Hanover Easy Living, Rotary Lodge, Worthing

Worthing is the largest town in West Sussex and boasts fabulous surroundings.  In a fantastic geographical location, Worthing offers the South Downs to the North and the English Channel to the South and provides ample shopping and entertainment facilities.  If the variety of shops, department stores and theatres don’t offer you exactly what you are looking for, then an easy route to the East is the uber-chic and cosmopolitan city of Brighton & Hove, or alternatively the historic and beautiful cathedral city Chichester to the West.  So what can we expect from this retirement development, Rotary Lodge?

Signs on the main road into Worthing guided me towards the central located development which provides ample off-road parking facilities and landscaped gardens.  It was an impressive first sight with the building standing out in the afternoon sun – the neighbouring plot is being developed for apartments which are almost completed.  Entrance to the building is made through security locked, electric glass sliding doors where signs instantly point out which way to turn.  I was greeted by the estate manager who guided me towards the sales office (currently set up in one of the one bedroom apartments).

I was invited to look around the two bedroom show-apartment, unaccompanied as the sales negotiator was speaking with a gentleman looking to buy for his parents.  Walking into the two bed apartment, it was instantly noticeable that space was a major selling point.  The bathroom was the first room I entered and I was taken aback by the size.  All of the apartments on this site offer both shower and bath, heated floor tiles, heated towel rail and offer the comfort of no shower tray for easy entrance and exit from the shower area.  The bathroom was designed in cool, calming and neutral colours with white sanitary wear and this colour theme was featured throughout.

Carrying on along the crisp hallway, I entered the master double bedroom.  It was a very good size, easily fitting in a double bed, wardrobe and dressing table.  I would preferably want to have a first floor apartment as the window on this ground floor plot looks out onto the car park and cars might obstruct my views.  However, because the windows are East-facing, there was a great deal of natural light available which could help cut down on rising electricity bills.  The second single bedroom was well designed in light colours and again residents can make good use of the East-facing windows.

The lounge/dining room are open plan with a large kitchen found towards the rear.  As is common with most retirement homes, the developer doesn’t provide a washing machine within the apartment but provides a washing room elsewhere in the building.  I did think that this could be a problem with only three washing machines and three drying machines provided for 40 apartments – but perhaps they work on a rota basis?  The kitchen comes with a dishwasher, fridge/freezer, oven and electric hob with an extractor fan and I was impressed with generous cupboard space.

The lounge was again a very good size, but if the residents decide they wish for a more social scene, they can take advantage of the communal conservatory and lounge which leads onto the communal garden. Furthermore, residents and their guests can book to eat at the Rotary Lodge “restaurant” - a weekly menu is printed and on show at the entrance to the lounge to enable residents to plan ahead for meal times. 

For the residents who love to get pampered, a Beauty Treatment Room is on offer where hair-dressers, nail technicians and other therapists can be found and hired.  It seems that there is a lot on offer all under one roof!

After looking around unaccompanied, I was then joined by the estate manager who talked me through some of the specifications until the sales negotiator had finished with his previous client. Both were chatty and helpful.  I was a little concerned about the management costs however a breakdown was given to me which put me more at ease.

What you get for your money:
Prices from £157,500 for a one bed apartment
Prices from £235,000 for a three bed apartment …
Shared ownership is also on offer for selected apartments …
£4284 p.a. service charges for one bed
£4644 p.a. service charges for two beds

Location, location, location:
A short walk to the bus stop and West Worthing train station.  Short journey into Worthing town centre, grocery shop a short stroll along the road. 

Best feature:
Spacious, caters for individual needs, allows for a good social scene, 24-hour emergency alarm, close to bustling town centre, modern interiors with carpets, buggy store, guest suite available.

Worst feature:
As everything is so easy to reach within the building, could it encourage some residents not to leave the building?

Contact the sales office Thursday - Saturday: 07882 370423

• Location:   8 of 10 (Easy access by roads and to amenities)
• Product:       9 of 10
• Sales Negotiator service: 7 of 10 (chatty and spoke a lot about the growing community in the building but didn’t personally show me around)
• Value for money:             Above average

Overall: Worthing has some good entertainment and leisure facilities, apartments are spacious and appealing … 

Have you visited Rotary Lodge? Do you agree with Hannah? Post your comments…

 We recently had an enquiry about equine grazing land …

“I noticed that you have a section on your website about Grazing Land.

I have an area of my small-holding that I would like to rent out as Equine Grazing Land, after a few people have approached me about the possibilities. Before I pursue this there are a few things I would like to find out about and wondered if anybody can help me …”

1. What guidelines do the RSPCA have for Grazing Land?

• Fresh water supplied regularly, although not necessarily piped water
• Shelter, whether it be from trees or a built shelter (hardiness of breed determines type of shelter)
• Secure and safe fencing
• Accessible
• No toxic planting
• Reasonable space

2. What plants are dangerous to horses and must not be found in or around Grazing Land?

The list is quite long, but a few of the more common harmful plants are …

• Bracken
• Broom
• Buttercup
• Laburnum
• Lily of the valley
• Privet
• Ragwort
• St Johns Wort          

3. What is the monthly rent for grazing land?

Prices vary. 

