Quick Move Properties Blog

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Grey water is a grey area for new home builders: could water saving systems increase sales?

Quick Move Properties came across the issue of grey water and thought it would be an interesting topic to investigate in relation to new home builders and their potential sale volumes. The topic overall is controversial, which means that the impact that using water eco-systems widely would have on new home builders sparks much debate.

The voices of the eco-friendly, who condemn the unnecessary use of drinkable water, are being heard and the Environment Agency is investigating the pros and cons of the ways water is recycled and reused, hence their May publication ‘Greywater for domestic users: an information guide’.

‘Grey’ is the term used for water from showers, baths and hand basins which can be treated and reused for toilet flushing, washing machines and garden watering. With hose pipe bans in force due to water shortages across the UK, it is now more important than ever for water to be conserved and the Government is keen for new home builders to explore the eco-friendliness of grey water recycling systems.

As word spreads and more people become focused on the impact their water usage is having on the environment, will new homes which embrace water conserving innovations be popular and will builders enjoy increased sales as a result?

Would the installation of grey water systems increase sales for new home builders?

Yes

Buyers would be keen to purchase a new build with a grey water system because:
·         Care of the environment is a growing concern.
·         Retrofitting a grey water system in their existing property could be difficult and costly.
·         Up to one third of the mains water they use could be saved.
·         The water volumes available would be more consistent than they would be using a rain water supply.

No

Buyers would not be keen to purchase a new build with a grey water system because:
·         Unless the house is on a water meter, it would be of no financial benefit.
·         The cost of running and maintaining grey water systems is high.
·         There are no regulations controlling the quality of the recycled water.
·         The systems have not been in existence for long and are not commonplace, so buyers may worry that technical problems, currently undiscovered, could be unearthed in the future.
·         Although perhaps less advanced, alternative ways of saving water are cheaper and often carry less chance of malfunction.
·         The demand for mains water supply would decrease but water consumption levels would remain unchanged, lessening the benefit for the environment.
·         Grey water systems could be seen as too much hassle: once treated, the water must be monitored so that it isn’t stored for too long, signs and labels are needed so that people do not mistake grey water for potable water and owners are responsible for the upkeep of the system.
·         Different types of system are required depending on the lifestyles of the inhabitants of a property which could restrict their choice of house or be deemed an inconvenience.
·         The Environment Agency reports that reused water is generally accepted for use on golf courses, parks and in industry but is not as well received for use in homes.

It will be interesting to see how eco-systems for the home develop over time and whether a product will be created which, as well as quenching the Government’s thirst for eco-friendly homes, provides a successful selling point for builders striving to increase sales.

True to their name, grey water systems are a ‘grey’ area and we are yet to find out if they will increase new home popularity!

For detailed information from the Environment Agency, including system explanations and case studies, ‘Greywater for domestic users: an information guide’ is available at:

http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/PDF/GEHO0511BTWC-E-E.pdf

Company Information
Quick Move Properties
Tel: 01793 840907
www.quickmoveproperties.co.uk

px@quickmoveproperties.co.uk

Click here to return to blog home

Wednesday, 9 May 2012

Sales consultants – making or breaking new home sales

How many times have you been put off buying a product or a service by shoddy sales staff? Anything from a disinterested sales assistant to an unhelpful call centre representative can give you an immediately negative view of the company concerned and make the difference between you purchasing or not. This is one of the toughest issues facing the sales sector of the new homes industry at the moment.

We hear time and time again that our clients have difficulty ensuring that they maintain a highly trained and motivated sales force – this applies to sales in general, not just when part exchange is involved.

Property buying and selling usually tends to coincide with upheaval in life, such as getting married, having a family, bereavement or divorce, so it is important that sales consultants are supportive and empathetic, as well as bright, chatty, well-informed, patient, articulate, friendly, tenacious, polite and good at selling – no mean feat!

To address this skills issue in terms of part exchange, Quick Move Properties will be offering training of our clients’ sales forces on their behalf, in order to help them sell the benefits of the service and thus increase new home sales.

