Featured Articles

Don't be surprised if your managing agent puts up his fees next year. It won't be because he's trying to make a fast buck, but because he's swamped with paperwork from new government legislation. One measure in particular will bring him more costs and large amounts of extra work. It's designed to safeguard you, the flat owner, from insurance malpractice. The trouble is, there's no evidence that the abuse they want to protect you from actually exists. From January 2005 your managing agent will have to be

As the House of Commons overturns an attempt by the House of Lords to make Home Information Packs voluntary, Peter Nicholas looks at what all the cheering was about. It has been about six years since the inception of the Government’s plans to introduce Home Information Packs (formerly “Sellers Packs”), and they do not appear willing to give up on the idea now. When in early November 2004 the House of Lords, persuaded by criticisms of the scheme, tried to make the use of HIP’s voluntary, Housing Minister

CHESTER SQUARE APARTMENTS Aldine Honey & Company, have a most spectacular three-four bedroom leasehold apartment for sale in Chester Square Belgravia for £4, 950, 000. 33-36 Chester Square is the only apartment building on Chester Square, famous for residents such as Lady Margaret Thatcher and Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is perhaps the most exclusive address in London apart from Eaton Square. This apartment is an absolute rarity because most of the properties on Chester Square are townhouses. Compl

By Alba Foreman Two years ago, I was approached by my next-door neighbour, a committee member of our residents’ association (OCRA), to develop a newsletter. OCRA, which stands for Oakwood Court Residents Association, has been in existence for over 25 years, and they had decided that it was time to have a formal communication tool. It would foster community spirit, generate more interest and support on current projects, and increase membership numbers. Residents associations focus critical attention on is

By Ellen Tumposky “That's basically lazy journalism, if they say (I'm the) new Colin Farrell," says the 27-year-old actor, who starred in "28 Days Later" and in the ensemble comedy, "Intermission" and also had a lead role in the BBC drama series, "The Way We Live Now." He has recently won rave reviews on the Irish stage for playing the lead role in the Druid Theatre company's production of J.M. Synge's classic, "Playboy of the Western World," and soon will begin filming the new Batman movie, "Batman Beg

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN THE HEART OF ROYAL BERKSHIRE Bonhomie Court, by Delph Property Group, is a one-off scheme of luxury apartments surrounded by a moat and with a gated entrance - all within easy reach of London. These apartments (2 or 3 bedrooms) have all the cutting edge style of City schemes, but with stunning scenic views from every aspect. The scheme has imposing electric gates with a sweeping block paved driveway, surrounded by over 3.5 acres of ‘maintenance free’ beautifully landscaped gardens,

By Bob Lawless As an independent Mortgage Broker I work on behalf of my clients, not the lender. In this article I look at the costs of fixed rate loans compared to lower rate discounts. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, feels that borrowers should not be so conscious of short-term low, mortgage rates; but opt for long term fixed rates. What is Long Term? In financial services terms investments should be in place for at least the medium term which is, in my opinion, five years. This normally

‘SLIDING WALLS’ AT PARKSIDE, GREENWICH MILLENNIUM VILLAGE Greenwich Millennium Village (GMV), are once again offering buyers a unique opportunity for flexible living, with the latest phase Parkside. The one, two and three bedroom apartments at Parkside offer truly flexible living. With some apartments including sliding and folding walls, usually to the second bedroom, residents are able to have the option of increasing their living space or using the space as a separate guest room or study. ‘The Park

When clients want to arrange a mortgage loan they are often excited about the proposition and almost always in a hurry to get the loan in place. This article looks at how you can help yourself to smooth the process and ensure you do not suffer any more anxiety than necessary. Lets just put things in perspective first. You want to purchase a property – be that your dream home (eg an apartment, flat, house, boat (yes boat)) or for investment purposes and since you cannot afford to buy outright you need a l

By Des Taylor One of the most contentious matters in the Housing Bill is the proposal by the Government to “simplify” selling residential property (like flats) by proposing home information packs (HIPs). The Government is concerned to cut out the delays and prevent unnecessary failed transactions and appears to believe that the problem rests with the fact that crucial information affecting the decision to buy and sell becomes too late in the transaction, when everything has been negotiated and agreed. Th

Although voting is not only an important issue, it can also lead to rows and prolonged discord, as a recent meeting of European Union leaders demonstrated back in December 2003. Discussions about the new European Constitution were hampered by attempts by Spain and Poland to maintain their voting influence as the new European states are admitted to membership in the coming years. Under the new voting proposals, the amount of votes available to be cast per country would be allocated according to populatio

A Tenant’s Association is a group of flat owners who have flats either on lease or tenancy from the same Landlord on similar terms which make provision for the payment of service charges. To ensure maximum effectiveness such an Association needs to be “recognised”. Once “recognised” then the Association can do certain things on behalf of the members such as asking for a summary of the costs incurred by the Landlord in connection with matters for which a service charge is being levied; inspect the releva