Northfields

Capitalise on the Royal Wedding in our Capital

When you heard about the impending nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton, did you run right out and start buying memorial tea towels and mugs bearing the young couple's faces?  Or did you want to bury your head in the sand and start humming loudly so as to drown out any talk of the wedding plans?  Either way, have you considered that as a resident of London you could make some money from the royal wedding?

FindaProperty conducted a survey and found that London homeowners could earn £100 million by competing with the capital’s hotels during the weekend of the Royal Wedding.  According to the findings of the report one in four London homeowners are considering renting out part or all of their homes for the weekend of the April 28 ceremony.

What sort of money could be made from your London property?

Well, the survey found the average price people are willing to let out a spare room for is £38 per night. Three-quarters of those planning on capitalising on the royal wedding are planning to charge less than £50 a night, with five per cent planning to charge £100 per room a night and a very ambitious one per cent are rivalling London’s top hotels, charging over £300 a night.

Most people opening up their London homes to fans of the royal couple are offering to let out a single spare room.  If you are the type who is rather sick of hearing about Wills and Kate you might prefer to vacate your home for the duration of the event and rent out your whole property - more than a quarter of the respondents to FindaProperty's survey said that  they are considering doing just that.  A further four per cent are looking to let out three or more of the rooms in their homes.

It's a great way to make money from your property.  You could say that you can have your cake and eat it too!

Thinking of letting out your property for the longer term?  Let our award winning lettings team get your property making money well beyond the weekend of the royal wedding, call us on 0208 567 6660 or request a free, no obligation valuation here.

Source: Open your doors to the Royal Wedding guests http://blog.findaproperty.com/general/open-doors-royal-wedding-guests/#ixzz1C9Fkleby
FindaProperty.com Blog

Is London heading for a double-dip recession?

Following Dennis Turner’s, Chief Economist at HSBC Bank, speech at the Ealing Chamber of Commerce, Northfields Estate Agents’ Managing Director and President of the Chamber, Richard Palfreeman comments: “The government have difficult choices to make and seem determined to see them through."

                                            Dennis Turner, Chief Economist at HSBC Bank

Dennis Turner gave the assembled business leaders what Richard Palfreeman thought to be “the here and now and addressing the issues affecting each and every one of us, our businesses and the ultimate impact on our economy in layman’s terms.” Questions covered were whether the slashing of budgets too viciously whilst not investing, was enough to keep our economy rolling or the most burning questions on whether we are heading for a double dip recession?

Richard says of the experience: “Dennis Turner is an economic legend. In challenging times like these, economic gurus such as Dennis Turner are in serious demand. As the Chief Economic Adviser for HSBC, Dennis is a rare breed and highly sought after. He heads a team advising bankers on economic trends both within industry sectors and at national and international level.” In a personal capacity, Dennis Turner was one of a small number of private sector economists who advised the pre-Blair Labour Party, retaining high level Government contacts.

Richard Palfreeman felt that Dennis’ speech was excellent and “confirmed our own sense that the housing market is not going to be affected in West London to the same extent as areas in the country, which are particularly dependent on public sector jobs.”  

In challenging times like these, it is good to see that “there is still demand in buying property in West London, with its good transport links and schools”, Richard Palfreeman observes further though, ”that people are constrained by lack of available finance. The real issue is not a lack of demand but the availability of mortgages. Though we do not wish to see a return to unsustainable lending, for the market to recover fully, we would like to see a return to sensible lending to First Time Buyers at 85% - 90% of loan to value.“

With the government and HSBC forecasting the economy to grow by 1.4% next year, the likelihood of a double dip recession is rescinding. And the current lack of competition in mortgage markets is causing the housing market to be artificially low.

For more information or advice on your mortgage and property needs call one of our friendly team members today on 020 8840 6666.

West London Receives Awards for Green Spaces

When you think of "green spaces" you would be most likely to think of areas outside the M25.  Would it surprise you to know that West London has collected 32 Green Flag Awards.  This is a significant achievement when you think that the whole of Scotland was only awarded a total of 28 flags.

The Green Flag Awards are given to public parks and open spaces, aiming to "recognise and reward the best green spaces".

In the borough of Ealing, Northala Fields was recognised with a Green Flag Award for a third year running.  The award is judged based on various criteria such as cleanliness, maintenance, sustainability, community involvement and its management.

Northala Fields was opened in Spring 2008 after debris from the demolition of the original Wembley stadium and rubble from the construction of the Westfield Shopping Centre in White City was used to build four large conical mounds on the former wasteground. The tallest mound measures 26m (84ft) high. On a clear day you can see the new Wembley Stadium arch, the Post Office Tower, and the towers of Canary Wharf on the horizon.  

The park boasts a number of natural habitats such as wildlife ponds and wildflower grasslands, as well as a two playgrounds and a model boating lake and six fishing lakes.  

As well as the award winning Northala Fields, West London has many other fantastic green spaces for residents to enjoy. 

