Living

  • Live above the rooftops in City’s sleekest building
    Friday, 19th March 2010
    Heron International strikes again with this stunning tower
    Zoe Strimpel
    THE Heron, the City’s first residential development in 30 years, will be second to none, from Hong Kong to LA, in terms of style, views and overall quality of design and finish. This assertion is made in a matter of fact way by Lisa Ronson, head of marketing at The Heron’s mothership, Heron International, and daughter of its CEO, the City’s famous Gerald Ronson. She is a sharply dressed, sharp-eyed woman glittering with tasteful jewels and with a mane of luscious hair. I believe her even though it’s her job to say this – she looks like someone who knows about quality. But that’s before I... [Read more]

  • FOCUS ON: BELSIZE PARK, NW3
    Friday, 19th March 2010
    JESSICA MEAD
    BARRIE HOUSE, ST EDMUNDS TERRACE, NW8 Price: £799,000 This two-bedroom flat in Chalk Farm – 20 minutes from Bank – is on the sixth floor of a modern block and so has great views over nearby Primrose... [Read more]
  • RENTING
    Friday, 19th March 2010
    James Davis CEO OF ONLINE LETTINGS AGENT UPAD.CO.UK Q.What do I need to do to increase the rent I'm charging my tenant? They had a six-month assured shorthold tenancy (AST) which has now become a... [Read more]
  • Caribbean is back on investors’ hot list
    Friday, 19th March 2010
    Buying in one of the world’s most beautiful spots could make you money too
    Zoe Strimpel
    IF you’re considering a spot in the Caribbean that will be both beautiful and a savvy place for your cash, the island of St Lucia is as good as it gets. Its natural beauty is considered by many to be... [Read more]

  • The sun is shining on property in the Med
    Friday, 12th March 2010
    This is a great time to buy your dream home in a prime part of Europe, says Zoe Strimpel
    Zoe Strimpel
    THIS year’s freezing winter may well have proved a tipping point in your decision to invest in a sunny property abroad – and it couldn’t have arrived at a better time. Possibly by the time the time... [Read more]
  • CURRENT MORTGAGE DEALS
    Friday, 12th March 2010
    JESSICA MEAD
    LENDER FIXED/FLEXIBLE RATE UNTIL STANDARD RATE APR MAXIMUM LOAN (PER CENT) (PER CENT... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: CROYDON, GREATER LONDON
    Friday, 12th March 2010
    JESSICA MEAD
    CHELLOWS, BIRCH HILL, SHIRLEY HILLS, CR0 5HT Price: £2.495m An extremely spacious five bedroom detached property, this house has a separate annexe and is located in a private road. There is a smart... [Read more]
  • INTERIORS
    Friday, 12th March 2010
    ANDREW DUNNING
    Q.Dear Andrew, I have just come back from holiday and was taken by the wet room that was part of our suite. I was thinking about updating my en suite – how can I recreate it? A.A wet room is a great... [Read more]
  • Stylish kit for your kitchen
    Friday, 12th March 2010
    Add a splash of colour to your home with some smart foodie gizmos, says Timothy Barber
    Timothy Barber
    1 Salter Sweetie kitchen scales, £44, www.johnlewis.com 2 Retro popcorn maker, £24.99, www.gilesandposner.com 3 Nest 8 bowls, £35, www.josephjoseph.com 4 Cico egg cup and spoon, £10.00, www.alessi.co... [Read more]
  • Live like a modern Victorian in London
    Friday, 5th March 2010
    Churches, schools and even old warehouses are being turned into luxury pads
    Timothy Barber
    WALKING through London, it is hard to ignore the wealth of wonderful Victorian buildings in the city. Gothic turrets and solid red-crick municipal buildings are everywhere you look. Those Londoners... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: BATTERSEA
    Friday, 5th March 2010
    JESSICA MEAD
    FOXMORE STREET, SW11 4pu Price: £1.995m It might look small from the outside but this end-of-terrace property near Battersea Park has almost 3,000 sq ft of space. Set over four floors, it has five... [Read more]
  • SELLING
    Friday, 5th March 2010
    Q & A
    Russell Hunt MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PROPERTY HUNT Q.Dear Russell, we are cash buyers but we keep losing out on houses. I thought cash buyers were supposed to have a better chance. Any advice? A.Buying... [Read more]
  • Add a bit of fun to your nursery
    Friday, 5th March 2010
    From wallpaper to lights, some jolly objects for your child’s room will cheer you both up
