Car Park With planning for Sale, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

Bury St. Edmunds Investment Property for Sale

College Street
Bury St. Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33

Gross Site Area: 5720 sq/ft*

£ 400,000
Freehold

Bury St Edmunds is an important market town in Suffolk with a richly fascinating heritage, medieval architecture, elegant Georgian squares and glorious Cathedral and Abbey gardens provide a distinctive visual charm.

The town offers an excellent range of amenities, extensive shopping and a good range of leisure facilities. There is good access to the A14, A11 (M11) and the railway station in Bury St Edmunds offers a link to the mainline services to London's Liverpool Street and Kings Cross.

The development can be found on College Street a popular desirable one way street in the heart of this historic Town Centre.

Planning permission has been granted for the construction of a new 3 storey block to provide 6 luxury apartments and associated parking (4x2 beds & 2x1beds)

This former car park has an approximate gross site area of 5,720sq.ft (0.13 acres)

Suffolk Property With Planning for Sale

First Time Buyers News from Rightmove

Rightmoves consumer confidence survey reveals that first time buyers are struggling to find first time buyer properties. So called first time property sellers are staying put, feeling safe with current interest rates keeping mortgage payments low. Rightmoves survey concludes that First-time buyers need ‘first-time sellers’

Miles Shipside director at Rightmove comments: “Finding somewhere to buy and being able to access the means to actually buy it are the two biggest concerns for first-time buyers. With interest rates keeping monthly mortgage repayments comparatively low and fierce demand in the rental sector keeping the monthly rents high, you can understand the frustration of many ‘trapped renters’ who would like to buy but simply don’t have the means to get over the deposit hurdles put up by lenders.”

First Time Buyer News

London Olympic Effect is Not an Issue for London Property Lettings or Sales

Property owners who are expecting to reap the benefits of increased rental returns during this year's big London events should not set their sights too high. The Olympics and Jubilee celebrations have not really prompted a mass surge of enquiries for short term lets;it appears that 90 percent of letting enquiries about this period are speculative enquiries coming from would be landlords planning to leave London during these busy events,and make a quick killing at the same time.

The Olympic or Jubilee Effect has also been used to promote the sale of London investment and buy to let property at overseas property shows. Recent surveys show that there has been a marked increase in Australian investment in residential buy to let property. However,this is more likely to be the result of the strong Australian dollar and familiarity with the London rental market, than with a one off events.

Any other recent rise in overseas nationals increased interest and purchase can be directly traced back to events in the home country; Russians seeking a safe haven in the run up to unnerving presidential elections; Cash rich Greeks are also seeking a steady investment during uncertain economic times; Chinese investors have already replaced those from Russia and the Middle East as the busiest property investors, led by their Government looking to invest huge, surplus to requirements, sovereign wealth fund.

No doubt these investors will also be able to afford some Olympic opening ceremony tickets too.

London Property News

New Royal Title for London Borough of Greenwich

The Queen has made Greenwich in south-east London a royal borough to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

It is the first borough to be granted royal status in more than 80 years and is one of only four in the country.

The honour has been conferred to recognise the close links between Greenwich and royalty since the Middle Ages, the Cabinet Office said.

The honour will be marked by a weekend of celebrations in Woolwich, Eltham and Greenwich town centres.

'Legacy for residents'
Greenwich will be one of six boroughs to host the London 2012 Games which start on 27 July.

Council leader Chris Roberts said the borough was "proud to take centre stage" in a special year in which London celebrates the Olympics and the Queen's Jubilee.

"Our new royal borough status will drive forward our record levels of regeneration and cement our role as a key international destination for businesses and visitors from across the globe."

He added: "It will create a legacy for local residents that will last for generations to come."

New Mortgage Launch at Chelsea Building Society

Chelsea Building Society said it is continuing in its aim to offer borrowers the most competitive mortgage deals with the lowest ever five year fixed rate deal.

Borrowers wanting a mortgage of up to 70% LTV (loan to value) can benefit from a rate of 3.19%, or 3.39% for the offset option. Both mortgages have a fee of £1,495.

