Standen Homes

Sell Your Property Quickly & At The Right Price

2011-07-21T01:34:00.000-07:00

You've decided it's time to move and trade up your current property for a lovely new build property from Standen Homes. But just how do you make sure your current property sells quickly and for its true value in this current climate?

Follow the basics detailed below and you will be well on your way to selling your property quickly and for the right price.

Before Viewings

Clean. It is surprising how many home owners who want a quick sale for maximum price overlook the obvious. Presentation is everything. Concentrate on making the property look clean, tidy and presentable. Remove clutter and remember kitchens and bathrooms are what really sell a property to potential buyers.

A lick of paint to tidy up tired and old paintwork can really brighten a room and make a real difference but be sure to eliminate the smell of fresh paint before any viewings as this can arouse suspicion in potential buyers that you are covering something up.

Make sure each room has a purpose and clear definition, if you are selling your house as having a dining room and a third bedroom then make sure the rooms are set for purpose. Clear the kids toys and junk out of the dining room and add a table and chairs, clear the spare room/office of all clutter and make it look like a usable bedroom.

Got a garden or outdoor space? Make the most of it, mow the lawn and tidy the flower beds. If you only have a small outside space add colourful potted plants, they are great as they add a new dimension but can be taken with you when you leave.

Show and Tell

If you opt to show prospective buyers around the property yourself remember to:

Have old bills to hand to answer any utility related questions.
Sell the local area, if you don't have children do research about local facilities for buyers who may have children.
Give them space - let prospective buyers take a good look around by themselves
Be honest - if there are small imperfections in the property let them know and point out that they have been considered when determining the sale price.

Be Clear and Honest

Be honest with your buyers and totally clear about what is and isn't included in the sale price from the outset. Making a clear list at the beginning of the process that everyone is aware of ensures there will be no problems in this area later down the line.

In the current housing market there is no easy way to get a quick sale and the right price for your house, it can take a long time. A lot of homeowners are compromising and accepting less than the actual value of the property in order to move forward but you don't need to do that. Common sense and the right attitude should help you achieve success when selling your home and will set you on the right path to buying a new house.

Good luck!

Top Tips For Buying A New Build Property

2011-07-15T03:12:00.000-07:00

Buying a home is a big step and is likely to be the most important purchase you will make in life. You are going to spend a lot of time, and money, on your chosen property so it is essential to make sure you choose the right property first time.

Buying new build properties is often seen as a less stressful and much quicker We all have preferences when it comes to new build or older, character properties but when it comes to buying property, no matter what type, you should always have a check list to work from to ensure it ticks all the boxes and provides everything you need. After all you can’t return it to the shop once you have bought it.

So what are the main things to remember when choosing your new build property?

Choosing a Home Builder - Check if the house has a warranty from the NHBC (National House Builders Council) or similar

All developments registered by the builder must meet set requirements and standards of build quality. Each property will be inspected and before a development or property is issued a certificate that provides insurance against poor workmanship, this lasts for 10 years. Two years following the purchase of the property for major and minor issues and the remaining 8 years covers major structural defects only.

Before Committing To Buy - Measure the property

Don’t get carried away with colour schemes and decorating until you know everything you own will fit in your new home. As with any empty space a new build house can appear slightly larger than it actually is. Ensure you measure ceiling height, doorways, stairs and garage space to ensure there will be no nasty surprises on moving in day.

As You Complete - Consider a professional snagging company

Without doubt there will be things that may have been missed or are not finished to the standard expected, snagging lists are part and parcel of new builds. To avoid any future problems it may be worth considering having your new build property professionally inspected by a snagging company independent of the developer. This provides an impartial report that can then be agreed by you and passed to the developer to be addressed.

You’ve moved in - Enjoy your new home

But don’t get carried away and forget about the important elements of being a home owner, remember to get comprehensive insurance to protect your contents and the building.

For information on current Standen Homes new build property developments please contact us.