Click the link to read this article on the best parks in West London to live near for an idea of where to look for property if green space is what you are after.

Search for Properties to buy near West London parks by clicking here or to make it even easier call on 0208 840 6666 and tell us what park you are looking to live near.

Search for properties to rent near West London's parks by clicking here or call 0208 567 6660 and tell us what park you are particularly looking to live near.

The Best Parks to Live Near in West London

With summer approaching many of us will be looking to spend as much time as possible in green and hopefully, sunny spaces.  Here are some of the hot spot parks to live near or visit in London.  Below each park's description is a satellite map to allow you to explore the park virtually.

Walpole Park - Ealing

The park at the centre of Ealing is home to the Ealing Summer Festival which runs from July 3rd - August 3rd, 2010.  The festival is comprised of several distinct festivals with the jazz, comedy and blues festivals being the most popular.  People travel from all over London to enjoy the festivities, but those who live near by can enjoy the free music and excellent comedy and simply stroll home.

Through the rest of the year there are many attractions to amuse at Walpole Park including two duck ponds and a playground to delight the little ones, Pitshanger Manor Museum and Art Gallery to explore and a cafe to satisfy your need for ice cream or coffee as the weather might demand.  Ealing Broadway shopping centre is close by should the need for a spot of shopping overtake you.

Lammas Park - Ealing

Lammas Park is just over the road from Walpole Park and provides several tennis courts as well as another playground and wonderful wide open spaces perfect for playing football or walking the dog.  There is also a bowling green for those so inclined.

Virtually explore both Lammas Park and Walpole Park:

View Larger Map

Pitshanger Park - Ealing

Pitshanger Park is the site of Party in the Park which occurs at the end of June every year.  Party in the Park is a like a summer fete but on a slightly grander scale.  Northfields has been a proud sponsor or Party in the Park in the past.

Pitshanger is well known for its very villagey feel and the green space of Pitshanger Park shares this feeling, making it the perfect place to walk the dog or play football with the kids.

Take a closer look at Pitshanger Park:

View Larger Map

Hanwell Bunny Park - Hanwell

The Bunny Park in Hanwell is a favourite of families with children. There is a selection of animals to see including goats, a donkey, peacocks, emu, monkeys, birds, snakes and bunnies.  There are also interesting walks suitable for pushchairs & small kids, a nice playground, toilets, a maze with a watchtower in the centre and a small cafe.

Get a closer look at the Hanwell Bunny Park area:

View Larger Map

Wendell Park - Shepherd's Bush

Wendell Park itself is a small but beautiful piece of green space surrounded by the bustle of West London. Bordered by busy roads and residences, the area is an oasis of calm in the city. For generations the park has been one of the primary places of recreation, rest and relaxation for the people who live around it.  Wendell Park is situated just North of Stamford Brook Avenue and the Goldhawk Road, East of Emlyn Road and West of the Askew Road.

If while you are enjoying the green spaces of Wendell Park the sudden need for a luxury shopping experience overwhelms you, you can de-camp to the nearby Westfield Shopping Centre,

Get a closer look at the Wendell Park area:

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Ravenscourt Park - Hammersmith

Ravenscourt Park has lots of winding pathways to explore with a small lake complete with an island, ducks, swans and geese.  Should the kids fall foul of fowl there are 3 separate kids play areas, all with different activities including a zip wire, tyre swings and great climbing frames. Plus there is a huge paddling pool and a sandpit.  There are dog-free, dog-specific and general areas. Basketball court, football pitch, tennis courts, and even a beautifully kept bowling green entertain the sporting sorts.  For those who prefer quiet there is a walled scented garden with shaded benches.  Added to that there is a garden centre and cafe.  The park is easily accessible to Ravenscourt Park tube station.

Zoom in on the map below to see Ravenscourt Park:

View Larger Map

Search for Properties to buy near any of these parks by clicking here or to make it even easier call on 0208 840 6666 and tell us what park you are looking to live near.

Search for properties to rent near any of these parks by clicking here or call 0208 567 6660 and tell us what park you are particularly looking to live near.

PRESS RELEASE: NORTHFIELDS SCOOPS INDUSTRY’S TOP LETTING AWARDS

Northfields has scooped five awards in the Estate Agency of the Year Awards 2010 including the ultimate honour for a lettings business, Lettings Agency of the Year. The awards, the “Oscars” of the estate agency industry, are the longest running and most highly regarded accolades in the profession, championing best practice. The winners were announced on Tuesday 15th June at a glittering awards ceremony hosted by American comedienne, Ruby Wax.

  

As well as the top award for best overall performance, Northfields won the Gold for Best Small Lettings Agency, Silver for Best Property Management, Gold for Best Marketing and Bronze for Training and Development. The judges commented, “For an agency of its size, Northfields’ investment in its staff training, technology and innovation is impressive. It continuously demonstrates an ability to punch well above its weight.”