‘This is the lowest five year fixed rate mortgage ever to come to the market, which is great for customers wanting longer term security in fixing what is likely to be their biggest monthly outgoing,’ said Chelsea Building Society product manager Jemma Smith.

Chelsea Building Society is also reducing two year fixed rates available up to 85% LTV:3.44%, or 3.64% offset, each with an £1,895 fee and 3.59%, or 3.79%, each with a £395 fee.

This Chelsea mortgage could prove a lifeline for home owners worried about increasing mortgage payments. Although it may be another year before the base rate rises, the only way for mortgage rates to go in the long term is up. Consumers can protect themselves against these rises by fixing but this has tended to come at a high price. The launch of this lowest long term 5 year fixed in market from Chelsea will offer peace of mind but without the hefty price tag.

West London Flat for Sale, Fernhead Road

Fernhead Road, London, W9

A two double bedroom flat, set on the first floor of this attractive character property.

The property is situated within walking distance of Queens Park Bakerloo Line Station and Salusbury Road with its great deli's. patisseries and restaurants.

The property offers a 17ft bay fronted reception room wooden flooring, modern open plan kitchen with butler sink and stainless steel oven and hob, master bedroom and second double bedroom with fitted wardrobes and a modern bathroom which comprise of a stunning double shower and white three piece suite.

Further benefits include newly varnished wooden flooring, share of the freehold and gas central heating.

Bakerloo Line Flat for Sale

Rightmove Consumer Survey Reveal Its a Buyers Market

Rightmove’s first Consumer Confidence Survey of 2012 was released today and finds that the public believes the property market balance of power currently lays firmly with buyers.

Over 60% of respondents are of the view that it is a ‘buyers’ market’ and just 13% a ‘sellers’ market’. There is also evidence of increased price confidence in the property market with the proportion of those forecasting prices to be the same or higher in 12 months’ time edging up to 66% from 62% a year ago. However, deeper analysis shows that both findings mask some significant regional and local variations which provide further evidence of an acute north-south divide and a property market pock-marked with localised micro-markets.

Shipside adds:
“On the surface it looks as though potential home movers are feeling a bit more positive about the outlook for property prices. However, hidden beneath is the real story that different market segments are performing very differently and that in all probability your price predictions will depend on your own local micro-market. While parts of the stock-starved south, and London in particular, are feeling relatively bullish about prices, the turmoil of the last few years has wreaked havoc in parts of the buyer-blocked north.”

It is worth considering the variations in national, regional and local price outlooks in the context of confidence. Rightmove’s survey asked respondents to indicate whether they believed that current market conditions favour buyers, sellers or whether the balance was about equal. 60% indicated that they felt that the ‘balance of power’ lay with buyers, and just 13% with sellers, giving a ‘market balance ratio’ of 5.4:1 – or 5.4 people who believe it is a buyers’ market for every one person who believes it is a sellers’ market.

Shipside comments:
“There is a clear north-south divide in both house price expectations and an even more acute contrast of opinion in where the balance of power lies. A shortage of stock and greater numbers of proceedable buyers lead those in the south to anticipate upwards pressure on prices and so a more tricky market for buyers to negotiate a price reduction in.”

West Hampstead Period House For Sale

Broomsleigh Street, West Hampstead, London, NW6

A superb period character house in excellent decorative order in a quiet residential turning off Mill Lane. All local amenities are available including a plethora of restaurants, bars and cafes and fantastic transport links (ThamesLink, Jubilee and London Overground stations) are all close by on West End Lane which can be reached via a useful footpath running directly from Broomsleigh Street.

The ground floor includes a bright double reception room benefitting from smoked solid oak flooring, central fireplace with a limestone mantlepiece and made to measure shutters. The fully fitted kitchen offers a tiled floor, a combination of solid beech and granite worktops and is dual aspect with windows overlooking the rear garden and a stable door giving outside access.