4. What contractual agreements need to be made?

You should have a legal contract between landlord and tenant, as with any property. It should cover areas such as maintenance of the land, supply of water and shelter etc.

5. Do I need Planning Permission?

Equine grazing is included in the planning classification of ‘agricultural’. If the use is purely grazing then no permission is needed. However, if the land is used for riding, jumping, or even horses that are turned out, with their main source of nutrition NOT primarily being grazed grass, the case law holds that planning permission for ‘Change of Use’ is required.

We hope we’ve answered some of your questions.

Tell us what you pay for your grazing land. 

If you want to let or rent land, (we have interested clients) just leave a comment on this Blog or email claire.pritchard@landandbrandnewhomes.co.uk

Mark Harris

Mark Harris, Lettings Manager at Callaways Estate & Lettings Agents in Hove says, “Like most things, you get what you pay for when it comes to letting your property.  Ensure that cut-price or discounted fees don’t mean discounted service which could lead to your ‘agent’ not being around when times get tough.”

Lettings comes with complex legislation which has to be adhered to professionally and knowledgeably.  The areas which your Agent should be able to advise on include (the list below is not exhaustive)

• Inventories
• EPC’s
• Gas Safety Certification
• Tenant Referencing
• Property Maintenance
• Guarantor/Guarantee Agreements

The Lettings business is heavy on resources, and if the agency tries to cut corners, be sure you won’t suffer in the short or long term as fee-cutting will eventually prove unprofitable unless it is off-set by cost savings.

What should you do when you choose your Letting Agent?

• do not base your choice on price alone
• consider the Agencies’ staff experience, professionalism and quality of service
• get recommendations from current clients
• check how they market and advertise their landlords’ properties

For more information on letting your property call Callaways on 01273-735237 or email info@callaways.co.uk

A decision is desperately needed to determine the future of the stamp duty and we need one now!

It was a poor choice on the governments part to let the newspapers print that there have been discussions to defer stamp duty.  It has meant that many are holding off buying until this decision has been made - therefore slowing the market down even further.

Many developers, including small independant developers such as Whiteoaks (with properties at Church View offering this incentive) have decided to get things off of the starting blocks and will pay stamp duty on their new build properties - a very tempting offer that can save you money in the region of £10,000.

If you are thinking about buying a property, take a look at the new builds and see what they can offer you…

Have you used the stamp duty incentive? Let us know… Post your comments

• grounds of just under 4 acres
• tennis court
• outdoor swimming pool
• stabling
• 4 bedrooms, (en-suite and dressing room to master)
• 3 receptions
• triple garage and car port
• Just 11 miles from Brighton, and 20 miles from Gatwick

For further details, contact Alex@callaways.co.uk 

Do you live in Albourne?  Tell us why the location appeals to YOU!

Known for its celebrity residents, the benefits of this superb residence include

• 4 beds (en-suite and dressing room to master)
• 3 open plan reception rooms
• South facing terrace leading to beach
• Garage, garden and courtyard area
• Art Nouveau fireplaces, brass door plats, DG, GFCH and electronic security shutter to the ground floor south elevation.
• POA

If you want celebrity neighbours, and to enjoy the many cosmopolitan bars and restaurants along Church Road, Hove, and in Brighton City Centre - contact Alex Sheppard on alex@callaways.co.uk

Watch out for prices to be released shortly - contact nicki.keeley@landandbrandnewhomes.co.uk if you want to receive updates on ‘Aurora’, or further information on off-plan incentives.

Their prestigious 6 apartments plus 1 penthouse are gradually coming out of the ground and causing quite a stir with their art-deco design and eco-friendly specifications.   

Some very interesting names have been put forward for Astins’ first ever development, and I’m told an announcement will be made shortly. 

Land & Brand New Homes are currently taking expressions of interest for off-plan sales.  Contact nicki.keeley@landandbrandnewhomes.co.uk for more details.

The Brunswick Festival took place on 16 & 17 August with packed crowds.  What a glorious atmosphere when we went there on Saturday afternoon - mums, dads, children of all ages, with a live band, lots of stalls, beer tent and everyone just enjoying themselves, rummaging through the stacks of jewellery, trying out the cakes, food, clothes, old books and records, and lolling about on the grassy slopes, simply busy doing nothing. (The kids were having a great time playing amongst the trees, too!)

Is there a ban on ‘For Sale’ and ‘To Let’ boards in Brunswick Square?  The only ones we saw were for Callaways Estate Agents (and I think they’ve been in Hove since 1935!).  Can someone tell me whether there are any properties to buy or rent in the Square? 

Yours, TG

Rent a Room Scheme …

is a government initiative where home-owners can rent out a spare room (or even a floor of their house) and receive up to £4,250 a year tax-free (or £2,150 if letting jointly).