As one solution for the wider new homes sales issue, we are really impressed with a company that provides new home builders with sales consultants who have been trained and primed to possess all the traits listed above, and more! Maitland Selwyn has been in existence for over 50 years and provides temporary and permanent new home sales staff specifically to the new homes industry.

The important thing to remember, especially as the industry is facing a sustained depression in demand, is that every sale must be fought for, and a decent sales consultant will make the difference between winning and losing!

Click here to return to blog home

Wednesday, 2 May 2012

Peterborough park homes exhibition review

Despite the gale force winds and the heaviest rainfall seen since records began, park home and motor home enthusiasts proved they are a hardy bunch by turning out to attend the National Park and Holiday Homes show in Peterborough at the weekend.

The weekend officially began for Quick Move Properties on the Wednesday when Donna and Karen became white van drivers for the day and took the exhibition stand on the long journey up to Peterborough. Miraculously they arrived without crashing, losing any of the load or getting lost, and once a slight hitch with the electricity (how were we supposed to know there is more than one type of ‘three pin socket’?!?!) was sorted out thanks to the lovely support squad at the show, the stand was up and ready in no time.

The show team of Ricky and Karen were on the stand all weekend, handing out cups of tea and cupcakes and offering advice on part exchange. Although a little quiet on the park home vendor front, the show provided a fabulous opportunity to network with the rest of the park home industry. It was also interesting to see that all parks and manufacturers appear to be advertising that they can offer a part exchange service – it looks like we are going to be busy providing this for them in the year ahead!

The park homes team was delighted to welcome lots of friends and new faces to the stand, such as Teresa Dearle of Tingdene Homes, Richard Sigsworth of Brittania Parks, Michael Burton of Regency Park Homes, Sharon Scott of Tydd St. Giles Park and Matt Hibbs from Fairfield Parks, to name just a few.

One sector that turned up in force was the canine fraternity – dogs, hundreds and hundreds of dogs, everywhere – it seems that no motor or park home is complete without one!

Unfortunately, some of the show attendees remained at the showground for a little longer than they had planned – motor homes were still being pulled out of the swamp that was supposed to be the car park by tractor when the Quick Move Properties team dismantled the stand on Monday afternoon – that is dedication for you!

Click here to return to blog home

Thursday, 26 April 2012

Eight week guaranteed part exchange scheme launched by Quick Move Properties

Quick Move Properties is delighted to announce the introduction of a new part exchange package tailored specifically for new home builders. Read on to find out how you can get the convenience of assisted move with the certainty of part exchange by using our eight week guaranteed part exchange.

Who is this service for?

New homes builders who want the potential to sell via assisted move but require the certainty of part exchange
New home builders with vendors who would like to attempt to sell the property on the open market, while still retaining the security of a back-up offer
New home builders whose development is not yet ready for vendors to move into it - this service gives them an eight week leeway

How does it work?

Quick Move Properties makes a formal part exchange offer for the property and if this is accepted, immediately begins to market it, keeping the builder fully informed of progress.

If the property is sold on behalf of the vendor by Quick Move Properties within eight weeks...

A fee of 2% of the market value sale price is due to Quick Move Properties as a sales commission on the date of completion
The new home builder is responsible for settling disbursements
The vendor is free to purchase their new home

If the property is not sold on behalf of the vendor by Quick Move Properties within eight weeks...

The property is purchased by Quick Move Properties from the vendor at the eight week guaranteed offer level
Quick Move Properties settles all purchase costs and disbursements on completion
If the builder requires, Quick Move Properties can purchase at any stage during the eight week period
The vendor is free to purchase their new home

What is the process?

The builder submits an application form
Two independent local estate agents value the property
A formal offer is made by Quick Move Properties
Builder presents offer to vendor plus top up or discount
Builder confirms acceptance of offer
Survey and solicitor instructed
Estate agents instructed to market property

More information

Quick Move Properties can provide a maintenance service for vacant properties
Vendors receive a 48 hours grace period after completion
Weekly marketing updates are sent to the builder
Weekly legal updates upon resale until exchange of contracts are sent
Weekly legal updates on clearance of title are sent
A dedicated Quick Move Properties consultant is assigned

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW THE EIGHT WEEK GUARANTEED PART EXCHANGE SCHEME COULD HELP YOU, PLEASE CONTACT MARK O’DWYER ON
01793 840907 OR px@quickmoveproperties.co.uk.