On the first and second floors the house offers 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which is a superb shower room with attractive tiling, a heated wall mirror and a wooden vanity unit complete with a contemporary circular wash hand basin.

Other features include made to measure shutters in the master bedroom, a large cellar, two eaves cupboards, a spacious dressing/storage area leading to bedroom 4, double glazed sash windows to the rear of the house, a feature entrance hall with original covings and period front door and a most attractive and private westerly facing rear garden.

Viewing is highly recommended on this beautiful house to avoid disappointment.

West Hampstead Property for Sale NW6

Middlesex Village Bungalow For Sale For Redevelopment or Refurbishment

Investment Property for Sale Middlesex

Ickenham
Hoylake Crescent
Ickenham
Middlesex
UB10

£ 410,000 Freehold

Located in the Middlesex Town of Ickenham Hoylake Crescent is a quiet tree lined street within close proximity to Ickenham Village and it's selection of shops, restaurants and schools.

Ickenham and West Ruislip stations are within walking distance offering easy access into Central London via the Metropolitan/Piccadilly, Chiltern and Central lines. The A40, M40 & M25 motorways offer alternative transport options.

The accommodation briefly comprises an un-modernised bungalow with entrance hall, lounge, kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom.

Further benefits include a private driveway and a rear garden backing onto playing fields.

Potential to increase its square footage by way of extension and loft conversion (STPP).

Bungalow for Redevelopment for Sale, Middlesex

London Estate Agents Fees Should Be Clear

Estate agents are often secretive about what they charge sellers, it has been alleged, whilst there is great variation in the levels of fees that they charge.

A new survey found that only one agent in London – Winkworth – disclosed its fees on its website. About 20% of London agents refused to disclose their fees over the phone or via email.

The survey, by new estate agent comparison website ipostcode, looked at 250 agents’ fees across London and found that it is not necessarily in the most expensive postcodes where agents charge the highest fees.

Some of the highest average commissions are charged in the SE1 (Bermondsey), NW11 (Golders Green) and W6 (Hammersmith) postcodes, although agents in some lower priced areas – E8 (Dalston), N8 (Crouch End) and SE28 (Thamesmead) – offer some of the lowest commission rates.

The majority of the London estate agencies surveyed quoted 1.5% commission, but 15% of agents quoted 1%. The highest commission level quoted was 2.5%.

There were several postcode areas including Islington (N1) and Clerkenwell (EC1) where commission levels spanned the range from 1%-2.5%, which means that on a property priced at the London average of £342,749 (according to latest Land Registry figures), the seller could be paying anything from £4,113 to £10,282 including VAT to sell the same home.

Estate agents’ reputation for being guarded about their fees was borne out by the survey, with one in five of agents refusing to say what their fees were, either on the phone or via email. Only one agency, Winkworth, which has 43 London offices, displayed fees online.

One in four agents said that their fees are negotiable based on either a realistic valuation of the property or depending on the price range of the property. Many agents in the survey stressed that an agency should not be chosen simply on their commission rates but on service, track record and marketing.

The survey also found that estate agent fees in London at an average of 1.7% are more or less in line with the national average of 1.8% – contrary to the perception that London estate agent fees are the highest in the country.

Estate Agent Today

Kenley Ex Nursing Home for Sale for Redevelopment

Surrey Investment Property for Sale, Kenley

Kenley
Hayes Lane
Kenley
Surrey
CR8

Gross Site Area: 31507 sq/ft*

£ 1,300,000 + VAT

Kenley is a small town nestled in the Surrey countryside which borders Coulsdon, Caterham and Whyteleafe. Kenley is approximately 13 miles south of Central London.

Located on the corner of Hayes Lane & Abbotts Lane within a quarter of a mile of Kenley Railway Station with services via Purley into Croydon, Central London, Gatwick and the South Coast. Kenley is an affluent area and offers good access to surrounding towns and the countryside.

This vacant former Nursing home is arranged over ground and first floors of brick construction under a pitched tiled roof.