How the scheme works:

• This scheme is on offer if you decide to let a furnished room in your main home
• The lodger can occupy a single room or an entire floor of your home
• You can take advantage of this scheme even if you are renting the property – however, check with your lease to make sure you’re allowed to take a lodger
• If you’re a home-owner, double check with your mortgage and insurance terms and conditions to see if you’re able to take on a lodger

Advantages & Disadvantages:

• Rent a room scheme can apply to businesses such as bed & breakfasts, guest houses, catering and cleaning services used as part of a letting business
• If you charge for additional services (e.g. laundry services, meals etc) then these expenses will need to be added to your receipts and if these come over the £4,250 allowance, you’ll be required to pay tax
• If you share a home and are both renting rooms, you will each be entitled to half of the allowance (up to £2,125 per tax year) before you are required to pay tax
• If you use the Rent a Room scheme, you’ll not be allowed to claim any expenses relating the letting (e.g. wear and tear, repairs, heating, lighting etc)

How to opt in or out of the scheme:

• If you want to opt in and don’t normally receive a tax return and your receipts are below the tax-free thresholds for the scheme, the tax exemption is automatic so you don’t need to do anything
• If you wish to opt in and your receipts are above the tax-free threshold, you must tell your Tax Office - you can do this by completing a tax return and claiming the allowance
• If you want to opt out, complete a tax return within the usual deadline and declare the relevant lettings income and expenses on the property pages

For more details see www.directgov.co.uk or view the video at: http://www.directgov.coionline.tv/index.php?vid=rentaroomfilm

Have you made use of this scheme? Tell us your experiences.

The Brunswick Festival comes to Brunswick Square, Hove for the 27th time on Saturday 16 & 17 August 2008.

There’s a whole host of free activities for all the family including live music, bric-a-brac and craft stalls.  Events start at 12 pm on Saturday and run until 6 pm both days.

The event is supported by a small team of local residents and volunteers (and local businesses’ financial support). 

I’m definitely going over to take a peek …  More later!

Taking a walk along the prom at Goring-By-Sea the other evening, past the greensward full of kitesurfers, family picnicers and people enjoying the last rays of sunlight on the pebbly beach at Goring-By-Sea, and the adjacent Yacht Club, I glimpsed upon the foundations of a new building under construction.  Astins brand new development is literally a stone’s throw from the beach, and close to the promenade which runs from Ferring to Worthing Town Centre.  Upon further investigation I discovered that the finished product is going to be a unique development of 7 apartments including a spectacular penthouse. 

My enquiries at Land & Brand New Homes revealed that this luxury beachfront development offers buyers a stunning and peaceful setting with easy access to modern amenities in Worthing, nearby Brighton & Hove and Chichester.

Its emphasis on eco-design and the attention to detail within each apartment is especially attractive to buyers who want to live or buy a second home on this part of the South coast with its reputed micro-climate.

The apartments boast enviable panoramic sea views and are being designed and styled to a very high specification.  From the interior design of the communal areas to the tranquil garden setting and the highest level of interior finishing and fixtures it is clear that Astins will raise the benchmark for luxury coastal living…

Prices have yet to be released but there are off-plan initiatives.  Nicki at Land & Brand New Homes is marketing the development and she can be contacted at Nicki.Keeley@landandbrandnewhomes.co.uk .

Bovis Homes, Meridian End, Peacehaven

Peacehaven, originally christened Anzac-On-Sea, is a young village only beginning its life in 1914. Plots near Telscombe Cliffs were sold cheaply; perhaps due to the location being so isolated. During World War One, there was never enough time, money or supplies to build, which resulted in little consideration or thought going into the architecture. After the war however, development continued at a good pace with plans to make the village into a modern seaside resort. By 1924, Peacehaven’s first hotel was built. Unfortunately, this hotel is no longer in use. Peacehaven’s attempts at transformation from post war settlement to holiday resort can be seen through the many bungalows lining the roads within the town.

Nowadays, Peacehaven is a thriving town with The Meridian Centre being its focal point. The centre includes shops, a community hall, library and health clinic. Peacehaven also offers a £1.5 million Leisure Centre which provides a range of indoor activities. For those who love the outdoors there is a Sports Park for bowls, football and outdoor basketball or alternatively, nearby coastal walks and the South Downs with its breathtaking scenery.

I was driving East along the coast past Brighton where I came across signs directing me towards Meridian End. I was intrigued by the name of the site so followed them to see what was on offer and whether they could provide me with a beautiful new home. Following the signs, I was directed most of the way to the site. After realising at the end of Arundel Road that I must have passed the site, I did a U-turn next to another up and coming development. Reaching one mini-roundabout along this road, I luckily saw the site to my left and headed towards the entrance. I drove along the newly built road where many of the properties at the entrance and outskirts of the site had been sold, perhaps because the centre of the site is still being developed for the last remaining houses.

I found the sales office by following the road through to the end. I was greeted by a welcoming sales negotiator in a cool and light sales cabin, which had information displayed on the walls and included textile and colour charts to enable purchasers to add a personal touch to their new home. She talked me through the site layout and what was available, found out my current situation and we headed off to see a three bedroom show-home. Some of the new homes are already lived in and personal touches have already been added and for this reason, I felt confident as I entered The Beardsley.