Part Exchange Your Home With Standen Homes

2011-06-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

Purchasing a home for the first time is a once and a lifetime event. Most first time buyers have been met with the challenge of making that important first purchase in the recent years. With the property market still struggling to recover from recent financial upheaval, great property deals are on offer. First time buyers appear to be in a better position to make that first purchase now more than ever. Existing property owners also are in a position to make their dreams purchase a reality.

The real estate investors are receiving several incentives offered by banks, lenders and property developers. These incentives are unbeatable with low mortgage rates for the life of the loan and part exchange loans. These are just some of the incentives offered to first and second time buyers. Presently, the property markets around the world are saturated with properties due to foreclosure and repossession of homes.

This spelled disaster for the financial world over the recent years. The financial struggle to regain momentum in the property market by property developers has opened the door to even greater first and second time buyer offers. The latest part exchange your home deals are on offer at Standen Homes. Standen Homes have a reputation for excellence quality homes at affordable home prices.

Affordable and well built homes by Standen Homes make the perfect family home for those with a new family addition. Young professionals will also find the new property purchase incentives of interest. Part exchange your home with Standen Homes and experience the convenience of shifting your existing home fast. The part exchange your home scheme allows you to take full advantage of getting at fair price for your existing home in the part exchange.

The part exchange is a wonderful way to move without delay of having to first sell your existing home. With the part exchange your home with Standen Homes scheme you are in a position to own a dream quality home that otherwise would have been out of reach. The benefits of part exchange also includes a fast and efficient service that assists you with the move forward into your new Standen Home.

Spacious, conveniently located and affordable Standen Homes to suit every lifestyle are available for those who qualify for the part exchange scheme. Contact a Standen Homes representative today to see if you qualify for a part exchange dream home purchase.

Why Purchase a Standen Home?

2011-06-12T06:05:00.000-07:00

Buying a new home can be an intimidating task. Outside of worries about the housing market, new home owners want to be sure that the house they are buying will last and is worth their investment. A new home is not only a place to live, it is where your family will be making memories for years to come, so it is important that you buy the home that is right for you. Everyone wants a home that is comfortable and will meet the high demands of today's fast-paced lifestyles. Getting a home from a trusted company can make all of these things easy and gaurentee the satisfaction of the most exacting customer. Standen Homes makes it their mission to meet and exceed the expectations of each of their customers.

They have been doing business since 1959 and have the experience to deliver the solutions that the new home owner is looking for. Their standards are at the top of the industry and their designs and construction techniques and cutting edge. Standen Homes offers real value for the customer's money.

Their combined disciplines of planning, design, and land acquisition ensure the customer that all aspects of their investment will be sturdy. Their homes are easily maintainable and designed with an active customer in mind. Each home comes with a NHBC ten year Buildmark warranty letting you put your mind to rest in knowing that your new home is built to last. Standen Homes has a great record of establishing strong residential communities by combining both quality and individuality. Location has been key for the success of Standen Homes. Their development locations are chosen with school access, entertainment, and convenience in mind. So whether you are buying your first home or looking to expand your assests, Standen Homes is the right choice for you.

Standen Homes has been featured in local news broadcasts to make the public aware of the high standard of living they have consistently been providing for the public. The Channel 5 Housing show “Hot Property” recently featured the company in one of its episodes. So use Standen Homes to find the right house that will make you proud for years to come.

The Quality and Guarantee of a Standen Homes New Home

2011-03-12T03:46:00.000-08:00

To find a reputable company we can trust is not an easy thing. Especially nowadays with the property market, there is a huge competition out there, where the rent is getting much higher, and the cost of the house has been stagnating. This is usually representing how well the economy is doing in a country and in this case, well, not so good.

Therefore, this is vital to find a company which can help you, where you can find the perfect house at a reasonable price. A home that is easy to maintain, which can be easily resalable if you need to in a few years.

Standen Homes has been offering his services for over 50 years, and because of the experience in the area, we can be assured they will help you with all the details and will take care of you.

To find a house, a lot of factors have to be considered, such as schools, local amenities, leisure opportunities, parks etc... All this to make it nicer to leave in the house you are looking for, and to make sure the quality and guarantee is there.