With an approximate gross site area of 31,000sq.ft the property offers good alternative development potential (STPP).

Freehold Development Property for Sale, Surrey

London Property Market News; WSJ Looks At London Property in 2012

How long can London's property market defy gravity asks the online Wall Street Journal? House prices in the capital rose in December, even as prices elsewhere stayed flat or fell, says the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Prices in prime central London are around 16% higher than their September 2007 precrisis peak. Some forecasters predict a further 25% jump by 2016, as foreign investors continue to seek havens for their cash. But downward pressures are likely to intensify this year.

Foreign buyers account for more than half of the sales of London's most desirable residences, helping shield the market from a domestic downturn. Many have large chunks of equity to invest, so are less affected by the mortgage-lending squeeze. Recent sterling weakness against many currencies—down 20% against the dollar since the start of the crisis—has added to London's allure, while ultralow interest rates have kept a lid on distressed sales.

So long as the economic uncertainty continues, the torrent of foreign cash flowing into London property—an estimated £6 billion, or roughly $9 billion, in the 18 months through mid-2011—will likely be sustained. But the top end of the market is sensitive to the global picture. If the euro crisis is resolved or the world economic outlook improves, overseas investors might turn to riskier, higher-return assets. A rise in sterling or a fall in commodity prices are other possible factors.

London property isn't cheap by any measure. Yields are low—at 3.9%, compared with 5% in the wider U.K. housing market and up to 7% for prime offices in most European capitals. Soaring prime central London rents, up 25% since mid-2009, have provided some support to valuations, but an estimated 55% of "prime" tenants work in financial services, where heavy job losses are on tap. Yields are likely to remain flat into 2016, estate agent Savills says.

Meanwhile, the average house price in London is equivalent to 7.8 times earnings for a typical first-time buyer, compared with an average of 4.8 times across the country, website Findaproperty.com estimates. Such a disparity looks unsustainable, and provides a strong incentive for capital-dwellers to relocate and investors to seek better value elsewhere.

Kilburn Park Freehold Investment Property for Sale

Freehold Investment Property for Sale London

Kilburn Park
Canterbury Road
London
Greater London
NW6

Existing: 10000 sq/ft*

£ 2,750,000
Freehold

Kilburn Park can be found to the south of Kilburn High Road close to Carlton Vale. The area has seen a recent resurgence of good local bars, coffee shops and hotel opening.

The building is situated on Canterbury Road offering easy access to Kilburn Park (Bakerloo Line) station and further transport, shopping and recreational facilities of Kilburn High Road.

The existing character building comprises of a large B1 office of some 10,000 sq.ft over ground and first floors with off-street parking for up to 25 cars.

Planning permission has granted for the change of use from offices (B1) to residential (C3) on the first floor to create 2x1 bed and 3x2 bed flats and a 3-storey side extension to provide staircase and lift, erection of additional storey to form a further 4x2 beds flats.

There is a S.106 contribution of £48,000 and car free housing.

The building also offers the potential to create serviced offices, student accommodation or a hostel.

Rates payable £28,200 p.a.

NW London Site with Planning for Sale

Commercial Real Estate Investors Head for The US in 2012

The United States will remain the top choice of most global commercial real estate investors in 2012, but the country has lost ground to Brazil which ranked No. 2 this year, according to a survey released Sunday.

While the United States offers the most stable and secure option in commercial real estate, investors said improvement in rent and occupancy growth and the repeal of a 1980 foreign investment tax would have the strongest impact on their investment decisions, according to the 20th annual survey of Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE) members.

For about the past year or so, investors in U.S. commercial real estate have focused on gateway cities such as New York, Washington, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles, driving prices up and yields down.

Meanwhile commercial property in Brazil, with its bubbling economy and safer investment environment, has become a hot spot for global investors. Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, jumped to the fourth best city for real estate investment dollars in 2012, up from 26th place last year.

The United States is still very desirable and was second behind the UK in attracting cross border investment in 2011, according to Real Capital Analytics preliminary figures.