    Zoe Strimpel
    1 Jeeves and Wooster pendant lights by Leigh Harmer, £338.10 at www.leighharmer.co.uk 2 Coco Stylewood baby lounger by bloom, £130 at www.johnlewis.com 3 Pirate chest of drawers by Steve Allen, £... [Read more]
  • The Americans are coming to Battersea, and it’s no wonder
    Friday, 26th February 2010
    With cool restaurants and hotels, chic is heading south
    Timothy Barber
    WHEN do you know if an area is going up in the world? Normally an influx of luxury hotels and award-winning restaurants should be a good enough sign, but the arrival of the embassy of the world’s... [Read more]
  • BUYING
    Friday, 26th February 2010
    Camilla Dell MANAGING PARTNER AT BLACK BRICK Q.Dear Camilla, I'm buying a property as an investment and want to split it up into three or four flats to rent out. What is the procedure and the order... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: NOTTING HILL
    Friday, 26th February 2010
    JESSICA MEAD
    LINDEN GARDENS, W2 Price: £850,000 The best feature of this two double bedroom maisonette is its decked roof garden with views over west London. The flat is on the fourth floor of a period building... [Read more]
  • For cool, affordable city living, go east
    Friday, 19th February 2010
    Urban regeneration is enabling many to get onto the property ladder
    Timothy Barber
    THE City may have a reputation for huge pay packets, but when you’re starting out the story’s somewhat different – most will begin their careers earning under £30,000. That makes getting onto the... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: WALTHAMSTOW, E17
    Friday, 19th February 2010
    JESSICA MEAD
    VESTRY ROAD, E17 9NH Price: £725,000 This is a large mews conversion in the heart of the Walthamstow conservation area. It has three separate bedrooms but there is space for two further bedrooms on... [Read more]
  • Q&A: renting
    Friday, 19th February 2010
    James Davis MANAGING DIRECTOR OF UPAD.CO.UK Q.Dear James, I need to move for a new job, but I can't sell my house. I'm going to rent it out for now and see if the market picks up. A friend said I... [Read more]
  • Oh we do like to be beside the (British) seaside
    Friday, 19th February 2010
    You need not pay the earth for a coastal commuter property
    Zoe Strimpel
    IF there’s one thing in property that never goes out of fashion, it’s a sea view. Coastal views – wherever you are in Europe – are in fierce demand and often, limited supply. “The National?Trust owns... [Read more]
  • Get into the foreign property game at a fraction of the cost
    Friday, 12th February 2010
    Shared-ownership takes the hassle out of owning a holiday home
    TIMOTHY BARBER
    FOR many people, owning a foreign property would be the ultimate luxury. However, dealing with local authorities, maintaining the place, or renting it out can turn a luxury into a time-consuming,... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: DARTFORD, KENT
    Friday, 12th February 2010
    JESSICA MEAD
    EYNSFORD HOUSE, HIGH STREET, EYNSFORD, DA4 0AA Price: £850,000 This Grade II-listed cottage is in the heart of Eynsford, which is just outside Dartford and 40 minutes from Victoria by train. The... [Read more]
  • Q&A: SELLING
    Friday, 12th February 2010
    Russell Hunt
    Q.Dear Russell, I have been looking for a while and I have never come across a probate sale, despite hearing about them. How do you find out about these types of sales? A.Most probate sales – that is... [Read more]
  • Indulge your inner vanity queen
    Friday, 12th February 2010
    Dressing tables are beautiful, practical and good for the soul
    ZOE STRIMPEL
    WHEN Claridges launched an ultraglamorous package last year that revolved around having a vintage Christian Dior dressing table in the room, alongside a “dressing table service” (a Frank Sinatra CD,... [Read more]
  • It doesn’t get more prestigious than living on a square
    Friday, 5th February 2010
    London’s historic open spaces are its most desirable addresses
    TIMOTHY BARBER
    IF you really want prestige London living – and let’s face it, who doesn’t? – you simply can’t beat living on a historic town square. There are over 600 squares in London, from the famous, grand open... [Read more]
  • Q&A: BUYING
    Friday, 5th February 2010
    MANAGING PARTNER AT BLACK BRICK