They have 4 ongoing developments, The Windsor Court, The Regency Heights, Chartwell Grange, Chartwell Court and the Bestwood Village Green, all located at great places. The reputation of the company is based on offering real value for money and delivering maximum customer satisfaction.

So if you are considering buying your first home or just moving up the property ladder, give them a call. It is the first step to a better future.

The Quality and Guarantee of a Standen Homes New Home

2011-01-19T02:31:00.000-08:00

Therefore, this is vital to find a company which can help you, where you can find the perfect house at a reasonable price. A home that is easy to maintain, which can be easily resalable if you need to in a few years.

Standen Homes has been offering his services for over 50 years, and because of the experience in the area, we can be assured they will help you with all the details and will take care of you.

To find a house, a lot of factors have to be considered, such as schools, local amenities, leisure opportunities, parks etc... All this to make it nicer to leave in the house you are looking for, and to make sure the quality and guarantee is there.

They have 4 ongoing developments, The Windsor Court, The Regency Heights, Chartwell Grange, Chartwell Court and the Bestwood Village Green, all located at great places. The reputation of the company is based on offering real value for money and delivering maximum customer satisfaction.

So if you are considering buying your first home or just moving up the property ladder, give them a call. It is the first step to a better future.

The Green, A Fantastic New Development in Bestwood Village, Nottingham

2010-11-19T08:23:00.000-08:00

Centuries on from playing host to the legendary escapades of Robin Hood, Nottingham is once again making its way into the history books. The wealth of historical relevance this East Midlands region of the United Kingdom holds over the centuries is abundant. There is nothing quite like a day out in the cobblestone streets of Nottingham. The spirit of untold adventure almost fills the air at the turn of each corner. Queen Victoria granted Nottingham its city chapter during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1897. The city of Nottingham has never been quite the same ever since.

As the seventh-largest urban area in the United Kingdom, Nottingham has recently experience the wonders of a new housing development set in concrete landscape of the Bestwood Village. With new comers to the region seeking out more value for money when it comes to purchasing a UK property, Bestwood Village in Notthingham provides the perfect blend of contemporary living within a historical backdrop and setting. The new housing development in Bestwood Village Nottingham, known as 'The Green', is a wonderfully innovating development that promises so much for its residents.

Great homes at an affordable price are pretty difficult to come by these days. Yet, at Standen Homes, we have managed to do just that with this new Nottingham housing development, set in the picturesque landscape of Bestwood Village. There has never been a better time to invest in a new development property in Bestwood Village with developers offering incredible incentives to peak your interest. Incentives like part-exchange, shared equity and paid deposit, is making the new development very difficult to resist.

Property prices for Bestwood Village, Nottingham are some of the best in the country. Great features and stunning views have made the new development of Bestwood Village a very interesting location to settle down in. Free furnishings and appliances are offered to further make purchasing a home in Best Villages' new development hassle free and well worth the investment. As well as this the excellent local schools and parks, make it an ideal location for those with families.

Nottingham is a melting pot for all who enjoy the idyllic scenery. It offers an excellent quality of life for first time buyers or those looking to buy a larger property. Prices range from £127,950 for two beds up to £139,995 for three beds. Great location, buyer perks and more is why the Bestwood Village new development is fast becoming the place to buy and live.

Regency Heights, New Development in Mapperley Notthingham

2010-11-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

Homes in the new Regency Heights development in Mapperley, Nottingham provide residents with spectacular views of the Trent Valley. Regency Heights is a thoughtfully planned development of homes offering two to five bedrooms. Every house has been carefully designed and has many attractive features.

There are several different styles and layouts to choose from for each size property. If you’re looking for a 3 bedrooms then you can choose to have a three story property that has two good size bedrooms on the first floor and a grand master bedroom with en-suite that covers the whole of the second story. The larger five bedroom style properties also provide a variety of layouts and special features such as first floor dining rooms and lounges with balcony to create a light and airy living space. Whereas the Embleton style property offers a more traditional layout with the living space on the ground floor and bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom and private bacony.