I was filled with a sense of calm and femininity when we walked through the door where I saw beige carpets, white furniture, crisp walls with pale pink features throughout. My first concern however was the cloakroom. It was well-tiled with a unique boarder and was a fairly good size; however the doors of the cloakroom and front door over-lapped which meant that there wasn’t much room to move. We carried on through to the lounge which was a very good size, well lit and included a white-trimmed fireplace.

The kitchen is located just off the lounge towards the back of the house. The first thing I noticed as I entered the kitchen were the double doors opening onto the south-facing gardens. Again, the décor was light and bright with white floor tiles, light brown cupboards, light coloured tiled splash-backs and dark worktops. It’s a favourable size and large enough to fit a round kitchen table in to use for breakfast or meal times. If the properties are bought at the right stage of construction, the new owner is given the choice of worktops, floor tiles and splash-backs which will all be in place ready for when they move in. It was clear from the little signs dotted around the kitchen that the houses were built with eco-friendly considerations. As standard, the kitchen comes with a fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dish washer, hob and oven.

We walked up the stairs to the bedrooms, which I found to be a little disappointing. Although they were well designed, I think that space was an after-thought. The master bedroom was furnished with a double bed and a chest-of-draws with touches of pale pink in the curtains and painting. The bedroom comes with an en-suite and fitted cupboards, but it seemed that there wouldn’t be much room space for too much else. Bedroom two and three also come with fitted wardrobes but there was a real lack of space in either one. Bedroom 2 would have been a real squeeze to try and fit a double bed in, whereas bedroom three was decorated for a young child with a child sized bed and chair. I’m not convinced that a single bed would fit in comfortably. The bathroom however was a good size and offered a nice tub to soak in.

What you get for your money:
Prices from £174,950 for a two bedroom “cluster” house …
Prices from £224,950 for a three bedroom terrace …
Prices from £299,950 for a four bedroom detached house …
Prices from £259,950 for a five bedroom detached house …

Location, location, location:
A short stroll to nearby amenities, restaurants and pubs, close to the Meridian Centre, stone’s throw from the Sports Park, 5 miles to Brighton Marina, a few miles to Newhaven.

Best feature:
Close to nearby amenities, beautiful country views, in a quiet and peaceful location.

Worst feature:
Will it take a long time to create a community spirit? The building works have been postponed until more sales have been taken, so will the building works cause problems for those who have moved in to the nearby properties?

Contact the sales office: 01273 589269
• Location: 7 of 10 (Easy access by roads and to amenities)
• Product: 5 of 10
• Sales Negotiator service: 10 of 10 (chatty and knew the specs and local area)
• Value for money: Good for both first time buyers and for family homes

Overall: Peacehaven has easy access to the nearby cosmopolitan city of Brighton which offers great entertainment and leisure facilities …

Have you visited Meridian End, Peacehaven? Do you agree with our ‘Show-home Show-case’? Post Your Comments

Landlords beware - Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be mandatory for any property offered for rental after this date.  EPCs will help new tenants to know what bills they should be expecting to pay, but also identify where Landlords can make ’savings’ and their property more energy efficient.

Landlords - take note!

• An EPC is mandatory for all new lets
• The EPC must be available to prospective tenants before they view your property
• Before a new tenancy starts, tenants must be supplied with a copy of the EPC
• An EPC will not be required for a renewal of a tenancy
• The certificate is valid for 10 years
• If the landlord carries out any improvements to the property, an EPC can be renewed

As a Landlord you

• can carry out certain works for which you may be able to claim a Landlord’s Energy Saving Allowance by setting certain expenditure up to £1500 per property against your income tax
• are not required to carry out any of the works suggested by the EPC

For more information or ideas to save you money check out Communities or Energy Saving Trust.

Do you have any advice for Landlords setting up their EPC’s?  Comment NOW.  No time to lose!

One of my best suggestions - and borne out by our own recent research - is to find those people who are motivated to sell - through financial difficulty, family break-up, relocation needs (you can probably think of other reasons yourself).  Keep your purchase ‘non-emotional’ and make an offer accordingly - if they don’t bite, walk away and find another opportunity - they usually come up. 

If you’ve bought a property since March 08 we’d love to hear how your purchase went.  Post your comments.

‘Business Nightmares’

The book is not what I would call a typical holiday read, but it’s written simply and concisely with contributions of various well known business personalities.

Have you read Rachel’s book? What chapters did you identify with? Post your comments.

Currently, stamp duty is paid on the basis of:

• 1% stamp duty to be paid on properties being sold between £125,000 and £250,000
• 3% stamp duty to be paid on properties over £250,000
• 4% stamp duty to be paid on properties over £500,000

Alistair Darling has said that they are “looking into a number of measures” however they have not concluded exactly what is to be done.  It is believed that a temporary deferral will allow the buyer more time to come up with the funds and prevent the government from losing out on their revenue.  Last year they earned £6.5 billion from stamp duty.

But with rising fuel and shopping bills to add to the equation of mortgage lenders’ unease at lending, will a stamp duty deferral really be enough?  Could we look back at the tactics used in 1991 and temporarily suspend stamp duty for homes under £250,000?

Surely the government would prefer to lose a few ‘bob’ earned through stamp duty than even more people on benefits due to unemployment…

Post your thoughts and comments on what could be done to help the market…

We can rant and rave at this greedy supplier, but unfortunately it won’t change the rising bills.  So what can we do to keep our bills under control?