    Camilla Dell
    Q.Dear Camilla, I am thinking about selling my home this year. But is it the right time given that there is both economic and political uncertainty at the moment? A.There has been a lot of positive... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: BETHNAL GREEN, E2
    Friday, 5th February 2010
    Jessica Mead
    HAGUE STREET, E2 6HN Price: £550,000 For its location – just one stop by Tube or 30 minutes walk to Liverpool Street – this three double-bedroom house offers good value for money. It is both... [Read more]
  • Paradise complete with tax benefits
    Friday, 29th January 2010
    The UK’s top earners could build castles in the Caribbean sand
    Zoe Strimpel
    WITH taxes for top earners sure to increase in the coming years, there has been much talk of City types moving abroad. Switzerland has been the country mentioned most often. The lure of Geneva,... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: TOOTING, SW17
    Friday, 29th January 2010
    JESSICA MEAD
    FOXBOURNE ROAD, SW17 8EW Price: £750,000 This spacious Victorian house in a popular area in Tooting needs complete modernisation inside, so it would suit a buyer not needing to move urgently. Set... [Read more]
  • Q&A: RENTING
    Friday, 29th January 2010
    James Davis MANAGING DIRECTOR OF UPAD.CO.UK Q.Dear James, my tenants will be moving out in two months, and I want to ensure the property remains full. What advice do you have for me? A.We call this “... [Read more]
  • Shared ownership suits City workers, not just teachers
    Friday, 29th January 2010
    Those earning up to £60,000 can benefit from the programme
    Jessica Mead
    LONDON house prices might have risen some 5 per cent since last January but as any first-time buyer will tell you, it is tougher than ever to get on the property ladder. With mortgage approvals... [Read more]
  • Spend £3m to live in a former youth hostel
    Friday, 22nd January 2010
    A luxury development in Hampstead combines the best of old and new
    Zoe Strimpel
    PROPERTIES at Wellgarth Manor, a luxury residential development in north London’s Hampstead Garden Suburb, start at a cool £3m. Cynicism might be your reaction – it’s a hefty price tag for a... [Read more]
  • Spend £3m to live in a former youth hostel
    Friday, 22nd January 2010
    A luxury development in Hampstead combines the best of old and new
    Zoe Strimpel
    PROPERTIES at Wellgarth Manor, a luxury residential development in north London’s Hampstead Garden Suburb, start at a cool £3m. Cynicism might be your reaction – it’s a hefty price tag for a... [Read more]
  • Q&A: BUYING
    Friday, 22nd January 2010
    Russell Hunt MANAGING DIRECTOR, PROPERTY HUNT Q.Dear Russell, I am after a standard London property but am short on time. Even if I’m not after something high-end, is it still worth me using a buying... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: RICHMOND, SURREY
    Friday, 22nd January 2010
    JESSICA MEAD
    THE GRAND TERRACE, RICHMOND LOCK, TW1 1PX Price: From £1.35m The last phase of this development is scheduled for release at the end of this month and there will be 12 five-bedroom, period-style... [Read more]
  • Why strategic downsizing is on the up these days
    Friday, 22nd January 2010
    The market’s kicking, so it’s a good time to sell up and trade down
    Zoe Strimpel
    EVERYBODY’S doing it. Not smoking or breaking their New Year’s resolutions – though there’s a fair bit of that going on too – but downsizing. Sue Laming, of Savills, says: “Finally, there’s decent... [Read more]
  • Find value and beauty in an Austrian chalet
    Friday, 15th January 2010
    A stable market and stunning scenery make for a winning investment
    Zoe Strimpel
    SKIING down tree-lined snowy vistas in winter; hiking through lush green mountains by crystal blue lakes in summer. This is what’s on offer in Austria’s traditional Alpine towns. “Austria’s valley... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: CLAPHAM
    Friday, 15th January 2010
    39 BEAUCHAMP ROAD, SW11 1PG Price: £1.1m Located on a quiet residential street, this smart five-bedroom family home is within walking distance of Clapham Junction, which has transport links into the... [Read more]
  • Q&A: BUYING
    Friday, 15th January 2010
