunity to purchase a desirable home with great potential.

The Property for sale: 3 bedroom conversion flat

The Park It is Near:  Acton Park

Where: Alfred Road, Acton W3

The Price: £475,000

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this 3 bedroom flat for sale in W3 or to book your viewing online.

4. A One Bedroom Flat

  
Located on the ground floor with its own private patio garden is this well maintained 1 bedroom apartment close to Wendell Park. The property has well proportioned rooms throughout, lots of storage and its own allocated off street parking. With good access to the district line at Stamford Brook, bus links to Shepherds Bush and Westfield shopping centre.

The Property for sale: 1 bedroom flat

The Park It is Near:  Wendell Park

Where: Holley Road, Acton W3

The Price: £224,950

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

5. A Two Bedroom Flat

 
A spectacular 2 bedroom first floor conversion flat set within a popular road in Ealing. The accommodation comprises a stunning bay fronted reception room with a feature fire place, a stylish bathroom and a 17ft kitchen breakfast room. Further benefits from internal stairs from the kitchen leading down to a shared garden. Seaford Road is located nearby West Ealing overground station, servicing frequent trains to Heathrow and Paddington. The property is also close to the high street and is only a short stroll to the open spaces of Elthorne Park.

The Property for sale: 2 bedroom flat

The Park It is Near:  Elthorne Park

Where: Seaford Road, Ealing W13

The Price: £289,950

Click on the link to see more photos, floorplans and information on this two bedroom flat in Seaford Road Ealing or to book your viewing online.

Imagine living so close to a haven of green space.  If you want to make your dream property close to a park a reality, Northfields has more fantastic properties for sale located close to parks or with their own outstanding gardens.  Properties close to parks tend to be very popular so 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.