• Capped or fixed rates - you need to act quickly though, as some of the best deals have already been withdrawn!
• Switch energy suppliers - they can offer you a great deal if you decide to move
• Switch off appliances after you have used them - this can save around 8% of your electricity bills
• Turn down your thermostat - 1°C can make a world of difference
• Insulate - draught-proofing your home and insulating your hot water tank can save you £’s 
• Create an eco-friendly home - if you are receiving a state benefit (e.g. pension) then you can claim up to £4,000 under the Government’s “Warm-front” scheme to pay for loft insulation, central heating, a new boiler and cavity wall insulation

For more ideas, go to http://www.landandbrandnewhomes.co.uk/b2c/eco_friendly_tips.php

If you have any additional ideas, please let us know

Bellway, Pallantine Court, Chichester

Chichester is a fascinating city.  It has an ancient story behind it, which is evident through the period architecture, the 12th century Cathedral and the Roman Walls that surround a one and a half mile area of the city.  Yet Chichester also offers residents and visitors beautiful green open spaces, the English Channel, ample shopping facilities, numerous entertainment locations that provide a variety of amenities as well as leisure facilities from water-sports to walking and gymnasiums.  It is clear through the many new home boards and building works taking place that Chichester is a much desired location, so what can we expect from Pallantine Court?

Driving past the Chichester Festival Theatre, it was easy to find Pallantine Court with clear, visible signs guiding me in towards the development.  Parking was provided at the back of the townhouses (a car port for the townhouses and one private parking space per apartment) which enabled me to see the fourteen apartments also being sold on this site.
I entered the sales office where a presentable sales negotiator greeted me and ascertained my current property situation.  Unlike many of the other sales negotiators who lost interest when I was looking for friends, family or would not be able to move straight away, Bellway’s negotiator still took the time to show me round a few of the properties and explained all the specifications.

Entering through the black iron gates, we walked up the path to the show-home.  When the door was unlocked, I walked in expecting a romantic theme to reflect the theatrical named “Shakespeare” townhouses.  Even though this was not the case, I was not disappointed with the modern, light and breezy feel to the spacious townhouse.

The kitchen faces the East and is at the front of the house which allows for the morning sun-light to stream through the windows.  The light coloured cupboards were well contrasted to the dark granite work-surfaces and dark vinyl flooring which provided a comfortable ambience.  A built in oven, hob and cooker hood comes as standard, however the washer/dryer would be negotiable.  The living/dining room is located off the back of the kitchen and faces west enabling the afternoon and evening sunlight to pour through the double-doors that lead to the garden and patio.  The modern floor length curtains and blinds come as standard in the sale.

I was very pleased with all of the bedrooms as they were a very good size and all with plenty of natural light available.  The extra added benefit to the master bedroom is the tiled en-suite.  The bathroom was a good size with dual entrance through the hallway and bedroom and again nicely tiled with a large bathtub.  There is a large study/family room which can be utilized as a guest room or a fourth bedroom.  Even though I was impressed at the sizes of the rooms, I would have liked to see more furniture and accessories within the bedrooms to make it feel cosy.

It is obvious that Bellway understands how important space is as the apartments, both one and two bedrooms, are also spacious with large bedrooms.  50% of the properties have already been sold, which is a testament to its central location, space and quality specs.

What you get for your money:
Prices from £134,962 for “75/25” option or £179,950 for a one bed apartment
Prices from £349,950 for a three/four bed townhouse…

Location, location, location:
A short stroll to Chichester Festival Theatre and the Bell Inn Pub, 10-15 minute walk to Chichester town centre, Sainsbury’s Supermarket one mile away. 

Best feature:
Spacious townhouse, close to bustling town centre, modern interiors with carpets, curtains and blinds included in the sale of the homes.

Worst feature:
Could the properties be over priced for those who work in the nearby hospitals?

Contact the sales office: 01243 530090

• Location:   8 of 10 (Easy access by roads and to amenities)
• Product:    8 of 10
• Sales Negotiator service:   10 of 10 (chatty and knew the specs and local area)
• Value for money:   Good for high earners or those looking for investment opportunities

Overall: Chichester is chic with great entertainment and leisure facilities, apartments and townhouses are spacious and appealing …  

Have you visited Pallantine Court, Chichester?  Do you agree with our ‘Show-home Show-case’?  Post Your Comments.

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Conservationists have bought an 800-acre site to grow the largest continuous native forest in England.

The Woodland Trust will plant more than 600,000 trees on the site near St Albans in Hertfordshire.

The trust says a new native forest of this size and type has never been created in England before, and could take shape within 12 years.

England has lost half its ancient woodland to development, agriculture or conifer woods since the 1930s.

More forest has been created than lost in recent years but this has been mostly non-native conifer trees planted for commercial purposes.

Crest Nicholson, Kings Quarter, Worthing

Worthing is one of the largest towns in West Sussex situated between the South Downs and the English Channel. It has been a popular seaside resort for many hundreds of years and the evidence can be seen through the Victorian pier, the Regency Villas and the classic seaside architecture found along the seafront, all of which were popular with eighteenth century visitors.  The town also offers the comfort of modern living with thriving shopping facilities, two cinemas, two theatres, a bowling alley and many restaurants and café bars. 