    CAMILLA DELL MANAGING PARTNER AT BLACK BRICK Q. Dear Camilla, I am thinking about selling my property, but I am nervous about the upcoming general election and how this will affect the property... [Read more]
  • Take the train to Chelsea’s smart river developments
    Friday, 15th January 2010
    A new overground station is opening up a once isolated district
    Timothy Barber
    THINK of Chelsea and you probably think of the King’s Road, and the streets crammed with attractive townhouses between Sloane Square and Battersea Bridge. Travel further west along the river, and you... [Read more]
  • Cool colours for kids’ bedrooms
    Friday, 15th January 2010
    Add sparkle to your little one’s bedroom with a quirky rug or light
    Zoe Strimpel
    1 Reversible double duvet with planes, Cath Kidston, £48, www.cathkidston.co.uk 2 Cowboy print cushion, Cath Kidston, £6, www.cathkidston.co.uk 3 Posh graffiti wooden letters A-Z, John Lewis, £4.95... [Read more]
  • Q&A: RENTING
    Friday, 18th December 2009
    Russell Hunt MANAGING DIRECTOR, PROPERTY HUNT Q.We’ve been putting off upscaling to a bigger family home, but don’t want to wait much longer. When should we move? AIt’s probably a mistake to wait too... [Read more]
  • Cosy up in your house this winter
    Friday, 18th December 2009
    From snuggly throws to stylish chairs, here’s how to add warmth
    Zoe Strimpel
    1 Louis Philippe Day Bed, Grange, from £3,489, 020 7935 7000 2 Stag head candelabra, Joanna Wood, £94, www.joannawood.co.uk 3 Traditional balls wreath, Quintessentially Flowers, £75, www.... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: NOTTING HILL
    Friday, 18th December 2009
    JEREMY HAZLEHURST
    SHREWSBURY MEWS, W2 Price: £695,000 Located near the junction of Westbourne Park Road and Chepstowe Road, this 900sq ft traditional mews house has a first floor reception, two bedrooms, and two... [Read more]
  • Camden: an urban hotspot with leafy streets
    Friday, 18th December 2009
    Think nightlife, markets and open space in one
    Zoe Strimpel
    THOSE who consider Camden a gritty choice may want to think again. “Prices dipped in the credit crunch,” says Ed Robinson, of the year-old Camden office of Foxtons. “But they’re already higher than... [Read more]
  • Because you're worth it: the best bachelor pads in town
    Friday, 4th December 2009
    The sky is the limit when it comes to finding the perfect home
    Jessie Hewitson
    ATROPHY apartment is the ultimate reward for spending your 20s chained to a desk. And in case you hadn’t noticed, tastes for this type of flat, and the facilities found within it, are changing... [Read more]
  • Brits are hungry again for a place in the sun
    Friday, 4th December 2009
    Buyers are rapidly gaining confidence, with renewed interest in traditional markets
    Jessie Hewitson
    MEET an overseas property agent these days and they’ll be chirpy, well slept and optimistic about the future – the exact opposite of how they would have been at the beginning of the year... [Read more]
  • Look beyond bricks and mortar and invest in the new generation of property funds
    Friday, 4th December 2009
    The Candy brothers are the latest to set up an investment vehicle
    Jessie Hewitson
    IF YOU don’t want to blow your whole bonus in one go, or you don’t have the appetite for owning a buy-to-let, then there is an alternative: investing in a property fund. A number of new... [Read more]
  • Buy-to-let is back as rents stabilise and low prices attract landlords
    Friday, 4th December 2009
    Here are five desirable investment hot spots with good prospects
    Jessie Hewitson
    BUY-TO-LET is starting to look like an attractive proposition once again, as lower house prices and a stabilising rental market result in more enticing yields. Data from LSL Property Services... [Read more]
  • Think inside the Square: why the City is a top spot to buy a home
    Friday, 27th November 2009
    Why not live in the Square Mile and stroll to work every day
    Zoe Strimpel
    IF YOU’RE looking for the ultimate Tube-busting pied a terre, the Square Mile can’t be bettered for history, beauty and – of course – convenience. Other financial centres are... [Read more]
  • Q&A: RENTING
    Friday, 27th November 2009
    Louise SavageDIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL LAND Q. Dear Louise, I’ve seen a lot of websites springing up where you can rent out your property independently. I’m tempted but I’m a bit... [Read more]