Click here to return to blog home

Quick Move Properties Park Homes Team Update

While the park homes team of Karen and Ricky is busy getting ready for the National Park & Holiday Homes Show at the East of England Showground this weekend, we thought it would be a good time to update you on all the exciting progress that is taking place at Quick Move Properties.

We have had a brand update (see image below) and launched a brand new range of marketing material aimed to help our clients highlight the benefits of part exchange to their customers. The initial response to this has been fabulous – the new branding has been a hit and the material is really useful – just what we wanted to hear!

The first quarter of 2012 has been a record breaking one for Quick Move Properties and we are thrilled that we have been able to help such a large number of park home operators and manufacturers increase their sales. Our client list continues to grow and we are proud to maintain our position as the industry’s number one part exchange company.

We received feedback from some of our leading clients that they would benefit from some help with training their sales team in how to sell the benefits of part exchange. In response, we put together a training presentation and hand-outs and are now visiting teams and holding training sessions with them in order to improve their acceptance rates.

If you would like to find out more about how part exchange can help you increase sales, request a marketing pack or arrange a training session, please contact Karen Burke on 01793 840917 or px@quickmoveproperties.co.uk

P.S. If you are attending the show this weekend, make sure you pop in to see Karen and Ricky for a cup of tea and a cupcake at stand 23P!

Click here to return to blog home

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Win Afternoon Tea for Two at the Ritz with Quick Move Properties!

Quick Move Properties is running a competition at the National Park & Holiday Homes Show at the East of England Showground on 27th – 29th April 2012 and the World of Park & Leisure Homes Show at Stoneleigh Park on 8th – 10th June 2012.

The lucky winner will receive afternoon tea for two at the Ritz hotel in London, including all of the sumptuous treats listed below...

Ham sandwich with grain mustard mayonnaise on white bread
Cheddar cheese sandwich with chutney on onion bread
Cucumber sandwich with cream cheese, dill and chives on caraway seed bread
Chicken breast sandwich with horseradish cream on white bread
Scottish smoked salmon with lemon butter on rye breadEgg mayonnaise sandwich with chopped shallots and watercress on white bread
Freshly baked raisin and plain scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve
Assortment of afternoon tea pastries and cakes

So how do you enter this fabulous competition? Simply come and visit us on our stand at either of these two shows and we will enter you into the draw.

The draw will take place on Wednesday 6th June and the winner will be notified on that day. The winner needs to notify us of the date they would like to attend the Ritz and we will book the afternoon tea. Please be aware that as tea at the Ritz is so popular, booking will have to be well in advance of the date of attendance.

Quick Move Properties is the UK’s largest property part exchange company, allowing park home manufacturers and operators to offer risk-free, hassle-free and guaranteed part exchange on their customers’ existing homes as an incentive for them to purchase onward. The most professional and experienced company in the industry, Quick Move Properties is renowned for its expert part exchange service.

www.quickmoveproperties.co.uk
Tel: 01793 840917

Click here to return to blog home

Thursday, 5 April 2012

Park home living – what better way to enjoy the great outdoors?

Spring and summer are traditionally popular seasons for purchasing park homes and embarking on a new life, due to the better weather, blossoming nature and emerging wildlife…and what better springboard for a healthy, active lifestyle than park home living?

Regency Park Homes and Britannia Parks have recently joined forces to create the Park Life Group: the park home sites on offer through the newly-formed company are perfect for embracing life outdoors, whatever your interests. The sites themselves, their locations and the activities available make pursuing an active lifestyle possible and allow you the freedom to follow existing hobbies and start new ones.

Quick Move Properties looks into four Park Life Group parks and what they offer when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, and provides tips on how to begin your search for a park home.