The Mapperley area has all the amenities you could wish for with plenty of shops, cafes and pubs that give it a family friendly atmosphere. Only six kilometres away is the city centre of Nottingham where there are plenty of shops, restaurants, cinemas and theatres to keep you and the family entertained. Sporting enthusiasts will enjoy the golf, cricket, football and tennis clubs in the city. Nottingham has easy access to all major roads and the M1 motorway. Plus East Midlands Airport and Nottingham railway station provide fantastic and frequent transport and travel links out of the city.

Nottingham and the surrounding countryside have a rich history with historical sites open to visitors. The Nottingham Castle, built in the 17th century, and the network of caves under the city provide fun historical activities for all the family. Mapperley itself also has a rich and interesting history, it started out as a tiny village, that soon expanded as its brick making industry grew rapidly supplying the bricks used to build famous buildings, such as the St. Pancras train station.

Today Mapperley and the new homes Regency Heights development offer its residents all the perks of modern living with stylish family homes, close to essential local amenities in a charming rural setting.

UK Property Market Suffers While Standen Weathers the Storm

2010-08-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

It became apparent about three years ago that there was a malevolent financial beast rearing its ugly head, starting with the subprime mortgage fiasco across the pond. It went on to decimate world housing and job markets, indiscriminately destroy businesses both large and small and tear a chunk out of great swathes of industry.

Now, in August 2010, the world is beginning to take tentative steps back out into the light of positive equity once again. Britain, as the inexorable machine of our nation’s media informs us every day, is in a dire mess and will be for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, we've all watched in terrible fascination as the soft underbelly of the European economic bloc has been exposed and its vulnerability has become plain for all to see. It is little surprise, then, when the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) reports that:

“Property markets in the more dynamic economies of South America, Asia and Eastern Europe are outperforming those in the UK and Eurozone”

According to the RICS’s 2010 Global Property Survey for Q2, Eurozone countries including the UK, Germany, Greece and Spain are struggling while so-called emerging economies such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru and India are experiencing greatly increased occupier demand.

Well, while the British and wider European economies struggle to get back on their feet and the ‘super-populated’ countries of the developing world use their most valuable resource to good effect, Standen Homes, new property developers in the East Midlands, will quietly do their homework and take small but positive steps to ensure they weather the remaining storm. Oh, and they will of course continue to build fantastic quality new houses in Nottingham and new build homes in Derbyshire to ensure the comfort, closeness and mutual support of communities in the East Midlands and beyond, well into the future.

Exclusive Design Packages from Standen Homes

2010-08-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

If you’ve been house hunting before, you’ll know the feeling. You arrange a series of viewings and you look through house after house, becoming ever more crestfallen and disappointed at the fact that none of them really feel quite right. Maybe you find one or two that are head and shoulders above the rest, one of which you eventually settle for, but still there’s something out of place, something you can’t put your finger on. If you are really lucky, you’ll view a new house where you experience that sense of place and belonging that lets you know you’ve found the right one. Or perhaps you’ve found that place more than once, only to have it snapped up before you have a chance to put an offer in.

With Standen Homes, thanks to one of our exclusive packages, you can forego the waiting, the heartache and the disappointment of the above scenarios and quickly find the new house or new home that suits you.

We don’t just build identical 'lego' new houses in Nottingham that are the same throughout the region. We are very aware that people want to have a level of individuality about their new house – a sense of uniqueness. Of course, there are certain features that you would expect to find in any new home and these are all, always, provided for. But if you want to get in on the act of aiding in the design of your very own new home, we have a range of options you can take in our unique ‘Design Package’ service. Choose from a variety of interior paint colours, curtains and fitted carpets or a diverse assortment of optional extras that will give your new house the look and feel your heart desires.

New Developments Taking Place in Mapperley

2010-07-26T02:50:00.000-07:00

Mapperley, just three or four miles north of Nottingham City Centre, is currently enjoying a fantastic influx of new homes as the ever-increasing demand for new Nottingham developments continues. Able to offer an ideal range of benefits in terms of their geographical positioning and local services, the specific build sites of Regency Heights and Chartwell Grange are part of a model region for new builds and new developments whose community is sure to grow and strengthen in the years to come.

