Planning minister: Communities are not a 'number on a plan'

The BBC reports that the government will today reveal its new planning framework which it says will help stimulate economic growth and provide much needed new homes but critics fear the new rules will favour development.

The Today programme's Sanchia Berg spoke to a protestor and the developer of one project in Yorkshire that took nine years to work it's way through the process.

Greg Clark, Minister of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government, told the Today programme's Evan Davis that the word "sustainable" means that there is a test as to whether an application is in the public interest.

He said that if it destroys a green belt, or the environment "it would not be sustainable and so should not go ahead".

He went on to say that "policy makers have a responsibility" to bring out the harmony of the need to balance employment with a need for housing.

London Residential Property Developers Learn From History

Reuters writes that a record number of London developers looking to build bespoke neighbourhoods from scratch will be emulating the success of centuries-old aristocratic landowning dynasties who have helped transform the capital city in the past 50 years.

Developments like the 67-acre scheme in the King's Cross district and a 2,818-home plan for the Olympics site are among a dozen projects that have taken lessons from the likes of Grosvenor and Cadogan Estates, areas formed hundreds of years ago that have boosted property values in recent decades by being picky with tenants and improving public areas.

London Property News

Property in Gated Development for Sale in Maida Vale

Maple Mews, Maida Vale Borders, London, NW6

A freehold four bedroom, three bathroom, three storey town house with parking in this popular gated development located moments from Maida Vale, Kilburn Park and the amenities of Kilburn High Road.

On the ground floor there is a gated car port, two bedrooms, patio garden and a guest WC/shower room. On the first floor there is a bright West facing reception with an open place fitted kitchen and on the top floor there are two double bedrooms both with en suite bathrooms.

This is a very quiet development with easy access to the West end that must be viewed.

Maida Vale Property for Sale

Freehold Pub For Sale In Woolwich, London

Woolwich Investment Property for Sale

St Clair's
Warspite Road
London
Greater London
SE18

Gross Site Area: 3581 sq/ft* £ 295,000

This property is located in between Westminster Industrial Estate and the Docklands Industrial Estate within the London Borough of Greenwich. The immediate area is mixed commercial / retail / residential / industrial and is a stones' throw away from the river Thames and under 0.5 miles from Woolwich dockyard station. There are local amenities nearby and great transport links (train, ferry and bus).

Approx gross site area:3,581 sq.ft*
Approx ground floor foot plate:1,556 sq.ft*
Rateable Value: £13,250
Offers invited for our clients unencumbered interest

London Property With Development Potential for Sale

Government Backed Mortgage Indemnity Scheme

David Cameron announced the first ever government-backed mortgage indemnity scheme. Under the new programme, developed jointly by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and Council of Mortgage Lenders, 95% percent mortgages will be made available to existing homeowners as well as first-time buyers (FTBs) on new-build properties (houses and flats) worth up to £500,00

Mr Cameron said "Strong families and stable communities are built from good homes. That's why I want us to build more homes and I want more people to have the chance to own their own home."It's no good hoping people will climb the property ladder if the bottom rung is missing. Affordable properties and available mortgages are vital."

However, not everyone is welcoming the news unreservedly. Dominik Lipnicki, of Your Mortgage Decisions, said: "You can already obtain 95% mortgages with comparable interest rates of 5% plus.

"It's more of a gimmick. It's a great headline and it will help some but mainly the construction industry.All this will do is encourage people to buy new properties but old property won't be sold and the chain will stop."

UK Mortgage and Home Loan News

IP Global Places London In Top Three Property Hubs

A report from IP Global places London, New York and the emerging city of Kuala Lumpur rank as the top three hubs to watch this year, while the troubled cities to avoid are listed as Athens, Hong Kong and Prague.

London property market is being fuelled by international investors with 5% growth forecast for 2012 while New York is perceived as a safe haven with prices still 20% below their peak.

With strong growth forecasts of 5% for 2012 and 23% over the next four years, prime London property continues to attract foreign investors and top the rankings. Sales volumes increased 85% over the last year, as a result of 11% price growth and rental demand remaining strong.

The report states that Kuala Lumpur leads the way in the Far East, with average price increases of 5 to 24% and says there is encouraging activity in San Francisco, Brisbane, Perth and Istanbul.

IP Globalis a leading property investment company specialising in prime investment opportunities in 20 emerging and developed markets around the world.

Budget Property Predictions March 22nd 2012

City of London Property Market News Blog: Budget Property Predictions March 22nd 2012: The property market is showing modest signs of an improvement in many areas of the UK, so George Osborne will be very wary of doing anything...