Four Park Life Group parks and the opportunities they each offer:

Truro Heights

Located in Cornwall, Truro Heights provides exciting prospects for outdoor living both on and off the park, whether you are looking for sports or gentle exercise and relaxation. The outdoor activities in the area include:

Sight-seeing on the historic Kenwyn Hill
Walks through the Cornish countryside
Hiking and rambling along the coastline
Fishing and archery on nearby farm sites
Golf at the local course
Exploring the beautiful gardens of the Eden Project
All the joys of being near the sea, from sunbathing to sailing

Grosvenor Country Park

Located in Ripon, Grosvenor Country Park is perfect for keeping active and indulging in outdoor activities. Some of the benefits park homeowners can take advantage of on and near the park are:

Walks in the gardens of the local spa town
Exploration of Harrogate’s architecture
Hiking on the north Yorkshire moors
Walks through the beautiful historic market town of Ripon
Astounding views at the Yorkshire Dales National Park
The scenery of the Vale of Pickering
Visits to 7th century monastery sites
Trips to Ripon market square where markets take place weekly
Strolls along Ripon canal
Days out at Ripon racecourse

Cotswold Manor Park

Located in Gloucestershire, Cotswold Manor Park affords residents a wealth of opportunities for enjoying the outdoors which include:

Walks in the stunning surrounding countryside
Hikes on the Malvern hills
Visits to Cheltenham, Worcester and Gloucester
Leisurely cruises on the river
Trips into Upton upon Severn
Golf at the local course
Hot air ballooning over the Cotswolds
Boat trips along the nearby canal

Swinhope Park

Located in Lincolnshire, Swinhope Park makes celebrating the outdoors easy! The activities park homeowners can take advantage of include:

Strolls through Binbrook
Trips to the racecourse or rugby club in Market Rasen
Golf at the local course
Angling at nearby fisheries
Walks through the atmospheric Lincolnshire countryside
On-site barbecues and spring fairs
Outdoor photography with the park club
Gardening at the local allotment (subject to rental availability)

With so many ways to enjoy the British countryside, it is becoming ever-more popular to buy a park home and embark on a new way of life. There are many park home sites available and it can be a daunting process when you start looking for a new home to live in so we have put together a few handy tips to help you with the first stages of your journey.

Where to start with finding the right park home site for you:

Look into park locations and decide where you would most like to live
Study the local area to see which activities are on offer and which hobbies you will be able to pursue
Make a list of what you want from a park lifestyle; put the list in order of preference to ascertain what is most important to you and what you may be able to compromise on

So, whatever your passion and whichever aspects of being outside you enjoy, the right park for you is out there…it’s just a case of finding it! We wish you the best of luck with your search.

If you would like to find out more about the featured parks or other park sites visit:
www.britanniaparks.com
www.regencyparkhomes.co.uk

When purchasing a park home, make sure you refer to the Mobile Homes Act 1983.

Company Information:
Quick Move Properties

01793 840917

www.quickmoveproperties.co.uk
px@quickmoveproperties.co.uk

15 Interface Business Park
Bincknoll Lane
Royal Wootton Bassett
Swindon
SN4 8SY

Click here to return to blog home

Monday, 2 April 2012

New Planning Framework: A Case For Development?

Conservative Planning Minister Greg Clark told the House of Commons that the planning system in England sorely needs reforming, and that the changes that he is proposing will be good for developers, homebuyers and the countryside alike. Mr Clark said that government had to stop getting in the way of building new houses, otherwise young families would believe that "the property-owning democracy was for our generation, not for theirs."

Speaking in the Commons on the 27th of March, the minister said that “top-down targets [leave] communities seeing planning as something done to them, rather than by them". The national planning policy framework is meant to undo a decade of centrist planning and make scores of new houses available for sale to first time buyers.

The new framework supports localism, while reducing the planning burden on local councils considerably. A government spokesperson said that the planning regulations had become too complex and were holding back economic growth. This new framework reduces a 1,300 page document to a 50 page booklet.

The British Property Federation (BFP), which represents landlords and property developers, said that a raft of amendments made in response to early criticism of the framework have helped to reassure critics. The new framework lays down a requirement favouring brownfield ahead of greenfield sites, a strong “town centre first” emphasis and a clearer definition of sustainable development. Greg Clark also said that the amended framework will continue to protect gardens and playing fields.