Overlooking the Trent Valley and offering wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, it's not difficult to see the attraction. Able to trace its roots back as far as the thirteenth century and once an area of lush pasture for grazing cattle, the tiny hamlet soon expanded as the industrial revolution set in. Historically benefitting from the brick making trade, bricks originating in Mapperley’s kilns were sent to help build London’s St. Pancras Station.

But Mapperley never lost its inherent charm and as such it still maintains a peaceful ambience in keeping with its rural history. Offering excellent transport links to surrounding districts such as Arnold, Sherwood, Carrington and Gedling as well as fantastic amenities, not to mention the array of restaurants, theatres and shopping centres available in nearby Nottingham City Centre, Mapperley really is an attractive proposition for new homes and new developments in the Nottingham area.

And what’s more, not only does the region provide facilities and clubs for football, golf, cricket, tennis and a variety of other sports, but Nottingham is also the home of the world famous National Watersports Centre at Home Pierpont.

If you’re just starting out on the property ladder and looking for a first home, or if you fancy moving out of town to an area with all the benefits and amenities of the city-centre but in peaceful suburban surroundings, Mapperley is definitely worth considering.

Did you know?

2010-07-20T03:53:00.000-07:00

There are eight regular, monthly reports into the property market in the UK. Each one of them has its own strengths, weaknesses and data sets.

Nationwide, Halifax, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), the Land Registry, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), Hometrack and Rightmove all produce monthly reports. Financial Times Academetrics then tries to build its own report based on those ones while websites such as Zoopla and mortgage sites produce reports now and again to add to the fun.

Journalists produce stories based on either one or several of these reports, they also call the people that provide the reports for specific data from time to time - adding even more confusion to the mix.

A Guide to Part Exchange Houses

2010-07-16T01:15:00.000-07:00

Homebuyers who want to move up on the property ladder are finding a part exchange to be a way to move up without having to worry about how they are going to sale their old home. Part exchange is a simple process that takes place when someone who wants to buy a house sells their house to the house builder that is selling them a house. The price that the builder pays the homebuyer for their old house is based upon an average of several quotes taken from local estate agents. The price given is then taken off the price of the new home purchase.

Homebuyers who do a part exchange are able to buy a home without having to worry about a bad turn in the market keeping them from buying selling their existing home. This allows homebuyers the luxury of being able to buy a home when it is good time for them to do so. A part exchange could possibly help a homebuyer to take advantage of a good deal on a new house that otherwise they may not have been able to purchase without doing a part exchange.

There are other advantages to doing a part exchange; one of them is the speed in which an individual can be moved into their new house. It can just take few days to put a deposit on the new property and to receive a price for the old one. In some instances, homebuyers can be in their new home in six weeks from the time that they reserve the home.

Another advantage to a part exchange is that only one customer is involved in the transaction. This can greatly simplify matters and makes a part exchange an attractive option for homebuyers.

Yet another advantage to a part exchange is the money that is saved on estate agents fees. When making a large purchase such as a house, any money that can be saved is good.

While there are many advantages to doing a part exchange when buying a new home, homebuyers should exercise caution when using this facility. They should make sure that the house they are buying is covered by a structural warranty from a well-known provider such as the National House Building Council. Homebuyers also need to be clear about what is exactly is covered in the purchase price. A homebuyer needs to know what they are getting into and know that they are covered.

House Prices to grow further in 2010

2010-05-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

Average UK House prices will grow to be 5 per cent higher at the end of 2010 than at the beginning despite the sluggish start to the year. Average mortgage rates are likely to fall from a current APR of around 4% to about 3% by Q1 2011, say CEBR.

This is a key finding from the latest Consumer and Housing prospects report published by the centre for economics and business research (CEBR) – one of the country's economics consultancies and respected commentators on the UK housing market.

The forecasts are based on CEBR's updated UK economic forecasts released earlier this month. These forecasts show sluggish GDP growth from 2011-14 as the incoming government deals with its fiscal crisis and cuts public spending and puts up taxes.

Because of the sluggish growth, CEBR forecasts that base rates will average 0.5% over the next 18 months and will only rise slowly thereafter.