Worthing is in a fantastic location with great surrounding areas for all of those who live or visit to enjoy.  There is the beach life and water-sport treasures, scenic walks along the South Downs, well maintained golf courses and two amazing yet opposing cities that are both within a thirty minute car drive from Worthing.  Brighton is the vibrant and cosmopolitan city that embraces diversity and is only a twenty minute train journey.  It offers some of the best cultural and shopping delights along the South Coast.  But if you are looking for a quieter and more historical city, then Chichester, to the West, is the city to visit.  Here, there are shopping facilities, the Festival Theatre and the renowned Roman Wall and Medieval buildings. 

As a local to Worthing, I tend to use the small roads to miss all the main traffic flowing through the town centre, and as such, I was unable to see signs until I was close to Worthing train station.  Once I arrived at the site, two parking spaces were provided for visitors along the car filled road where further signs directed me towards the sales office.  I was later informed that there would be one car parking space per apartment; however four apartments would have to find a free space along the road, for which a local authority permit must be purchased.  I climbed the stairs into the warm sales cabin to be greeted by a youthful sales negotiator. 

The sales cabin was filled with site information and optional fixtures and fittings to allow new home buyers to add their own personal flavour and preferences to make their house a home.  After being qualified, I was taken to see the two bedroom show-home where we entered the apartment through the back door.  We entered into the open plan kitchen/living space which was decorated in light and bright colours with beautiful dark wooden floors.  The kitchen comes with a fridge, freezer, washer, dish-washer, oven and gas hob all of which have been carefully chosen to blend in with the colours and style of the apartment.  The sales negotiator was unsure on some of the specifications however details can be found within the informational brochure.

The master bedroom was well-sized with spacious fitted wardrobes and a large en-suite.  The bathroom was a good size and well tiled with a large bathtub, perfect for a relaxing soak.  The second bedroom was a good size however I was a bit disappointed with the cupboard space provided in the hallway.  Perhaps to disguise the sound of the trains, the front doors are large and heavy which could be a problem for those with young children. 

60% have already been sold, which is testament to its central location and pleasing specs.

What you get for your money:
Prices from £97,462 for “Easy Buy” option or £129,950 for a one bed…
Prices from £116,213 for “Easy Buy” option or £154,950 for a two bed…

Location, location, location:
A few minutes walk to the train station and bus stops, 15 minute stroll to the town centre, close to a local bakery and corner shop

Best feature:
Large en-suite to master bedroom, close to bustling town centre, telephone entry system.

Worst feature:
Will there be noise pollution from the train tracks and crossing which are located behind the development?

Contact the sales office: 08707 513952

• Location:   6 of 10 (Easy access by roads and to amenities)
• Product:       6 of 10
• Sales Negotiator service: 5 of 10 (chatty but didn’t know a lot of the specs)
• Value for money:             Good for commuters

Overall: Good transport links … 

Have you visited Kings Quarter, Worthing?  Do you agree with our ‘Show-home Show-case’?  Post Your Comments.

We sent ‘Show-home Hannah’ to …

Explore Living, Grand Ocean, Saltdean

Saltdean is a small community village along the rolling cliffs of East Sussex, just 5.5 miles from cosmopolitan Brighton & Hove.  The village offers the South Downs to one side and the English Channel to the other allowing for beautiful and varied walks for residents and visitors alike.  But what makes this village so enticing?

It was an easy drive along the coastal road into Saltdean with a lively atmosphere from Brighton morphing into relaxed community spirit.  Many childhood memories came flooding back as I drove through Rottingdean which helped me to find Grand Ocean.  I didn’t see any signs coming from the west, but after a back track, I managed to locate the site.  Parking was provided next to the sales office alongside the landscaped gardens and a water feature to my right.

I walked up the wooden stairs to the sales office to be greeted by a knowledgeable and helpful sales consultant. I was lost for words with the technology Explore Living installed for visitors to grasp an understanding of the large site, which is still under construction.  A large plasma screen mounted on the wall and scale model were wired to a touch screen system which enabled you to view the whole development at a fingers touch.

After being qualified, I was taken to see the two show-homes available.  The sales consultant guided me along a corridor where framed photos hung with pictures dating back to when the Grade two listed building was a Butlin’s holiday hotel.  This building was first opened in 1938, used during the war as a Fire Service College and later bought by Billy Butlin in 1953.  At present, there are four new buildings under construction to the back of the old Grand Ocean Hotel, however this part of the complex is not being altered externally apart from small alterations to the roof.  Internally the building is being revamped and renovated to bring the building up to modern requirements and will include a foyer desk where a manager will be available.

Unfortunately due to the seriously heavy rains and high winds, leaks had occurred which meant I was unable to see the temporary apartments (for show purposes only) in all their glory, however I’ll  be sure to return as I was able to see their potential shine through the gloomy weather.  Large doors were used throughout and these instantly gave me a sense of space and openness.  My preference lay with the two bedroom apartment as the layout allowed for more movement. 