However, questions still remain about how the new framework will be implemented. According to the BPF it is still unclear “how the framework will work in practice given around half of local authorities still have not produced a Local Plan, and the complete lack of any underpinning guidance to support the document.” Councils without an existing local plan will start to use the government’s guidance immediately, while those that already have a plan will have one year to make it consistent with the framework.

Some critics continue to voice concerns about the level of protection afforded to communities and the environment. The National Trust has said that the changes from the first version give the framework "better tone and balance,” but Dame Fiona Reynolds, The Trust’s director general said: "The country needs huge effort at a local level to get plans in place that properly reflect the integration of social, economic and environmental goals, and protect places people value."

Paragraph 199 in particular leaves the framework open to pressure by development interests: "Local planning authorities should consider using Local Development Orders to relax planning controls for particular areas or categories of development, where the impacts would be acceptable, and in particular where this would promote economic, social or environmental gains for the area, such as boosting enterprise." All sustainability provisions can be weighed against an economic argument and set aside if the council so decides.

Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hilary Benn, questions whether the reforms are needed at all: "Ministers claim that planning is the obstacle to building homes when 300,000 dwellings, already given permission, have not yet been built...because of the failure of the government's own economic policy," he said.

Click here to return to blog home

Friday, 30 March 2012

How will the budget affect new home builders?

The key challenges for new home builders are finding buyers, keeping buyers and securing completions. Quick Move Properties looks into how the budget could aid these challenges and how new home builders can increase completion rates.

In response to the budget, Donna Houguez, Market Analyst at Quick Move Properties, comments: “If all goes to plan, the reiteration of the Government’s pledge to assist first-time buyers purchasing new build homes should increase sales for new home builders. If confidence can be inspired in first-time buyers and if the Government follows through with its promises of finance, new home builders will receive support and enjoy the benefits of having more ‘proceedable’ buyers.

Builders are required to put up some of the money for some of the schemes, such as First Buy, but gaining more buyers able to complete on sales should outweigh the outlay (the Government and the homebuilder usually provide 15-20% of the deposit on the buyer’s behalf for properties worth up to £280,000). When the buyer sells the property in the future, the homebuilder should regain their investment plus extra funds due to an increased property value.”

The sign of a healthy economy is often a strong and flowing housing sector, so hopes were that Government plans would focus in part on stoking the property market. Despite the need for a dedication to a property market revival and some efforts to help such as the continuation of the first-time buyer schemes, Government spending has only been increased by 0.4% since 2010. 3.07% of Government spending in 2012-2013 has been allocated to housing and environment compared to 3.03% in 2010-2011; it seems only a small increase considering the amount of effort needed to aid market recovery.

How to increase completion rates…
Using a part exchange company such as Quick Move Properties gives new home builders the opportunity not only to increase the volume of completions but also to improve profit margins and reduce the timescales for each individual sale.

Key benefits:

Increased sales, as part exchange turns potential customers into proceedable buyers. Those who had been unable to sell their existing properties would then be able to follow through to completion on their new home.
Guaranteed completions, because the uncertainty of mortgages and chains is avoided.
Zero risk and no responsibility for funds or the onward sale of the customers’ existing properties.
Less hassle and more time to spend working on their own sales – Quick Move Properties manage the whole purchase process!

Quick Move Properties is the UK’s largest property part exchange company, allowing new home builders to offer risk-free, hassle-free and guaranteed part exchange on their customers’ existing homes as an incentive for them to purchase onward. The most professional and experienced company in the industry, Quick Move Properties is renowned for its expert part exchange service.

Company Information
Quick Move Properties
The part exchange company

Tel: 01793 840907
www.quickmoveproperties.co.uk
px@quickmoveproperties.co.uk

15 Interface Business Park
Bincknoll Lane
Royal Wootton Bassett
Swindon
SN5 8SY

Click here to return to blog home

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

The Quick Move Properties guide to buying a park home

Like the idea of relaxation? Well, the purchase of your park home could be just as stress-free as the living you will enjoy, if you make sure you are equipped with the information you need. Quick Move Properties explores the process of buying into the park home lifestyle.

Before buying:
1)    Look into which location you would like to live in, which new sites are being developed and which existing park homes are up for sale.