CEBR forecasts that average mortgage rates will fall by about 100 basis points by early 2011 as the money markets price in the effects of cuts in the government's budget deficit. CEBR considers these cuts likely whoever wins the election and these will have a 'triple whammy' effect on housing mortgage rates.

When the deficit cuts are made, rates will stay lower for longer than is currently predicted, gilts yields will fall and more quantitative easing to offset the sluggish economy will also affect the cost of money. The mortgage rate spread over base rates will narrow as the markets price in interest rates staying lower for longer.

Currently the short run consensus base rate expectation is 2.25% for end 2011 whereas CEBR's forecast is 0.5%.

CEBR’s analysis indicates that base rates could be temporarily higher if there is a hung parliament with a worst case possibility of 3.5% in mid year.

But these effects are expected to be only temporary and within 18 months rates are likely to be back to more or less where they might have been with single party government, after the bond markets force cuts to the budget deficit.

The factors driving up house prices are low mortgage rates keeping housing affordability in as favourable a position as at any time since 2004 and a very low rate of house building. On the other hand, cuts in public sector job numbers and very low wage inflation will limit the scope for house price inflation.

Standen Homes are developers of new homes in the Nottinghamshire area with a selection of fantastic new homes in Mapperley, Nottingham

U.K. Mortgage Approvals Rise as Tax Effect Fades

2010-04-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

U.K. mortgage approvals rose for the first time in four months in March as the effects of the worst cold snap in three decades and higher taxes on property sales faded.

The Centre for Economics and Business Research said yesterday that house prices will extend their recovery this year as low borrowing costs and the shortage of homes support the property market. Today’s report comes as Prime Minister Gordon Brown battles to stay in office two days before the May 6 general election.

“Housing activity may be starting its slow upward grind,” said Philip Shaw, chief economist at Investec Securities in London. “It’s nothing spectacular, but it does confirm the economic recovery is gaining ground and some traction.”

The pound stayed lower against the dollar after the report and was down 0.3 percent at $1.5202 as of 12:19 p.m. in London.

‘Stabilize’

Brown’s government is trying to help potential homebuyers in the run-up to the election. It scrapped a tax on house purchases for first-time buyers spending less than 250,000 pounds in its budget in March. The prime minister said on April 21 that he expects house prices to “stabilize” on increasing demand from such buyers.

Banks have squeezed credit to help rebuild balance sheets after the financial crisis, making it harder for potential homebuyers to get mortgage loans. The number of Britons seeking a property for the first time has fallen to the lowest in almost two decades, London-based GfK NOP said on April 21.

Today’s mortgage approval figure compares with a low of 26,600 at the trough of the financial crisis in November 2008, though it’s still less than half the 120,000 recorded at the peak of the boom.

Recent data paint a mixed picture of the housing market. Hometrack Ltd. said on April 26 that prices rose last month at the slowest pace since January as the supply of homes for sale picked up. A separate report by Nationwide Building Society said values jumped as much as twice as economists forecast.

Consumer Debt

Today’s Bank of England report showed that households added to their unsecured debts in March. Net consumer credit rose by 325 million pounds. Economists predicted a 400 million-pound increase, according to the median of 18 forecasts in a Bloomberg survey.

Credit-card lending increased by 190 million pounds, while personal loans and overdrafts rose by 135 million pounds.

A measure of M4 money supply that the bank uses to assess the effectiveness of its asset purchases rose 5.9 percent on an annualized basis. The gauge excludes financial companies that specialize in intermediating between banks, such as holding companies and non-bank credit grantors.

Source (Bloomberg)

Standen Homes are housing developers in the Nottingham area with fantastic new housing develoments in Mapperley, Nottingham

Mortgage exam 'needed for first-time house buyers'

2010-04-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Mortgages should only be given to some first-time buyers "after study and an exam", according to the chairman of a debt charity.

Home loans should be sold with a health warning, not tax breaks, said Malcolm Hurlston of the Consumer Credit Counselling Service.

Those who had bought a home too soon were most likely to get into debt, he added.
Inspiration could come from pre-buying education in the US, he said.

