Devon HomeFinder

Would you like to keep horses?

2012-02-13T07:48:00.000-08:00

Some useful tips on buying an equestrian property

Buying a Georgian property

2012-01-31T05:16:00.000-08:00

A great era for property

Georgian properties

If you would like to live in this type of property please let us know. 01392 832634 www.devonhomefinder.net

End of First Time Buyers stamp duty holiday soon

2012-01-24T02:22:00.000-08:00

Two months to go: First Time Buyers stamp duty holiday expires on 24^th March

Estate agents today issued a reminder to all first time buyers that the Government’s holiday on Stamp Duty Land Tax will come to an end in two months’ time, on Saturday 24^th March 2012.

Wendy Evans Scott, President of the NAEA said: “With only two months remaining, first time buyers must act quickly to avoid paying Stamp Duty Land Tax on their first home purchase. If you’re currently in a chain and waiting to complete your purchase then make sure that others in the chain know about the end of the tax holiday too. Good communication with your solicitor can help move the process forward, helping you beat the 24^th March cut-off.”

After the tax exemption has come to an end FTBs will face a tax of one per cent on house purchases between £125,000 and £250,000, and a three per cent tax on purchases over £250,000.

The NAEA’s recent figures show that the number of sales to FTBs edged up during November and December from 19 per cent to 21 per cent of sales per branch. However FTBs still represent a low percentage of overall property sales, and NAEA data shows the number of first time buyers getting on to the housing ladder hit a three-year low in October, at just 16 per cent of sales.

Mrs Evans Scott continued: “First time buyers are key to a healthy property market. We hope to see the number of people completing the purchase of their first home continuing to increase through February and March, as many FTBs are keen to purchase their first home before the tax exemption deadline.

“However, it is impossible to predict what impact the end of the tax exemption will have on first time buyers, particularly those on very tight budgets of under £250,000 for whom the one per cent tax could be disastrous. The Government will need to monitor sales closely and consider other action to support the fragile first time buyer market.”

If you are a first time buyer and would like any help then please let us know.
01392 832634 www.devonhomefinder.net

The Edwardian House

2012-01-23T03:48:00.000-08:00

The space and style of Edwardian homes.

Edwardian living

The Edwardian era was short but resulted in some lovely homes - If you would like to live in one let us know

www.devonhomefinder.net 01392 832634

House in Exeter wanted

2012-01-12T13:18:00.000-08:00

We have a client seeking a quality home in the city. 2 plus bedrooms, detached, semi or terrace with large garden and a garage. Something 1950's or older. Large 1930's semi or Victorian/Edwardian town house ideal. In rented and with cash available. Anything considered depending on condition £250 - 425,000.

Contact Devon HomeFinder in confidence 01392 832634

Classic Cuban vehicles

2011-12-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

These fabulous old vehicles are still used to get around.

What was a Stannary Town?

2011-11-15T09:26:00.001-08:00

What links Chagford, Ashburton, Plympton and Tavistock?

The answer is that they were all Stannarytowns in Devon.

Tin mining was very important and carriedout on a large scale, particularly from the granite of higher Dartmoor. The tinminers had to take their metal somewhere to have it assessed for quality, weighed,stamped and a duty levied on it, payable to the Crown or Duchy of Cornwall.

KingEdward 1’s Stannary Charter in 1305 established Tavistock, Ashburton and Chagfordas the towns where this could happen. Plympton was added in 1328. These townsbecame very prosperous, important and powerful as they administered the tinmining and received visits from government officials. They had a right ofrepresentation on the Stannary Parliament which had their own laws. The town’sown courts of justice would dish out fines or impose custody sentences.

Detailed records were kept which gave awonderful insight into the times. This carried on until the Civil war in 1642 whentin mining went into decline and practically ceased in the 1700’s.

If you would like to live in any of these greatDevon towns which are steeped in old English history then Devon HomeFinder canassist.