2)    Speak to residents already living on park home sites to find out about the local area and the activities on offer. Meet your potential neighbours and get a feel for the lifestyle.

3)    Prices vary widely, with new park homes ranging from £70,000 to £300,000 and second hand homes usually costing upwards of £50,000. Work out a budget, find the plots or homes for you and see if there is any scope for negotiation on price.

4)    Consult surveyors or solicitors if you need extra advice or want to raise certain questions about structural elements, the purchase process or surveys.

5)    Check the Mobile Homes Act 1983 which gives you information concerning the legalities involved in purchasing a park home; it also details residents’ rights. It is worth speaking to the individual park owners as well to find out the particulars about the site of your choice.

Questions you may want to ask before buying your park home...
•    Does the park allow pets?
•    Is the site permanent and for residential dwellers all year round?
•    Is there an age stipulation?
•    Can children live on the park? Can children stay over?
•    Will I be responsible for any maintenance?
•    Is there commission payable to the park owner if I sell?
•    Are electricity and gas purchased through the park?
•    Do I have to pay ground rent?
•    Which council tax band is the park home in?
•    Can I have a look at the site licence issued by the local authority?
•    When buying a new home, are transportation, siting and mains connection charges included?
•    Does the park home have a structural warranty and can it be transferred on sale?

Now, the most important part…a top tip on financing:
If you are struggling to sell your existing property and finance your onward move, look into whether the park home site offers part exchange or explore the service of a home buyer. Releasing equity has never been easier and there are schemes on offer which leave you firmly in control of the proceedings and timescales.

How does part exchange assist park home buyers?
Using part exchange allows you to avoid all the costs and hassle of trying to sell on the open market: you could ‘swap’ your current property for your new home and pocket the difference! With the right scheme, part exchange can provide instant cash, definite timeframes decided by you and a guaranteed move.

Who offers part exchange?Quick Move Properties, the UK’s leading home buyer, offers a quick, secure and hassle-free house sale on your existing property, so you can secure your dream park home. Experienced researchers and independent valuers work together to ensure that offers made are fair and a friendly, supportive team looks after you every step of the way.

Company Information
Quick Move Properties
The Part Exchange Company

Tel: 01793840917

www.quickmoveproperties.co.uk

px@quickmoveproperties.co.uk

15 Interface Business Park
Bincknoll Lane
Royal Wootton Bassett
Swindon
SN5 8SY

Click here to return to blog home

Friday, 16 March 2012

How does part exchange help developers?

Quick Move Properties has recorded an increase in the popularity of its part exchange scheme, particularly over the last year. New home builders have started to build in higher volume again following the downturn in levels of construction and the housing market is beginning to show signs of growth. However, in the current climate, building and marketing the properties isn’t enough to secure sales and so builders are taking advantage of part exchange schemes to make their buyers ‘proceedable'.

Having a ‘proceedable’ buyer means securing a sale to someone who is in a strong position to move forward and follow through to completion. Buyers who are unable to sell their existing properties, cannot raise a mortgage, have insufficient deposit funds or are stuck in lengthy chains are examples of ‘unproceedable’ buyers.

Developers report three main benefits of part exchange:

•    More sales
Having more buyers in a position to complete means more sales and a quicker return on investment.

•    No risk
Working with a home buying company means that new home builders can offer part exchange to their buyers without taking on the risks that the buyers’ existing properties carry, such as the inconvenience of tying up funds and the time and hassle of the re-sale process.

•    No hassleThe part exchange provider becomes responsible for the legalities, funding and paperwork, leaving the developer free to work on their own sales.

Mark O’Dwyer, Business Manager for Quick Move Properties, comments “New home builders such as Barratt Homes, Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey and David Wilson have been offering part exchange for a long while. Recently, though, small to medium developers have become more aware of part exchange and are exploring how it can help them. As the popularity of part exchange increases, Quick Move Properties is experiencing higher levels of enquiries and my colleagues and I are looking forward to building on the success experienced in February this year when 59 offers were accepted.”