  • Pick up a pad in London's smartest areas on the cheap
    Friday, 27th November 2009
    Short lease properties give you the chance for an exclusive pied-a-terre
    Timothy Barber
    THERE’S living in London, and then there’s living in a London area with a truly sought-after postcode. It’s not just about status – it really is smarter, and nicer. Of course... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: CHISWICK, W4
    Friday, 27th November 2009
    JESSICA MEAD
    ENNISMORE AVENUEPrice: £1,195,000This is a large semi-detached house located close to the shops and amenities of Chiswick High Road. The closest Tube station is Turnham Green which is about 40... [Read more]
  • Live upside down in the cool new-look Battersea
    Friday, 20th November 2009
    A new development is bringing a dose of Euo-chic south of the river
    Timothy Barber
    SOMETIMES the oldest ideas are sensible. But sometimes we just keep on doing the same things for no good reason. Why should the living room be on the ground floor and the bedrooms upstairs? Well,... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: ROMFORD
    Friday, 20th November 2009
    ORANGE TREE HILL, HAVERING PARK£1.2mA well-maintained property from the 1920s with its own heated swimming pool, beautiful gardens, large garage and further outbuildings, plus a gymnasiumn area... [Read more]
  • Tips for bagging yourself a new-build bargain in a difficult market
    Friday, 20th November 2009
    Purchasing a property from a developer is never an easy thing. Jeremy Hazlehurst asks three experts for their buying advice
    Jeremy Hazlehurst
    POLLY COLDWELL, DEPUTY EDITOR OF FIRST TIME BUYER MAGAZINE:1) Ensure the property is big enough for your belongings. Check that there is somewhere to put your hoover, etc. Garages have shrunk as well... [Read more]
  • Say hello to the new Cotswolds
    Friday, 13th November 2009
    Country home-seekers tired of high prices are looking at Herefordshire
    Zoe Strimpel
    THE Cotswolds are lovely, but the problem with them is that everybody knows it. Prices are high – whether you’re buying dinner or a house. If it’s the latter, entering the market... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: HERNE HILL, SE24
    Friday, 13th November 2009
    ALYSSA WOLICE
    FAWNBRAKE AVENUE, SE24 0BEPrice: £775,000This four-bedroom property, located just a short walk from Herne Hill station (10 minutes to Blackfriars), has a red-bricked exterior with white ornate... [Read more]
  • Q&A: SALES
    Friday, 13th November 2009
    Russell HuntDIRECTOR OF PROPERTY HUNT Q.Dear Russell, There’s not a lot on the market and I keep losing out. With Christmas coming up, I’m really tempted to put my search on hold until... [Read more]
  • FOCUS ON: HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HERTFORDSHIRE
    Friday, 6th November 2009
    JESSICA MEAD
    GEMINI HOUSE, HOGPITS BOTTOM, FLAUNDEN, HP3 0PU Price: £1.1mThis modern house has been extended over the years and now has five bedrooms and four reception rooms. The master bedroom has an en... [Read more]
  • Fulham's back in the property game, so jump in quick
    Friday, 6th November 2009
    Crunch or no, the area is just too nice to keep buyers away for long
    Zoe Strimpel
    LONDON’S Holy Grail of property, SW6, all but died after Lehman Brothers fell. “A year ago I was sitting at my desk wondering if I’d ever sell another house,” says Lindsay... [Read more]
  • Anglophile Malta a top proposition
    Friday, 6th November 2009
    Friendly property laws and people make island a top choice
    Timothy Barber
    WITH winter descending, one can hardly be blamed for thinking about sunnier, warmer climes. While the downturn has badly affected much of the holiday homes market, it can still be both a fabulous... [Read more]
  • Q&A: BUYING
    Friday, 6th November 2009
    Camilla DellMANAGING PARTNER AT BLACK BRICKQ. Dear Camilla, I am in the process of buying a house and my surveyor has found some structural problems. Should I be worried? Can I negotiate the price... [Read more]
  • Q&A: RENTING
    Friday, 30th October 2009
    Louise SavageDIRECTOR AT RESIDENTIAL LAND Q. Dear Louise, I am looking to move to London for three years for work and have found an amazing place. I want to be flexible as my job contract may end... [Read more]