'Trap'

In a speech to members of the credit industry, Mr Hurlston said that the credit crunch had changed the financial system.

But he added that some lessons had not been learned for first-time buyers - many of whom found that home ownership was a "trap".

"The people most likely to get into debt in Britain are those on low incomes who have wrongly or too soon embarked on home ownership," he said.

"Think Northern Rock. Was it not apparent to everybody here that 110/120% mortgages, some partially disguised as unsecured, were dangerous madness?"

He added that some form of tuition should be considered for those on low-incomes getting a mortgage for the first time.

"First time mortgages should be sold not with pretty ribbons and tax breaks but with health warnings," he said.

"They should be sold like driving licences, after study and an exam."

US model

He called for the City watchdog, the Financial Services Authority, to supervise all first mortgages, and for home ownership certificates for anyone buying a first house.

Mortgage applicants in the UK do face some scrutiny

He pointed to a federal mortgage programme in the US for those on low incomes.
Those who apply for the loan can also get free or low-cost advice on buying a home, renting, default, repossession and credit issues.

In 2007, about 1.7 million individuals and families in the US received housing education and counselling, with the numbers growing since the early 1990s, the CCCS said.

Sue Anderson, of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, said that lenders would consider the comments as an interesting perspective.

She said there was a case for strengthening general guidance on credit, so that potential buyers could equip themselves with the appropriate information.

But she said this raised questions on whether this was what consumers wanted, and whether it would make a difference in the numbers getting behind on their mortgage payments.

She added that most people who got into trouble did so because of a change in their circumstances, such as losing their job.

A separate report by the National Landlords Association found that the lack of mortgages for first-time buyers, as well as the demand for higher deposits from lenders, meant that would-be buyers would rent for longer.

Source (BBC News)

Standen Homes are developers of new homes in the Nottinghamshire area with a selection of fantastic new homes in Mapperley, Nottingham

Will the stamp duty cut invigorate the property market?

2010-04-09T09:02:00.001-07:00

The recent stamp duty break introduced by the government was supposed to get more budding first-time buyers into the market, but not everyone believes it is actually working.

The British Property Federation (BPF) says it believes the problems faced by first-time buyers cannot be solved by freezing stamp duty.

"'The affordability of properties isn't determined by how much they cost or how much you can shave off stamp duty, it's by how well you can get your hands on finance," says the BPF's spokesman Andrew Teacher.

"So if you can't get hold of a mortgage, if you can't raise the deposit you need to get that mortgage, then the property is still unaffordable whether stamp duty is 1% or 5%."
Two year freeze

Stamp duty is a tax which is calculated as a percentage of how much the property is bought for.

Before the change last month, a first-time buyer, like all others, would have paid 1% in stamp duty on a property worth up to £250,000.

But from now until 25 March 2012, they will not have to pay the tax on properties up to that value.
The move is meant to encourage more new buyers to take that first step onto the housing ladder.

Industry experts like Melanie Bien from Savills Private Finance think it is working.

"I think already it's having a huge impact on the number of first-time buyers coming into the market, just looking at what is around at the moment," she says.

"It's a really nice bonus for someone who already has a deposit and can afford the mortgage.
"It saves up to £2,500, which they can spend on anything really - home improvements, the move or new furniture," she adds.

Source (BBC News)

Confidence In Nottingham Property 'On The Rise' Suggests One Expert

2010-03-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Confidence in the Nottingham property market may be on the rise, with one expert suggesting that consumers across the UK are increasingly optimistic.

Jon Brown, partner relationship manager at iammoving.com, suggested that real estate prospects are picking up.

His comments were made in the wake of the release of figures produced by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, which revealed that gross lending in March totalled £11.5 billion.

This was up on the £9.3 billion recorded during the previous month, the organisation noted.
Mr Brown remarked: "Fortunately people's faith in borrowing is slowly being restored while at the same time many areas of the UK are reporting an increase in property values or at least a stabilisation of prices."

He went on to suggest that because the housing market is now seen to be out of the dip precipitated by the recession, more individuals are placing their homes on the market.
In addition, a rising number of consumers are considering buying new homes, he added.