Five ways Quick Move Properties helps developers through part exchange:

1.    Quick Move Properties manages the entire part exchange process – all you need to do is inform us of the vendor who needs our services and we will manage everything through to completion.
2.    Not only is the part-exchange fully managed by Quick Move Properties, it is fully funded by us too, meaning you are able to offer the part exchange whilst carrying zero risk. Quick Move Properties’ formal offers are based on two local, independent estate agent valuations and local market conditions, so you can be assured that only realistic offers are made.
3.    Quick Move Properties is well-capitalised so it does not rely on investors or mortgages. When a formal offer is made for your customer’s property, you can be confident that it is 100% guaranteed (subject to clear legal title and survey).
4.    When working together, our reputation becomes your reputation. Integrity is core to our success and a professional, honest and supportive service is provided at all times.
5.    After helping over 4,000 people in the same situation as your customers, the knowledge and efficiency of the Quick Move Properties team is outstanding; we are an extremely safe pair of hands!

Company Information
Quick Move Properties
The Part Exchange Company

Tel:01793 840907
www.quickmoveproperties.co.uk
px@quickmoveproperties.co.uk

15 Interface Business Park
Bincknoll Lane
Royal Wootton Bassett
Swindon
SN5 8SY

Click here to return to blog home

Thursday, 8 March 2012

Park Home Living: Why Choose a Park Home?

By Laura Berry

Quick Move Properties looks into what park home living can offer: what is so exciting for the 4,000 people across the UK who will embrace their new lifestyle on a park this year and why have 250,000 people already made the move?

Ultimately, the lure of living on a park home site comes down to the PLACES themselves:

Private and peaceful. Park home sites are private and surrounded by beautiful countryside which means that park home owners can have the best of both worlds balancing hobbies and interests with serenity and tranquility.

Low maintenance, low cost but still in the dream location. All park homes require the minimum in terms of maintenance and owners benefit from low living costs such as reduced council tax and utility bills. On top of all of these advantages, buyers can choose their dream location whether it be by the sea, near a town, close to family members or in the countryside.

A choice. Buyers can choose from a range of different styles of park home, different furnishings and different positions. Karen Burke, Sales and Marketing Manager for Quick Move Properties, comments “I have visited 40 different park home sites all over the country. Each one is individual and provides a world of opportunity. The parks are beautiful both to visit and to live on. Unsurprisingly, living on park home sites is becoming more and more popular because of the unique lifestyle on offer.”

C ommunity spirit. There is a lot to be said for traditional, old-fashioned community spirit and park home sites have it in abundance. For friendly, like-minded neighbours, relaxed atmospheres and company during your free time, park homes cannot be beaten.

Equity release. The affordable prices of park homes means that equity can be released from existing properties and buyers can enjoy the freedom of owning their own dwelling without the financial stresses and worries usually associated.

Safe, secure and stress-free. With dedicated park managers and a neighbourly atmosphere, park homes are a place to feel safe and secure. Purchasing a park home means no chains, no solicitors and no stress. Buyers can embrace a new life as soon as they want to.

So, what can park home living offer you? The answer seems to be: whatever you want it to!

When buying your park home, make sure you refer to the Mobile Homes Act 1983.

Company Information:
Quick Move Properties
The Part Exchange Company

Tel: 01793 840 917

www.quickmoveproperties.co.uk
px@quickmoveproperties.co.uk

15 Interface Business Park
Bincknoll Lane
Royal Wootton Bassett
Swindon
SN5 8SY

Click here to return to blog home

Monday, 9 January 2012

2012 Brings More Mortgage Concerns for Homeowners

by Laura Berry

It seems that 2012 is going to bring more concerns over mortgage lending and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) believes the “real danger” is that bigger problems are being stored away for the future. Attempts to rescue the mortgage market have so far been unsuccessful and the worry is that ‘fire-fighting’ measures will not provide long-term stability.
As a result of the difficult economic conditions, lending criteria is set to become tougher. The FSA’s Mortgage Market Review states that loans should only be granted where there is reasonable expectation that the customer can repay the loan without relying on “uncertain” future house price rises. Furthermore, income will have to be verified in every application and lenders are being told to place greater emphasis on other regular outgoings. Potential borrowers will be scrutinised and their financial situation will be studied in even more depth. Changes also include the abandoning of “fast-tracked” mortgages (an accelerated approval process) and the removal of self-certification mortgages often used by self-employed borrowers.