November 2011
Devon HomeFinder Nov 2011

www.devonhomefinder.net

01392 832634

Cream teas and Devon's coastline are made for each other

2011-11-15T03:54:00.001-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Devon-HomeFinder/146590672062751

Moving to Plymtree

2011-11-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

Plymtree is a great village near Cullompton with good access to M5 and Exeter. Lovely old pub and lots always going on. If you would like to live here, let us know.Click here for more information

Planning a break next year?

2011-10-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

If you fancy a holiday or short break next year in Britain's most beautiful county then you should consider this wonderful property in this fantastic position with stunning sea views. Just minutes from excellent amenities and the Coastal Footpath. Have a wonderful holiday here

Devon relocation agents

2011-10-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

Found in Crediton

2011-10-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

Our discerning elderly clients were looking for a quality bungalow in Crediton. They lived in the area but found that getting out and about to do viewings was very difficult. They did not have easy access to the Internet and were unable to find out what was coming on the market. Devon Homefinder actively searched out this fabulous, quality bungalow in the town, arranged a viewing, took them to see it, negotiated a competitive purchase price and liaised with everybody until completion. We kept in touch and "held their hand" from start to finish. Their move was made easy as we took the hassle and worry away.We can do the same for you.

www.devonhomefinder.net

First impressions

2011-10-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

The Internet plays a major part in selling property and is a great showcase for your home. Buyers expect to see a range of photographs and if they don’t they may suspect something is wrong with the property. It is vital therefore to show your property in the very best light, with your agent presenting the details with the right photographs from the right angles.

When this leads to a viewing it is important to get the first impression correct.

To do this you have to give a little thought how your house looks. You still have to live in it and carry on with your life, but little things like cleaning windows, de cluttering, and presenting a clean and tidy house all play an important part of selling.

Should you spend money on uplifting the property and giving it better kerb appeal? Will the blown double glazed unit matter? Should you re felt the shed roof? Should you replace the bathroom suite? Should you replace the floor covering? These are all relevant questions and the answer will depend on each individual situation.

Little things may not matter to you but may give the wrong impression to the buyer. Sometimes redecorating a room can eliminate a weak point or replacing a broken fence and even changing the colour of the front door can transform the initial impression.

The Devon Homefinder HomePresentation Service which will take an un biased and totally fresh look at your property. We have many years experience in advising sellers and will give you advice and tips on how to get your home ready for the market. It can be the overlooked points we spot that can make the difference. Remember, you do not get a second chance to make the right first impression.

For further information contact Devon HomeFinder

Tel: 01392 832634 info@devonhonmefinder.net or www.devonhomefinder.net

Getting to know old houses

2011-09-13T01:48:00.000-07:00

Getting to know old houses

If you have or would like to have an old property, this site, amongst other things gives a guide on how to to date and care for them.

Walk the Templer Way

2011-09-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

This is an easy walk with changing scenery, riverside and canal walking, pretty villages and lot's of history.

What does Sold stc mean?

2011-09-06T06:36:00.000-07:00

If you are looking at property on the Internet or you see anestate agents sale board with ‘sold stc’ you may wonder what it means. Theletters stc are an abbreviation of subject to contract and therefore theproperty is ‘sold, subject to contract’.

This means that the seller has accepted an offer from apotential buyer and the process has moved onto the next stage wheresolicitors/conveynacers are sorting out the legalities and the buyer is arrangingany surveys and mortgage finance.

This can be quite an uncertain and anxious time for bothsides as the sale has only been agreed in principal. Neither party has enteredinto a legally binding contract until the contracts are exchanged. During thistime the seller or the buyer can withdraw for any reason without having torecompense the other side (even if either side has spent money on surveys etc).

It is very much up to the seller if they continue to showapplicants around when they have accepted an offer. On the other side there isnothing stopping a buyer from continuing looking at other property even if theyhave made an acceptable offer.

Once the contract has been exchanged then things become muchmore certain. Technically the sale is still subject to contract as the contractis completed on the completion date, but, there are severe legal penalties foreither side if they do not complete the sale after exchange of contracts.