Property Prices Starting To Creep Up

2009-12-22T06:42:00.000-08:00

There is some good news for home owners as there are signs that the property market is starting to show signs of recovery and that by the end of next year there will be a 1-2% increase in house prices according to the Royal Institute Of Chartered Surveyors (Rics).

It has also been forecast that here would be a greater demand for properties, than those available, which may increase the cost of property further.

Further supporting the statement made by Rics, the Halifax and Nationwide have said that there have been house price rises in recent months.

If you are considering purchasing a new build property whilst they are still affordable in the Nottingham or Derby region, then why not view the Standen Homes portfolio? With gorgeous new housing developments in the Mapperley and Bestwood Village areas, and with Nottingham recently being voted one of the top 10 cities to visit in the world and the recent completion of the Nottingham Contemporary arts centre, there has never been a better time to see what this region of the UK has to offer.

The Development Of Hucknall Town

2009-12-17T08:29:00.000-08:00

Hucknall has had some major improvements over the last few years. With the relatively new tram network connecting Nottingham city centre directly to Hucknall, a 24 hour Tesco being built and plenty of new build properties springing up, Hucknall seems to be undergoing a bit of a revival.

However, it seems that the development of Hucknall is likely to continue on. There is expected to be a £13m re-development of Hucknall town centre commencing in 2011. The proposed scheme includes a £10.5m grant from the government, which involves developing a relief road and the pedestrianisation of the high street.

Hucknall was known to be a centre for framework knitting and then for coal mining. Hucknall is also famous for being the site where Rolls Royce demonstrated the “Flying Bedstead” ,which was a vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The parish church of St Mary Magdalene, which is located at the end of the high street, is known to be the final resting place of Lord Byron and his daughter Ada Lovelace, a famous mathematician.

With such a rich history and exciting future, Standen Homes are proud to be part of the progression of Hucknall and have a superb development of new build properties available at a new housing development called Windsor Court.

Windsor Court is a select development of 2 and 3 bedroom high style low maintenance apartments. All of our properties are built to a high standard, with each home complete with full gas central heating, double glazing and a fitted kitchen. Windsor court is situated perfectly for those working around the Nottinghamshire region, with major road links to the M1 and with regular bus, tram and train services. So why not pay Hucknall a visit and see what you are missing?

New Build Vs Older House

2009-12-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

If you are looking to purchase a property, you may have to ask yourself the question “what would be better, a newly built property or an older house?”.

To some, the older style property has more character compared to a new build. The older building can be thought of as being sturdier with old world construction, which has possibly stood for decades, being constructed by genuine craftsmen. It is also believed that the older property may be more affordable compared to that of a new build.

However, there are certainly a lot of advantages to purchasing a new build. A lot of thought goes into the design of a newly built property by trained architects, who will take into account the surrounding area when designing new houses. Newly built properties can be very attractive and designed to look like a period property, with each house on a street being given its own unique identity.

There is certainly a higher level of maintenance that goes along with living in an older property. There is the possibility of having to undertake roofing repairs, damp proofing work may need to be undertaken, along with renovating or replacing the windows and doors. It certainly isn`t inconceivable that the boiler in an older property may need replacing for safety and efficiency reasons. Along with a replacement boiler, may go a whole heating system upgrade.

It is fair to say that the interior decor of an older property will need changing. If you have ever removed the wallpaper in an older property, you will know the multitude of sins that the wallpaper may be covering. This could lead to expensive plastering and re-skimming costs and then the cost of paint, wallpapering and flooring, not to mention the general aggravation, cost and mess this refurbishment causes.

Most people these days have some knowledge of environmental issues, such as global warming. Well a new build will certainly be more energy efficient. New appliances will use less energy, the walls may have cavity insulation, along with insulated ceilings and floors helping to prevent heat loss.

There are certainly a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a new property, however, we feel that the benefits to owning a new build outweigh the disadvantages and there is nothing like owning something that’s brand new.

If you live in the Nottingham area, Standen Homes are an East Midlands property developer that have been established since 1959 and they have a range of new build housing developments in the region, that are sure to impress the prospective home buyer.