In addition to these stricter rules, new stipulations mean that borrowers hoping to obtain mortgage lending which stretches past retirement age will be subject to extra “prudent and proportionate” checks. The FSA’s proposals intend to block any return to the risky mortgage lending of previous years and they come following whole sector analysis in which they found that: almost 1 in 10 mortgage holders struggles to pay their monthly bill; up to 9.2% of all home loans have payments overdue; in the next 10 years, 1.5 million interest-only mortgages worth around £120 billion will be due for repayment but 78% of all interest-only mortgages had no reported plan for repayment. These statistics are troubling and spell further difficulties for the mortgage and property markets.
Stricter controls on lending and more defaults on mortgage payments will mean that less people are able to buy and confidence in the market will be even lower. In a falling market already characterised by uncertainty, having even less buyers will lead to longer periods of time spent on the market, decreasing asking prices and a much higher risk of a sale falling through.

Click here to return to blog home

Monday, 19 December 2011

Understanding The Various Kinds Of Mortgage Loans In The UK

Mortgages are secured loans that use your home as collateral; inability to repay the loan will certainly lead to the repossession of your house. You have to shop around and take out a home mortgage loan so that you don’t settle with a loan that is beyond your affordability. Defaulting on loans not only has the risk of making the homeowner lose his homeownership rights but he also trashes his credit score in the long run. If you want to avoid taking out a mortgage refinance loan in the near future, you have to educate yourself on the types of mortgage loans that are available in the market. Check some out.

Fixed rate mortgage loans - The most common mortgage loan type is the fixed rate mortgage loan. As the name suggests, the interest rate on this loan will be fixed throughout the repayment term of the loan and therefore the monthly payments will also be fixed till you repay the loan and own your house. This is ideal for all those who are not good at managing their personal finances as you can stay sure about the exact amount to keep aside for your monthly mortgage installment.

Tracker mortgage - Tracker mortgages track the Bank Of England base rate, usually at a few percentage point above it. Could be considered a questionable option for mortgages at the moment, due to the fact that interest rates are very low (0.5%), and can only go up. Another potential downside of a tracker mortgage is the uncertainty of the changing rate, meaning that the monthly repayment amount can vary with interest rates. This means tracker mortgages offer less stability as fixed rate mortgages.

Variable rate loan - This mortgage is also based on tracking the base rate, as it is a rate that can vary during the mortgage term.

Interest-only mortgage - When you take out the interest-only loan in the UK, you only pay back the interest rate and not the principal amount. However, at the end of the term you’re supposed to repay the outstanding balance. How you’ll manage the payments depends on you. However, when you take out such a loan you should always consider whether you’ll be able to repay the entire balance at the end and if this will hurt your finances at the end.

Capped rate mortgage - With such mortgage loans, the rates are fixed but if the rates suddenly fall, you have to pay the lower rate and this kind of loan is good for those who follow a strict budget throughout the month.

You must be aware of the fact that getting a mortgage loan is the biggest responsibility on your shoulders and until you repay the entire amount that you’ve borrowed on your mortgage loan, you must keep on managing your finances in the most effective manner. If you think you may default on the payments, you can opt for a mortgage refinance only after considering the pros and cons.

Click here to return to blog home

Nationwide Reports 0.4% rise in House Prices

Nationwide today reported a 0.4% rise in house prices in November, up 1.6% year on year.

The Nationwide's figures are contrary to the Land Registry's showing a slight fall in prices over 12 months.

Unsurprisingly, Nationwide predicts prices to be static or lower over the coming 12 months, with only a lack of supply proping up prices.

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Wednesday, 9 May 2012

Wednesday, 2 May 2012

Thursday, 26 April 2012

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Thursday, 5 April 2012

Monday, 2 April 2012

Friday, 30 March 2012

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Friday, 16 March 2012

Thursday, 8 March 2012

Monday, 9 January 2012

Monday, 19 December 2011

Previous Posts

Archives