"The negative is it doesn't promise a whole lot of capital appreciation because the prime markets are already fully priced," AFIRE Chief Executive Officer James Fetgatter said. "By no means will Brazil replace the U.S., at least not in the forseeable future. Brazil is considered now a much safer place to invest and a place where you can get capital appreciation and good yield."

AFIRE'S survey respondents hold more than $874 billion of real estate globally, including $338 billion in the United States.

Sixty 60 percent of respondents said they plan to increase their investment in U.S. real estate in 2012, down from a record 72 percent last year, according to the 20th annual survey.

Some 42.2 percent said they believed the United States in 2012 would offer the best opportunity for the price of their commercial real estate investments to increase, down from 64.7 percent last year's survey.

The United States lost ground to Brazil, with 18.6 percent saying Brazil's property market offered the best growth opportunity for their investment dollars. That's up 14.2 percentage points, moving Brazil up to second place from fourth, and pushing China down to No. 3, according to the AFIRE survey.

Seventy percent of respondents picked one of the three countries as their favorite, while the remaining 30 percent had top choices from 13 other countries on five continents.

British Property Remains a Safer Bet Than Stocks and Shares

Lofty apartments in London's prime boroughs, chic chalet's in the finest Alpine ski resorts of France and Switzerland, and 2 bed semi's in Salford. Spot the odd one out?

While there may be many reasons making the 2 bed semis in Salford the odd one out, investment potential is not one of them according to British institutional investors, who have invested heavily in British housing stock in the last 12-18 months, to capitalise on the current rental boom, and solidify their investments away from the tumultuous global stocks and bonds markets.

According to data just released by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, financial institutions invested £2.2 billion in UK houses and apartments in the year ending April 2011, a 189% increase over the previous year.

Specialist property companies also increased their exposure to UK buy to let during the period, the data shows that such firms purchased £7.5bn worth of UK rental properties, which is a 27 percent increase over the same period in 2010. Wealthy British individuals are also getting in on the action. They invested a combined £193.8 billion in the year ending April, which is surprisingly only a 24% increase over 2010.

The growth is hardly surprising. The financial world is a scary place, and the stock markets are even scarier. The Eurozone debt crisis is making any European investment a high risk strategy, especially now with some reports indicating that banks are putting in place contingency plans for the Eurozone's complete break-up, although few believe this will come to pass.

Never the less, this makes British property one of the few safe investments in Europe. Property is far less volatile than stocks, and of course, Britain stayed out of the euro, so, while it would suffer a shock if the Euro collapses, its property market will see a far smaller hit than those in the Eurozone.

On top of the long term safety of British property, the rental yields are currently very attractive in the short-mid term as well, with the constrained mortgage market, lack of affordability and housing shortage continually drive up rental demand. The latest data rents and yields are growing across the country. The latest Residential Lettings Survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said that 15% more chartered surveyors reported rental yields rose rather than fell in the three months ending October. This is the 7th consecutive quarter of rising yields according to RICS.

London Property for Sale With Possibility of Extending, Queens Park

Brondesbury Villas, Queens Park, London, NW6

A spacious (826 sq ft) well presented two double bedroom two bathroom garden flat set within an attractive four storey semi-detached period property on one of the most desirable tree lined streets in Queens Park. The property is situated a short walk from Queens Park underground station (Bakerloo Line) and the variety of shops, gastro pubs and deli's along Salusbury Road.

The accommodation comprises an entrance hall with wood floors and a fitted storage cupboard; a modern family bathroom incorporating a white three piece suite with fully tiled walls/floors; an 18' front facing reception room with wood floors and a gas fireplace with wood surround; guest cloakroom and a separate fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances.

Further benefits include a 15' master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and direct access to the private rear garden, an ensuite shower room with extractor fan, the second double bedroom with direct access to the private rear garden, side access to the 53' mature rear garden and a private front garden. The property also has potential for a single storey rear extension (Subject To Planning).