The key to any sale is the exchange of the contracts – we atDevonhomefinder do our utmost to see this happens as soon as possible andduring the negotiations we can use our experience to introduce some safeguardsto protect our clients during this uncertain time.

If you would like any further information please contact 01392 832634. info@devonhomefinder.net. www.devonhomefinder.net.

Relocate to Lympstone!

2011-08-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

Lympstone is a great village on the Exe estuary with a fascinating history and excellent access. If you would like to live here, let us find your perfect home.
Village information

This was the easy way to buy in Devon.

2011-08-23T01:53:00.000-07:00

" Finding a second property or some land in Devon has been our ambition for sometime, however, as we lived in Essex we soon realised that having some local and professional expertise on the ground was the only way to both find the right opportunities but also to assess them properly and quickly. When you consider the significance and overall budget in a decision to buy a property, the competitive fees and advice of Devon HomeFinder is a very good investment in the context of the overall decision.

With Philip we found someone who was keen to spend time with us to understand what we wanted and to quickly focus in on a well defined search criteria, he helped us focus and only sent us properties to look at that were good candidates. Philip was also extremely helpful at all stages of the process, meeting us to tour the areas of interest, visiting candidate properties on our behalf , and with his estate agency skills and background helping us through the final stages of actually making an offer and negotiating to a final purchase.

Above all Philip was always highly professional, he remained both optimistic and pragmatic at all times, and was always very patient and flexible with us. In doing so he quickly established our trust which is so important in a decision like this and made our choice to use Philip and Devon HomeFinder one we would highly recommend to anyone looking to purchase property in Devon. "

Gina and Chris Blundell

Leigh-On-Sea

Essex.

Found in North Devon

2011-08-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

Just what my clients wished for. Sea views and a village setting. Saved them time, money and the stress. Devon HomeFinder can do the same for you.

Crockern Tor & Wistmans Wood.

2011-07-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

Great walk, fabulous views, wonderful clouds and multi coloured sheep.

Valley of Rocks. North Devon

2011-06-21T04:27:00.000-07:00

A hidden gem in North Devon

Moving to Exmoor?

2011-06-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

What's on Exmoor?

Private Drainage - Not to be sniffed at!

2011-05-24T05:43:00.000-07:00

Private drainage

Estate agents details will sometimes list the services that are attached to the property. Mains electricity, gas and water are self explanatory.

Drainage is another story.

In residential areas it is usual to have mains drainage, and in Devon, South West Water is responsible for waste disposal. When you move into the country, mains drainage is not always available and the owner becomes responsible, using a private drainage system.

This usually takes the form of either a septic tank or cess pool. In simple terms a septic tank collects the foul waste, which over time is broken down and discharged into a soak away system. There is some maintenance needed to ensure the soak away does not become blocked. A cess pool is a sealed underground unit that collects all the foul waste and has to emptied periodically.

If you own a property with a Private Drainage System, either as a home or business, under the new Regulations you are required to have an Environmental Permit for the discharge of waste or alternatively register for an exemption (unless the alternative method of waste disposal is into a cesspool).

Private drainage can raise a number of issues, firstly, the owner is responsible and the system will need some (albeit minor) maintenance. Secondly there could be legal issues if for instance the tank and/or soak away are in someone else’s field or garden, or the system is shared with a neighbour.

This may result in the need for rights of way/easements/maintenance agreements etc and these should always be checked out by your solicitor. There are plenty of companies that specialise in drain surveys using mini cameras. They will tell you the state of the drains so you know if there is any likelihood of major expense in the future.

However, don’t be put off by a private drainage system as it is very common in the country, all part of rural living and it means you can get a home in a fabulous location.

Devon HomeFinder 2011 www.devonhomefinder.net

NAEA April Housing Market Report

2011-05-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

A STRING OF BANK HOLIDAYS AND A ROYAL WEDDING FAILED TO PUT BRITS OFF BUYING PROPERTY

The UK housing market showed renewed signs of stability in April with sales remaining resilient despite three bank holiday weekends, according to estate agents.