The lounge was of a good size which comes off the open plan kitchen.  As is standard with most new developments, the kitchen comes with a fridge, freezer, oven, microwave and a very modern touch screen stove.  A feature that I was not keen on was the “concealed” plug sockets which I believe would collect dirt easily and had potential for the mechanism to break.  Space however would not be a problem with large cupboards and large worktop area.

The master bedroom was well-sized with fitted wardrobes to fit all the clothes bought from Brighton & Hove’s expansive choice of shops.  The bathroom and en-suite are a favourable size to soak and immerse yourself after a day of work, golf, swim or walk.

With 999 years’ leasehold, estimated charges of £785 for one bedroom apartments, and £1,056 for two beds apartments.

What you get for your money:
Prices from £199,995

Location, location, location:
Saltdean Lido swimming pool, Brighton Marina 3 miles away offering restaurants, bars, shopping and other entertainment facilities, Brighton around 6 miles away and with the “Car Club” made available for occupants; it will be easy to travel and reach destinations.

Best feature:
Under floor heating, concrete floors to offer sound-proofing, all homes pre-wired for Sky, high definition television and for wall mounted flat screen television in the lounge, built in security and community facility available in the Hotel apartments.

Worst feature:
Could there be possible future problems with the Hotel Apartments located in the Grade 2 listed building?

Contact the sales office: 0845- 873 9054

• Location:   7 of 10 (Easy access by roads and to amenities)
• Product:       8 of 10
• Sales Negotiator service: 9 of 10 (went through specs and very knowledgeable)
• Value for money:             Good for commuters

Overall: Built to a high spec, good location, good security … 

Have you visited Grand Ocean, Saltdean?  Do you agree with our ‘Show-home Show-case’?  Post Your Comments.

Would you want to pay to have school children walking around your house?

Nationwide Building Society reports one-in-five prospective buyers saying they would be attracted by the presence of underfloor heating. And according to David Salvi of London Estate Agents Hurford Salvi Carr, it’s a feature that goes down well with househunters.

Underfloor Heating

“It’s now quite common to have underfloor heating in bathrooms and shower rooms, “he says, “and I think that’s a very appropriate use for it, particularly as you normally have a cold surface such as stone or ceramics on the floor.

But he issues a word of warning: “I would always suggest that people consider long and hard before installing it. It may be fashionable at the moment, but you’ve got to think beyond that. It’s not a foregone conclusion that it’s the best or the most comfortable type of heat. Where it works particularly well is in modern apartments, where the floor covering throughout is in limestone. I think that’s the point - if you have cold surfaces, consider it”

What do you think?  Have you got cold feet? Post your comments.

Land & Brand New Homes are working on a prestigious new development on Worthing Sea Front.  Most of the apartments will have sea views and we are currently reviewing how the interiors should look to represent this unique ‘water’s edge’ development, and to reflect and adopt the best of today’s design trends.

Living Rooms Disappear …

New research claims that dining rooms are dying out as more and more homeowners knock down walls to create bigger living areas.  More than half a million dining rooms in British homes are likely to be demolished over the next 12 months, according to Halifax Home Insurance.  Its report predicts that if the trend continues, the traditional home of the formal dining table and best cutlery could disappear completely by 2020.

What do you think?  Give us your comments

If you hear somebody mention a mobile home, or caravan park, I imagine the picture you conjure up is far from the luxurious ilk of luxury lodge developments that are now populating some of the most beautiful parts of the country.

If you dream of a second home but buying abroad is just not your thing, a luxury wooden lodge could be the answer for you.

With prices as much as 50% cheaper than a regular build property, and often situated on developments with a host of fantastic facilities, these lodges can make the ideal base for your own family holiday or quiet get-away, but the rental potential is great, so it may be the ideal Buy-To-Let opportunity. With properties abroad becoming increasingly costly due to the strong Euro rate and increasing mortgage rates, the 7,500 wooden holiday homes currently in the UK are becoming a more and more attractive option. With leasehold prices starting from £60,000, ranging to the £200,000 mark, this is a great alternative.

Of course, if you are looking to invest in one of these properties rather than use it just for your own private use, you will be interested in the rental income potential. Depending on the season and the facilities provided, you can get a weekly rental income from £400-£3,500! Of course, it’s important to check with the site that sub-letting is allowed and you need to be aware that many sites only allow occupancy for 10 or 11 months of the year.

Lodges tend to come with electricity and water facilities in place and include the furniture. There will be extras to pay, such as an annual site fee, and cleaning and maintenance. But with many sites offering on-site restaurants, shops, spa, sports facilities, and swimming pool, your site fee really does pay for itself.

The lodges themselves are a long way from the archetypal image of a traditional mobile home park with rows of white caravans either side of a main track. You are more likely to find these luxurious wooden lodges secreted away amongst leafy glades, or by the lapping waters of a lake. Often with an outdoor deck, high quality interiors, and depending on your budget or requirements, often with a private hot tub on the deck.