Queens Park Garden Flat for Sale

House Prices Remain Stable in November

There was no movement for house prices in the UK in November, according to the latest England & Wales House Price Index from LSL Property Services/Acadametrics.

However, just because house prices have remained static, people should not assume that they are not becoming more affordable.

David Brown, commercial director at the firm, said that zero growth means that in real terms houses are becoming more affordable.

"With inflation running at five per cent the real cost of property is getting smaller and smaller, which is good news for buyers and mortgage borrowers alike," he added.

The data showed that the average house price in the UK now stands at £220,043.

Mr Brown said that while over the past year house prices have dropped 0.7 per cent, low mortgage rates, the stamp duty holiday and the government's FirstBuy scheme have prevented larger falls.

Recent data from Halifax showed that 2011 has so far seen five months of price falls and the same number of rises, with one month of no change.

Mortgage Rate & Home Loan News

10% Increase in October Mortgage Agreements

It’s not all doom and gloomy in the mortgage market says leading broker John Charcol.

The mortgage advisory firm says that despite media reports of a subdued market place, purchase business for residential property and buy to lets is actually performing quite well and there is a glut of suitable products available.

Simon Collins, product and technical manager at John Charcol, said that it saw a ten per cent increase in the amount of mortgages agreed during October compared with the same month in 2010.

“Despite the approaching festive season, we have seen the number of good quality purchase enquiries hold up very well, so whilst the market’s not great, it’s not as bad as it’s being painted,” he stated.

Last week, the latest Mortgage Monitor from chartered surveyors e.surv found that mortgage approvals for property purchases during November reached its highest number since December 2009 and were up some 15 per cent on November 2010.

Mortgage Rate and Home Loan News

Refurbished Queens Park Apartment for Sale

Hartland Road, Queens Park, London, NW6

A newly refurbished ground floor one bedroom flat within this period terraced period house in the heart of Queens Park.

The property is situated along a popular tree lined street just a short walk to the Bakerloo and overground stations at Queens Park and the plethora of local cafes, restaurants and shops along Salusbury road.

The accommodation comprises of a reception with wood floors, high gloss open plan fitted kitchen with appliances, double bedroom with an en suite shower room and direct access to the communal rear garden.

Further benefits include a luxury fitted shower room with a heated towel rail and an extractor fan, double glazing, gas central heating, entryphone system and no upper chain.

The property has been completely refurbished and an early viewing is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

Queens Park Apartment for Sale

Landlord and Tenant News: Landlords set to expand their portfolios in 2012

The coming 12 months look set to be a boom time for buy-to-let investors, with many looking to significantly increase their property portfolios.

Research conducted by specialist mortgage provider Paragon found that landlords are practically falling over themselves to invest further funds in bricks and mortar at present despite the traditional market being subdued.

Indeed, more than a fifth of those surveyed said they will be making more property investments in 2012.

While in contrast, less than one in ten landlords claimed that they will be looking to reduce the size of their buy-to-let portfolios in the 12 months.

Thanks in part to a loosening of lending restrictions from banks and building societies, the number of properties owned by rental magnates has risen to an average of 13 this year and will continue to rise further in the next year.

Terraced property remains the most popular choice for landlords with 65 per cent of respondents saying that they owned at least one.

This was followed by flats or apartments, which are owned by 58 per cent. Semi-detached homes made up part of 48 per cent of landlord's existing portfolios while 24 per cent own a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO).

Of those questioned 77 per cent stated that they were positive about being a landlord, while 57 per cent said prospects for the rental sector in 2012 were either "good" or "very good".

"This is an interesting time for the private rented sector as landlords are experiencing very high levels of tenant demand as other areas of the housing market come under increasing strain," John Heron, Paragon Mortgages managing director, said.

"I am pleased to see that landlords are expecting to add to their portfolios as there is no sign that tenant demand is going to slow in 2012."

Iqbal Hussain, property consultant at Knight Knox International, recently said that now is the best time to buy for anyone wanting to dip their toe into the property rental market.

Property News Magazine