Jubilee Line Property for Sale, Willesden Green

Ashford Court, Ashford Road, Willesden Green, London, NW2

A well presented (492 sq ft) one double bedroom third floor flat set in a purpose built block in Willesden Green.The property is located within easy reach of the Cricklewood (Thameslink), Kilburn/Willesden Green (Jubilee line) Stations and the numerous bus routes and amenities on the Kilburn High Road and Cricklewood Broadway.

The accommodation comprises an entrance hallway with fitted storage and entryphone system; a 15' reception room with wood floors; fitted kitchen with electric hob and space for fridge/washing machine; a 15' double bedroom with fitted wardrobes and a modern bathroom incorporating a white three piece suite.Further benefits include gas central heating, double glazing, an approx 155 year lease and no upper chain.

Willesden Green Flat for Sale

Refurbished Brondesbury Flat for Sale, NW6

Joules House, Brondesbury, Christchurch Avenue, London, NW6

The apartment is located most conveniently adjacent to Kilburn Jubilee and Brondesbury Overground stations, multiple bus routes along the A5 and a plethora of local shops and express supermarkets.

The newly refurbished accommodation comprises a lounge/dining room, fitted recessed kitchen, a modern shower room and useful storage to the entrance hall. In addition there are large communal gardens.

This flat will be offered chain free and we would advise an immediate appointment.

London Ex Local Authority Property for Sale

London Pub Conversion For Sale, Recently Renovated

Pub Conversion For Sale,London, SE20

The Royal Oak
Oakfield Road
London
Greater London
SE20

GIA: 4870 sq/ft*

£ 795,000

LOCATION
A unique pub conversion on Oakfield Road just moments from Anerley Station and Crystal Palace Park.

PROPERTY
This freehold building has recently been refurbished possessing a fresh, clean, and contemporary feel. It is the perfect canvas for a new owner to design and decorate the interior to their individual specification. It will be perfect for anyone seeking a flexible and open space in which to live and/or work; designers, artists, architects, photographers, agencies.

The open plan ground floor is currently arranged as a 32ft 'studio' space and a 30ft dining area. Other benefits include a basic fitted kitchen, the old pub cloakrooms to the rear a large private garden and a substantial basement.

The residential upper floors can be accessed both internally from the studio space and from a separate street entrance. The first floor comprises a large bright reception, bathroom and provision for a kitchen. There is also the benefit of high ceilings and many original period features.

The second floor comprises four large bedrooms, again retaining original features. A staircase leads to the third floor which is a large untouched loft space.

At first floor level there is also a large flat roof with the potential to create a roof terrace subject to gaining the necessary planning consents. The property falls within The London Borough of Bromley.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Freehold
Recently renovated
Unique 'Blank Canvas' style space
Private garden
Substantial basement
Gross Internal Area: 4,870 sq ft*
Approx gross site area: 3,614 sq ft*
Rateable Value: £10,000
Payable Rates: £4,600

Contact the Paramount Investments team on 020 7644 2333 for further information or to arrange a viewing

Renovated Conversion for Sale London

Do You Understand Your Mortgage?

Camden Property Market News Blog: Do You Understand Your Mortgage: The British Bankers Association (BBA) reported last week that the number of mortgage applications were up by 34 per cent on January 2011 with the average advance worth £144, 400, with 56 per cent of mortgage brokers predicting that more would-be landlords will be looking to buy a property to rent out in the next three months.

Cricklewood Duplex Apartment for Sale 3 Bedrooms

Ebbsfleet Road, Cricklewood, London, NW2

A superb three bedroom two bathroom duplex first and second floor conversion within a attractive re bricked period house close to Cricklewood Thames link, multiple bus routes and also within walking distance to Kilburn Jubilee underground station.

The accommodation comprises a bright south facing front aspect double reception room with High ceiling and wood floors, a fully fitted kitchen to include a built in oven, Hob and extractor,and a large main bathroom in addition to a modern en suite shower room.

The flat also benefits from a private enclosed roof terrace and built in wardrobes to the master bedroom.

This flat should be viewed at the earliest possible opportunity to avoid disappointment. Call to view today.

Contact Details
Telephone: 020 7644 2331
Fax: 020 7372 2712
E-mail: sales@paramount-properties.co.uk

Cricklewood Property for Sale

Inflation and Interest Rate Levels a Cause for Optimism for Homeowners

The average mortgage debt level is significantly higher today than in 1990 when it stood at £35,000 compared to £120,400 today. Property repossessions are also higher than they were 22 years ago (43,900 compared to £36,200), while the unemployment rate stands at 8.4 per cent opposed to 6.9 per cent.