So what are the pros and cons…

Pros…

• It’s a cheaper way to have a second home with excellent facilities in a great location
• No flights to book or commission rates on currency to pay
• Rental season of up to 35 weeks. 15 weeks longer than the overseas season
• High weekly rental income potential
• Great bolt hole if you and the property have a free weekend

Cons…

• Lodges can’t be a permanent residence
• Can’t be registered at Land Registry, although have 10 year building guarantee
• some parks have conditions around sub-letting and are only open 10 or 11 months of the year
• You can own up to a 100 year lease, depending what is left on the property, but you do not own the freehold

You can see some examples of luxury lodges by clicking in the following links.

www.tingdene.co.uk

www.lochnesshighlandlodges.co.uk

www.southlakelandparks.co.uk

www.hornseacaravanpark.co.uk

www.shorefield.co.uk

If you own a lodge, or have stayed in one, have any tips or ideas for us, we would love to hear your experiences. Please comment.

Living by the sea is a dream for so many of us, but the reality just may not live up to the fantasy, especially if your dream is lived out on the North Kent Coast.

Coastal erosion is a vicious and uncontrollable entity and I’m sure those of us who have seen images on the news of homes crumbling into the sea could not fail to be shocked by the desparation of those who own those homes. Can you imagine watching everything you own and have worked hard for being swallowed up by the waves?

Of course, coastal erosion patterns rely entirely on the composition of the coastline.  In Cornwall, your cliff-top idyll would be a lot safer, as the cliffs are made of hard granite rock and able to withstand the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. In North Kent, the wave activity is much less, but the cliffs are made of much softer London clay and sandstone.

Kent has an action group that is working with government to put in place measures to help prevent coastal erosion, but of course, this is an ongoing battle, and one that is surely set to gather pace in line with global warming.

Have you been affected by the threat of coastal erosion?  Write and let us know.

Revolving buildings are not breaking news these days, despite them being an amazing display of architectural genius, but Dubai will be seeing something the likes of which has never been seen before!

Many cities across the world are the proud owners of revolving restaurants, attracting great numbers to experience this unique style of dining. The Skylon Towers at Niagra Falls, The New York Marriott, The Space Needle in Seattle and, until 1980 when it closed, the BT Tower in London.

But more recent years have seen a new development in this area of engineering, rotating apartment buildings!

360 Degree views … 

You really would have a room with a view if you were to purchase a home in the world’s first independently revolving building. The apartment building in the Brazilian city of Curitiba revolves independently, 360 degrees to the left, or right. Each of the eleven apartments occupies a whole floor of the building, and takes an hour to complete a rotation, activated by voice commands.

However, the world’s first moving building, an 80-storey tower with revolving floors giving a shifting shape, will be built in the rapidly developing Dubai.

Dubai’s Dynamic Tower … 

The Dynamic Tower design is made up of 80 pre-fabricated apartments which will spin independently of one another.  It’s the first building that rotates, moves, and changes shape. The building never looks the same, not once. The apartments would spin a full 360 degrees, at voice command, around a central column by means of 79 giant power-generating wind turbines located between each floor.

The apartments, which will take between one and three hours to make a complete rotation, will cost from $3.7m to $36m. So, if you want a different view every time you look out the window, you better start saving!

Beach huts are an integral part of the history of the British seaside since they first started being used in the early twentieth Century. Up until that time, men and women bathed on separate beaches, with changing taking place, fully hidden in a ‘bathing machine’! Once it became more acceptable for both sexes to inahbit the same beaches in (very modest) bathing costumes, the bathing machine was redundant and many were abandoned on beaches. Of course, decency must be preserved at all times (with typical British reserve) and councils provided, and charged for, beach huts. The more enterprising souls removed the wheels from the bathing machines and converted them, and hence the beach hut was born!

These days beach huts are big business with more and more people remaining in this country for holidays, with this trend set to increase during the current economic climate. No longer are they seen as somewhere for the elderly to snooze the day away, but as a place for friends and family to gather and enjoy being in the fresh air.

The recent rivival of nostalgic spirit and all things retro has meant that in some locations, beach huts are now selling for more money than houses in other areas. At one time, huts in Murdford, Dorset, were selling for up to £160,000! But more typically, an example of prices here on the South Coast in Hove are around the £10,000 mark.

You can hire beach huts by the day, or the week, an ideal way to make your beach holiday a little less rustic, or of course can buy your own and enjoy the shore year round.

If you have your own beach hut or experience of them in the past, we would love to hear from you with your memories! Of course, you may be interested in purchasing your own, contact mel@callways.co.uk for more information.

Reading about a skills shortage in the housing industry (an extract of which is below) surprised me, especially with the current market situation.  There have been many recent redundancies made for both small and large development companies so surely these workers would be looking for a new opportunity to continue in their trade? According to this article, they are now in real demand!

“Skills shortages in the construction sector are likely to become more acute as the industry grows 11 per cent by 2011, according to a study by the Chartered Institute of Building (COIB).

Increased demand for construction, as a result of the government’s target to provide three million new homes by 2020, the London Olympics and a raft of new schools and academies, is likely to heighten the problem.”

Is the demand for these skills in the wrong areas?  Are skilled workers prepared to travel for work? What can be done to rectify this situation?

Post comments and thoughts …