The Northfields lettings team invests equal time in both landlord and tenant and have implemented innovative ideas to help both. The judges noted, “Excellent communication is key to this business and is shown in every relationship. Both tenants and vendors comment on the team’s exceptional knowledge, dedication and enthusiasm.”

The difference our approach makes is reflected in our figures: 86% of our business comes from personal recommendation, 18% of landlords have stayed with Northfields for over a decade and six out of ten properties are let within 24 hours. This impressive performance is enabling us to open our fifth office in Bayswater, W2 this year, despite the recession.

Proud lettings director Silvia Eldawi comments, “It takes something special to be a member of the Northfields’ lettings team. Our staff are passionate about what they do and I am thrilled that the hard work they put in to helping our customers has been recognised.”

The awards, which are chaired by the Property Ombudsman and have the backing of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA), were judged by a panel of highly experienced property professionals. All the judges have seen numerous different agencies over many years, giving them the ability to compare one lettings agency with another.

Northfields, which already has branches in Shepherds Bush, Ealing Broadway, Northfields and Pitshanger, To discuss how we can help you, call our award-winning lettings team on 020 8567 6660.

Northfields Avenue Western Fun Day June 27th

Northfields will be participating in the Western themed Northfields Avenue Fun Day on Saturday June 27th from 12-4pm.  The businesses and associations along Northfields Avenue will be hosting games, competitions, children's activities and live music.

Northfields has participated in this fun day for several years now.  The event is always terrific family fun.  In addition, the event raises money for local childrens' charities the Log Cabin and Steps.

Bring the family down Northfields Avenue for a day of fun!  We'd love to see you.

Happy 100th Birthday Pitshanger Lane! Happy 1st anniversary Northfields at Pitshanger!

It gives us great pleasure to be sponsoring Pitshanger's Party in the Park for the second year running, especially on the centenary of Pitshanger Lane on Sunday 28th June 2009. Party In The Park just keeps getting bigger and better with each year and we are delighted to have been welcomed into the community these past 12 months since opening. 

Party in the Park is essentially a garden fete, but on a grand scale, and has the twin purposes of bringing the Pitshanger community together and raising funds for Pitshanger Community Association projects and other local causes.

The focal point of Party In The Park is the Open-Air Stage, where a programme of music and dance acts by schools and other local groups is topped and tailed by opening and closing ceremonies.  The stage also provides an opportunity for competitors in the highly popular Pitshanger Popstars to perform for a large open-air audience.

Hunger and thirst are kept at bay by the Gastrodome, where local restaurateurs vie for your custom, and the Beer Tent, where a pint can be enjoyed to the backing of live music.  Parents enjoy browsing in the Arts & Crafts Village with over 50 stalls offering everything from Indian massage to candyfloss.

Other regular attractions include a magnificent Carousel and the Arena which plays host to a variety of family sporting challenges and a dog show. Throughout the day, junior football teams battle it out on pitches adjacent to the Party In The Park showground.

As Northfields approaches its 1st anniversary as Pitshanger's local multi award winning agent we are pleased to report that demand for property in this part of ealing is rising, prices are stabilising and we are continuing to sell and let properties. To find out more about property in Pitshanger click here.

We hope to see you all there!

Richard Palfreeman - Managing Director

richard.palfreeman@northfields.co.uk

Happy 100th Birthday Pitshanger Lane!

In 1909 Pitshanger Road, as it was then named, was changed to Pitshanger Lane. Since then the Lane has developed, along with the surrounding roads, into a thriving and highly desirable residential area retaining the highly sought after “village” atmosphere.

This year the Lane will be 100 years old, a centenary which should not be allowed to pass by un-noticed and one that is worthy of recognition and celebration.

Northfields opened their 5th branch in Pitshanger Lane in June 2008 and are delighted to be a part of this desirable community. We hope you can join us in this year's celebration events.

For more information on property for sale or let in Pitshanger click here.

Northfields sponsor Party in the Park

Pitshanger Park Sunday June 29th - 1pm - 9pm

Come and join the team at Northfields at Party in the Park.  To celebrate the opening of Northfields in Pitshanger we are delighted to support this fantastic event.

There will be a main stage with various acts as well as lots of stalls and kids activities - look forward to seeing you there!

Northfield Avenue Summer Fun Day

Northfield Avenue Saturday June 14th 12-4pm

Please join us this Saturday (June 14th) when we celebrate the Summer Fun Day. Come into our office on Northfields Avenue for fun and refreshments, we will be raising funds for the Log Cabin as part of NABTA's (Northfield Ave Business and Traders Association) The Summer Fun Day will be all along Northfield Avenue between 12 - 4pm. There will be kids' activities, live music, entertainment, food and fun. Last year's Summer Fun Day raised £3,298 for the Log Cabin. The Log Cabin is an exciting adventure centre for Ealing for children and young people, primarily those with disabilities or special needs. Northfields are proud to offer year round support to both NABTA and the Log Cabin.