The latest housing survey from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) showed that the average agent sold 8 properties per branch in April, the same as in March and February.

Elsewhere, the number of house hunters registering to look for property took a slight hit, moving from an average of 290 in March to 277 April. Despite the drop in demand, this remains in-line with year on year figures.

Supply levels across the country increased slightly with NAEA agents reporting 69 properties available per branch, up from 68 in March. This represents a significant increase on the 62 homes reported in April last year.

The number of sales made to first time buyers (FTB) decreased slightly, moving from 23 per cent to 21 per cent across March and April.

President of the NAEA, Michael Jones, said: “Although regional variations do remain, this latest report indicates that the housing market is showing some overall resilience to economic pressures. Despite the expected lull in activity during the Royal wedding celebrations as people took advantage of the series of bank holidays to go abroad, sales remained stable.

“This continued stability might well be attributed to the Easter break at the start of April, a time when our agents saw increased house hunter activity and the bulk of their sales for the month, which could have cushioned against the drop off towards the tail end.

“It is, however, disappointing to see the market share for first time buyer’s decrease for a second month in a row. Although in-line with figures from this time last year, the Chancellor’s Budget, which made special concessions for this group has had little effect so far. Had the government focused on fiscal stimulus policies across the wider property market, we might well have seen some much needed upward momentum instead.”

Belstone Ridge & Cosdon Beacon

2011-05-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

Spectacular views and scenery on this great walk. May 2011

Relocation Agents in Devon

2011-05-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

Devon is a fabulous county with so much to offer for everyone.
Using Devon HomeFinder is the easy way to move whether you are relocating to Devon, moving across the County or just down the road. www.devonhomefinder.net

Good weather boosts instructions | The Negotiator Magazine

2011-05-17T01:49:00.000-07:00

Good weather boosts instructions | The Negotiator Magazine

living in Tedburn St Mary

2011-05-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.tedburnstmary.org/home.htm

Moving from Australia made easy

2011-04-18T06:47:00.000-07:00

When we relocated from Sydney, Australia to Devon we engaged Mr. Philip Warner of Devon Home Finders to find us a large family home to rent. We had a limited knowledge of the area but we wanted to get the right property before we arrived in the UK from Australia. Therefore we would rely on Philip to find us the right house in the right area for us without being able to inspect it ourselves.

Right from our initial telephone conversations we found Philip friendly, organized and knowledgeable on the area, and the local resources that would help us with our move. He spent time trying to ascertain exactly what type of property and area we were looking for. He answered all our requests by phone or email very promptly (within the day), methodically dealt with all the points raised and he was flexible in dealing with our individual needs. He sent us comprehensive appraisals of the properties he viewed on our behalf, complete with photographs and web links. He also added other helpful unprompted suggestions that gave us comfort that he was in control of all aspects of the property search.

Philip managed to find us a fantastic property in our desired area that surpassed our expectations. This property was not advertised through any estate agents or on the internet but was found through his local property contacts. Even more impressive was that he did it in a limited timeframe and the fact that we were overseas we had completely relied upon him. We never felt that 12,000 miles separated us!

He also helped us in the ancillary aspects involved in such a move such as assessing and making initial contacts with local schools and finding a car to lease. And to top off the service he added such personal touches as offering to get us basic shopping needs after a long flight and came to meet us with a selection of Devon local treats.

We thoroughly recommend Philip and his home finding service.

Kevin and Kate Chamberlain

House in Heavitree Park, Exeter wanted.

2011-04-11T06:14:00.000-07:00

I have a client looking for a 3 bed semi around Heavitree Park, Exeter. If you know of someone selling or about to sell please let me know.

Moving to Abbotskerswell ?

2011-04-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

Peace and quiet in this traditional Devonshire village

Abbotskerswell

Moving to Dawlish?

2011-04-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

The beach is just one reason to live in Dawlish

About Dawlish

Moving to Ashburton?