But it is not as bad as it sounds; Peter Dockar, head of mortgages at HSBC said: "The evidence suggests in many ways we are now better off than in the last downturn of the early 1990s.

“Inflation is half what it was then while the bank rate is a thirtieth lower, meaning borrowing is far more affordable.

"It is unlikely we will ever see rates peak as high as they did in 1990 in our lifetimes, however, there is no doubt that rates can only go one way from their historic low in future so it is essential that borrowers are prepared financially for future fluctuations in the cost of borrowing."

West Hampstead Property For Sale, Loveridge Road

SHOW DAY SATURDAY 10TH MARCH 2012.

A superb duplex second and top floor apartment within a period terraced house along a popular side street close to all amenities including West Hampstead's three main train links and the vast plethora of restaurants, bars and cafes. In addition Kilburn Jubilee and Brondesbury overground stations are available.

The bright accommodation comprises a south facing reception/dining room, a modern fitted kitchen and both a luxury ensuite shower room and a main three piece bathroom.

The master bedroom to the top of the house offers fantastic privacy and extensive storage, quality wood flooring to the main living area and a fantastic private decked roof terrace.
This apartment could provide an excellent first home or rental investment.

Call today to book a viewing and avoid disappointment.

Loveridge Road, West Hampstead, London, NW6

Brondesbury Property for Sale, North London

Cavendish Road, Brondesbury, London, NW6

A second (top) floor conversion within this four storey property located between Willesden Lane and Kilburn High Road.

The property is located along a popular wide tree lined street close to the Kilburn Jubilee and Brondesbury Overground stations, multiple bus routes and a vast selection of local shops, restaurants and cafes.

This bright flat benefits from gas central heating, a 16' reception room, fitted kitchen and a bathroom that could do with modernisation.

This could be a great first time buy or possibly for rental purposes.

Brondesbury North London Property for Sale

North London Flat for Sale, Cricklewood

Manstone Road, Cricklewood, London, NW2

A superb first floor large one double bed flat within a stunning red bricked period house within easy reach to Cricklewood Thames link and Kilburn Jubilee underground stations, multiple bus routes and local shops.

The accommodation comprises a large south facing reception/dining room, a recessed and separated fully fitted kitchen, a large three piece bathroom benefitting from a window for natural light and ventilation and a spacious double bedroom.

The flat also benefits from double glazing, gas central heating, parking off road and no upper chain.This ideal first home or rental flat must be viewed as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Flat for Sale in Cricklewood NW2

Halifax Mortgage Rate Increase

Halifax, the UK's biggest mortgage lender will raise it's SVR from the May 1st from 3.50 per cent to 3.99 per cent.Halifax said it had made this decision because of the higher cost of raising funds for mortgages from both savers and the financial markets.

The increase will add about £300 a year to mortgage payments for someone with a £100,000 mortgage.

Last week RBS said that it would raise its SVR rates from 3.75 per cent to four per cent on three of its mortgage products.

A spokesman from the Halifax said: "The change acknowledges that the cost of funding a mortgage in today's market remains significantly higher than the longer term average.".

Halifax says that customers who wish to transfer their SVR balance to a new Halifax product or a different lender will not incur an early repayment charge.

West Hampstead Duplex Garden Flat for Sale

Maygrove Road, West Hampstead, London, NW6

A well presented 945 sq ft three double bedroom two reception duplex garden flat set in a three storey period building in West Hampstead.

The property is situated within easy walk of West Hampstead's Jubilee Line, Thames Link and Silver Link stations and Kilburn's Jubilee line and Brondesbury overground station.

The accommodation to the ground floor comprises a bay fronted 16' reception room with high ceilings and a feature fireplace with marble surround; a guest cloakroom; a rear facing third double bedroom; a South facing kitchen breakfast room with integrated appliances and a conservatory with wood floors and double doors leading to the mature South facing rear garden.

The accommodation to the first floor comprises a South facing second bedroom; a front facing master bedroom and a luxury modern bathroom incorporating a white three piece suite, a separate shower cubicle, fitted storage and a heated towel rail.

Further benefits include long lease, residents permit parking and a 50ft South facing garden.

North London Flat for Sale

Mapesbury Conservation Area Flat for Sale

Mapesbury Road, Mapesbury, London, NW2

A bright and cosy top floor one double bedroom conversion set within a stunning corner Victorian property located in the heart of the Mapesbury Conservation Area.

The property benefits from a open plan reception, newly fitted kitchen with all appliances, fully tiled bathroom with shower attachment and wc and a large double bedroom.

Willesden Green, Kilburn and Queens Park are all easily accessible.

Flat for Sale Mapesbury Conservation Area