Category: News Section

Caerphilly tenants block transfer of 10,980 homes

caerphillysurveyor.co.uk – Tenants have voted out plans to transfer homes to a housing association comprehensively by 65 per cent to 35 per cent.

Caerphilly Council had planned to transfer the 10,980 homes to a new not-for-profit community housing mutual, Castell Mynydd.

The ballot ran from 21 January to 17 February and transfer could only go ahead if the majority of tenants who voted in the ballot were in favour of the proposal.

The ownership and management of the homes will now stay with Caerphilly Council.

Read the rest here.

Damien Hirst reveals plans for 500 Devon Eco Homes

Damien Hirst, one of Britain’s most famous artists, plans to use part of his considerable fortune to construct, on land at near Ilfracombe, on the edge of Exmoor  at Winsham Farm and two surrounding farms, a settlement of 500 eco friendly homes.

He is reputedly sick of ‘anonymous, lifeless buildings’ and wishes these homes to be of the sort and quality he would be happy to live in. He hopes that the plans will assist in regenerating Ilfracombe, acting as a gateway into the town.

Follow the links to find a local surveyor that could advise you on a property purchase of  any type of home in the Ilfracombe or Exmoor areas.

More can be read about the Ilfracombe development here.

Dealing with Nuisance Pests – Homeowners guide

Pests are a common problem amongst UK properties seen all too frequently by Chartered Surveyors of the propertysurveying.co.uk network. All kinds of pests can cause problems in your property, but your local council may well be able to provide you with a cost effective way of getting rid of them.

Read the rest of our advice in nuisance pests here.

Congratulations to Wales for their Millenium Stadium Victory

cardiffbuildingsurveyors.co.uk – A big congratulations to the Welsh Rugby team for their victory over Scotland last weekend, but can they repeat the feat over England next week?

Director of Professional work at Right Surveyors Glamorgan, Kieth Batten FRICS, was there to see the action and admire the wonderful construction at the Millenium Stadium.

If you need a building survey in Cardiff, call an experienced, local surveyor and a true Welshman. Call Keith by following this link.

Bespoke ‘City Deals’ to be extended to minor cities in effort to boost growth

Cities Minister Greg Clark announced on 23 Jan that more cities in England will now be offered the opportunity to agree a bespoke deal with Government to unlock their potential to drive economic growth, on top of the 11 cities, including Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol and Sheffield, that are already in negotiations.

Read the rest of the article here.

CML indicates mortgages for first-time-buyers on the up

The Council of Mortgage lenders (CML) has indicated that there were 18,700 loans for first-time-buyers in December of last year, up 14% on december of 2010 and 7% higher than November last year.

They have suggested that the increase might be due to first timers trying to purchase homes before the end of the 1% stamp duty holiday in March.

Overall, however, the number of mortgages granted to homebuyers in 2011 fell 6% to 509,500.

propertysurveying.co.uk

Latest £45m Lottery winners a couple from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, but will they move home?

nottinghamsurveyors.co.uk – With a huge jackpot like the £45m Gareth and Catherine Bull from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, have just won, their thoughts must be turning to the luxury they might be soon moving in to.

Just a few miles from Mansfield a mid 19th Century, 7 bedroom, detached, Grade II listed property could be the one for them; with a price tag stated simply as ‘POA’ (Price On Application).

Or if they wanted to be particularly decedant, a unique period property exists over in Macclesfield at a cost we can only guess at, but one which likely fully reflects the Hampton Court esque gardens, six reception rooms and in house staff accomodation.

Wherever they choose to go, the local member of the propertysurveying.co.uk network will no doubt be extremely happy to assist!

Solar subsidy to link to falling cost of PV panels

Climate change Minister Greg Barker and new secretary of state Ed Davey (replacing the recently rsigned Chris Huhne) are today expected to announce changes to the way renewable subsidies are paid, in light of the contreversial and ongoing attempts to reduce solar FITs by half.

In particular, they are expected to announce reforms to the way the feed in tariff is administered so it is financially sustainable and increases certainty for investors.

We understand that the government will introduce a mechanism that will gradually reduce the FIT to match the falling price of photovoltaic panels.

Read more about FITs in our articles on the review process and the attempts to force through a substantial cut in FIT payments.