Shared Ownership, Help to Buy, for first time buyers
If you’ve ever wondered if your shower was making you ill, why your electrics smell of fish or why your toilet seat was turning purple, you’re not alone. Lots of people have the same questions.
While they may sound like odd things to ponder, they’re actually some of the most commonly asked home maintenance questions in the UK, according to a new study.
Online discount code provider MyVoucherCodes has launched an interactive guide to interior design, offering people the opportunity to furnish their dream homes on a budget.
It’s a well-known fact that furnishing and redecorating always ends up being more expensive than originally intended. Ideal Home recorded that in Britain, an average of nearly £6,000 a year per household is spent on decorating and furnishing, suggesting that when it comes to playing house, Brits splash the cash.* But, even if you don’t go over-board with your interior design the essentials are still expensive, especially if you’re buying everything in one go.
Do you have a bundle of joy on the way? Congratulations! There’s nothing more wonderful than a new baby, but you must admit that decorating your little one’s new nursery can be quite costly. Take a look at our top tips to ensure your child has an Instagram-worthy nursery, without the price tag.
Up-Cycle
Sprucing up the interior of your home can bring months if not years of satisfaction - if done right that is! But with so many design trends, how can you know which is right for you?
Not only does your star sign reveal your monthly fortune (or misfortune), it’s a useful tool to understand your personality and traits too. So, whether you’re an artsy Taurus, chic Virgo, cosy Cancer, a minimalist Gemini, your horoscope can tell you a lot about your ideal living style.
Sofa and carpet specialists, ScS, has teamed up with New York astrologist, Lisa Stardust, to determine the interior styles to try according to your star sign - perfect if you’re searching for fresh decorating inspiration.
Aries:
Homefocus has been nominated for the Best First Time Buyer Media Coverage award – and we want your votes to help us take the crown!
The awards, run by First Time Buyer magazine, recognise the property industry’s efforts to help buyers get onto the housing ladder.
The Homefocus team are proud to be nominated for their contribution to the media coverage of shared ownership opportunities.
Our articles explain shared ownership options, from Help to Buy to Older Person's shared ownership, with expert advice on finances, looking for a property and more.
Editor Victoria Galligan said: “We are delighted to be nominated for this award, and to be part of such a prestigious event in the property industry.
Using the Government-backed Help to Buy scheme at Lyveden Fields in Corby, a couple has been able to secure their forever home whilst discovering flexible living at its finest.
Hayley (40) and Pete (45) Cook, from Corby and Hartwell, were able to purchase their dream home with just 5% deposit and are now enjoying a property with a modern layout at Barratt Homes’ Livingstone Road development.
The couple, owner of Dementia Days and a Coach Builder for Stagecoach, are reaping the benefits of a home they can make their own with their miniature Yorkshire terrier named Dave.
An executive couple previous living in Oxfordshire have chosen the prime location of Milton Keynes for their next property move, achieving more for their money in a commuter hotspot that’s still within easy reach of London.
Natalie Thompson (25) and Luis Carless (30) recently moved to Barratt Homes’ Fen Street development Brooklands after seeking more space and a place they can truly put their own stamp on.
As both of them still work in London, as a Medical Copywriter and Technical Analyst respectively, they are enjoying easy access to great road and rail links making getting into work a breeze.
Construction work has started on a new development, set to bring over 1,200 homes to Leighton Buzzard, as well as a number of facilities for the area.
Clipstone Park will be delivered by Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Taylor Wimpey and will bring significant investment to the area, as the development process will underpin 2,400 jobs and contributions by the developers to the local authority.
Glenn Copper, Sales Director and Ilir Gjini, Construction Director from Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Thames and Emma Walton, Senior Planning Manager and Wes Hosking, Site Manager from Taylor Wimpey were on hand to officially cut the sod to mark the start of the construction work.
Smart technology seems to be common place in most homes, but what should I think about to ensure my investment doesn’t go out of date?
“In recent years, technology has been developing at a rapid pace; as soon as the latest product is on the market, the next version is already being talked about. Whilst this is part of the excitement of innovation, it can also feel like we need to keep replacing our gadgets, if we want to ‘keep up’.
“When it comes to the home, there are some simple things to take into consideration to ensure your investment stands the test of time.
Ideal Home Show sponsored by Zoopla, the world’s longest running exhibition, will return to Olympia London from Friday 22nd March to Sunday 7th April 2019.
Celebrating its 111th year with a Best of British theme, the show will feature more than 600 exhibitors, a spectacular first of its kind show home, and a number of celebrity guests, including:
English garden designer, journalist and television personality, Joe Swift
Renowned British chef, Rosemary Shrager
Drinks expert and TV presenter, Olly Smith
Presenter of Love Your Garden, David Domoney
Property expert and TV presenter, Kunle Barker