2011-04-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

The ancient Stannary Town of Ashburton

Click to find out more about Ashburton

Devon HomeFinder: Don't forget Stamp Duty

2011-03-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

Devon HomeFinder: Don't forget Stamp Duty

Don't forget Stamp Duty

2011-03-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty is a tax levied on a document. It was first introduced in the UK in 1694, during the reign of William and Mary.

Historically, this included the majority of legal documents such as cheques, receipts, military commissions, marriage licences and land transactions.

Today, if you buy a property in the UK over a certain purchase price, there is the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) to pay.

SDLT replaced Stamp Duty in December 2003 and is a tax on the purchase price of land and buildings. When you buy a property or take on a lease you may have to pay SDLT.

If you buy either a freehold or a leasehold property and the purchase price is more than £125,000, you pay SDLT of the whole purchase price.

If the purchase price is £125,000 or less you don't pay any SDLT.

The amount you pay on residential land or property is a percentage of the purchase price.

£125,000 – £250,000 is at 1%

Over £250,000 - £500,000 is at 3%

Over £500,000 is at 4%

From April 6 2011 there will be a new band of 5% over £1million

If you are a first-time buyer the threshold for when you start to pay SDLT is £250,000. This is only if you have never owned a house or flat in the UK or anywhere else in the world. If you are buying with someone else they must never have owned property before either. This higher threshold applies to purchases made on or after 25 March 2010 and before 25 March 2012.

If you buy property in an area designated by the government as 'disadvantaged' you may qualify for Disadvantaged Areas Relief.

In October 2007 a relief from SDLT was introduced for zero-carbon homes. All qualifying houses under £500,000 are exempt and houses bought for £500,000 or above will have their SDLT bill reduced by £15,000.

The payment of the tax is the responsibility of the purchaser and is normally dealt with by their solicitor. It has to be paid within 30 days of completion. When HMRC receives a valid return, it will issue a Stamp Duty Land Tax Certificate. The transfer of the property cannot be registered at the land registry without this certificate.

Devon HomeFinder 2011 www.devonhomefinder.net

Devon has some great local Inns

2011-03-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

The Huntsman and Poachers at Ide and The Nobody Inn at Doddiscombsleigh. All serving great local ale and food - 3 reasons to get out into the Devon countryside.

At home in North Devon

2011-03-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

If you fancy living where there are breathtaking views and some lovely villages and lively towns, let us find you a home in North Devon.

The sign of spring

2011-03-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

The sign of spring is walking through the daffodils at Steps Bridge, Dunsford. The bluebells come out later and make another lovely walk by the river in one of Devon's favourite beauty spots.

The Australians are coming

2011-03-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

We have just found a fabulous house for an Australian family to rent in East Devon. It was so easy for them. No stress or hassle.

We saved them masses of time and money and you don't have to live that far away to benefit from our services.

Contact us for more details.

New Website

2011-02-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

Devon HomeFinder

Do you know of any family houses to rent?

2011-02-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

I have a family who want to live in East Devon or around Exeter. They need a 4 bedroom detached house in good condition. From April 1st but could secure before. Rent up to £3000 pm depending if furnished or not. Serious enquiry and if you know of anything, please let me know. info@devonhomefinder.net

2011-01-29T03:29:00.000-08:00

NHBC proclaims market recovery

2011-01-29T02:52:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a house like this?

The easy way is to use Devon HomeFinder

Is it a good time to move?

2011-01-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

This is the million dollar question that only you can answer, but here are some pointers that may help.

· Think of a house as a home and not purely as an investment

· Can I afford to buy the property and all the costs and outgoings included?

· Could I afford the mortgage if interest rates went up?

· Is the property worth the price to me?

· Would I be happy to stay in the property should prices fall and I couldn’t afford to sell?

· In a rising market the difference for upgrading becomes greater and in a falling market, smaller.

There are daily reports about the housing market but remember that although there are several indexes that track property prices, no one can predict what will happen in the future. We at Devon HomeFinder have worked through the ups and downs of the property market and are happy to give our views and advise in any way.